# Another 'Name That Bug' thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 8, 2010, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-name-that-bug-thread/545969 "2010-07-08T15:50:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![retterath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/919ad9/32.png) [@retterath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/retterath)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2010, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-name-that-bug-thread/545969/1 "2010-07-08T15:50:43Z")
These are always fun. [http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/8383/sdc10376tt.jpg](http://img682.imageshack.us/i/sdc10376tt.jpg/) So what is it? Found it at work, scurrying around on the floor. About 2" long. Very active. Sw Washington State, but we receive product from all over the world. And ultimately, should I kill it, or let it go? ---
**Author:** ![mozchron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@mozchron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mozchron)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2010, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-name-that-bug-thread/545969/2 "2010-07-08T15:53:53Z")
Its a [belostomatid (giant water bug)](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belostomatidae) (probably _Lethocerus americanus_) . Put it outside in a pond - no need to kill it. But do it cautiously - they can give a nasty bite. On edit, I’m a bit surprised you found it inside - do you work near a water source (pond etc…)? They can fly, so it may have flown in. ---
**Author:** ![mozchron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@mozchron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mozchron)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2010, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-name-that-bug-thread/545969/3 "2010-07-08T16:03:02Z")
> [@retterath](#): > > …Sw Washington State, but we receive product from all over the world. Actually, I missed this. It is is is definitely in the genus _Lethocerus_, but its possible it is _Lethocerus indicus_, which is native to SE Asia. Hard to tell without actually seeing it in person. If so, don’t put it outside - no need to introduce things unnecessarily. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2010, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-name-that-bug-thread/545969/4 "2010-07-08T16:09:25Z")
It’s a toebiter! ---
**Author:** ![retterath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/919ad9/32.png) [@retterath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/retterath)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2010, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-name-that-bug-thread/545969/5 "2010-07-08T16:09:46Z")
One of the many, many things we handle is pond plants. . . And there is a massive drainage ditch not too far from the doors. I will begin the relocation process shortly. _reads the wiki link_ . . . **Their bite is considered one of the most painful that can be inflicted by any insect**. . . :smack: That would have been an interesting workers comp claim. Thanks for the Info. ---
**Author:** ![retterath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/919ad9/32.png) [@retterath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/retterath)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-name-that-bug-thread/545969/6 "2010-07-08T16:21:21Z")
Missed the edit window, I will not be settting it free. With all the stuff coming from Vietnam, Malaysia, and China, there’s no way to be sure it’s native.