Giant Water Bug (Lethocerus americanus). These large and powerful insects are as adept at swimming as they are at flying. They have the ability to thrive in ponds that are frozen over. These insects have the ability to inflict a painful bite. This child is holding a live specimen that was just collected from freezing water, so the insect is quite docile. These bugs feed on other aquatic insects, fish, and tadpoles. The adults will often fly miles to a new lake or stream. The adults use polarized light to locate new streams and pods. They will often be confused by shinny surfaces, so it is not uncommon for them to land on parked cars.