Dried compound eye of a Giant Water Bug (Lethocerus americanus). These large and powerful insects are as adept at swimming as they are at flying. They feed on other aquatic insects, fish, and tadpoles. Giant Water Bugs have the ability to thrive in ponds that are frozen over. While docile when found in very cold water, care should be taken when handling these insects as they have the ability to inflict a painful bite. 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.