Edison Elementary Field Trip May 2

Last Friday, an Edison Elementary 3rd grade class enjoyed a surprisingly sunny field trip to the West Eugene Wetlands. It was a great second day of American Wetlands Month 2008 for netting and getting a close look at vernal pool inhabitants and a walk along Tsanchiifin Trail. A few WREN board members also participated in the field trip! Thank you to Susanne Twight-Alexander, board member, for a few fun photos...

Water Scorpion, A Cool Wetland Bug!!

Water Scorpions are insects in the Order Hemiptera (the true bugs), Family Nepidae, and the genus is Ranatra. Note the front legs which are modified for grasping prey. They inject their prey (including insects, small fish, and tadpoles) with saliva which digests tissue after which the mixture is sucked out. You can see the beak between the front legs. The long tube on the rear of the abdomen is used for breathing from the water surface so they tend to stay in shallow water or near the surface. Although they can't be seen, a pair of wings is hidden beneath the leathery outer wings, and they can fly. Water Scorpions overwinter as adults. This one was found at Sandpiper Pond on April 26.

Head and front legs