Scientists have identified a giant water bug, known as the toe-biter, along the shores of Cyprus. This species, which inhabits lakes and slow-moving freshwater, had not been previously recorded on the island but is known in neighboring Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Israel. A team of scientists from various institutions in Cyprus, led by Michalis Hadjikosnstantis of the Cyprus Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Protection Society, Yiakoumis Giortzis from the agriculture ministry, and Kadir Boğaç Kunt from the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute, are studying the species. Their findings were published in the journal Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle Grigore Antipa. The giant water bug is the largest true bug and water insect in Europe, with a diameter of up to 12 cm, and is known for delivering painful bites. Sightings of the bug on the eastern coast of Cyprus were reported in late spring and summer of 2020 and 2021, with a total of seven sightings recorded: five from social media and two after direct communication with the researchers. Two samples were taken and morphologically examined to verify the species. The sudden appearance of the species in Cyprus may be linked to migratory events from neighboring countries or environmental factors. Further investigation is required to determine if the species has become established on the island.
