Critter ID?

[benjamen.perry]

I came across this bug while my kids were playing in a nearby stream. Thought at first it was a young snapping turtle because when it was swimming I could not see its six legs. Wasn't until I scooped it up with my shoe that I could really see it. It was about an inch to inch and a half long and about 3/4 inch wide. Almost looked like a leaf in the water. Did a little search on google but can't find anything. Any ideas?

[Smalls]

Looks like a water scorpion.

[Smalls]

Actually, on second thought, I'm not so sure. Its an ugly sucker, that's for sure.

[Jasonf]

It's the nymph or larvae form of a dragonfly. I always just called them dragonflies, but I think it's real name is a dragon hunter or black cubtail. They are the really big ones you see that are 3-4 inches long.

[biggun]

I thing that Is what we use to call as a kid; A Water Bug...

[BuckingFastard]

we always called them a water bug, no clue what they are... i think i remember them biting also.

[benjamen.perry]

I thought maybe it was a juvenile stage of a Giant Water Bug (an actual insect), but the pictures i have seen look a little different. I will look at the dragonfly nymphs but it doesn't look like the versions of those I've seen either. Not surprised that it bites, it looked like it could. Seems my fear/creep radar was well-tuned.

[BuckingFastard]

yea iremember seeing them in the pool as a kid. i seen one yesterday swimming in a puddle at my refinery... hes probably gonna turn into a fire breathing dragon now...

[Jasonf]

Google dragon hunter nymph. It not a regular small dragonfly.

[benjamen.perry]

Ding, ding, ding, ding. We have a winner. Jasonf was all over it. Quick glance of google images confirms it. Never seen one like that and wouldn't have guessed it. Read that they can live as nymphs for up to 4 years. Keep an eye out the next time you decide to take a dip in your local stream.