Water Stick Insect - Ranatra linearis

The Water Stick Insect is the largest water insect in Europe and looks like a mantis. It has a 4 cm body length (7 cm including the breathing tube). It relies on camouflage for protection, when threatened it will adopt a stiff and dead posture to mimic a little stick; and with its legs pressed against the body you could easily take it for a piece of old reed.

Ponds and lakes with vegetation. Its tail acts as a kind of 'snorkel', so it can breathe in the water.

All year round.

It is a predator of small creatures such as tadpoles and small fish.

Most records come from southern and central Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.