My pet the giant water bug.

[Martin]

This was our pet last year, he lived in a small aquarium on the table out on the deck, his favorite food was gold fish he also liked grasshoppers and anything that we dropped into the water. He could take a inch and a half long gold fish no problem. Sadly they only live so long, he was already in his second year when we got him so he only made it to the end of the summer.

http://martind.smugmug.com/photos/28947988-L.jpg

http://martind.smugmug.com/photos/25979975-L.jpg

http://martind.smugmug.com/photos/20359926-L.jpg

I have a new pet on the deck this year and will post pictures soon, I have some more of the bug with a gold fish and will dig them up.

Thanks for looking.

Martin

[dmwphoto]

WOW!
First I never would have guessed this was a pet species, and second I would not have guessed their life cycle to be that short. Amazing Martin.
Now lets see the one on the porch.

[Ann]

Well he certainly isn't the cutest pet! But he is very interesting! Will look forward to seeing him with goldfish!

[Martin]

WOW!
First I never would have guessed this was a pet species, and second I would not have guessed their life cycle to be that short. Amazing Martin.
Now lets see the one on the porch.

Well there not exactly a pet species, but they live well in a tank and are entertaining to feed.

They live a max of two years I think so they do make it over a winter which is pretty good.

Martin

[Kevin]

Interesting shots, Martin. Through the glass, they're especially impressive. Looks like parasites on him in the 2nd one??

[Martin]

Interesting shots, Martin. Through the glass, they're especially impressive. Looks like parasites on him in the 2nd one??

Yes there is tiny red mites in those sacks, they eventually all hatched and were swimming around.

Thanks

Martin