Lethocerus patruelis is the name of the water bug from the family Belostomatidae, which is originally native to southeastern Europe, the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor. Scientists learned about sightings of the giant bug in Cyprus via social media and began searching for evidence.
The insect is found on the beaches of the east coast of the island, but it does not bite human toes. Instead, the giant bugs prefer to eat invertebrates, fish, turtles or even birds.