Lethocerus patruelis is the name of the water bug from the family Belostomatidae. It is originally native to southeastern Europe, the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor.
Researchers believe the water bugs flew to Cyprus from the neighboring mainland, attracted by the lights on the island. 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.