As of: April 3, 2024, 9:00 a.m
By: Franziska Kaindl
Comments
Press
Split
Giant bugs have been spotted in Cyprus for the first time in recent years. Do vacationers have to worry about insects?
Whether Mallorca, Sardinia or Rhodes – many Germans go to the Mediterranean on vacation to enjoy a great break on the beach. Cyprus is also one of the popular holiday destinations with a variety of beautiful beaches, cultural sites and breathtaking landscapes. However, the island is currently attracting attention with an unusual intruder who apparently also goes by the nickname “toe biter”.
Giant bug spotted for the first time in Cyprus
A giant bug was discovered in Cyprus for the first time in recent years. © Pond5 Images/Imago
In recent years, researchers have spotted an increasing number of giant bugs in Cyprus.
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. What's special about it: It can grow up to 12 centimeters tall. Scientists learned about sightings of the giant bug in Cyprus via social media and began searching for evidence. They presented their results at the end of last year in the journal “Journal of 'Grigore Antipa' National Museum of Natural History”.
You don't want to miss any news and tips about vacation and travel?
Then sign up for the travel newsletter from our partner Merkur.de.
Vacation in Cyprus: Are the giant bugs in Cyprus dangerous?
The thought of a giant bug suddenly jumping out of the bushes during a relaxing beach vacation might make some beach visitors feel uneasy. However, just like the basking shark recently spotted in the Gulf of Trieste, travelers need not fear. Although the giant insects were discovered primarily at waterholes near the shore in the east of the island, the journal only describes seven sightings, so it is by no means an invasion.
And although the giant bug is apparently often referred to as a “toe-biter”, the director of the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute, Kemal Basat, gives the all-clear: “People who go to beaches should not worry that this insect will appear there and get them into the beach could bite toes,” he said, according to
the Cyprus Mail
. “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.
My news
Contribution service sends letters to thousands of households - if you don't respond, you risk being fined
1,500 euros per month – Citizen’s benefit recipient emphasizes: “It’s just too much money for my standards” read
“That touched a nerve”: Breakfast café has to close shortly after opening – due to too many guests reading
Mourning for the finalist of the first RTL Supertalent season: he gave Bohlen goosebumps
Increase in health insurance contributions: “Disaster for privately insured people” – No chance for insured people
Russia's losses are rapidly approaching three grim milestones - reports Ukraineread
Researchers believe the water bugs flew to Cyprus from the neighboring mainland, attracted by the lights on the island. In recent years, specimens of
Lethocerus patruelis
have been spotted in Italy, Greece - including Rhodes - and in European Turkey. Experts consider the negative consequences for the local fauna from the arrival of giant bugs to be minor. This is because there are many natural predators of the insect on the island and biological control is therefore guaranteed.