NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/923510
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 • NEBRASKAland 23 NEBRASKAland Visitor Last issue's winner of the Visitor drawing was Geniece Helmick of Broken Bow, Nebraska, who found the giant water bug on page 33. Readers are encouraged to contact NEBRASKAland within 10 days after this issue's publication with the correct page number and name of this issue's "Visitor" – a critter found in Nebraska. We will then gather the correct entries and draw one to win a NEBRASKAland mug. To enter each month, write: NEBRASKAland Visitor 2200 North 33rd Street Lincoln, NE 68503 Or e-mail: Tim.Reigert@Nebraska. gov with "Visitor" in the subject line of the message. HINT: This issue's visitor is not on page 14, 23, 55, 56 or 68. The giant water bug (Lethocerus americanus) is native to North America and can be found in Nebraska. Adults are tan to brown, with a flat, oval-shaped body, growing up to four inches in length. As their name suggests, these insects are aquatic, found in ponds and streams. But they are also good flyers and are often seen on sidewalks and around lights. Giant water bugs are ferocious predators, feeding on other insects, small fish and even frogs. They grab prey with their front legs and, using their beak-like mouthpart, inject a powerful toxin into their prey. The toxin will paralyze the prey and dissolve its internal tissue, which the giant water bug will suck out. Giant water bugs are known to occasionally nibble on toes dangling in the water. While their bite is usually harmless to humans, it can be painful, earning the insect its other common name – toe-biter. Special thanks to Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist, Nebraska Department of Agriculture. By Julie Geiser When heading out on frozen lakes or ponds to ice fish, you won't want to leave home without these important items. • Tip-ups and ice fishing rods/reels • Ice shelter (anything to keep out of the wind) • Propane heater for cold days • Spud bar (for checking ice thickness) • Ice auger • Sled to carry auger and supplies • Five-gallon bucket to carry lures, jigs and bait, extra line, hook sharpener, bobbers, split shot, needle-nose pliers for hook removal and line cutting, hand warmers, ice cleats, flashlight and matches or lighter • Five-gallon bucket to sit on • Phone • GPS or fish locator • Ice picks (to pull yourself out if you fall through) • Compass • Ice scoop for removing slush from holes • Fishing license • 50 feet of rope and life vests for safety If you take your kids with you, also consider bringing snacks, extra clothing and gloves, tissues or a hanky, and extra sleds or ice skates to play with. Don't forget to protect everyone's eyes with sunglasses, as the sun and wind can burn them. Sunscreen and lip protection is a good idea to bring along as well. Lastly, no outing is complete without water to drink, some sandwiches or even soup, which is easily warmed on a cooker/heater or brought inside a thermos. ■ Ice Fishing to Bring List Even in a one-person ice shelter, there is room for essential ice-fishing items that you should never leave home without. PHOTO BY JULIE GEISER , f they are e often seen nd lights. ding fish rab gs and, outhpart, into their alyze the ernal nown wn to toes Aland