ASK OTUS
Otus Rufous, an Eastern Screech-Owl, was born on Siesta Key
and is a full-time resident there. An avid hunter, accomplished
vocalist and genuine night owl, Otus is a keen observer of
our local wildlife and knows many of nature's secrets. Otus
will answer your questions about our amazing wildlife, but
only if you Ask Otus. So please send your questions and
photos to askotus@sarasotanewsleader.com. Thank you.
GIANT WATER BUGS PROVE TO HAVE A FASCINATING STORY
Dear Otus,
ed to take it back to Munich and show it off
to his schoolmates, but as he started to pick
My family is visiting us from Germany and
my grandson, Franz, loves photographing the it up it started moving and he didn't want to
myriad bugs we have around Sarasota. I am hurt it. He took a ruler and measured it. It was
almost 3 inches long.
sending you one of his beautiful photos.
A couple of weeks ago we came home and I sent the photo to What's That Bug? but havthere was this huge bug lying dead on our con- en't heard back from them and thought maybe
you might know what it is.
do's walkway right by our front door. We've
Proud Grandmother in Sarasota
never seen anything bigger. Franz really want-
A Giant Water Bug. Photo courtesy of Franz from Munich
