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CHARACTERISTICS: fused head and thorax and segmented abdomen; body dark red, lighter on the ventral side; five pairs of members, the anterior holding strong tweezers; prominent rostrum, mobile eyes and two very long antennae; changes the exoskeleton several times throughout life.
DEVELOPMENT: direct.
ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR: originating from North America it is a successful invader in many parts of the globe; feeds on plant material, amphibian and fish larvae and small adults leading to significant declines in the populations of the prey; can travel up to 1 km on dry land between water bodies.
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