Forest Preserves of Cook County 2025 Summer Brochure

Swim: The water scorpion ( Nepa apiculata ) is a stealthy predator found in wetlands, ponds and slow- moving streams in Cook County. Despite its name, it is not a true scorpion but uses its front legs to ambush small aquatic prey. Its tail actually acts as a kind of ‘snorkel,’ rather than a stinger, so it can breathe in the water. What makes an insect an insect ? 3 Body Parts: 14