‘Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan’ [Episode Preview]: Giant Water Bug and Python Wrestling

In this week's episode of "Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan," Dominic visits Vietnam, where he takes on all sorts of exotic creatures, ranging from giant water bugs to pythons and even leeches. 

The giant water bug, also referred to as "Vietnam's aquatic assassin," is one of the world's largest insects native to Southeast Asia. The giants, scientifically known as Lethocerus indicus, make their home in clear, freshwater streams and ponds, preferring those with aquatic vegetation.

Generally speaking, giant water bugs grow to be about 1.5 inches in length; however, some species grow as long as five inches. Adult water bugs typically prey on various small animals, including insects, tadpoles, salamanders, snakes and small fish -- even the occasional human toe. They have an ambush hunting style, in which they use their giant pincers to grasp and hold prey, while injecting poisonous digestive juices into their victim. Interested in swimming among these vicious bugs? 

For Dominic it is nothing out of the norm. While scouring Vietnam's lakes for this exceptionally large critter, however, he winds up wrestling a python on a tree. We also see him try odd foods, such as steamed balls of goat, and get attacked by leeches.

This exciting episode airs Wednesday, Feb. 10 on the Travel Channel, 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

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