Giant water bugs are dads par excellence. After these insects mate, the female of some species of the bug cements her eggs to the male's back and then hits the road, leaving the dad to parent alone. For upwards of two weeks, the male diligently cleans and aerates the eggs, fiercely defending them from a host of predators and other dangers until the babies hatch. One study found that female giant water bugs prefer males already carrying eggs on their back — meaning that evidence of skill in pater