HOW TO KNOW THE IMMATURE INSECTS 



6a. Tarsi 2-segmented aplca! appendages of abdomen short and flat. 

 Fig. 358 FamUy BELOSTOMATIDAE 



The family consists of about 150 

 described species. They are com- 

 monly called giant water bugs or 

 electric light bugs. The fore legs are 

 short and raptorial; the middle and 

 hind legs are for swimming. They 

 live in fresh water where they feed 

 on small aquatic animals. 



Fig. 358. Beiostomo fiumineum 



Say, 5th instar. 



6b. Tarsi 1-segmented; apical appendages of abdomen long and slen- 

 der. Fig. 359 Family NEPIDAE 



About 200 species have been described. They are 

 called water scorpions. The fore legs are raptorial, 

 the middle and hind legs are long and linear. They 

 swim slowly, often crawling on objects in the water. 

 They are predacious and usually awaiting for prey. 

 They come to the surface for air and often hide under 

 stones near water. 



Fig. 359. Water 

 scorpion, Rana- 

 tro fusca Pali- 

 sot-Beauvois. 



7a. Body toad-shaped; fore legs raptorial. 



Fig. 360 Family GELASTOCORIDAE 



They resemble toads both in 

 shape and in method of crawl- 

 ing and hopping, which facts 

 have given the name "toad 

 bugs". About 60 species have 

 been described. 



Fig. 360. Cephalic view of a tood bug, 

 Geiastocoris oculatus (Fabr.) 



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