Figure 161, 



HOW TO KNOW THE INSEOS 



Fig. 161. Lethocerus amerlcanus (Leldy) 



Dull yellowish brown. Front femora with 

 groove In front to receive tibiae, which 

 distinguishes It from another large species, 

 Benacus grlseus (Say). Length 50-55 mm. 



Some members of this family are truly 

 giant and never fall to attract popular In- 

 terest. They are predaceous. Young fish, 

 tadpoles, and other water Insects suffer 

 heavily that these Insects may live. There 

 are but a few species. The female of some 

 species glues her eggs to the back of the 

 male which must then carry them about until 

 they hatch. Specimens thus bearing eggs 

 always attract attention. 



17b Hind legs for walking. Mostly long slim insects. (The 

 Water Scorpions) Fig. 162. Family 29, NEPIDAE 



Fig. 162. Ranatra fusca P. B. 



Dark reddish to fuscous brown; legs but 

 faintly annulated If at all. Front part 

 of pronotum less than half the width of 

 hind part. Length of body 35-42 mm. 



The members of the genus Nepa are broad 

 and flat, roughly resembling the giant 

 water bugs, but have a long respiratory 

 tube at the end of the abdomen. Members 

 of the genus Ranatra are much more common. 

 They seem to prefer shallow stagnant water, 

 If one will rake out the decaying vegeta- 

 tion on the bank, these Interesting Insects 

 may be separated from It. They are pre- 

 dacious. 



Figure 162, 



18a Front tarsi of but one scoop-shaped segment and without 

 claws, body flattened above with head over lapping the thorax 

 dorsal ly. (The Water Boatmen). Fig, 163. 



Fami ly 33, CORIXIDAE 



82 



