Figure 163, 



HOW TO KNOW THE INSECS 



Fig. 163. Arctocorlxa Interrupta (Say) 



Above brown, hind angle of pronotuin obtuse; 

 pronotim r.iarked with transverse black lines. The 

 median ones usually Interrupted. Perhaps our 

 most coriimon species. Abundant In streaiis and 

 flying at lights. Length 10-11 mrii. 



The VJater Boatraen swim on their ventral sur- 

 face as would be expected. Instead of on their 

 back as do the IJotonectidae . They seem to live 

 on the minute plant and animal life In the ooze 

 which they shovel Into their short tube-like 

 mouths with their front legs. The posterior 

 pair of legs Is held In the position of and used 

 like oars when they swim. 



18b Front tarsi with claws, body convex above with head inserted 

 into the thorax. (The Back-swimmers). Fig. 164, 



Family 27, NOTONECTIDAE 



Fig. 164. Notonecta undulata Say 



Dull yellowish white, usually 

 marked with black. Often abundant 

 In stagnant pools. Care should be 

 taken in handling; they bite 

 viciously^ Length 10-12 mm. 



As the name indicates, the members 

 of this family swim with their backs 

 down. The body is boat shaped and 

 stream lined. It is the hind pair 

 of legs that are used for swimming. 

 They often hang head down at the 

 surface of the water, with the tip 

 of the abdomen exposed to secure air. 

 They are highly predacious and are 

 known to kill young fish consider- 

 able larger than themselves. 



Figure 164, 



KEY TO THE MORE COMMON FAMILIES OF HOMOPTERA 



ia Large insects with broad head, clear wings; three ocelli; 

 front femora thickened. (The Cicadas or so called "Locusts") 



Fig. 165. Family 1. CICADIDAE 



Fig. 165. Magiclcada septendeclm (L.) 

 Periodical or Seventeen Year 

 Cicada. 



Head, thorax, and abdomen mostly 

 black; veins of wings and some mark- 

 ings on body orange brown; eyes red. 

 The adults of these interesting in- 

 sects mature and appear in May for 

 about six weeks of activity once 



Figure 165, 



83 



