144 



ORDER HEMIPTERA 



There are two large species commonly found in the United 

 States, the Belestoma amcricana, which has a groove along 

 the inner margin of the forefemur, while the Benacus griseus 

 has none. The latter is also slightly larger, has the hind 

 tibiae broader and the legs not so distinctly annulated with 

 dark rings. 



Fig. 96. — Giant water bug (Benacus griseus Say) : dorsal and ventral 

 views. Slightly enlarged. (Original photo by C. J. Drake.) 



Water Striders (Ilydrohatidcp). — This is a very interesting 

 group. Their bodies are covered with a ^'ery fine velvety 

 coat which sheds water, thus enabling them to live on the 

 surface of water. They look somewhat like spiders, the 

 legs are long and extend outward in a spider-like manner. 

 The front pair are shorter than the others, being used to 

 catch food. The antennae are short and are hard to dis- 

 tinguish from the first pair of legs. Along with these forms 



