586 INSECTS AT H03IE. 



The eggs of this insect are of a most singular shape, the base 

 of each being furnished with seven horn-like projections, ar- 

 ranged in a circle. Before the eggs are laid, the horns of one egg 

 act as a cup, into which the end of the next egg is receivecl ; 

 but when they are deposited, the horns bend backwards, so 

 as to form a circle of hooks around the upper end of the egg. 



As is the case with all the British Nepida3, the colour of the 

 Water-scorpion is dull brown. When, however, the elytra are 

 opened, the upper part of the body is seen to be of a brick-red, 

 which also tinges strongly the base of the wings. 



Theee is a closely allied insect, called scientifically Ranatra 

 linearis, which resembles the Water-scorpion in many par- 

 ticulars. This insect is shown on Plate XIX. Fig. 1. 



This is more active than the preceding insect, and uses 

 its fore-legs in a most wonderfully skilful manner. With these 

 legs it seizes its prey, which consists mostly of aquatic insects ; 

 but the Eanatra is not very particular, and will attack any- 

 thing, so that it be alive. The larvse of the Mayfly are its 

 favourite food, but I have seen it eat various other creatures, 

 especially the freshwater Crustacea. It is really a fierce being, 

 and, if attacked, has no idea of flight, but boldly assumes the 

 offensive. I have seen one of these insects fight a piece of 

 stick in a most determined manner, striking at it fiercely with 

 its long fore-legs. When so acting, it has a most formidable 

 aspect, as may be seen by reference to the illustration. 



The wings of the Eanatra are packed away very neatly, but 

 are quite large enough to bear their owner through the air. 

 Mr. Westwood mentions that he has seen the Eanatra alight 

 in a pond, and have great difficulty in forcing itself beneath 

 the surface of the water, on a,ccount of the dryness of the two 

 bristle-like appendages of the tail. 



The last British species of this family is called Naucoris 

 cimicoides, and is easily distinguished by possessing no fila- 

 ments at the end of the tail. The body is not so flat as that of 

 the Water Scorpion, and the hind legs are formed for swimming. 

 It is very much more active than either of the preceding- 

 insects, and in the water looks so like the Water-boatman that 

 it might easily be mistaken for that insect. The fore-legs are 



