20-2 



THE ELECTRIC-LIGHT-BUG. 



As already mentioned, other true bugs sometimes bite 

 man and animal, but the\^ do not habitually do so. We can 

 not, therefore, call them genuine parasites. Yet a few come 

 very near to deserving such an appellation, for instance the 

 bug illustrated in fig. 166. This is an aquatic insect and 

 ustially called a Water Boatman {Notonecta undulata Say). 

 This is a well-chosen name! When we observe these insects 

 in their homes w^e find them floating upon their backs, the 

 long hind legs, admirably adapted for swimming, are spread 



Fig. 167.— Electric-light bug. Slightly enlarged. 



apart, as if waiting for the command: pull away. These 

 white and black bugs have an oval form, and are deeper- 

 bodied than most other insects, having the convexity of the 

 surface above. They possess large eyes, and a very power- 

 ful, four-jointed, elongated beak, which is conical and very 

 acute, as shown in the illustration at the left. Their bite is 

 very poisonous, and it is a fortunate thing for bathers that 

 they do not attack man unless provoked to do so. They 

 will not permit any familiarity and bite whenever roughly 

 handled. Ponds that are drying up, or w^here all the in- 

 habitants are crowded into a small space, are good places- 

 not to bathe in, as the writer can testify. 



