HETEROPTERA. 



The two following families include forms of Hemip- 

 tera that liv^e in the water, and show curious adap- 

 tations for an aquatic existence. Children can easily 

 collect water-bugs, which always add to the interest 

 of the lessons, and are instructive additions to their 

 own and the school cabinets. 



NOTONECTID^. 



The back-swimming water-boatman, Notonecta un- 

 diilafa, Say (Fig. 70), is very common in our ponds. 

 Few insects are more interesting, and their 

 swift movements in water and oar-like use of 

 their legs are sure to awaken and fix the 

 attention of children. They must be handled 

 cautiously, and held by the thumb and fin- 

 gers applied to either side of their flat bodies, 

 •since they frequently inflict severe stings with 

 their sharp beaks. Fig. 70. 



The back of Notonecta resembles in shape the 

 bottom of a boat, and it is this part that cleaves the 

 water, the insect always swimming with its back down- 

 ward. The thoracic rings can be easily made out ; 

 the metathorax is the largest segment and bears the 

 long, hairy swimming-legs which propel the animal 

 through the water. The insect carries air about with 



