Notes on the Semiaquatic Hemiptera. 



Under this section of the paper, and the next one on page 

 141, each family is treated under two heads : "A. Taxonomy 

 of the Family" and "B. Biolog\' of the Family." 



Under the first head is given the family characteristics fol- 

 lowed, perhaps, by a brief historical note, then by a key to 

 the genera. A brief characterization of the genus is given 

 and each genus is provided with a key to its species where 

 possible. Specific descriptions are given for most of the in- 

 sects listed in Van Duzee's Catalog. Sometimes they have 

 been shortened a trifle if the same information is presented 

 in the synoptic key preceding. In one family comparative 

 notes have been used and in two families undergoing re\ision 

 (one of them by the ^^Titer), the description of species is 

 omitted for the most part. 



It is hoped that this taxonomic matter may be found valu- 

 able to the general student. The special student, as a matter 

 of course, will go to the sources for his information. 



Under the second head, the "Biology of the Family," are 

 given some general notes which relate to the family as a whole. 

 This is followed by a treatment of the species of each genus. 

 Under each species the notes are arranged in a general way 

 as follows : Habitat, hibernation, oviposition. incubation, 

 hatching, behavior of newly hatched, number of instars, ma- 

 turity, fecundity, longevity, food habits, description of stages, 

 and then a brief summary. 



The field of investigation in the realm of the biologj' of 

 the water bugs is full of intensely interesting and promising 

 problems on everj* hand. The notes which follow give us 

 some idea of what has been discovered and what yet remains 

 unknown. 



Family GELASTOCORID^ Kirk 1897. 

 A. Taxonomy of Gelastocorid^. 

 Family Characteristics. More or less squat, toad-shaped bugs, to be 

 found upon the moist sand or mud bordering streams or marshes. The 

 eyes are very protuberant and the entire body often has a mottled, 

 rough, warty appearance. The antennje are four segmented, shorter than 

 the head, and concealed beneath tl.e eyes. Ocelli are present.* The 



Absent in Xerthra. 



(45) 



