WATER BEETLES 37 



beetle rises head first, and instead of sticking 

 liis tail out of the water he turns over on one 

 side and slightly bends his head to open a 

 little cleft between his head and shoulders ; at 

 the same time he curves one of his feelers 

 backwards to form a little funnel through 

 which the air is sucked down. Soon the under 

 surface of the beetle is covered with a film of 

 air which glistens like silver in the water, and 

 he carries this with him so that he may breathe 

 comfortably when he dives below. 



Although the Great Water-beetle is not a 

 very strong swimmer, he has a fine pair of 

 wings folded under his wing cases and is able 

 to fly very well, and at night he often leaves 

 the pool and takes a little exercise in the open 

 air. 



Although Mr Great Water-beetle is not a 

 particularly interesting insect, Mrs Beetle is 

 most clever and industrious, and she makes a 

 really beautiful little water-tight cocoon in 

 which to place her eggs, so that they may ride 

 safely on the water until the baby grubs hatch 

 out. 



When ready to begin her work Mother 

 Beetle rises to the top of the pool, turns over 

 on her back and clings with her hind legs to 



