HETEROPTERA. 319 



Ranatralinearis resembles the Nepa in having a small 

 head, two long tails, and extended prehensile fore-legs, 

 but here all family likeness ends, for this most curious- 

 looking creature is but a series of thickish lines (as its 

 name imports). A long linear body with two long, thin 

 tails, and four long, thin legs, are all we see except a 

 pair of forceps, which would be long and thin too if 

 they were not so crooked. The creature looks cruel and 

 hungry, but where it stows all the prey for which it is so 

 greedy is a problem to be solved. A less aldermanic 

 figure can scarcely be conceived, unless in a family to be 

 described a few pages later. 



The second section, AUROCOKISA, contains nine 

 families of insects, most of which are altogether terres- 

 trial ; some skim the surface of the water, but do not 

 swim in it ; one species alone is aquatic. 



The first family, Acanthiid, contains only two genera 

 the aquatic insect just mentioned, Aphelocheirus 

 aestivalis, being the only species in one of these. It 

 will be recognised by its aquatic habits and oval shape, 

 which somewhat resembles that of Naucons ; while the 

 fore-legs are quite simple instead of being pincer-like. 

 It measures about three-eighths of an inch. 



The genus Acanthia consists of insects which are 

 terrestrial, but inhabit watery places, the seaside, river- 

 sides, &c. They are small, active, hopping creatures, of 

 a flattish oval figure. One species is Acanthia saltatoria, a 

 dusky insect with minute cream- coloured spots, the clear 

 part of the fore- wings being creamy with dusky spots. 



The second family, Hydrometridee, or the ivater- 

 meamrers, may be known at once by their very slender 

 figure, and their habit of skimming upon the surface of 

 the water. 



They are dark and lanky, with slender, angular legs. 



