xix INSECTA: RHYNCOTA 279 



The larva is very like the adult, though with a 

 rather thicker body, and with only a short process 

 at the end of the abdomen instead of the delicate long 

 respiratory tube of the adult (Fig. 204, B). The wing rudi- 

 ments appear at first as little thickenings on both sides of 

 the thorax, but they increase in size and definiteness at each 

 moult. 



The Water Stick Insect (Ranatra). 



Closely allied to the Water Scorpion is the Water Stick 

 Insect or Stick Scorpion (Ranatra lineans). It also is found in 

 ponds in the south of England, though it is somewhat rare. 

 Its body is long, narrow, and cylindrical, and looks like a tiny 

 dry stick. It has the same adaptation of the front legs for 

 catching its prey as the Water Scorpion, and the same respir- 

 atory tube at the end of the body. It is a more active 

 hunter than Nepa, and it more frequently leaves the water 

 and takes to flight. 



FIG. 205. The Water Stick Insect (Ranatra linearis). 



A, Eggs, e, inserted through a leaf; B, adult insect, r, respiratory tube. 



(Natural size.) 



The eggs of this insect are laid separately, inserted usually 

 in the floating stems or leaves of water plants ; each egg 

 has two projecting hairs (Fig. 205). 



The Water Boatman (Notonecta). 



The only British Water Boatman (Notonecta glauca) is 

 to be found in most ponds, and is a very dangerous enemy 

 to many of the other inhabitants. These " Boatmen " are 

 well known from their habit of swimming on their backs, 

 rowing themselves swiftly along by the vigorous strokes of 

 their powerful hind legs. The last segments of these legs 

 are fringed with stiff hairs (Fig. 206), which are depressed 



