HEM1PTERA. 



131 



pond, stilted on their long legs, or clinging head downward 

 to the stems of plants. 



The most common members of this family belong to the 

 genus Ranatra (Ran'a-tra) (Fig. 1 50). These are long, slender 

 bugs with long, slender legs. The 

 only other representative of the fam- 

 ily found in the United States is Nepa 

 apiculata (Ne'pa a-pic-u la'ta). In 

 this species the body is oval, flat, 

 and thin, and measures about two 

 thirds of an inch in length, not includ- 

 ing the breathing-tube, which is a 

 little more than one fourth of an inch 

 long. (See Fig. 214, p. 174.) 



The Water-scorpions live among 

 rubbish or on the stems of water- 

 plants, in ponds and in the quiet parts 

 of our streams. They are carnivo- 

 rous, and have the first pair of legs 

 fitted for seizing prey. In these legs 

 the coxa is very long, and the femur 

 is furnished with a groove into which FlG - ^.-Ranatra/usca. 

 the tibia and tarsus fit like the blade of a pocket-knife into 

 the handle. 



Owing to the linear form of the body of Ranatra, and to 

 the dirt with which it is usually covered, it is quite difficult 

 to detect the presence of this insect among the rubbish 

 where it is found. Doubtless this resemblance to a dirty 

 stick aids it greatly in the capture of insects, small fish, and 

 other unwary animals upon which it preys. 



Family BELOSTOMID^E (Bel-os-tom'i-dae). 

 The Giant Water-bugs. 



We have named these insects the Giant Water-bugs as 

 the family includes the largest Heteroptera now in existence. 



