CHAPTER IV 



THE BUGS: HEMIPTERA 



The shy cicada, whose noon-voice rings 

 So piercing shrill that it almost stings 



The sense of hearing. ELIZABETH A. KERR. 



Water-Bugs. In almost every pond and stream, not only 

 in the United States but scattered widely over almost the 



whole world, are to be found 

 oval gray and black insects, 

 usually a little over a ceri- 

 ^^_ timeter long (about half an 

 inch). These are water-boat- 

 men (Corix'a, Fig. 16, B). They have 

 a long beak formed by the union and 

 lengthening of the second maxilla}, 

 inclosing at its base the bristle-like 

 mandibles and first maxillae. With 

 this they suck the body -fluids of other 

 water-creatures. They are adapted to 

 rapid locomotion in the water by means 

 of the lengthened and fringed middle 

 and hind legs. They breathe a thin 

 film of air, which is caught in the fine 

 hairs which cover the body, making 

 them look as if . incased in polished 

 metal. Slight movements of the legs 

 cause currents of water to pass over 

 this air-film, helping to purify it, and 

 rendering frequent visits to the surface 

 unnecessary. When at the surface air 

 30 



FIG. 16. Back -Swimmers 

 and Water-Boatman. 

 Slightly enlarged 



A, Notonecta, ventral view 

 -(swimming attitude); 

 A', Notonecta, dorsal sur- 

 face ; B, Corixa 



