WELCH j 



WATER INSECTS 



189 



animals and they are in turn often eaten by sunfishes and min- 

 nows. To collect them, sweep with the net the open water as well 

 as the water plants growing near the shore. These are interest- 

 ing fellows for the aquarium and are easy to keep. Bring them 

 home and feed in the same way as recommended for the Back- 



swimmer. 



The Dragon Fly Nymphs (Fig. 4). 



These queer, sluggish, mud-colored fellows can be found at 

 almost any time during the year and in almost any kind of aquatic 

 situation. Some crawl about on the bottom while others burrow 



S— \ 



13 



14 



15 



AniLT Insects. — 13. Water Scorpion; 14. Water Bo.\tman; 



15, B.ACKSWIMMER. 



into the bottom. They are interesting in many ways but perhaps 

 the most amazing thing about them is the curious under lip which 

 is folded under the head like an arm. the "hand" covering a part 

 or all of the face. This "hand" which has a pair of strong jaws 

 on the tip. can be quickly thrust forward for some distance in 

 capturing prey. They are fierce creatures and make constant 

 raids on the other water insects, even attacking animals about 

 twice their size. After living for some time on the bottom, these 

 larvae leave the water by crawling up stems or other objects and 

 there the old skin is shed and the full grown insects appear. They 



