CIMICIDJE, OR BUG-TRIBE ; HYDROMETRID^E. 1 93 



witli it; theGEOCORis^E, or Land- Bugs; and the HYDROCORISJE, 

 or Water-Bugs. 



722. Section I. GEOCORIS^E. This section contains a large 

 number of families ; nearly all of which, however, bear a strong 

 general resemblance to that which includes the common Bugs, 

 the CIMICID^E. Some of the tropical species attain considerable 

 size, being described as of the bulk of a Cockchafer ; and they 

 are much dreaded by the inhabitants of the regions they infest. 

 Many of the Geocorisas, however, are vegetable-feeders ; and 

 it is among these, that the most brilliant colours are exhibited. 



Fro. 418. HALYS. FIG. 419. CIMEX LECTULARIUS. 



The common Cimex lectularius, or Bed-bug, and its allies, 

 never possess wings. There is a curious group of very long- 

 legged insects, which, though placed in this section, leads to the 

 next ; this is the family HYDROMETRID^E, some species of which 

 may be met with on almost every pond or stream, skimming 

 along the surface, and turning rapidly about, with the greatest 

 ease and velocity. The form of the body strongly resembles 

 that of a London wherry ; the hind feet conjointly act as a 

 rudder ; and the motion is given by the two middle feet, which 

 do not, however, dip into the water, but merely brush along its 

 surface. The body is clothed on the under side with a fine 

 coating of hairs, forming a sort of plush ; which is evidently 

 serviceable in preventing it from coming in contact with the 

 water. 



723. Section II. Of the HYDROCORIS.E, or true Water- 



