196 MINUTE MARVELS OF NATURE 



adhesive feet with the sucker-like prominences, it 

 is probable that they are only used for capturing 

 the object of his affections. One of his forefeet 

 is shown, highly magnified, in Fig. 129. 



Fig. 129. Foreleg of a water-beetle 



The next picture illustrates in Fig. 130 a 

 more beautiful form of the leg of a water insect. 

 This is the feathered oar of the water-boatman, 

 which may usually be seen quietly floating on the 

 surface of ponds, but, curiously enough, with its 

 back downwards. This may seem awkward from 

 our point of view ; but the creature lies in wait, 

 apparently motionless, with oars spread out, until 

 a victim approaches, when the oars are flashed 

 through the water, and the prey is caught from 



