THE TRUE BUGS 



109 



(Nepidae} are so called from the long tube extending from the tip 

 of the abdomen, which is thrust to the surface of the water for 

 breathing. They are elongate insects, with long legs, the front 



FlG. 142. A water-scorpion (Ranatrafiisca}. (Enlarged) 

 (After Lugger) 



pair being fitted for grasping their prey, and live on the stems of 

 plants, which they closely resemble. 



The giant water-bugs (Belostomidae) are probably better known 

 to most boys as electric-light bugs, 

 for with the advent of the arc light 

 they have become very numerous on 

 the streets on warm summer even- 

 ings. The largest are over two 

 inches long and can inflict a pain- 

 ful wound with their strong beaks, 

 which they use for preying upon 

 other insects and small fish. These 

 larger water-bugs, as well as the back 

 swimmers, often become a serious 

 pest where the artificial propagation of fish is attempted. Many of the 

 females fasten their eggs to their own backs with a waterproof glue. 



Every one who has been fishing knows the water-striders (Hydro- 

 batidae) which dart here and there over the surface and suddenly 



FIG. 143. The undulating back- 

 swimmer (Notonecta undulata). 

 (Twice natural size) 



(After Weed) 



