OUTLINES OF ENTOMOLOGY. 



105 



other species of the Order. They possess oar-like legs and flat bodies. 

 The species are all carnivorous and are provided with strong, sharp 

 beaks, upon which the bodies, not only of other insects, but of tad- 

 poles and young fish, are impaled until they can be drained of the vital 

 fluids. The Water scorpions are of slender form, and the abdomen is 

 terminated by a pair of long, slender, grooved styles, which, when shut 

 together, form a breathing tube that can be elevated above the water, 

 while the insect is making its predatory excursions beneath the sur- 

 face. The Giant water bug (Belostoma grisea, Say.) is more than two 

 inches in length, by one in width, with a flat, boat-shaped body and 

 powerful swimming legs. It also flies long distances, and is often 

 attracted in great numbers to electric lights. The Back-swimmers (No- 

 TONECTID^E) swim in a reversed position, and have very long, feathery 

 hind legs. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



Order HEMIPTERA. Sub-Order HOMOPTERA. 



CICADAS, LEAF-HOPPERS, PLANT-LICE AND BARK-LICE, 



[Fig. 42.] 



17-year Cicada (C. septemdecim, Linn.) , after Riley . , pnpa or 

 nymph; ft, shell of same; c. perfect Cicada: d, punctures in 

 twig made for the eggs; e, eggs, much magnified. 



In this division of beaked insects we find the wings where these 

 organs are present of the same texture throughout, and closing roof- 



