586 i:>SECTS AT HOME. 



The eggs of this insect are of a most singular shape, the base 

 of each being furnished with seven horn-like projectionG, ar- 

 ranged in a circle. Before the eggs are laid, the horns of one egg 

 act as a cup, into wliich the end of the next egg is received ; 

 but when they are deposited, the horns bend backwards, so 

 as to form a circle of hooks around the upper end of the egg. 



As is the case with all the British Nepidfc, the colour of the 

 Vrater-scorpion is dull brown. When, however, the elytra are 

 opened, the upper part of the body is seen to be of a brick-red, 

 which also tinges strongly the base of the wings. 



There is a closely allied insect, called scientifically Ranatra 

 < linearis, which resembles the Water-scorpion in many par- 

 ticulars. This insect is shown on Plate XIX. Fig. 1. 



This is more active than tlie preceding insect, and uses 

 j its fore-legs in a most wonde rfully skilful manner. Withrthese 

 1 legs it seizes its prey, which consists mostly of aquatic insects : 

 but the Ranatra is not very particular, and will attack any- 

 thing, so that it be alive. The larvae of the Mayfly are its 

 favouritejood, but I have seen it eat various other creatures, 

 especially the freshwater Crustacea. It is really a fierce being , 

 and, if attacked, has no idea of flight, but boldly assumes the 

 offensive. I have seen one of these insects fight a piece of 

 stick in a most determined manner, striking at it fiercely with 

 its long fore-legs. When so acting, it has a most formidable 

 aspect, as may be seen by reference to the illustration. 



The wings of the Eanatra are packed away very neatly, but 

 are quite large enough to bear their owner through the air. 

 ]Mr. Westwood mentions that he has seen the Ranatra alight 

 in a pond, and have great difficulty in forcing itself beneath 

 the surface of the water, on account of the dryness of the two 

 bristle-like appendages of the tail. 



The last British species of this family is called Kaucoris 

 cimicoides, and is easily distinguished by possessing no fila- 

 ments at the end of the tail. Tlie body is not so flat as that of 

 the Water Scorpion, and the hind legs are formed for swimming. 

 It is very much more active than cither of the preceding 

 insects, and in the water looks so like the Water-boatman tliat 

 it might easily be mistaken for that insect. The fore-legs are 



