WATER SCORPIONS 261 



man will be seen carrying out a series of ludicrous 

 but clever manoeuvres, and a careful look-out 

 should be kept for the Water Scorpion. This 

 insect is related to the large Water Bugs, and 

 belongs to the Nepidae. 



There are only two kinds of Water Scorpions 

 upon the British list, and they may be recognised 

 by the long tail processes which serve the purpose 

 of a breathing organ. The feet are what is known 

 as one-segmented, and the middle and hind pairs 

 bear upon them two claws. The front pair of 

 legs are clawless, but are nevertheless curved and 

 sharp. The strong fore legs are modified for the 

 purpose of securing prey, the food of the Scorpion 

 consisting of small aquatic creatures. One British 

 species has a broad and flat body, while the other 

 possesses a very long and narrow one. The former 

 is brownish above and red underneath, whilst the 

 latter is yellowish brown. 



As we wend our way homewards through the 

 meadow we disturb the Frogs and a stray Coot 

 who has forsaken her reed-laden retreat by the 

 pool to seek after a fresh food supply. The Sedge 

 Warbler is still chattering in the osier-bed, and, as 

 we approach the barren country bordering a wood, 

 the curious vibrating warble of the Nightjar 

 strikes curiously upon the ear of the wanderer^ 

 Presently, one of the birds comes into view, but it 

 is difficult to follow it in the gloaming hour. It 



