ORDER CRUSTACEA HETEROBRANCHI.^. 



147 



The Small AVater Flea, {Cyclops minutus.) 



This species of the Water Flea differs from the last, in 

 having its body divided into a greater number of seg- 

 ments ; it is also much smaller ; it is equally active with 

 that last described, but its form renders it more graceful 

 in its motions. " These little creatures," says Mr. 

 Pritchard, " seem to possess great discernment and 

 cunning ; for, if approached, they remain motionless on 

 the plant on which they reside, in the apparent hope 

 that they may be overlooked ; but when a fit opportunity 

 occurs, they suddenly bend the body, and spring away 

 with a hind of vaulting leap." 



Cydops minutus, mucli magnified. 



They inhabit the various species of confervse, and 

 may often be met with in great numbers on the stalks 

 and underside of healthy duckweed, gro wing on the 

 surface of the water. They are most numerous in April 

 and May, and disappear as the heat of the season in- 



