ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINET. 



RANATRA LINEARIS. Fabr. 



This curious and singularly-formed insect is of a 

 linear shape, and the fore feet serve the purpose of 

 hands, with a lateral spine by way of a thumb, which 

 enables it to seize and hold fast other insects, on 

 which it feeds. The larva and pupa have six feet ; 

 they are active, aud resemble the perfect insect, 

 which is of a clay colour ; but they want the wings. 

 Although they inhabit waters, they are bad swim- 

 mers, and I suspect that they walk at the bottom of 

 ponds and bury themselves in the clay. 1 remember 

 I was once collecting insects with my friend, Mr. 

 Davis, on Wandsworth Common, when I captured 

 a specimen of this insect, which I had, evidently by 

 agitating the clay at the bottom, brought to the sur- 

 face. Mr. Bydder once met with many specimens 

 of this species on Epping Forest ; and I well remem- 

 ber his remark, " that the insect was not scarce, 

 but collectors were not aware of the mode of seeking 

 for them." I have no doubt but that they may be 

 found throughout the year. To the young collector 

 I would say, that ponds will afford, during the spring 

 months, ample objects for his cabinet. 



1-6. 



