ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINF.T. 



NOTONECTA GLAUCA. IJnne. 

 Boat Flij. 



Head and eyes large : thorax at the junction of the 

 head rather narrow, hut gradually increases in width 

 and is of a half yellowish brown : scutellum triangular, 

 large and of a glaucus or blue green colour, the 

 elytra? are more or less of a pale ochre colour : feet 

 formed for swimming; body beneath flat and of a 

 tawny brown. 



Length 7 lines. 



Inhabits ponds and may be found at nearly all sea- 

 sons of the year. 



The NotonectidcB are not numerous in the varieties 

 of its species, they inhabit waters feeding on aquatic 

 animalcula ; the larvae and pupae have each six feet 

 and resemble the perfect insect, the former want 

 wings, the latter has the rudiments of them. 



This insect swims on its back, (which is com- 

 pletely boat shaped) and in that situation with its legs 

 spread like oars, will dart with great velocity on 

 water insects, which are its food, and like the other 

 species of Hemiptera live, by suction ; it would also 

 appear, that they are capable of instilling a secretion 

 of a peculiar nature, and, as we have experienced the 

 pain, resembles the puncture of a hot needle, which 

 however goes off in a short time. It is amusing to 

 observe these insects floating on the surface of ponds, 

 and the rapidity with which they move when dis- 

 15-6 



