400 



CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. 



[Bull. 



Very little seems to be known about this species, beyond the fact 

 that its favorite haunts are grassy, shallow, slow-moving streams, 

 where it clings to the vegetation; and that at times it is found 

 under stones in shallow places. The eggs, like everything about 

 the family, are notable ; they have seven short raylike filaments at 

 the top. They are laid in the soft tissue of plants and only the 

 crown of the filaments projects. Other habits are not known. 



This has been recorded from Ontario, Canada, south to the 

 District of Columbia and west to Ohio and Illinois. 



New Haven, ii Aug., 1908 (B. H. W.). 



Fig. 41. Nepa apiculata Uhler, — dorsal view, greatly enlarged. Drawing 

 by Dr. Philip Garman. 



Ranatra Fabricius. 



This genus is most marked in aspect. Unlike Nepa, it frequents 

 deeper waters and may commonly be secured in ponds, hanging 

 head down from grasses growing up out of the water. Its long, 

 narrow shape gives it the look of a little brown twig, enhanced by 

 the manner in which it stiffens and plays 'possum when taken 

 from its element. It has a chirp produced by jerking its front 

 legs, which, scraping against the thin wall of the anterior insertion, 

 give forth a shrill sound. All the species are carnivorous. They 

 prey on other insects and are said to feed on fish eggs as well. 

 The three Eastern species may be thus separated : 



