XXII 



WATER -SCORPION AND GIANT WATER -BUG 



In the quiet reaches of many streams, where 

 bright-eyed poUiwogs and glancing minnows play 

 amongst the swaying water weeds, live the water- 

 scorpion and the giant water -bug. Two more 

 entertaining occupants for the home-made aquarium 

 could hardly be secured. Though their names sound 

 forbidding, they will be found harmless and well 

 disposed, save towards such small insects as they 

 regard as their natural prey. The water-scorpions 

 resemble their terrestrial namesake in form rather 

 than in temper. Among insects the giant water- 

 bug well deserves the name, both as to size and 

 as to appetite. 



The water -scorpion depends upon stealth to 

 obtain a dinner, rather than upon swiftness of foot 

 or impetuosity of attack. One of its favorite atti- 

 tudes is clinging among water plants which it much 

 resembles, being dull greenish in color and very 

 slender and angular in form. Lurking there, with 

 its long forearms just parted, it snatches at the 

 unwary creatures that venture to pass by. The 

 water-scorpion's tail is not for stinging. No sti'ng 

 is necessary. Once grasped in that tight embrace, 

 its prey is entirely at the mercy of the hungry jaws 

 of its captor. The slender tube which resembles 

 the real scorpion's tail fulfils the somewhat prosaic 



(ii6) 



