WATEE-BEBTLES. 227 



species, and is frequently found upon the "Water-Mint (Mentha 

 aquatica). It is an ovate insect, having brightly-polished 

 elytra of a greenish or bluish tint. The legs are of a metallic 

 green. 



Besides the beautiful beetles just mentioned, there are many 

 others, equally beautiful and interesting, which have similar 

 habits and habitat. As all these insects delight in the sun- 

 shine, it should be arranged that, as far as possible, the 

 tank in which they are confined can receive the rays of the 

 sun upon the parts of the plants which are growing above 

 the surface of the water, but not upon the water itself. 



In concluding this chapter, I venture to repeat that no one 

 should attempt to keep beetles in an aquarium unless they 

 can be properly and regularly fed. The little trouble neces- 

 sary for this will be amply repaid. 



■ > MtM « l 



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