58 BEETLES. &C.—COLEOPTERA, &c. 



cupreus), plentiful under stones, among decayed leaves, 

 and many other places. It is frequently washed 

 into the water, and is eagerly taken by all fish. 



Fig. 71 is not a beetle, but one of the aquatic 

 Hemiptera or Water Boatmen [Corixa striata), whose 

 jerky method of swimming is doubtless familiar to all. 

 In April it frequently takes to the wing, and on warm 

 days may be seen alternately flying and swimming 

 about in the still margins, its revels being interrupted 

 by the dash of a hungry fish. 



Even trout fry will attack it with ferocity, and 

 when one is disabled by the loss of a paddle, will 

 crowd round and finish it amongst them. 



Fig. 72 is another of the same genus {Notonecta 

 glauca), also esteemed a dainty by the trout. I do 

 not like the paddles with which the imitation of these 

 species are sometimes furnished, as they act as 

 spinners, and quickly ruin a fine gut cast. A few fine 

 long legs which have not this objection we have found 

 equally efficacious. 



Fig. 73 {Gerris lacustris) is often erroneously called 

 a Water Spider, though it is more properly known as a 

 Water Measurer (Hydrometra). It is common every- 

 where, and is on the water from the early Spring 

 onwards, and, before more luscious morsels are to be 

 had, is taken with avidity. 



Fig. 74 is another of the same species {Velia 

 currens), and known to anglers as the Water Cricket. 

 It is an excellent " fly " in the early part of the season 

 — I have known trout to refuse a March Brown, a Blue 



