292 Fresh Water Aquarium 



in time. In the absence of a sufficient sup- 

 ply of animal food, it consumes parts of 

 plants and has, therefore, been described as 

 a vegetarian. Only necessity, however, will 

 make it the latter, as it undoubtedly prefers 

 animal nourishment. The larva resembles 

 that of the Yellow-bordered Water PJeetle, 

 but although heavier in form, its mandibles 

 are much smaller and weaker. When at- 

 tacked it ejects a dark, ill-smelling liquid, an 

 effective defense against indiscreet aggres- 

 sors. 



While the mating process of this beetle 

 does not differ from that of other insects, 

 the provision made for the eggs by the fe- 

 male beetle is decidedly wonderful. The 

 latter is provided with glands located on the 

 rear end of the body. From these glands a 

 liquid is secreted which the female spins into 

 a pear-shaped balloon with the point turned 

 upward. This balloon, attached securely to 

 the stem of some aquatic plant, forms the 

 receptacle for the eggs, which are deposited 



