INSECT A . RHYNCOTA 



283 



The egg& are laid in a small mass of mucilage on some 

 submerged water-plant, and the larvae are often to be found 

 submerged, though as a rule they skate on the surface with 

 their parents. 



The Water Cricket {Velia cwrens). 



The Water Cricket is very similar to the Pond-skater in 

 appearance and habits, but the first and second pairs of legs 

 are not separated by such a 

 wide interval, the thorax being 

 relatively shorter. Further, 

 it very rarely develops wings 

 at all, and the body is marked 

 by two orange stripes down 

 the back. 



AVater Crickets are all very 

 active and good climbers, 

 hence if kept in an aquarium 

 it must be kept covered. 



Though living mainly on the (Real length shown by the line on the lelt) 



surface, they enter the water much more readily than Gerris. 



Fio. 209.— The Water Cricket 

 ( Vdia currens). 



Fig. 210. — Tlie Water Gnat 

 (Bydronietra stagnm-um). 



A, Side view. 13, Dorsal view. ( X 2.) 



The Water Gnat 



(Hydrometra stagnmiim). 



The Water Gnat, or 

 Water Measurer, is peculiar 

 because of the great elonga- 

 tion of the head, and the 

 very narrow, dark-coloured, 

 stick-like body and long, very 

 slender legs ; it is about half 

 an inch long and half a line 

 broad. Wings are never 

 developed, and the insect 

 lives a quiet life walking 

 about on the water surface or 

 on the grasses by the water- 

 side. It never enters the 

 water. 



