THE CREEPING WATER BUGS 



(Family Naucoridce.) 



These insects are few in number and small in size. They 

 are aquatic and predaceous, flat-bodied and oval. About thirty 

 species are known, and only seven are found in the United 

 States. The commonest of these, Pelocoris femorata Beauv., is 

 widely distributed in this country and is found in waters in which 



Fig. 171. — Ambrysus signoretti Stal. 

 (After Uhler.) 



there is abundant vegetation, on which it creeps and about which 

 it swims in its search for prey. It may be found near the margin 

 of a pool with a grassy bank, feeding on little land insects which 

 have accidentally fallen into the water. It's life history should be 

 studied. 



280 



