THE INSECT AQUARIUM, 



4 



31 



Fig. 14. 

 Hyphidrtis ovatus. 



merry little Whirligigs {GyrimLs), which are always to be 

 seen on the surface of ponds, when the sun is shining, 

 whirling round in circles and curves, their highly polished 

 integument reflecting the sunshine, like diamonds. Note 

 the peculiar structure of the eyes, 

 apparently divided into four to 

 enable the insect to see above and 

 below the water, as its usual habi- 

 tat is the surface of the water. 

 Another pretty little species, Hy- 

 phidriis ovatus, is represented in 

 Fig. 14, much enlarged, its actual 

 length being about one-sixth of an 

 inch. Its colour is reddish-brown, 

 and it is pretty plentiful in most 

 ponds. Fig. 15 represents Ilybiiis 

 ater, a species somewhat similiar in form to Dytictis, 

 but smaller. It is equally common. 



All these species, and others 

 beside, may be kept in an insect 

 aquarium, but care should be taken 

 to keep the vessel covered, either 

 with a plate of glass, or a piece of 

 gauze ; else these beetles will at 

 night leave the water and fly about 

 the house. If they are allowed to 

 do this they are almost sure to 

 come to an untimely end under the 

 idea that they are "nasty, horrid, 

 black beetles." 



Very interesting subjects may be found in the various 

 species of Gnats, which exist in water, during the early 

 stages of their life. The female Gnat stands upon a float- 



FlG. 15. 

 Ilybius ater. 



