334 



EXHIBITS FROM THE CAIRO INSECT HOUSE. 



This insect is of an extremely lethargic nature, and will sit 

 motionless for hours in the weed or on a plant-stem until some- 

 thing swims within reach, when the long fore-legs shoot out with 

 a rapidity quite at variance with its other movements. 



It occasionally hunts the bottom, probing the mud for prey, 

 but makes no effort to pursue. The food consists principally 

 of Asellus and Gammarus, small water-beetles, small dragonfly 

 larva?, etc., and even snails. 



Text-figure 1. 



Method of feeding of the Long Water-Scovpion, Hanatra linearis. X f. 

 {a) Waiting for prey; (b) Seizing pre} r • (c) Piercing prey with the rostrum. 



Gryllotalpa vulgaris 



is fortunately rare in England. The burrows being formed 

 regardless of obstacles do much damage in cultivated ground, 

 and make it a serious pest wherever it occurs in great numbers. 



It is carnivorous, feeding mainly on worms. There is no 

 previous record of its having been exhibited in the Caird Insect 

 House, but this year three specimens were sent in from different 



