THE DALADER ACUTIGOSTA. 
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In the first section of the Heteroptera, the species are aquatic and predaceous, some being 
very quick and active in the water, and others slow, but yet fierce and voracious, and obtain- 
ing by craft the prey which the others win by fair chase. 
The first family of the Notonectidae, or Back- swimmers, is represented in Europe by many 
species, of which the common Water Boatman ( Notonecta glaucus) is the commonest. As 
may be seen by reference to our full-page illustration, these insects are in the habit of lying 
on the back and propelling themselves by means of the hind legs, which are very long, and 
with the extremities expanded and fringed with stiff hairs, so as to resemble and do the duty 
of oars. When lying on the back, the insect is wonderfully boat-like, the general shape much 
resembling an Indian canoe. These creatures breathe atmospheric air, for which they are 
forced occasionally to come to the surface, receiving it under their wings, just as is the case 
with the water-beetles already described. When the air has been taken in, it is prevented 
from escaping by means of the stiff hairs with which the segments are furnished. Any one 
who has watched a pond in the summer-time must have noticed the Water Boatmen coming 
to the surface, poking their tails out of the water, and then descending. The beak of all this 
family is very sharp and strong, especially in the genus Corixa ; and a heedless captor will 
often find a sudden pang shoot through his fingers, caused by the determined thrust of the 
insect’s sharp beak, which is armed with a pair of spear-like points, the edges of which are 
deeply jagged. The wings of the Water Boatman are large and handsome, and the insects are 
powerful on the wing. They fly by night. 
The family of the Nepidae is represented in Europe by the common Watee Scoepioh, a 
very flat and leaf -like insect, which is found abundantly in slow running streams, ditches, and 
ponds. It is figured in the same engraving. This insect derives its popular name from its 
scorpion-like aspect, the two slender filaments appended to the abdomen representing the 
sting-tipped tail, and the raptorial fore-legs resembling the claws. It is with these legs 
that the Water Scorpion catches its prey, which, when once grasped in that hooked extremity, 
is never able to make its escape. The beak is short, but very strong and sharp, and is not 
bent under the thorax, as is the case with that of the water boatman. 
The Keduviidse comprise a great number of terrestrial insects, mostly exotic, but a few 
being natives of Europe. Some of them are very large, and one species, the Wheel-bug 
(. Arilus serratus ), is said to possess electric powers. Its popular 
name is derived from the curious shape of the prothorax, which is 
elevated and notched, so as to resemble a portion of a cog-wheel. 
One species of the Wheel-bug ( Redumuspersonatus ), inhabits houses, 
and is said to feed upon the bed-bug. The larva and pupa of this 
insect are difficult to discover, on account of their habit of envel- 
oping themselves in a coating of dust. The Hammatoceeus belongs 
to this family. The insect is remarkable for the curious structure 
of the second joint of the antennae, which consists of numerous 
small articulations. The generic title is derived from two Greek 
words, signifying Link- horned, and is given to the insect in allu- 
sion to this peculiarity. 
WHEEL-BUG WITH LARVA.— 
Bectuvius personatus. (Natural size.) 
The remarkable insect, Dalader acuticosta , belongs to the Mictidae, and is notable for two 
peculiarities, namely, the flattened expansion of the third joint of the antennae, and the 
singular width and flatness of the abdomen, which is so very leaf-like as to remind the 
observer of the leaf -insect The abdomen is greatly expanded, and extends on either side far 
beyond the wings, which, when opened, exhibit the curious formation of the parts below. 
The thorax is also expanded and developed into a semi-lunar shape, the points being directed 
forward. The third joint of the antennae is seen also to be expanded, flattened, and formed 
into a kind of battledore shape. In color, this insect is very inconspicuous, being altogether 
of a dull brown, like a withered oak -leaf , It is a native of Northern India. 
