712 
RHYNCHOTA. 
alone is common in the plains with six species, two of which are wide¬ 
spread in India. R. elongata, Fabr., is the larger (44 m.m.), a dull grey- 
brown insect with long respiratory filaments ; R. filiformis, Fabr., is 
browner and smaller (26 m.m.). It is likely that the smallest species, R. 
sordidula, Dohrn., will also be found as it is known from Calcutta. 
Naucorid^e. 
Posterior tibice spinulose. .Antennce four-jointed. Forelegs inserted 
on disk of anterior margin of prosternum. 
A small family of insects of which practically nothing is known in 
India. They are readily distinguished by the characters given, are of 
Fig. 485— Cheirochela assamensis, on 
RIGHT, HEAD FROM BELOW. 
(From Hope .) 
moderate to small size and of dull colour. The head is more or less 
deeply sunk in the thorax, the antennae are concealed, the eyes well 
developed. The forelegs are raptorial, the poster or legs formed .for 
swimming. All are flattened, oval in outline, compactly built and 
evidently swimming insects. The hemelytra cover the wings and body, 
and act as air-holders. 
Nothing is on record as to their habits and life-history. Distant 
describes six genera and fourteen species divided among three sub-fami¬ 
lies. Judging from the recorded distribution of these species and the 
paucity of specimens in collections, we may for the present conclude that 
none are common in the plains or likely to be found there until some 
are actually found in more than one locality. We figure the delightful 
