714 
RHYNCHOTA. 
the body, where are two pubescent processes and the little insect hangs 
obliquely at the surface when it wants air. The young were predaceous 
on small insects and all of the family are probably predaceous at all 
stages. 
Three genera are recorded as Indian. Nectocoris contains one N. 
siolii, Mayr., from Burma. Sphcerodema contains three, S, annulatum, 
Fig. 487.— Sphcerodema 
MOLESTUM, MALE, CARRY¬ 
ING EGGS. X 2. 
Fabr., which is broad, S. rusticum, Fabr., 
narrower with short anterior claws and 
S. molestum , Duf., which is narrow but 
with longer tarsal claws in front. The 
first of these appears to be the most 
common. 
Belostoma is the only genus of large 
insects, with but two recorded Indian 
species. It is found at light and requires 
to be handled with very great care as 
its puncture is poisoned and painful. B. 
indicum, Lep. et Serv., is the common species, the second {B. Deyrollei ; 
Vuill.,) being known only from the Brahmaputra. 
Mr. Herbert Manners has observed that B. indica feeds upon the 
common Indian toad ( Bufo melanostictus) ; it grips the young toads 
that are on the surface of ponds and grasping them tightly, works round 
underneath, till the beak can be inserted between the toad’s hind legs, 
the apex of the abdomen of the bug being towards the toad’s head. The 
toad appears to be unable to struggle and becomes flabby. He also 
Fig. 488.— Sphcerodema molestum, 
NYMPH, FIRST AND SECOND 
INSTARS. X 5. 
