202 THE ELECTRIC-LI GHT-BUG. 
As already mentioned, other true bugs sometimes bite 
man and animal, but they do not habitually do so. Wecan 
not, therefore, call them genuine parasites. Yet a few come 
very near to deserving such an appellation, for instance the 
bug illustrated in fig. 166. This is an aquatic insect and 
usually called a Water Boatman (WNotonecta undulata Say). 
This is a well-chosen name! When we observe these insects 
in their homes we find them floating upon their backs, the 
long hind legs, admirably adapted for swimming, are spread 

Fig. 167.—Electric-light bug. Slightly enlarged. 
apart, as if waiting for the command: pull away. These 
white and black bugs have an oval form, and are deeper- 
bodied than most other insects, having the convexity of the 
surface above. They possess large eyes, and a very power- 
ful, four-jointed, elongated beak, which is conical and very 
acute, as shown in the illustration at the left. Their bite is 
very poisonous, and it is a fortunate thing for bathers that 
they donot attack man unless provoked to do so. They 
will not permit any familiarity and bite whenever roughly 
handled. Ponds that are drying up, or where all the in- 
habitants are crowded into a small space, are good places. 
not to bathe in, as the writer can testify. 
i i, 
