The Young Collector's Handbook of Ants, Bees, Dragon-flies, Earwigs, Crickets, and Flies / (Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera).

by W. Harcourt Bath

Fig. 94.—Notonecta Glauca.

Fig. 95.—Metacanthus Punctipe (Mag.)

Family 15, Notonectidæ.—These insects are commonly known as "Water Boatmen," from their habit of rowing themselves about on their backs with their long hind legs. They are carnivorous, feeding on small insects and other "fry."

The most typical British species is Notonecta glauca, a yellowish insect about half an inch long. It is a most predaceous insect, and can bite severely.

Another common species inhabiting our own country is Coriax Geoffroyi, which is nearly half an inch long. The Notonectidæ are all very powerful and active creatures.

Fig. 96.—Corisa Striata.

SUB-ORDER II.—HOMOPTERA.

This extensive sub-order includes the Cicadas, Lantern Flies, Plant Lice, Scale Insects, etc.