. Elementary lessons in zoölogy : a guide in studying animal life and structure in field and laboratory . THE BACK-SWIMMER. {Notonecta.) Haunts and Habits. — This insect is abundant in the pools of brooks and in ponds. It is a little over half an inch in length. It may readily be recognized by its in- verted position in the water. It swims on its back, and rests with its wing tips just touch- ing the surface of the water, and its long hind legs poised forward and ex- tended on either side. When startled, it darts away toward the bottom : but it will rise again immediately when it stops swimmin
. Elementary lessons in zoölogy : a guide in studying animal life and structure in field and laboratory . THE BACK-SWIMMER. {Notonecta.) Haunts and Habits. — This insect is abundant in the pools of brooks and in ponds. It is a little over half an inch in length. It may readily be recognized by its in- verted position in the water. It swims on its back, and rests with its wing tips just touch- ing the surface of the water, and its long hind legs poised forward and ex- tended on either side. When startled, it darts away toward the bottom : but it will rise again immediately when it stops swimming, unless it holds to some sub- merged object; for its body, together with the air inclosed beneath its wings and between its thoracic segments, is much lighter than the water. Back-swimmers are easily taken in a net. All stages will be found together. They may be kept at home in a bowl of water, and their habits studied. Care should be exercised in handling them, for they will sometimes inflict wounds with their sharp and strong rostrum. When it is necessary to take one alive with the fingers, it may safely be picked up by the sides of the body. Back- swimmers present many interesting adaptations to aquatic Back-Swimmer, No- tonecta (slightly- enlarged).
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1896
