PLATE LXXV.

This species is by far the most common of the Notonecta genusin England. It is an aquatic Insect , undergoes its several changes inthe water, and in the last state is furnished with wings for flight.

In the day-time it may be observed on the surface of still waters;it always swims on its back, with its legs extended. In the eveningit flies in the air. Found during most of the summer months. Mostauthors have described the upper shells as being of a brown colour,variegated with clouds of black ; but this appearance is not constant inevery specimen; they lose much of that colour after being taken outsf the water, or if the wings are expanded.