Water-bug

Water-bug, the popular name of a tribe of insects (Hydrocorisæ) in the order Rhynchota. They live almost entirely in water, and feed upon other aquatic insects. One of their most distinctive characteristics is the shortness of the antennæ which lie concealed in pits near the eyes. As representatives of the tribe may be noted the Water-boatman (Notonecta), whose long hinder legs are thrown out like sculls, and the Water-scorpions (Nepa and Ranatra), with fore-legs adapted for seizing prey, and with a pair of terminal tail-like organs which form an air-tube.