Why is the great water-beetle probably the most ferocious creature of the pool?
Because it has great muscular power, a thick and horny case over its body, eyes large enough to see all the creatures about it, and powerful mandibles to seize and reduce them to fragments. It riots the polyphe-mus of the pool; and having thinned its herd in one place, is supplied with wings to effect a removal to a fold better furnished. In the larva state, it is almost equally destructive: it swims admirably – its hinder legs are long and brawny – beside being aided by a fringe of hairs, so that they are powerful oars to propel the body with celerity and ease. – Knapp.
