A very large water-bug frequents the river.

TCD MS 10516 folio 72 verso

TCD MS 10516 folio 72 verso

[12th October 1916] a sudden puff of wind may disperse the group, but each member will then hasten its movements, widen its circles, lengthen its convolutions, regain touch with its dispersed fellows and reorganise the group. By communication, each one maintaining contact with its fellows, these insects keep their family group complete in the everchanging vicissitudes of the stream.

Water Bug: A very large water-bug* frequents the river. It is of great strength, 2½ inches long, and is said to capture and devour small tortoises and frogs¤. We know that certain spiders can weave snares of sufficient tenacity to entangle birds, and it seems not much less remarkable that water insects should be able, by their own strength, to overcome small tortoises
*Specimen preserved for identification

¤ confirm this.