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Examples

  • When the surface is considerably agitated there are no skaters nor water-bugs on it, but apparently, in calm days, they leave their havens and adventurously glide forth from the shore by short impulses till they completely cover it.

    Walden 2004

  • The skaters and water-bugs finally disappear in the latter part of October, when the severe frosts have come; and then and in

    Walden 2004

  • I wondered if there was another of those damned water-bugs in the bathtub.

    The Burglar On The Prowl Block, Lawrence 2004

  • She walked slowly, the collar of her navy cardigan turned up against the wind, and when she reached the bridge over the Cherwell she leaned her elbows on the parapet and watched the boat crews skimming the water as lightly as water-bugs.

    A Share in Death Deborah Crombie 1993

  • These water-bugs, though some of them are excellent food for even the small fish, will attack the ova, and therefore they should be kept out of the hatching trays.

    Amateur Fish Culture Charles Edward Walker

  • The fish culturist should, however, whenever it is possible, cultivate such of these water-bugs as are good food for the fry in separate ponds, as I have before recommended.

    Amateur Fish Culture Charles Edward Walker

  • _ -- A neglected sink or garbage pail may be a fruitful source of disease, in addition to attracting water-bugs and other pests.

    Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Household Science in Rural Schools Ontario. Ministry of Education

  • The ships 'launches were darting about like distracted water-bugs, and innumerable "shore boats" were bringing guests from every direction.

    Peggy Stewart: Navy Girl at Home

  • They may, however, easily be distinguished from beetles, as the outer or anterior wings of the bugs cross each other at their lower ends, while the elytra of beetles, which much resemble the horny, anterior wings of some of the water-bugs, meet exactly in the middle line.

    Amateur Fish Culture Charles Edward Walker

  • Very similar to beetles are some of the water-bugs.

    Amateur Fish Culture Charles Edward Walker

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