UC-NRLF

B 3 272

GUIDE

TO THE

EXHIBITED SERIES OF INSECTS

IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY

BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY)

CROMWELL ROAD, LONDON, S.W.
(SECOND EDITION)

WITH 62 ILLUSTRATIONS

LONDON

PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES
OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM

1909

PRICE ONE SHILLING.

THE LIBRARY

OF

THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA

PRESENTED BY

PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND
MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID

GUIDE

TO THE

EXHIBITED SERIES OF INSECTS

IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY

BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY)

CROMWELL ROAD, LONDON, S.W.
(SECOND EDITION)

WITH 62 ILLUSTRATIONS

LONDON

PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES
OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM

1909
(All rights reserved)

LONDON :

PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,
DUKE STREET, STAMFORD STREET, S.E., AND GREAT WINDMILL STREET, W.

V_>r

Bio

L

PREFACE.

As considerable time must necessarily elapse before the arrangement
of the exhibited series of insects can be completed, it has been
deemed advisable to issue the present provisional Guide. With
one or two exceptions all the figures have been especially prepared
for this work, and have been made from specimens in the Museum.
The full-page illustrations are all from photographs of actual
specimens exhibited in the Gallery.

To facilitate reference all the specimens have been numbered,
except those under arrangement.

CHAS. 0. WATERHOUSE.

January 21th, 1908.

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

THE First Edition of this Guide, written by Mr. Chas. 0. Waterhouse,
being out of print, the author has revised it, with the help of his
colleagues in the Insect Section, so as to bring the Second Edition
as far as possible into line with the exhibited series of specimens.
This has involved a considerable amount of extension ; but the Guide
must be regarded as provisional, since alterations are still in progress
in the Gallery, the arrangement of which is far from complete.

SIDNEY F. HARMER,

Keeper of Zoology.
BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY),

LONDON.

July, 1909.

M345806

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE GALLERY 1

STRUCTURE AND CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS ..... 4

ORDER APTERA (Springtails, Fish Insects) . . . . . .12

,, ORTHOPTERA .......... 15

Hemimeridse 15

Forficulidse (Earwigs) 16

Phasmidse (Stick- and Leaf-Insects) 18

Mantidse (Mantids) 19

Blattidae (Cockroaches) 20

Gryllidse (Crickets) 22

Phasgonuridse (Long-horned Locusts) . . • " !• .23

Locustidse (Locusts, Grasshoppers) 25

,, NEUROPTERA ......... 27

Isoptera (White-ants) . 27

Corrodentia (Bark- and Paper-Mites) 31

Plecoptera (Stone-flies) 31

Sialida (Alder-flies) 32

Planipennia (Lacewings, Ant-Lions) . . . . .32

Agnatha (May-flies) 36

Odonata (Dragonflies) 38

,, TRICHOPTERA. (Caddis-flies) 40 -

,, MALLOPHAGA (Bird lice) 41

,, LEPIDOPTERA (Moths, Butterflies) 42

,, HYMENOPTERA (Wasps, Bees) ....... 45

,, DIPTERA (Flies, Fleas) 53

., COLEOPTERA (Beetles) ........ 58

,, EHYNCHOTA (Bugs, Cicadas, Froth-flies) 63

GUIDE

TO THE

EXHIBITED SERIES OF INSECTS.

THE specimens of insects exhibited in the gallery are only a very
small representative series. The main collection for the purpose of
study is kept in cabinets in the Insect Room in the basement. It
is estimated to contain 1,150,000 specimens, and comprises about
155,700 named species, occupying 13,000 drawers and 602 boxes.

The public gallery is only partially arranged.

The specimens are in table-cases placed down the centre of
the gallery, numbered 29 to 56. The large specimens which are
unsuitable for the table-cases are placed in the wall-cases at the
sides of the gallery.

On each side of the gallery will be seen models (1-85) arranged
on shelves, to illustrate the life histories of various insects. Where
possible, species likely to be of interest from agricultural or horti-
cultural points of view have been chosen. Nos. 11-21 are Aphidce
and other Homoptera. Attention is called to the three rose galls
of Rhodites eglantericz, nervosus and rosce (23, 25, 27). The reason
why these three insects, which are so much alike that they require an
expert to separate them, produce such different galls has never been
satisfactorily explained. The series of galls made by Gall-flies
(Cynipidce, 29-47) is particularly deserving of careful attention.
To understand the series of oak galls (29-43), it must be borne in
mind that the males only exist in alternate generations, and that the
females which appear in the same generation as the males are often so
different from the females of the previous and following generations
that until this fact was known the insects were placed in different
genera. Hence there exists a double set of names for the same

B

2 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

species, and these are still used, but as a matter of convenience only.
The common " oak-apple " (39) is a very good example. The males
and females that come out of these are called Andricus termmalis.
These females deposit their eggs on the roots of the oak, and produce
small woody galls. From these root galls comes in the winter a
much larger wingless insect, called Biorhiza aptera. These are all
females. They crawl up the tree and deposit their eggs in the buds,
which in the spring develop into the well-known oak-apples.

The marble gall (43) is still an enigma. The insects that come
from these, Cynips Kollari, are all females. Although this insect
is so common, the male has hitherto baffled all efforts to discover it.

Other galls of Cynipida are one on ground ivy formed by Avlax
glechomce (45), and a curious swelling in the stem of bramble formed
by Diastrophus nibi (47).

On the east side of the gallery will be found models relating to
Coleoptera (49-59), Hymenoptera (61-71), Lepidoptera (73-85),
and Diptera (87). The larvae of a great many Phytophagous
beetles live on the under sides of leaves, eating the soft parts. The
Mustard beetle, Phcedon cochlearm (49), sometimes attacks cultivated
mustard with disastrous consequences, as the larvae eat the flower
buds as well as the leaves. Another model of great interest is one
showing apple-buds injured by the Apple-blossom weevil, Anthonomus
pomorum (53). The remarkable way in which certain weevils cut
and roll leaves to form their nests is illustrated by Attelabus (57) on
oak, and Rhynchites (59) on birch. The models relating to Hyme-
noptera include cherry injured by Slug-worm, Blennocampa cerasi
(61 ) ; galls on willow formed by another saw-fly, Nematus gallicola
(63) ; a third shows the gregarious habits of Pamphilus flaviventris
(45) ; the way in which the Leaf-cutting Bee, Megachile willugh-
Uella (71) forms its nest is shown by a single cell separated into
pieces.

All the models relating to Lepidoptera (73-85) will repay study ;
perhaps the one that has received the most attention is the oak
attacked by Tortrix viridana (77), the trees in the spring often being
stripped of their leaves by this insect.

The British Insects (including the beautiful collection of Cater-
pillars of Butterflies and Moths, prepared by the Et. Hon. Lord
Walsingham) will be found in cabinets on the west side of the gallery.

The Foreign Insects are on the east side.

A large case on the east wall is devoted to a description of the
external anatomy of insects. The series is not yet complete.

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF GALLERY.

on. Nests of Ants and Wasps.

Froth-flies. ri^Ha*
Aphids.
56

Bugs.
55

Nests of Wasj

53

Beetles.

54

Beetles.

§

Beetles.
52

Classification of Coleoptera.
51

49

Fleas. Midges. Gnats.

50

Flies.

Anatomic
Cabinets of forei

>wing habits of Maps illustrating geographical distribut
11-flies. Cabinet with British Insects,
itish Lepidoptera.

Bees.
48

Hive Bees.
47

45

Ichneumons ^ntJ

46

Nests of Wasps.

«IQW fli^o Classification of
Hymenoptera.
44

43

il Case. Models showing habits of Nests of
;n Butterflies. Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. White Ants.
Cabinets of foreign Insects.

41

Moths.

42

Butterflies.

Moths.
40

Moths.
39

37

Dragonflies. Caddis-flies.

38

Moths.

Models sh(
Ga
Cabinets of Bi

May-flies. Lacewings.
Dragonflies. Antlions.
36

Stoneflies. nr^-i
Alder-flies. Whlte Ants-
35

33

Cockroaches. Crickets.

34

Locusts.

r g

I 2
l-st

Mantids. Phasmas.
32

Earwigs. Springtails.
31

Pi

1!

29

Insects, introductory case.

30

Introductory series.

TABLE CASES.

West Entrance.

East Entrance.

4 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

In arranging the gallery the intention has been to begin with
the most primitive forms (which are nearest to the Centipedes and
Millipedes in the next part of the gallery), and to proceed from these
to the higher forms, or those most removed in their structure from
the primitive type.

Scientific terms are avoided as much as possible ; but the names
of the parts of an insect, having no English equivalents, are shown
in a diagram of a Cockroach in the cover of the first table-case.
The following words are also in use : —

APTEKOUS. — Without wings.

JOINT. — This is applied to the parts or segments of the
antennse, palpi and tarsi.

METAMORPHOSES. — The changes undergone by an insect as it
grows to maturity.

NEURATION. — The arrangement of the veins or nerves in the
wings of an insect.

OVIPOSITOR. — The instrument used by the female insect in
depositing eggs.

PUNCTURE, — A mark on a surface as if made with a pointed
instrument.

GENICULATE. — Applied to the antennae of an insect when they
are bent at an angle in. the middle ; elbowed.

The following diagram (fig. 1) shows the relationship which is
believed to exist between the various Orders of insects.

The following is the sequence in which the Orders are placed in
the cases : —

Aptera, Orthoplera, Neuroptera, Triclioptera, Lepidoptera, Hyme-
noptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, RhyncTiota.

Class INSECTA.
(Table-cases 29-56.)

Table- Insects are small animals whose bodies are divided into three

case 29. regions, called respectively the head, thorax and abdomen. They
breathe by means of trachece or air tubes distributed through the
body, but opening externally by means of orifices, called spiracles,
placed at the sides of the body. They have six legs, which are
attached respectively to the three portions or segments of which the

METAMORPHOSES. 5

thorax is composed. The head has two antennae. The majority
are provided with two pairs of wings, but some have only one pair,
and many have none.

The nervous system consists of two parallel cords down the
middle of the lower surface of the body, united at intervals by nerve
centres called ganglia. From these nerves are sent off to the various

Fig. l.

LEPIDOPTERA

TRICHOPTER

RHYNCHOTA

parts of the body. In insects of a most primitive type there is a
ganglion in each segment of the body, but in the higher insects these
ganglia are drawn more or less forward, often uniting, especially in
the thorax.

Examples of the caterpillar of a Goat-moth (1000), a Hornet
(1002), Horse-fly (1004) and Summer Chafer (1006) are exhibited in
Table-case 29.

6 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Except in the lowest forms (the Aptera\ insects undergo meta-
morphoses, i.e., distinct changes as they grow to maturity. The
stages are : —

1. The egg.

2. The larva. The insect as it leaves the egg ; the grub or

caterpillar state.

3. The pupa. The stage immediately preceding the perfect

state ; the chrysalis state.

4. The imago. The perfect insect.

Insects do not grow after they get to this state.

When the larva and pupa stages are nearly similar, and both

Fig. 2.

Larva, pupa and imago of a Brazilian locust, Titanacris cristata ;
% nat. size. (125.)

more or less resemble the perfect insect, the word nymph is often
used for both.

Table- In some instances the changes are gradual, not very distinct, and

case 29. ^Q difference between the larva and perfect insect is slight. When
^is is the case the insect is said to undergo incomplete meta-
morphosis. Examples of a large Brazilian locust (Titanacris cristata,
1 25, fig. 2) are exhibited, also a Eurycantha (1 23), Pseudophyllanax

STKUCTUEE. 7

(127), as well as the Neuropfcera ^schna (119), 'Agrion (121), and
examples of large water-boatmen (145, 147).

In other cases the three stages are strongly marked (as, for
example, the caterpillar and chrysalis of a moth). In such cases
the insect is said to undergo complete metamorphosis.

Specimens of the larva, pupa and imago of a common water-

Fig. 3.

Larva, pupa and imago of a common English water-beetle, Dytiscus
marginalis. (1010.)

.beetle (Dytiscus marginalis, 1010, fig. 3) are shown in Table-case 29.
Other examples of Coleoptera (1 29-143), of Neuroptera (111-11 7), of
Lepidoptera (109), of Hymenoptera (101-105), and larvae of Diptera
(107) are shown in Wall-case 8.

In Table-case 30 is a series of insects showing examples of the Table-
different Orders, with labels indicating their principal characters, case30-
These are not arranged in a line, but (as far as can be) in accordance

8

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

with their relationship as indicated in fig. 1, a copy of which is in
the frame which forms the cover of the case.'"'

Fig. 4.

Hornet (Vespa crabro), dissected. (1015.)
a, head ; b, prothorax c. mesothorax; d, metathorax; e, abdomen.

The body of an insect is divided into three principal parts,

* As insects fade when exposed to the light, many losing their colours in
a few months only, it is necessary to protect them from the light as much as
possible. The glazed frames which form the covers should be raised and
allowed to rest against the support on the top of the case, and be lowered
again when done with.

STRUCTURE.

namely, the head, thorax and abdomen, as shown in the diagram
of a Cockroach in the cover of Case 1. The head bears a pair of

Fig. 5.

Beetle (Breephilydia jejunum), dissected. (1016.)
a, head; b, prothorax; c, mesothorax; dt metathorax; e, abdomen.

organs called antennas, and has two " compound " eyes. It is
sometimes imbedded in the thorax as in grasshoppers, beetles, etc. ;
in other cases it is free, being only attached to the thorax by a
membranous neck, as in flies, wasps, etc.

10

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

The thorax is composed of three segments called respectively pro-
thorax, inesothorax and metathorax. The relative sizes of these three
parts vary greatly, and furnish important characters for purposes
of classification. In some it is the prothorax that is greatly
developed (as in beetles), but in others it is the mesothorax
that is the largest (as in flies, bees, etc.). The prothorax bears
the front pair of legs. The mesothorax bears the front pair
of wings and the second pair of legs, and the metathorax bears
the second pair of wings and the hind pair of legs. Speci-

11

9

Theoretic diagram of wing.

mens dissected (1015, 1016) to show this are exhibited in Table-
case No. 29.

The abdomen generally consists of nine visible rings or segments,
but occasionally there are ten, and the number is often less ; the
reduction in the number is due, either to the basal segments becoming
membranous and so disappearing, or to the apical segments having
been modified and withdrawn into the body. The last segment often
bears a pair of jointed organs called cerci.

In the wings are seen a number of horny rib-like lines, usually
called veins, in which the tracheal tubes run. There are nine
principal veins, but these often send off branches, especially towards

STKUCTUKE.

11

the margin of the wing. Besides these veins there are cross-veins,
sometimes few in number, in other cases very numerous so that (as
in the Dragon-flies) the wing has the appearance of network. To
avoid confusion these cross-veins are called nervures.

In the classification of insects the way in which the veins are
arranged is of great importance. The principal veins have received
various names, but as it is, or was, impossible to ascertain the
corresponding veins in the different Orders, each author has used
the names that best suited his purpose. The
names most commonly in use are given in
the anatomical case at the end of the gallery.
In the diagrams in the table-cases the veins
are only numbered and coloured, those that
are believed to be homologous being similarly
coloured throughout.

The eyes are of two kinds; simple and
compound. The simple eyes, called ocelli, are
placed on the front or upper part of the head ;
three is the most usual number, but some in-
sects have only two, and a few only one. They
have the j appearance of glass beads imbedded
in the surface of the head. The compound
eyes are placed at the sides of the head.
They are termed compound because they
consist of a number of lenses, varying from
seven to twenty-seven thousands. In some
insects these lenses are placed close together
but retain their round form ; in others they
have the appearance of having been pressed
together, so that each lens is six-sided (hexa- _
gonal) and the whole eye presents the appear- ^
ance of a honeycomb. Le§ of a Beetle (Chiaso-

The legs (1 020) are composed of five principal a, coxa ; *b, trochanter ;
parts: 1, the coxa, which fits into a sucket c> femur ; d, tibia ; e,
in the body; 2, the trochanter, which in ^^(±^4
some cases is divided into two ; 3, the femur ;
4, the tibia ; 5, the tarsus, which normally consists of five joints, but
the number is sometimes four or three, and in exceptional cases two
or even one. The last joint is provided with a pair of claws, and
between these there is often a small piece, which has received various
names, such as pulvillus, arolium, onychium, according to its form.

12

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table-
case 31.

Order APTEEA.

In Table-case 31 are exhibited examples of the Aptera, which
include the Springtails and Fish Insects, and are wingless insects
which undergo no metamorphoses, the young resembling the adult

Fig. 8.

Springtail (Papirius), greatly enlarged (after Lubbock).

except in size. They are usually divided into two sub-orders,
Golhmbola and Thysannra.

The ColUtribola, or Springtails, are small soft-bodied insects, very
common in decaying vegetable matter, on herbage by the roadside,
on the banks of ponds, and on the surface of stagnant water. One
small white species (Isotoma fimetaria) can live equally well on land
and on the top of water, and as it can live under water for many
weeks it has at times caused some trouble by getting into cisterns.

SPKINGTAILS. 13

Many of the species are clothed with scales very similar in
appearance to the scales on the wings of butterflies.

Their name of Springbail is derived from the fact that many of
them possess the power of leaping by means of an appendage lying
beneath the body. The lower figure in the illustration (fig. 8) shows

Fig. 9.

Gampodea staphylimis, enlarged seven times.

this forked appendage. Some of the genera do not possess this
power.

The Thysanura are divided into four families : Oampodeicke,
Japygidcz, Machilidce, and Lepismidce, insects wbich differ greatly in
appearance and structure.

The first includes what is perhaps the most primitive of all insects
— Campodea, a small, nearly white, very active creature, about a quarter
of an inch in length, common in garden mould, under dead leaves, etc.

14

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Japyx (1042) somewhat resembles Oampodea, but the cerci, instead
of being long, many-jointed organs, are modified into short strong

Fig. 10. Fig. 11.

Japyx solifugus, enlarged nine

times.

Fish Insect, Lepisma saccharina,
enlarged six times (after Lub-
bock). (1050.)

forceps, somewhat as in the Earwigs. There are several species, one
being S. European.

Another and much better known member of this sub-order is
Lepisma saccharina (1050), the Fish Insect. It is about half an

OKTHOPTERA.

15

inch long and when in perfect condition is clothed with silvery-grey
scales. It is common in warehouses, clothes presses, and sometimes
does considerable mischief to old prints, books, etc., by gnawing
away the surface.

An allied insect is Thermophila fur nor um, of which a drawing is
exhibited. It is about half-an-inch in length, of a yellowish cream
colour, prettily ornamented with grey and black scales. It is not
often seen, but occasionally occurs in great numbers in London
bakeries, hence its name " Baker's Brat."

Order ORTHOPTERA.

In the second half of Case No. 31 the series of Orthoptera com-
mences. These are divided into seven families, the principal
characters of which are as follows : —

( Legs attached

{Tarsi

FORFICULIDJE.

to the side

3- jointed.

(Earwigs).

of the body

Hind legs
formed for

by small
coxse.

Tarsi
5-jointed.

PHASMIDJE.
(Stick Insects).

running or

(Fig. 12).

A. walking. >

1 Front legs

MANTID^.

ORTHOPTERA

Legs with

formed for

(Mantids).

CURSORIA.

large, elon-

seizing.

gate coxse.
( (Fig. 13).

All the legs
formed for

BLATTID.E.
(Cockroaches).

running.

Hind legs
formed for
leaping.

ORTBOPTERA
SALTATORIA.

, Antennae
long,
thread-like.

Antennae not
I very long.

Tarsi
3-jointed.

Tarsi
4-jointed.

GRYLLID^E.
(Crickets).

PHASGONURHXE.
(Long-horned Locusts).

LOCUSTIDJE.
(Locusts and Grass-
hoppers).

Family HEMIMERID^E.

An insect of particular interest in this case is Hemimerus (1056),
a wingless insect found on a rat or "ground pig" (Cricetomys
ijambianus) and other small mammals in Africa.

16

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table-
case 31.

Like most other parasites it is difficult to determine where it
should be located in a natural system, and it is therefore placed

Fig. 12. Fig. 13.

^Coxa

-Coxa.

Under side of an earwig. (1077- ) Under side of a cockroach. (1080.)
The coxae are shaded black.

here immediately after the Thysanura and at the head of the
Orfhoptera. It was originally described as allied to the Gryllidce
(cricke'ts).

Family FORFICULIDJE.

Following this are the earwigs, Forficulidce (1060-1069). Of
this family there are many hundreds of species, and they are found
all over the world ; two are common in Britain, Forficula auricularia,
(1067) and Labia minor (1065), the smaller of these, however,
is not often seen as it is chiefly found in manure heaps. One of
the chief characteristics of this family is the pair of forceps at the
end of the body. The shape of these varies very much, and they
are smaller in the female than in the male. They are modifications
of the cerci. In the common British and many other species the
insect leaves the egg with the forceps already to some extent formed,

EARWIGS.

17

the jointed character of the cerci can, however, be seen while the
insect is still in the egg (fig. 15).

In Diplatys (1060) from Ceylon, and perhaps in other exotic
species, the larva leaves the egg with the cerci of great length
(fig. 14, a), and these continue until the skin is cast for the last

Fig. 14.

a, Larva, and, b, imago of an Earwig, Diplatys longisetosa,
enlarged six times. (1060.)

time, when the cerci are thrown off and the forceps (which have
now formed within them) appear (fig. 14, &).

Many earwigs have no wings, but in the majority the front pair
are modified into elytra of a leathery texture, with a straight suture,
and not or scarcely overlapping. The hind wings are ample, but
when at rest are folded beneath the elytra. Both in the way they

18

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table- are folded and in the character of the neuration they are quite
case 31. uniike those of any other insect.

Fig. 15.

Table-
cases
31, 32.

cerci

Egg of common earwig, Forficula auricularia, greatly enlarged.

The eggs are spherical, leathery, semitransparent. They are
deposited separately in small groups in the earth.

Family PHASMID^E.

These insects (1 070-1 096) are remarkable for their resemblance
to twigs, sticks, leaves, &c., whence their popular name Stick-insects.
Many of the species, such as Diapheromera (1081) for example,
are wingless in both sexes. In some cases the male has wings, the
female none ; in AcropJiylla (1092) and allied species both sexes have
ample wings. Aschvphasma (1 086) is one of the very rare instances
in which the front wings are entirely absent, the hind wings being
fully developed. The species of Phyllium (1094) are remarkable for
their resemblance to leaves — this is especially the case in the female.
The male has delicate transparent hind wings. The female has no
hind wings, but the front ones are considerably developed, and the
arrangement of the veins gives them a very leaf-like appearance.
It should be observed that this wing consists almost entirely of the
part in front of the chief veins, the hinder part (that generally
developed in other insects) is reduced to a narrow strip. The male
has long antennae ; in the female they are very short.

The eggs of Phasmidce are very remarkable. Some are vase-
shaped, others resemble seeds. They are very diverse in form, and
even in closely related species such as Phyllium siccifolium and

PHASMAS, MANTIDS. 19

P. pulchrifolium they are quite different. Some examples of the Table-
eggs are exhibited (1092, 1094), and enlarged drawings of several case 32>
are shown in the table cover. As if to complete the resemblance to
seeds many of them have a mark on one side resembling the point of
attachment, " liilum" of beans, etc. When the young insect comes
out of the egg, the top is pushed off like a lid.

The Phasmidce are vegetable feeders, living on grasses, shrubs
and trees, where their curious forms enable them to rest concealed.

Family MANTIDS.

In the second half of table-case No. 32 are a few examples of
Mantids. They are carnivorous, feeding chiefly on other insects.
They are found in Southern Europe and are common in tropical
countries. The European "Praying Mantis" (fig. 16, 1128), derives
its name from the habit (common to all the species) of standing on
its four hind legs, with the front pair held up and close together. In
this attitude they remain until some fly or other insect comes within
reach, when the front legs are darted out with lightning rapidity and

trochanter

,-• tarsus

Leg of a Mantis.

the fly is caught between the spines on the tibiae and femora. This
curious structure of the front legs (fig. 18) is the chief character of
this family. It will be noted that the front coxae are very long,
which enables the leg to be thrown forwards. There is a row of
spines on the under side of the tibia, and these when the tibia is
folded against the femur fit between the spines on the latter, the
terminal curved spur resting in a groove on the inner side of the
femur.

The colours and curious forms of many of the species are well

c 2

20 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

calculated to render them inconspicuous, when waiting among leaves
either living or dry ; or on the bark of a tree as Acanthops does
(11 37). Some species have bright colours beneath, and at a distance
this gives the appearance of a flower which may attract insects.
Idolum dicibolicum (1143) from E. Africa is a good example of this.
The colours fade after death, but a plate from the Proceedings of
the Cambridge Philosophical Society is exhibited to show the natural
colours.

The eggs of Mantidce are laid in a regular manner in flask-
shaped receptacles or egg-sacks, each sack containing several eggs.
The sacks are arranged one against the other, alternately right
and left, the whole series being enclosed in a capsule or envelope
(fig. 17A). These capsules have the appearance of being formed of
gelatinous matter. They are sometimes compact and hard, some-
times semitransparent and smooth. Usually the capsule has along
the upper side a ridge in which may be seen a number of small holes
or slits (fig. I?B). These are the openings of the sacks by which
the young escape ; they are not always visible. The transparent
capsules (1152) have the egg-sacks suspended by the sacks' necks.
The capsules are always attached to some object, such as a stone,
twig, or stem of grass.

Family

Table- In Table-case 33 are examples of the Cockroaches, Blattidce (1 1 70-

case33. 1193). One of the chief characteristics of this family is the great
development of the coxae, which occupy nearly the whole of the sternal
region. The legs are densely spined. The wings when present are
ample, the front pair are leathery and serve as covers for the hind
pair. The curve taken by the sixth vein, cutting off all the basal
part of the front wing, is a peculiarity only seen in this family.
Many species are without wings in both sexes. The female of the
common house Cockroach, or "black-beetle" (1177), has no wings,
and the females of Heterogamia mgyptiaca (1175) (where the
differences in the sexes are very great) and of many other species
are also wingless. The brown Ship-cockroach, Periplaneta americana
(1178), is winged in both sexes; in the female, however, they are
rather shorter than in the male. An interesting series of this species
(1193) is exhibited to show the curious attitudes of the insect when
cleaning itself. The antennae are drawn down by means of the
front leg and then passed through the mouth to remove all dust.
One specimen has turned its head so as to clean the hind angles of

Fig. 16.

SIDE VIEW OP COMMON EUROPEAN MANTIS (1128).

(Mantis religiosa.)
(Photographed from a specimen in the Museum.)

Fig. 17.

DIAGRAMS SHOWING THE STRUCTURE OF THE EGG-SACK OF A MANTIS.

[To face p. 20.

COCKROACHES. 21

its thorax. One is seen cleaning its under side ; another its hind
leg. These are all set as they were seen in life.

Another common species is Phyllodroma germanica (1 1 72). This
insect appears to belong more to Northern Europe. It was rarely
met with in England until comparatively recently, but has spread
rapidly in London and is now a great pest. There are three British
cockroaches which are found in woods and among furze bushes or
heaths. These are all small species. Some of the species found in
the tropics are of considerable size, especially those of the genus
Blabera (1186) and MegaloUatta (1173), some of which measure
nearly six inches in expanse of the wings. Some species bear a close
resemblance to Coleoptera. Phoraspis picta (1174) and Coryclia

Fig. 19.

Perisphceria glomeriformis, twice natural size. (1189.)
a, underside ; b, side view when rolled.

petiveriana (1 1 90) are good mimics of Tortoise-beetles. Prosoplecta
coccinella resembles a Ladybird (see drawing).

Perisphceria (1189) can roll itself up into a 'ball (after the
manner of an Armadillo, or wood-louse) ; the end segment of the
body fits exactly into the front of the prothorax, so that the head
and legs are completely hidden and protected (fig. 19).

Female Cockroaches may often be found carrying their eggs in
a capsule at the end of the body. The eggs are arranged in this
capsule in two rows, upright like sacks, alternately right and left,
with a single one at each end, the whole being covered with secretion
which hardens into a leathery substance (see drawing). The struc-
ture is very similar to that of the egg-mass of the Mantidce, but in
those each sack contains several eggs ; in the Blattidw each sack
contains but one egg. The number of eggs in the whole capsule varies.

Panesthia jai'anica (1192) appears to be \iviparous, as the

22

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table-
case 33.

young are seen to be nearly fully developed in the body of the female
exhibited in the case, but whether these leave the body in an active
condition or not is still uncertain.

Family

The jumping Orthoptera (Saltatoria) begin in the second half of
this case. The first family is the Gryllidw, or Crickets (1 201 -1 21 2).
These are characterised by their long thread-like antennae ; and tarsi
composed of three joints only. A few species have only two joints.
The tarsi are hairy or spiny beneath, not provided with soft pads
as in the following family. The basal joint is very long, and is
nearly always furnished with a spine at each apical angle, the one on
the inner side being much longer than the other. The species are
nearly all of a brownish or horn colour.

The chirping of the common house Cricket and other Crickets
is caused by rubbing one wing over the other. The males only
produce this sound. The wings are nearly alike, and the right one
is generally, but not always, uppermost. The veins are much
contorted so as to produce a more or less drum-like space in the
wing. One vein is file-like on the under side, and this plays like
a k°w on a raised part of the margin of the drum
and causes the well-known sound (1209, 1213). In
the male Harpmus flight is sacrificed to this power
of producing sound, the hind wings are absent, and
the front pair are converted into a drum.

Most of the species burrow in the ground, or live
under stones or in caves. Nemeobius sylvestris,
found in the New7 Forest and in woods, lives among
dead leaves. The Mole-cricket (Gryllotalpa, 1201)
has the front legs specially adapted for burrowing.
The tibia, which is very short, has prong-like pro-
jections below7, the spurs are long, and the lower
angle of the first and second joints of the tarsi are
produced and thus form part of the burrowing
apparatus. Cylindrodes (fig. 20) has a somewhat
similar apparatus, but it is formed in a totally
different manner. The prong-like projections are

Fig 20

absent ; and the tarsus, which is simple and too
delicate to assist in burrowing, lies back on the inner side of the
tibia, where it is protected.

CRICKETS. 23

Species of Gryllotalpa are found in Europe (including England),
Asia, Africa and Australia. Cylindrodes is found in Australia, and
is said to live in the stems of a plant. It is quite smooth and of a
yellowish colour.

A remarkable insect of this family is Tridactyla, a genus found
in Europe, India, Africa and America. The hind tarsus is absent,
and in its place are four curiously-formed spurs, which are hooked

Fig. 21.

Bhipipteryx limbatus, enlarged three times. ("| 203.)

and toothed at the end ; one of these is directed upwards and
inwards. A closely allied insect is Rhipipteryx (fig. 21, 1203).
This has only ten joints to the antennas, which in the Gryllida are
usually very long and slender, and the wings are unlike those of any
other insect. The front margin is leathery ; the rest of the wing is
fan-like, entirely without cross nervures, and when at rest is folded
under the leathery front margin.

Family PHASGONURID^.

The Long-horned Locusts, Phasgonuridm (1 241 -1 254), differ from Table-
the Gryllidce in having four joints to their tarsi. The first three joints case 84'
are of about equal length, furnished beneath with soft fleshy pads
which enable them to hold on to leaves and stems of plants. The
antenna? are of great length and very slender, consisting of a
large number of joints ; 480 have been counted in the antennas
of Meroncidius.

24

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table-
case 34.

They live on trees and shrubs, feeding on leaves, but many
species eat caterpillars. The wings of many species in their form
and coloration closely resemble dead or living leaves. Species of
Pterochroa (1252) have the front wing leaf -shaped, marked with
blotches as if injured by insects or fungi, and the edge has the
appearance of having been eaten by a caterpillar. Some allied

Fig. 22.

Upturned

Under side of the base of the right
wing, showing the full extent of
the membrane.

Under side of the base of the left
wing, showing the file used as bow
to play on the edge of the right wing.

Wings of a Long-horned Locust (Macrolyristes imperator), slightly
less than natural size,

genera (Mimetica, etc.) closely resemble dead leaves. Many kinds
are wingless, such as Hetrodes (1 245), and many others that live in
caves. The males of some of these (Anastostoma and Mimnermus,
for example) have very large heads, and have the jaws greatly
developed. These are probably used for fighting. The males of
Gryllacris (1244), allied winged insects, fight each other furiously,
their wings being extended and held erect while doing so.

Fig. 24.

PHOTOGEAPH OF A SMALL PORTION OF A SWARM OF LOCUSTS. (Acridium
peregrinum.) SHOWING A METHOD OF TRAPPING THEM. T^ NAT. SIZE.

[To face p. 24.

LONG-HOKNEI) LOCUSTS. 25

The males of the majority of the winged species produce a
chirping sound. This is produced in the same way as in the
Crickets, but the drum is at the base of the wing, and is more
developed in the right wing ; the left wing bears the file or bow
and is always uppermost (fig. 22). In Ephippiger and a few allied
genera both sexes are provided with a sounding apparatus.

A large number of species in this family have an auditory
apparatus or ear at the base of the front tibiae. The tibia at this
point is somewhat enlarged, and on each side there is an oval
impression, of a complex structure formed to receive sounds. In
some species there is only a narrow slit instead of the oval impression.
Both sexes possess this apparatus.

A curious Indian insect (Schizodactylus monstrosus, 1243),
exhibited in this case, deserves special notice. It is remarkable for
the great length of the wings, which, when at rest, are coiled at the
tip like a watch-spring. The tarsi are also unlike those of any other
insect. They have four joints, the first and fourth are long, the
second and third very short, and have on each side a broad and
flattened lobe, in addition to which in the posterior pair the basal
joint is expanded on each side into a triangular plate. This insect
burrows to a considerable depth in the banks of rivers, remaining
under ground during the day and flying by night. Some authors
have placed this insect in the family Gryllidcz on account of its
general form and burrowing habits, and on account of the absence
of the ear-like impression on the front tibiae. The tarsi are, however,
four-jointed as in the Phasgonuridw.

Family LOCUSTID^E.

The next case contains the Grasshoppers and Locusts, Locustidce Table-
(Acndiidce of many authors, 1271-1295). These differ from the five case 34'
preceding families in having short antennae. The tarsi have three
joints, the basal ones being provided with soft pads beneath. A few
species are wingless, or nearly so. In the species which have the wings
fully developed, the front pair are of a firmer texture than the hind
pair and serve as coverings for them ; they are generally longer than
the posterior pair.

The front legs are not provided with an ear as in the Phasgon-
uridce, but a somewhat similar organ is found on each side of the base
of the abdomen. The chirping of grasshoppers is not produced by
the wings, but by rubbing the femur against the wing. If the hind

26 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table- leg of a common grasshopper, Stenobothrus Ucolor for example, be

case ' examined with a magnifying glass there will be seen on the inner

side of the femur a row of tubercles (or modified hairs). These

rub against a prominent vein on the wing and produce a shrill

sound.

So far as is known the large locusts do not produce this
sound.

The eggs are long and narrow, elliptical. They are laid in
batches in the ground (1280, 1293).

Some species are remarkable for the great development of the
prothorax, which in some cases covers the whole body. It is some-
times arched and crest-like as in Choripliyllum and Hymenotes (1271).

Fig. 23.

Hind leg of a grasshopper (Stenobothris bicolor).
a, row of tubercles.

Tettix (1272) and its allies have it prolonged backwards, the tip of
the prolongation in some species projecting beyond the end of
the body.

In many genera the forehead is more or less produced and
sometimes pointed. This is very noticeable in Tryxalis (1275), a
genus which has curiously flattened antennae. Proscopia (1274),
a remarkable wingless insect, not only has the forehead produced,
but the whole of the upper part of the head is raised, the eyes
being elevated with it.

To this family belong the true locusts, some of which, Tropidacris
(1 290) for example, measure nine inches in the expanse of the wings.
The chief migrating species are Pachytylus cinerascens (1283), P.
migratorius (1282), P. migral oroides (1284), P. marmoratus, Acridium
peregrinwn (1 291 ), and in North America Caloptenns spretus.

Fig. 25.

MIGRATORY LOCUSTS.

A. Pacliytylus migratorius. B. Acridium cegyptium. c. Acridium peregrinum.

(All slightly reduced.)

(Photographed from specimens in the Museum.)

[To face p. 26

LOCUSTS. 27

The extent to which these species are migratory, and the height
at which they fly vary according to the species and circumstances.
Acridium peregrinum travels for some hundreds of miles ; and
swarms, probably of this species, have been met with a thousand
miles out at sea. Their breeding places are generally dry and rather
elevated plains. Their eggs are laid in. the ground, in cylindrical
masses, coated with earth. The swarms are often followed by birds,
which devour large numbers of them. The grubs of flies of the
genus BomUlim (or its allies), and those of certain Blister-beetles
live on their eggs.

Some photographs are exhibited taken of a swarm of Acridium
peregrinum which occurred in Algeria, showing the methods taken
for entrapping them (fig. 24). The foreground of one of these
shows the remains of what was a cornfield. The barrier is made
of canvas, with a strip of American leather at the top, which being
smooth does not give the locusts a good footing. At intervals the
men shake the locusts off, and they are buried in trenches.

The species which are occasionally found in Britain are Pacliy-
ti/lus migrator ius, P. cinerascens and Acridium peregrinum. Acridium
(egijptium (1293) has since 1898 been frequently found in and around
London, having been imported in vegetables (fig. 25u).

Order NEUROPTERA.
Sub-order ISOPTERA.

This case contains the commencement of the Neuropterous series, Table-
the Isoptem, White-ants or Termites (1300-1310). The meta- case 35'
rnorphosis is gradual, incomplete. In some individuals there is
merely a difference in size between the young and the adult. The
wings, when present, are four, folded flat on the back when at
rest ; the front and hind pairs are very similar in size and neuration,
which is of very simple character; the distribution of the veins
is, however, strangely dissimilar in different genera. Near the base
of each wing there is a cross line where the wings are easily broken
off, the basal parts remaining as horny flaps on the insect's back
(fig. 26). The tarsi have four joints.

The forms usually met with in a " Termitarium," i.e. a com-
munity of Termites, are soldiers and workers without wings in all
their stages ; and special sexual forms which have wings when adult.

28

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table-
case 35.

Wall-
cases !
10.

These forms are undistinguishable when they first leave the eggs,
but soon show more or less of the character of the form which they
will ultimately become. It seems, however, that Termites have
some power of modifying or checking the development of individuals
so that some females of the special sexual forms do not develop
wings, and are held in reserve in case any accident should happen to

Fig. 26.

Base of a Termite's wing showing the line where the wing breaks off.

the " Queen " upon which the existence of the community depends.
These individuals have been called " complementary reserve queens,"
and when actually substituted for a queen " substitution queens."

The special sexual forms above alluded to are so called because
it is upon these that the continuance of the species appears to
depend. Individuals of both sexes are found among soldiers and
workers, but it is highly improbable that they ever reproduce their
species. The males and females that have wings throw them off
soon after leaving the nest in which they have been reared, and
in some cases become kings and queens of new colonies. But from
the enormous size . to which some of their nests grow it seems
probable that these kings and queens may continue with the original
colony.

In their mode of life they much resemble the true ants, which
are Hymenopfcera. They live in large colonies. Their nests are
very various in form. Some species (Eutermes for example, 173)
build nests in trees, but in this case it seems probable that the nest is
connected by covered ways with an underground nest. Other species
which have their nests underground, build nests above the ground,
sometimes of curious shapes, the very large ones being three to ten
feet or more in height (fig. 28). The greater part of the nest

Fig. 28.

PHOTOGRAPH OF A WHITE-ANT'S NEST TAKEN IN SOMALILAND BY
MR. F. GILLETT.

Fig. 29.

QUEEN'S CELL ov Termes bellicosus (203). J NAT. SIZE.
(Photographed from a specimen in the Museum.)

[To face p, 28.

WHITE ANTS.

29

consists of cells, connected by galleries. Portions of these nests are
exhibited in the wall-cases, as well as photographs of the whole nests.
One kind of nest met with in Australia, of a flat, wedge shape, is

Fig. 27.

Male.

Soldier.

Worker.

Female.

greatly
enlarged.

Female, distended with eggs.
Termes fatalis, all enlarged. (1307.)

remarkable for the fact that its broad, flat surfaces always face
nearly east and west.

A large photograph showing some of these nests is suspended
on the wall. A nest met with in Sierra Leone has the upper part

30 .GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Wall- built in three or four storeys (177). Examples are exhibited in
Wall-case 9 (fig. 30).

In the underground nests the queens live in specially constructed
cells, which are often of considerable size (203, fig. 30). Occasionally
two queens are found in the same cell (193).

Some good examples are exhibited both in the table-case and in
the wall-case. The queen when once established in this cell never
leaves it. She is supplied with food by the workers, and the eggs
as soon as laid are carried away to other parts of the nest through
small holes in the sides of the cell.

The duty of the soldiers is to guard the nest, and for this
purpose they are provided with very large heads, which are some-
times armed with a strong spine or spike. Others have large
powerful jaws.

Some excellent examples of the destruction caused by these
insects are shown in the wall-cases. Attention may be specially
directed to the remains of a square lintel of a door of one of the
Government offices in James Town, St. Helena, in which only the
very hard parts remain (175). Another very good example is a piece
of a greenhouse from Singapore presented by Mr. H. N. Kidley,
showing very deep excavations (1 59, fig. 31). Most of the destruction
is carried on secretly, the ants rarely showing themselves, the
outside of the object attacked being left intact so that the mischief
is not observed. A small insect box brought to this Museum
from Trinidad was found to have the lid completely hollow (163).
Some live ants were still in it. This is exhibited in the wall-
case.

The wings and remains of Termites have been found in abundance
in a fossil state in Mesozoic strata in Europe.

Table- Immediately after the Termites are some examples of the very

case 35. peculiar insects of the family Embiidm (1318). These are closely
allied to the Termitidw, but have no soldiers or workers. Their
metamorphoses are incomplete, the fully adult only differs from the
young in size, and in some instances in having wings. Some species
never have wings. They are in many respects very primitive
insects, having the front and hind wings similar in size, form and
neuration ; the last being of a very simple character with feu-
cross nervures. As the mesothorax is very long, the front and
hind wings are remarkably far apart. The front and middle legs
are wide apart at their bases and are placed at the side of the
body as in the Phasmidce ; but the hind legs are closer together.

73

_a

H a

1 1

g I

n ^

QQ S

§| :

CORKODENTIA AND STONEFLIES. 31

The tarsi have three joints, the front ones are of very singular
form.

The species are sometimes met with singly, but they are often
social in their habits, and have been found ^congregated in a mass of
webs, an example of which is exhibited (1311).

They occur in S. Europe, Asia, Africa and America.

Sub-Order CORRODENTIA.

These are small soft-bodied insects with incomplete meta- Table-
morphoses. The head is free, generally rather large, wide, with case 35-
prominent eyes. The mouth is provided with mandibles. The
antennae are long, composed of about a dozen joints. The prothorax,
mesothorax and metathorax are nearly equal ; the prothorax not
very large. The wings are four, with a few branching veins which
take curious curves ; the hind pair smaller than the front pair. The
front pair are held roof -like when at rest ; the hind pair slightly
folded at the base. The tarsi have two or three joints.

Some species never have wings.

These insects are very common on trunks and branches of trees.
Many kinds prefer dead wood.

One kind, Atropos divinatoria (1316), is very common in houses,
especially if damp. It is sometimes destructive to collections of
plants or insects. It is one of the insects called Death-watches.
It makes a regular tapping noise, probably by striking its jaws
against the wood it is resting on, the sound much resembling the
ticking of a watch. It can only be heard in a room where there is
absence of noise.

Sub-order PLECOPTERA.

The Perlidce or Stoneflies (1 320-1 325) are insects of moderate size,
with incomplete metamorphoses. The head is slightly imbedded in the
prothorax ; with long, slender antennaa composed of very numerous
joints. The hind wings are larger than the front ones ; held
horizontally over the back when at rest, with the inner portion of
the hind pair folded. The tarsi have three joints. The larvae live
in water, feeding on decayed vegetable matter, but some are
carnivorous. When fully grown they crawl out of the water, the
skin splits down the back, and the perfect insect emerges. The
adults frequent trees and are very active.

32 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Sub-order SIALIDA.

Table- The Sialidce or Alder-flies (1327-1334) have the head imbedded

in the prothorax. The antennae are long and slender, composed of

Fig. 32.

Larva of Alder-fly (Sialis lutaria).
Enlarged.

numerous joints. The prothorax is rather large. The front and
hind wings are of different shape, held roof-like when at rest, the hind
ones ample and folded when not in use. The tarsi have five joints.
Their metamorphoses are complete. The eggs of the common
British Alder-fly, Sialis lutaria, are laid on blades of grass, etc.,
generally near water. The larva (fig. 32) as soon as it leaves the
egg makes its way to the water, where it spends most of its time in
the mud, feeding chiefly on other small aquatic larvse. The abdomen
is furnished with tracheal gills. When fully grown the larva leaves
the water and buries itself in the earth, where it turns to a pupa.

Sub-order PLANIPENNIA.

Table- rpne nex^ principal division of this order comprises the Plani-

pennia, Snake-flies, Ant-lions, etc. These all have the head free
(except the Rhaphidiidce). The thorax is generally compact with
the prothorax small ; but in the Rhaphidtida, Mantispidce and
Nymphidce* the thoracic segments are more or less distinctly
separated, and the prothorax is larger. The four wings are nearly
or quite similar in form and size (except in the Nemopterida), held

ALDER-FLIES, SCORPION-FLIES. 33

roof -like when at rest, the hind pair never folded. The tarsi have
five joints. The metamorphoses are complete.

They are divided into ten families.

The first family contains the Scorpion-flies, Panorpidce (1 335), Table-
so called from the curiously developed apex to the abdomen of the case 35.
males. They have the head prolonged downwards so as to form a
beak. The antennae are slender, composed of numerous joints. The
wings are rather narrow, with numerous cross nervures.

The larvae feed in rotten wood.

The British species are common in* woods. One curious genus,
Boreus (1346) is wingless. It is British and lives in moss, and
when walking much resembles a large flea.

The Rhaphidiidce, (1347) are insects of rather small size, remark-
able for the length of the head and prothorax, whence their popular
name Snake-flies. The antennae are slender and composed of many
joints. The four wings are equal and nearly similar, with a glassy
appearance, the veins form a network. The larvae are very active,
carnivorous, living chiefly under loose bark of trees and logs.

The Mantispidce, (1348) are at once recognised by the remark-
able form of the front legs which resembles those of a Mantis,
formed for seizing small insects. The head is free, transverse, with
rather large eyes. The antennae are not very long, composed of
many joints. The four wings are alike, equal, or with the hinder
pair slightly smaller, the neuration forms a delicate network.

They are very numerous in tropical countries, and one is found
in S. Europe. There is no British representative.

The eggs are laid with a threadlike attachment as by the Lacewing
flies. The young larva is very active. It attaches itself to the egg-
sack of spiders, which it enters and later on feeds on the young spiders.
It then changes its skin, completely alters its appearance, and is no
longer active. It changes to the pupa within the larval skin.

The Nemopteridce are easily known by the great length of the
hind wings, which are very narrow, but sometimes dilated at the
tips. One of the longest is Halter imperatrix (1353) from West
Africa (fig. 33). Another remarkable form is one recently dis-
covered in Asia Minor, Chasmatoptera Sheppardi (1357). Species
of the genus Oroce have the hind wings almost thread-like.

The neuration approaches that of the Ascalaphida, the fourth
vein commencing about the middle of the wing.

The head is transverse with rather prominent eyes. The
antennae long or moderately long, slender.

34 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

case1 36 ^e species at Present known are chiefly South European, African

and Australian. A larva believed to be that of Nemoptera is found in
the tombs in Egypt. It is remarkable for the great length of its
neck (1354).

The Nymphidce (1361) have the head free, transverse, with
prominent eyes. The antennae are moderately long and slender.
The four wings are equal and similar. They show a typical neura-
tion, the eleven veins being all distinguishable, with the fourth and
sixth both complete to the base, and the seventh emitting a branch
from about the middle. The tarsi have the claws furnished with
membranous lobes.

These insects are Australian. Nothing is known of their habits.

The Osmylida (1 362-1 365).— The insects usually included in
this family have the head variable, sometimes slightly imbedded in
the prothorax, but generally nearly free, transverse, with rather
prominent eyes. The antennse are slender, of moderate length.
The neuration of the wings is somewhat similar to that in the
Nymphidce, but the seventh vein is parallel to the sixth (and GA),
does not emit a distinct branch to the hind margin, and appears to
terminate at a cross vein at some distance from the margin. Nearly
the whole wing has a border of fine forked veins.

These delicate and beautiful insects are widely distributed.
Osmylm chrysops (1 362) is not uncommon in the New Forest. The
larva is found under stones or in moss in or near water.

The genus Dilar is remarkable for the comb-like antennse of the
male. The genera Ithone, Rapisma and Psychopsis (1365) are
included in this family, but they are very aberrant.

The Hemerobiidce are rather small insects, with very short
prothorax. The neuration of the wings is a still further departure
from that seen in the Nymphidto. The fourth vein is in part or
wholly absent, and there are numerous veins branching directly from
the third vein.

The larvae are carnivorous and live chiefly on Aphidw (Green-fly),
from which they suck all moisture. They have the curious habit
of placing the empty skins of their victims, as well as fragments of
vegetable matter, on their backs so that they are often completely
concealed.

The Chrysopidce closely resemble the Osmylidte, but have
the antennas of great length. The neuration of the wings
divides the surface into a number of oblique oblong cells ; the
fourth vein curves away from the third ; the fifth is absent.

Fig. 33.

NEMOPTERIDJE.
A. Halter imperatrix from W. AFRICA. B. Chasmatoptera Sheppardi FROM

ASIA MINOR. SLIGHTLY REDUCED.
(Photographed from specimens in the Museum.)

[To face p. 34.

LACEWINGS. 35

There are often some curiously-formed cells at the base of the Table-
wing. case36'

Their delicate gauzy wings have won for them the name of
" Lace wings," whilst from their bright golden or coppery eyes they
are often called " Golden-eyes." When handled they have a strong
disagreeable smell.

The eggs, which are laid in groups, are often found attached to
leaves and other objects. They are white and are attached by long
delicate threads.

The larvae feed on Aphidce, which they hold up in the air in their
long jaws until all moisture is sucked out. When walking they use

Fig. 34.

a, Pupa ; b, cocoon ; and c, imago of Lacewing (Chrysopaperla), twice
natural size. (1370.)

the tip of the abdomen as a lever and a sucker, so that if they lose
their hold of a leaf they can hang by the tip of the abdomen until
they regain their footing. When full grown they spin a round
silken cocoon in which they turn to the pupa.

The Coniopterygidm (1 372) are very small insects, having the body
covered with a white powdery substance. The wings have a very
simple neuration, with very few cross nervures. The hind pair are
smaller than the front ones.

These insects are common on fir trees. They resemble the
Chrysopidce, in their habits and metamorphoses. Their larvae have

been found feeding on minute scale-insects.

D 2

36

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Fig. 36.

The Ascalaphidce (1 373-1 382) are easily recognised by their long
slender antennae, which terminate in a spoon-shaped club. The
head and thorax are generally hairy. There is considerable variation
in the form and colour of the wings. The front ones are frequently
angulated on the hind margin at the base, the angle in some cases
forming a lobe. The cells at the tip of the wing are irregular and
not very numerous. The fourth vein is joined by the fifth about

the middle of the wing, and joins the
third at some distance from the base.
The legs are spiny and not very long ;
the claws long and gently curved.

The larvae closely resemble those
of the Myrmeleonidce, but have a series
of tubercles at the sides of the body
(1374).

The Myrmeleonid® (1383-1385)
have the wings generally of a more
delicate texture than the Ascalapliidce.
The front and hind pairs are similar in
shape and neuration, gradually narrowed
to the base. The apex of the wing has
a large number of fine veins radiating
from the second and third veins. The
antennae are short, more or less
thickened towards the tip (fig. 35).

The larvae, fig. 36 (1388) are car-
nivorous. They live in circular pits

excavated in the sand. These they make with their large flat
heads, which they use as a shovel, jerking the sand to a consider-
able distance. When the pit is deep enough the larva rests con-
cealed at the bottom with the jaws exposed ready to seize any ant or
other insect that may fall into the pit. Their popular name of
" Ant-lions " is due to this habit. They are found in Southern
Europe and all tropical countries.

Sub-Order AGNATHA.

The sub-Order Agnatha (1400-1409), consists of a single family
(Ephtmeridto), popularly known as May-flies. They are very delicate
insects with imperfectly-developed or no mouth parts. The antennae
are extremely short, and terminate in a bristle. The hind wings
are much smaller than the front pair. The abdomen is furnished

Larva of a Myrmeleon. (1388.)

Fig. 35.

ANT-LIONS.

A. B. Palpares libelluloides, FROM S. EUROPE.
c. Palpares cephalotes, PROM ANGOLA (1383). £ NAT. SIZE.

(Photographed from specimens in the Museum.)

[To face p.

ANT-LIONS, MAY-FLIES.

37

with two or three long, thread-like tails (fig. 37). When at rest
the wings are held together erect, the abdomen slightly curves and
the tails are directed upwards.

The early stages of these insects are passed in the water. The
larvae vary greatly in form according to their habits, and they are
a considerable time arriving at maturity. In some cases this takes

Fig. 37.

Fig. 38.

Nymph of Ephemera
vulgata. (HOU

May-fly (Ephemera vulgata), enlarged.
(HOO.)

more than one year. The mouth parts are well developed, the
mandibles in some cases being very large (1408). The abdomen
is furnished with complex tracheal gills. There are sometimes
leaf-like plates at the sides of the body (vibrated at frequent
intervals in the water), sometimes they are tassel-like or feathery
and are curved over the back. When the nymph (fig. 38) is full

38 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table- grown it makes its way to the surface of the water, the skin splits
case ' and the winged insect emerges. This process occupies a very short
time, sometimes only a few seconds. This winged form, called the
sub-imago, is, however, still enveloped in a delicate skin ; this it
throws off either immediately or soon, and the insect is then in its
perfect state.

The food of the larvae is chiefly vegetable matter, but some
species are at least in part carnivorous.

Some species of May-fly occur in swarms and appear in the air
like a fall of snow. Specimens swept from a railway platform in
Egypt after one of these swarms had occurred are exhibited (1409).
A few of another swarm from Germany are in the same case in
spirit (1403).

Sub-Order ODONATA.

These insects, popularly called Dragonflies (1410-1453), are
insects with incomplete metamorphosis. The head is very large,
concave behind, with very slender attachment to the thorax, so that
it has complete freedom of action. The eyes are very large, some-
times touching each other above. The antennae are very short and
terminate in a bristle. The wings are equal or very nearly so.
Although transparent they are somewhat hard and brittle. The
veins form a network. The abdomen is very long.

One great peculiarity of this Sub-Order is the form of the thorax.

Fig. 39.
a.

c

Side view of the thorax of Mecistogaster.
a, prothorax ; &, mesothorax ; c, metathorax ; d, d, bases of wings.

When viewed sideways the segments are seen to slant, so that the
legs are in front of the wings (fig. 39). In other insects the base
of the legs is under the base of the wings. The prothorax is very

DRAGONFLtES. 39

small. The mesothorax and metathorax about equal. The upper
surface is not fixed as in other insects but the parts are movable,
which gives the wings great freedom.

In their early stages they live in water, and (like the adult) are
carnivorous, feeding on other insects, snails, etc.

The larva possesses an extraordinarily developed labium. When
at rest this is folded beneath the head, the front part of it forming
a mask ; but it is jointed and can be darted forward with great
rapidity when the insect seizes its prey with the terminal toothed
appendages (1410).

The Odonata have been arranged in two divisions : —

Div. I. — ANISOPTEEA, in which the front and hind wings are
more or less unlike, the hind pair enlarged near the base. This
division contains the families Libellulidce, Corduliidce, Gomphidce,
Cordulegaslridffi and jEscknidce.. The characters of these families
are chiefly in the form of the head and the neuration of the wings
as explained in the labels exhibited.

They fly with great rapidity.

Div. II. — ZYGOPTERA in which the wings are alike, both pairs
equally narrowed at the base. This division consists of two families,
the Calopterygidw (1439-1446) and Agrionidce (1447-1453).

Among these are some of the most brilliantly coloured insects
known. Unlike the Anisoptera they are comparatively slow fliers,
and are generally seen fluttering about the herbage at the sides of
ponds.

Dragonflies have been found plentifully in a fossil state in
Tertiary strata, including species of Libellida and Af/rion, both
larva? and perfect insects, differing but little from those of the
present day. Some large species have also been found as far back as
the Lower Lias.

The remains of an enormous insect, Meganeura monyi, measuring
two feet in expanse of wings have been found in the Carboniferous
strata. It has four equal wings, and is evidently not far removed
from the Dragonflies. The neuration of the wings differs, however,
in some important characters, and the shape of the body, so far as
can be seen, is different. Its place appears to be between the May-
flies and Dragonflies. A drawing of one of the wings, natural size,
is exhibited. There are no specimens in the Museum collection.

40

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table-
case 37.

Fig. 40.

Order TKICHOPTERA.

The second half of Table-case 37 contains the TBICHOPTERA or
Caddis-flies.

These insects are sometimes regarded as a sub-order of the
Neuroptera. They have the head free. The antennae are nearly
always long and thread-like, tapering to the apex. The mouth parts
are small ; the mandibles absent or very rudimentary ; the maxillary
palpi very variable, in some genera very large. The thorax is
compact ; the prothorax very small. The legs are long and slender
with five-jointed tarsi. The front wings are more or less clothed
with hair, slightly more leathery than the hind pair, held roof -like
when at rest, the hind pair ample and pleated when at rest.

The larvse live in ponds and streams ; their food consists of
vegetable matter. For the most part they live in cases which are
built in various ways and of different materials, such as stones,
sand, shells, bits of weed, &c. Some of these cases are coiled, and
being built of fine sand have been mistaken for Mollusc shells (1478).
The ordinary Caddis-fly larva (fig. 40) has the
body soft, except the head and thorax that are
exposed (1461). The first segment of the abdo-
men projects on each side, and has on the back a
small tubercle which terminates in a sharp hook
directed backwards. These projections secure the
body in position in the case, whilst at the same
time the water can pass freely through the tube ;
they also enable the larva to stretch itself out of
the tube in search of food. Some of the segments
are furnished with floating filaments that serve as
gills. At the end of the body there are two
strong hooks, which give the larva a firm grip on
its case, and enable it to draw back rapidly into
the case at the approach of danger. They turn
to the pupa within the case, but when ready to
turn to the perfect insect, they leave the case,
swim to the surface of the water (using the middle
legs, which are developed like oars for the purpose),
the skin splits down the back and the fly emerges.
The perfect insects may be found on trees and herbage
near water. Some of the very small species so closely resemble

Larva of Caddis-
fly.
Twice natural size

CADDIS-FLIES. 41

small moths that they require careful examination to distinguish
them.

The principal families are Phryganida, Limnophilidw, Sericosto-

Fig. 41.

Pupa of Caddis-fly in swimming position.
Twice natural size.

matidw, Leptoceridw, (Estropsidce, Hydropsychidm, Rhyacophilidce and

Hydropsilidce.

Order MALLOPHAGA.

The Mallophaga (1501-1508), commonly called Bird-lice, are
small, wingless insects, with flat bodies, which undergo very little
change in their growth to maturity. The head is large and free.
The mouth is furnished with strong mandibles, lodged in a cavity
beneath the head. The prothorax is distinct but not large. The
mesothorax and metathorax are often only distinguishable from the
abdomen by the legs being attached to them. The legs are attached
to the sides of the segments. The tarsi have two (rarely three)
joints, terminating in one or two claws.

The majority of the species live among the feathers of birds. A
few are found on mammals.

42 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table- Drawings and specimens of Trichodectes latm (1501, fig. 42)

found on dogs, Menopon pallidum found on fowls, and other species
are exhibited.

Like most parasites they are difficult to locate satisfactorily in

Fig. 42.

Trichodectes latus, from dog ; enlarged thirty-six times.

any natural system, but they appear to be most nearly allied to the
Orthoptera.

Order LEPIDOPTERA.

On the west side of the gallery are cabinets of British Lepidoptera.
Four contain the collection of caterpillars prepared and presented
by the Rt. Hon. Lord Walsingham. Another contains the collec-
tion formed by the late William Buckler, the author of " The Larvae
of the British Butterflies and Moths," published by the Ray Society.
It was presented to the Museum by Robert Newbury, Esq.

The foreign Lepidoptera are in cabinets on the East side of the
gallery.

The insects of this Order are popularly known as Butterflies and
Moths.

They undergo a complete metamorphosis. The larva is popularly
called a caterpillar; the pupa a chrysalis. The perfect insect has
the head free. The thorax is compact ; the prothorax very small ;
the mesothorax very large. The wings are very variable, clothed
(as well as the body) with scales. The mouth parts (Fig. 43) are

LEPIDOPTERA.

43

imperfectly developed, except the maxillae which (except in a few
cases) are greatly prolonged and united by their edges to form a
proboscis or tube (through which moisture can be drawn into the

Fig. 43.

a

Head of a Sphinx moth showing the parts of the mouth and proboscis,
a, Eye ; b, labial palpus ; c, maxillse ; d, maxillary palpus on base of maxilla.

mouth), coiled like a watch-spring when at rest. The labial palpi
are well developed, usually standing up in front of the head,
sometimes of great length. The maxillary palpi are generally very
small or absent, except in the most primitive family Micropterygidw,
where they are well developed.

44

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

The Lepidoptera are usually divided into two great groups,
LEPIDOPTERA HETEROCERA and LEPIDOPTERA EHOPALOCERA.

The Heterocera or Moths generally have the hind wing united to
the front wing by a " frenulum," which hooks into a strap on the

Fig. 44.

Wall-
case 8.

Wings of Deaths-head moth, underside,
a, Strap which holds the frenulum ; b, frenulum.

under side near the base of the front wing (fig. 44). They have
very various antennse, generally long, slender and tapering to a point,
often fringed and frequently comb-like. Comparatively few have
them thickened towards the tip.

The Rhopalocera or Butterflies have the antennae terminating in a
club. This is very variable in shape and extent and is sometimes very
slight. The hind wings are not united to the front ones by a
frenulum.

The Heterocera are divided into numerous families. The drawings
and explanatory labels are in course of preparation, and will be placed
in Table-cases 38-41.

In Table-case 40 will be seen a series of specimens illustrating
the life-history of the common Mulberry Silk-moth, Bombyx mori.
This species has been cultivated for so many centuries that its origin
is uncertain, but it is probably a native of China.

On a shelf on the east side of the gallery are models and drawings
illustrating the habits of various species, many of them of interest on
account of the injury they do to fruit trees, &c.

In Wall-case 8 on the west side of the gallery are some interesting

CO

«*•

•cub '

s I

§ 5

^ s

^ 2

l

HYMENOPTERA. 45

compound cocoons of gregarious moths. Attention is particularly
called to one of Anaphe panda from S. Africa (263) in which there
is a crowd of caterpillars, and by its side a similar nest (265) in
which the caterpillars have spun their cocoons (figs. 45, 46). When
the moths come out they escape by the opening at the top.
(Further particulars about this nest will be found in Table-
case 40.)

In the same case is a somewhat similar nest from Madagascar
formed by Hipsoides bipars. In this instance each moth escapes by
an opening made by itself (269).

The Rhopalocera are divided into five principal families, the Table-
characters by which these may be recognised are explained by a case 42'
series of labels, drawings and specimens set out in a tabular form in
Table-case 42.

Order HYMENOPTEEA.
Wall-cases 11-16, Table-cases 44-48.

The Saw-flies, Ichneumons, Ants, Wasps and Bees belong to this
Order.

A small series of specimens will be found in drawers 1-8 of a
cabinet on the west side of the gallery.

They have complete metamorphosis. The perfect insect has the
head free, with slender attachment to the prothorax. The thorax is
compact, the prothorax small, the mesothorax large. They have four
wings with few veins ; the hind pair united to the front pair by a
series of hooks (except in some minute species). The basal segment
of the abdomen is in varying degrees more closely united to the
thorax than to the following segments, and in the majority the
communication between the first and second segments is by a narrow
neck or waist as in the hornet. The tarsi have five joints, except in
some minute parasitic species.

They are classed in two great divisions : — .
I. HYMENOPTERA TEREBRANTIA, in which the legs have a
double trochanter.

II. HYMENOPTERA ACULEATA in which the legs have a single
trochanter.

These are further divided into fourteen principal families. The Table-
characters by which these may be recognised are explained by case 44.
specimens, drawings and labels arranged in a tabular form in
Table-case 44.

46 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

In the second half of the same case are some examples of
Saw-flies. The metamorphosis of the common Currant Saw-fly is
illustrated by a series of coloured drawings. Specimens of the fly
with leaves injured by the larvae are also shown. The eggs are laid
in rows on the ribs on the under side of the leaves. Examples of
another species, Nematus propinquits, the larvse of which sometimes
strip the leaves from Black Poplar, are also exhibited.

In the same case will be seen a female example of the Pine
Borer, Sirex gijas, in the act of depositing eggs in wood. The larva
burrows into the solid wood, and often does much damage in fir
plantations.

Table- In the next case are some examples of Ichneumonidw. One of

case . these, Rhyssa persuasoria, is a parasite on the larva of Sirex. In
order to deposit its eggs on or near the larva of the Sirex, it is provided
with a very long ovipositor, but how the insect passes this delicate
instrument through solid wood is unknown. A small piece of wood
with the ovipositor of a specimen in it is exhibited. Unfortunately
the insect was broken when found. An allied species, Rhyssa atrata,
with much longer ovipositor, is also shown.

Some examples of the white cocoons made by Braconidto (often
mistaken for spiders' nests) are shown in the same Table-case ; and
also a series of galls made by Gall-flies, Cynipidm. An interesting
series of the galls will also be found among the models on a shelf on
the west side of the gallery.
Wall- Wall -cases 11 to 16 are devoted to nests of ants, wasps, and bees.

Among the ant-nests should be noticed one made by binding
together leaves with silk threads (317, 319). This is the work of a
moderately large pale green ant, CEcof)hylla smaragdina, a common
species in India, with varieties in Africa and Australia (fig. 47).

Several brown nests from trees are exhibited. These are built
by species of Crematogaster, and from their form have been called
"Negro Heads "(301 -311).

A small nest of the Provident Ant (321), Atta barbara, now
known as Aphenogaster barbara, which stores its nest with seeds, is
shown in the same case. Another curious nest is that of PolyrTiachis
bispinosus (327) from Brazil. This is made of soft substance and
has the appearance of a sponge.

Formica fuliginosa. a common English black ant, forms its nest
in hollow trees. A portion of one of their nests is exhibited (333).
Another complete nest (335), found near Guildford, was built in a
house under the drawing-room floor.

Fig. 47.

NEST OP AN ANT (CEcophylla smaragdina) FROM CALCUTTA, MADE BY

BINDING LEAVES TOGETHER. WITH SILK THREADS (327). \ NAT. SIZE.

(Photographed from a specimen in the Museum.)

[To face p. 46.

HYMENOPTERA. 47

A remarkable entrance to an ant's nest is shown at the bottom
of the case (339, 340). This ant, Pliidole Syliesi, forms its nest on
the side of steep hills, and round the entrance there is a curious
structure, consisting of concentric walls or ridges. The object of
these walls appears to be to protect the entrance from the water that
rushes down the hill during heavy rain.

Specimens of various ants will be found in drawer 5 of a cabinet Table-
on the west side of the gallery, and in Table-case 45. Among them case 45
examples of the Foraging ants of Central and South America, Eciton
omnivorum, male and worker, and soldier and worker of Eciton hama-
tum. These ants travel in enormous numbers, sometimes in narrow
lines, sometimes in broad columns. They kill and carry away
with them cockroaches, beetles, and all kinds of insects, and even
lizards.

The Driver ants of Africa, Anomma, are even more formidable,
and when foraging will attack and destroy all kinds of insects, as
well as large snakes, chickens, &c. Those that travel in this way
are the workers. The males are large winged insects and are known
as Dorylus. It is only in recent years that these insects were dis-
covered to be the males of Anomma ; hence the use of two names.
The females are large wingless insects, and are rarely found. There
is a single example in the Museum which is believed to be the female
of Dorylus nigricans, of which Anomma Burmeisteri is believed to
be the worker. The variation in the sizes of the individuals, and
in the relative sizes of their heads, is very remarkable.

Specimens of (Ecophylla smaragdina, female and worker, above
referred to, and also workers of the " Leaf -carry ing," or " Umbrella
Ant," (Ecodoma cephalotes, are in the same case.

Some eggs of an ant, Myrmica, are also exhibited. The " ant-
eggs " sold as food for birds are not eggs, but the cocoons made by
the larvae of ants.

Wasps of the genus Scolia are parasitic upon the larvaa of beetles. Table-
A series of Scolia flavifrons is exhibited in Table-case 46. This species case 46
lives on the larva of a Rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes nasicornis. The
female Scolia deposits an egg on the under side of the larva of the
Oryctes after paralysing it with her sting. The larva of the Scolia
does not eat the Oryctes larva, but gradually sucks it dry.

The species of Pepsis and Salius are among the largest known
wasps. A large Pepsis from Ecuador is exhibited.

The species of Salius store their nests with spiders. The large

48 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

species attack and kill even the large Mygales. The Salius will
hover round the nest of the Mygale and sometimes entice it out
by touching the spider's web, it will then pounce on the spider and
render it helpless by stinging it. Sometimes a struggle takes place,
and the two will roll over and over, but the wasp is nearly always
victorious. A specimen of Salius dedjax from German East Africa,
with the Mygale which it had caught and was carrying away, are
exhibited.

WaU- In this case are exhibited a series of nests made by various wasps.

and 12> Among these are numerous cells or nests built of mud by species of

Table- Pelopwus.

case 46. Pelopmus figulus (401 ) and P. histrio (403) form groups or

masses of cells. Examples are exhibited in Wall-case 12 and in
Table-case 51. These cells when completed are filled with insects, or
more generally with spiders, to serve as food for the larvae of the
wasps. The remains of the spiders can be seen in the nest of
PelopcBKS bilineatus from N.W. India, exhibited in Table-case 46, and
in the nest of Pelopceus chalyleus from Natal in the same case. The
cells of this species are placed in pieces of bamboo. Pelopceus Icetus
from Australia (397), Wall-case 12, and P. madraspatanm from
N.W. India, Table-case 46, sometimes build separate cells, but a
curious group of cells formed by the latter species in a deserted
bird's nest should be noticed in Wall-case 12 (391).

The species of Crabro form burrows in various places ; some
in the ground, others in decayed wood, in bramble stems, &c.
The cells are stored with insects, most commonly perhaps with
Diptera. An example of a piece of willow with cells of Crabro
cephalotes from Barnes Common is shown in Table-case 46.

The species of Odynerus avail themselves of any suitable hole in
which to make their mud nests. Two curious examples are exhibited
in Wall-case 12, one built in the centre of a reel of cotton, the other
in a blind-tassel (415).

Among other clay nests that specially deserve notice are some
built by species of Eumenes in the shape of vases (449, fig. 48).
Another standing with these, from Aden, and evidently formed by
a member of this genus, is noteworthy for the size of the stones
fixed on the outside (447). It is remarkable that such a small
insect could carry and manipulate stones of this weight. The size
of the insect can be judged by the hole through which it emerged
from the nest (fig. 49).

r— -^

"-" 'i

1 I

ft

3 g

I !

HYMENOPTEKA. 49

Close by these are two nests built by a species of Ischnog aster.
They were found attached to roots on an overhanging bank in
Borneo by the late Mr. J. Whitehead (445). The form of the
entrance with its open-work at the back should be noticed (fig. 50).
Other somewhat similar nests from Ceylon, formed by another

TrMllP-

species, will be found in Table-case 46 (fig. 51). case 45

Some Social Wasps build their nests without covering, others
are enclosed. Among those built without cover are those of
Polistes and Icaria.

In the wall-case are examples of the flat nests built in trees by
species of Polistes (341-355). It will be observed that these are
suspended by a stalk from the centre of the nest (fig. 52). The
species of Icaria build somewhat similar nests, but instead of making
them circular they increase the size of the nest by adding cells at
one end, the result being a long narrow nest. One from Singapore
(359, fig. 53) about a foot long is in the wall-case, and some
smaller ones will be found in Table-case 46.

This case contains nests formed by various species of Vespa (the Wall-
common wasps and hornets). The nests built by some of the case 13-
Indian species attain great size ; one measuring thirty-two inches in Tab1^"
length is suspended in the middle of the wall-case.

The English Hornet, Vespa crabro, builds its nest chiefly of
rotten wood, sometimes in hollow trees (499, 535), frequently in roofs
of outhouses (489, 493). Those in hollows are generally without
covering, but suspended nests have a thick outer case.

The other species of the genus Vespa are called Wasps, of which
there are six British species.

The nest of Vespa vulgaris is somewhat similar to that of the
Hornet, but is composed of much finer material. The patches on
the cover are smaller, with concentric curves or wavy lines of
different shades of buff and brown (of a lighter colour than in the
Hornet's nest), giving the nest a very pretty appearance. This wasp
prefers to build underground, but the nests are found not infrequently
in roofs of outhouses (511, 515). A nest of this species was recently
found in a hat which was hanging in an outhouse at Tring, and
was presented to the Museum by the Hon. Walter Eothschild (507).

The nest of Vespa germanica, another common species, is
generally underground. It is formed of vegetable fibre and is of a
grey colour (465).

Vespa norwegica is a tree wasp. The nest is of a grey colour,
with whitish marks and lines, built of vegetable fibre. The outer

E

50

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

cover is very delicate, almost like tissue paper (473, 475, 497). In
their early stages these nests are pretty objects. Several are exhibited
in Table-case 46, and one in a more advanced state will be found
among the groups on the east side of the gallery (69).

Two examples of a very remarkable nest are to be seen in this
case (501, 502). They are built entirely of clay, including the
comb. They have been found in South America, hanging from
branches, but no specimens of the insect have yet reached the
Museum (fig. 54).

In the covered nests built by Social Wasps, two styles of building

Fig. 55.

IT

Diagrams of wasps' nests.

are noticeable. The common British wasps, Vespa, commence the
nest with a stalk attached to some object (fig. 55, A, s, a), with a
few cells suspended by it. Below this they suspend a second series
of cells, &, hanging by stalks from the first series, then a third series,
etc. The whole is surrounded by a cover or envelope, d, which has
an opening below, e ; this covering is enlarged as the combs are
increased in number and size.

In the second style of nest(fig. 55 B) the cells are attached to some
leaf or branch, without a stalk, and when a row of cells (a) is com-
pleted it is enclosed in a thin cover (d) with an opening below, gene-
rally at one side. The second row of cells is built on the outside of

§

•ob

WASPS AND BEES. 51

this (fig. 55 c), and when completed is covered in the same way,
a passage (e) through the comb being left for access to the first
row. A third row of cells (c) is then built in the same way. The
Brazilian wasps of the genera Polylia, Chartergus, etc., build in Wall-
this way, and numerous nests are exhibited. The covering of the case 15>
nest of Chartergus chartarius is nearly white and smooth, and in this
and in its texture exactly resembles card, whence it has been called
" the Card-making Wasp." One very large example exhibited (573,
fig. 5G), from the river Amazon, presented by Mr. G-. Brocklehurst,
contains twenty-two rows or storeys.

In Wall-case 16 are various nests of bees. Species of the genus Wall-
Osmia will make a nest in any place which appears to them suitable, case 16*
garden locks being sometimes chosen. A pipe with cells of Osmia ru/a
is exhibited (647), and another still more curious example is a book
with a series of cells (631). This book was in a book-case pressed
against the back ; this left just room for the bee to get behind it.
It is from Hawkhurst, Kent, and was presented by Miss Evelyn
Hardcastle. Another nest built between two flowerpot saucers is
exhibited in Table-case 48.

Three disused birds'-nests which have been used by humble-bees
to build nests in are exhibited (639, 643). One of these nests
from East Clandon, Surrey (641), has been attacked by a moth
(Aphomia\ the caterpillars of which having fed on the wax of
which the bees' cells are made, have spun their cocoons on the top.

At the top of this case will be seen a single comb of great size
formed by an Indian honey-bee, Apis dorsata (609). This honey-
bee, unlike the common honey-bee, Apis mellifica, does not build in
hollow trees, etc., but suspends the combs from the branches of trees
without covering. An excellent photograph of a group of combs
of this species is shown in Table-case 47, which is devoted to the Table-
explanation of the habits of honey-bees. Greatly enlarged drawings case 47-
are exhibited to show the difference in the structure of the queen,
drone and worker. The worker has the femora clothed with long
barbed hairs (fig. 58 a) ; the tibia is concave on the outer side, the
edges furnished with long-curved hairs, the whole thus making a sort
of basket in which pollen is collected (#). The apex of the tibia is
furnished with a series of teeth like a comb, with which the wax is
removed from the abdomen (c). The underside of the first joint of
the tarsus has rows of short stiff hairs, the whole forming a brush
with which to collect the pollen and put it into the basket on the
tibia (d}. Other points of interest in connection with this bee are

E 2

52

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

explained by drawings and specimens. The visitor should not fail
to notice the flakes of wax removed from the abdomen of a specimen .
It will be seen that these are nearly transparent, and it is only after

Fig. 57.

Hind leg of drone ; fe, hind leg of queen honey bee.
(Enlarged 6 times.)

Fig. 58.

Upper and under sides of the hind leg of worker honey bee.
(Enlarged 6 times.)

Fig. 52.

NEST OP Polistes orientalis (353). J NAT. SIZE.
Fig. 53.

NEST OP A SPECIES OP Icaria (359). J NAT. SIZE.
(Photographed from specimens in the Museum.)

[To face p. 52.

FLIES AND FLEAS. 53

being worked by the bee's mouth that they lose this transparency.
Other bees are shown in Table-case 48.

Among the Carpenter-bees, Coptorthosoma, from Ceylon should
be noticed. The females of this bee have a cavity on the upper side
at the base of the abdomen, and in this cavity are constantly found
examples of a mite, Oreenia. The object of choosing this curious
abode is at present unknown.

Another specimen of great interest in this case is the spoon-shaped
entrance tube made by a very small stingless bee, Trigona collina,
from Singapore, presented by Mr. H. N. Ridley. These bees live
together in enormous numbers. They build in the hollows of old
trees. The nest consists of an irregular mass of large cells and
galleries made of resin. In the centre are the small breeding cells
made of wax. Many of the large cavities in the resinous part are
filled with pollen, stored for food. The entrance to the nest is by
means of a tube such as that shown in the Table-case. The resin of
which these nests are built is collected by these small bees in such
large quantities that the masses are of commercial value. .It is
known in the market as " darnar." In Burinah it is called " poonyet "
or " pwai-nyet." A large mass weighing fifteen pounds is shown at
the bottom of Wall-case 16.

Order DIPTERA.

The insects of this order are called Flies, and with them the Fleas
are associated. They undergo a complete metamorphosis. The
perfect insect has the head free, the attachment to the thorax being
very slender. The thorax is compact and the union of the prothorax,
mesothorax and metathorax is so complete that their limits are to a
certain extent problematical. Two kinds of mouth parts are met
with. The first in which the mandibles and maxillae are very long
and needle-shaped, enclosed in the labium which forms a sheath, as in
the gnats ; the second in which the mandibles and maxillae are not
manifest, whilst the labium is a soft fleshy organ, concealed in the
mouth cavity when at rest, but, being jointed, capable of being-
extended when the insect is feeding. The Common House-fly is a
good example of the second type.

The larvae are grubs or maggots, for the most part without legs,
and with very small heads. A few examples are exhibited in Table-
case 49. The larvae of gnats, however, which live in water have large
heads and well-developed mouth parts, and are of quite a different

54

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Table-
case 49.

character. They are extremely active. Drawings of some of the
most interesting species are exhibited in Table-case 49. The pupae
are very variable.

In Table-case 49 will be found a few examples of Fleas
(Pulicidce), with drawings of the egg, larva and pupa of the
Common Flea (Pulex irritans) (fig. 59).

A considerable number of different kinds of fleas are known.
Most of them live on Mammals and Birds, or are associated with
them. The larvae often breed in birds' nests, &c. The largest known
la talpw, is found in the nests of moles and field mice.

Fig. 59.

Egg, larva, pupa and imago of the common flea (Pulex irritans).
(Enlarged 20 times.)

The Common Flea breeds in neglected dirty houses, and the
larvae, which are very active little creatures, have been found in
fluffy matter that had been allowed to collect between floor boards ;
also in old wooden bedsteads.

The "Jigger" Flea (Sarcopsylla penetrans) is a much smaller
insect of a yellowish colour. It buries itself in the flesh of small
animals and man. It particularly attacks the toes, and if not
speedily removed causes a severe wound. Its body, partly by
sucking moisture and partly by the development of the eggs,
becomes greatly swollen, sometimes to the size of a small pea (fig. 60).
It is a native of tropical America, but has been introduced into Africa

IS

o m

FLEAS. 55

where it has spread rapidly. It has also been found in Madagascar
and China. The natives in Africa who neglect to remove them
frequently lose their toes in consequence.

Perhaps of all insects flies are man's greatest enemies, injuring
his crops, fruit trees and vegetables, whilst others attack domestic
animals, or are the means of conveying disease.

They are very diverse in their habits, even in the same family.

The Cetidomyiidffi are extremely small delicate flies. The larvae
of many species form galls, or swellings in the stems of plants.
Oligotrophus anmdipes (Hormomyia piligerd) forms hairy tubercles
on the upper surface of beech leaves (see model no. 87 on the east
side of the gallery). Contarinia tritici, a Corn Midge, is injurious

Fig. 60.

Jigger flea (Sarcopsylla penetrans}. Female with the abdomen distended.
(Enlarged 10 times.)

to oats and barley. Mayetiola (Cecidomyia) destructor, the Hessian
Fly, often causes serious damage to barley in some parts of the
world. In England it appears to be kept in check by the numerous
parasites to which it is subject.

BiMonidm. — The larvse of Bibio live on decaying vegetable matter
in the earth ; and when they come in contact with the living roots,
they eat these. In this way, Bibio hortulanus, sometimes called
a Fever Fly, does considerable damage to hops. The flies often
appear in great numbers in the spring for a few days, and are seen
crawling and tumbling about on the ground.

Culicidw. — Gnats, for which the Spanish word, mosquito, is often
used, have of late years come much into notice in consequence of

56 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

their biting habits, and the discovery of the part played by them in
conveying disease, with which the species of Anopheles are specially
connected.

Tipulida. — Daddy-long-legs, or Crane-flies. — The larvae, which
are called Leather-jackets, live on roots, and sometimes do consider-
able mischief to lawn? and root crops. Some species live in decaying
wood and other vegetable matter.

The Asilidce and Empidcz are predaceous. They live on other
insects which they capture, pierce with their rather short, strong
proboscis and suck dry.

The Syrphidcv, or Hover-flies. — The larvae of these flies are very
diverse in their habits. Some of them are beneficial, as they feed on
Aphids (Green-fly). They somewhat resemble leeches in form, and
may often be found among the Aphids on roses or on fruit trees, &c.

The larvae of Eristalis and its allies are totally different. They
live in water saturated with decaying matter and filth. In order to
obtain air the larva is provided with a long tube-like tail, which is
capable of being extended for a considerable distance to reach the
surface of the water, whence these larvae have been called rat-tailed
maggots. The larvae of Volucella live in the nests of humble-bees
and wasps. Those of Merodon feed in narcissus bulbs, and some-
times cause serious loss.

Tachinidte. — The larvae of the majority of Tachinidce, live in
caterpillars. This they do without killing the caterpillar until they
are fully grown, when they pierce through the skin of the host, and
almost immediately assume the pupa form.

CEstridce. — This family is of small extent but of great importance,
since the larvae live at the expense of vertebrate animals. Gastrophilus
larvae, called " bots," find their way into the stomachs of horses.
The larvae of Hypoderma lineatum and H. lovis^ the Ox Warble
flies, are found under the skin on the backs of oxen, whilst those of
(Estrus oviSi the Sheep Bot, are developed in the nasal and frontal
sinuses of sheep.

Another group of flies of considerable interest are the Hippo-
boscidcz, which live on mammals and birds. Hippobosca equina,
known as the Forest Fly, is found on horses ; Lipoptena cervi on
deer. Stenopteryx hirundinis attaches itself to the house-martin.
Melophagus ovinus, another member of this family, is known by the
misleading name of Sheep-tick. It is a curious wingless insect,
which lives among the wool of sheep, and when numerous has an
injurious effect on the fleece.

FLEAS.

57

There are perhaps no insects more remarkable than the species of
Nycteribiidcz, which are spider-like wingless creatures with very long
legs and large curiously-formed claws, and are parasitic on bats.
Another very small, closely-allied insect which should be noticed is
Braula cceca, which attaches itself to bees.

Considerable attention has been given of late to the biting and Table-
blood-sucking flies. Besides the gnats already referred to, some of case 50*
the most troublesome are the biting midges : Culicoides puiicaris is
one of the commonest (fig. 61). Species of Simuliwn are also serious
pests in many localities. Specimens are exhibited in Table-case 50.

Fig. 61.

Fig. 62.

Culicoides puiicaris.
(Greatly enlarged.)

Glossina

longipennis.

(Slightly enlarged.)

Among the Tabanida, or Horse-flies, species of ffcematopota and
Chrysops are well-known biters, while Stomoxys, a genus of blood-
sucking Muscidte, includes several extremely troublesome and widely
distributed species. Closely allied insects are the Tsetse-flies, Glossina,
which are a serious menace to the development of Africa, since by
means of their bite, the parasites causing sleeping sickness and
nagana (Tsetse-fly disease among animals) are conveyed (fig. 62).
There are several species.

A small series of flies will be found in Drawers 16-19 of a
cabinet on the west side of the gallery.

GUIDE TO INSECTS.

Order COLEOPTERA.

The insects of this Order are called Beetles. They have a
complete metamorphosis. The head is imbedded in the prothorax,
which is very large. The front wings, called elytra, are not used
in flight, but are hard and serve as covers to the hind wings,
which are folded in a complex manner beneath them. When at
rest they meet in a straight line down the back and do not cross
one another.

They are commonly divided into twelve Sub- Orders, the principal

characters for distinguishing which are explained by drawings and

Table- specimens arranged in a tabular form in Table-case 51. These

51-54 Sub-Orders are again divided into many families, a few of which

are illustrated in Table-cases 52, 53 and 54. A series of specimens

will be found in drawers of a cabinet on the east side of the

gallery.

The larvse are generally soft-bodied grubs living in concealment
— Series of specimens illustrating the metamorphoses of Melolontha
(1 29), Propomacrus (1 31 ), Oryctes (1 35), Stenodontes (1 37), Spondylus
Wall- (139), and Aspidomorplia (143) are shown in Wall-case 8.

Some problems connected with the geographical distribution of
animals are suggested by beetles arranged upon maps placed on the
West wall.

The commoner British Beetles are shown in a cabinet on the
west side of the gallery, and a selected series of exotic representatives
of the Order is contained in cabinets on the east side.

Some of the principal families of beetles are the following :—

The Cicindelidw are exceedingly active predaceous beetles, of
which the British species are known as Tiger-beetles. Their larvae
form perpendicular shafts in dry soil, and lie in wait to prey upon
passing insects. Some of the tropical forms are arboreal and the
larvse of Collyris make their tunnels in the twigs of shrubs by boring
a hole, through which they remove the pith.

The CaralidoR, Ground Beetles, are predaceous, most of them
foraging by night, and lying hidden by day under stones, in
crevices, etc. A remarkable exception to this rule is Zabrus giblus,
which eats the ears of corn. Several genera, e.g., Brachinus and
Pheropsophus, have the power of extruding a drop of volatile and
explosive fluid by which they disconcert their pursuers, whence their

BEETLES.

59

popular name " Bombardier Beetles." In Anthia, OrapMpterus and
other genera the fluid is not explosive but acid, and causes pain and
discoloration.

Paussidce possess the same crepitating faculty. They are curious
beetles which live in the nests of ants, and seem to secrete a sweet
substance which is very agreeable to their hosts. All the species
(about 300 are known) are easily recognised by the extraordinary
forms assumed by their antennae.

The Gyrinidw, Whirligig Beetles, skim over the surface of ponds
and rivers by means of their paddle-shaped middle and hind legs.
The front pair form prehensile organs for seizing the insects upon
which they feed. The larvae live in the water.

The Dytiscidce are adapted to a purely aquatic life, although able
to fly well. They carry a supply of air between the elytra and the
back, where the spiracles are situated. They also are predaceous.

The Staphylinidce are very ready fliers, although their wings fold
into a very small space and the wing-covers are very short. They
include a multitude of small species, and the insects which so often
fly into the eyes on summer days and cause them to smart, commonly
belong to this group, especially species of Oxytelus.

The Silphidce are chiefly carrion-feeders, and the species of
Necrophorus have the curious habit of burying small carcases which
they find upon the ground, by digging away the earth from beneath
them. Their eggs are afterwards deposited upon them and the larvae
feed in security.

Coccinellidce, or Ladybirds, are amongst the most valuable of all
insects to agriculturists, most of them feeding both as larvae and
imagines upon the prolific Aphidce and Coccidce, which work havoc
among so many crops. When other methods of extirpating these
have failed in various colonies, the introduction of certain kinds of
Goccinellidcv has, in some cases, proved very successful.

The Lamellicorns include many of the largest and most striking
insects. Many species are very destructive to trees and crops. The
Cockchafer, Melolontha vulgaris (see Wall-case 8, No. 129), is one
of these. It eats the leaves of oaks and other trees, but the larvae
cause still more serious damage, by destroying the roots of cultivated
crops. They generally pass three years in the ground before their
development is complete.

Many Scambceidce are dung-feeders, like the long-familiar ball-
rollers of the Mediterranean, Africa and the East. The ball when
made is rolled with the hind legs until a sheltered spot is found

60 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

where it can be consumed in peace. For the young a hole is
excavated underground and a quantity of the food-material carried
down and worked into a ball, in which a single egg is laid. The
ball is cased with clay, which retains the moisture, and afterwards
serves as a cocoon. A loosely covered spot at the top admits
sufficient air for respiration. Some of the cells, examples of which
made by species of Heliocopris and Oatharsius are exhibited, are of
great size and weight. The two parents seem to co-operate in the
labour of construction, and the nest is sometimes guarded by the
mother during the development of the young.

The Passalidce are found in tropical climates beneath bark or
within decaying wood, upon which they feed. The two parents and
larvae of different ages are found together, the adult beetles gnawing
the wood and preparing it for their young, which seem unable to
exist without them. The larvae are remarkable in being apparently
four-legged, as the hind pair of legs are extremely small and serve as
part of a sound -producing instrument. The claws of the hind leg
scrape against a microscopically ridged plate at the base of the middle
leg.

The LucanidcR, or Stag-beetles, are well-known for the great
enlargement of the head and jaws of the males. Most of them feed
in rotten wood during the two or three years of larval life, but the
large species, Odontolabis siva, cocoons of which are shown, feeds in
the thatch of houses in the East, and the cocoons are made of gnawed
pieces of this fastened together.

Ptinidce and Bostrichidce are exceedingly destructive to dry
timber, woodwork and furniture, through which their larvae tunnel
until rapidly succeeding generations reduce it to powder. A piece
of an oak rafter from the roof of Arundel Church, completely honey-
combed by Anobium tessellatum, is exhibited.

A smaller species, AnoUwn domesticum, is the one generally
responsible for the " worm-holes " so often seen in old furniture.
These are the exits by which the beetles have left the wood when
their development was completed and their tunnellings over.
Anobium paniceum is also found in houses, where it attacks pro-
visions, and even books, boots and leather articles allowed to rest
long undisturbed. A small dried loaf and a book riddled by it may
be seen in the table-case. These beetles are the mysterious Death-
watches of old houses. By striking their jaws in regular time
against resounding wood they produce a ticking noise which in a
silent room is very distinct. It was no doubt more often heard in

BEETLES. 61

days when wainscoting was common than in the present day, and it
is not surprising that it was believed to be supernatural in the
absence of any visible cause.

The Lampyridce include the Glow-worms and Fire-flies. The
males are always winged and the females often grub-like, but all
forms, including the eggs, are luminous. They are predaceous
insects, most, if not all, of them preying upon slugs and snails.

The ElateridcB are better known in the larval stage, as the
Wire- worms so injurious to crops, than in the adult form, when they
are often called Skipjacks, or Click beetles. The species of one
Tropical American genus, Pyrophorus, are luminous and, like the
Lampyridtz, are called Fire-flies. The light proceeds from spots
upon the upper surface of the thorax. In the Lampyridw it comes
chiefly from the lower surface of the abdomen.

Most of the Buprestidce are very brilliantly-coloured and the
wing-covers of some of them are often used in Oriental embroideries.
Most of their larvas are long, flattened, legless grubs which feed in
timber. The spiral burrow made in a bough of the Cork-oak in
France by a species of Coroebus is exhibited.

The MeloidcB are parasites, feeding during the larval period upon
the eggs, young, or stored food of other insects. Meloe proscarabceus
is a common British species. It undergoes several extraordinary
changes of form before reaching the pupal stage. The mature
insects feed upon foliage, and are protected from birds and insect-
eating animals by a caustic secretion which they can exude and
which is extracted and used medically under the name of can-
tharidine.

The Ourculionidce, or Weevils, are an enormous family of
vegetable-feeders, many of which cause serious injury to cultivators.
One of the largest of them is the Palm-weevil (Rhymhophorus) which
destroys the interior of the Cocoanut Palm, working upwards from
the roots and ultimately reducing the tree to a shell.

A very injurious species found in this country is Pissodes notatus.
A small piece of young Austrian pine infested by this insect is
exhibited. An entire plantation of young trees of this species at
Dorchester was destroyed. The habits of several other British
Weevils are illustrated by models on the East side of the Gallery.
Ceuthorrhynclms sulcicollis (55) produces excrescences upon turnips
or cabbage stems within which its larvae feed. The Apple -blossom
Weevil, Anthonomus pomorwn (53), kills the flower buds of the
apple tree, one egg being laid by the mother in each bud. The

62 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

female of Attdabus curculionoides (57) cuts oak leaves across the
middle, leaving the mid-rib intact. The terminal half then falls
back and is neatly rolled into a closed cylinder within which an
egg is placed. The larva lives and feeds within this shelter,
eventually falling to the ground to pupate. Rhynchites betulce (59)
treats birch leaves in a similar way, but the cell is sugar-loaf shaped
instead of cylindrical.

Scolytidce, are small beetles which bore into trees, the larvae of
most of them feeding upon the soft layer immediately beneath the
bark. The borings of several species of Scolytus are shown. The
female drives a tunnel just beneath the bark and along it places her
eggs at regular intervals. Each little grub upon hatching proceeds
immediately to eat its way into the same layer, the tunnels increas-
ing in diameter with the growth of the inmates, but always keeping
separate, so that they become more and more oblique towards the
end of the colony. Curious and beautiful patterns are traced in this
way upon the surface of the wood. Certain other Scolytidaa live
socially within cavities in tree trunks, feeding upon fungi which
grow within the cavities and are even said to be cultivated by the
beetles.

The Longicorns are wood feeders, attacking forest trees in every
part of the world. They sometimes emerge from wood which has
been in use for some time, and in which the larvae have been con-
cealed. Parts of the batten of a claret cask pulverised by Hylotrupes
lajulus are shown, together with specimens of the beetle. Two other
species shown sever small branches by gnawing a circular groove
around them. This is done by the female when laying her eggs.
The cut branch snaps off at the incision and the larva feeds within
it as it lies upon the ground. In a model against the East Wall are
shown branches of poplar attacked by Saperda populnea, the female
of which lacerates the bark with her mandibles and deposits an egg
at the injured spot. The larva enters the wood and feeds within the
swelling produced.

The Ghrysomelidce are chiefly leaf feeders, and*some of them, like
the Colorado Potato Beetle (Doryphom IQ-lineata), are very serious
pests. That species, although it has been accidentally imported into
this country and the Continent, has hitherto not succeeded in estab-
lishing itself permanently. The Mustard Beetle (Phocdon cochlearice),
a common British species which destroys the leaves of mustard, is
shown in a model. Most of the members of this family possess
offensive juices which protect them from the attack of insectivorous

BUGS, FROTH-FLIES. 63

animals, and Diamphidia nigro-ornata, of which larva, cocoons and
imago are shown, is so poisonous that the natives of Ngamiland use
it for poisoning their arrows.

The Cassididce or Tortoise-beetles. Several species are shown,
together with the remarkable egg-cases of several South African
forms. Each egg is contained in a separate cell in a beautiful
honeycomb-like structure, gradually built up by the female from a
glutinous secretion. The larvae have a curious pair of long tails,
which are carried over the back. The skins cast successively, four
in number, are held, together with the excreta, by these tails, and
form a kind of mask throughout the larval stage.

Order RHYNCHOTA.

This Order includes the Bugs, Cicadas, Froth-flies, Aphids, and
Scale Insects.

They undergo incomplete metamorphosis. The head is imbedded
in the prothorax which is very large. The mouth is modified
so as to form a long proboscis, formed for piercing and for
sucking juices ; it lies beneath the body when at rest, directed
backwards.

They are divided into two Sub-Orders, the HEMIPTERA and
HOMOPTERA.

A series of specimens, with explanatory drawings and labels, is Table-
in course of preparation, and will be exhibited shortly in Table-cases case 55>
55 and 56.

The HEMIPTERA have the base of the front wings leathery, the
apical part membranous, crossed over one another when at rest.
This Sub-Order includes all the Plant Bugs, Tree Bugs, House
Bug, etc.

A small series of specimens will be found in Drawers 9-12 in a
cabinet on the west side of the gallery. They live on the juices of
plants. A minority, however, attack and suck moisture from
caterpillars and other insects, especially species of the family
Reduviidce, and some will bite human beings, the bite in some cases
being as painful as the sting of a wasp. Sirthenea stria is one of
these in Trinidad. Conorhinus infestans is mentioned as being
very troublesome, and Conorhinus sanguisuga causes great pain and
inflammation. These are South American.

64 GUIDE TO INSECTS.

The Common House Bug (Cimex lectularius) feeds on moisture
drawn from pine wood, hence it is often found breeding behind
pictures left undisturbed and behind wainscots. This species is not
met with in England away from houses, but three species, Cimex
colombaria, 0. hirundinis and C. pipistrelli, are found in the nests
of pigeons, swallows and bats respectively.

Aspongopus nepalensis, a large species, which hides itself under
stones in dry river beds in North India, is sought for and eaten by
the natives.

The HOMOPTERA have wings of the same texture throughout, held
roof-like when at rest. This Sub-Order includes the Cicadas, Froth-
flies, Aphids, etc. A small series of specimens will be found in
Drawers 13-15 in a cabinet on the West side of the gallery.

The Cicadas have brought themselves under notice from the
earliest times by the sounds that they produce. This sound is
produced by a complex structure at the base of the abdomen. In
their early stages they live under ground on roots. The pupae are
remarkable looking creatures.

The FulgoridcB include the Lantern Flies, so called on account of
the curiously developed heads of some of them. Many members of
the family secrete a white waxy substance from their abdomens.
One of the most remarkable is Phenax. The young of species of
Flata, covered with this white waxy substance, are sometimes found
in masses. A beautiful example is exhibited.

The wax secreted by Fulgoridce is used for making candles in
China.

The MemtracidoB are noteworthy on account of the very curious
shapes taken by the pronotum.

To the Cercopidw belong our British Froth-flies and their
allies. One of the commonest species, Philaenus spumarius, is well
known as living on garden plants. In their early state they surround
themselves with white froth. The full-grown insects, called Frog-
hoppers, are very injurious. They constantly prick the young leaves
in order to suck the juice. Afterwards, as the leaves grow, these
pricks become holes and the leaves often get much withered.
The Aphidce are known as Plant-lice or Green -fly.
The Coccidce are called Scale Insects from the scale-like appearance
of the females of many of the species. The males are delicate
insects with one pair of wings only. Examples of the males and
females of the largest known species, Lophococcus maximus, from
Rhodesia, are exhibited.

INDEX.

Agnatha, 36.
Alder-flies, 32.
Ants, 46.
Ant-lions, 36.
Aphidse, 1, 64.
Aptera, 12.
Bees, 51.
Bird lice, 41.
Blattidae, 20.
Bugs, 63.
Butterflies, 42.
Caddis -flies, 40.
Cicadas, 64.
Cockroaches, 20.
Coleoptera, 2, 58.
Corrodentia, 31.
Crickets, 22.
Cynipidse, 1, 46.
Death-watches, 31.
Diptera, 53.
Dragonflies, 38.
Earwigs, 16.
Fish-insects, 14."
Fleas, 53, 54.
Flies, 53.
Forficulidae, 16.
Froth-flies, 64.
Galls, 1, 46.
Golden-eyes, 35.
Grasshoppers, 25.
Gryllidse, 22.
Hemimerus, 15.
Hemiptera, 63.
Homoptera, 63.
Hornet, 49.
Horse-flies, 57.
House-fly, 53.
Hymenoptera, 2, 45.
Ichneumons, 46.
Isoptera, 27.

Jigger flea, 55.
Lacewings, 35.
Lanternflies, 64.
Leaf-insects, 18.
Lepidoptera, 2, 42.
Locustidse, 25.
Locusts, 26.

Long-horned Locusts, 23.
Mallophaga, 41.
Mantidse, 19.
May-flies, 36.
Moths, 2, 42.
Neuroptera, 27.
Odonata, 38.
Orthoptera, 15.
Paper mites, 31.
Perlidge, 31.
Phasgonuridae 23.
Phasmids, 18.
Pine-borer, 46.
Planipennia, 32.
Plant-lice, 64.
Plecoptera, 31.
Praying Mantis, 19.
Rhynchota, 63.
Saw-flies, 2, 46.
Scale-insects, 64.
Scorpion-flies, 33.
Sheep-tick, 56.
Sialida, 32.
Slug- worm, 2.
Snake-flies, 33.
Springtails, 12.
Stick-insects, 18.
Stone-flies, 31.
Termites, 27.
Trichoptera, 40.
Tsetse, 57.
Wasps, 47.
White-ants, 27.

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