The Rev. Wu. Kinny on a new Order of Insects, 87 
sequence of an influx of new insects, as of a more correct ap- 
preciation of the characters of those that were already known *. 
Rossi therefore may be deemed peculiarly fortunate in being the 
first discoverer of a singular tribe of insects which indubitably 
belongs to a new order, since it will arrange, whether we consider 
its metamorphosis or characters, under none of those at present 
3 established. 
and it must be allowed that beth its metamorphosis and the peculiar structure of its maxillae 
(Fabr.) entitle it to a place in that order. The substance of its elytra, however, and its. 
wings folded transversely as well as longitudinally, give it some claim likewise to a station 
amongst the Coleoptera. I am not sure-that it will not be adviseable,. since, not to name 
the peculiar anal forceps, its wings. in. their structure, figure and veins, (a circum 
stance of no small importance in. ascertaining orders as well as genera) are quite unique 
and sui generis, to consider these insects, which Mr. Leach also once suggested to me, as- 
forming an intermediate order between Coleoptera and Orthoptera. If entomologists: 
should judge this.hint. worthy of attention, I would. further suggest that De Geer's name 
above mentioned (Dermaptera),. which is not at all inapplicable, should be given to it. : 
* This principle of improvement with respect to orders might, I think, be carried stil 
further, and applied to another of Linné's Genera, Phryganea, which is evidently not in 
its proper place, being more nearly allied to the Lepidoptera than to the Neuroptera, as 
both Reaumur and De Geer have long ago observed (Reaum. tom. iii. Mem. 5. p. 176 &e. 
and De Geer tom. ii. partie 1. Mem. 7. p. 497. and tom. vii. p. 715 &c.) Although 
some other insects (Myrmeleon and Hemerobius) placed in the Neuroptera do not agree 
with the rest in their metamorphosis, yet in their perfect state they exhibit the principal 
characters of the order, and therefore are properly retained in it; but Phryganea differs 
from the. rest both in metamorphosis. and characters. Its metamorphosis is very peculiar, 
the larva imitating, many of the T?nece in constructing of various materials a kind of case 
for its habitation, from which circumstance they are commonly called Case-worms ; and the 
_ pupa, which is.incomplete, and at first quiescent, just before its final change, by a won- 
derful provision of an allwise Creator, becomes locomotive that it may place itself in a si- 
tuation of security. out of the water before it casts off its exuviæ; and for this purpose the 
antennz and the four anterior legs are not confined under the ond envelope, though- 
each has. its. peculiar integument, so that the animal can usc them when the time comes. 
for it to emerge from the water and commence a denizen of the air. For further particulars. 
I must refer the reader to the Memoir of De Geer above quoted, where he will meet with, 
much interesting matter. The. imago exhibits few or none of the characters of the other 
Neuropterous. 
