220 



INSECT LIFE. 



FIG. 188. 



all the prothorax is prolonged backward like a roof 

 over the body (Fig. 187). A common species bears a 

 pair of hornlike projections, which have giv- 

 en it the name of the buffalo 

 tree-hopper (Fig. 188); and an- 

 other common species (Fig. 

 189) excretes honey-dew, and 

 is attended by ants. If the 

 young entomologist wishes to laugh, let him look at 

 the faces of tree-hoppers through a lens. A front 

 view of several of these insect-Brownies is 

 given in Fig. 190. Their eyes have a keen, 

 droll look, and the line that separates the 

 head from the prothorax gives them the 

 appearance of wearing glasses. In some cases the 

 prothorax is elevated above the head, so that it looks 



FIG. 190. -Tree-hoppers or Brownie-bugs. 



like a peaked nightcap ; in others it is shaped like a 

 Tam-o'-shanter ; while others have prominent horns. 

 The tree-hoppers feed upon plants, but they sel- 

 dom appear in sufficient numbers to do much damage. 

 They constitute the family MEMBRACID/E (Mem-brac'- 

 i-das) of the order Hemiptera. 



