180 ELEMENTARY STUDIES IN INSECT LIFE 



not easily understood how those familiar with the char- 

 acter and temperament of the mule could readily put 

 their faith in this doctrine. 



This formidable-appearing insect can sometimes be 

 found in a quiet corner of the window, in an attitude 

 somewhat like the one here shown. If prayer there be, 

 the petition is surely for the approach of an unwary 

 house-fly to be readily pounced upon for the next meal. 

 This insect is perfectly harmless. 



Walking-Sticks. 1 - -Walking- Sticks likewise possess 

 characteristics which unquestionably protect them and 

 thus favor their existence. Their long, stick-like bodies 

 and inactive disposition allow them to simulate sticks ; 

 or when on trees, the twigs. In the tropics we find the 

 wings of some of these forms simulating leaves. The 

 common form in the North is wingless. The walking- 

 sticks are vegetable-feeders. The eggs are dropped 

 singly upon the ground. (See Fig. 47.) 



The foregoing proceed by walking or running ; crick- 

 ets, grasshoppers and katydids have the hind legs fitted 

 for leaping, and while capable of walking they generally 

 move about by jumping. 



ORTIIOPTEEA THAT JUMP. 



Crickets. 2 Crickets are to be found in the harvest- 

 field, under the shocks of grain, and around the stacks. 

 Not infrequently one enters the house, and then, if it 

 be a male, his clear, shrill "click, click" (page 45), 

 his mate-call, notifies you of his presence. These are 

 the familiar black crickets, that live mostly upon the 

 ground. The family contains two other kinds the 



1 Family, Phasmidce. - Family, Gryllidoe. 



