1^ THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



TO NATURALISTS AND OTHERS. 



As I am at present working at the Hemiptera of the world, I should 

 be very much obliged for specimens from any part. For the benefit of 

 those who may kindly wish to help, I give a few hints on the collection 

 and preservation of this neglected order of insects. Hemiptera (which 

 include the various insects popularly known as Plant-bugs, Tree-hoppers, 

 Cicadas, Fireflies, Aphides, &c.) resemble in general appearance Beetles, 

 but have more membranous upper wings (or wing cases), and are usually 

 of softer consistence, besides having their mouth provided with a rostrum 

 or proboscis, instead of jaws. In size, Hemiptera vary, from an inch or 

 more to less than one line in length. In color they are also variable, some 

 being exceedingly brilliant, others very obscurely colored. They inhabit 

 trees, shrubs and low plants ; some run about on the damp margins of 

 streams and lakes, some inhabit the surface of the water, and others swim 

 in the water or crawl on the mud below. A few live under the dead bark 

 of trees, and are usually flat and dull colored. The best mode of catching 

 those on trees and shrubs is by shaking the branches over an inverted 

 umbrella ; those that are found on or under low plants (grass or other 

 herbage) may be collected by sweeping the herbage with a net (which 

 can easily be made out of a ring — 12-18 inches in diameter — of stout 

 wire, attached to a stick, and having a bag of canvas sewn on to it). They 

 may also be found by searching on flowers and leaves. Those at the 

 margin of the water may be found by searching ; those on and in the 

 water by using a net similar to the sweeping one, but with canvas open 

 enough to allow the water, but not the insects, to pass through. Rather 

 shallow, still water, among weeds or in open places among weeds, are the 

 best situations. Many species fly into houses at night, attracted by the 

 lights. In habits these insects are variable : some move slowly, others 

 run or fly with celerity, and others (Tree-hoppers, &c.) jump with great 

 activity. As many species closely resemble each other, it is desirable that 

 a// specimens met with should be secured. It is also desirable that sma// 

 species as well as large ones should be collected, as it is among the for- 

 mer that most undescribed forms may be expected.^ To k:ill and preserve 

 these insects, all that is necessary is that on capture they are put in a 

 bottle filled with spirits of wine (rum, whiskey, &c., will do). Care must 

 be taken, however, that the botde is kept filled with fluid, otherwise the 

 specimens will be shaken about and broken. So in transit great care 

 must be taken^to guard against the evaporation of the spirit. The bottles, 



