THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



19 



sucked. By the use of this, the insect has gained the soubriquet of 

 stinging bug. This compact jointed beak is peculiar to all true bugs, 

 and by observing it alone, we are able to distinguish all the very varied 

 forms of this group. The antenna (Fig 4) is four-jointed. The first joint 

 (Fig. 4, a) is short, the second and third (Fig. 4, b and c) are long and 

 slim, while the terminal one (Fig. 4, d) is much enlarged. This enlarged 

 joint is one of the characteristics of the genus Phymata, as described by 



Fig. 4— Antenna, much magnified. Fig. 5 — Anterior Leg, magnified — exterior view. 



Latreille. But the most curious structural peculiarity of this insect, and 

 the chief character of the genus Phymata, is the enlarged anterior legs (Figs. 

 5, 6 and 7). These, were they* only to aid in locomotion, would seem 

 like awkward, clumsy organs, but when we learn that they are used to 

 grasp and hold their prey, then we can but appreciate and admire their 

 modified form. The femur (Fig. 5, b) and the tarsus (Fig. 5, a) are 



Fig. 6— Interior view. Fig. 7— Claw extended. Fig. 8— Middle Leg— much magnified. 



toothed, while the latter is greatly enlarged. From the interior lower 

 aspect of the femur (Fig. 6) is the small tibia, while on the lower edge of 

 the tarsus (Fig. 6, d) is a cavity in which rests the single claw. The other 

 four legs (Fig. 7) are much as usual. 



HABITS. 



ft 



This insect, as already intimated, is very predaceous, lying in wait, 

 often almost concealed, among flowers, ready to capture and destroy 

 unwary plant lice, caterpillars, beetles, butterflies, moths, and even bees 



