250 INSECT ORDERS 



Order — Hemiptera 



These are the bugs. The word "bug" is used loosely to refer to all 

 insects and to many things that are not insects, but only members of this 

 order can rightfully claim this title. The front wings are distinctive of 

 the group ; they are thickened and leather-like at the anterior half, but 

 thin and membranous at the posterior half. They are held so that they 

 overlap on the back when they are not flying. Mouth parts are for 

 sucking, and metamorphosis is gradual. 



Photo by Winchester 



Fig. 17.7. A stink bug. This bug shows the typical shield-shaped body that is char- 

 acteristic of the stink bugs. They are quite destructive to plants and emit a very 

 disagreeable odor, especially when crushed. 



1. Aquatic bugs. These include the giant water bug that may grow 

 two inches long, the water boatman, back swimmers, water scorpions, 

 and water striders that walk on the surface of the water. 



2. Predacious bugs. These include the assassin bug that feeds on 

 soft-bodied insects, ambush bug that crawls in flowers and waits for 

 some insect to enter in search of nectar, and kissing bug that has been 

 known to pierce the lips of sleeping persons to suck their blood. 



3. Bedbugs. These common pests make themselves at home in mat- 

 tresses and other parts of the bed and surroundings and come out to 

 suck the blood of a person settled for the night. Thorough fumigation 

 is about the only means of eradication once they get started. 



