HEMIPTERA. 179 



found on the limbs of trees, where they deposit their eggs, only 

 during the adult state, and probably pass the early period of their 

 existence in the ground. Others, however, are known to live and 

 undergo all their changes on the stems of plants. Among the 

 former is our largest native species, the two-spotted tree-hopper, 

 or Mtmbracis bimaculata* of Fabricius, which may be found in 

 great abundance on the limbs of the locust-tree (Robinia pseudo- 

 code/) during the months of September and October. These, as 

 well as other tree-hoppers, show but little activity when undis- 

 turbed, remaining without motion for hours together on the limbs 

 of the trees ; but, on the approach of the fingers, they leap vigor- 

 ously, and, spreading their wings at the same time, fly to another 

 limb and settle there, in the same position as before. They 

 never sit across the limbs, but always in the direction of their 

 length, with the head or forepart of the body towards the ex- 

 tremity of the branches. On account of their peculiar form, 

 which is that of a thick cone with a very oblique direction, their 

 dark color, and their fixed posture while perching, they would 

 readily be mistaken for the thorns of the tree, a circumstance un- 

 doubtedly intended for their preservation. Other instances have 

 been mentioned displaying proofs of equal wisdom in the formation 

 of insects. Thus, in the leaf-insects, grasshoppers, and walking- 

 sticks, which live in trees, the latter exactly simulating a little 

 twig in appearance, and the others having the form and color of 

 leaves, their resemblance to the objects among which they have 

 been destined to live, has doubtless been given to them with the 

 express design of screening them from their enemies of the 

 feathered race. Many other examples of the same kind might be 

 mentioned, did time and the limits of my subject warrant ; but 

 these alone suffice to show that special provision has been wisely 

 made in the construction of certain defenceless animals with a 

 view to secure them from observation. Surely insects, the most 

 despised of God's creation, are not unworthy our study, since 

 they are objects of His care and subjects of a special providence. 

 But to return to our locust tree-hopper, which remains to be de- 



* Fabricius describes the male only under this name ; the female is his Mem- 

 bracis acuminata. This species belongs to Professor Germar's new genus He- 

 miptycha. 



