HEMIPTERA 75 



the basal segment of the legs. The odoriferous secretion 

 that issues from these pores is highly protective. 



3. The peculiar form and texture of the close-fitting fore 

 wings. Note that the membranous tip is obscurely 

 veined, and that the horny basal portion is subdivided 

 into definite areas by thin membranous sutural lines 

 of joinings. Compare with a homopterous fore wing. 



4. The thinner hind wings. Open and close them and note 

 the manner of their folding. 



b. The Nymph 



With a nymph of the same species in hand, note that it 

 differs from the adult chiefly in size and in lacking wings. 

 Observe that the sheaths of the developing wings are right 

 side up (not inverted as in the jumping Orthoptera). Greater 

 differences in form will be found in those membranous 

 winged bugs in which nymph and adult differ greatly in 

 habits. The homely burrowing nymph of the cicada,* for 

 example, with its pointed head and great flat, scraper-like fore 

 legs, is very different from the ornate arboreal adult insect. 



Compare other available bugs. There are so many diverse 

 forms in the vast order, it will not be practical to offer here 

 any further specific outline. Consult the larger text books 

 for further information. Read in these books about the 

 remarkable life histories and habits of the aphids and the 

 scale insects. 



* Cast nymphal skins of the 17-year cicada ("locust") are at time9 

 available in vast quantities. They are easily gathered and stored in a 

 box, and will serve excellently for showing how completely the external 

 skeleton with all its internal processes, is shed at transformation. 



