LIST OF THE FAMILIES 



Although the nomenclature and even the taxonomic limits of 

 the families of the Hemiptera cannot be regarded as fully es- 

 tablished, the following list is given here at the beginning of our 

 work to afford a glimpse of the ground that is to be covered, to 

 furnish (as fascicle numbers are added) a general index to the 

 series, and to give a basis for critical discussion and revision. 



Owing to the diversity of opinion on priority in family names 

 many more designations have been proposed than are included 

 below; but this is a difficult subject, requiring special research in 

 each particular case, and so there are given here only enough of 

 the existing synonyms and alternative names to indicate clearly in 

 each instance the group of insects to which the name refers. 



Each of these families, it is hoped, will be the subject of a 

 fascicle, prepared by a specialist and published in the order of 

 completion. While a large number of authorities have agreed to 

 undertake the cataloguing of their families — in fact many fascicles 

 are now in active preparation — there are some opportunities still 

 open, especially in the Homoptera; and the Editors will take 

 pleasure in answering inquiries on this subject. 



