280 



IXsr.CTS ABROAD. 



The forceps are quite a.'^ long as the body of the insect, and 

 have but a very slight curve until nearly the tip, where they 

 suddenly curve inwards so as to cross each other when closed. 

 About a quarter of an inch from the base a strong tooth is 

 developed on the inner surface, and between the teeth and the 

 base is a row of very tiny teeth, too small to be detected without 

 the use of the magnifying glass. In fact, supposing the whole 

 of the forceps to be removed from the tip to the large tooth, 

 there would stiil remain an instrument capable of pinching 

 severely and retaining its hold firmly. 



The hinges of the wiiigs project rather boldly beyond the 

 elytra ; and as they are pale brown, they are easily seen against 

 the shining black of the abdomen and elytra. The upper part of 

 the elytra is covered with bold punctures, and there is a belt of 

 similar punctures across the middle of the body. 



Our I'ast example of the Earwigs is the very fine insect called 

 Forficesila Americana. There are several specimens in the 

 British Museum, and one of them has fortunately been set with 

 its wings expanded. There is no ajjparent difference in the 

 structure of the wing when compared with that of our own 

 species, but its great size renders the mode of folding easier of 

 examination than is the case with the smaller species that 

 inhabit England. The peculiar fan-like folds are well seen, 

 together with the slight transverse hinge on which the wings 

 when furled are doubled up so as to lie under the elytra. 



Very slender are Ihese hinges, looking to the casual observer 

 merely like a fine continuous nervure running nearly i)aral]e] 

 with the edges of the wing ; and it is not until a tolerably 

 powerlul glass is brought to bear on them that their real clia- 



