330 W. D. FUNKHOUSER 



respect. It has already been noted that paraptera were lacking in the 

 Membracidae, and if the axillary sclerites are also missing the wing base 

 as a whole must be considered as being very poorly developed. 



Aside from the basal region the wings of the Membracidae are usually 

 membranous. It has been noted that in the small sul^family Tragopinae 

 this is not the case, but this subfamily consists of only three genera con- 

 taining a very limited numl;)er of species. In general the wing consists 

 of a distinct corium and clavus, the claval suture occurring along the 

 first anal vein. Both pairs of wings are well developed and expanded. 

 Both are characterized by having a strongly scalloped margin outlined 

 by the ends of the veins, and in most forms a distinct terminal membrane 

 beyond this margin. The extent of this marginal membrane is con- 

 sidered a good taxonomic character and has been used in generic diagnosis 

 (Amyot and Serville, 1843:533). The wings may be entirely, partly, 

 or not at all concealed by the pronotum. This variation also has proved 

 of value to systematists, and on it are based many keys and tables to 

 genera and tribes. 



Other general characters of the wings that are used in taxonomic work 

 are the length as compared with each other, with the abdomen, and with 

 the posterior process, the shape of the extremities, the colors and markings, 

 and the venation. A discussion of the last-named character is here omitted, 

 since it forms the subject of a previous paper by the writer. It may 

 be stated, however, that for systematic purposes the wing veins yield 

 many valuable characters. This is especially true of the hind wings, 

 which are by far the more constant and apparently the more generalized. 

 Unfortunately the hind wings are always covered by the fore wings and 

 are usually much shorter than the fore wings, so that their examination 

 necessitates the relaxing of the specimen. Moreoycr, in many cases 

 both wings are entirely hidden under the pronotum. A more or less 

 superficial character of the wing veins, but one which is believed to be 

 of value at least for specific distinction, is the presence of punctures along 

 their courses. In some species each vein is bordered b}^ a double row 

 of such punctures and often by corresponding rows of bristles. 



THE LEGS 



The legs in the Membracidae show some interesting features struc- 

 turally and are of importance taxonomically. All three pairs of legs are 



