ENTOMOLOGY IN OUTLINE — HEMIPTERA. 45 



California some years ago, is Melanolestes picipes. This insect is black, 

 and is commonly found hiding beneath stones and boards. It can 

 inflict a very painful wound. 



The wheel-bug {Prionidiis cristatus) is one of the most beneficial of the 

 bug class, as it preys upon leaf-eating caterpillars, and does not hesitate 

 to attack hairy worms, as the tussock-moths, fall web-worm, etc. 



This is a large family, representing nine subfamilies and at least 

 fifty genera. They are usually long, rakish-looking insects, with promi- 

 nent, bulging eyes. The body color is generally dark-brown or black, 

 although some of the members are lighter colored and in some cases 

 beautifully marked. They have a three-jointed beak and are quick in 

 their motions. Altogether the members of this family ■ Reduviidse or 

 assassin-bugs may be regarded as friends of the fruit-grower, florist, 

 and farmer, and should be protected, even at the expense of an occa- 

 sional puncture from their beak. 



Family Nabidse (Damsel-bugs). This is a small family of preda- 

 ceous insects. They generally hide among the blossoms and foliage of 

 plants, where they prey upon small insects. 



Family Phymatidse (Ambush-bugs). These insects are called ambush 

 bugs from their habit of concealing themselves and seizing their prey 

 unawares. The most striking feature of this insect is in the peculiar 

 form of the front legs, which are especially adapted for seizing and 

 holding their prey. While a small insect, it will seize and hold an 

 insect very much larger than itself, and will catch cabbage-worms, bees, 

 and even wasps, and devour them. 



Family Aradidse (Flat-bugs). This family comprises the flattest of 

 all the bugs. Its members live under the bark of decaying trees and in 

 cracks where their flat bodies make it possible for them to creep. 



Family Tingitidse (Lace-bugs). This is a family of very small but 

 very beautiful insects. Their common name is given on account of the 

 beautiful lace-like markings of the wing covers, which are reticulated in 

 a manner strongly resembling fine lace work. This insect is very com- 

 mon in California, where it attacks many plants and sometimes becomes 

 so numerous as to seriously interfere with the health of the plant 

 attacked. 



Family Aeanthiidae (Bedbugs and Flower-bugs). The bedbug needs 

 no description here. It is too well known, and no insect is more thor- 

 oughly detested. But there is a very close relation to this pest, which 

 have wing covers fully developed and which are found on flowers and 

 in other locations. They are predaceous, and are known as the flower- 

 bugs. 



