— 26 — 



abdominal segments, from the second to the eighth inclu- 

 sive, is ring-like in form, and without appendages. 



In each of these segments the lateral margins of the ter~ 

 gum join the pleura* without any suture. Near the cepha- 

 lo-ventral angle of each pleurum there is a spiracle. The 

 sterna are well developed and are separated from the pleura 

 by a narrow, involuted, membraneous part. 



Caudal Part of Abdomen of Female. — The most 

 prominent portion of the caudal part of the abdomen of the 

 female is the ovipositor. This is an organ consisting of four, 

 strong, curved, and pointed pieces, which form the most 

 caudal part of the body. With this organ the insect makes a 

 hole in the ground in which she lays her eggs. This is done 

 by alternately bringing together and separating the two pairs 

 of pieces, and at the same time pushing the body into the 

 ground. Examine carefully these pieces, and note how 

 well they are adapted to this purpose. 



Between the ventral pieces is the opening of the oviduct. 



Veutrad of this opening and also between the ventral 

 pieces of the ovipositor is a pointed prolongation of the 

 eighth abdominal sternum ; this has been termed the egg- 

 guide. Dorsad of the egg-guide there is a forked organ 

 which also is used in placing the eggs. 



The ventral pieces of the ovipositor are supported by two 

 pairs of sclerites ; there being a sclerite closely applied to 

 the ventral surface of each pair, and one to the lateral sur- 

 face of each. 



The ninth and tenth abdominal terga are shorter than any 

 of the preceding abdominal terga and are joined together on 

 each side, the lateral parts of the suture separating them 

 being obsolete. 



*The lateral part of a segment is termed the pleurum ; in the same way that the 

 ventral part is called the sternum ; and the dorsal part, the let gum. By some 

 writers the entire dorsal part of an insect is called the tergum ; the lateral part, 

 the pleurum ; and the ventral part, the sternum. These writers apply the terms 

 tergile, pleurite, and sternite respectively to the dorsal, lateral, and sternal regions 

 of each segment. 



