CHAPTER XI. 



THE HEMIPTERA. 



If we state that the order of the Hcmiptera contains Bugs, that 

 is to say, domestic Bugs and the Shielded Bugs, the Cigala, the 

 Plant Lice, and the Cochineal Insects, every one can pretty well 

 understand the general nature of the assemblage of creatures 

 which is classified in it. 



The Heinipiera undergo an incomplete metamorphosis like the 

 Orthoptera, and are born nearly in the same shape as the per- 

 fect insects, and, therefore, they do not suffer any very great 

 external changes during their development. The larvae are, 

 generally speaking, only distinguished from the adults by the 

 want of any appearance of wings. They undergo several changes 

 of their skin, and after a particular one they- appear with the rudi- 

 ments of wings. The insects are then considered to be nymphs. 

 After a last change of the skin the wings appear in their perfect 

 state, and then the insect is considered to be adult. Their eggs 

 are often very pretty, being variously ornamented and chamfered ; 

 and those of some kinds are in the shape of little barrels or tubs, 

 with a sort of coverlid. Those of the plant-sucking kinds are 

 usually deposited in layers upon the leaves and trees. 



Many naturalists have divided the Hemiptcra into two principal 

 divisions, although all these insects are allied by very evident and 

 natural affinities ; but it is, pehraps, as well to admit that there 

 are two sections of them. In the first— the Hctcroptcra—thQ wings 

 are coriaceous in that half which is attached to the body, and 

 transparent in the rest, and the suckers spring from the lower 



