72 LEFEBVRE ON MANTIS. 



number of articulations in the tarsi is always more numerous in 

 the anterior than in the posterior legs. The genus Hetero- 

 tarsus, as well as showing one articulation less than the 

 Heleromera possess, also gives an additional proof of the 

 regularity in the relative number, which seems invariable, since 

 it affords four articulations of the anterior and three of the 

 posterior tarsi. 



Here is a system of arrangement entirely overthrown by this 

 insect, and a fresh blow given to the tarsal classification, already 

 enough shaken by the observations recently published in the 

 Recueil des Annales de la Societe. 



This insect then demands the institution of a new division, 

 as we shall hereafter see. 



I have in my possession the Eremiaplnla in question, in 

 the pupa state, whilst in the work on the Expedition to Egypt 

 it is only figured in the larva state ; therefore I am able to 

 judge with more certainty respecting the distinctive character 

 of this truly curious creature, and which, in whatever state we 

 find it, is perfectly identical. But as I have before asked, 

 may we suppose that at the same time that the elytra and 

 wings are developed, the tarsi might assume the additional 

 number of joints which the allied species exhibit in a perfect 

 state ? — Nothing proves this. 



Though it is unadvisable, I well know, to create a genus 

 from an insect not in the perfect state, I feel persuaded, from 

 all the precedents we have relative to the transformations of 

 this family of Orthoptera, that this species will preserve the 

 same constancy in the conformation of the tarsi, the same 

 difference in their claws, and the same peculiar form in the 

 subanal plate of the female, &c. T think I may therefore 

 make it the type of a genus, which I shall describe by the 

 name oi Heteronutarsus. 



Fully impressed with the excellent principles laid down 

 by M. Germar in his Conspectus Cicadarium, on the too 

 great facility with which many modern entomologists have 

 created new genera, I have long hesitated to institute this for 

 fear of falling under the same lash, and I have only yielded 

 to the opinion of persons whose advice has such weight with 

 me that I could not do otherwise than obey. 



