HEMIPTERA. 193 



to live and undergo all their changes on the stems of plants. 

 Among the former is our largest native species, the two-spotted 

 tree-hopper, or Memhracis himaculala* of Fabricius, which may 

 be found in great abundance on the limbs of the locust-tree 

 {Robinia pseudacacia) during the months of September and 

 October. These, as well as other tree-hoppers, show but little 

 activity when undisturbed, remaining without motion for hours 

 together on the limbs of the trees ; but, on the approach of the 

 fingers, they leap vigorously, and, spreading their wings at the 

 same time, fly to another limb and settle there, in the same 

 position as before. They never sit across the limbs, but always 

 in the direction of their length, with the head or fore part of 

 the body towards the extremity of the branches. On account 

 of their peculiar form, which is that of a thick cone with a 

 very oblique direction, their dark color, and their fixed posture 

 while perching, they would readily be mistaken for the thorns 

 of the tree, a circumstance undoubtedly intended for their 

 preservation. Other instances have been mentioned displaying 

 proofs of equal wisdom in the formation of insects. Thus, in 

 the leaf-insects, grasshoppers, and walking sticks, which live in 

 trees, the latter exactly simulating a little twig in appearance, 

 and the others having the form and color of leaves, their re- 

 semblance to the objects among which they have been destined 

 to live, has doubtless been given to them with the express 

 design of screening them from their enemies of the feathered 

 race. Many other examples of the same kind might be men- 

 tioned, did time and the limits of my subject warrant; but 

 these alone suffice to show that special provision has been 

 wisely made in the construction of certain defenceless animals 

 with a view to secure them from observation. Surely insects, 

 the most despised of God's creation, are not unworthy our 

 study, since they are objects of His care and subjects of a 

 special providence. But to return to our locust tree-hopper, 



* Fabricius describes the male only under this name ; the female is his Mem- 

 hracis acuminata. This species belongs to Trofessor Germar's new genus Hemi- 

 ptycha. 



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