42 TRUE TALES OF THE INSECTS. 



a horizontal direction, or depressed towards the base, the 

 mouth always directed somewhat forward ; with the eyes 

 more or less prominent, but ocelli in the majority of 

 species wanting. While the prothorax is always small, 

 shorter than the head, undergoing, strange to say, but 

 little elongation even in species most linear and elongate 

 in form, the mesothorax often assumes an extraordinary 

 length. It may be six times as long as the prothorax, 

 and generally likewise exceeds the length of the meta- 

 thorax. This extension relatively to the other two 

 thoracic segments is peculiar, since in other groups 

 where it occurs there are powerful mesothoracic wings, 

 whereas the Phasmid^e are noted for the absence or 

 curtailment of these particular appendages. When 

 present, this segment carries them and the second 

 pair of legs only at its posterior extremity, and in like 

 fashion the third pair of legs is attached to the meta- 

 thorax. Except in the case of the Phylliides, the hind 

 body, or abdomen, is also elongated. Entirely ambu- 

 latory, the legs vary much in the details of their shape. 

 Ordinarily the anterior pair is the longest, and the 

 femora often have the basal part compressed ; and they 

 are so formed as to stretch out in entire juxtaposition in 

 front of the head, concealing it in large measure, and 

 entirely enclosing the antennse. There is an arolium or 

 membranous cushion between the claws of the five- 

 jointed tarsi, enabling them to adhere firmly to plants. 



