2Q RHYNCOTA. 



segments. Two groups constitute this Order, viz. : — (1) 

 The Lepismidcu, which are covered with scales, and (2) 

 the two families of the lapygldte and Nicoletiatcey 

 which are covered with hairs only. One of the most 

 familiar forms of the Th3'Sanura is the pretty little 

 Lepisma saccharina of a silvery white colour ; it is not 

 uncommon in kitchens and pantries in old houses. It runs 

 with great activity, and has an elongated body about 

 one-third of an inch long ; it has no saltatory organ. 

 Another species of Thysanura, the Machilis maritima, 

 about half-an-inch in length, is very common on the 

 rocky shores of this country ; I have met with it 

 abundantly in different places on the coast ; it is brown 

 mottled with bronze reflections. This species possesses 

 a jumping spring-tail. 



The study of those insects has been much neglected, 

 and for long there has been no guide for the student ; what 

 had been written on their history and structure being 

 scattered about in several publications, often procurable 

 with difiiculty ; but the publication of Sir John 

 Lubbock's *' Monograph" will render their study both 

 pleasant and easy. 



The Order Rhyncota includes all those insects with 

 an imperfect metamorphosis that possess a suctorial 

 mouth, which consists of a jointed rostrum or beak, 

 formed by the union of the labial palpi ; it is tubular, 

 and contains four bristle-like bodies, which are modified 

 representations of the mandibles and maxillae. By 

 means of these sharp needles the insect pierces the skin 

 of plants and animals and sucks up the juices. A great 

 number of members of this order have four wings, 

 variable in structure. Some are aquatic and live 



