OSTHOPTERA. 133 



Orthoptera.* 



The Orthoptera differ from the beetles in the fol- 

 lowing circumstances. Their tegumentary skeleton 

 is less dense and solid, their front wings or elytra are 

 semi-membranous, and are supported by a frame- 

 work of nervures ; moreover, instead of meeting in a 

 straight line along the back, they overlap each other. 

 The hind wings are folded longitudinally like a fan. 

 The larvae and pupae are equally active ; the former 

 possess no wings, and in the latter these organs only 

 begin to show themselves enclosed in wing-cases ; in 

 both conditions they closely resemble the perfect 

 insect, and live upon the same food. Their mouth is 

 always furnished with cutting mandibles, with which 

 they devour vegetable substances. They are all ter- 

 restrial in their habits, and for the most part feed 

 upon plants. The entire class may be conveniently 

 divided into two groups. 



1st. Those which run upon the ground (Cursoria).t 



2nd. Those whose hind legs are constructed for 

 leaping (Saltatoria).J 



The first division is represented by the Earwigs 

 and Cockroaches, the latter by the Grasshoppers and 

 Crickets. 



The Earwigs {Forfimla) form a comiecting link be- 

 tween the Orthoptera and the Beetles, and are sometimes 

 described as forming a class by themselves, under the 

 names of Dermaptera § and Euplexoptera ; || the latter 

 name is given to them on accoimt of the beautiful manner 

 in which their hinder wings ai-e folded up when at rest 

 under their elytra. The aj)pearance of these elegant 

 wings, when expanded, is represented in the annexed figure 

 (Fig. 89) ; when closed they are curiously packed into a 

 sixth part of their ample breadth. These insects do much 



* hpdos, orthos, straight ; iTTep6v, pterou, wing. 



t Cursoria, running. 



X Saltatoria, leaping. 



§ ^epfxa, derma, skin ; irrepov, pteron, wing. 



II eu, eu, heautiful ; ttAckw, pleco, I jplait ; irrepov, pterou, a toing. 



