HOMOPTEEA. 



We have now arrived at a new order of insects, the Homoptbra. 

 This order includes a number of insects that are apparently 

 dissimilar, but which can, on careful examination, be recognised 

 as belonging to the same group. Oui" first business is to under- 

 stand the name of Homoptera. 



This name is formed from two Greek words, signifying 

 Same-winged, and is given to the insect because both the upper 

 and under pairs are of a similar character. Both pairs are 

 membranous, the upper pair are longer than the lower, and 

 they do not lap over each other in repose. The body is always 

 convex, which partly accounts for the disposition of the wings, 

 the antennae are usually short, and the feet have not more than 

 three joints. The mouth is set rather back on the under 

 surface of the head, and is furnished with a proboscis formed 

 from the mandibles and maxillse, which are very slender' and 

 elongated, and enclosed in the labium, which is formed into a 

 sort of canal. The pupa is active, and bears some resemblance 

 to the perfect insect. 



In this order are comprised several well-known insects, such 

 as the ' cuckoo-spit,' the aphis or green blight, and the scale 

 insects, besides the comparatively rare' Cicada. All these insects 

 are very unlike each other, but tliey agree in the character of 

 the wings, the form and position of the proboscis, and the mode 

 of transformation. 



It has already been mentioned that the Homoptera never 

 have more than three joints in their feet. Mr. Westwood 

 considers the number of joints in the tarsi as a matter of such 

 importance that he bases his arrangement upon it, and divides 

 the Homoptera into three groups, those which have three joints 



