XXIV 



The Posterior Coxa are only conspicuously enlarged in some particular species (dung beetles). There 

 are two of thera placed on the sides of the breast next to the abdomen, under the hinder thighs. 

 In some they are placed remote and distinct from it, in others they lie close ; being moveable in 

 some, in others they are fixed. The use of these parts we are ignorant of.* 



The Abdomen consists of a number of annuli or rings, and contains the greatest part of the intestines 

 and other viscera ; being united to the trunk, and formed with holes on the sides, through which 

 the insect breathes. 



The Limbs comprehend the tail, legs, and wings, with their cases. 



The Tail is placed at the extremity of the abdomen ; and in some is furnished with a sting, in others 

 it is armed with a pair of forceps ; sometimes with a single bristle, sometimes with a double one ; in 

 some with a pair of claws like a crab, in others like a fork. 



The Legs include the coxae, trochanters, femora, tibiae, and tarsi ; the latter consisting of two, sometimes 

 of three, four, or five articulations. In some the fore ones resemble a crab's claws. Some are 

 furnished with spines, others are smooth and plain. The hinder ones are formed for running, 

 leaping, or swimming. 



The Wings, being always two or four, are either plain or folded, erect or open, lying flat or inclining 

 downwards, &c. In some they are dentated or scolloped ; and some are furnished with two 

 projections like tails. They are also membranaceous, reticulated, or transparent, and frequently 

 adorned with beautiful colours. In "some they are curiously folded within two crustaceous cases, 

 that are either smooth or rough, striated, furrowed, punctated, &c. in some these cases are soft and 

 flexile, in others hard like horn ; the Hemipterous are partly soft and transparent, as in Plate 49. 

 Fig. 2. and partly opake and hai-d, as in Plate 42. Fig. 1. Plate 4-3. Fig. 2. and Plate 45. Fig. 5. 



It is necessary to observe, that I have not been so prolix and explanatory in the fore- 

 going definitions as I should be, if I intended to arrange the figures under their respective 

 classes, or establish any system for doing so ; I have explained no more terms or parts 

 than what are sufficient to enable the reader (if he is not an adept) easily and clearly to 

 understand the descriptions. It is likewise necessary to mention, that I have given 

 English names to most of the parts, where I could do it with the necessary propriety for 

 serving this particular purpose ; and where I could not substitute an English word, that 

 was apposite and significant, I have preserved the Latin one, as used by Linnseus and 

 others. Thus, for instance, the term palpi I would have altered, if I could have found 

 an English word that conveyed the same idea ; but not easily finding one, I have kept to 

 the original. I have not forgot the terms mustachios, whiskers, &c. which I might have 

 used in its stead ; but as these parts in many insects bore no analogy or resemblance 

 thereto, it being in a great many of them like a short jointed filament or thread, I rather 

 chose to preserve the Latin one. The same practice I have observed with the term 

 antennae. For though feelers is the general explanation given to this word, I could not 

 prevail with myself to use it. The reason is, because these animals seem to have a power 



• They are part of and give support to the hind pair of legs. 



