36 ASSASSIN-BUGS. 
and with the front bent down, is not a common insect in Minne- 
sota. It is shown in Fig. 27. It varies considerably in color 
and markings, is usually black, polished on the head, thorax, 
abdomen, and legs; the sides of the body, with the exception 
of the head, are bright red, and the same color prevails more 
or less on the tip of the scutellum. The size of the insects is 
also very variable, but on an average they measure about two- 
thirds of an inch in length. They lay eggs on the twigs and 
bark of pine trees. ‘These hatch during the early summer, and 
the young may then be seen roaming over the trees in search 
of plant-lice and young caterpillars, which they pierce and suck 
to death, often holding them out on the tip of the rostrum, while 
keeping them from getting away by pressing down with the 
fore-feet.”’ (Uhler.) 
Melanolestes picipes H. Schf. 
This and a very similar species belong to the sub-family 
Piratina, composed of narrower forms, with the head well drawn 
Fic. 28.—Melanolestes picipes H. Schf. Winged male and apterous female. 
Original. 
