134. MODERN CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 

Jurine, on account of the peculiar insertion of the abdomen, formed 
these insects into one of his three primary sections of the order. 
The genus Evania Fab. (fig. 74.1. Evania appendigaster, 2—6. 
details of ditto) is distinguished by the very short and much com- 
pressed abdomen, attached by its peduncle close to the scutellum. 
This peculiarity, although it appears, at first sight, anomalous, is de- 
pendent upon the excessive developement and thickness of the 
metathorax, of which the praescutum is reduced to a very slender 
dorsal piece, having the posterior wings attached at its sides, the 
metascutellum and metapostscutellum being confluent, although the 
limits of the metascutellum are indicated (of a triangular form 
and small size, terminating at the place of insertion of the abdomen) 
by an impression, the metapostscutellum being exceedingly developed 
(fig. 74. 4. Dorsal, and 5. Lateral, view of the thorax); the me- 
tasternum is also very remarkable, terminating in a strong furcate 
process of which the points are recurved and fitting into the posterior 
coxe (fig. 74. 6.). The maxillary palpi are long and slender (fig. 74. 
2. maxilla) ; but those of the labium larger, dilated, and irregular in 
their form (fig. 74. 3. labium) ; the trophi vary, however, considerably 
in the different species; the antennae (which were described by 
Jurine as 13 or 14-jointed, according to the sex) are 13-jointed in 
both sexes, those of the females having the basal joint very much 
elongated. The veins of the wings vary in the different species, or 
rather those of the extremity of the wings are obsolete in the smaller 
species (Brachygaster Leach, fig. 74. 7.). The ovipositor is not ex- 
serted. 
I have already recorded (vol. i. p. 422, 423.) all that has hitherto 
been observed relative to the habits of these singular insects. As 
