HOMOPTERA. 4.17 
Belostomz); whilst, on the cther hand, the Homoptera seem to me 
to present as equally strong a series of relations of analogy with the 
Orthoptera, such as the uniform texture of the fore wings, their late- 
rally deflexed position, and especially the saltatorial and musical 
powers possessed by many of both groups, and the complicated struc- 
ture of the female ovipositor. In this respect, therefore, there is so 
strong a distinction between the two groups that [am tempted to 
retain them as distinct, although I might not have regarded their 
structural differences alone as sufficient. 
The situation in which these insects are here arranged (between the 
Lepidoptera and Heteroptera), is equally liable to discussion. That 
they must be placed in immediate contact with the Heteroptera, is 
evident from what has been already said, and from the gradual ap- 
proximation to them made by the Hydrocorisee amongst the Hete- 
roptera in the minuteness of their antenne, the shortness of their 
conical promuscis, &c.; but their relation, on the other hand, to the 
Lepidoptera is much less clearly to be perceived. If, indeed, we look 
in the most general manner at the suctorial series of insects, we find 
the Homoptera agreeing better with the Lepidoptera than any of the 
other orders in their tetrapterous condition; the Heteroptera, and 
still less the Diptera, offering a slighter relation in this respect. This, 
however, it must be remembered, rests but upon a solitary bond of 
relation. Mr. Macleay, indeed, brings forward the genus Flata Fabr., 
the species of which, according to Latreille, “‘ rassemblent a de petites 
Phalénes ou mieux encore a des Pyrales” (Tortrices), and especially 
the Flata limbata, as exhibiting a singular example of the commence- 
ment of a relation of affinity ; the elongated antenna, farinose wings, 
and shape of the head, especially receding from the Homopterous, and 
approaching the Lepidopterous type. The genus Aleyrodes Laér. 
(Tinea proletella Linn.) is also regarded as exemplifying the im- 
mediate transition or osculant order between the Homoptera and Le- 
pidoptera, undergoing an obtected metamorphosis, being inactive in 
the pupa state, and in its adult state being covered with farinaceous 
powder. It is impossible not to be struck, however, at once with the 
slight nature of these proposed relations, leading to the conviction of 
the great hiatus which exists between the two orders in question. 
Another interesting circumstance connected with this order in its 
restricted state is the great modification which even its most cha- 
racteristic marks undergo in some of the more obscure tribes. The 
VOL. If. EE 
