Systematic Position and Structure 9 



than when silent. I have noticed that the women 

 on a porch generally begin to complain about the 

 mosquitoes first — of course the men may have been 

 smoking. Mr. Pearse further states that a stringed 

 instrument is a great attraction for the insects. 



Proceeding now to the thorax, we find it to be 

 covered with fine scales, variously coloured, often 

 arranged in brilliant lines or distinct spots. Fre- 

 quently there are long, stout bristles mixed with 

 the scales. There are usually lengthy bunches of 

 hair on the scutellum (the hind part of the thorax). 

 To the thorax are attached the wings and legs. 



The two long, narrow wings are clear, as a rule, 

 transparent, and exquisitely iridescent, owing to the 

 presence of many minute spines. The veins of the 

 wings bear scales, whose free ends are directed to- 

 ward the wing-tips. The scales may be linear or 

 broad (Plates I., II.), and both kinds may occur on 

 the same wing. They may be of one or more 

 colours and at times form dark or light spots on the 

 wings, thus becoming of use in classification. Along 

 the lower edge of the wings is a fringe of linear 

 scales (Plate II., Fig. a, p. 8). 



The legs consist of a number of joints covered 

 with scales, generally appressed, but sometimes more 

 or less erect. First comes the coxa, a short joint 

 which attaches the next, the femur, to the body. 

 The femur widens towards its apex, to which is 

 fastened another long joint, the tibia, which some- 

 times is banded or spotted. Then follows the tar- 

 sus, composed of five joints, each of which is shorter 

 than the preceding one. The tarsi of the hind legs 



