INSECT A. 9 



parts of the world. The true grasshoppers (PL IV.^ 

 Figs. 59, 60, p. 102), and the katydids belong to a dif- 

 ferent family from our "grasshopper." Unfortunately, 

 popular nomenclature in this case has not only become 

 different in xA.merica and Europe, but in Europe it is 

 the reverse of the scientific. Thus the locusts of his- 

 tory belong to the family Acrididae, and the true grass- 

 hoppers belong to the Locustidae. 



Locusts can be readily distinguished from grass- 

 hoppers, as they have stout antennae which are usually 

 shorter than the body. They are generally reddish 

 brown or dull green in color, and live for the most 

 part on the ground. They are found in great numbers 

 in open fields and along roadsides. The grasshoppers 

 have long, slender, and tape^-ing antennae which when 

 turned back, as one ordinarily sees them in cabinets, 

 usually extend beyond the abdomen. Those living in 

 grass, bushes, and trees are mostly of a bright greeh 

 color ; while the wingless forms which live in caves, 

 among rocks, and under stones, are generally different 

 shades of gray and brown. ^ 



Not only is it true that our yellow-striped locust 

 belongs to the same family as the destructive Rocky 

 Mountain locust, but also to the same genus, the two 

 being separated only by specific differences. 



During July and August insects are very abundant, 

 and material should then be collected and preserved 

 for the winter's use. Insects which are preserved in 

 alcohol are more pliable and easier to study, but 



1 Some western wingless Locustarians living on the prairies 

 are almost black. 



