22 N. S. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



The members of this family can be recognized by the following characteristics: — 

 The antennae are always shorter than the body, flattened at the base, filiform or 

 threadlike; the joints are distinct. Ocelli are always present, foveolae usually so. The 

 pronotum varies in form and size, but in most species it is saddle-shaped, the dorsal 

 surface almost covering the three thoracic segments. In one sub-family it extends back 

 over the abdomen, and in some species beyond it, and is often mistaken for the teg- 

 mina. The tegmina and wings when present, and in repose, are held in a horizontal 

 position along the dorsum and partly against the sides. The auditory organs are locat- 

 ed on the first segment of the abdomen one on each side. The fore and middle legs are 

 of about the same size, while the femora of the hind legs are enlarged for leaping. The 

 tarsi are three jointed, the last joint bearing a pair of claws between which is a small 

 pad or pulvillus, except in the sub-family Tettiginae. The ovipositor consists of four 

 short, horny plates or valves, projecting from the tip of the abdomen. 



Key to Sub-families of Acrididae. 



A. Pronotum extending back over the abdomen. Tegmina represented by small 

 oval scales at sides. No pad between tarsal claws Tettiginae. 



AA. Pronotum not extending over the abdomen ; claws of tarsus with pads be- 

 tween them. Tegmina varies. 



B. A prominent spine between front pair of legs Acridinae. 



BB. No spine between front pair of legs. 



C. Face more or less oblique, usually meeting the vertex at an acute angle. 

 Foveolae usually well developed. Pronotum never raised in form of a 

 crest or cut by more than one sulcus Tryxalinae. 



CC. Face more vertical and rounded than above; foveolae not well developed. 

 Pronotum raised in form of a crest and cut by more than one sulcus. 



Oedipodinae. 

 SUB-FAMILY TETTIGINAE. 



The members of this sub-family are known as "grouse locusts" and are our small- 

 est acridians. At first glance they are easily mistaken for immature grasshoppers, but 

 upon closer inspection they are readily distinguished by the pronotum, which extends 

 back over the abdomen. The tegmina are represented by small oval scales at the base 

 of the wings. The hind wings are fully developed and are usually large and folded 

 lengthwise beneath the pronotum. The tarsal claws have no pads between them. The 

 ovipositing plates are armed with teeth on the outer edges. 



These small insects can be found on bright days, very early in the spring and all 

 through the summer. They are quite common on grassy hillsides and by the sides of 

 streams. There is great variation in color, yet blending so well with their surroundings 

 as to make them difficult to find unless searched for very carefully. They are well dis- 

 tributed]throughout the province. 



Key to Genera of Tettignae. 



A. Antennae with 12-14 joints. 



B. Median carina high, crest-like, arched longitudinally. Superior lateral 

 sinus shallow, about half as deep as the inferior sinus Nomolettix. 



BB. Median carina low, dorsum rather flat. Superior lateral sinus about same 

 depth as inferior sinus Acrydium. 



