of the Muh'Cricket. 409 



There are twelve segments in the abdomen of the gryllotalpa, 

 of which the nearest to the thorax carries the upper pair of 

 wings on its upper part, and the middle pair of legs on its 

 lower part; the next segment carries the under pair of wings 

 on its upper part, and the hind pair of legs on its under part. 

 These two segments, which are usually described in entomo- 

 logical systems as belonging to the thorax, are of a horny con- 

 sistence and very hard on their upper side, while all the rest 

 are merely membranous ; they are also covered with much long 

 and rough hair, while all the rest, excepting the last but one, 

 are sparingly covered with short hairs. The last segment but 

 one is furnished on each side of its upper surface with a row of 

 red hairs or bristles, which are curved inwards in a direction 

 towards each other; obviously for the purpose of preventing 

 the folded extremities of the under wings from fallini{ off' the 

 back on either side. 



The under surfaces of all the segments ai'e of a thicker sub- 

 stance than the upper, and are covered entirely with a coarse 

 down, which probably gives the animal a more firm hold 

 while in the act of burrowing. In the last segment is situated 

 the vent, formed by three oval flaps, two below and one above. 

 This segment sends out from each side of its upper surface 

 two caudal antenna?, as I have ventured to call them, of a 

 tapering form, which differ essentially in structure from those 

 of the head, inasmuch as they are not jointed in any part of 

 their extent, excepting at their very commencement : they are 

 furnished with short hairs set comparatively closely about 

 every part ; among which are interspersed long single hairs. 

 These caudal antennas are evidently very sensible, and serve 

 probably to give the animal notice of the approach of any an- 

 noyance from behind ; they are partially hollow throughout 

 great part of their extent, and muscles may be traced into 

 them from the inner and adjoining part of the abdomen. 



The legs. — The anterior legs, passing out from under the 

 hind part of the thorax, advance by the side of the head in a 

 direction parallel to each other, which is their natural position 

 Avhile the animal is at rest. I should deem it a servile adhe- 

 rence to system were I to describe the parts composing these 

 legs by the terms strictly indicative of the order of their suc- 

 cession; for, thus, that part which answers so eminently to 

 the character of a hand, must be called the tibia. I shall beg 

 leave therefore to state j)rincipally, that the fore leg of this 

 insect consists of three main parts, with a lateral appendage 

 attached to the last oi them. The two first of the three parts 

 bear some general resemblance to the claw of the crab ; being 

 short and thick, for tiie jnn'pose of affording room tor power- 



Voi. ()(). No. 332. Dec. 1825. 3 F ful 



