148 



mXEODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY. 



APTERA.* 



Under this term numerous insects, and tribes allied to insects, 

 have, since the time of Aristotle, been artificially grouped 

 together, the common bond of union being their agi-eement in 

 the negative character derived from the absence of wings. 

 The Linnsean order Aptera is subdivided by modern entomo- 

 logists into four orders. 



I. Myriapoda. — Insects which are possessed of numerous 

 feet, such as the Centipede and the Millepede, belong to this 

 order. The Centipede (Scolopendra, Fig. 139) is carnivorous 



Fig. 138. — SCOLOPENDBA. 



in its habits, an infuses a poisonous secretion into the wound 

 inflicted by its mandibles. Some of the foreign species of 

 Centipede are above a foot in length, and proportionately 

 lormidable. The Millepede (Julus, Fig. 1 39) feeds principally 

 on decaying vegetable matter, and is frequently found under 

 the bark of trees, coiled up like the mainspring of a watch. 



Pig. 139.— JoLcs. 



II. THYSANOtJRA (frtnged-taiV). — In this order there is great 

 diversity of structure; but the peculiarity whence the name 

 of the order is derived, will be understood by reference to 



* ff'ithout wings. Tlie Crustacea and Arachnida, which now con- 

 stitute distinct classes, were formerly included in this order. 



