cicadidj-:. 371 



. With regard to the life-history of the Cicadidse, they present some 

 important differences from the AphididsB. Males and females are pres- 

 ent throughout the whole season, and the latter are always oviparous. 

 The eggs, according to Westwood, vary in numher from 300 to 400. 

 They are deposited in grooves of the leaves, cut by the female insect 

 with her saw or ovipositor. The incision being healed up by the 

 flowing sap, the eggs hatch out in due course into six-legged active 

 larvae, which feed by means of a proboscis, and after moulting change 

 into pupae, which are also active and show embryo wings. These 

 finally moult, and become active male and female insects. They feed 

 by means of a rostrum, which also forms an anchor when the insects 

 are asleep. The sap pumped up by this organ is ejected by the anus, 

 thus differing from the majority of Aphididse, which develop cornicles 

 for this purpose. 



It will therefore be seen that the insects undergo incomplete meta- 

 morphoses, and are injurious in all stages. 



With regard to typical specimens of Cicadidse, I will simply take 

 a few of the most common species. 



The most conspicuous species is that known as the " cuckoo-spit," 

 so called because of the white froth or spittle with which the larval 

 form protects itself. In early summer the froth is very common 

 indeed on grasses and low plants. In the midst of the froth the larval 

 metamorphosis is passed. The commonest species is known by the 

 name of Philaneus gpumaria, sometimes referred to the genus Aphro- 

 phora or "froth-bearer." The species in this genus are relatively 

 large, and may be found plentifully on almost all kinds of bushes 

 when beating for other insects. 



There is a curious opinion prevalent with regard to cuckoo-spit 

 among gamekeepers. They universally maintain that if a young- 

 pheasant swallows this froth it always proves fatal to it. However 

 this may be, I cannot vouch for it other than on the strength of a 

 keeper's opinion. 



During the months of July and August a very beautiful and large 

 insect belonging to this group may be beaten in considerable numbers 

 from the oak branches. The insect is about 4 or 5 mm. in length. 

 The head is brownish or a light-chocolate colour, and the body pea- 

 green. It is called Macropsis lanio. 



