ORTHOPTERA. 



28 5 



The Orthoptera are vegetable feeders, and frequently commit 

 great ravages on various crops. They are divided into two groups, 

 viz., those which run, and those which jump or leap. We will begin 

 with those which run, which contains the Earwig (Forficula), the 

 Cockroach (Blatta), the genus Mantis, or Leaf Insects, and the 

 genus Phasma. 



The Forficula, or Earwig, is represented in Figs. 298, 299, 300, 

 in its three different states. The lower wings are very broad, 

 and folded at the same time like a fan, and doubled up. Its abdomen 

 terminates in a sort of pair of pincers, resembling those which the 

 jewellers formerly used for piercing the ears of young girls as a 

 preparatory step to their wearing ear-rings. Hence, without doubt, 



Figs. 298, 299, 300. Common Earwig (Forficula. aurlcularia) larva, pupa, and imago. 



their French name of Perce-oreille, or ear-piercer ; for there is nothing 

 to justify the vulgar belief that these insects introduce themselves 

 into the ear, and bore a hole into its interior, through which they 

 may penetrate into the brain ; in fact, they are very innocent insects, 

 and do little harm. They live on vegetable matter, and more 

 especially the interiors of certain flowers. 



The Forficulce avoid the light. They are to be found in the 

 chinks of trees, under bark, and under stones. The female watches 

 over the eggs with maternal solicitude, and carries them away 

 elsewhere when they are touched. She also protects the larva? and 

 pupae till they are strong enough to dispense with all attention. 



The Blattce, or Cockroaches, are very destructive insects, as the 

 name, derived from the Greek word BAa^^ to damage, implies. 

 They are omnivorous, attacking all sorts of dead substances, vegetable 



