WINGS OF INSECTS, AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION. 53 



whether the two pairs resemble each other or not, the 

 wings of the front pair are of the same texture through- 

 out. By this character they are separated from the 

 order next to be described Heteroptera (tTspog, heteros, 

 different; Trrt/oov, wing), in which part of the fore-wing 

 is thickened, and part membranous* 



For figures of Order IX., Homoptera, see Plate XII. 



To the order Heteroptera belong all the rest of those 

 sucking insects which have something like wing-cases, 

 but as has been said, these wing-cases are only partially 

 thickened, and have received the name of hemelytra 

 or half elytra, distinguishing them from the elytra, or 

 perfect wing-cases of the beetles. Of these a good 

 example is found in the common plant bugs, with their 

 variegated colours, or delicate green hue. The water- 

 boatman, the water-scorpion, and many others rank with 

 them. 



For figures of Order X., Heteroptera, see Plate XIII. 



The next tribe is called Aphaniptera, or not showing 

 its wings (atyavfig, invisible ; Trrepov, wing), which is 

 only a civil way of saying that the insects which belong 

 to it the fleas have no wings. They have at least 

 none, in the common sense of the word. It has been 

 both suggested and denied that the four wings proper 

 to insects are represented by four scales which grow on 

 the sides of the thorax, and appear to be undeveloped 

 wings. It may be remarked that the want of wings 

 is compensated by the great power of the springing legs, 

 which fully answer all purposes of locomotion. 



From the fleas, with their four little scale-like repre- 



* These two orders were formerly combined, and on their division re- 

 ceived their present designations, which accounts for the first being called 

 by a name which distinguishes it from the second half of the old order 

 rather than from the insects of other orders. 



