l6 INSECTS. 



INSECTS are divided by Linnseus into seven 

 orders or distributions, The first order is entitled 

 Coleoptera, and contains all those insects whose 

 wings are guarded by a pair of strong, horny, 

 exterior cases or coverings, under which the 

 wings are folded up when at rest. These insects, 

 in common language, are called Beetles, though 

 in reality that term, as we shall soon find, is to 

 be restricted in science to one particular genus. 

 The wing-sheaths or horny coverings are some- 

 times called coleoptra, but more generally elytra. 

 The Coleopterous Insects form a very large or 

 extensive order. 



The second division of Insects is termed Hemip- 

 tera or half-winged. That is> the upper part of 

 the wing-sheaths in this tribe is of a tough or 

 leathery texture, and the lower part membranace- 

 ous. Sometimes almost the whole wing-cover is 

 leathery, but of a softer texture than in the 

 Coleoptera. The insects contained in this divi- 

 sion are very various; all the Locusts or Grass- 

 hoppers, the CicadaB, and a great many others. 

 It is to be observe,! that the wing-covers in this 

 order cross each other when closed, instead of 

 meeting in a direct line. 



The third order is termed Lepidoptera or scaly- 

 winged. It consists of the insects commonly 

 termed Butterflies and Moths. The powder on 

 the wings of these insects lias been generally de- 

 scribed by microscopical writers as consisting of 

 small, feathers 3 but in reality it consists rather of 



