246 INSECTS. PAHASITA, 



FAMILY II. PODUKELL^, Lat. 



Antennae of four joints ; mouth with no distinct or projecting 

 palpi ; abdomen destitute of lateral appendages, and terminat- 

 ed by a forked tail, of use in leaping, and folded under the 

 belly in repose. 



This family, which formed the genus Podura of Linnaeus, consists of very small 

 insects, with a soft and elongated body, the head oval, and the eyes formed each of 

 eight small granules. The tail is soft and flexible, with two joints at its extremity, 

 capable of motion in various directions. These insects use their tail like a spring 

 to raise themselves, and leap like the flea but to a less height. They generally fall 

 on their back, with the tail extended behind. The middle of the belly is elevated, 

 oval, and divided by a cleft. Some are found on trees, plants, under the bark of 

 trees or stones ; others on the surface of stagnant waters. Many unite in nume- 

 rous societies on the ground in sandy roads, and resemble at a distance grains of gun- 

 powder. The multiplication of some species seems to go on in winter. 



Gen. 3. PODURA, Lat. 



Antennae of equal thickness ; body almost linear or cylindrical ; 

 distinctly articulated above ; abdomen narrow and oblong. 



P. plmnbea, Lin. About a line long ; body of a gray lead-colour, 

 covered with small scales ; head rounded, with two black spots ; 

 abdomen elongated ; tail almost as long as the body, furnished 

 with hairs. Inhabits Europe,, under stones Shaw, vi. pi. 117- 



P. aquatica, Lin. About half a line long ; body black ; abdomen 

 elongated, cylindrical. Inhabits margins of stagnant waters. 

 Shaw, vi. pi. 117. 



Gen. 4. SMYNTHURUS, Lat. Podura, Lin. 

 Antennae slenderest at their extremity, and terminated by an 



annulated portion ; body globular or oval. 

 S.fuscus, Lat. (P. atra, Lin.) Globular, shining brown ; antennae 



long. Shaw, vi. pi. 117- 



The largest of the family. It is commonly found in wood and branches of trees 

 which have remained a long time in a humid place. 



S. viridis. Lat. (P. viridis, Lin.) Green, with a yellowish head. 

 Inhabits Europe, on the leaves of the Polygonum fagopyrum 

 Lat. Gen. i. 166. 



ORDER II. PARASITA, Lat. 



With six feet and without wings ; abdomen destitute of articu- 

 lated and moveable appendages; two or four small eyes; mouth 

 in a great many interior, presenting externally either a snout 

 or nipple, inclosing a retractile sucker, or two membranous 

 lips with two hooked mandibles. 



FAMILY I. MANDIBULATA, Lat. 



With mandibles, two lips, and jaws. 



I. Maxillary palpi apparent; antennae thickest at their extremity. 

 Gen. RICINUS, GYROPUS. 



