HEMIPTERA. 1/5 



to be any typical form of the body, characteristic of this family. The 

 different genera differ so greatly that, on superficial examination, they 

 appear to have very little in common. Some even resemble butter- 

 flics and moths, while others might easily be mistaken for certain 

 Neuropterous genera. 



The most useful character for recognizing these insects is the 

 form and position of the antennae. These are bristle-shaped, and 

 inserted into a button-shaped base on the sides of the cheeks beneath 

 the eyes. Although the Fulgoridae are vegetable-feeders, none of 

 our species have attracted the attention of agriculturists. There 

 are, however, certain exotic species which do great injury to 

 crops. 



The Brazilian Lantern-fly, Latcruaria phosplwrca. This is the 

 largest species of the family, and is one of the most striking in ap- 

 pearance of all insects. It has immense wings, expanding nearly 

 150 mm. (6 inches). Upon each hind wing there is a large eye-like 

 spot. But the character which makes this insect especially promi- 

 nent is the form of the head. There is a great bladder-like prolonga- 

 tion extending forwards. This prolongation has been aptly com- 

 pared to the pod of a peanut. In a specimen before me. the body, 

 exclusive of the head, measures 45 mm. (1.8 inches) in length ; while 

 the head alone measures 30 mm. (1.2 inches). The specific name 

 refers to the supposed luminosity of this part. Prof. Branner tells 

 us of various superstitions held by the Brazilians regarding this 



ct. For example: "That it has great powers of flight, and when 

 in its wild career it strikes any living object if an animal, no m.r 

 how large or powerful it falls dead upon the spot ; if a tree, it soon 

 wilts and dies." 



The Chinese Candle-fly, Fulgi>ria catniclaria. This is another 

 very prominent insect, and also one that has the reputation of being 

 phosphorescent. It is commonly represented in collections of 

 exotic i' :nd it is often figured by the Chinese. It is -mailer 



than the preceding spec: .bout two thirds as much in 



length. The prolongation of the head is proportionate 1\ 

 than in the Bra/.ilian insect . but it is more- lender, and is ^.nieal. 

 The color of the ii greenish or orange-yellow, with banded 



wing-cov 



>f our native genera will < rve t> illustrate some 

 of tl form represented in this country. Our species 



are all small com ibcd above. 



