356 ORDERS OP PTILOTA. 



attitude when at rest, appearing to be engaged in prayer 

 with uplifted hands. 



They are the only orthopterous insects which subsist upon 

 other insects, and for this end their entire structure indicates 

 strength and agility, the most curious part of the structure 

 of this group of animals consisting in the organization of 

 the fore-legs, which are much stronger than the posterior 

 legs, and ordinarily used in the prehension of their food ; 

 and nothing can exhibit a more beautiful adaptation of 

 structure to functions than is to be observed in the fore-leg 

 or hand of the mantis. 



These interesting insects are extremely numerous in species, 

 inhabiting the warmer districts of the earth, and reaching as far 

 north as the middle of France. None, however, have been found 

 in this country. They are extremely variable in their forms. 



The Phasmidee are ordinarily termed spectres, leaf inserts, 

 walking-stick insects, from their singular forms, reminding 

 the observer more of vegetable than animal productions. 



BteterU fngUU (New HolUnd). 



They are inhabitants of tropical climates, a very few sprru-s. 

 of comparatively small size, being found in the south of 

 Europe. They delight in remaining stationary upon tin- 

 branches or twigs of plants, upon which they feed, the 

 structure of their legs being simply ambulatory. The 



