192 LAND-BUGS ; HYDROMETEID.E. 



are exhibited. It will be unnecessary to describe in detail the 

 numerous groups into which this section is divided, but a few of 

 the most important of them may be briefly alluded to. The 

 largest species belong to the tribes of the SCUTATA and COREODEA, 

 both of which include none but vegetable-feeders. The SCUTATA 

 are distinguished by the great length of the scutellum, which 

 always reaches the base of the membranous part of the elytra 

 (Figs. 517, 518), and in some cases covers the whole back of 

 the insect. The antennae in this group are usually composed of 

 five joints. Many of the LYG^EODEA are distinguished by their 

 beautiful scarlet colour; whilst the BICELLULI, including the 

 majority of the European species, are characterized by having 

 the veins of the membrane of the elytra arranged so as to form 

 two small cells at the base. The preceding Insects, with but few 

 exceptions, have the rostrum composed of four joints, and their food 

 consists for the most part of the juices of plants ; the remainder 

 of the Geocorisse have a stout rostrum consisting of three joints, 



FIG. 518. HALTS. PIG. 519. CIMEX LECTULAEITJS. 



and their habits are usually predaceous. To this group belongs 

 the family CIMICID^E, which includes the common Bed-bug (Fig. 

 519), and the REDUVIIDJE, containing the largest of the species 

 which derive their nourishment from animal fluids. The wounds 

 inflicted by many of the latter are attended by a very severe 

 pain. There is a curious group of very long-legged insects, 

 which, though placed in this section, leads to the next ; this is 

 the family HYDROMETRHXE, some species of which may be met 



