MICROSCOPIC OBJECTS. 83 



Fig. 165. Parasite of Starling (Philopterus leontodon), 



x20. 



The insects of this genus are parasitic upon birds; the 

 species are numerous. The characteristics of the genus 

 are : Antennae filiform, 5 -jointed ; maxillary palpi none ; 

 mouth with strong toothed mandibles ; tarsi with two claws ; 

 head generally triangular. Most of the species are of a 

 chestnut-colour. 



They may be mounted in the same way as described in the 

 case of the preceding species. 



Fig. 166. Eggs of Parasite of the Crowned Hornbill 

 (Buceros coronatus), x 25. 



Many of the eggs of the insects belonging to the order 

 Anoplura are most beautiful in form and structure, and pos- 

 sess also the great advantage of not having been at present 

 much studied. No doubt, if the hairs of animals and the 

 feathers of birds were well examined, microscopists would 

 find abundance of beautiful forms at present unknown, or 

 nearly so. The eggs of many other orders of insects will also 

 be found most interesting (see figs. 143, 144, 158, &c.). 



The eggs generally show best when mounted in a dry 

 opaque cell. 



M 2 



