32 EXPLANATION OF TERMS 



Specific character, a character which comprehends all the indi- 

 viduals of a species, and distinguishes them from all others of 

 the same genus. 



Spicula, the instrument with which the female lays her eggs. 

 See vagina. 



Spinous, armed with acute processes or spines. 



Spinous-radiate, beset with spines in a circle, either concatenate, 

 united at their bases, or setaceous, like bristles. 



Spinulx, spinous processes at the base of the tibia, in Hymen- 

 opterous insects, including velum; they are the " spines" or 

 " spurs" of Degeer, and heels of Leach. 



Spiracula, spiracle, one of the lateral orifices of the trunk and 

 abdomen, through which insects respire ; the stigmata. 



Spiral, revolving obliquely like a corkscrew ; or rolled up like 

 a watch-spring. 



Spurious, this word is applied to the anterior feet of some of 

 the Lepidoptera, in which these members are destitute of nails 

 and not suitable for walking. 



Spurs, the spinulse. 



Squama, or scale, a small scale above the halteres in the Dip- 

 tera ; it is composed of two pieces united at their edges, as in 

 bivalve shells. 



Squamula, a very small, corneous, concavo-convex scale, co- 

 vering the base of the superior wings in some insects. 



Squamous, scaly ; covered with scales. 



Squarrous, scurfy ; consisting of rough scales spreading every 

 way, or divided into pieces, standing upright and not parallel 

 with the surface. 



Stellate, star-formed ; with four or five radiating lines. See 

 radiated. 



Stemmata, two or three simple, convex, crystalline bodies on 

 the vertex of many insects, resembling the eyes of spiders, 

 &c., and probably performing the same functions. 



Sternum, a carina or corneous process immersed in, or prominent 

 on the pectus, and which extends longitudinally between the 

 anterior feet, often elongated before or behind, or concealed 

 by the base of the anterior feet. 



Stethidium, the trunk ; all that part of the body included be- 

 tween the head and abdomen. See thorax. 



Stigma, an opake spot on the costal margin of the anterior 

 wings, as in some Neuroptera, &c. ; it is the "anastomosis" 

 of Kirby, and the " punctum marginale" of Linne. See 

 carpus. 



Stigmata, the spiracula. 



