BUGS, FROTH-FLIES. 63 



animals, and Diamphidia nigro-ornata, of which larva, cocoons and 

 imago are shown, is so poisonous that the natives of Ngamiland use 

 it for poisoning their arrows. 



The Cassididce or Tortoise-beetles. Several species are shown, 

 together with the remarkable egg-cases of several South African 

 forms. Each egg is contained in a separate cell in a beautiful 

 honeycomb-like structure, gradually built up by the female from a 

 glutinous secretion. The larvae have a curious pair of long tails, 

 which are carried over the back. The skins cast successively, four 

 in number, are held, together with the excreta, by these tails, and 

 form a kind of mask throughout the larval stage. 



Order RHYNCHOTA. 



This Order includes the Bugs, Cicadas, Froth-flies, Aphids, and 

 Scale Insects. 



They undergo incomplete metamorphosis. The head is imbedded 

 in the prothorax which is very large. The mouth is modified 

 so as to form a long proboscis, formed for piercing and for 

 sucking juices ; it lies beneath the body when at rest, directed 

 backwards. 



They are divided into two Sub-Orders, the HEMIPTERA and 

 HOMOPTERA. 



A series of specimens, with explanatory drawings and labels, is Table- 

 in course of preparation, and will be exhibited shortly in Table-cases case 55> 

 55 and 56. 



The HEMIPTERA have the base of the front wings leathery, the 

 apical part membranous, crossed over one another when at rest. 

 This Sub-Order includes all the Plant Bugs, Tree Bugs, House 

 Bug, etc. 



A small series of specimens will be found in Drawers 9-12 in a 

 cabinet on the west side of the gallery. They live on the juices of 

 plants. A minority, however, attack and suck moisture from 

 caterpillars and other insects, especially species of the family 

 Reduviidce, and some will bite human beings, the bite in some cases 

 being as painful as the sting of a wasp. Sirthenea stria is one of 

 these in Trinidad. Conorhinus infestans is mentioned as being 

 very troublesome, and Conorhinus sanguisuga causes great pain and 

 inflammation. These are South American. 



