64 GUIDE TO INSECTS. 



The Common House Bug (Cimex lectularius) feeds on moisture 

 drawn from pine wood, hence it is often found breeding behind 

 pictures left undisturbed and behind wainscots. This species is not 

 met with in England away from houses, but three species, Cimex 

 colombaria, 0. hirundinis and C. pipistrelli, are found in the nests 

 of pigeons, swallows and bats respectively. 



Aspongopus nepalensis, a large species, which hides itself under 

 stones in dry river beds in North India, is sought for and eaten by 

 the natives. 



The HOMOPTERA have wings of the same texture throughout, held 

 roof-like when at rest. This Sub-Order includes the Cicadas, Froth- 

 flies, Aphids, etc. A small series of specimens will be found in 

 Drawers 13-15 in a cabinet on the West side of the gallery. 



The Cicadas have brought themselves under notice from the 

 earliest times by the sounds that they produce. This sound is 

 produced by a complex structure at the base of the abdomen. In 

 their early stages they live under ground on roots. The pupae are 

 remarkable looking creatures. 



The FulgoridcB include the Lantern Flies, so called on account of 

 the curiously developed heads of some of them. Many members of 

 the family secrete a white waxy substance from their abdomens. 

 One of the most remarkable is Phenax. The young of species of 

 Flata, covered with this white waxy substance, are sometimes found 

 in masses. A beautiful example is exhibited. 



The wax secreted by Fulgoridce is used for making candles in 

 China. 



The MemtracidoB are noteworthy on account of the very curious 

 shapes taken by the pronotum. 



To the Cercopidw belong our British Froth-flies and their 

 allies. One of the commonest species, Philaenus spumarius, is well 

 known as living on garden plants. In their early state they surround 

 themselves with white froth. The full-grown insects, called Frog- 

 hoppers, are very injurious. They constantly prick the young leaves 

 in order to suck the juice. Afterwards, as the leaves grow, these 

 pricks become holes and the leaves often get much withered. 

 The Aphidce are known as Plant-lice or Green -fly. 

 The Coccidce are called Scale Insects from the scale-like appearance 

 of the females of many of the species. The males are delicate 

 insects with one pair of wings only. Examples of the males and 

 females of the largest known species, Lophococcus maximus, from 

 Rhodesia, are exhibited. 



