PSOCID^E . 



589 



ing widely from the usual Neuropterous type of venation, and 

 closely resembling that of the plant-lice. Mr. R. McLachlan 

 states (Entomologist's Monthly Magazine) that "the eggs are 

 laid in patches on leaves, bark, or other objects, and the fe- 

 males cover them with a 

 web. The larvae and pupae 

 greatly resemble the per- 

 fect insects." The larvae 

 closely resemble the pupae ; 

 the ocelli in these states 

 are absent, and the tarsi are 

 two or three-jointed, accord- 

 ing to the species. He has 

 observed individuals with 

 but partially developed 

 wings. " In all their states 

 they probably feed on dry 

 vegetable substances and 

 lichens. They are univer- 

 sally common, living more 

 or less in societies on tree trunks and palings, and amongst 

 the herbage of trees, especially firs, larches and yews, and 

 some species in houses and warehouses. I believe that both 

 sexes possess the power of spinning a web, not distinguishable 

 from that of spiders. They are exceedingly active and diffi- 

 cult of capture." (McLachlan.) 



In the nearly wingless genus Clothilla, from California, there 

 are no ocelli, the wings are incomplete, and the tarsi three- 

 jointed. Clotliilla picea Motschulsky is but .04 of an inch long 

 and pitchy black in color, with a brassy reflection. In the 

 nearly wingless Atropos the ocelli are wanting and the tarsi 

 are three-jointed, while the rudimentary wings form minute 

 square pads. The A. divinatorius of Otho Fabricius is a little 

 pale, louse-like insect, seen running over books and in insect 

 cases, where it does considerable injury to specimens. The 

 Atropos is in England called the "death-watch," and is sup- 

 posed to make the ticking sound heard in spring. Mr. E. 

 Newman (Entomologist, iii, p. 66) has bred " Psocus pulicarius, 

 or some allied species, from Clothilla pulsatoria" (Fig. 573.) 



Pisr. 573. 



