BRITISH INSECTS 



ORDER IV. RHYNCHOTA, OR BUGS, FROTH- 

 FLIES, APHIDS, AND SCALE-INSECTS 



This unpopular order of insects — many, if not most, 

 of the species included therein being pests of mankind — 

 is divided into two Sub-Orders in which the Bugs (in- 

 cluding the Water Boatman and Water Scorpion), find 

 a place among the Heniiptera, and the Frog Hopper 

 (or Froth Fly), Green Fly, Apple Sucker, and Scale 

 Insects constitute the Hoirioptera. All these creatures 

 have an incomplete metamorphosis, the mouth part 

 is formed into a long proboscis for piercing or sucking 

 (hence name of Order from RJiyncos=a. beak), and, 

 when not in use, it is hidden beneath the body, and is 

 directed backwards. In the Hemiptera the base of the 

 front wings is of leather}^ texture, and the wings are 

 held crossed when at rest. For the most part these 

 creatures are vegetarians, as they live by sucking juices 

 from plants ; others, however, do not restrict their 

 attention to plants, but attack and obtain blood from 

 various animals, including man. Fortunately, the worst 

 offenders are found in other countries than our own. 

 We may now consider a few t\'pical representatives of 

 the Hemiptera, and for this purpose we may first dispose 

 of the Land Bugs, as we may call them, and then devote 



attention to two famiUar aquatic species. 

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