552 THE MITEE INSECTS. 



from the curious shape of the prothorax, which is elevated and notched, so as to resemble 

 a portion of a cog-wheel. One species (Reduvius personatus) inhabits houses, and is said 

 to feed upon the bed-bug. The larva and pupa of this insect are difficult to discover, on 

 account of their habit of enveloping themselves in a coating of dust. The HAMMATOCERUS 

 belongs to this family. The insect is remarkable for the curious structure of the second 

 joint of the antennae, which consists of numerous small articulations. The generic title is 

 derived from two Greek words, signifying Link-horned, and is given to the insect in 

 allusion to this peculiarity. 



THE remarkable insect on the right hand of the illustration belongs to the Mictidae, 

 and is notable for two peculiarities, namely, the flattened expansion of the third joint of 

 the antennae, and the singular width and flatness of the abdomen, which is so very leaf- 

 like as to remind the observer of the leaf insect. As may be seen by reference to the 

 illustration, the abdomen _s greatly expanded, and extends on either side far beyond the 

 wings, which, when opened, exhibit the curious formation of the parts below. The thorax 

 is also expanded and developed into a semi-lunar shape, the points being directed forward. 

 The third joint of the antennae is seen also to be expanded, flattened, and formed into a 

 kind of battledore shape. In colour, this insect is very inconspicuous, being altogether of 

 a dull brown, like a withered oak-leaf. It is a native of Northern India. 



ON. the left hand of the illustration may be seen another insect, remarkable for the 

 curious formation of the hinder pair of legs. In the genus of which this species is an 

 example, the tibiae are expanded like the blade of a South Sea Islander's paddle, being very 

 flat, and not so thick as the paper on which this account is printed. In the present 

 species, the colouring is very splendid, the whole of the thorax being rich emerald green, 

 with a peculiar lustre, as if incrusted with the minutest of gems, and diversified with two 

 longitudinal streaks of light red. The latter colour, however, always fades in process of 

 time, as is generally the case with all the shades of red in insects. The elytra are also 

 green, but not so sparkling in effect. It is a native of Brazil, and the family in which it 

 is placed is, according to the catalogue of the British Museum, the Anisoscelidae. The 

 broad leafy expansions of the legs are chestnut brown, spotted with a paler hue. 



In the Tingidae, the body is flat and broad, and the back short, three-jointed, and 

 folded into a groove under the head. These creatures are mostly rapacious, their fore-legs 

 being specially constructed for the capture of living prey. Some, however, are vegetable 

 feeders, and attack flowers and leaves with such voracity, that in France, where they are 

 common, the gardeners call them Tigers. 



The Capsidae are also found in gardens, and, unfortunately, are very fond of ripe fruit, 

 especially raspberries, which they suck by means of their sharp beak, and render the rest 

 of the fruit useless, imparting to it the horrid odour which emanates from their bodies, 

 and which is as piercing and durable as the scent of the musk-rat. The genus Miris is 

 very common in England, and is a pretty little grass-green insect, but its odour is 

 unbearable, and clings to the fingers with such tenacity, that the repeated application of 

 hot water, scented soap, and a brush, will hardly eradicate it. 



The Lygaeidae are mostly small insects, and are found plentifully throughout Europe. 

 Mr. Westwood mentions that in some years these creatures are seen in countless numbers, 

 some islands off Torquay, and a marine rock of Teignmouth, being absolutely red with the 

 bodies of these little insects. They are mostly vegetable feeders, but on occasions become 

 carnivorous in their habits, and have no scruples in sucking the juices of their own kind. 

 From recent observations, however, it seems that they will not attack living insects, but 

 only feed upon thetn when dead. 



Among the Coreidae may be found some of the largest insects belonging to the order, 

 particularly those that inhabit tropical climates. They are mostly vegetable feeders, 

 sucking the juices of plants and trees through their beaks. Their wings are large and 

 strong, and most of the species can fly well, preferring the hottest time of day for flight. 

 Many species of Coreidae are plentiful in England. 



The last family of the Heteroptera is known by the name of Scutelleridae, on account 

 of the great size of the scutellum, viz. the triangular piece of horny substance jxist at the 



