552 THE MITRE 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 HAMMA- 

 TOCERUS 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 is 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 color, 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 coloring 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 color, 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 odor 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 odor 

 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 off Teignmouth, being absolutely red with 

 the bodies of these little insects. They are mostly vegetable feeders, but oh 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 them 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 just at the 



