122 NATURAL ARRANGEMENT OF INSECTS. 



which constitute the true Tingi, comprising also Aradus, 

 which is a sub-cortical genus ; Aneurus, another sub- 

 cortical form, in which the superior wings are wholly 

 membranaceous ; and other allied insects. In these, the 

 wings usually cover the abdomen ; but in the second 

 division, in Syrtis, we observe the sides of the abdomen 

 dilated, as we had occasion to notice in Coreus ; and in 

 Macrocephalus there is an enlargement of the scutellum, 

 as in the Scutati, equally covering the superior wings, 

 and which likewise corroborates the observations we 

 there made ; for we find these wings also, in this genus, 

 membranaceous, excepting their slight lateral portion ; 

 all the rest being wholly protected by the scutellum. 

 These two genera present us also with a character and 

 structure ; viz. their raptorial anterior legs, which, as 

 far as habits can confirm, substantiates their position as 

 being very proximate to the raptorial Reduvii. These 

 legs consist of a largely swollen femur, into a groove 

 beneath which the curved tibia fits. The object of the 

 enlargement of the femur is to give room for the exer- 

 cise of the powerful muscles that contract and close the 

 limb, whereby the insect is enabled to seize and retain 

 its comparatively strong prey, and which it then feeds 

 on at leisure. If the Cimex lectularius enters this group, 

 it is probably in this vicinity that it should be inserted. 

 To Aneurus it is allied by its very depressed form, 

 although amply distinguished from its antennae being 

 attenuated at their apex. There are few persons who 

 are not acquainted with the bed bug, which is the insect 

 we are now speaking of. It excites, perhaps, too much 

 disgust to interest any but zealous entomologists ; and 

 yet it would be found, upon examination, to be a 

 curious insect. Like some few other Hemiptera we 

 have previously mentioned, it is always deficient in 

 wings ; although Londoners, in particular, can well at- 

 test, that this does not, in the slightest degree, impair 

 its powers of propagation. The family of the Reduvii 

 will now occupy us. This very numerous concourse, 

 being the typical family of the group, are consequently 



