THE CICADIN^. 131 



5th type is uncertain, and may possibly be represented 

 by such insects as have the greatest resemblance to the 

 Coccidee. 



(122.) The true cicadas (^Cicadidce) stand at the 

 head of the tribe, as the pre-eminent typical family : 

 they vary considerably in size ; and comprise, with but 

 two or three exceptions, the largest insects in the wholo 

 tribe yet discovered, as well as some of the smallest. 

 Amid this diversity, there is one character, however, by 

 which nearly the whole may be recognised, — that of 

 having the antennae placed directly in front of, or before, 

 the eyes. The front of the head is always swollen as 

 if inflated ; and these inflated parts are always crossed 

 by very fine transverse or horizontal lines, not unlike 

 the plaiting of a shirt frill. Of what use this singular 

 structure is to the insect, we know not ; but it is so 

 generally prevalent, that we may attach some weight to 

 its variation. There is a considerable variation in the 

 neuration or nerves of the wings : some groups have 

 these members transparent ; while in others, the upper 

 or larger pair are opake, and ornamented with bands, 

 spots, and other markings : these differences give rise to 

 further separations or sub-families, each of which seem 

 to possess some peculiarity of economy; hence we can 

 easily discriminate two leading divisions ; — 1. the Ci- 

 cadince, or singing group ; and, 2. the CercopincB, or 

 hopping cicadas. 



(123.) The singing cicadas (Cicadince) are conspi- 

 cuous for their bulk, and have been long celebrated for 

 their economy. Many of the exotic species, when their 

 wings are expanded, measure six inches in extreme 

 length, — a size superior to that of many of the humming 

 birds. The body is remarkably thick and robust ; and 

 they fly with such rapidity, that the eye cannot follow 

 them. With the exception of one species. Cicada An- 

 glica, these insects are unknown in our misty islands, 

 are children of the sun, and love to bask in more genial 

 climates. As this power of rapid flight is one of the 

 great peculiarities of these creatures, so the members 



K 2 



