142 



with granules. These ova were found on some herbaceous 

 plant, (fig. 1.) 



Ovum of Oechalia grisea, 

 after emergence of nymph. 



The species of Oechalia are carnivorous, preying on cater- 

 pillars of Omiodes accepta, Scotorythra rara, etc., though they 

 do not always disdain vegetal juices, at least in captivity. They 

 lurk principally in Filices, or in Kukui (Aleurites triloha), 

 and when captured, usually feign death. 



In attacking a small larva of Hymenia recurvalis in captivity 

 a nymph of Oechalia inserted its stylets in one of the clasping 

 legs and maintained its hold, — despite the larva's struggles — 

 without at all employing its fore legs C^). 



The following descriptions refer to the species which I sup- 

 pose to be grisea (Burm.) and at the same time patrueUs 

 Stal. 



First instar. Vertex and nota, lateral margins of tergit^s 

 (except sutures), odoriferous flaps, etc., blackish or dark 

 fuscous. Apex of vertex, underside and the rest of the tergites, 

 antennae, labium, eyes, legs, etc., sanguineous. Last segment 

 of tarsi at the apex, and the arolia fuscous; claws red. Last 



(18) A popular error among Entomologists is to suppose that the 

 labium (rostrum) acts as a piercing instrument. In such bugs as Oechalia, 

 the labium is directed to the supposed prey, and its suitability is ascer- 

 tained by the sensory hairs at the apex, then the stylets pierce the skin 

 and the labium is applied to the orifice thus make, possibly entering a 

 little as itbecofnes enlarged. 



