124 Key to Families of North American Insects. 



L^ule, a small crescent-shaped piece just above the antenna (Diptera). 



Mandibulate, with jaws fitted for chewing. 



Maxilla (-lae), the second pair of appendages belonging to the mouth, behind the 



mandibles or jaws. 

 Maxillary palpus, a finger-like jointed appendage on each maxilla. 

 Media, the fourth of the principal wing-veins. 

 Mentxtm, the part of the labium bearing the movable parts. 

 Mesepistemum, (-na), the anterior of the oblique side pieces of the mesothorax. 

 Mesonotum, the back or upper side of the mesothorax. 



Mesopleura (-rae), the space below and in front of the root of the wings (Diptera). 

 Mesostemum, the middle part of the underside of the mesothorax. 

 Mesothorax, the middle of the thoracic divisions, bearing the second legs and the 



fore wings. 

 Metamorphosis (-ses), the series of marked external changes through which an 



insect passes during its development e. g. egg, larva, pupa, adult. 

 Metastemum, the middle piece of the under side of the metathorax. 

 Metatarsus (-si), the first joint of the tarsus, next to the tibia. 

 Metathdrax, the third division of the thorax, bearing the hind legs and the hind 



wings. 

 Micropterous, with small wings. 

 Monilifonn, resembling a string of beads. 



Neuration, the arrangement of the veins of the wings, the venation. 

 Node, a swelUng or knot-like knob. 



N6dus, a stout crossvein at the middle of the costal border of the wing (Odonata). 

 Notum, the dorsal surface of the body, particularly of the thorax. 

 Nymph, the larval stage of those insects that have no resting pupal period. 

 Ocellus (-11), the simple eyes, usually three in number, on the upper part of the 



head. 

 Occiput, the back part of the head. 

 Onychium (-ia), a pad between the tarsal claws. 

 Orbit, the part of the head immediately next the eyes, 

 Ostioles, the paired lateral openings of the heart. 

 Ovipositor, the egg laying apparatus. 

 Palpus (-pi), one or two pairs of jointed sensitive, finger-like processes borne by the 



mouth. 

 Parapsidal furrow, a lengthwise groove between the median line and each side of 



the mesonotum (Hymenoptera). 

 PSrasite, an animal that feeds on or in some other animal. 

 Paronychium (-ia), a bristle-like appendage of the claws or empodium. 

 Pectinate, with branches like a comb. 

 Pendulous, hanging from one end. 

 Petiolate, attached by a stalk or stem. 

 Phytophagous, feeding on plants. 

 Plantula (-lae), one of the soles of the feet. 

 Pleurite, one of the side pieces of the body. 

 Plteiose, feathery. 



