ORDER THYSANOURA. 143 



THE SECOND ORDER OF INSECTS. 



The THYSANOURA 



comprehends the apterous insects, borne solely on six feet, 

 without metamorphosis, and having, moreover, either on the 

 sides, or at the extremity of the abdomen, peculiar organs of 

 locomotion. 



The first family of the Thysanoura, that of 



The Lepismen.e, Lat. 



has the antennae in the Torm of bristles, and divided from 

 their origin into a great number of small articulations ; palpi 

 very distinct, and projecting at the mouth ; the abdomen 

 provided on each side, underneath, with a range of mobile ap- 

 pendages, in the form of false feet, and terminated by articu- 

 lated bristles, three of which are most remarkable, and the 

 body is always furnished with shining scales. 

 It comprehends but a single genus of Linnaeus — 



Lepisma. 



Their body is elongated, and covered with small scales, 

 often silvery and brilliant, which circumstance has caused the 

 most common species to be compared to a little fish. The 



