HALF-WINGED INSECTS. 289 
back of the same color. The motions of these caterpillars 
are very slow, and they eat but little. Commonly the 
perfect insect has more beauty than the larva from which 
it comes, but here we have an example of a contrary 
character. 
Questions—What characterizes the wings of the Lepidoptera? 
What is said of the shapes and arrangements of the scales? Which 
are the Mandibulate orders of insects, and which are the Haustellate ? 
What is the construction of the haustellum of the Lepidoptera? 
What are the two kinds of legs of their larvee, and how are they used ? 
Describe the two modes of walking. What is the food of caterpil- 
lars? What is said of the quantity which they eat? How are cater- 
pillars of great service to us? What is said of their spinning ? What 
is said of the Tent-caterpillars ? What of the Canker-worm? What 
is said of the habits of the Lepidoptera? How are the Butterflies 
distinguished from the Moths? What is said of the pupe of the But- 
terflies? How many families are there of Butterflies? What is said 
of the Troilus? What of the Berenice? What are the two groups 
of Moths? What is said of the Crepuscular Moths? What of the 
Humming-bird Moth? What of the Nocturnal Moths? What of 
the Clothes Moth? What of the Rusty Vapor Moth and its larva ? 
CHAPTER XXIX. 
HALF-WINGED AND TWO-WINGED INSECTS. 
491. Tue insects of the order Hemiptera present many 
curious varieties. They agree, however, generally in the 
arrangement of the mouth, it being adapted to suction 
by a beak which is singularly constructed. It is a horny 
sheath, containing in a channel or groove four stiff bris- 
tles as sharp as needles. This instrument, which is thus 
fitted for both piercing and sucking, when not in use is 
bent under the body, and lies against the chest. This 
order is termed by some Rhynchota, from a Greek word, 
meaning beak. The food of these insects consists of the 
Juices of plants in most cases, but in some of those of 
animals. They are called Hemiptera, half-winged, on 
