22 



BULLETIN 964, TJ. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



second and third joints of the proboscis. Probably in this pumping 

 procedure the food is taken into the body through the proboscis. 

 After continuing this process for several minutes at a time the pro- 

 boscis is straightened and drawn from the tissue of the leaf and swung 

 to its natural position on the ventral surface of the body for a short 

 time ; then it is again swung down and cleansed by a stroking process 

 with the forelegs which clasp the proboscis between the tarsal joints. 

 After gradually sliding the proboscis through them the insect starts 

 feeding again. 



This habit has been noted alike in all ages of the nymph and adults, 

 both males and females. 



Fig. 16.— Type of cage used in conducting molting experiments witli the garden flea-liopper. 

 PROTECTIVE HABITS. 



Both the males and females arc saltatorial, as the metathoracic 

 legs are much longer 9,nd stronger than the others. The male is 

 found to be decidedly more active than the brachypterous female, a 

 fact probably due to the possession, in addition, of true wings. The 

 adult individuals generally are active and strong as runners and hop- 

 pers. When they are only slightly disturbed they hasten imme- 

 diately for concealment to the opposite side of the leaf of the plant. 

 If the approaching object, however, appears with a violent disturb- 

 ance, the individual will hop many times its own length to the ground 

 or to another plant where immediate protection may be found. 



