Flabits of Phymata Erosa. 421 
in locomotion, would seem like awkward, clumsy organs, 
but when we learn that they are used to grasp and hold 
their prey, then we can but appreciate and admire their 
modified form. The femur (Fig. 208, 6) and the tarsus 
(Fig. .208, a) are toothed, while the latter is greatly en- 
larged. From the interior lower aspect of the femur (Fig. 
210) is the small tibia, while on the lower end of the 
tarsus (Fig. 209, d) is a cavity in which rests the single 
claw. The other four legs (Fig. 211) are much as usual. 
: This insect, as already intimated, is very predaceous, lying 
in wait, often almost concealed, among flowers, ready to 
capture and destroy un wary plant-lice, caterpillars, beetles, 
butterflies, moths, and even bees and wasps. We have 
Fic. 211. 
Claw, enlarged, Middle leg, much magnified. 
already noticed how well prepared it is for this work, by 
_its eine anterior legs, and its sharp, strong, sword-like 
beak. ; 
It is often caught on the golden rod. This plant, from 
its color tends to conceal the bug, and from the character 
of the plant—being attractive as a honey plant to bees— 
the slow bug is enabled to catch the spry and actiye honey- 
bee. 
As Professor Uhler well says of the “stinging bug:” 
“It is very u<eful in destroying caterpillars and other vege- 
table-feeding insects, but is not very discriminating in its 
tastes, and would as soon seize the useful honey-bee as the 
pernicious saw fly.” And he might have added that it is 
