TRACHEATA 337 



and fond of heat. The eggs are laid in a capsule or ootheca, 

 which is variously shaped in the different species ; it is often 

 carried about by the female protruding between the terminal 

 segments of the abdomen for some days before it is deposited. 



II. Gkessoeia include two very remarkable families of 

 Insects, the Mantidae and the Phasmidae. Their legs are 

 adapted for walking. 



The Mantidae have their anterior pair of legs modified to 

 form predatory organs. The toothed tibia can be folded down 

 against the femur, as the blade of a pocket-knife into the 

 handle. This subchelate appendage is used in capturing 

 other insects or spiders for food. The prothorax, which bears 

 these^ enlarged appendages, is very much elongated. The 

 abdomen is elongated and oval. The commonest colour of these 

 insects is green. The eggs are laid in regular clumps on 

 sticks or stones. Mantis religiosa is found in South Europe ; 

 the devotional attitude in which it sits, with the anterior legs 

 raised, has obtained for it the name of the praying insect ; 

 many legends and superstitions centre around it. 



The Phasmidae are mostly tropical insects of large size which 

 feed on leaves. They are slow in their movements, and escape 

 observation by their very extraordinary resemblance to various 

 natural objects amongst which they live. The genus Phyllium 

 of the East Indies mimics various forms of leaves, the veins on 

 the wings resembling the venation of the leaf, and in some 

 cases the legs bear flattened leaf-like expansions which in- 

 crease the resemblance ; others have holes in their wings and 

 a dried appearance which simulates that of a tattered, withered 

 leaf The genus Fhasma includes many species of an elongated 

 shape which closely resemble dried twigs ; one species attains 

 the length of 12 inches. Ceroxylus laceratus is covered 

 with tufts of processes which give it the appearance of a mossy 

 twig. The whole family affords a very striking example of 

 protective resemblance. 



III. Saltatoeia. — This division includes all those forms 

 which have the legs modified for jumping, such as the grass- 

 hopper, locusts, and crickets. It may be divided into three 

 families : 



1. Acridiidae or Grasshoppers. — The body is compressed, 



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