296 



MANUAL Ot T92 APIARY. 



genus Phymata, is tlie enlarged anterior legs (Figs. 122, 123 

 and 124). These, were they only to aid in locomotion, would 

 seem like awkward, cluiii::y 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 (Pig. 

 122, b) and the tarsus (Fig- 1 22, a) are toothed, while the 



Tig. 124.— Otow, extended. 

 b 



latter is greatly enlarged. From the interior lower aspect of 

 the femur (Fig. 123) is the small tibia, while on the lower 

 edge of the tarsus (Fig. T 23, cT) is a cavity in which rests the 

 single claw. The other fo :r legs (Fig. 125) are much as usual. 

 This insect, as already inMmated, is very predaceous, lying 

 in wait, often almost concealed, among flowers, ready to «ap- 



FiQ. 125. — Middle Leg, much magnified. 



ture and destroy unwary plant-lice, caterpillars, beetles, but- 

 terflies, moths, and even bees and wasps. We have already 

 noticed how well prepared it is for this work by its jaw-like 

 anterior legs, and its sharp, strong, sword-like beak. 



It is often caught on the golden rod. This plant, from its 

 very color, tends to conceal the bug, and from the very char- 

 acter of the plant — being attractive as a honey plant to bees 



