296 MANUAL OF tus apiary. 



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

 and 124). These, were they only to aid 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. 

 122, b) and the tarsus (Fig. 122, a) are toothed, while the 



Fig. 124. — Claw, 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. 123, d) isa cavity in which rests the 

 single claw. -The other four legs (Fig. 125) are much as usual. 

 This insect, as already intimated, is very predaceous, lying^ 

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



FiG. 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- 



