115 

 Genus LXXIV. PODURA. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Antenna long and setaceous. Mouth with a 

 bifid lip. Palpi four, subclavated. Eyes 

 two, composed of eight pieces. Legs six, 

 formed for running, Tail forked, bent in- 

 wards under the body, elastic, and acts as 

 a spring by which the insect leaps. 



General Observations, 



The most remarkable character in the Po- 

 dura, and that which is peculiar to the genus, 

 is the long moveable tail, which is perfectly 

 elastic, and consists of two pieces pointed at 

 their extremity, re-united at the base, recurved 

 under the abdomen, and received into a groove 

 when the insect is at rest. When disturbed, 

 which is always when about to be touched, 

 the Podura straightens its tail, and strikes it 

 strongly against the ground. The blow pro- 

 duces the effect of a spring, and the insect by 

 the effort is carried to the distance of two or 

 three inches. As soon as its purpose is effected, 



