254 THE BUTTERFLY VIVARIUM. 



regard them as entitled to hold the foremost rank 

 among insects, and occnpy the first position in 

 every method of classification. One of the most 

 easily understood features in this order is the short- 

 ness of their horny wing-shields, which instead of 

 extending from the point Avhere they join the main 

 part of the body, to the end of the abdomen, gene- 

 rally extend but a short distance along the back, 

 and the wings fold beneath them in a very intricate 

 and beautiful manner. But this leading feature 

 varies, as indicated in the characters of the insects 

 named as generally illustrating the order. Many of 

 the species of Orthoptera are distinguished for their 

 musical qualities, as Crickets and Grasshoppers, 

 while others are remarkable as being among the 

 largest of known insects. These last, hoAvever, 

 principally belong to the tropics, and among them 

 is the truly splendid Metallyticus Splendens from 

 Malabar. The largest of our native Orthoptera is 

 the Mole Cricket, a curious creature, which should 

 be tried in the Vivarium, though he would be 

 seldom visible ; and the next, the Great Green 

 Grasshopper. 



4. The order Thysanoptera comprises only one 

 family of minute insects, the characteristics of 

 which I must not stay to describe. 



