OR THOP TERA . 1 09 



the antennae, are shorter than the body, and in which the 

 ovipositor of the female is short and made up of four sepa- 

 rate plates (Fig. 119). The tarsi are three-jointed; and on 



Fig. 119.— Side view of Locust with wings removed. 



each side of the first segment of the abdomen there is a cir- 

 cular plate which is believed to be an ear. 



It is to these insects that the term locust is properly ap- 

 plied. For the locusts of which we read in the Bible, and in 

 other books published in the older countries, are members 

 of this family. Unfortunately in the United States the 

 term locust has been applied to the Periodical Cicada, a 

 member of the order Hemiptera, described later. And, 

 what is more unfortunate, the scientific name Locustidae was 

 given long ago to the next family and cannot now be 

 changed. It should be remembered, therefore, that the 

 locusts do not belong to the Locustidae. 



Locusts lay their eggs in oval masses and cover them 

 with a tough substance. Some species lay their eggs in the 

 ground. The female makes a hole in the ground with her 

 ovipositor, which is a good digging-tool. Some species even 

 make holes in fence-rails, logs, and stumps; then, after the 

 eggs are laid, the hole is covered up with a plug of gummy 

 materials. There is but one generation a year, and in most 

 cases the winter is passed in the egg-state. This family is 

 of great economic importance, as the members of it usually 

 appear in great numbers in every region where plants grow, 

 and often do much damage. 



The males of many locusts are able to produce sounds. 

 This is done in two ways: First, certain species rub the 

 inner surface of the hind femora, upon which there is a row 

 of minute spines, against the outer surface of the wing-covers. 



