THE TASMANIAN NATURALIST. 
49 
Hemiptera, or Bugs. 
The Hemiptera are usually considered as being properly divided 
into t vvo orders or sub-orders ; the He mipUra-Heleroptera or true bugs, 
andjthe Hemiptera-Homoptera, or scale insects, aphides, cicadidae, &c. 
All the species live by suction, being 
provided with a thin beak or rostrum, which 
when at rest is carried pressed against 
the under surface of the body. The larval, 
pupal and adult forms, are all much alike, 
except that in the adult form there are 
usually four wings (in some groups only 
two). A few, however, are without wings 
in the adult form, or sometimes the male 
is winged, whilst the female is wingless. 
Of the true bugs (Heleroptera) most 
species feed on plant juices, but others are 
carnivorous; and although usually not 
fitted for seizing and holding other insects 
by muscular strength, are provided with a 
poisonous secretion that enables them to 
paralyse their prey as soon as pierced by 
their beaks. In this way even small fishes 
are captured by some of the aquatic 
species. To the true bugs belong the 
Pirate Hu; f Gminetus). on jy insects known that live on the open 
ocean. Most of the species when audit have two flight wings, and two 
shorter covering ones, that when at rest are crossed at their tips. 
Of the Homoptera almost all species are plant feeders, and to the 
sub-order belong some of the worst plant pests known, such as the 
scale insects and aphides, although most of our worst species have 
Cicada (Mchunpsalta torrida) 
been introduced. The life histories of some of them are highly remark, 
able, and will probably be dealt with at considerable length later on- 
Their front and hind wings are usually much alike, and when at rest the 
front pair do not cross at the tips. 
