26 
RHYNCOTA. 
segments. Two groups constitute this Order, viz. :—(1) 
The Lepismidoc , which are covered with scales, and (2) 
the two families of the Icipygidce and Nicoletiatcc, 
which are covered with hairs only. One of the most 
familiar forms of the Thysanura is the pretty little 
Lepisma saccharina of a silvery white colour ; it is not 
uncommon in kitchens and pantries in old houses. It runs 
with great activity, and has an elongated body about 
one-third of an inch long; it has no saltatory organ. 
Another species of Thysanura, the Machilis maritima , 
about half-an-inch in length, is very common on the 
rocky shores of this country ; I have met with it 
abundantly in different places on the coast; it is brown 
mottled with bronze reflections. This species possesses 
a jumping spring-tail. 
The study of those insects has been much neglected,, 
and for long there has been no guide for the student; what 
had been written on their history and structure being 
scattered about in several publications, often procurable- 
with difficulty; but the publication of Sir John 
Lubbock’s “ Monograph” will render their study both 
pleasant and easy. 
The Order Rhyncota includes all those insects with 
an imperfect metamorphosis that possess a suctorial 
mouth, which consists of a jointed rostrum or beak, 
formed by the union of the labial palpi; it is tubular, 
and contains four bristle-like bodies, which are modified 
representations of the mandibles and maxilla). By 
means of these sharp needles the insect pierces the skin 
of plants and animals and sucks up the juices. A great 
number of members of this order have four wings, 
variable in structure. Some are aquatic and live 
