HEMIPTERA . 
143 
number millions, and so attract much attention. As soon as 
they find a new field of grain they lay their eggs there for 
another brood. 
No satisfactory means of combating this insect was 
known until recently. But it has now been ascertained that 
it is destroyed by a contagious disease which can be spread 
artificially. Diseased bugs are sent to places where the dis. 
ease does not exist; and thus the contagion is spread. 
Extensive experiments are being carried on in Kansas at the 
time of this writing, and the results so far seem very encour¬ 
aging. 
Family BERYTID.<E (Be-ryt'i-dae). 
The Stilt-bugs . 
This family includes a small number of land bugs, in which 
the body, legs, and antennae are very slender, resembling 
somewhat the thread-legged bugs 
(Emesidae). 
The stilt bugs have the tip of 
the femora, the tip of the first joint 
of the antennae, and the last joint 
of the antennae somewhat enlarged 
(Fig. 175). Only two species have 
been found in the United States. 
These are Neides muticus (Ne'i-des 
mu'ti-cus), which has a prominent 
spine on the vertex of the head ; 
and Jalysus spinosus (Jal'y-sus spi- 
Fig. 175 .—,jalysus spinosus. no^us), which, although spined in 
other places, lacks the spine on the vertex. 
These are sluggish insects, found in the undergrowth of 
woods and in meadows and pastures. 
Family COREID.E (Co-re'i-dae). 
The Squash-bug Family . 
This family is also a very extensive one, including many 
species. The best character for distinguishing the members 
