696 
RHYNCHOTA. 
Henicocephalim:. 
Head divided into two distinct lobes, prothorax into three. 
Hemelytra membranous. 
This family includes small insects, allied to Reduviidse, but with a 
very distinct facies. The figure exhibits the peculiarities of structure 
in our commonest form. There is but 
one genus Henicocephalus, with one 
species H. basalis, Westw., common in 
the plains. This has the tarsi single- 
jointed, the foretibia with two spurs 
at the apex. It is found in damp soil 
and is apparently a predaceous form 
not uncommon among decaying vege¬ 
tation and in compost heaps where 
insect life is abundant. 
Pu ymatidJe. 
The forelegs are short, the femur broad¬ 
ened, the tibia curved and pointed, 
tightly pressed against the femur. 
These curious insects are recognis¬ 
able from the peculiar forelegs, the 
tibia working against the femur as in 
Mantids or clawlike as in crabs. Of the 13 known Indian species, none 
are common, and all are hill forms, not likely to be found in the plains 
except after much searching. The insects are believed to be predaceous. 
Fig. 463 -Hentoocephalus basalis. 
Saldid^e. 
Rostrum curved, long. Ocelli placed between the eyes. 
A small family with three recorded Indian species from widely 
separated localities. They may be recognised by the long curved 
rostrum, and by the absence of a cuneus in the elytron. Saida Dixoni, 
Dist., was found on the Bor Ghat (Bombay Presidency) and is the 
sole described truly Indian species. These insects as a rule live a semi- 
aquatic life in wet vegetation, or near water and more are likely to be 
found when they are looked for. 
