The commonest Cricket here is the Black Field Cricket (_Acheta assimilis_). The “singing” of the Cricket is produced by the male as he rubs his wings together. Of particular interest is the Snowy Tree Cricket (_Oecanthus niveus_), which chirps rhythmically. By counting the chirps in one minute and subtracting forty, then dividing this total by four and adding your new sum to fifty, you will have a rough estimate of the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. [Illustration: Praying Mantis] Praying Mantis (_Stagmomantis carolina_) Pale green color Forefeet bent as though praying Mantids were once rare in New England but in recent years seem to have been extending their range northward and are now quite common even in the grassy beach area. They are said to be the only insects that can look over their shoulders. _The Earwigs_ [Illustration: European Earwig] European Earwig (_Forficula auricularia_) Wings short, not half length of body Two pincers on tail The Earwig hides by day, coming out at night to feed on plant material. Since it does not bite with its pincers, it can be handled freely. Other species are occasionally found. The Seaside Earwig (_Anisolabis maritima_) is the largest New England earwig. It has more than twenty-four segments to its antennae, whereas the European has no more than fifteen. _The True Bugs_ In common parlance, the term “bug” is usually applied to all insects. Actually the following group is the only one scientifically recognized as “bugs.” In all of them, half of the forewing is thickened and leather-like, and all of the mouth parts are designed to pierce their food. [Illustration: Lygaeid Bugs] Lygaeid Bugs (Lygaeidae) Four sections to antenna Antennae end in club shape Very few veins in forewing The most common member of this group is the Red-and-Black Milkweed Bug (_Oncopeltus fasciatus_), which feeds exclusively on Milkweed. A small insect (_Geocoris_) also belongs to this group. It has a hammer-shaped head and may be found beneath dried seaweed. [Illustration: Stink Bugs] Stink Bugs (Pentatomidae) Broad, shield-shaped insect There are many kinds of Stink Bugs, so named because of the disagreeable odor they emit when crushed. Some are brightly colored and are commonly found on the fleshy dune plants. _The Aphids and Scale Insects_ [Illustration: Woolly Alder Aphid] Woolly Alder Aphid (_Prociphilus tessellatus_) White, woolly mass on Alder or Maple tree The Woolly Aphid is found only on Alder and Maple trees and may be recognized by its downy appearance. Although it feeds on the tree, it is never common enough to do any damage. The wool is a secretion of wax protecting the insect. [Illustration: Oyster-shell Scale] Oyster-shell Scale (_Lepidosaphes ulmi_)