The Cambridge natural history, Vol. 05 (of 10)Sedgwick, Adam
Science
The Cambridge natural history, Vol. 05 (of 10)
Sedgwick, Adam
Animals
We have previously pointed out that some of the Acridiidae resemble the
stick-Insects rather than the members of their own group; and similar cases
occur amongst the Locustidae. Such a resemblance has, however, only been
found in a few species of the tribe Prochilides. We figure one of these,
_Phasmodes ranatriformis_, a native of South-West Australia. The very
elongate linear form and the total absence of alar organs give this Insect
a considerable resemblance to the stick-Insects or apterous Phasmidae.
_Prochilus australis_ is allied to this curious Locustid, but the alar
organs are present in both sexes, and the Insect bears a great resemblance
to the winged Phasmidae. This is due not only to the general form and
colour, but also to the fact that the tegmina are very narrow, which
{325}causes them to look like the coloured slip on the anterior parts of
the wings of some of the Phasmidae (cf. p. 266). Another case of a Locustid
with elongate, slender form is found in the extraordinary _Peringueyella
jocosa_ of South Africa, a member of the tribe Sagides. It has minute
organs of flight, and reproduces, to a considerable extent, the form and
appearance of Proscopides or of some Tryxalides.[253]
[Illustration: FIG. 201.—_Schizodactylus monstrosus_, male. Natural size.
East India.]
We follow Brunner in placing among the Locustidae the large Insect we
represent in Fig. 201. It is remarkable on account of its tegmina and
wings; these have their extremities much prolonged and curled; moreover,
the flat interior area and the abruptly {326}deflexed exterior area make
them look more like the wings of Gryllidae. This species has no ocelli, and
is said to be destitute of ears. The inflated condition of the anterior and
middle tibiae suggest that it possesses auditory structures, though there
appears to be no external opening for them. This Insect is found in India,
where it is said to be common on the banks of sandy rivers, living there in
burrows of the depth of three feet. Very little is known, however, as to
this curious Insect. It has recently been reported[254] as being injurious
to tobacco and other crops on high ground in Durbungha by cutting off their
roots. The local name for the Insect is _bherwa_. We should think it
somewhat doubtful whether this refers really to _S. monstrosus_.
[Illustration: FIG. 202.—_Anostostoma australasiae_, male. Australia.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account