The members of this subclass comprise a number of well-marked groups. The Iulidæ are cylindrical insects and occur in moist places, as do most of the representatives of this subclass. A common form is represented in the accompanying figure. The Chiliopodæ comprise the flattened forms having many-jointed antennæ and but a single pair of limbs to each segment of the body, and are the forms to which the name centipede may properly be applied. They are predaceous in habit, live largely on living animal matter, and are very quick in their movements. Some forms are poisonous, having poison glands at the base of the first pair of legs, but the majority of the species are entirely harmless. A number of common species belong to the genus Geophilus and occur under stones and logs. The genus Scolopendra includes some of the larger species of the order. The largest known species, S. gigantea, occurs in the East Indies and attains a length of from 9 inches to more than a foot. Several species found within the limits of the United States attain a length of 5 inches or more. The family Cermatiidæ includes the very common species Cermatia forceps, which, while abundant in the South and West, occurs somewhat more rarely in the North. It is commonly found in moist situations, in houses or conservatories, and on account of its long legs and agile movements frequently creates considerable consternation. It is, however, an entirely harmless and very beneficial species, since it feeds on various household pests, including flies, roaches, etc.
TEXT BOOKS—ENTOMOLOGICAL WORKS.
Bulletin No. 19 of the Division of Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture, contains an enumeration of the published synopses, catalogues, and lists of North American insects, together with other information intended to assist the student of American entomology. This can be had upon application, and I would refer the student to it for specific information as to synopses, catalogues, and lists. I have deemed it advisable, however, to include here an enumeration of the more useful works of a general character; a list of the entomological periodicals, both home and foreign; and the entomological works published by the different departments of the Government, with some information as to how and of whom they can be obtained. Many of these publications are no longer to be had except as they may be picked up through book-dealers; but the titles even of those which are out of print will be useful to the student as a guide to what he should find in every good library. Requests for this kind of information are constantly received at the Department of Agriculture and at the National Museum. The most useful general works are given first, and, while a great many others in foreign languages might be cited, I would strongly advise the beginner in America to confine himself to these, and especially to read Harris's Insects Injurious to Vegetation, Kirby & Spence's Introduction, and Westwood's Introduction. This last, though published over half a century ago, is still one of the most useful entomological works in the English language. While these Introductions will be of great service in arranging and classifying material and in giving a knowledge of the relationships of species, there is no better text-book than the great book of nature, which is always ready to unfold its truths to every earnest inquirer. In field and wood alone can he become familiar with the insects in all their wondrous life habits, instincts, and intelligence. There alone will he receive the fullest inspiration and pleasure in his work or find the highest reward for his efforts.
COMPREHENSIVE WORKS MOST USEFUL FOR THE STUDY OF NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS.
- H. C. C. Burmeister.—Handbuch der Entomologie. Berlin, 1832–1855. 5 vols.
- Manual of Entomology.—A translation of the above, by W. E. Shuckard. London, 1836.
- J. O. Westwood.—An introduction to the modern classification of insects, founded on the natural habits and corresponding organization of the different families. 2 vols. London, 1839–‘40.
- Thomas Say.—Complete writings on the Entomology of North America; edited by John L. Le Conte. New York, 1859.
- H. A. Hagen.—Bibliotheca Entomologica. Die Litteratur über das ganze Gebiet der Entomologie bis zum Jahre 1862. Leipzig, 1862.
- A. S. Packard.—Guide to the Study of Insects. Henry Holt & Co., Philadelphia and New York. (First edition, Salem, 1869.)
- —— Entomology for Beginners. Henry Holt & Co., New York, 1888.
- The Standard Natural History.—Edited by John Sterling Kingsley. S. E. Cassino & Co., Boston, 1884–‘85.
- Volume ii contains the insects, which are treated by the following authors: Hymenoptera, J. H. Comstock and L. O. Howard; Coleoptera, George Dimmock; Lepidoptera, H'y Edwards and C. H. Fernald; Diptera, S. W. Williston; Orthoptera, C. V. Riley; Hemiptera, P. R. Uhler; Neuroptera, A. S. Packard; Arachnida, J. H. Emerton.
- J. H. Comstock.—An Introduction to Entomology. Published by the author. Ithaca, N. Y. 2 parts. Part i, 1888.
- Alpheus Hyatt and J. M. Arms.—Guides for Science Teaching, No. iii. Insecta. Bos. Soc. Nat. Hist. D. C. Heath & Co., Boston, 1890.
[GENERAL WORKS ON CLASSIFICATION.]
- E. T. Cresson.—Synopsis of the Families and Genera of the Hymenoptera of America, north of Mexico, together with a Catalogue of the described Species and Bibliography. Transactions Am. Entom. Society, Supplementary volume. 2 parts. Philadelphia, 1887.