The Hemiptera are divided into two very distinct sections. The one is composed of insects whose beak grows from the forehead or upper part of the head, and whose anterior wings are half coriaceous and half membranous, having the base of a different texture from the extremity: these are the Heteroptera (ἑτερος, different; πτερον, wing). The other section is composed of those whose beak grows from the lower part of the head, and whose anterior wings are always of the same consistency throughout: these are the Homoptera (ὁμος, the same; πτερον, wing). We are about to give the history of these two sub-orders.
The insects formerly known by the general name of Bugs have been divided by Latreille into two large families, containing: the one the Geocorisæ, [19] or Land Bugs; the other the Hydrocorisæ, [20] or Water Bugs.
The land bugs consist of a great number of kinds, which, for the most part, are of little interest. We will only mention here the Peniatomidæ, commonly known as Wood Bugs; the Lygæi, Bugs, properly so called; the Reduvii, and the Hydrometræ.
The Pentatomidæ, which comprise many genera, include the wood bugs of most authors. They are to be found on plants and trees. They fly quickly, but only for a short time.
Fig. 69.
Grey Pentatoma
(Raphigaster griseus).
The Ornamented Pentatoma (Strachia [Pentatoma] ornata), known as the Red Cabbage Bug, is very commonly found on the cabbage, and on most of the cruciferous plants. It is variegated with red and black, and its colours are subject to numerous variations. The Grey Pentatoma (Raphigaster griseus), [Fig. 69], is common throughout the whole of Europe. In autumn these bugs are frequently to be found on raspberries, to which they impart their disagreeable smell. They are also to be found in quantities on the mullein, when that plant is in flower. The upper parts of the head are of a greyish brown, and are sometimes slightly purple. The coriaceous part of the hemelytra is of a purple tint, but the membranous part is brown. All these parts are covered with black spots, which are only to be seen with a magnifying-glass. The wings are blackish. The under part of the whole body and the feet are of a light and rather yellowish grey, with a considerable number of small black spots. The abdomen is black above; and it is bordered with alternate black and white spots.