Legs inosculating, posterior coxæ usually transverse.
Elytra corneous, or coriaceous, without veins, united by a straight suture, so as mostly to cover the wings completely[1167].
Wings longitudinally and transversely folded[1168]: neuration simple[1169].
2. Strepsiptera[1170] (Rhiphiptera Latr.) The characters of this Order were first given in the Linnean Transactions, and it has been adopted by Latreille, who however, without sufficient reason, has changed the name originally imposed to Rhiphiptera[1171]. Rossi, who was the first that discovered an insect of this Order, concluded that because it was parasitic it must be Hymenopterous; and it is certainly more nearly related to that Order than to the Diptera, amongst which M. Lamarck has arranged it, and with which it has no character in common, except having two wings. This is one of those Orders, consisting of few genera and species, which, from their connecting two circles, Mr. MacLeay has called osculant, who places it between the Hymenoptera and Coleoptera[1172].
Def. Metamorphosis subincomplete[1173]?
Pseudelytra twisted, attached to the anterior leg[1174].
Wings not covered by the elytra, longitudinally folded, forming nearly the quadrant of a circle[1175]: neuration simple.
Anus styliferous[1176].
3. Dermaptera[1177] (Ulonota F. Orthoptera Oliv.). This is another osculant Order, evidently connecting the Coleoptera with the Orthoptera. The elytra are of a coriaceous substance, have a straight suture, and are not veined, and the wings are folded longitudinally as well as transversely,—circumstances which connect it with the former Order,—while the shape of its wings, its oral organs, and its metamorphosis, show its affinity to the latter. It was established at the same time and in the same work with the preceding Order, in pursuance of a suggestion of Dr. Leach, and consists solely of the Linnean genus Forficula.