. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. 200 ORTHOPTERA chap. for flight, and are in some cases devoted to what we may call purposes of ornament or concealment. This is specially the case in the Phasmidae and Mantidae, where the effectiveness of colour and pattern of these parts becomes truly astonishing. The tegmina frequently exhibit an extraordinary resemblance to vegetable structures, and this appearance is not superficial, for it may be seen that the nervures of the wings in their disposition and appearance resemble almost exactly the ribs of leaves. One of the most remarkable of the fea
. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. 200 ORTHOPTERA chap. for flight, and are in some cases devoted to what we may call purposes of ornament or concealment. This is specially the case in the Phasmidae and Mantidae, where the effectiveness of colour and pattern of these parts becomes truly astonishing. The tegmina frequently exhibit an extraordinary resemblance to vegetable structures, and this appearance is not superficial, for it may be seen that the nervures of the wings in their disposition and appearance resemble almost exactly the ribs of leaves. One of the most remarkable of the features of Orthoptera is that a great difference frequently exists l^etween the colours of the tegmina and of the wings, the front and hind wings; the latter are concealed in the condition of repose, but when activity is entered on and they are displayed, the individual becomes in appearance a totally different creature. In some cases, contrary to what usually occurs in Insects, it is the female that is most remark- able ; the male in Mantidae and Phasmidae being frequently a creature of quite inferior appearance and power in comparison with his consort. The musical powers of the saltatorial Orthoptera are, however, specially characteristic of the male sex. There is evidence that these powers are of great importance to the creatures, though in what way is far from clear. Some parts of the structures of the body are in many of these musical species clearly dominated by the musical organs, and are apparently specially directed to securing their effici- ency. We find in some Locustidae that the tegmina are nothing but sound - producing instruments, while the pronotum is prolonged Fig. 101.—PoeciUinon affinis S . Bulgaria. Alar organs to form a hood that serving only as musical organs. The ear on front ,, 4.^ 4. ^i wi'l-limit tihia and aural orifice of are well shown. P^Ol^ectiS tnem WltftOUt encumbering their ac- tion. In the males of the Pneumorides, where the pho
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