40

HEMIPTERA.

TETTIGONIA FRONTALIS.

Plate 16. fig. 6.

Genus. Tettigonia, Latreille, Germar.

Ch. Sp. T. pallida, occipite tlioraceque punctis quinque nigris, fronte puneto ltigro interoculos , elytris saoguineis. Expans. alar, fere 1 unc.

T. pale, with five black spots on the head and thorax, and one in front betweenthe eyes, elytra red. Expanse of the wings nearly 1 inch.

Syn. Cicada frontalis, Donovan , ls£ Edit.

Cicada cseroleipennis 1 Fab. Syst. Rh. p. 73.

FLATA NIGRICORNIS.

Plate 17.

Genus. Elata, Fabricius.

Ch. Sp. F. exalbida, alia deflexis, elytris punctis marginis interioris antennisque nigris.Expans. alar, fere 2 unc.

F. whitish, with the wings deflexed, the elytra being spotted with black along theposterior margin, antennae black. Expanse of the wings nearly 2 inches.

Syn. Flata nigricornis, Fabr. Syst. Rhyng. p. 45.

Cicada limbata, var. Fab. Sp. Ins. 2. p. 322. Donovan , 1 si Edit.

This singular insect, and the plant on which it is represented, have an equalclaim to attention, both as objects of natural curiosity, and importance in domesticeconomy. The larva is an elegant and beautiful creature, and China is indebted toits labours for the fine white wax so much esteemed in the East Indies. The plantis not less interesting, as it produces the vegetable tallow, in general use throughoutthe Chinese empire.

The novelty of these productions could not fail attracting the notice of thoselearned Europeans who were first permitted to reside in China , and whose object wasto promote sciences and arts, as well as the Christian knowledge. Both the Wax-insect and Tallow-tree are spoken of in their writings as extraordinary and peculiaradvantages to the country. Du Halde , especially in his splendid work l’Histoire dela Chine, treats largely on these productions, in the sections Give blanche d’Insectes etVarbre qui porte le surf. His relations are, perhaps, too prolix, but they are evidently