in the classification of true insects, is the addition of Orthoptera to the orders of the Swedish naturalist; but the order Aptera of the latter is divided into the seven following:—
- Suceurs. Pulex.
- Thysanoures. Lepisma and Podura.
- Parasites. Pediculus with the Recini of De Geer.
- Acéphales. Spiders, Scorpions, and Acari.
- Entomostracés. Cypris, Daphnia.
- Crustacés. Kleistagnathes and Exochnates, Fabr.
- Myriapodes. Scolopendra, Julus, Oniscus, &c.
The order Aptera was therefore entirely suppressed, but this had previously been done by Fabricius; and the most remarkable feature in the work was the selection of the characters on which the new orders were founded, and their division into natural families.[1] In fact it formed the germ of what was afterwards so fully developed in Latreille's various publications; and although, of course, completely superseded by these, it is still of great interest, when viewed in relation to the history of entomological science.
It has already been mentioned that Latreille was exposed to much persecution in consequence of being regarded as a member of the ecclesiastical body. The dates which we have incidentally given will at once apprise the reader that about this time the French revolution was at its height. All the
- ↑ Lacordaire's Introd. à l'Ent., tom. ii. p. 660.
