Hemiptera

Hemiptera (Gr., 'half-winged'), a large order of insects, to which the general term 'bugs' is often applied, or the more modern title Rhynchota, in allusion to the characteristic suctorial proboscis. The order includes (1) forms with similar wings (Homoptera)—e.g. coccus insects, aphides, Cicadas (q.v.); (2) others with dissimilar wings (Heteroptera)—e.g. water-bugs, water-scorpions; and (3) parasites or Lice (q.v.).