in zoology, a genus of insects belonging to the order of aptera. It has six feet fitted for leaping, and two eyes; the feelers are like threads; the rostrum is inflected, fleshy, and armed with a sting; and the belly is compressed. There are two species, viz., the irritans, with a proboscis shorter than its body, a native of Europe and America; and the penetrans, with a proboscis longer than its body, a native of America.