ICHNEUMON. ICHNEUxMON. 
Gtneric Character, 
Os maxillis absque lingua. 
AntenrKe articulis ultra tri- 
gin ta. 
A bdomen petiolatum pleris- 
que. 
Aiileus exsertus, vagina cy- 
lindrica, bivalvi. 
Mouth with jaws, without 
tongue. 
Antennae with more than 
thirty joints. 
Abdomen in most species 
footstalked. 
Piercer exserted , with a cy- 
lindric, bivalve sheath. 
rrx 
X HE animals of this genus provide for the sup- 
port of their offspring in a manner highly extra- 
ordinary; depositing their eggs In the bodies of 
other living insects, and generally in 'those of 
caterpillars. For this purposb the female Ichneu- 
mon, selecting her victim, and fastening upon it, 
pierces its skin with her abdominal tube, and in- 
troduces her eggs beneath the surface. In vain 
the tormented animal endeavours to evade this 
cruel operation : the Ichneumon maintains her 
hold, nor ceases till she has discharged her whole 
stock. These eggs in a few days hatch, and the 
young larvae, which resemble minute white mag- 
gots, nourish themselves with the juices of the 
unfortunate animal, which however continues to 
move about and feed till near the time of its change 
