GROWTH AND METAMORPHOSIS OF INSECTS. 33 



be found in various stages of development. The eggs pass 

 in two main tubes which unite to form the single oviduct 

 (ov.t) which lies on the floor of the abdomen. Above 

 A B 



FIG. 26. Anthophorabia retusa. A, male; B, female. After Newport. 



the opening of the oviduct is the sebific gland and its duct. 

 This gland secretes a copious supply of a sticky fluid, which 

 is, as in many other insects, poured out as the eggs pass out 



FIG. 27. Egg-tube of a saw-fly (Athalia). a, b, c, egg-tubes; e, oviduct;/, sper- 

 matheca or reservoir for the seminal fluid; (>. poison-sac, and its secretory 

 vessels (/i); 10, the last nerve-centre of the abdomen. From Newport. 



of the oviduct, thus surrounding them with a tough coat 

 (compare Fig. 27). 



