88 



FIRST BOOK OF ZOOLOGY, 



a little later, the larva will be found feeding on the spiders ; 

 and, still later, the full-grown larvae and pupae appear. 



In collecting for the cabinet, one nest should be cut open 

 to show the cells and their contents. 



83. The mosquito deposits her eggs on the surface of the 

 water, sticking them together in such a way as to form a 

 raft. From these eggs little black creatures hatch, which 

 swim about with a quick, jerking motion. In this condition 

 they represent the larvae. If the pupils will examine pools 

 and ditches, or even the tubs and barrels of water which often 

 stand about farm-houses, they will be very sure to find some 

 of these animals. They are small and black, and by their 



d 



I 



A E 



FIG SO. A. Larva; and B, Pupa of a Mosquito; c. Line showing Natural Size of Larva; d, 

 representing Water-Line. -The larva is seen with the hinder end of the body just pro- 

 jecting above the surface of the water, so that the air may enter through the little tube. 

 The pura is seen with the back just level with the surface of the water, and through the 

 two tubes, on the back of the thorax, the air is being admitted to the body. 



rapid, jerking motion cannot be mistaken. A number may 

 be collected and placed in a jar of water, where all their 

 changes, from the larval to the perfect state, may be watched. 

 They will be seen coming to the surface of the water for air, 



