184 WINGED SUSPENSION. 



like the swallow, in pursuit of insect prey. This untiring 

 power of flight is attributable, in the insect, to the numerous 

 nervures by which the four large wings of the Neuropt&ra are 

 so beautifully reticulated. 



The skylark, in its morning ascension to " Heaven's gate," 

 is followed in flight, if not in harmony, by that regal butterfly 

 the " Purple Emperor," which, from his lofty throne upon the 

 oak, can mount with the ascending sun to a height invisible, 

 thence descending with the glorious orb of day. 



In the power of stationary suspension, or hovering in the 

 air, the hawk-tribe has also its insect representative in that of 

 the Sphinxes or Hawk-moths, which are accustomed, as else- 

 where noticed, to hang suspended on quivering wing, while, 

 with their long tongues unfolded, they rifle, like the humming- 

 bird, the sweets of their favourite flowers. 



Besides the above, which are seldom abroad except at 

 evening or at early morn, there are to be seen throughout 

 the summer and the livelong summer's day, hovering over 

 flower-borders or flowery hedges, a scattered company of two- 

 winged flies which, as somewhat resembling, may be taken 

 on a cursory view for four- winged bees. These are the 

 Syrphii, whose prowess, while in their grub estate, as clearers 

 of aphis-covered leaves those especially of the rose-tree 

 we have celebrated in another place.* Contributing thus, 

 through the carnivorous appetite of their growing youth, to 

 * See article 011 Aphides, and Vignette. 



