406 SKETCHES OF INSECTS, 



larva has become a pupa, it prepares to emerge into the air; — 

 but how is it to accomplish this without wetting its wings, which 

 if it once does, it perishes. The process it performs for the 

 accomplishment of this is very curious. The moment the head 

 of the pupa is raised above the water, it bursts, forming a cavity, 

 from whence the gnat within gradually puts forth its body, which 

 rises like the mast of a barge, after the vessel has passed beneath 

 a bridge. Thus the pupa is now a boat, the gnat the mast and 

 sails; and it frequently happens that an unfortunate gust of 

 wind upsets the inexperienced navigator. But in general, when 

 almost emerged, he gradually lowers himself so as to touch the 

 water with his feet (for this faculty of walking upon the water 

 still remains to him), and stretching his silken pinions, he 

 flutters away to join the myriad bands of his companions, whose 

 dark squadrons seem to rise like clouds of smoke curling in the 

 air to a great altitude. 



The hymenopterous, or four-winged insects,* though often 

 living in social communities, pass through transitions of growth, 

 as well as the other tribes ; but their economy is more interesting. 

 When a female or winged ant becomes a widow — 



" The world before her where to seek 

 Her place of rest, and Providence her guide ;" 



her situation excites commiseration — and should a party of 

 working ants meet her, they offer their condolence, and escort 

 her to a habitation. Previously, however, to entering upon her 

 duties, she renounces the frivolities of the world, and with her 

 own hands (if we may use such a term) severs from her body 

 the wings that adorned her bridal festivities, and descends to the 

 gloomy retirement of her subterranean cell. Here she acts as 

 the unseen but politic director of all the movements of the ants. 

 The workers take charge of her eggs, and as soon as the young 

 grubs emerge, feed and attend them with the greatest care, carry 

 their pupae daily to the exterior of the nest for sun and air, and 

 perform every duty of faithful guards and loyal subjects. When 

 it is evident that the pupae (or ant-eggs as they are vulgarly but 

 improperly termed) are ready for their change, the workers, or 

 nurses, very carefully separate the integuments of the head with 

 their mandibles, set the young insects at liberty, feed and caress 

 them, and make every effort to detain them in the nest. But 

 when they find all their endeavours useless, as the winged 

 myriads are now ready for their great annual immigration — 



" The tender nurses running to and fro, 

 One last caress, one last embrace bestow ; 

 One moment linger, by affection bound, 

 Where these dear objects left their native ground." 



* The Coleoptera, or Beetles, are technically stated to have four wings, but 

 with no more propriety than it would be to say an officer wore two swords, merely 

 because his naked blade had a sheaih. 



