582 



THE MICROSCOPE. 



the mouths and tongues of insects, the most admirable art 

 and wisdom are displayed ; and their diversity of form is 

 almost as great as the variety of species. The mouth is 

 usually placed in the fore part of the head, extending 

 somewhat downwards. Many have the mouth armed with 

 strong jaws, or mandibles, provided with muscles of great 



t*g. 259. — Under-surface of a Wasp's tongue, Feelers, &c. (Within the circle tli« 



same is seen life-size.) 



power, with which they bruise and tear their food, answer- 

 ing to the teeth of the higher animals ; and in their 

 various shapes and modifications serving as knives, scissors, 

 augers, files, saws, trowels, pincers, or other tools, accord- 

 ing to the requirements of each insect. 



The tongue is generally a compact instrument, used 

 principally to extract the juices on which the insect feeds, 

 varying greatly in its length in the different species. It is 

 capable of being extended or contracted at the insect'b 



