4 8 



THE STUDY OF INSECTS 



It sometimes proves a nuisance in sugar-bushes by getting into the 

 sap. 



Another tiny one-, the garden-flea, Sminthurus hortensis, often be- 

 comes a pest by feeding on young cabbages, 

 turnips, cucumbers, and squashes. 



Through a microscope, certain spring-tails 

 appear very absurd. They have long antennae 

 and large dark eye-spots on the face, which, to- 

 gether with the long hair that sticks forward 

 on the head and thorax, give the creature a 

 look of solemn fierceness (Fig. 79). Different 

 Fir.. 79 .-Papiri*sfusc«s. (After species may be found at almost any time of the 

 Lubbock.) year in damp places. 



Fig. 70a. — Tomocerus plumbe.ns, 



A side view of a spring-tail, Tomocerus plumbens, showing that cu- 

 rious organ, the collophore, co; and the catch, c, which holds the spring, 

 s, in place and under tension when the latter is drawn beneath the ab- 

 domen. 



