374 



INSECTS ABROAD. 



races, as we called them, used to be a recognised amusement 

 during the short time that the Sialis was visible. It is true that 

 the race was often spoiled by the intervention of a fish, who 

 would quietly rise to the surface of the water and absorb one 

 of the competitors ; but this was looked upon as a recognised 

 part of the amusement. 



None of the English Sialidie are of any great size, and we 

 have nothing that even approaclies the gigantic insect which is 





Fig. ISO.— Corydalis aruiata. 

 (Pale brown.) 



called Corydalis armata, the largest species at present known to 

 entomologists. It is a native of Columbia. Tlie specimen 

 which is here shown is a male, and in this sex the principal 

 feature is the structure of the jaws. The mandibles of the male 

 Corydalis are so long, sharp, powerful, and sickle-shaped, that 

 they look as if the creature were an Ant Lion, and had retaintul 

 its larval jaws. As may be seen by reference to tlie illustialion, 



