EXPANSION OF PERFECT INSECTS. 



3.35 



of its first form, so it is likewise divested of its barbar- 

 ity and ravenous malignity; but the formidable struc- 

 ture of its mandibles, as Reaumur justly remarks, evi- 

 dently disprove this opinion, A lady discovered that 

 it would eat fruit, and Reaumur actually saw one 

 munch part of a pear; but he thinks that this is not its 

 natural ibod.* Its close resemblance, indeed, to the 

 dragon-flies [Lihellulinaj) except in being more slow 

 in flight, aflbrds a strong analogical indication of its 

 carnivorous pro' densities. 



a, Myrmtkotifitrmicaiimn, the fly of the aiit-iioii. 6, the head 

 magnified to show the caliipei-formed mandibles, c, the pupa 

 d, tlie pupa escaping from its cocoon. 



A still more striking difference of size may be 

 remarked in the pupa and the perfect insect of a lace- 

 winged fly [Chrysopa Pcrlciy Leach,) by no means 

 uncommon near London, and well known by its 

 golden eyes and green wings, j" The cocoon of this 



■^ Mem, vol. vi, p. 375. 



See page 45, 



