402 



VIII. 



NEUROPTERA. 



The Neiiroptera — the type of which order are the LibcUulce, or 

 Dragon FUes — have four membranous wings, generally rather broad, 

 provided with transverse delicately reticulated nervures, which gives 

 them the appearance of lace. Although one of the least extensive, 

 this Order presents the greatest modifications of form and of habits. 



One section of Neuroptera contains some insects which undergo 

 incomplete metamorphoses. The LibeliuIcB, the Ephc7nercB^ and the 

 Termites^ belong to this category. The insects belonging to the other 

 section, in which are classed the Phryganidce* or Caddis Flies, the 

 PanorpatcE, and the Myrmelionides, or Ant Lions, undergo complete 

 metamorphoses. The pupae of the first walk and live absolutely in 

 the same way as the larvae ; only, at the moment of the last trans- 

 formation, the skin of the pupa splits, and the perfect insect comes 

 forth. In the case of the second, on the contrary, the pupa is 

 motionless, inactive, and takes no food, as in the Hymenoptera, 

 Coleoptera, &c. In spite of this diversity in their mode of develop- 

 ment, all these insects resemble each other too much for us to divide 

 the Order ; from which it follows that we must not attach too much 

 importance to difterences of transformation by which the insec 

 arrives at its perfect state. 



The most interesting insects among the Neuroptera are th( 

 Termites, improperly called White Ants, on account of the grea 

 analogy which exists between their habits and those of ants. The] 

 constitute, by their way of living, a striking anomaly in the order ii 

 which their conformation places them. In fact, they live in ver 

 numerous societies, and build very solid and very extensive dwelling 

 places — quite Cyclopean or Titanic works in comparison to the tin; 

 dimensions and weak and feeble appearance of the insect. (Plate IX. 



* These were separated from the Neuroptera and made a separate ordei 

 under the name of Trichoptera, by Kirby. — Ed. 



I 



