4IO 



TRANSFORMATIONS OF INSECTS. 



parasitic true insect — is very degraded in its structures and develop- 

 ment ; and the forms classified as Goniodcs are also remarkable 

 for their defective organisation, as well as for the presence of a claw 

 upon the antenna; of the males. The philosophical naturalist may- 

 ponder with interest upon the absence of the metamorphoses in 

 these parasitic creatures, and consider their evident anatomical, 

 and therefore classificatory relation with those spiders which have 

 tracheae as their respiratory organs ; and he must be struck with 

 the anatomical relations of these groups with the other insects that 

 undergo incomplete or imperfect metamorphoses. 



The TJiyscviura or skip tail tribe are small insects which are 



THE FISH SCALE. 



{Lepisina saccharina.) 



THE SKIP TAIL. 

 {Po dura p him he a.) 



better known on account of the beauty of their microscopic body 

 scales than for any interesting habits or instincts. They do not 

 undergo metamorphosis, and are wingless. 



Sir John Lubbock's careful researches have resulted in his 

 being satisfied that in the genus SniyntJiuriis there are tracheae 

 for respiratory purposes, and that they communicate with the 

 external air by means of spiracles, which are not situated along 

 the margins of the thorax, but in the head, where it is attached 

 to the bod}\ 



