8 Marvels of Insect Life* 



spaces between the internal organs. There are ^•alvular openings in the sides 

 of the dorsal \ essel as well as at the ends ; and as the chambers of the vessel 

 contract and expand in rotation the blood is drawn in from all parts and sent in 

 a stream to the fore-part, whence it hnds its way again all over the bodw 



The nervous system consists of a brain, situated above the gullet, and 

 a double series of nerve-cords extending to the further extremity of the body 

 along the lower surface, connecting up a large number of ganglia, or knots, from 

 which run nerves to all parts. 



The digestive system occupies the greater part of the body cavitv and 

 consists of various well-defined portions, which differ in the several orders 

 according to the nature of the food. It will be understood that in many Insects 

 whose habits change during their life period, considerable modification takes 

 place in this svstem. 



The breathing system of Insects is a most remarkable one, which must be 

 dealt witli in a separate article. 



A MousK-CATCHi.Nc; Locust. 

 A mnarkabk- locust from the- Congo, which was caught in the act of catcliiug aud ratiug a luous,-, aud is now witli its victim preserved 

 m the Natural H.storv Museum at South Keusingtou. This photograpli is uot an arrangement. Inu i. taUen fro th • actua 

 specimens as received from Africa. acuiai 



A Mouse-catching Locust. 



The general impression respecting gra^hoppi-rs and locusts is that they are 

 purely vegetarian Insects. It is from that point of view that they are universalh' 

 considered ; but it is highly probable that creatures possessed of such efficient 

 cutting jaws vary their diet, at least on occasion. \\V have kepi examples of 



