228 INSECTS AT HOME. 



wings expanded. It is all but impossible to put tbem back 

 again under the elytra. How, then, can the insect manage to 

 replace them ? This question involves the real use of the for- 

 ceps at the end of the tail. They are generally considered as 

 instruments of offence, and as such they can be used, being 

 capable of inflicting a tolerably sharp pinch, as anyone can 

 testify who has handled an Earwig. This, however, is not their 

 primary use, for they are employed in the act of packing the 

 wings under the elytra, and without their aid the insect could 

 never secure its wings properly. I have more than once seen 

 an Earwig pack up its wings, and a very curious and interesting 

 sight it is. 



As soon as the insect settles, it partially folds its wings, so 

 that they fall into a set of wrinkles, ajaparently witliout any 

 arrangement, but in reality — like the seeming confusion of 

 ropes on board ship — each being exactly in its appointed place, 

 and ready for the next movement. After a very brief jDause, 

 the folds of the wings are brought still closer together, and 

 gathered towards tlie elytra ; and then tlie tail is bent over 

 the back, the wings are seized by the forceps, and by their aid 

 are tucked away under the elytra. 



It is said that the insect also mf<kps use of th<:^ fovoeps in 

 expanding the wings as well as in closing them. This may be 

 the case, but I have never seen an Earwig use its forceps ex- 

 cept for the latter office, the mere beat of the wings against tlie 

 air seeming to have the power of spreading t^iem to their full 

 extent. In each case the species was the LittIe Earwig {Labia 

 oninor), and indeed I never did see the Common Earwig use 

 its wings. 



These insects are remarkable in many respects, and one 

 species — whatever may be the case with the others — has been 

 ascertained to behave very differently from the generality of 

 the insect-race. As a rule insects take no care of their yovmg. 

 They deposit their eggs in some spot where the young larva 

 can find its food when hatched, and then take no further care 

 of them. Indeed, the greater number of insects die as soon as 

 they have deposited their eggs, so that maternal care is im- 

 possible. It may be urged that bees, wasps, and ants take care 

 of their young. This, however, is not the case. Care is cer- 

 tainly taken of the young larvae, but not by the mother, who 



