discovered, to my surprise, that it was not the 

 larva of an insect, nor even the remains of one. 

 Thus it appeared, that the Ichneumon, as well 

 as myself, was deceived by its organ of vision, 

 and that another sense was resorted to, in order 

 to ascertain the truth. 



The larvae disclosed from the eggs of the 

 parent Ichneumon, are altogether destitute of 

 feet; like intestinal worms, they feed on the 

 interior of the body of their Promethean victim, 

 which continues to walk and feed as usual. The 

 depredators are by no means indiscriminate in 

 their choice of food, but prefer the adipose part 

 of the system, and spare the vitals until the 

 former is exhausted. By this selection, the life 

 of the larva is continued until the parasite obtains 

 its full size, and is prepared to enter into the 

 state of pupa. The larva then attaches itself 

 firmly to a fixed surface by means of its feet, and 

 dies. The pupae, secure within, await their des- 

 tined period in tranquillity, and the included 

 insects finally emerge from their contracted boun- 

 daries, by gnawing a passage through their own 

 indurated covering, as well as through the com- 

 mon integument of the larva. 



PLATE XXII. F 



