1 



the Oecononiy of the Ichneumon ManrfeJIator Linn. xc 



in the waters, in putrid fubftances, and even on living animals. 

 We find tliem clofely united with a fliong and firm cement 

 round fmall branches of trees, fixed on elegant pedicles on the 

 leaves, covered with hair from the body of the parent, or en- 

 clofed in delicate filken cafes. Thefc when hatched are vifiblc, 

 and their growth and wonderful operations may be feen and ex- 

 amined ; but thofe who dcpofit their eggs in holes and crevices, in 

 the bodies of animals, and even of infects themfelves, are hatched, 

 live, and come to perfection before they become vifible, and we are 

 content to know them in their lafl; flate only, and that imperfeftly. 

 The genus of infeiSts called Ichneumon, from which I have fele6ted 

 a fingle fpecies, has been ably defcribed by the celebrated Reaumur, 

 as far as he was then acquainted with their habits and occonomy. 

 The whole of this genus are (if I may be allowed the exprelTion) 

 parafitical, that is, derive their fupport and nourilhment from 

 other infefts, fome depofiting their eggs in the larvaj others again 

 in the pupa, and fome even in the ovum or egg itfelf, the con- 

 tents of which, minute as they are, are fufficient to fupport the 

 young larvae until their change into the pupa ftate. Some depofit 

 only one egg in a place, as the Ichneumon ovulorum, and others 

 again a great number, as Ichneumon puparum, &c. but whether 

 the egg is placed in the pupa, larva, or ovum, the deftrutSlion of the 

 fofter-parent is inevitable. The larvae of large moths or butterflies 

 that have been wounded by an Ichneumon, live and feed, though 

 with evident marks of difeafe, until thefeparafites are full fed, and able 

 to change into their fecond or pupa ftate. To treat of each fpecies 

 of this genus, would fill a volume. I fliall therefore confine my- 

 felf to one, the Ichneumon manifeftator, an infect truly wonder- 

 ful in its formation, and which in a diflinguifliing manner unites 

 the two properties before mentioned, viz. a penetration and fore- 

 VoL. III. E fight 



