128 STATES OF INSECTS. (Larva.) 
cles with which in the insect it is amply provided: but 
Merlin, or his successor, has surmounted greater obsta- 
cles. In the larva of Zishna grandis, &c. this apparatus 
is not convex but flat: so that, though it equally conceals 
the face, it does not so accurately resemble a mask ; and 
the jaws at its apex are not convex plates, but rather two 
single conical teeth*. It is, as to its general shape, si- 
milarly constructed in Agrion Virgo, &c.; but the first 
joint is more remarkably elongated, the jaws more pre- 
cisely resemble jaws than in any of the rest, and are armed 
with three long, very sharp teeth: between them also 
there is a lozenge-shaped opening, through which, when 
the apparatus is closed, is protruded a circular sort of 
nipple, apparently analogous to the ligula. Cordulia 
wnea, which is the type of another tribe, has a mask 
somewhat different from all the above, the jaws being 
armed with a moveable claw and an internal tooth °. 
You will admire the wisdom of this admirable contri- 
vance, when you reflect that these larvee are not fitted to 
pursue their prey with rapidity, like most predaceous 
animals; but that they steal upon them, as De Geer ob- 
serves 4, as a cat does upon a bird, very slowly, and as if 
they counted their steps; and then, by a sudden evolu- 
tion of this machine, take them as it were by surprise, 
when they think themselves safe. De Geer says, it is 
very difficult for other insects to elude their attacks, and 
that he has even seen them devour very small fishes ©. 
@ Reaum. vi. ¢. xxxvii. f. 4—6. 8. 
> Tbid. ¢. xxxvili. First joint f. 8. 6 fp. ; jaws f. 7. ¢ d.; opening o, 
Ligula f. 6. 7. 
* De Geer ii. f. 17. Jaws g g; claw d; tooth h. 4 Thid. 674. 
* Ibid, 
