STATES OF INSECTS. (Larva.) 131 
they differ from the remaining segments only in being 
shorter, and in many cases less distinctly characterized ; 
but in Neuropterous larvee, those of Dyiscz, and some 
other Coleoptera, they are longer than the succeeding 
ones, and pretty nearly resemble the trunk of the animal 
in its last state. The surface of the trunk and abdomen 
will be considered under a subsequent head; I shall 
not, therefore, describe it here. The conformation of the 
different segments varies but little, except of the ter- 
minal one, or tail, which in different larvee takes various 
figures. In most, this part is obtuse and rounded; in 
others acute or acuminate; in others truncate; and in 
others emarginate, or with a wider sinus, and with inter- 
mediate modifications of shape which it would be endless 
to particularize. In some, also, it is simple and unarmed ; 
in others beset with horns, spines, radii, and tubercles of 
different forms, some of which will come under future 
consideration. ‘The parts connected with the trunk and 
abdomen which will require separate consideration, are 
the legs, the spiracles, and various appendages. 
Legs. It may be stated generally that the larvee of the 
orders Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Neuroptera, have 
legs; and that those of the orders Hymenoptera and Di- 
ptera have none. ‘This must be understood, however, 
with some exceptions. Thus the larve of some Coleo- 
ptera, as the weevil tribes (Rhyncophora) have no legs, 
unless we may call by that name certain fleshy tubercles 
besmeared with gluten, which assist them in their mo- 
tions? ; while those of the saw-flies Serrifera and Sirex 
in the order Hymenoptera are furnished with these or- 
gans. Atpresent I know no Dipterous larva that may 
* De Geer v. 203. 
K 2 
