INSECTS. 



rapidly alonji, or perform a more unusnal 

 teat — that of walking upon the surface of 

 water. 



To the present order belongs one in- 

 sect, universally regarded as a very dis- 

 gusting visitant (the Bed-bug, Cimex 

 lectulai-iii.% Fig. 133). This creature 

 would appear to be much more common 

 now than in the days of Queen Elizabeth; 

 for, although Shakspcare mentions several 

 insects in his plays, and the word Bug 

 occurs five or six times, it is never ap- 



143 



132.— Nkpa. 



plied to the insect, but is alw.ays used 

 as s}iionymou3 with Bugljcar.* It is 

 destitute of wings, dilllring in this 

 respect from some of those {Figs. 1 26, 

 127) which feed on the juices of 

 plants, and are sometimes of 

 size and brilliant colours. 



large 



Fig. 133. — Brd-bco 



(MAO:fIFIBD). 



DIPTERA.t 



This order consists entirely of two-winged flies. The wings 

 are membranous. The mouth is formed for suction ; and in 

 certain tribes, such as the Gnat {Fig. 1 34), the Gad-flies, ttc 

 it is furnished with lancet or razor-shaped organs, to enable 

 it to pierce the skin. So great is the number, not onlv of 

 individuals but of species, that above a thousand species fully 

 described and named are recorded as indigenous to Ireland. 

 We do not, therefore, attempt any enumeration of the diflerent 

 families or their distinguishing characteristics, but mcnly 

 bring forward a few examples of their powers, whether bene- 

 ficial or injurious. 



The larvaj of some species live in the most disgusting 

 substances, and speedily efiFect their removal. Of the family 

 {Muscidiv) to which the House-fly, the Blue Bottle-fly, &c. 

 belong, Meigen luvs described nearly 1,700 European species. 

 Among these are the Flesh-flies, whose office it is to consume 



• Tliu-s "Tush! tosh! fear boys with bupt." 



" The b\iff which you will friijht mc with I seek." 

 I Two wiugud. About 1(J60 Irish species. 



