THE INSECTS. 



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the Imago or perfect state when the rudimentary wings 

 become perfect, and the insect is able to take flight, and 

 carry out the process of reproduction, &c. The Ephemeridce 

 appear to be an exception, having a state (Sub-Imago) 

 between the third and fourth. 



The different orders of insects which will come under 

 our notice are 



Coleoptera . . . Beetles, &c. 



Neuroptera . . . Nerve- winged, as Dragon-Flies, 



May-Flies, Duns. 

 Trichoptera. . . Insects produced from Case- Worms, 



Caddis, as the Phryganidce. 

 Orthoptera . . . Grasshoppers, &c. 

 Hemiptera . . . Bugs, &c. 

 Hymenoptera . . Bees, Wasps, Ants, &c. 

 Diptera. - . . * . Two-winged insects, House- Flies, 



Gnats, &c. 

 Lepidoptera . . Moths, Butterflies, &c. 



We all know those little black, metallic, shiny fellows 

 which are constantly gyrating in pools where the water is 

 somewhat quiescent, and which are known commonly by 

 the name of Whirligigs ; the French call them Tourniquets, 

 the scientific name being GYRINUS NATATOR. They appear 



GYRINUS NATATOR. 



to be always arranging a kind of skating quadrille, in and 

 out and round about, and again joining in the centre. 

 Just make your presence known by disturbing their pastime 

 with the top of your rod. Ho, presto ! Where are they ? 

 disappeared, for they are wonderful divers. Be careful, 

 if you wish to examine them with your pocket-glass and 

 they are worth examining to have your hand gloved, and 

 even then you will not like it, for they emit a most un- 



