6oo 



THE STUDY OF INSECTS. 



wing. These hooks fasten to a fold in the hind margin of 

 the front wing, so that the two wings present a continuous 

 surface. (Fig. 730). 



FIG. 730. Wings of the honey-bee. 



With other insects the mouth-parts, if well developed, 

 are formed either for biting or for sucking, 

 but in this order they are adapted to serve 

 both purposes (Fig. 731). The mandibles 

 are fitted for biting, and they are sometimes 

 very powerful. The maxillae, in the typical 

 members of the order, are long, membranous 

 or leathery, and form a sheath to the labium, 

 the three organs thus constituting an appara- 

 tus for sucking or lapping liquid food. The 

 maxillary and the labial palpi are present. 



The larvae of Hymenoptera are usually 

 footless, maggot-like creatures, incapable of ,bs- 

 any extended motion, and entirely depend- -^ b j^ 

 ent on the provision made for them by the 

 adult insects. But in the two lower families the larva? are 

 furnished with legs, and frequently have a striking resem 

 blance to caterpillars, both in form and in habits. When the 

 larvae are full grown they transform to inactive pupae, which 



