CLASS IKSECTA: ORDER DIPTERA. 213 



around the twigs of trees. The insect, hatching in April or 

 May, weaves a spider-like net, into which it retires at noon 

 and night. As it goes forth to feed, it marks its track by a 

 thread as a clue for its return, and to give a foothold on 

 leaves and smooth places. 



ORDER DIPTERA. 



General Characteristics. The Dipters (two-winged) 

 number in North America about ten thousand species. The 

 larvae are footless maggots, and go through a complete trans- 

 formation. 



Fig. 365. 



CiUexpipiens, Mosquito. Female, Male, and Transformations. 



Culicidse (gnat family). The Mosquito lays its eggs, two 

 or three hundred in number, in the water. On hatching, 

 they become " Wiggle-tails" These breathe by means of a long 



