INSECTS. 



143 



rapidly along, or perform a more unusual 

 feat 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 

 lectularius, Fig. 133). This creature 

 would appear to be much more common 

 now than in the days of Queen Elizabeth ; 

 for, although Shakspeare mentions several 

 insects in his plays, and the word Bug 

 occurs five or six times, it is never ap- *"ig. 132.-NEPA. 



plied to the insect, but is always used 

 as synonymous with Bugbear.* It is 

 destitute of wings, differing in this 

 respect from some of those (Figs, 1 26, 

 127) which feed on the juices of 

 plants, and are sometimes of large 

 size and brilliant colours. 



\ 



Fig. 133. BED-BUG 



(MAGNIFIED). DIPTERA.f 



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. 134), the Gad-flies, &c. 

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

 it to pierce the skin. So great is the number, not only 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 different 

 families or their distinguishing characteristics, but merely 

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

 ficial or injurious. 



The Iarva3 of some species live in the most disgusting 

 substances, and speedily effect their removal. Of the family 

 (Muscidce) to which the House-fly, the Blue Bottle-fly, &c. 

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

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



* Tims, "Tush! tusli! fear boys with bugs." 



" The bug which you will fright me with I seek." 

 I Two winged. About 1050 Irish species. 



