234 ] The Wonderful Ways of Insects and Spiders 



MILLIONS OF KINDS OF INSECTS 



The creatures that rightly bear the name ''insects" are 

 included in an astoundingly huge number of species. We already 

 know of hundreds of thousands of different kinds, and scientists 

 believe that the total number of kinds will eventually be reckoned 

 in the millions! There are more species of insects than all other 

 species of animals added together. More than any other kind of 

 creature, insects may be regarded as man's competitor for mastery 

 of the earth. 



The destruction of farm crops, stored products, and wooden 

 buildings by insects, and their injury to the health of human 

 beings by spreading disease, is beyond calculating. However, 

 millions of dollars are being spent every year on research, quaran- 

 tine and control: The menace of insects is far less frightening 



HUGE HORNET COLONIES 



As many as fifteen thousand hornets may live In a single paper-covered nest. They 

 have sentinels posted at the door to warn of the approach of intruders. Hornets 

 are irritated by the presence of marauders and all too ready to sting near their 

 nest. However, they are much less likely to sting when away from it. 



