28 A BOOK OF INSECTS 



ration, or more correctly of simplification, induced by a 

 congenial, well-fed condition of life. Its operation is 

 familiar in the case of parasites. Indeed, the parasitic 

 larva of an insect differs little from the mao^ot of a flesh- 

 fly or the grub of a wasp. In each instance the simplifi- 

 cation of the offspring is due to the highly specialised 

 instincts of the parent, through the agency of which 

 abundant food and ample protection are assured. 



