The Insect World, 



INTRODUCTION. 



It is not intended to investigate the anatomy of insects in this work 

 thoroughly ; but, as we are about to treat of the habits and economy 

 of certain created beings, it is necessary first to explain the principal 

 parts of their structure, and the stages which every perfect insect or 

 imago has undergone before arriving at that state. 



We, therefore, proceed to explain, as simply as possible, the 

 anatomy of an insect, and the functions of its organs. 



If we take an insect, and turn it over, and examine it carefully, 

 the first thing that strikes us is that it is divided into three parts : the 

 head ; the thorax, or chest ; and the abdomen, or stomach. 



The head (Fig. i) is a kind of box, formed of a single piece, 

 having here and there joints more or less 

 strongly marked, sometimes scarcely visible. 

 It is furnished in front with an opening — often 

 very small — which is the mouth ; and with 

 some for the ey-es, and with others for the 

 insertion of the antennae or horns. 



The integuments of the head are generally 

 harder than the other parts of the body. It 

 is necessary that this should be so. Insects 

 often live and die in the midst of substances 

 which offer some resistance. It is necessary, 

 therefore, that the head should be strong 

 enough to overcome such resistance. The 

 head contains the masticatory organs, which, 



frequently having to attack hard substances, must be strongly sup- 

 ported. The exception to this rule is among insects which live 

 by suction. 



It would be out of place here to mention the numerous modifi- 

 58 



Fig. I. — Head of an Insect. 



