132 



INSECTS NEUROPTERA DIAGRAM 6. 



Libellula, or Dragon-fly. 



a great number ; and it is therefore to be considered a useful 

 animal. 



The Ant-lions. These a interesting insects are not found in 

 England, but are not uncommon on the Continent. If we 

 happen to visit the Continent, we may sometimes notice in some 

 places small funnel-shaped hollows about an inch deep, and an 

 inch and a-half broad. If we look at them carefully we shall see 

 at the bottom something like the ends of a pair of pincers, which 

 shows us that there is an animal there. Nothing stirs however, 

 but if we continue to watch these funnels for some time, we shall 

 presently see an ant or some other small insect slipping to the 

 edge, upon the treacherous sand. The ant attempts to escape ; 

 but the animal in the middle of the trap immediately throws 



