INSECTS. 



Phryganea Grandis. 



Mite. 



Centipede, and Millipede. 



The Phryganea Grandis, in its larva state, resides in a cylindrical case, open at each end, to which it at- 

 taches sticks, weeds and pebbles, by silken threads, which it spins from its mouth. This case it bears about 

 with it, never voluntary quitting it. When about to assume the pupa state, it fastens its case to some solid 

 substance under water, closing both ends of the case with a sort of grating, which admits the water neces- 

 sary for breeding. When nearly arrived at their perfect form, they make their way out with a pair of 

 hooked jaws, then furnished them, and swim about very actively by means of the two hind legs. The food 

 of some is vegetable, while others prey upon smaller creatures of their own race. 



The Podura Villosa is the name of a small animal, whose most distinguishing mark is that its abdomen 

 is prolonged into a somewhat long, elastic, forked tail, by means of which the creature can execute the 

 most astonishing leaps, from which conformation the race are vulgarly called spring tails. There is also a 

 species of mane on the neck, and two plumes rising from the top of the head. 



The Mycale Fodiens, or Mining Spiders, found in southern Europe, construct on dry, shelving localities, 

 exposed to the sun, subterranean, cylindrical galleries, often two feet deep, and so winding, that their 

 traces are lost. They line these with a silken tube, forming at its entrance a movable lid, composed of 

 silk and earth, and attached to the silken lining by a sort of hinge. This is adapted, by its size, situation 

 and weight, to close the aperture so exactly, as hardly to permit its entrance to be distinguished from the 

 neighboring soil. When the Mycale enters this retreat, or leaves it, the door shuts of itself. This spider 

 spins a cocoon round its eggs, inclosing a hundred or more. These are hatched within it, and sustain their 

 first changes before quitting it. 



The Centipede, so named from its having a hundred feet, is found in many parts of the world, but is 

 common within the tropics. The largest, which are the East Indian, are about six inches long, of a ruddy 

 color, and as thick as a man's finger. They have many joints, and from each joint a leg on each side ; 

 are covered with hair, and apparently eyeless ; but there are two feelers on the head, Avhich subserve the 

 purposes of eyes ; the head is round, with two sharp teeth, wherewith they inflict painful and dangerous 

 wounds. 



The Millipede differs from the Centipede in having a far greater number of feet. Some are smooth and 

 others hairy ; some are yellow, some black, and some brown. They are found between the wood and bark 

 of decayed trees, as also among moss-covered stones. Whatever their qualities in the tropics, in Europe 

 they are harmless. 



The Dytiscus Marginalis is an aquatic Beetle, which passes its 

 larva and perfect states in placid, fresh waters, such as lakes, pools, 

 and ditches, except during its metamorphosis, which occurs on land. 

 Its larva preys upon other aquatic larvee, moving swiftly through 

 the water, and striking them with its expanded tail. The pupse 

 are found buried in the neighboring banks. Its larva? have a long, 

 narrow body, with a strong head, armed with powerful mandibles, 

 and they are of extremely active, carnivorous habits. 



Dytiscus Marginalis. 



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