2^6 ORDERS OF INSECTS. 



dragon fly, large and well known insects that frequent 

 lakes and pools of stagnant water ; the Ephem'eral flies, 

 which pass two or three years in the states of larva and 

 chrysalis, but whose existence as winged and perfect in- 

 sects is limited to a single day ; and the Ant-lion and Ter'- 

 mites, the former celebrated as the destroyer of the common 

 ant, and the latter for the ravages they make in some tro- 

 pical countries. 



The Jifih order {liymcnop'tera) has four naked mem- 

 branous wings, but destitute of that delicate, netted struc- 

 ture, which belongs to the last order. The females have 

 either a perforator or a sting. In the domestic economy 

 and mode of propagation of some of the species, there are 

 circumstances which excite our admiration and astonish- 

 ment. The ant, wasp,^nd bee belong to this order. They 

 live in societies, greater or less in extent and number; and 

 prepare habitations and nourishment for themselves and 

 offspring, with a forethought and provident care, excelled 

 only by man himself. In some of the tribes of this order, 

 there is, beside the males and females, a third sort called 

 neuters, as among the ants and bees. 



The sixth order (dip'tera) has only two wings, but be- 

 neath them are two cylindrical projections, which seem as 

 if they were the rudiments of another pair. These have 

 been called balancers or poisers, from being supposed to aid 

 them in preserving an equilibrium during their flight. Be- 

 tween them and the wings themselves are found small mem- 

 branous scales, one upon each side, against Avhich the 

 balancer strikes with great rapidity, whilst the insect is in 

 motion, and causes that- buzzing which is then observed. 

 To this order belong some of the most troublesome and an- 

 noying of the whole animal creation, such as the various 

 species of gnat, and the common fly. They are found in 

 almost every part of the globe. 



The seventh and last order of insects (ap'tera) includes a 

 great variety that are destitute of wings. It is true that in 

 the preceding orders are arranged many sorts of insects that 

 are destitute of wings, but they are so arranged because in 

 their general structure and habits of life they resemble the 

 other members of the order. Tlie Aptera, however, have 

 no such resemblance, and are therefore placed by them- 

 selves. Some animals of this order cover the surface of 



