88 



LEGS OF INSECTS. 



by cutting the roots which it finds in its way, presents us with 

 a remarkable example of this form of structure. There also 



FJG. 300. MOLE-CRICKET. 



exist some species, amongst which these same limbs constitute 

 organs of prehension, the leg being disposed in the manner of a 

 claw, and being able to bend itself back' against the preceding 



FIG. 301. MANTIS RELIGIOSA. 



joint, of which the edge is armed with spines. A large insect 



from the South of France, the 

 Mantis reliyiosa, is formed in this 

 manner. Again, we meet with 

 some insects, amongst which the 

 anterior legs are reduced to a ru- 

 dimentary state, and bent back 

 against the thorax, no longer serving 

 for its movements, and easily 

 escaping notice, so that at first 

 sight we should believe these 

 animals were provided with only 

 four legs ; several diurnal Butterflies 

 are in this condition (Fig. 302). 



608. The wings of Insects are leaf-like appendages, com- 

 posed of a double membrane, supported on the inside by a 

 more solid framework. When they are but slightly developed, 



FIG. 302 MORPHO. 



