306 INSECT TRANSFORMATIONS. 



are replaced by a brush-like bunch of bristles, the 

 points of which, it is probable, have the power of 

 extracting air from the water; and a similar coronet is 

 produced on each side of the head, disposed in a five- 

 rayed star of plumes. It is not a little remarkable, 

 that a double envelope for the feet projects from each 

 side of the breast, a circumstance which seems pecu- 

 liar to this insect. In a few days it is transformed into 

 a pretty gnat, with feathered antennaB (Chironomus 

 plumosus, MEIGEN). 



Such are a few examples of the beautiful contriv- 

 ances for carrying on the important process of respira- 

 tion in that stage of life during which few insects take 

 any food. Considering the great difficulties presented 

 to us in the investigation of this subject, we may well 

 wonder that experiments have elucidated and proved 

 so many facts. We are still ignorant, however, of the 

 nature of the effects produced by respiration on the 

 fluids of pupae. 



