EXPANSION OF PERFECT INSECTS. 



335 



of its first form, so it is likewise divested of its barbar- 

 ity and ravenous malignity; but the formidable struc- 

 ture of its mandibles, as Reaumur justly remarks, evi- 

 dently disprove this opinion. A lady discovered that 

 it would eat fruit, and Reaumur actually saw one 

 munch part of a pear; but he thinks that this is not its 

 natural food.* Its close resemblance, indeed, to the 

 dragon-flies (Libellulina,) except in being more slow 

 in flight, affords a strong analogical indication of its 

 carnivorous propensities. 



c, Afyrmelton formicarium, the fly of the ant-lion, fe, the head 

 magnified to show the calliper-formed mandibles, c, the pupa, 

 rf, the pupa escaping from its cocoon. 



A still more striking difference of size tnay be 

 remarked in the pupa and the perfect insect of a lace- 

 winged fly (Chrysopa Perla, LEACH,) by no means 

 uncommon near London, and well known by its 

 golden eyes and green wings. | The cocoon of this 



Mem, vol. vi, p. 375, 



t Seepage 45, 



