THE INSECT WORLD. 



INTRODUCTION. 



IT is not intended here to thoroughly investigate the anatomy 

 of insects ; but, as we are about to speak of the habits and economy 

 of certain created beings, it is necessary first to explain the 

 principal parts of their structure, and the stages which every 

 perfect insect or imago has undergone before arriving at that 

 state. 



We therefore proceed to explain, as simply as may be, the 

 anatomy of an insect, and the functions of its organs. 



If we take an insect, and turn it over, and examine it carefully, 

 the first thing that strikes us is that it is divided into three parts : 

 the head ; the thorax, or chest ; and the abdomen, or stomach. 



The head (Fig. 1) is a kind of box, formed of a single piece, 

 having here and there joints more or less strongly marked, some- 

 times scarcely visible. It is furnished in front 

 with an opening often very small which 

 is the mouth ; and with others for the eyes, 

 and for the insertion of the antennae, or horns. 



The integuments of the head are generally 

 harder than the other parts of the body. It 

 is necessary that this should be so. Insects 

 often live and die in the midst of substances Fig L _ Hea d of an 

 which offer some resistance. It is necessary, 

 therefore, that the head be strong enough to overcome such resist- 

 ance. The head contains the masticatory organs, which, frequently 



B 



