284 



THE INSECT WORLD. 



it differs only in size and in having no wings. After moulting 

 four or five times it has almost reached its full growth, and its 

 wings begin to appear under a sort of membrane. This is the 

 pupa state. A final moulting sets free the wings also, and the 

 insect, now perfect, launches itself into the air with its congeners. 



The Orthoptera are vegetable feeders, and frequently commit 

 great ravages on various crops. They are divided into two groups, 

 viz., those which run, and those which jump or leap. We will begin 

 with those which run, which contain the Earwig (Forficula), the 

 Cockroach (Blatta), the genus Mantis or Leaf insects, and the genus 

 Pkasma. 



The Forficula, or Earwig, is represented in Figs. 298, 299, 300, in 

 its three different states. The lower wings are very broad, and 

 folded at the same time like a fan, and doubled up. Its abdomen 

 terminates in a sort of pair of pincers, resembling those which the 

 jewellers formerly used for piercing the ears of young girls as a 

 preparatory step to their wearing earrings. Hence, without doubt, 



Figs. 298, 299, 300. Common Earwig ( Forficula auricularia) laiva, pupa, and imago. 



their French name of Perce-oreille, or ear-piercer ; for there is 

 nothing to justify the vulgar belief that these insects introduce 

 themselves into the ear, and bore a hole in its interior, through 

 which they may penetrate into the brain ; in fact, they are very 

 innocent insects, and do little harm. They live on vegetable 

 matter, and more especially the interiors of certain flowers. 



The Forficula avoid the light. They are to be found in the 

 chinks of trees, under bark, and under stones. The female watches 

 over the eggs with maternal solicitude, and carries them away 

 elsewhere when they are touched. She also protects the larva? 



