472 



THE MICROSCOPE. 



nearly two-thirds of the head ; from the fore part is pro- 

 jected proboscis, lancets, antenna, &c. In the mouths and 

 tongues of insects, the most admirable art and wisdom are 

 displayed; and their diversity of form is almost as great 



Fig. 233. Under-surface of a Wasp s tonyue, Feelers, fyc. (Within the circle the 

 . life-size of the same is given.) 



as the variety of species. The mouth is usually placed in 

 the fore part of the head, extending somewhat downwards. 

 Many have the mouth armed with strong jaws or man- 

 dibles, provided with muscles of great power, with which 

 they bruise and tear their food, answering to the teeth of the 

 higher animals; and in their various shapes and modifica- 

 tions serving as knives, scissors, augurs, files, saws, trowels, 

 pincers, or other tools, according to the requirements of 

 each insect. 



The tongue is generally a compact instrument, used 

 principally to extract the j uices on which the insect feeds, 

 varying greatly in its length in the different species. It is 



