INSECTS. 473 



capable of being extended or contracted at the insect's 

 pleasure ; sometimes dexterously rolled up ; taper and 

 spiral, as in the Butterfly; tubular and fleshy, as in the 

 Wasp. In fig. 233, the under-lip of the Wasp is represented 

 with its brush on either side; above which are two jointed 



Fig. 234. Eye of Fly, magnified 150 diameters. 



feelers (palpi labiales), the use of which is probably for the 

 purpose of making an examination of the food before it is 

 taken into its mouth, or that of cleaning the tongue. Near 

 these feelers the antennae or horns are placed, as curious in 

 form as they are delicate in structure. The antennae of the 

 male generally differ from those of the female : some writers 

 believe these are organs of smell or hearing ; others that 

 they are solely intended to add to the perfection of touch 

 or feeling, increasing their sensibility to the least motion 

 or disturbance. Apart from their use, they are the most 

 interesting and distinguishing characteristics of insects, 

 and appear to be employed for the purpose of examining 

 every object they alight upon. 



