36 



GUIDE TO INSECTS. 



Fig. 36. 



The Ascalaphidce (1 373-1 382) are easily recognised by their long 

 slender antennae, which terminate in a spoon-shaped club. The 

 head and thorax are generally hairy. There is considerable variation 

 in the form and colour of the wings. The front ones are frequently 

 angulated on the hind margin at the base, the angle in some cases 

 forming a lobe. The cells at the tip of the wing are irregular and 

 not very numerous. The fourth vein is joined by the fifth about 



the middle of the wing, and joins the 

 third at some distance from the base. 

 The legs are spiny and not very long ; 

 the claws long and gently curved. 



The larvae closely resemble those 

 of the Myrmeleonidce, but have a series 

 of tubercles at the sides of the body 

 (1374). 



The Myrmeleonid (1383-1385) 

 have the wings generally of a more 

 delicate texture than the Ascalapliidce. 

 The front and hind pairs are similar in 

 shape and neuration, gradually narrowed 

 to the base. The apex of the wing has 

 a large number of fine veins radiating 

 from the second and third veins. The 

 antennae are short, more or less 

 thickened towards the tip (fig. 35). 



The larvae, fig. 36 (1388) are car- 

 nivorous. They live in circular pits 



excavated in the sand. These they make with their large flat 

 heads, which they use as a shovel, jerking the sand to a consider- 

 able distance. When the pit is deep enough the larva rests con- 

 cealed at the bottom with the jaws exposed ready to seize any ant or 

 other insect that may fall into the pit. Their popular name of 

 " Ant-lions " is due to this habit. They are found in Southern 

 Europe and all tropical countries. 



Sub-Order AGNATHA. 



The sub-Order Agnatha (1400-1409), consists of a single family 

 (Ephtmeridto), popularly known as May-flies. They are very delicate 

 insects with imperfectly-developed or no mouth parts. The antennae 

 are extremely short, and terminate in a bristle. The hind wings 

 are much smaller than the front pair. The abdomen is furnished 



Larva of a Myrmeleon. (1388.) 



