OVIPOSITORS OF INSECTS. 



C17 



which have brown edges. The female lays her eggs on 

 the under-side of the leaf, along the projecting veins; 

 these are firmly attached, and cannot be removed without 



Fig. -276. The Caterpillar and Saw-fly of Gooseberry tree. 



crushing. The instrument which the little insect uses for 

 the purpose of cutting the leaf is the most remarkable 

 piece of perfect mechanism imaginable ; securely lodged, 



Fi. 277. Saws of Saw-fly. (The small circle incloses the same nearly the 

 natural size.) 



when not in use, in a long narrow slit beneath the abdomen, 

 and protected" by two horny plates, which at first appear 

 io consist of a single piece ; but upon closer inspection 



