INSECT WEAPONS AND TOOLS 205 



upon flesh, the eggs being placed in a suitable 

 place beneath the bark of young bushes and 

 trees where the eggs hatch and the young 

 caterpillar-like grubs issue forth just when the 

 young leaves are fresh and tender. Each female 

 saw-fly carries a pair of these saws, which are 

 shown in Fig. 137. 



And so we would find that every insect has some 

 special organ or organs to suit its own particular 

 purposes ; for these micrograph illustrations have 

 been taken almost at random ; and a systematic 

 illustration of the equipment of the insect-world for 

 warfare would multiply types far beyond the con- 

 taining power of this modest volume. So I hope 

 that one result of this chapter may be to create an 

 interest in insect life in the minds of some who 

 hitherto, perhaps, have regarded such small life as 

 matter only for contempt and loathing. 



Indeed, the weapons and tools of insects form a 

 study of all-absorbing interest. The spider with 

 its wonderful spinnerets weaves its snare to entrap 

 its prey, while with its comb-like feet it manipu- 

 lates the quick-spun thread to enshroud its victim 

 before storing the carcase in its larder. The cater- 

 pillar has minute hooklets to its feet (see Fig. 138) 

 to enable it to hold firmly to the branches and 

 leaves while seeking for fresh green foodstuff ; and, 

 like the mountaineer who climbs great heights, he 



