ANIMALS THAT DESTROY INSECTS 



harm, however. It is seeking to deposit its eggs in the 

 larvae of an insect that has bored deeply into the trunk of 

 the tree. The eggs of the ichneumon fly hatch out and 

 live on these larvae, causing the death of the borer. Ich- 



FIG. too. Garden spider. 



neumon flies are in search of the larvae of moths, butter- 

 flies, etc., in which to deposit their eggs. As the ichneu- 



FIG. 101. Lady-bird beetles, or "lady bugs." The straight lines represent the average 

 natural length. These beetles are very destructive to plant lice. 



mon fly hatches and becomes a fly in about fifteen days, 

 it will destroy any larvse in which it is deposited. 1 



1 All insects begin life as a tiny egg. This may be laid under the bark of a 

 tree, in the fruit, on the water, or in the dirt. After a time the egg begins to 

 hatch. It usually produces a little worm-like creature, called a larva. This is 

 sometimes called the grub or the caterpillar stage. The larva may have 

 numerous feet and two strong jaws. It is very hungry, eats a great deal and 

 grows rapidly. After a few days, it is fully grown, and may change into the 



