7 

 CHARACTERISTICS OF INSECTS 



INSECTS have six legs on which they stand with 

 extraordinary firmness. The tense surface film of 

 pools and flat gliding water supports them like a 

 plank. Stone-flies glide over the surface of flat 

 water as if they were skating. Some insects have 

 only two wings, but the majority have four. The 

 power of flight is their great asset. It enables them 

 to change their quarters, and choose suitable homes. 



Although insects have no internal skeleton they 

 have remarkably hard skins. They are also a 

 distinctly hairy race. The colour and obliterative 

 protective colouring is frequently determined by 

 their hairs. 



Maimed and headless insects can frequently 

 walk, and even fly, for hours after mutilation. This 

 characteristic is very interesting to anglers, who 

 often see them dashed by strong winds against 

 trees, and the hard banks of rivers. It is something 



to remember that parts of them will most likely be 



177 M 



