CLASS INSECTS. 



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eyes, antennae, and appendages of the mouth. The antennae 

 constitute the first pair of the members or appendages of 

 insects, and are composed of a number of joints placed one be- 

 fore the other. They arise from the anterior or superior part 

 of the head, and affect in general the form of flexible slender 



Fig. 339. Capricorn of the Alps. 



Fig. 340. Horny Paussus. 



horns (a, Fig. 339) ; but their conformation varies, especially 

 in the males. ' In some they resemble feathers (Fig. 341) ; 

 sometimes saws and little clubs (Fig. 340); and occasionally 

 they are formed of little lamellae, like the leaves of a book 

 (Fig. 343). Their length is sometimes very considerable'. 



Fig. 341. Small Bombyx (Paon de Nuit). 



Of their use nothing is known for certain; but they may 

 serve for tact or even audition. 



Three pairs of other appendages arise from the lower part 

 of the head, constituting organs of mastication or suction. 

 We shall return to these when speaking of digestion ( 521 

 and 522). 



B B 2 



