128 FLASHLIGHTS ON NATURE 



wig occasionally ventures out after dark in the 

 same manner. The approved method of taking ear- 

 wigs on the wing is by means of a tarred board, 

 on which they may be caught in small numbers. 

 When the broad transparent wings are expanded, 

 they are really beautiful and striking objects. 



NO. 3. FEMALE EARWIG WITH HER WINGS EXPANDED. 



What becomes of the wings, however, when 

 the insect is at rest or crawling ? Well, they are 

 almost invisibly tucked up in a most curious and 

 marvellous way under the horny outer pair, or 

 wing-cases. In beetles, the horny front pair or 

 wing-cases completely cover and hide the hind 



