146 FLASHLIGHTS ON NATURE 



used in manipulating the morsel as it is being 

 eaten. MX are the maxillae, or true jaws, employed 

 in masticating the food, and answering in their 

 functions pretty closely to the teeth of higher 

 animals. Last of all, MP are the maxillary palpi, 

 chiefly used like a pair of forks in holding the 

 food, and, perhaps, also in deciding whether it is 

 fit for eating. From this brief description, it will 

 be immediately obvious to you that feeding with 

 the earwig is a solemn and very complicated 

 process. It is carried on by a number of distinct 

 organs and implements, the exact purposes of each 

 of which are only known at full to the insect which 

 uses them. 



I should add that the antennae or feelers (not 

 included in this last sketch, but conspicuous in 

 all the previous illustrations) are in all likelihood 

 sense-organs, whose precise nature has never been 

 altogether established. Some naturalists believe 

 that they are used as organs of smell ; others that 

 they are combined organs of touch and guidance ; 

 yet others, that they are the seat of a " sixth sense " 

 unknown to humanity. However this may be, it is 

 at least certain that they are useful as a means of 

 communication between the insect himself and his 

 mate, his young, his friends, and his acquaintances. 

 Earwigs clearly feel their way, to a great extent, 

 by the aid of the antennae, and also recognise 

 through them their visitors and family. They use 

 ' them, too, in caressing or fondling their mates and 

 their children. It is known that the antennae are pro- 

 vided with numerous nerve-terminals, as is always 



