CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 



29 



ing to accidental circumstances, we are astounded to find in these 

 creatures, so small and apparently so imperfect, instincts so varied 

 and so powerful, and intellectual combinations which so closely 

 resemble reasoning. 



58. The division of this class into orders principally depends 

 upon the form of the buccal apparatus, the organs of locomotion, 

 and the metamorphosis. 



The following table exhibits the principal characters of the several orders 

 of the class of Insects : 



ORDERS. 



folded only ) 



transverse- >COLEO'PTERA. 



not subject to metamorphosis. r u "P g rovided with *PP end ' j PARASI'TA. 



No wings. Abdomen 



age 



provided with false legs, ) rr, , , 

 or appendages for leaping, j T YSANOU RA. 



Sf* The Myriapods, which have twenty-four pairs of legs or more, and are without 

 wings, now form a distinct class, and are not insects properly so called. They were 

 formerly included among the apterous insects. 



59. The Thysanou'ra, Para si' ta, and Sucto'ria, have no wings, 

 and for this reason are frequently spoken of under the common 

 name of AP'TERA (from the Greek, a, without, and pteron, wing), 

 or apterous insects. All other orders of insects have wings, and 

 are spoken of by the common name of winged insects. 



56. How is the class of insects divided ? 

 59. What is meant by the term apterous insects ? 

 3* 



