12 TRUE TALES OF THE INSECTS. 



segment of the body ; among slender types (see Fig. 4) the 

 lengthening may become marvellously pronounced. This 

 piece is, in fact, elongated into a narrow neck, rather dilated 

 in front, above the insertion of the anterior legs, to give 

 added strength to their articulation (see Fig. 5), leaving a 

 long, flat, narrow space on the under side behind these 

 legs ; the remainder of the thorax is short, and hid by 

 the wings and wing-covers in the position of rest. 



This remarkable development shows the importance 

 of this part of the body, the movements of which play no 

 mean role in the pursuit of prey. Its articulation with 

 the meso-thorax is very supple ; it is raised obliquely, it 

 may be turned to either side with the greatest liberty, the 

 body meanwhile being supported solely by the two 

 posterior pairs of legs. The lengthening of the pro- 

 thorax, we may believe, has been promoted by the 

 habitual projection in front of the rapacious legs, and to 

 their presence towards the end of the long elevated 

 neck is in part due the mobility of its mesothoracic 

 articulation. 



Not that the legs and thorax are the only parts 

 arranged with reference to the wants of the insects. 

 Their whole organization, as with all animals that give 

 chase to living prey, is superior, and is in direct con- 

 formity with a carnivorous life, which demands at 

 the same time perfected senses, and great vigour and 

 suppleness. The head, instead of being bound in the 



