NEUROPTERA. 



163 



insects are less closely reticulated, and have fewer transverse nervures than those 

 of the other groups. The common scorpion-fly (Panorpa communis), which may 

 be taken as the type of the family, is a shiny black insect about half an inch or more 

 in length, with long, transparent, spotted wings, and a yellow beak and legs. The 

 three last body-segments of the male are narrow, and can be curved like a tail, and 



COMMON SCORPION-FLY, 



a, Female depositing her eggs ; b, Male ; c, Larva ; d, Pupa. 



have a reddish colour ; and the last carries a pair of pincer-like claws. It is from 

 this circumstance that the insect has received its name, though it does not possess 

 a sting like a scorpion. 



In the snake-flies and alder-flies (Sialidce), forming the second family, the 

 head is comparatively large, and often 

 inclined in front, but never elongated in 

 the form of a beak. The antennae are 

 bristle-like, and not so long as the body ; 

 the prothorax being strongly developed. 

 The camel or snake-flies (Rhaphidia} have 

 the head long and narrow behind, and freely 

 articulated with the long and narrow pro- 

 thorax. The latter can also move freely 

 at its articulation with the segment 

 which follows; and this explains how the 

 prothorax is raised, and the head bent 

 forward in the characteristic attitude which 

 these insects adopt when about to seize 

 their prey, which consists usually of various 

 small insects. 



The alder -fly, or May -fly (Sialis 

 lutaria), is at first sight rather like a 

 caddis-fly, but has a stouter body, and may 

 be distinguished by its more completely 

 developed mouth-organs, as well as by the 

 different structure of its wings. It emerges 

 from the pupa about May or June. The 

 winged insects fly slowly and heavily, and 



.*_ ' J ' LIFE-HISTORY OF THE ALDER-FLY. 



are to be met with about trees and shrubs, 1? Eggs . 2? Larva . 3j Pupa . 4; Imaga 



or walls and palings, at no great distance 



from water. The female, which is somewhat larger than the male, lays her eggs 

 in patches on a plant or other object in the vicinity of water. There may be 



