58 MEMBERS OF INSECTS. 



ovipositors^). They are sometimes hollowed into a 

 tube for the egg to pass along, and sometimes solid. 



In bees, wasps, and some other insects, there is a 

 weapon used for attack and defence, termed the 

 sting ( 2 ), which can be drawn within the abdomen 

 when it is not used. It is composed of a sheath, 

 darts ( 3 ) barbed at the point, and a poison bag at the 

 base for poisoning the wound which it makes. 



In the grub of the glow-worm, I discovered a 

 singular instrument on the last ring, composed of 

 gristle-like rays, in form of a funnel, covered with a 

 clammy adhesive substance, and capable of being 

 extended and contracted. The grub employs it to 

 clean every part of the body. 



a, The last ring of the abdomen of a bee opened, shewing the 

 sting in its sheath ; b, the sting of a bee magnified to show the 

 barbed darts ; e, cleaning instrument of the grub of the glow 

 worm open ; d, the same shut. 



(1) In Latin, Ovipositores. 

 (2) In Latin, Aculeus. (3) In Latin, Spicula. 



