DEMOISELLE. Calepteryx splendens. 



GREAT DRAGON-FLY. Jrtinus pugnax.. 



movement in every direction ; while the last ring is modified into a stout, thick, 

 rounded form, furnished with a pair of forceps not unlike those of the earwig. While 

 at rest, the creature sits with the abdomen curled quietly over the back like a pug-dog's 

 tail; but when irritated or alarmed, it brandishes the tail about in a very alarming 

 manner, snapping at the same time with the forcipated extremity, and, if it seizes the 

 finger, can inflict a verj* perceptible nip. Few persons, indeed, who are not accustomed 

 to the insect can summon up sufficient moral courage to hold it while its scorpion - 

 looking tail is being flourished in so menacing a manner. 



THE beautiful LACE- WING FLIES, or Hemerobiidse, are also members of this order. 

 Several species of the Lace-wings are also called by the appropriate name of Golden Eyes, 

 on account of the extreme brilliancy of the large and projecting eyes, which glow as if 

 with internal fires, and give forth flashes of gold and ruby light. Unfortunately, there is 

 a sad drawback to their beauty, for, when handled, they exhale a most powerful and 

 indescribably odious stench, unlike any imaginable combination of evil savours, but quite 

 unique, and never to be forgotten after a single experience. The Lace-wings may be taken 

 in the evening as they fly from tree to tree, and in the day time may be found clinging to 

 the under side of leaves. 



The eggs of these creatures are even more remarkable than their parents. The mother- 

 insect begins operations by drawing a fine, but viscous, thread from some twig or leaf, the 

 thread becoming hard, elastic, and transparent as it comes in contact with the air. At 

 the end of this thread she then places a little white egg, and, having fixed it firmly, 

 proceeds to repeat the process until she has set some twelve or fifteen of these curious 

 objects. The footstalks on which the eggs are placed are so firm that they will hold their 

 burden in a nearly upright attitude. The real character of these eggs has only been 

 ascertained in comparatively late times, they having formerly been placed among the 

 mosses, to which indeed they bear no slight resemblance. 



THE far-famed ANT-LION is one of the insects that are more celebrated in their 

 preliminary than in the perfect stage of existence. As may be seen by reference to the 



