234 



INSECTA. 



direction. The anterior wings are of a denser texture, resembling 

 leather or parchment. To this order belongs the common house- 

 cricket (Gryllus domesticus), of which, as well as of its eggs, 

 larvae, and pupa, figures are here given (fig- 



Fig. 102. 



3rd Order. Dictyotoptera* This order comprises the cock- 

 roaches, in which the wings are four in number when they exist ; 

 but they are generally of equal size, and never folded. 



II. INSECTA METABOLA. The larva is a worm either 

 with or without legs. The pupa is quiet ; or, if it moves, it does 

 not eat. 



4th Order. Neuroptera.^ Insects having four equally large 

 or equally long wings with reticulated nervures, and mouths pro- 

 vided with strong lateral jaws. The most perfect examples of this 

 order are the dragon-flies (Libellula), the largest of the insect 

 inhabitants of our own country. The perfect insect (Jig. 103), 

 equally remarkable for its beautiful form, powerful flight, and car- 

 nivorous habits, is among the most formidable tyrants of its 

 class ; while the larvae, which abound in our ditches and stagnant 

 pools, are eminently destructive to their aquatic companions. The 

 larva (Jig- 104, B) possesses six articulated legs ; while the 

 pupa A, which certainly forms an exception to the general 



ot, reticulated ; 



a wng. 



a nerve ; <rri(>ov t a wing. 



