FHE ANT-LION. 



to assume its perfect condition. The pupa then bites a hole 

 through the side of the cocoon, and projects its body half out 

 the aperture. The pupal skin then withers, bursts, and the 

 perfect insect emerges. Scarcely has it taken the first few 

 breaths of air, than its abdomen, which before was short, so as 

 to be mcluded within the cocoon, extends to nearly three times 

 its original length, so as to resemble that of the dragon-fly; 

 the curious antennae unroll themselves, the wings shake out by 

 degrees their beautiful folds, and in a short time the lovely 

 insect is ready for flight. It is scarcely possible to imagine a 

 more complete contrast than that which is exhibited by the 

 larva and the perfect insect, and if the two are placed side by 

 side, no one who was not aware of the circumstances would 

 think that they are but two stages of the same insect. 



If the reader will refer to the illustration on page 80, he will 

 see a section of the pitfall, with the Ant-lion at the bottom, and 

 a couple of ants falling into the trap. The Ant-lion belongs to 

 the same order of insects as the dragon-fly, which it so much 

 lesembles. 



