NEUEOPTEEA. 



CHAPTER I. 



The important order of insects which comes next on our list 

 is a very remarkable one. The name Neuroptera is formed 

 from two Greek words, the one signifying a nerve, and the 

 other a wing, and has been given to these insects because the 

 transparent wings are traversed by a vast quantity of nervures, 

 which divide the wings into a greater number of spaces or 

 ' cells ' than is the case with any other order of insects. Both 

 pairs of wings are of equal size and of equal solidity. The 

 larva has always six legs, and the pupa is sometimes quiescent 

 and sometimes active. 



The Neuropterous insects fall naturally into several groups, 

 the characteristics of which are so strongly marked that they 

 are well known by popular names, such as Stone-flies, Dragon- 

 flies, Lace-wing-flies, and the like. There are not many 

 species inhabiting England, but the insects are mostly plentiful, 

 and are sufiiciently ^arge and handsome to constitute much of 

 the beauty of our country scenes. 



We will begin with the Perlidse, or Stone-flies, as they are 

 popularly called. These insects are very dear to tlie au<>Ier, 

 inasmuch as they supply some of his best and most certain baits, 

 whether the real insect be used, or only the imitation called 

 the 'artificial fly.' They are the more valuable from bein<>- 

 dull and sluggish in their habits, so that they can be easily 

 captured as they sit upon the trunks, stones, and other objects 

 near the water's edge. 



One of these insects, Perla marginata, is shown in Wood- 

 cut XXVI. Fig. 1, and may be at once recognised. The 

 colour of this insect is pale yellowish brown, and the nervures 



