TURNIP-FLY OR ' NIGGER.' 303 



ed<>-e of the winj^ is black, and the tips are darker than the 

 centre. The hirva of this insect may be known by having the 

 sides of each segment of the abdomen lengthened into a sort of 

 flap, which covers the pro-legs. This larva may be foimd on 

 the leaves of the rose, with its body bent upwards, and some- 

 times even assuming a double curve. 



The most superficial observer must notice that the insect 

 which is represented on Woodcut XXX. Fig. 3, is a very 

 curious one. It belongs to the same group of Saw-flies as the 

 last-mentioned insects. 



The male is remarkable for the structure of the antennae, 

 which, as may be seen from the illustration, are not only 

 feathered, but double, the divisions taking place at the scape 

 or first joint. In the female the antenna is single and not 

 featliered. The head and thorax of this curious insect are 

 black, and its abdomen yellow. Its scientific name is Schizo- 

 cents palUpes. Both names are appropriate. The first is 

 formed from the Greek words signifying ' Divided horn,' and 

 the second, which signifies Pale-footed, is given to the insect in 

 consequence of the pale colour of its legs. The insect was first 

 taken h\ Coombe Wood, by Mr. J. King, and has since been cap- 

 tured sparingly. It still remains, however, a very rare insect. 



Here must be mentioned the terrible Turnip-fly or Nigger 

 {Athalla spinarum) which is shown on Woodcut XXIX. Fig. 3. 

 In this genus the insects have either nine or ten joints in the 

 antennae, the third joint being a long one and the ends widen- 

 ing into an ill-defined club, as may be seen at Fig. /. In the 

 ■wipgs there are two marginal and four submarginal cells. 

 The reader will now see the importance of these cells in the 

 arrangement of the Hymenoptera. Many persons seem to 

 think that neither number, shape, nor size is of the least con- 

 sequence, and that, in drawing such an insect, the artist may 

 put in any number of cells and shape them as he likes. The 

 entomologist, however, knows better, and though he cannot be 

 expected to carry in his mind the exact number and shape of 

 the cells, he can always tell at a glance whether the wings 

 have been carefully sketched from nature, or carelessly drawn 

 from imagination. 



