THE CADDIS FLY 257 



consider some other insect companions of this 

 insect dandy, it should be stated with emphasis 

 that Dragon Flies (stupidly called Horse Stingers 

 in some country districts) do not sting, because 

 they have no sting wherewith to do so. Many of 

 these old-time fallacies and superstitions are still 

 rife in country places, but it is reasonable to hope, 

 now that more attention is being paid to the true 

 life-history of animals and plants, that the posi- 

 tion they occupy in the great world of life will be 

 better understood than heretofore. 



The Caddis Fly I always recognise and remember 

 as one of my earliest insect friends. I was much 

 impressed in my younger days with the remark- 

 able larval and pupal case that the larva con- 

 structs, and wondered a thousand times how it 

 was possible for such a creature to construct such 

 a home. The case is sometimes built up of small 

 sticks, and is embellished with a small shell, a 

 stone, or some similar object. Other cases are 

 composed of small stones, and adhering to these 

 the tenanted shells of minute forms of shell-fish 

 may be found. It is no uncommon sight to 

 witness the larva of the Caddis Fly travelling in 

 one direction and the molluscs endeavouring to 

 progress in an opposite one! 



Having passed the larval condition in the case 

 and eaten until it feels the days for fasting have 

 at last arrived, the larva decides to close the 



