THE GEASSHOPPEIi 



25 



into the air, but, unlike all other insects, 

 it undergoes an additional molt just before 

 laying its eggs. As the insect is subjected 

 to many accidents in its long and defence- 

 less larval life and in its brief and precarious 

 winged state, each species is preserved 

 onlji' by producing an enormous number 

 of young. 



The dragon-flies (Odona'ta) have four 

 membranous, net-veined wings, of which 

 the front pair are never larger than the hind 

 ones. Their large heads carry relatively 

 enormous eyes. Two groups of dragon- 

 flies may be distinguished according as the 

 wings when at rest are extended (Fig. 26) 

 or folded together over the back. Dragon- 

 flies live on the wing, hovering over water 

 and preying upon other insects, especially 

 mosquitoes. The eggs develop in the water 

 into aquatic larvse which are quite unlike 



FiQ. 2-2. — A scale 

 insect (Lecanium). 

 Remains of females 

 after production of 

 young; seen as 

 swellings on the 

 bark. Nat. size. 

 Photo, by V. H. L. 



Fig. 2.3. — A woolly aphis (Schizoneura) 

 on apple twig. Photo, by V. H. L. 



the adult. Especially the 

 jaws are peculiar, fieing 

 jointed and capalile of be- 

 ing suddenly thrust out, in 

 order to catch the animals 

 which serve as prey. 

 These larvae, are easily 

 reared over winter in an 

 aquarium, where not only 

 their ferocious habits, but 

 also their peculiar method 



