wiNQLESS INSECTS. 393 



The scientific name of the large black fly is Musca Cho/- 

 melton. It proceeds from an aquatic larva, that is, larva which 

 exists in the water in its embryo state. The size of the larva is 

 considerable, measuring two inches and a half in length. The 

 shape is flattened and the color brown. This larva is common in 

 stagnant waters during the summer months. It passes into the 

 chrysalis state without casting its skin, which dries over it, so as 

 to preserve the original appearance of the animal, only in a move 

 contracted state. 



ORDER VII. — WINGLESS INSECTS. 



A great variety of insects that have no wings are included 

 in this order. Among them are found the flea, the millipede, 

 the louse, the spider, the scorpion, etc. 



The Flea The strength and agility of this curious but 



annoying little insect is perfectly wonderful. Many of my readers 

 have doubtless seen the exhibition of the Indus- 

 trious Fleas, who drew little carriages, and car- 

 ried comparatively heavy weights with the 

 greatest ease. The apparatus with which it 

 extracts the blood of its victims is very curious, 

 and forms a beautiful object under a micro- °'^ 



scope of low power. Its leap is tremendous in proportion to its 

 size. This property it enjoys in common with many other insects, 

 among which the common G-rasshopper, the Frog-hopper, and thf 

 Halticas, or Turnip-flies, are conspicuous. In all these insects the 

 hinder pair of legs are very long and powerful. 



The MilXipede. — Those of the East Indies, whore they 

 grow to the largest size, are about six inches long, of a ruddy 

 color, and as thick as a man's finger. They consist" of many joints, 

 and from each joint is a leg on each side : they are covered with 

 hair, and seem to have no eyes; but there are two feelers on the 

 head, which they make use of to find out the way they are to 

 pass : the head is very round, with two small sharp teeth, with 

 which they inflict wounds that are very painful and dangerous. 

 A sailor that was bit by one on board a ship, felt an excessive 



