378 



ANIMAL LIFE-HISTORIES 



Fig. 896. — Life-history of Earwig {Forjicula auricidaria) 

 I and 2, Nymphs. 3, Adult. 



(Forfiada auricularia) will be gathered from fig. 896. The just- 

 hatched nymph differs from the adult in the absence of wings, 

 and in other particulars. But it quickly increases in size, and 



develops the parts which 

 are lacking, these changes 

 being associated, as in in- 

 sects generally, with a series 

 of moults or castings of the 

 skin. 



It is said that the fe- 

 male Earwig, after laying 

 her eggs, collects them 

 into a heap, over which 

 she broods till the time 

 of hatching. Beyond this 

 maternal affection does not appear to go. 



The eggs of the too familiar Cockroach {Periplaneia orientalis) 

 are enclosed in a protective horny capsule, which the mother 

 carries about with her for some time, ulti- 

 mately leaving it in some safe corner. It is 

 stated that she sometimes helps the young 

 nymphs to make their way out of their tough 

 investment. At this time there is about the 

 same difference between them and the adult as 

 in the case of Earwigs. They are, of course, 

 much smaller. 



The Soothsayers or Praying Insects [Man- 

 tidcB) construct curious chambered egg-capsules, 

 which are attached to plants or stones. In one 

 species at least, the young, after making their 

 way to the exterior, remain hanging to the 

 capsule for some days by means of threads 

 attached to their tails (fig. 897). They then 

 undergo a moult, and lead an active existence 

 for the rest of their lives. 



Extraordinary circumstances attend the egg- 

 laying of the curious Stick- and Leaf-Insects {Phasinidcs), which 

 resemble in shape the objects after which they are named. Each 

 ^<g<g is enclosed in a strong sculptured case, which makes it look 

 very much like a seed, and this perhaps increases its chance of 



Fig. 897. — Praying Mantis. 

 A. Young escaping from egg- 

 capsule. B, Posterior end of a 

 just-hatched Mantis, to show 

 the two suspensory threads. 



