14 A GUIDE FOR THE STUDY OF ANIMALS 



peculiar shape or length, describe them and tell what you 

 think they may be fitted to do. 



5. As a rule, beetles have harder "shells" than other 

 insects. Does this shell completely inclose the body, or 

 can you find any soft parts exposed .■' How are the head, 

 thorax, and abdomen joined so as to carry out the appar- 

 ent purpose of protection .■' What is the outline of the body 

 — a continuous line or one with many irregularities ? 



6. If possible, try to lift up one side of the " shell " from 

 the hinder end of the body. You will discover that this 

 portion of the shell is a pair of hard sheath wings, and be- 

 neath them is another pair. How are the under ones 

 unlike the upper in size and texture .' in use .'' in arrange- 

 ment when not in use .'' 



7. Does a beetle spend most of its life on the wing, like 

 bees and flies .' How might the body covering and the 

 structure of the outer wings affect or determine the beetle's 

 habits, even against its will ? 



8. Are the feelers or are the eyes of your specimen 

 more easily distinguished ? Upon which of the special 

 senses does it seem to place most dependence .'' 



9. Is your kind of beetle good for anything, either in nature or in 

 human affairs ? Malta a statement regarding what good or what harm 

 it may do. 



THE DAMSEL FLY LARVA 



Materials. 



Living larvae of the damsel fly in shallow watch glasses 

 of water for individual use, and others in large pans or 

 aquaria. Simple lenses or dissecting microscopes. 



Observations. 



I . What is the color and the shape of the larva 1 how 

 long is it t Notice in what surroundings in the water the 



