85 



Examples of incomplete metamorphosis, in which the 

 torm from youth to adult does not undergo radical changes, 

 may be found among grasshoppers, crickets and like in- 

 sects. The young are born from eggs laid in the ground 

 and moult a number of times before attaining their f ull 

 growth and winffs. 



PNSECTJ 



ICHXEU.AIOX FLIES. 



Among the most grotesque of insects commonlv seen 

 among the hordes that frequent the autumn woods are the 

 ichneumon flies. These flies all have an "ugly" appearance 

 and are much feared by those who do not know of their 

 harmless disposition. Far from being dangerous, these 

 insects, of which there are many species, are really valuable. 

 They are all parasitic, that is their larvae live upon those 

 of other usually destructive insects. ^^ e will follow some 

 of the steps in the life cycle of one of the largest species 

 and see what occurs. 



This species, technically known as "Thalessa lunator," 

 is a very imposing insect frequently measuring more than 

 six inches over all. I\Iore than half of the length is 

 composed of the "tail," teclinically known as the oviposi- 

 tor and what is usually known by children as the "sting." 

 Fortunately this ovipositor is not a stincr. although its use 



