GEKKRAL CHAUACTEUISTICS. 19 



We shall give further evidence concerning the correct- 

 ness of this statement. (871) 



44. Below the antenniv, the clypens or shield (c^, fig. 6) 

 projects, which is proloiiiiatod by an elastic rim called labrum 

 or npper lip {!br). The pharynx is the mouth (ph), and 

 the (L'sophngus (q>) the gullet, through which the food goes 

 into the stomach. 



As we have already seen, the canals of the upper glands 

 opeuon each side of the mouth, and discharge their product 

 into it at will. 



45. The chin or mentum (mf) is not literally a part of 

 the mouth. It can move forward and backward, and sup- 

 ports several pieces, among which is the tongue, or proboscis, 

 or ligula (Z). The tongue is not an extension of the chin, 

 but has its root in it, and can only be partly drawn back 

 into it, its extremity, when at rest, being folded back under 

 the chin. 



46. There are, on each side of the tongue, the labial 

 palpi or feelers* (&, fig. 11, and Ip, fig. 6), which are fastened 

 to the chin by hinged joints. They are composed of four 

 pieces each, the first two of which are broad, and the other 

 two small and thin, and provided with sensitive hairs of a 

 very fine fabric. Outside of the palpi are the maxilloe (c, 

 fig. 11, and mx, fig. 6) which in some insects have the func- 

 tion of jaws, but which, in the bee, onlj^ serve, with the palpi, 

 to enfold the tongue in a sort of tube, formed and opened 

 at the will of the insect, and which, by a certain muscular 

 motion, as also by the ability of the tongue to move up and 

 down in this tube, force the food up into the mouth. 



47. The tongue is covered with hairs, which are of graded 

 sizes, so that those nearest the tip or bouton are thin and 

 flexible. It — the tongue — is grooved like a trough, the 

 edges of which can also unite to form a tube, with perfect 



• Oigans of taste according to Leydig and Jotert . 



