STATES OF INSECTS. 157 



of the Capricorn (Cerambyx L.), and other coleopterous 

 tribes ; of bees, and all Hymenopterous insects but the 

 saw-flies; and also of a large number of flies (Diptera). 

 In some the figure approaches to fusiform, as in most of 

 the moths of the Fabrician genus Lithosia. In others, 

 as in those of the water-beetles (Dytiscus, &c), it ap- 

 proaches to an obovate shape, being widest towards the 

 head, and terminating in a point at the anus. In others, 

 again, it isiinear ; an example of which is that ofStaphy- 

 linus. Some are convex, and others gibbous, above, and 

 flat underneath ; as those of Silpha, Chrysomela and many 

 other beetles. Others are flat, both above and below, 

 and depressed like a leaf; a remarkable instance of which 

 has been before noticed a . Some are very long, as those 

 of most Lepidoptera ) others very short, as that of the 

 ant-lion (Myrmeleo?i). Many other peculiarities of form 

 in individuals might be instanced ; but a dry enumera- 

 tion of these would be of no great use to you. They can 

 only be advantageously learned by the study of good 

 figures, and by watching the actual metamorphosis of the 

 singularly-formed larva? that you meet with. 



Instead, therefore, of any further specification of indi- 

 vidual forms, I shall now endeavour to give you, as far 

 as my own knowledge of them and the information I can 

 collect from other sources will enable me, a larger and 

 more general view of the kinds of larvae ; for analytical 

 inquiries lose half their value and importance unless we 

 proceed to apply them synthetically, by forming, if pos- 

 sible, into groups the objects with which we are indivi- 

 dually acquainted. 



Partial attempts at a synthetical arrangement with re- 

 a See above, p. 110. 



