I40 NEUROPTERA. 



large, and nearly of equal size ; posterior pair some- 

 . times thejacger. 



The^e well-known insects are very common, flying 

 over ponds, and in the neighborhood of stream^, irt* '■*» 

 pursuit of their prey. 



The eggs are laid in the water. The larva; are 

 aquatic and predacious ; pupa; active. 



Note form of the enlarged labium, or mask, of the 

 larva and pupa, also the peculiar respiratory organs. 



(i, 597)- 



Sl.\LlT>/R. 



This is a small family, but some of the members of 

 it are the cause of much astonishment and curiosity 

 on account of their large size and bizarre forms. 



Corydaliis cornutus Linn, is a large and very com- 

 mon species. The males are remarkable for the enor- 

 mous size of the mandibles, which project nearly an 

 inch and a half in front t)f the head. 



The eggs are attached to various aquatic plants. 

 The larva; arc aquatic and carnivorous; they are fur- 

 nished with both spiracles and branchia;. When full 

 grown, they leave the water, and undergo their trans- 

 formations in earthern cells, which they usually make 

 under stones, near the water. The pupae have rudi- 

 mentary wings, and are of a much lighter color than 

 the larva;. (3, V., 142). 



These insects, especially the larva;, are. on account 

 of their great size, good subjects lor anatomical study. 

 They differ, however, in some respects from other in- 

 sects. Note the doubling of the main trachea;, as de- 

 scribed by Packard (17, VIII., 533).* 



* 1 have noticed another remarkable peculiarity of these trachea:, which, 

 1 think, has never been described. The spiral fibre is compound, being 

 composed of several threads placed side by side. When uncoiled from 

 the trachex- it appears like a striped ribbon. 



