THE ANT-LION . 
101 
to assume its perfect condition. The pupa then bites a hole 
through the side of the cocoon, and projects its body half out 
the aperture. The pupal skin then withers, bursts, and the 
perfect insect emerges. Scarcely has it taken the first few 
breaths of air, than its abdomen, which before was short, so as 
to be included within the cocoon, extends to nearly three times 
its original length, so as to resemble that of the dragon-fly; 
the curious antennae unroll themselves, the wings shake out by 
degrees their beautiful folds, and in a short time the lovely 
insect is ready for flight. It is scarcely possible to imagine a 
more complete contrast than that which is exhibited by the 
larva and the perfect insect, and if the two are placed side by 
side, no one who was not aware of the circumstances would 
think that they are but two stages of the same insect. 
If the reader will refer to the illustration on page 80, he will 
see a section of the pitfall, with the Ant-lion at the bottom, and 
a couple of ants falling into the trap. The Ant-lion belongs to 
the same order of insects as the dragon-fly, which it so much 
resembles. 
