NEUROPTERA. 
163 
insects are less closely reticulated, and have fewer transverse nervures than those 
of the other groups. The common scorpion-fly (Panorpa communis), which may 
be taken as the type of the family, is a shiny black insect about half an inch or more 
in length, with long, transparent, spotted wings, and a yellow beak and legs. The 
three last body-segments of the male are narrow, and can be curved like a tail, and 
COMMON SCORPION-FLY. 
a, Female depositing lier eggs ; b, Male ; c, Larva ; cl, Pupa. 
have a reddish colour; and the last carries a pair of pincer-like claws. It is from 
this circumstance that the insect has received its name, though it does not possess 
a sting like a scorpion. 
In the snake-flies and alder-flies ( Sialidce ), forming the second family, the 
head is comparatively large, and often 
inclined in front, but never elongated in 
the form of a beak. The antennae are 
bristle-like, and not so long as the body; 
the prothorax being strongly developed. 
The camel or snake-flies (Rhaphidia) have 
the head long and narrow behind, and freely 
articulated with the long and narrow pro¬ 
thorax. The latter can also move freely 
at its articulation with the segment 
which follows; and this explains how the 
prothorax is raised, and the head bent 
forward in the characteristic attitude which 
these insects adopt when about to seize 
their prey, which consists usually of various 
small insects. 
The alder - fly, or May - fly (Sialis 
lutarict), is at first sight rather like a 
caddis-fly, but has a stouter body, and may 
be distinguished by its more completely 
developed mouth-organs, as well as by the 
different structure of its wings. It emerges 
from the pupa about May or June. The 
winged insects fty slowly and heavily, and 
are to be met with about trees and shrubs, 
or walls and palings, at no great distance 
from water. The female, which is somewha 
in patches on a plant or other object in 
LIFE-HISTORY OF THE ALDEll-FLY. 
1, Eggs ; 2, Larva ; 3, Pupa ; 4, Imago. 
larger than the male, lays her eggs 
e vicinity of water. There may be 
