6 HOW TO TEACH BEETLES, BUGS, AND LOCUSTS. 
(< b ) mesothorax, bearing the first pair of wings and 
the second or middle pair of legs (mesolegs), and 
(c) the metathorax, bearing the second pair of 
wings or hind wings and the third pair of legs (meta¬ 
legs). 
3. The Abdomen.—This is the hinder part of the 
body. It usually shows the rings very distinctly. 
Along the sides are small pores (spiracles) through 
which the insect breathes. 
The abdomen sometimes is beset with hairs or 
bristles, but the most important appendage is the 
ovipositor, which terminates the abdomen of a 
female insect. It is by means of this organ that 
the eggs are laid. 
