es 


284 THE INSECT WORLD. 
it differs only in size and in having no wings. After moulting 
four or five times it has almost reached its full growth, and its 
wings begin to appear under a sort of membrane. This is the 
pupa state. A final moulting sets free the wings also, and the 
insect, now perfect, launches itself into the air with its congeners. 
The Orthoptera are vegetable feeders, and frequently commit 
great ravages on various crops. They are divided into two groups, 
viz., those which run, and those which jump or leap. We will begin 
with those which run, which contain the Harwig (/orficula), the 
Cockroach (Blatta), the genus Mantis or Leaf insects, and the genus 
Phasma. 
The Forficula, or Earwig, is represented in Figs. 298, 299, 300, in 
its three different states. The lower wings are very broad, and 
folded at the same time like a fan, and doubled up. Its abdomen 
terminates in a sort of pair of pincers, resembling those which the 
jewellers formerly used for piercing the ears of young girls as a 
preparatory step to their wearing earrings. Hence, without doubt, 

Figs. 298, 299, 8300.—Common Earwig ( Forficula auricularia)—larva, pupa, and imago. 
their French name of Perce-oreille, or ear-piercer; for there is 
nothing to justify the vulgar belief that these insects introduce 
themselves into the ear, and bore a hole in its interior, through 
which they may penetrate into the brain; in fact, they are very 
innocent insects, and do little harm. They live on vegetable 
matter, and more especially the interiors of certain flowers. 
The Forficule avoid the light. They are to be found in the 
chinks of trees, under bark, and under stones. The female watches 
over the eggs with maternal solicitude, and carries them away 
elsewhere when they are touched. She also protects the larve 
© 






