Cyphocrania Goliath (reduced).

[Frontispiece.

THE YOUNG COLLECTOR'S
HANDBOOK
OF
Ants, Bees, Dragon Flies, Earwigs,
Crickets, and Flies

(HYMENOPTERA, NEUROPTERA, ORTHOPTERA,
HEMIPTERA, DIPTERA).

BY
W. HARCOURT BATH.

SECOND EDITION.

LONDON:
SWAN SONNENSCHEIN & CO.,
PATERNOSTER SQUARE.

1890.

Printed by Hazell, Watson, & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury.

PREFACE.

Most boys have a fondness for forming collections of various objects, such as Foreign Stamps, Crests, and Coins; but very few comparatively collect Natural Objects. Now it will be admitted by all that the collecting of Natural Objects, such as Insects, Shells, Plants, Fossils, Minerals, etc., possesses immense advantages over that of Foreign Stamps and the like; for the former, besides satisfying the collecting ambitions, also cultivates the observant and intellectual faculties, while at the same time affording healthful recreation in the fields and woods.

Again, a mere collector's province may be exhausted in a few years, whereas the study and observation of Natural History, which are the usual "fruits" of collecting Natural Objects, are practically inexhaustible.

Another great advantage which Natural History possesses, is that it may be prosecuted with very little expense, and is therefore a subject which even the poorest person may conveniently undertake.

This little handbook is intended to be a "Guide to Collecting Insects," which by way of Natural History, we may remark, is becoming more popular every day in this country. Hitherto, however, there have been very few books published on Entomology for beginners, but for those who wish to go more deeply into the subject than the present brief manual can pretend, we would strongly recommend them to obtain Mr. Kirby's excellent illustrated "Text-Book of Entomology" (Swan Sonnenschein & Co.), to which work we are greatly indebted for much valuable and interesting information.

CONTENTS

THE YOUNG COLLECTOR'S HANDBOOK
OF
Ants, Bees, Dragon Flies, Earwigs, Crickets and Flies.

INTRODUCTION.

By the Linnæan system insects are divided into seven great Natural Orders—namely, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Diptera.

Of these, the Lepidoptera or Butterflies and Moths, and the Coleoptera or Beetles, have hitherto received the lion's share of attention, though this is less exclusively the case than it was some few years ago.

Any one who wishes to commence the study of these two orders now will have to work very hard indeed before he can hope to put anything new on record concerning them. There is, however, a very wide field for research and discovery open to all who will turn their attention to the other groups, and it is with the intention of encouraging the study of these "Neglected Orders" that we have written the present little handbook.

The orders which we here intend to treat of are the following:—

[The Hymenoptera], including the Bees, Wasps, Ants, Saw Flies, Gall Flies, Ichneumon Flies, and their allies.

[The Neuroptera], including the Dragon Flies, Day Flies, Lacewing Flies, Stone Flies, Caddis Flies, and their allies.

[The Orthoptera], including the Grasshoppers, Locusts, Crickets, Cockroaches, Earwigs, and their allies.

[The Hemiptera], including the Bugs, Skaters, Lantern Flies, Frog Hoppers, Aphides, and their allies.

[The Diptera], including the Gnats, Midges, Crane Flies, Hawk Flies, Bee Flies, Breeze Flies, Bot Flies, and their allies.

Fig. 1.—Hoplistomerus Serripes.

Fig. 2.—Ledra Aurita (Mag.)

The number of insects is so large (about 13,000 different kinds are found in our own country alone) that it will be found impossible by any one to collect the whole at once; and to study them all is completely out of the question. A single insect, indeed, is ample to occupy a whole lifetime in the elucidation of its life history. Most persons, when they commence to study insects, collect indiscriminately everything which comes in their way; but they soon find the subject too immense for them to grasp as a whole, and they either give up collecting altogether, or else confine their attention to a single group or order of insects. We would recommend every young person to make up his mind at the first which group or groups of insects he has a special fondness or liking for. Having done so, he will require to know the best means of attaining his object—namely, the formation of a collection. A few hints, therefore, as to the mode of collecting and preserving insects in general may be of assistance to the young collector.

Fig. 3.—Aphæna Amabilis.

First of all, as to the apparatus necessary for collecting insects.

This will be found very simple and inexpensive. A butterfly net is, perhaps, the most useful requisite. An ordinary cane-gauze net will do well. A good stock of chip pill-boxes will also be needed. These can be purchased from the shop of any Natural History dealer at about 3d. per dozen, nested (in four sizes).

Fig. 4.—Orthesia Urticæ (Mag.)

For collecting aquatic insects and their larvæ we shall require a water net, made of fine zinc-gauze, about six inches in diameter, to group about among stones and other rubbish at the bottom of pools and ditches. This instrument should be made so as to slip on and off a walking-stick when required.

A killing bottle charged with cyanide of potassium or with chopped laurel leaves completes the outfit.

Little need be said as regards the mode of collecting insects, as their habits may be gathered from the following pages.

They may be found almost everywhere, in woods, fields, gardens, in pools, ditches, canals, and rivers, under dead leaves and the bark of trees, among moss and stones, etc., etc. They may also be found at all times of the year; even in the depth of winter some species may be met with.

Most insects may be preserved in the same manner as Butterflies and Moths. They should be set on flat setting-boards, and left to dry thoroughly before being removed.

The smaller species may be gummed to cardboard in a similar way to Beetles.

In the arrangement of the insects in the cabinet the classification and order given in these pages may be followed. About half-a-dozen of each species will be found a convenient number to collect.

ORDER HYMENOPTERA.
Including the Bees, Wasps, Ants, Ichneumon Flies, Saw Flies, Gall Flies, and their Allies.

Fig. 5.—Cryptus Formosus.

The Hymenoptera belongs to one of the most interesting and extensive orders of insects. The structure and habits of the different species which it includes are very various. Their marvellous instincts have excited the admiration and wonderment of the philosophers of all ages. They are, indeed, by far the most intelligent of insects, being greatly in advance of any other group known to exist. The Hymenoptera are mandibulate insects, their mouths being formed for biting, and they undergo complete metamorphoses. Perhaps the most striking external distinctive character is to be found in the structure of the wings, both pairs of which are membranous; and another peculiarity of equal importance is the condition of the prothorax, which is reduced to very small dimensions. In the majority of the Hymenoptera the females are provided with stings, which serve many purposes, independently of weapons of defence. Many families, however, do not possess stings.

Many of the Hymenoptera feed on plants and trees, but probably the greater number are parasitic on other insects.

Fig. 6.—Pimpla Turionellæ (Mag.)

This order includes the bees, wasps, ants, saw flies, gall flies, ichneumon flies, and many other familiar insects.

The following will show the principal characteristics of each group into which the order has been divided.

[Tribe 1, Aculeata.]—Generally social insects, consisting of males, females, and neuters. Ovipositor modified into a sting. Larvæ, footless grubs.

[Tribe 2, Entomophaga.]—Mostly parasitic on the eggs and larvæ of other insects. Ovipositor used as a borer. Larvæ, footless grubs.

[Tribe 3, Phytophaga.]—Principally vegetable feeders. Ovipositor used as a borer. Larvæ having six or more legs.

TABULAR VIEW
OF THE
PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF THE HYMENOPTERA.

Tribe I.—Aculeata.

The Aculeata contains the great majority of the Hymenoptera. Their principal characteristic is that the ovipositor of the female in most of the groups is modified into a sting. The larvæ are footless grubs. This tribe is divided into four sections, which are again subdivided into seventeen families, each of which it is our intention to discuss in their proper order.

Section 1.—Anthophila.

Family 1, Aphidæ.—This family contains the numerous species of honey bees which are familiar to all of us. They are very varied in their structure, colours, and habits. Many species are social, while many others are solitary. The common Hive Bee (Apis mellifica) belongs to the former class. There is, perhaps, no insect which has attracted so much notice as this species. Volumes have been written respecting it, and philosophers in all ages of the world's history have spent their whole lifetime in the elucidation of its economy.

Fig. 7.—Megischus Annulator.

Fig. 8.—Apis Mellifica (Queen).

Fig. 9.—Apis Mellifica (Drone).

In southern Europe, notably in Italy, a much brighter-coloured and finer insect is found, distinguished especially by having yellow transverse bands on the abdomen. This bee was long supposed to be a distinct species, and was described under the name of Apis ligustica, but it is now regarded as merely a variety. This bee has been introduced into all the northern parts of Europe.

Fig. 10.—Apis Mellifica (Worker).

Several species of Humble Bees are very common in this country. One of the best known is the Bombus terrestris, the large females of which may attain a length of nearly an inch. This is a large black insect with the extremity yellow.

Fig. 11.—Melipona Anthidioides (Mag.)

In another rather smaller species, Bombus lucorum, the extremity of the abdomen is white. Both these species are subterranean bees, forming their nests in banks, etc.

Of the moss-builders, the best known, perhaps, is the Bombus muscorum, the largest specimens of which measure about two-thirds of an inch long.

Another species, Bombus lapidarius, is so called from a preference it shows for making its nests under stones. The end of the abdomen of this bee is bright orange-red.

Fig. 12.—Bombus Pratorum.

Of the solitary bees a very common black species is Anthophora acervorum, which is usually found in abundance in the spring in the neighbourhood of banks and cliffs.

The violet Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa violacea), which chiefly inhabits the south of Europe, is a very pretty insect with violet-coloured wings.

Fig. 13.—Xylocopa Violacea.

The Mason Bee (Chalicodoma muraria) builds its nest, composed of fine grains of sand, very firmly united by a salivary secretion, upon the surface of walls and similar situations. This species has hitherto not been met with in this country.

The Horned Bee (Osmia bicornis) is remarkable for the female having two little horns projecting from the front of her head. This insect usually burrows in sandy banks and cliffs. Another allied species (Osmia hirta) burrows in wood, whilst two others (Osmia bicolor and aurulenta) select ready-made nests in the shells of the common snails (Helix hortensis and H. nemoralis), within the whorls of which they build their cells of gnawed vegetable material.

Fig. 14.—Ctenioschelus Latreillii.

The Leaf-cutting Bees, which belong to the genus Megachile, are also very interesting in their habits.

Fig. 15.—Osmia Tunensis.

Fig. 16.—Andrena Collaris.

Family 2, Andrenidæ.—All the insects belonging to this family are solitary in their habits. The species are very numerous in this country. Many of them burrow in the ground, while others have been observed to make their nests in bramble stick. They are usually smooth, black insects, very unlike bees in appearance. The females have no apparatus for carrying pollen either on the legs or on the abdomen.

Section 2.—Diploptera.

Family 3, Vespidæ.—The Social Wasps, which belong to this family, are very well known everywhere in this country. In their general structure they resemble the bees, but are usually much more slender in appearance, and also much less hairy.

Fig. 17.—Polistes Gallica.

The general habits of these wasps are pretty uniform except in the matter of their architecture, and in this respect they display a remarkable variety.

Fig. 18.—Nest of Polistes Gallica.

Besides the common Wasp (Vespa vulgaris) two other species found in this country, which build their nests in the ground, follow the same principles in the construction of their nests.

The Hornet (Vespa crabo), which is remarkable for its large size, usually builds its nest in the hollow of a tree. Both the hornet and common wasp sometimes build their nests under the eaves of houses or attached to a beam under the roof; and in these cases the outer covering of the nest is thinner and more delicate in texture than when the dwelling is exposed to the vicissitudes of the weather. Another common species inhabiting Britain is the Wood Wasp (Vespa sylvestris), which builds nests suspended from the branches of trees.

Fig. 19.—Odynerus Ovalis (Mag.)

Family 4, Eumenidæ.—One of the commonest and best-known species belonging to this family is the Wall Wasp (Odynerus parietum), which may be almost constantly seen haunting sunny walls during the months of June and July. It makes its burrows in walls and high banks, while many other allied species form their nests in the hollow stems of brambles.

Family 5, Masaridæ.—This family contains the great bulk of the solitary wasps, which, however, are principally inhabitants of warm climates.

The Masaridæ are a small group of black-yellow belted wasps, which are found in the south of Europe, but not in Britain, two of the commonest species being Celonites apiformis and Ceramius fonscolombi.

Section 3.—Fossores.

Fig. 20.—Cerceris Capito.

Family 6, Philanthidæ.—Most of the species belonging to this family are black with yellow spots and bands, and most of them are inhabitants of the warmer parts of the earth. Some of the species provision their nests with beetles and grasshoppers, while others attack bees, and are very mischievous, destroying great numbers.

Family 7, Crabronidæ.—This family includes a considerable number of solitary species of wasps. In colour they are generally black spotted and striped with yellow, but many of them are bright red.

The typical genus Crabro is a very extensive one, including over 150 species, a great proportion of which are inhabitants of Europe, while even Britain possesses more than thirty.

Crabro cribrarius is the largest British species. Its food consists principally of gnats and other dipterous insects. This insect and many others burrow in the ground, generally in hard sandbanks. Another species (Crabro brevis) frequents similar situations, and has been known to provision its nest with small beetles.

Fig. 21.—Chlorion Viridiæneum.

Family 8, Nyssonidæ.—This family is not a numerous one comparatively.

Mellinus arvensis is a black insect, about half an inch in length, with stripes on the abdomen and yellow legs. It provisions its nest with flies, and not being able to capture them by swiftness, runs past them when they are resting in an unconcerned manner till they are thrown off their guard, when they are pounced upon and carried off to the nest.

Family 9, Larridæ.—This family very much resembles the last. The species are mostly small insects, few of them measuring half an inch in length. They are usually black, sometimes with the abdomen red at the base.

Family 10, Sphegidæ.—Most of the insects included in this family feed upon grasshoppers, and the manner in which they procure their prey is very curious. In attacking their bulky prey they use every endeavour to turn the grasshopper on its back. When they succeed in this they inflict stings in different parts of the underside of the abdomen and thorax, which soon paralyse the victim, which is then dragged to the nest of the ruthless destroyer.

Sphex flavipennis is a common species in the south of Europe.

Family 11, Pompilidæ.—Most of the species of Pompilus burrow in sand or sandy soil, and store their nests with spiders and the larvæ of insects.

One of our commonest species, Pompilus fuscus, is usually about half an inch long, and is black, with the first three segments of the abdomen red banded with black. This insect makes its appearance in the spring, and may be observed in sandy places throughout the summer. Another common British species is Pompilus punctum, which is black in colour.

Family 12, Bombicidæ.—This small family is not represented in Britain, though found in southern Europe. Many of the insects burrow in the sand, scratching a hole with their forefeet like a dog, as observed by Sir S. Saunders in the Ionian Islands. In the daytime they may be seen flying rapidly from flower to flower, and many of them exhale an odour of roses.

Fig. 22.—Sapyya Clavicornis.

Family 13, Sapygidæ.—This is a small family containing only a single genus, with very few species.

The species of Sapyga occur in Europe and North America. They are supposed to be parasitic in the nests of bees, but the females of the common European species (Sapyga pacca) have been observed carrying small caterpillars, from which Mr. Smith (the great authority on Hymenoptera) justly infers that they are parasitic only to the extent of usurping the burrows made in sandbanks and dead wood by more industrious insects, their own structure not adapting them for the labour of digging.

Family 14, Scoliidæ.—Although this family is abundant in warm climates, we have only two small species belonging to the genus Tiphia in Britain.

They are black, with more or less reddish legs, and measure from a quarter to half an inch in length. In south Europe we meet with several large and handsome species, one of which, Scolia hortorum, is black with two yellow bands on the abdomen.

Fig. 23.—Scolia Hortorum.

Family 15, Thymidæ.—The insects of this family are almost exclusively confined to Australia and South America, where they are very numerous. They are generally of a black colour, with more or less extended yellow markings. They are very stout insects; in fact, their bloated bodies give them very little resemblance to any other insects, except perhaps to the Oil Beetles. Very little has hitherto been ascertained respecting their habits, but they are believed to be parasitic.

Fig. 24.—Mutilla Maura (Male).

Family 16, Mutillidæ.—This family includes a large number of species, probably 1,500, but from the differences presented by the males and females, entomologists have found it difficult to arrive at any certainty upon this point. The species are spread over all the earth, but are particularly abundant in warm climates, where also, as usual, they attain the largest size and the most beautiful colouring.

One of the best-known species in our own country is Mutilla europæa, which is about half an inch long, of a black colour, hairy, with the thorax entirely red in the wingless females.

Fig. 25.—Mutilla Maura (Female).

This insect frequents the nests of Humble Bees, and its larvæ appear to be parasitic upon the larvæ of the bees.

Section 4.—Heterogyna.

Family 17, Formicidæ.—To this family belongs the numerous species of ants, which are social insects, organised after the fashion of the bees and social wasps.

The number of species described is probably considerably over a thousand, but the total number must be very much greater if Mr. Bates is correct in his estimate that not less than 400 species inhabit the valley of the Amazon.

Fig. 26.—Formica Lignipeda (Male). (Mag.)

The habits of the ants are most interesting, and one of our greatest living naturalists, Sir John Lubbock, has devoted much of his time in elucidating their economy.

The nests are almost always chambered cavities, hollowed out either in the ground, in walls, and similar situations, or in dead and decaying wood.

One of the commonest examples in our own country is the Garden Ant (Formica nigra), which may be found everywhere in gardens making its nest in the ground.

Another common species is the pretty Turf Ant (Formica flava), which generally haunts commons and heaths, casting up small hills, which serve to throw off the rain; and this species in some localities makes its nest under stones. The Wood Ant (Formica lignipeda) is another familiar species.

Fig. 27.—Formica Lignipeda (Worker). (Mag.)

A very large group of ants belong to the section Myrmicinæ, the best-known species of which are the Red Ants, Myrmica rubra, and their allies.

Fig. 28.—Myrmica Rubra (Male). (Mag.)

A very minute species which has been introduced into this country, probably from Brazil or the West Indies, is the Horse Ant (Myrmica molesta). It is a very small brownish-yellow species, which seems to have been first observed in England in 1828. It takes up its abode in houses, frequently in the neighbourhood of the kitchen fireplace, and when it multiplies becomes such a pest as to render the house uninhabitable. Some of the metropolitan districts have been particularly infested.

Tribe II.—Entomophaga.

Most of the insects belonging to this tribe are parasitic on other insects. The larvæ are footless. There are seven families included in the Entomophaga.

Fig. 29.—Cynips Gallæ Tinctoriæ (Mag.)

Family 18, Cynipidæ.—This family includes most of the gall flies. The number of species is very considerable. Of the great majority the females pierce with their ovipositor the tissues of plants and trees, and there deposit their eggs, from which the larvæ are soon hatched. The irritation caused by this intrusion of a foreign body into the tissues produces the galls which are so commonly met with.

Fig. 30.—Smicra Sispes (Mag.)

The galls produced by different species of flies differ greatly in form and structure. Some of them are round and smooth, like fruits, such as the cherry gall of the oak leaves, produced by the puncture of Cynips quercus-foli.

The most singular, however, of all the galls is perhaps the Bedeguar, which is formed on the stems of wild roses by the puncture of a small species, Rhodites rosæ.

Family 19, Chalcididæ.—To this family belong many gall insects, principally found, however, in foreign countries.

The Chalcididæ include a great number of small species, few exceeding half an inch in expanse. Many of these are singular in shape, and others brilliantly metallic; but, owing to their small size, they have hitherto been studied by comparatively few entomologists.

Fig. 31.—Thoracamba Furcata (Mag.)

Family 20, Proctotrypidæ.—The Proctotrypidæ are probably much less numerous than the preceding family, but have been less studied, being generally smaller and more obscure in their habits; in fact, some of them share with several beetles the reputation of being the smallest insects.

Fig. 32.—Proctotrypes Rufipes (Mag.)

Family 21, Braconidæ.—This family is one of very great extent.

Many of the foreign species are rather large and handsome insects, often varied with black and yellow.

The best known of the Braconidæ is perhaps Microgaster glomeratus, a small blackish species with reddish-yellow legs, which destroys the larvæ of the common Cabbage Butterflies, round the dead body of which its little yellow cocoons may often be observed.

Family 22, Ichneumonidæ.—The Ichneumonidæ are rather large and slender insects, and are divided into many sub-families.

Fig. 33.—Bracon Bicolor.

They are a very numerous group. It has been calculated that nearly 5,000 species have been described, but the data generally are very untrustworthy.

Fig. 34.—Joppa Antennata.

The species of Trogus are rather large insects, measuring an inch or more in length. They are black with reddish legs and abdomen, and the wings are sometimes slightly dusky at the edges.

Fig. 35.—Evania Appendigaster (Mag.)

Fig. 36.—Pelecinus Politurator.

In another group, Pimplinæ, the ovipositor is generally very long. The best-known species is Rhyssa persuasoria, a blackish insect, which measures about an inch in length. This insect is met with in fir plantations, and uses its extraordinary ovipositor to drill holes in trees infested by the larvæ of Sirex gigas, on which its own larva is parasitic. The insect frequently drives its ovipositor so firmly into the wood of the tree, that it is unable to withdraw it, and perishes in this position.

Family 23, Evaniidæ.—One of the most familiar insects belonging to this family is the Evania appendigaster. It is a small black insect, found in the south of Europe, and is parasitic on cockroaches. An allied British species, Fœnus jaculator, is a not uncommon insect found haunting the burrows of Crabronidæ, upon which it is probably parasitic.

Family 24, Chrysididæ.—The Ruby-tailed Wasps, or Golden Wasps, as the Chrysididæ are popularly called, are among the most brilliant of the Hymenoptera, most of the species being either of an intense green, blue, or fiery red.

They are small or moderate-sized insects, which are found on walls or flowers in the full heat of the sun; for, as a rule, the most brilliantly-coloured insects are diurnal in their habits.

Fig. 37.—Chrysis Ignita (Mag.)

As far as their habits are known, they deposit their eggs in the nests of other insects, chiefly Hymenoptera, on the larvæ of which their own offspring feed.

The commonest British species is Chrysis ignita, which is a very variable insect, both as regards size and colouring.

Tribe III.—Phytophaga.

The insects belonging to the third tribe of the Hymenoptera are strictly vegetable feeders. There are only two families.

Family 25, Siricidæ.—This family includes the insects known as Tailed Wasps. It is not a very extensive family, and its species occur chiefly in Europe and North America, in both of which regions the typical genus Sirex is represented by large species.

The best-known European species which is common in some parts of Britain is the great Tailed Wasp (Sirex gigas), a very formidable-looking insect, of which the female often measures nearly an inch and a half in length.

Fig. 38.—Cimbex Luteus.

The general tint is black with the antennæ, the sides of the thorax and the legs and apex of the abdomen yellow. This insect lives in pine and fir woods, and the female deposits her eggs in the woody parts of the trees, into which she bores to a depth of over half an inch by means of her long ovipositor.

Fig. 39.—Lophryus Pini (Mag.)

Fig. 40.—Pamphilius Faustus (Mag.)

Another species which occurs in this country is the Sirex juvencus, of a steel-blue colour, but smaller than the former.

Family 26, Tenthredinidæ.—This is a very extensive family and contains the numerous species of Saw Flies, so called because their ovipositor is in shape somewhat like a saw in appearance.

Probably the best-known species is the Gooseberry Saw Fly (Nematus ventricosus), whose speckled and green larvæ are so injurious in gardens and orchards. This insect is yellowish in colour, and about a quarter of an inch in length.

Tenthredo æthiops, a small black species, deposits its eggs upon fruit trees.

Many other species live on different kinds of plants and trees.

ORDER NEUROPTERA.
Including the Dragon Flies, Lacewing Flies, Day Flies, Stone Flies, Caddis Flies, and their Allies.

Next to the butterflies and moths, the Neuroptera (or nerve-winged insects), to which belong the Dragon Flies, Lacewing Flies, Day Flies, Stone Flies, Caddis Flies, and their allies, are undoubtedly the most beautiful members of the insect tribe. Though they cannot compete with the Lepidoptera in point of colouring, it is questionable whether they are not more graceful and elegant in appearance.

The order Neuroptera was founded by the great Swedish naturalist Linnæus, and its name has been kept intact since, though the classification of the insects comprised in it has undergone many modifications.

Fig. 41.—Ascacaphus Macaronius.

The Neuroptera are not a very numerous body of insects compared with either the Coleoptera or Lepidoptera, but they contain some of the largest and most handsome insects known. The order is very well represented in the temperate zones, though the finest species are met with in the tropical parts of the world. Nearly 700 species are known to inhabit the British Isles. In the whole world their number may be given in round figures at about 4,000, but there is no doubt that this number may be considerably increased.

The largest and most handsome species are the Dragon Flies or Ornoptera, one species occurring in our own country, measuring fully four inches in expanse of the wings. The Lacewing Flies (Hemerobiidæ), the Day Flies (Ephemeridæ), the Stone Flies (Perlidæ), and the Caddis Flies (Trichoptera), are among the other more conspicuous members of the group.

Fig. 42.—Nemoptera Extensa.

The Neuroptera may be divided into three great sub-divisions, according to certain well-defined characteristics. The modern tendency is to raise each of these sub-divisions to the rank of orders.

The Neuroptera may be classified as follows:—

[Sub-Order 1, Planipennia], or true Neuroptera.

Metamorphoses complete, larvæ, mostly terrestrial.

[Sub-Order 2, Trichoptera], or hairy-winged Neuroptera.

Metamorphoses complete, larvæ aquatic. Wings of Imago clothed with hairs.

[Sub-Order 3, Pseudo-Neuroptera], or false Neuroptera.

Metamorphoses incomplete.

The most important distinction between the first two groups and the third is that the former undergo complete metamorphoses, whereas in the latter the transformations are incomplete or imperfect. The latter for this reason are often classified as a separate order.

The Trichoptera are also placed by some entomologists in a distinct order, on account of the peculiarity in their wings being clothed with hairs. They, however, present so many points both in habits and structure, analogous with the true Neuroptera, that we have retained them as a sub-division of the Order.

TABULAR VIEW
OF THE
PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF THE NEUROPTERA.

Sub-Order 1.—Planipennia.

The Planipennia contains the most typical forms of the Neuroptera. This sub-order is subdivided into six families, four only of which contain representatives in the British Isles. They are most abundant in the tropical parts of the world, where also the most handsome and curious forms occur.

Fig. 43.—Myrmeleon Formicarius.

Family 1, Myrmeleontidæ.—The Ant Lions are the most familiar and important members of this family. The common Ant Lion (Myrmeleon europæus), which is abundant in sandy places in the south of Europe, is a slender and elegant creature, with large finely reticulated rings. The larva, to which the name of "Ant Lion" properly belongs, is of a stout form and a greyish-yellow colour, covered with warty processes and with hairs. Its food consists of ants and other small insects, which it captures by a singularly ingenious arrangement, namely, by means of a funnel-shaped pitfall which it constructs in the sand, and at the bottom of which it lies. When any unfortunate insect ventures too near, the Ant Lion sends up a shower of sand, and the victim in its consternation falls down the pit, where it is speedily seized and devoured.

Other species of ant lions are known to occur on the continent of Europe, but none hitherto have been discovered to inhabit this country.

Fig. 44.—Myrmeleon Larva.

Fig. 45.—Nemoptera Coa.

Family 2, Hemerobiidæ.—The second sub-family contains the Lacewing Flies, many representatives of which occur in the British Isles. They are among the most elegant and beautiful of the Neuroptera.

The Golden-eyed Fly (Chrysopa vulgaris) is a very abundant and well-known example, but notwithstanding its great beauty it is capable of emitting a very disagreeable odour when handled. This is a delicate green insect with a body half an inch long, and which may be seen almost everywhere on warm summer evenings, flying slowly about from tree to tree. The eggs, which are little round or oval bodies like small pearls, are deposited by the female in groups upon the leaves of plants and trees. The larva when fullfed is about half an inch in length. The food consists of plant lice and aphides, and it is thus a very beneficial creature, and should be encouraged by every gardener. The pupa of this insect is enclosed in a cocoon. Between thirty and forty species of lacewing flies are known to occur in our own country.

Fig. 46.—Chrysopa Septempunctata.

Fig. 47.—Mantis Pagana.

Family 3, Mantispidæ.—This family contains only one genus—viz., Mantispa, or the Mantis Flies. A single species, Mantispa pagana, is common in southern Europe, but does not occur in the British Isles.

Family 4, Sialidæ.—In the fourth family of the Planipennia the larvæ are aquatic in their habits with very few exceptions. The pupa is not enclosed in a cocoon as it is in the Hemerobiidæ. The single common British species (Sialis lutaria) is a blackish-brown insect, rather more than half an inch in length. It is well known to anglers, and may be found abundantly in the spring and early part of the summer upon walls and palings in the neighbourhood of water, and upon the stems and leaves of grasses and other plants growing in the water or upon its bank.

In repose the wings of this insect, as in the Hemerolicidæ, are laid over the back. They are sluggish creatures, and do not readily take to flight.

Family 5, Raphiidæ.—This family contains the curious group of insects called "Snake Flies" or "Camel Flies," which are included by some entomologists in the previous family. They have characteristics, however, which entitle them to be placed apart. They have a rather large head, which is attached to a greatly elongated prothorax by a thinnish neck, so that the head has considerable freedom of motion. The species are not numerous, four kinds only occurring in Britain. The larvæ reside under the bark of trees, where they feed upon minute insects. The commonest species is probably Raphidia megacephala.

Fig. 48.—Raphidia Ophiopsis (Mag.)

Fig. 49.—Panorpa Communis.

Family 6, Panorpidæ.—The Panorpidæ, or Scorpion Flies, are very curious creatures, characterised above all things by the perpendicularly placed and greatly elongated head.

The larvæ, so far as they are known, live in the earth, and are like caterpillars in their general form.

Five species occur in this country, the best known being Panorpa communis, which may be met with almost everywhere about hedge banks and in lanes. It is about half an inch long. The wings are transparent, with dark brown spots, which are more or less confluent.

Another species, Boreus hiemalis, which possesses no wings, is found on the ground among leaves in the winter time. It does not exceed one-sixth of an inch in length, and is of a metallic-green colour.

Fig. 50.—Bittacus Tipularius.

Fig. 51.—Boreus Hiemalis (Mag.)

Sub-Order 2.—Trichoptera.

The members of this group are the insects commonly known as Caddis Flies, and they are often ranked as a separate order by entomological writers.

Nearly 600 species of Trichoptera occur in Europe, of which about half the number are indigenous to the British Isles. The larvæ are aquatic, and when full-grown prepare for themselves curious dwellings composed of sticks, stones, and other materials wherein to pass the pupa state. They may be seen almost everywhere where there is water.

The caddis flies may be divided into two families, though the distinguishing marks are so minute that they really ought to be classified as one family only. To Mr. McLachlan we owe many thanks for his researches in this group of insects.

Fig. 52.—Hydropsyche Montana.

Fig. 53.—Marronema Rubiginosa.

Family 1, Inæguipalpia.—This family includes the largest species of the tribe, and are principally found in northern regions.

One of our largest British species is Phryganea grandis, which measures four-fifths of an inch in length, and over two inches in expanse of the wing. It is an abundant insect, of a brown colour, with yellow rings on its antennæ, and the anterior wings are ash-coloured, clothed with brown.

The larvæ of this group for the most part inhabit quiet waters, ponds, canals, etc.

This family is subdivided into three sub-families, viz., Phryganeidæ, Limnophilidæ, Sericostomidæ.