THE NEUROPTERA.
These are the net-veined winged insects; the Dragon flies, Mayflies,Caddis-flies belong in this order.
THE DOBSON.
The Dobson is one of the most curious insects in this order. It isgenerally known as the hellgrammite, although it has probably morepopular names than any other insect and some are very peculiar, forinstance, Conniption-bugs, Goggle-goy, Flip-flaps, Ho Jacks,Snake-doctor. It is a large insect with strong-biting mouth, living inits larval form in water.
THE SNAKE FLIES.
These are found in the Western States and prey vigorously upon otherinsects and render themselves especially important to the farmer of thefar West because of their ravages upon the Coddling Moth, which is thespecial enemy of apple trees.
WALKING-STICKS.]
THE ANT LION.
The Ant Lion digs a little pit in loose sand and buries itself thereinwith the exception of its head. Into this trap fall small insects onwhich it feeds. After the victim is sucked dry the remains are thrownout of the pit.
THE DRAGONFLIES.
These insects are also known as "Horse-stingers" and "Devil'sDarning-needles," and many superstitious beliefs are held in regard tothem, although they are perfectly harmless. Many ignorant people stillhold them capable of sewing up bad boys' ears. The early part of theirexistence is spent in the water. They prey upon flies, mosquitoes andsmall insects. In the wings of these flies are often beautiful colors.They frequent stagnant water. The Kingbird favors them as a diet.
THE MAYFLIES.
The Mayflies or Shadflies, like the Dragonflies, spend their infancyunder water feeding upon vegetables and primitive forms of animal life.Their scientific name is Ephemerida, coined from the Greek word meaninga day. They were given this name because of their short life. Greatquantities of the larvae are eaten by fish.
CADDIS FLIES.
What observing country boy has not seen the queer-looking Caddis wormsin the brooks and their curious larva cases. Put them in your aquarium,for they are interesting to watch and study. Their wings are more orless covered with hair and this gives them a moth-like appearance. Theyfrequent the shady margins of streams. The larvae cases are made ofleaves, bits of sticks, sand, shells, etc., fastened by silk which thecaddis worm spins. These cases protect them from fishes and preyinginsects.
DRAGON FLIES.]
Great Hike; or, The Pride of the Khaki Troop Page 22
