. [Scientific lectures]. Fig. U. Gerris. called Gerris poludum, and is commonly seen running over thesurface of streams and pools, marvels of mechanical skill and activ-ity. This insect is sometimes called the Wherryman, and it seemsthat thousands of years ago he anticipated the racing boat andwherries. Nature is full of v^onders, but before we leave the insectsthat live about the water we must speak of the DRAGON PLIES,of which Diplax Berenice is a tine Fig. 12. Dragon Fly. Here we have an insect type of all that is savage, relentless andblood thirsty. From its birth to its d
. [Scientific lectures]. Fig. U. Gerris. called Gerris poludum, and is commonly seen running over thesurface of streams and pools, marvels of mechanical skill and activ-ity. This insect is sometimes called the Wherryman, and it seemsthat thousands of years ago he anticipated the racing boat andwherries. Nature is full of v^onders, but before we leave the insectsthat live about the water we must speak of the DRAGON PLIES,of which Diplax Berenice is a tine Fig. 12. Dragon Fly. Here we have an insect type of all that is savage, relentless andblood thirsty. From its birth to its death, which is about one year,in all its changes whether larva, pupa or imago, it is literally a pitfall for luckless aquatic insects. But when in its imago or perfectstate it is ever on the wing in pursuit of prey, and revels in glut-tony and carnage. We call it then Devils darning npcdlo, very likely on account ofits unblushing and rapacious character. Could lie tell us the talesof his life, rapine and murder surpassing the age of fable would berevealed, but aside from his ugly name which is often a terror tochildren, he is not injurious to man, but his whole life is is indeed a scavenger of no mean ardor, and his gay livery and 46 beautiful ?wings challenge our admiration and lie gains respect. Hepreys largely upon mosquitoes and the larva of equally noxious in-sects. During his four weeks above the waters he is a continuedgood to man, never do
Size: 1838px × 1359px
Photo credit: © The Reading Room / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, booksubjectscience, bookyear1872
