. Annual report - Entomological Society of Ontario. Entomological Society of Ontario; Insect pests; Insects. Fig. 35. the ovipositor of Pim'pla lunator streams behind. There are instances among the Hymen- optera in which the abdomen is provided with a foot-stalk, and, in this arrangement, the equilibrium of the insect is maintained without an inconvenient increase of weight. f Many beetles have what may be called the Tortoise-shape; and it will be found that,, as a rule, these are sluggish in disposition, falling, when disturbed, inertly to the ground. They are, consequently, oftentimes in dan
. Annual report - Entomological Society of Ontario. Entomological Society of Ontario; Insect pests; Insects. Fig. 35. the ovipositor of Pim'pla lunator streams behind. There are instances among the Hymen- optera in which the abdomen is provided with a foot-stalk, and, in this arrangement, the equilibrium of the insect is maintained without an inconvenient increase of weight. f Many beetles have what may be called the Tortoise-shape; and it will be found that,, as a rule, these are sluggish in disposition, falling, when disturbed, inertly to the ground. They are, consequently, oftentimes in danger of being trodden under foot. But their form is admirably adapted ^o resist pressure; and an ox might tread one of them into the yielding sod without doing it an injury. The potato-beetle is a familiar instance of insects of this form, and so is the beautiful pie-bald beetle that frequents the silk-weed. The water-beetles and bugs are admirably adapted to their environment. Belostoma grandis (fig. 36) is a wherry of the most approved form, having powerful sweeps with which it can urge its way through the water. It is also provided in its fore-legs with grapnels, with which it can hold itself against the force of the current. Insects of this form—and there are many of them—may well be described as the Boat-shaped. We have already alluded to the fact that variations of structure in winged insects are associated with diversities of modes of flight. The ample-winged Attici have a flitting, uncertain flight; but the clean-cut, powerful wings of the Sphinges (see fig. 37) are admirably suited both for hovering over flowers and for making a sudden dash out of the way of harm. Insects that have wings of an intermediate size are those that have the most stately flight. Danais Archij^pits, for instance (fig. 38), sails through the air with a grace and dignity that are perfectly charming. And this creature, too, is capable of long-sustained efibrt. It is known to be migra- tory, an
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, booksubjectinsects, bookyear1872
