Fig. 35.—Panorpa or Scorpion-fly.
(From Packard.)
Suborder [Mecoptera] (μηκος, length; πτερον, wing). This suborder includes a peculiar group of insects, the most striking characteristics of which are the mouth-parts, which are prolonged into a rostrum or beak. The wings are long and narrow, and of nearly equal size. The abdomen of the male is constricted near its posterior end and terminates in long clasping organs from which these insects obtain the common name of Scorpion-flies.
The larvæ of one genus (Panorpa) are remarkable for their great resemblance to the larvæ of Lepidoptera. They have, however, eight pairs of abdominal legs. The habits of these insects are not well known, but they are supposed to be generally.
Fig. 36.—Lace-wing fly. a, eggs, b, larva,
c, cocoons, d, fly with left wings removed.
Fig. 37.—An Ant-lion (Myrmeleon).
(From Packard.)
Fig. 38.—Myrmeleon
larva.