Mention has already been made of the little Ichneumon fly. One of these insects is shown magnified on [plate J], fig. 12 a, and one of the large species is depicted on [plate H], fig. 3. The threefold appendage to the tail is the ovipositor, or instrument by means of which they pierce their victims and deposit their eggs.
There are some allied insects that pierce vegetables instead of insects; and one of their works may be seen figured on [plate A], where a bramble-branch has been perforated by them. The well-known oak-apples, [plate B], fig. 6, are caused by a Cynips, as the little creature is called; and so is the common Bedeguar of the rose, seen on [plate C], fig. 2.
The last of these insects that will be named is the beautiful Fire-tail, [plate D], fig. 5, one of the most brilliant insects that our island can boast. There are many British species of this insect, but they all much resemble each other, and are insect cuckoos, laying their eggs in the nests of other insects.
From the bees, we pass to the Flies; and first take a most singular insect, shown on [plate H], fig. 5. This insect is found on the blackberry blossoms, and the upper part of its body is so transparent that the leaf on which it sits can be seen through it. It is swift of wing and wary, requiring a quick eye and hand for its capture.
On the same plate, fig. 6, is shown one of the traveller’s pests, a fly that bites, or rather bores, the skin, and that with such virulence that it can even strike its poisoned dart through a cloth coat, and make its victim to lament for many an hour after.
One of the various hoverer-flies is shown on [plate J], fig. 9. The larva of this insect is very remarkable, on account of its curious breathing apparatus. The larva is properly called the Rat-tailed Maggot, and is shown on the same plate, fig. 8 a. The body of the creature is found buried in the mud at the bottom of stagnant pools or cisterns, and the respiration is carried on through the telescopic tail, which is long enough to protrude through the mud, and to convey the necessary oxygen to the system through two flexible air-tubes that pass through the “tail”.
It will be remembered that in mentioning the Green Oak Moth, the Destroying Empis was also noticed. One of these flies is shown on [plate J], fig. 5, with the poor Tortrix in its grasp. [Plate K], fig. 1, shows its foot, and fig. 3 its head, together with its long beak.
The beak of this fly somewhat reminds one of the corresponding portion of the Gnat, which insect is not itself depicted, though on [plate F], fig. 10, is shown the wonderful little egg-boat which it makes. This insect glues together its eggs in such a manner that they are formed into a true lifeboat, which cannot be upset, or sunk, or filled with water, but floats securely on the surface until the young are hatched. That object accomplished, the gnat-larvæ tumble into the water, and there undergo their transformation.
The last of the two-winged flies that will be mentioned is the common Daddy Long Legs, or Crane-fly, which seems to set such little value on its limbs. It is a very injurious insect in its larval state, feeding on roots, and doing great damage. [Plate H], fig. 1, shows a very pretty species, covered with yellow rings.
Every one must have noticed the beautiful and active insects that are with great truth called Dragon-flies. Their habits and peculiarities would demand a volume; and here they can but be mentioned. [Plate F], fig. 6, shows the common Flat Dragon-fly, that may be seen chasing and following flies of all sizes, and even butterflies. Fig. 8 is the elegant Demoiselle, the male of which is shown here, with its dark purple spots on the wings and dark blue body. The female is of a uniform green. Its larva is shown at fig. 8 a, where the singular leafy gills may be seen at the end of its tail. Fig. 7 shows another very common Dragon-fly, very thin and ringed with blue circlets.