The larvæ, so far as they are known, live in the earth, and are like caterpillars in their general form.
Five species occur in this country, the best known being Panorpa communis, which may be met with almost everywhere about hedge banks and in lanes. It is about half an inch long. The wings are transparent, with dark brown spots, which are more or less confluent.
Another species, Boreus hiemalis, which possesses no wings, is found on the ground among leaves in the winter time. It does not exceed one-sixth of an inch in length, and is of a metallic-green colour.
Fig. 50.—Bittacus Tipularius.
Fig. 51.—Boreus Hiemalis (Mag.)
Sub-Order 2.—Trichoptera.
The members of this group are the insects commonly known as Caddis Flies, and they are often ranked as a separate order by entomological writers.
Nearly 600 species of Trichoptera occur in Europe, of which about half the number are indigenous to the British Isles. The larvæ are aquatic, and when full-grown prepare for themselves curious dwellings composed of sticks, stones, and other materials wherein to pass the pupa state. They may be seen almost everywhere where there is water.