ew others. It forms a most convenient passage from the insects undergoing a complete metamorphosis with a quiescent pupa, to those which are active during the whole of their

which will consequently have to represent the entire series. I understand, however, from Mr. A. S. Atkinson, that a species of Myrmele

Phryg

McLach.) (Plate XIV., fi

the flask constructed of a much denser material than the body. It is open at both ends, the posterior end being perforated by a long shallow slit, which extends for nearly the whole width of the case, thus admitting a free circulation of water round the larva, which is also able to turn round and project its head and anterior segments through the lower aperture, thus occupying the reverse position to that shown in the illustration (Fig. 3a). It is, however, prevented from actually leaving the case by its abdomen, which is too large to be withdrawn from either end. The head and thorax of the larva are very horny in comparison with those portions permanently retained in the case, the le

information, although it is undoubtedly made of a viscous fluid, secreted by the insect, which hardens when exposed to the water;

s transformed into a pupa, having the limbs, &c., free from the body but incapable of motion. The fixing down of the case prior to the change may be easily performed from each of the apertures, which are no doubt left open till the last for this purpose. Before the final transformation the pupa breaks through the partition at the

Hemer

ncisus (Plate

nd occasionally in the New Zealand forest, but is rather scarce as a

y Sia

(Plate XIV., fig. 1,

r stones in running streams, where it devours large quantities of Ephemer? and other insect larv?, which are always abundant in those situations. It is very ferocious and will bite violently when disturbed, being fur

s an oval cell in the mud, usually under a large stone; its gills then gradually shrivel up, and in ten days or a fortnight it is transformed into the curious pupa, shown at Fig. 1b, from which the perfect