transformed into pupæ which are hatched towards the end of August. The perfect ant-lions diffuse an odour of roses; their flight, which is weak, distinguishes them from the dragon-flies. We meet in the south of France with a very beautiful species of Ant-lion, the _Myrmeleo libelluloides_ (Fig. 404); its larva can move forwards, and does not dig itself a funnel. [Illustration: Fig. 404.--Myrmeleo libelluloides.] [Illustration: Fig. 405.--Larva of Myrmeleo libelluloides.] [Illustration: Fig. 406.--Larva of Ascalaphus.] [Illustration: Fig. 407.--Ascalaphus meridionalis.] The genus _Ascalaphus_ (Fig. 407) is remarkable for the long clubbed antennæ of its members, and for their rapid flight. They like the sun, and live especially in hot countries; however, one meets with the _Ascalaphus_, in the month of July, near Paris, on the dry declivities of Lardy and of Poquency. Their larvæ (Fig. 406) have mandibles adapted for suction. They watch for insects under heaps of stones, and spring upon their prey. The first states of the _Nemoptera_[119] (Fig. 408) are as yet little known. They are insects with wings spotted with yellow and black, the lower ones almost linear, and are met with in southern countries, and but very rarely in the south of France. [119] From [Greek: nêma], a thread, and [Greek: pteron], a wing. The _Hemerobii_, to which are given by the French the name of _Demoiselles terrestres_, or Land Dragon-Flies, are very small delicate insects, of an apple-green colour, with golden red eyes. These insects leave on the fingers, when seized, an offensive odour. Réaumur calls them _Lions des pucerons_ (Plant-Lice Lions), because their larvæ, which resembles the larvæ of the ant-lions, and which live on plants, feed on plant-lice. They attack also caterpillars. Their mandibles are provided with a canal for suction, like those of the foregoing species. [Illustration: Fig. 408.--Nemoptera Coa.] [Illustration: Fig. 409.--Osmylus maculatus.] The insects of the genus _Osmylus_ (Fig. 409) are rather rare; but may be found in the shrubs which border ponds. They also belong to the _Hemerobidæ_. Their larvæ live in wet ground. [Illustration: Fig. 410.--Panorpa, male and female.]