An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. 2 or Elements of the Natural History of the Insects

[Illustration: _Plate IV_]




                                   AN

                              INTRODUCTION

                                   TO

                              ENTOMOLOGY:

                                   OR

                                ELEMENTS

                                 OF THE

                     _NATURAL HISTORY OF INSECTS_:

                              WITH PLATES.

                  By WILLIAM KIRBY, M.A. F.R. and L.S.

                           RECTOR OF BARHAM,

                                  AND

                      WILLIAM SPENCE, ESQ. F.L.S.

                            IN FOUR VOLUMES.

                                VOL. II.

                            _FIFTH EDITION._

                                LONDON:

                              PRINTED FOR

                 LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, AND GREEN,

                            PATERNOSTER ROW.

                                 1828.




                       PRINTED BY RICHARD TAYLOR,
                     RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.




                          CONTENTS OF VOL. II.

  Letter

  XVI.   Societies of Insects.                          Page
           1. Imperfect Societies                       1-25

  XVII.  Societies of Insects continued.
           2. Perfect Societies.
                _White Ants. Ants_                    26-106

  XVIII. Perfect Societies of Insects continued.
                _Wasps. Humble-bees_                 107-118

  XIX.   Perfect Societies of Insects continued.
                _Hive-bee_                           119-167

  XX.    Perfect Societies of Insects concluded.
                _Hive-bee_                           168-214

  XXI.   Means by which Insects defend themselves    215-266

  XXII.  Motions of Insects.
                _Larva and Pupa_                     267-299

  XXIII. Motions of Insects continued.
                _Imago_                              300-370

  XXIV.  Noises produced by Insects                  371-403

  XXV.   Luminous Insects                            404-424

  XXVI.  Hybernation and Torpidity of Insects        425-459

  XXVII. Instinct of Insects                         460-523






                                   AN
                              INTRODUCTION
                                   TO
                              ENTOMOLOGY.




                              LETTER XVI.

                        _SOCIETIES OF INSECTS._

                          IMPERFECT SOCIETIES.


I see already, and I see it with pleasure, that you will not content
yourself with being a mere collector of insects. To possess a cabinet
well stored, and to know by what name each described individual which
it contains should be distinguished, will not satisfy the love that
is already grown strong in you for my favourite pursuit; and you now
anticipate with a laudable eagerness, the discoveries that you may
make respecting the history and economy of this most interesting
department of the works of our Creator. I hail with joy this
intention to emulate the bright example, and to tread in the hallowed
steps of Swammerdam, Leeuwenhoek, Redi, Malpighi, Vallisnieri, Ray,
Lister, Reaumur, De Geer, Lyonnet, Bonnet, the Hubers, &c.; and I am
confident that a man of your abilities, discernment, and observation
will contribute, in no small degree, to the treasures already poured
into the general fund by these your illustrious predecessors.

I feel not a little flattered when you inform me that the details
contained in my late letters relative to this subject, have
stimulated you to this noble resolution.--Assure yourself, I shall
think no labour lost, that has been the means of winning over to the
science I love, the exertions of a mind like yours.

But if the facts already related, however extraordinary, have had
power to produce such an effect upon you, what will be the momentum,
when I lay before you more at large, as I next purpose, the most
striking particulars of the proceedings of insects in society,
and show the almost incredibly wonderful results of the combined
instincts and labours of these minute beings? In comparison with
these, all that is the fruit of solitary efforts, though some of
them sufficiently marvellous, appear trifling and insignificant: as
the works of man himself, when they are the produce of the industry
and genius of only one, or a few individuals, though they might be
regarded with admiration by a being who had seen nothing similar
before, yet when contrasted with those to which the union of these
qualities in large bodies has given birth, sink into nothing, and
seem unworthy of attention. Who would think a hut extraordinary by
the side of a stately palace, or a small village when in the vicinity
of a populous and magnificent city?

Insects in society may be viewed under several lights, and their
associations are for various purposes and of different durations.

There are societies the object of which is mutual defence; while that
of others is the propagation of the species.