145

and mouth, which before were calculated for gnawing and holding bodies, are converted into two jaws, placed in a strong, horny head, shaped like jagged, sharp awls, designed to piece or cut; for which purpose they are as hard as a crab's claw, and inflict a painful wound, fetching blood wherever they bite.

rIhe next metamorphosis is still greater; the head, thorax, and abdomen, differ almost cn tirely from the same parts in the labourers and soldiers; and the change is rendered still more striking, by the addition of four fine, large, brownish, transparent wings; which has made some naturalists think they should have been arranged in the order Neuroptera, instead of that of Aptera. This remarkable alteration takes place just before the rainy season begins.

In their former state, it is not easy to distinu guish that they have any eyes, having but little occasion for them whilst they live underground; but no sooner are they destined to wander through the air, than they are furnished with two very large ones.

The disposition is iow as much changed as their figure from being one ui the most active, industrious, and fierce animals of their size, they become the niost innocent, helpless, and cowardly, having no means of resistance

u   arainst