Part 27

Here is another picture of it.

Its hind legs are just common walking legs, you see.

And so are its middle legs.

John says they are directed forward instead of backward.

You can see why.

They have to take the place of the front legs, that do not touch the ground at all.

They have to hold Mr. Mantis up, and pull him along when he wants to walk.

Now, let us see if we can make anything out of these front legs.

The coxa is small and close to the body.

The trochanter, II, is very large and long.

Yes, Charlie, it increases the size and strength of the leg very greatly, by being thus enlarged.

The femur, III, is large and strong, too, and it has a row of sharp, spiny teeth down the inside.

The tibia, IV, is also well supplied with cruel teeth, and at the end of it is the tarsus, as you see.

You know how the mantis uses these legs. The joint between the tibia and femur is a strong hinge joint. If can shut the tibia close to the femur, the spiny teeth of the one locking into the spiny teeth of the other, and forming a terrible trap for the insects that are so unfortunate as to get caught in its merciless grip.

Altogether, you see, it is quite a terrible leg, though it has no more segments than a common leg.

The segments are changed in shape and size from the regular leg segments.

When any part is changed from the regular shape or size, we say it is modified.

The front legs of the mantis are modified to catch and hold its prey.

Yes, John, the hind legs of the grasshopper are modified too.

They are modified to jump with.

Ned says he didn't know there was so much to learn about a little thing like an insect's leg.

Yes, indeed, there is a great deal to learn about all living things.

I wonder how you would like to look at the grasshopper's wings for a little while.

Here is one with large wings.

See how they lie along each side of the body.

They come together on top like the ridge of a sloping house roof.

Yes, May, they are the roof to the grasshopper's body, and they help to protect it.

Let us gently spread them out.