Insect Life by Walter Henry Stott (a summary of the lecture)

The lecture open with a def of Insects & a comparison of the smallest with the largest. The distribution of the several species, their manners, appetites & modes of propagation peculiar to each showed a exact plan of natures operations. The early history and distribution introduced from classes of insects, those which want wings, those which have wings, insects of the moth & butterfly kind & lastly insects which come from a worm instead of a caterpillar.

The insects of the first class are spiders, fleas, aphids, scorpion and others. The spider affords many interesting points for the observance of the naturalist. Of the few spiders with which we are acquainted there is the Garden Spider, the wandering spider, & the field spider. The parts of the spider are varied and numerous presenting features of the greatest interest. Of the second class of insects those with wings they differ from those that have not wings in that they are not produced in a perfect state.

This class are produced from the egg, and when excluded they are without wings. The Libella v dragon fly affords the best example of this class, and its history has much in it to show all the peculiar changes & transformations of the insect tribe. They are produced from eggs deposited in the water, where they remain for some time without seeming life or motion. The form in which they first show life is that of a worm with 6 legs. The Ant Lion which when about to undergo its transformation spins for itself a silken cocoon, the panorphos, osmylus & the caddis fly belong to the same class. The May Fly, the termite or white ant are also of this species. The life & labours of the ants their habits, divisions and domestic life is a subject full of interest. The Gall insects, Saw Fly, Grasshoppers, locusts, Crickets, Earwigs, Blue Bottle, House Fly and Gnat comprise some of the other winged insects.

Of the class of insects comprised under those of the moth & butterfly kind their transformations from egg to caterpillar. Caterpillar to chrysalis, chrysalis to butterfly are the most important events of their lives, while their anatomy – the peculiar antennae, their beautiful wings afford pleasing objects of investigation.

In the fourth class of insects the Bee occupies the most prominent position & deserves notice. From the wonderful formation of its parts & the various uses to what they are put.

The Lecture was illuminated by about 60 pictures specially prepared for & shown by a powerful lantern, and was much appreciated by those members of the Society, and their friends who attended.

[The handwriting of this report has not, as yet, been connected with any known person. The lecture was delivered on the 24 Feb 1886, and Styles gave a summary in the minute book which does not align with this report]