80 KING OF THK ANTS. 



when these arc over, constructs for himself, about the month of 

 March, a still more straitened cell, an earth-formed case resem- 

 bling a pigeon's egg. He proceeds, under its cover, to the 

 second stage of Pupa from thence to the third and last 

 estate; and after remaining yet another fortnight under 

 ground, for his enamelled mail to acquire hardness, comes forth 

 in all his splendor to meet the opening roses. The antennae of 

 this as well as of the common cock-chafer, are of curious and 

 very elegant formation. They each terminate in a knob com- 

 posed of several Iamina3 or plates, opening or shutting like tin 

 leaves of a book, and which also like a book can be put awa\ 

 at the pleasure of their insect owner, on a shelf or deep cavity 

 on either side ils head. They are always thus put carefully 

 a\\ay when the chafer is inactive or asleep. 



It has been noticed as a singular fact that the rose beetle 

 has been found not unfrequently, while in its two first stages, 

 the tenant of an ant-hill, and that, without being attacked by 

 its carnivorous inhabitants. It is hence called, in some 

 countries, "king of the ants;" and it is said also that German 

 cattle dealers invest it with supernatural powers, and feed it 

 carefully in boxes as a means of ensuring prosperity to their 

 herds and fortunes. 



Had the above superstition been Irish instead of German, it 

 might have been readily enough explained. Ant-hills Men 

 formerly if they are not stilled called in Ireland "fairy mounts," 

 and held, as such, in profound veneration by the common 



