THE MOLE CRICKET — THE HOUSE CRICKET. 493 



THE MOLE CRICKET. 



This little creature, among the insect tribes, is a complete represen- 

 t-vtive of the Mole. Its fore-feet are broad and strong, and in theij* 

 formation and position bear a great resemblance to the fore feet of 

 that animal. They are used for precisely the same purpose of bur- 

 rowing under the surface of the ground, where the insect commonly 

 resides; and so expectly does it use them, that it can penetrate tho 

 earth with even greater expedition than the Mole. 



The female of this species forms a cell of clammy earth, about the 

 size of a hen's egg, closed up on every side, and as large in the interi(jr 

 as two hazel nuts. The eggs, amounting to nearly a hundred and 

 fifty, are white, and about the size of caraway comfits; they arc 

 carefully covered, as well to defend them from the injuries of weather 

 as from the attacks of a species of black Beetles, which often destroy 

 them. The female places herself near the entrance of the nest, and 

 whenever the Beetle attempts to seize its prey, the guardian insect 

 catches it behind, and bites it asunder. Nothing can exceed the care 

 of these animals in the preservation of their offspring. AVherever a 

 nest is situated, fortifications, avenues, and entrenchments surround 

 it: there are also numerous meanders which lead to it, and a ditch 

 encompasses the whole, which few other insects are capable of passing. 



Mole Crickets are troublesome insects in hot-beds, where they 

 make great havoc, by hacking and gnawing the roots of plants with 

 their fore-feet, the ends of which are armed with teeth like a saw. 



THE HOUSE CRICKET. 



These busy little insects reside altogether in our dwellingSj and ia. 

 trude themselves on our notice, whether 

 we wish it or not. They are partial to 

 houses newly built; for the softness of 

 the mortar enables them without diffi- 



, p , . . . TBI BOUBK CRICKET. 



culty to lorm their retreats between the 



joints of the masonry, and immediately to open communications with 

 the different rooms. They are particularly attached to kitchens and 

 bakehouses, as affording them a constant warmth. 



" Tender insects, that live abroad, (says Mr. White,) either enjoy 

 only the short period of one summer, or else doze away the cold, 

 uncomfortable months in profound slumbers; but these, residing as it 

 were in a torrid zone, are always alert and merry: a good Christmas 

 fire is to them, what the heats of the dog-days are to others. 



"Though they are frequently heard by day, yet their natural time 

 ol motion is only in the ni^ht. As soon as it becomes dusk the 

 chirping increases, and they come running forth, and are often to be 

 seen in great numbers, from the size of a flea to that of their full 

 stature- 



