The Life of the Grasshopper 



terror before the open jaws of the Snake, 

 spell-bound by the reptile's gaze, lose their 

 power of flight and allow themselves to be 

 snapped up. The Locust often behaves In 

 much the same way. See him within reach 

 of the enchantress. The two grapnels fall, 

 the claws strike, the double saws close and 

 clutch. In vain the poor wretch protests: 

 he chews space with his m.andibles and, kick- 

 ing desperately, strikes nothing but the air. 

 His fate is sealed. The Mantis furls her 

 wings, her battle-standard; she resumes her 

 normal posture; and the meal begins. 



In attacking the Tryxalis and the Ephip- 

 piger, less dangerous game than the Grey 

 Locust and the Decticus, the spectral attitude 

 Is less Imposing and of shorter duration. 

 Often the throw of the grapnels Is sufficient. 

 This is likewise so in the case of the Epeira, 

 who Is grasped round the body with not a 

 thought of her poison-fangs. With the 

 smaller Locusts, the usual fare In my cages as 

 in the open fields, the Mantis seldom em- 

 ploys her intimidation-methods and contents 

 herself with seizing the reckless one that 

 passes within her reach. 



When the prey to be captured Is able to 

 offer serious resistance, the Mantis has at 



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