The Gold Beetles: Their Food 



Again, the same Chrysomela's fat larva, with 

 its delicate, bare skin, makes a treat for the 

 Carabus. Its almost metallic, bronze-black 

 colour causes no hesitation in the hunter. 

 As soon as seen, the tasty morsel is grabbed, 

 ripped open and consumed. The bronze 

 pill is regarded as a choice titbit; as many 

 are devoured as I am able to serve. 



Under the strongly-built roof of their 

 wing-cases, the Cetonia and the Black Chry- 

 somela are safe from the attacks of the Gold 

 Beetle, who has not the knack of forcing 

 open the cuirass to reach the tender abdomen. 

 If, on the other hand, the tin is less pre- 

 cisely closed, the ravener finds it an easy 

 matter to lift the defensive sheaths of his 

 prey and attain his ends. After a few at- 

 tempts, he raises the wing-cases of Ceram- 

 byx cerdo and of many others from behind; 

 he opens his oyster, pushes aside the shells 

 and lays bare the succulent dainties of the 

 abdomen. Any Beetle is accepted, if it be 

 possible to force open the tin. 



I serve a Great Peacock, fresh from the 

 cocoon. The Gold Beetle does not make 

 a fierce rush for the magnificent titbit. He 

 approaches warily at intervals, trying to 

 nibble at the abdomen. But, at the first 

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