The Glow-Worm and Other Beetles 



eggs. I have never seen one save upon 

 the scene of their loves, which is also that 

 of their death; I have never surprised 

 one browsing on the plants near at hand, so 

 that, though they are provided with a 

 normal digestive apparatus, I have grave 

 reasons to doubt whether they actually take 

 any nourishment whatever. What a life is 

 theirs ! A fortnight's feasting in a store- 

 house of honey; a year of slumber under- 

 ground; a minute of love rn the sunlight; 

 then death ! 



Once fertilized, restlessly the female at 

 once proceeds to seek a favourable spot 

 wherein to lay her eggs. It was important 

 to note where this exact spot is. Does the 

 female go from cell to cell, confiding an egg 

 to the succulent flanks of each larva, whether 

 this larva belong to the Anthophora or to a 

 parasite of hers, as the mysterious shell 

 whence the Sitarls emerges would incline one 

 to believe ? This method of laying the eggs, 

 one at a time In each cell, would appear to be 

 essential. If we are to explain the facts al- 

 ready ascertained. But then why do the cells 

 usurped by the Sitares retain not the slightest 

 trace of the forcible entry which is indis- 

 pensable? And how Is it that, in spite of 

 lengthy investigations during which my per- 

 40 



