The Sacred Beetle and Others 



to mean something of the kind, I am very 

 sceptical about these expeditions in large 

 squadrons. I am more ready to beheve that 

 the Gymnopleuri have come, from every- 

 where in the neighbourhood, one by one, 

 guided by keenness of scent. What I see is 

 a gathering of individuals who have hastened 

 from every point of the compass and not the 

 halt of a swarm engaged on a common 

 search. No matter: the teeming colony is at 

 times so numerous that it would be possible 

 to pick up the Gymnopleuri by handfuls. 



But they hardly give one time. When 

 the peril is realized, which soon happens, 

 most of them fly off with all speed; the others 

 crouch low and hide themselves under the 

 heap. In a moment the tumult of activity 

 is succeeded by absolute stillness. The 

 Sacred Beetle is not subject to these sudden 

 attacks of panic, which empty the busiest yard 

 in the twinkling of an eye. When surprised 

 at 'his task and examined at close quarters, 

 however importunately, he impassively con- 

 tinues his work. He knows no fear. Here 

 we see a thorough difference in temperament 

 between insects which are identical in struc- 

 ture and which follow the same trade. 



The difference is equally marked in an- 

 other respect: the Sacred Beetle is a fervent 

 172 



