216 Bugs, Butterflies, and Beetles 



reason he could count the holes was because he 

 had frightened the hobgoblins and they had re- 

 treated to the bottom of their wells leaving the 

 black holes in sight. 



After sitting for a while on the steps, all the 

 holes vanished, Mr. Gibson could not see one of 

 them. The reason for tliis was that the hobgoblins 

 had come to the surface and stopped up the holes 

 with their flat dirt-colored heads, thus hiding the 

 openings. Figs. 195 and 197 show drawings of the 

 top of the hobgoblin's head. This head is set on 

 the body almost at right angles, that is, with its 

 chin down so that the head can fit like the cover to 

 a stewpan over the opening in the ground. 



You can distinguish these holes from the ordi- 

 nary ant holes because each of them has a round 

 hollow surrounding the hole, a circular trench with 

 a central well for a retreat, in place of a hole in 

 the ground surrounded by a hill of pellets, as have 

 the ants. If you find some of these hobgoblins' 

 dens you can have a lot of fun with people who 

 know nothing about them. Point out the holes to 

 your friends, let them count them, then make your 

 companion sit perfectly still for five minutes or 



