( xvi ) 



The remaining segments gradually taper to the anus, each 

 having tubercles of long spines, those at the anus shorter 

 and stronger. The legs are decidedly wiry, and the claws 

 long and sharply pointed. 



"On touching its tail, the larva under observation immedi- 

 ately turned its head over its back, seized its own tail, 

 suddenly let it go, and sprang a distance of seven to ten 

 inches. 



" The larva uses its wedge-shaped head as a shovel, digging 

 into the sand, which it throws over its back right out of its 

 way. It soon disappears, though the continual upheaval of 

 the sand shows that it is still at work. Occasionally there is 

 a great uprising of sand, followed by the appearance of the 

 head of the larva, which clears away the accumulated heap. 

 This it accomplishes by thrusting its head into the mass, 

 and c[uickly jerking it over its back, sending the sand flying 

 a distance of several inches. Many hours are occupied in 

 excavating the burrow, which sometimes reaches a depth of 

 ten inches. 



" As soon as the required depth has been reached and the 

 hole cleared out, the larva ascends slightly above the level, 

 and taking mouthfuls of sand from the edge, hui"ls them 

 clear ; and this is continued until a rough excavation is made 

 around the entrance. At this point the larva ascends a little 

 higher, and hammers all round the burrow with its chin, 

 until it has beaten the sand into a smooth saucer-shaped 

 excavation. Satisfied with its labours, it I'ests therefrom in 

 the following manner. The head is drawn up level to the 

 top, just fitting one-half the entrance, the other half being 

 exactly filled by the first semi-cii'cular plate on the thorax, 

 thus completely blocking the entrance — the colour of the 

 head and thorax giving it natural protection. 



" By filling a large bell-glass with sand to within three inches 

 of the top, and with a cane three-sixteenths of an inch diameter, 

 I made holes down the sides, so that the glass formed one side. 

 I then placed a larva in each hole, with the result that some 

 escaped and tried to enter that of another larva, an act of 

 trespass for which its life was forfeited. Others made them- 

 selves at home after trying to plaster the glass with wet sand ; 



