8 NOTES ON 
ceps or mandibles, as shewn in the engraving ; 
they move horizontally, and are long enough to 
cross each other when closed; they are of a bright 
chesnut colour, assuming a deeper hue towards 
the points, which are hard and sharp.* With 
these weapons it seizes its prey, and, having 
brought it towards the mouth, it commences 
the operation of exhausting the juices from that 
portion within its grasp, having previously made 
an incision with the mandibles. This larva does 
not kill its victim before eating it, unless com- 
pelled by the superior strength of its prey, but, 
taking hold of any part indiscriminately, it de- 
vours that portion while the animal is alive. 
Having so done, if its victim be the larva of a 
gnat, or other soft animal, it turns it round, and 
thus brings a fresh portion within its grasp, alter- 
nately opening and closing each mandible, till 
the whole is consumed, except the skin. If the 
prey is a strong crustaceous animal, it seizes it, 
and either holds it for some time stationary, till 
it is exhausted, or nips off, at successive grasps, 
all its limbs, turns it upon its back, and imbibes 
its contents. The fore part of the head is finely 
* In some of the larger species, says Swammerdam, the 
mandibles are perforated by an oblong hole or slit, by which 
they imbibe the juices of their prey. 
