( xxxix ) 



and tried to drag him off the female. At the moment of 

 attack, however, male No. 1 caught hold of the thorax of the 

 female in his mandibles with such a firm grasp that he became 

 immovably fixed, and the only effect was that she was pulled 

 sideways with him. Male No. 2 then rehnquishing his hold for 

 a moment, stood back as if thinking what he should do next, 

 then again made a dash at No. 1, seized him below the thorax, 

 this time more from behind, and again endeavoured most 

 ferociously to tear him away. In an excited and angry state he 

 next went round and attacked him on the other side, with no 

 better success ; then going behind the pair he placed his closed 

 mandibles underneath the body of the male, who remained quite 

 passive throughout, and tried to creep in between him and the 

 female. This, however, he was unable to accomplish, as No. I's 

 mandibles were locked too closely to the female's thorax. He 

 was now very wroth, and seizing hold of No. 1 savagely below 

 the thorax, he lifted him off the ground, the female also being 

 still firmly embraced, and held them both up above his head, 

 their backs downward and their legs in the air, while he supported 

 the whole weight of the two. Letting them down again, No. 2 

 then inserted the point of his right mandible between his enemy's 

 elytra, prized them up, and scrunched them fearfully again and 

 again, damaging the elytra badly. Having used all these resources 

 of attack without moving No. 1, No. 2 finally proceeded to 

 demolish the organs of generation of No. 1, which had been 

 withdrawn at the first onslaught. Mr. White stated that he 

 then separated the female and No. 1 male, as he wanted to see 

 how No. 1 would act, but he, instead of retaliating, continued 

 perfectly passive. No. 2, now realising the situation, attacked 

 No. 1 no longer, but evidently determined to presently secure the 

 female ; fearing, however, lest his hated rival might attempt to 

 regain his spouse, he kept all his attention turned upon him ; 

 No. 1 had evidently had enough attacking and was not eager to 

 renew his pretensions, but nevertheless, the moment he dared to 

 advance a step, the other (No. 2) instantly turned towards him 

 and menaced him, while at the same time he gradually contrived 

 to take up his position between the enemy and his quarry. Not 

 quite satisfied, he tlieu scouted round and climbed to the highest 

 vantage-ground of a slipper, for the evident purpose of watching 

 No. 1 ; at last, receiving no chalienge, — No. 1 having gone off 



