136 



Notes on the Habits of a Species of Mantis found at the Cape of Good Hope. 

 Mr. Smilh read the following communication from Mr. Trimen : — 



" A Mantis taken on May 13th has, during the two months just elapsed, con- 

 structed four nests of eggs, at intervals of about a fortnight. I had the pleasure of 

 seeing her construct one of these, and was rather surprised at her method of pro- 

 ceeding. I used to fancy that the eggs were arranged first, and the structure coated 

 over with cement afterwards ; but I found this to be a great mistake. The insect is 

 grass-green, mandibles scarlet, fore tibiae and tarsi yellow, and band along the abdo- 

 men crimson and white. The nest is constructed all in a mass, that is to say, the eggs 

 as they emerge are completely imbedded in a frothy cement so as to be invisible. The 

 emission of the mingled eggs and cement is incessant, and the structure is shaped as 

 it proceeds by the extremity of the abdomen and a sharp trowel-like organ which pro- 

 trudes from within the abdomen, while the two external filamentous anal appendages 

 are constantly moving over the surface as if to smooth it. The peculiar projection at 

 one end of the nest is the finishing point, and the insect, as if aware that it would drop 

 off if left immediately after formation, sustains the little horn-like process between its 

 anal plates for some minutes, until sufficiently solidified to sustain itself in position. 

 I cannot imagine the use of this curious projection, unless it is to frighten marauding 

 insects or other enemies from devouring the eggs. The eggs, when the cement has 

 dried, give the nest a ribbed appearance : the structure is remarkably firm and hard 

 when dry. The four nests are as nearly as possible of the same size, and of precisely 

 similar shape. 



" The manner of devouring the house-flies I feed my Mantids with is 

 peculiarly remorseless and sanguinary. Once having seized its prey, with a sudden, 

 embracing stroke of one or both of its powerful fore legs, the Mantis conveys it 

 to its month, and immediately commences to devour it. There is no preparatory 

 wounding or stupefying of the unfortunate victim; the devourer eats regularly down, 

 generally commencing at the eyes, the unfortunate fly struggling to the last bit of 

 muscle he has left ; the fly's legs are always devoured, his wings but rarely. The 

 Mantis when hungry would catch and eat portions of ' bluebottles,' but generally 

 dropped it half-devoured, and always if I introduced an ordinary fly. One very large 

 Musca vomitoria that the Mantis attacked, after she had just finished a nest, actually 

 dragged the Mantis round the box, she devouring the back of its thorax all the time ! 

 These remarks may probably have nothing but their accuracy to recommend 

 them." 



