ANT-LION. 289 



and the larvae or grubs, which issue from them, are a 

 favourite food of many kinds of fresh-water fish. The 

 perfect insects generally make their appearance about 

 the beginning of June, and are frequently to be seen 

 in the neighbourhood of the places which produced them, 

 in the act of diverting themselves by flying about, 

 ascending and descending with a kind of dancing motion 

 in the air. In some parts of the continent May Flies are 

 in such immense abundance, that their larvae are taken 

 out of the water in sufficient quantity to be employed as 

 manure. 



14. MYRMELEON OR ANT-EATER TRIBE. 



Both in their larva and perfect state, these insects feed 

 on ants and other insects. None of the species have 

 hitherto been found in England. 



Ant-lion. The larva or grub of the Ant-lion walks 

 backward, and, with its abdomen and legs, forms a 

 large, circular, and funnel-shaped cavity, in dry sandy 

 places, at the bottom of which it conceals itself and 

 lives. In this situation it waits patiently for its prey. 

 If an ant or any other small insect happen to run over 

 the edge, the sand gives way, and the Ant-lion, thus 

 having notice of its presence, immediately throws up, 

 by whirling about its horns, a quantity of sand, which 

 generally overwhelms and brings the unfortunate insect 

 to the bottom, and into the jaws of its foe. When the 

 Ant-lion has attained its full growth, it spins a globular 

 case or web, under the protection of which it undergoes 

 its final change. 



o 



