REAUMUR'S ACCOUNT 95 



sudden jerk. When about to construct a trap 

 the larva does not commence at the centre, 

 but makes first a circular groove of the full 

 circumference of the future pit. Burying its 

 abdomen in the surface of the earth, the 

 insect collects on its head, by means of the 

 front leg, the sand from the side which is 

 nearest to the centre, and then jerks the sand 

 to a distance. By making a second circuit 

 within the first one, and then another, the 

 soil is gradually removed, and a conical pit is 

 formed, at the bottom of which the Ant-lion 

 lurks, burying its body, but leaving its for- 

 midable mandibles widely extended and pro- 

 jecting from the sand. In this position the 

 young Ant-lion waits patiently till some wander- 

 ing insect trespasses on its domains. An ant 

 or fly coming over the edge of the pitfall 

 finds the sand of the sloping sides yielding 

 beneath its body, and in its efforts to secure 

 itself probably dislodges some more of the 

 sand, which, descending to the bottom of the 

 pit, brings the lurking " lion " into activity. 

 Availing himself of his power of throwing sand 



