122 THE LIFE OF AN INSECT. 



same family, anxious to begin his feasting for the 

 day ! So ferocious are they, that they even attack 

 small fish, and make little work of swallowing them 

 up. Not only are these creatures fierce, but they 

 also possess all the cunning of a tiger or a cat. To 

 watch them seize their prey is an interesting occu- 

 pation, and as the larvae are common enough, and 

 may be easily recognised by comparing them with 

 the accompanying cut, we may venture to recom- 

 mend the amusement of observing their proceedings 

 to the reader. A little way off lies an unsus- 

 pecting insect delighting in the warm sunshine, 

 and securely floating upon the waters on the corner 

 of a leaf. Such an idea as danger at hand is pro- 

 bably the very last from its conceptions, and 

 pluming its bright and glossy wings, it beguiles 

 away the sunny hour unmolested by a passing 

 enemy, or a breath of air. The larva has marked 

 it already for its own.^" See it rouse itself up, and 

 noiselessly make ready to pounce upon the unsus- 

 pecting lounger. It creeps stealthily along, con- 

 cealing itself from view as far as possible, and not 

 even the tell-tale glassy surface of the water feels 

 its movements. Measuring its distance well, the 

 * This scene is represented in the Frontispiece. 



