CH. XIII. J THE ANT-LION. 



in the proper direction, and for this purpose bends it 

 from them, as in fig. 4 ; for if they took a wrong 

 fold at this moment, they would for ever retain the 

 deformity. Provision is even made to prevent the 

 wings from coming in contact with each other ; for, 

 instead of being all in the same horizontal plane, as 

 they subsequently are, they are perpendicular to the 

 insect, and thus ranged side by side. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE ANT-LION. 



OF all the creatures which secure their prey by 

 stratagem, there is perhaps none more singular in 

 its manners and habits than the ant-lion (tormica- 

 leo). It is an inhabitant of the south of Europe. 

 When full grown, its length is about half an inch : 

 and in form it in some degree resembles a wood- 

 louse ; it has six legs, and the mouth is furnished 

 with a forceps, consisting of two jaws curving in- 

 wardly, which give it a very formidable appearance. 



