94 ROUND THE YEAR 



the males. Newport tells us that the males are 

 exceedingly pugnacious, and often fight, depriving 

 each other of one of the antennae. The unwieldy 

 form of the female, the inky purple colour, and the 

 sluggish gait have something unpleasant about them, 

 and few would care to handle the insect. Those who 

 do so find that it sweats from every joint drops of 

 yellow fluid, probably acrid. As if aware of its ill- 



FIG. 35. Pseudo-chrysalis (inactive larva) and pupa of Oil-beetle (Meloe). After 

 Newport. 



taste, the Beetle creeps leisurely about in full sun- 

 light, as fearless and as conspicuous as a Skunk. 

 What a variety of experiences it has gone through ! 

 It has lived three lives, each requiring its own 

 instincts and a distinct bodily structure, when its last 

 packet of eggs is laid and the curious history of greed 

 and cunning comes to an end. 



Such is the account which Newport was able to 

 give. We shall see that it does not by any means 



