More Beetles 



herd Is completely exterminated. Nothing 

 remains but shapeless lumps, which arc 

 carried hither and thither to be consumed 

 under the shelter of the board. The well- 

 provided Beetle decamps, with his booty in 

 his teeth, anxious to feast in peace. He is 

 met by companions who, enticed by the mor- 

 sel danghng from the fugitive's jaws, turn 

 highwaymen. First two, then three try to 

 rob the lawful owner. Each grabs the frag- 

 ment, tugs at it, proceeds to swallow it with- 

 out serious dispute. There Is no actual bat- 

 tle, no exchange of bites as with Dogs dis- 

 puting a bone. Everything Is confined to 

 attempts at theft. If the owner retains his 

 hold, they all eat peacefully in common, man- 

 dibles touching mandibles, until the piece Is 

 torn apart and each retires with his shred. 



The Pine Processionary, seasoned with 

 that stinging poison which, during my earlier 

 Investigations, brought out such a violent 

 rash upon my skin, must be a very pungent 

 dish. My CarabI thoroughly enjoy It. The 

 more processions I provide, the more they 

 consume. The fare Is highly appreciated. 

 Nevertheless, no one, so far as I know, has 

 ever met the Gold Beetle or her larva in the 

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