270 



INSECT LIFE. 



Another very large digger-wasp which frequently 

 attracts attention is represented by Fig. 243. This 



is the cicada- 

 killer, Spheci- 

 us speciosus 

 {Sphe'ci-usspe- 

 ci-o'sus). It is 

 black, some- 

 times of a 

 rusty color, 

 and has the 

 abdomen 

 banded with 



yellow. 



Fig. 243. — Sphecius speciosus. 



It digs burrows in the earth two feet or 

 more in depth, and provisions each with a cicada. 



The Tiger-beetles. — The tiger-beetles are long- 

 legged, agile beetles, which abound on bright, hot 

 days in dusty roads, in beaten paths, and on the 

 shores of streams. Fig. 244 represents a common 

 species. Their popular name was suggested by their 

 predaceous habits and the stripes with which many 

 species are marked. They can run swiftly and fly 

 well. When approached by a passer-by, 

 they remain quiet but alert till nearly 

 reached ; then like a flash they fly up and 

 away, but alight after going a few rods. 

 Before alighting they always turn so as to 

 face the approaching person and be able 

 to watch his movements. 



These beetles dig sloping burrows in 

 the earth into which they retreat in stormy or cold 

 weather. 



The larvae of the tiger-beetles live in vertical bur- 



FiG. 244. 



