THE INSECT AS A PARENT 273 



aquarium which was trying to free itself from its load of 

 eggs, an exhibition of a lack of maternal interest not to 

 be expected in a female carrying her own eggs. Generally 

 the Zaithas are very active, darting about with great 

 rapidity ; but an egg-bearer remains quietly clinging to a 

 leaf with the end of the abdomen just out of the water. 

 If attacked, he meekly received the blows, seemingly pre- 

 ferring death, which in several cases was the result, to the 

 indignity of carrying and caring for the eggs." 



