Larval Dimorphism 



ing and organized for searching, a form under 

 which the grub would attain its end. The 

 Anthrax would thus possess two larval states : 

 one to penetrate to the provisions; the other to 

 consume them. I allow myself to be convinced 

 by the logic of it all; I already see in my 

 mind's eye the wee animal coming out of the 

 egg, endowed with sufficient power of motion 

 not to dread a walk and with sufficient slender- 

 ness to glide into the smallest crevices. Once in 

 the presence of the larva on which it is to feed, 

 it doffs its travelling-dress and becomes the 

 obese animal whose one duty it is to grow big 

 and fat in immobility. This is all very co- 

 herent; it is all deduced like a geometrical 

 proposition. But to the wings of imagination, 

 however smooth their flight, we must prefer 

 the sandals of observed facts, the slow sandals 

 with the leaden soles. Thus shod, I proceed. 

 Next year, I resume my investigations, this 

 time on the Anthrax of the Chalicodoma, who 

 is my neighbour in the surrounding wastelands 

 and will allow me to repeat my visits daily, 

 morning and evening if need be. Taught by 

 my earlier studies, I now know the exact 

 period of the Bee's hatching and therefore of 

 the Anthrax' laying, which must take place 

 soon after. Anthrax trifasciata settles her 



93 



