SELF-DENIAL OF THE SPANISH COPRIS 



shells, and come to the surface in time to enjoy the last 

 fine weather of the year. 



The newly released Copris family, accompanied by 

 their mother, gradually emerge from underground. 

 There are three or four of them, five at most. The 

 sons are easily recognised by the greater length of their 

 horns; but there is nothing to distinguish the daughters 

 from the mother. For that matter, the same confusion 

 exists among themselves. An abrupt change has taken 

 place. The mother whose devotion was lately so remark- 

 able is now utterly indifferent to the welfare of her 

 family. Henceforward each looks after his own home 

 and his own interests. They no longer have anything 

 to do with one another. 



The present indifference of the mother Beetle must 

 not make us forget the wonderful care she has lavished 

 for four months on end. Except among the Bees, 

 Wasps, and Ants, who spoon-feed their young and bring 

 them up with every attention to their health, I know of 

 no other such case of maternal self-denial. Alone and 

 unaided she provides each of her children with a cake of 

 food, whose crust she constantly repairs, so that it be- 

 comes the safest of cradles. So intense is her affection 

 that she loses all desire and need of food. In the dark- 

 ness of the burrow she watches over her brood for four 



