The Ant-Lion. 227 



species of grubs which construct pitfalls for the express 

 purpose of traps. Among these is the larva of a fly (Rhagio 

 vermileo), not unlike the common flesh maggot. The den 

 which it constructs is in the form of a funnel, the sides of 

 which are composed of sand or loose earth. It forms this 

 pitfall of considerable depth, by throwing out the earth 

 obliquely on all sides ; and when its trap is finished, it 

 stretches itself along the bottom, remain ing stiff and motion- 

 less, like a piece of wood. The last segment of the body is 

 bent at an angle with the rest, so as to form a strong 

 point of support in the struggles which it must often have to 

 encounter with vigorous prey. The instant that an insect 

 tumbles into the pitfall, the grub pounces upon it, writhes 

 itself round it like a serpent, transfixes it with its jaws, and 

 sucks its juices at its ease. Should the prey by any chance 

 escape, the grub hurls up jets of sand and earth, with 

 astonishing rapidity and force, and not unfrequently suc- 

 ceeds in again precipitating it to the bottom of its trap. 



THE ANT-LION. 



The observations of the continental naturalists have made 

 known to us a pitfall constructed by an insect, the details of 

 whose operations are exceedingly curious ; we refer to the 

 grub of the ant-lion (Myrmeleon formicarius), which, though 

 marked by Dr. Turton and Mr. Stewart as British, has not 

 (at least of late years) been found in this country. As it is 

 not, however, uncommon in France and Switzerland, it is pro- 

 bable it may yet be discovered in some spot hitherto unex- 

 plored, and if so, it will well reward the search of the curious. 



The ant-lion grub being of a grey colour, and having its 

 body composed of rings, is not unlike a wood-louse (Oniscus), 

 though it is larger, more triangular, has only six legs, and 

 most formidable jaws, in form of a reaping-hook, or a pair of 

 calliper compasses. These jaws, however, are not for masti- 

 cating, but are perforated and tubular, for the purpose of 

 sucking the juices of ants, upon which it feeds. Vallisnieri 

 was therefore mistaken, as Reaumur well remarks, when he 



