448 THE INSECT WORLD. 



show themselves in great quantities. And so they are called in 

 Germany Maikafer (May chafer). They are met with also in 

 June. The duration of their life as a perfect insect is six weeks. 

 They fear the heat of the day, and the bright sunshine ; so, 

 during the day, they remain hooked on to the under surface 

 of leaves. It is only early in the morning, and at sunset, that 



Fig. 432. Cockchafer (MeMontha vulgaris). 



one sees the cockchafers fluttering round the trees which they 

 frequent. They fly with rapidity, producing a monotonous sound 

 by the friction of their wings. But the cockchafer steers badly 

 when it flies. It knocks itself at each instant against obstacles 

 it meets with. It then falls heavily to the ground, and becomes 

 the plaything of children, who are constantly on the look-out 

 for them. There is a saying, " Etourdi comme un Hanneton." 



