COLEOPTEEA. 



493 



and descending its vertical hole, like a sweep in a chimney. 

 This hole (Fig. 531) is a foot or more deep. To dig it, the 

 larva employs its mandibles and its legs in the following 

 manner : it twists itself round, loads with earth the flat surface 



Upper-side. 



Under-side . 



Figs. 532, 533. Pupa of a Cicindela, 



which covers its head, climbs along the chimney by twisting itself 

 into the form of the letter Z, and thus transports its load, as a 

 bricklayer's labourer carries a hod of mortar up a ladder. Arrived 

 at the mouth of the hole, it throws to a distance the rubbish with 



Fig. 534. Megacephala Klugii. Fig. 535. Megacephala oxychiloides. 



which its head is loaded; or if too heavy, it simply deposits 

 it, pushing it away as far as possible. It is difficult to watch 

 their proceedings ; for they are very mistrustful, and retire im- 

 mediately into their hole when alarmed. They remain in ambush 

 at the entrances of these subterranean passages, which they 



