494 



THE INSECT WOKLD. 



hermetically seal with their head and thorax. It is a species 

 of pitfall which sets itself in motion the moment any thing- 

 endeavours to pass it. The unfortunate who ventures is pre- 

 cipitated into the well, and the Cicindela forthwith devours 

 it. These habits remind one of those of the Ant-lion. When 

 the time arrives for the metamorphosis, the larva of the Cicindela 

 increases in size at the bottom of its hole, and stops up the 

 entrance with earth before changing. The pupa (Figs. 532, 533) 

 is of a pale glossy yellow, covered with small spikes. The meta- 

 morphosis takes place between August and October ; the perfect 



insect emerges in spring. 



Nearly akin to the Cicin- 

 delas are the Megacephalas 

 (Figs. 534, 535, 536), from 

 Africa and tropical America ; 

 the Manticoras (Fig. 537), 

 which are distinguished by their robust and thick- set appearance ; 



Fig. 536. Megacephala bifasciata. 



Fig. 537.-Manticora tuberculosa. Fig. 638. Pogonostoma gracilis. 



the Pogonostomas (Fig. 538), which live in Madagascar; the 



