THE EMPUSA 41 



Installed under the gauze bell, whether in assemblies 

 of half a dozen or in separate couples, she at no time 

 loses her placidity. Like the larva, she is very abstemi- 

 ous and contents herself with a Fly or two as her daily 

 ration. 



Big eaters are naturally quarrelsome. The Mantis, 

 bloated with Locusts, soon becomes irritated and shows 

 fight. The Empusa, with her frugal meals, does not in- 

 dulge in hostile demonstrations. There is no strife 

 among neighbors nor any of those sudden unfurlings of 

 the wings so dear to the Mantis when she assumes the 

 spectral attitude and puffs like a startled Adder; never 

 the least inclination for those cannibal banquets whereat 

 the sister who has been worsted in the fight is devoured. 

 Such atrocities are here unknown. 



Unknown also are tragic nuptials. The male is enter- 

 prising and assiduous and is subjected to a long trial 

 before succeeding. For days and days he worries his 

 mate, who ends by yielding. Due decorum is preserved 

 after the wedding. The feathered groom retires, re- 

 spected by his bride, and does his little bit of hunting, 

 without danger of being apprehended and gobbled up. 



The two sexes live together in peace and mutual in- 

 difference until the middle of July. Then the male, 

 grown old and decrepit, takes counsel with himself, hunts 

 no more, becomes shaky in his walk, creeps down from 

 the lofty heights of the trellised dome and at last col- 

 lapses on the ground. His end comes by a natural death. 

 And remember that the other, the male of the Praying 

 Mantis, ends in the stomach of his gluttonous spouse. 



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