66 THE LIFE AND LOVE OF THE INSECT 



twenty centimetres. 1 I observe a greater width, a greater 

 perfection than in the temporary abodes occupied by 

 the Copris at times of revelry. 



But let us leave the insect working in a state of liberty. 

 The evidence supplied by chance meetings would be in- 

 complete, fragmentary and disconnected. An examina- 

 tion in the volery is much to be preferred ; and the Copris 

 lends himself to this most admirably. Let us first watch 

 the storing. 



In the discreet dusk of the twilight, I see him ap- 

 pear on the threshold of his burrow. He has mounted 

 from the depths, he has come to gather his harvest. 

 He has not long to seek : the provisions are there, outside 

 the door, plentifully served and renewed by my care. 

 Timidly, prepared to retreat at the least alarm, he walks 

 up to them with a slow and measured step. The shield 

 cuts and rummages, the fore-legs extract. An armful is 

 separated from the rest, quite a modest armful, crumbling 

 to pieces. The Copris drags it backwards and dis- 

 appears underground. In less than two minutes, he is 

 back again. Never forgetting his caution, he questions 

 the neighbouring space with the outspread leaflets of 

 his antennae before crossing the threshold of his dwelling. 



A distance of two or three inches separates him from 

 the heap. It is a serious matter for him to venture so 

 far. He would have preferred the victuals exactly over 

 his door, forming a roof to the house. This would avoid 

 his having to go out, always a source of anxiety. I 

 have decided otherwise. To facilitate my observations, 

 I have placed the victuals just on one side. Little by 

 little, the alarmist grows accustomed to the open air and 

 accustomed to my presence, which, for that matter, I 

 1 About eight inches. Translator's Note. 



