The Life of the Grasshopper 



Empusa is a peaceful creature that hardly 

 repays the trouble of rearing. 



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 abstemious 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 neighbours 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 enterprising and assiduous and is sub- 

 jected 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, 

 respected by his bride, and does his little bit 

 206' 



