TRUE TALES OF THE INSECTS 



C URSO RI A. 

 CHAPTER I. 



THE DEVIL'S RIDING-HORSE 



FlG. i. Harpax tricolor and 

 Pseudocreobotra . 



The Devotional Attitude. 



PROBABLY no other insects are surrounded with such a 

 halo of legend and superstition, none have acquired the 

 same reputation for wisdom and saintliness, as those 

 technically known as the Mantidse. The character they 

 bear is one of long standing, and almost world-wide 



