LOCUSTS AND GRASSHOPPERS (ACRIDIIDM). 129 



Invertebrate Enemies. 



Insect and other minute enemies and parasites aid 

 very materially in this destructive work. Many of the 

 larger species of Ground beetles (Carabidae) are most 

 active pursuers and devourers of the locust. The swift- 

 running and flying Tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) have pre- 

 daceous habits and similar tastes. One would hardly 

 imagine that their stationary larvae, living within cylin- 

 drical holes, and entrapping any unwary insects that may 

 chance to come within reach of their formidable jaws, 

 could succeed with such an active creature as the locust. 

 Yet the young locusts fall victims to the larvae ; they 

 are dragged to the bottom of the burrow, and devoured. 

 Asilus flies are also particularly fond of them, pouncing 

 upon and carrying them off to some nook where, unmo- 

 lested, they can suck their juices. Digger Wasps catch 

 them and paralyze them with their sting, and drag them 

 into the holes they have dug in the soil, which are thus 

 provisioned with food for the subsequent use of their 

 larvae. Scorpions make away with large numbers both 

 of the " Voetgangers " and adults. They hunt by stealth ; 

 and on hot, sunny days, when the locusts are feeding, lie 

 in wait and spring upon their prey, after which it is con- 

 veyed to their dwelling-places beneath the rocks. Trap- 

 door spiders, when a swarm passes by, will suddenly 



