THE ANT-LION. 



379 



more properly, the acid juice of the ants it preys on. The snare 

 or pitfall of the ant-lion consists of a funnel-shaped excavation, 

 scooped out of sand, in size varied, but most often of about 

 three inches diameter by two deep. In the bottom of this den 

 the cunning creature awaits its prey ; and, not content with the 

 screen afforded by its encircling walls of sand, is accustomed to 

 conceal its whole body within a deep bed of the same material, 

 leaving only its formidable jaws above the surface. When an 

 unfortunate ant happens, by treading too near this terrible trap, 

 to dislodge from its edge a few particles of sand, these in 

 rolling to the bottom apprise the lurker of its victim's proximity. 

 Then, forthwith, more active measures are adopted to ensure 

 the latter's downfall, its concealed enemy beginning to toss up, 

 by repeated jerkings of its head, successive showers of sand, 

 whereby the busy little traveller is sure, almost, to be precipi- 

 tated into the pit and jaws of its wily destroyer. When its 

 juices are all extracted, the carcase of the victimized insect is 

 thrown out of the murderer's den. 



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