THE HOUSE CRICKET 



better-known fur-clad mammal (the Mole), namely, for 

 burrowing. This species is largely carnivorous. The 

 curious clicking, or chirping, noise made by the familiar 

 House Cricket (Gry litis domesticus) , is caused by the 

 male rubbing one wing over the other in the same way 

 as its cousin, the Grasshopper. It is said to be a signal 

 to the female. When at rest, the wings are held in a 

 horizontal position, and protrude beyond the body in 

 the male. On the end of the female's body there is 

 an ovipositor, with which a hole is drilled, and then an 

 egg is laid. This happens about midsummer, and 

 as many as 200 to 300 eggs are deposited by one female. 

 The succeeding Winter is passed in the larval state, 

 the adult form not being attained until the first year's 

 birthday. Where there are fires in old buildings and 

 other places the House Cricket delights to dwell, and 

 the manner in which it contrives to get behind walls, 

 skirting, and similar retreats is remarkable to notice. 

 New houses are not exempt from its presence, and 

 whilst its curious love-song does not recommend itself 

 to some listeners, by others it is regarded with even 

 veneration, and evidently Leigh Hunt was impressed 

 with it, for in his lines to " The Grasshopper and The 

 Cricket," he writes : — 

 ** O sweet and tiny cousins that belong, 



One to the fields, the other to the hearth, 

 Both have your sunshine ; both though small are strong, 

 To sing in thoughtful ears this natural song — 



Indoors and out, Summer and Winter, mirth." 



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