The Burying-Beetles: The Burial 



the general rule among insects, which pester 

 the mother for a moment with their atten- 

 tions and then leave her to care for the off- 

 spring! But those who would be idlers in 

 the other castes here labour valiantly, now 

 in the interest of their own family, now in 

 that of another's, without distinction. If a 

 couple is in difficulties, helpers arrive, at- 

 tracted by the odour of carrion; anxious to 

 serve a lady, they creep under the body, 

 work at it with back and claw, bury it and 

 then go their ways, leaving the master and 

 mistress of the house to their happiness. 



For some time longer these two manipu- 

 late the morsel in concert, stripping it of fur 

 or feather, trussing it and allowing it to sim- 

 mer to the grub's taste. When everything is 

 in order, the couple go forth, dissolving their 

 partnership; and each, following his fancy, 

 begins again elsewhere, even if only as a mere 

 auxiliary. 



Twice and no oftener hitherto have I 

 found the father preoccupied by the future 

 of his sons and labouring in order to leave 

 them rich: it happens with certain dung- 

 workers and with the Necrophori, who bury 

 dead bodies. Scavengers and undertakers 

 both have exemplary morals. Who would 

 look for virtue in such a quarter? 

 311 



