CHAPTER VIII 



THE BROAD-NECKED SCARAB; THE 

 GYMNOPLEURI 



WHAT we have learnt from the Sacred 

 Beetle must not lead us into rash 

 generalizations and make us attribute it in 

 of the essential theme are possible and are 

 the same family. Similarity of structure 

 does not entail similarity of instincts. A 

 common basis no doubt exists, resulting from 

 identity of equipment; but many variations 

 of the essential theme are possible and are 

 dictated by inherent aptitudes of which the 

 insect's organization gives us no inkling. 

 In fact, the study of these variations, of 

 these peculiarities, with their hidden reasons, 

 forms the most attractive part of the 

 observer's researches as he explores his 

 corner of the entomological domain. Un- 

 sparing of time and patience, sometimes of 

 ingenuity, you have at last learnt what this 

 one does. See now what that one does, his 

 near neighbour structurally. To what 

 extent does number two repeat the habits of 

 number one? Has he ways of his own, 



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