324 ptilota: physiology and 



Neverthelesss the antennae and rostrum are similar to 

 those of the perfect insect, and enable us to decide what it 

 really is ; moreover, on touching it with the point of a pencil, 

 its coat falls off at once, which, however, the insect soon 

 again renews. In this dress it is enabled to approach its 

 prey without their being alarmed at its coming. 



There are, however, three species of insects belonging to 

 as many distinct orders, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Neuroptera, 

 which in their larva state exhibit a greater degree of instinct 

 than any of the preceding, by the construction of pitfalls, 

 in which they lay in wait for every stray insect which may 

 be hapless enough to come within their reach. The burrow 

 of the larva of the tiger-beetle (Cicindela,) consists of a 

 long and tubular passage, at the mouth of which the 

 voracious larva stations itself, its head just fitting the 

 opening of this retreat, with its jaws expanded, ready to seize 

 on every passing insect. The two other species referred to 

 are the ant-lion {Myrmeleon) and a fly {Rhagio vermileo). 

 These construct large funnel-shaped burrows in sandy situa- 

 tions, at the bottom of which they take their station, ready 

 to seize any ant or other insect which may chance to slip 

 down the sides. The grub of the latter lies motionless at 

 the foot of the bm-row, and, snake-like, twines itself round 

 its prey, piercing it mth its strong hooks or mandibles. But 

 the ant-lion is more wary, its form is most unprepossessing ; 



it therefore buries itself in 

 the sand at the bottom of 

 its hole, leaving only its 

 long curved jaws exposed; 

 and it has the additional 

 instinct, in case any of the 

 insects which fall dovtTi 

 the sides of its trap should endeavoiu- to escape, to bring 

 them within its reach by a shower of sand. When full 



