164 STAG-BEETLE. 



CHAPTER IX. 



STAG-BEETLE — MUSK-BEETLE — TIGER-BEETLE — COCK-TAIL — VARI- 

 OUS BURTING-BEETLES— ROSE- BEETLE — GLOW-WORM — GROUND 

 AND SUN-BEETLES, ETC.— HUMBLE-BEES, HORNETS AND THEIR 

 ALLIES — DRAGON-FLIES — CADDIS- FLY — WATER BOATMAN — 

 CUCKOO-SPIT — HOPPERS, EARWIG, AND LACE-FLY. 



Of the remaining objects, only a very brief descrip- 

 tion can be given. Enough, however, will be said 

 to assist the observer in identifying the object, and 

 to serve as a guide to its locality and manners. "We 

 will first take the beetles ; and as the largest is the 

 most conspicuous, the great Stag-beetle shall have 

 the precedence. 



This insect (plate E, fig. 5) is quite unmistak- 

 able ; and, from its very ferocious aspect, would 

 deter many from touching it. But it is very lamb- 

 like in disposition, and sometimes as playful as a 

 lamb. Its numerous jaws can certainly pinch with 

 much violence ; but are not used for the purpose of 

 killing other creatures, as might be supposed. 



The food of the stag-beetle is simply the juices of 

 plants, which it sweeps up with that little brush- 

 like organ that may be seen in the very centre of 

 the jaws. In winter it buries itself in the ground, 



