366 MOTIONS OF INSECTS. 
with longer teeth at their extremity, for the same purpose, 
But the most remarkable burrower amongst perfect in- 
sects is that singular animal the mole-cricket (Gryllotalpa 
vulgaris, Latr.)*. This creature is endowed with won- 
derful strength, particularly in its thorax and fore legs. 
The former is a very hard and solid shell or crust, cover- 
ing like a shield the trunk of the animal; and the latter 
are uncommonly fitted for burrowing, both by their 
strength and construction. The shanks are very broad, 
and terminate obliquely in four enormous sharp teeth, 
like so many fingers: the foot consists of three jomnts— 
the two first being broad and tooth-shaped, and pointing 
in an opposite direction to the teeth of the shank; and 
the last small, and armed at the extremity with two short 
claws. This foot is placed inside the shank, so as to re- 
semble a thumb and perform the office of one‘. The di- 
rection and motion of these hands, as in moles, is out- 
wards; thus enabling the animal most effectually to re- 
move the earth when it burrows. By the help of these 
powerful instruments, it is astonishing how instantaneous- 
ly it buries itself. This creature works under ground 
like a field-mouse, raising a ridge as it goes; but it does 
not throw up heaps like its namesake the mole. They 
will in this manner undermine whole gardens; and thus 
in wet and swampy situations, in which they delight, 
they excavate their curious apartments, before described. 
—The field-cricket (Acheta campestris) is also a bur- 
rower, but by means of different instruments; for with 
its strong jaws, toothed like the claws of a lobster, but 
sharper, in heaths and other dry situations it perforates 
* Prate IT. Fic, 2. b Pirate XV, Fie. 6. a. © Vbid. 6. 
