COLEOPTEKA — BEETLES. 233 



also, that in consequence of a knowledge of natural 

 science not having heen very generally diffused, the 

 names of the Fire-fly and Glow-worm have, in 

 translations from the classics, heen confused in a 

 somewhat similar manner. 



M. Desmarest was the first to observe the 

 method pursued by the larvao of our pretty Tiger 

 Beetles for capturing their prey. The larva, as 

 described by that expert entomologist, makes a 

 deep hole in the sandy soil, and by means of certain 

 hook-like appendages with which it is furnished, is 

 enabled to hold itself at the top of the hole, making 

 its own broad flat head form a kind of trap-door to 

 the treacherous oubliette. No sooner does some 

 unwary insect attempt to pass over this seeming 

 level surface, than it sinks beneath him, and he 

 falls Avith his captor to the bottom of the horrible 

 pit, where he is remorselessly devoured. 



If any very sensitive young lady should establish 

 an Insect Home, she will perhaps do well not to 

 attempt to rear a brood of larva3 of Ctcinclelidce, as 

 she might be shocked at this treacherous and some- 

 what savage proceeding. But, for the comfort of 

 those who would, but for a painful sympathy in the 

 fate of the unwary traveller thus entrapped on liis 

 way, wish to keep the pretty Cicindelidce, I may 



