FOOD OF INSECTS. 



365 



has with vigorous prey. The moment an insect falls into the 

 pitfall, the larva writhes itself round it like a serpent, trans- 

 fixes it with its mandibles, and sucks its juices at its ease. 

 If the insect escapes, the larva casts above it jets of sand with 

 surprising rapidity.^ 



I am, &c. 



1 Bonnet, ix. 414. De Geer, vi. 168. t. 10. 



