192 NEUROPTERA. 
side. There it patiently remains till 
some unsuspicious ant, or spider, or even 
a weaker individual of its own species, 
happens to mount the raised rim ; the 
loose sand then gives way, and the un- 
wary victim slips in between the formica 
leo's pincers, by which it is instantly 
seized and pierced. Nor is it loosened 
from the grasp till all the juices are sucked 
out, and that so completely, that the dead 
carcase may be rubbed to a dry powder 
between the fingers. 
Lucy, But if it catches many, the dead 
bodies must soon fill up the pit. 
Mother, It never allows them to re- 
main there, but with its strong horns 
throws them out far beyond the sur- 
rounding rim. 
Lucy, If the ant or spider should not 
tumble quite in, how then can the formica 
leo catch it ? 
Mother, If once the poor traveller 
ascends the rim its fate is certain ; for if 
k should not fall sufficiently low at first, 
the formica leo, by means of his flat 
