FORMICA LEO. 1^3 
head and jointed neck, tosses up the 
Stiiid in such quantities on the little 
struggler, as at length to overpower and 
bring it within reach of his forceps, 
Lucy, Are any of these surprising 
creatures to be found near this, mamma ? 
Mother, No, my dear, they are not 
natives of England ; but in Germany and 
Italy, and in the sandy parts of France, 
they are very common. 
After every meal they repair the funnel, 
and again retire in hopes of fresh vic- 
tims. 
Lucy, Does this treacherous animal 
continue long in the larva state ? 
Mother. About two years ; during 
which time it destroys a multitude of 
small insects : but ants being its favourite 
food, the neighbourhood of an ant hill is 
generally chosen for the place of its 
.snaie. 
Lucy, I do not understand how it 
can dig a funnel-shaped hole with its 
pincers, 
K 
