LE eee, em” 





COLEOPTERA. 493 
and descending its vertical hole, like a sweep in a chimney. 
This hole (Fig. 531) is a foot or more deep. To dig it, the 
larva employs its mandibles and its legs in the following 
manner: it twists itself round, loads with earth the flat surface 

Upper-side. ‘ Under-side. 
Figs. 532, 533.—Pupa of a Cicindela, 
_ which covers its head, climbs along the chimney by twisting itself 
into the form of the letter Z, and thus transports its load, as a 
bricklayer’s labourer carries a hod of mortar up a ladder. Arrived 
_at the mouth of the hole, it throws to a distance the rubbish with 

Fig. 584.—Megacephala Klugii. Fig, 555.—Megacephala oxychiloides. 
which its head is loaded; or if too heavy, it simply deposits 
it, pushing it away as far as possible. It is difficult to watch 
their proceedings; for they are very mistrustful, and retire im- 
mediately into their hole when alarmed. They remain in ambush 
at the entrances of these subterranean passages, which they 










