of the sun's rays might
endanger the existence of the delicate germs. They want dark hiding
places. The favorite spot is the lower side of the dead animal, when
this is accessible.

In the present case, the only place of access is the fold formed by the
edge of the belly. It is here and here alone that this day's mothers
are laying. There are eight of them. After exploring the piece and
recognizing its good quality, they disappear under the arch, first this
one, then that, or else several at a time. They remain under the Mole
for a considerable while. Those outside wait, but go repeatedly to the
threshold of the cavern to take a look at what is happening within and
see whether the earlier ones have finished. These come out at last,
perch on the animal and wait in their turn. Others at once take their
place in the recesses of the cave. They remain there for some time and
then, having done their business, make room for more mothers and come
forth into the sunlight. This going in and out continues throughout the
morning.

We thus learn that the laying is effected by periodical emissions,
broken with intervals of rest. As long as she does not feel ripe eggs
coming to her oviduct, the greenbottle remains in the sun, hovering to
and fro and sipping modest mouthfuls from the carcass. But, as soon as a
fresh stream descends from her ovaries, quick as lightning she makes for
a propitious site whereon to deposit her burden. It appears to be the
work of several days thus to divide the total laying and to distribute
it at different points.

I carefully raise the animal under which these things are happening.
The egg laying mothers do not disturb themselves; they are far too busy.
Their ovipositor extended telescope fashion, they heap egg upon egg.
With the point of their hesitating, groping instrument, they try to
lodge each germ, as it comes, farther into the mass. Around the serious,
red-eyed matrons, the Ants circle, intent on pillage. Many of them make
off with a greenbottle egg between their teeth. I see some who, greatly
daring, effect their theft under the ovipositor itself. The layers do
not put themselves out, let the ants have their way, remain impassive.
They know their womb to be rich enough to make good any such larceny.

Indeed, what escapes the depredations of the ants promises a plenteous
brood. Let us come back a few days later and lift the mole again.
Underneath, in a pool of sanies, is a surging mass of swarm