The position adopted by the young Empusae in the wire-gauze cage is invariably the same from start to finish.

Gripping the trellis-work by the claws of its four hind-legs, the insect occupies the top of the dome and hangs motionless, back downwards, with the whole of its body supported by the four suspension-points.

If it wishes to move, the front harpoons open, stretch out, grasp a mesh and draw it to them.

When the short walk is over, the lethal arms are brought back against the chest.

One may say that it is nearly always the four hind-shanks which alone support the suspended insect.
And this reversed position, which seems to us so trying, lasts for no short while: it is prolonged, in my cages, for ten months without a break.