Deprived of these resources, reduced to uniformity of method, the insect would be incapable of pursuing the calling which has fallen to its lot.
We see at once how imprudent it would be to draw conclusions from an isolated case in which rational coordination or premeditated intention might appear to intervene.

Every instinctive action no doubt has its motive; but does the animal in the first place judge whether the action is opportune?
Let us begin by a careful consideration of the creature's labours; let us support each piece of evidence by others; and then we shall be able to answer the question.
First of all, a word as to diet.

A general scavenger, the Burying-beetle refuses nothing in the way of cadaveric putridity.

All is good to his senses, feathered game or furry, provided that the burden do not exceed his strength.

He exploits the batrachian or the reptile with no less animation, he accepts without hesitation extraordinary finds, probably unknown to his race, as witness a certain Gold-fish, a red Chinese Carp, whose body, placed in one of my cages, was instantly considered an excellent tit-bit and buried according to the rules.