CHAPTER XII.
THE SISYPHUS BEETLE .-- THE INSTINCT OF PATERNITY The duties of paternity are seldom imposed on any but the higher animals.

They are most notable in the bird; and the furry peoples acquit themselves honourably.

Lower in the scale we find in the father a general indifference as to the fate of the family.

Very few insects form exceptions to this rule.

Although all are imbued with a mating instinct that is almost frenzied, nearly all, when the passion of the moment is appeased, terminate then and there their domestic relations, and withdraw, indifferent to the brood, which has to look after itself as best it may.
This paternal coldness, which would be odious in the higher walks of animal life, where the weakness of the young demands prolonged assistance, has in the insect world the excuse that the new-born young are comparatively robust, and are able, without help, to fill their mouths and stomachs, provided they find themselves in propitious surroundings.