The total number of chambers varying from thirty to forty, it follows that the Cigale lays from three to four hundred eggs.

Reaumur arrived at the same figures from an examination of the ovaries.
This is truly a fine family, capable by sheer force of numbers of surviving the most serious dangers.

I do not see that the adult Cigale is exposed to greater dangers than any other insect: its eye is vigilant, its departure sudden, and its flight rapid; and it inhabits heights at which the prowling brigands of the turf are not to be feared.
The sparrow, it is true, will greedily devour it.

From time to time he will deliberately and meditatively descend upon the plane-trees from the neighbouring roof and snatch up the singer, who squeaks despairingly.

A few blows of the beak and the Cigale is cut into quarters, delicious morsels for the nestlings.