Then follows the battle for the right of possession.

Man raises armies; to defend his harvests, his granaries, and his cellars, he resorts to warfare.

When shall we see the end of it?
Alas, and many times alas! As long as there are wolves in the world there must be watch-dogs to defend the flock.
This train of thought has led us far away from our beetles.

Let us return to them.

What was my motive in provoking the massacre of this peaceful procession of caterpillars who were on the point of self-burial when I gave them over to the butchers?
Was it to enjoy the spectacle of a frenzied massacre?
By no means; I have always pitied the sufferings of animals, and the smallest life is worthy of respect.