Page 88 - Devotion Among Animals Revealing the Work of God

DEVOTION AMONG ANIMALS

back. As far as we know, the young do not feed during all this time.
A different species of wolf spider removes the cocoon from her
body in June or July, when the eggs are about to hatch. She then spins
a tent over it and guards it. After hatching, the young remain in this
tent, shedding their skin twice until they are fully developed. Then
they disperse. 77
How can an invertebrate like a spider show loyalty, interest,
compassion and patience? This question provides food for thought.

Insects Caring for their Eggs
Water bugs face a real dilemma. If they deposit their eggs above
water, they will dry up; if they lay them in the water, their grubs will
drown when they emerge from the eggs. The male bugs shoulder the
responsibility of keeping the eggs laid above water, moist and venti-
lated.
The female giant water bug, Lethocerus, lays her eggs on a branch
afloat on the water. The male bug dives into the water frequently and
then climbs up on the branch where he lets water drip on the eggs
and also keeps predatory insects away.

This bug from Australia protects its eggs carefully, hanging them on the
branch of a tree and never leaving them unattended.

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