24 Pleocoma Behrensii. [ ZOE 
humming-birds ( Trochilus anna), however, acted quite differently. 
When the eclipse was fullest they flew about near some gum trees 
uttering a sharp, loud note of alarm somewhat different from any- 
thing I ever heard from them. When the sky grew brighter their 
manner again became normal.” 
HABITS IN THE LIFE HISTORY OF 
PLEOCOMA BEHRENSIJI. 
BY J. J. RIVERS, 
This is one of the larger species of California Scarabzeidee, belong- 
ing to the sub-family Laparosticti of the classification of N. A. 
Coleoptera. The natural history of the members of this genus of 
beetles was until recently entirely conjectural. Four species were 
identified by various authors up to 1870, but Dr. J. L. LeConte es- 
tablished the genus, and Dr. Horn in 1888 published in the Trans- 
actions of the American Entomological Society, a systematic review 
of the species, which then had increased to seven, Dr. Horn having 
added three new ones. Since this work appeared another has been 
discovered, and the female of P. conjungens has also become 
known. Of the eight species seven are Californian, one of which, 
however, extends its area into Oregon, as I learn from a label at- 
soon as the ground has become sufficiently softened by the rain the 
beetle emerges from its subterranean home. The female has but 
very rudimentary wings, measuring only a fourth of an inch, a size 
which renders impotent any attempt to raise its own body, which 
Measures one and three-quarters inches, - She therefore being apter- 
ous, simply comes to the surface and re-enters the earth in a fresh 
place. The male, however, takes wing and goes in search of the — 
