MECOXEMA THALASSINUM. 191 



11J11 G. T. Lyle, while " sugaring' in the New Forest 

 at 6,45 p.m. noticed a Meconema thalassinum ovipositing 

 in the chinks of the bark of an oak-tree. The ovi- 

 positor was inserted to half its length. A second 

 insect was also noticed in a similar position on a 

 neighbouring tree. On visiting Holland's Wood a 

 nio'ht or two afterwards the grasshoppers could be 

 found ovipositing on every fifth or sixth tree. This 

 plenty continued till 27 October, but when another 

 visit was paid to the spot on 14 November not a single 

 grasshopper could be detected. M. thalassinum is 

 frequently seen on the tree-trunks in the autumn, 

 which is clearly the normal period for egg-laying. 

 The eofo-s themselves I do not know. 



OO 



NYMPH.- -Larger nymphs resemble very closely the 

 adults, but the absence or rudimentary condition of 

 elytra and wings distinguishes them, and they could 

 scarcely be confused with any other species. 



VARIATION.- -Notwithstanding the synonym, varium, 

 by which this grasshopper was for a long time known, 

 it is not at all a variable species, either in size or 

 colouring: the original name, thalassinum, much better 

 describes the insect. 



DATE.- -This is an autumn insect in the adult form, 

 for it seems seldom, if ever, to be mature before August. 

 C. W. Dale records it " late in November' at Grlan- 

 villes Wootton. Burr says it sometimes may be taken 

 crawling up the windows inside houses, even as late 

 as November. 



HABITS.- -If. thalassinum., the " silent grasshopper 

 of the forest trees," is probably far more common 

 than is generally supposed. It lives chiefly on oaks 

 and limes, but does not confine itself to these trees ; it 

 has been found on maple, beech, and bay, and no doubt 

 chestnut and other trees are favoured also. It has 

 been bred from oak-galls- -those of Cijiups kullari Htg. 

 "\Ve may assume, I suppose, that the female when 

 ovipositing was tempted to make use of the hole by 



