48 WALTER N. HESS. 



and continued for a period of two or three weeks. As the eggs 

 of the females do not all ripen together, they are deposited over a 

 considerable period of time. Like the other species studied 

 the small, w r hitish eggs were deposited on the ground, at, or 

 near, the base of moss and grass. They were usually laid singly, 

 though in a few instances they were found in masses. When 

 deposited they were covered with an adhesive substance, which 

 caused them to adhere to the object on which they were placed. 

 The period of incubation occupied from eighteen to twenty-one 

 days. 



In this species, as in all the others- studied, the eggs appeared 

 very slightly luminous at the time of laying, but this faint lumin- 

 osity disappeared in about a day and there was no more light 

 emitted from the eggs until the larval light-organs became func- 

 tional shortly before hatching. 



The newly hatched larva is whitish, except for the black lateral 

 eyes and brownish mouthparts. It soon becomes pigmented, 

 appearing dull gray in color. At this stage it measures about 

 2.4 mm. 



The mature larva resembles in general shape that of the first 

 instar. It is elongate and narrow, varying from 12 to 13 mm. 

 in length. Its head is small, being about half as wide as the 

 prothorax. Like the other species studied, the head can be 

 withdrawn into the thorax. The body is widest in the region 

 of the thorax and tapers gradually posteriorly. The head is 

 black, the tergites dull gray, and the pleural regions slightly 

 pinkish. The habitat of the larva is largely subterranean, 

 though it is usually found near the surface. Its feeding habits 

 resemble very closely those of Photurus pennsylvanica. It is 

 not active during the day. 



The larvae were not reared from eggs to adults, yet while 

 collecting these insects each spring, larvae of two sizes were found : 

 some that were mature and others that were about half as large, 

 indicating that the insect, probably, has a two-year life cycle. 



Pupation usually takes place near the surface, although it 

 sometimes occurs under stones. The pupal period is rather 

 brief, taking from nine to twelve days. The pupa assumes an 

 arcuate position, lying on its back within the pupal cell. It 



