282 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [April, 



All gradations are found, however, to a recessive condition in which 

 the dark markings are much reduced, the incursions of pale coloration 

 being considerable, leaving only narrow projections of the dark 

 color laterad between them. 



The large series of immature examples taken with the typical 

 series are, with few exceptions, in the instars immediately preceding 

 maturity. In these the coloration averages slightly more recessive 

 than in the adults. 



Biological Notes. — At the type locality the species was found in 

 great numbers in sandy soil. Tunnels recently made were everywhere 

 apparent. Digging into these and the flooding of such areas revealed 

 few examples, but a row of lettuce in a dying condition was inves- 

 tigated, and beneath the wilted leaves, resting on the ground at the 

 base of these plants, many specimens were found. The roots of the 

 lettuce and other garden plants, such as tomatoes and beets, were 

 found to have been extensively damaged by the present insect, in 

 many cases all but the main tap root having been completely 

 devoured. 



When disturbed individuals always sought, if possible, to escape 

 under the ground, disappearing in the sandy soil with astonishing 

 rapidity; on the surface they could run very nimbly, occasionally 

 giving a short hop, but not attempting to fly. There is no doubt, 

 however, that both this species and vicinus can fly vigorously, and 

 during migrations, which undoubtedly occur, probably resort almost 

 wholly to this method of locomotion. 



At night the rich gutteral "grrrrr" of the insect could be heard on 

 all sides, but no individuals were found on the exposed surface of 

 the ground. 



Specimens Examined: 83; 28 males, 30 females and 25 immature 

 individuals. 



Jesup, Georgia, V, 15, 1915, (H.; in burrow under board in grassy 

 field), 19; X, 1, 1910, 1 9 , [Ga. State Cln.j. 



Hebardville, Ga., V, 15, 1915, (H.; in sandy soil of garden), 19 cf , 

 18 9, type, allotype, paratypes, 13 juv.; V, 15 to 31, 1915, (Wm. 

 Walker), 7 & , 99, paratypes, 12 juv., [all Hebard Cln.]. 



White Oak, Ga., Ill, 23 and IV, 1904, (A. S. Barnwell), 2^,19, 

 [U. S. N. M. and Hebard Cln.]. 



Scapteriscus abbreviates Scudder. PI. XIV, figs. 16, 17, 18, 19. 



White Oak, Georgia, IV, 1904, (A. S. Lemon City, Florida, (E. J. Brown), 

 Barnwell), 1 tf, 1 9, [U. S. N. M. 2 juv., [U. S. N. M.]. 



and Hebard Cln.]. 



