THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



99 



subquadrangular with prominent anterior .and; posterior angles making it 

 appear constricted in the middle, it is channelled with an irregular discoidal 

 impression on each side; a few large dusky punctures are observable 

 where the channel terminates ; elytra with ten equidistant rows of large 

 punctures which converge at the apex ; besides these there is an abbrevi- 

 ated row at the base next the suture, as in many Harpalida, &c, the apex 

 of the elytra, terminates in- two teeth or spines; the inner one short and 

 dentiform, the outer one long and spiniform ; legs and anal portion of the 

 abdomen yellow, the former with all their articulations dusky at the 

 extremity. . j ': 



The sculpture of the elytra in this species much resembles that of 

 another aquatic genus Haliplus, Lat. 



Fig. 15. 



ON SOME OF OUR COMMON INSECTS. 

 5. THE GRAPE VINE PLUME.— Pterophorus pcriscdidactylus. 



BY W. SAUNDERS, LONDON, ONTARIO. 



During the latter part of this month and early in June those who have 

 grape vines under their charge are often annoyed at finding the terminal 



leaves of the young and tender branches tied 

 by means of silken threads into a sort of 

 ball shaped mass, and within the hollow 

 sphere thus formed is found a small whitish 

 hairy caterpillar, which feasts on the tender 

 leaves and young blossom bunches. Usually 

 but a single occupant is found in each en- 

 closure, but occasionally we have found two, 

 and, in one instance, three. 



The very young larva is said to be smooth, 

 or nearly so, the hairiness becoming more 

 perceptible after each moult. 



In fig. 15 this larva is represented nearly 

 full grown at a. It is then about half an inch 

 long with a small yellowish green head, with 

 a. band of black across the front, and a 

 yellowish green body, with transverse rows 

 of dull yellow tubercles from each of which arises a small tuft of white 



