INSECTA — COCKCHAFER. 825 



dust, which easily comes off. In some years their necks are seen covered 

 with a red plate, and in others with a black ; these, however, are distinct 

 sorts, and their difference is by no means accidental. The fore legs are 

 very short, and the better calculated for burrowing in the ground, where 

 this insect makes its retreat. It is well known to children by its evening 

 buzz ; but still more formidably introduced to the acquaintance of hus- 

 bandmen and gardeners; for in some seasons it has been found to swarm in 

 such numbers as to eat up every vegetable production. 



The two sexes in the cockchafer are easily distinguished from each other 

 by the superior length of the tufts, at the end of the horns, in the male. 



In about three months after the eggs have been deposited in the earth, the 

 contained insect begins to break its shell, and a small grub or maggot crawls 

 forth, and feeds upon the roots of whatever vegetable it happens to be near- 

 est. All substances of this kind seem equally grateful; yet it is probable 

 the mother insect has a choice among what kind of vegetables she shall 

 deposit her young. In this manner these voracious creatures continue in 

 the worm state for more than three years, devouring the roots of every plant 

 they approach, and making their way under ground in quest of food with 

 great despatch and facility. They thus become one of the greatest nuisances 

 of the farmer; as, when numerous, they will destroy whole fields of grass. 

 At length, they grow to above the size of a walnut, being a great, thick, white 

 maggot with a red head, which is seen most frequently in new turned 

 earth, and which is so eagerly sought after by birds of every species. 



When largest, they are found an inch and a half long, of a whitish yellow 

 color, with a body consisting of twelve segments or joints, on each side of 

 which there are nine breathing holes, and three red feet. The head is large 

 in proportion to the body, of a reddish color, with a pincer before, and a 

 semicircular lip, with which it cuts the roots of plants, and sucks out 

 their moisture. As this insect lives entirely under ground, it has no occa 

 sion for eyes, and accordingly it is found to have none, but is furnisheu 

 with two feelers, which, like the crutch of a blind man, serve to direct its 

 motions. Such is the form of this animal, that lives for years in the worm 

 state under ground, still voracious, and every year changing its skin. 



It is not till the end of the fourth year that this extraordinary insect pre 

 pares to emerge from its subterraneous abode; and even this is not effected 

 but by a tedious preparation. 



Wherever an attentive observer then walks abroad, he will see them 

 bursting up before him in his pathway, like ghosts on a theatre. He will 

 see every part of the earth, that had its surface beaten into hardness, perfo- 

 rated by their egression. When the season is favorable for them, they are 

 seen by thousands, buzzing along, hitting against every object that inter- 

 cepts their light. The mid-day sun, however, seems too powerful for their 

 constitutions; they then lurk under the leaves and branches of some shady 

 tree ; but the willow seems particularly their most favorite food; there they 

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