236 



Transactions. 



The Egg (Plate XLIV, fig. 1; text -figs. 1, 2). — Average length. 

 1-5 mm. It is long, elliptical, and pure-white, the surface rendered beauti- 

 fully punctate by the reticulation of numerous narrow ridges enclosing 

 regular hexagonal pits. The position of the micropyle was not determined. 

 The ova are deposited promiscuously or in patches on the bark or portions 

 of the trunk, and are gummed lightly by the long axis of the egg. 

 A patch of eggs may measure as much as 4 in. in diameter, and on 

 removal of the bark be visible at 15 or 20 yards distance. 



Ctenoneurus hochstetteri 



Fig. 1.- — Egg, showing sculpture. X 20. 



Fig. 2. — -Egg, showing dehiscence (sculpture omitted). 



In the laboratory eggs hatched within one month, but that this is the 

 normal period is uncertain. Individuals of most instars are found through- 

 out the season, and the relative periods of the life-cycle probably vary with 

 the time. Eggs hatch as late as April. 



^£d&- 



Ctenoneurus hochstetteri. Nymphs. 

 Second instar, just after first ecdysis. X 35. 



Fig. 3- 



Fig. 4. — An intermediate instar 



Fig. 5.— A late instar. X 8. 



X 11. 



Dehiscence of the chorion occurs along approximately two-thirds of one 

 side of the egg to one end, with one or two transverse fissures not extending 

 more than half-way round the egg. Hatching is accompanied by some 

 difficulty, the young nymph carrying the egg-shell for as long as three to 

 six days. The edges of the shell fit round the first segments of the abdomen. 

 The oolemm edges project as a delicate iridescent envelope. 



