The folluwing pajjer wuh presented for publication in the Proceedings, 

 entitled '' On the Cynipidje of the North American Oaks and their G-alls.- 

 by Baron R. Osten Sacken. 



And was referred to a Committee. 



Observations on the Habits of some Coleopterous Larvae and Fupas. 

 BY GEORGE H. HORN. 



Fornax b a d i u s ,{3fels.) — Numerous specimens of the larv?e and pupae 

 of this insect were taken by me during the month of June. It lives in 

 the stumps of Oak trees which are undergoing a state of dry decay. 



The larvae are very curious in their general appearance. Both ex- 

 tremities are very much flattened. The anterior is also obtusely pointed, 

 while the posterior extremity is broadly dilated. When about to assume 

 th3 pupa, it becomes doubled upon itself, becoming U-shaped. The lar- 

 va skin splits opposite thoracic portion of the pupa, and the pupa com- 

 mences to contract. The pupa measures in length about three-eights of 

 an inch while the larva is fully one inch long. It remains in pupa two 

 weeks. This insect like the genuine Elateridse, has the power of leaping 

 when placed on its back, it also makes the peculiar clicking sound when 

 the abdomen is held between the fingers. 



My first specimens of this interesting larva were received from my 

 friend Mr. W. M. Gabb, to whom I am indebted for many interesting 

 specimens and much valuable information. 



Orthostethus infuscatus, ( Germ.^ — I found the pupa of this insect 

 in the centre of a large decaying Chestnut log. Owing to some misman- 

 agement, I was unable to rear the specimen. Hence its periods have 

 not been observed. 



Parandra brunnea, {Fahr.) — The larvae of this insect may be seen 

 in almost every locality in which decaying wood may be found. It ap- 

 pears to prefer Beech wood, at least I have always found greater num- 

 bers in that particular kind of wood. The larvas are at first very much 

 elongated, the head and thoracic segment being broad and flattened. 



It finally contracts to about one half its former length, and becomes 

 thicker. As pupa it exists about two weeks. 



Goes pulverulenta, (Ilald.) — This insect is very destructive to 

 living Beech trees. It bores into those branches which are about three 



