WiREWORMS. 



87 



before assundng the beetle state ; it grew only about 2 mm. during 



six nioaths. 



The wireworms cease feeding in the fall before November 1st, 



and descend into the soil for several inches where they remain in a 



torpid condition all winter. AVith appetites sharpened by their 



long fast, they come toward the surface in the spring and do more 



damage than at any other time. 



When they become full grown, which occurs about July 1st, 



these wheat wireworms prepare for 

 pupation by forming a little earthen 

 cell in the soil, usually less than six 

 inches from the surface. The pupa is 

 of a pure white color, very soft, and 

 about one-fonrth longer than the beetle 

 which it resembles in general appear- 

 ance. The pupal stage lasts about 

 three weeks, and by September 1st all 



2o.-Th« wheat wireworm. abed j transformed to beetles. 



details of mouth parts, enlarged ; 



e, caudal segment, enlarged. rpj^^ beetles (one is showu, enlarged 



seven times, in figure 21, and natural size on the upper part of the 

 corn plant in figure 16) are of a dark brown color. They remain 

 in the little earthen cells, made by 

 the wireworms, all winter, and work 

 their way to the surface during 

 April. They fly well and can run 

 quite rapidly; when disturbed they 

 " play possum " for a time. They 

 will eat clover leaves and we saw 

 one at work on a kernel of wheat. 

 They lived but a few days after 

 emerging in our cages. When and 

 where they lay their eggs still re- 

 mains one of nature's secrets. 



2. Asajjhes decolor atus^ Say. 

 This click-beetle is widely dis- 



,•1,1 ,1 ,7 i. i. ^ 21.— Agriotes mancus. the adult, en'arged 



tributed over the northern states 7 diameters (after Forbes). 



east of the Mississippi river, and occurs in both cultivated and grass 



