1Q2 INTRODUCTION. 



All the species are nocturnal or semi-nocturnal in their 

 habits. In the day-time thej seek such shelter as may 

 be at hand, and retreat into dark holes and crevices, or 

 hide themselves under the fallen trunks of trees, frag- 

 ments of wood, leaves and stones, or bury themselves 

 wholly or partially in the earth. There they remain 

 inactive until evening twilight, when, except in seasons 

 of drought, they sally forth in numbers ; and in favorable 

 situations, such as ravines and low places in the forest, 

 may be seen crawhng over the surface of the ground, 

 and sometimes climbing the stalks of plants, and the 

 trunks of trees. They are probably active during the 

 whole night, during which they all seek their food, and 

 those species which are noxious to man commit their 

 depredations in the garden and orchard. At this time 

 too, their sexual meetings take place. Soon after day- 

 light, they retire to their retreats, and remain very close 

 until night approaches agaui. They also come forth 

 when the atmosphere is charged with moisture, and after 

 light showers. 



There is a difference in the places of their retreat. 

 The Limaeidce are oftenest found attached to the lower 

 surface of wood and stones lying in contact with the 

 ground, or to the damp walls of cellars, and, in the forest, 

 concealed under logs. So soon as, from the increased 

 dryness of the atmosphere, these places no longer retain 

 moisture, they abandon them for others, and in seasons 

 of drought they penetrate deeply into the earth. The 

 HeUcidoe, in the forest, are observed under prostrate 



