G. H. Ford ^ 107 



as to stand upside down on the cardboard. The cardboard was gently 

 removed, and the soil in the pot loosened by pressing slightly through 

 the drainage aperture. The pot was then lifted up with a twisting 

 movement; a cast of the interior of the pot was left. This cast could 

 easily be exaniined with regard to the depth of any specimens in the 

 pot, as the depth of soil added just previous to examination was 

 known. With this method, pupal cells in perfect condition were 

 obtained without trouble. The pupa (Plate XVI, figs. 3 and 4) 



Fig. 1. Pupa of Agriotes obscurus in earthen cell, x 2. (Phot. J. T. W.) 



measures up to 13 mm. long by 3 mm. broad, gradually tapering in the 

 abdomen to a breadth of 1 mm. The general colour is white, speckled 

 on the apices of the abdominal segments with small patches of rusty 

 brown colour. The thorax is nearly as broad as long, and swollen. 

 Two spines project from the anterior angle of the thorax, which is 

 provided at the posterior margin, on each side of the middle line, with 

 a small protuberance. The long, spatulate, posterior corners are each 

 provided with a curved thorn-like structure, of a brown colour and 

 pointing outwards. The third to the sixth abdominal segments are 



