1 10 TIte Larval and Pupal Stai/es o/ Agriotes ol)sciiriis 



were found to agree substantially with the figure given. Schiodte, 

 however, figures the blunt tooth near the apex of the mandible as very- 

 slight, while the author's figure shows it to be more pronounced. 



Furthermore, the position of the spiracle and hairs on the eighth 

 abdominal segment, as represented by Schiodte, does not agree with the 

 condition observed by me in the larvae of ^. obscurus. These differences 

 are constant in the specimens examined during this work^. The only 

 other description to which I have had access is that of the larva of 

 Agriotes pallidulus 111. by Schiodte. The dimensions of this larva, 

 9 mm. long by 1 mm. thick, and its intense yellow colour, together 

 with its anal segment, which is rounder than those of A. obscurus or 

 lineatus, prevent confusion with either the larvae of A. lineatus or 

 A. obscurus. 



It would seem, that if the above differences between the larvae of 

 A. lineatus and A. obscurus do not apply generally, then one is possibly 

 a variety of the other, as it was formerly believed (Curtis, loc. oil., 

 p. 159). 



7. Natural Enemies. 



It would be natural to assume that the wireworms, on account of 

 their underground existence, are fairly immune from enemies that 

 prey upon them. In spite of this, they are subject to the attack of 

 a number of persistent foes ; particularly various species of wild birds. 

 Wild birds are accountable for the destruction of vast numbers of insect 

 larvae. This is especially so during the nesting season, as "practically 

 all birds except doves and pigeons feed their young on an animal 

 diet, whatever may be the character of the food of the adult "(9). 

 Again, as Collinge remarks — "It should be remembered that the 

 nestling season is also that when the destruction of injurious insects 

 is most needed — i.e., at the period of greatest agricultural activity 

 and before the parasitic insects can be depended upon to reduce the 

 pests "(4 and 5). At present, definite information as to the food of 

 nestling birds is somewhat scanty; but according to Collinge, the 



1 Owing to Mr Ford's departure to Rome lie \\'as unahlo to consult Henriksen'.s 

 paper (8) before he left England. The Danish entomologist mentions that the larva of 

 A. lineatus is "brownish yellow, faintly rugose and punctulate, mostly rugose." With 

 regard to that of ^4. ohsrurus he adds "dark brownish yellow. On each side, between 

 'tergum and sternum a pale longitudinal stripe. Punctulate and with few rugae." I may 

 add that the longitudinal stripe is not evident in any of Mr Ford's specimens. Henriksen 

 does not appear to have reared any examples of A. ob.irunts from the larva to the adult. 

 A. D. Tmms. 



