Dorothy J. Jackson 105 



larval period 17-21 days and the pupal stage 8-10 days. Only one 

 generation has been observed in the year. 



Natural Enemies, 

 In America (C, ii) many birds have been observed feeding on the 

 adults. 



Insect Parasites. 



No insect parasites have hitherto been recorded from Sitona hispidula, 

 but in the course of this research three Braconids^, Perilitus rutilus Nees, 

 Perilitus aethiops Nees and Pygostolus falcatus Nees (the dark variety 

 described by Ruthe) have been bred from the adult beetles. Single 

 Hymenopterous larvae have been found on several occasions within the 

 body of the beetles. 



Protozoan Parasites. 



Gregarines have frequently been observed in the aUmentary canal of 

 adult Sitona hispidula and also of aS^. puncticollis. Dr H. M. Woodcock 

 has most kindly examined those from the latter species and has identified 

 them as belonging to the genus Gregarina. Those from S. hispidula 

 appear to be the same. 



Fungus Parasite. 



The fungus, Botrgtis hassiana (Balsamo) Montagne appears to be the 

 most serious natural enemy of this species and attacks both adults and 

 larvae. 



B. SITONA SULCIFRONS Thun. 



Sitona sulcifrons is recorded by Reitter(i3) as occurring throughout 

 Europe and in the Caucasus and its injuries to various leguminous crops 

 have been observed in France, Germany and Russia. In the British Isles 

 it is widely distributed and is often exceedingly common upon red clover, 

 especially in the north of Scotland. So far as I am aware, no observations 

 have been recorded regarding the hfe-history of this species or the habits 

 of the larvae. 



Food-plants. 



All species of clover {Trifolium) also bird's-foot trefoil, Lotus cornicu- 

 latus. In France, Girard(24) records this species as damaging peas, and 

 Allard (i) mentions its abundance on lucerne. According to Rushkovsky (26) 

 peas, clover, lucerne and buckwheat are attacked by it in Russia. Rye (27; 

 records the abundance of this species on lucerne on the south coast of 

 England, but this I have not yet been able to corroborate. 



^ I am much indebted to Mr G. T. Lyle for liis identification of these and other Braconids 

 mentioned in this paper. 



