A. W. Rymer Roberts 32] 



Tlie margins of both tergitea and sternites of the abdomen are some- 

 what more produced than in A. obscurus. Dorsal surface minutely and 

 shallowly punctate. Sternite of 7th abdominal segment produced in 

 the form of a triangle, partially covering, and the apex reaching to the 

 posterior margin of, the 8th segment. Abdominal spiracles situated in 

 the pleurites, near their anterior margins, thoracic spiracles between the 

 pro- and meso-thorax. In shape they are also like those of A. obscurus, 

 as well as in position. The terminal pair of spines are somewhat short 

 and bear on the inner margin of each a short sharp process in the male 

 and female pupae examined. Sexual organs visible on the ventral sur- 

 face of the 9th abdominal segment and approximately similar to those 

 of Agriotes. 



CORYMBITES GUPREUS, F. 



This is a mountain-loving species and extends in suitable situations 

 throughout temperate and central Europe to the Caucasus (du Buysson). 

 The form aeruginosas appears to be merely a colour variety and is 

 generally found where the typical form occurs. In Great Britain and 

 Ireland it is widely distributed, but is common only in the higher-lying 

 districts. In such localities the larva is commonly found in turf and 

 under stones and, though no records of its harmfulness are known to 

 the writer, it seems, probable that minor damage may have been done, 

 since the larva feeds in captivity on the roots of various plants. It is 

 only fair, however, to point out that Xambeu(ii) found them feeding on 

 larvae of Aphodius and it is possible that both animal and plant food is 

 taken. Other species of the genus are well-known pests of crops, prin- 

 cipally in America (6). 



The larva apparently moults twice in the year and eventually pupates 

 in an earthen cell in the ground in July or August. It emerges from the 

 pupal condition in about three weeks, but remains in the earth as a 

 beetle during the winter. 



Beling(2) has described the larva and pupa of this species under the 

 name of its variety aeruginosus and distinguishes it (3) from the very 

 similar larva of G. pectinicornis by the stronger punctuation and rugosity 

 of the abdominal tergites. 



Larva. 



Length up to 25 mm., breadth across thorax 3-5. Colour above olive 

 brown, with the sides, the ventral surface and usually the posterior 

 margins of the segments yellow. The medio-dorsal suture and the mem- 

 branous parts of the cuticle white. 



Head broader than long, biown above, yellow beneath. Occipital 



Ann. Biol, ix 21 



