juneio, i9i8 Nysius eYicae 575 



cates a possible variation, also, in the number of instars. Further 

 evidence of such variation was secured during 191 6 from some 

 males that apparently matured in 4 molts. Apparently 5 molts is 

 normal; but the variation in the actual as well as the relative length of 

 instars leads the writer to believe that a greater or a less number is not 

 only possible but probable. 



Only a portion of the process of molting has been observed — the com- 

 pletion of a transformation from pupa to adult. The pupa had assumed 

 a position head downward on the underside of a leaf which was inclined 

 at an angle of about 15°. The legs were extended well apart, and 

 the old exuvium was holding securely. When discovered, the adult 

 was about half disclosed, escaping through a longitudinal sHt in the 

 dorsal median line of the pupal skin. It wriggled out until only the 

 tips of the wings and of the third pair of legs were holding, then rested 

 two or three minutes. When activity was resumed, the legs were 

 repeatedly touched to the leaf. To obtain a better view, the writer 

 then attempted to move the potted plant, upon which the insect hastily 

 secured a footing on the leaf and turned around beside the cast skin, 

 moving with quick nervous starts, and assumed an attitude of alert 

 expectancy, waving its antennae excitedly. The wings were crumpled 

 and folded, but quickly assumed the shape and position normally found 

 in the adult. 



Adult coloration developed in less than two hours. 



LENGTH OF ADULT LIFE 



The males reared in 191 4 were held without mating until death. 

 They lived, respectively, 33, 8, 11, and 18 days. The female was mated, 

 producing 8 eggs and living 6 days. This gives an average adult life 

 of 15.2 days. In 191 6 only one reared 5dult, a male, was confined 

 until death. It was kept unmated and lived 39 days after maturity. 



Thirteen females, collected in 191 3 and confined with males for eggs, 

 lived an average of 1 2 days, ranging from 9 to 19. Ten collected males 

 that were mated gave an average also of 12, varying from 9 to 18. 



LENGTH OF LIFE CYCLE 



At Garden City, during 191 4, the average temperature being 79.78° F., 

 the different stages from deposition of the egg to death of the resulting 

 individual were determined as follows : 



Days. 



Egg Stage 4 



Nymphal stage 20. 35 



Maturity to mating 3 



Mating to oviposition i 



Beginning oviposition to death 12 



Total 40. 35 



