THE COLEOPTERA. 31 



is enclosed in one of the burrows formed by the larva, 

 which, before changing, blocks up any aperture, so as to 

 rest secure from all enemies. The perfect insect emerges 

 in the following summer, when it may be often observed 

 flying about at night. It is greatly attracted by light, and 

 this propensity frequently leads it on summer evenings to 

 invade ladies' drawing-rooms, when its sudden and noisy 

 arrival is apt to cause much needless consternation amongst 

 the inmates. 



Closely allied to the above is Ochrocydus huttoni, which 

 may be at once known by its smaller size and plain elytra ; 

 it is very much scarcer than P. reticularis, but may occa- 

 sionally be cut out of dead manuka trees in company with 

 its larva. 



Group RHYNCOPHORA. 

 Family CURCULIONID^E. 

 Oreda notata (Plate II., fig. 4, 4a larva). 

 This weevil is not often noticed in the open, but may be 

 found in great abundance in the dead stems of fuchsia, 

 mahoe, and other soft-wooded shrubs, whose trunks are 

 frequently noticed pierced with numerous cylindrical holes. 

 The larva also inhabits these burrows, devouring large 

 quantities of the wood ; it is provided with a large head 

 and powerful pair of mandibles, but, in common with all 

 other weevil larvae, does not possess legs of any description, 

 the insect being absolutely helpless when removed from its 

 home in the wood. The pupa might also be found in 

 similar situations, but I have not yet observed it. The 

 perfect insect may be cut out of the trees throughout the 

 year, and is occasionally taken amongst herbage during 

 the summer. 



Family CURCULIONID/E. 

 Psepholax coronatus (Plate II., fig. 5 $, 5a $ ). ' 

 This curious species is found abundantly in the stems of 



