It is evident that copulation of this species takes place quite uni- 

 formly between 7 and 8 p. m.. or immediately after the cessation of 

 flight, and that the average duration exceeds sixteen minutes. It 

 may possibly be learned, witli further observation, that the oviposi- 

 tion of the Tachinid parasites, (Jrypfomeigenia aurifacies Wal. and 

 Eutrixoides jonesii Wal., on the adult beetles takes place during the 

 copulation and before the total darkness of night comes on. 



OVIPOSITION OF FEMALES. 



Oviposition takes place in the soil adjoining the beetle burrows 

 at the bases of trees and plants, where the young larvae will be im- 

 mediately among the roots. Exact depth at which eggs are laid in 

 the soil has not been determined, but probably averages from eight 

 inches to a foot, the depth at which beetles are usually found in their 

 burrows. 



As stated before, to secure eggs in confinement for the purpose 

 of determining the length of the period of oviposition of females and 

 the average number of eggs laid by a female, beetles were confined 

 both singly and "en masse;" and the results from the two methods 

 did not vary much. The method of confining the females has been 

 described on page 63. . No eggs were secured from reared females, 

 unfortunately. 



The individual egg-laying records of females of vanclinei are 

 graphically shown in the two charts on Plate IX. The complete 

 records are given in the following tables: 



rtV 



