The Geotrupes: the Larva 



have the nymph, all white, half-opaque and 

 half-crystalline. I obtain my first nymphs 

 about the beginning of May. 



Four or five weeks later, the perfect in- 

 sect arrives, white on the wing-cases and 

 belly, while the rest of the body already 

 possesses the normal colouring. The 

 chromatic evolution is quickly completed; 

 and, before the end of June, the Geotrupes, 

 now perfectly matured, emerges from the 

 soil at twilight and flies off to start on his 

 scavenger's job without delay. The lag- 

 gards, those whose egg has gone through 

 the winter, are still in the white nymphal 

 stage when their elders effect their release. 

 Not before September is nigh will they burst 

 their natal shell and, in their turn, sally forth 

 to aid in the cleansing of the fields. 



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