COLEOPTERA. 



83 



the ])eetle emerges in autumn, and winters either in the galleries or 

 under moss. 



The beetle, fig. 79, is from 7 to 8 mm. long, and is very character- 

 istically coloured. The prevailing colour 

 is black, with a distinct variegated 

 band of pinkish -red at the base of 

 the elytra, and with a more or less 

 distinct band across the middle of tlic 

 elytra. The whole body is covered with 

 rather coarse, imbricate, yellowish-white 

 scales. The rostrum is stout, and can 

 be folded into a depression under the 

 thorax. 



As regards remedies, it will obvi- 

 ously be the best means of extermin- 

 ation to cut down the infested shoots containing the larvie or perfect 

 beetles, and burn them. 



Genus Balaninus. 



Fig. 79.— Cryx)toiThynelius lapathi. 

 (From ' Forest Protection,' by W. 

 R. Fisher.) 



This genus contains several species which are all arboreal, and 

 therefore of special interest to the student of forest entomology. The 

 species B. nucarii may, however, be taken as typical of the geuus. 

 The most remarkable generic character is the very long, slender 

 rostrum, which varies in length according to the species, but is often 

 longer than the whole of the remainder of the body. The length of 

 the rostrum enables the insect to pierce fil- 

 berts, acorns, walnuts, itc, in which they 

 deposit their eggs. 



Dalanin'us nucum, L. 



^ 



Fig. 80.— Balaninus nucum 

 {cnlarqal). (Photo by A. 

 Platters.) 



It often happens that on eating filberts 

 or hazel - nuts we either find a very large 

 white grub, or otherwise a hollow shell con- 

 taining frass or powder. Those grubs are the larvse of the nut weevil. 



The beetle, fig. 80, is easily recognised by its very long snout (being 

 longest on the female) and elbowed antennae. The whole body is 

 dark-brown in colour, but brightened by variegated markings and 

 short depressed hairs. Length 5 to 7 mm. 



