186 



COLEOPTERA— BEETLES 



diately after emerging from the ground. They continue feed- 

 ing from four to six weeks and are almost constantly paired 

 during this time. The eggs are deposited singly a few inches 

 below the surface of the ground, each female laying from 



Fig. 133.— Rosc-cliafer work. (Photo from Ohio Exp. Sta.) 



twenty-four to thirty-six eggs. The larva hatches in al)out 

 two or three weeks and begins feeding on grass and tender 

 shoots. The larva is mature in the autumn and digs down into 

 the earth where it builds a small earthen case in which it 



