534 



I SOUTH INDIAN INSECTS, ETC. 



in.. )_'.. Schizodactylus monstrosus. (Original.) 



Distribution. — Bella ry only. 



Lifehistory. — The nymphs and adults hide during the day singly 

 in tunnels driven into the ground in sandy places, probably 

 emerging at night to forage for their prey which consists of 

 inn tically any other animal small enough to be overpowered and 

 devoured. They will starve in captivity rather than touch vegetable 

 food. 



Food. -Predaceous on caterpillars, small frogs, etc. Not a pest. 

 Found in sand along a river bank at Hagari. 



Stqtus. Beneficial as destroying caterpillars, grasshoppers, etc., 

 injurious when attacking batrachians. On the whole, probably of 

 neutral value to agriculture. 



Remarks. In localities where it is common this insect is often 

 accused of damage really done by Brachtrypes. 



CRYLI.ID/E. 

 GRYLLOTALPA AFRICANA, Pal. 



Gryllotalpa africana, Palisot— Beauv., Ins. d'Afriq et d'Amer., p. 

 229, Orthopt, t. 2°, f. 6 (1805); Serv., Orth., p. 307 ; Lefroy, Ind. 

 Ins. Pests, p. 224, f. 270, Ent. Mem. Dept. Agri., Ind., 1, 124. f. 8, Ind. 

 Ins. Life, p. 101, ff. 37-38. 



