The Fig wort-Beetle* 



289 



in dark grey which is prettily spotted with black and yellow. One of the black 

 spots is much larger than the others and situated on the dividing line between 

 the wing-covers, where it looks precisely like a hole bored through the beetle — which, 

 however, does not look at all like a beetle but more resembles a seed. A very 

 similar but less noticeable spot will be found at the curved extremity of the wing- 

 covers. But the most conspicuous feature of the beetk> when viewed from the 

 side is the long and strongly curved rostrum. 



The grub does not appear so particular as are many Insects as to the attitude 

 in which it shall spend its chrysalis period. If the vacated cocoons are examined, 

 it will be seen that whilst some have the lids opening upwards, others are quite 

 reversed. In our third photograph two cocoons will be seen adjoining, of which 

 the upper opens above and the lower opens below. 



It is remarkable that in these three stages of existence this particular beetle is 

 protected by its resemblances to other things. As a grub its thick slime makes 

 it repulsive, and 

 to appear like a 

 small black slug. 

 As a defence- 

 less chrysalis it 

 avoids o b s e r- 

 V a t i o n u n - 

 d e r c o \^ e r 

 of its cocoon, 

 which is passed 

 over as one of 

 the ii g w o r t ' s 

 numerous seed- 

 vessels ; and the 

 perfect beetle 

 at rest between 

 the base of 

 e a f a n d 

 s t c m of 

 plant, 

 i t s le g s 

 tucked u n d e r 

 it, looks like 

 a hard seed. 

 Here is food 

 1 or t h o u g h t 

 as to t h (i 

 causes that 

 have brought 

 about these 

 resemblances. 



the 

 t !i e 

 t he 

 with 



Pholo by] 



Grubs of Figwort-Beetle. 



[£. step, F.L.S. 



The gnib poms out a thick black sliiiic which covirs it and makes it appear like a small shig. From thLs 

 slime it contrives a parchnicntlikc cocoon in which it changes to a chrysalis, and later to a grey and black 

 portly \vc(\il. These cocoons an- much like the seed-vessels of the ligwort. 



