250 



Fiftieth Report ox the State Museum 



Fig. 3.— Crioceris i2-plinctata : a, beetle; /», 

 Chittenden, Year-book U. S. Dept. Agr. 



" The full-grown larva is shown in the illustration at fig. T^b. It meas- 

 ures, when extended, three-tenths of an inch (8 mm.), being of about 



the same proportions 

 as the larva of the 

 common species, but is 

 readily separable by its 

 ochraceous orange 

 color. The ground 

 color is light yellowish 

 cream with an overlay 

 of ochraceous orange 

 which is most pro- 

 noimced on the exter- 

 ior portions of the 

 abdominal segments. 

 The head, with the exception of the mouth-parts, is also ochraceous, 

 the thoracic plate is prominent, divided into two parts, and is of a dark- 

 brown color. Enlarged figures of the second abdominal segment of 

 both species are presented at fig. 3 c and d, for comparison." (Chittenden.) 



Life-History and Habits. 



Comparatively little is known of the life-history of this species. Two 

 annual broods are ascribed to it in Europe, while there are presumably 

 three in this country, especially m the southern portions. The eggs 

 are not known, although it has been suggested that they may be 

 deposited, like those of C. asparagi, on the leaves and stems. But itvf 

 larvae have been observed. One was found on the foliage and others in 

 various stages, were feeding in the berries. The infested fruit reddens 

 prematurely, is reduced to pulp, and the larvae, on completing their 

 growth, enter the ground for pupation. The food of the earlier 

 brood appears unknown, unless it be the foliage, as with the common 

 species. In the latter part of the season the berries are preferred by the 

 larvee. In Europe, the insect is said to pass the winter in the pupa state, 

 but in this country some, judging by analogy, are of the opinion that it 

 more probably hibernates in the adult form. Pupation occupies about 

 two or three weeks during the summer and if the insects hibernate as 

 beetles, the pupation of the later brood would probably occupy but little 

 longer. 



The few beetles observed by Mr. Robbins in early May were most 

 likely the last of the overwintered beetles or, if hibernating as pupae, 



