Séance du i2 Janvier 1921 25 



ntrg counts were carried out and the number of epps 

 |)er ovisac was found to range from i5o to 3oo. 



The life cycle begins to lengthen from the early 

 part of September onwards and although breeding 

 is considerably retarded it still continues throughout 

 the winter, only the more hardy individuals survi 

 ving. Hibernation takes place in the egg stage the 

 eggs bieng well protected by the close matted surl'ac" 

 of the ovisac. Activity reopens about the middle of 

 March. 



Males never occur in any great quantities and 

 in the early part of the year are comparatively rare. 

 From July onwards the numbers increase, the maxi- 

 mum being reached about September but even then 

 the proportion of males to females never exceeds i to 

 5oo. In September the males — with their iridescent 

 wings glistening in the sunshine — can often be 

 seen dancing in the air just above a heavily infected 

 bush. 



Some observations on the development oi" the 

 female antennae may be of interest. 



The young larva on hatching is about Ji mm. iti 

 length and has six joints to the antennae the sixth 

 joint being equal in length to the combined length-^ 

 of the three preceding joints. The young larva feeds 

 and grows and the 3rd joint of the antennae begins to 

 elongate until it becomes about 1/2 as long as th..- 

 sixth joint. The length of the insect is now appro- 

 ximatively .9 mm. and moulüng takes place. Th-' 

 insect has now 7 joints to the antennae the 3rd joint 

 having divided and given rise to the extra joint anci 

 the length of the antenna has increased from .i8 mm. 



