NATURAL LOCALITIES OF BRITISH COLEOPTERA. 75 



also those of the genus Nonariria — larvae, in fact, feeding in a 

 stagnant, moist atmosphere. 



A dry atmosphere and a good cm-rent of air are essential to 

 the well-being of larvae ; and, on the other hand, it is necessary 

 that the food should be free from external moisture, such as rain, 

 mist, dew, &c., and not of too young or luxuriant growth. If 

 watery ejections are noticed in the rearing-cage, be sure that 

 there is at least a stagnation of air; and nothing is more fatal to 

 the health of larvte than a moist and stagnant atmosphere. A 

 vessel containing quick-lime might be placed in the rearing-cage 

 with advantage, the larvae of course being prevented from contact 

 with the lime, which will absorb much of the humidity in the 

 cage. 



Greater success is likely to attend the rearing of small 

 batches of larvge than when many are placed together. Where 

 possible, larvae, I find, do best when confined in gauze bags on 

 their food-plants ; if they are thus bagged on branches, care 

 should be taken that, however high the wind may be, the branch 

 will swing free of all obstructions. In wet weather the larvae 

 should, if fed up in cages, be placed in a room where there is a 

 current of air — in front of an empty fireplace, for instance. 



The Dartons, Dartford, March 9, 1882. 



NATURAL LOCALITIES OF BRITISH COLEOPTERA. 



By Rev. W. W. Fowler, M.A., F.L.S. 



No. II.— OUR OWN HOUSES. 



In treating of the natural localities of British Coleoptera, the 

 question arises whether it is better to take the different groups 

 in order, and point out where the members of these groups are 

 to be found ; or w^hether it is better to take different localities, 

 such as a wood, the sea-shore, a hay-stack, rotten wood, &c., 

 and say a few words on the beetles that are likely to be found in 

 these localities. The first course is the most satisfactory from a 

 scientific point of view, as different groups are usually formed 

 for peculiar habitats, and are usually found in such habitats, 

 though it may be in different parts of the country. Still there 

 are great exceptions to this rule ; thus we may very often sweep 

 or beat ground-beetles off' herbage or trees, and many species 



