FOOD OF THE CEECEEIS. 347 



That the latter beetle should be selected for such a purpose 

 is really astonishing. As all entomologists know, its round, 

 hard-shelled body is scarcely pervious to a pin, and, before it 

 can be placed on the setting-board, a needle has to be used in 

 order to pierce the hard elytra and make way for the pin. 

 Yet such an insect as this is actually used as food for the young 

 larva of the Cerceris. Mr. Smith remarks that this difficulty 

 is obviated by a peculiarity in the development of the Cerceris. 

 The egg is not hatched until some days after it has been depo- 

 sited, so that the dampness of the soil acts upon the hard 

 exterior of the beetle, and renders it soft enough to be pierced 

 by the jaws of the larva. 



The Cerceris seems not to be in the least particular as to 

 the species of weevil with which it provisions its nest, but to 

 take any species that may be most plentiful in the neighbour- 

 hood of its burrow. The middle of July is the best time in 

 which to search for this beetle. 



