8 CAL-OSOMA SYCOPHANTA. 



IMPORTATIONS OF CALOSOMA BEETLES FROM EUROPE AND 



JAPAN. 



Between July 15 and August 1, 1905, 216 specimens of Calosoma 

 sycophanta were received from Dr. G. Ijeonardi, of Portici, Italy, 

 which were collected m Sardmia, but only one of the beetles was alive 

 when the shipments reached the laboratory at North Saugus, Mass. 

 The death of so many of the insects was due to their being packed in 

 tin boxes, which are not suited to the purpose, and also to the fact 

 that they were sent by the way of London and New York, which 

 caused considerable delay in their arrival. 



During the year 1906 sliipments were received from Miss Marie 

 Kuhl, Zurich, Switzerland, who had in her employ a large force of 

 collectors who sent material to her, which she packed and mailed to 

 the Gipsy Moth Parasite Laboratory. Of 25 shipments received 

 from her, 15 contained specimens of C. inquisitor and the balance 

 C. sycophanta. Three shipments of the latter species were also 

 received from Dr. Leonardi, which were collected in Italy. The 

 material was unpacked and cared for at the laboratory by Mr. E. S. G. 

 Titus, who had been detailed by Dr. Howard to take general charge 

 of the material imported. He was assisted by Mr. F. H. Mosher, 

 who was employed by the State of Massachusetts in the parasite 

 investigations. Two hundred and eighty specimens of C. inquisitor 

 and 693 of C. sycoplmnta were received m living condition during 

 the season. Several colonies were liberated m the field and the 

 remaining specimens were confiiied in large cages out of doors to 

 secure data on their habits. 



During the summer of 1907, 967 Hve specimens of 0. sijcopTianta 

 were received. This represented less than one-half of the number 

 shipped. The reason for the high mortaUty will be explained later in 

 tliis paper. The first lots were cared for by Mr. Mosher, who liberated 

 several colonies. Early in the summer Mr. Titus resigned to accept 

 another appointment, and Mr. W. F. Fiske was placed in charge of 

 the parasite work. 



On July 21, 1907, an arrangement was made whereby the work on 

 predaceous beetles was placed in charge of the writer, who was at 

 that time conducting insecticide investigations for the State of 

 Massachusetts. Mr. C. W. ColHns, an employee of the State office, 

 was detailed to assist in the beetle work and has since devoted most 

 of his time to this work. 



In the summer of 1908, 675 specimens of C. sycoplmnta were received 

 from Miss Ruhl, and also numerous specimens of other species of 

 Calosoma and Carabus, said to be beneficial in Europe. The latter 

 were received in such Umited numbers that Uttle more could be done 

 than to make life-liistory studies and an investigation of their food 



