174 



SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



Fig. 46. — Newly-batched larva of Cicada 



SEPTENDECIM. 



as ants, but after running _about upon the tree for a short time, they 



gather up their limbs and drop to the 

 ground. Here they at once bury 

 themselves, by the aid of their strong 

 fore feet, which are admirably fitted for 

 the purpose, and work their way, until 

 they can attach themselves to the ten- 

 der and succulent rootlets, into which they insert their beak, and find 

 abundant nourishment in the sap. Ordinarily they bury at a moderate 

 depth below the surface, where they remain until their advanced growth 

 compels them, when in excessive numbers, to descend deeper in search 

 of an ample food-supply. 



During the years of larval growth, but little alteration takes place in their 

 appearance, beyond an increase of size, except the gradual development 

 and enlargement of the four scales upon the back and sides that are to 

 contain the wings in the pupal stage. 



When near maturity, the larvce gradually ascend toward the surface 

 through circuitous galleries of about five-eighths of an inch in diameter, 

 the walls of which are firmly compacted, and according to a statement, 

 cemented and varnished so as to be water-proof. The upper portion 

 alone of these burrows, to the extent of six or eight inches, is empty. The 



larva remains herein 

 during its pupal state, 

 and until the tune for 

 its final transforma- 

 tion. When this has 

 fully come, the pupa, 

 shown at a, in Fig. 

 47, burrows upward 

 through the ground 

 during the night, as- 

 cends the branch of a 

 tree or some other 

 convenient object, to 

 which it fastens itself 

 securely by its claws. 

 Remaining in this po- 

 sition for awhile, and 

 until the full time for 

 its change is at hand, the pupal case parts in front and upon the back, 

 the Cicada emerges through the fissure, crawls upward a little distance, 

 leaving the empty case tightly fastened to the trunk as at h, the wings 



Fio. 47.— CiOAD\ SEPTENDECIM: a, the pupa; 6, empty pupal case 

 the perfect Insect ; e, the eggs. 



