382 Mr. E. Ernest Green’s 
habit is noticeable. On lifting a stone, a Dyscritina, when 
present, will usually be found back downwards, clinging 
to the stone itself; while other Forficulids that I have 
found in a similar habitat are generally seen resting on 
the ground beneath the stone. 
Dyscritina is extremely agile, and a very difficult 
subject to secure. I do not recollect having met with 
any other insect that can run so rapidly. It simply darts 
across the surface of the stone and either conceals itself in 
some crevice on the other side, or drops to the ground 
and is lost beneath any rubbish that may be lying about. 
The adult insect flies at night. JI have taken several 
examples in my rooms, attracted by the lamp. 
For purposes of study I find it advisable to keep the 
living insects confined in a somewhat small space. If 
allowed more ample room they conceal themselves too 
easily for convenience of observation. A small glass- 
topped cardboard box forms a convenient breeding cage, 
and a piece of moss-covered bark will provide sufficient 
shelter. 
I have been unable to determine the natural food of 
Dyscritina ; but it probably consists of small soft-bodied 
insects. In captivity both larva and imago feed sparingly 
upon the dead bodies of small spiders and of flies and 
other minute insects, showing a preference, however, for 
some species. They do not appear to care for lepidoptera. 
The common mosquito is not relished, though if Dyscritina 
is very hungry it will devour the abdomen of that 
insect. Bread, raw meat, petals of flowers, fruit, minute 
fungi, were offered, but were all refused. When food is 
offered to an adult Dyscritina it usually goes through a 
curlous performance to test its suitability. It takes up 
its position to one side of and slightly in advance of the 
object ; then bending its abdomen round to one side, it 
gives it a sharp nip with its forceps and retires quickly to 
note results. If the proffered object does not resent this 
treatment, it 1s then considered safe and fit for food: but 
if the victim makes any movement, Dyscritina immediately 
retires beneath its shelter. 
The insects remain under cover during the day, but 
become very active and restless at night. When dis- 
turbed they run about with the extremity of the abdomen 
erected and the long caudal appendages inclined forwards. 
Amongst the numerous examples obtained in this 
