Pomona College Journal of Entomology 



391 



out as shown in the photo. With the filaments extended tlie body averages 

 from 5 to 8 mm. in length and from 3 to 4 mm. in width. 



The body proper averages 3.5 mm. in length and 1.1 mm. in width. The 

 color is a rich yellow with a slightly dark blotch on each dorsal side of the 

 prothorax (F'ig. 134 A). 



Figure 134. Cryptogomus orbiculus: 

 A, larva with wooly covering removed; B, pupa; C, adult. 



Head. — Narrower than prothorax, but nearly as long. Palpi quite large, 

 antennas small. Spines long. The mandibles are strong and bifurcate. Pro- 

 thorax with few spines and a dark blotch on each side of the dorsum. 

 Aleta- and meso-thorax normal and slightly longer and broader than the pro- 

 thorax. Single spines on margins and two on each side of the dorsum, 

 as shown in cut. 



Abdomen made up of nine segments with the posterior segment small. 

 There are few hairs as shown in the drawing. 



Legs short and slender, but strong. Light in color. Extend beyond the 

 margins of the body when bare, but are not visible in the normal covered form. 



The larvae being so small usually feed upon the eggs and the smallest mealy 

 bugs. Occasionally, however, they may be observed devouring mealy bugs 

 almost as large as themselves. They are quite active and feed rapidly. The 

 appetite is what counts in judging any predaceous insect and this is a very 

 important thing about the insect in question. 



When the larva is ready to moult for the last time it selects some hidden 

 place in the crotch of a tree, under a mass of mealy bug eggs, in a dried leaf, 

 or under the surface clods on the ground. Here it attaches itself at the posterior 



