ily STRAWBERRY. 
part of June at two localities, respectively, about two and a half miles 
in a north-easterly and two miles in a south-westerly direction from 
St. Albans, and also elsewhere in the district. In Norfolk they were 
reported in two localities. In Nottinghamshire they reappeared as 
again seriously mischievous. In Bedfordshire they were reported 
from one locality as a great trouble on a large acreage, with the 
remark that it was believed to be a general complaint. I had also 
information of the total destruction of a fruit-grower’s crop near 
Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and similar destruction of three-quarters 
of an acre near Ringham, Berks. 
A glance at the position of the above localities on a map will show 
the widely increased prevalence of the pests over the country. 
The species of ‘‘Ground Beetles”’ sent me during 1897 for identi- 
fication were the Harpalus ruficornis and the Pterostichus (Omaseus) 
vulgaris, figured at p. 111, magnified, with lines showing full natural 
length, which is somewhat variable. 
The Harpalus ruficornis is 6-7 lines long, pitch black, with the 
long horns and long legs usually red; the thorax is thickly punctured 
at the base, and the hinder angles acute; the wing-cases are faintly 
striated, and are thickly covered (whilst the specimens are fresh) with 
golden or greyish down. Beneath the wing-cases are ample wings, which 
they use freely for flight. 
The Pterostichus vulgaris, also figured at p. 111, is rather larger 
than the foregoing, and is 64-74 lines, or possibly more, in length. 
Wholly black, and rather shining. Thorax rather broader than long, 
hinder angles bluntly pointed; wing-cases strongly and smoothly 
striated. No wings. 
Descriptions of other species of beetles of which specimens were 
sent me as injurious to Strawberry fruit in 1895 will be found in my 
Annual Report for that year. 
These beetles belong to a section (the Geodephaga scientifically) 
which, quoting from Mr. Rye* as a leading authority, ‘ superficially 
may be known by their active habits, slaughtering propensities, thin 
legs and antenne, and hard outer covering. They . .. may be con- 
sidered as the carnivora of the beetle race; passing their lives, both 
in the larval and perfect state, in the pursuit and destruction of their 
weaker insect brethren. . . . The larve of the Geodephaga are 
but little known ; they are, however, mostly found in the same places 
as the perfect insect, and are equally carnivorous and active. A 
geodephagous larva is usually flat, elongate, parallel-sided, fleshy, 
with the head and first segment hard; . . . the legs are horny, six in 
number, and situated on the first three segments; . . . there are 
powerful sickle-shaped jaws, and the apex of the body has usually 
* «British Beetles,’ by HE. C. Rye, pp. 44 and 46. 
