SUBFAMILY OEDIPODINAE 61 
an especially well-marked example of protective coloration, matching 
almost exactly the varied background which it frequents. This, to- 
gether with its alertness and activity, renders it very difficult to cap- 
ture. The only way in which we have commonly been able to take it 
was to “mark down” as it alighted and then rush it once or twice, 
relying upon catching it by sweeping it up as it arose. It delights in 
the open sunshine and we have watched it walking aimlessly about 
upon the sand for long periods without any attempt at feeding, ap- 
parently merely enjoying the warmth. When we approached unduly 
near, it would crouch close to the sand prepared for flight but seem- 
ingly aware of its protecting coloration and not arising until some un- 
usual or rapid movement alarmed it. Its flight is very strong and it 
can, and does at times, cover unusual distances for an Oedipod. 
Trimerotropis citrina Scudd. 
Trimerotropis citrina is closely related to the preceding species but 
distinguishable by the sulcation of the frontal costa and the red pos- 
terior tibiae. This species is found through the same area within our 
borders as the preceding, though doubtless both are more widely 
spread through the State. We have repeatedly observed females of 
this species ovipositing in loose sand along streams. The female selects 
a suitable location, using the greatest deliberation, frequently begin- 
ning the hole only to abandon it shortly for another, more acceptable 
site. The spots finally chosen are usually at the base of some plant, 
such as a tuft of Triodia purpurea, Sporobolus longifolia, or other 
grass. After the hole has been completed, the female usually with- 
draws the abdomen and pauses a short time, apparently resting. She 
then backs down into the hole and working the abdomen to the bottom 
begins oviposition, which continues for some time with considerable 
evidence of muscular exertion. In one case we watched the preliminary 
stages and remained for about ten minutes after oviposition had ap- 
parently begun. We then marked the spot intending to dig up the 
mass later but upon our return over half an hour later the female 
was still engaged in oviposition. Upon digging up the mass we found 
an incomplete pod with 17 eggs. In many cases the females oviposit 
far out on open sand bars during the low water of late summer and 
these eggs must of necessity be swept away by the moving of the sand 
during spring floods. It appears evident that there must be great loss 
of eggs through such faulty selection of locations. From field obser- 
vations, partly confirmed by caged specimens, it is probable that the 
females sometimes, possibly often, oviposit more than once during the 
season. We have seen specimens of this insect from Winona, Gray 
Cloud Island, and Mahtomedi. 
