282 PRAIRIE COMMUNITIES 
fissilis), of the strawberry flea-beetle (T’ypophorus canellus), and the 
corn rootworms (Diabrotica) (174), and of many other insects well 
known in economic literature, burrow into the roots of the plants in the 
larval stage. Many of the grass-eating cutworms, caterpillars, and 
sawflies (Fig. 287) pupate beneath the surface of the ground. The 
salamander (A mblystoma tigrinum) spends ten months of each year buried 
in the mud of such temporary ponds. ‘The Pennsylvania meadow-mouse 
(Microtus pennsylvanicus Or.) has been common in these situations. 
Fic. 287.—Grass sawflies: a, eggs; b, larvae (a and 6 natural size); c, larva; 
d, cocoon; e, adult male; f, adult female (c to f enlarged as indicated) (after Marlatt, 
Insect Life). 
The star-nosed mole burrows beneath the sod. It is remarkable for its 
curiously fringed nostril. The wetness of the ground excludes other 
burrowing mammals. 
One of the most abundant forms found here is the snail (Succinea 
avara). The ant (Formica subpolita var. neogagates Em.) is also usually 
common. It builds a hill and burrows below the surface of the ground 
also. Several snout-beetles, the adult click-beetles, and the short- 
winged grouse locust (Tettigidea parvipennis and pennata) are common 
