¢ ‘ealy. ) 
make it especially easy to observe its operations satisfactorily. 
This species is normally attached to Polygonatum (anglicé 
Solomon’s Seal), and works by forming a continuous series 
of pouches situated between the outer cuticle and the inner 
substance of a stem, which cuticle is so far transparent that, 
even when the scalpellum has become buried under it “ up to 
the hilt,” every part of it and every movement made by it is 
still distinctly visible. The creature becomes so absorbed in 
its work that it can be taken up, stem and all, and watched 
even with a lens of short focus, without the least risk of 
frightening it, or causing it to fly away. (The species observed 
by Réaumur and Vallisnieri form pockets between the rind 
and inner substance of young rose-stems; and the former 
author notes that, while the instrument was actually buried 
in the stem, its movements could be followed by the eye no 
longer.) Phymatocera is also a much more rapid worker than 
Arge, working no doubt on more unresisting materials: so 
that many more repetitions of the process can be witnessed 
during a given time than is the case with Arge; and yet it 
works with such deliberation, that there is full time to note 
the different movements of the scalpellwm, and the effect 
produced by each on the substances traversed by it. 
Early on the morning of May 18th, 1910, the weather being 
at the time particularly bright and snnny, I opened a box 
received on the previous night from Miss Chawner, and found 
in it three freshly emerged 9? of Phymatocera, and the 
earthen cocoons from which they had emerged during their 
journey—also a small stock of Polygonatum (leaves, flowers, 
and stems). I cut three stems toa convenient length, stuck 
them upright in earth at the bottom of a glass jar covered 
above with fine netting, introduced the insects into the Jar, 
and awaited results. Almost immediately one of the insects 
flew on to a stem; walked slowly not quite up to (but nearly 
up to) its top; and then turned round, and stood quite still, 
head downwards. Its position was perfectly normal and 
symmetrical, like that of a fly at rest on a window-pane. It 
might have been standing to have its photograph taken! 
The tarsi of each leg were evenly stretched to their full 
length, but slightly curving so as to clasp the convex surface 
PROC. ENT. SOC. LOND., v. 1911. K 
