On the Larv^ of Lucidota, Sinoxylon and 

 Spermophagus. 



By H. F. WICKHAM. 



In offering descriptions of the hitherto unknown or nnde- 

 scribed larvce of three species belonging to the above genera, 

 it is intended to add something to the scanty knowledge of the 

 transformations of American Coleoptera; the difficulty, often 

 amounting to a practical impossibility, of rearing larvae of this 

 order, has had the effect of discouraging many would-be 

 breeders of Coleoptera after the first attempt. It is perfectly 

 evident that a distinct benefit to science must result from a 

 careful description with detailed drawings of such as come 

 under notice, since it is often only through an acquaintance 

 with the early stages that we are enabled positively to pro- 

 nounce upon the affinities of an insect. Hence the present 

 contribution is submitted to the entomological public. 



Lucidota atra Fab. Plate i. Fig. i. 



Color of living larva, whitish with a rosy tinge beneath, 

 intensified at the sides. Back with piceous-brown scutes, a 

 rosy longitudinal and curved lateral line on each segment 

 except the last two. The sides of the dorsum are also rosy. 

 Mouth parts brownish, prothorax maculate with brown be- 

 neath, meso- and metathorax with a brown triangular spot 

 between the coxa;. Legs annulate with brownish and white. 

 The first to sixth abdominal segments each bear a subquadrate 

 brownish spot near the base beneath, the remainder are nearly 

 white below. Region of abdominal spiracles brownish. 



Form somewhat elongate, flattened above. The length of 

 my specimen (not quite full grown) is 12 mm. 



