LARVA OF DASCYLLUS. 95 



ABDOIMINAL SEGMENTS. 



4th-8th inclusive : all of the same character, but de- 

 creasing in width ; the sides are deflexed, then inflexed 

 and wrinkled, forming a lateral margin; on the dorsal 

 region there are two raised lines, one parallel to the front 

 and the other to the hind margin of each segment; that 

 near the hind margins is formed of pointed tubercles. 



9-1 1 segs. are much alike, each possessing a parallel 

 raised line just behind the front margins. 



1 2th seg. front margin truncate; sides and hind mar- 

 gins rounded. Sides of the head and of the thoracic 

 segments, and the surface of the nth and 12th all over 

 are beset with short bristles. On each of the abdominal 

 segments except the ventral, is a spiracular opening upon 

 the deflexed portions. 



HABITS. 



This larva lives a solitary subterranean life, burrowing 

 into heav}^ loamy soil and dwelling a long period in the 

 same tunnel of half an inch in diameter and more than a 

 foot deep. It grows to a large size when compared to 

 the dimensions of the perfect insect. The period of ex- 

 istence appears to be more than a year, as larva? are found 

 at the same time, which, by the size, color and texture, 

 would suggest a three years larval condition. In former 

 attempts to rear this insect two years elapsed without 

 change in the larval condition, and it mav fairly be as- 

 sumed the cause of failure to get it, through its changes 

 arose from the prolonged stages ; it becoming difficult 

 to preserve full natural conditions, .particularly for such 

 long periods. Its usual habitat is among the rootlets 

 of heavily foliaged trees where the ground does not dry 

 nor bake. In 1887 they were numerous under an oak tree 

 at Berkeley. The exact place had been filled up with 

 heavy loam that was but one remove from clav; it had 



