1838. HOUSE— No. 72. 63 



a species lulus, which is not a true insect, but belongs to the class 

 MrRiAPODA, a name derived from the great number of feet with 

 which most of the animals included in it are furnished ; whereas, 

 the English wire-worm has only six feet. The European wire- 

 worm is said to live, in its feeding or larva state, not less than five 

 years ; during the greatest part of which time, it is supported by 

 devouring the roots of wheat, rye, oats and grass, — annually causing 

 a large diminution of the produce, and sometimes destroying whole 

 crops. It is particularly destructive in gardens recently converted 

 from pasture lands. 



We have several species allied to this destructive insect ; the lar- 

 vae of which are quite common in newly broken up lands, but fortu- 

 nately, as yet, their ravages are inconsiderable. We may expect 

 these to increase in proportion as we disturb them and deprive them 

 of their usual articles of food, and may then have to resort to the in- 

 genious method adopted by Europeans for alluring and capturing the 

 larvae. This method consists in strewing sliced potatoes or turnips 

 in rows through the garden or field ; women and boys are employed 

 to examine the slices the next morning, and collect the insects which 

 are enticed to feed upon these substances. 



The body in our species of wire-worm is elongated, linear, 

 nearly cylindrical, or slightly flattened above and below. There are 

 12 segments besides the head. The jaws are strong, pointed and 

 curved at the tips, without lateral teeth. There is no thoracic shield. 

 The last segment is longer than the preceding one, and terminates in 

 a small acute spine, on each side of the base of which is a deep cav- 

 ity. Beneath this segment, is a minute retractile tubercle, or proleg, 

 as it is called, which, when the animal walks, is thrust out, and serves 

 the purpose of a foot, to support the posterior part of the body, and 

 prevent it from trailing on the ground. There are six feet, one pair 

 to each of the three anterior segments. The color of the body is 

 pale brown or buff, the head and last segment being somewhat 

 darker. The larvae of our large species, which live upon decayed 

 wood, are somewhat different. Their bodies are proportionally much 

 broader and more depressed. The eyes, though small, are distinctly 

 visible ; are two in number and simple ; one situated at the base of each 

 of the antennae. The last segment is somewhat mitre-shaped, the 



