240 DISEASES OF INSECTS. 



Dr. Matthey asks How does the Gordim get into 

 Acrida viridissima a ? And De Geer Why do they die 

 after having quitted a caterpillar ? and where do they 

 perpetuate their species b ? These questions, without 

 further observations, cannot easily be answered. How- 

 ever, it may be supposed that carnivorous insects, such as 

 Harpali, &c. may swallow them when found apparently 

 dead in clay, where the water has been evaporated, or 

 when they have been ejected by other insects ; and they 

 may revive in their bodies, as Dr. Matthey found them 

 to do in water. It is not difficult to conjecture that the 

 larvae of Phryganece may meet with them when young in 

 the water, and sometimes unluckily swallow them with 

 their food. Why they become as dead when they emerge 

 from their prey we cannot at present conjecture ; but no 

 doubt to answer some wise purpose ; in rainy seasons 

 they probably revive and get into little hollows full of 

 rain-water. Upon De Geer's last question How they 

 perpetuate their species at present I can offer no con- 

 jecture. 



I am, &c. 



a Ubi supra. b De Geer i. 553. 



