282 



PRAIRIE COMMUNITIES 



fissilis), of the strawberry flea-beetle (Typophorus canellus), and the 

 corn rootworms (Diabrotica) (174), and of many other insects well 

 known in economic literature, burrow into the roots of the plants in the 

 larval stage. Many of the grass-eating cutworms, caterpillars, and 

 sawflies (Fig. 287) pupate beneath the surface of the ground. The 

 salamander (Amblystoma tigrinum) spends ten months of each year buried 

 in the mud of such temporary ponds. The Pennsylvania meadow-mouse 

 (Microtus pennsyhanicus Or.) has been common in these situations. 



FIG. 287. Grass sawflies: a, eggs; b, larvae (a and b natural size); c, larva; 

 d, cocoon; e, adult male; /, adult female (c to / enlarged as indicated) (after Marlatt, 

 Insect Life). 



The star-nosed mole burrows beneath the sod. It is remarkable for its 

 curiously fringed nostril. The wetness of the ground excludes other 

 burrowing mammals. 



One of the most abundant forms found here is the snail (Succinea 

 avara). The ant (Formica subpolita var. neogagates Em.) is also usually 

 common. It builds a hill and burrows below the surface of the ground 

 also. Several snout-beetles, the adult click-beetles, and the short- 

 winged grouse locust (Tettigidea parvipennis and pennata) are common 



