446 



The insect wOi^ld. 



of the elm ; and so children call the fruit of the elm-tree by the 

 name of " Pains d'Hanneton." But the destruction which ihey 

 occasion in their perfect state is little when compared with that which 

 is caused by their larvae — those white grubs so dreaded by agricul- 

 turists. 



Cockchafers make their appearance from the month of April, il 





Fig. 431. — Inca clathrata. 



the season is warm. But It is in the month of May that they show 

 themselves in great quantities ; and so they are called in Germany 

 Maikafer (Maychafer). They are met with also in June. Tlie 

 duration of their life as a perfect insect is six weeks. They fear the 

 lieat of the day and the bright sunshine, so, during the day, they 

 remain hooked on to the under surface of leaves. It is only early in 

 the morning, and at sunset, that one sees the cockchafers fluttering 

 round the trees which they frequent. They fly with rapidity, pro- 



