386 THE GROUSE IN HEALTH AND IN DISEASE 



when disturbed, and three of them got away and were recaptured. 

 This observation tends to prove that the beetles assume the 

 hibernating condition immediately after completing their 

 development, which in most cases is effected by the third or 

 fourth week of October. This date, of course, may vary slightly 

 according to local conditions. 



It is a matter for regret that the life history has not been 

 traced any further. Considerably over two hundred specimens 

 were kept alive in cages throughout the winter of 1908, and 

 early in the spring of 1909 (March 2nd and succeeding days), 

 under the influence of the sunshine streaming into the room, 

 they emerged from the soil in numbers, and became very active 

 and excited, a few specimens indulging in short flights. Several 

 were soon pairing ; but even with the most careful searching 

 no eggs were discovered. Further investigation is therefore 

 necessary before the biography of this interesting little beetle 

 can be fully written. 



