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is the habit of the larva of the typical species of this 

 genus (Crioceris merdigera Linn,) to form a covering 

 for itself of its own excrement (in the manner des- 

 cribed by Reaumur, and introduced mto the Insect 

 Architecture) ; but the larva of the Asparagus beetle 

 is different in its habits, following the ordinary plan 

 in this respect. The larva are to be found from the 

 end of June till September. They, of course, do not 

 appear until the Asparagus is sufficiently grown for 

 their support ; the eggs being deposited on the plants, 

 and not in an adjacent situation ; and they arrive at 

 their full growth in about a fortnight. They are 

 most partial to the tenderest shoots. 



They shed their skins several times, the exuviae 

 being visible amongst the unconsumed twigs of the 

 Asparagus. When full grown, the larvae descend into 

 the ground, where they construct a thick pergamene- 

 ous cocoon, in which they are transformed into white 

 pupae of the ordinary form ; the limbs, antennae, 

 and wings being folded in separate sheaths along the 

 breast. 



This state lasts about another fortnight, so that six 

 or seven weeks may be considered as the duration of 

 the insect's life, one-third of which is occupied by the 

 egg, another third by the larvae, and the remaining 

 third by the pupa and imago states. The perfect in- 

 sect mil, however, live a long time if confined. 



Some individuals, also, survive the winter ; indeed. 



