BRITISH INSECTS 



ripped off, doubtless the observer will see the curious 

 markings made by this beetle as a result of its ravages- 

 The female Scolytus bores a hole under the bark of the 

 living tree, and then inserts her eggs. In due course, 

 the eggs hatch, and the larvae commence their depreda- 



A 



Eli-n Q>ar\: P)<»,tj*. 



tions. Egg-laying takes place in June, pupation in 

 July, and emergence in August, so that no time is lost. 

 Some, however, hibernate and appear as perfect insects 

 the succeeding May. This species has a black polished 

 head and thorax, with dark brown elytra. The larva is 

 a white, fleshy, legless grub. 



The Pine Beetle {Hylurgus piniperda), belongs to the 

 same family, and is a forest pest. It attacks young 

 shoots of Scots pine trees. The adult is bronze-black, 

 with a blunt head, short clubbed antennas (characteristic 

 of the Scolytida), and rough wing-cases. 



Of the Cerambycidte, which are wood-eaters and do 

 much damage among forest trees, we may select the 

 Musk Beetle (Aromta jnoschata. Fig. 21), which has very 

 long and slender antennae. It has acquired its popular 

 name because of the pleasant odour it emits, and in some 

 56 



