CAinU IN.SFXT HOUSE. 99 



Ad alt Insects tohich do not feed. 



It is well known tliat many species of Lepidoptera, of which 

 the Atlas Moth of India is a good example, Mve incapable of 

 feeding in the adult state. The larva, when full fed, having 

 enclosed itself in a protective cocoon and changed to the pupa, 

 has provided itself with sufficient nourishment to sustain it over 

 the very often fa.r dista,nt period of short, if energetic, adult life. 



The length of life varies according to temperature, which if 

 high will produce great noctui'nal activity, quickly exhausting 

 the energy of the insect. Prof. H. M. Lefroy says these creatures 

 usually become a complete wreck in three nights in the tropics. 

 I have fre(|uently kept them alive and in almost perfect con- 

 dition for from 10 to 16 days by transferring them to a cooler 

 case immediately after emergence from the cocoon. 



Little has ever been written about the feeding-habits of 

 Coleoptera belonging to the Longicorn group, often referred to 

 as wood-feeders, which is generally only correct as regards the 

 larvae, 



I have studied these beetles alive, both in the field and in 

 captivity, and it is my opinion that in their feeding-habits as 

 a.dults we must regard them under two headings, viz., those 

 which feed upon flowers or foliage of various plants and trees 

 and those which, like the Atlas Moths, do not feed at all. 



Those which feed may be seen in active flight or settled upon 

 their food -plants in hot sunshine. 



The following list includes the nocturnal species tested in the 

 Insect House, and which I have failed to attract with any of 

 the foods which appeal to the diurnal species : — 



Prionus coriarius. 

 Asemum striatum. 

 Tetrojnutn gahrieli. 

 Grxoceplialus polonicus. 

 ,, rusticKS. 



Experiments loith living Specimens of the Sexton Beetles 

 Necrophorus humator (black) and N. ruspator (red and black) . 



Offered as foo<l to the following animals in the small Mammal 

 house : — 



Egyptian Mongoose. — Seized and devoured both species without 

 hesitation. 



S. American Coati. — Lost sight of the first beetle, but after- 

 wards Sniffed and followed its trail light across the cage. It 

 then picked up the beetle in its mouth, and, after spitting it out 

 sevei'al times, finall}' devoured it. 



