The White Grub op the May Beetle. 



Coleoptera (beetles), where the larval or grub stage is generally 

 concealed. This is why the early stages of so few of our Coleoptera 

 have as yet been discovered and described. 



When, in addition to a hidden, subterranean, larval life, we have 

 also in the life-history the perplexing element of a greatly prolonged 

 and unknown larval stage, the problem of how best to deal with 

 our insect foes becomes a difficult one. In the Coleoptera, among 

 the Elateridce and the Scurabeidce, we have two groups which 

 unfortunately are in this category. The life-histories of the wire- 

 worms and of the white grubs are unknown to us, and even the 

 duration of their larval period has not been definitely ascertained. 

 They are among the more serious pests of the agriculturist, and we 

 do not know how effectually to prevent their depredations. Many 

 experiments have been tried for their control, some of which have 

 been partially successful. Not awaiting more positive and perfectly 

 satisfactory results, it seems proper that there should be furnished 

 the public from time to time such an epitome of what has been 

 ascertained as may permit of its beneficial use. 



It is therefore proposed, at the present, to present a summary of 

 our knowledge of the May beetle, Lachnostema fused (Frohl.). 



The larva of this species has, by common usage, received the 

 name of " the white grub." 

 1 1 is not a well-chosen 

 name, since there are sev- 

 eral allied forms to which 

 it might be quite as well 

 applied, but it serves, from 

 its general adoption, the 

 purpose of separating it 

 from other insects when 

 we would speak of it. 

 The perfect insect has in 

 like manner been named 

 the May-bug or May-bee- 

 tle, and the June-bug or 

 June-beetle. As it is a 

 frequent visitor in 

 houses, where it is attracted to light, nearly every person, doubt- 

 less, has made its acquaintance in childhood. It is a thick-bodied 

 insect of an oval form, and of a dark brown color, and measures 



<VH! 



Fig. l.— The May-bug, Lachnosterna fusca; l, the 

 pupa; 2, the white grub in its ground cell ; 3 and 4, 

 Our the beetle. 



