20 



CEREAL AND FORAGE INSECTS. 



with rich, peaty soil from the fields where the beetles had injured 

 Mr. Baker's corn during the summer. About 40 adult beetles were 

 placed in this box, which was then covered with closely woven wire 

 gauze. 



May 14, 1908, about 50 beetles were collected and placed in the box 

 prepared the preceding November. During the summer the box 

 was carefully examined, and while a few adult beetles were found 

 there were no eggs, larvae, or pupae. 



It appeared from these experiments that the insect could not be 

 reared in confinement ; so, during the months 

 of July and August the cornfields that had 

 been injured by the Clivina were examined 

 every day, the soil being dug up from a few 

 inches in depth to about 2 feet, and exam- 

 ined very closely. July 23 an adult was 

 found that had just transformed, being 

 still in the earthen pupal cell. This was 

 probably among the first to issue this sum- 

 mer, as none could be found earlier, though 

 patient, careful search had been made. 

 Numbers of small Carabid larvae were col- 

 lected for rearing, but all either died or 

 proved to be those of other species. The 

 last week in July full-grown larvae were 

 found in the fields, which soon changed 

 into pupae. From this time on larvae and 

 pupae could be easily found. Several at- 

 tempts were made to rear larvae through to 

 the adults, but without success. 



Owing to the pressure of other duties, no 

 further observations could be made on the 

 species during the summer. However, the 

 fields were examined carefully during No- 

 vember, but no larvae or pupae could be 

 found. From the above it seems that they 

 begin breeding in May or June and con- 

 tinue to do so through August, September, and probably October. 



CHARACTER OF INJURY. 



As soon as the corn is planted and starts to germinate the beetles 

 begin to attack it. They usually commence at the germ, often eating 

 the entire contents, leaving only the hull. Sometimes they begin 

 their work before the grain starts to germinate, though it is rare to 

 find them attacking kernels in this manner. As previously stated, 

 they do not always finish a kernel, but as a rule sufficient injury is 

 effected to prevent further growth. As many as five beetles have 



Fig. 11.— Slender seed-corn ground- 

 beetles attacking a kernel of corn; 

 the body of one protruding from 

 the opening. This is the stage at 

 which the major part of the in- 

 jury is done. Much enlarged. 

 (Original.) 



