62 



-work to consume such quantities of leaves ! What became of them 

 since ? Where do they pass their caterpillar existence ? 



To answer such questions as these 1 could do nothing at the 

 time but wait for their reappearance. 



In the succeeding month of September a few began to show them- 

 selves, coming out of the ground after sunset. Some time previously I 

 had noticed in the looser parts of the soil a great number of caterpillars, 

 of the characteristic Mdolontha habitus, and of all sizes, little distin- 

 guished either in form, colour, &c., from ©thers of its genus, their skin 

 being a little tougher in texture, and of a more yellowish colour than 

 that of most others. The size of the full-grown larvae is about \\ in. in 

 length and ^ in. in diameter. After several unsuccessful attempts, I 

 found at last some chrysalids in the ground at a depth of from 9 to 1 2 

 in., in different stages of development, and also one or two beetles, which 

 had been too weak to pierce the soil, and died after their transformation, 

 thus proving identity. 



The chrysalis lies in an oval hollow at the depth mentioned above, 

 the lining of which is formed by the skin of the larva. 



In the succeeding months of October and November ample opportu- 

 nities offered to study the voracious habits of the species, for which I 

 propose the appellation " Melolontha destructor." 



During the day few could be seen, and none at all active, but soon 

 after sunset countless myriads made their appearance. Like swarms of 

 bees they encircled the treetops in such numbers that the hum of their 

 wings was distinctly audible at a distance of a hundred yards in the calm 

 of an evening, and the working of their mandibles clearly discernible at 

 the base of trees up to 40 feet high, whose leaves they were engaged in 

 stripping off. This will give an idea as to their number. 



At about 10 or 11 p.m. the crowds began to diminish, and I cannot 

 remember having noticed them after midnight in cool weather, but 

 during warm and sultry nights a few continued in action till shortly 

 before sunrise. In early dawn, or in the moonlight, the trees attacked by 

 them seemed to be surrounded by a light cloud of vapour like a veil, 

 when seen from a distance, arising from the numerous Melolontha flying 

 around them. The trees were not attacked simultaneously, but in succes- 

 sion ; those already sickly from previous attacks, or other causes, obtain- 

 ing the preference before the more vigorous, the healthiest escaping 

 sometimes altogether, sometimes with only a branch or two stripped 

 bare. A few night's feasting left the victims bare of leaves, and the 



