HARVEST MITES. 



133 



CASE supposed them to be distinct species, and copied them, perhaps 

 unconsciously exaggerating the differences. Our beHef is that 

 there is only one species, and that Duges's figure is the correct 

 representation of it, although it is possible that a slight difference 

 in the degree of silkiness of the legs may occasionally occur, 

 which would give them a thicker appearance. We do not 

 apologise for wasting time over this point. Our explanation 

 may save time to many who might otherwise, like ourselves, 

 have spent weeks in trying to make out two species where there 

 is only one. 



We have said that the Trombidii feed not on the juices of plants 

 but of animals. Curtis indeed mentions that in France this 

 species is said to injure the spikes of the corn. But this is 

 explained away by Mr. Walker and others, who say that, although 

 it is often abundant in the corn fields of England, it resorts 

 there, not to feed upon the ears 

 but upon the Aphides that infest 

 them. Mr. Stewart says that it 



feeds on young caterpillars on their -"^^^^^ \] ^ ^^ 



emerging from the ^gg state. 



No. 14. Trombidium trigonum (7%rw.).— 14. 

 Magnified figure of ditto, copied from 

 Hermann. 



This is so far like holosericeum 

 that Duges's conjecture, that it is 

 only a variety of it, may possibly 

 be correct. Hermann, however, 

 figures the hairs on its back as 

 different, as shown above ; and to 

 assist in its determination we also 

 give a copy of Hermann's figure of 

 the species. 



Trombidium triqfonum. 



^ 



Ditto, hairs on back. 



