ENEMIES or THE STIGAE BEET. 273 



It has not as yet been noticed in France, but from 

 what we have been told by German farmers it origi- 

 nated in Russia, and is gradually finding its way into 

 the first-named country. This eoleoptera, unlike others 

 of its group, is not beautiful in color, this being dark 

 gray, and when the weather is rainy it becomes jet 

 black. It is about half an inch in length. Y^ery little 

 if any harm is done by the Cureulilo before it arrives at 

 complete maturity. The time for rest and meals seems 

 to be regulated ; the amount eaten is about equal to 

 0.2 of a square inch of a leaf, after which it penetrates 

 the soil. Sleep takes place during the night and bad 

 weather, and it greatly fears the cold. The animal 

 functions take place from the first day of its appearance 

 until July. 



The female is larger than the male, and her method 

 of depositing her eggs differs from the Melolontha, 

 from the fact that but a few are placed in each hole ; 

 and but three weeks are required before the larvae are 

 hatched. 



The number estimated per acre is 400,000. This 

 insect can only fly a few feet. The method proposed 

 for its destruction is to dig trenches having a width 

 greater than they can get over, they thus fall into 

 this trap whence they cannot escape. As to the climb- 

 ing of a vertical wall it is quite impossible. 



"Next comes the Silpha (belonging to second family 

 (Silphidse) of !N'ecrophaga, the last mentioned being 



