1878.] Zhe New Carpet Beetle—Anthrenus Scrophularie. 539 
three-sixteenths of an inch in length. A number of hairs radiate 
: from its last segment in nearly a semicircle, but are more thickly 
: clustered in line with the body, forming a tail-like projection 
almost as long as the body; this terminal pencil of hairs is not 
shown in its full extent in the figure, doubtless taken from an 
immature individual. The entire length of the insect, including 
the pencil of hairs, is, in the largest specimens, nearly three- 
eighths of an inch. Measured across the body and the lateral 
hairs, its breadth just equals the length of the body. An ordi- 
nary magnifier will show the front part of the body, where no 
distinct head is to be seen, thickly set with short brown hairs, and 
a few longer ones. Similar short hairs clothe the body—some- 
what longer on the sides, where they tend to form small tufts. 
Towards the hinder end may be seen on each side three longer 
tufts (thrice as long) projecting laterally ; but these are not always 
visible, as the insect by the aid of a peculiar muscular arrange- 
ment, has the power of folding them out of sight along its sides. 
The body has the appearance of being banded in two shades of 
brown—the darker band being the central portion of each ring, 
and the lighter, the connecting portion of the rings, known as the 
incisure. By turning it upon its back, the six little legs, of which 
it makes such good use, can be seen, in vigorous efforts to regain 
its former position—its struggles while in this condition some- 
times producing a series of jumps of about an eighth of an inch 
in length. 
Having attained its full growth, it prepares for its pupal change 
without the construction of a cocoon or any other provision than 
merely seeking some convenient retreat. Here it remains in a 
quiet state, unaltered in external appearance, except somewhat 
contracted in length, until it has nearly completed its pupation, 
when the skin is rent along its back, and, through the fissure, the 
pupa is seen. A few weeks having passed, the pupal skin in its 
turn is split dorsally, and the brightly colored wing-covers of the 
beetle are disclosed. Still a few additional days of repose are 
required for its full development, when the now fully matured 
beetle crawls from its protective coverings of pupal case and lar- | 
val skin, and appears in its perfect form—its final stage. 
The earliest beetles emerge in the month of October, and con- 
_ tinue to make their appearance during the fall, winter and spring 
= months. Soon after their appearance probably, they par, and ee 7 
