1838. HOUSE—No. 72. 63 
a species Julus, which is not a true insect, but belongs to the class 
Myriaropa, a name derived from the great number of feet with 
which most of the animals included in it are furnished; whereas, 
the English wire-worm has only six feet. The European wire- 
worm is said to live, in its feeding or larva state, not less than five 
years ; during the greatest part of which time, it is supported by 
devouring the roots of wheat, rye, oats and grass,—annually causing 
a large diminution of the produce, and sometimes destroying whole 
crops. It is particularly destructive. in gardens recently converted 
from pasture lands. 
We have several species allied to this destructive insect ; the lar- 
ve of which are quite common in newly broken up lands, but fortu- 
nately, as yet, their ravages are inconsiderable. We may expect 
these to increase in proportion as we disturb them and deprive them 
of their usual articles of food, and may then have to resort to the in- 
genious method adopted by Europeans for alluring and capturing the 
larve. This method consists in strewing sliced potatoes or turnips 
in rows through the garden or field ; women and boys are employed 
to examine the slices the next morning, and collect the insects which 
are enticed to feed upon these substances. 
The body in our species of wire-worm is elongated, linear, 
nearly cylindrical, or slightly flattened above and below. There are 
12 segments besides the head. ‘The jaws are strong, pointed and 
curved at the tips, without lateral teeth. There is no thoracic shield. 
The last segment is longer than the preceding one, and terminates in 
a small acute spine, on each side of the base of which is a deep cav- 
ity. Beneath this segment, is a minute retractile tubercle, or proleg, 
as it is called, which, when the animal walks, is thrust out, and serves 
the purpose of a foot, to support the posterior part of the body, and 
prevent it from trailing on the ground, ‘There are six feet, one pair 
to each of the three anterior segments. The calor of the body is 
pale brown or buff, the head and last segment being somewhat 
darker. ‘The larve of our large species, which live upon decayed 
wood, are somewhat different. ‘Their bodies are proportionally much 
broader and more depressed. The eyes, though small, are distinctly 
visible ; are two in number and simple ; one situated at the base of each 
of the antenne. The last segment is somewhat muitre-shaped, the 
