4 BULLETIN 891, TJ. S. DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE. 



the typical winged Phyllophaga is nocturnal. There is a still more 

 striking difference in that the larva of the green June beetle travels 

 on its back, whereas that of Phyllophaga either progresses on its 

 side or, where possible, on the abdomen with the aid of the legs. 



The larva (fig. 2), particularly when mature, differs from the com- 

 mon white grub of the genus Phyllophaga in being larger, and pro- 



Fig. 2. — Full-grown larva of green June beetle in natural position crawling on its back. 



Twice natural size. 



portionately so, as regards the size of the adults. It is- also more 

 robust and more nearly cylindrical ; its legs are considerably shorter 

 and its mandibles and other mouth parts smaller. It differs also in 

 the possession of stiff ambulatory bristles, which more or less closely 

 cover the dorsum and enable the insect to crawl, not on its side, as is 

 the case with the Phyllophaga larva, but upon its back. This is ac- 

 complished by alternate contraction 

 and expansion of the segments of the 

 body, the stiff dorsal hairs materially 

 assisting progress. The speed is prob- 

 abfy more rapid than that of any other 

 known genus of the Scarabaeidae oc- 

 curring in the United States. Indeed, 

 it progresses on its back at about the 

 same rate as the hairy caterpillars do 

 on their legs and prolegs, and in a simi- 

 lar manner. 



Fig. 3. — True white grub (Phyl- 

 lophaga sp.) which does not crawl 

 on its back. Enlarged. Compare 

 with figure 2. 



TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. 



THE BEETLE. 



The beetle of Co tints nitida is re- 

 lated, although rather distantly, to the 

 brown May or June beetles of the North, belonging to a different 

 group of the Scarabaeidae — the Cetoniini. The appearance is quite 

 different. It is variable as to color, but is usually a beautiful velvety 



