80 
RECENT OBSERVATIONS. 
August 18, 1897, in company with Mr. F. C. Pratt, the writer found 
numerous pups of Epitrix at the roots of Jamestown weed (Datura 
stramonium) and the common nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and a few 
larvee of at least two species. The pup could not be positively identi- 
fied at the time, and as both larve and pup are exceedingly delicate 
only a portion of the material obtained was reared. The pup were 
most numerous within a very short distance of the surface of the earth, 
but were found to the depth of an inch, and, in one or two cases two or 
three inches, from the bases of the stems of the host plant, one individual 
being found at a distance of about 
four inches, under a stone, show- 
ing that under favoring conditions 
the larve travel under, or more 
probably over, the earth, and when 
this is moist with dew. Three 
species of Epitrix (cweumeris, fus- 
cula, and parvula) were found on 
these plants; hence it was impos- 
sible to identify all the immature 
stages. Such pupe as developed, 
however, proved to be parvula. 
One bred August 23 remained at 
least five days in the pupal con- 
Fie. 18.—Epitriz parvula: a, adult beetle; b, larva, dition. Subsequently other larvze 
lateral view; c, head of larva; d, posterior leg of 
same; é, anal segment, dorsal view; f, pupa; a, b, and pupe were found, but none 
f, enlarged about fifteen times; c,d,e,more en- during the first week of Septem- 
mora eee. ber, and it would seem probable 
that the last generation of the year develops in this latitude toward 
the end of August. Beetles were found on eggplant early in October, 
but in decreased numbers, and it is not impossible that there may be a 
later generation; but this is not probable. 
BEETLE, LARVA, AND PUPA BRIEFLY DESCRIBED. 
The adult beetle is very minute, measuring scarcely above one- 
twentieth of an inch (1.5™™) in length, oblong ovate in form, and light 
brown in color. The elytra are usually marked with a dark transverse 
median band of greater or less extent. (See fig. 18, a.) 
The egg of this species, or of the genus, for that matter, appears never 
to have been observed. 
The larva is illustrated at b. In a general way it resembles Diabro- 
tica, having the same number of segments, joints of legs, antenne, and 
palpi. It is, of course, more minute, measuring only a trifle above an 
eighth of an inch in length (3.5™") when fully grown. It is delicate 
and filiform or thread-like, milk white in color, except the head, which 
is honey yellow with darker brown mouth-parts and sutures. (See ¢.) 
