8 PAPEES ON CEKEAL AND FORAGE INSECTS. 



They can, apparently, descend with equal rapidity. By releasing 

 the anal and dorsal spines they are lowered by gravity. If the stem 

 be placed in a horizontal position, the pupa makes slow progress 

 backward. The organs of locomotion are apparently not so well 

 fitted for moving backward on a horizontal plane. 



THE MOVEMENTS OF THE PUPA OUTSIDE THE STEM. 



When removed from the stem and placed upon a flat surface, the 

 pupa moves as uncertainly as the larva in the same position. It 

 wriggles constantly, trying in vain to fix its " climbers" into some- 

 thing firm, whereby it can gain leverage and propel itself forward. 

 It will fix the anal spines into the surface upon which it rests, but 

 as there is no surface opposite and near it moves very slowly and 

 uncertainly. 



THE ADULT. 



When ready to issue, the pupa is quite brown. The thin pupal 

 envelope is ruptured along the dorsum of the thoracic region and 

 the insect gradually forces its way out, after which it gnaws an 

 irregular opening at some point in the stem and emerges. 



The adult beetles are about 5 mm. in length, of a brownish color, 

 and have pointed abdomens. From the lateral aspect they are 

 somewhat crescent shaped. They are abroad from the latter part 

 of May to the latter part of June, depending upon temperature con- 

 ditions in early spring. 



There is but one brood or generation during the year. 



LIFE CYCLE. 



LENGTH OF THE SEVERAL STAGES. 



The larval stage covers a period of about 11 months. Nothing 

 could be learned about the number of molts, as the larvae will not 

 develop if their galleries are disturbed. 



The pupal stage varies from 11 to 16 days, depending, apparently, 

 upon the temperature. 



The adult beetles will live from 5 to 6 days in confinement, but 

 they will probably survive a much longer period in the open. 



HIBERNATION. 



The insect hibernates in the larval stage. About the time freezing 

 begins in the fall the larvae are down to the bulb or crown of the 

 root, where they are well protected from cold. They are nearly full 

 grown by this time. Whenever a few warm days come, they appa- 

 rently start feeding again. In the spring they burrow down into 

 the juicy bulb, where they continue feeding until they become full 

 grown. 



