THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 11 



The results showed that first-stage larvae would live 3.56 days, second 

 stage 6 to 9 days, and third stage 8 to 16 days before dying from 

 starvation. This information, together with data secured on the 

 distance which first-stage larvae can crawl, indicates that the species 

 is able to withstand adverse conditions and still survive. 



PUPATION OF CALOSOMA LARVAE. 



Several attempts have been made to induce the larvae to hibernate 

 during the winter. A number of lots were placed in cold storage 

 and several other experiments were conducted by placing the larvae 

 in jars of earth in a cold cellar. In every case, however, either the 

 larvae had transformed to pupae, which had died, or to adults, when 

 the jars were examined in the spring. After becoming full grown the 

 larvae entered the ground, formed a chamber, and entered the pupal 

 stage. The depth to which the larvae descend depends upon the con- 

 dition of the soil. Occasionally pupae of this bettle are found beneath 

 boards or rocks, but in many cases they descend from 6 to 10 inches 

 in loose soil before making the pupal chamber. In any event, pupa- 

 tion takes place above the frost line. After burrowing into the 

 ground and forming a pupal chamber the body of the larva shortens, 

 and after resting it transforms to pupa. The period from the time 

 the larva stops feeding until pupation occurs averages about 10 days. 



THE PUPA (PL. I). 



The pupa of Calosoma sycophanta is pale yellow, about 25 mm. 

 long and 12 mm. in width at the first abdominal segment. The 

 mouthparts, antennae, wings, and legs are folded beneath the head, 

 the hind legs extending to the tip of the abdomen and the wings 

 extending beyond the fourth abdominal segment. 



Many experiments have been conducted in removing pupae of this 

 species from the cavities in which they pupated, but in most cases it 

 is impossible to do this without causing injury and preventing nor- 

 mal emergence of the adult. In rearing this beetle care should be 

 taken not to disturb the larva after it begins to form its pupal cham- 

 ber, otherwise either a poor emergence of beetles or a considerable 

 number of crippled specimens is likely to result. If definite records 

 are desired regarding individual specimens, the larvae should be al- 

 lowed to pupate in wire cages in the ground. In case it is desired to 

 rear through a large number of specimens without reference to defi- 

 nite records, a large number of larvae can be placed periodically in 

 one of the box cages previous^ mentioned. The time spent in the 

 pupal stage averages about 13 days, and after the adults emerge 

 they remain in the cavity which held the pupae throughout the winter 

 and do not ordinarily come to the surface of the ground until June 1 



