THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 7 



injured in handling. Records of the time spent in the different 

 larval stages or the amount of food consumed may be secured by 

 feeding the newly hatched larvae in individual jelly glasses, as has 

 already been described. When the larvae become nearly full-grown 

 they should be transferred to a larger jar, and it is better to place 

 them in a wire cage sunk in the ground, so that they may have an 

 opportunity to pupate in the soil without being disturbed. 



These methods of rearing beetles were followed out, and in the 

 spring and summer of 1908 and 1909 nearly 15,000 larvae were reared 

 and colonized in the field. Since that time it has been possible to 

 collect both beetles and larvae in the field, and the laboratory rearings 

 for colonization have been discontinued. 



LIFE HISTORY OF CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA. 



Contrary to general belief, the adults of this species live two or 

 three years and sometimes four. This information has been secured 

 by careful study of the habits of the insect carried out over a long 

 period. 



THE EGG (PL. I). 



The egg is about 5.2 mm. long and 2.4 mm. wide, elliptical, taper- 

 ing somewhat toward one end. It is white, with a faint yellow- 

 ish tinge. The eggs are deposited in the ground by the females and 

 hatch in from 3 to 10 days, depending upon the temperature. Careful 

 experiments show that the time spent in the egg stage averages about 

 5.2 days in June and 4.4 days in July. Experiments have been tried 

 to see whether or not hatching could be retarded by placing eggs in 

 cold storage. In cases where they were exposed to freezing tempera- 

 tures they shriveled and no hatching resulted. 



THE LARVA (PL. I). 



The larvae on hatching are nearly white. They remain in the 

 cavity occupied by the egg and gradually grow darker until they 

 become jet black. They then make their way to the surface of the 

 ground and begin searching for food. They attack caterpillars or 

 pupae with little regard to the size, cut through the body wall of 

 their prey with their sharp mandibles, and feed on the liquids and 

 soft tissues within. They molt twice before becoming full grown. 

 These larvae climb trees that are provided with rough bark and search 

 for caterpillars or pupae concealed in crevices. Molting frequently 

 takes place on the tree trunk, so that the cast skins of the larvae 

 are frequently found on trees where they have been feeding. The 

 full-grown larvae average about 25.8 mm. in length and 5.7 mm. in 

 width. The body is shining black, while the mandibles, legs, mouth- 

 parts, antennae, and lateral and ventral abdominal markings are 



