18 



CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA. 



kinds of rearing devices have been made and a large number of dis- 

 appointments has marked the gradual perfection of the methods 

 and devices employed. In the fall of 1907 a considerable number 

 of beetles was placed in hibernating cages made of galvanized iron 

 bent into the form of cylinders which were sunk in the ground about 

 20 inches, allowing 4 inches to protrude. Each end was covered with, 

 mosquito netting and these appeared to furnish excellent quarters 

 for wintering beetles. Experience showed that the earth in these 

 cages became so wet and later so compact that practically all of the 

 beetles died, some of them being crushed in their pupal chambers. 



Fig. 9.— Galvanized-iron wire cages used for -wintering pairs of Calosoma beetles. (Original.) 



Fortunately all of the rearing stock of the season was not placed 

 in such cages so that the work the following spring did not have to 

 be discontinued on account of lack of living specimens. 



OUTDOOR INSECTARY FOR REARING CALOSOMA BEETLES. 



In the spring of 1908, after moving to the present laboratory at 

 Melrose Highlands, it seemed desirable to build a temporary insectary 

 for rearing beetles during the summer. Accordingly a house 11 feet 

 4 inches by 5 feet 10 inches with posts 5 feet 6 inches in height was 

 built in the yard at the rear of the laboratory. (See fig. 11.) The 

 lumber used was 2 by 3 studding, and the sides were walled in with 

 mosquito wire. The rafters extended about 6 inches beyond the 

 plates and the roof was covered with canvas which was held in place 



