ATTACKING THE TRUNK. 23 



through and burrow under the bark. They are very similar 

 in appearance to the young larvae of the two-striped borer, 

 but differ in their habits; they form long, narrow, winding 

 tracks under the bark, but upon the outer surface of the 

 wood, which are made broader as the larva increases in size. 

 This larva is also found under the bark of oak-trees. 



Remedies, — Should the insect at any time prove destructive, 

 its ravages may be prevented or controlled by the use of the 

 alkaline wash applied to the bark, as recommended for the 

 two-striped borer (No. 2), deferring its application until the 

 early part of August. 



No. 5.— -The Stag Beetle. 



Lucanus dama Thunb. 



This large and powerful beetle is a very common insect, 

 belonging to the family called LameUieornes, or leaf-horned 

 beetles, from the leaf-like joints of their antennae. In the 

 male (Fig. 7) the upper jaws or mandibles are largely de- 

 veloped, curved like a sickle, and ,^ 

 furnished internally beyond the mid- 

 dle with a small tooth ; those of the 

 female are much shorter, and also 

 toothed. The body measures from 

 one to one and a quarter inches in 

 length, exclusive of the jaws, and is 

 of a deep mahogany-brown color. 

 The head of the male is broad and 

 smooth ; that of the female narrowed 

 and roughened with indentations. The 

 beetle appears during the months of 

 July and August, and is very vigorous on the wing, flying 

 with, a loud, buzzing sound during the evening and night, 

 when it frequently enters houses, to the annoyance of the 

 occupants. It is perhaps scarcely necessary to remark that 

 this beetle is not venomous, and that it never attempts to bite 

 without provocation. 



