THE GROWTH AND HATCHING OF THE BGG8. 81 
Discussing the development of the embryo, Dr. Potter says that on 
the fifteenth day a change in color in the egg may be noted, and from 
this time on there is a gradual increase in size, the embryo slowly 
assuming form — the eye becoming especially prominent some ten days 
before hatching (fig. 34). 
The larval Cicada makes its escape by rupturing the eggshell over 
the back, from the upper end downward about half way. by muscular 
movements, accompanied with an inflation of the head and forward 
parts of the body. The rupture in the shell once made, the larva works 
its way out by twistings and contortions until the tip of its body only 
remains in the egg slit of the shell. The entire insect, however, is still 
inclosed in an extremely delicate and almost invisible membrane 
(amnion), and after resting a short time the violent movements are 
again resumed, and by wriggling, twisting, and inflating its head, 
thorax, and anterior parts the thin enveloping skin is burst open, and 
by gradual efforts, coupled with contractions and expansions of the 
body, the larva draws itself out, leaving the thin white skin held in the 
tip of the eggshell. The larva 1 nearest the opening come out first, the 
others following in regular order, each usually pushing out the aban- 
doned eggshell of the preceding one, 
though commonly several remain at- 
tached to the loose woody fibers of the 
egg nest. 
Almost at the moment that it becomes 
free the larva begins to run actively 
about with the quick motions of an ant, F,G :i " N « 'T' ]y J^JT'?"" 1 
J enlarged (after Kiu-v). 
but soon goes to the side of the limb, 
loosens its hold, and deliberately falls to the ground, its specific gravity 
being so slight that it passes through the air as gently as a feather 
and receives no injury. The peculiar instinct which impels this newly 
hatched larva to thus precipitate itself into space without the least 
knowledge of the distance to the ground or the result of its venture has 
been often commented upon, but is not more remarkable than other 
features iu the life history of this species. 
On coming to the earth the larva immediately penetrates it, usually 
entering at a crack or fissure, or at the base of some herbaceous plant, 
and begins the long period of its subterranean life. 
The newly hatched larva (fig. 35) is about one-sixteenth of an inch long 
and differs considerably in general form from the later larval stages. 
while at the same time presenting the general structural characteristics 
shown in the latter. It has, for example, a much longer and distinctly 
eight-jointed antenna, and the head is longer in proportion to the body. 
It is yellowish white in general color, except the eyes and the claws of 
the anterior legs, which are reddish. It is sparsely covered with minute 
hairs. In form it is quite elongate and subcylindrical, and it is partic- 
ularly notable for its very prominent lobster like front legs, 
