149 
I 
“The Fig Eater.” 
Allorhina nitida, L. 
Order Coleoptera. Family Scarab^iid^. 
[Plate VII, Fig. 6.1 
This species, abundant southward, but unknown in the northern 
rt of the State, is included among insects injurious to the straw- 
rry, upon the strength of a statement made by Prof. Riley, in 
e first volume of the American Entomologist (p. 24d). Speaking 
the adult beetle, he says: 
“In the larval state they feed on the roots of plants, and are 
metimes quite injurious to the strawberry.” 
The larvae are so similar to the common white grub in appear¬ 
ed and habits, as well as in food preferences, that, like the pre- 
ding species, they have doubtless been commonly confounded 
th it. 
The adult beetle is called the “fig eater” in the Southern States, 
>m its habit of feeding upon the ripened fig, and it is also known 
devour other fruits as well. 
The larva seems commonly to live upon the roots of grass, but 
obably feeds like its nearest relatives, almost indiscriminately, ac- 
rding to situation. The following observations made by Mr. L. 0. 
3ward, and reported in the Canadian Entomologist for October, 
79, will illustrate the normal habit of the larva: 
“While walking through the Capitol grounds a few hours after a 
avy shower ol rain, I observed these larvae in great numbers upon 
e stone pavement, north and east of the Capitol building. I 
unted up to three hundred, and then came to a spot where they 
ore so thick that I had to give it up. I certainly saw thousands, 
arly all of which were dead, either from heat or from having been 
Adden upon Upon interviewing the superintendent of the grounds, 
learned that at this season of the year the grubs always make 
eir appearance in like numbers after a hard rain. This gentle- 
I an informed me, and his statement was corroborated by several 
hers, that frequently the sweepers of a morning, in going over 
e walks, would collect at the bottom of the hill as many as a bushel 
the grubs. The pavement is edged on both sides by a two-inch 
rb, and the larvae falling over this are unable to return; only 
ose grubs inhabiting the earth near the curb would reach the 
ilk, and the great numbers killed in this way after every shower, 
fiord an index to the immense number which the entire lawn must 
ntain. Yet, in spite of this most serious drawback, as one would 
Rurally call it, the grass over the entire plot is so fresh and green 
to call for universal admiration.” 
! “The movements of the larvae upon the smooth pavement were 
ry interesting. The characteristic bend of the body unfits tLem 
r walking on smooth surfaces, and every live individual that I 
served was upon its back moving forward quite rapidly by the 
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