94 THE BLOWFLIES OF NortH AMERICA 
Oviposition may also take place in partially hatched egg cap- 
sules. Larvae have been noted to migrate from one egg capsule to 
another to complete feeding. Usually 2 or 3 puparia are found 
in a single capsule, but the number may be as high as 12. 
The species is not exclusively predaceous upon locust egg 
masses. Cuthbertson (1935) reared lunata from larvae which he 
found in soil beneath dung heaps infested with termites, also 
from larvae associated with dead and dying termites in the 
broken down fungus beds of a termite nest. 
The following descriptions of immature stages are based 
upon collections of lunata forwarded to me by Mr. Cuthbertson; 
the notes upon the stages are from his 1935 paper. 
Egg. About 1.5 mm. in length, 0.30 in diameter; with a fine- 
ly reticulated pattern. 
The incubation period is from 18 to 24 hours during summer 
conditions. 
Larva. First instar: Length 1.5-1.75 mm. Metapneustic. Pos- 
terior spiracles more or less heart-shaped, each with two ovate 
apertures which appear united; peritreme and ‘‘button’’ in- 
distinct. Cephaloskeleton weakly sclerotized. 
This stage lasts only 14 to 24 hours under favorable cireum- 
stances. 
Second instar: Length 3.5-6.0 mm. Anterior spiracles each 
with 6 or 7 circular openings. Posterior spiracles each with two 
oval apertures, peritreme distinct, the ‘‘button’’ enclosed in 
almost imperceptible peritreme. No indication of spinose rings 
or bands on any segment. Cephaloskeleton (pl. 33, B) strongly 
sclerotized, the upper cornua with appearance of being divided 
into two sections, these being united by a non-pigmented area. 
Anal area (pl. 33, D) large, surrounded by 8 elongate tubercles. 
During January and February in South Africa, this instar 
requires 36 to 48 hours for development. 
Third instar: Length 5-14 mm. As in previous instar but 
sclerotized areas heavier and more deeply pigmented. Posterior 
spiracles with three oval apertures (pl. 33, A) and cephaloskele- 
ton (pl. 38, C) as illustrated. 
The aie instar requires 2 to 3 days to ornare development 
under favorable conditions. 
Puparium. Length 7-7.5 mm. Dark brown, with most of the 
external characters of the mature larva. 
The pupal stage lasts for 10 to 16 days during the summer 
months in South Africa. 
The entire life cycle appears to cover less than 30 days under 
ideal conditions. 
