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West, Newman cLromu

Bohtophi'ia lummosa. LaLarva. li.Pupa

)L-

AN ELEMENTARY

MANUAL

NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

%\\ Jntrobittibii to % j&tobjr

OF

OUR NATIVE INSECTS.

WITH 21 COLOURED PLA

BY

G. V. HUDSON, F.E.S.,

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND.

West, Newman, & Co., 54, Hatton Garden.
1892.

3Ag<Y*f

The Right Hon. LORD WALSINGHAM,

M.A., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S.,

LATE PRESIDENT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON,

THIS LITTLE BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED

BY THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE.

THE object of the present volume is to give a brief account
of the Natural History of the insects inhabiting New
Zealand in a form intelligible to the ordinary reader. For
this reason every effort has been made to avoid all un-
necessary technicalities, and to adapt the book as far as
possible to the requirements of youthful entomologists and

collectors.

Several very elaborate systematic lists and descriptions
have been published from time to time of the insects of
New Zealand, amongst which may be specially mentioned—
Captain Broun's " Manual of New Zealand Coleoptera," the
illustrated " Catalogue of New Zealand Butterflies," edited
by Mr. Enys, and Mr. Meyrick's " Monographs " of various
groups of the Lepidoptera ; but as yet no attempt has
been made to present the subject in a suitable form for
beginners.

It is hoped that this book will, to some extent, fill up the
blank, and help to render what is now one of the most
popular natural sciences in Europe, equally appreciated in
New Zealand.

The author is much indebted to Captain Broun, Mr.
R. W. Fereday, Mr. E. Meyrick, and others, for assis-
tance in identifying the various species mentioned in
this work.

Wellington, New Zealand, 1891.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I.

PAGE

General Observations i

CHAPTER II.
Collecting Insects 9

CHAPTER III.
The Coleoptera 19

CHAPTER IV.

The Hymenoptera 33

CHAPTER V.
The Diptera ...... .40

CHAPTER VI.
The Lepidoptera 65

CHAPTER VII.
The Neuroptera 99

CHAPTER VIII.
The Orthoptera 103

CHAPTER IX.
The Hemiptera . . . . • • - . 11S

General Index 123

Explanation of Plates 129

AN

ELEMENTARY MANUAL

OF

NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

CHAPTER I.
<&mm\l (Observations.

In the present chapter I propose to give a brief sketch of
the general principles of Entomology, including a rudi-
mentary glance at the anatomy and classification of insects ;
after which I think the reader will be in a better position
to study the habits and life-histories of the individual
species which follow.

The first requisite is a definition of what constitutes an
INSECT.

An Insect is an articulate animal having the body divided
into three distinct divisions, viz., the HEAD (Fig. I. A), the
THORAX (B), and the ABDOMEN (C). It is furnished with
three pairs of legs, and generally has two pairs of wings, and
to acquire this structure the creature passes through several
changes, termed its metamorphoses.

2

2 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

The head exhibits no distinct divisions, but bears the
following appendages : the eyes, antennae, and organs of
the mouth, or trophi.

The eyes are of two kinds, compound and simple. The
former (Fig. I. c c) are situated on the sides of the head
above the mouth, and consist of two large hemispheres,
composed of a great number of hexagonal divisions, each
of which is a complete eye in itself. The latter (s s) are
usually three in number, and are situated on the top of the
head between the compound ones. They are, however,
frequently wanting.

The antennae (a) are two jointed organs, one of which is
placed on each side of the head, between the eyes ; their
functions are at present extremely doubtful, but they are
invariably found in all insects.

The organs of the mouth consist of the following : the
labrum (Fig. II. 3), or upper lip, a horny plate, closing
the mouth from above; the mandibles (1 1), or upper
jaws, two strong bent hooks, articulated to the head on each
side of the mouth, and opposed to one another like scissor
blades ; the maxillae (2 2), or under jaws, resembling the
mandibles, but more delicately constructed, and furnished
with a pair of jointed appendages termed maxillary palpi
(5 5) ; and the labium (4), or lower lip, consisting of a
horny plate somewhat resembling the labrum, but provided
with two jointed appendages termed the labial palpi (6 6).
All these organs are subject to great modification in suc-
torial insects, which I shall notice further on, when dealing
with the differences between the various orders.

The thorax consists of three primary divisions, viz., the
prothorax (Fig. I. b), mesothorax (d), and metathorax
(k). The upper surfaces of these are termed the pronotum,
mesonotum, and metanotum respectively, and the under the
presternum, mesosternum, and metasternum; other divisions
exist in some insects, but they are not of a sufficiently

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 3

■general character to be noticed here. The six legs are at-
tached to the under surface of the thorax, a single pair to

Fig. II.

Fig. I

Fig. I. — Body of an insect (Hymenoptera), showing the principal divisions :
A, head ; B, thorax ; C, abdomen ; a, antenna ; c, compound eyes ; m,
mandible ; s, simple eyes ; /', prothorax ; d, mesothorax ; k, metathorax ;
iW, fore-wing; 2\V, hind-wing; n, coxa; o, trochanter; /, femur; r,
tibia ; t, tarsus ; I to 9 segments of the abdomen.

Fig. II. — Oral and digestive system of Deinacrida megacephala (this insect is
drawn on Plate XVIII., fig. 2) : I, mandibles ; 2, maxillse ; 3, labrum ; 4,
labium; 5, maxillary palpi ; 6, labial palpi; 8, oesophagus; 9, crop ; 10.
gizzard; II, pancreas; 12, stomach; 13, biliary vessels; 14, ilium; 15.
colon ; 16, anus.

each division ; they are composed of the following joints :
coxa (Fig. I. n), trochanter (o), femur (p), tibia (r), and
tarsus (s).

4 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

The wings are attached to the meso- and metanotum ;
they consist of two membranes traversed by numerous
horny ribs (Fig. I. iW and 2W).

The abdomen is made up of nine segments (C 1 to 9),
some of which are not infrequently wanting. It contains
the organs of nutrition, circulation, and generation.

The digestive system, the structure of which is apparent
from Fig. II., consists of the following divisions : the throat,
or oesophagus (8) ; the crop (9) ; the gizzard, or proventri-
culus (10) ; the pancreas (1 1 1 1) ; the stomach, or ventriculus
(12); the biliary vessels (13 13 13) ; the ilium, or little gut (14
14) ; and the colon (15) ; ending in the anus (16). In the
suctorial tribes, the crop is modified into a very peculiar
organ, termed the sucking stomach, which presents itself as
a small bag, attached to the throat by a thin tube. This
bag exhausts the air from the throat, when the insect is
sucking, thus producing a vacuum therein, and causing
a rapid ascent of fluid into the stomach.

The heart of insects consists of an elongated tube lying
along the back, and termed the dorsal vessel. It is com-
posed of a variable number of chambers, the blood being
driven forward towards the head by its contractions. These
motions may be easily seen in transparent species.

The breathing organs are distributed throughout the
body in the form of numerous minute air-tubes, which are
supplied with air from a variable number of apertures, situ-
ated on the sides of the insect, and termed spiracles.

The nervous system consists of a chain of ganglia, run-
ning down the ventral surface of the insect, and analogous
to the spinal cord of higher animals. The number of ganglia
varies greatly among the different tribes.

The metamorphosis of insects, which I have previously
mentioned as one of their most essential attributes, consists
of four distinct stages, viz., the Egg, Larva, Pupa, and
Imago.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 5

The eggs of these animals exhibit a great diversity in
shape among the different species. They are deposited by
the parent with unerring instinct on substances suitable for
the food of the larvae, which, in the majority of cases, is
quite different from that on which she herself subsists.

The larva state immediately succeeds the egg, and is
spent almost exclusively in feeding, the insect growing
at a great rate, and being frequently compelled to change
its skin.

The pupa is usually completely quiescent, the insect
being at this time quite incapable of any motion, except,
perhaps, a slight twirling of its abdomen. Exceptions to
this rule occur, however, in two of the orders, in which the
pupa state does not differ materially from that preceding it.

In the imago, or perfect state, the insect appears under
its final form, with every organ completely developed.

We will now consider the seven great divisions, or Orders,
into which insects are divided, the complete knowledge of
which is one of the most important elements in the ento-
mologist's preliminary education. I trust that by a care-
ful perusal of the following definitions, aided by references
to the Plates, which illustrate numerous members of each
order in their several states, the reader will be enabled to
master the subject without much difficulty.

Order I.— COLEOPTERA.
Wings four ; the anterior pair (termed elytra) horny and
opaque, the posterior membranous, and employed in flight ;
mouth masticatory. The larva a grub with or without legs,
but a distinct head always present. The pupa inactive,
taking no food, the limbs of the future insect enclosed in
distinct cases, and applied closely to the body. This is
the largest of the Orders, and consists of all those insects
popularly known as Beetles. (Plates I. and II, .^

6 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

Order II.— HYMENOPTERA.

Wings four, membranous, the posterior pair being the
smaller, and connected with the anterior during flight by
a row of minute hooklets ; mouth masticatory, the maxillae
and labium being elongated, in many of the families, into
a long sucking instrument or " tongue." Metamorphosis
as in the Coleoptera. A large Order, containing the
numerous tribes of Sawflies, Bees, Wasps, Ants, and Ich-
neumon-flies. (Plate III.)

Order III.— DIPTERA.

Wings two ; the posterior pair represented by two
minute clubbed appendages termed poisers ; mouth a
suctorial tube formed by an elongation of the labium,
enclosing within it a variable number of setae answering
to the mandibles, &c, of biting insects. The larva without
legs, a distinct head being often absent. The pupa in-
active, the limbs of the imago firmly attached to the body,,
but plainly visible. Among the majority of species in-
cluded in this Order the larval skin is not cast away, but
envelopes the insect in a hard shell ; the true pupa is con-
sequently only visible on the removal of this covering,
when it is found to closely resemble those in which no such
arrangement occurs. The Order comprises the numerous
Gnats and two-winged Flies. (Plates IV., V., VI., VII.)

Order IV.— LEPIDOPTERA.

Wings four, generally covered with scales ; the anterior
pair slightly superior in size ; mouth suctorial, the
maxillae forming a spiral tongue, which is coiled be-
tween the large labial palpi when not in use ; other oral
organs rudimentary. In many instances the whole mouth
and alimentary canal are more or less obliterated, a con-
siderable number of the species taking no food in their

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 7

final state. The larvae always possess a distinct head and
six thoracic legs, and in addition a variable number of
prolegs are often present on the abdominal segments.
Pupa inactive, the limbs of the future insect being usually
indicated by lines in the integment. This Order contains
all the varied tribes of Butterflies and Moths. (Plates
VIII., IX., X., XL, XII., XIII.)

Order V.— NEUROPTERA.

Wings four, of equal size, membranous, and traversed)
with numerous branching ribs ; the mouth masticatory,
and in many instances but slightly developed. Larva
with a distinct head and three strong thoracic legs ; chiefly
carnivorous. Pupa inactive ; the limbs very perceptible
and loosely applied to the body, but incapable of distinct
motion. A small Order, comprising the Stoneflies, Lace-
wings, Ant-lions, &c. (Plate XIV.)

Order VI.— ORTHOPTERA.

Wings four, of nearly equal size ; the anterior pair often
more or less leathery, but with distinct veins. The larva
and pupa closely resembling the imago ; the latter with
rudimentary wings. In the instances where these organs
are wanting in the mature insect, the metamorphosis
merely consists of a series of moultings, and it is con-
sequently a matter of some difficulty to determine when the
insect is full-grown. This Order is of small extent ; it
includes the Earwigs, Cockroaches, Grasshoppers, Crickets,
Termites, Dragonflies, Mayflies and Perlidas ; the last
four being transferred from the Neuroptera of most
authors. The minute species of Mallophaga and Thy-
sanura will also come under this heading. (Plates XV,
XVL, XVII., XVIIL, XIX.)

8 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

Order VII— HEMIPTERA.

Wings four, in some cases wholly membranous, but in
a large proportion of the families the basal portions of the
anterior pair are horny, and form protective cases for the
other pair when not in use ; mouth suctorial, consisting of
an elongate rostrum, enclosing four fine setae. The larva
and pupa resemble the imago, the latter being active, with
rudimentary wings. In a few instances, a slight divergence
from the parent form is shown in the preparatory states
(Cicadas, &c). This is a small Order, containing the
Cicadas or " Singers," Bugs, Plant Lice, and all the suc-
torial animal lice. (Plate XX.)

After the Orders, the divisions to be considered are the
Groups, Families, Genera and Species.

Groups are large divisions immediately subordinate to
the orders, and consist of a number of kindred families.
They are of great assistance to the student in dealing with
the very large Orders, such, for instance, as the Coleoptera.

Families, again, consist of a number of allied genera, and
Genera, in the same way, of allied species.

With regard to the Families, I have in the main followed
those of Professor Westwood in his ' Modern Classification
of Insects/ as most recent writers appear very much
divided in opinion as to the correct limits of these divi-
sions. Much diversity also prevails with respect to the
proper definitions of Genera and even Species, but I have
deemed it best to follow the authority of the latest cata-
logues in this matter, as any changes in nomenclature are
always liable to produce confusion.

CHAPTER II.

Collecting Insects.

So many excellent essays have been written on collecting
insects that it would probably be a most difficult task to
supply much fresh information on the subject ; but as many
of my readers may be unable to consult works specially
devoted thereto, the present chapter will, perhaps, be of
some value in showing them a few of the most convenient
methods of collecting insects in New Zealand.

Coleoptera, or Beetles, may be found almost everywhere.
Overturning logs and stones, peeling off bark, and cutting
into the solid wood of trees, all produce a great variety of
species. A small axe and an iron wrench, shaped some-
thing like a chisel, but bent round at the upper end, are
the best instruments for working old trees. The bark should
be all stripped off and examined, as well as the surface of
the log underneath. The same remarks apply to stones,
which should be searched as well as the places from which
they were removed. Sacks, if left about the fields for a
few weeks, often harbour good beetles, and when found
they should always be pulled up and examined.

An umbrella, held upside down under flowering shrubs
in the forest, will often be found swarming with beetles
.after the plants have been sharply tapped with a stout

io NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

walking-stick. The same object may be attained by
spreading a newspaper, or sheet, under the trees and
then shaking them ; the beetles will fall on to the sheet,
and may then be captured. The only advantage of the
umbrella is that it can be more readily used in awkward
places, such as on steep hill sides.

The dead bodies of birds and animals also contain
peculiar species ; they may be held over the umbrella and
shaken into it, when the inhabitants will fall out, and can
easily be obtained. Dead fish on the sea beach are often
very productive. Moss and fungi are unfailing resorts
of many of the smaller species of Coleoptera, and can be
examined in the winter when the entomologist is other-
wise idle.

Beetles should always be brought home alive. The
small round tin boxes sold with Bryant and May's wax
matches will be found very serviceable for this purpose.
These boxes are far better for all kinds of collecting than
either pill- or chip-boxes, as they do not break when knocked
about. A separate box should always be given to a large
or rare species, but most of the smaller kinds will travel
quite safely in company, especially if a wisp of grass or a
leaf is put into the box to give them foothold.

Beetles must be killed with boiling water, and left
immersed some hours before setting. They must be
pinned through either the right or left elytron, and each
collector must always keep to one side, as nothing looks
worse than to see some of the specimens pinned on the
right and others on the left side. When pinned the beetles
are set on a corked board, the legs, &c, being placed in a
natural position, and retained until dry by means of pins
and pieces of paper and card. The smaller species should
be mounted with transparent gum on a neat piece of card,
which can be pinned in the store-box or cabinet with
the others. The greatest care should be taken to set

COLLECTING INSECTS. n

symmetrically, so that the limbs on the right-hand side of
an insect are in the same position as those on the left.

Hymenoptera may be captured with the ordinary
butterfly-net, and are found abundantly during the
summer. The larger species are pinned through the
centre of the thorax, and set in the same way as Cole-
optera, the smaller ones on card with gum. These in-
sects should, if possible, be made to fly into the vessel of
boiling water, as by this means they generally die with
their wings expanded, which is a great assistance when
setting them. This can usually be managed by holding
the box containing the specimen immediately over the
water, and giving it a sharp tap with the finger of the
other hand.

Diptera are also captured with the net, and pinned in the
same way, but should be killed with the laurel bottle.

Lepidoptera are the most difficult of all to collect, and
are at the same time the most attractive to beginners.
They may be captured with a net made of fine gauze
(mosquito net dyed green is the best material) ; the
frame to support the net is constructed of a piece of cane
bent into a hoop, each of the ends being supported in a
forked tube shaped like a Y> arjd the long tube, forming the
base of the y, is firmly fitted on to the end of a walking-
stick. This form of net is light, strong, and easily made ;
the only thing requiring special attention is the Y> but this
can be readily made by any tinsmith out of two pieces
of gas-pipe of different sizes, the larger one for the stick,
and the smaller one for the ends of the cane to fit into.
The collector should also be furnished with a number of
small tin boxes.1 All this apparatus can easily be packed
into an ordinary satchel.

1 For Lepidoptera I can strongly recommend " Jahncke's Patent Round
Boxes" with glass lids. They maybe obtained from any chemist, or from
Messrs. Sharland & Co., Wholesale Druggists, Wellington.

12 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

When the entomologist reaches his hunting-ground, he
will mount his net and place a number of the boxes in
his left-hand coat pocket. The foliage of all trees and
shrubs should be vigorously beaten and the insects cap-
tured as they fly out. When a moth is taken, the collector
will first turn the net half way round so as to close the
entrance, and then, directly the insect ceases fluttering, he
should carefully place one of the little boxes over it and
slip on the lid. The box is then transferred to the right-
hand pocket. He will soon learn to do this without in any
way damaging the insect. On arrival at home, the insects
should be immediately killed in the laurel bottle. This is
an ordinary wide-necked bottle with a small bag of well-
bruised young- laurel shoots at the bottom, covered with a
circular piece of card fitting accurately to the sides of the
bottle. Laurel shoots can always be obtained about the
middle of October, when several killing bottles can be pre-
pared. They must always be wiped out before using, and
kept carefully corked. After a few hours the insects
should be tilted out of the bottle on to a tablecloth, and
pinned exactly through the centre of the thorax. The
rough surface of the tablecloth prevents them from slip-
ping during the operation. About one-third of an inch of
pin should project below the body of the insect. If a moth
or butterfly dies with its wings folded upwards over the
back, it must be carefully picked up between the thumb
and index finger of the left hand, and the pin inserted with
the corresponding fingers of the right hand. When all are
pinned they should be transferred to a tin box, lined with
cork, which has been previously well damped with water.
While pinning them into this box great care must betaken
not to allow the wings to come in contact with the damp
cork. In about twenty-four hours the specimens thus treated
will be ready for setting. This process is performed by
means of corked boards of various widths for different sized

COLLECTING INSECTS. 13

species. Each board has a groove down the centre for the
bodies of the insects to rest in, while the wings are spread
out on either side. They should be carefully moved for-
wards with a fine-pointed needle to the desired position,
and retained by strips of tracing cloth pinned firmly down
at the ends. These strips must not be removed until the
insects are thoroughly dry and ready to place in the store-
box or cabinet. In setting Lepidoptera, as with other
insects, symmetry and a natural position are the main
points to be aimed at, special care being taken that the
antennae, fore- and hind-legs, and wings, are shown in
correct positions, the middle pair of legs being of course,
in the majority of cases, hidden by the wings. It is almost
needless to say that different sized pins should be used for
various insects, but this point must be left to the discretion
of the collector. Entomological pins of all sizes can be
obtained from James Gardner, of 29 Oxford Street, London.
Gilt pins are useful for many species which are liable to
form verdigris on the pins, and are universally employed
by many entomologists, but are probably not so strong as
the silvered ones.

Many species of moths are only to be found at night.
When working at this time the collector must suspend a
bulls-eye lantern round his neck or waist, and can then have
both arms free for capturing insects on the wing or at
blossoms. Honey mixed with a little rum, and applied
with a small brush to the trunks of trees a few minutes
after sunset, will, on some evenings, attract large numbers
of valuable species, but not infrequently it is quite unpro-
ductive. This mode of collecting has been termed " sugar-
ing " by entomologists, and may be employed during the
whole summer. The best blossoms for attracting insects
in New Zealand are those of the white rata,1 which blooms
in the forest from February till April, and from which the

1 Metrosideros scandens.

14 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

collector may generally rely on getting a rich harvest.
The insects can usually be slipped directly from the flowers
into the killing bottle.

This is much better than netting them, although occasion-
ally one will escape during the process. When dead the
specimens should be placed in a small tin box which has
been filled with cotton-wool, packed very lightly. In this
way a large number of moths may be carried a long dis-
tance with perfect safety, and the extremely inconvenient
process of pinning them in the field obviated. If Jahncke's
patent boxes are employed it is quite unnecessary to kill
the moths in the field. They can be boxed directly from
the blossoms and taken home alive without suffering any
injur)'.

Lepidoptera, and in fact all insects, are attracted by light,
and in some situations the collector will find that he may
frequently obtain good species by merely opening his
sitting-room window and waiting for the insects to arrive.
Much of course depends on the situation of the collector's
residence and the nature of the night, which should be dark
and warm. I have occasionally tried taking a lamp into the
forest to attract insects, but have not met with much success.
In swampy and fiat situations, no doubt, attracting by light
would be very effective, especially if a powerful lamp was
employed, in an exposed situation, with a sheet behind it,
supported between two poles. This method has been
followed with great success by many English entomologists
in the fens, but has not yet been tried in the New Zealand
swamps, where it would probably be the means of bringing
many new and interesting species to " light."

With regard to collecting members of the three remaining
Orders but little need be said. Neuroptera can be treated
in the same way as Lepidoptera, but they should be set on
flat boards. The treatment of the Orthoptera will resemble
that of the Coleoptera, but the larger species will require

COLLECTING INSECTS. 15

to be stuffed with cotton-wool before setting. A few of
the largest species of the Lepidoptera must also be stuffed.
For this purpose the specimens should be placed on their
backs on a piece of clean glass so that none of the scales
may be rubbed off. After the contents have been removed,
a little chalk should be introduced into the abdomen with
the cotton-wool. Hemiptera can be collected and set like
Coleoptera, but some of the more delicate species, such as
the Cicadcs, should be killed in the laurel bottle instead of
in boiling water.

Before concluding the present chapter I should like to
say a tew words on the subject of rearing insects, which the
entomologist will soon learn to regard as by far the most
interesting method of acquiring specimens for his collection.

Members of the Coleoptera are probably the most difficult
insects to rear in captivity. Their larvae may be kept in
ordinary jam-pots covered with perforated zinc, and filled
with earth or rotten wood. The carnivorous species must,
of course, be supplied with the animals on which they feed.
Beetle larvae are often some years in attaining maturity.
Many of the Hymenoptera and some of the Diptera are
parasitic on the larvae of the Lepidoptera ; they are con-
sequently found in rearing these insects, and their economy
should always be carefully recorded.

Lepidoptera are, perhaps, the most satisfactory insects
to rear. Most of the larvae feed on the leaves of different
plants, and all that is needed is to keep them well supplied
with fresh food.

So great a variety of cages have been devised for the
rearing of caterpillars that it would be quite impossible to
describe them here. I will therefore only give a short account
of those which I have used myself, and have found so con-
venient that I do not hesitate in recommending them to
those entomologists who wish not only to rear insects but
to study their habits.

16 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

The cages I have been in the habit of using are made of
two or three thicknesses of cardboard bent round into a
cylinder and strongly pasted together. They may be of
various sizes, from three to four inches in diameter up to
eight or ten, and constructed so that one will go inside
the other. The height should exceed the diameter by
about one and a half inches. The cylinders should be made
so as to stand exactly level on a flat surface, and they
should have two rows of small openings round the sides for
the admission of air. It is a good plan to have four of these
openings in each row and place them opposite one another.
They should be covered on the inside with gauze, stiffened
with green or brown paint, as the dark colour will enable
the observer to see inside more readily. A circular piece
of glass is fitted into the upper end of the cylinder, and
fixed by means of paste and paper. The base of the
cage consists of two round pieces of wood, one about
half an inch smaller than the other, the smaller one nailed
exactly in the centre of the larger piece. These are made
so that the cardboard cylinder fits accurately on the out-
side of the smaller piece of wood. The whole cage is
then neatly covered with white paper inside and brown out-
side. A complete view of the interior can of course be
obtained by looking in at the top, while the cages can be
stowed away one within the other when not in use. A
stone ink-bottle should be put on the floor of each cage
and filled with water, into which a sprig of the food-plant
can be introduced. Care must be taken to plug up the
mouth of the bottle, so that the larvae may not crawl down
the stem of the plant into the water and thus meet with an
untimely end. This may readily be done by means of a
cork with a hole bored in it for the stem to pass through,
or a plug of moss or blotting-paper. Members of almost
all the orders can be reared in these cages, as jam-pots full
of earth may easily be introduced, in the place of the stone

COLLECTING INSECTS. 17

bottle, when required for species which bury. A cir-
cular piece of blotting-paper should be placed over the
bottom of each cage, while larvae are feeding in them, and
renewed when at all soiled. The excrement must also be
removed when the larvae are supplied with fresh food.
As a rule, this is only necessary about twice a week, as the
water will keep most plants fresh for quite a lengthened
period. When it is necessary to remove a larva it should
always be done with a fine camel-hair brush, never with
the fingers. Generally, however, it is better to allow the
larvae themselves to crawl from the old sprig on to the new
one, which they usually do in a few hours after the food is
changed. The old plants should of course then be taken
out so as to afford more room for fresh air.

Many female moths may be induced to lay their eggs
in captivity, especially if put in a box with some of the
food-plant of the larva. It is extremely instructive and
interesting to rear an insect from the egg. When the
young larvae first emerge they must be kept in a tumbler
with a piece of glass put over the top, as they might escape
through the ventilators of the cages, but they ought to be
transferred immediately they are large enough. When
rearing a lot of caterpillars from a batch of eggs, care
should be taken to avoid overcrowding.

A collection of insects should always eventually be
placed in a neatly constructed cabinet. They should be
arranged in rows, systematically, with the correct names
under each species, and the name of the order or group at
the commencement of each drawer. Numerous modifica-
tions in arrangement are often needed to meet the require-
ments of different sized insects, but an inspection of any
good collection will at once explain the general principles.
Camphor should be pinned in the corner of each drawer
or store-box, and the whole collection fumigated with
carbolic acid, or equal parts of oil of thyme, oil of anise,

1 8 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

and spirits of wine, every six months. These can be
introduced in a watch glass containing a small quantity of
the chemicals on a pellet of cotton-wool, care being taken
not to stain the paper at the bottom of the drawer. For
the same reason, while using carbolic acid, the camphor
should be taken out, as otherwise it will " sweat." All
boxes for the reception of insects must of course be lined
with cork and paper.

It is most important that an accurate record should be
kept of every specimen that is placed in the collection.
This may be done by attaching to the pin underneath each
insect a small numbered label, which refers to a book con-
taining locality, date of capture and other particulars.

I have found it a good plan to give every species a
number, and every specimen a letter. Thus, supposing
Vanessa gonerilla is numbered " 6," the first specimen
taken would be " 6a," the second " 6b," and so on, all the
specimens, perhaps, having different dates and localities.
This system is very convenient when specimens are sent
away to be identified by another entomologist, as, provided
the collector always retains a single specimen of the species
which he desires named, it obviates the necessity of having
his specimens returned, the number showing at once to
what species the name refers. At least five lines should be
allotted to each species in the collection journal, and the
writing should be small but distinct.

A collection formed in this manner will not only be a
constant source of pleasure to the collector and those who
succeed him, but very probably of great value in deciding
many important questions in entomological science.

CHAPTER III.

The observations on the natural history of the New
Zealand beetles, forming the subject of the present chapter,
are much less numerous than might have been expected
from the great number of species which have been de-
scribed. The difficulties attendant on rearing these insects
are, however, very great, and it thus happens that the life-
histories here given bear a smaller proportion to the num-
ber of the Coleoptera than will be found to be the case with
the majority of the other Orders. I hope, however, that
the few details I have collected, referring to the following
species, may induce some of my readers to investigate
others for themselves.

Group GEODEPHAGA.
Family ClClNDELID^E.

Cicindela tubercidata (Plate I., fig. i, ia larva).

This is a very abundant insect found throughout the
country in all dry situations. It delights in hot sunshine*
and may be constantly observed flying from our footsteps
with great rapidity as we walk along the roads on a hot
summer's day.

Its larva (Fig. ia) is an elongate fleshy grub, the head

20 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

and first segment being horny and much flattened, and the
body provided with two large dorsal humps, each bearing
at its apex a slender curved hook.

The burrows of these insects are very conspicuous, and
must have been noticed by every one, in garden paths,
sandbanks, and other dry situations ; they are sometimes
very numerous, and may be best described as perfectly
round shafts, about one line in diameter, and extending to
the depth of three or four inches, generally slightly curved
at the bottom. The sides are perfectly smooth, and the
larva may be often discovered near the mouth of its burrow,,
using its dorsal hooks to support it, and thus having both
legs and jaws free to dispose of the unfortunate insects
that fall into its snare. These usually consist of flies and
small beetles, which appear to be urged by curiosity to>
crawl down these pitfalls, and thus bring about their own
destruction. By reference to the figure it will be seen how
admirably the hollowed head and prothorax serve the
purpose of a shovel to the larva, when forming its shaft.
These burrows are first observed about the middle of
November ; the perfect insects coming abroad three weeks
or a month later, when they may be often seen in the-
neighbourhood of their old domiciles. They are very-
voracious, devouring large quantities of flies, caterpillars,,
and other insects, some of which are much superior to
themselves in size. On one occasion I saw a male speci-
men of Cicindela parryi (a species closely allied to but
smaller than C. tuberculatd) attack a large Tortrix cater-
pillar, an inch and a half in length. The beetle invariably
sprang upon the back of the caterpillar and bit it in the
neck, being meanwhile flung over and over by the larva's
vigorous efforts to free itself from so unpleasant an as-
sailant. During the fight, which lasted fully twenty minutes,
the beetle was compelled to. retire periodically to gain fresh
strength to renew its attacks, which were eventually sue-

THE COLEOPTERA. 21

cessful, the unfortunate tortrix becoming finally completely
exhausted. The beetle devoured but a very small portion
of the caterpillar, and abandoning the remainder went off
in search of fresh prey. Eight other closely allied species
of Cicindela are described by Captain Broun in the " Manual
of the New Zealand Coleoptera," but they offer no especial
peculiarities, and C. tuberculata may be taken as a type of
the genus.

Family CARABID/E.
PterosticJius opuleutus (Plate I., fig. 3, 3a larva).

This fine beetle is very common in most wooded situa-
tions in the Nelson district ; it may be at once distinguished
from the numerous other closely allied species by the
beautiful metallic coppery tints that adorn its thorax and
elytra.

During the day it is usually discovered concealed under
logs and stones, and when disturbed, rushes into the first
crevice to get out of the light. At night time, it comes
abroad to feed, killing an immense number of flies, cater-
pillars, and other insects, to satisfy its voracious appetite.
Although of a most ferocious disposition, it is not wanting
in maternal affection. The female, when about to deposit
her eggs, excavates a small cavity nearly three inches
square, in which they are placed. These she broods over
until hatched, and probably some little time afterwards, as
I have found a specimen close to a nest, which contained
both eggs and larvae, and the zealous mother furiously bit at
anything presented to her. The eggs are oval in shape,
quite smooth, and yellowish white in colour. The young
larva is drawn at Plate I., fig. 3a ; it is remarkable for its
superficial resemblance to a small lulus, and being found
in similar situations to that animal, its mimicry has pro-
bably some useful object. The older larva differs chiefly
in having the head and thoracic segments proportionately

22 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

smaller. Twenty-one closely allied insects belonging to
two genera are described by Captain Broun in his Manual,.
the largest being PterosticJms australasicz, which is found
in similar localities to the present species, but is not so
common.

Group HYDRADEPHAGA.
Family Dyticid^:.
Colymbetes rufimanus (Plate I., fig. 4, 4a larva).
This insect is found plentifully in all still waters during
the summer months. Its larva is a soft elongate grub,
provided with six slender thoracic legs, and a pair of
powerful mandibles. The posterior extremity of the body
is furnished with two curious appendages bearing a spiracle
at the apex of each, which the larva frequently protrudes
above the surface of the water. The air is taken in through
the spiracles, and conveyed to all parts of the body by two
main air-tubes, one of which springs from each spiracle, and
branches throughout the insect in every direction. During
the spring months the larvae may be found of various sizes
in similar situations to the imago ; they are very voracious,,
devouring freshwater shrimps, Ephemera larvae, and occa-
sionally, when pressed by hunger, they will even destroy
individuals of their own species for food. These they
capture by means of their powerful mandibles, retaining a
firm hold of the victim until they have consumed all the
fleshy portions, the rest of the carcase being thrown aside,
and a fresh search made for more. One individual I kept
for some time, remained perpetually concealed in a small
patch of green weed, growing in the middle of its aquarium.
In a short time it became surrounded with the skeletons
of small water shrimps which had been seized by the
larva as they passed by its hiding place, the unfortunate
crustaceans only discovering their enemy when it was
too late. I have not yet observed the pupa of this

THE COLBIOPTERA. 23

insect, but it probably does not differ materially from those
of its European allies. Although so very different in
general appearance to the preceding insects, this beetle
will be found on careful examination to agree with them
in all important respects, being only what a ground
beetle might naturally become if forced to lead an aquatic
existence. Breathing is effected in all the water beetles
by the spiracles of the abdomen, which alone are developed.
The air is taken in between the elytra and the body,
and owing to the convexity of the former, a supply can
be retained sufficient to last the insect some twenty or
thirty minutes. The beetles may be often observed with
the extremity of their elytra protruded above the surface,
renewing their supplies of air. On very hot days C. rufi-
manus may be occasionally seen flying with great rapidity
far away from its native ponds. When doing so it makes a
loud humming noise, and is a much more conspicuous
object than when in the water.

Group Clavicornia.

Family Nitidulid^:.

Epurcea zcalandica.

This curious little beetle is found abundantly in the
neighbourhood of decaying fungi, throughout the year,
being most plentiful in the autumn and early winter. Its
larva is a small cylindrical grub, with the head and legs so
minute that they are scarcely perceptible, causing it to
closely resemble the maggots of many dipterous insects,
occurring in similar localities. It is generally found in the
large yellow fungi, so abundant in wet situations during
the late autumn and winter months. It forms numerous
galleries through the plant in all directions, and owing to
the large amount of moisture which is usually present, these
galleries are often filled with water, so that the insect may

24 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

be said to be sub-aquatic in its habits. I have not yet
detected the pupa of this species, although the discovery
of a large quantity of both larvae and perfect insects is of
everyday occurrence with the entomologist in winter.

Family ENGID.E.
Dryocora Hozvittii (Plate I., fig. 6, 6a larva).

This quaint-looking little insect occurs occasionally in
damp matai logs, when in an advanced state of decay.
The larva (Fig. 6a) is very flat and thin, possessing the
usual thoracic legs, which, however, are rather short. The
last segment of the abdomen is furnished with an anal
proleg and a pair of small setiform appendages. Its
mode of progression is very peculiar, resembling that of
the Geometer larvae among the Lepidoptera.

The thoracic legs are first brought to the ground, and
the rest of the body is then drawn up in an arched
position close behind them. The anal proleg then supports
the insect while the anterior segments are thrust out, and
the others follow as before. This method is only employed
on smooth surfaces, the larva crawling along elsewhere in
the usual manner.

The perfect beetle is a very sluggish insect, and difficult
to find owing to its colour, which closely resembles that of
the wood in which it lives.

Family Engid.k.

Cliceiosoma scaritides (Plate I., fig. 2).

This insect may be at once recognized by its peculiar
shape, no other New Zealand beetle resembling it in this
respect. Although tolerably common and generally dis-
tributed, it is very seldom seen abroad, spending almost
the whole of its life concealed in the burrows of various
wood-boring weevils. Its larva, which feeds on the grubs

THE COLEOPTERA. 25

of these insects, is of a pinkish colour, very fat and
sluggish ; the head and three anterior segments are strong
and horny, the legs being rather short. It undergoes its
transformation into the pupa within the weevil burrows,
when the limbs of the perfect insect can be seen folded
down the breast, the wings and elytra being much smaller
than in the beetle. Specimens in all stages of existence
may be readily procured by splitting up old perforated
logs which have been long tenanted by weevils.

Group Brachelytra.
Family STAPHYLINID^E.
Staphylinus oculatus (Plate I., fig. 5)-
This is the New Zealand representative of 5. olens or
the " Devil's Coach Horse," one of the most familiar of
British beetles. It is found occasionally in the neighbour-
hood of slaughter-houses, and may be at once distinguished
from any of the allied species by a large spot of brilliant
scarlet situated on each side of its head behind the eyes ;
this very conspicuous feature has given it the specific name
of oculatus. I am at present unacquainted with the trans-
formations of this fine insect, but they will probably closely
resemble those of the typical species (S. olens) described
in the majority of standard books on European Coleop-
tera. This beetle may be frequently seen flying in the
sunshine, when it has a most striking appearance, owing to
its large size and rapid motion. An unpleasant odour is
found to arise when it is handled, this being noticeable in
nearly all the members of the family. These beetles
are comparatively numerous in New Zealand, the genus
PJiilonthus comprising several elongate active insects,
of which P. ceneus is one of the commonest, and may
be found abundantly amongst garden refuse. Others
frequent the seashore,- feeding on decaying seaweed, and

26 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

may be noticed flying in all directions along the coast
immediately after sundown. Another genus {Xantholinus)
includes a number of interesting beetles found in old weevil
burrows, and probably feeding on their inmates.

Group Lamellicornes.

Family LuCANID.i:.

Dorcas punctulatus (Plate I., fig. 7).

An abundant species chiefly attached to the red pine
tree or rimu, where it may be found concealed beneath
the scaly bark, in the angles of the trunk near the roots.
When disturbed, it folds up its legs and antennae on its
breast, and, extending its powerful jaws, awaits the approach
of the enemy, ready to bite anything coming within its
reach. These, however, are purely defensive measures, the
insect being quite harmless when left alone. The larva is
at present unknown to me. Another species, D. reti-
culatus, is a much handsomer insect than the preceding ;
it may be at once recognized by four deep impressions in
the thorax, filled in with light-brown scales ; the margins
of the elytra are similarly scaled, as well as four spots on
each elytron, the remainder of the beetle being dark-brown
and shining. It is generally found in totara bark, but is
much scarcer than the last species. One small specimen
I possess, remarkable for its brilliant appearance, was taken
under the bark of a stunted black birch tree, over two
thousand feet above the sea-level.

Family MELOLONTHID.-E.
Stethaspis suturalis (Plate I., fig. 8, 8a larva).

This conspicuous insect occurs abundantly in all open
situations. Its larva (Fig. 8a) inhabits the earth, feeding
on the roots of various plants, and is especially abundant

THE COLEOPTERA. 27

in paddocks, where it occasionally does considerable damage
to the grass, and threatens ere long to become as great a pest
as its first cousin, the renowned Cockchaffer of England
(Melolontha vulgaris), whose fearful ravages need no de-
scription. It may be taken as a typical larva of the family,
the rest differing from one another in little else than size.
When full-grown it is quite as large as the illustration, and
is nearly always in the position there indicated, owing to
the size of its posterior segments and the absence of any
anal proleg, which compel it to lie always on its side. I
have not yet succeeded in obtaining the pupa of this insect,,
although larvae may be frequently found enclosed in oval
cells, evidently about to undergo their transformation.
Several of these have been kept in captivity, but they have
hitherto always died without undergoing any change. I
have, however, no doubt as to its being the larva of 6".
suturalis, as there are no other large Lamellicorns found
near Wellington to which it could possibly be referred.
The perfect beetle appears in great numbers from November
to March ; it is best taken at dusk, when it flies with a
loud humming noise, about four feet above the ground. If
knocked down it always falls amongst the herbage, and is
not readily perceived until a few minutes later, when the
humming noise is resumed as the insect again gets under
weigh, and the would-be captor must not lose time if he
wishes to secure it. Occasionally individuals are seen
disporting themselves on the wing during the day, but
this must be regarded as a purely exceptional circum-
stance. Unlike the majority of nocturnal Coleoptera,
this insect does not appear to be attracted by light ; in
fact I have never obtained any specimens by this method,
although most other night-flying beetles may be taken in
goodly numbers at the attracting lamp.

28 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

Family Melolonthid.e.
Pyronota f estiva.
This brilliant little insect is extremely abundant amongst
manuka, during the early summer. In general appearance
it reminds one of a miniature specimen of the last species,
but is more elongate in form ; the green thorax and elytra
are also much brighter. The latter are bordered with
flashing crimson, the legs and under surface being reddish-
brown, sparsely clothed with white hairs. A small La-
mellicorn grub, found amongst refuse in manuka thickets,
is probably the larva of this insect ; it is less thickened
posteriorly than that of 5. suturalis, but otherwise closely
resembles it. The perfect insect is diurnal in its habits,
flying round flowering manuka in countless numbers on a
hot day. The descent of thirty or forty of these little
beetles on to the beating sheet, out of a single bush, is of
frequent occurrence, and is particularly noticed by the New
Zealand entomologist accustomed to the meagre supply of
specimens offered in the majority of instances.

Group STERNOXI.

Family Elaterid.e.

Thoramus wakefieldi (Plate II., fig. i, ib larva, ia pupa).

This fine beetle may be taken under rimu bark in

tolerable abundance, and is often observed flying about at

dusk during the summer. Its larva inhabits rotten wood,

usually selecting the red pine, in which it excavates numerous

fiat galleries near the surface of the logs. When disturbed

it is very sluggish, the head being immediately withdrawn

into the large thoracic segment and completely concealed.

The legs are very minute, and are of but little use in walking,

the insect being chiefly dependent for locomotion on its

large anal proleg, which is furnished with numerous horny

spines. When full-grown this larva closes up one end of

THE COLEOPTERA. 29

its burrow, and thus forms a closed cell, in which it is trans-
formed into the pupa shown at Fig. ia, remaining in this
condition until the warmer weather calls the insect from its
retreat. Two closely allied species are T. perblandus and
Metablax acutipennis. The former is occasionally found
under the large scales on matai trees, and resembles the
present insect in general appearance, but is much smaller and
more elongate in form, its elytra being also ornamented with
longitudinal rows of yellowish-brown hairs. The latter
may be often taken on the wing in the hottest sunshine,
and is chiefly remarkable for its elongate prothorax and
pointed elytra; its colour is dark reddish-brown, ornamented
with a few scattered white hairs. All these insects possess
the singular habit of leaping into the air when placed on
their backs, the last-named species exercising this faculty
in a most marked degree. The movement is effected by
the joint between the pro- and meso-thorax, the sternum
of the former being elongated into a long process, fitting
into a corresponding cavity in the latter, so that by means
of the two being suddenly brought together, the insect is
thrown high into the air with a loud clicking sound, hence
the English name of the Skipjack or Click Beetles, the
scientific name, Elater, doubtless having reference to the
same habit. The object of this curious arrangement is in all
probability twofold ; the sharp click and rapid movement
of the insect deterring many enemies from attacking it,,
whilst the short legs of the beetle, which are quite unable
to reach the ground when it is thrown on its back, render
a special contrivance necessary.

Group Heteromera.
Family TENEBRIONID/E.
Uloma tenebrionides (Plate II., fig. 2, 2a larva, 2b pupa).
One of our commonest beetles, found in great abundance

3o NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

in all moist wood when much decayed, the favourite trees
being apparently rimu and matai. Its cylindrical larva
may be taken in similar situations, and much resembles
in general appearance the well-known " wire-worm " of
England, whose destructive habits, however, it does not
share. At present, whilst bush-clearing is going on, its
influence is beneficial, as it devours large quantities of use-
less wood, which is thus rapidly broken up and got rid
of. The pupa is enclosed in an oval cell, constructed by
the larva before changing, from which the perfect insect
emerges in due course. When first exuded its colour is
pale red, but this rapidly changes into dark brown after
the insect has been hardened by exposure to the air.
Specimens are often met with of every intermediate
shade, and are rather liable to deceive the beginner, who
mistakes them for distinct species. An account of a
small Dipterous insect infesting this beetle in its pre-
paratory states will be found on page 62.

Group LONGICORNIA.
Family PRIONID.E.

Prionus reticularis (Plate II., fig. 3, 3b larva, 3a pupa).

This is the largest species of beetle found in New
Zealand, and is common throughout the summer in the
neighbourhood of forests. Its larva (Fig. 3b) is a large,
fat grub, with minute legs ; it inhabits rimu and matai,
logs, often committing great ravages on sound timber
although frequently eating that which is decayed ; posts,
rails, and the rafters of houses alike suffer from its attacks ;
the great holes formed by a full-grown larva of this insect
creating rapid destruction in the largest timbers. It may
be remarked, in connection with these wood-boring species,
that a good thick coat of paint put on the timber as soon
as it is exposed, and renewed at frequent intervals, to a
great extent prevents their attacks. The pupa (Fig. 3a)

THE COLEOPTERA. 31

is enclosed in one of the burrows formed by the larva,
which, before changing, blocks up any aperture, so as to
rest secure from all enemies. The perfect insect emerges
in the following summer, when it may be often observed
flying about at night. It is greatly attracted by light, and
this propensity frequently leads it on summer evenings to
invade ladies' drawing-rooms, when its sudden and noisy
arrival is apt to cause much needless consternation amongst
the inmates.

Closely allied to the above is Ochrocydus huttoni, which
may be at once known by its smaller size and plain elytra ;
it is very much scarcer than P. reticularis, but may occa-
sionally be cut out of dead manuka trees in company with
its larva.

Group RHYNCOPHORA.
Family CURCULIONID^E.
Oreda notata (Plate II., fig. 4, 4a larva).
This weevil is not often noticed in the open, but may be
found in great abundance in the dead stems of fuchsia,
mahoe, and other soft-wooded shrubs, whose trunks are
frequently noticed pierced with numerous cylindrical holes.
The larva also inhabits these burrows, devouring large
quantities of the wood ; it is provided with a large head
and powerful pair of mandibles, but, in common with all
other weevil larvae, does not possess legs of any description,
the insect being absolutely helpless when removed from its
home in the wood. The pupa might also be found in
similar situations, but I have not yet observed it. The
perfect insect may be cut out of the trees throughout the
year, and is occasionally taken amongst herbage during
the summer.

Family CURCULIONID/E.
Psepholax coronatus (Plate II., fig. 5 $, 5a $ ). '
This curious species is found abundantly in the stems of

32 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

dead currant trees (Aristotelia racemosci), in which it exca-
vates numerous cylindrical burrows like the last species,
which it closely resembles when in the larval state. The sexes
are widely different, the elytra of the male being furnished
with the characteristic coronet of spines, which is entirely
wanting in the female. Numerous other members of this
genus may be taken in company with the present insect,
and should be carefully examined, as a correct determina-
tion of the males and females of the several species is
sadly wanted. Digging beetles out of the wood is good
employment for the entomologist in winter, when he will
find that a day spent in this manner will frequently produce
as rich a harvest as one in the height of summer.

Before finally leaving the Coleoptera, I should like to
direct the attention of my readers to the immense number
of interesting weevils found in New Zealand. Chief
among these is the remarkable Lasiorhyncluis barbicornis,
a large insect furnished with a gigantic rostrum, which will
at once distinguish it from any of the rest. Other genera
contain numerous beetles, which may be found in various
kinds of dead timber in company with their larvae, and are
worthy of a more minute investigation than has at present
been given them.

CHAPTER IV.

The Hymenoptera are perhaps the most interesting order
of insects, their brilliant colours, great activity, and un-
paralleled instincts rendering them alike attractive to the
young collector and scientific entomologist. They are,
however, not very numerous in New Zealand, several of
the most important families being completely absent ; in
fact, with the exception of the ants, there are no social
Hymenoptera native to this country. The information
I here give in connection with these insects does not
adequately represent the large amount of interest which
can be derived from their investigation, and I must there-
fore refer the reader to those admirable works by Sir J.
Lubbock on Ants and by Huber on Bees, which cannot
fail to interest all who read them.

Family Andrenid^e.
Dasycolletes Jiirtipes (?) (Plate III., fig. i).

This is the true native bee of New Zealand, and may
be taken abundantly during the whole of the summer.
Its nest is constructed in crevices in the bark of trees,
&c, the insect very frequently selecting the spaces between
the boards of outhouses, where the loud buzzing noise

4

34 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

made by the perfect bees when emerging from their
retreat at once arrests our attention. These nests con-
sist of about ten oval cells, formed of clay, and neatly
smoothed within. They are all constructed by a single
female, which also provisions them with honey and pollen,
depositing an egg in each The larva, after consuming
the food, changes into a pupa, from which the perfect
insect emerges about January. If the reader will imagine
a great number of these nests closely packed together,
the formation and storing of the cells being performed
by a number of sterile individuals (workers), while the
eggs are deposited by a single female (queen), he will
have a fair idea of the economy of the social bees and
wasps, whose wonderful instincts attain their maximum
in the well-known hive-bee, successfully introduced and
cultivated in various parts of the country.

Closely allied to this species is Dasycollctes purpureas (?)
(Fig. 10), which forms its nests in sand-banks, its cylin-
drical holes having a great resemblance to the burrows of
Cincindela tuberculatum which frequently occur in the same
situation.

Family Sphegid^;.

Pompilus fugax (Plate III., fig. 2).

This is a very abundant insect, and may be observed
flying about on any fine day during the summer, occa-
sionally stopping to examine leaves and crevices in the
bark of trees, where it is looking for the unfortunate
spiders, which constitute the food of its progeny. The
larva is a fat apodal grub, and may be found in the cells
constructed by the perfect insect, which usually selects
a large cylindrical hole in a log, previously drilled out
by a weevil. Into this burrow she pushes a large quan-
tity of spiders, which she has previously captured and
paralyzed with her venomous sting. When her nest is

THE HYMENOPTERA. 35

properly provisioned she deposits an egg in it, closes
the hole with a neat plug of clay, and leaves the larva
to quietly consume its half-dead companions. Each
female, no doubt, forms a large number of these cells
during the summer. While cutting up old logs for Cole-
optera, the entomologist will not infrequently come across
these nests, when the insects may be found in various
stages of development. Unfortunately, however, the sight
which usually meets his eye is a large number of legs and
other fragments of spiders, the fugax having long since
deserted the burrow, and being very probably engaged in
forming others in a neighbouring tree. These insects are
very ferocious, and will attack spiders which considerably
exceed them in size. On one occasion I noticed a very
large one at rest in the centre of its web, which was
suddenly noticed by a passing fugax, which immediately
sprang upon its back, and, in spite of violent move-
ments on the part of the spider, twisted her abdomen
dexterously round and stung her victim in the centre of
the thorax, between the insertions of the legs. This pro-
duced almost instantaneous paralysis in the spider ; but it
was apparently too large for the fugax to carry away to
her nest, as I saw the unfortunate creature hanging help-
lessly in its web some hours after the occurrence.

Family FoRMiciDyE.

Formica zealandica (Plate III., fig. 3 $ , 3a $, 3b $ , 3c,

cocoon).

This is one of our commonest ants, and may be noticed
under logs and stones throughout the year. The nest
consists of a number of irregular cavities dug out by the
workers either in the ground or in soft rotten wood. Its
size varies considerably, but the societies of this species
are not usually so extensive as those of Atta antarctica,

36 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

an insect I shall have occasion to refer to presently. The
larva? are minute apodal grubs, which are dependent
entirely on the workers for food. When full grown they
spin an oval cocoon of white silk, in which they are con-
verted into pupae, and these the patient neuter ants may
be observed carrying away with great anxiety when dis-
turbed, risking their own lives to preserve their adopted
offspring from destruction. The females, or queens, of
which there are several in each nest, do not appear to
participate in these labours, but are only instrumental in
perpetuating the species, and the same remark applies
to the males. A large number of these winged males and
females may be observed in the nests about February, the
general emergence taking place during that month. At this
time they leave their native homes and mount to a great
height in the air, and after sporting for some hours they
re-alight on the earth, and in a short space of time cast
their wings. The neuters at this time are said to carry
them away to form fresh colonies, but I have not carried
my investigations sufficiently far to verify this in connection
with the New Zealand species.

Family FORMldDiE.

Ponera castanea (Plate III., fig. 4 $ , 4a $ , 4b, larva).

This is a much larger species of ant than the last, but is
apparently not unlike it in habits. I have figured a male
(Fig. 4) and worker (4a), the female not differing from the
latter in any great degree, except in being provided with
wings. It will be noticed, however, that the male is very
divergent. The larvae of this insect are covered with
numerous minute spines, and may be often found in the
nests ; also the cocoons which they form when full grown,
these latter being of a dark brown colour, and rather
elongate. The winged insects are not frequently seen.
They appear only for a short time in February, the earlier

THE HYMENOPTERA. 37

ones being invariably held captive by the workers until the
rest have emerged, when they are all allowed to fly away
and form fresh colonies as in the last species.

Family FORMICID^E.

Atta antarctica (Plate III., fig. 5 £ , 5a $, 5b, larva).

This is another very abundant species, found occasion-
ally amongst rotten wood in very large communities. Its
larva, which is represented at Fig. 5b, does not form any
cocoon, the pupa being quite naked and defenceless. It is
a beautiful little object when examined with a microscope
of moderate power. The annual migration of the winged
males and females of this species usually takes place on a
hot day in the last week of March, at which time I have
observed the air throughout a day's journey absolutely
swarming with these little insects. Many specimens are
captured in the spiders' webs, while the logs, fences, and
ground are covered with ants in the proportion of about ten
males to one female. At other seasons of the year the
winged individuals of Atta antarctica are seldom observed.

Family CHALCIDID/E.

Pteromalus, sp. (?) (Plate III., fig. 9).

This little insect was reared, in company with thirteen
others of the same species, from a pupa of Eurigaster
marginatns, which had been procured from a larva of
CEceticus omnivorus, and is consequently a true hyperpara-
site.1 Its curious habits will be better understood by the
reader after perusal of the life-histories of those two
insects, which I have given on pages 60 and 74. The
method by which the females of the Hymenoptera whose
larvae are parasitic on insects inhabiting other insects,

1 Hyperparasite is an animal parasitic in a parasite.

38 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

introduce their eggs into their hosts,1 is not at present
known to entomologists, but it seems at least probable
that they are deposited in the eggs of the parasitic Dip-
teron before these gain access to the caterpillar of the
moth.

Family ICHNEUMONID^.

Ichneumon sollicitorins (Plate III., fig. 6).

This is the most abundant of our ichneumon-flies, and
may be taken amongst herbage from August till May. Its
larva is parasitic in the caterpillars of various Noctuae,
having occurred in the following species : Mamestta
composita, M. mutatis, and M. ustistriga. The pupa may
be frequently discovered inside that of the moth, and is
quite white in its early stages, but as age advances all the
colours of the future insect can be seen through the thin
pellicle which invests it. The perfect insect makes its
escape through a circular hole, which it drills in the upper
end of the unfortunate moth pupa it has destroyed. The
sexes of all ichneumon-flies may be at once recognized by
the females possessing an ovipositor 2 differing consider-
ably in length among the various species, but nearly
always plainly visible.

Family ICHNEUMONID^E.

Ichneumon deceptus (Plate III., fig. 7).

This conspicuous insect is chiefly mentioned on account
of a very curious habit possessed by the females of con-
gregating in large numbers on matai trees, as many as fifty
or sixty specimens being often found huddled together
under a single flake of the bark. The males are occasion-
ally taken flying in the open, but I have never seen any
amongst these large assemblages of females. Whether the

1 " Host" is a term applied to any animal harbouring a parasite.

2 Ovipositor, a boring instrument employed in depositing the eggs.

THE HYMENOPTERA. 39

ichneumons are parasitic on some insect which lives on the
matai, or whether they assemble to feast on the sweet juice
occasionally exuded from its bark, it is impossible to say,
but in either case the complete absence of males is a very
remarkable circumstance.

Family ICHNEUMONID^:.
Scolobates varipes (Plate III., fig. 8).
The larva of this little insect is parasitic on the useful
larva of Syrphus ortas whose life-history is recorded on
page 57. It is very common in some instances, and must
consequently destroy a considerable number. It entirely
eats the soft portions of the insect, and may afterwards
be found lying snugly within the hard empty shell of
the. deceased syrphus pupa, which acts as a cocoon for
it while undergoing its own pupa state. The perfect insect
may be often observed amongst herbage, searching for
syrphus larvae to deposit its eggs in.

CHAPTER V.

The next Order which comes under review is the Diptera,
which includes all the two-winged insects, and constitutes
a most extensive Order in respect to the number of distinct
species. When, however, the numbers of individuals of the
same species are considered, it is probable that this Order
includes a greater proportion of the insect-world than all the
others put together. The preponderance of these insects
over the rest holds good with greater force in New Zealand
than in many other countries, and this fact may be almost
inferred from the large number of spiders present here, which
are chiefly dependent on Diptera for their support. The
important function of clearing away refuse matter is almost
entirely performed by the members of this Order, as the
Necrophagous Coleoptera and other scavengers which exist
in such large numbers in many countries are practically
absent here, and their work consequently devolves upon
dipterous insects.

Group Nemocera.
Family CULICID^£.
Culex iracundus (Plate IV., fig. i, ia larva, ib pupa).
The mosquito is only too familiar to every one from

THE DIPTERA. 41

its ceaseless attacks ; it occurs almost everywhere, but is
most abundant in marshy situations. The larva (Fig. ia)
inhabits all stagnant waters, where it may be found very
abundantly throughout the summer, and when disturbed it
plunges about with great agility. Its food consists of the
numerous animalcule swarming in all still waters during
the greater portion of the year. These are captured by
means of two curious anterior appendages, which are
fringed with long hair, and pulled through the water like a
fisherman's net ; they are then withdrawn into the mouth
and the contents devoured, the hungry insect again ex-
tending them for a fresh supply. These larvae are generally
seen suspended from the surface of the water by the
curious air-tube which takes its rise from the penultimate
segment of the abdomen, which is of considerable length.
Its apex is armed with a row of stiff bristles, which
effectually prevent the water from entering the spiracle
there situated, so that the insect is enabled to respire when
hanging from the surface, independently of any muscular
action. It is also worthy of note that the intestine dis-
charges itself into this tube, an arrangement which does
not exist among the British species. After several moultings
the transformation to the pupa state takes place. At this
stage the insect(Fig. lb) becomes much thickened anteriorly,
this being the region of the head and thorax of the future
gnat ; all the limbs are easily detected on a close examina-
tion, as with lepidopterous pupae. The upper portion is
provided with two short appendages, fulfilling the same
function as the air-tube of the larva, and which constantly
support the pupa at the surface of the water. The terminal
fins enable it to dash through the water with great rapidity
when pursued by enemies ; at other times it remains per-
fectly motionless, suspended from the surface of the water.
It should be mentioned that none of these aquatic pupae
take any nourishment, neither have they any limbs properly

42 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

so called. Their locomotion, although in some cases un-
questionably rapid, is entirely effected by violent motions
of the abdomen. I have been careful to point out these
peculiarities as these animals have been regarded by
many authors as active pupae on a level with those of the
Orthoptera and Hemiptera. This opinion, however, is
manifestly erroneous ; the pupai of the nemocerous
Diptera are on precisely the same footing as those of the
Lepidoptera, and it would be almost as reasonable to call
one of these active, because it wriggles out of its cocoon in
the earth before the emergence of the moth. The perfect
mosquito emerges from a rent in the thoracic shield of the
pupa, drawing each pair of legs out separately, and placing
them in front of it on the water ; the wings and abdomen
are then extracted and in a few moments it flies away.

The bites of these insects appear to distress some
people much more than others, probably owing to constitu-
tional differences. I should mention that the females
alone engage in these attacks, the males being quite
harmless and subsisting entirely on honey, which is doubt-
less the natural food of both sexes. The male and female
mosquito are readily distinguished, the specimen figured
belonging to the latter sex ; her companion is chiefly
remarkable for his plumed antennae and beautiful palpi,
which are very long and gracefully plumed. As many of
the harmless insects which will be investigated are often
mistaken for this species, and destroyed accordingly, I
should like to advise my readers that they may at once
distinguish all the venomous species of gnats by their long,
lancet-like proboscis and loud humming noise during flight.

Closely allied to this insect is Culex argyropus, which
might be called the coast mosquito as it is always found
near the seashore, its larva living in brackish pools
just above high-water mark. The perfect insect may be
also seen skatins: alone: the surface of the water like a

THE DIPT ERA. 43

gerris T ; it may be at once distinguished by its dark
colour.

Family Tipulid^e.

Corethra antarctica, n.s.2 (Plate IV., fig. 3, 3a larva,
3b pupa).

An elegant little gnat, frequenting the margins of ponds
and ditches during the spring months. The larva (Fig.
3a) is bright green, ornamented with numerous yellow
spots ; it is very sluggish, living in the green slime weed
which floats on the water in such large masses during that
season. Not being very common it is difficult to find,
as its colour so closely resembles that of the weed which
it always frequents. The pupa (Fig 3b), is not very
agile, and is nearly always observed suspended from the
surface by its thoracic air-tubes and caudal fins, the ab-
domen being directed upwards and thus bringing the two
pairs of organs close together. In its metamorphosis and
general appearance this insect forms a convenient link
between the present family and the Culicidae.

Family TIPULID.E.

Chironomus zealandicus, n.s. (Plate IV., fig. 2, 2a larva,
2b pupa).
This is the common midge of New Zealand, and is
extremely abundant throughout the country. Its larva
(Fig. 2a) inhabits the soft mud at the bottom of stagnant
ponds and streams, and is very conspicuous, being of a
brilliant crimson colour and thus much resembling the
well-known " Bloodworm " of English anglers, which is
the larva of a closely allied European species (C. plumosus).
It may be readily kept in an aquarium, and if supplied
with a little soil and green weed will rapidly cover the

1 A genus of Hemipterous insects commonly seen skipping over
ponds in England.

2 "n.s." is the accepted abbreviation for new species."

44 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

walls of its glass prison with numerous tubular galleries.
These take their rise from the mud at the bottom, and,
extending upwards to a distance of three or four inches,
afford the larva a convenient retreat from all enemies.
These insects are occasionally seen swimming laboriously
through the water with a peculiar zigzag motion. When
out of their burrows they have considerable difficulty in
keeping beneath the surface, and may be often observed
floating helplessly with their exposed portions quite dry ;
in fact the whole integment of the insect appears to have
a peculiar power of resisting the water. The pupa (Fig.
2b), is a most beautiful object, its anterior extremity being
obtusely thickened and the limbs of the future insect quite
discernible. On each side of the thorax the gills form a set
of graceful plumes, a much smaller group being also situated
at the extremity of its abdomen. In this state the insect
remains almost entirely concealed in the burrows previously
constructed by the larva, its gills imbibing sufficient air
from the surrounding medium, and thus rendering ascen-
sion to the surface unnecessary. The water is periodically
circulated in the tunnels by violent movements on the
part of the pupa. About a day before emergence the
insect assumes a peculiar silvery appearance, which is
occasioned by the presence of a large quantity of air
between the imago and its pupa skin. This air has been
first imbibed by the gills and afterwards expelled through
the spiracles of the enclosed gnat, thus inflating the skin of
the pupa, and helping to buoy it up during its last and
most important transformation. Leaving its tunnel the
insect rises to the surface, the thorax is lifted above the
water which retreats from it on all sides, the skin cracks
open at the back and the insect slowly extricates itself in
a similar manner to the mosquito. In about ten minutes'
time the wings are sufficiently hardened for use and the
insect then flies ashore, but we may occasionally notice,

THE DIPTERA. 45

beside their old pupa-skins, drowned individuals which have
failed to effect a successful emergence. The perfect insect
is extremely common in all swampy situations throughout
the summer ; it has a great partiality for light, and may
be occasionally noticed in vast numbers round the street
lamps on a hot summer's night, especially if rain is
impending. It is a most graceful insect, and will amply
repay a minute examination (Fig. 2).

Family TlPULlDJE.

Ceratopogon antipodum, n.s. (Plate IV., fig. 4, 4a larva,
4b pupa).

Very plentiful in the forest throughout the year, often
enlivening the winter sunshine by its merry gambols. The
larva (Fig. 4a), is found under the bark of newly fallen trees,
feeding on the sap which exudes in large quantities from
the logs whilst drying. When first discovered it often has
a curiously spangled appearance, owing to the minute
beads of moisture retained by numerous bristles clothing
the larva. When about to change, these insects assemble
in large companies of thirty or forty, firmly affixing their
basal segments to the wood, their heads all pointing
inwards and forming a small circle. In some cases, where
an unusually large gathering has occurred, a number
arrange themselves into an outer row, their heads being
immediately behind the extremities of the inner group,
the whole thus bearing a rough likeness to the radiations
of a star-fish. The pupa is very short, and is furnished
with two clubbed horns on the thorax for respiration. Its
abdominal portions are retained within the old larval skin,
thus keeping it firmly anchored to the log. The perfect
insect emerges from a rent in the thorax of the pupa,
groups of exuviae being of common occurrence under the
bark. The sexes differ considerably, the individual figured

46 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

(Fig. 4) being a male ; the female is slightly larger, and
much more stoutly built ; her antennae are filiform1, and
the limbs generally shorter. Both are equally common,
but the male is more often noticed, owing to his greater
activity.

Family TiruLlD^E.
Psychoda conspicillata (Plate IV., fig. 6).

A common species, occurring plentifully on window
panes during August, and bearing a great superficial
resemblance to a small moth of the Tineina group, often
deceiving the novice in consequence. It is a beautiful
object for the microscope, the figure being a careful draw-
ing of the insect, seen with a power of about ten diameters.
I regret to say that its transformations are at present un-
known.

Family TlPULlD^E.

Myceiophila antarctica, n.s. (Plate IV., fig. 5, 5a larva,

5b pupa).

Tolerably common in the vicinity of forest during the
major part of the year. The larva (Fig. 5a), is a small
elongate maggot of a pinkish colour ; it is a social insect,
inhabiting rotten pine logs, which it perforates with nume-
rous cylindrical burrows. These larvae, entirely confine their
attention to damp wood of a " pappy " consistency, leaving
the harder logs for the wood-boring Coleoptera, which are
provided with much stronger jaws. They consequently
do not injure the rafters and boards of houses, or other
valuable timbers. The pupa (Fig. 5b) is very elongate,
reposing in one of the burrows, previously constructed by
the larva. It probably breathes by means of its spiracles,
as no special organs of respiration are visible. The perfect
insect appears in a short time, flying sluggishly in the sun-
shine, the female possessing an enormous abdomen, which

1 Thread-like.

THE DIPTERA. 47

almost incapacitates her for aerial locomotion ; in other
respects she resembles the male, which is the sex figured
(Fig. 5).

Family TIPULID.E.

Tipula Jwlochlora (Plate V., fig. 1, la larva, ib pupa).

This beautiful insect is very common in the forest through-
out New Zealand. Its larva (Fig. ia) inhabits various
kinds of decaying wood, frequently occurring in vegetable
refuse at the roots of trees. It is a large, sluggish-looking
grub, and the anterior segments are very retractile. Its
colour appears to vary according to its surroundings,
those specimens found in red pine being of the dull reddish
hue characteristic of that wood, while those taken from
pukatea and henau are dark brown larvae, resembling the
illustration. These insects are very voracious, but their
growth is gradual, each larva probably occupying at least
six months to reach maturity. They mostly feed during
the winter, but may be often taken at other times. The pupa
(Fig. ib) is enclosed in a small oval cell, previously exca-
vated by the larva, which also constructs a ready means of
escape for the future insect in the form of a small tunnel
leading out of one end of its prison to the open air.
Through this the pupa wriggles, assisted by the spines,
which arm the edges of all the segments ; the coronet of
hooks at its extremity retaining the insect firmly at the
mouth of its burrow while undergoing its final transforma-
tion. After numerous twistings and contortions on the
part of the pupa, a rent is formed in the thoracic plates,
and the imago draws itself out, standing on the log until
its wings are sufficiently hardened for flight. In many old
houses numbers of these exuviae may be seen projecting
from holes in the boards — a relic of the destruction that
has taken place within. These insects naturally inhabit
dead trees, but as they will devour unsound timber in any

48 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

form they are very injurious to old wooden buildings.
The perfect insect chiefly frequents forest, where it is diffi-
cult to detect owing to its green colour harmonizing so
closely with the leaves. The specimen figured (Fig. i) is a
male, the female being considerably smaller with a much
stouter body and shorter legs.

Family TlPULID^.

Tipula fumipennis, n.s. (Plate V., fig. 2, 2a larva,
2b pupa).

Another fine species, occurring in similar situations to
the last, but not quite so commonly. The larva (Fig. 2a)
may be found throughout the year under the bark of very
rotten henau and pukatea, feeding on the moist decaying
wood. It constructs in this material numerous burrows,
which are lined with a viscous fluid constantly emitted
from the mouth. Its movements in these are very rapid,
frequently eluding the most careful searches. When
divested of its slimy covering, it is anything but an offen-
sive-looking larva, the great air-tubes, which run the whole
length of the insect, being very conspicuous, and many of
the other internal organs are easily detected owing to its
partial transparency. The pupa (Fig. 2b) is enclosed in a
small cocoon, having ready access to the air ; it is chiefly
remarkable for its very large thoracic horns, which are
curiously toothed. The air-tubes connected with these are
distinctly visible in the abdomen of the insect, where they
may be seen branching in all directions. When about to
emerge this pupa works its way to the surface of the
log, the head and thorax are thrust outside, and the per-
fect insect escapes in the ordinary way. The illustra-
tion (Fig. 2) is taken from a female ; the male differs in
being less robust, and in being provided with longer legs.

THE DIPTERA.

49

Family TlPULID/E.

The Glow-worm. Bolitophila liiminosa, Skuse.

(Frontispiece, fig. i).

Every one who has walked in the forest at night has no
doubt noticed, in many damp and precipitous situations,
numerous brilliant points of greenish white light shining
out from amongst the dense undergrowth. The animal
which causes this light may be seen at Fig. ia on the
Frontispiece, and is probably one of the most interesting
insects we have in New Zealand. It inhabits irregular
cavities, mostly situated in the banks of streams, where it
hangs suspended in a glutinous web which is stretched
across the cavity and supported by several smaller threads
running right and left, and attached to the sides and ends
of the niche. On this the larva invariably rests, but when
disturbed immediately glides back along the main thread
and retreats into a hole which it has provided at the end of
it. From the lower side of this central thread numerous
smaller threads hang down, and are always covered with
little globules of water, constituting a conspicuous, though
apparently unimportant, portion of the insect's web. It
should be mentioned that all these threads are constructed
by the larva from a sticky mucus exuded from the mouth.

The organ which emits the light can easily be seen by
referring to Fig. ia. It is situated at the posterior ex-
tremity of the larva, and is a gelatinous and semi-trans-
parent structure capable of a great diversity of form. It
can be extended or withdrawn at the will of the larva,
which, however, can shut off the light independently of
this latter action. Larvae cease to shine on very cold
nights, in the daytime, and in a room which is artificially
lighted. They gleam most brilliantly on dark, damp
nights, with a light north-west wind. These larvae appear
to suffer great mortality in a state of nature, as the

6

50 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

young ones will always be found greatly in excess of those
that are approaching maturity.

When full-grown this insect is transformed into the
curious pupa shown at Fig. lb. It is furnished with a
large process on the back of the thorax which is attached
to the web and holds the pupa suspended in the middle of
the niche previously inhabited by the larva. The light is
emitted from the posterior segment of the pupa, but is
much fainter than in the larva, and a distinct organ
is not apparent. It is frequently suppressed for days
together.

The perfect insect is drawn at Fig. i. It emits a strong
light from the posterior segment of the abdomen, about
half as bright as that emanating from a full grown larva.
It has been recently described by Mr. Skuse, of Sydney, as
BolitopJiila luminosa.

During the whole course of my observations1 on this
insect, extending over five years, I have only succeeded in
bringing two specimens to maturity, and both of these
were females.

The uses of the light and the web to the larva are at
present quite unknown to me, as well as its food, which,
however, possibly consists of fungi. It should also be men-
tioned that the larvae are found in the greatest abundance
in mining tunnels, many feet below the surface of the
earth, as well as in caves.

Family TlPULlD^E.

Cloniophora subfasciata (Plate V., fig. 3, 3a larva).

Tolerably common in damp gullies during summer and
autumn. The larva (Fig. 3a) inhabits decayed henau logs,

1 For an extended account of these observations see " Transactions
of the New Zealand Institute," vol. xxiii. (1890).

THE DIPTERA. 51

drilling deep into the wood, where its burrows are seldom
noticed, as they are filled up with refuse almost as soon as
they are made. The pupa resembles that of Tipida holo-
chlora, but is rather more attenuated in the body, and the
thoracic horns are slightly thicker. It is not enclosed in
any cocoon, but lies amongst the powdery wood, wriggling
to the surface when about to emerge. The illustration
represents the male insect, the female having a much
stouter body, with short thick legs ; she also differs in her
antennae, which are much less branched than those of the
male.

Family TlPULID^E.

RJ typhus neozealandicus (Plate V., fig. 4, 4a larva, 4b

pupa).

A most abundant species occurring in most damp situa-
tions throughout the year. Its larva (Fig. 4a) closely
resembles a small worm, being of an elongate form attenu-
ated at each end. The skin is very hard and of a dull yellow
colour, with black markings. The food of this insect con-
sists of decaying vegetable matter, which it procures by
means of two small appendages, situated on each side of
the mouth, and which it is continually moving about in
search of suitable materials. The pupa is a curious object
(Fig. 4b), the two little respiratory horns having a singular
resemblance to a pair of ears. It is enclosed in a small
oval cell about one inch below the surface of the earth, the
insect working its way to the air before emergence. The
perfect Rhyphus may be almost regarded as one of our
domestic insects, and is seldom found in the open country,
but frequents cowhouses and other farm buildings in great
numbers, the larvae feeding on the manure in these
situations. It is often mistaken by ignorant people for
the mosquito and at once destroyed, but quite unfairly,
as the species is in reality perfectly harmless, frequently

52 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

benefiting mankind by the removal of considerable quan-
tities of effete matter, which if allowed to remain could
not fail to be injurious.

Family TlPULlD^E.
Bibio nigrostigma (Plate V., fig. 5, 5a larva, 5b pupa).
This insect is very abundant during the spring months,
but rapidly disappears, and few specimens are noticed after
Christmas. Its larva (Fig. 5a) inhabits the woody powder
often found under logs, which frequently consists of the
accumulated excrement of wood-boring insects. It is gre-
garious in its habits, being found in large companies of fifty
or a hundred individuals. When first disturbed these ap-
pear as a wriggling mass, but very shortly become so still
that they can only be distinguished with the greatest diffi-
culty from morsels of bark. A considerable portion of the
powdered wood is also retained on the body of the insect
by a row of short spines situated in the middle of each
segment, which helps to render the larva still more incon-
spicuous. In this condition it remains for at least eight
months, during which time growth takes place very slowly.
About September the larvae separate, each being afterwards
transformed into a small yellowish pupa (5b), whose ab-
dominal extremity is usually retained within the old skin,
thus closely resembling that of the genus Ceratopogon. I
have figured this pupa entirely naked, in order to show
its characteristics, some of which are rather remarkable,
more completely, the agglutination of nearly all the
anterior portions of the body being especially noteworthy.
The perfect insects may be found everywhere, the males
sucking honey from the flowers and performing many
antics in the air, often clinging hold of one another and
whirling about together. The female seldom flies, but is
usually observed crawling about fences or the trunks of
trees. She may be at once recognized by her heavy body

THE DIPTERA. 53

which is very large when distended with eggs. Her general
colour is dull red, thus differing widely from the male
insect represented in the illustration (Fig. 5).

Family TlPULID^:.
Simulia australiensis (Plate VL, fig. 1, ia larva, lb pupa).
Every one knows the sandfly, the little black insect that
so persistently perches on our hands and faces and inflicts
its painful punctures, which in many cases are followed by
large swellings, often lasting for several days and causing
much irritation. Its larva (Fig. ia) inhabits clear running
water, climbing about in strong currents by means of a
pair of suckers situated at each end of the body, two being
placed on the prothoracic segment just behind the head
and two others close to the anal extremity. These the insect
employs rather curiously, the anterior pair being first affixed
and the others drawn up close behind them, its elongate
body consequently forming a loop. Clinging by the
posterior suckers for a moment the larva then reaches
forward, re-affixes the anterior ones, and draws up the
posterior as before. Breathing is performed by two
spiracles situated on the last abdominal segments near
the hind pair of suckers. Two large air-tubes originate
from these and run forwards, giving off branches to all parts
of the body ; they terminate in a number of air-sacs in the
thorax. The food of this larva consists of animalculae,
which are no doubt obtained by drawing the two ciliated
appendages rapidly through the water several times in suc-
cession, their contents being afterwards gathered up by the
smaller organs and passed into the mouth. When about
to assume the pupa state the insect covers itself with a
glutinous envelope, which is firmly joined to the under side
of a leaf, the transformation taking place within a few
days. The pupa can hardly be distinguished from a
small moth chrysalis except for a pair of branching fila-

54 NE IV ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

merits, which arise from the top of the thorax and serve
the purpose of gills (Fig. lb). Before emergence the
anterior segments are projected nearly out of the cocoon
from which the perfect sandfly makes its escape, and float-
ing to the surface of the water ascends the stem of an
aquatic plant to expand its wings. I should here remark
that as with the mosquitoes, the bloodthirsty propensities of
the present species have no doubt been acquired since the
arrival of man and other warm-blooded animals.

Group BRACHOCERA.

Family Tabanid.-e.

Tabanus impar (Plate VI., fig. 6).

I have figured this fine species as a representative of a

most important family of Dipterous insects, but am at

present quite unacquainted with its life-history. It occurs

plentifully on the margins of the forest throughout the

summer.

Family BOMBYLID.E.

Comptosia bicolor (Plate VI., fig. 2).

This conspicuous species is very abundant in glades-
throughout the summer, flying with great rapidity, and
delighting to suck honey from the numerous shrubs which
are in blossom at that time of year. It is a social species,
and is usually found in companies of fifteen or twenty
individuals, which engage in endless dances, two insects
often seizing one another on the wing and then re-
volving together like a wheel in rapid motion. Their
manoeuvres in avoiding the strong gusty wind, so often
prevalent in earl}- summer, are also interesting ; the insects
play upon the wing whilst the air is quiet, but if a breeze
springs up they instantly settle on the nearest bush, rising
to renew their sports when it is again calm. These flies are
rather variable in colour, some specimens being dark brown>

THE DIPTERA. 55

whilst others are more or less covered with greyish-white
hairs ; individuals are also often met with quite black and
shining, their hirsute covering having been completely
rubbed off. The female may be at once recognized by her
solid, fleshy abdomen, that of the male being inflated by two
great air-bladders, which cause that portion of the body to
appear semi-transparent when the insect is held up to the
light. The figure (2) is taken from a specimen of the latter
sex.

Closely allied to the present insect is Comptosia virida,
n.s. (Fig. 3), which can be at once distinguished by its
brilliant green eyes and pale grey clothing. The larva of
this species is a large white maggot, rather robust, and
possessing a small head. It inhabits the dense moss
growing on the trunks of trees in the forest, feeding on the
roots of these plants, and finally forming an oval cocoon,
in which it changes into the pupa shown at Fig. 3b.
The perfect insect appears in a few weeks' time, when it
may be taken in similar situations to C. bicofor, but in
much fewer numbers.

Family AsiLlD/E.

Sarapogon viduus (Plate VI., fig. 4, 4a larva, 4b pupa).

A voracious insect, frequenting all dry sand-banks and
pathways throughout the summer, and destroying the
numerous minute diptera found in those situations. These
unfortunate victims are drilled through the thorax by their
destroyer, which sucks them completely dry with its long
beak-like proboscis. The larva (Fig. 4a) inhabits rotten
wood, chiefly feeding upon the moist, powdery portions. It
is usually somewhat sluggish, but when disturbed hops
about with electrical rapidity. The head is very minute,
and the elongate body consists of twenty segments, a
number very unusual among larvae, the normal number
being twelve exclusive of the head. It lives for a con-

56 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

siderable time and is finally transformed into the blunt-
looking pupa, drawn at Fig. 4b, without having previously
constructed any cocoon. From this the perfect insect
emerges in a month or six weeks' time, commencing its
work of destruction as soon as its wings are hardened,
which takes place within a few hours.

Family STRATIOMID.-E.

Exaireta spiniger (Plate VI., fig. 5).

Abundant during November, when it may be taken in
great numbers in the vicinity of water. The larva is
probably aquatic, but I have not yet observed it, although
its habits would, no doubt, be very interesting. The perfect
insects frequent flowers, and are generally very sluggish in
their movements.

Family ACROCERID/E.
Acrocera longirostris, n.s. (Plate VII., fig. 4).
An extraordinary and very rare species, occurring
amongst white rata T blossoms in February. At present
I have only taken three specimens, via., two in Wellington
and one in Nelson. The transformations of all the
Acroceridae are as yet unknown.

Family SYRPHID.E.

Syrphus ortas (Plate VII., fig. 3, 3a larva, 3b pupa).

Very common everywhere from September till May,
or even later, when specimens may be often seen basking in
the winter sunshine. The larva (3a) is a most useful insect
to gardeners as it destroys an immense number of aphides,
those noxious little insects that commit such fearful
ravages on many valuable plants (see Hemiptera, page

1 Metrosideros scandens.

THE DIPTERA. 57

120). In general appearance this larva resembles a small
green slug, with the skin much wrinkled, and bearing at its
extremity a short thick tube, which is probably the respi-
ratory apparatus, the four lunate holes situated at its apex
being no doubt the spiracles. These insects grow very
slowly, occupying several weeks to attain maturity. Their
mode of capturing the aphides is very curious, and is,
briefly, as follows : — The larva lies in the midst of a
number of aphides, and it occasionally happens that some
of them crawl over it. On feeling an aphis touch its back
the larva instantly darts out its long, pointed head and
strikes its prey with the apex, which is enveloped in a
quantity of very sticky mucus constantly ejected from the
mouth. On the aphis being thus captured the larva with-
draws its head into the hinder segments of its body
and devours all the juicy portions of the aphis, whose
dry skin is afterwards thrown aside. When full-grown it
slowly shrinks up and changes into the pupa shown at
Fig. 3b. In this state it is not protected by any kind
of cocoon, but lies amongst the refuse of the aphides,
near the stem of the plant. The fly emerges in a fort-
night or three weeks' time, and is very fond of hovering
over and sucking honey from the flowers, but the
females may be often noticed running about plants,
probably in search of a suitable place to oviposit.1 For an
account of Scolobates varipes, a species parasitic on the
present insect, I refer to page 39.

Family Syrphid.e.

Eristalis cingulatus (Plate VII., fig. 2).

This conspicuous insect occurs occasionally in glades in
the forest about January, but is by no means common. It
is very fond of the white rata flowers, where it may be

1 Or lay eggs.

58 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOG \ '.

taken, if anywhere. Its life-history is at present unknown,
but no doubt resembles that of the following insect.

Family Syrphid.e.

HclopJiilus trilineatus (Plate VII., fig. i, ia larva, ib

pupa).

This fine species occurs abundantly in all damp situations
throughout the summer. Its larva may be found in
stagnant pools and is often met with in the mud at the
bottom of ditches. Its posterior segments are enormously
elongated, forming a telescopic breathing apparatus, com-
posed of two tubes, the smaller of which is capable of
being more or less extended at the will of the larva, which
is thus enabled to adjust the length of its breathing tube,
according to the depth of water or mud In which it
happens to reside. This peculiarity has given all these
larvae the name of rat-tailed maggots. The other segments
are very stout, each being furnished with a pair of minute
feet, and the head is also provided with two small appen-
dages which are supposed to be the outlets through which
the exhausted air is discharged by the larva. When mature
this insect leaves the water, forming a small oval cell in the
neighbouring moist earth, in which it lies with its long tail
folded along the breast. The skin then gradually hardens,
and it is finally transformed into the pupa shown at Fig.
ib, the conical pair of breathing-tubes on the thorax being
slowly protruded from two hardly perceptible warts, whilst
the telescopic apparatus shrinks up, its functions being at an
end. A variable time, dependent upon the season, elapses
before the perfect insect makes its appearance, but prior to
this occurring, a large circular plate, forming the thorax of
the pupa, is thrust off, thus assisting the escape of the fly,
which immediately ascends a plant, or other convenient
object, to dry and expand its wings (Fig. i). In the perfect

THE DIPTERA. 59

state it delights to hover in the air, darting away with great
rapidity on the approach of any enemies. It also frequently
enters houses, where its presence is at once betrayed by a
peculiarly shrill noise made while flying. The sexes of this
insect differ chiefly in size, the female (Fig. i) being about
twice as large as her companion.

Closely allied to this species are Helophilus ineptus, and
H. hochstctteri. The former is slightly smaller than H.
trilineatus and may be at once distinguished by its tessel-
lated orange-yellow and black abdomen. It is rather local,
but extremely abundant wherever found. The latter has
a superficial resemblance to some of the smaller blowflies
{Mused), but may be readily known by its large brownish-
red scutellum.* It is the commonest of the genus and may
be found in great numbers throughout the summer amongst
veronica and other flowers.

Family MusciD/E.

Miltogramma mestor (?) (Plate VII., fig. 5).

A conspicuous species, found occasionally on forest-clad

hills round Wellington. The life-history is at present

unknown, but its larva is very possibly parasitic in some

large Lepidoptera.

Family MusciD/E.
Nevwrca nyctemerianus (Plate VII., fig. 6).
This little fly is seldom met with in the perfect state.
Its larva is parasitic on the caterpillar of Nyctemera anuu-
lata? the eggs being deposited on the moth larva at an
early age. The caterpillar grows and eats in the ordinary
way, until it has assumed the chrysalis state, when the

' Scutellum : A horny plate situated on the mesonotum, usually
somewhat triangular in form.

For life-history of this insect see page 7$.

60 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

maggot eats its way out and changes into a dark-brown
pupa. In this condition the parasite is protected by the
web which was previously constructed by the unfortunate
caterpillar for its own use. The perfect fly appears in
about six weeks' time, its great agility and large white
scales rendering it very conspicuous.

Family MUSCID^:.
Eurigaster marginatus (Plate VII., fig. 7).

Another parasitic species, its larva inhabiting the cater-
pillars of various noctuae which it destroys just before
they change into the chrysalis state. The pupa of the
parasite lies in a small oval cell constructed in the earth
by its larva. A variable number of these maggots are
found associated in one host, the smaller caterpillars only
harbouring a single individual, while a large larva will
frequently contain three or four. This species has been
bred from the following Lepidoptera : Mamestra com-
posita, M. iististriga and M. mutans. It also occurs in
the curious Qiceticus ommvorus,btmg found in the cocoons
of that moth in numbers varying from two to eleven,
or even more, and it is especially interesting, as it is in
turn destroyed by a small species of Pteromalus already
noticed among the Hymenoptera (page 37). The perfect
insect occurs occasionally on flowers throughout the
summer.

Family Muscid.e.

Calliphora quadrimaculata (Plate VII., fig. 9).

This is the large blue-bottle fly of New Zealand and is
found everywhere in great abundance. Its larva feeds on
decaying flesh and is of a dirty yellow colour, measuring,
when full-grown, about seven lines in length. The pupa
is buried at a considerable depth in the ground, the

THE DIPTERA. 6i

larva having descended before changing. The duration
of this, and in fact of all the stages of the insect, depends
entirely upon the temperature, but the females invariably
deposit eggs, even during the hottest weather, and are
never ovo-viviparous like the next species, and several
others of the genus.

Family MUSCID^:.
SarcopJiaga Icemica (Plate VII., fig. 10).

Another extremely abundant species having a similar
history to the last, but its powers of development are
very much accelerated owing to the larva being positively
born alive. The females hover over meat and other
suitable substances, depositing a number of minute wrig-
gling maggots thereon, not infrequently to the great
disgust of some hungry individual, who perhaps is making
his dinner off a mutton chop which the fly has selected
as a home for her offspring. These larvae are all pro-
duced from distinct ova, which hatch before being laid,
as I have often proved, by removing them from the
insect's abdomen, and watching the young larva emerge
from a minute elliptical white egg, covered with a thin
leathery skin. Every one who has travelled in New
Zealand must have noticed that, in the wildest spots,
these insects assemble in large numbers as soon as any
meat is uncovered, thus not only showing their universal
distribution throughout the country, but also that they
possess a very keen sense of smell.

Two British species at least, allied to this genus, have
been introduced into New Zealand, viz., Mttsca domestica
and Musca azsar. The former is probably a world-wide
insect, every ship teeming with it, but the latter is
at present rather scarce and is usually found in the
neighbourhood of farm-yards, where the larva feeds on

62 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

cow-dung. The perfect insect may be at once known by
its brilliant green colour.

Family MusciD/ii.

Cyliridria sigma (Plate VII., fig. 14).

A curious species, occurring occasionally in damp
situations in the forest where it may be noticed leisurely
walking over the leaves of various shrubs. It is very
sluggish and may often be captured between the fingers
without the aid of a net. Its life-history is at present
unknown, but the larva probably feeds on fungi. The
pretty little insect depicted at Fig. 11 may be found in
similar situations but is not so common.

Family Muscid^E.
PJiora omnivora, n.s. (Plate VII., fig. 15, 15a pupa).
This minute species may be found in large numbers
nearly all the year round. Its larva is parasitic on a great
variety of insects and is also not infrequently met with
among decaying vegetable matter. Its habits are, there-
fore, very varied. When parasitic in the Lepidoptera
it usually selects the noctuae, destroying a great number
of many of the commoner species1. The infected cater-
pillars usually turn into chrysalides some time before the
little maggots emerge, but this is not invariably the case,
the parasite often destroying the larva at a comparatively
early stage. The pupae are buried in the earth, near the
remains of their host, and are light brown in colour, with
the segments much more distinct than is usual (Fig. 15a).
From these the perfect flies proceed in about a month's
time. The occurrence of this insect as a parasite in
Coleoptera is not common, but I know of one instance

1 Mamestra composita, M. mutans, M. ustistriga, Erana grami-
nosa, &c.

THE DIPTERA. 63

in which a number of these little flies were produced
from a pupa of Uloma tcnebrionidcs (Plate II., Figs. 2,
2a, 2b), which I was rearing at the time (page 29). In
this case it is difficult to understand how the female
contrives to deposit her eggs in a horny beetle larva
which lies safely hidden in its narrow tunnel in the middle
of a large log of wood. Among bees this is a most
destructive insect, its larva being parasitic in their grubs,
and thus greatly reducing the population of the hive,
which is finally ruined by the wholesale destruction of
its honey when the flies emerge. Driving the bees into a
fresh box would, no doubt, be frequently beneficial in
these cases, but it is to be feared that bee-keepers will
have much difficulty in contending with this insect. Its
sexes are readily distinguished by their size, the female
being considerably the larger.

Family MUSCID^:.
Coelopa littoralis (Plate VII., fig. 13).
Extremely abundant on the sea-beach. Its larva feeds
on decaying seaweed, burying itself in the sand before
changing. The perfect insects often congregate in such
vast numbers on some of the rocks that it is necessary to
run past them in order to avoid being positively suffocated
by the countless multitudes which fly up into one's
face. This insect must be regarded as the New Zealand
representative of the well-known dungfly of England
(S. stercoraria), which many of my readers will recollect
has a similar habit of assembling in great numbers.

Family CEstrid/E.
GEstrus perplexus, n.s. (Plate VII., fig. 12).
This species is mentioned here as it is the only New
Zealand exponent of a very important and well-known

64 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

family of Dipterous insects. I am at present quite ignorant
as to its life-history which would, no doubt, be very
interesting. The only two specimens I possess were taken
at Nelson, some four years back, so that it appears to
be very rare.

The two remaining groups of the Diptera are of very
limited extent. The Pupipara include a few anomalous
species, in which the young are not deposited until they
become pupae, thus undergoing all their transformations
within the body of the parent, while the Pulicina comprise
the well-known fleas, which are probably identical with
the European species. They are placed by many authors
in a distinct order termed the Aphaniptera.

CHAPTER VI.

This Order includes the well-known Butterflies and Moths
which are the first insects to arrest attention on account
of their beautiful colouring and conspicuous appearance.
Some of the families are fairly numerous in New Zealand,
but the diurnal section is decidedly poorly represented, our
total number of butterflies being limited to fifteen, of which
one (Diadema nerina) has unquestionably been introduced
from Australia, although it will doubtless shortly effect a
permanent settlement in the Nelson district, where several
specimens have recently been observed. Among the others
only four species can be called at all common, the remaining
twelve only occurring in certain favoured localities. Of the
moths there are a large number, chiefly belonging to the
Geometridae and Micro-Lepidoptera, many of which are
very interesting. Of the life-histories of the latter, however,
I regret to say there is little known at present, the atten-
tion of naturalists having been hitherto chiefly occupied
with the larger and more conspicuous species.

Group RHOPALOCERA.
Family Nymphalid.e.
Argyrophenga antipodum (Plate VIII., fig. i type, ia var.).
Passing over the local but conspicuous Danais plexippus,

6

66 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

about which so much doubt exists as to its origin in this
country, we come to A. antipodum, one of the most curious
and interesting butterflies found in New Zealand. It occurs
in great abundance amongst the tussock grass on the
plains in the South Island, but becomes an alpine species
further north. I have taken a very peculiar form (Fig.
ia) on the " Mineral Belt " near Nelson, but can find no
record of its appearance in the North Island at present.
Its larva is as yet unknown, but in all probability it feeds on
tussock grass, a fractured pupa having been found attached
to that plant by Mr. G. F. Mathew in January, 1884. Two
other closely allied species are Erebia pinto and Erebia
butleri, both strictly alpine insects, occurring in the South
Island at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 feet.

Family Nvmphalid^:.
Vanessa gonerillax (Plate VIII., fig. 2, 2a underside,

2b 2c larvae, 2d 2e pupae).
One of our most beautiful butterflies, found abundantly
throughout the country from August till May. The
larva feeds on the New Zealand nettle, where it may be
taken in great plenty by careful searching. The caterpillar
joins several of the leaves together and forms a sort of tent,
in which it lives secure from all enemies. While young,
these insects are of a uniform dull brown colour, with two
faint lines on each side, but as age advances they become
very variable. The two extreme forms of variation are
depicted at Figs. 2b and 2c, the dark-coloured variety being
by far the commoner. When full-grown, this larva sus-
pends itself by the tail to a small patch of silk, which it has
previously spun on the under side of a leaf. In this posi-
tion it remains for about twenty hours, when it begins to
twist and distend the lower portions of its body, thus

1 This genus, as represented in New Zealand, is often called
Pyrameis .

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 67

causing the skin to eventually break on the back of the
thoracic segments, when the soft green pupa may be seen
through the rent. The insect now works the skin upwards
by violent wriggling motions until it is gathered in a
crumpled mass round its tail, the old rent extending on
•one side almost up to the silken pad to which it is sus-
pended. Through this rent the tail of the pupa is brought
and firmly anchored in the silk by a few vigorous strokes,
the insect hanging meanwhile to the skin which has not
been quite cast off on the reverse side to the rent. When
thus firmly attached to the silken pad, the pupa shakes
itself entirely free, whirling itself round and round until
the old skin is dislodged from the silk and falls to the
ground. The two usual varieties of pupae are shown at
Figs. 2d and 2e, many of them being more or less orna-
mented with metallic gold or silver spots. The butterfly
emerges in a fortnight or three weeks, and is common from
February till April in most situations, but the greatest
numbers are to be found in the spring months. These
hybernated specimens appear as early as August, and
some of them survive till the end of December or begin-
ning of January, when the earliest of the new Ones are
just emerging. In fact it is not infrequent at this time
to take both hybernated and recent specimens together.
This species is a great traveller, and may be often seen
flying over the tops of the trees at a great rate. It
shows a singular indifference to shadow, and is constantly
flying out of the sunlight into shady places in the forest,
probably in search of the food-plant of the larvae. The
two other species of Vanessa are V. cardui, a periodical
insect only distinguished from the " Painted Lady Butter-
fly " of England by the blue centres in three of the black
spots on its hind-wings, and V. /tea, a lovely butterfly
found in the northern portions of this island, of which I
have at present only taken three specimens.

68 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

Family LYGdENlDiE.

Chrysophanus salustins (Plate VIII., fig. 3 Z , 3a?, 3b larva).

This is the commonest of our Butterflies, and is found in
great abundance throughout both islands from November
till April. It is double brooded, and is consequently most
abundant in the early summer and in the autumn, few of
these merry little insects being seen at midsummer. The
most forward individuals of the second brood usually
emerge about the middle of March, but the butterflies are
very irregular in their appearance at this season. The
young larva (Fig. 3b) is much thickened anteriorly, the
head being concealed from above by the large thoracic
segments. Its colour is pale green, with a pair of long,
erect bristles on each segment, a large number of shorter
ones being situated on the ventral surface, and behind the
head. After the second moult, a brilliant crimson dorsal
line is noticeable, but beyond this I have no record, as
my larvae unfortunately died just after completing their
third moult. Up to this time they had fed but sparingly
on the dock, eating minute holes in the leaves and clinging
to them with great firmness. It is much to be regretted
that their subsequent history could not be followed, espe-
cially as I only succeeded in obtaining the eggs on this
one occasion, although I frequently kept females in capti-
vity with this object. Three other species of Chrysophanus
occur in New Zealand, viz., C. feredayi, common round
Nelson, and chiefly distinguished by the olive-green under-
surface of its hind-wings ; C. cnysii, which is occasionally
met with amongst forest, and may be at once known by its
broad black markings and pale yellow colour ; and C. bolden-
arnm, a little insect uniting the " Coppers " with the " Blue
Butterflies," and found in great abundance in certain river
beds and shingly places. The western side of Lake

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 69

Wairarapa is one of the best localities I know of for this
curious little species.

Family Lyclenid^e.
Lycama phccbe.
This is the common blue butterfly of New Zealand,
which may be observed in great numbers along the road-
side on a hot summer's day. Its larva must be very
abundant, but has hitherto escaped attention, owing, pro-
bably, to its small size. The perfect insect is on the wing
from October till May.

Group HETEROCERA.
Family Sphingid^e.
This family is represented in New Zealand by the
splendid Sphinx convohuli, an insect I am at present
unacquainted with.

Family Hepialim:.
Porina signata (Plate IX., fig. 2).
Common throughout the summer, when it may be taken
in great numbers round lighted windows during any mild
evening. The larva is as yet unknown, but is in all pro-
bability subterranean in its habits, and feeds on the roots of
plants. A large Hepialns larva I once discovered under a
stone, whilst looking for Coleoptera, was very likely refer-
able to this insect, but as it unfortunately died shortly
afterwards it is impossible to speak with any degree of
certainty at present. Two closely allied species are P.
umbraculata, and P. cervinata. The former is rather
smaller than P. signata and of a more uniform brown,
with a white stripe in the centre of each fore-wing, sur-
rounded with darker colouring. The latter is one of the
smallest of the family, its size at once distinguishing it

70 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

from any of the rest. In colour it is pale brownish with
numerous black and white markings, varieties occasionally-
occurring much suffused with the darker colour. It is
rather local, but may be found abundantly in the Mana-
watu district.

Family HEPIALID/E.

Hepialus virescens (Plate IX., fig. i g, ia ?, ic larva,

lb pupa).

This gigantic insect is seen occasionally in the forest
during the early summer. The larva (ic) tunnels the stems
of living trees, feeding entirely on wood which it bites off
with its strong mandibles. The plant most usually selected
by the caterpillar is Aristotelia racemosa, called by the
settlers " New Zealand currant," from its large clusters of
rich-looking black berries, which appear in autumn. Other
food-plants are numerous, the black maire {Oka apetald)
and manuka {Lcptospermum) being among those more fre-
quently chosen.

This larva, for the most part, inhabits the main stem of
the tree, its gallery always having an outlet to the air,
which is covered with a curtain of dull brown silk, spun
exactly level with the surrounding bark, and consequently
very inconspicuous. These burrows usually run down
towards the ground, and are mostly two or three inches
from the surface of the trunk. In some instances the larvae
inhabit branches, in which case, if the branch is of small
dimensions, the tunnel is made near the centre. These
remarks only refer to galleries constructed by young larvae,
as the tunnel made by the insect prior to becoming a pupa
is of a very complicated character and merits a somewhat
detailed description. It consists of a spacious, irregular,
but shallow cavity, just under the bark, having a large
opening to the air, which is entirely covered with a thin
silken covering, almost exactly the same shape and size as

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 71

the numerous scars which occur at intervals on the trunks
of nearly all the trees. Three large tunnels open into this
shallow cavity : one in the centre, which runs right into the
middle of the stem, and one on each side, which run right
and left just under the bark. These are usually very short,
but sometimes extend half-way round the tree, and occa-
sionally even join one another on the opposite side. The
central tunnel has a slightly upward direction for a short
distance inwards, which effectually prevents it from be-
coming flooded with water ; afterwards it pursues an almost
horizontal course until it reaches the centre of the tree
when it appears to suddenly terminate. This, however, is
not the case, for, if the gallery floor is carefully examined
a short distance before its apparent termination, a round
trap-door will be found, compactly constructed of very
hard, smooth silk, and corresponding so closely with the
surrounding portion of the tunnel that it almost escapes
detection. When this lid is lifted a long perpendicular shaft
is disclosed which runs down the middle of the tree to a
depth of 14 or 16 inches, and is about six lines in diameter.
At the bottom of this the elongated pupa (Fig. ib) sleeps
quietly and securely in an upright position, the old larval
skin forming a soft support for the terminal segment of the
pupa to rest on. The upper end of this vertical shaft is
lined with silk, which forms a framework on which the
trap-door rests when closed. The lid itself is of a larger
size than the orifice which it covers, and this makes it
extremely difficult, if not impossible, to force it from the
outside, whilst it fits down so closely to the aperture as not
to be readily lifted. The object of this most ingenious
contrivance is, in all probability, to prevent the ingress of
insects, large numbers of spiders, slugs, and various
Orthoptera being frequently found in both central and lateral
tunnels, but they are quite unable to pass the trap-door. The
galleries of different individual larvae are all wonderfully

7 2 i\E IV ZEA LAND ENTOMOL OGY.

alike, the only differences observable being in the length of
the perpendicular shaft and the direction of the horizontal
burrow, which is sometimes curved. These variations are
usually caused by the presence of other tunnels in the tree,
which the larva invariably avoids, although how it can
ascertain that it is approaching another tunnel before
actually reaching it, is hard to understand. As development
progresses in the pupa, it becomes darker in colour, espe-
cially on the wing-cases, which in some individuals show
the future black markings of the moth, as early as two
months before emergence. Others remain quite white and
soft, the green wings suddenly appearing through their
cases a fortnight or three weeks prior to the bursting forth
of the imago. Previous to this change the pupa works
its way up the vertical tunnel, lifts the trap-door, which
yields to the slightest pressure from within, and wriggles
along the horizontal burrow until it reaches the air, the
last three or four segments only remaining in the tree.
The thoracic shield then ruptures, and the moth crawls out
and expands its wings in the ordinary way, resting on the
trunk of the tree until they are of sufficient strength and
hardness for flight.

The perfect insect, although it must be common, is very
rarely seen. It is best reared from the pupae, which can
be often successfully cut out of their burrows and kept
amongst damp moss until they emerge. It appears to
be much persecuted by birds, as we often observe its large
green wings lying about on the ground.1

The curious " vegetable caterpillar," which is usually
referred to this species, probably belongs to one of the
larger subterranean larvae of the family.

1 For a more detailed account of the metamorphosis of this insect
see The Entomologist, vol. xviii. p. 30.

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 73

Family BoMBYCID^E.

Nyctemera annulata (Plate IX., fig. 3 $ , 3a larva, 3b pupa).

This abundant species is usually mistaken for a butterfly
by the uninitiated owing to its diurnal habits and con-
spicuous colouring. Its larva feeds on various plants, the
most usual being a light green kind of ivy with yellow
flowers, but its original food no doubt consisted of the
" New Zealand groundsel " (Senecio bellidioides), on which
it may now be occasionally taken in wild situations. Its
general colour is black, with interrupted dorsal and lateral
lines, the ventral surface and connecting membrane between
the segments being slate-coloured. In younger larvae there
are also several slate-coloured lines extending the whole
length of the insect, and thus dividing the black into
squares. Round the middle of each segment, at its greatest
circumference, a variable number of brilliant blue warts are
situated, and out of these dense tufts of long black hair take
their rise. There are, however, no warts along the ventral
surface. This description applies very well as a rule, but
the larva is subject to many slight variations. It remains
in this state for nearly three months, or more, according to
the season, and is very common, numbers being found on
the different plants which constitute its food. The pupa
(Fig. 3b) is of a shining black colour, with many longi-
tudinal rows of small yellow blotches on the abdominal
segments ; there is also a stripe of the same colour at the
tip of the wing-case. It is enclosed in a slight cocoon,
formed of a mixture of silk and hair, and is attached near
the ground to any firm object. The moth emerges in
the course of a month or six weeks. It is very common,
being found profusely in the neighbourhood of its food-
plants, and appears in the greatest numbers during the
early morning hours in the middle of summer.

74 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

For an account of a Dipterous insect, parasitic in the
present species, I refer to page 59.

Family PSYCHID^S.

(Eccticus omnivorus (Flate X., fig. 1 £, ia $, ib larva,

ic $ pupa).

This insect is very rarely seen abroad, but can be easily
reared from the larva, which feeds on manuka and other
plants throughout the year. When very young, and in
fact immediately after leaving the egg, it constructs a wide
spindle-shaped case, principally composed of silk, with
a few small fragments of leaves, &c, attached to the
outside. It has a large aperture in front, through which
the head and anterior portion of the larva are projected,
and a much smaller one at the posterior extremity, which
allows the pellets of excrement to fall out of the case as
they are evacuated. The body of the enclosed caterpillar
is of a light straw colour, the head and three first segments
being dark brown, with numerous white markings. The
abdominal segments are considerably thickened near the
middle of the insect, rudimentary prolegs being present on
the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth segments of the abdomen.
The anal prolegs are very strong, and are furnished with
numerous sharp hooklets, which retain the larva very firmly
in its case. As it grows it increases the length of its
domicile from the anterior, causing it gradually to assume
a more tubular form, tapering towards the posterior aper-
ture, which is enlarged from time to time. The outside is
covered with numerous fragmentary leaves and twigs of
various sizes, placed longitudinally on the case, and fre-
quently near the anterior aperture, the materials, owing to
their recent selection, are fresh and green. The interior
is lined with soft, smooth silk of a light brown colour,
the thickness of the whole fabric beinef about the same

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 75

as that of an ordinary kid glove, and so strong that it
is impossible to tear it, or indeed to cut it, except with
sharp instruments. The size of the case when the cater-
pillar is mature varies considerably, ranging from 25 to 30
lines or more in length, and about three in diameter, the
widest portion being a little behind the anterior aperture
(see Fig. ib).

During the day the larva closes the entrance and spins
a loop of very strong silk over a twig, the ends being
joined to the upper edges of the case on each side ; in
this way it hangs suspended, the caterpillar lying snugly
within. I have often known a larva to remain thus for
over three weeks without moving, and afterwards resume
feeding as before ; this probably occurs while the inmate
is engaged in changing its skin. At night the larvae
may be seen busily engaged : they project the head
and first four segments of the body beyond the case,
and walk about with considerable rapidity, often lower-
ing themselves by means of silken threads ; the only
locomotive organs are, of course, their strong thoracic
legs, which appear to easily fulfil their double function of
moving both larva and case. If disturbed, these insects at
once retreat into their cases closing the anterior aperture
with a silken cord which is kept in readiness for the pur-
pose, and pulled from the inside by the retreating larva.
This operation is most rapidly performed, as the upper
edges of the case are flexible, and thus fold closely together,
completely obstructing the entrance. When full fed, this
caterpillar fastens its case to a branch with a loop of strong
silk, which is drawn very tight, preventing the case from
swinging when the plant is moved by the wind, and also
rendering the insect's habitation more inconspicuous, by
causing it to resemble a broken twig. The anterior aperture
is completely closed, the loose edges being drawn together
and fastened like a bag. The posterior end of the case is

76 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

twisted up for some little distance above the extremity,
thus completely closing the opening there situated. It is
lined inside with a layer of very soft silk, spun loosely over
the sides, and partly filling up each end. In the centre of
this the pupa lies with its head towards the lower portion
of the case, the old larval skin being thrust backwards
amongst the loose silk above the chrysalis. In this stage
of existence the extraordinary sexual disparities, which are
so characteristic of the family, manifest themselves, the
male and female pupae being very widely different in all
respects. The former is figured at ic, the female pupa
differing from it in the following particulars. It is much
larger and more cylindrical in shape, the abdomen occupying
nearly the whole of the body, and consisting of nine visible
segments, the terminal one being obtusely conical. The
head and thorax are very rudimentary, more resembling
those of the larva than the male, all the appendages being,
however, reduced to hardly visible warts. In colour it is
pitchy black and shining, and its length is about ten lines.
This insect remains in the pupa state during the winter
months, viz., from May till September. When about to
emerge, the male chrysalis works its way down to the lower
end of the case, forces open the old aperture there, and pro-
jects the head, thorax, and upper portion of the abdomen,
the pupa being secured from falling by the spines on its
posterior segments, which retain a firm hold in the silk.
Its anterior portion then ruptures, and the moth makes
its escape, clinging to the outside of its old habitation, and
drying its wings. It is probable that the female insect
does not leave her case, communication with the male
being no doubt effected through one of the orifices, and the
eggs afterwards deposited inside. On one occasion I found
a case full of eggs, containing the shrivelled body of the
female and her old pupa shell, which would seem to con-
firm the above opinion. The perfect insects are drawn at

THE LEP1D0PTERA. 77

Figs, i and ia. The male (i) is extremely active, dashing
about the breeding cage with great rapidity when first
emerged, and rapidly beating his wings to tatters ; but
the female (ia) closely resembles a large maggot, all the
appendages being completely rudimentary, except the two-
jointed ovipositor at the end of her body ; she is incapable
of any motion, except a slight twirling of the abdomen,
which takes place while the eggs are being laid.1

Family NoCTUID^E.
Leucania nullifera (Plate XIII., fig. 3, 3a larva).

This large, though dull-looking insect, is occasion-
ally taken at light during the summer and autumn
months.

The larva feeds on the spear-grass (Aciphylla squarrosa),
an abundant plant on the coast hills near Wellington. It
devours the soft central-growing point, and its presence in a
tussock can be at once seen by a quantity of pale-brown
" frass," visible at the bases of the leaves. The formidable
spear-like points with which this plant is armed must afford
the caterpillar considerable protection from enemies. As
a rule a single specimen only is found in each clump of
the grass, so that the female probably deposits her eggs
singly. This larva is full-grown about August, and may
be found feeding in the plants during the autumn and
winter.

The pupa state is spent, in an earthen chamber, amongst
the roots of the spear-grass, and the moth emerges during
the summer.

This species occurs at considerable elevations. I have
seen it as high as 4,000 feet in the Nelson province, where
its food-plant may also be found.

1 For accounts of parasites and hyperparasites of this insect see
pages 60 and yj, also The Entomologist, vol. xviii. p. 153.

78 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

Family NOCTUID^E.
Leucania atristriga (Plate X., fig. 2).
Abundant among various blossoms during the latter end
of summer, being one of the last of the Noctuae to disappear
in the autumn.

The larva probably feeds on grasses, but I have not yet
met with it.

The illustration (Fig. 2) is taken from the male insect,
the female differing only in having her abdomen rounded
at the tip, a sexual distinction which holds good throughout
the family.

Family NOCTUID^E.
Erana graminosa (Plate X., fig. 5, 5a larva).

This beautiful insect occurs commonly on the white
rata blossoms {JMctrosideros scandens) round Wellington
during March and April, at which time it may be readily
taken just after dark with a lantern and killing-bottle. The
larva (Fig. 5a) feeds on the mahoe {Melicytas ramiflorus)
in the spring and autumn. It remains concealed in crevices
in the bark during the day, not infrequently selecting the
deserted burrows of wood-boring beetles as a secure retreat
from its enemies. When full grown it is olive-green, the
colour being lighter on the ventral surface and between the
segments. A row of ill-defined, feathery, black markings
extends down the back and sides and there are also two
tolerably conspicuous ochreish spots on every segment
except the last. The head, legs, and prolegs are reddish-
yellow, and the whole insect is more or less spotted with
black. Younger larvae differ in being of a light yellowish-
green, with very pale yellow dorsal and lateral lines. A
row of black warts, emitting a few bristles, extend round
each of the segments, while the head is pale ochreous with
a few black dots.

When full-grown this larva descends to the ground, and

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 79

forms a slight cocoon in the earth round the roots of the
tree, where it is transformed into a very stout, ruddy-
brown-coloured pupa, somewhat paler on the wing-cases.
The moth emerges in two or three months' time. Its
colouring renders it so inconspicuous amongst moss that
I have frequently lifted a handful of the latter out of the
breeding cage, and only discovered that the insects had
emerged by their falling from the moss on to the table. A
very noticeable peculiarity in this species is the presence of
a fringe of long hairs in a fold on the anterior margin of
the fore-wing. This organ emits a fragrant perfume, and
is confined to the male sex (Fig. 5). Only one or two
other instances of this kind are at present known among
the New Zealand moths.

Family NOCTUID/E.

Mamestra mutatis (Plate X., fig 7, 7a larva, 7b pupa).

This extremely abundant species occurs almost without
intermission during the whole of the year. The sluggish larva
(7a) feeds on plantain, and is best obtained by overturn-
ing logs and stones, when it may be discovered among
the grass and other plants growing round their edge. Its
head is pale green, with two broad black stripes, and is
clothed with numerous short bristles ; the four succeeding
segments are of a ruddy -brown colour, considerably
wrinkled, the remainder being light green, suffused with
a dull, pinkish hue towards the dorsal surface. The
markings consist of a triangular black spot on each side of
the second to eighth abdominal segments, and a cloudy
lateral line of the same colour ; the legs and prolegs being
pale green, and the whole insect more or less marbled with
black. This description and the figure on Plate X. exhibit
the usual peculiarities of the larva, but in some individuals
the markings there indicated are quite obsolete, and the

8o NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

insect is of an almost uniform pale-green colour. When
mature, this caterpillar sometimes constructs a slight cocoon
amongst moss, on fallen trees, but more often buries itself
in the usual manner, the moth appearing in a few weeks'
time. Nearly all pupse collected at random in New
Zealand will be found to give rise to either this species
or the one which immediately follows {Mamestra composita).
The perfect insect is most abundant in the spring and early
summer, but may be found fluttering round lamps on any
mild night throughout the year. The sexes differ con-
siderably : the female is greyish white, with faint brown
marking's, while the male is dull reddish-brown, with
the markings considerably darker (Fig. 7). His antennae
are also slightly pectinated, those of the female being quite
simple.

Family N'OCTUIDiE.

Mamestra composita (Plate X., fig. 3, 3a larva).

Very common during the spring and autumn in all open
situations.

Its pretty larva (Fig. 3a) feeds on various grasses, and
threatens in time to do considerable damage to pastures.
The head and dorsal surface of the first segment are dark
shining green, with one or two obscure white markings ;
the rest of the body is ornamented with a number of
parallel brown, white, and orange lines, which render the
larva very inconspicuous when amongst the grass. Some-
times it occurs in great numbers, nearly every blade of
grass having its caterpillar ; in fact this was almost the case
in the Wairarapa valley in the summer of 1886, when the
larvae must have produced a marked effect on the pad-
docks. When full-grown this caterpillar changes into a
light chestnut-brown pupa, which lies on the surface of the
crround amongst the vegetable refuse. The perfect insect
appears in about a month's time, and if the evening be mild

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 81

may be seen flying with great rapidity at dusk ; it may
also be readily captured at light. The figure (3) represents
the male insect, the female differing only in her simple
antennas.

Family N0CTUID,E.
Mamestra ustistriga (Plate X., fig. 6 £ ).
This handsome insect is rather uncertain in its appear-
ance, but is occasionally taken quite unexpectedly at rest
on tree-trunks or palings in the daytime. Specimens may
also be captured while feeding on the white rata blossoms
early in March, where they occasionally occur among the
hosts of other Noctuae. The larva, which feeds on the
honeysuckle, is of a pale brown colour, with two obscure
darker lines on each side, the under-surface being light
slate-colour. The pupa state is spent in the ground, and
many fine specimens may be reared from chrysalids picked
up while gardening, &c. The sexes of this insect differ
considerably in colour : the male is of a pinkish grey with
black markings, while the female is of a uniform pale grey,
and considerably smaller.

Family NOCTUID^E.
Heliothis armigera (Plate X., fig. 4, 4a larva).
This conspicuous insect occurs in great abundance during
certain seasons, but is very irregular in its appearance, it
frequently happening that only two or three specimens are
noticed in a whole year. It is generally seen flying in the
daytime, when it delights to suck honey from the flowers of
the Scotch thistle, a plant which much overruns the forest
lands when first cleared. The larva (Fig. 4a) is a very
handsome caterpillar, of a dark brownish black colour,
ornamented with yellow subdorsal and lateral lines and
numerous streaks and dots of the same hue. The ventral
surface is a rich yellowish brown, and the subventral line

7

82 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

white, the spiracles being white with black rings ; a reddish
blotch also adorns each of the three thoracic segments. It
feeds voraciously on geraniums, tomatoes, peas, and many
other garden plants, where it often commits the most serious
ravages. About the end of April it is full-grown, when it
descends to the ground and buries itself two or three inches
below the surface. In this situation it is shortly transformed
into a pupa, remaining in that state until the following
summer, when the moth appears. The sexes of this insect
differ considerably, the male having the fore-wings of a
ruddy-brown colour, sometimes inclining to orange, while
in the female they are pale ochreish ; both sexes are, how-
ever, subject to considerable variation, and the figure (4) is
taken from a rather dark male specimen.

Family NOCTUID^E.

Plusia eriosoma (Plate X., fig. 8, 8a larva).

An abundant species round Nelson, where almost any
number may be taken hovering over flowers on a still
summer's evening. In Wellington it occurs occasionally.
The larva (Fig. 8a) is a pseudo-geometer, having twelve
legs, and thus showing a strong affinity with the next
family. In colour it is pale green, darker on the dorsal
surface than elsewhere. A white line runs down each side,
and the whole insect is covered with black dots and bristles.
The colouring of different individuals varies in intensity, and
a fainter white line, above the usual one, exists in some
specimens. It feeds on beans, geraniums, and many other
imported plants, and is doing much good in the Nelson gar-
dens by the havoc which it is committing among the Scotch
thistles — weeds equally injurious to the agriculturalist and
the gardener, not only crowding out useful plants, but
rapidly exhausting the soil in which they grow. Formerly
this insect must have fed exclusively on the New Zealand

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 83

nightshade {Solatium aviculare), on which plant it may
still be occasionally found in the forest, where no imported
species are available, but, like many other caterpillars in
this country, it is forsaking the native vegetation for the
European. When full-grown, this larva spins a slight
■cocoon of white silk, which is generally placed between two
leaves. The pupa is of a shiny black colour, the membrane
between the segments being reddish-brown. The moth
emerges in about three weeks' time. The figure (8) is taken
from a female insect, the male being readily distinguishable
by two large tufts of hair situated at the end of his body and
often very conspicuous. In some cases the wings of the
female are considerably lighter than in the illustration, but
otherwise the species does not seem to vary. It is the New
Zealand representative of the English " Silver Y Moth "
{P. gamma), no doubt familiar to many of my readers.

Family Geometric;.
Declaim floccosa (Plate XL, fig. i, ia larva).
I have started the Geometridae with Declaim because it
-exhibits a great many more points in common with the
Noctuidae than does the genus Acidalza, which latter is
placed at the head of the Geometridae by some modern
Lepidopterists, chiefly, I believe, on account of neuration, a
character which if taken alone cannot but produce the most
unnatural divisions. The present insect is one of the com-
monest of the genus, and may often be observed throughout
the whole summer resting on the sheltered sides of trees
and fences, occasional stragglers being met with as late
as the end of May. Its larva is a pseudo-geometer pos-
sessing twelve legs (Fig. ia), and thus almost exactly re-
sembling the caterpillars of the genus Catocala, belonging
to the Noctuidae ; the curious filaments on each side of the
•insect making this likeness still more complete. It feeds

84 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

on the " New Zealand currant " (A. racemosa), from which
individuals can be occasionally beaten during the spring
and early summer. They are almost impossible to find by
searching in the ordinary way, from a habit they possess of
clinging firmly to the twigs, which they exactly imitate in
colour. When full-grown this caterpillar constructs a small
cocoon just below the ground, where it is transformed into a
robust-looking pupa, from which the moth emerges in a
month or six weeks' time. The sexes of this species may be
readily distinguished, the male (Fig. i) having the antennae
slightly pectinated, while those of the female are quite simple,
and her body much more robust. The moth drawn at Fig.
lb has been reared from larvae exactly resembling those of
the present insect, of which it is consequently now known
to be only an extreme variety. It was formerly ranked as
a distinct species under the name of Declaim junctilinca.

Family GEOMETRID/E.
Chalastra pelnrgata (Plate XL, fig. 2 ^ , 2a $, 2b larva).

This delicate species may be taken flying about the forest
at night, from October till March, but is most abundant on
the white rata blossoms during the latter end of summer.

Its caterpillar feeds sparingly on a delicate fern {Todea
hymenopliyllioides) which grows in dark glades in the forest,
where the sun seldom or never shines. In colour it is
generally dull brown, with a row of green or pale brown
lunate spots on each side ; on the ventral surface the
colour is darker, except on the thorax, where it is green,
the legs being also green. There are in addition numerous
fine, wavy lines down the back and sides of the larva,
and the dorsal surface of the thoracic segments and
ventral prolegs are bright reddish brown (Fig. 2b). These
larvae are, however, very variable ; in many the " lunate "
stripes are much longer, having a diagonal direction, and

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 85

thus extending up the sides of the insect towards its dorsal
surface, while others have the ventral surface dark green,
and additional markings of more or less importance.

When full-grown it spins a loose cocoon of earth and
•dead leaves, from which the perfect insect emerges in a
month or six weeks' time. The sexes are widely different,
both being figured on the Plate (Fig. 2 ^ , 2a $). I have
noticed that at least four females occur to every male,
which is a very unusual arrangement, the males being
generally much the commoner among the Lepidoptera.

Family GEOMETRID/E.

Ploseria hemipteraria (Plate XL, fig. 3, 3a larva).

A curious moth, occurring in some numbers at various
blossoms during the summer evenings, but rather uncertain
in its appearance. The larva (Fig. 3a) feeds at night on
veronica, where it may be often found with a lantern, devour-
ing the flowers and leaves. In colour it is light green with
two yellow lines on each side, the dorsal surface being con-
siderably darker, and almost blue. Specimens are not infre-
quently met with of a uniform dark brown, and the two
conspicuous lateral lines are then reduced to a single obscure
ochreous band. These caterpillars are very inconspicuous
during the daytime, as they remain quite motionless for hours
together, sticking straight out from the stems of their food-
plant, which they closely resemble. The pupa is unusually
robust, and possesses a sharp spine at its extremity. In
colour it is pale olive brown, with a pinkish line on each
side of the abdomen, the wing-cases being more or less suf-
fused with pink. It is not enclosed in any cocoon, but may
be found amongst the dead leaves round the stems of the
veronica. The perfect insect appears in about three weeks'
time. It is liable to be passed over for a faded leaf, the
general outline and colouring of the wings rendering the

86 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

insect very inconspicuous, especially amongst foliage. The
specimens I have reared all closely resemble Fig. 3, so-
that this insect does not appear at all prone to vary.

Family GeometriD/E.
Ploseria akctoraria (Plate XL, fig. 4; Plate XIII., fig. J

larva).

One of our most variable moths, occurring occasionally
amongst foliage during the summer, but most abundant on
the white rata blossoms in February and March.

The larva feeds on Pittosporum eugenioides, where it
may be sometimes found in October and November. It
has a most wonderful resemblance to the buds of the
plant, and can only be dislodged by vigorous beating. It
is easily reared in captivity — in fact the female moths may
often be induced to lay their eggs and the insect observed
through all its stages.

The eggs are very flat, oval, and light green in colour, be-
coming brown at one end about five days before hatching.

The young larva is pale green with a dull yellowish head-
It has no markings until after the first moult when a reddish
dorsal line appears. As age advances the larva becomes,
darker in colour and is ornamented with a series of diagonal
yellow stripes. The spiracles and antennae are pink and
very conspicuous. The legs and prolegs are very small, and
the latter are bright red in colour ; a fleshy process which
projects from the last segment of the larva is similarly
coloured. The whole insect is also speckled with yellow.
When full-grown this caterpillar is very robust and measures
about ten lines in length. The pupa is enclosed in a light
cocoon formed of three or four leaves fastened together
with silk. It is greenish brown in colour.

The perfect insect first appears in December. It may
be observed during the whole of the autumn and occasion-
ally in the winter. As the larvae grow very slowly I am

THE LEP1D0PTERA. 87

inclined to think that the females hibernate and lay their
eggs early in the spring (Fig. 4).

Family GEOMETRID^.
Sestra humeraria (Plate XL, fig. 5, 5a larva).

This abundant species occurs in large numbers round
Wellington, amongst brushwood, whence it may be often
dislodged during the daytime, but is most readily procurable
in the evening. The larva (Fig. 5a), feeds on Pteris incisa,
a pale green fern, growing in many open spots in the forest
to a height of three or four feet. Its general colour is dull
brownish yellow, slightly darker on the back, and orna-
mented with a number of wavy yellow lines on each side.
The ventral surface and legs are green and the head is dark
brown ; the whole insect being covered with numerous
black dots and bristles. When disturbed these larvae
immediately drop to the ground, and coiling themselves up
like small snakes, become very inconspicuous.

The pupa is buried in the earth about two inches below
the surface, the insect remaining in this state during the:
winter months. The moths generally emerge about October.
So far as my experience goes they are not subject to any
notable variations. The specimen drawn at Fig. 6 is re-
garded as a variety of this species by Mr. Meyrick, but I
myself believe it to be quite distinct, as among over a dozen
humeraria larvae reared in captivity, none of the imagines
had the slightest resemblance to Fig. 6, although the cater-
pillars were all taken within a few yards of the place where
such moths occurred.

P^amily GeometriD/E.

Selidosema dejectaria (Plate XI., fig. 8 $, 8a ?, 8b larva).

An abundant and conspicuous species, occurring through-
out the summer, often noticed at rest on fences and trees

88 JVE W ZEALAND ENTOMOLOG Y.

during the day and always taken in great numbers on
various blossoms in the evening.

The caterpillar is extremely variable, the colouring of
different individuals being apparently much influenced by
their surroundings ; those specimens, for instance, taken
from the pale green foliage of the mahoe (M. ramiflprus)
resemble in colour the twigs of that plant, while others
captured feeding on the white rata (Metrosideros scandens)
are dark reddish brown. Fig. 8b is drawn from a larva
found on the fuchsia, which, when in its favourite position,
viz., sticking straight out from the side of a branch, is so
much like one of the sprouting twigs that it absolutely
defies detection. When full-grown this insect buries itself
about two inches in the earth, where it shortly becomes a
dark chestnut-brown pupa, lighter between the segments.
The time required for the development of the perfect insect
depends upon the season, larvae which undergo their trans-
formations in the spring developing much more rapidly
than those that feed up in the autumn.1

This insect is extremely variable, having been formerly
divided into several distinct species ; the two most usual
forms are those shown at Figs. 8 and 8a, but every
intermediate variety exists. The sexes are distinguished by
the usual differences in the antennas. My experience leads
me to believe that the light varieties occur more frequently
in the female than in the male sex, and also that the
dark larvae give rise to dark moths, and vice versa,
although a great many more specimens will have to
be reared before these can be regarded as established
facts.

1 On one occasion I enclosed a full-grown caterpillar of this in-
sect in a pot of earth with a recently formed Noctua pupa, whose
internal portions it immediately devoured, employing the empty
shell of the unfortunate chrysalis as a cocoon. It is impossible
to say whether this horrible proceeding often occurs in a state of
nature.

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 89

Family GEOMETRID.E.
Selidosema panagrata (Plate XL, fig. 7 £, 7a °., 7b larva).

One of our commonest moths, occurring in great numbers
in the forest throughout the whole summer.

The larvae (Fig. 7b) are extremely variable, the most usual
■colouring being that of the individual figured, but when
very young they are all of a uniform green with a con-
spicuous white dorsal line ; as age advances the cater-
pillars become dark olive brown of varying degrees of
intensity in different specimens, some retaining a consider-
able amount of their original green colouring, especially
those feeding on the kawakawa {Piper excelsuvi), whose
hue consequently harmonizes with that of the plant.
These larvae often select a forked twig to rest in, where
they lie curled round with the head and tail close together.
They are very voracious, and are the primary cause of the
riddled appearance which the leaves of the kawakawa
almost invariably present. Other food-plants are the
•" currant" {A. racemosa), and the Myrtus bullata ; those
taken from the latter have a strong pinkish tint, and
are consequently very inconspicuous amongst the young
shoots where they generally feed. The burrows of
Hcpialus virescens are frequently utilized by the larvae
which feed on the " currant," as convenient retreats
during the winter, a large number being often found in
a single hole. When full-grown they descend to the
ground and construct, on the under-side of fallen leaves,
loose cocoons of silk and earth from which the perfect
insects emerge in about a month's time. The autumnal
larvae, however, either hibernate or remain in the pupa
state throughout the winter. This moth is even more
variable than the last species (S. dejectai'ia), which it
occasionally somewhat resembles. The sexes are very
different, the colouring of the male consisting of various

9° NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

shades of warm brown (Fig. 7), while in the female the
prevailing hue is slaty brown or even grey (Fig. 7a).
Many specimens are much suffused with ochre and red-
dish-brown, while the stigma near the centre of the fore-
wing, although sometimes almost obsolete, is often very
conspicuous and black, white, or even yellow in colour.
It would be of great interest to learn, by rearing a large
number of these insects, whether the many varieties ex-
isting in the larval and perfect states could be traced to
differences in food-plant, or some other external circum-
stance.

Family GEOMETRID/E.

Selidosema productata (Plate XII., fig. 1 $, la $, lb larva)-

Abundant in the forest, where it may be dislodged
from ferns and undergrowth during the day or captured
flying about in the evening. Its larva is rather attenu-
ated, and possesses a large hump on the second abdominal
segment. In colour it is dark reddish brown, mottled with
creamy white and pale green, and is sparsely supplied with
a few isolated hairs (Fig. ib). It feeds on the white rata.
{Metrosidcros scandens), and when in its usual position —
i.e., sticking straight out from a .branch — absolutely defies
detection. Specimens, however, may be readily procured
with a lantern at night, when they may be found walking
about and eating. The pupa state is spent in the earth,
about two inches below the surface, the moth appearing in
three or four weeks' time, this period, however, being ex-
tended in the case of autumnal larvae, to as many months.
It is extremely variable, scarcely two individuals being found
exactly alike. The colouring, as in the caterpillar, is chiefly
protective, consisting of a delicate tracery of browns
and greys, which render the insect quite invisible when
resting on the trunk of a tree, with its pale yellowish
hind-wings concealed, a position it invariably assumes

THE LEP1D0PTERA. 91

during the daytime (Fig. 1 male, ia female). The curious
and interesting " Tatosomas" with their enormously elon-
gated bodies, are closely allied to the present insect ;
one of them (Tatosoma agrionatd) being found in similar
situations, although in much more limited numbers ; as,
however, I know nothing 'pi their transformations, I am
forced reluctantly to pass them by.

Family Geometrid/E.
Hydriomena deltoidata (Plate XIII., fig. 1, ia larva).

One of our commonest moths, appearing in great
numbers during January and February, in all open situ-
ations. It is especially abundant on the fern-hills.

The larva (Fig. ia) feeds on the plantain. It is very
sluggish, and lives all through the winter, becoming full-
grown in September, when it changes into a pupa, among
the roots of its food-plant. In colour it is a uniform
dark brown.

The moth is extremely variable, but the figure may
be taken as representing a fairly typical specimen. It
is a pretty insect, and may be often seen resting on
fences with its fore-wings folded backwards and forming
together a triangle, whence its name of deltoidata. Any
unusual-looking specimens of this species should always
be netted, in order to form a thoroughly representative
series, as many of the varieties are very interesting. A
rather uncommon and remarkable-looking form occasion-
ally occurs, in which the dark central band of the
fore-wings is completely divided near the middle.

Family Geometrid.e.
Asthena schistaria (Plate XII., fig. 2, 2a larva).
This delicate little insect may be often taken at rest
on fences and tree-trunks during the day, and is a con-

92

NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

spicuous moth when flying in the evening, owing to its
light colour. The larva (Fig. 2a), which feeds on the
manuka {Leptospcrmum ericoides), is very ornamental. Its
general colour is light green, with black dorsal and lateral
stripes, and a series of diagonal markings bordered with
crimson ; the legs and prolegs are also crimson, and the
segments are divided by brilliant yellow rings, a white line
extending down each side of the larva. It is difficult
to find, as it remains closely concealed amongst the dense
manuka foliage, from which it can only be dislodged
by vigorous and continued beating. The caterpillars
allow themselves to fall a short distance, hanging sus-
pended by a silken thread, which they rapidly ascend
when the danger is passed. The pupa is rather attenuated,
dark-brown, and much pointed at its posterior extremity.
It is found buried about an inch in the earth, and the
moth appears in a month's time. This insect varies
much in intensity of markings. The males are generally
considerably darker than the females, but are more cer-
tainly distinguished by their attenuated bodies.

The pearly white Asthena pulcJiraria occurs in October
and April ; it is a most beautiful insect, and may be found
amongst the foliage of the kawakawa {P. excclsuui), on
which its larva will probably be found to feed.

Family Pyralid.e.

Scoparia hetniplaca (Plate XII., fig. 4).

This pretty little moth was reared from a larva
found feeding amongst moss during the winter of 1885,
but unfortunately I neglected to make a drawing until
it was too late. Doubtless many of the other Pyrales we
meet with in the New Zealand forest have similar habits,
their larvae probably feeding on different kinds of mosses.
These can always be examined during the winter months,

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 93

when the entomologist is usually in want of work, and

thus much information may be obtained regarding this
interesting but little-known family.

Family Pyralid.'E.
Scoparia sabulosella (Plate XIII., fig. 4, 4a larva).

This is that extremely abundant, though dull-coloured
little insect, that rises in such multitudes from every field
before one's footsteps during the early summer.

Its larva (Fig. 4a) feeds on various mosses, forming
numerous silken galleries amongst the roots in which
it resides. These caterpillars are very active, and con-
sequently rather difficult to obtain, as they move either
backwards or forwards in their galleries with equal rapidity.

They feed during the whole of the autumn and winter,
changing into pupae about September, from which the
moths emerge in a month or six weeks' time.

The habits of the numerous other species belonging to
this genus and the closely allied genus Xeroscopa (Meyr)
probably do not materially differ from those of the
species here described.

Family Pyralid.k.
Crambus flexuosellus (Plate XII., fig. 5).

An extremely abundant insect, occurring in swarms
over meadows during the summer, where it may be
captured in the daytime or taken by hundreds at the
attracting lamp in the evening. Its larva is at present
unknown, but probably feeds on the roots of grasses.

Closely allied is Crambus tahulalis, found in similar
situations, but appearing rather later in the season, the
earliest specimens being met with about January, while
C. flexuosellus is on the wing throughout the summer.

94 NE IV ZEA LA ND EXTOMOL OGY.

Family PYRALID^E.
Siculodes subfasciata (Plate XII., fig. 3, 3a larva, 3b pupa).

This curious insect may be occasionally taken flying
round patches of Mtdilenbcckia adpressa, which grows freely
amongst brushwood in many parts of the country.

Its larva (Fig. 3a), is very stout and sluggish, resembling
the caterpillar of an ordinary Pyrale in general appearance.
It feeds in the stems of the creeper, causing large swell-
ings therein, which readily betray its presence, and should
therefore be cut off and kept until the moth emerges, as
specimens obtained in this way are far superior to any
captured in the open. The pupa is dark brown, and
shining ; it lies in the centre of one of the swellings, the
larva having previously prepared a safe outlet for the
moth in the form of a small burrow leading to the air, its
extreme end remaining closed by a thin pellicle of the ori-
ginal bark, which effectually prevents the inmate's resting-
place being discovered from the exterior (see Fig. 3b, the
small circle marked * represents the outlet).

The perfect insect appears about December, flying rapidly
in the hottest sunshine. It varies greatly, both in size and
colour, some of the small males being very much suffused
with dark brown, while the females usually resemble the
figure (3), and are often more than twice the size of their
mates. This insect is generally placed in a family called
the SiculidcB, but I think without sufficient reason, and have
therefore located it among the Pyralidae, with which it has
unquestionably a great affinity.

Family Tortricid^:.

honomeutis amauropa (Tlate XIII., fig. 2, 2a larva).

This odd little moth may be occasionally seen bask-
ing in openings in the forest, and usually flies away

THE LEP1D0PTERA. 9-

with lightning speed when an attempt is made to cap-
ture it.

The larva lives under the scaly bark of the matai-tree,
feeding on the soft, juicy inner bark and sap. In colour it
is light yellowish white, darker on the back, some speci-
mens becoming quite pink on the dorsal surface. When
full-grown it encloses itself in a tough silken cocoon,
covered on the outside with fragments of wood, from which
the moth emerges in about a fortnight's time.

The sexes differ considerably in appearance, the male
having much broader wings, and darker in colour than
those in the female from which the illustration (Fig. 2) is
taken.

This insect is probably single-brooded, as the larva may
be found feeding in the trees during the whole of the
winter.

Family TORTRICID^E.
Cacoecia excessana (Plate XIII., fig. 5, 5a larva).
This is the commonest species of Tortricida in New
Zealand, and may be found almost without interruption
during the whole of the year.

The larva (Fig. 5a) feeds on a great variety of plants, the
common manuka being probably the most usual food for
the species when in a state of nature It now, however,
eats numerous European plants, including honeysuckle and
occasionally the fruit of the apple, but further evidence is
required on the latter subject before we can really consider
it as actually injurious in that direction.

In colour this caterpillar is light green with a yellow
line on each side, but varies considerably ; it feeds between
several rolled-up leaves, in which it is afterwards converted
into a pupa whence the moth emerges in about three
weeks' time.

The perfect insect is also excessively variable and is often
more or less suffused with yellow. It is most abundant in

56 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

the middle of summer, and may be taken at light, or in
the daytime at rest on fences and trees.

Family TORTRICID.E.
Ctenopseustis obliqiiana (Plate XII., fig. 6).
This little moth is occasionally noticed at rest on garden
fences during the autumn. Its larva inhabits the interior
of the peach, feeding on the kernel, which appears to exactly
meet its requirements, the caterpillar being full-grown
as soon as it has completely devoured the nut. Before
assuming the pupa state this insect provides a ready means
of escape for the future moth by drilling a small hole
through the hard shell and pulp of the peach to the air ;
it also spins a slight cocoon inside the stone, the pupa
resting in the place formerly occupied by the kernel, in
which position it is often discovered. The only noticeable
mischief produced by this insect is delay in the ripening
of the fruit. In fact all the infected specimens which I
have seen were quite hard and green, whilst other fruit
from the same tree had reached complete perfection.

Family TlNEID/E.
Endrosis fenestrella (Plate XII., fig. 7, 7a larva, 7b pupa).
This common species may be observed in almost any
house in New Zealand, and is often mistaken for the
dreaded " clothes moth" {Tinea tapezelld), which it some-
what resembles in general appearance. Its larva (Fig. 7a) is
very destructive, feeding on dried peas, amongst which it
creates great havoc, drilling numerous holes through them
and spinning a large number together, in the centre of
which the caterpillar undergoes its change into a pupa
(Fig. 7b), from which the moth emerges in about a fort-
night's time. This insect should be destroyed whenever
seen, as there is no doubt that much loss will be caused by
its ravages in the future. It also infests bee-hives.

THE LEPIDOPTERA. 97

Family TlNElD/E.
CEcophora scJtolcea (Plate XIII., fig. 6, 6a larva).

This dull-coloured insect is extremely abundant during
the early summer.

The larva feeds on the roots of various plants, forming
numerous white silken galleries in the earth where it resides.
In colour it is dark chocolate-brown with a yellowish head
and white markings. It is very large, considering the size of
the future moth, full-grown specimens often measuring as
much as \o\ lines in length. About the end of September
these caterpillars are transformed into pupae, and the moths
emerge in a month or six weeks' time.

The perfect insect may be often disturbed amongst brush-
wood. It is very sluggish on the wing and usually drops
to the ground, where it is very inconspicuous. It also has
a habit of running into any crevice immediately on the
approach of an enemy. This peculiarity is shared by the
other members of the genus CEcophora, of which there are
large numbers in New Zealand.

Family Tineid,*:.
Semiocosma platyptera (Plate XII., fig. 8, 8a larva, 8b

pupa).
This is one of the largest of the Tineidcs found in New
Zealand, measuring fully fifteen lines across the expanded
wings. Its larva (Fig. 8a) is abundant under the bark of dead
henau trees {Eleocarpus dentatus), feeding on the soft inner
surface, but leaving the hard wood untouched. In colour
it is pale yellow, the head and prothorax are dark brown
and corneous, and the remaining segments are provided
with two horny warts, from which numerous hairs arise ;
its legs are all very small, and the caterpillar is considerably
attenuated posteriorly ; it is very active, wriggling about
with great violence when disturbed.

8

98 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

The pupa (Fig. 8b) is enclosed in a compact cocoon, con-
structed of minute fragments of wood, firmly woven
together with silk, and attached to the inner surface of the
bark, where it may be soon found by careful searching,
and the finest specimens may thus be easily reared in
captivity.

The perfect insect appears about November, and may be
often observed at rest on the trunks of trees ; its pale hind-
wings are completely concealed by the dark upper pair,
which render its discovery very difficult. The sexes may
be at once distinguished by their size, the males being much
smaller than the female (Fig. 8) and usually lighter in
colour.

CHAPTER VII.
&\t |Juu'oj?fcnT.

The Order Neuroptera, as here considered, is a very
limited one, consisting only of the seven small families,
which comprise the Lace-wings, Ant-lions, Caddis-flies, and
a few others. It forms a most convenient passage from the
insects undergoing a complete metamorphosis with a
quiescent pupa, to those which are active during the whole
of their life, as the larvae are widely different from the adults,
but the pupae, although incapable of walking or eating,
approximate very closely in structure to the perfect insects.
I regret that my observations have been at present
restricted to three families only, i.e., the Hemerobiidce,
Sialidce, and Phryganidce, which will consequently have to
represent the entire series. I understand, however, from
Mr. A. S. Atkinson, that a species of Myrmeleontidce
(Ant-lion) is not uncommon round Nelson, and doubtless
future investigation will reveal insects belonging to the
other families.

Family Phryganid.e.

Oxyethira albiceps (?) (McLach.) (Plate XIV., fig. 3, 3a
larva, 3b pupa).

This insect occurs in the neighbourhood of ponds and
streams during the summer. Its larva may be found

ioo NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

commonly in the green, slimy weed floating in large
masses on all stagnant waters. Being very small it is
rather difficult to detect, and is best procured by washing
a small quantity of the weed in a saucer of water, when
the little insects will be at once seen walking about at the
bottom. On examination with the microscope the case will
first arrest attention, being of a most unique structure. Its
shape is best described as closely resembling that of a minute
pocket-flask, very much flattened at the lower end and
almost transparent. Its surface is slightly corrugated, and
the neck of the flask constructed of a much denser material
than the body. It is open at both ends, the posterior end
being perforated by a long shallow slit, which extends for
nearly the whole width of the case, thus admitting a free
circulation of water round the larva, which is also able to
turn round and project its head and anterior segments
through the lower aperture, thus occupying the reverse
position to that shown in the illustration (Fig. 3a). It is,,
however, prevented from actually leaving the case by its
abdomen, which is too large to be withdrawn from either
end. The head and thorax of the larva are very horny in
comparison with those portions permanently retained in the
case, the legs being constructed to fold up into the smallest
possible compass, a cavity existing in each joint for the re-
ception of the preceding one — a structure which is almost
universal among the caddis-worms. The two organs,,
situated on the posterior segments, are doubtless respira-
tory in their function, a large air-tube taking its rise from
each and ramifying through the body in all directions.
When alarmed these insects retreat into their cases with
lightning rapidity, remaining concealed until the danger is
passed. Their food probably consists of the green weed,
although they are perhaps carnivorous, feeding on the
rotifers and other animalculae, which swarm in the water
where they are found.

THE NEUROPTERA. 101

With regard to the method employed by the young
larva in constructing, and subsequently enlarging, its case,
I can give no positive information, although it is un-
doubtedly made of a viscous fluid, secreted by the insect,
which hardens when exposed to the water ; this secretion
is no doubt analogous to the silk of caterpillars, which
always exists in the form of a gummy fluid before being
spun.

When about to change, the insect fixes its case down by
four ligaments, two at each end, the extremities of these
being firmly fastened to a stone ; it then closes the
small aperture, and constructs a curious arch-shaped
partition, of dense material, a short distance from the
broad end (Fig. 3b). In about a week's time the larva is
transformed into a pupa, having the limbs, &c, free from
the body but incapable of motion. The fixing down of
the case prior to the change may be easily performed
from each of the apertures, which are no doubt left
open till the last for this purpose. Before the final trans-
formation the pupa breaks through the partition at the
broad end of the case and rises to the surface, the
imago (Fig. 3) ascending a blade of grass to dry and
expand its wings. The little exuvia of the pupa may
be often noticed floating on the water, and the empty
cases are very conspicuous on the sides of a glass
aquarium, where the insects generally fix them down
when in captivity.

Family HEMEROBIID^E.

Stenosmylus incisus (Plate XIV., fig. 2).

This lovely insect is figured as an example of this family,
being found occasionally in the New Zealand forest, but is
rather scarce as a rule. I regret that nothing is at present
known of its transformations.

io2 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

Family Sialid^e.
C/iauliodes diversus (Plate XIV., fig. I, ia larva, lb pupa).

During still warm weather, from December till March,
this large insect is frequently observed flying lazily over
water at dusk, when it may be readily captured with the
ordinary net. Its larva is aquatic, living under stones in
running streams, where it devours large quantities of
Ephemerae and other insect larvae, which are always abun-
dant in those situations. It is very ferocious and will bite
violently when disturbed, being furnished with a pair of
powerful mandibles. The curious filaments on each side
are gills, and it will be noticed that they are situated
exactly where the spiracles of the perfect insect afterwards
appear (see Fig. ia).

This larva probably lives over a year, its growth pro-
ceeding very slowly, but mature specimens are not in-
frequently met with quite as large as the illustration. When
full-grown it leaves the water and forms an oval cell in the
mud, usually under a large stone ; its gills then gradually
shrivel up, and in ten days or a fortnight it is transformed
into the curious pupa, shown at Fig. lb, from which the
perfect insect proceeds in about six weeks' time. The sexes
of this species may be readily distinguished by their size, the
male being considerably smaller than the female (Fig. i),
and possessing longer antennae.

CHAPTER VIII.
&Ijc (frtbojjtcru.

This Order, although including a comparatively small
number of species, comprises some of the largest and
most conspicuous insects inhabiting New Zealand, many
of them reminding one of the denizens of the tropics in
their gigantic size and striking appearance. They may be
conveniently divided into the three following groups : —
The Aquatic group, or those whose larvae inhabit the water,
including the Dragonflies, Mayflies, and Perlidae ; the
Terrestrial group, including all the typical Orthoptera, Ter-
mites, and Mallophaga ; and the Euplexoptera, including
the Earwigs. We start our observations with the Aquatic
group, as these exhibit the greatest affinity with the
Neuroptera.

Aquatic Group.

Family LIBELLULID.E.1

Uropetala carovei (Plate XV., fig. I £ , ia larva.)

This magnificent insect occurs in all swampy situations

during January and February, when it may be seen

dashing about with amazing rapidity intent on catching

1 The Libelhilidcc, Ephemerida, Pcrlidcc, Psocidce, and Termitida
are usually included in the Neuropteria.

io4 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

the various flies which constitute its food. Its curious larva
is represented at Fig. ia, the drawing having been taken
from a singularly perfect exuvia, which I had the good
fortune to discover, clinging to the stem of a fuchsia-tree in
a swamp, the rent through which the perfect insect escaped
having almost closed up. In this state it no doubt feeds
on various aquatic animals, which it procures with a pre-
hensile instrument similar in structure to the " mask " of
British dragonfly larvae, but much larger.

The female of this species may be at once recognized by
the absence of the two peculiar leaf-like appendages at the
anal extremity, from which the insect takes its name. Her
abdomen is also much stouter. My experience leads me
to believe either that she is very retired in her habits or
else that there are at least six males to one female.

Closely allied, and much commoner than the above
insect, is Cordnlia Smithii, found almost everywhere, its
rapid and continuous flight frequently taking it many miles
away from any water. The specimen figured is a male
(Plate XV., fig. 2), the female possessing a pair of slender
sickle-shaped hooks, attached to the end of her body.
She may occasionally be seen depositing her eggs in
stagnant streams, the abdomen being violently beaten
against the surface of the water during the operation. I
have not yet met with the larva, which probably lives
concealed in the mud. One specimen, taken near Lake
Wairarapa, is remarkable in possessing a cloudy brown
patch near the tip of each wing, but it is no doubt only a
variety of the ordinary insect.

Family LlBELLULID^.
Lestes co/ensonis (Plate XV., fig. 3, 3a larva).
Extremely abundant in all damp situations from Sep-
tember till May, being one of the last insects to disappear
in the autumn. The larva is found under stones, &c, in

THE ORTHOPTERA. 105

every stream, feeding on various aquatic insects and crusta-
ceans. When very young the wing-cases are scarcely
discernible, but gradually become more distinct at each
moult, until the larva assumes the form shown in the
illustration (Fig. 3a), which is taken from a specimen
about a week before the emergence of the perfect insect. In
all these insects it would be much more convenient to
regard the metamorphosis as consisting of only two stages,
viz,, larva and imago, as there is really no condition analo-
gous to the quiescent pupa of other orders. The female
is rather stouter than the male, which is the sex figured,
and her abdomen is of a dull bronze colour, instead of
metallic blue. The only other dragonfly found in my neigh-
bourhood (Wellington) is the pretty little Telcbasis zealan-
dica (Fig. 4), which occurs in similar situations to the last,
but is not quite so common. The male is of a brilliant red
colour, the female being bronzy green, but she may be
readily distinguished from the same sex in Lestes colen-
sonis by her smaller size. The larva of this species is
rather more attenuated than that of the previous insect,
and is of course considerably smaller.

Family EPHEMERID/E.

Ephemera, n.s., near Coloburus1 (Plate XVI., fig. 4, 4a

larva) .

The well-known mayflies are very extensively repre-
sented in New Zealand, hovering in swarms over run-
ning water during the summer evenings.

The larva of the present species (Fig. 4a) occurs abun-
dantly under stones in rapid streams. It may be imme-
diately distinguished from its numerous congeners by its
large head and conspicuous black eyes. It is carnivorous,

1 One mutilated ° specimen of this insect was sent to Mr.
McLachlan, but was too imperfect to describe from.

106 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

feeding on various small insects, chiefly those belonging to
the present family, but in lack of these it will even devour
individuals of its own species. It is consequently a most
difficult insect to rear, and it was a long time before
I succeeded in obtaining a single imago in captivity.
When mature the insect leaves the water, and an apparently
perfect imago escapes through a rent in the thorax in the
usual way. In a few hours, however, a second moult occurs,
the wings gaining additional size and beauty, and the anal
setae becoming very much more elongated than before (Fig.
4). This second change, which has so perplexed some
entomologists, is merely an apparent departure from the
general rule, a careful examination of the exuviae of the
dragonflies, and pupa shells of many other insects, revealing
a delicate membrane within, which invests the imago, and
is cast off at the same time as the harder external envelope.
In the case of the mayflies, the retention of this internal
membrane some two or three hours longer than usual, will
fully explain its apparently unique metamorphosis.

Family PERLID.E.
Stenoperla prasina (Plate XVI., fig. 3, 3a larva).

This is the green gauzy-winged insect which we see flying
feebly over running water, during the twilight, throughout
the summer.

Its larva (Fig. 3a) is aquatic, hiding itself under stones,
and devouring the unfortunate Ephemera found in similar
situations. Towards the end of its career the rudimentary
wings become very conspicuous, at which time it is a most
interesting object. The curious appendages on each side
of the abdomen are gills, which the larva is constantly
vibrating, in order to obtain a fresh supply of aerated
water. When mature, it ascends the stem of some
aquatic plant, the skin becomes dry and brittle, and
finally bursting, allows the perfect insect to escape,

THE ORTHOPTERA. 107

and in a few hours its wings are sufficiently hardened
for flight. Several other species occur in New Zea-
land, one of the commonest being Per/a cyrene, a black
insect much resembling S. prasiiia, but considerably
smaller ; its larva may be occasionally found, and is at
once known by its dark colour.

Terrestrial Group.
Family PS0CIE\E.

Psocus zealandicus, n.s. (Plate XVI., fig. 2, 2a larva).

During the hottest days in summer every one must have
noticed numbers of minute active insects assembled on
garden fences in groups, ranging from ten to fifty, im-
mediately dispersing when disturbed. These are indivi-
duals of Psocus zealandiats (Fig. 2), a curious little
species, closely allied to the renowned " Book Tick "
(Atropos pulsatorium), whose ravages in museums and
libraries need no description. Its larva (2a) may be found
in the same situations as the imago, and often assembles
in similar groups. Its food probably consists of rotten
wood and other decaying vegetable matter, and in its later
stages it is provided with wing-cases, thus differing from
the Book Tick (A, pulsatorium), which remains apterous
during the whole of its life.

Family TermitiDzE.

Stolotermes ruficeps (Plate XVI., fig. 1 £ , ia %, lb "soldier,"
ic " worker ").

The termites, or white ants, which occur in such great
numbers in the tropics, are represented in New Zealand by
several small species, the commonest in this neighbour-
hood being Stolotermes ruficeps.

This species inhabits rotten logs, excavating extensive
burrows, resembling in a very humble manner the wonder-

10S NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

fully elaborate nests constructed by the African and other
species, about which so much has been written, and so
much remains to be discovered. The present insect appears
in the perfect state during January and February. It is
seldom noticed flying about, but may be readily obtained
by opening the nests, where a large number are frequently
seen huddled together in the main galleries. At this time
the community consists of three classes of individuals, viz.,
males, females, and workers, which last are in all proba-
bility nothing more than the larvae. After pairing they
shed their wings and return to the nest, the female becom-
ing very much distended with eggs. About March she
commences to lay. This is continued for several months,
and during this time the female is queen of the nest. She
resides in a capacious chamber, from which numerous gal-
leries diverge in all directions, some extending as far as
eighteen or twenty inches, but the most populous portion
of the nest is contained within a radius of six inches from
the queen's apartment. The "soldiers" (Fig. lb) now appear
in considerable numbers. They are chiefly stationed in the
royal chamber, and furiously attack any intruders ; but the
workers which stream in and out, carrying the eggs from
the queen, they treat with the greatest gentleness. I have
never seen soldiers in a nest containing winged insects, nor
indeed later in the spring than October, when they seem to
have all disappeared. With regard to the nature of these
individuals I am unable to supply any positive information,
but it appears probable that they are abortive males, in the
same way that the neuters of the bees and ants are abortive
females. As none of these insects have yet been reared,
many points of great interest remain to be discovered in con-
nection with their economy, and a rigid investigation of a
number of nests kept in captivity, is the only mode by which
we can hope to become fully acquainted with the habits of
this interesting family.

THE ORTHOPTERA. 109

Family BLATTID^E.
Periplancta fortipes (Plate XVII., fig. 5).

Few people who cut up old wood remain unacquainted
with this species for very long, its insufferable odour im-
mediately betraying its presence independently of any-
thing else. It is very common under the bark of rimu,
henau, and other large trees, where specimens may be found
in all stages of growth ; the mature individuals only differ-
ing from the young in the matter of size and the posses-
sion of rudimentary wing-cases. I have never found the
females of this species carrying their eggs, but have, on
several occasions, discovered the closely allied, but smaller,
Periplaneta undulivitta thus engaged under stones on the
hills round Nelson. This is a much more agreeable insect
to study than P. fortipes, not possessing the disgusting odour
so characteristic of the latter species.

The only winged Blattidee found round Wellington are
Blatta conjuncta, and Periplaneta orientalis. The former
(Fig. 6), may be occasionally noticed under the scaly bark of
rimu and matai trees, but a sharp eye and hand are needed
to effect a capture, the insect running with marvellous
rapidity. The latter species I have not yet noticed, but as
it is the ordinary " cockroach " of Europe its habits have
already been amply described.

Family MANTID/E.

Tenodera intermedia (Plate XVII., fig. 2).

A local species confined, I believe, to the South Island,
and occurring in some numbers round Nelson, where my
specimens were obtained. It seldom flies, but crawls
stealthily about the trunks of trees, in the hottest sunshine,
capturing and destroying great quantities of insects, its green
colouring and leaf-like form rendering it very inconspicuous

no NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

to its victims. The purple spots on the tibiae of this insect
are very noticeable, and resemble small drums in structure,
hence they are regarded by Mr. A. H. Swinton (" Insect
Variety," page 239), as the organs of hearing. These curious
drums may be also found in insects belonging to nearly all
the remaining families of the Orthoptera, but, as we find no
auditory organs occupying a similiar situation in any other
groups of insects, I think that Mr. Swinton's explanation
of their function must be regarded at present as a
somewhat doubtful one.1

Family Phasmid.e.

Acantlwderus Jiorridus (Plate XIX.).

The curious Stick Insects are familiar to most people
from their remarkable similarity to the twigs of trees.

The present species is one of the largest, the mature insect
frequently attaining a length of five inches. It is best
taken at night, when it may be readily discovered, feeding
on the leaves of shrubs, and suddenly becoming perfectly
motionless when the lantern is turned upon it. The favour-
ite plant for this (and indeed most of the species) is the
white rata, upon which they are often seen in large numbers
when the entomologist is collecting Lepidoptera in autumn.
One of the commonest species found in this way is Bacillus
(liookeri?) chiefly remarkable for its great sexual disparities,
the male resembling a very slender stick about twenty-eight
lines long, while the female is nearly half as long again
(thirty-eight lines), and much more stoutly built. A
more systematic investigation of this family is needed
before we can pretend to correctly determine the various
species, as there is little doubt that in other cases the
sexes will be found quite as divergent. In addition to this

1 For account of the earlier stages of this, or a closely allied insect,
see " Transactions of New Zealand Institute," vol. xvi. p. 114.

THE ORTHOPTERA. in

the insects are most variable in colour, and their completely
apterous character rendering the distinction between larva
and imago a matter of considerable difficulty, it is
very probable that some of the smaller species may be
only immature specimens of the larger ones.

Stick insects are easily kept in captivity, and will not be
found devoid of interest. They are great eaters, and
grow with considerable rapidity, frequently casting their
skin, a task of no easy accomplishment, which I once had
the pleasure of watching in the case of a specimen of Acan-
thoderus prasinus which I had under observation for
several months.

The insect first suspends itself by its hind pair of legs,
keeping the others in the same position as when walking,
the head is bent in, and the antennae are placed along the
breast, the long abdomen hanging over backwards.
The skin then splits along the back of the thorax, and
the head and thorax are gradually pushed out. The
front and middle legs are immediately afterwards ex-
tracted, the long femora and tibiae easily passing the
sharp angles in the exuvia, owing to their complete
flexibility. When these are finally clear, the insect reaches
forwards with its fore-legs and draws the abdomen and
hind-legs out of the old skin, which remains attached to
the branch until dislodged by some accident.

During the spring months great quantities of little stick
insects may be noticed on the parasitic ferns covering the
tree stems in the forest ; they are curious little animals,
their antics when simulating inanimate twigs being often
most amusing, and if the reader wishes to investigate a
comparatively untouched branch of entomology he cannot
do better than keep a number of these until mature, when
he will doubtless contribute much to our scanty knowledge
of this curious family.

U2 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

Family Achetid^e.
AcJieta fuliginosa (Plate XVIII., fig. i).

This destructive insect is not indigenous to New Zealand,
having been introduced from Australia into the Nelson
district many years ago. Strange to say it has never been
seen in Wellington, where specimens must be constantly
landed amongst produce, &c, but appear to be unable to
effect a settlement, owing, probably, to some peculiarity of
the climate which renders the place unsuitable for
them. The larvae may be first observed about Decem-
ber, when they are often seen hopping about the
vegetation. They are extremely obnoxious, devouring
everything, and frequently entering houses, where they
consume provisions, clothes, and even boots. During the
summer of 1875 the farmers round Nelson were fairly eaten
out by this insect, the cattle absolutely starving for the
want of food, but since that time the pest seems to have
gradually diminished, although it is still very injurious to
many garden plants.

The illustration (Fig. 1) is taken from a female, the male
wanting the long ovipositor. These insects appear in the
imago state about March, and continue in great abundance
until the end of summer, the cold weather which generally
sets in about the beginning of May rapidly destroying
them.

Family GRYLLID/E.

Deinacrida megacephala (Plate XVIII., fig. 2 £ , XVII.,
fig. 8 ?).

This conspicuous species is especially interesting, as it
may be regarded as the type of a very peculiar assemblage
of apterous crickets, pre-eminently characteristic of New
Zealand. It is very abundant round Wellington, and may
be occasionally taken under logs, &c, but is best procured

THE ORTHOPTERA. 113

from the hollow stems of various trees, where it is found
inhabiting the deserted galleries of wood-boring species —
frequently enlarging them to suit its own requirements.

The plant most usually selected by these insects is the
mahoe {Melicytus ramifloriis), whose stems may be often
seen pierced with large holes. Out of these the insects
emerge at night to feed on the leaves. To extract a
number of specimens, without injury, requires considerable
care, and is best performed with a small axe, which should
be first used to cut in about three-quarters through the
trunk, just below one of the holes. Another notch is then
cut about a foot lower down, and the intermediate wood
split off in long pieces, until the tunnel is laid bare. On
approaching an insect the first thing seen are two red
threads, which are the antennae, laid back as shown at
Fig. 8. A deep notch is then cut into the trunk, some
nine or ten inches below this point, and the piece bodily
wrenched off. If the individual thus treated is a male he
will cling firmly to the log, elevating his hind-legs in
the air and biting viciously at anything within reach, but
the females, in the majority of cases, endeavour to escape
and hide themselves under the leaves, &c, on the ground.
Both sexes when irritated emit a' peculiar grating sound,
which may be often heard at night in the forest, and is
produced by the friction of the femur against a small file
situated on each side of the second abdominal segment
They can also leap a short distance, but not so far as
many of the smaller species (Libanasa macropathus, &c).
They are evidently strictly arboreal in their habits, as
they exhibit great skill in walking along branches, and
will climb up a thin stick with wonderful rapidity.

When in their burrows the posterior legs are extended
behind the insect and push, while the anterior and inter-
mediate ones are thrust forwards, the claws being firmly
inserted, so as to enable the insect to pull itself along.

9

114 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

Travelling along the burrow in this manner, they frequently
evade all efforts to extract them, until they are stopped by
arriving at the end of the gallery.

The sexes of this species are readily distinguishable, the
male (Plate XVIII., fig. 2) possessing an immense head
furnished with a pair of enormously powerful mandibles.
The female (Plate XVII., fig. 8) is a more attractive insect,
her gracefully curved ovipositor and smaller head having
a much more pleasing appearance than the terribly me-
nacing jaws of her mate. Both sexes are able to give severe
bites, but it is extremely doubtful whether they would
prove anything worse than slight mechanical injuries, as the
insect is not likely to be poisonous. I am, however, unable
to tpeak from experience.

Family GRYLLID/E.
Xiphidium maoricum (Plate XVII., fig. 1).

This pretty insect may be found in great abundance
round Nelson during the autumn, but is rarer in the Wel-
lington Province. Its presence may be at once detected
by the curious chirping heard in various directions shortly
before sunset and lasting till eight or nine o'clock in the
evening. This sound is produced with the wing-cases,
which the male insects may be seen vigorously rubbing
together. The females are quite mute, and they may
be also distinguished by possessing a short curved ovi-
positor at the end of the body. The peculiarly leaf-like
shape of the insect and its bright green colour render its
discovery amongst the herbage a most difficult matter, even
when its whereabouts is indicated by its cry — in fact, were
it not for their music, there is little doubt that very few of
these insects would ever be captured, as they are prac-
tically invisible, and are an instance of protective resem-
blance carried to great perfection.

When disturbed these crickets fly about twenty yards

THE ORTHOPTERA. 115

and again settle in a bush or amongst herbage, carefully
avoiding alighting on the ground where they would be
readily visible. Their flight is somewhat feeble for such
large insects. Great care must be taken, when capturing
specimens for preservation, not to hold them by their
powerful hind-legs, as they will not infrequently cast one
off while endeavouring to escape.

I have not yet noticed the larva of this species, but
should imagine it would closely resemble a wingless imago.

Family LOCUSTID/E.
Caloptcnus marginalis (Plate XVII., fig. 4).

This is the little grasshopper which rises before our
footsteps in swarms on a hot summer's day ; it is one of the
last insects to leave us in the autumn, being frequently
found in warm situations on fine days in the middle of
winter. Owing to its great abundance this species must
inflict considerable damage on the grass, as it has taken up
its quarters like the English grasshopper in the cultivated
fields, where an unlimited supply of food is always at hand.
Formerly, no doubt, it was much less common round
Wellington than at present, owing to the few open spots
then existing, none of these grasshoppers being found in
the forest.

The perfect insect may be recognized by the rudimentary
wings which are present on the thorax, thus causing it to
closely resemble the larval form of many of the winged
species, and for which it might readily be mistaken were its
true character unknown.

Family LOCUSTID^E.

Gidipoda ciiicrasccus (Plate XVII., fig. 3).

This large and conspicuous insect occurs abundantly in
all open situations near Nelson, but is very rare in the

Ii6 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

Wellington district, becoming", however, again common
further north.

When disturbed it leaps into the air, spreads its wings,
and flies away with great rapidity for thirty or forty yards,
when it alights, and allows its pursuer to get within a few
yards of his prize before again making off. This habit
renders the capture of a good series of this insect a most
arduous matter. The sexes may be readily distinguished
by their size, the female being nearly twice as large as her
mate.

This species is very variable in colour, some individuals
being dark green whilst others are of a uniform drab.

The food of this insect consists of various domestic
grasses, but I do not think it is at present sufficiently
abundant to exercise any harmful influence on agriculture.
By some entomologists, however, it is regarded as only a
variety of the renowned migratory locust (Locusta migra-
toria), and as such its advent in large numbers might be
viewed with serious apprehension.

It is also strange that although I have often seen large
numbers of this species in the perfect state I have never
observed the larva. I can only conjecture that the insect
breeds in very secluded localities and then migrates in
search of fresh food supplies.

Group EUl'LEXOPTERA.

Family Forficulid^e.

Forficesila littorea (Plate XVII., fig. 7).

Abundant on the sea beach throughout the year, where
it may be readily captured under stones and seaweed. It
is a very bold insect, and when disturbed will grasp a blade
of grass, or other object, very firmly with its powerful
abdominal forceps, and allow itself to be lifted off the
ground and carried away rather than relinquish its hold.

THE ORTHOPTERA. 117

The food of this species probably consists of seaweed,
although it is possibly carnivorous, and feeds on the small
insects and crustaceans, which are numerous on the beach.
Being permanently apterous, mature individuals can only
be recognized by their large size, and the perfect develop-
ment of their anal forceps. It is evidently erroneous to
regard these as organs exclusively employed in opening
and shutting the wings, as we see that in the present
insect, which does not require them for that purpose, they
are larger than in many of the flying earwigs. They are
probably chiefly used to intimidate intruders.

This species is strictly marine in its habits and is seldom
found more than a few yards above high-water-mark. The
females may be often observed hatching their eggs. For
this purpose they excavate an oval chamber underneath a
log or large stone, and after carefully smoothing it within,
deposit the eggs at the bottom. These eggs are most
faithfully guarded by the mother, which boldly attacks all
intruders, and will suffer herself to be killed rather than
leave the spot. She also remains with the young ones for
a considerable time after they are hatched, as we some-
times observe the females accompanied by a number of
larvae of quite a large size.

CHAPTER IX.

Cbc liemiptcra.

THE present Order of insects, although of very limited ex-
tent, contains several important species, of which the noisy-
Cicadas, destructive Aphides, and numerous Bugs, and Lice,
can be cited as familiar examples. The Hemiptera may
be conveniently divided into the two following groups : —

The Homoptera, comprising all the species in which the
anterior wings are entirely membranous, and —

The Hetej'optcra, including those having the basal
portion of the anterior wings thickened, and quite opaque.

These peculiarities have induced some entomologists, who
regard the structure of the wings of the greatest impor-
tance in classifying, to arrange the insects included in the
Homoptera and Heteroptera, into two distinct Orders ; but
their uniform character in all other respects renders this,
I think, hardly desirable.

Group Homoptera.

Family ClCADID/E.

Cicada cingiilata1 (Plate XX., fig. I, ia pupa).

This beautiful insect may be found in great numbers

1 This genus is frequently called Melampsalta.

THE HEM IP TERA . j 1 9

amongst brushwood during the hot sunny days so
common from January till March. Its larva inhabits the
earth earlier in the summer, and its curious pupa can
often be observed crawling up the stems of trees in order
to allow the perfect insect to emerge. After this has
taken place the exuviae still remain firmly attached to
the tree, and are very conspicuous objects ; but if it is
desired to remove them great care must be taken not to
break off the legs, which are always very brittle.

The perfect insects are at once betrayed by their loud
singing, which, in certain localities, becomes quite deafen-
ing. This noise is entirely confined to the males, and
proceeds from two large drum-like organs, situated on the
under surface of the abdomen near its base, which, in con-
junction with the curious ovipositor existing in the females
constitute good sexual distinctions throughout the family.
The structure of these two organs having been admirably
described by several European authors renders it quite
unnecessary for me to do so here.

Closely allied to the present insect is Cicada mata, the
female of which is depicted on Plate XX., fig. 2. The male
is often of a reddish-brown colour, but the insect is an
extremely variable one. It is found in similar situations,
to C. cingulata, but appears rather earlier in the year.

Family ClCADlD/E.
Cicada iolantJic, n.s. (Plate XX., fig. 3, 3a larva, 3b pupa).
This is the first species of Cicada to appear in the
spring, and is found during November and December.
Its larva (Fig. 3a) is a curious little animal, the two hind-
legs being very long. I am at present unable to state with
certainty what constitutes its food, but am extremely
doubtful whether it consists of the juices imbibed from the
roots of plants, as is generally supposed. The anterior
legs, although probably chiefly constructed for digging,

i2o NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY.

appear to be also suited for raptorial purposes, which leads
me to believe that the insect may be carnivorous in its
habits. The pupa (Fig. 3b) does not materially differ
from that of the last, except in size, and its empty exuvia
is also frequently found attached to the stems of trees.

The perfect insect may be at once discovered by the
peculiarly shrill note emitted by the male.

Family AphiD/E.

This family is extensively represented in New Zealand,
but as I have not yet been able to obtain any information
respecting their specific identity I am compelled to pass
them by for the present, hoping that future investigation
will reveal much that is interesting in their habits, and
also help both gardener and agriculturist to protect himself
from their ravages.

Family COCCIDID.E.

Coelostoma .zealandiatm (Plate XX., fig. 4$).
This species is figured as a representative of this very
curious family chiefly on account of its great similarity to
a Dipterous insect, the rudimentary condition of its pos-
terior wings being most perplexing to the beginner. Its
habits have been amply described by Mr. Maskell, in his
work on the Coccididae of New Zealand, to which I con-
sequently refer

Group HETEROPTERA.

Family NOTONECTID^E.

Corixa zealandica, n.s. (Plate XX., fig. 5).

Abundant throughout the summer in all slow-running
streams. The larva closely resembles the imago except that
it has no wings. Its food probably consists of the juices
of other insects. The present insect invariably swims with

THE HEM1PTERA. 121

its back exposed, thus differing considerably from the
English Water-boatman (Notonecta glauca), whose keel-like
back is kept beneath the water, while the two long hind-
legs are rapidly moved backwards and forwards like oars.

Family Scutellerid.e.

Cermatuhis nasalis (Plate XX., fig. 6, 6a larva).

This insect may be beaten out of various trees during
the summer, and is usually taken in some abundance in
February amongst white rata blossoms, on which it may
be often observed sucking the honey from the blossoms
with its long rostrum. Its larva, which is represented at
Fig. 6a, is found in similar situations.

This concludes the series of insects I have selected as
representative of the several orders in New Zealand. The
brief sketch of entomology thus given is of necessity ex-
tremely fragmentary, and many important groups and
families are entirely unrepresented. Should, however, this
little book induce some of its readers to investigate insects
for themselves, I shall feel that my efforts have been amply
rewarded.

THE END.

GENERAL INDEX.

Abdomen

Acanthoderus

„ horridus

,, prasinus

Acroceridas

Acrocera

„ longirostris

Achetidas

Acheta

„ fuliginosa

Andrenidae

Antenna?

Ants

Ant-lions

Anus

Aphides destroyed by Syr-

phus

Aphida?

Aphaniptera

Aquatic insects 22, 40, 100,
Argyrcphenga

„ antipodum

Asilidae

Asthena

„ schistaria

,, pulchraria

Atta antarctica

Attracting by light

Atropos

„ pulsatorium

Bacillus

,, hookeri

Beating

Bee parasites

Bees

Beetles

PAGE

4

1 ro

no

in

56

56

56

112

112

112

33
2

35

99

4

57
120

64
103

6;
65
55
9i
9i
92

37

14

107

107

no
no

9
63

33
'9

Beetles under sacks .

„ killing ... .

,, pinning ... .
Bibio

,, nigrostigma

Blattidao

Blatta

,, conjuncta ... .
" Bloodworm " ... .

Blossoms

Blue butterfly ... .
"Blue-bottles" ... .
Bolitophila

„ luminosa ... .
Bombycidaa

Bombylidae

Book tick

Boxes

Brachelytra

Brachocera

Breathing organs
Butterflies

„ setting ... .

„ rearing ... .

Cacoecia ,

,. excessana ... .,
Calliphora

„ quadrimaculata

Camphor

Catocala

Caloptenus

,, marginalis
Caterpillar cages

Carabidae

Carbolic acid

Case-bearing larva- ..

TAGE

9
10
10

52

52

109

109

109

43

13

69

60

49

49

73

54

107

10

25

54

4

65

12

15

95
95
60
60
17
S3

115

115
15
21

17

74

124

GENERAL INDEX.

Casting skin

Ceratopogon

„ antipodum

Cermatulus

,, nasalis

Chaetosoma

,, scaratides

Chalastra

,, pelurgata

Chalcididae

Chauliodes

,, diversus

Chironomus

,, zealandicus

,, plumosus

Chrysophanus

„ salustius

,, boldenarum

„ feredayi

„ enysii

Cicadidas

Cicada

„ cingulata

,, muta ...

,, iolanthe

Cicindela ... '

„ tuberculata

„ parryi —

Cicindelidae

Clavicornia

Cloniophora

„ subfasciata

Clothes moth

Click beetles ... ...

Cockchaffer

Cockroaches

Coccididae

Ccelopa ... ;

littoralis

Ccelostoma

,, zealandicum

Coleoptera ...

„ rearing

,, collecting

Collecting insects

„ at night

Collection

Collectional journal ...

Coloburus

Colon

Colymbetes

,, rufimanus

Comptosia

,, bicolor

ii i

45
45

121
121

24

24
84

84

37

102

102

43

43

43

68

68

68

68

68

118

118

118

119

119

'9

19

20

19
23

50

• 5o
, 96
■ 29
. 27
. 109
. 120

• 63

• 63
. 120
. 120
•5, 19

• 15

• 9

• 9

• 13

• 17
. iS
. 105

• 4

54
54

Comptosia virida
Copper butterflies
Cordulia

„ smithii

Corethra

„ antarctica

Corixa

,, zealandica

Compound eyes

Coxa

Crambus

,, flexuosellus

,, tahulalis

Crickets

Crop

Ctenopseustis

,, obliquana

Culex

,. argyropus

„ iracundus

Culicidae ■

Curculionidse
Cylindria

„ sigma-

Danais ...

„ plexippus

Dasycolletes

„ hirtipes

,, purpureus... '...
Declana

,, floccosa

,, floccosa v. junctili
Deinacrida

,, megacephala ...
Diadema

,, nerina
Digestive system
Diptera
Dorcus

,, punctulatu's

,, reticulatus

Dorsal vessel

Dragon-flies

Dryocora

,, howittii

Dyticidae

Earwigs

Eggs of insects

Elateridae ...

Elytra

Endrosis

,, fenestrella

... 55

... 68

... 104

... 104

... 43

••• 43
... 120
... 120

••• 3

• •• 93

••• 93

••• 93

... 112

... 4

... 96

... 96

... 40

... 42

... 40

... 40

... 31

... 62

... 62

... 65

... 65

••• 33

■ •• 33

... 34

... 83

... 83

nea 84

• 65

• 65

• 4
.6, 40
. 26
. 26
. 26

• 4

• 103
,. 24

• 24
. 22

. 116

• 5
.. 28

■■ 5
. 96
,. 96

GENERAL INDEX.

125

Engida?

Entomologist in winter

Entomological pins

Ephemeridas

Ephemera ...

Epurrea

,, zealandica
Eristalis

„ cingulatus
Erana

,, graminosa
Erebia pluto and butleri
Euplexoptera
Eurigaster ...

,, marginatus
Exaireta

„ spiniger
External organs
Eyes

Family

Femur

Flea

Forficulidae...
Forficesila...

,, littorea
Formicidse ...
Formica

,, zealandica

Ganglia ...

Genus

Geodephaga
Geometrida?
Geometer ...

Gerris

Glow-worm...
Gilt pins
Gizzard
Grasshopper
Gryllidae

Head

Heart

Heliothis ...

„ armigera
Helophilus ...

,, trilineatus

,, ineptus

,, hochstetter
Hemerobiidae
Hemiptera ...
Hepialus

,, virescens

24
10

13

105

105

23

23

57

57

78

7«

66

116

60

60

56

56

2

64

116

116

116

35

35

35

19

43

49

13

4

115

112

4
81
81
58
58
59
59
101
118
70
70

Hepialidae

... 69

Heterocera

... 69

Heteromera

... 29

Heteroptera

... 118

Homoptera

.. 118

Host

• • 38

Hydradephaga

.. 22

Hydriomena

.. 91

,, deltoidata

.. 91

Hymenoptera

6, 33

Ichneumon

• • 38

„ deceptus

• • 38

„ sollicitorius

.. 38

Ichneumonidae

.. 38

Ilium

.. 4

Imago

.. 4

Internal organs

4

Insect, definition of ...

1

Isonomeutis

.. 94

,, amauropa

.. 94

Jaws

2

Journal

.. 18

Killing insects ...

10, 12

„ bottle

12

Labelling insects

.. 18

Labial palpi

2

Labium

2

Labrum

2

Lace- wings

.. ior

Lamellicornes

.. 26

Larva ...

.. 4

Lasiorhynchus

• • 32

,, barbicornis

.. 32

Laurel bottle

.. 12

Lepidoptera

..6,65

Lestes colensonis

.. 104

Leucania

.. 78

„ atristriga

.. 78

„ nullifera

• • 77

Libanasa macropathus .

.. 113

Libellulidaa

.. 103

Light, insects at

.. 14

Locusta

.. 116

,, migratoria (?) ... .

.. 116

Locustidae

.. us

Longicornia

.. 30

Lower lip

.. 2

Lucanidae

.. :6

Luminous larva

•• 49

Lyca:nidai

.. 68

126

GENERAL INDEX.

LycEena

,, phcebe

Mambstra

,, composita...

,, mutans

,, ustistriga ...

Mandibles

Mantidae

Maxillae

Mayflies

Melampsalta
Melolonthidas ...
Melolontha

,, vulgaris
Mesothorax
Mesonotum
Mesosternum
Metamorphosis ...
Metablax

„ acutipennis

Metathorax

Migrations of ants
Miltogramma

,, mestor ? ...

Mosquito

Moths

„ setting
Musca

,, caesar

„ domestica ...

Muscidas

Mycetophila

„ antarctica ...
Myrmeleontidas ...

Nemocera

Nemorea

„ nyctemerianus
Nervous svstem...

Net ... '

Xeuroptera

Nitrdulidse ,

Noctuidae

Notonectida?
Notonecta

,, glauca ... .
Nyctemera

,, annulata ... .
Nympbalidae

CECETICUS

,, omnivorus... .
(F.cophora

69
69

79
80

79

8r

2

109

2

105

118

26

27

27

4
29

• 37
.. 59
,. 59
.. 40
. 69

12

. 61

. 61

. 61

• 59
. 46
. 46

• 99

. 40

• 59

• 59

• 4
. 11

•7,99

• 23
77

120

121

121

73

73

65

74
74
97

Gicophora scholrea

(Edipoda

„ cinerascens

Qlstridae

CEstrus

„ perplexus ,

Ochrocydus

,, huttoni ,

Orders

Oreda

,, notata

Orthoptera 7

Ovipositor

Oxyethira

,, albiceps

Painted Lady Butter-
fly

Palpi

Parasites

Periplaneta

„ fortipes

„ orientalis

„ undulivitta

Perla

,, cyrene

Perlidse

Phasmidae

Philonthus

,, ceneus

Phora

,, omnivora

Phryganidae

Pinning insects

Pins

Plant-lice

Ploseria

,, alectoraria

,, hemipteraria

Plusia

„ eriosoma

,, gamma

Pompilus

» fugax

,, ,, and spider

Porina

„ signata

,, cervinata

,, umbraculata

Ponera

„ castanea

Prionidae

Prionus

,, reticularis

l'AGB

97

115

115

63

63

63

3i

3i

5

3i

3i

103

33
99
99

67

2

59
109
109
109
109
107
107
106

no

25
25
62
62

99
12

13
118

85
86

35
82
82
83
34
34

35
69

69
69
69
36
36
30
^o

GENERAL INDEX.

127

Pronotum ...
Prothorax ...
Prosternum...
Proventriculus
Psepholax ...

,, coronatus
Psocidae
Psocus

,, zealandicus
Psychidae ...
Psychoda ...

,, conspicillata
Pteromalus...
Pterostichus

,, opulentus
Pulicina

Pupa

Pupipara
Pyralidae
Pyrameis
Pyronota

., festiva

Queens

Rearing Insects

Rhopalocera

Rhyncophora

Rhyphus

„ neozealandicus

Sandfly ...
Sarcophaga...

„ laemica
Sarapogon ...

,, viduus
Scutelleridae
Scolobates ...

,, varipes
Scoparia

,, hemiplaca

,, sabulosella
Selidosema...

,, dejectaria

„ panagrata

,, productata
Sestra

,, humeraria
Setting boards

„ insects
Semiocosma

,, platyptera
Sialida?
Siculidae

TACE

2

2

...

*>

. 4

• 3i

...

• 31

...

. 107

...

. 107

...

. 107

... .

• 74
. 46

• 46

• 37

. 21

. 21

. 64

.. 4
.. 64

.. 92
.. 66

.. 28

. 28

• 34

• 15
. 65

• 3i

• 5i

• 5i

• 53
. 61

. 61

• 55

• 55

. 121

•• 39

• 39

.. 92

• 92

• 93
.. 87
.. 87
.. 89

.. 90
.. 87
.. 87

12

12

.. 97

•• 97

. 102

... .

• 94 1

Siculodes

„ subfasciata
Simple eyes
Simulia

,, australiensis
Skipjack beetles
Social bees...
Soldiers
Sphegida? ...
Sphinx

,, convolvuli
Sphingidae ...
Staphylinus

,, oculatus
Stenoperla ...

,, prasina
Stenosmylus

„ incisus
Stick insects
Sternoxi
Stethaspis ...

„ suturalis
Stolotermes

„ ruficeps
Stomach

,, sucking
Stuffing insects
Stratiomidae
Sugaring
Syrphidae ...
Syrphus

,, ortas ...

Tabanus ...

,, impar
Tatosoma ...

,, agrionata

Tarsus

Telebasis ...

,, zealandica
Tenebrionidae
Tenodera ...

„ intermedia
Termitidas ...
Thoramus ...

„ wakefieldi

,, perblandus
Thorax

Throat

Tinea

„ tapezella
Tineidae
Tipula

,, holochlora

94
94

2

53
53
29

34
108

34
69
69
69
25
25
106
106

IOI
IOI

no

28
26
26

107

107

4

4

15

56

13

56

56

56

54
54
91

91

3

105

105

29

109

109

107

28

28

29

2

4

96
96
96

47
47

128

GENERAL INDEX.

I'AGE

PAGE

Tipula fu'iviipennis

• 48

Vegetable caterpillar

••• 73

Tipulidae

• 43

Ventriculiis

4

Tortr'icidae

• 94

Trap-door

• 7i

Weevils'

32

Trochanter

• 3

White rata

13

Wings ...'

4

Uloma tenebrionides .

. 29

Wireworm

3°

Umbrella-

• 9

Wood destroyers

30

Uropetala carovei ... .

. 103

Workers

108

VANESSA' CARDUI ... .

• 67

Xantholinus ...

26

,, gonerilla

. 66

Xiphidium maoricum ... 114

„ itea

• 67

EXPLANATION OF PLATES.

Note. — In all the Plates and references thereto the sign $
indicates that the specimen figured belongs to the male sex,
% to the female sex, and $ to the neuter sex.

In the case of enlarged figures the insects natural size is
indicated by a line.

PLATE I.

COLEOPTERA.

Fig. I. — Cicindela tuberculata.

„ i a. — Larva.

„ 2. — Chaetosoma scaritides.

„ 3. — Pterostichus opulentus.

„ 3a. — Larva.

„ 4. — Colymbetes rufimanus.

„ 4a. — Larva.

„ 5. — Staphylinus oculatus.

„ 6. — Dryocora howittii.

„ 6a. — Larva.

„ 7. — Dorcus punctulatus.

„ 8. — Stethaspis suturalis.
8a. — Larva.

Plate I

G.V.H.del.

West.Newmaai cHromo

PLATE II.

COLEOPTERA (concluded).

Fig. i. — Thoramus wakefieldi.

„ i a. — Pupa.

„ ib. — Larva.

„ 2. — Uloma tenebrionides.

„ 2a. — Larva.

„ 2b. — Pupa.

„ 3. — Prionus reticularis..

„ 3a.— Pupa.

„ 3b. — Larva.

„ 4. — Oreda notata.

„ 4a. — Larva.

„ 5. — Psepholax coronatus %.

» 5^* — ■ » " o-

i'f.TOmo

PLATE III.
Hymen optera.

Fig. i. — Dasycolletes hirtipes. (?)
„ 2. — Pompilus fugax.
„ 3. — Formica zealandica £.
»> 3a- » » ?•

n 3b- » » £•

„ 3c. — Cocoon.

„ 4. — Ponera castanea £.

„ 4a. — „ „ $.

„ 4b. — Larva.

„ 5. — Atta antarctica $.

n 5a- » » +

„ 5 b. — Larva.

„ 6. — Ichneumon sollicitorius.

„ 7. — „ deceptus.

„ 8. — Scolobates varipes.

„ 9. — Pteromalus (?), n.s.

„ 10. — Dasycolletes purpureus.

Plate III.

GVH.del

West.Newman cKromo.

PLATE IV.

DlPTERA.

Fig. I. — Culcx iracundus $.
„ i a. — Larva.

„ lb. — Pupa.

„ 2. — Chironomus zealandicus, n.s.

„ 2a. — Larva.

„ 2b. — Pupa.

„ 3. — Corethra antarctica, n.s.

„ 3a. — Larva.

„ 3b.— Pupa.

„ 4. — Ceratopogon antipodum, n.s.

„ 4a. — Larva.

„ 4b. — Pupa.

„ 5. — Mycetophila antarctica, n.s.

„ 5a. — Larva.

„ 5 b.— Pupa.

„ 6. — Psychoda conspicillata.

West, Newman chromo.

PLATE V.

Diptera {continued).

Fig. i. — Tipula holochlora.

„ i a. — Larva.

„ ib. — Pupa.

„ 2. — Tipula fumipennis, n.s,

„ 2a. — Larva.

„ 2b. — Pupa.

„ 3. — Cloniophora subfasciata.

„ 3a. — Larva.

„ 4. — Rhyphus neozealandicus.

„ 4a. — Larva.

„ 4b. — Pupa.

„ 5. — Bibio nigrostigma $.

„ 5 a. — Larva.

„ 5b.— Pupa.

Plate V.

GVHdel

West.Nev/maa chromo

PLATE VI.

Diptera {continued}.

Fig. i. — Simulia australiensis.

„ i a. — Larva.

„ ib. — Pupa.

„ 2. — Comptosia bicolor.

„ 3. — Comptosia virida, n.s.

» 3b.— Pupa.

„ 4. — Sarapogon viduus.

„ 4a. — Larva.

„ 4b. — Pupa.

„ 5. — Exaireta spiniger.

„ 6. — Tabanus impar.

Plate VI.

G.VHdel

West-.Newmaari chromo

PLATE VII.

Diptera {concluded).

Fig. i. — Helophilus trilineatus.
„ i a. — Larva.
„ ib. — Pupa.
„ 2. — Eristalis cingulatus.
„ 3. — Syrphus ortas.
„ 3a. — Larva.
„ 3b.— Pupa.

„ 4. — Acrocera longirostris, n.s.
„ 5. — Miltogramma mestor ?
„ 6. — Nemorea nyctemerianus, n.s,
,, 7. — Eurigaster marginatus.
„ 9. — Calliphora quadrimaculata.
„ 10. — Sarcophaga laemica.
„ 12. — CEstrus perplexus, n.s.
„ 13. — Ccelopa littoralis.
„ 14. — Cylindria sigma.
„ 15. — Phora omnivora, n.s.
„ 15a. — Pupa.

Plat i

GVH.clel

West.Newmax. chromo .

PLATE VIII.
Lepidoptera.

Fig. i. — Argyrophenga antipodum.

„ i a. — Northern form of same insect.

„ 2. — Vanessa gonerilla.

„ 2a. — Underside.

„ 2b, 2C. — Larvae.

„ 2d, 2e. — Pupae.

„ 3. — Chrysophanus salustius £.

n 3^- » » +•

„ 3b. — Young larva (magnified).

GV.H d*

PLATE IX.

LEPIDOPTERA {continued).

Fig. i. — Hepialus virescens $.
ia. — „ „ ?■

lb. — Pupa,
ic. — Larva.
2. — Porina signata.
3. — Nyctemera annulata $.
3a. — Larva.
3b. — Pupa.

P1&-

GVH cfel .

WsstNewmaji chromo.

PLATE X.

Lepidoptera {continued).
Fig. i. — CEceticus omnivorus $.

„ lb. — Larva.

„ ic. — Male pupa.

„ 2. — Leucania atristriga $.

„ 3. — Mamestra composita $.

„ 3a. — Larva.

„ 4. — Heliothis armigera $.

„ 4a. — Larva.

„ 5. — Erana graminosa $.

„ 5 a. — Larva.

„ 6. — Mamestra ustistriga, $.

„ 7.— „ mutans $.

„ 7a. — Larva.

„ 7 b.— Pupa.

„ 8. — Plusia eriosoma $.

„ 8a. — Larva.

Plate X.

West, Kewnian chromo

PLATE XI.
Lepidoptera {continued).

Fig. i. — Declana floccosa $.
i a. — Larva.

ib. — Declana floccosa, var. junctilinea $
2. — Chalastra pelurgata £.
2a. „ ,, -f.

2b. — Larva.

3. — Ploseria hemipteraria.
3a. — Larva.
4. — Ploseria alectoraria.

(Larva at Plate XIII. fig. 7.)
5. — Sestra humeraria.
5a. — Larva.

6. — Sestra humeraria, var. (?)
7. — Selidosema panagrata $.

7a.— „ „ ?•

7b. — Larva.

8. — Selidosema dejectaria $.
8a.— „ „ ?.

8b. — Larva.

Plate XL

lb

*^V

WestNewman chromo

PLATE XII.

Lepidoptera {continued).

Fig. I. — Selidosema productata $.
i a.— „ „ ?.

lb. — Larva.
2. — Asthena schistaria.
2a. — Larva.

3. — Siculodes subfasciata.
3a. — Larva.
3b. — Section of stem showing enclosed

pupa and aperture (*) through

which moth escapes.
4. — Scoparia hemiplaca.
5. — Crambus fiexuosellus.
6. — Ctenopseustis obliquana.
7. — Endrosis fenestrella.
7a. — Larva.
7b. — Pupa.

8. — Semiocosma platyptera.
8a. — Larva.
8b.— Pupa.

• fr.XLl

1 . X

lb
- -< >- ...

... i *- ■

G.V.H.del

V

/*\

s

vmau chrome

PLATE XIII.

Lepidoptera {concluded).

Fig. I. — Hydriomena deltoidata.

„ ia. — Larva.

„ 2. — Isonomeutis amauropa.

„ 2a. — Larva.

„ 3. — Leucania nullifcra.

„ 3a. — Larva.

„ 4. — Scoparia sabulosella.

„ 4a. — Larva.

„ 5. — Cacoecia excessana.

„ 5a. — Larva.

„ 6. — CEcophora scholaea.

„ 6a. — Larva.

„ 7. — Larva of Ploseria alectoraria.
(For imago see Plate XI. Fig. 4.)

Plate XLll

*^*.1f»rfn,,^

I'

PLATE XIV.

Neuroptera.

Fig. i. — Chauliodes diversus.

„ i a. — Larva.

„ ib. — Pupa.

„ 2. — Stenosmylus incisus.

„ 3. — Oxyethira albiceps. (?)

„ 3a. — Larva.

„ 3b.— Pupa.

Plat

GV.H.del.

WestNeimian chrome,

PLATE XV

Orthoptera.

Fig. i. — Uropetala carovei $.
i a. — Larva.

2. — Cordulia Smithii $.
3. — Lestes Colensonis $.
3a. — Larva.
4. — Telebasis zealandica

Plate XV.

PLATE XVI.

ORTHOPTERA [continued).

Fig. I. — Stolotermes ruficeps $.

„ i a. — Female.

„ ib. — Soldier.

„ ic. — Worker.

„ 2. — Psocus zealandicus, n.s.

„ 2a. — Larva.

„ 3. — Stenoperla prasina.

„ 3a. — Larva.

„ 4. — Ephemera, n.s. (near Coloburus).

„ 4a. — Larva.

Plate AVI

G.VH del.

West Nevsinan chrome

PLATE XVII.

ORTHOPTERA {continued).

Fig. i. — Xiphidium maoricum $.

„ 2. — Tenodera intermedia.

„ 3. — CEdipoda cinerascens.

„ 4. — Caloptenus marginalis.

„ 5. — Periplaneta fortipes.

„ 6. — Blatta conjuncta.

„ 7. — Forficesila littorea.

„ 8. — Deinacrida megacephala $.

Plate XV II

West Newmsji

PLATE XVIII.
Orthoptera {continued).

Fig. i . — Acheta fuliginosa %

2. — Deinacrida megacephala $.

Plate XVIII .

c?

i

■TiarL cliromo

PLATE XIX.

Orthoptera {concluded).
Fig. i. — Acanthoderus horridus.

Plate XIX.

;VH del

Vfest Newmai! i

PLATE XX.
Hemiptera.

Fig. I. — Cicada cingulata $.
ia. — Pupa.
„ 2. — Cicada muta $.
„ 3. — ,, iolanthe, n.s.
„ 3a. — Larva.
„ 3b. — Pupa.

„ 4. — Ccelostoma zealandicum $.
„ 5. — Corixa zealandica.
„ ' 6. — Cermatulus nasalis.
., 6a. — Larva.

A«.Z

Plate JK.

■

• "mar. chromo

^

^/> ill. !"P" Hi I""' C^

*</ \wv*v v$PV Ylpy v

w

X