Chapter I: General Observations (4)

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 TINEIDÆ.

_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 tapezella_), which it somewhat 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 fortnight'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.

{97}Family TINEIDÆ.

_Oecophora scholæa_ (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 10½ lines in length. About the end of September these caterpillars are transformed into pupæ, and the moths emerge in a month or six weeks' time.

The perfect insect may be often disturbed amongst brushwood. 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 _Oecophora_, of which there are large numbers in New Zealand.

Family TINEIDÆ.

_Semiocosma platyptera_ (Plate XII., fig. 8, 8a larva, 8b pupa).

This is one of the largest of the _Tineidæ_ 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.

{98}The pupa (Fig. 8b) is enclosed in a compact cocoon, constructed 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.

{99}CHAPTER VII

The Neuroptera.

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 larvæ are widely different from the adults, but the pupæ, 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 _Hemerobiidæ_, _Sialidæ_, and _Phryganidæ_, which will consequently have to represent the entire series. I understand, however, from Mr. A. S. Atkinson, that a species of _Myrmeleontidæ_ (Ant-lion) is not uncommon round Nelson, and doubtless future investigation will reveal insects belonging to the other families.

Family PHRYGANIDÆ.

_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 {100}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 reception of the preceding one--a structure which is almost universal among the caddis-worms. The two organs, situated on the posterior segments, are doubtless respiratory 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 animalculæ, which swarm in the water where they are found.

{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 undoubtedly 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 transformation 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 HEMEROBIIDÆ.

_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.

{102}Family Sialidæ.

_Chauliodes diversus_ (Plate XIV., fig. 1, 1a larva, 1b 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 Ephemeræ and other insect larvæ, which are always abundant 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. 1a).

This larva probably lives over a year, its growth proceeding very slowly, but mature specimens are not infrequently 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. 1b, 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. 1), and possessing longer antennæ.

{103}CHAPTER VIII

The Orthoptera.

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 larvæ inhabit the water, including the Dragonflies, Mayflies, and Perlidæ; the _Terrestrial group_, including all the typical Orthoptera, Termites, 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 LIBELLULIDÆ.[19]

_Uropetala carovei_ (Plate XV., fig. 1 [M], 1a 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 {104}the various flies which constitute its food. Its curious larva is represented at Fig. 1a, 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 prehensile instrument similar in structure to the "mask" of British dragonfly larvæ, 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 _Cordulia 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 LIBELLULIDÆ.

_Lestes colensonis_ (Plate XV., fig. 3, 3a larva).

Extremely abundant in all damp situations from September till May, being one of the last insects to disappear in the autumn. The larva is found under stones, &c., in {105}every stream, feeding on various aquatic insects and crustaceans. 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 analogous 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 neighbourhood (Wellington) is the pretty little _Telebasis zealandica_ (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 colensonis_ 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 EPHEMERIDÆ.

_Ephemera_, n.s., near _Coloburus_[20] (Plate XVI., fig. 4, 4a larva).

The well-known mayflies are very extensively represented in New Zealand, hovering in swarms over running water during the summer evenings.

The larva of the present species (Fig. 4a) occurs abundantly under stones in rapid streams. It may be immediately distinguished from its numerous congeners by its large head and conspicuous black eyes. It is carnivorous, {106}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 setæ 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 exuviæ 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 PERLIDÆ.

_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 _Ephemeræ_ 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 aërated 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, {107}and in a few hours its wings are sufficiently hardened for flight. Several other species occur in New Zealand, one of the commonest being _Perla cyrene_, a black insect much resembling _S. prasina_, but considerably smaller; its larva may be occasionally found, and is at once known by its dark colour.

TERRESTRIAL Group.

Family PSOCIDÆ.

_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, immediately dispersing when disturbed. These are individuals of _Psocus zealandicus_ (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 TERMITIDÆ.

_Stolotermes ruficeps_ (Plate XVI., fig. 1 [M], 1a [F], 1b "soldier," 1c "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 neighbourhood being _Stolotermes ruficeps_.

This species inhabits rotten logs, excavating extensive burrows, resembling in a very humble manner the {108}wonderfully 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 probability nothing more than the larvæ. After pairing they shed their wings and return to the nest, the female becoming 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 galleries 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. 1b) 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 connection 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.

{109}Family BLATTIDÆ.

_Periplaneta fortipes_ (Plate XVII., fig. 5).

Few people who cut up old wood remain unacquainted with this species for very long, its insufferable odour immediately betraying its presence independently of anything 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 differing from the young in the matter of size and the possession 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 _Blattidæ_ 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 MANTIDÆ.

_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 {110}to its victims. The purple spots on the tibiæ 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 similar 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.[21]

Family PHASMIDÆ.

_Acanthoderus horridus_ (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 favourite 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_ (_hookeri?_) 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 {111}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 _Acanthoderus 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 antennæ 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 extracted, the long femora and tibiæ 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.

{112}Family ACHETIDÆ.

_Acheta fuliginosa_ (Plate XVIII., fig. 1).

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 larvæ may be first observed about December, 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 GRYLLIDÆ.

_Deinacrida megacephala_ (Plate XVIII., fig. 2 [M], XVII., fig. 8 [F]).

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 {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 ramiflorus_), 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 antennæ, 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 intermediate ones are thrust forwards, the claws being firmly inserted, so as to enable the insect to pull itself along. {114}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 menacing 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 speak from experience.

Family GRYLLIDÆ.

_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 Wellington 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 ovipositor 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 practically invisible, and are an instance of protective resemblance carried to great perfection.

When disturbed these crickets fly about twenty yards {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 LOCUSTIDÆ.

_Caloptenus 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 LOCUSTIDÆ.

_Oedipoda cinerascens_ (Plate XVII., fig. 3).

This large and conspicuous insect occurs abundantly in all open situations near Nelson, but is very rare in the {116}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 migratoria_), 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 EUPLEXOPTERA.

Family FORFICULIDÆ.

_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.

{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 development 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 sometimes observe the females accompanied by a number of larvæ of quite a large size.

{118}CHAPTER IX

The Hemiptera.

The present Order of insects, although of very limited extent, 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 _Heteroptera_, 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 importance 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 CICADIDÆ.

_Cicada cingulata_[22] (Plate XX., fig. 1, 1a pupa).

This beautiful insect may be found in great numbers {119}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 exuviæ 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 deafening. 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 conjunction 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 muta_, 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 CICADIDÆ.

_Cicada iolanthe_, 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, {120}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 APHIDÆ.

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 COCCIDIDÆ.

_Coelostoma zealandicum_ (Plate XX., fig. 4 [M]).

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 posterior wings being most perplexing to the beginner. Its habits have been amply described by Mr. Maskell, in his work on the Coccididæ of New Zealand, to which I consequently refer.

Group HETEROPTERA.

Family NOTONECTIDÆ.

_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 {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 SCUTELLERIDÆ.

_Cermatulus 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 extremely 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.

{123}GENERAL INDEX.

PAGE
Abdomen, 4
Acanthoderus, 110
" horridus, 110
" prasinus, 111
Acroceridæ, 56
Acrocera, 56
" longirostris, 56
Achetidæ, 112
Acheta, 112
" fuliginosa, 112
Andrenidæ, 33
Antennæ, 2
Ants, 35
Ant-lions, 99
Anus, 4
Aphides destroyed by Syrphus, 57
Aphidæ, 120
Aphaniptera, 64
Aquatic insects, 22, 40, 100, 103
Argyrophenga, 65
" antipodum, 65
Asilidæ, 55
Asthena, 91
" schistaria, 91
" pulchraria, 92
Atta antarctica, 37
Attracting by light, 14
Atropos, 107
" pulsatorium, 107

Bacillus, 110
" hookeri, 110
Beating, 9
Bee parasites, 63
Bees, 33
Beetles, 19
Beetles under sacks, 9
" killing, 10
" pinning, 10
Bibio, 52
" nigrostigma, 52
Blattidæ, 109
Blatta, 109
" conjuncta, 109
"Bloodworm", 43
Blossoms, 13
Blue butterfly, 69
"Blue-bottles", 60
Bolitophila, 49
" luminosa, 49
Bombycidæ, 73
Bombylidæ, 54
Book tick, 107
Boxes, 10
Brachelytra, 25
Brachocera, 54
Breathing organs, 4
Butterflies, 65
" setting, 12
" rearing, 15

Cacoecia, 95
" excessana, 95
Calliphora, 60
" quadrimaculata, 60
Camphor, 17
Catocala, 83
Caloptenus, 115
" marginalis, 115
Caterpillar cages, 15
Carabidæ, 21
Carbolic acid, 17
Case-bearing larvæ, 74
Casting skin, 111
Ceratopogon, 45
" antipodum, 45
Cermatulus, 121
" nasalis, 121
Chætosoma, 24
" scaritides, 24
Chalastra, 84
" pelurgata, 84
Chalcididæ, 37
Chauliodes, 102
" diversus, 102
Chironomus, 43
" zealandicus, 43
" plumosus, 43
Chrysophanus, 68
" salustius, 68
" boldenarum, 68
" feredayi, 68
" enysii, 68
Cicadidæ, 118
Cicada, 118
" cingulata, 118
" muta, 119
" iolanthe, 119
Cicindela, 19
" tuberculata, 19
" parryi, 20
Cicindelidæ, 19
Clavicornia, 23
Cloniophora, 50
" subfasciata, 50
Clothes moth, 96
Click beetles, 29
Cockchaffer, 27
Cockroaches, 109
Coccididæ, 120
Coelopa, 63
" littoralis, 63
Coelostoma, 120
" zealandicum, 120
Coleoptera, 5, 19
" rearing, 15
" collecting, 9
Collecting insects, 9
" at night, 13
Collection, 17
Collectional journal, 18
Coloburus, 105
Colon, 4
Colymbetes, 22
" rufimanus, 22
Comptosia, 54
" bicolor, 54
" virida, 55
Copper butterflies, 68
Cordulia, 104
" smithii, 104
Corethra, 43
" antarctica, 43
Corixa, 120
" zealandica, 120
Compound eyes, 2
Coxa, 3
Crambus, 93
" flexuosellus, 93
" tahulalis, 93
Crickets, 112
Crop, 4
Ctenopseustis, 96
" obliquana, 96
Culex, 40
" argyropus, 42
" iracundus, 40
Culicidæ, 40
Curculionidæ, 31
Cylindria, 62
" sigma, 62

Danais, 65
" plexippus, 65
Dasycolletes, 33
" hirtipes, 33
" purpureus, 34
Declana, 83
" floccosa, 83
" floccosa _v._ junctilinea 84
Deinacrida, 112
" megacephala, 112
Diadema, 65
" nerina, 65
Digestive system, 4
Diptera, 6, 40
Dorcus, 26
" punctulatus, 26
" reticulatus, 26
Dorsal vessel, 4
Dragon-flies, 103
Dryocora, 24
" howittii, 24
Dyticidæ, 22

Earwigs, 116
Eggs of insects, 5
Elateridæ, 28
Elytra, 5
Endrosis, 96
" fenestrella, 96
Engidæ, 24
Entomologist in winter, 10
Entomological pins, 13
Ephemeridæ, 105
Ephemera, 105
Epuræa, 23
" zealandica, 23
Eristalis, 57
" cingulatus, 57
Erana, 78
" graminosa, 78
Erebia pluto and butleri, 66
Euplexoptera, 116
Eurigaster, 60
" marginatus, 60
Exaireta, 56
" spiniger, 56
External organs, 2
Eyes, 2

Family, 8
Femur, 3
Flea, 64
Forficulidæ, 116
Forficesila, 116
" littorea, 116
Formicidæ, 35
Formica, 35
" zealandica, 35

Ganglia, 4
Genus, 8
Geodephaga, 19
Geometridæ, 83
Geometer, 83
Gerris, 43
Glow-worm, 49
Gilt pins, 13
Gizzard, 4
Grasshopper, 115
Gryllidæ, 112

Head, 2
Heart, 4
Heliothis, 81
" armigera, 81
Helophilus, 58
" trilineatus, 58
" ineptus, 59
" hochstetteri, 59
Hemerobiidæ, 101
Hemiptera, 8, 118
Hepialus, 70
" virescens, 70
Hepialidæ, 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
Ichneumonidæ, 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, 101
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
Libellulidæ, 103
Light, insects at, 14
Locusta, 116
" migratoria (?), 116
Locustidæ, 115
Longicornia, 30
Lower lip, 2
Lucanidæ, 26
Luminous larva, 49
Lycænidæ, 68
Lycæna, 69
" phoebe, 69

Mamestra, 79
" composita, 80
" mutans, 79
" ustistriga, 81
Mandibles, 2
Mantidæ, 109
Maxillae, 2
Mayflies, 105
Melampsalta, 118
Melolonthidæ, 26
Melolontha, 27
" vulgaris, 27
Mesothorax, 2
Mesonotum, 2
Mesosternum, 2
Metamorphosis, 4
Metablax, 29
" acutipennis, 29
Metathorax, 2
Migrations of ants, 37
Miltogramma, 59
" mestor?, 59
Mosquito, 40
Moths, 69
" setting, 12
Musca, 61
" cæsar, 61
" domestica, 61
Muscidæ, 59
Mycetophila, 46
" antarctica, 46
Myrmeleontidæ, 99

Nemocera, 40
Nemorea, 59
" nyctemerianus, 59
Nervous system, 4
Net, 11
Neuroptera, 7, 99
Nitidulidæ, 23
Noctuidæ, 77
Notonectidæ, 120
Notonecta, 121
" glauca, 121
Nyctemera, 73
" annulata, 73
Nymphalidæ, 65

Oeceticus, 74
" omnivorus, 74
Oecophora, 97
" scholæa, 97
Oedipoda, 115
" cinerascens, 115
Oestridæ, 63
Oestrus, 63
" perplexus, 63
Ochrocydus, 31
" huttoni, 31
Orders, 5
Oreda, 31
" notata, 31
Orthoptera, 7, 103
Ovipositor, 38
Oxyethira, 99
" albiceps, 99

Painted Lady Butterfly, 67
Palpi, 2
Parasites, 59
Periplaneta, 109
" fortipes, 109
" orientalis, 109
" undulivitta, 109
Perla, 107
" cyrene, 107
Perlidæ, 106
Phasmidæ, 110
Philonthus, 25
" oeneus, 25
Phora, 62
" omnivora, 62
Phryganidæ, 99
Pinning insects, 12
Pins, 13
Plant-lice, 118
Ploseria, 85
" alectoraria, 86
" hemipteraria, 85
Plusia, 82
" eriosoma, 82
" gamma, 83
Pompilus, 34
" fugax, 34
" " and spider, 35
Porina, 69
" signata, 69
" cervinata, 69
" umbraculata, 69
Ponera, 36
" castanea, 36
Prionidæ, 30
Prionus, 30
" reticularis, 30
Pronotum, 2
Prothorax, 2
Prosternum, 2
Proventriculus, 4
Psepholax, 31
" coronatus, 31
Psocidæ, 107
Psocus, 107
" zealandicus, 107
Psychidæ, 74
Psychoda, 46
" conspicillata, 46
Pteromalus, 37
Pterostichus, 21
" opulentus, 21
Pulicina, 64
Pupa, 4
Pupipara, 64
Pyralidæ, 92
Pyrameis, 66
Pyronota, 28
" festiva, 28

Queens, 34

Rearing Insects, 15
Rhopalocera, 65
Rhyncophora, 31
Rhyphus, 51
" neozealandicus, 51

Sandfly, 53
Sarcophaga, 61
" læmica, 61
Sarapogon, 55
" viduus, 55
Scutelleridæ, 121
Scolobates, 39
" varipes, 39
Scoparia, 92
" hemiplaca, 92
" sabulosella, 93
Selidosema, 87
" dejectaria, 87
" panagrata, 89
" productata, 90
Sestra, 87
" humeraria, 87
Setting boards, 12
" insects, 12
Semiocosma, 97
" platyptera, 97
Sialidæ, 102
Siculidæ, 94
Siculodes, 94
" subfasciata, 94
Simple eyes, 2
Simulia, 53
" australiensis, 53
Skipjack beetles, 29
Social bees, 34
Soldiers, 108
Sphegidæ, 34
Sphinx, 69
" convolvuli, 69
Sphingidæ, 69
Staphylinus, 25
" oculatus, 25
Stenoperla, 106
" prasina, 106
Stenosmylus, 101
" incisus, 101
Stick insects, 110
Sternoxi, 28
Stethaspis, 26
" suturalis, 26
Stolotermes, 107
" ruficeps, 107
Stomach, 4
" sucking, 4
Stuffing insects, 15
Stratiomidæ, 56
Sugaring, 13
Syrphidæ, 56
Syrphus, 56
" ortas, 56

Tabanus, 54
" impar, 54
Tatosoma, 91
" agrionata, 91
Tarsus, 3
Telebasis, 105
" zealandica, 105
Tenebrionidæ, 29
Tenodera, 109
" intermedia, 109
Termitidæ, 107
Thoramus, 28
" wakefieldi, 28
" perblandus, 29
Thorax, 2
Throat, 4
Tinea, 96
" tapezella, 96
Tineidæ, 96
Tipula, 47
" holochlora, 47
" fumipennis, 48
Tipulidæ, 43
Tortricidæ, 94
Trap-door, 71
Trochanter, 3

Uloma tenebrionides, 29
Umbrella, 9
Uropetala carovei, 103

Vanessa cardui, 67
" gonerilla, 66
" itea, 67
Vegetable caterpillar, 73
Ventriculus, 4

Weevils, 32
White rata, 13
Wings, 4
Wireworm, 30
Wood destroyers, 30
Workers, 108

Xantholinus, 26
Xiphidium maoricum, 114

{129}EXPLANATION OF PLATES.

_NOTE.--In all the Plates and references thereto the sign_ [M] _indicates that the specimen figured belongs to the male sex,_ [F] _to the female sex, and_ [N] _to the neuter sex._

_In the case of enlarged figures the insect's natural size is indicated by a line._

PLATE I.

COLEOPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Cicindela tuberculata.
" 1a.--Larva.
" 2.--Chætosoma 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 II.

COLEOPTERA (_concluded_).

Fig. 1.--Thoramus wakefieldi.
" 1a.--Pupa.
" 1b.--Larva.
" 2.--Uloma tenebrionides.
" 2a.--Larva.
" 2b.--Pupa.
" 3.--Prionus reticularis.
" 3a.--Pupa.
" 3b.--Larva.
" 4.--Oreda notata.
" 4a.--Larva.
" 5.--Psepholax coronatus [F].
" 5a.-- " " [M].

PLATE III.

HYMENOPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Dasycolletes hirtipes. (?)
" 2.--Pompilus fugax.
" 3.--Formica zealandica [M].
" 3a.-- " " [F].
" 3b.-- " " [N].
" 3c.--Cocoon.
" 4.--Ponera castanea [M].
" 4a.-- " " [N].
" 4b.--Larva.
" 5.--Atta antarctica [M].
" 5a.-- " " [F].
" 5b.--Larva.
" 6.--Ichneumon sollicitorius.
" 7.-- " deceptus.
" 8.--Scolobates varipes.
" 9.--Pteromalus (?), n.s.
" 10.--Dasycolletes purpureus.

PLATE IV.

DIPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Culex iracundus [F].
" 1a.--Larva.
" 1b.--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.
" 5b.--Pupa.
" 6.--Psychoda conspicillata.

PLATE V.

DIPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Tipula holochlora.
" 1a.--Larva.
" 1b.--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 [M].
" 5a.--Larva.
" 5b.--Pupa.

PLATE VI.

DIPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Simulia australiensis.
" 1a.--Larva.
" 1b.--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 VII.

DIPTERA (_concluded_).

Fig. 1.--Helophilus trilineatus.
" 1a.--Larva.
" 1b.--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 læmica.
" 12.--Oestrus perplexus, n.s.
" 13.--Coelopa littoralis.
" 14.--Cylindria sigma.
" 15.--Phora omnivora, n.s.
" 15a.--Pupa.

PLATE VIII.

LEPIDOPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Argyrophenga antipodum.
" 1a.--Northern form of same insect.
" 2.--Vanessa gonerilla.
" 2a.--Underside.
" 2b, 2c.--Larvæ.
" 2d, 2e.--Pupæ.
" 3.--Chrysophanus salustius [M].
" 3a.-- " " [F].
" 3b.--Young larva (magnified).

PLATE IX.

LEPIDOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Hepialus virescens [M].
" 1a.-- " " [F].
" 1b.--Pupa.
" 1c.--Larva.
" 2.--Porina signata.
" 3.--Nyctemera annulata [M].
" 3a.--Larva.
" 3b.--Pupa.

PLATE X.

LEPIDOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Oeceticus omnivorus [M].
" 1a.-- " " [F].
" 1b.--Larva.
" 1c.--Male pupa.
" 2.--Leucania atristriga [M].
" 3.--Mamestra composita [M].
" 3a.--Larva.
" 4.--Heliothis armigera [M].
" 4a.--Larva.
" 5.--Erana graminosa [M].
" 5a.--Larva.
" 6.--Mamestra ustistriga, [M].
" 7.-- " mutans [M].
" 7a.--Larva.
" 7b.--Pupa.
" 8.--Plusia eriosoma [F].
" 8a.--Larva.

PLATE XI.

LEPIDOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Declana floccosa [M].
" 1a.--Larva.
" 1b.--Declana floccosa, _var._ junctilinea [M].
" 2.--Chalastra pelurgata [M].
" 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 [M].
" 7a.-- " " [F].
" 7b.--Larva.
" 8.--Selidosema dejectaria [M].
" 8a.-- " " [F].
" 8b.--Larva.

PLATE XII.

LEPIDOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Selidosema productata [M].
" 1a.-- " " [F].
" 1b.--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 flexuosellus.
" 6.--Ctenopseustis obliquana.
" 7.--Endrosis fenestrella.
" 7a.--Larva.
" 7b.--Pupa.
" 8.--Semiocosma platyptera.
" 8a.--Larva.
" 8b.--Pupa.

PLATE XIII.

LEPIDOPTERA (_concluded_).

Fig. 1.--Hydriomena deltoidata.
" 1a.--Larva.
" 2.--Isonomeutis amauropa.
" 2a.--Larva.
" 3.--Leucania nullifera.
" 3a.--Larva.
" 4.--Scoparia sabulosella.
" 4a.--Larva.
" 5.--Cacoecia excessana.
" 5a.--Larva.
" 6.--Oecophora scholæa.
" 6a.--Larva.
" 7.--Larva of Ploseria alectoraria.
(For imago see Plate XI. Fig. 4.)

PLATE XIV.

NEUROPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Chauliodes diversus.
" 1a.--Larva.
" 1b.--Pupa.
" 2.--Stenosmylus incisus.
" 3.--Oxyethira albiceps. (?)
" 3a.--Larva.
" 3b.--Pupa.

PLATE XV.

ORTHOPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Uropetala carovei [M].
" 1a.--Larva.
" 2.--Cordulia Smithii [M].
" 3.--Lestes Colensonis [M].
" 3a.--Larva.
" 4.--Telebasis zealandica

PLATE XVI.

ORTHOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Stolotermes ruficeps [M].
" 1a.--Female.
" 1b.--Soldier.
" 1c.--Worker.
" 2.--Psocus zealandicus, n.s.
" 2a.--Larva.
" 3.--Stenoperla prasina.
" 3a.--Larva.
" 4.--Ephemera, n.s. (near Coloburus).
" 4a.--Larva.

PLATE XVII.

ORTHOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Xiphidium maoricum [M].
" 2.--Tenodera intermedia.
" 3.--Oedipoda cinerascens.
" 4.--Caloptenus marginalis.
" 5.--Periplaneta fortipes.
" 6.--Blatta conjuncta.
" 7.--Forficesila littorea.
" 8.--Deinacrida megacephala [F].

PLATE XVIII.

ORTHOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Acheta fuliginosa [F].
" 2.--Deinacrida megacephala [M].

PLATE XIX.

ORTHOPTERA (_concluded_).

Fig. 1.--Acanthoderus horridus.

PLATE XX.

HEMIPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Cicada cingulata [F].
" 1a.--Pupa.
" 2.--Cicada muta [F].
" 3.-- " iolanthe, n.s.
" 3a.--Larva.
" 3b.--Pupa.
" 4.--Coelostoma zealandicum [M].
" 5.--Corixa zealandica.
" 6.--Cermatulus nasalis.
" 6a.--Larva.

Notes.

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

[2] Metrosideros scandens.

[3] Hyperparasite is an animal parasitic in a parasite.

[4] "Host" is a term applied to any animal harbouring a parasite.

[5] Ovipositor, a boring instrument employed in depositing the eggs.

[6] A genus of Hemipterous insects commonly seen skipping over ponds in
England.

[7] "n.s." is the accepted abbreviation for new species.

[8] Thread-like.

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

[10] Metrosideros scandens.

[11] Or lay eggs.

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

[13] For life-history of this insect see page 73.

[14] Mamestra composita, M. mutans, M. ustistriga, Erana graminosa, &c.

[15] This genus, as represented in New Zealand, is often called Pyrameis.

[16] For a more detailed account of the metamorphosis of this insect see
_The Entomologist_, vol. xviii. p. 30.

[17] For accounts of parasites and hyperparasites of this insect see pages
60 and 37, also _The Entomologist_, vol. xviii. p. 153.