Page:First course in biology (IA firstcourseinbio00bailrich).pdf/327



Illustrated Study of Beetles (Figs. 162-169).—Write the life history of the Colorado beetle, or potato bug (Fig. 169), stating where the eggs are laid and describing the form and activities of each stage (the pupal stage, b, is passed in the ground).

Do the same for the (Figs. 167-168). (It is a larva—the white grub—for three years; hogs root them up.) Beetles, like moths, may be trapped with a lantern set above a tub of water.

Where does a Scarab (or sacred beetle of the Egyptians, also called tumble bug (Fig. 164), lay its eggs (Fig. 165)? Why?

How does the click beetle, or jack snapper (Fig. 166), throw itself into the air? For what purpose?

The large proboscis of the weevil (Fig. 163) is used for piercing a hole in which an egg is laid in grain of corn, boll of cotton, acorn, chestnut, plum, etc.

How are the legs and body of the diving beetle suited for swimming (Fig. 162)? Describe its larva.

What is the shape of the lady bug (Fig. 97)? It feeds upon plant lice (Fig. 185). Is any beetle of benefit to man?

—Life history of ant lion.

Illustrated Study of Ant Lion, or Doodle Bug (Fig. 170).—Find the pitfall (what shape?); the larva (describe it); the pupa case (ball covered with web and sand); the imago. Compare imago with dragon fly (Fig. 177).

How does ant lion prevent ant from climbing out of pitfall (see Fig. 170)? What is on edge of nearest pitfall? Explain.

Ant lions may be kept in a box half filled with sand and fed on ants. How is the pitfall dug? What part of ant is eaten? How is unused food removed?

How long is it in the larval state? Pupal state? Keep net over box to prevent adult from flying away when it emerges.