Page:VCH Cornwall 1.djvu/219

 INSECTS The common earwig (Forficula auricu/aria, L.) is ubiquitous and far too common everywhere. It is a most troublesome pest, as it is omnivorous, and frequently works sore havoc among garden flowers. It varies considerably, especially in the length of the forceps, the most distinct varieties being media, which is not uncommon about Xruro, Falmouth, and Newquay ; borealis, which is scarce, but has been taken at Truro and near Bude ; and forcipata, which occurs at Falmouth and at Tresco, Isles of Scilly. The latter, as pointed out by Parfitt, is generally beaten out of trees and bushes. Forficula pubescens has been recorded by C. W. Dale (Entomologist for 1895, p. 333) from the Isles of Scilly, but Burr suggests that all the British captures recorded as pubescens may prove to be /esnei, Finot. This latter species is evidently scarce in the county, but single specimens have been taken at Falmouth and at Wadebridge, and it has been reported from Launceston. BLATTODEA Cockroaches Ectobia lapponica has occurred at Fowey, as a fresh but damaged specimen was brought in one day in June, 1903, by a farmer, who said he had seen several. Ectobia panzeri was first recorded from the county by Stephens. It seems to be very erratic in its appearance, as in 1901 it was not uncommon at Falmouth and at Perranporth, but has not been seen in either locality again. It has been taken at Carbis Bay, at Tresco, Scilly, by J. H. Keys at Tregantle, and by Bignell at Downderry. In 1905 several specimens of the paler-coloured Central Europe form were taken at Fowey. The variety nigripes occurs somewhat sparingly about Hayle, and in 1905 was captured at Widemouth Bay, near Bude. Ectobia llvida is evidently rare, as it is represented by a single specimen taken at Falmouth by Mrs. Clark in July, 1899. Phyllodromia germanica has been occasionally taken in houses near the docks at Falmouth, where it is in all probability an introduction. In May, 1904, a specimen was picked up dead at Malpas. The common cockroach (Blatta orientalis) is a too well-known household pest to require comment. In some dry close sultry days in the summer of 1902 it was frequently taken several hundred yards away from all house shelter. The large American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) was abundant in Saltash about forty years ago, but appears to have died out again. It has been twice sent in from Penzance. Five examples of the handsome Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae) were taken lately by one of the under-gardeners in a greenhouse at Carclew, where it appeared to have temporarily established itself. A fine specimen of the giant Rhyparobia maderae was taken at Falmouth in August, 1 900, and is now in the museum of the Royal Institution of Cornwall. ACRIDIODEA Grasshoppers and Locusts Stenobothrus lineatus is usually rare, but has been taken occasionally on the sandhills between Newquay and Perranporth. In July, 1901, ten were captured within half an hour in one particular spot about a hundred yards across, and the short shrill stridulation of several others could be heard around. Stenobothrus viridulus is usually abundant all over the county in August and September. In 1902 it was remarkably common about Newquay, and several specimens were captured showing the pretty rose-colour variation about the head and elytra. The long drawn-out stridulation, beginning low and gradually rising in pitch, is very characteristic. Stenobothrus rufipes is scarce and apparently local. It has been taken several times at Newquay, and has occurred near Penzance, Falmouth and at Bishop's Wood, Truro. Stenobothrus bicolor is very common on open land throughout the county. The attractive green form (S. mol/is, Charp.) has been taken near Trebartha. Stenobothrus elegans has been captured at Gyllyngvase, at Mount's Bay and on Hayle towans, but appears to be scarce. Stenobothrus parallelus is common on higher meadow-land throughout the county, but its colour, habits, and immature appearance generally cause it to be overlooked by the inexperienced. Gomphocerus rufens is local, but usually common at Maenporth, near Perranwell, and about Bude. The dainty-spotted Gomphocerus maculatus is widely spread on grassy downs and sand-land all over the county and at Scilly. The colour variation is at times extensive. 167