Dorcus parallelipipedus. Lesser Stag Beetle. Rotten Ash-trees. 8. Opilus mollis. Rotten Trees; in woods. 7. Mr. Stephens has mentioned, on the authority of several continental entomologists, some of the peculiarities of the larvæ of the genus Cicindela. The depth of their cylindric retreat (eighteen or nineteen inches) appears to be much greater on the Continent than with us. I have examined in all the stages of the larvæ more than thirty holes, inhabited by the Cicindela campestris, and have never found one exceeding six inches, the majority not more than four or five. It is worth inquiry whether this difference depends on climate, or whether each species is peculiar in this respect. Poecilus rufifemoratus. This insect, which appears to be not uncommon in the north, is sparingly taken in the sand district of Nottinghamshire. With the exception of the Pedinus femoralis, the whole of the coleoptera of the above list are more or less common in this neighbourhood. Mr. Bunting, of Mansfield, informs me that Necrophorus Mortuorum is frequently found on the Phallus impudicus. Necrophorus Vespillo. Most writers on entomology have noticed the fact that this species is in the habit of burying moles or birds a considerable depth in the ground, in order to deposit its eggs in them. In this neighbourhood both the Vespillo and Sepultor, and also the Necrodes littoralis pursue the same plan; and I should imagine most of our large Necrophaga do the same. |