. Bulletin. Insects; Insect pests; Entomology; Insects; Insect pests; Entomology. 38 PRINCIPAL CACTUS INSECTS OF UNITED STATES. In the same category as the preceding species are four species of the closely allied genus Volueella, namely, esuriens, avida, pmilla, and faseiata. They have been found numerously in practically all locali- ties where cactus insects have been collected, occurring frequently with Gopestylum marginatum Say and other species. Hermetia Almost equally important are two species of Hermetia, namely, chrysopila (fig. 7) and hunteri. The former is much more abundant and
. Bulletin. Insects; Insect pests; Entomology; Insects; Insect pests; Entomology. 38 PRINCIPAL CACTUS INSECTS OF UNITED STATES. In the same category as the preceding species are four species of the closely allied genus Volueella, namely, esuriens, avida, pmilla, and faseiata. They have been found numerously in practically all locali- ties where cactus insects have been collected, occurring frequently with Gopestylum marginatum Say and other species. Hermetia Almost equally important are two species of Hermetia, namely, chrysopila (fig. 7) and hunteri. The former is much more abundant and occurs from Dallas, Tex., southward to San Antonio and west- ward as far as Los Angeles, Cal. The larva? of Heimietia chrysopila Loew measure 35 mm. by 10 mm., the tail 2 mm. The integument is very tough and leathery, dark brown, its surface densely and evenly punctured, with indistinct transverse rows of callosi- ties near the posterior third. The head is deeply, longitudinally impressed below, with two longitudi- nal ridges above. This species has been collected from April until September and has been observed depositing eggs in the empty cells of Ger- sta>ckeria as well as in the openings made by Melitara and other species. It is not at all restricted to cactus, but undoubtedly breeds in decaying vegetable matter of any description. The adults are found in flowers of many species as well as in those of Opuntia. The most remarkable observation made on this species relates to the longevity of the larva. In May, 1909, a number of specimens which appeared to be nearly full grown were taken at Hondo, Tex., by Mr. J. D. Mitchell. They were placed in breeding cages, from which adults appeared irregularly between July 17 and August 19. Some of the larvae, however, did not yield adults. They remained motionless in the bottom of the cages. Whenever a new supply of food in the form of decaying cactus was introduced they began feed- ing, but as soon as the food dried they became qui
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