PRIONUS BREVICORNIS, Fabr

Extract

These beetles were very abundant at Oak Hill, Columbia Co., New York, during the months of July and August, in the several years of 1875 to 1882. Harris states that the larvæ feed on the trunks and roots of the Balm of Gilead and Lombardy Poplar. Oak Hill is a part of the old Manor of Livingston, and is notable for the variety and age of its oaks. Upon the lawn immediately in front of the dwelling are two ancient trees of the black oak variety, one of which is supposed to be two hundred years old. From the roots of these o1d trees these beetles would emerge during the first two weeks in July, usually appearing just after sun-down, or in the darkness preceding a shower. During the sun-light, the closest observation of the short cut lawn skirting the trees, would not reveal a beetle, but so soon as the sun rested behind the towering Catskills, these revellers of the twilight and the darkness would come forth. Their presence is quickly realized by the odor of the ♀, which is very powerful, and can readily be detected twenty feet distant.