' I SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. DIRECTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS. BY C. V. RILEY, M. A., PH. D., Honorary Curator of the Department of Insects, U. S, National Museum. Part F of Bulletin of the United States National Museum, No. 39 (with one plate). WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1892. Q SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. DIRECTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS. BY C. V. RILEY, M. A., PH. D., Honorary Curator of the Department of Insects, U. S. National Museum. Part F of Bulletin of the United States National Museum, No. 39 (with one plate). WASHINGTON: GOVERN MKN'l PRINTING OFFICE. 1892. CONTENTS. Page, INTRODUCTORY 3 MANUAL OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS 5 CHARACTERISTICS OF INSECTS , 5 SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE OF ENTOMOLOGY 6 CLASSIFICATION OF HEXAPODS 8 Order Hymenoptera 12 Order Coleoptera 14 Order Lepidoptera 16 Order Hemiptera 17 Suborder Thysanoptera 18 Order Diptera 19 Suborder Aphaniptera 20 Order Orthoptera 21 Suborder Dermaptera 22 Order Neuroptera 22 Suborder Trichoptera 23 Suborder Mecoptera 23 Suborder Neuroptera 23 Suborder Platyptera 24 Suborder Plecoptera 25 Suborder Odonata 25 Suborder Ephemeroptera 25 Suborder Thysarmra 26 COLLECTING 26 General considerations 26 Collecting apparatus 29 The sweeping net 29 The water net 31 Water clip-net 32 The umbrella 32 The beating cloth 33 The umbrella net 34 The sieve 35 The chisel 36 The trowel 36 The collecting tweezers 36 The brush 37 The fumigator 38 The haversack 38 The lens and microscope 39 Collecting Hymenoptera 39 Collecting Coleoptera 42 General directions 42 Winter collecting 43 CONTENTS. ( '<>!. i. KITING — Continued. Collecting Coleoptera — Continued. Spring collect ing Myrmecophilous and Termrt opinions species Spring (lights of ( 'oleoptera P.e.icll collecting \ttractingliv liulil^ - Traps . Freshets Su in me r collect ing Collecting under stones Collecting in rotten stumps and logs Collecting in dying or dead t rees Beating living trees, shrubs, and vines Sweeping Collecting on mud and gravel banks Collecting aquatic beetles ( 'oil ec ting at the seashore and on sandy places Collecting dung beetles Night collecting Fall collecting ( ollecting Lepidoptera Collecting the adults Collecting the early states Collecting llemiptera Collecting Diptera ( Ollecting Orthoptera Collecting Neuroptera Pseudoneuroptera Neuroptera KILLING AND PRESERVING INSECTS First preservation of living specimens - Killing specimens Alcohol 61 ( Chloroform and ether 62 Cyanide of potassium 63 Other agents 65 Special directions for different orders 66 ENTOMOTAXY 67 Care of pinned and mounted specimens 67 Insect pins 67 Preparation of specimens 68 I'i nn ing 69 Mounting on points 70 Mounting duplicates T.'i Temporary storage of specimens 71 Knve lopes for I .epidoptera, etc 74 Directions for spreading insects 7~» A new apparatus for spreading Microlepidoptera 7t> Spreading Micmlepidopt era = 77 Ke lax ing 7!» I nil at ion of the larva1 of Lepidoptera.. M) St 1 1 Hi n >4 injects M> hry preservation of Aphides and other soft-bodied insects 82 CONTENTS. [ill] EXTOMOTAXY — Continued. Care of pinned and mounted specimens — Continued. Page. Mounting specimens for the microscope 84 Preparing and mounting the wings of Lepidoptera 86 Preservation of alcoholic specimens Apparatus and methods 88 Vials, stoppers, and holders 89 Preserving micro-larvre in alcohol i 92 Preservative fluids 93 Alcohol 93 Alcohol and white arsenic 93 Alcohol and corrosive sublimate 94 Two fluids to preserve form and color 94 Glycerin ' 94 The Wickersheim preserving fluid 94 Labeling specimens 95 General directions 95 Labels for pinned specimans 95 Labeling alcoholic specimens 97 Cabinet for apparatus 98 INSECT BOXES AND CABINETS 98 General directions 98 The folding bos 98 The cabinet 100 The Lintner display box 101 The Martiudale box for Lepidoptera 104 Horizontal versus vertical arrangement of boxes 104 Lining for insect boxes '. 104 ARRANGEMENT OF INSECTS IN THE CABINET 106 Systematic and biologic collections 106 Economic displays 106 Labeling collections 107 MUSEUM PESTS, MOLD, ETC 108 Museum pests 108 Remedies 109 Naphthaline 109 Bisulphide of carbon 110 Mercury pellets 110 Carbolic acid 110 A means of preserving insects in dry, hot countries 110 Mold . Ill Verdigrising and greasing Ill THE REARING OF INSECTS 112 General directions 112 The breeding cage, or vivarium 112 Detailed instructions for breeding 115 The root cage 118 Other apparatus 119 The insectary 120 DIRECTIONS FOR PACKING AND TRANSMITTING INSECTS 121 NOTES AND MEMORANDA 123 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND PRESERVING ARACHNIDS AND MYRIAPODS. 124 Directions for collecting spiders 124 Apparatus 124 Time and locality for collecting 125 [ll] CONTENTS. COLLECTING — Continued. Collecting Coleoptera — Continued. Spring collecting t i Myrmecophilous and Termetophilous species 44 Spring nights of Coleoptera 44 Beach collecting 45 Attracting by lights 45 Traps 45 Freshets 45 Summer collecting 46 Collecting under stones 4fi Collecting in rotten stumps and logs 46 Collecting in dying or dead trees 47 Beating living trees, shrubs, and vines 47 Sweeping 47 Collecting on mud and gravel banks 48 Collecting aquatic beetles Collecting at the seashore and on sandy places 49 Collecting dung beetles 49 Night collecting Fall collecting 50 Collecting Lepidoptera Collecting the adults Collecting the early states Collecting Hemiptera Collecting Diptera Collecting Orthoptera Collecting Neuroptera Pseudoueuroptera Neuroptera KILLING AND PRESERVING INSECTS 60 First preservation of living specimens 60 Killing specimens Alcohol 61 Chloroform and ether 62 Cyanide of potassium 63 Other agents 65 Special directions for different orders 66 ENTOMOTAXY 67 Care of pinned and mounted specimens 67 Insect pins Preparation of specimens 68 Pinning 69 Mounting on points Mounting duplicates Temporary storage of specimens 74 Envelopes for Lepidoptera, etc 74 Directions for spreading insects A new apparatus for spreading Microlepidoptera 76 Spreading Microlepidoptera ; Relaxing Inflation of the larvae of Lepidoptera Stuffing insects Dry preservation of Aphides and other soft-bodied insects CONTENTS. [ill] ENTOM< >TAXY — Continued. Care of pirmed and mounted specimens — Continued. Page. Mounting specimens for the microscope 84 Preparing and mounting the wings of Lepidoptera 86 Preservation of alcoholic specimens 88 Apparatus and methods 88 Vials, stoppers, and holders 89 Preserving micro-larva} in alcohol : 92 Preservative fluids 93 Alcohol 93 Alcohol and white arsenic 93 Alcohol and corrosive sublimate 94 Two fluids to preserve form and color 94 Glycerin ' 94 The WLokersheiiu preserving fluid 94 Labeling specimens 95 General directions 95 Labels for pinned specimans 95 Labeling alcoholic specimens 97 Cabinet for apparatus 98 INSECT BOXES AND CABINETS 98 General directions 98 The folding box 98 The cabinet 100 The Lintner display box 101 The Martin dale box for Lepidoptera 104 Horizontal versus vertical arrangement of boxes 104 Lining for insect boxes '. 104 ARRANGEMENT OF INSECTS IN THE CABINET 106 Systematic and biologic collections 106 Economic displays 106 Labeling collections 107 MUSEUM PESTS, MOLD, ETC 108 Museum pests 108 Remedies 109 Naphthaline 109 Bisulphide of carbon 110 Mercury pellets 110 Carbolic acid 110 A means of preserving insects in dry, hot countries 110 Mold Ill Verdigrising and greasing Ill THE REARING OF INSECTS .- 112 General directions H2 The breeding cage, or vivarium 112 Detailed instructions for breeding 115 The root cage 118 Other apparatus 119 The insectary 120 DIRECTIONS FOR PACKING AND TRANSMITTING INSECTS 121 NOTES AND MEMORANDA 123 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND PRESERVING ARACHNIDS AND MYRIAPODS. 124 Directions for collecting spiders 124 Apparatus 124 Time and locality for collecting 125 [IV] CONTENTS. COLLECTING AND PRESERVING ARACHNIDS AND MYRIAPODS — Continued. Page. Collecting other Arachnitis, mites, ticks, scorpions, etc 12(3 Collecting Myriapoda 130 TEXT BOOKS AND ENTOMOLOGICAL WORKS 131 Comprehensive works most useful for the student of North American in- sects 132 General works on classification 1 : ->2 Hymenoptera 132 Coleoptera 132 Lepidoptera 13:> Hemiptera 134 Diptera . 134 A **, • ' Orthoptera 135 Neuroptera 135 Myriapoda 135 Arachnida 136 American periodicals - 136 Foreign periodicals 138 The more useful works on economic entomology 140 Entomological works published by the United States Entomological Com- mission and by the United States Department of Agriculture 141 Works by the United States Entomological Commission 141 Bulletins of the Division of Entomology, U. S. Department of Agri- culture 142 Special reports and bulletins 144 HOW TO OBTAIN ENTOMOLOGICAL BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS.. 145 INTRODUCTORY. There is a constant demand, especially from correspondents of the Museum and also of the Department of Agriculture, for information as to how to collect, preserve, and mount insects. 'lu ' ' i::, also great need of some simple directions on a great many other points connected with the proper packing of insects for transmission through the mails or otherwise ; labeling ; methods of rearing ; boxes and cabinets ; text-books, etc. Interest in the subject of entomology has, in fact, made rapid growth in the last few years, and now that nearly every State has an official entomologist connected with its State Agricultural Experiment Station, the number of persons interested in the subject may be expected to increase largely in the near future. I have hitherto made use of the Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Xo. 201, which is a pamphlet on collecting and preserving insects prepared by Dr. A. S. Packard. This is out of print, and I have been requested by Prof. Goode to prepare for Bulletin 39, U. S. N. M., something that would cover the whole ground and give the more essential information needed for collectors and students of insect life. I have deemed it unnecessary to go too much into detail, but have studied not to omit anything essential. Cus- toms and methods vary in different countries and with different indi- viduals, but the recommendations contained in the following pages are based upon my own experience and that of my assistants and many acquaintances, and embrace the methods which the large majority of American entomologists have found most satisfactory. Much of the matter is repeated bodily from the directions for collect- ing and preserving insects published in my Fifth Report on the Insects of Missouri (187U) and quotations not otherwise credited are from that Beport. The illustrations, also, when not otherwise credited or not originally made for this paper, are from my previous writings. Some are taken from Dr. Packard's pamphlet, already mentioned ; others, with the permission of Assistant Secretary Willits, from the publications of the Department of Agriculture, while a number have been especially made for the occasion, either from photographs, or from drawings by Miss L. Sullivan or Dr. Geo. Marx or Mr. C. L. Marlatt. When enlarged, the natural size is indicated in hair-line. In the preparation of the pamphlet 1 have had the assistance of Mr. E. A. Schwarz, and more particularly of Mr. C. L. Marlatt, to both of whom I desire here to express my obligations. C. V. B. [3] U. S. NATIONAL MUSEUM BULLETIN 39, PL. I "V. ILLUSTRATION OF BIOLOGIC SERIES. MANUAL OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND PRE- SERVING INSECTS. By C. V. RILEY, Honorary Curator of the Department of Insects, U. S. National Museum. CHARACTERISTICS OF INSECTS. The term "insect" comes from the Latin insect ton, and signifies "cut into." It expresses one of the prime characteristics of this class of animals, namely, that of segmentation. This feature of having the body divided into rings or segments by transverse incisions is pos- sessed by other large groups of animals, and was considered of suffi- cient importance by Cuvier to lead him, in his system of classification, to group with Insects, under the general term Articulata, Worms, Crus- tacea, Spiders, and Myriopods. Worms differ from the other four groups in having no articulated appendages, and in having a soft body-wall or integument instead of a dense chitinous covering, and are separated as a special class Vermes. The other four groups of segmented animals possess in common the feature of jointed appendages and a covering of chitinons plates, and are brought together under the term Arthropod a. The division of the body into a series of segments by transverse incis- ions, characteristic of these animals and these only, justifies the use of Cuvier's old name, Articulates, as this segmented feature represents a definite relationship and a natural division — as much so as the verte- bral column in Vertebrates. The Cuvierian name should be retained as a coordinate of Vertebrates, Molluscs, etc., and the terms Vermes and Arthropods maybe conveniently used to designate the two natural divisions of the Articulates. The term "insect" has been employed by authors in two different senses— one to apply to the tracheated animals or those that breathe through a system of air tubes (tracheae), comprising Spiders, Myriopods, and insects proper or Hexapods,* and the other in its restricted sense as applied to the Hexapods only. To avoid confusion, the latter signifi- cation only should be used, and it will be thus used in this article. *Frorn the Greek ^dnovc, having 6 t'ccf. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [(>] We see, then, that insects share, in common with many other animals, the jointed or articulated structure. Wherein, then, do they differ"? Briefly, in having the bod}/ divided into thirteen joints and « subjoinf, including the head as a joint, and in the adult having six true, jointed legs, and usually, though not always, wings. The five classes of Articulates differ from each other in the number of legs they possess in the adult form, as follows: Hexapoda, 6 legs; Araclmida, 8 legs; Crustacea, 10-14 legs; Myriapoda, more than 14 legs; Verines, none. This system holds for the adult form oidy, because some mites (Arach- nida) when young have only 0 legs, and many true insects in the larva state either have no legs at all, or have additional abdominal legs which are not jointed, but membranous, and are lost in the perfect or adult state. These are called false or prolegs. It will serve to make these instructions clear if I at once explain that the life of an insect is marked by four distinct states, viz, the egg, the larva, the pupa, and the imago, and that the last three words will constantly recur. We have no English equivalent for the words larva and pupa, for while some authors have written them with the terminal e, so as to get the English plural, yet "larves" and " pupes" so shock the ear that the terms have not been (and deserve not to be) generally adopted. We have seen that an insect in the final state has six true legs. Yet even here many species depart from the rule, as there are many in which the perfect insect, especially in the female sex, is apodous or without legs, just as there are also other cases where they are without wings. Sometimes the legs seem to be reduced in number by the partial or total atrophy of one or the other pair, but in all these exceptional cases there is no difficulty in realizing that we have to deal with a true insect, because of the other characters pertaining to the class, some of which it will be well to allude to. Insects are further characterized by having usually three distinct divisions of the body, viz. : head, thorax, and abdomen, and by under- going certain metamorphoses or transformations. Now, while a num- ber of other animals outside of the insect world go through similar transformations, those in the Crustacea being equally remarkable, yet, from the ease with which they are observed and the completeness of the transformations in most insects, the metamorphoses of this class have, from time immemorial, excited the greatest curiosity. SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE OF ENTOMOLOGY. But lew words are necessary to indicate the importance of entomology, especially to the farming community; tor while insects play a most important part in the economy of nature and furnish us some valuable products and otherwise do us a great deal of indirect good, yet they are chiefly known by the annoyances they cause and by the great injury they do to our crops and domestic animals. Hence some knowledge of [7] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. insects and how to study them becomes important, almost necessary, to every farmer. The scope of the science may best be indicated by a statement of the number of species existing", as compared with other animals. The omnipresence of insects is known and felt by all; yet few have any ac- curate idea of the actual numbers existing, so that some figures will not prove uninteresting- in this connection. Taking the lists of described species, and the estimates of specialists in the different orders, it is safe to say that about thirty thousand species have already been described from Xorth America, while the number of species already described or to be described in the Biologia Central!- Americana, i. e., for Central America, foot up just about the same number, Lord Walsinghani hav- ing estimated them at 30,114 in his address as president of the London Entomological Society two years ago, neither the Orthoptera nor the Nenroptera being included in this estimate. By way of contrast the number of mammals, birds, and reptiles to be described from the same region, is interesting. It foots up 1,937, as follows: Mammals, 180; birds, 1,600; reptiles, 157. If we endevor to get some estimate of the number of insects that occur in the whole world, the most satisfactory estimates will be found in the address just alluded to, and in that of Dr. David Sharp before the same society. Linnaeus knew nearly 3,000 species, of which more than 2,000 were European and over 800 exotic. The estimate of Dr. John Day, in 1853, of the number of species on the globe, was 250,000. Dr. Sharp's estimate thirty years later was between 500,000 and 1,000,000. Sharp's and Walsinghani's estimates in 1889 reached nearly 2,000,000, and the average number of insects annually described since the publication of the Zoological Kecord, deducting 8 per cent for synonyms, is 6,500 species. I think the estimate of 2,000,000 species in the world is ex- tremely low, and if we take into consideration the fact that species have been best worked up in the more temperate portions of the globe, and that in the more tropical portions a vast number of species still remain to be characterized and named, and if we take further into con- sideration the fact that many portions of the globe are yet unexplored, entomologically, that even in the best worked up regions by far the larger portion of the Micro-Hymenoptera and Micro-Diptera remain absolutely uudescribed in our collections, and have been but very par- tially collected, it will be safe to estimate that not one-fifth of the species extant have yet been characterized or enumerated. In this view of the case the species in our collections, whether described or un described, do not represent perhaps more than one-fifth of the whole. In other words, to say that there are 10,000,000 species of insects in the world, would be, in my judgment, a moderate estimate. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [8] CLASSIFICATION OF IIEXAPODS. Seven orders of insects were originally recognized by Linnaeus, namely, Neuroptera,Diptera,Hemiptera,Lepidoptera, ColeopterajHymenoptera, and Aptera. This classification was based on the organs of flight only, and while in the main resulting in natural divisions which still furnish the basis of more modern classifications, was faulty in several particu- lars. For instance, the Aptera, which included all wingless insects, was soon found to be a very unnatural assemblage audits components were distributed among the other orders. The establishment of the order Orthoptera by Olivier to include a large and well-defined group of in- sects associated with the Hemiptera by Linnaeus, restored the original seven orders, and this classification has, in the main, been followed by entomologists up to the present time. HYMENOPTERA, Linn. COLEOPTERA, Aristotle. /£ Strepsiptera , Kirby. ORTHOPTERA, oiiv. Euplexoptera, west. Tnchoptera , Kirby NEUROPTERA, Linn. Dictyotoptera , Burn TTtysanoptera , Haliday 3 \LEPIDOPTERA, Lmn. Linn. , MacLeay. DIPTERA, Aristotle. , Kirby. = Order. O = Sub-order. FIG. 1. — Pyramid showing the nature of the mouth, and relative rank of the Orders, and the affinities of the Sub-orders of Insects. All insects arc, in a broad way, referable to one or the other of these seven primary orders by the structure of the wings and the character of the mouth-parts in the imago, and by the nature of their transformations. Some of these orders are connected by aberrant and osculant families or groups, which have by other authors been variously ranked as inde- pendent orders, but which, following Westwood substantially, I have considered, for convenience, as suborders. (See Fifth Eeport, Insects of Missouri, etc., 1872.) In the article just cited, I made use of the accompanying diagram in the form of a pyramid (Fig. 1), which gives a graphic representation of the distinguishing characters and the relative rank as usually accepted, of the orders and suborders. Full discussion of the different classifications is unnecessary in this [9] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. connection. Authors have differed in the past and will diner in the future as to what constitutes a natural system, and it would require many pages to give even a brief survey of the various schemes that have been proposed. As I have elsewhere said, "We must remember that classifications are but a means to an end — appliances to facilitate our thought and study — and that, to use Spencer's words, -we cannot, by any logical dichotomies, actually express relations which in nature graduate into each other insensibly.' ' The most philosophical, perhaps, of the more modern systems of clas- sification is that of Fried rich Brauer, who has carefully studied the subject, and has given us an arrangement consisting of sixteen orders. This has many merits and has been adopted, with slight modifications, by Packard in his " Entomology for Beginners," and by Hyatt and Arms in their recent and valuable text-book "Insecta." Cornstock, in his "Introduction to Entomology" strongly recommends Brauer's classification, but for reasons of simplicity and convenience adheres to a modification of the old classification of West wood. For purposes of comparison the classification by Hyatt and Arms, which is substantially that of Brauer, may be introduced. In linear arrangement it is as follows: I. Thysauura (Springtails, etc.). II. Ephemeroptera (Ephemeridw; May-flies). (=Plectopte>'aP&ck.) III. Odouata (Libellulidce; Dragon-flies). IV. Plecoptera (Perlidw; Stone-flies). V. Platypter'a (Termites, Mallopltaga, etc.). VI. Dermaptera (Forficulidte; Earwigs). VII. Orthoptera (Locusts, Grasshoppers, etc.). VIII. Thysauoptera (Thripidce; Fringe- wings). IX. Hemiptera (Bugs). X. Coleoptera (Beetles). XI. Neuroptera (Sialidw, Hemerobiidce; Lace-wings, etc.). XII. Mecoptera (Panorpidw; Scorpion-flies). XIII. Trichoptera (Phryganeidce; Caddis-flies). XIV. Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). XV. Hymenoptera (Bees, Wasps, etc.). XVI. Diptera (Two-winged flies). The relationship of these orders cannot be indicated in a linear arrangement, and is admirably shown by Hyatt and Arms by means of diagrams which I reproduce (Figs. 2, 3.) BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [10] FIG. 2. — Scheme illustrating origin anil relationship of Orders. (After Hyatt.) [11] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. The relation of these sixteen orders to the older, septenary scheme is shown by the following arrangement: 1. Hynienoptera . . Hymen optera XV. 2. Coleoptera ..... Coleoptera X. 3. Lepidoptera . . . .Lepidoptera XIV. Neuroptera. Neuroptera XI ) Platyptera V 7. JSTeuroptera < Plecoptera IV Odouata III )> Pseudo-ueuroptera. Ephemeroptefall Th ysau ura I It will be seen that the changes are not so great as would at first appear. The three more important orders, namely, the Hynienoptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera, remain substantially the same in all clas- sifications, and so with the three orders next in importance — the Hem- iptera, Diptera, and Orthoptera. All that has been done with these X>ia5f«m ill FIG. 3. — Cross section of Fii;. •_'. three has been to rank as separate orders what by former authors were preferably considered as either families or suborders. The princi- pal change is in the Neuroptera, of which no less than eight orders ha v<- been made. This is not to be wondered at, because the order, as for- merly construed, was conceded to be that which represents the lowest BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [12] forms a ml more synthetic types of insects, and as such necessarily contained forms which it is difficult to classify definitely. In the discussion of the characteristics, habits, number of species, and importance of the several groups, I follow, with such changes as the advances in the science of entomology have made necessary, the arrangement shown in Fig. 1. "Order HYMENOPTEKA (V^, a membrane; x-esp6v, Aving). Clear or Membrane- winged Flies: Bees, Wasps, Ants, Saw-flies, etc. Char- acterized by having four membranous wings with comparatively few veins, the hind part smallest. The transformations are complete: /. e., the larva bears no resemblance to the perfect insect. "Some of the insects of this order are highly specialized, and their mouth-parts are fitted both for biting and sucking, and in this respect they connect the mandibulate and haustel- late insects. The common Honey-bee has this complex structure of the month, and if the editors of our agricultural papers would bear the fact in mind, we should have less of the never-ending discussion as to whether bees are capable of injuring fruit at first hand. The lower lip (lab him} is modified into a long tongue, sheathed by the lower jaws (maxiU(e). and they can sip, or, more properly speaking, lap up nectar ; while the upper jaws (mandibulce), though not generally used for purposes of man- ducation, are fitted for biting and cutting. The Hymenoptera are ter- restrial, there existing only a very few degraded, swimming forms. "This order is very naturally divided into two sections — the ACULEATA and TEREBRANTIA. The aculeate Hymenoptera, or Stingers, comprise FIG. 4.— Bakl-facad Hornet, maculata. 'After Sanborn) FIG. 5. — An Ichneumon Parasite, Pim- pla annulipes, showing male and fe- male abdomen. FIG. 6.— A Chalcid Parasite, Chal- all the families in which the abdomen in the female is armed with a stin.u connected with a poison reservoir, and may be considered the typical [13] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. form of the order, including all the social arid fossorial species. The inserts of this section must be considered essentially beneficial to man, FIG. 7. — A Horn-tail, Tremex columba. a, larva, showing Thalessa larva attached to its side; b, lic;i<;•,, wing). Beetles or or Shield-winged Insects. Characterized by having four wings, the front pair (called elytra] horny or leathery, and usually united down the back with a straight suture when at rest, the hind ones membranous and folded up under the elytra when at rest. Transformations complete. "This is an order of great importance, and in the vast number and diversity of the species c< miprised in it outranks any of the others. The case with which the insects of this order are obtained and preserved make it one of the most attractive to the amateur, and beetles are, per- haps, of all insects, the best known and under- stood in the popular mind. For the same reason they have, in the perfect state, received most attention from the entomologists, but their transformations and preparatory forms yet offer a wide and inviting FIG. 9.— A Chafer, Cotalpa lan- igera. (After Packard.) FIG. 10. — A Longicorn, Saperda Candida, a, larva; b, pupa; e, field for the student. The simplest and best-known classification of I he beetles is the tarsal system, founded on the number of joints to the tarsi, by which we get four great sections: (1) PENTAMERA, in which [15] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. FIG. 11. — The Plum Curculio, Conotrache- lun nenuphar, a, larva; b, pupa; c, beetle; d, plum showing egg-puncture and crescent. all the tarsi are 5-joiuted; (2) HETEROMERA, with the four ante- rior 5-joiuted aud the two posterior 4-jointed; (3) PSEUDO-TETRA MERA, with apparently only tour joints to all the tarsi, though, in reality, there is a fifth penultimate joint, diminutive and concealed; (4) PSEUDO-TRIMERA, with apparently only three joints to all the tarsi. This system, like most others, is not perfect, as there are numerous spe- cies not possessing five joints to the tarsi belonging to the first section; and for practical purposes beetles may be very well arranged according to habit. We thus get, first, the ADEPHAGA, or carniv- orous species, including all those which prey on other living insects, and to which, following Mr. Walsh, I have, for obvious reasons, applied the suggestive term 'Cannibal'; second, the NECROPHAG A, comprising those which feed on carrion, dung, fungi, and decaying vegetation ; third, the PHYTOPHAGA, embracing all those feeding on living vegetation. This arrangement is by no means perfect, for there are beetles which are car- nivorous in the larva and herbivor- ous in the imago state ; while some of the NECROPHAGA are actually para- sitic. Yet, it is not more artificial than others which have been proposed. The carnivorous species, broadly speaking, are Pentamerom, the only striking exception being the Coccinellidae (Lady-birds), which are Pseudo-trimerous. The carrion-feeders are also Pcntamerous; but veg- FIG. 12. — A Soldier -beetle, Chaulioynathus pennsylvanicus. a, larva; b-h, parts of larva enlarged; i, beetle. d FIG. 13. — The Bogus Potato-beetle, Doryphora juncta. a. eggs; b. larva1; c, beetle: (/and*1, parts of beetle enlarged. etable-feeders are found in all the tarsal divisions, though the r*< ndo- Mramera are the more essentially herbivorous, and consequently the most injurious.'' BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [16] FIG. 14. — A Butterfly, Pleris oleracea. "Order LEPIDOPTERA (Ae™?, a scale; xrzpnv, whig). Butterflies and Moths, or scaly-winged insects. Characterized by having four branching-veined membranous wings, each more or less densely covered on both sides with minute imbricated scales which are attached by a stalk, but which easily rub off, and appear to the unaided eye like minute particles of glistening dust or powder. Trans- formations complete. " Next to the Lepidoptera, the Cole- optera are, perhaps, most familiar to the popular mind. Every one admires the beauty of • these frail creatures, dressed in every conceivable pattern, and adorned with every con- ceivable color, so as to rival the delicate hues of the rainbow, and eclipse the most fantastic and elaborate designs of man. When magni- fied, the scales, to which this beauty of pattern and color is entirely due, present all manner of shapes, according to the particular species or the particular part of the indi- vidual from which they are taken. According to Lew- enhoeck, there are 400,000 of these scales on the wing of the common silk- worm. "The transformations of these insects are complete, and the changes are usually so sudden and striking as to have excited the wonder and admiration of observers from earliest times. "The more common form of the larva is exampled in the ordinary caterpillar — a cylindrical worm with ahead, twelve joints and a sub-joint; six thoracic or true legs, four abdominal and two anal prolegs. But there is a great variety of these larvae, some hav- ing no legs whatever, some having' only the jointed legs, and others having either four, six, eight, or ten, but never more than ten prolegs. With few exceptions they are all vegetable feeders, and with still fewer exceptions, terrestrial. The perfect insects make tree use of their ample wings, but walk little; and their legs are weak, and not modified in the various ways so noticeable in other orders, while the front pair in some butterflies are impotent. "As an order this must be considered the most injurious of the seven. FIG. 15. — A Spbingid, Ampelophaga myron. FIG. 16. — A Moth, Ututheina bclla. COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. Moths. are at guished bv their FIG. 17.— A Clothes-moth (Tinea pellionella)— enlarged, a, adult; 6, larva; f, larva in case. "A convenient system of classification for the Lepidoptera is based on the structure of the antennae. By it we get two great sections : 1st, But- terflies (RHOPALOCE- RA); 2d, Moths (HET- EROCERA), which lat- ter may again be di- vided into Crepuscu- lar and Xocturnal Butterflies once distin- from moths antennae be- straight, stiff and knobbed, and by being day-fliers or diurnal; while moths have the antennae tapering to a point, and are, for the most part, night-flyers or nocturnal. The crepuscular moths, composed mostly of the Sphinges or Hawk-moths, hover over flowers at eve, and connect the two sections not only in habit, but in the character of the antennae, which first thicken toward the end, and then suddenly termi- nate in a point or hook. " Order HEMIPTERA (it!u, half; ^repo*, wing), Bugs. The insects of this order are naturally separated into two great -sec- tions; 1st, Half- winged Bugs, orHETEROPTERA (zTspoq different; -r?[>ov7 wing) having the basal half of the front wings (called hemelytra) coriaceous or leathery, while the apical part is membranous. The wings cross flatly over the back when at rest; 2d, Whole- winged Bugs, or HOMOPTERA (ofj.6<;, equal; -rspuv^ wing), having all four wings of a uniform mem- branous nature and folding straight down the back The latter, if separated, may be looked upon as a Sub- FIG. 18.— A Plant- bug (Euschistes punctipes) . when at rest, order. "Transformations incomplete; i. e., the larvae and pupae have more or less the image of the perfect insect, and differ little from it except in lacking wings. ''The genuine or half- winged Bugs (Figs. 18 and 10) are usually flattened in form, when mature; though rnoiv rounded in the adolescent stages. They may be divided into Land Bugs (Aurocorisa) and Water lings (Hydrocorisa). The species of the first division very generally possess the power of emitting, when disturbed or alarmed? a nauseous, bed-buggy odor, which conies FIG. 19.— A Soldier-bug (Milijas i-iix-tna). 6, beak enlarged. from a fluid secreted BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [18] FIG. 20. — A Tree-hop- per (Ceresa bubahts). a, side ; l>, top view. from two pores, situated ou tlie under side of the metathorax. Such well-known insects as the Bed-bug* and Chinch-bug belong here. The habits of the species are varied, and while some are beneficial, others are quite injuri- ous to man. "The Whole-winged Bugs (Figs. 20 and 21), on the contrary, are all plant-feeders, and with the excep- tion of a few, such as the Cochineal and Lac insects, are injurious. The secretion of a white, or bluish, waxy, or farinose substance from the surface of the body is as charac- teristic of this section as the nauseous odor is of the first. It forms three natural divi- sions, arranged according to the number of joints to the tarsi — namely TEIMERA, Avith three joints; DIMEEA, with two joints, and MONOMERA, with ono joint to the tarsi." Suborder THYSANOPTERA (tiusavoq^ a frill gC; TTTSpov, wing): This suborder con- tains the single family Tkri- ]>id(e, which comprises minute insects commonly known as Thrips, and of which a common species, Thrips striatux, is shown in the accompanying figure. (See Fig. 22.) They bear strong relations to both the Pseudoneuroptera and the Hemiptera and by later writ- ers are generally associated with the latter order. They feed on plants, puncturing and killing the leaves, or on other plant- feeding species of their own class, and are characterized by having narrow wings crossed on the back when at rest, and beautifully fringed, from which lat- ter feature the name of the suborder is derived. The mouth parts are peculiar in that they are intermediate in form between the sucking beak of He- miptera and the biting mouth parts of other insects. Their eggs resemble those of Hemiptera; the larva? and pupa1 are active, and in form resemble the adult, except in the absence of wings. Some speries, also, are wing- less in the adult stage. FIG. 21. — A Plant-louse (Schizoneura laniytra). a, infested root; b, larva; c, winged insect; d-g, parts of perfect insect enlarged. FIG. 22.— Thrips striatim, with wings enlarged at side. [19] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. FIG. 23. — A Mosquito (Culex pipiens). a, ailult; 6, head of same enlarged ; e, portion of antenna of sanu-: /. larva; g, pupa. (After Westwood.) The pupa3 are somewhat sluggish and the limbs and wings are en- closed in a thin membrane which is expanded about the feet into bulb- ous enlargements, giving rise to the name "bladder-footed" (Physo- poda) applied to these insects by Burmeister. "Order DIPTERA (Hi?, twice; -r^;-,, wing) or Two-winged Flies. The only order having but two wings, the hind pair replaced by a pair of small, slender filaments clubbed at tip, and called halteres, poisers, or bal- ancers. "]So order surpasses this in the number of species or in the immense swarms of individuals belonging to the same species which are frequently met with. The wings, which are vari- ously veined, though appearing naked to the unaided eye, are often thickly covered with very minute hairs or hooks. As an order the Diptera are decidedly injurious to man, whether we consider the annoyances to our- selves or our animals of the Mosquito, Buffalo-gnat, Gad-fly, Breeze-fly, Zimb or Stonioxys, or the injury to our crops of the Hessian-fly, Wheat-midge, Cab- bage-maggot, Onion-maggot, etc. There are, in fact, but tAvo families, Syrphida? and Tachi- nidfe, which can be looked upon as beneficial to the cultivator, though many act the part of scavengers. ISTo insects, not even the Lepidoptera, furnish such a variety of curi- ous larval characters, and none, perhaps, offer a wider or more interesting field of in- vestigation to the biologist. It is difficult to give any very satisfactory arrangement of these Two-winged flies, thong"!) they easily fall into two rather artificial sections. These are: 1st, ^NEMOCERA, or those with long antennae, having more than six joints, and palpi hav- ing four or five joints The pupa is naked, as in the Lepidoptera, with the limbs exposed. This kind of pupa is called obtected. 2d, BRACHO- CERA, or those with short antenna-, not having more than three distinct joints, and palpi with one or two joints. The pupa is mostly coarctate, i. r., is formed within, and more FIG. 24.— A Hawk-fly (Erax las- tardi). a perfect insect ; b, pupa ; larva shown at side. FIG. 25. — A Flesh-fly (Sarcophaga carnaria, w. «,rac«n«). a, larva; &, puparium; ,-. adult insect with enlarged parts. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [20] or less completely connected with, the hardened and shrunken skin of the larva.. "The most anomalous of the Diptera are the Forest-flies and Sheep- ticks (Hippoloxc'uUv). They have a horny and flattened body, and resemble lice in their parasitic habits, living- beneath the hair of bats and birds. Their mode of development has always attracted the atten- tion of entomologists. The larvae are hatched in the abodrnen of the female, which is capable of disten- tiou. There it remains and, after assuming the pupa state, is depos- ited in the form of a short, white, egg-like object, without trace of ar- ticulation, and nearly as large as the abdomen of the female fly. Closely allied to these are the Bat- ticks (Nycteribid(c), which possess neither wings nor balancers, and remind one strongly of spiders. "In this order we may also place certain wingless lice (such as Braula cceca, Nitzsch), which infests the Honey-bee in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, but which has not yet been detected in this country. FIG. 26.— The Sheep Bot (fEstrus ovls) . 1, 2, flics :;. ]>u]inriuni; 4, r>, ami 6, larvse or lints. inconspicuous; wing) or " Suborder APHANIPTEBA Fleas, comprising the sin- gle family Pulieida?, now placed with the Diptera. Everybody is supposed to be familiar with the ap- pearance of the Flea — its bloodthirsty propensities and amazing muscular power; and while every- one may not have the leisure and means to ex- perience the exhilarating influence of the chase after larger animals, there is no one — be he never so humble — who may not indulge in the hunt after this smaller game ! In place of wings the flea has four small, scaly plates. The minute eggs — about a dozen to each female — are laid in obscure places, such as the cracks of a floor, the hair of rugs, etc., and the larva is worm- like and feeds upon whatever animal matter — as grease and blood — or decaying vegetable matter it can find. rG. 27.-AFiea(^,,. (From Packard.) [21] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. "Order OBTHOPTERA (dpOuq, straight; nrepov, wing), or Straight- winged Insects. Characterized by having the front wings (called FIG. 28. — A Locust (Acrideumamericanum). tegmina) straight and usually narrow, pergameneous or parchment-like, thickly veined, and overlapping at tips when closed; the hind wings large and folding longi- tudinally like a fan. Transfor- mations incomplete. "The insects of this order have a lengthened body and very robust jaws, with a corre- spondingly large head. The legs are strong, and fashioned either for grasping, running, climbing, jumping, or burrow- 1U2' in the Other Orders FIG. 29. — A Tree-cricket (Ocharis saltator). a, female; where the transformations are incomplete, the young differ little from the parent, except in the want of wings; and in many instances even this difference does not exist, as FIG. 30.— The Croton Bug or German Cockroach (Phyllodromia germanica.) a, first stage : b, second stage ; e, third stage ; rf, fourth stage ; e, adult ; /, adult female with egg-case ; 6<,, wing), or Nerve- winged insects. Characterized by having the wings reticulate with numerous veins so as to look like net- work. The order forms two natural divis- ions, the first including all those which undergo a complete, and the sec- ond, called Pseudo-neu roptera ( Dictyotoptera , B u r m e i s t e r ) , those which undergo an in- complete metamorpho- sis. * * The in- sects of this order arc, as a whole, more lowly organized, and more generally aquatic, than either of the others. A natural arrangement of them is difficult on account of their degrada- tional character. They present forms which are synthetic and closely approach the other orders, and the evolutionist naturally looks upon them as furnishing an idea of what the archetypal forms of our present insects may have been. They are, as a rule, large and sluggish, with Fig. 33. — A Draj;on-flv {Libclluln trimaculata). (From Packard.) ' Euplrxopteni uf sonic authors from KV, well; wings. , folded, referring to thr folded [23] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. Fig. 34. — Caddis-fly, larva and its case. (From Packard.) the body parts soft and little specialized, and the muscles weak. Their remains are found in the Devonian and Carboniferous deposits. "They are mostly carnivorous, and with the exception of the White- ants and certain Book-lice they none of them affect man injuriously, while some are quite beneficial." The first division of this order, or the Neuroptera proper, characterized by having incomplete metamorphoses, may be considered under the three following suborders: "Suborder TRICHOPTERA (0/ot'l, hair; -T*P6v, wing), or Caddis-flies, containing the single family Phryganeidre, and placed with theNeurop- tera, though bearing great affinities with the Lepidop- tera. Every good disciple of Walton and lover of the "gentle art" knows the value of the Caddis-fly, or Water-moth, as bait. These flies very much resemble certain small moths, the scales on the wings of the latter being replaced in the former with simple hairs. The larva.1 live in the water and inhabit silken cases, which are usually cylindrical and covered with various substances, according to the species, or the material most conveniently obtained by the individual." Suborder MECOPTERA (/^>»?, length; -re^, wing). This suborder includes a peculiar group of insects, the most striking characteristics of which are the mouth-parts, which are pro- longed into a rostrum or beak. The wings are long and narrow, and ot nearly equal size. The abdomen of the male is constricted near its posterior end and terminates in long clasp- ing organs from which these insects obtain the common name of Scorpion-flies. The larva} of one genus (Panorpa) are re- markable for their great resemblance to the larva- of Lepidoptera. They have, however, eight pairs of abdominal legs. The habits of these insects are not well known, but they are sup- posed to be generally predaceous. Suborder NEUROPTERA. This group as restricted by modern au- thors is a small one, including the largest species, as in the Hellgrain- mite, the Lace-wing Flies, the Ant-lions, and the Mantispas represent- ing the families, Sialida- and IIemerobiid;e, with their subfamilies. The first includes the so-called Hellgrammite Fly (Coryi>h<(w>?, tooth). This includes the Drag- on-flies or Libellulida-*, the most common and the best known of the Neuroptera. The larva and the active pupa or nymph are aquatic and are predaceous, as is also the adult. A common species is repre- sented at Fig. 33. The Suborder EPHEMEROPTERA (tyjj>e/o«v, a day-fly ; ~Tsp<'», wing) com- prises the May-flies, or Ephemerida? (see Fig. 42). These insects are very fragile and are often at- tracted in enormous numbers to electric lights. They have large front wings, while the hind wings are small, rudimentary, or wanting. They are fur- nished with two or three very long, jointed, thread- like caudal appendages. The larval and nymphal stages are passed in the water and aquatic vegeta- tion furnishes the food, although some species may FIG. 42.- A Mny-tiy , ,-f,. , , , -,• manthus marginatits) . be predaceous. The adults have very rudimentary (F,,,,n i>;1, .k,u,i .» BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [26] months and eat nothing; their term of life is also very limited, not exceeding 2-4 days. Suborder THYSANUBA (Buffavm;, tassel; »0/?a, tail). This suborder comprises minute, degraded insects commonly known as Spring-tails, Bristle-tails, Fish-moths, Snow-fleas, etc. They occur in damp situations aud also infest books, wall-paper, etc., eating the starch paste in the book-bindings, or beneath the wall paper. They comprise very primitive forms aud are inter- esting because they are supposed to represent the original stock from which the higher orders of insects have sprung. They are wingless, usually with simple eyes, and clothed with scales, and undergo no metamorphosis. Some of them, as the Fish-moth (Lepisma sp.), run very rapidly and are furnished at the end of FiG.4'<;.-(LePisma4-senata). the body with a number of long bristles. In (Alter Packard.) other forms these anal bristles or stylets are united at the base and bent under the body and become a powerful jumping organ, giving them the very appropriate name of Spring-tails. COLLECTING. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. — "Few departments of natural history offer greater inducements or facilities to the student than Entomology. He need not pass his threshold for material, for it may be found on every hand and at all seasons. The directions for collecting, preserving, and studying insects might be extended indefinitely in detail, as volumes have already been written on the subject; but the more general and important instructions are soon given. "Beginners are very apt to supply themselves with all sorts of appli- ances advertised by natural history furnishing stores. Many of these appliances, when it comes to real, practical field-work, are soon aban- doned as useless iucumbrances; and the greater the experience, the simpler will be the paraphernalia. My own equipment, on a collecting- trip, consists chiefly of a cotton umbrella, a strong and narrow steel trowel or digger, a haversack slung across the shoulders, a cigar box lined with sheet cork, and a small knapsack attached to a waistbelt which girts a coat, not of many colors, but of many pockets, so made that in stooping nothing falls out of them. The umbrella is one of the iiidis- I (disables. It shields, when necessary, from old Sol's scorching rays and from the pelting, drenching storm; brings within reach, by its hooked handle, many a larva-freighted bough which would otherwise remain un- disturbed ; and forms an excellent receptacle for all insects that may be dislodged from bush or branch. Opened and held inverted under a bough with the left hand, while the right manipulates a beating-stick, cut for t lit- occasion, it will be the recipient of many a choice specimen that would COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. [27] never have been espied amid its protective surroundings. Some collec- tors use an umbrella painted or lined on the inside with white, to facili- tate the detection of any object that drops into it; but as there are fully as many, if not more, pale and white insects as there are dark or black ones, the common dark umbrella is good enough for all ordinary pur- poses ; and if any improvement on the ordinary cotton umbrella is desired, it should be in the way of a joint or knuckle about the middle of the handle, which will facilitate its packing and using. The trowel is valuable for prying off the loosened bark from old trees, whether felled or standing, and for digging into the ground or into decaying stumps and logs. The haversack is for the carriage of different kinds of boxes (those made of tin being best) intended for larval and other forms which it is necessary to bring home alive for breeding purposes; and if made with a partition so that the filled and empty boxes may be separated, all the better ; it may also be used for nets and other appa- ratus to be mentioned, and for such provender as is necessary on the trip. The knapsack may be made on the plan of a cartridge box, of stout canvas or leather, and should be of moderate size and slung onto the belt so as to be slipped to any part of the waist and not hinder free bod- ily motion. It may be used to carry bottles, phials, and other small appliances, and should be accordingly partitioned and furnished with loops or pockets on the inside. The cigar-box is for the reception of pinned specimens, and maybe slipped onto the belt, or buttoned to the trousers by means of leather. "The greatest requisites in collecting are a pair of sharp eyes and ready hands, with coolness and self-possession ; but a few traps will materially aid. One of the most important is the hand-net, which maybe made so as to subserve the two pur- poses of a sweeping and an air-net." " The frame of the net which I use is illustrated herewith (Fig. 44), and Avill be found strong and serviceable and conveniently portable. It is constructed as follows : Take two pieces of stout brass wire, each about 20 inches long; bend them half-circularly and at one end by a folding hinge having a check on one side, &. The other ends arc bent and beaten into two square sockets,/', which tit tn ;» nut sunk and soldered into one end of a brass tube, <1. When f FIG. 44.— The r.uttrrflj- net-frame. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. ['28] so fitted, they are secured by a large-headed screw, e, threaded to fit into the nut-socket, and with a groove wide enough to receive the back of a common, pocket-knife blade. The wire hoop i s easily detached and folded, as at c, for convenient carriage ; and the handle may be made of any de- sired length by cutting a stick and fitting it into the hollow tube a, which should be about 6 inches long. It is well to have two separate hoops, one of lighter wire, furnished with silk gauze or some other light material, for catching flying insects, and one which is stouter and furnished with a net of stronger material for sweeping non-flying specimens. "Another still more simple, but less convenient frame, is thus de- scribed by my friend F. G. Sauborn, of Boston, Mass. : < Make a loop of strong iron or brass wire, of about 3-lGths of an inch in thickness, so that the diameter of the loop or circle will not exceed 12 inches, leaving an inch to an inch and a half of wire at each end bent at nearly right angles. Bind the two ex- tremities of the wire together with smaller wire (Fig. 45, «), and tin them by applying a drop of muriate of zinc, then holding it in the fire or over a gas flame until nearly red hot, when a few grains of block tin or soft solder placed upon them will flow evenly over the whole surface and join them firmly together. Take a Maynard rifle cartridge tube, or other brass tube of similar dimensions; if the former, file off the closed end or perforate it for the admis- sion of the wire, and having tinned it in the same manner on the inside, push a tight-fitting cork half way through (Fig.c) and pour into it melted tin or soft solder, and insert the wires; if carefully done, you will have a firmly constructed and very durable foun- dation for a collecting net. The cork being extracted will leave a conven- ient socket for inserting a stick or walking cane to serve as a handle.' "My friend, J. A. Liutner, of Albany, N. Y., makes very good use, in his ordinary promenades, of a telescopic fish-rod, with a head (Fig. 4G) screwed on to one end, in which to fasten an elastic brass coil on which the net is drawn, but which when not in use sits snugly inside his silk hat. "The bag should taper to the bottom, and in any case its length should be fully twice the diameter of the hoop, so that by giving the net a twist, the mouth may be closed and the contents thus secured. The sweeping-net may be protected around the hoop with leather, and in use should be kept in a steady and continued back-and-forth motion, over and touch- ing the plants, until the contents are to be examined; when, by placing the head at the opening and quietly surveying the restless inmates, the desiderata may be secured and the rest turned out. A sudden dash of the air-net will usually lay any flying object at the bottom. A net for aquatic insects may be made on the same principle, but should be stout, with the meshes open enough to allow free passage of water, and the bag not quite FlG. 45.— The Sanborn net- frame. FIG. 46. - Clamp of the Lint- ner net. [29] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. as deep as the diameter of the hoop. A forceps net, which consists of two gauze or bobbinet covered frames, having- riveted handles, so as to close like a pair of scissors, is employed for small insects; but I find little use for it. A coarse sieve, together with a white towel or sheet, will be found of great service for special occasions, particularly in the spring, when the search for minute insects found under old leaves, or for pupae around the butts of trees, is contemplated. With the sheet spread on the ground, and a few handfiils of leaves and leafy mold sifted over it, many a mimite specimen will be separated from the coarser particles and drop to the sheet, where the eye may readily detect it. Conversely, the earth taken from around trees may be sifted so as to leave in the sieve such larger objects as pupae, etc. Another favorite plan, with some collectors, of obtaining specimens, especially night-flying moths, is by ' sugaring.' This consists of applying to the trunks of trees or to strips of cloth attached to the trees some sweet, attractive, and stupefying preparation. Diluted molasses or dissolved brown sugar, mixed with ruin or beer, is most frequently employed. I have found sugaring of little use till after the blossoming season, and it is almost impossible to so stupefy or intoxicate an insect that it will remain upon the sugared tree till the next morning. I generally sugar at eve, and visit the tree several times between sundown and midnight, armed with wide-mouthed killing-bottles and accompanied by a second person, who .carries a dark-lantern. Isolated trees, on the edges of woods, give the best results. Everybody knows how some poor moths will persist in flitting around a light until they singe their wings ; and, as many insects are strongly attracted to bright artificial light, it may be employed with good results, especially during warm and damp evenings. The collector should never go unprovided with a small box or tube full of different sized pins (a corked cartridge- tube makes a good box,) a pair or two of forceps, a pair of scissors, a little mucilage, and the killing apparatus to be described." With these general remarks, it will be well to consider some of the important paraphernalia more in detail. COLLECTING APPARATUS. The Sweeping Net. — A multitude of insects of all orders feed or rest on grasses and other low plants. Upon close inspection of these plants a careful observer will be able to secure, without any instru- ments, not only many mature insects, but also many larvae in connec- tion with their food-plants. This is laborious and slow work, only nec- essary on special occasions. The beating net, which is constructed on the same general plan as the butterfly net, is valuable here as a time saver. By holding the handle of the net firmly in one hand and quickly sweeping over the plants first from right to left, and then, after quickly turning the net again, sweeping from left to right, most insects coining within reach of the sweep will fall into the bag and may be easily taken BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [30] out and put into the collecting-vials. From this mode of operation it is evident that the sweeping net must be stronger in all its parts than the butterfly net, but otherwise it may be made on the same plan. i,0i vfii > W'Wi ;'W/y vil i 11 '• ,'.';4 W / ,»' occasionally mended or renewed. Another method of preventing the tearing of the upper riui of the !>:ig is described and illustrated in Kieseuwetter's useful volume '• I)«T Naturaliensammler" from which I shall frequently have omission to quote. In this net the main ring is of rounded iron wire on which a number of brass rings are slipped. These must be but little larger [31] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. FIG. 48.— Beating net, opened and attached to handle, with frame of same folded. ( After Kiesenwetter.) than the diameter of the wire. These little brass rings should not be more than 30 mm. or at most 40 mm., distant from each other, and to them the upper rim of the bag is sewed with very strong twine and is thus protected from wear and tear. The handle or stick of the net should be firmly and solidly attached to the ring and should be stout and not liable to break. I prefer a rather short stick, say not longer than two feet. I figure herewith the ring of a very convenient net for sweeping or beat- ing purposes. It has the advantage of being for sale on the market, and in fact is an ordinary fishing dip net of small size. Jt is hinged in three places, as shown in the figure, and folds into very small compass. When unfolded and brought together, it screws into a ferrule which may be attached to a cane or a special handle. The beating net can be successfully used at almost every season of the year. Even on warm days in winter time many specimens can be swept from the dead grass. So long as the dew is on the plants or in rainy weather no beating should be attempted, as the more delicate species are more or less spoiled by the moisture. After one or two minutes' sweep- ing the contents should be examined. Those in- sects which are quick to take wing or which are good runners should first receive attention; the less active can then be examined more at leisure. The desiderata are then disposed of, the rest thrown away, and the beating renewed. The beating net is an important instrument for collecting all insects excepting mature Lepidoptera, which are apt to get rubbed. Many larva?, especially of Lepidoptera, are caught by beating and are mostly in good condition, but it is usually difficult to ascertain the food plant. The Water Net. — The numerous insects or insect larvse which live in the water can not be conveniently collected without the use of a net, except where they live in small shallow streams or creeks with FIG. 49. — Folding ring for beatingnet (original). BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [32] gravelly or stony bottoms. A suitable water net can readily be made by using the frame of the beating net and attaching to it a rather short bag of some coarse material, e. 8. — Pinning forceps lor Li-pidoptera. them by hand. The larger " collecting forceps," sold by various dealers, do good service in certain emergencies, as when large scorpions or other very large and ferocious insects are to be secured. For the handling of mounted insects various special forceps are cm- ployed, a number of styles of which are shown at Figs. 50-8. The Brush. — A common camel's hair brush, of smaller or larger size according to individual preference, is useful for picking up very small or soft-bodied insects. For this purpose the brush is slightly moistened with saliva, and the tip brought in contact with the specimen, which BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [38] then adheres to the brush, so that it can readily and without injury be transferred to the collecting bottle or box. The brush is indispensable also for preparing- small specimens for the cabinet. If taken into the field the handle of the brush should be of a bright color, otherwise the brush is often lost. Hie Fumigator. — This is not used by American collectors, but there are several patterns sold by European dealers. It is intended to smoke out specimens that hide in otherwise in accessible places, e. g., cracks in the ground, holes in hard wood, etc. The accompanying figure and the following description of a fumigator are taken from Kieseuwetter. A common sinoking-pipe mouthpiece (Fig. 59, 0) with flexible rubber joint (It) is attached to the cover (c) of a very large smokiug-pipe head (d). To the mouth (e) of the latter a rub- ber hose (/) is attached, which has a convenient discharge at its end (g). The pipe is then filled with tobacco, and the latter ignited by means of a piece of burning tinder placed on top; the cover is then screwed on, and the smoke can be directed to any desired point by blowing air through the mouthpiece. The smoke from a com- mon pipe or cigar is often useful. In sifting in cold weather a puff of to- bacco smoke gently blown over the debris on the collecting cloth will in- duce many specimens to move, which otherwise "play possum" and could not be observed; and, further, tobacco smoke blown into holes and cracks in timber by means of an improvised funnel made of a piece of paper will be the means of secur- ing many rare specimens. The Harersn-ck. — In order that the above-mentioned instruments and the various bottles, vials, and boxes which are needed for the pres- ervation of specimens rnay most conveniently and with the least impedi- ment to the collector be carried along on excursions, a haversack is in- dispensable. This is made either of leather or, still better, of some waterproof cloth, and should contain various compartments of different sizes; one for stowing away the nets, the sieve, and the larger instru- ments, and several smaller ones for boxes and vials — the whole so ar- ranged that each desired object can readily be taken out and that nothing will drop out and get lost. The haversack is slung across the shoulders by means of a leather strap, and a (nil field outfit need not be very heavy nor seriously interfere with free bodily movements. FIG. 5ii. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [42] FIG. 62.— The Little Ketl Ant (Monomorium pharaonix). a, female b, worker enlarged. the extremely quick flight of these insects, the removing' of Hyrnen- optera from the net is not always an easy task, and in many cases rare specimens escape. One method of avoiding the danger of being stung is to have the collecting net constructed with an opening at the bottom which, during the sweeping, is tied with a string. When a sufficient quantity of insects is obtained they are, by a few quick motions, driven to the bottom of the net, and the net is then seized just above the insects with the hand, the folds of cloth preventing the insects from getting to the hand, so that there is little danger of being stimg. The lower end is then care- fully untied and in- serted into a wide- mouthed bottle, and the contents of the net shaken out into the bottle. After the catch is stupefied the vial may be turned out and the undesirable material dis- carded. A second method consists in the use of an ordinary sweeping- net of light material. A quantity of Hymenoptera are collected from flowers and driven to the bottom of the net, and secured as in the pre- ceding method. The portion of the net containing the insects is then, by means of a pair of forceps, thrust bodily into a large collecting bot- tle. After a few minutes the insects are stupefied and may be readily examined. COLLECTING COLEOPTERA. GENERAL DIRECTIONS. — Owing to their hard outer skeleton, Cole- optera can be collected, handled, and preserved with greater safety and with less trouble than most other orders of insects. From this fact, and from their very great diversity in form, Coleoptera have, next to the Lepidoptera, always been favorites. As a consequence, there are now more species described in this than in any other order, and in the large museums they are much better represented than other insects. This rich material has been studied by numerous and competent specialists, and the classification of Coleoptera is at present more advanced and more accessible than that of the other orders. This fact gives stimulus to neophytes, and thougn the literature of our North American fauna is much scattered and we are still in want of comprehensive works (with the exception of the general "Classification" by Drs. Le Conte and Horn), yet, except in a few hitherto neglected families and smaller groups, the species are fairly well worked up. [43] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. On the other hand, our knowledge of the earlier states of Coleoptera is yet very imperfect as compared with the Lepidoptera. Coleopterous larva? are, with few exceptions (notably Coccinellidse and some Chrys- omelid.cj, much more difficult to find and rear, and their distinguishing characters are more difficult to study. The few comprehensive works on Coleopterous Iarvo3 that have been published are based on rather scant material and none of them deal with the North American fauna. Coleoptera occur in all climates and in all localities. Species are known from the highest northern latitudes ever reached by man, and in the tropics they occur in an embarrassing richness of forms. They are found in the most arid desert lands, in the depths of our subterranean caves, and on our highest mountains up to the line of eternal snow. The open ocean and the open water of our Great Lakes are the only regions free from them. As a rule, the number of species gradu- ally increases from the Arctic regions toward the tropics, but it would be difficult to decide, speaking of North America, whether or not the fauna of the Middle States is poorer in the number of species than that of the Southern States ; or whether the beetles of the Atlantic slope outnumber those of the Pacific States or those of the Central region. On the Pacific slope the influence of the seasons on insect life is greater than on the Atlantic slope. While in the latter region a num- ber of species may be found the whole year round, there is, in the more arid regions of the West, an abundance of insect life during and shortly after the rainy season, with great scarcity during the dry season, ex- cept, perhaps, on the high mountains. Few persons have had a more extended experience in collecting Coleoptera than Mr. E. A. Schwarz, one of my assistants, and the following account has been prepared by him at my request and is given in extenso. WINTER COLLECTING. — There are more species of Coleoptera hibernating in the imago state* than in any other order and winter collecting is therefore most profit- able in many respects. For instance, great swampy tracts which are inaccessible in the summer season harbor an abundance of rare Coleoptera, which either can not. be found in summer time or are found at that season with the greatest difficulty. At the approach of winter, however, all or most of these species will leave the swamp and seek drier ground, where they hibernate under old leaves, under bark of trees, or in rotten stumps near the edge of the swamp. Such places will, therefore, give a rich harvest to the Coleopterist late in the fall, during warm spells in midwinter, and in very early spring. If the temperature is below the freezing point, or if the ground is frozen hard, no winter collecting should be attempted, first, on account of sanitary *There are a few species of Coleoptera known in Europe which belong to the true " winter insects, " /.(.such as appear in the imago state only during winter time, but whether or not we have such species in our own fauna has not yet been ascer- tained. a b FIG. 63.— A Ground-beetle (Calo- soina calidum). a, larva; b, adult. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [44J considerations, and also because the Coleoptera then retreat more deeply into the ground and can not be found so easily as when the ground is free from frost. Other good collecting places in winter are the accumulated old leaves along the edges of forests or under the shrubbery along water courses, thick layers of moss, and the loose bark of dead or dying trees, and, finally, also under the bark of certain living trees, e. g. Pines, Sycamore, Shellbark Hickory. Digging in the ground at the base of large trees or rocks also yields good returns. The only instruments necessary for winter collecting are the sieve, the chisel, and the trowel. SJ-KIXG COLLECTING. — With the first days of spring, collecting becomes a little more varied. The methods used for winter collecting can still be continued with good success. Certain spring flowers, notably Willow blossoms, will furnish many valu- able species, which are not seen again during the rest of the season. Hyrmecophilous and Termitophilous species. — The early spring is also the best time for collecting the Myrmecophilous and Termitophilous Coleoptera. Termitophilous species have in North America hitherto been found only in connection with the White- ants ( Ternit'n tin ripex), and the inquilinous beetles are found running among the White- ants in the colonies under stones, loose bark of trees, and more numer- ously in the interior of old infested trees. Myrmeeophilous Coleoptera are by far more numerous in species than the Termitophilous species and are found among many species of ants which have their nests either under stones or loose bark of trees, in stumps or logs, or which con- struct larger or smaller hills. Upon uncovering a colony of ants under a stone, the underside of the latter as well as the galleries of the ants in the ground should be carefully examined for inquilines, which from their greater or slighter resem- blance to the ants are liable to be overlooked by an inexperienced col- lector. If such colony of ants har- bors a rare beetle the subterranean part of the colony itself should be dug out and sifted, but since from the stony nature of the ground this is not always practicable it is to be recommended to carefully replace the stone under which the colony has been found. Upon revisiting the spot again the next day or even a few hours after the first visit additional specimens of the inquilines are usually to be obtained on the stone or in the superficial galleries of the ants. Ant colonies in hollow trees and in rotten logs should be sifted and there is no particular difficulty connected with this operation. Owing to the pugnacious character of tlie hill-constructing ants it would seem to be a rather unpleasant task to examine a strong and vigorous colony for inquilinous beetles, but the collector must not mind being bitten and stung by the infuriated ants, and after a little experience he will find that it is not such a difficult thing after all to attack even the largest ant-hill. The only thorough way of investigating such ant-hills is to sieve the same, which can be easily done if the hill is composed of sticks and other vegetable debris. If it is built of earth or sand the process of sifting is more difficult and tedious. Another method of securing specimens of these inquiliuous beetles is to place Hat stones or similar objects on the surface of the ant-hill and to examine them occasionally, when The beetles will he found on the underside of the traps. Spring Flir/lits of Coleoptera.— On the first really warm days of spring commences the "swarming'' season of Coleoptera, when all winged species are Hying about, FIG. 64.— A Lamellicorn (Pelidnota punctata). a, larva; 1>, i>ui>a; c, beetle; d, e, f, enlarged parts. [45] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. especially toward evening. On favorable days the number of specimens aud species that can thus be found is astonishingly great, and this is one of the few occasions when the Coleopterist can advantageously use a light butterfly net. The flvino- beetles preferably alight and rest on the top of wooden fences (especially newly made ones), on the railings of bridges, etc., where they can be easily seen and secured, or they are attracted in great numbers by the white-painted surface of buildings. This 'lying season lasts in the latitude of Washington from the end of April to the middle of June, but favorable days are not of frequent occurrence, since a peculiar combination of atmospheric conditions appears to be necessary to induce the Coleoptera to fly about in great numbers. Beach collecting. — Along the shores of the ocean. and the Great Lakes untold numbers of Coleoptera and other insects fall at this season into the water, and, if the tides, the currents, and the winds be favorable, they are washed ashore by the waves on the sandy beaches, where they often form windrows several inches in height and width. If the collector is happy enough to be at the right place on the right day he has then the opportunity to pick up hundreds of rare species within a very short time and without any trouble. Many of the specimens thus washed ashore are dead and decayed, but the majority are alive and in excellent condition. This "beach collecting" affords also an excellent opportunity for the Hymenopterist and Hemip- terist to secure large numbers of rare species, but favorable days are also here of rare occurrence. Altntrting by Lights.— On the beaches, day and night flying insects can thus be cap- tured. Away from the beach night-flying Coleoptera can best be collected at the electric lights of our cities; but, as in the Lepidoptera, not all night-flying species are attracted by the light. Gas and other lights also attract Coleoptera, and the various "light traps" that have been devised and described can advantageously be used for collecting these insects. Traps.— The method of " sugaring," so important to the Lepidopterist, is by far less favorable for collecting Coleoptera. Still, certain rare Carabidse, Elateridae, and Cerambycidse are attracted by this bait, and the Coleopterist should not entirely ignore this mode of collecting. There are a few other methods of trapping certain Coleoptera. By laying out dead mammals, birds, fishes, snakes, etc., on suitable places and so that they are protected from dogs, rats, etc., the carrion- feeding Coleoptera can be found in great abundance, but a cleaner and less disagreeable method of obtaining them is to bury in the ground tin cans or glass jars so that the top is even with the surrounding ground and to bait them with pieces of meat, fried fish, boiled eggs, etc. Many Curculionidie, Scolytida?, and numerous other wood-inhabiting species can be successfully trapped iu the following way : A number of branches, preferably of only one kind of tree, are cut and tied up into bundles of con- venient size. The bundles are then laid on the ground in a shady place or firmly fastened on trunks of trees. When the cut branches begin to get dry they will attract many of these Coleoptera, which can then be readily collected by shaking the bundles out over the collecting cloth. Frexhrix. — Freshets usually take place in springtime in most of our rivers and creeks, and furnish the means of obtaining a mul- titude of Coleoptera, among which there will be many species which can not, or only accidentally, be found otherwise. These freshets, sweeping over the low banks or inundating wide stretches of low laud, carry with them all insects that have been caught by the inundation. Intermingled with, and usually clinging to, the various floating debris, these insects are eventually washed ashore by the current at various points and the Coleopterist should not miss this rare opportunity, but go out to the FIG. 65.— An Elaterid (Pyrophorus noctilu- , and a multitude of species of other families. Stones on very dry ground are productive, only early in spring or in the fall, Avhile those on moist ground, in the shade of woods, are good at all seasons. In the Alpine regions of our mountainous districts, espe- cially above the timber line, collecting under stones becomes the most important method, and is especially favorable along the edges of snow fields. In often fre- quented localities the collector should carefully replace the stones, especially those under which he has found rare specimens. The neglect of this rule is one of the principal causes for certain rare species having become extinct in the vicinity of our cities. CoUt-clliKj in rotten Stumps and Logs. — Success in collecting in rotten stumps depends much upon the more or less advanced stage of decay as well as upon the situation [47] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. of the log and upon the particular kind of wood. If the decay is very much ad- vanced neither the loose bark nor the interior of the log will harbor many Coleop- tera excepting a multitude of Passalus cornutus and its larva?. If the decay is less advanced, but if such log is exposed to the scorching rays of the sun, it will be far less productive than a log in a shady situation. The investigation of the bark of a favorably situated log in the right stage of decay does not need any special instruc- tion, but the decayed wood itself should be pried off with a chisel or trowel, put in the seive and sifted oil the collecting cloth. This is the best way of obtaining the numerous species of rare Micro-coleoptera of various families that inhabit such places. A " red rotten " oak or beech log is more favorable for this mode of col- lecting than a " white rotten" of the same or other kinds of trees. Collecting in dying or dead Trees. — Dying or dead trees almost always harbor a large number of Coleoptera and offer an excellent collecting opportunity until the wood becomes thoroughly dry, which usually takes place in large trees two or three years after the death of the tree, and in less time with smaller ones. The bark of such trees is the best collecting place for Cucujidre, Colydiidse, Scolytidie, Histerida?, etc., and it will be found that the shady side of the tree is more profitable than the side exposed to the sun. The numerous Buprestidae, Elateridse, Ptinidse, Cerauibycidae, Melaudryida?, etc., which breed in the wood can be obtained only with difficulty. Some specimens may be cut out from their holes by a skillful use of the knife or hatchet; others (especially the Buprestidae) may be found resting on or crawling over the trunk in the bright sunshine, while the more nocturnal species may be found on the tree toward evening or after dark, when, of course, a lantern must be used. A large proportion of the species living in the trunks of dead trees also breed in the dead branches of otherwise healthy trees from which they can be beaten into the umbrella, or where the use of the knife is more practicable than in the large trunks. The trunks of freshly felled trees attract numbers of Cerambycida? and Buprestidse and have to be carefully looked over, while the drying foliage of such trees affords an excellent opportunity for the use of the umbrella. Seating liring Trees, Shrubs, and Fines. — The success of beating into the um- brella branches of living trees and shrubs depends on the particular kind of tree or shrub, on the condition and situation of these, and largely also upon the season. Pine trees are very productive from early in the spring to early in the summer, but much less so in midsummer and later on. Young Oak trees or Oak shrubs are much more preferred by the leaf-eating Coleoptera peculiar to this tree than the older trees. The Beech, which, next to the Oak, is the best tree for wood-boring species, harbors but few leaf-eating species. The leaves of the Chestnut are also generally not attacked by Coleoptera; still a surprising number of species can be beaten from this tree when it is in blossom. There is not a single species of Coleoptera known to live in the wood or to feed on the leaves of the Holly (Ilex glabra) ; still it will pay the Coleopterist to beat this tree when it is in bloom. Trees, shrubs, and vines in the interior of unbroken forest districts are, as a rule, unproductive, Avhile the edges of the woods, narrow strips of hedges, and especially solitary trees are excellent collecting places. In the Rocky Mountains, especially in the more southern sec- tions, long stretches of mountain slopes are occasionally perfectly bare of vegetation with the exception of a few solitary, sickly-looking, and dwarfed trees, but every oue of these is a veritable gold mine to the Coleopterist with his umbrella. Sweeping. — The use of the beating net continues profitable from spring till fall, a different set of species appearing with each season. Low and swampy meadows, meadows on the slopes of mountains or surrounded by woods, low underbrush, and herbage in smaller patches of woods are very good beating grounds. Dry and sandy meadows are less productive, but harbor usually a different set of species on account of the difference in the flora. Pastures and meadows much frequented by cattle and horses are much less productive, and where a large number of sheep are kept there is usually no chance for using the beating net, since neither grass nor specimens are BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [48] left. The lawns in our parks and gardens are usually poor collecting ground on account of the limited variety of plants in such places; but the few species found there occur in enormous number of specimens. The endless stretches of our western prairies swarm at the right season (in June) with. numerous Coleoptera (mostly Ma- fia. 07. — A Dermestid (Anthi't'ttnn sorophulance) . a, larva, dorsal view; b, larva, vt-utral vicw;c, pupa ; (I, adult — all enlarged. lachiida*. C'hrysomelid;e, Mordellidae, Curculionidae, etc.), provided prairie fires have, not swept too frequently over the place. Fires and cattle produce a remarkable change in the flora and fauna of the prairies; many indigenous species disappear or become scarce and are replaced by a much smaller number of imported species. Sweeping may commence in the forenoon as soon as the dew has disappeared; it is less profitable in the heat of the midday, but produces the best results late in the afternoon and more especially in the short interval from just before sunset until dark. At this time many rare Pselaphidse and Scydmaenidse, species of the genera Colon, and Anisotoma, and other small Silphida^ can be beaten from the tips of grasses, all being species which can not, or only accidentally, be found during daytime, wheu they hide between the roots of plants. CoJlecting on mud atid t/nn-el Banks. — The mud or gravel banks of rivers, creeks, and stagnant bodies of water are inhabited, especially early in summer, with an astonish- ing multitude of Coleoptera. Countless specimens of smaller Carabidai (Dyschirin*. Clirina, Bembidium, Tachyx, etc.) and Staphylinidre (Tachynxa, PhilontliHs, Aclobiits, Stt'nux, Lathrobiiitn, Ti-oyopldwus and many other genera) will be seen actively run- ning over the mud or sand ; many other specimens are hiding under the pebbles in company with other species (Cryptohypiius, Geonjssus, etc.) or in little subterranean galleries (DyacJnrius, Bledius, Heterocerns). All these beetles must be collected hy picking them up with the fingers, an operation which, owing to the activity of the specimens, requires some little practice. The beginner will at first crush or other- wise injure many of the delicate specimens, the capture of which is moreover by no means facilitated by the rapidity with which most of them are able to take wing. The collector must necessarily kneel down and he must not mind getting covered with mud. A good device for driving these species out of their galleries or from their hiding places under stones or in cracks of the ground is to pour water over the banks, and this can in most cases be done with the hand. Larger stones and pieces of wood or bark lying on the bank are favorite hiding places of certain larger Carabidse (Xebria, Chlcenius, Plaiynus, etc.), and should of course be turned over. Finally, the moss growing on rocks and logs close to the water's edge, and in which, besides other beetles, some rare Staphylinidse and the Byrrhid genus LinuiicJius can be found, should be scraped off and investigated on the collecting cloth or on the sur- face of a flat rock, if such be conveniently at hand. [49] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. FIG. 68.— A Tiger Beetle (Cicindela limbata), drawn by Miss Sullivan— enlarged. Collecting aquatic Beetles. — The fishing for water beetles in deeper water by means of the water net has already been alluded to (p. [32]), but many species live in shallow brooks with stony or gravelly bottom, where the water net can not be used. The Dytiscida? audHydrophilid;e living in such places usually hide under stones, and can in most cases be easily picked up with the hand, or a little tin dipper or a spoon will be found convenient for catching them. The species of the family Parnida? are found on the underside of rough stones or logs which are either partially or entirely submerged. They are more numerous, however, in the moss or among the roots of other plants that grow in the water. Such plants have to be pulled out and examined over the collecting cloth. Collecting at the Seashore and on sandy Places. — A large number of species belonging to various families live exclu- sively in the vicinity of the ocean, some on the open beach, others along the inlets, bayous, or salt marshes, and still others on the dry sand dunes. The Cicindehe are actively running or flying about close to the water's edge and have to be captured with the butterfly net. The remaining maritime species live hidden under the seaweed and other debris cast up by the waves, or in the sand (sometimes quite deep below the surface) beneath the de"- bris or between the roots of the plants growing on the dunes. The majority of the maritime species do not ap- pear before June (in the Middle States), but the collecting remains good until September. In dry sandy places away from the seashore, the collect- ing at the roots of plants is especially to be recommended, and the plants, and more especially the bunches of coarse grasses usually growing in such places, should be pulled up and shaken out over the collecting cloth. This mode of collecting acquires a great im- portance in the arid regions of the West and Southwest, where, in the warm sea- sou, nearly all Coleoptera are hiding dur- ing da\ time in the ground at the roots of plants. Collecting Dung-beetles. — The collecting of the numerous species (Hydropliilidw, Stfipltylinida1!, Hhterlda; Xcaraba'ida.', etc.) which live in the droppings of various animals is by no means an agreeable task. The collector shoul 1 provide himself with a pointed stick and collecting tweezers, and must manage to pick up the speci- mens as best he can. The larger speci- mens are best collected in alcohol, while the more delicate species can be collected in a cleaner condition by removing the droppings and sifting the ground beneath the same. Some species hide deep in the ground beneath the droppings and have to be dug out. Summer freshets, when pasture lauds are inundated, offer an excellent opportunity for collecting the dung- inhabiting species in a clean condition. 1>564 4 FIG. 69.— The Beaver Parasite (Platypsyllus can toris), adult — greatly enlarged. r.ru.KTix 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [50] Xit/ht Collecting. — The beating of trees and shrubs after dark is a good method of obtaining Lachnosternas and other species, and here the collector \vill do well to secure the assistance of a companion, who takes charge of the lantern and the col- lecting bottles, while the collector himself works the umbrella. FALL COLLECTING. — From the first of August the number of species gradually diminishes, but late in. the summer or early in fall quite a number of other .species make their appearance, c. ;/.. some ( 'hrysomelid.jp, Cerambycid;e, and many Meloidae. Many of these frequent the blossoms of < iolden-rods, umbelliferous and other late- flowering plants. The fall is also i he l>csi season for collecting < 'oleoptera living in fungi. Although puff-balls, toadstools, and the numerous fungi and moulds growing on old trees, etc., furnish many species of Coleoptera also earlier in the season, yet most fungi, and more especially the toadstools, flourish best iu the fall, and conse- quently there is then the greatest abundance of certain species of ( 'oleoptera. Decay- ing toadstools are especially rich, and should be sifted, and the collector should also not omit to examine the soil beneath them. During the "Indian summer" there is usually a repetition, of the "spring flight" of Coleoptera, though on a smaller scale, and collecting on the tops of fence posts and on whitewashed walls again becomes good. The first really sharp frost causes these late species to disappear, and winter collecting commences again. COLLECTING LEPIDOPTERA. In tliis order the importance of collecting- the early states and of rear- ing the adult insects rather than of catching the latter should, if the collector has the advancement of knowledge and the greatest pleasure in mind, be insisted upon. Collected speci- mens, in the majority of cases, will be more or less nibbed or damaged and un- fit for permanent keeping, and will al- ways be far inferior to freshly reared specimens. All Lepidopterists, there- fore, rely to a great extent upon breed- ing rather than upon field collecting. There are, however, many speeies of which the early states are still unknown, and these can only betaken by field col- lecting, and by attracting to various lights or traps. This subject, therefore. naturally falls into two categories — (1) the general collecting of the adult, and (2) collecting the early stages and rearing the perfect insects. Collecting the Adult . — The implements for the general collecting of butterflies comprise the collecting net, and in some cases the beating net, although the use of the latter will not often be called for. The Khopalocera or Diurnals may be taken about flowers, and the best season is in the early spring. Most of them are double-brooded, and the second brood will be in the greatest abundance during .Jnlv and August. They are, however, to be 'found throughout the summer. They are also to be looked for in the neighborhood of the food-plants of their larva', and in the case of many species, examination of such plants 7> a FIG. 70.— The Eight-spotted Forester (Alypia octomaculata) . a, larva; b, en. larged segment of same; c, moth. [51] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS KILEY. FIG. 71. — Collecting Pill-box. a, glass bottom (original). affords the most satisfactory meaiis of collecting. The food of butterflies is almost exclusively the nectar of flowers, but strangely enough they are also attracted to decaying animal matter, and many species, includ- ing rare forms, may be taken about decaying animal matter or resting on spots where dead animals have lain, or beneath which they have been buried. Moist spots of earth are also frequented by them, especially in dry seasons. Many of the larger butterflies, whose larvae feed on the taller shrubs and the foliage of trees, will be found fluttering about the open spaces in forests, but by far the larger number, as the Browns, the Blues, the Yellows, and the Whites, which develop on the lower herbaceous and succulent plants, will be found flying over fields, prairies, and gardens. Crepuscular and nocturnal Lepi- doptera, comprising most of the Heterocera, the Sphingida1, Bombycids, itfoctuids, etc., have different habits. The Sphingidai or Hawk Moths fly in early evening, and may be collected in quantity about such plants as the Honeysuckle, Thistle, Verbena, Petunia, etc. The Bombycids and many Xoctuids also fly in the early evening, but mostly at night. The former, however, do not frequent flowers, except such as are the food-plants of their larva1, as their mouthparts are rudimentary, and they take no nourishment. Collecting by the aid of strong light is a favorite means for moths as well as other insects, and nowadays the electric lights in all large cities furnish the best collecting places, and hundreds of species may be taken in almost any desired quantity. In wo< >< 1 s or in other situations they may be attracted to a lantern or to a light placed in an open window. Various traps have been devised, which comprise a lamp with ap- paratus for retaining and stupe- fying the insects attracted to the light. The common form is made by providing a lantern with a strong reflector. Under the light a fun- nel several inches larger than the lantern reaches down into a box or bottle containing the fumes of chloroform, ether, or benzine. Mr. Jerome Mc^eill describes at length and figures in the American Naturalist, Vol. xxin, p. 268-L'TO, an insect trap to be used in connection with electric lights. It consists of a tin pail or can charged with cya- nide after the manner of a collecting bottle, which is attached beneath the globe of the electric light. FIG. 72.— Method of holding and manipulating col lectiug pill-box in capturing (original). BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM [52] The insects attracted by the light strike against a vertical tin screen fixed above the can and fall into a tin funnel the small end of which enters and closes the month of the can, and they are thus conducted into the last. A support or post in the center of the can bears a hollow tin cone, the apex of which is pierced with a number of small holes to admit light, and enters and partly closes the lower end of the funnel. The entire interior of the can is painted black and the chief light comes through- the holes in the apex of the interior cone. The entrapped in- sects endeavor to escape by crawling up the central post towards the light coming through the small holes in the end of the cone rather than by the entrance slit about the latter and fall back repeatedly until over- come by the cyanide. Many of the Lepidoptera will be ruined by the beetles and other in- sects or by their own ineffectual attempts to escape, but Coleoptera, Hymenoptera. Neuroptera, and Hemiptera are secured in satisfactory condition. • Many of the devices are very complicated and can not be described in this connection. The nocturnal species, also, fly into our houses, and this is especially the case in the country, and an open window, with a strong light reflected onto a table covered with either a white paper or a white cloth will keep one busy, on favorable nights, in properly taking care of the specimens thus attracted. Another favorite method of collecting moths early in the evening, or as 'ate as or later than midnight, is by sugaring. This consists in smear- ing a mixture of sugar and vinegar, or some similar compound, on the bark of trees or on the boards of fences', and visiting the spot from time to time to collect the moths attracted to the bait. It has been found that the use of beer or some other alcoholic liquor, as rum or brandy, with the sugar or molasses water, greatly adds to its efficiency in attracting the moths. This method of collecting moths will be found especially efficient on warm, moist, cloudy nights. The collector should be provided with a dark lantern and a good net, and a number of wide- mouthed cyanide collecting bottles. The smearing should be done just before dark, and I have always found that better success attends this method of collecting when two are engaged in it — one to hold a bull's eye lantern while the other bottles the specimens. Experience will soon teach the surest way of approaching and capturing the specimens. For collecting Microlepidoptera, in addition to the ordinary net, some special apparatus will be found very essential. Lord Wai sing-ham makes use of a special glass-bottomed pill-box, with which to capture specimens, and the satisfactory nature of the work done with this box, and the dexterity acquired by practice with it, I can vouch for by per- sonal experience. These glass pill-boxes are useful, also, in admitting of the examination of specimens, so that worthless or common species can be discarded and only desired Forms kept. The method of holding these boxes is illustrated in the accompanying illustrations. (Figs. [53] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. FIG. 73. — Same, showing method of closing pill-box after the specimen is secured (original). 72, 73.) A drop of chloroform on the bottom of the box at once stupe- fies the capture so that it can be taken out and otherwiise dsposed of. The necessity of rearing to obtain perfect specimens is even more important in the case of the Microlepidoptera than with the larger forms, and many species are very easily reared and can thus be obtained in quantity. The Micros are abundant from early spring to late fall about shrubbery, in open fields, and along the edges of woods. They are, for the most part, day fliers, being on the wing chiefly in the latter part of the day and early evening. As soon as collected they should be transferred to pill-boxes and the greatest care should be exercised to avoid mutilating them, as the slightest touch will denude them of a portion of their scales or break their limbs or antennae Lord Walsiug- ham thus gives his experience in collecting Micros: I go out with a coat provided with large pockets inside and out, containing an •assortment of pill-boxes, generally of three sizes, glass-bottomed pill-boxes preferred, a bag slung over my shoulder, and a net. Unless searching for particular day-flying species, I prefer the last three hours before dark. As the sun goes down many species move which do not stir at other times. I watch the tops of the grass, the stems of the flowers, the twigs of the trees ; I disturb leaves and low-growing plants with a short switch and secure each little moth that moves., taking each out of the net in a separate pill-box, selected according to the size of the insect, as he runs up the net to escape. Transferring the full boxes to the bag I continue the process until moths cease flying or night sets in. Many species can be taken with a lamp after dark. Collecting the early States. — The careful entomologist who prides him- self on the appearance of his specimens, will, as stated above, rely largely on collecting the earl/ states and on rearing the insects, for his material. The Macrolepidoptera have either a single or two broods, or more, in a season, and the collection of the early states will be greatly facilitated if a knowledge of the insect's life-habits is first obtained. The eggs are often found on the food plants of the species, and where they are deposited in masses they afford a very easy method of getting the larva? in numbers. In many cases, however, the eggs are deposited singly and their discovery then becomes a difficult matter. More satisfactory in some respects is the method of obtaining the eggs from captured gravid females, and the general collector should always be on the lookout for females of rare species from which he may be able to obtain eggs. A single battered female may, in this way, be the source of large numbers of excellent reared specimens. Many rare Lepi- dopterous larva? may be obtained by the use of the beating net and by BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [54] beating foliage over an umbrella. A very satisfactory method consists in collecting pupae, which may frequently be found in numbers about the bases of the trees on which the larvae feed. Many larvae of the large family of Owlet Moths (Xocfni] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. the most part stationary, being fixed to the plant by the protecting, waxy, excretion or scale, The Flea-lice (PsylUdcv) frequently produce galls, and these should always be collected with the insect architects. Some species do not pro- duce galls, and may be col- lected by sweeping. The Hackberry is infested by / \ large numbers of species of 1 's vllids, and these produce a great variety of interest- ing galls. The Aleurodida^ (Fringe-scales) are delicate insects, and easily injured in the taking; they are therefore best reared from their stationary and fringed larvae and pup*, which oc- cur on the leaves of many plants. Leaves bearing the latter should also be collected and pinned or preserved in alcohol. The Parasita, the FlG- 7fi-Tlie Bea'bu« ^canthia adult— enlarged. a, young; Fie;. 77.— The Short-nosed Ox-louse (Htfinatopiniis eurytsternux). a, female; b, rostrum; c, ventral surface, last segments of male; d, female; e, egg; /, surface of egg greatly enlarged. lowest representatives of the order, may be obtained from the domestic and wild animals which they infest. COLLECTING DIPTERA. Most Diptera frequent flowers and may be collected with a sweeping net without much difficulty. The best season is from April to June, and the bloom of the Willow, Alder, Plum, Cherry, Dogwood, Black berry, etc., will ordinarily yield a bountiful supply of specimens and species. Parasitic and saprophytic forms may also readily be obtained by breeding, the former as in the case of the parasitic Hymenoptera, and the latter from decaying vegetable matter and fungi. The IHptera BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [f)G] require the most delicate treatment, and the greatest care must be exercised both iu collecting and handling. A light sweep net is the best implement for collecting and the contents of the net should frequently be emptied into bottles provided with blotting paper to absorb the excess of moisture. Very small Diptera should not be killed when they can not be imme- diately pinned, and hairy flies should never be taken from the net with thehand, but should be handled with fine forceps. A pair of special collecting shears has been used by Lord Walsingham very successfully. It is repre- sented in the accompanying figure, and consists of a pair of screen-covered disks, between which the fly is caught. The insect is at once pinned through the screen and may be removed and transferred to a box containing a sponge soaked in chloroform. Tin- use of this implement is especially advisable in the case of the Bee-flies and other hairy forms which are liable to be rubbed when FIG. 78.— Ox Bot-fly (Hypoderma bovis) enlarged. (After Brauer.) FIG. 79.— The Collecting Shears. (After Kiesen- wetter.) FIG. SO. — A Bee-fly (Anthrax hypotnelas). a, larva from sitle; b, pupal skin protruding from cut worm chrysalis; c, pupa ; (7, imago — all enlarged). collected in the ordinary net. The- (Jail-making Diptera (C<-culonniid(v) are of little value unless accompanied with their galls, and the aim should always be to collect the galls and rear the insects rather than the keeping of specimens taken in the course of general collecting with a sweep net. The rearing of Cecidomyidse is, however, a delicate task, and requires considerable experience. Some knowledge of the habits [57] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY- of the species is very essential to success. From immature galls no rearings need, be expected. A good plan is to examine the galls from time to time and collect them when it is found that the larvad are beginning to abandon them. In the case of species like the common Cone G ali- gn at of the Willow, the larvre of which do not leave the gall to undergo transformation in the earth, it is advisable not to gather the galls until the transformation to the pupa state takes place, which, in this species, occurs in early FIG. si.— A spring. The various leaf-mining and seed inhabiting species can be treated as in the case of the Microlepidoptera. COLLECTING ORTHOPTERA. The insects of this order may all be collected by the use of the sweep- ing net. Some of the families are attracted to light, as certain of the roaches and green locusts, or Katydids (Locuntidtr). Our common roaches (Blattida-) are cosmopolitan insects, and infest dwellings. Certain species are also found about ponds, under rotten logs, the bark of trees, and particularly in decaying vegetable matter. In the tropics the species are very abundant, but aside from the domestic forms, they occur rarely in northern latitudes. The collection of the egg-cases (ootheca) is important as they furnish many interesting characters. The Mantidae, of which the Preying Mantis fPhasmomantis curolinu) is FIG. 82.— A bliiid Cricket (Hadenalcwt) from Mammoth Cave. (From Packard.) a type, are sluggish, carnivorous insects frequently found about houses and may best be collected by general sweeping of vegetation. The Phasniidre or Walking sticks are herbivorous and may be collected in the m'dst of vegetation by sweeping or by the hand. The crickets (Gnjl- lid(c) frequent, for the most part, moist situations. Certain forms, like the Mole-cricket and the Jumping Water-crickets (Tryddctylttx spp.), burrow in moist soil and occur in numbers near the edges of ponds and water courses. The katydids and locusts are abundant on low shrubs or trees and in pasture and meadow land, but are most numerous in the somewhat dry, arid regions of the West. Most of these insects BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [58] mature in late summer and fall and should be collected at this season. The Forficulidw or Earwigs are very odd-looking insects, resembling somewhat the Rove-beetles (titdphilinidce), and are provided with a prominent anal forceps. They are very rare in the 1'nited States, are nocturnal in habit; and, flying about at dusk, may be attracted to light or may be secured by sweeping after nightfall. They feed on flowers and fruit. COLLECTING NEUROPTERA. As indicated in the preliminary outline of classification, this large order has been divided into many orders by later entomologists. It has also been divided, as indicated, into two grand divisions, the Pseudo- ueuroptera, comprising those insects with incomplete transformations, and the Neuroptera proper, comprising those insects whose metamor- phoses are complete. It will be convenient to discuss these insects under these two heads. Pseudoneuroptera. — Spring- tails, Bird-lice, Stone-flies, White-ants, Dragon-flies, May-flies. The Spring-tails, Fish-moths, etc., representing the primitive stock from which the higher forms have de- veloped, have a varied habit and hence are to be found in divers situations. The Spring- tails (CoUetnbola, etc.), occur in damp and moist places, usually in immense num- bers. The Fish-moths and Book-mites are common household pests, but also occur outdoors under logs, boards, bricks, and rubbish of all sorts. In houses they feed on the starch paste be- neath wall-paper and also on the starch in bookbind- ings and other domestic articles. They may be col- lected at all seasons and a sieve is the only implement necessary. The Bird-lice or Mallophaga may be collected at all seasons on birds and mammals. A number of species infest domestic animals, horses, cattle, etc., but the majority of them can be found only by the examination of domestic fowls and wild birds. The Stone-flies ('Perl idee) are found in the neigh borhood of water courses and ponds, are very sluggish in flight, and easily captured with the sweep-net. They are also attracted to light. The Psocidie are a small family of certain degraded wingless forms, comprising the Book-lice, which, as the name implies, infest books, feed ing on the starch of the binding. Others have ample wings and closely resemble "large Aphides. They occur on the trunks of trees and on foliage, and feed on lichens and other dried vegetable matter. They are gregarious in habit and frequently occur in immense numbers together. In the case of the Termitida- or White ants, their abundance FlG. 83. A tail (Deyeeria lanuginota) . FIG. 84.— A Malloph agan (Trichodectes latits). (After Denny.; [59] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS KILEY. renders their collection an easy matter. Effort, however, should be made to discover the different forms, the females and soldiers as well as the workers. The former may be found in rot- ten tree trunks, but are very rarely met with. In the tropics many species occur and construct curious nests, either attaching them to the boughs of trees or building1 them in the form of pyramids on the ground. The Dragon-flies (Li- bellulitla'j) are collected in the same way as the Diurnal Lepidoptera. They are very swift flyers, and are practically always on the wing. Their collection requires some degree of skill in the use of the net. A good method consists in visiting, in the early morning, water courses in which the larval and pupal states are passed, and capturing the adults just as they issue from their pupal skins at the edges of the pond or stream. In cold weather they are less active and may frequently be found clinging to trees and plants, particularly in the vicinity of their breeding places. May-flies (Ephemeridce) occur in immense n u m b e r s near their b r e e d i 11 g places in ponds and streams and Fin. 86.— A c? Dragon-fly (Libellula). Packard.) (From FIG. 85.— b, a May-fly (I'aUnge- nia bilneata); c, its larva; a, a Caddis-fly (Macronema zebra- turn). are also attracted in large quantities to electric lights. Their collection is therefore an easy matter, but on account of the very fragile nature of these insects the utmost care must be employed in handling them. The early states of all the aquatic forms mentioned above may be obtained for breeding by the use of the dip net by dragging it forcibly against water plants. Neuroptera proper (Hellgrammites, Lace-wings, Ant-lions, Caddis-flies, etc.) — Among the larg- est insects of this order are the Sialida', which in- cludes the enormous Hellgrammite Fly, Ctn-ydalux cornuttts. The larva? of this insect are carnivorous and occur in streams, under stones, etc. The adults may be collected in neighboring situations and are also attracted to light. The Lace-wing flies (Chrysopa), Ant-lions, etc., are carnivorous as larva?, and occur, the former among the Aphides which infest various plants and the latter FIG. 87.— A (Agrion). aril.) D r a g o u - tt y (From Pack- BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [CO] at the bottom of pits in loose, sandy soil. The adults may be obtained by general sweeping and are also attracted to light. The most inter- esting insects of this or- der are the Caddis-flies, on account of the pecu- liar and frequently very beautiful cases con- structed by their larva-, which it is important to collect. The Caddis-flies breed in ponds and lakes and the adults may be c< >1- FIG. 88. — An Ant-lion, adult (Myrmeleon). (From Packard, i lected in such situations or at light. The larva- may easily be reared, and should be collected for this purpose. Most of the insect s named in this order are extremely delicate and require great care in handling. KILLING AND PBKSEKVING INSECTS. Between the collecting of the specimens and their final disposition in a well-arranged cabinet, a good deal of mechanical work is necessary, involving a skill and dexterity which can be thoroughly acquired only by practice. FIRST PRESERVATION OF LIVING SPECIMENS. — Larvae, pupa-, or imagoes, intended for rearing purposes, must be kept alive, and are best placed, after capture, in tin boxes of various sizes, according to the num- ber of specimens to be put in each and according to the size or nature of the food plant, etc., on or in which the specimens are found, and of which a quantity must always be taken home. For larger tin boxes those known as " Seidlit/ powder boxes," described and figured below, which can be made to order at any tinner's shop, are well adapted, and smaller tin boxes of a convenient round form can be obtained of the watchmaker. The collector will find it advisable to take with him on his longer jaunts a larger tin collecting box as well as the smaller boxes, and for this purpose nothing is better than a good botanist's collecting can or vasculum. All tin boxes used for entomological purposes should be tight, and the cover should so fit that it neither drops oft' too readily nor closes too tightly. Larva? of Lepidoptera and Tenthredinida- si ion Id be placed in a box with a quantity of the leaves of the plant on which they were found. Larvae, especially of Coleoptera, found in the earth or in decayed wood, should be placed in a box filled with such earth or wood, so as to prevent shaking or rattling about. Larva1 found in roots or steins of living plants can generally be reared to maturity only it' the whole plant with a quantity of the surrounding soil is taken home, and tor this purpose the large collecting box, just mentioned, is very useful. Most Coleopterous or other larva; found under bark or in solid wood can be reared only it' large sections of the wood are obtained [61] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. and the larva* are full grown or nearly so. This holds true, also, of spe- cies breeding in seeds and with most leaf-mining species. The greatest difficulty is experienced with carnivorous Coleopterous larvae, and care should be taken with such not to inclose two or more specimens in one box. Most larvae die quickly if placed in an empty box, and this is especially true of predaceous species ; so that it is always advisable to pack the box with moist soil, decaying wood, leaves or other similar substance. Aquatic larvae should be carried in tin boxes filled with wet moss or some water plant, for, if placed in corked vials with water, they die quickly. KILLING SPECIMENS. — Specimens not intended for rearing should be killed immediately after capture unless for each specimen a separate vial or box can be provided. If a number of miscellaneous insects are put in the same vial the stronger specimens will, in a short time, crush or otherwise injure the more delicate ones or the predaceous species will devour any others they can master. But even where the specimens are killed immediately the following rule should be observed: Do not put large and small specimens in the same vial, but provide a larger bottle for the larger specimens, and one, or still better, several, smaller vials for the medium-sized and very small specimens. The importance of this rule is recognized by all experienced collectors. There are several methods of killing insects, each having its own peculiar advantages and drawbacks. Alcohol. — The use of alcohol will, on the whole, prove the most satis- factory method of killing Coleoptera, many Hemiptera, some Neurop- tera, and larva1 of all sorts. Only the best quality of alcohol should be used, but it should be diluted with from 30 to 40 per cent of pure water, the greatest care being taken to keep the alcohol as clean as possible. During the collecting a mass of debris and dirt is apt to be thrown into the bottle, and when this is the case the alcohol should be changed even during short excursions. At any rate, upon the return from the excursion, the specimens should be at once taken from the bottle and washed in pure alcohol in a shallow vessel. The larva? and other material intended for permanent preservation in alcohol should be transferred to suitable vials and the material to be mounted cleansed with chloroform or acetic ether and then prepared for the cabinet. If it is inconvenient or impossible to mount the Coleoptera, etc., soon after the return from the excursion they should be washed, dried, and placed in pill boxes between layers of soft paper, or they may be replaced in a vial with pure alcohol. On longer collecting trips, lasting several days or weeks, specimens Avill keep thus very well, pro- vided they are not shaken up, and this can be prevented by filling the empty space in the vial with cotton or soft paper. If the bottle is a large one and contains many large specimens the alcohol should be renewed three or four times at intervals of eight or ten days; other- wise the specimens are liable to decompose. Small and delicate speci- BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [62] mens, if they are to be kept in alcohol, should be treated with still greater care. Upon the return from the excursion they should also !>r cleaned in pure alcohol and placed in small vials into which a very few drops of alcohol, just sufficient to keep the contents moist, ai v 1 toured. The vial should be corked as tightly as possible and the spec- imens will keep pretty well for an indefinite time. The drawbacks to the use of alcohol are: 1st, that all hairy speci- mens are liable to spoil; 2ndly, that all Coleoptera with soft integu- ments spread the wing-cases apart if kept too long in it. The advan- tage of the alcohol is that it is the simplest and least troublesome fluid for naturalists traveling in distant countries who are not specialists in entomology. Specimens killed in alcohol are also less liable to be attacked by verdigris when pinned than those killed by some other method. Rum, whisky, or similar strong alcoholic liquors may be used as substitutes where no pure alcohol can be obtained, but are not especially to be recommended. Chloroform and Ellier. — Killing with the fumes of chloroform or ether (sulphuric or acetic) or benzine, or some other etheric oil, is often prac- ticed and advocated by those who, for any reason, dislike the use of alcohol or object, on account of its poisonous na- ture, to the use of cyanide of potassium, and they are of especial value in the case of butterflies and moths, Hyuienoptera and Diptera. "A small and stout bottle of chloroform or ether, with a brush se curely inserted into the cork (Fig. 89), will be found very serviceable. A slight moistening through the air net will stupefy most insects caught in it. and facilitate their removal to the cyanide bottle: while a touch or two with the wet brush under the head and thorax, will kill the more delicate specimens outright, without m the least injuring them. An- other way of using chloroform is by nieausor' a small, hollow tube passed through the cork, what is called jeweler's hollow wire answering the purpose. The liquid evaporates more readily in such a bottle, and I altogether prefer the first mentioned. Some large insects, and especially female moths, whose size prevents the use of the ordinary cyanide bottles, are difficult to kill. With these, fluttering may be prevented by the use of chloroform, or they may be killed by puncturing the thorax or piercing the body longitudi- nally, with a needle dipped in liquid cyanide, or oxalic acid. A long bottle with a needle thrust into the cork may be kept for this purpose: but the needle must be of ivory or bone, as those of metal are corroded and eaten by the liquids. "For killing small and delicate, moths which have been bred. I find nothing more handy than chloroform. They may be caught in turned FIG. 89.— Chloroform bot tie with brush. [63] ( OLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. FIG. 90.— Bottle with liquid cyanide. wooden boxes \vhicli are kept by every druggist; and a touch of the chloroform ou the outside of the box immediately stupefies them. It lias a tendency to stiffen them, however, and they are best set immediately after death." A piece of heavy blotting paper or heavy cloth soaked with chloroform or ether or benzine and placed at the bot- tom of a jar or bottle makes an excellent killing bottle for large-sized insects. For smaller specimens the collecting vial should be half filled loosely with narrow strips of soft paper, upon which a few drops of the liquid are poured, not so much, however, as to wet the paper. While collect- ing, the vial must be kept closed as much as possible. Some collectors prefer chloroform, others ether. If this method of killing is practiced with the necessary care^ there is no objection whatever to it; the specimens are not wetted as they are in alcohol, and remain cleaner than those killed by any other method. The drawback is that the sub- stances mentioned evaporate very rapidly and have to be renewed even on short ex- cursions. On account of this great volatil- ity, one can never be certain that all the specimens in the collecting bottle are dead after a given time and there is always some danger that one or the other of the hardier insects may regain activity. TVhat mis- chief such revived specimens are capable of doing, many collectors have experienced to their sorrow. Another disadvantage of these volatile substances is that if used in too large quantities they will, in delicate specimens, especially beetles, cause an c\ tension of the soft ligaments between the head and prothorax or between the latter and the mesothorax, and thus bring the specimen into an unnatural position, or cause the head, or head and thorax to drop off. Cyanide of Potassium. — The method of killing which, of late years, has found most favor with collectors, is the use of cyanide of potassium. For killing large sized speci- mens they are simply put in what is now universally known as the " cyanide bottle." This may be constructed as follows : Take a 2-ouiice quinine bottle, or still better a shorter bottle with a FIG. 91.— The Cyanide bottle with paper strips to give support to the insects. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [64] \ ''~-3&& ' V wide mouth ; break up a quantity of cyanide of potassium into pieces of convenient size (about a cubic centimeter); put these pieces in the bottle so that they form an even layer at the bottom; mix in a con- venient vessel a quantity of plaster of Paris with water just sufficient to make the mixture semifluid and then pour it over the cyanide so as to cover this last to a depth of about 5 millimeters. The bottle is then left open for an hour or two until the plaster is thor- roughly dry. The walls of the bottle are then cleansed from particles of the plaster which may have splashed on them, and the bottle is ready for use. If not used too frequently, especially in warm weather, it will last for an entire year or longer. Bot- tles or vials of different sizes can be prepared in the same way, and a very small cyanide vial which can be carried in the vest pocket will be found most convenient for use on all occasions. Fig. 92 repre- sents a medium-sized chemist's test tube, converted into a very convenient cyanide bottle, in which, however, a cotton wad has been used to keep the poi- son in place. When the collected specimens have been removed from the bottle the latter should be carefully wiped clean with a piece of cloth or paper. The surface of the plaster soon becomes dirty and, on account of the hygroscopic property of the cyan- ide, more or less moist, especially during warm weather. The cyanide bottle is, therefore, not well adapted for the killing and temporary preservation of small and delicate specimens. This difficulty can 1' lp|t£r' ioj be altogether obviated by placing a circular piece of V ia^c^MsAW// blotting paper, cut to neatly fit the interior of the bottle, on the surface of the plaster. This can be renewed once a week or so, or ofteuer if it becomes necessary. It will frequently be advisable, also, especially in the collection of Diptera, Hynieuoptera, and other deli- cate insects, to put a .strip of blotting paper partially round the inner side of the bottle. This will absorb any moisture which may gather on the inside of the bottle and which would otherwise wet and injure the specimens. The accompanying figure (Fig. 03) illustrates a bottle arranged as described above. A similar result is attained by some col- lectors by partially filling the bottle with narrow strips of bibulous paper to support and separate the insects as shown at Fig. 91. For delicate specimens, also, the collecting bottle may consist of a test- tube of about the size of Fig. 92. This is half tilled with loose, thin strips of soft white paper. A piece of cyanide about the size of a (tea is then wrapped carefully in paper and so placed in the middle of the strips that it can not come in contact with the sides of the glass. FIG. 92.— Pocket cyanide bottle. [65] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. Some prefer to piii the paper containing the cyanide to the lower surface of the cork. The latter should be rather short and tapering toward its lower end. It is longitudinally perforated through its center by a round hole just large enough to insert a goose-quill, which is cut straight at the lower end and obliquely at its upper end. By means of this goose-quill the specimens may be introduced into the bottle without taking off the cork. This form of cyanide bottle lasts for only one day's collecting, except in cold weather, and in very warm weather it is advisable to take two prepared bottles along, so that the first used can be stowed away as soon as the cyanide begins to moisten the paper strips. Most insects are quickly killed in such a bottle, but some Coleoptera must be left in for five or six hours, while others resist death for a still longer time. This is especially true of the Coleopterous families Curculiouidte, Tro- gositida\ and TenebrionidaB. Submersion in alcohol will prove a satis- factory method of killing these or other bee- tles with similar vitality. Oilier Agents.— Prof. E. W. Claypole has found the use of benzine or gasoline very cheap and satisfactory for killing Lepidop- tera, as the largest are at once killed thereby without injury to their scales. (Can. Ent., xix, p. 136.) He squirts it onto the specimen within the net or in the open air by means of a druggist's dropping tube. Hot water kills rapidly and leaves the specimens in good flexible condition for mounting. The heads of large insects may be held for a few moments in the water, while smaller specimens should first be thrown into a corked bottle and the bottle submitted to heat. Where the laurel grows its bruised leaves may be used in place of cyanide ; they kill less quickly. The leaves of the Laurel-cherry (Prim uv lauro- cerasus), a plant commonly grown in England for screens and hedges, are also used for this purpose. Some collectors, with indifferent olfactory sense, moisten the cork of their boxes with creosote. Its killing power lasts for several days. A few wh ill's from a cigar, when nothing else is at hand, will also kill many of the more tender insects. SPECIAL DIRECTIONS FOR DIFFERENT ORDERS. — A few brief direc- tions for the special treatment of different orders may be given. Cer- FIG. 93.— The cyanide bottle with blotting-paper lining (original). BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [66] tain Coleoptera, notably those of the Curculionid genus Lixus, are cov- ered with a yellowish pruinosity resembling pollen, which is of an eva- nescent nature, so that if the specimens are collected and killed by the ordinary methods, the pruiuosity is completely lost. To preserve the natural beauty of such species it is necessary to put each specimen alive in a small vial and to kill it at once by means of a lighted match held under the vial for a few seconds. In pinning or otherwise mount- ing the specimen it should not be handled between the fingers. Many Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera, especially species with yellow markings, if kept for any length of time in a cyanide bottle, will become discolored, the yellow changing to reddish, and hence such insects should not be left longer tharuiecessary in the bottle. If care is exercised in this respect, no danger of discoloration need ordinarily be feared. The chloroform collecting bottle may be used with these insects if discoloration is- anticipated. All the more delicate insects, including Hymeuoptera, Diptera, the smaller Lepidoptera, and the Neuroptera, require special care in killing. Large numbers should not be thrown into a killing bottle together, and plenty of bibulous paper should be kept in the bottle to prevent moisture from accumulating and wetting and ruining the specimens. It is frequently advisable to pin Diptera, especially the hairy forms (as the Bee-flies), in the net and transfer them at once to a cigar box containing a sponge moistened with chloroform. When the collecting shears are used, the insects are always thus pinned at once, which is, in fact, the only method of securing them. This is also necessary in the case of many Lepidoptera. Delicate Neuroptera maybe killed by the use of the cyanide bottle, or, preferably, placed at once in a vial of alcohol, as these insects, in many instances, cannot be kept securely if pinned or mounted. Large Lepi- doptera, as the Bombycids, may be killed by pouring benzine, naphtha, or chloroform over the thorax and abdomen. These substances evapo- rate rapidly and do not appreciably injure the vestiture of the insects. Some collectors, in the case of butterflies, seize them dexterously between the thumb and finger, and give a sharp pinch on the sides of the thorax. This will prevent the fluttering of the insect when trans- ferred to the cyanide bottle, and, if carefully done, the scales need not be rubbed off. It is objectionable, however, because the thorax is dis- torted and subsequent anatomical study interfered with, and, in the case of moths, should never be practiced, as the thorax affords import- ant characters used in classification. Orthoptera maybe killed by the use of the cyanide bottle but should be transferred at once to the vials of alcohol. If placed in a cyanide bottle, especially in the case of Locusts (Acridida'}. they are apt to exude colored juices from the mouth, so that the specimens become soiled. Hence the use of vials of alcohol is preferable, ;ind these insects should never be thrown into vials con- taining delicate insects of other orders. Plant-lice, together with the plant which they infest, should be placed at once in vials of alcohol, [67] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. and specimens of the Aphides, representing all the forms present, should be mounted on slides for microscopic examination. The fixed forms of Coccids, comprising the majority of the species, require no special treatment, and the leaves, twigs, or bark on which they occur may be pinned at once and placed in the collection. The free forms are treated as in the case of plant-lice. ENTOMOTAXY. Under this term may be considered the preparation of insects for the cabinet. CARE OF PINNED AND MOUNTED SPECIMENS. Insect Pins. — In mounting insects for the cabinet, expressly made entomological pins should be used. These come from three different sources: Klager pins, made by Hermann Klager, Berlin, Germany; Karlsbad pins, made by one or several firms in Karlsbad, Bohemia, Austria; and Vienna pins, made by Miller, Vienna, Austria.* These three kinds of pins have each their own slight advantages and dis- advantages, so that it is difficult to say which is the best. All have the disadvantage that the pinned specimens are liable to be ruined by verdigris, and to obviate this japanned (ubiack") insect pins are made by Klager and Miller. These black pins are, however, much softer than the "white" pins, and therefore more difficult to handle, A pin of 35 millimeters in length will be found most convenient for pinning all insects excepting the larger Lepidoptera and other heavy-bodied insects, for which a longer pin may advantageously be used. According to the different degrees of fineness, the pins are numbered from. No. 00 (the finest in the trade) to No. 7 or 8, but the numbers used by the different manufacturers do not correspond with each other. In experience, pins of Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 (Klager numbers) are more often needed than the others. The long pins of the finer numbers (Nos. 0 and 00) are difficult to handle in the collection and, for this reason, not to be recommended. For many small insects, especially Microlepidoptera and Microdiptera, which must be pinned, even the finest ordinary insect-pins are too large, and two special makes of pins are in use for this purpose. The " elbow pin" (formerly made and sold by Dr. Knenow, of Konigsberg, Prussia, Germany) consists of a piece of fine silver wire, pointed at one end, and with a coil loop at the other end, into which a longer pin (No. 3 or No. 4) is thrust. This pin is illustrated in Fig. 94. Still more sat- isfactory are the "Mmutien-Nadeln" (pins for minute insects) manufac- tured by Mr. Miller, of Vienna, Austria, and which consist of a straight piece (aoout 14mm. long) of extremely fine steel wire which is pointed at * In North America, Kliiger pins and Karlsbad pins can be obtained through Mr. John Ackhurst, 78 Ashland Place, Brooklyn, N. Y., and possibly also through Messrs. Blake as it inclines the lat- ter to verdigris. In such cases a little spirits of camphor mixed with the gum tragacanth is best. Shellac should be dissolved in alcohol and this requires some time. This glue is not affected by moisture, and if it is desired to remove the specimens, they must be immersed in alcohol until the shellac is again dissolved. A number of different kinds of glue are used by entomologists. The requirements of a good glue are that it be colorless, and. what is of greater importance, that the specimens adhere firmly to the paper points so that there is little or no danger of their being jarred off. Those glues which are readily soluble in cold or lukewarm water are perhaps more convenient than those which require alcohol or chloro- form, for dissolving. Gum arabic and gum tragacaiith have the disad- vantage that they are more liable to attract mites and are more brittle, so that they do not hold specimens as well as some of the liquid glues that are on the market. Spalding's glue answers a very good purpose, as also the preparation known to European entomologists as Leprieur's gum. White bleached shellac, while requiring alcohol to dissolve it, has the advantage that a very minute quantity suffices. In olden times the method employed was simply to glue the specimen by the ventral side to the middle of a quadrangular piece of cardboard, which was then pinned on a No. 3 or No. 4 insect pin. This method is still in vogue with English entomologists, but can not be recommended except for mounting duplicates. Much better are the small isosceles triangles which, before mounting the specimen, are pinned through near the base on a Xo. 2 or No. 3 insect pin. Only the best and finest cardboard should be used for this purpose, since that of poor quality is liable to ,»e broken while passing the pin through it and will yellow with age. l- Keynolds's Superfi.no Mowd," which may be ordered through any dealer in artist's supplies of Devoe & Co., Fulton street. New York City, is perhaps the best lor this purpose. Some of the neatest mount- ing which I have had done by any of my agents or assistants is by Mr. COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. [71] Albert Koebele, who has used mica or gelatine instead of cardboard, the object being not only to show the whole of the under side of the specimen, but to obscure less of the light from the labels and to render the triangles less conspicuous in the cabinet. These have been in use in the museum collection only for the last two or three years, and whether they will eventually tend to corrode the pins is not yet settled. Mica and isinglass are also used for the same purpose. The points used in mounting may easily be cut by hand to a convenient size, say one- fourth of an inch (0-8mm) long by one-sixteenth or less at the base, and tapering to a point. The point may be narrower or wider to accommo- date insects of different sizes. For cutting these triangles or points, various forms of punches similar to the appended figure (Fig. 97) known to the trade as conductor's punches may be used, and points thus cut are to be preferred to those made by other means, on account of the greater uniformity secured. An experienced hand, however, will cut these points very rapidly and accurately with a pair of shears, and most collectors use no special instrument for this purpose. The punches mentioned may be obtained of the manufacturers* of such instruments at from $2 to $3. Care should be observed in ordering to state explicitly the length, width at base and point, or, what is better, to in- close sample of the size of point it is desired to cut; but above all, to state that the block of paper to be cut out is the result desired, and that the instrument should cut clean and even, with no ragged edges. For mounting different forms and sizes the fastidious collec- tor uses four or five sizes of points, but for all practical pur- poses one to cut a card point not less than 1.3mm at the base and prolonged as nearly as possible to a point, and another a trifle wider at the base, say ] in width will suffice. For mounting most long-bodied insects, e. #., Staphylinidse and Elateridse, an oblong card say l£imn in width is desirable. With a little care these may be cut with sufficient uniformity with scissors. Seven and one-half millimeters may be taken as a standard of length, as this is about the size used by the majority of our best collectors. Shorter points, say 6mm or one-quarter inch long, are sometimes preferred, where economy of space is a desideratum. FIG. 97.— Insect punch for cutting triangles or points (original). or l§mm and with a point about li abed FIG. 98. — Points for mounting insects (original). 'Montgomery & Co., 105 Fulton street, New York City. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [72" A series of four points of different sizes for mounting insects is shown in the accompanying illustration. The sharp-pointed one, a, is designed for the minutest forms and the larger points for large insects. The largest should be mounted on points of a nearly rectangular shape, shown at d. The dimensions of these points as adopted by most entomologists, are as follows : — Length. Breadth. Point. a 7 5 mni . 1 Slum b ... 7.5 1 5 4 c 7.5 1 5 6 d . 7 5 1 6 1 6 The point or triangle should be mounted on the pin and directed to the left, the height from the top of the pin varying somewhat with the specimen, but averaging about one-half an inch. The insect is then glued to the point with the head pointed forward. In the case of Coleoptera and Hymeuoptera, and in fact of most insects, the speci- men is mounted with the back uppermost, but in the case of the smaller Hymenoptera it is advisable to mount some of the specimens, at least, on the left side (see Fig. 99). This directs the legs toward the pin, as a matter of safety, prevents their being broken in handling, and also gives opportunity for FIG. 99.— Insect mounted , ,. „ , , ., on cardboard triangle, subsequent examination of the back, side, and venter of the specimen. Coleopterists always mount speci- mens on the venter, and in the case of a correctly mounted specimen the whole underside of the body should be available for examination except the right half of the metasternum, as shown in figure 100. In mounting minute insects a few precautions are necessary. The beginner usually uses too much glue or shell-lac, and the result is that the mounted specimens are more or less covered with the fluid, so as to render them unfit for examination. If, on the other hand, too little of the glue is used, the specimens are not securely fastened to the paper point, and are liable to be jolted off by the slightest jar. Be- fore mounting specimens the legs and antenna' must be brought into the proper position by means of a brush or with a dissecting needle, so that they may easily be seen. A supply of paper points should always be at hand, and after selecting one of the proper size for the specimen, with an acute tip for a very small specimen and with a more obtuse point for a larger one, a small quantity of glue is applied to the tip by means of a pointed stick, such as a toothpick, the amount varying with the size of the specimen. The tip of a moistened brush may be used to transfer the FIG. 100.— Method of gluing berth' on paper point (ori- ginal). [73] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. PIG. 101.— Cecidomyiid mounted on pith (ori- ginal). specimen to the point, or one will soon become dextrous enough to do this without the aid of the brush. The specimens are then allowed to dry in a horizontally placed box. If the drying box is placed in a ver- tical position the specimens, especially long-bodied ones, are liable to topple over before the glue has become firm. Delicate flies and Microlepidoptera, which it will not do to fasten with mucilage, may first be mounted on the fine pins described above and these thrust into oblong or triangular bits of pith or cork, which are mounted on larger pins as shown in Figures 101 and 102. This affords a very satisfactory method of mounting, particularly as the different sexes may be brought together on the same bit of pith, or the adult and puparium in Diptera, as shown at Figure 101. Strips of stout cardboard with the pins run through the narrow edge may also be used. The method of mounting minute Hymenoptera and Diptera and other insects on a bent wire, men- tioned above, is illustrated at Fig- ure 94. This method has not proved so satisfactory, as the wires are apt to become loose on the pin. Mounting Duplicates. — If the collector finds more specimens of a rare species than he cares to have in his collection, the excess may be mounted as dupli- cates. If the species happens to be of a large size the specimens are pinned in the ordinary way, but if gmall g^ug^ to be gummed, there is a most convenient method of rapidly mounting the specimens so that they may be sent through themail with much less risk of getting broken or knocked off than if glued on paper points, and will also take up very little room in the duplicate boxes. It consists in gluing the speci- mens in a transverse row on a strip of white card paper with one of the glues soluble in water, care being taken that between the individual specimens some space be left, and further that the heads and antennae do not project beyond the edge of the paper. The width of the paper strip must be somewhat greater than the length of the specimen, so that below the latter there is sufficient room, for inserting a pin through the paper. After the glue has become dry the row of specimens is cut with scissors into several smaller rows of convenient size, so that on each of these rows there are two or three or more specimens, according to the size of the spe- cies. A locality label is pushed high up on a No. 3 or No. 4 pin, and one of the mounted rows of specimens is then pinned and pushed up FIG. io2.-Microiepidop- tera mounted on pith FIG. 103.— Method of mounting duplicates (original). BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [74] near the locality label; a second row is then pinned and pushed near the first row, and the same process continued with the third row and so on. A single pin will thus bear five or six rows, and in giving away or sending away specimens the lowest row is taken from the pin and repinned for mailing. The accompanying figure (Fig. 103) illustrates the mounting of a moderate-sized species in rows of two specimens each. This method of mounting duplicates may be adopted not only for Coleoptera, but also for Heteroptera, Homoptera (excepting Aphididre and allied families), smaller Orthoptera, and Hymenoptera. It is, however, im practicable for Lepidoptera, Diptera, and most ISTeu- roptera. Temporary Storage of Specimens. — If the entomologist is prevented from mounting his captures soon after returning from an expedition, or if, on extended collecting trips, time does not offer for this purpose, specimens of almost all orders except the Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, and Neuroptera may be placed in a small, tightly closing pill box, care being taken to keep the larger specimens apart from the small ones. In this way specimens will keep for an indefinite period, provided they are properly packed. In the case of the traveling collector, where the material is to be carried from point to point at great risk of breaking, specimens should be packed very carefully to prevent any shaking or rattling about in the boxes. This may be done by placing a round piece of soft paper 011 the top of the specimens in the pill box. This paper should be gently pressed down and the empty space above filled with other layers of paper or with cotton. The packing of specimens between cotton is not recommended, as it is a difficult and tedious task to afterwards free them from the adhering fibers. Layers of soft paper or, yet better, velvet, are preferable. Envelopes for Lepidoptera, etc. — On an extended trip, it will be found impracticable to mount and prepare insects requiring cumbersome appa- ratus for spreading, as Lepidoptera or Neuroptera, and a very excellent plan consists in folding the wings of the k insect so that the lower surfaces come to- gether and then placing it in a triangu- lar envelope, as shown in the accompay- ing illustration. The collector should be provided with a quantity of paper of the requisite dimensions for making these en- velopes, and specimens, as they are taken from the collecting bottle, may be rapidly inclosed in them, labeled, and packed awav in a tight Avooden (not tin) box ^ . . PIG. 104.— Method of preserving Diurnal containing a supply ot naphthaline, the Lepidoptera in paper envelopes. (Afr specimens thus occupying the minimum of space. Specimens secured in this way may be kept without further manipulation indefinitely or until time is found to relax and set them. [75] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. Fig. 105. Spreading board for Lepidoptera. This is also an excellent method of sending diurnal Lepidoptera and Dragon-flies through the mails and is preferable in some respects to mailing spread specimens. Directions for Spreading Insects. — "For the proper spreading of insect s with broad and flattened wings, such as butterflies and moths, a spread- ing board or stretcher is necessary. One that is simple and answers every purpose is shown at Fig. 105. It may be made of two pieces of thin whitewood or pine board, fastened together by braces at the ends, but left wide enough apart to admit the bodies of the insects to be spread ; strips of cork or pith, in which to fasten the pins, may then be tacked or glued below so as to cover the intervening space. The braces must be deep enough to prevent the pias from touching any- thing the stretcher may be laid on, and by attaching a ring or loop to one of them the stretcher may be hung against a wall, out of the way. For ordinary- sized specimens I use boards 2 feet long, 3 inches wide, and ^ inch thick, with three braces (one in the middle and one at each end) 1£ inches deep at the ends, but narrowing from each end to 1£ inches at the middle. This slight rising from the middle is to counteract the tendency of the wings, however well dried, to drop a little after the insect is placed in the cabinet. The wings are held in position by means of strips of paper (Fig. 105) until dry. For stretching the wings and for many other purposes, a handled needle will be found useful. Split off, with the grain, apiece of pine wood 3 or 4 inches long ; hold it in the right hand; take a medium-sized needle in the left hand; hold it upright with the point touching a walnut table, or other liard- graiued wood, and bring a steady pressure to bear on the pine. The head of the needle will sink to any required distance into the pine, which may then be whittled off, and you have just the thing you want (Fig. 106). To obtain uniformity in the position of the wings, a good rule is to have the inner margins of the front wings as nearly as possible on a straight line. When the specimens are thoroughly stiff and dry, they should be taken from the stretcher and kept for several weeks in the drying box before being permanently placed in the cabinet. The drying- box is simply a box of any required dimensions, containing a series of shelves on which to pin the specimens, and without a solid back or front. The back is covered on the inside with line gauze and on the outside with coarser wire, and the door in front con- sists of a close-fitting frame of the same material, the object being to allow free passage of air, but at the same time to keep out dust and prevent the gnawiugs of mice and other animals. The shelves should Fiu. 100. Needle for spread- ing iii- sects. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [76] be not less than 2 inches deep, and if made in the form of a quadrangu- lar frame, braced with two cross-pieces on which to tack sheet cork, they will serve for the double purpose of drying spread specimens and for the spreading of others, as there are many insects with long legs which are more conveniently spread on such a board, by means of tri- angular pieces of stiff cardboard braces or 'saddles,' than on the stretcher already described. Two of these braces are fixed on the set- ting board, by means of stout pins, at sufficient distances apart to receive the body between them. The wings are 'then spread upon them and kept in place until dry by means of additional braces. In the case of bees, wasps, etc., the pin may be thrust well into the cork or pith so that the wings may be arranged in the proper position and braced and supported by strips of stout cardboard. This method is especially recommended in the case of the Fossorial wasps, the legs of which, if mounted in an ordinary spreading board, can not be properly arranged. In spreading Lepidoptera I have used, in the place of a number of paper strips pinned across the wings, blocks of glass of various sizes to hold the wings in position. My method of mounting, with a large amount of material on hand to be attended to, consists in pinning a row on the spreading- board and fixing the wings in position with spreading needles, fastening them with a single narrow strip of paper placed next the body. The entire spreading-board is filled-with speci- mens in this way, a single long strip of paper on either side answering to keep the wings of all the specimens in position. Then, instead of pinning additional strips to hold the wings flat and securely in posi- tion, the pieces of glass referred to are used, placing them on the wings of the insect. With the use of glass the spreading-board must always be kept in a horizontal position and must never be disturbed. The advantage of the glass is that the wings can be seen through it and more truly adjusted. Spreading-board s may be made as described above, or it may be of advantage, when a good deal of work is to be done, to adopt a some- what different method. Five or six spreading-boards ma}r be made together, forming a sort of shelf. A number of these shelves may be constructed and the whole combined in a case with a screen cover to exclude insects. The individual shelves maybe arranged with grooves to slide on tongues in the side of the case. A screen-covered case for spreadiug-boards is always desirable, as the insects are otherwise very liable to be eaten by roaches or other insects. A spreading-case of the form described is shown at Fig. 107. A new Apparatus for Spreading Microlepidoptera. — For the spreading of Microlepidoptera my assistant, Mr. Theo. Pergande, has devised an apparatus, represented in the accompanying illustration, which he finds very convenient. It consists of a small spreadiug-block represented at [77] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY B and the support with attachment shown at A. The former is made in a long strip of the shape •shown in the illustration, having a square groove, c, cut in the top. Over this is glued a thin strip of wood, fc, say £ inch thick, and a narrow slit is sawed in the center of this above, cutting- through into the groove c. This is then sawed up into pieces of uniform length, say 1£ to 2 inches, and the block is completed by the Flo lu7._Spreading.ca8e (original). insertion of a rectangular strip of pith or cork into the groove. The Micro is' pinned on a short black pin, and the pin is thrust down into the narrow opening made by the saw and is held firmly by the pith or cork. This block is then slid into the groove in the setting-board A, which narrows slightly from e, and pushed along until firmly secured (d}. The operator can then rest his hands and arms on either side of the support, and, if necessary, bring a large hand lens over the object by means of a support with ball- and-socket joint shown at e. The mugs may thus be easily and accu- rately arranged and fixed in position with pins or strips of paper, as in the ordinary mounting of such insects. Two or three specimens m;iy be mounted on each of these blocks. The construction of the support is indicated in the annexed drawing. One side is' attached by clamps, shown enlarged at /, which afford means of ad- justing the width of the slit in which the small sawed blocks slide and correct the shrinking or swelling which may take place in moist or dry seasons. The advantage of the apparatus is that the operator has the setting block firmly fixed before him and has both hands free to manipulate the wings of the insect in addition to having the lens in a convenient position, the use of which is necessary in the preparation of the very minute forms. Spreading Microlepidoptcra.—Tlie mounting of Microlepidoptera is about the most delicate work in eutomotaxy, and I can not do better FIG. 108. — Spreading apparatus for Hkrulepiduptora (original). BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [78] than quote the explicit directions given by Lord Walsinghain on tin- subject. Returning to camp I put a few drops of liquid ammonia on a email piece of sponge and place it in a tin canister with such of the boxes as do not contain the smaller species, and put these and the remainder away until morning in a cool place. In the morning I prepare for work by getting out a pair of scissors, a pair of forceps. my drying-box containing setting-boards, a sheet of white paper, and some pins. First, I cut two or three narrow pieces of paper from 3 to 6 lines wide, or rather wider, according to the size of the largest and smallest specimens I have to set. I then double each of these strips and cut it up into braces by a number of oblique cuts. Now I turn out the contents of the canister and damp the sponge with a fe\\ drops of fresh ammonia, refilling with boxes containing live insects. Those which have been taken out will be found to be all dead and in a beautifully relaxed con- dition for setting. Had the smallest specimens been placed in the canister over night there would have been some fear of their drying up, owing to the small amount of moisture in their bodies. If the weather is very hot there is some danger of killed insects becoming stift' while others are being set, in which case it is better to pin at once into a dani)> cork box all that have been taken out of the canister, but under ordinary circum>T,-m< . •- I prefer to pin them one by one as I set them. Taking the lid oft' a box, and taking the box between the finger and thumb of tin- right hand, I roll out the insect on the top of the left thumb, supporting it with the top of the forefinger and so manipulating it as to bring the head pointing toward my right hand and the thorax uppermost. Now I take a pin in the right hand and resting the first joint of the middle finger of the right against the projecting point of the middle finger of the left hand to avoid unsteadiness, I pin the insect oblique! v through the thickest part of the thorax, so that the head of the pin leans very slightly forward over the head of the insect. After passing the pin far enough through to bring about one-fourth of an inch out below,* I pin the insect into the middle of the groove of a setting board so that the edge of the groove will just sup- port the under sides of the wings close up to the body when they are raised upon it. The board should be chosen of such a size as will permit of the extension of the wings nearly to its outer edge. The position of the pin should still be slanting a little forward. The wings should now be raised into the position in which they are intended to rest, with especial care in doing so not to remove any scales from tin- surface or cilia of the wings. 'Each wing should be fastened with a brace long enough to extend across both, the braces being pinned at the thick end. so that tin- head of the pin slopes away from the point of the brace; this causes the braces to press more firmly down on the wing when fixed. The insect should be braced thus : The two braces next the body should have the points upwards, the two outer one-. pointing downwards and slightly inwards towards the body, and covering the main portion of the wings beyond the middle. Antenna- should be carefully laid back above the wings, and braces should lie fiat, exercising an even pressure at all points of their surface. The fore wings should slope slightly forwards so that a line drawn from the point of one to the point of the other will just miss the head and palpi. The hind wings should be close up, leaving no intervening space, but just slm\\ ing the upper angle of the wing evenly on each side. I can give no more precise direc- tions as to how this desirable result may most simply and speedily lie attained; no two people set alike. Speed is an object; for I have often had to set twelve do/en insects before breakfast. A simple process is essential, for a man who is ahva\- pinning and moving pins, and rearranging wings and legs, is sine to remove a cer- tain n iinilicr of scales and spoil the appearance of the insect, besides utterly dcstrox - • .ipplii-s In tin- MM- ul' short jtiiiK, which .sliniiM Niibseiincnth In- riimiiTiril ilironi.'li strip- "t |iiih nil It Innjjrr pins. I'm sop,, • of I In- larger micros ihr lnn^ pins ni:ty lie usril ilhvrtlv iiml ;t ilill'rn-nt inml i mp|n\ >il [79] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILE*. ing its value. I raise each of the fore wings with a pin, and fix the pin against the inner margin so as to keep them in position while I apply the braces. Half the battle is really in the pinning. When an insect is pinned through the exact center of the thorax, with the pin properly sloped forward, the body appears to fall natu- rally into its position on the setting board, and the muscles of the wings being left free are easily directed and secured; but if the pin is not put exactly in the middle it interferes with the play of the wings. Legs must be placed close against the body or they will project and interfere with the set of the wings. Practice, care, and a steady hand Avill succeed. When all the insects that have been killed are set the contents of the canister will be found again ready, twenty minutes being amply sufficient to expose to the fumes of ammonia. Very bright green or pale pink mseet s should be killed by some other process, say chloroform, as ammonia will affect their colors. Insects should be left on the setting boards a full week to dry; then the (traces may be carefully removed and they may be transferred to the store box. In my own experience I have found that a touch or two of the chlo- roform brush on the pill-box containing small moths is sufficient to either kill or so asphyxiate them that they can easily be mounted. I have also found that strips of corn pith or even of soft cork, with grooves cut into them, are very handy for the pinning and spreading, and that by means of a small, broad- tipped, and pliable forceps the smallest specimens can be deftly arranged in the groove and kept in place until pinned. In fact, for all persons who have not very great- experience and dexterity this method is perhaps more to be recom- mended than that of holding them between the thumb and lingers. Where chloroform is used either to kill or deaden specimens, it is im- portant that after they are once spread and in the drying box they should be subjected to an additional asphyxiation, as the larger spe- cies may revive and are apt to pull away from the holding strips, and thus rub off their scales. Mierolepidoptera, together with Microhymenoptera and Diptera may be conveniently pinned on fine, short pins, and these thrust into an oblong bit of cork or pith. This form of mounting has already been described and is represented in figure 102. The neatest mounting of Microlepidoptera which I have seen is the work of my assistant, Mr. Albert Koebele, who mounts these insects on an oblong strip of pith. This is very light and presents no difficulty in pinning. The strips may be made of considerable length and both sexes may be pinned on the same block (see Fig. 103). Most Lepidoptera present on the under surface an entirely different aspect from that on the upper .surface, and, in such cases, it is a good plan to mount a number of specimens obversely. Relaxing. — It will frequently be desirable to re-spread insects which have been incorrectly mounted, or to spread specimens which have been collected and stored in papers, or pinned and allowed to dry without being prepared for the cabinet. Such specimens may l>e re- laxed by placing them in a tight tin vessel half filled with moist sand to which a little carbolic acid has been added to prevent molding. Small specimens will be sufficiently relaxed to spread in twenty four BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [80] hours. Larger specimens require from two to three days. More rapid relaxing may be caused by the use of steam, and a flat piece of cork with the specimens laid or pinned thereon and floated on the top of hot water in a closed vessel constitutes an excellent relaxing arrangement. Inflation of the Larvce of Lepidoptera. — The larva? of Lepidoptera pre- served in alcohol are excellent for anatomical and general study, but are not very suitable for use in economic displays. This means of preservation also has the disadvantage of not generally preserving the natural color and appearance of the specimens. These objections may be avoided, however, by the dry method of preserving larv;e, vix. by blowing or inflation. The process may be described as follows: The larva may be operated upon alive, but should preferably be first killed by dipping in chloroform or alcohol, or in the cyanide bottle. It is then placed on a piece of blotting paper and the alimentary canal caused to protrude from one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch, by rolling a pencil over the larva from the head to the posterior extremity. The protruding tip is then severed with a sharp knife or pair of dissecting scissors, and the contents of the abdomen are forced out by passing a pencil, as before, a number of times over the larva. Great care should be exercised in expressing the fluids not to press the pencil too strongly against the larva or to continue the operation too long, as this will, especially in delicate larvae, remove the pigment from the skin, and the specimen when dried will show discolored spots and be more or less distorted. The larva should be moved from place to place on the blot- ting paper during the operation, so as not to become soiled by its own juices. A straw, or a glass tube drawn to a point at the tip, is then inserted in the protruding portion of the alimentary canal. It a straw is used the larva may be fastened to it by thrusting a pin through the wall of the canal and the straw. In the case of the glass tube the ali- mentary c anal can be caused to adhere by drying for a few minutes and this operation may be hastened and the fastening made more secure by touching the point of union with a drop of glue. The straw or glass tube is then attached to a small rubber bag, previously inflated \vith air, the ordinary dentist's or chemist's gas bag answering admir- ably for this purpose. The larva is now ready for drying, and for this purpose a drying oven is required into which it is thrust and ma- nipulated by turning it from side to side, to keep it in proper shape and dry it uniformly until the moisture has been thoroughly expelled. An apparatus which I have found very convenient for this purpose is rep- resented at Fig. ](>!>. It consists of a tin box with mica or glass slides, c, to allow the larva to be constantly in sight. It has also a hinged top, />, which may be. kept closed or partly open, or entirely open, as may be necessary, during the operation. The ends of the box are prolonged downward about 5 inches, forming supports for it.//. P>eiieath it is placed an alcohol lamp,/, which furnishes the heat. In the end of the box is a circular opening, <7, for the lutroduc- [81] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. tiou of the larva, and this may be entirely or partly closed by a sliding door, a. It will be found of advantage to line the bottom of the box (inside) with a brass screen of very fine mesh to distribute and equalize the heat. This apparatus can be very easily made by any tinsmith and will answer every purpose. The larva- of Microlepidop- tera or young larva? may be dried without expressing the body contents, and will keep, to a great extent, their normal shape and appearance. The method consists in placing them on a sand bath, heated by an alcohol lamp. The va- por generated by the heat in the larvae inflates them and keeps the skin taut until the juices are entirely evaporated. They may then be glued at once to cardboard and pinned in the cases. In the mounting of large in- flated larvae I have adopted the plan of supporting them on covered copper wire of a size varying with the size of the larva. A pin is first thrust through a square bit of cork and the wire brought tightly about it and wrapped once or twice, compress- ing the cork and giving a firm attachment to the pin. The wire is then neatly bent to form a diamond-shaped loop about one-sixth of an inch in length and again twisted loosely to the end — the length of the twisted portion about equalling that of the larva to be mounted. This is then either thrust into the blown skin of the larva through the anal opening, the larva being glued to the wire by the posterior extremity, or the larva is glued to the wire by the abdominal legs and venter, thus rest- ing on the wire as on a twig. This style' of mounting is illustrated in PI. I. With a little experience the operator will soon be able to inflate the most delicate larva? and also the very hairy forms, as for instance Orgy la leucostigma, without, the least injury, so that the natural colors and appearance will be preserved. Another very good method, and still safer, is to blow with straw, cut the straw square off at the amis, and then preserve the thoroughly dried and blown specimen in a glass tube of about the same length and diameter as the larva. This arrangement in conjunction with the tube bolder, which will be described further on, is one of the most satisfac- tory for the preservation of inflated larva?. 25G4 G FKJ. 109. — Drying oven for the inflation of larva1 (original). BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [82] For the biological-display collection, larv;e may be blown in various natural positions, to be subsequently fastened on leaf or twig or in bur- rows which they have occupied. Fastened to artificial foliage in which nature is imitated as much as possible, such blown larva* are quite effective. Stuffing Insects. — Large larvae may sometimes be satisfactorily pre- served for exhibition purposes by stuffing them with cotton. The method consists simply in making a small slit with the dissecting scissors or a short scalpel between the abdominal prolegs, and removing the body contents. Powdered arsenic or some other preservative should be put in the body of the larva with the cotton used in stuffing it, and the slit closed by a few stitches, when the larva maybe dried and mounted on a twig or leaf. This method of stuffing with cotton is also applicable in the case of certain large-bodied insects which, if mounted and put away without preparation, would be liable to decompose, as, for instance, the larger moths, grasshoppers, etc. A slit can be made in the center of the abdomen or near the anus beneath, and the body contents removed and replaced with cotton. Stuffing in this way with cotton is of especial advantage in the case of certain of the large endophytous insects which grease badly. The cut will not be noticed after the insect has dried, or it may be closed by a stitch or two. Dry Preservation of Aphides and other soft-bodied Insects. — Difficulty has always been experienced in preserving soft-bodied insects, particu- larly Aphides, in a condition serviceable for subsequent scientific study. Kept in alcohol or other antiseptic fluid, they almost invariable lose much of their normal appearance, and many of the important charac- teristics, especially of color, are obscured or lost. The balsam mount is also unsatisfactory in many respects, as the body is always more or less distorted and little can be relied upon except the venation and the jointed appendages. A method of preserving soft-bodied insects by means of the sudden application of intense heat was communicated to the Entomologische Nachrichten, Yol. iv, page 155, by Herr D. H. R. von Schlechtendal. It is claimed for this method that the Aphides and other soft-bodied insects can be satisfactorily preserved in form and col- oring, the success of the method being vouched for by a number of well-known German entomologists, Kaltenbach, Giebel, Taschenberg, Mayr, and Endow. A condensed translation of the method employed by Schlechtendal is given by J. W. Douglas in the Entomologists' Monthly Magazine for December, 1878, which I quote: The heat is derived from the flame of a spirit or petroleum lamp Above this is placed a piece of sheet-tin, and over this the roasting proceeds. A bulging lamp cylinder, laid horizontally, serves as a roast ing oven. In this the insect to lie dried, when prepared asdirccted, and stuck on a piece of pith, is to be held over the flame; or the cylinder may be closed at the lower end with a cork, which should extend lat- in \vards, and on this the insect should be fastened ; the latter mode being preferable because the heat is more concentrated, and one hand is left free. The mode of pro- cedure varies according to the nature of the objects to be treated. For the class of larger objects, such as llemiptera, Cicadina, andOrthoptera, in their young stages of [83] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. existence, the heat must not be slight, but a little practice shows the proper tem- perature required. If the heat be insufficient, a drying up instead of a natural dis- tention ensues. The insect to be roasted is to be pierced by a piece of silver wire on the under side of the thorax, but it is not to be inserted so far as to damage the upper side, and the wire should then be carried through a disk of pith, placed beneath the insect, on which the legs should be set out in the desired position. But with some objects, such, for instance, as a young Strachla, the drying pro- ceeds very quickly, so that if distention be not observed then the heat is too great, for the expansion of the air inside will force off the head with a loud report ; also, with softer, thicker Pentatoniidse care must be taken to begin with a heat only so strong that the internal juices do not boil, for in such case the preparation would be spoiled. It is of advantage to remove the cylinder from time to time, and test, by means of a lens, if a contraction of the skin has taken place on any part ; if so, the roasting is to be continued. The desired hardness may be tested with a bristle or wire. For Aphides the living Aphis is to be put on a piece of white paper, and at the mo- ment when it is in the desired position it is to be held over the flame, and in an in- stant it will be dead and will retain the attitude. Then put it, still on the paper, into the oven ; or, still better, hold it over the heated tin. carefully watching the drying and rnaving the paper about in order to prevent it getting singed. The roast- ing is quickly accomplished in either way, but somewhat slower out of the oven es- pecially in the larger kinds, such as Lachnus. If the paper turn brown it is a sure sign that caution is requisite. To pierce these brittle preparations for preservation is hazardous, and it is a better way to mount them with gum on card, placing some examples on their back. For Cecidomyida?,Agromyzidse,Cynipida?, and other small insectsliable to shrink, yet containing but little moisture, such as Podurida?, Pediculida3, Psyllidse, etc., another method is adopted. Over the insect, mounted on a wire, etc., as above directed, a thin chemical reagent glass or glass rod, heated strongly at one end, is held, and the heat involved is generally sufficient to bring about the immediate drying and dis- tention, but if the heat be too little the process must be repeated; and, although by this method the danger of burning is not obviated, yet the position of the legs is maintained much better than by the aforesaid roasting. Larva; of all kinds, up to the size of that of Astyiwmus cedilis, even when they have long been kept in spirits, may be treated successfully by the roasting method ; but with these objects care must be taken that the heat is not too strong or else the form will be distorted. For small larva? it is preferable to use a short glass, in order better to erTect their removal without touching the upper part, which becomes covered with steam, and contact with which would cause the destruction of the preparation. Larva? of Coleoptera, which contain much moisture or have a mucous surface, must lie on a bed of paper or pith in order to prevent adhesion and burning, and these may be further avoided if the cylinder be slightly shaken during the process, and the position of the object be thereby changed. Many Aphides aiid Coccids are covered with a waxy secretion which interferes very materially with their easy examination. Mr. Howard has overcome this difficulty by the following- treatment : "With Aphides and Coccids which are covered with an abundant waxy secretion which can not be readily brushed away, we have adopte< 1 the plan of melting the wax." We place the iusect on a bit of platinum foil and pass it once over the flame of the alcohol lamp. The wax melts •at a surprisingly low temperature and leaves the insect perfectly clean f< >r study. This method is particularly of use in the removal of the waxy cocoon of the pupse of male Coccidie, and is quicker and more thorough BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [84] than the use of any of the chemical wax solvents -which we have tried." (Insect Lift1, I, p. 1 •">-.) Mounthui Hpecimena for the Microscope.— The study of the minuter forms of insect life, including Parasites, Thysanura, Mallophaga, the newly hatched of most insects, etc., requires the use of the microscope, and some little knowledge of the essentials of preparing and mounting specimens is needed. The subject of mounting the different organs of insects and the preparation for histological study of the soft parts of insects opens up the immense field of microscopy, the use of the innumerable mounting media, the special treatment of the objects to be mounted, staining, section-cutting, and many other like topics, a full description of which is altogether out of place in the present work. Anyone desiring to become thoroughly versed in the subject should consult some of the larger manuals for the inicroscopist, of which there are many. For the practical working entomologist, however, a knowl- edge of all these methods and processes is not essential, and in my long- experience I have found that mounting in Canada balsam will answer for almost every purpose. The softer-bodied forms will shrink more or less in this substance, and it is frequently necessary to make studies or drawings of them wrheu freshly mounted; or, if additional specimens are preserved in alcohol, they will supplement the mounted specimens and the material may be worked up at the convenience of the student. The materials for the balsam mounts may be obtained of any dealer in microscopical supplies. They consist of glass slides, 3 inches by 1 inch, thin cover-glasses of different dimensions, and the prepared balsam. The balsam is put up very conveniently for use in tin tubes. A sufficient quantity is pressed out on the center of the glass slide, which has pre- viously been made thoroughly clean and dry, the insect is removed from the alcohol, and when the excess of liquor has been removed with bibulous paper, it is placed in the balsam, the limbs and antenna? being arranged as desired by the use of fine mounting-needles. A cover- glass, also made thoroughly clean and dry, is then placed over the specimen and pressed gently until the balsam entirely fills the space between the cover and the glass slide. The slide should then be prop- erly labeled with a number referring to the notes on the insect, prefera- bly placed on the upper edge of the slide above the cover-glass, and also a label giving the number of the slide and the. number of the slide box. On the opposite end of the slide may be placed the label giving the name of the specimen mounted and the date. If a revolving slide table is employed to center the mounts, the appearance of the slide may be improved by adding a circle of asphalt or Brunswick blade. With the balsam mounts, however, this sealing is not necessary. The slide (Fig. 11(1) should then be placed in ;i slide case with the mount uppermost, and should be kepi in a horizontal position tit prevent sliding of the- cover glass and specimen until the balsam is thoroughly dried. For storing slides 1 have found very convenient the box shown at Fig. [85] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. 111. It is constructed of strong pasteboard aud is arranged for holding twenty-six slides. The cover bears numbers from 1 to 2G, opposite which the name of each insect mounted, or the label on the slide, may FIG. 110 Balsam mount, showing method of labeling, etc. (original). be written. This box when not in use is kept in a pasteboard case, on which may be placed the number of the box. These slide cases may be stored in drawers or on shelves made for the purpose. In mounting specimens taken from alcohol it is advisable to put a drop of FIG. 111.— Slide case, showing method of labeling case and of numbering and labeling slides (original). oil of cloves upon them, whicli unites with the balsam and ultimately evaporates. The occurrence of minute air bubbles under the cover- glass need occasion no uneasiness, for these will disappear on the drying of the balsam. In mounting minute Acarids or mites it has been found best to kill the insects in hot water, which causes them to expand their legs, so that BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [86] when mounted these appendages can readily be studied. If mounted living-, the legs are almost invariably curled up under the body and can not be seen. This method may also be used in the case of other minute insects. Some insects, such as minute Diptera, are injured by the use of hot water, and for these dipping in hot spirits is recommended. In the mounting of Aphides the same difficulty is avoided in a meas- ure by Mr. G. B. Buckton, author of "A Monograph of the British Aphides," by first placing a few dots of balsam on the glass slide, to which the insect is transferred by means of a moistened camel's-hair brush. The efforts of the insect to escape will cause it to spread out its legs in a natural position and a cover glass may then be placed in position and a drop of the balsam placed at the side, when, by capillarity, it will fill the space between the slide and cover glass and the limbs will be found to have remained extended. If three or four drops of the balsam are put on the glass the wings may also be brought down and caught to them so that they will remain expanded in shape for ex- amination. Preparing and Mounting the Wings of Lepidoptera. — The student of Lepidoptera will frequently find it necessary in the study of the vena- tion of wings to bleach them or denude them of their scales in some way. Various methods of bleaching and mounting the wings of these insects have been given, and a few of them may be briefly outlined. The simplest and quickest, but perhaps the least satisfactory, method is to remove the scales with a camel's-hair brush. This will answer for the larger forms and where a very careful examination is not required. For more careful examination and study the wings are first bleached by the action of some caustic solution and then mounted in balsam for permanent preservation. Chambers's method for Tineina, Tortricina, Pyralidina, and the smaller moths generally, is as follows: The wing is placed on a microscopic slide in from 3 to 4 drops of a strong solution of potash, the amount varying according to the size of the wing. A cover of glass is then placed in position on the wing as in ordinary mounting. The quantity of liquid should be sufficient to fill the space beneath, but not sufficient to float the cover glass. The mount is then placed over an alcohol flame, removing it at the first sign of ebullition, when the wing will be found denuded, if it be afresh specimen. An old specimen, or a larger wing, will require somewhat more prolonged boiling. The fluid is drawn oft' by tilting the glass or with bibulous paper, and the potash removed by washing with a few drops of water. The cover glass is then removed and the wing mounted either on the same slide in balsam or floated to another slide, or at once accurately sketched with the camera lucida. Permanent mounting, however, is always to be recommended. The Dimmock met hud of bleaching the wings of Lepidoptera, given in 1'syclie, Vol. I, pp. 1)7-t)t), is as follows: lie uses for bleaching a inodilica- [87] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. tion of the chlorine bleaching process commonly employed in cotton bleacheries, the material for which is sold by druggists as chlorate of lime. The wings are first soaked in pure alcohol to dissolve out the oily matter, which will act as a repellant to the aqueous chlorine solution. The chlo- rate of lime is dissolved in 10 parts of water and filtered. The wings are transferred to a small quantity of this solution and in an hour ortwo are thoroughly bleached, the veins, however, retaining a light brown color. If the bleaching does not commence readily in the chlorine solution the action may be hastened by previously dipping them in dilute hydrochloric acid. When sufficiently decolorized the wings should be washed in dilute hydrochloric acid to remove the deposit of calcic carbonate, which forms by the union of the calcic hydrate solution with the carbonic dioxide of the air. The wings are then thoroughly washed in pure water and may be gummed to cards or mounted on glass slides in Canada balsam, first washing them in alcohol and chloroform to remove the moisture. If either of the solutions known as eau de labaraque and eau de javeUe are used in place of the bleaching powder, no deposit is left on the wings and the washing with acid is obviated. This process does not dissolve or remove the scales, but merely renders them trans- parent, so that they do not interfere with the study of the venation. Prof. 0. H. Fern aid (American Monthly Microscopical Journal, I, p. 172, 1880), mounts the wings of Lepidoptera in glycerin, after having first cleared them by the Dimmock process. After bleaching and washing, the wings are dried by holding the slides over an alcohol flame, and a drop of glycerin is then applied and a cover glass put on at once. By holding the slide again over the flame until ebullition takes place the glycerin will replace the air under the wings and no injury to the structure of the wings will result, even if, in refractory cases, the wing- is boiled for some little time. The mount in this method must be sealed with some microscopic cement, as asphalt or Brunswick black. A method of mounting wings of small Lepidoptera for studying venation, which I have found very convenient, is thus described by Mr. Howard in Insect Life, Vol. I, p. 151 : " Some years ago we used the following method for studying the vena- tion of the wings of small Lepidoptera. We have told it since to many friends, but believe it has not been published. It is in some respects preferable to the so-called ' Diinraock process,' and particularly as a time-saver. It is also in this respect preferable to denudation with a brush. The wing is removed and mounted upon a slide in Canada balsam, which should be preferably rather thick. The slide is then held over the flame of an alcohol lamp until the balsam spreads well over the wing. Just as it is about to enter the veins, however, the slide is placed upon ice, or, if in the winter time, outside the window for a few moments. This thickens the balsam immediately and prevents it from entering the veins, which remain permanently filled with air and appear black with transmitted light. With a little practice one soon becomes BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [88] expert enough to remove the slide and cool it at just the right time, when the scales will have been rendered nearly transparent by the balsam, while the veins remain filled with air. We have done this sat- isfactorily not only with Tortricida3 and Tiueida?, but with Noctuids of the size of Aletia and Leucania. The mounts are permanent, and we have some which have remained unchanged since 1880. Prof. Eiley had for some years before this been in the habit of mounting wings in balsam, in which of course the scales cleared after a time/1 Prof. John B. Smith recommends a modification of the Dimiuock process of bleaching the wings of Lepidoptera, publishing it in Insect Life, Vol. i, pp. 291, 292, as follows: "By the Dimmock process the wings are first acted upon by a sat- urated solution of the chloride of lime, chlorine being, of course, the bleaching agent. Afterward they are washed in water to which hydro- chloric acid has been added, to get rid of the slight deposit of lime. The process is a slow one for thickly scaled, dark-colored insects, and it occurred to me to try a mixture of the chloride and acid, liberating the chlorine gas. The method was absolutely successful, the wings decol- orizing immediately and being ready for the slide •within two minutes. In fact, very delicate wings can scarcely be taken out quick enough, and need very little acid. The advantage is the rapidity of work and the certainty of retaining the wings entire, the chloride of lime some- times destroying the membrane in part before the bleaching is com- plete. The disadvantage is the vile smell of the chlorine gas when lib- erated by the combination of the two liquids. For quick work this must be endured, and the beauty and completeness of the result are also advantages to counterbalance the discomfort to the senses." For further special directions for mounting, for microscopic purposes, different insects and the different parts of insects, representing both the external chytiuous covering and the internal anatomy, the student is referred to special works. PRESERVATION OF ALCOHOLIC SPECIMENS. APPARATUS AND METHODS. — The collections of most value, espe- cially to our various agricultural colleges and experiment stations will be largely of a biologic and economic character, and the interest attaching to a knowledge of the life history of insects will induce many collectors to build up independent biologic collections. Very much of this biological material will be alcoholic, and though many immature states of insects may be preserved by dry processes, still the bulk must needs be kept in liquid. This material may, when not abundant, be kept with the general systematic collection, but experience has shown thai it is better to make a separate biological collection, and this is recommended especially for Slate institutions where the collections may be expected to attain some considerable proportions. In the case of such collections it is very desirable to adopt some method of securing the vials in such a [8D] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. manner that they can easily be transferred from one place to another and fastened in the boxes or drawers employed for pinned insects. For directions in this regard I reproduce from an article on the subject in Insect Life, Vol. 11, pp. 345, 340, which was republished, with slight changes, from my annual report for 1880 as Honorary Curator.* Vials, Stoppers and Holders. — The vials in use to preserve such speci- mens as must be left in alcohol or other liquids are straight glass tubes of varying diameters and lengths, with round bottom and smooth even mouth. The stoppers in use are of rubber, which, when tightly put into the vial, the .air being nearly all expelled, keep the contents of the vial intact and safe for years. Various forms of bottles are used in museums for the preservation of minute alcoholic material. I have tried the flattened and the square and have studied various' other forms of these vials; but I am satisfied that those just described, which are in use by Dr. Hagen in the Cambridge Museum, are, all things considered, the most convenient and econom- ical. A more difficult problem to solve was a convenient and satisfac- tory method of holding these vials and of fastening them into drawers or cases held at all angles, from perpendicular to horizontal. Most alco- holic collections are simply kept standing, either in tubes with broad bases or in tubes held in wooden or other receptacles; but for a biologic collection of insects something that could be used in connection with the pinned specimens and that could be easily removed, as above set forth, was desirable. After trying many different contrivances I finally prepared a block, with Mr. Hawley's assistance, which answers every purpose of simplicity, neatness, security, and convenience. It is, so far as I know, unique, and will be of advantage for the same purpose to other museums. It has been in use now for the past six years, and has been of great help and satisfaction in the arrangement and preser- vation of the alcoholic specimens, surpassing all other methods for ease of handling and classifying. The blocks are oblong, one-fourth of an inch thick, the ends (c c, Fig. 112) beveled, the sides either beveled or straight, the latter preferable. They vary in length and breadth according to the different sizes of the vials, and are painted white. Upon the upper side of these blocks are fastened two curved clamps of music wire (b ft), forming about two- thirds of a complete circle. The fastening to the block is simple and secure. A bit of the wire of proper length is first doubled and then by a special contrivance the two ends are bent around a mandrel so as to form an insertion point or loop. A brad awl is used to make a slot in the block, into which this loop is forced (e, Fig. 112, 5), a drop of warm water being first put into the slot to soften the wood, which swells and closes so firmly around the wire that considerable force is required to pull it out. Four pointed wire nails (d d d d), set into the bottom so as *Annual Report of the Smithsonian Institution for 1886, Part n, Report of the National Museum, pp. 182-186. Washington, 1890. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATUS NATIONAL Ml'SKl'M. [!><)] to project atxnit one-fourth inch, serve to hold the block to the cork bottom of the case or drawer in which it is to be placed. The method of use is simple and -readily seen from the accompanying figures, which represent the block from all sides. The advantages of this system are the ease and security with which the block can be placed in or removed from a box; the ease with which a vial can be slipped into or removed from the wire clamps; the security with which it is held, and the fact that practically no part of the con- tents of the vial is obscured by the holder — the whole being visible from above. The beveled ends of the block may be used for labeling, or pieces of clean card-board cut so as to project somewhat on all sides may be used for this purpose, and will be held secure by the pins between the block and the cork of the drawers. il 4- 7T 6 FIG. 112. — Vial holder ; 1, block, with vial, beveled on all sides : 2, do., beveled only on ends ; :!, block, end view; 5, do., section; 4, 6, do., side views; a, block; b, spring-wire clamps ; e. beveled cuds of block; d, pointed wire nails ; y their use in small compass. The use of the cork center piece in the upper part of the tray is not a necessity, and a wooden piece may be used in which holes are bored with a bitt of proper si/e. Micro-lame in Alcohol. — The CLQ FIG. 114.— Vials used in the Marx tray (original. ) following is quoted from Packard's "Entomology for Beginners." for which it was translated from the >• l>cntx<'hc A'///. 7ei1tj.,r 1SS7, Heft I: "Dr. li. Dewitx. mounts the larva- and pupa- of M ierolepidoptera, and also the early stages of other small insects, in the following wa\ : The insects are put into a bottle with !>."> per cent alcohol. Many larvae turn black in alcohol, but boiling them in alcohol in a test tube will bleach them. They may then be finally placed in glass tubes as small and thin as possible, varying from 0.003 to 0.00(5 meter in diameter. [!>3] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. according- to the size of the insects. About 0.07 meter's length of a tube is melted over a spirit lamp, and the tube filled three-quarters full with 95 per cent alcohol, the insects placed within and the contents of the tube heated at the end still open, and then closed by being pulled out with another piece of glass tubing. After the glass has been held a few minutes in the hand until it is slightly cooled off, the end closed last is once more held over the lamp so that the points may be melted together, and this end of the glass may be finished. During the whole time from the closure of the tube until the complete cooling of the glass it should be held obliquely in the hand, so that the alcohol maynotwet me um,er end. for if the tube is too full it is difficult to melt it, as the steam quickly expanding breaks through the softened mass of glass. The tube may be mounted \v boring -a hole through a cork stopper of the same diameter as the glass. The stopper is cut into the shape of a cube, a strong insect pin put through it, and the glass tube inserted into the hole. It can then be pinned in the insect box or drawer, near the imago, so that the free end of the glass may touch the bottom, while the other end stands up somewhat; while to keep the tube in place the free end resting on the bottom may be fastened with two strong insect pins. The specimens thus put up can easily be examined with a lens, and if they need to be taken out for closer examination the tube can be opened and closed again after a little practice." PRESERVATIVE FLUIDS. — The principal liquids in which soft-bodied insects may be successfully preserved are the following : Alcohol. — As indicated in the foregoing portions of this work, alcohol is the standard preservative used for soft-bodied specimens, and may be used either full strength or diluted with water. Diluted alcohol should always be first used with larva?, since the pure alcohol shrivels them up. The weak spirits can afterwards be replaced by strong, for permanent preservation. Alcohol and White Arsenic. — The method of preserving insects recom- mended by Laboulbene and quoted in Packard's Entomology for Begin- ners, consists in plunging che insects in the fresh state into a preserva- tive liquid, consisting of alcohol with an excess of the common white arsenic of commerce. The larva placed in this mixture absorbs .003 of its own weight, and when removed and pinned is safe from the attacks of museum pests. This liquid is said not to change the colors, blue, green or red of beetles, if they are not immersed for more than twenty- four hours. This treatment is applicable to the orders Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Orthoptera. If the insect is allowed to stay in this mixture for a considerable time, say three or four weeks, and then removed and dried, it becomes very hard and brittle and can not be used for dissection or study, but makes a good cabinet specimen. BULLETIN :H», I'MTKI) STATKS NATIONAL MTSKTM. [94] The white deposit of arsenic which will appear on drying can IK- washed (iff with alcohol. Mt-nlinl and Corrosive Subliimitc.—The same author recommends aiidtlicr preparation consisting of alcohol with a variable quantity ol corrosive sublimate added, the strength of the solution varying Iron. 100 parts of alcohol to 1 part of corrosive sublimate for the strongest. to one-tenth of 1 part of sublimate in 100 parts of alcohol for the weak- est. The insects are allowed to remain in this mixture not longer than two hours before drying. The latrt-described preparation is said to preserve the specimens from mold. Both of these solutions are \ery poisonous and should be used with care. Two Liquids to preserve Form and Color. — Professor Packard also quotes the formula of A. E. Yerrill for preserving insects in their natural color and form. Two formulas are given ; the first consists of 2$ pounds of common salt and 4 ounces of niter dissolved in a gallon of water and filtered. The specimens should be prepared for permanent preservation, in this solution by being previously immersed in a solution consisting of a quart of the first solution and 2 ounces of arsenite of potash in a gallon of water. Professor Packard gives also the formula of 31. II. Trois for preserving caterpillars, for which it is claimed that the colors of the caterpillars are preserved perfectly, even when exposed to strong- light. The formula for this solution is as follows : Common salt grams . . Alum do... .V> Corrosive sublimate centigram*. 18 Boiling water liters. . ."> Allow the liquid to cool and add 50 grains of carbolic acid, and filter after standing five or six days. Glycerin. — Glycerin, either pure or mixed with water or alcohol, is frequently used to preserve the larva? of delicate insects. It preserves the color and form better than alcohol, but particularly in the ease of larva?, it causes a softening of the tissues which renders them unfit for study. The Wickersheiin, Preserving Fluid. — This valuable preserving fiuid has been known for some time, but is not very commonly used, on account of frequent disappointment due to the difficulty attending its preparation. It is claimed for it that animal or vegetable bodies impregnated with it will retain their form, color, and tlexibility in the most perfect manner. The objects to be preserved are put in the fluid for from six to twelve days, according to their size, and then taken out and dried in the air. The ligaments remain soft and movable, and the animals or plants remain fit for anatomical dissection and study for long periods, even years. It is said to be especially valuable lor the preservation of larva- and soft-bodied insects. In order to perfectly preserve t he, colors, i t is necessary to leave the specimens in the fluid, or, if they are taken out, they should be sealed up in air-tight vials or Vessels. The formula for the fluid is as follows: [9")] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. Dissolve 100 grams alum, 25 grams common salt, 12 grams saltpeter, CO grams potash, 10 grams arsenious acid in 3,000 grams boiling water. Filter the solution, and when cold add 10 liters of the liquid to 4 liters of glycerin and 1 liter of methyl alcohol. LABELING SPECIMENS. General Directions. — It matters little how much care and pains have been taken in the preparation and mounting of specimens, they will have little value unless accompanied by proper labels giving informa- tion as to locality and date of collection, name of collector, and a label or number referring to notebooks, if any biological or other facts con- cerning them have been ascertained. There should be pinned to the specimen labels referring to, or giving all the information obtainable or of interest concerning it. A somewhat different style of label will be found necessary in the case of the two forms of collections described in the foregoing pages, namely, the biological or economic collection, and the systematic collection. For the former, numbers may be attached to the specimens which will refer to the notes relating to the specimen or species. For the latter, in most cases, all necessary infor- mation may be recorded and made available by written or printed labels attached directly to the specimens. In most cases, however, I find a combination of these two systems convenient and desirable. The numbering system is very simple, and is the one which I have followed in all the species for which I have biological or other notes. It consists in giving each species, as it comes under observation, a serial number which refers to a record in a notebook. With this number may be combined, if convenient, the date of rearing or collection of the speci- men, and also the locality and food-plant if known. The vast number of species represented in a systematic collection renders the numbering system entirely out of place and inadequate, and the labeling system alone is generally available. If it becomes necessary in the systematic collection to refer to food-plants or life-history or any other fact of interest, the numbering system should be used, and I recommend that the numbers be written in red ink on the labels, to distinguish at a glance the numbers referring to biological notes from other numbers that will occur in the collection. Labels for pinned Specimens. — The following labels should be em- ployed in the collection: (1) Locality label, which should be as explicit as possible. (2) Date of capture, which is very useful and sometimes quite important in various ways. It indicates at what time additional specimens of some rare species may be secured, and greatly assists in elaborating the life history of the species, and in other cases assists in the correct determination of closely allied insects, which differ chiefly in habit or date of appearance. (3) A label to indicate the sex. This label has recently acquired greater importance than formerly, on ac- count of the value of the sexual differences in the distinction of bl'LLKTIN :',!>, fMTF.n STATT.S NATIONAL Ml'SEfM. [96] species. The well-known signs for male, female, an/ flu' colircfof. This label is ot less value, but sometimes becomes important in determining the history of the specimen or the exact place of capture. The name of the species is iiot necessarily attached to all the specimens in a collection, and ordinarily will be placed with the first specimen in a series in the cabinet. This and other labeling of insects in cabinet is discussed in another place. Other labels are useful to indicate type specimens, namely, those of which descriptions have been drawn up and published, and which should be designated by a special label written by the author himself. Determinations by an authority in a special group should be indicated, and the labels placed on specimens by such an authority should not be removed. It will not be found necessary to use a separate label for each of the data indicated above, and a single label maybe made to combine many of them, as, except for the specific names of the insects themselves (which should always be on the lowermost label), most other words will 1 »ear abbreviation, especially localities and dates. "A combination lal >el. which has given general satisfaction to all to whom it has been commu- nicated, is a two-line label printed in diamond type, on heavy writing pa i »er. The upper line consists of the name of the locality, e. //., • Wash- ngtn" (a name consisting of more than eight letters to be abbreviated), and the lower line has at the right-hand corner 'DC' (interpuuctuation and spacing to be avoided so as to save space). This leaves on the sec- ond line sufficient room for inserting the date, which can be quickly and neatly written with ink if the labels are printed in columns of ten or more repetitions. The label thus combines locality with date of cap- ture. Or the upper line reads 'Arizona' and the lower line 'Morrison,' the label thus combining locality with the name of the collector."* In general I indorse the system of labeling suggested in the above condensation from Mr. Schwarz, but there is no particular disadvantage, and in fact many advantages, in special cases, in a larger label or in folded labels. Particularly in visiting large foreign collections I have found it convenient to use large labels ot thin paper which will contain a good deal of information closely written in pencil and bear folding sev- eral times, so as not to occupy more than the ordinary label space when pinned to the specimens. This involves detaching the label when the specimen or species comes to be studied, but this additional labor is in- significant compared with the large amount of valuable information \\liichin time is thus brought together in condensed availability for the student ; for brief notes of opinions of experts, of comparison with types, of special studies, of reference to descriptions, etc., may thus be all brought together. Where t here is not room to indicate the authority for a determination on the upper >ide of a label, I also find it conven- ient to do so on the lower side. I.. LSchwarz, Proc. Eut. Soc., Wash., II, No. 1, COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. Labeling alcoholic Specimens. — Alcoholic specimens, including alco- holic biologic material and collections of Araclmida and Myriopoda, arc well adapted to the labeling system, as the vials are always of sufficient si/e to allow the insertion of one or more labels large enough to contain a pretty full record of the specimen. The label may consist of a number referring to notes, or of a number together with the other data indicated for the systematic collection. The label in my expe- rience is preferably written in pencil, which, in alcohol, is practically permanent. Waterproof inks are sometimes used, and of these the oak-gall ink is undoubtedly the best. Dr. George Marx, in labeling his Araclmida, uses onion-skin paper and waterproof ink, such as II ig- FIG. 116. — Cabinet for apparatus used in mounting and labeling. (Original). gius's drawing ink. There is some danger, in placing a label in a vial, of its settling against the specimen and injuring it. This, however, can generally be avoided if a little care is used. The label may be long and narrow and folded lengthwise so as to occupy one side only of the vial, or short and inserted in such manner that it will pass around the inside 2504 7 BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [98] of the vial, where it will be held by the natural adhesion to the glass in the upper portion of the vial, as shown at Fig. 114. Cabinet for Apparatus. — The work of preparation of insects for the cabinet may be greatly facilitated if a convenient case is provided with drawers and compartments for the keeping of pins of different sizes, labels, braces, implements, tweezers, dissecting apparatus, and the like, with microscopical supplies - slides, cover glasses, mounting media, etc. I present a photograph of a cabinet of this -sort used in my earlier work and found very convenient and serviceable (Fig. 110). INSECT BOXES AND <' AB1NETS. sen- tially after the pattern of those used in the British (South Kensington) Museum, but adapted in si/e to our own requirements. In the use of the National Museum these cabinets have proved eminently well adapted to their object. [1011 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. The drawers (Fig. 118, A, B, C) are square, with ail outside measure- ment of IS inches and an outside depth of 3 inches. The sides and back have a thickness of three-eighths of an inch, while the front is live-eighths of an inch thick. The pieces are firmly dovetailed together, the front being clean and the dovetailing blind. The bottom, a, is of three-ply crossgrained veneer, run into a groove at the sides, leaving a clear inside depth of 2-^ inches to the frame of the cover. The bottoms are lined in all but forty of the drawers with first quality cork, b, one-fourth of an inch thick. At a distance of one-fourth of an inch from the sides and back and three-eighths of an inch from the front there is an inside box of one-eighth inch whitewood, c, closely fitted, and held in place by blocks between it and the outer box. There is thus between the inner and outer box a clear space, d, all round, in which insecticides or disinfectants can be placed to keep out Museum pests, making it impossible for such to get into the inner box contain- ing the specimens without first passing through this poison chamber. The entire inside is lined with white paper, or, in the case of the uncorked boxes, painted with zinc white. The front is furnished with a plain knob. The cover is of glass, set into a frame,/, three-fourths of an inch wide, three-eighths of an inch thick, with a one-fourth inch tongue fitting closely into the space between the inner lining and outer box, which here serves as a groove. This arrangement furnishes a per- fectly tight drawer of convenient size and not unwieldy for handling when studying the collection. The material of which these drawers are made is California red wood, except the cover frame, which is mahogany. The cabinets containing these drawers are 36 inches high, 40 inches wide, 21 inches deep (all outside measurements), and are closed by two paneled doors. Each cabinet contains twenty drawers in two rows of ten each, and the draw- ers slide by means of a groove, //, on either side, on hard- wood tongues, and are designed to be interchangeable. The Llntncr display Box. — For beauty and security and the perfect display of the larger Lepidoptera, I have seen nothing superior to a box used by Mr. J. A. Lintner, of Albany, N. Y. It is a frame made in the form of a folio volume, with glass set in for sides and bound in an ordinary book cover. The insects are - pinned onto pieces of cork fastened to the inside of one of the glass plates and the boxes may be stood on ends, in library shape, like ordinary books. For the benefit of those who wish to make small collections of showy insects, I give Mr. Lintner' s method, of which he has been kind enough to furn'sh me the following description : Figs. A, B, and C represent, in. section, the framework of the volume, a showing the ends, 1> the front, and c the back. The material can be prepared in long strips of some soft wood by a cabinet-maker (if the collector has the necessary skill and leisure for framing it) at a cost of 60 cents a frame, if a number sufficient for a dozen boxes be ordered. Or, if it be preferred to order them made, the cost should not exceed 80 cents each. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [10-] Me fore being placed in the hands of ilir hinder the mitering should be carefully examined and any defect in fitting remedied, so thai the glass, when placed in posi- tion, may have accurate bearings on all the sides. The interior of the frame is cov- ered with tin foil, made as smooth as possible lie fore application, to be applied with thoroughly boiled Hour paste (iu which a small proportion of arsenic may be mixed) and rubbed smoothly down till the removal of the blisters, which are apt to appear. The tin foil can be purchased, by weight, at druggists', and the sheets marked off and rut by a rule in strips of proper width, allowing for a trifle of overlapping on the sides. Its cost per volume is merely nominal. First-quality single-thick glass for sides must be selected, wholly free from rust, veins, air-bubbles, or any blemish. Such glass can be purchased at 15 cents a pane. The lower glass, after thorough cleaning, especially of its inner surface, with an alkaline wash, and a iinal polishing with slightly wetted white printing paper, is to be tirnily secured in its place by a proper number of tin points; the upper glass is but temporarily fastened. The binder must be directed to cover the exposed sides of the frame with " combed" paper, bringing it over the border of the permanent lower glass and beneath the removable upper glass. A B FIG. 119. — Construction of the Liutner liox. The covers of the volume are of heavy binders' board (No. 18), neatly lined within with glazed white paper. On one of the insides of the lids may be attached, by its corners, a sheet with the numbers and names of the species contained in the volume, or these may be placed on the pin bearing the insect. If bound in best quality of imitation morocco, with cloth covers, lettered and gilded on the back, the cost (for a dozen volumes) need not exceed $1 each. If in turkey morocco, it will be $1.50. The lettering and ornamentation of the back will vary with the taste of the indi- vidual. The family designations may be permanently lettered, or they may be pasted on the back, on a slip of paper or gum label, as are the generic names, thus permitting the change of the contents of a volume at any time if desired. The bits of cork to which the insects are to be pinned are cut in quarter-inch squares from sheet-cork of one-fourth of an inch in thickness. If the trouble be taken to trim oil' the corners, giving them an octagonal form, their appearance will be materially improved and much less care will be required in adjusting them on the glass. The cement usually recommended for attaching the cork to the glass is composed of equal parts of white wax and resin. My experience with this has not been favor- able, for, after the lapse of a few years, I have invariably been subjected to tin- serious annoyance of being compelled to renew the entire contents of tlm \olmnc. [103] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS R1LEY. clean the glass, and replace the corks with new cement. From some cause, inexpli- cable to me, a gradual separation takes place of the cork with its cement from the glass, first appearing at the angles of the cork, and its progress indicated by an in- creasing number of iridescent rings which form within until the center is reached, when, if not previously detached, the insect falls with the cork, usually to its injury and that of others beneath it. A number of years ago I happened to employ, in attaching a single piece of cork in one of my cases, a cement originally made for other purposes, consisting of six parts of resin, one of wax, and one of Venetian red. Several years thereafter my attention was drawn to this piece by finding it as firmly united as when at first applied, and at the present time (after the lapse of twelve years) it is without the slightest indication of separation. Acting iipon this hint, I have, of late, used this cement in the restoration of a number of my cases, and with the most satisfactory results. It is important that the cement, when used, should be heated (by a spirit lamp or gas flame) to as high a degree as it will bear without burning. An amount sufficient to cover the bottom of the small, flat metal vessel containing it to the depth of an eighth of an inch will suffice ami prevent the cork from taking up more than its requisite quantity. It should be occasionally stirred to prevent the precip- itation of its heavier portions. The cork may be conveniently dipped by the aid of a needle inserted in a handle, when, as quickly as possible, it should be transferred to the glass, for the degree of adhesion seems to depend upon the degree of fluidity of the cement. From some experiments made by me, after the corks had beeii at- tached as above, in heating the entire glass to such a degree as thoroughly to melt the cement until it spreads outward from beneath the weight of the cork, and then permitted to cool — the glass meanwhile held horizontally, that the corks might not be displaced — the results appear to indicate that the above cement, applied in this manner on glass properly cleaned, will prove a permanent one. It is scarcely neces- sary to state that this method is not available where the glass has been bound as above. Preparatory to corking the glass for the specimens assigned to it, the spaces re- quired for them are to be ascertained by arranging them in order on a cork surface or otherwise. On a sheet of paper of the size of the glass, perpendicular lines, of the number of the rows and at their proper distances, are to be drawn, and cross lines equal in number to the insects contained in the rows. The distances of these lines will be uniform, unless smaller specimens are to occupy some portion of the case, when they may be graduated to the required proportion. With the sheet ruled iu this manner and placed beneath the glass, the points where the corks are to be ap- plied are indicated by the intersections of the lines. The sheet, marked with the family of the insects for which it was used and with the numbers designating its divisions, may be laid aside for future use in the preparation of other cases for which it may be suitable. In a series of unbound cases in my collection, in which the glasses measure 11 by 14£ inches, I have used for my Lepidoptera and laid aside the following scales, the citation of which will also serve to show the capacity of the cases : 3 by 8, Catocalas ; 2 by 7 and 3 by 9, Sphingidae ; 4 by 11 to 4 by 14, Bombycidse ; 5 by 13 to 6 by 16, Noctuidse; 8 by 16 and 8 by 20, Lycsenidse and Tortricidae. The unbound cases above referred to are inexpensive frames, made by myself, of quarter-inch white wood or pine, the corners mitered, glued, and nailed with three- quarter inch brads, lined within with white paper (better with tin foil), and cov- ered without with stout manila paper. The glasses are cut of the size of the frame, and when placed in position thereon are appressed closely to it by laying upon them, near each corner, a heavy weight, and strips of an enameled green paper, cut to the width of 1 inch, are pasted over their edges, extending a little beyond the thickness of the frame, and brought downward over the outside of the frame. On its back two gum labels, indicating the insects inclosed, are placed at uniform heights (7 and 12 inches), when, if all has been neatly done, they present a tasteful appearance upon a shelf. When there is reason to believe that the case will need to be opened BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [104] for the change or addition of specimens, it will be found convenient to employ, for the fastening of the left-hand side of the upper glass, paper lined with a thin muslin, to serve as a hinge when the other sides have been cut. Should it become desirable to bind these cases, outside frames may be constructed after the plans above given, with the omissiouof the inside quarter inch (the equiv- alent of these frames), in which these may be placed and held in position by two or three screws inserted in their sides. The Marti ndale Box for Lepidoiitmt.—'Mi: Isaac 0. Martindale, in the October, 1801, number of Entomoloyn-al Xewa, pp. 126, 127, describes a new form of cabinet lor butterflies, the drawers of which present some ne\v features. They are for the same end as the Lintuer box described above — namely, for the display of the upper and under surface of the wings of Lepidoptera, and promise to be more useful. The drawer is described as follows: The especial feature is the drawer itself, which, instead of having a cork bottom, MS is usually the case, has both the top and bottom of glass. The top part of tin- drawer frame h'ts tightly over a ledge one inch in height, effectually preventing the intrusion of destructive insects, the pest of the entomologist ; but it is readily lifted when it is desirable to add to the contents or change the location of the specimens. For the inside arrangement I have taken a strip of common tin, one inch wide, and turned up each side five-sixteenths of an inch, thus leaving three-eighths of an inch for the bottom. The length of the strip of tin, being about two inches longer than the width of the drawer, admits of each end being turned up one inch. Into this tin trough is tightly fitted a cork strip three-eighths of an inch square. The whole being covered with -white paper, such as is usually used for lining drawers, conceals tin- inequalities of the cork and makes a fine finish. They should be made to fit neatly in the drawer, and can be readily moved about to suit large or small specimens. For Li/cwnas, Pampliilas, etc., as many as fifteen of these strips may be used in one drawer, and as few as five for Horphos, CaUf/os, etc. The upturned ends are fastened in place by using the ordinary thumb tacks that can be procured at any stationer's. The frame work of the drawers should be of white pine, well seasoned. Into this the thumb tacks are readily inserted and as easily withdrawn when a change in the posi- tion of the cork strips is needed. Horizontal vs. vertical Arrangement of Boxes. — I have elsewhere dis- cussed the availability of the upright vs. the horizontal arrangement of insect boxes.* In the case of Lepidoptera and large-bodied insects I have found the horizontal drawer or box to be preferable. If large- bodied insects are placed in a vertical position they are very liable to become loose on the pins, swing from side to side, and damage them selves and other specimens; but for the smaller insects of all orders. the vertical arrangement is quite safe and satisfactory. If the pin is slightly flattened, as described on p. 09, the danger of large specimens becoming loose is to a great extent avoided. Lin ing for Insect Boxes. — The old lining of insect boxes was the ordinary sheet cork of commerce, and if a good quality of cork is procurable it will answer the purpose. A better substance, however, tor the lining of insect boxes is the, prepared or ground cork, which is now almost American Xitiiirnlixl, Vol. XV, p. lul. 1SS1, [105] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. exclusively used. It is simply ground cork mixed with a small amount of giue, compressed into sheets and covered with paper. This gives a very homogenous composition, and is much better than the ordinary cork, having a more uniform and neat appearance, and admitting the inser- tion of the pins more freely. It may be purchased from H. Herpers, 18 Crawford street, Newark, N. J. A less expensive substitute is paper stretched upon a frame. Prof. E. S. Morse has given in the "•American Naturalist'' (Vol. i, p. 156) a plan which is very neat and useful for lining boxes in a large museum, which are designed to be placed in horizontal show-cases (Fig. 120). ''A box is made of the required depth, and a light frame is fitted to its interior. Upon the upper and under surfaces of this frame a sheet of white paper (drawing or log paper answers the purpose) is securely glued. The paper, having been previously damped, in drying con- tracts and tightens like a drum- head. The frame is then secured about one-fourth of an inch from the bottom of the box, and the pin is forced down through the thick- nesses of paper, and if the bottom of the box be of soft pine, the point of the pin may be slightly forced into it. It is thus firmly held at two or three different points, and all lateral movemnts are prevented. Other advantages are secured by this arrangement besides firmness: when the box needs cleaning or fumigation, the entire collection may be removed by taking out the frame; or camphor, tobacco, or other material can be placed on the bot- tom of the box, and concealed from sight. The annexed figure repre- sents a transverse section of a portion of the side and bottom of the box with the frame. A A, box; B, frame; P P, upper and under sheets of paper; C, space between lower sheets of paper and bottom of box." Other substitutes are the pith of various plants, especially of corn. Palm wood and u inodorous felt" are also used, being cut to fit the bottom of the box. Pita wood or the light porous wood of the Agave or Century plant when cut into proper strips also makes a very light and satisfactory lining, while good close bog-peat cut into proper thicknesses is not infrequently used in France and Germany. Druce & Co., 68 Baker street, London, "W., England, have lately been manufacturing what is known as cork carpet, which seems to be a combination of ground cork and rubber. It comes in various colors and of the proper thickness, and makes a very smooth and desirable lining, holding the pins very firmly. FIG. 120. — Paper lining for insect box. Marse.) (After BULLETIN 89, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [100] It cost 90 cents per square yard in England, and I have had one cabinet lined with it as an experiment, as there is a probability that the pins may corrode in contact with the rubber. ARRANGEMENT OF INSECTS IN THE CABINET. Systematic and biolout by far the most dangerous enemies of insect collections are the KK. 121.— Tineola biselliella: a, adult; b, larva; c, cocoon and empty pupa — skin enlarged. [109] COLLECTING AND PKESERVING INSECTS RILEY. larvib of some half dozen or more species of Dermestidte belonging to the genera Anthrenns, Attagenus, Trogoderma, and Dermestes. Of these AntJircHus rarius is the more common pest, in museums, espe- cially in the Xorth and East. In the South and West Trogoderma tarxale and T. ornatum ( ?) replace Anthrenus. The European species Anthrenus musa'oruin, is, on the authority of Hagen, rare in this country, and probably occurs chiefly in collections of imported insects. It is the common injurious species of Europe. Anthrenus scrophularice (see Fig. 67) occurs also in collections, Dr. Hagen stating that he has found it nearly as common as A. varius, and certainly more dangerous. In my own experience it is rarely found in insect collections. Two species of Attageims (A. pellio and A. megatoma) have also been found in collec- tions. A. megatoma has been found by Dr. Hagen to do not a little damage to insect collections in Cambridge, as well as to equal if not exceed the Carpet Beetle in its disastrous attacks upon carpets and household furniture. The other species, A. pellio, is rarely found in tliis country, but ismuch more common and obnoxious in Europe than A. mega- toma. Dermestes lardarius is sometimes found in collections, and is attracted by the presence of animal matter such as skins, etc. The two particuliarly destructive pests, as pointed out, are Anthrenus varius and Trogoderma tar sale. These species, together with most of the others, have no definite breeding period, but, in the uniform temperature of the laboratory or museum, breed all the year round and present no definite broods. It is the experience at the Museum that the boxes on the lower tier of shelves are very much more subject to attack than those on the upper tiers, from which it would seem that the parent beetle deposits her eggs outside the boxes on the floor of the cases and that the young larvse work their way into the smallest crevices. The danger of infection by these pests is greater in warm climates like that of Wash- ington than in regions further north, as the warm season begins earlier, lasts longer, and furnishes better conditions for breeding and multiplication. REMEDIES. — The following remedies and preventives will prove efficient in checking or preventing the work of these pests. Naphthaline. — Where tight boxes are employed little fear of the work of these destructive agents need arise, espe- cially if the boxes are kept supplied with repellent naph- thaline cones. These are hard cones of naphthaline, mounted on pins for convenient placing in the boxes (see Fig. 122), and may be obtained of dealers in entomological supplies. Naphthaline cones act as repellents to these insects and also to some extent retard the development of the larvse in all stages and particularly of the eggs. Mr. Schwarz states (Proc. Ent. Soc. of Washington, Vol. i, page 63) that in place of these cones a form of naphthaline may be used which BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [HO] is known in commerce as "white carbon," and is put up in the form of small square rods for use in intensifying' the flames of gaslight. The material is very cheap, costing only 8 cents per pound wholesale, and may be broken up into small pieces, wrapped in paper, and pinned. The use of naphthaline cones is not advisable in boxes containing delicate specimens, as it leaves a deposit which dulls the colors and encourages greasing. The deliquescence of the naphthaline cones produces a black- ish, oily residuum which will soil the lining of the box, and it is always advisable either to pin a piece of blotting- paper beneath the cone or to wrap this in paper. ('(instant watchfulness is necessary to see that the eggs which have been deposited and checked in development by the application of this insecticide do not ultimately hatch and start a new generation in the insect box. Bisulphide »f Cxi-hun. — If the collection is found to be infested with insect pests, it may be renovated by pouring a little bisulphide of carbon into the boxes and closing them at once. This substance evaporates rap- idly and will destroy all insect life, and does not injure specimens orpins nor stain the boxes. If infested specimens are received, these should be inclosed in a tight box and treated with bisulphide of carbon before being- added to the general collection, and it is always well for those who are receiving pinned specimens by exchange or otherwise to keep a quar- antine box of this kind on hand. Mercury Pclld*. — The use of mercury pellets is recommended to free boxes from Mites, Psoci, etc., and also to collect any particles of dust which may gain entrance. A few small pellets of mercury, placed free in the bottom of the horizontal box will, by the movement of the box, be caused to roll to and fro and accomplish the desired end. Carbolic Acid. — Mr. A.T. Marshall (Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, Dec., 187;>, p. 170) records that he washes the paper of his boxes with the common disinfecting solution of carbolic acid in two-thirds water, which dries without staining and protects the specimens from Psoci. A Means of preserving Insects lit dry hot Countries. — In the uH<>r«' Societal '^ Kntomoloyictv 7»'ox* /<•«•," XXIY, pp. 233, 234 (1889), M. A. Wilkins, writing from Tachkent in Turkestan, alludes to the ineffi- ciency of ordinary preservatives in Central Asia, on account of their rapid volatilization through the hot dry air, so that if a collection 1 it- neglected for only two or three months Antltreni are sure to be found in the boxes. He has hit upon a plan which he finds effective, and at the same time very simple. He employs India-rubber bands about U inches in width and less than the length of the boxes to which they are to be applied. These bands are stretched over the opening line of tin- boxes, and effectually prevent the entrance of the most minute destroy- ers. Possibly a similar plan might be adopted in other countries with a like climate. At any rate, the method has the merit of extreme sim- plicity. (The Ent. Mo. Maij., Apr.. 1S1M, p. 107.) [Ill] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. MOLD. Collections kept iu damp places or in a moist climate are very liable to mold, and under such conditions it is difficult to avoid this evil. Carbolic acid is recommended, but Mr. Ashmead, who has kept a large collection in the moist climate of Florida, has found the use of naphtha- line much more satisfactory. Mr. Herbert H. Smith who has had more extensive experience in the tropics prefers the carbolic acid. Moldy specimens maybe cleansed by washing with carbolic acid applied with a tine camel's hair brush. VERDIGRISING AND GREASING. The action of the acid juices in the bodies of certain specimens — as many of the Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera — will cause the forma- tion of verdigris about the pin, which in time accumulates and disfig- ures and distorts the specimen, and ultimately corrodes the pin, so that the slightest touch causes it to bend or break. There is no pre- ventive yet known for this trouble other than the use of pins which have no brass to be corroded. Japanned pins are made for this purpose, and are. on the whole, satisfactory, but they bend easily and some cau- tion is required in handling them. In place of these pins, which are somewhat more expensive than the steel pins, iron pins may be used. These are very soft and bend too easily for satisfactory use. The steel pins may be rendered available for use by an immersion in a silver bath, which is comparatively inexpensive. Insects the l.irv;e of which live in wood are particularly subject to ver- digris, as the Cerainbycicbe and Elateridm in Coleoptera, the Urocerida; in Hymenoptera and Sesiidse in Lepidoptera. In Hymenoptera the families Formicidse, Mutilliclae, and the endophytous Ienthredinida3 ver- digris very rapidly, and most Diptera also. With all these insects ja- panned or silvered pins should be used, or when not too large the insects should be mounted on triangles. This verdigrising is associated with what is known as greasing, and this, as just indicated, is also associated with endophytous larval life. The verdigris may be pre- vented by the methods indicated, and I would strongly advise, as a good general rule to be followed, the rejection of the ordinary pins for all species which, in the larva state, are internal feeders. But there is no way of preventing greasing or decomposition of the fats of the body, which may affect a specimen years after it has been in the cabinet. If the specimen is valuable the grease maybe absorbed by im- mersion in ether or benzine, or by a longer treatment with powdered pipeclay or plaster of Paris. Insects collected on seabeaches, and saturated with salt water, also corrode the common steel pin very quickly and should be mounted on japanned pins. It is also advisable to rinse such specimens thoroughly in fresh water before mounting. The conviction has been forcing itself on my mind for some time that the naphthaline cones tend to promote greasing and verdigris, and carbolic acid in some small vessel secured to the cork, were, perhaps, preferable. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [112] i— _J . THE HEARING OF INSECTS. General .Directions. — The importance, even to the mere collector, of rearing insects to obtain specimens for the cabinet has been referred to from time to time in these pages. The philosophic' study of ento- mology, however, requires much more than the mere collecting of specimens, and one of the most profitable and, at the same time, most fascinating phases of the study relates to the life-history and lial>its. In no branch of natural history are biologic studies more easily carried on, or the biologic; facts more remarkable or interesting. The syste- matist by such study will be saved from the narrow and hair-splitting tendencies which study of slight difference of characters tends to, while to the economic entomologist it is most essential. In the rearing of insects success will be attained in proportion to the extent to which the conditions of nature in the matters of temperature, moisture, food- supply, and conditions for pupation, are observed. " In the hands of the careful breeder an insect may be secured against its numerous natural enemies and against vicissitudes of climate, and will, consequently, be more apt to mature than in a state of nature. The breeding of aquatic insects requires aquaria, and is always at- tended with the difficulty of furnishing a proper supply of food. The transformations of many others, both aquatic; and terrestrial, can be studied only by close and careful outdoor observation. But the great majority of insect larvae may be reared to the perfect state indoors, where their maneuveriugs may be constantly and conveniently watched. For the feeding of small species, glass jars and wide-mouthed bottles will be found useful. The mouths should be covered with gauze or old linen, fastened either by thread or rubber, and a few inches of moist earth at the bottom will furnish a retreat for those whieli enter it to transform and keep the atmosphere in a moist and fit condition. The Breeding Cage or Vivarium. — "For larger insects I use a breeding- cage or vivarium which answers the purpose admirably. It is repre- sented in figure 123, and comprises three distinct parts: First, the bot- tom board «•, consisting of a square piece of inch thick walnut with a rectangular zinc pan ff^ 4 inches deep, fastened to it above, and with two cross pieces ## below, to prevent cracking or warping, facilitate lifting, and allow the air to pass underneath the cage. Second, a box b witlrthree glass sides and a glass door in front, to tit over the /inc pan. Third, a cap c, which fits closely on to the box, and has a top of fine wire gauze. To the center of the zinc pan is soldi-red a xine tube rZ just large enough to contain an ordinary quinine bottle. The zinc pan is filled with clean sifted earth or sand c, and the quinine bottle is for the reception of the food plant. The cage admits of abun- dant light and air, and also of the easy removal of excrement or truss which tails to the ground; while the insects in transforming enter the ground or attach themselves to the sides or the cap, according to their [113] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. habits. The most convenient dimensions I find to be 12 inches square and 18 inches high : the cap and the door fit closely by means of rabbets, and the former has a depth of about 4 inches to admit of the largest cocoon being spun in it without touching the box on which it rests. The zinc pan might be made 6 or 8 inches deep, and the lower half filled with sand, so as to keep the whole moist for a greater length of time." The sand or earth in the zinc pan at the bottom of the breeding cage should be kept constantly moistened, and in the case of hibernating pupie the constant adding of water to the top of the earth or sand causes it to become very hard and compact. To overcome this objec- tion it was suggested in the Entomologists'1 Monthly Magazine for June, 1876, page 17, that the base should be made with an inner per- forated side, the water to be applied between it and the outer side, and I have for some years employed a similar double-sided base, which answers the purpose admirably (See Figure 124.). It is substantially the same as that made for the Department by Prof. J. fi. Corn- stock in 1879. It consists of a zinc tray a, of two or three inches greater diameter than the breeding cage, which surrounds the zinc pan proper containing theearth, and tlie tube d for the reception of the food-plant. The lower por- tion of the inner pan & is of per- forated zinc. Zinc supports, c c, are constructed about halfway between the bottom and the top of this pan, on which the breed- ing cage rests. In moistening the earth in the cage, water is poured into the tray, which en- ters the soil slowly, through the perforations in the zinc pan. I have found this modification of very decided advantage and use it altogether in the work of the Division, and heartily rec- ommend it. The base of the vivarium or breeding cage should never be made of tin, but always of zinc. If made of tin, it will soon rust OUt, Galvanized iron maybe breeding-cage or vivarium. used in place of the zinc, and will doubtless prove equally satisfac- tory. 8 BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [114] "A do/en such cages will furnish room for the annual breeding of a great number of species, as several having different habits and ap- pearance, and which there is no danger of confounding, may be simul- taneously fed in the same cage. I number each of the three parts of each cage to prevent misplacement and to facilitate reference, and aside from the notes made in the notebook, it will aid the memory and expedite matters to keep a short open record of the species con tained in each cage, by means of slips of paper pasted on the glass door. As fast as the different specimens complete their transforma- tions and are taken from the cage the notes may be altered or erased, or the slips wetted and removed entirely. To prevent possible con- founding of the different species which enter the ground, it is well, from time to time, to sift the earth, separate the pupa? and place them in what I call l imago cages,' used for this purpose alone and not for feeding. Here they may be arranged with references to their exact whereabouts. PIG. 124.— Improved base for breeding-cage (original). "A continued supply of fresh food must be given to those insects which are feeding, and a bit of moist sponge thrust into the -mouth of the bottle will prevent drowning, and furnish moisture to such as need it. By means of a broad paste brush and spoon the trass 'may be daily removed from the earth, which should be kept in a n't and moist condition — neither too wet nor too dry. In the winter, when insect life is dormant, the earth maybe covered with a layer of dean moss, and the cages put away in the cellar, where they will need only occasional inspection, but where the moss must nevertheless be kept damp. Cages made after the same plan, but with the sides of wire gau/e instead ol' glass, may be used Cor insects which do not well bear confinement indoors, the cages to be ulaeed on a platform on the north side of a house, where they will receive only the early morning and late evening sun/' [115] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS - RILEY. Instruction* for Rearing. — In the rearing of insects every worker will develop a number of methods of value, and it is only by careful study and comparison of the experiences of all that the best system can be elaborated. For this reason I have, in what follows, V quoted, in a more or less fragmentary way, the experiences of different entomologists. As is remarked by Miss Murtfeklt, in an interesting paper read before the Entomological Club of the American Association for the Advance- ment of Science, August 20, 1890, " there is a great individuality, or rather specifically, in insects, and not infrequently specimens of larvae are found for which the collector taxes his ingenuity in vain to provide. Xot the freshest leaves, the cleanest swept earth, or the most well-aired cages will seem to promote their development." The greatest care and watchfulness, therefore, are necessary to insure success in the rearing of larvae In many cases such larvae can only be successfully reared by inclosing them in netting on their food-plant out of doors. It is a frequent device of Lepidopterists also to inclose a rare female in netting placed on the food plant of the species, where the male may be attracted and may be caught and placed in the bag with the female, when copulation usually takes place successfully, or a male may be caught in the field and inclosed with such female. Mr. W. H. Edwards, where the plant is a small one, uses for this purpose a headless keg covered at one end with gauze, which he places over the plant inclosing the female. Mr. James Fletcher, of Ottawa, Canada, one of our most enthusiastic rearers of insects, has given some details of his methods in a recent very interesting account of "A Trip to Nepigon." One style. of cage used by him in securing the eggs of large Lepidoptera " is made by cut- ting two flexible twigs from the willow or any other shrub and bending them into the shape of two arches, which are put one over the other at right angles and the ends pushed into the ground. Over the pent- house thus formed a piece of gauze is placed, and the cage is complete. The edges of the gauze may be kept down either with pegs or with earth placed upon them.'' This kind of cage is used for all the larger species which lay upon low plants. The species which oviposit on larger plants or trees are inclosed in a gauze bag tied over the branch. This is applicable to insects like Papilio, Lhncnitis, Grapta, etc. Care must be taken, however, that the leaves of the plant inside the net are in a nat- ural position, for some species are very particular about where they lay their eggs, some ovipositing on the top of the leaves, others near the tip, and many others on the under surface. " When a bag made before- hand is used, the points must be rounded, and in tying the piece of gauze over the branch care must be taken to pull out all creases and folds, or the insect will be sure to get into them and either die or be killed by spiders from the outside of the bag. It is better to put more than one female in the same cage. I have frequently noticed that one BULLETIN 39, UNIT El > STATES NATIONAL Ml'SEfM. [H<>] specimen alone is apt to crawl about and settle on the top of the cage. and not go near the food plant. When there arc t\vo or three they dis- turb each other and are frequently moving and falling on the food plant, when they will stop for a moment and lay an egg. A stubborn female of Coleus curijthcme was only induced to lay by having a male placed in the cage with her, and by his impatient fluttering and efforts to escape she was frequently knocked down from the top, and every time she fell upon the clover plant beneath, she laid an egg before crawling to the top again." Some insects, even with all care in making their surroundings as natural as possible, will persistently refuse to lay. Mr. Fletcher has successfully obtained eggs from some of these by a method which he says one of his correspondents styles " Egg-laying extraordinary." It consists simply in u gently pressing the abdomen of a female which has died without laying eggs, until one and some- times two perfect eggs are passed trom the ovipositor." Mr. Fletcher has secured a number of eggs from rare species in this way, and suc- cessfully reared the larvae. The following directions for obtaining the eggs and rearing the larvas of Lepidoptera, given in this paper by Mr. Fletcher, are excellent, and I quote them entire: " There are one or two points which should be remembered when ob- taining eggs and rearing larva}. In the first place, the females should not be left exposed to the direct rays of the sun ; but it will be found sometimes that if a butterfly is sluggish, putting her in the sun for a short time will revive her and make her lay eggs. Confined females, whether over branches or potted plants, should always be in the open air. If females do not lay in two or three days they must be fed. This is easily done. Take them from the cage and hold near them a piece of sponge (or, Mr. Edwards suggests, evaporated apple), saturated with a weak solution of sugar and water. As soon as it is placed near them they will generally move their auteume towards it, and, uncoiling their tongues, suck up the liquid. If they take no notice of it the tongue can be gently uncoiled with the tip of a pin, when they will nearly always begin to feed. It is better to feed them away from the plant they are wanted to lay upon, for if any of the sirup be spilled over the flowerpot oi- plant it is almost sure to attract ants. I kept one female CWm.s- interior in this way for ten days before eggs were laid. When eggs are laid they should, as a rule, be collected at short intervals. They are subject to the attacks of various enemies — spiders, ants, crick- ets, and minute hymenopterous parasites. They may be kept easily in small boxes, but do better if not kept in too hot or dry a place. When the young caterpillars hatch they must be removed with great care to the food plant ; aline paint brush is the most convenient instrument. With small larva- or I hose which it is desired to examine often, glass tubes or jelly glasses with a tight-fitting tin cover arc best. These must be tightly closed and in a cool place. Light is not at all necessary, and the sun should never be allowed to shine directly upon them. It' [117] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. moisture gathers inside the glasses the top should be removed for a short time. Larva- may also be placed upon growing plants. These can be planted in flowerpots and the young caterpillars kept from wander- ing either by a cage of wire netting or, by what I have found very sat- isfactory, glass la nip chimneys. These can be placed over the plant, with the bottom pushed into the earth, and then should have a loose wad of cotton batting in the top. This has the double effect of preventing too great evaporation of moisture and keeping its occupants within bounds. Some larvae wander very much and climb with the greatest ease over glass, spinning a silken path for themselves as they go. When caterpillars are bred in the study it must not be forgotten that the air inside a house is much drier than it is out of doors amongst the trees and low herbage, where caterpillars live naturally. The amateur will require some experience in keeping the air at a right degree of moisture when breeding upon growing plants. In close tin boxes or jars, where the leaves must be changed every day, there is not so much trouble. An important thing to remember with larva? in jars is to thoroughly wash out the jars with cold water every day. If, however, a caterpillar has spun a web on the side and is hung up to moult, it must not be disturbed. In changing the food it is better not to remove the caterpillars from the old food, but having placed a new supply in the jar, cut off the piece of leaf upon which they are and drop it into the jar. If they are not near the moult a little puff of breath will gen- erally dislodge them. Some caterpillars, as Papilio turnus, which spins a platform to which it retires after feeding, can best be fed upon a liv- ing tree out of doors, but must be covered with a gauze bag to keep off enemies. A piece of paper should be kept attached to each breeding jar or cage, upon which regular notes must be taken at the time, giving the dates of every noticeable feature, particularly the dates of the moults and the changes which take place in the form and color at that time." The necessity of outdoor work is further felt in the determination of the facts in the life-history of some insects which have an alternation of generations, as some Gall-flies f Cynipidae), and most Aphides. To successfully study these insects constant outdoor observation is neces- sary, or the species must be inclosed in screens of wire or netting out- doors on their food-plant. Many insects which breed on the ground or on low herbage may be very successfully watched and controlled by covering the soil containing them or the plant on which they feed with a wire screen or netting. The use of wire screens is also advisable in the case of wintering pupse or larvre out of doors. Many species can be more easily carried through the winter by placing them outdoors under such screens during the winter, which insures their being sub- jected to the natural conditions of climate, and then transferring them to the breeding cage again early in the spring. This is advisable in the case of Microlarva3 and pupa?. Species which bore in the stems of plants may be easily cared for and leaf- mining and leaf-webbing forms IH'LLKTIN 39, UNITKI) STATKS NATIONAL Ml'SEl'M. [118] can be secured under screens or rovers out of doors lor the winter in sheltered situations. Many species which, if kept in a warm room can not be reared, will, if subjected to free/ing weather under slight protection in the open air, emerge successfully the following spring1. The greatest care is necessary in the breeding of Teuthredinidje, as most of them transform under ground and are single brooded, the larvae remaining in the ground from midsummer until the following spring. Kothing but constant care in maintaining uniform moisture and tem- perature of the soil will insure the success of such breeding. Some species bore into rotten wood or the stems of plants to undergo their transformations, as for instance the Dogwood Saw-fly (]I«rpij>l/<>rnx rJ- (litpterd, etc.) is to collect large quantities of dead or dying wood of all sorts or any that indicates the presence of the early states of insects. and store it in such apartment. The following spring and summer the escaping insects will be attracted to the windows and may be easily secured. The objection to this method is that, in many cases, it will be impossible to determine the food habit of the insect secured, owing to the variety of material brought together. The Root Cage. — For the study of insects which affect the roots of plants a root cage has been devised by Prof. J. H. Comstock which is of sufficient importance to warrant full description. It consists of a /inc frame (Fig. 125«) holding two plates of glass in a vertical position and only a short distance apart, the space between the plates being tilled with soil in which seeds are planted or small plants set. Outside of each glass is a piece of zinc orsheetirou (ft) which slips in to grooves and which can be easily removed. When these zincs are in place the soil is kept dark. The idea of the cages is, that the space between the glasses being very narrow, a, large part of the roots will ramify close to the surface of the glass, so that by removing the; /inc slides the roots may be easily seen, and any root-inhabiting insects which it maybe desirable to breed may thus be studied in their natural conditions without disturbing them. Prof. Comstock has used this cage very successfully in studying the habits of wire-worms, and its availability for many of the underground insects, such as the Cicadas, root-lice, larva', etc.. is apparent. Tlioe frames may be made of various si/.es, to accommodate particular insects. It will be of ad \ant age in many cases, in order to secure the natural con- ditions as nearly as possible, to sink t lie cage in the soil, and lor this pur- pose Prof. Comstock has had constructed a pit lined with brick for the reception of his cages, and employs a small portable crane to lift them Ollt of the ground when it is desirable to examine them. COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. Other Apparatus. — Much of the breeding of insects can be clone with the simplest apparatus, and for the rearing of Microlepidoptera, Gall- iiisects, and the keeping of cocoons and chrysalides of small species, noth- ing is more convenient than a medium sized test-tube, the end of which may be plugged with cotton. 1 have recently successfully carried over the winter the larva of Spite-dux xpeciosus, which had been removed early in the fall from its earthen pod or cocoon, the larva transforming to a perfect pupa in the spring. In this case the test tube was plugged with cotton and inserted in a wooden mailing tube to exclude the light. Smaller jars with glass covers or with a covering of gauze may be em- ployed for most insects, with the advantage of occupying comparatively little space and of isolating the species under study. FIG. 125 — Root cage: a, frame rath slide removed; 6, movable slide; c, top view (original). Long glass tubes, open at both ends^ are useful in many other ways, especially in the rearing and study of the smaller hypogean insects or those which bore and live in the stems of plants. An infested stem cut open on one side and placed in such a tube will generally carry any insect that has ceased feeding, or any species like the wood-boring bees which feed upon stored food, successfully through their transformations; while root-lice may be kept for a lengthy period upon the roots in such tube, providing a portion of the root extends outside of the tube and is kept in moistened ground or water. In all such cases these tubes, with their contents, should be kept in the dark, either in a drawer or else covered with some dark material which can be wound around or slipped over them, and the ends must be closed with cotton or cork. The rearer of insects will frequently experience difficulty in carrying his pupa; through the winter, and, even though ordinary precautions are BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [120] taken, the mortality will frequently amount to 50 percent of the speci- mens. Mr. H. Bakhaus, of Leipsic, thus describes a device which is sub- stantially the base of the vivarium shown on page 114. "The base consists of around plate of strong zinc, with two vertical rinis, an inch high, placed one within the other, an inch apart, and soldered to the basal plate so that the outer one is water-tight. The inner rim must be perforated with small holes as close to the bottom as possible. The space inside the inner rim must be filled with fine sand, on which the pup* should be laid. The space between the two rims is then filled with water, which, finding its way through the holes in the inner rim to the sand, causes the necessary moisture. Over the whole is put a bell-shaped cover of wire gauze, which must fit tightly over the outer rim. In this receptacle the pup* remain un- touched, and receive fresh moisture, as above indicated, if required by the drying of the sand." The hardy pupa? of most Noctuids and Bombycids, as well as those of many Rophalocera, may be handled with little danger, but other species, if handled at all, or if the cocoons which they make for themselves are broken, can seldom be reared. Constant precautions also must be exercised in the care of the soil and the breeding cages. One of the great drawbacks is the presence of mites and thread worms (Entozoons), etc., which affect dying or dead pup* and larv* in the soil. They also affect living specimens and are capable of doing very considerable damage. To free the soil of them it is necessary at times to allow the earth to become dry enough to be sifted, auo then after removing the pup* submit it to heat sufficient to destroy any undesired lite there may be in it. The Insectary. — Up to the present time the work of rearing insects has been largely confined to the breeding cage and breeding jar, already de- scribed, which have been kept in the rooms of the investigator. The advantages of having a special building for this purpose are at once apparent and need not be insisted upon. One of the best establish- ments of this kind is that of the Cornell University Experiment Station, which was fully described in Bulletin No. 3, of that station, November, 1888. The Kansas Experiment Station has a similar building, and one has recently been built for the useof the Entomological Division of the United States Department of Agriculture. The insect breeding hou.-e. or insectary, should comprise a building having workrooms, or labo- ratories, tor microscopic and general work in the study and preparation of specimens, and also a conservatory for the rearing of specimens and the growth of plants, and, where applied entomology is concerned, special rooms for the preparation and the test of insecticides. The building proper should also have abasement storage room for hibrr nating insects. The laboratory should be, fitted with all the apparatus used in the study of insects, including microscopes and accessories and a dark room for photographic purposes. [121] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. DIRECTIONS FOR TRANSMITTING INSECTS. It is very desirable in transmitting insects from the field of explora- tion, or from one entomologist to another, for information, exchange, or other purpose, that they be properly secured and packed. Pinned and mounted specimens should be firmly fixed in a cigar box, or a special box for mailing, and this should be carefully but not too tightly wrapped with cotton or other loose packing material to a depth of perhaps an inch, and the whole then inclosed in stiff wrapping paper. It is prefer able, however, to inclose the box containing the specimens in a larger box, filling the intervening space, not too firmly, with cotton or other packing material. Where specimens are to be sent to a considerable FIG. 126.— "Wooden-tube mailing-box : a, tube; b, cover (original.) distance it is advisable also to line the box in which they are placed with cotton, which serves to catch and hold any specimens which may become loose in transit. In the case of alcoholic specimens each vial should be wrapped separately in cotton and placed in a strong wooden or tin box. Special mailing boxes for alcoholic specimens have been devised, and a very convenient form is herewith figured. It is an ordi- nary tube of wood, with a metal screw top, and the interior lined with rough cork. These tubes are made in various sizes to accommodate vials of different dimensions. In mailing living specimens the essential thing is a strong box, pre- ferably tin, made as nearly air-tight as possible. I have found it very convenient on long trips to carry with me a number of tin boxes in the flat (Eig. 127), combined in convenient packages, ready to be bent and improvised in the field. For this purpose get any tinsmith to make out of good tin a number of pieces cut of the requisite dimensions both for the bottoms and the covers, carefully cutting the corners to permit the proper bending of the sides. These improvised boxes will prove BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [122] useful for keeping living' larvae with their food-plants, especially it' tied up in stout brown paper to prevent any exit from the unsoldered angles. They will also answer admirably for mailing or otherwise send- FIG. 127.— Tin mailing-box in the flat: a, box; 6, cover (original). ing specimens to their ultimate destination. In the case of larvse a quantity of the food-plant should always be inclosed in the box. In transmitting insects for information the greatest care should be taken to relieve the person of whom information is sought of as much unnecessary work as possible. It is easy for any beginner to collect more in a single day than an experienced entomologist can well mount, study, and determine in a week, and as those who have the means and information to give determinations or otherwise to assist beginners are generally very much occupied, and their time is valuable, they are justi- fied in ignoring miscellaneous collectings where the sender has made no effort to either properly mount or otherwise study and care for his specimens. Living specimens, especially larvae, should be packed in tin, with a sup- ply of their appropriate food. The tighter the box the fresher will the food as well as the specimens keep. Insects do not easily suffocate, and it. is worse than useless, in The majority of cases, to punch air-holes in such boxes. Dead specimens, when not pinned, may l»e scut in a variety of ways. Small ones may be dropped into a heavier and larger than in the ease of the insect net, resembling in this respect the ring of the 1 Jeyrolle net. The bag is short and the handle is fast- ened to both sides of the ring. This net is used for beating the leaves of trees, bushes, and grass. Dr. Marx uses a net which is already described and figured under the name of the I'mbivlla Net (sec p. :;t. Fig. 51'). The sieve is the same as that described on p. .".5, Fig. ."VI. and is used to sift the spiders from leaves and rubbish, especially [125] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. FlG. 129.— A ground Spider (Oxyopes ririiltniK). (After Comstock.) during winter. A mass of leaves and other material is thrown into the sieve and then shaken, the spiders falling through on-a piece of white cloth, which is spread under the sieve on the ground. Many hibernating species can be readily secured in this manner. A forceps similar to that described for the col- lecting ofhcxapods should be used to capture or pick up specimens, tor if handled with the fingers they are apt to be crushed, especially the smaller forms. As soon as the collecting is finished or the vial is lilled a label should be placed in this last indicating place and date of collection. Egg sacs and cocoons should be collected in pill boxes and properly labeled, and if pos.sible the adults should be reared. Both sexes should be collected and descriptive notes or drawings made of the webs as found in nature. Time and Local it}/ for Collet-tiny. — The best time to collect spiders is in the early fall, during the months of September and October. The great majority of the species are then mature. Many forms, however, occur in the adult state in late spring and early summer. Numerous species may also be collected during winter, some of these hibernating under stones, the bark of dead trees, etc., and others, more particularly the small forms, under dead leaves and rubbish on the ground in woods. Other species which have hibernated may be found about the earliest flowers in spring. No particular localities can be indicated for the col- lection of spiders, since they occur in all sorts of places, in wooded or open regions and also in and about dwellings. Many Lycosidae are found in dry and rocky situa- tions and quite a number in / open fields. Thomisidse may be found on flowers. The Therididre affect shady places, and many Epeirida? will be found in similar situations. The Attida? love the sun and are found very actively en- gaged in hunting insects on plants and dead leaves. Many species of this family will be found in cases under loose bark in winter. Evergreen trees are also quite good collecting grounds for Attidie. The Drassidse are ground spiders and are mostly nocturnal, hiding during the day under leaves and stones; a few forms, a FIG. 130. — An orb- weaver (Argiope argyraspides Walck) a. male; &, female; c and d. enlarged parts. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [1-'JJ however, disport in the hottest sunshine. Some genera are found most frequently near water or in damp places, as Dolomedes and Te- trag'natha; others in sandy places, as Micaria, Targalia. COLLECTING OTHER ARACHNIDS: MITES, TICKS, SCORPIONS. ETC. Other Arachnids — as mites, ticks, scorpions, daddylonglegs or har- vest-men— may be collected in the same way as spiders. The Phalangid.e (Harvest-men) somewhat resemble spiders, and aiv at once recognized by their extremely long legs. They occur about houses, especially in shady places, under the eaves, etc., and in the woods and fields. They are carnivorous and feed on small insects, espe- cially Aphides. They should be pressed a little when captured to extrude the genital apparatus, if possible, and are best collected in the early fall. The Phryuida3 are very peculiar looking animals, the anterior legs being very long and slender and the maxillary palpi very large. The genus Thelyphonus is not uncommon in the South, and is known by its oblong body, ending usually with a long, slender, many- jointed filament, from which they are called Whip-tailed Scorpions. T. yigantens is the common species. They occur in moist situa- tions, and are carniv- orous, feeding on insects and small animals. The false scorpions, Chermetidre, may at once be recognized by their large maxillary palpi, resembling the maxillae of the true scorpion. They are small insects, rarely exceeding a quar- ter of an inch in length, and are found in dark shady places and feed upon mites, Psoci, and other small insects. A common species is rep- resented at figure 132. The true scorpions, Scorpionida-, are \vell known forms, and are easily recognized by their large, powerful, for- ceps-like maxilla-, and the long slender tail continuous with the thorax and ending with a sting, which is, in most cases, <|uite poisonous. They are found mostly in the Western and Southwestern States, and are dan- gerous in proportion to their size. The poisonous nature of the sting of these animals is, ho\\ ever, generally overrated, and the wounds. e\ en of the larger species, are rarely fatal. The Acarina or true mites are the lowest representatives of the Arachnida and include many genera and species dilVering very widely FIG. 131.— A Harvest-man (Phalan- gium ventncosum). — From Pack- ard. FIG. 132. —False Scorpion (Cfts- lift /• fit a ••,•<>/'. v I. . I Packard. COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS EILEY. FIG, 134.— The Cattle-tick. Packard.) (After in habit and characters. Some of them are mere sacs, on which the mouth parts or other orpins are scarcely discernible. In general they resemble spiders. The young, however, when they leave the egg, almost invariably have but three pairs of feet, resembling in this respect the Hexapods. The fourth pair is added in the later stages. They are parasitic on insects and other animals, and some of them are vegetable feeders or live in de- caying vegetable and animal matter. A very interesting group is comprised in the family PhytoptidaB or gall-making mites which occur on the leaves of various trees and shrubs and produce curious galls or abnormal growths. These mites are elongate in form, have rudimentary mouth-parts and but four legs. A com- mon forw.,Phy- t<>l>tus quadri- pes, produces a gall on the leaves of the soft maple. The galls of all species should be collected and pinned and also preserved in alcohol, and specimens of the mites should be mounted in balsam. The members of the genus Sarcoptes are very minute and are the active source of the itch in the lower animals and man. Another common genus is Tyroglyphus, which in- cludes the common cheese mite, T. siro. Other species of this genus also sometimes occur in enormous numbers in grocers' sup- plies. Still others are parasitic on insects, and one species, T. phylloxera Eiley, is very beneficial, since, as its name indicates, it feeds on the Phylloxera of the grapevine. The Ixodidae comprise the ticks which attach themselves to cattle, hogs, and man, and are not at all uncommon objects. These insects can be found on the animals they infest, and distinct species will be found to occur on most wild mammals. The common Cattle tick Boopliilus bovis Eiley, is represented at Fig. 134. The family Orobatidre includes a number of small terrestrial mites, which occur on the moss on trees and stones. Some species are known to feed on the eggs of insects, and the one shown in the accompanying FIG. 133. — A true Scorpion (Butltus carolinianus) . — From Packard. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATKS NATIONAL Ml'SEl'M. figure. XollinixorirorHx has been observed by Dr. Packard to eat the eggs of the Canker Worm. Tlit- members of the family Gamasidai are ]»arasitie upon animals, but chiefly upon insects. The Hydrachnida> are parasitic also upon the aquatic insects, and also affecl lisli or mussels or occur on fresh-water plants. . One of the most important families of mites is the Trombidiidijie which includes a large number of species, some of which occur in immense num- bers. Most of them are vegetable feeders, but some species feed on the eggs of insects. The genus Trombidium includes a number of the Red Mites which feed on insects in all then- stages. The Locust Mite, TrombMhun lonixinni.ii Riley, is one of the most interesting as well as one of the most important of our locust enemies, and will serve to illustrate the habits of the group. It differs so much in infancy and maturity that it has been referred to different genera and is known under different names. The mature form lives on the ground and feeds on all sorts of animal or decomposing vegetable matter, and wherever the ground is tilled with locust eggs these afford an abundance of food and the mites flourish and multiply rapidly. In the spring the female lays ;ino or 400 FIG. 135. — Nothrus ovivorus Packard. 1 K.. i:;ti.~ -Tf,,inl,iili, newly hatched lar\a - natural si/.- indicated by the dot within the circle: c, cu'.ii; d c, varatcd i-.^u minute spherical orange-red rggs in the grnnnd (Fig. l.'Ui^.. l-'rom the>e eggs, as shou ii rnhirged a) C, il, and t- (the two latter l.eing the \ aeaied egg sliells) enier-c the six-legged larva, shown at l>. These are mere specks and crawl actively about, fastening themselves to the locusts mostly at the base of the wings or along the upper veins. They subsist on the juices of their host. They (irmly attach themselves by the mouth and increase rapidly in si/.e, the legs not growing and becoming mere rudiments. In this form they are shown at Fig. i::7- tarsus ; c, ros- trum and palpus — still more enlarged; rf, tip of palpus — still more enlarged. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MCSKTM. [130] Spiders and inites thus collected may be transferred to alcohol. Dr. Marx, who has had a very considerable experience in the preservation of spiders, recommends the use of the following mixture: Glycerin and Wickersheim's fluid, 1£ ounces of each, and distilled water ."> ounces, the whole to be shaken and thoroughly mixed and added to 30 ounces of 95 per cent alcohol. Alcohol which has previously been used for pre- serving spiders, and which has therefore dissolved some of the tatty matters from the specimens, he prefers to pure alcohol, using with this, however, somewhat less of the distilled water. The liquid thus com- posed answers all demands and keeps the specimens flexible and pre- serves their coloring. Should the stopper become loose and the liquid evaporate, there is always sufficient liquid, water or glycerine, left in the vial to keep the specimens from drying and thus save them from destruction. Dr. Marx also prefers to use cork stoppers rather than tin- rubber stoppers recommended for other alcoholic material. His objec- tion to the rubber stopper is that, in a collection in which the specimens are often used and the stoppers are frequently removed, he finds that small particles of the rubber stopper come off and settle upon the speci- mens as a white dust, which it is difficult to remove. This objection applies only to a poor quality of rubber, and in all other respects the rubber is much to be preferred. The colors of spiders are apt to fade somewhat if exposed to light, and the collection should therefore be kept in closed boxes or in the dark. * COLLECTING MYRIAPODA. Centipedes and Millipedes are collected in the same manner as spiders. They live in damp places, under sticks and stones, and in decaying vegetation. They should be preserved in alcohol, and on account of their usually strong chitinous covering, precautions as to the strength of the alcohol are less necessary here than with softer bodied specimens. The members of this subclass comprise a number of well-marked groups. The lurido- are cylindrical insects and occur in moist places, as do most of the representatives of this subclass. A common form is represented, in the accompanying jffffmfffftf*K^^^^^^fgf&fi^/&s^ figure. The Ghiliopodse comprise i jointed antenna- and but a single pair of limbs to each segment of FIG. 139. — A Milliped (Cambula annulata). the body, and are the forms to which the name centipede may properly be applied. They arc prcda- ceous in habit, live largely on living animal matter, and are very quick in their movements. Some forms are poisonous, having poison glands at the base of the lirst pair of legs, but the majority of the species arc [131] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. entirely harmless. A number of common species belong to the genus Geophilus and occur under stones and logs. The genus Scolopendra includes some of the larger species of the order. The largest known species, 8. yiyantca, occurs in the East Indies and attains a length of from 9 inches to more than a foot. Several species found within the limits of the United States attain a length of 5 inches or more. The family Cerinatiidre includes the very common species Cerm«1i(( for- X, which, while abundant in the South and West, occurs somewhat more rarely in the North. It is commonly found in moist situations, in houses or conservatories, and on account of its long legs and agile movements frequently creates considerable consternation. It is, how- ever, an entirely harmless and very beneficial species, since it feeds on various household pests, including flies, roaches, etc. TEXT BOOKS— ENTOMOLOGICAL WORKS. Bulletin No. 19 of the Division of Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture, contains an enumeration of the published synoposes,. cata- logues, and lists of North American insects, together with other infor- mation intended to assist the student of American entomology. This can be had upon application, and I would refer the student to it for specific information as to synopses, catalogues, and lists. I have deemed it advisable, however, to include here an enumeration of the more useful works of a general character; a list of the entomological periodicals, both home and foreign ; and the entomological works published by the different departments of the Government, with some information as to how and of whom they can be obtained. Many of these publications are no longer to be had except as they may be picked up through book- dealers ; but the titles even of those which are out of print will be useful to the student as a guide to what he should find in every good library. Requests for this kind of information are constantly received at the Department of Agriculture and at the National Museum. The most useful general works are given first, and, while a great many others in foreign languages might be cited, I would strongly advise the beginner in America to confine himself to these, and especially to read Harris's Insects Injurious to Vegetation, Kirby & Speuce's Introduction, and Westwood's Introduction. This last, though published over half a century ago, is still one of the most useful entomological works in the English language. While these Introductions will be of great service in arranging and classifying material and in giving a knowledge of the relationships of species, there is no better text- book than the great book of nature, which is always ready to unfold its truths to every earnest inquirer. In field and wood alone can he become familiar with the insects in all their wondrous life habits, instincts, and intelligence. There alone will he receive the fullest inspiration and pleasure in his work or find the highest reward for his efforts. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [132] COMPREHENSIVE WORKS MOST USEFUL FOR THE STUDY OF NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS. H. C. C. BURMEISTER. — Hamlbuch der Kntomologie. Berlin, 1832-1855. 5 yols. MANUAL OF ENTOMOLOGY. — A translation of the above, by W. E. Shuckard. London, 183(i. J. O. WESTWOOD. — An introduction to the modern classification of in- sects, founded on the natural habits and corresponding- organization of the different families. 2 vols. London, 1839-'40. THOMAS SAY. — Complete writings on the Entomology of North Amer- ica ; edited by John L. Le Conte. New York, 1859. H. A. HAGEN. — Bibliotheca Entomologica. Die Litteratur ilber das gauze Gebiet der Eutoinologie bis zuin Jahre 1862. Leipzig, 1862. A. S. PACKARD. — Guide to the Study of Insects. Henry Holt & Co., Philadelphia and New York. (First edition, Salem, 1869.) - Entomology for Beginners. Henry Holt & Co., New York, 1888. THE STANDARD NATURAL HISTORY. — Edited by John Sterling Kings- ley. S. E. Cassino & Co., Boston, 1884-'85. Volume ii contains the insects, which are treated by the following authors: Hymen optera, J. H. Comstock and. L. 0. Howard; Coleoptera, George Dimmock; Lcphlopteru, H'y Edwards and ( '. H. Feruald; Diptera, S. W. Williston; Orthoptera, C. V. Riley; H<'»iii>t < 'oleopti'res, on expose methodiqne et eritii|iiede tons les genres proi)oses jns(|ii'iei dans eet oi-l-187(J. 12 vols. and i vol. plate>. [133J COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. * WILLIAM LE BABON. — Outlines of Entomology, published in connec- tion with the author's Annual Reports upon injurious insects. Part first. Including the Order of Coleoptera. Fourth Annual Report on the Noxious and Beneficial Insects of the State of Illi- nois. Sep. Edit. Springfield, 1874. LEPIDOPTERA. G. A. W. HERRICH-SCHAEFFER. — Sammluug neuer oder wenig bekann- ter aussereuropaischer Schmetterlinge. Vol. i. Regensburg, 1850- '58; Vol. n, Pt. 1, I860. Contains a classification of the Lepidoptera, which forms the basis of our present arrangement. JOHN G. MORRIS. — Synopsis of the described Lepidoptera of North America. Part I. Diurnal and Crepuscular Lepidoptera. Wash- ington, Smithsonian Institution, 1862. Compiled descriptions of the North American Lepidoptera, from the Rho- palocera to the Bombycidte. H. STRECKER. — Lepidoptera, Rhopaloceres et Heteroceres, indigenous and exotic ; with descriptions and colored illustrations. Reading, Pa., 1S72-77. Fifteen parts of this work have been published containing figures and descrip- tions of many North American species. JOHN 1>. SMITH. — An Introduction to a Classification of the North American Lepidoptera. CBull. Brookl. Ent. Soc., Vol. vn, 1884, pp. 70-74 and 81-83. A synopsis of the families of Lepidoptera based on Herrich-Schaeffcr's classi- fication. Synopsis of the Genera of the North American Rhopalocera. CBull. Brookl. Ent, Soc., Vol. VI, 1883, pp. 37-45. E. DOUBLEDAY AND W. C. HEWiTSON. — The genera of diurnal Lepidop- tera, comprising their generic characters, a notice of their trans- formations, and a catalogue of the species of each genius; illustrated, with 86 colored plates from drawings by W. C. Hewitsou. 2 vols., London, 1846-'52. This work was completed by Westwood after the death of Doubleday. S. H. SCUDDER. — Butterflies : Their structures, changes, and life-his- tories, with special reference to American forms. Being an appli- cation of the " Doctrine of descent" to the study of Butterflies, with an appendix of practical instructions. 321 pp. and 201 text figs. New York, Henry Holt & Co., 1881. The Butterflies of the Eastern United States and Canada with special reference to New England. 3 vols., Cambridge, Mass., 1889; pp. 1958, plates 59. (Published by the author. Cost about $75 for 3 vols.) *Out of print. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [134] G. H. FRENCH. — The Butterflies of the Eastern United States. For the use of classes in Zoology and private students. Philadelphia, Lippincott & Co., 1886. Gives synopses of the genera an<• casional Papers " of the Boston Society of Natural History. lS7f>. A reprint of Heutz's papers on North American spiders. GRAF EUGEN KEYSERLING. — Auierikanische Spinnen aus den Faini- lien Pholcoidae, Scytodoidte und Dysderoida'. to date. Now published at Philadelphia). *ANNALS OF THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY OF NEW YORK > volumes, 1S24-YJ7. Continued since 187. BULLETINS OF THE UNITED STATES HKOLOCICAL AND (JKOUKAIMI- ICAL SriiVEY OF THE TERRITORIES, K. V. Ilaydeii ill charge (De- partment of the Interior; 1875 to 1X79. 1'nlilicat inn discontinued. [137] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. BULLETINS OF THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, J. M. Powell, director ; beginning with 1883. BULLETINS OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM (Department of the Interior; beginning with 1875). THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. (Published by the Entomological Society of Ontario; 22 volumes issued up to the end of 1890. Pub- lished at London, Ontario.) *ENTOMOLOGICA AMERICANA. (Published by the Brooklyn Entomo- logical Society at Brooklyn, N. Y. 1885 to 1890.) ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS [and Proceedings of the Entomological Section of the Academy of Natural Sciences] (Vol. I issued in 1890. Pub- lished at Philadelphia). JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADEL- PHIA (commencing with 1817). MEMOIRS OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY (commenc- ing with I860). *NORTH AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGIST. (Published by the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, 1 volume, Buffalo, N. Y. 1879-'80.) *PAPILIO. Devoted exclusively to Lepidoptera. Organ of the New York Entomological Club (4 volumes, 1881-'84). PSYCHE. Organ of the Cambridge Entomological Club (5 volumes issued up to date. Published at Cambridge, Mass. Publication begun in 1874). PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILA- DELPHIA (beginning with 1841). PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF PHIL- ADELPHIA (beginning with 1860). PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY (com- mencing with 1841). *PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA (6 volumes, 18Cl-'67). PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON (2 volumes, beginning with 1884). PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM (Depart- ment of the Interior; beginning with 1878). EEPORTS OF THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES (Department of the Interior; be- ginning with 1867). SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS (Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C.; beginning 1862). TRANSACTIONS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE OF ST. Louis (4 volumes hitherto published). TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY and Pro- ceedings of the Entomological Section of the Academy of Natural Sciences (beginning with 1868; published at Philadelphia). *Publication discontinued. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [138] TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF PHIL- ADELPHIA (2d series beginning with 1818). Papers on entomology are also published occasionally in other Amer- ican periodicals, among which the following might be mentioned: JOURNAL OF THE ELISHA MITCHELL SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. Chapel Hill, N. C. JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. NATURALISTE CANADIEN. Edited by Abbe Provaucher, Cap Rouge, Quebec. PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, San Francisco, Cal. FOREIGN PERIODICALS. ANNALES DE LA SOCIETE ENTOMOLOGIQUE DE BELGIQUE. Publica- tion begun in 1857. Brussels. ANNALES DE LA SOCIETE ENTOMOLOGIQUE DE FRANCE. Publication begun in 1832. Paris. * BERLINER ENTOMOLOGISCHE ZEITSCHRIFT. 18 volumes, Berlin, ] 857-1874. Succeeded by the Deutsche Entomologische Zeituiig. BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETY ENTOMOLOGIQUE DE FRANCE. BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE ENTOMOLOGIQUE SUISSE. (See Mittheil d. Schweiz. Entoni. Gesell.) BULLETINO DELLA SOCIETA ENTOMOLOGICA ITALIANA. Florence. (Publication commenced in 1809.) DEUTSCHE ENTOMOLOGISCHE ZEITSCHRIFT. Published by the Ento- mological Society of Berlin. (Publication begun in 1875.) ENTOMOLOGISCHE NACHRICHTEN. (Now edited by Dr. F. Karsch. Ber- lin. Publication commenced in 1875.) ENTOMOLOGISK TIDSKRIFT, PA FORANSTALTANDE AF ENTOMOLOGISKA FORENINGEN I STOCKHOLM. (Commenced with 1880.) * ENTOMOLOGISCHE ZEITUNG. HERAUSGEGEBEN VON DEMENTOMOL- OGISCHEN VEREIN zu STETTIN. 36 volumes. Stettin. lS40-'7.">. ENTOMOLOGISKE MEDDELELSER, UDGIVNE OF ENTOMOLOGISK FORE NING. Edited by Fr. Meinert, Copenhagen (beginning with 1887). THE ENTOMOLOGIST. A popular monthly journal of British ento- mology. Vol. 1, 1840-'42. (Publication resumed in 1864. London.) *THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S ANNUAL. Edited by H. T. Stainton. London. (Publication begun in 1S55; 22 vols. published up to lS7(i.) ENTOMOLOGIST'S MONTHLY MAC \ZINE. London (beginning with IS(il). Horae . . . Variis senuonibus rossia* usitatis. Societas Entomologica liossica. (Publication begun in 18(>1.) *LINN.KA ENTOMOLOGICA. HERAUSCKGEHEN VOM ENTO-\IOL.>GI- SCHEN VEREINE zt STETTIN (Kt volumes, p.crlin. ' I lisrunt iuiii il. [13M] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. MlTTHEILUNGEN DER SCHWEIZERISCHEN ENTOMOLOGISCHEN GE- SELLSCHAFT. Bulletin de la Societe entoinolog'ique suisse. (Publi- cation begun at Schaffhausen, Switz., in 1862. Afterward pub- lished at Geneva.) REVUE D'ENTOMOLOGIE. (Published by the Societe Fran9aise d'En- tomologie, Caen, France. Publication begun in 1882.) TlJDSCHRIFT VOOR ENTOMOLOGIE. NEDERLANDSCHE ENTOMOLO- GISCHE VEREENIGING, Leiden, Holland (beginning with 1857. Published by the Dutch Entomological Society). TRANSACTIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. (Begun in 1834.) *WIENER ENTOMOLOGISCHE MONATSSCHRIFT (8 volumes, Vienna, 1857-'64). WIENER ENTOMOLOGISCHE ZEITUNG. Vienna. (Commenced 1882.) *ZEITSCHRIFT FUR DIE ENTOMOLOGIE. Edited by E. F. Germar (5 volumes. Leipzig, 1S39-M4). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ENTOMOLOGIE. VEREIN FUR SCHLESISCHE IN- SECKTEN-KuNDE zu BRESLAu. (Publication begun at Breslau in 1847). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR WISSENSCHAFTLICHE ZOOLOGIE. Leipzig. (Begun in 1848). A large number of other periodicals devoted to entomology have been issued, principally in Europe, but after continuing for a year or more their publication has been abandoned, and they are not included here. Important entomological papers have also been published in many serials devoted to zoology or the natural sciences generally. Among them may be mentioned the following : ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. London (beginning with 1838). ARCHIV FUR NATURGESCHICHTE. Berlin (beginning with 1835). OFVERSIGT AF KONGL. SVENSKAVETENSKAPS ACADEMIENS FORHAND- LINGAR (beginning with 1844. Published at Stockholm). Proceedings of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. REVUE ET MAGASIN DE ZOOLOGIE PURE ET APPLIQUES. Paris (begin- ning with 1839). SlTZUNGSBERICHTE DER MATHEMATISCH-NATURWISSENSCHAFTLI- CHEN CLASSE DER KAISERLICHEN ACADEMIE DER WISSEN- SCHAFTEN zu WIEN (beginning with 1848). TRANSACTIONS OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON (beginning with 1791). TRANSACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE. Wellington, New Zealand. VERHANDLUNGEN DER ZOOLOGISCH-BOTANISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT IN WIEN (beginning with 1852). * Publication discontinued. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [140] LIST OF MORE USEFUL WORKS ON ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. T. W. HARRIS, Insects Injurious to Vegetation. (Flint edition.) Xew York, Orange Judd Co. $4 or $6. (First edition, Cambridge, 1841.) t ASA FITCH, Reports of the State Entomologist of New York, i-xiv, Albany, 1855-'70. (For a full account of these, see First Annual Report, by J. A. Lintner, State Entomologist of New York, pp. 294-297.) *The Practical Entomologist. Vols. I and n. Published by the Ento- mological Society of Philadelphia, 1805-'G7. * The American Entomologist, edited by B. D. Walsh and C. A'. Rilev. Vol. i. St. Louis, Mo., 1868. (Out of print.) * The American Entomologist and Botanist, edited by C. A'. Riley and Dr. George Vasey. Vol. n. St. Louis, Mo., 1870. * The American Entomologist, edited by C. V. Riley. Arol. in. [Sec- ond series, Vol. I.] New York, Hub Publishing Co., 1880. t B. D. WALSH, Annual Report on the Noxious Insects of the State of Illinois. Chicago, Prairie Farmer Co., 1808. t C. V. RILEY, Reports of the State Entomologist of Missouri, i-ix, Jefferson City, 1869-'77. t WILLIAM LE BARON, Reports of the State Entomologist of Illinois. i-iv, Springfield, 1871-'74. t CYRUS THOMAS, Reports of the State Entomologist of Illinois, i-vi, Springfield, 1876-'81. J. A. LINTNER, Reports of the State Entomologist of New York. Albany (beginning with 1882). S. A. FORBES, Reports of the State Entomologist of Illinois. Spring- field (beginning with 1883). —Miscellaneous Essays on Economic Entomology. Springfield, 111., 1880. (Published instead of Annual Report.) MARY TREAT, Injurious Insects of the Farm and Garden. New York, Orange Judd Co., 1882. (A small work compiled from Riley's reports.) WILLIAM SAUNDERS, Insects Injurious to Fruits. Philadelphia. -I. B. Lippincott & Co., 1883. MATTHEW COOKE, Injurious Insects of the Orchard, Vineyard, etc. Sacramento, 1883. (8vo., pp. 472.) P. J. ATAN BENEDEN, Animal Parasites and Messmates. New York, D. A*ppletou & Co., 1870. International Scientific Series. t Reports of the Entomologists of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, T. Glover ( 1803-1 87S), ,!. II. Comstock (1S7D-18SO), :1i,d C.Y. Riley (1878-1879, 18SO to date). | * Publication discontinued. t Out of print. {The annual reports of the Entomologist arc contained in the corresponding annual reports of tin- Department of Agriculture. A limited author's edition, separately bound, and with table of contents and index, is published each year. [141] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. Bulletins of the Division of Entomology of the IT. S. Department of Agriculture, C. V. Riley, Entomologist (1883 to date). Reports and Bulletins of the U. S. Entomological Commission. JOHN CURTIS, Farm Insects. London, Blackic & Sou, I860. ELEANOR A. OR3IEROD, Manual of Injurious Insects, and Methods of Prevention, etc. London and Edinburgh, 1881. (A small work, costing about $1.50.) — Reports of Observations of Injurious Insects and Common Farm Pests, with Methods of Prevention and Remedy. London. Simp- kin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., limited. (Fourteen reports issued up to 1891.) J. H. KALTENBACH. — Die Pflanzenfeinde aus der Classe der Insekten. 8vo. Stuttgart, 1874. (A useful work for determining what in- sects infest plants in Europe.) INSECT LIFE. Periodical Bulletin. — Devoted to the economy and the life-habits of insects, especially in their relations to agriculture. Edited by C. V. Riley, entomologist, and L. O. Howard, first as- sistant, with the assistance of other members of the divisional force (Publication begun in 1888.) E. L. TASCHENBERG. — Praktische Insekten-Kuude. Parts i-v. Bre- men, 1879. FELICE FRANCESCHINI. — Gli Insetti Nocivi. Milan, 1891. J. T. C. RATZEBURG. — Die Waldverderbniss, oder dauernder Schade, welcher durch Insektenfrass, Schiilen, Schlagen, und Yerbeissen an lebenden Waldbiiumen entsteht. Two parts. Berlin, 1866-'68. ENTOMOLOGICAL WORKS PUBLISHED BY THE UNITED STATES ENTOMO- f LOGICAL COMMISSION AND BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. UNITED STATES ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION. (Members of the Commission: C. V. Riley, A. S. Packard, jr., and Cyrus Thomas.) *BULLETIN No. 1. — Destruction of the young or unfledged Locusts (Caloptenns xpretus]. (1877.) [pp. 15.] BULLETIN No. 2. — On the Natural History of the Rocky Mountain Locust and on the habits of the young or unfledged insects as they occur in the more fertile country in which they will hatch the present year. (1877.) [pp. 14, figs. 10.] BULLETIN No. 3. — The Cotton Worm. Summary of its Natural His- tory, with an Account of its Enemies, and the best Means of con- trolling it ; being a Report of Progress of the Work of the Com- mission. By Chas. V. Riley, M. A., Ph. D. (1880.) [pp. 144, figs. 84, plates 1.] BULLETIN No. 4. — The Hessian Fly. Its Ravages, Habits, Enemies, and Means of preventing its Increase. By A. S. Packard, jr., M. D. (1880.) [pp. 43, figs. 1, plates 2., maps 1.] "All of these bulletins and reports, with the exception of the fifth report, are out of print. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. BULLETIN No. 5. — The Chinch Bug. Its History, Characters, and Habits, and the Means of destroying it or counteractering its In- juries. By Cyrus Thomas, Ph. D. (1870.) [pp. 1 1. figs. 10, maps l.j BULLETIN No. 6. — General Index and Supplement to the nine Eeports on the Insects of Missouri. By Charles V. Riley, M. A.. Ph. D. (1881.) [pp.177.] BULLETIN No. 7. — Insects injurious to Forest and Shade Trees. By A. S. Packard, jr., M. 1). (1881.) [pp. 275, figs. 100.] First Annual Report for the year 1877, relating to the Rocky Mountain Locust and the best Methods of preventing its Injuries and of guarding against its Invasions, in pursuance of an Appropriation made by Congress for this purpose. With maps and illustrations. (1878.) [pp. 477 + 294, figs. Ill, plates 5, maps 1.] Second Report for the years 1878 and 1879, relating to the Rocky Moun- tain Locust and the Western Cricket, and treating of the best Means of subduing the Locust in its permanent Breeding grounds, with a view of preventing its Migrations into the more fertile Portions of the trans-Mississippi country, in pursuance of Appro- priations made by Congress for this purpose. With Maps and II lustrations. (1880.) [pp. xvni+322 + 22, figs. 10, plates 17, maps 7.] Third Report relating to the Rocky Mountain Locust, the Western Cricket, the Army Worm, Canker Worms, and the Hessian Fly; together with Descriptions of Larvae of injurious Forest Insects, Studies on the embryological Development of the Locust and of other Insects, and on the systematic Position of the Orthoptera in Relation to other Orders of Insects. With Maps and Illustrations. (1883.) [pp. xvin -(- 347 + 91, figs. 14, plates 64, maps 3.] Fourth Report, being a revised Edition of Bulletin No. 3, and the Final Report on the Cotton Worm and Bollworni. By Charles V. Riley, Ph. D. (1885.) [pp. xxxvm +399 + 147, figs. 45, plates <>4. maps 2.J Fifth Report, being a revised and enlarged edition of Bulletin No. 7, on Insects Injurious to Forest and Shade Trees. By Alpheus S. Packard, M. D., Ph. D., with woodcuts and 40 plates. (1890 (1). Small edition; only a few for general distribution. / BULLETINS OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, U. S. DEPA K 1 M KNT OF AGRICULTURE, UNDER DIRECTION OF C. V. RILEY. 11M OTOL- OGIST. *No. 1. — Reports of Experiments, chiefly with Kerosene, upon the In- sects injuriously atlecting the Orange Tree and the Cotton Plant, made under t lie Direetic ft lie Entomologist. (1883.) (pp. .] * Oul of print. [143] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. *Xo. 3. — Reports of Observations arid Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the Direction of the Entomlogist. With plates. (1883.) [pp. 75, plates III.] No. 4. — Reports of Observations and Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the Direction of the Entomologist, to- gether with Extracts from Correspondence on miscellaneous In- sects. (1884.) [pp. 102, figs. 4.] *No. 5. — Descriptions of North American Chalcididse from the Collec tions of the TL S. Department of Agriculture and of Dr. C. V. Riley, with biological Notes. [First paper.] Together with a list of the described North American species of the family. By L. O. Howard, M. Sc., Assistant, Bureau of Entomology. (1885.) [pp. 47.] *No. G. — The imported Elm-leaf Beetle. Its Habits and Natural His- tory, and Means of counteracting its Injuries. (1885.) [pp. 18, figs. 1, plates L] No. 7. — The Pediculi and Mallophaga affecting Man and the lower An- imals. By Prof. Herbert Osborn. (1891.) [pp. 54, figs. 42.] *No. 8. — The Periodical Cicada. An account of Cicada septendecim and its tredicim race, with a chronology of all of the broods known. By Charles V. Riley, Ph. D. (1885.) [pp. 46, figs. 8.) . 9. — The Mulberry Silk-worm; being a Manual of Instructions in Silk culture. By Charles V. Riley, M. A., Ph. D. (1886.) [pp. 65, figs. 29, plates II.] . 10. — Our Shade Trees and their Insect Defoliators. Being a con- sideration of the four most injurious species which affect the trees of the capital, with means of destroying them. By Charles V. Riley, Entomologist. (1887.) [pp. 75, figs. 27.] *No. 11. — Reports of Experiments with various Insecticide Substances, chiefly upon Insects affecting garden Crops, made under the Direc- tion of the Entomologist. (1886.) [pp.34.] *No. 12. — Miscellaneous Notes on the work of the Division of Entomology for the Season of 1885; prepared by the Entomologist. (1886.) [pp. 45, plates I.] *No. 13. — Reports of Observations and Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the Direction of the Entomolo- gist, (With illustrations.) (1887.) [pp. 78, figs. 4.] No. 14. — Reports of Observations and Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the Direction of the Entomolo- gist. (1887.) [pp. 62, figs. 2, plates L] No. 15. — The Icerya, or Fluted Scale, otherwise known as the Cottony Cushion- scale. (Reprint of some recent Articles by the Entomolo- gist and of a Report from the Agricultural Experiment Station, University of California.) (1887.) [pp.40.] No. 16. — The Entomological Writings of Dr. Alpheus Spring Packard. By Samuel Henshaw. (1887.) [pp. 49.] * Out of print. BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [14-4] *No. 17. — The Chinch Bug: A general Summary of its History, Habits, Enemies, and of the Remedies and Preventives to be used against it. By L. O. Howard M. S., Assistant Entomologist. (1888.) [pp. is, figs. 10.] *No. 18. — The Life and Entomological Work of the late Towuend Glover, first Entomologist of the United States Department of Agriculture. Prepared under the Direction of the Entomologist, by C. E. Dodge, (1888.) [pp. 08, figs. 6, plates I.] No. 19. — An emum-ration of the published Synopses, Catalogues, and Lists of North American Insects; together with other information intended to assist the student of American Entomology. (i888.) [pp. 77.J *No. 20. — The Root Knot Disease of the Peach, Orange, and other Plants in Florida, due to the Work of Anguillula. Prepared under the Direction of the Entomologist, by J. C. Neal, Ph. D., M. I). (1889.) [pp. 31, plates 21.] *No. 21. — Report of a Trip to Australia, made under the Direction of the Entomologist to investigate the Natural Enemies of the Fluted Scale, by Albert Koebele. (1890.) [pp. 32, figs. 10.] No. 22. — Reports of the Observations and Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the Direction of the Entomolo- gist. (1890.) [pp. 110.] No. 23. — Reports of Observations and Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the Direction of the Entomolo- gist, (1891.) [pp. 83.] No. 24. — The Boll Worm. Preliminary Report, made under the Direc- tion of the Entomologist. By F. W. Mally. (1891.) [pp. 50.] No. 25. — Destructive Locusts. A popular consideration of a few of the more injurious Locusts or " Grasshoppers " of the United States, together with the best means of destroying them. By C. V. Riley, Ph. D. (1891.) [pp. 02, figs. 11, plates 12.] tNo. 20. — Reports of Observations and Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the Direction of the Entomolo- gist. (1892.) tNo. 27. — Reports on the Damage by destructive Locusts during the season of 1891, made under the Direction of the Entomologist. (1892.) [pp. 04.] tNo. 28. — The more destructive Locusts of America, north of Mexico, by Lawrence Bruner, prepared under Direction of the Entomolo- gist. (1892.) SPECIAL REPORTS AND BUL1.KTINS. * REPORT ON COTTON INSECTS. — i>y,J. Henry Comstork. (1879.) [pp. 511, figs. 77, plates III.] *Out of print, t Bnllrl ins L'ti :m!' pivp.-ir:it inn. [145] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. t SPECIAL REPORT, No. 11. — The Silkworm; being a brief Manual of Instructions for the Production of Silk. Prepared, by direction of the Commissioner of Agriculture, by C. Y. Riley, M. A., Ph. D., Entomologist. (First ed., 1879; fifth ed., 1885.) [pp. 37, figs. 8.] * SPECIAL EEPORT, No. 35. — Report on Insects injurious to Sugar Cane. Prepared, under Direction of the Commissioner of Agriculture, by J. Henry Comstock, Entomologist. (1881.) [pp. 11, figs. 3.] * DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. — INSECTS AFFECTING THE ORANGE.— Report on the Insects affecting the Culture of the Orange and other plants of the Citrus Family, with practical Suggestions for their Control or Extermination. By H. G. Hubbard. (1885.) [pp. x+£27, figs. 95, plates XIV.] * SPECIAL REPORT. — Catalogue of the Exhibit of Economic Entomology at the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, New Orleans, 1884-'85. (1888.) [pp. 95.] SPECIAL BULLETIN. — The Horn Fly (Hrematobia serrata), being an account of its Life-history and the means to be used against it. By C. V. Riley and L. O. Howard. (Reprinted from Insect Life. Vol. II, No. 4, October 1889.) (1889.) [pp. 11, figs. 5.] BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE MORE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMER ICAN ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. By Samuel Henshaw. Parts I, II, and III. The more important writings of Benjamin Dann Walsh and Charles Valentine Riley, Washington, 1890. HOW TO OBTAIN ENTOMOLOGICAL BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS. Comparatively few of the works treating of the classification of North American insects have been published as separate books; but such as have been so published, if of comparatively recent date, can be obtained through the regular book trade. By far the greater number of the monographs and synopses mentioned in the preceding pages have .been published in scientific periodicals and in the proceedings or transactions of scientific societies. These may be obtained either through the societies or through the publishers; but single volumes of transactions or proceedings, and more especially single papers, are seldom sold, and the older volumes are liable to be out of print. More- over, the expense attending the purchase of all of the periodicals con- taining the publications on a given order of insects will be so great as to put them beyond the reach of most entomologists. The custom of placing at the disposal of authors a number of separate copies of their papers overcomes this difficulty to some extent and creates a small sup- ply. Thus it often happens that a person interested can obtain a copy of a scientific paper by addressing the author personally. Many of *Out of print. tBull. No. 9 of the Division of Entomology covers this subject. 2564 10 BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [146] these, separate copies also fall into the possession of dealers in second- hand books, and may be purchased from them. The American Ento- mological Society of Philadelphia, and also a few other societies here and in Europe, offer for sale from their duplicates many of these authors' extras, and in some cases publish lists. There are, moreover, certain business establishments which make a specialty of the sale of works and pamphlets on natural history, including entomology, and it is chiefly through such establishments that the student is enabled to secure the larger portion of the works needed. By subscribing to the entomological periodicals published in this country (a matter of but slight expense) the student may keep abreast of the current literature. Short book reviews or notes published therein call attention to the more important publications in other countries. Moreover, the Zob'logischer Anzeiger, edited by Prof. J. Victor Cams, in Leipzig, Germany, and published every fortnight, gives a tolerably complete bibliography of the current entomological literature at inter- vals of about six or eight weeks. The " Naturse Novitates," published every fortnight by E. Friedlaeuder & Sohu, Carlstrasse, 11, Berlin, Ger- many, gives the titles of most recent works and pamphlets. There are also three great annual publications, viz : u Die Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Entomologie," published in Wiegmaun's "Archiv fiir Naturgeschichte ; " "The Zoological Record," published by the Zoological Record Society, in London, England; and the "Zoologist-he Jahresberichte," published by the Zoological Station at Naples, Italy, which give the full literature of the previous year, discussing the more important papers and giving a list of the new species, besides other information. These three publications are almost indispensable to the student in any branch of zoology, and some one of them at least ought to be found in every public library in the country. The volumes of the "Zoologische Jahresberichte" since 1887 contain no titles upon sys- tematic and classificatory zoology, but only such as refer to biology. A not inconsiderable portion of the North American literature on the classification of insects has been published by the Government of the United States through various channels, foremost among which are the Smithsonian Institution, the U. S. Department of Agriculture, the U. S. National Museum, the U. S. Geological and Geographical Survey, and the various surveys of the Territories. Some of these publications are distributed free of cost; while others, like certain of the publications of the Smithsonian Institution and the Geological Survey, are sold at a moderate price to cover the cost of publication. Many of them are out of print, and can only be obtained through natural history book-dealers. Of the more general works, some may be obtained direct from the publishers, and in such cases the publishers are mentioned in the general list. The older works are mostly out of print and can only be obtained from second-hand dealers. The current State reports of Lint uer and Forbes may be obtained from the secretaries of the respective [147] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. State agricultural societies at Albany, N. Y., and Springfield, 111., while the bulletins and reports of the entomologists of the various State experiment stations, of which a large number are being published, may be obtained from the directors of the respective stations. The older reports of the State entomologist of Missouri and the State ento- mologists of Illinois (Walsh, Le Baron, and Thomas) are all out of print and can only be obtained by purchase from second-hand dealers. The same may be said of the well-known and oft-quoted reports of Dr. Fitch, which were published with the old volumes of the Transactions of the New York State Agricultural Society. O