- ' ' ' ( Vffcf ilklll'
Entomological News
AND
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTK >\
OF THE
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
OF
PHILADELPHIA.
VOLUME V, 1894.
EDITOR :
HENRY SKINNER, M. D.
PHILIP P. CALVERT, Associate Editor.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE :
GKO. H. HORN, M.D. CHARI.KS A. BI.AKK.
EZRA T. CRESSON. CHARI.KS LIEBKCK.
Rev. HSNRY C. McCooK, D.D.
PHILADELPHIA:
ENTOMOLOGICAL ROOMS OF
THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES,
LOGAN SQUARE.
1894.
INDEX TO VOLUME V.
GENERAL ENTOMOLOGY.
Alpine insects i
Arthropods, Classification of 213,
315-
Bisulphide of Carbon as an
insecticide . . . . . . .221
Chicago, Entomology at . . 309
Disease and flies 18
Doherty, W 48
Economic Entomologists, As-
sociation of 248, . . 249, 254.
Economic Entomology 15, 44, 73,
116, 143, 1^2, 220, 249, 283, 311.
Editorials 14, 42, 72, 115, 142, 181,
219, 248, 282, 310.
Elementary Entomology 65, 104,
138.
Entomological Literature 16, 21, 51,
8r, 116, 117, 121, 143, 144, 148,
187, 220, 222, 225, 255, 284, 288,
310, 317-
Entomological Section, Pro-
ceedings of 24, 85, 154, 193, 233,
292, 323-
Experimental Agriculture . . 19
Exportation of Beneficial in-
sects 184
Feldman Collecting Social,
Meeting of .... 292, 322
Floriculture, Entomology in .316
Field meeting at Jamesburg . 224
Fireflies, Experimenting with . 316
Fossil insects 80
Insecticides 221, 223
Introduced insects . . . .311
Julicli, \Y. .
Legislation against insects . 44
Local lists, Value of . . . .119
Mails, Transmission of speci-
mens bv 4 2
Morris, Rev. J. G 19
Mt. Washington, Insects of i, 271
Net, Graf-Kriisis' 147
New genera, Formation of . . 253
Newspaper entomology 2iS, 247
253-
Norton, Edward . . . . .161
Notes and News 17, 47, 77, i is, 146,
185, 223, 253, 286, 313.
Parasites of wild bees . . . 1 70
Say Memorial Chapter A . A. . i S
Schuster, M 96
Staley, O. J 236
Stowaways, Insects as . . .113
Texas, Cellecting in .... 307
Type specimens 142
U. S. Entomologist . . . . iS2
Walsh, B. D. ...
Whistling tree 223
ARACHNIDA.
Cercidia 8
Larinia S
JMephila madagascarensis . . 79
Michigan Araneae . . . . i'\;
New N. Amer. species 8. 56, 84,
124, 153, 192, 2320, 259, 299, 321.
Ochyrocera pacific a* .... 299
Orchesfina sn/litaiif* .... 300
Pear-leaf mites 76
Spider mimicry . . . . . i i
Spiders new to the U. S., Two
families of
MYRIAPODA.
New N. Amer. species ... 2;
THYSANURA.
Lepitiocyiins ccfiiialopurpm
324.
New \. Amer. species
324-
* Denotes new North American sp
11
INDEX.
ORTHOPTERA.
Cockroach, Habits of . 75,
Grasshoppers, Outbreak of .216
Locusts, Flight of ..... 237
Mantis, Robber-fly and . . .169
New N. Amer. species 56, 85, 153,
192, 2320, 259, 291, 322.
Pink Katydids ...... 278
NEUROPTERA.
. Icschna clepsydra and crenata,
Specific indentity of ... 9
( 'annacria gravida .... 193
Distribution of Odonata . 242,314
(,'oinp/in.s lividiis ..... 324
I la genius brevistylus . . . 324
Home among the tree tops, A 301
Kansas, N. of ...... 178
Maine, Odonata of .... 132
Myrmeleonidae new to Illinois 47
Mystacides punctata* . . . .180
NVu N. A. species 85, 153, 180, 322
Pantala Jiavescens .... 324
White Ant again ..... 314
Scolopostethns 108
Tettigonidae, Synonymical
HEMIPTERA.
Aspidiotus bowreyi* .
nerii
steelii* . . 263,
Ceroplastes albolineatus* . .
Chinch-bug, Contagious dis-
eases of ........
< 'liionaspis major* ....
Cicada, Periodical .....
Coccidae on Ivy ......
Diaspis lanatus ......
/'rii'i-/ni H.^ coccincus* . . .
| amaica, New wax-scale from .
Lecanium urichi* .....
Meromyza nuiiin'-imi ...
N<-\\ N. AIIHT. spec 24, 43, 59,
i .S3, 192, 203, 232^, 260, 263,
1 >< eanic 1 1., I laliits of . . 33
59
79
282
157
222
43
145
2IO
43
204
157
203
17
84,
29 i.
78
i?
notes on N. A.
155
COLEOPTERA,
San Jusc scale . . . . |S2,
Agrilus sinuatus . . . 311,323
Aphanotus 40
Bostrychus, An imported . .118
Briaraxis arthritica* . . .159
depressa* . . . .159
Bryaxis albionica* . . . ' . 195
California, C. of . . . . 17, 97
Carpophilus niger larva . . . 260
Cassida nebulosa 146
Cassididae, Notes on our . . 224
Conibius 40
Criocetis i2-punctata . . . 292
Cryptohypnus 6
Cucujidae of San Diego ... 17
Cychrus elevatus 18
Cyllodes biplagiatus larva . . 262
Desmoris 205
Early spring trip, An . . . 175
Ecyrus dasycerits 323
Euplectus raff ray i* . . . .196
Hispini of New Jersey ... 40
Mine, An insect 114
Mononychus vulpcculus and its
parasites 287
New Jersey, C. of . . . 40, 115
New N. Amer. species 56, 84, 124,
153, '59- !9 2 , 195, !9 6 , 2320, 260,
322.
Oxyporns rufipennis and stygi-
cus 13
Passing comments, Some . . 205
I'/afypsyl/tis, Sexual characters
of 141
Pselaphidae, 158, 194
Reared C 140
Sapriinis sulcafiilits .... 14
Scyinnus 293
Sniicn>nyx 205
Timber beetles 76
'/'rito>iia lutnicralis larva 260
I ''H North American speci
INDEX.
111
DIPTERA.
Asilidae, Habits of no, 169, 173
firachycoma davidsoni* . . .172
Bugonia superstition .... 48
Ceroplatus fasciola* . . . .126
Criorhina (Cynorhina) julni-
soni* 125
Erax 136
Flies and disease 18
Holcocephala calva .... 292
Mounting D., Hints in regard
to 245
New N. Amer. species 24, 56 84,
125, 154, 193, 2320:, 322.
Orthostethus infuscata . . . 292
Rhynchocephalus sackeni . . 47
Robber-fly no, 169
Sapromyzince, Amer. gereraof 196
Tachinid attack 78
Tovvnsend collection .... 186
LEPIDOPTERA.
Alcathce caudatum . . . .331
Alctia argillacea 147
Ap at ura celtis 120
Arkansas, L. of 108
Brooklyn, Collecting in ... 174
Catocalse of Pittsburg . . .212
Classification of L 240
Codling moth 284
Coinposia fidelissima . . . .118
Connecticut, Butterflies of . . 77
Cossids and woodpeckers . . 73
Cossus cent ere us is 314
Destroying caterpillars New
method of 283
Destroy Zeuzera pyrina, To . 287
Dygoniidae, New West African 57
Early L 79, 146, 147
Ercb its odora in houses . 71, 117
Eudanius outis* 332
Eunica tatila 17
Euphoria inda* 198
Geometrid larvae, Descriptions
of . 60
Geometrina 65
Id., Types of N. Amer. in Eu-
ropean collections .... 302
Grain moth at the Fair ... 15
Greenland Microlepidoptera . 129
Hepialus lemberti* .... 25
Hesperidae, African . . .26, 89
Hyparpax tyria* 198
Martindale collection .... 146
Microlepidoptera . 104, 129, 138
Missouri, Sphinges of . . . 176
Montana, Butterflies of . . .36
Myscelia skinneri* .... 96
New African species . . 26, 57, 89
New Genera, Formation of . 253
New N. Amer. species 24, 25, 56,
96, no, 124, 131, 153, 193, 198,
232*1, 260, 330, 331, 332.
Notes common or otherwise . 277
Pagara eudora* 198
Papilio cresphontes . . . .212
' ' /laments larva and pupa 101
" philenor'm N. E. . 41, 77
Philampelus licaon . . . .314
Pterophorina .... 208, 279
Pyralidina and Pterophorina,
relationship between . 208, 279
Sannina exitiosa n. var. . .331
Sciapteron dollii* 330
" seminole* . . . 330
Sericoris meng eland* . . .131
Smerinthus geminatus . . . 315
" Interfaunal hybrid. 326
Sphinges of Missouri . . . .176
Sphinx luscitiosa larva and
pupa 265
Tachyris ilaire v. Nciimoe-
genii* no
The da acis 180
" ia/ifoniica .... 329
Timor-Laut, Butterflies of ^
Utah, Collecting in . . 133. 164
\Vnturesome insects . . .120
HYMENOPTERA.
A /y so n nutiatus* - S 7
* Denotes tiew North American species.
IV
INDEX.
Alyson sfriatus* 87
Synopsis of ... 86
Ants from N. Mex 103
Bees fly, How far do? . . 254
Bembex moncdonta .... 323
Bees, Parasites of wild . . .17
lirachycistHS 296
" elegantulus* . .295
Calliopsis snbalpinus* . . . 235
Chrysis mesillcs* 125
Didineis nodosa* 127
" peculiar is* . . . .128
" Synopsis of . . . . 126
IJaypiphorus maculatus, Num-
ber of annual broods of . . 275
Hcmiteles 118, 146
Longevity of parasites . . .147
Mcllinus, Synopsis of ... 201
Melissodcs tristis* 234
Mounting H., Hints in regard to 245
NVw X. . \rner. species, 56, 85, 87,
124, 125, 127, 128, 154, 193, 199,
232rt, 234, 260, 293, 297, 323, 328.
New localities for H 246
Nomadapennigev* .... 235
Northward range of southern
species 224
Parasites of Mononychus . . 287
festi\ .... 328
!nt cola* 328
Pezinnaclins and /fcniiffles,
Iilt-iitiiy of nS, 146
I'lwtap.^i^ \- nocturnal . . . 286
" /t-rri/iis"' .... 200
YITSUS Brachycistus 296
Sphesropthalmus dugesii* . . 294
lictcrochroa"' 293
294
297
199
199
CONTRIBUTORS TO VOL V.
Aaron, S. F. 1 1 <>
Aich, II. 147, 148
Ami >!<], Sir. !!., 237
Baker, C. F.,
Banks, N., .
Bischoff, E. A.,
Blaisdell, F. E.,
Boerner, C. R.,
163
8, 178, 213, 298
. . . 115, n8
17
175
Brendel, E., 158, 194
Calvert, P. P., 9, 2 42
Casad, MissJ. E. 293
Casey, T. L . 205
Cockerel!, T. D. A., 43, 59, 79, I2 5,
157, 173. J 99, 203, 210, 234, 263,
282, 287, 293, 328
Coquillett, D. W., . . . 125, 172
Daggett, F. S., 216
Davidson, A., 170
Davis, J., 1 08
Denton, S. W., 41
Dyar, H. G., 25, 60, 198, 225, 329
Ehrmann, G. A., 212
Fall, H. C 97
Fernald, C. H., . 104, 129, 138
Fischer, E. R., 114
Fox, W. J., 24, 86, 126, 201, 296, 297
Hamilton, J., 288
Harvey, F. L., 324
Heilprin 301
Holland, W. J., 26. 39, 57, 89
Hopping, R., 116
Horn, G. H., 6, 14, 40, 141, 146, 224
Hulst, G. D 65, 279, 302
Kellicott, D. S., 314
Kellogg, V. L 283
Kingsley, J. S., 315
Klages, E. A., 198
Kiin/i-, R. E., .... 265, 316
Laurent, P., 146, H7
Lembert, J. B., 120
Marlatt, C. L 255
McDade, ]. E 47
Menzel, L. W., 96
M. rkrl, A 254
Moon-, I. F., |r., 77
Moore, W., 18
Nason, \V. A 245, 246
Neumoegen, r> 32(1, 330
new Ninth American species.
INDEX.
Osten Sacken, C. R., . . . 48
Ottolengui, R 3 : 4
Packard, A. S., 119
Patton, VV. H. 119, 224
Pilate, G. R., 120
Riley, C. V., .... 185, 186
Rowley, R. R., 176
Schaus, W., 17
Sharp, F., 307
Skinner, H., . . . .no, 180,332
Slingerland, M. V 17
Slosson, Mrs. A. T., . i, 198, 271
Smith, J. B., 15, 44, 73, 116, 143,
182, 218,, 220, 240, 249, 283, 311
Snyder, A. J., . 133 164, 277, 309
Taylor, C. B., 101
Townsend, C. H. T., . . .103
Tutt, J. W., 2oS
Van Duzee, E. P., . . . 108, 155
Wadsworth, Miss M., . . .132
Walton, L. B., [3
Webster F. M., 78, 140, 146, 147, 275
Wenzel, H. W., 40
Westcott, O. S., 71
White, H. G. 174, 287
Wickham, H. F., 33, 78, 117, 260
Wiley, C. A 36
Williston, S. W., 48, 136, 186, 196
Wood, W. C., . 18
KNT. NEWS, Vol. IV.
PI. XIV.
DR. H. A. HAGEN.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS
AND
PROCEEDINGS OE THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
VOL. v. JANUARY, 1894. No. i.
CONTENTS:
Slosson List of insects taken in alpine
region of Mt. Washington i
Horn A note on Cryptohypnus 6
Editorial 14
Economic Entomology 15
Notes and News 17
Banks Notes on Larinia and Cercidia S \ Entomological Literature 21
Caivert On the specific identity of AL. Entomological Section 24
clepsydra and crenata 9 Dyar A new Hepialus from Cala 25
Walton Oxy. rufipennis and stygicus.. 13 : Holland African Hesperiidse 26
9 __
LIST OF INSECTS TAKEN IN ALPINE REGION OF
MT. WASHINGTON.
By ANNIE TRUMBULL SLOSSON.
In 1874, Mr. E. P. Austin (Proc. Bost. S.oc. Nat. Hist. vol.
xvi, p. 265) published his " Catalogue of the Coleoptera of Mt.
Washington, N. H., with descriptions of new species by }. L.
LeConte, M.D."
In 1877, Mr. F. Gardiner, Jr., published in "Psyche" (vol.
ii, p. 211) a list of additional species taken by himself and Mr.
W. Schaus, Jr., in July, 1877. I n neither of these catalogues
do the authors limit themselves strictly to insects collected in the
alpine region proper, though in the latter list nearly all were
taken there.
Mr. Austin's camp was situated ''a short distance below the
Half-way House," about 3900 feet altitude, and nearly all of his
collecting was done near that place. He includes, also, he says,
Coleoptera taken by Mr. S. H. Scudder "near the foot of the
mountain," others gathered by Mr. Samuel Henshaw, locality not
given, and some from a list of general White Mountain sprcies
by Mr. G. D. Smith, as far as I can discover comparatively !-w
of the insects named in this catalogue were taken on the summit
2 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
or above what is called the alpine line, 4000 feet above sea-level.
In the list of Messrs. Gardiner and Schaus the localities are
carefully designated. Out of its 114 species not contained in
Austin's list, all but a half dozen or so seem to have been taken
above the alpine limit. I know of no lists in orders other than
Coleoptera ever published.
In July and August, of 1893, as mentioned in a previous paper
(ENT. NEWS, vol.uii, p. 249), I spent several days on Mt. Wash-
ington and collected many species. I herewith append a com-
plete list of such, and add also a few taken in previous visits.
These last are marked with an asterisk. Every insect here men-
tioned was taken at or above 5500 feet altitude, and much the
greater part of them on the summit, or cone itself, about 6300 feet.
Among the Coleoptera there are fifty species not included in
either Austin's or Gardiner's lists, and in other orders there are
at least five entirely new species, and probably more. Let me
again repeat here my grateful acknowledgement of assistance
rendered me in the identification of insects by Messrs. Liebeck,
Fox, Davis, Van Duzee, Calvert and others, without whose aid
I could not have prepared this list.
COLEOPTERA. Amara hyperborea Dej.
latior Kirbv.
* Platynus cupripennis Say.
Cicindela longilabris? Say. Agonoderus pallipes Fab.
Carabidae. Harpalus pleuriticus Kirby.
Stenolophus conjunctus Say.
Carabus chamissoms risen.
* Calosoma frigidum Kirby. Dytiscidae.
Elaphrus fuliginosus Say. Laccophilus maculosus Germ.
Nebria suturalis Lee. Bidessus affinis Say.
sahlbergi Fisch. Hydroporus sp. ?
Bembidium pictum Lee. Agabus confinis ?
Patrobus rugicollis Rand. Rhantus binotatus Hart:
Trechus chalybeus Mann.
Pterostichus adoxus Say. Hydrophilidse.
coracinus Nezvm. Helophorus linearis Lee. ?
lucublandus Say. Hydrophilus mixtus Lee.
vitreus Dej. Berosus striatus Say.
tnandibularis Kirby. Cymbiodyta fimbriatus Melsh.
vindicatus Mann. Creniphilus subciipreus Sav.
hudsonicus Lee.
Amara arenaria Lee. Silphidae.
similis Kirby. Silpha surinamensis Fab.
i8 9 4-]
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
Staphylinidae.
Quedius sp. ?
Philonthus palliatus Grav. ?
debilis Grav.
Xantholinus hamatus Say.
Stenus sp. ?
Acidota crenata Fab.
Ooccinellidae.
Coccinella trifasciata Linn.
transverso-guttata Fab.
Harmonia similis Rand.
picta Rand.
1 2-maculata Geb
Psyllobora 2o-maculata Say.
Brachyacantha ursina Fab.
Byrrhidae.
Simplocaria metallica Sturm.
Cytilus trivittatus Melsh.
Byrrhus cyclophorus Kirby?
geminatus Lee.
Elateridae.
Cryptohypnus sanborni Horn.
abbrevi'atus Say.
restrictus Mann.
Elater socer Lee.
" semicinctus Rand.
" nigricans Germ. ?
" rubricus Say.
" apicatus Say.
Agriotes limosus Lee.
Limonius sp. ?
Campylus denticornis Kirby.
Paranomus costal is Payk.
pictus Cand.
Corymbites virens Schr.
resplendens Esch.
spinosus Lee.
medianus Germ.
triundulatus Rand.
propola Lcc.
hieroglyphicus Say.
cruciatus Linn.
* Asaphes decoloratus Say.
Buprestidae.
* Buprestis maculiventris Say.
Melanophila longipes Say.
drummondi Kirby.
fulvoguttata Harr.
Chrysobothris trinervia Kirby.
scabripennis L.&G.
Lampyridae.
Csenia dimidiata Fab.
Eros aurora Hbst.
Lucidota atra Fab.
Ellychnia corrusca Linn.
Pyropyga decipiens Harr.
Podabrus diadema Fab.
Telephorus carolinus Fab.
rotundicollis Say.
Cleridae.
Thanasimus undulatus Say.
Ptinidae.
Ptilinus ruficornis Say.
Scarabseidae.
* Aphodius fimetarius Linn.
granarius Linn.
prodromus Brahm.
Allorhina nitida Linn.
* Euphoria fulgida Fab.
Cerambycidae.
Asemum moestum Hald.
Tetropium cinnamopteruni Kirby.
Kliagium lineatum Oliv.
* Rhopalopus sanguinicollis Horn.
Pachyta monticola Rand.
Anthophilax attenuatus Hald.
Acnueops bivittata .S'cr.
proteus A7;/<r.
Leptura 6 marulata Linn.
" canadcnsis Fab.
proxitna Say.
pubera .S(/r.
ruficollis Say.
mutabilis ATI';//.
MiiiiolianiiiHis scutellatus Stir.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
[January,
Pogonocherus penicellatus Lee.
Chrysomelid*.
* Donacia emarginata Kirby.
Orsodachna children! Kirby.
" tibialis Kirby.
Adoxus vitis Linn.
Doryphora lo-lineata Say.
Chrysomela elegans Oliv.
Gonioctena pallida Linn.
* Luperus varipes Lee.
cyanellus Lee.
meraca Say.
*Trirhabda canadensis Kirby.
Galerucella cavicollis Lee.
decora Say.
Tenebrionidae.
* Iphthimus opacus Lee.
*Upis ceramboides Linn.
Cistellidae.
Isomira 4-striata Coup.
Melandryidse.
Scotodes americanus Horn.
Pylhidae.
Crymodes discicollis Lee.
Cephaloidae.
Cephaloon lepturides Neivm.
Authicidae.
*Corphyra lugubris Say.
Pyrochroidae.
Schizotus cervicalis Newtn.
Gurculionidae.
Lepyrus colon Linn.
Balaninus uniformis Lee.
Scolytidae.
Polygraphus rufipeunis Kirby.
HYMENOPTERA.
Teiithredinidae.
Pristiphorus identidem Nort.
Strongylogaster annulosus ? Nort.
(a var. ?)
Dolerus arvensis Say.
* Macrophya epinota Say.
fuliginea Nort.
Tenth redo rufipes Say.
eximia Nort.
signata Nort.
Uroceridae.
Xiphydria provancheri Cr.
Icliueumonidae.
Ichneumon sublatus Cr.
leviculus Cr.
vv-album Cr. sp. ?
approximans (?) Prov.
Platylabus scutellatus Prov.
'' signatus Prov.
Phygadeuon sp. ?
Cryptus annulatus Prov.
Mesostenus albomaculatus Cr.
Ophion bifoveolatum Bridle.
Anomalon rufulum Prov.
Xenoschesis alpinensis Davis ms.
* Opheltes glaucopterus Linn.
Mesoleius canadensis Prov.
bicolor Davis ms.
* Arotes amoenus Cr.
decorns Say.
Pimpla inquisitor Say.
pedal is Cr.
Schizopyga frigida Cr.
Meniscus elegans Cr.
var.
Xylonomus stigmapterus*6oj/.
Braconidae.
Bracon simplex Cr.
Rhogas sp. ?
Helcon dentipes Brulle.
Chrysididae.
Elampus sp. ?
* Chrysis nortoni Aaron.
Formicidae.
*Camponotus herculaneus Linn.
Formica sp. ?
1 894-]
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
Lasius sp. ?
Myrmica sp. ?
Apidae.
Bombus pennsylvanicus DeG.
*Apis mellifica Linn.
LEPIDOPTERA.
Rhopalocera.
* Danais archippus Fab.
Argynnis atlantis Ewd.
myrina Cram.
montinus Scud.
bellona Fab.
* Melitaea harrisii Scud.
Grapta faunus Edw.
gracilis G. & R.
Vanessa antiopa Linn.
milbertii Gdt.
* Limenitis arthemis Dm.
disippus Gdt.
Chionobas semidea Say.
Pieris napi Esp.
" rapa? Linn.
Colias philodice Gdt.
* Papilio turnus Linn.
* Pamphila hobomok Harr.
peckius Kirby.
cernes Edw.
Nisoniades icelus Lint.
Heterocera.
Albuna torva Hy. Edw.
Aegeria fulvipes Harr.
* Alypia langtonii Coup.
CEdemasia nmrinna l\ick.
Platypteryx arcuata Walk.
Agrotis prasina.
sp. ?
* Pachnobia \vockri Moesch.
* Carneades opipara Morr.
Plusia vaccinii 7/r. J'.dw.
" simplex (,'ncn.
Anarta melanopa Tluinh.
" schoenherri '/.ctt.
Lobophora sp. ?
* Carsia paludata Tliunb.
Eupithecia cretaceata Pack.
Laodamia fusca //<;;..
Caccecia georgiana (irl.
Ptycholoma melaleucana Walk.
Sciaphila mceschleriana Wockt-.
Penthina intermistana Clan.
HEMIPTERA.
Heteroptera.
Corimeleena atra Am. & S.
* Canthophorus cinctus Pal. Itcatir.
Podisus spinosus Da/las.
" modestus Dal/as.
Brochymena arborea Say.
Acanthosoma lateralis Say.
Ligyrocoris sylvestris Linn.
Eremocoris ferus Say.
Trigonotylus ruficornis Fall.
Leptopterna dolobrata Linn.
Resthenia insignis Say.
insitiva Say.
Lopidea confluens Say.
* Calocoris rapidus Say.
Capsus ater Linn.
Monaloccris filicis Linn.
*Capsid gen. ? sp. ?
( < U ( (
Aradus 4-hneatus ? Say.
Coriscus punctipes Kent.
Limnoporus rufoscutellatus Lai.
*Salda deplanata t'lil.
" sp. ?
Homoptera.
* Ceresa bubulus Fab.
Cyrtolopus sp. ?
< tphiderma salamandra /-'aim.
Delphacid gen. ? sp. ?
Pliila-nus liiu-atus Linn.
* Bythoscopus sobrius M'alk.
pruni /'/<';.
Onconu-tnpia costalis /
Hi-1- tchara (dininuni^ l-'Hch.
1 ifltoccplialiis coiiriguratiH /'///.
Cicadula 6-notata /'(///.
slossoiii / \inD.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
[January,
DIPTERA.
Bibio sp. ?
* Chironomus sp. ?
Dicronomyia pudica O. S.
Tipula sp. ?
Xylophagus rufipes Loew.
sp. ?
Therioplectes lasiophthalmus Macq.
Dioctria albius Walk.
Cyrtopogon bimacula Say.
Holcocephala abdominalis Say.
Dasyllis flavicollis Say.
Symphromyia pullata Cog.
* Laphria pubescens Willist.
sericea Say.
* Melanostoma obscura O. S.
*Syrphus contumax O. S.
torvus O. S.
lesueurii Macq.
Eristalis compactus Walk.
dimidiatus Wied.
tenax Linn.,
Also many species of Tachinidae
and Muscidse not identified.
* Xylota curvipes Loew.
Temnostoma bombylans Fab.
alternans Loew.
Homalomyia sp. ?
Cordylura sp. ?
Scatophaga stercoraria Linn.
*Tetanocera plumosa Loew.
saratogensis Fitch.
ORTHOPTERA.
* Pezotettix glacialis Scud.
Melanoplus femur-rubrum DeC.
Chortophagus viridifasciata DeG.
Hippiscus tuberculatus P. deB.
Tettix granulatus Kirby.
" ornatus Say.
Tettigidea polymorpha Sunn.
Periplaneta americana Fab.
NEUROPTERA.
Nehalennia irene Hag'.
Chrysopa oculata Say.
Several Phryganidae, etc.,
identified.
un-
Clubiona canadensis Em.
Pardosa brunnea Em.
PHALANGID^.
Oligolophus montanus Bks. tns.
ACARIN^.
Rhyncolophus montanus Bks. n. sp.
-o-
A NOTE ON CRYPTOHYPNUS.
By GEO. H. HORN, M.D.
In a recent number of " Entomologische Nachrichten" (1893,
pp. 305-311) Mr. E. Bergroth publishes some remarks on the
Cat. Col. Eur. by E. Reitter, which have but little interest for
our fauna until Cryptohypnus is reached, concerning which he
says: "The genus Crytohypnus Latr. is still confounded with
Hypnoidus Steph. They are, however, two distinct genera stand-
ing well apart, as Schioedte has shown, denning them in the fol-
lowing manner:
Cryptohypnus. Epimera of mesothorax reaching the coxa,
i8 9 4-]
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
the outer closure of the coxal cavity formed of mesosternum,
mes-epimeron and metasternum.
Hypnoidus. Epimera of mesothorax not reaching the coxa,
the cavity closed externally by the meso- and metathorax.
Schioedte's work was entirely overlooked by me, and the char-
acters above noted were equally unobserved. As the genera
formed, at the expense of Cryptohypnus, seemed untenable, I
ventured the remark that, "if any division of Cryptohypnus be
thought necessary, that based on the form of the prosternal sutures
appears to be the only one desirable." The genus Hypnoidus, as
defined, is really due to Schioedte, as without his definition it is
as untenable as several others which are not now recognized as
valid.
As thus defined, our species arrange themselves in the follow-
ing manner:
Cryptohypnus Latr..
littoralis Esch.
grandicollis Lee.
hyperboreus Gyll.
barbatus Sahib.
abbreviatus Say.
impressicollis Mann.
nocturnus Esch.
squalidus Lee.
funebris Cand.
planatus Lee.
HypnoidllS Steph. (Schioedte).
striatulus Lee.
delumbis Horn.
charis Say.
ornatus Lee.
cucullatus Horn.
melsheimeri Horn.
caurinus Horn.
dispersus Horn.
gradarius Horn.
tumescens Lee.
musculus Esch.
dubius Horn.
gentilis Lee.
sestivus Horn.
perplex us Horn.
restrictulus Mann.
obliquatulus Mels.
pectoralis Say.
On comparing the above list with my essay on Cryptohypnus^
it will be observed that our species divide into the two genera on
precisely the lines indicated by me, based on the form of the
prosternal sutures.
8 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
NQTES ON LARINIA AND CERCIDIA.
By NATHAN BANKS.
The genus Larinia was established by Simon in 1874, for two
spiders' from France. The genus is readily distinguished from
its ally, Singa, by having the p. m. e. nearly touching, and the
larger a. s. e. quite widely separated. The body is elongate, and
the abdomen projects over the cephalothorax in a blunt point.
Epeira directa Hentz agrees with the characters of Larinia, and
so must belong to it. In the Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1892,
p. 127, Dr. McCook forms, for E. directa, the new genus Drex-
elia; but as the type species belongs to Larinia, Drexelia be-
comes a synonym. I have seen another species of this genus
which may be separated from L. directa by the following char-
acters :
Metatarsus I longer than tibia I and twice as long as the width of body,
sternum yellow L. directa.
Metatarsus I not longer than tibia I and not longer than width of body,
sternum black L. borealis.
Larinia borealis nov. sp.
Length 6 mm.; tibia plus patella I 2.5 mm. Cephalothorax pale yel-
lowish, with a black line on the margin and a black line, bifid near an-
terior end, reaching from the dorsal groove to the p. m. e. Mandibles,
palpi and legs pale yellowish; sternum black, with a narrow median yel-
low line. Abdomen gray, with black spots on the sides, above with a
pale median stripe, and a row of four black spots on each side near tip;
venter with three narrow black stripes, uniting at base of spinnerets. Ce-
phalothorax much narrowed in front, but not as slender as in L. directa;
sternum barely narrowed in front; legs moderate, much shorter than in
L. directa, especially the anterior pairs; abdomen about twice as long as
wide, pointed in front, broadly rounded behind.
I have six specimens of this species, four from Olympia, Wash.
(Mr. Trevor Kincaid), and two from Franconia, N. H. (Mrs. A.
T. Slosson).
Larinia directa Hentz.
Epeira directa Hentz and Epeira rubella Hentz.
Drexelia directa McCook.
Length 10 mm.; .tibia plus patella I 55 mm. This is a much more
slender species than L. borealis, the abdomen three times as long as
broad, and the legs much longer. The abdomen varies much in mark-
ing's, usually having a yellowish stripe above, and some black spots or
lines each side; the venter has two brown lines uniting just before the
1894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 9
spinnerets; the sternum is yellow; the legs are sometimes finely pointed
with black. The abdomen projects beyond the spinnerets farther than in
L. borealis.
I have collected it in eastern Texas, where it makes an oblique
web in grass. Hentz had it from South Carolina and Alabama.
Cercidia Thorell, 1870.
This genus is also close to Singa, but differs in having the
fourth pair of legs longer than the first. The abdomen is
pointed in front like that of Larinia. One species is known in
Europe, and I have received it in a collection of spiders from
Franconia, N. H., made by Mrs. A. T. Slosson.
Cercidia prominens Westring.
Singa scutigcra Westr.
Epeira be/la Mead.
Ate a spinosa Ohl.
Lengths mm. Cephalothorax red; mandibles red with a black spot;
sternum black; legs yellowish with brown rings; abdomen brownish
above, with a large reddish shield nearly covering the dorsum, an indis-
tinct light stripe and behind some transverse black lines; venter with a
median black stripe as wide as sternum, yellowish each side; there are
five short black spines in front on the dorsal shield, and four prominent
muscular spots above. The cephalothorax has above on the median line
two prominent spines. The epigynum consists of a short and broad
finger arising from the anterior edge of a cavity which is much broader
than long.
One female, Franconia, N. H.
ON THE SPECIFIC IDENTITY OF /ESCHNA CLEPSYDRA Say
and /E. CRENATA Hagen (eremita ScudderJ.
By PHILIP P. CALVERT, Philadelphia, Pa.
In my recent "Catalogue of the Odonata (Dragonflies) of the
vicinity of Philadelphia, with an Introduction to the Study of
this group of Insects" (Trans. Am. Ent. Soc. xx, pp. \^2a-2~2,
1893), I have placed /Eschna crenata Hagen 1856, and .-/-.'.
mita Scudder 1866, as synonyms of clepsydra Say i.\V), pro
ising in a foot-note (p. 248) to present the evidence for thi>
tion later. This paper is a fulfilment of that promise.
The specific identity of crenata and cronita has been known
since 1875, and needs no discussion hrp-.
Having suspected that clepsydra and eremita we iv but two ex
io ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
treme forms of one and the same species, I sent a specimen of
what I presumed to be clepsydra to Mr. Samuel Henshaw, with
the request that he compare 'it with specimens at Boston and
Cambridge. His reply, dated Cambridge, July 7, 1893, is as
follows: " Your ' presumed clepsydra agrees in every point you
mention with the clepsydra in the M. C. Z. [Museum of Com-
parative Zoology] collection, and also with the Say type in B.
S. N. H. [Boston Society of Natural History] Harris collection,
as far as it can be compared with it. In the Say specimen, one
of the sup. app. is wholly destroyed, and also the apical portion
of the other; the inf. app., clypeus, and comparative robustness
of the Say specimen agree with your ' presumed clepsydra' rather
than with eremita."
I possess one of the original 1 types of eremita Scud., given
to me by Dr. Hagen. The following table shows the differences
which I find between this type and a male " presumed clepsydra"
almost exactly like the one sent to Mr. Henshaw. With the ex-
ception of number 2, these are the "points you mention" re-
ferred to in Mr. Henshaw' s letter:
s. eremita Scud. $ type. Presumed JE. clepsydra Say $.
1. More robust in form, e.g., great- i. Less robust, e. g., greatest width
est width of thorax 8 mm. of thorax 6.5 mm.
2. A black line on the suture be- 2 . No such black line.
tween nasus and frons.
3. Clypeus broad (5 mm.) in pro- 3- Clypeus narrower (3 mm.) in
portion to its height (3 mm.) proportion to its height (2.6
mm).
4. Auricles on second abdominal 4 Tne same Wlt h four teeth, the
segment with five teeth, the outer one very small.
outer two smaller.
5. Median basal tooth of io not 5- Compressed, sharp at tip when
compressed, blunt at tip when viewed from behind.
viewed from behind. 6 Sup app abruptly narrowed in
6. Sup. app. not abruptly narrowed the basal third; extreme apex
in the basal third; extreme apex prolonged into a distinct, acute
barely with an acute point. process.
7. Inf. app. one-half as long as sup. ?' Inf. app. more than half as long
aDD as sup. app. and more acute at
tip.
None of these differences are constant, and they vary indepen-
dently of each other. I can find no characters that are invariable,
and consequently regard the two specimens here tabulated as
two extremes of one and the same species.
These conclusions are based on a study of forty males from
the following localities: An original type of eremita .Scud, from
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. II
Hermit Lake, Mt. Washington, N. H.; twenty-two from the
same locality collected Aug. 2, 1890, and two from near Fabyan's,
White Mountains, N. H., Aug. 22, 1889, by myself; eight from
Lake St. Regis, Franklin County, N. Y., by Mr. J. Percy Moore;
two from Pictou, Nova Scotia, by Mr. W. Sheraton; two from
Sherborn, Mass., by Mr. A. L. Babcock; two from the Catskill
Mountains, N. Y., August 28, by Mr. E. M. Aaron (A. E. S.);
one from St. Johns, Newfoundland, by the Peary Relief Expedi-
tion (Phila. A. N. S.). I have not been able to separate the
females of this species from those of sE. ^wzs/rzc/a, zrr/zVa/w, etc.
In view of the existence of Dr. Scudder's careful and detailed
description of eremita, it will be necessary here to note merely
those variations from his description and from Dr. Hagen's de-
scription of clepsydra (Syn. Neur. N. A., p. 122, 1 86 1) which
are revealed by a study of the above material.
The black line on the fronto-nasal suture is present in all the males (23)
from Hermit Lake, in the one from Newfoundland, in one from the Cats-
kills, and in one from Lake St. Regis, but absent in the remaining four-
teen.*
The single male from Lake St. Regis which possesses this black line
approaches the males from Hermit Lake in the shape of the sup. app.
more closely than do any of the other seven from Lake St. Regis which
have not this black line. Nevertheless, the transitions in shape of the
sup. app. between all eight from Lake St. Regis are very gradual.
The number of teeth on the auricles varies as follows : 3-6 (Hermit
Lake), 3-4 (Lake St. Regis), 3-4 (Catskills), 2-4 (Sherborn), 3 (Newfound-
land, Fabyan's); their number is frequently different on the right and left
auricles of the same individual.
The blue spots on the tenth abdominal segment are confluent in three
males from Lake St. Regis, not confluent in the remaining thirty-seven.
The shape of the superior appendages is the most important structural
character involved in this discussion. The variation is shown in the ac-
companying series of seven figures.
Dorsal view of apex of right superior appendage of a series of males of jEschna
sydra Say, from various localities. (Enlarged.)
i. Lake St. Regis: 2. Kabyan's, N. H.; 3. Lake St. Regis; 4. Pictou, N. S.; 5. Lake St.
Regis; 6, 7, Hermit Lake; 6 is from the original type of er.-iuit i Scud., quoted in the text.
Some of the denticulations on the caritia are shown by minute circles.
* Dr. Hagen writes of ,-E. eremi:[ic\a, "The black anterior line mi the front is some-
times wanting." 1'roc. Bost. Soc. N. II. xviii, p. 34.
12 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
The shape of the superior appendages in the males from Hermit Lake
varies but slightly (Figs. 6 and 7), while the maximum variation is shown
by those from Lake St. Regis (Figs, i, 3, 5). Those from Fabyan's,
Pictou, Sherborn and the Catskills incline towards the typical clepsydra
in this detail, the one from Newfoundland to the typical erernita.
The number of denticulations on the carina of the superior appendages
varies from 4-9 (Hermit Lake), 4-8 (Fabyan's), 4-7 (Lake St. Regis),
5-7 (Catskills), 8 (Newfoundland), and is not always the same on the right
and left appendages of the same individuals. In the two males from
Sherborn the denticulations are so slight as to suggest that transitional
forms may hereafter be found connecting this species with ^L. verticalis
Hag., which itself is but a variety of the circumpolar jnncea L. (See
Trans. Am. Ent. Soc. xx, p. 248.)
The following measurements show the variations in size in millimeters:
Abdomen (including appendages), 54-57.5 (Hermit Lake), 51-57.5 (Lake
St. Regis), 52-53.5 (Fabyan's), 52 (Pictou), 52-56 (Sherborn), 54 (Cats-
kills), 57.5 (Newfoundland). Hind wing: 43-47 (Hermit Lake), 44-45
(Lake St. Regis), 43-44.5 (Fabyan's), 42 (Pictou), 45-50 (Sherborn), 47
{Catskills), 49.5 (Newfoundland). Number of antecubitals on front
wings: 16-21 (Hermit Lake), 19-23 (Lake St. Regis), 18-20 (Fabyan's),
16 (Pictou), 16-22 (Sherborn), 17-19 (Catskills), 17-18 (Newfoundland); of
postcubitals on the front wings: 12-18 (Hermit. Lake), 13-14 (Lake St.
Regis), 11-13 (Fabyan's), 10-11 (Pictou), 10-14 (Sherborn), 12-13 (Cats-
kills), 14 (Newfoundland).
On the front wings, the antecubitals which are thicker than their fellows
are:
ist and 5th 3 Lake St. Regis, i Sherborn, 2 Catskills.
ist " 6th 2 Hermit Lake, i Lake St. Regis, i Fabyan's.
ist " 5th on one side, ist and 6th on other 2 Pictou, i Fabyan's.
" (-!, f T 3 Hermit Lake, i Sherborn, 3 Lake St. Regis.
\ i Newfoundland.
ist 5th on one side, ist and 7th on other i Hermit Lake.
x Z-..K ii ii i< I 2 Hermit Lake.
Ibl DLI1 - s . , ~ . i-,
i i Lake St. Regis.
ist " 7th " " ist and 8th " -4 Hermit Lake.
On the hind wings, the antecubitals, which are thicker than their fellows,
are:
ist and 6th 2 Hermit Lake, i Sherborn.
ist " 6th on one side, ist and 5th on other i Lake St. Regis.
ist " 7th ii Hermit Lake, 4 Lake St. Regis, i Fabyan's, i Sher-
born, i Catskills, i Pictou, i Newfoundland.
ist " 7th on one side, ist and 6th on other 5 Hermit Lake, i Cats-
kills, i Pictou.
ist " 7th on one side, ist and 8th on other - [ T f re 1 rni e f M l , kl ''
\ 2 Lake St. Regis.
ist " 7th on one side, ist and 9th on other i Lake St. Regis.
ist " 8th 2 Hermit Lake.
ist " 8th on one side, ist and 6th on other i Fabyan's.
1 894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 13
The number of cells in the discoiclal triangle of the front wings varies
even in individuals from the same locality, but no tabulation has been
made.
The preceding data on variation have been included in order
that they may serve as cautions against regarding the conditions
to which those data refer as specific.
Bibliography and Synonymy.
JEschua clepsydra Say, Jour. Ac. N. S. Phila. viii, p. 12, 1839. Hagen, Syn.
Neur. N. A., p. 122, 1861; Proc. Soc. N. H., xviii, p. 35, 1875. Cal-
vert, Trans. Am. Ent. Soc.. xx, p. 248, 1893.
. crenata Hagen, Stet. Ent. Zeit. xvii, p. 369, 1856. Selys, Ann. Soc.
Ent. Belg. xv, p. 35, 1872; xxxi, p. 60, 1887. Bergroth, Ent. Nach.
vii, p. 86, iSSi.
. eremita Scudder, Proc. Bost. Soc. N. H. x, p. 213, 1866. Hagen r
/. c. xv, p. 376, 1873.
. erctnif\_ic~\a Hagen, Proc. B. S. N. H. xviii, p. 34, 1875.
. i/tti.rii/ia Heikel, Not. Faun. Flor. Fenn. vi, p. 117, 1861.
The known distribution of this species is Labrador to Massa-
chusetts, 'New York, Maryland, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Da-
kota, Saskatchewan, Irkutsk and Wilui River (Siberia), Finland.
o
Regarding the Identity of Oxyporus rufipennis and stygicus.
BY L. B. WALTON.
LeConte, in his paper on certain genera of Staphylinidae Oxy-
telini, etc. (Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc. vi, October, 1877), says in
reference to Oxyporus rufipennis Lee. : "This is perhaps only
a color variation of the entirely black O. stygicus Say, but as yet
I have seen no intermediate specimens. There is no difference
in form or structure. ' '
A year ago last Summer, while doing some collecting at Bear
Lake, Pa., I took a large number of both stygicus and rufipennis,
and also what appeared to be an intermediate form having the
elytra black with two yellow vittce plainly evident on each ely-
tron. The occurrence of this form, together with the fact that
all were taken on the same piece of fungus, would seem to bear
out LeConte's supposition as to rufipennis being merely a variety
of stygicus. Having sent some specimens to Dr. Horn, he says:
"While I believe the two are one species, something more than
an opinion is 'required to corroborate it," referring to the fact
that it would be necessary to take them in coitn to bring in the
conclusive proof.
14 [January,
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
Published monthly (except July and August), in charge of the joint
publication committees of the Entomological Section of the Academy
of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, and the American Entomological
Society. It will contain not less than 300 pages per annum. It will main-
tain no free list whatever, but will leave no measure untried to make it a
necessity to every student of insect life, so that its very moderate annual
subscription may be considered well spent.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION $1.00, IN ADVANCE.
ggp All remittances should be addressed to E. T. Cresson, Treasurer,
P. O. Box 248, Philadelphia, Pa.; all other communications to the Editors
of ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy of Natural Sciences, Logan Square,
Philadelphia, Pa.
PHILADELPHIA, PA., JANUARY, 1894.
THERE are a number of entomologists among us who are expert col-
lectors, and who have in the course of their collecting trips gleaned many
interesting and important facts relating to insect life and habits. They
are usually well and favorably known among their brethren, who may be
able, from time to time, to get some benefit from association with them,
but usually this is as far as it goes. The general entomological public
reaps no advantage from their lives, and the literature is not enriched
thereby. There are many such men, and they live and die, and their
knowledge and information unfortunately passes away with them. This
should not be. While the man may enjoy his hobby, and get much benefit
from it for himself, there is no reason why he should not make an effort
to benefit others also, and the study in general by publishing his notes
from time to time. Perhaps he is diffident and does not care to run the
risk of publication, fearing it may not be new on account of his insuffi-
cient knowledge of the literature. His publisher will probably know
about this, and he can let him shoulder it. We know of one instance
where a long life was devoted to entomology without any benefit to others,
but in this instance the individual was postponing publication from day
to day and year in and year out until he died. We can only say that we
think it incumbent on all to publish their observations.
Saprinus sitlcatu/iis Schmidt. Ent. " Nachrichten," 1890, p. 51. Fora
specimen of this I am indebted to Mr. Geo. Lewis, and find it not in any
way differing from scissus Lee. G. H. HORN.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 15
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY,
Edited by Prof. JOHN B. SMITH, Sc. D., New Brunswick, N. J,
The Grain Moth at the Fair. Early in the season, while yet matters were
in an extremely unfinished condition at Chicago, I wandered through the
" Palace of Agriculture," admiring the enormous quantities of corn dis-
played in every possible fashion; used as ornaments, and for decorations
of every descriptions. Wheat, in any quantity, was also represented, and
ingenious use was made of it to enhance the beauty and characteristic
features of this building. At that time I noticed only a very slight amount
of grain and corn that appeared infested by the grain moth; here and
there, in an ear of corn, there was a kernel with the little hole character-
istic of the injury done by this insect. In August, first early in the month,
and again some time about the middle, I again wandered through the
building, observing matters here and there, and I was now struck by the
fact that there was not an exhibit in which even the majority of ears of
corn did not show signs of the work of this insect. Even in the exhibit
made by the Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations, almost every
ear showed sume infection, and not only corn grown in one part of the
country, but wherever Indian corn was exhibited were signs of this insect
apparent.
In October, Prof. Voorhees, of the New Jersey Station, made another
visit to the Fair, and also made rather a close examination of the grains
and corns that were exhibited. He informs me that everything was
ruined by the insect; that in the New Jersey exhibit, which, of course, he
examined more particularly; every jar of grain was simply a nest of moths
and larvae, and that, everywhere the same appearance prevailed; that in
fact, the whole building had become one vast breeding ground for these
insects. Orders were therefore given, that all the grain that had been
gathered with so much trouble, the finest specimens of eacli variety, the
great ears of Indian corn, everything in fact should be destroyed to pre-
vent the introduction of the insect into localities in which perhaps it li.id
not yet appeared naturally. Some interesting questions come up now-
what will be the effect of the liberation of the vast number of insects
which matured in this immense building? \Yhatwill become of them.- 1
Will they be able to live through the Winter, or will they meet destruc-
tion by the elements? Have they not already spread from that building
into the surrounding territory, or will they not seek shelter when they
are disturbed by the clearing out of the building, find their way into the
country around about, into barns am! into graineries, ami will they not
cause considerable damage? The questions may not be of very much
importance; but it is rather an intc-resting matter, because other insert-,,
not so noticeable perhaps as this grain moth, m.iy have been quietly
breeding in some of the exhibits gathered at Chicago during the present
season, and we may hear of them again at no distant date, in a manner
1 6 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
which may raise the question in the minds of some whether this Fair was
anything but an unmitigated nuisance. On the enormous number of
plants that were brought together from all parts of the country, and indeed
from other climes and from other countries with similar climate to our
own, can we be sure that no insects were introduced on them? We can
question this at present; but time alone can answer the questions asked.
Handbook of the Destructive Insects of Victoria. Part II. This little
work by Mr. C. French, the government entomologist, is at hand. It
contains rather more than 200 pages of text prepared with great care, and
colored plates numbered from 15 to 36, illustrating all of the species
treated in the book, and most of them in all stages; structural details
being also given in some instances. The plates are generally good, so
far as appearance is concerned, and undoubtedly add very largely to the
value of the book for the agriculturist. The figures very frequently lack
in detail, and are of inferior value to the the scientific student; but they
are fully sufficient from the standpoint of the farmer, for whom, after all,
they were prepared. It is to be regretted, perhaps, that we cannot in our
own country illustrate our publications somewhat more in this same style;
but, really, good colored plates are with us so frightfully expensive as to
be quite beyond the reach of our Experiment Stations, and to be possible
only to the National Government; even here it is necessary to limit the
number because of the cost. There is an appendix to the book treating
of spraying devices, and there are a considerable number of plates in
black and white, illustrating this appendix, and showing machinery,
pumps and nozzles of all kinds good, bad and indifferent. It is a matter
of some interest that twelve of the colored plates illustrate insects that
are also injurious in our own country, including among them such pests
as the plum cucurlio, the cabbage louse and others of like ilk; only a very
few of the species being really characteristic of the country in which they
are troublesome. This illustrates one of the points which is worth while
considering in our speculations concerning remedies, and that is that a
certain number of species seem, in the provision of nature, to occur in a
certain abundance each year, and the natural checks, such as they are,
are intended to leave a very wide margin for the increase of the species.
In cases of this kind we must entirely ignore the so-called natural checks,
and must act as if none such were in existence.
INSECT'S DEADLY STING (appearance of a winged spider in Kentucky).
Newport, Ky. , August 3. A deadly insect has appeared about the
electric -lights. People stung by the insect suffer intensely. A sudden
swelling and a peculiar somnolent condition follow the bite. Michael
Ryan was stung Saturday and died last night. |udge Helm, of the Cir-
cuit Court, is laid up with his neck swollen to twice its normal size. Harry
Clark, another victim, is in a precarious condition. Local entomologists
describe the bug as a sort of winged spicier. Newspaper.
1894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL XK\VS. 17
Notes and
ENTOMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM ALL QUARTERS
OF THE GLOBE.
[The Conductors of ENTOMOLOGICAL Ni-;\vs solicit, and will thankfully receive items
of news, likely to interest its readers, from any source. The author's name will be given
in each case for the information of cataloguers and bibliographers.]
To Contributors. All contributions will be considered and passed upon at our
earliest convenience, and as far as may be, will be published according to date of recep-
tion. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS has reached a circulation, both in numbers and circumfer-
ence, as to make it necessary to put "copy" into the hands of the printer, for each number,
three weeks before date of issue. This should be remembered in sending special or im-
portant matter for certain issue. Twenty-five " extras" without change in form will be
given (ree when they are wanted, and this should be so stated on the MS. along with the
number desired. The receipt of all papers will be acknowledged. ED.
LAST winter, while collecting at Lake Worth, Florida, in the beginning
of March, I captured a 9 specimen of Eiinica tatila H. S. I do not see
this species mentioned in any North American lists. It is a much larger
insect than E. inoniina Cram., and very beautiful. Eunica tatila is a
common insect in Cuba and also in Mexico. W. SCHAUS.
IN a foot-note at the bottom of page 220 of my recent Bulletin on
Pcecilocapsits lineatns, I question the date on which Mr. Webster ob-
tained adults for use in his experiment at Lafayette, Ind. Mr. Webster
has called my attention to the fact that, in the case of Aferomyza ameri-
cana, the second brood of adults emerged earlier at Lafayette, Ind., than
Dr. Fitch had found them in New York. This indicates that difference
of about two degrees in latitude between Lafayette, Ind., and Ithaca,
N. Y., makes a difference of two or three weeks in the emergence of in-
sect life; and the seemingly very early appearance of the adults of the
Four-lined Leaf-bug, at the former place, may thus be accounted for. I
am glad of the opportunity to make the correction. M. V. SLINGERLAND,
Cornell Experiment Station.
NOTES ON THE CUCUJID.E, OBSERVED IN SAN DlEGO COUNTY, C.\L.
Silvanus surinamensis (Linn.) abundant in cereals; Silvanus bidentatus
(Fabr. ) not very common, occurs with the preceding species ; Silrtmns
iniheUis (Lee.) one specimen; Silvanus advena (Waltl.) common in gran-
aries and in refuse about stables; A 'an sibiti s den tatu s (Marsh. ) occasion-
ally taken in commercial storehouses; Licmophlocns Ingntltitus (Say.)
sometimes met with in immense numbers under decaying and fungus-
covered bark of dead sycamores (/'/it/units raceinosns}; I.ifinoplilocus
ccf>halotes (Lee.) rare, occurs under the bark of the sycamore, blue gum
{Eucalyptus globnlus}, pepper tree (Scliinnx niolle], live oak i (inert ns
ax~rif>olia); Brontes d. var. trnncatiis (Mots.) common, under thr bark of
the live oak. F. E. BLAISDELL, M.D.
iS ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
NOTE ON CYCHRUS ELEVAIUS. The following instance of gregarious-
ness in Carabidse may be of interest : A few years ago, while collecting
on the south shore of Long Island, I found, on the bank of a fresh-water
pond, twenty-two specimens of Cychrus elevatus, all within an area not
larger than the palm of my hand. They were crowded together in a
small hollow under a board, and were very sluggish, so that I had no
difficulty in taking them all. The males were about twice as numerous as
the females. I have never before or since found more than two speci-
mens together. All the Long Island specimens of elcvaius which I have
seen are slightly different from the ordinary type, being smaller and more
slightly built, with shorter legs. The color is a brighter purple and not so
metallic, or cupreous, as the average. W. C. WOOD, New York.
SURGEON-GENERAL SIR WILLIAM MOORE (Medical Mag., July, 1893)
regards the dissemination of disease by flies as a matter looked upon with
too much indifference, and instances an epidemic of anthrax which was
spread by flies which had covered a carcass of a dog thrown into a ditch
in Cortal. He quotes the experiments of Lawtschenks with flies and
cholera germs, and observes that it is worth noticing, in that in India it is
during the time and season of the greatest prevalence of cholera that flies
most abound. The possibility of flies carrying the organisms of typhoid
fever and phthisis is suggested, and the belief is expressed that leprosy is
often conveyed by flies which appear to be particularly fond of leprous
sores, and of investigating in the way of a sore on a healthy person.
There is no doubt that ophthalmia is so spread, and an instance is given
of complete destruction of an eye from diphtherial inflammation following
the sting (bite) in the eye by a fly which had apparently arisen from a
dung-hill.
THE SAY MEMORIAL CHAPTER of the Agassiz Association is an organ-
ization composed of those interested in Entomology, living in various
parts of the United States, and conducting their proceedings by corres-
pondence. Its object is "to promote the study of entomology in all its
bearings, and to cultivate social and friendly relations between those in
any way interested in the science. Each member of the Chapter shall be
required to write a bi-monthly letter or report of any special course of
study he is pursuing, or in narrative form, recount observations of habits
of insects, collecting notes, etc. These letters must contain not less than
two hundred words, and will be written on paper furnished by the Sec-
retary-Treasurer, to whom they must be forwarded. This officer will
keep a record of these letters, and start them on their course around the
Chapter, each recipient of a letter forwarding it according to a geographi-
cally arranged register." Members are proposed by the Secretary-Treas-
urer, two-thirds vote being necessary for election. The officer just named
is the only one recogm/ed by the chapter; his duties are indicated by the
preceding statement and by his title; he makes a semi-annual report to
the President of the Agassiz Association. The entrance fee to the Chap-
ter is one dollar, annual dues one dollar. The originator of the Chapter
1 894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 19
is Mr. William D. Richardson, of Fredericksburg, Va., and the present
courteous and efficient Secretary -Treasurer is Mr. Roy Hopping, of Bloom-
field, N. ]., who will gladly furnish further information. By extending the
membership all over the United States, it is hoped to make the chapter
an important factor in entomological study, and this attempt has the hearty
sympathy of the NEWS. It is perhaps not too much to hope that this jour-
nal may occasionally be favored with a "circulating" paper from the
Chapter.
EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE. (Chairman Hatch does not agree with
the President). Washington, December n. There are at least two rec-
ommendations in the President's Message which will not receive the uni-
versal sanction of the Democrats in the House. These relate to the ex-
tinction of the agricultural experiment stations in the various States and
the abolition of the present system of distribution of seeds by the Depart-
ment of Agriculture. Representative Hatch, the Chairman of the House
Committee on Agriculture, is outspoken in his opposition, and says that
since the message appeared not a single member has expressed to him a
concurrence in the President's position, while scores have come to him
and urged him to continue to incorporate in the Agricultural Appropria-
tion bill the comparatively small sums necessary for the maintenance of
these two features. "The experiment stations were established by an
act of Congress approved March 2, 1887," says Mr. Hatch, "and have
been exceedingly popular with the representatives of the agricultural
interests of the country. Many of these stations have produced remark-
able results. They were established by the almost unanimous vote of
Congress, there being, as I remember, not even a division on the ques-
tion. I remember that after the measure had passed both houses, I went
to the W'hite House in company with a number of intelligent and highly
reputable gentlemen from some of the agricultural colleges, and Mr.
Cleveland, in my presence, spoke in the warmest terms of the measure.
It was by his signature that it became a law. Since that time there has
been no criticism of the work of these stations, and no controversies ex-
cept as to the division of the funds in two or three States. No agricultu-
ral association, organization or club," continued Mr. Hatch, "has ever
spoken of these experimental stations except in commendation and ap-
proval. They have been established about six years, and are now in a
condition to render double the service and impart more valuable informa-
tion to the States than at any time since they have been in existence.
They have erected buildings, provided chemical apparatus, and the ap-
propriations from this on will result even more largely than ever in the
prosecution of experiments that will be- ol immense value in the diffusion
of practical information."
THE Rev. Dr. John G. Morris, of Baltimore, is probably the oldest en-
tomologist in the United States. On November 141!], last, he celebrated
his ninetieth birthday. Dr. Morris published the first catalogue of Ameri-
can Lepidoptera.
2O ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
MISTAKEN FOR A CRANK (a Yale professor's kindly treatment by the
Indians who killed Custer). " One very peculiar characteristic of the In-
dian," said Major Barbour, a former plainsman now metamorphosed into
a clubman and raconteur, " is his reverence, amounting to ahsolue fear in
many instances, of an insane person. They never harm one whom they
believe to be mentally afflicted. I remember one striking instance which
will illustrate. I was a member of the expedition headed by Gen. Cus-
ter that made a tour through the Yellowstone Valley and that section of
the country the year before the Custer massacre. It was put on foot in
the interest of science, and we had a lot of fellows from the Smithsonian
Institute and about a dozen Yale professors. It was a big party, com-
prising two or three companies of cavalry, one of infantry and some artil-
lery, so the Sioux, who at that time simply swarmed over that country,
were afraid to tackle us ; but they hung around us all the time, and Gen.
Custer gave orders, after two men who were hunting had been killed,
that no one should leave camp without permission. Those Yale profes-
sors just worried the life out of the soldiers. Every professor had a detail
of five men who had to watch him. They would go around picking up
bugs and chasing butterflies all over the prairie, and would break up rocks
and pow-wow over them with magnifying glasses until the soldiers swore
that every man of them was a howling idiot. One day the worst old fel-
low in the crowd, who wore two pairs of glasses, one red and one green,
managed in some way or other to get out of the sight of his detail and
wandered two or three miles away. He ran plump into a gang of Sioux.
He walked up to them and offered to shake hands. They grabbed him,
and the first thing they did was to dive down into a big green baize bag
he carried. They pulled out lizards and pieces of clay and bits of rock
and bugs and the worst assortment of truck imaginable. Just about this
time the old professor caught sight of a peculiar-looking bug. He caught
it, pulled out his glass, and began to study it. That settled it. An Indian
took him by the hand, led him to a hill close by, and, pointing to the army
below, said ' Go.' He came back and said that the soldiers totally mis-
understood the Indians. ' Why, I found them the most polite and court-
eous of people,' said he to Gen. Custer. But an old chief afterwards told
me that they wouldn't have him stay in that country for anything on
earth."- Washington Post.
Identification of Insects (Images) for Subscribers.
Specimens will be named under the following conditions : ist, The number of species
to be limited to twenty-five for each sending ; ad, The sender to pay all expenses of trans-
portation and the insects to become the property of the American Entomological Society ;
3d, Each specimen must have a number attached so that the identification may be an-
nounced accordingly. Exotic species named only by special arrangement with the Editor,
who should be consulted before specimens are sent. Send a 2 cent stamp with all insects
for return of names. Before sending insects for identification, read page 41, Vol. III.
Address all packages to ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan-
Square, Philadelphia, Pa.
1894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 21
Entomological Literature.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S MONTHLY MAGAZINE. London, November,
1893. On Trachyscelis with descriptions of three new species, G. C.
Champion. Notes on the earlier stages of the Nepticulae, with a view to
their better recognition (cont.), J. H. Wood. December, 1893. On t\vo
halophilous Hemiptera, E. Bergroth, M.D. Observations on Coccidae
(No. 7), R. Newstead, fig.
SCIENCE. New York, Nov. 3, 1893. The systematic position of the
Diptera, J. B. Smith. Nov. 10. The systematic position of Diptera, C.
Y. Riley. Nov. 17. The sense-organs on the legs of our white ants,
Termes flavipes Koll., Dr. A. C. Stokes, figs. Nov. 24. On the syste-
matic position of the Diptera, S. W. Williston.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. Bul-
letin 58. Ithaca, N. Y., October, 1893. The four-lined leaf-bug (Pazcilo-
capsus lineatus), M. V. Slingerland. Pp. 207-239. 13 figs.
THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. London, No-
vember, 1893. Two new Coccidas from New Mexico, T. D. A. Cocker-
ell, figs.
RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM, II, 5. Sydney, September,
1893. Description of a new flea (Stephanocircus dasyuri], from New
South Wales; with notes of some other insect parasites known in Austra-
lia, F. A. A. Skuse, i.pl.
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM No. 46. The
Myriapoda of North America, by Charles Harvey Bollman. Edited by
L. M. Underwood. Containing the collected writings on North American
-Myriapoda, both published and unpublished, of the late C. H. Bollman.
Washington,. 1893. 210 pp.
THE BUTTERFLIES OF NORTH AMERICA, with colored drawings and
descriptions, by W. H. Edwards. Third series, part xiv. Boston and
New York. Houghton, Mifflin&Co., 1893. Contains Neominois riding. v/7,
Chionobas osno, assiinilis, crauibis, inacoitiiii.
COMPTE RENDU. SOCIETE PHILOMATHIQUE DE PARIS. Oct. 28, 1893.
New note on an entomophagous insect \_Doria ineditabniiJa'], parasitic
in the European silk-worm, E. L. Bouvier and G. Delacroix.
ZOE. San Francisco. October 1893. The species of Amblychila, J. J.
Rivers, 2 pis. A mesquite Tineicl which constructs a bag-like case from
the leaves, C. H. T. Townsend. Lcncarctia rickscckcri. Dr. H. H. Behr.
NATURE. London, Nov. 16, 1893. Further notes and observations
upon the instincts of some common English spiders, R. I. 1'ocock. The
stigmata of the Arachnida as a clue to their ancestry, H. M. Bernard,
I fig. November 30. Protective habit in a spider [/:/V/;w], C. L. Morgan.
22 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
LE NATURALISTE. Paris, Nov. 15, 1893. New remarks on the habits
of Coleoptera destructive to forests, M. Decaux.
THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. Philadelphia, November, 1893. Ani-
mal intelligence, J. Weir. The androchonia of Lepidoptera, M. B.
Thomas, i pi. Fleshy cecidomyid twig-gall on Atriplex canescens, C.
H. T. Townsend. Trichodactylus xylocopce in California, H. Osborn.
COMPTE RENDU. SOCIETE DE BIOLOGIE. Paris, Nov. 18, 1893. On
the reproduction of the Sarcoptidae, Dr. E. Trouessarc.
PSYCHE. Cambridge, December, 1893. The primitive number of
Malpighian vessels in insects (concluded), vii, W. M. Wheeler, figs. De-
scriptions of new species and genera of West African Lepidoptera, W. ].
Holland, figs. The Dolichopodid genus Liancalns Loevv, |. M. Aldrich.
Two new forms of Diaspinse, T. D. A. Cockerel!. A note on the larva
of Datana floridana Graef., H. G. Dyar.
t
INSECT LIFE, vi, i, Washington, D. C., November, 1893. An impor-
tant predatory insect (Erastria scitula Ramb.), Eds., figs. Notes on
Tasmanian Coccinellidae, E. H. Thompson. Experiments with the hop-
louse in Oregon and Washington, A. Koebele. Report on outbreaks
of the Western cricket and of certain locusts in Idaho, R. Milliken. The
present status of the recent Australian importations, D. W. Coquillett
and A. Koebele. On the injurious and other locusts of New Mexico and
Arizona, C. H. T. Townsend. The usual extracts from correspondence
and general notes.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD. London, Nov. 15, 1893. On the
larva of Arctia caia, with special reference to its correlated variations in
plumage, moulting and hybernation, Dr. T. A. Chapman.
ZOOLOGISCHER Ais'ZEiGER, Leipsic, Nov. 27, 1893. On the bite of
Pseudoscorpions, C. Berg.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST. London, Dec., 1893. The coloring of Chryso-
phamis phlceas. as affected by temperature, F. Merrifield. Observations
on Vanessa c-albftm, W. H. Bath. A catalogue of the Lepidoptera of
Ireland (cont.), W. F. deVismes Kane. Three new Coccidae from the
arid region of N. America, T. D. A. Cockerell. Notes on the synonomy
of Noctuid moths, A. G. Butler, Ph.D. Vanessa atalanta in Florida, J.
Arkle.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, 1893, part
II, Aug. i, 1893. Descriptions of new species of Lepidoptera Hetero-
cera from Central and South America, H. Druce, 3 pis. Pt. iii, Oct. 2,
1893. A monograph of the butterflies of the genus Thysonotis, II. II.
Druce and G. T. Bethune-Baker, 3 pis.
BULLETIN 44 OF THE U. S. NATIONAL MUSEUM. Catalogue of the
Lepidopterous Superfamily Noctuidse, found in Boreal America. By
John B. Smith, Sc. D. This great work of 424 pages marks an era in the
1 894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 23
study of American moths. From this time on it will be possible for anyone
who has access to a fair entomological library, with the aid of this work
to intelligently study our Noctuidae. The references to all the species are
given, and also the original generic references, as well as the synonymy,
etc., of all the species. The habitat, time of appearance, and location of
the types are all given, as well as any other notes considered of impor-
tance. A most valuable index is given, which adds very materially to the
value of the work, inasmuch as every name used in the body of the work
is referred to. This will be invaluable to many collectors and students
who have their species under old or improper generic names, and who clo
not know where to place them in our later lists. The advent of such a
work is of vast importance, as it makes it possible for the general 'student
to work in what was heretofore a special field only open to a few most
painstaking workers who worked out the literature for themselves. Prof.
Smith is to be congratulated on this work, and also to a greater extent
the entomologists of America, who will be benefitted by it.
WE have received Bulletin of the United States National Museum, No.
45, devoted exclusively to Mr. William H. Ashmead's monograph of the
North American Proctrotrypidas, the receipt of which we take pleasure
in acknowledging. The work is quite voluminous, there being 454 pages
of text and 18 excellent plates executed by the author. Mr. Ashmead
considers that the Proctotrypidas "have but little affinity to the Chalci-
didze," and should be placed at the head of the Terebrantia, as he be-
lieves them to be closely related to the Aculeata, and further asserts that
after the removal of the group Myrmarina?, which he regards as a distinct
family, they have no relation to the Chalcididse. The external structural
characters are described at length, and plate I is entirely dtvoted to the
illustration of them. The habits, dimorphism and parthenogenisis, life-
history and distribution are dwelt on. He asserts that there is scarcely
any doubt, but that many of the wingless species to be found in the various
genera are only dimorphic forms of winged species, but as little positive
is known on the subject, they must be described as distinct species, as
any other course would be but guesswork, and, consequently, unscientific.
Such forms must be bred from generation to generation before anything
positive can be learned regarding them. The arrangement proposed by
Halliday, in 1839, he discards as unnatural, as the scheme widely sepa-
rates some closely-allied groups. The classification of Forster being re-
garded by him as the most satisfactory, he has made it the basis of his
own work. After reviewing the works of numerous authors his own clas-
sification is announced, in winch he recognizes ten subfamilies, all of
which were regarded as families by Forster. After tabulating the sub-
families, and the genera likewise, the species are so treated. Manx new
species are brought to light, as is well illustrated in the genus l\fcgas/>i/n$,
in which the species are trebled, and still better in Po/\'gno(ns. in which
genus the number of species is increased from three to thirty-three.
The work is completed by a " tabula: view" of the bred North American
24 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
Proctotrypidse, which gives a list of their hosts, and a catalogue of the
literature on the subject, and explanations of the abbreviations used. We
cannot consider this work otherwise than a most valuable contribution to
the literature of the micro-Hymenoptera, and while we are not versed
sufficiently with the parasitic Hymenoptera to offer any criticisms on the
work, we feel sure that very few, if any, unfavorable comments can be
made thereon, and beg to congratulate the author for the masterly way
he has handled the subject. \Y. J. F.
NEW SPECIES OF NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS DESCRIBE!)
IN THE PRECEDING LITERATURE.
HEMIPTERA.
Orthezia Anna Cockerell, Ann. Mag. N. H. (6) xii, p. 403, N. Mex.
Bergrothia townsendi, p. 404, N. Mex.
Aspidiotus uv<z Comst. var. coloratus Cockerell, Psyche vi, p. 571, N.
Mex. Mytilaspis albus Ckll. var. concolor, p. 572, N. Mex.
Fairmairia (Ceroplastodes} nivea Cockerell, Ent. xxvi, p. 350, Mex.
Ceroplastes irregularis, p. 351; id. Pseudococcus helianthi, p. 352, N.
Mex.
MYRIAPODA.
N. spp. Bollman, Bull. U. S. N. M. No. 46.
LEPIDOPTERA.
Leucarctia rickseckeri Behr., Zoe iv, p. 247, Calif. ,
Tagora corax Druce, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1893, p. 299, Mex.
DIPTERA.
Cecidomyia atriplicis Tovvnsend, Am. Nat. xxvii, p. 1021, N. Mex.
Liancalus hydrophilus Aldrich, Psyche vi, p. 569, S. Dak. L. siini/is,
p. 571, Wash.
Thie Entomological Section
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS.
DECEMBER n, 1893.
A regular stated meeting of the Entomological Section of the Academy
of Natural Sciences was held in the Hall, S. W. cor. Nineteenth and Race
Streets, this evening, Dr. G. II. Horn, Director, presiding. Members
present: E. T. Cresson, G. B. Cresson, Culvert, Liebeck, Johnson, Skinner,
Ridings, Laurent and Welles. Associates: Fox, Nell, Haimbach, Drs.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 25
Griffith and Castle. This being the business meeting of the year, the re-
ports of the different officers were read and the following named gentle-
men were elected to serve for the coming year:
Director, G. H. HORN, M.D.
Vice-Director, C. S. WELLES.
Recorder, H. SKINNER, M.D.
Treasurer, E. T. CRESSON.
Conservator, H. SKINNER, M.D.
... ,. ~ ... f T. H. RIDINGS,
Publication Committee^ <. ^ ^ JOHNSON
The following papers were, read and accepted by the Committee for
publication in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS :
A NEW HEPIALUS FROM CALIFORNIA.
By HARRISON G. DYAR.
Kepialus lembertii n. sp. Light fawn color, of the tint usual in this
genus ; secondaries blackish, with a small, pale spot at apex. Below
both wings blackish, the fringe pale. On the fore wings are a series of
dusky whitish, subquadrate, intervenular spots, each neatly surrounded
by a smoky black border. The spots are arranged in six irregular, eaten -
ulate, transverse bands, as follows: (i) Two rather large spots at base
of cell and vein i (ix) respectively; (2) two or three small ones below me-
dian vein (cubitus); (3) a transverse, complete row before middle of wing
of about five spots, nearly straight; (4) a row of small ones from end of
cell to costa, becoming furcate before reaching costa; (5) a complete row
of about eight spots in the transverse-posterior position, dislocated at
vein 4 (v r 3); (6) a terminal row, leaving the margin for a short space near
the terminations of veins 7 to 9 (iiis to iii3). Veins indicated in smoky
black. Expanse 31-33 mm.
Described from two examples captured in the high Sierras of
California by Mr. John B. Lembert.
Mr. Lembert writes that the moths were taken on September
ist flying about dusk within a short distance of the ground. He
took them in the highland meadow near the banks of the Lyell
fork of the Tuolumne River.
The species is different from any known to me either autopti-
cally or by description. I am unacquainted with the Plepialus
californicus of Boisduval; but his short description cannot be
made to apply to this form. Boisduval says of calif ornicus :
" Elle a le port et la taille de la carmis des Alps. Ses ailes su-
perieures d'un grisatre obscure offrent a un certain jour, vers
1'extremite, des raies blanchatres parallales renfermant des petites
taches arronclies d'une couleur plus obscure. Les ailes intcri-
eures sout d'un i>ris noiratre. '
26 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
AFRICAN HESPERIIDyE.
By W. J. HOLLAND, Ph.D., Pittsburg, Pa.
Subfamily HESPERIIN^E.
SARANGESA Moore.
1. S. exprompta sp. nov. <$. Allied to S. pcrpaitpera Holl., and also to
.5". me/ania Mab., according to the tenor of the description of the latter spe-
cies. The antenna? and the entire upperside of the body are blackish
brown; the lowerside of the body is paler brown. The primaries dark
gray, clouded below the apex by a broad irregular transverse black shade,
which is continued parallel to the outer margin to the outer angle. There
is also a black shade at the apex, and a small black circular spot below
the cell near the origin of the first median nervule. There are eight vitre-
ous spots upon the wing, disposed as follows: Three minute spots form-
ing a srtort subapical band just below the costa, one-third of the distance
from the apex; a small circular spot on the costa above the end of the
cell; an elongated spot closing the cell, with its inner margin straight and
its outer margin excavated; three spots on the median intervals forming a
short series parallel to the outer margin. Of these three last-mentioned
spots, the one in the middle is the largest, and is subtriangular ; the lower one
is quite minute, andthe upper one subquadrate. The oblong spot at the end
of the cell is shaded posteriorly by a blackish shade. The fringes are
concolorous, slightly checkered with paler fuscous on the intervals, and
distinctly marked with whitish at the apex and just above the outer angle.
The secondaries are of the same color as the primaries, clouded along
the outer margin with blackish, and traversed about the middle and just
beyond it by two interrupted parallel series of blackish circular spots.
The fringes are concolorous, slightly checkered with paler fuscous on their
edges at the interspaces. Upon the underside the ground color is a trifle
paler than upon the upperside. All the spots and markings of the upper
surface are reproduced upon this side. Expanse 26 mm.
Hab.- -Accra, West Africa.
This insect belongs to the subgeneric group, for which Mons.
P. Mabille has proposed the name Eretis. The structural differ-
ences are scarcely sufficient to warrant a separation from the
genus Sarangesa Moore, to which a large number of African spe-
cies must be assigned.
2. S. subalbicla sp. nov. <j\ The antenna; are black. The upperside
of the body is black; the lowerside of the palpi and the pectus are ochra-
ceous; the legs whitish, as also the lowerside of the thorax and abdo-
men. The upperside of both wings are gray, the primaries clouded with
blackish at the outer angle, and the secondaries heavily clouded in like
manner at the outer angle. There are seven very minute, whitish vitre-
ous spots upon the primaries. Four of these spots form a subqnadrate
ENT. NEWS, Vol. V.
PI. I.
See page 26.
AFRICAN HESPERIID/E Holland (Ki-duc-e.l oiu-lif(li).
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 27
group before the apex near the costal margin, the other three are dis-
posed as a limbal series on the median interspaces beyond the middle of
the wing. They are all surrounded narrowly by darker cloudings, deep
brown or blackish. Upon the underside the primaries are as on the upper-
side, but paler, with the inner margin laved with whitish ; the secondaries
are bluish white, with the base covered witli bluish gray scales. The
outer angle is heavily marked with black, and there is a small circular
black spot near the costa beyond the middle of the wing. Expanse 32 mm.
Hab. Kangwe, Valley of the Ogove.
CELffiNORHINUS Hub.
3. C. macrostictus sp. nov.J .Closely allied toC clminci Ploetz (=C.
proximo Mab.j, from which it differs in no respect, except that the en-
tire middle area of the wing is occupied by a large white spot, which
replaces the four or five spots which compose a median band of markings
in the species described by Ploetz, and that the fringes of the secondaries
are not white, checkered with black, as in C. elini/ia, but are uniformly
brown, like the body of the wing. Expanse 41 mm.
Hab. Valley of the Ogove.
JEGRIS Guen.
4. E. fllSCOSa sp. nov. ?. Antennas black; head and upperside of the
palpi brown, lower side of palpi white; upperside of thorax and abdomen
fuscous-brown, lowerside of thorax grayish; lowerside of abdomen pure
white; legs grayish. The primaries on the upperside are fulvescent brown,
with the outer borders marked with blackish. There is a double black
spot beyond the base near the inner margin. The wing is traversed by a
median band of seven elongated translucent spots: one near the costa:
two below it, at the end of the cell (the lower one of which is the largest):
a small one between the second and third median nervules; a larger one,
subtriangular in form, between the first and second median nervules; two
smaller ones between the first median nervule and the submedian nerve.
All of these spots are margined externally with blackish. There is a sub-
apical series of six small spots arranged in a curved line, the second from
the the top being advanced sharply beyond the others. The secondaries
have the same ground-color as the primaries, and have a large black spot
at the end of the cell, followed by a regularly curved series of eight black
spots, two of them on the costa; the fourth and fifth, reckoning from the
costa, tending to coalesce. The outer angle is broadly marked with
blackish. The primaries on the upperside are pale fuscous, the transhn enl
spots of the upperside reappearing. The secondaries are pure white, with
tlie base laved with bluish; the costa and outer angle broadly marked
with dark brown. The fringes are brown; a brownish shade runs in-
wardly near the first median nervule. There are two small black spots at
the end of the cell, and a subcostal curved series of live black spots, tin-
28 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
second of which, reckoning from the base, is the largest; and the fourth
and fifth tend to coalesce. Expanse 40 mm.
Hab. Valley of the Ogove.
This species seems to be closely allied to E.phyllophila Trim.,
from which it differs, however, in the form of the spots upon the
primaries, and in the absence of the submarginal spots upon the
lowerside of the secondaries in the region of the median nervules.
ACLEROS Mab.
5. A. substrigata sp. nov. <^\ The antennae, the upperside of the palpi,
the head, the thorax and the abdomen, black; the tip of the abdomen and
the lowerside of the palpi, the thorax and the abdomen, whitish; the legs
are gray, margined with whitish. The upperside of both primaries and
secondaries is black ; the fringes of the primaries on the upperside are
black; the fringes of the secondaries are white, more broadly so at the
anal angle. On the underside the primaries are fuscous, broadly marked
with white upon the inner margin. There are two very small and obscure
whitish spots at the end of the cell, one above each other, and faint traces
of a curved limbal series of similar spots, in which the two uppermost
members of the series are the most conspicuous, and in some specimens
are well defined. The secondaries are gray, slightly darker on the costa
and traversed by subbasal, median, and submarginal series of spots,
lighter than the ground-color of the wings, and margined externally by
fine dark lines.
9 . The female is like the male, save that the primaries are marked
by two diffuse white spots, one above the submedian nerve about its mid
die, and another just above it, between the first and second median ner-
vules at their origin. Expanse tf and 9 2 5 2 mm -
Hab. Valley of the Ogove.
On the upperside this insect looks like A. mackenii Trim.,
but is smaller. A glance at the underside, which is totally unlike
that of any other species in the genus, reveals at once its specific
distinctness.
GASTROCHffiTA Mab.
6. G. mabillei sp. nov. <j\- Antennae black; upperside of the head,
thorax and abdomen, dark brown; lowerside of the palpi whitish; lower
side of thorax brown; lower side of abdomen yellowish, the yellow color
produced upwardly on the sides along the outer margin of the segment.
Primaries on the upperside black. There are two small white translucent
spots, one above the other, at the end of the cell; there are three minute
spots, forming a curved subapical series; there are three subquadrate
spots, forming a transverse median series, the middle spot being the
largest, and located just below the two small spots at the end of the cell,
the lower spot is semi-opaque. The secondaries have a large circular
IS94-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 29
translucent spot at the end of the cell, and beyond it t\vo narrow elon-
gated white spots separated by the second median nervule. On the un-
derside the primaries are marked as on the upperside, but the ground
color is obscure fuscous, shading into blackish on the cell. The secon-
daries are yellowish, with the outer margin broadly brown. There is a
translucent spot at the end of the cell, very narrowly edged with brown;
there are two blackish rays running from this spot to the base. The costa
is narrowly marked with brown, and there is a curved series of four small
brown spots, two below the c osta, the third opposite the end of the cell,
geminate; and the fourth, just below the two translucent linear spots,
which reappear upon the lowerside, and are especially noticeable when
the wing is held up to the light.
Q. The female does not materially differ from the male, except in
having a stouter body. Expanse cf and 9 35 mm -
Hal). Valley of the Ogove.
I name this well-marked and distinct species in honor of Mons.
P. Mabille, of Paris, the veteran hesperidologist, to whom I sub-
mitted the species, and who declared it to be unknown to him.
GANGARA Moore.
V
7. G. ( ? ) basistriga sp. nov. $. Antennas dark brown, narrowly mar-
gined with yellow on the underside of the culmen, and broadly marked
with yellow on the underside of the club. The upperside of the palpi
and the entire body are dark brown; the lowerside of the palpi is yellow-
ish; legs brown. The primaries on the upperside are dark brown. There
is a long subquadrate spot filling the outer half of the cell; a subapical
series of three yellow spots, of which the outermost one is the largest.
There are three yellow spots forming a transverse limbal series, of which
the one located between the first and second median nervules is very
large, and is separated from the large spot in the cell by the median
nervule ; the other two spots are subtriangular, one located between the
second and third median nervules, and the other being located upon the
submedian nerve, a little beyond its middle. The fringe is dark brown,
except at the outer angle, where it is yellowish. The secondaries are
dark brown, with the base and inner margin covered with olivaceous
hairs. There is a yellowish ray at the end of the cell, followed by a
transverse median series of three yellow opaque markings, which cross
the wing at right angles to the inner margin; the two innermost spots,
which are located between the median nervules, are circular; the outer-
most, which is elongated and linear, is situated between the third median
and the first subcostal. The fringes are narrowly yellowish, shaded with
brown at the ends of the nervules, except near the anal angle, when- t In-
fringe is uniformly bright yellow. On the underside the primaries are
dark maroon, marked with pale cinereous near the apex, and laved with
pale yellowish along the inner margin. The spots of the upper surface
reappear on the lowerside, and, in addition, tht-iv is a small geminate
30 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
costal spot about the middle of the costa. There is a narrow ray of
cinereous on the costa at the base; the cinereous apical tract is marked by
a band of darker submarginal cloudings, and the margin at the apex is ac-
centuated by a series of dark brown spots, shading about the middle into
the dark ground-color of the wing. The third spot of the median series,
which is very conspicuous on the upperside, scarcely appears on the low-
erside, but is lost in the prevalent yellow shade of the inner margin. The
secondaries are dark brown, laved with purplish-ashen arranged in trans-
verse bands. At the base, running diagonally from the costa to the sub-
median nerve, there is a narrow, pale cinereous streak; the outer margin
is dark brown. The fringe at the anal angle is bright yellow. Expanse
68 mm.
Hab. Valley of the Ogove.
This fine species, which is one of the largest of the African Hes-
periidae, is represented in my collection by a single female. It
strongly suggests, in some respects, the well-known Gangara
thy > sis of India; but I suspect that an accurate examination of
the neuration, which I am reluctant at present to make, will
reveal that it is generically distinct.
PARNARA.
8. P. unistriga sp. nov. rj. The antennas are black, paler on the lower-
side, witli the lowerside of the club bright yellow; the upperside of the
palpi, the head, and the body is dark brown; the lowerside of the palpi
is whitish, of the thorax gray, and of the abdomen pure white. The legs
are gray, like the thorax. The primaries on the upperside are blackish
brown, with greenish hairs at the base. There are two narrow, elongated
spots at the end of the cell, one above the other. There are two minute
subapical dots and a transverse median series of four spots, of which the
uppermost is very minute; the next larger subquadrate; the third the
largest of all, trapezodial; and the fourth, which is located on the subme-
dian vein near its middle, is lunate. The fringes are slightly paler than
the body of the wing. The secondaries, upon the upperside, are of the
same color as the primaries, with the fringes at the anal angle, and the
inner margin quite pale. They are traversed by a transverse median
band of four or five white opaque spots, which gradually widen from the
first subcostal to the first median nervule, where the series terminates.
On the underside the primaries are fuscous, slightly darker in the region
of the cell. The spots of the upperside reappear on this side, and are
much larger, though less dstinctly defined. The secondaries are fuscous,
slightly tinged with rufous, and externally bordered with a darker shade;
there is a circular whitish spot at the end of the cell. The transverse me.
dian series of spots reappears upon the lowerside, but more distinctly
defined, and a narrow whitish ray runs from the innermost of these spots
to the outer margin. The female is unknown to me. Expanse 30 mm.
Hab. Valley of the Ogove".
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 31
In the plate h'gs. 13 and 14 show white spots near the costa of
the primaries, beyond the base, and in fig. 13 there are white
spots near the costa at the base of the secondaries: these are
pin-holes in the wings of the specimen, and must not be taken
into account when studying the figure. I did not have an oppor-
tunity to retouch the plate and stop them out.
9. P. melphis sp. nov. $ Antennae black, paler beneath. The palpi
are brown, edged below with the yellowish. The thorax and abdomen
are dark brown, sparingly clothed with greenish hairs. The upperside of
the primaries is black, clothed with greenish hairs at the base. There are
two small subapical spots, and a transverse limbal series of five translu-
cent spots, the first exceedingly minute; the second subquadrate; the
third and tourth, which are also subquadrate, are the largest in the series,
and are closer to each other than the other spots; the lowermost spot of
the series, which rests upon the middle of the submedian vein, is small
and nearly oval. The secondaries on the upperside are black, with a
light vestiture of greenish hairs at the base and on the inner margin. The
fringes are narrow and whitish. This wing is crossed about the middle,
beyond the cell, by an irregularly curved band of translucent spots, ex-
tending from the first subcostal to' the internal vein. Both wings, on the
underside, are brownish ferruginous. The spots of the upperside reap-
pear. The small oval spot, which forms the last member of the trans-
verse limbal series of the upperside, is represented upon the lowerside by
a large, brilliantly-white lunate spot, which is opaque, except on its inner
margin, where it coincides with the oval mark of the upper surface. The
median band of spots on the secondaries is reinforced by a small brilliantly-
white opaque spot at its outer extremity above the first subcostal nervule,
and the inner spot contiguous to the internal vein is larger than upon the
upperside, brilliantly white and opaque, except where it coincides with
the small translucent spot of the upperside of the wing. Expanse 35 mm.
Hab- Valley bf the Ogove.
This species in some respects resembles P. statira Mab., ac-
cording to the published description; but Mons. Mabille, who
has seen the type, declares it to be a species unknown to him
and quite distinct from his P. statira.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.
Fig. i. Sarangesa perpaupera Roll., Ann. and Mag. N. H. (6), x, p. 288.
2. Celcenorhinus macrostictus Holl., sp. nov.
}. Saranifesa exprompta Holl., sp. nov.
4. " motozioides Holl.. Ann. and Mag. N. H. (6), x, p. 288.
5. (female).
6. Eagris fuscosa Holl., sp. nov.
7. Sarangesa siikalbida Holl., sp. nov. (underside).
8. A'titrciis jolnistonii Bull., P. Z. S., 1887, p. 573.
9. Eagris dekastigma Mab., C. K. Soc. Ent. Helg., 1891, p.-lxii.
10. Acleros substrigata Holl., sp. nov.
it. (underside).
12. Gaitgara (?) basis/ri^u Holl., sp. nov. (underside).
13. Part/am itnis/ri^a Holl., sp. nov.
14. (underside).
15. (tastroclucta uiahillci Holl., sp. nov.
16. (underside).
17. Carystns (/) thersaudcr Mal>., Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr. (6), x, p. 30.
1 8. Parnara melphis Holl., sp. nov.
32 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [January,
OBITUARY.
Mr. WILHELM JULICH died Nov. 8, 1893, in New York City, aged 54
years, of cerebro-spinal meningitis. Mr. Jiilich's death was as unexpected
by his own family as it was by his many friends, to whom the news of his
sudden demise came as a great shock. He was a man of robust health,
and while not feeling his best for some days, believed that his energy and
will power would carry him through, as it had done before under more
trying circumstances. On Tuesday, November jth, he declared his in-
tention of going out to vote, and it was only the timely arrival of his
physican that prevented him from doing so. Wednesday evening he be-
came unconscious, and passed away peacefully about midnight. Mr.
Jiilich was born at Rhine-Pfaltz, Germany, and came to this country at
the age of fifteen, residing continuously from that time in New York City.
He was appreciated for his good qualities by a large number of entomol-
ogists who are not limited to New York, he being an honorary member
both of the Brooklyn Institute and of the Newark Ento. Society, as well
as of the New York Ento. Society. His labors in Entomology had been
chiefly in Lepidoptera up to some fifteen years ago, at which time he
began to devote his attention more exclusively to Coleoptera, of which
he had a collection, beautifully mounted and arranged, of over 10,000
specimens. He contributed a number of valuable and interesting articles
on his favorite study to the various entomological journals, principally to
'' Entomologica Americana." He was a member of the ist Regiment
N. Y. Volunteers, and served two years in defence of his adopted country,
was severely wounded at Chantilly, and lay several months in the hospital
at Washington. On one occasion his entomological pursuits came near
costing him his life. He was captured while trying to return inside the
Union lines without -the countersign, and arrested as a spy. When he
appeared before the court-martial, his story that he had been catching
insects was not appreciated until he produced his bottles and displayed
the " Kiifers," etc., they contained. His old commander, General Sigel,
made a short and impressive address over his remains, in which he voiced
the general regret that would be felt by the many friends who loved and
honored him, and by whom his memory would be long cherished. He
was buried November lotli in the Lutheran Cemetery, Brooklyn, L. I.,
with appropriate military honors.
C. FREIHERR vox GUMPPENBERG, lepidopterist and postmaster at
Bamberg, Germany.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS for December, 1893, was mailed Dec. 7, 1893.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS
AND
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
VOL. v. FEBRUARY, 1894. No. 2.
CONTENTS:
Wickham Habits of some Oceanic Economic Entomology 44
Hemiptera 33 Notes and N#ws 47
Wiley Butterflies of Miles City, Mont. 36 Entomological Literature 51
Holland Small coll. of Butterflies, etc. 39 Entomological Section 57
Wenzel Hispini found in New Jersey. 40 Holland West African Dysgoniidfe.... 57
Horn Synonymical notes 41 Cockerell New scale insect on Agave. 59
Editorial 42 Dyar Desc. of certain Geom. Larvae... 60-
ON THE HABITS OF SOME OCEANIC HEMIPTERA.
By H. F. WICKHAM, Iowa City, Iowa.
The pelagic oceanic Hemiptera have possessed great interest
for naturalists since their first description by Eschscholtz in 1822,
The fact of their being found usually far from land and appearing
only in pleasant weather has tended to cause a scarcity in collec-
tions and comparatively few entomologists have had an oppor-
' tunity to study them in life. The report of Dr. Buchanan White,.
one of the "Challenger" series, formed a part of the library
taken to the Bahamas by the recent University Expedition (of
which the writer was a member) and awakened a desire to add
something to the knowledge of these curious creatures.
Though a careful watch was kept for them, not one was seen
until June 22d, forty-seven days out of port; on that date, soon
after noon, three or four specimens were seen skimming over the
surface of the water after the fashion of our common Hygrotre-
chus, but with extremely rapid movement, so that the note-book
entry was made " any attempt to catch these insects with hand-
nets from the deck of the schooner would be vain." On the
24th they were seen again (in both cases off Key West), but no
captures could be made. The sea was almost perfectly calm, not
enough breeze stirring to fill the sails.
34 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
On the second of July, while at anchor near the Sand Key
Light, a few were seen near the vessel between three and four
o'clock in the afternoon. By getting into a boat which was lying
alongside, no difficulty was experienced in capturing two or three
that came within reach of the net. The next day, while the ves-
sel was under way with quite a pleasant breeze, they were seen
again, before seven o'clock in the morning, skimming about the
bows. Two or three were again taken by sitting in the chains
under the bow-sprit and "jabbing" at them with a crab-net lined
with bolting cloth, as often as one crossed our course. By eight
o'clock they were less numerous. With the aid of the Report,
previously mentioned, they were determined as Halobates wuller-
storjfi Frauenf. , a name afterwards verified by Mr. O. Heidemann,
of Washington.
The following day more of them were seen in Lat. 24 24' N. ,
Lo-ng. 79 49' W. Immediately after dinner, when the water
was still, except for a smooth swell, a specimen was caught in a
crab-net and turned loose, without being touched by the fingers,
into a tub of salt water on the deck. The insect at once com-
menced to scud around on the surface with movements so rapid
that the eye could not follow them, and any observations on the
mode of locomotion were out of the question. In a few minutes
partial exhaustion succeeded these violent exertions, and it was
then seen that the long middle pair of feet did nearly all the work
of progression, the anterior pair being carried folded up (nearly)
and projecting forwards, a little to each side of the head. The
antennae point forwards and outwards, forming a V. When the
bug tires, the muscles at the insertion of the legs appear to weaken
first, and the body is let down on to the water. It there rests in
very much the position shown in Mr. Walker's figure in the
" Entom. Monthly Magazine" for October, 1893, though my
sketches, made on the spot, show sharper angles at all the knee
joints. The same position is not always maintained, however,
by different specimens.
The movements of a tired specimen were as follows: in making
a stroke the middle legs were brought forward until the tips were
about on a line with the head. They were then rapidly brought
back so as to nearly touch the tips of the hind pair, which were
moved comparatively but little. The posterior feet seem to be
used to steer with rather than as an aid in progression. The four
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 35
legs work in unison, not alternately, i. e. the middle legs keep
time with each other and with the hinder pair. The tips of the
legs rest on the water, and are not immersed in it so that the little
hollows near each, caused by the weight of the insect, can plainly
be seen. With captive specimens sunlight acted as a stimulant,
and evoked activity, which was lessened by shade.
One Halobates was then placed in a tightly corked bottle, tilled,
when immersed, so as to make certain that no air was enclosed,
except the thin film which invested the insect. This was done at
1.22 p. m., and at 1.30 was witnessed what was then supposed to
be the final struggle with death ; after the expiration of four
minutes this recommenced, and was continued at irregular inter-
vals until 1.43, after which no more were seen until 1.48, at which
time a tiny bubble of air made its way from the cork, and at 1.58
another of these bubbles evoked a feeble struggle, the last. When
finally removed to the alcohol bottle, not a movement could be
detected, and the insect was undoubtedly drowned. This would
appear to antagonize the theory that they stay beneath the sur-
face in stormy weather. I also noticed, with several specimens,
that they could (or would?) only dive after being wet so that
"skimming" was impossible, but this does not agree with the
observations of other naturalists, and I recognize its practical
worthlessness as purely negative evidence.
No more Halobates were seen during the trip, though on the
1 5th of July some little water bugs, at first taken for the larvae
of Halobates, were noticed at the extrance of the Spanish Wells
harbor, skimming about on the surface of the water. Several
pairs were observed in coitu and directed suspicion to the cor-
rectness of the reference -so Mr. Heidemann looked up the
matter and found them to be Rhagovelia collaris Burm., hitherto
supposed to be a fresh water species exclusively. Fortunately,
one couple was taken in the net, and did not separate on being
placed in a tub for examination, so the following details were ob-
served: The male rests rather tar back on the female, his head
reaching to a point immediately above the insertion of her mid-
dle legs. His anterior legs are then extended forward and bent
at the "knee" nearly at right angles, so as to clasp the female
thorax a little in front of the widest portion in such a way as to
prevent his sliding off. All progression is then performed by the
female, the male resting quietly on her back. His hold was very
36 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
firm, as the female soon made frantic efforts to kick him off with
her feet, and finally began to turn somersaults in (not on) the
water in the attempt, presumably, to get rid of her mate, who,
however, held on even after the pair was placed in alcohol.
It was noticed, with the exception given above, that only those
specimens wetted by handling would dive at all. Those that
were unable to keep afloat by being thus thoroughly wet, soon
die and sink quite to the bottom of the vessel in which they may
be confined. Some only partially wetted were able to keep very
close to the surface, but floated on their backs and were appar-
ently unable to right themselves.
The question of the disposition that these insects make of
themselves during storms may be regarded as still unsettled,
since it seems that wetting in many cases means death. Mr.
Walker* thinks that they dive in rough weather, and only come
up when it is absolutely calm, but the observations recorded above
make this conclusion seem unlikely for some of the species at
least -though his theory is by no means disproven, especially
when attention is given to the apparent impossibility of the insect
riding out a severe storm on the surface of the water without
beine wetted.
s
o-
BUTTERFLIES AT MILES CITY, MONTANA.
By C. A. WILEY.
A barren country surrounds Miles City, the centre of the great
grazing territory of eastern Montana, a country of prairie and
badlands with little verdure other than that on the immediate
border of the rivers and in the creek bottoms.
Here a lover of groves and forests must be content with a va-
riety of trees that might easily be enumerated on his ten fingers,
and but few of even these.
Cottonwoods, broken and scrawny, are the only trees of large
size near the city, but as one penetrates the country to the heads
of the Yellowstone's many tributaries, he meets with ash, elm,
box-elder and willows, all native varieties, and differing some-
what from the same trees of the eastern States.
In the badlands and in the hilly sections are pines and cedars
also, but the majority of our country is a vast prairie, grass
* Entom. Mo. Mag., second series, vol. iv, p. 231.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 37
clothed, but bare of tree or shrub (the ever-present sage-brush
excepted) and parched by the sun from July until Winter.
What limited amount of shrubbery does occur is also confined
to the water-courses. We have our native choke-cherry, wild-
rose, plum, willow, snowberry, buffaloberry, greasewood and
sagebrush, a meagre list indeed, when compared to the hundreds
of shrubs and bushes abounding in most eastern localities. All
vegetation without it. may be grasses and wild flowers occurs
with us in but the most limited variety. We have no woods, no
swamps, no hedges. What wonder then that the entomologist's
hopes are saddened as he realizes that a corresponding dearth
exists among his favored and busv tribes!
I wonder who can recount the exact number of Papilios he has
seen during three years past? It is my good (?) fortune to have
seen just fourteen during that period. In the season of 1891 I
saw but one, it was one of the Turnus group, probably rutulus
or daunus, its rapid flight, however, baffled detection. In May
of this year while returning from our ranch, on horseback, a dis-
tance of about one hundred miles, I saw another of this same
group, but was unable to capture it. During this trip, also, I
counted nine zolicaon, only one of which was not in rapid flight
across country; this one, a female, was depositing her eggs on
our native wild parsnips, and I caught her easily, and obtained
some twenty eggs, which I reared on cultivated parsnips in my
garden. The only other Papilio seen this year was one related
to zolicaon, but had none of the prominent show of yellow so
characteristic of that species when on the wing. What it may
have been I cannot say.
Finally, two specimens of zolicaon taken on the summit of
Signal Butte, near this city, on May 30, 1892, complete the
number. 1 cite my experience with the Papilios to give a gen-
eral idea of the scarcity of species occurring here.
A few species of Colias, Pieris, Euptoieta, Phyciodes and Ly-
t(zna occur here, however, in sufficient abundance not to be called
rare. There exists an unusually localized distribution among
most species here, which doubtless results from a similar localiza-
tion of the food-plants, many of which are to be found only near
flowing springs or other sources of moisture. The Satyrids,
Pamphila, and other prairie varieties, however, may be met with
in country of almost any character, as also may such ranging
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
[February,.
species as the Argynnids, Pyrameis cardui or Danais archippits ,
This season has proven an unusually productive one, and fully
twice the number of butterflies were on the wing this year than
appeared in either 1891 or 1892.
Our climate and soil are so dry that no agriculture is successful
without irrigation, and I attribute this season's productiveness
in the Lepidoptera of this immediate vicinity to systems of artifi-
cial irrigation which have been in successful operation here only
the last two seasons, and no doubt all insect life so dependent
upon vegetation, will steadily increase as the amount and variety
of plant-life is multiplied year by year by the introduction of
agriculture under our irrigation systems along the Tongue and
Yellowstone River bottoms.
In the interest of the readers of the ENT. NEWS I append a
list of the species of diurnals that I have taken about Miles City
during a three years' residence here :
Papilio zolicaon, rare.
Pieris rapce, common.
protodice.
Anthrocharis olympia, not rare.
Colias eurytheme, common.
" eripkyle, common.
Danais archippus, rare.
Argynnis idalia, one 9 , differ-
ing a little from eastern spec.
Argynnis edwardsii, not com.
nevadensis ' '
cypris, rare,
sp., one.
Euptoieta claudia, one of the
most common (averaging
small in size).
Melitcea, three species ; not
common and local.
Pkyciodes tharos, rather com.
car/ota, quite com.
Grapta zephyrus, one.
Vanessa antiopa, not common.
californica, one.
milberti, rare.
Pyrameis cardui, not rare.
? sp. nov. sp., pos-
sibly Hy. Edw. hybrid carya?
et atlanta.
Limenitis weidmeycrii, rare and
local.
Limenitis disippus, rare and
local.
Ccenonympha ochracea, rather
common.
Satyrits alope-olympus, rare.
cetus, rare.
charon, rather com.
Chionobas varuna, several spec-
imens taken at ranch in July
100 miles east of Miles City.
Thccla niphoji, rare and local.
Chrysophanus hypophlceas, not
rare.
Ckrysophanus rubidus, rare.
Lyctena melissa, common.
Pamphila, two or three species,
all rare.
Pyrgns tessellata, common.
sp., not common.
Pholisora catullus, common.
Eudamus tityrus, one.
sp. one.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 39
Notes upon a Small Collection of Butterflies from
Serra f.Sjerra>, Timor-Laut.
By W. J. HOLLAND, Ph.D., Pittsburg, Pa.
Through the kindness of my friend, Mr. Robert M. Grey. I
have been able to add to my collection a number of specimens
received by him from a friend who obtained them from Serra, the
small rocky island, which lies at the northern entrance of the
strait, which separates northern and southern Timor-Laut. The
species received are the following': Chanapa sacerdos Bud.,
Danais hamata Macleay, Hypolimnas forbesii Bull., Precis c.\-
pansa Butl., Doleschallia pratipa Cram., Rhinopalpa sabina
Cram., Delias timorensis Boisd., Terias maroensis Butl., Belenois
pitys Godt., Catopsilia scylla Linn., Papilio aberrans Butl., and
Eidhalia ainanda Hew.
The most of these species have been already recorded from the
Timor-Laut group, and the species credited to Mr. Butler were
described by him from the collections made by the naturalist
Forbes during his visit to the islands. To Mr. Butler I am under
obligations for having aided me in the determination of some of
them. The presence of Euthalia amanda Hew., in the collection
is very remarkable. Mr. Doherty, who has seen the specimens,
has expressed great surprise at the fact that the collection should
contain a specimen of this genus, and is inclined to think that
there is an error in the locality label. But all the specimens were
received at one time, in one parcel, all labeled in the same hand-
writing, and all had explicitly written upon them " Sjerra, Feb.
1893," in a bold and distinct hand. If the collector was correct,
as there is a strong presumption that he was, the discovery of
the genus Euthalia in Timor marks the southernmost extension
of the genus thus far recorded in the annals of research. As the
genus is not represented, so far as is at present known, in any
of the islands nearer Timor-Laut than Celebes, the presence in
Serra of E. amanda, originally described by Hewitson from
Borneo, is a remarkable fact in distribution.
VOL. VI, No. 2, of " Insect Life" should be of great interest to the
economic entomologist, as it is almost entirely made up <>t tin- p;ip< rs
read at the meeting of Economic Entomologists held at Madison, Wis.,
Aug. 14-16, 1893; the number contains 147 p iges.
40 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
LIST OF THE HISPINI FOUND IN NEW JERSEY.
By H. W. WENZEL, Phila., Pa.
The following- species of Hispini were taken at Da Costa, At-
lantic County, N. J., in a radius of not more than one mile:
Microrhopala excavata (Oliv.) Odontota rubra (Web.)
Odontota notata (Oliv r .) nervosa (Panz.)
scapularis (Oliv.) Charistena nigrita (Oliv.)
bicolor (Oliv. ) " ariadne (Newm.)
horni (Smith) Stenispa mctallica (Fab.)
dorsalis (Thumb.)
Since the publication of Prof. J. B. Smith's catalogue of the
insects of New Jersey, through careful collecting many unre-
corded species of Coleoptera have been added, especially from
collections made in south Jersey, in the sandy pine-barren re-
gion, where large districts are entirely unexplored, and where
probably much more valuable material will be obtained.
The flora of this small district, in which all the species in the
above list were taken, is very extensive, hence a large collection
is always looked for by the collector.
This list of Hispini from Da Costa adds four species to the list,
besides including all the species mentioned in Prof. Smith's cata-
logue, except Microrhopala vittata, which is found very common
along the coast during July. M. xerene, which is also very com-
mon in some localities along the Delaware River during June,
where large numbers ot the species can be taken. Both species
feed on similar plants found in wet places.
M. porcata is the only species I never captured, and is recorded
from Hudson County by Mr. M. L. Linell.
This list is remarkable not only for the number of species
found, but is also interesting in regard to the geographical dis-
tribution that some of the species possess.
In a communication from Mr. Dike, who writes me of Odon-
tota horni, " I have a single specimen which I took in Virginia.
O. notata I have only from Florida, and did not think it would
be found in New Jersey."
Odontota horni also occurs in Texas (Mr. Charles Liebeck's
collection). Of Odonlota bicolor I received specimens from Mr.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 41
Morrison, collected in Arizona; also have specimens from Dela-
ware County, Pa., collected by Mr. Charles Johnson, also from
Newark, N. J.
Odontota horni and O. notata are found on the same plant,
Tephrosia virgmJana, commonly known as Goats Rue.
Of all the species mentioned, none were found unique.
o
SYNONYMICAL NOTES.
By GEORGE H. HORN, M. D.
In a recent study of the Coleoptera of the Peninsula of Cali-
fornia my attention was called particularly to an arrangement of
the species of Conibius and Notibius published by Capt. Casey
(Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sc. vj. With the exception of two species,
all those heretofore placed in the latter genus have been trans-
ferred to Conibins, making the latter heterogeneous, and requir-
ing the formation of a genus Conibiosoma, which cannot in any
way be maintained. There have been at the same time two spe-
cies of Notibius named which are not separable from puberulus
{substriatus and laticeps}, both being simply feeble variations
from our assumed type.
Aphanotus has also had a new name added to it, the species
being separated bythe apparently very good character of having
the eyes divided by the sides of the head in brevicornis and not
divided in parallelus. Usually such a character is believed to
have generic value, but in the present instance has no value what-
ever, as there are in my series three specimens in which one eye
is completely divided, and in the other not. The remarkable
coincidence is, that in the three specimens the right eye is the
divided one, the left not.
IN July, 1893, while collecting in a garden in Cambridge, Mass. , a friend
of mine caught a bright, fresh specimen of Papilio philcnor ( Linn),
which had evidently come from larva grown in the immediate vicinity.
The seeming scarcity of this butterfly in this part of New England has
prompted the recording of the above instance of its occurrence here.
S. \V. DENTON.
THE annual report of the Curator (Alexander Agassiz) of the Museum
of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College for 1892-93 states that in
1876, Dr. Hagen refused an urgent invitation to assume charge of the
entomological collection of the University of Berlin.
42 [February,
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
Published monthly (except July and August), in charge of the joint
publication committees of the Entomological Section of the Academy
of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, and the American Entomological
Society. It will contain not less than 300 pages per annum. It will main-
lain no free list whatever, but will leave no measure untried to make it a
necessity to every student of insect life, so that its very moderate annual
subscription may be considered well spent.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 81.00, IN ADVANCE.
gg^" All remittances should be addressed to E. T. Cresson, Treasurer,
P. O. Box 248, Philadelphia, Pa.; all other communications to the Editors
of ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy of Natural Sciences, Logan Square,
Philadelphia, Pa.
PHILADELPHIA, PA., FEBRUARY, 1894.
IN the NEWS for October, 1893, p. 266, we published an editorial on the
transmission of specimens of Natural History in the mails of the Universal
Postal Union. It was there stated that the Academy of Natural Sciences
of Philadelphia had resolved to address scientific bodies in certain coun-
tries therein named, and ask them to request their respective governments
to favorably reconsider a proposition, made by the -United States Post-
office, to admit such specimens to the mails of the Union under the rates
for "samples of merchandise." The Academy caused circulars to be
printed, whose language in many respects was identical with that of our
editorial, and sent them to various societies. Copies of the circular were
also sent to scientific journals, in some of which it has already been
printed.
The publication of this circular in "Science" and in "Nature" has
called forth some adverse criticism. Specific replies thereto have been
prepared, and will doubtless soon appear in those journals. Here we
merely wish to state the faults found and the nature of the rejoinders.
The critic in "Science" is Mr. YV. Hague Harrington, the well-known
Canadian entomologist. He believes that the trouble lies not with the
countries who have rejected the proposition of the United States Post-
office, but with the latter by not arranging a " Parcels Post" with th<>s,
countries, such as many of those countries already have between them-
selves. The reply to this is furnished by an official letter from Mr. N. M.
Brooks, Superintendent of Foreign Mails, U. S. P. O., in which it is stated
that the lowest charge in Great Britain on a parcels-post package " weigh-
ing 3 pounds or less addressed for delivery in Belgium is i shilling 3 pence
(= 30 cents), and to France i shilling 4 pence (= 32 cents), while in
Canada the charge for a pound or less would be to Belgium 46 cents, and
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 45
to France 48 cents." "Under present conditions a package weighing
4>^ ounces may be sent from Canada to Belgium or France as a Ictit-r
upon the payment of 45 cents ; as a Parcels-Post package the charge
would be 46 and 48 cents respectively; as a 'sample' the charge \voukl
be 3 cents," that is, at the rate of one cent for every two ounces.
Mr. Robert McLachlan, the noted* British authority on the Neuroptera,
is the critic in "Nature." While commending the movement, he also
regrets that the United States has not a Parcels Post, as he says that the
sample-post can only be used for small packets. As shown in the above
quotation from Mr. Brook's letter, all parcels-post packages sent from
Great Britain, weighing less than three pounds, must pay the three-pounds
rate. By far the most of the packages sent by naturalists to each other
weigh less than three pounds, and a large number weigh less than one
pound, this estimate excluding alcoholic specimens which are unmailablc.
Whatever view may be held as to the desirability of the adoption of a
Parcels Post by the United States, it must be evident that a Universal
Sample Post for specimens of Natural History is of equal, if not, as is
our opinion, of far greater importance.
DIASPIS LANATUS. This injurious scale-insect has hitherto been re-
corded from Jamaica (where it is common) and Antigua. Two West Indian
localities may now be added : Trinidad ( Port of Spain, on Caricapapaya,
found by Mr. Urich ), and Grand Cayman (on oleander, coll. 11. Mac-
Dermot, com. Prof. Townsend). It has also been discovered in more
than one locality in the United States, as will be described in the annual
report of the Dept. Agriculture for 1893. But the more particular purpose
of this note is to state that the Antigua record must be canceled, being
founded on an error. Long ago Mr. Barber sent me some scales from
Antigua on Heliotrope, the 9 scales crowded on the stems, white with
brownish exuviae, which were near the edge, but not on it. The shape
of the scales was oval, about 4 mm. long and 3 wide. With these were
small, white, tricarinate r^ scales. This insect I regarded as a new ( liin-
iiaspis, which I named in MS. C. major. Later, on comparing the 9
insect with that of Diaspis lanatiis, I found great similarity, although the
produced segments on each side of the C. major were fringed with nu-
merous spine-like plates a feature not nearly so strongly developed in
typical D. /ana/its. On the whole, I concluded that the insect must be a
variety of D. /ana/us, and that the trirarinate c? scales found with it did
not belong to it. Lately, having sent some of the C. major to Washing-
ton, Mr. Howard protests that it cannot be />. /n/m/its ; and on reconsid-
ering the matter I believe he is right, and that it is a new Chioiiaspi* alter
all. D. /anatns, therefore, is at present unknown in the Lesser Antilles,
and C. major is to be added to the West Indian list of" ("or< id;e. It is
intended to publish fuller details concerning it at some future time.
T. D. A. COCKEKELL.
44 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY.
Edited by Prof. JOHN B. SMITH, Sc. D., New Brunswick, N. J.
Legislation Against Insects. This subject is not a new one by any man-
ner of means, and has attracted attention in several States of the Union,
notably California and Massachusetts. In the latter State legislation
extends only in the direction of an attempt to exterminate the Gypsy moth.
In California the interest of the growers of the Citrus fruits have been the
prime consideration. I am not aware that in any State there exist laws
which can be made applicable to compel the destruction of insects of all
kinds, and certainly nowhere is there any legislation that has proved abso-
lutely successful. I have already touched upon this subject in this depart-
ment, and have indicated that there has been a growing demand among
the more intelligent farmers and especially fruit-growers, for some method
of compelling a general attention to insect injury and the adoption of
measures for the destruction of injurious species. It happens altogether
too often that the careful farmer who does all that it is possible for him to
do to prevent injury upon his own domain, finds that his efforts are to a
large extent made useless by the fact that some of his neighbors do not
adopt similar measures and annually raise on their land a sufficient num-
ber of insects to supply the entire vicinity. Therefore, instead of finding
his task lightened year by year, through a gradual reduction of the injuri-
ous species, he finds that the supply is fairly well kept up through no fault
of his own. A man finding himself in that position, naturally seeks for
some method of compelling his neighbor so to use his property as not to
damage him, and the question has been brought up in the agricultural
societies in New Jersey for some time past, resulting finally in the appoint-
ment of a committee by the State Horticultural Society to inquire into
the possibility of preparing a law which was enforcable, and which enforced
would accomplish the result aimed at. Of this committee the writer was
a member, and the investigations made resulted in the conviction that it
would be an extremely difficult matter to procure the enforcement of any
law on the subject ; but as laws were demanded an act was drafted which
it was believed would avoid some of the objection made to other similar
legislation, and which would not be a dead-letter where there was suffi-
cient public sentiment to secure its enforcement.
In the first place, it was believed that the sentiment against informers
on the part of juries, and indeed justices as well, was so strong, as a char-
acter who sought to derive a profit from even the illegal acts of his neigh-
bors, that it would be difficult to secure a conviction on any testimony
given or secured by him.
In the second place, it was decided that the act should be called into
effect only through the action first of the County Boards of Agriculture,
and afterward through the action of the State Board of Agriculture, or its
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 45
Executive Committee, in this way throwing the burden of enforcing the
act upon the official organization of the farmers in the State, and making
whatever penalties were collected subject to the general purposes of the
organized agriculturists of the State. No compensation except such as
the State Board may make, is provided for the commissioners to be ap-
pointed under the act, and those accepting the appointment under it will
be men who are themselves personally interested in securing its enforce-
ment. Under the general laws of the State a fine imposed as a penalty
can be enforced by imprisonment, and the act can therefore be made
effective as against practically all those who come under its ban. The
report of the committee was made to the Horticultural Society at its re-
cent meeting in January, 1894, and the draft of the act proposed was
unanimously adopted, to be submitted by the legislative committee of the
State Board of Agriculture, giving instruction to secure its passage, if
possible, at the present session of the legislature. Following is the act
which may be of interest to farmers and fruit growers in sections other
than in New Jersey.
AN ACT TO PREVENT DEPREDATIONS BY INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE
AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL INTERESTS OF THIS STATE.
PREAMBLE.
WHEREAS, serious injury is annually caused by the depredations of
insects to the Agricultural and Horticultural interest of this State, which
injury may be lessened or entirely avoided by the use of methods published
from time to time in the reports and bulletins of the Agricultural Experi-
ment Stations in New Jersey ; and such methods are quite commonly
adopted in this State by progressive agriculturists, farmers and fruit-
growers and have prove effective and most useful ; and the refusal or
neglect of certain other agriculturists, farmers and fruit-growers to adopt
and practice such methods results in the continued reproduction and
spread of such insect pests, to the great damage of their neighbors and
the public. Therefore.
1. BE IT ENACTED by the Senate and General Assembly of the
State of New Jersey, That it shall be the duty of every agriculturist,
gardner, farmer, nurseryman or other cultivator of the soil in the State to
adopt and apply from time to time, in the proper seasons therefor, such
methods for the destruction of insects injurious to growing crops and fruits
of all kinds as are and may be advised and prescribed in tin- reports and
bulletins of the Agricultural Experiment Stations in this State.
2. AND BE IT ENACTED, That whenever requested by a resolu-
tion of any County Board of Agriculture of this Slate, at a meeting of
such board, regularly held, the Executive Committee- of the State Hoard
of Agriculture of this State shall appoint three persons, residents of the
county from which such request shall be made, to act. as commissioners
or agents for the purpose of this act in such county, without oilier com-
pensation than an as hereinafter provided.
46 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
3. AND BE IT ENACTED, That whenever complaint shall be made
to such commissioners, or to any one of them, that any person or persons
within their county has or have failed, neglected or refused and continue
to fail, neglect or refuse to use such methods so prescribed or to be pre-
scribed by the said Agricultural Experiment Stations in this State, or other
equally efficient and satisfactory methods, for the destruction of insects
injurious to growing crops and fruits, on land in his, her or their posses-
sion, that then said commissioners or any two of them shall notify such
person or persons so complained of, in writing, by service of such notice
signed by them, upon such person or persons personally, or by leaving
the same at their place of residence, that they are required under the
penalties provided in this act forthwith to apply such methods so prescribed
or to be prescribed as aforesaid, for and towards the destruction of such
injurious insects. And said notice shall specify the particular species of
insect or insects complained of, and the methods to be adopted for their
destruction, with a reference to the reports or bulletins of said Agricul-
tural Experiment Stations, or some one or more thereof, where such insects
and the methods for their destruction are or may be described or in lieu
thereof, there may be served with such notice a printed copy of such bul-
letins or reports and prescribed methods of destroying insects as are relied
upon, or a printed extract or extracts therefrom setting forth the methods
to be used for their destruction.
4 AND BE IT ENACTED, That it shall be the duty of such person
or persons so notified within twenty-four hours after receiving such notice
and directions, to proceed to destroy such insects on his lands and prem-
ises so complained of, in the manner and by such methods as said notice
and directions shall specify ; and every person or persons who shall neglect
or refuse so to do, for the space of six days after receiving such notice and
directions served as aforsaid, shall forfeit and pay a fine not less than
twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars in the discretion of the
Court, besides the costs of the suit, to be sued for, received and collected
by any one of the commissioners in his own name, adding thereto the
name of commissioner, without other words of designation, in any Court
of competent jurisdiction in the county in which such offence shall have
been committed.
5. AND BE IT ENACTED, That all fines and costs that may be
received and collected under the provisions of this act, shall belong to and
be paid into the treasury of the State Board of Agriculture of this State,
to defray the costs and expenses incident to the enforcement of this act
and for the general purposes of the said board. Said expenses to include
such reasonable allowance to said commissioners for their services in the
premises as may be made by the said Executive Committee of the said
State Board of Agriculture.
6. AND BE IT ENACTED, That this act shall take effect immedi-
ately.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 47
Notes and.
ENTOMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM ALL QUARTERS
OF THE GLOBE.
'The Conductors of ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS sol : cit, and will thankfully receive items
of news, likely to interest its readers, from any source. The author's name will be given
in each case for the information of cataloguers and bibliographers.]
To Contributors. All contributions will be considered and passed upon at our
earliest convenience, and as far as may be, will be published according to date of recep-
tion. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS has reached a circulation, both in numbers and circumfer-
ence, as to make it necessary to put " copy' 1 into the hands of the printer, for each number,
three weeks before date of issue. This should be remembered in sending special or im-
portant matter for certain issue. Twenty-five "extras" without change in form will be
given free when they are wanted, and this should be so stated on the MS. along with the
number desired. The receipt of all papers will be acknowledged. ED.
DECEASED. Prof. P. M. FERRARI in Geneva.
Dr. GEORGE H. HORN was elected an Honorary Member of the Ento-
mological Society of Belgium on Dec. 26, 1893.
PICTURES for the album of the American Entomological Society have
been received from A. D. Hopkins, Rev. G. D. Hulst, H. G. Dyar, Levi
\Y. Mengel, F. H. Hillman, E. P. Van Duzee.
I HAVE taken, at Chicago, in July two Myrmeleonidae new to the State
of Illinois ; Ulitia quadripunctata Burm. and Colobopterus excisiis Hag.
Thi- former was taken at a lamp and the latter at an electric light. Both
are rare, and of Colobopterus not many specimens are known. J. E. Mc-
DADE, Kensington, 111.
TRANSACTIONS of American Entomological Society for October, Novem-
ber and December, 1893, have just been issued, closing volume .\\, with
374 pages and 7 plates. The following were contributors : \V. H. Ash-
mead, Nathan Banks, E. Brendel, P. P. Calvert, T. D. A. Cockerell,
\Y. I. Fox, G. H. Horn, C. Robertson, |. B. Smith, C. H. T. Townsend
and C. .M. Weed.
THE life-history of but one or two species of the family Nernistrinidte
has hitherto been published. Recently, in looking through Prof. Burner's
ri illeetion of Diptera, in the University of Nebraska, I discovered a female
specimen of the rare Rhynchocephalus sackeniWi\\., which was of yet more
interest from the following note given me by Prof. limner: "Taken while
apparently depositing eggs in the stem of /'rio^onitiii alahiin. Its actii ms
were very similar to those of a bot-fly ; it was s. > absorbed in its work that
it might have been captured with the lingers." The fly is evidently a
rapid flyer, like its allies, the Bombyliiike. It has an elongated ovipostor,
but doubtfully of sufficient strength to pierce woody tissue. The eggs of
Hirmoneura. obscura are deposited in the holes of wood-boring i'ise< ts,
48 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
and it is possible that the present species may have similar habits. I shall
be glad if further investigation of this plant will throw more light upon
the habits of the fly. The specimen was from near Colorado Springs.
S. W. WILLISTON, Lawrence, Kansas.
ON THE BUGONIA SUPERSTITION OF THE ANCIENTS. Baron C. R.
Osten Sacken writes in " Nature" for Dec. 28, 1893: Last August I pub-
lished in the " Bulletin Soc. Entomol. Italiana" 1893, pp. 186-217, an ar-
ticle entitled, " On the Bugonia of the Ancients, and its relation to Eris-
talis tenax, a two-winged insect." I desire to collect some more materials
on that subject, in view of a second edition, and I would be very grateful
to readers of '' Nature" who may be able to give me assistance in that
matter.
The information I require may be expressed in two questions:
(1) Whether travelers in out-of-the-way places in Europe or Asia have
not come across vestiges of the superstition about oxen-born bees, still
lingering among primitive people?
(2) Whether readers of Oriental literature have not come across pas-
sages evidently referring to this superstition, like the passage I reproduce
here as an example. I found it in the " Golden Meadows" of the Arab
traveler Massoudi (died in Cairo, 955), translated by Barbier de Meynard
and Pavet de Courteille, Paris, 1861, vol. iii, p. 233. It relates a conver-
sation which took place in Arabia, and of which this is a fragment: " ' Had
the bees, which produced this honey, deposited it in the body of a large
animal?' asked Yiad. The surveyor answered: ' Hearing that there was
a hive near the sea-coast I sent people to gather the honey. They told
me that they had found at that place a heap of bones, more or less rotten,
in the cavity of which bees had deposited the honey that they brought
with them.' "
Baron Osten Sacken, whose address is Heidelberg, Germany, would
be happy to send a copy of his original paper to any one interested in
the subject.
TRAILED BY A TIGER. (Perils of a scientist now visiting in Pittsburgh).
Mr. William Doherty has been recently spending a few days with Dr.
Holland at his residence on Fifth Avenue. He is one of the most daring
and successful travelers and explorers, who has risen from the ranks of
the American people, though he is known to comparatively a limited
circle of friends, who have been his reliance in his adventurous under-
takings. He is a Cincinnatian by birth, and is descended from the Scotch-
Irish settlers of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, whose bold stand
in favor of independence in pre-revolutionary days is historic. He was
graduated at the University of Cincinnati, and went in 1878 to Paris in
charge of a portion of the exhibit sent to the Paris exposition by the
United States Department of Agriculture. After remaining in Paris six
months in the discharge of his duties there, he resolved to spend some
time in travel, and visited the countries of Kurope lying along the Medi-
terranean. He spent a year in Greece, then a year in Egypt. After tra-
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. -49
versing Palestine twice, lie purchased a fine Arab horse at Bethlehem in
judea, and mounting the animal headed for the East.
His horseback ride took him across Syria and Persia. He spent a year
at Teheran, the capital of Persia; rode into Turkestan, returned to the
region of Muscat, and thence made his way into India. Making Calcutta
his headquarters, he commenced an extended series of collecting tours,
devoting his attention mainly to the insect fauna of the regions he visited.
He thoroughjy explored the foot hills and higher slopes of the Himalayas,
collecting in Kumaon, Sikkim, Bhotanandin Burmah and the Malay pen-
insula. His explorations in these regions were diversified by expeditions
to Java, Celebes and Borneo.
Returning to Calcutta, he finally set out for a more thorough explora-
tion of the islands of the great archipelago. He visited Bali, Sumbawa,
Sumba, Ademara, Solor, Timor, Letti, Timor-Laut, Burn, Ambonia, Bat-
chian, Ternate and adjacent islands; thence made his way to Humboldt
Bay, on the north shore of New Guinea, exploring along the whole north
shore in New Guinea, in the German and Dutch possessions, visiting Jo-
bie and Schouten Islands, being the first naturalist to systematically ex-
plore these localities.
Humboldt Bay was visited by the Challenger expedition, but the atti-
tude of the natives was so threatening that no landing was made. Mr.
Doherty induced the captain of a vessel to put him into the inner bay,
which is a beautiful land-locked sheet of water flanked by mountains,
one of them rising to the elevation of 9000 feet above the tide. The bay
is studded with little islands, upon one of which Mr. Doherty disembarked,
accompanied by his four trusted Lepchas, or native butterfly hunters,
whom he had brought with him from the mountains of India, and who
had been the companions of his journeyings for many years. The natives
of Humboldt Bay are exceedingly hostile and the lives of the party were
in hourly danger. Mr. Doherty succeeded by a clever manoeuvre in in-
spiring them with a wholesome awe of his person.
It happened that among the swarms of natives that came crowding about
the adventurers armed with bows and spears there was a man who had
been carried to sea in his boat and had been picked up by the crew of a
Malay prau 500 miles away from land. During his stay among the .Ma-
lays this man had acquired a little knowledge of their tongue, and through
him Mr. Doherty was enabled to communicate with the savages about
him.
He took occasion to warn them that any act of hostility would lead to
terrible consequences, as IK- was a mighty wizard, and verified the asser-
tion by exploding a dymanite cartridge which he had adroitly slipped into
a crevice of a great boulder seven feet in height, which lay by the shore
and which was torn to pieces by the explosion. The effect of this dis-
play of terriiic and apparently supernatural power was wholesome. Mr.
Doherty made it a point, after he had assured himself that he had ere, tied
a monstrous impression, not to take with him firearms, lest the natives
50 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
should think he was in fear of them, but boldly sallied forth with his but-
terfly nets and explored the shores of the bay and penetrated some dis-
tance into the interior, discovering a large fresh-water lake, the existence
of which was not known before to geographers, and making wonderful
collections of new species, which have since been transmitted to Hon.
Walter De Rothschild and Mons. Oberthur, of France.
The natives followed him everywhere and went fully aimed, but keep-
ing a respectful distance, not knowing at what minute his terrible rock-
rending power might be invoked for their destruction. Finally, however,
they became bolder and more threatening in their demeanor, and realiz-
ing that his life was in danger he made his way in his boats westward,
exploring from point to point as he touched. His life was in his hands,
so to speak, during this whole perilous journey, but with amazing tact
and coolness he succeeded in carrying out his purposes and in coming off
unscathed, save by fever and the effects of the constant nervous strain to
which he was subjected.
The following incident is a good illustration of his nerve: One of the
best ways of collecting moths is by placing baits for them in proper places,
and then visiting the spots after dark with a lantern and capturing them
where they have congreated. While in Java Mr. Doherty was following
this method, but discovered, to his surprise, during his rounds in the for-
est, he had been followed for several nights by a Bengal tiger, which had
tracked him from tree to tree as he went his walks. The tiger evidently
had been deterred from making an onslaught by the lantern which Mr.
Doherty carried. Mr. Doherty made up his mind that if the lantern pro-
tected him, he would not be deterred by the tiger, and went on with his
work night after night, and just as regularly as he went his rounds the
tiger followed him. Finally the brute became bolder and showed him-
self, and Mr. Doherty determined that it was time to put an end to this
form of coquetry and laid a bait a dead animal in his path, and con-
cealed himself with a rifle in a hollow tree. All night long he sat there
waiting for " Old Stripes " to show himself, but singularly enough the
tiger had reached the same conclusion as Mr. Doherty, and that night he
failed to appear, and thereafter was conspicuous by his absence. He had
apparently gotten tired of the business, as Mr. Doherty had. Not all of
Mr. Doherty's tiger stories have such an ending, and he has been "in at
the death " of not a few of these lords of the jungle. Strange to relate,
Mr. Doherty declares that he is less afraid of tigers than of tame elephants.
Tame elephants in India, he says, kill on an average one man a year,
and as some of them live to be over one hundred years of age they are
veritable man destroyers. This is true principally of bull elephants. Cow
elephants are more tractable and gentle.
Mr. I "oherty possesses a wonderful faculty of acquiring languagrs, and
this power has served him in his journeys. He possesses a colloquial
knowledge of twenty-seven of the languages and dialects of Asia and the
Kust, and is wonderfully accomplished in the languages of modern Eu-
1 894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 51
rope. His visit to this country is simply for the purpose of rest and re-
cuperation. He proposes in the later Winter or early Spring to return
again to explore the islands lying north and east of New Guinea, to again
visit New Guinea, and then to explore Hainan, Formosa and the interior
of China. After that, if spared, he, may attack East Africa and Madagas-
car, or possibly will devote himself to a thorough exploration of the east-
ern foot hills and slopes of the Andes in South America. These are the
projects which he is discussing with his friends. He has spent the Sum-
mer with his relatives at a watering place in Maine, and four weeks with
his brother-in-law, Prof. J. S. Hart, of Cornell University. He came from
Ithaca to spend a few days with Dr. Holland, who possesses, in his great
collection, large portions of the insects collected by Mr. Doherty in the
East. Mr. Doherty's collections are found mainly in those great assem-
blages of insect marvels, which have been made by Baron Rothschild and
Messrs. Elwes and Druce in England, by Oberthur, in France, and by
Dr. Holland, of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Gazette.
Identification of Insects i Images ) for Subscribers.
Specimens will be named under the following conditions : ist. The number of species
to be limited to twenty-five for each sending; 2d, The sender to pay all expenses of trans-
portation and the insects to become the property of the American Entomological Society ;
3d, Each specimen must have a number attached so that the identification may be an-
nounced accordingly. Exotic species named only by special arrangement with the Editor,
who should be consulted before specimens are sent. Send a 2 cent stamp with all insects
for return of names. Before sending insects for identification, read page 41, Vol. III.
Address all packages to ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan
Square, Philadelphia, Pa.
Eritorrio logical Literature.
THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. London, De-
cember, 1X93. A contribution to the morphology of the limbs and mouth-
parts of crustaceans and insects, Dr. H. f. Hansen [trans, from Zoolog-
ischer An/eigerJ. On the cerebral nuclei of Myriapods, J. Chatin [transl.
from Comptes Rendus].
TRANS. u M n>xs OF THK KANSAS ACADKMV OF SCIENCE (1891-92), xiii.
Topeka, 1893. Notes on the elementary comparative external anatomy
of insects, Y. L. Kellogg. Insects Notes, id, tigs. On the the horse Hit s
of New Mexico and Arizona, (". II. T. Townst-nd. On a peculiar Acal-
yptrate Muscid found near Turkey Tanks, An/., id.
NOVA ACTA DKR KAIS. LEOPOLDINO-CAROLIN^E DEUTSCHEN A.KAD-
KMIK DKR N.vivkFi iRsriiKK, Iviii, 4. Halle, 1X92. Systema Geometra-
rum /oiue temperatioris septentrionalis: Systematic revision of the span-
worms of the north temperate /one, C. F. von Gumppenberg. I'art Y.
52 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
COMPTES RENDUS. L'ACADEMIE DES SCIENCES. Paris, Nov. 27, 1893.
On the male genital apparatus of Hymenoptera, M. Bordas. Researches
on the anatomy and development of the female genital armor of Orthop-
tera, M. Peytoureau.
THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. Philadelphia, December, 1893. Ly-
csenid larva on Atriplex, C. H. T. Tovvnsend.
NATURWISSENSCHAFTLICHE RUNDSCHAU, BRAUNSCHWEIG, Dec. 9,
1893. Summary of W. M. Wheeler's "A contribution to insect embry-
ology," R. von Hanstein.
KNOWLEDGE. London, Dec. i, 1893. Curious cocoons, ii, E. A.
Butler, figs. Jan. i, 1894. Bark-boring beetles, E. A. Butler, figs.
THE GEOLOGICAL MAGAZINE. London, December, 1893. Notes on
the eocene tertiary insects of the Isle of Wight, Rev. P. B. Brodie.
MlTTHEILUNGEN AUS DEM NATURHISTORISCHEN MUSEUM IN HAMBURG,
x, 2, 1893. [On the insects collected by Dr. F. Stuhlmann in East Africa:]
Hymenoptera, F. F. Kohl; Formicidae, Dr. G. Mayr; Diptera, V. von
Roeder; Lepidoptera, Dr. A. Pagenstecher.
NATURE. London, Dec. 7, 1893. -On the classification of the Tracheate
Arthropoda, a correction, R. I. Pocock.
BULLETIN OF THE MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY AT HARVARD
COLLEGE, xxv, 2. Cambridge, Mass., December, 1893. Compte-Rendu
sur les Pantopodes, W. M. Schimkewitsch, 2 pis.
PAPERS ON IOWA INSECTS, consisting of Fruit and Forest tree insects
(reprinted from Trans. State Hort. Soc. 1892, pp. 96-127) and Some Iowa
Farm insects (reprinted from Rep. State Agric. Soc. 1892, pp. 665-699).
By Herbert Osborn, Professor of Zoology and Entomology, Iowa Agric.
College. Des Moines, 1893. The many figures in the text add greatly
to the value of this pamphlet which is intended for fruit-growers, farmers
and stock-raisers.
INSECT LIFE, vi, 2. Washington, December, 1893. Fifth annual meet-
ing of the Association of Economic Entomologists [at Madison, Wis.,
Aug. 14, 15, 16, 1893]. Presidential address, S. A. Forbes. Methods of
treating insects affecting grasses and plants, H. Osborn. Notes on methods
of studying life-histories of injurious insects, L. O. Howard. Another
mosquito experiment, id. Phytotnyza affinis Fall, as a cause of decay in
Clematis, J. Ritsema Bos. Farm practice and fertilizers as insecticides,
J. B. Smith. The preservation of larvae for study, H. Garman. The dis-
tribution of Coccida?, T. D. A. Cockerel!. Note and record-keeping for
the economic entomologist, A. D. Hopkins. Illustrations for the eco-
nomic entomologist, H. Garman. The arsenites and arsenical mixtures
as insecticides, C. P. Gillette. Destructive Scolytids and their imported
enemy, A. D. Hopkins. Parasitic and predaceous insects in applied en-
tomology, C. V. Riley. The economic value of parasites and predaceous
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 53
insects, J. B. Smith. Insect foes of American cereal grains, with meas-
ures for their prevention or destruction, F. M. Webster, figs. Fumiga-
tion with bisulphide of carbon for the complete and rapid destruction of
insects which attack herbaria, furs and woolens, H. du Buysson. Methods
of attacking parasites of domestic animals, H. Osborn. Remedies for
insects injurious to cotton, H. E. Weed. The cheese or meat skipper,
M. E. Murtfelclt. Hydrocyanic acid as an insecticide, D. W. Coquillett.
On arsenical spraying of fruit trees while in blossom, J. A. Lintner. Some
insects of the year, F. M. Webster. Insects of the year in New Jersey,
J. B. Smith. Some of the more important insects of the season, H. Os-
born. Icerya purchasi and Vedalia cardinalis in New Zealand, R. A.
Wright. Notes on some insect pests of Trinidad, F. W. Urich. Notes
on slip-records, T. D. A. Cockerell. Dipterous parasites in their relation
to economic entomology, C. H. T. Townsend.
THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. London, Ont, December, 1893.
Notes on the occurrence of Hepialus thule Strecker at Montreal, H. H.
Lyman. On some undetermined Bombyces, H. G. Dyar. The Mesilla
Valley cotton wood leaf-miner determined, C. H. T. Townsend. Descrip-
tions of some species of Coleoptera occurring near Allegheny, heretofore
undescribed, J. Hamilton, M.D. Notes and queries, W. J. Holland.
Exochilium miindum Say attacking the fall web-worm, A. H. Kirkland.
North American Thysanura-iv, A. D. Macgillivray. On the Eudriinae,
A. R. Grote. List of Coleoptera taken at Sparrow Lake, Ont., J. Ham-
ilton, M.D. Notes on Hepialus, H. G. Dyar.
THE ZOOLOGICAL RECORD, volume the twenty-ninth. Being records
of zoological literature relating chiefly to the year 1892. Edited by D.
Sharp, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S., etc. London: Gurney & Jackson, 1893.
Arachnida (39 pp.), Myriapoda and Prototracheata (7 pp.), R. I. Pocock.
Insecta (332 pp.), D. Sharp.
ZOOLOGISCHER JAHRESBERICHT FUR 1892. Herausgegcben von der
Zoologischen Station zu Neapel. Redigirt von Prof. Paul Mayer. Berlin,
R. Friedlander & Sohn, 1893. Arthropoda (Tracheata 40 pp.), Dr. W.
Giesbrecht and Prof. P. Mayer.
LEPIDOI>TERA INDICA by F. Moore. London, L. Reeve & Co. Part
xvi, 1893, contains pp. 89-112, vol. ii, pis. 115-122. Satyrinae.
DIE SPINNEN AMERIKAS Epeiridte von Graf E. Keyserling nach
dessen Tode herausgegeben von Dr. George Marx, iv Bd, 2 half. Niirn-
berg, 1893. Yerlag von Bauer & Raspe (Emil Raster). Pp. 209-377.
Tab. x-xix.
BIIILIOTHECA ZOOLOGICA, Heft viii. Stuttgart, 1893. Researches on
mimicry as a basis for a natural sysU-m of the Papilionidre, 2nd part: Re-
searches on mimicry, Dr. E. Haase, 8 pis.
54 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
REVUE BIOLOGIQUE DU NORD DE LA FRANCE, vi, 2. Lille, November,
1892. Apropos of some recent publications on the false parasitism of the
Chernetidae on different Arthropods, R. Moniez.
COMPTE REXDU. SOCIETE DE BIOLOGIE. Paris, Dec. 9, 1893. On the
reproduction of the Sarcoptidae, Dr. E. Trouessart.
COMPTE RENDU. SOCIETE PHILOMATHIQUE DE PARIS, Dec. 9, 1893.
Male genital apparatus of the Hymenoptera of the tribe of the Bombin<~e,
M. Bordas.
BIOLOGIA CEXTRALI-AMERICANA. Part cxi. London, September,
1893. Arachnida-Araneidea, pp. 105-120, O. P. Cambridge. Lepidop-
tera-Rhopalocera, vol. ii, pi. Ixxvi, F. D. Godman & O. Salvin, Lepid-
optera-Heterocera, H. Druce, pis. Ivi, Ivii. Orthoptera, pp. 9-40, pis. ii,
iii, A. de Bormans, H. de Saussure and L. Zehnter. Hymenoptera, vol.
ii, pp. 193-216, pi. xi, P. Cameron Part cxii, October, 1893. Hymenop-
tera, vol. ii, pp. 217-256, P. Cameron. Lepidoptera-Heterocera, pi. Iviii,
H. Druce. Lepidoptera-Rhopalocera, vol. ii, pp. 297-312, F. D. Godman
and O. Salvin. Orthoptera, pp. 41-64, pi. iv, H. de Saussure and L.
Zehnter. -Part cxiii, November, 1893. Coleoptera, vol. vi, pt. 2, pp.
125-164, G. C. Champion. Lepidoptera-Rhopalocera, vol. ii, pp. 313-328,
F. D. Godman and O. Salvin. Orthoptera, pp. 65-104, pi. v, H. de Saus-
sure and L. Zehnter.
PSYCHE. Cambridge, Mass., January, 1894. Biological notes on
American Gryllidae, S. H. Scudder. Bibliographical notes-v, S. Hen-
sha\v. New and undescribed genera of West African Noctuidse, \V. J.
Holland. The Nemastomatidae and Trogulidae of the United States i, N.
Banks. Wing-length in some New England Acrididse i, A. P. Morse.
THE EXTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD. London. Dec. 15, 1893. Pupal de-
velopment and color of imago, J. W. Tutt. The history of butterfly clas-
sification, F. J. Buckell.
ARCHIVES DE ZOOLOGIE EXPERIMENTALE ET GENERALE (3) I, 2. Paris,
1893. -On the nidifications of Sphe.v splendidulus and Chalicodomaperezi,
H. de Lacaze-Duthiers.
BIOLOGISCHES CENTRALRLATT. Erlangen, Dec. 15, 1893. Composi-
tion and origin of termite societies, C. Emery.
MICHIGAX AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMEXT STATION. Bulletin 102. In-
sects injurious to celery, G. C. Davis, figs. Agricultural College, Michi-
gan, 1893, 32 pp.
ACTES DE LA SOCIETE SciEXTiFiQUE DU CHILI, III, i and 2. Santiago,
October, 1893. Therapeutic employment of Latrodcctns mac fans in
Mexico, A. L. Herrera. On the wandering cricket of Chili, C. Berg and
F. Letaste. The Coccidae of Chili, T. D. A. Cockerell. New notes on
the Coleoptera of Chili, P. Germain.
1 894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
REVUE SCIENTIFIQUE DU BOURBOXNAIS, vii, 73. Moulins, January,
1894. Geographical catalogue of the Anthicidse of France, Corsica, Al-
geria and Tunis, M. Pic.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S MONTHLY MAGA/.INE. London, January, 1894.
Xotes on the earlier stages of the Nepticulse (cont.), J. H. Wood. An
attempt to account for moth-grease with notes on its cure by ether, H. G.
Knaggs, M.D. A synopsis of British Psychodidae (cont.), Rev. A. E.
Eaton.
THE BRITISH NATURALIST. London, December, 1893. Entomological
nomenclature. F. J. Buckell. The Pterophorina of Britain (cont.), J. \V.
Tutt. The regrettable announcement is made that this is the last number
of this pleasant journal.
ENTOMOLOGISCHE NACHRICHTEN. Berlin, December, 1893. Com-
parative researches on the abdominal segments of female Hemiptera-
Heteroptera and -Homoptera, C. Yerhoeff, Ph.D.
DIE EXOTISCHEN IvAFER IN \YoRT UND BiLD. Bearbeitet von Alex-
ander Heyne. Yerlag von Ernest Heyne in Leipzig, Hospitalstrasse 2,
1893. i Lieferung. Pp. vii, 6, two colored plates of 58 figures of Cicin-
delidae and seven of Dynastidte respectively. To be published in twenty
Lieferungen at 4 marks a piece, appearing every six weeks, each contain-
ing two colored plates and descriptive text.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST. London, January, 1894. On the vertical distri-
bution of the British Lepidoptera, W. H. Bath. Extraction of moth
grease by ether, H. G. Knaggs, M.D. A catalogue of the Lepidoptera
of Ireland (cont.), \V. F. deV. Kane. Hypcna damnosalis \Ylk., J. B.
Smith.
LA GRAPHITOSE ET LA SEPTICEMIE chez les Insectes. Deux maladies
des larves des Lamellicornes cause"es par les Bacte'ries, par I. Krasilshtshik.
Extract: Mem. Soc. Zool. France, vi, p. 235, et seq., 1893; figs., 41 pp.
MISSISSIPPI AC.KICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE Exi'EKIMENT
STATION. Bulletin No. 27. Insecticides and their application, H. E.
\\\-ed. Agric. Coll. Miss., November, 1893, 24 pp., figs.
MEMOIRES SUR LES LEPIDOPTERES rediges par N. M. Romanoff. Tome
vii. Monographic des Pliycitinse et des Galleriirtae par E. L. Ragonot.
Saint Petersbourg, 1893, 658 pp., 23 plates, of which 20 are colored. This
important volume is the seventh of the series edited by the Grand Duke
Nicholas, of Russia. It deals with the Phycitiiue and Galleriina* of the
entire world. The author, M. Ragonot, is a well-known authority on
these groups, and is to be congratulated on the c< mplriioii ot his work.
The plates contain in all 569 figures.
56 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
NEW SPECIES OF NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS DESCRIBED
IN THE PRECEDING LITERATURE.
COLEOPTERA.
Bembidiiim postfasciatuin Hamilton, Can. Ent. xxv, p. 305, Pa. Pla-
tynns parmarginatus, p. 305, Pa. Stenolophus humidus, Soronia sub-
striata, p. 306, Pa. Corymbites elongahcollis, p. 307, Pa., Ont. Hemip-
tychus castanen-s, p. 307, Pa. Isomira riijicollis, Acalles curtiis, p. 308,
Pa. Pachybaris strigapunctus, p. 309, Pa. Balaninus confusor, p. 309,
Mass., Pa., O., W. Va., N. C.
Cassididae: n. gen. et spp. Mex., Cent. Am., Champion, Biol. Cent.-Am.
Coleop. vi, pp. 125-164.
DIPTERA.
Bibio tristis Williston and Kellogg, Trans. Kans. Acad. Sci. xiii, p. 113,
fig., Kansas.
Diachlorus guttatulus Tovvnsend, Trans. Kans. Acad. Sci. xiii, p. 134,
N. Mex. Micropeza turcana, p. 136, Ariz.
HYMENOPTERA.
Blennocampa populifolieUa Riley MS., Townsend, Can. Ent. xxv, p. 304,
N. Mex.
Pompilidae: n. spp. Mex., Cent. Am., Cameron, Biol. Cent.-Am. Hy-
men, ii, pp. 193-222. Scoliidae, id. 1. c. pp. 222-256.
LEPIDOPTERA.
Thelethia n. gen. name for Thia (preocc.) Dyar, Can. Ent. xxv, p. 301.
Hepialus argenteomaculatus Harr., var. perdita, p. 327.
Hesperidae: n. spp. Mex., Cent. Am., Godman and Salvin, Biol. Cent.-
Am. Lepid.-Rhopal. ii, pp. 297-328.
ORTHOPTERA.
Forficulidae: n. spp. Mex., Cent. Am., de Bormans, Biol. Cent.-Am.
Orthop. pp. 9-12.
Blattidas: n. spp. Mex., Cent. Am., U. S., de Saussure and Zehnter,
1. c. pp. i3-ro4.
THYSANURA.
Earn. Aphoruridae (nom. nov.) Macgillivray, Can. Ent. xxv, p. 313.
New gen. and spp. Aphoruridae and Poduridae, pp. 313-318.
ARANEINA.
Epeindas: n. spp., Marx, Die Spinnen Amerikas, iv, pp. 209-377. N.
spp. Mex., Cambridge, Biol. Cent.-Am., Arach.-Aran. pp. 105-120.
PHALANGIDA.
Trogulidae: Orf/io/asina n. gen. Banks, Psyche vii, p. ir. (>. r/t
p. 12, S. Cal. Dendrolasma, p. 12. D, niirabi/is, p. 12, Wash.
ENT. NEWS, Vol. V.
PI. II.
See page 57
WEST AFRICAN DYSGONIID/E Holland (Reduced one-fifth).
1 894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 57
The Entomological Section
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS.
The following papers were read and accepted by the Committee for
publication in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS :
NEW WEST AFRICAN DYSGONIIDAE.
By W. J. HOLLAND, Ph. D., Pittsburg, Pa.
(The following descriptions are all of species found in the valley of the Ogove River.
The types are in my collection).
DYSGONIIDAE Moore.
(Ophiusidee Guen).
SPHINGOMORPHA Guen.
1. S. pudeus, sp. nov. rf . Palpi, front, and a stripe on the middle of
the collar pale fawn ; patagia, upperside of the thorax and the abdomen
pale chestnut; the lowerside of the thorax and the abdomen are cinereous.
The primaries are pale reddish fawn: beyond the base the wing is crossed
by a broad band of chestnut, narrowing irregularly from the inner margin
to the middle of the cell, and then widening to the costa ; this band is
margined externally and internally by fine paler lines, of which the outer
line is most conspicuous, becoming broadly silvery white on the inner
margin; there is a short waved, dark browned transverse line on the costa
beyond the cell, and a narrow, straight, submarginal brown line running
from the apex to the inner margin. The apex and outer angle are clouded
with brown, and there are a few small white subapical spots on the costa.
The secondaries are fuscous, darker toward the outer margin, with the
costa stramineous, shining; the outer margin is bordered with pale ochra-
ceous, and there is an incomplete transverse ochraceous band above the
anal angle. Both wings on the underside are pale rosy fawn, with the
inner margin still paler; both have a minute black spot at the end of the
cell, and beyond the cell the wings are sparingly irrorated with minute
blackish scales, and in some specimens accentuated by a few light spots
arranged in a transverse series just beyond the cell. The primaries at the
apex, and the secondaries at the anal angle have a few obscure blackish
striae.
9 . The female does not differ from the male, except in the shorter
and more robust form of the abdomen. Expanse; .^\ 55 mm.; ? , 60 mm.
LAGOPTERA Guen.
2. L. rubricata sp. nov. J 1 . Palpi, front, corselet, and upperside of
the thorax chestnut; upperside of the abdomen paler brown; lower side
of the thorax and abdomen and anal tuft of hair minium-red. The pri-
58 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
maries are chestnut, with the characteristic lines and markings dark brown.
The secondaries are minium-red with the inner margin broadly blackish,
this blackish tract being evaded beyond the cell by the red of the outer
half of the wing which also sweeps inwardly along the inner margin.
The fringe at the anal angle is gray, as are also the tufted hairs along the
inner margin. On the under side both wings are minium-red. The
primaries have an obscure lunulate discal spot. Expanse 55-60 mm.
There is an unnamed specimen of this insect in the British
Museum.
MINUCIA Moore.
3. M. vereounda sp. nov. (J\ Palpi, head, and upperside of the thorax-
chestnut. The upperside of the abdomen is fuscous; the lowerside of the
thorax and abdomen is paler, sericeous. The upperside of the primaries
is cinereous chestnut, with a broad submarginal band of dark chestnut,
constricted opposite the end of the cell; there is a lunulate dark spot at
the end of the cell and a minute blackish spot in its middle. The secon-
daries are fuscous, paler at the base and the outer angle, and with the
outer third shaded near the middle of the margin with black. On the
underside the primaries are fuscous, crossed by a pale grayish band be-
yond the end of the cell, and with the outer third, except on the margin,
broadly blackish. The secondaries below are fuscous laved with ochra-
ceous at the base and darker on the outer margin. Expanse 55 mm.
OPHIODES Guen.
4. 0. catocalina sp. nov. ^. Front, collar, patagia, and the upperside
of the thorax rufous ochraceous; the upperside of the abdomen is fuscous;
the lowerside of the body is obscure pale ochraceous. The primaries are
rufous ochraceous, with the fringes brown; they are marked by five nar-
row, transverse, brown lines, viz.: a basal, a subbasal, two transverse
limbal, and a submarginal line. The submarginal line is broader than the
rest and less sharply defined; the outermost of the transverse limbal lines
is composed of a series of regularly curved lines located upon the inter-
spaces. This series is sharply deflected toward the base at the first sub-
costal nervule. The innermost of the transverse limbal lines and the
subbasal line approach each other as they draw near the inner margin.
The secondaries are fuscous on the basal third, and bright yellow on the
outer two-thirds, except where crossed by a broad black submarginal
band, which diminishes in size from the outer angle toward the inner
margin. On the underside both wings are paler; both have a lunulate
discal spot at the end of the cell; both are traversed beyond the cell by
incomplete transverse bands parallel to the outer margin. Of these bands
the submarginal band is the heaviest. The primaries are marked above
the outer angle by a large, round, blackish spot.
9. The female does not greatly differ from the male, except in the
greater robustness of the abdomen. Expanse: cf, 65 mm.; 9- 7 nim.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 59
NAXIA Guen.
5. N. apiciplaga sp. nov. rf. Palpi, front, patagia and upperside of the
thorax, dark brown; the upper and lowersides of the abdomen and the
lowerside of the thorax are dark fuscous. The legs are concolorous, the
tarsi are ringed with whitish. The primaries are dark brown, marked
with darker geminate crenulated basal, subbasal, median, limbal, and
submarginal transverse lines. At the base the intervals between the lines
are paler, and toward the costa bright ferruginous. On the costa toward
the apex is a large subtriangular patch of gray margined inwardly with
silvery white and accentuated on the costa by three minute white spots.
The fringes are whitish, except at the outer angle, where they are black-
ish. The secondaries are dark blackish fuscous, with the base clothed
with grayish hairs. The fringes are broadly whitish from the outer angle
to the end of the first median nervule. On the underside both wings are
cloudy fuliginous, crossed with a number of parallel, crenulated, darker
lines; both have the outer margins laved with light gray; both are heavily
clouded with black about the middle near the outer margin. The prima-
ries have the inner margin pale gray. Expanse 55 mm.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE II.
Fig. i. Minncia vcrecnndci sp. nov.
" 2. Lag opt era rubricata sp. nov.
" 3. Naxia apicipla sp. nov.
" 4. Ac/ura lioiardi Bcisd.
" 5. Ophiodes croceipennis Walk.
" 6. cafoca/ina sp. nov.
" 7. Sphuigouiorpha pndens sp. nov.
" 8. Lagoptera parallel epipeda Guen.
-o-
A NEW SCALE-INSECT ON AGAVE.
By T. D. A. COCKERELL.
Aspidiotus bowreyi, n. sp. Female scales crowded on the plant, re-mind-
ing one of Pseudoparlatoria ostrcata. Scale elongate, slightly over 2
mm. long, gray, with the circular blackish exuvi;r towards one end; first
skin covered. When the film of secretion is removed, the exuvia- are
shining black. Female (after boiling in caustic soda) broad pyriform,
pale yellow. Three pairs of terminal lobes, none very prominent ; mid-
dle pair close together but not touching, low, with truncate ends; second
and third pairs broader, the third pair inconspicuous. IScyond the lobes
the margin presents live distinct serrations, and beyond these some indis-
tinct serration. The club-shaped thickenings (such as Comstock de-
scribes in A. snii/acis} are very distinct ; there is a small one at the inner
60 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
margin of each median lobe, and four larger ones on each side beyond,
namely at the outer margin of the middle lobe, at each side of the second
lobe, and besides the third lobe. Two rows of orifices run parallel with
the margin, somewhat as in Maskell's figure of A. corokitz. Four groups
of ventral glands, the cephalolaterals of about seven, the caudolalerals
of about eight. Anal orifice a considerable distance from the hind end.
Hab. On Agave rigida, at Hope, Jamaica. Collected by Mr.
J. J. Bowrey, sent by Prof. C. H. T. Townsend.
This interesting species is noteworthy for the form of the scale
of the female, which is elongate with the exuviae to one end, after
the manner of the male scale of A. biformis and other species.
Females with young were sent, but the male has not yet been
observed. This is not the first Coccid found on Agave, for, in
1888, Mr. Douglas described Coccus {Gymnococcns} agavium,
found on an Agave which came from North America, but still
unknown to collectors in this countrv.
-o-
DESCRIPTIONS OF CERTAIN GEOMETRID LARV/E.
By HARRISON G. DYAR, New York.
Sabulodes dositheata Guen.
Egg. Elliptical, flattened above and below, slightly hollowed above,
smooth, shining pale pearly green. Under a microscope it is very slightly
irregularly creased. Size .9 + .6 + .5 mm. Laid in a cluster of about
40 or less on the underside of a leaf.
Young larva (stage iii?). Head round, pale, with a brownish tinge, es-
pecially around mouth and sides; ocelli black; a few setae; width 0.7 mm.
Body green, tinged with white, pale ventrally. A broad, subdorsal,
blackish shade-band which, as well as the ground color, contains several
indistinct, whitish, longitudinal lines. A row of medio-ventral dark brown
spots.
Mature larva (stage vi?). Head rounded, sordid white, brown on the
mouth parts, ocelli black; width 2.6 mm. Body cylindrical, plump, ab-
dominal feet on joints 10 and 13, the joints between small. A few small,
pale setae from the surface of the body. Color milky-white or pale green,
darker dorsally, with germinate dorsal, single subdorsal, lateral and stig-
matal pale yellow lines, all rather broad with irregular edges. Spiracles
pale ochre. Anal plate white. A white line on anal feet. Thoraic feet
white, with black tips.
Pupa. Smooth, obsoletely wrinkled. On the head, just back of the
eyes, a small warty prominence ; cremaster flattened, tapering, granular;
its hooks well fastened into the silk of the cocoon. Color uniform milky-
white, except the antenna cases, which are bright brown, strongly con-
IS94-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 6l
trasting, the color passing over vertex of head. Length 20 mm.; width
6 mm.
Cocoon. Composed entirely of silk, white, resembling a spider's nest.
Spun between leaves or in a folded leaf on the tree.
Food-plants. Eucalyptus, Ricinus, Rhatmius, Salix, etc.
Larvae from Santa Barbara, Cal. All the species here de-
scribed, except the two following and the last one, were kindly
determined by Dr. Geo. T. Hulst.
Endropia hypochraria H.-S.
First stage. Head red-brown, with a lateral white spot and one above
the mouth; width .4mm. Body six times banded, with whitish bands be-
tween the thoracic and abdominal feet, the bands containing rather large
white spots. A brown ventral line. Lenth 4 mm.
Second stage. Head white; a large carmine-brown patch covers the
vertex and extends down each side before the eyes and above the mouth;
width 6 mm. Body carmine-brown, marked as before.
Third stage. Head as before, the brown patch more extensive; width
.9 mm. Pale bands on the body much interrupted; later the head be-
comes brown mottled with white, black in front with two irregular ver-
tical white lines and white clypeus. Body purple-brown finely streaked
longitudinally with yellowish; venter yellowish; subdorsal yellow spots
on joints 5, 6, 7 and 8 and stigmatal black ones on joints 5-9.
Fourth stage. Head pale brown with dark brown mottlings and a ver-
tical black band each side of the front, dentate inwardly, the two con-
joined at the vertex and above mouth; width about 1.3 mm. Body yel-
lowish wood-brown, mottled with darker brown, with an indistinct dorsal
and ventral band and subdorsal, lateral and two subventral rows of mi-
nute segmentary elevated black spots, each of the latter bearing a small,
inconspicuous black hair; spiracles black. Length 29 mm.
Fifth stage. Head as before; width 1.8 mm. Body also the same.
Ventral pale band bordered sharply with dark brown subdorsal and sub-
stigmatal interrupted bands, paler than the ground color.
Si.rth stage. Head pale brown, mottled with darker brown; white in
front with black specks and mottlings, separating two broad black bands
which unite at the vertex. Width 2.7 mm. Body rust-red, with fine lon-
gitudinal wavy black lines in germinate dorsal, three or four irregular
lateral and four ventral bands; between the two pairs, or the latter, a broad
pale medio-ventral band. Feet and joint, 2 paler. The Vniuute pilifer-
ous tubercles are black. The spiracles have a black border.
Pupa. Formed in a folded leaf and held in place by numerous threads.
It is black, shining, red-brown in all the sutures and joinings of tin-
parts. The abdominal segments taper rapidly; the cremaster is large
and stout and terminates in two much-recurved '-pines with several shorter
knobbed hairs growing from their bases. Length 15 mm.
62 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
Food-plants. Found on Sassafras (S. offidnale), but readily ate other
leaves.
From Dutchess County, N. Y.
Angeronia crocataria Fabr.
I think it worthy of record that this species hibernates in the
larva state when well grown. From eggs laid in August larvae
were produced which reached the fifth stage and hibernated.
The larva in the first four stages, and also at maturity, is green;
but in the fifth, or hibernating stage, there is a marked change
of color. After the fourth molt it is pale, dull brown above, a
little darker at the sides, paler below, evenly concolorous and
ceases feeding.
Probole amicaria H .-S.
Head whitish green with a vertical, pulverulent, crimson line before the
ocelli; mouth brownish, ocelli black; width 1.4 mm. Body the same
whitish green: a dorsal crimson band, broadly interrupted on the middle
of each segment and furcate on joint 2, the forks meeting the lines on
the head. Feet slightly touched with crimson.
Last stage. As before; the stripes on the head very pulverulent; width
2.2 mm. Later the markings become deep carmine-brown, fainter than
before and blended, with obscure, similarly-colored mottlings over the
body. A transverse stripe across the dorsum on joint 3, another on
joint S, a little elevated and preceded by two dots, around which partly
extends a shade from the band. Spiracles ringed with black.
Food-plant. Found on dogwood (cornus).
Larva from Rhinebeck, N. Y.
Synchlora excurvaria Pack.
Head pale brown, minutely pilose. Body with the segments projecting
laterally in points, the dorsum roughened. On these lateral processes
the larva attaches various objects, which gives it a strange appearance.
Body light brown with black shades and an interrupted dorsal line. Two
reddish points anteriorly on joints 3-9 and 13; other elevated reddish
spots laterally and fine hairs; the skin granular. On joints 5-9 are curi-
ous structures composed of pieces of dead leaves, etc. After moulting
the larva applied several pieces of green leaf to itself, which subsequently
withered, and also some pieces of paper from its label. Length about
12 mm.; width of head i mm.
Cocoon. Composed of the material which the larva carried on its
back, spun together with silk.
Pupa. Pale wood-brown; a blackish dorsal line; a point above i-ach
eye, a line on antenna cases and the eyrs blackish. Indistinct brownish
shades and spots throughout. Length 8 mm.
Larva from Lake Worth, Fla.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 63
Semiothisa granitata Guen.
Head with rounded lobes, flat in front; white before, reddish at sides,
with some brownish spots and a black patch below the apex of each lobe;
ocelli black, mouth sordid whitish; width 1.2 mm. Abdominal feet pres-
ent on joints 10 and 13, normal. On each segment a series of low, smooth,
black tubercles, each bearing a rather long, black hair; a dorsal and lat-
eral row of white, intersegmental patches 4ind an interrupted orange,
subclorsal band; the rest of the body finely mottled with black and white
on a sordid purplish ground color; a black dorsal patch in the centre of
each segment. Thoracic feet black.
Pupa. Wing cases prominent, rounded; abdomen cylindrical, slightly
tapering; cremaster conical, with two divergent spines; cases creased,
abdomen minutely punctured. Color blackish brown. Length iomm.;
width 3 mm.
Food-plants. Ribes
Larva from Yosmite, Cal.
Phasiaie irrorata Pack.
Head rounded, green with a yellowish line behind the eyes; antennae
pale. Body cylindrical, abdominal feet on joints ioandi3. Color green,
finely streaked longitudinally with yellowish on dorsum and venter; a
stigmatal yellow band on the fold, continuous with the band on the head
and passing on to the last pair of abdominal feet. A few short, black
seta?, visible with a lens.
Pupa. Abdomen tapering, punctured; wing cases slightly creased;
cremaster long, tapering, ending in two divergent points. Color brown.
Food- plant. Cotton wood (Populiis} .
Larva from Phoenix, Ariz.
Selidosema jutumaria Guen.
Head scarcely shining, greenish, testaceous, ocelli brown, mouth brown-
ish; width i. 8 mm. Abdominal feet on joints 10 and 13. Color green,
the folds of the segmental incisures yellowish. A dorsal band of four
narrow, pale yellow lines and a broader stigmatal line, all slightly wavy.
Spiracles faintly reddish. The larva rests flat on the leaf like a Noctuid.
Pupa. Cylindrical, rounded; the abdomen small, tapering; cases
finely creased, body punctured ; cremaster cylindrical, tapering, with
two outcurving thick spines from its end. Length 15 mm.; width 5 mm.
Food -plant. /\ ha in mis.
Larva from Yosemite, Cal.
Eucaterva variaria < n >te.
/''.?.? (from abdomen of V moth).- Llliptical, flattened on two opposite
sides and truncate at one end, densely covered with hexagonal depres-
sions; color very pale green. Length .Smm., thickness .5111111. I'luk-rthe
microscope the hexagonal areas are seen to be formed by broad, elevated,
64 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February,
reticulated lines, more or less granular and often broken. These eleva-
tions are nearly white. The truncate end of the egg has an outer elevated
ridge and an inner one, between which is a ring-like depression. The
central elevation is hollowed to form the micropyle, and the reticulations
radiate around it.
Larva (from cast skin). Head round, the clypeus triangular, smooth,
with a few short hairs; white, with numerous black dots, here and there
partly confluent (like the wings of the moth), less thick on the lower part
of the head. Clypeus white, with two confluent black dots near its apex;
ocelli six, black; labrum and jaws brown; width about 2.2 mm. Anal
plate large, oblong, white, dotted with black, like the head, but the spots
more confluent. The body may have been white with black marks.
Spiracles black.
Pupa (from empty skin) . Skin thin, so that it is misshapen after the exit
of the moth; apparently cylindrical, a littlle tapering on the abdomen with
rounded ends cremaster ; short, broad, with six spines, recurved at their
ends, the two posterior ones arising from slightly elevated conical bases.
Color apparently very pale brown, or perhaps nearly white, with a slight
bluish bloom over the surface. Length 16 mm ; width 4 mm.
Cocoon. Spun among th narrow leaves of its food-plant; composed
entirely of silk; a. dense network, the strands thick, so that the cocoon
looks as if full of round holes. Inside of this is another slight netting,
obscuring the pupa from view. Shape oblong, rounded; color white, ir-
regularly stained with yellowish. Length 23 mm.; width 10 mm.
The food-plant is Chilopsis saligna (Townsend).
From Las Cruces, N. M., sent by Mr. C. H. Tyler Townsend
(see " Psyche," vol. vi, page 258).
WHILE traveling in Poland, Prof. Jaeger visited the highly accomplished
Countess Ragowska, at her country residence, when she exhibited her
fine, scientifically-arranged collection of butterflies and other insects, and
told him that she had personally instructed her children in botany, history
and geography by means of her entomological collection botany, from
the plants on which the various larvae feed; history, from the names, as
Menclans, Berenice, etc., given as specific names to the perfect insects;
and geography, from the native countries of the several specimens. From
the scientific names of insects, and the technical terms employed in their
study, quite a knowledge of Latin and Greek, and philosophy in general,
might also he gained. Cuzvati's Curious Facts.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS for January, 1^91, \vas mailed Dec. 28, 1893.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS
AND
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
VOL. v.
MARCH, 1894.
No. 3.
CONTENTS:
Hulst Elementary Entomology 65
Editorial 72
Economic Entomology 73
Notes and News 77
Entomological Literature Si
Entomological Section 85
Fox Studies among the Fossorial Hy-
menoptera 86
Holland Some new and little-known
African Hesperiidae 89
Mengel Description of new species of
Myscejia from western Mexico 96
ELEMENTARY ENTOMOLOGY.
LEPIDOPTERA-HETEROCERA (Moths).
By GEO. D. HULST, Ph.D.
The Geometrina comprise about 600 described species, and
there remain probably from 200 to 300 species to be described.
They are, as a rule, slender-bodied moths, with large, frail
wings, and a weak flight. The labial palpi are usually rather
short, not more than half the length of the head, projecting for-
ward, with the end member usually very short; sometimes as long-
as the head, very rarely recurved. In two instances only in the
males they extend far forward, with second member very long,
the palpi being decidedly Deltoid in appearance.
The maxillary palpi are wanting. I have, by careful bleaching
under a strong power, found rudiments, but these are scarcely to
be noticed here.
The antennae are very variable. In the females they are more
simple in character than in the males, being generally ciliate and
rarely bipectinate. In the males they vary. from the simplest
form through serrate and dentate to very broadly plumose bi-
pectinate. With us no form has been found with unipectinate
antenme as in other parts of the world, and one only with an-
tennae doubly bipectinate.
3
66 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
The tongue is generally well developed, long though slender.
In a few cases it is wanting.
The ocelli are generally wanting, and are never prominent.
The eyes are very uniform in character, being generally large,
globose, prominent and naked.
The clypeus is variable in appearance, generally broad and
subquadrate. It is sometimes broader than long, and rarely very
narrow, with the eyes almost joined. It varies generally from
being flat to being well rounded, and is rarely tubercled. The
vestiture is generally scaly and close, but very often the front is
tufted, and rarely with hairs.
The head, a? a whole, is generally large, prominent and free,
though in the Bombycoid forms there is a strong tendency to
retraction and smallness, as well as to a loss of the tongue, and
an increase in hairness and quantity of vestiture.
The thorax is generally slender and weak. The vestiture is
generally loose. There is rarely a dorsal crest, more often low
posterior tufts. The patagiae are well developed, loose, fluffy.
The wings are generally very large for the size of the body,
though frail. They are always present in the males, but in a few
cases are aborted or entirely wanting in the females. Ordinarily,
where present the wings have sharper apices and angles in the
females than in the males. The wings vary in shape from very
broad almost to lanceolate ; apices and angles are broadly
rounded, or extended and acute; margins even, angulated, in-
cised or eroded. They are generally covered with short scales
closely laid, as a rule; but these are often in part, sometimes al-
together, transformed into close-lying hairs. In a few cases the
wings of the males are ornamented with tuftings or pencils of
hairs.
The venation is extremely variable ; far more so, probably,
than any other family of the Lepidoptera: both as the species
are compared, and in the individuals of the species. The fore
wings are generally 12-veined, though in individual specimens 13
are found, the last being along the costa nearer the base than 12.
Vein ii is very often wanting, so that many species have n veins
only, though this cannot be depended upon to any great extent
for classification, as in any specimen of the species vein 1 1 is
likely to appear. There are one or two internal veins. Vein 5
is generally from near the middle of the outer edge of the cell.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 67
Veins 7, 8 and 9 nearly always on one stem. In very many
species, more generally in the n-veined ones, there is a vitreous
spot or fovea, as Mr. Meyrick calls it, at the base of la in the
fore wings beneath. In a few cases a pencil of hairs near the same
spot. In one of our species there are 8 veins only in the fore
wings, and in very many the relations of 10, n and 12 are ex-
tremely variable, these separating or anastomosing in the indi-
vidual species without regard to uniformity. In some cases there
is no accessory cell, in many there is one, in many two. In some
cases there is a subcostal cell, but 12 is generally free.
The hind wings have normally 8 veins. There are one or two
internal veins, and the position of all veins presents great varia-
tion. Veins 3 and 4 generally separate, are sometimes stemmed.
Vein 5, generally near the centre of the outer margin of the cell,
is very often wanting, or merely a fold. Veins 6 and 7 may be
separate or stemmed; vein 8 may be stemmed with the anterior
part of th^ cell, joined near its base only, joined by a short cross-
bar, or entirely separate. The wing often has a vitreous spot or
fold below at base near vein 8, and the inner edge is quite otten
modified by a fold and hair tuftings.
The abdomen is slender, rather long, sometimes with lateral
or dorsal tufts in the male.
The legs present very considerable variation. They are gen-
erally long, slender and frail, in some cases very long. The fore
tibice are rarely spined. The epiphysis is always present, and is
often prolonged to beyond the end of the tibiae.
The middle legs are, with one exception, armed with a pair of
spurs at the end of the tibiae, and are very uniform.
The hind legs are generally longer than the others, and are
usually with a pair of spurs at the end, and another pair above
near the middle of tibia. In a few cases the legs are so much
aborted as to be useless, and in a few are simply rudimentary in
character. Many are furnished with a long pencil of hairs; this
starts from the upper portion of the tibia and reaches to the lower
end, being ordinarily concealed in a long groove on the inner
side; where the hair pencil exists there. is always a swelling and
enlargement of the tibia, and a shortening and abortion of the
spurs and tarsi. This is a characteristic of the males, though in
some cases there is a loss of spurs in the female. The history of
variation in the hind legs seems to be as follows: The legs arc
68 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
normally long and slender, with two pairs of spurs. Then for
ornamentation the tufting is evolved, with the tibia correspond-
ingly developed at the expense of the spurs and tarsi. Soon the
eg becomes an appendage for ornamentation only, not for walk-
ing. But, not being used for walking, its muscular power fails,
without a recovery of its normal power, the other legs being
sufficient for thai purpose. With the loss of muscular energy
the tufting vanishes, the tibia contracts and weakens, and the
whole leg becomes more and more rudimentary.
The moths have a weak uncertain flight, rarely prolonged.
They are, as a rule, easily disturbed by day. They hide during
the hours of light underneath leaves and rubbish, or against the
bark of trees, which in coloration they much resemble. In re-
pose the wings lie flat, but generally partly spread. They are
most abundantly found among plants in rich dark woods, and in
damp swampy valleys.
The eggs are generally oval, slightly flattened, and covered
with reticulated spaces.
The larva are largely characteristic from their peculiar mode
of progression. One or more pairs of the abdominal legs are
wanting, and to move the hind part of the body is drawn for-
ward, curving up the central portion. They are consequently
called " loopers" or " measuring worms." In a few species the
first, or first two pairs of abdominal legs are wanting; in the great
majority the first three pairs are aborted. The two hind pairs
are correspondingly developed and muscular.
The larva is generally naked, slender, cylindrical, rarely with
extended processes, but generally more or less roughened, mim-
icing in appearance living or dead twigs, or the petioles of leaves.
They are generally nocturnal in habit, during the day descending
to the ground or sitting rigid upon their hind legs with the body
raised and extended in a nearly straight line. They spin a thread
of silk as they move along, and when disturbed are apt to drop
by this to the ground. They are as a consequence easily col-
lected by beating bushes and plants over an umbrella.
The larvae are often of economic importance, a few, such as
the canker worms, becoming pests in certain parts of the country.
The pupa is generally slender, naked, and elongated; some-
times suspended by the extremity of the abdomen, and with a
girth of silk about the thorax, sometimes in a thin cocoon, and
sometimes it is subterranean.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 69
The Geometrina are, in the main, very easily separated from
other families of the Lepidoptera, but in some cases they very
nearly approach certain Bombycina and Noctuina. From the
latter they can be distinguished by the position of vein 5 of the
fore wings, which in the Noctuina is close to 4, at the lower angle
of the cell, while in the Geometrina it is near the middle of the
outer edge of the cell.
From the Bombycina they are separated by a phase of struc-
ture which is at once characteristic and exclusive namely, the
structure of the larva. The tendency of the Bombycina is to-
wards the modification of the posterior abdominal legs to other
uses, often resulting in their entire abortion. In the Geometrina
the tendency is to give them more power by an abortion of the
anterior abdominal legs. I am aware that entomologists look
with little favor upon taking anything but the mature insect in
classification, but embryology will change that. In botany, and
elsewhere in zoology, embryological characters are regarded as
being of the greatest importance, and certainly a student can
locate his insect as closely by the eyesight only from the larvae as
he can from the imagines. The species is the insect in both
sexes, and in its whole history.
The classification of the Geometrina has been largely artificial
and empirical. The systematists have seemingly arranged their
collections as nearly as it seemed they ought to be from appear-
ance, and made their genera conform to peculiarities of appear-
ance or the more obvious breaks in the line. There was no
ability, and rarely any effort to exclusive definition. Some have,
through Hiibner, Curtis, Stephens, Treitschke, Duponchel and
Guenee, a classification without structural definition, and this has
culminated with the system of von Gumpenberg, who follows
the law that "nothing shall be used in classification which re-
quires the use of the glass, or the denuding in any way of the
insect." The early systematists of course are to be pardoned,
as they were pioneers groping their way to the light.
A structural classification was begun by Herrich-Schaeffer,
and vastly bettered by Lederer. whose system has been followed
in Europe from his time till now. Both, however, had in their
systems much that was not based on structure.
In 1892, Mr. Edward Meyrick, of England, published a paper
on the "Classification of the Geometrina of the European
70 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
Fauna," in which he gave a classification rigidly based on struc-
ture, while following as far as pqssible the line of superficial re-
semblances. He also follows, the now universally-received law
of priority in the use of generic names. We have thus a classi-
fication which is thoroughly structural, and promises to be more
or less permanent. And we have generic names which cannot
be superseded, thus giving a permanent nomenclature.
As applied to our own fauna, adding where it does not apply,
as well as changing in some items of importance, Mr. Meyrick's
classification is as follows, by synopsis, so far as families go:
GEOMETRINA.
1. Hind wings. Vein 5 present and strong 2.
Hind wings. Vein wanting, or a fold only Ennomidae.
2. Hind wings. Vein 8 anastomosing with cell more than one-half its
length; or when separate, joined by a cross-bar beyond the middle
of the cell Hydriomeniidae.
Hind wings. Vein 8 entirely separate from cell, or joined only shortly
at base 3.
3. Fore wings. Veins 6 and 7 stemmed, separate from 8 and 9.
Microaiidae.
Fore wings. Vein 7 long stemmed with S and 9 4.
4. Hind wings. Vein 5 much nearer 6 than 4 Geometridae.
Hind wings. Vein 5 near middle of cell 5.
5. Hind wings. Vein 8 separate from cell at base, then shortly anasto-
mosing, then rapidly diverging Sterrhidae.
Hind wings. Vein 8 entirely separate from cell, or shortly joined at
base, then subparallel with cell Monoctaenidae.
The Ennomidae cover many divergent forms. Ripida has
doubly bipectinated antennae. Many species have 1 1 veins only
in the fore wings, and many have the basal fovea beneath in the
male. These correspond to what has been known as the Boar-
minae. The greatest aberrancy is shown in wing form among the
Ennomidae, as the species have the borders very variable through
angulation.
The Hydriomeniidae cover what has been known as Eupithecia
and the Cidaridae. Some of the species have the inner margin
of the hind wings modified by a lobe or tufting, as Calocalft'.
Those where vein 8 is joined with the cell in the hind win^s also
have the inner edge of these wings much modified in some cases,
and are known as the Lobophorime. Dyspteris falls in this
group.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. ~ I
The Microniidse include only a few genera with us. They are
far more largely represented in the tropics. Leucida, Calledap-
teryx and Callizzia belong here.
The Geometridse include most of the green moths. They vary
much in the sexes so far as the palpi and post-tibial spurs go.
The Sterrhidae take the place of the Acidaliinae. They are
very closely connected with the Geometridae, and here the greatest
variation in the structure of the hind legs is found. Goniaci-
dalia has but 8 veins in the fore wings.
The Monoctaenidae (another new name to us) are poorly rep-
resented in our fauna, though a very large family in Australia
and the far East. They connect the Hydriomeniuhe with the
Geometridae, and are represented by the genera Brephos, Bap-
tria, Paleacrita, and a few others.
A full classification of the Geometrina following Mr. Mey rick's
method is now in preparation, and will shortly be published.
THE statement in the "Canadian Entomologist" vol. xxv, p. 310, of
Rev. W. J. Holland that a specimen of Erebus odora was found in the
lecture-room of a church in Allegheny, Pa., reminds me of a similar
experience :
When I was Superintendent of Schools at Racine, Wis., in 1879, the
janitor of the High School building, an excitable old gentleman, rushed
up to me one morning with the information that after considerable effort
(which no doubt he considered praiseworthy) he had captured a bat in
one of the school-rooms and had confined it within one of the drawers of
my desk. An entomologist will imagine my feelings when, on investiga-
tion, I found a specimen of Erebus odora battered almost beyond recog-
nition, especially when at that time the species was a stranger to my
cabinet. It goes without saying that the janitor was instructed to allou
me to capture any other bat that lie might discover on the premises. ( )nly
forty-eight hours afterwards lie came to me with the information that tli< n
was another bat in a certain room. I'.y lashing my entomologist's cane
to a ten-foot pole I had little difficulty in capturing the "bat," though it
had chosen a position on the ceiling, fortunately beyond tin- janitor's
reach. It was a magnificent specimen of Erebus odora, perfectly fresh.
My curiosity is excited anew as to the motive which impels this moth in
particular to enter houses. It seems to be something moiv than an acci-
dent. In this case it could not have been the attraction of artificial light,
for the school-room was never lighted at night. It is also true, so far as I
have observed, that /''rebus odora, though coining to trees sr.u-ared with
treacle ior the capture of moths, will invariably start if the light of a dark
lantern is allowed to come near it. O. S. Wisu < n i, Chicago, 111.
72 [March,
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
Published monthly (except July and August), in charge of the joint
publication committees of the Entomological Section of the Academy
of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, and the American Entomological
Society. It will contain not less than 300 pages per annum. It will main-
lain no free list whatever, but will leave no measure untried to make it a
necessity to every student of insect life, so that its very moderate annual
subscription may be considered well spent.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION $1.00, IN ADVANCE.
g@" All remittances should be addressed to E. T. Cresson, Treasurer,
P. O. Box 248, Philadelphia, Pa.; all other communications to the Editors
of ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy of Natural Sciences, Logan Square,
Philadelphia, Pa.
PHILADELPHIA, PA., MARCH, 1894.
BORROWING BOOKS.
A correspondent writes as follows: " Is there any possible way of bor-
rowing books from the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences or the
American Entomological Society? If not, might not some scheme be
devised ? For example, I particularly want to see Ragonot's new mono-
graph Phycitidse and several parts of the " Biologia Centrali-Americana."
I don't care to buy them; and, in fact, do not want to possess them at all,
but if I could borrow such works by paying all cost of transport and de-
positing a sum to cover possible loss, it would be a great advantage. You
see entomology is being dreadfully crippled by the great difficulty of get-
ting necessary works, the result being that those not situated near a large
library are placed at a disheartening disadvantage. Cannot this matter
be brought up before the American Entomological Society or the Acad-
emy of Natural Sciences, and see if anything can be done ? Many people
would doubtless give books to form the nucleus of such a loan library,
and probably enough money could be raised to pay the salary of a libra-
rian. I think the mere discussion of the matter might have ultimate good
results, though nothing was done at present." We see no reason why
such a library could not be inaugurated with this idea in view. Of course,
such a thing could not be done in any of our society libraries at present,
as it would be a manifest injustice to those who pay for the use of the
books, and if they found a work missing which they wished to consult,
there would be war at once. Also, there are few libraries which have
sufficient funds to duplicate expensive books, and expensive works are
the ones which would be in demand. It would have to be a special li-
brary for this purpose alone, with a special fund and librarian. Of course,
it could be an adjunct department to some already existing library.
1 894.]
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
73
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY,
Edited by Prof. JOHN B. SMITH, Sc. D., New Brunswick, N. J.
Wookpecker Work. It is nothing unusual to see a woodpecker hard at
work on the trunk of a tree, evidently after a meal, and sometimes quite
large trunks are hammered into in the search for larvae. It is surprising how
IMC,, i. section of a trunk of black oak, showing
holes made by woodpecker; one-third natural size
(from a photograph).
much work seems to be done lor such an apparently small return, and in
wocd like white and black oak. Among our rare insects are the Cossi'Js,
andjimong those forms that entomologists like to get, is C.
74
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
[March,
I have recently received evidence that leads me to believe that the abun-
dance of woodpeckers and the rarity of the Cossids are directly related.
Through my friend, Mr. }. T. Brakeley, of Bordentown, N. J., who spends
a considerable portion of the year in the New Jersey pines, I have recently
received some good specimens of the work of woodpeckers in oak, and a
figure* of one of the specimens is herewith presented shewing the holes.
FIG. 2. Section of trunk sawed to show the burrows of
the larva sought by the woodpeckers ; the termination of
their holes marked by a x ; one-third natural size (from a
photograph).
made by the woodpeckers on the outside of the tree, and showing also a cut
through the trunk to indicate the locality of the larvie that the wood-
peckers were after. I urged upon Mr. Brakeley in his chopping opera-
tions to keep a lookout for the insects that the woodpeckers were after,
* These figures were first published in " Garden and Forest," No. 300, and electrotypes
were obtained through the kindness of the publishers of that paper.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 75
as he informed me that quite frequently he found that the woodpeckers
had not reached the larval burrows, having been either scared off, or had
become tired of the work, with all the probabilities in favor of the first
suggestion. A few days ago he sent me a larva taken from one of these
biack oak sticks, and in this case also, a woodpecker had attempted to
get at the burrow; but had for some reason stopped short, giving this
larva a chance to mature. I had expected to find some Longicorn larva,
and was quite surprised to find instead a magnificent specimen of a Cosxn/,
which is almost certainly querciperda. These insects live for two or three
years in the trees, and the woodpeckers, therefore, have a very long time
to find them, and in that way few of them ever reach maturity and change
to moths. When these insects inhabit the lower parts of trees and be-
come nearly full grown, they make enormous channels, and these chan-
nels are very frequently taken possession of by ants, who make use of
them for their nests. It is, indeed, quite usual to attribute this work to
the ants. It would seem as if the nutritive value of these larva; must be
very high if it pays for the expenditure of force used in getting at them.
A New Fact in the Life-history of the Silk-worm. One learns from all
sorts of sources; even the daily papers sometimes give us extremely in-
teresting information concerning entomology. The latest that I have seen
is from the New York Tribune for Jan. 31, 1894, and it gives us the new
information that " worms crawl out of their cocoons." The entire article
is as follows :
" In the cargo of a steamer which recently arrived at a Pacific port from
China were a number of boxes of silk-worms, in transit for London.
After the steamer arrived in port the worms began to crawl out of their
cocoons. Holes had been bored in the boxes to give air to the worms.
They soon found the holes, crawled through them, and a number suc-
ceeded in reaching the deck, where they were picked up by visitors. An
enterprising man on shore saw the worms, bought all he could get, and
proposes starting a silk industry in Oregon."
\Ye wish the enterprising man the enormous success he merits.
A Note on the Habits of the Cockroach. It sometimes happens, even in
the best regulated families, that certain household pests make their ap-
pearance in rather annoying numbers, and these are not always insect
pests alone. Recently it has happened that in the house occupied by me
there was an invasion of mice and roaches (Periplaneta orii-iitn/is* and
some measures became necessary in order to get rid of them. A mixture
of even parts of borax and chocolate, finely powdered and thoroughly
mixed, proved tolerably effective, and it would probably have been per-
fectly satisfactory could I have had it applied thoroughly and persistently
for a sufficient length of time. They did not disappear soon enough or
completely enough to suit me, and I substituted a phosphoric paste,
which was promptly effective in so far that the roaches disappe.ued from
the lower regions where this had been used; but made their appearance
in the upper part of the house, where they were even less welcome. For
76 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
tlie mice, traps were introduced, and a great haul was made two or three
days in succession. I noticed one morning on examining the traps that
one of the dead mice had been eaten into and a considerable portion of
it devoured. I attributed this to cannibalism, and thought it probable
that the mice were hard up for food. This occurred on two or three oc-
casions, and in one instance I noticed that several roaches ran away from
the trap when I opened the closet door. '\ his induced me to look a little
more carefully into the matter of the eating, and I suspected that the mice
could not well have done that kind of chewing which was present. I
concluded to experiment a little further, and when I captured another
mouse, left it in the trap for two or three days to see what the outcome
would be. Then early one morning I carefully opened the- closet door
scaring off several roaches that were evidently engaged in making a meal
on the dead mouse. I found that they had not only eaten hide and hair,
but had eaten a considerable portion of the intestines and the flesh.
Around several of the vertebrae the muscular tissue had been cleaned off
as completely as if ants had done it, and every bone and every process,
and every spicule, as well as the ribs were perfect and entirely cleaned,
making, so far as it went, a perfect skeleton. I had known, of course,
that roaches were almost omnivorous, and that nothing was sacred to
them; but this is the first time that I ever noted such a habit as that above
described, nor do I recollect ever having read of any similar occurrence.
Perhaps some of the readers of the NEWS have seen or heard of some
like instance, and if so I would be pleased to have a note of it.
The Pear-leaf Blister-mite. In Bulletin No. 61, of the Cornell Station,
Mr. M. V. Slingerland has an account of the above insect, Phytoptns pyri
Scheut, in which he finds that Winter spraying with the kerosene emul-
sion diluted not more than eight times is an almost perfect remedy. The
life-history of the mite is stated, and it is found that the adults hibernate
under the bud-scales, where they are easily reached by the kerosene,
which penetrates every crevice readily. The emulsion diluted only three
times produced no injurious effects upon the trees.
This result is an important one, in that it forces the grower into his
orchard in Winter, and the application made as against the mite will be
of use also against the Pear psylla, and will destroy many another insect
Avhich seeks shelter in crevices and like situations.
In New Jersey this species is abundant, seasonally and locally; but usu-
ally noted only early in the year, nearly all trace of the insect's work dis-
appearing by mid-Summer. No permanently injurious effects have been
noticed in this State.
Timber Beetles. Mr. A. D. Hopkins has sent out from the West Vir-
ginia Experiment Station a circular to lumber manufacturers asking in-
formation concerning injury done to timber by a number of species of
wood-borers, mainly Scolytids and Lynie.vyllids. The object is to gather
statistics, so far as possible, concerning the percentage of defective timber
and the actual money loss. It is impossible to repeat the questions asked,
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 77
because they refer to illustrations and descriptions of injury which ac-
company the circular. Of course any information derived from replies
to such a circular will be exceedingly imperfect; but will give some infor-
mation perhaps as to how the commercial value of lumber is affected.
Just at the present time pin holes in oak are a positive advantage in the
manufacture of "antique" furniture, since it saves putting them in artifi-
cially. The circular displays Mr. Hopkins' activity, however, and also
the fact that he is devoting his entire energy to the question; the only true
way of obtaining permanently valuable results. Ten years would not be
more than sufficient to gain a thorough knowledge of the relation of in-
sect life in its relation to the forest trees of a single locality only, and there
need be no period of idleness at any season.
Notes and.
ENTOMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM ALL QUARTERS
OF THE GLOBE.
[The Conductors of ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS solicit, and will thankfully receive items
of news, likely to interest its readers, from any source. The author's name will be given
in each case for the information of cataloguers and bibliographers.]
To Contributors. All contributions will be considered and passed upon at our
earliest convenience, and as far as may be, will be published according to date of recep-
tion. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS has reached a circulation, both in numbers and circumfer-
ence, as to make it necessary to put " copy"' into the hands of the printer, for each number,
three weeks before date of issue. This should be remembered in sending special or im-
portant matter for certain issue. Twenty-five "extras" without change in form will be
given free when they are wanted, and this should be so stated on the MS. along with the
number desired. The receipt of all papers will be acknowledged. ED.
PICTURES for the album of the American Entomological Society have
been received from Dr. R. E. Kunze, C. V. Piper, A. G. Weeks, Jr.
Ernest Andre, of France, M. J. Elrod.
EDMOND DE SELYS-LONGCHAMPS was unanimously elected a corre-
spondent of the American Entomological Society at its meeting held
Feb. 15, 1894.
Dr. E. H. EAMES, of this city, while out botanizing for specimens of
the Virginia Snake-root (Aristolochia serpentaria], found a plant upon
which were a number of Paf>ilio philenor larvae. The doctor was glad
to get the plant, as it is very scarce about here. I attempted to raise them,
but could find nothing upon which they would feed; I tried Spice-bush,
Sassafras, Smartweed and all th,e most pungent plants I could find, and
they would take to none; one was full grown, and changed to a chrysalis
without eating any more.
E. H. Eames is a thorough botanist, and he says that this is the northern
limit of the food-plant. I have also found Jnnonia ca'uia common about
here, but not until after the first of October. Tcrias lisa is also common
through September and October. I. F. Mi H IKK, Jr., Hridgeport, Conn.
78 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
A VARIATION IN TACHINID ATTACK. An instance recently came under
.my observation which not only appeared to be something of a departure
from the ordinary method of attack, as it is usually observed in these
parasites, but afforded an illustration of the fact that a protective resem-
blance or mimicry does, not always protect. Ordinarily, the eggs of
Tachina and closely allied species when deposited on Lepidopterous
.larvae, are placed on the dorsal or lateral surface, more frequently the
former, and especially on the thoracic segments, where they are least
liable to become detached by the victim. In this case the host was the
larva of one of the Geometridas, and when first observed was alive and
attached posteriorly to a limb, with the body thrown out at an angle, as is
the habit in caterpillars of this family, while the eggs had been placed on
the ventral surface of the thoracic segments about the bases of the legs,
and in the region of the oesophagus. None of the parasites developed
to adults, and hence the species cannot be determined. Just what led the
parent fly to place her eggs in this locality it is of course impossible to
say. A slight movement in the limbs of the larva might, if not already
known to the parasite, have led to the discovery of its true nature; but
even in that case it would seem thajt the larva should have been able to
defend itself in that quarter and driven the fly to attack a less protected
part, even if the latter had not found it out of its own accord.
F. M. WEBSTER.
A BUG GNAWED HIS HEART. A young boy's death gets a strange ex-
planation. Mtmcie, Ind., Jan. 19, 1894. A remarkable case of a boy
being killed by a bug that gnawed his heart deeply interests local physi-
cians. Samuel Lennox, seven years old, died a few days ago with very
peculiar symptoms. The boy had been sick for some time, but his case
was different from any other. A post-mortem examination revealed that
part of the heart had been eaten away by an insect, causing death. Nearly
a year ago the boy drank water from a brook and swallowed a water bug.
The insect ate its way through the boy's stomach and then began devour-
ing the heart, the boy bleeding to death.
NOTE. This is undoubtedly a species of bug we have had occasion to
refer to before in the NEWS humbug. ED.
A FURTHER note on Oceanic Hemiptera. The species of Rhagovc/ia
mentioned in my article in the February number of the NEWS is, accord-
ing to a recent communication from Mr. Heidemann, not collaris, but a
new species which is about to be described by Prof. Uhler as plunibca.
H. F. \\TCKHAM.
THE Texas Goddess of Liberty has more than a bee in her bonnet.
She isn't a Populist of the Mrs. Lease order, but a ij-feet high statue
poised on the highest pinnacle of the State Capitol at Austin. In cleaning
the statue a few days ago it was discovered that a swarm of bees had made
their home in the hollow head of the goddess, using the nostrils as an
entrance, and had filled it half full of honey. AV<v ) 'ork Sun.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 79
ASPIDIOTUS NERII. The distribution of this scale, brought about by
human means, is very wide; yet the insect is by no means found every-
where. Curiously enough, the true A. nerii is not yet known from the
West Indies. In Jamaica the oleander is much cultivated, but no A.
nerii was to be found ; nor is it in Mr. Barber's collections from the
Lesser Antilles, or those of Mr. Ulrich from Trinidad. There is a scale
on palms in the West Indies that was considered a variety of nerii,
but I have recently satisfied myself, by the examination of a good deal
of material, that it is a quite distinct species, namely A. destructor
Signoret; and further, that my A. fallax and Mr. Newstead's A. cocotis
are but slight varieties of it. The supposed A. palinarum from Bar-
bados is another variety. On the continent, A. nerii is known from
widely separated points. On August 8th, last year, I found it on a pink
oleander in Las Cruces, N. Mex. Dr. A. Duges sent it to me on oleander
from Guanajuato, Mex., where it is known to have existed at least since
1884. It had been recorded from Chili, and a few days ago M. Lataste
sent me specimens on oleander and jasmin^ from Santiago. It would
be interesting to obtain fuller particulars about the distribution of this
scale, and I would suggest that those who have the opportunity might
examine oleanders in various localities whence it has not been reported,
to see if it is really absent, or merely unnoticed. The white scales on the
leaves are very conspicuous and could not well be overlooked by any one
searching for them. T. D. A. COCKERELL.
AN EARLY BUTTERFLY. As evidences of the extraordinary mildness
of the season hereabouts friends have been bringing or sending to the
Ledger office during the past week or two dandelion flowers, pansy or
heartsease blossoms, and other floral specimens gathered outdoors in
sunny nooks and sheltered places. On Monday, Jan. 23, 1894, these
treasures and harbingers of Spring were pleasantly added to by a live and
healthy specimen of the pretty yellow butterfly of the species which is so
well known to everyone, and which forms the finishing touches to every
pastoral scene. This golden specimen of butterfly down was found flut-
tering happily about the regions pf Seventh and .Market Streets, and was
brought to the Ledger office and given the freedom of the editorial rooms.
Public Ledger.
THE SILK SPIDER of Madagascar forms the subject of an interesting
.article in Die Natnr, by Dr. Karl Mulk-r. Its native name is Halabe,
meaning great spider. 'This Halabe, or Mepliiia niadayascariensis,
spins threads of a golden color, anil strong enough, according to Main-
droin, to hang a cork helmet by. The female spider may attain a length
of 15 cm., while the male does not exceed 3 cm. A single female indi-
vidual, at the breeding season, gave M. Cambone, a French missionary,
some 3000 m. of a tine silken thread during a period of about 27 days.
The thread was examined with a view to creating a new industry. Small
textures woven of these threads are actually used by the natives for fas-
tening flowers on sunshades and for other purposes." Public Ledger.
8o ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
IN the NEWS for October, 1893, p. 270, we reprinted from the " Zoolog-
ischer Anzeiger, " a new classification of the Tracheate Arthropods pro-
posed by Mr. R. I. Pocock. In "Nature" for Dec. 7, 1893, Mr. Pocock
states that Dr. E. Haase has informed him that in Scolopendrella the
generative openings "are situated on the fourth body-segment. This
genus is therefore progoneate, like the Dilopoda and Pauropoda ; but
whether it should be ranged with these two classes, or occupy an inde-
pendent position between the Progoneata and Opisthogoneata, is a ques-
tion for future discussion." Owing to our not receiving the proof of the
note in the October NEWS, certain errors are contained in it which we
take this opportunity to correct: line 6, for " Pauropod," read "Pauro-
poda;" line 7, for "aimple," read "simple;" line 15, for "a," read "aa;"
line 17, for " B," read "bb."
IN an article on the correct name of the Milk-weed butterfly, published
in the " Entomologist's Record" for January isth, Mr. F. J. Buckell comes
to the conclusion that it should be Anosia archippus.
INTERESTING FOSSIL INSECTS. Dr. S. H. Scudder, from Paris, Dec.
2, 1893, contributes a brief article on "The Carboniferous Insects of
Commentry, France," to "The American Journal of Science" for February,
1894. He states that he has recently had the opportunity of seeing a
considerable part of a collection of fossil insects from the Upper Carbon-
iferous of Commentry, in Central France, and also the illustrations pre-
pared by M. Charles Brongniart, of the Paris Museum, to portray these
remains. When M. Brongniart's work appears, "our knowledge of
paleozoic insects will have been increased three- or four-fold at a single
stroke and an entirely new point of departure for the future opened. No
former contribution in this field can in any way compare with it, nor even
all former contributions taken together. Besides, it will offer such a
striking series of strange forms as cannot fail to awaken the attention of
the least curious. One may not enter into details, but mention may simply
be made of one species, regarded by M. Brongniart as one of the fore-
runners of the dragonflies, in which the wings have an expanse of con-
siderably more than two feet (or about seventy centimeters), and of which
several specimens are preserved. It is a veritable giant among insects."
TRANSACTIONS of American Entomological Society, vol. xxi, 1894.
No. i, in press, containing the following articles: Catalogue of the Cole-
optera of Alaska, with synonymy and distribution, by John Hamilton, M.D.;
Descriptions of new genera and species of Noctuidae, byj. B. Smith; 6 pis.
Identification of Insects (Imagos) for Subscribers.
Specimens will be named under the following conditions: ist, The number of species
to be limited to twenty-five for each sending ; 2d, The sender to pay all expenses of trans-
portation and the insects to become the property of the American Entomological Society ;
3d, Each specimen must have a number attached so that the identification may be an-
nounced accordingly. Exotic species named only by special arrangement with the Editor,
who should be consulted before specimens are sent. Send a 2 cent stamp with all insects
for return of names.. Before sending insects for identification, read page 41, Vol. Ill,
Address all packages to ENTOMOLOGICAL XKWS, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan
Square, Philadelphia, Pa.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 8 1
Entomological Literature.
SCIENCE. New York, Dec. 29, 1893. A new mite infecting mush-
rooms, H. Osborn, figs. Jan. 19, 1894. Another rope of maggots, \Y.
H. Ward.
ANNALES DBS SCIENCES NATURELLES. ZOOLOGIE (7), xv, 6. Paris,
Dec. i, 1893. Note on the existence in Senegal of a new species of Pro-
sopistoma, A Veyssiere, figs.
ZOOLOGISCHER ANZEiGER. Leipsic, Dec. 27, 1893. On Chordeuma
gennanicum mihi (Diplopoda), C. Verhoeff. Preliminary communication
on new observations on the intercalated stage of the Julidae, a new
grouping of the old genus Julus and some new and rare Diplopods from
Tyrol, id. Jan. 22, 1894. Preliminary note on the spermatogenesis of
/,'nniby.v niori, K. T. Nogakushi.
ANNALES DE LA SOCIETE ENTOMOLOGIQUE DE BELGIQUE, xxxvii, 12.
Brussels, 1893. Note on the Attini, A. Forel.
BlHANG TILL KoNGL. SVENSKA VETENSKAPS-AKADEMIENS HAND-
LINGAR, xviii, iv Afcl. Stockholm, 1893. [On nerve endings and fine
capillaries in epithelium of lepidopterous larva? in Swedish], E. Holm-
gren, i pi
FLOWERS AND INSECTS xi, by Charles Robertson. Extract: Botanical
Gazette, xviii, pp. 268-274. July, 1893.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND SYNONYMICAL CATALOGUE OF THE DESCRIBED
MEMBRACID^E OF NORTH AMERICA. By F. W. Coding, M.D., Ph.D.
From Bull. 111. State Lab. Nat. Hist. vol. ?, pp. 391-482. Date?
THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
(2), viii, i. Sydney, July 28, 1893. On the life-histories of Australian
Coleoptera, part i, W. W. Froggatt. Revision of the Australian Amaryg-
mides, part ii the genera Chalccpterus (cont.) and Amarygmus, Rev. T.
Blackburn.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA (n. s.), V. Mel-
bourne, May, 1893. Further notes on ,the oviparity of the larger Victo-
rian Peripatus, generally known as P. Leitcfcartii, A Dendy, D.Sc.
THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. London, Janu-
ary, 1894. The endosternite of Scorpio compared with the homologous
structures in other Araclmida, H. M. Bernard, i pi. On the Elateridae of
Japan, G. Lewis.
COMPTE RENDU. SOCIETE PHILOMATHIQUE DE PARIS, Dec. 24, 1893.
Tracheae and tracheal respiration, J. Martin.
THE OTTAWA NATURALIST, January, 1894. Hymenoptera Phytophaga,
1893, W. H. Harrington.
82 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
REVUE BIOLOGIQUE DU NORD DE LA FRANCE, vi, 3. Lille, December,
1893. New species of Thysanura found in the grotto of Dargilan, R.
Moniez.
THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. London, Ont., January, 1894. De-
scription of the preparatory stages of Phyciodes carlota Reakirt ( C/iaii-
dryas isnieria Scudder), W. H. Edwards. Note on Copidryas platensis,
A. R. Grote. An entomological trip to Copper Cliff, Ont., \V. H. Har-
rington. Some undescribed stages of Noctuid larvae, H. G. Dyar. The
mottled umber moth (Hibernia defoliaria L.), J. Fletcher, figs. Descrip-
tions of two new Hymenopterous parasites from water-beetles, W. H.
Ashmead. February, 1894. A check-list of the Nearctic Coccidae, T. D.
A. Cockerell. Notes on Coleoptera, C. VV. Stromberg. Notes upon
Lyctzna exilis Boisd., with descriptions of some of its early stages, \V.
H. Edwards. On some aquatic larvae, with notice of their parasites, H.
F. Wickham. Descriptions of the larvae of certain Tenthredinidas, H.
G. Dyar. Food-plants of some California!! Lepidoptera, J. B. Lembert.
The genera Pieris Schrk. and Euchloe Hb., J. W. Tutt, figs. Addi-
tions to the list of Canadian Coleoptera, ii, A. H. Kilman. A very re-
markable and anomalous Syrphid with peculiarly developed hind tarsi,
C. H. T. Townsend, figs.
DEUTSCHE ENTOMOLOGISCHE ZEITSCHRIFT IRIS, vi, 2. Berlin, Jan. 3,
1894. The macrolepidoptera of the vicinity of Dresden, H. Steinert and
K. Zeidler. Revision of the first group of the genus Heliconius, G.
Weymer, 2 pis.
THE LOCUSTID^E AND BLATTID.E OF INDIANA. By W. S. Blatchley.
Extract: Proc. Ind. Acad. Sci. 1892, pp. 92-165. Terre Haute, Ind., 1893.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD. London, Jan. 15, 1894. Danais
atrhippus, Anosia plexippus, or What ?, F. J. Buckell. Hair tufts and
androconia in Eustroma reticuldta, T. A. Chapman, M.D. Notes on Dr.
Buckell's paper on classification, W. F. Kirby. On an additional method
for determining the species of Lepidoptera [by the scales], W. S. Riding,
M.D. On the larva of Arctia caja (cont.), T. A. Chapman, M.D.
SPECIES DES HYMENOPTERES D'EUROPE ET D'ALGERIE. Fonde" par
Edmond Andre" et continud sous la direction scientifique de Ernest Andre.
436 fascicule. Gray: Bouffaut Freres. July i, 1893. Pp. 137-240, Vol.
Y ( Braconidae, cont.). 446 fascicule, Oct. i, 1893. Pp. 209-272, pis. iii,
v, vi, xi. Vol. VI (Chrysididae, cont.).
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILA-
DELPHIA, 1893. The Odonate genus Ortho/estes, P. P. Calvert, figs.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATURAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION OF STATEN
ISLAND, iv, 3. Jan. 13, 1894. Staten Island Harvest rlies, \V. T. Davis.
BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE LINNEENNE DU NORD DE LA FRANCE, xi,
257. Amiens, November, 1893. Theory of the parasitism of insects, L.
Carpentier.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 83
BIOLOGISCHES CENTRALBLATT. Erlangen, Jan. i, 1894. On the origin
of the social life among Hymenoptera, C. Emery. Jan. 15, 1894. The
origin and formation of the worker stage among ants, C. Emery. On
the morphology, biology and pathology of the " Nonne" \_Psilura mo-
nachal, E. VVasmann.
ZooLOGiscHEjAHRBUCHER, vii, 4. Jena, Dec. 23, 1893. Contributions
to the knowledge of the North American Ant fauna, C. Emery, i pi.
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR WISSENSCHAFTLICHE ZOOLOGIE, Ivii, 2. Leipsic,
Dec. 31, 1893. Contributions to the knowledge of the colors of Insects'
scales: i. Lepidoptera, 2. Coleoptera, F. Urech.
THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. Philadelphia, January, 1894. Courtship
among the flies, J. M. Aldrich.
PSYCHE. Cambridge, Mass., February, 1894. The habits of the acu-
leate Hymenoptera, i, \Y. H. Ashmead. New and undescribed genera
and species of West African Noctuidae, ii, W. J. Holland, figs., i pi.
Hermann August Hagen, Eds. Wilhelm Julich, T. L. C.
MlTTHEILUNGEN DER SCHWE1ZERISCHEN ENTOMOLOGISCHEN GESELL-
SCHAFT, ix, i. Schaffhausen, 1893. Contributions to the knowledge of
the Hymenopterous fauna of Switzerland, T. Steck. List of Lepidoptera
taken at electric lights in Bern from May to October, 1892, R. Benteli.
Coleoptera helvetica, pp. 321-352, Dr. G. Stierlin.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, xx, 4.
Philadelphia, Oct. -Dec. , 1893. Notes on Bees, with descriptions of new
species, C. Robertson. Notes and descriptions of Pselaphidae, with
remarks on the Scydmaenidse, E. Brendel, M.D., i pi. A synopsis of
the Harvest-Spiders (Phalangiidae) of South Dakota, C. M. Weed, i pi.
The Cosmetidae of the United States, id., i pi. Seventh contribution to
a knowledge of certain little-known Aphididae, id., i pi. The ento-
mology of the mid-alpine zone of Custer County, Colo., T. D. A. Cock-
erel!.
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE (3), xlvii, 278. New Haven,
February, 1894. The Carboniferous Insects of Commentry, France, S.
H. Scutlder.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. Bul-
letin 61. Ithaca, N. V., December, 1893. The pear-leaf blister i /Viytofi-
tus pyri], M. V. Slingerland.
THE KANSAS UNIVERSITY QUARTERLY, ii, 3. Lawrence, Kans., Jan-
uary, 1894. New genera and species of Dolichopodidte, I. M. Aldrich.
Descriptions of North American Trypetidx, with notes, W. A. Snow, 2 pis.
TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
OF ONTARIO, 1893. Toronto, :<S94. Injurious insects of the year, J.
Fletcher, figs. Annual address of the president, \V. H. Harrington, figs.
Entomological mistakes of authors, Rev. T. \V. Fyles. The season of
84 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
1893, id., figs. Mosquitoes, J. A. Moffat, figs. Canadian Uroceridae, W.
H. Harrington. Additional notes on Japanese insects, id. Notes and
queries, Rev. W. J. Holland, figs. The Dragonfly, T. J. MacLaughlin,
figs. The song of Thyreonotus, W. T. Davis. Notes on some of the
more important entomological exhibits at the Chicago Exhibition, J.
Fletcher. A contrasted summary of the main external characters of
Butterflies in their different stages of life, S. H. Scudder. Some of the
papers read at the last meeting of the Economic Entomologists are here
reprinted, for a full list of which, see ENT. NEWS for February, p. 52,
under " Insect Life."
THE FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT
STATION OF THE STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, Fort Collins, Colo.,
for the year 1892. 1894. Report of the section of Entomology, C. P.
Gillette.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST. London, February, 1894. On an unusual num-
ber of monstrosities occurring in Eros (Platycis) minutus F., J. W. Shipp.
On the vertical distribution of the British Lepidoptera (concl), W. H.
Bath. A catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Ireland (cont.), W. F. de V.
Kane. Remarks on certain genera of Coccidae, W. M. Maskell. Notes
on the synonomy of Noctuid moths (cont.), A. G. Butler. Protective
resemblances in S. American insects, W. C. Mit.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S MONTHLY MAGAZINE. London, February, 1894.
-Notes on some British and exotic Coccidse (No. 27), J. W. Douglas.
Additions and corrections to the list of British aculeate Hymenoptera, E.
Saunders. Grease, R. Freer. Notes on the earlier stages of the Nepti-
culae (cont), J. H. Wood.
NEW SPECIES OF NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS DESCRIBED
IN THE PRECEDING LITERATURE.
ACARINA.
Tyroglyphus lintneri Osborn, Science, xxii, p. 360. N. Y. ?
COLEOPTERA.
Pselaphidce, Scydmaenidae: n. spp. U. S., Brendel, Trans. Am. Ent.
Soc. xx, pp. 277-284.
DIPTERA.
Dolichopodidaj: n. gen. et spp. U. S., Aldrich, Kans. Univ. Quart, ii,
pp. 151-157.
Trypetidte: n. gen. et spp. U. S., Snow, Kans. Univ. Quart, ii, pp. 159-
174, pis. vi, vii.
Syrphidaa: Calotarsa n. gen. Townsend, Can. Ent. xxvi, p. 50. Type
C. ornatipes, p. 5 2 , fi g' s -> IH -
HEM1PTERA.
Membracidar. n. gen. et. spp. U. S., Coding (see ante).
1 894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 85
HYMENOPTERA.
Gausocentrus gyrini Ashm'ead, Can. Ent. xxvi, p. 25, la. Cyrtogaster
dineuiis, p. 26, la.
Fermicidae: n. spp. U. S., Emery, Zool. Jahrb. vii, pp. 633-681.
Apidce: n. spp. U. S., Robertson, Trans. Am. Ent. Soc. xx, pp. 273-276.
Monostegia quercus-coccinece Dyar, Can. Ent. xxvi, p. 42, Mass.
ODONATA.
Ortholestes abbotti Calvert, Proc. Ac. N. S. Phila. 1893, p. 382, fig. 3,
Hayti.
ORTHOPTERA.
CeuMop/ri/us/atisH/cusR\atch\ey, Proc. Ind. Acad. Sci., 1892, p. 146, Ind.
The Entomological Section
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS.
JANUARY 25, 1894.
A regular stated meeting of the Entomological Section of the Academy
of Natural Sciences was held in the Hall, S. W. cor. Nineteenth and Race
Streets, this evening, Dr. G. H. Horn, Director, presiding. Members
present: Liebeck, Seiss, Calvert, Ridings and Skinner. Associates: Fox,
Boerner and Dr. Griffith. Mr. Calvert spoke of the work by Prof. Corn-
stock on evolution and taxonomy, and read passages therefrom. The
only previous work of any moment on this subject and relating specially to
wing structure was that of Redenbacher, written in 1886. Redenbacher's
views on the primitive structure of the wing were given by the speaker.
The views of Prof. Comstock on this subject were also given and explained
by the aid of blackboard sketches. Reference was made to the neuration
of dragonflies, and comparisons made with the wing structure of some of
the other orders. Dr. Horn considered the methods pointed out by Prof.
Comstock as the proper way to study. The question should always be
asked oneself when any new anatomical structure is found, why is it ? what
does it mean ? Mr. Calvert exhibited a Coleopterous larva; collected last
September in a small stream in Delaware County, under and clinging to
stones. At first glance it appeared to be an Isopod crustacean, but Mr.
Liebeck had identified it as a Parnid larva, Dryops sp. Specimens were
also taken by Mr. Moore at West Spring Hill, Delaware County, Pa. Dr.
Horn stated that the larva had been actually described as a crustacean.
FEBRUARY 15, 1894.
Meeting held this evening, Dr. Horn, Director, presiding. Members
present: Laurent, Seiss, Skinner, Ridings, Johnson, Calvert, Liebeck.
Associates : Fox, Nell. The Publication Committee reported in favor of
publishing the following paper in the Trans. Am. Ent. Soc.: " A Prelimi-
86 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
nary view of the Lepidopterous Family Notodontidae," by B. Neumoegen
and H. G. Dyar. Mr. Calvert stated that in studying the genera of dragon-
flies he had been led to investigate the value of photography as a means
of illustrating the neuration. He put the specimens in an ordinary
spreading board and put the blue print paper beneath the wings and
placed glass slips over the wings and placed them in the sun. This gave
a print with the veins in white and a blue back ground. He then went
over the white veins with India ink and then dissolved the blue back
ground with sodium carbonate, and this gave the neuration black on a
white back ground. The method was not as satisfactory as could have
been wished on account of the smallness of the printed parts, which, of
course, were only as large as the original wings. The results of the ex-
periments were shown by aid of specimen prints. Dr. Horn said that
some time in the near future he intended to present some thoughts on the
family Meloidae, and said he took exception to the present classification
of the Meloiini, which he considered unnatural. Mr. Fox called attention
to a specimen of Stizns uniciiicfus which he exhibited. It lacked the
usual red band on abdomen which is possessed by the normal form.
The following papers were read and accepted by the Committee for
publication in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS :
STUDIES AMONG THE FOSSORIAL HYMENOPTERA.-I.
Synopsis of the North American Species of Alyson.
By WILLIAM J. Fox.
ALYSON J urine.
Alyson Jur., Nouvelle Me"thode, 195, 1806; Handlirsch, Sitzb. Akad. \Yiss.,
Wien, Math.-naturw. classe, xcvi, p. 235.
FEMALES.
'i. Median area of metanotum triangular 5.
Median area of metanotum semielliptical, or U-shaped 2.
2. Thorax black 3-
Thorax red; legs, except hind tibia; red melleus.
3. Abdomen not at all red 4-
Abdomen on two basal segments red; median enclosure of metanotuni
coarsely reticulated, the posterior face of metathorax when viewed
from behind is bidentate laterally oppositus.
4. Enclosure on metanotum at the base nearly as broad as it is long, am!
enclosing seven or eight distinct, longitudinal, radiating ridges;
clypeus entirely yellow; wings subfuscous radiatus.
Enclosure on metanotum decidedly longer than it is broad at the base,
irregularly and rather finely rugose; clypeus with a dark blotch in the
middle; wings, except the usual fuscous cloud, subhyaline. COllicu*.
5. Abdomen black; clypeus, and greater part of legs, black . (juignardi
Abdomen on two basal segments red; clypeus yellow; legs fulvous.
trianguliferus.
I894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 87
MALES.
1. Median area of metanotum triangular
Median area of metanotum semielliptical, or y-shaped .
2. Within the median area the metanotum is coarsely reticulated
Within the median area the metanotum is not at all reticulated 4.
3. Legs and clypeus black . oppositus.
Legs, except hind tibia, fulvous; clypeus yellow . . mellens.
4. Area of metanotum enclosing numerous distinct, radiating ridges: cly-
peus and flagellum beneath, yellow radiatus.
Area of metanotum finely rugose, with two diverging, central, longi-
tudinal ridges; clypeus yellow, black medially; flagellum testace-
ous beneath conicus.
5. Median area of metanotum exactly triangular, without a transverse
ridge before the apex; legs fulvous, the four anterior coxa? yellow.
trianguliferus.
Median area of metanotum with a transverse ridge before apex, which
gives the area the appearance of being semielliptical . . .
6. Mesopleurae punctured throughout guignardii.
Mesopleura; on lower portion coarsely striated striatus.
1. Alyson oppositus Say.
A. oppositus Say, Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist, i, p: 380, ^ 9 ; Packard,
Proc. Ent. Soc. Phila. vi, p. 421.
Occurs from Canada to Virginia; Colorado.
2. Alyson melleus Say.
A. melleus Say, 1. c. p. 380. $ ; Provancher, Add. Hym. Quebec,
p. 270, $cT, December, 1887.
Canada to Mexico; Illinois. The credit for describing the
of this species should be given to Provancher, whose description
appeared in December, 1887, while that of Handlirsch, who also
describes a apparently for the first time, did not appear until
early in 1888.
3. Alysoa radiatus n. sp.
9. Black; scape beneath, clypeus, spot between insertion of antenna-,
inner orbits reaching beyond middle of the eye, mandibles except tips
and extreme base, and the anterior legs in front, yellow; the anterior coxa?
and trochantrrs arc black on basal portion; four hind tibia-, tarsi and tips
of femora reddish testaceous macuke; on second segment white-; \\ings
subfuscous or dark subhyaline, the usual cloud in the vicinity of the mar-
ginal and submarginal cells very faint; stigma pale testaceous, the ner-
vures much darker. Front finely and closely, yet distinctly punctured,
the vertex perhaps more distinctly so; anterior margin of clypeus indis-
tinctly bidentate medially; first joint of llig.-llum not more than one-tilth
longer than the second; dorsulum and scutellum finely and rather closely
88 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
punctured, the latter distinctly impressed; enclosure of metathorax nearly
as broad at the base as it is long, and with numerous strong, radiating
ridges; outside of this enclosure the metathorax is coarsely rugose, except
on the metapleurae ; abdomen shining, the first two dorsal segments
scarcely punctured. Length 7 mm.
cf . Antennae beneath, four hind tibiae and tarsi in front and the parts
mentioned in the description of the 9, yellow; wings subhyaline; first
joint of flagellum decidedly shorter than the second, which is in turn
slightly shorter than the third, last joint curved. Length 7 mm.
Nevada, Colorado. The form and sculpture of the enclosure
of metanotum will distinguish it.
4. Alyson conicus Prov.
A. conicus Prov., 1. c. p. 271, $.
cf . Black; inner orbits as far as centre of front, scape and pedicellum
beneath, mandibles except tips, clypeus, except spot in middle (some"
times the clypeus is entirely black), apex of anterior coxse, as well as the
fore femora and tibiae in front, yellow; four posterior tibiae, tarsi and apex
of femora testaceous; flagellum beneath obscurely testaceous; wings sub-
hyaline, iridescent, nervures and stigma testaceous; first joint of flagel-
lum but little more than half as long as the second, which is in turn
slightly shorter than the third; front finely and closely punctured, strongly
impressed medially ; scutellum impressed ; metathorax bluish, the en-
closure shorter than in the 9 ; abdomen shining, first two dorsal segments
impunctate. Length 5.5 mm.
Canada. One $ specimen has the flagellum yellowish be-
neath.
5. Alyson guignardii Prov.
A. guignardii Prov., 1. c. p. 271, ?(j\
Canada; Illinois.
6. Alyson striatus n. sp.
tf. Black; scape beneath, clypeus entirely, sides of face, inner orbits
as far as centre of front, mandibles except tips, two spots on prothorax
above and apical portion of anterior coxae, yellow; legs yellow-testaceous,
or pale-yellow, flagellum brownish beneath; maculae on second segment
white, transversely elongate; wings subhyaline, iridescent, nervures testa-
ceous; the head, thorax and abdomen is clothed with a rather conspicu-
ous, oppressed pubescence. Anterior margin of clypeus slightly incurved ;
front finely and closely punctured, strongly impressed medially; first joint
of flagellum but little more than half as long as the second, this latter
joint fully as long or slightly longer than the third; last joint curved as
usual; dorsulum and scutellum with tolerably fine and close punctures,
the scutellum not impressed; enclosure on metanotum triangular, with a
strong transverse ridge before the apex, which gives it the appearance of
being semiellipliY, within the enclosure there are two strong, longitudi-
ENT. NEWS, Vol. V.
PI. III.
See page f-g.
AFRICAN HESPERIID/E Holhuul.
I&94-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 89
-nally diverging carinse; with exception of the space between these carince
and the metapleurse, the metathorax is coarsely rugose; the mesopleuru.-
on lower portion with coarse, longitudinal striations; abdomen with the
last segment reddish. Length 7 mm.
District of Columbia. Easily distinguished by the striated
mesopleurse.
7. Alyson trianguliferus Prov.
A. triangulifer Prov., 1. c. p. 272, <$.
9. Black; first and second abdominal segments red; mandibles, ex-
cept tips, clypeus, orbits as far as middle of front, scape, first two or three
joints of flagellum beneath and tubercles, yellow; legs entirely fulvous,
the anterior pertaining to yellowish; front finely and evenly punctured,
vertex likewise; first joint of flagellum, if anything, a little longer than
the second ; prothorax and dorsulum with fine and close, but distinct
punctures, the prothorax on sides indistinctly striated; scutellum not im-
pressed, the suture which separates it from the dorsulum strongly foveo-
lated ; enclosure on metanotum almost exactly triangular, within with
somewhat irregular ridges, posterior face of metathorax rugose; wings
subhyaline, iridescent, with a fuscous cloud in the vicinity of the marginal
and submarginal cells; the abdomen, especially beneath, is clothed with
long, sparse, dark hairs. Length 7-8 mm.
Massachusetts, Virginia, Illinois. Resembles the 9 of opposi-
tus, but the shape of metanotal enclosure will distinguish it as
well as the color of legs.
o
SOME NEW AND LITTLE-KNOWN AFRICAN HESPERIID/E.
By W. J. HOLLAND, Ph.D., D. D., F. Z. S., etc.
The species described and figured in the following paper are
represented in my own collection by the types, or by authenti-
cally determined specimens. The figure of Tagiades dannatti
Ehrmann, recently described in the pages of the ENTOMOLOGICAL
NEWS, is represented by a drawing which I have carefully made
from the type. I am inclined to think that this species is iden-
tical with T. lacteus Mab., described in the Bulletin of the Ento-
mological Society of France, ser. 5, vol. vii, p. xxxix. The
description given by Mons. Mabille tallies well with the insect
figured, save in one or two minor particulars. Cal&norhinn*
afratus Mab., C. illustris Mab., and C. interniplaga Mab:,
which were described a couple of years ago by Mons. Mabilk- in
the " Comptes Rendus," of the Belgian Entomological Society,
being there referred to the genus Pardaleodes, are known to me
9Q ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
by the types, which I saw in the possession of Mons. Mabille
upon the occasion of my last visit to Paris. While I did not have
specimens of these species with me at the time for purposes of
comparison, the insects before me agree so well with the descrip-
tions given by Mons. Mabille, and with the hasty pen and ink
outlines I drew at the time, that I am quite confident that there
is no error in the determinations given. Celcenorhiniis collncens
mini, I had determined as C. (Pardaleodes} lucens Mab., but my
good friend. Dr. Scudder, who recently did me the great kind-
ness of comparing a set of drawings of some of the Hesperiicke
in my collection with those contained in the collection of Mons.
Mabille and other great European collections, assures me that
my species, while very near C. lucens Mab., is manifestly distinct,
the mesial band on the primaries being much broader in C. lucens
than in my species.
I hope shortly to be able to publish a revision of the Hes-
periidae of Africa and the adjacent islands, and for this purpose
am having drawings made of the types of the hitherto unfigured
species which are contained in the museums of Europe. The
work is one of some magnitude, and is attended with considerable
expense, but will prove a great boon to working naturalists,
unless I am greatly mistaken.
CEL2ENORHINUS, Hiibn.
i. C. collucens sp. nov. tf. Allied to C. lucens Mab., MS? The upper
side of the head, thorax, and abdomen is fuscous, clothed with olivar eous-
green hairs. The lowerside of the thorax and abdomen are much paler.
The palpi on the lower side are ochraceous. The antenna?, which are
blackish, are marked with ochraceous on the underside at the tip and
just after the club. The primaries are dark brown clothed with greenish
olivaceous hairs at the base. They are traversed by a broad translucent
mesial band of bright waxen-yellow, on the costa and near the outer
angle showing bright lemon. This band is somewhat regularly indented
on the innerside and very irregularly indented on the outer margin. In
addition, there are three large, translucent, subapical spots. The secon-
daries are dark brown or blackish, heavily clothed with greenish hairs at
the base, and with a few patches of similar hairs beyond the cell. Upon
the outer margin, just below the outer angle, is a broad lemon-yellow
spot. On the underside the ground color of both wings is much paler.
The markings of the primaries reappear on this side, and, in addition, the
costa near the base is yellowish. The secondaries are without the large
lemon-yellow spot near the outer angle, and are slightly clouded with
darker brown.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. QI
9. The female is much like the male, but larger, and on the secon-
daries has the large yellow spot replaced by two or three small circular
spots. These spots reappear indistinctly upon the underside. Expanse:
rj\ 38-40 mm.; $, 45 mm.
Hab. Valley of the Ogove.
OSMODES Wats.
2. 0. (?) fan* sp. nov. cJ'. Upperside of palpi, head, thorax and
abdomen dark brown; lowerside of thorax and abdomen slightly paler
brown; legs blackish; the underside of the palpi at the base whitish. The
primaries on the upperside are black, crossed from the costa to the sub-
median nerve by a broad orange-red mesial band, irregularly dentate
inwardly, and irregularly angulated and indented outwardly. The secon-
daries on the upperside are dark brown or blackish. The primaries on
the underside are as on the upperside, save that the mesial band shades
into creamy white in the neighborhood of the submedian nerve, and there
are two small white subapical dots near the costa, and another small
white dot between the second and third median nervules near the outer
margin. The secondaries upon the lowerside are dark fuscous, clouded
with darker brown transverse bands and subapical spots. Expanse 30 mm.
This beautiful species is allied to O.f vibius Hew. The single
specimen in my collection is from the Bule country, one hundred
miles back from the coast at Great Batanga, in a region about
1800 feet above the level of the sea.
PARNARA Moore.
3. P. (?) picaninif sp. nov. <$. Upperside of head, thorax and abdomen
black; lowerside of palpi and pectus broadly white; femora and adjacent
parts of thorax grayish; legs black ; lowerside of abdomen blackish.
The primaries on the upperside are black. There are some olivaceous
hairs at the base. The inner margin at the base is narrowly edged with
pale grayish hairs. Just above the outer extremity of this pale streak is
a small linear white translucent spot. At the end of the cell are two
similar translucent linear spots, and below the cell at the origin of the
second median nervule a curved narrow elongated translucent white spot.
There are three small translucent submarginal spots nearer the cell than
the margin, two of them approximating each other, located one on either
side of the third median nervule near its origin. The uppermost ol the
three is located beyond the end of the cell. The secondaries are black
on the upperside, like the primaries, with a grayish ray extending from
the base for a short distance along the submedian nerve. There is a
transverse macular hand beyond the cell, consisting of three or tour spots,
the two outer spots being pure white, the inner spots being obscured by
grayish hair. There are one or two small obscure spots near the anal
* Fan = Notnen iribits A/ricanie.
f Xomen puelli apud Africanos in America, nouH*i>n]U<iiu rtiain in Africa, hal<Hante.- .
92 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
angle. On the underside the primaries are marked as on the upperside,
but the spot near the submedian nervule is transformed into a somewhat
vaguely defined elongated ray, and there is a very narrow white line
bordering the cell on its upperside at the base. The secondaries on the
lowerside are marked by a broad, white, transverse band, irregularly
dentate outwardly, and interrupted in the region of the submedian nerve.
Expanse 28 mm.
The type, which is unique, was taken by Dr. Good in Liberia.
4. P. mabea sp. nov. <j\ Upperside of head, thorax and abdomen
dark brown; lower side of thorax and abdomen dark brown, covered
with grayish hairs; legs concolorous. The primaries on the upperside
are dark brown, marked by eight translucent spots, two above each other
at the end of the cell; a triangular silvery white spot, with its base resting
upon the middle of the submedian nerve; a larger subquadrate spot
between the first and second median nervules, with its outer lower angle
produced toward the margin; a smaller subquadrate spot between the
second and the third median nervules, and three small subapical spots
arranged in a curved series below the costa. The secondaries on the
upperside are dark brown with two elliptical translucent white spots
beyond the cell separated by the second median nervule. On the under-
side the primaries are slightly paler than on the upperside, with the region
of the cell darker than the remainder of the wing. The spots of the
upperside reappear on the underside. The secondaries are dark fuscous,
inclining slightly to reddish on the lowerside; and in addition to the two
elliptical spots, which appear on the upperside, there is a circular white
spot at the end of the cell, and a somewhat smaller spot before the outer
angle midway between the margin and the cell. Expanse 32 mm.
This species is represented in my collection by a single speci-
men coming from the valley of the Ogove.
5. P. batamjae sp. nov. tf. Closely allied to P. picanini, but much larger,
and without the basal streak on the inner margin of the primaries, and
with the outer margin of the primaries not as deeply excavated before the
inner angle, as in that species. On the underside the primaries are much
as in P. picanini, but the secondaries on the underside are wholly differ-
ent, being light gray clouded, with very pale fuscous in the region of the
anal angle, with the fringes very pale fuscous inclining to whitish. The
wing is marked by an irregularly curved series of pale whitish spots, two
at the end of the cell, four composing a transverse series, the two outer-
most being small, located on either side of the second median nervule
near its origin, the third, and largest, being separated from the fourth,
which is small and linear, by the submedian nerve. Expanse 32 mm.
Hab. Batanga, German West Africa.
* Mabea = Noinen gent is Africanm.
IS94-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 93
6. P. argyrodes sp. nov. $. The upperside of the thorax and abdomen
dark brown, clothed lightly with grayish hairs at the insertion of the
wings. On the underside the thorax and abdomen are dark brown. The
legs are concolorous. The primaries on the upperside are black, marked
by a subquadrate spot at the end of the cell constricted near the middle.
There are three subquadrate spots on the median interspaces beyond the
cell regularly diminishing in size toward the apex, and two or three mi-
nute subapical spots forming a curved series near the costa. The secon-
daries on the upperside are black with two minute and obscure spots
beyond the end of the cell, the inner fold of the wing near the base being
clothed with grayish green hairs. On the underside the primaries are
dark brown, becoming paler toward the outer margin, and slightly laved
with purplish brown. The spots of the upperside reappear, and in addi-
tion there is a whitish spot above the submedian nerve. The secondaries
are dark brown tinged with purplish on the euter margin and having the
fringes very pale fuscous. The middle of the wing is traversed by a some-
what irregularly curved series of four silvery spots, the innermost of which
is the largest. Expanse 30 mm.
Hab. Valley of the Ogove.
7. P. leilCOphaea sp. nov. $. Upperside of head, thorax and abdomen
black; lowerside of palpi inclining to ochraceous; lowerside of thorax and
abdomen grayish; legs concolorous. The primaries on the upperside are
black, margined with glaucous hairs on the inner margin at the base.
There are two round spots at the end of the cell: three forming a median
series beyond the cell, the lower spot on the submedian nerve being small,
quadrate, silvery white; the second and third on the middle interspaces,
the second the largest. In addition there are three subapical spots form-
ing a curved series near the costa. The secondaries on the upperside are
black withtwo oval white spots, one on either side of the second median
near its origin, the uppermost being the largest. The fringes at the anal
angle are broadly white. On the underside the primaries are marked
much as on the upperside, but the spots are not so sharply defined as on
that side. The secondaries are blackish. There is a small white spot at
the end of the cell, and three similar small spots forming a transverse
series beyond the cell. These spots are bordered with blackish. The
outer third of the wing toward the anal angle is washed with bluish gray,
upon which the nervules, which are dark, stand out distinctly. The
fringes at the anal angle are broadly white, and the white color of the
fringe runs inwardly as a whitish ray along the submedian nervule.
9 . The female is marked like the male, but the secondaries are more-
broadly whitish at the anal angle, and have, in addition, a white spot an-
nulated with dark brown beyond the end of the cell near the outer angle.
Expanse: <j\ 30 mm.; 9, 34 mm -
Hab. Valley of the Ogove.
Mons. Mabille, to whom I showed the type, declared the spe-
94 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
cies to be unknown to him. It is not found in the British Mu-
seum. In some respects it is closely allied to P. indusiata Mab. ,
but totally distinct.
S. P. (?) subuotata sp. nov. -j\ Upperside of thorax and abdomen
fuscous; lowerside of thorax and abdomen fuscous, inclining to ochra-
ceous; lowerside of palpi whitish; legs fuscous. The primaries on the
upperside are dark brown. There is a small spot at the lower angle of
the cell at its end. There are three spots forming a median series, the
lower most white, subtnangular, and opaque, resting on the submedian
nerve about its middle. The second, which is the largest and subquad-
rate, is located just below the spot at the end oi the cell. Above it is a
smaller subquadrate spot lying between the second and third median
nervules at their origin. In addition there is a similar subquadrate spot
below the costa beyond the end of the cell midway between it and the
apex. The secondaries are dark brown, marked by a curved band of
semi-translucent yellowish spots located beyond the cell near the origin
of the median nervules. On the underside the primaries are brownish
fuscous. The translucent spots reappear on this side, but are less distinct.
The base is laved with ochraceous, as is also the outer margin near the
apex. The outer margin is ornamented by a series of dark spots form-
ing a regularly curved band from the apex to the second median nervule,
where they are lost in the darker ground color of the wing. These spots
are defined inwardly by pale yellowish hastate markings. There is a fine
marginal black line. The fringes are dark fuscous. The secondaries on
the lowerside are ochraceous, the middle area beyond the cell being trav-
ersed by a somewhat broad band of bright yellow spots running from the
costa to the first median nervule. There are four or five blackish spots
between this band and the base pupiled with pale ochraceous. There is
.a regularly curved submarginal series of blackish spots defined inwardly
by paler markings. The margin and the fringes are as on the primaries.
Expanse 26 mm.
This species probably does not belong to the genus Parnara,
though without a dissection its exact location cannot be absolutely
determined. It probably comes nearer the genus Osmodes,
though it does not belong to it, and may perhaps represent the
type of a new genus.
GASTROCHETA Mab.
9. G. cybeutes sp. nov. $. The upperside of the body is black. The
lowerside is grayish white. The antenna? are marked with white at the
end of the club. The primaries on the upperside are black. There are
two elongated translucent white spots at the end of the cell very near to
each other, a median series of three moderately large translucent spots,
of which the lower spot resting on the submedian nerve is oblong, quad-
rate, silvery white, the second is subhastate with its point obtuse pointing
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 95
inwardly, the third, the smallest of the series, lying between the origin of
the second and thid median nervules. There is a subapical curved series
of three small white translucent spots. The secondaries have a round
translucent white spot beyond the base divided by the nervule which de-
fines the upper margin of the cell. This spot is partly obscured by the
grayish hairs which cover the base. Beyond the cell are two oblong sub-
quadrate spots separated from each other by the second median nervule.
The fringes of the secondaries are pale. On the underside the primaries
are pale greenish fuscous with the middle area deep blackish. The spots
on the underside are as on the upperside. The secondaries are greenish
fuscous with the anal angle broadly laved with whitish. There are two
series of spots forming macular bands, one crossing the cell, the other
beyond it. The inner series consists of three spots, the uppermost of
which is large and oval. The two innermost spots are smaller, opaque,
and accentuated outwardly by blackish markings. The outer band of
^puts is composed of a curved series of eight spots, of which the third
and fourth reckoning from the inner margin, are translucent and the
largest; the second and fifth are minute; the first and sixth are linear, the
first being the larger; the seventh is minute and circular; and the eighth,
which is nearest the costa, is linear.
9 . The female is marked very much like the male, but the secondaries
on the underside are broadly whitish on the middle area and toward the
base, with the outer margin clouded with dark brown. The two bands
<>f spots are separated near the inner margin by a brownish area like that
on the outer margin. The spots are all more or less obscurely defined
in the female, their outlines being lost in the paler ground color of the
wing. Expanse; tf, 32 mm.; 9, 37 mm.
Hab. Valley of the Ogove.
Mons. Mabille, who has seen this species, regards it as an un-
described. It is not found in the British Museum, nor in the
museum at Berlin.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE III.
Fig. i. Tagiades dannatti Ehrmann, ENT. NEWS. vol. iv, p. 309.
2. Celtznorhinusinterniplaga Mab., C. R. S. Ent. Belg. '91, p. Ixxiii.
3. cotluscens sp. nov. 9
4. colluscens sp. nov. $.
5. afrafns Mab., C. R. Soc. Ent. Belg. 1891, p. Ixxiv.
6. i//nstri.s Mab., 1. c. p. Ixxiii.
7. Procainpta rani Holl., Ann. and Mag. N. Hist. (6), vol. x, p. 293.
8. Osinodcs?fan sp. nov.
9. Parnara picanitn ' sp. nov.
10. batangfe sp. nov.
11. argyrodes sp. nov.
12. nnibea sp. nov.
13. (?) sit/niotafa sp. nov.
14. leucophfca sp. nov.
15. ' cybeutes sp. nov.
96 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March,
Description of a new species of Myscelia from Western Mexico.
By LEVI W. MENGEL, Reading, Pa.
Myscelia skiiiaeri nov. sp. Expands two and one-quarter inches. The
basic color of the entire upper surface is black, paling slightly along the
internal margin of the inferior wings. Beginning at the base of the su-
perior wing, running into the discoidal cell about three-eighths of an inch
dividing, and running into the wing nearly three-quarters of an inch, is a
blotch of rich purple. Along the margin of the wing is a line of white or
pale bluish spots, broken, running along the entire margin. There is a
parallel line of spots, nearly the same color, though somewhat darker,
running very close to the edge. There are two white apical spots sur-
rounded by the faintest tinge of blue, three submarginal spots, and two in
the centre of the costa, all of the same color. The inferior wings are
emarginate, with a thin, pale, broken line of white spots running along
the edge. A large blotch of the same rich purple as on the superiors
spreads from the base into the cell, extending almost to the upper margin
of the wing. It is not divided, as in the superiors. Near the margin is a
row of purple spots running parallel to the edge. A second and third
marginal row run across the wing. Between the last row and the large
blotch runs a band across the wing in the centre. Counting this row, and
excluding the white marginal line, there are four rows of these purple-
colored spots between the edge and blotch. The undersides of the wings,
as in M. streckeri Skinner, resemble the under surface of Pyrameis ata-
lanta, and, like it, cannot be* described.
The species is close to M. streckeri Skinner, and they may be
varieties of the same species belonging to the same zoological
area. But in the general appearance, and in the number of rows
of purple spots, from which there is no variation in skinneri, they
differ to such a degree that I believe the species is worthy of a
name.
Described from five specimens from Bayemena, Sinoloa,
Mex. Named in honor of Dr. Henry Skinner, of Philadelphia.
OBITUARY.
MORITZ SCHUSTER died of apoplexy Feb. 7, 1894. Mr. Schuster was
born in Germany in 1823, and was an enthusiastic entomologist up to the
time of his death. His home was at 1803 Hickory Street, St. Louis, Mo.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS for February, was mailed Jan. 31, 1894.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS
AND
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
VOL. v. APRIL, 1894. No. 4.
CONTENTS:
Fall Collecting in the Sierras of S. , Visitors from South America 113
California 97 Editorial 115
Taylor Larva and pupa of P. homerus 101 Economic Entomology Ti6
1 "\\nsend Ants from Las Cruces 103 : Notes and News uS
I'ernald Elementary Entomology 104 Entomological Literature 121
Van Duzee Note on Scolopostethus.... 108 Entomological Section.... 125
Jjyar Arkansas Lepidoptera 108 Cockerell A new Chrysis 125
Skinner Tachyris ilaire no Coquillett New Diptera from Wash.... 125
Aaron The Bold Robber Fly 110 ! Fox Fossorial Hymenoptera 126
COLLECTING IN THE SIERRAS OF S. CALIFORNIA.
Bv H. C. FALL, Pomona, Cala.
j
The chief glory of Southern California is its climate; but, un-
like the proverbial lion, the Summer temperature is sometimes
more pronounced than it is painted by the real-estate agents.
When the mercury has frisked about for several weeks between
90 and 115, the average man begins to feel the need of a read-
justment of surroundings, and circumstances permitting, hies
himself to the coast or to the mountains.
My friend, Mr. F. D. Twogood, of Riverside, and myself con-
sidered the above sufficient excuse for contracting with the stage
driver to set us clown on the top of the San Bernardino Moun-
tains one morning in early July.
Both Mr. Twogood and myself have a weakness for entomology,
he being partial to the Lepidoptera, while I lean rather toward
the Coleoptera. In the following remarks I shall confine myself
to noticing a few of the beetles taken during a month's stay on
the mountains.
\Ve camped in a little valley at about 5000 feet elevation,
through which an ever lessening stream fringed with alder* and
willows flowed toward the Mojave Desert. The higher ground
was rather sparsely wooded with pine, fir. cedar and oak, the
conifers predominating. The little variety of vegitation indicated
4
98 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
a limited insect fauna, which proved to be the case. About one
hundred species of Lepidoptera and four hundred of Coleoptera
were the result of our raid, and these were not obtained without
labor.
Our headquarters was located near a saw-mill, with two ob-
jects in view the greater facility of obtaining supplies, and the
prospect of securing many species of beetles whose pleasure it is
,to complete the work of destruction once begun by the lumber-
men. With the wastefulness characteristic of those who gather
from an apparently inexhaustible supply, the upper, or even the
whole trunks of hundreds of giant pines were left lying on the
ground, a prey to the insects and the elements. Under the
loosening bark of one of these fallen monarchs I began my search.
The first thing bottled was Cossonus piniphilus; these were always
to be found, and with them in greater or less numbers occurred
Tachys nanus, Hister pundigcr, Plegaderus nitidus, Lasconotus
.pusilliis and Hypophlceus snbstriaius. Other occasional finds
under bark were Rhyssodes hamatus, Alindria cylindrica (very
small), Bins cstriatus, Uloma languid and Metaciisa marginalis.
Buprestidte were here much more numerous than in the valleys
below. Chrysobothris cuprascens (hitherto reported from Colo-
rado and New Mexico) was beaten in numbers from pines, and
with them a few C. femorata and C. calif ornica. The latter and
also the brilliant Melanophila gentills were taken dead from their
burrows in dead pine twigs. Melanophila intrusa and Chryso-
phana placida were also beaten from pines. Specimens of Bu-
prestis maculiventris and B. Iceviventris were taken flying near
the summit. I can perceive no differences other than color be-
tween these two forms, and their manner of occurrence indicates
specific identity. Buprestis fascia fa turned up in sweeping the
low herbage beside the brook, and Dicerca Jwrnii was dug from
dead alder stumps. On willows occurred Agrilus politns and A.
nivciventris; the latter was the more abundant, and several trees
were observed which had been seriously injured by its attacks.
The flowers of a large primrose yielded many Anthaxia feneo-
gastcr and Acmceodera connexa, and promiscuous sweeping or
beating gave one specimen of Agri/us angelicas, also several
Anthaxia deleta of both sexes, the male bright green and the
female olivaceous.
The piles of lumber near the saw-mill prompted frequent visits,
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 99
especially during- twilight, when many tilings were on the wing.
Of these the largest game was Ergates spicidatus, often seen fly-
ing slowly about the board piles and easily taken. The large
burrows in pine stumps bear witness to the larval habits of this
species. Under like circumstances were taken Pactopus hornii,
Carcbora longula, Lasconotus servus, Ernobius sp., Hylasies
nic'cer and H. longus. Our camp fire attracted numerous speci-
mens of Anelastes driiryi, and occasionally a Polyphylla crinila;
I have never seen this species in the low country, its place there
being taken by P. lo-lineata, which is not rare at electric lights.
Returning to camp one evening about sundown, I stopped to
examine a small alder which had been felled across the stream.
I had gathered a dozen or two of Pityophthorus pubipennis,
which had emerged from their burrows and were taking an even-
ing promenade, when, from the hole of one of the bark borers a
strange head appeared ; it belonged to that curious Cucujide,
Narthecius grandiceps, and diligent search resulted in the finding
of about a dozen of this very rare beetle. I know not what may
be the habits of this insect, but the circumstances strongly sug-
gest that it may be parasitic on the bark borer above mentioned.
On this same alder I found t\vo or three Lasconotus linearis, and
from a freshly-cut tree close by a little colony of Rhyncholus
spretus. Beneath a log partially imbedded in turf by the side
of the stream I discovered the headquarters of Hippodamia con-
i-<')-o-ens for this region; here, crowded together in places several
deep, were not less than ten thousand individuals; what can be
the signification of such a gathering?
Space will not permit a detailed allusion to even half of the
species collected, nor is a complete list now possible, owing to
the difficulty of identification; many, indeed, being unclescribed.
That this article may be of some value as indicating geograph-
ical distribution, I append as complete a list as possible of the
not mentioned above :
Cicindela i2-guttatu Dcj. ISnnbidium iridescens Lcc.
Cychrus punrtatus Lee. Tachys anthrax Lcc.
Notiophilus semiopacus Esch. audax Lee.
Dyschirius gibbipennis Lee. Pterostichus ater Dcj.
Sclii/o^t-niu^ drprrsMis Lee. cast.mipt.^ Men.
Bembidumi erasum Lcc. <>r< i(lrmnlis Dej.
longulus Lee. . \mura soitulu Ziiiiin.
semistriatus Hald. ivmntestriata Dcj. .
100
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
[April
Platynus funebris Lee.
fossiger Dej.
Lebia viridis Say.
Stenolophus anceps Lee.
Anisodactylus piceus Men.
consobrinus Lee.
Bidessus pictodes Sharp.
affinis Say.
Deronectes striatellus Lee.
Hydroporus vilis Lee.
Ilybiosoma regularis Lee.
Agabinus glabrellus Mots.
Agabus lugens Lee.
lecontei Cr.
(iyrinus plicifer Lcc.
Ochthebius puncticollis Lee.
\ lydraena pennsylvanica Kies.
Tropisternus californicus Lcc.
Hydrocharis glaucus Lee.
Chsetarthria nigrella Lee.
Limnebius piceus Horn.
Cymbiodyta dorsalis I\[ots.
Laccobius ellipticus Lee.
Creniphilus rufiventris Horn.
Cercyon lugubris Payk.
Ptomaphagus consobrinus Lee.
Ouedius explanatus Lee.
capucinus Grav.
limbifer Horn.
Philonthus sordidus Grav.
nigritulus Grav.
Stenus costalis Cas.
terricola Cas.
californicus Cas.
Cryptobium californicum Lee.
Lathrobium jacobinum Lee.
Scopseus punctatus Cas.
truncaticeps Cas.
Caloderma angulatum Cas.
rasile Cas.
Tachinus debilis Horn.
Bledius ruficornis Lee.
Trogophlceus diffusus Cas.
Phalacrus penicellatus Say.
Megilla vittigera Mann.
Harmonia picta Rand.
Coccinella sanguinea Linn.
Mysia hornii Cr.
Exochomus marginipennis Lcc.
Scymnus coniferarum Cr.
pacificus Cr.
Aphorista morosa Lee.
Synchita variegata Lee.
Aulonium longutn Lee.
Cerylon castaneum Sav.
Pediacus depressus Hbst.
Brontes dubius Fab.
Mycetophagus californicus Horn.
Paromalus tejonicus Horn.
Sabrinus lubricus Lee.
Epuraea immunda Sturm.
Nitidula ziczac S\'.
Omdsita discoidea Fab.
Thalycra concolor Lee.
Trogosita virescens Fab.
Tenebrioides sinuata Lee.
Peltis pippingskoeldi Mann.
Hesperobaenus abbreviatus Mots.
Limnebius punctatus Lcc.
nebulosus Lcc.
californicus Lee.
tenuicornis Cas.
Dryops suturalis Lee.
Cyphon concinnus Lee.
Horistonotus sufflatus Lee.
Elater carbonicolor Fsc/i. ?
Megapenthes aterrimus Horn.
stigmosus Lcc.
Athous excavatus Mots.
limbatus Lee.
Eros lastus Mots.
Podabrus comes Lee.
Malthodes fusculus Lee.
Dasytes pusillus Lee.
hudsonicus Lee.
Cymatodera puncticollis Hland.
Clerus sphegeus Fab.
Hydnocera scabra Lcc.
Cregya fasciata Lcc.
Necrobia rufipes Fab.
Ptinus l)iniacu!alus Mc/s.
Hadrobregmus gibbicollis Lcc.
i8 9 4-]
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
IOI
Ptilinus basalis Lee.
Ata-nius abditus Hald.
Amphicoma canina Lee.
I iichelonycha crotchii Horn.
Spondylis upiformis Mann.
Prionus caliiornicus Mots.
Callidium hirtellum Lee.
Kticrossus villio )rnis Lee.
Necydalis cavipennis Lee.
Leptura crassicornis Zer.
Acanthocinus obliquus Lee.
Saxinis speculifera Horn.
( .'ryptocephalus sanguinicollis Suffr.
Glyptoscelis illustris Cr.
Colaspidea cuprascens Lee.
smaragdulus Lee.
Chrysochrus cobaltinus Lee.
1'lagiodera prasinella Lee.
Phyllobrotica viridipennis Lee.
Luperodes varipes Lee.
Haltica bimarginata Say.
Crepidodera helixines Linn.
Kpitrix subcrinita Lee.
( ilyptina atriventris Horn
Pliyllotreta albionica Lee.
riuetocnema opulenta Horn.
Microrhopala melsheimeri Cr.
Odontota californica Horn.
Zabrotes obliteratus Horn.
Asida obsoleta \^cc.
Iphthimus serratus Maim.
Coelocnemis dilaticollis Mann.
Tenebrio tenebrioides Beaiiv.
Plytydema oregonense Lee.
Helops edxvardsii Horn.
Cistela variabilis Horn.
Pentaria nubila Lee.
Anaspis collaris Lee.
Notoxus calcaratus Horn.
Rhipiphorus flavipennis Lee.
Rhynchites bicolor Fab.
glastinus Lee.
Thricolepis inornata Horn.
Scythropus californicus Hotn.
Apion proclive Lee.
Smicronyx imbricatus Cos.
Anthonomus sycophanta Walsh.
inermis Boh.
ornatula Dietz?
Magdalis cuneiformis Horn.
lecontei Horn.
Orchestes parvicollis Horn.
Piazurus californicus Lee.
Copturus longulus Lee.
Ceutorhynchus obliquus Lee.
Balaninus uniformis Lee. ?
Rhyncholus oregonensis Horn.
Pityophthorus retusus Lee.
' Tomicus confusus Lee.
Scolytus ventral is Lee. ?
Phlceosinus punctatus Lee.
Dendroctonus
Hylurgops subcostulatus Mann.
-o-
Description of the Larva and Pupa of Papilio homerus Fab.
By CHARLES B. TAYLOR, F. E. S.
LARVA. Length about two and one-quarter inches; general
appearance incrassated, the bodv being thickest Irom the third
to the fifth segments, from thence tapering gradually to the anal
extremity, which is abruptly truncated. Head small, pale ochre-
ous or brown, deflected, and, when the larva is at rest, almost
completely obscured by a projection of the anterior margin of
the first segment. Color protective, harmonizing closely with
102 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
the tint of the leaf of the food-plant. Upper surface a rich deep
chrome-green, extending- down to about the spiracular region,
where it terminates with a more or less irregular or sinuous out-
line most pronounced towards the posterior segments, where the
green is sharply divided from the color of the under surface by a
narrow edging of white; first segment with a short transverse
dorsal bar of pale dun or ochreous brown ; a broad curved band
of the same color, bearing a few lines and spots of black, runs in
a posterior direction across the dorsal surface of the third seg-
ment and down to the sides of the fourth segment, where, curv-
ing slightly upwards, it ends in club-shaped dilations enclosing a
simple ocellus, colored as follows: On a comma-shaped ground
patch of black is drawn a rather broad ring of dun, bordered
below with bluish gray, followed by a black iris, with a bluish
white pupil. Across the posterior or margin of the fifth segment
is drawn a most inconspicuous luniform stripe ol white, having a
raised appearance, as if laid on with several coats of body color,
and which is in turn marked with little transverse bars of pale
lavender, five in all; the horns of the crescent have this time a
slightly anterior direction, and terminate at the sides, between
the fourth and fifth segments, just at the junction of the green with
the brown of the under surface. Anterior margin of the filth
segment immediately in front of the white stripe, finely irrorated
with white; between the fifth and sixth segments is a broad trans-
verse band of deep black, more or less completely hidden by the
segmental fold, except when the larva is in motion; then it is very
conspicuous. Ventral surface, including abdominal legs, dull
dark brown; a broad band of this color, suffused with a lavender-
gray tint, bearing a few scattered spots of blue-gray, and having
a very irregular or jagged outline, is continued obliquely up-
wards in a posterior direction from the eighth segment, and meet-
ing on the dorsal surface of the tenth segment descends again
obliquely, narrowing rapidly, however, before joining the brown
of the under surface, thus enclosing an irregular diamond-shaped
patch of green. Segmental folds strongly marked on the ventral
surface.
PUPA of usual shape, but not greatly angulated; color wholly
dark wood-brown, with two pairs of white tubercles on the clor>al
surface of the middle abdominal segments.
FOOD-PLANT. A tree growing to a large size and of great
1 894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 105
height, bearing subovate leaves with long stalks, deep glossy
green. Local name, " Water Wood;" botanical name unknown.
The larva was taken at the Fountain Road in the Bath district of
the Parish of St. Thomas, in the East, on the 27th day of No-
vember, 1893, and developed a male Homerus on the 2gth of
December following.
XOTE. The food-plant is probably Clnmarrhis cyjnosa Jacq. ED.
o
SOME ANTS FROM LAS CRUCES, NEW MEX.
By C. H. TYLER TOWNSEND.
The following ants were collected at Las Cruces, New Mex. T
from 1891 to 1893. The determinations were all made at Wash-
ington by Dr. Riley. They will be of interest, as very little is
known of the ants of this region.
Camponotus castaneus Latr. 9 . This species, which is 10-1 1
mm. long, is common in houses. It is wholly rufous, with black-
ish abdomen, and head rather darker rufous than the rest.
Cremastogaster sp. 9 .A small blackish ant, about 2^3 mm.
long. Thorax, legs and antennae with a rufous tinge.
Cremastogaster lineolata Say 9 . This is a small species, with
rufous head, antennae, thorax and legs, and black abdomen.
Length 4-5 mm. A colony of workers and white larvae found in
galleries in dead stick of cottonwood, Feb. 20, 1893.
Dorymyrmex sp. 9 . A small ant. Head, thorax and antennae
rufous, abdomen and legs black.
Formica sp. $ (?\A moderately small black ant. Lt---
black, wings clear.
Formica sp. 1 . A winged specimen, black with yellowish
legs; wings slightly smoky.
Formica Integra Nyl. 9 . Workers.
Monomorium minntiim Mayr. 9 . A very small black ant.
Myrmccina sp. $ . A slender yellowish ant.
Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Cr. 9 $ . Several workers and
males.
Tapinoma sessile Say 9 A small black ant.
Tetramorinm sp. (?) 9. This is a small yellowish ant. The
workers are about 2 l /2 mm. long and slender.
Two of the above species, Cremastogaster lineolata and Tapi-
noma sessile, are found in Baja, Cala., as shown by a small col-
lection made there by the California Academy of Sciences, and
sent to Mr. Theo. Pergande for determination. Mr. PergandrV
paper appears in the Proceedings, series 2, vol. iv, pp. 26-36.
104 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
ELEMENTARY ENTOMOLOGY.
MICROLEPIDOPTERA. Part I.
By Prof. C. H. FERNALD, Amherst, Mass.
The group of insects known as microlepidoptera may be con-
veniently divided into the following families, viz. : Pyralidae,
Pterophoridae, Tortricidae and Tineidae. Some authors regard
them as superfamilies under the names Pyralidina, Tortricina,
Tmeina and Pterophorina, in the order given. Others consider
the last-named group as a family under the Pyralidina, but it
seems more natural to consider them a distinct family and place
them immediately after the Pyralidae, to which .they seem most
nearly allied.
The family Pyralidae includes medium- and small-sized insects
ranging in expanse of wings from 10 to 60 mm. Their fore wings
are entire and more or less triangular in form, while the hind
wings are sometimes wider, and, when at rest, are more or less
folded and covered by the fore wings, which are placed horizon-
tally or sloping, with the hinder borders touching, along the line
of the body. Some of the species (Crambids and Phycids) have
narrower fore wings and roll them around the body when at rest.
The maxillary palpi and tongue are usually well developed,
though the latter is abortive in some species. The ocelli are
usually present.
The fore wings have twelve, eleven, ten, nine, or even in some
species only eight veins. The dorsal vein (ib) is generally ac-
companied by a short internal vein (la), which sometimes runs
to the hinder margin, sometimes it is lost before reaching the
margin, and sometimes it curves up and joins the dorsal vein.
This internal vein has very generally been overlooked, owing,
perhaps, to the fact that many persons mount their prepared or
bleached wings in Canada balsam, which renders many of the
finer veins entirely invisible. Wings designed for microscopic
study should be mounted in glycerine (see Packard's "Ento-
mology for Beginners," p. 269). Vein 5 arises much nearer to
4 than to 6, S and 9 are stalked.
The hind wings have the frenulum developed, and normally
contain eight veins, but the number is sometimes reduced to
.seven, and in a few species to six. There are three internal veins
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 105
distinguished as la, ib, and ic, counting outwardly. Vein il>
is rarely if ever forked at the base, as in the Tortricids and many
of the Tineids. Vein 5 is much nearer 4 at its origin, than to 6.
Veins 6 and 7 are stalked, or, in a few species, they are separate.
The costal vein arises at the base of the wing near the subcostal
and runs near and parallel with it to the end of the cell, beyond
which it is either joined with vein 8 for a short distance, or else
runs so close to it as to appear to unite with it. This is an im-
portant characteristic of this family.
The subfamilies may be separated by the following table :
1. Median vein of hind wings not hairy above 2.
Median vein of hind wings hairy above ,v
2. Fere wings with vein 7 separate from 8 and 9 .... Pyraustiuae.
Fore wings with vein 7 arising from the stem of 8 and 9 . Pyralinae.
3. Fore wings with vein 7 present 4-
Fore wings with vein 7 absent Phycitinae.
4. Maxillary palpi triangular Crambinae.
Maxillary palpi not triangular Galleriinae.
The family Pterophorid^e (feather-wings or plume-moths) in-
clude small moths ranging from 10 to 36 mm. in expanse of wings.
They have slender bodies; long, slim legs; long, narrow and fis-
sured wuigs which they hold nearly horizontally, and at right
angles with the body, but the feathers of the hind wings are
folded over each other and drawn forward under the fore wings.
The genus Agdistis, of Europe, has entire wings, but the fis-
sure is indicated. The genera Scoptonoma and Stenoptycha, es-
tablished by Zeller and placed among the Pterophorids, have
been transferred to the Pyralids, the former being synonymous
with Guenee's genus Lineodcs. The fringes are quite long, and
arranged on both sides of the divisions of the wings, giving them
their strong resemblanc? to the feathers of a bird, and thus mak-
ing more complete organs ot llight.
This family comprises two well-defined subfamilies: Pttn-
phoriiKe and Orneodina .
The Pterophorina- have a fissure in the fore wings extending
in from the middle of the outer margin, between veins 4 and 7,
nearly one-fourth of the length of the wing. The hind wing' is
separated into three divisions by two fissures extending in from
the outer margin, the first between veins 4 and 8, nearly to the
middle of the wing, the second between ic and 2, nearly three-
106 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
fourths of the distance to the base of the wing". These divisions-
are called feathers; the anterior being called the first feather, tin-
middle one the second feather, and the posterior one the third
feather.
The Orneodinae may be easily distinguished by having the fore
and hind wings each six-cleft. Only one species has as yet been
found in this country, and that is the well-known European Or-
neodes hexadactyla L., the larva of which feeds in the flowers of
honey-suckle (Lonicera), spends the pupal state under ground
.ind hibernates during the Winter in the imago state.
The usual time of flight of the feather-wings is on mild, calm
evenings, when they are frequently attracted to light and rarely
to sugar. They may, however, be easily "flushed" in the day-
time from the low shrubbery on which they usually rest, when
they will fly a short distance and alight again. These insects are
not generally very abundant, yet where one is ' ' flushed ' others-
can generally be found, often in considerable numbers.
A few of the species are of economic importance, as they feed
on useful plants and sometimes do much injury.
The family Tortricidae, or leaf-rollers, include a large group of
rather stout-bodied insects, below the medium size, ranging in
expanse of wings from 7 to 43 mm. They are distributed very
widely over the globe, but do not appear to be so abundant in
tropical America as in some other regions.
The head is covered with coarse, erect scales, which give it a
rough appearance. The tongue is rather short, and in a tew
species it is obsolete. The ocelli are generally present. They
have no maxillary palpi, but the labial palpi are rather stout and
blunt. The antennae are from half to three-fourths as long as the
costa, simple or pubescent, and in a very few species pectinated.
The legs are of moderate size and length, and often present sec-
ondary sexual characters in the males. Such characters also
occur on other parts of many of these insects, as on the lore and
hind wings, antennae, etc.
The fore wings are moderately elongated, triangular, or some-
what rectangular, with short fringes. The surface of the win^
is generally smooth, though in some species there are small tuits
of elevated scales arising at definite places. The pattern of col-
oration is quite uniform in the subfamilies, but in some species
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. IOJ
the fore wings are of plain colors and entirely without markings.
The color and markings appear to be of service in concealing
them from their enemies. Very interesting dimorphic forms
occur in some species, as Teras minuta Robs. When these in-
sects are at rest the fore wings are either spread out flat, or they
are inclined, roof-shaped, or else they are more or less rolled
around the body. The fore wings have twelve veins, except in
a few species, which have but eleven. Vein i is forked at the
base, and all are separate at the origin, except 7 and 8, which are
united at the base for a greater or less extent in some species.
The hind wings are more or less trapezoidal in form, and with-
out markings, except in a few Australian species. They have
eight veins, except in a few species, where 3 and 4 coalesce and
torm one. There are three internal veins indicated as la, ib and
ic. These arise separately from the base of the wing behind the
median vein, and ib is forked at the base. The costal vein arises
free from the base of the wing and very near to the base of the
subcostal which is so fine near the base as often to appear to be
merged into the costal. This position of the costal vein of the
hind wing and the fork at the base of ib, readily separates the
Tortricids from the Pyralids.
The subfamilies may be separated by the following table :
1. Median vein of hind wings hairy above Grapholithinae.
Median vein of hind wings not hairy above 2.
2. Vein 2 of the fore wings from near middle of median vein . Tortricinae.
Vein 2 of the fore wings from outer third of median vein . Conchylinse.
A large- majority of the Tortricids fold or roll together the
leaves of the plants upon which they feed. Some feed in fruit
and seeds; others are borers in stems, and a few are supposed to
be gall makers, while one has been shown to be carnivorous.
There is probably no other family of insects in which a larger
proportion of the species is injurious to plants that are of value
to man.
The usual time of flight is from 4 to 7 or 8 in the evening, but
they may be "flushed" or beaten from the bushes at other times
of the clay. A very few come to light or sugar, but not many
can be captured by these methods.
108 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
NOTE ON SCOLOPOSTETHUS.
By E. P. VAN DUZEE.
In the November, 1893, number of the "Revue d'Entomologie,"
Dr. C. Horvath, in an article on "LesScolopostethus Americains, "
questions the occurrence of .5". affinis Schill. in this country.
Three American species of this genus are known to him, two of
which he describes as new, the third he identifies with .5". thomsoni
Rent. , of Europe.
This note of Dr. Horvath' s has led me to go over my material
in this genus with the following results : All my specimens evi-
dently belong- to one species. They want the mesosternal tuber-
cles, but possess the long erect bristles on the vertex near the
ocelli. The lower edge of the anterior femora is minutely den-
ticulate beyond the prominent tooth and more coarsely on the
basal one-half. In some examples the second joint of the antenrue
is entirely pale, in others the apex is piceous, while one specimen
has this joint and the base of the third pale. On the claws the
two outer rows of punctures are parallel and the apex ot the
corium is broadly piceous. In some the membrane is short, in
others fully developed, but in all there is a large whitish spot
exteriorly next the tip of the corium more conspicuous in the
macropterous examples.
Comparing these specimens with Dr. Horvath's synopsis in the
"Revue" for 1892, I can discover no characters sufficient to
distinguish them from the European .5". thomsoni. The name
S. affinis Schill. I received from some of my correspondents
about nine years ago when 1 first took up the study of the Hem-
iptera, and have never made a careful study of this species to
verify the determination.
o
ARKANSAS LEPIDOPTERA.
^
By Rev. JOHN DAVIS. Little Rock, Ark.
A somewhat diligent canvass of the suburbs of Little Rock
during the past season leaves the conviction that, contrary to sonic
current beliefs, there are few diurnals here new to the science.
Throughout the early months it was very rainy and cold, so that
it is probable some of the less frequent species were overlooked.
But those who are expecting any numerous "finds" from this
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL XK\VS. 109
State, aside from the Heterocera, are likely to wait apace. Among
the moths I believe some new and beautiful varieties are still
awaiting description. Arkansas offers a most inviting field for
the lepiclopterist. The common moths that are about our houses
are emerging already these early days in January. 'Not many
weeks hence we will see archippus and P. rapce lazily flitting
about over gardens and hedges. The earliest D. 'archippus seen
last season was on March 12, while on the iyth following a school
girl picked up by the road-side a superb specimen of Deilephila
lineata. It would be hazardous to say how many broods of P.
rapce emerge between March and December, and the same applies
to not a few other species. I observed P. rapce pairing as late
as December ist. In the midst of so much that invites the ento-
mologist in Arkansas, it is almost disheartening to see the few
engaged here in the study. Aside from the force at the Experi-
ment Station at Fayetteville, I do not know of a single worker or
collector in the State. In the face of so little local study and
investigation it may be rash to say there are no new diurnals
here. The appended 1'st is, therefore, only a partial one, the
captures being chiefly on the streets and gardens of Little Rock,
or in the immediate environs :
P. tunius. Pamphila phylaeus.
P. cresphontes. Terias lisa,
P. rapce. nicippe.
P. protodice. Nathalis iole.
C. eurytheme. Phyciodes phaon.
C. philodice. Thecla poeas.
G. interrogationis. I .ycaena alee.
G. comma. comyntas.
G. progne. Euptoeita claudia.
L. ursiila. Pyrameis hunter a.
D . portlandia. Neonympha sosybius.
P. troglodyta. Apatura clyton.
D. archippus. Apatnra rar. proserpina.
/. coenia. r\'rgns \j rich/us.
Pamphila accius. l^liolisora catullus.
The last fourteen were identified through the courtesy of Dr.
Skinner, editor of ENTOMOLOGICAL Xi-.us.
110 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
TACHYRIS ILAIRE n. var. NEUMOEGENII.
By Dr. HENRY SKINNER.
(See plate iv.)
The species T. ilaire is one of our larger butterflies, and is
found in Florida, Texas and Arizona. It is quite a variable
species, and our Florida specimens differ materially from those
found in the West Indies, South and Central America. Mv
j
attention was called to this difference by Mr. B. Neumoegen
whose collection contains a fine series of specimens from the
Indian River, Florida, and those of other localities. Mr. Neu-
moegen has sent me four females for study and inspection, and
these I have before me. Three are from the Indian River, Fla.,
and one is from Arizona. In the Indian River specimens, the
inferiors above are lemon-yellow and the superiors white, with
the tips and basal areas grayish black. One specimen has a bor-
der of this darker color on the superiors. The Arizona specimen
has quite a wide dark border to all the wings. The wings
beneath are white with the bases of the superiors rich orange.
The males are entirely white, and those from the Indian River, that
1 have, show no dark tip to the superiors, while the South Amer-
ican and Central American specimens have a marked black tip.
The males beneath are white and only show traces of the orange.
The Florida males are more of a cream color, while the South
American males are more of a dead white. The males and
females figured are from the Indian River, Fla., and for this form
I propose the varietal name neumoegenii. There are four Cuban
specimens in the coll. of the American Entomological Society.
The females of these have a black border to all four wings; that
of the inferiors not being nearly so heavy as on the superior wings.
Dr. Staudinger in his " Exotische SchmetterHnge," figures this
species, and the %> has the black tip on the apices of the superiors
and the 9 has a wide black border on both the superior and in-
ferior wings. This I take to be the typical form.
o
THE BOLD ROBBER FLY.
By S. F. AARON.
Among insects of the order called Diptera, the two-winged flies,
to which the mosquito, gnat, horse-fly, common house-fly, etc.,
belong, is particularly noted for its extremes in insect character-
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1 894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. Ill
istics. The order possesses the fastest rivers, the biggest eaters,
the strongest jumpers (the flea), the most gluttonous blood-
suckers and the most rapacious species of the class insecta. Of
the rapacious Diptera, the typical example is the robber tly,
known to naturalists by the scientific term Asi/us, of which there
are many different species, large and small. Our most common
species around Philadelphia is about one inch long, light and
dark brown, with silky, gray tufts of hair about its body and a
bluish spot at the last segment of its slender abdomen.
The robber fly is the peregrin falcon of insects, and hawk fly
would be a better name for it. It will seize almost any insect as
J
its prey, often a grasshopper so large that it cannot fly with it or
a stout moth, sometimes many times larger than itself, a bug,
beetle, fly, or even a bee, wasp, or small hornet. The Asilns
seems rather inclined toward the stinging Hymenoptera (the bee
and wasp order), and there is a species found in the Southern
States that makes the annulated paper nest wasp Polistes almost
exclusively his prey. The robber fly has three principal charac-
teristics that serve his hawk-like habits: long, but strong legs, a
long and exceedingly sharp, sword-like proboscis, and muscular
wings that enable him to overtake almost every other insect in
the air or to pounce upon his victim resting on leaf or flower.
If he seizes a bee or wasp his legs are long enough to hold his
prey so that he cannot be reached by the sting. His proboscis,
held when inactive in a sort of double sheath, the point just pro-
truding, is capable of great extension, and is also a haustelum;
with it the Asilus sucks the juices of his victims. No insect will
live any length of time with a considerable part of its insides
pumped out. The robber fly always pounces upon the back of
a wasp or other insect; sometimes when its prey is apparently
unsuspecting. The struggle is short, sharp and decisive. An
Asilns has been seen to seize a grasshopper, and the powerful
Arridian did everything, lor a few moments, to dislodge its
raptor, the first few springs rolling them both over in the grass,
the robber keeping his hold and remaining on the grasshopper's
back, while the latter tried to scrape the fly off with his Ion-
hind legs. In a moment the sword proboscis was thrust away
into the back of the 'hopper's head, and with a few convulsive
kicks the Acridian expired, literally bereft of his brains, or what
part of them the fly could make a meal of.
112 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
On another occasion the writer happened to spy the Asilus just
finishing a wasp, and though its body was somewhat larger than
the robber the latter flew off with it almost as swiftly as if not at
ail burdened. One frequently comes across our common Asilus-
struggling in the grass with a moth, sometimes twice the size of
the fly, and it is not uncommon to find him with a bumble-bee,
which he will carry from grass-stalk to grass-stalk when disturbed.
A light brown Asilus, rather rare about Philadelphia, occasionally
seizes upon the common sulphur-yellow field butterfly, Colias
philodice.
The keen sword-like proboscis of the robber fly is easily thrust
through the hard coat-of-mail of a wasp, hornet, certain beetles
and all other softer insects, and will stop their struggles in a few
seconds. But the robber occasionally attacks insects that pos-
sess such invulnerable outer crusts that his sharp bill cannot
pierce it. A friend tells of an instance in which he saw a robber
fly attack a gold bee, C/ijysis, a small metallic-colored insect that
is so hard that one cannot crush it between the finger and thumb.
The fly held the bee easily enough, despite its struggles, but
could not thrust his proboscis into the head or thorax of the
Chrysis, and after repeated trials gave up the job and flew away,
and the bee, not hurt at all, flew away also.
The writer once saw a robber fly drop a divaricated Buprestis
(the pretty beetle, golden and green, that boys call " coat-tails")
and the beetle ran away unhurt. The robber had evidently been
trying to thrust its bill through its hard exterior and had failed.
There are several beetles that will thus foil the Asilus.
The Asilus also sometimes more than meets his match. I once
witnessed an affair between a large black robber fly (found only
in the South and when on the wing, in general appearance, like
a dragon fly) and the famous sand hornet, the beautiful Stigns.
The hornet is another rapacious insect, but uses the paralyzed
bodies of her victims only to lay her eggs in, then burying them,
that the coming generation of hornets, when hatched, will have
food and shelter with which and wherein to carry on their trans-
formations into the full-grown insect. The victims of the Stigus
are fat grasshoppers or spiders and the dog-day locust, Cicada
pruinosa, a first cousin to the seventeen-year locust of fame. The
struggle between the hornet and her victim is over more quickly
than that between \\\^Asihts and his prey. The Cicada is very
swift of wing, and I do not believe the robber fly could catch it,
but the hornet often does catch and kill it in the air.
1894-] KXTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 113
VISITORS FROM SOUTH AMERICA.
The Many-footed Hosts that are brought here as Stowaways.
Throughout the year, but particularly at this season, when the
city is dependent upon the tropics for its fruit supply, almost
every steamer entering New York brings a number of many-footed
stowaways. The steamers which bring the most of these stowa-
ways are those that come from the West Indies and Central
America, loaded with bananas, and a naturalist will always be
rewarded by a visit to any of the piers where these vessels unload.
As bunch after bunch of bananas is handed out from the hold to
be packed away in large open vans, a lizard often drops out and
can be easily captured. These are of every color, many of them
beautiful, and all perfectly harmless. Sometimes a small tropical
moth flutters out, and a careml observer will find many sorts of
ants, from great black fellows that have a savage bite to the
tiniest of the species.
Very unwelcome visitors are centipedes and scorpions, that
frequently find shelter in the large green bunches, and many of
the men who handle the fruit have been stung by those noxious
insects. The sting of the scorpion seems instantly to parali/e
the limb struck, and causes most acute pain and much swelling.
The centipede, whose every leg is armed with a sting that leaves
its poison behind as it hurries over the human skin, leaves a trail
of pain behind it which is quite acute as that caused by the scor-
pion. The best remedy for these stings is strong spirits of
ammonia, which should beat once rubbed into the skin vigorously.
Now and then a small snake makes his appearance from among
the fruit, and always causes a panic among the people near by.
These are always of the tree variety, and are generally harm-
less, but they receive no favor and are soon battered into a jelly.
Spiders are among the most common of these tropical immigrants,
and among these the hairy-legged tarantula is, very rightly, (In-
most dreaded. One that was captured recently covered nearly
as-much ground as a man's hand. The ugly customer lived tor
several weeks in confinement. It was fed on raw meat; but was
particularly fond of cockroaches. The other spiders that come
on the fruit ships are harmless, and almost all of them are beauti-
fully marked, and are prized by naturalists.
4*
114 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
Various species of beetle can often be found on these ships,
from the giant elephant to some not larger than a pin's head.
Among this class of insects the naturalist will occasionally find
.a rare species that will repay him for many hours spent on the
windy piers. Not uncommon visitors are the frogs, little green
and brown fellows, that could give. Mark Twain's jumping frogs
points and then beat him out of sight. So nimble are these little
batrachians that it is hard work to catch them. If caught they
should be let loose in a greenhouse, where they do wonderfully
well and do much good in killing parasites. For its size the tree
frog can croak louder than any other member oi his loud-voiced
family.
Timber-laden vessels from the tropics are always worth a visit.
Scorpions and centipedes are common upon them, and generally
the visitor is rewarded by finding many beetles, and sometimes
the chrysalis of some tropical butterfly or moth may be met with,
Avhich, if kept in a warm place, will hatch and give the collector
a perfect specimen of an insect he little dreamed of ever possess-
ing. Among the wood, too, may often be found the nests of the
mason wasp. If these are broken open and the grub is not full
grown, one is sure to find several kinds of small spiders that the
mother wasp had stung into insensibility and placed in the cell
for food for her progeny. Newspaper.
AN INSECT MINE. Three years ago, in April, as I was collecting insects
on the shores of Lake Michigan, on the coast from South Chicago, 111.,
tc Whiting, Ind., I found, to my surprise, wintering in and on the sand,
Coleoptera of every kind. I found principally good and complete speci-
mens of Doryphora io-1'uieata, Catalpa lanigcra by the hundred from one-
half inch to one and one-half inches deep in the sand, while under the
small pieces of wood, principally bark and rubbish that had been washed
to the shore, could be seen a great many specimens of Calcrita jaiins and
Sp/ieuop/ionis of different varieties, even this large light gray specimen,
C. sc fiitu for of a darker and dull green color than ours of Missouri, some
C. calidnni and Ceopinns i/icnissa/its, while Pterostichns and Flatynus of
every kind, I gathered by the thousand. I have of late years visited the
sand shores of the Mississippi, but never again have I seen such greg.iri-
onsness in insects. Those interested in Entomology living on lake
.shores have a good chance if 1891 was not an exceptional year for Chicago
suburbs. EUGENE R. FISCHER.
115
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
Published monthly (except July and August), in charge of the joint
publication committees of the Entomological Section of the Academy
of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, and the American Entomological
Society. It will contain not less than 300 pages per annum. It will main-
lain no free list whatever, but will leave no measure untried to make it a
necessity to every student of insect life, so that its very mock-rate annual
subscription may be considered well spent.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION Sl.'OO, IN ADVANCE.
fig^ All remittances should be addressed to E. T. Cresson, Treasurer,
P. O. Box 248, Philadelphia, Pa.; all other communications to the Editors
of ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy of Natural Sciences, Logan Square,
Philadelphia, Pa.
PHILADELPHIA, PA., APRIL, 1894.
THE NEW ENTOMOLOGY.
The above is the title of the annual address delivered before the En-
tomological Society of Lancashire and Cheshire, England, fan. 8, 1894,
by \Y. E. Sharp, from which we quote : " Entomology is comparatively
an old science, but it must be apparent that of recent years the study has
assumed a wider horizon, and taken to itself new and perhaps even more
fascinating methods. ' ' With all respect to the past masters in Entomology,
how limited was their sense of domain they were investigating. Patient
and reliable as were their researches, valuable as was the knowledge of
Nature they acquired and bequeathed to us, they never seemed to trouble
themselves about the meaning, the why of phenomena, the how; the
methods of tilings were enough for them. The disciples of the past sup-
posed that when every insect form in the world had been described and
catalogued, and the whole of the order finally and unanimously arranged
in methodical series of divisions then their purpose would be accomplished
.md their occupation gone. We, on the contrary, know that even with
such perfected work our real labors would be but begun.
A CoLLHCTio.x NOTK. On February 25th, three collectors near New-
ark took the following specimens around the base of trees. Any number
of Notiophi/ns siiuru'iis, Dyschyrius globulosus, Hcinhidinin i-ons/ricfiini,
]!. .f-tnat-ii/alinn; between fifty and sixty Mctahletus auicricauus, also
Apenes sinuata, Platynusmetallescens, Droniiiispift-ns, ( 'rypfair/ni amp/a,
Pandeletejus hilaris, Onntius rcn/i.r, besides a considerable number of
Staphylinidse, which have not yet been identified. K. A. I'.ISCIIUFK.
Il6 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY.
Edited by Prof. JOHN B. SMITH, Sc. D., New Brunswick, N, J.
California Entomology. The report of the work of the Agricultural
Experiment Station of the University of California for the year 1891, '92
is at hand, and contains, among other things of interest, synopsis of the
diseases of cultivated plants and one of the families of insects. Under
the title, Diseases of Cultivated Plants, are included the effects of the
injuries caused by insects, and it is attempted to give, in a diagnostic way,
those characters which will enable the average "intelligent farmer" (a
term, by-the-bye, to which I have heard objections) to recognize what it
is that troubles him. Having determined from the first synopsis whether
the trouble is disease or insect work, the second synopsis is intended to
enable the individual to determine what insect or what sort of creature
has caused the trouble. The make-up of the table is decidedly original,
and in practice it may work well in some hands. The farmers in California,
however, must be very much further advanced than most of those along
the Atlantic coast if they find themselves able to make satisfactory deter-
minations from the publication. This is not intended at all as adverse
criticism upon the value of the synopsis, because this has undoubtedly
been carefully thought out and put into as clear a language as possible.
It is simply that the average farmer, intelligent or otherwise, would very
mnch rather write to the Station and send specimens, throwing upon the
entomologist the burden of telling him just what to do, than he would
make use of such a paper as that given us by Mr. \Voodworth. This is
not really surprising, for what may seem very simple and clear to a trained
mind, may be altogether beyond even a well-developed one not used to
analytical methods.
Habits Of the Cockroach. Mr. Roy Hopping, Bloomfield, N. J., writes
on this subject as follows: " Your note on the habits of cockroaches in the
KNT. NEWS for March, 1894, recalls to me the way we got rid of that pest
in our house. The family was still away at the seashore, and my father,
returning before them, conceived the idea of disinfecting the house with
a sulphur candle. If you have never seen this harmless toy I will say it
is sulphur contained in a tin cup about half the size of a fruit-can and has
four wicks. It was started at five o'clock in the afternoon and at ten my
father, after opening the do6r, decided to take a walk, Returning at
twelve he managed to get in after making several dives at the windows
from the open dour and throwing these open. By much ventilation he
managed to make the upper stories habitable. It was known there were
some roaches in the house and they had increased during the- time the
house was unoccupied. The sulphur drew them from their holes for air
and has that advantage over poison. The next morning, armed with
broom, shovel and barrel but suffice it to say we haven't had any
roaches since."
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 117
Report on the Insects of New York. Dr. Lintner's 8th Report has just
ci >ine to hand. It is for the year 1891, and therefore fully two years behind.
There is no question as to the value of the Report, for it is up to Dr. Lint-
ner's usual standard of thoroughness; but it is at least unfortunate that
it is impossible to bring out the Report in time for use in the season follow-
in- that in which the studies were made. This is one point in which most
Experiment Stations have the advantage of State officers whose publica-
tions are confined to an Annual Report; for they can by means of Bulletins
reach the farmers at the time at which information will be most useful to
them. Considerable space is devoted in the Report to a history of the
Pear Midge, and the suggestion is made that the larvae be destroyed by
killing the blossoms after the eggs have been deposited, by the use of the
arsenites in sufficient strength, or drenching the ground beneath the trees
after the larva- have entered it, with the kerosene emulsion. The latter
recommendation is hardly practical, and would be altogether too expen-
sive. I do not think it would be possible to get the farmers to go into the
business of manufacturing kerosene emulsions on any scale large enough
lo enable them to drench an orchard covering acres of ground. Lime or
wood ashes are also recommended, but there is no actual experiment to
Mipport the recommendation. Blasting the blossoms would undoubtedly
< ffective could the pear growers be induced to adopt the remedy ; but
it is here that the difficulty will be found; for in my experience there is
nothing in the world that the average farmer or fruit-grower hates worse
than to do anything that will injure a possible fruit, even when it is demon-
strated to him that there is not one chance in a thousand of his getting it.
Another series of articles < >f great interest is on the Fish-flies, Chauliodcs
and Corydalis, giving the life-history of the species and some interesting
information concerning their habits. The Report contains altogether too
many matters to be referred to at length; but on looking it over the ento-
mologist finds that almost every subject has been treated in some wax-
since the Report was written, and while Dr. Lintner has brought up tin-
articles to date as far as possible, yet it is, in our hurry-scurry age, already
a little behind the time, which, however, does not prevent it from being
an extremly valuable one to his constituency.
WHY KRKIU'S ENTERS HOUSKS. The query as to why Ju'i-fnix enter-
houses, proposed by Prof. Westcott in the last number of the NH\VS, brings
to mind a habit of these moths which I noticed while in the Bahama Islands
last Summer. These islands have numerous large caves which are the
retreat during daytime of hosts of /ur/ms, sharing the shelter from the
tropical sun with the larged-earecl bats of that region i Maciolns :catcr-
hoHsii}. Occasionally the moths may be started from very thick foli
but the caves appear to be the favorite hiding-places. It seems that the
rave-frequenting habit might quite possibly account to 1 ' the predilection
the species of l-'.i; : />ns show lor houses when they Straggle in regions where
their accustomed shelters are hard lo find. H. V. WICKHAM.
IlS ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
Notes and
ENTOMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM ALL (QUARTERS
OF THE GLOBE.
[The Conductors of ENTOMOLOGICAL NK\VS solicit, and will thankfully receive items
of news, likely to interest its readers, from any source. The author's name will be given
in each case for the information of cataloguers and bibliographers.]
To Contributors. All contributions will be considered and passed upon at our
earliest convenience, and as far as may be, will be published according to date of recep-
tion. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS has reached a circulation, both in numbers and circumfer-
ence, as to make it necessary to put " copy" into the hands of the printer, for each number,
three weeks before date of issue, 'fhis should be remembered in sending special or im-
portant matter for certain issue. Twenty-five "extras" without change in form will be
given free when they are wanted, and this should be so stated on the MS. along with the
number desired. The receipt of all papers will be acknowledged. ED.
Mr. E. I>. Poui-TON has been elected to the Hope Professorship at
Oxford, which was made vacant by the death of J. O. Westwood.
Prof. A. J. COOK, for many years professor of entomology in the
Agricultural College of Michigan, has removed to Claremont, Cal., where
he is professor of zoology in Pomona college. " Insect Life."
DR. WESTCOTT writes us that he took one example of Composiafidel-
issitna H. S., Jan. 2, 1894, at Jupiter, Fla. It was perfectly fresh and very
sluggish in flight, probably not long from the pupa. Nothing else was on
the wing, except some battered specimens of Eudavnus proteus Linn, and
a few Diptera.
AN IMPORTED BOSTRYCHUS. In looking over the material of a fellow
collector at Newark I found seven or eight specimens of a Ilostrychns
new to me. I asked where it was taken and was informed that it came
from parties working in a licorice-factory and was found flying around the
lights, the factory working night and day. In exploring the locality near
the factory I was unable to find where they could come from, until I
learned that some of the wood in use in the factory was imported from
Spain and Turkey. Suspecting, therefore, an imported species I handed
it to Prof. Smith, who Informs me that, according to Dr. Horn, it is /.'.
capucinus, a species not heretofore recorded as having been taken in
North America. It is almost certain that the specimens were brought in
the material impoited for the use of the factory, and almost equally cer-
tain that the species has not yet gotten a foothold on any American trees
E. A. BISCHOFF.
IDENTITY OF PEXOMACHUS AND HEMITKLES. It ha:; long been tin
opinion of experienced entomologists that l\'zo>nachus is but tin- winglf-
form of Hemiteles. This gen.-nc identity, although pointed out b\
Snellen von Vollenhoven, has been neglected in recent lists of Messrs.
Cresson and Howard, who admit the two forms as distinct genera. Tin
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 119
following observation completes the proof attempted by Walsh. In 1873
I bred from a cocoon of spider eggs upwards of a dozen specimens ot :i
dark-colored species. Part of these were wingless with the thorax as in
J'ezoinciclucs, others were perfectly winged and the thorax was fully devel-
' oped as in Heniite/cs, with which genus the venation agreed; but there
were also a number of intermediate forms with minute wing-pads, or with
no signs of wings, yet with the thorax perfect, showing the transition
between the two genera to occur in this one species. \V.\i. HAMITUN
PATTON, Hartford, Conn.
THK VALUE OF LOCAL LISTS. The " List of insects taken in the Alpine
region of Alt. Washington by Mrs. Slosson in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS for
January, which includes so many species not before found at so high an
altitude is of a good deal of value from a zoo-geographical point of view.
A number of specialists are under many obligations to Mrs. Slosson for
her assiduous and unselfish labors. Indeed, in the great dearth of good
collectors, it is fortunate for the science that there is some one who is will-
ing to spend the time to collect in all orders. The great, need at present
is the publication of full local lists based on specimens named by experts.
As one who has greatly profited by the large collections made in the South
as well as in White Mountain region by the author of this list, the writer
bears testimony to the value of such labors. It is to be hoped that the
example thus set will be followed by others in the Western and Pacific
States. A. S. PACKARD.
THE importance of carefully printing the date and volume of a journal
on the pages of papers extracted therefrom has again been illustrated
by a recent occurrence. In the NEWS for March, p. 81, in noticing
Dr. Coding's Catalogue of the Membracida;, we were obliged to mark
both the volume and the date with an interrogation point (?l. This has
of course attracted Dr. Coding's attention, and he writes to say that
every copy of this paper li sent to me has a cover on which is plainly
printed 'Vol. iii,' and at the bottom '1894.' Possibly copies were scut
out which had no covers. The Catalogue complete was received by me,
Jan. 18, 1894, and doubtless was shipped a day or two earlier." Dr. Cod-
ing's conjecture is correct, and the copy received by the American Ento-
mological Society had no cover when received, while special care li.nl
been taken to examine this copy to find these indications, but in vain.
Tin- journal in question is the Bulletin of the Illinois State I.ahorati n \
of Natural History.
SPIDER MIMICKV. In the middle of October, 1893, I wasbusilv engaged
on the banks of the Lyell fork of the Tuolumne River, in the High Sier-
ras of California. My attention was attracted to what I supposed was a
clear-winged insect that had landed by some mistake in the- river, and
was dragging its abdomen along in the water, while the fluttering wings
struck the surface of the water every time they came down, and seemed
to evince the greatest eagerness to reach the bank I was standing on, I
120 ^ ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
became highly interested to know and see how it would save itself from
death by drowning, when suddenly h stopped, and to my great surprise
it was a fawn-colored spider two-thirds of an inch long from the fore to
the hind legs. To accomplish this description the abdomen and the hind
legs remained on the water, while the anterior legs were raised up and
down with rapidity, while at the same time water enough adhered to them
to cause that clear-wing appearance that insects have that live near water,
and it would push or walk along on the water with its hind legs. To be
sure I was not mistaken I looked around and saw several of them going
through the same mimicry, doubtless to attract such insects as it preys on.
Being without tubes or alcohol I did not take any to have them identified.
JOHN B. LEMBERT.
HAVING noted the various articles on " Ventursome Insects," I thought
1 would add my experience in that line. When I lived and collected in
the neighborhood of Dayton, O., I used to catch numbers of ApaJura
celtis every season. There was one place especially that I used to g_o to
for that species. It was along an old rail fence on the bank of a creek.
The corners of the fence were filled with a regular hedge of Celtis bushes
-and trees for a good many hundred yards. I found the insects on the fence
or lower leaves of the Celtis, or on the tree trunks. They were darting
about from point to point, often returning to the same point to rest time
and again, but seldom resting for more than a few moments at a time. I
would walk along slowly the length of the hedge, and then back over the
same ground; each time taking about as many as I did the first time. I
have often taken from twenty to fifty in two or three hours. I have had
them to light at different times pretty much all over me, and have caught
them in my cynicle bottle while resting on me, or with my net. Have had
the same insect to dart away and return several times and light on un-
person, while I was making efforts to catch it. Like the Hesperida?, it
takes a quick eye to follow them as they dart about, and unless one
knows what he is looking for and is used to them, he will not see many.
I remember once taking a prominent entomologist of Michigan out to
hunt for them. He had never taken celtis 'till that day. We went in a
buggy. I let him out at one end of the fence and told him I would drive
around and meet him at the other end. I noticed he was walking along
very fast, and did not seem to be taking anything. When he came up to
me I noticed he had a very disgusted look on his face. I had told him
he would find them in plenty, and he had not seen one. I went back with
him and showed him where to look. His contenance soon changed, and
he had all he wanted to attend to.
Debis portlandia was very rare around Dayton. The first specimen 1
ever saw was on the trunk of a tree in a thick woods. From its actions 1
thought it was an A. celtis, until after 1 had raptured it. It darted about
very rapidly and lit once or twice on me, and then back on the tree trunk
before 1 captured it. (',. R. PILATE, Griffin, ('.a.
P. S. Any person studying the typical Cnt-u-alas will find perfect
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 121
examples of diilciola Grote, in the collection of Mr. F. A. Fddy, of
Bungor, Me. He purchased my entire collection. I never saw any vari-
ation in all examples taken, and they could not be placed as a variety <>f
any species that I had ever seen.
Identification of Insects dmagos) for Subscribers.
Specimens will be named under the following: conditions : ist, The number of species
to be limited to twenty five tor each sending; 2d, The sender to pay all expenses of trans-
portation and the insects to become the property of the American Entomological Society ;
3d, Each specimen must have a number attached so that the identification may be an-
nounced accordingly. Kxotic species named only by special arrangement with the Editor,
who should be consulted before specimens are sent. Send a 2 cent stamp with all insects
for return of names. Before sending insects for identification, read page 41, Vol. Ill,
Address all packages to ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan
Square, Philadelphia, Pa.
Entomological Literature.
AMERICAN NATURALIST. Philadelphia, February, 1894. The classifi-
cation of the Arthropoda, J. S. Kingsley.
COMPTE RENDU. SOCIETE DE BIOLOGIE. Paris, Jan. 27, 1894. On the
role of certain Coleoptera in the dissemination of certain cases of anthrax,
F. Heim.
THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. London, Feb-
ruary, 1894. Descriptions of some new species of Heterocera from Cen-
tral America, H. Druce.
SCIENCE. New York, Jan. 26, 1894. Red ants, W. A. Stearns. A
rope of insects, |. B. Smith. Fungi and insects, J. F. James. February
2d. The enemies ( >f Lepidopterous pupa? enclosed in bark-formed cocoon--,
1.. 1!. Poulton. An explanation of the rope of maggots, S. \Y. \Villiston.
KNOWLEDGE. London, Feb. i, 1894. Stinging insects, E. A. Butler,
figs.
F.NTOMOLOGISKE M Em jELELSER, iv, 4. Copenhagen, 1893. Larva,-
Coleopterorum Mussel Hauniensis, F. Meinert. Organs and characters
in different orders of Arachnids, H. J. Hanson, 2 pis.
ZOOLOGISCHER ANZEiGER. Leipsic, Feb. 5, 1894. Contributions to
the knowledge of the antennal sense-organs of insects, C. M. Child.
IL NATURALISTA SKMLIANO. Palermo, December, 1893. Catalogue
of the Coleoptera of Sicily Icont.), K. Kagusa.
122 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ApriL
E SOCIETATIS ExTOMOLOGic/E ROSSIC/E, xxvii. St. Petersburg,
the anatomy and histology of Phylloxera z'asfafri.v, I. Kras-
silstschik, 2 pis. The Transcaspian hymenopterous fauna, Gen. O. Ra-
doszkowski (concl.). On Russian Galeodidae, A. Birula, i pi. A sepa-
rating character between the Cerambycidas and the Chrysomelidce, G.
Jacobsohn, i pi. On the biology of Russian Lepicloptera: iv. Coloration
and ocellate spots, their development (cont.) (in Russian), J. Portschinky,
2 col. pis. Synoptical revision of the Tenebrionid genus Leptodcs Sol.,
A. Semenovv. Revision of the species belonging to the Silphid genera
Pteroloina Gyllh. and Lyrosoma Mannh.. id.
BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE I.MPERIAI.E DES NATURALISTES DE Moscor,
1893, 2 and 3. Review of the copulatory armature of the males of the
genera Crocisa Jur., Melecta Latr., Psendomelecta Rad., Chrysanthcda
Pert., Mesocheira Lep., Aglcc Lep., Melissa Smit., Euglosw Latr., Eu-
Icma Lep., Acauthopns Klug., Gen. O. Radoszkowsky.
THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD. London, Feb. 15, 1894. The evolu-
tion of the Lepidopterous pupa, a sketch, T. A. Chapman, M.I). Con-
tinental Lepidoptera sold as British, J. \\ ' . Tutt. On the larva of Arctia
caja etc. (cont.), T. A. Chapman, M.D., i pi.
LE NATURALISTS CANADIEN, xxi, i. Chicoutimi, Province of Quebec,
January, 1894. Medical entomology, Ed. This journal, founded by
L'Abbe Provancher, has been revived, after an interval of three years,
under the editorship and proprietorship of L'Abbe Huard.
ENTOMOLOGISCHE NACHRICHTEN, xx. 2. Berlin, January, 1894. Re-
marks on Yerhoeff's " Primare und secundare Sexualcharaktere" of in-
sects, Dr. K. Escherich.
BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE LINNEKNNE DU NORD DE LA FRANCE, xi,
258. Amiens, December, 1893. Myrmecophilous insects, L. Carpentier.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATURAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION OF STATKN
ISLAND, iv, 4. New Brighton, S. I., Feb. 10, 1894. The seventeen-yr.tr
locust on Staten Island, W. T. Davis.
BULLETINO DELLA SOCIETA ENTOMOLOGICA ITALIANA, XXV, 3. Flor-
ence, Dec. 31, 1893. Contributions to the study of the Ilrrnthkke, note
xxii, A. Senna, 3 pis. 4, Jan. 15, 1894. Exotic scorpions in the Royal
Museum of Natural History of Florence, T. Thorell.
SITZUNGS-BERICHT DER GESELLSCHAFT NATURFORSCHENDKK FRKIN-
DE zu BERLIN. 1893, No. 10. The origin of the reproductive cells .mion-
insects, R. Heymons, figs.
MEMOIRES DE L'ACADEMIE IMPERIALS: DKS SCIENCES DK ST. PFTFRS-
imrRG, VII serie, xxxviii, 12, 1892. A contribution to the knowledge ot
the excretory organs of the Pantopoda, A Kowak-vsky, i pi.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NF.WS. 123
COMPTES RENDU DE L'ACADEMIE DES SCIENCES. Paris, Feb. 12, 1894.
Researches on the anatomy and development of the female genital
armor of lepidopterous insects, A. Peytoureau. Observations on the
hypermetamorphosis or hypnody of the Cantharkke: the phase called
pseudo-chrysalid considered as a phenomenon of encystment, J. K. d'
Herculais. Salivary glands of the Hymenopterous family Crabronida?,
M. Bordas. On some parasites of the Lepidodendrons, P>. Renault.
INSECT LIFE, vi, 3. Washington, February, 1894. The inserts oc-
curring in the foreign exhibits of the World's Columbian exposition, C.
Y. Riley. The Hymenopterous parasites of the California Red Scale,
L. O. Howard, figs. The insect collections of the Columbian exposition,
F. H. Chittencien. The Apiarian exhibit at the Columbian exposition,
F. Benton. The San Jose scale at Charlottesville, Va., E. A. Schwar/.
The San Jose scale in Virginia, D. W. Coquillett. Pyralidina of the Death
Valley expedition, Eds. Descriptions of Pyralidre from the Death Valley,
C. H. Fernald. Entomological memoranda for 1893, M. E. Murtfeldt.
A new spider parasite, W. H. Ashmead. Notes on ScolytuUe and their
food-plants, W. F. H. Blandford. Notes, etc.
BULLETIN OF THE OHIO AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION (2), vi,
4. Whole No. 51, December, 1893. Miscellaneous entomological papers,
Insect immigrants in Ohio, Insect foes of American cereals, all by V. M.
Webster, figs.
YERHANDLUNGEN DER K. K. ZOOL.-HOT. GESELLSCHAFT IN WIKX, xliii,
3, September, 1893. On the anatomy of Bdclla arenaria Kramer, Dr. L.
Karpelles, 2 pis. 4, December, 1893. On the knowledge of the anatomy
and histology of Scittigcra coleoptrata. Dr. T. Adensamer, i pi. Pre-
liminary monograph of the Muscaria schizometopa (excl. Anthomyid;i- >.
Dr. F. Brauer and J. E. v. Bergenstamm. Remarks and additions to
Prof. G. Strobl's 'Die Anthomyinen Steiermarks,' E. Pokorny.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE U. S. NATIONAL MUSEUM, xvi, No. 968. Wash-
ington, 1893. Notes on Myriapoda from Loanda, Africa, collected by
Mr. Heli Chatelaine, including a description of a new genus and species,
O. F. Cook.
EIGHTH REPORT on the Injurious and other Insects of the State of
New York for the year 1891. By J. A. I.intner, Ph.D., State entomolo-
gist. Albany. 1893 (from the Forty-tilth Report on the New York State
Museum, pp. 105-321), 53 tigs, and 2 pis.
DEUTSCHE ENTOMOI.OGISCHE ZEITSCHRIFT. 1894, heft i. Berlin, Jan-
uary, 1894. Remarks on HerrC. Yerhofffs researches on the abdominal
segments and the copulatory organs of male Colcopu-ra, O. Schwar/, J.
Weise.
124 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
MllTHEILUNGEN DER SCHVVEIZERISCHEN ENTOMOLOGISCHEN GESELL-
SCHAFT, ix, 2. Schaffhausen, January, 1894. Coleoptera helvetica, Dr.
G. Stierhn, pp. 353-384-
THE ENTOMOLOGIST. London, March, 1894. The New Entomology,
\V. E. Sharp. How moth grease spreads, H. G. Knaggs, M.D. Remarks
on certain genera of Coccidce, W. M. Maskell. The genus Fhilometra
Grote, A. G. Butler, I'h.D.
THE ENTOMOLOGISTS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. London, March, 1894.
-Thermobia furnorum Rovelli, a heat-loving Thysanuran, in London
bakehouses, R. McLachlan. Wing expansion in a butterfly delayed by
low temperature, T. A. Chapman, M.D. Musca(Calliphora) vomitoria
in New Zealand, W. W. Smith. What are the specific limits of Aspidiotns
destructor Sign., T. D. A. Cockerell. Grease : do male moths require
more energy than females?, H. G. Knaggs, M. D. Supplement to anno-
tated list of British Tachinidce, R. H. Meade.
NEW SPECIES OF NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS DESCRIBED
IN THE PRECEDING LITERATURE.
COLEOPTERA.
Cicindt'la bates! \V. Horn, Deut. Ent, Zeit. 1894, p. in, Mex.
HYMENOPTERA.
Chalcididae: Aspidiotiphagus Howard, Ins. Life, vi, p. 230, for Cocco-
phagus citrinns Craw., fig. Five n. spp. different genera, 1. c. pp. 231-
236, figs. Signophorinae, n. subfam. p. 234.
Zaglyptns kiucaidii Ashmead, Ins. Life, vi, p. 260, Wash.
LEPIDOPTERA.
Sphingidae, Lithosiicke, Saturniicke, Lasiocampidae : n. spp. Mex., Cent.-
Am., Druce, Ann. Mag. N. H. (6), xiii, pp. 168-182.
Pyralidas: n. spp. Calif., Fernald, Ins. Life, vi, pp. 255-257.
SCORPIONES.
Oncoccntrns Tliorell, Bull. Soc. Ent. Ital. xxv, p. 374, n. gen. for Cen-
trums phaiodactylus \Vood.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 125
Tne Entomological Section
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS.
The following papers were read and accepted by the Committee for
publication in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS :
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW CHRYSIS.
By T. D. A. COCKKRELL.
Chrysis mesillae n. sp. Face green, with more or less cupreous reflec-
tions, occipital region purple-blue. Prothorax bright green; mesothorax
coppery, with blue sutures, postscutellum purple, leglike greenish-blue,
with violet reflections. Abdomen emerald-green, with a strong coppery
lustre, lower margins of segments violet. Basal joint of antenna; shining
green. Femora blue-green, with ochreous tips, tibia? similarly colored
with ochreous t ; ps and bases, tarsi ochreous, the terminal joints fuscous.
\Yings hyaline, with distinct, dark brown nervures. Face more or less
covered with short white hairs; head and thorax strongly and regularly
punctate; prothorax with a median blue line, but no distinct grooves.
Punctures on abdomen somewhat closer together, and hardly as large, as
those on thorax, those on the dorsum of the third segment being especially
hue and close, in contrast with the thoracic punctures. Pits distinct, about
twelve in number, bordered above by purple; end of abdomen strongly
bidentale. No median keel on any of the abdominal segments. Length
about 6 mm. Type in Coll. Amer. Ent. Soc.
Hab. Las Cruces, New Mex. , July 12, 1893. Two specimens.
Apparently closely allied to, but distinct from, C. aurichalcca
Provancher. The name mcsillcr is derived from the Mesilla Valley,
in which Las Cruces is situated.
-o-
TWO INTERESTING NEW DIPTERA FROM WASHINGTON.
By D. W. COQUILLETT, Washington, D. C.
Criorhina i Cyiiorhina i johnsoni n. sp. 9- Head opaque black, lower
third of front and the entire face yellow, cheeks narrowly yellow next-the
eyes; proboscis not longer than height of head; antennae yellow, the third
joint and arista brownish. Thorax shining metallic bron/e, its pile short,
abundant, yellow; humeri yellow, pleura black, its pile yellow. Scutellum
translucent pale yellow, its pile long, abundant yellow. Abdomen sliming
metallic pale bluish, its pile short, sparse, depressed, yellow, that on hind
end of the second segment broadly extending forward in middle of dor-
126 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April,
sum, and a cross-band on the third segment behind its middle, black. Legs
yellow, apices of femora brown. Wings yellowish hyaline. Length 12 mm.
Washington. Received from Prof. O. B. Johnson, after whom
the species is named. Differs from all the previously described
species by its translucent, yellow scutellum. The head resembles
Figure 7, Plate IX, of Williston's "Synopsis of the North
American Syrphidae," but the facial tubercle is larger, and the
underside of the head is more nearly horizontal; the venation is
similar to figure 3 of the same plate, except that the third vein
is straighter and its last section longer. The thorax and scutellum
are destitute of long, stout bristles.
Ceroplatus fasciola n. sp. ?. Head, including the greatly flattened
.antenna; and large palpi, dark brown, the retracted proboscis, base of
third antennal joint, and a small spot beneath each antenna, yellow.
Thorax shining brown, a medio-dorsal vitta on the posterior half, and the
lateral margins, yellow; pleura yellow, a large spot above the middle
coxae and small one above the hind coxa?, dark brown. Scutellum yellow,
its base brown; center of metanotum dark brown. Abdomen shining
blackish brown, base of each segment, except the first, yellow; on the
second, third and fourth segments prolonged posteriorly as an indistinct
dorsal vitta; coxa; and femora yellow, bases of middle and hind femora
and of hind coxa?, blackish brown, tibia? and tarsi brownish-yellow.
Wings pale yellowish, the apex between tip of first vein and of anterior
branch of the fifth blackish, apex of anterior branch of fifth vein bordered
with blackish, this color projecting into the fourth posterior cell near its
middle; apex of auxiliary vein far beyond the origin of the third, being-
opposite the origin of the fourth; subcostal cross-vein before the middle
of the distance between humeral cross-vein and tip of this auxiliary vein;
anterior branch of third vein very oblique, ending in costa beyond apex
of first vein. Knob of halteres black. Length 10 mm.
Washington. Received from. Prof. O. B. Johnson. The only
other described North American species ( carbonarius ) has a
wholly black thorax, and a black abdomen margined with white.
o :
STUDIES AMONG THE FOSSORIAL HYMENOPTERA. II.
Synopsis of the N. Am. species of the genus Didineis Wesmael.
By WILLIAM J. Fox.
DIDINEIS Wesm.
JJidiiifis Wesm., Revue Critique, p. 96, 1851.
.Alyson Cresson, Synopsis, p. 117, 1887.
This genus resembles Alyson in many respects, but can be at
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 1 27
once distinguished by the submedian cell receiving the basal vein
much before its apex, while in Alyson this vein is interstitial.
FIG. I. Fore wing of Didineis \Vesni.
FEMALES.
Head and thorax black; abdomen red; spot on clypeus and scape beneath
yellow . . texana.
Head, thorax and abdomen reddish brown ; clypeus and scape of the
same color peculiaris.
MALES.
Antenna; long and slender, the joints not at all nodose beneath, texaiia.
AnteiiiKe stout, the joints of flagellum more or less nodose.
Black, first two segments of abdomen red nodosa.
Hntirely reddish brown, the apical segments of abdomen fuscous.
peculiaris.
T. Didineis texana Cress.
. Hyson tc.rantis Cr. , Tr. Am. Ent. Soc. iv, p. 226, $, 1873.
Didineis texana Handl., Sitzb. Akad. \Vissensch. Wien, Math-
naturw. Classe, xcvi, p. 267, 9c?-
^ Virginia, District of Columbia, Texas. Mr.
~~\^^ J Guignard has sent me an unusually large speci-
-* V men, taken at Ottawa, Canada, by Mr. W. H.
KII;. 2. Last 2 joints Harrington.
of male antenna.
2. Didineis nodosa n. sp.
. Anterior margin of clypeus subtruncate; front and vertex with very
fine and close punctures; antenna; stout, the first joint of the flagellum
longer than the second and much thickened beneath at the apex, joints
2-5 also thickened in this manner, the tenth joint produced into an acute
spine beneath at apex, the last joint very large and curved; metathorax
with coarse striations, those within the elongate, semi-elliptic enclosure
placed obliquely on each side of a longitudinal, central, raised line; fore
legs much flattened and dilated, the lower margin of fore femora suban-
gular medially; abdomen finely and closely punctured. First two seg-
ments of abdomen red; tibia; and tarsi yellow-testaceous; scape beneath,
clypeus, except in middle, inner orbits to about the middle of front yellow;
last joint of flagellum reddish testaceous; wings subhyaline, iridescent,
without tuscous markings. Length 6 mm.
State of Washington.
128 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [April.
4
3. Didineis peculiaris n. sp.
9 . Head rather well developed behind the eyes; front and vertex very
finely and closely punctured; clypeus tridentate; first joint of the flagel-
lum somewhat shorter than the following two joints united; dorsulum
finely and closely punctured; metathorax rather finely rugose; abdomen
finely and closely punctured; entirely reddish brown, the thorax beneath
and apical joints of antennae blackish; clypeus and abdomen apically,
sparsely clothed with white pubescence; wings subhyaline, in the region
of the marginal, second submarginal and third discoidal cells there is a
fuscous cloud. Length 8 mm.
\ Antennae stout, joints 1-5 of flagelltim thickened or nodose at apex
beneath, but not so strongly so as in nodosa,
the last joint very large, curved and subtruncate
at apex, the preceding joint spinose at apex
beneath; anterior femora with the lower margin
FIG. 3. Last two joints of rounded beneath ; colored like the 9 . except
maie antenna. that the apical segments of the abdomen are
blackish, and the inner orbits, scape beneath and anterior margin of cly-
peus, yellow; wings with a fuscous cloud. Length 6-7 mm.
Montana. The coloration will at once distinguish it from the
other species.
OBITUARY.
HERMAN GLEISSNER, Rector of the 63 Parish School, Berlin.
FRANZ VON MICKLITZ, K. K. FORSTMEISTER in Vienna.
FRANCIS POLKINGHORNE PASCOE on the 2oth of June at Brighton,
England. He was born in Penzance, Sept. i, 1813, was known through
his interest in Coleoptera.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS for March was mailed Feb. 28, 189.4.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS
AND
PROCEEDINGS OE THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
VOL. v. MAY, 1894. No. 5.
CONTENTS:
Fernald North Greenland Microlepid-
optera 129
Wadsworth Third addition to the list
Economic Entomology 143
Notes and News 146
Entomological Literature 148
of Dragonflies (Odonata) 132 ', Entomological Section 154
Snyder Collecting in Utah 133 Van Duzee Synonymical notes on
Williston On the genus Erax 136 ; some N. American Tettigonidse 156'
Fernald Elementary Entomology 138 ; Cockerell A new wax-scale found in
Webster Species of reared Coleoptera 140 I Jamaica 157
Editorial 142 ' Brendel On some Pselaphidse 158
NORTH GREENLAND MICROLEPIDOPTERA.
By Prof. C. H. FERNALD, Amherst, Mass.
The insects described in this paper were captured at McCor-
mick Bay, North Greenland, in lat. 77 42' North, between July
25 and Aug. i, 1891, by Mr. Levi W. Mengel, entomologist, and
Dr. W. E. Hughes, ornithologist of the West Greenland expe-
dition. This party was sent out by the Philadelphia Academy
of Sciences to escort Lieut. R. E. Peary to his Winter quarters
at McCormick Bay.
Mr. Mengel wrote me as follows: "The microlepidoptera
were caught at the following places: Godhavn, on Disco Island,
two species at Upernavik, three specimens at Cape York, and
the remainder were taken at McCormick Bay. I can safely say
that 75 per cent, of all the insects were taken at this locality,
though we had but two good collecting days while there, all the
others being foggy, cold and damp. The insects, especially the
micros, did not fly unless the sun was shining.
" The shores at McCormick Bay, and in fact all the coast visited,
sloped gently inward for distances ranging from 500 to 1000
yards, rarely further, unless glaciers or glacial streams were de-
scending from the ice cap. The side of the mountain then arose
130 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
precipitously to the height of 2000 feet or more. It was along
this narrow strip or belt of land bordering the sea that nearly all
animal life was found. The soil was fairly fertile, though frozen
below the depth of a few inches. Along this strip many flower-
ing plants were growing. Here we caught many of our larger
insects, but where the vegetation became scarce along the base
of the mountain where the great mass of boulders lay which had
become detached from the mountain side, the micros were most
abundant. They were extremely hard to catch, and being nearly
of the same color as the lichen-covered rocks, were more easily
overlooked. When detected they would run rapidly and hide
under some projecting leaf or rock. They flew with a quick
jerky flight for a short distance and generally alighted on the
rocks or on the lich'ens with which they were covered, and seldom
alighted on the herbage.
' ' Diligent search failed to discover any cocoons. Several minute
larvae about one-fourth in. long, of a pea-green color were found
crawling along the side of the boulder. I was unable to mid
the food-plant, but attempted to raise them offering them both
moss and lichen, but they refused to eat and died. Another larva
was found on the stem of some species of Campanula. It was
green inclining to olive in color on the forward part, and was
about three-eights of an inch long. I attempted to raise this
larva also, but it refused to eat, and therefore died. I believe,
however, that it may have been the larva of one of the micros,
though of course I do not know.
" Willow and birch are the only trees found in Greenland, and
in the northern part, at least, they never exceed four or live in-
ches in height. I am inclined to think that these little trees are
the food-plants of a number of species, notwithstanding the fact
I was unsuccessful in locating the larvae."
The information given by Mr. Mengel in his letter to me, ex-
tracts of which are given above, is of great interest, and gives us
a better idea of the conditions under which these insects lived
than we might otherwise obtain.
rnfortunately, all the specimens sent to me are marked ' ' Green-
land," but Prof. Skinner, who sent them, stated that they were
taken at McCprmick Bay.
One of the species sent is a small pale green Geometer in very
.;- condition, but strongly resembles Ncmoria. There were
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 13!
also four examples of Laodama fusca Haw., one male and three
females. This species has a wide distribution occurring over
northern and central Europe, Japan, North America, Iceland and
Greenland.
The larva is supposed to feed on Bctiila and Calluna, and has
been bred from the egg on Vaccinium myriillus, and also on
Salix caprea. It is therefore very probable that the larvae of
this species fed on the dwarf birch or willow as Mr. Mengel con-
jectured.
It is not probable that the larvae found by Mr. Mengel belonged
to this species since the images were on the wing during the
seven clays he was at McCormick Bay, and at this time they laid
their eggs, which are known to hatch in about ten days, and they
are supposed to hibernate during the Winter as half-grown
caterpillars.
There were in the collection thirty-two examples of Pyrausla
torvalis Moesch. This species was first described by Moeschler
in the Wiener Entom. Monatsch., Bandvii, p. 198, pi. v, fig. 16
(1864), from Labrador, and Staudinger also gives the Pyranees
as its habitat. The early stages and food-plant are unknown.
The collection also contained ten examples of a new species
which I have named for Mr. Mengel, the entomologist of the
expedition,
Sericoris mengelaua n. sp. Expanse of wings 20 mm. Head and an-
teniue black; palpi black, whitish at the base, and with a whitish spot on
the outside of the second joint. Thorax black, with a fe\v scattered white
scales almost forming a band across the thorax just in front of the small
tuft. Fore wings black, with a white spot on the basal third of the costa
extending down to the median vein, and on the costa in the middle of
tliis spi it there is a small black spot with another below it. On either side
is an oblique black hairline through the white- spot, below which are ;i
few scattered \vhit<- scale,. 1 Yon; tin- outer fourth of the costa a white
band extends t-> the anal angle. This band sends out a prolongation on
the costa and one into the cell, and it also has two black spots on the
costa, the outer one of which is elongated. Two minute White spots rest
on the deep black ground of the middle of the costa, and the basal part
of the costa has a few sprinkles of white. The fringe is black at the a]
but black and white mixed elsewhere. Hind wings and abdomen above
dark ashy gray. Underside of the abdomen and wings ashy gray, with
the markings of the upperside of the wings indicated. Legs dark brown,
annulate with whitish.
Described from ten examples in poor condition.
132 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May r
One of the most interesting features of this small collection is
the very dark color of the insects. The specimens of the Lao-
dama fusca, and also of Pyrausta torva/is, are much darker than
any I have ever seen before, either of those taken in New Eng-
land or in Labrador, but when we recall that Mr. Mengel states
that they rest on the lichen-colored rocks we have not far to seek
for the cause of this dark color. The lichens, which almost en-
tirely cover the rocks in northern regions, are very dark brown
or black, and when insects habitually rest on such places the
lighter colored varieties are more easily seen and destroyed by
their enemies and the dark forms are left to propagate the species,
and, as a result, a dark race is formed in time.
Third Addition to the list of Dragonflies Odonata of
Manchester, Kennebec County, Maine.
By Miss MATTIE WADSWORTH
(See ENT. NEWS, vol. i, pp. 36, 55 ; vol. ii, p. n ; vol. iii, p. 8.
lOfl. Lestes ung-uiculata Hag.
1890, July 15, one over Snake Pond ; recently determined,
6/. Enallagrna pollutum ? Hag.
1893, June 29, two teneral $ S near Lake Cobbosseecontee.
43ffl. Celithemis elisa Hag.
1893, June 22, one 9 in pasture near woods.
39. L-eucorhinia proxima Calvert.
The 9 of this species has not been recorded from this locality.
1892, June 15, one $ near brook.
1893, June 18, 20, July n, one 9 each day, all near brook.
These have been identified, as all others have been, by Mr. P.
P. Calvert, of Philadelphia.
Fifty-seven species of dragonflies have now been found in this
place, and forty-five of these were seen or taken, during 1893.
Of the rarer species but few were noted: one Cordulia (Somato-
chlord) lepida Selys, one Gomphus parvulus Selys, and a G.
spinosus Selys, were taken. The only Epitheca (Somatochlord)
forcipata Scud, seen, was sufficiently accommodating to alight
on the house and be taken by the hand. One Fonscolombia
vinosa Say was found on the window, in the horse's stall.
1894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 133
COLLECTING IN UTAH.-Part I.
By ARTHUR J. SNYDER.
From Tuesday night, when I entered a darkened car in the
yard of the Northwestern Depot at Chicago, until Friday about
i P.M. seems a long time to continue traveling westward at the
speed trains now attain "just to catch butterflies!" as "Billy,"
the waiter in our restaurant said. To any except interested natu-
ralists such a trip may even seem ridiculous.
Though my net and killing bottle were constantly at hand they
proved of but little use until near the end of my journey. Once
we were delayed in the midst of a seemingly boundless sage
thicket by the breaking of our engine. I fully employed the
time by making a thorough search for insects. My entire catch
was two small Geometers which were whipped from the sage.
One other moth was started which resembled a Syneda, but it
escaped.
At Croyden, Utah, while the train stopped for a few moments
I found butterflies abundant, especially on the flowei-s of a spe-
cies of Echinosternum. Several Lyccena, a Melitcea, and Pyrgus
ccespitalis were taken here.
About noon on Friday our train reached the beautiful city 01
Ogden. Here I parted company with Mr. Vernon Bailey, col-
lector of birds and mammals for the Smithsonian Institute, and
who had introduced himself at once on noting my collecting outfit.
Although our acquaintance was of but a few hours, it was pleasant
to meet some one interested in the same line of work who had
been over the ground and could, in that brief time, give me valu-
able information concerning the territory in which I was to collect.
From Ogden to Salt Lake City was but a short trip through
fields of Alfalfa then in bloom, and especially beautiful after
having passed through hundreds of miles of sage brush.
It is not my purpose to fully describe the delightful scenery
nor to enter into an extended description of the beautiful city ol
Salt Lake. Cool mountain streams are always refreshing, but to
see them flowing where we usually see filthy gutters was indeed
a restful and interesting sight.
After wandering for a short time through the beautiful wide
streets of the city and securing a room, I at once began the chase.
The first specimen seen was P. nttnlns. In the streets of the
134 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
city, and away from the busy parts, I soon found Chrysophanus
helloides in abundance. One of my first captures was a perfect
Epicallia virginalis, which had just emerged from the chrysalis,
crawled onto a weed and had not yet tried its wings. This spe-
cies I found only in the vicinity of Salt Lake, and though quite
a number were seen flying about only four were taken in all.
On this first afternoon P. camillus, P. pratensis, Leucarctia
acrea, Coenonympha ochracea, Lyccena acmon, a Pamphila and
Plusia californica were taken besides those I have mentioned.
The Phyciodes and Coenonympha were quite common on blossoms
of Alfalfa.
On the following morning not knowing where to go I started
out to find the best resorts and took the north side of the city.
Trains run from Salt Lake City to the Salt Springs and Bountiful.
From the terminus of the car line I started for the mountains
modestly, as I thought, determined to go to one of the nearest
banks of snow and be content for the first day. About noon the
snow seemed as far away as ever so I gave it up and started oil
my return. During this forenoon I saw for the first time the
beautiful CaUochortus nuttallii or Sego Lily, the flower of Utah,
In the lowlands I found the same species of insects as on the day
previous and P. tessellata, also Vanessa milbertii. On the moun-
tains L. pheres and L. acmon were abundant, with an occasional
Eudamus nevada. One P. rutulus was taken, and several were
seen about the blossoms of Honey Locust trees. It may be of
interest to note that at Bountiful I found the fruit trees nearly
stripped of foliage by the larvae of Clisiocampa californica (1 may
be wrong as to species); californica was abundant at Park City
later in season, and I think this was the same.
A trip on Monday forenoon to the lowlands in the vicinity ot
the Jordan River convinced me that collecting in dry localities
was not profitable. The Ccenonyuipha, pamphiloides and ochracea
were found here, also a few Lyccena and Phyciodes.
In the afternoon, with Prof. Smith of the Salt Lake Academy,
a trip was taken to Red Butte Canon up on the mountains above
Fort Douglass. There the first Argynnis were taken. It sur-
prises one not accustomed to the mountains to note the changes
in vegetation as he ascends. On this trip a few A. meadii were
seen and several taken. In a few days this species and A. neva-
densis were abundant in the same locality. Along a tramway
IS94-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 135
running up this canon Nisoniades brizo, Eudamus nevada, E.
tityrns, Lyccsna pheres and acmon, Pyrgus tessellata and numer-
ous beautiful Odonata were found.
As an illustration of the abundance of the Argynnis, on June
2oth, fifty of the two species meadii and nevadentis were taken.
The former were found in the valley or lower part of the canon,
and nearly all were taken on the blossoms of Achillea millefolium.
I soon found the easiest way to take them was to walk up and
down the road and quietly capture them while sipping the nectar,
for when once started they were not easily caught.
The A. nevadensis were found farther up the mountain sides,
and were most abundant on the sunny slopes, where they were
flitting close to the ground under and through the Artemisia.
Several unsuccessful chases up the mountain side and one or two
falls made me wonder if there was not a better way. I noted that
nearly all were working their way up the mountain and seemed
to prefer a certain wind-protected patch leading up a narrow but
not deep gorge which was so steep one could only ascend it by
holding to the shrubs of Artemisia and Quercus gambelii.
On taking my place near the head of this gorge, I found the
question solved, for I had simply to stand and with one quick
sweep of the net capture them as they attempted to pass. This
method proved so much easier and more satisfactory that I gave
up tearing clothes and nets in chasing specimens through the
thick brush. It was often interesting to note butterflies flitting
from flower to flower up the mountain keeping in the sunlight as
the source of light gradually sank to rest behind the hills and
then returning to the valleys in same manner the next morning.
The valleys or cuts between parallel ranges always were the
' best places for collecting, except for such genera as Parnassius
and Chionobas.
Besides species mentioned, Anthocharis ausonides, Nisoniades
lucilius, Limenitis weidemeyerii, Melit&a nubigena, Colias ed-
wardsii, Pieris occidentalis , D. archippus and Pyrameis carye
were taken in Red Butte Canon.
June 23d I left Salt Lake City for Park City, which is thirty-
two miles away, and at an elevation of 7000 feet. Here the most
of my collecting was done, an account of which will be given in
mv next article.
136 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
On August i gth Mrs. S. and myself returned to Salt Lake,
and Monday the 2ist visited Red Butte Canon for the last time.
Satyrus ariane was abundant, but all old and mostly broken
specimens. A few Pamphila agricola, two Theda melimis, and
quite a number of Theda crysalus were taken. Two Catocala
were seen, the only specimens noted during our trip. Several
Syneda were seen, but of the genus Catocala both Park City and
Salt Lake regions seemed to be barren. On the mountains above
Park City Syneda adumbrata was abundant.
Another, to me, unaccountable fact was, that nothing would
come to sugar. A preparation which always proves successful
here was tried at Park City, but nothing not one specimen, so far
as I could determine, came even to sample the mixture. Another
preparation, suggested by Mr. B. Neumoegen, was tried night
after night with the same results. I can only account for this in
one of two ways: either the nights were too cold, or the altitude
too great. What few Noctuids I took came to the light from my
lamp placed in an open window, or were taken during the day-
time on shrubs and grasses.
Before closing this first article I wish to repeat and emphasize
two suggestions which I had from Dr. Skinner just after I began
collecting in Utah: First, "Take every specimen you see;"
second, ' ' Whenever possible take specimens of the sexes in coitu
placing them in same paper. ' '
I believe that no one can positively identify species on the wing.
In my own experience some of my best captures were made when
I supposed I was taking old acquaintances. A beautiful female
Argynnis leto was supposed to be a faded Vanessa antiopa until
Mrs. S. assured me it was not, and I captured it by way of proof.
-o-
ON THE GENUS ERAX.
By S. W. WILLISTON.
Next to Asilus, in its wide sense, there is no genus of the
Asilidae which presents more difficulties to the student than does
Erax. Osten Sacken well expresses these difficulties in his work
on the Central American Diptera in the "Biologia." There
are quite a number of species described by the older authors
which will probably never be determined with certainty until their
types are examined, if they ever are, for doubtless some of the
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 137
types are no longer in existence. Furthermore, the genus is a
large one; it has already become unwieldy, and it requires divi-
sion, for convenience sake, if nothing else. Hitherto, however,
there have been no characters discovered which will satisfactorily
serve this purpose. In my attempt at the elucidation of our own
species, in the "Transactions" Amer. Ent. Soc. xii, p. 64, I was
tempted to separate three by an anomalous peculiarity in the
neuration, but forbore to do so for reasons which seemed to be
important. Mr. Coquillett has, however, recently used this char-
acter to define his genus Efferia* in which he has located two
of these species and described three new ones. But these new
species themselves add still another objection to the acceptation
of his genus. It makes comparatively little difference how far
we divide genera, provided natural relationships are not disturbed.
In the present case we have characters which show decided re-
lationships ignored, and species brought together which have
their nearest allies in different groups of Erax, as it now remains
with Mr. Coquillett' s species removed. In E. anomalus, one of
the species included in Efferia, a striking character is the pilosity
of the abdomen, which is, as I described it, "parted down the
middle and combed outwards," a character found only in Candida
among the other species of Efferia, but which does occur in va-
rious other species of Erax, E. stamineus for instance. Again,
in certain species of Erax, E. jiibatus for example, we find an
equally remarkable development of the hair of the mesonotum,
which is developed "mane-like" along the middle. This char-
acter occurs in only one of the six species with three submarginal
cells, E. rava Coq. Furthermore, should the genus be accep-
table, it would be better to use the name Eichoichcmus, proposed
for it by Bigot, with Erax flavianalis Macquart (Dipt. Exot.
Suppl. iii, p. 1 86, pi. ii, fig. i2a, not 13) as its type.
A Scotchman who wanted to sell some bees inserted the following ad-
vertisement in the local paper: " Extensive sale of live stock, comprising
no less than 140,000 head, with an unlimited right of pasturage." New
York Tribune.
* " Canadian Entomologist," xxv, p. 175.
I3 8 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May r
ELEMENTARY ENTOMOLOGY.
MICROLEPIDOPTERA. Part II.
By Prof. C. H. FERNALD, Amherst, Mass.
The family Tineidae or Leaf-miners, is one of the largest of the
Lepidoptera. It includes insects ranging in expanse of wings
from 3 to 55 mm., but a large majority are much below the me-
dium size. Notwithstanding their abundance they have been
very much neglected by collectors and students in this country.
The head in some species is covered above and in front with
erect hair-like scales which give it a rough appearance. Other
species have the head rough above, but smooth in front, and still
others have the head covered in front and above with scales that
lie flat, giving the head a smooth appearance over the whole sur-
face. The tongue is generally present, though sometimes absent.
The labial palpi are almost always present, often long, curved up
in front, with the third joint long, slim and pointed, especially
in many of the larger species, which in other respects, more or
less resemble the Tortricids. Sometimes they are short and in-
clined downwards. In som,e species they are covered with scales
that are closely appressed to the surface, and in others with loose
diverging hairs, and sometimes the second joint is more or less
tufted.
The maxillary palpi are generally, though not always, present
and sometimes have as many as rive or six joints. The ocelli
are present in some species, but absent in others. The eyes are
quite prominent, circular, ovoid, or elliptical in outline. The
antennae are generally from two-thirds to three-fourths as long as
the costa, though in a few cases they are less than half as long as
the wing, while on the other hand they are sometimes three or
four times as long as the fore wing. They are generally smooth,
though in some species they are more or less strongly ciliated.
Frequently a tuft of hair arises from the basal joint, and in some
groups this joint is expanded into a broad concave cap, which
entirely covers the eye when the insect is at rest.
The thorax is smooth, and the abdomen has no unusual char-
acters. The legs are rather long and slim. The fore tibiae usu-
ally have a tibial plate near the end, and the middle tibiae have a
pair of spurs at the end, while the hind tibiae have a pair of spurs
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 139
at the end and another pair near the middle. The inner spurs
are much longer than the outer. The hind tibiae are in many
species clothed with long hairs along the upperside.
The wings vary in form from trapezoidal to narrow or lanceo-
late, and in most cases have long fringes, especially toward the
anal angle of the hind wings. The venation is normal in those
species that have broad wings, but incomplete in many of the
narrow winged species. The hind wings are of plain colors and
without markings, while the fore wings of many, especially of
the smaller species, are most beautifully and brilliantly colored,
and the markings are very sharply defined. I know ot nothing
in nature that rivals the indescribable beauty of many of these
little minims of creation. Without doubt the plan of coloration
was inherited, but heightened and intensified by natural selection.
Some years ago while walking by a maple tree I saw what looked
like the excrement of a small bird on a leaf of the maple, but,
on closer examination, it proved to be a Stenoma schlcegeri rest-
ing on the leaf. So perfect was the resemblance to the excrement
of a bird that the protection seemed perfect. This observation
has been made by others on the same insect.
The members of this family are principally vegetable feeders,
yet a few of them feed on hair, feathers, and woolen fabrics, often
causing great injury. Many of those living on vegetable matter
are of economic importance since they feed on such plants as are
of direct value to man, while a large number of the species feed
on plants that are of little or no value.
The larvae of the larger species feed under ground on the roots
of plants; between leaves rolled or drawn together; or burrow
in stems, fungi or decayed wood. Some of the larvae of the
smaller species live in peculiarly shaped cases which they form
from portions of the leaves on which they feed. The great ma-
jority of the smaller species mine between the cuticles of the
leaves. These mines are very plainly visible, and their peculiar
form is characteristic of the species.
A few of these insects hibernate during the Winter in the imago
state; a much larger number hibernate in the larval state, while
many pass the Winter in the pupal state.
Some of the species fly in the middle of the day in the hot sun;
others fly in the night, but a great majority fly in the early morn-
ing or near sunset, especially on warm and calm evenings. Very
14 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
few are attracted to light or to sugar, but many of the larger
species are easily "flushed" from their resting places and may
be taken in the net.
The Tineidae have a world- wide distribution, but certain groups
are better represented in some parts of the world than in others.
They have been discovered in rocks of the Miocene period and
also in amber, indicating their presence on earth in early tertiary
times.
The classifications thus far given are based too largely on su-
perficial characters, except the one given of a part of the family
by Mr. Meyrick, and this needs verification for the species of
this country. I have already made critical studies on the structure
of a large number of our species, but have not yet gone far
enough to give a satisfactory synoptical table.
o
NOTES ON A FEW SPECIES OF REARED COLEOPTERA.
By F. M. WEBSTER.
Leptotrachelus dorsalis Fab. The larvae of this species were
first observed by me on July 22, 1884, actively engaged in de-
stroying the larvae of the wheat straw worm, hosomatritici Riley,
which the reaper had left exposed in the stubble. Early in Au-
gust they were observed to stop the cavity in the upper end of
the stubble with bits detached from the inside and rolled into a
ball. August nth larvae, pupee and adults were observed in
stubbles that had thus been plugged up, a single individual only
occupying a stubble. I have no description of the larva, except
that it is slender, depressed, 8 mm. in length and very active.
See Rep. Comm. Agr. 1884, p. 387.
Phalacrus politus Mels. Adults reared August 4th from heads
of rye affected with smut. Larva? observed in these heads on
July i2th, at which time they were isolated in breeding-jar. The
same species breeds in smut on corn.
Neoclytus erythrocephalus Fab. Observed female ovipositing
in trunk of dead apple tree at Columbus, Ohio, July 21-24, fSgi.
From this same tree trunk adults emerged May 31, 1892.
Bruchus mimus Say. Reared from seeds of Red Bud, Cercis
canadensis L.
Disonycha caroliniana Fab. I reared the adult at Lafayette,
Ind. , from a larva captured while feeding on the foliage of the
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 14!
common Purslane, Portiilaca oleracea L. Dr. Horn ("Transac-
tions" Am. Ent. Soc. vol. xvi, p. 205) states that the species
occurs from Pennsylvania to Florida, he having also a specimen
in his cabinet from Missouri, "doubtful as to locality." My
specimen was determined at the Department of Agriculture at
Washington, where it was sent under No. 1376, July 6, 1891.
Cistela brevis Say. I have reared adults of this from pupae
found in the decaying portion of a trunk of Red Bud, Cercis
canadensis L. in Illinois, where, in the northern portion as well
as in Indiana and Ohio, I have collected the light colored form,
while in Ohio both this and the black form occur. It was the
light form that was reared.
Apion segnipes Say. Adults, larvae and pupae, found in pods
of Tephrosia mrginiana Pers. collected near Toledo, Ohio, Oc-
tober 5th, by Mr. J. S. Hine. The major portion of the larvae
had transformed in the pods, in the fields, as early as i4th of
September.
Brachy 'tarsus limbatus Say. Adults were observed in the act
of ovipositing in the bloom of Sneeze-weed, Helenium autumale
L. near Wooster, Ohio, September yth. Larvae reach full growth
in the fall and abandon the plants, emerging from the ground as
adults the following Spring. The larvae are rather robust, white,
with brown heads, and are usually observed in the curved position
common to Rhynchophorus larvae.
NOTE ON PLATYPSYLLUS. Since the discovery of this insect much has
been written about it by various authors, but none have indicated any
means for distinguishing the sexes. Having recently received a very
large series collected near Fort Yuma, Cal., the opportunity has been
afforded for examining with a view to determining the sexual peculiarities.
As received, in alcohol, the females are apparently longer and are not
bent in arc, the males shorter and bent. The wedge-shaped prosternal
plate is almost absolutely smooth in the female, but with numerous coarse
punctures, especially posteriorly in the male. The last ventral segment
is oval at tip in the female, truncate or even slightly emarginate in the
male. Finally, the anterior tarsi are slender in the female, and as com-
pared with the tibiae longer, while in the male there is a distinct shortening
and thickening of the three basal joints.
In 39 specimens examined, 12 were females and 27 males, showing a
preponderance of more than two to one in the males. G. H. HI >K.\, M.D.
142 [May,
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
Published monthly (except July and August), in charge of the joint
publication committees of the Entomological Section of the Academy
of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, and the American Entomological
Society. It will contain not less than 300 pages per annum. It will main-
tain no free list whatever, but will leave no measure untried to make it a
necessity to every student of insect life, so that its very moderate annual
subscription may be considered well spent.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION $1.00, IS ADVANCE.
fg^* 1 All remittances should be addressed to E. T. Cresson, Treasurer,
P. O. Box 248, Philadelphia, Pa.; all other communications to the Editors
of ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy of Natural Sciences, Logan Square,
Philadelphia, Pa.
PHILADELPHIA, PA., MAY, 1894.
TYPE SPECIMENS.
WE have received a letter from Prof. T. D. A. Cockerell which ex-
presses our views exactly in regard to type specimens, and we think it so
important that we reproduce it here. The majority of types are not
unique, and at least one could be spared for some public collection :
" I want, so far as possible, to make a practise of always sending you
type specimens along with the descriptions, and I think it would be a re-
markably good thing if no descriptions were allowed to stand unless the
types were deposited in a public collection. In the term ' public collec-
tion' I should include such as that of the American Entomological Society,
which I understand can always be seen by respectable entomologists.
" I do not think for a moment that we really could refuse to recognize
descriptions not thus represented by types; but we might at least make
the practise of placing types in accessible collections a common one, so
that public opinion would condemn those who failed to do so. In certain
instances it seems justifiable to retain types during one's life-time. Thus,
Lord Walsingham is keeping his types of Tineidae, which he no doubt
finds necessary for his work; but he has arranged that upon his death they
shall go to the British Museum. Such a collector as Dr. Holland ought
certainly to do the same; possibly he has done so. If on his death his
numerous types were distributed by sale it would be a great pity, and I
might add, a serious injustice to other lepidopterists all over the world."
PICTURES for tin- .illmi/i of the American Entomological Society have
been received from Prof. I). S. Kellicott, Dr. R. E. Kunze, C. V. Piper,
A. G. Weeks, Jr., M. |. Elrod. We have not received nearly all that we
would like. We want pictures of all the entomologists of the world.
1894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 143
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY,
Edited by Prof. JOHN B. SMITH, Sc. D., New Brunswick, N. J.
"A strange Worm on a Grapevine." A singular worm was picked from
a leaf of a grapevine yesterday by an aged gentleman, and was shown to
a number of people who have seen all sorts of worms, but who never
before beheld a worm like unto this. The creature was brought to the
Call office for exhibition and description. The worm is about two inches
and a half in length and a third of an inch in thickness. The color re-
sembles the underside of a grape leaf. The head is quite large in pro-
portion to the body and contains a large bright eye set in the forehead.
The worm has fourteen very short feet and walks backward, the tail being
erected and having the intelligent motions of a head. The motions of
the body are quick and sinuous, and the feet have a remarkable strength
in adhering to objects. The most singular feature of the worm, however,
consists of a number of small white points sticking out from its body and
sides like quills on the fretful porcupine. These are probable cocoons
containing the young of the species. From the Newark Sunday Call.
"Grass-eating Insects." Bulletin No. 64 of the Cornell Experiment
Station makes a departure in the character of publications issued by Ex-
periment Stations. The work is entitled, "A synopsis of the species of
Crambus of the Ithaca fauna," and it is a thesis in Entomology by Mr.
E. P. Felt. The Bulletin covers rather more than fifty pages and is partly
popular, but much more technical. There are described first, the general
habits of the species of Crainbus and the remedies to be used against them
as a whole. Following we have a synopsis of twenty-seven species, based
first upon the markings and afterward upon the sexual characters. This
again is lollowed by special notes on certain of the species in which there
is an extremely generalized description of the insects, and a great deal
more detailed description in many cases of the early stages, together with
records of raptures, etc. Finally, we have notes on the affinities of the
species, a very complete bibliographical list in which also geographical
distribution of the species is given, and a series of fourteen plates illus-
trating vi-nation, the sexual characteristics, certain egg shapes and the
wing maculation of tin- twenty-seven species. To the farmer the Bulletin
will be of little value, principally because the character of the publication
will prevent him from reading it. and it was not written primarily with the
interest of the fanner in view. From the scientific standpoint the infor-
mation contained in the Bulletin is very decidedly interesting, and it is a
distinct contribution to our knowledge of these insects. There is much
that is original in the observations made, and of course the studies on
sexual structure, venation, etc., are original, and probably accurate. The
work will be an extremely useful one to entomologists, and it brings up
again the question that I have already mentioned on previous occasions
144 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May r
as to the character of the Bulletins to be issued by the Experiment Stations.
There is room for differences of opinion, and in that view the matter is
beyond the domain of criticism; still, I cannot help feeling that a special
publication of this character is misplaced in a Bulletin. The farmer will
not understand it, and if unfortunately he locks over a Bulletin of this
character and finds it beyond him, he is very apt to base an adverse judg-
ment upon Bulletins as a whole. The other objection is one that I have
previously made, and is that the information is not thus made completely
accessible to the scientific man. The Bulletin is good, and I would advise
every entomologist to get it if possible; but I would be as anxious to keep
it out of the hands of the farmer. The only criticism that need be made
is that the description of the species should have been a little more com-
plete, and that all of the species should have been described, even though
no biological notes were at hand. While the figures are good, yet in
some cases a few words of description would make matters certain where
doubt is left.
Injurious Insects and the use of Insecticides. Under this title we have
a book of 216 pages by Frank W. Sempers, published by W. Atlee Burpee
& Co., of Philadelphia. This firm are seed dealers and growers, and have
published a number of books which are used in some measure to adver-
tise themselves, being distributed as premiums to those purchasing a cer-
tain amount in value of seeds. Mr. Sempers is not an entomologist, and
the book is -a compilation. On the whole it is a very convenient little
publication, giving a considerable amount of information gathered from
generally reliable sources, and it is one that will be an addition to the
library of every practical agriculturist. While there is little to be said in
criticism of what the book actually contains, very much could be said in
criticism of what it does not contain. In other words, one of the chief
faults of the book is that the selection of insects to be treated is not the
most judicious possible. Quite a number of the most destructive forms
of the Eastern and Middle United States are omitted, while a considerable
number that are scarcely ever heard of as practically injurious are treated
at some length. Sometimes, also, one local account of an insect is used
to the exclusion of equally important records from other localities. For
instance, Heliothis armiger is treated only as a cotton insect, while no-
thing is said of its injuries to corn, and especially to early tomatoes, where
they are grown. Mr. Sempers' ignorance of entomological literature ap-
pears sometimes where complete accounts of species have been published
in places other than those Reports and Bulletins that appear to be acces-
sible to him. Thus fhe very complete life-history of the Strawberry
weevil published in " Insect Life" has been overlooked, and all the infor-
mation taken from the rather incomplete account published at the Dela-
ware Station. There are several other instances of this character; but
nevertheless, if the book be not taken too literally, or as being up to date
in all respects, it will be a very handy one for practical use.
IS94-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 145
The Periodical Cicada. Before the end of the month for which this num-
ber is issued the voice of the Cicada will be heard in the land. The brood
is a large one, quite widely distributed, and will be one of considerable
importance to the agriculturist, unless all previous experiences are over-
tured. It will give another opportunity for close observation concerning
the actual distribution of the species within State lines, and as there are
perhaps more working entomologists at the present time than ever before,
our knowledge of the actual distribution of the species should be better
denned than ever before. Warnings have been given to fruit-growers that
it would be unadvisable to set out young trees during the present Spring
in those localities where the insects are known to have occurred. A feature
that it will be worth while to observe rather closely during the present
year, is the influence of Sparrow, that is, of course, the English Sparrow,
upon the number of these insects. A few years ago when the Cicada ap-
peared in Washington, D. C., and was so elaborately and completely
studied by Dr. Riley and his force, the Sparrows destroyed a very large
proportion of the specimens. About the same time a brood appeared
upon Long Island, extending for a distance of about five miles through a
territory that was rather closely examined by myself, embracing Prospect
Park and the Ocean Parkway toward Coney Island, along the whole of
which distance the English Sparrow has taken undisputed possession to
the almost entire extermination of a considerable number of our native
birds. At that time I found that the Sparrows had also practically exter-
minated the Cicada, because an entire day's search gave me just one
punctured branch, showing eggs deposited. It is, of course, that I do not
mean to suggest that that was the only one that escaped; but it is rather
remarkable that where the insects were present in such numbers that ovi-
position should have been so restricted as to make the finding of punc-
tured twigs so difficult a matter. The Sparrows are still becoming more
and more numerous each year, and their influence upon the future reoc-
currence of this particular brood will be more than ever important. I
would suggest that every collector and every entomologist make special
observations in the direction of the relation of English Sparrow and the
Cicada. On the first appearance of the insects note whether there is a
special congregation of the birds in the places where they are most abun-
dant. Observe the length of the period during which the insects remain,
and whether there is an abrupt cessation within a space of ten days or
two weeks. Finally, the region covered by them, or that in which they
were most abundant, should be rather closely searched over for egg punc-
tures, and in this way a basis of observed facts will be gathered that will
enable us to see whether the next appearance of these insects will be in
anything like the numbers of the present expected invasion.
So light is the spider's web that a pound weight of it will reach around
the world, and leave enough to reach from Liverpool to New York. New
York World.
146 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
Notes and
ENTOMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM ALL QUARTERS
OF THE GLOBE.
[The Conductors of ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS solicit, and will thankfully receive items
of news, likely to interest its readers, from any source. The author's name will be given
in each case for the information of cataloguers and bibliographers.]
To Contributors. All contributions will be considered and passed upon at our
earliest convenience, and as far as may be, will be published according to date of recep-
tion. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS has reached a circulation, both in numbers and circumfer-
ence, as to make it necessary to put " copy'' into the hands of the printer, for each number,
three weeks before date of issue. This should be remembered in sending special or im-
portant matter for certain issue. Twenty-five "extras" without change in form will be
given free when they are wanted, and this should be so stated on the MS. along with the
number desired. The receipt of all papers will be acknowledged. ED.
EARLY BUTTERFLIES. March iSth of the present year was the warmest
March day in my recollection. Pieris rapes and Colias philodice were
seen in numbers, and also a fine male Papilio turnus. P. rapes and C.
philodice generally make their appearance around Mt. Airy about the
beginning of April, and P. turnus a month or so later. P. LAURENT,
Mt. Airy, Pa.
THE MARTINDALE collection of Lepidoptera has been purchased by the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. In this the Academy pos-
sesses the finest museum collection in America. It is in nine fine cabinets,
containing 320 large drawers. The specimens are nearly all faultless,
having been largely purchased from dealers. It contains many exceed-
ingly rare species.
CASSIDA NEBULOSA Linn. In a recent letter from Mr. G. C. Champion
I have received the following: " I cannot separate your Cassida from the
European nebulosa. It is supposed to be destructive to crops of beet in
Europe, and has been called the beet shield-beetle. It is recorded from
Persia, Siberia, etc."
This message accompanies the return of a Cassida given to nie by Mr.
A. Bolter, collected near the Santa Ana River, California, and indicates
the presence of a possibly injurious insect. The species resembles tcxana
in sculpture, but is darker in general color. The elytra have numerous
5tnall black spots. GEO. H. HORN, M.D.
IDENTITY OF PEZOMACHUS AND HEMITELES. The note of Mr. \V. H.
Patton, under this head in the April number of ENT. NEWS, leads me to
record the fact that I have reared Pezomachus obscurus Cress, and Hcmi-
teles drassi Riley, simultaneously, from the same nest of a Drassid spider.
This was of course not conclusive evidence of their generic identity, but
I have not been able to get rid of a suspicion that such might ultimately
prove to be the case, especially as my breedings belonged to opposite
sexes, the Hctniteles being all of them males and the Pezomachus females.
F. M. WEBSTER.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 147
AN EARLY MOTH. It may be of interest to some of the readers of the
NEWS as to which species of our Geometric! moths is first to make its ap-
pearance in the Spring time. In the neighborhood of Philadelphia Anis-
opteryx vernata Harr. is no doubt the first to appear. My earliest record
is March i3th, while this year the first was observed March i6th, at Salem,
Mass. The species has been observed as early as February 25th (Packard,
" Monograph of the Geometrid moths of the U. S." p. 403). Anisoptcryx
vernata is common in some parts of the New England States, while in
eastern Pennsylvania it is comparatively rare and causes but little damage.
PHILIP LAURENT, Philadelphia, Pa.
NOTE ON THE OCCURRENCE OF ALETIA ARGILLACEA Hbn. in Ohio.
On Sept. 24, 1891, I captured an adult at electric light in the city of Co-
lumbus. Oct. 4, 1893, at Wooster, I took another specimen, in daytime,
this one being to all appearances freshly emerged and without the least
blemish. These notes are given, not on account of their individual value,
but with the hope that, when the phenomena of the northern occurrence
of the species is better understood, they may be of service to some one,
somewhere. F. M. WEBSTER.
GRAF-KRUSI, of Gais, St. Gall, Switzerland, has sent us a sample of his
silk butterfly-net. This is a folding net with three hinge joints and can be
folded very compactly. The special feature of the frame is the arrange-
ment by which any size stick can be made to fit, which is a very great
convenience. The most interesting part is the net proper, which is com-
posed of silk and is very light in weight, yet of exceedingly great strength.
It is impossible to force a hole through the net with the fingers on account
of the strength of the silk and the admirable and ingenious way in which
the interlacing meshes are locked, which may be seen under a glass. Such
a net would last a long time and would be useful in tropical countries and
in the vicinity of blackberry bushes or other vegetation which interferes
with the work of the collector. The net is also very inexpensive (see adv.).
Is IT so ? Longevity of parasites in dead larvae. In September, 1892,
I found a number of full-grown larvae of Paonias astylus. which after a
few days went into the ground, with the exception of two of them; these
I found dead in the breeding-cage one morning, without being able to
ascertain cause of it, as there was absolutely no visible trace of their
having been stung by parasites, or suffering from other disease. Being
anxious to preserve these larvae and to show them to my entomological
friends, I placed them in a glass bottle, tilled with alcohol, and out same
on a shelf in my study, frequently looking at them, but never noticing any
change in their appearance. By some accident the glass bottle containing
these specimens fell to the floor and was broken, when I discovered this,
early in March (1894), a week or so after it had occurred, I found the
dried up larvae covered with the small white cocoons of the ichneumon
fly (Pteromalussv. ?), certainly a most remarkable thing after their having
been in alcohol nearly one and a half years. H. AICH, 43 Murray St., N. Y.
148 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
To THE EDITOR. In reply to your postal of yesterday I beg to say I
have not communicated to you any " fake" story, but merely related facts.
It is absolutely impossible to suppose that the dead larvae referred to were
stung after the bottle was broken, for at this time of the year it is not
likely that ichneumon flies should exist in my study, which, by the way,
is a rather cold room. As I stated before, I carefully examined larvae at
the time they died, because they looked perfectly healthy, and I was at a
loss to account for their death. My theory now, after appearance of the
ichneumon cocoon is, that they were stung when quite full grown, that
worms destroyed intestines of the larvae, causing their death, and that
they had been feeding inside the dead body all the time, because the al-
cohol prevented their usual way of coming to the surface. The facts are
and remain, that the dead larvae after being preserved in alcohol for nearly
one and a half years were found covered with cocoons of an ichneumon
fly on the floor, together with the remnants of the broken bottle. HER-
MANN AICH.
Identification of Insects (Imagos) for Subscribers.
Specimens will be named under the following conditions : ist, The number of species-
to be limited to twenty-five for each sending; 2d, The sender to pay all expenses of trans-
portation and the insects to become the property of the American Entomological Society ;
3d, Each specimen must have a number attached so that the identification may be an-
nounced accordingly. Exotic species named only by special arrangement with the Editor,
who should be consulted before specimens are sent. Send a 2 cent stamp with all insects
for return of names. Before sending insects for identification, read page 41, Vol. Ill,
Address all packages to ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan
Square, Philadelphia, Pa.
Entomological Literature.
1. NATURE. London, March i, 1894. Note on the habits of a Jamaican
spider \_Nephila clavipes], T. D. A. Cockerell. March 22. The suspen-
sion of foreign bodies from spiders' webs, R. Philipp.
2. SCIENCE GOSSIP. London, March, 1894. Roosting butterflies, J.
T. Carrington, figs.
3. THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. Philadelphia, March, 1894. A cu-
rious hemipteron [Reduvius personatus}, L. Highfield. April, 1894. The
white marked Tussock-moth (Orgyia leucostignia Sm. and Abb.) in
Chicago, J. L. Hancock, figs.
4. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST, February and March, 1894. Corydalis
cornuta, J. Fletcher.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 149
5. BERICHTE DER NATURFORSCHENDEN GESELLSCHAFT zu Freiburg i
B. viii. Zoologische Abhandlungen August Weismann zu seinem sech-
zigsten Geburtstage 17 Januar, 1894, gewidmet; 1894. On abnormal con-
ditions in the beehive, Dr. O. vom Rath. On seasonal dimorphism and
polymorphism among Japanese Lepidoptera, Dr. A. Fritze.
6. PROCEEDINGS OF THE INDIANA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, 1892. Brook-
ville, Ind., 1893. Modern geographical distribution of insects in Indiana,
F. M. Webster, i map. A partial list of new species of parasitic Hymen-
optera reared in Indiana, id. The Locustidae of Indiana, W. S. Blatchley.
The Blattid&e of Indiana, id.
7. JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY, 1894, pt. i. Lon-
don, February, 1894. The progress and present state of our knowledge
of the Acari (President's address), A. D. Michael.
8. THE AMERICAN TERTIARY APHID.E, with a list of the known species
and tables for their determination. By Samuel Hubbard Scudder. Ex-
tract from the thirteenth annual report of the Director of the U. S. Geo-
logical Survey. Washington, 1894. Pp. 341-366. Pis. cii-cvi.
9. PSYCHE. Cambridge, Mass., March, 1894. The habits of the Acu-
leate Hymenoptera ii, W. H. Ashmead. New and undescribed genera
and species of West African Noctuidse ii, W. J. Holland, figs. The
Nemastomatidae and Trogulidae of the United States, N. Banks. Wing-
length in some New England Acrididee ii, A. P. Morse. April, 1894.
The habits of the aculeate Hymenoptera iii, W. H. Ashmead. New
and undescribed genera and species of West African Noctuidse iii, W. J .
Holland. Early stages of Spilosoma latipcnnis, C. G. Sonle.
10. ENTOMOLOGISCHE NACHRICHTEN, xx, 3. Berlin, February, 1894.
Synonymic catalogue of European parasitic bees, Dr. v. Dalla Torre
and H. Friese.
11. DESCRIPTION OF TWO NEW DELTOID MOTHS. By G. H. French.
From Bulletin Illinois State Laboratory of Natural History, vol. 4, art. ii.
Champaign, 111., March 10, 1894.
12. ENTOMOLOGICAL MATERIA MEDICA; or an enumeration of insects
employed by physicians as remedial agents. Read at the World's Medical
Congress in the city of Chicago, 111., June 2, 1893. By Richard Ernest
Kunze, M..D., etc., New York, 20 pp.
13. OBSERVATIONS ON SOME ENTOMOPHTHORE^E. By F. M. Webster.
From Journal of Cincinnati Society of Natural History, January, 1894, pp.
I75-I77-
14. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON,
iii, i (Ian. 5, i893-June i, 1893). Issued March S, 1894. Parasitism, C.
AY. Stiles. Notes on the genus Caitroi/oni, \\ . H. Ashmead. Note on
150 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
Bmthinus, H. G. Hubbard. A peculiar structural feature of the Elasminse,
L. O. Howard. A parasitic Scolytid. E. A. Schwarz. The curious de-
fenses constructed by Melipona and Trigona, F. Benton. Note on the
ovipositor of some species of Donacia, E. A. Schwarz, figs. Degenera-
tion by disuse of certain organs in spiders, G. Marx. A synopsis of the
Spalangiiiice of North America, W. H. Ashmead. Note on the Coruco,
a hemipterous insect which infests poultry in southern New Mexico, C.
H. T. Townsend. Descriptions of two Rhynchophorous Coleoptera from
semi-tropical Florida, E. A. Schwarz. Notes upon wasps i, VV. H. Pat-
ton. Synopsis of the North American species of Toxoneura Say, W. H.
Ashmead. Continuation of the life-history of the whip-tail scorpion, G.
Marx. Notes on the family Pachylommatoideae, W. H. Ashmead. The
Death's-head moth in relation to honey bees, F. Benton. Further notes
on Lachnosterna, C. V. Riley. Notes on Coccidse, id.
15. TRANSACTIONS OF THE CITY OF LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL AND
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY for the year 1893 (1894). This volume, with
those for 1891 and 1892, has been received within the past month, their
first appearance, to our knowledge, in Philadelphia. Their contents, of
course, mainly concern British insects, while such papers as have a gen-
eral bearing have been already published in the Entomologist's Record.
One looks in vain in these volumes for an index or table of contents.
16. COMPTES RENDUS. L'ACADEMIE DES SCIENCES. Paris, Feb. 26,
1894. Anatomy of the salivary glands of the Philantidse, M. Bordas.
Researches on the anatomy and development of the male genital armor
of Lepidoptera, M. Peytoureau. March 19. Anatomy of the tracheal
system of the larvae of Hymenoptera, M. Bordas.
17. THE BRITISH NATURALIST. New series, No. i. London, Jan. 15,
1894. No. 3, March 15. What constitutes a British insect at the present
time? C. S. Gregson. The Pterophorina of Britain (cont.), J. W. Tutt.
Air breathing Arthropods, L. Greening, 3 pis.
18. CORNELL UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION.
Bulletin No. 64. Ithaca, N. Y., 1894. On certain grass-eating insects:
A synopsis of the species of Crambus of the Ithaca fauna, E. P. Felt.
figs., 14 pis.
19. BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA. Part cxiv. London, January,
1894. Arachnida Araneidea, pp. 121-136, O. P. Cambridge. Coleoptera,
vol. vi, pt. 2, pp. 165-180, pi. v, G. C. Champion; vol. vii, pp. 177-192, pi.
x, H. S. Gorham. Hymenoptera, vol. ii, pi. xii. Lepidoptera Rlu.pal-
ocera, vol. ii, pp. 329-352, pis. Ixxvii-lxxviii, F. D. Godmanand O. Salvin.
Orthoptera, pp. 105-128, pi. vi, H. de Saussure and L. Zehnter. Part cxv.
February, 1894. Coleoptera, vol. vi, pt. 2, pis. vi, vii. Hymenoptera,
vol. ii, pp. 257-304, P. Cameron. Lepidoptera Rhopalocera, vol. ii, pis.
Ixxix, Ixxx. Orthoptera, pp. 129-160, pi. vii, H. de Saussure and L.
Zehnter.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
20. THE BOTANICAL GAZETTE. Madison, Wis., March, 1894. Flowers
and insects xii, C. Robertson.
21. JOURNAL OF THE TRINIDAD FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB, i, 12. Port
of Spain, February, 1894. Notes on some Trinidad Coccidse, T. D. A.
Cockerell. A check list of the Coccidse of the neotropical region, id.
22. THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. London, Ont., March, 1894,
Notes on " A revision of the genus Oeneis (Chionobas)" by Henry J. Ehves,
etc. and James Edwards (Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1893, pt. iv, December),.
\V. H. Edwards. Preparatory stages of Laphygma flavimaculata Harv.,
and other notes, H. G. Dyar. Three new West African moths, G. A.
Ehrmann. New North American Trypetidse, D. W. Coquillett. The-
Odonata of Ithaca, N. Y., N. Banks. Notes on nocturnal Lepidoptera,
A. R. Grote. A tetratological trio, W. H. Harrington, figs. The Coc-
cinellidae of Dodge County, Wisconsin, W. E. Snyder. Winter habits
of some Colorado Proctotrypidse, C. F. Baker. Concerning Calotarsa
ornatipes Townsend, N. Banks. April, 1894. New North American Ho-
moptera vii, E. P. Van Duzee. The life-history of Rivula propinqualis
Gn., E. P. Felt, figs. Notes on the life-history of Argyria viva/is Drmy,
id. Preparatory stages of Catocala retecta Grote, G. H. French. Notes-
on Pieris and Anthocharis, H. G. Dyar, figs. Notes on Parnassius
clodius, ]. B. Lembert. Notes on the proposed new genus Calotarsa, C,
H. T. Townsend. Notes on nocturnal Lepidoptera, A. R. Grote. North
American Thysanura v, A. D. Macgilhvray. Genera of Thysdnura, T.
D. A. Cockerell. Calotarsa ornatipes, S. W. Williston.
23. ANNALES DE LA SOCIETE ENTOMOLOGIQUE DE BELGIQUE, xxxviii,
2. Brussels, February, 1894. List of the Anthicidse described since the
catalogues of MM. Gemminger and Harold (1870-1893), M. Pic.
24. ANNALI DEL MUSEO Civico DI STORIA NATURALE DI GENOVA (2),
xiii, 1893. Revision of the system of the Orthoptera and description of
the species brought by M. Leonardo Fea from Burmah, C. Brunner de
Wattemvyl, 6 pis.
25. ANNALEN DES K. K. NATURHISTORISCHEN HOFMUSEUMS, viii, 2,
Vienna, 1893. New species of the genus Gorytes Latr. (Hymenoptera),
A. Handlirsch. 3 and 4. On Ampule x Jur. (s. 1.) and the closely-allied
Hymt-nopterous genera, F. F. Kohl, 3 pis.
26. BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE D'HISTOIRE NATURELLE DE TOULOUSE,
xxvii, January-March, 1893. On an acarine (Psorergates simplex Tyr-
rell) of the mouse, G. Neumann.
27. ATTI DELLA R. ACCADEMIA DELLE SCIENZE DI TORINO, XXviii, 93,.
1892-93. On contractions of the striated muscles and the movements of
Boinl>y.\- tnori, Dr. M. L. Patrizi, figs. ua. Observations on the move-
ments and respiratory muscles of the thorax of Coleoptera, L. Camerano.
152 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
28. MEMORIE DELLA R. ACCADEMIA DELLE SCIENZE DI TORINO (2),
xliii, 1893. Diptera of Mexico part i. Stratiomyidae-Syrphida?; part ii.
Syrphidae-Conopidse-Pipunculidae, Dr. E. Giglio-Tos, 2 pis. Researches
on the absolute force of the muscles of insects flexor muscles of the
mandibles of Coleoptera, L. Camerano.
29. SCIENCE. New York, Feb. 23, 1894. Chilopoda migrating in broad
daylight, F. C. Kenyon. Rope of maggots, F. M. Webster.
30. THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD. London, March 15, 1894. The
life-history of a Lepidopterous insect, comprising some account of its
morphology and physiology, J. W. Tutt. Glimpses at American ento-
mology, Ed.
31. JOURNAL DE L'ANATOMIE ET DE LA PHYSIOLOGIE, xxx, i. Paris,
January-February, 1894. Note on a large marine species of Bdella orig-
inally from Iceland, Dr. E. Trouessart, i fig.
32. FOREST LEAVES, iv, 8. Philadelphia, April, 1894. The gypsy moth
in Massachusetts.
33. ZOE, iv, 4. San Francisco, March, 1894. Notes on Lepidopterous
larvae, C. H. T. Townsend. Chariessa lemberti, J. J. Rivers.
34. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILA-
DELPHIA, 1893, pp. 467-551 ; 1894. The North American Larridae, W. J.
Fox.
35. BULLETIN OF THE U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. No. 101. Insect
fauna of the Rhode Island coal field, S. H. Scudder, Washington, 1893,
2 pis.
36. NINTH REPORT on the Injurious and other Insects of the State of
New York for the year 1892. By J. A. Lintner, Ph.D., State entomolo-
gist (46th report N. Y. State Museum, pp. 291-495), Albany, 1893.
37. REVUE BIOLOGIQUE DU NORD DE LA FRANCE (6), 6. Lille, March,
1894. On some Arthropods found in formicaries, R. Moniez, figs.
38. JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, ii, i,
March, 1894. A preliminary revision of the Bombyces of America north
of Mexico, B. Neumoegen and H. G. Dyar. Notes on Lepidoptera found
on Vancouver Island, W. H. Danby. The larva and pupa of Eucaterva
variaria Grt., C. H. T. Townsend. The seventeen-year Cicada on Staten
Island, W. T. Davis. The Phalangida of New York, N. Banks. List of
the Coleoptera of Northeastern America, with special reference to the
fauna of New York City and vicinity, C. W. Leng and W. Beutenmiiller.
39. WEST VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. Bulletin
No. 36. Morgantown, W. Va., February, 1894. Black holes in wood,
A. D. Hopkins. No. 35. Defects in wood caused by insects, id., figs.
40. LE NATURALISTE CANADIEN. Chicoutimi, Quebec, March, 1894.
L'abbe" Provancher, biographical notice (portrait), Y. A. Huard.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 153
INDEX TO THE PRECEDING LITERATURE.
The number after each author's name in this index refers to the journal, as numbered
in the preceding literature, in which that author's paper was published ; * denotes new
North American forms.
THE GENERAL SUBJECT.
Webster 6, 13, Kunze 12, Stiles 14, Gregson 17, Greening 17, Robertson
20, Tutt 30, Lintner 36, Hopkins 39, Huard 40.
ARACHNIDA.
Cockerell i, Philipp i, Michael 7, Banks 9*, 38, Marx 14 (two), Cam-
bridge 19*, Neumann 26, Truessart 31 (Bdella sanguined* N. J. ?), Scud-
der 35*, Moniez 37 (Lce/aps similis* D. C.).
MYRIAPODA.
Kenyon 29, Moniez 37.
THYSANURA.
Macgillivray 22, Cockerell 22, Moniez 37 (Entoinobrya dissiimlis* D. C.).
ORTHOPTERA.
Blatchley 6 (two), Morse 9, de Saussure and Zehnter 19 (two) (Blattidce*,
Mantidae*), B. von Wattenwyl 24, Scudder 35*.
NEUROPTERA.
Fletcher 4, Banks 22, Scudder 35*.
HEMIPTERA.
Highfield 3, Scudder 8, Townsend 14, Riley 14, Cockerell 21* (two),
Van Duzee 22*, Davis 38.
COLEOPTERA.
Hubbard 14 (B. californica* Calif.), Schwarz 14 (three) (Crypturgns
a/utaceus* Fla., Md. Anchoniusfloridanus*, Loganius jicus* Fla.), Riley
14, Champion 19 (Cassididar*), Gorham 19 (Coccinellidoe*), Harrington
22, Snyder 22, Pic 23, Camerano 27, 28, Rivers 33*, Leng and Beuten-
miiller 38, Hopkins 39 (Carthylns columbianus* \Y. Va.).
LEPIDOPTERA.
Carrington 2, Hancock 3, Fritze 5, Holland 9 (two), Soule 9, French 1 1
{Pseudaglossa forbesii*, Pallachira hartii* 111.), 22, Benton 14, Peytou-
reau 16, Tutt 17, 30, Felt 18, 22 (two), Godman and Salvin 19 (Hesper-
idce*), Edwards 22, Dyar 22 (two), Ehrmann 22, Grote 22 (two), Lembert
22, Patrizi 27, Anon. 32, Townsend 33, 38, Neumoegen and Dyar 38, Danby
38.
154 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
DIPTERA.
Coquillett 22*, Banks 22, Townsend 22, Williston 22, Giglio-Tos 28*,
Webster 29.
HYMENOPTERA.
v. Rath 5, Webster 6, Ashmead 9 (two), 14 (four) (Centrodora clisio-
canipce* Fla., Spalangiinae*, Taxoneura*, Pachylommatoideae*), Dalla
Torre and Friese 10, Howard 14, Benton 14, Patton 14 (Pepsis* Calif.),.
Bordas 16 (two), Baker 22, Handlirsch 25*, Kohl 25*, Fox 34*, Cameron.
19 (My sine*, Mutilla*}.
Th.e Entornplogica.1 Section.
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS.
MARCH 22, 1894.
A regular stated meeting of the Entomological Section of the Academy
of Natural Sciences was held in the Hall, S. W. cor. Nineteenth and Race
Streets, this evening, Dr. Geo. H. Horn, Director, presiding. Members
present: E. T. Cresson, G. B. Cresson, Calvert, Ridings, Laurent, Skinner.
Johnson and Liebeck. Associate: Fox. Dr. Skinner explained a method
of dissolving grease from specimens. Instead of wedging a piece of cork
in the bottom of a jar or glass, the insect is pinned on a piece of sheet
cork and the cork then floated with the insect downward in the gasoline
or other liquid used. Dr. Horn described a similar method. Mr. Calvert
said that benzine dissolved the powdery substance found on dragonflies,
and that alcohol did not, so that he preferred the latter for some speci-
mens. Dr. Horn exhibited a photographic negative of a curious beetle
from Lower California, which he had recognized as probably new. He
afterwards found that it had been described by Bates as a Longicorn, but
belongs to the Rhipiceridae, and is known as Vesperoctenus flohri Bates.
Mr. Fox called attention to a bee of the genus Oxtza from Lower Cali-
fornia. He stated that the genus Oxcsa had been heretofore restricted
to South America, and' that the species exhibited, which was new, was
most closely related to an undescribed form from Brazil. But three spe-
cies of the genus had been described, and none had been described since
1865. HENRY SKINNER, Recorder.
The following papers were read and accepted by the Committee for
publication in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS :
1 894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 155
Synonymical Notes on some North American Tettigonids.
By E. P. VAN DUZEE, Buffalo, N. Y.
Among the numerous species of Tettigonia described by Mr..
Walker in his " List of the Homopterous Insects in the British
Museum" appear many North American forms from the United
States and Canada. Most of these are but redescriptions of spe-
cies already characterized by earlier authors or by Mr. Walker
himself in preceding pages of the same volume.
Recently, in working over the material in my collection, I have
been able to settle, to my satisfaction, the synonymy of a few of
his doubtful species, which I will give here with -some corrections
from other authors that may be of interest to American students
of these insects. Most of these species have already been located
by Signoret, Stal and others, but some of their corrections were
erroneous and must be changed. The following notes will help
to show the utter worthlessness of Walker's descriptive work.
Probably no man ever described so many species of insects in all
orders, and certainly no one ever did such careless and unreliable
work.
The following are the species of Tettigonia accredited by Walker
to North America with their synonymy. The pages refer to pt.
iii of his " List." The numbers prefixed are the serial numbers
of the species in his work:
82. T. rubriguttata p. 763.
Signoret places this as a synonym of T. sanguinolenta Fabr. ,
which Stal refers to genus Diedrocephala Spin.
84. T. teliformis p. 764.
This is Diedrocephala coccinea Forst.
92. T. prasina p. 768.
Is our common Diedrocephala novteboracensis Fitch.
95. T. herbida p. 769.
This is Helochara communis Fitch. Walker, in 1852, placed
this as a synonym of H. communis, but Signoret the next year
separated it as distinct, and placed Walker's next species, similis,
as identical with Fitch's communis, thus reversing these forms.
Then, in 1858, Walker, evidently not recognizing his own spe-
cies, adopted Signoret 1 s arrangement, which seems to have been,
followed by all later students. T. similis is, however, a very
distinct species inhabiting the West Indies. Helochara communis,
156 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
of which T. herbida Walk, is a synonym, has a wide distribution
in the United States and Canada, extending south to Florida and
Mississippi, west at least to the Rocky Mountains and north to
British Columbia and Quebec.
In 1887, Mr. C. W. Woodworth described a species of Tetti-
gonia from Illinois as T. similis. If his species proves distinct
from T. hieroglyphica Say, which I doubt, its name will have to
be changed.
97. T. tenella p. 770.
This is Tettigonia bifida Say.
98. T. innotata p. 770.
Signoret identifies this with Diedrocephala mollipes Say.
99. T. angulifera p. 771.
This is a good species, and not a variety of D. mollipes, as
suggested by Signoret. I have examined specimens from New
York and Kansas. It belongs to genus Diedrocephala Spin.
100. T. antica p. 771.
Signoret places this as a synonym of T. angulifera. It may
represent the male of Diedrocephala mollipes Say.
101. T. minor p. 772.
102. T. producta p. 772.
The latter name I have employed to designate the smaller me-
lanic form or race of Diedrocephala mollipes Say. Its characters
are probably of less than specific value; possibly it should not be
considered a distinct variety even. T. minor seems to be an
unusually dark form of this variety.
103. T. acuta p. 773.
This is a synonym of Diedrocephala mollipes Say.
104. T. i-guttata p. 773.
A good species from Florida. It pertains to genus Diedro-
cephala Spin.
105. T. 4-plagiata p. 774.
Signoret describes this as a good species.
107. T. striata p. 775.
Evidently this is intended for Oncometopia costalis Fabr.
108. 7. lugens p. 775, and
109. T. pyrrhotelus p. 775.
Signoret places these as synonyms of Oncometopia costalis
Fabr. , in which he is followed by Walker in his Supplement.
1894.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 157
no. T. nigrifascia p. 776.
This and the two following are placed by Signoret as synonyms
of T. tripunctata Fitch, but they certainly represent a distinct
species which should be known as T. nigrifascia Walk. This is
a Mexican form, while T. tripunctata Fitch inhabits most of the
eastern United States.
in. T. pallida p. 776 and
112. T. albida p. 777.
Are synonyms of T. nigrifascia Walk.
113. T. robusta p. 777.
This is T. histrio Fabr. according to Dr. Stal (Hemip. Fabr.
ii, p. 76). It has been recognized by Mr. Uhler from the West
Indies (see ENT. NEWS, iii, p. 60).
115. T. uniguttata p. 778.
This is recognized by Signoret as a distinct species, and placed
near nigrifascia Walk.
67. T. badia p. 756.
This species I have been unable to locate satisfactorily. Can
it be a Gypona, perhaps scarlatina Fitch ?
-o-
A NEW WAX-SCALE FOUND IN JAMAICA.
By T. D. A. COCKERELL, Las Cruces, N. Mex.
Ceroplastes albolineatus n. sp. Scale 6 mm. long, pinkish white, plates
indistinct, two conspicuous ascending white lines of secretion on each side.
Wax extremely thick, its being as great as the breadth of the enclosed
insect.
Insect free from wax, 3 mm. long, depressed, showing three rather
sharp processes on each side, and a dorsal hump. The "tail" is quite
rudimentary.
Derm with round gland-spots, only moderately numerous. Antennae
not very well seen, being broken ; but second joint broader than and not
so long as third, fourth somewhat longer than third, first and second
shaped somewhat alike, but first of course larger than second.
Legs very small, pale brown. Femur a little longer than, and more
than twice as broad as tibia. Tarsus about half as long as tibia; tarsal
knobbed hairs distinct, with large knobs. Claw short; digitules of claw
very large and stout, extending beyond claw, with large knobs.
Food-plant; not identified. With the twigs on which the scales
occurred were sent a few fragments of the leaves, which were
green above and pinkish purple below, in striking contrast. The
158 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
fragments of twigs boiled with the scales in caustic soda gave a
very fine madder color.
Locality; Kingston, Jamaica ; received from Prof. C. H. T.
Townsend, curator of the Jamaica Museum.
The food-plant seems to be some ornamental shrub, and as I
did not meet with the scale in Jamaica, I infer that it is probably
a recent introduction from some other tropical locality. The
indistinctness of the plates, and the great thickness of the wax,
is in great contrast to C. cirripediformis, and reminds one of
C. ceriferus. From this latter it is distinguished not only by its
appearance, but by the rudimentary condition of the "tail."
The long fourth joint of the antenna in C. albolineatus is also
peculiar as compared with other species, but it requires to be
confirmed in specimens with better antennae. The present spe-
cies resembles C. psidii in its larger digitules, but it has a shorter
claw; it is distinguished from psidii at once by the absence of
the external markings of that species. From C. floridexsis it
differs entirely in appearance, and is also much larger; from C.
depressus it is distinguished by external features at a glance. It
cannot be C. jamaicensis, which, though very imperfectly de-
scribed by White, has distinct plates after the manner of C. cir-
ripediformis. From the remaining described species of Cero-
plastes it is distinguished by characters which it is hardly worth
while to enumerate.
A specimen has been sent for coll. Amer. Ent. Society.
-o-
ON SOME PSELAPHID/E
By E. BRENDEL. M.D., Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
There is before me a Pselaphid from the Dry Tortugas, which,
according to A. Raffray's classification, is a Bryaxis of a very
elongate depressed form, resembling in outlines the European
Trichonyx ; but by comparing the figures and the synoptical
characters given by Raffray, it seems to claim a place near the
Australian genus Briara Reitter. I give a description of it :
BRIAR AXIS Brendel.
Tarsi with one claw, trochanters obliquely inserted into the
femora, posterior coxae not conical, not prominent, with their
mutual distance equaling twice the thickness of the femur; infe-
\K\VS. Vol. V.
I'i. V.
See page 158.
PSELAPHID/E i.Brendel).
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 159
rior surface of the head convex, with a faint medial carina; pro-
sternum convex, not carinate; mesosternum short, narrow between
the globiHar coxae; metasternum very large, longitudinally stil-
cate, densely punctate; the second ventral as long as the 'two
adjoining segments.
Briaraxis depressa n. sp. Depressed, dark ferruginous, pubescence
fine, sericeous, punctate throughout. Length 1.15 mm.
Head behind the eyes one-half wider than the front, vertex flat, with
four small nude fovese, two near the frontal margin, connected by a faint
transverse line, and two larger ones in a line through the middle of the
eyes; occiput triangularly impressed. Antennae as long as the head and
prothorax, joints i, 2 and 3 subequal, decreasing, 4 smaller, 5 larger, equal
to 3; joints 6 and 7 equal to 4, all longer than wide, obconical; 8 quad-
rate; 9 little longer, transverse, as wide as 2; 10 one-fourth wider, as long
as 2; the last ovoid, not acuminate, one-half longer than wide. Sides of
the prothorax rounded (not edged); disc broadly convex, widest through
the anterior third, where the outlines are evenly arcuate, thence almost
straight to the neck and the base; the lateral pubescent foveae situated in
a shallow ample depression, the medial one nearer the base, small, pro-
longed forward as a shallow, ill-defined medial depression. Elytra de-
pressed, widest near the posterior angles and one-third wider than the
shoulder width, and but little wider than the length of the suture; base
trifoveate, the outer fovea large, with a discal line on third of the elytral
length. Abdomen without basal carinae, border rather narrow, the seg-
ments subequal in length.
Dry Tortugas.
Bryaxis i Reichenbachia i arthritica n. sp. Impunctate, brownish red,
pubescence short, inconspicuous. Length 1.4 mm.
Head flat, the disc from the front to the base one-third longer than the
basal width, very slightly narrower on the front ; eyes prominent, foveaa
equidistant, the frontal foveae situated in a transverse impression, the lat-
eral ones not more than their own diameter from the eye. Prothorax
convex, so that the lateral foveae appear from above as ellipses. Elytra
si miewhat alutaceous, with three basal foveae. Abdominal basal carinae
divergent, one-half the length of the segment, and one-third as distant as
the total width. Ventrals without sexual marks.
-Antennae compressed from side to side, very irregular, not one
joint like the other (PI. v, fig. 7). Intermediate trochanters armed with
a blunt thorn.
San Obispo, Cal. (Carl Fuchs).
Ctenisis dispar Sharp.
In a recent paper in the "Transactions" of the American En-
tomological Society (xx, p. 282) I mentioned the occurrence of
this species in Arizona, found by A. Bolter.
160 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May,
Mr. Casey presumes it to be different from Ct. dispar. His
description, except the color, tallies exactly with Sharp's descrip-
tion and the figure in the " Biologia Centrali- Americana," and
with my Mexican specimens, which have come to me from the
hands of A. Raffray. Bolter's specimen is a female, and my
male specimen differ slightly in the length of the eighth antennal
joint, which Casey pounces upon to honor friend Raffray with a
doubtful n. sp. from a unique.
Another presumption of Casey is that Bryaxis perforata Aube
will be restored, and presumes again B. perforata Brend. should
be named B. terebrata Casey. Casey, I think, has not seen a
specimen of B. perforata Brend., but describes from the same
locality the old perforata again as B. intricata Casey. There are
several other presumptions upon which Casey founded n. g. and
n. sp. to which I have at present no time to refer.
I give on Plate V figures of the above described species and
of some South American forms, which may interest somebody.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE V.
Fig. i. Metopioxis gladiator Reitter. Brazil.
" 2. Rhexius braziliensis Schauf. Brazil.
" 3. Rhinocepsis gracilis Schauf. Amazons.
" 4. Jubus tetratomus Reitter. Venezuela.
" 5. Goniacerus simonis Raffray. Venezuela.
" m 6. Briaraxis depressa Brendel. Dry Tortugas.
" 7. Antenna of Bryaxis arthritica Brendel; a, upper view; b, side view.
OBITUARY.
EDWARD NORTON died at his home in Farmington, Conn., on April 8,
1894, of pneumonia, aged 70 years. He was an authority in Hymenop-
tera. A more extended notice will be given in the near future.
In Karnter, on January nth of this year, EMANUEL LIEGEL. He was
born April 5, 1859, an< ^ interested in Coleoptera and Hymenoptera, on
which subjects he published several articles, and at the time of his death
had just completed the manuscript of a Fauna Carinthiaca.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS for April was mailed March 30, 1894.
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ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS
AND
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
VOL. v. JUNE, 1894. No. 6.
CONTENTS:
Edward Norton, biographical sketch of 161
Baker Michigan Araneae. 163
Snyder Collecting in Utah 164
Davidson Parasites of wild bees 170
Cockerell Habits of some Asilidae 173
Notes and News 185.
Entomological Literature 187
Entomological Section 193
Brendel Corrections in Pselaphidse 194
Williston Am. gen. of Sapromyzinas... 196
White Collecting in Prospect Park...... 174 Slosson Hyparpax var. tyria 198-
Boerner An early Spring trip 175 Dyar A new form of Pagara 198
Rowley Sphinges of Missouri 176
Banks Neuropteroid insects of Kansas 178
Editorial 181
Economic Entomology 182
Klaares Variety of Euphoria 198
Cockerell New Hymenoptera. ... 199
Fox Fossorial Hymenoptera 201
Cockerell New Coccidae 203
EDWARD NORTON.
Mr. EDWARD NORTON died April 8, 1894, at his home in
Farmington, Conn., aged 70 years, of pneumonia. He was
born in Albany, N. Y. , in 1823, his father being John Treadwell
Norton, of honored memory. After graduating from Yale, in
1844, he traveled in Europe, and spent several Winters in the
South to ward off threatened disease of the lungs. Agriculture
became to him a fine art, to which he devoted a singularly intel-
ligent and well-trained mind. He became interested in fine
grades of cattle, and was widely known for his enterprise and
skill in this department of farming industry. For many years,
and until the time of his death, he was secretary of the American
Guernsey Cattle Club, and in this capacity was well known in
different parts of the country, and was an acknowledged authority
regarding this valuable kind of imported stock.
Mr. NORTON was a highly intelligent man; his mind was broad
and well balanced, and he loved the study of natural history. A
friend, in a letter, says: " Mr. Norton was a public-spirited man,
cordially interested in everything that promised to be of advan-
tage to the community in which he lived; he \vas a man of sterling
1 62 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
integrity, just and true in all his business relations, ever ready to
do all in his power to promote the welfare and happiness of his
fellows, not only in larger matters, but pre-eminently in little
things the unobstrusive things that make up so much of life; he
was friendly, social and genial; though engaged in a large busi-
ness he always found leisure for his friends; he was a Christian
gentleman, -sincere, openhearted as the sunshine, and those who
knew him intimately and for years in the home and in business,
will bear witness to his unvarying purity, uprightness and kind-
ness.'
Mr. NORTON'S favorite branch of natural science was Ento-
mology, and his specialty Phytophagous Hymenoptera, although
he was well versed in all the families of the order. Of late years
his business pursuits prevented him from engaging actively in the
study, but the work done was well done, and has proved of great
value and assistance to the student, notably his> admirable and
exhaustive monograph of the Saw-flies of North America pub-
lished in 1867-69, which alone has earned for him an honored
name among entomologists and made him an authority in that
family of Hymenoptera.
Mr. NORTON has named and described upwards of 250 species
of Hymenoptera, new to science, in his several publications,
among which are the following:
On the Hymenoptera of the genus Allantus in the United States, Bost.
Jour. Nat. Hist, vii, 236-260 (1860).
Catalogue of several genera of the Tenthrediniclas in the United States,
Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist, viii, 150-161 (1861).
Notice of the genus Selandria ; Descriptions of several of Harris'
named Tenthredinidae, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist, viii, 219-224 (1861).
Catalogue of American species of Tenthredo as arranged by Hartig,
Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist, ix, 116-122 (1862).
On the synonyms of Cinibe.r americana, Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil, i, 201
(1862).
Notice of several new species of Tenthredinidae, Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil,
i, 143 (1862).
A description of several new Hymenoptera, Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil, i,
198-200 (1862).
Catalogue of our species of Ophion, Anouialon and Cainpoplex, Proc.
Ent. Soc. Phil, i, 357-368 (1863).
Notes on Tenthredinidae, with descriptions of new species, Proc. Ent.
Soc. Phil, iii, 5-16 (1864).
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 163
Catalogue of the described Tenthredinidae and Uroceridae of North
America, Trans. Am. Ent. Soc. i, 31, 193; ii, 211, 321 (1867-69).
Notes on Mexican Ants, Am. Ent. ii, 57-72; descriptions of same,
Comtn. Proc. Essex Inst. vi, i-io, figs. (1868).
Notes on North American Tenthredinidae, with descriptions of new
species, Trans. Am. Ent. Soc. iv, 77-86 (1872).
Report upon the collection of Formicidce made in portions of Nevada,
Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, during the years 1872-74,
Rep. Wheeler Expl. v, Zool. 729-736 (1875).
On the Chrysides of North America, Trans. Am. Ent. Soc. vii, 233-242
(1879)-
At the time of his death Mr. NORTON was a corresponding
member of the American Entomological Society, and also a
member of several other scientific bodies at home and abroad.
NOTE. The portrait of Mr. NORTON, published in this number of the
NEWS, is from an amateur photograph (the only one obtainable) taken
shortly before his death, and kindly sent to us by his brother, Col. Charles
L. Norton, of New York City.
-o-
MICHIGAN ARANE/E.
By C. F. BAKER, Fort Collins, Col.
A large part of the species recorded in the following list were
collected by myself at Agricultural College, Michigan. All avail-
able records from other sources are also added, as follows : (i)
specimens collected at the above locality by Mr. V. H. Lowe;
(2) records sent me by Mr. Nathan Banks; (3) one record in
Marx's Cat. Araneae.
The species, with one exception (that mentioned by Marx),
were determined by Mr. Banks, who also revised the list, and
added the synonymical notes.
Earn. DRASSIDyE.
Prosthesima ecclesiastica Hentz.
Earn. DICTYNID^E.
Dictyna volucripes Keys. Dictyna volnpis Keys.
Amaiirobins bcnnctti Blaekvv. (sylvestrts Em.)
Earn. CLUBIONID/E.
Clubiona americana Bks. (oniata Em.) Clubiona obesa Hentz [Marx. ]
Earn. AGALENID/E.
Agalena ntzvia Bosc. [Banks.] Cicurina aimata Keys.
164 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
Fam. THERIDID.E.
Theridium tepidariorum Koch. Theridium spiralis Em. [Banks.]
Steatoda borealis Hentz. Lathrodectus mactans Fab.
Stemonyphantes bucculentus Clerk. Linyphia marginata Koch.
Lophocarenum florens Cambr.
Fam. EPEIRID^E.
Agriope riparia Em. Epeira displicata Hentz.
Epeira gibberosa Hentz. Epeira patagiata Clerck.
Epeira insularis Hentz [Lowe]. Epeira strix Hentz [Lowe].
Fam. TETRAGNATHID^E.
Tetragnatha extensa Linn. Tetragnatha laboriosa Hentz.
Eucta straminea Em. [Banks].
Fam. THOMISID^E.
Afisumena vatia Clerk [Lowe]. Misumena georgina Keys [Loew].
Xysticus gtilosus Keys. Coriachne versicolor Keys.
Runcinia aleatoria Hentz. Ebo latithorax Keys [Banks].
Tibellus oblongus Walck. Philodromus alaskensis Keys (?).
Fam. L
Ocyale undata Hentz. Dolomedes sexpntictatus Hentz.
Fam. ATTID,E.
Phidippus tripunctatus Hentz. Dendryphantes octavus Hentz.
Ergane borealis Blackw. (Hasarius hoyi Peck.)
Astia vittata Hentz. Epiblemum scenicum Clerk.
Icius mitratus Hentz [Lowe]. PhilfEiis milifarsis Hentz [Lowe].
Habrocestum decorum Blackw. (sp/endeus Peck.) [Lowe].
Summary : genera, 33; species, 41.
-o-
COLLECTING IN UTAH Part II.
By ARTHUR J. SNYDER.
All a-board ! Yes, so our seats seemed and certainly the accom-
modations were not the best in the world. But who cares for
uncomfortable seats and jolting cars when the trip is uphill from
an elevation of 4260 feet to one of 7000 feet in a distance of thirty-
two miles, and all the journey through indescribably beautiful
scenery ?
Much of the road from Salt Lake City to Park City, Utah, is
beside a beautiful dashing mountain stream. On that June even-
ing we passed many of the disciples of Isaac Walton, and not
seldom glimpses of the speckled beauties testified as to the suc-
cess of the anglers.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 165
Up, Up, Up ! Pulled on our way for a time, then our com-
plaining- engine becoming weary, changed positions and pushed.
Finally, side-tracked, we were given an opportunity to rest and
take a longer look at the mountains while awaiting a down train.
From the overhanging bank was a bush of the snowberry just
in the height of its beauty and covered with beautiful pink blos-
soms, while on the other side an open space was thickly dotted
with the purple blossoms of Pentstemon.
Bird-life was not abundant in this parfof Utah, but a dove
flying across an open valley, seemed to carry my thoughts as it
passed to home and scenes more familiar. A dozen species
would easily cover all the birds I noted in the vicinity of Park
City. The fat grouud squirrels {Spermophilus arivatiis) startled
by the train would hasten to a safe distance and watch our pas-
sage with interest, while a tiny chipmunk would occasionally be
seen hastening, as for life, to the shelter of some rock, but nearly
always stopping to look back and utter its sharp chirp of protest
against pursuit.
At 7 o'clock P.M. we were in Park City, a town with one street
on a level and all the rest either up or downhill, mostly up, sur-
rounded by mountains on all sides but one, and there a narrow
opening to the east. Great snow banks still lingered on the
mountains and Winter's icy breath was plainly felt after sunset.
The next day, June 24th, dawned bright and clear. After a glorious
night's rest in the mountain atmosphere one was fully ready to
note the beauties of the insect world and realize what a pleasant
thing it is to live.
"Going a fishing, Mister?" was the first question. "You
won't catch many trout there," was the next salutation as I was
following the course of an irrigation stream and making numerous
sweeps with my net for the butterflies on blossoms near the bank.
: ' Catching grasshoppers for bait"? was the third, and so on, but
I couldn't stop to explain and satisfy the curiosity of all, and it's
my impression that many of the people remember me and always
will as an easterner who "wasn't quite right." The young
westerner is not less quick to see a bargain or to make money,
however, than the youth of older States, and not infrequent were
the calls made at my boarding house by boys with fruit cans full
of live butterflies which they wished to sell to the collector.
"Say, mister, here's a fine one"! some young naturalist would
l66 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
say, as a rare species with probably two-thirds or one-half of its
wings remaining was handed to me. All collectors know the
story and, I am sure, feel, as I did, with what good intents these
offers were made.
During my stay at Park City four localities were found to be
especially abundant in butterflies. The first was a slightly ele-
vated level pasture which was irrigated we'ekly and abounded in
Ccenonymphas, Lyc&nas, Argynnids, Melittzas and one species
of Satyrus. Here also I found a few Chrysophanus, Pamphilas,
Limenitis, Pyrgus, tessellata and a few Noduids. A large patch
of Mertensia grew at one side of this field, and here were taken
Melamorphia ononis and Argynnis epithore var. kreimhild.
Numerous other flowers were abundant along the edges of this
field, such as Aconitum columbianum, Aquilegia ccerulea, Po-
tentila gracilis, Achillea millefoli^lm, Echinospermum floribun-
dum, Mentha canadensis and cnicus. The last species named
proved more attractive than anything discovered for Argynnis
leto and Pamphila manitoba. Along the edges of the water, in
lower land, were clumps of willow, the resort of Limenitis
weidemeyeiii. In the water were Verona americana, a blue-grass
flower, and Mimulus luteus.
The second locality extended from this first along the edges
and to the tops of some high mountains to the southeast, where
Parnassus smintheus and Chionobas chryxus were abundant.
Near the base of one of these mountains was a delightful spring
where many insects congregated. RfelitcEagabbi, several Lyc<znas,
Pamphila agricola, Limenitis weidemeyerii and a Pholisora
(possibly new).
A trail leading to the top of one of these high mountains was
the highway of several species of butterflies, but especially of Pa-
pilio daunus. These great beauties were continually passing up and
down the mountain. Taking a position beside the trail one day
several were taken, but nearly all were broken either by the stroke
of the net or before the strong wings could be silenced in the cya-
nide jar. Twice I succeeded in seeing the daunus oviposit on the
leaves of Prunus virginiana. On the first occasion one fertile egg-
was secured and the second time three. In no case did I find more
than two eggs on the same leaf. Later in the season two larvae, sup-
posed to be daunus, were found on a poplar tree near my window.
These are worthy a more extended description, and I hope to
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 167
write up their life-history later. They fed heartily and were
beauties from the first. Their appearance was so neat and trim
and the coloration and shape such that even a hater of ' worms"
could but admire these. When ready to start home neither had
pupated, but the trip was made in a jelly glass and both retained
their appetites on reaching Illinois. The first pupated August
28th, and the second September 8th. The first chrysalis is i^$
in. long, in every way resembling P. asterias, color gray, with
dark band along each side. I regret that I cannot give the time
from egg to pupa, but both were found in the larvae state, the
first on July 25th. Female daunus confined with poplar and
chokecherry leaves failed to oviposit even after repeated trials.
Along the trail previously mentioned Anthocharis ausonides and
Stella were quite frequently seen, but were always wary.
On an open table-land covered with dwarf poplars and a wild
gooseberry; Grapta zephynis and Nemeophilapetrosa, were found,
but only three of the former and one of the latter. Clisiocampa
californica was an abundant species and very destructive to the
native vegetation. On June 29th, I picked at least a pint of the
cocoons from the chokecherry bushes in about ten minutes. On
the tops of the mountains were found P. smintheus and C.
chryxus in abundance, a few Papilio zolicaon, Pieris occidentalis,
Melitcea nubigera, Nisoniades lucillus, and a Papilio resembling
ajax in general appearance, but larger.
The plants on and near the tops of the mountains were of two
species, Leduin debile and wrightii. These moss-like plants,
growing on the rocky hill-sides, where nothing else could obtain
a foothold in the barren soil, were often eaten close to the ground
by the larvae of Parnassius smintheus. Frequent and continued
search and digging revealed a very few larvae and three empty
pupae cases. This led me to think that I searched in the wrong
season. A female smintheus confined with a transplanted plant
of Ledum oviposited two eggs which proved to be not fertile.
On June 3Oth, a trip was made six miles to the south and three
notes concerning it seem worthy of mention. Near the bare top
of a high mountain, probably 9000 feet elevation, a perfect swarm
of Melicleptria villosa was discovered. On the level rocky top
C. chryxus was abundant, and could be easily taken by working
against the wind. About noon while sitting down to put some
of my captures in papers, hundreds of Cocdnella passed me
168 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
going with the wind. It was a new experience, and never before
or since have I seen this insect so numerous. On two occasions
while ascending the mountains from another view, large numbers
of Cantharis nuttallii were seen moving with the wind and taking
short flights from plant to plant.
Returning from the trip mentioned large patches of Mertensia
were found, and by watching these flowers eight Hemaris bruceii
were taken. Several were seen on other days, but always about
the Mertensia.
The third locality was north from Park City, and was a valley
between two mountains with a branch running east. Here, and
on the level top of one of the side mountains, were found Argyn-
nis eg Ids, cornis and meadii ; Lyctsnas heteronea. acmon and
stzpiolus ; Theda crysalus, calif ornica var. and behrii, Satyrus
charon, Chrysophanus rubidus and Pseudohazis eglanterina var.
nuttallii, (I call this species nuttallii on good authority, but have
had three different names for the variety) The typical eglan-
terina was seen through July and early August, and four speci-
mens were taken. This form of eglanterina appeared later and
was abundant up to the time of leaving, August igth. A tew of
another variety (a white form) were caught, but through a mis-
take every specimen was sent to other parties and I have not had
a name for it.
The fourth location was the valley southwest of the city which
contained several large meadows partly under water with a stream
running through and numerous clumps of willows. Here Argyn-
nis eurynome (two forms) A. leto, myrina ; Lyccenas of several
species, two Pamphilas, Colias hagenii, Vanessa milbertii and a
few others were found.
A few Coleoptera were taken, but at present cannot give names
of them. The beautiful Odonata were common, and a few species
were taken, one of which proves to be a new species. Mr. Cal-
vert had a description of the male in manuscript, but had not
seen the female. It was my intention to give at the close a list
of species taken, but I feel that already I have used too much of
the valuable space in the NEWS, and yet have not been able to
tell half. I can only wish that my entomological friends might
all have as enjoyable an excursion and try collecting in the West.
THIS number contains fourty-four pages.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 169
THE BOLD ROBBER FLY AND THE MANTIS.
By W. A. HARSHBARGER, Topeka, Kans.
The article in the April number of NEWS on "The Bold Rob-
ber Fly" recalls a battle that I witnessed last September between
one of the larger species of Asilus and a female Mantis (Stag-
momantis Carolina). The fight occurred on a small tree in my
yard near which I happened to be standing. The fly darted into
the tree and instantly set up a great buzzing that attracted my
attention. The Mantis caught the fly around -the thorax with
one of her fore legs or graspers, and a regular sparring match
ensued, in which the fly seemed to use its feet to push the Mantis
off. The long body and legs of the Mantis gave it great advan-
tage in avoiding the proboscis of the fly, but when it attempted
to eat any part of the fly the latter would prod it, so that it had
to give up. Finally, the other grasper was thrown about the fly
in such a way as to pinion one wing. The Mantis then slipped
one grasper down to the neck of the fly, and while in this posi-
tion ate off its proboscis. She next turned her attention to the
legs, which were removed one by one. At this point I interfered,
captured the Mantis, and meant to put the fly out of misery, but
it flew away from me minus a proboscis and four legs. The
Mantis was placed under a glass and fed thirteen house flies in
succession. This occurred at noon. At night a male Mantis
was placed under the same glass and in the morning his wings
and legs alone remained. After this slight repast the Mantis
was allowed to fast a day and a half, when a large female Acridium
americanum was placed under the glass. At once a battle began.
The grasshopper was so strong and heavy that the fight seemed
uneven. It succeeded in kicking and scraping the Mantis loose
from every hold that it got. Finally, the Mantis seized one of
the hopping legs and began to eat it off about the middle of the
femur. The grasshopper beat itself and the Mantis violently
against the glass, but the latter hung on until it gnawed the leg
off, when it loosed it hold, fell onto its back and expired.
Whether the violent exertions of the grasshopper killed it or I
starved it to death, I cannot sav.
To prove that the clothes he sells are all wool, a Ridge Avenue dealer
shows customers the moths in the garments.
170 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
ON THE PARASITES OF WILD BEES IN CALIFORNIA.
By A. DAVIDSON, M. D., Los Angeles, Cal.
In ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS for May, 1893, I recorded the para-
sites I had found affecting the Carpenter bee, Xylocopa orpifex,
and in the further investigation of parasitic life among the Hy-
menoptera I have bred some insects the record of which may be
of some interest :
Photopsis unicolor Cress. Four specimens of this species were
bred from cells of the following bees:
No. i, from cell of Anthidium emarginatzim; found in Septem-
ber, 1892; adult issued July 20, 1893.
No. 2, from a cell of Anthophora sp.? dug from a soft rock in
September, 1892; hatched July 2Oth, 1893.
No. 3, from cell of the same species; hatched in August, 1893.
No. 4, from cell of Anthidium emarginatum ? occupying a hole
in the ground ; found in October, 1892; hatched Nov. 5, 1893.
In one instance no cocoon seems to have been formed; those
of the others closely resembled cocoons of the Anthophora they
infested. The larvae of the bees had been entirely consumed.
Argyramceba cedipus, Fabr. From the cell of a small bee
found six inches deep in adobe soil this bee-fly appeared on July
29. The parasite had evidently attacked the larva after the latter
had spun its cocoon; and while in the pupa stage had, after the
manner of its tribe, wriggled itself through the cocoon and then
transformed.
Leucopsis sp.? Three of these Chalcids were hatched from the
lower cells of a series of about a dozen of a species of Anthidium
in August. The bee cells occupied about nine inches of the hol-
low stem of an Audibertia polystachya and when found in the
previous month contained only the three parasites, the bees and
some other parasites having already escaped. The parasites
formed no cocoon and the remains of the nearly full grown bee-
larvae were easily recognised among the debris.
One of the most common Bumble bees of this section is the
handsome yellow-coated Bombus fervidus Fabr. Whether its
describer named this insect from the warmth of color in its coat,
or for reasons associated with a more intimate acquaintance with
its habits I cannot say, but at all events the name suggests the
character of the receptions the innocent seeker after truth is likely
to experience. These insects are .especially numerous along the
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 17 1
sea-coasts, their nest of withered grass and weeds being easily dis-
covered in the rush-like vegetation that clothes the sandy wastes.
I examined a few of their nests and was somewhat surprised by
the excessive number of some of the parasites found therein.
The most abundant species was a Tachina-fly, Brachycoma david-
soni n. sp. Coquillett (see the appended description), of which
there were literally hundreds. The larvae, about half an inch
long when full grown, is very active and voracious. The eggs are
originally deposited on the larvae of the bee, which the Tachinid
larvae, after hatching soon consume, and, wandering around,
attack other larvae or penetrate the pupa-cells and devour their
contents. I placed some of the Brachycoma larvae in a glazed
pasteboard box about half a line in thickness, and the next day
found that a number of them had penetrated the sides and made
their exit; so the ordinary bee-cocoon is not likely to seriously
impede their progress. In a few instances at least the eggs seem
to be deposited within the pupa-case, as I have found as many as
twelve of the parasites in one cell and with no evidence of a point
of entrance; nor did it seem possible that such tiny larvae, appar-
ently but a few day's old, could penetrate the tough cocoon.
Before pupating the larvae eats its way through the cocoon and,
hiding among the debris near the ground soon transform. Of
these parasites but few were observed before the first of Septem-
ber, when the approach of Winter probably lessened the activity
of the bees. During the latter part of this month and through-
out the remainder of the season some of the nests fairly swarmed
with them. The majority of the pupae hatched out in 17 or 1 8
days after transforming; those remaining are, now March, begin-
ning to produce the perfect flies.
Ephestia kuehniella Zeller. The Mediterranean flour moth
larvae are found along with those of the firachycoma, and in the
majority of instances are quite as abundant. I have not observed
them attack the larvae of the bee and presume that they live on
the bee-food, since late in the Autumn, when the bees have for-
saken their nests, they are more numerous than at any other time.
Of those found at this season some hatch out in the Autumn, but
the greater number remain in the larva state until the following
Spring.
What the larvae of the flour moth feeds on in other countries,
or whether their presence in the nests of the bumble bee is here
172 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
unusual I have no means of knowing, but if it proves on investi-
gation that their normal habitat in this State is the nest of the
wild bee it would certainly tend to support the belief that they
are indigenous. Two years ago one of the mills of this city was
reported to be infested by this moth, but as my investigations do
not extend beyond that date I am unable to state whether or not
they existed prior to that time.
Mesostenus thoracicus Cresson. Two specimens of this species
were bred from larvae found in the nest of Bombus fervidus.
Sarcomacronycha tripoxylonis Towns. Six of these Tachinids
were bred from the cells of Sphe.x elegans, having probably fed
on the tree crickets, CEecantJnis niveus, with which the cells were
stored.
Brachycoma davidsoni n. sp. Coquillett. Proboscis horny and rather
slender, labellas small, facial ridges bristly on less than their lower fourth,
third antennal joint one and two-thirds times as long as the second.
cJ 1 . Head yellowish white, occiput grayish black, frontal vitta deep
brown, at middle equal to one-third width of front, no orbital bristles,
frontal bristles in a single row, extending to base of second antennal joint,
sides of face bare, except for a row of bristles that extend to the cheeks ;
palpi black, only slightly thickened at the tips ; antennae black, three-
fourths as long as the face, arista thickened on its basal two-fifths, the
penultimate joint broader than long; eyes naked, not extending as low as
the vibrissae; cheeks one-half as wide as height of eyes. Thorax, scutel-
lum and abdomen black, apex of the fourth segment broadly and the geni-
talia, yellowish; thorax opaque, gray pollinose, marked with three median
and two broad lateral black vittae. Scutellum gray pollinose, bearing a
dorsal and three marginal pairs of macrochaetae. Abdomen opaque, gray
pollinose, but changing to blackish in different lights, first segment bear-
ing two lateral macrochaetae each side, second segment with two some-
times scarcely perceptible dorso-marginal and four lateral macrochaetae,
third segment with a marginal row of twelve, the fourth with a similiar
row of fourteen macrochaetae. Legs black, tibiae bearing scattered bristles,
claws and pulvilli very elongate. Wings hyaline, posterior cross-vein
sinuate, at last fourth of distance between small cross-vein and the bend,
the latter rectangular, beyond it the fourth vein is very convex inwardly;
third vein bristly halfway to small cross-vein. Calypterae pure white, knob
of halteres yellowish.
9 . Ground color of head blackish, frontal vitta only one-fourth width
of front, three or four orbital bristles each side, sides of face bearing
short bristles outside of the regular row of strong bristles, palpi greatly
dilated at the apex, claws and pulvilli rather short, otherwise as in the <j\
Los Angeles County, California. Eight males and eleven
females, bred by Dr. A. Davidson from larvae found feeding upon
those of Bombus fervidus.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 173
ON THE HABITS OF SOME ASILID/E.
By T. D. A. COCKERELL.
The article in the April NEWS, on the "Bold Robber Fly,"
induces me to send you the following- notes on Asilidae which
were prepared for one of our N. Mex. Station Bulletins, but
crowded out in publication. All the observations recorded were
made between Las Cruces and the Agricultural College, in the
Mesilla Valley, New Mexico, altitude 3800 feet.
I am indebted to Messrs. Coquillett and Johnson for the iden-
tification of the flies, and to Mr. Fox for reporting on the Hy-
menoptera mentioned.
Erax dubius Will.
Erax cinerascens Bell.
These two flies belong to the family Asilidae, the species of
which are recognized by their long tapering bodies and usually
large size. Flies of this family prey on other insects, and are
often to be accounted useful, but unfortunately they also prey on
one another. Both the above species were taken from the clutches
of other Asilids: Erax dubius from a large kind known as Proc-
lacanthus philadelphicus, the other from a kind not identified.
This was on July 28th.
Mallophora fautrix O.-S.
A fly over half an inch in length, with brown wings, face with
a yellow beard, scutellum and abdomen above yellow, thorax and
legs black. On July 28th one was taken, which, like the last
two species, had been caught and killed by a large Asilid. On
August 5th, however, I found one which had itself caught a wasp
{Odynerus sp. near propinqwis}.
Thus it appears that a fly, which is able to capture and kill
wasps, is nevertheless itself liable to be killed by another fly.
This quite reverses one's natural idea that a wasp, with its sting
and hard body, would be superior to any fly.
On July 2Sth another JMallophora (which Mr. Johnson says is
a new species, unless described from Mexico) was caught with a
honey bee in its clutches.
Proctacanthus philadelphicus Macq.
A large Asilid fly over an inch and a quarter long. As related
above, one was found preying on Erax. On July 28th I also
174 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
took one which had caught a butterfly, Synchlce lacinia var.
crocale. The butterfly is the parent of those spiny caterpillars
which so abound on sunflowers about Las Cruces.
Proctacanthus milbertii Macq.
A large fly like the last. On August I4th one was found which
had captured a wasp {Bembex sp.). Dr. Riley has recorded
this species as an enemy of the honey bee.
Promachus princeps Will.
Another Asilid fly which Mr. Johnson says was only known
hitherto from the State of Washington. One was found at Las
Cruces on July 8th, it had captured a wasp ( Odynerus annnlatus).
-o-
COLLECTING IN PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN, L. I.
By H. G. WHITE.
Living close to this beautiful park I have been there almost
every day for the past two years in search of specimens of Le-
pidoptera for my collection. I have searched almost every nook
and corner, and have been well rewarded for my trouble. Al-
though being situated within a large city, there are more things
to be taken there than many collectors may think, and from my
own observations few collectors seem to care to visit it, for within
the two years I have only seen three others besides myself. It
may interest some of the NEWS readers to know what is to be
found within its grounds. Upon February 28th of this year I
found some Vanessa antiopa flying in the woods where they had
been hibernating this Winter. March 3d I took some Pieris
rapte; April i2th, two Grapta comma; May ist took the first
Colias philodice; May 6th, one Papilio turmis, which is early for '
this locality; May yth one Eudamus tityrus. The Zeuzcra py-
rina or &sculi is doing its awful work within the park, and all over
our cities of New York and Brooklyn. Every tree within the
park is attacked with it, except the resinous ones. It seems to
me a great pity that our government does not take holdof this
matter, for it is a most serious one indeed. Then again, there is
a field for an entomologist in Prospect Park, as in Central Park,
New York; some of the most beautiful trees within its limits are
ruined completely. Last season I managed to take good speci-
mens of the following:
1 894-]
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
175
Vanessa antiopa
milberti
atalanta
huntera
cardui
Grapta comma
progne
j -album
I.imenitis Ursula
disippus
" arthemis
Junonia ccenia
Argynnis idalia
cybele
myrina
bellona
Danais archippus.
Melitaea phaeton
harrisii
Thecla halesus
favonius
edwardsii
" smilacis
niphon .
Lycaena pseudargiolus
comyntas
Papilio turnus
philenor
asterias
troilus
cresphontes
Callidryas eubule
Colias eurytheme
Colias philodice
Pieris rapce
" protodice
" oleracea
Eudamus tityrus
cellus
proteus
Pamphila zabulon
leonardus
peckius
Hemaris thysbe
Thyreus abbotii
Amphion nessus
Deilephila lineata
gallii
Chaerocampa tersa
Philampelus pandorus
achemon
Protoparce celeus
Carolina
rustica
cingulata
Sphinx gordius
" chersis
" luscitiosa
Smerinthus geminatus
Paonias excaecatus
myops
astylus
Cressonia juglandis
Sesia acerni
" albicornis
Utetheisa bella
Arctia nais
virgo
Pyrrharctia isabella
Spilosoma virginica
Attacus cecropia
promethea
angulifera
Telea polyphemus
Samia cynthia
Actias luna
Hyperchiria io
Citheronia regalis
Eacles imperialis
Dryocampa rubicunda
Clisiocampa americana
'" disstria
Cossus robinise
querciperda
Zeuzera pyrina or
aesculi
Ennomos subsignaria
Agrotis baja
bicarnea
c-nigrum
lubricans
Plusia asrea
" formosa
simplex
Catocala insolabilis
residua
nebulosa
ilia
cerogama
-o-
AN EARLY SPRING TRIP.
By CHAS. R. BOERNER, Philadelphia, Pa.
On March i8th, I made a collecting trip to Clementon, Cam-
den County N. J., it being the first warm day of the year. Insects
were scarce as yet, but I managed to make the following captures.
It was my intention to collect water beetles, but the water was
too cold, as only eight specimens were seen in about an hour's
time. Cicindela purpurea, vulgaris and re.panda were plentiful,
but of pn.rpurea I only caught two specimens. Tachys xanthopus
and T. Jiavicauda were common, the former running along the
176 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
banks of the lake, and the latter was found under the pine-bark.
Agonoderus pallipes and Bradycellus rupestris were found flying
in abundance. I was in hopes of securing more water beetles,
but had to be satisfied with six specimens of Cnemidotus edentulus,
two specimens of Ccelambus dissimilus, also. a specimen of C.
nubilis ? two specimens of Hydroporus obscurus, five specimens
of Gyrinus analis, a specimen of G. borealis, Dineutes assimilis
and Helophorus lacustris, two specimens each. During my day's
wanderings, I came across the dead body of a dog, which proved
a harvest. I judge (by its odor) it had been lying there about
three weeks. Of Silpha inequalcE and S. noveboracensis there
were two specimens each ; Creophilus villosus two specimens.
Aleochara lata was very common, in fact they seemed to own the
carcass. Oxyielus sculptus, four specimens ; a species of Lathro-
bium, also a species of Staphylind undetermined. Omosita colon,
Nitidula ziczac, N. rufipes, and Aphodius inquinalus, were all
common. I found on the body two specimens of Onthophagns
tuberculifrons . This species was really abundant, but at a hasty
glance I took it for O. pennsyhanicus. On showing it to Mr.
Wenzel he determined it as tubercidifrons. He was surprised at
its being found in this locality. In Prof. J. B. Smith's list of
"Insects found in New Jersey," Dr. Hamilton reports that he
found it on Brigantine Beach. In the droppings of a horse
Aphodius inquinaius was found plentifully, while Geotrnpes
egeriei was found in one specimen. Under the pine-bark I found
specimens of Elater xanthomus. This is recorded in the New
Jersey list as one of the rarest Elaters found in this county.
Rhagium lineata was very common ; one peculiarity about the
specimens found was that they were completely covered with a
parasite. Cossonus: concinnus was also common, but most of the
specimens were dead, and fell apart on handling. A specimen
of Coxelus guttulatus and a species of Li/argus were also found
in the stump of an old tree. '
o
NOTES ON THE SPHINGES QF MISSOURI.
By R. R. ROWLEY, Louisiana, Mo.
Daremma undulosa.
On the 30th of August, 1886, eight larvae of this species were
collected by Mr. Ralph Sweet and the author from ash bushes
near Curry ville, Mo. These were all well grown when found and
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 177
were from three to three and a half inches in length and most of
them of a light whitish or yellowish green above and darker
green below. Head dark green, with a lateral pink or flesh-col-
ored stripe, obcordate, but slightly bilobed at the apex or top.
Feet and caudal horn in the majority of the specimens pink or
flesh color. In others the horn is green in front with a flesh-
colored lateral stripe. Spiracles vermilion, with a white or yel-
low central slit. The whole body, except the caudal shield and
side plates, smooth (to the eye). Caudal horn with a yellowish
green tip and covered with pink and green granules. The seven
lateral, oblique bands yellow, with a dark green shade line above,
the first six crossing one whole segment and a half of the next.
The seventh band is the broadest and brightest and extends to
the base of the caudal horn. Caudal shield and plates with black
granules.
One larva was a beautiful brown in color, the shade on the
upperside of the bands becoming a deep reddish brown with
greenish yellow patches below the bands. Caudal horn and feet
bright pink; an indistinct green shade on the upperside of the
horn which is long, strong and but little curved in all of the
specimens.
The larva of imdulosa changes to a watery purple or red before
burrowing to pupate. Pupa from i^4 to i^ inches long, dark
brown (almost black;. Tongue case not apparent. The pupa
is shaped much like that of Ceratomia amyntor.
From the eight pupae obtained from the larvae of 1886 but
three imagoes emerged in 1887.
On the 25th of August, 1887, we collected twenty larvae on
ash. They were fed in muslin bags on ash and lilac to maturity.
The half grown larvae were a beautiful bright yellowish green
above, dark green or bluish green from the spiracles down, ex-
cept the underside of the third and fourth segments, which were
yellowish green and similarly colored above.
One larva, \y? inches long, was bluish green, with first, second
and seventh bands whitish; the others green. Stripes on the
head yellow. Spiracles vermilion, with a yellow dot above and
below.
One full grown larva was of a light reddish brown ('almost
wine color); eight or nine were pale bluish green; the rest light
yellowish green. Head reddish or wine color, with a paler lateral
6*
IjS ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
stripe; underside of the body bluish green in the yellow green
larvae. Caudal horn pink, with a yellowish end terminated by a
black tip. The seven sphingial bands bright yellow and rather
broad on the yellow-green larvae, whitish on the blue-green
" worms." Spiracles brick-red with a surrounding ring of pale
red. The bands are shaded above by dark green and also by an
oblong, triangular pink patch on the yellow-green specimens;
eight creases to each body ring. Some of the larvae began to
burrow on the day of capture, and pupated in five or six days.
The burrow is several inches in depth.
Hemaris diffinis.
I have collected the larvae of this species on feverwort in June,
and later in the Summer on buckberry and snowberry. The
mature "worm" is nearly two inches long; side of body light
yellowish green with yellow granules; top of the body bluish
green with white granules; underside of the body dirty brown.
Top of second segment set with strong tooth-like yellow gran-
ules surrounding the head not unlike a yellow collar. Head
blue-green; feet banded with black and dirty white. Spiracles
black, set in an oval bluish spot with a white dot above and below
(the spiracle). Caudal horn slender, almost straight, black and
heavily granular, yellow at the side of the base. Young larva
whitish, with black horn and a very distinct yellow "collar."
Larva does not burrow, but spins a thin cocoon inside of leaves.
Pupa almost black.
o
ON A COLLECTION OF NEUROPTEROID INSECTS
FROM KANSAS.
By NATHAN BANKS.
Mr. W. A. Snow, of the University of Kansas, has kindly sent
me for determination the collection of these insects in that in-
stitution. Although the collection is small, yet it adds materially
to our knowledge of the distribution of these interesting insects,
as hardly any species were previously known from the State.
PERLIDJE.
Pteronarcys nobi/is Hag., i tf. Tennessee specimen. The basal
This differs somewhat from Ha" border of the antenna- is narrow
gen's description of his New York and without a process above. The
specimen, but resembles more his angles of the prothorax sharp, the
1 8 9 4-]
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
179
sides slightly concave; the knees
are black; the venter orange in
the middle; veins of wings some-
what clouded, especially near
base; the ninth ventral segment
black, except tip, which is yel-
lowish, deeply notched ; the ap-
pendages of the last dorsal seg-
ment are brown and their superior
margins slightly concave. Length
27 mm.
Acroneuria sp., i 9- Estes Park,
Col. Probably a form of the
common abnormis.
Pseudoperla occipitalis Pict., i 9-
Perla lurida Hag., 2 $, i $. The
appendages of the last dorsal
segment of the $ are slender,
narrowed at the tip and sharp
pointed.
Perla zanthenes Newm., i $, i $.
-The (^ appendages are much
broader and more blunt than in
lurida.
Perla ephyre Newm., i 9, i c? ?
The (^ may be another species.
Capnia sp., i specimen.
EPHEMERIDJE.
Poly in itarcys albus Say ? One sub-
imago, probably this species.
Hexagenia bilineata Say, 3 spec.
Hexagenia venusta Eat., 2 spec.
Pentagenia ^-punctata Walsh, i
subimago.
Leptophlebia sp., 2 specimens.
Siphlnnts sp., 2 specimens.
Siphlurus aridus Walk. ? A sub-
imago, perhaps this species.
Heptagenia pule he Ha Walsh, 2 sp.
Heptagenia sp., i specimen.
Ccenisdiuiinuta Walk., 3 specimens
ODONATA.
Calopteryx maculata Beauv., i 9-
Hetczrina americana Fab., i (J 1 .
Hetfsrina basalis Hag., i (J.
Lestes forcipata Ramb., i 9-
Argia apicalis Say, 2 9 > I c?-
Ischnura verticalis Say, 4 spec.
Enallagma civile Hag., i cT-~~
Manitou Park, Col.
Enallagma prcevara Hag., i $.
Enallagma signata Hag., i $.
Enallagma sp., i 9- Thorax vil-
lous, moderately large, prothorax
with a pale spot each side, post-
ocular spots confluent, abdomen
as in E. siguata, but a small me.
dian black spot on segment 10,
it is also a little shorter than in
that species, pterostigma very
short, almost white,' as are also
the costal veins.
Herpetogomphus dcsignatus Selys,
id 1 -
Cphiogomphus sever us Hag., i 9-
Manitou Park, Col.
Gomphns externalis Selys, i tf.
Gomphus ainnicola Walsh, i $.
Anax junius Drury, i 9
Macromia ttsniolata Ramb., i $.
Epitheca obsoleta Say, i 9
Pant a la hymcncea Say, i cf , 2 9 .
Perithemis domitia Drury, i ^, 2 9 .
Libellula triinacnlata DeGeer, i 9
Libellula basalis Say, i $.
Mesotheviis siniplicicollis Say, 3 ^.
Mesothemis longipennis'Rurm., i 9-
Dip/ax riibiciinda Say, : 9
Diplax costifera Hag., i 9-
Diplax decisa Hag., i 9- Agrees
with Hagen's description, except
that the wings are flavescent to
the nodus.
corrupta Hag., i $, i 9.
180 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
NEUROPTERA.
Raphidia oblita Hag., 2 specimens. Bittacus stigmaterus Say, 2 spec.
Colorado. Brachynemurus abdominalis Say,
Hemerobius sp. , i specimen. i specimen.
Polystcechotes punctatus Say, i sp. Brachynemurus sp., 2 specimens.
Chrysopanigricornis Burm., i sp. Colorado.
Chrysopa florabunda Fitch, i spec. Ulula hyalina Latr., i specimen.
Bittacus strigosus Hag., 2 spec.
TRICHOPTERA.
Set'odes urowarii Kol., i specimen. white; anterior wings black, with
Setodes albida Walk., 2 specimens. many small white spots, most
Setodes incerta Walk. ?, i specimen numerous near tip; posterior
Has the palpi shorter and more wings fusco-hyaline, cilia black.
hairy than other specimens which Spurs 1.2.2. Length 98.5111111.
I have seen and may be different. One $ and one rf, Douglas Co.,
Leptocerus dilutus Hag., 3 spec. Kans., August, electric light. A
Mystacides punctata nov. sp. larger specimen has a greenish
Black, with white spots. Palpi abdomen, the tarsi spotted with
black with black hair, second black, part of the basal joint of
joint short, third much longer, antennae and the face white; it
fourth a little shorter than the may be different, but is badly
third, fifth long and flexible, ta- rubbed.
pering. Antennas black, basal Hy dropsy che scalaris Hag., 2 spec.
third annulate with snow white, Hydropsy che sp. , 2 specimens.
basal joint black, with a white Hydropsyche phalerata Hag., 8 sp.
line on inner side; thorax and ab- -There may be two or more
domen black; legs fuscous, tarsi species in this.
All the specimens are from Douglas County, Kansas, unless
otherwise marked.
Mrs. SLOSSON has sent me a very interesting species as a result of her
stay in Florida this Winter. Thecla acis was described by Drury in 1773.
The species has remained exceedingly rare in collections in this country,
and is wanting in a number of the largest. The locality given by Drury
is New York, which is evidently an error. Acis is a West Indian species,
and its geographical range is probably not accurately known. Mrs. Slos-
son says in regard to it: "I had grown tired of collecting Theclas and
finding them all pceas, and was surprised to find these two strangers (acis)
in the net. They were fluttering with the others about blossoms and
leaves in the hot sunshine on a path through the low scrub quite near the
ocean beach at Lake Worth." There is a good description of the species
in French's " Butterflies of the Eastern United States. HENRY SKINNER.
1894-]
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
Published monthly (except July and August), in charge of the joint
publication committees of the Entomological Section of the Academy
of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, and the American Entomological
Society. It will contain not less than 300 pages per annum. It will main-
tain no free list whatever, but will leave no measure untried to make it a
necessity to every student of insect life, so that its very moderate annual
subscription may be considered well spent.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION $1.00, IN ADTANCE.
Sij^ All remittances should be addressed to E T Cresson, Treasurer,
P. O. Box 248, Philadelphia, Pa. ; all other communications to the Editors
of ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy of Natural Sciences, Logan Square,
Philadelphia, Pa.
PHILADELPHIA, PA., JUNE, 1894.
FIELD MEETING.
ON the 4th of July, 1890, a field meeting of the entomological societies
of New York, Brooklyn, Newark and Philadelphia, was held at James-
burg, N. J. A similar meeting was held on the same date of the follow-
ing year. These two meetings were so profitable and enjoyable that a
number of our entomological friends desire to have a similar meeting this
year on the " fourth." Jamesburg is probably the most suitable place to
meet, as it a good place to collect and about equidistant between the cities
mentioned. It is earnestly hoped that all the entomologists of the four
cities will attend, and also any from other places interested in the subject.
It is exceedingly pleasant to meet our entomological friends and corre-
spondents, some of whom we have never seen. Greetings and expe-
riences are exchanged and many topics of interest discussed at luncheon
time with mother earth for a seat and the blue canopy above, partly in-
tercepted by the delicate springtime leaves. The idea is to devote the
morning to collecting if so desired, and then to have a general meet at
luncheon and devote the afternoon to social pleasures. Jamesburg is on
the Amboy division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and may be reached
from New York via. Monmouth Junction, 7. 20 a.m.; Newark, 7.503.111.;
Philadelphia, Broad Street Station, 6. 50 a.m.; Camden, 7.00 a.m. Later
trains leave New York via. Rahway and Philadelphia on the Long Branch
division, but it is urged that the early train be taken, as this will bring the
party into Jamesburg at the same time. Nothing has been absolutely de-
cided upon yet, but it is sincerely hoped that the meeting may be con-
summated. If the different societies agree to have the excursion, all
parties interested could get any necessary information from the different
secretaries. Why not make it a big success ?
l82 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY.
Edited by Prof. JOHN B, SMITH, Sc. D., New Brunswick, N. J.
The United States Entomologist. We have received, with extreme regret,
a notice of the resignation of Dr. C. V. Riley of his position as United
States Entomologist to take effect June i, 1894. After that date Dr.
Riley's address will be at the U. S. National Museum, Washington, D. C.
Of Dr. Riley's service in the cause of Economic Entomology we need
say nothing. His published works speak for him better than anything
else. In his resignation the Department will sustain a loss, the extent of
which it is impossible to state at present. As Dr. Riley is fortunately still
among the living we cannot say as much of praise as we might under
other circumstances; but we are not sure that the Department's loss will
not be Dr. Riley's gain. The demands upon the official time of the head
of the Department of Entomology are so great and are so constantly
increasing that it becomes difficult to obtain opportunity for other than
mere routine work. The cares and worries of official position, the ques-
tion of appropriations, of expenditures and red tape generally, is not
favorable to the production of the clearest and best scientific thought, and
in resigning from the Department to retire among the quieter shades of
the National Museum, Dr. Riley has perhaps adopted a course which will
be beneficial to his health, while enabling him at the same time to arrange
and systematize some of the immense masses of notes and material which
he has accumulated during the many years of his active career. While,
therefore, we regret Dr. Riley's resignation as Entomologist, deeming no
one within our knowledge quite so fit for the position as he, we are not
without hope that his successor will be a man who is not unacquainted
with Dr. Riley's methods of work, and who will be able to profit by his
experience, and perhaps also by his advice in the future. It is desirable
that the man to fill this position should be one who has the general respect
of the entomologists ot the United States, perhaps I should say the world.
More than in any other lines the United States Entomologist is looked
upon as representing Entomology in the United States. During Dr.
Riley's administration his Department has become to be considered as
the American center,' and to this application is made by entomologists
from all portions of the world. Indeed, I may say that a most liberal
use of the Department and of the United States Entomologist is made
by the entomologists of this country, and particularly those holding offi-
cial positions at the Experiment Stations. In filling this position merit
only should be looked to and politics should not receive consideration
for an instant.
The San Jose Scale. Under date of April 4, 1894, the United States
Department of Agriculture, Division of Entomology, issued circular No.
3, second series, with information concerning the character and spread of
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 183
the above insect, detailing the places where it has been found in the east
and describing its introduction into this country, and its history in a suc-
cinct manner. Illustrations showing the insect in all its stages and exam-
ples of infested fruit and twigs are also given, and suggestions as to the
remedies which should be used. In the body of the circular the sugges-
tion is made that some of the eastern nurseries, and New Jersey was es-
pecially hinted at, were responsible for the distribution of the scale in the
Atlantic States. This attracted my attention of course, and an investiga-
tion was made, which resulted in the discovery that the charge was true,
and that the scale had been present in Ne\v Jersey for a period of six or
seven years at least, and had been distributed from at least one point for
three or four years in succession. According to the account given in the
Bulletin above cited the scale was first brought to California from Chile
about 1870, but did not become noticeable until 1873. In 1886 or 1887, a
New Jersey grower ordered from California, San Jos district, a consider-
able quantity of Japanese plums which were sent him in due course, from
which the scale spread to other stock in his nursery, and through this stock
into neighboring orchards. I saw the scale on a few young trees in the
fall of 1893, but did not recognize its character, paying very little attention
to it since no special complaint was made of its abundance, and because
I had not that special knowledge in the group which enabled me to rec-
ognize the insect at a glance. A region of from six to ten miles along the
Delaware and extending into New Jersey for perhaps five miles back is
quite generally infested, although varying of course in degree in the or-
chards, according to the age of the trees and the date of infection. How
much further the insect has spread within the State I have not yet been
able to ascertain, but am conducting investigations with the view of dis-
covering the facts. Fortunately the character of the community in the
infested district is such that the gentlemen engaged in fruit culture are
able to appreciate the gravity of the situation, and wherever it has been
shown that the scale has an existence the most active measures have been
taken to stamp it out. In the nursery from which it started thousands of
dollars' worth of stock has been destroyed, because it was more or less
infested by this insect. Many large trees have been taken out and burnt,
others have been cut back liberally, and yet others are marked for radical
treatment at the proper time. The strictest supervision is now exercised
over stock that is sent out, and none that is suspicious will be distributed
hereafter. I think I may say positively that from the original source of
infection no further distribution of the scale will be made, and I also feel
hopeful that wherever the scale has been shown to be present, measures
will be taken such as will enable it to be completely destroyed. The in-
vestigations that have been made thus far are not sufficient to authorize
any conclusions concerning the preferences of the scale, but some quite
marked indications exist. For instance, among the plums, the Japanese
varieties are favorites, while the American and European varieties seem
to be less attacked, although by no means exempt. Among pears, the
184 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
Bartlett, Lawrence and Idaho, are prime favorites, while the Keiffer seems
to be entirely exempt, the Leconte very nearly so, and other stocks vary-
ing in susceptibility. As a rule, French stocks are infested. The most
interesting thing noticed seems to be the absolute immunity of the Keiffer,
for even where a single tree planted in a trial row has its branches crossed
and interlocked with other varieties on each side it will be free, though
the neighboring trees on each side may be infested, and I have seen isolated
trees of other varieties standing in Keiffer orchard infested, while the
Keiffers themselves did not show the least trace of the scale. Yet it may
be premature to assert that under all circumstances the Keiffer is exempt.
The introduction of this scale into the east is another lesson in care, and
it gives another illustration of the way in which injurious insects are dis-
tributed. Too great care cannot be exercised in the examination of stock
received by nurseries from other districts, and on the other hand every
farmer, or every fruit grower, before he sets out a tree should examine it
with extreme minuteness in order to make certain that it does not intro-
duce some pest theretofore unknown on his land. One of the objects of
this note is also to attract the attention of entomologists and agriculturists
to the importance of seeking it in orchards throughout the east, and es-
pecially orchards that have been newly set within the last half a dozen
years. The nursery from which this insect was distributed is one having
a very large trade, and stock that is likely to be infested has been sent in
every direction throughout the east. It is known that at least one orchard
in Pennsylvania is infested, and probably more will be found; but it be-
hooves the officers of horticultural societies and agricultural bodies to
look into this matter now when there is yet a possibility of limiting or
checking the spread of the insect, whereas in a very few years it may be
so much beyond our control that nothing can be done.
An Exportation of Beneficial Insects. Heretofore the discussion has
been mostly of the possibility of importing insects that are, or that are
supposed to be, beneficial to agriculturists by breeding upon injurious
species. Dr. Riley has informed us that an experiment has just been
made by which one of our insects, Chilocorus bivulnerns, has been ex-
ported to the West Indies with the idea of destroying certain scales oc-
curring in those islands. The facts as given by Dr. Riley are, that for
three or four years the extensive lime plantations of the Montserrat Co.,
Birmingham, England, located on the Island Montserrat, have been suf-
fering from the attacks of various scale-insects, and particularly ilfytilaspis
citricola and Chionaspis citri. Spraying and fumigating were tried at the
suggestion of Dr. Riley on a limited portion of the estate; but the injury
continued and became so serious that finally he determined to ask leave
of absence from official duties and personally investigate, the Montserrat
Co. paying expenses. Dr. Riley was accompanied on this trip by Mr. H.
G. Hubbard, whose thorough work on the insects infesting oranges in
Florida peculiarly fitted him for this investigation. The start was made
February xyth, and two months were spent at Montserrat, Dominica and
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 185
Martinique, the three islands on which limes are most extensively grown,
and in which they seem to come to the greatest perfection. Dr. Riley
says that the trip was full of interest, and will, he fully believes, ultimately
result in benefit to the Company. Among the natural enemies found at
work among the scale insects, some of which were identical with those
found in the United States, there was no trace of the Twice-stabbed Lady-
bird, Chilocorus bivulnerns, which is, after all, most effective in keeping
the scales in check in Florida. Anticipating its absence, Dr. Riley had
arranged for shipments from home, some of which had already arrived in
good condition before he left Washington, and after latest advices from
Mr. Hubbard, were reveling in Montserrat scales. Dr. Riley thinks there
is every hope, therefore, that we may have in this instance another striking
example of the value of the importation of beneficial insects under pecu-
liarly favorable conditions.
Notes and.
ENTOMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM ALL QUARTERS
OF THE GLOBE.
[The Conductors of ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS solicit, and will thankfully receive items
of news, likely to interest its readers, from any source. The author's name will be given
in each case for the information of cataloguers and bibliographers.]
To Contributors. All contributions will be considered and passed upon at our
earliest convenience, and as far as may be, will be published according to date of recep-
tion. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS has reached a circulation, both in numbers and circumfer-
ence, as to make it necessary to put " copy" into the hands of the printer, for each number,
three weeks before date of issue. This should be remembered in sending special or im-
portant matter for certain issue. Twenty-five "extras" without change in form will be
given free when they are wanted, and this should be so stated on the MS. along with the
number desired. The receipt of all papers will be acknowledged. ED.
THERE will be no NEWS for July or August.
PICTURES for the album of the American Entomological Society have
been received from \V. Hampton Patton, Dr. F. E. Blaisdell, G. B. King.
I HAVE a large number of the cocoons of Pronuba yuccasella contain-
ing living pupae, and shall be glad to send some, on application, to anyone
who is interested in trying to secure fruit from Yucca Ji/anien/osa growing
in gardens which are north of the range of the insect, and hence do not
normally produce fruit. C. V. RILEY.
TRANSACTIONS of the American Entomological Society, vol. xxi, No.
2, now in press, will contain the following papers: Revision of the genera
and species of Desmori of North America, by Wm. G. Dietz, M.D. A
preliminary revision of the Lepidopterous family Notodontidae, by B.
Neumoegen and H. G. Dyar. Some new American Acarina, by Nathan
Banks.
1 86 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
IT will be of interest to the entomologists of the United States to learn
that the University of Kansas has recently acquired by purchase the en-
tire collection of North American Diptera, including the types made by
Prof. Townsend. The collection will make an especially valuable addi-
tion to the already very large collection of American Diptera, by far the
largest in existence, now at the University of Kansas. The University
collection now includes between twenty-five and thirty thousand speci-
mens, and between four and five thousand species. The resources of the
University, under the able administration of Chancellor Snow, and aided
by his son, Mr. W. A. Snow, will enable this collection to be soon put in
order, permitting for the first time the easy and ready determination of
collections. An expedition to the southwest, especially for the collection
of Diptera, is contemplated the present season, which, it is hoped, will
add from five to ten thousand specimens to the collections.
S. W. WILLISTON.
AN OPEN LETTER FROM DR. RILEY. To friends and correspondents :
Inasmuch as a press despatch, inspired by other motives than love of
truth, has given wide circulation to a false statement in regard to my re-
cent resignation as Entomologist of the U. S. Department of Agriculture,
and inasmuch as I am receiving more-letters of regret and inquiry than
can well be responded to in writing, this printed form is employed to save
time in answering letters and to correct any misconception of the facts.
As shown by the text of the letter addressed by me to the Secretary
of Agriculture in resigning office, the action was prompted by a due re-
gard for the wishes of my family, for my health, and for my peace of
mind; and, as intimate friends well knew, it had been contemplated for
some time. It was taken without suggestion from, or consultation with,
the Secretary of Agriculture or anyone else, and, since resignation of
government office is so often looked upon as practical dismissal, I took
particular pains to state these facts.
To those who may feel regret at this course, or who have already ex-
pressed it, let me say that I was never much in love with Department
life, as, under the most favorable circumstances, there are many unpleas-
ant features connected with it to one ambitious to achieve results and
impatient of political methods, unnecessary red tape or needless restric-
tions.
Many years of activity in the position which I am about to leave have
resulted in impaired health, and I have simply taken a step which ought
to have been taken long ago. To those who feel interested in my future
let me say that for a while I shall make no definite plans, but that I can
never lose interest in the subject of entomology. Relieved of the ad-
ministrative detail and drudgery connected with the office, I hope, in con-
nection with the honorary curatorship of the Department of Insects in the
U. S. National Museum, to be able to do some long contemplated work
of a purely scientific character. My address in future will, therefore, be,
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 187
care U. S. National Museum, Washington, D. C., to which all publications
now addressed to me at the Department of Agriculture should be for-
warded. C. Y. RILEY.
Identification of Insects (Jmagos) for Subscribers.
Specimens will be named under the following conditions : ist, The number of species
to be limited to twenty-five for each sending; 2d, The sender to pay all expenses of trans-
portation and the insects to become the property of the American Entomological Society ;
3d, Each specimen must have a number attached so that the identification may be an-
nounced accordingly. Exotic species named only by special arrangement with the Editor,
who should be consulted before specimens are sent. Send a 2 cent stamp with all insects
for return of names. Before sending insects for identification, read page 41, Vol. Ill,
Address all packages to ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan
Square, Philadelphia, Pa.
N. B. It is to the generosity 01 Mr. Liebeck, who has devoted much
of his time to the matter, that the NEWS has been able to identify Coleop-
tera for its subscribers. As Mr. Liebeck now desires a well-earned vaca-
tion, subscribers are requested not to send any more Coleoptera for iden-
tification until after September i, 1894, as such specimens cannot receive
attention until that time. EDS.
Entomological Liter ature.
1. ANNULS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, vii, Nos. 6-12,
March, 1894. Coleopterological notices v, T. L. Casey, i pi.
2. THE BOTANICAL GAZETTE, xix, 4. Madison, Wis., April, 1894.
Artificial cultures of an entomogenous fungus, G. F. Atkinson, 3 pis.
3. BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, vi.
New York, April, 1894. Studies of some species of North American Ae-
geriidce, W. Beutenmiiller.
4. OVERSIGT OVER DET KONGELIGE DANSKE VlDENSKABERNES SELS-
KABS FORHANDLINGER, 1893, 2. Copenhagen. Larvae of the genus
Acilius, F. Meinert, i pi.
5. NATURE. London, April 5, 1894. Centipedes and their young, F.
W. Urich. April 12. Bees and dead carcases, W. F. Kirby. May 3.
Centipedes and their young, Dr. R. v. Lendenfeld.
6. TRANSACTIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON,
1893. A revision of the genus Yp/if/ihna, with especial reference 'to the
characters afforded by the male genitalia, H. J. Ehves and J. Edwards.
The effects of temperature in the pupal stage on the coloring of Picris
napi, Vanessa atalanla, Chrysophanns plilosas and Ephyra piinctaria, F.
Merrifield, i pi. On _the phylogenetic significance of the variations pro-
duced by differences of temperature in Vanessa atalanta; an appendix to
188 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
the preceding paper, Dr. F. A. Dixey. Descriptions of new genera and
species of Neotropical Rhynchota, W. L. Distant. On some neglected
points in the structure of the pupae of Heterocerous Lepidoptera, and
their probable value in classification; with some associated observations
on larval prolegs, Dr. T. A. Chapman. Two new species of Pulvinaria
from Jamaica, T. D. A. Cockerell, figs. On stridulation in ants, Dr. D.
Sharp. Dicranota, a carnivorous Tipulid larva, Prof. L. C. Miall, 4 pis.
On a Lepidopterous pupa (Micropteryx purpurella) with functionally
active mandibles, Dr. T. A. Chapman. Description of a new genus and
species of Papilionidae from Mexico, O. Salvin. Formicidae of St. Vin-
cent, collected by Mr. H. H. Smith, Dr. A. Forel. The cost of insect
collections, Dr. D. Sharp. On the sexes of larvae emerging from the suc-
cessively laid eggs of Smerinthns populi, E. B. Poulton. A revision of
the genus Oeneis, H. J. Elwes and J. Edwards.
7. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILA-
DELPHIA, 1893, part iii. Heredity in the social colonies of the Hymen-
optera, E. D. Cope.
8. THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S MONTHLY MAGAZINE. London, April, 1894.
A new species of A/eurodes, ]. W. Douglas, figs. Note on Thermobia
furnorum Rovelli, Dr. D. Sharp. Thermobia furnornin Rovelli and
Lepismodes inqnilina Newman, R. McLachlan. The entomology of a
London bakehouse, F. Milton. Why are large Perlidae resident in Scotch
but not in Swiss lakes ?, A. E. Eaton. Notes on the earlier stages of the
Nepticulae, J. H. Wood. May, 1894. Abundance of Pyrameis cardui L.
in the Ziban, Algeria, Rev. A. E. Eaton. Patent postal box without
packing, H. G. Knaggs. British Hemiptera, additions and corrections,
J. Edwards. Supplement to annotated list of British Tachiniidae, R. H.
Meade. Tinea pallescentella in a wasp's nest, C. G. Barrett.
9. THE ENTOMOLOGIST. London, April, 1894. The new entomology
(cont.), W. E. Sharp. A catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Ireland (cont.),
W. F. de V. Kane. May, 1894. John Jenner Weir (with portrait), Ed. A
dark chamber for larvae, H. G. Knaggs, figs. The genus Philometra Grote,
J. B. Smith. Remarks on certain genera of Coccidae, W. M. Maskell.
10. THE GEOLOGICAL MAGAZINE. London, April, 1894. Further re-
marks on the tertiary (Eocene) insects from the Isle of Wight, and on
others from the Lias and Coal-measures, Rev. P. B. Brodie.
11. THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. New York, May, 1894. The
guests of the mayflower, Prof. C. M. Weed, figs.
12. TERMESZETRAJZI FUZETEK, 1893, Nos. 3-4. Budapest, Jan. 31,
1894. New or little-known Myriapods in the zoological collection of the
Hungarian National Museum, Dr. E. v. Daday, 3 pi.
13. ZOOLOGISCHER ANZEiGER. Leipzig, April 2, 1894. Contribution
to the knowledge of the abdomen of male Elateridae, C. Verhoeff, figs.
On Hydrachnidas, R. Piersig (cont.). April 9, 1894, Predatory Pseudo-
scorpions, W. Hess. On the significance of the endosternite of Arach-
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 189
nids ii, W. Schimkewitsch. Anatomy of the salivary glands of the Hy-
menoptera of the family Ichneumonidse, M. Bordas.
14. THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. London,
April, 1894. The Elateridae of Japan, G. Lewis. Corylophidae and Tri-
chopterygidae found in the West Indian Islands, Rev. A. Matthews. De-
scriptions of some new species of Heterocera from Central America, H.
Druce. Contributions to the knowledge of the antennary sense organs
of insects, C. M. Child (transl. Zool. Anz. Feb. 5, 1894).
15. PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE OF TRINIDAD. Parti.
Port-of-Spain, March, '94. Notes on the study of butterflies, B. Rake, M.D.
16. BULLETINO DELLA SOCIETA ENTOMOLOGICA ITALIANA, XXVJ, I.
Florence, March 25, 1894. First materials for a limnological fauna of the
Lago di Garda, A. Garbini. Materials for a catalogue of Italian Mallo-
phaga and Pediculina, A. Berlese. Revision of the European species of
the Mosquito family (cont.), E. Ficalbi.
17. THE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE MEDICINE AND VETERINARY AR-
CHIVES. New York, March, 1894. On the emasculating botfly, figs.
18. TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, xxi,
i. Philadelphia, January-March, 1894. Catalogue of the Coleoptera of
Alaska with the synonymy and distribution, J. Hamilton, M.D. Descrip-
tions of new genera and species of Noctuidse, J. B. Smith, Sc.D., 6 pis.
Notes and descriptions of North American Bombylidae, D. W. Coquillett.
19. SOCIETAS ENTOMOLOGICA. Zurich-Hottingen, March i, 1894.
On the marks of copulation among insects, Dr. K. Escherich. April 15.
Some new termites from Ceylon, with remarks on their guests, E. \Yas-
man, S. J.
20. ANNALES DE LA SOCIETE ENTOMOLOGIQUE DE BELGIQUE, xxxviii,
3. Brussels, 1894. Study on the geographical distribution of the Bu-
prestidse, C. Kerremans. xxxvii, 13, 1893. President's address [solitary
and communal life among insects], M. Tosquinet.
21. MISSISSIPPI AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE EXPERI-
MENT STATION. Bulletin No. 28. The horn-fly, H. E. Weed. Agr.
Coll., Miss., January, 1894; figs.
22. THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION.
London, April 15, 1894. The life-history of a Lepidopterous insect, com-
prising some account of its morphology and physiology, J. \V. Tutt.
Dealers and stealers, H. R. Brown. John Jenner Weir obituary, }. \V.
Tutt, with portrait.
23. ATTI DELLA SOCIETA TOSCANA DI SCIENZE NATURALI. Memorie,
xiii. Pisa, 1894. Contributions to the study of the digestive tube of Ar-
thropoda: histological and physiological researches on the digestive tube
of Orthoptera, G. Visart, figs.
24. LE NATURALISTE. Paris, April 15, 1894. The rearing of Hymen-
optera, Dr. F. Regnault.
1 90 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
25. COMPTES RENDUS. L'ACADEMIE DES SCIENCES. Paris, April 9,
1894. On antennal nerves and chordotonal organs in ants, C. Janet. On
revivification of Tardigrada, D. Lance. April 16. On the venomous ap-
paratus of Hymenoptera, M. Bordas. The rejection of blood as a means
of defense in some Coleoptera, L. Cuenot. April 25. Diptera parasitic
on Acridians the Bombylidse; larval hypnody and metamorphosis with
active and resting stages, J. K. d'Herculais.
26. PSYCHE. Cambridge, Mass., May, 1894. The habits of the aculeate
Hymenoptera iv, W. H. Ashmead. Further notes on Coleoptera found
with ants, H. F. Wickham. Two cave beetles not before recorded, H.
Garman, figs. New and undescribed genera and species of West African
Noctuidae iv, \V. J. Holland, i pi. Preparatory stages of Pseudohazis
shast<znsis Behrens, H. G. Dyar.
27. PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, xxxii.
Philadelphia, April 4, 1894. Tertiary Tipulidae, with special reference to
those of Florissant, Col., S. H. Scudder, 9 pis.
28. FAUNA, 1894, i. Luxembourg. Honey dew and its origin, Dr. E.
J. Klein.
29. SCIENCE. New York, March 23, 1894. The sembling of a large
native moth, Telea polyphemus, H. Garman.
30. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, No. 281. New Haven,
Conn., May, 1894. Observations on the derivation and homologies of
some Articulates, J. D. Dana.
31. THE CORRELATION OF STRUCTURE and host relation among the
Encyrtinse, L. O. Howard. Wilder Quarter Century Book, pp. 177-185.
Ithaca, N. Y., 1893.
32. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY CIRCULARS, xiii, No. ui. Baltimore,
April, 1894. Origin of the " Nasutus" (soldier) of Eutermes, H. M.
Knower, figs.
33. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. London, April 28, 1894. Death
to the green-fly, M. C. C.
34. LEPIDOPTERA INDICA. By F. Moore. Pt. xvii (vol. ii, pp. 113-136,
pis. 123-130). London, L. Reeve & Co., 1894.
35. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR WissENSCHAFTLicHEZooLociE, Ivii, 3. Leipsic,
April 17, 1894. Contributions to the knowledge of the developmental
history of the scorpion, A. Brauer.
36. POPULAR SCIENCE NEWS. Boston, May, 1894. Insect parasites
of animals i, J. B. Smith, figs.
37. THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. London, Ont., May, 1894. But-
terflies common to Norway and Arctic America, F. M. Webster. Try-
peta solidaginis Fitch and its parasites, Rev. T. VV. Fyles. Some notes
on the collecting season- of 1893, J. A. Moffat. Notes on some scale in-
sects of the subfamily Diaspinae, T. D. A. Cockerell. A reply to Mr. \Y.
H. Edwards, H. J. Elwes. New North American Homoptera viii, E.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
P. Van Duzee. Zethus aztecus in Florida, W. H. Patten. Note on Acro-
nycta cristifera Walk., A. R. Grote. Folded wings in Fcenus, W. H.
Patten.
38. THE LONDON, EDINBURGH AND DUBLIN PHILOSOPHICAL MAGA-
ZINE AND JOURNAL OF SCIENCE (5), 228. London, May, 1894. Note on
the elasticity of spider lines, J. H. Gray.
39. THE BRITISH NATURALIST. London, April 15, 1894. The effects
of cold upon insect pests, F. V. Theobald.
40. KNOWLEDGE. London, May i, 1894. Insect secretions i, E. A.
Butler.
41. FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN.
St. Louis, 1894. The emergence of Pronuba from the Yucca capsules, J.
C. Whitten.
42. PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (2), iv,
pp. 92-121. San Francisco, April 19, 1894. Second report on some Hy-
menoptera from Lower California, Mexico, W. J. Fox.
43. JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, i, 4, De-
cember, 1893. [Not previously received.] Spring collecting in northern
Florida, Mrs. A. T. Slosson. A strange form of Catocala, G. A. Ehr-
mann. A preliminary revision of the Bombyces of America north of
Mexico (cont. ), B. Neumoegen and H. Dyar. Four new genera and spe-
cies of West African Sesiidas, W. J. Holland, figs. List of the Coleoptera
of Northeastern America, with special reference to the fauna of New York
City and vicinity (cont.), C. W. Leng and W. Beutenmiiller.
44. INSECT LIFE, vi, 4. Washington, D. C., May, 1894. A new and
destructive peach tree scale (Diaspis lanatus Morg. and Ckll.), Eds., figs.
The currant stem-girdler (Phyllcecus \_Janus\ flaviventris Fitch), C. L.
Marlatt, figs. Habits of Stibadium spuiiiosiuu Gr., M. E. Murtfeldt. The
insect guests of the Florida land tortoise, H. G. Hubbard, figs. The
control of Phylloxera by submersion, Eds., figs. Acorn insects, primary
and secondary, M. E. Murtfeldt. Preliminary report on suppressing the
San Jose" scale in Virginia, D. W. Coquillett.
45. PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY,
xxvi, pp. 220-240, April 18, 1894. Spharagemon: a study of the New
England species, A. P. Morse.
46. NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL REPORT for 1894, pp. 154-223.
[Lincoln, Neb.] Insect enemies of the apple tree and its fruit, L. Bruner,
figs.
47. CATALOGUS HYMENOPTERORUM hucusque descriptorum systemati-
cus et synonymicus. Auctore Dr. C. G. de Dalla Torre. Vol. 11: ( y-
nipicloe. Lipsiae, Sumptibus Guilelmi Engeimann, MDCCCXCIII, 140 pp.
48. SPECIES DES HYMENOPTERES D'EUROPE ET D'ALGERIE fonde" par
Edmond Andre" et continue sous la direction scientifique de Ernest Andre".
45e Fascicule [pp. 241-336, vol. v Braconidae]. Paris, M. Duboscard,
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
Jan. i, 1894. 466 Fascicule [pp. 273-336, pis. vii, ix, xii-xvii, vol. vi
Chrysididse; pis. iii-viii, vol. v], April i, 1894.
49. ENTOMOLOGISCHE NACHRICHTEN, xx, 6, Berlin, March, 1894.
Review of H. J. Kolbe's " Einfuhrung in die Kenntniss^ der Insekten, C.
Verhoeff. On the comparative morphology of the abdominal appendages
of Coleoptera, id. 7. April, 1894. On primary and secondary sexual
characters of insects, an answer to Dr. K. Escherich, id. 8. April, 1894.
Descriptions of new Lamellicorns, Buprestidae and Cerambycidae from
Central and South America, A. F. Nonfried.
INDEX TO THE PRECEDING LITERATURE
The number after each author's name in this index refers to the journal, as numbered
in the preceding literature, in which that author's paper was published ; * denotes new
American forms.
THE GENERAL SUBJECT.
Atkinson 2, Sharp 6, Milton 8, Knaggs 8, 9, Sharp 9, Brodie 10, Weed
n, Child 14, Garbini 16, Brown 22, Tutt, 22, Lance 25, Dana 30, Smith
36, Theobald 39, Butler 40, Mrs. Slosson 43, Hubbard 44, Bruner 46, Tos-
quinet 20, Verhoeff 49 (two) Escherich 19.
MYRIAPODA.
Urich 5, v. Daday 12, v. Lendenfeld 5.
ARACHNIDA.
Piersig 13, Hess 13, Schimkewitsch 13, Brauer 35, Gray 38, Banks in
Hubbard 44 (Chelanops affinis* Fla.), Marx in Hubbard 44 (Ornithodorus
americanus* Amblyomma tuberculatum* Fla.).
THYSANURA.
Sharp 8, McLachlan 8.
ORTHOPTERA.
Visart 23, Scudder in Hubbard 44 (Ceuthophilus latibuli* Fla.), Morse
45*.
NEUROPTERA.
Eaton 8, Berlese 16, Knower 32, Wasmann 19.
HEMIPTERA.
Distant 6, Cockerel! 6*, 37, Douglas 8, Edwards S, Maskell 9, Berlese
6, Klein 28, Van Duzee 37, Rileyand Howard 44 (two), Coquillett 44.
4
COLEOPTERA.
Casey i (Staphylinidse*, Pselaphidae*, Scaphidiidae*, Histeridae*, Par-
nidse*, Alaus*, Pactopus*, Cerambycidse*), Meinert 4, Verhoeff 13, 49,
Lewis 14, Matthews 14*, Hamilton 18, Kerremans 20, Garman 26 (Calo-
dera cavicola* Ky.), Wickham 26, Cuenot 25, Leng and Beutenmiiller 43,
Hubbard 44*, Murtfeldt 44, Nonfried 49*.
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 193
LEPIDOPTERA.
Beutenmiiller 3*, Elwes and Edwards 6 (two) (Oenis ( Chionobas] beanii*,
Alberta), Merrifield 6, Dixey 6, Chapman 6 (two), Salvin 6 (Jlaronia
brevicornis*, Mex.), Poulton 6, Wood 8, Eaton S, Barrett S, Kane 9,
Druee 14*, Rake 15, Smith 9, 18*, 36, Tutt 22, Holland 26, 43, Dyar 26,
Garman 29, Moore 34, Webster 37, Moffat 37, Elwes 37, Grote 37, Whitten
41, Ehrmann 43 (C, denussa* Pa.), Neumoegen and Dyar 43, Murtfeldt
44 (two).
HYMENOPTERA.
Sharp 6, Cope 7, Kirby 5, Bordas 13, 25, Regnault 24, Janet 25, Ash-
mead 26, Howard 31, Patten 37 (two), Fox 42*, Marlatt 44, Dalla Torre
47, Andre 48, Forel 6*.
DIPTERA.
Miall 6, Meade 8, Ficalbi 16, Anon. 17, Coquillett 18*, Weed 21, Scud-
der 27*, C. 33, Fyles 37, d'Herculais 25.
Ttie Errtornological Section
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA.
PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS.
APRIL 26, 1894.
A regular stated meeting of the Entomological Section of the Academy
of Natural Sciences was held in the Hall, S. W. cor. Nineteenth and Race
Streets, this evening, Dr. G. H. Horn, Director, presiding. Members
present: E. T. Cresson, G. B. Cresson, Seiss, Ridings, Johnson, Calvert,
Liebeck, Welles and Skinner. Associates: Fox, Boerner. Mr. Reineck
visitor. Eight specimens of Aegialites fuchsii were presented by Mr.
Charles Fuchs, of San Francisco, Cal. Dr. Horn presented six specimens
of Platypsylla castoris. Mr. Calvert read a letter from Baron Edmond
de Selys-Longchamps, thanking the American Entomological Society for
electing him a correspondent. Mr. Calvert stated that in his Catalogue
of the Dragonflies of Philadelphia the first appearance of Anax jnniiis
was given as May ist. He had observed a specimen this year at West-
ville, N. J., on April 2ist. Four years ago he had described a species
from Florida under the name Lepthemis gravida, which was one of Dr.
Hagen's manuscript names. According to the latest generic develop-
ments he found that gravida did not belong to Lept/ieinis, but to the
genus Cannae ria described by Kirby. This genus contains two other
species, furcata and batesii. These species can all be separated by good
anatomical characters. The speaker also stated that he had examined
two hundred specimens of a species of Orl/ieinis, and in only one wing
of one specimen did lie find variation in the neuration which would be
indicative of generic character. Dr. Horn stated that in 1868
6**
IQ4 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
was found in the museum at Amsterdam, and in 1874 he had also investi-
gated it. Up to the present time nothing has been done toward distin-
guishing the sexes. The speaker pointed out the sexual peculiarities
(see ENT. NEWS v, 141). Remarks were also made about Cassida nebu-
losa Linn, (see ENT. NEWS v, 146). Mr. William Reineck was duly elected
an Associate of the Section. HENRY SKINNER, Recorder.
The following papers were read and accepted by the Committee for
publication in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS :
CORRECTIONS IN PSELAPHID/E.
By E. BRENDEL, M. D.
The occasion for this communication is a lot of Mexican and
South American Pselaphidse donated to me by my kind friend
and distinguished entomologist. Achille Raffray. An accompa-
nying letter, dated Tientsin, China, March 16, 1894, contains
some interesting remarks, which I shall quote in his own lan-
guage, as follows:
1. Un Euplectus de Californie, qui je ne puis determiner. Le con-
naissez vous ?
For a description of this n. sp. see below.
2. Une Bryaxis hcsmatica var. perforate, Aube, de 1' Europe meridio-
nale. Je possede le meme insecte, exactement le meme, sous le nomme
de B. obscura Dejean, c'est une type authentique, de la collection Reiche
il vient de I'Amerique boreale, sans localite precis.
I suppose there must have occurred a misplacement of a label
with the obscura Dej. The specimens before me are true hatmatica;
one from Gall, merid. the var. perforata (figs. 1-2); the other var.
bidentata (fig. 3) from Germany; var. bidentata resembles some-
what B. illinoiensis.
3. Cylindractus. J'ai etudie a nouveaux ce genre. II est decidement
identique aux Ty chits et 1'espece est voisine de votre ludoviciamis ; mais
c' est une espece distincte.
4. Psclaptrichus est une sousgenre de Bythinus auquel il est attachee
par des especes du Japon.
5. Je crois, que Bryaxis albionica est tres different de " prop'uiqna" Lee.
Mes exemplaires viennent aussi de Californie. J' envoie vous le type de
Motschulsky.
Here I call to my recollection, that LeConte's propinqua was
as " thorace impunctata, polita" and (the being unknown)
i8 9 4-]
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
195
comprising all species of that description; but after the recogni-
tion of the male one of them was the true propinqua and rny B.
polita was a nondescript (teste Ulke). The description of pro -
pinqua in " Short Studies, iSSr" is very similar to that of albi-
onica, and considering the varieties of the antennae and color,
and the geographical distribution of propinqua, Ulke, as well as
I, supposed the two species identical.
Bryaxis albionica Motsch. <$. Piceous black. Antennae, palpi and legs
dark reddish brown. Elytra bright red, base and suture dark brown,
impunctate or very unevenly punctate. Length 1.40 mm.
Head .punctured at the sides, with the foveae small, mutually four times
farther distant than either from the eye, vertex little shorter than quad-
rate, front suddenly declive, the frontal fovea wanting or hidden by pu-
bescence on the declive part, which bears two small teeth ; ternpora
rounded, as long as the eye. Antenna as in figure 4, where the right
antenna is turned. Prothorax convex, though the foveae almost fully seen
from above. Abdomen: first dorsal three times wider than long, carinae
very short, far apart. Posterior tibite curved, flattened, not dilated, in-
termediate tibiae with a strong spur at the end.
The specimen before me is one of Motschulsky's types, the 9 ,
from Los Angeles, has the front not declive and the fovea nor-
mal. Identical -wifafundata Casey.
196 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June,
EuplectllS raffrayi n. sp. (fig. 5) c?. - Brown, impunctate, pubescence
coarse, sparse, form resembling E. linearis. Length 2.0 mm.
Head with the occiput convex, finely carinate, tempora arcuate, con-
vergent, longer than the eye; frontal margin depressed, fovea three times
farther apart than from the eye, grooves straight, convergent. Antennae
unusually long, longer than the head and prothorax, loosely jointed. Pro-
thorax wider than the head, as wide as long, lateral edge minutely serru-
late; disc with a medial, fusiform groove extended to the angulated trans-
verse groove connecting the lateral foveae; the base with five ample, semi-
circular impressions. Elytra as long as wide, shoulder width almost as
wide as the prothorax; disc with a few traces of coarse impressions, the
base tripunctate and trilineate, the sutural line slightly arcuate beyond the
middle; second line one-quarter length, the third one-eighth. Abdominal
dorsals subequal, but rather slightly increasing in length, without any
basal impressions or carinae; ventrals 2, 3, 4, with a shallow medial im-
pression, 3d in the apical third with a transverse carina across the impres-
sion; 5th, the posterior margin, depressed; 6th, the base depressed; the
yth, or, according to Casey's etymological experiment, analoge to " ver-
texal" the podexal segment is lozenge-shaped, not carinate and almost
surrounded by the 6th.
California. This is the largest species known.
Among the Mexican species there are four Eupsenius which
may possibly occur inside of our limits. They are:
E. politus Reitter, St. Thomas, 12 mm. long, unicolorous yellowish red,
occiput sulcate, front arcuately porrected, bearing two punctures (fig. 6).
E. mexicanus Raffray, 1.3 mm. long, dark red, elytra brighter, front per-
pendicularly declive, above with a shallow transverse impression (fig. 7).
E. nitidus Raffray, Mexico, 1.4 mm. long, front obliquely declive, before
the antennal line with a wide shallow impression and faint foveal sulcus
(fig. 8).
E. (jibbicollis Raffray, Mexico, 1.55 mm. Dark red, elytra brighter,
vertex quadrate, trapezeous, front declive, depressed between the antennas.
Pronotum swollen along the median line (fig. 9).
Ctenisis aequiiioctialis, Amazon. Fig. 10, antenna.
iCtenisis dispar, Mexico. Fig. u, antenna.
o
THE AMERICAN GENERA OF SAPROMYZIN/E.
By S. W. WILLISTON.
In the examination recently of a considerable material in this
family, I have discovered all of the known American genera, all
of which, save perhaps Griphoneura, occur in North America.
As I shall not have the opportunity for some time of preparing
the results of my studies for publication, I herewith offer the fol-
1894-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 197
lowing synopsis of the genera, in the hopes that it may be of
service to others.
Sapromyzinae. Small species, seldom more than seven millimeters in
length. Head as broad or a little broader than the thorax; front with one
or two bristles on each side in front of those at the vertex. Antennae
usually short and porrect; sometimes the third joint elongated. Face
without vibrissae. Abdomen short-ovate. Legs never elongate; auxiliary
vein of the \vings present; cross-veins never approximated; basal cells
small, but complete.
i. All the tibiae with a preapical bristle ; ovipositor flattened, horny;
bristles of the front never reaching below the middle .... 2.
All the tibiae, or at least the front and middle pairs, with a preapical
bristle; bristles of the front descending below the middle; ovi-
positor not horny 3.
2. Metallic black species, front narrow Louchaea.
Yellow, or yellowish species; front broad Palloptera.
3. Arista thickened and with short, dense plumosity . . Pachycerina.
Arista slender, base, pubescent or plumose 4.
4. Face very broad, in profile strongly convex below . . Physogenua.
Face receding, flattened, or gently arched 5.
5. First posterior cell much narrowed in the margin . . Griphonenra.
First posterior cell not or but slightly narrowed in the margin . . 6.
6. Shining black species; third joint of antennae more or less elongate.
Lauxania.
More or less yellow species, at least the thorax not shining black;
third joint of the antennae not more than three times as long as
wide Sapromyza.
Sapromyza longipennis, S. lupulina, S. vulgaris and ^. coin-
pedita, occur on the Pacific coast, at least all but the first, which
I have seen from Kansas. .SI vulgaris I have also taken from
the West Indies. It is identical with 6". ocellaris Towns. , and,
notwithstanding the abdominal bands, is doubtfully distinct from
.5". cincta from Texas and Porto Rico (Roeder). 5". macula Loew
seems to be the same as ,5". odopuncta from the West Indies and
South America. ,S\ plagosa Giglio-Tos. from Mexico, is the
same as 6". geminata Wied., which I have from Brazil. Pallop-
tera J2icunda Loew, from Sitkha, occurs also in Washington and
California. Sapromyza urina Giglio-Tos, from Mexico, seems
identical with Physogenua ferruginea Schiner, which I have from
Brazil. In any event, it is a Physogenua and not a Sapromyza.
Pachycerina verticalis Loew apparently