oe i eee ar Nee ete ete aS ne ad jrsiepenan riot nneese 3 Cpe (7 nt oe a Fee eg eee re See aero a tye epee e i * em OP RTT Be Kia eos fo a eal — eat | asin — a Pe veel dT Me OF... THE Southern California Academy of Sciences LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Vol.XXVII_ =—s-_— Jan. - April, 1929 Part 1 CONTENTS SIGNIFICANCE OF ABRADED AND WEATHERED MAMMALIAN REMAINS FROM RANCHO LA BREA - - - - = - - = - Chester Stock } PENTSTEMON DUBIUM n. sp. - - Dr. A. Davidson THE EGG OF GLAUCOPSYCHE LYGDAMUS AUSTRALIS Grinnell - - = ue a 2 Dr. John Adams Comstock THE CAUSES OF CHANGE IN COLOR PATTERNS OF BUTTERFLY ABERRATIONS - - - Wilhelm Schrader PROCEEDINGS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES - = = 2 REPORT, LORQUIN EN'TOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY Issued June 15, 1929 Southern California Academy of Sciences OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Mr. GEo. ‘W2!PARSONS (02. 25 eta Dri orp’ Al {CARPE ATER - ae Se eae Vice-President THEODORE PAYNE .....-. BORE Sen Sly oem Second Vice-President Dri Re. HicS wit Goe Wa Sa Secretary Mr. WILLIAM Ae: SPAmpiNG=*. 20). aeons sonnei Treasurer Dr. Mars F. BAauMGARDT . Geo. W. Parsons Dr. WILLIAM A. BRYAN © HERBERT J. GOUDGE Dr. A. Davipson Dr.. FRANK CLARK Dr. Forp A. CARPENTER Dr. R. H. Swirr WittrAM A. SPALDING ~ THEODORE PAYNE Dr. Joun A. ComstocK Dr. T. CoLow. = 8 ADVISORY BOARD Mr. B. R. BAUMGARDT Dr. D..L. TasKER Mr. R. IF. Gross mie Bn 8B ASTRONOMICAL SECTION Dr. Mars F, BAuMGARDT WiLLiaM A. SPALDING Chairman Secretary ZOOLOGICAL SECTION Dr. JAMes Z. GILBERT Chairman ~ . BOTANICAL SECTION Dr. A, DAvIDSON ele _ Turopvore Payne Chairman Secretary ARCHEOLOGICAL SECTION Dr. R. H. Swirt, Chairman * GEOEOGICAE*S SECTION Mr. Geo. W. Parsons Chairman FINANCE COMMITTEE Dr. A. Davipson, Mr. Wn. A. Spatptnc, Mr. GEorce PARSONS PROGRAM COMMITTEE Dr. Joun A. Comstock, Dr. R. H. Swirt, Dr. M. F. BAUMGARDT = Bs ~ COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION Mr. Witiram A. Spatpinc. Chairman Dr. Joun A. Comstock, AnstruTHER Davinson, C.M., M.D. saan | OFFICE OF THE ACADEMY 203 HiLisTREET Bupe., 815 S. Hitt ’ Los ANGELES, CAL. SIGNIFICANCE OF ABRADED AND WEATHERED MAMMALIAN REMAINS FROM RANCHO LA BREA By CHESTER STOCK The dense accumulations of mammalian remains encountered in the Pleistocene asphalt deposits of Rancho La Brea furnish mute evidence of the unusual conditions of miring and trapping that pre- vailed at this locality during the active periods of the tar pools. The abundance of skull and skeletal materials and the excellent state of preservation of the specimens suggest rather strongly that in the process of entombment the struggles of a mired form fre- quently hastened its total immersion and disappearance from the surface. Information derived from a study of the Rancho La Brea collection in the Los Angeles Museum clearly indicates that a rapid entombment of the mired hosts may not always have taken place. It seems safe to assume that in some instances the bodies of ani- mals trapped in the tar were disturbed or dismembered and the skeletal elements scattered before actual deposition occurred. More- over, it appears possible that osseous remains accumulated along or near the borders of the pools where the carcass of a mammal may have been subjected to the forces of the weather and to dis- turbance by other creatures before entering the asphalt record. An inference may be drawn therefore that members of the carnivore ' group were often attracted to the traps not only by the sense of sight but by the sense of smell as well, significant perhaps in accounting for the noticeable prevalence of such forms as the dire wolves (4inocyon). It is intended in the present paper to direct attention to two types of evidence on which these assumptions are based. ABRASIONS Skeletal elements are present in the collection which exhibit surface effects clearly due to attrition by organic forms, presum- ably carnivores and rodents. This abrasion is occasionally quite striking, as for example in a tibia of the large lion, Felis atrox, shown in Figure 1. In this specimen, exhumed at a depth of approximately 10 feet, in Pit 13 of the Los Angeles Museum exca- vations, at least two types of tooth-marking are to be noted: (1) Relatively large abrasions in which chips of bone several centimeters in length have been flaked off or broken away. Appar- ently in some cases the bite has been strong enough to expose the Marrow cavity. Stock SoUTHERN CALIFORNIA. ACADEMY OF SCIENCES PLATE 1 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES PLATE 2 Stock (2) Small abrasions usually in the form of grooves, approxi- mately a millimeter in width, and sometimes parallel. An individual groove frequently exhibits on closer inspection minute transverse ridges representing stages in the production of ithe groove by the chisel-like edge of ‘the incisor teeth of rodents. Occasionally the two types of markings are superimposed. Small tooth abrasions may be found on the margins of an area from which a flake has been broken, or a large abrasion may be traversed by a groove. It is apparent also that the mammals intent upon breaking or gnawing a particular bone found a convenient grasp along the more pronounced borders, for the latter are often scarred. The markings referred to are obviously not the result of attri- tion of skeletal elements due to movement of this material in the petroliferous mass, but were made by mammals prior to the entomb- ment of the specimen. Skeletal remains exhibiting these features may have furnished a source of food coveted particularly by the dire wolves with their strong jaws and teeth and by the smaller gnawing forms. WEATHERING The exposure of mammalian materials for any length of time at the surface of a tar pool or in its immediate vicinity ought to be indicated not only by the markings left by other mammals, but also by the type of preservation of the compact bony tissue of the skull and skeletal elements. The osseous remains occurring at Rancho La Brea usually retain their smooth external surfaces except where these have been modified for ligament or tendon at- tachment. In some instances, however, the material exhibits quite strikingly the effects of weathering, the specimens although thor- oughly penetrated and stained by the oil possess a Secs | appear- ance so closely similar to that of weathered skeletal remains found lying on the plains at the present time as to fully justify the recog- nition of similar causes. An example may suffice. No. 574, Figure 2, represents a skull of the large lion, Felis atrox, exhumed in Pit 3 of the Los Angeles Museum excavations at a depth of 9 feet. This specimen shows particularly well the effects of weathering on the ventral and lateral sides. Here the surface of the bones forming the hard palate and face are consider- ably roughened and scaled, the preservation of this portion of the skull being noticeably different from that of the bones forming the dorsal side of the face and brain-case. The latter retain in large measure their smooth surface. The teeth apparently have also sui- fered from exposure, the canines particularly exhibiting a shattered appearance. While the incisors and the cheek-teeth of one side are somewhat damaged, the skull and dentition do not give the impres- sion that the material was transported for any great distance. It appears reasonable to assume from the nature of the pres- ervation that the skull lay with palate exposed either on the surface 4 of the tar or on the sand or soil adjacent to a tar pool. Further- more, sufficient time apparently elapsed after the death of the animal and before entombment of its hard parts to permit decom- position or destruction of the soft structures and a weathering of the skull. CONCLUSION In the process of entombment of the osseous remains at Rancho La Brea the agencies assuring a record of the mammals of the region were undoubtedly on occasion very active. The large fauna found at this locality and the striking representation of certain members of the Carnivora lend substance to the belief that the tar traps were extremely efficient during their active periods. Furthermore, the lure presented by them explains in a convincing way the preponderance of predatory forms in the fossil assemblage. Among the latter the dire wolves are unquestionably the most pre- vailing type and their occurrence suggests, along with other evi- dence, that they were attracted to the scene by the moving drama of the traps but were not remiss in their desires to batten on a carcass. Here also occurred rodents who, unlike the mouse of the story, were content at times to feed on the stark remains of a kill. EEGENDS ORS EEX HIGURES PLATE 1 Felis atrox Leidy. Posterior and lateral views of tibia showing markings made by teeth of mammals. Los Angeles Museum Collection, Rancho La Brea Pleistocene, California. PLATE 2 Felis atrox Leidy. Ventral and dorsal views of skull. Note the weathered appearance of the palate and the absence of this type of preservation on the dorsal side. Los Angeles Museum Collection, Rancho La Brea Pleistocene, California. i } PENTSTEMON DUBIUM nn. sp. Dr. A. DAvipson Plant 3-4 dm. high, glabrous throughout; leaves sessile, ob- lanceolate below, lanceolate above, 25 mm. long, 7 mm. wide, finely serrate; sepals green; flower magenta colored, 2 cm. long, 6-7 mm. wide, tube slightly dilated above, 3 mm. wide; lower lobes 4 mm. long, 3mm. wide rounded at the apex; paler, with dark blue linear stripes running their whole length; upper lobes of similar diameter but shorter; pistil blue, entire sterile filament bearded at tip and along one side for 3 mm. with yellowish hairs; stamens horse- shoe shaped, split their whole length. Type No. 3659. Found on the fire-break over Mt. Lowe, Los Angeles in fair abundance amid specimens of P. centranthi- folius and P. Grinnelli and suspected to be a hybrid between these 2 species. Specimens are under the observation in cultivation by Mr. Robert Kessler, the discoverer. The Egg of GLAUCOPSYCHE LYGDAMUS AUSTRALIS Grinnell By JoHN ApAaMs CoMSTOCK Through the courtesy of Commander Dammers of Riverside, we have received a specimen of the egg of “The Southern Blue,” Glaucopsyche lygdamus australis, a drawing of which is here pre- sented. See plate 5, page 11. This egg presents the appearance that is common to most members of the genus. In form it is echinoid, with a depressed micropyle, the surface covered with raised white reticulations dis- posed irregularly, and bearing raised white papillae at their points of junction. These reticulations, or walls, enclose a series of irregular cells the ground color of which is a light green: the floors minutely pitted. These cells become smaller in the region of the micropyle. The example noted is about the same size as the egg of Phaedrotes piasus which we have previously figured. Pentstemon dubium PLATE 3 THE CAUSES OF CHANGE IN COLOR Patterns of Butterfly Aberrations By WiLHELM ScHrRaADER, Los Angeles, Calif. During a short period of summer certain species of butter- flies taken on the wing are observed which show occasional varia- tions in color that are in the nature of aberrations. In one of my former articles (Bulletin So. Calif. Acad. of Sciences, Vol. XX VII, Part 2) I have dealt with this phenomena as regards Pyrameis cardui. In this paper it is proposed to apply the same type of investigation to a nearly related species, Pyramets carye. The latter species can be easily distinguished from cardu: by the squared tip of the fore-wing, although in other respects the two species bear a close resemblance. Carye is limited in range to the west coast of the Americas, and in the United States ESS not fly east of the Rocky Mountains. The larval food plants in California are similar for both species, but carye seems to prefer species of Malva. The cater- pillar of this species is smaller than cardui, and has somewhat different habits. The species is also less prolific, and does not show the tendency occasionally observed in cardui, to migrate. Incidentally I have made many attempts to hybridize the two species, without success Aberrations of carye are most frequently observed in this locality in June, but when there has been a warm winter season without late frosts, they are then seen more plentifully in May. My observations tend to establish that these “sports” are the result of the first generation, which have carried through the cooler period, and at a critical period of the pupal stage have experienced high temperatures for a short space of time. In a state of nature, caterpillars usually choose a site for pupating, which is in the shade during the mid-day period. Oc- casionally however they may be subjected to the intense noonday sun, and this may account for the rather rare appearance of aber- rant forms in mid-summer. It has been observed that these aberrant forms are less wary than the normal insects, probably due to their lessened vitality, and they seem incapable of reproduction. Under experimental conditions I have produced these aberra- tions in the darkened incubator, as well as in exposure to sun- light. The best results have been obtained by taking chrysalids from a normal temperature, and exposing them for a short time to 118° Fahrenheit, afterwards allowing the temperature to gradu- ally return to normal. It is observed that the aberrant forms emerge from one to two days later than do the normal, which seems to establish the fact that the vital processes are inhibited, possibly at a time when the pigment is being deposited. 8 PLATE 4 ye. yrameis car Aberrations of P The percentage of aberrations in these experiments is very small, but is never-the-less, much higher than when an equal num- ber are raised under normal conditions. Some species of butterfly pupe, when exposed to high tem- peratures, develop the light colored pigments at the expense of the darker shades. With other species, the reverse is the rule. It is always noted however that on the last day before emergence, the light colors are developed first, and the dark colors last. I have experimented with feeding larve on the blossoms only of their food plants in order to determine if this had any notice- able effect on the final pigment of the adult insect. Occasionally a difference is noted in the larval color, but no change is apparent in the imago. In Plate 4 of this Bulletin it will be noted on figures 1, and 2 that the black band which crosses the forewing diagonally is re- duced in size when compared with the normal insect. Examples such as this are frequently observed in nature, but are not usually noticed by the inexperienced collector. This phase represents the first tendency towards aberration in response to an increased temperature in the later pupal stage. In figures 3 and 4 the same black band has almost disappeared, and in figures 5 and 6 it is completely obsolescent, and in addition the large red spot near the apex and close to the costa of forewing has been obliterated. In addition, the ocelli on the secondaries have begun to change from blue to white. Figures 7, 8 and 9 show a further increase in the white centres of the ocelli, while in figure 10 we have the extreme form in which the ocelli are completely white without an outer black margin. This extreme aberration is very rare. The ten examples shown in our plate represent the total of aberrant forms produced experimentally in over a thousand larve that were bred, and subjected to temperature changes. A con- siderable number were killed as a result of the application of heat in the pupal state. Several other species of butterflies are subject to aberration in response to similar thermal changes, and some of these will be further discussed in a later issue of this “Bulletin.” Incidentally, it may be noted that Mr. Jean Gunder of Pasadena has the finest and most complete collection of aberrant butterflies that has thus far come to our notice. The methods which I have used in breeding and experiment- ing on butterflies are not matters of secrecy. On the contrary I have attempted to explain them in detail, so that younger students 10 may be encouraged to experiment along similar lines and thus in- crease our knowledge of these interesting natural phenomena. The specimens produced in my series of experiments will be donated to the Los Angeles Museum and placed on display as an additional means toward furthering this interest. PLATE 5 Egg of Glaucopsyche lygdamus australis Grinnell, greatly magnified. 11 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Regular meeting of the Archeological Section of the Academy of Sciences was held in the Auditorium oi the Library, Novem- ber 20, 1928 at 8 P. M. Prof. C. S. Knopf of the University of Southern California gave the address of the evening on “Excur- sions in Ancient Civilizations.” The talk was illustrated by slides depicting noted excavations past and present, by which we today gain our knowledge of life at the dawn of history. Prof. Knopt dealt in his usual clear way with the methods of the archeologists who no longer seek only museum material, but study and list every shovel-full of excavated dirt, resulting in a more intimate knowi- edge of life 5,000 years ago, than we have oi conditions in com- paratively recent times. The lecture was further illustrated by specimens of Babylonian clay tablets from the speaker’s collection, which were translated to the audience. Prof. Knopi finished by a blackboard demonstration of the development of writing from the earliest characters showing the development of our own al- phabet from the Chaldean, Phoenician, and Greek to the Roman which we now use. A special meeting of the Academy was held December 14th, 1928 at 8 P. M. in the Library. This was a memorial meeting in recognition of the great work oi the late Roald Amundsen, and was a joint service with the University of California at Los An- geles. Lieut. Comm. J. D. Murray, aide for aviation on the staff of Admiral Pratt, U. S. N., spoke on that phase of our great marine force which deals not with arts oi destruction but of peace and the advancement of science and knowledge. He recounted the names of men of the navy who have led expeditions to un- charted lands and seas, and into the untrod polar regions. It was new viewpoint to those who have looked upon our navy as a war measure, rather than as an organization oi peaceful progress, of conquers not of nations, but of the unknown. Dr. Mars Baumgardt followed by a beautiful tribute to the life work of the great Norwegian, giving many personal bits from his active career in the polar lands. Dr. Baumgardt then gave a showing of two reels of motion picture film of the flight of the “Norge” with Amundsen and other polar veterans. Regular meeting of the Academy was held in the library on December 18th, 1928 at 8 P. M. Mr. M. P. Skinner, formerly Park Naturalist of the Yellowstone, spoke on “Grizzlies.” The work of the Park in the care of wild life was described, and num- 12 bers of slides of Elk and deer life and habits were shown. Many interesting and amusing facts about the life of the Bear family, particularly the “grizzly,” were given. The Archeological section’s regular meeting was held in the library January 15th, 1929 at 8 P. M. The Chairman of the Section Dr. R. H. Swift spoke on the outstanding achievements in Archeology during the year of 1928 just past, and reviewed the work of this new Academy Section and its steady growth since its first meeting, March, 1928. Dr. H. D. Bailey of Pasadena gave a talk on the “Navajos,” beautifully illustrated by slides made by the speaker while living with the tribes where “whites” seldom are welcome. Many strange customs of these primitive people were touched upon, including a description at length of the Medicine Man’s ceremonial attempt to cure disease. Regular meeting of the Academy was held in the Auditorium Ol toe IL, Als Polite Ibiomiay, Itclonberay Widens Jes IME Ike IN. Jel, Swift spoke on “The Meaning of the X-Ray,” demonstrating its actual usage by means of a “bed-side unit,’ by which the bones of the speaker’s hand were made visible on a fluroscopic screen. The story of the discovery, with tribute to the late Dr. Roentgen, whose vigilant, trained scientific eye noting the flurescence of a screen in his laboratory in 1895, discovered what has been termed the greatest single discovery of the century. The explanation of the men of science as to the cause of the penetration of so-called solid matter by the rays, followed. The speaker then illustrated the great use to mankind in industry, investigations into the struc- ture of matter, and its great value in diagnosis, by means of stereoptican slides of cases on file in his laboratories. Regular meeting of Archeological Section of the Academy was held in the library, March 19th at 8 P. M. Mr. Charles Amsden of the Southwest Museum spoke on “The Indians of Southern California.” The lecture was illustrated by slides de- picting the arts and crafts of the California Indians of whom mis- leading accounts by the Spanish would have us believe to be of the lowest grade of development. The speaker divided these people into three types,—shore, hill and desert dwellers, and showed the influence of habitation on the archeological remains. Ex- amples of great artistic beauty were noted in basketry, pottery and stone, shell and bone carving. Dr. R. H. Swit, Secretary. 13 REPORT OF THE LORQUIN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY—MAY, 1929 The Eighth Annual Butterfly Show was held in the Los An- geles Museum -at Exposition Park from March 22 to April 26, 1929. The exhibition consisted of twenty standard show cases of native and exotic Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and representatives from other orders of the Insecta, in addition to the Dr. J. A. Comstock collection of 3,000 specimens which were mounted in wall cases. The total number of insects has been estimated at between 13,000 and 15,000. Important features in connection with the exhibit were the smaller displays of butterflies in the public libraries, the full pages of Rotogravure in the Los Angeles Times and Long Beach Press-Telegram, special days at the Show for the nature clubs, school classes, and boy scouts, a story writing contest for the children, and special lectures by Dr. Comstock and Dr. Muchmore of the museum staff. An illustrated article will appear in the Pan-Pacific Entomologist. The prize ribbons, in memory of Lockhart Muchmore, were awarded in the following manner: No. 1—Highest Award for New Species...... to Mr. J. D. Gunder No. 2—Gold Award for Western Collection to Mr. J. S. Garth No. 3—Silver Award for Western Collection to Mr. F. W. Friday No. 4—Honorary Award for Western Collection to Mr. Lloyd Martin. INo= > — ExoHe Aword =... | eee to Mr. E. O. Murmann No6—CGommercal Award ~2 ae to Mr. Hal Newcomb JouHn S. Gartu, Secretary. i4 BULLETIN of the SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY of SCIENCES Published by the Academy at Los Angeles, California. Subscription—$2.00 per year Free to Life Members and Unlimited Annual Members of the Academy. (Annual Membership Fee $5.00) Address all communications to Dr. John A. Comstock Care of Los Angeles Museum, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, Cal., U.S. A. Publications of the Southern California Academy of Sciences The Academy has published to date the following: PROCEEDINGS. 1896 to 1899. Six numbers—Vol. 1, Nos. 1 to 6. MISCELLANEOUS BULLETINS issued under the imprint of the Agri- cultural Experiment Station—1897 to 1907. Ten numbers. All issues of the above are now out of print. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences Began issue with Vol. I, No. 1, January, 1902. Issued ten numbers in 1902, nine numbers in 1903, 1904, 1905; three numbers in 1906. Issued two numbers annually from 1907 to 1919, both inclusive (except 1908— one issue only). Issued four numbers (January, May, July and Octo- ber) in 1920. The 1921 issues are: Vol. XX, No. 1, April; Vol. XX, No. 2, August; Vol. XX, No. 3, December. The 1922 issues are: Vol. XXI, No. 1, March; Vol. XXI, No. 2, September. The 1923 issues are: Vol. XXII, No. 1, March; No. 2, July. The 1924 issues are: Vol. XXIII, No. 1, January-February; No. 2, March-April; No. 3, May-June; No. 4, July-August; No. 5, Septem- ber-October; No. 6, November-December. The 1925 issues are: Vol. XXIV, No. 1, January-April; No. 2, May-August; No. 3, September-December. The 1926 issues are: Vol. XXV, No. 1, January-April; No. 2, May- August. No. 3, September-December. 15 All of the above are now out of print, with the exception of the following, which may be secured from the Secretary of the Academy at the appended prices: Vol. 3; No ; 4 re Gao “ 7, « ‘ 9, « ate 9, « “40, « aly Saft eats ae en GSI & “ 4g « “ 49 « ie eae Con) Ge COR os “99 “9g « « 99 « «93 « “99 « «“ 99 « «93 « “94 « «94 « ini Y/t aan “95 « “95 « “95 “« 96 « “ 96 « “96 « « o7 « a «oT « The Academy is desirous of completing its files in certain issues and will appreciate the donation of all numbers by members who have no further use for back issues. Address all communications concern- ing the above to: Southern California Academy of Sciences, Care of Los Angeles Museum, 7 5 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 4 if 2 2. 1. 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 if 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 October May July, January, January, July July, January, July, July, July, January, October, March, October, July, January, March, May, July, September, November, January, May, September, January, May, September, January, April, September, January, May, September, Dr. JOHN A. CoMsTock Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California 16 4 Poi Pole NOR THE Southern California Academy of Sciences LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Vol. XXvil § May-August, 1929 Part 2 CONTENTS DESCRIPTION OF TWO NEW LAND teegIEL BROOM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - - G. Willett ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS WITH PYRAMBIS CARYE (Lepid.) - = = = = = = = Wilhelm outa STUDIES IN PACIFIC COAST LEPIDOPTERA (Cont’d.) - Dr. John A. Comstock A NEW SPECIES OR FORM OF ANTHOCHARIS FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - - _ - Dr. John A. Comstock IN MEMORIAM: HERBERT J. GOUDGE - W. A. Spalding PROCEEDINGS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES = - - - - - - - - Issued October 20, 1929. Southern California Academy of Sciences a 8 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS De. Forp A) CARPENTER: 2.70.50..0\):0 OS eee ee President THEGDGRE PAY Nii. tec) Lo oT sere ee Vice-President ye ye 2 Si seh Second Vice-President Deke EL Swarr 2. .: scaler Obs ett an LENE LY OS ae a Secretary Mr Wirt iA. SPALDING... eee Treasurer Dr. Mars F. BAUMGARDT Gro. W. PARSONS Dr. W1tt1AM A. Bryan Comm. R. FRANK Gross Dr. A. DAviIpsON Dr. FRANK CLARK Dr. Forp A. CARPENTER Dr. R. H. Swirt Witt1aAM A. SPALDING THEODORE PAYNE Dr. Joun A. Comstock Dr. T. C. Low = 8 ADVISORY BOARD Mr. B. R. BAUMGARDT Dr. D. L. TASKER = ASTRONOMICAL SECTION Dr. Mars F. BAUMGARDT WILLIAM A. SPALDING Chairman Secretary ZOOLOGICAL SECTION Dr. JAMES Z,. GILBERT Chairman BOTANICAL SECTION Dr. A. Davipson THEODORE PAYNE: Chairman Secretary ARCHEOLOGICAL SECTION Dr. R. H. Swirt, Chairman GEOLOGICAL SECTION Mr. Geo. W. PARSONS ~ Chairman FINANCE COMMITTEE Dr. A. Davinson, Mr. Wo. A. Spacpinc, Mr. GrorGE PARSONS PROGRAM COMMITTEE Dr. Joun A. Comstock, Dr. R. H. Swirt, Dr. M. F. BAUMGARDT = 8 COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION Me. Witram A. SPALDING, Chairman Dr. Joun A. Comstock, ANsSTRUTHER Davinson, C.M., M.D. = 8 OFFICE OF THE ACADEMY Los ANGELES Museum, ExposiTIon Park Los ANGELES, CAL. DESCRIPTION OF TWO NEW LAND SHELLS FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA By G. WILLETT Micrarionta reedi new species. Shell large for the group, whorls convex, sutures distinct ; last whorl strongly descending be- hind peristome. Umbilicus wide and deep, contained about six times in diameter of shell. Aperture strongly oblique; peristome thickened, expanded, encroaching somewhat on the umbilicus. Em- bryonic whorls covered with irregular, elongate papillae, some of which have their long axes parallel to the suture and others at various angles to it. Later whorls smooth, except for lines of growth. Color of living specimens light brown, encircled at the shoulder by a very dark brown (almost black) band, about one millimeter wide, with indefinitely defined lighter zones above and below. Type: No. 1019 Collection Los Angeles Museum. Para- types in collections of S. S. Berry, Fred M. Reed and the writer. The type and 24 additional specimens were collected by the writer under rocks in Palm Canyon, Borrego Valley, San Diego County, California, April 28, 1929. Many other dead and faded speci- mens were seen scattered along the bottom of the canyon. Max. Min. Diam. Number of Diam. Diam. Alt. Umbil. Whorls mm. mm. mm. mm. INOS ee i eek eee ZNe7, 18.3 Zr) 3L6 5 Paratype (dead shell)... 23.5 19.6 13.4 3-9 514 Remarks: This is the largest of the known California Eremariontas, with the exception of FE. wolcottiana Bartsch, from which it is distinguishable at sight by its open umbilicus and more depressed form. The irregular arrangement of the papillae on the nuclear whorls is also different from any other species known to the writer. The credit for the discovery of this handsome and strongly marked species belongs to Mr. Fred M. Reed, of Riverside, Cali- fornia, in whose honor it is named. The type locality was visited by the writer after Mr. Reed had sent to the Los Angeles Museum two dead specimens taken by him April 4, 1929. Micrarionta ora new species. Shell depressed, whorls con- vex, sutures distinct; last whorl strongly descending behind peris- tome. Umbilicus wide and deep, contained about five and one- half times in diameter of shell. Aperture strongly oblique; peris- tome somewhat thickened, rounded, encroaching slightly on the umbilicus. Nepionic stage covered with irregularly shaped pa- pillae, some of which are more or less rounded and others oblong, NG the axes of the elongated papillae being almost at right angles to the suture. At the beginning of the neanic stage, which embraces about one and one-fourth turns, the papillae become more elongated and regular, being in alternate rows, with their axes parallel to the suture. In the type specimen these papillae are regular and distinct and show little indication oi fusion, as in M. harperi Bryant. On the subsequent whorls the papillae are much smaller, more rounded and more widely scattered, and are apparently absent on the last third of the last whorl. Base free from papillae, ex- cepting in the aperture and in the umbilicus. Color of shell white or ivory yellow, passing into brownish on spire; a narrow brown band about .6 mm. wide encircling the shoulder. Type: No. 1018 Collection Los Angeles Museum. Paratypes in collection of the writer. The type and eleven additional speci- mens were collected by the writer in rock slides near the north end of Fish Mountains, Imperial County, California, about three miles from the settlement of San Felipe, March 31, 1929. Three ad- ditional specimens, apparently referable to this form, were taken at Yaqui Wells, San Diego County, about ten miles from the type locality, April 28, 1929. Max. Min. : Diam. Number of Diam. Diam. Alt. Umbil. Whorls mm. mm. mm. mm. Dy pe ee 184° 1549 109 ase aes Paraty per een oe ete 16.9 14.2 £12 29 ASA Spec. from Yaqui Wells 18.1 15.4 10.8 3.0 47% REMARKS: It is entirely possible that, when the ranges bor- dering the southwestern portion of the Colorado Desert are thoroughly worked, this iorm may prove to be only subspecifically distinct from the shell now known as WV. orcuttt Bartsch. It may even be found that orcutti and ora are both subspecies of MW. har- pert Bryant. The material at hand at this time, however, shows M. ora to ditfer strongly from typical orcutti in much smaller um- bilicus, and from harperi in much lighter papillation and in lack of same on base of shell and on the last third of the last whorl. Furthermore, if recorded specimens of orcutti and harperi are adult shells, ora is considerably larger than either of them. Recent descriptions of species of this group of Muicrariontas have almost invariably placed great importance upon the differences in the scheme oi papillation of the nuclear whorls. In fact, the reader oi these descriptions would receive the impression that there was little variation in this regard within the species, and that such variations might be regarded as specific characters. A study of the nuclear characters of M. ora would seem to point to the conclusion that the importance of differences of papillation may have been over-emphasized, possibly due largely to scanty ma- terial. The arrangement of papillae described in the type of M. ora seems to be the usual one in the species, but there is consid- 18 ,? o.oo erable variation in the type series. In some specimens the papillae merge into slender lines, some of which lines run diagonally to the suture and others parallel with it. In others some of the pa- pillae merge in such a way as to form more or less rectangular, shallow pits. The writer names this species in honor of his wife, Mrs. Ora Willett, who assisted in collecting the type series and who, for sev- eral years past, has rendered valuable aid in the field. Los Angeles Museum, Jeme 15, 1922 Note: As this article goes to press we are in receipt of the Nautilus for October, 1929, in which S. Stillman Berry has given the name Micra- rionta boregoensis to the shell described above as Micrarionta reedi. Dr. Berry’s description having priority, reedi becomes nomen nudum. The receipt of this publication at this late date makes it impossible to with- draw the above description. Micrarionta ora. Type. Micrarionta reedi. Type. PLATE 6. 19 ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS WITH PYRAMEIS CARYE (LEPID.) By WILHELM SCHRADER Every experienced lepidopterist knows that localities in which there are extreme variations in temperatures tend to produce seasonal forms of certain species of butterflies. In my breeding experiments I find that the same thermic factor is Operative in the production of aberrant forms: for example—butterfly larvae which have been raised in a cool environment, and after pupation are subjected to very hot temperature. produce the greatest per- centage of aberrations. This explains the occurrence of these forms in nature during the early part of the warm season. The past winter, and rainy season, was unusual for its long duration, and for two sharp periods of frost, that were widely separated in occurrence. For this reason I was anxious to col- lect a large number of the larvae of Pyrameis carye in order to determine the influence of the unusual weather conditions on the resultant hatch. Accordingly I collected, between November, 1928, and April, 1929, nearly three thousand caterpillars of this species. Unfortunately nearly all of these succumbed to the wilt disease, but a few aberrant forms resulted. This lot of cater- pillars was exposed to the early cold spell of December 1928, fol- lowed by the milder, frostless period of January and February, 1929. I also captured, on April 8th, an unusually dark aberration of P. carye (see plate 7, fig. 1). Following the heavy frost of March 11th, 1929, I again col- lected a large number of caterpillars, and succeeded in carrying more than a thousand through to the pupal stage. These pupae were subjected to 118° Fahrenheit for a short space of time. The resultant percentage of aberrations was higher than in any of my former breeding experiments. The degree of aberration (with increase of the black pigmentation) was also much more pro- nounced. Note the examples on plate 7, figures 2 to 8. It has been my experience that all aberrations are lacking in the vitality which characterizes normal forms. Consequently there are many that were unable to free themselves from the pupal case. Note figures 9 and 10 of plate 7, in which the undeveloped wing clearly shows the dark pigmentation of the aberrant form. Compare this with the normal (but undeveloped ) example in figure 11. It will be interesting for other entomologists to carry on similar experiments with other species of lepidoptera, in seasons of long continued cold, or sudden thermal changes, in order that we may understand more thoroughly the influences responsible for pigmental variation. 20 11 Aberrations of Pyrameis PLATE 7. 21 Carye 10 bo STUDIES IN PACIFIC COAST LEPIDOPTERA (Continued ) Dr. Joun A. Comstock Associate Director, Los Angeles Museum Through the generous co-operation of Commander C. M. Dammers, and family, of Riverside, we are enabled to record a number of additional notes on the life histories of California lepidoptera. PHYCIODES PHAON Edw. Larva. The iarva, as here described, is probably in its last instar. Head: ground color, ivory, with large blackish-brown spots disposed as shown in our illustration, Plate 8. Two of these spots are reniform, near the top of the head, one each side of the median line. External to these is a large elongate spot, and inferior to this on the side of the head is another smaller ovate one, on which the true ocelli occur. The latter are jet black. A number of brownish-black hairs are scattered over the head. Body: ground color, olivaceous. A fine mid-dorsal dark brown line is present, and lateral thereto occurs an area of olive- brown mottling, edged externally with a light olive stripe. Latero- inferiorly to this is a dark brown stripe, extending from the second cervical to the anal segments, but lighter and more irregular on the posterior end. Inferior to this stripe is a lighter mottled band extending along the line of the spiracles (stigmata). Below this is a light cream colored band, running along the entire length of the body, and edged along its lower margin by brownish-black. All of the body below this area is a dark olivaceous. The body is covered with numerous branching spines, ar- ranged in rows. The mid-dorsal row is smaller, and is obsolete on the first three cervical and last caudal segments. The row next lateral to this rests on a light colored band, and is complete. A second row external to this rests on the lower edge of a dark band. Latero-inferiorly to this is still another row of smaller spines, placed in line below the spiracles, and obsolete on the first and second dorsal, and anal segments. There are also two (paired) small spines at the base of each of the prolegs, and a single spine on each of the remaining segments in line with these. All of the spines are light colored (or colorless) on the trunks, with slightly darkened tips. The hairs protruding from these spines are, for the most part, dark brownish-black, with slightly lighter bases. Legs, and prolegs, dark olivaceous. Larval foodplant, Lippia nodiflora and L. lanceolata (Mat grass ). Pupa. 10.5 mm. long by 3.5 wide at greatest dimension. Color, light cream, with an overlay or reticulation of light brown. Spiracles, dark brown. The dorsal tubercles are whitish, tipped with brown. Our illustration, plate 8, accurately depicts the form. The larvae were collected near Blythe, Calif., by Master Charles H. Dammers. Larva and Pupa of Phyciodes Phaon a. Larva, dorsal view. b. Larva, lateral view. ec. Pupa, lateral view. d. Pupa, dorsal view. e. Pupa, ventral view. All figures enlarged. PLATE 8. 23 PLEBEJUS MELISSA Edw. In “Papilio,” Vol. 4, Page 91, Mr. W. H. Edwards describes the larva of the above named species, and speaks particularly of the pair of retractile tubes, with which it is enabled to attract ants. We are reproducing a figure of this larva, plate 9, prob- ably in the third instar. It was taken by Mr. Dammers on Glycyrrhiza lepidota, a foodplant not heretofore mentioned for the species, and was raised to maturity on wistaria. The female of this species spends a lot of time in a pretense of laying—walking up and down the plant, and even on the ground at its base, before ovipositing. Though she seems very particular about choosing a site, the eggs may finally be laid on any portion of the plant, or even on dead leaves, sticks, or pebbles in proximity to it. The pupa of L. melissa is similar to others of the genus (see plate 9). The color is, at first, a uniform pea green, but changes some- what before emergence. The wing cases take on a straw color, and the eye cases become black. Length, average 7.5 mm. Great- est width through abdomen, 3mm. The pupa emerged in 9 days. Plebejus melissa a. Pupa, dorsal view. b. Pupa, ventral view. c¢. Pupa, lateral view. d. Larva, dorsal view. All figures enlarged. PLATE 9. 24 PHOLISORA ALPHEUS Edw. Egg. Color, ivory: the depressions shading to a brown, and the tips of the nodules a dirty white. Size, approximately .75 mm. broad. Height the same as breadth. There are approximately eight ridges radiating from the micro- phyle, and bearing a number of nodules. These are most pro- nounced on the upper portion of the egg, and grow progressively smaller toward the base. From each nodule, a number of ridges or walls radiate, in an irregular stellate pattern. See Plate 10, figure a. Larva. Last instar. Head: dull brownish-black, covered profusely with a wavy yellowish pile. Body: dull green, profusely covered with small whitish nodules, and bare of ornamentation. The shape and form is ac- curately depicted in figure b of Plate 10. The caterpillar rolls a leaf into a protective tent. Foodplant, Atriplex (Fog-weed). The species on which eggs were gathered was Atriplex expansa. Pupa. Length, 11 mm. Color, light straw, with a “bloom” of powdery white, the abdominal segments slightly darker. Nu- merous hairs cover the head region, disposed as shown in the illustration. Plate 11. These are also scattered over the dorsum, and abdominal segments, but are absent on the ventrum, and wing cases. The caterpillar pupates in its protective “tent.” The eggs of this species were collected by Master Charles H. Dammers, near Blythe, Calif. Pholisora alpheus a. Egg, greatly magnified. b. Larva, dorsal view, enlarged. PLATE 10. 25 Pupa of Pholisora alpheus a. Ventral view. b. Dorsal view. c. Lateral view. All figures enlarged. PLATE 11. URBANUS SCRIPTURA Bdv. Comm. Dammers reports the “probable” foodplant as Sida hederacea (Alkali Mallow). POLITES SABULETI COMSTOCK! Gund. Egg. Color: delicate green. Surface finely granular, cov- ered with an irregular reticulation of slightly raised walls, en- closing hexagonal areas, the floors of which are flat. Micropyle only slightly depressed, and of a darker shade of green. Size: width at greatest dimension, 1 mm. About two-thirds as high as it is broad. See Plate 12. Foodplant: Bermuda grass. Comm. Dammers describes the young larva as “typical skipper. green, with jet black head.” Egg of Polites sabuleti comstocki Greatly magnified. PLATE 12. 26 OCHLODES SYLVANOIDES Bdv. A larva of this species was found, resting on wild parsnip, whence it had probably crawled from some nearby grasses in preparation for pupation. The specimen was collected in Devil’s Canyon on June 25, 1929 by Master Dammers, and pupated Aug. 2nd, without further feeding. Larva: buff yellow, with a black head. Fed to maturity and pupated in six weeks. Pupa. Length 15.5 mm. Greatest width through thorax, 4 mm. Ground color, cream, with a whitish “bloom” over most of the surfaces. The anterior portions are shaded with brown. Eye cases, reddish-brown, shading to a deep blackish-brown in two areas. Pile, where present, a dirty cream. Abdominal portions lighter in color. The spots and markings, and general shape of the chrysalis_ are shown in Plate 13. The pupa emerged in six days. LF Soe Se me Ss ir, Pupa of Ochlodes sylvanoides a. Ventral surface. b. Lateral surface. ec. Dorsal surface. All figures enlarged. PLATE 13. CoPAEODES AURANTIACA Hew. Egg. Color, cream. Texture, smooth and glistening; micro- phyle not depressed, and indistinguishable from the surrounding surface. The shape is that of a flattened hemisphere. See Plate 14, figure d. Collected at Blythe, Calif., deposited on Bermuda grass July 30) 1929) \Emerged Aus. 2nd Larva. First instar. Cylinderical, tapering posteriorly. Head conoidal, with two points projecting superiorly, the face crossed by two vertical bands of pink, beginning on the horns, and running infero-laterally, with a large purplish area on the cheeks. The top of head bears a V shaped mark, with the base toward the neck and the arms of the V extending onto the horns. Body: green with bands of darker green running longi- tudinally. There is a delicate light mid-dorsal stripe, obsolescent caudally, bordered by two heavy green bands, coalescing on the last three segments and terminating in a pinkish-red band, which extends out onto the horn-like projection of the caudal segment. Two dark green bands occur on the lateral surface. Abdomen and legs, light green. The larva is illustrated on Plate 14, figures a, b, and c. In the later instars the head is proportionately smaller, and the dorsal bands are a heavy purple shade. The larva pupated Aug. 24th. Pupa. Length 19 mm. Color, light straw. The body is cylindrical, with a sharp elongate “beak” extend- ing anteriorly from the head, somewhat similar to that of the pupa of Lerodea eufala. Edw. There is a dark brown interrupted mid-dorsal line, with three paired spots of the same color on the dorsum of the thorax. A few irregular gray-brown lines occur on the wing cases. Abdomen: elongate and tapering. Lateral to the mid-dorsal line there is a narrow white longitudinal line, and lateral to this a still narrower white line, edged above and below with pink. A narrow lateral brown line occurs immediately above the stigmata, which is, however, obsolescent on the anal segments. Below the stigmata is a faint suggestion of a yellow line. The tips of the labial cases are dark brown and extend posteriorly onto the abdo- men. The pupa is suspended by a delicate girdle. See figures e and f on Plate 14 28 ibe mleiiie tals ARTA UE Te enwnt ie AR eRe Bz eee CALI Line ERT 3 SM AECL ONE