ef aa gies; 3s Spratt 7 VOLUME VIII, 1897. EDITOR: HENRY SKINNER, M.D. PHILIP P. CALVERT, Ph.D., Associate Editor. ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Y Gero. H. Horn, M.D. Ezra T. CRESSON. CHARLES A, BLAKE. 7] oO CHARLES LIEBECK. PHILIP LAURENT. WILLIAM J. Fox. 2d vw PHILADELPHIA: 2 ENTOMOLOGICAL ROOMS OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, LOGAN SQUARE. 1897. INDEX TO VOLUME VIII. (* After generic or specific names indicates that such are new.) GENERAL. SUBJECT. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Entomological Sec- tion of, 40, 206, 230, 254. Acorn insects, 76. Association of Agricultural Col- leges and Experiment Stations, Entomology at, 37, 57. Chicago Entomological Society, 68. Cigars, Derivation of word, 247. Cleveland Nat. Hist. Society, 250. Doings of Societies 19, 47, 66, 90, II4, 140, 181, 206, 230, 254. Economic Entomologists, Associa- tion of 11. 198. Economic Entomology, 11, 37, 57, IOI, 198, 221, 248. Editorials, 10, 36, 55, 79, 100, 133, 171, 197, 220, 245. Entomological collections: Amsterdam, 124. _ Fuller’s, A. S., 172. Halle, 5. Milan, 4. Munich, 5. Oxford, 224. Entomological Literature 15, 40, 60, 83, 106, 135, 156, 174, 202, 226, 251. Feldman Collecting Social 19, 47, 66, 90, 114, 140, 181, 207, 231, 255, Florida, April collecting in, 7. Heat produced by weevils, 140. Horn, Honor to Dr. G. H., 105. Ichthyol for stings, 54. =. [x72i Louisiana Society of Naturalists, Mt. Washington, Insects of, 237. Newark Entomolog’l Soc., 20, 142. Newspaper Entomology, 245. Nomenclature of types, 105. Notes and News, 12, 38, 59, 82, 104, 172, 200, 224, 250. Obituary: Curtis, J. L., 75. Dawsett, A., 72. Eppelsheim, E., 48. Hamilton, J., 72, 73. Horn, George H., 250. Linell, M. L., 159. Matthews, Rev. A., 256. Merkel, A., 184. Morawitz, F. F., 72. Saunders, R. T., 184. Westhoff, F., 72. Wight, R. A., 156. Packard, Honor to Prof. A. RE & Physiological species, 234. Postage on Nat. Hist. specimens, 55. Prolegs in larvee, Number of, 122. Types, 105. Yucca substitute for cork, 20. ARACHNIDA. Dermodex and ‘black heads’, 115. Pseudoscorpions on flies, 13, 59. Spider capturing fish, gr. Spider disappears, How a, 219. Theridium inconstaas,* 91. habits of, 93. COLEOPTERA. Acorn weevil, 76. Adalia bipunctata, 256. Amblychila cylindriformis, 224. Anthicus formicarius, 34, 232. Anthophilax attenuatus, Oviposi- tion of, 192. A. viridis, 206. Badister notatus, 47. Balaninus, 76. { Baris scolopacea, 18t. > ii INDEX. Bembidium, Habits of, 256. Brachytarsus alternatus, i. Bronchelia hortaria, 47. Bruchus, Heat produced by, r4o. Casnonia ludoviciana, 47, 141. Chilocorus bivulnerus, 256. Cicindela consentanea, 231. Cisthene subjecta, 208. Coccinella transversoguttata, Sem- bling of, 49, 82, 99. Coptocycla clavata, 181. Costly bugs, 226. Pe Crioceris asparagi, 13. 12-punctatus, 181, 230. Cryptorhynchus lapathi, 13, 67. Dendrophilus punctatulus, 230. Dinopate wrightii, 90. Disonychia politula, 207. Dromeolus striatus, 255. Elmis foveatus, 256. Epitrix parvula, 181. Flights of C., 49, 82, 99. Hemantus, 132. Hippodamia lecontei, 82. Idaho, C. of, 165. Kansas Lachnosterna, 214. Lema trilineata, 181. Melasis pectinicornis, 230. Mouth-parts of C., 196. Murgantia histrionica, 66, 47. New Jersey, C. of, 181, 218. © Obrium rubidum, 67. Pachyscelus purpureus, 181. Pennsylvania, C. of, 168, 232. Pentilia misella, 20, 256. ' Phryedenus undulatus, 67. Pinodytes hamiltont, 34. Plesoma punctata, 230. - Pogonus lecontet, 208. Salt meadows, C. of, 218. Scarabzidze of Wisconsin, 129. Scolytus muticus, 90. Sitodrepa panicea, 255. Spermophagus robinig, 173. Tenebrionid, A nearly blind, 154. Trichobaris trinotata, 181. Typhlusechus,* 154. T. singularis,* 155. Wisconsin, Scarabzidze of, 129. DIPTERA. Buffalo gnat new to U. S., 100. Chrysopila griffithi,* 119. Dialysis fasciventris, 118. Flies, Pseudoscorpions on, 13, 59. Flies walk on ceilings, How, 207, Hyperechia atrox, 207. (231. Leptidz, New, 117. Leptogaster flavipes, n. n. for L. longipes Johns, 120. Midas, spp., 115. Onion maggot, tor. Philadelphia, D. near, 231. Platypeza spp., 254. Psychoda elegans,* 144. “s olympia,* 144. “ pacifica,* 143. Simulium ochraceum, 100, 172. Swarm of Aphodius inguinatus, 173. Symphoromyia hirta,* 120. Syrphidz, Distribution of N. A., 190 Washington, Psychodide of. 143. HEMIPTERA. Aphidide of black timber zone, Colorado, 201. Aphids associated with ants, 125. California H., Two, 95. Carchariacephalus smithii,* 153. Cicadas attracted by sound, 78. Coccids associated with ants, 125. Colorado, H. of, 53, 201. Dacertla inflata, 95. Hlarpactor americanus,* 96. Halticus bractatus, 209. Kermes boguet,* 94. Lecaniodiaspis tessellatus,* 161. San José scale, 221, 255. Sunflower in city, H. on, 67. HYMENOPTERA. Ants, Aphids and Coccids asso- ciated with, 125. rage aus Ee. Ants in S. Georgia, 52. ‘* Remarkable use of, 200. _ To destoy red, 134. Ashmeadiella,* 197. ~ Bee moth, 187. Bruchophagus funebris, 59. Clypeadon,* 13. Eugycistus, 256. ; Nebraska, Perdit¢a from, 23. Nitelopterus,* 22. * slosson@,* 23. Parapompilus, 32. Perdita brunneri,* 23. Philanthus anna,* 68. 3 solivagus,* 70. sf trumani,* 70. Plenoculus parvus,* 7%. Tryphoninz, Names of, 251. Vespa crabro in New Jersey, 232. Wasps in air-brakes, 132. LEPIDOPTERA. Acorn moth, 77. Acronycta spp.*.of N. A., 146. Amblyscirtes vialis, 231. Anea troglodyta, 228. Arctia spp., 114. Argynnis aphrodite and alcestis, 67. Bee moth, 187. California, L. of, 29. Carpacapsa pomonella, 104. Catocala habilis, 115. tS: JOENS BNO, Catoca/la, protective colors of, 220. Chrysophanus aimericana aberr., Cleveland, Ohio, L. of, 97. Codling moth, oviposition of, 104. ‘Cressonia juglandis, 21. Dakota, L. of South, 27. Debis creola,* 236. Deilephila lineata, 49. Delaware Noctuide, 77. Ephestia kuehnielia in Penna., 217. Lpirranthis obfirmaria, 141. _ Erebus odora, 201. SNOWL, 224. [224. INDEX. ill Erycides amyntas \arva, 182, Eudamus tityrus, food-plant, 14. Eunica tatila, 228. Galleria mellonella, 187. Hlolcocera glandulella, 77. Hypena, hybernation of, 59, 133. Idaho, L. of, 163, 2F1. Mamestra ectypa, 60. [217. Mediterranean flour moth in Pa., Neumoegen collection, Types in, 240. Newark, New Jersey, L. of, 21. Ohio, L. of, 97. Pamphila aaroni, 60. e dion, 254. = hobomok, 121. i zabulon, 121. Papiho indra, 134. Peach borer, 233. Pieris ochsenheimeri, 228. Plusia purpurigea, 60. Samia cynthia larva, 14. Sannina exitiosa, 208, 233. Smerinthus geminatus, 2%. South Dakota, L. of, 27. Sphinx luscitiosa, L. of, 27. Sugaring, 21. Syneda graphica, 14, 182. Thecla martialis, 123, 228. ‘* sheridanit, 134. Triprocris smithsonias, 181. Thyatira rectangulata,* 25, 99. Utah, L. of, 163, 211. Wyoming, L. of, 163, 21r. NEUROPTERA. Didymops transversa, 230. Dragonflies, gizzard of, 39. ch in hot water, 39. Gizzard of dragonflies, 39. Leucochrysa floridana,* 184. Libellula exusta, 230. Mallophaga, Two new, 185. Pantala hymenc@a, 208. Plathemis trimaculata, 230. Termites associated with ants, 193. iv | INDEX. Tetragoneura cynosura, 230. Trichodectes cahfornicus,* (86. vt quadriceps,* 185. ORTHOPTERA. | Labia minor, 236. Melanoplus differentialis, 141. Mimicry of Mermiria bivittata, 232. Pezottettix glacialis, 256. AUTHORS. Aaron, Mrs. C. B., 187.. Ashmead, W. H., 22 Baker, C. F., 53, 153, 172. Banks, N., 183. Bergroth, E., 95. Bland, J. H. B., 256. Boerner, C., 181. Brehme, H. H., 20, 21. Britton, W. E., 173. Bruce, D., 134, 224. Bubna, M., 97. Calvert, P. P., 4, 124, 230 and En- tomological ‘Liveratare, Casey, T. L.; 132. Castle, D. M., 7, 181. Chapman, B, 185. Chittenden, F. H., 160 Cockerell, T. D. A., 23, 59, 94, 161, 197, 202, 207, 234, 25I. Cross, E. W., 220. Curtis, J. L., 91. Dietz, O., 184. Dunning, S. N., 68 Dyar, H. G., 182. Ehrmann, E. C., 168. Ehrmann, G. A., 168. Elrod, M. J., 39. Fernald, C. H., 105. Fox, W. J., 32, 71, 91, 256. Griffith, H. G., 67, 251. Hamilton, J., 34. Holland, W. J., 201. Hornig, H., 14, 231. Howard, L. O., 159. Hoyer, 256. [254. Johnson, C. W., 115, 117, 207, 230, ‘Sab, SK Gs Johnson, W. G., 58, 217. Jones, F. M., 60, 77. Kellogg, V. L., 75. Kemp, S. T., 141, 254. Kincaid, T., 143. King, G. B., 125, 193. Kirkland, A. H., 200 Klages, E., go. Knab, F., 13, 236. Knaus, W., 214. Laurent, P., 7, 47, 115, 141, 182, 208, 226, 232. Liebeck, C., 230, 254. Linell, M. L., 154. Marloff, F., 66. McLachlan, R., 133. Middleton, R. M., Jr., 201. Ottolengui, R., 25, 240. | Patton, W..H., 13, 76, 122. Pilate, G. R., 51. Piper, C. V., 49. Poulton, E. B., 225. Quaintance, A. L., Reinecke, O., 1 Schaffer, C., 173. Schmitz, T. H., 20, 48, 67, 116, 142, 182, 208, 232, oats 15<362. Seiss, F. C., 67, 91, 141, 156, 255- Skinner, H., 48, 67, 415, 121, 523, 134, 207,228, 231, 236. a | Slosson, Mrs. A. T., 237. a Smith, J. B., 11, 20, 37, 57, Icr, 114, a f 140, 146, 181, 233, 248, 255. Snyder, A. J., 99, 163, 211. Snyder, W. E. 129. Strecker, H., 116. Suchetet, A., 173. acoman, P. C., 27. Twogood, F. D., 29. Walker, J. V. D., 224. Webster, F. M., 59, 209, 246. ee Wenzel, H. W., 181, 208, 218, 232, 255, 256. Westcott, O. S., Wickham, H. F., Winn, A. F., 99. Youngs, D. B., 192. 198, 208, 221, 231, 190. 165. Ent. News, Vol. VIII. —— Shee nee BRACHYTARSUS ALTERNATUS Say [Quaintance] | | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION, ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA, VOL. VIII. JANUARY, 1897. No. 1. CONTENTS: Quaintance—On the life*history of Bra- Dighee and NOWS jis csecssseens nen os Sop 12 chytarsus alternatus .............- 1 | Entomological Literature. ............ 15 Calvert—Notes on European entomo- Doings of Societies............s.e.000. 19 logical collections................- 4 | Entomological Section...............-. 22 Castle and Laurent—Aprilcollectingin | | Ashmead—Nitelopterus, a new Larrid Georgia and Florida...........-... 7 POMS shine a sin 4 SU kaa ldjo tS 055 nia dare 22 BEEIOOCIGE sso oak c nusycsskhad of selncvecwhe 1o | Cockerell—Some species of Perdita Economic Entomology ......---.+-++++ II from: Nebraskas. 2.0 esees... 23 ON THE LIFE-HISTORY OF BRACHYTARSUS ALTERNATUS. By.A. L. QUAINTANCE, Lake City, Fla. During a study of insects injurious to stored grain carried on the present year, this species of Anthribid was found to be quite abundant in certain localities in the State, feeding both in the larval and adult stages on stored corn-cow-peas and English peas. As the early stages and food habits of this beetle have not pre- viously been recorded, and as larve of the genus Brachytarsus have been supposed to be parasitic on scale insects, it may be of interest to note some observations that have been made on this insect. DESCRIPTION. Eggs.—Length .583 mm.; width .366 mm.; shape elliptical; color clear yellowish white; smooth, showing no markings; slightly adhesive. full-grown larva.—Length 5 mm.; width at third segment 2mm.; width of head at base 1 mm.; width of mouth .2 mm. Body very thick and stout, subcylindrical, being flattened some- what on ventral surface; tapering, slightly cephalad and caudad; caudal end rather bluntly rounded. I 2 ENTOMOLOGICAL: NEWS. [ January, The larva is footless and quite thickly covered with hairs. The ventral surface of each thoracic segment is somewhat swollen and, more densely hairy than elsewhere on the body, with many of these hairs longer than the others. General color whitish, with slight yellowish tinge. Head white, labrum and mandibles yel- low, tips of mandibles black; the skin is much wrinkled and folded as illustrated in figure a. Eight spiracles are plainly to be observed; the thoracic segments show but one spiracle, which is situated in the fold between the first and second segments. On the lateral aspect, near the middle of each of the first seven ab- _dominal segments, is situated a spiracle just above an oblique fold in the skin. See figure a. Pupa.—Length 5.5 mm.; width of head just cephalad of eyes -85 mm.; width of body across the mesothorax 2 mm. Color white throughout except the eyes, which are brownish. Head is bent down against the ventral surface of the prothorax; each segment is marked with two pairs of rather prominent lines, the lines of each pair curving in, meeting each other at the distal extremity of the wing-cover. The distal end of each elytron bears an outward curved, brownish colored hook ; numerous ‘hairs are distributed over the abdomen, dorsal part of the thorax and the head. Under a two-thirds objective, the skin is seen to be thickly covered with minute spine-like protuberances. In all specimens examined the cast larval skin remains quite firmly attached to the caudal part of the abdomen. See fig. ¢. Adult.—‘‘ Robust, elytra with a series of alternate gray and black spots. Body short and thick, densely hairy, brownish cinereous; head plane not prominent between the eyes; antennz moderate, pale rufous, three last joints fuscous, thorax with a few black spots, elevatec line of the posterior margin not promi- nent, placed near and parallel to the posterior edge; elytra with punctured striz, alternate interstitial lines, with alternate black and gray. spots; feet rufous; thighs dusky ; tibia with about two dusky bands. Length three-twentieths of an inch.’’ See figure ¢. LIFE HISTORY NOTES. Abundant specimens were secured and brought to the labora- tory for study. Specimens were placed in several different glass jars and uninfested corn or cow-peas were supplied them. In two bottles containing four specimens each, were'placed a few 1897. ]} . ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 3 grains of corn. In each of the three test tubes a single female was placed and supplied with.a kernel of corn. All of these were kept under as close observation as other work permitted. Eggs remained for some time undiscovered, and a close watch failed to detect the manner of oviposition, although young larve were easily to be found in seeds upon which the adults were feeding. However, upon examining some of the excre- ment, and particles of half digested food, elliptical shaped bodies were to be found, which, from their color and structure, appeared to be eggs. By the use of iodine these could be readily separated from the starchy excreta, and were found to be some- what numerous, and usually present in the accumulations on the bottom of the jar. Later, undoubted eggs were found loosely placed on the bases of kernels of shelled corn. By a comparison of these with those previously mentioned no doubt was left as to the presence of eggs in the excreta. Their occurrence in the excreta is possibly accidental. While oviposition was not ob- served, it seems probable that in the case of corn in the ear, eggs are placed down in the crevices between the kernels. In nearly all of the instances that were observed, the larve entered the grain of corn by eating a very small hole through the softer por- tion at the base. From this point of entrance it eats upwards towards the top of the grain. By the time the top of the grain has been reached the larva is usually about full grown. A larger cavity is eaten, quite out to the hull above, and the pupa state is entered: Upon the development of the adult from the pupa it is quite soft and cf a rust-red color. It slowly changes color, and the ‘skin becomes harder, until at the end of about forty-eight hours it presents its normal appearance. Escape is made by gnawing through the thin hull; but one larva occupies a single kernel of corn. An infested grain appears quite sound until about the time the pupal stage is reached, when the cavity at the top of the grain may be detected through the thin hull. In feeding on corn the adults show no apparent preference for any particular part of the grain. Of the seeds found infested, corn seems to be the favorite food. The life cycle requires about six weeks for completion; in some cases seven weeks were requireca. Mr. E. A. Schwarz kindly determined this beetle for me. 4 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ January, NOTES ON EUROPEAN ENTOMOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS. By Puitip P. CALVERT. XI.—MILAN. The Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano, in a new build- ing in the Public Gardens of that city, has for Director Prof. Tito Vignoli; the Section of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy is in charge of Prof. Angelo Andres. Prof. Ferdinando Sordelli, Assistant in Entomology, has kindly supplied some notes on the collection of insects: The Museum, founded in 1838, and whose nucleus was the - collections of Prof. Georges Jan and of Joseph De Cristofori, a Milanese nobleman, was opened to the public for the first time in September, 1844. Among these collections was also one of Insects of all orders, especially rich in Coleoptera. At this epoch, Jan and De Cristofori were in exchange with many entomologists - and their collections had acquired thereby a certain importance. Having become the property of the city, the care demanded by the other collections of the Museum, especially those of recent and fossil Vertebrata, and the insufficiency of the personnel, which one deplores even at this day, did not permit of the ex- tension of the entomological collection, although it has been en- riched by those of Abbé Marietti, of Galeazzi, and by a part of that of the brothers Villa. A numerous series of Coleoptera and a small selection of genera of the other orders were exposed to public view. At present, since the Museum has been installed in its new edifice, owing to lack of space, no part of the collec- tion is accessible to the general visitor. The insects are all preserved in boxes with glass tops, filling a dozen cabinets; the papered bottom of each box rests upon sorghum pith, or more rarely upon cork. The specimens, of which the greater part is still in quite good condition, are almost all determined, but the progress of Entomology during the last half century leaves much to be desired in the way of new studies and of fresh material. With the exception of some manuscript catalogues, very few documents bearing on the collection exist. A catalogue of Co- leoptera was published in 1832 by Prof. Jan under the title ‘‘ Catalogus in IV Sectiones divisus rerum naturalium in Museo 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 5 extantium Josephi De Cristofori et Georgii Jan, etc. Sectio III, fasc. 1, Coleoptera.”’ Quite recently, after the death of Gaetano Osculati, the Mu- seum has inherited a small collection of Coleoptera which this traveler had made in Italy and in some countries of the Orient. It contains, among others, a part of the Coleoptera enumerated by him in the brochure ‘‘ Note di un viaggio nella Persia e nella Indie Orientali negli anni 1841, 1842 da G. Osculati. Coleopte- rorum enumeratio quae ad Persiam et Indias orientales itinere a Gajetano Osculati collecta novarum specierum descviptionibus adjectis. Modoetia [= Monza] 1844.’’ XII. MUNICH. In the building on Neuhauser-strasse, Munich, where are asso- ciated the Kénigliche Bayrische Akademie der Wissenschaften und Generalkonservatorium and the Zoological Institute of the Konigliche Bayrische Ludwig-Maximilians Universitat, is a col- lection of insects. Herr Hindlmayr, curator, informed the writer, on the occasion of his visit there, that the only important speci- mens are the types of the Coleoptera collected in Brazil by Spix and Martius and described by Perty, and Dr. Kriechbaumer’s types of Ichneumonide. XIII. HALLE. The Zoological Institute of the Vereinigte Friedrichs-Univer- sitat Halle- Wittenberg contains entomological collections of much importance. The following notes are drawn up partly from the manuscript catalogues and partly from memoranda kindly fur- nished by Prof. Ernst Taschenberg, Professor of Entomology, to whom the writer is indebted for many courtesies during several days passed in study there. COLEOPTERA. More than 2800 specimens acquired from Prof. Schaum and forming part of Germar’s collection: many types of Germar and Schonherr, especially among the Curculionide. Numerous types of Lamellicornia of Burmeister, of the genus Calopieron of E. Taschenberg, and Coleoptera from Columbia and Ecuador from the last named. Schulrath Dr. Suffrian’s collection of 35,565 specimens from all parts of the world, which, under the terms of the testament 6 ENTOMOLOGICAL, NEWS. { January, by which it was acquired in 1876, is preserved separately; a manuscript catalogue in three small quarto volumes exists. Suf- frian’s own types of Chrysomelidz and Cryptocephalidz are here. HYMENOPTERA. ' Types of Chrysididz of Mocsary; of Nyssonide, Crabronide, Larride, Bembecide, Cryptidze and Ophion of E. Taschenberg: of Chalcididee and Formicidz of G. Mayr. LEPIDOPTERA. The eotibetiin of Gerichtsrath Keferstein of Erfurt, acquired by bequest in 1886. OTHER ORDERS. Kolenati’s types of a few species of Mycteribia (Diptera). E. Taschenberg’s types of Zeétigonia (Rhynchota). Orthoptera and Neuroptera of almost all families described by Burmeister. Mallophaga (in alcohol) described by Nitzch and Giebel. Insects of all orders collected in Teneriffe by Dr. v. Rebeur- Paschwitz. It may perhaps be not inappropriate to state here that the writer, by permission of Prof. Taschenberg, spent five days (May 26-30, 1896) studying such of Burmeister’s types of Odonata as are preserved here. Previous to his visit, none of the presumed types possessed pin-labels indicating their char- acter, but were placed above colored drawer-labels bearing the specific name, a star and the name of the locality, all written in what Prof. Taschenberg stated to be Burmeister’s handwriting. After careful study and comparison of these specimens with Bur- meister’s descriptions, all specimens which seemed to have prob- ably served as types were pin-labeled as follows: ‘‘ Considered by me as Burmeister’s type of his . . . [here the name of the species]. P. P. Calvert, May, 1896.’’ Of the ninety-eight spe- cies of Odonata described as new by Burmeister, types of thirty- eight are now in Halle. Types of at least some of the remaining fifty, according to a letter from Mr. Samuel Henshaw, are now in the late Dr. Hagen’s collection, in the Museum of. Compara- tive Zoology, Cambridge, Mass. The writer hopes to say in the future something’ further on Burmeister’ s Odonata. | 1897. } APRIL COLLECTING IN GEORGIA AND FLORIDA. By Dr. D. M. CasTLE and PHILip LAURENT. » ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 7 (Continued from p. 305, vol. vii.) We left Enterprise on the morning of the 2oth, and arrived at our next stopping place, Jacksonville, in the afternoon. The next day was spent in collecting on the outskirts of Jacksonville, where we obtained some interesting material. The 22d we took an early train for Fernandina, which is about thirty-five miles from Jacksonville. The collecting on the ocean front was not of the best, so we retraced our steps to the fields that lie just outside of the town, and here we found excellent collecting. A late train in the evening brought us back to Jacksonville. The 23d we collected in the pine woods and along the banks of the St. Johns River. The electric lights in Jacksonville afforded us an opportunity to add many species which would not otherwise have been captured. During our short stay in the neighborhood of Jacksonville the following captures were made: ARACHNIDA. Pencetia viridans fz. Hamatalina grisea Keys. Anyphena fragilis n. sp. Banks. Oxyopes salticus Az. Icius palmarum Az. Dendryphantes octavus Az. Phidippus miniatus Pc&. Heteropoda venatcoria Linn. ORTHOPTERA. aAnisomorpha buprestoides S/o//. HOMOPTERA. Smilia camelus Fad. Ophiderma flaviguttata Godg. LEPIDOPTERA. Papilio ajax var. telamonides Fe/d. * ** asterias Fad. COLEOPTERA. Scarites subterraneus Fad. Pterostichus permundus Say. ? i haldemani /:ec. Evarthrus americanus De7. >. nonnitens Lec. ? Loxandrus agilis De7. Platynus crenulatus Galerita janus Fad. Pinacodera limbata var. fuscata De7 Chizenius herbaceus Chev. rs erythropus Germ. niger Rand. [ Lec. tomentosus vay. amplus Selenophorus ellipticus De7. Anisodactylus rusticus De/. a agilis De7. Laccophilus proximus Say. Bidessus affinis Say. Agabus n. sp. ? Cybister fimbriolatus Say. Hydrophilus ovatus G. and H. oS nimbatus Say. striolatus Lec. Hydrocharis castus Say. Berosus pugnax Lec. Atheta sp.? Fete Se Quedius capucinus Grav. ae “ce ae 8 ENTCMOLOGICAL Philonthus cautus. Zr. Stenus arculus £7. Pinophilus parcus Zec. Oxytelus insignitus Grav. Chilocorus bivulnerus Mids. Exochomus contristatus J/i/s. tripustulata DeG. Brachyacantha ursina var. basalis Cardiophorus florida [ Melsh. ? Monocepidius lividus DeG. Melanotus insipiens Say. Chalcophora georgiana Lec. Chrysobothris floricola Gory. 53s chryscela 772. Actenodes acornis Say. Agrilus ruficollis Fad. Brachys ovata Wed. ‘s ‘* var. tessellata Fad. * zruginosa Gory. Atenius strigatus Say. ' eylindrus Horn. Trox suberosus Fad, Diplotaxis subcostata Blanch. Polyphylla occidentalis Zi. Cotalpa lanigera Linn. Chalepus trachypgus Burm. Ligyrus gibbosus DeG. Criocephalus nubilus Zec. Elaphidion parallelum Mewm. Plectromerus dentipes O/iv. Goes debilis Lec. ‘« pulverulenta Hadd. Leptostylus aculiferus Say. . Liopus cinereus Lec. ? Ecyrus dasycerus Say. Eupogonius tomentosus add. Hippopsis lemniscata H/a/d. Chlamys plicata var. tuberculata 7. Bassareus lituratus var. vittatus Suffr. [ January, Cryptocephalus bivius Mew. J nanus Fad. ‘s schreibersii Sufr. sf luteolus Mewm. fe binominis Newm. Pachybrachys carbonarius //add. Ng limbatus Newm. * atomarius MWe/sh., ? Diachus auratus Fad. Myochrous denticollis Say. Metachroma quercata Fad, ? Colaspis brunnea Fad. [De. ‘ var. costipennis Oedionychis miniata Fad. Haltica ignita 7/7. Mantura floridana C™. Odontota bicolor Oiv. 4 rubra Wed. Chelymorpha argus Licht. NEWS. ' Bruchus exiguus Horn, Epitragus tomentosus Lec. ‘Helops cisteloides Germ. Hymenorus communis Lec. Asclera erythrocephala Germ. Epicauta strigosa Gy/. Pterocolus ovatus ad Attelabus nigripes Lec. Pandeletegus hilaris /7és¢. Eudiagogus pulcher Fad. Pissodes strobi Peck. Pachylobius picivorus Germ. Smicronyx n. sp. Otidocephalus myrmex //ésé. Centrinus picumnus /sz. rectirostris Lec. re cenfusus Boh. Anthribus cornutus Say. HYMENOPTERA. Mutilla dubitata Beaux. On the 24th, the Doctor’s vacation having expired, he took the train for his home in the North, while his companion continued his journey to Gulf-Hammock on the Gulf coast of Florida. Four days were spent in collecting in the Hammock, when my leave of absence having also expired, I started for home. The following species were collected during my stay at Gulf- Hammock: 1897. ] ARACHNIDA. Phidippus miniatus Pek. otiosus Azz. Theridium stridrosum Fz. Ccelotes sp. ? ODONATA. Argia apicalis? Say. *“* fumipennis Ramd. Ischnura ramburii SeZys. LEPIDOPTERA. Agraulis vanillze Zina. Limenitis disippus var. floridensis Neonympha eurytris Fad. sosybius Fad. Catopsilia eubule Zinn. Terias nicippe Cram. Papilio ajax var. telamonides Fe/d. ** thoas Zinn. ‘* —asterias Fad. “* palamedes Dru. philenor Lizz. Pamphila campestris Bdv. phyleus Dru. or brettus Ad.-Lec. A otho S and A. maculata Edw. vt fusca G. and R. Eudamus proteus Zinn. Enyo lugubris Zinn. Chcerocampa tersa Zinn. Philampelus vitis Zinn. Protoparce celeus Hbn. = cingulata Fad. €rocota rubicundaria Hén. [Stre. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 9 Mamestra laudabilis Gn. Galgula subpartita Gn. DIPTERA. Tabanus amercanus Forst. sf lineola Fad. fuscopunctatus COLEOPTERA. Pasimachus subsulcatus Say. Pterostichus obsoletus Say. Chlenius zstivus Say. Gyrinus minutus Fad. “i elevatus Lec. Silpha inzqualis Fad. ** americana Linn, Hololepta quadridentata Faé. Hister carolinus Pays. Epierus pulicarius Zr. Brachypeplus glaber Zec. Chalcophora virginiensis Drz. Passalus cornutus Faé. Phanzus igneus Jacl. Goes debilis Lec. ‘* pulverulenta Hadd. Donacia piscatrix Zac. Trirhabda tomentosa Ziuz. Nyctobates pennsylvanica var. bar- bata Knoch. Tribolium ferrugineum Fad. Epicauta strigosa Gyé/. Pachnzus distans Horn. Otidocephalus myrmex Aészé. Conotrachelus pusillus Eupsalis minuta Dru. Rhynchophorus cruentatus Fad. Pheenicobius chamzropis Lec. ae During our entire stay in Georgia and Florida not a drop of rain fell, or had any fallen for several-weeks previous to our ar- rival. The weather was excessively hot during the day, but the nights for the»most part were cool. To Messrs. Schwarz, Fer- nald, Hulst, Fox, Calvert, Skinner, Seiss, Banks, Johnson and others, our thanks are due for their kindness in determining a large part of the material collected. ERRATA. In the first part of article on April collecting in Georgia and Florida, which appeared in Dec. NEws, the following corrections should be made. Lebia viridipennis Dej. should be Ledia analis Déj. Dibolia vincta should be Diabrotica vincta Lec. Lema collaris Say collected at Jacksonville, not at Enterprise. Colydiidz nov. gen. n. sp. collected at Enterprise not at Savannah. fe) ras [ 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. Outside of the United States and Canada $1,20. n@s> All remittances and communications should be addressed to ENTOMOLOGICAL. News,. Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th and Race Streets, Philadelphia, Pays i PHILADELPHIA, Pa., JANUARY, 1897. WirTH the present number we begin volume eight and another mile-post is passed in our entomological journey. Another year has commenced and we wish it may be a very happy one for all of our entomological friends. The News is progressive, and in spite of the trying financial depression of the past two years it will be our effort to grow and improve as in the past. We have made many warm friends in our journey, and we hope we may continue to merit their approval and win new laurels in the field of entomological journalship. We are guided entirely by an unselfish love for our interesting study and have no other motive for existence. On our cover this month we present the likeness of the ‘‘ Father of American Entomology’’ who surmounted dif- ficulties unknown to the students. of the present day, and his. example should encourage all’ to a renewed effort in the cause of science. He was almost alone in his studies and a pioneer in a field that was often ridiculed, but we can congratulate ourselves. at the present day that the value and importance of our study is universally recognized by all intelligent people. ‘‘ What are those fellows running around for in that field.?’” ‘‘ Why, they are naturalists.”’ ‘Oh, yes! I see, catching gnats.”’ 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL. NEWS. II - DEPARTMENT OF EGONOMIG ENTOMOLOGY. Edited by Prof. JOHN B. SMITH, Sc.D., New Brunswick, N. J, Papers for this department are solicited. They should be sent to the editor, Prof. John: B. Smith, Sc.D., New Brunswick, N. J. (Continued from page 310, vol. vii.) ‘ Proceedings of the Association of Economic Entomologists.— Mr. Johnson gave some ‘‘ Entomological Notes from Maryland.’’ He rehearsed the laws of Maryland, relating to insects and plant diseases, which requires. among other things,.from-nurserymen sending stock into the State, a certificate signed by the entomologist of the State in which the stock was. grown, that the plants are free from insect pests and plant diseases; an almost impossible certificate to give. ~The melon plant lice have been bad! in half a dozen counties, but he has found the kerosene emulsion diluted: twenty times to bea satisfactory remedy. The asparagus beetle is com-. mon everywhere, andthe potato stalk beetle has done much injury. The cabbage worm and harlequin bug have been unusually abundant and: are doing a great deal of harm. The strawberry weevils have been very troublesome, particularly on the Sharpless. ‘The Curculios have been: unusually injurious in peaches, and the Codling moth has been more than: usually troublesome in pears. The elm leaf beetle has been very abun- dant, and the locust beetles has been very abundant, and the locust beetle has defoliated many trees in southern Maryland. Mr. F. W. Webster spoke on ‘‘ The insects of the year in Ohio.’’ The chief troublesome insects have been the army worm and the chinch bug, and both have been injurious, though requiring different meteorological condition, by the usual combination of weather in 1895 and 1896. Grass- hoppers have done much damage to hay and other crops. The harlequin cabbage bug is pushing northward in{Ohio at a greater rate than ten miles a year. The egg parasite that has been found doing some good in Louis- iana is to be introduced into Ohio. Basket worms were very numerous, and especially destructive this year. The asparagus beetle is moving slowly westward in Ohio. Odontota dorsalis has been particularly inju- rious on black locust this year. The beetle of Saperda candida has been found feeding upon apples and doing some injury in that way. Termes flavipes has attacked and injured geraniums. The San José scale is not spreading in Ohio, but is being exterminated. It has occurred heretofore -on young trees only, and the farmers have been willing to adopt radical measures in every case. The grape root-worm has not yet disappeared, but an egg parasite is beginning to increase considerably, and the proba- bilities are that this will obtain control of the species in the near future. There is also a mite attacking the eggs. ‘No insecticides that have been used against the insect have been of any practical benefit. Valgus can- aliculatus was found eating out fruit buds of pears, and leaf buds of ap- ples. Calasoma calidum was found in the larval state attacking cut-worms. Clover has been injured by a little Hemipteron, Ha/ticus bractatus. 12 ENTOMOLCGICAL NEWS. [ January, Mr. Slingerland stated that he had bred four specimens of parasites, Trichogramma pretiosa, from a single Codling moth egg. Mr. Fletcher showed an apple with a little undeternuned larva working in the flesh, which no one seemed to recognize positively. Mr. Kellicott had found the harlequin cabbage bug mucli further north than reported by Mr. Webster. He had also found /chthyura defoliating poplars. Mr. Marlatt stated that in his experience kerosene applied pure on trees was an excellent way of killing them. Mr. A. D. Hopkins gave notes. on ‘‘Some Observations in West Vir- ginia.’’ He said there.were but five localities with San José scale, and that it has not spread from the points at which it was introduced, princi- pally on Idaho pears. Cut-worms, seem to have been very scarce, prob- ably on account of the number of parasites attacking them. The web- worm has been very common and injurious. The cabbage bug has been very troublesome, but can be controlled by using mustard as a trap crop. Blister beetles had been found particularly troublesome on china asters. He had found a little species of Bruchophagus feeding on clover seed. This is interesting, because the insect was supposed to be parasitic in its habits, but his observations were carefully made and there seems to be no escape from the belief that the larva of this insect actually feeds upon the clover seed and not upon some other insect larva. Mr. L. O. Howard spoke of ‘Steam Spraying Machines,’ and de- scribed a number that were in use at the present time, principally for dealing with shade tree insects in cities and towns. Such machines had not been found satisfactory in orchard spraying, because of the expense involved, but they seem to have proved satisfactory in cities. One of the best of these machines is that used by Mr. E. B. Southwick in New York City and constructed under his direction. A considerable number of photographs were exhibited illustrating the machines spoken of. Notes and News. 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 iin 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 circumfet- 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 ali papers will be acknowledged.—Eb. Picture for album of American Entomological Society has been re- -ceived from Dr. E. Bergroth, of Tammerfors, Finland. 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 13 CLYPEADON, new genus (C. 4-zofatus Ashm.). Female: clypeus eden- tate, dorsal valve subquadrate, ventral valve bilobate ; otherwise as in Aphilanthops, but the abdomen shorter. Type Aph. guadrinotatus Ashm. Bull. Col. Biol. Assoc. i, p. 7 (1890).—W. H. Patron. A FEw days ago my father captured a troublesome fly, and, as he held it, found to his surpise that three Pseudoscorpions had left it and were crawling rapidly over his hand. Upon this more flies were captured and three found infested with Pseudoscorpions. Of fifty flies captured the following day two carried Pseudoscorpions, one had two attached to a single leg. In each case the Pseudoscorpions hung on by a single pincer. —FREDERICK KNapB, Chicopee, Mass. ANOTHER HONOR.—Societe Entomologique de Russie. St. Petersbourg, Nov. 15, 1896. Sir—Rendering homage to the eminent services which, during a long series of years, you have not ceased to render to entomo- logical science by your distinguished works on agricultural entomology, on the Lepidoptera, the Hymenoptera, etc., the Entomological Society of Russia, in its full session of October 1, have unanimously elected you an honorary member of the society. Having the honor to transmit to you the diploma, which is sent by itself, I hasten to add the expression of my sentiments of esteem and devotion. P. de Semenow, Senator of the Empire, President of the Society. Professor Alpheus Packard received this letter from Russia announcing his unanimous election to the Entomological Society of Russia. This honor comes as a result of the work published by Professor Packard this year in the Memoirs of the National Academy of Sciences of the United - States (‘‘Monograph of the Bombycine Moths of America, North of Mexico”’).—2Brown Herald. . WESTWARD.—On August roth I made a trip to the Cazenovia Creek, about eight miles from Buffalo, with the intention to capture a number of Cicindela ancocisconensis to present to the entomologists that might come to Buffalo to attend the forty-fifth meeting of the American Asso- ciation for the Advancement of Science that met here for the fourth time, from August 24th to 29th. I was somewhat disappointed to capture only one specimen owing, perhaps, to the dryness which had prevailed during this and last season. _I however used my umbrella beating willows which grow profusely near the banks of the creek. I was very much surprised to find a number of Crypitorhynchus lapathi L. Our lamented friend, Wm. Juelich, had supplied me with a fine set several years ago, which he took near New York and in New Jersey, telling me at the time to be on the lookout for it. This.veek I went out there again in company with several visiting entomologists and found more of the Curculio, and on close research discovered the holes in the stems of the willows from which the Curculios had emerged. To make proof positive, we cut off some of the willows and found the larva in all stages of life. This shows the rapid spread of this pest. We also found quite a number of Crioceris 14 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ January, -asparagi Linn: This Chrysomelid’has never before been observed in this locality. —-OTTOMAR REINECKE, Buffalo, N. Y: Vo-. III, No. 8, of the News gives us the interesting story of the in- troduction of Samia cynthiainto Philadelphia. In collecting during the last few years I had my attention drawn to the multitude of larvz and cocoons of this species found in certain parts of the city. Not more than ten minutes’ walk from my residence will bring me to a grove of trees where the Ailanthus is predominant. In this place I have taken, the last two years, over two thousand larve and cocoons, and this figure alone will. tell how they nave multiplied in the northwestern part of this city since the year 1860 from the few worms of Dr. Thomas Stewardson’s successful experiment. The female seems to favor trees near the open and along -the road for depositing the eggs as most of the offspring are found there. It seems strange that the larvz.now at any stage are very little molested by birds, of which there is a variety, whereas at the beginning the Doctor lost quite a number this way. - The larvz, which feed gregariously in the first stages, are easily found on the underside of the. leaf, but after the second. moult, with no protection, will feed and moult on the same stem, and there can be little trouble for the sharp eye of the smallest insectiv- orous bird to.find them. When. taken by hand they will not fight like some larve of the Sphingidz, nor discharge any fluid like the Dafana; in fact, all they do is to stick to their foothold. In October I collected some cocoons and kept them in the room previous to sending a lot abroad when, to my dismay, nearly all the moths emerged and I found some mated shortly afterwards. Eggs hatched in fifteen days.. The leaves of the Ailanthus only lasting up to the second moult I tried several Winter plants which were taken as a doubtful “free lunch”’ and a week after the last proper food-plant had disappeared the worms went to the happy hunting grounds. This lot makes the third generation this year. Ac- -cording to my observations their collecting in colonies seems habitual, except when feeding on Liriodendron and Lindera benzoin. The moth is an excellent dish for our screech owl (as I had thé opportunity to ob- serve) which may account for their scarcity in comparison to the number of cocoons. Many larve of £. ¢ityrus have been'collected on Desmodium nudiflorum, a food-plant new tome. 7. xicifpe has been very plentiful .this season, and has apparently a different food-plant from Cassia, owing to the litnited occurrence of this plant in our neighborhood.—H. Hornic. Identification of Insects (Imagos) for Subscribers. Specimens will be named under the following conditions: 1st, 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. Please put date of capture and exact locality on each specimen. Before sending insects for identificaticn, read page 41, Vol. III, Address all packages xto ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan Square, Philadelphia, Pa. 1897.) ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 15 Entomological Literature. Under the above head it is intended to note such papers received at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia pertaining to the Entomology of the Americas (North and South). Articles irrelevant to American entomology, unless monographs, or con- taining descriptions of new genera, will not be noted. Contributions to the anatomy of insects, however. whether relating to American or exotic species wili be recorded. 1. ZOOLOGISCHER ANZEIGER. Leipsic, Nov. 2, 1896 —On the biology of the social wasps of Brazil, H. von Ihering.. —November 23.—-On the copulatory organs of the Lysiopetalidze and a Lysiopetalum from Bosnia, Dr. C. Verhoeff, figs. 2. LA FEUILLE DES JEUNES NATURALISTES. Paris, Nov. 1, 1896.— Mimicry in insects (cont.), C. Oberthiir. 3. LE NaTURALISTE. Paris, Nov. 1, 1896.—Analytically illustrated genera of French Coleoptera (cont.), C. Houlbert, figs. _Monographic “essay on the Coleoptera of the genera Zucanus and Pseudolucanus, L. Planet, fig. 4. MEMOIRIE DELLA R. ACCADEMIA DELLA SCIENZE DELL’ INSTITUTO DI BoLoGna (v), iv, 1894. Received Nov. 24, 1896.—Report on the Hy- menoptera collected in Mozambique by Cav. Fornasini, C. Emery, G. Gribodo and G. Kriechbaumer. 5. BOLLETINO DEI MuUSEI DI ZOOLOGIA ED ANATOMIA COMPARATA DELLA R. UNIVERSITA DI TORINO. No. 254, Aug. 20, 1896.—Chilopods and Diplopods collected by Dr. E. Festa at La Guayra in Darien and at Cuenca, Dr. F. Silvestri, figs.——No. 256, Sept. 12, 1896.—Two anoma- lous Acrididz, Dr. A. Griffini, figs. 6. IL NATURALISTA SICILIANO. Palermo, Nov. 1, 1896.—Regional catalogue of the Coleoptera of Sicily (cont.), E. Ragusa. Studies on the genera Alaocyba, Torneuma and Amaurorrhinus (concl.), J. Croissan- deau. On the nidification and biology of Sphex paludosus Rossi, T. De Stefani. 7. THE BRAIN OF THE BEE.—A preliminary Sang butica to the mor- phology of the nervous system of the Arthropoda. By F. C. Kenyon. Reprint from Journal of Comparative Neurology, vi, 3, Pp. 133-210, pls. xiv-xxii, December, 1896. 8, PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE Roya SOCIETY OF LONDON {B), 186, pt. 2.—The pigments of the Pieridz; a contribution to the study of excretory substances which function in ornament. By F. G. Hopkins. 9. BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE NATIONALE D’ACCLIMATATION DE France. Paris, May, 1896.—Applied entomology in Europe, P. Marchal. 10. ATTI DELLA SOCIETA DEI NATURAL:STI DI MODENA, serie 3, xiv, 1.—On a case of albinism in Periplaneta orientalis L., T. Bentivoglio. 11. ANNALI DEL Museo Civico pI STORIA aicakie DI GENOVA, serie 2, xvi. —Travels of Leonardo Fea in Burmah aad neighboring re- gions. Colydiidz et Monotomide, A. Grouvelle; Languriidz, Erotylidz 16 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. { January, and Endomychide, H. S. Gorham; Monommidz, Trixagide et Eucnem- ide, E. Fleutiaux; the Diplopoda, F. Silvestri. Descriptions of new genera and species of Phytophagous Coleoptera obtained by Dr. Modig- liani in Sumatra, M. Jacoby. New Termitophilze and Termites from India, E. Wasmann. On the Odonate Aeschna rileyi, P. P. Calvert. 12. BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. Lancaster, Pa., November, 1896. Resemblance of an insect larva [Gossyparia ulmi Geof.] to a lichen fruit, G. E. Stone. 13. MITTHEILUNGEN AUS DEM ROEMER Museum. Hildesheim, No. 7, November, 1896.—System of North American Lepidoptera, A. R. Grote. 14. THE AMERICAN MONTHLY MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. Washington, November, 1896.—The Tsetse fly disease in Zululand (from the London Lancet). 15. TRAVAUX DE LA SOCIETE IMPERIALE DES NATURALISTES DE ST. PETERSBOURG, SECTION DE ZOOLOGIE ET DE PHYSIOLOGIE, xxvi, 1896. — —Contributions to the knowledge of spermatogenesis of spiders, J. Wagner. 16. LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS.—Contri- butions to Biology from the Hopkins Seaside Laboratory vii, Palo Alto, Cal., 1896. New Mallophaga, ii, from land birds, together with an ac- count of the Mallophagous mouth-parts, V. L. Kellogg, 14 pls. (Reprint from Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. (2), vi). 17. PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL History, xxvii, September, 1896.—On the larve of the higher Bombyces (Agro- tides Grote), H. G. Dyar. 18. SITZUNGSBERICHTE DER GESELLSCHAFT NATURFORSCHENDER FREUNDE ZU BERLIN, Oct. 20, 1896.—Formation of the wings in the larva of Tenebrio molitor L., R. Heymons, fig. 19. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATURAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION OF STATEN IsLanpD [New Brighton, N. Y.], Nov. 14, 1896.—Additions to the local list of butterflies, W. T. Davis. 20. PsycHE. Cambridge, Mass., December, 1896.—Notes on the Win- ter insect fauna of Vigo County, Indiana—viii, W. S. Blatckley. Life- history of Deilephila lineata, C. G. Soule. 21. De NEDERLANDSCHE INSECTEN door Dr. J. Th. Oudemans. Met 36 steendrukplaten en ruim driehonderd figuren in den tekst Aflevering 1, s'Gravenhage Martinus Nijhoff, 1896.—The first part (48 pp.) of a work on the insects of Holland, treating of the systematic place of insects, the idea of species, aberrations, races, etc., polymorphism, parthenogenesis and allied subjects, metamorphoses, galls, and a part of the external anatomy. Each part is to cost 90 Dutch (=37 American) cents. 22. THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. Philadelphia. December, 1896.—A new era in the study of Diptera, J. M. Aldrich. Color variation in a beetle (from Bateson in Jour. Roy. Micr. Soc.). 1897. ] | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 17 23. REVUE SCIENTIFIQUE. Paris, Nov. 21, 1896.—Reproduction and evolution of social wasps, P. Marchal. 24. BULLETINO DELLA SOCIETA ENTOMOLOGICA ITALIANA, xxviii, I and 2. Florence, Oct. 31, 1896.—Studies on the ants of the neotropical fauna, xvii-xxv, C. Emery, 1 pl. Systematic revision of the European species of the family Culicidz (cont.), E. Ficalbi. 25. Le NATURALISTE CANADIEN. Chicoutimi (Prov. Quebec), No- vember, 1896.—Popular entomology, G. Beaulieu. The Coleoptera of Manitoba, G. Chagnon. 26. EUROPAEISCHE HOEHLENFAUNA.—Eine Darstellung der in den Hohlen Europas lebenden Tierwelt mit besonderer Beriicksichtigung der H6hlenfauna Krains. Nach eigenen Untersuchungen von Prof. Dr. Otto Hamann. Mit 150 Abbildungen auf fiinf lithographischen Tafeln. Jena, Hermann Costenoble, 1896, 296 pp., 8vo. Insecta, pp. 53-160, 257-260; Myriapoda, pp. 160-180; Arachnida, pp. 181-224. 27. EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, viii, 1 and 2, U. S. Department of Agriculture. Washington, 1896.—Summaries and notices of entomo- ~ logical articles from various experiment station records. 28. ANATOMISCHER ANZEIGER. Jena, Nov. 12, 1896.—A [contribution] to the knowledge of the dermal nervous system of the Arthropoda, E. Holmgren, figs. 29. ICONES ORNITHOPTERORUM: A monograph of the Rhopalocerous genus Ornithoptera, or bird-wing butterflies. By Robert H. F. Rippon. Published by the author, 24 Jasper Road, Upper Norwood, S. E. Part 8. Received Dec. 8, 189%. Genera Drurya and Schoenbergia, pls. 11, iv, 21a. 30. THE ENTOMOLOGIST’s RECORD. London, Nov. 15, 1896.—The antennz of Lepidoptera (cont ), J. W. Tutt. 31. ENTOMOLOGISCHE NACHRICHTEN, xxii, 21. Berlin, November, 1896.—Some new Cetonidz, Dr. G. Schoch. Distomum cysts in dragon- flies (from Blatter fiir Aquarien-und Terrarien Freunde, vii, pp. 199-z00, 1896, W. Weltner). 32. SPECIES DES HYMENOPTERES D’EUROPE ET D’ALGERIE. . . fondé par Ed. André. . . et continué sous la direction scientifique de Ernest André. Supplement, pp. 705-736, and index, pp. 737-751, to vol. vi— Chrysididz. Paris, Vve Dubrosclard, Editeur, 1896. : 33- THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. London, Ont., December, 1896. —The Agrotis subgothica of Haworth again, M. V. Slingerland, 1 pl. Further additions to my 1894 list of Winnipeg butterflies, with notes for season of 1896, A. W. Hanham. A reply to Prof. Smith, A. R. Grote. A Mexican Aleurodicus, T. D. A. Cockerell. Notes on the phylogeny of the Saturnians, H. G. Dyar. Description of two remarkable aberra- tions of Celias philodice, D. Brainerd. Notes on the life-history of @- rura occidentalis, H. G. Dyar. 2* 18 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ January, 34. THE ENTOMOLOGIST’s MONTHLY MAGAZINE. London, December, 1896.—Survival of Acherontia atropos after being struck by an ichneumon, Rev. T. A. Marshall. Ravages of Termites (‘‘ white ants’’) at Sydney, N. S. W., R. McLachlan. 35. JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF JAMAICA, ii, 3. Kingston, July, 1896.—A contribution towards a list of the dragonflies of Jamaica, G. H. Carpenter. The scorpions of Jamaica, J. E. Duerden. The Myriapods of Jamaica, id. 36. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Melbourne, October, 1896.—Notes on an entomological fungus, W. H. F. Hill. : 37. THE JOURNAL OF THE QUEKETT MIcCROSCOPICAL CLUB. London, November, 1896.—Note on a stridulating organ in a South African ant (Streblognathus ethiopicus), R. T. Lewis, 1 pl. Notes on aquatic Hy- menoptera and rediscovery of Prestwichia aguatica Lubbock, F. Enock. 38. ZOOLOGISCHE JAHRBUCHER, ix, 5. Jena, Nov. 15, 1896.—For- micide collected in Paraguay by Dr. J. Bohls, C. Emery, figs. 39. BULLETIN FROM THE LABORATORIES OF NATURAL HISTORY OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF Iowa, iv, 1. Iowa City, December, 1896.— Notes on the Hymenoptera collected by the Bahama Expedition from the State University of lowa, W. H. Ashmead. 40. TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY (new series), xix, 1. Philadelphia, 1896.—An essay on the development of the mouth parts of certain insects, J. B. Smith, 3 pls. 41. BULLETIN No. xxiii, DELAWARE COLLEGE AGRICULTURAL EXPERI- MENT STATION. Newark, Del., 1896.—The increase of the San José scale in Delaware during 1896, G. H. Powell. 42. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE MORE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMER- ICAN Economic ENTomo.Locy. Prepared by authority of the Secretary of Agriculture by Samuel Henshaw. Part v.—The more important writings of Government and State entomologists and of other contribu- tors to the literature of American economic entomology, L—Z. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Entomology. Washington, 1896, 179 PP.. 43. THE Entomotoacist. London, December, 1896.—The senses of insects, J. Arkle. On the preponderating influence of the organic over the physical environment in determining the vertical distribution of the Lepidoptera, W. H. Bath. The aberrations of secondary sexual charac- ters in Papilionide, J. Watson. Silk-producing Lepidoptera (cont.), A. Wailly. Vanessa antiopa, H. J. Elwes. On preserving spiders, B. Piffard. Apple trees and wingless females, A. T. Mitchell. Entomologist vs. col- lector, G. W: Smith, F. P. Bedford. ee ee DN a a 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 19 INDEX TO THE PREVEDING LITERATURE. The number after each author’s name in this index refers to the journal, as numbered in the preceding list, in which that author’s paper is published; * denotes that the paper in question contains ‘descriptions of new North American forms. - THE GENERAL SUBJECT. Oberthiir 2, Kenyon 7, Hopkins 8, Bentivoglio 10, Wasmann 11, Stone 12, Oudemans 21, Beaulieu 25, Hamann 26, Holmgren 28, Hill 36, Smith 40, Arkle 43, Smith 43, Bedford 43. ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. Marchal 9; Anon. 14, McLachlan 34, Hill 36, Fowell 41, Henshaw 42, cca rea MYRIAPODA Silvestri 5*, 11, Verhoeff 1, Duerden 35. ARACHNIDA. Wagner 15, Duerden 35, Piffard 43. ORTHOPTERA. Griffini 5, Bentivoglio ro. NEUROPTERA. Wasmann 11, Calvert 11, Kellogg 16, Weltner 31, McLachlan 34, Car- penter 35. : HEMIPTERA. COLEOPTERA. Houlbert 3, Planet 3, Ragusa 6, Croissandeau 6, Grouvelle 11, Gorham 11, Fletiaux 11, Jacoby 11, Stone 12, Heymons 18, Blatchley 20, Bateson 22, Chagnon 25, Schoch 31*. Cockerell 33*. DIPTERA. Anon, 14, Aldrich 22, Ficalbi 24. LEPIDOPTERA. Hopkins 8, Grote 13, Dyar 17, Davis 19, Soule 20, Rippon 29, Tutt 30, Slingerland 33, Hanham 33, Grote 33, Dyar 33 (two), Brainerd 33, Mar- shall 34, Bath 43, Watson 43, Wailly 43, Elwes 43. HYMENOPTERA. von Ihering 1, Emery, Gribodo and Kriechbaumer 4, De Stefani 6, Kenyon 7, Marchal 23, Emery 24*, 38, André 32, Lewis 37, Enock 37, Ashmead 39*. Doings of Societies. PHILADELPHIA, December 8, 1896. A stated meeting of the Feldman Collecting Social was held at the residence of Mr. H. W. Wenzel, 1509 S. 13th Street. Members present: Messrs. Castle, Boerner, H. W. Wenzel, F. 20 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ January, Hoyer, E. Wenzel, A. Hoyer, Johnson, Fox and Schmitz. Honorary members: Drs. Henry Skinner and John B. Smith. Visitors: Messrs. A. Klages and Lancaster Thomas. Meeting called to order at 8.50 P.M., Vice-president Castle presiding. Prof. Smith stated that about a year ago he had found Coc- cinellidae, Pentilia misella very abundant at Riverton, N. J., and that recently he had been notified by the farmers of Monmouth County, New Jersey, that fruit trees in their orchards were infested by a small black beetle. On visiting the district from whence this complaint came, a few days ago, he found the trees swarming with these insects, a number of which he exhibited, feeding upon the San José scale ; the speaker remarked that this was an exam- ple of how nature takes care of itself, as wherever the trees are infested by this scale you will be sure to find the insects in great numbers. Referring to the above Mr. H. ‘W. Wenzel stated that he had taken several of the same species on the oak at Anglesea, N. J. Prof. Smith also exhibited a piece of Yucca whipplei of about one foot in length and three inches in diameter, which came from the desert of California. These trees, which beara white flower, grow to a height of about twenty feet and a diameter of one foot, are quite numerous in the desert regions; the entomologists of California cut and dry this, using it for mounting specimens upon, for which purpose it seems very suitable it being of a pithy, nature and quite dense, it must, however, be thoroughly dried first, otherwise it is apt to corrode the pins. Dr. Skinner supplemented that it was also coming in use among surgeons, who use it for splints and other purposes. Mr. Johnson exhibited a number of Diptera, among which he mentioned a male and female of the genus Dialysis, a new species, which Mr. Wenzel had captured at Cranberry, in the mountains of North Carolina. No further business being presented the meeting adjourned to the annex at 10.30 P.M. THEO. H. Scumitz, Secretary. NEWARK ENTOMOLOGICAL SociETy.—At a meeting held October 25th the general character of the season just passed was discussed, and particularly the occurrence of certain of the rarer species. aah others, Mr. H. H. Brehme mentioned that the collect- ing started earlier in. 1896 than at any other period for nine years. The first eggs of Sphinx luscitiosa were found May rgth, earlier than ever before; that is, eggs were found on that day; and on the 2oth 250 eggs and between 30 and 4o young larve at least three days’ old were discovered. As the eggs are laid about ten days before the larvze hatch, the first adult must have been flying not later than May 7th, which is unusually early for any Sphinx. Eggs were found until June 29th, so it is certain that not all the : wee Se a ————=EE= LU 1897. ]} ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 21 moths come out at the same time. About eleven hundred of this species were found, and the larve were carried through until nearly full grown, when, being put in a cellar for a week, they became ill and died rapidly and not more than 200 entered the pupa state. Smerinthus geminatus is a much earlier species, and eggs were found May ist. Full grown larve were ready to pupate May 30th ; but of 30 specimens that pupated early in June, only one specimen hatched, the others lying over for next year. Some -larve were found June 3oth, and all of those produced the moths during the current Summer. Mr. Brehme questioned whether this wasarule. The first eggs of S. myops were found May 2oth, and they soon became plentiful. The last larvz were seen Octo- ber 12th. Cvressonia juglandis was very abundant this year, and much earlier than in other seasons. The first eggs were found May 20th. One day in August Messrs. Angelman and Brehme found over 300 full grown larve The last larve were found September 2oth. After considerable discussion on the subject of broods and dates, Mr. S. Seib told of an experience in involuntary sugaring, Octobe: 21st. He had several boxes of honey-comb from which the honey had been extracted and placed them in his garden to allow the bees to clean them out completely. In taking them in, in the evening, he noticed that there were several Noctuids flying about, and also that some had crawled in between the combs and were not easily disturbed. He therefore took in box after box, collected out the specimens in the room, and replaced them out- side for future attractions. In this way a considerable number of specimens were taken by far the greater proportion of them being Leucania unipunctata. In the genus Agroftis there were many common species and some that are as yet unknown to him. Scopelosoma was also represented in the captures, and particularly sidus, which was present in several pretty varieties. November 21st. Meeting was held at the residence of Mr. Seib in Jersey City. Mr. H. H. Brehme introduced the discussions in a short paper on southern butterflies noted in the vicinity of Newark, June 30th. Papilio ajax variety marcellus, was taken near Hemfock Falls in rather bad condition, indicating a long flight. July roth, near Elizabeth, Aupotteta claudia was taken in some numbers, and also a specimen of Pyrgus tessellatus. On the same day was seen a specimen of Cad/zdryas eubule. One day in September, near Waverly, a specimen of Zeritas nicippe was taken—a very rare species in this vicinity. Incidentally, it was stated that a correspondent in Reno, Nevada, claims that the common white cabbage butterfly, Pieris rape, is driving out the native species vernalis beckeri and occidentalis. The sub- ject of the distribution of species and their general modification 22 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ January, was discussed at some length, Messrs. Frank, Doll, Smith, Seib and others taking part. This was followed by some discussions on the habits of dung beetles, particularly the so-called tumble bugs, in the course of which Mr. Seib read an article from a German publication detail- ing at length some observations as to the method in which the insects formed and disposed of the pellet they are so often seen trundling about. The Entornological Section ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA, PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS. The following papers were read and accepted by the Committee for publication in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws: NITELOPTERUS, A NEW LARRID GENUS. By WILLIAM H. ASHMEAD, Among a small but interesting collection of parasitic Hymen- optera sent me some time ago by Mrs. Annie T. Slosson, for — names, was a minute digger-wasp, taken by her last Winter at Lake Worth, Florida, representing a new genus in the family Larride, although evidently closely allied to the European genus Nitela Latreille. Our species in this family have only quite recently been mono- graphed by Mr. Wm. J. Fox, and I therefore think it best that there should be no delay in publishing a diagnosis of this inter- - esting new genus. : Nitelopterus g. n. 9'.—Head transverse, with the eyes large and occu- pying the whole side of the head, extending to base of mandibles ; maxil- lary palpi 5-jointed; labral palpi 3-jointed ; mandibles long lanceolate; acute at tips, but with a deep emargination on lower side before the mid- dle; ocelli distinct, triangularly arranged. Thorax with a pronotum a little longer, but narrower than the mesonotum, with a transverse con- striction or furrow above at about two-thirds its length; mesonotum broader than long, obtrapezoidal, without parapsidal furrows, but with a shallow, poorly-defined, median furrow, which is more especially noticeable ante- riorly; scutellum with a transverse grooved line at base; metanotum as long as the mesonotum and scutellum united, slightly narrowed towards apex, the hind angles rounded, the short oblique posterior face trans- versely striated, with a slight sulcus ; spiracles linear ; tibial spurs 1, 1, 2, the tarsi longer than their femora. Front wings with one submarginal and two discoidal cells, the submedian cell considerably shorter than the me- : ee 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 23 dian, the areolet or second submarginal cell obliterated, evidently by the union of the two transverse cubital nervures as the only one now present is somewhat stout ; the cubitus is indicated by a stump of a vein which is -shorter than the transverse cubitus ; marginal cell shorter than the first submarginal cell, slightly rounded at apex, but not appendiculated, about two and one-half times as long as wide. Abdomen oblong-oval, narrower than the thorax, with seven distinct segments ; segments 1-3 occupying ' most of the surface, the first the longest, the second and third subequal ; segments 4-7 united, not longer than the third. In venation and general appearance this new genus is not unlike Nite/a Latr., and will naturally, on account of the venation of front wings, come next to it in any natural arrangement of the genera of the Larridz ; but is readily separated by the strongly emarginated mandibles, the slight difference in size and shape of the marginal cell and by the cubitus in the hind wing originating somewhat farther away from the transverse median nervure. Nitelopterus slossone sp. n. ¢'.—Length 3.5 mm. Black, more or less clothed with a silvery pile, the head in front and thorax above bronzed ; clypeus and face below insertion of antennz clothed with a dense, silvery pubescence ; scape beneath, mandibles, tibiz and tarsi, ferruginous ; an- terior and middle tibiz on upper surface more or less dusky ; apex of tarsal joints armed with black spines; flagellum filiform, joints 1-7 sub- equal 4 and 5 distinctly longer than 1 and 2, or about four times as long as thick. Abdomen with segments 1-¥ banded with silvery pile on apical margins, less distinct on the following segments ; the segments 1 and 2 have also a more or less distinct testaceous spot at apical middle. Haéb.—Lake Worth, Florida. (Mrs. Annie T. Slosson). 0. SOME SPECIES OF PERDITA FROM NEBRASKA. By T. D. A. COCKERELL, N. M: Agr. Exp. Station. So far as I am aware, no species of Perdifa has ever been recorded from Nebraska, so the following account of some just received from Prof. L. Bruner will possess interest. (1). Perdita albipennis Cresson, 1868.—Sand ‘Hills, Neb., July. Both sexes. (2). Perdita bruneri n.sp. West Point, Neb., August, 1887. One of _ each sex, ¢‘.—About 6mm. long. Head and thorax dark olive-green, . dullish, with bright lemon-yellow markings. Face bare, vertex, cheeks and thoracic dorsum with the usual sparse pubescence, becoming dense and conspicuously white on lower part of cheeks and lower part of pleura. Head ordinary, cheeks unarmed. Face below level of antennz all yellow, except clypeal dots, and a black streak at junction of dog-ear mark with 24 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ January, clypeus. Clypeus rather high; supraclypeal mark rectangular, nearly square, very slightly broader than long, emarginate attop. Lateral marks rapidly and evenly narrowing from top of dog-ear marks to a point on orbital margin about level with the middle of the scape, forming thereat. an angle of about 45°. Cheeks dark with only a yellow line extending nearly half way up posterior orbital margin. Mandibles rufous at tips. Scape yellow with a black patch on distal half above. Flagellum black above, mostly dull yellowish below. Mesothorax dullish, microscopically tessellate, median groove very distinct. Tubercles and a pair of large spots on hind border of prothorax, connecting with them by a narrow line, yellow. A patchon border of prothorax below tubercles also yellow. Pleura wholly dark, metathorax distinctly bluish. Tegulz hyaline with a yellow spot. Wings hyaline, nervures and margin of stigma very pale chrome yellow. Marginal cell somewhat obliquely truncate, poststig- natal portion longest. Second submarginal large, narrowed one-half to marginal. Third discoidal distinct. Legs yellow, with dark brown markings. Femora for the most part dark brown beneath. Anterior and middle tibize with a dark streak behind, hind tibiz almost entirely brown, except a yellow line down the front. Tarsi becoming whitish, claws dark. Abdomen above dark brown, with five clean cut yellow bands, all nar- rowly interrupted in the middle. These bands do not coalesce on lateral margin. Venter yellow. Q.—About 6 mm. long, if anything smaller than the , the thorax distinctly smaller, no dog-ear marks. The yellow markings apparently somewhat reddened by cyanide in the specimen described. Clypeus yellow with the usual dots and two heavy black bars. Supraclypeal mark nearly twice as broad as long. Lateral marks receding from the clypeus opposite the dot, curving gently upwards and outwards, then passing along the orbital margin as a band of uniform width, abruptly truncate at the upper level of the antennal sockets. Mandibles with slender dark tips. Scape more slender than in §¢'._ Prothoracic spots reduced to short lines or bands. Margin of stigma very pale orange contrasting with the very pale brownish nervures. Femora dark except at apex, middle and hind tarsi brownish. Abdomen banded as in the (’, but the bands not so broad, and chrome instead of lemon-yellow. Venter dark brown. In my table of Perdita (Proc. Phila. Acad. 1896), the % bruneri runs at once to spheralcee % , from which it differs by the interrupted abdominal bands, the comparatively dull meso- - thorax, etc. The 9? runs down to 80 affin7s 9 variety, but differs at once from that. which has cream-colored markings, dark nervures, and no well-developed supraclypeal mark. (3). Perdita sexmaculata Ckll. 1895, var. punctata, Ckll., 1896. Lin- coln, Nebr., September, one @. (4). Perdita ignota Ckll., 1896. Lincoln, Neb., September, one 9. The head and thorax have a decided olive-green color, but otherwise the specimen agrees with zgvofa from Mesilla, N. M. The occurrence of the species in Nebraska was wholly unexpected. The above species are all Rocky Mountain types, representa- tive of the upper Sonoran and Transition zones. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws for December was mailed December 5, 1896. Ent. News, Vol. VIII. Pla A NEW NOCTUID Ottolengui. ( Thyatira scripta and rectangulata) ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION, ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA. VoL. VIII. FEBRUARY, 1897. No. 2. CONTENTS: Ottolengui—A new Noctuid........... er | AMO as cui aise es scecneeagercress 36 Truman—Lepidoptera in S. Dakota..... 27 | Economic Entomology ................ 37 Twogood—Rhopalocera of Riverside, INOies aad. NOWS <: canoe denece esses 38 MOPS Cas 5k o's 00000 soos sentir acts 29 | Entomological Literature. ............ 40 _ Fox—The present status of Parapom- Doings of Societies. 215.520 005s wae 46 DROS os -avamets csueeus eve dies ita ve 32 | Entomological Section................. 48 Hamilton—Pinodytes hamiltoni and Anthicus forinicarius. ............- 34 A NEW NOCTUID. By R. OTTOLENGUI. Thyatira rectangulata nov. sp.—Pattern essentially that of Z. scripfa (America) and 7. derasa (Europe), except that in the course of the t. a. line a sharply defined right angle occurs ; hence the name. This seems to be a specific character, as in derasa the line is practically straight, . - whilst in scripéa there is a slight bend at the point where the right angle ° occurs in vectangulata. Other differences are as follows: Color.—The ground color is the same im all three species, lightest in derasa, and darkest in rectangu/ata. The maculation in derasa is creamy white with a deep yellowish cast through the central third of the prima- ries. In scriféa there is a pinkish hue to the white markings, and, with a number of specimens before me, it is evident that there is a yellowish re- flection through the central third of primaries, a shade which is entirely absent in rectangu/ata, the markings of which are bright pink. In fact, both in color and pattern (with one exception), scvi#/a seems more nearly allied to derasa, than it is to rectangu/lata. Subterminal line.—In scripféa and derasa the s. t. line is a distinct white band, well defined along both edges, extending uninterruptedly from apex to cuter angle. In vectangudaza the line is narrow, sharply dentate out- wardly ; inwardly fading away and blending with the ground color; it is narrowed or broken near the angle. Subterminal space.—The subterminal space in all three species ix 2 26 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February, crossed by a series of sharply curved, parallel, black lines. In Scripta four distinct lines are present, while in dervasa and rectangulata the inner- most line is entirely absent or very faintly suggested. Types.—Two males and two females. Collection of the author. This species, which I have at length decided to be distinct, was taken by me during my first year of collecting, and during the Spring and Autumn of each succeeding year. For a time I had my Brooklyn specimens labeled 7: scripfa, but when I visited White Mountains and took the genuine seripéa in that region, I at once suspected that the Brooklyn form was at least a local race. The late Mr. Neumoegen suggested to me that, being double brooded, the broods might vary, but I disproved this by showing him living specimens in May, and in the following August, both being taken in Brooklyn, and exactly alike. At various: times I have had about eighty specimens taken in Brooklyn, and the characters differing from the other species have been uniformly present in them all. I have also seen the same form taken by Mrs. Herring, in Plainfield, N. J., while specimens from the Catskills, the Adirondacks and the White Mountains, as well as from Canada, have all been typical scr7fta. I say ‘‘ typical” scripta, because though Gosse’s description is really no descrip- tion at all, his figure is very distinctly the same insect as that taken in the high altitudes and in the North. In Bulletin 44, U. S. National Museum, Prof. Smith says : ‘‘ In the Edwards collection there is an Alaskan specimen, and in the British Museum one from Hudson Bay territory, which indicate a new species. They are much darker in color, and in the course of the t. a. line agree with derasa rather than with scripfta.’’ This statement is puz- zling. I cannot find any Alaskan specimen in the Edwards col- lection, nor was such a specimen known to the present curator, Mr. Beutenmiiller. Aside from the typical sevzpfa, I found a specimen of what I now call vecfangulata, but that was presented to Mr. Edwards by me, and was taken in Brooklyn. Whether an Alaska label was temporarily upon the pin when Prof. Smith saw it I cannot tell, but even in that case, though rectangu/ata is ‘‘much darker in color,’’ it by no means approaches derasa in the course of the t. a. line. Then the British Museum specimen adds to the mystery, for I should not look for vectamgulata so far North, though of course it may occur there, if as I suspect, it is a true species, and not merely a local race of scripia. 5 ee. — 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. LEPIDOPTERA IN SOUTH DAKOTA. By P. C. Truman, Volga, S. Dak. Argynnis aphrodite ss alcestis 3 bellona Grapta progne Vanessa milberti Pyrameis huntera Junonia ccenia Apatura proserpina Thecla litus Chrysophanus dione Lyczena pseudargiolus Nathalis iole Anthocharis olympia Colias eriphyle ** ~ philodice Ancyloxypha numitor Pamphila massasoit ty uncas huron cernes ~ delaware Deilephila chamznerii Philampelus achemon Ampelophaga myron Protoparce celeus 4 carolina Sphinx drupiferarum ** gordius vancouverensis Triptogon modesta Smerinthus geminatus Eudryas unio 2 grata Lycomorpha pholus Callitnorpha suffusa Arctia virgo ‘* parthenice Spilosoma latipennis ss antigone Euchztes oregonensis Nadata gibbosa ae oe ae ee (Continued from p. 299, vol. vii). RARE. Gluphisia trilineata Telea polyphemus Hepialus argenteomaculatus Arsilonche albovenosa Acronycta occidentalis ig lobeliz insita : brumosa superans -connecta hamamelis sperata oblinita Harrisimemna trisignata . Microccelia diphtheroides Peridroma incivis Noctua c-nigrum =. -, plecta ‘* haruspica Chorizagrotis auxiliaris ss introferens ‘agrestis Porosagrotis murznula Carneades verticalis : tessellata Mamestra lustralis < subjuncta grandis latex adjuncta lilacina goodelli renigera obscura Hadena niveivenosa $ apamiformis cariosa leucoscelis f indirecta s mactata $f miseloides “ec 74 28 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. Hadena fractilinea Trachea delicata Oligia grata Hyppa xylinoides Euplexia lucipara Helotropha atra Hydreecia obliqua ye nebris Monodes nucicolora Caradrina meralis Pyrophila glabella’ Tzeniocampa oviduca Pyrrhia angulata Orthosia ferruginoides Xanthia flavago Xylina disposita ‘« bethunei laticinera pexata carbonaria Calocampa nupera x curvimacula Cucullia intermedia Ogdoconta cinereola Abrostola urentis Plusia zerea ‘* biloba Plusiodonta compressipalpis Heliothis rhexia ‘* — dipsaceus scutosus Erastria albidula s concinnimacula synochitis muscosula > Catocala grynea Ms crategi abbreviatella clintonii cerogama adriana stretchii cara nurus “ce “ce “ce (February, Strenoloma lunilinea Phurys vinculum Homopyralis discalis Herminia morbidalis iS petrealis Renia flavipunctalis Bleptina caradrinalis Bomolocha deceptalis Tetracis crocallata Caberodes confusaria s majoraria cayennaria Endropia serrata oe Sicya macularia Eucrostis chloroleucaria Acidalia quadrilineata Semiothisa enotata - dislocaria Phasiane mellistrigata “ce trifasciata irrorata Thamnonoma subcessaria a flavicaria Caterva catenaria Boarmia crepuscularia Eubyia cognataria 5 Phibalapteryx latirupta Petrophora testata <3 diversilineate Rheumaptera unangulata Pyrausta oxdydalis Schcenobius clemensellus Crambus coloradellus of interminellus bistriatellus Oxyptilus periscelidactylus Amorbia humerosana Dichelia sulfureana Sericoris constellatana Peedisca scudderiana *« dorsisignatana Carpocapsa pomonella ‘ec “ce 1897. ] Argynnis edwardsii Grapta j-album Vanessa californica Chionobas varuna Libythea bachmani Lyczna isola Meganostoma czsonia . Papilio turnus ** _cresphontes ‘* philenor Cystineura amymone Pamphila viator Nisoniades brizo sr juvenalis Protoparce cingulata Trochilium fraxini Utethesia bella Pheosia rimosa Nerice bidentata Edema albifrons Schizura ipomez Tolype velleda Hepialus argentata ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 29 VERY RARE. Chytonix palliatricula Noctua lubricans Agrotis atricincta Hadena auranticolor Hydreecia purpurifascia he necopina Scopelosoma devia Cucullia montanze Schinia nundina ** ~ arcifera Melicleptria sueta Acontia aprica Chamyris cerintha Erastria apicosa Melipotis nigrescens Catocala relicta Erebus o Metrocampa perlaria Probole aliearia Psammatodes er2miata Pantographa limata ~ Orneodes hexadactyla But of these Grapta j-album, M. cesonia, P. cresphontes, P. philenor and £. odora were undoubtedly travel-worn wanderers. And beside these I have taken nearly fifty species which are yet unnamed, mostly for the reason that they are too rare to risk sending to be named. _ The field is by no means exhausted, for each year adds species not found here before. 18) RHOPALOCERA OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA. By F. D. Twocoop. In the May number of the News, Mr. Albright gives a par- tial list of the Lepidoptera taken at Santa Monica and vicinity, I find it varies in many respects from the list taken here, especially the butterflies. Santa Monica is on the coast and Riverside fifty miles inland in a narrow valley with mountains on all sides. Within. a radius of five miles of Riverside, which includes a small mountain (Rubidoux, 1800 feet above sea level and 1000 feet above Min Street), the river bottoms and Riverside proper 30 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February, which has little less than citrus fruits with an occasional alfalfa patch, the species as given below have been taken by myself during the last five years. In determining specimens I am under obligations to Mr. H. C. Fall, of Pomona; Mr. Wright, of San Bernardino, and Dr. Skin- ner, of Philadelphia. Danais archippus Fab.—Not common ; March to November. Food-plant milkweed. D. berenice ?—Rare; several specimens seen June last, but none taken. Agraulis vanille Linn.—Abundant; taken all times of the year, common from April to January. Food-plant, passion vine. Meliteaa chalcedon Db.-Hew.—Abundant on Rubidoux ; April and May. M rubicunda Hy.-Edw. —Common on Rubidoux ; March and April. M. gabbii Behr. ARIE | four specimens taken in the river bot- toms the latter part of April, 1895. Phycoides mylitta Edw.—One specimen taken September last. Grapta satyrus Edw.—Rare; March and April. Food-plant elm. Vanessa antiopa Linn.—Common ; taken in February, June and November. Food-plants ; willow and elm. V. californica Bdv.—Very rare ; August in the river bottoms. Pyrameis atalanta Linn.—Rare; taken on Rubidoux February, ~ March and April. P. huntera Fab.—Rare ; March to Sinema P. cardui Linn.—Abundant the year around. P. carye Abn.—Common ; April to September. Junonia centa Hbn.—Rare ; January to October. - Limenitis lorquint Bdv.—Abundant; April to October. Food- plant, willow. | Canonympha californica Westw.—Very rare ; May and June. Lemonias virgulti Behr.—Abundant on Rubidoux, April and May. Calephelis cenius. Thecla halesus Cram.—Rare; only taken on Rubidoux, March and April. T. melinus Hbn.—Common ; June to September. T. dryope Edw.—Rare ; April to September. 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 31 Thecla iroides Bdv.—Rare ; several taken in a sheltered spot on Rubidoux ; March, 1894. T. eryphon Bdv.—Rare ; one taken July 5, ’95 in alfalfa field. D. dumetorum Bdv.— Abundant; Marchand Aprilon Rubidoux. Chrysophanus gorgon Bdv.—Rare ; June to September. C. helloides Bdv.—Common ; March to November. Lycena antiacis Bdvy.—Rare; taken the latter part of February and during March. . : L. acmon Db.-Hew.—Abundant ; March to November, very common during May and June. L. anna Edw.—Rare ; few taken on Rubidoux in June. L. pseudargiolus piasus Bav.—Common; March on Rubidoux. L. exilis Bdv.—Abundant ; June to September. L. striata Edw.—Rare ; taken in July. Pieris protodice Bdv.-Lec.—Common ; has been very common up to last year; since vaf@ has appeared it has greatly diminished. May and June. P. rape Linn.—Abundant last season ; June to September. Nathatlis tole Bdv.—Rare ; June and July. Anthocaris cethura Feld.—Common the latter part of April and during May. A. sara Bdv —Not com. ; taken in the river bottoms during May. A. sara reakirtii Edw.—Not common ; Spring form of sara taken in the river bottoms, March and the first of April. Meganostoma eurydice Bdv.—Rare; taken on Rubidoux, March and April. : ; _Colias eurytheme Bdv.—Abundant ; taken the year around. The alba form taken occasionally. C. hardfordit.—Rare ; July and August. Terias nicippe Cram.—Rare ; two spécimens, one on Rubi- doux in Arpil ’92, the other May ’95. Papilio eurymedon Bdy.—Rare; one specimen taken Aug. ’95. P. rutulus Bdv.—Common in the river bottoms, Feb. to Oct. P. zolicaon Bdy.—Rare ; a few taken on top of Rubidoux the latter part of February and during March. Copeodes candidg Wright.—Taken in the river bottoms March to May. Very rare. Pamphila nemorum Bdy.—Not common; Rubidoux, April and May. . 32 ENTCMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February, P. agricola Bdy.—Rare ; Rubidoux, May and June. P. campestris Bdv.—Abundant, March to December. P. phyleus Dru.—Common, June, July and August. P. brettus brettoides Edw.—Rare ; March to June. P. sabuleti Edw.—Rare; Rubidoux February and March. Two others not named. | Pyrgus ericetorum Bdy.—Rare; taken on the side of Rubidoux during May, one female. ‘ | P. tessellata Scud.—Common everywhere, March to November. Nisoniades persius Scud.—Common in the 1iver bottom ; June and July. N. tristis Bdv.—Common about the mints July and August. ~ Pholisora catullus Fabr.—Very rare ; two specimens taken in May. fe) VU THE PRESENT STATUS OF PARAPOMPILUS Cresson (non Smith). By WILLIAM J. Fox. Until within a few years considerable confusion has existed in the assignment of our Pompilide to their proper genera; and as there is yet, apparently, varying opinions regarding the somen- clature of certains groups, it has seemed advisable to discuss the position of Parapompilus Cresson (non Smith), the subject of which has been opened by a recent short article in these columns.* In Cresson’s monograph of the Pompilidz published in 1867, that author describes and refers, with ambiguity three species of Pompilus,—P. ?marie, 2 legatus and ?elegans. Later, 1869, he described from Mexico, a Ferreola levifrons, and in 1872, we have contiguus, texanus and vicinus, brought to light by the same author and referred to Parapompilus Smith, as are also Ferreola levifrons and Pompilus ¢legatus. Pompilus ?marieg we find under Parapompilus, in Cresson’s ‘‘Synopsis’’ published in 1887. In the foregoing we have what has been known as Para- pomilus Cresson. To this list must be added my VPlaniceps planatus and Ferreola sanguinea Smith. All of these form a fairly well marked group of species charac- terized by their flat heads, plate-like clypeus, ample wings, three * See a note by W. Hampton Patton in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, October, 1896, p. 248. 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 33 submarginal cells, basal vein interstitial, cubital vein of hind wings originating distinctly beyond apex of submedian cell, legs as usual (fore femora not swollen), tarsal claws strongly uniden- tate within near base, no tarsal comb, elongate pronotum and abdomen compressed apically. That they are distinct from Parapompilus Smith, we see in the ample wings and distinctly unidentate claws, and that the second ventral segment of abdomen is not transversely impressed. That in the dentate claws they differ from Kohl’s Group 17 of Pompilus (= Ferreola) and in the non-interstitial cubital vein of hind wings and laterally compressed abdomen from Kohl’s ‘Group 16 (= Ferreola) ; and in the fact of the middle segment being not emarginate excludes them from Kohl’s Group 15 (= Hominotus Dhib. They differ also from Hominotus by their dentate claws. With Kohl’s Group 18 (= Pedinaspis) they agree well. From /Planiceps Latr., they differ in the number of marginal cells, non-enlarged fore femora and dentate claws, the ordinary femora and number of submarginals; they are also differentiated from Aporus. : The conclusions we reach by these facts are: (1) The species in question do not belong to Parapompilus Smith (= Microp- _teryx Lep.*); (2) they cannot be referred to Ferreola, Homi- notus or Planiceps ; (3) that they are related to Kohl’s Groups 15, 16, 17 and 18 (Hominotus, Ferreola and Pedinaspis), and as the description of Group 15 fits them fairly well, Parapompilus Cresson, must henceforth stand as Pompilus (Gr. Pedinaspis Kohl), to which belong the following American species : /ev7- Jrons, vicinus, planatus, texanus, sanguineus, marie and legatus. Neither Parapompilus or Pomptlus (Gr. Ferreola) occur as yet in the United States. In a later paper,t Herr Kohl has reached the same conclusion regarding Parapompilus Cresson, and unites as one Group Pedinaspis, Parapompilus Cress., and Planiceps. It is preferable, in my opinion, to retain Planiceps as at least a Group of Pomprlus. * Kohl points out that the name was used for a genus in Lepidoptera prior to its adoption by Lepelitier de St. Fargeau , consequently Smith’s name must stand. { Verh. zool. bot. Gesell. xxxvi, 3, 1886, 34 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February, PINODYTES HAMILTON! AND ANTHICUS FORMICARIUS. By Jonn Hamitron, M.D. Pinodytes hamiltoni HYorz.—This species, which is blind, was discovered in December, 1872, though not described till 1892. The first example occurred about a foot under ground beneath a large impacted boulder in a wild mountainous place ; from its pale color and remarkable swiftness it was mistaken for a young roach and its companions, of which there were several, were per- mitted to escape. In June of the following year a dead specimen was found on a woody hill-side that had been mowed over ; no others have been taken by myself. Rev. P. Jerome Schmitt permits me to say that altogether he has taken six examples at six different times—four by sifting layers of decaying leaves from Chestnut Ridge, one under a stone and one under bark on a log. These all occurred during the Winter months, but the insect was not sought for in this way during the Summer. Mr. H. G. Klages took six examples, two of them several years ago, in June, and four in November of last year; these last were found under the bark of a gum (yssa) log with Cucujus clavipes which discloses at that season, many of the pupa dying during the process. These are all that are known to me to have occurred till a recent lucky find by Mr. Geo. H. Ehrman. On the 21st of November, Mr. Erhman succeeded in capturing twelve examples under circumstances that furnished a clew to the habits of the mature beetle. On the side of a wild mountain ravine in a humid place on overturning a log he discovered a large dead larva, seemingly Elaterid, in and around which he took the number mentioned. At first sight they were thought to be young roaches, bur the mistake was discovered in time so that the whole colony was captured. From the foregoing it is evident that the species is gregarious and carnivorous, apparently occurring oftener in Winter than in Summer, and in woody, hilly, uncultivated places. Conjecturally, from its pallid color, absence of eyes and conditions under which found, it seems in habit either subterranean or semi-subterranean, its presence under bark being that of a scavenger. The larve are probably wholly subterranean, subsisting on the dead larve and pupe of the numerous insects which inhabit beneath the 1897. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 35 ground during immaturity, and when discovered will probably prove to be eyeless. The above narrative is given with the view that collectors may look for this beetle more understandingly. It may be wide spread and not so rare as, it seems at present. The likelihood, from its pale color and extreme activity, of being mistaken for a colony of young roaches should be borne in mind. Anthicus formicarius Goeze, formicotdes Geoff., basilaris Say, guisquilius Thoms., Hemantus enodis, scenicus, ? rixator Casey. It seems that Captain Casey, in his monograph of the Anthicini (Ann. N. Y. Acad. Nat. Sci., Sept. 1895), not having seen European examples of either ffovadis or the present species, doubted the identity of the former and ignored all reference to the latter, which course furnished material for, to him, two, per- haps three new species. Like as myself, in the first edition of the Coleoptera, common to America and Europe, he committed the error of uniting das7/- .laris with floralis, but seems to have disregarded, or not to have noticed the correction made by Mr. A. Fauvel (‘‘Revue d’ Ento- mol ”’ viii, 155), and embodied in my second edition (I. c.). This of course left formicarius Geoze, basilaris Say, unde- scribed. Like many other widely distributed species this, besides the inevitable individual differences, is subject to some slight geo- graphical variation ; the form from Southern California is a little paler and has slightly finer general punctuation than examples from Canada. Examples from Europe seem to be absolutely iden- tical with the California form, which is Captain Casey’s Hematus enodis as determined by description; this does not differ in any es- sential structure from the Atlantic coast form, which is undoubt- edly H. scentcus Casey; /7. rixator Casey from the New Mexican region differs so little by description as to be doubtfully distinct, though a want -of specimens prevents absolute positiveness. I find, from the examination of numerous European and Ameri- can forms, that the characters chiefly designated by Mr. Casey to separate his species are individually intercurrent, inconstant, and cannot safely be used for that purpose, a condition that could scarcely have been overlooked with more plentiful material. For some antecedent remarks on this species see ENT. NEWS, vii, 70. American habitat, so far as personally known, Southern Cali- - fornia, Florida, Massachusetts, Canada (Ontario). I cannot follow Captain Casey in splitting Amthicus into ten ‘genera with meaningless barbaric names ; these so-called genera are simply groups convenient for the purpose of analysis and nearly all previously recognized by various authors. In a cata- logue these groups may properly be noted by xxx, or as in the European, designated by numerals. 36 [ 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- — 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. Outside of the United States and Canada $1,20. ges~ All remittances and communications should be addressed to ENTOMOLOGICAL News, Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th and Race Streets, Philadelphia, Pa. PHILADELPHIA, PA., FEBRUARY, 1897. NEWS AGENTS. QUITE a number of our subscribers get the NEws through news and book agencies and they give us considerable trouble. These agencies all expect a discount and we publish the News at sucha low rate that we cannot afford to give them a percentage. It would be much better if our friends would sead us their sub- scription money direct. It is doubtless an advantage for institu- tions to subscribe through an agency, but it can hardly save the individual any trouble. We have had subscribers inform us that they have not received the News, and in some, cases it has been ~ because we have not received the money for the subscription, and as we expect the money in advance, such copies have not been sent out. Those who have not sent in their subscriptions for the present year will kindly do so and greatly oblige us. Ir is said there is nothing new under the sun. ‘This is a mistake, as we have just received some Coleoptera, to name, put up in gelatin capsules. . _ Each end of the capsule has a little cotton in it and the beetle is between _ and can be seen and examined through this transparent material. What next? : : 4 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 37 DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. Edited by Prof. JOHN B. SMITH, Sc.D., New Brunswick, N. J, Papers for this department are solicited. They should be sent to the editor, Prof. John B. Smith, Sc.D., New Bruuswick, N. J. : Abstract of the Proceedings of the Section on Entomology of the Associa- tion Agric. Coll. and Exp. Stations.— At the meeting of the A. A. A. C. and E. S. held in Washington, Nov. 10-13, 1896, the Section on Entomology presented an interesting and valuable program. Dr. Otto Lugger, of Minnesota, occupied the chair, and in the absence of the secretary-elect, Mr. W. G. Johnson, of Maryland, was elected temporarily to the position. The need of better legislation against noxious insects, the manufacture and sale of bogus insecticides, were topics that received an extended dis- cussion at the opening session. The report of the committee appointed to consider the matter of legislation against injurious insects was unani- mously adopted by the Section and referred to the Executive Committee of the main association, but was not approved. The following resolution was then introduced by Mr. W. B. Alwood, of Virginia, and unanimously adopted by the Section: WHEREAS, in consideration of the fact of the recent alarming spread of the San José scale in the Atlantic and Middle States, and the further fact that we believe its suppression can only be accomplished by carefully framed laws which should be enacted in the several States, therefore be it Resolved, tst. That the Section on Entomology of the American Asso- ciation of Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations endorses the principle of special legislation for the suppression of this pest ; 2d. That a committee of ten be created, with Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of the Division of Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture, as chairman, which shall carefully prepare such memoranda as they deem best in relation to legislation dealing with the pest, and when so prepared this matter shall be submitted to the authorities of the several States con- cerned for such action as the Legislatures thereof may choose to take. 3d. That it is the sense of this Section that State inspection for the con- trol and prevention of the dissemination of this pest upon nursery stock is imperative. The chair appointed the following committee: L. O. Howard, W. B. Alwood, W. G. Johnson, F. A. Sirrine, J. B. Smith, J. A. Lintner, F. M. Webster, G. G. Groff, A. D. Hopkins and G. H. Powell. In the absence of the author, Dr. Howard read a paper by Mr. C. F. Baker on ‘‘ Notes from Auburn, Alabama.’’ In brief, the author reviewed the insects affecting the garden, farm crops, stored grain, and orchard with miscellaneous notes. He said cotton and corn had been very free from insect injury the present season, the greater part of the damage being done by fungi. The scarity of the boll worm in corn was very conspicuous. A small moth resembling the one becoming injurious to 38 - ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. ~ (February, peach and some varieties of apple in Colorado was bred from peaches. ‘The author was of the opinion that this moth would appear elsewhere soon, as infested fruit was being shipped out of Colorado in considerable ‘quantities. Mr. F. A. Sirrine read a paper on ‘‘ Termites ( 7. flavipes) as a Force- ing-house Pest.’’ He said these insects were found gnawing the bark from chrysanthemum plants just below the surface of the ground and ‘mining stems in a forceing-house at Floral Park, N. Y., during the month -of August, 1896. Bisulphide of carbon was used in destroying the pests, but many plants were also killed by the treatment. Referring to some experiments with cocoons of MMe/ittia ceto, the same author said moths -could not reach the surface when the cocoons were buried in a sandy loam to a depth of four inches. He also stated that he had bred the potato flee-beetle, Apitria cucumerts from larve and pupe taken in the ground around, what the Long Island growers call ‘‘ pimply potatoes.” The author said Mr, F. C. Stewart had given this subject careful study for the past. two years, and that he was of the opinion the pimply condi- tion of the tubers was due to these insects. Mr. Alwood presented a paper on ‘‘The Dissemination of the San José scale in Virginia.’’ He briefly reviewed the original outbreak of the scale in Virginia, stating that only one other point had been located up to the time of the passage of the Virginia scale law. He said that the inspection of nurseries and orchards had been pushed this season, and it is now thought that most of the infected places are known. There are three in the great valley, six in the Piedmont, and six in the tide water. Some of these are nurseries, but it is supposed that all the infested stock has been destroyed. Only two or three places are considered serious. In every instance the pest was introduced upon nursery stock from New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia and Louisiana. The Virginia law has met the approval of the people quite generally, and the powers given the in- spector are found to be ample; but the lack of specified funds for cleari up infested premises, where the owners do not realize the importance o «immediate action, is considered a bad defect. ; (To be continued.) Notes and News. . 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, aud as far as may be, will be published according to date of recep- -tion. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws has reached a circulation, both in numbers and circumfe1- 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.—Eb. Picture for album of American Entomological Society has been re- -ceived from Mr. Edw. A. Klages, Crafton, Pa. 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 39 Dr. Geo. H. Horn has been seriously ill, but we are glad to state he is much better and out of danger. DRAGONFLIES IN HOT WATER.—In “‘ The Museum’? (a natural science journal published at Albion, N. Y.) for October, 1896, Prof. M. J. Elrod gives some of his experiences in the Yellowstone National Park, as the sixth instaliment of a series entitled, ‘“ Among the Rockies.’’ After de- scribing the Fountain, Excelsior Geyser, Turquoise and Prismatic Lakes, he says: *‘ We had observed in the lakes and in the outlet to the crater {of Excelsior Geyser] numerous dead dragonflies. They had met a sad fate and had come to an untimely end by too close proximity to these hot steam vents. Now these were what we were after, though we had as yet ’ -taken none in the Park. There is no law against catching insects or dig- ging plants, so we prepared for-action. We soon struck a warm stream along which hundreds of beautiful large red-winged Libe//u/a saturata were sporting themselves, and mixed among them were many smaller blue- colored Mesothemis simplicicollis var. collocata. All the boys took a turn, and that ravine was well swept. The insects were frequently seen depositing eggs in water that was hot to the touch.” Then follows a de- scription of Z. saturata. ‘‘The next most noticeable dragonfly to Z. saturata is Mesothemis simplicicallis var. collocata Hagen [not Say]. It was found in the Park quite abundantly, generally with Z. saturata. On account of their staying in close proximity to small warm pools and run- ning streams they are not difficult to catch. One could generally straddle the stream and sweep from either side as they went past, or secure a favorable position near a pool and sweep them, while a second party swould keep them on the wing. They fly low in the Park, do not take long flights, and by their bright blue bodies are quite conspicuous, though not as much so as Z. saturata. Quite a number were captured by throwing hats over them, though by such means failures were the rules and captures the exception. Hundreds of these were seen in various pools where the water was too hot for the insects. In some cases they were cooked, and were so soft and unsightly as to be useless as speci- mens. At first it would appear difficult to account for their presence in these hot pools. From the fact that many males are among the dead it cannot be from an attempt at depositing eggs in water too hot to endure. They undoubtedly are overcome by the escaping steam, smothered and boiled.’’ THE GIZZARD OF DRAGONFLIES (ODONATA).—Dr. F. Ris, of Mendrisio, Tessin, Switzerland, in an article entitled, ‘‘ Untersuchung iiber die Ge- stalt des Kaumagens bei den Libellen und ihren Larven’”’ (Zoologischer Jahrbiicher, ix. Jena, 1896) describes the gizzard of these insects as the terminal portion of the foregut, whose ectodermal cuticle is variously thickened and armed with microscopic teeth arranged in rows or on alter- nating areas. The presence of such structures in insects so well provided with cutting and biting mouth-parts is explained as necessary, owing to 40 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February, the fact that the food is ‘‘bolted,”’ and therefore an accessory organ for its comminution is required. The orthopterous Locustidz and Gryllidz likewise possess a gizzard, whose presence is similarly accounted for, while in the more slowly feeding Acrididz and Lepidopterous larvz tt is lacking. Confining his studies to the Odonata he finds that, for the larve, the Calopteryginz and somé Agrioninz have the most complexly armed gizzard, the teeth being arranged in 16 longitudinal fields, reduced to 8 in Lestes, to 4in Gomphus and Aeschna, and to four bilaterally symmet- rical Zeeth in Cordulegaster and the Libellulida. A comparison of Iarvz and imagos of the same species shows that a reduction likewise takes place in the individual development, scarcely more than traces of the teeth remaining in the imagos of the Anisoptera. He discusses the phy- logeny of the various subfamilies of the Odonata, and on data, drawn in part from his above-described results, modifies Calvert’s geneological tree by placing the Cordulegasterinz as the ancestors of the Cordulinz and Libellulinz. Identification of Insects (Imagos) for Subscribers. Specimens will be named under the following conditions: 1st, 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. Exotie 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. Please put date of capture and exact locality on each specimen. Before sending insects for identificaticn, read page 41, Vol. III, Address all packages to ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan Square, Philadelphia, Pa. Entomological Literature. Under the above head it is intended to note such papers received at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia pertaining to the Entomology of the Amerieas (North and South). Articles irrelevant to American entomology, unless monographs, or con- taining descriptions of new genera, wil not be noted. Contributions to the anatomy of insects, however, whether relating to American or exotic species wili be recorded. 1. ANNALES DU MUSEE ROYAL D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE DE BELGIQUE. Tome xii—Les Arachnides de Belgique par Leon Becker. Deuxieme et Troisiemes parties. Eresidz, Epeiride, Uloboride, Theridionide, Pholcide, Enyoide, Agelenidz, Dictynide, Drasside, Scytodidz, Dys- deride, Avicularide.—Chernetes, Opiliones. Brussels, MDCCCXCVI, © folio, 378 pp. With an atlas (folio) of 43 colored plates. ’ 2. ZOOLOGISCHER ANZEIGER. Leipsic, Dec. 7, 1896.—Some further remarks on the phylogeny of the orders of Myriapods, C. Verhoeff. On the development of the Pseudoscorpions, J. Tschelkanovzev (in the Mit- theilungen). December 28.—On the mode of breathing in the Hy- drachnide, A. H. van Vleet, fig. Aphidological communications, N. Cholodkovsky. 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NFWS. 41 . PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY oF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILA- DELPHIA, 1896, pp. 547-359.—The Hymenoptera collected by Dr. A. Donaldson Smith in Northeast Africa, W. J. Fox, figs. 4. BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN MuSEUM OF NaTuRAL Hisrory, viii, art. xix. New York, December, 1896.—Transformations of some North American hawk-moths, W. Beutenmiiller. 5. THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL History. London, December, 1896.—On the habits of Avania desjardinsii Blanch., E. Bor- dage (transl. from Comptes Rendu, Acad. Sci. Paris). On a viviparous Ephemera, M. Causard (from the same). Determination of the directing element in the jaws of insects, J, Chatin (from the same). 6. THE GEOLOGICAL MaGAzINE. London, December, 1896.—Ex- planation of the plan adopted for preparing an ‘‘Index Generum et Specierum Animalium,’”’ C. D. Sherborn. 7. BULLETIN No. 36, FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. Jacksonville, Fla., October, 1896.—Insects injurious to stored grain and cereal products, A. L. Quaintance, figs. 8. THE ENTOMOLOGIST’s RECcOoRD.—London, Dec. 15, 1896 —The characters of the eggs of Lepidoptera, as affording a basis for classifica- tion, T. A. Chapman, 9. BULLETIN No 39, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. Austin, July, 189,—The Peach [with a section on injurious insects], R. H. Price, figs. . 1o. BULLETINS OF THE NEw HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. Durham, N. H. No. 35, May, 1896 —The cod- ling moth and the apple maggot, C. M. Weed, figs.——No. 36, June 1896. —Analysis of three common insecticides, F. W. Morse. No. 38, Au- gust, 1896.—The tent caterpillar, C. M. Weed, figs——No 39, Septem- ber, 1896,—The army worm, C. M. Weed, figs. Ir. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRI- CULTURE for 1895. [Harrisburg, Pa.], 1896. Parti. Vegetable destruc- tion; its causes and remedies, Prof. R. C. Schiedt. Insects of the year, id., 1 pl.—Part ii. Destruction of the pitch pine forests of Pennsylvania by the pine bark beetle, C. W Johnson. figs. 12. NINETEENTH REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST on the nox- ious and beneficial insects of the State of Illinois —Eighth Report of A. 5. Forbes for the years 1893 and 1894. Springfield, Ill., 1896. Pp. 206, 66, v, 13 pls., 4 text figures. Deals with contagious fungus diseases, with special application to the chinch bug, with the ravages of white ants in Illinois, and with the Mediterranean flour moth, this last article by W. G. Johnson. , 13. BULLETIN OF THE ILLINOIS STATE LABORATORY OF NATURAL His- Tory. Champaign, Ill. III, art. xv. Synopsis of subfamilies and genera 2* 42 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, [February, of the North American Cercopidz, with a bibliographical and synonym- ical catalogue of the described species of North America, F. W. Goding. —IV, art. i-v, 1895.—Bacteria normal to digestive organs of Hemip- tera, S. A. Forbes. Description of two new Deltoid moths, G. H. French. Art. vi. On the entomology of the Illinois River and adjacent waters, first paper, C. A. Hart, 15 pls. (All the above received Dec. 29, 1896.) 14. THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPICAL SCIENCE, XXxix, 3. London, November, 1896 —The constitution and development of the society of Termites: observations on their habits; with appendices on the parasitic protozoa of Termitidz, and’on the Embiidz, Prof. B. Grassi in collaboration with Dr. A. Sandias (transl. from the Italian by W. F. H. Blandford), 5 pls. 15. L’ECHANGE REVUE LINNEENNE. Lyons (France), November, 1896.—Bibliographical and geographical catalogue of the [species of] Macratria Newm., M. Pic. 16. REVUE SCIENTIFIQUE. Paris, Dec. 12, 1896.—Mosquitoes of the Isle of Anticosti, P. Combes. 17, OFVERSIGT AF KONGL. VETENSKAPS-AKADEMIENS FORHANDLIN- GAR, xvii, 8. [Stockholm], 1896.—Some new or imperfectly described Physapoda, F. Trybom. 18. JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, iv, 4, December, 1896.—New species of Heterocera from tropical America, W. Schaus. Notes on the transformations of the higher Hymenoptera—i, A. S. Packard, figs. A new Anisota, H. G. Dyar. The life-histories of the New York slug caterpillars—iii—vi, id.,4 col. pls.—Additi ns to the list of Long Island spiders, N. Banks. A new species of Gomphus, id. A short review of the Chrysomelas of North America, M. Linell. The dog’s head butterfly on Staten Island, W. T. Davis. Diabrotica in New Mexico, T. D. A. Cockerell. New species of insects taken on a trip from the Mesilla Valley to the Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico, id. Note on Samia californica, A. R. Grote. 19. MITTHEILUNGEN DER SCHWEIZERISCHEN ENTOMOLOGISCHEN GE- SELLSCHAFT, ix, 9. Schaffhausen, November, 1896.—Second supplement to ‘Genera and species of my Cetonid collection,’ Dr. G. Schoch. On the fauna and habits of the ants of the primeval forest of Colombia, Dr. A. Forel. Fauna Hymenoptera Helvetica (cont.), Dr. A. v. Schulthess Rechberg. 20. PsycHE. Cambridge, Mass., January, 1897.—Antennal structure of certain Diplosids, E. P. Felt, r pl. Notes on New England Acrididz —iii. Oedipodinz, 1, A. P. Morse. Description of the botfly of the cot- ton-tail rabbit in New Mexico, Cuterebra lepusculi n. sp., C. H. T. Townsend. Some facts in the life-history of Hypopta bertholdi Grote, J. be Ee lrtt—“‘i‘i—sOSC bP, 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 43 J. Rivers. Description of the larva of Hypopta bertholdi, H. G. Dyar. Note on eggs of Stagomantis carolina, S. H. Scudder. Leucania uni- puncta, C. G. Soule. 21. THE FAUNA OF BritisH INpIA, including Ceylon and Burma.— moths, vol. iv. By Sir G. F. Hampson, Bart. London, Taylor and Francis, 1896, 8vo., pp. xxviii, 594, 287 figs. Contains the Pyralidz, with an appendix to the preceding volumes. 22. NOTES FROM THE LEYDEN MUsSEvy, xviii, 1, July 15, 1896.—Some new Heterocerus from the East Indies and from America, A. Grouvelle. A revision of the genus C/idicus, E. Wasmann. Descriptions of new Dryopide (Parnidz) and Helmidz, A. Grouvelle. Some new Paussus from Java, with remarks on the myrmecophilous habits of the Pausside, E. Wasmann, fig., 1 pl. 23. TIJDSCHRIFT DER NEDERLANDSCHE DIERKUNDIGE VEREENIGING (2), v, 1. Leyden, 1896. The larval state of Hypoderma bovis, P. Koorevaar. : 24. ATTI DELLA SOCIETA TOSCANA DI SCIENZE NATURALI, x, 1896.— Contributions to the anatomy of the Gamaside—anatomy of Derma- nyssus galling Redi, F. Neri. 25. LE NATURALISTE CANADIEN. Chicoutimi, December, 1896 —Co- leopterological fauna of Manitoba (cont.), G. Chagnon. 26. PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, XXXv, 152. Philadelphia, November, 1896.—On the second abdominal segment -in a few Libellulide, M. F. Goddard, 2 pls. 27. THE ZOOLOGICAL RECORD, . . . being Records of Zoological Lit- erature relating chiefly to the year 1895... Edited (for the Zoological Society of London) by D. Sharp. London: MDCCCXCVI. Arachnida 56 pp., Myriapoda 29 pp., R. I. Pocock. Insecta, 387 pp., D. Sharp. 28. NATURGESCHICHTE DER INSECTEN DEUTSCHLANDS.—Coleoptera V, ii, 1, Dr. G. Seidlitz. Berlin, 1896. Alleculide. 29. BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA, part cxxxi. London, October, 1896. Received Jan. 5, 1897.—Arachnida Araneidea, pp. 193-208, pl. xxi, O. P. Cambridge. Coleoptera, vol. iii, pt. 1, pp. 553-584, pl. xxiv, G. C. Champion. Lepidoptera Rhopalocera, vol. ii, pp 425-440, pl. Ixxxix, F. D. Godman and O. Salvin. Lepidoptera Heterocera, vol. ii, pp. 297- 320, pls. Ixv-Ixvii, H. Druce. Diptera, vol. ii, pp. 313-320, F. M. van der Wulp. 30. PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MuSEuM, xix. Washington, 1896, No. 1102.—Descriptions of new Cynipidous galls and gall-wasps in the United States National Museum, W. H. Ashmead.— No. 1108.—Summary of the Hemiptera of Japan, presented to the United States National Museum by Professor Mitzuri, P. R. Uller. ~N 44 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, [February, _ 31. BULLETIN DE L’ACADEMIE ROYALE DES SCIENCES, DES LETTRES ET DES BEAUX-ARTS DE BELGIQUE (3), xxxii, 11. Brussels, 1896.—How flowers attract insects—experimental researches—ii, F. Plateau, 1 pl. 32. Le NATURALISTE. Paris, Dec. 15, 1896.—Carpocapsa pomonana, vulgarly the apple worm, its habits and means of destruction (concl.) M. Decaux, fig. 33. LepipopTErA INpica. By F. Moore. Part xxvi. London: L. Reeve & Co., 1896. Received Jan 5, 1897. Pp. 25-48, of vol. iii, pls. g)-205. Nymphalinz, groups Potamina and Euthaliina. 34. BULLETIN No. 6 (new series) U S. Dept. of Agriculture. Division of Entomology. Washington, 1896.—Proceedings of the eighth annua] meeting of the Association of Economic Entomologists [held at Buffalo, N. Y., Aug. 21, 22, 1896]. The evolution of economic entomology, C. H. Fernald. Some temperature effects on household insects, L. O. Howard. Three years’ study of an outbreak of the chinch bug in Ohio, F. M. Webster, maps. A new insecticide [arsenate of lead], A. H. Kirkland. Comparative tests with new and old arsenicals on foliage and with larvae, C. L. Marlatt. On the futility of trunk and crown washing against the elm-leaf beetle, L. O. Howard. Insecticide soaps, C. L. Marlatt. Scale insects and their enemies in California; J. B. Smith. Notes on some of the insects of the year in the State of New York, J. A. Lint- ner, Entomological notes from Maryland, W. G. Johnson. Insects of — the year in Ohio, F. M. Webster. Some notes on observations in West ‘Virginia on farm, garden and fruit insects, A. D Hopkins. Notes on new and old scale insects, W. G. Johnson. Notes on the entomological events of the year 1896 in Iowa, H. Osborn. Is coéperation for the con- trol of San José scale practicable, W. B. Alwoud. The development of the Mediterranean flour,moth, F. H. Chittenden. ‘The grasshopper dis- ease in Colorado, C. P. Gillette. A simple device for the preparation of oil emusions, H. A. Morgan. figs. 35. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL PHYSICAL Society. Session 1895- 96. Edinburgh, October, 1896.—Note on the occurrence of the larva of the drone-fly (Zvistalis tenax L.) as a temporary endoparasite in man, J. A. Thomson. 36. BIOLOGISCHES CENTRALBLATT. Leipsic, Dec. 15, 1896.—On the abdominal appendages of insects, Dr. R. Heymons. 37. COMPTE-RENDU. SOCIETE PHILOMATHIQUE DE Paris, Dec. 12, 1896.—On the presence of calcospherites in the larve of Diptera, M. Henneguy. 38. REVUE SUISSE DE ZOOLOGIE ET, ANNALES DU MUSEE D’HISTOIRE © NATURELLE DE GENEVE, iv, 2, Dec. 28, 1596.—Supplementary note on the genus Hemimerus, H. deSaussure, 1 pl. Review of the genus 77i- dactylus, id. «vw % My 1897. ] -ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 45 39. MEMOIRS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, * XII, No. iii. Cambridge [Mass.], December. 1896.—Contributions to- wards a monograph of the Laboulbeniacee [entomogenous fungi], R.. Thaxter. 40. THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. London, Ont., January, 1897.— The crinkled flannel moth (Jlegalopyge crispata Pack ), M. V. Slinger- land, 1 pl. Toronto Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario. Brephos middendorfi Men.. A.W. Hanham. On the Mexican bees of the genus Augochlora, T. D. A. Cockerell. The Coleoptera of Canada, _ xix, Chrysomelidz of Ontario and Quebec (cont.), H. F. Wickham, figs. A generic revision of the Hypogymnidz (Liparidz), H. G. Dyar. Cata- logue of the phytophagous and parasitic Hymenoptera of Vancouver Island, W. H. Harrington. 41. THE ENromo.ocist. London, January, 1897.—Fungi parasitic on butterflies, J. C. Rickard, figs. The senses of insects, G. W. Smith. Descriptive notes on two Coccide, T. D. A. Cockerell. 42. THE ENTOMOLOGIST’s MONTHLY MAGAz:NE. London, January, 1897.—Oa Coccus agavium Douglas, R. Newstead, figs. 43. BULLETIN No. 33 of the Office of Experiment Stations, U.S Dept. of Agriculture, Division of Entomology, Reprint from. Insects affecting the cotton plant, L O. Howard, Ph.D., figs., 1 pl. Received Jan. 9, 97. 44. MITTEILUNGEN AUS DEM NATURHISTORISCHEN MUSEUM IN HaAm- BURG, xiii, 1896.—New and little-known scorpions, Dr. K. Kraepelin, 1 pl. The Collembola of the vicinity of Hamburg, Dr C. Schaeffer, 4 pls. Phalangidz of the vicinity of Hamburg, Dr. K. Kracpelin. 45. THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAI SOCIETY OF LONDON for the year 1896, pt. iv, Dec. 18, 1896.—On the classification of three subfamilies of moths of the family Pyralidz: the Epipaschiinze, Endotri- chine and Pyralinz, SirG. F. Hampson. Notes on seasonal dimorphism in South African Rhopalocera, G. A. K. Marshall. On the phylogeny and evolution of the Lepidoptera from a pupal and oval standpoint, Dr. T. A. Chapman. Termites in captivity in England, G. D. Haviland and Dr. D. Sharp. INDEX TO THE PREUVEDING LITERATURE. The number after each author’s name in this index refers to the journal, as numbered in the preceding list, in which that author’s paper is published; * denotes that the paper in question contains descriptions of new North American forms. ° THE GENERAL SUBJECT. Chatin 5, Sherborn 6, Hart 13, Pocock and Skarp 27, Plateau 31, Thom- son 35, Heymons 36, Henneguy 37, Thaxter 39, Rickard 41, Smith 41. 46 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. {February, ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. Quaintance 7, Price 9, Weed 1o (three), Morse 10, Schiedt 11 (two), Johnson, C. W. 11, Forbes 12, 13, Johnson, W. G. 12, Combes 16, De- caux 32, Many authors 34, Thomson 35, Cholodkovsky 2, Howard 43. ‘ MYRIAPODA. Verhoeff 2, Pocock 27. _ ARACHNIDA. Becker 1, Tschelkanovzev 2, Banks 18*, Neri 24, Pocock 27, Cambridge 29*, van Vleet 2, Kraepelin 44* (two). THYSANURA. Schaeffer 44. ORTHOPTERA. Morse 20, Scudder 20, Gillette 34, de Saussure 38 (two). NEUROPTERA. Causard 5, Forbes 12, Grassi and Sandias 14, Banks 18*, Goddard 26, Haviland and Sharp 45. HEMIPTERA. Forbes 12, 13, Goding 13, Trybom 17, Cockerell 18* (two), 41*, Uhler 30, Smith 34, Johnson 34, Cholodkovsky 2, Newstead 42. COLEOPTERA. Johnson 11, Hart 13, Pic 15, Linell 18*, Schoch 19*, Grouvelle 22* (two), Wasmann 22 (two), Chagnon 25, Seidlitz 28, Champion 29*, Wickham 4o. DIPTERA. Hart 13, Combes 16, Cockerell 18*, Townsend 20, Koorevaar 23, van der Wulp 29*, Thomson 35, Henneguy 37. LEPIDOPTERA. Beutenmiiller 4, Chapman 8, 45, Johnson 12, French 13*, Schaus 18* Dyar 18* (two), 20, 40, Davis 18, Grote 18, Felt 20, Rivers 20, Soule 20, Hampson 21, Godman and Salvin 29*, Druce 29*, Decaux 32, Moore 33, Slingerland 40, Hanham 4o, Rickard 41, Hampson 45, Marshall 45. * HYMENOPTERA. Fox 3, Bordage 5, Hart 13, Packard 18, Cockerell 18*, 4o*, Forel [9, Schulthess-Rechberg 19, Ashmead 30*, Harrington 4o. 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 47 Doings of Societies. PHILADELPHIA, January 12, 1897. A stated meeting of the Feldman: Collecting Social was held at the residence of Mr. H. W. Wenzel, 1509 S. 13th Street. Members present: Messrs. Castle, H. W. Wenzel, A. Hoyer, E. Wenzel, Seiss, Fox, Laurent Boerner and Schmitz. Visitor: Mr. Stanley T. Kemp. Meeting called to order at 9 P.M., Vice-President Castle presiding. Minutes of the previous meeting approved as read. The Secretary and Treasurer read their annual reports, which, upon motion, were accepted and filed. Mr. Hoyer exhibited a piece of pine wood, in which, while sawing it through, he discovered a burrow containing a carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica, which, as could be seen, had just escaped the saw’s teeth ; the depth of the burrow was about seven inches. Mr. Fox made a few remarks concerning the habits of this species. Mr. Laurent exhibited a specimen of Bronchelia hortaria var. dendraria from Gulf Hammock, Fla., and stated it was a south- ern form, and he doubted if it had ever been found in this part of the country. Mr. Seiss stated that Mr. Kemp had taken a specimen of J/ur- gantia histrionica in Camden, N. J., a few weeks ago in hiberna- tion ; this is a southern species and has gradually worked its way northward ; it was reported from south Jersey about a year ago. Mr. H W. Wenzel exhibited males and females of an inter- esting little species of Buprestid, Xenorhipis brendeli, bred by Mr. Edw. A. Klages, of Crafton, Pa., making special mention of the remarkable antenne of the male. Mr. Kemp stated that he had recently, for an experiment, lined some of his bcxes with cork-carpet in place of cork, but that he concluded it made the boxes almost too heavy, and, that further, he found it difficult to pin specimens owing to the hardness thereof ; however, he thought he would mention it, as some of the members might have intended trying it themselves. Con- - tinuing, Mr. Kemp reported the capture of several specimens of Badister notatus on Dec. 12, 1896, in Camden, N. J.; also Cas- nonia ludoviciana on April 4th, same place. A communication was received from the retiring president, Mr. James H. B. Bland, stating that business would prevent him 48 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. (February, from being a regular attendant at the meetings as heretofore. On motion of Mr. Laurent, Mr. Bland w s therefore unanimously elected an honorary member of the Social in recognition of his many years of labor in the interest of Entomology. ‘The following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year : President, Dr. Horace G. Griffith ; Vice-President, Dr. D. M. Castle; Treasurer, H. W. Wenzel; Secretary, Theo. H. Schmitz. Mr. Stanley T. Kemp, of Camden, N. J., was proposed for active membership in the Social, the same to be acted upon at the next stated meeting, in accordance with Article V of the Constitution. No further business‘ being presented the meeting adjourned to the annex at 10.30 P.M. THEO. H. Scumitz, Secretary. The Entornological Section ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA, PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS. At the annual meeting held Dec. 17, 1896, the following per- sons were elected to serve as officers for the year 1897: Director.—G. H. HORN, M.D. Vice- Director.—C. S. WELLES. Treasurer.—E T. CRESSON. Recorder and Conservator.—H. SKINNER, M.D. Secretary.—W. J. FOX. Publication Committee. —C. W. JOHNSON, J. H. RIDINGS. Mr. Herman Horning was elected an associate. HENRY SKINNER, Recorder. OBITUARY. Dr. E. EppELSHEIM, an authority Staphylinide, in Bavaria. eR oS SO ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws for January, 1897, was mailed Dec, 31, 1896. Ent. News, Vol. VIII. Pl. IIT. Deilehhila lineata. Azalea nucliflora. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION, ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA. VOL. VIII. MARCH, 1897. No. 3. CONTENTS: Piper—A remarkable seinbling habit of Notes and NewS.......ssseeceeseeees 59 Coccinella transversoguttata...... 49 | Entomological Literature. ............ 60 Pilate—Collecting season in S. Georgia 51 | Doings of Societies.................... 66 Baker—Remarks on list of the Hemip- Entomological Section................- 68 tera of Colorado: 2.20 Sede ene 53 | Dunning—Notes on Philonthus........ 68 MORIN is oe ce wp wearin, oo ty ee Nes Ned oo 55 | Fox—The fourth species of Plenoculus 71 Economic Entomology ...........-.--- 57 Ovr illustration represents the pretty Sphinx moth, Dezlephila lineata, feeding on Azalea nudiflora. The larva also feeds on Portulaca, Pyrus, Fuchsia, etc. The figures are from the unpub- lished drawings of T. R. Peale, who commenced a work on Le- pidoptera in 1833. In this number we present a list of the members of the oldest entomological society in America. Here will be found the names of many of the most distinguished entomologists the world has known. The history of the American Entomological Society is largely the history of entomology in this country, and it is just as active to-day as it has ever been in the past. ay Vv A Remarkable Sembling Habit of Coccinella transversoguttata. By C. V. PIPER, Pullman, Wash. The habit of various Coccinellids of sembling in numbers in places where they seek shelter has often been noted, and the fact is a familiar one to most entomologists. In no species have I observed the habit more marked than in the commonest form in this locality, Coccinella transversoguttata, and it is no uncommon thing to find, in Winter, a hundred or more under a board or 3 AA 50* ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. { March, similarly sheltered. But this habit of sembling when seeking shelter seems to be a totally different thing from the one now to be described. In July, 1893, while collecting on the summit of Moscow Mountain, Idaho, altitude about 5000 feet, I was astonished to find in the crevices of rock near the summit immense numbers of dead ladybirds of this species. As an illustration of their great numbers I may mention that under a flat piece of rock I picked up one mass of their bodies over a foot square and two inches thick. It contained, from estimates made later, the re- mains of over ten thousand individuals. A careful search of the vicinity failed to disclose any living ones. None of the plants in the vicinity were infected with scales or aphides, and none of them to my knowledge are ever affected by these insects in suffi- cient numbers to furnish food for the hosts that had perished there. In October of the same year Prof. J. M. Aldrich observed, on the same peak, living ones of the same species, and the phe- nomenon was reported to him as occurring on nearly all the neighboring buttes, one of which, rey is called Ladybird Mountain. Prof. Aldrich states that the beetles were so abundant that he could gather them by the handful, but that he could detect no reason for their sembling. In July of the present year while collecting in the Blue Moun- tains, Washington, I found the same ladybird on the barren rocky summit of a peak, 5000 feet high. The insects were crawling over the hot, bare rock, and upon being disturbed would circle about for a few moments and again alight. So great were their numbers that they made quite as much noise as a small swarm of bees. Indeed, I heard them before I saw them, and actually supposed I had disturbed a nest of yellow jackets. The summit of this particular peak was quite barren and could not possibly furnish food enough for the ladybirds saw. Further- more, careful search of the vicinity failed to detect a single aphis, or even traces of aphis work. That the phenomenon is not confined to mountain peaks ap- pears from the observation of a correspondent in Kittitas County, Washington, who reports a ladybird, in all probability the species under consideration, as gathering in great numbers about a large boulder near his house. —— -- °&+«O©- 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 51 In view of these strange facts the question naturally arises as to the significance of the habit, and thus far no explanation has been proposed that will stand critical examination. A common opinion is that the insects seek the rocks for warmth and shelter. If this is correct why do they seek only the rocks near the sum- mits of peaks and not those lower down? Again, why should they seek shelter on a hot July day? Finally, it would seem that the summit of Moscow Mountain furnishes them not ashelter, but a graveyard. It must also be remembered that search for a shelter does not for a moment explain their sembling in such swarms. ! A second theory would explain the phenomenon as the result of ‘air currents carrying the insects up the peak. But if this is true why are not other insects similarly affected ? Even granting this it is does not explain their remaining there in perfectly calm weather. In this connection I may state that many insects are undoubtedly carried up mountains by currents of air. On Mt. Rainier I found most excellent collecting on snow- fields and glaciers at altitudes of 7000 to gooo feet, but it is worthy of remark that Coccinellidz were decidedly scarce in such situa- tions. Two or three other attempts to explain the significance of the habit seem to me unworthy of mention and the writer humbly confesses that he has no theory to air on the subject. Has anyone else? oO COLLECTING SEASON !IN SOUTH GEORGIA. © By G. R. PILaTeE, Tifton, Ga. A few words in regard to the best collecting season may be of “some interest to entomologists. Flowers commence early in the season and there are more or less of them all the year. But about the middle of May the gall-berry bushes come in bloom and last two or three weeks. I do not know the botanical name of this plant. It is an evergreen and grows about four to six feet high, and bears quantities of black berries. It has a very small white flower, but it grows in masses and is very sweet; the bushes gen- erally grow in wet places. Sometimes they cover acres of ground. Insects of all species and families swarm in immense numbers on these flowers. In passing near the plants you are immediately attracted by the loud hum of their wings. Hymenoptera of all 52 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. {March, kinds predominate. It is easy to capture large numbers of fine specimen in a short time of Hymenoptera Coleoptera, Diptera and other orders. Before these flowers are gone the palmetto comes in. They are also very sweet and attractive to insecis. They last to the middle of June. For Diptera the best places at the same season are on the large patches of pitcher plants in marshy places. Large numbers can be taken by sweeping ; I think they breed in the decaying mass inside of the tube-like leaves. This is my first year in this locality. _ I find all kinds of plants and vegetation entirely different from what they were in middle Georgia. Even the common weeds are nearly all different ; this would be a paradise for a botanist that had never been here before. Wild flowers are not in such quantities as in California, but there is such a variety of beautiful species. ANTS IN SOUTH GEORGIA. I have lived in different parts of the South, including middle Georgia, Louisiana and Southern California. I thought I had seen plenty of ants before, but I never have seen such numbers as are on this farm. I do not know if they are as thick all over this country as they are here, or not. This farm is set out to a peach orchard, and it may be that as a good deal of the land is never plowed on account of the trees, that the ants have more chance to multiply. But during our dry seasons here in Spring and Fall the surface of the earth is literally covered with them. They seem to be nearly all of one species, a black ant about an eighth of an inch or more in length. When mashed or touched ~ they emit a strong, unpleasant odor which is sickening to me ; there is no keeping them out of the house. The floors are cov- ered with them. As you sit in a chair and move your feet once in a while you killa few. This draws more, and you soon have a black spot on the floor. You don’t think about it until you smell them ; under the rockers of a rocking-chair, you will kill so many of an evening, that there will be two black marks just the width and length of the rockers. They seem to be ravenous all the time and will devoiifevery living thing that comes in their way. In walking along the roads I have noticed them attack and kill insects large and small. A beetle or grasshopper will be moving along when an ant will catch hold of a leg. The thing 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 53" will try to get rid of the ant, when instantly a few more will take hold. In the struggle the insect will soon be on its back, when in a moment it will be just swarming with ants. There is no putting out any bait or traps for insects. The ants devour everything, as I have found to my sorrow, as I had no luck with small bait—I tried a dead chicken. Ina few days the ground for yards around it was just alive with the pests. They were dragging away every living thing, including perfect insects and larve that they could get hold of. They cleaned up every- thing. I have seen them attack little chickens that were not more than a day or two old and gather so thick on fect and head, that the poor little things would soon give up and be on their back. I have to watch the specimens I have collected very close for fear they will get at them—they did eat up a box of Diptera fo me. ray Vv REMARKS ON LIST OF THE HEMIPTERA OF COLORADO.* By Cart F. Baker, Auburn, Ala. Ninyas pallens Stal., p. 23.—This is the Geocoris pallens for which several records are given on the same page. Corythuca fuscigera Stal, p. 57.—Several species were confused under this name, as shown by subsequent determinations by Dr. Uhler. Whether this is the species occurring so commonly on Cnicus, at Fort Collins, remains to be determined. Helicoptera floride Walk., p. 69.—According to Dr. Uhler this determination is erroneous, the species not being florida. Pissonotus pallipes Van D., p. 69, and others of Van Duzee’s Delphacids mentioned on this page are manuscript species and have not, up to the time of this writing, been published. Pachynopsis Uhler, pp. 71-72. =a hb genus is synonymous with Macropsis Lewis. Idiocerus interruptus G. and B., p. 74.—The record for this species, on page 75, was dropped under / distinctus, and is ‘Fort Collins, September 26th on elm (Baker), and September on grass (Gillette).’’ The latter occurrence was probably acci- dental. This ‘‘species’’ is of doubtful validity. * Bulletin No. 31 (Tech. Series No. 1), of the Colorado Agricultural Experimert Station at Fort Collins, Colorado. Copies of this Bulletin may be obtained free on application to the Director of the Station. 54 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March, Idiocerus snowi G. and B., p. 76.—The record for this species, on page 80, was dropped below / rufus, and is ‘‘ Colorado Springs, August (Tucker).’’ Idiocerus perplexus G. and B., p. 78.—This is only a variety of pallidus. Paramesus jucundus Uhler, p. 84.—The synonym should read Eutettix instead of ‘‘ Eutettx.’’ Deltocephalus melsheimeri Th., p. 88.—It is probable that most of the specimens referred to under this species belong to affinis. It is doubtful if the true melshetmeri has yet been found in Colo- rado. Thamnotettix gillettet Van D., p. 98.—This ‘‘ species’ can be readily manufactured from. 7. de/di by soaking specimens for some time in alcohol. Thamnotettix punctiscuta G. and B., p. 99, is the male of 7: infuscata. Thamnotettix tenella Uhler, p- 100.—This becomes 7. éene/la Baker. See ‘‘ Psyche,’’ vii, No. 239, Suppl. p. 24. Thamnotettix sonore G. and B., p. 100.—This species was founded on pale individuals of 7: belli. Cicadula lutea G. and B., p. 106, is a weak and untenable variety of Thamnotettix caricis. Aphalara calthe L., p. 114.—It is probable that some of the forms recorded Sane this name will be found to differ from European specimens of the species. Dr. W. OTTINGER, of Exbrucke (Miinchener medicinasche Wochen- schrift, Dec. 8, 1896; Wiener medizinische Blatter, Dec. 17, 1896) tells of his lack of success with ammonia for insect stings, but says that he has found ichthyol an admirable remedy. He has tried it in numerous cases of stings of flies, gnats, bees and wasps, and has found that it quickly and surely causes the phenomena of inflammation to subside. He at- tributes its effect to its vaso-constrictor action. It is best applied pure in a pretty thick layer, but it may be used in the form of an ointment. FLorIDA insects are likely to suffer this Winter as, in addition to the resident collectors in the State, there are some from the North and others intending to visit that part of the South. Dr. John Hamilton and Mrs. A. T. Slosson are there at present, and Dr. H. G. Griffith, President of the Feldman Collecting Social, will sail for Florida in a few days. 1897. ] 55 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. Published monthly (except July and August), in charge of the joint publication committees of the Entcmological 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 untriéd 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. Outside of the United States and Canada $1,20. * ga All remittances and communications should be addressed to ENTOMOLOGICAL News, Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th and Race Streets, Philadelphia, Pa. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., MARCH, 1897. In the News for October, 1893, page 266, and again in the number for February, 1894, page 42, we have had something to say on the subject of postage on specimens of natural history to foreign countries. We have there detailed the efforts made by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia to obtain lower rates, explaining that the present regulations of the Universal Postal Union permit such specimens to be mailed only at letter rates, although it is true that many countries have Parcel Posts, _the charges for which are lower than those for letters. The aim of the Academy has been to secure the adoption by the Postal Union of a proposition offered by the U. S. Post Office Depart- ment that specimens of natural history be admitted to the inter- national mails at the rates for, and under the conditions applicable to, samples of merchandise. This proposition was, however, re- jected at the last International Postal Congress of Vienna. At the International Congress of Zoology, held at Leyden, Holland, in September, 1895, Dr. Chas. Wardell Stiles, official delegate of the U. S. Government, offered resolutions, which were subsequently adopted, that the Swiss Government be re- quested, through its delegate to the Congress of Zoology, to propose to the next International Postal Congress an amendment to the regulations thereof whereby specimens of Natural History shall be carried in the mails of the Universal Postal Union at the 56 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. March, rates for samples of merchandise; that an appeal should be ad- dressed to all the delegates and members of the Congress of Zoology to bring this amendment to the notice of their respective governments, so that those governments should instruct their delegates to the Postal Congress to act favorably upon the same; that copies of these resolutions be sent by the Secretary of the Congress of Zoology to all governments forming part of the Universal Postal Union and which were not represented at the Congress of Zoology. In accordance with these resolutions, Dr. Stiles suggested to the committee of the Academy in charge of this matter of postage that, although it is probable that the U. S. Government will vote” in favor of this proposed amendment, seeing that it is the same proposition which the United States had presented at Vienna, the cause would be helped by the Academy adopting resolutions in favor of this proposed amendment and requesting the Postmaster General at Washington to instruct our American delegates to vote in favor of it. : This the Academy has done, but other American scientific bodies should join in the work, adopt similar resolutions and send them to our Postmaster General that he may know that the students of natural history in the United States eagerly desire such a reduction in postage rates. The next International Postal Congress meets at Washington on the fifth of May next. The purpose of this article is to urge all those who read it to use such means and influence as may be at their command to help in the accomplishment of this end. For the guidance of those who will aid in the manner suggested, a translation of the original French text of the amendment re- ferred to is as follows : ‘* Amendment to Article XIX (samples) 4, of the Regulations of Details and Order. 5. Objects of natural history, dried or preserved animals and plants, geological specimens, etc., of which the transmission has no commercial interest, and the packing of which conforms to the general conditions concerning packages of samples of mer- chandise.”’ If this amendment be adopted by the Postal Congress, speci- mens of Natural History can be sent to countries of the Universal Postal Union at the rate of one cent for every two ounces. 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 57 DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. Edited by Prof. JOHN B. SMITH, Sc-D., New Brunswick, N. J, Papers for this department are solicited. They should be sent to the editor, Prof. John B. Smith, Sc.D., New Brunswick, N. J. (Continued from page 38, vol. viii.) Following this Mr. Johnson reviewed the present distribution of the San José scale in Maryland, stating that the pest had been definitely lo- cated in twelve counties, including three nurseries. It was introduced on nursery stock from New Jersey, Georgia, Missouri, and possibly Penn- sylvania; the stock in the latter case having been received from a Phila- delphia seedman. The speaker was of the opinion that the pest could never be exterminated in Maryland on account of its firm fvot-hold in some large orchards, but that he believed it could be kept in check by persistent and energetic fighting on the part of a thorough and harmonious State organization of nurserymen and fruit-growers. In speaking of the potash lye, whale oil soap, he said he was just in the midst of an exten- sive series of experiments with this material on the scale in the large orchards of R. S. Emery, of Chestertown, Md., and that over 2500 pounds had already been used on the infested trees at the rate of 214 to 234 pounds to a gallon of water.. He was of the opinion that the scale could not be exterminated in bearing orchards with the soap washes. He said pear trees treated last year with the soda whale oil soap at the rate of 2, 2% and 3 pounds to a gallon of water, were:this Fall literally covered with the insect. Of the two he said the lye was very much better than the soda soap. . Its action on the scale is quicker and its application is not so troublesome from the fact that it does not thicken when cool. He said that Mr. Emery, who was the first to use this soap against the San José scale, was of the opinion that some entomologists placed too much con- fidence in these washes for the destruction and extermination of the pest. The author said he had under way a lot of experiments with various combinations of kerosene emulsion and whale oil soap, the cost of the washes ranging from four to nine cents per gallon. Referring to the Maryland ‘‘ Trees and Nursery Stock’’ law he said it had been a great factor in awakening an interest in this matter among nurserymen and fruit-growers. Although the law is imperfect in.some points, it has been carried out with. much satisfaction. The inconsistent points have been passed over, and, with.a few minor changes, the present Act will meet the peculiar needs of the State... It is intended to have the law modified at the next session of the Legislature, and it is hoped that an Act may be passed that will be perfectly consistent and agreeable to all parties con- cerned. : Dr. Howard read a paper by Mr. Gerald McCarthy entitled, ‘‘ Eco- nomic Entomology in North Carolina.”’ Briefly outlining the entomological work of the season the author said Phorbia brassice was very destructive 58 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. { March, to young cabbage along the coast region eariy this season. Tobacco de- coction and crude carbolic acid applied to the soil around the plants gave the best results. The cotton caterpillars, He/iothis and Adetia, the Northern army worm, the chinch bug, and the imported elm leaf beetle were reported from various localities. Lina scripta, the Western cotton wood beetle, was found on Carolina poplar and cotton wood. Gelechia picipelis was found mining the leaves of tobacco. The bull or horse thistle, Solanum carolinense seems to be its normal host. The New York plum scale, convex scale, gloomy scale, San José scale, oyster-shell bark- louse, scurfy bark louse, Euonymus scale and Privet scale were reported from the State. The writer stated that a law directed against insect pests and plant diseases would be presented to the next Legislature for passage. In the absence of the authors ‘Dr.. Howard read a paper on ‘‘Some Results of Recent Studies of Grass Feeding Jassidz’’ by Herbert Osborn and E. D. Ball. In this paper the authors refer to the previous publica- tions of the senior author on the subject of the damage done to pastures and lawns by the leaf-hoppers of the family Jassidz, and show that while it has been indicated that the loss must be enormous, the insects appear to a great extent to be destroyed by the use of a tar pan or “‘hopper- dozer.” Up to the present time, however, our knowledge of the life- histories of the species involved has been too meagre to furnish a certain basis for remedial measures. The present paper determines the life-history of a number of species, the range of their food-piants, especially in the larval stages, and a study of the specific limits of a larger number of species. Following this Dr: Howard read a paper on ‘‘ The Use of Steam Ap- paratus For Spraying.’’ The speaker, after a brief historical account of the development of hand apparatus for spraying insecticides, considered in detail some twenty machines which have been constructed since 1882, which spray by steam-power, showing that a thoroughly efficient appa- ratus of this kind can be constructed for from $250 to $300. Not only were the especially constructed machines described, but also several make-shift apparatuses which utilized the services of ordinary watering carts and road engines and steam fire-engines. In conclusion, he ex- pressed the opinion that such apparatuses will seldom be constructed by the owners of even larger orchards for their own individual use, but that for community orchard work they are valuable, and will come more and more into use, while the professional sprayer, an individual who is bound to come to the front, will use steam-power machines. Perhaps the greatest ~ value which they possess, however, is for work on shade tree insects in cities and towns. The time is coming when every city which takes a pride in its shade trees will possess one or more of these machines. Mr. A. D. Hopkins, of West Virginia, was elected chairman and Mr. M. V. Slingerland, of New York, secretary for the ensuing year. W. G. JOHNSON, Temp. Secretary. em ee 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 59 Notes and News. 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 circumfetr- 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.—Eb. PSEUDOSCORPIONS ATTACHED TO FLIES.—Apropos to the note in the January number of the News I will say that seemingly precisely the same thing has come to me this Winter, having been found under the wing of a house-fly.—F. M. WEBSTER. Mr. J. E. FARNum says the country in Manika Land, S. E. Africa, is so perfectly flat that to obtain any view of one’s surroundings it is necessary to climb either a tree or one of the curious ant-hills so common in this country and often as high as fifteen feet. BRUCHOPHAGUS FUNEBRIS (Howard).—I have been very much inter- ested in Prof. A: D. Hopkins’ recent statement (Proc. Assoc. Econ. En- tomologists) that this is a veritable feeder in clover seeds, and not a para- -site of Cecidomyia, as had been supposed. Prof. E. O. Wootten collected some Hosackia puberula Benth. (det. J..N.. Rose) in the Organ Mountains, New Mexico, and breeding in the seeds were numbers of this 2. funedris. It seemed to me at the time that they fed upon the seeds, but I was not prepared to definitely assert that such was the case. My specimens were identified by Mr. Howard himself.—T. D. A. COCKERELL. A CHRISTMAS-DAY MOTH HUNT.—In ‘‘ Papilio’”’ iv, p. 112, the editor, referring to the occurrence of a living and active Hypena baltimoralis at Gray’s Ferry, January 25th, the thermometer registering 4° below zero, asks, ‘‘ Are any of this genus known to hibernate?’ Not far from this city (Wilmington, Del.) is a large maple tree slowly dying from the rav- ages of Prionoxystus robinigz, an unusual food-plant here. On account of the flowing sap this tree is greatly resorted to Spring, Summer and Autumn by numbers of flies, bees, hornets, butterflies—chiefly Grapias and P. atalanta—and at night by various moths. One warm day late in November I commenced to strip the bark from a large limb of this tree which had broken and fallen till its tip touched the ground. Immediately a number of moths flew out from under the bark as I loosened it and sought resting-places high up in the tree. They were so active that I 60 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. {March, could not then secure a specimen so concluded to wait for a colder day. On Christmas day I revisited the tree, and almost the first blow of the chisel uncovered a specimen of Aypena scabra, clinging to the wood under the loose bark; more were soon found all quite helpless with the cold, and one only gave a feeble flutter. On the same day three more were found under loose bark on a fence-rail, and perhaps half a mile dis- tant from the first; all became quite active on being brought into a warm room, so there can be little doubt that this species hibernates in consider- able numbers. I have taken this species and Aumu/i at sugar very early in the Spring along with A. ypsi/on. I have found Pamphila aaroni at Chincoteaque Island, Va., and also in considerable numbers on the mainland of the Delaware peninsula at Ocean City, Maryland, on Aug. 27, 1896. Plusia purpurigea has been bred by me on Thalictrum,; imago emerged June rr, 1896. I have also taken Mamestra ectypa on flowers at dusk in the middle of July. Both species at Wilmington, Del.—F RANK M. JONEs, Wilmingt n, Del. Identification of Insects (Imagos) for Subscribers. Specimens will be named under the following conditions: 1st, 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. Please put date of capture and exact locality on each specimen. Before sending insects for identification, read page 41; Vol. III, Address all packages to ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan Square, Philadelphia, Pa. Entomological Literature. Under the above head it is intended to note such papers received at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia pertaining to the Entomology of the Americas (North and South). . Articles irrelevant to American entomology, unless monographs, or con- taining descriptions of new genera, will not be noted, Contributions to the anatomy of insects, however, whether relating to American or exotic species wili be recorded. 1. THE ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL History. London, January, 1897.—Contributions from the New Mexico Biological Station. —No. 2.—On a collection of Diptera from the lowlands of the Rio Nautla, in the State of Vera Cruz, i, C. H. T. Townsend.—~—No. 3.—The bees of the genus Cod/e¢es found in New Mexico, T. D. A. Cockerell. The classification of Oribatidze, A. D. Michael. On Cteniform spiders from the Lower Amazons and other regions of North and South America, with a list of all known species of these groups hitherto recorded from the new world, F. O. P. Cambridge, 2 pls. » _< =i 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 61 2. COMPTES-RENDUS. SOCIETE DE BIOLOGIE. Seance du 26 Decembre, 1896. Paris, 1897.—On an Acarine parasite of the vine (Giardius vitis Perraud, new genus), J. Perraud.——Jan. 16, 1897.—On the histological reactions and on the internal animal gall provoked ina larva of the Dipter Cecidomyia destructor by a parasitic Hymenopter 7yrichacis remulus, Dr. P. Marchal. 3. REvuE SCIENTIFIQUE. Paris, Dec. 19, 1896.—Colors of the scales of Entimus imperialis, M. Garbasso. 4. PROCEEDINGS OF THE BostoN SOCIETY OF NATURAL History, xxvii, pp. 207-218, December, 1496.—List of exotic Orthoptera described by S. H. Scudder, 1868-1879, with a revision of their nomenclature, S. H. Scudder. 5. NATURAL SCIENCE. London, January, 1897.—Wasps and Weis- mann, O. H. Latter. 6. THE ZOOLOGICAL MaGaZINE. Tokyo, December, 1896.—The apple- borer (Laverna herellera Dup.?), M. Matsumura, 1 pl. 7. SCIENCE-Gossip. Londen, December, 1896.—Water-mites of Folke- stone Warren, C. D. Soar, figs.——January, 1897.—Dactylopius or mealy- bugs, with a new species, T. D. A. Cockerell, fig. 8. BULLETIN 123, CORNELL UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT Station. Ithaca, N. Y., December, 1896.—Green fruit worms, M. V. Siingerland, 3 pls. ; g. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, 1896, part iii, Oct. 1, 1896.—Explanation of the plan adopted for preparing an ‘ Index Generum et Specierum Animalium,’ C. D. Sherborn. On Walker's American: types of Lepidoptera in the Oxford University Museum, W. Schaus. On the Theraphoside of the Lower Amazons: being an account of the new genera and species of this group of spiders discovered during the expedition of the steamship ‘ Faraday’ up the River Amazons, F. O. P. Cambridge, 3 pls. 10. BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE VAUDOISE DES SCIENCES NATURELLES (4), xxxi, No. rr9. Lausanne, December, 1895. Received Jan. 25, 1897. Some biological observations on the wasps, A. Forel. 11. THE JOURNAL OF Botany. London, January, 1897.—Intoxication of humble-bees on certain capitulate flowers, J. L. Williams. 12. ANNALEN DES K. K. NATURHISTORISCHEN HOFMUSEUMS, xi, 2. Vienna, 1896. Received Jan. 25, 1897.—Third contribution to the Le- pidopterous fauna of the Canaries, Dr. H. Rebel, 1 pl. 13. BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE NATIONALE D’ACCLIMATATION DE FRANCE. Paris, August, 1896.—Applied entomology in Europe (cont.) —France, P. Marchal. 62 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. { March, 14. REVUE SCIENTIFIQUE. Paris, Jan. 2, 1897.—Biology of Melo/ontha, X. Raspail.—Jan. 22, Flies and mosquitoes as agents of contagion, J. H. 15. TRANSACTIONS OF NOVA SCOTIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, ix, pp. 208-218.—Preliminary notes on the Orthoptera of Nova Scotia, H. Piers. Separates issued November, 1896. Received Jan. 25, 1897. 16. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSO- NIAN INSTITUTION to July, 1894. Washington, 1896. Received Feb. 1, 1897.—Ants’ nests, Dr. A. Forel (transl. from Neujahrsblatt Naturf. Gesell. Zurich, 1893). 17. NOVITATES ZOOLOGICA, iii, 4. Tring, England, Dec. 29, 1896.— New species of Drepanulide, Thyrididz, Uraniide, Epiplemidze and Geometride in the Tring Museum. W. Warren, On mechanical selection ’ and other problems, K. Jordan, 4 pls. 18. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST, x, 9, December, 1896.—Fauna Otta- waensis: Hymenoptera Parasitica—Proctotrypide, W. H., Harrington. 19. THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. Philadelphia, February, 1897.— Nocturnal protective coloration of mammals, birds, fishes, insects, etc., A. E. Verrill. A viviparous Ephemerid, M. Causard (from Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist.). 20. FOLKESTONE NATURAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. Proceedings for 1896.—Protective resemblance and other means of de- fence in insects, with special reference to butterflies and moths, S. G. Hills. Variation in the Lepidoptera and its causes, Dr. H. G. Knaggs. 21. TiJDSCHRIFT VOOR ENTOMOLOGIE, xxxix, 3-4. The Hague, Dec. 28, 1896.—List of Dutch Acari—ii, iii, Dr. A. C. Oudemans. Notes on Acari, id. Some remarks on the further division of the genus Agvrotis Led, P. C. T. Snellen, 1 pl. On the geographical distribution of the genus Siphona Meig., F. M. Van der Wulp. 22 COMPTES RENDUS. L’ ACADEMIE DES SCIENCES. Paris, Jan. 4, 1897. —The Malpighian tubules of Orthoptera, L. Bordas.—January 11.—On the relations of Discopoma comata Berlese with Lasius mixtus Nylander, C. Janet, figs. 23. APPLETONS’ POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. New York, February, 1897.—How plants and animals spend the Winter, W. S. Blatchley. 24. PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCI ENCES xxxii, 9, January 1897.—The genera of North American Melano- pli, S. H. Scudder. 25. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY AND NATURAL ScIENCE (3), vii, pt. 33. London, January, 1897.—What is a spider?, Dr. J.S. Walker, 1 pl. On the nature of supernumerary appendages in insects, W. Bateson. British Hydrachnide, pt. vii, C. D. Soar, 1 pl. ) ; 1897. ] . ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 63 26. MITTHEILUNGEN DER SECTION FUR NATURKUNDE DES OESTER- REICHISCHEN TOURISTEN-CLUB, viii. Vienna, 1896.—On life in captivity and suicide of scorpions, A. Steur. 27. THE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE MEDICciNE. Philadelphia, Feb- ruary, 1897.—The cattle-tick plague: preventive treatment, C. Curtice. 28. PROCEEDINGS OF THE U. S. NATIONAL Museum, xix, No. 1113. Washington, 1896. Received Feb. 8, 1897.—Descriptions of new specie. of North American Coleoptera in the families Cerambycidz and Scara- beidz, M. L. Linell. 29. THE AMERICAN MONTHLY MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. Washing- ton, January, 1897.—The value of peroxide of hydrogen in the preparation of entire insects, C. E. Hanaman. 30. ELEVENTH REPporRT on the injurious and other insects of the State of New York for the year 1895. By J. A. Lintner, Ph.D., State Ento- mologist. Albany, University of the State of New York, 1896. From the Forty-ninth Report on the New York State Museum, pp. 87-325, 25 text figures, 16 pls. 31. BULLETIN No. 5. New Series. U.S. Dep’t of Agriculture, Divi_ sion of Entomology.—Insects affecting domestic animals: an account of the species of importance in North America, with mention of related forms occurring on other animals. Prepared under the direction of the Entomologist, by Herbert Osborn, Professor of Zoology and Entomology, etc. Washington, 1896. A few months ago we had the pleasure of noticing briefly another bulletin of this series, on Household Insects, re- ferring to it as one of, if not the, most useful ever issued by the Depart- ment. We have in the present publication one to which we can apply terms of equal praise. In its 302 pages, 170 text figures and five plates are described and illustrated numerous parasitic insects in a systematic zoological order, under the headings of Diptera, Siphonaptera, Hemip- tera, Mallophaga and Arachnida.. Although remedies are mentioned in connection with each parasite throughout the work, a separate chapter is devoted to preventives and remedial measures in general. Following is a list of parasites according to hosts, a bibliography and an index. Thanks for such a valuable treatise are due to Prof. Osborn, to the late Prof. Riley and to Dr. Howard. 32. BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NaTuRAL History, viii, art. xix. New York, Dec. 16, 1896.—Transformations of some North American hawk-moths, W. Beutenmiiller. 33. ANNALES DE LA SOCIETE ENTOMOLOGIQUE DE BELGIQUE, x], 12. Brussels, Jan. 8, 1897.—Note on the male of Prestwichia aquatica Lub- bock, Hymenopter of the family Myrmaridz, V. Willem, figs. Exotic Hemiptera-Heteroptera, A. L. Montandon. 64 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March, 34. TH& CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. London, Ont., February, 1897. —Rev. Thomas W. Fyles, portrait and sketch. A parasite of hemipter- ous eggs, T. D. A. Cockerell. Notes on Vanessa interrogationis, W. F. Fiske. Larval stages of Amphion nessus Cr., W. Beutenmiiller. The Coleoptera of Canada, xx. Chrysomelidz of Ontario and Quebec (cont), H. F. Wickham, figs. On Ledra perdita A. and S., C. F. Baker. Some new species and varieties of Lepidoptera from the western U. S., W. Barnes. Catalogue of the phytophagous and parasitic Hymenoptera of Vancouver Island (cont.), W. H. Harrington. A new species of Pro- tandrena Ckll., S. N. Dunning. 35. PopuLaR SCIENCE. New York, February, 1897.—The praying mantis, A. Ellsworth, fig. 36. PsycHE. Cambridge, Mass., 1897.—Imaginal discs in insects, H. S. Pratt, figs. Diaphomera femorata, S. H. Scudder. 37. THE ENTOMOLOGIST’s MONTHLY MAGAzINE. London, February, 1897.—On the terminology of the scale-like organs which lie between the roots of the wings and the scutellum of Diptera, R. H. Meade. On the biology of Camarota flavitarsis Meig., Dr. P. Marchal. Hints on col- lecting Aculeate Hymenoptera, E. Saunders. An attempt to elucidate and fix the types of 7ortriz, Tinea and Alucita, three of the Linnean subdivisions of Phalena L., Lord Walsingham and J. H. Durrant. 38. ENTOMOLOGISCHE NACHRICHTEN, xxiii, 2. Berlin, January, 1897. —Three new Cicindelas and on WNeolaphyra Bedel, Dr. W. Horn. On some ant-guests, Dr. K. Escherich. Summary of E. Wasmann’s * Die Myrmekophilen und Termitophilen’. at the International Congress of Zoology at Leyden, September, 1895. - 39. BULLETIN FROM THE LABORATORIES OF NATURAL HISTORY OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF Iowa, iv, 2, January, 1897.—The Coleoptera. of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, H. F. Wickham. 40. THE EntTomMoLocist. London, February, 1897.—On naming geo- graphical varieties, H. J. Elwes. A catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Ireland (cont.), W. F. de Vismes Kane. Silk-producing Lepidoptera, A. Wailly. 41. BERLINER ENTOMOLOGISCHE ZEITSCHRIFT, xli, 2 and 3. Berlin, December, 1896.—Dipterological studies—iv. Ephydride, T. Becker 4 pls. Notice on the terms tegula, anti-tegula, squama and alula, as used in Dipterology, C. R. Osten Sacken. 42. THE ENtTomMoLoGcist’s REcorD. London, Jan. 15, 1897.—Neura- tion of the Rhopalocera, A. Quail, 1 pl. 43. FLOWERS AND INSECTS, xvii. By Charles Robertson. Reprint from Botan. Gazette, xxii, 2, August, 1896. 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 65 44. SociETAS ENTOMOLOGICA, xi, 21. Zurich-Hottingen, Feb. 1, 1897. —Two noteworthy cases of parasitism in Exdromts versicolora, C. Frings (Chalcids in Phora in versicolora). 45. U. S. Dep’t oF AGRICULTURE. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 45.—Some insects injurious to stored grain. By F. H. Chittenden. Washington, December, 1896; 24 pp, 18 figs. 46. ANHANG ZU DEN ABHANDLUNGEN DER KONIGL. PREUSSISCHEN AKADEMIE DER WISSENSCHAFTEN ZU BERLIN VOM JAHRE 1896.—Out- lines of the development and structure of the body of Odonata and Ephemerida, Dr. R. Heymons, 2 pls. INDEX TO THE PREVEDING LITERATURE. The number after each author’s name in this index refers to the journal, as numbered in the preceding list, in which that author’s paper is published; * denotes that the paper in question contains descriptions of new North American forms. THE GENERAL SUBJECT. ~Latter 5, Sherborn 9, Jordan 17, Verrill 19, Causard 19, Hills 20, Blatch- ley 23, Bateson 25, Marchal 2, Hanaman 29, Osborn 31, Pratt 36, Escherich 38, (Wasmann 38), Elwes 40, Robertson 44, Frings 44. ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. Matsumura 6, Slingerland 8, Marchal 13, 37, J. H. 14, Curtice 27, Lintner, 30, Osborn 31, Chittenden 45. ARACHNIDA. ‘Michael 1, Cambridge 1*, 9, Perraud 2, Soar 7, 25, Oudemans 21 (two), Janet 22, Walker 25, Steur 26, Curtice 27, Osborn 31. THYSANURA. Lintner 30*. ORTHOPTERA. Scudder 4, 36, Piers 15, Bordas 22, Scudder 24, Ellsworth 35. NEUROPTERA. Causard 19, Osborn 31, Wasmann 38, Heymons 46. HEMIPTERA. Cockerell 7, 34, Osborn 31, Montandon 33*, Baker 34. COLEOPTERA. Raspail 14, Linell 28*, Wickham 34, 39, W. Horn 38*. < ad 66 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March, DIPTERA. Townsend 1*, Van der Wulp 21, Marchal 2, 37, Osborn 31, Pratt 36, Meade 37, Becker 41, Osten Sacken 41, Frings 44. LEPIDOPTERA. Garbasso 3, Matsumura 6, Slingerland 8, Schaus 9, Rebel 12, Warren 17*, Jordan 17, Hills 20, Knaggs 20, Snellen 21, Beutenmiiller 32, 34, Fiske 34, Barnes 34*, Walsingham and Durrant 37, Elwes 40, Kane 4o, Wailly 40, Quail 42, Frings 44. HYMENOPTERA. Cockerell 1*, 34*, Latter 5, Forel 10. 16, Williams 11, Harrington 18, 34, Janet 22, Marchal 2, Willem 33, Dunning 34*, Saunders 37, Escherich 38, Wasmann 38, Frings 44. Doings of Societies. PHILADELPHIA, March 9, 1897. A stated meeting of the Feldman Collecting Social was held at the residence of Dr. Henry Skinner, 716 N. 20th St. Mem- bers present: Messrs. Seiss, Laurent, E. Wenzel, F. Hoyer, Johnson, A. Hoyer, H. W. Wenzel, Boerner, Fox, Griffith. Schmitz and Castle. Proposed member: Mr. S. T. Kemp. Honorary members: Di. Henry Skinner and John B. Smith. Visitors: Messrs. Edw. A. Klages and Chas. Liebeck. Meeting called to order at 8.55 p.M., President Griffith presiding. Before proceeding with the regular business the new president made a brief introductory speech, which was to the point, and met with the approval of all present. A communication was received from the retiring president, James H. B. Bland, acknowledging the notice of his election to honorary membership. A communication was read from Fred. Marloff, dated Oak Station, Pa., Feb. 5, 1897, in which he states, referring to the note relative to Murgantia histrionica as published in minutes appearing in February News, he thought it might possibly be of interest to know that the same insect proved very injurious in the season just past in the above mentioned locality, being espe- cially abundant on cauliflower. He states that he had never taken it there before. Prof. Smith stated that the same insect had been reported from several localities in New Jersey, having proven quite injurious in some places. 3 4 — ot = a = : — 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 67 Mr. Liebeck exhibited two boxes of Bemdidium, representing 108 species, 770 specimens. Mr. Seiss thought it might be of interest to know how many ~ “different species of Hemiptera could be captured on the sunflower, exhibiting the appended variety of specimens taken in a yard in the heart of the city during the Summer and Autumn of 1896: Corythuca marmorata, Triphileps. insidiosus, Colocaris rapidus, Lygus pratensis, Hyaliodes vitripennis. Garganus fusiformis, Iinacora stalli, Episcopus ornatus Typhlocyba rose, Diedrocephala coccinea, Deltocephalus nigrifrons and a species of Aphis. While — some of these did more or less damage to the plants, the most destructive insects were Spzlosoma virginica larve and Diabrotica 12-punctata. Dr. Griffith mentioned the capture, on June, 1896, at Mana- yunk, of specimens of Cryptorhynchus lapathi Linn.; also on _ May, 1896, at Potomac Creek, Phyrdenus undatus Lec. and Obrium rubidum Lec. In conclusion he spoke at some length on the importance of classification stating that there was great need of a catalogue of Coleoptera in which all synonyms should be given, advocating uniformity above all things. Prof. Smith discussed the various points mentioned by Dr. Griffith, agrecing that‘such a book would be a good thing. Dr. Skinner showed the members a box containing about forty specimens of Arvgynnis, exhibiting all the intergrades between A. aphrodite and A. alcestis. He also exhibited a suppository mould which answers admirably for moulding naptha cones for use in collection boxes; it is made of bronze metal in the form of a hinge, consisting of three parts, and will produce one dozen cones at one operation. A motion was made instructing the secretary to write to Dr. Horn informing him of the regret expressed by the members, owing to his illness, and wishing him a speedy and complete recovery. Mr. Stanley T. Kemp, of Camden, N. J., was unanimously elected an active member of the Social. No further business being presented the meeting adjourned to the annex at 10.10 P.M. THEO. H. ScuMiTz, Secretary. 68 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [March, CHICAGO ENTOMOLOGICAL SOcIETY.—Pursuant to a call issued by Mr. A. J. Snyder on behalf of several entomologists, fourteen persons interested in the study of entomology met on Friday evening, Jan. 22, 1897, in Parlor N, Sherman House, Chicago, to discuss the advisability of organizing a society inde- pendent of the Academy of Sciences, which had not displayed much activity along the line of entomological work. It was the sense of the meeting that the best results could be obtained by independent action. A committe was appointed to formulate a ’ constitution and adjournment was had to Saturday, February 6, at same place. At the adjourned meeting the report of committee on consti- tution was accepted, constitution and name adcpted, and the following officers elected, viz.: President, O. S. Westcott; Vice- president, A. J. Snyder; Secretary, John L. Healy; Treasurer, W. E. Longley; Curator, Dr. J. L. Hancock. Meetings will be held semi-monthly on Saturday evenings. Joun L. HEALY, Secretary, 1547 Oakdale Avenue. The Bntornological Section ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA, PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS. The following paper was read and accepted by the Committee for publication in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws: NOTES ON PHILANTHUS. By S. N. Dunnine, Hartford, Conn. Philanthus anna n. sp. 2 .—Length of body 8-1o mm., of anterior wings 5-7 mm. Black, with yellow markings. Head large, broader than high, punctures not very distinct; eyes parallel inwardly, emarginate, olive- green; ocelli in a triangle, equidistant from each other; face and clypeus upwards to ocelli (except small black spot at base of each antenna), spot behind ocelli (emarginate anteriorly and with a small extension posteriorly) and lines back of eyes, yellow; scape mostly yellow, as is one side of four joints of flagellum, remainder black; mandibles yellow outwardly, black tipped; prothorax emarginate in center, yellow; mesothorax smooth, pol- ished, with scattered rather coarse punctures; metathorax less inclined to be polished, a triangular cavity on posterior lateral angles; scutellum and —e 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 69 post-scutellum polished, no punctuation. The following are yellow: four lines on mescthorax extending from prothorax almost to scutellum, ex- cept two outer ones which are shorter and commencing in front of tegulz and inclined inwards; scutellum small dot at each side and slightly in ad- vance of same, post-scutellum, transverse spots behind same and two large spots on posterior lateral angles, tegulz, tubercles, elongated spot back of this (and sometimes a rounded spot back of elongated spot) and a still larger triangular spot below these. Abdomen thickly, rather coarsely punctured, a considerable growth of whitish hair below becoming quite thick at tip, a large yellow band on first segment with touch of black above and below not as thickly punctured as following, band on second segment slightly emarginate on posterior side, a touch of black below, band on third segment covering entire surface, bands on fourth, fifth and sixth seg- ments with touch of black anteriorly, seventh segment black and emar- ginate at tip; venter considerably marked with yellow; coxe yellow spotted, trochanters yellow tipped, last half too two-thirds femora yellow, as are tibia and first joint of tarsi, last joints of tarsi yellow inclined to rufous; maryginal cell about as long as first and second submarginal, second sub- marginal receiving recurrent at its middle, third submarginal receiving recurrent at end of first fourth. Wings inclined to dusky in outer half; stigma and costa rust colored; submedian cell posterior wings slightly larger than median on the externo-median nervure. Two specimens (No. 1591 Baker), Colorado, and one, Las Cru- ces New Mexico, ‘‘ on Sa/ix.’’—Cockerell. Related to P. pacificus Cr. and crabroniformis Sm., but differs as follows: . From pacificus in ‘‘two spots behind ocelli’’ forming distinct band in having spots behind and below tubercles, in marking of abdominal bands; abdomen thickly pitted and rather coarsely so and venter yellow. From crabroniformis in having band on vertex, lines on meso- thorax (four) and in last segment being black and in punctuation of abdomen. P. politus Say 2, July-August; not uncommon here. P. dubius Cr. % , July-August on Daucus carota; more com- mon than folztus. P. punctatus Say & and 9, July-August; common. P. punctatus Say var. cockerellin. var. &. Differs from punc- tatus in coloring being all white and wings entirely transparent (Ckll. Nos. 1954 and 4726 ‘‘on Solidago’) P. sanborni Cr. &, July 11 at Southampton, Mass. P. ventilabris Fab., Algonquin, [ll.; one $ (Dr. William A. 70 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. (March, Nason); Tifton, Ga., two males one female (Mr. G. R. Pilate), June 12, 1896. _P. bilunatus Cr. This species varies considerably in size and coloration. Two males from Southampton, Mass., are 7 and 10 mm. long and show no yellow on first segment. Two males from Brookings Co., S. D. (Mr. P. C. Truman) are ro-11 mm. long . and have interrupted band on first segment. Mr. Fox identified these. s P. trumani n. sp. 2.—Length of body 18 mm., anterior wings 10.5 mm. Black, with bright yellow and white markings, a thick and long growth of fulvous pubescence on head, thorax, first segment, abdomen above, all of venter and legs as far as and including femora; clypeus, sides of face, larger protruding ovate mark above base of antennz, seven basal . joints of antennz, prothorax above (this is lighter than face marking), tegulze crescent-shaped mark below post-scutellum, two wavy spots on first segment abdomen, larger ones not so wavy on second segment, apical half femora and tibia and tarsi of anterior and middle legs and tip of femora and tibia and tarsi of posterior, yellow; narrow fasciz on third, fourth, fifth and small spots on sixth, all pale white. Head but very little wider than thorax, finely and rather closely punctate; mandibles black, clypeus rounded, face with a black W (similar to o' sanbornii Cress., but not as distinct); eyes large, converging, sub-emaryginate at base of antennz, concave on inner margins, dark brown; ocelli in a triangle, first farther from last two than last two are from each. other; mesothorax closely punc- tate and more finely so than head; metathorax finely but not as closely punctate as mesothorax; a deep groove above and a deep cavity on pos- terior side; cavity smooth, shining above, more roughly punctate than rest . of body below. Abdomen finely and closely punctate, restricted between first and second, and second and third segments, seventh segment black and strongly emarginate ; coxz black, trochanters yellow tipped, first half or so of anterior and middle, and all but tip of posterior, black; stigma and nervures fuscous. Wings cloudy in latter half, first submar- ginal cell equals second and third combined in length, second submar- ginal cell receiving recurrent nervure at its center, third submarginal re- ceiving recurrent nervure just a little beyond its base; submedian cell, posterior wings as much longer than median on externo-medial nervure as the recurrent of third submarginal is from its base; transverso-medial nervure with an inward curve at junction with discoidal nervure. One specimen Summer, 1896, Brookings Co., South Dakota, from Mr. P. C. Truman, after whom I have taken the liberty of naming it. Related to scutellaris Cress., but differs principally in size, pubescence and markings, P. solivagus Say.—As Say’s description is not as complete as f—/ * Ata % pr ES 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 71 it might be I have allowed myself the liberty of giving a detailed account of the species as it is found here: 3'.—Length of body 13 mm., of anterior wings 8 mm. Black, with yellow markings; clypeus, small dot above, sides of face to emargination, large mark above base of antennz, prothorax, tegulze, small dot below, jarge band slightly interrupted before and after near center first segment, uninterrupted narrow bands on segments 2-5, knees, tibize and tarsi, all yellow. Head subquadrate, a little broader than high, closely and finely punctate, cheeks and face covered with a fulvous pubescence, which also appears on vertex; eyes emarginate, parallel up to emargination, then inclined inwardly, olive-green; ocelli in a triangle, the foremost larger and set in a cavity ( a groove extending from cavity runs down face almost to base of antennz) nearer to last two than last two are to each other; cly- peus slightly carinate at edge, truncate, sides beyond truncation curved inwardly; mandibles black, mustache slender, fulvous: thorax with a ful- vous pubescence above, posteriorly at sides and below; mesothorax closely and finely punctate, metathorax a little more coarsely but closely punctate, a central groove above and cavity on posterior side punctate throughout; first segment abdomen more coarsely punctate than rest of body, slightly pubescent, but slightly constricted at tip and as wide as second 1s at base, remaining segments very finely and closely punctate, smooth and shining band on posterior edge of each segment, last two segments immaculate, tip obtuse, slightly emarginate, venter immaculate with a few hairs, smooth. Legs black (except knees and outwards) with a few scattered hairs; stigma and nervures fulvous; wings pale fulvous, first submarginal cell longer than second and third combined, second submarginal receiv- ing recurrent at end of first two-fifths, third submarginal receiving recur- rent near base; submedian cell posterior wings longer than median on externo-medial nervure by more than twice the difference between base of third submarginal of anterior wings and point of receiving the recurrent. 2.—Similar, length of body 16 mm. of anterior wings 9 mm., yellow on face a little more extended, mandibles at base yellow, no yellow dot below tegulz and black, shiny, impunctate bands on abdomen do not appear until second or third segment. % and 9? specimens; % taken Aug. 27, 1893, at Hartford, Conn.; @ taken Sept. 15, 1895, Hartford, Conn. o THE FOURTH SPECIES OF PLENOCULUS. By WILLIAM J. Fox. Plenoculus parvas n. sp. 29.—Anterior margin of clypeus subtruncate in middle, not incised or dentate; the flagellum strongly clavate ; first joint longer than second, dorsulum and scutellum finely and closely punctured ; middle segments microscopically striated, not impressed above, posterior face more distinctly transversely striated, with a deep 72: ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, {March, longitudinal central furrow; legs tolerably spinose, tarsal comb feebly developed ; pygidial area with large, sparse punctures, not margined or carinated laterally. Black; mandibles except apex, legs except coxze and extreme tip of abdomen, red ; scape beneath and tegulz yellowish ; flagellum beneath testaceous ; entire insect clothed more or less with silvery pubescence, especially the head in front and thorax on sides and beneath; apical margins of abdominal segments narrowly testaceous ; wings hyaline, strongly iridescent, nervures testaceous. Length 3 mm. Las Cruces, New Mexico (Cockerell, 5173). This is the smallest of the species of Plenoculus, and is not closely related to any of the others. It comes nearest to P. cockerellii, in con- sequence of the non-emarginate or dentate clypeus. The species of Plenoculus seem to fall into two well-marked groups, viz., those having the clypeus strongly emarginate and dentate (davisii, propinguus), and those in which the clypeus is neither emarginate, nor dentate (cockerelliz, parvus). Plenoculus propinguus varies in the coloration of abdomen. The original types have the abdomen entirely black, whereas recently received specimens from New Mexico and Colorado (collected by Messrs. Cockerell and Gillette respectively) have it suffused with reddish on basal two or three segments. OBITUARY. Dr. F. F. MorawitTz, in St. Petersburg. A. DAwseEtTT, Ornithologist and Entomologist, at Reading, England, on Nov. 6, 1896. Dr. F. WestHorF, Dipterist and Privatdocent of the Academy of Miinster, on Nov. 12, 1896, aged 36 years. We have just learned with much sorrow and regret of the death of the well-known Coleopterist, Dr. Joan HAmILtoN, of Allegheny, Pa., who died in Florida. Next month will give a portrait of Dr. Hamiuton and some account of his valuable services to Entomology. ERRATA. Under the description of Pupa, line 5, vol. viii, p. 2, first word. The word e/ytron should have been used instead of segment. ENTOMOLOGICAL News for February, was mailed Jan. 30, 1897. Ent. News, Vol. VIII. Pl, EV; Dr. JOHN HAMILTON. _ ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION, ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA. VOL. VIII. APRIL, 1897. No. 4. CONTENTS: Dr. John Hamilton ...............-...- 73: | ‘DOim@sOl BOSE: as SS a i eeK 90 Kellogg—John L. Curtis ............... 75 | Entomological Section................. gi Patton—Acorn insects. ................ 76 | Curtis—Theridium inconstans......... gI Jones—Some Delaware Noctuide..... 77 | Cockerell—The third Amer. Kermes... 94 TIUERIRS Sos < aww «rie dddy da sZapaess 79 | Bergroth—On two remarkable Hemip- Notes and News. «...2-s.ceccesiceveces 82 RE a REP eae obey ea 95 Entomological Literature. ............ 83 DR. JOHN HAMILTON. Dr. John Hamilton, the well-known physician and entomologist, of Allegheny, Pa., died Friday, February 12th, at Pitts’ Island, -Lake Worth, Fla. He had been in feeble health and went to Florida early in January, where for a time his condition was im- proved. He died after a short illness. Dr. Hamilton was born in St. Clair, Columbiana County, Ohio, Feb. 17, 1827. He graduated from Duquesne College in 1846 and at Jefferson Col- lege, Canonsburgh, Pa., in 1847. He studied theology under the late Prof. James R. Willson, D.D., completing a four years’ course in 1851. Later he studied medicine in the office of the late Dr. Dickson, of this city, and in 1856 graduated from the University Medical College, of New York. He first practiced his profession in Greenfield, Mercer County, Pa., where he spent six years, after which he removed to Allegheny, where he prac. ticed his profession until his health failed four years ago. Dr. Hamilton was a cultivated physician and always a diligent stu- dent. His early education in theology was continued in Bible study and his religious life was nourished thereby. For many years he was a member of the Allegheny Reformed Presbyterian Church, of which he was a liberal supporter and to the welfare 4 74 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. . [April, of which he was greatly devoted. Dr. Hamilton is survived by Mrs. Hamilton, a daughter of the late David Culbertson. He was a brother of Dr. William R. Hamilton, George Hamilton and Mrs. Rosanna Corlett, both of Ohio. Dr. Hamilton was an industrious and painstaking student of entomology and a careful collector and observer. He has made many important contributions to the literature of Coleopterology, to which order he was specially devoted. His papers were chiefly contributed to the ‘‘Canadian Entomologist,’’ the ‘‘Transactions”’ of the American Entomological Society and ENTOMOLOGICAL News; his last paper appearing in the latter journal in the February number of the present year. His first published article was ‘‘Remarks on Agonoderus comma, pallipes, rugicollis and Tachy- cellus atrimedius,’’ in ‘‘Can. Ent.,’’ xiv, 1882. There then fol- lowed more than thirty papers in the same journal all showing care and scientific acumen. Many of his papers were results of collecting trips to Canada and Florida and excursions in the vicinity of his home. Asa sample of the extent of knowledge and the field covered, the following titles may be mentioned: Entomol- ogy at Longport, N. J., which would be a place suitable for an Enkentric Hospital ; ‘‘ Medico-Entomology ;’’ Stings by Podistes and Xylocopa; Larva of Hypoderma in a child (ENT. News). These show evidence of the observing physician as well as the careful naturalist. But our departed colleague will be best re- membered by his valuable papers published in the ‘‘ Trans. Am. Ent. Soc.,’’ the most important of which were ‘‘ Catalogue of the Coleoptera Common to North America, Northern Asia and Europe, with the Distribution and Bibliography”’ (1889). Sec- ond edition of the same (1894). ‘‘ Catalogue of the Coleoptera of Alaska, with the Synonymy and Distribution’ (1894). ‘‘Cata- logue of the Coleoptera of southwestern Pennsylvania with Notes and Descriptions’’ (1895). ‘‘ The Lamiinze of North America,”’ in which he was associated with Chas. W. Leng as author. His contributions to science will number upwards of seventy-five im- portant papers. Dr. Hamilton will be sadly missed by the ento- mological world. He left a fine collection of Coleoptera.* = * We are indebted to the Rev. D. B. Willson, D.D., for the facts in regard to Dr. Hamil- ton’s life. 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 75 JOHN L. CURTIS. By VERNON L. KELLOGG, Stanford University, Cal. Elsewhere in this number of the News there is published, under the name of John L. Curtis, a description of a new spider and a brief abstract of some observations on the habits of this spider. The name of Mr. Curtis is not familiar to entomologists. I wish that some particulars of the patient, brave life of this promising student of entomology might be known to those whose attention may be arrested by the unknown name. John Curtis, of Oakland, Cal., died at twenty-five. During the twelve years preceding his death his waking hours were passed in a wheeled chair. A paralytic affliction deprived him of the use of the muscles of body and legs and arms, except those of the wrists and hands. His consolation and delight were found in the study of natural history. After caring for and watching a solitary spider kept in confinement for several years, he began with earnest zeal the careful study of spiders. His friends sent them to him in such numbers, that at times, he had sixty or seventy species under observation. Wheeled by a companion along hedge-rows, he observed them in their natural homes and collected them. After three years of delighting, absorbing study, his eyes so failed him that he was limited, during two years, to one-half hour a day to microscopic or minute examination. In the last two years of his life with health failing constantly, he de- voted himself exclusively to the observation of the new spider described elsewhere in the NEws. He devised ingenious methods _of housing and feeding and watering his spiders. He made ex- haustive observations of their every habit, and recorded all in notes and drawings. Untrained, inert, helpless, tortured, his patient, enthusiastic devotion to his studies have enabled him to add something to our knowledge of living things and to find for himself happiness in the midst of affliction. Pictures for the album of the American Entomological Society, have been received from Professors C. P. Gillette, of Fort Collins, Col., Wm. Osburn, of Nashville, Tenn , and Wm. R. Reinick, Phila. THE last number of the ‘‘ Transactions ’’ of American Entomological Society (No. 4, of vol. xxiii), contains a ‘‘ Revision of the Genera and Species of Ceutorhynchini inhabiting North America, by Wm. G. Dietz, M.D.’’ See notice on cover of this number. 76 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. (April, ACORN INSECTS. By Wm. HAMPTON PATTON. The Acorn Weevil. The following species of Ba/aninus have been bred from acorns: untformis, nasicus, cary@, rectus, guercus, coccinea. From hickory-nuts have been bred: carye, and doubtfully other species. . From hazel-nuts has been bred: odtusus (the nasicus of Har- rington. From chinquepin and chestnut have been bred: rectus and proboscideus (caryatrypes). [‘‘Insect Life,’’ iv. ] Blanchard’s Table (1884) may be abbreviated as follows : First funicle joint longer than second. Female beak long as body or longer. Appendix of claws broad, rectangular . . .. . . . obtusus. Appendix of claws acute, narrow . . uniformis. Female beak shorter than body (two- thirds'o or three: fourths). Femoral tooth with outer edge oblique. Scales *beneath-oval: 5: Je he S ee Scales beneath hair-like . . . . J. > i a Femoral tooth with outer edge piineneinialisd Thorax of female longer than wide .... .. . . rectus. Thorax of female not longer than wide .. . . . . quercus. First funicle joint shorter than second. . . . . . . . Garyatrypes. From the table is omitted Balaninus coccinee (North Am. Ent., i, 1879, fig.). A specimen found at Hartford, Conn., has the beak short and a quadrangular fulvous area on disc of thorax. Other specimens ovipositing on Q. coccine have the beak much longer than body. Yet others are dark and with short beak. Balaninus uniformis Lec. (body uniformly pale tawny, the beak as long as the body) I have bred from acorns of Ouercus macrocarpa. The eggs, laid within the acorns the middle of September are short-oval, smooth and of a whitish color. The punctures are either through the cupule into the acorn or are through the shell of the acorn above the cupule. The usual crescent-shaped slit is made upon the kernel within the acorn even when the punctures appear externally to be merely small round dots. The result of the puncture is a decayed spot nearly a quarter of an inch in diameter containing the egg. The larvee leave the acorns in November and remain about three inches be- = Ante pee A ENT. NEWS, VOL. VIII. : PLATE V. fans a < at the outer end of the discal cell. The venation of D. rufithorax is perhaps the most variable of any known species. The vein that separates the fourth and fifth posterior cell is as often incomplete (fig. 2) as it is complete (fig. 3). While in three specimens one wing has the former and the other the latter char- acter. Two or three specimens show another peculiar variation Pc Rae a —_— : >_< Fig. 2. Fig. 3. (also shown in fig. 2) in having stumps of veins projecting from the third longitudinal vein, one near the anterior branch, and two. from the branch, one near the junction the other near the tip; there is also one on the first branch of the longitudinal vein about half way between the discal cell and the posterior margin. The above facts will, as has already been shown by Dr. Williston, cause the abandonment in this case of ‘‘ four posterior cells’’ as. a generic character. Dialysis elongata Say. Stygia elongata Say, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. iii, 41, 1823 ; Compl. Wr- ie 7s Mc Anthrax elongata Wiedemann, Auss. Zw. i, 315, 1828. Lomatia elongata Wied., Auss. Zw. i, 561; tab. ii, f. 6. Xylophagus americanus Wied.? Walker, List, etc., i, 128, 1848. Dialysis dissimilis Walker, Dipt. Saund. iv, 1856. Triptotricha dissimilis (Walk.) Osten Sacken, Berl. Ent. Zeit. 1883, 295. Agnotomyia elongata (Say), Williston, Entom. Amer. ii, 106, 1886. Dialysis dissimilis (Walk.) Williston, Kans. Univ. Quart. iti, 265, 1895. Dialysis elongata (Say) Williston, Kan. Univ. Quart. iii, 265, 1895. From descriptions, a study of Walker’s type (through the kindness of Mr. E. E. Austen), and an examination of a large amount of material, as the species is quite common in the vicinity. of Philadelphia, I can only arrive at the above conclusion as to synonymy. Say described a male, while Walker’s specimen, the type of the genus, is a female. Dialysis fasciventris Loew. Triptotricha fasciventris Loew, Berl. Ent. Zeit. 1874, 380. 3'.—Length 8 mm. Head black; face, frontal triangle and occiput covered with a silvery white pubescence, mouth-parts and the first and second joints of the antennz yellowish, third joint and style brown, ocelli reddish. Thorax black, shining, with minute yellow hair, sternum with silvery pubescence, humeri and the outer half of the scutellum brownish. os 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 119 Abdomen black, with prominent yellow hair; first, second and third seg- ments with a wide posterior band of yellow, the remaining segments with a narrow border, which is somewhat obscure on two last.. Venter, first, second, third and fourth segments yellowish, with the basal half of the second, third and fourth more or less blackish, the last three segments black, hypopygium reddish, base and tips of the claspers black. Legs yellowish, tip of the anterior and middle tibiz and the entire tarsi black, tip of the posterior femora, the entire tibiz and the tip of the first and the other joints of the tarsi black. Wings tinged with blackish, which is more conspicuous beyond the discal cell, and a band that extends across the wing at the base of the discal cell, costal cell and base of the wing tinged with yellow; halteres blackish, base yellowish. Q2.—Length 9 mm. Head black, antennz entirely yellow, mouth- parts brownish. Thorax yellow, shining, translucent, with very minute yellow hairs; pleurze yellow, with a large, shining, brownish black spot; scutellum vellow, translucent. Abdomen yellow, sparsely covered with prominent yellow hair, base of the first segment narrowly margined with black; second, third and fourth with a wide basal band of black, the bands occupying fully one-third of the segment and a uniform width throughout, fifth segment black, with a posterior band of yellow; sixth and seventh segments yellow, with two longitudinal lines of black, basal half of the ovipositor black, terminal portion yellow; venter yellow, base of the fourth and fifth segments blackish, sixth and seventh black, with a posterior band of yellow. Legs the same as the.male, except that the black portions have a more brownish color. _ Two specimens ( ¢ @ ) collected at Cranberry, Mitchell County, North Carolina, June 10, at an altitude of 3250 feet by Mr. H. W. Wenzel. I had looked upon D. fasciventris as the female of D. elongatus, but through the kindness of Mr. Samuel Hen- shaw I learn that Loew’s type has five posterior cells. . As the male has never been described, and as the original description is probably inaccessible to many I here redescribe the species. Chrysopila griffithi n. sp. §'29.—Length 5-6 mm. Face, front, vertex and occiput grayish brown, vertical angles with minute black hairs, mouth- parts, antennz and arista reddish brown. Thorax brownish, with an ob- solete dorsal stripe of a darker shade; hairs yellowish, sparse, pleurze with blackish hairs. Abdomen brownish black, sparsely covered with yellowish or whitish hairs. Legs yellow, femora of a more reddish color; halteres yellow, tips black. Wings hyaline, slightly tinged with yellow, stigma and cross-veins clouded with brown. In two specimens the lon- gitudinal veins are also slightly clouded. Ten specimens, Boykins, Va., June 10: Hertford. County, North Carolina, June 9, 1895; Tifton, Ga., September 3 and 25, October 5 and 16, 1896 (Dr. Hough). ; 120 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May, This species is dedicated to my friend, Dr. H. G. Griffith, who assisted me in its capture. Chrysopila modesta Loew, Centur. x, 14, Texas. One specimen, Elkhart, Ind. (R. J. Weith). Chrysopila rotundipennis Loew, Centur. i, 19, Georgia. Several specimens of this species were collected in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, July 14, 1891; Pendleton, N. C., June 7; Hertford County, North Carolina, June 9; Boykins, Va., June 10, 1895. Symphoromyia hirta n. sp. ¢'.—Length 7 mm. Head black, face black- ish gray, with a silvery white reflection, vertical triangle black, with long black pile; palpi and proboscis black, palpi with long whitish pile, first joint of the antenne black, with long black pile, second and third joints and arista dark brown. Thorax and scutellum bluish gray with long, black pile, dorsum of the thorax with three longitudinal black stripes, which are attenuated posteriorly. Abdomen and venter bluish gray, with long, brownish and yellow pile; femora and tarsi black, tibiz dark brown, tips of the femora yellow; halteres yellow. Wings hyaline, slightly tinged with brown, stigma and base yellowish. Q.—Length 5.5 and 7 mm. Pile throughout much shorter than in the male. Face, front and vertex bluish gray, lighter on the face; front and vertex with minute black hairs, first joint of the antennz brownish, mouth-parts reddish, ‘tips of the palpi and proboscis dark brown; ovi- positor reddish. Three specimens, Edge Hill, Montgomery County, Pennsyl- vania, June 2; Philadelphia, June 11. The species resembles closely the S. crassicornis of Europe. In recently going over some dipterological literature I find the name Leptogaster longipes given to a Jamaican species (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. 1894, 273) is preoccupied by Walker for an Asiatic species (Proc. Linn. Soc. iii, 89, 44). I therefore pro- pose in its place the name of Lepfogaster clavipes. OBITUARY. A.ots RoGENHOFER, Lepidopterist, in Vienna, on January 15, aged 65 years; was formerly Custos of the Naturhistorisches Hofmuseum. C. F. WiePKEN, Ornithologist and Coleopterist, in Oldenburg, on Jan- uary 29. (PE ENTOMOLOGICAL News for April was mailed March 31, 1897. Ent. News, Vol. VIII. Fi Vil: Pamphila zabulon % Pamphila zabulon 9 of; hobomok % es hobomok 92 a pocahontas ae pocahontas ‘i aaroni 4% re aaroni % (under surface) i: zabulon % ve hobomok % (under surface) (under surface) ——— “A, ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION, ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA. VOL. VIII. JUNE, 1897. No. 6. CONTENTS: Patton—The number of prolegs in in- | Entomological Literature. ............ 135 SS Ny) RR aires 122 |. Doings of Societies... «.s.6. 2.2 teks scece 140 Calvert—Notes on European entomo- Entomological Section............-...- 143 logical collections.........-..-...-- 124 | Kincaid—The Psychodide of Washing: King—Aphids and coccids associating COM Te oa hw oh EER Chabad < ca komen | EERIE LE Ss ooh 5's nb os ba akbenaicd 125 | Smith—A preliminary classification “Abe Snyder—Scarabidz of Dodge County, & the sp. of the genus Acronycta, etc. 146 MABGRMREID ongha sks nme nahaes oo<% Aa29 Bsker—4 remarkable new Acocephalid Casey—A reply ...... ccesesecceeseees 132 from’ S. Americas. cds <,cneses cae - 153 jE 3 SPA 4 Fs eae Ore re 133 | Linell—A new. nearly blind genus of Notes and News... .........---eeeseees 134 Tenetirignidnt.2 2is.05-4- sca setass 154 Our illustration was furnished by our good friend, Mr. Frank M. Jones, of Wilmington, Del. A previous drawing of moths by the same gentleman was much appreciated by many of our readers. There has been confusion for years in regard to two of the species represented—zadulon and hobomok. Dr. Strecker was, I believe, the first author to catalogue these correctly, but he has not been followed by subsequent writers; zadudon and hobomok are certainly distinct species, the former having a dark female and the latter having a tawny and also a black female (pocahontas). The principal differences between the dark females of the two species are the following: zadu/on 9 is smaller, brighter in color, and the spots on the superiors above are bright yellow and more clearly defined, the line of demarcation between spot and the wing being much sharper than in dark 9 hodomok. The females of zabudon show no discal dash, while in hodomok they are quite apparent in the specimens before me. The under- side of 2 zabulon is always much more brilliantly colored than in the other species. I have examined all the large collections in the country excepting one, and many of the smaller ones, and have never seen a female zadudon of the color of the male. Pam- phila aaroni belongs to the group arpa, palatke, etc. 6 122 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, THE NUMBER OF PROLEGS IN INSECT LARVA. By Wm. Hampton Patton, Hartford, Conn. Prolegs, normally present in Lepidopterous larve upon ab- dominal segments 3, 4, 5, 6 and g are lacking in many Noctuids upon 3 and 4; e. g., Evastria and Drasteria. No fully-developed prolegs are found on segments 3 and 4 of Calocampa previous to the third moult. The Hypenini have no prolegs on segment 3; likewise (Vola, the young larve of Leucania and Catocala, and the larve of Helia americalis Guen. and Anomis texana Riley (although other He/zas and Aleta have the usual number). All Geometrids, except Anzsopteryx which has prolegs on abdominal segment 5, have no prolegs on segments 3, 4 and 5. In Argyromyges and Gracilaria the prolegs are present on segments 3, 4 and 5, but absent on 6. Pronuwba has no trace of prolegs. Aspidisca is apodous, having the thoracic feet repre- sented by sucker-like discs, the anal prolegs represented by small lobes each with a recurved hook. Anxtispila and Prodoxus have no trace of either prolegs or legs. Prodoxus cinereus Riley re- semble Asfidisca. In many Notodontians the anal prolegs are converted into a pair of tentacles. The existence of three pairs of thoracic feet I have verified in Limacodes, although none »of the Cochliopods have prolegs. Prolegs are present in young bag-worms ( @Zceticus and Thyrid- opteryx), but are not conspicuous in the full-grown worms, being represented by the hooks only in 7hyridopteryx and Eumeta. Phyllocnistis and Nepticula have nine pairs of hookless pro- legs. Megalopyge (Lagoa) and Chrysopyga have seven pairs of prolegs. The prolegs on the second and seventh abdominal seg- ments of WZ. crispata have been found (contrary to Miss Murt- feldt’s statement in ‘‘ Can. Ent.,’’ viii, 202, November, 1896), to be without hooklets, thus differing from the normal larger pro- legs on the third to sixth segments. Micros have the hooklets in an ellipse or circle; in macros they are reduced to an outer row. Eriocephala calthella has eight pairs of abdominal legs jointed like the thoracic 7yzchacis (Proctotrupide) larva has ventral pro- legs (Fyles ‘‘ Can. Ent.,’’ June ’96). Larve of sawflies may be distinguished from those of Lepid- optera (excepting the first stage of Lithocolletis, which has but one ocellus—cf. V. T. Chambers, ‘‘ Journ. Cin. Soc.,’’ N. H., 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 123 ji, pt. 2), by having only one ocellus and, when prolegs are pres- ent, by there being more than ten and without hooklets. Pam- philius has no prolegs. Tenthredinidze have (22 in all) prolegs on segments 5-11 and 13. Cimbicidz have (22) prolegs on 5-11 and 13. St. Fargeau’s statement, quoted on page 9, of Norton’s **Catalogue,’’ that the larve of Zar@a and Adia have only 20 legs is erroneous ; for, I find Adza inflata Nort. to have 22 legs in agreement with the other Cimbicide. Lophyridz have (22) prolegs on segments 6-13. Nematidz have (20) prolegs on seg- ments 5-10 (Cladius) or 6-11 and 13. Acorduleceridz have (20) abortive prolegs on segments 6-11 and 13. Many apodous larve of Hymenoptera have an anal sucker. Phryganeid larve have a pair of anal prolegs. Chrysopa has an anal disc used in locomotion. Panorpa \arve have 22 conical legs, situated as in the sawflies, ‘besides anal legs or processes. Azttacus has two-jointed legs on each of the nine abdominal segments. .Szsyva has jointed appen- ages on the first and seventh segments. Hematobia \arva has transverse rows of minute fleshy filaments at base of six ventral segments. Simulium has a proleg on prothorax of larva. Chironomus larvee have pairs of prolegs on the prothorax and on the last seg- -aent. The abdominal tubercles of Chirvonomus and Ephydra bear hooks. Syrphus larvze have seven pairs of abdominal pro- legs. Blepharocera \arve has six pairs of conical prolegs and six median sucking discs; the pupz has three pairs of suckers beneath abdomen. In Coleoptera prolegs occur, ventral in Extomoscelis (Fletcher), ventral and dorsal in Asclera and Nacerdes, dorsal in Mordellis- tena, Cerambicide, etc. (Riley). Anal prolegs (sucking discs) occur in Lampyride, Coccinellidze, Chrysomelide, etc. Phy- tonomus has tubercles without claws on all the ventral segments and uses them in clasping the leaf; it has also an anal sucker which it uses in locomotion. Mrs. A. T. SLosson has lately sent me a pretty and interesting species of Thecla which she took in January of this year at Biscayne Bay, Florida I saw at once it was new to our fauna, but is not new to science, as it was described from Cuba by Herrich-Schaffer under the name of martialis {Corresp. Blatt. Regensb. 18, 164, 1864).—HENRY SKINNER. 124 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, NOTES ON EUROPEAN ENTOMOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS. By PuiLip P. CALVERT. * XIV.—AMSTERDAM. The centralization of facilities for study which Amsterdam .- offers to the zoological student is, we believe, unequaled else? where. The Zoological Society of that city maintains one of the largest gardens of living animals in existence. On the grounds is the building occupied by the Society, and containing, in the basement, a salt and fresh-water aquarium of twenty-two perma- nent, besides movable, tanks, and in the upper floor a zoological museum, while in adjoining wing houses the zoological labora- tory of the University of Amsterdam, under the direction of Prof. Weber. The writer, having visited the Museum during the vacation when the curator was absent, was unable to inspect the entomological section, but in answer to a letter Dr. Johannes C. H. de Meijere kindly furnished some notes on the collections of insects, which are reproduced below. Dr. Coenraad Kerbert is Director of the Museum, whose staff also includes Dr. J. Th. Oudemans, known for his researches on the Macro-lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Thysanura and Collembola. ‘‘The most important collection of insects at Amsterdam is in the possession of the Royal Zoological Society [Koninklijk Zoologisch Genootschap] ‘ Natura Artis Magistra.’ It is con- tained in two rooms, that are connected with the library, annexed to the Zoological Garden of the Society. As by the illness and subsequent death of the former conservator, the collection had gone somewhat into a state of decadence, it is now being totally reorganized. The intention is first to prepare a show collection as well of insects in general as, more especially, of those which inhabit the Netherlands. Of the latter the Lepidoptera are ready for the greater part and were exhibited to the public during the last weeks of the past year [1896]. ‘‘The collections are contained in rabbeted glass-topped, wooden boxes. The best represented are the Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. Notwithstanding that there are only few typical specimens, some extensive collections are here, as, for instance, the van Medenbach de Rooy collection (Lepidoptera), the Smit collection (chiefly Lepidoptera) and a very fine collection of Co- Beahaee-: ‘ 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 125 leoptera from the Netherlands collected by Mr. E. Seipgens. ’ Further, the Society possesses for temporary use a great number - of indigenous Diptera, collected by Dr. de Meijere, at present conservator of the entomological and ethnographical collections of the Society.’’ ‘ D. Vv APHIDS AND COCCIDS ASSOCIATING WITH ANTS. An Account of Their Habits ; with Bibliographical Notes. By Geo. B. Kina, Lawrence, Mass. Since the observations of Gould, Huber and others in their time, nothing of a definite character has been given to us by entomologists regarding the true habits of ants having aphids and coccids associated with them in their nests. Most of the writers on the subject took for granted what was said by the old authors. The purpose of the present article is to attempt to show that a large part of the published observations on the habits of ants and coccids associating in the nests of the former is erroneous, and to give results of personal observations and experiments made by long and continuous study of them I supposed, like all other naturalists apparently, from what I had read concerning them that the ants collected the aphids and coccids for the pur- pose of obtaining food for themselves during the Winter months ; also that the ants went down into their burrows sufficiently far to escape a freezing temperature, where they remained until the fol- lowing Spring. This I believe to be the general opinion given by all writers on this subject. My observations have been that the ants in question do not go deep into their burrows during the Winter, but remain where their nests become frozen, consequently being in a torpid and inactive state until the approach of warm weather. In this condition, of course, no food is required, which fact precludes the acception of the hitherto adopted theory of the association of ants and coccids. Some of the nests we will find in which the ants are all collected together in small piles, and this frequently before the ground becomes frozen, but too cold for them to be active, the coverings of their nests consisting only of a few sticks or stones for their shelter. The aphids and coc- -cids are with them in separate places under the same covering. Some nests we may find in which the ants have deserted their 126 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June,. herds and have gone down but a few inches into the soil of which their nest is composed. Again we may find a few of the ants. remaining among the herd of aphids or coccids as the case may be. The only purpose of the ants for collecting these insects in the Fall of the year is to supply them with food during the Fall and Spring months when other food is not obtainable. We also find the eggs of aphids and coccids to be collected. and cared for by the ants. These, too, are wholly unprotected from the frost, being set in a small orifice made by the ants under the stones, and. when the weather becomes warm enough for the ants to become active they can easily be seen caring for them. It is a fact that ants do collect both aphids and coccids and their eggs in the Fall and release them in the Spring when their re- spective food-plants are fit for them to feed upon. Notwithstand- ing this we may find aphids and coccids at any season of the year associated with the ants, but very few in comparison to those that are found in Spring and Fall. That ants derive food from aphids. and coccids by sipping the excretions from the abdominal tubes, and also that which exudes from the bodies in the form of sweat forming a sweet waxy substance and a fungus growth which is. _ eagerly sought for and eaten by the ants is a well-proven fact. I have found many new species of aphids and coccids in ants” nests which are as yet undescribed, and are now being worked. up by Prof. Cockerell and F. A. Sirrine and myself. As soon as. possible after their determination I shall try and give their habits. according to my observations, and I hope to be able to give new facts in the matter. Up to 1894 only nine different species of aphids are cited as being found in ants’ nests. Three of the genus Forda, one of Paracletus, two of Tyche@a, two of Phizobtus, and one of Eine. Of coccids eight different species had been so found, viz.: of the genus Lecanopsis one, Rifersia three, Exeretopus one, Sperno- coccus one, Orthizia one, Margarodes one ; of those that I have found and that have been determined are Ripersia kingii Ckll. (Can. Entmol., vol. xxviii, p. 222-224, 1896); AémgiZ is quite frequently met with in the nests of Laszus flavius L., and Lasius claviger Rog. Its color seems to be variable, usually of a dark reddish shade inclining to purple when alive in the ants’ nest, and sparingly covered with white fungus or waxy substance. They change to a violet still shading on the purple when put into alco- 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 127 hol. This species is collected by the ants early in September, and can be found with them until the latter part of April, but not so late if the season is advanced, for they are then taken out and placed upon their food-plant. I have not observed this spe- cies feeding upon any of the roots entering the ants’ nests, but they are found placed in small clusters or herds attached to the stone covering the ants’ formicary. They seem to be in as good condition in Spring as in the Fall of the year. Sometimes in the Spring they may be found detached from the covering of the nests and placed upon the surface of it, a small space being digged out for them. In such cases I have always found them thickly covered with a dark bluish cottony down. The size of the herds is variable ; some may contain but five individuals, while others may contain a hundred or more. It is also found in small num- bers mixed with other species of coccids, and at times with aphids, and will be farther noticed as we progress with the life-history of these insects. The ants cause the aphids and coccids to excrete the desired nourishment by walking over and about them. The ant’s an- tennz are in constant motion. Their mandibles wide open, and can be easily seen feeding upon the excretions from the coccids, passing from one to the other. Should the weather be pleasant and warm when a nest of ants is disturbed which contains either aphids or coccids, the ants will collect them as speedily as possi- ble and hastily take them into their retreats, which extend but a short distance below the surface of the nest. Sometimes we may find a few coccids and aphids hibernating with the ants under the surface, while some of the ants remain with the coccids on the surface of the nest all Winter as before stated. I have not as yet found the food-plant of Ripersia kingit. Ripersia lassii Ckll. is of a somewhat smaller form, and is a clear white species when put into alcohol, but when alive seems to have a faint shade of flesh color and is sparingly covered with white down. I have not found it feeding in the nests of ants. The general habits of the ants caring for this. species will also. apply to that of R. kimgzz in many respects. It has not been found entirely covered with cottony down, and occurs in nests of Lasius flavus L. and Lastus americanus Em., the food-plant being unknown. Thesame habits will apply to Ripersia flaveola Ckll. The latter is of a light yellow color, sparingly covered 128 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, with white down, but not so completely as in &imgzz. Its color when put into alcohol is a light lemon-color and remains so ; has not been found feeding. Food-plant unknown. What I have said of the habits of ant’s aphids and coccids per- tains to the species living in Massachusetts, and will no doubt apply to those of other localities with a similar climate. I wish at this time to thank Prof. Cockerell and Sirrine for their assist- ance in the determination of the coccids and aphids on which I am working ; also my esteemed friend, Ernest André, of France, without whose aid I would have been unable to determine the species of ants with which these insects have been found to be associated. The literature treating of ants and coccids associating is quite scattering, and as far as I know is not extensive. Such as treat of ants and coccids alone are: an account of Margarodes, a new genus of insects found in the neighborhood of ants’ nests by B. A. Guilding, Trans. Linn. Soc., London, vol. xxvi, p. 115-119, 1829, 33. Kingsley’s Standard Natural History, vol. ii, p. 218, 218, 1884, states that WZargardodes formicarum Guild. is found in ants’ nests in the islands of Bahania. Notes on the genus Margaroda by Trinem Baland, Trans. Entom. Soc., Lon., p- 461, 1886, a description of Orthezia occidentalis Dougl., En- tom. Month. Mag., vol. ii, p. 244-247, 1891, September, found with a A4yrmica sp., and the first to be discovered and described as being found in the United States, none othefs being found un- til those found by me and described by Prof. Cockerell. Trans. New Zealand Institute, vol. xxiv, p. 38-39, Reperisia formeicicola is described by Maskell as being found with 7etramorum striatum and 7. nitidum. He states that this is the first instance that he knows of coccids being found with ants. Entom. Month. Mag., vol. iii, p. 146, 1892, on new or little known coccids, chiefly Eng- lish, by R. Newstead. He describes Rzperista tomlinii said to feed on grass roots in ants’ nests. Entom. Month. Mag., vol. iii, p. 307, 1892. Coccids in ants’ nest by W. W. Smith. Entom. Month. Mag., vol. 4, p. 77-79, Riperisia tomlinii and R. subter- vanea Newstead are described. Entom. Month. Mag., vol. iv, p. 205-210, 1893, on the observations of coccids by R. Newstead. Entom. Month. Mag., vol. iv, 138, 1893, on new coccids in ants’ nests. U.S. Agricultural Reports, 1893, p. 220, by C. V. Riley, The San José Scale being transported by ants. Lubbock also 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 129 speaks of coccids being kept by ants on p. 68 revised edition, 1895. Can. Ent., vol. xxiii, p. 222-224, 1896, three new species of coccids described as new by Prof. Theo. D. A. Cockerell. The literature treating of ants, aphides and coccids associated together so far as I have found, Science Gossip, Ist, 1865, p. 234; ants having coccids at the roots of Passiora prinsips as slaves. Nature, vol. x, p. 31-32, 1874, by Herman Muller, a Brazilian species of bee that makes use of a Heméracis larva serving to bees the same purpose as the aphids and coccids do to ants. Nature, vol. xvi, p. 309, 1877, by the Ep. Formica flava in possession of several kinds of insects at once, coccids, aphids and a Coleopterous larva, all being cared for by the ants (the ant should be called Zasius flavius). Popular Science Monthly, vol. xii, p. 116, 1877, by the Ep. Formica flava keeps aphids and coccids in its nests. American Naturalist, vol. xvii, p. 118, by Prof. Leidy, yellow aphids and red coccids in the nests of Lasius interjectus Mayr. at Philadelphia. In all probability these were the Schizoneura corni Fabr. and Ripersia kingii Ckll. Nature, vol. xlvii, p. 608, 1893. The use of ants to aphides and coccids by Theo. D. A. Cockerell, an interesting coccid “/erya vose on Prosopis in Jamacia attended by ants. Nature, vol. xlviii, Pp- 54, 1893, by J. G. Ramones and A. O. Walker. The use of aphids and coccids to ants, and what becomes of aphids in Win- ter. Nature, vol. xlviii, p. 54, 1893, by T. A. Sharp, the honey dew not dropped voluntarily at times by the aphids. American Naturalist, vol. xxx, p. 469, 498, relation of Zyrmecophils Lepic- mids astoants. Lasius umbretus Ny]. (To be continued. ) a SCARABIDA OF DODGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN. By W. E. Snyper, Beaver Dam, Wis. Canthon levis Drury.—During the past six years, at different times, I have taken, all told, eleven of the species. A friend pre- sented me several which he took at Fox Lake. I took one at that place on Aug. 10, 1894. It was alive, floating on the lake some 20 rods from shore. Have never found upward of four in a single season, nor more than two on any one day. Copris anaglypticus Say.—Abundant all years but the past. Diligent search the past season failed to reveal more than six in ae * 130 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. { June, all. Never took but one in flight. Seldom seen, keeping well to its burrows. Have taken four from one hole. Prefers droppings of cattle to that of horses. Onthophagus hecate Panz.—Exceedingly abundant from early in the Spring to late in Fall. Atenius.—At least two species have been taken, one of whidls the late Dr. Riley named as cognatus.. The other is doubtless strigatus. Aphodius fimetarius Linn.—Very abundant, though not in such numbers as inguinatus. Aphodius granarius Linn.—Taken some seasons in consider- able numbers. Aphodius inquinatus Hbst.—Occurs in late Fall by the millions. Each Fall for usually four days the air will be filled by myriads of this species. The flight the past Fall took place from Octo- ber 12th to 15th. On the 16th none were observed. Mixed with them was an occasional fimetarius. Prefer droppings of horses, and it is wonderful how quickly after once discovering a ‘‘find”’ they will have it spread out in a thin coating over a considerable surface. Balboceras tumefactus Beauv.—In 1893 only have I met this variety of farctus, when four were taken near my home on as. many dates. Balboceras lazarus Fab.—I took two specimens at Fox Lake, on July 8th, last, both found under decaying leaves in a heavy woods on an island. They were about two inches apart. Odonteus filicornis Say.—Among a lot of material sent Dr. Riley on April, 1892, was a specimen he identified as this species. It was retained by him for the National Museum. Geotrupes splendidus Fab.—Common about cow droppings: each year, though none were found the past Summer. Geotrupes hornti.—One specimen so identified by Dr. press taken in 1892. Doubtless semzopacus occurs also. Trox suberosus Fab.—Rare, very seldom taken. Trox unistriatus Beauv.—Common, found mostly under the ' dried carcasses of chickens and other fowls. Trox foveicollis Har.—Some twenty in seven years. Strange to say all but six of this number were taken from under dried carcasses of Felis domesticus and Sciurus say?. 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. _ 13D Trox scaber Linn.—One specimen, now in National Museum,,. taken in 1891. Dichelonycha elongata Fab.—Abundant, favorite food-plant the basswood, also abundant on common hazel. Serica vespertina Gyll.—A few taken, doubtless belonging to. this species. Serica serices \\.—Abundant, easily taken at dusk when feed- ing on the hazel bushes. Lachnosterna fusca Froh.—Our most common Lachnosterna. Prefers to feed on leaves of the burr oak. Lachnosterna marginalis Lec.—Four taken as follows, from: under stones lying in a pasture, three in 1892 and one on May 23, 1895. Lachnosterna ilicis Knoch.—Seven were taken in 1893 and’ have found six since. All taken in early Spring fresh under stones. in same pasture as marginalts. Lachnosterna tristis Fab.—Abundant some years, again rare. In 1890 they were abundant, feeding on the roots of the timothy,. completely ruining some fields. Cotalpa lanigera Linn.—Very rare, having secured eight in an eight years’ residence here. Most of these were presented me by friends. Ligyrus relictus Say.— Found abundantly in manure heaps, where the manure is well rotted. Strange have never met it out- side of a barn-yard. Allorhina nitida Linn.—In 1891 a studentat Wayland Academy, this city, presented me eight, which he said he took one evening from a bush on the college campus. I have found one specimen also. Euphoria inda Linn.—Abundant in Spring and Fall. Most common in Spring along the sanded railroad track, in Fall on the sunny sides of timber. Never observed any feeding on the juice of corn stalks until this Fall, when in one day’s corn cutting took. sixty-one and could have taken scores more. Trichius piger Fab.—Have some specimens corresponding to those from other localities in many particulars, which I do not hesitate to ascribe to this species. Trichius affinis Gory.—Abundant, found most commonly om the wild species of Rosa. 132 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, A REPLY. To the Editor of EnromoLocicaL News.—Sir: In regard to the article by Dr. Hamilton (Ent. News, viii, p. 35) I wish simply to reply that the statements made with so much confidence by him concerning the three species of Yemantus of the second subgenus may possibly have in them some elements of truth. It is of course possible that I may be wrong in my ideas regarding these closely allied forms. But, a few lines further, when the writer issues a wholesale denunciation of my generic divisions of the Anthicini, he makes some statements which show unfamili- arity with the subject. For instance, the divisions which I have suggested are based upon profound structural differences in im- portant sclerites of the pro- and mesosterna hitherto wholly un- suspected, and these divisions are, with a single exception, not at all similar to any of the feebly characterized sections founded by certain European authors upon general outline of the head and prothorax, as Dr. Hamilton would seem to wish his readers to believe; if he had studied the matter a little more thoroughly he » could not have fallen intaso grave a misconception. The only case that I have been able to discover with a nearly complete set of the European species before me, where any division which I have proposed proves identical with a section of the European genus, is the one before us. Hemantus had, I find, previously received two distinct names, one by Mulsant and another by Pic, but this will be touched upon more fully at another time. Respectfully yours, Tuos. L. CASEY. WASPS IN THE AIR BRAKES.—It would be a remarkable thing if a little insect should be the means of compelling the Westinghouse Air-brake Company to remodel the exhaust port of their pressure-retaining valve, says the Pittsburg Pos?¢, but it appears that the necessity for such a change confronts them at present, or rather confronts the railroad companies who use the brakes. The insect that causes all the trouble is the common mud wasp—a transient inhabitant of the West and Northwest—which, like the genus tramp, appears to have a penchant for traveling. The wasp builds his mud-home on the exhaust port of the valve named, and closes the vent, causing no end of trouble and expense. Superintendent Rhodes, of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, was the first to describe the new enemy of the air-brake, and after an exhaustive trea- tise on the subject recommends the alteration of the shape of the valve and form of the vent as the only means of getting rid of the difficulty. _ Philadelphia Record. 1897. ] 133 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 maintain 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. Outside of the United States and Canada $1.20. g&= All remittances and communications should be addressed to ENTOMOLOGICAL News, Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th and Race Streets, Philadelphia, Pa. PHILADELPHIA, PA., JUNE, 1897. TuHIs number of the News contains forty pages, which we publish with a view of getting into print some of the many papers we have on hand even if we do make an assignment at the close of the year. If at least one entomological journal was properly supported it would be possible to publish fifty pages a month, but when many devotees of the study wont pay $1.00 a year plus those who subscribe or take the journal and have not paid for this year, it makes it pretty hard to struggle along. Several entomological journals in this country have ceased to live, and some day we may publish their obituary notices, which will be made up of the editorials in the last numbers, and make inter- esting reading. HYBERNATION OF HyPENA.—With regard to this subject (ENT. NEws, viii, p. 59) it may be well to mention that the British H. rostra/is L. habit- ually hybernates, and I believe some other European species have the same habit.—R. McLachlan. Prof. LAWRENCE BRUNER, of the University of Nebraska, has sailed for Buenos Ayres on a mission of conquest. He is going to teach the Argentinians how to fight the armies of grasshoppers that are devastating their wheat fields. The destruction of wheat by these pests in Argentina and Uruguay last year has been estimated at 23,000,000 bushels. If Prof. Bruner shall put a check upon this enormous destruction he will not achieve such fame as the great soldiers who prove most expert at what Thackeray called ‘‘ the noble art of murdering,’’ but he will deserve more than they. 134 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, Notes and News. 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 circumfet- 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.—Ep. Picture for album of American Entomological Society has been re- ‘ceived from Mr. L. E. Ricksecker, Santa Rosa, Cal. A DOG WORTH TWO FIELD HANDS.—Bob Payne mourns the loss of his wonderful dog, whose biography we gave in the Euéerprise last year, and ‘whose forte was worming tobacco. This dog, it is claimed, actually re- paired daily to the tobacco patch and carefully sought for and destroyed the worms which prey on the plant. He is now at rest from his labors, and Mr. Payne says he will have to hire two hands to take his place in the tobacco field.—Forest and Stream. THECLA SHERIDANII has occurred rather plentifully this Spring on the barren tops of the foot-hills near Denver. The habits of this insect have ‘given me no Clue to its food-plant; it is generally sitting on small rocks or the ground; the only flower it seems to frequent is the small, white, blooming Sazifraga cespitosa. It is a difficult insect to catch as it is almost impossible to see it on the wing; it is soon faded and worn, but when fresh is a very beautiful insect, the white line being conspicuous. Anthocharis rosé has also appeared in some numbers. I captured Pa- pilio indra on blossoms of wild cherry mey 4th, the earliest time I have yet seen it.—Davip BRUCE. In the room where I keep my collection there is a stationary washstand with hot and cold water. This became the abiding place of a colony of ‘small red ants (Monomorium pharaonis). They were a great nuisance and got into some of the drawers of my cabinet which were made years ago, in an unsafe way, so far as museum pests are concerned. I made ‘several desultory attempts to get rid of them, but without success. I made the collections safe by the use of naphthaline, as these little fellows wont stay where itis. I had a jar of oxide of zinc ointment on the wash- ‘stand and the ants were very fond of it, and it was always covered by a lot of them. I remembered the story of the Quaker on board the ship which was attacked by pirates, one of whom was coming up the side 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 135 **hand-over-hand”’ on a rope. The Quaker could not fight, but he picked up a hatchet and said to the boarder, ‘‘ Friend, if thee wants that rope ‘thee may have it,” and he cut it in two. The same thing occurred to myself: I thought if the ants needed the ointment more than I did they might have it, so I took it out of the jar and mixed with it about a quarter teaspoonful of white arsenic (arsenious acid). I have not seen an ant in that room since. —HENRY SKINNER. Identification of Insects (Imagos) for Subscribers. Specimens will be named under the following conditions: 1st, The number of species £0 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. Please put date of capture and exact locality on each specimen. Before sending insects for identificaticn, read page 41, Vol. HII. Address all packages to ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan Square, Philadelphia, Pa. Entomological Literature. Under the above head it is intended to note such papers received at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia pertaining to the Entomology of the Americas (North and South). Articles irrelevant to American entomology, unless monographs, or con- taining descriptions of new genera, will not be noted. Contributions to the anatomy of ansects, however, whether relating to American or exotic species will be recorded. 1. NaTuRE. London, April 8, 1897.—Acquired immunity from insect ‘stings, E. S. Morse, G. Macloskie. New works on classification of Le- pidoptera, Anon., fig. ——April 29.—On the color and color patterns of moths and butterflies, A. R. W. 2. NATURAL Science. London, April, 1897.—Are the Arthropoda a natural group, E. R. Lankester. 3. LA FEUILLE DES JEUNES NATURALISTES. Paris, April 1, 1897.— Notes on Ayptiotes anceps (Arachnida) and description by Dr. T. Thorell, J. Castelnau, figs. 4. BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE DES SCIENCES NATURELLES DE L’QUEST DE LA FRANCE vi, 4. Nantes, Dec. 31, 1896.—On a flight of Harpalus observed last Summer, Abbé J. Dominique. 5. ARCHIV FUR NATURGESCHICHTE, Ixii, 1, 3. Berlin, February, 1897. —Contributions to the knowledge of palzarctic Myriapoda—iv, C. Ver- hoeff, 5 pls. 6. SCIENCE Gossip. London, April, 1897.—A new mealy bug (Dacty- lopius pseudonipe), T. D. A. Cockerell. 7. BULLETIN DE LA SOCIETE ZOOLOGIQUE DE FRANCE, xxi. Paris, 1896.—The state of the social wasps of Brazil, H. von Ihering. Ants, 136 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, C. Janet. Observations on Dermatobia, P. S. de Magalhaes. Observa- tions on Polistes: primitive cell and first cell of the nest, provisions of honey, hibernation, association of foundatrice queens, P. Marchal; Notes and data on the Xylophilidze (Coleoptera, Heteromera), M. Pic. New genus and species of the group of pilicolous Sarcoptide (Chirodiscinz), E, Trouessart. Preliminary notes on marine Acarina dredged from great depths by M. Koehler in the Gulf of Gascony, id. Halacarus trouessarti, a new species of Halacaride of the Mediterranean, D. N. Voinov. 8. THE ANNALS AND MaGAzINE oF NATuRAL History. London, April, 1897.—Report upon the scorpions and Pedipalpi, obtained on the Lower Amazons by Messrs. E. E. Austen and F. Pickard Cambridge during the trip of Mr. Siemen’s steamship ‘‘ Faraday,’’ R. I. Pocock. New species of Hymenoptera from Central America, P. Cameron. Con- tributions from the New Mexico Biological Station—v. Some new Hy- menoptera from the Mesilla Valley, New Mexico, T. D. A. Cockerell. 9g. BULLETIN DU MUSEUM D'HisTOIRE NATURELLE. Paris, 1896, 7. —Fauna of the caverns of the central plateau and of the Jura, A. Viré. ——8. General considerations on the digestive apparatus of the Phasmide, L. Bordas. 10. NovA AcTA ACADEMIAE CAESAREAE LEOPOLDINO-CAROLINEAE GERMANICAE NATURAE CURIOSORUM, Ixv. Halle, 1896.—Systema Geo- metrarum zonz temperatioris septentrionalis, viii, C. von Gumppenberg, 5 pls. 11. BlIOLOGISCHES CENTRALBLATT. Leipsic, April 1, 1897.—Recent researches on the life of wasps, C. Emery. 12. ATTI E MEMORIE DELLA R. ACCADEMIA DI SCIENZE, LETTERE ED ARTI IN Papova ccxcvii, 1896.—The bursa copulatrix of Lepidoptera, E. Verson. 13. BOLLETINO DELLA SOCIETA ROMANA PER GLI STUDI ZOOLOGICI, v, 5 and 6, 1896.—A case of myiasis through a larva of Sarcophaga car- naria Meig., Dr. G. Alessandrini. 14. MEMORIE DELLA REALE ACCADEMIA DELLE SCIENZE DI TORINO (2), x!vi, 1296.—On some luminous phenomena presented by the scales of certain insects [Entimus], A. Garbasso, fig., 1 pl. 15. ARCHIVES NEERLANDAISES DES SCIENCES EXACTES ET NATUREL- LES, xxx, 5. Harlem, 1897.—On cecidiogenesis and alternation of gene- rations in Cynips calicis. Observations on the gall of Axdricus circulans, M. W. Beijerinck, 3 pls. 16. TRAVAUX DE LA SOCIETE DES NATURALISTES A L’ UNIVERSITE Im- PERIALE DE KHARKOW, xxx, 1896.—Note on Argiope lobata Pall., W. Reinhard, 1 pl. (in Russian). 1897.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 137 17. BULLETIN OF MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. Royal Botanic Gar- _ dens. Trinidad, July, 1896.—Life-history of the parasol ant (A/fa spp.), J. H. Hart, figs.———October, 1896.—Wood destruction in Trinidad, id. 18. ARCHIVES DE ZOOLOGIE EXPERIMENTALE ET GENERALE (3), iv, 4. Paris, 1896.—On reflex blood-letting (saignée) and the means of defense of some insects, L. Cuenot. ~ 19. DEUTSCHE ENTOMOLOGISCHE ZEITSCHRIFT, 1896, heft 2. Berlin, January, 1897.—Revision of the Meloid genus Zydus Latr., Dr. K. Es- cherich, figs. Dichotomous revision of the genera of the Tenebrionid division Tentyrini known to me, E. Reitter. Revision of the species of the coleopterous genera Calyptopsis Sol., Dailognatha and Liparus, id. (three papers). Zoological results of a journey of Dr. K. Escherich and Dr. L. Kathariner to Central Asia—Myrmecophilz, E. Wasmann. Re- vision of the Lomechusa group, id. 20. FirtH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OHIO STATE ACADEMY OF SCI- ENCE. Sandusky, O., 1897.—Biological effects of civilization on the in- sect fauna of Ohio, F. M. Webster. Additions to the catalogue of the Odonata of Ohio, D. S. Kellicott. List of Ohio Crambidz, J. S. Hine. Butterflies found in Summit County, Ohio, E. W. Claypole. 21. THE ENTOMOLOGIST’s RECORD. London, April 15, 1897.—The Coleoptera of a London granary, H. Donisthorpe. On the wing scales and their pigment in Lepidoptera, T. A. Chapman. _ 22. INVESTIGATIONS ON THE SAN JOSE SCALE.—Report to the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture, Jan. 13, 1897. By Prof. John B. Smith, State Entomologist. Trenton, N. J., 1897; 24 pp., pls. and figs. 23. MITTHEILUNGEN AUS DEM ROEMER Museu, 8. Hildesheim, Feb- ruary, 1897.—The butterfly fauna of Hildesheim, A. R. Grote, 4 pls. of venation (in German). 24. THE BUTTERFLIES OF NORTH AMERICA. By W. H. Edwards. Third series, part xviii. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin & Co. —Preface to the third volume, supplementary notes and general index to all three volumes. 25. SCIENTIFIC PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY (n. s.), 54. Feb. 22, 1897.—On some dragonflies in the Dublin Museum of Science and Art., G. H. Carpenter, 1 pl.—55. April 3, 1897.—The geographical ’ distribution of dragonflies, G. H. Carpenter, 1 pl. 26. REVUE GENERALE DE BOTANIQUE, ix, 99. Paris, March 15, 1897. ---On some galls of Terebinthacez, H. Fockeu, 2 pls. 27. THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. Philadelphia, May, 1897.—The optic lobes of the bee’s brain in the light of recent neurological methods, F. C. Kenyon, 1 pl. 6* 138 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, 28. ComPTES ReNnpbus. L’ACADEMIE£ DES SCIENCES. Paris, April 12, 1897.—Classification of the Orthoptera on characters drawn from the di- gestive apparatus, L. Bordas. 29. SCIENCE. New York, April 30, 1897.—An essay on the classifica- tion of insects, J. B. Smith. 30. THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIstT. London, Ont., May, 1897.—Ca/- limorpha again, H. G. Dyar, 1 pl. Some ants and myrmecophilous in- sects from Toronto, G. B. King. The Coleoptera of Canada—xxiii. The Cerambycidze of Ontario and Quebec (cont.), H. F. Wickham, figs. Notes on Philenus, C. F. Baker. Two new parasites from Eupeya slos- sonie W. H. Ashmead. Notes on predaceous Heteroptera, with Prof. Uhler’s description of two species, A. H. Kirkland. Gyrapta interroga- tionis, A. J. Snyder. A new Celioxys from New Mexico, T. D. A. Cockerell. 31. THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, 1897, pt. 1, April 9, 1897.—A monograph of British Braconidz, pt. vii, Rev. T. A. Marshall, 1 pl. New Coccidz collected in Algeria by the Rev. A. E. Eaton, R. Newstead, 1 pl. Seasonal dimorphism in African butterflies, A. G. Butler. t 32. PsycHE. Cambridge, Mass., May, 1897.—A new hypothesis of seasonal dimorphism in Lepidoptera—ii, A. G. Mayer. On mounting minute insects, particularly Micro-diptera, C. F. Baker. Notes on New England Acridide—iii. Oedipodinze—iv., A. P. Morse. Description of some new genera in the family Cynipide, W. H. Ashmead. __ Life-history of Euchetes eglenensis and comparison with £. collaris, H. G. Dyar. Our greenhouse Orthoptera, S. H. Scudder. Aulocaraand Ageneotettix, id. Some corrections in generic names in Orthoptera, J. McNeill. 33. 21st ANNUAL REporRT of the Dept. of Geology and Natural Re- sources of Indiana, 1896 [Extract].—A collection of Indiana cave beetles, H. F. Wickhan,, figs. 34. SOCIETAS ENTOMOLOGICA. Zurich-Hottingen, April 15, 1897.—An hermaphrodite of Platisamia cecropia, C. Frings. Miscellanies from Brazilian insect life—i. Injury of trees by beetles, J. P. Schmalz. 35. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIcRoscopy AND NATURAL Science. London, April, 1897.—Strange adaptations to the environment in water insects, Mrs. A. Bodington. Anatomy of Diptera, W. Jenkinson, 1. pl., R. S. Pattrick. Larva of Stratiomys chameleon, C. F. George, 1 pl. 36. Nuova GIORNALE BOTANICO ITALIANO (n. s.), iv, 2. Florence, ‘1897.—On some cecidie and cecidiozoa of Santolina, Dendrobium and Cattleya, G. Del Guercio. =. 1897.1 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 139 37. VIDENSKABELIGE MEDDELELSER FRA DEN NATURHISTORISKE Fo- RENING I KJOBENHAVN, 1896.—Danish Zoocecidiz, S. Rostrup. Neu- roptera, Pseudoneuroptera, Thysanopoda, Mallophaga, Collembola, Suctoria, Siphunculata Groenlandica, F. Meinert. Lepidoptera Groen- landica, A. Bang-Haas. Coleoptera, Hymenoptera Groenlandica, W. Lundbeck. 38. EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD, viii, 7. U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. Washington, D. C.—Summary of recent papers on economic entomology. 39. TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL So- CIETY OF ONTARIO, 1896. Toronto, 1897.—Notes on the season of 1896, Rev. T. W. Fyles. Annual address of the President, J. Dearness, figs. Entomology for rural schools, Prof. J. H. Panton, figs. The importance of entomological studies to an agricultural and fruit-growing community, Rev. T. W. Fyles, figs. Two insect pests of 1896, Prof. J. H. Panton, map and figs. Notes on the insects of the year 1896, Rev. C. J. S. Be- thune, figs. Insect injuries to Ontario crops in 1896, J. Fletcher, figs. Some beetles occurring upon beech, W. H. Harrington, figs. Notes on the season of 1896, J. A. Moffat, figs. Warning colors, protective mimicry and protective coloration, F. M. Webster, figs. The San José scale, id., figs. Lepidopterous pests of the meadow and the lawn, Rev. T. W. Fyles, figs. Rare captures during the season of 1896, A. Gibson, figs. The butterflies of the eastern provinces of Canada, Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, figs. 40. THE ENTOMOLOGIST. London, May, 1897.—Melanism and climatal conditions, G. W. Smith. New Hymenoptera from New Mexico, U. S. A., T. D. A. Cockerell. INDEX TO THE PRECEDING LITERATURE. The number after each author’s name in this index refers to the journal, as numbered in the preceding list, in which that author’s paper is published; * denotes that the paper in question contains descriptions of new North American forms. THE GENERAL SUBJECT. Morse 1, Macloskie 1, Lankester 2, Viré 9, Garbasso 14, Beijerinck 15, Cuenot 18, Wasmann 19, Webster 20, Smith 29, Baker 32, Bodington 35, Del Guercio 35, Rostrup 37, Fyles 39, Dearness 39, Panton 39, Bethune 39, Moffat 39, Webster 39, Gibson 39, Smith 4o. ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. Alessandrini 13, Hart 17 (two), Donisthorpe 21, Smith 22, Fockeu 26, Newstead 31, Schmalz 34, Anon. 38, Fyles 39 (three), Panton 39, Fletcher 39, Harrington 39, Webster 39. MYRIAPODA. Verhoeff 5. 140 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, ARACHNIDA. Thorell & Castelnau 3, de Magalhaes 7, Trouessart 7 (two), Voinov 7, Pocock 8, Reinhard 16, King 30. THYSANURA AND COLLEMBOLA. Meinert 37*. ORTHOPTERA. Bordas 9, 28, Cuenot 18, Morse 32, Scudder 32 (two), McNeill 32. NEUROPTERA. Kellicott 20, Carpenter 25* (two), Meinert 37. HEMIPTERA. Cockerell 6*, Smith 22, Fockeu 26, King 30*, Kirkland 30, Uhler 30*, Newstead 31, Meinert 37. COLEOPTERA. Dominique 4, Pic 7, Garbasso 14, Cuenot 18, Escherich 19, Reitter 19 (four), Wasmann 19, Donisthorpe 21, King 30, Wickham 30, 33, Schmalz 34, Lundbeck 37, Harrington 39. is DIPTERA. Alessandrini 13, King 30, Baker 32, Jenkinson 35, Pattrick 35, George 35, Meinert 37. LEPIDOPTERA. Anon. 1, Gumppenberg 10, Verson 12, Hine 20, Claypole 20, Chapman 21, Grote 23, Edwards 24, Dyar 30, 32, Snyder 30, Butler 31, Mayer 32, Frings 34, Bang-Haas 37*, Bethune 39, A. R. W. 1. HYMENOPTERA. v. Jhering 7, Janet 7, Marchal 7, Cameron 8*, Cockerell 8*, 30*, 40*, Emery 11, Beijerinck 15, Hart 17, Kenyon 27, King 30, Ashmead 30%, 32*, Marshall 31, Lundbeck 37. Doings of Societies. PHILADELPHIA, May 11, 1897. A stated meeting of the Feldman Collecting Social was held at the residence of Mr. H. W. Wenzel, No. 1509 S. 13th Street. Prof. Smith exhibited a bottle containing about 2000 bean weevils, Bruchus fabe; someone had left about two quarts of beans at his laboratory which showed indications of being infested with this pest. The speaker stated he first became aware of their presence by seeing a number of them on the window-panes; upon 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 141 closer inspection he found the beans alive with them, the whole mass being in a state of palpitation; he further noticed that ap- parently this commotion had caused a rise of temperature in the vessel containing these beans as they seemed quite warm to the touch, he therefore procured a thermometer which he placed in the centre of the vessel, which was a shallow wooden bowl not over four inches deep; it registered then 70°, the température of the air, but steadily rose until it reached a height of 101°, which seemed one of the most remarkable things he had ever noticed. Mr. Laurent reported Syneda graphica and Epirranthis obfir- maria quite common at Clementon, N. J., last Sunday. ~ Mr. Kemp exhibited specimens of Casnonia ludoviciana, of which he has taken large numbers in hibernation during the past Winter, the specimens were all taken in the vicinity of Camden, N. J. Mr. Seiss spoke of grasshoppers, stating he had found a % specimen of Melanoplus differentialis Uhl. in Philadelphia on Aug. 1, 1896, also stating that Mr. Kemp had takena 9 of the same species in Camden, N. J., Sept. 14, 1896; the speaker stated he can find no previous record of its. capture in this locality. Dr. Griffith gave an interesting account of his recent southern trip, exhibiting the Coleoptera collected at Lake Mary, Florida, among which was a full series of the Gopher beetles, including two species heretofore unknown; he also explained an easy and labor-saving method of reaching the Gopher—shown him by one of the native professional Gopher hunters. The speaker also mentioned the finding of several species of Lama, describing the several species of So/anum upon which they were found. Under new business Prof. Smith stated that, in accordance with the views of the Newark people, he considered Jamesburg the best selection for the annual field meeting—discussed by the members in general. In conclusion it was regularly moved by Mr. H. W. Wenzel, seconded by Mr. Laurent, that the next meeting be held at Jamesburg on Sunday,.July 4th, and that the Feldman com- mittee attend to the supplying of the refreshments, carried.* Mr. H. W. Wenzel announced that he had gotten through arranging the Feldman collection of Coleoptera of eastern Penn- sylvania and southern New Jersey which the Social had promised to furnish and which will be shortly presented to the Academy * Trains leave Philadelphia at 8.25 a.m. and New York at 8.30 A. M. oss 142 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, of Natural Sciences. The collection consists of 16 boxes and comprises 656 genera, 1326 species and 3823 specimens. THEO. H. Scumitz, Secretary. NEWARK ENTOMOLOGICAL SociETy.—Special meeting held February 28th at the laboratory of Prof. John B. Smith, New Brunswick, N. J., nine members present and Messrs. H. W. Wenzel, Laurent and Fox as visitors from Philadelphia. Some hours were devoted to an examination of the collections, appa- ratus, etc., and the meeting was called to order about two o’clock. Prof. Smith explained his plan of forming a biologic collection and his methods of preparing and preserving early stages and samples of insect work in all conditions. He urged especially upon the members the desirability of preserving all stages of all the insects by them, and urged them to gather also samples of insect architecture wherever they Were obtainable. For preserving larvee of natural shape and often in natural colors, nothing is more satisfactory than to drop the living insect into boiling hot water and allow to boil until fully distended, but not abnormally bloated. It should be then put into a two per cent. solution of formalin, which will preserve it without discoloration for a long time. If alcohol is to be used instead of formalin it should be put from the boiling water into fifty per cent. alchohol. After a time it may be transferred to eighty per cent. alcohol, and this is sufficient under ordinary conditions to preserve it perfectly. Mr. Weidt explained how he collected the larve of Arzama in ‘‘cat-tails.’? He finds it simpler to pull aside the outer leaves than to cut into the reeds because, at any rate toward the end of February, more specimens were found just under the outer leaves than were found in the stalks themselves. Several other larvee and a number of beetles were also found in similar situations. Mr. H. W. Wenzel exhibited his collection of Bembidium which had been recently arranged in accordance with a paper now in press in the ‘‘ Trans.’? Am. Ent. Soc. Prof. Smith showed the collection of Acronycta which he is now monographing, and explained some of the characters used to separate the genus into groups. He also gave an outline clas- sification of the various orders of insects, illustrating by a diagram the genealogy of the class. The annex was held at the residence of Prof. Smith at New Brunswick. 1897. |] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 143 The Entormological Section ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA. PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS. The following papers were read and accepted by the Committee for publication in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws: THE PSYCHODIDA OF WASHINGTON. By TREVOR KINCAID, University of Washington. So far as the writer is aware no Psychodide have been recorded from the Pacific coast, therefore it was with great interest that he undertook the investigation of the representatives of the group found in this vicinity. Careful collecting carried on during sev- eral months disclosed the fact that our Psychodid fauna is by no means a meagre one, since five distinct species were obtained. Of these only three were collected in sufficient quantities for critical comparison, and as they do not agree with any of the published descriptions they are hereby characterized as follows: Psychoda pacifica n. sp. Length 2.0-2.3 mm.—Body brown, except lateral margins of abdomen, which are dull white. Thorax and abdomen thickly clothed with long gray hair, an especially prominent tuft upon the potserior margin of thorax. Wings ovate, apex obtusely rounded, gray, with gray hair upon the veins; fringe gray, very long upon the posterior margin, shorter and more closely applied upon the anterior margin; length 3.0-3.5 mm. Legs brown, clothed with gray hair and scales; antennz brown, as long as width of wing, 15-jointed, with verticillate gray hairs upon the nodes; joints 1-3 closely united; joints 3-13 separated by slender pedicles; joints 14-15 small and narrowly separated; ¢ genitalia con- spicuous, with long gray hair above and below, several times as long as the breadth of the end of the abdomen. Inferior appendages 3-jointed, elongated, curving dorsally; first joint stout; second joint twice as long as first, very slender, swollen slightly at base, tapering to an acute point; third joint very minute, clavate. Superior processes one-half the length of inferior, curving ventrally, 2-jointed; first joint swollen near the base; second joint almost as long as first, slender, tapering to an acute point. Ventral plate of 2 brown, with numerous gray scales and a few scattering hairs, about as long as broad, terminating posteriorly in two blunt lobes with a shallow emargination between; ovipositor black, prominent, slightly curved. Described from several hundred specimens taken at Seattle, Wash., during the months of March and April. Several speci- mens were also reared from manure, but the SS were not obtained. 144 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, Psychoda elegans n. sp. Length 1.6-2 mm.—Thorax and dorsal surface of abdomen brown; lateral margins of abdomen dull white;: ventral sur- face of abdomen brownish, varying to dull white. Thorax and abdomen sparsely clothed with gray hair. Legs brown, clothed with gray hair and scales. Wings lanceolate, acutely pointed, with gray hair upon the veins; fringe gray, sparse, short upon anterior margin, somewhat longer on pos- terior margin; antennz brown, one and one-half times as long as breadth of wing, 16-jointed, with verticillate hairs upon the nodes; joints 1-3 closely jointed, joints 3-13 separated by slender pedicels; joints 14-16 small, narrowly separated: ¢ genitalia brown, with gray hair above and below, somewhat prominent. Inferior appendages moderately long, curving dorsally, 3-jointed; first joint broad at base, conical; second joint as long or a little longer than first, swollen at base, tapering; third joint extremely slender, cylindrical, about one-sixth as long as second joint. Superior appendages about one-half the length of inferior, 2-jointed; first joint stout, ovate; second joint slender, longer than first, tapering to an acute point. Ventral plate of 2 brown, with numerous gray scales and a few scattering hairs, about as long as br@ad, terminating posteriorly in two prominent lobes with a semicircular emargination between; ovipositor black, prominent, strongly curved. Described from about fifty specimens taken at Seattle, Wash., during the March and April. Psychoda olympia n. sp. Length 2. mm.—Body brown, densely clothed with dark gray hair. Legs brown, clothed with dark gray hair; a number of long white hairs scattered over the tibiz; tarsi with gray scales. Wings lanceolate, acutely pointed; length 3.5 mm.; fringe on anterior margin black, as long as the width of a cell, with a long tuft near base, on poste- rior margin gray, sometimes with a few black hairs, as long as the width of three cells; small patch of black hair at tip of each vein, an irregular band of black hair across wing towards apex, immediately internal to this two patches of white hair which occasionally run together into a band; small patch of white hair at base of wing; region near base with mixed black and white hair; antennz 16-jointed, dark, clothed with verticillate gray hairs upon the nodes, except first and second joints, which are cov- ered with scales; first joint cylindrical; second joint round; joints 3-14 fusiform, produced into tapering pedicels; joints 15-16 small, without pedicels; length in 9 as long as width of wing with fringe, in ¢ twice the breadth of wing; ¢ genitalia not conspicuous, brown, with scattering gray hairs. Inferior appendages 2-jointed; first joint oblong, stout, united into a broad plate ventrally, which is produced posteriorly into a small, median, conical process; second joint slightly longer than first, obclavate, slightly curved, apex truncated and bearing a group of long stiff bristles. Superior appendages as long as inferior, 2-jointed; first joint oblong; second joint a little longer than first, slender, tapering to an acute point. Ventral plate of 2 as broad as long, terminating posteriorly in two finely 1897. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 145 pubescent lobes with a slight emargination between; anteriorly it is densely clothed with gray hair; ovipositor yellowish inconspicuous, as long as ventral plate, almost straight. Described from two specimens taken at Olympia, Wash., during the months of April and July respectively, and from thirty speci- mens taken at Seattle, Wash., during the month of April. In P. pacifica and P. elegans the wings are folded roof-like over the back when at rest, but in P. olympia they are spread horizontally. In dissecting these delicate little flies several points were ob- served which may be of interest. The ventral nerve cord of the abdominal region is double, the two bands being united only at the ganglia. This ladder-like arrangement of the nervous system probably points like the vena- tion of the Psychodidz to a generalized condition. The ovaries are two in number and lie on each side of the ab- domen, each resembling a bunch of grapes. The undeveloped eggs are oval and exhibit the usual arthropod condition of a cen- tral yolk and peripherally distributed protoplasm. They seem to develop considerably before being laid, as females were dis- sected which contained eggs in a much more advanced condition; these were oval, about .2 mm. long, nearly one-half of the egg being occupied by a dozen or more large embryonic cells, with prominent nuclei and nucleoli, which arched over the remaining yolk in a dome-like manner. The study of antennz which had been cleared and mounted in balsam brought to light some peculiar structures which are undoubtedly organs of special sense. In P. pacifica and P. ele- gans there is a small circular protuberance on each side of every node of the antennz, except those at the tip and base. From the apex of each of these elevations three long, slender processes spring out, two of them projecting divergingly forward to the base of the joint in front, and the third projecting backwards to the node of the joint behind. On examining the antenna of P. olympia for homologous structures it was found that here the conditions were quite different. On each side of the joints of the antennz circular depressions were found, and springing from the centre of each of these were two beautiful lanceolate wing- like structures, which, from their longitudinally ribbed appear- ance, would seem to be either enormously developed scales, or 146 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, else formed by the fusion of a number of hairs into a flat plate. The writer would suggest for these structures an auditory func- tion. Those of P. olympia are admirably adapted for this pur- pose, as on each joint the four processes are so arranged that each would take up a vibration from a different direction while the others would not be disturbed, which would enable the animal to detect not only sound, but its direction. So far as observed the Psychodids are never captured in spiders’ webs and this is explained, the writer believes, by the density and peculiar arrangement of the hairs upon the body, and especially upon the legs. The little flies may often be seen calmly walking over the snares so fatal to almost the whole race of Diptera—and if they come in contact with the webs in their flight they are never more than temporarily embarrassed. O- A PRELIMINARY CLASSIFICATION OF THE SPECIES OF THE GENUS ACRONYCTA OF TEMPERATE NORTH AMERICA. By Joun B. Situ, Sc.D. For some months past I have been engaged in a monographice revision of the genus Acronycta as represented in our fauna, and have been assisted in this work, so far as the early stages are concerned, by Dr. H. G. Dyar. The preliminary arrangement is now completed, and the new species have been determined, but it will be weeks before the mss. is in final shape for publication, and months before it can be actually printed. Inasmuch as there are quite a number of species represented in several collections, to which mss. names must be attached when they are returned to those who kindly loaned them to me, -I have considered it best to present synoptic tables of all the species, indicating those that are new and differentiating them from their nearest allies. This will give validity to the names attached to the specimens and will not anticipate the full discussion of their structural and other characters in the monograph. The preliminary division of the genus into groups may not be entirely clear without the explana- tory discussion, but can be made so by any one who will arrange his species in the series and will study the sexual characters of any one species of each group. It may be said that the order of the species in the tables is arbitrary, for convenience in iden- 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 147: tification, and not that to be adopted in the collection. Jzsolita is the only species not before me, and is omitted for that reason;. dentata and pyralis seem improperly referred to the genus. Synopsis of Groups. Primaries well developed, trigonate, outer margin oblique, apices some- what drawn out; all the markings usually normal, but tending to break up into spots or blotches on the transverse lines, which are often marked on the costa only; psi marks not prominent. Group Americana.. Primaries rather abruptly widening on inner margin at base, less obviously trigonate, outer margin arcuate, the apices rectangular, or even a little rounded. Vestiture smooth, the markings not picked out by elevated scales; the dagger marks prominent . ‘ ; ~ . Group Lobeliz 2 Vestiture rough or squamose, the markings picked out by elevated scales. Psi marks evident, wing form as in lobeHieé . . Group Lobeliz 22 Psi marks wanting or barely indicated, primaries trigonate, apices- rectangular; broader than in /ode/iz in proportion to length. Group Persuasa. Psi marks present or wanting, costal margin arcuate, the primaries widening abruptly near base and subequal . Group Hamamelis.. Primaries short, trigonate, stumpy in appearance, or long, narrow, sub- equal or lanceolate . : : : : . Group Auricoma.. Groups According to Genital Structure. Lateral clasper a — long, curved sae arising abruptly from the harpes. F : . Americana. Lateral clasper scoop stapes: eth a oaecton long upper angle; with or without a finger-like process from upper margin. Jobe/iz 2 Lobeliz. Lateral clasper flat, with a long projecting sia and a finger-like process from upper margin. : ; . Persuasa. Lateral clasper beak like, wits or Taithant a superior process; arising separately from harpes_ . : P . lobeliet Grisea. Lateral clasper hook or beak like; fens frcsis an oblique thickening at the middle of the harpes ; i ; . Hamamelis.. Lateral clasper a slender claw, hook or ness above, and a short, stout, inferior process, somewhat like a short thumb and a long curved fore-finger . : 3 ; 4 ; ‘ : : . Auricoma.. 148 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June, Group Americana. 1. All the maculation distinct; ordinary spots well defined; median lines geminate, t. a. scalloped, t. p. denticulate; secondaries yellowish in both sexes. : i . Tubricoma. Maculation more or less incomplete: tiedian lines never both geminate, t. a. line not scalloped and t. p. line not so strongly denticulate; secondaries various. : ; : ‘ : ie 2. No longitudinal basal dash, line or siroak 3 CY A longitudinal black basal line, not divided at ‘ip and not joined to the t. a. line, which is absent or marked on costa only. a Basal dash very short, not reaching to the t. a. line, which is often in- dicated on the submedian interspace by an angulated mark . 7. Basal dash or streak extending to the t. a. line, or to the angulated mark indicating it * } 8. 3. Secondaries smoky in both sexes; cietian lines andl ovdineng spit fairly well marked; t. p. line geminate; size very large. americana. Secondaries yellowish white in male, smoky yellow in female; prima- rics with an ochreous tinge, best marked in male; dagger mark opposite anal angle sharply defined and crossing the t. p. line. hastulifera. Secondaries grayish white in male, smoky gray in female; primaries bluish ash-gray; dagger mark opposite anal angle is but vaguely indicated and does not cross the t. p. line. . hesperida n. sp. ’ Secondaries white in male, smoky gray in female; primaries ash-gray; dagger mark opposite anal angle well marked and usually crosses t. p. line . : : ’ . dactylina. 4. Primaries dark blue- one densi Black powdenad : : 5. All the maculation obscured, and only the reniform sometimes trace- abie(*<... : F 5 . barnesii n. sp. T. p. line fairly evident ind lanolate; secondaries of female dusky. perdita. T. p. line evident and very et dentate; secondaries white in both sexes . ; : . e@dolata. 6. A distinct black basal steals: ta; chine ‘eiweure or wanting; t. p. line strongly denticulate . : ‘ ; . extricata. No black basal streak; t. a. line xual Saidonk: t. p. line not strongly denticulate . ; ; . xyliniformis. 7. Grayish white, powdery; t. p. Tide lunulate; a series of black terminal dots ‘ ; : : . oblinita. Bluish white, less pees ee in atiobarince; t. p. line an even, continu- ous brown shading; no black terminal dots . . lanceolaria. fe) A REMARKABLE NEW ACOCEPHALID FROM S. AMERICA. By Car F. BAKER. In the Herbert H. Smith collection of South American Jassidz there are several specimens of a remarkable Acocephalid, which I refer to the genus Carchariacephalus Montrouzier, Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr., 1861, p. 71. The occurrence of this genus in South America is of extreme interest, the only other species being C. forestieri Montrouzier, described from Lifra. The insect I de- scribe as C. smithii differs from Carchariacephalus as originally characterized only in a few minor points, agreeing with it in most of the important particulars; it is the nearest relative of C. fores- tiert among the known Acocephalini. This genus may be readily separated from all other Acocephalid genera by the following characters: Vertex much longer than width between eyes: face very short below, clypeus reaching considerably above level of eyes; head and pronotum inclined forward. Carchariacephalus smithii n. sp. Length: 92, 5.5 mm.; ¢’, 5 mm.— Black; antennz pale straw color, as are also legs, meso- and metasterna, usually a common commissural spot at apex of clavi, and an elongate triangular costal spot interrupted at apical third, averaging half the width 6** 154 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, of elytra and occupying one-half to three-fifths of costal length; venter and blade of ovipositor yellowish or orange. Wings deep smoky. Head slightly narrower than pronotum; face heavily shagreened; clypeus trape- zoidal, narrowed to a truncate tip, considerably exceeded by the genz; genz deeply creased below the eyes, not angulate outwardly; lore very small, sublinear; front subelliptic, strongly elevated, sides rounding up, but disc flat, even; on upper third with a sharp carina which terminates above in the carinate margin of vertex. Vertex nearly a half longer than width between eyes, a third longer than pronotum, with a delicate longi- tudinal carina; anteriorly subelliptic, apex slightly obtusely angulate, an- terior edge carinately margined; surface nearly even, longitudinally striate, the strize slightly converging anteriorly, back of the ocelli the strie par- tially replaced by punctures; ocelli large, on the disc of the vertex twice as far from the eyes as from the anterior edge. Prothorax carinate behind eyes, propleurz transversely rugose, the other pleurze also variously sculptured; pronotum nearly two-thirds broader than long, anteriorly broadly rounded and somewhat/narrowed, hind margin gently concave, surface roughly punctured, posteriorly also transversely rugose; scutel shorter than pronotum, variously roughened, with a straight transverse groove. Elytra without an appendix, equaling tip of ovipositor; clavus and basal two-thirds of corium coarsely punctured; last ventral segment of female twice as long as preceding, the hind margin slightly bisinuate. Described from two females collected at Rio Janeiro in Sep- tember and October, one female collected at Para in July. I take pleasure in dedicating this species to the veteran South American explorer who discovered it. )- A NEW, NEARLY BLIND GENUS OF TENEBRIONIDA. By MarTIN L. LINELL. (Aid Dept. Insects, U. S. National Museum.) TYPHLUSECHUS new gen. Body elongate, paraliel, margined on the sides, feebly convex, glabrous and nearly smooth. Head horizontal, very large, as long as broad, slightly convex; sides parallel, with obtuse margin, posterior angles acute and prominent, anterior angles obliquely truncate, anterior margin rather deeply emarginate; clypeal suture wanting; labrum concealed ; eyes each apparently of a single ocellus situated in an impressed puncture a little nearer to the lateral than to the posterior margin of the head. Another im- pressed puncture with smooth bottom behind each eye; a short, obtuse, oblique elevation on each side above the base of the an- tennz; mandibles short, bifid at apex; mentum large, transverse 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 155 tridentate in front; last joint of palpi feebly dilated, subtruncate at apex; from the insertion of the antennz extend deep, sharply limited grooves obliquely to beneath the hind angles and con- tinue on the thorax beneath the front angles as a rounded cavity for the reception of the antennz; genz beneath the groove prominent, spiniform; antennz longer than the head, 10-jointed, first joint a little thicker, somewhat longer than broad, second to seventh compactly placed, increasing slightly in width, the second as long as broad, a little longer than the third, eighth to tenth more loosely articulate, forming a subserrate club, eighth and ninth strongly transverse, tenth rounded, subtruncate at apex. Thorax slightly longer than broad, inside the depressed margins as broad as the head; apex truncate; side margins more strongly explanate in front, broadly sinuate at the middle, the edge re- flexed; angles obtuse; base obliquely truncate each side, broadly lobed at the middle, the lobe depressed, truncate at apex, limited by a short, obtuse, oblique elevation each side; scutellum very small, triangular. Elytra as long as head and thorax together, scarcely wider than thorax; base deeply emarginate ; scutellar region depressed; humeri very prominent, embracing the base of thorax; lateral margins undulating, narrowly depressed, with an acute reflexed edge; epipleurze broad at base, gradually nar- rowed behind and not reaching the apex; pygidium entirely con- cealed; prosternum moderately broad between the coxe, strongly dilated behind them, flat and truncate at apex; middle coxe moderately separated, the cavities open externally; metasternum very long and wide, somewhat convex, episterna narrow, epimera concealed; posterior coxz small, rounded ; intercoxal process very broad, squarely truncate. The first four abdominal seg- ments decreasing rapidly in length, the third and fourth without coriaceous margin. Legs short, femora slightly clavate; tibiz slender, gradually broader to apex; spurs minute; tarsi short, narrow, beneath sparsely setose, not canaliculate ; basal joints subequal in length; last joint as long as the three preceding ones together. Type: 7: singularis new species. This genus seems most nearly allied to the NycToPorINI by the structure of the head and coxe. The antennal grooves and the form of the antenne themselves will, however, exclude it ~ 156 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, from too close association with that tribe, and it may be best placed as a distinct tribe between the ANEPsINI and NycTopo- RINI. Typhlusechus singularis n. sp.—Ferruginous, shining. Head and thorax sparsely, moderately finely punctate; an interrupted series of coarser punctures along the explanate thoracic margin. Elytra each with five very fine strize; the intervals sparsely obsoletely punctulate; a submar- ginal row of coarse, deep punctures; epipleurz obsoletely punctulate; prosternum strongly rugosely, its side pieces very sparsely punctate; metasternum and base of abdomen moderately, the last segments finely punctate. Length 1.8 mm. Type No. 1391, U. S. N. M. Two examples from Los Angeles County, California, collected by Mr. A. Koebele. It is the smallest Tenebrionid of our fauna. é GUIDE TO THE GENERA AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE NORTH AMER- ICAN ORTHOPTERA found north of Mexico. By Samuel Hubbard Scudder; 87 pages. Cambridge: Edward W. Wheeler, 1897. The author states that this work is not published as a finality, but for temporary use of students of Orthoptera in this country who have few means for working up their collections. He contemplates a general work on the classification of our Orthoptera, of which this is merely a prodromus. The book contains tables of characters of the families Forficulide, Blat- tidz, Mantidz, Phasmidz, Acridiidz, Locustide and Gryllide. Also tabulated keys to the genera of the families named; sixteen pages of valuable bibliographical notes are added. The volume contains no check- list or descriptions of species, which are so urgently needed, but which, we hope, will shortly appear in a succeeding volume. As the author states that the book is intended mainly for students, we were somewhat disappointed to find a total omission of plates and figures, which we believe to be far more useful than many pages of text and in- tricate classification. As an introduction the work has many valuable features, and we highly recommend it to all entomologists interested in the study of Orthoptera.—C. F. S. OBITUARY. R. ALLAN WiGHtT.—There died on Dec. 22, 1896, at Paeroa, near Auckland, New Zealand, a man who, although he had never done any systematic work in entomology, had by his indefatigable industry in ob- serving the habits of insects and in writing about them for the agricultural newspapers, done a great deal of good both to the agricultural interests 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 157 of the colony of New Zealand and to the science of economic entomology at large. He was an active correspondent of the foremost economic en- tomologists of different parts of the world, and it is safe to say that a more interesting and charming letter writer has seldom lived. A short review of his life would be appropriate for any entomological journal, and his unusually eventful career will doubtless excuse a more lengthy notice than would be given perhaps to one of even greater scientific attainments. | Robert Allan Wight was 73 years of age at the time of his death. I am not informed as to the place of his birth, but, at the age of eight, he was living in Edinburgh, where his father was a partner in a banking house— a rich man, and one who had devoted some time to scientific pursuits. Among his father’s intimates were several scientific men of standing. One of them was the late Dean of Westminster, Dr. Buckland, and another was M. 1l’Abbé de Bourdeville, Confessor to King Charles the Tenth of France, who had taken refuge about that time in Holyrood Palace. Young Wight’s mother was dead at the time, and the boy, thrown somewhat upon his own resources and having a strong affection for all kinds of animal life, collected everything in the way of insects and living animals, including fishes and reptiles. The good M. |’Abbé helped him and taught him in his natural history studies, and the old man and boy were inseparable. Finally, the Abbé presented him to King Charles, and he took to the King upon the occasion of his presentation some beetles. Mr. Wight states in an interesting letter written some years ago to the late Dr. Riley (to which letter the writer is indebted for most of the facts in this notice) that the beetles did not please the King as much as he had anticipated, but he was appointed Court Entomologist, probably the first and only appointment of this kind which ever was made. The ladies of the Court made a great pet of the interesting child. He remem- bered among them Madame la Duchess de Berry, who was a beautiful woman at the time. In 1835 his father’s bank failed and they went to live in London. Young Wight was sent to be a clerk in a bank in Yorkshire, but he disliked money matters, and as the manager insulted him for drawing a beetle upon one of the pages of his ledger, the youngster knocked him down and gave him a thrashing. A legacy from his aunt had left him indepen- dent and he began to study medicine. He-fancied the anatomy, but not the rest of the studies, and through a friend of his, the Earl of Devon, gave him an appointment in the Ecclesiastical Commission, and he began to study to become an Actuary. After passing his examinations he lost his fortune by speculation on the Exchange after having made a consider- able amount of money. Shortly after this he discovered a serious fraud in matters connected with the Ecclesiastical Commission and invented 99 year leases for the Bishop of London’s property. For this service he was given several years leave of absence and full pay to recover his health which he had lost from overwork. At that time he wrote a good deal for 158 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, the London journals chiefly on entomology and stories of animal life. He also did some writing for Punch. His health soon became so preca- rious that three of the best physicians in London told him he must die in less than three months of pulmonary consumption, tubercles having been fully formed on his lungs. On the advice of his physician he started for Australia, and was so ill that he had to be slung up in a chair on deck. When once on shipboard he threw his medicine overboard without having opened the parcels and declined the advice of the ship surgeon. In a few weeks he was nearly well. Arriving in Adelaide he spent some time in collecting bird skins and other specimens to send home to Dean Buck- land. He then went to Melbourne, where he bought a small farm, but the gold fever broke out and he went to mining. He made a good deal of money at the diggings, realized. £12,000 profit on his farm, and started for Otago, New Zealand. There he took up 100,000 acres of land far back from civilization and stocked it with sheep and cattle. He had been a good deal among the natives of Australia and knew a little of their language and picked up a stray Black in Otago who followed him like a dog and was very useful in getting specimens and minding sheep. They were so isolated on the ranch that they lost the days of the week and the months of the year, but in the end he again lost his health and took his. family (I do not know where or when he was married) up to Auckland and bought a beautiful place some twenty miles in the country. Here the Maori War broke out and he was offered a captain’s commission, in an infantry regiment, which he declined. He afterwards took a carbine and sword in Col. Nixon’s flying brigade, which led the van. He was disabled early in the war. After the war he owned and commanded a small coast vessel, and after his children grew up (six sons and six daugh- ters) he moved farther away from the city to another tract of land where, after many a stirring adventure with the Maori natives, among others having his house burned down twice over his head, he finally succeeded in civilizing the place, and lived there for many years. In 1889 he lost his property through the old mistake of endorsing a friend and moved to the spot where, I understand, he died. Writing in February, 1891, he says: ‘‘ My good wife, thank God, is still by my side, and my twelve children are not only alive and well, but there are vast lots of grandchildren always climbing over me, and I have also, what I like so well, a magnificent scenery and plenty of animals. I spend most of my time either fighting the codling moth, or writing for journals, and trying in that way to do a little good work, but I fear to a very little purpose.”’ Mr. Wight’s health must have failed him seriously some years back, for, although he used to be a constant correspondent, the writer had not heard from him since September, 1892. His contributions on the subject of insects, mainly published in the columns ot the New Zea/and Farmer, were admirably adapted to his audience. They were always extremely readable, and the advice which he gave for treating injurious insects was. 1897.) ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 159 always sound. He was greatly interested in the subject of parasitic and predatory insects, and strongly advocated the fighting of injurious species by the aid of these natural helps. He was triumphant over the success -of the introduction of Veda/ia cardina/is into California and New Zealand, and was very courteous and hospitable towards Mr. Koebele during his ‘stop at New Zealand on one of the Australian missions. He had a great admiration for American methods in economic entomology, was a close reader of our publications and published periodical summaries of the practical results obtained. Peace be to his ashes. L. O. HowarpD. WASHINGTON, March 24, 1897. MartTIN Larsson LINELL, Aid in the Department of Insects of the United States National Museum, died suddenly May 3, 1897, of heart failure, at his home in Washington, D. C. Mr. Linell was born at Grénby, Sweden, June 24, 1849, and was conse- -quently in his forty-eighth year. He became interested in the study of Nature at a very early age, and in his boyhood began the collection and -classification of the fauna and flora of his native country. In the year 1870 he matriculated at the University at Lund, where he distinguished himself by his proficiency in mathematics, biology and languages. It was his father’s intention to fit his son for the ministry, but young Linell abandoned his university career at the end of his third year for the railway mail service. In 1879 he married and came to America, obtaining employment in a --chemical laboratory at Brooklyn, N. Y. Here he resumed his entomo- logical studies, improving every spare moment in amassing a collection of the insects of the vicinity, particularly the Coleoptera, in which he was always especially interested. In 1884 he became a member of the Brook- lyn Entomological Society, of which he afterwards held the office of Curator, and at the time of his departure from that city he had earned a reputation for accuracy in the determination of species and was regarded as the best systematist among the entomologists of New York. In 1888 he was engaged as Aid in the Department of Insects of the U. S. National Museum, which position he held at his demise. In the course of his nine years’ employment at the Museum he had worked over and arranged practically the entire collection, outside of the Hymenoptera and one or two other orders, and had begun a rearrangement of the Coleoptera, both native and exotic, with a view to describing all species that were new. During his residence in the Capital city, Mr. Linell held membership in the Entomological Society of Washington, contributed to the publications of this society and the Entomological Society of New York, and wrote also for ‘‘ Entomologica Americana,’? ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws, and “‘In- sect Life.’? His first work of importance was a list of Coleoptera col- ected in East Africa, published in the ‘‘ Proceedings’’ of the Museum for the year 1896, a paper containing descriptions of thirty-four new forms 160 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ June, and four new genera. This was followed by two other papers on new species of North American Scarabzeidz and Cerambycidz. Several other important contributions of like nature were completed, seven of which remain to be published. A considerable proportion of Mr. Linell’s official duties at the Museum was devoted to the determination of material, for the Museum and for correspondents, and in consequence he acquired an intimate knowledge of the system of classification of all orders. All of his published papers were upon the subject of the Coleoptera, but at one time he not only contemplated the study of the Diptera, but had actually begun synoptic and descriptive work in the Tachinidz and Hippoboscide, which work was abandoned when Mr. Coquillett came to Washington to make a special study of the order. His first manuscripts in descriptive work in both Diptera and Coleoptera were drawn up entirely in Latin. Personally, Mr. Linell was of an exceptionally un:elfish disposition, devoid of envy or jealousy of his fellow-workers, and being modest and retiring, with little taste for social pleasures, his entire being was con- centrated in the study of Nature and of books. He was a great reader, even outside his chosen specialty, and was remarkable for his proficiency in languages, which was of inestimable value in his studies and to his brother scientists who had frequently to avail themselves of his know- ledge. He appeared to be endowed with unlimited patience and with a singular capacity for what to others would be deemed mere drudgery, and it is doubtful if his equal could be found for the routine of work that was his lot for so many years. His premature death is the more to be regretted as he had practically only begun the publication of the results of his life work. He was an indefatigable worker, and had his life been spared his name would have been placed in the first rank of the system- atists of his day. Two daughters are left to mourn his loss.—[F. H. C.] ENTOMOLOGICAL News for May was mailed April 30, 1897. Ent. News, Vol. VIII. Pl. VIII. A NEW SPECIES OF COCCIDA, OF THE GENUS LECANIODIASPIS. ‘ AL NEWS ENTOMOLOGICAL | ° AND 4 wr T PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION, ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA. VOL. VIII. ‘SEPTEMBER, 1897. No. 7. CONTENTS: Cockerell and Quaintance—A new sp. "Editorial... ...cecccesesececsees covseges 17I of the Coccide, etc.......-..2ee00+ 161 | Notes and News.....+.+++s+essee+000+ 172 Snyder—Utah revisited — Idaho and | Entomological Literature. .........+-- 174 De eenta: | the eggs of aphids and coccids. In the last nest I found some of the small forms of Zevmes. In neither of these nests were there to be found any of the adult forms of Termites. During my researches I have found large mounds which had contained a large and flourishing colony of Formica obscuripes For., but now had become a large unflourishing colony of Termes 196 ' ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ October, flavipes containing but a very few of Formica obscuripes. Whether the Termites had become hostile to the ants, or whether they be- come in a crowded condition with the abundance of both species and the ants seeking new homes is a problem yet to solve. The — Termites are a very hardy insect, and remain active in their nests late in the Fall, when the ants are wholly inactive. They also remain in their nests unprotected through the Winter in a torpid condition, as do many of our ants. I have not met with but a very small amount of literature treating upon ants and Termites being associated together. The only literature thus far is {‘‘ Nature’’ vol. xix, p. 4, 1878) by Henry O. Forbes—‘‘ Ter- mites kept in Captivity by Ants.’’ He speaks of Zermes lucifugus so kept by Formica niger (now called Lasius niger). The ob- servation was made at Naples, and in ‘* Popular Science Monthly”’ we find the same account, in substance, by the editor. There are several articles. in varions. books on General Entomology, giving the life-history and descriptions of Termes flavipes, but the best account with cuts of the different forms are given in Bulletin No. 4, 1896, New Series, U. S. Department of Agricul- ture, Division of Entomology, written by C. L. Marlatt. There may be other literature treating upon Termites inhabit- ing ants’ nests, but such as I know I give to assist others that may be interested in the subject. This also should apply to all of the other articles I have written on Formica, or that I may write in the future. There is, however, some literature pertain- ing to other genera of Termites in Europe that I have not quoted and can be found in Wasmann’s work on Myrmecophilous and Termitophilous Arthropoden, 1894, p. 166. I have met with but few Termitophilous insects with Zermes flavipes as yet. The only ones found by me are Philotermes pilosus Kraatz, an unde- termined Homadlota sp. and Tachyporus jocosus Say. MOUTH-PARTS OF COLEOPTERA.—F. Meinert, in a paper on the buccal apparatus of insects in the ‘‘ Oversigt’’ of the Royal Danish Scientific Society, states that his researches on two forms of genera, Hydrophilus and Dytiscus, belonging to the Coleoptera, and consequently insects with complete metamorphosis, seem to permit me to state that we are here really in the presence of four metameres which develop in such a way that the most posterior metamere with its appendages, that is the labium with the labial palps (the primary palps) disappears during embryonic development to be replaced by the anterior metamere, posterior by de- velopment, with its palps (the secondary palps). ~~ ewe © ——— ll llr . a. oe ehh * 1897. ] | 197 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. {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 circumfet- 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 ali papers will be acknowledged.—Eb. PHILADELPHIA, PA., OCTOBER, 1897. LATE COLLECTING. By the time this month’s issue reaches our subscribers many of them will have ceased their efforts, entomologically, for the season; net and cyanide jar will be put away for future use and collections labeled and put in order in the cabinet. We, how- ever, wish to mention the fact that many fine species fly late in the Fall and we have records of good species taken in this locality (Phila., Pa.) in September and October. Papzlio cresphontes, Eup. claudia, Jun. cenia, Endam. proteus, Pam. ocola and accius, Callid. eubule as well as other common species have been taken late in the season. Good things are also found in the orders other than Lepidoptera at this time of year, so it will pay those who have the time, to take an occasional collecting trip, to do’so and also enjoy the glorious Autumn weather we often have. A NEW GENUS OF BEES. Ashmeadiella, n. g.—Similar to Heriades. First recurrent nervure reaching second submarginal cell at a point dis- tant from the origin of the first transverso-cubital more than half the length of the latter. Stigma small or subobsolete. Wings not smoky at apex; eyes bicolored, black and green; end of male abdomen with four teeth. Type A. opuntie (Heriades opuntie Ckll., An. Mag. Nat. Hist. 1897, p. 139). Includes also 4. prosopidis, A. meliloti, A. cactorum and A, bigeloviez, all described as Heriades. Mr. Ashmead’s Chalicodoma californica (which may be Provancher’s Heriades albicinctum) is probably congeneric; so also are some of Cresson’s Heriades, such as H. denticu- latum, H. variolosum and H. osmoides (bucconis Say).—T¥. D. A. Cock- ERELL, Mesilla, New Mex. 198 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [October, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. Edited by Prof. JOHN B, SMITH, Sc.D., New Brunswick, N. J, Papers for this department are solicited. They should be sent to the editor, Prof. John B. Smith, Sc.D., New Brunswick, N. J. Ninth Annual Meeting of the Association of Economic Entomologists.— Detroit, Mich., Aug. 12-13, 1897. The Association met in Room 212, Central High School Building, immediately following the adjournment of Section F. Thirteen active members were present, together with many visitors, prominent among the latter being Dr. C. A. Dohrn, Prof. E. B. Poulton, Dr. C. P. Hart, Dr. C. S. Minot and Dr. C. W. Stiles. The Association was called to order by the President, and in the absence of Secretary Marlatt a secretary pro fem was chosen. The address of the retiring president treated of ‘‘ The Present and Future of Applied Eco- nomic Entomology in the United States,’? and contained, among other very interesting features, an admirable tribute to the value of the sys- tematist and a somewhat caustic criticism of the ‘‘ species maker,”’ helpful suggestions for the experiment station worker, and a very frank discussion of the unfortunate results which attend the attempts sometimes made to combine politics and science. The following were elected to active membership: G. B. King, Law- rence, Mass.; Gerald McCarthy, Raleigh, N. C.; E. P. Felt, Albany, N. Y.; A. F. Burgess, Malden, Mass.; W. B. Barrows, Agricultural College, Michigan; R. H. Pettit, Agricultural College, Michigan; W. S. Blatchley, Indianapolis, Ind. . The following were elected foreign members: Claude Fuller, Richard Helm, both of Perth, West Australia. These additions increase the num- bers of this Association to ninety-three active and thirty-one foreign members. Following the election of members, Dr. L. O. Howard presented “‘ Ad- ditional Notes on the Parasites of Orgyia leucostigma.’’ This paper gave the results of the rearing of a large number of primary and secondary parasites, and contained a general discussion of the different phases of insect parasitisms. ‘‘ Temperature Effects as affecting Received Ideas concerning the Hi- bernation of Insects,’’ by the same author, showed that a sudden alter- nation between low and high temperatures was remarkably fatal to the larvee of clothes moths, Buffalo carpet beetles, and other insects of allied habits. An abstract of ‘‘ Notes on Certain Species of Coleoptera that attack Useful Plants,’’ by F. H. Chittenden, was read by secretary pro fem. These notes treated chiefly of the food-plants and habits of a certain Chrysomelids. A letter from Miss E. A. Ormerod called particular attention to the fact re — Se 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 199 that the house sparrow had been very abundant and very obnoxious in certain parts of England, and it seemed probable that some legislation or public measures would need to be adopted to control this bird. The arrival from Tripoli of a cargo of wheat, badly infested by the Angou- mois moth, was recorded and reference made to the occurrence in injurious numbers of Xy/eborus dispar at Toddington. Prof. P. H. Rolfs presented notes on ‘‘A Fungus Disease of the San José Scale.’’ This disease seems to be confined to the southern part of the United States, but is very helpful to fruit-growers there. The scale has been almost eradicated from several orchards by this disease; labo- ratory and field experiments now in progress promise helpful results, but 1t does not seem probable that this disease will be of value in the northern part of the United States, since warmth and moisture are necessary for its development. Mr. Barrows made a brief statement concerning the distribution of the San José scale in Michigan. The insect had been found scattered through- out the southern counties of the State, where it had probably existed for eight years. In discussing this paper Mr. Craig spoke of the occurrence of the scale in southern Ontario, where there were at least seven infested localities. A paper from Prof. C. P. Gillette on “ Insects taken at Light and Sugar,”’ evoked considerable discussion, and was followed by ‘‘ A Study of the Possible Origin and Distribution of the Chinch Bug,’’ by Prof. F. M. Webster. The author advanced the idea that this insect had originated in the southern part of the United States and spread by two diverging streams up the Mississippi Valley and along the eastern Atlantic coast. In the former region,the long-winged form predominated, while the coast form was short winged. In the discussion following this paper the gen- eral opinion seemed to be that the length of the wings depended upon environment rather than heredity. Mr. C. W. Malley recorded the cap- ture at Ohio of a specimen having one long and one short wing, thus throwing additional light upon the relationship between the two forms. “Notes on the Common House Fly,’”’ by Mr. Howard, gave the nega- tive results of a series of experiments with lime, land plaster, etc., used to destroy the larvz of the house-fly. He emphasized the necessity of greater cleanliness in the management of horse stables. A paper from Mr. Gillette on “‘ Vernacular names of Insects,’’ was read and referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Howard, Fernald and Lintner. A communication from C. P. Lounsbury, giving very in- teresting notes on ‘‘ Cape of Good Hope Insects,” particularly the locusts _ of that region, was then read. Mr. H. G. Hubbard presented an account of the “‘ Insect Fauna of the Giant Cactus,’’ recording the capture of a large number of insects on this plant and giving notes on their habits. Mr. Howard described ‘‘A Valuable Coccid’’ lately discovered in Arizona and New Mexico, from which, by suitable treatment, a good 200 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ October, grade of white wax could be obtained. The refuse from this operation is of the nature and consistence of India rubber and may be of commer- cial value. “Notes on Insects of the Year’ by Messrs. Webster and Mally, re- cording interesting experiences with several of the common insect pests. The negative results of a series of experiments with kainit, against the insects attacking the roots of the grape, caused considerable disussion, and the need for further experimentation along this line was pointed out. A paper by A. H. Kirkland on “‘ Preparation and Use of Arsenate of Lead,” detailed a method of preparing this insecticide at a cost of about seven cents per pound. Work against the gypsy moth was mentioned, and the condition of the infested region was reported as generally better than that of last year. This undertaking, however, is still handicapped by insufficient financial support. ‘* A Malodorous Carabid”’ by Mr. Barrows gave extensive notes on the annoyance and discomfort caused by the almost unbearable odor of. No- mius pygmaeus. At the final adjournment of the session it was voted to hold the next meeting at Boston, Mass., August 19 and 20. Several resolutions were passed, among which were: (1) a resolution requesting the publication of the proceedings as a bulletin of the Division of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, and (2) expressing familiarity with the efforts of the State of Massachusetts to exterminate the gypsy moth and commending the results already accomplished. The election of officers resulted as follows : President, Herbert Osborn, Ames, Iowa; First Vice-President, Lawrence Bruner, Lincoln, Neb.; Second Vice-President, C. P. Gillette, Ft. Collins, Colo.; Secretary and Treasurer, C. L. Marlatt, Washington, D. C. A. H. KIRKLAND, Secretary, Aro fem. Notes and News. ENTOMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM ALL QUARTERS OF THE GLOBE. A picture for the album of the American Entomological Society has - been received from Adelbert Fenyes, M.D., Pasadema, Cala. ON A REMARKABLE USE OF ANTS IN AsIA Mrinor.—“ Mr. Miltiades D. Issigonis, a Greek gentleman from Smyrna, now residing in London... fell from his horse in Smyrna about six years ago and received a severe but clean cut of an inch or rather more in length on the forehead above the right eye. In accordance with the custom of the country he went to a Greek barber to have the wound dressed, and the barber employed at least ten living ants to bite the two sides together. Pressing together the margins of the cut with the fingers of the left hand, he applied the insect ST 187.) ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 201 by means of a pair of forceps held in the right hand. The mandibles of the ant were widely open for self-defence, and as the insect was carefully brought near to the wound, it seized upon the raised surface, penetrated the skin on both sides and remained tenaciously fixed while the operator severed the head from the thorax, so leaving the mandibles grasping the wound. The same operation was repeated until about ten ants’ heads were fixed on the wound, and left in position for three days or therabouts, when the cut was healed and the heads removed. The ant employed is described by Mr. Issigonis as being about three-eighths of an inch long, very dark brown in color, and of a particularly fierce disposition. . . The only other observation of a similar nature hitherto recorded appears to have been that of Mons. Emile Mocquerys [in Brazil], Ann. Soc. Ent. France, 2 sér. tom ii, p. xvii, Bulletin Entomologique Seance du Octobre, 1844... . Mr. Issigonis tells me that the operation is a frequent one in the vicinity of Smyrna, and is, to the best of his belief, practised by the Turks themselves as well as by the other nationalities found in Asiatic Turkey. Unfortunately, he can give no information as to whether this treatment of cuts is followed in Greece, European Turkey, or elsewhere.” —Rospert Morton MIDDLETON, Jr., in Journal of the Linnean Society, Zoology, vol. xxv, pages 405-6. London, 1896. EREBUS ODORA.—I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. H. M. Allison, of Ouray, Colo., calling attention to a specimen of Erebus odora which he forwarded to me by mail. The letter is of interest, and I take the liberty of presenting its contents to the notice of the readers of the News. Mr. Allison says: ‘‘On the morning of the 3d of July, after a snow storm, several of these moths were found on the streets of Ouray. It appeared as if they had come with the snow. On the morning of the 3d snow cov- ered the ground to a depth of three inches, and during the celebration of the Fourth, on Monday, we had the pleasure of snowballing each other. Old residents say that such a thing was never heard of before, nor do they remember ever seeing insects like the one I send you making their appearance under such circumstances.”’ Sporadic appearances of Zvebus odora in high latitudes have been fre- quently noted before. Their appearance in a snow storm recalls to my mind the appearance in Pittsburg, some fifteen years ago, in the midst of a heavy snow storm in the Fall, of vast numbers of the cotton-worm ~ moth, Aletia argillacea, Hiib., which, while the flakes were thickly falling, whirled about the lamps and in a clothing house were swept up, as I was informed by the owner, to the amount of ‘‘several quarts.’”’—W. J. HoL- LAND. THE APHIDIDA OF THE BLACK TIMBER ZONE IN COLORADO.—The Coccidz, as we ascend the mountains, become less numerous, and so far as we know, do not occur at all in the Black Timber Zone (about 10,000 feet to timber line) in Colorado. If they should be found there it will probably be in ants’ nests, which have not been searched for them at this S* 202 ENTCMOLOGICAL NEWS. [October, elevation. From the existing records one might imagine a similar absence of Aphididz, but as a matter of fact, these insects become numerous in this region, increasing as the Coccidz decrease. Although many Aphid- ide have been reported from Colorado (CkIl., Tr. Am. Ent. Soc. 1893; Cowen Hemip. Colo. 1895), none are from 10,000 feet or above. The following list is based on notes made in the Black Timber Zone on the east slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, near the Micawber Mine; the notes were all made in the field, on the living insects. While they are brief, they will serve to give some idea of the aphidian fauna, until some aphidologist can visit the district and work them up in detail: Species 1. Whitish gray; on Epilobium angustifolium, August. Sp. 2. Dark olive-brown, rather white-mealy; on Zygadenus nuttallii, August. , Sp. 3. White with a greenish tinge, rather elongated, eyes black, legs color of body, except ends of tarsi, which are black; at the Micawber mine, August, on Mertensia sibirica, Sp. 4. Dull ochery whitish, with a dark dorsal line, eyes dark; at the Micawber Mine, August; on 7hermopsis montana. Sp. 5. Gray, with pale yellowish legs; Micawber Mine, on Zpilobium angustifolium. Sp. 6. Green, with dark or black legs and antennz; on Sisymbrium canescens Vv. alpestre. Sp. 7. Glaucous, pale green, or pale yellowish; on Chenopodium album. Sp. 8. Dark brown, wings dark veined, with a large black stigma; on young.shoots of Populus tremuloides. Sp. 9. Dull brownish orange, or pale pinkish orange, wings hyaline; on Heracleum lanatum. Sp. 10. Apple-green, legs concolorous; on Heracleum lanatum. Sp. 11. Very dark gray, or black, shiny, legs pale; on Ribes lacustre. Sp. 12. Pale yellowish pink, legs dark; on Aguilegia cerulea v. glan- dulosa.—T. D. A. COCKERELL, New Mex. Agr. Exp. Station. Entomological Literature. Under the above head it is intended to note such papers received at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia pertaining to the Entomology of the Americas (North and South). Articles irrelevant to American entomology, unless monographs, or con- taining descriptions of new genera, will not be noted. Contributions to the anatomy, physiology and embryology of insects, however, whether relating to American or exotic species, will be recorded. The numbers in heavy-faced type refer to the journals, as numbered in the following list, in which the papers are published; * denotes that the paper in question contains descriptions of new North American forms. 4. The Canadian Entomologist, London, Ont., ’97.—5 Psyche, Cam- bridge, Mass., ’97.—7. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Entomology, Washington; publications of, ’97.—8. The Entomologist’s = - = 4 3 . hk a 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 203 Monthly Magazine, London, ’97.—11. The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, London, ’97.—12. Comptes Rendus. L’ Academie des Sciences, Paris, ’97.—21. The Entomologist’s Record, London, ’97.— 33. Sitzungsberichte der kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften. Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Classe. Vienna.—34. Proceedings of the lowa Academy of Sciences, iv, Des Moines, ’97.—35. Annales, Société Entomologique de Belgique, xli, No. 6 July 10, No. 7 Aug. 14, 97, Brussels.—36. Transactions, Entomological Society of Londen, ’97, part ii, July 2.—37. Le Naturaliste Canadien, Chicoutimi, Quebec, ’97.—38. Wiener Entomologische Zeitung, xvi, 1-5, Jan., 15-Mar. 31, ’97.—39. Mémoires, Société des naturalistes de la Nouvelle Russie, Odessa.—40. Societas Entomologica, Ziirich-Hottingen, °97,—41. Entomologische Nachrichter, Berlin, ’97.—42. Journal, Linnean Society, Zoology xxv. No. 163, July 30, ’96. No. 164, Nov. 5, ’96, No. 165, Dec. 31, ’96, London. —43. La Cellule, xii, Lierre et Louvain, ’97.—44. Verhandlungen der k.-k. zoologisch-botanischenGesellschaft in Wien, xlvii, 6, Aug. 26, ’97. General Works.— Bowles, Fenn, Moberly, Dalglish, Richardson. Discussion on the attractiveness of light, 21, July 1.— Boyer, J. The light of the glow-worm and the X-rays. La Nature, Paris, Aug. 21,’97,—Cockerell, T. D. A. Notes.on Mexican flowers and their insect visitors, Botanical Gazette, Chicago, Aug., ’97.—Dixey, Poulton, Trimen, Fowler and Elwes. Paper, Exhibition and Discussion on Mimicry, 36, Proceedings.—Goodrich, E. S. On the relation of the Arthropod head to the Annelid prostomium. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, xl, 2, Aug., ’97,—Howard, L. O. The spread of land species by the agency of man; with especial reference to insects. Science, New York, Sept. 10, ’97.—Lindau, G. On insect- inhabiting fungi, 41, Aug.—Matthew, G. F. Description of an ex- tinct palzozoic insect, and a review of the fauna with which it occurs, figs., 1 pl. [Thysanura?]. Bull. Nat. Hist. Soc., New Brunswick, xv, St. Johns, 1897.—Meinert, F. On the buccal apparatus of insects with a resumé in French, figs. Oversigt; Kongelige Danske Videnskabernes Selskahs Forhandlinger. Copenhagen, 1897, No. 3.—Meunier, F. Critical review of some fossil insects of the Musée Teyler [Harlem], 11 pls. Archives duMusée Teyler (2), v, 3, 1897.—Picard, F. Immunity against mosquitoes, 37. June.-—S winhoe, C. On mimicry in butter- flies of the genus Hypolimnas, 2 pls., 42, 163.—Verhoeff, C. The distribution of black pigment among the tracheates, 41, Aug. Economic Entomology.—Abstracts of recent publications, 7, Ex- periment Station Record, viii, 11, ’97.—Anderlind, L. Forest irriga- tion as a means for destroying animals injurious to trees, especially insects and mice, as well as a means for equalizing surplus and lack of water in water-courses, 41, July.—Anon. The cocoon plague on the Saguenay, 37, July.—Apiculture. Revue Eclectique d’Apiculture mensuelle. Poi- tiers, fourth year 1897. The British Bee Journal, London, vol. xxv, 1897. —Cordley, A. B. Insects of the prune, figs. Oregon Agricultural 204 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [October, Experiment Station. Bulletin 45. Corvallis, Ore., June, ’97.—Laboul- bene, B. and Passy, P. Agrilus sinuatus destructive to pear-trees. Bulletin, Société Nationale d’Agriculture de France, lvii, 5. Paris, May, ’97.—Mathieu, L. Presence of Acarines in wines, 12, Aug. 23.— McLachlan, R. AHarpalus ruficornis F. destructive to ripe straw- berries, $8, Aug., Sept.—Middleton, R. M. Ona remarkable use of ants in Asia Minor, 42, 164. Myriapoda.—Silvestri, F. Scolopendra cingulata Latr. is ovi- parous. Atti d. Reale Accad. d. Lincei 1897. Rendiconti, July 18, Rome. Arachnida.—Banks, N. Descriptions of new spiders,* 4, Aug.— Cockerell, T. D. A. A new Attid spider,* 4, Sept.—Pereyas- lawzewa, S. The first stages of the development of the Pedipalpi, 12, Aug. 2; The last stages of the development of the Pedipalpi, 12, Aug. 16, Apterygota.—W illem, V. The eyes and the post-antennal organs of the Collembola, 38, 7.--See also General Works, Mathew, G. F. Orthoptera.—-Ball, E. D. Notes on the Orthopterous fauna of Iowa, 34.--Bordas, L. Sympathetic nervous system of the Orthop- tera, 12, Aug. 2.—Kirby, W. F. Descriptions of new species of For- ficulidz in the collection of the British Museum, 1 pl., 42, 165.—-M orse, A. P. Notes on New Engiand Acrididz-iii. Oedipodinze vii, 5, Sept.— Scudder, S. H. Biological and other notes on American Acridide, 5, Aug. Neuroptera.— Anon. A rain of insects at Liege [Ephemerids]. Revue Scientifiique, Paris, Aug. 27, ’97.--Briggs, C. A. A curious habit in certain male Perlide, 8, Sept.—Gilson, G. Onsegmentally disposed thoracic glands in the larve of the Trichoptera, figs., 42, 164. --Gilson, G. and Sadones, J. The larval gills of the Odonata, 42, 164.-Henseval, M. The buccal glands of the larve of Tri- choptera, 1 pl., 43.--Klapalek, F. On the sexual parts of the Ple- coptera, with special reference to the morphology of the genital appen- dages, 5 pls., 33, cv, 8,’96—Needham, J. G. Preliminary studies of N. American Gomphinz (cont.),* 1 pl., 4, Aug. Hemiptera.—Baker, C. F. Notes on the genus De/tocephalus, 3 5, Sept.—Cockerell, T. D. A. The San José Scale and its nearest allies, figs., 7, Technical series, No. 6, ’97; The food-plants of scale. in- sects (Coccide), Proceedings of the U. S. National Museum, xix, No. 1122. Washington, 1897,—Handlirsch, A. On Phimophorus spis- sicornis Bergr, a hemipterological contribution, 2 figs., 44.—Mokr- zecki, S. Some observations on the cycle of the sexual development of Schizoneura lanigera Hausm. 1 pl., 39, xx, ’96.—Osborn, H. and Ball, E. D. Contributions to the Hemipterous fauna of Iowa, 8 pls., 34. Coleoptera.—Casey, T. L. Coleopterological Notices, vii,* An- nals New York Academy of Sciences, vol. ix, p. 285, Aug., ’°97.—C ha g- non, G. Coleopterological fauna of Manitoba, 37, July, Aug.—F 1 e- SS Se 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 205 tiaux, E. List of the Eucnemidze of the Berlin Museum; Eucnemidz of the Flohr collection (Mexico), Berlin Museum,* 35, 7.—Jacoby, M. New’species of South American Eumolpide, Entomologist, London, ’97.—K ulikowski, E. The Coleopterous fauna of Southern Russia, 39, xxi, ’97—Kuwert, A. The Passalidz dichotomously treated, part ii, the species. Novitates Zoologice, iv, 2, Tring (England), Aug., °97.—-Lewis, G. On new species of Histeridz and notices of others, 11, Aug.—Pic, M. First supplement to my list of the Anthicidz, 35, 6.—Schoch, G. Fourth supplement to the genera and species of my Cetonid collection.* Mittheilungen Schweizerischen Entomologischen Gesellschaft, ix, 10. Schaffhausen, June. ’97.—Senna, A. Descrip- tions of some new species of Brenthide, 35, 7.—Sharp, D. On the stridulatory organs of 7rox, $, Sept—Sirrine, T. A. Note on probable life-history of Crepidodera (Epitrix) Cucumeris Ham., 34.— Verhoeff, C. On the wing covers of Cassida, 44.—Wickham, H. F. The Coleoptera of Canada, xxvii, The Cerambycide of Ontario and Quebec (cont.), figs., 4, Aug., Sept. Diptera.—Adensamer, T. On Ascodipteron phyllorhine (n. gen. n. sp ), a peculiar form of Pupipara, 2 pls., 33, cv, 6, ’96.—Kahl, P. H. I. New species of the Syrphid genera Mizxogaster Macq. and Ceria Fabr.* Kansas University Quarterly, Series A, vi, 3. Lawrence, Kans., July, ’97.-Mik, J. Dipterological miscellanies, 38, 1; Some remarks on the Dipterous family Syrphide, 38, 3; On the biology of Urophora cardui L. 2 pls.. 38, 4 and 5.—Townsend, C. H. T. Diptera from Yucatan and Campeche, i,* 4, Aug. Lepidoptera.—Anon. Rare butterflies, 4, Sept—Butler, A. G. Revision of the Pierine butterflies of the genus De/ias, 11, Aug.; An account of the butterflies of the genus Charares in the collection of the British Museum, 42, 163.—C ockerell, T. D. A. Noteon Harrisina coracina, 5, Sept.—D ognin, P. New Heterocera from South America, 35,7.—Dyar, H.G. Onthe structural characters of Lepidopterous larve, 21, Aug. 1; Larva of Titanio helianthiales Murtfeldt, 4, Sept.; A generic revision of the Hipocritide (Arctiidz), 4, Sept.; The larva of Crocota opella Grote, 5, Sept.—F rings, C. Ocneria dispar, 40, June 1; A case of false albinism in 7. machaon 40, Sept. 1.—Fruhstorfer, H. New butterflies from South America, 41, July—Godman, F. D. C. and Salvin, O. Descriptions of new species of Central and South Amer- ican Rhopalocera,* 36.—Grote, A. R. Contribution to the classifi- cation of Lepidoptera: The Saturnians, with especial reference to their wing-structure, figs. (separate copy from a German journal without any indication of its source or date); Sketch of a diphyletic genealogical tree of the European butterflies, Mittheilungen aus dem Roemer Museum, Hildesheim, No. 9, Aug.,’97—Hampson, G. F. On the classifica- tior of two subfamilies of moths of the family Pyralidze : the Hydrocam- pine and Scopariane,* figs. 36.—Heath, E. F. Grapta interroga- tionis, 4, Sept.—Henseval, M. The essence-glands of Cossus 206 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ October, ligniperda, 1 pl.; Researches on the essence of C. Higniperda, 43.— Latter, O. H. The prothoracic gland of Dicranura vinula and other notes, 1 pl, 836.—Merrifield, F. Further results of temperature experiments on pupez of Pieris daplidice, 36, Proceedings.—M o ffat, J. A. Sphinx luscitiosa Clem., 4, Sept.—Scudder, S. H. Notes on Ephyra pendulinaria, 6, Aug.—Seitz, Dr. Inthesouthern hemisphere, 40, Aug., Sept.—Skinner, H. Anewmethod of studying neuration, 4, Aug.; A rare tract, 56, Aug.—Snyder, A. J. A rare Catocala [sappho], 4, Sept.—Soule, C. G. Egg-laying of Detdamia inscripia, 5, Aug.—Spuler, A. A. Weismann’s new experiments on the seasonal dimorphism of butterflies. Biol. Centraibl., Aug. 1,’97,—Staudinger, O. New South American. butterflies, 2 pls.; The Geometride of the Amur region, 4 pls. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift Iris, x, 1. Dresden, July 27, ’97.—T utt, J. W. The development of the wing, wing-scales and their pigments in butterflies and moths, 21, July 1, Aug. 1; On the classification of the Lepidoptera, 21, Aug. 1; Nemeophila plantaginis - its aberrations and varieties, 1 pl., 21, Aug. 1. Hymenoptera.—C ockerell, T. D. A. Contributions from the New Mexico Biological Station-vi. The New Mexico bees of the genus Fleriades and a new Halictus,* 11, Aug. ; The New Mexico species of Anthidium, 4, Sept.—Dalla Torre, K. W.v. On the nomenclature of the Chalcidid genera, 38, 3.—Kieffer, J. J. Cynipides in André’s Species des Hyménopteres d’Europe et d’Algerie. Tome vii, 59e Fasci- cule, Paris, Vve. Dubosclard, July 1, ’97. Pls. iv-vi—Konow, F. W. On the Tenthredinid genera Cimbex and Trichiosoma, 38, 3, 4and 5; On the classification of the Hymenoptera, 41, May.—Leisewitz, W. Habits and metamorphosis of Xiphydria dromedarius F. Abstract in 41, July, from Forstlichnaturwissenschaftliche Zeitschrift, 1897, 5.— Lucas, R. Five new Notocyphus species, 41, May.—Perez, J. On a new form of buccal apparatus among the Hymenoptera, 12, July 26.— Schmalz, J. P. Unwisdom of ants, 40, June r.—Thurau, F. On the habits of Aupithecia hyperboreata 41, May; On the habits of Ad/antus marginatus F.; 41, July. Doings of Societies. A regular stated meeting of the Entomological Section of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia was held Jan. 28, 1897. A specimen of Anthophilax viridis was presented by Mr. A. B. Van der Wielen, who captured it at Eagle Mountain, Carrol County, New Hampshire. Mr. Liebeck said the present specimen may be the only male in Philadelphia, and now that we have both sexes for study he was of the opinion that viridis would likely prove to be a valid species. Dr. Skinner mentioned that some - s ye 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 207 beetles had been sent here for identification in gelatin capsules; a little cotton in each end of the capsule made the contained insect fit snugly and they carried very well. The same speaker also mentioned the method as stated by Cheshire by which flies and bees are able to walk on smooth vertical surfaces. It was stated that they were able to thus hold on by the aid of a sticky sub- stance excreted from the pulvilli. There was much discussion on this subject by the members. Dr. Calvert moved that the Section express regret on the absence of Dr. Horn and the hope that he may soon be able to attend its meetings; seconded and carried unanimously. Meeting of April 25th.—Mr. C. W. Johnson stated that Mr. Seiss had given him a rare and interesting fly taken in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, on July 25th. It proved to be one of the bee-flies, /7yperechia atrox, described by Dr. Williston, and is the only recorded specimen other than the type. HENRY SKINNER, M.D., Recorder. Philadelphia, Sept. 14, 1897.—A stated meeting of the Feld- man Collecting Social was held at the residence of Mr. H. W. Wenzel, No. 1509 S. 13th Street. Meeting called to order at 9 Pp. M., Vice president Castle presiding. A communication was received from President Dr. H. G. Griffith expressing his sorrow at having to absent himself from the meetings of the Social for a long time, owing to his departure shortly for Phoenix, Ariz., for the benefit of his health. The secrerary was instructed to put the communication on file and to ' extend the doctor the sincere wishes of the Social for his speedy recovery to good health, with the hope of again having the pleasure of his company at the meetings in the near future. A communication was read from T. D. A. Cockerell dated Mesilla, N. M., July 18, 1897; the same was addressed to Dr. Skinner, and was accompanied by a number of specimens of Disenycha politula, which he asked the doctor to kindly present to the members of the Social. The donor contributed the note appended relative to the same. ‘‘ Disonycha politula was described by Dr. Horn in 1889, the type localities being vaguely given as ‘ New Mexico and Arizona,’ and nothing being known about its habits. To-day I have found in Mesilla, N. M., great quantities of a species on Amarantus 208 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ October, which I cannot regard as anything but Horn’s D. folituda. In the living insect, however, the parts of the thorax and abdomen which Horn describes as yellow are really always red; it is prob- able that Horn’s types were faded somewhat. So far as noticed the beetle is confined to the Amarantus, except that occasional specimens may be seen on the surrounding herbage after it has been disturbed.”’ The secretary stated he had sent the thanks of the members in advance; the action was approved, and the official thanks of the members extended the donor. In reference to the above Mr. H. W. Wenzel remarked that the specimens of D. politula were always red on the parts men- tioned in the live insects, but that they invariably faded by the time they were mounted, thus appearing yellow. Mr. Laurent exhibited’a species of dragonfly, Pantalia hy- menea, captured by Mr. Wenzel, at Sea Isle City, N. J., in August; also a specimen of Cisthene subjecta, taken at Anglesea, N. J., Aug. 21, 1897. Mr. H. Wenzel read a paper entitled, ‘‘ Notes on some of the Salt Meadow Insects of New Jersey.’’ The speaker exhibited some interesting species, among them being Pogunus lecontet Horn. Species of 7achys. Bembidium Dyschirius and Bledius, all belonging to this particular fauna. The paper will be pub- lished in tullin Ent. News. — - Prof Smith spoke on the life-history of the peach borer, Sannina exittiosa. Assertions concerning it had been repeated over and over again by entomologists without verification, From his experience the insect appears much later than was sup- posed, no examples of the adult occurring before the last days of June, but from that time on they continue until the beginning of September. The dates do not seem to become earlier south- wardly, for the first northern were from Long Island pupz, while those issuing September 1st came from Woodbine, in Cape May County, N. J. The species will not mate in confinement, as the speaker stated he had endeavored to bring this about, having had a number of specimens of both sexes in his laboratory during the season, and he had tried all means but without success, but in nature they will copulate soon after emerging, and eggs are laid anywhere on the trunk, or even the larger branches. No further business being presented the meeting adjourned to the annex at 10.10 P. M. THEO. H. ScumirTz, Secretary. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws for September was mailed August 31, 1897. Ent. News, Vol. VIII. Pl. Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Halticus bractatus Say. Fig. 1, $; Fig. 2, 9: both much enlarged. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION, ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA. VOL. VIII. NOVEMBER, 1897. . No. 9. CONTENTS: Webster—Halticus bractatus. ........ 209 |) Editorial... 5. cucestsccecscscccattecss 220 Snyder—Utah revisited—Idaho and Economic Entomology ......----++++++ 221 Wyoming .......---22. 5 cecceceeee 21r | Notes and NewS... ..cesccececccecccees 224 Knaus—The Lachnosterna of Kansas.. 214 | Entomological Literature. ............ 226 Wenzel—Notes on some of the salt Doings of Societies.......-..ccsceceees 230 meadow insects of New Jersey.... 218 HALTICUS BRACTATUS Say. By F. M. WEBSTER. Of the many unique forms to be found among the Hemiptera, not the least interesting is the diminutive Hadticus bractatus. As will be observed from the accompanying illustration, the male, Fig. 1, has the usual Capsid form, while the female, Fig. 2, is entirely different in appearance, and. might easily be taken not only for a different species, but as belonging to a different order of insects. In the dried specimen the wings usually are slightly spread. which has given to the figure of the female a slightly unnaturally robust appearance. As I have elsewhere stated,* the female mimics a small flea beetle, Che/ocnema parcepunctata, even to the extent of being saltatorial, whereas the male can only make his way about in the ordinary way. The insect feeds during all of its development on the upper surface of the leaves of different plants, notably the red clover, which it causes to become whitened in color, at first in spots giving the leaves a clouded appearance, and later nearly the entire leaf becomes discolored in this way. The young are of a pale green color, the wing pads of the pupa being darker, so * Twenty-seventh Annual Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario, p. 83. 1896. 9 210 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [November, that their colors harmonize with those of the discolored leaves which thus form a protection, the insect being only recognized on close observation. My assistant, Mr. C. W. Mally, has found them attacking the following plants, all of which are affected in the same manner: Red clover, 77zfolium pratense L., T. repens L.; prickly lettuce, Lactuca scariola L.; ragweed, Ambrosia ar- temisiefolia L.; white vervain, Verbena urticefolia 1..; burdock, Arctium lappa L.; narrow plantain, Plantago lanceolata L.; P. rugelii Deca; ground cherry, Physalis pubescens L.; seltheal, Brunella vulgaris L. ; smartweed, Polygonum hypropiperoides L.; mares tail, Ev/geron canadense L.; thistle, Carduus lanceo- latus L.; sticktights, Brdens sp.; low mallow, JZalva 1 0tundifolia L. ; yellow sweet clover, Me/ilotus officinalis L.; sour grass, Oxalis stricta L. Aster sp.; crab grass, Panicum sanguinale L.; and also on cucumber vines in the greenhouse. In all cases the species feeds largely on the upper surface of the leaves, but may sometimes be found on the under side, thus showing that it has little fear of natural enemies when in exposed positions. These insects do not become abundant until early Summer, and continue so until Fall, probably October, when they gradu- ally disappear. In the insectary we have been able to keep a single female alive until late February, but reproduction was almost at a standstill until April, when we found the adults and young becoming more and more abundant from that time for- ward. From this it would seem that the species might hibernate in the adult stage, but that it usually passed the Winter in the egg; though nothing has as yet been proven, and hence no posi- ~ tive statements can be made on this point. In the Report of the Kansas State Agricultural College for 1889, two species of these insects are recorded as attacking beans, being found on the under side of the leaves, well down toward the ground. The species implicated in this work were Agad/ias- tes bractatus Say and Halticus minutus Uhler MS. From the figures given (Pl. X) of these two species it would almost seem as though they might be the two sexes of one of them. In con- nection with this, it might be well to call attention to the fact that - in ‘‘Comptes Rendus’’ of the Biological Society of France, M. A. Girard has called attention to the depredations of a Halictus minutus on the peanut crop in French Cochin China (see ‘‘ Insect Life’ iv, p. 340, 1892). In this latter case the peanut crop was threatened with absolute destruction by reason of the attack of this Capsid. ————rti“‘_‘ ai lrwwTTCTCLT.LC Sl 3 al 3 eR ‘tas eet ee X i c [4 — v4 1897. ] _ ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 211 UTAH REVISITED—IDAHO AND WYOMING. By Prof. A. J. SNYDER. (Continued from p. 165, vol. viii.) During our second week our headquarters were in Park City, and the places mentioned in the account of the trip of 1893 were revisited. Jelitea nubigena was the most common species. Sev- eral Lycenas were abundant; Pseudohazis eglanterina and var. nuttallii had not emerged. The collector who wishes to have both sexes of the various species of Lepidoptera well represented in his collection should remember that the habits often vary greatly. Often the females remain hidden in the grass or other vegetation and refuse to take to flight even if the penalty is to be crushed under foot. In a low meadow the females of certain Lycenas were found clinging to the grass near the earth and were taken by placing the bottle over them without use of net. Usually, I think, the males are more on the wing and fly higher, while the females flit close to the ground and among the underbrush seeking the proper food- plant for the larve on or near which to deposit the eggs. When sexual differences in coloration exist it is my opinion that the color of the female is better suited to escape observation. Embryonic development may be more complex, and hence fewer females reach maturity (this has been proven to be the case with insects of other orders). These facts, with the additional one, that a single female often produces an immense number of eggs may satisfactorily account for the statement so common, especially concerning the Argyn- nids, that twenty males are captured to one female. The Ar- gynnids were just beginning to fly when we left Park City, July roth. On the way to and from Park City we revisited Red Butte Canon just above Fort Douglass. Here Avgynnis neva- densis and meadii were again taken. Some have disputed the validity of the names given to these Ar- gynnids and claim that zevadensis is not a native of Utah. In my opinion the males are readily separated, meadiz being smaller, with more of the green on both surfaces and lacking the golden brown above as seen in mevadensis. As to the females I fail to draw the line unless those of lighter color are zevadensis, and the darker ones meadiz. I believe that zevadensis and meadzi 212 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ November, are found in Red Butte Canon, Utah, and that mead7z is a variety well deserving a name. My opinion is based more upon habits of the insects than upon the differences in size or color. M/eadi¢ was found nearer the bottom of valley and often resting on flowers, was easily taken, could even be overtaken and captured when in flight, while xevadensis is wary, seldom alighting, and is much swifter of wing. It is also found at greater altitude—even on some of the lower peaks about 8000 feet, while all the meadiz were taken below 6000 feet. In his descriptions, Mr. W. H. Edwards gives expanse of male nevadensis and meadii both as 2.2 inches. I have specimens of nevadensis taken in Utah bearing the name in Mr. Edwards’ own handwriting, and specimens of meadzi from Utah bearing Dr. Henry Skinner’s handwriting. I have been able to examine a number of specimens from Nevada labeled meadzz, and all these ean be matched from the meadiz in my own collection. MNeva- densis I have never seen, unless it be from Utah. There are other tangles, however, to be unraveled in regard to this genus and a few names to be relegated to the synonymy. Two other species or varieties of Argynnids have been taken in Utah which do not correspond to any of the now described spe- cies or varieties, and which in my humble view of the case are more deserving of cognomens than some which bear several appellations, but whose namers cannot identify the offspring of their own pens. ; As a convenient escape from the serious inability to identify species in this genus, collectors might arrange all representatives — of this group in a large cabinet and say that the result is a single species, representing extreme variations due to geographical distribution, hybridism, dimorphism, melanism, cold, etc. ad infinitum. A large collection of this kind would furnish an in- disputable evidence of. the theory of evolution with the fale omitted. Our next collecting ground was near Ogden, Utah, where an entomological paradise was discovered. A small valley a way up in the mountains only a few acres in extent, but watered by a mountain stream, having an abundance of flowers everywhere, protected from the winds by the surrounding mountains and with plenty of sunshine from 9 A. M. to 4 P. M__ Insects fairly swarmed. a = ay. 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 213 The collector longed for a dozen arms and as many nets, or an abundance of time to sit down and study ‘‘ Nature at home.”’ Epicallia virginalis was found here in abundance, and a good series was collected ranging from the light yellow form with most of the secondaries yellow, to specimens with the secondaries black. One species and two varieties are described and listed in our literature on the genus, but the series I have made satisfies me to give but one name (v7rginalis). When it is almost im- possible to find two specimens alike as in this case and that of Nemeophila petrosa, it seems foolish to name all the intergrades. Gnophela vermiculata failed to appear in 1893, but was com- mon in 1895, especially in the vicinity of Ogden. Sometimes examples of this species were found on the flowers, but more frequently they were found flying among the foliage of the trees seeming to delight in the sunshine. Thecla crysalus abounds on the scrub oaks and resembles the other members of its genus by being hard to capture in perfect condition. Its ability to hide on the leaves of the oak with wings closely folded and only the lines of the under surface showing, furnishes another instance of insect mimicry. Probably many collectors have noticed the habit peculiar to the Zheclas of moving the wings slowly backward and forward the superiors within the inferiors and at the same time slowly opening and closely both pairs slowly. This is only done when the insect has no cause for alarm, but often aids the patient col- lector by disclosing the bright colors above and helping to locate the fugitive. Catocalas are most remarkable for their absence in Utah. In two seasons collecting two specimens of C. aholibah were taken and probably six noted. Usually the few examples of this spe- cies are started near the bottom of canons and the favorite hiding . place is among the roots of stunted vegetation. At least twice I have seen specimens on the trestle work of bridges. Synedas are more abundant, and are game to the last breath. One 7hecla dumetorum was captured. More Chrysophanus zere were taken than in 1893. Of. the genus Pierzs several protodice were noted, and many occidentalis, also a few pallida. I do not remember having seen P. vapz in Utah. 214 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ November, THE LACHNOSTERNA OF KANSAS. By WARREN KNAUS. Probably no genus of the larger Coleoptera of Kansas has been so hard to handle, or has been left in such an unsatisfactory con- dition in the principal collections of the State, than the Lach- nosterna—the common June Bugs and May Beetles. They are abundant, almost every year, in April, May, June and July, and in favorite localities during the twilight and early evening, can be taken by the hundreds. From the fact, however, that so many of them looked so much alike in size, color and form, it was practically impossible for one collector to separate them into their proper species. This was true with regard to almost every collection in the country ten years ago, and was especially true with the Kansas collections up to within a very recent date. However, within the past decade, two very thorough revisions of this genus—the first by Dr. Geo. H. Horn, in vol, xiv of the ‘‘Transactions’’ of the American Entomological Society, and the second by John B. Smith, in vol. ii, of the ‘‘ Proceedings of the National Museum,’’ has made it possible for the collector to work out specific differences, get the ‘‘June Bug”’ section of his cabinet in presentable shape and make the study of this genus one of the most fascinating of all the Coleoptera. This list of Kansas Lachnosterna will, therefore, be arranged in conformity with the lists of Dr. Horn and Prof. Smith referred to above, while giving the number attached to the specific names in Henshaw’s Check List of North American Coleoptera, with the Third supplement thereto. ‘The species of this list taken in Kansas are based on those in my private collection made since 1880, those in the collection in the State Agricultural College at Manhattan, embracing the col- lection of the Entomologist, Prof. E. A. Popenoe; those in the collection of the State University at Lawrence, containing Prof. Snow’s collections; those mentioned in Prof. J. B. Smith’s notes, and a recent species described by M. L. Linell, of the National Museum, The writer is indebted to John B. Smith, of New Brunswick, N. J., and M. L. Linell, of the National Museum, for the deter- mination of the majority of species in my own collection; to F. A. Marlatt, Assistant Entomologist for the list of Kansas species 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 215 in the Agricultural College collection, and to Hugo Koahl, En- - tomologist, for the species in the University collection. The list herewith given contains many species considered com- paratively rare, and represented in but few collections. The large number of species shows that Kansas has many attractions for this genus, and it is safe to say that many new species will yet be recorded from this State. When possible, the month of cap- ture and locality where taken are given. The first number refers to Smith’s list, and the second to Henshaw’s List. The species in the collection of the State University are marked K. U. In the Agricultural College collection, A. C. and my own collection by K. LACHNOSTERNA. I. 5,739. lanceolata Say K., A. C. and K. U. Douglas County, Central and West Kansas, May and June. 6. 10,229. hamata Horn, K. rare, Wilson County and Douglas County, May and June. 8. 10,230. generosa Horn, K. rare, Wilson ais May and June. 12. 5,749. ephilida Say, K., K. U., rare, Salina and Wilson Counties, July. 13. 5,744. longitarsus Say, K. U. rare. 17. co | ges Burm., K., A. C. and K. U., common, * 5,763 Wilson County, Riley and Douglas Counties, May, June and July. 18. 10,233. hirtiventris Horn, K., K. U. not common, Wilson County and Douglas County, May. 21. 5,775- affinis Lec., A. C., K. U. not common, Topeka and Lawrence, or Douglas County; also Riley County, May. 22. 5,773. prunina Lec., K., K. U. not common, Saline, Gove and Douglas Counties, July. 23. 5,770. calceata Lec., K. common, Wilson County, April and May. The species in K. U. collection, given as calceata, and named by LeConte, or Dr. Horn, is really zmplicita or hirtiventris Horn. 24. 5,772. crasissima Blanch., K., A. C., K. U. common, Gove County, central and northern Kansas, May and June, 216 25. 26. of 28. 29. 3h 22, 34. 35: 36. a7. 4I. 43. 47. 51. 54. 56. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [November, 5,762. subpruinosa Casey, A. C. rare, Manhattan, May. 5,759. errans Lec., A. C. rare, southern Kansas. 10,235. zaversa Horn, A. C. rare, Manhattan and Topeka, April. . 10,236. dzpartita Horn, K. and A. C. not common, Wilson County, McPherson and Manhattan, May and June 5,761. micans Knoch, A. C., K. U. rare, Douglas County and Topeka. 10,237. vehemens Horn, K., A. C., K. U. rare, Wilson County, Douglas County and Manhattan, April. 10,238. avcuata Smith, K. rare, Medora, Kans., May. 10,240. dubia Smith, K. rare, McPherson, May. 5,757. fusca Froh., K. A. C., K. U. Wilson County, Douglas County, Topeka and Manhattan, May and April. Variety puncticollis Blanch., Douglas County. 10,241. grandis Smith, K. rare, Wilson County, May. 10,242. w/ket Smith, K. rare, Salina, May. 5,771. marginalis Lec., K., A. C., K. U. not common, Wilson County, Topeka and Manhattan, and Douglas County, June and July. 5,767. fraterna Harris, A. C., K. U. not common, Doug- las and Riley Counties, July. Variety dugubrus Lec., Manhattan, Topeka. ‘‘ cognata Burm., Douglas County. . 10,252. hornii Smith, K. rare, Wilson County, May. 10,253. dz2mpressa Smith, Nat’1 Museum, rare, Manhattan. 5,776. knochiz Gyll., K. common, Salina and McPherson, May. 5,774. rugosa Mels., K., K. U. common, Gove County, McPherson, May. 5,781. hirsuta Knoch, K. U. not common, Douglas County. 10,228. diffints Blanch., = 5,786. rujiola Lec., K. U. rare, Douglas County. . 10,255. zmplicitta Horn, K., A. C. rare, Wilson County, Manhattan, Riley County, May, June. 5,782. balia Horn, A. C. rare, Manhattan, May. ——- minor Linell, new species, described from a single male in the National Museum, collected by F. F. Crevecoeur, Onaga, Kans. 7 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 217 63. 5,780. Airticula Knoch., K., A. C., K. U. common, Wilson County, Manhattan and Douglas County, May and June. 65. 5,777. wicis Knoch., K , A. C., K. U. not common, Doug- las County, Topeka, May. 68. 5,789. crenulata Froehl., K., A. C., K. U. not common, Wilson and Douglas Counties, Manhattan and Salina, May, June. 69. 5,790. a/bina Burm., A. C. rare, Manhattan and East Kans. 71. 5,792. rubiginosa Lec., A. C., K. U. rare, Douglas County, Manhattan, May. 72. 5,791. parvidens Lec., A. C. rare, Manhattan. 73- 5,793. submucida Lec., K. U. rare, Douglas County and Junction City. 74. 5,794. glabricula Lec., K., A. C. not common, Rooks and Wilson Counties, Manhattan, June, July. 80. 10,266. affadi/is Horn, A. C. rare, in collection of Dr. Horn, ; Philadelphia, Pa., and Manhattan, July. 84. 5,797. crinita Burm., K. rare, Salina, May. 86. 5,796. tristis Fab., A. C., K. U. not common, Douglas County, Manhattan and Topeka, May; also in National Museum. The Agricultural College collection contains several species not identified, which yet require further study to refer this mate- rial to a proper specific position. The same is true of the Uni- versity collection. The forty-seven species and varieties given above, almost one- half of which are new to the Kansas list, shows that close and careful work in this genus has only just begun among the collec- tors of the State. The field is an attractive one to the entomol- ogist, and it is reasonable to predict that the next few years will find the list almost double that here given. THE Mediterranean Flour Moth, Zphestia kuehniella in Pennsylvania. —I am in receipt of a package of flour from a mill in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, which is literally alive with the larve of this dreaded mill pest. This is the first positive evidence of its occurrence in that State, although we have suspected it had a foot-hold there for some time. It has been very annoying to the firm in whose mill it was found for several years. On account of the very dangerous nature of this creature I would advise millers in eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania and other places to be on the lookout for it.—W. G. JoHNson. 218 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ November, NOTES ON SOME OF THE SALT MEADOW INSECTS | OF NEW JERSEY. By H. W. WENZEL. To this fauna belong a number of insects, specimens of which have been found in the wash on the beach, or attracted to light, while others have been recorded without other information from various places along our coast. Nothing definite as to time of appearance, exact locality or habits of these insects was known. During the month of August I had the pleasure of spending some time in searching for this fauna. The result has fully determined the locality and habits of several of these inter- esting species. The homes of these insects are in the bare sand flats with no trace of sedge or other vegetation, which are occa- sionally found in the stretch of salt meadow extending along the coast between the ocean and the mainland. The sand must be deep; not only a thin layer, as is frequently found, and must be — beyond the haunts of Ge/asimus or fidler crabs. One of the most interesting of these species is probably Po- gonus lecontet Horn, the habits of which were entirely unknown to our collectors, only a few scattering specimens having been heretofore found along the coast. The sand flats, as I will call them, are frequently covered in the center with a hard black sediment, varying in thickness, which can be removed in large slabs or flakes. On close examination small holes will be observed through this hard coating leading into small burrows, where Pogonus is at home during the day. Two, sometimes three specimens will be taken from one such burrow. This species is undoubtedly nocturnal in habit, and is also extremely variable in size and color. During the early morning hour it is interesting to watch the stragglers which have been out late and lost their homes; they will run as if wild in all directions; at times in a perfect circle, but by noon they have all disappeared. Under the same conditions specimens of a beau- tiful little Zachys of a decidedly pale color and unknown to me were taken. A second species of Zachys and one species of Bembidium were taken at the roots of sedge grass growing on small knolls at the edge of the flats. Another interesting species belonging to this fauna is Bledius mandibularis, which was found in num- ae Oe 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 21g bers by digging down into the sand. The favorite place for this species is the hard and moist sand around the margin of the Pogonus flats. -The-presence of these. insects. is readily known by small mounds of sand surrounding little round holes. When found in colonies the burrowings of this species, to the depth of over a foot, are remarkable. They seem to delight in making new passage ways through the sand usually in a perpendicular direction, but also diagonally and sometimes longitudinally. On my last visit to these flats a square block showing the work of this species was dug up and carefully placed in a box with the object of saturating it with shellac, but on my return home it had dried and crumbled. Not having any further use for the sand the small pieces which were still intact were also crumbled, and two living specimens were found which were replaced after moist- ening the material. They at once started to make new burrows and kept on making new holes for over a week when they finally died near one of the entrances. Of this species larva and pupa were also taken. As these observations were made during a part of August only, and but a few miles of meadow land covered in search of these flats, probably at the end of next season by careful early collect- ing in different localities a number of species will be added and their habits recorded. How A SpipER DisappEARs.—On the borders of the Everglades you often see a large yellow spider. He swings a strong web from two pliant twigs on each side of a path of clear space of ground and waits for his prey. The web is in the shape of a hammock, and tapers at each end to a fine point, though quite broad in the middle. The bright color of the owner seems to mark him out for destruction—he is clearly defined against the white sand or dead leaves, and you wonder what he would do for de- fense in case of attack. Approach quietly and he watches you intently. Now raise your hand suddenly and he will disappear. While you are wondering what became of him you see first a blur where he had been, then several spiders, then you catch sight again of the yellow ball you noticed at first. Repeat the performance and the stage effect is renewed. The disappearance is absolute—there can be no doubt about it, and the little magician trusts to it entirely for his protection. Howis itdone? As soon as he is threatened he starts the vibrations of his airy hammock; these become too rapid for the eye to follow, and he vanishes. As these become slower you see a blur, and then several spiders as the eye catches him at different points of his swing, until finally he rests before you.— The Florida Citizen. 220 [ November, ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [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.—Ep. PHILADELPHIA, PA., NOVEMBER, 1897. PHYSIOLOGICAL SPECIES. WHILE strolling along the shore of the historic Delaware, near where it flows into the mighty Atlantic we heard the voice (?) of a Cicada singing (?). The tune was strange and visions of a n. sp. flitted through our cerebrum as nothing is impossible in Jersey. A mighty effort was made to snare the gentleman and it was crowned with success, but keen was our disappointment — to find him, anatomically, only C. ¢zbicen. Did he have bron- chitis? how could he in his kettle-drum? Are we justified in describing him as new and naming him after a diva? Who can tell? perhaps Prof. Cockerell. What a field for those who have exhausted geographical and seasonal variations and tackle physio- logical species. We had dreamt of such things, but thought they were the baseless fabrics of visions only. We are ready to be enlightened on this subject as we are not afflicted with megalo- cephalitis, but are open to conviction. An ADDITIONAL Note.—On page 274, of vol. vii, I made a note of a curious habit of Cafocala concumbens in selecting a resting place of such a color that they almost defied detection. This last year the telephone posts put up a year ago have become storm worm, and are now of a color nearly like the old poles. This year I find the Ca¢oca/as abundant on both the old and the new poles. I took fifty-three specimens one after- noon, forty-nine of which were concumbens and the rest cara. Most of these were badly rubbed and broken, due to the wet weather. —-EDWARD WINSLOow Cross. ee 4 eens 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 221 DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. Edited by Prof. JOHN B. SMITH, Sc.D., New Brunswick, N. J. Papers for this department are solicited. They should be sent to the editor, Prof. John B. Smith, Sc.D., New Brunswick, N. J. The San Jose Scale.—It has been charged, and not without some show of reason, that entomologists and some others are losing their heads in the matter of dealing with this insect, and that there is an unnecessary and somewhat hysterical excitement created by an overabundance of lurid talk accompanied by an absence of careful study and work. I say the charge is not without some show of reason, for, after all, what basis is there for all the fuss that has been made? It is about time that the subject was considered carefully and without excitement, lest the re- action when it comes, as it inevitably must, destroy confidence in the warnings of the entomologist altogether. The result thus far of the agitation has been restrictive laws of doubtful constitutional value in some States, the imposition of license fees on the nursery business in others and ‘‘rules and regulations’’ and examination in some more, so that the nurseryman shipping outside his own State has not the least idea of what will happen to his stock before it reaches his customer, if indeed it ever reaches him. Sometimes he must have a certificate of inspection and in one case must file it in another State in exchange for printed permits to ship into that State. All these are vexa- tious restrictions that are only admissible under stress of the clearest necessity. Does‘such a necessity really exist? The San José Scale, Aspidiotus perniciosus Comstock, is one of the so-called ‘‘armored”’ scales, the insect itself being hidden and protected by a covering of a tough tissue secreted by the insect itself and supple- mented by its cast skins. There are other species of the same and allied genera with equally dense coverings that occur in the Atlantic States, but this Jerniciosus is an importation from the Pacific coast—which is all that we really know of its nativity. Prof. Cockerell argues that it is a native of Japan, and his arguments are weighty; but there is no real proof; all is inference, based, I admit, on established facts, but the facts are insufficient and not inconsistent with other conclusions. But that we have to deal with an imported insect is nothing really new— we have others that have come to us and have done us woeful harm: cab- bage butterflies, elm leaf beetles, asparagus beetles, horn flies, and others too numerous to mention. Even from the great West we have an immi- grant in the form of the Colorado potato beetle that is no ‘“‘slouch’’ as the boys would say. Is it so much more destructive than other pests? Not atall. Let the potato beetle alone and the potato harvest can be easily gathered in most 222 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ November, years. Allow the cut-worms free range in any planted crop and see how much is left for the farmer? Permit the canker worms to range as they will in an apple orchard and how much fruit will be gathered? These are cases imperiling either fruit only or an annual crop; but how about peach borers or round headed apple or quince borers? Let them go un- checked and how long a lease of life has a tree? No, the San José scale is not a particle more destructive than many of our native species or those to which we have become used. It is no more of a menace to fruit culture than the codling moth or plum curculio, which must be annually and persistently fought to secure a crop — that will pass muster and bring remunerative prices. It does not compare with fungus troubles in rapidity of effect. Note the fire-blight and other blights in apple and pear orchards. Almost overnight a thrifty orchard may be practically ruined, and the various forms of rots, molds and smuts are infinitely worse than San José or any -other scale insect. Its coming does add a new pest to be dealt with. It is a new factor in fruit-growing that makes it increasingly difficult and more expensive and adds to the demand for intelligence and ability on the part of the grower. Other insects have offered problems apparently as difficult, e.g. the ‘“pear midge,”’ which oviposits in the blossom, whose larva feeds in the pear fruit beyond reach of insecticides and who emerges from its shelter only to drop to the ground and go beneath the surface. Yet we have mastered this species and control it easily; so easily, indeed, and withal so completely that in some places it has been apparently—note the word —exterminated. The San José scale multiplies with enormous rapidity, but so do plant lice, and some other insects as melon growers know to their cost, acres -of vines becoming covered with plant lice in a few weeks from a few scattering individuals noticed in early Summer. Is the scale so hard to kill? Yes and no! It is no worse in this respect than some of our native scales, because on some trees infested by both San Jose and “‘scurfy” scales Winter treatment killed nearly all the per- nicious form while the tree is now coated with the common species which the application left unharmed. It was simply a matter of the time of treatment. The unprotected larva of the San José scale is just as easy to kill as that of any other armored scale—only, and the difference is important, in scales with one annual brood one or two sprayings will reach the entire crop of larvz; in the San José scale, which breeds continu- ously for several weeks’ treatment against the larve, must be made at frequent intervals during the life of the breeding scales. Another very important matter is, that if a single brooded scale is reduced by proper treatment to insignificant numbers it takes it several years to recover. The San José scale on the contrary from the same nucleus becomes as bad as ever by the end of Summer. But do we not get the same thing -with the potato beetle? Kill them off in Spring and then let them alone, | ' F - . | 6h lUSO 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 223 as is the usual practice, the balance of the season, and next Spring there will be just as many as before to be dealt with. The truth is that we have not taken these facts into proper considera- tion, and have attempted the impossible, 7. e. extermination by a single treatment or at one single season. Now I will make the very radical assertion that the San José scale is a very easy species to deal with and that its practical extermination in an infested orchard is not particularly difficult. I will admit, however, that the treatment to accomplish this result is heroic and somewhat expensive, but if the trees are not worth the labor and expense involved, they might as well be taken out alto- gether, because the scales will sooner or later kill them and will at once reduce the value of the fruit if they do not make it actually unsaleable. To accomplish the result above indicated will require treatment both in Winter and Summer, because Winter treatment alone, whatever the medium, will, I am convinced by experience, prove ineffective, and re- peated Summer treatment alone might prove injurious to the trees. After January rst and at any time before the trees become in the least active spray with pure kerosene of the ordinary 150° test. Be thorough, but not wasteful; use enough to make a film of kerosene capable of penetrating into the smallest crevices, but let that film be of the thinnest possible description. Do the work on a dry bright day with enough air ‘stirring to favor rapid evaporation and do it yourself, or at least super- intend so that carelessness in the application be not charged against the insecticide as inefficiency. Whale oil soap, two pounds in one gallon of water, will do almost as well on smooth barked young trees, but not on rough or scaly barked older ones, because of its much smaller penetrating power. Ten days or two weeks thereafter trim out the trees thoroughly and carefully, cut out all the wood not absolutely needed, but do not risk spoiling or even in- juring the trees. Leave enough to carry a moderate crop of fruit if the trees are in bearing. Do not trim before spraying to avoid cut surfaces into which the kerosene might penetrate. The trimming is to remove that wood least easily reached by the spray and thus to reduce to the lowest possible point the chance of surviving scales. A few will survive almost certainly. A few trees will probably be entirely cleared, but most of them will harbor a few survivors no matter how many treatments are made. Watch closely during the following July, for traces of the scales -on fruit, and as soon as such are noticed spray again with undiluted kero- sene. If applied as above directed so as to afford a chance for rapid evaporation no harm will be done to fruit or trees, while in nine out of ten cases the scales will be completely destroyed. Thereafter a close watch each Summer and a prompt use of kerosene when scales are noticed will not only prevent injury, but will in not too great a time “ ex- terminate’ the scale. Try it! don’t rely upon laws and conventions to do the impossible. 224 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ November, Notes and News. ENTOMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM ALL QUARTERS OF THE GLOBE. Chrysophanus snowii Edw.—I have found the larve of this species in Colorado feeding on mountain sorrel, Oxyria digyna. They are velvety green with reddish dorsal line. The chrysalis stage lasts from eight to ten days.—Davip Bruce. © DESCRIPTION OF AN ABERRATION OF CHRYSOPHANUS AMERICANA.— A specimen taken on June 8, 1897, by Master G. W. Walker at Jamaica, Long Island, N. Y., showed the following peculiarities: Fore wings, upper side a bright golden-orange; costal and outer margins a pale lemon color, the eight usually black spots brown, and not very large or perceptible. Hind wings a very pale lemon, except near exterior margin, where there is a bright orange band, very much the same as the fore wings; the blue spots usually found on the Spring form are entirely absent; the inner margin, near the body, is: slightly darker; antennz, club brown, stem white with very pale yellow bands; palpi white, collar light gray, thorax and abdomen light brown. Under side: fore wings same color as the upper side; spots light brown and very small; hind wings creamy white. with a few faint brown spots and an irregular orange-red streak near the outer margin. Body and legs a very light ash color. This insect was taken by a boy eleven years of age, and, considering the circumstance, is in very fair condition.—J. V. D. WALKER. THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. —The recently issued ‘ Ninth Annual Report of the Delegates of the University Museum (for 1896),’ contains many items of interest from which we reprint some as a supplement to the account given in the News for March, 1896, page 66. ‘*The whole collection of British Aculeate Hymenoptera has been re- vised by Mr. Edward Saunders; a part of the collection of Phytophaga (Coleoptera) by Mr. M. Jacoby; the Membracidz and Cicadz by Canon Fowler, assisted by Mr. W. F. Kirby. ... . A very valuable collection of Rhopalocera (butterflies), chiefly from Central and South America, but also including a large number from other parts of the world, was presented by F. DuCane Godman, Esq., F. R. S., and Osbert Salvin, Esq., F. R.S.... The specimens in this collection are of especial value because of the excellent geographical data which accompany them, Although specimens from all countries are included, the collection is es- pecially rich in species. from Central America, a district of peculiar in- terest, hitherto but poorly represented in the Hope Collection. Many specimens of historic interest are also present--the captures of H. W. Bates in Brazil, of T, Belt, in Nicaragua, and of A. R. Wallace in the Malay Archipelago. The majority of the more recently captured speci- mens were taken by the greatest living collectors such as G. C. Cham- : . 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 225 pion and H. H. Smith (Central America), and C. M. Woodford (Solo- mon Islands); so that all localities can be entirely depended upon. No conditions are attached to the gift, so that the specimens can be at once incorporated with those of the general collection as soon as they have been adequately labeled. The collection also contains a large amount of material which will be available to illustrate the principles of Protective Mimicry, Geographical Distribution, Isolation, etc. The fol- lowing table indicates the numbers of specimens now in Oxford. The numbers of all Groups, which are marked as ‘named,’ are final; those of the others will be somewhat reduced when they have been named and compared with the existing collection . . . . among these Godman-Salvin FAMILIES OF RHO- | NUMBER OF PALOCERA. SPECIMENS. Work ACCOMPLISHED. 1. Nymphalide a. Danaine . 2142 Named, arranged, reset. 6. Satyrine 1677 Named, arranged, reset. ¢. Elymniine 18 Named. d. Morphine 153 Named. é. Brassoline 163 Named. J. Acrzinze 256 | Named, arranged, reset. g. Heliconine 513 Named, arranged, reset. hk. Nymphalinz 5311 Named, partially arranged and reset. 2. Erycinidze 1182 Named, arranged, reset. § 3. Lycenide 995 4. Papilionidz - a. Pierine 2151 Mostly reset. 6. Papilionine 1092 Named. 5. Hesperide 463 Total 16,116 specimens there are 826 specimens from [the Solomon Islands], captured by C. M. Woodford . . . . several islands of the Group are represented, including the extremely dangerous Maleita Island, where the collector could not venture beyond the range of the rifles of his guard..... This Department has also received many other valuable accessions during 1896. The large numbers of Rhopalocera kindly presented by A. G. Cardew, Esq., [from India] J. J. Walker, Esq., R. N. [chiefly Oriental and Australian] and G. A. K. Marshall, Esq., [from South Africa] are of especial value because of the accurate data which accompany them. Those of Mr. Marshall are accompanied by notes giving precise date, locality, height above the sea, and statement as to wet or dry season form. They are the most perfectly recorded specimens in our whole collection.”’ —From the report of Prof. Edward B. Poulton, Hope Professor of Zo- ology, to whom we are indebted for copies. 9* 226 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ November, CostLy Bucs.—Fifty dollars seems an extravagant price to pay for one black beetle. Yet Kansas was once inhabited by these insects, and they sold readily for that much, and sometimes for more. The beetle, known as the Amblychila, was supposed to have become extinct. But two speci- mens of it were known, one of which was in the University of Bonn. Two young men traveling through Kansas some years ago found numbers of the beetles. They were alive and readily sold for $50. In all they made $10,000 in supplying the beetles to scientists. The above clipping in regard to Amblychila cylindriformis is from this morning’s Record (Sept. 30, ’97), and is another case of newspaper ento- mology. Aside from two broken specimens, both of which were found dead, the first two perfect specimens of Amblychila cylindriformis found ~ were sold in Philadelphia for $12.50 each; one being purchased by the American Entomological Society and the other by Mr. Wilt. The above information I received from Mr. Wilt, himself, some twelve years ago. Prof. Snow, of Kansas, has captured the insect in large numbers, and at one time sold them at eight cents each. If I am not mistaken it was Prof. Snow who found out that the insect was nocturnal in habits.—P#iILip LAURENT. Entomological Literature. Under the above head it is intended to note such papers received at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia pertaining to the Entomology of the Americas (North and South). Articles irrelevant to American entomology, unless monographs, or con- taining descriptions of new genera, will not be noted. Contributions to the anatomy, physiology and embryology of insects, however, whether relating to American or exotic species, will be recorded. The numbers in heavy-faced type refer to the journals, as numbered in the following list, in which the papers are published; * denotes that the paper in question contains descriptions of new North American forms. 4. The Canadian Entomologist, London, Ont., October, ’97.—5. — Psyche, Cambridge, Mass., October, ’97.—G. Journal of the New York Entomological Society, September, ’97.—9. The Entomologist, London, October, ’97.—11. The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, London, September, ’97.—15. Biologia Centrali-Americana, London, part cxxxv May, part cxxxvi August, ’97.—21. The Entomologist’s Record, Lon- don, Sept. 15, °97.—36. Transactions, Entomological Society of London, ’97, part iii, Sept. 1—41. Entomologische Nachrichten, Berlin, ’97, No. 16, Aug.—465. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift ’97, heft 1, Berlin, uly. ; General Works.—C omstock, J. H. Insect Life. An introduc- tion to Nature-study and a guide for teachers, students, and others inter- ested in out-of-door life. By John Henry Comstock, Professor of Ento- — mology in Cornell University and in Leland Stanford Junior University. With many original illustrations engraved by Anna Botsford Comstock, Member of the Society of American Wood-engravers. New York, D. : | | : 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 227 Appleton & Co., 1897; r2mo. pp. 349, 296. An excellent little book which seems to perfectly fulfil the purposes for which it was written, namely “*to make easier the gaining of this intimate acquaintance with .. . . the creatures about us, . . . . to serve as a guide for those who wish to acquire a knowledge of insects from a study of the insects themselves; it is in- tended to lie open before the observer while the subject of study is exam- ined.”’ Excellent it seems to us to be because of its suggestions to the reader as to the functions of organs and of methods for discovering these; because of its treatment of insects according to what we may perhaps call ‘topographical habitat,’ as pond-, brook-, orchard-, forest- or road- side-dwellers ; and because of its extensive practical information as to collecting, preserving, labeling and breeding insects, and as to those books which the beginning student will find helpful. We have thus indicated most of the contents of this guide, and have but to mention that there are also chapters on the anatomy, metamorphoses and classification of insects. Weed, C. M. Life Histories of American Insects. By Clarence Moores Weed, D.Sc., Professor of ZoGlogy and Entomology, New Hamp- shire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. With 21 full page plates and many figures in the text. New York. The Macmillan Co., 1897; I2m10., pp. xii, 272; 21 plates and 94 other figures. From the pub- lishers, price $1.50. A series of twenty-six pleasant essays, each from three to thirty-nine pages in length, on a number of American insects, using this term in its widest sense, as the ground-spiders and, as a matter of course, the harvest-spiders are included. Some of these have been previously published in various journals, the longest, on the hibernation of Aphides, in ‘‘ Psyche”’ as the annual address of the retiring president of the Cambridge Entomological Club, 14 February, 1896. Over the odd covers of the book, the subjects of Prof. Weed’s studies may be seen crawling in profusion. Dixey, F. A. Mimetic attraction, 1 pl., 36.—Grover, W. At- tractiveness of light, 21.—Hanstein, R.v. E. Wasmann’s Compara- tive Studies on the mental life of ants and higher animals. Freiburg, *97. Naturwissenschaftliche Rundschau, Braunschweig, Sept. 11, ’97.— Packard, A. S.. The number of moults in insects of different orders, §.—Poulton, E. B. Mimicry in butterfiies of the genus Aypolimnas and its bearing on older and more recent theories of mimicry. Science, New York, Oct. 1, ’97; Report of the Hope Professor of Zoology, Ninth Annual Report of the University Museum for 1896. Oxford, ’97. Economic Entomology.—Kirk!and, A. H.. The ninth annual meeting of the association of Economic Entomologists, Detroit, Mich., Aug. 12th and 13th, 1897, 4.—Quaintance, A. L. Some strawberry insects’ Bulletin 42, Florida Agric. Exper. Station, Lake City, Fla., Aug., ’97-—Webster, F. M. The San José scale in Ohio, figs. Bulletin 81, Ohio Agric. Exper. Station, Wooster, O., July, ’97. Arachnida.—Cambridge, F. O. P. Arachnida Araneidea vol. ii, pp. 1-8, 15, pt. cxxxvi—_Cambridge, O. P. Arachnida-Araneidea, 228 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [November, vol. i, pls. xxvi, xxvii, 15, pt. cxxxvii—Henshaw, S. Bibliographical notes, viii. Biologia Centrali-Americana, Arachnida Acaridea by Otto Stoll, 1886-93, 56.—Piersig, R. Deutschlands Hydrachniden ii, g pls. Stuttgart, E. Nagele, 1897.—Trouessart, E. L. The acarine of the sugar wines of the south, figs. La Nature, Paris, Sept. 14, ’97. Orthoptera.—A plin, O. V.. See Hemiptera.—Burr, M. On new species of Forficularia, 11.—de Saussure, H. Orthoptera,* pp. 257- 288, pl. xiv, 15, pt. cxxxv; pp. 289-304, pl. xv—with A. Pictet, 15, pt. CXXXVI. Neuroptera.—Calvert, P. P. [Note on Lesées virgo Hag. MS.], 6.—Blandford, W. F. H. The social system of Termites. Nature, London, Sept. 30, ’97. Hemiptera.—A plin, O. V. Stridulation of Cicadidze and Orthop- tera, Zoologist, London, Sept. 15, ’97.—Fowler, W. W. Rhynchota Homoptera,* vol. ii, pp. 169-184, pl. xi, 15, pt. cxxxv; pp. 185-200, 15, pt. cxxxvi.—Goding, F. W. Ledra perdita vs. Centruchus Liebeckii, 4.—Kirkaldy, G. W. Synonymic notes on aquatic Rhynchota, 9,— Maskell, W. M. Ona collection of Coccidz, principally from China and Japan. Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, London, Oct., ’97.— Webster, F. M. Brood xv of Cicada septendecim in Ohio, 1 pl., 4. Coleoptera.—Blackburn, T. Revision of the genus Paropsts. Proceedings’, Linnean Society, New South Wales, ’96, pt. iv. Sydney, May 31, ’97.—Blandford, W. F..H. Coleoptera, vol. iv, pt. 6, pp. 145-152, 15, pt. cxxxvi.—Champion, G. C. Coleoptera,* vol. iii, pt. I, pp. 625-656, 15, pt. cxxxv; pp. i-xvi, 657-690, pl. xxvii, 15, pt. cxxxvi; A list of the Phytophagous Coleoptera obtained by Mr. H. H. Smith at St. Vincent, Grenada and the Grenadines: Hispide and Cassidide, 36 3 On the serricorn Coleoptera of St. Vincent, Grenada and the Grenadines, 36.—Cockerell, T. D. A. Biological notes on some Coleoptera from New Mexico, 6.—Fall, H. C. A list of the Coleoptera of the southern Californian islands, with notes and descriptions of new species,* _ 4.—Gorham, H. S. Coleoptera,* vol. vii, pp. 233-240, pl. xii, 15, pt. cxxxv; pl. xiii, 15, pt. cxxxvi—Hayward, R. Preliminary hand- book of the Coleoptera of northeastern America [Bembidium], 6.— Horn, W. The Mexican Cicindelide,* 45.—Jacoby, M. A list of the phytophagous Coleoptera obtained by Mr. H. H. Smith at St. Vincent, Grenada, and the Grenadines, with descriptions of new species: Crio- ceridee—Galerucidz,* 363 Descriptions of some new species of Clythridz and Eumolpide, 9.—Kraatz, G. Tvrichotarsus new Cetonid genus based on Jschnoscelis Westw., 46.—Oertzen, F. v. Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Anomalipus, 45.—Reitter, E.—On some species of Caradbus, their classification and systematic specific groups, 45; New revision of the European species of the Coleopterous genus Plinthus Germ., 45. Diptera.—Coquillett, D. W. Revision of the Tachinide of America north of Mexico.* U. S. Dept. Agriculture Division of Ento~ ¥ ae i fae: ES 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 229 mology, Technical Series No. 7, Oct. 2,’97.—Patton, W. H. A prin- ciple to observe in naming galls; two new gall-making Diptera,* 4.— Townsend, C. H. T. Contributions from the New Mexico Biological Station, ii (cont.), On a collection of Diptera from the lowlands of the Rio Nautla, in the State of Vera Cruz ii,* 11; Diptera of the Organ Mountains in southern New Mexico—i, 6.—Vosseler, J. On the life- history of the ‘stechmiicken’; On a rare infectious disease among flies, figs. Jahreshefte d. Vereins fiir vaterlandische Naturkunde in Wiirttem- berg. Stuttgart, lili, °97—Wheeler, W. M. A genus of maritime Dolichopodidz new to America,* 1 pl. Proceedings, California Academy of Sciences, (3) Zoology I, No. 4. San Francisco, July ro, ’97. _ Lepidoptera.—Anon. Hepialus quadriguttatus Grote, 4.—Chap- man, T. A. Notes on the pupa of Oefa floridana, 1 pl., with note by H. G. Dyar, 63 Notes on Charaxes Jasius ; its life-history, protective resemblance, etc., with some observations on moulting and pupation, 21.—Cockerell, T. D. A. The larva of Gdosia, 5.—Druce, H. Lepidoptera Heterocera,* vol. ii, pp. 393-408, pls. Ixxvi, Ixxvii, 15, pt. cxxxv; pl. Ixxviii, 15, pt. cxxxvi; Descriptions of some new species of Heterocera from tropical America, 11.—Dyar, H. G. On the white Eucleidz and the larva of Calyébia slossonig (Packard), t pl., 6; A com- parative study of seven young Arctians, 2 pls., 6; Life-history of Pyro- morpha dimidiata, 5.—Fruhstorfer, H. New butterflies from South America, 41.—Genthe, K. W. The mouth-parts of the Microlepid- optera, 3 pls. Zoologische Jahrbiicher (Abtheil. f. Systematik), x, 4. Jena, Sept. 15. ’97.—Grote, A. R. Photographic reproduction of the wing-veins of butterflies, 1 pl. Extract from Illustrierten Wochenschrift fiir Entomologie (J. Neumann, Neudamm) ii, No. 38.—Poulton, E. B. See General Works.—Romanoff, N. M. (Grand-duke Nicholas) (editor). Mémoires sur les Lepidopteres, Tome ix. St. Petersburg, ’97; 14 col. pls. Six papers by S. Alphéraky ard one by O. Herz on North-Asiatic forms.—Scudder, S. H. The chrysalis of Feniseca tar- guinius, 1 pl., &—Ule, E. Symbiosis between Asclepias curassavica and a butterfly [Dazais euripus] with a contribution on that between ants and Cecropia. Berichte der deutschen botanischen Gesellschaft xv, 7. Berlin, Sept. 7, ’97. Hymenoptera.—Ashmead, W. H. Descriptions of two new fos- sorial wasps,* 56.—Forel, A. Some Formicidz of the Antille Grenada © collected by Mr. H. H. Smith,* 36.—MacGillivray, A. D. New species of Tenthredo,* 6.—Packard, A. S. Notes on the Transfor- mations of higher Hymenoptera, iii, figs., 6.—Patton, W. H. TZyy- reopus advenus (Sm.) Pack., a protector of the army worm, 4.—Stadel- mann, H. Remarks on Dalla-Torre’s Fossores-Catalogue, 41. 230 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ November, Doings of Societies. A meeting of the Entomological Section of the Academy of Natural Sciences was held May 27, 1897, Mr. W. J. Fox presid- ing. Mr. S. T. Kemp presented to the collection of the Amer- ican Entomological Society four specimens of Casnonia ludovi- ciana. Mr. Laurent stated that two years ago he had reported the capture of Crioceris 12-punctata at Holmesburg, Pa., which he believed was the first report of its capture in the State. He had looked for the species around Mt. Airy, Phila., last year, but had not observed it. May 23d of this year he had found it at Mt. Airy in large numbers. The speaker requested field workers to look out for this insect as it will be of interest to watch the spread of the species. Dr. Castle reported Crioceris 12-punctata from Lancaster. Dr. Calvert exhibited some dragon- flies brought in by members and two species caught by himself which are not new to the neighborhood, but the dates of capture are earlier than usual. The species were Didymops transversa one & Woodbury, N. J., April 29, fourteen days earlier (S. T. Kemp); Lzbellula exusta & 9 Clementon, N. J., May 16, nine- teen days earlier (C. W. Johnson) ; Plathemis trimaculata one . %&, Woodbury, N. J., May 7, ten days earlier (S. T. Kemp); Tetragoneura cynosura one %& May 20, one 9 May 22, Ridley Tws. ten days earlier (P. P. Calvert). ° Mr. Liebeck exhibited three species of Coleoptera which are rare in this locality and the peculiarities of the species were ~ pointed out—they were Aelasts pectinicornis, Dendrophilus punc- tulatus and Plesoma punctata. A species of Hymenoptera was also taken while looking for Bruchus on the wild hibiscus. Holes were noticed some eight inches from the bottom and occupied the pith. The species proved to be Crabro paucimaculata. Mr. Fox said such was the usual habit of these wasps when nesting. Dr. Skinner mentioned some interesting species of Lepidoptera new to our fauna—they were Pieris ochsenheimeri from Alaska, and Anea troglodyta and Thecla martialis from Biscayne Bay, Florida, the last two were captured by Mrs. A. T. Slosson. Mrs. Slosson also caught unica tatila H.-S. at same place. Mr. C. W. Johnson spoke of the abundance of Syrphidz on the flowers of sand myrtle (Letophyllum buxtfolium) at Clemen- ‘ — 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. ~ Smee ton, N. J., May to and 16. Certa abbreviata, Xanthogramma equalis, Spilomyia hamifera (caught by Chas. T. Greene) and sp. were collected for the first time in this section. Sphecomyia vittata, Xylota bicolor, Somalus decorus, Criorhina analis and C. umbraiilis before collected by the speaker at Edge Hill, Mont- gomery County, Pa., were also taken, the latter species being quite common. A specimen of Vespa carolina was also captured in the flowers. Mr. Hornig reported the capture of Cicindela consentanea from Atco, N. J.; also Améblyscirtes vialis from Clem- enton, N. J., on May 15. Mr. Frank R. Mason was elected an Associate of the Section. Dr. HENRY SKINNER, Recorder. PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 12, 1897.—A stated meeting of the Feld- man Collecting Social was held at the residence of Mr. H. W. Wenzel, 1509 S. 13th Street. The following correction was made in relation to a previous communication : **Mr. Wenzel remarked that nearly all of the species belong- . ing to the group of Dysonycha politula were more or less red when alive, but would fade into yellow in the course of time.”’ A written acknowledgement of the fifteen boxes of Coleoptera comprising the local collection of Pennsylvania and New Jersey presented to the Academy of Natural Sciences by the Social on June 22, 1897, was read ; the same being dated Oct. 5, 1897, signed Benjamin Sharp, Corresponding Secretary. Prof. Smith exhibited some very good photographs of the peach-borer, Sanzzina exitiosa, and the pear-borer, Sesta pyri. Continuing, Prof. Smith read and discussed an article published in ‘‘ The Literary Digest’ entitled, ‘‘ How Flies walk on the Ceiling.’’ In it is stated that in old text-books we are told that flies are enabled to walk on the ceiling by means of ‘‘ suckers’’ on their feet. This and some later explanations it states are dis- cussed by G. H. Dierhold, in ‘‘ Our Animal Friends’’ (Septem- ber). Some of the theories advanced were: first, that each little fly foot is a miniature air pump; second, that flies stick to glass by means of a viscous fluid substance which exudes from the hairs with which the foot cushion is covered; and thirdly, that what is now considered the true theory of the walking of flies on _ smooth substances is, that they hang on by the help of capillary adhesion—the molecular attraction between solid and liquid 232 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ November, bodies. The professor in concluding stated that in his opinion he believes it to be purely a mechanical act. Mr. Fox exhibited a specimen of Vespa crabro, an introduced European species, taken at Anglesea, N. J., by Mr. John Stur- mer; the speaker stated that while it is quite common in the northern part of New Jersey it is quite rare in this locality, this being the second specimen the speaker has seen from so far south. Mr. Laurent exhibited a collection of Lepidoptera taken by Mr. Wenzel at North Mountain, Pa., also Coleoptera and Le- pidoptera taken at King and Bartlett Lake, Me., by Dr. Hughes. He also exhibited photographs of Dorcaschema wildii Uh. and Dorcaschema alternatum Say, showing their destructive work on osage orange; also Goes pulverulenta on the beech, and Cryp- torhynchus lapathi on the willow. Dr. Skinner exhibited specimens of Mermiria bivittata found at Cape May, N. J. They wonderfully mimic their surroundings, and to such an extent as to make it almost impossible to see them when they drop in the herbage. Mr. H. W. Wenzel read the following list of Scolytidz taken at North Mountain, Pa., by Mr. Johnson and himself. Xylo-_ terus scabricollis, Xyleborus celatus, Tomicus cacographus, Den- droctonus rufipennis, Crypturgus atomus and two unknown spe- cies. The first species was found poring into hemlock and the last six in spruce. Mr. Johnson spoke of the recent work of Mr. D. W. Coqaky lett, ‘‘ Revision of the Tachinidae of North America.’’ This valuable publication being the first systematic work on this diffi- cult family in this country. Some idea of the fireat reduction of generic and specific names may be derived from the following figures: about 575 species are recorded, of which 318 are recog- nized (92 being new) and 11 remain doubtful. Of the 255 genera recorded, 125 are recognized (12 being new). THEO. H. SCHMITZ, Secretary. ENTOMOLOGICAL News for October was mailed October 1, 1897. OO on . y ———— | | | | | Ent. News, Vol. VIII. Pl. Xe THE PEACH BORER: Sanninoidea exitiosa (% and 9) Say. - a cw S =~ ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS 2 Seni OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION, _ ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA. VOL. VIII. DECEMBER, 1897. No. ro. CON TENTS: Smith—The peach borer.............. B23" |. TEAM OTIN e's oon 3b 5 a sign ies su sn/sn eestor 245 Cockerell—Physiological species. ..... 234 | Economic Entomology ..............+. 248 Skianer—A new species of Debis. .... 236 |} Notes arid, News < .'3....022:.ceseaceaes 250 Slosson—Additional list of insects, etc. 237 | Entomological Literature. ............ 251 Ottolengui—Types in the Neumoegen | Doings of Societies. ..........c.2ec-ces 254 RUMORRIOMNS 3605 050s tis cece evasssteee 240 THE PEACH BORER: Sanninotdea exitiosa Say. By Joun B. Situ, Sc.D. The following brief life-history of this insect may be given as a complement to the illustrations on Plate XI, which show the sexes considerably enlarged. In New Jersey the hibernating larve become mature from about the middle of May to the middle of August, and begin the formation of a cocoon after resting a day or two without feeding. The cocoon is made of chips of bark, gum and excrement, held together and lined inside with silk. It takes two days to make it, and the larva remains in the cocoon unchanged for three days at least, probably five. About twenty days thereafter the adults emerge. In the laboratory the periods of emergence have ranged from 21 to 30 days, though more between 25 and 28 than any other period. This is the time from the beginning of the cocoon to the emergence of the moth. The first adults were seen in Jamaica, Long Island, June 25th, though a few,empty pupa cases were found at that time showing that some had come out before. No moths emerged in New Io 234 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. { December, Jersey until the very last days of June so far as my observations extended, and in the laboratory they continued to emerge from cocoons collected at Jamaica, L. I., Cologne, Atlantic County, N. J., and Woodbine, Cape May County, N. J., until Sept. ist. The moths copulate soon after emergence from the pupa, which usually occurs before 8 A. M., and before 11 A. M. the female is ready to oviposit. Eggs are laid anywhere on the trunk, and even on the lower branches and placed singly or in groups on bare bark or in crevices as may happen. If fertilization does not occur within 24 hours the females lay their eggs unfertilized to get rid of them. I have found 500 fully developed brown eggs—z. e., chitinized—in a female two hours from the pupa and fully 100 white or immature eggs; 600 eggs is, therefore, a pos- sible number from a single female, though I believe that only those eggs that are fully developed when the 9 emerges are laid. This means between 45 and 500 according to my observa- tions. I have no direct observations on the length of the egg stage. Mr. J. V. D. Walker makes it 10 days from his field notes. Dr. L. O. Howard says 7 or 8 days from their records at Washington. The truth is probably between the extremes given. The danger period in New Jersey during which trees need protection from borers is between June 2oth, better 15th, to Sep- tember 15th, better 30th.. In Canada the period of emergence is in July, but the moths fly throughout October, hence protec- tion must continue until frost. ray PHYSIOLOGICAL SPECIES. By T. D. A. COCKERELL. The editors ask for a short account of ‘‘ physiological species,” and while I have nothing new to say on the subject at the present time, it may not be amiss to offer a definition of the phrase. . It is assumed, on Darwinian grounds, that the vazson d’ etre of species is that they severally occupy different places in the $cheme of nature and that the essential specific characters all have, or have had, some utility to the organism, or are, or have been correlated with those possessing utility. It does not follow that a new specific character need be superior to an old one which it replaces, provided that it enables the organism to occupy a vacant — += ! | ae a am _e ue - ————EE— eee -. ; 4 fo 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 235 place in nature Thus, certain lizards which live on the white sands (great beds of gypsum) in New Mexico have assumed a white color, which is doubtless protective. Similar lizards on the adjacent sandy plains are pale brownish, which color is there equally protective. Whiteness is not inherently superior to brownness, but each has its advantages under certain conditions, and the whiteness of the white lizards enables them to occupy a territory not well suited for the brown ones. But there are many characters on which the life of a species depends other than those of color and form, which are visible in preserved examples. The ability to subsist on particular kinds of food, to endure extremes of heat or cold, of drought or moisture, to escape the ravages of various diseases, cunning or swiftness to avoid particular ene- mies, the peculiarity of appearing at a particular season of the year. etc.; all these powerfully affect the survival of the organism, and therefore may become as true ‘‘ specific characters’’ as any of those usually employed for purposes of diagnosis. On theoretical grounds it does not appear necessary that all distinct species should possess distinctive marks visible in pre- served specimens. Most of them do possess such marks, for reasons which need not now be discussed; but we might expect to find some—perhaps many—lacking them, or only to be dis- tinguished by very obscure characters. As a matter of fact, there are many such cases, and it is to these I have applied the term physiological species. Strictly speaking, all species are physio- logical species, but the phrase, as applied to this particular class of cases, is sufficiently suggestive and accurate. Entomologists should be on the lookout for physiological spe- cies. They may differ in the time of appearance—as the 13-year Cicada, or in the food-habits, as the Jamaican Aspidiotus aurantit which never infests the orange; or in the host, as certain bird- lice; or in the voice—such cases are well known, at least among birds ; or even in the odor or power of resisting a particular disease. It may be asked, how are we to be assured that such forms are species? We may be so assured, I take it, if they are found to live perfectly independent lives, never intermingling—that is, the tests of specific validity are the same as in ordinary cases. As a matter of fact, we may expect to find all sorts of gradations between physiologically distinguished individuals, physiological etiam > ae 236 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ December, races and physiological species, just as between similar morpho- logical units. Just when there is a sufficiently distinct break in the continuity of a series to divide it into separate species is in neither case always easy to decide. oD A NEW SPECIES OF DEBIS. By HENRY SKINNER, M.D. Debis creola n. sp. ¢'.—Expands 2% inches. Upperside: Primaries dark fawn color, with five black dots extending across the wing parallel to the outer margin; the second and fifth spots are small. Secondaries have five black spots surrounded by a lighter shade. Underside: Prima- ries as in Debis portlandia, but darker in color and with five distinct ocellate spots. Secondaries similar to port/andia. The female presents the usual sexual difference seen in the genus; it differs from portlandia in having more of the lighter shade on the wings around the spots and the spots on the secondaries are more nearly equal in size than in the allied species. This species may be distinguished from fortlandia as follows: It is a larger and darker species; the apices of the wings are more produced ; the spots on the primaries are not surrounded by a lighter shade; they are more distinct, and the first, third and fourth equal in size and the other two are small; transverse lines are wanting; in the cells (excepting the discoidal) accompanying the veins are broad, furry, fuscous patches, connected inwardly, open outwardly, leaving sagittate spaces of the lighter color of wing in the middle of each cell; the spots on secon- daries are more nearly equal in size; undersides of wings darker and more of a purple color; there are five distinct ocelli on primaries beneath. This is probably what Dr. Strecker described as aberrationa@ | in his catalogue (1878). Dr. A. G. Butler has recognized this species and says there are specimens in the British Museum from — the Godman and Salvin collection, and that the great develop- ment of the male sexual patch seemed to him of specific impor- tance. My specimens were kindly sent to me by Mr. G. R. Pilate, who captured them at Opelousas, La., on July 3d, present year. Dr. Strecker’s specimen came from Texas. OcToBER 15th was an unusually warm and quiet Autumn day and called forth many insects from their retreats. At sunset I stationed myself near a barn to capture the insects flying at twilight. To my surprise the com- monest species proved to be one of the Forficulide, Labia minor. Ina short time thirty-five specimens were taken, when darkness cut short the sport. As these insects are considered rare in this part of the country I thought this worth putting on record as-it gives a clue to their habits.— FREDERICK KNAB, Chicopee, Mass. 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 237 ADDITIONAL LIST OF INSECTS TAKEN IN ALPINE REGION OF MT. WASHINGTON. By ANNIE TRUMBULL SLOSSON. The following list of insects I have captured, in 1897, on Mt. Washington is the fifth I have published. Among these are many new species, and at least one The five lists include over 1300 species, all taken names. new genus. It contains over 200 on or near the summit of the mountain and at or above 55c0 feet altitude. Let me again acknowledge, with thanks, the great assistance cheerfully rendered me by Messrs. Liebeck, Coquillett, Ashmead, Fox, MacGillivray, Van Duzee, Banks and others. HYMENOPTERA. Tenthredinidz. Xiphydria tibialis Say. Tenthredopsis semilutea /Vor7. Macrophya n. sp. Pamphilius n. sp. Acordulocera sayi J/acG. n. sp. Tenthredo subrufescens Kirby. Rhogogastera evansii Harvey. Poecilosoma sp. Gymnonychus appendiculatus Hart Amauronematus fulvipes oré. = anniea MacG. n. [sp. Cynipidz. Diastrophus nebulosus O. .S. Hexaplasta anne Ashm. n. sp. Andricus sp. Chalcidide. Smicra torvina C™. Tetrastichus sp. “ce “ce Braconide. Habrobracon hebetor Say. Chremylus terminalis Ashm. Amicoplus crambi Ashm. Apanteles atalantz Pack. of notodonte Ashm. [sp. Neoblacus rufipes Ashm. n. gen. n. Mesocrina flaviventris Ashm. n. sp. Ichneumonide. Ichneumon signatipes C7. Exochilum nigrovenarium Arud/e. Mesochorus vitreus Wadsh. - aprilinus Ashm. Proedrus delicatus Ashm. n. sp. Pyracmon clypeatum Ashm. Leptopygus monticola Ashm. Isotina tibialis Ashme. Aperilaptus parvus Ashm. Homaspis slossonz Ashm. Hypoleptus columbianus Askm. if monticola Ashm. n. sp. Phznosemus alticola Ashm. n. sp. Cryptus exilis Prov. Asyncrita compressa Ashm. Hemiteles longicornis Prov. Phygadeuon alticola Ashm. n. sp. of alacris. Prov. sy vulgaris Cr. Orthocentrus carinatus Prov. [n. s. Trachyporthus americanus Ashm. Proctotrypidz. Proctotrypes monticola Ashm. Anectata hirtifrons Ashm. [n. sp. Zygota americana Ashm. Aneurhynchus virginicus Ashm. Chrysidide. Chrysis nitidula 7aé. Pemphredonide. Pemphredon angularis Fox. 238 Eumenide. Odynerus albophaleratus Sawss. _ 2 sp. (near cristatus Sazss.) COLEOPTERA. Carabide. Loricera czerulescens Linn, Pterostichus luctuosus De7. Amara angustata Say. Lebia viridis Say. Dytiscide. Hydroporus tristis Pays. fi latifrons Sharp. Agabus ambiguus Say. Hydrophilide. Helophorus lineatus Say. Cercyon hemorrhoidalis Fad. Staphylinide. Stenus punctatus Zr. ‘* femoratus Say. Phalacride. . Olibrus neglectus Casey. Coccinellide. Coccinella monticola A/u/s. Hyperaspis signata Oliv. his undulata Say. Endomychide. Mycetina perpulchra Newm. Erotylide. Mycotretus dissimulata C. Cryptophagide. Antherophagus ochraceus Jedsh, Histeride. Hister cognatus Lec. ? Nitidulide. Cercus pennatus Murr. Latridiide. Corticaria grossa Lec. Trogositide. Peltis ferruginea Liz. — Calitys scabra Thund. Byrrhide. Byrrhus kirbyi Zec. ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [December, Elateride. Cryptohypnus var. lucidulus Mann. Melanotus leonardi Lec. Campylus productus Rand. Corymbites nigricollis Bland. af hamatus Say. Throscide. Throscus constrictor Say. Buprestidz. Anthaxia viridifrons Zaz. Agrilus otiosus Say. Lampyride. Pyropyga fenestralis Je/sh. Pyractomena lucifera A/e/sh. Telephorus bilineatus Say. Malachide. ; Attalus terminalis £7. Ptinide. Czenocara intermedia Lec. Scarabzide. Onthophagus pennsylvanicus Har. a. Aphodius hyperboreus Lec. ; “ vittatus Say. e rubripennis Horn. Serica sericea ///. Trichius affinis Gory. ° Cerambycide. nie Neoclytus erythrocephalus Faé. Anthophilax malachiticus Ha/d. Acmezops pratensis Laich. Chrysomelide. Lina lapponica Zinm. Crepidodera robusta Lec. Melandryidez. Phryganophilus collaris Lec. i Pythide. Pytho americanus Airy. Mordellide. < Mordellistena morula Zec. vse Rhinomaceride. ao Rhinomacer pilosus Lec. i Curculionide. in Pissodes dubius Rand. ; Magdalis sp. a) ae a . 4 * ae CE, LEN, eras a aw ru. a) eee ee aa ee N Sg yaa + - 4 ™ 1897.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. Magdalis sp. Elleschus bipunctatus Zin. Orchestes ephippiatus Say. Cnemogonus lecontei Diefz. Ceutorhynchus decipiens Zec. Balaninus nasicus Say. DIPTERA. Platyura elegans Cog. Polylepta grisea Wa/k. Dynastosoma scalaris Zw. Mycetophila bifasciata Wa/é. BA bipunctata Zw. n. sp. Sciara inconstans Fitch. Simulium meridionale Riley. Hesperinus brevifrons Wad. Scatopse brevicornis Meig. Culex impiger Wa/k. Chironomus festivus Say. * riparius JZeig. n. sp. ? Tanypus decedens Wad. $ concinnus Cog. Nn. sp. ? Ceratopogon sp. Psychoda alternata Say. Erioptera armata O. .S. Symplectra punctipennis Mezg. Limnophila areolata O. .S. Trichocera gracilis Walk. Tipula cincta Zw. “fragilis Zw. Pachyrrhina ferruginea Faé. Leptis incisa Zw. Asilus annulatus W77/s¢. Dasyllis sacrator Walk. Thereva strigipes Zw. Empis levigata Lw. Microphorus? sp. ? Rhamphomyia longipennis Zw. bed rustica Zw. n. sp. n. sp. Cyrtoma longipes Zw.. “ pilipes Zw. ae aa ae ac “ec Tachydromia rapax Zw. Diaphorus n. sp. ? Xanthochlorus helvinus Zw. Chilosia petulea Wid/st. Melanostoma obscurum Say. Platychirus ciliatus Bigof. _ Syrphus arcuatus Fad/. “« disjectus W27/sé. ot SPS Didea fuscipes Zw. Brachyopa notata O. S. Sericomyia chrysotoxoides Macq. Myopa clausa Zw. Pipunculus n. sp. C n. sp. Nephrocerus* n. sp. Platypeza velutina Zw. Exorista grisiomicans V. d@. W. Hypostena variabilis Cog. Thryptocera flavipes (og. Rhynchodexia rufipennis A/acg. Ptilodexia tibialis Desv. Helicobia helicis 7own. Lucilia cornicina Faé. Anthomyia latitarsis Ze¢t. Pegomyia vicina Ziwt. Lispa sociabilis Zw. Anthomyid n. gen. ? n. sp. ? Phorbia acra Wadk. " Nn. sp. Cordylura carbonaria Wa/k. Zs gracilipes Zw. pleuritica Zw. Scatophaga squalida Meig. zr canadensis Wa/s. Blepharoptera leucostoma Zw. Tetanocera sparsa Zw. if n. sp. Sepedon pusilius Zw. Loxocera pectoralis Zw. Psila collaris Zw. Psairoptera* n. sp. Sapromyza cincta Zw. Heteroneura flavifascies Cog. - pictipes* Ze?z. * * Not before recognized from America,” D. W. Coquillett. 239 240 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [December, Stenocranus lautus Van D. Cicadula punctifrons var. ameri- Sepsis violacea Meig. Anthomyza tenuis Zw. Stegana coleoptrata Scop. {cana Van D. Drosophila graminum Fa//. Crassiseta longula Zw. NEUROPTERA. Oscinis trigramma Zw. Borborus geniculatus Macg. Phora minuta Add. HEMIPTERA. Heteroptera. Zicrona cuprea Dadas. Pilophorus amcemus UA/. Homoptera. Cixius coloepium /izch. Hemerobius sp. Nemoura venosa P&s. Psocus striatus Burm. ORTHOPTERA. Melanoplus extremus. ARACHNIDEA. Ergane borealis BZ£. Cornicularia directa Camé. Philodroma rufus Wadsh. Oo TYPES IN THE NEUMOEGEN COLLECTION. WITH A FEW NOTES THEREON. By Dr. RopRIGUES OTTOLENGUI.* (Continued from vol. vii, p. 230.) Omia nes@@ 2 Smith. Utah. In Mr. Neumoegen’s notes both the genus and the species are credited to Smith. No mention of either appears in Smith’s Check List nor his Catalogue of Noctuide. In the latter on page 284, Omza is alluded to as a synonym. I cannot clear up this mystery, not knowing where the description of the species was published. Schinia tenuescens 3\ (2) Grt. Colorado. Type label reads Lygranthecia tenuescens. Schinia biundulata 9 Smith. Texas. Schinia arefacta 2 Hy. Edw. Florida. Type label reads Zamzlla arefacta. Schinia unimacula 9 Smith. Colorado, Bruce. Schinia obliqua 3§ (3') Smith. Locality label missing. Habitat in Arizona. * When this work was begun it was undertaken with little realization of the time which would be required. After the first instalment had been prepared the collection was moved from New York city to Brooklyn, where it now is deposited in the museum of the Brook- lyn Institute awaiting a purchaser. This has necessitated special trips to that city for each instalment and must account for lapse of time between each. Asan example of the — work involved it may not be amiss to mention that the present instalment is the result of eleven hours spent examining the types, besides the time occupied in writing, etc. This concludes the Noctuids, but there are still the Geometers and foreign species to be enu- merated. Previous instalments of this article may be found on pages 216-220, vol. vi; also 227-230, vol. vii. 1 r 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 241 Schinia balba PP Q Grt. Arizona, Doll. Smith’s Check List makes this a synonym of .S. separata Grt. S. separata is present from California. It is larger and quite distinct from S. da/éa. In the Catalogue, however, Smith calls éalba a good species. Schinia carmosina 2 Neum. Florida. Mr. Neumoegen thought there were two forms mixed under the name .S. sanguinea Geyer, and described the more brilliant as carminosa. This, however, is the form which Geyer described, and Mr. Strecker had already named the paler form g/oriosa. C€armosina, therefore, falls into the synonymy, where it will some day probably have the company of Mr. Strecker’s term g/orzosa. The only differences between the two forms seem to be in the higher coloring of the primaries of carmosina and darker secon- daries. The secondaries of Schinia brevis, as will be noted below, vary sufficiently to tempt the ambitious into descriptions of varie- ties. Schinia petulans 3 Hy. Edwards. Florida. Described as an Anthecia. Schinia crenilinea 2 Smith. Texas. Schinia bicuspida 2 Smith.. Texas. Schinia constricta § Hy. Edwards. North Carolina. Described as a Ligranthecia. Schinia concinna J Smith. Texas. This may prove to be but a form of the very variasle S. drevis. © Mr. Doll has recently taken a number of fine specimens of 5S. érevis in New York, and the variation is quite remarkable. Grote’s variety of drevis, atrites is probably only the female form. The males show yellow at the base of secondaries, the females often being entirely black. Dasypoudea lucens var. luxuriosa 2 Grt. Montana. Merely a very brilliantly red specimen, as the name implies. Melaporphyria belladona 32 Hy. Edwards. Utah. The published description calls this a Me/icleptria, but the type label in Edwards’s handwriting reads ‘‘ Pseudanarta n. g., bel- Zadona n. sp.’’ Smith’s location of the’species seems undoubt- edly correct. Melicleptria honesta J Grt. Oregon. An exactly similar specimen is in the collection labeled v7/losa. Not having the description of vz//osa at hand, when examining 242 : ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. the specimens, I could not compare them. It would seem, ever, that Mr. Neumoegen thought the two to be synony as he has them side by side with differing labels. — a Melicleptria septentrionalis 3 (Q) Hy. Edwards. British Columbia. Mr. Neumoegen’s notes call this a synonym of Onon?s. ” Helivphana obliquata 33 Q Smith. Texas. a Smith's Catalogue calls this a synonym of mdfis Grt. Xanthotrix neumoegeni 39 Hy. Edwards. Washington Territory. Acontia expolita 2 Grt. Arizona. “4 Type label reads 7arrache expolita. _ Acontia tenuicola 2. (2) Morr. Azenia implora § Grt. Arizona, Doll. Azenia edentata § Grt. Arizona, Doll. aH Se clauda 3 2 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Xanthoptera clausula 3 Grt. Arizona, Doll. ates seems to be no difference between this and semi except that it is smaller. Spragueia magnifica 3 Grt. Arizona, Doll. “Spragueia inorata J Grt. Texas. Smith declares this to be a synonym of 5S. tortricina Zel Prothyma plana 3 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Cullopistria strena 3 QQ Grt. Florida. Erastria flaviguttata 3 Grt. Texas. Erastria distincta 2 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Erastria propera 3 2 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Thalpochares fortunata $ Grt. (no lacality label). Thalpochares perita J Grt. (no locality label). Both of these are from Arizona. Tripudia flavofasciata SS (") Grt. This specimen is the type of Hy! Edwards’s Oribates vers. a synonym. Tripudia basicinerea % Grt. eons Doll. Tripudia lixiva 3 Grt. ‘Arizona, Doll. These may be synonymous. Thet. a. line is wider in otherwise it corresponds with dasicinerea. Metoponia macula 33 QQ Smith. New Mexico. There seems to be some confusion here. Mr. Neur leaves a note questioning whether this is a synonym of nanata Neum. In Smith's Catalogue he credits the type nanata to the Neumoegen collection, but not only is thet ‘‘type’’ of zanata present, but there is not even a rep A> Ke Pune Tes , te o a 1897. ] , ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 243 of the species in the collection. In the original published de- scription the type of zamaza is credited to the collection of Prof. Snow. It is significant that both species should have been de- scribed from specimens captured at Las Vegas, New Mex. Drasteria distincta J¥ QQ Neum. British Columbia. This is a variety of crassiuscula Wood. Synedoida cervina Q Hy. Edwards. Arizona. Synedoida inepta 2 Hy. Edwards. Colorado. Synedoida scrupulosa § Hy. Edwards. California. Synedoida insperata S Grt. Arizona, Doll. Synedoida mucronata J Grt. Arizona, Doll. Synedoida egrota 2 2 Hy. Edwards. Arizona, Doll. These are most probably the females of A/elipotis perleta, the types of which, two males, are also present. These insects, though described two years apart, were taken at the same time, flying in company, by Mr. Doll. In Smith’s Check List, and again in his Catalogue the name is wrongly written egrotata. Synedoida morbosa 5 Sf 2 (2) Hy. Edwards. Arizona, Doll. Synedoida valens 3 Hy. Edwards. California. This may prove to be a synonym of zzsperata Grt., or vice versa, as it was described first. Synedoida sabulosa 2 2 Hy. Edwards. Arizona, Doll. Synedoida punctella 2 Grt. Arizona, Doll. This is omitted from Smith’s List, and there is no reference to the name in his Catalogue. It seems to be synonymous with a specimen in the collection labeled 7Zenitvcampa vegeta Morr., a specimen which Prof. Smith thinks is not a 7eniocampa at all. Evidently there is a snarl here to be straightened out. Syneda athabasca 3 S$ Q Neum. British Columbia. Syneda occulta 2 Hy. Edwards. Texas. Syneda seposita § Hy. Edwards. Syneda perplexa 3 Hy. Edwards. Arizona, Doll. Cirrhobolina perfecta § Hy. Edwards. Arizona, Doll. Cirrhobolina mexicana var. vulpina 2.2 2 Hy. Edwards. Doll. Here again, apparently, we have insects taken at the same time and place, described by Mr. Edwards under two names, one for each sex. If this view is correct, the first name falls into the synonymy as mexicana long antedated perfecta. Melipotis perlata § J Hy. Edwards. Doll. Melipotis tenella Hy. Edwards; 3‘ Texas and 2 Colorado. Doll. Catocala amica var. nerissa 3. 3f\ Hy. Edwards. Catocala olivia J Hy. Edwards. Texas. 244 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [December, Catocala chelidonia 32 2 (3) Grt. Arizona, Doll. Catocala micronympha var. 2 timandra Hy. Edwards. Texas. This is scarcely worthy of a name. Catocala andromache 3 Hy. Edwards. North Carolina. Beautiful and very distinct. Catocala ophelia § 2 Hy. Edwards. California. This is declared to be synonym of verriliana in Smith’s List and Catalogue, but really appears to be a distinct species with violenta for a variety. Ophelia is larger than verriliana and has carmine secondaries, whereas verri/iana and its variety votiva have orange-red secondaries respectively. Catocala ophelia var. violenta 3\3 2 Hy. Edwards. Ariz. and Col., Doll. Catocala delilah var. desdimona J 3 Hy. Edwards. Arizona, Doll. Catocala ultronia var. celia B'S 2 Hy. Edwards. Florida. Catocala mariana var. francesca 2 (3) Hy. Edwards. California. This is scarcely worthy of a name. Catocala virgilia 3 (2) Hy. Edwards. California. This is blacker than zvene Behr., which seems to be a good species, rather than a form of californica. Catocala electilis var. valeria 3 (2) Hy. Edwards. California. Catocala piatrix var. dionyza 3 Hy. Edwards. Arizona, Doll. Phurys ovalis 3 2 Grt. Arizona. Pleonectyptera historialis 8\§ Grt. Arizona, Doll. Pleonectyptera finitima 3 Smith. California. Pleonectyptera subflavidalis 2 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Described as a Megachyta. Trama griseipennis S 2 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Pheocyma umbrina 3 3 2 Grt. Arizona, Morrison. Pheocyma termina 2 Grt. Arizona, Morrison. Yrias clientis 3 2 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Yrias volucris 3 2 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Yrias repentis § Q Grt. Arizona, Doll. Yrias crudelis 3 2 Grt. Arizona, Dol!. FHlomopyralis miserulata 3 Grt. New Mexico. Matigramma rubrosuffusa 3 Q Grt.. Arizona, Doll. Spargaloma punctipennis 2 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Prof. Smith says that Spargaloma Grtt. is antedated, and that the genus must be known either as Hyamia Walk., or possibly Leyna Walk. Litognatha linearis 2 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Prof. Smith says this genus should be Hormisa Walk. Salia rufa 22 Grt. Arizona, Doll. Rivula tripla 3 Q Grt. Arizona, Doll. Prof. Smith says this is not Rzvuda, and probably not a Deltoid. Pseudorgyia russula 3 Grt. Arizona, Doll. ny i met Ped bhi » —— por"? —— — en a 1897. ] 245 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [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 ali papers will be acknowledged.—Eb. PHILADELPHIA, PA., DECEMBER, 1897. NEWSPAPER ENTOMOLOGY. ‘‘T have referred to the Station Bulletin as a conveyance for placing the results of studies and investigations before the public, but there is still another and, what appears to me to be a still better one, viz., the daily and weekly press. Station publica- tions, like all public documents, appear in a most deliberate man- ner, months often elapsing between the time the manuscript is written and the time the printed bulletin appears, and not unfre- quently the conditions which called it into being or the emer- gency which it was expected to meet has come and gone while the nianuscript was yet in the hands of the State printer awaiting a slack time in his office when it could be taken up and published. The daily press can scatter information broadcast over the land within the space of twenty-four hours, and, within a week, place it in the hands of every person who takes even the most isolated weekly paper. But the trouble here is that the condition of the press is such that few people who deal with facts or desire abso- *lutely reliable statements go to the public press to find them. No one unhesitatingly expects either truthfulness or exactness from this source. In fact, the greater the exaggeration the more sensational and flippant an article can be made the more likely it is to appear in the columns of our daily papers and the more widely will it be copied. Even if the author take the precaution to prepare the manuscript in the most careful manner it will likely present itself at his breakfast table the next morning in his 246 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [ December, | favorite paper dressed up and, though with no intent to wrong, yet edited in a way that would cause the ashes of Darwin to be- come restless in their seclusion, while the author would be totally unable to recognize his production. The agricultural press, while affected in this way to far less degree, still offers a wide field for improvement.’’—F. M. WEBSTER. As an illustration of an article from an agricultural journal we present the following, which has the remarkable distinction of not having a single scientific name correct: ‘‘Our fruits when successfully raised are a source of consider- able revenue, and the demand keeps pace with the increased quantity raised. But our fruits are often seriously injured or entirely destroyed by small insects. The currant is a general favorite in all households is often killed by the caterpillar of (Aegeria tipulafarnus) which bores into the pith of the stem, and the foliage is devoured by the caterpillar of (Nemoratus grossu- lasia) and if not killed by the powdered grellbone sprinkled on the leaves, the crop is ruined. The gooseberry is stripped of its leaves by the same greenish worm. The raspberry is often much injured by a little beetle related to the common cockchafer the (Melalanthia horticoly). Ants also are troublesome, destroying the blossoms as well as the aplus. The cherry is injured by a sun fly (Selandria cenasi) or a closely allied species called the slug worm that eats out the parenchynia of the leaves. A beetle the (Rynchites Baccies) bores into the fruit and deposits an egg the grub of which spoils the fruit. The cherry fly provides for the maggot by depositing the egg in the cherry. The plum crop is often ruined by the plum aphis which comes in such vast num- bers as to ruin both leaves and fruit. The (Laccus pessica) with its sucker pumps the sap from the limbs, and the (carpacapra nigricans) and a sun fly (Tonthredo Morio) eat the fruit, and then the Curenlio that little turk of which there are several species are the enemies of all stone fruits, and if not fought with traps jarring and the modern quite effective methods of spraying the whole tree just as it is blossoming and two or three times after at inter- vals of eight or ten days. The pear tree has its aphis and the little beetles (Scolyus pisi Strobi) and also (phylla pivis). They pierce the bark and live on the albumen. The larve of the little moth (Tinea clerkellie) eats out the parenchyme of the leaves. The blossoms are rendered aborative by a grub of the beetle See ee ee OO rr 7 Tt > we TT eee 1897. ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 247 (Anthomus pivi). There is no lack of enemies to shorten the pear crop. ‘* Of all the fruits the apple is the standard and is rarely afflicted, and yet we raise large quantities for export at fairly remunerative prices. The apple grows from the cold regions of the north to the hotter countries of the south,'so that a deficiency of crop in some regions is made up by the heavy bearing in other parts, so that a complete failure never happens. The bark, foliage, heart and fruit have a full quota of enemies to contend against (Carpo- cupsa Weberina) and (Tinea Corticella) pierce the bark and the larve burrows in and destroys the albumen, while the apple aphis and the aphis covered with long cotton like wool, suck the juices ~ of the bark. Then the weevils (Authonomus pomarium) (Ryn- chitis Baccus and Carpocopsa pomonella) eat into the apple and destroy it. The root borers are destructive to young trees the (Hypodenaron dispor) bores to the heart of the tree. The or- chard caterpillar (Chisiocampa neustria and posthesia) appear by the millions and whole orchards are stripped bare of leaves. Beetles belonging to the (Rynahites Baccus, Cunalpies vitis and Hattica aleracea) devour the young shoots, while the aphis and baccus vitis aid in taking the life blood of the vine. The leaves are subject to mildew and the berry to the rot both of which are of fungsid origin. Sometimes grapes are very wormy, the spe- cies unknown to us. Spraying is the best remedy.”’ HERE is a curious note which I found in an old magazine in the smoking- room about cigars. As I have written about.strawberries and apples out here, I hope I may be allowed to borrow from it. The first Spanish col- onists, as everybody knows, brought tobacco from Cuba to Europe, and the Andalusians in the sixteenth century proceeded to cultivate it in their gardens, and to roll the leaves up in Indian fashion. Now these gardens were popularly known as Cigarra/es—i.e., ‘‘places where the locust (cigarra) sings,’’ and as it was a matter of self-satisfaction to grow the best tobacco and to grow your own, a man used to boast Fsée es de mt cigar- rai, ‘‘this is from my own garden,”’ and so came the new word “‘cigar,”’ which has found its way all over the world. Cuba is said to still hold its place as the seat of the best production. Hundreds of millions are made there every year. No country has such a large consumption as the United States. My note says that 75,000 ordinary-sized cigars can be made out of 600 pounds of good tobacco. 248 ENTCMOLOGICAL NEWS. [December, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. Edited by Prof. JOHN B. SMITH, Sc.D., New Brunswick, N. J. Papers for this department are solicited. They should be sent to the editor, Prof. John B. Smith, Sc.D., New Brunswick, N. J. Some Features of Nursery Inspection.—The inspection of nurseries and nursery stock, and certifying to its condition as regarding injurious or destructive insects, is a recent innovation in this country, and certainly a very commendable one. It serves, in a measure at least, to prevent the diffusion of the San José scale, and will probably, in future, have a similar effect in checking the spread of some other insects imported into this country on or with nursery stock. There is also this to be said in its favor: the usefulness of the custom will increase each year, because whatever might be overlooked the first or second year will be sure to be discovered later. It has fallen upon the State and station entomologists, almost without exception, to make these inspections and grant certificates of apparent freedom from San José scale and other insects, the species of these last varying with different States. Generally, a somewhat sweeping and very indefinite statement is added, to the effect that the stock inspected ap- peared free of all other dangerous (sometimes this is made more sweep- ing and the word injurious used) insects or diseases. I believe, however, the law only recognizes directly specified insects or diseases. This certificate is not a scientific document, neither does it deal with scientific investigations, but it is simply a commercial rating of a nursery- man’s goods, and enables him to dispose of his stock without question regarding its condition from an entomological point of view, and so long as it enables him to escape being subjected to delay or loss by reason of State laws, he is not likely to concern himself as to its exactness. With the entomologist the case is different. True, he does not say that no San José scale is present, only that he did not discover any. - There is a traditional saying with respect to searching for a needle in a haymow, and while, if the objects in the case were needles and haymows instead of insects, the entomologist would only affirm that he had failed to find his needle, the statement would mean little or much, in proportion to the size of the haymow and the time that he was able to expend in searching for the needle. In all professions, of which I have any knowledge, there 1s a point be- yond which silence is accorded. If a question involves an unusual amount of uncertainty no reply is given, and, as a rule, none is insisted upon. But in the case of nursery inspection silence means condemnation, de- struction of property and financial loss, and an entomologist must have proof to sustain him before he resorts to silence, else he may be prose- cuted for damages. ‘ ne a —_- aor, — 1897.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 249 _ In the whole category of injurious insects we have not another one that is so difficult to detect, so pernicious in effects, and breeds as rapidly as the San José scale. I fully believe that one may go over nursery stock with the greatest caution practicable and still overlook enough of these in- sects to cause the death of the trees on which they happen to be located within a few years. : Twice during the past season there has come to my office sections of peach twigs with the question of the presence or absence of San José scale. One of these twigs is shown, as it was presented for inspection, in the left hand - figure of the accompanying illustration. The most diligent search, with a lens, failed to reveal any outward trace or indications of the presence of San José scale. The right hand figure represents the same twig with one of the buds removed, and showing a half grown scale that had been completely covered and concealed by the bud. How is an ento- mologist to detect similar cases in inspecting nursery stock? Where the premises whereon the stock is grown can be inspected, there is a better opportunity offered to detect the scale, and less danger for the entomologist provided, of course, that his certificate is never placed on stock grown on other prem- ises which he has not inspected. But, as will be seen, the danger in any case is frightful. Last Winter I found the San José scale in an orchard and on trees set about a residence. All trees at all seriously infested were promptly cut out and burned, and the re- mainder treated with the whale oil soap mix- ture, and it was supposed that the outbreak had been suppressed so that the scale would not spread during the Summer. At a con- siderable distance away was a small block of nursery stock. This I examined once care- fully and later my assistant examined it twice very thoroughly, and neither of us could de- tect a single scale on the stock. This being the case the owner could not be refused a certificate of apparent freedom from San José scale. This Fall this same block was found to be infested, to a very slight degree, from one side to the other, and it now seems possible that there might have been a few scales in it when the certificate was given. For my own part I have become exceedingly suspicious of the influence of ants in scattering the San José scale not only above ground, but below a eae fn. _ ee ate 10* 250 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [December, the surface as well. We have one case in Ohio where a young orchard d was set out in 1893, and in the Fall of 1895 an infested tree was found an cut off six to eight inches below the surface of the ground and burned. In cultivating, dirt was thrown toward the place where the tree had stood, and in the mean time a young shoot had started up from the old roots and grown to a considerable hight. . This Fall this shoot was found to be badly infested with scale and only a very few were on the trees next ad- — joining. We have found trees that have been set several years from the nursery and located at a distance from any infested trees, yet having an occasional isolated young scale upon them. Where did they come from, and how did they reach such trees? It seems to me that entomologists are being asked to assume risks i in this matter that would not be taken by men of any other science or pro- fession. The risks are too great, and no man with a reputation to lose can afford to give such sweeping certificates of inspection as are at present in demand. This is is simply a business matter, and neither the accumu- lation or diffusion of information or scientific investigation has the least — bearing upon the subject. It is far more a matter of police duty than any of these. Entomologists should be accessible, at all times, for the pur- pose of giving expert information upon material submitted, or in regard — to modes of procedure toward extermination of injurious insects, but they should not be compelled to risk their reputations where the odds are so much against them and pertaining to matters outside of their department. I have recently learned of the presence of San José scale in west Aus- tralia, where cases have been found by Mr. Claude Fuller, government entomologist. In the city of Perth it is reported by Mr. Fuller as having gained a foothold and was rapidly increasing in numbers on the Zucalyprus growing in the various thoroughfares. Elsewhere in the colony it had been found on fruit trees and these had fortunately been isolated, and in two cases confined to a single tree.--F. M. WEBSTER. Notes and News. ENTOMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM ALL QUARTERS OF THE GLOBE. Dr. GEorGE H. Horn, President of the American Entomological So- ciety and Director of the Entomological Section of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, died November 25th. THE ‘Cleveland Natural History Society’’ has just been reorganized. A new Constitution will be adopted, and it is expected that much active — work will be done from this time on. As it is likely that the major part of the work will be entomological, ENTOMOLOGICAL NEws will probably have a monthly report of the meetings. The new officers are: President, — John P. Patterson; Treasurer, Chas. Orr; Corresponding Secretary, W. D. Kearfott; Recording Secretary, Chas. H. French. fk Py | - >a 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 251 Ir may not be new, but I have found out that the corrugated paper and the ground cork paper used by druggists for packing bottles are good substitutes for peat in lining the bottoms of cigar boxes and trays used for storing mounted insects. They do not resist common pins and they hold.—F. A. CHASE. NAMES OF TRYPHONINA.—In looking over Prof. Davis’ interesting paper (Tr. Am. Ent. Soc. xxiv) it appeared that a few of the names needed correction. Jima, n. g. Davis (p. 219) is preoccupied by JZima Meig., 1820, and must be changed. So, also, must Westwoodia Prov. (p. 279), there being no less than six genera previously so named! If the synonymy given to Camerotops ulmicola (p. 226) is correct, the insect should be Camerotops fiavosus (Ashm.). It may also be remarked, while on the subject of names, that the genus Cacus Riley (Ashm., Mon. Proct., p. 223) is preoccupied by Cacus Selys, 1854.—T. D. A. COCKERELL. , PHOENIX, Ariz.—First of all please send my NEws to me here, as it will be a welcome visitor. I reached here at the tail end of the season’s collecting, but have picked up some very fine specimens. Collecting here, outside of the work done at the lights, is hard work, and every specimen taken in the desert represents downright labor. The heat is intense and specimens must be hunted—you must carry all the water you want to drink in the field as there are no water holes for miles, and if you run short God help you—you dry up in no time. Am now picking up the night-flying moths as the beetles have gone to sleep. Dr. Kunzé is a worker, and, for a man of his years, a wonder. People who have theories -about collecting here want to come out and see how quickly they fall by the wayside.—H. G. GRIFFITH. Entomological Literature. Under the above head it is intended to note such papers received at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia pertaining to the Entomology of the Americas (North and South). Articles irrelevant to American entomology, unless monographs, or con- taining descriptions of new genera, will not be noted. Contributions to the anatomy, physiology and embryology of insects, however, whether relating to American or exotic species, will be recorded. The numbers in heavy-faced type refer to the journals, as numbered in the following list, in which the papers are published; * denotes that the paper in question contains descriptions of new North American forms. 1, Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 1897, part ii, October.—4. The Canadian Entomologist, London, Ont., November, ’97.—5. Psyche, Cambridge, Mass., November, ’97.—7. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 9, new series, Washington ’97.—11. The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, London, October, ’97.—22. Zoologischer Anzeiger, Leipsic; Nos. 530, April 27; 531, May 17; 532, May 31; 533, June 14; 535, July 5; 536, July 19; 538, Aug. 16; 539, Aug. 30; 540, Sept. 13; 541, Sept. 30; 542, 252 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [December, a Cee = 11, '97.—8%. Le Naturaliste Canadien, Chicoutimi, Quebec, Sept., Ms, ’97.—46. Tijdschrift voor Entomologie, x1, 2, The Hague, Sept. 28, ’97. General Works.—[Editors] Summary of current researches relating to Arthropoda, Journal, Royal Microscopical Society, ’96, pt. 6, London. | —Giglioli, I. Insects and yeasts, figs., Nature, London, Oct. 14, gf = a —Gillette, C. P. Vernacular names of insects, 7.—Jaworowskt, Pa A. On my theory of extremities and gills of Arthropods, 22, 532,— Mayer, P. Arthropods other than Crustacea [Literature on in 1896], Zoologischer Jahresbericht ’96. Berlin, ’°97.—Verhoeff, C. Remarks on abdominal appendages of insects and myriopods, 22, 539.—Was- mann, E. Remarks on some ants from Madagascar [mimicry], 22, 536. Economic Entomology.—Anon. Epilogue to the plague of cater- .pillars at Saguenay, 37..-Barrows, W. B.. The present status of the San José scale in Michigan, 7.—Chittenden, F. H. The bean leaf- beetle (Cerotoma trifurcata Forst.), figs.; Notes on certain species of Coleoptera that attack useful plants, 7.—Cockerell, T. D. A. An cy experience with Paris green, 7.—Gall, J. F. The Acarines in wines, La Nature, Paris, Oct. 2, 1o7 Gillette: C. P. A successful lantern- : trap, fig.; Oviposition in young forest trees by Tetraopes femoratus F.; A few insects that have been unusually abundant in Colorado this year, 7; A few insect enemies of the orchard, figs., Bulletin No. 38, Agricul- tural Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colorado, April, ’°97.—H o ward, L. O. Additional observations of the parasites of Orgyia leucostigma ; Temperature experiments as affecting received ideas on the hibernation of injurious insects; A useful American scale insect, 7.—Johnson, W. G. Notes from Maryland on the principal injurious insects of the year ; Notes on some little-known insects of economic importance, 7.—Kirk- land, A. H. On the preparation and use of arsenate of lead, 7.— Lounsbury, C. P. Notes on Cape of Good Hope Insects, 7.—Mar- latt, C. L. Notes on insecticides, 7.—Ormerod, Miss E. A. [Notes on Economic Entomology], 7.—Schoyen, W. M. Notes on insects of Norway and Sweden, 7.—Tremblay, L. and Huard, V. A. Immunity against mosquitoes again, 37.—Webster, F. M. The pres- ent and future of applied entomology in America, 7.—Webster, F.M. ~ and Mally, C. W. Insects of the year in Ohio, 7. Arachnida.—K oenike, E. [Contributions] to — of the genus Hydrachna (O. F. Miill) Dug., 22, 542.—Piersig, R. Revision : of the Neuman Hydrachnid Collection of the Gotenburg Museum, with some remarks on Sig. Thor’s ‘‘ Bidrag til Kunskaben om Norges Hy- drachnider, Kristiana” 22, 540, 541; Some new German Hydrachnids, figs. 22, 541.—Oudemans, A. C. List of Dutch Acari, Part iv, 1 pl, ae 46.—Wagner, J. Some observations on the spermatogenesis of . spiders, 22, 530.—W asmann, E. On some myrmecophilous oes oe 22, 531, 541. aba : 1897. | ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 253 Apterygota.—Uzel, H. Contributions to the development of Cam- podea staphylinus, 22, 535. Neuroptera.—C zerwinski, K. Contributions to knowledge of the Termites, 22, 533—Heymons, R. On the announcement of viviparity among Ephemerids, 22, 533.—-Needham, Jas. G. The digestive epithelium of dragonfiy nymphs, figs., Zoological Bulletin, i, 2, Boston, Sept., ’97.—Porter, J. F. Zvrichonympha and other parasites - of Termes flavipes, 6 pis., Bulletin, Museum of Comparative Zoology, xxxi, 3, Cambridge, Mass., Oct., ’97. Hemiptera.—C ockerell, T. D. A. Directions for collecting and preserving scale insects (Coccidz), Bulletin U. S. Nat. Museum, No. 39, part L. Washington, ’97 ; Some new and little-known Coccidz collected by Prof. C. H. T. Townsend in Mexico,* 4.—Lethierry, L. and Severin, G. Catalogue géneral des Hémiptéres. Tome iii. Hetér- opteres. Berlin, R. Friedlander & Fils, 1896. Coleoptera.—Barrows, W. B. Notes on the malodorous Carabid, Nomius pygmeus Dej., 7.—Chittenden, F. H. See Economic En- - tomology.—Gillette, C. P. See Economic Entomology.—Hellen, K. M. On new and known Copturide, 46.—Henshaw, S. Biblio- graphical Notes—ix: Biologia Centrali-Americana, Coleoptera, vol. ii, pt. 2, Pectinicornia and Lamellicornia by Henry Walter Bates, 5.— Lewis, G. Onnew species of Histeridz# and notices of others,* 11. Diptera.—Townsend, C. H. T. Diptera from the white sands, on the Tularosa plains of southern New Mexico—i, 5.—_Wandolleck, Dr. B. Slastocera atra, a new Dipter from St. Cruz, Wiener Entomo- ~ logische Zeitung xvi, 8, Oct. 15, ’97. Lepidoptera.—Brainerd, D. Early stages of Brephos infans, 4.—Butler, A. G. Descriptions of six Pierine butterflies of the genus Catasticta in the collection of the British Museum; A revision of the spe- cies of butterflies belonging to the genus 7ervaco/us Swains., 11.—C ock- erell, T. D. A. Two forms of Prodoxus coloradensis Riley,* 5.— Cordley, A. B. Notes on Anarsia lineatella Zell., 7.—Dognin, P. Lépidopteres de Loja et environs (Equateur), 4me livraison. Paris Im- primerie F. Levé, 1896; 4to, 2 col. pls. —French, G. H. A new food- plant for Papilio asterias, 4.—Fyles, T. W. The life-history of Api7- ranthts obfirmaria Hiib., 4.—Howard, L. O. See Economic Ento- mology.—Lyman, H. H. Notes on the life-history of Co/ias interior Scud., 4.—Meves, F. On centrosomes (Centralkérper) in male sexual cells of butterflies, Anatomischer Anzeiger. Jena, Sept. 29, ’97.—Ver- son, E. On the development of the digestive canal in silk-spinners, 22, 539. Hymenoptera.—Ashmead, W. H._ Descriptions of five new . genera in the family Cynipidz,* 4; Notes on some European Hymenop- terous parasites of the Hessian fly, Cecidomyia destructor Say, and other insects; bred by Mr. Paul Marchal, the French Government Entomolo- gist,* 5.—Cockerell, T. D. A. Newand little-known North Amer- 254 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. — [December, _ ican bees,* 1.—Dunning, S. N. Another new species of Protandrina CkIl.,* 4.—Fox, W. J. Contributions to a knowledge of the Hymen- optera of Brazil, No. 2; Pompilide, 1.—Lucas, R. New species of Pepsis from the collection of Mr. H. H. Smith, Entomologische Nach-- richten, xxiii, 19, Berlin, Oct., ’°97.—Verhoeff, C. On the life-history — of the genus Hlalictus (Anthophila), especially of a transitional form to social bees, 22, 542.—Wasmann, E. On ergatoid females and pseu- dogynes among ants, 22, 536; Prey of Polybia scutellaris (White) Sauss., 22, 538. Doings of Societies. A meeting of the Entomological Section of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, was held Sept. 23, 1897, Mr. C. S. Welles, Vice-Director, presiding. Mr. Wenzel donated four specimens of Pogonus lecontei and four of Pyractomena ecos- tata to the collection of the American Entomological Society. A paper by Mr. Herman Hornig on the ‘‘ Selection of Food Plants and Oviposition in the Lepidoptera’”’ wasread. Mr. Kemp reported the capture of Pamphila dion at Anglesea, N. J., on August 13th. Mr. Johnson exhibited a number of Platyfeza recently collected on North Mountain, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania. Platypeza ornatipes, P. obscura, P. pallipes, P. velutina, P. teniata and two species not yet determined by the speaker were recorded. Four males of P. ornatipes were taken and the peculiar enlargement of their posterior tarsi was discussed in relation to the other forms. No female of P. ornatipes has yet been found, but in P. calceata, a closely allied species, the female has the usual form of tarsi. The speaker also referred to the apparent abundance of Platypeza on mountains; in all his collecting in the vicinity of Philadelphia he had failed to obtain a specimen. North Mountain has an ele- vation of about 2300 feet. Prof. Snow has taken large numbers in the Magdalena Mountains, New Mexico, at an elevation of 8000 feet. Mr. Wenzel stated that he had recently had a very pleasant visit to Washington, and had examined the fine collec- - tion of Coleoptera made by Hubbard in southeastern Arizona; _ the collections were largely from the holes in the giant cactus made by woodpeckers. An almost new fauna had been found. | The new and interesting species found were enumerated by the speaker. Mr. Liebeck said a species of Coleoptera had been received from Mr. Tandy, of Dallas City, Ill. It had bored into Pr) & ee le eel ter ~~, 1897. } ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 255 the cork of a wine bottle. The sender thought it was Xyleborus perforans, but it turned out to belong to the Cryptophagide. Same gentleman also said he had been handed some gun-wads which had been perforated by Sttodrepa panicea. On June 12th, at Buena Vista, N. J., he had found a third brood of Eucnemiine, Dromeolus striatus. A few specimens were taken singly and in a sweet-potato hot-bed, in the charred wood, over eighty speci- mens were found. In the whole series there were extremes of size. Mr. Wenzel said Schwarz had taken Pogonus of a uniform size at Brownsville, Texas, but he himself had taken them of various size on the Atlantic sea-coast. PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 9, 1897.—A stated meeting of the Feld- man Collecting Social was held at the residence of Mr. H. W. Wenzel, 1509 S. 13th Street. Meeting called to order at 8.50 p. M. Vice-President Castle presiding. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. A written communication was read from Dr. H. G. Griffith from Phoenix, Ariz. Prof. Smith spoke of Spherostelle coccophila, the fungus dis- ease which had been found attacking the San José scale in Florida, and detailed his efforts to introduce it into New Jersey. He was successful in two cases, once with cultures obtained from Prof. S. A. Forbes, of Illinois, and one with twigs bearing dis- eased scales, received from Prof. Rolfs, of Florida. In the first case disease occurred on one tree only; in the other at least a dozen trees are fully inoculated and the orange fruiting processes are visible all over the trees. The cultures were not applied at the right time, as experience has since shown; the middle of a dry day being selected instead of the afternoon of a wet one. At all events there is enough to test the effect of the Winter on the disease and to decide whether it is likely to be of any use with us. Bromide enlargements showing diseased scales were exhibited. Prof. Smith further spoke of the soft scale of the tulip tree, and stated that these were largely preyed upon by the Phycid, Letitia coccidivora. He exhibited a bromide enlargement show- ing a mass of scales with the silken tubes extending from one to the other. Mr: Seiss reported the taking of several specimens of the wing- 256 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. - [December, less mountain grasshopper, Pezotettix glacialis, by Mr. Johnson — in the latter part of August last, on North Mountain, Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, altitude about 2600 feet. Scudder’s types were taken in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. : f Mr. Hoyer reported the capture of Chzlocorus bivulnerus, Pen- tilia misella and Adalia bipunctata at Palmyra, N. J., on Oct. ‘ 10, 1897. These specimens, which were exhibited, were all found i on pear trees, the latter being found feeding upon the scale. é Mr. Bland mentioned taking a specimen of LZ/mezs foveatus at Ambler, Pa., in July, stating that former specimens came from Carbon County, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Mr. Wenzel spoke on the different habits of Bembidium con- . strictum and B. contractum, the former species was taken by the speaker in numbers, since the last meeting, on the beach at An- glesea, N. J., always near water. The latter species was taken on the meadows around the roots of sedge. Mr. Fox referred to the hymenopterous genus Lngycistus de- scribed by him several years ago and based on Cresson’s Myzine rufiventris. This species was originally described from Texas, : and subsequently recorded from Mexico, by Cameron, in the | ‘Biologia Centrali-America.’’ The description of the genus had been drawn from the original type of AZyzine rufiventris, a % , and from females collected in Lower California. This leaves but three localities recorded so far for the genus; all in North America and the speaker now wished to place on record a fourth, Chapada, Brazil, which greatly extended the geographical dis- tribution of the genus. The Brazilian specimens two females and one male, represented a new species; the affinities to MZvz7ne rufiventris were pointed out. D-. Skinner mentioned having in his possession a new species of Dedis from Louisiana. An account of the species will be found elsewhere in this issue. : No further business being presented the meeting adjourned to the annex at 10.15 P. M. Tueo. H. Scumitz, Secretary. OBITUARY. The death is announced of the Rev. ANDREW MATTHEWS, distinguished for his work on Micro-Coleoptera. We learn from ‘‘ The Entomologist” that, in 1872, Mr. Matruews published the first volume of MEN ioc g terygia illustrata et descripta,”’ with thirty-one plates drawn by himself, ss and in his eightieth year he completed a second volume also illustrated — A by his own hand; this is now with the publisher. Among his other works are papers on the genera Hydroscapha, Amblyopinus, Myliena and);