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UsULC (S,
JOURNAL
OF THE
NEW YORK
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
gewotjcd to m^tomolom in ©enseal
Volume XIV, 1906
Edited by Harrison G. Dyar
NEW YORK Published by the Society Quarterly 1906
If/wir
Press of
^he New Era Printing Comp.w
lancaster, pa.
Leading Articles in Volume XIV.
Class I, Hexapoda ; Order II, Coleoptera.
Brown, R. E.,
Strichnine as Food of Araeocerus fascicularis De Geer . 116
Chittenden, F. H.,
The North American Species of the Genus Notaris Germ. 113
SCHAEFFER, C,
Notes on the Genus Anomala with Descriptions of New Species ......... 1
Class I, Hexapoda ; Order IV, Diptera.
Dyar, H. G., and Knap,, F. ,
The Larvae of Culicidae Classified as Independent
Organisms . . . . . . . .169
Knab, F.,
Goeldi's " Os Mosquitoes no Para " .... 57
Mitchell, E. G.,
On the Known Larvae of the Genus Uranotaenia . . 8
Class I, Hexapoda ; Order V, Lepidoptera.
Cook, J. H.,
On the Specific Validity of Thanaos ausonius Lintn. . 125
Dyar, H. G.,
Descriptions of New North American Moths. . . 30
Descriptions of Four New North American Moths. . 107
The North American Nymphulinae and Scopariinae . 77
Kunze, R. E.,
Descriptions of Two Lepidopterous Larvae . . .131
Smith, J. B.,
New Noctuidae for 1906, No. 1 . . . . . 9
iv Contents.
Stretch, R. H.,
Heterocera Americana . . . . . .117
Swett, L. W.,
Notes on the Genus Caripeta with Description of a New
Species . . . . . . . . .128
Taylor, G. W.,
Some New Geometrician from Arizona . . . .130
Class I, Hexapoda ; Order XI, Orthoptera.
Bruner, L.,
Report on the Orthoptera of Trinidad, West Indies . 135
Caudell, A. N.,
The Cyrtophylli of the United States . . . .32
Class I, Hexapoda ; Order XIII, Mallophaga.
Kellogg, V. I.,
Mallophaga from Argentina. ..... 45
Editorials ........ 50, 166, 231
Book Notices ...... 52, 109, 167, 232
Proceedings of the Society .... 54, in, 233
Vol. XIV.
No. i.
JOU RNAL
OF THE
NEW YORK
Entomological Society.
2>ev>oteo to ]6ntomoloas in General.
MARCH, 1906.
Edited by Harrison G. Dyar.
Publicatio7i Committee. Harrison G. Dyar. Charles W. Leng.
Charles Schaeffer.
E. G. Lovb.
Published Quarterly by trie Society. LANCASTER, PA. NEW YORK CITY.
1906.
[Entered April 21, 1904, at Lancaster, Pa., as second-class matter, under Act of Congress of July 16, 1894.]
rut NEW E«AMHNT.,UNCASTM.P»
CONTENTS.
Class Hexapoda, Order COLEOPTERA. Notes on Species of the Genus Anomala with Description of New Species. By C.
SchaeFfbr 1
Horn's Systematischer Index der Cicindeliden. By V. E. SheLford 5
Class Hexapoda, Order DIPTERA.
On the Known Larvse of the Genus Uranotaenia. By E. G. Mitchki i 8
Class Hexapoda, Order LEPIDOPTERA.
New Noctuidae for 1906, No. 1. By J. B. Smith 9
Descriptions of New American Moths. By H. G. Dyar 30
Class Hexapoda, Order ORTHOPTERA.
The Cyrtophylli of the United States. By A. N. Caudeu 32
Class Hexapoda, Order MALLOPHAGA. Mallophaga from Argentina. By V. L. Kei.loi;g 45
Editorial . 50
Book Notices 52
Proceedings of the Society 54
vJOURN AL
Published quarterly by the Society at 41 North Queen St., Lancaster, Pa., and New York City. All communications relating to the Journal should be sent to the editor, Dr. Harrison G. Dyar, U. S. National Mu- seum, Washington, D. C; all subscriptions to the Treasurer, Wm. T. Davis, 46 Stuyvesant Place, New Brighton, Stateu Is., New York, and all books and pamphlets to the Librarian, C. Schaeffer, Museum, Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, N. Y. Terms for subscription, $2.00 per year, strictly in ad- vance. Please make all checks, money-orders, or drafts payable to NEW YORK ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Authors of each contribution to the Journal shall be entitled to 25 separates of such contribution without change of form. If a larger number be desired they will be supplied at cost provided notice is sent to the Editor befo e the page proof has been corrected.
JOURNAL
JDpfo JBorh 6jnloraologiraI %m\tty.
Vol. XIV. MAECH, 1906. No. 1
Class I, HEXAPODA.
Order II, COLEOPTERA.
NOTES ON SOME SPECIES OF THE GENUS
ANOMALA WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF
NEW SPECIES.
By Charles Schaeffer,
Brooklyn, N. Y.
I have a short revision of this genus nearly ready for publication, but awaiting some Mexican material for comparison and confirmation of my identifications. The following notes are published in advance.
Anomala antennata, new species.
Larger than parvula Burm., which it otherwise resembles in form, thorax with similar two dark spots at apex, but the elytral intervals are of equal size, convex. Antennal club sljghtly longer than the rest of the joints, pale testaceous. Head black coarsely rugosely punctured in front, more fine and sparse on the occiput, clypeal margin widely reflexed, broadly arcuate in front ; eyes moderately prominent. Thorax more than twice as wide as long, sides arcuate, hind angles rounded, front angles obtuse ; base finely margined ; disk convex, surface rather sparsely and shallowly, punctate ; color testaceous with two slightly elongate dark apical spots each oblique behind. Elytra slightly broader at base than the thorax, sides nearly parallel, disk convex, surface with nine stria?, the latter not punctate, intervals nearly equal, convex, except the subsutural which is broader and somewhat coarsely punctate at basal half, punctures finer and more distinct behind middle, the other intervals scarcely punctate and uneven ; color testaceous with suture and side margin slightly darker. Pygidium moderately coarsely punctate, denser at sides than at middle. Body beneath and legs testaceous ; metasternum clothed not densely with long hairs ; abdomen shining, scarcely punctate and with only a few hairs. Front tibiae bidentate, the larger front claw finely cleft, the upper portion very short and hardly visible, intermediate claws entire, not cleft. Length (head porrected), io mm.
1
2 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
New Mexico, one male in collection Dietz.
The formation of the male claws brings this species near parvula which it otherwise resembles in color, thoracic markings and form, but is larger, has a deeply excavated clypeus and the elytral intervals are different. Anomala flavilla Bates.
Biol. Cent. Am., vol. II, pt. 2, p. 226, tab. XII, fig. 18.
Several specimens of this Mexican species, collected in Ehrenberg, Arizona were received from Mr. George Franck.
It is slightly more elongate than flavipennis Burm., the color is testaceous, with two apical thoracic spots and suture black ; the alter- nate elytral intervals broader, not convex, the subsutural coarsely and irregularly punctate, the others more sparse and finer ; the two apical thoracic dark spots extend from apex to middle, broader at the latter point and narrowing to apex ; the front tibice are tridentate and the outer claws of the front and middle tibife are cleft. Dr. Ohaus records also dark-colored specimens from Mexico, but all those from Arizona are pale. Anomala centralis Leconte.
New species N. Am. Col., 1863, p. 78.
Through the kindness of Mr. G. Beyer I received some typical specimens of this species, collected by him in Lower California. The Arizona specimens referred to this species by Dr. Horn and standing in most collections as that species, are a different thing and in my opinion only an extreme variation of inconstans Burm. (lurida of our list) ; centralis is on the average smaller and slightly more parallel, with the hind tibite relatively shorter and broader. Of inconstans I have taken this year quite a number of specimens, but more of the pale than of the darker form. Anomala innuba Fabricius.
Mant. Ins. I, p. 22.
This is the species called in all of our collections minuta Fab. The correction of this error is due to Dr. Fr. Ohaus, who has seen the type. The true minuta will be referred to later. Anomala polychalca Bates.
Biol. Cent. Am., vol. IT, pt. 2, p. 236.
I refer a few specimens taken at light near Brownsville, Texas, to this species or rather variety of cincta Say.
March, 1906.J SCHAEFFER : NOTES ON THE GENUS AnOMALA. 3
Above, below and legs more or less metallic green, thorax in one specimen with a slight coppery tinge, striae of elytra impressed and distinctly punctate, intervals nearly equal, convex, finely punctate ; pygidium coarsely and in some parts confluently punctate ; clypeus rounded and moderately reflexed ; mesosternum broader between the coxae than in binotata Gyll., which it resembles in form, but is slightly larger. One specimen shows on the elytra a few dark testaceous streaks. Anomala luteipennis Leconte.
Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil., vol. VII, p. 80.
This name is wrongly applied by Dr. Horn and others to the pale specimens of binotata Gyll. from Texas and Arizona. Dr. Leconte describes the pygidium as being " parcius sat grosse punctatus," which is in binotata invariably finely rugose. Some of the pale forms of an Anomala which I took near Brownsville, Texas, agree in every respect with Dr. Leconte's description, also nearly with the locality; these are connected by intermediate specimens from Virginia and Texas with flavipennis Burm. Anomala peninsularis, new species.
Form of binotata Gyll., shining, testaceous, head, thorax, suture, margin and sides at base of elytra, as also the legs, reddish. Head coarsely and densely punc- tate, clypeus transverse, apex subtruncate, angles rounded, margin moderately reflexed, clypeal suture distinct. Thorax shining, sparsely punctate, convex, sides slightly arcuate, hind angles rounded, front angles not prominent. Scutellum coarsely punctate. Elytra widening towards apex, intervals clearly defined and alternately wider, the wider intervals flat, irregularly punctate, the cosUe (narrow intervals) slightly convex and almost impunctate. Metasternum clothed with moder- ate, long hairs, abdomen shining and sparsely punctate ; pygidium transverse, subcon- fluently punctate, the punctures not deeply impressed. Front tibiee bidentate, the apical tooth elongate and slightly curved, the upper tooth prominent but obtuse, the larger tarsal claw cleft at tip, the upper portion finer and shorter than the lower in the male, equal in the female ; outer claw of middle tarsi cleft, the upper portion nearly as long as the lower, but narrower. Length, II mm. ; width 7 mm., male. Length, 13 mm., width 7 mm., female.
Santa Rosa, Lower California, male and female, collected by Mr. Gustav Beyer, to whom I am greatly indebted for this as well as other interesting species. Anomala ludoviciana, new species.
Form of binotata Gyll. but smaller, thorax and elytra more coarsely punctured, bead, thorax and legs dark rufous, the thorax with slight metallic luster and elytra with or without darker spots. Head coarsely punctate in front, more finer and
4 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
sparser on the occiput, clypeus subtruncate in front, angles rounded, margin moder- ately reflexed, clypeal suture distinct. Thorax transverse, narrowing to the front from a little before middle, nearly straight behind, basal angles rounded, front angles prominent, surface relatively coarsely punctate, but not densely. Scutellum coarsely punctate. Elytra slightly broadening towards apex, punctate striate, the punctures dark and here and there confluent, intervals flat, alternately wider, the subsutural coarsely and irregularly punctate, the others with an irregular row of punctures, the costae (smaller intervals) slightly convex and not punctate, the disk more or less transversely rugose. Pygidium finely rugose as in binotala. Metasternum sparsely clothed with not very long hairs; abdomen sparsely punctate with moderately coarse but not deeply impressed punctures. Front tibiae bidentate, the larger claw cleft at tip, the upper portion shorter and much narrower than the lower ; intermediate claw cleft with the upper portion finer than the lower, but nearly as long. Length 9.50 mm. ; width 5.25 mm.
Vowell's Mill, Louisiana, Mr. Charles W. Leng, to whom I am in- debted for the specimens.
This species is closely related to binotata Gyll. but differs from that by being smaller, the prothorax and elytra more coarsely punctate, and the upper portion of the cleft claw being much finer and shorter. With this species I place at present some specimens from Kansas re- ceived from Prof. Snow as binotata var., which have the head, thorax, scutellum and legs dark-green, but which otherwise agree with the Louisiana specimens. Similar variations are seen in ftavipennis Burm. Anomala carinifrons Bates.
Biol. Cent. Am., vol. II, pt. 2, p. 249, tab. XIII, fig. 24.
This species is mentioned by Bates to occur in our fauna from a specimen collected by Morrison in Southern Arizona. I have two specimens from Arizona which answer the description, one of them was collected by my brother in Bisbee. It is larger and more robust than cavifrons Lee, the striae are faintly but distinctly punctured, the head and thorax also distinctly punctured and the surface is shining, while it is semiopaque in cavifrons Lee. Anomala minuta Burmeister.
Handb., vol. IV, 1, p. 249, and IV, 2, p. 504.
In the remarks following the description of semilivida Lee, Dr. Horn * mentioned some darker specimens, which are the true minuta Burin. Dr. Ohaus' good description f of the type saved me from making a synonym, as I had these specimens already labelled with a
*Trans. Am. Ent. Soc, XI, p. 162. I Stett. ent. Zeit., lxiii, p. 48.
March, i9o6.] Shelford : Horn's Systematischer Index. 5
manuscript name. In the three specimens before me, which are from Florida, the thorax is dark-brown on the disk with the side margins and apex more or less pale, the elytra dark testaceous, with suture and sides more or less brown ; the front and middle tarsal claws are simple, the first interval is relatively coarsely and irregularly punctate and the clypeus is not as concave as in semilivida Lee. Anomala tibialis, new species.
Larger, more robust and convex than parvula Burm., with more parallel elytra and hind tibiae very short and triangularly dilated at apex. Head piceous, front paler, clypeus dark testaceous, coarsely and closely punctate ; clypeus transverse, broadly rounded in front and narrowly reflexed. Antennae moderate, club slightly shorter than the preceding five joints. Thorax more than twice as wide as long, sides narrowing to the front from before middle, nearly straight behind, hind angles rounded, front angles not prominent ; disk convex, apical marginal bead nearly obsolete at middle, basal marginal bead distinct, surface testaceous with two oblique, dark, elongate markings at apex on each side of median line, the markings irregular in outline and slightly curved outward, sparsely not coarsely punctate, the punctures at sides and towards base nearly obsolete. Elytra elongate, parallel, testaceous, suture and margin dark, surface sculpture and striae more or less obscured by trans- verse rugae, the striae at sides more distinct and coarsely punctate. Under side testaceous, shining, metasternum moderately densely clothed with long pale hairs, abdomen with moderate punctures, which are not closely placed. Front tibiae bidentate, apical tooth elongate and slightly curved, the upper tooth sharp and prom- inent, the larger claw finely cleft, the upper and lower part equal in size ; the larger claw of the intermediate tarsi finely cleft, the two parts equal in size ; hind tibiae very short and distinctly shorter than the femora and broadly dilated towards apex. Pygidium moderately punctate, punctures not deeply impressed. Length io mm., width 5 mm.
Texas, one female in collection Dietz.
By the unusually short and broadly dilated hind tibiae this species is easily distinguished from all our species. It is very closely allied to the Mexican rhizotrogoides Blanch., but seems to differ from that species by the more parallel form and the elytral sculpture.
HORN'S SYSTEMATISCHER INDEX DER CICINDELIDEN.
By Victor E. Shelford, Chicago, III.
By far the great majority of systematic papers (monographs and systematic lists) are written with respect to unnatural geographical
6 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
areas and as a result, usually without a comprehensive study of the group or groups concerned. Among American entomologists there is an especially strong tendency to practically stop at the southern boundary of the United States, although no barrier or faunistic dis- continuity occurs in that region. While it will, no doubt, be gener- ally admitted that a careful consideration of all evidence as to the point of origin, evolution, and dispersal of all groups is necessary for the building up of a natural system of classification, systematic papers which consider such questions are at least extremely rare. All of the above deficiencies are noticeable in former treatments of boreal Amer- ican Cicindelidae while the paper under consideration ( Supplement * to Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift, II, 1905, 56 pp.) can be charged with none of them. It is the result of fifteen years of labor on the part of Dr. Walther Horn who has seen practically all the large collections of the world. The following are his conclusions regarding the Cicindelidse (in broad sense) :
The " Carabidae stem " gave rise, in the Ethiopian tropics, to the first Cicindelidae-like forms. These he calls the Protomanticho- ridae ; they were wingless insects (with elytra) most nearly related to two living South African families (of the Cicindelidas in broad sense), viz. : (1) Platychilidse, wingless forms with the usual type of elytra; (2) Palaeomantichoridae, wingless forms with fused elytra which turn under the sides of the abdomen. The Protomanticho- ridse dispersed westward to America, pushed out to the north and south and after developing the Neomantichoridae ( Omits, Ambiycliila, Pycnochila) in the nearctic region, gave rise to the Prototetrachidae, which inhabited the entire equatorial belt. Among these, compli- cated pilosity characters were later developed. Next forms became distinguishable by the development of two types of false pattern on the elytra; (1) brought about by partial loss of pigment, (2) by the development of a thicker pilosity in certain areas. The present pre- dominating etched patterns are to be considered as the equivalent of such false patterns.
A wider step led to the production of the Protoeuryodidae {Eitryoda-OdontochiIa-Cosmema-X\Ye forms) which also inhabited the entire tropical region ; a greater power of flight was developed among these. They gave rise to the Cicindelce which constitute the young-
* Not sent to subscribers ; can be obtained from the Deutsche Entomologische Gesellschaft, Berlin, for three mark.
March, 1906. i Shelford : Horn's Systematischer Index. 7
est group of the Cicindelidae. This genus is the result of a great amount of converging evolution, some forms having descended di- rectly from the Protoeuryodidse, many others having come indirectly as offspring of the Odontochilini, Dromicini and Theratidse (families and subfamilies of the Cicindelcz in broad sense).
In the Holarctic region there are two northern tribes and two southern tribes of Cicindelcz concerning which the author presents the following hypotheses : The northern tribes arose in now warmer Africa during a cooler period ; later the group separated into two parts, the smaller number moved southward to find a cooler climate and is now represented by C. 4-guttataWdm. in South Africa; the greater num- ber, however, moved northward and separated into two parts, one re- maining in Eurasia and the other crossing over into North America. The two southern tribes arose in tropical America and part moved toward the south, possibly some representatives crossing over into the Australian region, while an equally large number moved northward, part remaining in the nearctic region and a part crossing over into Eurasia.
The Cicindela fauna of the Nearctic region is thus made up of : ( 1 ) The northern tribe or purpurea-obscura (obsa/ra-modesta) group; frons broad and depressed, pilosity of head and prothorax erect : rela- tives, (a) the soluta-hybrida-campestris group in Eurasia, (/>) the 4-guttata group in South Africa. (2 ) The Southern tribe or cupra- cens group ; frons narrow, not depressed, pilosity of head and protho- rax decumbent; relatives (a) the nivea-ritsem.cz group in the Neotrop- ical region, (b) possibly the helmsi-dunedensis-scztigera group in the Australian region, and (c) the elegans-trisignata group in Eurasia. (3) The forms that have migrated in from the Neotropical argentata group; head bald, pronotum hairy on sides and disc; unipunctata Fabr. , belfragei Salle, pilatei Guer. , cursitans Lee, and celeripes Lee, forms not understood by a study of the species of the United States alone, belong here. (4) Forms belonging to the indigenous Mexican fauna; head bald, pronotum pilose at the sides only. Our common sexguttaia belongs to this group.
A similar analysis is made of the Cincindela fauna of each geo- graphical region, the boundary countries of which (for this genus) are especially named. Other genera apparently do not present faunistic discontinuties and hence are not so treated.
So much for our author's views. He has not (presumably on ac-
8 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
count of the nature of the paper) presented in detail the evidence in support of his theses and the reviewer is accordingly unable to give an analysis of the evidence upon which they rest. There is, however, much evidence that the Cicindelidae originated in Africa, but their origin from wingless forms with elytra, I fear, will not meet the ap- proval of insect morphologists. On the other hand, it is evident that Tetracha is in many of its characters a more primitive form than Cicindela and its distribution speaks well for the author's conclusions. His analysis of the nearctic Cicindela fauna and statement of its affini- ties must, it seems to me, stand unchallenged, while his arrangement of our species is the most tenable yet presented.
Literature. Tower, W. L. , The Origin and Development of the Wings of Coleoptera. Zool.
Jahrb., Mar., 1903. Ortmann, A. E., The Geographical Distribution of Freshwater Decapods and its
Bearing on Ancient Geography. hoc. Am. Phil. Soc, 1902, pp. 267-400.
Class I, HEXAPODA.
Order IV, DIPTERA.
ON THE KNOWN LARVAE OF' THE GENUS
URANOT/EN1A. ,
By Evelyn G. Mitchell, Washington, D. C.
The receipt during the past summer of larva? of Uranotcsnia sap- phirina and U. loivii from Dr. T. W. Dupree gave an opportunity for a critical comparison of the three known larvae of this genus, which had not previously been distinguished from each other. The genus, so far as can be judged by the known larvae, is characterized as follows :
Four large stout spines bearing spi miles instead of the usual four tufts in the middle of head ; antennae with a few scattered spines, the tuft represented by a single hair ; stellate hairs on thorax and abdomen.
Synopsis of Species
1. Antennal tuft decidedly over one third distad ; longest terminal spine if bent back- ward would reach below tuft. Scales on eighth segment of abdomen not fringed on apical one-third (reckoned from center of base to tip). Central tooth of labial plate bluntly rounded and widely separated from adjacent teeth.
U. lowii.
March, 1906] SMITH : NEW NOCTUID/E. 9
Antennal tuft scarcely if at all over one third distad 2
2. Longest terminal spine almost as long as antenna; accessory spine on terminal joint not nearly reaching to tip of joint. Scales of eighth segment not fringed on apical onedialf. Central tooth on labial plate bluntly rounded and not
widely separated from the adjacent teeth U. sapphirina.
Longest terminal spine scarcely two thirds the length of antenna, scarcely reach- ing tuft ; secondary spine on terminal joint reaching nearly to tip of joint. Scales of eighth segment with a fringe of uniform spines extending over apex. Cen- tral tooth of labial plate sharp and distinct from the adjacent teeth. .U. socialis.
Class I, HEXAPODA.
Order V, LEPIDOPTERA. NEW NOCTUIDvE FOR igo6.— NO. i.
By John B. Smith, ScD., New Brunswick, N. J.
Leptina levitans, new species.
Ground color dull sm^ky gray without contrasts. Head and thorax with a whitish powdering, best marked on patagia, but not prominent on either of my ex- amples. Primaries with the extreme base inferiorly a little paler but with no ap- pearance of a white humeral spot and no defining or limiting line. Median space superiorly ashen gray, and a slight gray powdering is visible throughout the space. T. a. line barely traceable, a little irregular, with a small, somewhat even outcurve. T. p. line sinuate., even, narrow, gray with smoky borderings, not well defined. S. t. line very irregular, powdery gray, obscure, marked by obscure preceding dusky shades and at costa by an obscure dusky cloud which does not reach the apex. A series of dusky terminal spots. Orbicular wanting. Reniform of good size, almost round, concolorous, ringed narrowly with brown and with a brown central dot. Secondaries dirty yellowish or smoky, a little paler at base. Beneath, very pale smoky, with an obscure outer line and discal spot.
Expands. — i. 05-1. 12 inches = 26-28 mm.
Habitat. — Ontario, Canada, A. H. Kilman ; Durham, N. H., Weed and Fiske.
One male and one female are now before me, in comparison with three examples of L. dormitans with which I had in the past confused this species. I have realized for some time that there were two forms of Leptina without prominent white shoulders ; but supposed them to be merely varying types of one species. The recent necessity for de- termining a series of specimens caused me to compare more closely and to resort to the original descriptions to determine the type form.
10 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
Guenee's description is clear and covers the species in which the s. t. line is prominently black shaded on costa while the new species lacks these black shadings completely, has the median lines more regular and has an obvious reniform. I have seen others, though I have only one pair at hand, and I have no doubt that its distribution will prove to be much the same as that of dormitans. Charadra ingenua, new species.
Resembles deridens in general appearance and type of maculation but paler throughout. The primaries are of a decided bluish gray with the maculation neatly written and the secondaries are whitish or white, without trace of yellow and scarcely a trace of smoky toward the outer margin.
Expands. — 1.40-1.50 $, 1. 72-1. 76 tf = 35-44 mm.
Habitat. — Glenwood Springs and Durango, Colorado; end of June and beginning of July : Dr. Barnes.
Two males and two females in good or fair condition. I have for comparison seven examples of deridens, ranging from Canada to Florida and west to Pittsburg, and all agree in having a creamy tint to the gray of primaries and a decidedly yellowish shade to the secondaries. The absence of these shadings in the Colorado examples is the most conspicuous character, accompanied and emphasized by neater, better defined and yet less conspicuous maculation. The small departures from the eastern type in actual course of lines, etc., need not be spe- cifically described. Bryophila avirida, new species.
In size, wing form and general type of maculation very like B. lepidula, with all the green shadings eliminated. In the four examples before me and in comparison with the type form, none is as well marked as normal lepidula and the only well denned maculation is the brown shading on the costa between the orbicular and reni- form spots. None of the maculation is as well marked in the western as in the east- ern form and it seems probable that, while closely allied, we have a really distinct species.
Expands. — 1. 06-1. 24 inches = 26-31 mm.
Habitat. — Fort Collins, Colo., in June ; Cartwright, Man., in June.
This species may be mistaken for lepidula until a careful examina- tion is made, for the type of maculation is identical and the one is undoubtedly a descendant from the other; but when carefully com- pared the differences are sufficient in my opinion to authorize the new name. Noctua monteclara, new species.
Head, thorax and abdomen of an almost uniform mouse gray ; collar and patagia evident, but not prominent, vestiture mostly flattened hair. Primaries mouse gray
March, 1906.] SMITH : NEW NOCTUID^E. 11
with the maculation almost entirely lost. By careful study it is possible to trace an almost upright, geminate t. a. line, a vague, diffuse median shade, a slightly irregular s. t. line and a large reniform which is somewhat constricted medially. Secondaries paler, more smoky gray, lightest at the base. Beneath, uniform, slightly more red- dish gray, somewhat powdery, with an obscure dusky line on both wings.
Expands. — r.12-1.15 inches = 28-29 mm-
Habitat. — Claremont, Calif. , Mr. Carl Baker.
Two male examples in very fair condition, neither of them with date of capture. The species belongs in the rubifera series, but is distinguished from all of those known to me by its uniform mouse gray color on which the normal maculation is barely traceable. Euxoa claromonta, new species.
Head and thorax ashen gray, head a little paler ; collar with a transverse, median black line ; thoracic tuftings well marked. Abdomen a somewhat paler gray, lighter in the males than in the females. Primaries pale ashen gray, powdered with smoky ; maculation not well defined, reniform and terminal space usually the darkest part of the wing. Basal line geminate, usually marked on costa and sometimes, also by black scales below the median vein. T. a. line geminate, marked on the costa in all specimens and below that either lost altogether or traceable across the wing; in the latter case nearly upright, a little outcurved in the interspaces. T. p. line gemi- nate, inner part best markedrand somewhat lunulate, only a little bent over cell and then about parallel with outer margin. S. t. line a little irregular, of the paler ground, defined by the dark' terminal space and, sometimes, by a dusky preceding shade as well. A series of black terminal lunules, followed by a yellowish line at the base of the gray fringes. Claviform outlined in one example, barely indicated in others. Orbicular oval, oblique, tending to become irregular and incompletely closed above, more or less defined by black scales, followed by an annulus of the pale ground. Reniform moderate in size, kidney-shaped, ringed with pale and filled with blackish. Secondaries white with a variably marked dusky outer border, not differing much in the sexes; a narrow discal lunule. Beneath, gray, powdery, secondaries paler; a more or less defined outer line and discal spot.
Expands. — 1.2 5- 1.40 inches = 31-35 mm.
Habitat. — Claremont, Calif., Mr. Carl Baker.
Three males and three females, no two alike. This is one of those obscure, variable species of the pitychrous series which is always troublesome when only single specimens are at hand. Its allies are Candida and detesta though not readily confused with either when ma- terial is at hand for comparison. None of the specimens are dated. Mamestra pectinicornis, new species.
Head and thorax dull, smoky brown. Abdomen gray brown. Tarsi ringed with whitish and rather prominent. Primaries deep smoky brown over a lighter base, giving a somewhat powdery appearance. The median lines are barely trace- able as somewhat more brownish scales occasionally edged by black scales. S. t.
12 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
line marked by obscure brown spots preceded and emphasized by black scales which may form a somewhat continuous shade and may break up into somewhat trigonate spots. There is a narrow black terminal line, the fringes are interlined with black and they are cut with black and yellowish brown. The orbicular is small, round, ringed by black scales, with or without a black central dot, filled with reddish brown. Reniform moderate in size, oval, outer half white, inner half reddish, the division between the two marked by black scales. The claviform is vaguely indicated by black scales. Secondaries dirty whitish at base, darkening to a smoky outer border. Fringes pinkish with a smoky line at base and smoky shadings toward apex. Be- neath dull gray, primaries darker as a whole, on both the costal and outer margins darker, and on both a small blackish discal spot.
Expands. — 1.10-1.16 inches = 27-29 mm.
Habitat. — Palmerly, Cochise Co., Ariz., in July; Brooklyn In- stitute.
Two males and others in collections from the same general locality. The species is related to three Mexican species referred to Eriopyga by Hampson ; but is obviously distinct from either. The antennae are lengthily pectinated, and this character combined with the white marked reniform will serve to distinguish the new form in our fauna.
Genus URSOGASTRA, new.
Head moderate in size, distinct, yet hardly prominent ; eyes hairy, globose, of good size ; front smooth ; scarcely even bulging ; antenna in male simple and in the female probably so ; tongue well developed, functional ; palpi small and weak, scarcely attaining the middle of front ; vestiture even, composed mostly of projecting flattened hair. Thorax moderate, convex, collar well defined, patagia hardly re- lieved, a small posterior tuft ; vestiture, flattened hair only without admixture of dis- tinct scales ; leg-, unarmed except by the usual spurs of middle and posterior pair, somewhat aborted and set with very dense brushes of thick hair so as to conceal the parts effectively. Abdomen without dorsal tufts ; in the male the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th segments furnished with lateral tufts of long hair which curve down and under, meeting on the median line of the venter ; long brushes of specialized scales are also attached to the male clasping organs. The primaries are proportionate, only a little wider outwardly, venation apparently normal ; on the cell beneath, in the male, a clothing of fine silky hair similar to that found in Orthodes. Secondaries with vein 5 reduced to a mere fold.
This genus is based on the peculiar combination of male charac- ters and would come under Eriopyga Hampson and nearest to his sec- tion C, none of the species of which are cited as typical of discarded genera. I cpiite appreciate that this proposed name would find a rest- ing place in the synonymy if secondary sexual characters are ignored ; but I am scarcely ready to go so far at present.
As to the species here described, it is very strongly marked and I can find nothing among the descriptions to fit it.
March, 1906.] SMITH : NEW NoCTUIDiE. 13
Ursogastra lunata, new species.
Head and thorax reddish fawn gray, immaculate. Primaries of the same reddish gray ; basal line geminate, marked by brown or blackish scales ; t. a. line geminate, very oblique, reaching almost the middle of inner margin ; t. p. line geminate, broken, obscure, even, a little outcurved over cell, then almost parallel with outer margin ; s. t. line pale, defined by brown sca'es on each side, almost rigidly parallel with outer margin. A series of small black terminal lunules ; a yellow line at base of fringes. The ordinary spots are replaced by a large deep chocolate brown lunate mark, the concavity toward the costa, and this forms at once the most prominent and distinctive character. Secondaries dull smoky, with a darker discal spot and outer shade band ; secondaries whitish, without marks.
Expands. — i. 25-1. 30 inches = 26-28 mm.
Habitat. — Huachuca Mts., Ariz., Dr. Barnes ; Palmerly, Cochise Co., Ariz., in August, Brooklyn Institute Collection.
Two somewhat defective males only are at hand. I cannot recol- lect that I have ever seen this species elsewhere.
Genus NOCLOA, new.
Head of moderate size, retracted rather than prominent ; eyes naked, hemi- spherical, without bristly lashes ; front protuberant, conical, obtusely terminated, with a roughened impression at tip ; palpi moderately developed, reaching the middle of front, terminal joint short and knob-like ; tongue moderately long, functional ; frontal vestiture woolly, the hair somewhat flattened at tip ; antennae simple in both sexes. Thorax well developed, quadrate, vestiture of flattened hair, loose and somewhat diverging ; collar and patagia well marked ; a small frontal and somewhat well de- fined, partly divided posterior tuft; vestiture of underside long, loose, divergent; legs rather short, well developed, with hairy clothing, without spines, claws or other armature except the usual spurs of tibia. Primaries rather short in proportion to body, costa not very convex, outer margin obliquely arcuate ; venation normal to all appearance. Secondaries proportionate, vein 5 weak, midway between 4 and 6.
This genus resembles Cirrhophanus in habitus, but differs from it and the surrounding genera to which I would have referred the species by the unarmed fore-tibiae. Nocloa plagiata, new species.
Ground color a reddish luteous ; the maculation is red, brown or deeper tinted. Head unicolored or with only a faint inter-antennal line ; collar brown tipped ; tuft- ings a little darker than the ground. Primaries, basal line barely traceable, basal space of the paler ground except for a dark brown spot on the inner margin. T. a. line geminate, outer portion distinct, inner a mere line of brown scales, outwardly oblique, dislocated on the costal vein, outcurved in the interspaces. T. p. line gemi- nate, outer portion obscure, inner narrow, linear, a little denticulate in the upper part of its course, widely outcurved over the cell, the included space a little paler than the ground. The median space is as a whole the darkest part of the wing, though not contrasting ; a median shade, best marked on costa and just below darkens
14 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol xiv.
the space between the ordinary spots and spreads out into the dark lower filling, to reappear on the inner margin. The orbicular is concolorous with the ground, large, irregular in form, not well defined. The reniform is large, broadly oval, concolor- ous, not well defined. The claviform is traceable, brown margined but not notably distinct. S. t. line narrow, whitish, irregular, preceded by a large blackish brown triangular patch on costal area and by a smaller, blackish spot opposite the cell. Through the fawn gray terminal space is an even, well defined whitish line before the base of the fringes, and followed by two narrow, broken brown lines. Secon- daries dirty yellowish white with a dusky submarginal band and a vague discal spot. Beneath, primaries smoky, becoming reddish gray outwardly, s. t. space and line in- dicated ; secondaries whitish, powdered with reddish gray over the costal region.
Expands. — i. 05-1. 12 inches = 26-28 mm.
Habitat. — Arizona; southern Arizona, Poling; Palmerly, Co- chise County in August, Brooklyn Institute Collection.
One male and two females in good or fair condition. I know of nothing with which this form is likely to be confused. Nocloa rivulosa, new species.
Head and thorax reddish luteous, immaculate. Primaries dull luteous, mark- ings darker, with an olivaceous tinge. Basal line traceable. T. a. line geminate, zig-zag, so as to confuse the entire basal area. T. p. line geminate, both parts dis- tinct, narrow, rivulous in its course and as a whole parallel with the outer margin. The median shade is broad, somewhat diffuse, strongly marked, outwardly angulated in the middle of the wing, its course decidedly regular. S. t. line parallel with outer margin, rivulous, pale, preceded by a darker shade and followed by alternate light and darker lines parallel to its course, to the outer margin. Orbicular of moderate size, concolorous, not well defined. Reniform kidney-shaped, traceable with some difficulty. Secondaries dull whitish, outwardly darker, with an extra- median and terminal paler line. Beneath primaries yellowish to smoky, with a discal spot and pale s. t. line ; secondaries pale, with a dusky discal spot and an outer dusky line.
Expands. — 1-1.20 inches = 25-29 mm.
Habitat. — Santa Barbara, Calif., Hy. Edwards Collection, Amer. Mus. N. H. ; Yuma Co., Ariz., March, Mr. Hutson ; Phoenix, Ariz., March 19, Dr. Barnes.
One male and two females in only fair condition. Two of these are very old examples, the third, the male, being the only recent ex- ample and making description possible. There is no danger of con- fusing the two species described under this generic name despite their
general similarity.
Heliothini.
The accumulation of undetermined material of this series in my collection led me to attempt its rearrangement recently — a task that has been simplified by Sir George F. Hampson's work ; but which
March, 1906.] SMITH : NEW NOCTUID^. 15
nevertheless remains yet somewhat unsatisfactory because of the in- adequately described Strecker species. The result of this study showed an unexpectedly complete series of the described forms and a large series of new species, which are herewith presented. That there will be further additions is certain, because many species are local and every new region will, almost inevitably, turn out new forms. Besides being local, many of the species are also solitary, individual examples being taken only at long intervals. For that reason it seems likely that few cabinets will have a good representation until all the locali- ties have been well collected over.
I have accepted Hampson's separation of Schinia and Lygrati- thcecia but do not follow him in his suppression of Heliothis in the sense heretofore used : in fact I follow none of the changes made by him and based on the " first species as type " rule.
Heliothis niveicosta, new species.
Ground color rather bright luteous, due to a whitish wash over a darker ground. Head and base of collar paler, tending to whitish on front. Primaries with costal region whitish, becoming white before the t. p. line, and cut before the apex. There is an obscure wash of whitish over the submedian vein, best marked in the median space and cut off at t. p. line. T. p. line diffuse, pale, well removed toward outer margin, obliquely sinuate from costa near apex, to inner margin one third from hind angle. S. t. space is the darkest part of the wing, followed by a narrow paler terminal space. Fringes of ground color at base, outwardly paler. Secondaries yellowish white, a little smoky, with a blackish discal spot and an outer band which is inter- rupted by a whitish blotch near middle of margin. Beneath, primaries blackish, with a narrow costal and inner, a broad outer pale border and a diffuse discal blotch. Secondaries whitish with a discal dark lunule.
Expands. — 1.15 inch = 29 mm.
Habitat. — Southern California.
One female in not the best condition, received years ago from Dr. Barnes, numbered 154. Indications are that the male may belong to the series in which there is a costal dilation, making it a Heliocheilas. Unfortunately the specimen contains no indication as to time or exact locality of capture.
Thyreion stena, new species.
Head and thorax very pale citron yellowish, abdomen blackish with fine whitish vestiture that interposes a film over the dark ground. Primaries very pale lemon yel- lowish with a pink shade extending from base parallel to costa to the s. t. space ; another, from same point extending through submedian interspace to anal angle, and a connecting shade through s. t. space which does not reach the costa but does reach the inner margin at anal angle. A pinkish shade over basal area generally. Fringes
16 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
shaded with pink. Secondaries uniformly smoky blackish with pinkish white fringes. Beneath, primaries blackish with pinkish white fringes secondaries with blackish disk shading oft" to paler and pink at the margins.
Expands. — .92-1.00 inch = 23-25 mm.
Habitat. — Golden and Fort Collins, Colo., in June.
Two males, one female ; one pair from Prof. C. P. Gillette, one taken by myself at Golden.
I had confused these with rosea, which is a larger species, more deeply tinged and with less pink. The material in this series is not abundant and the range of variation is not known ; it is quite prob- able, however, that specimens with much less pink will be found and there may be immaculate forms.
Melicleptria antonio, new species.
Head, thorax and abdomen black ; clothed with thin, divergent yellow and car- mine hair on thorax, the terminal segments of abdomen yellow. Primaries carmine at base and to the t. a. line, which extends inwardly oblique from two-fifths of costa to one-third of inner margin : the line itself diffuse, whitish, median space yellowish with a luteous tinge, shaded with carmine on the costal and inner margins ; s. t. space very even, carmine near costal and inner margin, olivaceous brown between these points. Terminal space testaceous except at anal angle, where the carmine shading becomes marked. Fringes yellow. The orbicular is an obscure, diffuse blotch. Secondaries black with a bronzed shading ; fringes white. Beneath, pri- maries smoky black, the apical region of costa and apex carmine, fringes whitish ; secondaries smoky black, costa carmine to apex which is yellowish, that color ex- tending on fringes almost to the hind angle.
Expands. — .55 inch = 14 mm.
Habitat. — San Antonio, Tex., in April.
A single male specimen in very fair condition from Dr. Barnes. The species has the narrow wings and depressed costa of pulchripennis and is the smallest species of the genus in our fauna.
Melicleptria sabulosa, new species.
Mead, thorax and abdomen black, more or less densely clothed with yellowish white divergent hairs, which give the prevailing tint to the head, thorax, and termi- nal segments of the abdomen. Primaries with the basal space yellowish, more or less washed with carmine to the t. a. line which is diffuse, distinctly carmine, and is in- wardly oblique from two fifths of the costa to one third of the inner margin. Median space dull yellow, costal region smoky or carmine. T. p. line carmine, almost parallel to outer margin, outwardly diffuse and merging through the s. t. space into a broad, dull yellowish terminal space. Fringes carmine. There is a narrow, obscure, upright reniform, without definite margins. Secondaries black, with whitish fringes; in the male with a whitish median band, in the female without markings of any kind. Beneath, primaries yellowish with blackish shadings along costa at base, and out-
March, 1906.] Smith: New NoctuidjE. 17
wardly, not extending to the apex ; secondaries black with a yellowish median band and a more or less obvious shading along the costa and at apex.
Expands. — .66-. 70 inch = 16. 5-17. 5 mm.
Habitat. — " California " ; Doble, Calif., April 19.
One male from Mr. Henry Edwards ; one female from Mr. George H. Hutson ; both in good condition. The male, received many- years ago from Mr. Edwards, is faded, and has the peculiar livid hue of desert species ; the female from Mr. Hutson has the same desert characteristic, but is more brilliant, and has the distinct carmine washing that is lost in the older example. The whitish band of the male is indicated in the female and, I doubt not, occasionally occurs in the latter sex. In wing-form, the species resembles antonio and, indeed, the general type of maculation is similar. In general, the resemblance is to fasciata Hy. Edy., which has a distinct s. t. line and shade. Melicleptria cresina, new species.
Head, thorax and abdomen black, covered with olivaceous yellow hair, which is scant on the abdomen except at tip. Primaries, base and s. t. space carmine, median space yellow except on costa ; terminal space luteous with an olivaceous tinge ; fringes chocolate brown at base, olivaceous at tip. T. a. line from costa one third from base, outwardly curved to the middle, there forming an angle and running inwardly oblique to within the basal third. T. p. line a little sinuate, but on the whole nearly parallel to outer margin. S. t. line irregular, marked only by the con- trast between s. t. and terminal space. Orbicular large, dusky, with a carmine suf- fusion, obscurely defined. Secondaries black with a narrow, clear white median band which is broader toward costa but reaches neither costa nor hind margin ; fringes yellowish. Reneath, black with a median white band on both wings, that on the primaries broken by a blackish reniform spot ; costal margin of secondaries and apex of all wings yellowish.
Expands. — .64-.75 inch = 16-19 mm-
Habitat. — Los Angeles County, Calif., in April.
Two females in good condition collected by Mr. Koebele. The resemblance is to H. fasciata Hy. Edwards, which, however, is gen- erically distinct. The wing form is like that of pulchripennis and to the series typified by that species, the present form belongs. There is a close general resemblance to sabulosa, which is not borne out on more particular examination. Melicleptria sexata, new species.
Head and thorax black, densely clothed with thin loose olivaceous or grayish hair. Abdomen black in the female, more olivaceous in the male, the difference due to the more abundant vestiture of the latter which conceals the ground. Primaries
18 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol xiv.
smoky brown with an olivaceous tinge or overlay, median space yellowish or whitish, terminal space a little paler to the yellowish fringes. The solid brown basal area is outwardly bounded by the outcurved t. a. line which is pale like the median space. T. p. line is also pale, only a little sinuate and separates the pale median space from the solid brown s. t. space. S. t. line whitish, diffuse, broad, very close to the outer margin. The large reniform is of the darker color and fills a large portion of the upper portion of the median space. Secondaries black, with traces of a tawny median band in most specimens. Beneath, primaries black except apex, median space and fringes, which are yellowish ; a large black spot in the median pale area ; secondaries black except along costa and an incomplete, interrupted median band.
Expands. — .68-72 inch = 17-18 mm.
Habitat. — Aweme, Man., July 21, Mr. Criddle ; Roundthwaite, Man., Marmont.
Three males and four females, all in at least fair condition. Two pairs are from Aweme, one male is from Roundthwaite and two females, dated July 27, have no locality label. The species is allied to viilosa, than which it is smaller, stouter, with the secondaries almost solidly black.
Melicleptria subatra, new species.
Head and body black ; vestiture thin, olivaceous yellow, slightly tinting the head, thorax and terminal segments of abdomen. Primaries smoky to blackish with an obscure carmine tinge. Median space yellowish or whitish, costa and inner margin of the smoky ground, reniform very large, blackish, combining with the costal and marginal shadings to break the pale area in the three more or less connected blotches. S. t. line distinct, yellowish, outwardly diffuse, a little sinuated, fringes whitish. Secondaries black or a little bronzed, with a whitish or yellowish median band which is completely divided by the large blackish discal spot. Fringes whitish. Beneath, primaries creamy yellowish, upper half of base and all beyond t. p. line except apex blackish, a large, constricted discal spot also black. Secondaries creamy yellowish, inner margin and a discal spot black.
Expands. — .80-. 90 inch = 20-22 mm.
Habitat. — Mt. Rainier, Wash. ; Gallatin Co., Mont., elevation 9,400 feet, July 10.
Two males and one female in tolerably good condition ; one male and one female numbered 631 of the Washington Experiment Sta- tion. In type of maculation this resembles sueta = californica ; but it is much smaller, lacks all the carmine shadings and is altogether a more sordid form. Melicleptria triolata, new species.
Head, thorax and abdomen black, clothed with thin, divergent whitish hair. The thorax is scarcely more heavily clothed than the remainder of the body and the whole impression is of a thin fleecy covering. Primaries with base, s. t. and terminal
March. 1906] Smith: New Noctuid/e. 19
spaces dull, smoky ; median space and the broad subterminal shade line pale yellow- ish. Basal space uniform, smoky, overlaid by yellowish hairs. T. a. line with an inward tooth on the median vein, else as a whole outcurved. T. p. line outwardly oblique from costa, forming a sharp angle on vein 4, thence with a moderate incurve to base. S. t. line broad, diffuse, pale, only a little irregular. Fringe pale. Orbicular moderate or small, smoky. Reniform large, smoky, oblong, only a little constricted medially. Secondaries black, with yellowish fringes, and with a yellow discal area in which is a. large black discal blotch. Beneath, dull whitish, median area with a yellow tinge, the darker portions of upper surface showing through. Primaries with a small black orbicular and a large black reniform. Secondaries with a large, black, lunate spot.
Expands. — .6'j-.'j2 inch = 17-18 mm.
Habitat. — Los Angeles Co., Calif. ; Argus Mrs., Calif., in May. One male and two females, two of them in very fair condition. The specimen from the Argus Mts. was collected by Koebele, belongs to the National Museum and has a little more of the desert habitus than the other examples which, while collected in an arid region, were not so distinctly in a desert area. Melicleptria dobla, new species.
Head, thorax and abdomen black, more or less clothed with yellowish white scales. The collar has a blackish median line and the abdomen is bare of white vestiture except at base and tip. Primaries blackish brown or smoky, with an overlay of whitish scales which is irregularly distributed and probably varies ; median space whitish, powdered with blackish below vein 2. Basal line whitish, marked on costa. T. a. line whitish, more or less confused with median space, as a whole with an even outcurve. T. p. line evenly and rather deeply sinuate, S-shaped, clearly defined, though narrow. S. t. line narrow, whitish, irregular. A series of blackish terminal lunules. Fringes of the dark ground color. Orbicular traceable as a black shade on t. a. line ; but not distinct. Reniform large, subquadrate, blackish, the most promi- nent feature of the wing. Secondaries black with white fringes. Beneath, pri- maries black at base ; median space yellowish with a large black reniform, outer area black, apex yellowish. Secondaries black except along costal and outer margins, which are yellowish. Body black, breast with yellowish fine divergent vestiture.
Expands. — .78 inch =19.5 mm.
Habitat. — Doble, Calif., April 5.
One good female collected by Mr. George S. Hutson. It is totally different from all the other species with black secondaries and has no very close allies in the genus. Melicleptria edwardsii, new species.
Head and body smoky brown ; vestiture of head and thorax dull brown, tipped with yellow, giving a yellowish cast to the surface. Abdominal vestiture smooth, edges of the segments narrowly pale-ringed. Primaries dull smoky brown over a sordid pale tawny. The basal and s. t. spaces are mostly smoky brown ; the median
20 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
space is mostly tawny and the diffuse s. t. line is of the same tint. Basal line single, distinct, pale. T. a. line broad, tawny, edged with black and brown scales, its course an almost even outcurve, a trifle broken on the median vein. T. p. line dirty whitish, with almost a rectangle on vein 5, and running inwardly oblique and a little incurved below. S. t. line very irregular, so deeply indented opposite the cell that the s. t. space is nearly cut. Terminal space narrow, smoky, with a darker brown terminal line. Median space marked with dull brown inferiorly. Ordinary spots very large, dull brown, almost completely filling the cell. Secondaries tawny with a large black discal spot and a broad marginal band in which there is a tawny outer line near the angle. Beneath, primaries very pale tawny, discal spots of upper side distinctly, other maculation more faintly reproduced ; secondaries with a de- cidedly coppery red tinge ; a large black discal spot and a diffuse submarginal shade toward anal angle.
Expands. — .92 inch = 23 mm.
Habitat. — Yellowstone Park, Wyo., in July ; Burrison, collector,
One female in good condition, save that the antenna? are wanting ; received through Mr. W. D. Kearfott. The species is so utterly un- like any other species heretofore referred to the genus that there should be no difficulty in identifying it. Melicleptria flavidenta, new species.
Head, thorax and abdomen black, clothed with olivaceous yellow hair, most dense on thorax and at the tip of the abdomen. Primaries with a carmine shading in basal and s. t. spaces ; median space prevailing yellowish ; s. t. space and extreme base olivaceous. The t. a. line makes a very marked and characteristic inward tooth on the median cell and thus relieves the orbicular which would otherwise be absorbed in the basal area as it is in sueta. T. p. line marked by the difference in shade be- tween median and s. t. space, sharply defined, only a little sinuate. S. t. line not marked : there is simply an olivaceous shade between the carmine red of the s. t. and terminal spaces. Fringes pale olivaceous. The inner and inferior portion of median space are tinted with olivaceous. Orbicular large, obtusely oval, carmine. Reniform large, oblong, broad, angles rounded, outer margin a little indented at middle, carmine shaded. Secondaries black, with olivaceous yellow fringes. Median area yellowish, with a broad black discal spot which cuts the band and gives the wing an appearance of being black with two yellowish median spots. Beneath, body clothed with thin, yellow, divergent hair. Primaries, basal area black with a yellow, sagittate central mark ; median area yellow with a large, black discal spot ; s. t. space yellow from costa nearly to inner margin, this shade gradually narrowing until it is entirely lost in the broad black band at inner angle. Secondaries, pale yellow ; black at base ; median area with a large black discal spot. A narrow black extra median line merging into a black band toward anal angle.
Expands. — .92 inch = 23 mm. Habitat. — Utah, July, 1900.
One male from Dr. Barnes, in good condition. The species looks, at first sight, like a small example of sueta ; but the character-
March, 1906] SMITH: NEW NOCTUIDjE. 21
istic indentation of the t. a. line and the other distinctions pointed out, justify the new species.
Schinia macroptica, new species.
Head and thorax with an ocherous brown powdering over a luteous base ; abdo- men dull yellow. Primaries with median space silvery white, else luteous with ocherous brown powderings ; a large somewhat transversely oval ocherous brown reniform making the most conspicuous feature of the wing. T. a. space powdery, extending to the t. a. line, which is rigid, a little oblique, and marked only by the contrast of silvery median and ocherous basal space. T. p. line marked in the same way against the s. t. space, even in course, rather widely bent over the large reniform then evenly oblique to the hind margin. S. t. line pale, very irregular, almost cut- ting the s. t. space opposite cell. Apex and upper portion of terminal space golden brown, shading into the palest ground at anal angle. A series of deep brown terminal marks. Fringes luteous, not cut or interlined. Secondaries whitish at base, with a broad washed-out outer band and whitish fringes. Beneath, primaries smoky, paler at base, with a large blackish discal spot and a yellowish s. t. line. Secondaries white with a faint yellowish tinge.
Expands. — .86 inch = 21 mm.
Habitat. — Southern Arizona, Poling.
One female without date or definite locality, but probably from Pima County in September. The very large discal spot of primaries, shaded with golden brown in the silvery white median space, marks this species at once. From oculata, to which the new form is allied, it differs by the much broader basal and outer luteous areas, as well as by the much larger and differently shaped reniform.
The tibial armature consists of a long, not very pointed inner claw and a stout spine above it, while on the outer side are two shorter, claw-like spines.
Schinia biforma, new species.
Head and thorax tawny yellow : abdomen clothed with thin hair of the same color over a black base. Primaries deep tawny over a lighter yellow base. The median lines are broad, of the pale ground, diffuse, tending to broaden toward the center so as to lighten the median space. T. a. line nearly rectangularly bent above the middle. T. p. line feebly bisinuate. S. t. line obscure, even, of the pale ground. Fringes pale. No discal spots. Secondaries evenly black, with yellow fringes. Be- neath primaries blackish, apex and margins more or less tawny ; secondaries pale tawny, shaded with blackish toward the inner margin.
Expands. — . 76-. 80 inch = 19-20 mm. Habitat. — Kerrville, Texas.
One male and two females, the former in poor, the latter in good condition. In size and wing-form the species resembles roseitincta ; in
22 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
the uniformly black secondaries and tawny simply marked primaries it differs from all others of the genus. The vestiture of the head and thorax is predominantly hairy and rather close. The fore tibia has one long somewhat curved inner claw and two spines above it, while at the outer side it has three shorter claws decreasing in size from the tip. Schinia olivacea, new species.
Head and thorax olivaceous gray, the greenish tinge quite obvious ; abdomen with a thinner covering of olivaceous over a brown base. Primaries, basal space brown, with a distinct reddish tinge at the base which becomes overlaid by olive green until at the t. a. line it is the darkest part of the wing. T. a. line pale, rather evenly and not very much outcurved. Median space olivaceous gray, forming the palest portion of the wing anteriorly, darkening to a more intense olivaceous out- wardly until it merges into the s. t. space, obscuring the very narrow gray t. p. line which is even, obliquely bisinuate. S. t. line greenish gray, distinct, very even, parallel to the outer margin. A broken, black terminal line. Fringes cut with brown. Secondaries an even brownish black, fringes whitish. Beneath, primaries smoky except on the costal margin and fringes ; the latter cut with blackish, the former by a t. p. line ; secondaries costal half dull yellowish gray, with a discal spot and outer line, inferior half blackish, fringes yellowish.
Expands. — .84 inch = 21 mm.
Habitat. — Beeville, Tex., in October.
One female only, dated in 1895. I feel quite sure that I have seen other specimens of this but have no record. It is allied to arcifera and the male may differ in color. The anterior tibia has one long pointed inner claw and three smaller outer spine-like claw -processes.
Schinia ferricasta, new species.
Head and thorax light chestnut or somewhat rusty brown ; abdomen more yel- lowish. Primaries with basal space pale chestnut brown. T. a. line whitish, out- wardly merging into the pale median space, with a wide and rather even outcurve. T. p. line whitish, well defined, evenly and very slightly bisinuate. Median space dull luteous gray with a brown tinge outwardly. S. t. space velvety brown, a little less red than in basal space, lightening a little toward the outer margin to indicate a vague pale s. t. line. Fringes concolorous with terminal space. A vague indication of a reniform is traceable. Secondaries a somewhat deep coppery yellow from base to beyond middle, where a blackish shading begins, extending to the outer margin. Fringes lurid yellow. Beneath, primaries tawny yellow to beyond middle, a blackish s. t. space and a rosy red terminal space ; discal spot black ; secondaries yellow at base shading to rosy and then to brownish outwardly.
Expands. — .92-1.00 inch = 23-35 mm-
Habitat. — Palmerly, Cochise Co., Ariz., August, Collection Brooklyn Institute; Baboquivaria Mts., Pima Co., Ariz., July 20;
March, igo6.] SMITH '. NEW NOCTUID^E. 23
Mr. O. C. Poling: Huachuca Mts., August 1-7 ; Santa Catalina Mts.; Pinal Co., August 24, Dr. Barnes.
Five male specimens, the one from the Brooklyn Institute in per- fect condition, the others somewhat defective. The species is ob- viously related to arcifera and may be an extreme form of it ; but I do not believe that likely. The new form is altogether lighter as a whole, and the median space is contrastingly paler. The median lines also, while similar in course, are much broader and more conspicuous. It is probable that the female will be found to have black or brown outer secondaries.
The tibial armature consists of one long inner and two shorter outer claws with the accessory spines small and defective. Schinia erosa, new species.
Head, thorax and primaries except median space a rather bright luteous. Head and thorax immaculate. Primaries with well defined maculation, the median space white or whitish, contrasting or with a wash of the ground color which obscures the bright effect. The basal space has no markings and is only a little curved at its outer border which is well defined. The outer portion of the median space becomes a little luteous shaded below the reniform, deepening so as to relieve a whitish t. p. line which is well curved over the cell and a little incurved below. S. t. line whitish, very irregular, appearing as though gnawed from the outer side, this appearance heightened by a preceding dusky shade which becomes black at some points along the edge of the line. There is a very narrow pale line at the base of the fringes which are obscurely cut with pale. The orbicular is vaguely indicated by a few dull scales. Reniform of good size, oblong, a little oblique, dusky, the outer border marked with black scales. Secondaries whitish to beyond the middle, then a rather broad, irregular, diffuse smoky or blackish band, beyond which the terminal area is yellowish to the whitish fringes. There is a large black discal spot. Beneath, whitish ; primaries with a small round orbicular and a large oblong reniform, black, contrasting, s. t. line of the upper side being even more sharply marked than above : secondaries with the discal spot and extra-median hand of upper side duplicated.
Expands. — .80-. 88 inch = 20-22 mm.
Habitat. — Utah; Phoenix, Ariz., Sept. 16 and 24.
Three examples, one of them a female, are at hand. The Utah example is old and its source is not known as it has only one of the old State labels. Of the Phoenix examples one belongs to Dr. Barnes and bears his number 123 ; the other was given me by Mr. Wm. H. Broadwell and is the best specimen of the three.
The fore tibial armature consists of one very long pointed claw at the inner angle and above it two or three spines along the inner mar- gin ; one moderately long pointed claw at the outer angle and two smaller claws above it on the outer side.
24 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
Schinia pallicincta, new species.
Head and thorax pale lemon over clay yellow ; abdomen a little paler. Pri- maries yellow luteous over a whitish base, the median lines broad, whitish, diffuse. T. a. line nearly upright. T. p. line oblique a little outcurved over cell. In one specimen the s. t. line is quite well defined near costa by preceding brown scales ; in the other it is almost lost. No discal spots. Secondaries blackish with a rosy red tinge; fringes pale. Beneath, primaries yellowish with blackish disk and discal mark a little tinged with rosy. Secondaries yellowish with a smoky disc which is strongly tinged with rosy.
Expands, — .7 2-. So inch = 18-20 mm.
Habitat. — San Diego County, Calif. ; Utah.
Two female examples, both somewhat defective. The two ex- amples are very much alike in appearance and essential structure ; but differ in that the Utah example has a very distinctly marked s. t. line which in the California example is obscure. The former is to be con- sidered the type should the latter prove to be distinct. The fore tibia has a very long inner curved claw and two shorter outer claws also slender and somewhat spine like.
Schinia tobia, new species.
Head and thorax olivaceous luteous over a whitish base. Abdomen whitish. Primaries dull olivaceous with the transverse markings broadly white. Extreme base white. T. a. line a broad white band, inwardly defined, outwardly diffuse, broader on the costa and internal margin, a little outcurved. T. p. line broad, white, margins not sharply defined, tending to broaden on costa and inner margin. S. t. line a little irregular, indefined, not strongly marked. S. t. space is darker than ground on costa and internal margin, and paler between these po;nts ; but no well marked blotching occurs. Fringes a little paler than ground. The reniform is a whitish lunule which may become almost or quite obsolete. Secondaries whitish, with a dull olivaceo-luteous outer margin ; fringes white. Beneath white, primaries a little gray shaded and sometimes with a discal spot.
Expands. — .92 inch = 23 mm.
Habitat. — Phcenix, Ariz., September 16-23.
Two good females, through Dr. Barnes ; very similar in appear- ance and obviously allied to sexplagiata and biundulata, really in a way intermediate, yet differing from both. The fore tibia has a long, slender, pointed inner claw with two much smaller spines above it, and two shorter outer spine-like claws and smaller spines above them. Schinia constricta, Hy. Edw.
This species has long been a puzzle to me and I have been keep- ing close watch for specimens since I first saw the type in 1882 ; but until recently without success. In my Revision of 1883 I note that,
March, 1906.] Smith : New NOCTUID/E. 25
" It is closely related to the preceding \rivulosa~\ while easily separated from it." The characteristic feature in which the species differs from all its congeners is that there is no complete median space and there are no median lines. From the costa a t. a. line starts normally, but instead of crossing the wing it forms a segment of a circle, reaching the costa again at the place of the t. p. line. On the inner margin a similar mark occurs and between the two segments the ground color extends through the center of the wing.
On the occasion of a visit to Boston in September, 1905, I had opportunity to look over the very interesting collection of Mr. H. H. Newcomb and found to my delight an example of Schinia const ricta, though not exactly typical. It came from New York in the Emily L. Morton collection, was marked New Windsor, 22, VII, '91, and was a unique. It had the lines marked as in the type ; but the dark shad- ing did not extend across the median space and which was quite obvi- ous throughout. The relationship to rivulosa was now so clear that I determined we had only an aberration to deal with and looked over my own specimens, finding a clear tendency to narrow the space between the median lines. One example had them so nearly approximated that the space was all but divided and was a perfect intermediate between the normal form and the New Windsor specimen.
Constricta must, therefore, in future rank as an aberrational form of rivulosa and not as a distinct species. The original type is from North Carolina and as the second specimen is from New York, the aberration may occur anywhere within the range of the species.
Schinia accessa, new species.
Ground color silvery white, overlaid by pale olive green, so that only the lines show the ground. Head, edge of collar and patagia and disc of thorax white marked. Abdomen whitish. Primaries with the transverse lines in the form of broad, oblique white bands. Basal space shaded with white above and below the median vein. T. a. line with a long outward tooth on the cell extending almost to reniform, inwardly oblique below. The band is inwardly bounded by a darker edging, outwardly with- out a sharp defining edge between the white and olive. T. p. line very oblique with a little outcurve over cell and a little indrawing below ; inwardly indefined, outwardly edged by black scales which may form spots. S. t. line narrower, white, even, close to and parallel with outer margin ; fringe white. The reniform is in the form of an oblique, elongate lunule with the margins black, the center concolorous. Secon- daries white, with a more or less distinct outer blackish band and a blackish discal lunule. Beneath, primaries whitish, with the maculation of upper side incompletely reproduced, the reniform black filled and the orbicular present as a black spot. Secondaries also with markings of upper side feebly indicated.
2<; Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
Expands. — 1.04-1.16 inches =26 — 29 mm.
Habitat. — Kerrville, Texas.
I have two female specimens, one well preserved though papered, the other without locality and somewhat rubbed, from Dr. Barnes, but almost certainly from Kerrville also, though by a different col- lector. The armature of the fore tibia consists of a heavy inner claw, above which is a curved stout spine and a series of small spines, and three outer blunt claws decreasing in size toward base.
The species is allied to trifascia in appearance and belongs next to it in Hampson's arrangement, differing most obviously in the angu- lated t. a. line and huge reniform spot. Schinia alensa, new species.
Ground color dull creamy white, the markings olivaceous luteous. Head and thorax immaculate, thorax a little washed with luteous. Basal space luteous, darken- ing a little to the t. a. line which is defined by the contrast between basal and median space and is evenly arcuate. Median space white to the t. p. line which is evenly bisinuate, marked by the contrast between median and s. t. space, the median space broken by an outer, diffuse shade which may form a somewhat even band and may broaden inferiorly so as to leave only broad pale median lines. S. t. space olivaceous luteous, almost cut opposite the cell by a deep indentation from the pale terminal space. A series of dusky or blackish terminal marks at the base of the dusky fringes. The reniform is marked by two small black dots connected by a narrow line of black scales. Secondaries white, with a dusky, obscure outer border and a faint discal spot. Beneath, primaries creamy gray with a large, blackish discal mark. Secon- daries white, immaculate.
Expands. — .86-1.00 inch = 22-25 mm.
Habitat. — Southern Arizona, August 1 — 1 5, Poling; Wilgus, Cochise Co., Ariz., no date.
Two males and two females in fair condition, a pair from each locality, through Dr. Barnes. There is some variation in the intensity of the darker shading and some in its extent ; but as a whole the specimens look very much alike. The relationship is to separata with which the new species agrees in tibial armature. Schinia illustra, new species.
Head and thorax rather pale ocherous yellow, abdomen whitish yellow. Pri- maries a little deeper in ground than the thorax, the shadings in brownish ochre. T. a. line even, with a moderately long median angulation, preceded by an ocher-brown shading and marked by a few dark scales outwardly — otherwise the line is concolor- ous. The outer portion of median space is filled by an ocher brown shade which in- cludes the t. p. lines, invades the s. t. space and from which rays extend along the veins to the outer margin. T. p. line of the ground color, outwardly denticulated on the veins, in course very evenly bisinuated. There is no s. t. line. Orbicular want-
March, 1906.] Smith : New Noctuice. 27
ing. Reniform an irregular, linear, whitish line, with a deeper brown shading on each line. Terminal dots on some of the veins, the brown shadings crossing the whitish fringes. Secondaries, whitish, with a lustrous yellowish reflection. Beneath, whitish, with a yellowish shading ; primaries with a blackish discal spot, some brown subapical spots and brown marks on the fringes ; secondaries with an obscure subapical brown shading.
Expands. — 1.10 inches = 27 mm.
Habitat. — Glenwood Springs, Colo., July 20.
One good female which has been in my hands for years, originally received from Dr. Barnes. The fore legs are missing hence the arma- ture cannot be described ; but it is probably not unlike that of wal- singhami, to which the new species is most nearly allied. The most characteristic feature of the species is the absence of an s. t. line and the rayed terminal area.
Schinia megarena, new species.
Head and thorax creamy white, more or less tinged with ocherous brown. Primaries, ground color a rather dull white, the maculations and shadings formed by ocherous and brown scales. The large, blotch-like reniform, which is more or less marked by black scales is the only conspicuous feature of the wing. The extreme base is white, the brown powderings darkening gradually to the narrow t. a. line which is somewhat irregularly angled and, as a whole, nearly upright, emphasized by a few black scales. The median space is white to beyond its middle, then darkened by a powdery ocherous band which crosses the reniform and runs close to the t. p. line inferiorly. T. p. line geminate, the inner line powdery and obscure, the outer marked with black scales, a little irregular and sometimes almost lunulate ; in course with a long outcurve over cell and a moderate incurve below reniform. S. t. space brown, powdered, very irregular outwardly where it marks the whitish, diffuse s. t. line. Terminal space brownish powdered except at apex, which is usually white. A series of terminal black lunules. Fringes ocherous, with a white interline. The orbicular may be absent or may be marked by a narrow, incomplete ring of black scales. Secondaries white. Beneath, primaries with a slightly gray tinge, with prominent reniform and a more or less well denned orbicular — though the latter may be entirely wanting.
Expands. — .88-1.00 inch = 22-25 mm-
Habitat. — Kerrville, Tex.; Utah, August 4 to September 6, Poling.
Nine males and four females all from Mr. Poling. Only one male is from Kerrville, the others have simply the " Utah" and date label. All the examples are a little worn or defective.
In a general way this resembles a bleached out S. tertia with im- maculate secondaries. The type of maculation is the same ; but the details vary greatly and this is not nearly so handsome a species.
28 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
Eupanychis camina, new species.
Head and thorax dull, smoky luteous, some of the thoracic scales with a metallic lustre. Primaries smoky black over a dully whitish base. Basal space blackish, extends fully one third of the wing, limiting the t. a. line by the contrast in color with the pale median space. In course the line is somewhat acutely and a little irregularly outcurved. Median space whitish, more or less black powdered, interrupted by the large, oblong, black reniform. T. p. line rather evenly bisinuate, best marked by the contrast with the black s. t. space. S. t. space black with a dusting of whitish scales, narrowed by the outcurve of the t. p. line. S. t. line whitish gray, diffuse, a little irregular, darkening outwardly into the smoky terminal area. A broad, black, lunate terminal line. Fringes smoky at base, whitish at tip. Secondaries black, disc whitish with a large black discal spot almost dividing it, fringes tipped with gray. Beneath, primaries with maculation of upper side essentially reproduced but more contrasting. Secondaries mostly whitish with black basal and discal spots and a black margin which is incomplete apically.
Expands. — .76 inch =19 mm.
Habitat. — Hampton, New Hampshire, Weed and Fiske, No. 2164.
One female specimen in fair condition. It is obviously allied to spinosce in general appearance ; but is smaller, entirely without red- brown admixture and not nearly so well marked. It has almost the appearance and color of a diminutive Heliotliis. Thalpochares hutsoni, new species.
Ground color a faint creamy white, varying toward luteous. Head thorax and abdomen concolorous, immaculate. Primaries as a rule a little darker than body, the maculation a darker shade of the ground color with a slight olivaceous tinge in the best marked specimens. Basal line discernible in one specimen, broad, diffuse, broken. T. a. line broad, single, faintly relieved, with a rather even outcurve, recognizable in about half the specimens and distinct in one. T. p. line a distinct band, a little sinuate, as a whole nearly parallel with outer margin, broken by the round reniform which is concolorous with the band and is cut out of it by a whitish outline. A median shade band extends from the middle of costa to the t. p. line be- low the cell ; but is complete in one example only. Terminal space is a little darker, but no s. t. line is relieved. A series of black terminal dots. Secondaries whitish with a faint yellowish tinge, fringes white. Beneath, primaries smoky ; secondaries white.
Expands. — .64 inch = 16 mm.
Habitat. — Yuma Co., Ariz., in March, Mr. Hutson.
Six examples, evenly divided as to sex, and all in good condition. This little species is neatly if inconspicuously marked, and is named after its collector, from whom I have received not a few novelties as the result of his desert wanderings. That these explorations were primarily for gold and that the capture and care of the specimens
March, 1906.] Smith '. New NOCTUID/E. 29
added much to the labors of the journey does not detract from Mr. Hutson's merit. No one sends better specimens than he does !
This species also has the cylindrical frontal process and will be associated with catalina, I believe. Thalpochares catalina, new species.
Head, thorax and abdomen white, slightly lustrous. Primaries white, with a slight creamy tinge ; immaculate to the middle, and nowhere with contrasting macu- lation. Beyond the middle of costa a vaguely luteous band bends outwardly through the cell, there forms an obtuse angle inward, becomes better marked and broader, reaching the inner margin a little beyond the middle. This band varies in width and in distinctness. At the outer border is a broad margin of faint bluish gray, through which the white, slightly sinuous s. t. line is traceable. A series of black terminal dots is obvious in one specimen. Fringes white. Beneath ; primaries blackish, fringes white ; secondaries white.
Expands. — .80 inch = 20 mm.
Habitat. — Yuma Co., Ariz., April 19, Hutson ; Babaquivera Mts., Pima Co., Ariz., July 16-23, Dr. Barnes; Tuscon, Ariz., May 13-14 and Catalina Springs, Ariz., July 5, Mr E. A. Schwarz.
Three males and three females, half of them in rather ragged con- dition, yet all characteristic. Seems to be rather widely distributed, yet obviously not over-common.
It is probable that this species will have to be removed from Thal- pochares eventually, because like so many of our desert forms, this has a frontal protuberance, cylindrical and truncate, covered by the vesti- ture in good examples but readily exposed. I do not propose a new generic term here, because the species of this and allied genera are not well represented in collections and the limits of the genera already named are by no means accurately defined.
Bomolocha lutalba, new species.
Ground color a dirty luteous gray ; head and thorax immaculate, abdomen paler, with narrow whitish segmental rings. Primaries more or less shaded with smoky, with a conspicuous rigid narrow yellowish s. t. line, more or less defined by a dusky preced- ing shade, more distinct in the male than in the female. T. a. line single, smoky, rather broad, somewhat diffuse, with small outcurves between the veins and as a whole a little outcurved. T. p. line narrow, smoky, not well defined, irregular yet scarcely crenulate, well curved over the cell and as deeply drawn in below. There is a broken, scarcely lunate terminal line. Reniform an obscurely defined dusky blotch of moderate size. Secondaries whitish ; there is an outer, rigid yellowish line abruptly bent near anal angle, preceded by a dark shading, which seems like a continuation of the s. t. line of primaries ; toward the base there is a less distinct continuation of the t. a. line of primaries. Beneath, both wings with a slight reddish tinge, powdery, with smoky median and extra-median lines and a dusky discal spot.
30 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
Expands. — .92-1.00 inch = 23-25 mm.
Habitat. — Cartwright, Man., Mr. E. Firmstone Heath.
Two males and three females are at hand, all of them of Mr. Heath's collecting and three of them very good examples. The re- lationship is to ochreipennis ; but the species is smaller, different in color, the lines differ somewhat in course and the enlargement of the $ antenna is made up in a different way — a character that must be figured rather than described.
DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW AMERICAN MOTHS.
By Harrison G. Dyar, A.M., Ph.D., Washington, D. C.
Family COCHLIDIID/E.
Genus SEMYRA Walker. Semyra maris, new species.
Dark blackish brown. Fore wings heavily obscured, without lighter areas, but the terminal portion beyond the line of a more purplish luster. Line faint, fine, blu- ish, from beyond middle of inner margin, slightly bent inward, running to the costo- subapical mark, which consists of a small dark brown spot, nearly surrounded by a bluish halo. Submedian space basally reddish with a slightly raised dot. Hind wings brown, considerably lighter over disk to base. Expanse, 27 mm.
One (J\ St. Laurent, Maroni River, French Guiana (Wm, Schaus).
Type no. 9132, U. S. National Museum.
Named in honor of Miss Mary Hudson of Plattsburgh, New York.
The species is allied to S. distincta Moschl., and I have considered the possibility of its being the male of that species ; but none of the species of Semyra are sexually dimorphic, so I have decided that it is more probably distinct. The lines are placed as in distincta, but the apical part of the marking is obliterated.
Family PYRALID/E.
Subfamily Phycitin.e.
Genus MYELOIS Hiibner. Myelois glendella, new species.
Light gray, the lines black except the subbasal blotch which is olivaceous. Wing whitish, thickly dusted with black scales. Inner line broad, straight, dis- tinctly oblique, edged with whitish within ; an olivaceous gray half band before it on
March, 1906.] DVAR : NEW AMERICAN MOTHS. 31
inner margin ; discal dots conjoined, diffused ; outer line slightly bent inward in sub- costal and submedian interspaces, slightly dentate, followed by a whitish edge, be- yond which is a faint subterminal gray line. Black dots on the termen. Hind wings pale grayish. Expanse, 22 to 23 mm.
Two cj\ Glenwood Springs, Colorado (Dr. Wm. Barnes), one of the specimens in Dr. Barnes's collection. Type no. 9100, U. S. National Museum.
Genus ZOPHODIA Hiibner. Zophodia polingella, new species.
Similar to Z. glaucatella Hulst, but much larger and the outer line more incised. Light gray, whitish on costal half, inner margin between the lines strongly shaded with fuscous to median vein. Lines faint, black, the inner line bent at an angle on median vein, the outer incised subapically, supplemented by a black triangle on costa. Discal dot single, large, sublunate. Hind wing white. Thorax gray with a black posterior band. Expanse, 26 to 32 mm.
One tf, one Q, Southern Arizona, April 1-15 (Poling). The 9 is in the collection of Dr. Barnes.
Type no. 9101, U. S. National Museum.
Genus POUJADIA Ragonot. Poujadia pimella, new species.
Palpi long, sickle-shaped, obliquely upturned, three times as long as the head. Fore wings with II veins, 4 and 5 stalked; hind wings with 7 veins. Fore wings flesh colored, the costa broadly dark gray ; gray scales scattered on all the veins ; a white ray along median vein, running out on the stalk of veins 4 and 5. Hind wings grayish, fringe pale. Expanse 24 mm.
Two (5\ Babaquivera Mts., Arizona, Pima County (Wm. Barnes). One type is in Dr. Barnes's collection.
Type no. 9102, U. S. National Museum.
Genus OLLIA Dyar. Ollia parvella, new species.
Costal half of fore wing white with slight darker lines on the veins toward apex. Inner half pale ocherous, shading to gray next to white part. Hind wing whitish. Expanse, 12 mm.
Six Cj , Brownsville, Texas, May 31 to June 9, 1904 (H. S. Barber).
Type no. 9103, U. S. National Museum.
Without the $ the generic position is in some doubt, but lies be- tween Ollia in which the male antennae are simple and shortly pecti- nated, and Pectinigera Ragonot (= Cayuga Hulst), in which they are modified at base by a scale tuft.
32 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
Class I, HEXAPODA.
Order XI, ORTHOPTERA.
THE CYRTOPHYLLI OF THE UNITED STATES.
By A. N. Caudell,
Washington, D. C.
(Plate I.)
The members of the group Cyrtophylli, generally known as true Katydids, are rarely numerously represented in collections, though at times they are rather common in some localities. The nights may re- sound with the song of the males and yet the listener never see one of the songsters. This is accounted for by the habitat of the insect, which is in the tallest trees available. In the vicinity of Washington they live in tall trees in the woods, thus escaping notice by the greater number of people. In some localities they are numerous and, in the absence of large trees, live in orchards and shrubbery. In such localities they are no rarity to the farmer or fruit grower but in places where large trees abound one may live a life time and rarely see one, though often hearing the stridulations of the male. The sound made by these insects is the loudest made by any orthopterous songster known, being indeed, unsurpassed by any insect of any order except the Cicada, or harvest fly. The song of the common species, perspicillatus, consists of a rasping note repeated from two to five times, usually three, fol- lowed by a short pause. The same species seems to vary its song from time to time, sometimes the note being repeated but twice and again as many as five times, the number probably depending upon the vigor of the insect as well as upon the temperature. The number is said to vary quite regularly in the number of beats per minute according to whether the temperature is higher or lower. The number per minute at a temperature of 82 ° is said to be about 89 while at 580 it is but 15 to 20. The notes have a fancied resemblance to the words "Katy- did," or " Katy-did, she-did."
The female of these insects, at least that of the common species, perspicillatus, is unique among Orthopterous insects, so far as known, in that they stridulate in a manner similar to that of the males. The elytra are partially opened and closed just as are those of the males during stridulation. The roughened surface of the triangular anal
March, 1906.] CAUDELL : CyRTOPHYLLI OF THE UNITED STATES. 33
areas rub over each other, like the tympani of the males, the right elytron sliding beneath the left one. The resulting sound is a sharp scraping note heard easily for several yards. This sound is made by the female when disturbed by handling but whether or not it is ever made voluntarily in nature is not known, but it presumably is when the insect is disturbed by any cause. Not enough study has been given the various species of these interesting insects in nature to admit of their separation on song and habit. But little is recorded regarding their breeding habits. Jaeger, Life of North American Insects, p. 108, says the female oviposits in the soil but his observations, which are also given by Lord in Science Gossip for July, 1865, must have been faulty as the eggs are quite surely deposited in crevices in the bark of trees. Professor Riley secured eggs from a female in captivity. They were inserted into a piece of cork and some into crannies in the breeding cage. On October first of last year Mr. Barber secured a female of perspicillatus ovipositing by night on Plummers Island, Md. The ovipositor was inserted into the bark of a small Elm tree a few feet above the ground. This is probably not the usual place of oviposition, the eggs more likely being inserted into the bark of large trees some considerable distance from the ground. The young feed on the leaves and very probably rarely or never leave the shelter of the tree upon which they were born. They mature in July and live till killed by the coming of cold weather. In the vicinity of Washington the males commence stridulating in the latter part of July and continue till about the first of October, rarely later.
The song is heard from dark to nearly daylight throughout August and well into September. But as the nights grow cooler they stop earlier and the survivers that live to sound their note after the middle of October rarely do so at night, the notes being feeble and made dur- ing the afternoon. Mr. Barber has heard the note of perspicillatus as late as the first week in November. But evidently very few indi- viduals live that late in the latitude of Washington.
Considerable doubt exists as to whether or not these insects ever fly. I have repeatedly endeavored to persuade specimens to fly, but without success. Both Mr. Barber and I have succeeded in getting specimens to spread the wings and sail to the ground, alighting with a thud, but no attempt was made by the insects towards actual flight. They probably soar from one tree to another after the manner of the flying-squirrel. They may also at times actually fly as Mr. McAtee
34 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
claims to have seen a " katy-did with round wings " flying about the tops of tall trees on Plummers Island, Maryland. The elytra were held rigid while the insect was in flight, like those of Colcoptera. But, being at such a height above the observer, accurate observations were necessarily difficult and error may have resulted.
Five nominal species of this group have been recorded from the United States, C. perspicillatus Fabr. , concavus Harr., zimmermanni Sauss., hypericifolius Stoll, and floridensis Beutenm. Eliminating cer- tain of these through synonomy or being erroneously referred to our fauna and adding three new species we have six species referable to three genera. These genera may be separated as follows :
Pronotum scarcely longer than the middle width, the lateral lcbes quadrate or higher than long ; supraanal plate of the female no more than twice as long as the middle width, apically broadly rounded or subtruncate. Anterior tibia; spined above ; pronotum subtruncate posteriorly, the lateral carina; subpersistent ; posterior femora with about ten spines below on the outer carina ; supraanal plate of both sexes convex above on the basal two thirds and longitudinally sulcate ; cerci of male with the branches parallel, the
tips no farther apart than the length of the lower branch Paracyrtophyllus.
Anterior tibia; unarmed above ; pronotum posteriorly rounded or subangulate, the lateral carina; not indicated anterior of the principal sulcus ; posterior femora with about five or six spines on the outer carina below ; supraanal plate of both sexes concave above on the basal fourth only or nearly wholly flat ; cerci of the male with the branches divergent, the tips further separated
than the length of the lower branch Cyrtophyllus.
Pronotum considerably longer than the middle breadth, the lateral lobes decidedly longer than high ; supraanal plate of the female more than twice as long as the middle width, apically narrowly rounded Lea.
Genus PARACYRTOPHYLLUS, new.
Color green. Head short, broad ; interocular space about four times as broad as one of the eyes ; vertex dorsally sulcate, very narrow, about one half as broad basally as one of the eyes, acute with the sides straight. Antennae long and slender, nearly twice as long as the body, including the wings, the basal segment much enlarged ; antennary scrobes laminate on the inner side, as long as the vertex ; eyes subglobose, small but prominent. Prothorax short, broad and stout, the disk granulous or rugose, nearly flat and crosses by two transverse sulci, usually fairly distinct but sometimes more faint, the posterior one generally the more distinct and situated about the middle, the anterior one, sometimes quite indistinct, cutting the anterior half about the middle ; posterior margin of the pronotal disk subtruncate ; lateral lobes vertical, subquadrate or slightly higher than broad, the lower and anterior margins straight, the posterior margin straight below, inclining slightly backwards above ; lateral carina; persistent, usually obscured near the anterior border of the pronotum ; pro-, meso- and metasterni each armed with a pair of quite long sharp spines, those of the
March, 1906.] CAUDELL '. CyRTOPHYLLI OF THE UNITED STATES. 35
prosternum cylindrical, the others more or less triangular. Abdomen heavy, one of the segments near the base tuberculate above in the male and the penultimate segment in the same sex is very broad and somewhat flaring ; supraanal plate convex and longitudinally sulcate above on at least the basal two thirds, but little longer than broad in either sex, apically broadly rounded, sometimes subtruncate ; subgenital plate of the male prominently produced as a long flattened slightly tapering blade, dorsally concave and cleft in the apical third, the two branches more or less connate. Ovipositor a broad slightly curved blade, about two times as long as the pronotum, slightly broadened mesially and apically quite abruptly pointed, subapically armed on each side with two or three short transverse ridges and very finely and dully serrate below on the apical fourth or less ; the central portion of the ovipositor is so thin as to be translucid but the tip and both margins are thickened and opaque. Cerci of female rounded, pointed, the tips obscurely and briefly furcate ; of male angular and forked, the branches parallel (Fig. 6). Elytra very broad, and usually convex giving the insect a very rotund appearance, the basal half or more of the costal area in the male is subhyaline with conspicuous parallel transverse veins and the speculum is exceedingly well developed (Fig. 1) ; wings ample, considerably shorter than the elytra. Legs slender, weak ; anterior tibiae with slit-like foramina present on both sides, hind femora about three and one half times as long as the pronotum, moderately swollen on the basal half or three fifths, armed below on the outer carina with ten short stout spines ; middle and anterior femora armed on both margins below with several spines on the outer carinse of the middle ones and the inner carinae of the anterior ones * the opposite carinse with but three or four spines, sometimes but one or two. Tibiae flattened above with acute margins, the anterior pair armed above on the outer carina with half a dozen stout spines, none apical, the inner carina unarmed or with but one or two minute spines ; middle and posterior tibiae armed above and below on both sides with a number of spines.
Type : P. robustus Caudell.
The description of this genus has been made in full as those of the following ones are somewhat comparative with it.
The measurements given in this paper are made as follows : Width of elytra is at the widest point. Length of the ovipositor, and of the subgenital plate of the male the measurement is from the extreme ventral base direct to the tip. Width of the subgenital plate of the male is the width at the widest point of that portion projecting beyond the tip of the body. Width of the pronotum is the width at the broadest point, always across the posterior part. Width of ovipositor is the width at the widest point beyond the body.
* In descriptive entomology confusion is liable when mention of the outer or inner side of the anterior legs is made, when in a natural position the inner side of the anterior femur is really the outer side when corellately considered. For the sake of convenience the legs are always considered as being in a natural position when being described, that is the posterior and intermediate ones directed backwards and the anterior ones directed forwards.
:-!(; Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
Paracyrtophyllus robustus, new species (PL I. figs, i and 6).
Robust; thorax heavy and broad, disk flat, considerably elevated in the posterior third, less so in the female ; transverse sulci moderately distinct, the anterior one less so; lateral carina; persistent and moderately acute, usually somewhat obscured in front of the anterior transverse sulcus. Elytra about twice as long as broad in the fe- male, in the male about one and one half times as long as broad ; wings considerably shorter than the elytra. Supraanal plate of both sexes convex above on the basal two thirds or three fourths and longitudinally sulcate, the apical portion flattened and apically broadly rounded or sometimes subtruncate ; subgenital plate of the male longer than the thorax, slightly and gradually tapering, the tip split, the two parts distinct and apically subcompressed ; cerci of the female slightly broader than thick, about five times as long as the basal width, somewhat incurved and apically incised ; that of the male divided into two long parallel branches, incurved apically, the lower branch with about [he apical half bent inwards and backwards (Fig. 6). Oviposi- tor broad and about two and one half times as long as the length of the thorax.
Length, pronotum, male, 6-7 ; female, 6-7 ; elytra, male, 28-29 '■> female, 28-30; posterior femora, male, 22-23; female, 22-25; sim" genital plate, male, 13 ; ovipositor, 17 mm. Width, pronotum, male, 8.5 ; female, 8-9 ; elytra, male, 19 ; female, 14-16 ; subgenital plate, male, 2.25-2.5 ; ovipositor, 3-5-3.75 mm.
Type no. 9143, U. S. National Museum.
Five specimens are before me, three males and two females, all from Texas without definite locality except one female, the largest specimen, which is from Tiger Mills. Other specimens are in the Scudder collection at Cambridge, Mass.
The broader thorax with its more distinct lateral carinas, the dorsally armed anterior tibial and the shorter elytra and wings make this insect easily distinguishable from related forms. The song and habits are very probably similar to those of the species belonging to the following genus. I had thought to construe the Cyrtophyllits per- spicillatus of Fabr. , to be this form but was prohibited from doing so by the pronotum of his species being described as posteriorly rounded, which is not true of this species.
Genus CYRTOPHYLLUS Burmeister.
Cyrtophyllus Burm. Handb. Ent., II, 697 (1838).
Superficially closely resembling the previous genus but is readily distinguished from it by the general form, which is less robust, and by the distinctly more elongate elytra. Structurally there are a number of correlated characters separating this genus from its allies. Lateral carinas of the pronotum distinct only behind the principal transverse
March, 1906] CaUDELL : CyRTOPHVLLI OF THE UNITED STATES. 37
sulcus and the posterior margin of the disk is more rounded, or some- times subangulate. The anterior tibiae are unarmed above and the posterior femorae are armed below on the outer carina with but four or five spines, rarely six or seven. Supraanal plate in both sexes flat and nonsulcate above or convex and longitudinally silicate only on the basal fourth or less. Cerci of the male with the forks divergent, the tips separated by a distance greater than the length of the lower branch. Ovipositor more than twice as long as the pronotum.
Type : Locusta perspicillata Fabricius.
The distinctness of this genus from the preceding one is un- doubted, the separating characters being ample to make easy the dif- ferentiation of the two genera. Besides the characters enumerated above the subgenital plate of the male is differently shaped, being more hastate in Cyrtophyllus. The supraanal plate of the male of this genus is also different, being about as broad as long, while in Paracyr- tophyllus it is longer than broad.
Brunner (Mon. Pseudophylliden) considers the genus Chloroccehis of Bates a synonym of this genus. I very much doubt the correct- ness of this view as the insect described by Bates does not seem con- generic with the insect typical of Cyrtophyllus.
We have four species belonging to this genus. They may be separated by the following table :
Cerci of the male with the lower branch simple.
Lower branch of the cerci of the male with the incurving apical portion scarcely as long as the less tapering basal portion ; the cerci between the two branches less enlarged (Fig. 7); elytra of the female broadly rounded apically and the posterior margin usually as convex as the costal margin
(fig- 3)- Larger ; transverse sulci of the pronotum distinct, usually quite conspicuous ; elytra of the female less elongate than in the alternating category.
perspicillatus. Smaller ; transverse sulci of the pronotum less distinct, usually inconspicu- ous ; elytra of the female distinctly more elongate than in the alternate
category elongatus .
Lower branch of the cerci of the male with the incurving apical portion as long as the thick, uniformly tapering basal portion, the cerci between the two branches much enlarged, forming a triangular projection (Fig. 8) ; elytra of the female narrowly rounded apically, the posterior margin almost straight
( Fig. 2 ) inter medius .
Cerci of the male with the lower branch conspicuously forked (Fig. 9) furcatus.
38 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
Cyrtophyllus perspicillatus Fabricius (PI. I, Figs. 3, 4, 7). Locusta perspicillata Fabr., Ent. Syst., II, 36 (1793). Cyrtophyllus perspicillatus Burin., Handb. Ent., ii, 697 (1838). Pterophylla concava Harr. , Encycl. Americana, viii, 42 (1835). Cyrtophyllus zimtnermanni Sauss., Rev. Mag. Zoo]., 1859, 206 (1859). Cyrtophyllus concavus Scudd., Journ. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., 1862, 272 (1862).
Considerably less robust than Paracyrtophyllus robustus. Thorax usually a little longer than broad, sometimes quadrate, the disk transversely convex, longitudinally flat or sometimes considerably elevated posteriorly ; the anterior margin straight, the posterior margin rounded or subangulate ; transverse sulci, at" least the anterior one, very distinct and well defined ; lateral carinre indicated only behind the principal sulcus and there usually quite rounded. Elytra broad and strongly concave, of the same structure as those of P. robustus but more elongate than those of that species, those of the female being about two and one half times as long as broad ; wings ample, not as long as the elytra, but considerably longer than those of P. robustus. Supraanal plate of both sexes somewhat longer than broad, flat or nonsulcate or con- vex and longitudinally sulcate only in the basal fourth or little more, often more dis- tinctly so in the female, apically broadly rounded or subtruncate ; subgenital plate of the male two or more times as long as the pronotum, the projecting portion somewhat hastate, the two halves of the divided apex generally more or less connate ; cerci of female round, six or seven times as long as the basal breadth and slightly curved up- wards, the tip usually very inconspicuously notched; cerci of the male forked, the two branches divergent and incurved, the lower branch simple, with a minute subapical denticle on the lower side and usually a little shorter than the upper one, the incurving apical portion not quite as long as the scarcely tapering basal portion. Ovipositor three or more times as long as the pronotum, microscopically serrate below near the tip, the serrations sometimes very inconspicuous, armed laterally, as in P. robustus, with two or three short transverse subapical ridges.
Length, pronotum, male, 5.5-6; female, 5.5-6; elytra, male, 35—38; female, 37 ; posterior femora, male, 20-21.5 > female, 20-23 ; subgenital plate, male, 12-14. 5; ovipositor, 18-20 mm.; width, pro- notum, male, 6-6.5 3 female, 6.25-6.5 ; elytra, male, 18-21, female, 16; subgenital plate, male, 2.5-2.75 ; ovipositor, 3.25 mm.
This species extends south to South Carolina, west to Kansas and north into Canada. I have specimens before me from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, District of Columbia, North Caro- lina, Missouri, Kansas and Iowa.
There are a number of minor variations present in the structure of this and the following species. The tip of the upper branch of the cerci of the male is sometimes simply acute and sometimes with the point subapical. The ventral subapical dentical of the lower branch is sometimes obsolete and there is a little variation in the shape of the elytra, of the posterior border of the pronotum and in the dis-
March, 1906.] CaUDELL : CVRTOPHYLLI OF THE UNITED STATES. 39
tinctness of the transverse sulci of the thorax. Were all these minor points of difference considered the number of species would be unde- sirably multiplied.
The C. zimmermanni of Saussure is placed as a synonym of this species with considerable certainty. The posteriorly angulate pronotum prohibits its being P. robustus and the oval elytra of the female indi- cates its identity with perspicillatus rather than with any of the follow- ing species. The correctness of this conclusion is also indicated by the pronotum being described as rugose, a condition more obvious in perspicillatus than in the other species. The habitat, however, is more southern than common with concavus and an examination of the type might show it to belong elsewhere. But according to the only evi- dence available, that of the printed description, it is most appropri- ately placed here.
Gryllus perspicillatus of Linnaeus, Amcen. Acad, vi, 398 (1763), which has been referred here by Scudder, does not belong to this group at all. It is, so far as I know, an unidentifiable nymph and is referred to by Fabricius in the same work in which the insect now under discussion was described.
C. hypericifolia Stoll, which was described from Surinam, has been referred to the synonomy under perspicillatus, but probably errone- ously so, as it is scarcely likely that a species from Surinam would ex- tend into our region. However the locality may have been wrongly given in Stoll's description, in which case his species may well be re- ferred here, as the figure or description presents no discordant features.
This species is better known than any other member of the group and yet comparatively little is known of it, except as regards its song. Many writers have written accounts, poetic and otherwise, of the song of the katydid. The number of notes are said to bear a certain rela- tion to the temperature, as previously mentioned.
All that is known of the breeding habits of this species has been previously discussed. Harris, Ins. Inj. to Vegetation, has described the eggs of Microcentrum as those of this species. Riley, Missouri Report, v, p. 123, describes the true eggs as follows :
" .25-. 30 inches long, very flat, over thrice as long as wide, pointed at each end, with the edges beveled oft" or emarginate. They are of a dark slate-color and are thrust into crevices and into the softer parts of bark or of stems. The lower or first inserted end is protected by a dark adhesive substance, which hardens and sometimes extends the whole length of one of the borders ; and several eggs are usually pressed close to each other."
40 Journal New York Entomological Society.. [Vol. xiv.
Perspicillatus is not a rare insect in certain localities in the vicinity of Washington. On Plnmmer's Island, Md., some miles above the city, it is one of the many insect musicians which make a night spent there so enjoyable. This island, the site of the club house of the 'Washington Biological Field Club,' is one of the most primitive regions within reach of Washington. On the island are many large chestnut trees and in these trees live the katydids, which, with the aid of numerous other orthopterous musicians, make the August night one long dream of blended melody. A midsummer night spent with congenial spirits in the club house on Plummer's Island is a pleasant experience not easily forgotten.
Cyrtophyllus elongatus, new species.
Very closely allied to the preceding species but usually distinguishable with con- siderable certainty by the smaller size and especially by the much more elongate elytra of the female. The smaller size and more elongate elytra of the females give them a decidedly more slender appearance than seen in any other species of the group. The elytra are variable in shape, sometimes having the posterior border nearly straight and sometimes quite as convex as the costal margin.
Length, pronotum, male, 5; female, 5-5.75; elytra, male, 33- 34; female, 32-38; posterior femora, male, 17-20 ; female, 19-20.5 ; subgenital plate, male, 12-13. 5 ; ovipositor 16-18; width, prono- tum, male, 5.5 ; female, 5.5-6 ; elytra, male, 18-18. 5 ; female, 13.5- 16; subgenital plate, male, 2.25-2.5; ovipositor, 3-3.5 mm.
Type number 9135 U. S. National Museum.
Four males, seven females from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana and Texas. Type male and female from Crawford and Fountain Counties, Indiana, August. (W. S. Blatchley.)
This species, as seen from the above mentioned localities, occupies about the same territory as the preceding species, extending however a little further south. But perspicillatus will probably be found to occur in the gulf states also.
Mr. D. Clemmons took a male specimen of this species on Piney Branch, D. C. It was stridulating, and he says the notes were sharper and more brisk than those of perspicillatus. I have found the females at Falls Church, Virginia, in late October, where they were killed by frost and had dropped to the ground. A female of perspicillatus was found under similar circumstances on Plummer's Island by Mr. H. S. Barber on October 17 of last year.
March, 1906.] CAUDELL : CyRTOPHYLLI OF THE UNITED STATES. 41
Cyrtophyllus furcatus, new species. (PI. I, fig. 9.)
Male only known. Practically indistinguishable from C. perspicillatus except by the cerci, which are remarkably different. The lower branch is scarcely at all in- curved apically and is without a ventral subapical dentical but is armed about the middle on the inner side with a black-tipped branch about as long as that portion of the cercus beyond it. The two branches are also somewhat more divergent.
Length, pronotum, 6; elytra, 37; posterior femora, 21.5; sub- genital plate, 17; width, pronotum, 6.5; elytra, 18.5; subgenital plate, 2.75 mm.
Type no. 9136 U. S. National Museum.
One male, West Point, Nebraska.
The very unusual structure of the cerci of this form makes it quite unadvisable to consider it other than a valid species. The color is red- dish brown rather than green, but this is evidently due to discolora- tion as the same is true of some specimens of other species. Cyrtophyllus intermedins, new species. (PI. I, figs. 2, 8.)
Somewhat allied to both perspicillatus and elongatus, to the former by the longer posterior femorse and more nearly to the latter by the smaller size, the indistinct trans- verse sulci of pronotum and the narrow elytra of the female. The cerci of the male are different from those of either of the allied species, the lowei branch being shorter, with the apical incurved portion about as long as the basal portion, which is thick and uniformly tapering ; the cerci between the upper and lower branches is much en larged, more so than in any other species seen, forming a triangular lobe (Fig. 8) The elytra of the single female specimen seen are peculiar in having the posterior margin, when the elytron is spread, nearly straight, the tip narrowly rounded ( Fig. 2) The transverse sulci of the pronotum are shallow and obscure.
Length, pronotum, male, 5; female, 5.5; elytra, male, 34 female, 35.5; posterior femora, male, 21 ; female, 21.5; subgenita plate, male, 13 ; ovipositor, 18 ; width, pronotum, male, 6 ; female, 6; elytra, male, 18; female, 14; subgenital plate, male, 2.25; ovi- positor, 3.25 mm.
Type no. 9137, U. S. National Museum.
One male, Biloxi, Mississippi (Alice Tracy) ; one female, Wells- boro, Texas (N. Banks). July 18, 1903.
This seems to be a southern species. It appears unquestionably distinct, not being referable to either of the allied species. The female is especially closely allied to some of the females of C. oblon- gatus in which the anal margin of the elytra is less convex than the costal margin. The elytra of this species must be spread to properly exhibit the shape, the straight anal margin not being obvious when the elytra are folded.
42 • York. Entomological Society. ;v ,:. xiv.
Genus LEA, new. Color green with brown or yellowish tints. Form more elongate than usual in the other United States genera. Vertex as in Cyrtophyllus but the head is narrower. Pronotum about one and one half times as long as the middle width, twice as long as the interior width ; lateral lobes one and one half times as long as high and meeting the disk in a distinct angle, forming subpersistent lateral carinae, the disk somewhat rugose and crossed by two distinct, but not conspicuous, sulci, the posterior one a little behind the middle. Legs about as in Cyrtophyllus, all the femorse and tibiae spined below and the middle and posterior tibiae above, the anterior ones unarmed dorsally but, like the rest, is fiat, with acute margins. Elytra two and one half times as long as the middle breadth, both margins equally curved, apically broadly rounded, the anterior field with the veins regular and parallel as in Cyrtophyllus ; wings broad, about as in Cyrtophyllus. Supraanal plate, at least of the female, slightly more than twice as long as the middle breadth, apically narrowly rounded. Cerci of the male furcate, the branches round and simple, parallel and subequal in length ; of female cylindrical, apically pointed and briefly bifid, forming two minute brief branches: subgenital plate of the male similar to that of the allied genera but is more distinctly furcate apically, the two halves more distinctly separated. Ovipositor essentially as in Cyrtophyllus, but curving somewhat more abruptly upwards.
Type Cyrtophyllus floridensis Beutenm.
This genus, while related to its allies, has a very distinctive ap- pearance. The elongate pronotum with its subpersistent lateral carinae and elongate lateral lobes and the generally more elongate form easily distinguish it from the two allied genera. It is much more nearly allied to Cyrtophyllus than it is to Paracyrtophyllus, as exemplified by the shape of the wings and the dorsally unspined anterior tibiae : the shape of the cerci of the male however, as shown in the figure, seems to be more like that of Cyrtophyllus. All the male characters of the above description were taken from the printed description and figure referred to below. We have but one species :
Lea floridensis Beutenmueller. (Text fig. and PI. I, fig. 5.)
Cyrtophyllus floridensis Beutenm., Bull. American Mas. Nat. Hist., xix, 637
3 (I9°3)-
The single male, the type, is the only specimen of that sex known. It is de- scribed by the author as follows : " Color — Head and thorax light gray, with a tinge of green. Wing-cases green-gray. Legs greenish, basal half of femora pinkish. Head large, stout ; eyes hemispherical, rather small. Vertex with a short spine, rounded at the tip, grooved on top. Antennae twice as long as the body. Pronotum longer than broad on top, with two transverse furrows ; lateral carinae rounded to the second transverse furrow, thence rather sharply defined to the hind edge ; lateral lobes a little narrower at the lower part than at upper ; anterior angle acutely rounded ; hind angle well rounded. Wings concave. Wing-covers longer than the hind wings, almost three times as long as broad, and almost of equal width ; apex
Maich, 1906.] Caudell : Cyrtophylli of the United States
43
rounded. Legs very long, spinulate. Subanal plate very long, curved upwards, grooved above and below, furcate at the tip. Abdomen with a prominent spine on top of the second segment. Stridulating organs similar to those of Cyrtophyllus per- spicillalus .
Measurements. — Length of body 43 mm. Length of wing-covers, 37 mm.; width, 13 mm. Length of pronotum on top, 8 mm. Length of anterior femora, 17 mm. ; middle femora, 15 mm. ; pos-
Lea florideiisis Reut. $. (After Beutenmuller. )
terior femora, 28 mm. Length of anterior tibia, 15 mm. ; middle tibia, 14 mm. ; posterior tibia, 30 mm.
Habitat. — Indian River (opposite Grant), Florida.
Described from a single male taken in July. Type, coll. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist.
44 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
One female from Florida, undated and without specific locality, is before me. It may be described as follows : Color green with head, thorax, legs and part of the elytra more or less yellowish brown, the disk of the pronotum, next the rounded subpersistent lateral carinae, reddish : when living the insect is probably for the most part green, at least the elytra. Pronotum straight above, roughened, the disk twice as long as the anterior width, crossed at the anterior third by an incon- spicuous straight sulcus and just behind the middle with a posteriorly bowed sulcus, a little more distinct than the anterior one (Fig. 5). Elytra equally rounded before and behind, the tip broadly rounded, the whole two and one half times as long as broad, the veins of the anterior field weak ; legs moderately stout.
Posterior femora armed below on the outer carinae with seven or eight spines, and the middle ones anteriorly with five spines ; an- terior femora armed below on the inner side only with five spines. All the tibiae armed below with a number of spines on both margins, the posterior and intermediate ones also armed above for nearly the entire length, the posterior ones on both margins and the intermediate ones only on the inner ; anterior tibiae unarmed above. Supraanal plate thin and flat, more than twice as long as the middle width and apically somewhat narrowly rounded. Cerci cylindrical, curving gently in- wards and upwards, not quite extending to the tip of the supraanal plate and apically tapering and briefly forked, forming two pointed apical teeth ; ovipositor of the general form found in Cyrtophyllus but curving somewhat more abruptly upwards, apically serrate below, the serrations very fine.
Length, pronotum, 7.25 ; anterior femora, 13; hind femora, 25 ; elytra, 34; ovipositor, 17; width, pronotum, 6; at the anterior mar- gin, 3.25; elytra, 13.5; ovipositor, 3.25 mm.
This species is said by Mr. Beutenmueller to live in the tops of live-oak. He says the note of the male is a continuous " Kerr-kerr- kerr-kerr " with about one second interval of rest. It is not rare on the subtropical strip of land dividing the mainland of eastern Florida from the Ocean. It is not at all allied to the Cyrtophyllus crepitans Redt., of the West Indies.
Mr. Rehn has taken a number of this species at Pablo Beach, Fla.
Explanation of Plate I.
1. Paracyrtophyllus robustus Caud. $.
2. Cyrtophyllus intermedins Caud. 9 (elytron).
March, 1906.] KELLOGG '. MALLOPHAGA FROM ARGENTINA. 45
3. Cyrtophyllus perspicillatus Fabr. o (elytron).
4. Cyrtophyllus perspicillatus Fabr. $ (head and pronotum).
5. Lea floridensis Beutenm. £ (outline of disk of pronotum from above).
6. Paracyrtophylhts robust 11s Caud. 3* (cercus, from side).
7. Cyrtophyllus perspicillatus Fabr. g (cercus, from side).
8. Cyrtophyllus intermedius Caud. J1 (cercus, from side).
9. Cyrtophyllus furcatus Caud. J1 (cercus, from side).
Class I, HEXAPODA.
Order XIII, MALLOPHAGA.
MALLOPHAGA FROM ARGENTINA.
By Vernon L. Kellogg,
Stanford University, Calif.
(Plate II.)
A small lot of Mallophaga taken from birds of Argentina (South America) was sent me in 1902 by Dr. Carlos Berg, of Buenos Aires. In recently going over this lot I find it to consist of the following nine species, of which seven at least are new and are described and figured herewith. Eurymetopus taurus Nitzsch.
Several specimens from Diomedea regia. Goniodes sp.?
Two specimens of a large and unusual species of Goniodes, without any host reference. Lipeurus bergi, new species (PI. ii, Fig. 1).
Males, females and young from Guira guira (Argentina).
Description of Female. — -Body, length 2.7 mm., width .55 mm.; slender; strongly marked with light brown regular blotches and bands.
Head, length .55 mm., width .4 mm.; elongate, conical, with rather narrow clypeal front which is very weakly concave; {wo hairs in anterior angles and other short ones on lateral margins near trabeculae ; trabecule colorless ; eyes prominent, with black pigment and a prickle ; temporal margin convex, with two long hairs and two spines ; occipital margin nearly straight, with two spines along posterior angles ; signature transparent ; ground color pale brown ; antennae and occipital bands brown, temporal margin dark brown, two brown spots along occipital margin between the occipital bands.
Prothorax almost square, with posterior margin very slightly angulated on the metathorax ; one long hair on each posterior angle ; transparent in middle, with dark
46 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
brown lateral margins. Metathorax a little longer than wide, sides diverging, pos- terior angle rounded ; posterior margin with three long pustulated hairs and one small hair at the posterior angle. Legs large, slender, dark brown markings on the margin.
Abdomen elongate with two or three long hairs in posterior angle of each seg- ment; segment 4 widest, segment 5 slightly narrower than 4, and segments 7 to 9 narrowing more rapidly ; segment 9 deeply angularly emarginated, the points acute, and bearing many fine curved hairs on the inner margin ; narrow marginal dark brown bands and two quadrangular lateral blotches on each segment, each blotch with a clear stigmatal spot in center ; the blotches distinctly separated from each other and from the lateral submarginal uncolored space.
Male. — Body, length 1.7 mm., width .37 mm., head, length .6 mm., width a little over .3 mm. General color very much lighter than that in the female; first an- tennal segment longer than second, third, fourth and fifth together ; abdomen with parallel sides ; legs remarkably large. Lepeurus argentinus, new species (PI. ii, Fig. 2).
Females from Plcgadis guarana (Argentina).
Description of Female. — Body, length 2.5 mm., width .33 mm. ; very elongate and slender; parallel-sided ; color, very pale with margins of head between antennae and sutures golden yellow .; thorax and abdomen with pale yellow markings.
Head, length .5 mm., width .36 mm. ; elongate conical, with clypeus expanded ; one lateral hair on expanded clypeal portion, one long hair in front of the suture, one at the suture, and two rather weak hairs between antenna and suture ; trabecular small, transparent ; temporal margins slightly convex, with four or more short spine- like hairs ; occipital margin nearly straight with two hairs in posterior angle ; eyes conspicuous with black pigment ; antenna; with second segment longest, fifth next to longest, segment 4 shortest, segments I, 3, and 4 are subequal ; clypeal signature shield shaped, extending to front margin of head, pale brown, with distinct suture extending from posterior angle along the median line not quite to the anterior margin of signature ; antennal bands golden brown, distinct ; temporal margin pale yellow ; occipital margin uncolored.
Prothorax almost square ; posterior margin nearly straight, with three spines in posterior angles ; lateral margins pale yellow. Metathorax quadrangular, longer than broad, slightly narrowing anteriorly ; posterior margin straight, with five long and one short hairs in each posterior angle ; lateral margin pale yellow. Legs large, pale yellowish markings on the margin.
Abdomen elongate ; first segment slightly narrower than thorax at articulation, segments gradually widening to the fifth and narrowing from there to the ninth ; seg- ments 1 to 8 with four hairs on dorsal surface near posterior margin ; segments I to 7 with one weak hair in posterior angles, segments 8 and 9 with two long and one short hairs ; segment 9 with rounding emargination on posterior margin ; segments I to 9 with very pale narrow marginal bands, and two quadrangular pale yellow blotches separated from each other and from lateral band by uncolored space. Goniocotes abnormis, new species (PI. ii, Fig. 3).
Males and females from Ava chloroptera (Argentina).
Description of Female. — Body, length 1.75 mm., width .55 mm.; pale with
March, i9o6.j Kellogg : Mallophaga from Argentina. 47
dark brown markings ; temporal margin rounded instead of angulated as usual in this genus.
Head, length .4 mm., width .47 mm. ; front narrow, rounded, with eight spines ; antennae in shallow emargination with first segment stout and longest, second segment almost as long as first, third, fourth and fifth subequal ; temporal margin flatly rounded with one long hair and four prickles ; occipital margin concave in middle, with two spines and one long hair in the posterior angle ; pale yellow with golden yellow nar- row marginal frontal bands ending posteriorly on each side in an expanded dark brown spot inside of antennal emargination ; mandibles and oesophageal sclerite dark brown ; eyes flatly convex with two spines ; an irregular, brown ocular blotch behind the eyes.
Prothorax very narrow, about one half of the width of the head, almost quad- rangular ; posterior margin flatly convex ; one long hair in posterior angle ; posterior angles dark brown. Metathorax with blunt lateral angles, each middle of lateral margin with one spine ; posterior angles with two hairs ; posterior margin obtusely angled on abdomen, and bearing six long hairs. Legs rather small, pale ; claws pale brown.
Abdomen elongate elliptical, segments I to 4 with one short hair in posterior angles, segments 5 to 8 with two long hairs in posterior angles ; dorsal surface with four long hairs in transverse series on each segment near posterior margin ; ground color whitish with distinct narrow lateral bands, darkest on anterior segments, distinct transverse blotches, each, with a clear stigmatal spot in center, in segment 1 to 7 are separated by a transparent white median space ; segment 8 wholly colored, segment 9 with very weak rounding emargination on posterior margin.
Male. — Body, length 1.3 mm., width .5 mm. ; head, length .33 mm., width .43 mm, first antennal segment very large ; abdomen broadest at segment 5 ; elongate- oval ; segments 1 to 7 with entire transversal abdominal bands, segments 8 and 9 wholly colored ; genitalia distinct, barely chitinized, dark brown in color. Colpocephalum guiratnsis, new species (PI. ii, Fig. 4).
Males and females from Guira guira (Argentina) .
Description of Female. — Body, length 2.7 mm., width I mm. ; pale yellow with brown border on the thorax ; prothorax small.
Head, length .41 mm., width .73 mm., semilunar with flatly-rounded front, shallow ocular emarginations, and rounded posterior angles ; occipital margin con- cave ; palpi projecting by the length of the last segment, the antennae when out- stretched also projecting beyond the margin of head by the length of the last seg- ment ; two pairs of spines in the middle of front, one short hair on side followed by two long ones ; the ocular fringe composed of many short prominent hairs ; temporal margin with three long and about half a dozen short hairs ; occipital margin concave, bare ; a small, black ocular fleck ; the mandibles black-tipped.
Prothorax small, shorter than broad, lateral angles obtuse, produced, and with a long hair and spines ; on rounded posterior margin a row of long hairs ; color pale brown with brown lateral borders. Metathorax, sides with many short spines ; pos- terior angles with two strong hairs ; posterior margin with a row of spiny hairs, an- terior angles brown. Legs, large and concolorous with body.
Abdomen broadly elliptical, one long hair and several spines in each posterior angle, and a series of many short hairs along posterior margin of each segment ; color
48 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
paler at sutures ; ninth segment broadly rounded behind with narrow transparent margin thickly set with a fringe of short, sharp-pointed transparent hairs.
Male. — Body, length 2.5 mm., width .9 mm. : head, length .4 mm., width .73 mm.; abdomen narrower than female; genitalia distinct, projecting chitin bar reaching second segment. Colpocephalum burmeisteri, new species (PI. ii, Fig. 5).
Males and females from Ava chloroftera (Argentina).
Description of Female. Body, length 2.2 mm., width 1.3 mm.; slender; well marked with entire transversal abdominal blotches with wide, whitish intersegmental spaces and dark brown, narrow lateral bands.
Head, length .33 mm., width .55 mm.; front flatly rounded, with slight rect- angular orbital emargination ; about five short hairs on each lateral margin of fore- head and two long and three longish hairs in region just in front of orbital emargina- tion ; the palpi projecting as also the antenna; ; temples narrow, two long hairs and at least four short hairs ; occipital margin concave ; general color yellowish brown, with narrow blackish occipital border and blackish curving ocular blotches.
I'rothorax rather small, wider than long ; lateral angles obtuse with three spines ; posterior margin, from angle to angle, making a flattened semicircle and bearing eight hairs ; general color yellowish brown, regions of lateral angles distinctly darker, transverse chitin band transparent, narrow, with a spine rising from each extremity ; curving chitin bands at extremities of the transversal bar distinct, narrow. Meta- thorax with nearly straight posterior margin, and a series of hairs along the margin ; lateral margins with six spines ; posterior angles with two hairs and three spines ; lateral margin with several spines. Legs rather large with marginal markings.
Abdomen long, slender, widest at segments 2 and 3 ; segments I to 6 with a long hair in the posterior angle, segments 7 to 9 with two or three long hairs ; dorsal surface of each segment with a transverse thickset row of uncolored hairs near the posterior margin ; all segments with distinct dark brown lateral margin.
Malt'. — Body, length 1. 9 mm., width .55 mm.; head, length .33 mm., width .5 mm.; posterior end of last abdominal segment flatly rounded ; genitalia distinct, the long chitin bar extending to the third abdominal segment.
Laemobothrium caracaraensis, new species (PI. ii, Fig. 6).
Males and females from a Caracara eagle, Polyborus tharos (Argentina).
Description of Female. — Body, length 6.5 mm., width 2 mm. ; strong and dis- tinct lateral margins and paired median dark brown blotches on abdomen ; a finely marked species.
Head, length 1. 13 mm., width 1.2 mm., ocular emargination very prominent, front straight ; each side of the middle with two long and three short marginal hairs : two strong hairs at the angle ; two terminal segments of the palpi projecting beyond lateral margin of the front ; temporal margin slightly angulated ; eyes double, con- spicuous ; mandibles brown, with teeth dark brown ; distinct dark brown band along posterior and lateral margins.
Prothorax, with distinct lateral angles, in apex of which two long hairs and three spines ; two more long hairs and many spines along posterior lateral margins ; ground
March, 1906.] KELLOGG '. MALLOPHAGA FROM ARGENTINA. 49
color pale with dark brown margin and darkish-brown longitudinal blotches separated from each other by a narrow uncolored space. Metathorax longer than wide, lateral margin with many spine-like hairs ; a transverse row of pustulated hairs near poste- rior margin ; lateral margin dark brown, two subtriangular blotches separated from each other by a narrow median uncolored line ; anterior corners black -brown. Legs very large, distinctly marked.
Abdomen, large, lanceolate in form, one or two long hairs on the postero-lateral angles of each segment ; and short hairs along lateral margins ; a row of postulated hairs on the posterior margin of each segment ; marginal bands dark chestnut brown and two quadrangular blotches narrowly but distinctly separated from each other and more widely from the lateral bands by uncolored space ; posterior margin of the last abdominal segment pointed.
Male. — Body, length 5.5 mm., width 1. 5 mm. ; head, length I mm., width 1. 05 mm. ; abdomen slenderer than in the female, last segment parabolic in form with sev- eral weak hairs along the margin ; clear space down the median line separating the abdominal blotches, not so distinct as in the female, and wanting in the last three segments. Menopon argentinus, new species (PI. ii, Fig. 7).
Females from Chrysomitris icterica (Argentina).
Description of Female. — Body, length 1.2 mm., width .43 mm. ; pale yellow, head and thorax slightly darker ; abdomen with pale brown transverse blotches.
Head, length .27 mm., width .35 mm. ; semilunar with evenly rounding front, shallow ocular emarginations with rounded posterior angle; occipital margin concave ; palpi projecting by the length of the last segment ; a pair of minute hairs in middle of front, a longer one on side followed by a very short one, and then three long ones in front of the emargination ; the ocular fringe composed of rather strong hairs ; temporal margin with three long hairs, two more on occipital margin of the produced temples ; two long hairs along middle of the occipital margin ; a small, black, ocular fleck and dark brown ocular blotch.
Prothorax subquadrangular, posterior margin convex with six longish hairs, and three spines along middle of the lateral margin ; latero- posterior corners angulated. Meso- and metathorax fused, although the line of fusion is marked by a lateral emargination and by an indicated transverse suture ; posterior angle with one long hair and three spines ; the straight posterior margin with four marginal hairs. Legs stout, with dark brown marginal markings.
Abdomen obovate in form, widening posteriorly to segment 3 ; segment 4 a little narrower than segment 3, and segment 5 and 9 narrowing more rapidly ; segments I to 7 with two or three long spines on lateral margin ; with pale brown lateral bands and very pale transverse blotches.
Explanation of Plate II.
Fig. 1. Lipeicnts bergi Kell.
Fig. 2. Lipeurus argentinus Kell.
Fig. 3. Goniocotes abnormis Kell.
FlG. 4. Colpocephalum guiransis Kell.
Fig. 5- Colpocephalttm bnrmeisteri Kell.
Fig. 6. L&mobothrium caracarmnsis Kell.
Fig. 7. Menopon argentinus Kell.
JOUR NAL
OF THE
|§Uiu ^arfe Entomological Society*
Edited by Harrison G. Dvar.
Publishes articles relating to any class of the subkingdom Arlhropoda, subject to the acceptance of the Publication Committee. Original communications in this field are solicited.
Editorial. Our criticism of a work by Dr. Henry Skinner (Journ. N. Y. Ent. Soc, xiii, 217, 1905) has brought a rather hysterical reply (Ent. News, xvi, 217, 1905), which we should not notice, except that it attempts a misrepresentation of our Review of the Hesperiidoe (Journ. N. Y. Ent. Soc, xiii, in, 1905). Dr. Skinner cites two errors. We presume that he is right in both cases ; the mistakes can be easily corrected by transferring manataaqua to Thymelicus and proposing a new name for Atrytone Dyar (not Scudder). This does not bear at all upon the question of generic classification, which is the real issue. Dr. Skinner claims to have studied the genera. We fail to see any evidence of it in his remarks, which are actuated only by a considera- tion of specific values. When Dr. Skinner gives us some original work based on structural characters, we shall begin to believe that his study of genera has been more than an opinionated attempt to dis- credit them.
To refer to Mr. Prout's remarks in our last issue, advocating the "historical method," or rule of the first reviser in the fixation of generic types, we presume the weakest point in his argument is shown by the phrase "given the literature." The trouble is that the litera- ture is not given. President David Starr Jordan (Scie?ice, n. s., xxii,
50
March, igo6.j EDITORIAL.
51
598, 1905) finds further objection to the first reviser rule. He says : "The objection to it is that no one has yet defined the first reviser so as to separate his rights from the rights of different meddlers." Mr. Prout would except faunal lists; but why except anything? The only way to have any definiteness is to include the "meddlers" on the same basis as the "reviser" and take as type the one first men- tioned by anybody. This would involve even more of what President Jordan call's " otherwise profitless labor in bibliography " than follow- ing the first reviser, for it would mean the examination of all literature for some stray mention of a genus and typical species. No doubt this is asking too much ; we fear there is no fixity or uniformity in the " historical method." Lord Walsingham, we believe, has expressed the opinion that a writer should know the literature of his subject. If there were any way of knowing that this desirable condition had been attained, we should cordially endorse the view ; but even the best posted author is liable to discover accidentally some overlooked reference that may vitiate his carefully constructed historical system. He is always in a position of uncertainty.
We return to the method of first species as the only one promising fixity. President Jordan says: "The method of beginning with a leading species or chef de file as typical representative of each genus, to be described in full while the others were disposed of in compara- tive sentences, was adopted by Lacapede, Cuvier, Valenciennes, Poey and other authors. In Ichythology this has given reason for the choice of the type of the genus by page precedence. This method was raised to the dignity of a universal rule by Dr. Bleeker and others. It is a pity it was not adopted earlier, for it would have given fixity, a matter which in nomenclature far outweighs all others." The objections to the method are, we believe, two. The first is that it would change many of the names now in use ; the second that Linnaeus and others usually placed their typical species in the middle of the series and the less known or aberrant ones at the ends. To obviate these we suggest that in the case of Linnaeus and other authors definitely known to have used his method, the central species be taken instead of the first. These authors would have to be enumerated in the rule and all others held to the first species as type. But unfortunately, a glance over Linnaeus' tenth edition shows that this would be no solution of the problem, for taking the middle species as type is not more in conson- ance with modern ideas than taking the first. In fact, in the Coleop-
52 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiy-
tera, to take the first species uniformly as type would cause consider- ably less change in the present classification than to take the middle species. In the Lepidoptera, either course would cause a very radical change, about equal in either case. It has been proposed to cite as type of the Linnsean genera the common European species included under each. This is objectionable, because it is not capable of general application, as there are some groups without any common European species and others with two or more.
We are reduced therefore to squarely favor the first species method. Let us make what changes this requires now, which are perhaps not so many, and have the names finally settled on a permanent basis.
BOOK NOTICES.
The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature as Applied to Medi- cine. By Ch. Wardell Stiles. Bulletin No. 24 of the Hygienic Laboratory, Treasury Department, Public Health and Marine- Hospital Service of the United States. Washington: Government Printing Office. 1905.
This very important paper presents the international code in available form with explanatory comment by the author, who is well qualified to explain the code, being the secretary of the permanent committee of the International Zoological Congress. There are 36 articles and a valuable appendix giving rules for the transcription of Greek words and geographic names to be in Latin form. These rules would be more valuable if there were any obligation in the code itself to respect them, which there is not. Unfortunately the code does not embody the recommendations which we have urged in editorial com- ment in this Journal and in an article with Mr. Caudell on the types of genera (Journ. N. Y. Ent. Soc, XII, 120, 1904). We object to articles 4, 5, 14, 25 and 30.
Articles 4 and 5 do not go far enough. They state how the family name shall be formed, but do not tell us how to select the type genus. Is it to be the oldest one, or the one first selected historically? When changed, why should the name not go to the next oldest one (as advocated by us), or to the one next used for family type his- torically, rather than to the substituted name (as advocated by article 5) ?
Article 14 states that specific names in adjective form must agree
March, 1906.] BOOK NOTICES. 53
in gender with the generic name. We object to this. It is perhaps easy to determine the gender of the old classical Latin names, but not so those of Latinized Greek or barbarous generic names. Of these there are already more than the pure Latin names, and we shall have an increasingly larger proportion in the future. We regard it as far simpler to write the specific name exactly as first proposed.
We would note that by article 25 the definition of a genus by cita- tion of type, without description, seems accepted, the rule stating that a name must be published, accompanied by an indication or a defini- tion or a description. But, as this applies also to specific names, we object, on the ground that an " indication " is not a sufficient specific description.
Article 30 tells us how to determine the types of genera. This is the most complicated set of recommendations we have seen. Both the methods of elimination are endorsed, although it has been shown that they are contradictory in their results, while the method of first species is not even mentioned. We defy any two workers to arrive at the same type for any complicated genus by using these rules and working independently. If the recommendations and the discussion be cut off, the rule itself is simple enough, being the plain historical method advocated in these pages by Prout. The discussion here only confuses an originally simple proposition ; but it serves to show into what shape an apparently simple proposition can be twisted, and is a valuable exposition, we should say, of what not to do.
With these exceptions we find this presentation of this most recent code to be excellent. We infer that the publication is generally available from the statement that it will be sent to " nonpublishing societies and individuals in case sufficient reason can be shown why such societies or individuals should receive it," which statement we find on the cover. Application should be made to the Surgeon Gen- eral, U. S. Public Health and Marine-Hospital Service, Washington, D. C.
Monograph of the Bombycine Moths of North America, including their transformations and origin of the larval markings and armature. Part II. Family Ceratocampid.e:, Subfamily Ceratocampin.e. By Alpheus Spring Packard. Memoirs of the National Acad- emy of Sciences, vol. ix, pp. 1-149, plates I-LXI. 1905. This valuable "work gives, in a wealth of detail, the life histories of
54 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol xiv.
our Ceratocampids, together with some South American forms. The work has been completed after Dr. Packard's death, which perhaps accounts for a certain disjointed air and for sundry strange statements, such as one we find in the explanation of plates, where a figure pur- ports to represent the " newly hatched larva in stage V." Dr. Pack- ard has gone extensively into the phylogeny and relationships of the group, and has arrived in many respects at sound results. We find ourselves more in accord with his views than we had anticipated would be the case. We cannot, however, be expected to acquiesce in the impossible derivation of the Citheroniidae from the Notodontidre which is set forth. Likewise we dissent from the relationship claimed for the Sphingidae. Dr. Packard emotes and confirms our statements as to the differences in structure of these groups, yet fails to draw the necessary conclusion that they are unrelated. A full life history of the Sphingid Ceratomia amyntor is given. Some new species are de- scribed, which must be verified, as we believe Dr. Packard was pos- sessed of but slender South American material. We particularly com- mend the many beautiful plates drawn by Mr. L. H. Joutel and those photographed by Mr. A. H. Verrill, although, by some misfortune, all the larvae are represented as resting on the branch above, a position that no living larva of this size does, or could possibly maintain. It is with the greatest regret that we realize this to be the last of the Bombycid monographs, as the learned author has passed from among us.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NEW YORK ENTOMO- LOGICAL SOCIETY.
Meeting of February 21, 1905.
Held at the American Museum of Natural History.
President C. II. Roberts presided with eight members and three visitors present.
Mr. Barber proposed Mr. Edgar L. Dickerson of Newark, N. J. as an active member of the society.
On motions the by-laws were suspended and the secretary instructed to cast a single ballot in favor of the election of Mr. Dickerson at the present meeting.
The resignations of Mr. G. A. Billings and C. T. Brues as active members were accepted by the society with regrets.
< >n motion <>{ Mr. Davis the secretary was requested to address letters of sympathy to Mrs. A. S. Packard and Mrs. Annie Trumbull Slosson on behalf of the society.
The librarian, Mr. Shaeffer reported the receipt of the following exchanges :
Verhandl. d. k. k. Zool. Bot. Gesellschaft, LIV, Nos. 8 and 9.
Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc, XLIII, No. 177.
March, 1906J PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY. 55
Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts and Sci. , XL, No. 10.
Relatorio du Directoria Soc. Sci. de S. Paolo.
Proc. Canad. Inst., N. S., Vol. II., No. 12, Pt. 6.
Springfield Mus., Nat. Hist., Bull. No. 1.
Canad. Ent., XXXVII, Nos. 1 and 2.
Wien. Ent. Zeit., XXIII, Nos. 8, 9 and 10.
Proc. Davenport Acad. Sci., Vol. IX.
Stett. Ent. Zeit, Vol. 65, Hft. 2.
Mr. Eeng spoke of " Collecting on Mt. Whiteface in the Adirondacks." He gave an account, of his collecting experiences, with a general description of the local- ity, and named some of the more conspicuous species of Coleoptera taken, among which were : Cychrits brevoorti, C. canadensis, C. leonardi, Ptercrsiichus puncta- tissimus. P. luezatii, P. mandibularis, Trechus chalybcetis and Platynus ^.-ptmc- tatus. All of the insects taken near the summit were distinctly northern species, otherwise known from Hudson Bay and British America.
Mr. Bueno read a paper on the genus Notonecta, stating that of the twenty de- scribed species, twelve are peculiarly American and the thirteenth extends entirely across the palearctic region through Europe, Asia and in North America down through British Columbia. Eleven of these thirteen species are to be found within the United States. He discussed the structural and color peculiarities of these eleven species as well as their habitat.
Meeting of March 21, 1905.
Held at the American Museum of Natural History. President C. H. Roberts in the chair, with twelve members in attendance.
The librarian, Mr. Schaeffer, reported the receipt of the following exchanges :
Entomol. Tidskrift, 1904, Vol. XXV, Nos. 1-4.
Allgem. Zeits. f. Entom., Vol. IX, Nos. 23 and 24.
North Carolina Dept. of Agric. Div. of Ent. Circulars, Nos. 13 and 14.
Zeits. f. Wissenschaft. Insectenbiologie, Vol. I, Nos. I and 2.
Mus. Brooklyn Inst. Sci. Bull., Vol. I, No. 4.
Z06I. Record, 1903. Insecta by Dr. Sharp.
Wien. Ent. Zeit., XXIV, Nos. I and 2.
Canad. Ent., XXXVII, No. 3.
President's Report of the Univ. of Montana for 1903 and 1904.
The secretary reported that the New York Academy of Sciences had granted permission to the society to place suitable book cases in their meeting room.
The secretary read a communication from Dr. J. B. Smith, requesting the society to cooperate in organizing a National Entomological Society, and to elect a delegate to represent its interests.
Mr. C. Schaeffer was elected as such a delegate.
The resignation of Mr. E. A. Bremser as an active member was accepted with regret.
The society had the pleasure of listening to a very instructive lecture by Dr. E. P. Felt on the "Structure of the Culicida;," illustrated by numerous interesting lan- tern slides.
56 Journal New York Entomological Society.
Meeting of April iS, 1905.
Held at the American Museum of Natural History. President C. II. Roberts in the chair with nine members present.
Mr. Leng read a paper on " Collecting in the Pine Woods of North Carolina." He and Mr. Harris arrived at Southern Pines, N. C, on the 25th of March and col- lected in that vicinity for three days. In his description of the country Mr. Peng stated that it was much like Lakehurst, N. J., but not so flat. The weather was warm and the fruit trees were all in full bloom. Butterflies and cicindelas were flying plentifully. A striking feature of the landscape was the peculiar long-leaved pine with its great bunches of mistletoe. Most of the tiger beetles noticed belonged to three species: unicolor, vulgaris and repanda, which were evidently hibernating specimens judging from their condition. Mr. Peng exhibited the collection which was made on the trip.
Mr. Schaeffer stated that because of the great activity of the coleopterists, new and additional material is being secured which helps to clear up doubts, correct mis- takes, and also in many instances overthrows even recent synopses of genera or fam- ilies. As an illustration he exhibited eight or nine speciesof Anomala which had been found in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas which are new to our fauna ; some of them known Mexican species and three entirely new, bringing the number of species up to twenty. He further remarked that luteipennis of Leconte was in his opinion attributed to the wrong insect as the " pygidio parcius, sat grasse punctato " does not fit the pale specimens of binotata from Texas and Arizona, but those specimens of flavipennis, which are metallic green and have the elytra testaceous, occurring in Texas, agree much better with the description. The pale form of binotata, regarded by Dr. Horn and others as luteipennis, and revived by Major Casey and Dr. Ohaus to specific standing, he thinks, as did Dr. Horn, that it is impossible in a moderately large series to retain it even as a variety. The type of innuka of Fabricius, of which Dr. Horn was in doubt, as well as Burmeister's type of minuta, were examined by Dr. Ohaus, and the good description of both given by the latter enabled Mr. Schaeffer to correctly identify both species, and that what we have called minuta is vnnuka : the true minuta belongs to the subgenus Rhomhonyx and are, in his opinion, undoubtedly those darker forms of semilivida mentioned by Dr. Horn in his paper.
H. G. Barber,
Secretary.
NEW YORK ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Organized June 29, 1892. — Incorporated June 7, 1893.
The meetings of the Society are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month (except June, July, August and September) at 8 p. m., in the American Museum of Natural History, 77th Street and Eighth Ave.
Annual dues for Active Members, $3.00.
Members of the Society will please remit their annual dues, payable in January, to the treasurer.
Officers for the Year 1906.
President, C. II. ROBERTS. . . . 10 Washington PL, New York.
Vice-President, CHAS. W. LENG ys Murray Street, New York.
Treasurer, WM. T. DAVIS . . .46 Stuyvesant Place. New Brighton,
Staten Island, N. Y.
Rec. Secretary, ] Q BARB£R 231 West 135th Street, New York.
Cor. Secretary, j
Librarian, C SCHAEFFER, Museum, Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn N. Y.
E XE CUTI VE CO MMI ETE E .
E. B. Southwick, L. H. Jot 111. C. F. Groth;
F. E. Watson, G. Beyer. »
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE Harrison G. Dyar, C. Schaeffkk, C. W. Len'g,
E. G. Love.
A UDITING COMMITTEE.
E. D. Harris, E B. Southwick, J. R. de la Torre Bueno.
FIELD COMMITTEE
Wm. T. Davis, Geo. P. Engelhakm.
DELEGATES TO THE SCIENTIFIC ALLIANCE.
C. F. Groth, W. M. Wheeler, C. H. Roberts.
Price List of Entomological Publications
For Sale by the New York Entom.frgical Society.
Linell, Martin L,. A short review of the Chrysomelas of North America. 5 pp. 15c.
Casey, Thos. L. Studies in Ptinidae, Cioidae, and Sphindidge of America. 32 pp 75c.
A revision of the North American Coccinellidae. 98 pp. $1.50. Review of the American Corylophidse, Cryptophagidse, Trito- raidae and Dermestidae, with other studies.
(Cuts) 121 pp. $2.00.
Fall, H. C. Synopsis of the species of Acmasodera of America, north of Mexico. 36 pp. 90c.
Fall, H. C. On the affinities of the genus Tachyeellus with de- scriptions of new species. 10 pp. 20c.
Leng, Charles W. Notes on Coccinellidae, I, II.
31 pp., 3 pi. $1.00.
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CHRRliES SCHAEFFER,
Librarian New York Entomological Society,
Brooklyn Cfiuseum, Eastern Parkouay,
B^OOKlJtVN, H V.
TW-
Vol. XIV.
No. 2.
JOU RNAL
OF THE
NEW YORK
Entomological Society
H)evoteo to JEutomoloav in General.
JUNE, 1906.
Edited by Harrison G. Dvak.
Publication Coiinuitter. Harrison G. Dyar. Charles \V. Leng.
Charles SchAefeeR.
E. G. Lovb
Published Quarterly by trie Society. LANCASTER, PA. NEW YORK CITY.
1906
[Entered April 21, 1904, at La caster, Pa., as second-class matter, under Act of Congress of July 16,1894-]
CONTENTS.
Class Hexapoda, Order DIPTERA Goeldi's " Os Mosquitos no Para." By Frederick Knab 57
Class Hexapoda, Order LEPIDOPTERA. The North American Nymphulinae and Scopariinae. By Harrison G. Dvar . . 77 Descriptions of four new North American Moth«. By Harrison G. Dyar . . 107
Book Notices 109
Proceedings of the Society 112
JOURNAL.
Published quarterly by the Society at 41 North Queen St., Lancaster, Pa , and New York City. All communications relating to the Journal should be sent to the editor, Dr. Harrison G. Dyar, U. S. National Mu- seum, Washington, D. C; all subscriptions to the Treasurer, VVm. T. Davis, 46 Stuyvesant Place, New Brighton, Stateu Is., New York, and all books and pamphlets to the Librarian, C. Schaeffer, Museum, Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, N. Y. Terms for subscription, $2.00 per year, strictly in ad- vance. Please make all checks, money-orders, or drafts payable to NEW YORK ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Authors of each contribution to the Journal shall be entitled to 25 separates of such contribution without change of form. If a larger number be desired they will be supplied at cost provided notice is sent to the Editor befo e the page proof has been corrected.
JOURNAL
TOffo Jfjorh Qntomologiral %m\tty.
Vol. XIV. JUNE, 1906. No. 2
Class I, HEXAPODA.
Order IV, DIPTERA.
GOELDI'S "OS MOSQUITOS NO PARA.''
By Frederick Knab, Washington, D. C.
This handsome quarto by Dr. Emilio Augusto Goeldi, published as Memoir IV of the Museu Goeldi (Para Museum), deals with the mos- quitoes of Para (Brazil). The species treated of are chiefly those that molest man, their biology and relation to hygiene and a large part of the work is devoted to Stegomyia fasciata and Culex fatigans, preeminently the town mosquitoes of the tropics. The 154 pages are replete with interesting data and suggestive ideas. The author throughout, is careful to distinguish between fact and theory, so that the volume is a highly inspiring one to students of this subject. The text is in Portuguese, unfortunately made difficult for those not proficient in the language, by a rich and picturesque literary style, which aims to be popular as well as scientific, and must certainly make it attractive to Brazilian readers. There are fifteen plates, with nu- merous figures, illustrating the life histories of the various species, and five very fine color plates figuring the imagos of fourteen species, in most cases of both sexes.
In this work are brought together the observations published under the same title in two previous bulletins (1902, 1904), augmented by a great deal of new matter, and detailed accounts of the early stages of most of the species considered, and in the fourth chapter is appended the paper on Stegomyia fasciata read before the International Congress of Zoologists at Bern in August, 1904, and now translated from the
57
~iS Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv
(lerraan into Portuguese. The book is divided into the following chapters : I, The mosquitoes of Para considered as a public calamity ;
II, Review of results of experiments made in 1903, particularly with Stegomyia fasciata and Culex fatigans, from the sanitary point of view ;
III, Biological details ; IV, Stegomyia fasciata, the transmitting mos- quito of yellow fever and the actual state of knowledge relative to the cause of the disease. The author did not, however, bring all his data together under their respective headings, which is troublesome to the reader, but perhaps inevitable with such wealth of material.
The first chapter opens with an introduction to the Culicidae, definition of some of the more important genera and data on the dis- tribution of species culled from Theobald's Monograph. The author then turns to the species of Para. Of the 42 species recorded from Brazil, 18 have been found at Para, 17 of them by the author; five of these are new. This seems a very small showing for so favorable a locality ; but this is perhaps due to the fact that the author has given most of his attention to the biologic and economic part of the subject. I will only mention in comparison that more than 50 species of mos- quitoes are known from the Island of Trinidad, and indications are that it is by no means exhausted. The genera known from Para are Anopheles, Megarhinus, Psorophora, Janthinosoma, Stegomyia, Culex, Tceniorhynchus, Sabethes, Hicmagogus, Wyeomyia, Limatus and Tri- choprosopon. A number of these genera are not treated in the present work, but the author promises an account of them in a future paper. Then follow short notes on some of the species. Megarhinus separatus is not rare in the vicinity of the city. It is strictly a forest mosquito and diurnal. Its bite is reputed to be painful, but the author has not yet been able to verify this from personal experience. Jauthinosotna, of which the author has taken J. musica, is dismissed, as, in the au- thor's experience, of no faunistic importance. This seems remark- able, as elsewhere in tropical America Janthinosoma is one of the most conspicuous forms. In connection with Stegomyia fasciata its excessive abundance in the city, its diurnal habits and severe bite are noted. In the reviewer's experience the bite of Stegomyia can hardly be called severe : indeed the bite is often hardly noticeable, and this, together with its stealthy habits, the more easily make it the transmit- ter of the dread yellow fever. Culex fatigans is spoken of as a hor- rible nocturnal scourge in certain parts of the city. Tcenior/iyuchus is crepuscular, invades the dining room, flies onto the table and into
June, 1906.] KNAB : GOELDl's " OS MoSQUITOS NO PARA." 59
the plates. It alights leisurely and without ceremony upon the face and hands, and then bites painfully. It is of such a voracious disposi- tion that it can easily be crushed without its attempting to escape. Of the beautiful Sabeihes, with metallic colors and plumed tibia?, three species occur. They are diurnal forest mosquitoes and are sometimes common enough to become troublesome. They bite ferociously and leave a relatively intense inflammation, evidently due to the large dose of poison injected.
Of especial interest is the figure on Plate V, showing the attitude of Sabethes longipes in flight. The position of the hind legs, raised over the back and bent well forward, is characteristic of the entire subfam- ily Sabethinoz — at least it holds good for the species of a number of genera that the reviewer has had opportunity to observe in nature. Those who have seen living specimens of Wyeomyia smithii, the only known representative of the group in the United States, will recall this very striking attitude, which has been described by Dr. J. B. Smith on p. 343 of his Report on the Mosquitoes of New Jersey (1904).
Turning now more particularly to the economic aspect of his sub- ject, the writer states that four species are the most important in Para, not only as physical torturers and destroyers of peace, but as a menace to health. Three of these have taken a firm footing within the city in the last few years and relieve each other in their daily attacks inside the house, greatly injuring the credit and reputation of Para as a habitable tropical city. The fourth species holds the outskirts and vicinity and constantly threatens human existence in the swampy regions of the interior. Branded by modern science as the vehicle and transmitter of malarial fevers it constitutes a serious obstacle to the progress of the country and is directly guilty of serious injury to public prosperity. The mosquito last alluded to is Anopheles represented by A. albipes. The fearful abundance of this species at Macapa and in the region bordering Guiana, and coincident with this an epidemic of malaria, was observed upon two museum expeditions. The author convinced himself of the correctness of the popular statement that this mosquito has a strong predilection for forests of siriiiba (Avicen- nia), and so numerous are they there that, even in passing through such woods in the daytime, the face and hands soon become black with them.
The second of the four above-mentioned important species is Stegomyia fasciata. The description of the insect, with an account of its distribution and its role in yellow fever, is followed by observations
60 Journaf. New York Entomological Societv. [Vol. xiv.
upon the species in Para. It is excessively abundant in houses and hovers over persons' heads in troops of four to ten or more. It bites from sunrise until evening and a person is bitten at least 50 or 100 times a day. Seeking out any uncovered part it inflicts its painful bite which afterward swells. There is not a minute of rest from day- break to nightfall ; it is impossible to defend oneself against them and soon face, neck, hands and legs are covered with burning swollen points. The author exclaims, " I do not know of another factor in this city so hurtful and actually pernicious to intellectual work, to scientific study and investigation in the quiet of the cabinet and laboratory as this execrable creature which is called Stegomyia fas- datal" Culex fatigans follows in importance and insupportability as a nocturnal complement to the diurnal Stegomyia. Surprising, but perhaps after all not far from the truth, is the author's statement that he considers the nocturnal habit exceptional and that the majority of mosquitoes are diurnal. According to Dr. Lutz, Culex fatigans is the common nocturnal mosquito throughout Brazil, found everywhere and biting only at night. At Para the abundance of this mosquito is simply astonishing ; in the suburb of Nazareth it assaults the houses in clouds during the first hours of the night and fairly throws itself against the person. The hum of myriads of these mosquitoes, flying and in court- ship, in a dark room is enough to make one's hair stand on end. " I am apprehensive each time I hear this odious music, when I think of the sad consequences to health, of which, in my firm conviction, it is the fatal precursor and messenger!" The writer here alludes to Culex fatigans as the transmitter of filariasis. While it is mostly the black race and its crosses that is persecuted by this disease there is great danger to everybody at Para where black and white sleep with- out mosquito-bars in the same rooms, infested with this mosquito.
The fourth of the above-denounced mosquitoes is Tccniorhynchus fasciolaius. While the author agrees with Dr. Lutz that this is a genuine swamp mosquito he adds that at Pani it enters the houses at twilight. Its bite is painful and it has a voracious disposition, yet it is ingenuous and phlegmatic, if not to say entirely stupid. The speci- mens observed at Para differ from the colored figure in Theobald's work by their darker color, a circumstance which has already been noted by that author.
The biology of mosquitoes is next treated in a popular way and the differences in the early stages of Culex, Stegomyia and Anopheles
June, 1906.I KNAB : GOELDl'S " OS MOSQUITOS NO PARA." 61
pointed out. A count of the eggs in two egg-boats of Culex fatigans gave respectively 270 and 225 eggs.
There is an interesting observation on the difference in food habits of the two sexes. Outdoors the males feed on ripe fruits and flowers ; in the house they go to sugar, coffee, tea, wine, soups and all sweet substances, and abstain from sucking blood. The females are blood- suckers and the difference in food habits is brought out in the follow- ing experiments. In the first experiment mosquitoes were observed swarming about the sugar bowl. It was quickly covered with a paper cone and the mosquitoes within chloroformed. There were 37 dead mosquitoes — 1 $, 1 Q Stegomyia fasciaia, and 33 $, 2 Q Culex fatigans. This experiment was repeated a number of times with only a slight variation in the percentage of the sexes. This was in the dining room, the second contrasting experience in the bed-room. Far in the night the author noticed that outside of a certain part the mos- quito-bar, close to his face, the mosquitoes were dancing up and down in a manifest endeavor to find a hole that would admit them. With a sudden slap of the hand a number of them were crushed against the wall. Examination showed that there were 23 dead Culex fati- gans— all females. And thus, in the bed rooms, there always proved to be an enormous majority of females in quest of blood, to the ex- clusion of the males.
An explanation of the blood-sucking habit is offered, as follows : Few readers, particularly in the tropics, have not had an opportunity to observe how any scratch or wound on exposed parts of the body is persecuted by a multitude of small flies and related insects which come to sip the blood-serum, a slightly sweetish substance. One also knows how, during dry periods, the margins of the eyes, for example in the large mammals, are persecuted by the same impertinent Diptera, at- tracted by the "aqueous humor" with which the eye-ball is moist- ened. Now all these small Diptera, in common with ordinary-sized one (Stomoxys, etc. ) and other large ones like the Tabanids, indicate the path gone over by the hsemaphiles. The Culicids, primitively only sucking sweet juices, became acquainted with animal blood through the blood-serum of wounds. The males contented them- selves with this, the females reached the point of intentionally perfor- ating the skin to gain possession of the desired liquid. Seconded in this mission by a stouter beak better fitted for piercing than in the male, and thus taking advantage of the liquid so easily obtained to
62 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
gain strength for the demands of egg-production, a disposition to this proceeding would become a habit and normal, and finally an indispen- sable postulate. The sucking of blood, acquired accidentally as a secondary habit, becomes an essential factor in the mosquito's life in relation to the ripening of the sexual products of the female. Today these insects must have blood for the propagation of their species.
The description of the mating of mosquitoes is of great interest, as very little has been made known on this subject. The species ob- served is Culex fatigans, although the author fails to specify this. On a subsequent page, in the second chapter, he treats of the mating habits of Stegomyia fasciata and compares them with those of the pres- ent species. The swarms of Culex that enter the houses at night-fall in dense clouds are principally males which seek the females already there. The infernal music of innumerable mosquitoes assails one's ears and at the same time they dash against one's face. Striking light one sees the multitude dancing and cutting frantic capers. There are two swarms, one composed entirely of males, the other only of females. The sexes are guided towards each other principally by the song and one soon perceives that there are two sounds, the higher produced by the males, the lower by the females. The actual sexual union is wholly devoid of ceremony. Some female detaches herself 'suddenly from her companions and approaches the cloud of dancing males. Immediately she is seized by a male and united they retire from the swarm. It is not rare that such pairs forget all prudence and in their frenzy hit against everything and even roll upon the ground. In some cases a female is seized by two males at the same time and all three fall, rolling over each other in the fiercest sexual frenzy. Theobald says, " I have never seen a male C. pipiens or of any other European species indoors." In Para the males of both Culex fatigans and Stegomyia fasciata daily invade the houses in swarms. Oviposition (of Culex fatigans ?') is said to occur only at night. The observations on the localities where the eggs of Culex fatigans and Stegomyia fasciata are laid agree with those of Durham and Myers. Culex fatigans contents itself with any ditch, no matter how muddy or foul, puddles of waste water and drains, and is easily reared in the laboratory. Stegomyia fasciata is quite particular in the selection of breeding places. It prefers relatively clean water and is customarily found in the depressions of the horizontal rain-gut- ters on houses, in barrels, jars and other receptacles, in the still folded leaves of banana plants, the leaves of bromelias, etc. In captivity the
June, iSo6.| KNAB : GOELDl'S " Os MOSQUITOS NO PARA." 63
larvae do not prosper in water containing other matter than their essen- tial food, alg?e and other cryptogams.
The paragraph on mosquitoes as agents of disease reviews what is now known on this important subject and briefly states the part taken by the different investigators in bringing out the facts. The species of mosqu toes that are known to transmit disease are enumerated and the diseases they carry. In the mention of Filaria immitis in the dog, transmitted by Culex fatigans, the writer states that he has found this disease in dogs at Rio de Janeiro and sometimes the left auricle of the heart is filled with a ball of these worms.
Under the caption " Practical results which urgently claim atten- tion " the various methods of mosquito control are discussed. The baneful effect of mosquitoes is again emphasized, not only as direct agents of yellow fever and other diseases but also as the destroyers of spiritual peace and the producers of neurasthenia through the constant infliction of physical pain.
Chapter II gives a series of experiments with Stegomyia fasciata and Culex fatigans to ascertain the relation of meals of blood to copu- lation and to oviposition. Upward of 220 adults of both sexes of Stegomyia fasciata and 260 of Culex fatigans were used in these experi- ments. At first captured mosquitoes were used, but later the experi- ments were carried on with bred specimens. The fertilized females were fed with honey and water on the one hand, and with human blood or that of the guinea pig on the other. It is shown that one or more meals of blood are essential to the development of the eggs. Lack of space forbids giving even a synopsis of these experi- ments. It is only possible to give the author's final conclusions, which apply more particularly to Stegomyia fasciata, and state that in general they are borne out by the experiments. In brief his conclu- sions are as follows :
1. Honey prolongs the life of the mosquito in captivity and is taken with avidity, not only by the female, but above all by the male.
2. Blood of vertebrates is eagerly and persistently sought by the female ; obtained by sucking it shortens life as further explained. Blood drawn in other ways, although fresh, is refused or accepted with indifference not only by the males but also by the females.
3. Sucked blood is a food which favors and accelerates the laying of eggs and produces a certain, energetic and immediate reaction in the organization of the female, perceptible from the first ration.
6-i Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
4. Honey, on the contrary, has a retarding, interrupting, or at least neutral effect upon oviposition. The same is true of other sweet liquids and vegetable food.
5. With certain mosquitoes, in captivity, we have the power to prolong life and suppress oviposition, or bring about prompt oviposi- tion by witholding or supplying blood as food.
6. It is a fact that in previously fertilized females of Stegomyia fas- ciata the faculty of laying fertile eggs can be preserved latent during periods of from 23 to 102 days and called to life at pleasure by changing the diet to one of blood.
7. In other words : A diet of honey is of advantage to the indi- vidual by prolonging life, but of disadvantage to the species, for it re- tards reproduction. A blood diet, on the contrary, is prejudicial to the individual, for it shortens life, and most advantageous to the spe- cies, as it favors reproduction.
8. We have the right to call blood an indispensable factor in the production of fertile eggs. By the above experiments, what has so far been only a hypothetical supposition, has now been definitelv proven.
9. Unfertilized females, bred in captivity and in strict isolation, readily accept blood. Copulation is not a necessary preliminary to enable the female to practice heematophagy.
10. These unfertilized females of Stegomyia may lay eggs, though these are not fertile and do not produce larvce.
11. Oviposition completed, the female, both of Stegomyia and of Culexfatigans, dies in the following days, in most cases immediately afterward. The female survives in cases where oviposition is incom- plete until the fractional deposits have made up the total.
12. In order to make a complete deposit of eggs it is necessary that the female of Stegomyia should have several successive rations of blood, at least two or three. With Culex fatigans the results on this point have not been equally decisive.
13. The respective interval between the meal of blood and oviposi- tion, taking the average, for Stegomyia fas data is 3.7 days = 88.8 hours, and for Culex fatigans 3.5 days = 84 hours.
14. The interval from the time the eggs are laid to the appearance of the larvae, taking the mean, is, for Stegomyia fasciata, 4.5 days = 108 hours, and for Culexfatigans 1.8 days = 43.2 hours.
The second chapter closes with an extensive account and discussion of the habits of Stegomyia fasciata, which clearly demonstrates that this
June, 1906.] KNAB: GOELDl'S " Os MOSQUITOS NO PARA." 65
species has become completely domesticated. While certain species of mosquitoes probably persecute by preference particular animals, among all the mosquitoes there is none that has so exclusively adapted itself to the persecution of man in the tropics as Stegomyia fasciata. Along the Atlantic littoral of South America it fastens upon the heels of man wherever he settles in numbers and the houses are concentrated into cities of any size. Steam navigation has been the means of spreading the species, and only by taking into account this fact can its present geographical distribution be understood in its details. A valuable illustration is furnished by the manner in which Stegomyia is little by little conquering the Amazon valley. It has departed, by exception, from the littoral route, and entering in a perpendicular di- rection to the coast line, has reached the remote interior. It has established itself at Manaos, capital of the state of Amazonas, a rap- idly growing city of modern aspect 1,600 kilometers from Para. However, according to reliable information obtained by the author, the species has not made itself felt in Santarem, Faro, Monte Allegre and Obidos, all cities at a much lesser distance from Para. The author thinks that while there may be other secondary factors, the principal reason for this negative condition is the small size of these towns. The author believes that an inquiry into the data when yellow fever first appeared at Manaos, and the beginning of steam navigation with Manaos as a terminus, would show an intimate and significant relation between these two facts. The great waterway, with its direction nearly parallel to the equator, navigable for large ocean vessels to its upper reaches and with its climatic conditions most favorable to this eminently tropical mosquito, will prove an excellent highway in the conquering march of 'Stegomyia. Even while the sheets were in press, the newspapers of Para brought telegraphic notice that the " black vomit " had made its appearance in Iquitos (Peru) on the upper Amazon. In Para, in certain parts of the city, Stegomyia abounds to the point of making existence unbearable, particularly for those whose professional duties keep them at the work-table. The hot hours of the day are those in which it shows itself most blood thirsty and insistent. When one perspires slightly it persecutes by its bite with a tenacity and cruelty of which it would be hard to find another example. That the growing insolence of its persecutions goes parallel with the increasing perspiration of our body is something which must impress every attentive observer. It is evident that the perspiration of
66 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
our body plays a significant role in the life of this mosquito. During the hot hours of the day the head and hands of persons resting clothed, in hammock or bed, are besieged by a cloud of perhaps ten or fifteen Stegomyias, mostly males, in incessant serpentine evolutions. Even the males are aggressive during these hours and persecute any uncovered part of the body to suck sweat. If they do not succeed in biting it is not from lack of desire, but owing to the weak mouth-parts. Although it has been frequently asserted that the male Stegomyia bites and sucks blood, neither the author nor any of his colleagues have ever detected one in the act or found one dilated with blood. However, they do alight upon the person, and the author thinks they produce an irritation that only differs in degree from that of the female's bite. While the male does not succeed in perforating the epidermis it certainly irritates it, and a close study of the male mouth-parts would probably show an unusual development for that sex. The disagreeable sensation pro- duced by the males is augmented by their truculent hum, uttered in a thin concert voice.
The habits of Stegomyia are now discussed in their bearing on the theory of the origin of the blood-sucking habit propounded on a previous page. Clearly sweat belongs to the same order of products as the others sought by Diptera, the blood serum and the moisture on the edge of the eyes. When Stegomyia first associated itself with man both sexes fed upon his perspiration. From this stage the females progressed to the habitual perforation of the epidermis and became professional suckers of human blood. The males continue in the historically more ancient stage of lappers of sweat and similar secre- tions of the human body.
When Stegomyia is abundant one observes that the males show a certain aloofness and tendency to congregate apart from the females in little clouds of 15 to 20 or more. This manifests itself, for ex- ample, when the males congregate over the edge of a table or cabinet while the females are circulating about the room, or they collect about the upper part of a mosquito-bar while the females are reconnoitring beneath the bed. These elevated positions are points of vantage from which the males pounce upon any female that they detect cross- ing the area of their dominion.
Stegomyia is a singularly light-loving mosquito. This is shown by the merry hum of the males as well as the females, dancing in ani- mated swarms, when the moderate sunlight of late afternoon shines
June, 1906.J KNAB : GOELDI'S " Os MOSQUITOS NO PARA." 67
into their cages. The sounds produced under these conditions were determined with the assistance of two musically educated colleagues and by the use of a cither and diapason with determined vibrations. The note of the female corresponded to C in the treble clef and that of the male to the A above. The male note has 880 vibrations, that of the female 480, and the two sounds hold the relation of a sex- tad to each other. In both cases the impression was obtained that along with the principal note the respective octaves were heard, so that the timbre was obscured by the concomitant notes. A certain effect upon the height of pitch is exercised by the greater or less dilation of the abdomen with food and perhaps also in certain psychic states and under the influence of mutual suggestion. According to Nuttall and Shipley the note of Anopheles maculipennis in the male coincides with that of Stegomyia while in the fed female it is in the neighborhood of low C with 240 vibrations, an octave lower than in Stegomyia.
Little appears to have been made known about the copulation of Stegomyia. The author states that he has seen it millions of times and sees it every day, but, as yet, has not been able to describe it satisfactorily in its minor details. In general outline the process is as follows: a male, from his outlook, precipitates himself upon a female that comes flying near and attaching himself to the under side allows himself to be carried in gentle flight for a few seconds (not more than two or three) and again departs. It is the work of a moment and it is really surprising with what rapidity the act is ac- , complished. The flight is so short that it is executed without diffi- culty within a cage, a fact which makes it possible to breed successive generations of the species in captivity. As well as one can judge, without previously marked individuals, the same male copulates several times in rapid succession with diverse females that approach. The process differs from the bacchanals of Culex fatigans, described on a previous page, in that there are not two distinct swarms, one of males, the other of females. Still there is a tendency to keep sep- arate, a kind of antagonism already alluded to. The nuptial flight of Culex fatigans is likewise only of a moment but it seems to require more space and therefore is not realized in captivity with the facility, one might almost say mathematical precision, of Stegomyia.
The writer thinks that Culex fatigans is more obstinate, timid and rebellious in behavior and more refractory to domestication. He believes that a proof of this is the singular circumstance that of all
68 Journal New York Entomological Society. |Voi.xiv.
the trials made with females in captivity, both captured and bred ones, only one sucked blood. Culex fatigans shows itself much inferior to Stegomyia in intelligence and this agrees well with the idea that, like other hsematophagous insects, this mosquito is principally found in relation with a definite vertebrate host. The author believes that primitively Culex fatigans was less partial to the human species than to certain domestic animals and his suspicion points mostly to its being an inquiline of poultry-houses. Is it not possible that in this evident intellectual diversity of these two species of mosquito the diversity of their respective primitive hosts is reflected? Surely no one will dispute that it requires a more expert mosquito to persecute man than poultry, cats or dogs.
Discussing the original home of Stegomyia faseiata, the author ex- presses his belief that it is of African origin. He bases this idea largely upon a study of the geographical distribution of the genus Stegomyia by means of the data gathered from Theobald's Monograph. Of the 2 1 known species of the genus, eleven, or more than half, are African, while only four are American. The author fails, however, to take into account the fact that our knowledge of the mosquito fauna of tropical America is extremely fragmentary. At least three addi- tional species of Stegomyia are now known from the West Indian region, which, with the neighboring coasts, most likely represents the home of the American Stegomyias.* Stegomyia faseiata is now so widely dis- persed that a study of the species itself will hardly furnish a clue to its original habitat. The author believes that Stegomyia faseiata, along with other afflictions such as filariasis and the sand flea (Sareopsyi/a penetrans L. ), has followed in the wake of the slave trade probably in quite early times. Of course it is quite as likely that the reverse is true and that the species has been disseminated from America. The whole question is inseparably bound up with that of the origin of yellow fever and perhaps the history of this disease will furnish proper data to settle the question. The author touches upon this part of the subject in Chapter III, where he resumes the discussion of the probable
* Since the above was written these three species referred to have been described by Mr. D. W. Coquillett. Two of them, together with Stegomyia sexlineata Theob. , are placed by Mr. Coquillett in a new genus Gymnometopa (Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash., VII, 183). It should be noted that it is highly doubtful that the genus Stegomyia represents a distinct and homogeneous group. Most of the recently made Culicid genera are based upon very unsatisfactory characters and do not represent natural groups, as is clearly apparent from a study of the larva;.
June, 1906.] KNAB : GOELDl's ' ' Os MOSQUITOS NO PARA." 69
origin of Stegomyia fasciata. He concedes that the malady which carried off part of the crew of Columbus was most likely the yellow fever, but protests that this does not constitute a proof against its previous existence in Africa. A further argument is sought in the close association of Stegomyia fasciata with man and its partiality to large cities. He asks where were the large cities on the Atlantic coast between the Antilles and the Rio Plata? He further states that the indigenous American was at all times what he still is to-day ; jealous of his absolute freedom, he has neither the habits nor the in- clination necessary to concentrate himself in cities of really large size. The characterization of the native American which follows is a very faithful portrait of the Amazonian Indian and will apply, in the essen- tial points, to our North American Indians as well. He contrasts with the retiring characteristics of our Indians the excessive socia- bility of the African. All the accounts of African travelers abound with exclamations of surprise at the number of towns reaching a size beyond easy estimation. The author has, however, entirely ignored Mexico and Central America, peopled in great part by natives of advanced culture and entirely different character from the primitive races to the north and south. Surely the writer is not wholly ignorant of the historical accounts of the dense population of peaceful agricul- turalists that inhabited the region at the time of its discovery and the extensive cities, doubtless of great age, that existed then. We know that even upon the author's own ground, the lower Amazons, at the time of the discovery there was a dense agricultural population con- gregated in large towns — a population probably far in excess of that of the present day.
The author likewise assumes an Ethiopian origin for Culex fatigans and points out the close correspondence in the distribution of this species and Stegomyia fasciata, as shown in the maps given by Theo- bald, and this he believes to be by no means accidental. It is fitting here to call attention to the uncertain status of some of the species of Culex, particularly those of the group to which C. fatigans belongs, and the absolute impossibility, in some cases, to refer specimens to their proper species with certainty. The author himself, on another page, points out that the variety skusii of Culex fatigans must be a dis- tinct species, as the larval characters differ widely in the two forms. From a study of the larval material brought together by Dr. L. O. How- ard for his forthcoming monograph of the Culicidae the reviewer has
70 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
reached the conclusion that the American form known as Culex fati- gans represents a distinct species peculiar to the tropical and subtrop- ical regions of this hemisphere.
The author believes that Stegomyia fasciata and Culex fatigans are inseparable allies, always to be found together, the nocturnal Culex fatigans supplementing the diurnal Stegomyia fasciata in the persecution of man and the two constituting a strong combination against him. He believes that future studies will show that the influence of these two mosquitoes, over and above the grave diseases which they trans- mit, is the principal cause of tropical anemia.
Attention is called to the occurrence of dwarf specimens, both of Stegomyia fasciata and of Culex fatigans, a circumstance of considerable importance as they succeed in passing through screens effectual against normal mosquitoes. At certain seasons these dwarfs are more numer- ous and even become the predominating form. Thus it appeared that in the last weeks of October and in November, just before the opening of the rainy season, these small females were particularly numerous. These dwarf mosquitoes are the product of adverse conditions during development, such as the reduction of water and food in the dry sea- son, so that there may be said to be a small sestival generation. It is a wrong opinion that the individuals of this dwarf race are less agres- sive and blood-thirsty than those of normal size ; they behave in every way the same and their bite is equally painful.
One cannot suppose that on the whole Brazilian coast, southward to Rio Janeiro or Santos, there is a single place where the development of Stegomyia ever comes to a standstill. There are larvae throughout the year, although there will be fluctuations in the rate of development corresponding to hot or cold, wet or dry season in the different locali- ties. Inquiries into these conditions gain particular importance through their relation to the periodicity of yellow fever.
From the experiments it appears that Stegomyia fasciata shows a decided preference for human blood over that of the guinea pig, and human blood seems to have a more favorable effect upon oviposition. Reptilian blood, that of a lizard ( Tropidurus torquatus) was offered but not accepted.
As all other mosquitoes are extremely sensitive to currents of air it is remarkable that Stegomyia is quite indifferent to even a strong wind. The author found that a strong wind blowing into a window, or the current of air from an electric fan, did not in the least interfere with
June, 1906] KNAB : GOELDl'S " Os MOSQUITOS NO PARA." 71
the evolutions and biting of the Stegomyias. It appears likewise to be quite indifferent to strong odors as in one case that from a floor satur- ated withcreoline did not affect them. Strong mediums are necessary, such as fumes of sulphur, chlorine or strong fumigation with pyrethrum.
The question whether Stegomyia fas data bites at night is of impor- tance in view of the often mentioned " diarios de Petropolis," that is, the security from yellow fever enjoyed by those who spend the day in the city of Rio de Janeiro but return to their homes in the nearby mountains before nightfall. The author professes that he approached this question with great scepticism. However now he is in possession of quite a number of perfectly verified cases in each of which the mosquito was taken "en flagrante" and identified by him. These cases occurred both at Rio de Janeiro and at Para. Nearly all the cases observed at Para occurred in nearly the same manner, between the hours of eight and eleven at night while the author was writing by an electric light, the window open. The mosquitoes that alighted upon the hands and sucked blood were generally Tceniorhynchus fasci- olatus or Panoplites titillans but now and then a female Stegomyia presented itself. The bites personally observed at Rio de Janeiro oc- curred during the same hours in a room of the library. The author always noticed that during the day he was more persecuted by Stegomyia in that room than elsewhere and he quickly discovered that the mould- ings and the upper and under sides of the shelves were the chosen hiding places of these mosquitoes. These cases, however, are not the rule but exceptional ; perhaps one in a hundred bites at night and then only with light, not in complete darkness. The weak light of the night-lamp in a sleeping room is perhaps sufficient. These observa- tions do not weaken the statement that Stegomyia fasciata is essentially a diurnal mosquito. Now and then some female overpowered by hun- ger prolongs its hunt into the night, above all when stimulated and guided by the light in a room. That Stegomyia will readily accept blood at night in captivity the writer considers an anomaly due to the unnatural laboratory conditions. There is a popular saying that to get rid of mosquitoes it is only necessary to put out the light. This ad- vice, if it does not simply allude to the fact that the healthy organism, tired from the day's occupation, falls asleep more readily in a dark room, must refer to Stegomyia fasciata. In the case of Culex fatigans and Anopheles the promised result will certainly not be realized.
But there is still the possibility that perhaps the female Stegomyias
72 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
seeking blood at night are themselves the victims of an anomaly and acting under a morbid impulse, perhaps produced by a parasite. Per- haps there is here some relation with the agent of yellow fever !
The third chapter, " biological details," contains a great deal of interest, and it is to be regretted that the details, particularly of larval structure, are not more full. The plates that accompany this chapter are of great interest, particularly the figures from photographs of eggs, larvae and pupae, more or less magnified. The figures from drawings, we are sorry to say, are not equally commendable, and, at least in some cases, appear superficial and inaccurate. Some of these inaccu- racies will be pointed out in connection with the following notes. Sixteen species of Culicidse, three Chironomi< 33 and a Simulium are dealt with, but of some of the species the early stages remain unknown and only notes upon the imago are given.
Culex fatigans and Stegonixia fascia fa are treated most fully, and each of these species is illustrated by two double-page plates. One of these plates is entirely given up to the eggs of Culex fatigans, and the figures, from photographs, of the eggs singly and in rafts, are very excellent. As the author remarks, these eggs do not appear to differ in any way from those of Culex pipiens. Regarding the small globule at the pointed end of the egg, the writer at first followed the supposi- tion of previous writers that it is air. Closer study of its optical qual- ities and behavior in various liquids used in microscopic technique showed that it is of a gelatinous or mucilaginous substance. The globule is detached by the slightest pressure and in the water swells and then disappears altogether. At the same time the author became convinced that the entire base of the fresh egg- raft is covered by a layer of gelatine, similar to the substance present in so many other insect eggs, and even those of vertebrates. He attributes a hydrostatic function to the globule. Both the globule and the lower layer disap- pear before the breaking up of the egg-boat, which begins soon after the larvae have hatched. The author thinks that this gelatinous sub- stance may perhaps furnish the first food to the young larvae. The cup-shaped appendix on the rounded end of the egg has been figured by several authors, but without comment. The author thinks it is con- nected with the intra-ovarial period, the remnant of the germinative chamber and entirely without physiological significance after the egg is laid. The figure of the sculpture pattern of the interior of the cup shows series of points arranged around a central round depression.
June,i9o6.] KNAB : GOELDl'S " Os MOSQUITOS NO PARA." 7S
The female of Culex fatigans, in ovipositing, shows great piedilection for water containing animal matter. A vessel in which the skulls of several small mammals were being macerated after two or three days contained a great number of egg-boats — at least ioo or 200 — and further tests gave the same result. This fact could be utilized and the mosquitoes induced to lay their eggs in trap-jars, where the eggs could then be destroyed. Unfortunately the details of the larval characters given in the text and figures are insufficient and will not serve to sep- arate this species from Culex pipiens. The author himself calls atten- tion to the close resemblance between the two larvae, but wisely re- marks that it would be premature to pronounce upon the relative value of these two forms. He urges that describers should be exact and adopt a standard for description, else a labyrinth of error and con- fusion must result.
Culex confirmatus is noticed in Para mostly in the dry season and frequents dry fields and gardens when water is present in ditches or natural depressions. It was noticeably abundant in a garden near Rio de Janeiro, and showed itself impertinent and besieged one in clouds of ten or twelve. It is diurnal and loves the light, and people are mostly troubled by it during the hottest hours with burning sun. The author questions that Grabham could have had the same species under observation when he states that "this species appears to be active only during the night." As a matter of fact, neither the larva characterized by Grabham (Can. Ent., v. 37, p. 404-405) nor by Dyar (Journ. N. Y. Ent. Soc, v. 13, p. 23-25) in the least resemble that figured by the present writer. The larva figured cannot be of this species, but is a Culex in the restricted sense, and the author cor- rectly points out its relationship to our Culex territans. The large and stout antennae bear a tuft at the set-off three-fourths from the base, and the breathing tube is extremely long and slender. The author twice succeeded in obtaining eggs from captive females fed with guinea-pig blood. The eggs are lanceolate-oval and are laid singly.
In the larva of the Culex sp. iuJet. from the forest of Murutucii close to Para, attention is called to the pointed form of the anal gills, resembling those of the Psorophora. The figure of the labial plate is very characteristic, the pecten teeth of breathing tube bear a fringe of spines and the scales of the comb are large and simple. Doubt is, however, thrown on these characters by the two figures of antennae, of entirely different types, for this same species and leads one to infer that the author has confused two species.
74 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv
Of especial interest are the author's observations on the early stages of two species of the genus Tceniorhynchus , T. fasciolatus and T. arri- balzagce. The first information relating to the early stages of this genus was given by Dr. Goeldi in a footnote on p. 27 of his first bulletin on the mosquitoes of Para, published in 1902, and notes furnished by him were incorporated in Theobald's Monograph, v. 3, 1903, p. 257 and 269. These observations are based upon T.fas- ciolatus but answer as well for the other species, as no essential differ- ences were noted between the two. It is decidedly a forest mosquito, and only enters houses occasionally in the evening. It shows itself sensitive to confinement and does not survive it long. Of 170 cap- tured females fed with blood only 25 laid eggs. The eggs are laid in a double-rowed chain, fastened together like those of Culex pipiens. The chain is rather strongly convex upon the lower side, and rests upon the water after the manner of the egg-raft of Culex pipiens. It is only after the larvae have been hatched that it falls upon its side and dis- integrates. The number of eggs in a chain was from 60 to 63 and the female dies very soon after the act of oviposition. The eggs hatch in about four and one half days. The author compares the shape of the eggs to that of a champagne bottle but the accompanying figures do not show the pronounced neck that this description implies. The surface of the egg is covered with coarse conical papillae. The young larva? are of very remarkable appearance well shown in two photognq)hic figures. The antennae are very large and of peculiar shape but are not two-jointed as the author indicates in the drawing of fig. 76. The mouth tufts are large, the tracheal tubes very slender. Most remarkable is the form of the breathing tube, the basal portion very broad and rounded off, narrowed beyond the middle to a very slender tube terminated by a whorl of spines. The slender terminal portion somewhat exceeds in length the broad basal part and the general aspect reminds one of a peaked helmet. All attempts to rear these larvae failed and they died after a few days. These larvae agree quite closely in general appearance with the young larvae of Taniorhynchus pertur- batis, described and figured by Dyar and Currie in Proc. Ent. Soc. of Washington, v. 6, 1904, p. 218-220. In this last-mentioned species, however, the eggs, about 150, are laid in a raft. No clue has yet been given to the natural habitat or food of these strange larvae and it is to be hoped that Dr. Goeldi, in such favorable surroundings, will succeed in solving the mystery of these strange larvae.
June, i9o6.] KNAB : GOELDI'S " Os MOSQUITOS NO PARA." 75
The eggs obtained by the author from another species, Tcenio- rhynchus fulvus, leads him to express doubt that it should be retained in the same genus. He calls attention to the great dissimilarity of the imago to those of the two first-mentioned species and proposes the generic name Chrysoconops for this species. The eggs are short, very broad at the middle, tapering to a blunt point at each end, almost rhombic in shape. They are laid detached, in a double row which soon becomes disarranged.*
Very good figures are given of Mansonia titillans in the act of ovi- position and of its eggs. The eggs are laid detached, in a double mass. They are broadest at middle, tapering at both ends, but much more slender than those of Tamiorhynchus fulvus.
A plate is devoted to the eggs of Janthinosoma musica andy. lutzii which are likewise laid singly. The surface sculpture consists of re- cumbent spines.
Trichoprosopon nivipes demands especial attention as it is the rep- resentative of Theobald's subfamily Trichoprosopina of which the larvae were heretofore unknown. The author obtained larvae from the water between the leaves of Bromelias, at the base of banana leaves and like situations. The appearance of the pale larvae is well shown in a photographic picture and their general resemblance to the Sabethinae quite apparent. The figure of the mandibles hardly conveys the correct impression as only the slender strongly dentate portion is shown. The mandibles remind one strongly of the Chironomidae, particularly when seen endwise and the great thickness of the base is apparent. There is reason to believe that in his notes on the young larva of Trichoprosopo/i, accompanied by a figure of the breathing tube, the author had before him the larva of Limatus durhami which is often found associated with Trichoprosopon. The pupa of Trichoprosopon has very small terminal paddles and the last and penultimate segments bear ample tufts of 24- 26 and 14-16 hairs respectively, while the other segments bear only single hairs.
Limatus durhami, in the imago as in the larva agrees with Tricho- prosopon in habits. Imagos in confinement refused to suck blood and laid no eggs. When fed honey they only lived from 2-8 days. The larva is characterized by a very elongated abdomen and a small, almost rectangular head. The antennae are very small. The breathing tube
* Mr. D. W. Coquillett has recognized in Tceniorhynchus fuh'us a species of Psorophora, so that Chrysoconops Goeldi becomes a synonym of Psorophora.
76 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
is short and bears, both above and below, a series of hairs in pairs and singly. The comb consists of half a dozen scales in a row. The pupa is more elongate than that of Trichoprosopon and has, like it, tufts upon the last two segments. The paddles are very poorly developed.
The showy Megarhinus separates is a common species in the Amazon region. Mr. A. Ducke, entomological preparator of the museum, has experienced its bite and compares it in painfulness to the sting of a wasp. He also obtained the eggs, larvae and pupae. The eggs are elongate, almost cylindrical, and float upon the water in groups of four to six lying side by side. One end of the egg is smooth, while more than half of it is granular and covered with very prominent tubercles. These tubercles are more or less constricted at the base and appear to have an opening at the tip. They serve to keep the egg afloat by the air retained between them. When the larvre are hatched the egg splits open lengthwise at the smooth end, a mode very distinct from that observed in other mosquito eggs. The larva greatly re- sembles that of our North American Megarhinus portoricensis. Dis- tinguishing characters are furnished in the labial plate, mandibles and antennas. The predaceous character of the larvae appears to have escaped the author.
Anopheles albipes is a rather rare mosquito at Para and only ap- pears occasionally in the outskirts at dark. The author did not suc- ceed in finding the larvae in their natural habitat. Eggs were ob- tained in the usual manner from a female fed successive rations of blood. Figures are given of the eggs greatly enlarged and also one to show their stellate grouping as laid upon the water. The young larva has two very long terminal hairs. This mosquito is distinguished by the common people from the ordinary mosquito or " carapand " by the popular name " morocbca."
The chapter closes with descriptions of two new species of Chironomus, — C. calligraphus and C. holoprasinus, — of a little biting fly " piiruim" a species of Ceratopogon, under the name Hamato- myidium paraense, and of the famous "pium" of the upper Amazons as Simulium amazonicum. The eggs and larva of Chironomus calligraphus are figured, as also the imago of the Ceratopogon and its wing greatly enlarged.
Class I, HEXAPODA.
Order V, LEPIDOPTERA.
THE NORTH AMERICAN NYMPHULINiE AND SCOPARIIN^E.
By Harrison G. Dyar, A.M., Ph.D., Washington, D. C.
I have prepared the following account of the Nymphulinae (Hydrocam'pinae) and Scopariinae at the instance of Professor C. H. Fernald, who has loaned me his material in these groups. Professor Fernald has undertaken a general account of the North American Pyralidae (except the Crambinae and Phycitinae), but asked me to relieve him of the work on the present groups.
Family PYRALID.F.
Subfamily Nymphulin^.
Moths usually of very slender build, the legs very long. Proboscis present. Fore wing with vein 7 from the cell, 10 usually stalked with 8 and 9, if not, the maxillary palpi are long and dilated at the extremity. Hind wing with the median nervure not pectinate.
The group is close to the Pyraustinae, and not strongly distin- guished therefrom. I am inclined to agree with Mr. Meyrick that the group should be united with the Pyraustinae. I follow Sir George Hampson in holding them separate for convenience sake, though in the next catalogue I expect to see them united as they were in Smith's 1891 list, where Professor Fernald followed Mr. Mey- rick's very sound views.
To this group belong those peculiar larvae which are fitted for a wholly aquatic life ; but not all the larvae of the group are so modi- fied, so that the group is defined on no larval character.
Taki.e of Genera. Palpi upturned.
Palpi with the third joint long and acuminate. Maxillary palpi filiform, moderate.
77
78 Journal New York Entomological Society. [Vol. xiv.
Hind wings with the outer margin excised before anal angle. ...Ambia. Hind wings with the outer margin even.
Outer margin straight Elophila .
Outer margin convex Geshna.
Maxillary palpi long; dilated with scales at extremity.
Hind wings with the outer margin evenly rounded Nymphula.
Hind wings with the outer margin excavated below apex..01ig0stigma.
Palpi with the third joint short and blunt Piletoceia.
Palpi porrect.
Hind wings with vein 4 absent Diathrausta.
Hind wings with vein 4 present. Steniodes.
Genus NYMPHULA Schrank.
Nvmplntla Schrank, Fauna Boica, ii, 162, 1802. Hydrocampa Latreille, Fam. Nat., 478, 1825. Paraponyx Hiibner, Verz. bek. Schmett., 362, 1827. Syndita Lederer, Wien. ent. Mon., 1863, 448. Nymphaella Grote, No. Am., Ent., i, 97, 1880. Hygraula Meyrick, Trans. N. Zeal. Inst., xvii, 129, 1885. Hydeuretis Meyrick, Trans, ent. soc. Lond., 1895, 435.
Palpi upturned, the second joint moderately fringed with hair in front and reach- ing vertex of head, the third well developed and acuminate; maxillary palpi long and dilated with scales at extremity ; frons rounded : antennae usually annulated ; ocelli usually prominent ; legs long, the tibia; usually smooth with the spurs almost equal. Fore wings with veins 3, 4, 5 from angle of cell ; 7 straight and well sepa- rated from 8, 9, 10 ; 10 usually stalked. Hind wing with the cell about half the length of the wing ; veins 3, 4, 5 from angle ; 6, 7 from upper angle ; 7 strongly anastomos- ing with 8 (Hampson).
Synopsis of Species. Hind wings white, the median lines obsolete.
Sexes usually dimorphic, the male with spots on forewing, the female uniformly
dark gray maculalis.
Hind wings with dark lines, usually distinct, at least traceable, or all dark. Hind wings with the central fascia even and parallel.
Hind wings with the central fasciae approximate, wavy allionialis.
Hind wings with the central fasciae remote, straight.
Fore wings shaded with brown ; outer median band of hind wing
broad obscuralis.
Fore wing white ; mesial bands of hind wing alike badiusalis.
Hind wings with central fasciae irregular, divergent centrally or lost. Lines of hind wing indistinct, clouded. Wings obscured by dark gray.
Discal spot white, contrasted obliteralis.
Discal spot metallic gray, obscure nomophilalis.
Hind wing white, the lines faint gyralis.
Lines of hind wing well marked.
June, 1906.] Dyar : Nymphulin/e AND SCOPARllNVK 79
Fulvous discal spot of hind wings without black edge.
Smaller, darker fulvous shaded, the marks contracted, the white
areas reduced nebulosalis.
Larger, paler fulvous shaded, the marks expanded, the white areas
developed icciusalis.
Fulvous discal spot of hind wing with a black edge ekthlipsis.
Nymphula maculalis Clemens. Sironia maculalis Clemens, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phil., xii, 218, i860 ( $ ). Nephopteryx seminivella Walker, Cat. Brit. Mus., xxxv, 1717, 1866 ( 0 ). Nymphceella dispar Grote, No. Am. Ent., i, 97, 1880. Paraponyx maculalis Grote, New Ch. List N. Am. moths, 54, 1882. Nymphula maculalis Fernald, Smith List Lep. Bor. Am., no. 4185, 1891. Nymph.rclla maculalis Hart, Bull. 111. Sta. Lab. Nat. Hist., iv, 167, 1895. Nymphula seminivella Hampson, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 142, 1897. Nymphula maculalis Fernald, Bull. 52, U. S. Nat. Mus., no. 4495, 1903.
Male. Wings elongate, inner margin nearly as long as costa, outer margin short, convex, little oblique. Hind wings ample, the outer margin convex. White, head thorax and abdominal segments more or less overspread with dark gray ; the collar usually whitish ; legs white. Fore wing white, marked with dark gray along all the margins, at end of cell and over discal nervules, along median vein and in a spot across submedian space, dividing the while ground into four subquadrate patches ; a submarginal light shade ; a faint ocherous spot at base of veins 3-4. This dark marking is variable in extent, and the white marks may be confluent. The patches at end of cell and on submedian space tend to remain darker than the other marks. Hind wing white with a trace only of two dark bands, being a faint discal bar and mark at anal angle. Below white without markings. Expanse 20 mm.
Female. Fore wings dark slaty gray, uniform, unmarked. Hind wing as in the male, with a little