Capulinia crateraformis, n. sp.

The ♀ makes a small crater-shaped gall in the bark of the limbs and twigs. This gall is about 1.5 mm. high, and consists of an outer circular ring from 1 mm. to 1.5 mm. in diameter, and a small cone within, which can readily be removed. The cavity inhabited by the insect is smooth and is lined with a white powder. The adult ♀ is small, oval in outline, pink, and is dusted with a white powdery secretion. Boiled in a solution of KOH it becomes colourless. Size, after boiling: length, .96 mm.; width, .73 mm.

In my examination of the types indicated by Mr. Scudder I have been quite unable to separate Acidalia niphe, Scudd., Gen. 101, from the type of Argynnis. This latter type, A. aglaia, L., is characterized by the second radial branch of primaries running so close to the main vein, for a distance beyond the median cell, as to form a minute false accessory cell above the angle of the radius which the crossvein joins. Since this, as well as all other features, are repeated in the wing of niphe, I conclude the genus Acidalia of Hübner, as founded on this species, must be dropped. Another type, Dryas paphia, can hardly be retained as distinct from Argynnis from the neuration. The only difference is, that the second radial branch, in running propinquitous, leaves the main vein at somewhat before the point chosen in aglaia and niphe. Indubitably paphia is a species belonging to the same phylogenetic group, a trifle isolated. On the other hand, neither Issoria lathonia nor Brenthis hecate share the character of the appressed second radial branch of Argynnis and should be separated from this genus. The differences in the neuration between Issoria and Brenthis are very small and comparative; in both the second radial branch is not appressed and leaves the main vein above the median cell before the point of juncture of the crossvein. The point of departure in Issoria is a little outwardly removed and the propinquity is so great that one can see that it requires but little to make the branch decumbent. Issoria differs further by the angulate papery wings and by the fact that the crossvein on hind wings is but a faint scar between second median branch and cubitus.

The object of the present list is to bring together all the published records found by me to treat of, or give any reference to, Coccids known to inhabit Massachusetts up to August, 1899. Since then others have appeared and will be published when sufficient material is collected.

Cockerell, Theo. D. A., 1893.—Insect Life, Vol. VI., p. 103, he lists Pinnaspis pandani, Comst., from Mass. under glass.

Monoptilota, n. gen.—Palpi ascending, second article heavy, third short; maxillary palpi small; front broad, flattened, ocelli not discernible in undenuded specimens; antennæ of ♂, first joint much lengthened, swollen, followed by a decided, rather lengthened bend, hollowed on the inside into a deep furrow or pocket its entire length, the edges scaled, becoming tufted on posterior edges outwardly; beyond sinus filiform; from beyond basal joint the antennæ are unipectinate, the pectinations one on each segment, filiform, being longest just beyond sinus, and these five or six times the diameter of the stem, each armed with straight parallel hairs on each side; end segments ciliate. Antennæ of ♀ filiform ciliate.

In the beginning of September, 1898, I discovered, in the heads of burdock (Lappa major, Gætn.), a curious larva, of which the following is a description:

Head bilobed, brown. Mouth organs large. A brown plate, marked longitudinally with a white line, on the second segment. Body rounded, much crinkled, of a fatty appearance, having a few white hairs along the sides. Anal segment small and protruding. The legs small and weak. The pro-legs seemingly atrophied into mere pseudopodia. Length of larva, two and a half lines.

The letter from Dr. Behr, under the caption, “A Californian Tick,” in the August issue of the Canadian Entomologist, bears on a subject becoming fraught with interest to many investigators engaged in public service. It is with the object of stating my crude ideas on the matter, that of serious and exceptional effects sometimes following insect bites, and of relating my experience with man-attacking ticks, that I contribute this note. First, I think that a distinction should be drawn between the sting or bite of insects (I use both “bite” and “insects” broadly) that seek their prey for food only, as mosquitoes, ticks, and bugs, and those whose attack is primarily and purposely to inflict injury, as centipedes, spiders, and many hymenopterous insects. It is with the former class only that I now concern myself.

An interesting addition to Orthopteran distribution in the West Indies is the finding by Mr. R. J. Crew of the species Neotettix quadriundulatus, Redtenbacher, on the Island on Haiti.

Eight specimens, kindly presented to me, were taken around Port au Prince, and, as Mr. Crew informs me, were “swept from plants along the banks of a small stream.” I have identified this species, which was first described by Brunner and Redtenbacher, 1892, from the Island of St. Vincent, West Indies, in “Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London,” and an excellent figure is to be found on Plate xvi., fig. 10.

For many years this insect has been popularly known as “the forest tent-caterpillar.” During the past two or three years it has attracted much attention in New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, from its ravages in maple forests, city or village maple shade trees, and in many orchards. In orchards it has often worked with its near relative, the apple tent-caterpillar (Clisiocampa americana). Every one who critically observes the habits of these two species of caterpillars soon discovers that “the forest tent-caterpillar” is a very misleading name for Clisiocampa disstria, because its caterpillars never make a tent, while the apple tent-caterpillars always do. Several who have seriously discussed these insects recently have felt the necessity of a new popular name for Clisiocampa disstria.