256 ‘Mexican Ceroplastes. | ZOE 
spot; around this are grouped six other plates, two on each side 
and one at each end, the anterior end plate being the widest and 
bearing in a transverse row three central navel-like spots, the other 
plates sub-equal and with a single navel-like spot approximated to 
lower lateral margin; allthe plates are marked with numerous very 
slight ridges radiating from the navel-like spot, the radiations being 
perfect on all sides from the center of the dorsal plate, and mostly 
upward and laterally on the others, the anterior end plate most ap- 
proaching the central one in this respect. The specimens sent 
measure in length, 6 to 8 mm.; width, 4% to 5% mm.; height, 
4to6 mm. 
The specimens of this species were received from Dr. Dugés, on 
Sept. 27. On opening them, there were found to be present 
_ numbers of live adult flies of some species of parasitic microhy- 
menoptera. Probably a dozen or more of these parasites escaped 
at this time. These all belonged to the more numerous flavous 
species. More of the same issued up to Sept. 29. The scales 
were not again looked at until Oct. 15, when a careful examina- 
tion showed four different forms among the parasites, some of which 
had been issuing up to date. These were counted, showing the 
following numbers that had issued from 10 scales: The more nu- 
merous were the first or common. flavous form, distinguished by the 
scutum of thorax being of a rufous tinge, and of which there were 
22 specimens. Ofa smaller form, which was black above and pallid 
below, there were 6 specimens. There were 3 specimens of a form 
more slender than the first one, and perfectly black except the 
wings. And finally there was a single specimen of a beautiful trype- 
tid-like variegated-winged species, having the wings white with 
fuscous reticulations and the body marked in very much the same 
way. The flavous form was the only one noticed for the first few 
days, and the others must have issued much later. One specimen 
of the black species was found alive Oct. 15. 
These parasites were sent to Mr. L. O. Howard for determina- 
tion, and the following letter was received in reply: 
“Tam glad to get the specimens which you send, and it is in- 
teresting to know that all are bred from Ceroplastes. The yellow 
species, which occurs in the greatest abundance, is a species of 
Aphycus. It differs, curiously enough, from my Afphycus ceroplastis 
described in Bulletin 5 of this Division, and which was bred from 
