LOEW AS A DIPTEROLOGIST 
107 
Zeitung and the Linnaea Entomologica, contributed to the increase of entomo¬ 
logical literature. 1 The descriptive and systematic departments of entomology 
have thus gained much, and it is to be regretted that the anatomical and biological 
departments have not been equally favored. Little has been done in these depart¬ 
ments since the wonderful works of Reaumur and De Geer were published. 
Unfortunately, these works were written before the development of the entomo¬ 
logical system, and for this reason the species described in them are not named. 
Recently, naming has become easy, and biological observations should be en¬ 
couraged. One may be a good observer without possessing a vast entomological 
knowledge. A good eye and an attentive watching of life in nature are sufficient. 
Look sharply, describe accurately and immediately, draw what can be drawn, and 
inquire from others without stint, whenever inquiry is necessary. . . . Things to 
observe are so many, observers so scarce, that there is no need to fear repeating old 
observations.” Loew recommends especially the study of the agency of insects 
upon plants in the shape of deformations, galls, etc., and mildly reproaches 
botanists with their preference for dried specimens. He offers several examples 
of observations made by him during his rambles in the country, and adds that, if 
they are well received, it would afford him pleasure to continue such publications. 
This promise, as many other good intentions of Loew, was not fulfilled. The wise 
advice he gives would be in keeping with the ways of Zeller, but not with those 
of Loew, who, as we shall see in the sequel, cared very little for living Diptera, and 
wanted them pinned as soon as possible. Observations of life require a repose 
not consistent with Loew’s ever-restless disposition. And it is for this very 
reason that I have called Loew’s No. 48 unique among his publications. It had 
no successor. 
Three paragraphs follow this Introduction of Loew’s No. 48 (1847) : — 
- 1. Observations on Veronica anagallis. Description of two insects bred from 
this plant: 1 . Gymnetron villosulus (Curculionidae), the larva and pupa of which 
are figured; 2. A larva of Cecidomyia , which has not been bred. 
2. Observations on Sonchus arvensis. Two Trypetae (dilacerata , sp. n., and 
sonchi ) and the fly Gitona distigma Meig. were obtained from swollen flower- 
heads; details are figured. 
3. Observations on Inula britannica. From galls upon this plant Loew had 
bred Cecidomyia inulae , sp. n., and a minute bymenopterous parasite. Details are 
figured. 
The paper already quoted above: “ Remarks on some larvae of 
Ceratopogon and Sciara ” QStett. Ent. Zeit., 1843, p. 27-31), deserves 
especial notice, because it is the first in which Loew expresses him¬ 
self on some knotty points of classification. About Ceratopogon 
this paper brings nothing new. It quotes Guerin, as describer of 
the early stages of the genus, and omits to mention the earlier 
1 This was written in 1847, that is, three j’ears before the rupture of all relations 
between Loew and C.A. Dohrn, the President of the Entomological Society in Stettin. 
— Osten Sacken. 
