li'l (iVPSV AM) BKOWX-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 



beetles, Calosoma sycophant a and Calosoma inquisitor. During the past 

 season, however, we have been very successful with these species, and 

 690 of the former and 172 of the latter were received at the laboratory 

 all vc and in good condition. Nearly 500 of these were liberated, and 

 they were found breeding in the open. Larvae were found at different 

 times, and in the early autumn adults of a second generation were found. 

 Should they be able to pass the winter, and there seems no reason 

 to doubt it, these important species will have been established in 

 Massachusetts. 



There is another important parasite, of the genus Apanteles, which 

 we have not as yet been able to rear in numbers in Massachusetts. A 

 few specimens have emerged and have been liberated ; but from my 

 observations in June and July, 1905, in Austria, I am inclined to think 

 that this species, or one closely allied to it, is a very important factor 

 in the restriction of the breeding of the gypsy moth. The larva? im- 

 ported, however, have been sent, np to the present time, too late, and 

 it is my opinion that this parasite destroys the larvae mainly during 

 their early stages. Every effort will be made during the coming season, 

 therefore, to import young larva? of the gypsy moth, especially from 

 Austria and Hungary, with the reasonable certainty that a certain pro- 

 portion of them will be parasitized by this Apanteles. 



The well-known occurrence at intervals in large numbers of the gypsy 

 moth in parts of Russia, and especially in South Russia, renders it 

 desirable that search should be made in those regions for parasites. 

 The fact, however, that I had previously been unable to secure answers 

 to letters addressed to correspondents hi Russia, and the unsettled con- 

 ditions of affairs in that country, have deterred me on the two previous 

 trips from visiting the southern provinces. But I have recently received 

 a letter from Prof. J. Portchinsky, of the Ministry of Agriculture at 

 St. Petersburg, informing me that in the southern part of Russia both 

 gypsy moth and brown-tail moth will be found in sufficiently great 

 numbers to enable the collection of parasites, and commending me to 

 certain officials, trained entomologists, in Simferopol, Kischinew and 

 Kiew. He has apprised these officials of the intended visit, and, with 

 your consent, I hope the coming spring and early summer to see what 

 can be done with parasites from South Russia. 



In the preceding paragraphs I have pointed out, at your request, 

 some species from which it seems that we can expect the best results. 

 A t<> (lie actual conditions which may be brought about by these para- 

 sites, it must be repeated that no positive predictions can bo made. 

 There seems a perfectly reasonable hope that through them relief will 

 be gained in lime. As to the period which must elapse before relief 

 however, no one can give an accurate estimate. Some one or 

 more of the parasites may increase so rapidly that the effect of their 

 work will he noticed in two years; their multiplication, however, may 

 be delayed by unforeseen conditions, so that a number of years may 



