April, '04] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 14! 



1902.) This pupa had been kept in an extension with south- 

 ern exposure, which during the summer became excessively 

 warm, while the pupa itself, though not entirely deprived of 

 moisture, had many times been neglected for considerable 

 periods. Mr. Weeks added that after " sugaring" assiduously 

 for several consecutive years, he had observed that many noc- 

 tuids were very irregular as to numbers from one year to 

 another. In certain years a species would almost disappear, 

 while in others it would occur in abundance. Although these 

 irregularities might in many cases be ascribed to stress of 

 weather, parasitism, etc., there was much to be explained as 

 to the factors which control emergence, that it may be not 

 only as simultaneous as possible, but should also occur w r hen 

 a suitable temperature prevails. 



Mr. Wasmuth gave instances of a T. Polyphemus which 

 passed over a year, and of a C. regalis two years, in a pupal 

 condition. In the latter case the yellow maculation was 

 transformed to a brilliant orange. His Ceratomia amyntor did 

 not emerge from the pupae this year. 



Mr. Frauck added that many of his Sphingidae often greatly 

 retarded their appearance. 



Prof. Smith mentioned that nut weevils frequently passed 

 two or three years as pupse. 



Dr. Call reported that although there were hundreds of the 

 exuviae of the seventeen-year locust in Prospect Park this year, 

 he had only obtained three imagos, and attributed their scarcity 

 to the English sparrow, which eagerly devoured them. 



It having been stated that Dr. W. S. Barnes had been unable 

 to find any traces of Sphinx cha in Arizona, Mr. Doll replied 

 that cattle cropped the herbage so closely as to practically 

 destroy the food-plant, and thus cause the disappearance of 

 the insect over wide areas. It could still be found locally. 



Mr. \V. Grosbeck, of Patterson, exhibited a large series of 

 crayon drawings of caterpillars, moths, etc. 



October 2, 1902. Fourteen persons present. The librarian 

 presided in the absence of the president and vice-president. Mr. 

 Louis H. Joutel, of Manhattan, New York City, was elected a 

 member. 



Reports of collecting experiences during the past season 



