306 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [Nov., '04 



Notes and News. 



ENTOMOLOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM ALL QUARTERS 



OP THE GLOBE. 



THF LEAD-EATING WASP. Insect which spoiled Telephone Cables in 

 China. According to the Electrical World, the China and Japan Tele- 

 phone Company, of Shanghai, China, was much troubled several years 

 ago through the perforation of the lead sheathing of its serial cables by a 

 number of small holes near every clump of bamboos by which the line 

 passed. These were assumed to be due to small rifle bullets, and a 

 reward was offered for the conviction of anyone molesting the cables. 

 This did not stop the trouble, and it was finally discovered that the holes 

 were made by a species of wasp, which, apparently mistaking the lead 

 (or preferring it) for the bamboo stem in which it normally lays its eggs, 

 bit holes in the insulation and deposited its eggs about the telephone 

 wires. Hemp cloth and linseed oil were substituted for the lead, appar- 

 ently with satisfactory results. 



A FORCEPS NET. The American Entomological Company's forceps 

 net, catalogue number 123, is an excellent device for capturing different 

 kinds of frail insects, such as small moths and mosquitoes, also stinging 

 insects. The writer has used it for several years and with some practice 

 has attained a degree of skill that will insure the capture of the speci- 

 mens in perfect condition. When these specimens are to be removed 

 from the net, however, accidents frequently occur that will mutilate the 

 insects so that they are spoiled for the collection. The following modi- 

 fication of the net was, therefore, used this past season with better suc- 

 cess. Attach to the gauze, in the center of one of the rings a tin tube 

 from one-half to one inch long, which fits the inside of the neck of the 

 cyanide bottle. Close the end of the tube with a cork or a tin cap. Cut 

 a hole in the gauze inside of the area of attachment so that the speci- 

 mens can be transferred through the tube. Close the net and fasten 

 securely around the scissor handle at the widest point near the rings, a 

 copper wire which will hold the net securely closed. When the insect is 

 to be captured shift the wire collar back to where the handles cross and 

 it will allow the net freedom in opening and closing. Capture the insect 

 and slide the collar forward to the rings ; this will lock the insect into 

 the net and both hands are set at liberty. Remove the cover of the tube, 

 insert it into the neck of the cyanide bottle, and transfer the specimen 

 with safety. 



Instead of the tube a tin pepper box of proper size can be used for the 

 purpose. If the tube is not too long it will not handicap the manipula- 

 tions of the net among twigs. The collar is made of light copper wire 

 wrapped around the handle several times. It will adjust itself to the 

 shape of the handles ; it should slide easily but not by itself. ALBERT 

 F. CONRADI, College Station, Texas. 



