Oct., '06] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 283 



ment. The larvae of C. pipiens when disturbed will immedi- 

 ately take a drop downward in the water and often a whole 

 gregation will descend in the unison of a single larva upon 

 the slightest disturbance. 



In my observation on the first generation of C. territans lar- 

 vae I was surprised on morning of the sixth day of the larva 

 on seeing apparently no larvae in the vessel. They now 

 changed their habit of remaining on the surface of the water 

 and descended when the vessel was touched, but did not stay 

 down as long as other allied species, and on the whole fed 

 more at the surface than at the bottom. The wide difference 

 psychologicallv removes C. territans from the pipiens group, 

 and is an example of physical expression or actions, etc., in 

 animal life corresponding with anatomical structure. One of 

 the most marked differences is found in the tracheal system. 

 In the larvae of the stage above mentioned we find very little 

 more in the development than is present in A. punctipennis 

 larvae at the same stage of life. The main tube of the respira- 

 tory system does not contain any dilatation and is of uniform 

 calibre from its opening at the apex of the air tube to its rami- 

 fications in the thorax. The system is constructed so widely 

 different from that of C. pipiens in the same stage that they 

 may be termed incomparable, but are similar to Anopheles. 

 The transformations in the life history of C. territans are made 

 with more dispatch than in some other forms, whole genera- 

 tions will pupate inside of 24 hours, and one of the most inter- 

 esting actions is the quick moulting process ; when they have 

 arrived at that period they may be scared out of their skin 

 upon the least provocation. If one of these larvae is picked 

 up with a pipette it may come out a pupae, so quick is their 

 transformation. The life cycle of this species occupies gener- 

 ally about 1 6 days, more or less, according to conditions. 

 Breeding is continuous. Winter is probably passed, as adults 

 which make their appearance the latter part of May. 



I HAVE had occasion to look into the validity of Thecla edwardsii 

 Saunders as a species, which stands in our lists. I have been unable 

 to find any good reason to separate it from calanus Hubn. I will be 

 pleased to have specimens of what is called edwardsii and gladly cor- 

 respond with anyone interested in the subject. HENRY SKINNER. 



