1896.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 14! 



A NEW USE FOR INSECTS. Prof. Lester F. Ward recently received a 

 request from Prof. Sargent, of Cambridge, for information as to the Win- 

 ter appearance of Sa/i.i' ~cardi Bebb, an interesting willow which occurs 

 on the Potomac flats. He yesterday (March 22, 1896) visited the locality 

 where this willow grows, but was unable, in the absence of leaves, to 

 distinguish it from other willows. After some search he found a few 

 specimens, the leaves of which had been webbed to the twigs by the larva 

 of Centra cinerea Walker. This enabled identification of the plant, and 

 he secured specimen twigs which were forwarded to Prof. Sargent. Prof. 

 Ward was greatly pleased with the result of his trip, and says that he has 

 a new interest in the subject of entomology. The experience suggested 

 to him that doubtless in many cases deciduous plants could be determined 

 in the Winter time by one familiar with the remains of insects specifically 

 affecting such plants, or with their work. L O. HOWARD. 



THE PAINTED HICKORY BORER. On March 8th beetles were brought 

 to me by a lady who was mnch afraid that her dwelling might be infested 

 with some terrible household pest. She stated that several beetles had 

 been killed about the house, and even asserted that she had been bitten 

 by one of them. The insects were specimens of the Painted Hickory 

 Borer, Cyllene pictus Drury, and their presence in the house in Winter 

 was regarded as a great mystery by the inmates. Upon inquiring if any 

 hickory wood had been brought into the house an affirmative answer was 

 given; and that the wood had lain for some time in a closet to dry. I 

 explained that the larva was a borer of the hickory, that the adults had 

 probably emerged from the wood, and that the insect was never serious 

 as a household pest much to the relief of my friends. According to 

 Packard* the adult usually emerges in June out of doors; and that this 

 species attacks the black walnut and butternut as well as the hickory. 

 W. E. BRITTON, New Haven, Conn. 



Identification of Insects (Jmagos) for Subscribers. 



Specimens will be named under the following conditions : ist, The number of species 

 to be limited to twenty-five tor each sending; 2d, The sender to pay all expenses of trans- 

 portation and the insects to become the property of the American Entomological Society ; 

 3d, Each specimen must have a number attached so that the identification may be an- 

 nounced accordingly. Exotic species named only by special arrangement with the Editor, 

 who should be consulted before specimens are sent. Send a 2 cent stamp with all insects 

 for return of names. Before sending insects for identification, read page 41, Vol. III. 

 Address all packages to ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan 

 Square, Philadelphia, Pa. 



Entomological Literature. 



Under the above head it is intended to note such papers received at the Academy of 

 Natural Sciences of Philadelphia pertaining to the Entomology of the Americas (North 

 and South). Articles irrelevant to American entomology, unless monographs, or con- 

 taining descriptions of new genera, will not be noted. Contributions to the anatomy of 

 insects, however, whether relating to American or exotic species will be recorded. 



i. JAHRESHEFT DES NATURWISSENSCHAFTLICHEN VEREINS, TRENCSEN, 

 1894-95. New African and Australian Orthoptera, C. Brancsik. 



* Fifth Report U. S. Entomological Commission on Forest Insects, p. 287. 



