56 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [February, 



species of moths, the speaker mentioning that the success of the 

 procedure depended greatly on getting pupae of the same age, 

 so that they would mature at the same time; even though this 

 precaution was observed, the mortality reached about eighty 

 per cent. The pupae were first thoroughly chilled, then quickly 

 cut with a sharp knife, when the desired part of one pupae was 

 soldered on to another (which had been likewise prepared) by 

 means of melted paraffine which was in readiness. 



Prof. Smith also brought a series of Orthoptera to the Social 

 for presentation to the local collection of the Academy. 



Mr. Fox called attention to a specimen of the genus Mu- 

 tilla, in which the wings are rudimentary. Although all females 

 so far known in the Mutillidae are wingless, and males rarely so, 

 the existence of a specimen with rudimentary wings had not so 

 far been recorded as tar as was aware. As he had seen only a 

 single specimen of the species in question, it was not possible to 

 say whether the abbreviated wings were a specific or an individual 

 characteristic. It is certain, however, that the specimen men- 

 tioned represents a species distinct from those so far known from 

 the United States. 



Mr. Johnson mentioned the capture of a specimen of Hermetia 

 illiicens by Mr. Harry S. Viereck in Philadelphia, September 3, 

 1897, which species is common to the Gulf States and West 

 Indies. 



Mr. Wenzel presented to the balance of the members, who 

 were not included in the lists of coleopterists so kindly remem- 

 bered by Mr. Ottomar Reinecke, at the last meeting, a picture 

 of the said gentleman bearing his compliments for each one, for 

 which each recipient desires to extend his sincere thanks to Mr. 

 Reinecke through the medium of the ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 



There being no further verbal communications the chairman 

 declared the meeting open to consider nominations and elections 

 for officers to serve for the ensuing year, when the following 

 names were presented : 



President, David M. Castle, M.D. 

 Vice- President, Charles W. Johnson. 

 Secretary, William T Fox. 

 Treasurer, Henry W. Wenzel. 



There being no opposition the secretary was instructed to cast 

 a ballot in favor of the nominees, upon which the election was 

 made unanimous. A vote of thanks was then tendered the 

 retiring secretary, complimenting him on the faithful discharge 

 of his duties during his term of office. 



No further business being presented the meeting adjourned to 

 the annex. THEO. H. SCHMITZ, Secretary. 



ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS for January, 1898, was mailed December ;,i, 1897. 



