158 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [June, 



dug out. In Colletes compacta the burrows contain but one cell 

 and extend 18 inches into the ground. Augochlora humeralis 

 builds a burrow extending in one instance over 60 inches. At 

 various places along the burrow offshoots or branches are put out 

 which contain the cells, which are lined with clay and then stored 

 with food. The present cells are evidently old and contained 

 hibernating bees in many instances. 



Mr. H. Wenzel showed specimens of Pyractomena lucifer, and 

 spoke of the light emitted by it, which exists in the pupa as well 

 as in the larval state. 



The characteristics and food habits of Pyractomena were dis- 

 cussed by Messrs. H. Wenzel, Smith and Aaron. The larvae 

 are carnivorous and probably feed on snails. 



Mr. Johnson exhibited specimens of Xylophaga abdominalis 

 bred from the larva which were found under the bark of decay- 

 ing pine at Riverton, N. J. The specimens differ from Texan 

 examples in the extent of red on the abdomen of the female. 

 The |larva of Tabanus atratus was also shown, the larva and 

 pupa of a Tipulid, and a larva of Stratiomyia. 



Mr. Aaron asked for information regarding the coleopterous 

 jarva which bores into chestnut lumber, whose perforations are 

 similar to shot holes. 



Prof. Smith referred to a recent paper on the subject by Prof. 

 Hopkins, of the West Virginia Agricultural College, and said 

 the larva was probably Lymexylon. 



Mr. Aaron also inquired of the members regarding the lon- 

 gevity of insects and mentioned a larva of Tcnebriodes mauri- 

 tanica which he has had since October, 1897, and has apparently 

 not grown whatever. 



Prof. Smith mentioned the record of a species of Pissodes which 

 lived for two seasons and oviposited in two successive years and 

 is still living. The wainscoting of a house in New Brunswick, 

 N. J., has been infested by a beetle larva for at least three years. 



Mr. Aaron spoke on the longevity of cerambycid larva and 

 cited Packard as authority for the record of larvae living for 24 

 and 40 years. He questioned this record, and stated that there 

 was a likelihood that the larva were more recently introduced 

 into wood than had been supposed. 



The same speaker remarked on the stucture of the mud dauber 

 wasp, Sceliphron cementarius, after emerging from the pupa. 



