234 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [September, 



captured and put into strong alcohol, which had the effect of preserving 

 the colors of the specimens remarkably well. The collection was of in- 

 terest in extending a knowledge of geographical distribution. It was 

 rich in species of Aeschna, whereas on the East coast there are but three 

 species. The speaker pointed out the methods of separating the Cali- 

 fornia species. The species luteipennis and calif ornicus are types of 

 groups, and are separated by the anatomy of the appendages, the former 

 having an excision and the latter a carina. Other species are cornigera, 

 constricta, multicolor and ventricolis. The comparative anatomy of the 

 appendages in these species was also pointed out. The females could not 

 be separated, except in one case, and that was by the size of the specimen. 



Dr. H. SKINNER, Recorder. 



The following papers were read and accepted by the Committee for 

 publication in ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS : 



DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW HYMENOPTERA. 



By T. D. A. COCKERELL, Entomologist N. M. Ag. Ex. Station. 



Melissodes tristis Ckll., n. sp. <$. Black with pale ochreous pubes- 

 cence. Length about 10 mm. Face strongly and closely punctured, the 

 between the eyes and the ocelli the punctures become much smaller 

 and less crowded. Clypeus strongly punctured, black; mandibles dark 

 reddish, except their black shining bases. Head clothed with long pu- 

 bescence, pale ochreous, except that below the eyes, which is white. 

 Antennae rufous on one side and blackish on the other, the basal and two 

 terminal joints fuscous. First joint of flagellum conspicuously longer 

 than second, and longer than the first joint of M. agilis. Thorax strongly 

 punctured, thickly clothed with pale ochreous pubescence, which becomes 

 white on the sides and beneath. Abdomen rather dull, rather finely and 

 sparsely punctured, pubescence as in agilis, but paler. Last segment 

 reddish, with a purplish lustre, its apex broadly truncate. The tooth at 

 the side of the penultimate segment is not so large as in agilis. Femora 

 and tibiae black, tarsi reddish; tibiae and tarsi with long pale pubescence. 

 Inner tooth of claw on middle foot decidedly shorter in proportion to 

 outer than is the case in agilis. Wings hyaline with rather pale brown 

 nervures. Third submarginal cell with its radial side conspicuously 

 shorter than that portion of the third transverso-cubital nervure from the 

 radial nervure to the bend; whereas in agilis these are about equal. This 

 character in tristis seemed certainly of specific value, but on examining 

 the second example of the new species the third submarginal was found 

 to be as in agilis. 



Hab. Las Cruces, N. Mex., Aug. 21, 1893. Two specimens. 

 The M. agilis used for comparison is one I caught at luarez, 



