528 The Ohio Naturalist. [Vol. IX, No. 8, 



i'i. •' ' .".'.■ ■"".'. ... , ■ ": 



portation to a minimum. They have no wings, and so would 

 not be apt to be caught by the wind and carried for long distances 

 as many other insects are. 



Two factors niay possibly enter into the distribution of 

 members of the genus. A number of species of Entomobryidae 

 have been found in bird's nests, and it is quite possible for 

 Lepidocyrtus to be transported from one locality to another on 

 the material used for building the nests. Another means of 

 dispersal is upon articles of commerce of various kinds, especially 

 on any sort of goods that would afford them some moisture and 

 a vegetable food supply. Probably the most important factor 

 in this connection would be the shipment of logs and lumber 

 products from one section of the country to another. 



In the genus Lepidocyrtus we have many examples of 

 protective coloration. The iridescent scales reflect the general 

 color of the natural surroundings to such an extent that the 

 insect may be easily overlooked. If a specimen of L. pusillus 

 just after molting chances to be on the surface of a dark piece of 

 bark, or on a bit of earth, a very careful search is necessary to 

 reveal it. If in older specimens, in which the bronze tint is 

 more in evidence, the insect happens to be among dead leaves, it 

 is equally well protected. 



It is certainly not a very difficult matter for Collembola to 

 adapt themselves to their surroundings and food, requiring, as 

 they do, such simple conditions for their existence that they can 

 live almost anvwhere provided they have the required amount 

 of moisture. Still, as regards food habits, there is some degree 

 of preference shown. Some of the Smynthuridae frequent moss, 

 cucumber vines and toad stools; many other Collembola as 

 Isotoma, Poduridae, and Aphoruridae, may be adapted to live 

 on the surface of the water, while other species may be found in 

 almost any locality furnishing decaying vegetable matter and 

 moisture. Lepidocyrtus show no great specialization in food 

 habits, although I have found L. pusillus and L. purpureus most 

 abundant under loose bark, or bunches of dead leaves in dryer 

 localities. On the other hand, some of the lighter colored species 

 are found almost exclusively in loose, damp earth. 



At present, the center of dispersal of North American Lepi- 

 docyrtus cannot be located, owing to the vast range of territory 

 not 3^et studied. 



The chances for the distribution of the old world species in 

 America are certainly small in comparison with those of other 

 insects. It is more likely their habits than the absence of wings 

 that so limits their possibilities of distributions. For this reason 

 it is not surprising that the number of new species is constantly 

 being added to as new territory is worked. 



