248 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



propose this nomenclature ; besides, Qicercus supports other genera of 

 gall-makers. The combined generic name is in the nominative case and 

 will not conflict with the many specific names which have been drawn 

 from the plant and used in the genitive. In many cases the genitive of 

 the plant genus has been used in combination with a specific name not 

 derived from the plant, as Cynips-quercus-futilis. The suggestion made 

 by Osten Sacken that in these cases the genitive or its initial (which is 

 often all that is used) should be dropped seems worthy of being carried 

 into effect, as this genitive appears in most cases to have been inserted by 

 accident or error. 



This nomenclature also has the advantage of not presenting the 

 appearance of describing whaf is unknown ; it has no binding force of 

 priority over the specific name of the insect when that is discovered. It 

 has, however, a priority in the description of galls, and the specific name 

 should be retained as the name of the gall, even though the insect should 

 by chance receive a different name or it should prove not to belong to 

 the genus under which the gall is described. It also has the advantages of 

 simplicity and of conformity with medical usage in naming gall diseases 

 of animals. 



To exemplify the principle I name the following galls described in 

 the 5th Rept. U. S. Ent. Cotnm : 



p, 612, 30, C.-c: oviformis. 



p. 613, 31, C.-c. semenruniicis. 



p. 613, 32, C.-c. pubescens. 



P- 613, 33, C.-c. capsularis. 



p. 614, 34, C.-c. spiniformis. 



Thvreopus advenus (Sm.), Pack., a protector of the Army 

 Worm. — This species is an exception among burrowing wasps in being 

 injurious to vegetation, as I have found it killing and carrying to its 

 nest Sarcophaga, Musca domestica, and that enemy of the Army worm, 

 Belvosia ufiifasciata. The wasp forms its small hillocks under the 

 shelter of shade trees late in August, in Connecticut. In rainy summers 

 its numbers are much reduced. Miltogramma pursues the wasp with 

 felonious intent. The wasp may be destroyed by pouring strong alkaline 

 washes into the burrows. 



The B. Ufiifasciata varies in having a red tail, contrary to the name 

 Jiavicauda by which it was formerly known. W. H. Patton. 



Mailed October 4th, 1897. 



