202 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



also occurs frequently among the Sphingidae, where a specimen will pass 

 over one season until the next in the chrysalis state ; this has been sup- 

 posed to be a natural provision for the perpetuation of the species. 



Mr. Bassett enquired whether in such examples they were not uni- 

 formly females. Mr. Lintner stated that in his experience both sexes 

 were retarded. 



Prof. Martin exhibited transparent specimens of gum copal in which 

 were imbedded Hymenopterous insects. He stated that copal is a fossil 

 resin of the post-tertiary period obtained chiefly from Mozambique ; that 

 he had found in this resin about fifty species of insects, about one-third 

 of which were Coleoptera, one-third Diptera and the other third of the 

 remaining Orders ; two of the latter were Lepidopterous, one a Geometer, 

 and the other he thought belonged to Zygaenidae. 



Mr. Bethune mentioned that he had found the larvae of the Colorado 

 Potato Beetle eating the leaves of the common Milk-weed, Asdefiias. 



Mr. Barnard had also seen one of these larvae feeding on Milk-weed, 

 but in this instance the larva was lighter in color than usual. Mr. Lintner 

 remarked that it was unfortunate that the Potato Beetle would feed in the 

 larval state on quite a number of different plants, and in the absence of 

 vegetable food would sometimes feed on one another. 



Mr. Saunders had observed this carnivorous propensity of the Potato 

 Beetle larvae on several occasions, and had seen the same among the 

 Cut-worms, and in one or two instances among larvae of the Lycaenidse, 

 Mr. Scudder had also observed similar habits. Prof Comstock had 

 noticed it especially in the Cotton-ball worm, Heliothis armigera. 



Mr. Lintner invited Prof. Comstock to give some details in reference 

 to the present plans and operations connected with his department at 

 Washington. Prof. Comstock stated that he was endeavoring to work up 

 a biological collection of insects on such a scale and in such a manner as 

 shall be a credit to the Government. He has a large number of breeding 

 cages, and an assistant who devotes his whole time to the rearing and 

 mounting of insects. Special attention has been paid this year to insects 

 feeding on clover, and the collection now contains over fifty species known 

 to be destructive to this valuable crop. Prof Comstock asked the aid of 

 all Entomologists and assured them that any insects sent him would be 

 well taken care of. 



Mr. Scudder urged that Entomologists should recognize the fact that 



