256 Mexican Ceroplastes. [zok 



spot; around this are grouped six other plates, two on each side 

 and one at each end, the anterior end plate being- the widest and 

 bearing in a transverse row three central navel-like spots, the other 

 plates sub-equal and with a single navel-like spot approximated to 

 lower lateral margin; all the plates are marked with numerous very 

 slight ridges radiating from the navel-like spot, the radiations being 

 perfect on all sides from the center of the dorsal plate, and mostly 

 upward and laterally on the others, the anterior end plate most ap- 

 proaching the central one in this respect. The specimens sent 

 measure in length, 6 to 8 mm.; width. 4^ to 5)^ mm.; height, 

 4 to 6 mm. 



The specimens of this species were received from Dr. D'uges, on 

 Sept. 27. On opening them, there were found to be present 

 numbers of live adult flies of some species of parasitic microhy- 

 menoptera. Probably a dozen or more of these parasites escaped 

 at this time. These all belonged to the more numerous flavous 

 species. More of the same issued up to Sept. 29. The scales 

 were not again looked at until Oct. 15, when a careful examifta- 

 tion showed four different forms among the parasites, some of which 

 had been issuing up to date. These were counted, showing the 

 following^ numbers that had issued from 10 scales: The more nu- 

 merous were the first or common flavous form, distinguished by the 

 scutum of thorax being of a rufous tinge, and of which there were 

 22 specimens. Of a smaller form, which was black above and pallid 

 below, there were 6 specimens. There were 3 specimens of a form 

 more slender than the first one, and perfectly black except tlie 

 wings. And finally there was a single specimen of a beautiful trype- 

 tid-like variegated-winged species, having the wings white with 

 fuscous reticulations and the body marked in very much the same 

 way. The flavous form was the only one noticed for the first few 

 days, and the others must have issued much later. One specimen 

 of the black species was found alive Oct. 15. 



These parasites were sent to Mr. L. O. Howard for determina- 

 tion, and the following letter was received in reply: 



" I am glad to get the specimens which you send, and it is in- 

 teresting to know that all are bred from Ceroplastes. The yellow 

 species, which occurs in the greatest abundance, is a species ot 

 Aphycus. It differs, curiously enough, from my Aphycus ceroplastis 

 described in Bulletin 5 of this Division, and which was bred from 



