8 NICW VORK STATK MLSKIM 



was associated, as was the case last year, wiili the antlercd maple 

 cater])illar. The (IcpredatiDiis by the snow-white linden moth, 

 luuiced in our preceding; report, were continued in the Catskills and 

 extensive injuries in tlie Adirondacks were also broui^ht to our 

 attention. The only hope of preventing damage of this character 

 is by the encouragement of natural agents, prominent among 

 ^',•hich may be mentioned native birds. The efficiency of in- 

 st'ctivorous birds has been repeatedly emphasized by the Entomolo- 

 gist. 



The bark borers or Scolytidae comprise a large number of very 

 destructive species. The literature relating to this group is greatly 

 scattered and comparatively inaccessible, hence a bibliographic 

 catalogue is a necessary preliminary to further work upon these 

 insects. We submit for j)ublication, as an appendix of this rejjort. 

 a catalogue of the described Scolytidae of America north of 

 Mexico by Mr J. M. Swaine. 



Gall midges. The studies upon this important group have pro- 

 gressed very successfully, ^^'c have already prepared preliminary 

 keys for the separation of most forms into subfamilies, tribes, 

 genera and species, together with tables giving the food habits of 

 those which have been reared. Some idea of the magnitude of 

 this work may be gained when it is remembered that we have 

 studied over 300 bred species and now recognize 700 species, 

 representing about 50 genera. The systematic arrangement alone 

 of this large number of microscopic insects is an immense task. 

 And in addition to the above, many descriptions have been drafted 

 and numerous biological notes transcribed. 



The later work ujxjn these insects has of necessity been con- 

 fined mostly to systematic study, owing to the fact that material 

 was coming in faster than it could be worked up in a satisfactory 

 manner. We have succeeded, in spite of the pressure of other 

 matters, in rearing during the past season about 75 species, the 

 biology of most of wdiich was previously unknown. There is on 

 hand a large series of galls from which some extremely desirable 

 material may be expected another season. The work upon this 

 group is so well in hand that there should be no difficulty in bring- 

 ing it to a successful conclusion in the near future. 



The rearing and care of breeding jars containing gall midges 

 require much time. Assistant Entomologist D. B. Young had 

 general charge of this work and was ably assisted by IMiss Fanny 



