cclxix 



Dr. Forbes laid before the Society, as a contribution from Mr. 

 F. A. Brewer, of Santa Barbara, California, a specimen of the 

 tarantula. 



With reference to this giant among spiders, Prof. Riley stated 



that it was the Mygale Hcrtzii, and that there was an erroneous impres- 

 sion prevailing as to the effects of its bite. It was not as deadly as was 

 generally presumed. Wherever this spider occurred it was followed by a 

 peculiar digger-wasp {Pepsi's formosa) that preyed upon it. The female 

 wasp was armed with a formidable sting, and. awaiting her opportunity, 

 she thrust it through the back of the spider. The effect was instantaneous, 

 the spider falling over paralyzed and helpless. This was the immediate 

 effect, but there was another still more wonderful. The tarantula was not 

 killed, but reduced to a state of coma, and would survive for a long period 

 if not utilized for food by the wasp's progeny. The wasp, after stinging 

 the spider, would drag it to a hole dug by her, and, after laying her egg 

 under it, would cover it over. The wasp larva preyed upon the food thus 

 carefully provided. 



Mr. Riley read a paper on "A new Oak-gall on Acorn Cups," 

 which was referred to the Publication Committee. 



Mr. R. D. Grant, of the Missouri Pacific R.R., exhibited to the 

 Academy specimens of wood and masonry showing ravages made 

 by some insect, of which he also exhibited specimens. The raf- 

 ters of an engine-house of the Missouri Pacific R.R. had been so 

 injured that the roof had 'to be removed ; and the cement of the 

 brick walls, built 14 years ago, was found to be perforated in all 

 directions. 



Mr. Riley determined the insect to be the common White Ant 

 ( Termes Jfavipes), and mentioned several other similar cases of 

 its ravages that had come under his notice. He also read the fol- 

 lowing communication 



ON THE OVIPOSITION OF SAPERDA BIVITTATA SAY. 



Notwithstanding all that has been said and written of the Round- 

 headed Apple-tree Borer (Saperda bivittata), which is one of the worst 

 insect enemies of the orchadist, its eggs have never hitherto been de- 

 scribed. Nor has anything that is at all accurate beeti published of its 

 mode of oviposition. The egg is pale rust-brown in color. 3 mm. long, 

 ■} as wide in middle, flattened so as to have a depth of about $ the 

 width. The shell is fairly tough and resisting: it is not sculptured, but is 

 sufficiently plastic, when laid, to receive impressions from the wood fibres 

 between which it is pressed. The embryo lies straight within the shell, and 

 the newlv-hatched larva differs from the full-grown larva in size alone. 



