I ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY ENTOMOLOGY. 159 



more or less circular in outline. It is evident on botli sides of the leaf, the 

 whole inner portion of the mined section of the leaf being eaten away, appar- 

 ently, and only the upper and lower epidermis remaining. A species of Rhysi- 

 polis w.is bred by the author in July from infested leaves, collected in June. 



Although not tested, it is thought that an oil spray could be used with good 

 results shortly before the larvae leave the leaves, that some repellant could be 

 used at the time the adults are depositing their eggs, and that the cultivation 

 of the soil shortly after the larvae leave the mines would destroy some of the 

 larvip. The most feasible method would seem to be that of gathering and 

 destroying the infested leaves, especially those infested by the first brood. 



Distoma larvae in caterpillars, Von Linstow {Centbl. Bakt. [cic], /. Aht., 

 Orig., .'i9 {1909), Xo. 3, pp. 331-333, fig. 1). — The author reports finding a large 

 number of minute Distoma larvae in aquatic lepidoptei'ous larvae (Ilydrocampa 

 niimpha'). In many from 1 to 5 of these trematodes were found, and in one 

 35 were observed. The species of Distoma could not be determined. This is 

 thought to be the first instance in which a lepidopterous species has been found 

 to serve as a host for a Distoma. 



A list is also given of aquatic insect larv;ie of 29 species representing the 

 orders Odonata, Ephemerida, Neuroptera, Coleoptera and Diptera in which 

 Distoma larvre have been foiuid. 



The Mycetophilidae of North America. Part I, O. A. Johannsen (Maine Sta. 

 Bill. 172, pp. 209-276, pis. 3). — In this, the first part of a synopsis of the 

 Mycetophilidae, the lower and economically less important subfamilies, namely, 

 the Bolitophilinae, Mycetobiinae, Diadocidiinae, Ceroplatinae and Macrocerinae 

 are considered, with tables for the separation of genera and species. 



So far as known most of the members of the family live upon and destroy 

 mushrooms, not only the wild plants but occasionally cultivated varieties as 

 well. The author has found that a large percentage of wild mushrooms are 

 infested by these larvae, particularly by those of the genera Exechia and 

 Mycetophila. In several instances he has found them, in company with Phora 

 larvae, to utterly ruin a mushroom bed in the cellar of a grower. " The larva? 

 of Mycetobia live upon decaying wood, particularly of the apple or peach tree, 

 though probably without injury to the sound wood. The Ceroplatinae and 

 Sciophilinae as far as known live upon fungi and decaying wood. As they are 

 comparatively rare they are not likely to be of economic importance. The 

 Sciarinae on the other hand are frequently mentioned by economic entomolo- 

 gists. Though often found in decaying mushrooms and in the earth in putrid 

 vegetable matter I have never found them to be injurious to growing fungi. 

 They are frequently present, feeding on potatoes affected by scab or rot, in 

 some apparently well authenticated instances appear to be the precursor of 

 .some form of scab. They are found in apples associated with the railroad 

 worm, in bulbs of tulips, and are occasionally reported by florists as damaging 

 plant roots." 



Occasional applications of pure and fresh pyrethrum in water at a strength 

 of 1 oz. to from 4 to S gal. of water are suggested as a remedy against the 

 species which feed ui)on cultivated mushrooms. "As a preventive measure the 

 cellars may be closely screened and the beds covered with small mesh screen 

 frames. For those which are associated with scab or rot the measures taken 

 in combating these will also hold in check the ravages which may be occa- 

 sioned by the insect. The remedies and preventive measures apiilied for the 

 railroad worm or apple maggot and the codling motli will also control the apple 

 niidge." 



Seven species of Platyura and one each of I*aleoi)latyura, Ceroplatus, Apemou, 

 and Macrocera are described as new to science. 



