236 Biology and Economic Significance of Tipula paludosa 



containing soil covered with small pieces of turf. On the top of the 

 turf was placed a glass cylinder about 9 inches high and 3J inches 

 in diameter. In some instances, lamp chimneys with nearly twice 

 this width at their base were used. These were about 12 inches high 

 but narrowed to about 2 inches diameter at the top. The vessel was 

 kept closed by a piece of light cardboard placed upon the opening at 

 the top. There were never more than two or three adult insects confined 

 in these simple cages; they appeared quite comfortable and lived in 

 most instances about a week, in some cases as long as eleven days. 



The following observations are typical of the general results obtained 

 and will serve as descriptive of the mating habits of these insects under 

 the conditions which have been specified. 



On the 5th of July, 1913 at 11.15 a.m. a pair of crane flies of the 

 species T. paludosa, here referred to as M 1 and F 1, was found in coitu 

 in one of the larvae rearing cages. They were removed without being 

 separated to one of the glass observation vessels and watched until 

 1 p.m. at which time they still remained united. At 1.45 p.m. they 

 were found to have separated. They were the sole occupants of this 

 particular cage. This is referred to as Mating (Ml + .Fl)l. 



At 2.30 p.m. on the same day they again spontaneously effected 

 coitus., remaining attached until 3.30p.m. Mating (Ml + 2^1)2. 



At 4.15 p.m. on the same day mating was again accomplished 

 between this pair. Coitus lasted until 5.23 p.m. Mating (Ml + Fl)S. 



The same evening these flies were placed together upon a small 

 enclosed grass plot. For a short time they remained indifferent to 

 each other, and the female commenced oviposition. 



A second female, F 2, newly hatched, was placed beside them and 

 almost immediately the male flew towards her and, after a short struggle 

 in which some of the legs of the female were broken off, coitus was 

 effected. Mating (Ml + ^2)1. 



At 10.20 a.m. on the following day a newly hatched male, M 2, 

 was introduced to the vessel beside F 1, who had as already noted 

 been ovipositing. Union was immediately effected. At 12 noon they 

 still remained in coitu, and at this hour they were taken apart and 

 placed in different vessels. Mating (M2 + Fl)1. 



At 12.15 p.m. M 1 was once more placed beside F 1. At 2.40 they 

 had taken no notice of each other. They were now disturbed and 

 made to fly about the cage. Upon coming into proximity they mated. 

 Mating (Ml + ^1)4. 



