25 



from any trees. Herbicoloiis. It has been taken in blow sand, but is 

 more typical of bunch-grass, where it is fairly common. 



Ceiithophilus sp. (indeterminable). April i. 



This genus comprises wingless underground or cave crickets. The 

 species are probably omnivorous, and are nocturnal in habit, hiding 

 by day in the ground or under logs. A number of species are found 

 in the plains region ; others extend over the eastern states. The one 

 specimen taken is a nymph; others were seen during the previous 

 summer upon digging up the burrows of mammals. The Ceuthophili 

 are an isolated group of peculiar habits, thus occupying an unusual 

 place in the association. They are seldom abundant. 



Conocephalus rohustus Scudder. July 19. 



This genus is more or less campestrian. The eggs are laid in 

 grass leaves, and the adults, when resting head downward on a grass 

 stem, closely resemble a grass leaf (Hart). The stridulation is very 

 loud and shrill, usually occurring at twilight. The species is found in 

 the northern states east of the Rocky Mountains (Scudder). Blatch- 

 ley says that it occurs only along the Atlantic coast and the shores 

 of the Great Lakes. Lugger found it near the shores of Lake Min- 

 netonka and White Bear Lake. The species is probably typical of 

 dry or sandy habitats, and is not restricted to bunch-grass. 



Gryllus ahhreznatus Serv. April 4. 



Dead specimens taken under logs in bunch-grass. This field 

 cricket is nocturnal and omnivorous in habit, even cannibalistic, ac- 

 cording to Blatchley. Found in open fields usually under shelter of 

 some kind. Much more common in other regions than in the sand 

 prairie. 



Oecanthus conflucns Hart MS. July 6. 



The eggs of the tree-crickets are inserted into the stems of tall 

 herbaceous plants, usually composites. The eggs hatch in May or 

 June; the insects are mature usually in July. The young oecanthids 

 feed upon aphids or plant-lice. The insects usually stay upon the 

 plants w^hich they frequent. They are to a large extent nocturnal. 



Order thysanoptera 



Anfhofhrips verhasci Osborn. April i. 



The common mullein thrips. It occurs regularly on Verhascum 

 along roadsides. Not typical of sand prairie. 



