IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 59 



or because of local topography and changes in temperature, 

 and the comparative abundaace of vegetation, especially of 

 trees, would locally very much modify any effect which might 

 result from general causes. 



The finer sub-soils in the groves of the drift area are indis- 

 tinguishable from loess, though quite thin, and the amount of 

 such deposits espacially in the northern part of the most recent 

 Wisconsin drift area will be greater as the region becomes 

 drier, or as the number of groves increases, — though cultivation 

 will no doubt affect the distribution and amount of the deposit. 



It, therefor, appears that the facts herein presented are con- 

 sistent with the theory of the aeolian origin of the loess. How 

 ever, the author desires that these facts and their relation to 

 prairie formation stand upon their own merits, the application 

 being a purely incidental after-thought. 



ELEODES IN IOWA. 



H. F. WICKHAM. 



The genus Eleodes contains certain species of beetles 

 belonging to the family Tenebrionidas. They are terrestrial 

 and cursorial, rarely being found on plants of any size, though 

 a few are known to ascend the stems of shrubs. All are of 

 large or medium size, and devoid of functional wings, the 

 elytra being connate, forming a perfect shield which clasps the 

 sides of the body. The integument is very thick, and forms, 

 in connection with this elytral structure, an efficient protection 

 from desiccation. Repugnatorial glands are present, secreting 

 a powerful caustic fluid which is discharged through the anus 

 when the insect is irritated. In order to protect themselves 

 more efficiently they elevate the posterior portions of the body 

 when alarmed, and run off in that position. Probably it is this 

 habit which has suggested the name "circus bugs," often 

 applied to them in the west. 



From their abundance, both in species and individuals, they 

 form a most characteristic feature of the arid regions of the 

 west, their recognized range extending from the Missouri river 

 to the Pacific ocean. 



In view of their known habits and distribution, I was much 

 interested in finding a number of specimens among the beetles 



