92 [^P"'. 



On Pliacnoserphus levlfrons Fiirnter (Proof of. ri/poidea). — In 1861,Forstpr in 

 " Program 11) der Realscluile zu Aachen fiir das Schuljahr 1860-61, p. xl, 

 no. 98," de.-crlbed a species of the genus Froctotrnpes (now called >Serj>Jiti>^ in 

 restoration ot' the name first given by Schrank in 1780) which he called levi- 

 frons. Kieffer in Andre's "'Species des Hyni6nopteres d'Europe et d'Algerie,"" 

 tome X, p. 313, .-ays that, as Fiirster did not indicate the form of the tarsal 

 claws, nor that of the head nor the antennai", it could not be said whether this 

 insect kIiouUI be classified under the genus Phaenoserplms or the genus 

 Exalloni/x. Three specimens, two female and one male, which were sent to me 

 rt-cently for ideutiHcation belong to the genus P/iaenoserphusl'iiefi., and are 

 undoubtedly Kiirster's species levifrovs, thus, incidentally, making an addition 

 to the British list. Phaenoserphus levifrons may be distinguished from all the 

 others of the genus by the form of the radial cellule, which is so narrow in 

 botii sexes as to be almost wanting altogether. A clo.«e examination shows 

 that the radius is distinct, but is adj leent to and parallel with the edge of the 

 tigma. Helow the stiu-ma is a faint hrownish stain, bifurcated in shape, and 

 having its apex at the lower point of the stigma. In the female the fore wings 

 are very narrow, but in the male are of normal breadth. Both wings are 

 somewhat smoky, and there are distinct traces of other venation besides the 

 marginal, postmarginal, and rndial veins. The face is quite flat betwee.i 

 the antennae. The propodeou is entirely rugose without any definite or 

 smooth area, but in the fema'e has a transverse raised line or keel across the 

 apical (i.e. hindermost) third. The petiole is longer than wide, is rugose, and 

 in the female has a longitudinal furrow running down the centre. The base of 

 the large abdominal segment (/. e. the second segment of Fcirster) is strongly 

 striated at tlie base. 'Jhe antennae are filiform and simple in both sexes. 

 The labruui is transverse and sinnated, but without comparison with tlie other 

 species it cannot be said whether this is a common feature or not. The 

 specimens examined were bred by Mr. ?[. Britten from a Carabid larva taken in 

 his garden at (ireat Salkeld, Cumberland ; they emerged on 22nd September, 

 1912. 1 tak*^ this opportunity of inviting collectors, and especially those who 

 breed (Joleoptera, to send to me examples of this family Serpliidae, more 

 pO|)ularly known under the name of the genus Proctotrupes. 'I'he specimens 

 belonging to the British Museum are in my hands for classification, but they 

 are few, old, aiid dilapidated, and there is innch need of material, not only to 

 assist in the work of bringing the classification, which I hope to publish in 

 these p gvs, up to date ; but also 1. 1 add to and complete the national collection. 

 The apt»^rons and M}yrmecophiIous forms are particularly wanted. — L. A. Box, 

 Sheie, (liiildfivd: February, 1921. 



()h.-^tvriifio)is ON thf Life- History uf the Wlieat-bulb Fly {Leptohylemyiu 

 coarctdtd Fall.) — It h.is been suggested to me that my paper ("Journal of 

 AgricuUiiiiil Sciem e," vol. xi,pp. 90-10-5, Jan. 1921, with two plates) may escape 

 the notice of some entomologists interested unless reference is made to it in an 

 entomological journal. The napt^r in question gives a summary of experiments 

 and observations made in the laboratory and in the field, which throw some 

 light on the life-history of this pest. The following is the life-history as 

 deduced from these experiments and observations. 



The flies hatch out in June and July and lay their eggs in bare soil about 

 one-eighth of an inch below the surface in July, August, and possibly 



