47 



Cryptocampus angustus (Willow-gall Sawfly). — Tu October of last year, one of 

 my young friends bi'ought me some galls, which were produced on Sali^r vitellina. 

 The structure of the galls differing considerably from those formed by a gall-gnat 

 (Cecidomyia), I duly consigned them to a glass-topped box, to see whether the fol- 

 lowing spring would reveal the name of the occupants. Previously to doing so, I 

 cut open one of the galls, and found three or four smoke-coloured larvae with black 

 heads, and tails that bore evidence of their relationship to Tenthredo. Later still I 

 opened another of the galls, and found that a further change had taken place. The 

 pupsb were enclosed in a white, cottony, somewhat transparent, cocoon ; the pupae 

 themselves were white, with brown patches where the eyes were to appear, and three 

 brown dots triangularly placed between them. I now anxiously watched for the 

 imago-state of the tenant. On the 24th of April, the sawflies began to emerge, and 

 before the close of the month, all had made their exit from the galls. I have to 

 thank Mr. Smith, of the British Museum, for kindly naming the insect. It ig the 

 Cryptocampus angustus of Hartig. He further remarks that he believes it is the 

 first time that it has been noticed in this country. Hartig says that it occurs on 

 the Continent on Sa.lix viminalis ; and it might do considerable damage in osier 

 grounds if allowed materially to increase. The willow on which it has occurred in 

 Yorkshire is undoubtedly vitellina, with its glandular- serrate leaves. In size the 

 fly is a little larger than the gooseberry sawfly ; black, with testaceous feet, and 

 darker coxae. The body is somewhat flattened. The galls themselves evidence 

 the mode of growth, woody matter having gradually formed over the groove, so as 

 to secure food and shelter for the sawfly during the earlier stages of its develop- 

 ment. — Peter Inchbald, Storthes Hall, May 6th, 1864. 



Note on Sericostoma Spencii. — During the last few weeks I have examined speci- 

 mens of this insect in order to ascertain the range of variation. In both sexes the 

 fore -wings, the vertex, and the prothorax are frequently clothed with black instead 

 of golden brown pubescence. One female which had the vertex, prothorax, and 

 mesothorax covered with golden brown pubescence and the fore-wings dark, had 

 the antennae annulated throughout with ochreous. The fore-wings of each variety 

 are sometimes spotted at the junction of the apical veins with the hind (apical) 

 margin, and in some instances irregular discal lines are present near the anasto- 

 mosis. The comparison of numerous male specimens has verified Mr. Mo 

 Lachlan's supposition that the relative lengths of the prongs of the penis sheaths 

 is variable. In some sisecimens the lower prong is shorter, in others it is equal 

 in length to the upper, or even a little longer. In all that I have yet examined the 

 app. intermed. and inf. are constant in form. — A. E. Eaton, Little Bridy, Dorset. — 

 May Slst, 1864. 



[Mr. Eaton's remarks quite accord with my own ideas, that the comparative 

 lengths of the sheath-prongs alone are not enough to give specific value. I am 

 aware that my friend Dr. Hagon is disposed to think otherwise, and considering 

 his high authority in these matters, I am still open to conviction that I am wrong, 

 in which case the insects with equal sheath-prongs should be S. multiguttatus, Pictet. 

 Hagen. — E. Mc L.] 



Oxytelus speculifrons. — Since writing my notice of this insect in last No. I have 

 taken five specimens at Shirley, where it has also been found by Mr. Sharp. Dr. 

 Power has also taken it at Mickleham. — E. C. Rye, 



