284 [December, 



SOME FUKTHUK KEMAKKS ON AEPOPHILUS BONNAIREI, Sign. 

 BY JAMES H. KEYS, F.E.S. 



Iii the issue of this Magazine for September, 1890 (Vol. XXVI, 

 p. 247), I recorded that a specimen of the sub-marine Hemipteron' 

 Aepophilus bonnairei, Sign., the pubescence on whose integument had 

 been thoroughly wetted by immersion in a vessel containing sea- water 

 was thereby rendered almost helpless. This result appeared remark- 

 able to me from the fact that, in my experience, the insect's head- 

 quarters were uncovered by water at spring tides only— indeed, they 

 impinge on the Laminarian zone — and that therefore for several days in 

 succession the creature lives submerged, and has, I believe, no access 

 to the outer atmosphere. All the air available for respiration would 

 seem to be that which remains imprisoned in the holes in the stones 

 under which it lives, and in the ground beneath them, with the addition 

 of the supply with which it probably surrounds itself by means of 

 its dense pubescence. The mature insect has spiracles on seven of its 

 abdominal segments. 



Thinking over these facts later on, I began to wonder if Aepo- 

 pliilus had really any need of tbe sea at all. Would it not thrive 

 equally well if one could artificially reproduce the necessary sub- 

 aquatic conditions ? If so, its life-history could perhaps be worked 

 out. With this view many trials were made and as many failures 

 resulted, the insects living at most for a few days only. 



The experiments proved progressively educational, however, and 

 eventually a qualified success was achieved by keeping the specimens 

 in a box lined with glass. Its size was 10"x6"x4". Four wooden 

 sides were fixed together, glass fitted inside, and a glass top and 

 bottom added. The box was then pivoted at the top of (and between) 

 two uprights 15 inches high, nailed to a wooden base. Being suspended 

 in this way one could examine the underside with ease, as well as tilt 

 the box as desired. Then a suitable stone, well covered with muddy 

 slime, etc., from the habitat, was selected and carefully brought home 

 and deposited in the box. The Aepophili were then added. A bottle 

 of sea- water was also procured with which to keep the stone as nearly 

 as possible in its original wet state. This was effected by gently 

 sprinkling as often as necessary. In a few days, or as soon as it 

 appeared to be desirable, a fresh stone was obtained. The sea- water 

 was a source of trouble in my first efforts. It was collected too 

 near the town, and being much contaminated, rapidly putrefied and 



