-i 9 — 



imagos of same species from trees that had evidently been felled more 

 than one season. Acoptus suturalis may also be found in dead stumps. 

 In the following family Eupsalis minula breeds frequently in old stumps 

 and logs of maple, etc., while in the Calandridx I think there are un- 

 doubtedly lignivorous species. Cossonus plataka has been found by me 

 in large numbers under the the bark of a poplar which had been some 

 years dead and was partly decayed. The beetles had evidently emerged 

 from the wood, which was penetrated by numerous small holes. Rhyn- 

 colus and Stenoscelis of this family also apparently breed in dead wood. 

 I have taken specimens of S. brevis both from old poplar and from 

 maple stumps. 



Ottowa, March u, 1885. W. Hague Harrington. 



Society News. 



Brooklyn Entomological Society, March 3d. Twenty-six members and 

 visitors present, the President Mr. Cramer in the chair. The reports of the offi- 

 cers for 1884 were read and approved. Mr. A. Salle of Paris, France; Baron C. 

 E. von Osten-Sacken, Heidelberg, Germany; and Dr. John G. Morris, Baltimore, 

 Md., were on motion of Mr. J. B. Smith elected honorary members of the 

 Society. Prof. C. V. Riley of Washington, D. C, was elected a life member. 

 Mr. A. E. Brunn was nominated for membership by Mr. E. L. Grasf, and Mr. 

 W. H. Danby of Brooklyn, and Mr. Eugene M. Aaron of Philadelphia were no- 

 minated for membership by Mr. John B. Smith. 



On motion, the Secretary was instructed to offer to the Agassiz Association 

 the aid of the Society in the way of determinations and in such other ways as 

 might best further the ends of both Societies. 



Mr. Smith introduced Dr. Horn of Philadelphia, honorary member of the 

 Society, and Dr. S. W. Williston of New Haven, who had come on to attend the 

 meeting of the Society. Dr. Williston was invited to sit as a corresponding 

 member of the Society. 



Mr. Smith described a monstrosity of a $ Lucanus cervus, the left mandible 

 of which was modified into an imperfect 9 head. 



Dr. Horn gave a short account of several monstrosities known to him, and 

 stated that the Lamellicomia were especially rich in monstrosities. The antenna? 

 were very often the subject of abnormal variations. Frequently there would be 

 an unequal number of joints in specimens of the same species, or even in the 

 same specimen. The Carahidas stood next in the order of frequency. This led 

 him to speak of variations of color and sculpture, and their value in systematic 

 work. The sexual organs of the ^ are among the most absolutely invariable 

 structures, and are the most reliable in the separation of species among the Sl<t- 

 •philiradcB. Mr. Smith gave it as the result of his studies in the Noctuidce that the 

 genitalia of the $ afforded the best possible specific characters. In the species 

 of Mamestra especially, every species nearly has a very distinct and peculiar 

 structure. Identity of type always indicates close relationship, while identity of 

 form in his experience, proves specific identity, no matter how much maculation 



