52 



Catocala a novel appearance. One of them was allowed to re- 

 main unspread for illustration and cabinet use. Afterward, in 

 examining other varieties of CatocalcE, similar phenomena were 

 exhibited, but were only found in the male sex. Not being 

 readily impressed with the importance of the discovery, I did not 

 pursue my investigations through the different species captured 

 during the season. Later I placed on damp sand for relaxation 

 other CatocalcE, to see if they contained the same appendages, 

 but I failed to detect them by the most careful manipulation. 

 The result might have been different while the examples were 

 fresh. Another year I propose to learn, if possible, if they are 

 common in all species ; if not, in which they are found. 



Since the discovery I have been visited by a number of ento- 

 mologists, who have examined the femoral tufts, but not one of 

 them could explain the design and use of them, therefore the 

 subject is brought to the notice of the readers of " Papilio " with 

 the hope that some one can offer a satisfactory explanation. 



To one having noticed the overtures of a male beetle in ad- 

 dressing his mate ; having witnessed the gentle contact of his 

 antennae with hers, oft repeated, besides other demonstrations of 

 an endearing nature, I think it may not be improbable to 

 suppose that these tufts may be employed as an aphrodisiac. If 

 for other purposes, I should be pleased to know them. 



NOTES ON N. AMERICAN ^GERID^, WITH DE- 

 SCRIPTIONS OF NEW FORMS. 



By Henry Edwards. 



Bembecia Marginata. 



Trochilhmi Marginatum. Harris. 



This appears to be one of the most common species of the 

 whole group. It has been taken in abundance near Washington 

 by Mr. H. Schonborn, and again on Long Island by the Rev. 

 G. D. Hulst, the latter gentleman having in print some most in- 

 teresting observations upon its habits. It is undoubtedly refer- 

 able to the genus Bembecia, and bears in many respects a striking 

 resemblance to the European Bembecia hylcsiformis. Our species 

 has been re-described by Prof Riley as Troch. ritbi, and by Mr 

 YixA^'i 2JS, Sesia flavipes. The synonomy should stand thus : 



