220 FORTT-FOURTH REPORT ON TSE STATE MuSEUM 



The Odonata were not numerous in species or in individuals, with 

 the exception of Diplax ruhicundula, of which any desired number 

 might have been secured, and of some of the smaller Ag-rioninse. 

 Of the Caloi3terygina, a few examples of Calopieryx amata Hagen, 

 were seen, momentarily resting on a branch beside, or flitting over, 

 the water. 



In the other orders, the collections were comparatively small, as 

 but few species that were new or of special interest or value were 

 observed. 



The Contributions to the Department have been from fewer indi- 

 viduals during the year than in some of the preceding ones. But 

 among them is one of particular value, from the large number of 

 specimens and the beauty of most of them. The donor, Mr. Eras- 

 tus Coming, Jr., of Albany, in these successive additions (see pre- 

 ceding reports) to the Zoological Department of the State Museum, 

 has shown a generosity and an appreciation of the educational 

 valae of the Museum, which is deserving of more than the grateful 

 acknowledgment herewith made. The present contribution consists 

 of one hundred and ninety-five specimens of butterflies, mainly from 

 South America, and four hundred and seven of native butterflies and 

 moths, largely native to the state. They have not been catalogued 

 for the present report, as the literature for the authentic determi- 

 nation of the South American forms is not contained in our State 

 Library. Whenever arrangements can be made by which the collec- 

 tion may be placed on exhibition, without subjecting it to the injury 

 that would follow its exposure to continual light, it will be displayed, 

 and form an attractive feature in the Museum. 



A beautifully arranged collection of American and foreign Lepi- 

 doptera, which the owner was desii'ous of disposing of at a moderate 

 price, has been purchased for the state and is now in the ofiice of 

 the entomologist. It consists of ten hundred and thirty -four speci- 

 mens, arranged in a cabinet of eighteen drawers, of twenty-one by 

 twenty-three inches. Among other things of special value in it, is a 

 bisexual example of Clisiocampa Americana, in which the right- 

 hand half is male, and the left-hand, female. This is shown in the 

 pectinations of the antennae, the disparity in size of the wings, and 

 in the modified form of the abdomen — notably in the difi^erence in 

 contour of its two sides. Such examples are rarities in collections 

 and always of great interest, and are highly valued. There is also 

 in one of the drawers, a pair, in perfect condition, of Cossus querci- 

 perda Fitch, of which, it is believed, not over a half-dozen could be 

 found in the cabinets of the world. 



