42 



Eastern examples differ in any way from our Californian ones in 

 this respect. 



While collecting round the suburban street lamps I thought 

 I had found a moth with most peculiar antennae, the moth being 

 invisible at the time. A closer inspection showed the objects to be 

 the anal appendages ot a male^^r^^:. To preserve them extended 

 I attempted to kill it suddenly by crushing the thorax, but when 

 I got it in my hand there was nothing visible but two tufts of 

 black hair slowly disappearing under the penultimate (ventral) 

 segment of the abdomen. By applying a gentle pressure from 

 the base of the abdomen towards the tip I was fortunate enough 

 to see them gradually protruded, presenting a most beautiful ap- 

 pearance, and by tying a thread tightly round the tip of the 

 abdomen was able to retain them extended. 



They each consist of a delicate membranous tube, gradually 

 tapering to the tip, covered all over with the most delicate, evenly 

 cut, silky black hairs, which stand erect when the organ is dis- 

 tended, presenting the appearance of a miniature copy of the 

 small circular brushes used for cleaning lamp-chimneys. The 

 hairs are nearly one-eighth of an inch long, and the total length 

 of the organ fully half an inch. 



They do not protrude in a direct line with the body, but 

 project somewhat from the sides and then curve backwards par- 

 allel to each other about three-eighths of an inch apart, so that 

 their shape is somewhat like a horseshoe, with the prongs directed 

 backwards. The membranous tube is nearly white or pale 

 yellow and when held against the light is apparently ringed 

 somewhat like a tracheal tube. 



They are evidently inflatable at will, but, apparently, are but 

 seldom used. This is the first time they have come under my 

 notice, although I have taken the insect abundantly for years, as 

 all collectors must have done. 



Since noticing them I have not taken a female, so that I 

 cannot say whether they are confined to the male sex, but pre- 

 sume they are. They are present in the three males I have ex- 

 amined and, doubtless, may be classed under the head of sexual 

 appendages. Will some Eastern collector look if anything like 

 them occurs in the genus Spilosoma? 

 San Francisco, September 9, '82. 



NOTES ON LEPIDOPTERA. 



Samia Columbia and its Parasite. In the May No. of " Papilio," 

 1882, appear some notes on the food plants of this species, in which its north- 

 ern habitat is itidicated. Since writing these notes I have received evidence of 

 its occurrence in Manitoba, at a point 120 miles west of Winnipeg and 20 

 miles north of the C. P. R. and have now, in my possession a cocoon contain- 

 ing a living pupa collected at thai point. No doubt the species is correctly 

 named Platysamia Columbia — or perhaps more properly Platysamia Cecropia 

 Var. Columbia. I have also found a parasite on this species which is believed 



