268 



Hewitt (C. G.). A Review of Applied Entomology in the British 

 Empire. — Ann. Eniom. Soc. America, Columbus, Ohio, ix, no. 1, 

 March 1916, pp. 1-34. [Eeceived 6th May 1916.] 



In an address to the Entomological Society of America, delivered 

 at Columbus, Ohio, in December 1915, the author reviews the out- 

 standing features of entomological work in the British Empire. The 

 formation of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology in 1913 is described 

 and particulars are given of its functions. The agricultural conditions 

 and the more important lines of entomological investigations in the 

 British Dominions and Colonies are also discussed. 



McCoNNELL (W. R.). Notes on the Biology of ParapJielinus specios- 

 issimus, GiT&vilt.—Ann. Entojyi. Soc. America, Columbus, Ohio,ix, 

 no. 1, March 1916, pp. 97-102. [Received 6th May 1916.] 



Aphelinine Chalcidoids are important parasites of scale-insects, 

 especially the Diaspinae, as well as of Aphids and Aleurodids. The 

 members of the genus Parapfielinus were regarded as exceptions to 

 this rule, until specimens of P. speciosissimus were found, during July 

 1915, emerging from puparia of the Hessian fly {Mayetiola destructor). 

 At the present time this parasite has been obtained from six localities 

 in central Pennsylvania, the maximum percentage of parasitism 

 reaching 3'2 per cent. In laboratory experiments from one to ten 

 adults emerged from a single puparium, the average number being 

 about seven. Pairing and oviposition occur soon after emergence. 

 Eggs are deposited in puparia concealed in young wheat plants and in 

 dead stubble, as well as in uncovered puparia. The duration of the 

 adult stage in breeding cages was from three to six days, but was 

 prolonged if oviposition did not occur. Four generations were pro- 

 duced experimentally between 4th July and the end of October. In 

 the field the last generation might not occur. The increase during 

 the entire season would therefore be considerable and this parasite 

 may consequently prove to be an important agent in the control of a 

 serious outbreak of M. destructor. 



CoGAN (E. S.). Homopterous Studies. Part i. Contribution Towards 

 Our Knowledge of the Homoptera of South Africa.— 0/ito Jl. Sci., 

 Columbus, xvi, no. 5, March 1916, pp. 161-200, 8 plates. 

 [Received 6th May 1916.] 



This paper gives an account of the following families :■ — Cercopidae, 

 Bythoscopidae, Tettigonidae, Jassidae, and Typhlocybidae. 

 As yet none of the Auchenorrhynchous Homoptera in South Africa 

 have proved to be of very great economic importance, but it is possible 

 that this may not always be the case. Reference is made to the 

 depredations of the periodical cicada {Tibicen septemdecim), the 

 buffalo tree-hopper, [Ceresa bubalus), many frog-hoppers, etc., in the 

 United States. The relation between these Homoptera and other 

 insects as well as higher animals is discussed. 



