473 



(4) the temperature of the seed at the exit. Of these four factors the 

 last is the most important, and the other three must be regulated so 

 as to keep the temperature of the seed at the exit between 119° F. 

 and 131° F., the best temperature to maintain being 122° F. A series 

 of four tables gives the results obtained, showing that there is ample 

 limit for regulation in such a way as to kill the caterpillars without 

 damaging the seed. The injury to the seed can be estimated by 

 germination tests made directly after treatment. No further falling 

 off of germination is observable after the lapse of three weeks. On the 

 other hand, the mortality of the caterpillars is not instantly complete, 

 some individuals occasionally surviving treatment for a few days. 

 The temperature in certain parts of the machine may rise very high, 

 up to 338° F., without danger to the seed. This is because the 

 temperatures read are taken from the sides of the machine, and are 

 not actually those of the carriers, and also because the seed is not 

 exposed for sufficient time to the maximum temperature. 



Andres (A.). Sur une plante nourrici§re de Hypolycaena (Virachola) 

 livia, Klug. [A host-plant of Hypolycaena (Virachola) livia, Klug.] 

 —Bull. Soc. Entom. d'Egypte, Cairo, Years 1914-1915 (1916), 

 pp. 88-89. 



Virachola liviaJsAug, is recorded on higa dulcis, which must therefore 

 be added to the host-plants of this pest of pomegranates. 



Fic (M.). Observations concernant certains Altisides et renseignements 

 sur eeux d'Egypte. [Remarks on certain Halticidae with 

 particulars of Egyptian species.] — Bull. Soc. Entom. d'Egypte, 

 Cairo, Years 1914-1915 (1916), pp. 123-130. 



This paper contains some general information on Egyptian flea- 

 beetles, about which but little is known at present. Among the species 

 mentioned are Chaetocnema aridula, Gryll., C. tibialis, 111., Phyllotreta 

 cruciferae, Goeze, P. nifitarsis, All., and Haltica ampelophaga, Guer. 



Barber (E. R.). The Argentine Ant : Distribution and Control in the 

 United States. — C/.>S. Dept. Agric, Washington, D.C, Bull, 

 no. 377, 18th August 1916, 23 pp., 4 figs., 1 table. 



Iridomyrmex hvmilis, Mayr, occurs in the southern parts of the 

 United States, from the eastern part of Texas to the Atlantic coast and 

 from the Gulf of Mexico northwards to Tennessee. This ant seriously 

 infests food substances of all kinds in stores and houses, and in the field 

 is often associated with Aphids and scale-insects. Dispersal is dependent 

 to a very considerable degree on the available food supply, being more 

 rapid when food is scarce. Observations made at several points 

 indicate that the normal rate of advance is from 300 to 400 feet a year. 

 Distribution is effected by floods, which occur at least twice each year 

 in the Mississippi Valley, by steamers and by railways. The summer 

 nest occurs under the sills of houses, in piles of bricks or stones, under 

 boards, etc. Hibernation takes place at the bases of trees, in manure 

 heaps or other decomposing matter in which heat is generated. In an 

 artificial formicary a fertilised queen lays from 3 to 30 eggs a day. 

 (C322) c 



