136 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. VI, 



always separated from each other by some kind of a barrier, 

 but in view of the great differences in the eggs of the two 

 species, it might be doubtful whether these two species are 

 really so closely related. It is therefore evidently necessary to 

 know all the stages of two species before one can pronounce on 

 their relationships and whether they do or do not contradict 

 the law mentioned. 



Herbert Osborn, Ohio State U^iiversity: Notes on Cicadidce 

 with Especial Reference to the Ohio Species. 



Cicadas constitute a conspicuous element in an Insect fauna and their 

 relation to varied forest conditions was discussed especially for the species 

 occurring in Ohio. The origin and function of the tympanal organs 

 present problems for study and the suggestion is made that this struc- 

 ture is primarily a secondary sexual character functioning in sexual 

 excitation and only incidentally a sound producing organ. 



Frank E. Lutz, American Museum Natural Elistory: On the 

 Biology of Drosophila ampelophila. 



This insect is remarkably useful in laboratory work since it can be 

 kept going throughout the year on bananas as food and its short life- 

 cycle (about ten days to two weeks) enables one to get a large number 

 of generations. Sexual difference characterizes the insect. Not only 

 do the sexes differ in adult color and structure but they differ in the 

 duration of the immature stages, in their reactions to light and the 

 age at death. 



E. P. Felt, State Entomologist, New York: Observations on 

 the Biology of a Blow Fly and a Flesh Fly. 



A study of Phormia regina Meign. and Sarcophaga georgina Wied. 

 was undertaken primarily for the purpose of obtaining data which 

 could be used as a basis for estimating the period a human body had 

 lain exposed to the elements in midsummer. Our knowledge of these 

 two species is summarized and original data are given of the habits 

 and duration of the various stages under known climatic conditions. 

 The egg of Phormia and the three larval stages and puparium of both 

 species are described and a bibliography of each appended. 



The Society adjourned at 4:30 p. m., to meet Wednesday, 

 January 1st, at 10:00 a. m. 



The annual business meeting of the Society was held upon 

 reconvening and the following reports presented : 



.The Secretary presented the following report for the Execu- 

 tive Committee, which met at the Hotel Euclid, Tuesday 

 evening, December 31. 



