1912] -  Faunistic Studies in Entomology 63 
the width of the wings, as it will readily be recalled that the 
broad winged moths and butterflies show little if any flight of 
this character, whereas the narrow winged hawk moths, flies, 
bees, etc., which have the property distinctly developed are 
mostly narrow winged species. Furthermore, it seems that the 
development of lobes or other variable extentions of the mem- 
brane on the posterior border may be significant in this con- 
nection. An exhaustive comparison amongst different species 
of insects, and careful reference as to the extent to which 
hovering or backward flight is possessed by the different species 
would be an interesting matter in this connection, but the 
author has not had time to devote to such a research and the 
problem is presented here rather as a suggestion for investi- 
gation than with the idea that it has been exhausted. 
FAUNISTIC STUDIES IN ENTOMOLOGY. 
HERBERT OSBORN. 
I desire to call attention in this note to the desirability. of 
more extensive and especially more distinctly correlated 
studies upon the insect fauna of the country and especially 
with reference to the localities represented by the members 
of this society. 
There is no question, I think, as to the great desirability of 
studies on the geographical distribution of insects, but I have 
been particularly impressed with the necessity for such studies 
and the desirability that it should be pushed to greater intensity 
by recent efforts to secure data concerning the distribution of 
the species in a group upon which I have been engaged. 
The records of occurrences for insects have always been a 
quite prominent feature of entomological journals and to a 
considerable extent, lists of species in certain groups, for certain 
localities, states, or districts, have appeared in various journals. 
While the preparation of such lists may by some be considered 
as a rather easy part of entomological investigations, it appears 
to me that accurately done work of this kind becomes of the 
highest scientific value, and that we may very well encourage 
it to the greatest extent that is possible. Undoubtedly this 
particular kind of work is one which could be entered upon 
with the greatest interest and with promise of most distinct 
