1912] 



Turnei — Copulation of Amniophila abbreviata 



137 



THE COPULATION OF AMMOPHILA ABBREVIATA 



By C. H. Turner, 

 Sumner High School, St. Louis, Mo. 



In the latter part of the summer of 1911, the copulating Ammo- 

 philas, illustrated in the accompanying figure, were captured at 

 Merimec Highlands, St. Louis County, Missouri. When first 

 observed they were slowly flying along just above the tops of the 

 four-foot weeds. Occasionally they would touch the tops of the 

 plants; but it was impossible to decide whether such a contact 

 represented a momentary rest or an accidental brushing of the 

 weeds by the w'asps. The wasps were captured in a strong cy- 

 anide bottle, which killed them immediately. Later a magnified 

 photograph was made of the pair. It is thought that this illus- 

 tration affords a better idea of the attitude of these wasps during 

 copulation thaTi could be given by a verbal description. The 

 coiled antennae, the protruding mouthparts, and the general atti- 

 tude indicate intense excitement. One who believes that insects 

 have emotions will find much in the attitude of these two Ammo- 

 yhilas to support his view^ 



Fig. 1. Ammophila abbreviata Fabr., in copulation. 



