76 



trees, and some notes on tliem. have been recently published in the 

 Canadian Entomologist (Dec. 1882) to which members are referred for 

 further particulars. 



Of the Tenthredinidse, or Saw-flies, some ten or moi'e species are so 

 far known. This is a very obnoxious group of insects and should 

 therefore be carefully investigated. One very common species is 

 Xernatus ventricosus, the cun-ant-worm, so troublesome to growers of 

 gooseberries and currants. Three or four species are found upon the 

 pines, and in 1881 some red-pines (Pinus resinosa) near Hull were 

 very badly injui-ed by a species of Lophyi-us. Some of the smaller ti'ees 

 wei'e found last summer to have died from the injuries of the preceding 

 season, while others had all the lower limbs killed. The Ichneumonidae 

 — parasitic insects and good friends to agriculturists — are very numerous 

 and of interesting habits and forms. As an instance of the way in which 

 they destroy other insects, it may be mentioned that although the 

 caterpillars of V. aniiopa were abundant during the summer, but few 

 butterflies developed, owing to the great number of pupa? infested with 

 the little parasite called Ptcromalus vanes&ce ? From one chrysalid over 

 350 minute glittering four-winged flies were counted, while many more 

 remained in it, so that it probably fed 450-500. This chrysalid was one 

 of a brood, all of which were similai-ly afi'acted, and at different times 

 and places during the season the chrysalids were found almost universally 

 destroyed. A closely allied species, P. puparum- has been most useful 

 in checking the increase of the obnoxious cabbage-butterfly. 



Lepidoptera. — Butterflies and moths, the most beautiful, and in 

 their larval stages among the most destructive, of the insect hosts, have, 

 despite their charms, been sadly neglected. Only two members collected 

 last season, and of these, one, we are soriy to say, has removed from the 

 city, possibly not to return, and has taken with him his collections. 

 This gentlemaji, Mr. A. W. Hanham, is an enthusiastic lepidopterist 

 and made a lai-ge collection during May, June and July. He has kindly 

 furnished us, by request, with a list of his butterflies and of about fifty 

 species of moths, adding : " I have 80 varieties Noctuinai and 

 Geometrina? unnamed, and about 90 sorts micro-lepidoptera. * * * 

 I would like to be at the meeting of tlie Club. I hope the information 

 which I enclose, scant though it is, will help you in your repoit." A 



