80 



Of the second division of bugs, Heteroptera, a number of species 

 have been collected as occasion offered, but they are mostly unnamed 

 and their habits have' not been investigated. 



Orthoptera. — This order is a limited one containing but few 

 species — our crickets, grasshopper.^, etc. — yet even these few have not 

 been collected nor their injurious habits observed. At the excursion to 

 Des Chenes Lake, 2nd Sep., a pair of the remarkable and rather rare 

 Walkingstick insects, Diapheromera femorata, wei-e taken on hickory. 

 Three specimens were also taken near Hull a few days previously. The 

 common grasshopper, Caloptemis Jemvrrvhrunn, so abundant on 

 Parliament Square and elsewhere a few years ago, is now, apparently 

 owing in a great measure to the labours of the English sparrows, not at 

 all numerous, and fishermen seeking them for bait are forced to go some 

 distance beyond the city limits. 



Neuroptera. — Our dragon -flies, mayflies, shadflies, etc., have not 

 yet been collected, although there are among them some of our most 

 interesting insects. The species are innoxious and often very beneficial 

 in their habits. Corydcdus coinutus, known in the United States as the 

 Hellgrammite fly, is of such i-emai-kable and formidable appearance as 

 always to attract attention, and specimens have been frequently received. 

 The larvte are found in great numbers a.long the Rideau and ai-e 

 extensively used as bait. 



Arachnidje and Acarid.e. — The insects included ia these oi'ders 

 differ from all the foregoing in having an additional ])air of legs, and 

 are popularly known as spiders and mites. Mi'. Tyrrell has been 

 collecting them and has now quite a large collection. The spiders are 

 at present being named, and many of the mites have been already 

 determined. 



Tn conclusion we would request tlie Council to urge upon the 

 members the importance of the study of entomology, not only for its 

 scientific value but for economic considerations as well, and for the 

 pleasure and pi'ofit which will be gained by them. Our forests, fields 

 and gardens are ravaged by almost countless species of insects, while 

 many attack our cattle and poultiy and a few even wound us in the 



