( xcvii ) 



The Order Protura, — Mr. C. B. Williams exhibited a 

 specimen of an unascertained species of the Protura which he 

 had taken in some numbers in peat from Hampshire by means 

 of a Berlese funnel. This order of primitive insects, which 

 was only discovered about six years ago, and was first recorded 

 from England by Mr. R. S. Bagnall at the beginning of this 

 year, is chiefly remarkable for the absence of antennae. In 

 a few specimens which were kept alive for some days he had 

 been able to confirm the interesting observation of Berlese, 

 that they use their front pair of legs not as locomotive but as 

 tactile organs, holding them out in front of the head when 

 walking, as if to take the place of the missing antennae. 



Mr. C. J. Gahan asked whether anything was known of the 

 feeding habits of this Protura, and Mr. Williams replied that 

 he had only taken three alive, and these had only lived for two 

 days, so he had not been able to make any further observa- 

 tions. The insects had some hairs on the front legs which 

 were probably sensitive, and helped these limbs to take the 

 place of antennae. Various other instances of similar adapta- 

 tion were mentioned. Mr. J. E. Collin referred to the use 

 of legs as feelers among the Diptera ; Mr. Donisthorpe to the 

 mites found on the chins of ants, which wave their front pair 

 of legs before their heads as if to take the place of antennae 

 and are called Antennophori ; Dr. LoNGSTAFPto the Arachnid 

 whip-scorpions which use their front pair of limbs as feelers. 



The President observed that the antennae were really a 

 highly complicated structure, and that it was hardly correct 

 to speak of limbs taking their place, though they were doubt- 

 less capable of performing some part of their functions. 



Arctic Draqonflies. — Mr. W. J. Lucas exhibited a speci- 

 men of Somatochlora alpestris from Porsanger Fjord, east of 

 North Cape, taken at the end of June 1912. It occurs in the 

 Swiss Alps, as well as in Scandinavia. Also a specimen of 

 Aeschna caerulea (= horealis), from the same locality, taken 

 July 13th. This species is British, occurring, but not 

 commonly, in the Highlands of Scotland. Both specimens 

 shown were taken in this northern latitude at sea-level. They 

 were captured by Mr. W. G. Sheldon. 



Occasional migration dub to excessive drought as a cause 



proc. ent. soc. lond., iv. 1912. g 



