122 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 
sizes of these larvae and pupae. The species was identified by 
Prof. Watson as Hermetia illudens SC, a common scavenger in 
rotting potatoes and insects. The adult Stratiomydae are re- 
ported as frequenting flowers, but in the larval stages as living 
in decaying vegetable matter. 
Both papers were discussed by those present. 
Dec. 30. Under ‘‘Timely Notes’? Prof. Watson directed at- 
tention to the scarcity during the past fall of a group of tropical 
insects which extend into the southern U. S. including the Zebra 
Butterfly (Heliconius charithonia), the Bella Moth (Utethesia 
bella), and the Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae, and Anticar- 
sia). He is of the opinion that the severe winter of 1917-18 may 
be the cause of the scarcity of these tropical species. 
Mr. Stirling stated that the Cotton Stainer was causing un- 
precedented injury to citrus fruit this fall and winter, especially 
in Polk and DeSoto Counties. 
The paper of the evening, “‘“Modern Bee Keeping”, by Frank 
Stirling (published in THE BuacIsT, Vol. II, No. 3), was next 
read and discussed. 
Jan. 27, 1919. H.S. Davis in the chair. The annual election 
of officers resulted: President, F. M. O’Byrne; vice president, 
Geo. B. Merrill; secretary-treasurer, P. W. Fattig; executive 
committee, Dr. J. H. Montgomery; editor of THE FLORIDA BUG- 
GIST, J. R. Watson; associate editor, Wilmon Newell; business 
manager, EH. W. Berger. 
Under “Timely Notes” Mr. Frank Stirling reported finding 
two specimens of the Palmetto Weevil (Rhyncophorus cruenta- 
tus) in a bud of cabbage palmetto which he cut for eating while 
on a hunting trip on the Suwannee River a few miles south of 
Vista, in Levy County. Prof. Watson reported finding the Big- 
legged and the Leaf-footed Plant-bugs (Acanthocephalus feme- 
ratus and Leptoglossus phyllopus) hibernating in large numbers 
in the large thistles so common in pastures. These thistles 
should be cut during the winter. Mr. Bragdon reported find- 
ing Huscepes porcellus on moonvine on the shores of Lake Okee- 
chobee and on seaside morning-glory at Ft. Pierce; and the 
Sweet-potato Root Weevil on sweet-potatoes at Titusville. 
