204 



EEPORT UPON COTTON INSECTS. 



from these specimens sent July 24, began to issue September 1. This, 

 taken in connection with the fact that the specimens reared in 1878 is- 

 sued in November, would seem to argue three broods a year for this 

 species of Tachina, the last two broods certainly destroying many cot- 

 ton-worms. 



An examination of the specimens issuing from this lot of worms 

 revealed two individuals of a new species of Tachina, differing from T. 

 aletiae in several respects. We shall not attempt to name it, but draw 

 up the following temporary description, to last only until the specimens 

 can be handed to an expert : 



Tachina, n. sp. Length 6 mm . 



Color. General effect nearly black ; head, face, and facial depression silvery white, 

 inclining slightly to golden on occiput; antenna?, 1st and 3d joints black, 2d joint 

 testaceous ; palpi testaceous ; pubescence behind the head blackish ; thorax, second 

 and following abdominal joints ashy ; thorax with two plain longitudinal black stripes 

 and two indistinct; first abdominal joint black above, ashy beneath; femora piceous; 

 tibiae and tarsi nearly black. Eyes finely pubescent. In other respects resembling 

 T. aletiae, Riley. Described from two specimens. 



FLESH-FLIES (Dipt., family SARCOPHAGEDAE, genus Sarcophaga). 

 From general appearance it would be impossible to separate a flesh-fly 



FIG. 46. Sarcophaga carnaria. 



from a Tacliina fly, and only by the help of a lens is it possible to dis- 

 tinguish them j the principal difference being that in the family now 

 under consideration the style of the antennae or antenna! bristle is plu- 

 mose or hairy, although naked at the tip, while in TacUnidac it is naked 

 throughout its length. These flies have long been considered remarka- 

 ble on account of their viviparous habits. The eggs are long and deli- 

 cate and hatch quickly. If the female is unable to find a suitable place 



