564 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [October, 



One of the best captures at lights was a specimen of Achryso7i 

 surinammn, which is found more commonly in South America. 



The decomposing tissues of the giant cactus forms a veritable 

 mine of insects, in such numbers that one is astoni.shed. 



There does not appear to be any limit to the collecting sea- 

 son, each month furnishing additional species. The acme of 

 collecting is from May to August, when, however, the intense 

 heat renders field work very trying. 



The requisites for collecting in this country are a good team 

 to take you from point to point, a strong canvas net capable of 

 resisting the thorns and spikes with which all vegetation is 

 cx>vered, a very long pair of metal forceps to reach specimens 

 concealed between the spines of cacti ; and the always impera- 

 tive canteen of water. 



I have refrained from using the terms rare or scarce as from 

 personal observation ; if one collects at the right time our rari- 

 ties would become common. To illustrate : on May loth, on 

 the desert northeast of Mesa, just at dusk, with a storm 

 threatening, the air seemed suddenly alive with a whirring 

 mass of insects, flying about the grease-wood, which was in 

 full bloom. In the short time allowed before the storm broke 

 we collected as many as possible, and found to our delight the 

 hitherto rare Tenebrionid — Cnemodus tcstaceus. 



I may safely say thousands could have been taken at the time, 

 but the most careful search afterwards under similar conditions 

 failed to di.scover any ; such was our observation of many 

 other forms, and it is a safe rule to take advantage of these 

 opportunities, as others infrequently occur. 



For the localities mentioned in the appended list. Phoenix 

 being the center, the vSalt River, up and down for several miles, 

 is from one to two miles south. Tempe Desert, northeast from 

 Tenipe for many miles. Mesa, east of Tempe eight miles and 

 the .surrounding country. Rio Verde, northeast from Phoenix 

 fifty miles, all collecting done on east side of river from Mr. 

 Latterett's ranch. 



For a long time to come collectors may visit this region with 

 profit to themselves, and be delighted with aaiuiring material 

 under new and strange conditions. Had my health ]K-niiitU(l 



