440 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [Nov., ’08 
present in the tested cecropia. In June a host of secondary 
parasites emerged. John A. Grossbeck actually counted 30,000 
and estimated the remainder at 20,000. This averaged over 200 
parasites per cocoon. 
Our observers had little information on the life history of 
secondary parasites. In one instance the life from egg to imago 
emergence was ten days. Prof. Silvestri explained that the 
hyperparasite attacks its host only when full grown in the lar- 
val state. 
At the conclusion of the meeting the society and visitors 
were entertained at supper by George Franck. 
R. P. Dow, Recording Secretary. 
ENTOMOLOGICAL SECTION OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL 
SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 
Meeting November 21, 1907.—Dr. D. M. Castle in the chair. 
Six persons present. Dr. Skinner exhibited specimens of 
Argynnis astarte and spoke of the habits and distribution of the 
species. 
HENRY SKINNER, Recorder. 
Meeting December 26, 1907.—Dr. P. P. Calvert in the chair. 
Eleven persons present. Dr. Skinner exhibited Halter ameri- 
cana, a fossil insect described by Prof. T. D. A. Cockerell. 
Mr, E. Daecke made some remarks on the predaceous habits 
of Asiliidae and said he had observed Proctacanthus philadel- 
phicus catching species of Bombus. He exhibited specimens 
of Somatochlora tenebrosa taken in coitu at Bambur, New 
Jersey. Dr. Calvert referred to the large appendages of the 
male in this species, He also spoke of the general belief in 
the richness of tropical countries in insect life, but said the 
Odonata are not a striking example of this richness. Of all 
the Mexican States, Vera Cruz is the one which has been most 
thoroughly examined in regard to its Odonata. It extends 
from 17° to 22°-+ north Latitude and from sea level to 18,000 
ft. elevation, has an area of 29,200 square miles and 118 known 
species and races of Odonata. The State of New Jersey ex- 
