186 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
in which the insect undergoes its transformations, similar small holes, 
which in this case are made by a parasitic Hymenopterous insect. 
Mr. W. C. Boyd exhibited a specimen of Pterophorus latus, taken at 
Deal in June, 1869. He stated that the specimen agreed very closely with 
the continental P. letus, as does another specimen taken at the same place 
by Mr. Purday in 1877, but that it differed from the species taken in 
Norfolk by Lord Walsingham (two specimens of which were exhibited for 
comparison), which had been returned by Prof. Zeller as being “ probably 
P. letus.” 
The Secretary read a paper, communicated by the Rev. T. A. Marshall, 
« Notes on the Entomology of the Windward Islands,” in which the author 
gave a list of the species which he had captured in Barbadoes, Martinique, 
and Antigua since June, 1877, together with remarks on habits, and 
descriptions of new species. 
The Rev. H. 8. Gorham communicated ‘‘ Descriptions of new Species of 
Cleride@, with Notes on the Genera and Corrections of Synonymy.” 
Dr. D. Sharp communicated a paper “On some Nitidulide from the 
Hawaiian Islands.” 
The Secretary read a paper, by Mr. J. P. Mansel Weale, entitled “ Notes 
on South African Insects,” and exhibited drawings made by the author in 
illustration. 'The paper related to insects found on Acacia horrida, and 
protected by resemblances to various parts of that tree; species resembling 
birds’ excrements, and also some remarkable cases of mimicry of ants by 
spiders of the genus Salticus, were likewise referred to. 
Mr. Wood-Mason exhibited and made remarks upon the insects referred 
to in the foregoing paper, and supplied the names of the Mantide and 
Phasmide. He also suggested that the resemblance of a Mantis to bird- 
droppings might be of use to the insect for purely aggressive purposes, since 
flies were known to be attracted by such droppings. In conclusion, Mr. 
Wood-Mason mentioned a case of mimicry of ants by spiders which he had 
observed in India. 
Mr. Meldola stated, with reference to the imitation of ants by spiders 
mentioned by Mr. Mansel Weale, that in his belief the remarkably inte- 
resting cases made known in the present paper could be better explained as 
instances of aggressive mimicry by the spiders for the purpose of obtaining 
food. There is no reason to suppose that the ants are themselves free from 
persecution by insect foes; thus it would be no advantage to the spiders to 
resemble them for mere protection. It is stated that the ants visit the trees 
for the purpose of feeding on the sweet secretions, and that large numbers 
of flies are attracted with the same object. Now the ants are not predatory 
on the flies, aud can thus mingle with the latter without causing alarm. 
The spiders by mimicking the ants would thus be enabled to obtain an 
abundant supply of food, and, not being actually a foe to the ants, would 
