208 



MR. A. M. ALTSON ON THE LIFE-UISTORY AND 



General appearance. — The males (text-fig. 10) are easily 

 distinguished from the females by their long antennae, which are 

 approximately equal to the over-all length of the insect from the 

 frons to the apex of the wings when in repose, and which extend 

 beyond the apex of the a,bdomen. The ovipositor is barely visible 

 when the insect is looked fit from above, but can be seen when in 

 a lateral aspect. Both sexes are shining lilack, with rufous legs. 



Text-figure 10. 



]\Iale A. viandvcator. Greatly man-nitied. Original. 



Courting and Mating. — This takes place very sliortly after 

 emergence, but never occurs unless the meconium has been voided 

 some time. When seeking a mate (in the cage) the male moves 

 I'apidly alongj violently swaying the antennfe and vibi-ating the 

 wings, which are opened as in flight. Mating lasts about 

 8 minutes, but was not frequently observed. The sex attraction 

 is only evident in the male, and when newly-emerged females 

 were admitted to the cage, males eagerly sought them. The 

 female evinces little interest in the male and caii easily repel it. 

 The males make no distinction between virgin and fertilized 

 females. 



illglit. — Both sexes are capable of sustained flight. This has 

 been observed in the cage, and on fine days it appeared as if all 

 were " on the wing." Any which escaped from the cages or 

 when handling were generally instantly out of reach and through 

 the open skylights. Those obsei'ved ai'ound baited receptacles 

 in the open appeared to come from all directions ; this is con- 

 firmed by Marshall (quoted under Ovijwsition). 



