398 Canadian Record of Science. 



The species of Orchelimum are almost identical with 

 Xipliidium in general appearance and color, but are larger, 

 measuring about an inch and one-tenth in length from head 

 to tip of wing-covers. 



0. Vulgare, Harris. The note of this species is described 

 by Mr. Scudder as a trill, followed by a series of very short 

 staccato notes sounding like jip ! Toronto, common ; Onta- 

 rio, everywhere, Brodie. 



Orchelimum agile, De G-eer. This species is common in 

 the neighborhood of Montreal, and may be found in almost 

 every damp field where there are tufts of rank grass or 

 clumps of tall weeds. Concealed in one of these, the male 

 takes, his stand and trills his simple love song, which is 

 merely a weak wheezy trill, only audible for the distance of 

 a few feet. When shrilling, the insect slightly raises its 

 wing-covers, and shuffles them together with a shivering 

 motion. It sings in the bright sunshine, and it was by 

 observing the play of light on the wings while in motion 

 that I discovered the insect, as when sitting still it is almost 

 impossible to detect it, so effectively does its green dress 

 conceal it. Montreal, common, end of July to end of Sep- 

 tember, Caulfield ; Toronto, common ; Ontario, generally, to 

 north of Lake Superior, Brodie. 



Anabrus purpurascens, Uhl., is a large, thick-bodied insect, 

 of a dark purplish-brown color, mottled with yellow. The 

 wings are very small and quite useless for the purpose of 

 flight. A western species. West Butte, July 29th. In the 

 vicinity of Woody Mountain, between June 15 and July 

 7th, and in the neighborhood of the Souris Biver. Gr. M. 

 Dawson. 



We are now come to the typical family of the order, the 

 locusts. Acridid^e. In these insects the antennae are much 

 shorter and thicker than in the preceding families. The 

 wing-covers are generally long and narrow, and slope 

 downwards on the sides like a roof. The under wings are 

 broadly triangular, and when at rest are folded in plaits 

 like a fan. The hind legs are formed for leaping, being 

 stout and muscular. Instead of a long exserted ovipositor 

 like the crickets and grasshoppers, the female is provided 



