REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 1901 759 
It will be seen that June of 1899-1901 was distinctly warmer 
than in the two preceding years, and, while no other months 
show as marked difference in mean temperatures, even this 
means a considerable increase in warmth for the _ sea- 
son when accompanied by no corresponding decrease in other 
months. It is also worthy of notice in this connection that 
July 1901 was exceptionally warm, as compared with preceding 
years, 
Cicada killer, Sphecius speciosus Drury. This hand- 
some, black, yellow marked wasp has been relatively quite 
abundant about Albany the last summer. A few specimens were 
taken in the city and at Karner, 7 miles west, it was abundant 
about scrub oaks, where it appeared to be feeding on the sap 
Fia. 28 Cieada killer (original) 
exuding from some of the buds. This insect has previously not 
been recorded so far north, not being known to occur in the 
Hudson river valley above the vicinity of Poughkeepsie. Its 
presence and abundance are probably due largely to the more 
than normal warmth of the last year or two. 
Giant swallowtail or orange dog, Heraclides ecres- 
phontes Cram. The larvae of this giant butterfly were 
unusually abundant last summer. They were sent to the office 
from Athens, Greene co., Selkirk and Albany, Albany co., 
Schoharie, Schoharie co., Albion, Orleans co., and Batavia, Gene- 
see co. The report from Batavia states that this insect is some- 
thing entirely new to that locality. The caterpillars must have 
been quite abundant at Schoharie, as about 200 were taken from 
