428 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



This variety is by no means very uncommon, but I have 

 never taken a specimen, and should much value it. 



Chelifer cancroides. — By this post I forward you a singular 

 little animal, which I found clinging to a common house-fly. 

 Whether it had fixed itself to the body or legs of the fly I 

 am unable to say, as it dropped off before I could notice. 

 Can you tell me its name, or any of its habits ? I never 

 recollect seeing it before. — Edward F. Bisshopp ; Berners 

 Street i Ipswich^ September 4, 1871. 



The little animal is Chelifer cancroides. 



Gall on the Poplar.— -The swelling on the leaf-stalk of the 

 poplar, sent me by Mr. E. A. Fitch, is caused by a plant- 

 louse, Aphis bursaria; if it is opened the interior will be 

 found to be nearly filled with these insects. These 

 monstrosities are very common just now. 



Argulus foliaceus. — The fish parasite, sent by Mr. Fitch, is 

 Argulus foliaceus, already figured at p. 851 of the 'Entomo- 

 logist.' Mr. Fitch has observed that gold-fish dash about to 

 avoid their attacks, and that when the Argulus has once 

 fixed itself they immediately sicken, and eventually 

 die. 



Gall in the Bramble. — Mr. Walker has seen the bramble- 

 gall, sent by Mr. E. A. Fitch ; and the insect which has 

 emerged he pronounces to be parasitic, and of the genus 

 Eurytoma. I am unable to give you the name of the gall- 

 maker, but hope to ascertain. 



Cocoon of Orgyia antiqua. — The mass of eggs, sent by 

 Mr. Wrench, is laid by the apterous female of Orgyia antiqua 

 (the vapourer moth), which, after leaving the chrysalis, crawls 

 on the outside of the cocoon, receives impregnation, and lays 

 its eggs in this regular manner. After which it perishes, 

 I believe, never leaving the exterior of the cocoon. 



Orgyia pudibunda. — On the 24th of May last I took a 

 female pudibunda : she deposited a large number of eggs, 

 which were good hatchers. On the ItJth of August they 

 spun up : and on the 26th of same month the perfect 

 insect made its appearance ; and since then about a 

 ddzen have come out. I don't know whether this is a 

 common occurrence ; but the books say the following May, 

 after spinning, is the time to expect it. — E. Earl ; New- 

 caslle, Stajf'ordfihire, September 25, 1871. 



