90 



John Henry Comstock 



dated. But it is shown most markedly in the structure of the 

 frenulum as already pointed out. 



The explanation of this comparative lack of specialization 

 of the wings in females is to be found largely, I believe, in 

 the fact that the males seek their mates, while the females 

 await the approach of the males. Many instances are well 

 known (Orgyia, Aiiisopteryx, et al.) where the females 

 have lost their wings through disuse while the males retain 

 well developed wings. The only instance that I can call to 

 mind where the reverse has occurred, is the case oi Blastopha- 

 ga. Here the male has no need of wings, as he finds his 

 mate in the cavity of the fig in which he has been developed ; 

 while the female must fly elsewhere to deposit her eggs in a 

 suitable place. 



The great difference in the habits of flight of the two sexes 

 in many moths is well illustrated by the results of a series 

 of experiments with trap lanterns which I conducted several 

 years ago. Six lanterns were kept burning from spring to 

 fall, and each day's catch was kept separate. The results 

 have been partially tabulated by Mr. Slingerland, and I ex- 

 tract the following table from his report.* 



Table Showing the Number of Specimens of Each Sex of 

 TWO Species of Feltia, Captured with Trap Lanterns at 

 CoRNELi, University in 1889. 



* Canadian Entomologist, Vol. XXV, Si. 



