24 Bulletin 1, Biological Society of Washington, 1918. 



INSECTS. 



The first general natural historian of the District of 

 Columbia — Warden — does not fail to pay some attention to 

 insects. In fact he published the first local list for the 

 region, it being th* following: 22 



"Of our collection of insects, there remain in a state of 

 preservation but five species of the genus Papilio, or butter- 

 fly, which, however, are the most common in this District. 

 Papilio cardui (Fabr.) 

 Papilio plexippus (Cram.) 

 Papilio polydamos (Cram.) 

 Papilio astinous (Cram.) 

 Papilio Tyrrhea (Fabr.)" 



None of these species are now considered to belong to the 

 genus Papilio. Evidently Warden had collected a number 

 of insects belonging to other groups, but like many entomolo- 

 gists of later times had his plans spoiled by mishaps to his 

 specimens. 



One of Warden's popular notes on insects is of interest, 

 but it should be explained that the first creature he names — 

 the wood-louse — is not really an insect. He says: "Two 

 insects abound in this place, and torment the lovers of 

 nature; the wood-louse (Acarus Americanus, L. — A species 

 of Zecca) (p. 167) and mosquito (Culex pipiens, L.). The 

 former nearly the size of a common louse, conceals itself 

 under the skin and clings closely to the flesh from which it 

 is not easily extricated. Its colour is reddish, which becomes 

 paler when the insect is satiated with blood. The bite 

 excites considerable inflammation, and, in the eye, or ear, 

 might be attended with dangerous consequences. The bite 

 of the mosquito also creates inflammation, and it annoys 

 the ear of the pensive or studious by its unpleasant buzz." 

 (p. 168.) 



Progressive movements depend upon individuals and sel- 

 dom is this aphorism better illustrated than in the history 

 of the study of Entomology in the District of Columbia. 

 With the exception of the above quoted Warden notes of 



81 Warden, D. B. A chorographical and statistical description of the 

 District of Columbia, Paris, 1816, p. 212. 



