FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 507 



in the sub-imago stage for more than 48 hours and in every case underwent the final 

 molt the second day after emergence from the larval skin. 



Ephemerella excrucians Walsh. Very few imagos of this interesting species were 

 obtained, notwithstanding the nymphs were common in Little Clear Creek and even 

 in the hatchery troughs during the month of July. Specimens were taken at the 

 trap lantern and from the hatchery windows. 



Caenis diniimita Walker. This dumpy little nocturnal species was taken abun- 

 dantly in the trap lantern hanging on the side of the boathouse at the outlet of Lit- 

 tle Clear Pond, 15 to 50 specimens being captured in a single lantern each evening 

 from the 14th to the i8th of July. The n3nnphs are common among the trash on 

 the bottom of all quiet waters. Their inconspicuous coloration and trashy covering 

 protect them well. They cling closely to bark, etc., and will allow themselves to be 

 lifted from the water without stirring. 



Hexagenia variabilis Eaton. This species was much less numerous than the others 

 previously mentioned. It was found only along Little Clear Creek. An occasional 

 sub-imago was seen in early morning flying weakly to some neighboring tree. A 

 single specimen was taken on the outside of a trap lantern in the morning twilight, 

 and a few were picked from the sides of the hatchery building where they were con- 

 spicuous on account of their size. The nymphs were easily obtained throughout the 

 season from the bottom of the creek with a seine. This species does not have a 

 limited period of emergence, as appears to be the case with the H. bilineata. 

 Nymphs taken incidentally while collecting were reared at various times from June 

 26 to August I. They were associated in the creek with Ephemera varia, noted 

 below, but were much less numerous. In breeding cages the sub-imago emerged one 

 night and transformed to the imago the night following. 



Ephemera varia Eaton. This dainty New England species, plate 2, figures 3 and 

 4, was caught about Little Clear Creek associated with the preceding form with 

 which it agrees quite closely in habits. Imagos were often seen sitting lightly on 

 the bushes near the banks of the creek, and nymphs, plate 2, figures I and 2, were 

 abundant in its bed until the ist of August. 



Dragon Flies. 



{Odonata) 



The dragon flies, or Odonata, are among the most important predatory aquatic 

 insects, and where they are at all abundant, as Avas found to be the case at Saranac 

 Inn, they must undoubtedly exercise a considerable influence upon the fauna. 



