85 



Pupa. — From the variability in color of the larva we would expect a 

 similar variation in the pupa. As with the larva there are two preva- 

 lent ground tints; in one, rose is the prevailing color; in the other, 

 somewhat greenish orange. Probably these colors represent the simi- 

 lar colors in the larva, rose corresponding to red and orange to olive 

 and green. Aside from color the pupa of this species closely resembles 

 that of D. xanthomelcena. The pink or rose-colored form of the pupa 

 has pearly antenna, elytra, and legs, while the orange type has orange- 

 yellow as the color of the same parts. Length, 6-6.5 mm. ; width, 

 3-3.2 mm. 



COTTON FIELD INSECTS. 



An esteemed correspondent, Hon. J. D. Mitchell, of Victoria, Tex., on 

 October 1, 1897, set out three trap lanterns in a cotton field near Victoria 

 for one night and sent us the insects so captured. The object of the 

 experiment was to see whether the Mexican cotton-boll weevil (AntJio- 

 nomus grand is), which was injurious in the vicinity, could be captured 

 in this way. The results of the catch are interesting and worthy of 

 record, but it must be premised that not a single specimen of Antho- 

 nomus grandis was found in the material received. 



In all, the catch contained 24,492 specimens, representing approxi- 

 mately 328 species, divided according to groups as follows: 



Group. 



Lepidoptera . 

 Hemiptera. .. 

 Coleoptera... 

 Xeuroptera . . 



Diptera 



Hymenoptera 

 Ortkoptera . . 



Total. . 

 Spiders 



Divided according to habits, whether injurious or beneficial, the 

 result was: Injurious species, 13,113 specimens; beneficial species, 

 8,262 specimens; of a negative character, 3,117. 



The condition of the material was very poor, since the insects were 

 caught in kerosene oil, and it was difficult, therefore, to determine with 

 accuracy many of the species. 



In the Coleoptera the occurrence of Balaninus obtusus in great num- 

 bers (1,129 individuals) strikes us as very unusual. Over a large part 

 of southern Texas this acorn weevil was very abundant during Sep- 

 tember. It was frequently attracted to light, and was generally mis- 

 taken in Texas for the cotton-boll weevil. The cause for its remarkable 

 abundance can not be surmised. 



Most of the moths, as might be expected, were not in condition for 

 specific determination; two forms, however, were readily recognized 



