28 



no reference that would indicate its occurrence in destructive numbers. 

 It is introduced here as one of a group of insects whose importance will 

 I believe be more appreciated when their habits become better known. 



The Red-backed Leaf-Hopper. 

 (Diedrocepliala coccinea Forster.) 



So far as I have observed this is not an abundant species, and while 

 evidently common throughout the United States I know of no record 

 of its multiplying to numbers sufficient to make it destructive. I have 

 found it usually in the vicinity of timber or thickets, and while it prob- 

 ably subsists on grasses does not select the open meadows or pastures 

 but localities affording more moisture and shade. It is a handsome and 

 conspicuous species, the upper surface when wings are closed beiug 

 largely of a deep red color with dark blue or blue-green stripes. It was 

 described under the name of Cicada coccinea by Forster (J. E.), in 1781 

 (Novae. Spec. Insect., p. 96), and afterward by Say as Tettigonia quadri- 

 vittata. 



The Hieroglyphic Leaf-Hopper. 

 (Tettigonia hieroglyjrfiica Say.) 



This was quite an abundant species the past season, but the majority 

 of the specimens taken were found in the grasses of timber or among 

 the low herbage along ravines, grassy banks, etc. 



Professor Uhler says it " inhabits Texas, the foot-hills, and plains of 

 Colorado from August to October, and the Atlantic region throughout." 

 It is somewnat smaller than the mollipes, usually less than one-fourth of 

 an inch in length ; the head is rounded in front and marked with irregu- 

 lar black crescentic spots and bars. There is much variation in depth 

 of coloring and extent of marking so that it is difficult to give a brief 

 description that will be distinctive. While it was described in 1831 by 

 Say, it has not been so abundant or noted as sufficiently destructive to 

 get a place in the literature of economic entomology. Like many other 

 of the species of this family, however, it has beeu lumped off with 

 many of its relatives among the injurious leaf-hoppers, and hence 

 should not be regarded as hitherto unmentioned among injurious 

 species. 



The Four-pointed Agallia. 



(Agallia quadripunctata Prov.). 



This species appears to be common throughout most of the United 

 States, although I am not aware of its having been recorded as occur- 

 ring in great abundance at any place. It is, however, one of the species 

 which occurs in considerable numbers and does its share toward injur- 

 iug the vegetation of pastures and meadows. 



