308 



flowers and sections of one of the leaves of the Yucca, Trliich, from this 

 material, appears to be, without much doubt, Yucca guatemalensis. 

 The moths were found abundantly in the flowers, but unfortunately 

 reached me in rather dilapidated condition. The species is of the same 

 general size as Frodoxus reticulatus, and with a somewhat similar, but 

 more varied and less distinct maculation. It is, however, a much 

 darker species. I would simply characterize the species here by com- 

 parison with reticulatiis, with a view of adding one more link in our 

 knowledge of the Prodoxids associated with the different species of 

 Yucca. 



In size and general appearance most nearly related to P. reticulatus, the general 

 color, however, more sordid, the lighter shades inclining to pale fulvous, with a 

 slightly golden sheen. Primaries more acuminate at apex, and marked with black 

 scales, taking on, in a very general and indefinite way, the pattern of those of reticu- 

 latiis. Secondaries also more acuminate at tip, and blacker. Fringes of all wings 

 black. Under surfaces fuliginous, with the faintest trace of pale marks on the costa 

 of primaries. Anal claspers of male short, recurved upward, with a rather angular 

 l^roduction on the inferior margin, and with three minute, but distinct, black teeth. 

 There i3 also a similar black tooth on the inner margin near the tip. Ovipositor of 

 female similar to that of reticulatus. 



Some of the darker specimens present an almost black appearance, the black 

 marks inclosing narrowed, luteous spaces, which appear like so many spots. 



Described from 20 males and 5 females, none of them in perfect condition. 



CONCLUSIONS. 



The additional facts which I have thus presented upon this subject 

 of Yucca insects and Yucca pollination serve to confirm the generaliza- 

 tions which I have already indulged in. So far as variation is con- 

 cerned they add still further links to the chain of alliances between the 

 different forms of this interesting family, Prodoxid<ie. The black form 

 of Pronuha maculata presents us with the question of varietal or spe- 

 cific value that has arisen with the plant itself upon which it occurs, 

 so far as regards the variety graminifolla of Yucca wliippJci. Most 

 specialists would be inclined, without any intermediate si^ecimens, 

 to characterize this black form as a distinct species, especially as it 

 is dissociated from the other more typical forms and confined to one 

 l^articular variety of Yucca. Yet in every other character but color it 

 agrees precisely with the typical maculata, and I am strengthened 

 in mj^ view of considering it a mere variety by the well-known varia- 

 tion in the maculation of the typical species. It is a form that is differ- 

 entiated as to color without having yet acquired any essential structural 

 differences, though it may have lost the power to intercross with the 

 typical form. Here, also, the color must be looked upon as of secondary 

 importance to the species, and more or less fortuitous, as it is difficult 

 to see what advantage the purely black has over the maculate form, 

 especially in an insect essentially diurnal. 



So it is ill the variation of the banded species of Prodoxus. Some of 



