21 



other third of the remainiDg Orders ; two of the latter were Lepidopterous, one a 

 Geometer, and the other he thought belonged to Zygaenidae. 



Mr. Bethune mentioned that he had found the larvae of the Colorado Potato Beetle 

 eating the leaves of the common Milk- weed, Asclepias. 



Mr. Barnard had also seen one of these larvae feeding on Milk-weed, but in this 

 instance the larva was lighter in colour than usual. Mr. Lintner remarked that it was 

 unfortunate that the Potato Beetle would feed in the larval state on quite a number of 

 different plants, and in the absence of vegetable food would sometimes feed on one 

 another. 



Mr. Saunders had observed this carnivorous propensity of the Potato Beetle larvae 

 on several occasions, and had seen the same among the Cut- worms, and in one or two 

 instances among larvae of the Lycaenidae. Mr. Scudder had also observed similar habits. 

 Prof. Comstock had noticed it especially in the Cotton- ball worm Heliothis armigera. 



Mr. Lintner invited Prof. Comstock to give some details in reference to the present 

 plans and operations connected with his department at Washington. Prof. Comstock 

 stated that he was endeavouring to work up a biological collection of insects on such 

 a scale and in such a manner as shall be a credit to the Government. He has a large 

 number of breeding cages, and an assistant who devotes his whole time to the rearing 

 and mounting of insects. Special attention has been paid this year to insects feeding on 

 clover, and the collection now contains over fifty species known to be destructive to this 

 valuable crop. Prof. Comstock asked the aid of all Entomologists and assured them 

 that any insects sent him would be well taken care of. 



Mr. Scudder urged that Entomologists should recognize the fact that it is of the 

 utmost importance that a collection as complete as possible should be formed in 

 Washington, and that it should assume a national character. 



Mr. Barnard asked for some information as to the method of arrangement adopted 

 in the collection referred to. Prof. Comstock stated that he arranged the insects in their 

 usual order and place ; with the insect, its usual food plant, and where it feeds on seve- 

 ral or many plants, a memorandum is placed with such specimen containing a list of 

 the plants ; by this method much duplication is avoided. 



Prof. Fernald was asked to give some explanations regarding his work on the Tor- 

 tricidae. He began the study of this group two years ago, commencing with those species 

 found in Maine, but soon found that he could do nothing satisfactorily without taking 

 in all those found throughout the United States and Canada. He has also found it ne- 

 cessary to study the European forms, and is now engaged in examining all these struc- 

 turally, with the view, if possible, of improving their classification, and earnestly desires 

 help from collectors in all parts of the country, especially in reference to the larvae of 

 the different species. He thinks that the character of the head, thoracic shield and anal 

 plate will probably be of most value in separating the species. 



Mr. Saunders reported that Papilio cresphontes had been found rather common both 

 in the larval and perfect state in several parts of Ontario this season. Dr. Morris said 

 that he had found Papilio ajax particularly local in its distribution, abounding in some 

 localities, but very scarce in others. 



Mr. Lintner stated that Pholisora catullm had not been found about Albany until 

 three years ago, when a single specimen was taken ; this year it is one of the commonest 

 species in and about the city ; its food plant is Mon a r da punctata. 



Rev. C. J. S. Bethune referred to the great abundance of Papilio philenor one sea- 

 son, many years ago in the neighborhood of Hamilton, Ontario ; since then he was not 

 aware that it had ever been found common in any part of Ontario. 



A question was asked by Mr. Grote as to whether any of the species of CueulUa 

 ever come to sugar. In reply, Dr. Bailey stated that he had captured three species of 

 Cucullia and ten 6pecies of Plvsia at sugar. Recently, when sugaring in a certain lo- 

 cality, he was surprised to find a large numberof Noctuids on decomposing animal mat- 

 ter, especially some partially decomposed deer hides. 



Mr. Grote reported having taken Audela acronyctoides ; one male was captured this 

 month at light. He thought that this was the first time it had been taken in New York 

 State. 



