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NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



complete. The enlarged forceps-like appendages of the male Panorpa 

 has led to the popular name of Scorpion-fly for members of this genus 

 (Pis. iii, iv, fig. 12), and it appears that some authors include the genus 

 Bittac AS under the term " scorpion- flies," though the male appendages 

 have no likeness to those of a scorpion. This is due, most probably, 

 to the lack of a more appropriate common name. Up till 1863 almost 

 nothing was known concerning the life-history of these insects, but, 

 thanks to the most excellent work of Brauer,* the student of the order 

 need no longer labor in the dark. I have failed to find any important 

 contribution to our knowledge of the habits of these insects since his 

 time, and nothing in this line appears to have been done upon the 

 American species. 



The breeding and field observations upon which this paper is based 

 were carried on under the direction of the Entomological Department 

 of Cornell University. 



Panorpa rufescens Ramb. 



This was the most common species of Panorpa in the vicinity of 

 Ithaca, N. Y., during the summer of 1895. In 1894 P. maculosa Hagen 

 was extremely abundant in the ravines along the shores of Lake 

 Canandaigua, N. Y. These species resemble each other so closely 

 that in the working out of the life-history of one it is quite likely 

 that we have obtained a very good idea of that of the other. They 

 are found in moist woods during July and August, especially along 

 streams and where nettles abound. The markings upon the wings in 

 both species vary considerably not only in extent but also in depth of 

 color, and there is some variation in the smaller veins. The scorpion- 

 flies seem to be no favorites with collectors. This may be due to an 

 indefinable, uncanny appearance, which leads the entomologist to 

 look for more agreeable specimens; or it may be due to the unprepos- 

 sessing qualities of the mounted insect — it shrivels so badly that it 

 cannot be made to look nicely. Though quite common, these insects 

 are rarely listed. 



Appearance and General Habits. 

 The perfect insect may be seen resting upon a leaf eyeing the 

 intruder critically or else flitting to a safer position. The elevated 

 fore part of the body, the gracefully curved, erect antenna and the 

 large eyes, together with the long beak (PI. iv, figs. 4, 5), give this 

 insect a wary look. Though apparently watchful, they are easily taken 

 in a net. When held in the hand, they show their indignation by 



* In Verhandl. der k. k. zool. bot. Gesellschaft, xiii, 1863, p. 310, Taf. 13, 14. 



