528 
The Ohio Naturalist. 
[Vol. IX, No. 8, 
portation to a minimum. They have no wings, and so would 
not be apt to be caught by the wind and carried for long distances 
as many other insects are. 
Two factors may possibly enter into the distribution of 
members of the genus. A number of species of Entomobryidae 
have been found in bird’s nests, and it is quite possible for 
Lepidocyrtus to be transported from one locality to another on 
the material used for building the nests. Another means of 
dispersal is upon articles of commerce of various kinds, especially 
on any sort of goods that would afford them some moisture and 
a vegetable food supply. Probably the most important factor 
in this connection would be the shipment of logs and lumber 
products from one section of the country to another. 
In the genus Lepidocyrtus we have many examples of 
protective coloration. The iridescent scales reflect the general 
color of the natural surroundings to such an extent that the 
insect may be easily overlooked. If a specimen of L. pusillus 
just after molting chances to be on the surface of a dark piece of 
bark, or on a bit of earth, a very careful search is necessary to 
reveal it. If in older specimens, in which the bronze tint is 
more in evidence, the insect happens to be among dead leaves, it 
is equally well protected. 
It is certainly not a very difficult matter for Collembola to 
adapt themselves to their surroundings and food, requiring, as 
they do, such simple conditions for their existence that they can 
live almost anywhere provided they have the required amount 
of moisture. Still, as regards food habits, there is some degree 
of preference shown. Some of the Smynthuridae frequent moss, 
cucumber vines and toad stools; many other Collembola as 
Isotoma, Poduridae, and Aphoruridae, may be adapted to live 
on the surface of the water, while other species may be found in 
almost any locality furnishing decaying vegetable matter and 
moisture. Lepidocyrtus show no great specialization in food 
habits, although I have found L. pusillus and L. purpureus most 
abundant under loose bark, or bunches of dead leaves in dryer 
localities. On the other hand, some of the lighter colored species 
are found almost exclusively in loose, damp earth. 
At present, the center of dispersal of North American Lepi¬ 
docyrtus cannot be located, owing to the vast range of territory 
not yet studied. 
The chances for the distribution of the old world species in 
America are certainly small in comparison with those of other 
insects. It is more likely their habits than the absence of wings 
that so limits their possibilities of distributions. For this reason 
it is not surprising that the number of new species is constantly 
being added to as new territory is worked. 
