96 
The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [April 
NATURAL-HISTORY NOTES. 
Rediscovery of Arctoneura (Cyrtoneura) hudsoni Marshall, by G. Y. 
Hudson, F.E.S., F.N.Z.Inst. 
In the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute for 1895 (vol. 28, p. 263) 
Dr. Marshall described and figured this handsome mycetophilid from a 
single specimen taken by me at Karori about the year 1884. At that time 
there was very much more native forest in this neighbourhood than at 
the present time, and the precise locality where this insect was found was 
completely cleared of trees more than twenty-five years ago. When I 
captured the original type I saw one or two others, and discussed the 
insect’s habits with the late Mr. A. P. Buller, who had also seen it. Both 
of us had observed its extreme agility. It appears invariably to rest on 
tree-trunks, and, when approached, rapidly runs round to the other side 
of the trunk before taking flight, thus eluding capture. With the excep¬ 
tion of what I believe to have been a brief sight of the insect on a tree- 
trunk at Kaeo, North Auckland, in January, 1913, I have not seen or 
heard of the species since the early “ eighties,” and I do not know what 
has become of the original type. 
On the 6th December, 1920, I was collecting at Wilton’s Bush, some 
four miles from the original locality, when I was delighted to rediscover 
this long-lost species. Holding my net under a tall tree-fern, I gave the 
stem a sharp kick, which brought a fine female specimen fairly into the 
bottom of the net. The day was cloudy and cool, and to this circumstance 
I attribute my success, as, had there been hot sunshine at the time, I feel 
sure the insect would have flown off, in place of falling into the net. 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
The Coast Mosquito of New Zealand (Opifex fuscus Hutton). 
Sir, —-After reading the review of the “ Report on Mosquito Investigation ” 
which appears on page 304 of the New Zealand Journal of Science and Tech¬ 
nology for January, 1921 (Reviews and Abstracts), also the remarks on 
page 23 of the report itself, I have very little doubt that the alleged new 
species of mosquito referred to therein, which spends its preparatory stages 
“ in brackish pools of water along the coast-line,” is none other than the 
well-known Opijex fuscus Hutton. This insect was familiar to me thirty- 
five years ago, and was described by Captain Hutton, from my specimens, 
in the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute , vol. 34, p. 188. Not 
having seen Mr. Miller’s specimens, or his figures and descriptions relating 
thereto, I am unable to positively confirm this identification, but, in view 
of the identity of habit and of location, it is certainly extremely desirable 
that Mr. Miller should either affirm my determination of the insect or else 
point out clearly and in detail in what respects his “ new species ” differs 
from 0 gif ex fuscus. G. Y. Hudson. 
By Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington. 
[ 1 , 800 / 2 / 21-2507 
