Davis: NATURAL History RECORDS 71 
Mr. Edward J. Burns recorded the following horseflies as addi- 
tions to the Tabanidae of Staten Island, N. Y., published in these 
PROCEEDINGS for 1917: Chrysops moechus O. S., Richmond, July 
12, 1919. Tabanus sulcifrons Macq., Watchogue, Aug. 19, 1917, 
and July 27, 1919; one specimen collected at Richmond July 13, 
1919 (Miss Campbell). Tabanus bicolor Wied., Watchogue, June 
29, 1919. Tabanus superjumentarius Whitney, Richmond, July 
13, 1919. Merycomyia whitneyi Johnson. A specimen in the 
museum of the Staten Island Inst. labeled “Clove Valley, Staten 
lisilasacl, IN, Wo, C. Ib) IRolllenrel, Collector ” is the only record for the 
island of this handsome fly. 
Mr. Wm. T. Davis recorded a specimen of the little brown 
snake, Storeria dekays Holbrook, found dead on the sidewalk, St. 
Pauls Avenue, Oct. 11, 1919; also the southern armyworm moth, 
Aletia argillacea Hbn., found on the island Oct. 12, 1919. The 
great abundance of this moth on the island in some past years was 
spoken of. Mr. Davis reported having seen the wasp Vespa dia- 
bolica Sauss. carrying off bits of cooked lobster on Ocean Terrace 
road, Staten Island. The pieces were about 3 mm. in diameter. 
Discussion followed, in which it was pointed out that certain 
species of Vespa, such as diabolica, have a decided preference for 
carrion, while others, such as V. crabro, prefer decayed fruit, and 
V. maculata spends much of its time in catching flies. 
Dr. Joseph Bequaert told some of his collecting experiences in 
Africa and described some interesting methods of capturing Dip- 
tera, which could be well applied on Staten Island. One of the 
most profitable methods was to station a man beside the nests of a 
fly-catching Bembex wasp, and to rob the wasps as they returned 
with their prey. After taking the fly away from the wasp she was 
released and would return for more. MHorseflies have the habit of 
entering a tent or covered automobile and resting on the sides and 
top, where they are easily bottled. The desirability of collecting 
in the vicinity of excrement was emphasized, since many insects 
will be found there that are rare elsewhere. ‘This is just as true 
