OF WASHINGTON. 173 small an insect as the Rhinocola, in which the spines were micro scopic, there could be no protective resemblance to plants. Dr. Gill said that the distribution of spines upon an insect would affect the play of the light and thus enable it to assimilate with its surroundings. Mr. Marlatt was of the opinion that these spines would prove to be of secondaiy sexual value and that their occurrence is not due to protective resemblance. Mr. Benton exhibited specimens of Apisjaponica which had been sent to the U. S. Department of Agriculture by Professor Matsumuri, of Japan, and pointed out the differences between this species and Apis mellifica. He thought that its greater pubescence would make it a better pollenizer and that it would prove to be an active and energetic worker, so that possibly it might be well to introduce it into North America. Mr. Banks exhibited four rare species of Caddis flies, namely, Neuronia pardalis Walk., Neuronia dossuaria Say, Halesus argus Harris, and Neophylax concinnus McLach. He pointed out the resemblance of the second species to a scor pion fly and thought that this might be a case of protective mimicry. He further spoke upon the interest attaching to the Trichoptera through their close relationship with the Lepidop-tera, which has recently been established. The following paper was presented : -f THREE NEW SPECIES OF CHRYSOPID/E. By NATHAN BANKS. The lace-wing flies of the northeastern United States are proba bly mostly described, but those of the South and West have been little studied and doubtless will furnish many new species. The group is of much interest on account of its curious habits and life-history, and is also of considerable economic importance owing to the predaceous habits of the larvae. Chrysopa. oculata has occupied in economic respects a place similar to that of Lachnosterna fusca. And just as the later studies of the May-beetles revealed many forms, so also the study of our golden-eyed or lace-wing flies will show that there are other species of nearly as much value as Ch. oculata. The species of Chrysopa are exceedingly difficult to separate ; the venation being remarkably constant in the various species, and other structural characters are of little avail.
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