in which the insect undergoes its transformations, similar small holes, which in this case are made by a parasitic Hymenopterous insect.
Mr. W.C. Boyd exhibited a specimen of Pterophorus lætus, taken at Deal in June, 1869. He stated that the specimen agreed very closely with the continental P. lætus, as does another specimen taken at the same place by Mr. Purday in 1ST 7, but that it differed from the species taken in Norfolk by Lord Walsingham (two specimens of which were exhibited for comparison), which had been returned by Prof. Zeller as being "probably P. lætus."
The Secretary read a paper, communicated by the Rev. T.A. Marshall, "Notes on the Entomology of the Windward Islands," in which the author gave a list of the species which he had captured in Barhadoes, Martinique, and Antigua since June, 1877, together with remarks on habits, and descriptions of new species.
The Rev. H.S. Gorham communicated "Descriptions of new Species of Cleridæ, with Notes on the Genera and Corrections of Synonymy."
Dr. D. Sharp communicated a paper "On some Nitidulidæ from the Hawaiian Islands."
The Secretary read a paper, by Mr. J.P. Mansel Weale, entitled "Notes on South African Insects," and exhibited drawings made by the author in illustration. The paper related to insects found on Acacia horrida, and protected by resemblances to various parts of that tree; species resembling birds' excrements, and also some remarkable cases of mimicry of ants by spiders of the genus Salticus, were likewise referred to.
Mr. Wood-Mason exhibited and made remarks upon the insects referred to in the foregoing paper, and supplied the names of the Mantidæ and Phasmidæ. He also suggested that the resemblance of a Mantis to birddroppings might be of use to the insect for purely aggressive purposes, since Hies were known to be attracted by such droppings. In conclusion, Mr. Wood-Mason mentioned a case of mimicry of ants by spiders which he had observed in India.
Mr. Meldola stated, with reference to the imitation of ants by spiders mentioned by Mr. Mansel Weale, that in his belief the remarkably interesting cases made known in the present paper could be better explained as instances of aggressive mimicry by the spiders for the purpose of obtaining food. There is no reason to suppose that the ants are themselves free from persecution by insect foes; thus it would be no advantage to the spiders to resemble them for mere protection. It is stated that the ants visit the trees for the purpose of feeding on the sweet secretions, and that large numbers of flies are attracted with the same object. Now the ants are not predatory on the flies, and can thus mingle with the latter without causing alarm. The spiders by mimicking the ants would thus be enabled to obtain an abundant supply of food, and, not being actually a foe to the ants, would
