Title: The Ohio Naturalist, Vol. I, No. 7, May, 1901
Creator: Ohio State University. Biological Club
Release date: August 26, 2023 [eBook #71495]
Language: English
Original publication: Columbus, OH: The Biological Club of the Ohio State University
Credits: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Transcriber’s Note:
New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.
Volume I. | May, 1901 | Number 7 |
A journal devoted more especially to the natural history of Ohio. The official organ of The Biological Club of the Ohio State University. Published monthly during the academic year, from November to June (8 numbers). Price 50 cents per year, payable in advance. To foreign countries, 75 cents. Single copies 10 cents.
Variation in Syndesmon Thalictroides | 107 | |
W. A. Kellerman | ||
Description of New Species of Stratiomyidae with notes on others | 112 | |
J. S. Hine | ||
Ohio Batrachia in the Zoological Museum of the O. S. U. | 114 | |
Max Morse | ||
The Promethea Moth, Callosamia promethea | 116 | |
Herbert Osborn | ||
Meeting of the Biological Club | 117 | |
Jas. S. Hine, Sec. | ||
News and Notes | 118 |
Vol. I. | MAY, 1901 | No. 7 |
This charming spring flower called in popular language Rue-Anemone, indigenous to eastern North America, has been known from early times, and as in many other equally unfortunate cases has had imposed upon it by botanists a superfluity of scientific names. Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum, 1753, listed it as Anemone thalictroides; in 1803 Michaux called it Thalictrum anemonoides; it was rechristened as Syndesmon thalictroides in 1832 by Hoffmansegg; finally Spach in 1839 proposed the name Anemonella thalictroides. Botanists to-day consider our plant as more properly placed in Hoffmansegg’s genus Syndesmon, and for it the earliest specific name, applied by Linnaeus, is very properly retained; hence the correct designation in botanical language is Syndesmon thalictroides (L.) Hoffmg.
The extent of variation in this plant has been but partially noted heretofore. The tabulation given below indicates the results of observations made the latter part of April and the first of May this year in regard to the number of flowers and the variation in the involucral leaves. As to whether these are sessile as given in our Manuals, notes have appeared on previous pages of this Journal by Messrs. Burglehaus, Wetzstein and Schaffner, cf. pp. 72, 104 and 106.
Fig. 1. Diagrams showing arrangement of leaves and flowers.
The number of flowers is normally three and the involucral leaves two. A diagram showing their arrangement is given at A, Fig. 1. The two leaves are not always ternate; they may both be simple, diagrammatically shown at B. A further variation, shown 108in Fig. 1 C presents one simple and one compound leaf. At D greater complexity is indicated, there being in many plants besides the central flower three instead of only two axillary ones, and only one of the subtending leaves is compound. In the case shown at E two of the three involucral leaves are compound. As shown in F and G four leaves may contribute to form the involucre and each one subtend a flower; in some cases two of the leaves are compound, in others three or even all may be compound. Still other variations along this line occur, but space forbids a fuller enumeration.
It should be stated that although the pedicels and leaves as shown in the diagrams (Fig. 1) occupy but a small portion of the circle, as a matter of fact the leaflets are spread and so disposed as to occupy the entire area when viewed from above the plant, the leaflets being equidistant from each other, or contiguous but not overlapping, and therefore taking the most advantageous position so far as sunlight is concerned.
The very striking variation in regard to presence or absence of the petiole to the involucral leaves has been previously noted. An inspection of a very large number of specimens collected in the vicinity of Columbus and in Perry and Logan counties, as well as of specimens kindly sent for the purpose by Mr. F. H. Burglehaus, Prof. A. Wetzstein, and Supt. H. N. Mertz, shows that petiolate forms occur exclusively in some localities (Northwestern Ohio); in other places the sessile form only obtains (Eastern Ohio); and yet elsewhere both forms are about equally represented (Central Ohio). We can not regard the petiolate forms as in any real sense a variety (much less a distinct species)—since both sessile and petiolate leaves occur in countless cases on the same plant. But where the petiolate form occurs prevailingly or may be exclusively, it would be advantageous to designate the same; therefore I propose as follows:
Syndesmon thalictroides f. PETIOLATA nova forma. Involucral leaves prevailingly or exclusively with petioles 2–10 or even 25 or more millimeters in length; otherwise like the typical species. Toledo (F. H. Burglehaus), St. Marys (A. Wetzstein) and West Mansfield, occasionally at Columbus and Rendville.
Comparatively few monstrosities were observed. In one case only did merely one leaf and two flowers occur; often but one flower develops though two leaves occur as usual; in a few cases a single small leaf was seen on a pedicel. A more common teratological variation was the elongation of the axis at the usual point of insertion of the flowers and involucral leaves, often distantly separating the leaves with their axillary flowers; in one case the distance between the points of insertion of the leaves was nearly two inches. The sepals are occasionally excessively numerous.
A characteristic very prominent is the similarity of the several stems that come from the same root. If one presents the typical 109form of flowers and leaves almost without exception, the second (and third when present) do the same; if one varies in any respect rarely does the remainder fail to follow suit. This can be seen in the tabulation where two or more stems are indicated—both or all are given (except in Nos. 29, 30 and 49) as observed, in the successive serial numbers. Another instance of the persistency of an idiosyncracy, as we may call it, was observed in some Syndesmons taken from the woods by a gardener at Springfield, Ohio, over forty years ago. The flowers were bountifully double, and the plants have each year since faithfully presented the same striking peculiarity.
The tabulation that follows is based on specimens from Toledo (Lucas Co.), Nos. 1–30; from St. Marys (Auglaize Co.), Nos. 31–48; from Steubenville (Jefferson Co.), Nos. 49–65; from West Mansfield (Logan Co.), Nos. 66–76; from Rendville (Perry Co.), Nos. 77–88; and from Columbus, Nos. 89–100. The number of stems to each plant is given in the second column; then follow in order the number of flowers to each stem, the number of simple leaves with length of their petioles in millimeters, the number of compound leaves with length (also in millimeters) of their petioles and finally of their petiolules.
No. | 1 | Stems | 2 | Fls. | 4 | Simp. lvs. | 1 | Pet. | 8 | Comp. lvs. | 2 | Pet. | 14 | Petl. | 3–8 |
„ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 2–3 |
„ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 2–3 |
„ | 4 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 10 | „ | 2 | „ | 9 | „ | 3–7 |
„ | 5 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0–2 | |
„ | 6 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 6 | „ | 3–6 | |
„ | 7 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 13 | „ | 1 | „ | 15 | „ | 6–6 |
„ | 8 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 12 | „ | 2 | „ | 12 | „ | 3–7 |
„ | 9 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 2–3 |
„ | 10 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 11 | „ | 2 | „ | 12 | „ | 2–4 |
„ | 11 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 6–7 | „ | 2–4 | |
„ | 12 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 2–3 | „ | 1–2 | |
„ | 13 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 3 | „ | 6 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | ||
„ | 14 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 2 | „ | 6 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | ||
„ | 15 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 9 | „ | 2 | „ | 9 | „ | 2–5 |
„ | 16 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 8 | „ | 2 | „ | 7 | „ | 2–4 |
„ | 17 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 3 | „ | 1–2 | |
„ | 18 | „ | 2 | „ | 5 | „ | 1 | „ | 6 | „ | 3 | „ | 8 | „ | 2–5 |
„ | 19 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | ||
„ | 20 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 7 | „ | 2–4 | |
„ | 21 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 2 | „ | 4–5 | „ | 1 | „ | 5 | „ | 2–3 |
„ | 22 | „ | 3 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 9 | „ | 3–7 | |
„ | 23 | „ | 3 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 6 | „ | 2–3 | |
„ | 24 | „ | 3 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0–2 | |
110„ | 25 | „ | 1 | „ | 1 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 5 | „ | 2–3 |
„ | 26 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 5 | „ | 2 | „ | 7 | „ | 2–4 |
„ | 27 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 12 | „ | 2 | „ | 16 | „ | 3–8 |
„ | 28 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 7 | „ | 2–3 | |
„ | 29 | „ | 7 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 8 | „ | 2 | „ | 10 | „ | 3–6 |
„ | 30 | „ | 7 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 8 | „ | 3–6 | |
„ | 31 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 3–4 | „ | 1–2 | |
„ | 32 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 2–3 | „ | 1–2 | |
„ | 33 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | ½–2 |
„ | 34 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 4–5 | „ | 1–2 | |
„ | 35 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 5 | „ | 1–2 |
„ | 36 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | ½–2 |
„ | 37 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1–2 | |
„ | 38 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1–2 | |
„ | 39 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 6 | „ | 2–3 | |
„ | 40 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 2–3 | „ | 1–2 | |
„ | 41 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 |
„ | 42 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 1–1½ |
„ | 43 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 5 | „ | 1–2 | |
„ | 44 | „ | 3 | „ | 3 | „ | 2 | „ | 5 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | ||
„ | 45 | „ | 3 | „ | 3 | „ | 2 | „ | 6 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | ||
„ | 46 | „ | 3 | „ | 3 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | ||
„ | 47 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 |
„ | 48 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 2 | „ | 1 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | ||
„ | 49 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 12–15 | |
„ | 50 | „ | 5 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 22–28 | |
„ | 51 | „ | 5 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 6–10 | |
„ | 52 | „ | 5 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 3–6 | |
„ | 53 | „ | 5 | „ | 5 | „ | 2 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 1–1½ |
„ | 54 | „ | 5 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 1 | |
„ | 55 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 6–6 | |
„ | 56 | „ | 6 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 15 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 15–25 |
„ | 57 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 6–26 |
„ | 58 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 20–25 |
„ | 59 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 3–6 |
„ | 60 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 15–20 |
„ | 61 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 3–6 |
„ | 62 | „ | 3 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 4–8 | |
„ | 63 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 15–23 |
„ | 64 | „ | 3 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | 5–18 | |
„ | 65 | „ | 3 | „ | 5 | „ | 1 | „ | 0 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | 2–10 |
„ | 66 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 1 | „ | 2½ | „ | 1½–2 |
„ | 67 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | ||
„ | 68 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 1½ | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 2–3 |
„ | 69 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 3–5 | „ | 1–3 | |
„ | 70 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 1½–2 | „ | 2 |
111„ | 71 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 3–4 | „ | 2 |
„ | 72 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 1–2 |
„ | 73 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 4–5 | „ | 2–3 |
„ | 74 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 1–2 |
„ | 75 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 2–3 | |
„ | 76 | „ | 1 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 1 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | ||
„ | 77 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 5–12 | |
„ | 78 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0–2 | „ | 3–7 | |
„ | 79 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 2–3 | „ | 1–4 | |
„ | 80 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 1–3 | „ | 2–5 | |
„ | 81 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 5–6 | „ | 5–9 | |
„ | 82 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | |
„ | 83 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 0–6 | „ | 2–8 | |
„ | 84 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 2–3 | „ | 1–2 | |
„ | 85 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 15–18 | |
„ | 86 | „ | 2 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 2–5 | |
„ | 87 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 0–7 | „ | 0–6 | |
„ | 88 | „ | 2 | „ | 5 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | 2–4 | |
„ | 89 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 4–6 |
„ | 90 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 5 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 5–8 |
„ | 91 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 3–5 |
„ | 92 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 2 | „ | 0 | „ | 5–8 |
„ | 93 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 0–10 | „ | 8–28 | |
„ | 94 | „ | 1 | „ | 5 | „ | 1 | „ | 22 | „ | 3 | „ | 0–25 | „ | 4–23 |
„ | 95 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 0–15 | „ | 9–33 | |
„ | 96 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 3 | „ | 0–8 | „ | 6–25 | |
„ | 97 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | 2 | „ | 6–7 | „ | 2–4 | |
„ | 98 | „ | 1 | „ | 1 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 0 | „ | „ | ||
„ | 99 | „ | 2 | „ | 4 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 2 | „ | 5 | „ | 2–3 |
„ | 100 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 3 | „ | 1 | „ | 4 | „ | 1–2 |
Ohio Naturalist. Plate 9.
KELLERMAN ON SYNDESMON.
From the above tabulation it may be seen that of the plants selected at random for examination 51 per cent. of the stems have three flowers and 49 per cent. have four or more; 10 per cent. have simple involucral leaves only, 44 per cent. have both simple and compound, and 46 per cent. have only compound involucrate leaves. Of the total number, 88 per cent. have one or all of the involucrate leaves petiolate, and 12 per cent. have only sessile ones. Observations of others on this interesting little plant are solicited—especially should the Ohio botanists, amateurs and pupils furnish such notes for publication in the Ohio Naturalist.
Explanation of Plate 9.—Syndesmon thalictroides; the leaves, etc., were used as negatives and the photographs were reduced by the engraver to less than one-half the natural size. Figs. 1, 2 and 3 show leaves from the same plant; figs. 4, 5 and 6 are from one and the same plant; figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10 are parts of the same plant; figs. 11, 12 and 13, also 14, 15 and 16 are each of one plant respectively; figs. 17 to 23 inclusive illustrate leaf variation, specimens taken from different plants, except figs. 22 and 23 which are from one and the same plant.
In a collection of several species of Stratiomyidae from Ohio, and a number of western species, I find something which may be of interest to students of the family.
Specimens of Allognosta fuscitarsis, Say, show some degree of variation in the extent of the pale color on the disc of the abdomen. Some of the females have the abdomen nearly or wholly black. Specimens of A. obscuriventris, Loew, have the body entirely black; the legs are darker and the form is considerably smaller than fuscitarsis. Both species are common at Columbus during May.
A species of Ptecticus taken abundantly at Cincinnati by Chas. Dury agrees so well with Say’s Sargus trivittatus that I cannot convince myself that it is anything else. Specimens when first taken agree more closely with Say’s description than the same specimens do after they have been in the cabinet awhile and have become dry. The green color that Say mentions is present in some while others are yellowish or brownish. The broad, dusky band that Say described as appearing on the basal part of each abdominal segment beyond the second is conspicuous, being of greatest extent on the fifth and sixth.
Female, length 9mm. Head yellow; vertex, a wide stripe from vertex to mouth, widened at antennae and spreading out on the cheeks in the region of the mouth, antennae and occiput, black; eyes hairy. Thorax shining; apical two-thirds of scutellum including the spines, an irregular spot each side between the scutellum and base of the wing, four longitudinal lines abbreviated behind, a triangular spot before the base of the wing, and two spots beneath it, bright yellow. There is also a minute yellow spot on each side of the thorax posterior to the lower corner of the eye, the yellow markings on the disc of the thorax extend for one-fifth of their length behind the transverse suture, while those on the sides extend from the humerus to the transverse suture. The femora except at base and apex are black, and the last three tarsal joints are brown, remaining parts of the legs are yellow; wings hyaline, veins dull yellow, halteres bright yellow. Abdomen black; a spot under the scutellum, a spot each side on the lateral part of the second segment, 113an elongate oblique band nearly meeting its fellow of the opposite side of each of the third and fourth segments, and apex, yellow. On the venter the hind margins of the third and fourth segments are yellow for their entire width, nearly the whole of the middle part of the second segment and a narrow band on the posterior margin of the first segment are also yellow. The lateral margins of the segments of the abdomen are black between the yellow markings, and there is no connection between the yellow markings on the abdomen.
A female specimen taken by E. J. Oslar at Boulder, Colorado, August 19, 1899.
In many respects this species agrees with Osten Sacken’s decem-maculatus, but it cannot be that species as the markings are very different. Aside from the hairy eyes it appears to belong to Euparyphus. The third joint of the antennae is composed of six rings with the last ring the longest. The fifth posterior cell meets the discal and its general form agrees very closely with bellus and tetraspilus.
Fig. 1.
Head conically produced. Front in the female noticeably wider than the eye, in the male about half as wide as in the female. Antennae three-jointed, first and second joints about equal in length, third much longer than the other two together and composed of six rings. Posterior orbits wide in both sexes, but widest in the female, scutellum without spines, four posterior veins arising from the discal cell, abdomen short and broad, nearly circular in outline.
Named for Akron, Ohio, in which vicinity I have procured many rare species.
Length 4–4½ mm. Dull black, sparsely clothed with very short, light-colored hair; eyes widely separated in both sexes, naked; antennae entirely in front of the eyes; front produced more in the female than in the male, posterior orbits present in both sexes, widest in the female; thorax nearly equally four-sided, scutellum without spines, wings hyaline, veins bounding costal, basal, marginal, and 114first and second sub-marginal cells heavy and dark colored; discal cell rather small emitting four posterior veins; legs black, knees and tarsi lighter colored than the other parts; abdomen short and wide. Five males and four females taken at Hawkins, near Akron, Ohio, May 21, 1899.
This is so distinct from species of Nemotelus in general appearance, and structure of the head, especially in the male, that it seems best to make it the type of a new genus.
This is a common species in southern Ohio. Specimens may be found resting on the upper side of leaves and are easily approached. In the female the white fronted line which Loew mentions is very conspicuous and extends from one eye to the other above the antennae. In some specimens the white lateral, thoracic lines are very easily seen, but in others these lines are brownish. The male has much the appearance of the female, the eyes are broadly contiguous, leaving a small vertical triangle which is largely occupied by the ocelli; the lateral thoracic lines in this sex are dark brown and therefore are not such a contrast to the bright green thorax as in the female.
I had some trouble in locating the genus of this species by Dr. Williston’s key. The species is not elongate, but of much the same form as Microcrysa polita. A comparison was made with the type.
Necturus maculatus Rafin. University Lake, Olentangy River, and Lake Erie. Near Sandusky, on both the Lake and Bay shore, decaying specimens of the mud-puppy, mostly young, were found in numbers in 1900. Almost all were covered with a fungus—probably Saprolegnia.
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis (Daudin.) Columbus.
Amblystoma opacum (Gravenh). Portsmouth and Sugar Grove.
Amblystoma tigrinum (Green). Columbus. This salamander appears early in the Spring and is often found in small pools. Individuals are taken nearly every Autumn in the basement of the Biological Hall while they are seeking shelter. A specimen taken thus had many characteristics in common with xiphias Cope and it is doubtful how valid xiphias is, as a species.
115Amblystoma microstomum (Cope). Columbus and New London.
Plethodon cinereus cinereus (Green). Sugar Grove.
Plethodon cinereus erythronotus (Green). Sugar Grove, Columbus, and Worthington. In the early part of the year this is the commonest salamander in the ravines in Franklin County. It is found generally away from water, under loose debris two or more rods from the stream.
Plethodon glutinosus (Green). Sugar Grove. This salamander is found in such localities as were mentioned for P. c. erythronotus.
Gyrinophilus porphyriticus (Green). Sugar Grove.
Spelerpes bilineatus (Green). Sugar Grove. Habits apparently aquatic.
Spelerpes longicauda (Green). Sugar Grove. This salamander is abundant in this region where it may be found in May under stones at the edge of the water together with its eggs; the eggs are attached to the under side of a hollow stone. Some individuals were found in May, 1900, away from water.
Spelerpes ruber (Daudin). Fairfield County.
Desmognathus fusca (Rafin). Sugar Grove and Perry Co. Aquatic in habits.
Diemictylus viridescens miniatus (Rafin). Sugar Grove.
Bufo lentiginosus (Shaw). Columbus and Knox County. This is the common toad of Central Ohio.
Bufo lentiginosus americanus LeConte. A specimen from the sand dunes of Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio.
Acris gryllus crepitans Baird. Knox County, Central College and Columbus. The common cricket-frog of Central Ohio is this subspecies. The young resemble the species gryllus LeConte in having the under surface of the thigh reticulated and blotched.
Chorophilus triseriatus (Wied.). Sugar Grove.
Hyla versicolor LeConte. Knox County and Columbus.
Hyla pickeringii Storer. Sugar Grove.
Rana virescens Kalm. Sugar Grove and Columbus.
Rana palustris LeConte. Sugar Grove.
Rana sylvatica LeConte. Knox County and Sugar Grove.
Rana clamata Daudin. Columbus.
Rana catesbiana Shaw. Columbus.
Summary for Batrachia.—Families 8, Genera 12, Species 25.
This beautiful moth is one of the rather common species belonging to the group of silkmaking Lepidoptera. The moths appear in May or June. The female is light rusty brown and drab with a darker area across the middle of the wings, while the males are much darker, nearly black, and differ further from the females in the shape of the wings and markings as shown in the figures.
Fig. 1. Callosamia promethea, female. (H. O. ad. nat. 1880.)
The eggs are laid in early summer almost immediately after pairing, and hatch in course of a few days, the larvae growing through the summer. The cocoons are hung to twigs of trees by a silken cord, and quite often a leaf is utilized as the outer covering within which the elongate oval cocoon is built. In any case the cocoon bears resemblance to a withered curled leaf hanging by its petiole. In this manner cocoons hang upon the trees through the winter.
They are found most commonly on wild cherry, this being apparently the favorite food plant of the larva. They feed however on a large number of common trees and shrubs.
Fig. 2. Callosamia promethea, male. (H. O. ad. nat. 1880.)
The figures of the moth, male and female, were drawn twenty one years ago, and having now come of age they may perhaps be trusted to make their first public appearance.
The Biological Club met in Zoological lecture room on the evening of April 1, 1901. Professor Osborn presided.
Professor Schaffner reviewed a paper entitled Zur Kenntniss der Zelltheilung bei Myriopoden, published in Archiv fur Mikroskopische Anatomie.
Dr. Morrey spoke on the subject, “Two years in Europe as a Student.” Most of the time was spent at the University of Vienna, although the University at Zurich and the Pasteur Institute at Paris were each attended for a short term.
The University of Vienna ranks among the first in the advantages offered to medical students. The hospitals of the city are noteworthy on account of the large number of cases and the great variety of diseases treated. The numerous holidays observed in Vienna seriously interrupt college work. Hardly a week passes in which there is not one or more holidays on which work is wholly suspended.
The speaker placed on the exhibition table a fine series of photographs procured during his stay abroad. These furnished a treat for those present after the regular program was completed.
The Summer Field Meeting of the Ohio State Academy of Science will be held at Wooster, Ohio, on Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June 1, 1901, under the auspices of the University of Wooster, the Ohio Experiment Station and the Wooster Field Naturalist’s Club. The plan includes Friday about the small lakes southwest of Wooster, and an evening meeting in Wooster; Saturday morning at the Experiment Station, to be followed by an excursion to North Lawrence with its mines and Fox Lake with its tamarack bog.
Prof. Charles S. Prosser in an article in the Am. Jour. of Sci. 11:191–199, 1901, discusses the names applied to the formations of the Ohio Coal measures. The following names are proposed.
Present Names. | Proposed Names. |
---|---|
Upper Barren Coal Measures | Dunkard formation |
Upper Productive Coal Measures | Monongahela formation |
Lower Barren Coal Measures | Conemaugh formation |
Lower Productive Coal Measures | Allegheny formation |
The Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus L.) is one of our interesting spring plants and will repay careful study. The leaves of the stem in most individuals have a decided polarity and for the most part are twisted so as to stand in a single plane. In this respect the plant is as striking as any of the so-called compass plants, although the plane in which the leaves lie may be in any direction. Another interesting adaptation is the drooping of the top of the young plant. The entire inflorescence nods at first and finally the individual heads, but one by one these assume the upright position as the flowers begin to open.
Winter Adaptation of Opuntia.—The Ohio species of cactus, Opuntia humifusa Raf., has an interesting habit which seems to be a protective measure against cold. At the approach of Winter the flattened stems lose their upright position and press themselves closely to the surface of the ground.
The stems lose considerable of their moisture at the same time, becoming wrinkled but not at all flaccid. By the end of April they are again upright and distended.
Superior facilities for education in Applied Science. Short or special courses for mature students not candidates for degrees.
A neat pamphlet for every one who wishes to learn our native forest trees. Keys simple. Description plain. Can learn the names of the trees easily.
Price reduced from 25 cents to | 10 cents. |
Also, The Fourth State Catalogue of Ohio Plants.
Bound copies at cost of binding, namely | 20 cents. |
Gives list of scientific and common names; distribution by counties.
Teachers and others will also be interested in Prof. Kellerman’s Phyto-theca or Herbarium Portfolio, Practical Studies in Elementary Botany, Elementary Botany with Spring Flora, all published by Eldredge & Bro., Philadelphia, to whom apply.
For information or copies of Forest Trees and Catalogue or names of plant specimens of your region address
The Twentieth Century Text Books of Biology.
PLANT RELATIONS, 12mo, cloth | $1.10 |
PLANT STRUCTURES, 12mo, cloth | 1.20 |
PLANT STUDIES, 12mo, cloth | 1.20 |
PLANTS, 12mo, cloth | 1.80 |
ANALYTICAL KEY TO PLANTS, 12mo, flexible cloth | .75 |
They are already the preferred texts, and the reasons will be apparent on examination.
By DAVID S. JORDAN, M. S., M. D., Ph. D., LL. D., President of the Leland Stanford Junior University, and VERNON L. KELLOGG, M. S., Professor in Leland Stanford Junior University. 12mo. Cloth, $1.20. Now ready.
Not a book for learning the classification, anatomy, and nomenclature of animals, but to show how animals reached their present development, the effects of environment, their place in Nature, their relations to one another and to the human race. Designed for one-half year’s work in high schools. Send for sample pages.
By DAVID S. JORDAN. M. S., M. D., Ph. D., LL. D., and HAROLD HEATH, Ph. D., Professor in Leland Stanford Junior University. Ready in February, 1901.
In Astronomy, Dr. Simon Newcomb’s new book, published October, 1900; in Physics, the Johns Hopkins text of Professors Rowland and Ames; also in Physics for second and third year high school work, the text of Dr. Hoadley, of Swarthmore; in Physiology, the text by Drs. Macy and Norris, based on the Nervous System; also the High School Physiology indorsed by the W. C. T. U., written by Drs. Hewes, of Harvard University; in Geology, the Revised “Compend” of Dr. Le Conte, and the two standard works of Dana,—The Manual for University Work, and the New Text Book, revision and rewriting of Dr. Rice, for fourth year high school work; in Chemistry, the approved Storer and Lindsay, recommended for secondary schools by the leading colleges; in Zoology, the Laboratory Manual of Dr. Needham, of Cornell; and the series “Scientific Memoirs” edited by Dr. Ames, of Johns Hopkins. Nine volumes ready.