Fifty-six species were recognized among 6886 aphids identified in 312 collections taken from strawberry plantations in Nova Scotia, 1961–1966. Forty-nine species were classed as errants and seven were classed as colonizers on strawberry. The most numerous colonizers were Rhodobium porosum (Sanderson) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), averaging 71 and 18.5% respectively of all the aphids identified. The other colonizers were Aphis forbesi Weed (1.4%), Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach) (1.0%). Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (1.0%), Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell) (0.1%), C. minor (Forbes) (0.2%), and Chaetosiphon sp. (0.1%).

Colonizers, mostly R. porosum, were observed on strawberry plantations from the time winter cover was removed in the spring until late in November when a winter cover was applied. Alate viviparous females were first observed during the second week of June on both old and new plantations and were most numerous during a period extending from the third week m June until nearly the end of August. Nymphs were first seen on new plantations when the first alatae were observed. Apterous viviparae reached near-maximum numbers early in July and were present, sometimes in relatively high number, until nearly the end of September. Sexuales began to appear late in September, reached peak numbers early in November, and were still present when observations were discontinued late in November. No consistent difference was noted in the numbers of aphids alighting on or colonizing plants of three different commercial strawberry varieties (Sparkle, Catskill, and Robinson). The amount of colonization was markedly greater on the commercial varieties than it was on Fragaria vesca L. (EMC). The significance of the results in relation to the control of aphid-borne viruses is discussed.

G. cerea larvae feed upon the ovules and capsule of Pedicularis canadensis. Distribution of the fly coincides closely with its plant host. Adult flies are active in spring during the plant’s flowering period. Both sexes of flies are predaceous on small insects. Details of mating and oviposition behavior are elaborated. After feeding, larvae form puparia in the soil around roots of the host and undergo protracted diapause. All activities of the single generation per year are closely attuned to host plant’s cycle. Distribution of G. incisurata appears to closely follow that of its hosts. Larvae feed upon the flower parts of three species of Penstemon (hirsutus, digitalis, and calycosus). Duration of adult and larval activity periods along with behavior closely parallels G. cerea. In view of known host plant preferences in the Scatophaginae, it is suggested the way in which adaptation of Gimnomera to members of the Scrophulariaceae has been established is via the parasitic or hemiparasitic members of this plant family.

Chaitophorus canens new species described herein is a species with grey apterae that was found forming clones at the bases of willow trunks in Saskatchewan.

The ecology and evolution of the parasite (Nasonia vitripennis Walker) and host (Musca domestica L.) were investigated in a specially designed multicelled population cage which provided ample space–time structure to the environment for free parasite–host interactions. The population characteristics exhibited by a control or newly associated parasite–host system were compared with an experimental parasite–host system which already had evolved a degree of ecological homeostasis. Population fluctuations in the experimental parasite population were dampened compared with the control parasite population which fluctuated with great intensity; and in addition, the mean number of parasites in the experimental systems was significantly lower (about 1/4) than the mean number of parasites in the control system.

The larvae of 26 species of Aedes from Manitoba were reared at constant temperatures from a low of 10° or 15°C, to the upper lethal temperature. Various grades of adult intersexes occurred in 12 univoltine species. The lowest threshold temperature for intersex development was found in A. communis (19°C); the highest in A. fitchii (29°C). A constant rearing temperature of 30°C was lethal for all fully univoltine species from Manitoba. The zoogeographical significance of the distribution of species in North America is discussed with regard to their intersex threshold temperature.

The taxonomic status of Rhabdophaga sp. cannot be determined until a complete revision of the genus occurs. Rhabdophaga sp. on Salix discolor Mühl. is univoltine in Michigan. Adults emerge in mid-April, and shortly afterward deposit numerous eggs on the setaceous undersurface of emerging willow leaves; larval eclosion occurs between 1 and 2 weeks later. Head capsule measurements reveal three larval instars. The first-instar larva bores into the stem until it reaches the pith. Gall development begins about mid-June shortly after the second instar appears. The third-instar larva overwinters in the gall and the pupa appears in early April. The prolate gall is found on the proximal ends of young willow shoots; heavily galled shoots usually die.

Glyphina longiseta, a new alder-infesting aphid, is described from Nova Scotia and its affinities noted.

Dyschirius cerberus n. sp. from Kansas and D. colossus n. sp. from Texas are described and compared with other North American species of Dyschirius. Lindroth’s (1961) key to North American species is modified to include the two new species. The politus group is redefined and a new group, the criddlei group, is described.

The genus Decanematus is recorded for the first time in North America, and a new species D. dulichus is described. A key is provided for the three known species.

Hypothyce mixta, a new genus and species from eastern Texas is described and compared with the related genera Thyce LeConte, Plectrodes Horn, Dinacoma Casey, and Hypotrichia LeConte. A key to the genera of Melolonthini of America north of Mexico is included and the genus Hypotrichia is transferred from the Liparetrini to the Melolonthini.

Oligotrophus papyriferae Gagné is univoltine in Michigan. Adults emerge in mid-May and the females deposit small egg clusters on the underside of the leaf near the petiole of paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.). Larval eclosion occurs 1–2 weeks later; there are three instars. The larvae bore into and down the petiole and enter the stem or a bud attending the leaf base. Galls appear in early August. There are petiole-bud and petiole-stem galls, depending on which tissues are infested. Third-instar larvae vacate the galls in late September, work their way into the litter, and construct cocoons in which they overwinter. Pupation occurs the following May. Trees from 2 to 30 ft tall are attacked; lower branches are attacked the heaviest. Large galls kill buds, twigs, and entire branches. Small galls leave deeply indented branch scars and deformed limbs.

The known distribution, biology, and life cycle of the yellow-poplar leaf-mining weevil Odontopus calceatus (Say) are presented. Illustrations of mature larva, larval head capsule, and pupa, and the damage to the leaves of yellow poplar, are given.

An unusual infestation of the pill beetle, Cytilus alternatus Say, occurred in the Provincial Forest Nursery at Gogama in northern Ontario in 1967. Although Craighead (1950) mentions species of Byrrhus, a closely related genus, as pests in nurseries, no previous record of injury to seedlings by C. alternatus could be found. Two incidental collections of C. alternutus, however, had been made previously in Ontario when a few pupae were collected in the Chapleau Forest Nursery in 1965 and a single adult was taken on St. Joseph Island in 1954. Members of the family Byrrhidae derive their common name, pill beetles, from their oval shape and their ability to “retract” their appendages when disturbed.

The pine cone willow gall midge is univoltine in Michigan. Adults emerge from the galls on Salix eriocephala Michx. and other willows on warm days in late April or early May. Eggs are laid singly on the leaves and stems of the host. Head capsule measurements indicate three larval instars. The first-instar larva emerges in early May and penetrates the soft tissues at the base of the developing shoot tip. Shortly thereafter, the gall begins to develop and is about half grown by the time the second-instar larva appears in late May. The last-instar larva appears in July. Before overwintering, the larva constructs a cocoon which may or may not be closed at the top. Pupation occurs in early April. Numerous inquilines and parasites inhabit the developing and mature gall.

Pairs of adults of Trogoderma parabile Beal were held in glass vials and provided with one of seven types of oviposition sites. Among the types of oviposition sites tested, the highest mean egg production was recorded on cotton balls and the lowest in empty glass vials. Egg production was not increased by adding food to vials that contained cotton balls. A suitable oviposition site, which provided crevices for insertion of the ovipositor, was more important than food in stimulating egg production. Non-ovipositing females lived longer than productive females on the various oviposition media. Adults fed, but did not require food to lay eggs. Mated females laid practically the same number of eggs during the oviposition period whether or not males were present.

Agrotis obesula Smith is synonymous with the European Agrotis trux Hübner. Because of the fact that it was based on a "misidentified" type species, Agrotiphila Grote should be construed as a senior synonym of Agrotimorpha Barnes and Benjamin, and not of Orosagrotis Hampson.