The larvae of the genus Zale, unlike typical phalaenid larvae, are long and slender, and taper anteriorly and posterioriy. The anterior pairs of abdominal prolegs are reduced in size, and the anal prolegs are usually extended behind the body. The species are closely related to those of the genus Cntocala, with which they should not be confused.

The nomenclature of the conifer-feeding species is that used by McDunnough (1943) in his revision of the obliqua-metatata group, and the species lineosa (Walker) is the species to which Morrison's names galbanata and penna are referable (Franklemont, 1950).

It is well known that no living organism can continue to multiply indefinitely. Sooner or later environmental factors combine to slow down the rate of increase and eventually bring it to a halt. This is the phenomenon we call “natural control”. Among the environmental factors responsible for the natural control of insect pests, parasitic and predacious insects sometimes play an important part.

During the year 1950 I enjoyed the opportunity of examining the collections of Odonata made by the Northern Insect Survey, a co-operative project of the Canadian Department of Agriculture and the Canadian Department of National Defence. For this privilege I wish to express my thanks to Dr. G. P. Holland and the members of his sraff in the Systematics Unit of the Division of Entomology, particularly to Dr. T. N. Freeman, co-ordinator of the Survev, and Mr. W. A. Brown for “their kindness in providing laboratory facilities during visits to Ottawa and for shipping material to Toronto.

While rearranging a collection of Mordellidae taken in Prince Edward County, Ontario, during many years of collecting, it was found that records from Canada were few in the publications available. Perhaps the following records will add a little to the knowledge of distribution of this group. The nomenclature and arrangement follow Liljeblad (1945, Univ. Michigan Mus. Zool. Misc. Publ. 62).

During the course of a survey on the diseases and internal parasites of muskrats in British Columbia (1951), twelve muskrats trapped by the author were also examined for the presence of external parasites.

All of these animals were considered in a healthy condition. There was no apparent inflammation of the eyes, ears or nostrils. The fur was not yet in prime condition but it was sleek, with no evidence of skin disease.