asbolite, asbolan

[Gr. ἀσβολαίνω ( as bola inō ) = to cover with soot; ἄσβολος ( asholos ), ἄσβολη ( asbole ) = soot.] A mineral, called also Earthy Cobalt. Dana makes it a variety of Wad (q.v.), and considers it to be that mineral combined with oxide of cobalt. Xs-căl-a-phus, s. [Gr. ἀσκάλαφος ( askala phos). A word in Aristotle, apparently meaning a kind of owl.] Entom.: A genus of Neuropterous insects belonging to the family Myrmeleontidæ, or Ant-lions. They differ from the Myrmeleon proper in having much longer antennæ and shorter bodies, whilst their larvæ do not construct a pitfall. None are British.