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SI belle 2d.; Useful Books on Insects, E oa F; Now ready.—The EXCHANGE LIS Compiled by Mr. Ep. sick, Bb I ea trate ‘BLS. F.E. Se) according to his recent ‘Handbook of British ‘Lepid y te saa . ee each ; per Dias ; . | eg new Label-list ‘of British deca SS with a and Meo ms 1 {% : shes oy = 6 eae Had Be Pe Lite ee ig AR” te ees oO) RR any rst tHe Fie overs Beieiption for Inszors, ie ‘thes. Gear Pascoe ie ae 10TS, ye nae Fossits, &e. Catalogue (66 pp.) sent on application, post free. — ie sis “2 A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS AND BIRDS’ EGGS | Bese (BRITISH, EUROPEAN, AND EXOTIC). ogee Vinee the s | ‘Birds, eemasacts, ée., a ee Mounted by First-class Wor men. Mee y e | Address:— _ tip OE Ti 36 STRAND, w. C., LONDON G doors from Onania /ROSS). vee | NaC ACRIOGY tao UTE ict ah ee ae Yates es Shae we Fea” © 2 ae ee See eee y= A, 4 . intr ass ej aes a : thx Pid ae eee CONTENTS Po ere : ee aR pe es _ aE pe | Aberation of eae caia (with istration), F. Ww. Prikinsk, i ’ ~ Carpocapsa 4 eae a Nut-feeder, sie Adkin, 2. The Killing and Preservation of nsects, H. Guard Knaggs, 3. Descriptions of some New Species of Phyto- — a -phagous Coleoptera from the Loo-Choo Islands, Martin Jacoby, 5. Contribu- | hee to the eh eee Distribution of the ‘Rhopalocera in the Alps, W. Harcourt-Bath, 9. Note on verre misippus in Tenerife, Sidney Crompton, 13: Sawfly Larve in 1895, H. F. Chawner, 14. A Catalogue of _ the Lepidoptera of Ireland, W. F’. de Vismes Kane, 16. On a New Variety of Proagoderus ritseme, Lansb. (Onthophagide), John W. Shipp, 20. — - Nores anp Ossurvations.—A ae New Work, 20. Tenacity of Life in Insects, Edward Ransom, Alpine Variety of Hesperia comma, W. — ‘ | co 21. Note on : Bombys trifolii, Geo. A. Harker, 21. Entomo- O. Caprures anp Freip Rerorts. Xylina euskent! in Suffolk, John H. Hocki _-—-- 21,“ Xanthia ocellaris in Britain, Richard South, 21. “A Successful Moth. 4 _ trap, C. J. Nash, 22. Notes on Sugar in the Cotswold District, C.J. Nash, 28. Sphinx convolvuli in Hampshire, A. Druitt, 23; in Essex, 1895, Gervase cy F. Mathew, 23. Colias edusa in Somerset, 1895, Gervase F'. Mathew, 24, Colias edusa, &e., in Jersey, 1895, F. H. Wagstaff, ma ameis cardui, 1895, — Gervase F. Mathew, 24. Glowworms in Ocioher, 8 . Reid, 24. Leucania — vitellina in Hampshire, A. Druitt, 24 | @ : ‘Recent LirkraTuRE.—‘ oie Ciaierel of t the e Air: Exemrsions into the Bite of. | Butterflies,’ > FS ee a8 a ae for 1896 (63;; cluding all jeu none and : yostage to any part of the world) are now due, and may be sa to | an Nevoun = oe 54, Hatton Gay cere: : WILLIAM “WATKINS, _Entomolgs ee VILLA -SPHINX, -EASTBOURNE. ) - ARGEST. STOCK ae EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA in the KINGDOM. Fresh Collections always arriving from the most isolated places. Iam — i : - particularly rich in species from New Guinea and South America. — __ My system of “APPROVAL BASKET” is a great success. It cointaian . lovely Meccan at lowert prices. Please ask to see it; it will cost you nothing unless you purchase. Prices are lower than those es Sy ees! the 1 i erent condition. eee | a Collections purchased, or Sata and arranged. “a ss N.B.—I have the | eet ee Cotetions, and most teperoncd ‘ae of g Asssiont isk pili amd. | i M MES | ‘GARDN ER, | manuractonEE of ALL KINDS of ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS, ee es . 29 ate. 426), OXFORD ‘STREET ae eas | (aeanly ‘opposite ‘Tottenham Court ‘Boat: ea - , Se niet | PRICED LIsTs on APPLICATION, — ah oo eaten ; Bie Foe oats arisls necacean, ens a aieed of. Friends sie Customers a : a Seas requested to uote Sie os as capac occur aks error > 7 4 = —_ = ite ; ? . : - ry = Sb-t » = » a .2 yee * z ia ae Pl = — a ee a = we pee 2 ies ee ETS ES eee ee Oe es ew en ORS Re re = . —_ - _—_— — " z i = 7 = = . ‘tie = _ Pe a ae -~* “ , ~3 7 sf Ff ? Tn ee > aoe ve; fs ‘ ' > : ' = ws 1] . ‘ 4 as bee Fs ‘ = * ‘ | ‘ 4 . ‘eos +4 = : Fi ’ ie opet* a oe - ele Gee : Lg , ; ‘ e Wea 5 | 7 . + ‘ ¥ ' B, ¥ ; Dass i > ve , Ee . x [No. 393. * : s | | ’ Ke or ee - in “GENERAL ‘EN NTOMOLOG Gy. Ye 2 EDITED BY “RICHARD | ‘SOUTH, FE. =: - - 1 WITH rae ASSISTANCE oF ‘ROBERT. ADKIN, PES. : bande T. BR. BILLUPS, FES. Sie _W. F. KIRBY, F.LS, FES. _ W. LUCAS DISTANT, F.E.S., &c. | _ EDWARD A.FITOH, F.LS.,F.E.8. | Da. D. SHARP, F.RS., P..S,, &0, BW. ss pellet et, Saeieeaie er: 8:2 VERRALL, ¥.0.8. ee eee WARREN, MA. PES. | “ “hy mutual seantidenise and mutual ree as Be Le estat _ Groat deods sre done wd sets scout aa [ae . a9 : em od 1930 gl ‘BEGEIVEL ie “MARTIN JACOBY, FES, a ee H. LEECH, BAL, FE.L.S., FES. ns 4 | be > ie J n a tee, a 44) Sa #E. H. MEEK, Naturalist, 56, BROMPTON 7 ROAD, LONDON, S.W. Supplies Entomologists with ebery Kequistte | . OF THE BEST MAKE, — Bees SEND FOR NEW PRICED CATALOGUE, POST FREE. 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Tue above figure represents an aberrant specimen of U. sambucaria. It was received from Wolverhampton by Mr. Percy Bright, who has been good enough to allow Mr. Frohawk to take its portrait. A very similar variety of this species was exhibited in 1881 at the London Entomological Society by Mr. C. O. Water- house, on behalf of Mr. F. H. Waterhouse, who took it at Wandsworth. In addition to the foregoing, and apart from local forms, the only other aberration of U. sambucaria of which I have any knowledge is a remarkable specimen from Japan in Mr. Leech’s collection. In this the ground colour is fuscous grey, or perhaps, more correctly speaking, dusky drab, and the transverse lines are very little darker; fringes, and spots at angle of secondaries are normal. RicHarD SoutH. ENTOM.—FEB. 1896. D 26 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. DESCRIPTIONS or PREVIOUSLY UNDESCRIBED SPECIES or DISMORPHINA in trae NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM. By Arraur G. Burizr, Ph. D. Senior Assistant-Keeper of Zoology, British Museum. TINANTIA ACUTIPENNIS, sp. 0. 3. Nearest to EH. aphrodite, but the primaries with the outer margin much more oblique than in any of the species of the EL. licinia group, giving the apex a more acute aspect; costal margin almost straight to beyond the discoidal cell. Wings above greenish white, slightly washed with sulphur-yellow towards the posterior angle of the primaries and on the external area of secondaries; base of costa of primaries yellow; apical border nearly black, internally trisinuate ; the first sinus from costa to subcostal vein, the second to lower radial, the third to end of first median branch ; a semilunar subapical spot of the ground colour ; secondaries with a short black marginal border at apex; primaries below chalky white, tinted in front with sea-green ; costa sulphur-yellow, inclining to saffron-yellow at apex, where the apical area of the upper surface is indistinctly visible through the wing; base of costa also slightly tinted with saffron; secondaries sulphur-yellow, slightly washed with saffron at base and on outer border ; two dust-grey stripes, the upper inarched and unequally bifid beyond the cell through the upper part of which it passes, the other discal, from submedian vein almost to first subcostal branch; pectus yellow, washed with saffron at the sides; venter white. Expanse of wings, 51 millim. Trinidad (J. H. Hart), . 3d. B. M. In outline this species more nearly resembles one of the many named forms of LH. melita than any of the H. licinia group. DISMORPHIA NELLA, Sp. N. Allied to D. siloe. Male with a deep tawny streak from base to near end of cell, traversed at its commencement by the median vein ; submarginal hyaline spots small and partly obliterated, otherwise as in D. siloe; secondaries with a tapering black streak from the border at end of third median branch almost to the abdominal margin ; female with the basal half of primaries and the secondaries tawny, as in that sex of D. theucharila. Expanse of wings, ¢ 60 millim., ? 53-57 millim. New Granada; Bogota. Colls. Hewitson and B. M. In the Hewitson collection a female of this species is associated with D. theucharila, and two males and a second female with D. siloe ; one male is in the Museum collection. DISMORPHIA DISCREPANS, Sp. N. gd. Near to D. amphione, and apparently only differing from D. beroe, Lucas, in having the basal half of the costa of primaries ochreous, right up to the commencement of the yellow macular band ; UNDESCRIBED SPECIES OF DISMORPHINA. 27 in having the tawny area quadrifid, a fourth division appearing above the base of the second median branch ; and in the entire absence of the subapical series of yellow spots; the secondaries are slightly more prolonged at apex, and there is a large apical yellow patch on the under surface, larger than in D. amphione. Expanse of wings, 65 millim. New Granada. 3g. B.M. It is possible that this may prove to be a form of D. beroe, but the entire absence of the subapical yellow spots on the primaries gives it a very different aspect. DISMORPHIA RHOMBOIDEA, Sp. Nn. g. Allied to the preceding. Primaries with the basal three- fifths orange-tawny, excepting a costal trifid patch over the end of the cell, intersected by thick black veins; two longitudinal black streaks, one discoidal, unequally elongate diamond-shaped ; the other fusiform, and connate with the submedian nerve-edging; a quadrate black spot on the upper discocellular veinlet; apical area black-brown ; secondaries nearly as in D. praxinoe, but the tawny interno-median belt broader, and continued with a distinct curve to outer margin, merely edged on both sides with black; the anal rufous-brown border being also clearer and broader than in D. prawxinoe. Under surface differing from that of D. prazinoe in the absence of the subapical series of yellow spots on the primaries, in the large subapical diffused yellow patch on the secondaries; the upper half of the discoidal cell black; a black streak on the costal vein terminating in a large oval spot; a large irregular black quadrate patch crossed by the disco- cellulars; a small black-brown spot just above the origin of the second median branch, and a larger cordiform spot close to it on the lower median interspace. Expanse of wings, 72 millim. “ Nauta’ (Degand). go. B.M. It is believed that the specimens received as from Nauta were actually collected in E. Peru. In the Hewitson collection there is a pair of what I take to be a variety of this species, but he has not labelled them with their habitat; they differ in having the yellow costal spots continued as an oblique band almost to outer margin, leaving an irregular broad black streak from outer margin to above the middle of the second median branch; the female has the hind wings tawny, with quadri- dentate black apical border and indistinct brownish testaceous analborders. It is probable that these specimens were collected in Ecuador by Buckley, as most of the butterflies in the fine collection obtained from him by Hewitson were never labelled with even an apology for a locality. Other examples of species in this group, in the Hewitson collection, can only doubtfully be assigned to their proper species for the same reason. D2 28. THE ENTOMOLOGIST. LEPIDOPTEROUS LARVA IN WALNUTS. By F. V. Tueopaup, M.A., F.E.S. Economic Entomologist to the 8.E. Agricultural College. Srrine Mr. Adkin’s paper on Carpocapsa pomonella (ante, p. 2) as a nut-feeder (which is of interest economically), I thought that perhaps a few additional notes on larve in walnuts might not be out of place. For some years past I have been investi- gating the insect-pests of the walnut, and have found the larve of two moths present in the nuts, namely, Carpocapsa splendana and Plodia interpunctella. So far I have never come across C. pomonella myself in nuts, and am sorry to add this destructive Tortrix to the list of walnut insects. C.. splendana has been sometimes abundant in the nuts in this country, both in green as well as in ripe fruits. At first, on examining the larve, I came to the conclusion they were those of the apple or codlin moth (C. pomonella), but in all the samples of English walnuts I have examined they have turned out to be the nearly-allied species, C. splendana, which also feeds on the acorn and Spanish chestnut. The immature larve I have found in young fruit at the end of July and in August, on several occasions at Kingston-on-Thames, one tree losing quite 10 per cent. of the crop in 1892, owing to this pest. It was also plentiful at Great Staughton in August, 1894; and a few examples have occurred at Wye, Taplow, and other places in the green fruit. In those that I have kept the larve lived in the nuts until full-grown, when they made their exit. This took place during September, and a few even in October. After a short time the maggots spun a pale silken cocoon at the sides of the ‘‘ cages.” Numbers were also found (just as we find C. pomonella) spun in the crevices of the walnut bark. I called attention to this species in my Report on Injurious Insects for 1894. The second species, Plodia interpunctella, Hiibn., or the ‘Indian meal moth,” is also often abundant in walnuts. So far I have only had my attention drawn to it in reference to stored nuts. P. interpunctella is the ‘‘ maggot’ that we generally find, to our surprise, at dessert. Where the moth lays its eggs I do not know. According to Mr. Crittenden (‘Year-book’ of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1895), this larva attacks all manner of stored provisions—currants, roots, herbs, figs, nuts, and other commodities. These larve I find generally, like those _ of C. pomonella described by Mr. Adkin, and unlike those of C. splendana, pupate in the nuts, in a mass of silk. This Phycitid breeds somewhat rapidly in stores, five or six genera- tions appearing in the year. The presence in walnuts of C. pomonella is not surprising, when we consider the other Carpo- SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 29 % capsid, but nevertheless alarming: let us hope it is not going to be as serious a pest to the walnut as it is to the apple, and sometimes pear. Wye Court, near Ashford, Jan. 8rd, 1896. NEW EXPERIMENTS ON THE SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. By Dr. Auaust Wetsmann. (Translated from the German by W. E. Nicuotson, F.E.S.) Tue following treatise contains an exhaustive account of a series of experiments, which I have made with various butterflies during the last decade, in order to obtain an assured answer to the question, which was suggested rather than solved in my first pamphlet, ‘ Ueber den Saison-Dimorphismus der Schmetterlinge.’ I was able then (1875) to prove, what Dorfmeister had already, indeed, shown was probable for Vanessa levana, that with various seasonally-dimorphic species the forms, which alternate under the influence of warmth or cold, can to some extent be even con- yerted one into the other. I had also sought to form some conception of how the phyletic origin of such dimorphism in a species could be considered as the effect of alternating climatic - influences, but this was only an experiment, which I was far from considering as the final settlement of the whole question. I therefore made use of time and opportunity, when available, in order to obtain, by new experiments, more precise answers to the questions, how far the phenomenon of seasonal dimorphism in general might be produced by the direct effect of temperature, and how far changes of climate might produce permanent, 1. e. hereditary, effects on the colour of Lepidoptera. I believe that I have now advanced a step further, and I have already expressed my present and, as I hope, more correct and complete views on these questions in one of my last writings,* relying on some of these experiments. Had this not happened, I should have delayed the detailed publication of the experiments for some years, as we have not yet reached the end of the researches; rather new questions arise on the basis just won, which can only be answered by further series of experiments. In the meantime I feel myself obliged to bring forward illustrations of the experiments which have already served for deductions. Nevertheless I cannot neglect working at these questions again in the future, and more completely revising the material. * Weismann, ‘Das Keimplasma, eine Theorie der Vererbung. Jona, 1892, p. 523, u. ff. 30 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. I am glad to say that I am no longer almost the only worker in this field. Acute entomologists and excellent experimenters like W. H. Edwards in America, Merrifield and Dixey in England, Standfuss and Brandes in Germany, and younger gifted men of power like KE. Fischer, have devoted themselves to these questions ; and so it is to be hoped, that a deeper insight may be obtained into these phenomena, and at the same time into some of the processes in the formation of a species, and that those points, which at present must remain in the stage of conjecture, at no remote time may be raised to ascertained fact. In order to support my views, I have not hesitated to bring forward my interpretation of the facts as they are now presented to the experience of myself and others, at the risk of having to alter much of it later on, as we do not make progress by blind experiment, but only by experiment having a purpose in view; and for this we require an interpretation of the immediate facts. If I have taken my own theory of heredity as a starting-point for theoretic considerations, this is not because I would force it upon the reader, but because at the present time it is the only theory, that has been so far worked out in detail, that it is possible with it to approach the explanation of the phenomena here in question. But a theory, that can be applied to isolated pheno- mena, has already achieved much, as by this means definite formule are obtained, which can be worked with, and which have their value even if in the future much of the theory should be proved to be erroneous, and should have to be altered. ‘They can then be embodied in the new formule of the better theory without the progress, which they have brought, being necessarily lost. Freiburg, April 30th, 1895. CONTENTS. I. Experiments and observations on Chrysophanus phleas. II. Experiments on Preris napi. III. Experiments on Vanessa levana-prorsa. IV. Experiments with Pararge egerva and meione. : V. Experiments on the effect of variously-coloured light on Lepi- dopterous pupe. VI. Experiments with Vanessa urtice. VII. Effect of warmth on hybernating pupe. VIII. General part: theoretic digest of the facts. I. ExpERIMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS ON CHRYSOPHANUS PHL@AS, L. A. Experiments with a Brood from Parents from the South of Europe. Dr. Schiemenz, of the Zoological Station at Naples, was good enough, in the spring of 1888, to capture some females of phlwas in the open in the neighbourhood of Camaldoli, and to obtain some egos. Some of the eggs were reared by himself at Naples, Choe eae hee --Se ° 9 Per 1 | a ee Pen ‘ SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 31 while others were sent to me at Freiburg, and formed the material for the following experiments. I cannot neglect the opportunity of here tendering my warmest thanks to Dr. Schiemenz for his kind support of my efforts. Any ‘one who knows from his own experience the difficulty and liability to accident in obtaining such material for research can estimate, how far these thanks are deserved. Even from German phleas I endeavoured to obtain eggs in vain for years, and when | at length succeeded it was still only a moderate number. (1) Neapolitan Eggs reared at Naples.—The eggs, which were laid at Naples in the beginning of May on Rumez acetosella, were reared on plants grown in pots, and produced 36 butterflies between June 26th and 29th. These are all characterized by a very broad deep black margin on the upper side of the fore wings, and by very large deep black spots. Many also exhibit the black powdering of the brilliant red-golden ground colour characteristic of the var. eleus ; however, this latter character is very unstable, and very unequally developed. Three degrees may be separated according to the extent of the black powdering of the fore wings. A. Darkest form. Only 3 to 5 small washed-out spots remain of the red-gold of the ground colour ; all the rest of the surface of the wings is powdered with deep black, and only exhibits scattered red-golden scales, which produce a slight golden lustre. Only slight traces of red-golden spots can be recognized outside the band of black spots. Hight specimens of this form. B. Intermediate form. The red-golden ground colour is visible outside the band of black spots in the form of definite spots, but all the lower half of the wing is strongly powdered with black. Twelve specimens of this form. | C. Brightest form. The lower half of the wing, from the base to the band of spots, is powdered with black, which does not extend outside the same. ‘Twelve specimens of this form. All three forms consequently merit the name of the var. eleus, although they vary greatly just in the characteristic of this variation ‘‘of the black powdering of the upper side of the fore wings.”’ This cannot be regarded as the effect of rearing in a room, but as a peculiar variability of the summer brood of phleas at Naples. A specimen of phlawas from Greece and one from Corsica are even blacker than the variety A, as they indeed no longer have any red-golden spots, but only a slight golden lustre, which results from scattered golden scales. I possess 71 specimens of phlwas from Southern Japan (Tokio), which were captured in June and July, 1887, and consequently all belong to the summer brood. All have a very broad black margin and large deep-black spots, but the black powdering of the red-gold ground colour is with them also of very varying strength. Only 8 are equal in darkness to the specimens already noted from Greece and Corsica; in many only the basal portion $2 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. of the lower half of the wings is powdered with black, and 14 specimens are without any powdering, beautifully red-golden. Consequently here also great variability of the eleus characters prevails. (2) Neapolitan Eggs reared at Freiburg.—By the kindness of Dr. Schiemenz, on May 19th, 1888, I received the first batch of eges of phleas from Naples, which were mostly laid on dry pieces of the leaf or stem of Rumex acetosella. These were gummed on to flowering plants of Rumex acetosella, where they developed quite satisfactorily in a room at a temperature from 20°-21° C., as did the eggs of several batches which succeeded one another up to May 24th. Some 70 larve emerged between May 22nd and 26th. These are not at first louse-shaped, but of the shape of ordinary larve, bright yellow in colour, and covered with a down of long hairs. They were already louse-shaped on June Ath, and of the green colour of the sorrel-leaves, some also with a bright vinous-red dorsal stripe and subspiracular stripes. They ate the chlorophyll-layer of the tender leaf from below, leaving only the epidermis. They are tardy and sluggish in their move- ments, and only leave a leaf, when it is entirely demolished. When they were almost full-fed (June 7th), they ate the whole leaves like other larvae. Many remain entirely green, while others exhibit the bright vinous-red longitudinal stripes on a green ground, an adaptation of colour to the reddish stems of many plants of sorrel, the red of which is nearly of the same tint as that of the larve. Both forms of the larve thus possess excellent protective coloration. I proved some years ago for Vanessa prorsa-levana that the black and yellow colouring of the larve, which occurs with this species, is no way connected with the variability of the butterfly. In order to preclude any such suggestion here, I reared the green and the red larve separately ; and here also I found, that the variations of the perfect insect are inno way related to the colouring of the larve. Thirteen butterflies from the green and 22 from the red larve exhibited no constant differences. From June 16th the larve fastened themselves up for pupa- tion, which took place between June 21st and 28th. The whole of the larve were now before pupation divided into two lots, of which lot A was for the future kept in the temperature of an ordinary room, while lot B was placed in a lower temperature, in order to see what changes in the colour of the perfect insect could be thereby produced. Lot A.—Pupe in an ordinary room temperature. The tem- perature of the room from June 9th to 18th was 20° C. or a little more, and from June 14th to 22nd, 18° C. During this time 35 butterflies emerged. Of these 8 were decidedly var. eleus ; the rest exhibited no black powdering of the red-gold, but all indeed had broader margins of a deeper black and larger black spots ———EeE————— CU SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 33 than the German phiwas, and even than Sardinian phiwas of the spring brood. Lot B.— These larve were at the commencement of their pupation placed in the cellar or the refrigerator. As pupation at the temperature of the latter, 6—-10° C., did not generally take place, they had to be taken out again, and were brought into the temperature of the cellar, at little over 10° C. Under these circumstances pupation was delayed for a very long time, and lasted over a month (from June 22nd to July 25th). The pupe then remained in the refrigerator at from 7-10° C., where several butterflies emerged between Aug. 27th and Sept. 16th. It was evident, however, that the dampness of the refrigerator not infrequently rendered the red quite pale yellow, so some of the pupe still remaining were brought into a room, where 18 more butterflies emerged between Sept. 17th and Oct. 18th. The rest remained in the refrigerator, and by-and-by emerged at 10-11° C., most of them crippled, although very few to such an extent, that the colour could not have been recognized. In reference to brilliancy of colour, it was all one, whether the pupx emerged in the refrigerator or in the room. Of the 51 butterflies that emerged, only two are somewhat powdered with black, one of which emerged on Aug. 27th, and the other on Sept. 15th. All the others are bright red-gold, and have very small black spots; but the majority have a broad and deep black margin, and especially the black of the apex of the wing often spreads to the uppermost spot of the band of spots, while at the same time it extends as a broader stripe along the costa to the base of the wing. These are characters, which are not present in German specimens ; it is sucha mixture of characters of the southern and northern forms as is unknown to me in specimens captured at large. The duration of a lower temperature for a very long time does not produce any increase of the effect, that can be recognized. To be sure the two darkest specimens emerged tolerably early, viz. on Aug. 27th and Sept. 15th, but perfectly bright specimens emerged on Aug. 31st, Sept. 5th, 6th, 7th, and 10th, and then again some rather darker specimens on Sept. 20th. B. Experiments with a Brood from German Parents. (3) Hggs reared at an creased Temperature.—A female cap- tured at Leipzig in the middle of August, 1889, laid eggs, which were forwarded to me at Lindau, on the Lake of Constance, where I received them on Aug. 20th. As Idid not know, whether the eggs of phlwas hybernated or not, I placed them at first in an unheated room having at that time a temperature of no more than 10°C. However, the first larva hatched on Aug. 27th. Thereupon I placed all the eggs in a hothouse, in which the 34 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. temperature fluctuated between 20° and 85° C., in such a way that from evening until 10 a.m. the temperature was 20-26° C., but about the middle of the day 25-35° C. All the young larve now hatched: 5 on Aug. 27th, 20 on the 28th, and 9 up to Aug. 31st. On Sept. 12th I removed to Freiburg, and placed the 35 larvee on growing plants of Rumesx acetosella in a warmed incubator specially constructed for the purpose, which I call a brood- incubator. The temperature in the same was kept at 27-29° C., and care was taken for the humidity of the air by evaporating water. Pupation likewise took place in the incubator, and I obtained :— : On Sept. 15th, 1 pupa at 27° C. », L9th, 6 pupx at 27° C. », 20th, 1 pupa at 29° C. », lst, 6 pupe at 30° C. », 22nd, 6 pupe at 30° C. », ord, 3 pupe at 38° C. » 24th, 2 pupe at 30° C. Altogether 25 pupe. These pupe produced 23 butterflies, viz. :— On Sept. 19th, 1 butterfly at 27° C. » ord, 1 butterfly at 33°C. », 25th, 5 butterflies at 24° C. » 26th, 3 butterflies at 29° C. » 27th, 5 butterflies at 37° C. », 28th, 4 butterflies at 87° C. » 29th, 3 butterflies at 88° C. Oct. 5th, 1 crippled specimen. Altogether 23 butterflies. The remaining pupe did not emerge, and proved later on to be dried up. One of the butterflies of Sept. 26th escaped. It will be noticed that the temperature in the incubator was gradually raised, namely, from 24° C. on Sept. 25th to 38° C. on Sept. 29th. The pup of Sicily and Greece are not often exposed to a higher temperature, as they pupate in shady places on and under stones, &c., where they are not often struck by the rays of the sun. Of these 23 butterflies, at least 8 specimens closely resemble the ordinary German phleas, so that consequently the raised temperature has made no effect upon them. Two specimens can be described as the var. eleus, as they are as strongly powdered with black, as many specimens of the darkest variety of the butterfly reared at Naples. Both specimens emerged on Sept. k 4 ; ; > SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 35 27th, i.e. two days before the end of the period of emergence, and consequently were not subjected by a long way to the highest temperature (87-38° C.) immediately before their emergence, but only to a temperature of 23-29° C. Thirteen specimens are somewhat darker than the ordinary German form. They have the black margin a little broader, and the black spots somewhat larger. The black powdering of eleus is also present, although generally to a very slight extent, and principally on the lower half of the fore wing from the base towards the band of spots only. A sharp distinction cannot be drawn between these specimens and the 8 unaltered ones first mentioned, and it is doubtful, whether more than 8 specimens should not be reckoned in the first group. C. Results of the Experiments. The first question to be asked is: Does the temperature to which the pupa is subjected affect the colour of the butterfly? This can be unhesitatingly answered in the affirmative. ‘lhe eggs of the Neapolitan butterflies more frequently produced butterflies powdered with black at Naples, than when they were reared at Freiburg in a room at the ordinary summer temperature, and they resulted in butterflies without any black powdering, wheu the pup were kept at 6-10° C. On the other hand, eggs from North German females of phleas, when their pupe were subjected to 24—38° C., resulted in some few specimens powdered with black, which were quite similar to the Neapolitan specimens of eleus. It is proved by experiment 2, A and B, that the temperature only produces these changes during the pupal period, and that its operation during the larval period is without effect on the colour of the butterfly, inasmuch as the Neapolitan larve, which were all reared at the same room temperature and first treated differently during or after their pupation, produced such strik- ingly different coloration in lot A and lot B. On this account it was also unnecessary for the production of the summer form, to keep the eggs of the German butterflies at an increased tempera- ture from the beginning of and throughout the whole larval period ; it was, however, necessary, in order to bring the larve to pupation in the late autumn, which, considering the small number of insects available for the experiment, appeared very desirable. Had the larve been reared at a lower tempera- ture, and the pupe first brought into the incubator, the result would have been almost the same. In this respect the results of Merrifield, which will be mentioned later on, agree. The second question is more difficult to answer. It is: Has the effect of temperature on the colour of the butterfly become here- ditary’ Atthe first glance this might be answered with a decisive “No,” if it was taken into consideration that both in Sicily 36 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. (according to Zeller), as well as in Sardinia, the spring brood, even in captured specimens, is quite as pure red-gold as with us, while the summer brood is more or less dark. If we might assume that both forms of colour were adaptations, and possibly afforded protection to the insects, then it might be explained by the supposition of two kinds of determinants in the germ-plasm of the insects. But nothing can be adduced to support this; I at least cannot see what protection the darker colour of the summer form could in any way guarantee. This will not, indeed, say much for the slight insight which we have into the biological relations of the Lepidoptera; but first we shall be compelled to regard the blackening of phlwas by heat, as the direct effect of the latter, and not asthe mere elimination of a second scheme of colour. But, if we do this, the pure fire-colour of the first brood in Sicily and Sardinia appears to prove, that the black powdering of the summer form has in no way impressed itself on the germ hereditarily. I should, however, consider this a hasty conclusion. If we look at Experiment II. a little closer there can be no question, but that the brood of Neapolitan butterflies reared and kept as pupe at Freiburg at an ordinary temperature generally produced much darker specimens, than the brood of German butterflies would have done under similar conditions, to be sure much more numerous dark specimens, than the brood of North German butterflies produced, when their pupz were subjected to a high temperature for some time. Out of 23 butterflies only 2 were of the eleus form, i.e. about 8 per cent.; whilst out of the 35 butterflies of the Neapolitan brood, 8 possessed decided eleus colouring, 7. e. 22 per cent. ; and it must also be taken into con- sideration, that the latter passed their pupal existence at an ordinary room temperature, but the former at a higher tempera- ture. ‘There can be no other explanation, than that of the greater hereditary tendency towards black colouring of the Neapolitan brood, and the far slighter tendency thereto of the German brood. As the direct darkening influence of heat is undeniable, so the idea is suggested, that the greater tendency of the Neapolitan brood towards blackness depends upon a permanent alteration of the germ-plasm by the heat working afresh each summer, the lesser tendency towards blackness of the German brood, on the lower summer temperature operating on numerous generations in the course of time. This is inno way a case of the inheritance of acquired characters, at least, there is no necessity, to so regard it. We need not imagine, that the black colouring of the wings produced by summer heat has been transferred from the wings through the body to the reproductive cells of the insects in question, an idea which can scarcely be thought of; but we may assume, that the heat affected at the same time the rudiments of SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. ST the wings (Fligelanlagen) in the pupa and the germ in its repro- ductive cells, and that in both elements were contained, which were altered thereby in a similar way. | It appears to me, that this case favours to no small extent the assumption made by me, according to which the germ contains preformed determining factors (Bestimmungsstiicke) of the indi- vidual elements, which later on compose the body—‘ determi- nants.” On this supposition the behaviour of phlwas is explained simply, as I have already shown elsewhere. These determinants, which determine the various scales of the wing, are found in the germ-plasm of the reproductive cells, and in the rudiments of the wings of the pupa; and it is easy to assume, that they are struck by the heat in both places, and influenced in a similar way, though not to an equal extent. We must conclude that the intensity of the modification is unequal, from the fact, that in all the known southern colonies of eleus the spring form is still red- gold. The effect on the scale-determinants in question of the germ-plasm must consequently be a very slow one, and the modification, which is induced by heat is not such a one, as leads under every condition to the formation of black scales, but only of such a kind, that the formation of black scales takes place more readily, and also, indeed, at a lesser heat. In this way it can be understood, that red-gold phleas still, indeed, fly in the Neapolitan spring, but that although, at a lesser heat (the room temperature of the German summer), many specimens of eleus arise from pupe of Neapolitan origin. D. Comparison of the results obtained with those of Merrifield. The excellent English entomologist, I’. Merrifield,* has made a series of experiments with Chrysophanus phleas, which I will recapitulate here. They are in a gratifying agreement with my own. Females of phlwas captured in England laid eggs, from which 70 pup were reared. One portion of these were kept at from 27-80° C., and produced specimens with large black spots, and in most cases with a slight black powdering of the fore wings; the red band of the hind wings was narrow and strongly dentate. The other portion of the pupe was placed on ice, i. e. kept for 10 weeks at 4° C., then for 5 weeks at 18° C. Half of the butterflies were crippled or died before emergence, but those which emerged were of a bright golden yellow colour, with small black spots and a broad red band on the hind wings, from which red lines are often continued even up the veins (just as with some of my iced Neapolitan specimens). * TF’, Merrifield (‘‘ The Effects of Temperature in the Pupal Stage on the Colouring of Pieris napi, Vanessa atalanta, Chrysophanus phleas, &e.’”’) in Trans. Ent, Soc. Lond. 1893, p. 55. 88 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. If these results are compared with mine, there can be no doubt, but that the golden ground colour and the black are actually in direct dependence on the height of the temperature, which operates during the pupal period. The last experiment of Merrifield’s especially appeared very interesting to me, in which he first kept a portion of his pupx for 10 weeks on ice, and then brought them into 80° C., when these pupe produced, after 5-6 days, butterflies of the summer form, with black powdering and the narrow copper band of the -hind wings. It follows from this that the last days only of the pupal period are decisive for these differences in colour, and that neither the larval nor the whole of the first pupal period comes into consideration. It could also be concluded from my second experiment, that the temperature of the larval period had no influence, as in this the larve were kept at the same temperature, and yet produced very different butterflies, according to whether the pup were subjected to cold or heat. But the fact, that the temperature first produces these differences in colour in the last 5-6 days of the pupal development, confirms the conclusion already drawn at the beginning, that it is not here a question of the suppression of one of two different schemes of development (Entwicklungsanlagen), but of a modification of the chemical processes in the colour formation of the scale. But if it is cer- tain, that a high temperature produces darkening, and moderate cold a brightening, of the colour, still we have not yet exhausted the whole process in this; but it must be acknowledged that local races exist, which react more strongly or less strongly to the influence of cold or heat, and these local races correspond in their manner of reaction to the climate, in which they live, i.e. the races of warm climates are more readily accessible to the influence of heat, than those of cold climates. This appears to follow from my experiments, although, indeed, doubt might be raised, as each of the experiments was made only once; and it must be admitted, that it is impossible in experiments to entirely hit off the natural conditions of the insects, which develop in the open. The change of the day and night temperature also cannot be accurately produced, nor yet the degree of the humidity of the air in the open; it would consequently be conceivable, in the abstract, that, if everything was closely imitated, just as dark an eleus butterfly might arise from any German or even polar pupa of phleas, as froma Neapolitan one. The results of my experiment B contradict, however, this suspicion, as they show that the Neapolitan pupe produced some well-blackened eleus at the ordinary room temperature in Germany, and many speci- mens, which are, indeed, red, but which are all provided with deeper black and larger black spots, than the German phleas exhibit as arule. Also the Neapolitan pupa, kept on ice, pro- duced, indeed, specimens which, in the small size of the black ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE BRITISH BEE HAWK-MOTHS. 39 spots, closely approached the Lapland specimens, but yet, on the other hand, exhibited a much darker black in the marginal band, and especially often a broad black costa, such as is present neither in these, nor in German specimens. I have already shortly given my explanation of this variability of the hereditary predisposition in southern and northern colonies of phleas, and I have stated it more exhaustively in my book, Das Keimplasma, eine Vererbungstheorie.”’* - (To be continued.) ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE BRITISH BEE HAWK-MOTHS. By W. F. Kiresy, F.L.S., F.E.S. Assistant in Zool. Dept., British Museum (Nat. Hist.), S. Kensington. THE synonymy of these species has always been somewhat uncertain ; and I therefore, at Mr. South’s request, give a short exposition of that adopted in my ‘Catalogue of Lepidoptera- Heterocera,’ vol. i. In Linné’s ‘ Systema Nature,’ ed. x. (1758), four species are enumerated, which we have to consider :— (1) Sphinx porcellus, p. 492, n.16. There has never been any dispute about this insect. (2) S. tityus, p. 498, n. 24. ‘*§. abdomine barbato, cingulo nigro. M.L.V. Habitat in calidis regionibus. Alarum margo niger est.” The letters ‘‘M.L.V.” indicate that there were specimens in the collection of Queen Louisa Ulrica; but the species is not mentioned in Linné’s subsequent work on this collection. (3) S. bombyliformis, p. 498, n. 27. ‘‘S. abdomine barbato -coccineo, alis hyalinis luteo variis; posticis margine albis. Habitat in Kuropa.” (4) S. fuciformis, p. 498, n. 28. “8. abdomine barbato nigro; fascia flavescente, alis hyalinis margine nigro. Bradl. Nat. 26, f.1, B. Rees. ins. app. 231, t. 38. Habitat in Europa.’’ Respecting S. bombyliformis it is only necessary to say that in the 12th edition of Linné’s ‘Systema Nature’ (1767) it is sunk as ““S. porcellus B.,’’ and it appears to have been only a rubbed specimen of that insect. The difficult point relates to S. fuciformis, but the figures quoted all indubitably represent the broad-bordered bee hawk, as is proved by the dark mark at the end of the cell of the fore wings. In the ‘Fauna Suecica,’ ed. 2, p. 289, Linné cites only Reesel, but adds to his former diagnosis: ‘‘ Habitat in Lonicera”’ * Jena, 1892, p. 5238, 40 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. [broad-bordered]. ‘‘ DEsur. Magnitudo Bombylii. Corpus griseum. Abdomen cingulo nigro; barba laterali pone cingulum albida. Anus barba nigra. Antenne nigre.”’ This complicates matters, for the character, ‘‘ Abdomen cingulo nigro,” applies better to the narrow-bordered (scabious) species than to the broad-bordered (honeysuckle) species, in which the belt is dark reddish rather than black. In the 12th edition of the ‘Systema Nature’ (1767), pp. 803, 804, Linné slightly modifies his description: ‘‘S. abdomine barbato nigro; fascia flavescente alis fenestratis margine nigro atro-purpurascente.” He gives a long string of references, which we need not quote, and adds: “8. Sphinx tityus abdomine barbato cingulo nigro. Syst. Nat. 10, p. 498, n. 24. Habitat in Lonicera. Barba abdominis in medio alba est.’’ We may dis- regard the last two sentences, for, according to Linné’s method, they would be intended to apply to the species as a whole, and not specially to ‘‘ .”’ Hence we may conclude: (1) the type of Linné’s species was the broad-bordered species, feeding on Lonicera. (2) In his ‘Fauna Suecica’ he mixed it up with specimens of his S. tityus, and added a character properly applicable to the latter. (8) In the 12th edition of the ‘Systema,’ Linné, discovering that he had mixed two forms, separated the second as “‘ 8,” distinguishing it by the very character which, from those given, would at once separate his Sphinx tityus as the narrow-bordered bee hawk, feeding on scabious. Hence, I take it, the name bombyliformis should disappear from our lists altogether, except as a synonym, primarily of porcellus and secondarily of the bee hawks, which should stand as Hemaris fuciformis, Linn. (broad), and Hemaris tityus, Linn. (narrow), respectively. For the bee hawk-moths I prefer to use the generic name Hemaris, Dalman, Vet. Akad. Handl. 1816, p. 207, with the broad-bordered species as the type, regarding Sesia as more correctly applicable to the smaller clear-wings. It is hardly worth while discussing the post-Linnean synonymy, as, even if bombyliformis was an allowable name for either species, it would become a mere synonym of one or the other. THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE “BEE HAWK-MOTHS.” By Louis B. Prout, F.E.S. Twick within the last few months my attention has been called to the confusion which results from the fact that both the names fuciformis and bombyliformis have been by different authors applied to each of our species of ‘‘ bee-hawk”; and I find that THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE ‘‘ BEE HAWK-MOTHS.”’ 41 the manner of employment of the names in our standard refer- ence list (‘The Entomologist Synonymic List’) is not understood by all working entomologists. Unfortunately the change from the Doubleday nomenclature has not been noted in the published list of alterations. I therefore venture to submit the following summary for the assistance of readers of the ‘ Entomologist’ :— Fuciformis, Linn. (teste Ochs.) = fuciformis. South’s List = bombyliformis. Auct. Brit. = the ‘‘narrow-bordered,’”’ or scabious species. Bombyliformis, Ochs. = bombyliformis. South’s List = fuct- formis. Auct. Brit. = the ‘‘ broad-bordered,” or honeysuckle species. | Zeller, in discussing this complication (Stett. Ent. Zeit., 1869, p. 387), suggested that the only solution of the difficulty would be to abandon the old names, and call the two species, for example, scabiose and lonicere. But it appears to me that enough would be done, without doing violence to the recognized laws of nomenclature, if any one had the pluck to alter one of the names, thus :— If fuciformis, L., be, as Zeller unhesitatingly affirms, the scabious species, that name stands, as in South’s list. But bombyliformis, Linn., is now universally rejected as _ doubtful. Therefore we have only to apply the very sensible rule, advocated by Mr. Kirby and other leading synonymists, that a rejected name is not again available in the same genus, and to rename the honeysuckle species, instead of calling it *‘ bombyliformis, Ochs.’’ And there could be no confusion between the two species ‘‘fuciformis” and ‘‘ lonicere,”’ however unfamiliar the application of the former name to the scabious species might appear. That we are dealing with a really practical question, and not only with one of intricate synonymy, was brought home to me by the two facts to which I referred at the commencement of this note. Asa faunistic note, Mr. Rhoades Smith’s record of fuct- formis for Middlesex (Entom. xxviii. 283) is rendered unintelligible by the said confusion. I have it, on the authority of Mr. Percy Smith, that the insect in question was the narrow-border, its captor basing his nomenclature on Kirby’s ‘Huropean Butterflies and Moths.’ And from a collector’s point of view it is provoking to meet with the experience that befel one of my friends, who received from a well-known entomologist specimens of the broad-border (which he did not want), having had them offered to him by the correct name of bombyliformis, but having construed that into an offer of the narrow-border, according to the usage of the older British authors. 12, Greenwood Road, Dalston, N.E., Jan. 3rd, 1896. ENTOM.—FEB. 1896, E 42, THE ENTOMOLOGIST. SENSES OF INSECTS. By G. A. K. Marsuattu, F.Z.S., F.E.S. I wave read with much interest the discussion lately carried on by Mr. Watson and Mr.J. Arkle on the above subject (Entom. xxvill. 30, 243). But the article of the latter gentleman calls, I think, for some remark ; for with regard to several subjects dealt with therein he takes up a position which seems to me to be wholly untenable. The writer would appear to have a grievance against entomolo- gists in general for their laudable efforts to explain the reason of and uses for the large variety of sounds produced by the insect world; and although he is content to summarily dismiss the * stories of scientific observations” in a short and somewhat con- temptuous passage, which casts a decided slur on those who made the observations, yet I notice that he offers no adequate theory or explanation to take the place of that which has fallen a victim to his iconoclastic efforts. He approaches the whole subject in a distinctly biassed and anti-scientific mood, the key-note of which is struck in the following passage :—‘‘ Nature has landscape sounds for our ears, just as she provides scents for the smell or colours for the eye.” The idea which underlies that theory of the old naturalists, that fossils were only put into the rocks for the amuse- ment and delectation of mankind, is dying harder than I thought. It would be quite foreign to my present purpose to try and combat that idea, and I will merely observe that the explanation given for the occurrence of unpleasant sounds and smells, viz., that they prevent monotony, has certainly the merit of quaintness if nothing else, though I fear it would hardly stand investigation. But, leaving the subject of general principles, I have other ‘“bones to pick” with Mr.Arkle. He says that ‘‘ sensitiveness to concussion or vibration is an entirely different thing from hearing.” This I certainly cannot agree with, and it looks to me very much like a case of petitio principit. With all due deference I would suggest that hearing is merely a localised and highly specialised sensitiveness to vibration. In other words, that the auditory apparatus is an organ specially adapted for receiving and recording those vibrations of the air, known as sound waves, which are too delicate to be felt by the other ordinarily sensitive portions of the body. Indeed I should consider that the difference between the sense of hearing and that of touch is only one of degree and not of kind. There is little doubt that such auditory powers as are * possessed by insects are of a very different character from those possessed by man, as they are not nearly so highly specialised or differentiated, and it is extremely probable that they are in many instances nearly allied to, or even combined with, the faculties of touch. I quite fail to understand Mr. Arkle’s strong desire to SENSES OF INSECTS. 48 deny the power of hearing to all insects—a power which, from its great utility for protective purposes, one would expect to find even low down in the scale of living creatures, and which would be rapidly developed by natural selection, whenever any variation in that direction might afford it a basis to work on. Even when for a moment he does grudgingly allow that perhaps some insects may possess this faculty, he hastens to assure us that it is “ most rudimentary,” and “serves no purpose as a warning and protec- tion.” Now to my mind the existence of rudimentary hearing faculties, which are entirely useless, is an anomaly calling for an Immediate explanation, with which Mr. Arkle does not seem prepared to favour us; though I must remark that their in- utility is a purely arbitrary assumption. The occurrence of such rudiments, if rudiments they be, can only be accounted for in two ways, viz.:—(a) that they are the result of atrophy or degeneration—this explanation would point either to a whole- sale degradation of insects which is not borne out by the facts, or to the assumption that a more specialised form of auditory apparatus exists or has existed even lower in the scale of nature, which I presume the writer would not be prepared to admit; (6) that they are the result of improvement and development, being the earlier links in that long chain which culminates in the complicated ear of the higher vertebrates, and in that case it is evident that they must come within the scope of, or rather owe their very existence to, natural selection. This appears to me to be the true explanation. But one of the first principles of that far-reaching law is that it can develop only such characters as are actually useful. But Mr. Arkle asserts that these rudi- ments are absolutely useless, which is absurd, as our friend Euclid remarks. I certainly cannot see why anyone should jump to the conclusion that any hearing powers which insects may possess must necessarily be far inferior to those of man, for in the case of two senses at all events they have a decided advantage over us. The human nose would be quite incapable of such feats as are daily performed by coprophilous beetles or the males of “assembling” moths, and the tactile powers in the body of a caterpillar or the antenne of many insects are far more sensitive and delicate than anything we possess. T have lately had good opportunities of observing the habits of a family of insects which numbers among its ranks some of the greatest noise-producers of the whole class; I mean the Cicadas. I have so far found some nine species of these curious and interesting Homopterans in this immediate neighbourhood, and every day as soon as the sun gets hot the bush resounds far and wide with their ear-splitting sounds, which are certainly more vigorous than pleasing. Now, as is well known, these vocal powers, if I may call them so, are confined to the males, which of itself is a highly significant fact, and, apart from all other considerations, E 2 44 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. lends a distinct air of probability (to put it no stronger) to the theories of those who believe in the auscultory powers of insects. Mr. Arkle qnite rightly argues that the possession of a sound- producing apparatus is no proof of the ability to hear. Yet I maintain that it is strong primd facie evidence in favour of that ability; and when such apparatus is confined to one sex the evidence becomes so strong as to fully justify the assumption of hearing powers, at all events in the opposite sex. Moreover, when we come to examine the male cicada and see what a large portion of its economy is occupied by the sound-producing organs, the mind of any man who has read with ordinary intelligence the works of such authors as Darwin, Huxley, or Wallace, must revolt from any theory which would explain away this mechanism as being merely adventitious, or else supplied by the kindness of Nature for the delectation of the Kafirs in the wilds of Africa, and to prevent their being annoyed by the monotony of pleasanter sounds. Such a highly specialised apparatus must be of immense importance in the welfare of the insect in which it occurs, and can only have been produced by some very potent factor, which, as I will show hereafter, I believe to have been natural selection acting on the basis of the reproductive instinct, a most powerful combination. We have already seen that sounds are emitted only by the male sex, and therefore if it can be shown that the female seeks the male, instead of vice versd, I think it will be admitted that we have very strong circumstantial evidence, amounting practically to proof, that the female can hear and is attracted by the song of the male. Now, although I am aware that by doing so I lay myself open to “‘ the suspicion that science may end and enthusiasm begin,” I must state that such observa- tions as I have made have undoubtedly pointed to the fact that the female does seek the male. My notes have been made on only two species, which offer greater facilities for observation than the others. For it is not always easy to make accurate observations on these insects owing to the difficulty of detecting them, the sluggishness of their movements, the height at which they usually sit, and especially to the fact that the male and female are indistinguishable on the tree, unless the former happens to be singing, when the abdomen is slightly raised and the wings held at a somewhat acute angle. I have frequently watched solitary males when singing, and seen another cicada advance from some other part of the bough or trunk with its slow some- what jerky gait, stopping every few seconds, and even passing and repassing the calling insect, until at last it comes to a rest along- side of him. On netting such insects I have invariably found them to be females, and on one occasion I took three which had gathered round a single male. I have noticed that when there are any impassive females in the near vicinity of calling males these latter after a time become restless, walking backwards, for- wards, and sideways, singing all the time, and occasionally giving SENSES OF INSECTS. 45 a sharp flutter with their wings, as if to try and attract the atten- tion of the females. This always reminds me of the “ showing off”? of many male birds. That these performances are intended for the female is well illustrated by an instance I saw only yesterday. A male cicada was singing on a small branch, and on another parallel branch, about six inches away, was a female. When I first observed him the former was sitting quite still, but - he gradually worked himself up, and began walking up and down and all round his branch, occasionally giving a sharp flutter with his wings; but the female remained quite impassive. He got so excited that on three occasions he even took short flights of a few feet from his branch. I watched with interest to see if he would settle on the other one. But no; in each case he returned to his own and recommenced his serenading, which seemed to me significant. The female eventually got tired of him and adjourned _ to a neighbouring tree; whereupon he became quiescent, though he still continued calling. Moreover, there is another fact which throws a very interest- ing side light on the matter. As I have before mentioned, I know of nine different species round here; and although there is a general similarity in the sounds which they produce, yet the diffe- rences between them are sufficient to enable me, with a little practice, to identify the species merely by hearing its cry. Why, then, should there be such a diversity of sounds if they are to serve no purpose? If, however, we acknowledge that the male utters his shrill cry for the purpose of attracting the female, the explanation of these distinctions at once becomes evident. For it is manifest that if the female finds the male by his call, and there is a number of different species frequenting the same area, those males which acquire some peculiarly distinctive sound would be likely to attract to themselves more females of their own kind, and thereby would leave more progeny, than those males whose cry more closely resembles that of another species ; for these latter would be apt to attract females of the other species with which they could not interbreed. And, pari passu, those females which are most adept at distinguishing the notes of their own males from those of other species, are more likely to pair and leave progeny. It is instructive to note, in this con- nection, that the differences in the cries of two species vary in accordance with their relationship; the more nearly allied species possessing more similar calls. Although I have several times imprisoned male cicadas in gauze-covered boxes, to see whether they would attract females by calling, unfortunately my experiments have failed so far, owing to the fact that the male has always refused to utter a sound beyond an occasional indignant squeak, quite distinct from his usual call. One day I came across a most unusual concourse of one species, there being about sixty specimens on a single small bush. With one sweep of the net I caught two males and five 46 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. females, and I then stood for a few seconds watching where the remainder were settling. Meanwhile the two males in my net were screeching vigorously, and I noticed two cicadas fly round successively and settle momentarily on the net. These I marked down, and on capturing them found them to be both females. If this be taken as an instance of the female flying direct to the call of the male, it is the only one that has come under my notice. Cicadas, however, do not seem to indulge much in flight, and con- sidering the numbers there must be about, I have seen very few on the wing, except when they have been actually disturbed. Their sluggishness may perhaps be accounted for by the fact that these insects are perfectly defenceless, their only protection being their excellently protective colouring ; and therefore their greatest safety lies in sitting still. This is a most important fact, which has been quite overlooked by Mr. Arkle in his supposititious case of Melanippe fluctuata remaining undisturbed by a military band, and one which often renders it very difficult to decide the true effect of sound, &c., on an insect. ‘he fact that the moth was not disturbed by the music is no more a proof of its deafness than the fact that it did not fly away at the sight of the approaching stick (but waited to be touched) is a proof that it could not see. The great majority of unarmed insects, which are well adapted to their surroundings, sit fairly close. This is the case with the cicadas; several species allowing the branch on which they are sitting to be roughly shaken, or even struck sharply with a stick within a few inches of themselves, without moving; and yet this is no proof that they have no sense of touch. For such insects immobility is their safest course, up to a certain point. I have so far dealt only with insects which possess a distinct sound-producing apparatus. I will therefore now take an example from those which are without such adjuncts. While strolling in the bush round my camp after dark with a lantern, in search of those giant Carabide, Tefflus and Anthia, I have often been attracted by a sharp pattering sound among the heaps of dead leaves. On inspection this proves to emanate from a small blackish termite. A closer investigation shows that the sound is produced by the large-headed soldiers only, which are walking about among the leaves in front of the workers, while the latter are busy building their little mud tunnels. ‘he method in which they produce the sound is by raising themselves on their legs, and then, with a very rapid motion, striking the leaf two or three times with their heads. Now the naturalist who is worthy of the name requires some reasonable explanation for all such facts he may observe. Why do the soldiers stand in front, often exposing themselves on the tops of the leaves? and why do they strike their heads thus on being approached? Obviously they are there to guard the defenceless workers with their well- developed jaws, and to give warning, by rapping, of impending — a a se ae a ae SENSES OF INSECTS. 47 dangers ; the truth of which latter conclusion is demonstrated by the fact that, if the disturbing element continues, the rapping will after a time grow less, until it will be found that all the termites have retired underground. If this be so, it is evident that the striking must be perceived by the workers in some way. Per- sonally, I think they hear it, though this is almost impossible to prove; for I can no more believe that they perceive it by the sense of touch, as we understand it, than that a man can perceive the striking of distant horse-hoofs by means of his hands rather than his ears. The soldiers, however, do not stand on such debateable ground, as they are able to give some evidence of their perceptions. It must be remembered that they are blind, and now Mr. Arkle asserts them to be deaf, thus leaving them only the senses of touch and smell wherewith to perceive the approach of their enemies. ‘This seems to be improbable on the face of it, and I have had abundant proof that it is not the case. When the footstep of the observer falls within a certain distance of the termites, the little army becomes much perturbed, and the warning rap is energetically repeated every few seconds. If there be a fairly long row of them at work, the rap may be distinctly heard to travel along the line from its starting-point. However, unless again disturbed, they will soon quiet down. Then if the hands be clapped, the fingers snapped, a dry stick cracked, or any other similar sound made within a foot or two of the insects, the sentinels will give a sharp rap after each noise. Now I have made these experiments very many times, and always with the same result; therefore this cannot be regarded as a mere coincidence. It may then be granted that the insects are affected by and can perceive these sounds; in which case they must be able to hear, as that is the only sense by which they could perceive them. The sound that I have found to elicit the most prompt and energetic reply is a sharp whistle, care of course being taken to prevent the breath reaching the termites. I have known them to hear such a whistle at a distance of even six feet, which, if proportionate size be taken as a standard, would mean about half a mile in man. This example is, I think, sufficient to show the fallacy of Mr. Arkle’s assertion that any hearing powers insects may possess are rudimentary, and of no use for warning purposes. But since it has been shown that the cicada, with a complicated sound-producing organ, and the termite with none, are both equally capable of hearing, we have good reason for assuming that insects in general are possessed of the same power, and especially those that are themselves able to produce sound. With regard to the more speculative issue, as to whether insects possess some additional sense which we have not, Mr. Arkle says that if they have such a sense it is obviously one of direction. In the first place, the obviousness is by no means apparent to me; and, secondly, as we do possess a sense of direction, it hardly seems to come within the scope of the 48 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. argument. As, however, the evidence of so great an authority as Sir J. Lubbock has been adduced to demolish this ‘* obvious ”’ conclusion, I cannot refrain from making a further reference to it. Many insects, such as bees, ants, &c., possess a definite and fixed abode, from which they are in the habit of wandering, sometimes for considerable distances, in search of food. Now, if these insects have no sense of direction whatever, how can they find their way back as accurately as they do? ‘To fall back on the old resource and explain it by instinct is merely a plausible way of saying, “I don’t know.” I cannot see that there is any inherent impossibility for insects to possess an additional sense. For instance, there is a vast gap between the number of vibra- tions in the quickest sound-wave and that of the slowest light- wave; and yet we are quite unable to appreciate or perceive the intermediate vibrations. It is, however, quite possible that such. differently constituted creatures as insects might be able to do so, and thus possess a sense that man has not. Indeed, Sir J. Lubbock has shown that ants are sensitive to the ultra violet rays of light, and can probably see them. But without going so far afield, I think many insects have demonstrable senses for which we have no exact parallel. I need only adduce one instance. It is well known that the vast majority of termites have no eyes; and yet any one who has observed them will have noticed how readily they can perceive light, for which they show a strong dislike. What then is the name of the sense which enables them to do this? It cannot be sight, for they are blind. Neither can it be any of the other four senses, as we understand them, for to our ideas light has no smell or taste, and is inaudible and intangible. I must therefore leave the solution of the problem to a wiser head than mine. Lower Umfuli River, Mashunaland. October, 1895. ENTOMOLOGY IN OCTOBER. By C. W. Date, F.E.S. NoTwITHSTANDING the chilly winds and rains and occasional frosts which herald the approach of winter, October is, to my mind, after May and June, the best Entomological month of the year. But it is by real hard work that good insects are to be obtained ; it is certainly no light task beating a lot of thatch and ivy and apple trees, and pulling moss and rubbish to pieces. It is certainly the best month in the year for three genera—Depres- saria, Platypeza, and Aleyrodes. Besides the beautiful species of the hybernating genus Vanessa, the last broods of the following butterflies appear: Pieris rape, Chrysophanus phiwas, Pararge egeria, and P. megera. To prevent this paper from being too ong, I will mention only those species taken by myself at Glan- ——_ ~~ | —. ENTOMOLOGY IN OCTOBER. 49 _villes Wootton. _To begin with: by beating thatch I have obtained Xylina petrificata, Theristis caudella (mucronella), Cero- stoma radiatella and costella, Acrolepia pygmeana, Laverna decorella, epilobiella, and atra, Chauliodus cherophyllellus, Lyonetia clerk- ella, Gelechia lyellella, Depressaria pallorella, alstrameriana, purpurea, capreolella, propinquella, subpropinquella, rhodochrella, arenella, atomella, applana, yeatiana, ocellana, ciliella, granulosella, (zephyrella), albipunctella, discipunctella, weirella, cherophylli, ultimella, badiella, nervosa, and heracleana, Psoricoptera gibbosella, Simethis pariana, and various species of Bracon, Crytophagus, Asteta, Musca, Mycetophila, Culex, &c. By beating ivy I have obtained Cerastis vaccinu and spadicea, Scopelosoma satellitia, Miselia oxyacanthe, Orthosia lota, O. maci- lenta, Agriopis aprilina, Agrotis segetum, A. suffusa, Hadena protea, Anchocelis lunosa, A. pistacina, Dryops femoratus ; and swarms of Apis vespe and Eristalis tenax, Musca rudis and vomitoria, &c., in the day time. By beating apple trees in orchard I have obtained Cidaria miata and C. psitticata (siterata), Sarothripus undulanus, Peronea cristana, Leptogramma literana, L. scabrana, Cerostoma radiatella, Gelechia lyellella, Gracillaria elongella, Coriscium sul- phurellum, cuculipennellum, Lyonetia clerckella, Zelleria insigni- pennella, and Alucita hexadactyla. I have followed this work till December, and have been rewarded by taking Hxapate gela- tella. In the woods Oporabia dilutata and Lemnatophila phryga- nella occur commonly, and five species of the rare genus Platypeza— modesta, rufa, picta, aterrima, and infumata. The genus Aleyrodes occurs freely during this month: A. brassice, a pest in the gardens, and A. spirwe@ in woods. ‘The other species are A. proletella on celandine, A. lonicere on honeysuckle, and a new species on columbine, A. aquilegie, which will be probably described by Mr. Douglas as soon as I can discover the larve. Other good species I have taken this month are Hmbolemus ruddvi with its apterous female, Myrmecomorphus rufescens, Alysia contracta, Proctotrupes brevipennis, Codeus apterogynus, Myrmica lippula males and females, Anomatus 12-striatus, Agathidium varians, and nigripenne, Phleiophilus edwardsu, Larinus carline, Haplocnemus femoralis, Tetratoma desmaresti, Cynips apterus, Borborus pedestris, and the species of the winter genus, T'richo- cera, which may be seen all winter through, even dancing up and down when the ground is covered with snow. Another genus of the Tipulide is also out in force this month, Amalopis straminea and immaculata occurring here, and three other species in Devon- shire. Tipula pagana, confusa, and signata also are on the wing, as well as the last representative of the Trichoptera, Phacopteryx tuberculosa (villosa), which continues till December. I might considerably add to this list, but think I have named enough to show that collecting in October is not to be despised. October 27th, 1895. 50 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. ON THE ABUNDANCE OF ORTHOPTERA IN THE ALPS. By W. Harcovurt-Barna. Next to the Rhopalocera, the Orthoptera are undoubtedly the group of insects which are mostly in evidence in the Alps. If they do not display their figures in such an ostentatious way as the frivolous butterflies, they fully make up for that trait by reason of the great noise they create. If they also lack the beautiful colours of their more handsome relations, they ade- quately compensate for any deficiency in this respect on account of the grotesque forms they frequently assume. The grasshoppers belonging to the two families Acridiide and Locustide certainly constitute some of the most characteristic insect inhabitants of the Alps. They occur by far the most plentifully in the lower valleys of the mountains, especially upon their sunny southern slopes, and rapidly become more scarce the higher one ascends, until at about 9000 ft. above the sea-level they disappear altogether. They commence to make their appearance in the perfect state about the beginning of June in the warmest localities and at the lowest elevations, emerging later and later according to thealtitude. August and September are the two best months for collecting them, as they are then in their greatest abundance everywhere. The noise they produce is sometimes deafening and perfectly bewildering. I have heard their stridulations on many occasions when travelling at full speed in a fast train; and sometimes, when traversing grassy or bushy tracts wherein they abounded, it was necessary to speak in a loud tone to a companion only a few yards away to make him understand what I had to say. The most plentiful species is undoubtedly the great green grasshopper (Locusta viridissima), which I have often heard stridulating in thousands on a warm evening. It is a fine sight to see this conspicuous insect flying in the bright sunshine like a large migratory locust, a habit I have never observed in our own country. The more robustly-built Decticus verrucwvorus I have also encountered in abundance in many localities, especially in the Rhone Valley and near Interlaken. As is well known, this insect is employed by the peasants for charming away their warts. Another large species I met with last year on the south side of the Gemmi Pass near Inden. Its stridulations possess a wonderful resemblance to the hiss of a snake, which mimetic habit no doubt serves to protect the insect from the attacks of batrachian reptiles and insectivorous birds. It is of a purplish colour, prettily striped with yellow and brown. This insect belongs to the Acridiide, a different family to the two preceding. The beautiful butterfly locust, Hidipoda cerulescens, occurs in ORTHOPTERA IN THE ALPS. 51 considerable abundance in many localities in the Alps, par- ticularly on the limestone formation. On the south side of the Brinig Pass, in September, 1894, I encountered it in great numbers. As arule it sits at rest on rocks and stones which exactly resemble it in colour, so that when it remains motionless it can with difficulty be detected, but when approached it in- variably flies away, looking remarkably like a_ bright-coloured butterfly. The tegmina of this species are brown of various shades, sometimes inclining to grey; but the under wings are beautifully adorned with rich crimson, being bordered on the margins with black. A common variety has the crimson space occupied by a deep azure blue. This is another representative of the Acridiide, which also possesses many other members, but of an average smaller size; about the dimensions of our own field grasshoppers. One of the most beautiful species of the Locustidea I have met with is an apple-green form, of exceedingly slender shape, something like Locusta viridissima in appearance. I have seen specimens of it at Interlaken, at the base of the Rothhorn, sitting on the heads of various Umbellifere, no doubt waiting for the approach of smaller insects which constitute its prey. Crickets, belonging to the family Gryllide, of several species occur, the commonest of which is the field-cricket (Gryllus cam- pestris), which I have seen and heard in many localities. On the road between Spiez and Reichenbach I heard them stridulating in thousands in the meadows one day in July after a brief thunderstorm, the moisture produced by which they seemed to enjoy, judging by the noise they created. These insects sit at the mouths of their holes, stridulating until the intruder approaches within a yard or so, when they suspend their orchestral performances and disappear two or three inches down their dwelling; but they can be frequently induced to show themselves again by injecting a blade of grass, which they seize in rage, and can thus be secured. On the Brunig Pass, one sultry afternoon in September, I saw several specimens running about on a bank, possibly in the act of migrating for the purpose of forming new colonies. I have not hitherto studied or collected the continental Orthoptera, although upon the occasion of several trips across the Channel I have been strongly tempted to do so. As I con- template undertaking an extended tour in the Alps this season, I may find an opportunity of forming a collection. For several years past I have been considerably interested in the British species of this order. 3 Birmingham, January 5th, 1896. 52 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. A NEW SCALE-INSECT INFESTING DATE-PALMS. By T. D. A. Cocxeretu, N. M. Agr. Exp. Station. PARLATORIA VICTRIX, Sp. NOV. 2. Scale about 13 mm. long, similar to P. zizyphus (which I find on lemons), but the true scale white (in zizyphus it 1s brownish); second skin black, bordered with pale ochreous (in zizyphus it is all black); first skin narrower, often pale greenish, and not so much overlapping second skin. 3. Scale white. ?. (Boiled in potash) nearly colourless, tinged with brown. No grouped ventral glands. ‘Three pairs of lobes; median four rather close and equidistant from one another, the third lobes _ more distant from the second. Lobes having about the shape of an axe-blade, narrowest at base. Plates scale-like. Margin striate. Mouth-parts far posterior. For the arrangement of the spines, plates, and lobes, see the figures. Teas rs ee : Parlaltoria Victrix. 9 e o eo Y \ ~ AN “YY SG Hab. On leaves of date-palm, sent from Tucson, Arizona, by Prof. Toumey. Writing Dec. 28th, 1893, Prof. ‘Toumey says:—‘‘I send you to-day specimens of date-palm (Phenix dactylifera) infested with sp. of Parlatoria. ... I believe this scale was brought here on trees imported from Africa, and distributed by Department of Agriculture.” These palms were originally from Cairo, so the insect is probably Egyptian. It is curious that it has never been noticed by European naturalists; the Aronidia blanchardi, lately described by Targioni-Tozzetti, from date-palms in the Sahara, is evidently a different thing. The insect was formerly considered to be Parlatoria zizyphus, but on comparing it with true P. zizyphus (found on lemons) it is evidently distinct. Mr. Pergande, of the Entomological Division at Washington, has re-examined it from material I sent, and is now also of this opinion. Las Cruces, New Mexico, U.S.A. Feb. 5th, 1895. Ee ie ee: et. 58 LEPIDOPTERA AT LIGHT AT IPSWICH. By Cuaupe A, Pyert, A REVIEW of the past season, through the means of a carefully kept diary, shows that it has been exceptionally productive of Lepidoptera, especially as regards collecting at light. The year has been remarkable from the fact that usually common species, such as Mamestra brassice and Rumia luteolata, have been scarce, and in some instances, for example Agrotis segetum, I have not seen a single specimen. Melanippe fluctuata was the only insect that maintained its proverbial frequency in these parts; Noctua e-nigrum, which I referred to last year as a pest, being com- paratively uncommon. A few species occurred plentifully, J/. persicarié being the most conspicuous. That the season has been successful is proved by my having taken no fewer than 199 species, made up as follows: Diurni, 1 ; Sphinges, 8; Nocturni, 11; Drepanulide, 2; Pseudo-Bombyces, 6; Noctuze, 66; Geometre, 62; and Micros, 48. Dealing with the latter separately, Pionea forjicalis, Crambus hortuellus, and C. tristellus swarmed, but with these exceptions none of the others abounded. On the whole, the best Macro taken for the county is Leucama phragmitidis, of which I took two specimens in one night with Dianthecia carpophaga, likewise an apparently scarce insect in this locality. Among the Micros, Spilonota robo- rana and Hphestia? passulella are new to the Suffolk list, whilst I have to record the capture of Tinea pallescentella for the first time this year in the county. Several specimens of Dicranura bifida and Smerinthus ocellatus occurred; of the former I took four, One Amphidasys betularia of the true var. doubledayaria form fell to my lot. The autumn season was a decided contrast to 1894, insects being noticeably scarce, although the weather was not unfavour- able. Of the few species recorded, Xanthia gilvago was present in unusual numbers, also Hugonia fuscantaria, but I only secured one E. alniaria (tiliaria), the commonest of the 1894 ‘ thorns.” It is remarkable, bearing in mind the central situation of the two electric are lamps in the town, that this illuminant should be occasionally visited by such insects as Hepialus humuli and Acentropus niveus. An Ipswich entomologist, in the November issue (Hntom. xxvill. 314), comments on the superiority of the electric light over gas as a means of attracting insects, but my experience has been the reverse. ‘l’o bear this out, it would have been interesting to tabulate tbe insects taken respectively at the two sources of light; but as this would occupy so great space, N have instead carefully summarised the relative differences. Thus, of Lepidoptera taken, 66 species occurred at both illuminants, whilst 81 were captured through the medium of lamps, and 52 only at electric light. The introduction of the brilliant incan- 54 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. descent gaslight dates only towards the end of September, other- wise this might be thought attributable, although, apart from this, there is every reason to suppose that its adoption will tend to diminish the visitants to the arc lamps, as will be seen by refe- rence to the closing months of the year in the following list, in which I have specified under each month the captures at each light, it being understood that in those cases where not otherwise stated the insects were taken at both. February.— Hyberia rupticapraria. March.— Phigalia pedaria, H. progemmaria, Anisopteryx escularia. April.—Te@niocampa instabilis, T. stabilis, Selenia bilunaria, Biston hirtaria, Amphidasys strataria, Hemerophila abruptaria, Hupithecia vul- gata, E.. abbreviata, Melanippe fluctuata. Lamps only: Xylocampa areola. Electric light: 7. cruda, Diurnea fagella. May.—Arctia lubricipeda, A. menthastri, Acronycta psi, M. brassicae, Apamea basilinea, Grammesia trilinea, Caradrina morpheus, Agrotis excla- mationis, Noctua rubi, T. gothica, Hadena trifolit (chenopodit), H. oleracea, Plusia gamma, Rumia luteolata, Odontopera bidentata, Melanippe sociata, Coremia ferrugata, Pionea forficalis, Alucita hewadactyla. Lamps: Pieris rap@ (to gas in church), Smerinthus populi, Notodonta camelina, Cilia glaucata, T. gracilis, Cucullia umbratica, Hupithecia nanata, E. assimilata, Hypena rostralis, Botys urticata, Uicophora pseudo-spretella. Electric light: Sphinax ligustri, Smerinthus ocellatus (several seen), Dicranura bifida, D. vinula, N. dictea, N. ziczac, Acronycta megacephala, H. pist, H. adusta, Amphidasys betularia, Emmelesia affinitata. June.— Bryophila perla, Leucunia pallens, M. persicarie, Miana furun- cula, C. alsines, Noctua augur, Acidalia virgularia, A. aversata, Hupithecia rectangulata, EH. fraxinata, Cidaria dotata, Pyralis glaucinalis, Crambus tristellus. Lamps: Leucania impura, Axylia putris, Apamea unanimis, Agrotis puta, A. corticea, Hupleaia lucipara, Hadena thalassina, Plusia chrysitis, A. bisetata, A. trigeminata, Cabera exanthemaria, Lomaspilis mar- ginata, E. succenturiata, Melanippe montanata, Coremia unidentaria, Her- minia nemoralis (grisealis), Cataclysta lemnata, Spilodes cinctalis, Scopula olivalis, Crambus pratellus, C. perlellus, Schenobius forficellus, Tortria rosana, Penthina pruniana, P. cynosbana, Xanthosetia hamana, Pterophorus penta- dactylus. Hlectric light: Orgyia pudibunda, Pyg@ara bucephala, Acronycta aceris, Noctua festiva, Uropteryx sambucata, Panagra petraria, Pyralis farinalis, Scoparia ambigualis, S. cembre, S. mercurella, C. hortuellus, Tortrix heparana, T. ribeana, T. podana, T. viridana, Carpocapsa pomonana, Tinea pallescentella. July.—Lithosia lurideola, Chelonia catia, Liparis auriflua, L. salicis, Bombyx neustria, Leucania phragmitidis, Agrotis tritici, Boarmia repan- data, B. rhomboidaria, Halia wavaria, Paraponysx stratiotata. Lamps: Hy- drecia nictitans, Xylophasia lithoxylea, Miana strigilis, M. furuncula, Cosmia trapezina, Dianthecia carpophaga, Larentia didymata, Kup ithecia oblongata, E. subfulvata, EL. sobrinata, Hypsipetes elutata, Coremia quadrifasciaria, Botys ruralis, Scopula lutealis, Ephestia elutella, E. passulella ?, Aphomia sociella, Tortria ministrana, Peronea variegana, Spilonota roborana, Tinea tapetzella. Electric light: Hepialis humuli, Lasiocampa quercifolia, Platypteryx fal- cula, X. monoglypha (polyodon), Mamestra anceps (seen), Triphena pronuba, Selenia bilunaria var. juliaria, Acidalia scutulata, Timandra amataria, Cabera pusaria, Abraxas grossulariata, Ligdia adustata, Aglossa pingui- A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. 55 nalis, Acentropus niveus, C. culmellus, Dictyopterya bergmanniana, Hypono- meuta cagnagellus, Depressaria cherophylli, Endrosis fenestrella. August.—Heliophobus popularis (several), Luperina testacea, Agrotis nigricans, Noctua c-nigrum. Lamps: L. cespitis, Eugonia tiliarta, Asyt- lates ochrearia, Cidaria truncata, €. immanata, Anaitis plagiata. Electric light: Triphena comes, T. ianthina. September.—Xanthia fulvago, Polia flavicincta, Chesias spartiata, Stenopteryx noctuella. Lamps: Noctua xanthographa, X. gilvago, X. fer- ruginea, Catocala nupta, Eugonia fuscantaria, Thera variata, Cidaria miata. Electric light: Nonagria lutosa, Noctua glareosa. October.—Lamps: Hydrecia micacea, Anchocelis pistacina, A. litura, Miselia oxyacanthe, Oporabia dilutata, Thera firmata (18th!), Eubolia cervinaria, Depressaria applana. November.— Hybernia defoliaria, Cheimatobia brumata. Lamps: Pecilo- campa populi. Electric light: H. aurantiaria. — Ciraupe A. Pye; Ipswich, November, 1895. A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. By W. F. pe Vismes Kane, M.A., M.R.LA., F.E.S. (Continued from p. 19.) HEcATERA CHRYsozoNA, Bork.—Included in the Rev. J. Greene’s list of Irish Lepidoptera, but without data given. Several, both larvee and imagines, have been taken at Clonbrock (R. HE. D.). Said to have been found on shores of Lough Foyle by Curzon. HECATERA SERENA, F'b.—Very local, and usually scarce. Spe- cimens with the central band broad and dark, and the white of the base and subterminal area reduced in size, occur. One var. leuconota at Cappagh, Co. Waterford. Portrane, somewhat abun- dant (Ff. N.); Howth (B.), Killiney (S.), Co. Dublin; Tinahely (Bw.) and Greystones, Co. Wicklow; Belfast (Bw.), Cromlyn, Co. Westmeath (Mrs..B.); Ardrahan (Miss N.) and Clonbrock, two (R. EH. D.), Co. Galway; Roches Point, Cork. Pouta cui, L.—Widely distributed and frequently common. Neither the grey var. suffusa, Tutt, nor var. olivacea, St., nor Mr. Porritt’s melanic form has been taken. The black net- work and « mark are sometimes faintly but often strongly marked, the females being greyer. The most dingy specimen I have comes from Ardrahan, Galway. I have noticed consider- able numbers very conspicuous on the black basaltic rocks about Downhill, Co. Derry, no protective colouring being noticeable. [Ponra FLAVIcINcTA, F'b.—Mr. Birchall never took this insect in Ireland, I understand. He gave Co. Wicklow as a locality on hearsay evidence, but there is every possibility that it may turn up.| i 56 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Dasyponia TEmput, Thnb.—Mr. Birchall took six at light once at Howth, and detected the larve not unfrequently. Dr. Hart also has a specimen taken there. Glenarm Castle, Co. Antrim; Greencastle, Inishowen (W. H. H.); Clonbrock, one (R. E. D.). EKPUNDA LICHENEA, Hb.—Common at Howth. Mr. M. Fitzgibbon tcok an interesting aberration of purplish grey tone there, but not like the handsome purple-spotted variety found about Plymouth, &c. Very abundant at Rossbeigh, Co. Kerry (Salvage). EpunDA LUTULENTA, Bork.—The type does not occur in Ireland to my knowledge. It is noticeable that in the English typical form the shaded nervures and row of spots of hind'wings, generally present in the two following varieties, are wanting. Vars. lune- burgensis, Frr., and sedi, Gn., are the representatives in Ireland of this species. Mr. Tutt (Brit. Noct. p. 58), in treating of the former variety, has very ably cleared up the difficulty and con- fusion into which I was led (Entom. xxvii. 14) by Staudinger’s misdescription of var. luneburgensis, Frr., and has made it very plain that Freyer’s name should be attached to the almost black form taken in Ireland, Scotland, and in several places in England. Mr. Tutt notes Morpeth, Mr. Hodgkinson took it in Lancashire, and Mr. Bond had it from Cambridgeshire. In a letter, he said:—‘‘I have two males and two females with the wings nearly black, and markings very faint or wholly wanting. They look at first sight like H. nigra. This seems to be the most pre- valent variety in the southern portion of England.” He also describes three var. sedz from Wales as ‘‘of silvery ash colour, with the same markings as var. luneburgensis.” Both the varieties thus described occur in Ireland, sometimes in con- siderable abundance. By the distribution in England and on the Continent it seems evident that they are phylogenetic varieties, and their occurrence without the type in Scotland and Ireland is not the result of any climatic influences at present subsisting, nor has any bearing on the origin of recent melanic forms. It is worth noting that as the almost unicolorous brown type is locally attended by its grey unicolorous var. consimilis, St., so the well-marked var. luneburgensis, with spotted and rayed hind wings, is accompanied by a grey form sedi with parallel characters. Such phenomena often throw light on zoological problems. I have had much assistance from Mr. Dobree, of Beverley, in studying the various forms of this species. Var. luneburgensis occurs on both shores of the Foyle, Co. Derry; at Kilderry (C.), Magilligan, and Castlerock, where Mr. Bristow took it (Mr. Birchall’s record of Wicklow being an error). Var. sedi, Gn., also is taken at the Foyle localities, and I have specimens from thence of the trivial var. tripuncta, Frr., with small pale spots in the reniform; and one approaching var. albidilinea, Tutt. At Knocknarea, near Sligo, Mr. Russ took both ae NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 57 varieties in considerable numbers, and with a considerable range of variation, some of the former having a considerable tinge of the typical ground colour, while some of the sedi being (as also at Ardrahan) of brownish grey tone. Birchall took some form of lutulenta at Kilecornan, and both vars. are at Ardrahan (A. G. M. and Miss N.). Both also near Crossmolina, Co. Mayo (S. R. F.). Epunpa NigRA, Haw.—I have never seen Irish examples of this insect. Birchall gives ‘‘ near Dublin and Galway”’ (pro- bably Kilcornan) as localities. At Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, Curzon met with it, and sparingly also at Magilligan (Salvage). Mr. Meek got it from Glengarriff, Co. Kerry. Thus it seems extremely localised, but found in the extreme north and south, east and west of Ireland. (To be continued.) NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. Some Recent Auction SALES.—SECOND PORTION OF Dr. WHEELER’S CottEction.—Pachnobia alpina, of which fewer seem to be now taken, in lots of 4, 7, and 8, with others, fetched 26/-, 42/-, and 45/-. Dianthecia barrettit is also advancing in price, 11 specimens realising something like 8/6 each, which does not quite represent their true value, some of them being, as is, alas, so often the case in this species, in very poor condition. Two lots of 4 each of Xylina conformis made 47/6 and 35/-. Lots of 8 and 5 of Cucullia scrophularia, with others, 27/6 and 22/-. A pair and two triplets of C. gnaphalit, all of Tester’s taking from Tilgate Forest, with other ‘ sharks,” went for 40/-, 35/-, and 80/-. The gem of this portion of the sale, judging from price, appeared to be a specimen of Ophiodes lunaris, taken at light by Dr. Wheeler him- self, at Stratton Strawless, Norwich, in 1879, duly recorded, and which fetched £6; and a specimen of Catephia alchymista, 1895, 65/-. Four pairs of Cleora viduaria realised 25/-, 32/6, 18/-, and 16/-, the difference in condition being commensurate with the prices. The Micros were not in first-class condition, and, as is usual in such cases, ‘went for next to nothing, two and three lots having to be bracketed together containing often as many as three hundred insects, going for 8/-, 5/-, and 10/- a lot. Mr. W. Farren’s Sate.—The extensive collection of Mr. W. ‘Farren, of Cambridge, was sold on Nov. 19th and Dec. 2nd. The ‘collection looked as if it had been a little neglected of late, and there was a trace of mould in many places; but on the whole the insects were in good order, and the collection contained, without doubt, the finest series of Fen forms sold at Stevens’s auction-rooms for a long period. A series of vars. of Papilio machaon, including specimens with band of hind wings reaching cell, discoidal spot of hind wings obsolete, red in lunules, &c., made 80/-, and a fine asymmetrical var. 21/-. The clearwings were in good order, and, as usual, brought good prices. Lot 29, including a pair of Sesia vespiformis, went to Mr. ENTOM.—FEB, 1896, F 58 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Janson for 35/-. Two small lots, including 8 and 4 specimens of S. sphegiformis, as usual, from Tilgate, went for 30/—- and 82/6; both to Messrs. Watkins and Doncaster, who indeed, with the one exception above stated, purchased the remaining 3 lots of the Sesiide at 30/-, 20/-, and 14/—a lot. Three bred specimens of Deilephila galii from the late W. H. Tugwell, with 11 Sphinx ligustri, went for 8/-, about the cheapest lot in the sale. The one specimen of D. livornica was evidently not much believed in, as with 52 other insects it only made 8/—. Nola centonalis, which has apparently disappeared under the influence and ardour of golfists, is also quickly rising in price, 3 lots of 4 each, also from Mr. Tugwell, made 25/-, 25/-, and 20/- a lot. Curious vars. of Arctia menthastri, one with purple shot and one with buff fore wings, distinct from anything of the kind I have seen before, were not dear at 32/6. The Lelia cenosa—two pairs—were poor, and therefore only realised 10/- and 14/-. A fine series of Notodonta chaonia and other prominents, including dark vars., fetched 47/6. Mr. Farren’s series of Bryophila impar was, I should think, the finest in existence ; lots of 4 or 5 each, with other things not by any means rubbish, made 22/-, 21/-, 45/- (including nice ochreous B. perla), 30/-. Ditto, 18/-, 26/-, 22/-, and 18/-. The wainscots were all in good order, 2 lots; including dark forms of Arsilonche venosa, with other things, went for 20/- and 21/-. A pair of Tapinostola concolor, with T. elymt and Nonagria neurica, for 28/-. A single female Noctua subrosea for 22/. Seven Pachnobia alpina and others, 21/-. A nice series of Xanthia aurago and Cirrhedia xerampelina, 26/-. The Geometre contained nothing very striking except a fine var. of the disappearing Cidaria sagittata, in which the dark bands were nearly obsolete. I should think such a var. practically unique, and it certainly was not dear with 19 very fine typical sagittata and other things at 65/-. Cidaria reticulata fetched about 10/— each. Two specimens of Poly- ommatus dispar, collected by the late Jno. Curtis, were also included in the sale; they were both undersides, and in medium condition; one fetched 2 guineas, the other £2. The Tine, although in very nice condition, went for poor prices: and in very many cases 2 lots had to be joined before a purchaser could be obtained. Messrs. Fletcher and Banks pretty well divided this part of the collection between them. The highest priced lots were those containing Gelechia divisella, which went for 22/-. Doryphora lucidella, D. morosa, and others, 20/-. Acrolepia betulella, &c., 42/-. Nepticula cryptella and others, 30/-. The new Cataplectica farrent were sold in lots of 4, and made 7/-, 8/-, 10/-, and as low as 6/— a lot. Mr. W. H. Tuewetu’s Satrz.—On Dec. 10th the first portion of the late Mr. W. H. Tugwell’s collection was sold. Mr. Tugwell and his collection have been household words with most of us for many years past. He did not retain long series, but the specimens were mostly picked, and embraced good varieties and local forms. Many series were bred by himself or his friends. Granting this, it is perhaps not remarkable that record prices were obtained in more than one or two instances. At the same time I think the collection was a little overcatalogued, and I am inclined to think that it is a mistake not to leave the cataloguing in every case in the hands of the profession. I noticed in one instance (lot 18), that whilst a second- NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 59 rate var. of Argynnis selene with confluent spots was specially mentioned, a specimen of, to my mind, a far rarer variety, showing a silver blotch on the upper surface of the wing, was not mentioned. Some one, however, spotted it, as the lot fetched 50/-, and even at that price Mr. Janson’s customer may be congratulated on having secured a bargain. To take the collection in order :—Lot 4, a specimen of Pieris daplidice, taken at Dover in 1851, by Mr. Foxcroft, dusky with age, was acquired by the writer for 11/-; two other good ones, with no history, 8/— and 6/- each. Lots 7and 8, which were combined, contained what was described as a ‘‘ magnificent’’ male Colias edusa, showing a rose- magenta shot colour; this, to my mind, was nothing more than the rose-shot colouring which is not at all uncommon in this species. Apparently others thought so too, as the 2 lots together, containing 52 specimens, only fetched 10/-. Lot 10 was a great bargain: a speci- men of dArgynnis adippe from Devonshire, 1874, in which the outer half of the primaries was suffused, making a rather striking variety, realising only 20/-. Possibly Mr. Janson’s determined bidding may have induced others to leave off the contest too early; it was, to my mind, quite as good a variety as one sold a few sales back for something like £6. Mr. Tugwell’s specimen of Anosia plexippus, captured by Mr. Saundry, Cornwall, 1886, sold for 35/-. Four A. latonia, Kent, all fine, but with no other history, fetched 12/-, 8/-, 8/-, and 6/— each. Lot 16, containing a fairly good variety of Argynnis euphrosyne and a slightly dusky female A. selene, with a rather pretty lot of Melitea artemis, fetched 16/—. Lot 17, about similar, 12/-. Lots 19, 20, and 21 each contained a dull lilac or purple-brown variety of Vanessa urtice, and realised 21/-, 14/-, and 10/-. In lots 22, 28, and 24 were, amongst other things, specimens of Apatura iris, described as New Forest white-banded, Chattenden yellow-banded, a distinction I believe pretty constant in those localities; they were quite ordinary forms, and fetched 16/-, 18/-, and 12/-. The collection contained two specimens of Vanessa antiopa, both taken by Mr. Sang, Darlington, 1873. One nice specimen made 18/-, and one with yellow borders 16/—. Lots 27, 28, and 29 were sold together for 10/-. The pale variety of Arge galatea, as per catalogue, was only a faded female, but the lot was cheap, containing as it did some nice forms of Hrebia blandina, well spotted. There were 8 specimens of Polyommatus dispar; the first 8 males were small and in moderate condition, but were cheap never- theless at 45/-, 55/-, and 63/-; a richly coloured male made £5, and a large male from Mr. Howard Vaughan’s collection 7 guineas, which is, I believe, a record price; the latter two were bought by Mr. Janson. A fine female made 70/—-, but the magnificent variety of the female from Mr. H. Vaughan’s collection had been evidently ‘‘ faked’ at some period of its existence; it looked as if it had been carelessly mended and blotched with shellac or some such substance, which had been subsequently removed, leaving scaleless stains. It was a pity such a fine large specimen of this rarity should be so spoilt; it was bought for 45/-. The eighth example, a fine female, was also bought by a prominent dealer for £6, and was fully worth it too. The first pair of Lycena acis, from Mr. J. G. Ross, fetched no less than 35/—; the second pair, including a large female from Mr. Kvan John, Llan- F2 60 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. trissant, was bought by the writer for 80/-. It is curious to notice how this insect fluctuates in price. I believe Mr. H. Vaughan’s 11 fine specimens were sold in one lot, and only made something like 3/- each; at the Rev. H. Burney’s sale, in November, 1893, 9/— each; Downing’s sale, October, 1894, 6/— each; Jenner Weir’s sale, May, 1894, 10/- each; at Machin’s sale, February, 1895, one pair, 40/-, and a pair and an under side, 50/—: at Robson’s sale, 18/- each; and at Dr. Wheeler’s sale, July, 1885, only 6/— each. Personally, I believe, even at 15/- apiece, good, well-authenticated specimens are cheap; but, as it occurs fairly freely on the Continent, its price will never approach that of Polyommatus dispar. Lycena arion, for about the first time, were sold in pairs, and made 8/-, 6/-, 7/-, 8/-, 11/-, 9/-, 7/-; triplets, 10/- and 10/-. Two Torquay Deilephila livornica, from Mr. King, 20/- and 7/-; one from Dr. Knaggs’ collection, 18/-. Three lots of D. galii (4 in a lot), bred by Mr. Tugwell, 21/-, 42/-, and 40/-. One Cherocampa celerio from Brighton, 26/-. Sesia scoliiformis, of which there were 12 specimens, realised an average of about 6/~. The burnets were all good: three lots each, including 6 Zygena exulans and yellow Z. trifolit, made 35/-, 55/-, and 42/-. Vars. of 7%. lonicere and Z. /filipendule, 50/-, 84/-, and 65/-. The unique British example of Syntomis phegea went to Mr. Banks for 60/-. Nola centonalis made about 4/6 each. Three lots of 6 N. albulalis, with the IVI var. of Setina irrorella, 30/-, 80/-, and 35/- a lot. Two specimens of Deiopeia pulchella, 11/- and 30/-. A var. of Arctia caia with dark fore wings, hind wings with blue-black band, made 35/-; and a specimen described as a unique var., with black hind wings, but which was to my mind much over- estimated, 95/-. Series of vars. of Arctia caia and villica, 52,6, 63/-, and 35/-. Mr. Tugwell was noted for his success in breeding fine forms of Spilosoma lubricipeda, and especially the vars. eboract, radiata, and fasciata ; his cabinet series, sold in lots of 8, made 25/-, 25/-, and 85/-; whilst a splendid radiated var. of S. menthastri from Dundee made 60/-. Hight old fen forms of Ocneria dispar, 32/6; three pairs of Lelia cenosa, 12/-, 12/-, and 18/-; and an exceptionally large male, 15/-. Three Cannock Chase Lasiocampa ilicifolia, 32/6, 37/6, and 47/6. Three lots of Drepana sicula—three in a lot—3d/-, 32/6, and 32/6. Ditto of Dicranura bicuspis, all from Tilgate, 33/-, 27/6, and 27/6; and a pair, 18/-. Two Leucania vitellina, 22/- and 26/-. Two L. albipuncta, 30/— and 28/-. Two lots of 4 Tapinostola concolor, from Mr. Vipan, 14/- and 16/-. Four lots of 2 and 8 bred Xylomiges conspicillaris, 16/-, 20/-, 22/-, and 18/-. Two pairs of Laphygma exigua, 40/— and 35/-. Two lots of 8 each of Pachetra leucophea, 12/- and 14/-. Two pairs of bred Nonagria sparganit, from Mr. Sidney Webb, 18/- and 16/-. Three pairs of Crymodes exulis, 18/-, 27/6, and 28/-. A specimen of Hydrilla palustris, with a doubtful record, 21/-. Two lots of 5 Agrotis ashworthii, with 4 A. pyrophila and others, 16/- and 17/-. Two pairs of Noctua subrosea, out of which there was only one good specimen, 80/— and 30/— a pair. Two lots of 6 each of Pachnobia alpina, with other things, 22/— and 32/6. ‘T'wo specimens of Cerastes erythrocephala, 12/— each. Three pairs of Dianthecia barrettii, 28/—, 25/-, and 80/- a pair. Two of Polia nigrocincta, 5 in a lot, 21/— and 30/-. Two lots of 4 each of Xylina conformis, bred by Mr. Tugwell, 50/— and 42/-. One specimen of Cucullia gnaphalit, also Leek Didies: lie re NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. _ 61 bred by Mr. Tugwell, the astounding price of 55/-. I suspect there was some sentimental reason for such a high figure; and yet there must have been two bidders at least. This must be an easy record. A single specimen of Thalpochares ostrina, with no history, went for 14/-. Two pairs of Plusia moneta, with 8 P. bractea and others, 32/6 and 45/-; and a single specimen of Ophiodes lunaris, taken at _ Hailsham, May, 1875, 95/.. The last few lots in the sale were extended series contained in store-boxes: S. lubricipeda var. fasciata, with parent moths, made 20/—; ditto, fasciata and eboraci, 21/-; ditto, radiata, 16/-, 12/-, and 16/—; ditto, eboraci crosses, 26/— and 21/-. Lots of 6 each of Zygena exulans, 14/-, 12/-, 12/—, 14/-, and 16/-. Two fine spotless pale vars. of Venilia maculata, with others, 65/-; and a lot containing fine varieties of the thorns, 50/-. Altogether, the first portion of the sale, without any cabinet to swell the total, realised £311 8s.—THomas Wiuu1am Hatz; Stanhope, The Crescent, Croydon. [The following note from Mr. Adkin may be added as a postscript to the above.] The remaining portion of the collection formed by the late Mr. W. H. Tugwell, together with cabinets, &c., was disposed of on Jan. 20th, and realised upwards of £150, the most important items being :— Three Cleora viduaria, taken by the late Chas. Tester in Tilgate Forest, £1 17s. 6d.; two Boletobia fuliginaria, bred by Mr. Tugwell, £2 7s. 6d.; and seven other specimens at a similar rate. A black white-banded variety of Abraxas grossulariata, brought the lot in which it was con- tained up to £1 10s., as did a fine example of Sterrha sacraria to £1 6s. Four Phibalapteryx polygrammata sold for £1 10s.; twelve Cidaria reticulata at an average of 9s. 6d. each; and two Margarodes unionalis, taken by Mr. Tugwell at Deal, for £2 15s. and £1 10s. each respec- tively ; while two polygonalis, with a similar history, brought the unprecedented prices of £4 15s. and £38 3s.—R. A. Patmarctic Ruopatocera.—As I am collecting data respecting the geographical and vertical distribution of these, I shall be much obliged for local lists of species, with notes, from those who have collected abroad, especially from Russia, North Africa, and Armenia. Lists from all the European countries will be very acceptable. — W. Harcovurt- Bats ; Ladywood, Birmingham. PoLiA CHI AND ITS VAR. OLIVACEA BRED FROM THE Kee.—In the early spring of 1895 I had some eggs deposited by females of the type and olivacea forms of this species sent to me from Durham. The male parents were unknown. The eggs began to hatch at the end of April, olivacea being first by three or four days. I found the larve would eat dock, hawthorn, oak, and groundsel. As they preferred groundsel, I fed them almost entirely upon it. The caterpillar is fully and accu- rately described in Newman’s ‘ British Moths.’ Although I examined the larvez on several occasions, with the help of a strong lens, I found not the slightest difference between chi and olivacea, which, of course, were kept in separate flower-pots. The olivacea all pupated by June 15th, the chi by June 24th. Some of the latter, late ones, died of diarrhea. On June 26th there was a severe thunderstorm, with heavy 62 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. rain, and all the pots were submerged for about half an hour in water. This had little or no effect upon the pupa, every one of which, I should Say, produced a moth. Chi were the first to show themselves, from Aug. 4th to 14th. Imagines of olivacea appeared from Aug. 10th until Aug. 22nd. Several of the chi pupe produced the var. olivacea, but none of the olivacea produced chi. Many specimens of the variety were so dark an olive-green as to be almost black, the white markings showing up handsomely on the dark ground. In the Chester district, North Wales included, I take the species (but never the variety) chiefly from the old walls of Beeston Castle, on a high wooded precipitous hill to the left of the railway between Crewe and Chester. The form for this district is pale and weakly marked in comparison with the hand- somer Durham one. At Beeston, on Aug. 14th and 17th, I took altogether twelve P. chi from off the castle walls, where the moth rests during the day. These were chiefly for pairing purposes. The results were as follows :—Chi, either from Beeston or Durham, or when crossed by each other, paired readily, and I got plenty of eggs; chi crossed with olivacea, or vice versa, paired badly, and I only got about twenty eggs; olivacea failed. One of the females laid a dozen or more infertile eggs.— J. ARKLE; 2, George Street, Chester. PoLIA NIGROCINCTA BRED FRoM THE Ege.—In March, 1894, I received thirteen eggs of P. nigrocincta. The parent moth had been taken the previous season by Mr. Murray, of Carnforth, in theIsle of Man. The eggs began to hatch on April 19th. Although the larve had every attention, and full choice among the prescribed food-plants,—different campions, violet, harebell, plantain, &c.,—they ate very little, and died, one after the other, up to July 24th. A second batch of thirteen eggs, in 1895, hatched April 26th. The egg is dome-shaped, pale purplish brown, with a considerable apical zone of the same colour, but much deeper in tint, almost black. It is ribbed, the ribs standing out prominently, especially from the centre of the apical zone. In the centre of this black-purple-brown zone is a raised dot. From this dot spring the raised ribs, nine or ten in number. These presently sub- — divide, and spread longitudinally over the bulk of the shell. The stages I observed in the growth of the caterpillar are the following :— First (after hatching): One-eighth of an inch long; a few bristles on each segment. To the eye the caterpillar appears the width of a fine stroke with the pen. Head pale, clouded with light brown. Body pale dull green, also claspers. First five segments (after the head) dark purple, dorsally, but this is not a constant character. Each segment has four dorsal black spots, and two on each side. These spots form two dorsal lines and a line along each side. In walking the larve loop like geometers, and, if alarmed, sit up in the form of the letter S. Both these characteristics are observable in P. chi. Second stage: Head green and clouded with yellowish. Dorsally the segments are dull dark green. Below the spiracles the colour, including the legs and claspers, is bright apple-green. Along the whole of the dull dark green dorsal area is a central whitish-green line. There is a similar line along each side, the side lines being just situated in the dull green dorsal area. The four dorsal spots each emit a minute bristle. The segment divisions are clearly marked dorsally in whitish NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 63 green. The head is smaller than the following segment, and the caterpillar tapers towards the extremity. It does not like microscopic examination, and starts off rapidly when the lens is above it. Third stage: Green, with a not very distinct yellowish-green stripe along each side containing the spiracles. The spiracles are yellow, surrounded by black rings. Fourth stage: In 1894 this stage was reached June 17th ; in 1895, a much warmer season, on May 29th. Head, segments, claspers, apple-green. There is a thin whitish yellow medio-dorsal line, and an exactly similar line on each side of the larva. Below the side line, and including the spiracles, is a broad yellowish white stripe. The spiracles are white-yellow with black rings. The four dorsal spots on each segment are white-yellow. The geometer-like character of looping is now lost. To the eye the caterpillars appear apple-green, with a yellow stripe or line along each side. They never got beyond this stage with me in 1894. Fifth stage: June 11th, 1895. The head and second segment are pale brownish green, with darker markings. The second segment is mottled on the sides with brown. The dorsal area of the remaining segments is olive-green, conspicuously mottled with warm reddish brown. Segment divisions reddish. Hach segment has, dorsally, four dark brown spots, with dull yellowish centres. There is a dull yellow stripe along each side containing the reddish spiracles, which are surrounded by black rings. The caterpillar is green underneath, slightly mottled with brown. Legs pale reddish brown; claspers green. The caterpillar has now reached its final stage. Seen without the aid of a lens it appears as follows :—The head is pale greenish brown, and slightly smaller than the second segment. The body is cylindrical and reddish olive-green dorsally. The red tint prelominates, and resembles the deep blush on a ripe apricot. When moving about the segment divisions are more exposed, and are of a brighter red than the back of the caterpillar ; along each side there is a dull yellow stripe; these side stripes have a waved appearance, as if composed of a series of crescents, one crescent on each segment. The legs are pale reddish brown, the claspers green. Newman, in his ‘ British Moths,’ p. 395, remarks upon the similar appearance of the caterpillar, doubtless when fully grown, to that of Hpunda lichenea. I compared his description of the latter species (p, 400) with my P. niyrocincta larve on July 17th. The chief points of difference are that in P. nigrocincta the head is ‘‘tessellated”’ with darker markings; secondly, the back of the caterpillar is without indistinct lozenge-shaped oblique marks. Thirdly, the dorsal reddish colour in P. nigrocincta is very pronounced. Still it may be very easy to confound the species. The larve preferred groundsel to everything else. They began to pupate on June 13th. Here the curtain drops on their history, for they never appeared again. I did not rear a single moth. True their pots were submerged in the heavy triple thunderstorm of June 26th. But I certainly expected them to follow some sort of suit to P. chi, and show a moth or two at least. It seems to be a difficult species to rear from the egg, and I shall be glad to hear if this has ever been done.—J. Arxue ; Chester, Jan. 2nd, 1896. Some OontInenTAL VARIETIES OF British SPECIES RECENTLY RECORDED. —Amphidasys prodromaria.—M. F. Delahaye chronicles two vars. of 64 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. A. prodromaria, male and female. The male has the ground of the primaries of a dark greenish colour, which is most apparent in the space between the two brown bands. These, on account of their blunted angles, are considerably wider than in the type towards the lower border. The brown band which adjoins the terminal border is very dark, almost black, and extends nearly up to the fringe. The other band at the base of the wing is similarly widened and coloured. The large black dot in the area between the bands is elongated in a fine line nearly to the internal border. The secondaries present a clouded appearance, darker than in the type, with the fringe more largely spotted with greyish black. The thorax is about three parts black mixed with greenish. The collar is encroached upon by the black, but the antenne and abdomen do not show any peculiarity. The female is still more curious, and seems to defy exact description. If as in the case of the male the median space in the primaries is larger than ordinary, it does not present a uniform colour ; for whereas the lower part is mixed with black, greenish, and russet-colour, the part which approaches the side is clearer, the green passes gradually into dark grey, while the large black dot is opened out into a V-shaped mark. The same effect is brought about in the space between the first band and the base of the wing, but in this area it is the black which prevails. Concerning the second or outer band, the black has encroached, becoming more and more dense, up to the fringe, and so completely that only two small white spots remain. The secondaries are still darker than those of the male. The antenne and thorax are nearly black. The moth presents a fine velvety appearance where the black predominates. (Le Naturaliste, No. 196, p. 105.) The following have been caught in the district of Vladimir, Russia :— Epinephele ianira, ab. 2 illustris, var. nov.—Above clear brownish grey with metallic lustre. The yellow patch of the primaries clearer than in the type. The secondaries with a muddy yellow central spot, as in var. hispulla, or without such. . Euchelia jacobee, Li., with yellow hind wings. Angerona prunaria, ab. sordiata, Fiissly. — A gynandrous specimen has been caught in the government of Moscow. Melitea aurinia, Rott.—A gynandrous example of this species was taken in the district of Vladimir. (A. Jachontoff, Societas Hntomo- logica, 1895.) | Callimorpha dominula.—At a meeting of the Entomological Society of Belgium, held Sept. 7th, 1895, M. Hippert recorded the capture of an aberration of C. dominula with orange spots, taken at Rochefort in June, 1895.—W. Manssrince. Giowworms In OcrosEer. —Noticing Mr. Reid’s observation upon this subject (ante, p. 24), I beg to state that the ‘‘ females” he captured were in reality the larve. The imago beetle is only abroad during the summer months, and the records one periodically sees in the papers of ‘late glowworms’”’ invariably refer to the larve of Lampyris noctiluca, I myself took larve of this species here within three days of Mr. Reid’s observation. I have taken it from moss in mid-winter, and again late in March, after which time it soon assumes the pupa-state, the perfect insect generally appearing about the middle of July. These insects CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 65 should never be wantonly killed by the horticulturist, as they destroy an enormous quantity of snails, for cleaning itself from the slime of. which the larva is furnished with a little brush at the apex of the abdomen. Another curious and not generally known facv is that this species is luminous throughout all its stages, both egg and pupa, as well as larva and perfect female, giving off their phosphorescent light ; occasionally also a faint glimmer may be detected in the male. ‘The female may easily be distinguished from the larva by its obvious antenne and the absence of lateral yellow marks on each segment of its body.—Craupe Morty ; Ipswich. CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. Hawk-Morus 1n East Kent 1n 1895.—During the past year several of the hawk-moths have been very plentiful near Wye, in Kent. During June numbers of Cherocampa porcellus could be taken along the foot of the North Downs near Wye, especially on the old racecourse. ‘They were mostly seen at rest on bedstraw and on grass. I was unable, however, to find any larve at the end of the summer. Several C. elpenor were also taken along the banks of the Stour, on the large willow-herb, near Ashford, and one at Wye. In October two full-fed larvee (both the dark type) of Sphina convolvuli were brought me, found in some allotment gardens on potatoes. On examination of the ground I found, however, any amount of couvolvulus growing amongst the tubers. Several others, the labourers told me, had been found, some quite green; whether these were the green form of S. convolvuli or Acherontia atropos larve I cannot say. Smerinthus ocellatus was very abundant, in tle larval state, on osiers between here and Ashford, and S. ttli@ and S. popult plentiful generally in the district. Sphinw ligustri I have seen little of, only. two larvee having been observed, but I am told it is usually common in this neighbourhood.—F Rep. V. THEOBALD; Wye Court, Kent, Jan. 1896. VANESSA ANTIOPA AT Epsom.—'There have been so few records of the occurrence of this grand insect in England of late years that the following may prove interesting to the readers of the ‘ Entomologist.’ A lady who lives in Epsom found, on Dec. 19th, a butterfly sitting on the ashes in the fireplace of one of her rooms. When she first saw it she mistook it for a cinder, and it seems most wonderful that the insect should have chosen a resting-place so very similar in colouring to the under-surface of its own wings. I saw the butterfly on Dec. 20th, and found it to be a Camberwell Beauty in fairly good condition. There can be little doubt that it entered the chimney in which it was possibly attempting to hybernate. ‘The outer parts of the wings are of a whitish colour, then followed by a band of black containing blué spots, and inside this band to the body is a rich chocolate- brown.—EpmunD H. Lancaster; White Cottage, Epsom. EUPITHECIA ALBIPUNCTATA BRED IN DrEcemMBER.—Upon examining some of my breeding-cages, on Dec. 19th, I was surprised to find a fine freshly-emerged specimen of this moth. ‘The cages are kept in an open shed facing the east, and there had been some sharp frosts on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of the month. In another cage was a dead Hadena swasa which 66 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. had come out during the autumn.—Gervase F. Matuew; Dovercourt, Jan. 13th, 1896. EUGONIA ALNIARIA (ENNoMos TiLTARTA).—On Aug. 15th a friend of mine took a specimen of Ennomos tiliaria, and on the 19th of the same month [ also captured another; they were both upon the gas-lamps near Leytonstone Station, and were in excellent condition. I believe this species to be very scarce in this locality, never having seen it here before.—G. R. GARLAND; Leyton, E., Dec. 19th. HYBERNIA DEFOLIARIA ABUNDANT.—On Dec. Ist I paid a visit to Hawk Wood, Chingford, and I had not gone far before I came across Hi. defoliaria in endless profusion, both male and female, the dark variety (as illustrated by Newman) far exceeding the others in numbers. I may mention that I have bred what I believe to be a remarkable variety of this species this season, the ground-colour of the wings being orange- ochreous, with broad bands of a dark chocolate colour (almost black). On the above date I saw only two specimens of H. aurantiaria, while Cheimatobia brumata was fairly common.—G. R. GarLtanp; Leyton, E., Dec. 19th. XANTHIA OCELLARIS IN SurroLK.—On Dec. 7th I received a box of insects taken at light by Mr. A. B. Corder, of Ipswich, during the past autumn. Amongst them I was surprised to find a very perfect male of X. ocellaris, with the characteristic white dot under the reniform stigma showing up clearly: had it not been for this I should almost have taken it for a variety of X. gilvago with the usual smoky clouds absent. As there are now several records for Ipswich, it is much to be hoped that this interesting addition to our fauna may establish itself there permanently.— Jas. W. CorpgErR; 1, Ashbrooke Terrace, Sunderland, Dec. 30, 1895. Lepipoprera oF IreLanp.—s many rare Species in the finest possible condition. Boxes of Local Forms from Shetland, Lewes, Orkney, Arran, Ireland, and elsewhere. Cabinets of 12, 20, and 52 drawers ; Books, &ce. On view Saturday prior 12 till 4 and mornings of Sale, and Catalogues had. 4 MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. Entomotocicat Society oF Lonpon.—Wednesday; February 5th, at 8 p.m. ' Papers to be read:—(1) ‘‘On the Relation of Mimetic Patterns to the Original ’ Form.” By Dr. F. A. Dixey, M.A., F.E.S.. (2) ‘“‘ The Rhynchophorous Coleoptera of Japan.” Part IV. By Dr. D. Sharp, M.A., F.R.S. (8) ‘The Diptera of St. Vincent.” By Prof. Williston; communicated by Dr. D. Sharp, M.A., F.R.S. Wednesday, February 19th, at 8 p.m. Papers to be read:—(1) ‘‘ Notes on Flower- haunting Diptera.” By G. I’. Scott-Elliot, M.A., B.Se., F.L.S.; communicated by H. Goss, F.L.S. (2) ‘‘On the Nomenclature of the Geometride.”” By A. Radcliffe- Grote, M.A.; communicated by J. W. Tutt, F.E.S. SoutH LonpoN ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NaturAL History Socimty, HIBERNIA CuamBers, Lonpon Bringer, 8.H.—Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in each month, at 8 p.m. February 13th: Mr. South will read a paper, ‘‘ Remarks on the genus Argynnis, with particular reference to a certain phase of Variation.” February 27th: Mr. Billups will read a paper on ‘“‘ Hymenoptera.” March 12th; Mr. Barrett will commence a discussion on ‘‘ The genus Dianthecia.”” March 26th: Mr. Enock will give a lecture on the ‘Life-history of Cicindela campestris,” illustrated by the lantern. City of Lonpon EntomotocicaL anp Naturat History Socrery.—The meetings of this Society (held at the London Institution, Finsbury Cireus, E.C.) will take place on the Ist and 3rd T'wesdays in each month, from 7.80 to 10 p.m. as heretofore. NortH Lonpon Naturau History Socitety.—Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in-each month at the North Hast London Institute, Dalston Lane (close to Hackney Downs Station on the G.H.R.), from 7.45 to 9.30 or 10 p.m. Sat So) ister ee ty Gribivbanis distribution. feet ee Aes Dene, Westcombe Park, S.E. NG Desiderata.—Corked store-boxes. . Offered, a we nuimber of en omolo oe bs "magazines, including back volumes of ‘ Entomologist, es Entomologist’s ry. _ Gossip,’ &c.—W. Harcourt-Bath ; Ladywood, Birmingham. : __-- Duplicates.—Lidderdalii (1), Bootes (2). Offered for either O. croesus r Be M. godartii, or A. phalcidon.—W. J. Kaye; 41, New Walk, Leicester. _-- Duplicates.—Larve of Ligniperda. Desiderata. —Very numerous.—E, A. Bracteatee Cranleigh School, Guildford. = . Duplicates. —Cassiope, Betularia (black), ova of Aurantiaria and Boreata. Desiderata ae Comma and Acton only.—Rev. C. D. Ash; Skipwith Vicarage, Selby. — _ Duplicates—North American Heterocera: : Papilio ajax, P. philenor, P. aster: Pieris protodice, Euptoietia claudia, Phyciodes tharos and var. morpheus, P. nyct _ Apatura celtis, Anceia andria, Danais archippus, Pyrameis huntera, Vanessa atalanta, a _ others. Low set on black pins. Desiderata.—Pierine from any part of the world.— oe ponies, 9, The Green, Stratford, E. a Duplicates. —British :-—Paphia, Aglaia, Adippe, Sinapis, Galatea, Hyale, Sibylla, ’ Gen aah: Pinetaria, Nebulosa, Lineolata, Batis, Dispar, Minutata. European :—Athalia, — | Gin, ‘Selene, Apollo, Delius, Phicomene, Ligea, Aurita, Carnatica, Hera, Lisomi - ‘Exotic :—Atlas, P. Hector, Agamemnon, Sarpedon, Paris, Memnon, Antiphates, Cas: Mz Erymanthes, D. Lotis, Septentrionale, Gobrias, Limniacer, Cadolias, Poli: - Athamas, C. Thyodamas, E. Linei, Lowii, Crameri, K. Inacleis, H. Linceus, T. ee _ &e.—Rev. M. Hick; Trimdon Grange, R.S.O. Duplicates. —Literana and vars. ., Hartiana and vars., Variegana and vars., Conpta - Perplexana, Comariana, Cinerana, Ophthalmicana, Rubiginosana, Pilleriana, Pinicolans Be | pS aeenan, Pinivorana, Internana, Splendidulana, Palleana. Desiderata. — Crategan: tye _ Prodromana, . Lipsiana, Dimidiana, Portremana, Pauperana, Simplana, Latifasciana, L% Palifrontana, Abrasana, Pascuana, Sinuana, Penziana, Siculana, Obtusana, Grandievana, ar be ~ Signatana, Nigricana, Scopariana, Pygmeana, Distinctana, Orbana, Ravulana, Erectana, e fogs Trauniana, Nimbana, Expallidana, Populana, Paludana, Tetragonana. —Richard South; — 101, Ritherdon Road, Upper Tooting, S.W. ty Duplicates. —P. Brassice,* Rape,* Cardamines, Hyperanthus, Megera, Egeria, ; : - Atalanta,* Io,* Urtice,*. Sinapis, Paphia, Argiolus, Alexis, Gemina, Suasa, Jacober, - Exclamationis, Cruda, Gothica, Antiqua, Stabilis, Instabilis, Pronuba (vars.), Impura, - Nebulosa, Caia, Festiva, Mi, Prunaria, Advenaria, Lactearia, Elutata, Crepuscularia, — -Montanata, Atomaria, Bilineata, Crategata. English -—-Rhamni, Edusa, Galatea, — : i _ C-Album, Euphrosyne, Corydon, Adonis, Agestis, Dispar, Litura, Flavago. Desiderata.— — __ Numerous.—Rev. William W. Flemyng ; Coolfin, Portlaw, Co. Waterford. ae _Duplicates—Napi, Cardamines, Rhamni, Edusa, Atalanta, Io, Cardui, Galatea, Adippe, Egeria, Megera, Semele, Janira, Pamphilus, Hyperanthus, Tithonus, Adonis, Corydon, Alexis, Sylvanus, Comma, Tages, Alveolus. Desiderata.—W-Album, Davus, &c. ; and especially local forms or varieties of Rhopalocera.—H. L. Wood ; Old Grammar School 5 House, Ashford, Kent. ean Duplicates.—Tinea Fulvimitrella, P. Ochracella, Pallescentella, Sangii, Caledoniella, AS Costosella (varieties), Dalella, Ruficinctata, Alpinellus, Pinetaria, Octomaculalis, Sticticalis, Paludellus, Genistellus, Davisellus, ‘Passulella, Rufana, Postremana, Montico- sy lana, Coniferana, Cinnamomeana, Larfauana, Decretana, Probana, Fuscenella, C. Sicci- a - foliella, Genistella, Ephippella, Fripoliella, Laricella, Lita Artemesiella, Senectella, &e. Desiderata.—Southern species. —J. B. Hodgkinson; Ashton-on-Ribble. ws TO CONTRIBUTORS.— Papers, Notes, and Communications, on all — branches of Entomology, are solicited. Contributors are requested to conform, as - far as possible, to the following rules: — All Communications must be clearly — written on one side only of the paper. Generic names must be given in full, ~ excepting where immediately before used. The Editor is not responsible for unused MS., neither can he undertake to return it, unless especially asked to . do so. 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How to Purchase a Plot of Land for 5s. per Month, ¥ THE BIRKBECK ALMANACK with full particulars, post- -free. ai FRANCIS BAVENSOROFT, Mevaaet pe NATURALISTS SUPPLY STORES, 64, HIGH STREET, ETON. Proprietor, E. EDMONDS, Entomologist to the Royat Famity and Eron CoLueae. Full price Catalogue on application. Specialty: —LIVING OVA, LARVA, and PUPA. (No larger Stock in Europe.) _ BREEDING GROUNDS :—The ““NURSERY,” Ossporne Roap, WINDSOR Also at KING STABLE STREET, ETON. _ PRICE Lists are issued about Ist and 15th of each month ; on REcErIPT of 1s. every list issued for one year will be sent free. 645° 1G, it STREET, By TON: R. STAUDINGER & BANG- HAAS, BLASEWITZ- DrespeEn, in their new Price List, No. XXXIX., offer more than 14,000 Species of well-named LEPIDOPTERA, set or in papers, from all parts of the world, in fiuest condition; 1950 kinds of PREPARED LARV4;; numerous LIVING PUPA, &e. 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Scalpels, 1s. 3d.; Scissors, 2s. per pair; Kgg-drills, 2d., 3d., 1s.; | Blowpipes, 4d., 6d.; Artificial Eyes for Birds and Animals ; Labol-lists of British Butterflies, Od. : ditto of Birds’ Eggs, 3d., 4d., 6d.; ditto of Land and Fresh-water - Shells, 2d.; Useful Books on Insects, Eggs, &e. Now ready. —The EXCHANGE LIST and LABEL LIST. Compiled by _ Mr. Ep. Meyrick, B.A., F.L.S., F.E.S., according to his recent ‘Handbook of _ British Lepidoptera.’ Exchange Lists, 1jd. each; 8d. per doz.; 4s. per 100. Label Lists, 1s. 6d. each. | Our new Label-list of British Macro-Lepidoptera, with Latin and English _ «names, 1s, 6d. Our new Complete Catalogue of British Lepidoptera (every spscies ' numbered), 1s.; or on one side for labels, 2s. | The “ Drxon” Lamp-net (invaluable for taking moths off street-lamps without climbing the lamp-posts), 2s. 6d. mow ROOM FOR CABINETS _ Of every description for Insects, Birps’ Eaas, Corns, Microscopicat OsJeorts, Fossits, &c. Catalogue (66 pp.) sent on application, post free. ' A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS AND BIRDS’ EGGS i (BRITISH, EUROPEAN, AND EXOTIC). ‘Birds, Mammals, éc., Preserved and Mounted by First-class Workmen. Only Address :— | 96 STRAND. W.C.. LONDON (5 doors from CHarine Cross). 2 “tote i, ae * >) oe CONTENTS. “Vropterys Goes Ab. cortit iTlustration), R. South, 25. Deco of Pre- | viously Undescribed Species of Dismorphina in the Natural History Museum, A. G, Butler, 26. Lepidopterous Larve in Walnuts, F. V. Theobald, 28. New Experiments on the Seasonal Dimorphism of Lepidoptera, Dr. A. Weis- mann, 29, On the Synonymy of the British Bee Hawk-moths, W. F. Kirby, 89. The Nomenclature of the ‘‘ Bee Hawk-moths,” L. B. Prout, 40. Senses of Insects, G. A. K. Marshall, 42. Entomology in October, C. W. Dale, 48. On the Abundance of Orthoptera i in the Stas . Harcourt-Bath, 50. A New Scale-insect Infesting Date-palms (with i ustration), TeDate Cockerell, i ‘Lepidoptera at Light at pete C. A. Pyett, 53. A Catalogue of the Lepi- Mi doptera of Ireland, W. I’. de V. Kane, 55. ee Notes anv Opservations.—Some Recent Auction Saleas —Second portion of Dr. - Wheeler’s Collection, 57; Mr. W. Farren’s Sale, 57; Mr. W. H. Tugwell’s Sale, 58; 7. W. Hall. Palearctic Rhopalocera, W. Barciurts Bath, 61. Polia ~ chi and “its var. olivacea bred from the Egg, 61; Polia nigrocincta bred from | Ss Egg, 62; J. Arkle. Some Continental arieties of British Ale ecies Pech i ed, W. Mansbridge, 63. _Glowworms in October, C. Mor i oe ait AND Fretp Reporrs.—Hawk Moths in East Kent in 1895, Ye v. Theo- bald, 65. Vanessa antiopa at Epsom, H. H. Lancaster, 65. Eupithecia albi- -punctata bred in December, G. #. Mathew, 65. Rdg te alniaria (Ennomos 2 66 ; a ernia by hos abundant, 66; R. Garland. Xanthia ellaris in Suff J.W.C ord cee 66. tse: Haver of Ireland, D. H. Pearson, — - Sphinx convolvuli in W. Africa, @ + AL nee 66. Locusta peregrina, — Die: in London, F.. W. Bell-Marley, 66 ae Bes. & ‘Soctertss, 67. | —-«- RECENT LITERATURE, 7. 3 , DOUBLE NUMBER.— carri present nnibart is. Double, aaa ni One Smtuine. There is, however, no extra charge to Subscribers who have a at the office of the ‘Enromoxoaist.’ Susscriprions not yet paid a sent to Wusr, Newman & Co., 54, Hatton Garden, London. — | Many communications a are Seka postponed anil March, . WILLIAM | INS, Entomologist, = VILLA SPHINX, -EASTBOURNE. = F ARGEST STOCK | of EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA in ro ‘KINGDOM. ‘ eit _ Fresh Collections always arriving from the most tentcied places, I am ticularly rich in species from New poe and South America. 7 My system of “APPROVAL BASKET” is a great success. It contains ses specimens at lowest prices. Please ask to see it; it will cost you nothing unless you purchase, : Prices si ose than those of auetion, are the Bits eee ldeel ia condition. — Collections purchase d, or named and patch Se rf Bet one dae the Sates ah oy dere a and most expe 8 Stag "99 (late 426), “OXFORD | STREET “(Nearly opposite Totte Grr Band oe mem MISTS ON APPLICATION. 2 ee Cae xchs nged if not appro ponte F mara ae es W. LUCAS eet FES, i ao. F. re ee So 5 are ye <#H. H. MEEK, Naturalist, 56, BROMPTON ROAD, LONDON, S.W. Supplies Entomologists with every Kequistte OF THE BEST MAKE. SEND FOR NEW PRICED CATALOGUE, POST FREE. All Orders, when accompanied by Post Office Order, will receive immediate attention. _ Steel Knuckle-jointed Net, folds up for pocket, 4s. Ladies’ Umbrella Net, 5s. Wire Ring Net, with brass screw, Qs. Pocket Folding Net, with three brass joints, 3s. 6d., 4s. Balloon Net, 26 by 18, for Beating, &., 6s. Telescope Net, 6s., 8s. 6d., 10s. 6d. Self-acting Sweeping Net, 8s. Larva Box, 6d., 1s., 1s. 6d. Sugaring Tins, with Brush affixed, 1s. 6d., 2s. Killing Box, 9d., 1s. | . Bottle of Killing Fluid, 9d. Corked Setting Boards, lin., 6d.; 14,7d.; 14, 8d. ; 13, 9d.; 2 in., 10d.; 23,11d.; 24, 1s. &e., &. Mahogany Pocket Box, with glass to slide in groove, 3s. 6d. Entomological Pins, any size, Gilt or Plain, 1s. per box; four sizes, mixed, 1s. per oz. (by post, 13d.) Exchange Lists, 1d. Bottle of Mite Destroyer, 94. Willow Chip Boxes, nested, four sizes, 1s.8d. gross. Setting and Drying Houses, complete, 9s. 6d., 11s., 18s. Pocket Box, 6d., 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d. Postal Boxes, 6d., 9d., 1s. The Entomologist’s Store and Setting House, containing every requisite, £3. Improved Pocket Lanterns, 2s. 6d., 3s. 6d. Zine Oval Pocket Box, 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d., 2s. Pupa Diggers, 2s., 8s. Corked Store Boxes, best make, 2s. 6d., 4s., 5s., 6s.; ditto, covered in Green Cloth, Book Pattern, 16 by 11, 8s.6d. Tin Y, 2d.; Brass Y, 8d., for Cane Nets. A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF BRITISH AND FOREIGN INSECTS KEPT IN STOCK. CABINETS of every Description in Stock and to Order. Estimates given. THOMAS COOKH & SON, Naturalists, Dealers in Entomological Apparatus, &c. (Late of 518, NEW OXFORD STREET), pe eee STEBRT, OSE OR SIRE H. W. MARSDEN, Natural History Agent and Bookseller, 40, TRIANGLE (West), CLIFTON, BRISTOL. EUROPEAN LEPIDOPTERA. | The largest and best stock in England at very moderate prices. EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA, COLEOPTERA, ORTHOPTERA, &c. PRESERVED LARVZ of rare British Lepidoptera. BINETS and APPARATUS of all kinds for Enromotoaisrs, OdLoaists, ORNITHOLOGISTS, BoTaANisTs, &c. chek BOTANICAL CASES, DRYING PAPER, &c. BRITISH and EXOTIC SHELLS. 1 SPECIES of BIRDS’ SKINS and BIRDS’ EGGS. ck is far the largest and most authentic in Britain, probably in .large stock of Exotic Skins and Eggs, especially American, are always on hand. YOUNG BIRDS in Down. _ ce Insects, Birds, or Shells, sent for selection. British Birds’ Skins sent on approval. Other articles guaranteed. rae OKS ON ABOVE SUBJECTS recommended and supplied. (Send for the new and enlarged Catalogue of January, 1893.) N.B.—Mr. Marspen’s well-known Gloucester business has been entirely removed to the — we eed ee ee ee et ede tees: . > Bo Yh . = 4 ee At. ON ee ae es OO ee wD NV, ee rn ee eee ee ee yo ee See eS eeD iS age ces Sen ee trae GEN An eres Gere a Ses ee SS awa Sees eeGacae as en = «a Se SS oe) ae ee 6 aa eee eae ele a Bought of Wrst, NEWMAN, & Co. PRINTERS, PUBLISHERS, & CHROMO-LITHOGRAPHERS, 54 HATTON GARDEN, LONDON, E.C. THE ENTOMOLOGIST —— Vout. XXIX.] MARCH, 1896. [No. 394. VARIETIES OF VANESSA URTICA. ? Tue fine aberrations of V. urtice represented by the above figures have been kindly lent to me by Mr. Bright, expressly for figuring in the ‘ Entomologist.’ In both specimens the primaries bear a close resemblance, both having the second and third black costal blotches almost confluent, the hind-marginal area blurred, and the usual blue markings diminished and greyed; the usual yellow marking separating the first and second costal blotches is replaced by the tawny-orange ground colour in the male; the same marking in the female is also deeper than usual; the male has but one small discal spot. The secondaries in this specimen have a suffusion of dark scales obliterating the usual yellow costal blotch, giving the wings a dullened appearance; the secondaries of the female are wholly blackish, with the merest indication of an orange band, by having that portion of the wing very slightly paler. The blue markings of normal specimens are in this aberration only represented by a single patch of bluish scales at the anal angle. The under surface of both specimens varies much in accordance with the upper surfaces, as will be seen by the figures. Mr. Bright informs me that the specimens were obtained from the neighbourhood of Darlington. I’. W. Frowawk. ENTOM.—MARCH, 1896. G 74 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. NEW EXPERIMENTS ON THE SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. By Dr. Aveust Wetsmann. (Translated from the German by W. E. Nicuotson, F.E.S.) (Continued from p. 39.) _E. Details of the Markings of phleas, independent of Climate. 1. The blue spots.—It has long been known, that many specimens of phlaas have bright blue spots on the outer margin of the upper side of the hind wings with the females, indeed, as well as with the males. As many as four can be present, but often one or the other of the spots is only indicated by some scattered blue scales, frequently only by a single one, and not infrequently no trace of the spots is to be seen at all. Now, if specimens from the south are compared with those from the north, it turns out that well-developed spots occur in individuals everywhere, that indications of them are frequent everywhere, but that no correspondence exists between the climate and the degree of perfection of the blue spots. Some cases are here given by way of illustration. A. The following specimens in my collection exhibit 3-5 well- developed blue spots :— 1 specimen from Lapland. A i », sardinia, spring brood. 1 ” », Corsica, summer brood. 1 rs », Lindau, summer brood. 3 specimens ,, Japan, summer brood. 8 ¥ 5, Japan, spring brood. 2 9 », Naples, reared at Freiburg at a room temperature. See of pupx developed at 7-10° C. B. Slight indications of the spots, i.e. they exhibit blue scales in lesser number and more or less scattered :— ; 1 specimen from Lapland. 8 specimens ,, Sardinia, spring brood. 10 a », Genoa, summer brood. », Greece, summer brood. 2 ” 9 Berlin. 4 a ,, Lindau. 12 9 », Leipzig, pupe at 27- 31° C. 28 ” ,, Japan, summer brood. 14 ” 5, Japan, spring brood. 14 ” ,, Naples, reared at Naples, summer brood. 23 », Naples, reared at Freiburg at room temperature. 6 = ,», Naples, pupz developed at 7-10° C. SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 7d The largest and most beautiful blue spots are possessed by some Japanese specimens of the summer and spring broods, 1 Sar- dinian, and 1 Lapland specimen. C. Without a trace of blue were :— 1 specimen from Genoa (eleus). 1 i », Greece (eleus). 3 specimens ,, Lindau, summer brood. 8 _ 4, Leipzig, kept at 24-30° C. 7 + ,, Japan, spring brood. The blue spots are consequently individual variations, which are formed everywhere and under the most varied temperatures ; they often appear only slightly, and still more frequently only suggestively, as single blue scales. It is questionable how they are to be explained; possibly, as vestiges of an early marking, which is in the course of disappearing; possibly, also as a new character asserting itself. 2. The red band on the under side of the hind wing.—There are on the grey-brown ground colour of the under side of the hind wing of all specimens of phlwas, so far as I have seen; brick-red lines along the outer margin, which are referred to in the books as ‘‘confluent reddish lunules.”” They are also in reality very often distinct as separate ‘‘lunules”’ in cells 1-5, but they are frequently also joined together in a line running in an almost zigzag shape, from which the red spreads inwards to a narrow washed-out band. This red marking varies, but, as it seems, independently of temperature ; it is rather local, in such a way, that the individuals of a particular district all present an almost equal development of the same. Thus all my Japanese speci- mens of the summer brood, 72 specimens, have a broad and vivid brick-red coloured band, in opposition to the specimens of all other countries, with which I can compare. Felder founded, indeed, his Polyommatus chinensis on this peculiarity. I have not found this band again in any other colony of the species. Speci- mens from North Germany always have only a narrow red line or disconnected marginal lunules, which are sometimes strongly, sometimes slightly, brick-red ; the Lapland specimens also have these lines very distinct, just as the South German and Berlin specimens, and also most specimens of eleus from Greece, Corsica, and Genoa. Sometimes, indeed, the red is very dull; yet I have never entirely missed it. The lunules, which are the feeblest in colour and the most washed-out in marking, are those of my Neapolitan specimens, which were subjected to cold as pup, and so far consequently the formation of this character depends upon the temperature, although the washed-out appear- ance of these lunules is a result of the great humidity in the refrigerator. The marking was washed out in many butterflies G2 76 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. in the refrigerator, not merely in phlwas, but also in Vanessa urtice and levana, and other pupx, which had been long in the refrigerator, all frequently produced butterflies with washed-out markings. 3. The tails of the hind wings. — A short tail on nervure 2 of the hind wing and a pointed prolongation of the anal angle is given as a Cliaracter of eleus, yet it is not confined to this form, but is also occasionally present in the pure red-gold form, although more rarely. Three grades of the formation of tails can be arranged as well developed, medium, and slight, which occur in my specimens in the following division :— 1. Captured specimens. 1. The following specimens had well-developed tails :— From Lindau, 1 specimen. ,, Freiburg, 1 specimen. _,, Berlin, 1 specimen (elews). 5, sardinia, lst brood, 1 specimen. », Genoa, 2nd brood, 11 specimens (mostly eleus). ,, Greece, 2 specimens (eleus). ,», Sicily, 1 specimen (elews). ,, Japan; summer brood; many (accurate figures cannot be given on account of the worn con- dition of many specimens). 2. The following had medium tails :— From Lindau, 1 specimen. », Freiburg, 1 specimen. ,, sardinia, 1 specimen, Ist brood. », Greece, 1 specimen (eleus, @ ). ,, Japan, many of the 2nd brood. », Japan, some of the Ist brood. 3. Slight significance of the tail; the following had, respec- tively, no tail: — From Lapland, 2 specimens. », Sardinia, 2 specimens of the 1st brood. ,, Japan, many specimens of the 1st brood. One certainly recognizes from these data, that in fact the tail is more often present in the summer brood and in a hot climate, than in the spring brood and in a northern climate; but the experiments above related give a still more decisive conclusion. 2. Bred specimens. 1. The Neapolitan specimens reared at Naples exhibited the character in 30 cases well developed, twice to a medium extent, and in no case slightly. SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 77 2. The Neapolitan larve reared at Freiburg at a room tem- perature produced 8 well-developed, 18 medium to slight. 3. The Neapolitan pup developed at Freiburg in the re- frigerator produced 15 specimens with medium to slight tails, and 11 specimens with them entirely wanting. Consequently the impression of this character appears to be connected with the warmth, which is operating during the pupal development, as it increases in direct proportion with the warmth. Il. ExprRiMents witH Preris napi, 1887. Five females, taken in the neighbourhood of Freiburg (at St. Peter), laid a number of eggs on Sisymbriwm alliaria, under a gauze bag, on June 8th, 1887. The emergence of the larve followed at 21-22° C. on June 14th, and the larve, which fed on Sisymbrium, pupated at 21-22°5° C. in a room between June 380th and July 2nd. The pupe were divided into two lots. First experiment with napt.—The pupe at first remained in a room at the summer temperature, 22-25° C., at which the emergence should have followed after 9 days, as was ascertained by experiment with one pupa. In order now to decide, whether the alteration of the summer form into the winter form would still take place, if cold first occurred in the last days of the pupal period, consequently at the time of the formation of colour, 45 pupz were brought into the refrigerator on July 7th, i.e. 6-8 days following pupation. Development was now delayed by the lower temperature, 7-11° C.; but of the 85 butterflies, which emerged between July 13th and 22nd in the refrigerator, 26 were of the pronounced summer form; only 10 exhibited stronger green powdering of the veins below,* yet without possessing the rest of the characters of the winter form, with the exception of the deep black powdering of the bases of the wings on the upper side, which occurred among all the males (6) ; while the shape of the wings, their larger size, and the white powdering of the abdomen distinguished them as the summer form. Moreover the specimen, which pupated in the room and developed at 22-25° C., possessed an entirely similar mixture of characters. On July 24th the pupe which had not yet emerged were brought into the incubator at 29°2° C.; however, only 8 more butterflies of the summer form emerged on the 25th; the rest first emerged in the following year. They were hybernated in the cellar, and placed in a room in April. Then 12 more butter- flies emerged between April 29th and June 2nd, all of an exquisite winter form; all smaller than the specimens of the same brood, which had emerged in the year 1887. ** There was a specimen very similar to this, whose pupa had developed at 25° C. 78 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Second experiment with napr.—A number of the pups were placed in the refrigerator at approximately + 9° C. immediately after pupation. A. Four of the same, placed in on June 28th, remained there from June 29th to July 28rd, generally at 9° C.; the temperature, however, fluctuated between 7 and 11° C., but only rarely reached either extreme. None of these pupe emerged in the refrigerator, although they remained there 24-25 days; and the longest pupal period of the pupez of lot A, kept in the same refrigerator, amounted to 26 days, the least 11 days, and with the majority less than 20 days. All 4 pupe were still, on July 28rd, of a beautiful green, as immediately after pupation, 2. ¢. the colours of the butterfly were not yet formed. After they had first been brought for some hours into a room at 22°C., and into the incubator at 80-31° C., they developed rapidly, and emerged after 3 days (on July 26th and 27th), all four as not very sharply defined winter forms (the powdering of the veins of the under side of the hind wings feebler than usual). B. Twelve recently-formed pupe and 2 larve, spun up ready for pupation, were placed in the refrigerator on July 2nd, at an average of + 9° C. These also remained unchanged in appear- ance, partly green, partly straw-yellow, up to July 20th. On Aug. 18th a male emerged as a decided winter form ; all the rest of the pupe hybernated in a cold room, and emerged in the spring of 1888, all as pronounced winter forms, viz. :— 2 males on April 8rd. 1 male on April 22nd. 1 male on May 10th. 1 female on May 20th. 1 female on May 23rd. 1 female on May 27th. 2 females on June 2nd. 1 female on June 7th. 1 female on June 26th. 11 butterflies. Results of the experiments with Pieris napt.—The first experi- ment shows, in the first place, that low temperature no longer brings about the transformation into the winter form, if the pupe are first subjected to it a short time before their emergence. But it proves further, what was already known for other season- ally-dimorphic species, through many observers, Kidwards, Merri- field, myself, and others, that there are individuals which cannot be forced by heat. A small portion of the pup# (12 specimens) did not respond to the heat of the incubator, but hybernated, and then produced the winter form. The second experiment proves once more, that the decision as SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 79 to whether the butterfly assumes the summer or the winter form, with this species, at least, is determined by the temperature, which influences it immediately after pupation. All the pup of this lot produced the winter form not so sharply defined, when, after 25 days’ cooling in the refrigerator, they were then forced in the incubator, as when they remained until the autumn in the lower temperature and then hybernated in the cold. Experiments with Pieris napi var. bryonia. First experiment with bryonie.—The excellent entomologist, Pastor Hauri, at Davos, in Les Grisons, had the goodness to send me by post, at Freiburg i. Br., a number of captured females of bryonie.* Several arrived still alive on June 27th, 1887, and were placed under a gauze net on a flowering plant of rape, on which they soon laid numerous eggs. These developed rapidly at 26° C. in the room, and the young larve, which were not to be distinguished from ordinary napi, fed greedily on rape, and later on on ordinary cabbage. Pupation took place between July 16th and 25th. As is well known, only one brood of bryonie flies in the Alps, and it was first to be ascertained, whether in any way the tem- perature of the lowlands would develope some of the butterflies. Although great heat prevailed during the whole of July and August, and the temperature of the room was generally over 20° C., yet none of the 24 pupe emerged that summer. They were all hybernated in a cold room, and produced 24 butterflies in the spring of 1888, between April 26th and June 7th, 12 males and 12 females, all completely normal bryonie. Second experiment with bryonie.—On July 17th, 25 individuals of the same brood as the first experiment, some shortly before, others shortly after, their pupation, were brought into the in- cubator, the temperature of whlch fluctuated about 29° C., and never rose above 31°6° C. A male emerged as early as July 17th, coming from the pupe first brought into the incubator, consequently after only 7 days’ rest asa pupa. This butterfly bore the characters of the summer form of napi; the green powdering of the veins on the under side of the hind wings is very slight, and so is the black powdering of the bases of the wings above; on the other hand, the apices of the fore wings above are duli and of a washed-out grey, therefore similar to the winter form, and also to the var. bryonie. The black powdering of the veins towards the margin of the wings, so characteristic of the males of bryonie, is completely absent. The butterfly is in great contrast to the male bryonie. As it was the only one of __ * Ishould not neglect to here express my most grateful thanks to the above-named gentleman for the repeated consignments of living females of bryonie@, by which alone I was enabled to set on foot the following breeding experiments, 80 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. its kind, since no more pupe emerged in the summer of 1887, but all hybernated, I cannot avoid the suspicion, that an egg of the ordinary napi might have possibly been introduced with the food-plant, and invalidated the experiment. Repetitions of the experiment can alone make this certain. The rest of the pupe hybernated in an unheated room, after they had been kept in the incubator until July 30th, and then in a room, and emerged very irregularly in the spring of 1888, between April 6th and June 2nd, 22 specimens in all, 13 females and 9 males. All are completely normal bryonie, with one single exception. One female has, indeed, the usual brown-grey ground colour, and also the usual marking of the female of this form, but this colour is broken up or replaced by white in several places on the hind wings, and in a few smaller ones on the fore wings. The butte: fly appears speckled and spotted with white, just as if it had been wetted or sprinkled with white, and the blotches of colour had flowed quite irregularly over the surface of the wings, and had covered the brown-grey or dissolved it. I have never seen such a colouring elsewhere, or found it described. (To be continued.) THE SYNONYMY OF THE BRITISH BEE HAWK-MOTHS. By CU. Wf. Dace. F.E.S. Mr. Kirpy is perfectly right in stating that Linne’s name of fuciformis belongs to the broad-bordered species. I believe all, or nearly all, entomologists held that opinion up to the time of Staudinger and Wocke’s Catalogue, and it is well borne out by reference to numerous figures. One exception is that of Moses Harris, who figured tipuleformis for fuciformis. In my ‘‘ History of British Hawk Moths” (‘British Naturalist’), I have not de- parted from the old opinion. Scopoli, in 1763, three years before Linné’s 12th edition of the ‘Systema Nature,’ gives Sphinx fuciformis as ‘‘ In Lonicera, Scabiosa,” confusing the two species. His figure appertains to the narrow-bordered species, but his description apparently belongs to the broad-bordered one. De Villers, in 1789, also says of fuciformis, ‘‘ Hab. in Lonicera, Scabiosa.”” It will be noted that Linné says, ‘‘ Habitat in Loni- cera” only. Now, as to S. tityrus being the specific name of the narrow- bordered species, I can positively say the case is not proven. Linné, in his 12th edition, gives tityrus as a variety of fuci- formis, and as such we must believe it to be; but as he makes no reference to the wings having a broad or narrow border, and A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. 81 his meagre description is not supported by reference to any figure, we must not jump to a hasty conclusion on presumptive evidence only. Guenée always rejected names given by authors whose figures or descriptions were unsatisfactory. As Linné bestowed the name of bombyliformis on a variety, or only a rubbed specimen of porcellus, we have no right to regard it as a rejected specific name, and therefore cannot do better than follow our forefathers in retaining for our narrow-winged species the name bombyliformis, given to it by Esper. If the rule that ‘‘a rejected name is not again available in the same genus”’ is intruded into other orders, it will create no end of confusion. Glanvilles Wootton, Feb. 1st, 1896. A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. By W. F. pe Vismes Kane, M.A., M.R.1LA., F.E.S. (Continued from p. 57.) CLEOCERIS VIMINALIS, ["b.—A very local species. ‘‘ Belfast and Killarney” (B.). At Markree Castle, Sligo, I took a short series, with the median band, &c., varying in strength, but the outer portion of the wing banded with silvery white. Clonbrock, Co. Galway: one pale and one of the suffused type are recorded by oe, D. _ Misenia oxyacanrHm, 2.—Abundant in most places, and of the reddish brown type. Var. capucina, Mill. Howth, one (S.R.I.). Favour Royal, Tyrone, a dark form approaching it. AGRIOPIS APRILINA, L.—Often plentiful, but more usually scarce. I have aberrations with a narrow black band from costa to inner margin between the stigmata, and joined to the inferior part of a large black patch outside the reniform. I append a few localities to show general distribution. Co. Dublin and Wicklow, common (Phenix Park and Powerscourt); near Belfast, ditto ; Armagh (J.), Tyrone, Monaghan, Cavan, and Westmeath, scarce ; Enniskillen, common (Col. Partridge); Tullamore, King’s Co., Sligo, and Clonbrock, Co. Galway, scarce. KUPLEXIA LUcIPARA, L.—Very common. PHLOGOPHORA METICULOSA, .—One of our commonest species. ApLecTA PRASINA, /’b.—Not infrequent in woodland districts. The Irish form is a peculiarly bright and handsome one, of a bright grass-green, with the design well marked and not darkly shaded. ‘T'wo very handsome specimens from Kenmare have the orbicular, reniform, and an apical blotch and several 82, THE ENTOMOLOGIST. small traits elsewhere, of a ruddy tint of brown madder. This as well as the green fades somewhat by age. Occasional examples occur approaching var. pallida, Tutt. It is a remark- able illustration of the erroneous impression generally held in England of the melanic character of Irish Lepidoptera, that this somewhat variable species, like A. nebulosa and Cleoceris vimi- nalis, tends in quite the opposite direction. None of the dark green forms not unusual in Kngland occur here, much less the melanic Yorkshire variety, of which I have a series varying from dark greenish brown, traversed by pale basal and ante-marginal lines, with an extra-stigmatal blotch, to one wholly obscured by dark olive-brown, with only a few traces of parts of the basal and ante-marginal lines visible in paler brown tint. This variety is not described in ‘ British Noctue,’ and as it is a local form at Wharneliffe deserves the name eboraci. Very dark specimens occur also, I believe, at Rotherham, but I think are dark greenish. I have no example of this. I notice this English form as it has a distinct bearing upon the distribution of melanic forms in the British Islands, a question which I propose to refer to again at the close of the Catalogue. Localities :— Howth; Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow (Greene); Castle Bellingham, Co. Louth (Thornhill) ; Killynon, Westmeath (Miss R.); Farn- ham, Cavan; Tempo, near Enniskillen (Langham); Drumreaske, Monaghan; Favour Royal and Altadiawan, Tyrone, fairly abun- dant; Markree Castle, Sligo; Castle Taylor, Galway; Castle Townsend, Co. Cork; Kenmare, not scarce; and Killarney. APLECTA occuLTA, L.—Two Irish specimens have been taken, —one at Knocknarea, Sligo, by Mr. Russ; the other by Mr. Campbell near Derry. Neither of them is in good condition, but their identity is unquestionable. That from Derry is a very pale form, like a grey A. nebulosa; the Sligo one is somewhat darker. APLECTA NEBULOSA, Hufn.—Generally common in woodlands. The form has a very clear white ground, with the markings some- times but slightly pencilled, but generally very strongly marked. I have seen no examples of the var. bimaculosa, Eisp., in black, with grey shadings; but Mr. Dillon, of Clonbrock, has specimens of greyer tone than I have yet taken. ApLECTA ADvENA, J/'b.—Not uncommon at Castle Bellingham, Co. Louth, where Mr. W. B. Thornhill has taken a series during the last three seasons. ‘The typical form. HapeEna aDusta, Hsp.—Very common and widely distributed. The most common Irish form of this species is var. duplex, Haw. They vary in tone from brownish black with a purple gloss (which, I presume, suggested the name adusta), to the type form of Esper of a rich waim brown, marked with black and paler lines. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 83 About Kenmare I have taken a series of very black specimens, with the markings very obscure; but at Markree Castle, and in Tyrone and elsewhere, the typical form also occurs, but not numerously. Hapena Protea, Bork.—Mr. Dillon records the capture of one at Clonbrock, the only Irish example, as Birchall’s record of its being found commonly in Wicklow was founded on mistaken information. | Haprena cuauca, Hb.—The first record of this species was supplied by Mrs. Battersby, of Cromlyn, who took three specimens. It was then taken near Derry by Mr. Campbell and myself. Since then I have found it numerous at Altadiawan, Tyrone; Toberdaly, King’s Co.; and Mr. Bristow at Cave Hill, Belfast. Other records are Agher, Meath (Miss R.); Markree Castle, Sligo; Howth, one (G. V. H.); Enniskillen, one (Col. Partridge) ; and one at Black Rock, a bare rocky islet, some eight miles off the coast of Mayo. Those which I have seen are dark and richly marked, except the specimen of Mr. Campbell’s capture, which belongs to var. lappo, Dup. Mr. Tutt mentions having received specimens of this variety also from Belfast, where, however, the type form prevails. ‘lis moth flies in sunshine to flowers, and I have taken them at those of Menyanthes trifoliata. (To be continued.) NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. On Sertine Leprporrzra.—It has often struck me as most un- fortunate that a greater uniformity in setting has not yet been attained among entomologists. Kyveryone must allow that a series of insects well set by one pair of hands looks infinitely better than a series made up of specimens got by exchange from various sources; some of which may be set so low on the pin as to touch the paper, others so high as to be nearly at the top of the pin; while the fore wings of some may be almost in a straight line with each other, and of others so pulled forward as to be nearly at right angles. The object of this paper then is to give some hints which may help young collectors in aiming at greater uniformity, and also to impart some ‘‘tips’’ which [ myself have found useful. The first step towards setting an insect is proper pinning; and this step should never be taken with an insect that is not in a properly relaxed condition. _ Insects, hike all other animals, are liable shortly after death to a peculiar rigidity of the muscles, which is called rigor mortis, and those killed with chloroform and the cyanide bottle are especially affected by it. After one or two days in the bottle or ina slightly damp box, this rigidity will be found to have passed off, and _the insect will be in a perfectly relaxed state. Until this is the case an insect cannot be pinned and set without difficulty and risk of injury. 84 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Insects killed by being stabbed with a solution of oxalic acid may be piuned and set immediately, before the rigor sets in, without fear of their subsequently coming to life again. The process of pinning is the most important point in setting, for if the insect be not properly pinnel it cannot possibly be well set. Some collectors do not pay sufficient attention to this point, but seem to think that it is quite sufficient to get the pin through the thorax anyhow. It is absolutely essential that the pin should be inserted exactly in the median line above, and should come out exactly in the median line below. Having settled this, the next thing to consider is the exact point in the median line of the thorax for the insertion of the pin. This should be in a line joining the points of insertion of the primaries; and the point of the pin should come out between the points of insertion of the second and third pair of lezs. Many collectors bring it out between the first and second pair, so that when the insect is set the pin is perpendicular. It is much easier, however, to bring the pin out as recommended above, and there is much less risk of rubbing off scales from the wings, especially when the wings are folded over the back of the insect. The height up the pin at which the insect should be set is one over which there is a very great variety of opinion, some collectors liking the wings to touch the paper of the cabinet; while others set them nearly at the top of the pin, almost in the Continental way. A happy medium should, I think, be taken. Insects do not look so well when perched on the top of the pin; but undoubtedly they keep much better for being raised some way above the paper. In the first place, should a mite get in, it is much less likely to do damage if it can only reach — an insect by climbing up the pin; and secondly, the free circulation of air under the wings keeps the insect much drier, and much less liable to mildew. With a pin of the right size, exactly half way up is a good rule to follow, and insures all insects set on the same size of pin standing at the same level in the cabinet. The next thing to settle is the size of the setting-board. The sroove must be large enough to take in body and legs easily without any squeezing, and the width of the board should be about one-fifth more than that of the outstretched wings of the insect. It is a good plan to make a hole with a small glass-headed steel pin in the board in exactly the place and in the same direction that you require the pin of the insect to go. By this precaution all risk of bending the pin and perhaps spoiling the insect is avoided. Great care must be taken to get the body at exactly the right level in the groove. If too low, the wings will spring up after removal from the board; if too high, they will droop too much. As soon as the insect is properly pinned on the board, the legs should be attended to: the first pair just resting on the edge of the groove, and the second and third pairs carefully pushed down into the groove alongside of the body. This is very important; for if one of these legs is at all above the edge of the groove, it will interfere with the lay of the secondary wing. Next the antenne should be got into position, and, if necessary, held in place by pins. It isa great advantage to make the antenne lie almost parallel with the costa as it will be when the insect is set Antenne set in this position are much less liable to be broken, and specimens can Le placed much closer together in the series, NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 85 The next point is to hold the wings down, so that they may be drawn into their proper position. A small square piece of cork, a pin, and a bristle from a hair-brush, make a capital contrivance for doing this. The bristle may be easily inserted in the proper position by making a hole in the cork first with a needle. For large, stiff-winged insects a fine needle may well be used instead of a bristle. The bristle is passed down between the upright wings, and the pair pressed down till they lie close to the board, but loosely. In this position they can easily be manipulated into place by a needle pushed under the hind margin of the primary, and the secondary can then generally be easily worked into place. When the wings are in position, the cork is pinned tightly down, and the bristle will then hold the wings in their place, and the needles can be removed. The other pair of wings is then got into position in the same manner. Several points have to be considered with regard to the position of the wings. Some collectors seem to think that the costa should be at right angles to the body; whilst others, running to the opposite extreme, set the wings so that the two costas shall form a right angle. Here, again, the happy medium is best. In the former case the secondaries are not properly displayed ; in the latter this is done, but their inner margins are drawn too far away from the body. I think a safe rule is to set the primaries at such an angle that while the secondaries are fully displayed, their inner margins shall be parallel with the median line of the body, while not allowed to touch it. This precaution is necessary to prevent grease spreading to the wings should the body become greasy some little time before it is noticed. The secondaries should be advanced so far under the primaries as to leave a very small portion of their cilia covered. No young collector can go far astray if he takes as his patterns the figures of the insects as given in Newman’s or Barrett’s books; and if every collector used such a model, a great step towards uniformity in this point would be gained. A great advantage in using bristles as above described, is that the insect when thus fixed in position can be viewed as a whole, and both sides set at exactly the same angle. When one side is wholly or partially covered by straps, any inequality is much less easily seen. I have found it a great help to getting both sides alike, to have pencil lines'ruled across the boards at right angles to their length. It is then very easy to see whether both sides are advanced to exactly the same extent. The next thing is to fasten the wings down so that they shall remain in position till the insect is quite dry. To do this some collectors use narrow bands of card or paper. A broad strip of thin paper large enough to cover the whole of the wings is preferable. It ensures the drying of every part of the wings at the same rate of time; it prevents lines being left on the wings, and it flattens all the cilia and all the scales on the wings. Paper a little thicker than tissue-paper—semi-transparent is good, because it enables one to see if a wing slips at all when the bristle is removed. This paper is easily placed so as to come close to the bristle, and cover nearly the whole of both wings and the antenne. For all insects under the size of 7’. pronuba, three pins are sufficient. When the paper is firmly pinned down, the bristles are to be removed. The last thing is, if the groove be large and the body drops, to raise it into the proper position by a pin placed under the body on each 86 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. side. The insect must be then left until quite set. This may be tested by touching the end of the body with a pin or needle. If this is quite stiff and immovable, the insect may safely be considered set. To conclude: uniformity in setting among collectors, for their own cabinets at least, is to be obtained :—first, by always pinning in one way; second, by always raising the insect to the same proportional height up the pin, half-way being an easy way of obtaining this regularity; third, by taking an illustrated entomological book as a pattern for the angle of the wings with the body; and fourth, by using the same size of board for insects of the same size.—F. C. WooprForpbz ; January 21st, 1896. Vanessa uRTIC® AB.—lIn looking through my collection of Lepido- ptera, I have just come across a specimen of Vanessa urtice labelled : ‘ August 20th, 1892. Castle Hill, W.” It measures only a trifle over 14 in. across the fore wings. Is not this exceptionally small for this species ? I well remember taking the specimen, and being surprised upon netting same to find that it was V. urtice. There is nothing very unusual about the coloration. The blue markings are much paler than ordinarily, especially on the fore wings, and instead of being wedge-shaped as usual are kidney-shaped. The two spots near the middle of each fore wing are very small and inconspicuous, and are enclosed in a cream-coloured space, which on the left wing juts out as far as the border. The under side, excepting that it is of a reddish hue, shows no difference from the ordinary marking. I should like to know whether this is an uncommon form of the species—A. E. Auuwortuy; 61, Lancaster Road, Stroud Green, N., February 9th. Tenacity oF Lire 1 Insecrs.—In reference to this subject the following notes may be of interest. When I was still new to collecting in South France, I discovered one day, to my great joy, a large female of Saturnia pyri hidden away in some bushes. The specimen was the first I had ever caught, and I decided, on account of its large body, to stuff it (a quite unnecessary operation; I have kept dozens since unstuffed). The moth was first killed (apparently) by being forced, with some difficulty, into a cyanide-bottle, where it was left, I should think, about an hour. The abdomen was then emptied (the contents including a large number of ova), and the cavity filled with cotton- wool soaked in a saturated solution of mercuric chloride. The insect, pinned and set, was discovered next day attempting to fly away from the setting-board. In reference to Zygenide, a very strong cyanide- bottle kills slowly. Bisulphide of carbon applied with a brush stupifies instantly, but it may be necessary to apply again later to kill effectually. It is unpleasant to use; impossible indoors.—J. C. Warsure; Villa Raphael, Cannes, January 31st, 1896. Important SaLe oF British Lepmorrera.—On the 9th and 10th of March next, the collection of Mr. Clarence Fry will be sold by auction at Stevens’s, King Street, Covent Garden. I lately had an opportunity of looking through this collection, and it occurred to me that it might be of interest to make a note of some of the rarer species contained therein. In the first place there are several grand examples of the extinet Chrysophanus dispar; a few examples of Sesia andreni- CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 87 formis, taken by the late Mr. Wilkinson on Durdham Down, near Bristol, as they were flying over an old thorn bush; some specimens. of Lasiocampa ilicifolia from Cannock Chase, 1854; one example of Hadena satura, taken by Mr. Osborn on Newmarket Heath; two specimens of Xylina lambda var. zinckenii, captured by Mr. W. Clare, September, 1877, at Ranworth; one Catocala electa, taken by Mr. Vine at Shoreham in 1875; four specimens (one a curious variety) of Ophiodes lunaris, all authenticated. There are nice series of Vanessa antiopa, Lycena acis, L. arion, Deiopeia pulchella, Lelia cenosa, Drepana harpagula (sicula), Dicranura bicuspis, Synia musculosa, Leucania vitellina, Hydrilla palustris, Dianthecia barrettii (some grand specimens), Noctua subrosea (including two bred specimens), Cucullia gnaphalii, Cleora angularia (viduaria), &c. The collection of Tortrices formed by the late Mr. Standish, and bought by Mr. Fry, will also be included in the sale. This collection is of great interest, and includes splendid series of Peronea, more especially of P. cristana and P. hastiana, and a nice series of the rare and local Hupecilia gilvicomana. The cabinet in which these Tortrices are was made by Standish.—Ricnarp Sovutu. CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. Nores on THE LeEprpoprera or 1895.—In this neighbourhood one of the most noticeable features in the past entomological season was the scarcity of butterflies; for instance, I only saw a single specimen of Vanessa io. Sugaring on the whole was a decided failure. In the early part of March Phigalia pilosaria was rather common on tree-trunks. The spring Hyberniidz were less common, and a full fortnight later than in 1894. An evening at sallow-blossom on April 20th produced a few Teniocampa rubricosa, Xylocampa lithoriza, and Lobophora lobulata ; Cidaria suffumata and C. miata were also taken, the latter at rest, and in excellent condition for an hybernated insect. Some captures at electric light during this month included Amphidasys prodromaria, Biston hirtaria, and Teniocampa gracilis (2). During the latter half of May electric light was very attractive, the best things being Smerinthus ocellatus (3), S. populi, Callimorpha jacobee, Notodonta dictaa (3), N. camelina, Dicranura bifida (2), Acronycta aceris, Teniocampa rubricosa, Hadena adusta, H. trifolti, &e. Sugaring one night only produced a few Gonoptera libatria, Dipterygia pinastri, and Hadena thalassina. Some of the species netted in the woods included Ephyra punctaria, Phoxopteryx mitterpacheriana (new to Suffolk list), Incurvaria musculella, Lozotenia musculana, Halonota cirsiana. During the first part of June I was collecting in North Devon. Being favoured with lovely weather, daytime collecting was profitably pursued. Pararge egeria, Thecla rubi, Anthocharis cardamines (as late as the 7th), and worn Argynnis selene were very common; strange to say I have never seen P. egeria in Suffolk, though it occurs in the county. Among others taken on the wing were Chelonta villica, Arctia fuliginosa, and Heliothis arbutt. On the 3rd I found a lovely male specimen of Stauropus fagi at rest on a conservatory window. A rather curious incident happened on the same evening. Noticing a large moth flitting about among some ivy, I endeavoured 88 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. to net it, but failed. Subsequently feeling something fluffy in my trowsers pocket, I drew out a specimen of Odontopera bidentata, which had wedged itself into the farthest corner, still lively, but with a somewhat shabby appearance. A choice series of Hypena crassalis were secured in the woods, together with Hmmelesia decolorata, Melanippe ocellata, and Eupithecia castiyata; while Halias prasinana and larve of Bombyx neustria were beaten in abundance from oak. In the lanes were taken Cidaria russata, Coremia propugnata (2), E’mmelesia affinitata, EF. decolo- rata, Neuronia pulveraria, Corycia temerata, Melanippe unangulata, and Lobophora viretata (at rest on ash-trunk). At raspberry-blossom were secured Hadena dentina, Habrostola triplasia, Apamea basilinea, Gram- mesia trilinea, and Xylophasia rurea. Sugar was tried on the 11th, but the only insect taken was Thyatira batis. Whilst sugaring, Melanippe albicillata, Tephrosia crepuscularia, Agrotis porphyrea, and a fine specimen of Boarmia repandata (var. conversaria) were netted. Lithosia mesomella was kicked up on the 12th from a heathy slope, where Hubolia palumbaria and Fidonia atomaria were abundant and in fine condition. At Clovelly, whilst strolling along the well-known ‘‘ Hobby-drive,” to my surprise a fine Notodonta trepida, female, fluttered down to my feet. Whilst beating for Coleoptera at Ipswich, on the 14th, two Limacodes testudo (in cop.) fell into the umbrella, with ddela degeerella aud A. sulzella. Vlectric light yielded Hupithecia rectangulata, Amphidasys betuluria (doubledayaria), and Cidaria dotata. From a clematis hedge were beaten or taken at dusk Melanippe procellata, Phibalapteryx vitalbata, P. tersata, Acidalia scutu- lata, Eupithecia subciliata, Leucania comma, Dianthecta capsincola. Angeronia prunaria, female, was also taken at dusk; and Hecatera serena from a tree-trunk. Sugar in June produced Mamestra albicolon, M. anceps, and Miana fasciuncula, &c. During July light was very productive, the better species at electric light being Notodonta dict@oides, Liparis salicis, Apamea ophiogramma, Cleoceris viminalis, Plusia pulchrina, Pyralis farinalis, Tortria forsterana ; whilst one of the large “ hawks” occasionally made a little sport. Thera firmata was taken on palings on the [8th. The following species were taken at dusk, &¢.:—Geometra papilionaria, Pericallia syringaria, Epione apiciaria, Iodis vernaria (2), Lygdia adustata, Coremia quadrifasciaria, Macaria notata, Thyatira derasa, Agrotis corticea, EKupithecia corynata, E. subciliata, Anticlea rubidata, Cidaria picata, Scopula lutealis, Aphomia sociella, Xanthosetia zegana, aud X. hamana. From gas-lamps were taken Hupithecta subfulvata, H.centaureata, E.. sobrinata, Nola cucullatella, and Herbula cespitalis; whilst sugar yielded Acronycta megacephala, A. rumicts, Cerigo cytherea, Noctua brunnea, N.baia, and Orthosia upsilon. During August, in addition to the foregoing species, at sugar, were Macaria notata, Cymatophora diluta, Noctwa umbrosa, N. plecta, N. dahlu (common), Cosmia affinis, Orthosia suspecta, Hadena protea, Mania maura, Crambus pinetellus, Tortrix heparana. LHlectric light was perhaps more attractive this month than in any other. The species taken included Notodonta dicteaa, N. dromedarius, female, N. ziczac, Ptilodontis palpina, Ennomws fuscantaria, Triphena ianthina, Chareas graminis, Hydrecia peta- sitis, Agrotis puta, Aspilates citraria (Gas-lamps yielded Hupithecta nanata, Acidalia promutata, Pelurga comitata, Heliophobus popularis, and Tethea subtusa. The following were beaten in the woods:—Grapholitha nisana, Pedisca corticana, Teras caudana, Peronea favillaceana, where Liparis monacha also was taken from an oak-trunk on the 25th. CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 89 On September 7th I took a specimen of Colias edusa, male, near Fox- hill heath; where also I obtained Heliophobus popularis on grass-stems, Depressaria umbellana (new to Suffolk), and about twenty larves of Bombyx yubi. At electric light were taken Hnnomos fuscantaria and H. popularis ; and from gas- lamps, iy. fuscantaria, Anchocelis lunosa, and Xanthia gilvago. Insects of a common order came freely to sugar, including Thera variata, X. gilvago, and Orthosia macilenta. In October the only things of note were Polia flavicincta and Xylina rhizolitha from palings. As November opened with early frosts collecting had to be abandoned, so far as the imago was concerned. On the 17th, however, whilst paying a visit to the woods, I took a few Hybernia defoliaria, male and female, and H. aurantiaria, male (2), at rest on palings and tree-truanks. On my return in the evening, which turned out to be one of those warm and muggy evenings we so rarely get amid a spell of cold weather, I had the good fortune to take from three gas-lamps, Himera pennaria, Pecilocampa populi (8), and Petasia cassinea, which brings to an end the list of a successful season’s captures.— Ernest Baytis; Burrell Road, Ipswich. Stray Notes on tHE Diurni purine 1895. — The majority of the fullowing notes of dates and occurrences were made by myself in the Isle of Wight, where I spent the greater portion of last summer :— Leucophasia sinapis. This species I sought for in vain in the Isle of Wight during the spring. One specimen was taken at Sidmouth (South Devon) on July 16th, but no more were seen. Pieris brassice. First brood decidedly rare. First appearance, May 22nd, and only three subsequently seen. Second brood (from July 19th) fairly abundant. P. rape. First specimen, April 11th. P. napt. May 9th, &e. Second brood in by far the greater profusion. Euchloé cardamines. May 8th to June 21st, common. _ Gonopteryx rhamni. This butterfly seems by no means abundant in the island; only a few hybernated, and but two later freshly-emerged specimens came under my notice. There are some fine bushes of Rhamnus frangula in Parkhurst Forest, and in some other copses. AR. catharticus I was unable to find, though its name appears in the island flora; but it can scarcely be common. Colias edusa. he first specimens seen (hybernated, I presume, though I was unable to net any) appeared early in June; on the 9th several were seen flying hurriedly along the Undereliff. No more were noticed till July 7th, on which day, and the four succeeding ones, a few freshly-emerged examples, mostly males, were captured on the coast of South Devon. From July 29th till early in September (when I feft the Isle of Wight), this butterfly was more or less common all over the island, more being seen on the rough flowery slopes of the Undercliff than elsewhere Reearps but in the Carisbrooke district it was by no means rare. Owing, I suppose, to the rough windy weather that prevailed early in August, when the greater number were emerging, perfect specimens were rarely obtainable. ‘Two specimens of the variety helice were met with, and others were reported. A wasted specimen of edusa, accidentally left in a box, was found to have laid a single egg, which hatched on Aug. 22nd; larva pupated Sept. 25th; and the butterfly, a male, emerged Oct. 13th, evidently an example of a second brood of this species. The ENTOM.—MAR. 1896, H 90 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. very early date of the first Devonshire specimens is noteworthy; they were undoubtedly fresh ones, in fact finer specimens than any I subsequently saw. Argynnis paphia. From July 5th. In the greatest profusion near Sidmouth about the 16th. Common in the Isle of Wight till Aug. 24th. A. aglaia. By the 27th of June this species was out in abundance on the South Devon coast. A. adippe. Fairly common between Sidmouth and Honiton on July 17th. A. euphrosyne. From May 7th till June 11th, very common. On two occasions a female was observed to lay an egg on a leaf of honeysuckle, a spray of which was twisting amongst the violet plants in Parkhurst. A, selene. Parkhurst Forest; not common. Melitea cinxia. This species I found in disappointing scarcity in its haunts on the Undercliff. Two small colonies were observed between Ventnor and Blackgang, and a few odd specimens turned up in other spots. On June 8th most of the specimens seen were worn, though I record one subsequently as late as the 23rd. It seemed a pity to deplete their already scant numbers by netting any, though I am in hopes that the species showed exceptional rarity last year, and may recover somewhat its former abundance. Perhaps the excessively severe frosts of the previous winter were detrimental to the larve. At all events, one of the colonies I discovered can hardly have been affected, either by ardent collecting or the spread of cultivation, as it had its headquarters on a very steep cliff, a partial descent of which was not accomplished without caution and difficulty, and where a very free use of the net was impossible. Vanessa urtice was abundant throughout last summer. V. polychloros. Only one hybernated specimen was seen, on May 6th; absence from the island during the time of emergence prevented my seeing the later specimens, but the species was, to my knowledge, taken at Park- hurst. A specimen seen between Sidmouth and Honiton on July 17th is interesting, as the insect seems to be rare in South Devon. V. atalanta. Hybernated specimens were seen early in June. Fresh examples, from July 5th, abundant throughout the summer; larve com- monly seen. ‘This species seems undoubtedly capable of producing a second complete brood in dry warm seasons. On Aug. 18th a specimen, in the finest condition, I observed deposit two ova on the top of the youngest leaf of a nettle at Freshwater. On the 23rd these hatched, the larve pupated on Sept. 23rd, the butterflies emerging on Oct. 7th, a date on which larve that have been obtained at large frequently reach maturity. For the first few days of their lives the larve refused even the tenderest nettle-leaves, but descended the petioles, and fed upon the stipules and immature flower panicles. Entomologists possessing a microscope will do well to examine the exquisite egg of this species when obtainable. V. cardui. Hybernated specimens of this species, from May 81st till the middle of June, were by no means rare, especially on the Undercliff. My expectations of an abundant summer brood were, however, hardly justi- fied, as I record a bare dozen specimens through Aug. and early Sept. Limenitis sibylla. This species was found commonly in Parkhurst Forest, during the end of June and first half of July. On my return to the island, towards the end of the latter month, only a few wasted specimens were seen. Arge galathea. Common on the coast east and west of Sidmouth in July, and a stray specimen close to Honiton. A few single specimens 1n the Isle of Wight at the end of the month, CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 91 Satyrus egeria. From April 19th, throughout the season, very common in the island. I think that this species must undoubtedly hybernate, both as larva and pupa. In a wood which I was in the habit of visiting daily, it was noticeable that after the examples of the first spring emergence had become decidedly and pretty uniformly worn, a new supply of what were obviously freshly-disclosed specimens presented themselves towards the end of May, S. megera. From May 11th; both broods in abundance, Larve from ova laid on Aug. 18th are now hybernating; they have never entirely ceased feeding during the whole of the mild winter which we are at present experiencing. S. semele. This species was already abundant in South Devon by June 27th. I had not seen it in the Isle of Wight previous to this date, where it abounded later on in the season. S.ianira. From June 6th. No bleached specimens seen last season. S. tithonus. From June 27th, in abundance, till Aug. 30th. S. hyperanthes. From June 30th till Aug. 7th. This butterfly always seems to be for a much shorter time on the wing than any of the other single-brooded Satyrs. This seems rather to point to the probability of the larvee being more nearly of the same age previous to hybernation. Cenonympha pamphilus. First appearance, May 8th. Thecla rubi. From May 9th (Isle of Wight) till July 11th (S. Devon). T’. quercus. Very abundant at Parkhurst in July and August. Polyommatus phleas. From May 9th till Oct. 17th. On Sept. 29th some females were seen, busily engaged in depositing their ova on dwarf plants of Rumea acetosella. On examination a profusion of ova were discovered on them. ‘This plant is so hardy, even in severe winters, that probably it affords the most suitable resting-place for the winter larve of P. phleas, which hybernate at different ages, and feed in mild weather. Lycena egon. Not observed in the Isle of Wight. By June 29th in abundance on the South Devon coast. L. agestis. Very few of the first brood seen; the second brood in fair numbers, both in South Devon and Isle of Wight. L. aleais. From May 12th, in abundance. An interesting variety of the under side of a male was procured near Atherfield, Isle of Wight. In it the normal fawn ground-tint is completely usurped by pure white, the former being restricted to a few slashes along the base of the wing-rays, the spots on the fore wings being prolonged into broad dashes. L. adonis. Of the first brood of this species I was unable to find any examples, although, wishing to procure some for a friend, special search was made for it, and that in known localities. In August, however, it turned up abundantly, being specially common near Carisbrooke; also being found near Ventnor, near Mottistone, and sparingly on the Fresh- water downs. L. corydon. By July 22nd abundant in the island, often in profusion, till the end of August. The bulk of the males appear before the females are visible. Specimens of the latter, with the spots on the fore wing under side coalescing into horizontal bars, not rare, frequently occurring on one side only. L. alsus. Sparingly near Carisbrooke and on the Undercliff. Although out on May 27th, I met with a solitary fresh specimen on July 22nd. L. argiolus. A solitary specimen of the first brood seen, but in the first half of August common, locally, at Carisbrooke; also about the 92 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. wooded portions of the Undercliff. Eggs and larve of this species were found by searching the young umbels of ivy-bloom, and the species success- fully reared thereon. Of the resulting pupe a single specimen (female) emerged on Sept. 80th; the rest are hybernating. It is noteworthy that holly is entirely absent from the locality where the butterflies and ova were found. Nemeobius lucina. A single specimen was netted on May 10th, in a- copse near Parkhurst Forest.- Though the weather at the time was perfect, a persistent search failed to reveal any further examples. Syrichthus alveolus. May 2nd till June 11th. Thanaos tages. May 6th till June 138th. Hesperia sylvanus. May 28th till July 23rd. H. linea. June 30th, 8. Devon, and during July in the Isle of Wight. A feature of last season was the abundance of specimens of the second brood of double-brooded species, as compared with the very sparing numbers that appeared of the first emergence. Possibly the very great severity of the latter part of the previous winter had something to answer for in this, following as it did the exceptionally mild weather that prevailed till just after Christmas, 1894. Doubtless a longer residence in the Isle of Wight, during last autumn, would have revealed some interesting instances of partial double aud triple broods amongst species normally single and double-brooded.—R. M. Pripgaux; Buckhurst Hill, Essex, Feb., 1896. Macro-HkTEROCERA IN THE GuILDForD Disrrict.—The district is the same as that mentioned in my list of Rhopalocera (Kntom. xxviil. 150), but in the present instance I make even less claim to giving a complete list of Macro-Heterocera, as I have not thoroughly worked the district. As a matter of fact, a very large proportion of the species have been taken in my own garden (which is situated close to the town itself, and some distance within the borough boundary); it is neither larger nor more sheltered than the other gardens in the vicinity, and is in no way different, except it receives perhaps rather less attention from a gardener’s point of view than some others ; but possibly this may be somewhat to the advantage of its entomo- logical fauna. With the single exception of Sphinx convolvult, all the species mentioned were taken or bred by myself. ‘Those taken in the garden are marked with an asterisk. SPHINGES.—Sphinx convolvuli. I have but two specimens of this species. One was sent to me from Bramley (a village about three miles and a half distant), Oct. 15th, 1886; it is not in good condition. The second was taken close to my house, and brought alive by some children, Aug. 20th, 1887; it is in good condition.—S. ligustri. A full-fed larva, found Sept. 12th, 1894, from which a fine specimen was bred, June 20th, 1895. Have had several other larve before, but failed to obtain imagos, —Cherocampa elpenor. A larva, found Aug. 3rd, 1892, from which a fine imago was bred, May 30th, 1893.—*Smerinthus popult. Fairly common (chiefly as larvee) in the garden. I found a much-damaged female there on April 30th, 1893. Obtained about forty ova, nearly all of which proved fertile. The larvae fed up quickly, and one male emerged July 28th of the same year, the rest of the brood emerging iu June and July, 18914. One of the males is very pale, the same colour as the palest female, and with the usual markings rather indistinct.—*8. tilig. Not common. A few larve found in the garden at various times; one in Aug. 1885, from which an imago was bred, May 25th, 1886. ‘he larve found since have all failed to produce imagos.— *Macroglossa stellatarum. ‘Two taken in the garden in ———F CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 93 Aug. and Oct. 1893; and one or two seen several years before, but not cap- tured.—M. fuciformis, L. One specimen taken June 8th, 1892. It was hovering over a patch of Nepeta glechoma in a wood; two others seen near the same spot in the following year.—*Sesia tipuliformis. I have found a few larvee of this species in an old bush of red currant in the garden, and reared a small number of imagos from them.—Zygena filipendula. Fairly common in several places on the downs. Not met with until 1895. Bomsyces.—Hylophila prasinana. One specimen taken at rest on a park fence, May 21st, 1892.—Lithosia lurideola. A few single specimens at various times, but not more than half a dozen in all.—E uchelia jacobea. Larvee common every year on Senecio yacobaa. Have never seen but one imago on the wing. A male bred June, 1892, has the hind wings pink and the crimson markings on the fore wings rather lighter than usual. Is this a common form of variation? ‘lhe specimen is not crippled in the least. —WNemeophila russula. A male taken June 22nd, 1892; others seen at the same time, but not captured.—*drctia caia. Fairly common, chiefly as larvee, but these were much more numerous ten years ago than at present. —Spilosoma fuliginosa. A much-worn pair taken in cop., April 8th, 1894; ova obtained, but all proved infertile. Is not the above very early for this species ?—*S. lubrictpeda. A few odd specimens at various times; also a few larve.—*S. menthastri. Fairly commou.—* Hepialus humuli. Very common.—*H. lupulinus. Abundant everywhere.—H. hectus. Common in one wood, but not seen elsewhere.—*H. sylvanus. A few in the garden.— *Porthesia similis. ‘Two specimens taken in 1886, but not seen since.— * Dasychira pudibunda. One larva found in the garden, Aug. 15th, 1892. Imago emerged April 28th, 1893.—*Orgyia antiqua. Very common, chiefly as larvee.—* Pacilocampa popult. One male, Nov. 14th, 1885; and two others in the following year.—Bombya neustria. Larve very common in some years. Have not seen more than three or four imagos.—Odonestis potatoria. Larve fairly common; many imagos bred, but nearly all males. —Drepana binaria. One larva found in 1885, and imago bred.—Cilia glaucata. Fairly common in most years.—Dicranura vinula. Two cocoons found on a sycamore tree, May, 1886. A fine female emerged May 29th; the other pupa died. Have had several larve since, but all died.—* Ptero- stoma palpina. One larva, Sept. 15th, 1893. Imago emerged May Ist, 1894.—Lophopteryx camelina. One taken in 1885. Have had several larve since, but failed to obtain imagos.—*Notodonta dict@a. A few at light in the house. One larva on poplar, June 22nd, 1893. Imago bred Aug. 10th.—*Phalera bucephala. Very common. ‘Two or three broods of larve in the garden every year.—Thyatira derasa. A few odd specimens taken among Rubus ideus, which is rather common in the district.— W. Grover; Guildford, Nov. 1895. [To be continued.|} AppirionaL Notses, with Dares, FroM Reapine.—Hybernia leu- cophearia occurred during a break in the cold weather on Jan. 20th, 1895, from this date hard frost continued till the beginning of March. From March. 6th H. leucophearia, Anisopteryx escularia, and Phigalia pedaria could be taken commonly till the middle of the month. On the 17th Asphalia flavicornis and Brephos parthenias were out. By the 22nd d. flaviconnis was to be obtained in some numbers by searching the tops of Jow birches. I know no moth more easily seen when resting on young birch, It has no protective resemblance, either in colour or form, to the brown branches and twigs of young growth. I worked from the 5th to the 17th of April for Hndromis versicolor, but did not repeat my success of the two 94 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. preceding years. ‘Three females, as already recorded, were taken, two on the 11th and one on the 12th. This species with us makes no headway ; it must be put down as one of our rarest insects. A. versicolor is holding on precariously ; slightly more adverse conditions obtaining, it would as cer- tainly disappear from its Reading station as it did from Tilgate, from well-known causes. Leucophasia sinapis appeared on May 4th, was at its height on the 12th, and continued here on the wing till June 3rd, though in West Dorset it lingered on till the 15th. Stawropus fagi and Dasychira pudibunda were out by May 7th, and Argynnis euphrosyne by the 12th. On the 27th Minoa euphorbiata and A. selene were out and in fine condition, while on the 30th Bapta taminata, B, temerata, Eupithecia venosata, and Anticlea sinuata appeared. Common spring Noctue came freely to sugar ou June Ist, and on the 8rd Epione advenaria, E. plum- beolata, M. euphorbiata, and Boarmia consortaria were to be had more or less plentifully in their special haunts. On the 9th I had the pleasure, with my friends Messrs. Harmer and Holdway, of witnessing the assembling of Sesta sphegiformis ; on the same date I saw Thecla rubi for the last time. On the 10th, with the wind at N.K., a few Aplecta nebulosa and Dipterygia scabriuscula came to sugar. Hphyra omicronaria, Abraxas ulmata, and Asthena blomert were out on the 11th, and Melanippe hastata on the 12th. In West Durset, on the 17th, Tanagra atrata was in fine condition, while Emmelesia affinitata was worn; by the 20th A. aglaia had appeared and Zygena trifolii was flying freely. Melanargia galatea first appeared on the 26th, but on this day Towocamya pastinum and Lycena minima were worn. At Heading by July 3rd J. w-album had appeared, and A. blomert was still in fine condition. LL. corydon was out ou the 10th. On the 16th Calymnia pyralina appeared at sugar; twos and threes of this insect were taken most evenings for the following fortnight. On the 17th Noctua stiymatica appeared, and continued on the wing till Aug. 20th. C. affinis was out in some numbers, and C. diffinis sparingly during the week commencing the 21st. Amongst the junipers HKupithecia sobrinata was well out on Aug. 5th, and an occasional Hesperia comma was seen. On the 20th Hadena protea first visited sugar. The second brood of A. selene was out on Sept. 3rd, on the 5th Xanthia citrago, the 6th Asphalia diluta, and on the 14th the first X. awrago was taken. This last insect came to sugar more or less freely till the second week in October. X. gilvago appeared in limited numbers during the first three weeks of the month. Epunda lutulenta was first taken on the 18th, two or three others being subsequently captured. One Xylina semibrunnea was taken on the 28th and a few more were secured during the next ten days. A second brood of N. stigmatica, fed up in doors, began to emerge on Dec. 22nd.—J. CLARKE; Reading, Jan. 1896. Larva® oF CHa@RocaMpa PorceLLus.—In Mr. Theobald’s remarks concerning the appearance of Sphingide in East Kent (ante, p. 65), he states that he failed to find the larve of Cherocampa porcellus. Few larvee that are not internal feeders are harder to find in the daytime. The collector has to encounter two difficulties. The first lies in the nature of the food-plant. Ona casual observation, it is not easy to detect where a larva has been at woik. Its habit is to strip the spray of bedstraw, leaving the bare stem. If, in a cluster of bedstraw, stems appear thus denuded, the C. porcellus larva has been at work. ‘The second difficulty lies in the habits of the larva itself. During the day it hides among the roots of grass and bedstraw, and as close to the ground as possible, Here its sombre RECENT LITERATURE. 95 colour renders detection difficult. It is possible for the collector to unearth it from its hiding-place, but the prize is scarcely worth the effort entailed. By far the best plan is to mark the spot where the bedstraw has been eaten, aud return to it at night. At the end of last July I noticed that several patches of bedstraw (Galium verum) were extensively eaten. Feeling sure that C. porcellus larvee were at work, I searched hard, practically on hands and knees, at intervals amounting to about four hours. The result was I secured four nearly full-fed larvee. Subsequently I visited the same spot with a lantern, at 10 p.m. ‘Then I had no difficulty in securing ten larve in as many minutes. On this occasion there was a drizzling rain, which caused the larvee to have the appearance of so many large snails glistening in the light of the lantern. I feel certain that in most localities where there is an abundance of bedstraw, collectors would find it worth their while to examine likely spots by night.—C. A. EK. Ropcers; The Wells House, Malvern Wells. RECENT LITERATURE. A Handbook of the British Macro-Lepidoptera. By Bertram Gero. Rysz, F.E.S. With Hand-coloured Illustrations by Maud Horman- Fisher. London: Ward & Fowler, 1894-1895. 8vo. Vol. i., Parts I-IV. Notwitustanpine the number of books published on British Lepi- doptera, there seems to be no end to the supply; and Mr. B. G. Rye, one of the sons of the late Mr. K. C. Rye, the well-known Librarian to the Geographical Society, and Editor of the ‘ Zoological Record,’ has commenced a work on somewhat similar lines to that of Mr. C. G. Barrett, but smaller, less elaborate, and less expensive. The intro- duction relates to metamorphoses and classification, and the portion of the work before us extends to Argynnis. There is a useful plate illustrating details and neuration ; and the coloured plates are on the whole very good, and include figures of many interesting varieties. The classification adopted for the butterflies is as follows :— Papilionide, Pieridae, Nymphalide, Apaturide, Satyride, Lycenida, Hrycinide, and Hesperide. The position assigned to the Erycinide is somewhat unusual; but we think that Mr. Rye has done quite right to treat the Papilionide and Pieride as families rather than subfamilies, the absence of the internal nervure on the hind wings being so very salient a character in the former. We hope to refer to this book again. British and European Butterflies and Moths (Macrolepidoptera). By A. W. Kapren, F.L.S., F.E.S. (Assistant Librarian, Linnean Society), and W. Eemonr Kirsy, L.8.A., Authors of ‘ Beetles, Butterflies, Moths, and other Insects.’ With thirty coloured plates by H. Deuchert and 8. Slocombe. London: Ernest Nister. New York: KE. P. Dutton & Co. Printed in Bavaria. 4to, pp. 278, double cols. We have here another popular work on British Macrolepidoptera, which deserves notice for the unusual excellence of the plates (though some figures are slightly above the natural size), and for its including 96 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. figures of many of the more interesting European species in addition ; while the letterpress, which seems to have been carefully compiled, includes full descriptions of all the British and most of the Central European species in addition. The introduction contains the usual information on structure, transformations, collecting, and rearing, and is illustrated by several woodcuts. We notice that this handsome volume is entirely printed, illustrated, and bound in Bavaria; and, although this is accounted for in the present case by its being issued by a German firm, we would ask, how is it that so many coloured illustrations come from Germany? Is the difficulty in the price or the quality of English work ? The Label List of British Lepidoptera. Compiled, after ‘ A Handbook of British Lepidoptera,’ by Epwarp Meyrick, B.A., F.Z.S., F.E.S., &e. London: Watkins & Doncaster, 36, Strand, W.C. 1890. Wuen presented in the form of a List, the revolutionary character of the new classification of Lepidoptera, proposed by Mr. Meyrick in his ‘ Handbook of British Lepidoptera’ (noticed Entom. xxviii. 318), stands out with startling prominence. Old familiar tribal headings, such as Sphinges, Bombyces, Noctuz, and Geometre, have disappeared, and in their place we have Caraprinina, Notopontina, and LasiocaMpINna. The species hitherto arranged under the former are curiously divided and redistributed among the latter. CaARADRININA, Which is the first division in the new classification, comprises four families, i.e. Arctiade, Caradrinide, Plusiade, and Ocneriade. The first of these families embraces the Nycteolida, Nolide, Lithosiide, Eucheliide, and Cheloniide, of the old arrange- ment. The second consists of the bulk of the old style Noctua. The third comprises Gonopteride and Plusiide, together with the Acon- tiide, and other families of the old style, up to and including the Toxocampide, and also the species generally referred to as Deltoids. The fourth includes our old friends the Liparide under a new name, and transferred to a new position. Notropontina, the second division, is made up of the Geometre, Cymatophoride, Sphingide, Notodontide, and Saturniide (old style). The Geometre are placed in very different sequence to that we have been so long accustomed to; a large number of familiar generic names have disappeared, and many of Hiibner’s have been introduced. In the third division—Lastocampina—we have the Drepanide, Endromidide, and Lasiocampide. Then follows Papmionina, the order of families being—Nymphalide, Satyride, Erycinide, Lycenide, Pieridw, Papilionide, and Hesperiade. Cossidee (except Cossus, which becomes changed into T7rypanus, and is the sole representative of a family placed at the end of the Torrrt- cin), together with Zygenide, Cochliopodide, and Psyche (old style), comprise the sixth division—Psycumva—following Pyrauapina. The Hepialide are grouped with Micropterygide in the ninth, and last, division—MicropreryGINa. In many respects this new arrangement is certainly a distinct im- provement on the old, but as there are rumours that still other new systems of classification are soon to be introduced to our notice, it may be as well to await these before we decide to rearrange our collections. MONDAY and TUESDAY, MARCH 9th and 10th. VALUABLE COLLECTION of BRITISH LEPIDOPTERA. R. J. C. STEVENS will Seztt sy Avorion, at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, on Monday and Tuesday, March 9th and 10th, at half-past 12 precisely, the VALUABLE and EXTENSIVE Collection of BRITISH LEPIDOPTERA formed by C. E. FRY, Esq., the result of many years’ work and careful selecting. The Collection is very RICH IN RARE SPECIES _ of Rhopalocera, Noctuz, Geometre, Pyralides, and Tortrices; ‘the Polyommatus dispar are the pick of the Sranpisa Coturcrion, and are without doubt the finest offered for sale for many years. The rarer SpPHINGEs are well represented; and the Sesupm include the rare Allanti- formis and Asiliformis. The original N. Lapponaria, L. Ccenosa, _ Musculosa, Vitellina, Albipuncta, Ambigua, Exulis, Satura, &c.; - some grand O. Lunaris and Fraxini; and the very fine Catocala electa _ taken by Mr. Vine, 1875. Standish Collection of Tortrices is intact in a - 12-drawer Cabinet, and contains many rare Species in the finest possible ' condition. Boxes of Local Forms from Shetiand, Lewes, Orkney, Arran, - Treland, and elsewhere. Cabinets of 12, 20, and 52 drawers; Books, &c. On view Saturday prior 12 till 4 and mornings of Sale, and Catalogues had. MONDAY, MARCH 16th. | Natural History Specimens, Curiosities, &c. 17k. J. C. STEVENS will Seri sy Atvcrion, at his Great Rooms, | 38, King Street, Covent Garden, on Monday, March 16th, at _ half-past 12 precisely, BRITISH and EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA, Butterflies in Papers, Minerals, Fossils, Shells, Animal Skins, Birds’ Eggs, - Heads and Horns, &c. ; Curios from many parts ; Books, Cabinets, China, &c. On view Saturday prior 12 till 4 and morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. “a For Sale. HE unique Variety of ARCTIA CATA, figured in the ‘ Entomologist,’ January, 1892. Price 70s. Apply— ROBT. LADDIMAN, 25, Lower Hetiespon Roan, Norwica. AN ENTOMOLOGIST, ‘fs Bee G to CEYLON sbout | the end of Marcu, would be | glad to hear from COLLECTORS willing to arrange for the _ Purchase of his future DUPLICATES (Lepipoprsra). Please address— EK. B. HUNT, c/o Enprror, ‘ Enromotoetst.’ SEASON, 1896. FEW SUBSCRIBERS required for the coming Season. For +1 Particulars please apply to— H. McARTHUR, 35, AvermnL Street, Furaam Pazace Roap, Lonpon, W. a ‘Piniaria, Baia, Populata, Cvesiata, Comitata, Exanthemaria, Pronuba, Polyodo: . eat fy 4 ae a Ry ve x CG H A N G oe ‘xt pablication of Notices of Exchange, or of Adgetgeeanele is in no way a guarantee for the British nationality, authenticity, or “goollt ond the Species. This Notice is not given to throw doubt on the bona fides of aeichagork 56% . Advertisers, but to absolve the Editor from responsibility, in case the iets ailowon: ae ul * be abused.] Marked * are bred; + are high flat-set. beers : Desiderata.—Fine pupe of A. Cynthia (Ailanthus), and any other species fede na N. America. Correspondence solicited from American entomologists with a view to exchange.—R. Laddiman; 25, Lower Hellesdon Road, Norwich, England. — Desiderata.—Larve and pupe (for new illustrated work) ; Straminea, Tu: Filigrammaria, Vitellina, Leucophea, Munitata, Basilinea, Tenuiata, Maritin Montanata, Alsines, Cytherea.—W. A. Rollason ; 1, Newhall Street, Birminghai Duplicates. — Galatea, T. Rubi, Hyperanthus (2 var. Arete), Aglaia, Geryon Lonicere, Plantaginis, Procellata, Rubiginata, Rupicapraria (male and female Chi, Ferruginea,* Solidaginis. Desiderata.—Numerous, especially larve and pupe.—Rev. C. F. Thornewill ; Claverhall Vicarage, Whitchurch, Salop. : Duplicates. —Fine, well set on black pins: Icarus (Yorks), V. Urtice. Ligustri,* Populi,* Griseola, Plantaginis,* Carpini,* Bidentata,* Citraria Plumaria, Fimbria, C-Nigrum, Vacecinii,* Meticulosa,* Pyramidea, sr oe Desiderata.—Ova, larv e, or pup only of many common species, 8. Ocellatus, —J. W. Moore ; 194, Stratford Road, Birmingham. i? _ Duplicates. —Suspecta, Stabilis, Instabilis, Rubricosa, Gothica, Phragmiti Solidaginis, Chi, Rufina, Pncnintes Defoliaria,* Aurantiaria,* Boreata, Multistr garia, Dilutata, Glareosa, Litura, Trapezina, Meticulosa, Velleda, Montanat _Elineuaria* and ova, Pilosaria* (male and female ova), Margaritaria. Desiderata. ak History books; or offers.—W. J. Rasell ; 67, St. James’ End, Northampton. _ —'Very numerous; also pupe and ova.— W. Tunstall; Meltham, ge (Huddersfield. i er Exchange.—Sixteen volumes of the ‘ Entomologist,’ 1880 to end 1895; six volumes ‘ Entomologist’s Record.’ Wanted.—Lepidoptera, birds’-eggs, Natur al- - bah ai MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. ENromoLoGicaL Society oF Lonnon.— Wednesdays, March 4th & 18th, at 8) p. a _. Sovran Lonpon Enromotocican anp Narurat History Socrery, HIBeryra — -CxHamprrs, Lonpon Briper, §8.E. —Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in” Ss each month, at 8 p.m. Crry oF Lonpon EntomoLogicaL anpD Natura History Soomry.2 Tha a meetings of this Society (held at the London Institution, Finsbury Circus, H.C.) will take place on the Ist and 3rd T’wesdays in each month, from 7.30 to 10 p. a as heretofore. Nortu Lonpon Naturaut History Socrety.—Meetings are held on the Ind and 4th Thursdays in each month at the North East London Institute, Dale’ Lane (close to Hackney Downs Station on the G.E.R.), from 7.45 to 9.30 or 10 p. m.. TO CONTRIBUTORS.— Papers, Notes, and Communications, on att 3 branches of Entomology, are solicited. Contributors are requested to conform, as — far as possible, to the following rules: — All Communications must be. clearly — ; ae written on one side only of the paper. Generic names must be given in full, — excepting where immediately before used. The Editor is not responsible for unused MS., neither can he undertake to return it, unless especially asked to — — do so. Gonieibutors of the more important articles receive six copies of such — articles. NOTICES of EXCHANGE (inserted without charge) must contain. % nothing more than the specific names of the duplicates and desiderata, except ' when two insects are known by the same specific name, and must be clearly written on one side only of the paper. All notes, papers, books for review, &c., — and notices of exchange should be sent to the Editor, 4 RICHARD SOUTH, 100, RITHERDON ROAD, UPPER TOOTING, 8.W. i ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to Wrst, Newman & Co., 54, Hatton Garden, London, E.C., not later than the 21st of each month. | Ae oy’ cm : a aa _e GCROCKETT & SON, ine J Ak RS of every description of EnromoLogicaL CaBINETS mid APPARATUS} es i Store and Boox Boxss, fitted with camphor-cells; Setting Boards, oval or i ;, &e. . Cabinets of every description kept in stock. CrockrTr’s SpeciaL INSECT eo ETS, aplerchanay ae Drawers, fitted with Glass Tops and Bokhomnss to show we eo cece ot ’ Ry “pos cable terms for cash. Prices on application. Estimates given. ‘The pl | supplied. 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MACMILLAN & CO., Beprorp Street, STRAND. — os 7 *: % Se On the Ist of every Month, GREATLY ENLARGED, price Ls. 8d., THE JOURNAL OF BOTANY BRITISH AND FOREIGN. -Epiren sy JAMES BRITTEN, F.LS. Contains original articles by our leading British Botanists, Notices of Books, Proceedings of Societies, and Botanical News. Especial attention is now given t asa ne There is usually at least one plate, drawn by a well-known + ; A - | Revised and Corrected: by W. P. KIRBY, ne RES is WITH 664 COLOURED PLATES. Royal Ato. ‘ de Price of the whole Work, £26. This New Edition is published in Parts, with 10 Plates each. Price of each Part, List of Subscribers and Specimen of Etchings, post free on demand. . _P. WYTSMAN, Scientific Bookseller, .79, Rue Neuve, BRUSSE A. LLONEL GiA Rha -NATURAL-HISTORY AGENT, BARTON STREET, GLOUCESTER, — QORELIEE Collectors with every kind of apparatus for the various, branches Natural History: Cabinets, Store Boxes, Butterfly Nets, &ce. BIRDS’ EGGS, SKINS, LEPIDOPTERA and COLEOPTERA, oe ke in stock in large quantities. species. List of clutches sent if desired. Large base liberally dealt with. NEW AND SECOND-HAND BOOKS. TAXIDERMY. Birds skinned and prepared for Cabinets, or mounted by ; killea ¥ assistants. Full general Catalogue and Special List of Kaas and Sxrns, post free. i N.B.—No agents. and only one address as above. FERTILE OVA AND LIVING PUPA. FER TILE OVA. Per doz. anedlars, tac demie Pistacina, Ceruleocep: 4 “PUPZ. Each. mincnion. Ligustri, Tilis, Testudo, Guth Vinula, Minted Venosa, Suasa, 3d. Elpenor, Advenaria, Albiciliata, Scrophularia, 4d. Porcellus, — _ Myrice, Bifida, 6d. Chlorana, Dromedarius, Dictz, Palpina, 24d. Populi, Falcula, ee Reclusa, Camelina, Badiata,Betularia, Marginata, Capsincola, Prassinana, Ulmata — 2d. Pilosaria, Lanestris, Hirtaria, Pisi, 14d Brassicze, Bucephala, Jacobe, Rivata, — Progemmaria, Oleracea, Cratagizeta, Incerta, Stabilis, 1a. ALNI, 9d.; 8/6 per doz. ok Box and Postage 2d. extra, 24 Consecutive Lists as issued, 1/- post free i ~ EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA, CLEARANCE SALE, at reduced prices *Un-named in Papers, all different, 9d. 1/6 2i- and 2/6 per dozen. Set Specimens ee very showy 3/- and 4/-per dozen. Japanese Lepidoptera, in Papers, 9d.doz ~ Ce ’ os . ; ‘aad Our Price List of Entomological Apparatus sent Post Free, Full Illustrated Catalogue of Requisites, 2d. Sy =e 6d, XW. DAVES, 3f-s, Hythe St, & Museum Works, DARTFORD. a Die et ae , Ri ee Established 1851. ea, BIRR BE CH BAN HR J As Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London. a A pte 1 WO-AND-A-HALF per CENT. 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Price “ag are issued about 1st:and 15th of aa mont ' - ORTHOPTERA (450), NEUROP TERA alee feat: Discoun* for ce Plain Ring Nets, wire or cane, including Stick, 1s. 3d., 2s., 2s. 6 8s. Gd., 4s. Umbrella Nets (self-acting), 7s. Pocket Boxes, 6 Entomological Pins, assorted or mixed, 1s. 6d. per oz. S. =“g 6d. ipigpe: Tin, with genre Is, 5 seal pies olan on a ee - ao Ae eee "Specialty :— LIVING | OVA, LARVA, and PUP, — (No larger Stock in Europe.) geet. : Also at KING STABLE | list t iagued for one year will be seu' Dd STAU UDINGER & & BANG-HAAS, Bus Price List, No. XXXIX, offer more than 14,000 § LEPIDOPTERA, set or in papers, from all parts of the wor 1250 kinds of PREPARED LARVA; numerous LIVI Price Lists, X.—XIV., for COLEOPTERA (18,000 for HYMENOPTERA (2150 species), DIPTERA (1000) ik ba; Se atite a Manufacturers of Nijeaslechak pee Zine Relaxing Boxes, 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d., 28. Nested Chip Pont es . 8 Boxes from 1s. 4d. per dozen. Zine Killing Box, 9% or skinning, 10s.61. Sealpels, 1s. 31.; Scissors, _ Shells, 2d.; Useful Books on Insects, Eg: 2 Mr Ep. Meyrick, B.A., F.L.S., F. _ British Lepidoptera.’ eek - Label Lists, 1s. 6d. each. : names, Is. 6d. Onr new Complete | numbered), 1s.; or on one s ie abel " glimbing the lamp- posts), 28. 6d. a a oF every ‘description for Iysgcrs, Breps’ Eaas, Now ready. —The EXCHANGE | The “Drxon” Lamp-w: (inva ot-lan ‘SHOW ROOM FOR C, Bin = Fossits, &. Catalogue (66 pp.) sent on appli A LARGH STOCK OF INSECTS N _ (BRITISH, EUROPEAN, AND EXOT: | Birds, Mammals, ae Presqreed-« Only ea Ea ANT). Ww Ac: TON l 3s on tke Bensonali Dita morphsn of of Lepido tera, Dr. aoe Weismann, 74. Synonymy of the British Bee Hawk-moths, C. W. Dale, 80. A Catalogue — idoptera of Ireland, W. F. de Vismes Kame, 81. — et varioxs—On Setting Lepidoptera, F. C. Woodford, 83. ab. ae Allworthy, 86. Tenacity of Life in Insects, V aber 86. Important Sale of British Lepidoptera, Richard South, 86. . Stray Notes. on the Diurni during 1895, M., Prideaux, 89. Macro- Heterocera in the Guildford District, W. Grover, 92. Additional Notes, with ota A pers Rodgers, 94. ‘Recent Larentons — ‘A Handbook of the British Macro-Lepidoptera,’ 95. aa faba Lito of Buh Le rks a 96. “ _Coanroxteanoss Rica er L.C. \. Benton, W.F F. 1 Ficke, G.R. Gatun on J. Hoare, E. a oa ~ a eee F. M. A. Mackinnon, B. N. Menshootkin, = &. J. Rasell, W ow W. R. Smith, C. F. Thornewill, H. J. ERS Se William ‘Wainwright, C. 8, &e.; Reports of eee Rie : N WILLIAM WATKINS, E Entomologist, VILLA ‘SPHINK, EASTBOURNE. ections way . ving from the most Eine laces. I am baitiniaty: ee in a wee New Geinca, and South America. — . bs tee y system of of “ APPROVAL Ba SKET” is a gr at ‘success. It contains “specimens at lowest . Please ask to see it; it will cost you nothing eee ‘purchase. oats iowa bine ei of tiags? and th pecmend | tless in pennies 7 » : ans ot ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS, 1 ieee a fw. ie 13. New oem :s AND Frenp Rurorts.—Notes on the Le epidoptera of 1895, Ernest Baylis, : s, from Reading, J. Clarke, 98. Larve of Cherocampa porcellus, — Butterflies and birch hoieagn ca 95. ‘The i ae STOCK of EXOTIC. LEPIDOPTERA in aoe “ae eo a wT... at i: fo PE ee th eee a? Yow ‘ ae bs ee _ [No, 305. Ne OF GENERAL ENTOMOLOG EDITED BY -RICHARD SOUTH, RE. Se a ‘ j . é $2 Ru We a im ‘ Fh. PLAC EE be WITH ‘THE assistaNon oF iat Bs tn ROBERT ADKIN, FES. T.R. BILLUPS, FES. © ——*'|:‘W. F. KIRBY, PLS, FES. Dre Ww. LUCAS DISTANT, F.E. 8. &e. tae! . ie LEECH, B.A.,. FL. B.FES. i EDWARD A. FITCH, F.L.8.,F.E.S. | Dx. D. SHARP, F.L.S., a baa i F.W. FROHAWK, FES. | G. H. VERRALL, fale i scott | bth etl rs, mS bat bgt 333 eet memasee ba mutual ai | Great ee are done i ee ( is ei ae oo e 3 ae - MEE é Nakane 4 = om BROMPTON ROAD, LONDON, S.W. ne ee Supplies Entomologists with every Requisite as OF THE BEST MAKE. a uit - SEND FOR NEW PRICED CATALOGUE, POST FREE. sy y an Onder, cae: ‘accompanied by Post Office Order, will receive immediate attention. n brass screw, 2s. = a Net an ae ae re. 3s. 6d., 4s. Beating, &c., 6s. eae AEF 6s. 8s. 6d., 10s. 6d. win , Tae a "Gorka 2 Sting ae si 6d. ate va. ui, 8d. ; 13, 9d.; 2 in, 104; 24, ae: 24 Is. 2 by pos, , 14d.) “change Lists ts, hg Psiaad "Bott of Mite Destroyer ‘Willow Chip Boxes, nested, four sizes, 1s. 8d. BTOBS. a Bee ad Dr rying aeonere, complete, 9s. 6d., 11s., 18s. 3 poy Ox, 7, 6a., 9 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d. Postal Boxes, 6d., 9d., tes The Se ag ook Store and Setting House, containing every requisite, £3. afore roved Pocket Lanterns, 2s. 6d., . Zine Oval Pocket Box, Ae 1s., 1s. 6d., 2s. 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YOUNG BIRDS ia = G a c apie ty mas Baits THE ENTOMOLOGIST Vou. XXIX.] APRIL, 1896. [No. 895. PERIPLANETA AUSTRALASIZ, AND P. AMERICANA, 1. Periplaneta australasie. 2. P. americana. (Vide Note, p. 124.) 98 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. THE DRAGONFLY SEASON OF 1895. By W. J. Lucas, B.A. Arter the long and severe frost that marked the close of the winter of 1894-5, neuropterists were naturally anxious for the new season to commence in order that they might ascertain how the nymphs had fared during the lengthened spell of arctic weather. Now that the season is over, I think it may safely be said that the unprecedented cold had few ill effects on the odonate branch of the order ; for, judging from my own experi- ence, the season of 1895 was on the whole a good one; and yet there must have been many cases in which the smaller ponds, that formed the winter home of various nymphs, were entirely frozen up. But perhaps it is at present almost too early to judge, as, seeing that several species take more than one year to reach maturity, we cannot yet say how the smaller fry may have stood the trying ordeal. Nymph-hunting, which I pursued on one or two occasions only, produced but a single species, Libellula quadrimaculata ; but these were to be taken in profusion at the Black Pond, near Esher. Amongst them a friend secured one specimen of Cordulia ened, but did not discover his prize till the imago appeared. I had hoped to take the nymph of Anax formosus, but, after searching in the right spot, was only rewarded with empty cases, from which the imagines had fled. Numerous shells of what I felt sure must be Enallagma cyathigerum were on one occasion to be seen, though I had not been able to find the lurking-place of the nymphs. Indeed, I should scarcely like to ascribe them to that species had I not found above one case an imago that had but just emerged, and whose wings were not yet expanded. The empty case, however, was so colourless and ethereal, that although, I believe, no figure or description has ever been given of it, I have not yet attempted to make either one or the other, but hope to secure this spring living nymphs for the purpose. On several occasions I observed females, notably of L. quadr- maculata, C. enea, S. scoticum, and S. vulgatum, while poised upon the wing, ovipositing by dipping the abdomen in the water, and on July 29th placed some eggs of the last in a fish-globe. A number duly hatched out, and by Sept. 6th the nymphs, looking like tiny Spiders, were a trifle over 1 mm. in length Their life unfortu- nately was not a long one, their surrounding probably being unsuitable for them, or their food being insufficient. A specimen of Pyrrhosoma minium, immature, since it had yellow markings, was the first imago to fall to the net, its capture taking place at the Black Pond, near Esher, on May 3rd. This species continued on the wing for about two months, the last specimens being noticed on July 6th, Its congener, P. tenellum, i THE DRAGONFLY SEASON OF 1895. 99 a later, smaller, and less common insect, was just coming on the wing at the Pond on June 9th. It was soon out in swarms, and was secured as late as Sept. 10th, three months after its first appearance. Enallagma cyathigerum was first noticed on May 8th at the Black Pond, and was still on the wing at the same place on Sept. 29th, nearly five months later. How many broods the Specimens belonged to, I cannot say. On more than one occasion I came across this dragonfly caught by the round- leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). When found the insects were quite alive, although the tentacles on the leaves had closed over and secured the prisoners by the abdomen. With this insect no specimen of Agrion puella was taken, though a few were captured at a tiny pond in the same locality. At Wisley Hut Pond, on the other hand, A. puella was present in plenty on July 29th, while but one E. cyathigerum was taken. At the Black Pond, on June 4th, a specimen of Ischnura elegans was secured, this being a new record for the locality, where, however, I cannot say definitely that I saw another speci- men. ‘The species was out in swarms at Wisley Pond on July 29th; and I am also able to record it for Surrey, at Merton, July 7th; on Wimbledon Common, June 380th; and on Chobham Common, June 16th. One single specimen of Platychnemis pennipes, a well-marked female, turned up at the Black Pond on June 9th, furnishing yet another new record for this prolific locality ; but this local insect was secured in larger numbers near Ripley on the 23rd, by which date it was going over. | Lestes sponsa I have only taken at Wisley Pond, where, how- ever, on July 29th, with Jschnura elegans, it was on the wing in swarms. Calopteryx splendens is the only other Agrionine dragonfly whose acquaintance I made during the season. It was out in abundance on June 38rd, between Byfleet and Wisley, and on June 23rd, near Ripley. The males varied greatly in the depth of the blue colouring on the wings. Of the Libelluline dragonflies, the first to appear was Libellula quadrimaculata, on May 8th, at the Black Pond. The specimens on that day were mostly pale and limp, and had apparently but just emerged. They were on the wing till July 6th, after which I was able to record no more. But on Sept. 9th I was surprised to see a specimen, which, however, spite of long and patient waiting, was not secured. As I think it was impossible to mistake the species, I am driven to conclude that it was an autumnal appearance due to the lengthened summer weather. The species was also observed near Byfleet and at Wisley Pond on June 38rd, and at Chobham Common on June 16th. A limp specimen of Cordulia enea was just out at the Black 12 100 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Pond on May 26th, while it was extremely plentiful at Byfleet on June 8rd, and was on the wing at Wisley Pond the same day. The last specimens I saw were at the Black Pond on June 9th. But few specimens of Platetrum depressum came under my notice last season, but I observed it near Esher on June 2nd, near Byfleet on June 8rd, and near Ripley on June 28rd. Seven specimens of the none too common species, Brachytron pratense, were secured near Byfleet and at Wisley Pond on one occasion only, June 8rd. Anax formosus, the finest of our dragonflies, first put in an appearance at the Black Pond on June 2nd, but was not secured till the 4th, when three females, two of which fell to the net, were disturbed in dull weather from a small ditch on Esher Common. I last noticed the species on July 6th. In 1895 it was secured more than a month later, on Aug. 10th. Chobham Common is another Surrey locality, where it was on the wing last season on June 16th. Of the genus Sympetrum, the commonest two species, S. scoticum and S. vulgatum, often crossed my path. The former was first noticed on the wing on July 27th, at the Black Pond, and was still out in good numbers on Sept. 29th. Of the other species, S. vulgatum, one was taken near the Black Pond on June 80th, but I did not take another till July 29th. This species also continued on the wing till Sept. 29th. Three species only of the grand genus A’schna fell to my lot last season. AY. grandis was first sighted on June 23rd, and was about in most places I visited till Sept. 10th. A’. cyanea began to appear about July 1st, while my last capture was made on Sept. 15th. I saw one at least, however, as late as Sept. 29th. A much searcer insect than the two already noticed—. juncea —which closely resembles AL. cyanea, but may easily be dis- tinguished from it, amongst other means, by the long ptero- stigma, was first certainly seen on Aug. 15th in Talbot Woods, near Bournemouth, when, strange to say, a female was taken paired with a male 42. cyanea. A male was secured on Sept. 7th at Wisley Hut Pond, and another on Sept. 9th at the Black Pond, where also others were seen till the end of the month ; but so wary were they that no further specimens were secured. It will be noticed that most of my collecting was done in Surrey. During’a visit to Oxford in August I saw, on the 8th, a few specimens of what, I take it, were S. vulgatum flying over a pond at Dry Sandford; but besides saw no species except A. cyanea and AY. grandis, which, however, were plentiful, especially near Bagley Wood. A specimen that I took to belong to the latter species was noticed hunting on Aug. 1st, at 8 p.m. and one on Aug. 8th, at 7.45 a.m. During a visit to Somerset, from Aug. 26th to Sept. 6th, in which a good deal of ground was covered, dragonflies were noticed CONDITIONS INFLUENCING THE APPEARANCE OF moTHS. 101 on two occasions only. A single 4’. cyanea was seen and captured near Sparkford on Aug. 27th, and asmall number of S. vulgatum, of which one was captured, were found flying on Sept. 2nd over a piece of swampy ground near the coast, a mile or two from Bridport. 21, Knight’s Park, Kingston-on-Thames, Feb. 3rd, 1896. METEOROLOGICAL ann OTHER CONDITIONS INFLUENCING THE APPEARANCE OF MOTHS. By B. N. MeEnsHoorkxin. I sHovutp like to bring forward some notes respecting the question of the nightly appearance of moths, and how it is influenced by meteorological conditions. These conditions can be divided into—(a) common, which may be applied to a greater number of species; and (b) particular, applying to some, or even only one, species. The best possible time for moths appearing is, according to observations, a few hours preceding a heavy night thunderstorm. The moths are then literally swarming, and come in hundreds to the sugar. Even rain for a long time does not drive them away ; neither do they seem to mind the lightning and thunder. Warm nights are almost always productive, especially in the spring and early summer; the same can be said if the evening and night are warmer than the day. But towards the middle of the summer warm nights often prove a failure. I attribute this to the fact that moths, as it seems, do not like very dry evenings; and warm nights of the middle and the end of summer are always dry. Neither do they appreciate very wet (but not rainy) evenings ; for instance, on evenings with heavy dew, or after a heavy rain, collecting had better be put aside, as no moths appear, with the exception of some mentioned below. But a rainy evening is generally very productive, especially if the temperature is high enough (some 14° to 15° Celsius), and the rain is not falling very fast. Such evenings are sometimes more productive than warm weather. The worst possible evenings I have observed in cases of heavy wet fog, the result of abundant rain during the daytime. Thus it will be seen that wet evenings are not always unproductive, and, provided it rains only a little, and the air is not cold, some nive captures may be effected. The influence of wind is marked enough, and can be formu- lated thus: the harder it blows, the fewer are the captures. However, up to a certain degree, the influence of wind may be obviated by putting the sugar on places protected from it. Clear and cloudy nights are also almost always marked: on clear nights 102 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. it is colder, and the moths therefore fewer ;- on clear nights, too, the dew is generally very heavy. The opposite can be said about cloudy nights ; but cold cloudy nights seldom give good results. The foregoing is a brief summary of the general rules appli- cable to most moths. ‘The exceptions are not very numerous: | will only mention a few, just to show the character of them. Thus, Hadena strigilis appears invariably in greater force on fair, clear, cold and wet evenings; this moth has, apparently, a great predilection for sugar, and is the first to come to it, some- times when the sun kas not even set. All the different species of Catocala, fraxini, nupta, pacta, the rarer C. sponsa and promissa, and the very rare C. adultera, Amphipyra tragopogonis, A. perflua and A. pyramidea, and some of the species of the genus Cidaria— truncata, vespertaria, and others—prefer cold nights to the warm ones. The genus Amphipyra especially likes the wet, cold nights. If this can be explained by the fact that the Noctuz in question have a thick covering of hair on the body, the explanation is quite inapplicable to Cidaria. Then I cannot pass in silence the class of moths which can be called indifferent, that is, appearing every evening and wholly disregarding the condition of weather. As typical specimens of these moths I shall name Agrotis brunnea and A. plecta. The other conditions, not relating to weather, may be briefly called: time of appearance, and food. First of these, time, may be expressed as follows: each moth has a certain hour of the night when it appears on sugar or elsewhere. This time is influenced by meteorological conditions of the night; for instance, it is retarded by cold, dew, or clear sky, and accelerated by clouds or rain. Food is, I suppose, one of the most important matters to a moth. Asarule, they prefer natural food to sugar; but this is not always the case. A most prominent exception occurs every year with us: it is the blooming of lilacs. Although some moths visit these flowers, the sugar is, at the same time, a very great attraction, as shown by the numbers that come to it; yet the flowers of the lilac contain honey, and by day they are very assiduously visited by bees; even Macroglossa fuciformis and M. bombyliformis are often seen at them. Quite the opposite occurs every year in July, when the lime-trees are blooming; then not a single moth comes to the treacle, but you can see them flying in the upper regions of lime-trees, quite out of reach even of the longest net. As regards the kind of treacle for use, I have tried about fifteen different compositions, and I have found that the best is simply a mixture of equal parts of beer and molasses; the addition of rum does not influence the results. The best results are obtained by putting the treacle on tree-trunks with a brush, as in England; the German method—hanging up slices of-dried SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 103 apples covered with treacle—failed absolutely; inferior, also, were the results of my own method—putting the treacle on the leaves of trees; true, the moths were attracted by: it in great numbers; but if in taking the first the leaf was set swinging, the others were sure to fly away or fall down before attention could be given to them. Taking into account the above, it is possible to foretell in some measure the chances of success or failure on a given oe. which in some cases it is important to know before- and. St. Petersburg University, Jan. 15th, 1896. NEW EXPERIMENTS ON THE SEASONAL cee OF LEPIDOPTERA. By Dr. Aucust WEIsMANN. (Translated from the German by W. E. Nicnoxson, F.E.S§.) (Continued from p. 80.) Third experiment with bryonie. — On June 19th, 1888, lI again received captured females of bryonie, despatched by the kindness of Pastor Hauri at Davos, 22 of which arrived alive. From June 25th onwards they laid eggs on rape, and the larve emerged between June 26th and July Ist. They were reared on plants kept in water in a room at 17-23° C., and were divided into two lots on July 25th. Lot I., distinguished as Experiment II1.a, was left until pupation took place in the breeding-cage at the summer room temperature (always very warm). Pupation took place between July 20th and 28th. Although the room temperature in August was still about 20° C., yet no specimen emerged; all the pupx were hybernated in a warm room, and produced nine completely normal butterflies in the spring of 1888, 8 males and 6 females, viz. 1 male on March 28rd and April 15th and 18th, and 1 female on April 29th and May 25th, and 2 females on May 27th. ; Lot IL., distinguished as Experiment III.b, was taken, on July 25th, 1888, from the room temperature at 23-8° C. into the incubator at 30° C., and remained there until Aug. 19th. Pupa- tion took place shout the same time as with lot I., namely, between July 20th and 28th. Although the temperature of the incubator never sank below 25° C., and was generally at 29° C., frequently also 31°, and once 82°8°C., yet no specimen emerged. From Aug. 19th onwards the pup were again kept in the room temperature, and during the winter in a cold room. The emergence of 32 butterflies, ee males and 9 females, first took place in the spring of 1889, viz. 104 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 6 males and 3 females on May 28rd, 1889. 9 males and 3 females on May 25th, 1889. 7 males and 3 females on May 26th, 1889. 1 male on June 7th, 1889. These specimens also are all completely normal; some of the females are brighter, others more darkly powdered, but all have the usual yellowish ground colour, such as the specimens cap- tured at large exhibit. There is no difference between the speci- mens of lots I. and II., and consequently the warmth of the incubator was entirely without influence on all these specimens. Only one male differed from all the rest, and he indeed emerged very late, on July 7th ; as this specimen resembles in almost every respect specimens of the summer form of napi, only the tips of the wings are a little darker than with these. Fourth experiment with bryonie. —In June, 1889, also I received once more a consignment of living females of bryonie, through the kindness of Pastor Hauri at Davos, and again succeeded in inducing them to lay eggs. The young larve began to emerge on June 23rd, and I brought them, on their food-plant, the rape, into the heated incubator, especially con- structed for rearing larve, at 26-31° C. The rearing was going on satisfactorily ; just before pupation, however, the fungoid disease appeared which is often so destructive to our Pueris larve, and which had already interrupted by its ravages my experiments with bryonic in the seventies. About 30 larve died immediately from it; others, indeed, pupated, but then died. The solitary butterfly which I reared on July 7th almost com- pletely resembled an ordinary summer female of P. napi var. napeé, and principally differed from that in the tip of the fore wing being grey instead of black, and by the black powdering of the veins 1 to 4 of the hind wing on the under side towards the margin of the wing. The latter occurs otherwise only in the winter brood of P. napi, and is especially strongly pronounced with bryonia. The fungus epidemic owed, indeed, its destructive power principally to very damp, and at the same time warm, air in the incubator. Unfortunately, I could not repeat the experiment during the year 1889 ; otherwise I should have tried to reduce the dampness of the air, which cannot be entirely dispensed with, to a minimum; at the same time also to rear the larve at the ordinary summer temperature, and to first subject the pupz or the larve about to pupate to the heat of the incubator. Results of the experiments with bryonie.—The results of the experiments here described differ in one point from the expert- ments described inthe year 1871, in so far as that not one of the pup then kept at 15-30° C. emerged as napi; while in each of the new Experiments, II., III. b, and IV., one butterfly was very SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 105. similar to the summer form of napi. Had this case only occurred once, it might have been thought that an ege of P. napi, or a quite young larva, had been accidentally introduced into the experiment with the food-plant. I cannot declare it absolutely impossible, notwithstanding careful searchings of the food; but I do consider it very improbable, since the intro- duction of an egg must have taken place the first day of the rearing, otherwise the larva of napi would be far behind the brood of bryonie in development; but on the first: day the quantity of food is so small, that the oversight of an egg or a young larva on it is scarcely conceivable. But it may yet be added, that one of the pupx of Experi- ment II. forced in the incubator exhibited a sprinkling of the wings with white, which may be interpreted as a partial rever- sion to the napi-form. This would contradict my view given in 1871, which regarded the form bryonte as the original parent form of napi. It is obvious that it 1s a very old form from its wide distribution—in the high Alps and in the far north; but we must, indeed, withhold the final cause, until numerous further extensive experiments are before us. If possible falsification of the experiments is disregarded, the quite isolated napi-forms which arose cannot be explained otherwise than by reversion. The white-sprinkled female of bryonie might be a hermaphrodite, similar to the hermaphrodite bees, in which the male and female characters sometimes appear intermixed in a wild state. Un- fortunately this view can no longer be decided by anatomical examination, as the butterfly is dry. But the napi-like males might have their origin in an earlier crossing which once took place between a bryonie female and a napi male, and therefore exhibit no variation from napi. A mixture of both forms is not entirely impossible, although in general they fly separated both as regards time and place; but there certainly are many places, in which they overlap one another in both aspects.* But if this was the cause of these isolated specimens of mapi in my experi- ments, the same would have arisen without the operation of an abnormally high temperature—so it may be thought. ‘The question is obviously not ripe for decision; further experiments with larger numbers of individuals must be undertaken, and attention must be specially directed to this point. III. ExpeRIMENTS WITH VANESSA LEVANA-PRORSA. Since the publication of a series of experiments with this species in the year 1871, I have again repeatedly experimented with it, whenever the material was available. Before everything the point with me was to test the results I had already obtained * Thus Meyer-Diirr cites the neighbourhood of Meyringen as a place in which an exactly intermediate form between napi and bryonieé occurs. 106 | THE ENTOMOLOGIST. by more exhaustive and, where possible, more accurate experi- ments. After the conclusion of these I first came to regard the seasonal dimorphism of many butterflies, and so also, hypotheti- cally at least, that of prorsa-levana, not (as hitherto) as the direct effect of the differences of temperature, but as adaptive- dimorphism, the two schemes of development of which are only connected with different temperatures as the excitants which set them free (Auslosungsreize). If the experiments afford con- firmation of this view, they may be regarded as unbiased testi- mony for the accuracy of it. First experument with levana, 1883-84.—Numerous (far over 100) eggs and young larve of the second brood were collected on Aug. 8th, and reared at the ordinary temperature. Pupation took place at the beginning of September. The pups were kept in a heated room, and one prorsa emerged there. From Jan. 10th, 1884, onwards, the pupe were kept in the incubator. over water at 27-30° C. The regulation of the in- cubator was, however, not quite suitable, and the temperature occasionally rose too high. Many pupe therefore died, and many butterflies emerged crippled. I bred :— On Jan. 18th, 5 levana > 19th, 6 9 Pier 1) eae ” ana 3 ” All are without the blue ” nee a 3 ” marginal lines of the » 2Ath, 1 porima hind wings. » 25th, 10 levana 9 26th, i ” seman Salts os oh a 34 butterflies. Out of these 34 specimens only 15 were developed quite perfectly; 19 had more or less crumpled and crippled wings, but so that the colour and marking can be recognised. ‘The frequent crippling is doubtless to be referred to the very damp air of the incubator, which moistens the pupal integuments and makes them soft, and thus renders emergence difficult. In order to prevent this, the pupe were taken out of the incubator on March 1st, and placed in a warm room, which was unheated later on. However, only one more emerged, viz. :— On May 24th, 1 pure levana female. Second experiment with levana, 1884-85.—It should be de- cided, whether hybernated pupe can be forced to assume the prorsa-form instead of the levana-form by artificially with- holding their development until the summer, %¢. until the SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 107 normal time of flight of the prorsa-form. Pupe of the second brood of 1884, which had pupated at the end of August and the beginning of September, were therefore hybernated in a cold room, and then, at the beginning of the spring, on March Ist, brought into the refrigerator at + 5° C., and there left until June 27th, when they were brought into a room. There emerged :— On July 8th, 6 levana. July 10th, 3 levana. Among these there were, however, two specimens, which by the greater extent of the black on the upper side exhibited an approach, though a slight one, to porima. The temperature of the room during the development was generally a high summer heat, 22-30° C.; it was colder on July 2nd only, viz. 18°7° C. Third experiment with levana, 1886.—It was to be ascer- tained, whether the second brood, which usually hybernates, could be forced by warmth to emerge in a shorter time, and to assume the prorsa-form. Eggs and young larve of this brood, collected in the open on July 29th, were reared in the incubator at 80-32° C. Many pupated as soon as Aug. 8th, the others somewhat later. The pups remained in the incubator at 30-32°C. There emerged :— On Aug. 15th, 2 pure prorsa. ei oe stp mhebly ary 55 9 8 pure prorsa. The majority of which, however, were hindered in unfolding their wings by the great humidity, and thereby more or less crippled. In addition, several larve had come out of the incubator, and had pupated about the room. These also produced :— On Aug. 19th, 5 pure prorsa. 9? ? 99 99 rt Ue, Lies B So that consequently 15 prorsa were reared altogether. Unfortunately the further question, whether by a high enough temperature all individuals can be forced to assume the summer form and to emerge forthwith, is not decided in this experiment, as the remaining pupe (about 50) were dead. Fourth experiment with levana, 1886. — Eggs and young larve of the second brood, found in the open on July 29th, were reared at an ordinary room-temperature, and pupated at 21—22° C. between Aug. 17th and 22nd. Out of 241 pupe there emerged in the same summer, between Aug. 25th and 28th, 5 prorsa. The remaining 236 pupe, as an emergence was no 108 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. longer to be expected under normal conditions, were divided into two lots in October. Lot A.—150 pupe were kept in the incubator at a temperature of about 27° C., which was, as far as possible, constant; there they frequently moved themselves vigorously, which they had never previously done at the room temperature of 18° C. Such movements were observed up to Jan. 14th, 1887, but not later. Up to then no butterfly emerged, and the examination of the pupz on March 2nd showed that they were all dead and putrid. Lot B.—86 pupe were kept over water at the room tempera- ture, which in November, December, and January was not above 18-14° C. There emerged, however :— On Feb. 16th, 1887, 1 male, levana. 55 19th, <;,, 2amailes; -,, as 93rd, i 8 Pinmale, 5, * WB3rd,. > x) Laemate;: ,5 eo IAtb. +4, 4 20 Halos, y, re 28th, ,, 2 males, 1 female, levana (1 crippled). On March 6th, ,, 2males,1 female, ,, PS 7th, ,, 1 female, - 2 Sth, .., Li male, me “ 9th, ,, 2 females, " if 10th, ,, 2females, és i 12th,” ,, .1 male, ne sa 13th;~ ,,*° 1 fémaile; .) nf 13th, |; . 2 wlales, 17th,’ .¢° Viale Tfemale;' ;, 20th, ,, ‘2 females, 1 male, _,, Gigi, 2 ,, 4. tMare, ss 22nd, ,, 2 males, ‘s u Ost, ~,, “Lamale, i. On April 4th, ,, 1 male, is 34 levana, 22 males, 12 females. Fifth experiment with levana, 1886. — Young larve of the second brood, found in the open air on Aug. 16th, were reared in the incubator at 80-81° C.; from Aug. 29th the temperature was kept at 27-28° C. Pupation took place from Aug. 24th onwards. The pupe remained in the incubator, and there emerged there, from Sept. 1st to 7th, 56 prorsa (some of them with a good deal of yellow), but no actual poriwma. Sixth experiment with levana.—Half-grown larve, found on Aug. 16th, were treated in the same way, 1.¢. first kept in the incubator at 30-31° C., and later on at 27-28° C. Pupation took place between Aug. 20th and 27th, and there emerged, between Auy. 80th and Sept. 4th, 14 prorsa (three of them with much yellow), but no true porwma, SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 109 Seventh experiment with levana, 1886.—Older larve, found on Aug. 16th, were treated as in the fifth and sixth experiments, that is to say, reared in the incubator at 27-31° C. They pupated between Aug. 21st and 23rd. The excessively damp at.nosphere of the incubator, which was not constructed quite suitably, un- fortunately killed all the pupe; three larve, however, escaped and pupated in the room, and these produced, from Sept. 6th to 10th, three prorsa, with little yellow. Digest and conclusion of the levana experiments 5, 6, and T.— 73 prorsa butterflies were bred in consequence of rearing larve of the third brood in the incubator. In the fifth and sixth experiments the pupz kept alive without emerging. These were kept through the winter at a room temperature of 13-14° C., and produced :— On Feb. 9th, 1887, 2 levana males. ¥ LOth, ,; 1 >4, °° ‘female. 2 6th; 4.2" >. 4, female: a3 28th, be) 3 99 On Mare kets 14) 6° % 5). male. 8 levana. Results of the levana experiments. — All the experiments newly described here relate to the third brood of the butterfly, i.e. to the brood of the summer generation, or the second brood of the year, which usually hybernates and produces the “‘ winter form”’ levana in the spring. The species is double-brooded with us, and the larve of the late summer brood usually forms the first brood of the butterfly of the following year. My experi- ments of the year 1869 have shown that very occasionally in very hot summers this late summer brood of larve manages to pupate and emerge, and, in Southern Germany, at least, to lay eggs, although it has not been proved by them that these eggs can develop to pupation; so that a complete third brood can be interpolated in the cycle of the species. The experiments then carried out appear to me to prove, that the prorsa-form can well be changed into the levana-form, if the pupe are brought into the cold; but, on the other hand, that application of heat to the pups does not succeed in altering the levana brood into the prorsa-form. I thereupon concluded, that the levana-form was the older, the prorsa-form the younger. At that time I was working at heredity with conceptions that were not yet very clear, and thought ‘‘ reversion”’ to the parent form might, indeed, be possible, but reversion from the parent form to the phyletically younger form is not conceivable. A theory of heredity was then wanting, to which such facts could be referred and subsumed under general propositions. To-day, where I assume different rudiments to each of the two forms of the 110 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. butterfly in the germ of the individual, I should no longer have fallen into this confusion. Then I pictured to myself a cycle in such a way, that one and the same germ-substance was so governed, that it must one time produce levana, and the second time prorsa, then again levana and again prorsa. To-day I imagine two kinds of rudiments in the germ near one another, one of which is enabled to develope by heat and the other by cold. Now it is no longer a difficulty, that, according to circumstances, from one brood of prorsa yet another brood of prorsa follows, as I already had shown, that by the influence of cold upon the pup, one brood of levana could be followed by a second brood of levana. In my view, the conception of ‘reversion’? no longer in general plays any part in these phenomena, but only that of the activity of one rudiment or the other. The facts harmonise very well with this view of cyclic heredity, although they also show, that the phenomena are not quite so simple, as might be expected from it. This depends upon the fact, that the temperature is not the only excitant, but that rather some other co-operates with it: the tendency to alter- nation. For the rest, I had already been able, from my old experi- ments with levana, to draw the conclusion that the change of form is a relatively free one, as in one of the same (Experi- ment 6) I succeeded in getting a female of the summer form prorsa to reproduce, and indeed, in the hot summer of 1869, very early indeed—on July 4th. The butterflies (18 specimens) developed from the eggs after 80-31 days, and these were all the prorsa-form. One of my critics rightly cited this against me at the time. It is obvious, from the experiments now set forth, that in fact the third broods can be induced by heat to assume the prorsa-form, at least in part; indeed, that an especially high temperature is not always necessary for isolated prorsa-forms to arise. This is proved by :— The first experiment, in which, from about 60 pupe of the third brood, which had pupated at the beginning of September at the usual temperature of a warm room, one prorsa, at least, still developed. The third experiment, in which, from numerous specimens, which pupated in August (consequently very early), 15 prorsa butterflies emerged up to the end of August. The fourth experiment, in which, from 241 pupe of the third brood, five prorsa emerged at the end of August at the usual room temperature. The fifth experiment, in which, from pupe of the third brood, 56 prorsa butterflies emerged at the incubator temperature of 27-28° C. at the beginning of September. SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. Lit The sixth experiment, in which, from pupe of the third brood at 27-28° C., 14 prorsa emerged. The seventh experiment, in which, from pupe of the third brood at the room temperature, three prorsa emerged at the beginning of September. But one dare not assume from these experiments that every pupa of the third brood assumes the prorsa-form, in case it is brought into a high temperature on its pupation. The following facts speak to the contrary :— In the first experiment only one prorsa emerged from about 60 pup, which were all kept at the same temperature, 7.e. in a warmed room. In the third experiment only eight prorsa emerged in the incubator out of 65 pupe, but there were besides seven prorsa of the same brood, which had pupated in the room. In the fourth experiment I bred five prorsa butterflies out of 241 pupe at the ordinary temperature at the end of August; all the rest hybernated. These facts admit of no other explanation, as it appears to me, than the assumption, that the tendency of the pupe to the development of the prorsa-form is of different strength with the different individuals of this third brood. It might be objected to this conclusion, that the temperature of the incubator was fluctu- ating, and that the different individuals might have been sub- jected to unequal temperatures just at that period of develop- ment in which the decision is given, whether the prorsa or levana rudiment is to be active. On the other hand, it is proved by Experiments 5 and 6, in both of which the temperature only fluctuated very slightly, and in which it is equally certain, that the critical time of this high temperature was struck while the larve had been reared in the heat, and pupation took place in the incubator itself. Yet in both experiments together 35 pups hybernated uninfluenced by the heat, and eight of them produced the levana-form in the spring. This conclusion of the different individual tendency towards the assumption of the summer form might be contrasted with my experiment of the year 1869; since then all the pupe of the third brood assumed the summer form under the influence of the exceptionally hot July sun. But first there were only 18 Specimens ; secondly, there were five porima among them, i.e. intermediate forms between levana and prorsa ; and thirdly, it is still indeed dependent on the strength and duration of the warmth excitant whether the prorsa rudiment i3 active; and it is conceivable that, with very great heat, such as then prevailed, this is always the case. Such a high temperature as a hot summer brings about in the open, cannot be produced artificially, without running the risk of destroying the pupe by an atmo- sphere which is too dry or too damp, or by the prevalence of vegetable parasites. After all it is never to be forgotten that we 112 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. cannot produce the natural conditions artificially in the incubator; the change between day and night temperature is not to be closely imitated, and still less the wind, &c., or indeed the direct rays of the sun, which also come into consideration. I consequently believe we may assume, that in fact the third brood of levana-prorsa, as a general rule, has the tendency to longer pupal rest (i. e. to hybernation), and with it to the levana- form; but that this is not the case with all the brood, single in- dividuals in many broods being constantly present, which, on the other hand, bear in themselves the tendency to rapid de- velopment and to the assumption of the prorsa-form. These are the individuals which still produce prorsa butterflies at a medium temperature (at about 13-18° C.) in September or October. But manifestly we must conclude, that a larger number of pupe of this third brood is altered by the higher temperature, and may be induced to develop forthwith under the assumption of the prorsa-form. Whether there are also such individuals, which are in no way to be induced to this, must for the present remain undecided ; the five porima specimens of the experiment of 1869 prove that with many it only takes place with great difficulty, as in these both germ-rudiments (Keimesanlagen), the prorsa and the levana rudiment, have worked together. But such a co-operation can, as the experiments teach us, take place in yet another way. In the first place it is significant, that specimens of porima sometimes occur also in the open, and, indeed, in the summer. If I am not mistaken, they can be brought about in two ways: either as in the experiment of 1869, i.e. by the fact that an unusually hot summer allowed the third brood to begin very early (commencement of July), so that their pupe fell under the influence of the greatest summer heat. In this case those individuals will become porima, in which the tendency to levana is overcome by the heat with most difficulty._ But the porima-form can, indeed, arise in yet another way—in which they were first artificially produced by Dorfmeister, and later on by myself, namely, by the action of a lower tempera- ture on the second brood. In this a preponderance of the ten- dency to the prorsa-form will have to be assumed, but one which can be more or less completely overcome by the fact that a low temperature is acting at the critical time, 7.¢. immediately after pupation. It seems obvious from the experiments, that a certain in- fluence can still be always exercised by temperature on the colouring of the butterfly, even in the later period of the develop- ment of the pupa. Experiment 2 shows, at least, that pupe of the third brood of the end of August and beginning of September, which not only spent the winter in the cold, but were also prevented from further development the whole of the spring by means of cold, produced, indeed, the Jevana-form in _ PLUSIA FESTUCA AND ITS SECOND BROOD. 113 July, but yet in some specimens with a slight approach to porima. At all events, a high temperature itself has, as a rule, very little effect on pup of the third brood, which have once been exposed to it for some weeks without developing. They all produce the levana-form, although frequently tending somewhat towards porima ; in this way the 84 butterflies of Experiment 1 emerged, which were forced by heat as soon as the end of January. Viewed apart from any theory, the facts, shortly put together, are the foll. wing: levana and prorsa follow one another in the open with us in a regular cycle in such a way that, as has been known for a long time, levana occurs in April, prorsa in June. By the influence of cold immediately after pupation the second brood may be induced to assume more or less the form of the first, i.e. the levana-form ; but the tendency to the prorsa-form is stronger in this brood, and it does not succeed in making every individual levana. On the other hand, the third brood has, in the greater number of individuals, a strong tendency towards hybernation and to the levana-form. But there are single in- dividuals, which form prorsa at once without the influence of a higher temperature, and the majority of the rest can be induced to become more or less pure prorsa by the influence of a high temperature on the fresh pupe. Intermediate forms, so called porima, arise, wherever a brood is affected by an unsuitable temperature at the beginning of its pupal period ; thus with the second brood by unusual cold, with the third by unusual heat. I shall speak of the theoretic significance of these facts in the general part. (To be continued.) PLUSIA FESTUCA AND ITS SECOND BROOD. By J. ARKLE. On a hot sunny afternoon, May 6th, 1898, whilst watching a number of dragonflies (Ischnura elegans) flying about or resting upon the sedge Glyceria aquatica, my attention was arrested by a small hammock of white silk slung up near the bent top of a sedge leaf. I had never seen such a thing before, but I felt sure it was a cocoon of P. festuce. And so it was. The dragonflies were left to themselves, and at the end of a close search I had taken six pup. The moths all emerged between June 5th and 10th. Although I kept a sharp look on the place, I saw no further trace of the insect until Aug. 3rd, when I found seven pupe spun up about twenty yards from where I took the first. Three moths emerged on the 7th, two on the 16th, and another on the 18th. ENTOM.—APRIL, 1896, K 114 é THE ENTOMOLOGIST. The seventh pupa died. Newman states that the chrysalis occurs in August. Stainton gives August and September as the months for the imago. | May, 1894, was cold, wet, with little sunshine, and frosty towards the end of the month. It was June 6th before I saw P. festuce. On that day I found a larva spinning up at the old place on an iris leaf. On the 18th I took six pup, and on the 20th one. The first emergence occurred on the 29th, three more July ist, and the eighth on July 5th. The second brood of this year had spun up by Aug. 18th, when I found three cocoons on the mace or branched bur-reed (Sparganium ramosum). On the 24th I took three more cocoons from the same species of sedge. On the 27th I found two pupe, and a caterpillar in the act of spinning its cocoon. One of these pupe# was upon S. ramosum, and the caterpillar on G. aquatica. I gave away all this second brood, with the exception of two pupe I reserved as tests. The first of the two produced a moth Aug. 29th, the second on Sept. Ist; and those sent away gave a satisfactory account of themselves about the same time. January and February, 1895, are still remembered for their intense frosts. On Feb. 10th I happened to be near the festuce pond, and went a little out of my way to see how it looked. It was obliterated. Instead was a large sheet of ice stretching well on to a quarter of a mile. The greater included the less. A lot of people were sliding and skating on its surface. A waterhen’s nest, which I had previously noticed, had disappeared, in what, I was told, had been an exceptional flood. It was near the end of April before the waters had retreated and left the pond at its normal size. Then came the wonder as to whether I should find the first brood of P. festuce. I searched again and again, but without success. Pupz were found at other spots in the district, and the question now was how long it would be before a moth visited the old pond again. I had not long to wait. On Aug. 7th I took three pups, and two larve spinning up; on the 9th, two more larve just beginning their cocoons ; another pupa on Aug. 15th—all on S. ramosum. On the 20th the first moth appeared, and on the same day I discovered a pupa on iris. ‘The last moth emerged from its cocoon on Sept. 7th. | To get a connected series of tests I have referred only to observations relative to this particular pond. I have never been able to find the caterpillar except wien making its cocoon, and | have never seen the perfect insect anywhere out of doors, except on one occasion. ‘The chrysalis is black. The foregoing facts prove P. festuce to be double-brooded in the Chester district ; and I am able to show, through the kind favour of Mr. J. Collins, that this feature in the life-history of the insect is maintained as far north as Warrington. Mr, PLUSIA FESTUCH AND ITS SECOND BROOD. 115 Collins’s note to me on the subject is so interesting that I avail myself of the privilege of giving it in extenso. He says :—‘‘ We do take the second brood of Plusia festuce at Warrington, as well as the first one. In June last I found about half a dozen webs containing pups, and have long since [his letter is dated Sept. 2nd, 1894] bred the moths from these, of course. I have not had the time to search for the second brood, last August, or even up to date, as I am aware it is not yet too late to go for it. Like you, I take mine on the great sedge, bur-reeds, also on a coarse ribbon-grass, and have actually found them feeding on water plantain (Alisma plantago), but never on yellow iris. I have found cocoons repeatedly on water plantain, and on the coarse grass referred to, growing in the middle and along the sides of a little brooklet near Warrington. By the way, when the cocoon is spun on the grass it is bad to detect. From the nature of the locality we always fancy a dry season like last year essential to their welfare; for in the wet seasons the streams rise, overflow the banks, wash down the plants, and consequently swill off and drown the larve. However, yours may be obtained from ponds where they would be less exposed to drowning, from there being no current to bring down the plants. We always find in a wet season that P. festuce is much scarcer than in a dry one. I have for many years netted the June brood over campion and bramble flowers.”’ Following an observation of mine upon the habits of the moth (Hntom. xxvii. 243), Mr. J. EH. R. Allen, of Bolton, con- tributes (p. 270) an interesting note on the appearance of the insect in Galway. ‘There, in 1893, he took an imago May 28th, and another on Sept. 20th. Obviously these were representatives of first and second broods. Let us now consider the evidence which points to the limit of the moth, at any rate in one locality, to a single brood. Mr. Allen, in the note referred to, says :—‘‘ This moth seems to vary in its economy in different localities. At Bolton, where I have taken it for many years, half-grown larve are found in April, and full-grown larve up to the middle of June; the food-plant is almost always the yellow iris. The pupa is generally in a bend of the iris leaf, about two inches from the point, and the moths begin to emerge at the end of June. I do not think a second brood occurs at Bolton ; I and others have looked for it in vain.” Mr. Rushton, of Thornbank, near Bolton, in a letter to me dated Aug. 30th, 1894, says :—‘‘I am sorry to say that 1 know very little of the life-history of P. festuce. I had three pupe. Two emerged on July 4th, and the other on July 5th.” Mr. Rushton, in another letter dated Sept. 3rd, supplies me with a note by Mr. J. Grime, of Bolton. Mr. Grime says :—‘‘ P. festuce occurs in three localities about Bolton. In forward seasons I have found the chrysalis by May 18th, but never earlier. It is in the K 2 116 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. chrysalis state about four or five weeks, and I believe the young larvee hybernate. Although I have searched repeatedly for a second brood, I have never found one.” We have now got from Chester to Warrington, twenty miles, roughly speaking, and north-east. From Warrington to Bolton is another twenty miles, measuring by the same standard of accuracy. Here, although search has been made for years, and by careful entomologists, the late brood has never yet been found. Let us continue our trip some forty miles to the north- west, and we find Mr. G. T. Porritt at Morecambe from Aug. 11th to Aug. 31st, 1898. In Ent. Mo. Mag. for January, 1894 (p. 12), we find Mr. Porritt writing as follows :—‘‘ At dusk P. festuce occurred on all the ditches (Heysham Moss), and was not un- common.” What, then, was P. festuee doing at Bolton at the same time—forty miles to the south? It was either on the wing as well, as a second brood, or the progeny of the only brood (June-July) were about to hybernate as eggs or larve. The first of the three probabilities must be dismissed in the face of evidence which cannot be set aside, and either the second or third brings the Bolton form up to the importance of a variety. As far as coloration is concerned, variation of the moth is hardly per- ceptible. The Chester insect, I think, is a little darker than the Bolton one. The ‘‘gold spots” vary a little in shape, size, and proximity in all localities, but I can meet with no confirmation of a reputed form with confluent spots. Chester, Dec. 28th, 1895. IRRORHOTIDES: A NEW GENUS OF ATEUCHIDA, WITH A DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES. By Joun W. Surepr. IRRORHOTIDES, N. g. Bopy similar to Actinophorus. Thorax and head resembling Pachysoma. Fore legs similar to Sebasteos. Head not free; clypeus 6-dentate, the two centre teeth projecting. Thorax wider than the elytra, compressed transversely, with the lateral margins strongly curved and crenulate, wider in the centre, narrower at the anterior and posterior angles: apical margin smooth ; posterior margin finely crenulate, with a concave curve, and slightly sinuated, posterior angles not so wide as the anterior angles, acute, and terminating in a small tubercle or spine. Elytra cordiform, slightly convex, as wide as long, humeral angles acute; lateral margins curved towards apex, strongly emarginate ; basal emargination crenulate. Pygidium obtusely triangular. Anterior tibie flat, elongate, 4-dentate on IRRORHOTIDES: A NEW GENUS OF ATEUCHIDA. 117 exterior margin, curved inwards at extremity, with four small equidistant points or tubercles on the inner margin. Femora of a uniform thickness, and not perceptibly thickened towards base. Intermediate femora thickened in the centre; tibiz short, termi- nated in a sharp curved spine. Posterior femora thickened in the centre; tibia rather long, narrow, and slender, more or less three-sided, obliquely truncate at apex, terminating in a sharp curved spur. Tarsi similar to Actinophorus. Prosternal keel ending in an obtuse point; sternum with a deep sharply defined depression down the whole length from the prosternal keel. FRYII, n. sp. Colour dull black. Head wider than long, 6-dentate, with the two centre teeth prominent, and the indentation circular ; the remaining teeth are almost obsolete. Clypeus smooth, slightly curved upwards in front, covered with very small and fine punctures; occipital ridges very small, and not produced towards the centre of the head; margins smooth. Antenne black, club greyish. Thorax slightly convex, shining, thickly punctured with fine punctures and small granules. ‘The posterior margin is curved inwards towards the disc, emarginate, and finely but closely crenulate; lateral margins produced to the centre, with a number of long porrect reddish-brown hairs on posterior portion. Scutellum obsolete. Hlytra slightly duller, with six striz on each elytron; interstices rugose and covered with some large irregular shallow punctures, which get more shallow and smaller towards apex. Suture very distinct, smooth, shining, and impunctate. Abdomen smooth, shining; pro- sternal keel shining and finely punctured on sides, smooth on disc. Pygidium dull, slightly granulate. Anterior tibie quadri- dentate on exterior margin, with the apex thickened laterally at tip, and terminating in a sharp fine spine; the apex is curved inwards into a large obtuse tooth. Inner margin with a number of long reddish-brown hairs, and a small tuft of hairs on the centre of the under side of the femur, and another small tuft at the apex, on the upperside. Intermediate and hind tibize covered with thick reddish-brown hairs; femur and sides of abdomen pubescent. ‘Tarsi verticillated. L.c. 25 mm. Hab. Port Nolluth, 8. Africa. (Type in coll. A. Fry.) I have to thank Mr. A. Fry for the loan of the above interesting and unique Ateuchid. ‘The peculiar form of the thorax will serve to distinguish it from its other allies. ‘he form of the anterior legs is very similar to Sebasteos, Westw., and the cordate form of the abdomen places it after Actinophor us, Creutz, and Sebasteos, Westw. It seems a link, too, between the Ateuchites ( (proper) and the Old World genera of Hucranides —Mnematium, McLeay, and Pachysoma, McLeay. Oxford, 1895, 118 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. COLLECTING IN NEW ENGLAND. By W. F. Fiske. In Southern New Hampshire the first insects begin to awake from their long winter nap on the warm days of the latter part of March. At that time the best locality for the entomologist is the Maple-sugar camp. Here on warm days, when the sap runs well, Grapta j-album and Vanessa antiopa may be seen flitting around the tops of the trees, and sipping the sweet sap from the wounds made by the squirrels. After dusk several species of moths may be taken, and in the morning a visit to the buckets will disclose many which have fallen into the sap collected there, the rarest of which are worth the trouble of rescuing and drying. In April the first of the moths begin to emerge from hyber- nating pupe; a few Bombyces, Geometride, and Micros, but mostly Noctuids. Brephos infans, a small but bright-coloured under wing, appears about waste land by April 10th. Although several species of hybernating butterflies have been more or less common during the first part of the month, the first species to begin to emerge from the pupa are a few Lycena and Tiecla about the 20th The dense clumps of cassandra or meadow -fern in the swamps are in blossom at this time, and are literally alive with insect life. Pieris rape, which was introduced from HKurope about thirty years ago, and the native species P. napt var. oleracea, formerly common but now very rare, appear soon after. Colias philodice may be noticed the last of the month. It is the only Colias native here, but the lack in variety is more than made up by quantity, it being very abundant. Business in the world of Lepidoptera is not very brisk, how- ever, until the middle of May, when nature seems to awake to the fact that June is almost at hand. The lilacs are in blossom now, and the blossoms are frequented during the day by many dusty friends. The three swallow-tails—Papilio turnus, resembling P. podalirius ; P. asterias, the “‘ carrot-worm,”’ black, with yellow and blue spots; and P. troilus, black, with greenish white and orange spots—are very conspicuous. Several species of humming- bird moths are common during the day, and the humming-bird itself arrives, looking like a magnified specimen of Sphinz, and which may even be taken in a net. Two small species of Argynnis—the first, myrina, with silver spots on the under side ; and the other, bellona, without—are very common on low lands the last of the month. Another small butterfly, Phyciodes (Melitea) tharos, appears, and will continue with us all the summer. The skippers, which are in this section conspicuous for their numbers and variety, begin to appear the latter part of the month. One species, Pamphila metea, is quite common about the 20th around very dry sandy places, and is the only one which COLLECTING IN NEW ENGLAND. 119 may be taken in May and not in June. The night-flyers during May are numerous, mostly Noctuids, but a good many of other sroups. Several species of Arctians, some of them quite hand- some and most of them rare, are out now; and the large Saturnians begin to appear. The beautiful Actias luna, “‘ queen of the night,” is the first to emerge. When properly spread for the cabinet it has a most graceful appearance; but its flight is very awkward, having about as much grace as that of a cockchafer. If the season is good a great many moths are attracted by sugar, among which Catocala, or Catocalirrhus nubilis, is the largest. It is grey, secondaries bright yellow, with two black median bands. June is the month of butterflies and flowers. The swallow- tails are in their glory. Danas archippus has arrived, dusty and travel-stained, from the south. Three large Argynnis—cybele, aphrodite, and atlantis—are common the last of the month. Melitea phaéton, M. harristit, and M. nycteis, are common, but very local. Satyrids are not well represented in Eastern United States; only five species are native in New Hampshire, but they are all quite common. Neonympha eurytris, a small dark drab species, with two eye-spots on primaries and one on secondaries, is a common species on woody hills and rocky pastures in the early part of June. Debis portlandia, a larger and handsomer Species, is not quite so common in the woods in the valleys. Chrysophanus hypo-phleas is very abundant from May until October. It occurs in great variety, all grades, from the banded to the immaculate form, being common. The variations are more abundant in the spring brood. There are five species of Thecla flying in June,—three common, and two rather scarce. Around the banks of brooks, where alder grows rank, a delicate and rare little butterfly may be found from the Ist of June until the middle of August. It expands about an inch and a half; the upper side is tawny orange, with curious blotches and marks in black; the under side of secondaries is brown, with grey rings. This is F'eniseca tarquinius, as far as is known the only carnivo- rous butterfly. The larva feeds on the plant-lice which infest the alder, currant, &c.; but is hard to find, because it covers itself with down from its victims. The Hesperide this month are very numerous and varied. Ancyloxypha numitor, a small, but pretty brown and yellow species, is common around thick grass near standing water. There are eight species of Pamphila (Hesperia), two of Amblyscirtes, four of Nisoniades (Thanos), and three Eudamus. Most of them are common, and some are very abundant. The largest and handsomest is Hudamus tityrus. It expands from two to two and a half inches, and is dark brown, with a translucent honey-yellow band across the primaries, showing on both sides. The under side of secondaries is over- laid with purplish scales, and has a broad band of silvery white. The moths are very numerous and varied, and it is useless to try 120 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. and enumerate them. Samia cecropia is the largest, often measuring six inches in expanse. Actias luna, Telea poly- phemus, and Callosamia promethet, are not far short of it. Hyperchiria io is smaller, but more strikingly coloured. Hacles wmperialis, yellow, with purplish markings, and expanding five inches, may be seen in the daytime clinging to grass and low bushes, and looking so much like a sere and yellow leaf as to deceive the eyes of any but an entomologist. Hawk-moths are abundant about the flowers of asclepias and honeysuckle; they are in great variety, but the large and showy species are in a great minority. The best night-collecting is done with lantern and sweep-net. It pays on most seasons to sugar, but there are not so many moths attracted as during the months of May, July, and August. In July the season for butterflies and spinning-moths has begun to decline. The most noticeable arrival is Argynnis idalia, a large species, expanding from three to three and a half inches, with secondaries of a beautiful purplish black, with cream spots. _Satyrus alope is extremely abundant throughout the month; the normal form has a broad yellow band on primaries; in var. nephele this band is wanting, but all the intergrades occur. A visit to the White Mountains, in the northern part of the State, is of particular interest to the entomologist at this season of the year. A pale and delicate Satyrid, Chionobas semidea, inhabits the highest peaks, and is found in no other locality within 2000 miles. A small Argynnis is also native there, and nowhere else; and several other species of butterflies, which are rare or unknown on the lowlands to the south, are common. Scattered through the State are many small mud-bottomed ponds, generally surrounded by a dense growth of spruce, and bordered by a bed of sphagnum. This is gradually encroaching on the water, not displacing, but floating upon it, until it is thick and strong enough to bear a man’s weight. Here many plants which grow nowhere else find a footing and flourish, and with them an insect fauna. Among others is a small butterfly, Chrysophanus epixanthe. The female is dingy enough; but the male, when alive, with wings expanded to the sun, is a living gem. The primaries are brown, with violet reflections; the secondaries duller, with a wavy submarginal line of copper-red. From the middle of July until the 1st of September is the best time of the year for sugaring. There are between thirty and forty species of Catocala more or less common, all of which it is possible to cap- ture in good condition during this season. A row of neglected pear trees forms another very good collecting locality at this season of the year, the honey-dew having an attraction superior to any artificial mixture which I have yet experimented with. There is always the possibility, too, of taking the enormous Hrebus odora, which has occasionally been seen in this locality, and sometimes occurs in numbers. A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. TS August has little new in the way of butterflies, but several Species appear as second and third broods. Among the former may be mentioned Papilio troilus, P. asterias, Vanessa antiopa, V. atalanta, V. huntera, V..cardui, Danais archippus, and the two Limenitis,—L. artemis and L. disippus. LL. artemis is, perhaps, as handsome a butterfly as is to be found in New England. It is purplish black, with a broad white band across both wings. L. disippus is fulvous-veined, and bordered with black as in Danais. Colias philodice, Argynnis myrina, and A. bellona, appear as a third brood about the 1st of September. Although there is but one brood of the large Argynnis—idalia, cybele, and aphrodite—tfresh specimens, especially females, continue to emerge until the 1st of September. Good collecting is at an end by September, except in a few groups, notably Vanessa and Agrotis. Danais archippus occurs in great numbers preparatory to migration. The flight of this butterfly is very graceful, and a clover field when they are abundant is a very pretty sight. Hemileuca maia, a medium- sized Saturnian, is common on meadows. ‘The wings are black, with a white band across both, and are of the texture and appearance of Parnassius. It flies by day; and when struck with a net or hat it folds its wings over its back, curls up its abdomen and legs, and feigns death. October is a comfortless month for the entomologist. There is a better variety than in March, but there is much difference in looking forward or backward to June. There is little or nothing new. A few moths emerge, and at once hunt for winter quarters. The butterflies of the genus Vanessa give life and colour to the beautiful Indian-summer days, but they take good care to find a secure lodging at night, for fear that the next day may prove to be borrowed from December. A few Colias aud Pieris appear as a fourth brood, but they are doomed to perish miserably during the wintry blasts of November. A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. By W. F. pe Vismes Kane, M.A., M.R.LA., F.E.S. (Continued from p. 83.) Haprna DENTINA, Hsp.—Common, widely distributed, and very variable. Beside the type, with bluish-grey stigmata and subterminal band on a darker greyish ground, there is acommon form of warm sepia tone, the central shade being similar but darker. The pale grey var. lewcostigma, Haw., occurs rarely in Galway, Sligo, and elsewhere; and the unicolorous obsolete form, var. ochrea, Tutt (dentina, Haw. and Fab.), with yellow 122 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. patches at base of the inner margin and elsewhere, is occasionally met with. Hapena TRIFOLU, Rott.—‘‘ Near Dublin, by the Rev. Joseph Greene” (B.). Mr. W. E. Hart reports having taken a specimen at Kilderry, near Derry, but I have not seen it. Hapena pissimiuis, Knoch.—The Devil’s Glen, Wicklow, not common (B.) ; Castle Bellingham (Thornhill), and near Dundalk, Co. Louth, pretty numerous; Castle Gregory, near Tralee, Kerry, not rare ; Clonbrock, Co. Galway, a few (R. #.D.). My Kerry specimens, and Mr. Thornhill’s from Castle Bellingham, are referable to var. suasa, Bork. HADENA OLERACEA, L.—Very common everywhere. The usual form is that with bright rusty brown ground colour, and well- marked stigmata and subterminal line. But specimens with dark brown ground, marked only with an orange trace of the reniform stigma, and an almost obsolete subterminal line, occur on islands off tlle Kerry coast, and occasionally elsewhere. Hapena pisi, L.—Widely distributed, but rarely numerous. The Linnean type appears to be of a ferruginous ash colour (‘‘ ferrugineo-cinereis’’), clouded with grey. I have a Scandi- navian example of it which closely approaches Mr. Tutt’s descrip- tion of his var. pallida. I have not met with the type in Ireland. The very unicolorous yellowish-red type (var. rufa, Tutt) is very rare here, and I have never met with it of so yellow a tone as in English examples I possess; but the mottled form of it, varying in distinctness of pattern but decidedly redder than English examples, is more frequent (var. distincta-rufa, Tutt). The some- what unicolorous purplish form, var. scotica, Tutt, I have not seen; but the majority of Irish specimens belong to the mottled purplish form with pale or ashy-grey stigmata and markings, and is frequently extremely bright and handsome. Var. splendens, St., I have from Toberdaly, King’s Co., and Favour Royal, Co. Tyrone, of a ruddy brown, indistinctly marked with strige and stigmata, and the subterminal line nearly obsolete, except at the anal angle. I have a specimen of this also from Scandinavia. I cannot agree with Mr. Tutt in placing it near the type, which he gives in his classification, by some oversight probably, as having ‘‘a red-brown ground.” Beside the foregoing there are in Ireland (found rarely) brown forms, from a bistre tone to an ashy grey-brown, with the subterminal line sometimes quite obsolete, except a trace at the anal angle, and, on the other hand, sometimes of twice the normal width throughout. These forms I have taken at Killary Bay and Clonbrock, Co. Galway ; Drum- reaske, Co. Monaghan; and the neighbouring Co. Tyrone; Markree Castle, Sligo; and Killynon, Co. Westmeath; and the var, distincta-scotica from the same; while the ruddy forms are ; A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. 123 from widely distant localities, and not localised. A dark brown specimen from the Bog of Allen, near Banagher, has exactly the coloration of H. adusta, and approaches Mr. Tutt’s description of his var. suffusa, but the markings are not suffused but blotched with black, especially on the inner margins of tlie broken subterminal line and between the stigmata. HapEna THALASSINA, Rott. — Common. ‘Two Scandinavian examples from the collection of Sven Lampa show a warm greyish brown ground colour, with the pale strige and stigmata very slightly represented, but on one the dark — trait and stig- matal outlines darkly marked. Their special characteristic is, however, the almost total absence of the whitish basal patch, though the black forked streak below it is retained. This pale patch, distinguishing this species usually from every form of H. adusta, is here obsolete, except for perhaps a faint pallor of the ground colour. With this exception identical greyish forms (var. humeralis, Haw.) occur in Ireland, but rarely. One from Hollybrook, near Boyle, is almost of a unicolorous grey, marked only by the white and black basal traits, and some traces of the subterminal pale line. Var. achates, Hb., occurs rarely, as at Sligo, and Favour Royal, Tyrone. ‘'he normal forms of Irish HM. thalassina are very bright and strikingly marked, being in a series far handsomer than such as 1 have seen from England. That this is so, the frequently distinct delineation of the dentate mark (which Mr. Tutt, in describing H. contigua, notices as absent in H. thalassina) is evidence. ‘l'heir ground colour varies from a rich brown madder to the cold bistre brown of H. adusta. The stigmata are often ringed with white, and sometimes filled in with grey, and the black and white strigz and blotches vivid and distinct. The most striking form I have ever seen has the ground of brownish grey, with large white stigmata (except the lower part of the reniform), dentate mark, costal dashes, and strige. Throwing these into relief are sharply pencilled black markings and the + trait, producing a very chequered appear- ance. Another form, of a warm brown ground, has the stigmata and dentate mark of paler tone, fused together, and with suffused outlines. ‘lhe elbowed and basal lines are twice as broad as in most specimens, and shaded off at the edges. Hapena contieva, Vill.—Local, and sometimes abundant. Very bright and handsome forms are found on the mountains bordering L. Gill, Sligo, and (but rarely) among those among which the R. Roughty takes its rise above Kenmare, probably approaching the form which Mr. Barrett noticed at Cannock Chase. They are suffused with a bright pink on the areas of the stigmatal and dentate and costal base marks, and when fresh are the most beautiful of all the genus Hadena. In one light Sligo example the whole ground colour (except a white patch of 124 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. subterminal band at the anal angle) is suffused with rose colour. Some rose-flushed specimens have the basal half of the fore wing very dark, the basal striga and all markings, except the costal basal patch, being obsolete. ‘The var. dives, Haw., occurs with . the submarginal band very grey at Sligo, Kerry, and Castle ‘Taylor, Co. Galway. None of these forms appear to be topo- morphic. Localities :—Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow (B.); Cap- pagh, Co. Waterford, scarce ; the districts about Kenmare and the upper L. of Killarney, not very rare; Ballinahinch, Moy- cullen, Ardrahan, Clonbrock, scarce; and one near Galway in September (a second emergence apparently) by Mr. Dillon in 1894; Cromlyn, Westmeath, one (Mrs. B.); Newcastle, Co. Down, one, which Mr. Watts describes as ‘‘ having the darker parts of the fore wings suffused with rose-pink, and the pale portions.a semi-metallic green.” ‘These colours, however, sub- sequently faded. (To be continued.) NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. PERIPLANETA AUSTRALASIZ AND P, amertcana.—The two cockroaches figured ante, p. 97, which both appear to have taken up their abode with us, are extremely likely to be confused one with the other. Both are rich reddish brown in general colouring, but it will be seen that while P. americana is the larger, P. australasié is more distinct in its markings. ‘Lhe deep black patch on the thorax of the latter, together with the broad yellow streak along the basal portion of the costal margin of the tore wings, would be sufficient to distinguish the species; but it should also be noticed that the hind wings are com- paratively broader, and the mouth appendages shorter than those of LP. americana. The abdominal appendages are very different in the two species. ‘The specimen of P. australasie figured was captured in Kew Gardens on April 28rd, 1895, and recorded in error as P. ameri- cana (Entom. xxviii. 257); of the two, it is much the scarcer insect in these islands.—W. J. Lucas. NoMENCLATURE OF THE ‘‘Brr Hawx-motus.’”—I hope you will in- sert this note, to correct an error in the February number of the ‘Hntomologist’ (ante, p. 41), as, if the error remains, there will always be a doubt thrown upon the record in question when it appears in print in the Harrow School publication. The insect captured by Mr. Percy Rhoades-Smith last year, and recorded (Hntom. xxvill. 233), was a speci- men of the broad-bordered species, und not the narrow-bordered species. I had the pleasure of examining the specimen shortly after its capture. —N.C. Roruscuitp ; 25, Jesus Lane, Cambridge, Feb. 25th, 1896. CAPTIVE FEMALE CH@ROCAMPA ELPENOR ATTRACTING MALE.—In June, 1893, a friend of mine captured, near Exeter, a female Cherocampa elpenor and, not being an entomologist, he put it alive in a match-box, The next day he came on to Burton with lis capture. While waiting NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 125 at a station near Cheltenham he was surprised to see a moth, similar to the one he had in his pocket, keep flying round him and finally settle on his coat. He concluded it was his motl: which had escaped, and he remarked to his companion how sorry he was to lose it, as it might have been a ‘rare specimen.’’ On looking at his box, to see how his capture could have got out, he was, to use his own words, ‘astonished to find the insect was still in the box. and that this was another but similar individual which had settled on me.’’ It is a well- known fact that the male of such insects as Bombyx quercus, H’ndromis versicolur, &¢., are readily attracted by a captive female, but is this not ‘rather uncommon among the ‘‘hawk-moths’”’? Can any of your readers tell me of similar incidents ?--W. R. Smrra. Settinc Leprpoprera.—Mr. Woodforde’s remarks (ante, p. 83) are excellent, and go to the root of the matter. It is much to be wished that they may act as a nail in the coffin of the ungainly atrocities one sometimes acquires under the name of ‘‘ specimens,”’ especially among the Geometers. Ido not see why there should not be some generally recognised standard of setting among those who exchange specimens ; it must be confessed that there is no such thing now, although either the figures in Newman, as Mr. Woodforde says, or perhaps still better, the figure in Greene’s ‘ Insect Hunter’s Companion,’ would supply the want. Press of work in summer should not be pleaded as an excuse, for it is surely more satisfactory to take fewer insects and set them properly, than to have a large number of specimens which correspon- _ dents will scarcely care to receive. Greene’s remarks on this subject in the work mentioned above ought to be carefully read and laid to heart by every entomologist. A great reform would be quickly effected, if every exchanger would make a resolve never to send out an insect that he would not care to receive himself. I think it will be admitted that there has been considerable improvement in this respect of late years, but it is well to refer to the matter occasionally, that younger generations may know what is expected of them. As regards methods of setting, no doubt everyone will work out his own plan and stick to that ; and, provided two or three general principles, well stated by Mr. Woodforde, as to height on pin and height on setting-board, are observed, the result will always be satisfactory. Details may differ indefinitely. Some people set their insects with cotton, a method which, personally, I regard with amazement not unmixed with awe. Others use bristles, the working of which Ido not quite catch from Mr. Woodforde’s instructions. For myself I find a thin strip of paper, supplemented afterwards by a broader one, does the business very well. But itis certainly necessary to have your specimen well relaxed, and the plan I have always adopted is simply to leave the day’s catch in the cyanide bottle till the next morning, when my ex- perieuce is that they are in just the right condition for pinning and setting, and they can be kept so for any length of time by transferring them to a box lined with damp cork. Of course, if kept here too long they will develop mould, and it is best to set them without the inter- vention of the damp cork, if possible, especially as I think it helps them to become greasy. As to grease, I do not think it need be much of a bugbear, Some moths certainly should be cleaned out at once, 126 THE ENTOMOLOGIST but most may safely be left untouched, for if they should develop grease they can then be as easily cleaned as at first; and if they do not, all the trouble wil have been saved. Those which ought to be done at once are Cerura, Cossus, the larger Sesias, and Luperina. Ten days seems a good average time to leave on the setting-board, and I have found that even a moth which has been relaxed and reset will not spring when left at least so long. The large hawk-moths should be left at least fifteen days ; and it should be remembered that insects do not dry so quickly in damp weather.—(Rev.) W. Cuaxton ; Sunnyside, Woolston, Southampton, Feb. 29th, 1896. [Mr. Woodforde was good enough to furnish drawings to illustrate several points of his article, but, unfortunately, it was not convenient to reproduce them. Anyone wishing to know how to make a setting bristle will find the information, together with a drawing of this implement, and also of other useful items connected with setting, in ‘The Lepidopterist’s Guide,’ by Dr. Knaggs.—Ep.] Scarcity or Pieris srassicz.—Of the many problems which attract the attention of the entomologist, perhaps the abnormal abundance or scarcity of a given species in any particular locality is not the least interesting. Many instances of the former or latter in all probability occur in the experience of most collectors. The most remarkable instance of the latter which has come under my own observation is undoubtedly furnished by Pieris brassice ; this is the more interesting, as it is one of the most generally distributed and abundant species found in these islands. Previous to 18938 P. brassice was one of the most abundant species found in this locality, and the damage done by its larve to the various cultivated varieties of Brassica, &c., was in many seasons very great; but in that year I first noticed a great falling off in its usual numbers, in fact, I cannot remember seeing more than a score of specimens altogether. In 1894 not a single specimen was observed, although closely looked for. In 1895 I paid particular attention to every specimen of the Pieride seen, but without detecting brassice in a single instance. Neither larve nor pup were seen in either year. Thus it is now more than two years since I saw a living specimen in any stage in this district. Of course I am not prepared to say that the species has ceased to exist in this particular locality, for its apparent absence may be in part due to im- perfect observation, as it is impossible for one observer to cover even a limited district with absolute certainty; but its absence, either apparent or otherwise, is sufficiently remarkable, for, as every one knows, brassice is a species which does not as a rule require searching for ; it forces itself upon the notice of even the least observant, either in the imago stage, or, as an unwelcome visitor, in the larval stage, in the kitchen garden. In the ‘ Entomologist’ for 1894 (vol. xxvii.) there are several short notes calling attention to its scarcity in widely divergent localities; but in the volume for 1895 (nor in any other magazine to which I have access) I cannot find any notes recording unusual scarcity of the species under consideration. So perhaps we may assume that it was found in its usual numbers in most other districts. As far as this locality is concerned, it will be interesting to see if it occurs during the present year (1896), or if the unusual NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS, 127 scarcity is continued for the third year in succession.— W. Grover; Guildford, February, 1896. Larva or Preris srassic® In DecemBer.—lI was greatly surprised last Sunday to see larve of Pieris brassicae feeding upon a cabbage-plant in a neighbour’s garden. Is not this an unusual occurrence at this time of the year? The larve I obtained in August were full-fed in September, and pupated the same month.—Grorcre R. Garuanp; 94, Sedgwick Road, Leyton, E., Dec. 19th, 1895. WINGLESS OR PARTIALLY WINGLESS FEmMautes. — Mr. Arkle remarks (Entom. xxviii. 163) upon the sluggishness of wingless females. In this I certainly cannot agree with him. I grant that they are quiet enough by day, but has he seen them at night? The activity of those of Nyssi hispidaria is quite remarkable, and I venture to say that they are quite capable of distributing their ova, even to the outer extremities of the larger oak branches. It appears to me that the loss of wing power is in a great measure compensated for by the length and strength of the legs. I have found most females inactive until after copulation, but the wingless females which have come under my observation are an exception to this rule. I should think that if it was a common practice for the males to carry up the females, pairs im cop. would be frequently captured on the wing.— A. T. Mircueti; 5, Clayton Terrace, Gunnersbury, W. Note on Vanessa urtic#.—I found the larve of Vanessa urtice exceedingly abundant last season, both in this district and in Devon- shire. A series bred from Chiswick larve were remarkable for their tendency to the banded form in nearly all the specimens, and several were very strongly marked in this respect. Subsequently, hoping to get further varieties, I visited the exact locality, and collected a number of pup, of which all but one were suspended to the stems or leaves of the very nettles on which the larve had been nourished. The pupe were all of the gilded forin, that is, entirely gilded or nearly so, and they were consequently very beautiful objects, especially in a strong light. Although this form is mentioned in Newman’s work, I had not previously observed it. I was quite unsuccessful in getting any good examples from these pup, for each produced only a multitude of small parasites. Could it be that the larve, being stung, had not sufficient strength to travel and pupate in the ordinary way on fences, &c., where I usually find them, and that the gilded appearance of the pupe was caused by their position—unsheltered from the sun upon the wholly or partially defoliated food-plant?— Atrrep T, Mrrcuett ; 5, Clayton Terrace, Gunnersbury, W. Apuasta ononaRIA.—The inclusion in the catalogue of Mr. C. E. Fry’s insects, at his sale on the 9th inst., of a specimen of this insect, described as ‘“‘taken at Folkestone, 3rd August, 1877, by C. Bailey,” induces me to add a few remarks to Dr. Knaggs’s note on this species (Entom. xxvil. 185), Mr. Bailey’s specimen being, I believe, hitherto unrecorded, and coming as a surprise to most of us. The known captures were seven in number, all being taken in the Warren at Folkestone. The first specimen was taken on or about July 18th, 1866, by Mr. B, Piffard. This specimen was, as Dr. Kuaggs says, 128 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. given by Mr. Piffard to Mr. Henry Doubleday, in whose collection it still remains at Bethnal Green Museum. ‘Three specimens were taken by Mr. Frank Standish, from whose collection they were purchased by Mr. S. Webb, of Dover, in whose rich collection they now are. Two other specimens were taken by Mr. Holyday, who tells me that they are both still in his own collection. The last of the seven specimens was taken by Mr. W. Purdey, of Folkestone, in June, 1871 (Knt. Mo. Mag. vill. 92). This specimen was sold by Mr. Purdey to Mr. Burney, at whose sale I purchased it. The fact that none of Mr. Burney’s four specimens, although catalogued as taken by Mr. Piffard, were really taken by that gentleman was known to every one in the auction- room, as a letter from him to that effect was publicly produced and read out; but it was not generally remembered that one of these specimens really was Mr. Purdey’s specimen. Those, however, who did remember it, and knew how specially interesting the specimen was to me, most kindly refrained from bidding against me, and enabled me to secure it. ‘To prevent any future question or mistake, I also bought Mr. Burney’s three other specimens, which are, of course, utterly valueless. I was with Mr. Purdey at the time of its capture. I saw him strike at it, saw it in his net, and by the hght of his lantern assisted in determining its identity. It was to me therefore almost as if I had taken it myself. It was taken in the small rectangular recess on the left hand of the up-line between the crossing where the Warren Station now stands and the tunnel nearest Folkestone. I might per- haps add that shortly before Mr. Burney’s death, Mr. Purdey wrote to him asking whether the specimen was still in his collection, and received a reply from Mr. Burney stating that it was; and since the sale I have taken it to Mr. Purdey, who identified it as his own.— C. A. Briaes ; 55, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, March 12th, 1896. SEsIA ANDRENIFORMIS.—Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Harding, of Clifton, both write to say that the late Mr. Wilkinson, of Scarborough, took only one specimen of S. andreniformis at Durdham. This particular specimen was certainly in Mr. Fry’s collection, recently sold at Stevens’s but the origin of the other examples, two in number, is now left in doubt.-—-Ricuarp Sourn. The three specimens of Sesia andreniformis were thought by Mr. Fry and self to have come out of the late Mr. Wilkinsoa’s collection. They were bought from Mr. KE. G. Meek, who will doubtless be able to say from what source he obtained them.—H. McArruvur; 35, Averill Street, Fulham Palace Road, W. A Furruer Note upon tHe Larva or Comas nyaLeE.—Although a considerable time has elapsed since my notes upon the life-history of Colias hyale, when breeding this species from the egg (Hintom. xxvi.7), I think it well, if only on account of the few opportunities we have of making any observations upon this insect, to record the fate of the larve that were then alive. At that time (Dec. 10th, 1892) three larvee were living in a perfectly quiescent state, having been in that condition for about thirty days. On Nov. 26th these three larvae, having been in one position for about a fortnight, two resting on the side of the jar in which they were contained, and one on a partly curled-up leaf, all being apparently unaffected by the high temperature NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 129 to which they had been subjected, I removed them from the heat to see whether it would be possible to hybernate them, and for this pur- pose placed them in a room not artificially heated. On Dec. 16th one larva changed its position slightly, but, after again remaining stationary for a few days, died, and on Feb. 22nd, 1893, the second one died. The third and last remained on the clover-leaf until March 17th, when, finding it moving about, I placed it upon a plant of clover. On the following day it commenced feeding, resting at night usually on the stem of the plant; it fed freely, and all went well until April 8th, when it affixed itself to the stem and assumed the well-known position por- tending a change of skin; but unfortunately it did not survive the operation, as on April 10th it was lying on the surface of the moss in a helpless condition, and died on the 13th, having failed to moult. Its length was then seven-sixteenths of an inch. It will thus be seen that this larva refrained from food from the middle of November to March 17th, say, over 120 days; and thus it appears clear that Colias hyale has the power of hybernating in the larval stage, whatever it may do in its natural state in those countries more favoured by this species than our own; and it would be interesting if some of our authorities can definitely tell us in what stage C. hyale passes the winter season upon the Continent, and in those parts of the globe in which it is a regular inhabitant.—Hersert Wiuuiams; 80, Hanley Road, Hornsey Rise, London, March 9th, 1896. VANESSA URTIC@ IN JANuARY.—At midday on January 16th last, a specimen, in good condition, of V. urtice, deceived by the mild weather, was tempted to take a winter flight in the garden.— A. J. Hoare; 18, Knight’s Park, Kingston-on-Thames, Feb. 5th, 1896. [Several correspondents have written to inform us that they ob- served the species on the wing during the first half of February.—Eb.] RetarpEeD Emercenoces.—I bred during last season Papilio machaon and Anthocharis cardamines, both of which had been two winters in pupa. Forcing was attempted early in the previous year, but over one dozen of the former and three of the latter held over. The A. carda- mines are quite normal, but two of the P. machaon pups# were quite unusual in the development of the imago. The abdomen of the perfect insect appeared quite ready for emergence before the pattern of the wings became visible. One example died, and the other, though much crippled, resulted in a remarkable dark variety. I may also mention two emergences of E’riogaster lanestris (four winters in pupa). —A. T. Mircnett; 5, Clayton Terrace, Gunnersbury, W. Parasites Brep.—Macquartia affinis, Schin. This fly has been bred from the larva of Chrysomela varians by Mr. Key, of Plymouth, who kindly gave me a specimen.—Lucyrtus flaminius, Dalm. I have bred this pretty little Chalcid from the apple-scale insect, Mytsillaspis pomorum.—Myina phillyree, Hal.; parasitic on Aleyrodes phillyrea, Hal. Both of these occur commonly in Mr. Richardson’s garden at Chickerell.—Ewochus gravipes, Gran.; from Nephropterya genistella.— Tetrastrichus eudemus, Walk.; from Coleophora trifoltt,—Entedon amyelas, Walk. ; from Nepticula gei.— Derostenus gemmeus, West.; from Conchylis ENTOM,— APRIL, 1896, L 130 . (“THE ENTOMOLOGIST. francillana.— Tranoderis macilipenne, Walk.; from Nepticula oa@yacan- thella.—C. W. Date. _.. Recent Appitions to THE Britisn List or Leproprnra.—Mr. B. A. Bower has prepared, and had printed, a label-list of all the recent additions to our lepidopterous fauna. The compiler has asked us to state that he will be happy to send a copy of this list to any one who may want it, on receipt of an addressed and stamped (4d.) envelope. His address is—Langley, Eltham Road, Lee. CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. Note on HYBERNIA RUPICAPRARIA.—Acting on a hint given me by my friend and neighbour Mr. Woodforde, I have been taking pretty freely during the past week the females of H. rupicapraria. I have found both sexes by lantern-light, sitting on hawthorn hedges, though of course the females are far more difficult to see than the males. I find the former in- creasingly abundant as the night gets older, and generally on the highest twigs of the hedges, where they await, I suppose, the advances of their suitors. But it strikes me as remarkable that, although I have several times seen the two sexes within a foot or two of each other, I have not, so far, seen any im cop. It may be that they pair late at night, viz. after ten o’clock, up to which time I have been out on several occasions. Can any of your correspondents give me information on this point?—(Rev.) Cuas. F. THORNEWILL; Calverhall Vicarage, Whitchurch, Salop, Feb. 14th, 1896. KUGONIA ALNIARIA (TILIARIA), HYBERNIA DEFOLIARIA, &. — Mr. Garland’s communications (ante, p. 66) as to the scarcity of Hugonia alniaria (tiliaria) in the Leytonstone district, is somewhat interesting to me. I have done very little collecting for the past ten years, but intend to make up in the future for my neglect in the past. In 1884 and 1885, when living near George Lane Station (under two miles from Leytonstone as the crow flies), I used to take this insect freely at indoor light, and always regarded it as common. [I also noted, as stated by Mr. Garland, the exceeding abundance of Hybernia defoliaria in Epping Forest last Novem- ber and December, though this was to be expected from the boundless pro- fusion of the larve in the preceding May and June. I then observed many hawthorn bushes stripped of every vestige of a leaf, the bare twigs being literally alive with larvee, chiefly those of H. defoliaria. Somewhat to my surprise, I found a newly emerged male of H. defoliaria at Monk Wood so late as Jan. 2nd of this year. Perhaps I may be allowed to add that I shall be glad to make the acquaintance of entomologists residing in this neighbourhood, or anywhere around Epping Forest, with a view to joint excursions during the coming season, &c., and shall esteem it a favour if any such will call or write—E. B. BisHor; 7, Anton Street, Amhurst Road, Hackney, March 4th, 1896. Variety or Lyc#Na BELLARGUS (ADONIS).—Mr. R. M. Prideaux (ante, ~p. 91) mentions the capture of a white underside variety of Lycana alexis in the Isle of Wight. It may therefore be interesting to record the capture, in September last, of what appears to be an exactly parallel form of L. adonis on the South Downs near Eastbourne. The specimen, like CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 181 that of L. alexis captured by Mr. Prideaux, is a male-—E. M. Mont- GOMERY; 82, The Grove, Kaling, March 13th, 1896. CALLIMORPHA HERA IN SourH Drvon.—After Mr. W. Hewett’s ex- haustive remarks upon the capture of the imago and the breeding of this lovely species (Entom. xxviii. 290), I have very little to add. In company with Mr. H. Robson, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hewett near Star- cross, and it is pleasant to be able to endorse his statement regarding the wide distribution of C. hera. Contrary to his experience, we found it more easily obtained in bright sunshine. During the first three days of our visit the weather was dull, with a great deal of rain, and jointly we only obtained three specimens (one on each day), while on the other hand eleven examples were secured on one very hot day. Referring to the specimen taken on the wing, not apparently disturbed, it was flying over clover blossoms quite naturally, in fact, like a butte:fly. Although none were attracted by the fen-lamp, probably because we did not stay late enough, one example (a female) was discovered on the outside of the bedroom window, at rest on the framework, about midnight. This was on the last night of our visit. The window had an eastern aspect, facing the estuary of the Exe. Referring to other species captured, the following I think are not mentioned by Mr. Hewett :—Pyramets cardui, Colias edusa (one seen), Thecla quercus, Noctua umbrosa, N. rubi, Triphena ianthina, Hadena suasa, Chareas graminis, Selenia bilunaria, Crocallis elinguaria, Hugonia fuscantaria, Lobophora viretata, Melanippe unangulata, Anticlea rubidata, and Cidarta russata. Abrawas grossulariata we found exceedingly abundant in the hedgerows, and on several occasions it gave us a false alarm. Larve appeared decidedly scarce, but they were not much worked. Hupithecia linariata infested nearly every patch of toadflax, and a solitary full-fed Smerinthus tilie was found under an elm. — ALFRED T. MitcuHELu; 5, Clayton Terrace, Gunnersbury, W. MorH-Traps DURING 1895.—On the whole the season was quite up to the average, though I was unable to set the traps during part of July and September and the whole of August. Several species, therefore, which I have taken in other seasons are necessarily absent. The following were taken which are new to my “ trap-list,” viz. :—Sarothripus undulanus (one), Gortyna ochracea (one), Noctua triangulum (several), Agriopis aprilina, Calocampa vetusta (one), Asthena luteata (one), Cabera exanthemaria (several), Macaria notata (one), Lomaspilis marginata, Hupithecia castigata, E. indigata (one), E. dodoneata (two), E. coronata (one female), Lobophora viretata (one), Thera firmata, Melanippe unangulata (one), Melanthia bicolorata (one), Cidaria corylata (several), Peronea variegana (one), Penthina ochroleucana (one), Sericoris lacunana, Bactra lanceolana. Nemophora schwarztella, icophora flavifrontella, CH. pseudospretella, Coleophora fabri- ciella, C. albicosta. The following were the best captures among the Species previously recorded, viz.:—Stauropus fagi, Pterostoma palpina, Notodonta trepida, Rusina tenebrosa (three females, only males previously recorded), Xanthia awrago, Asteroscopus sphinw (208 males and one gyn- androus specimen—right antenna male and left female), Aventia flexula, Eurymene dolobraria, Eupithecia pulchellata, Leptogramma literana.— K. F. Stupp; Oxton, Exeter, Feb. 25th, 1896. Lepipoprera at BiLoxwortH In 1895.—Various causes during 1895 hindered the usual amount of attention we were able, in former years, to L2 132 ; THE ENTOMOLOGIST. give to Lepidoptera; but, so far as could be observed, it was an unsatis- factory season in this district. Macros were decidedly scarce, and few worth noting, excepting in respect to their scarcity ; some species, usually common, did not appear at all. Micros, however, turned up rather better, but in numerous instances these also were much rarer than usual. Among the best that came to hand, both of Macros and Micros, perhaps the following are worth recording :—Sphina convolwult.—Lasiocampa trifoltt.— Lithosia complana. This moth | have not seen, until now, for many years past; formerly it used to be of pretty regular occurrence.— Platypterya hamula.—Triphena subsequa. Two, just emerged, under the leaves of a thistle in the middle of a grass-ficld.— Plusia festuce. A larva on meadow- sweet, in June, spun up in a loose cocoon, and the perfect insect came out about two or three weeks after. I have only met with this species once before in Dorset.—Actdalia immutata.—Lobophora viretata. — Scotosta undulata.—Cataclysta stratiotalis—Phoxopteryx diminutata. Scarce.— P. subarcuana. Abundant.—P. biarcuana. Rather frequent.— Ditula semifasciana. — Cnephasia cinctana. — Eupecilia geyeriana. Scarce; chiefly though, I think, owing to the very unfavourable weather for its flight. On several evenings, though worked for closely, not one appeared ; but on the next evening it was flying abundantly for half an hour or so, but almost all worn.—Tinea nigripunctella. This (I believe rather rare) little moth has occurred here at the rate of about one in two or three years for many seasons past; this last year, however, I caught 102 on one window— next to the room in which I sit—during about four weeks, in July and August.—Sophronia parenthesella. Not seen here until now, for many years. — Cerostoma vittella. Several; usually very scarce.— Ypsolophus lucella. Very scarce this season.—Chauliodus cherophyllellus.—Laverna lacteella. Very scarce.—L. decorella—L. atra. More abundant than usual; on apple and whitethorn.—-Cicophora lambdella. Scarce.—Batra- chedra preaugustella. Rather abundant on one spot. I had not met with it until now for many past years.—Cosmopteryx orichalcella. Much scarcer than in the previous season, but not unfrequent in one swampy locality. — Gracilaria tringipennella. Two specimens ; the first I have met with in this district—Stephensia brunnichella. Very scarce.—Aciptilia paludum. Very scarce; one specimen as early as June 4th.—O. P. Cam- BRIDGE; Bloxworth Rectory, Feb. 16th, 1896. Macro-HETEROCERA IN THE GuiILDForD Disrrict (continued from . 93).—Noctuz.—*Bryophila perla. Fairly commun at rest on garden walls. These latter are here in many cases built of ‘ Bargate stone,” which quickly becomes covered with lichen.—*4cronycta psi. Common ; both imagos aud larve. It is quite possible that a few A. tridens are mixed with these; but as I have never found larve of this species, and find I am unable to distinguish the imagos apart, it is impossible to say with certainty if it occurs here.—*A. leporina. ‘Two specimens; July 26th, 1888, and June 25th, 1895.—*A. aceris. A few; both imagos and larve. A number of the latter found in the garden in 1895.—*A. mega- cephala. A few; both imagos and larvee.—Diloba ceruleocephala. Com- mon; chiefly as larve. On May 80th, 1889, I found a number of larve feeding upon common laurel; of four taken only one attained the imago stage; the others died when nearly full-fed. Perhaps the food-plant had something to do with the mortality. I know this food-plant has been recorded before (EKntom. xxiii. 292, &c.), but I believe it is not usual.— «Leucania conigera. Fairly common at flowers of privet (Ligustrum CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 133 vulgare) in most years. —*L. lithargyria. A few imagos, but larve very common. — *L. impura. Rather common; also larve, *L. pallens. Common. There was a late brood of this species at end of Aug. and beginning of Sept., 1893.— Hydrwcia nictitans. One specimen, Sept. 15th, 1891.—*H. micacea. One at light, Aug. 31st, 1893.—*Aaylia putris. Fairly common.—*Xylophasia rurea. Fairly common.—*X. lithoaylea. A few specimens.—*X. monoglypha. Very common in most years, but scarce in 1895.—*X. hepatica. A few, but several years ago.—*Neuronia popularis. Two, Aug., 1886.—Cerigo matura. One taken in 1885.— * Luperina testacea. A few specimens.—*Mamestra sordida. A few only.— *M. brassice. Abundant every year.—*M. persicarie. Rather common. Larve on many different plants.—*Apamea basilinea. Common every- where,—* A. gemina. One specimen in 1886.—*A. didyma. Very common, and exceedingly variable-—*Miana strigilis. Fairly common, and rather variable. —*M. bicoloria. A few specimens.— *Grammesia trigrammica. A single specimen —*Caradrina morpheus. Fairly common.—C. quadri- punctata. One specimen in 1886.—*Rusina tenebrosa. Two or three odd specimens.—* Agrotis puta. One pupa: imago emerged June 6th, 1894. —*A. segetum. Common in most years.—*A. exclamationis. Very com- mon in most years, but scarce in 1895.—*A. corticea. Common in most years.—* A. tritici. Fairly common.—*A. obelisca. One specimen, July 20th, 1895, taken at flowers of Hpilobium angustifolium.—* Noctua plecta. One, June 4th, 1893.—*N. c-nigrum. A few, but several years ago.—*N. triangulum, N. brunnea, *N. festiva. A few each year.—*N. xantho- grapha. Very common.—*Triphena ianthina. Rather common in 1886, but only a few seen since.—*Z’. comes, Hb. Very common, both imagos and larve.—*T’. pronuba. Abundant. Variation considerable. — Var. innuba. Common. Larve only too common.—*Amphipyra pyramidea. Fairly common at treacle in most years, but not seen in 1895.—*A. trago- pogonis. Very common in most years. A few larve found on various plants. One found feeding upon stonecrop (Sedum acre).—*Mania typica, A few specimens.—*M. maura. Rather common in most years, but scarce in 1895.—Pachnobia rubricosa. naMerouse especially ; eet and pupe.—fev. C.F. Thornewill ; Calverhall Me Whitchur , a Sele Vises. F Gennihonter By rtemis, Eo iceyne Cinxia,. Egeria, Aislin, Carseat Hepatica, etre Cesiata, Belgiaria, Ferrugata, Rectangulata, Strigillaria, Morpheus, Ne Festiva, Cubicularis, Perla, Glandifera,. Strigula, Prataria, Lucernea, Ono _ Miniata, Bilineata, Blanda, Xanthographa, Ornata, Popularis, Lichenea, ~ ee Ad Lutulenta, Empyrea, Brumata. Larve: Repandata.—W. A. Rol 1, Newhall Street, Birmingham. z a a Q a Vicarage, Stonehouse, ae to aoe Culver Road, Rea n . G. Sheldon, fr om 15, Alexandra Road, to Kirkstyles, Havelock Road, Croyd © Gory oF Lonpon ENntromoLocicaL -aND NaturaL. History Socrety.—The © ‘meetings of this Society (held at the London Institution, Finsbury Circus, E. CF: _ will take place on the 1st and 8rd hel ost in each month, from 7.30 to 10 Bem as heretofore. 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Pu | jy 58.5 68. 5 Eups Digger Digan 3, zy Y> 2a. ; H Brass Y, 8d.,. for Cane Nets. : cnt ae oF e xp FoREION genes ‘KEPT IN STOOK. % aay E a a i o hes ac ! B att . ait 9 G ofa Aa 2 i . ¢ i a . ; ” ! 6, eR a 7 ¥* i i i i i a THE ENTOMOLOGIST Vor. XXIX.] JUNE, 1896. [No. 897. PANCHLORA MADEIRA, Fas. Tuis handsome species, though not indigenous, has long been recorded as occurring in England. Of the two examples figured above, the one with expanded wings (fig. 1) was taken in Covent Garden Market on Nov. 8th, 1895, and exhibited alive ENTOM.—JUNE, 1896, ) 170 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. at the South London Entomological Society on Nov. 14th, 1895, and during the meeting deposited an immature egg-capsule. The other, also from Covent Garden, was taken in 1894. Both are in my collection. No doubt both were imported in cases of bananas. The reproductions are natural size. C. A. Brreas. FUNGI PARASITIC ON BUTTERFLIES.* By J. C. Ricxarp. In the course of an examination of the wing-scales of Pigg brassice, I was surprised to notice the occurrence of large numbers of microscopic fungi among them; as this kind of parasitism was new to me, I looked through some thirty or forty volumes to see if I could find anything recorded about them, and being unable to find the slightest reference, I thought a few remarks concerning these organisms would be interesting to entomologists. The scales of the upper surface of the wings of the male Pieris brassice are long and narrow, and have ‘either a single notch or from two to four pectinations at the free extremity ; the fungi bear a considerable resemblance to these in form and colour, and occur in such large numbers that in some instances they outnumber the scales as seen in the field of the microscope. The scales of the female butterfly do not resemble those of the male, as they are much shorter and broader in pro- portion. This sex, in this and the other species I have examined, is apparently free from the parasites, as also are the under sides of the wings in both sexes. I am afraid I cannot describe these fungi in technical terms ; but the diagram shows a rhizoid supporting the body or peri- dium, at the free end of which are two rounded lobes separated from each other and forming a kind of notch, from the middle of which rises a fine stalk bearing a mass of spores enclosed 1 in a sort of bag, thus forming a sporangium. The absence of the parasite from the female butterflies cannot be accidental, and presents a curious physiological problem. Nine females of this species were examined without finding any _ of the fungi; on the other hand, I examined: nineteen males and found every one of them to be infected. A somewhat similar fungus is found on the males of Pveris rape, but in reduced numbers; this is much shorter and broader than that of P. brassice, and appears to be wrinkled longitudinally, thus presenting an appearance almost like the ** Paper read before the Cambridge Entomological and Natural History Society, March 6th, 1896. - OO Le FUNGI PARASITIC ON BUTTERFLIES. 171 striated surface of the scales. Of this species I examined and found fungi on four males, but could not detect them on any of the seven females that came under my notice. A fungus found on Pieris napi is apparently identical with that of P. rape. The butterfly from which my specimens were taken had been killed seven or eight years, and the fungi have probably become distorted in drying, and the sporangia have in most cases fallen from their stalks, and may be seen lying among the scales. I only examined one pair of this species; it was only the male on which fungi were found; and I may state here in reference to the other species that I am about to mention, that I have not yet discovered a fungus on any female individual. A fungus of somewhat different form was found on a foreign specimen of Pieris daplidice; this is oblong in shape, the end bearing the rhizoid somewhat angular; there are no lobes as in the preceding examples. Euchloé cardamines has a similar parasite, perhaps. slightly narrower than that of P. daplidice. They occur in both the white and the orange portions of the wing. | } The males of Aporia crategi also have the same type of fungus parasitical upon them. They differ from the foregoing in that their sides are not parallel, thus causing them to taper somewhat towards the apex. I have also examined three males and one female of Lewco- phasia sinapis, with the result that no fungi were found on any of them. This is the only species of British white butterfly on which the fungus is not present, and is also the only species in which the males possess more black scales than the females. Several South African butterflies have similar parasites. Thus Pieris severina has one much like that of EL. cardamines, except that the cyst is supported on a shorter stalk; while Anthocharis achine and A. omphale present modifications of form, and have their sporangia on rather long stalks, and also show signs of rupture at their apices. Pieris agathina (also a South African species) is the host of a very delicate and beautiful fungus. This is square in section, has no rhizoid like those previously men- tioned, but is supported by four “‘ ribs,” * one at each angle; the upper part of the body has a number of similar ribs,—all these ribs and the connecting membrane are reflexed or turned over at the top, which, while affording additional strength at the open end of the body, also forms a pretty border or coping to its walls; there is a central stem passing through the whole length of the fungus bearing a large sporangium, which, with the exception of a black spot at the apex, appears like a bubble of blown glass.t * These are probably ‘“ paraphyses” having a tendency to bend out- wards, thus assisting in rupturing the top of the sporocarp, and converting the original circular shape into the square form of the mature organism. + ‘Dr. Wollaston found the spores of Reticularia maxima to yield a 0 2 172 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. As this specimen of agathina has been dead some five- or six- and-twenty years, this glass-like cyst is probably formed of something different to ordinary vegetable substances. Various species of Satyride are the hosts of a different form of fungus. In these the spores are not enclosed in a sporangium, but remain in the perithecium until mature, when they escape through a projecting tube* or spout; considerable numbers of spores may be seen on some of the slides, having fallen out since - the specimens were mounted. Fungi of this character I have found on Satyrus semele, Pararge egeria, P. megera, Epinephele janira, E. tithonus, E. hyperanthes, and Cenonympha pamphilus ; none were found on C. davus or Melanargia galatea ; I have not examined Erebia epiphron or EH. medea. ‘The females of this family also seem to be free of the parasites. The fungus of S. semele has its sides parallel with each other, which, with its somewhat dark colour, gives it a robust appearance; the rhizoid forms a fringe the whole width of the base. The others are all much alike, and resemble in outline miniature carrots, or other similar tap-roots. They only differ in their relative proportions, and in being of lighter or darker colours. Thus the fungi of E. janira and P. egeria are long and slender, tapering gradually to the base; while that of H. tithonus is much broader above, and diminishes almost to a thread some distance from the rhizoid. The fungus of HL. hyperanthes, as might be expected, is very dark, almost black (they only occur in small numbers) ; while little C. pamphilus has a correspondingly small fungus, which, however, is rather broad right down to the rhizoid, the latter being large in proportion to those found on the other species. The parent forms of the fungi will probably be found—in a degraded state—on the food-plants of the various butterfly larve. We may easily believe that the spores would be distri- buted by the butterflies when hovering over the plants, and, after leading an epiphytal existence for a time, would be eaten by the caterpillars with the leaves on which they feed. All the fungi hitherto noticed appear to belong to Berkeley’s Gasteromycetes, a rather high order of the class. But certain species of Lycena support a minute fungus, which, seen by trans- mitted light, appear like miniature tennis-rackets; viewed in this manner we get a false idea of their structure. They are conical or flattened pear-shaped bodies, with moderately long stems, no- perithecium being present ; the spores are external, and arranged in rows on the surface of asporophore. The microscope | am using will not enable me to determine whether the spores are or are phosphoric glass’ (Berkeley, Crypt. Bot., page 339). Does the sporangium noticed above owe its transparency to this substance ? ** These tubes are, I believe, the representatives of the “ trichogyne ” of some seaweeds (Floridee, &c.). —J. C. R. SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 173 not contained in asci; but it is evident that this fungus belongs to an inferior group to those found on Pierids and Satyrids. I _ have found them on males of Lycena bellargus, L. corydon, and L. icarus, all brightly-coloured species in comparison with L. argiolus, L. minima, and JL. astrarche, from which they are apparently absent. | The relationship between parasite and host seems to be something more than ordinary parasitism. I have pointed out that, with the exception of L. sinapis, which has no parasite, the males of the British ‘‘ whites’’ have fewer black scales than the females, the reverse being the case in regard to L. sinapis; so also with the ‘“‘blues,’ the infested species are those that are considerably more brilliant than those not infested; the inference being that the fungus, by assimilating carbonaceous matters _ present in the excretory products of the butterfly that would _ otherwise be deposited in the wing-scales, tends to make the “whites” whiter, and the ‘‘blues” brighter than they would otherwise be. Fungi, unlike other plants, exhale carbonic acid, so a considerable amount of carbon must ultimately be eliminated from both the host and parasite. If this suggestion is correct, it is a case of symbiosis between butterfly and fungus; in any case, students of variations occurring in these groups will have to take into account that at least some part of the variation is due to the presence or absence of these parasites. 3, Halifax Road, Cambridge. [We understand from Mr. Rickard that he has continued his investigations of these butterfly ‘“‘fungi,”’ with the result that his original conclusions are confirmed. He writes, ‘‘As a matter of fact, I am cultivating the spores between glass-slips; some have already germinated ! ’—Ep.| NEW EXPERIMENTS ON THE SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. By Dr. Aveust WEISMANN. (Translated from the German by W. E. Nicuotson, F.E.S.) (Continued from p. 157.) VI. EXPERIMENTS WITH VANESSA URTICE. First experiment with urtice, 1886. — Two nests of young larvee, taken before the second moult (when 4 mm. long), were reared in the incubator at 27° C., 30° C., after July 2nd. The larve grew with astonishing rapidity, and pupated between _ July 8rd and 5th. 174 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. The pupe remained in the incubator at 26-29°4° C., and there emerged— On July 8th, 8 butterflies. 3 Yth, 20 _,, a; Jee LOth 10. 5, 99 11th, 8 9 Together 46 The pupal rest was therefore only 5-6 days. These 46 butterflies are all brilliant red, without the dark shading of the ground colour, which is especially marked with the var. polaris, and arises from the black scales, which are scattered between the red ones. The black spots of the fore wing are tolerably large in six specimens, but in all the rest they are relatively small. Reckoning, with Von Reichenau,* the spots on the costa as 1, 2, and 3, those in cells 1, 2, and 3 as spots 4, 5, and 6; the spots 4, ‘iF and 6 especially are smaller than usual. On the basis of his excellent researches on the phyiogenetic significance of the marking of Vanessa, Dixeyt has recently proposed another enumeration of these spots; he designates the spots of the costa as I, II, IIJ, and IV, and sees in them the vestiges of rows of spots running transversely across the wing, the units of which he designates by the Arabic numerals, begin- ning from the costa. Reichenau’s spots 4, 5, and 6 are called by Dixey 8, 7, 6; his sixth coincides with the sixth of Reichenau. I shall adopt Dixey’ s enumeration on account of its phylogenetic foundation. Second experiment with urtice, 1886.—A large number of egos and recently-emerged larvee were found, on July 6th, ona mountain above the Giessbach, in canton Bern, 1200 ft. above the lake of Brienz, about 8000 ft. above the sea. These, when brought to Freiburg, grew rapidly in the incubator at 26-29°4° C., pupated between July 19th and 21st, and emerged between July 23rd and 26th; thus the whole metamorphosis from egg to butterfly was completed i in 17-20 days. The 36 butterflies exhibited nothing special; they were brilliantly coloured, as are all specimens of V. urtice with us, and they had large black spots, for the most part somewhat larger than the specimens of the first experiment. One speci- men has, however, the spots 5 and 6 smaller than any example | of the first experiment. I cannot anywhere recognize constant and important differences from the specimens of the pra Eeber mens: * Von Reichenau, “ Die Ziichtung des Nesselfalters,”’ in ‘Kosmos,’ v. 12, p. 47, 1882. + Frederick A. Dixey, ‘On the Phylogenetic Significance of the wing- meri in certain genera of the Nymphalide,” in Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 890 SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 175 Third experiment with urtice.— As an opposite experiment to the preceding, a part of the larve of the second experiment _ were reared in a cellar at 15° C. Pupation first began on August 7th, and the butterflies emerged between August 27th and 29th. | | _ The 10 specimens reared in this way are a little darker than those of the second experiment ; the outer margin is somewhat blacker, and, before all, the spots are larger, especially spots 5 and 6, at least, in nine specimens. They are, however, still far from the var. polaris. Fourth experiment with urtice.—A nest of recently-hatched larve, found near Freiburg on Aug. 81st, was reared at a room temperature of 17-23° C.; after Sept. 16th it was only 17-20° C.. Pupation took place between Sept. 25th and 28th. The 22 butterflies reared are all rather bright, with small spots ; in seven specimens the spot 6 is quite small, and in one of them only a suggestion; the outer margin is less dark than in the second and third experiments; and in no specimens are the spots so large as in these experiments. The experiment, at all events, proves that the spots 7 and 6 can also turn out quite small at a medium tempera- ture independently of heat. Hereditary predisposition there- fore co-operates here also with individual differences, and consequently it cannot be said, in a particular case, how much is to be attributed to the one and how much to the other factor. ~Lifth experiment with urtice, 1888.—A nest of recently- hatched larve, found in the level country near Freiburg on Aug. 4th, was reared in the incubator at a temperature for the most part of 30° C.; fluctuations, however, occurred between a minimum of 25° C. anda maximum of 82°8°C. Pupation began as soon as Aug. 13th, and 8 butterflies emerged by the 18th, followed by 24 more on the 19th, 1 on the 20th, and 2 more on the 21st. None of these 35 butterflies were especially dark; on the contrary, all were brilliantly red in the ground colour, and with relatively little black; the outer margin forms, towards the inside, a narrow regularly dentate black stripe, and the spots 6, 7, and 8 are of the usual medium size in only one specimen ; in all the rest they are small up to the point of complete dis- appearance. Spot 6 is completely wanting in one specimen, while 7 is faint; in another 6 is faint, and 7 more distinct; these spots are unusually small with the majority. This marking closely approaches the Corsican variety ichnusa. Results of the experiments with urtice. — Experiments similar to those here described have been repeatedly carried out before. In 1880, by means of a somewhat diminished temperature, Dorfmeister obtained a powdering of the butterflies, transitions 176 ; THE ENTOMOLOGIST. to the var. polaris. Two years later W. von Reichenau* repeated and enlarged these early experiments, when he, on the one hand, let the larve and pupex develop at a high summer tem- perature under the influence of the direct rays of the sun, and, on the other, reared them in the autumn at 5-12°C. The former produced ‘‘ beautiful fiery butterflies, which approached the var. turcica”’; the latter produced ‘very dusky ‘butterflies, notice- ably brownish yellow with very large black spots.” Dixey’s spots 6 and 7 especially are considerably diminished in the heat form. ; It is not evident from these experiments whether the tem- perature exercises its influence for alteration in the colouring at any determined time of the development, since the heat or cold as, indeed, is advisable in early experiments—is acting during the whole development. Dr. M. Standfuss, the experienced breeder of Lepidoptera, has, however, recently published experiments with Vanessa urtice. He placed the pupe for 60 hours in a temperature of 37° C., and noticed from this an approach to the var. ichnusa (or turcica) make its appearance, although this form was never quite reached. On the other hand, he placed pupe in a re- frigerator for 32 days, and thus reared in a room, after 9 or 10 days more, dark specimens with large black spots and much blue on the outer margin; likewise, therefore, an approach to the polar form of urtice. These experiments confirm the results of Von Reichenau in general, and at the same time they show, that the action of temperature falls wholly in the pupal period. KE. Fischer also repeated experiments of this kind with V. urtice, and partly reared the var. turcica from pup, which had been subjected to ‘‘a tolerably high stove temperature (34-88° C.) for only a few days.” (‘Transmutation,” &c. Ber- lin, 1895.) The few experiments which I myself have conducted with V. urtice, in general, indeed, confirm these results, but they do not make so clear and striking an impression as do those of Von Reichenau especially. In the latter’s experiments all the specimens appear to have been altered each time in the same striking way. Unfortunately no details of them are given. It is possible that this is attributable to the very high temperature which Von Reichenau made use of—up to 45° C. in the sun. But EK. Fischer also, who employed a temperature up to 38° C., only reared the var. turcica ‘‘ from a small portion of the pupe,” as I had done in my heat experiments, where 32°8 C. was the highest employed. *« W. von Reichenau, ‘ Die Ziichtung des Nesselfalters (Vanessa urtice, L.), ein Beweis fiir den directen Einfluss des Klimas,” in ‘Kosmos,’ v. 12, 1882, p. 46. SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 177 This may partly explain why in the first experiment six specimens showed no diminution of the spots. The one speci- ~ men of the second experiment, which also had the spots 6 and 7 very small without the influence of a higher degree of tempera- ture, and, further, the fourth experiment, in which seven speci- mens possessed quite small spots, without the employment of a higher degree of temperature, show, however, that hereditary individual differences also play a part in it. On this ground we dare not trust, without something further, a result apparently so striking as that of the fifth experiment, although out of 85 butterflies, which developed under a high temperature, only one exhibited spots of the ordinary size, and the 34 others had them smaller up to the point of disappearance. Strictly speaking, the contrary experiment with cold, carried out with companions of the same brood, could first satisfy us as to how much is hereditary individual peculiarity and how much the result of the temperature. Unfortunately experiment has failed me just here. ‘To be sure the third and fourth experiments form such a pair, but the results are not so sharp as might be wished. If, however, it is taken into consideration, that specimens of V. urtice without spots 6 and 7, or with only faint indications of them, are only rarely seen with us in the open, the strikingly small size of these spots in 34 specimens of the fifth experiment may be considered as the effect of the high temperature. Further experiments are, however, required. Vil. Errect or Heat on Hypernatinc LEPIpoPpTERous Pupm, 1884. In order to determine whether a high temperature acting for a longer time on pup, which are already undergoing their winter rest, can produce alterations in the colours of the perfect insect, pupe of various butterflies and Sphingide were placed in an incubator with evaporating water on Jan. 10th, 1884, and there subjected to a temperature fluctuating between 27° and 30°C. There were the following species :— (1) Vanessa levana 120 specimens. (2) Papilio podalirius (3) yy > machaon (4), ajax (5) Thais polyxena (6) Doritis apollinus (7) Thecla rubt (8) Polyommatus amphidamas 2 (9) Lycena argiolus (10) Say 20la8 (11) Nemeobius lucina PEP OD KR RED DP 178 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. | (12) Pieris rape 12 specimens. (13). ,, brassice PAG 595 (14) Sphinx ligustri (15) » prnastre (16) Detlephila vespertilio (17) 9s gala (18) s euphorbie 2 (19) » . dahlis (20) Smerinthus tilie (21) 5 quercus (22) = popult ODN ke © bd bd & bp 99 Single specimens of all the species emerged: the date of the following was noted :— On Jan. 12th, 1 Doritis apollinus (crippled). » 16th, 4 Polyommatus amphidamas. 9 17th, 3 9 ” » 17th, 1 Papilo podalirius. ij. -18thy. 2 .-~;,- mackaon. », 18th, 8 Polyommatus amphidamas. » 18th, 5 Pieris rape (crippled). ,, 18th, 5 Vanessa levana (one crippled). » 19th, 1 Papiho podalirius. ,, 19th, 6 Vanessa levana. » 19th, 8 Polyommatus amphidamas. s, 2oth, 1Piens rape: » 20th, 1 Papilio ajax var. telamonides. , 20th, 5 Vanessa levana (three crippled). », 20th, 1 Preris rape. », 22nd, 1 Sphinx pinastri. ,, 22nd, 1 Vanessa levana. ,, 22nd, 2 Polyommatus amphidamas. ,, 2rd, 1 Sphinx pinastri. » 28rd, 1 Polyommatus amphidamas. , 28rd, 1 Vanessa levana. » 24th, 1 Sphinx vespertilo. » Ath, 1 Deilephila dahlir. ,, 24th, 1 Vanessa levana (erippled). ,, 28th, 1 Papilio podalirius », 28th, 1 Deilephila cuphorbie. ” 29th, 1 99 99 3 30th, 2 ” ” ” 31st, 3 By) 9 On Feb. Ist, 2 * ' 9 4th, 2 9 ” ” 6th, 1 ” 9 ” 8th, 1 9 ) eae BG Rot SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 179 On Feb. 12th, 1 Detlephila euphorbie. 9 15th, 3 ag ” » 17th, 1 Sphinx pinastrr. », 20th, 1 Deilephila euphorhie. ” A ge ee 9 ,, 25th, 10 Vanessa levana (nine crippled). ot DGb be red. oor », (crippled). ,, 28th, 1 Sphinx pinastri (crippled). I could not detect any departure from the normal marking or colouring in any of the species which emerged in the incubator. The influence of a temperature of 27-31° C. was nil on pupe already several weeks old in relation to the form of the perfect insect. On the other hand, the development was considerably hastened with all, but, as is general in forcing pupe, in a very irregular manner. VIII. Generat Part: RECAPITULATION. Although I am far from considering the few experiments, which I could here put forward, as sufficient for reaching a decisive settlement of our opinions on seasonal dimorphism, yet I cannot forbear arranging them, provisionally at least, in reference to our general conceptions of the subject.. When in the year 1875 I first set about investigating the ways of this striking and yet so long neglected phenomenon, I assumed that it was to a certain extent obvious, that this kind of dimorphism was everywhere a direct result of the various direct influences of climate, principally of the temperature, as it affects in regular alternation the spring and the summer brood of many-brooded species. I had also well considered the other possibility, that dimorphism connected with the time of the year might also depend upon the indirect influence of the changing environment, i.e. that it might depend upon adaptation to the varying environ- ment of the butterfly according to the time of year. I then said: ‘It is not inconceivable in itself, that phenomena occur among the Lepidoptera analogous to the winter and summer clothing of alpine and arctic mammalia and birds, only with the difference, that the change in colouring does not arise in one and the same generation, but alternately in different ones.” But at that time the fact that the upper side of butterflies, which is usually not adaptive, can be very variable just in summer and spring, sometimes more so than the adaptive under side, appeared to me to contradict this adaptation of seasonal dimorphism. Yet it was the fact that the one or the other seasonal form could be produced artificially by the operation of a higher or a lower temperature, i.e. the stamp of the winter form might be im- pressed on the summer brood and vice versd. I therefore con- cluded that it was the measure of heat, which was acting during 180 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. the pupal period, which directly formed the species in one way or the other, and I felt the more justified in so doing, as the climatic varieties form a parallel to the seasonal forms, and as the former must without doubt be referred to the direct influence of climate, especially of temperature. Thus, for example, Chrysophanus phlewas is seasonally dimor- phic in Sardinia and at Naples; the summer form, which. develops during the summer heat, is very dark, almost black, but the spring form corresponds with our German red-golden phleeas. : Although to-day I still look upon this view as correct, and a directly altering effect of temperature as proved, yet I have oradually been convinced, that this is not the sole origin of seasonally dimorphic variability, but that there is also adaptive — seasonal dimorphism. We must, I believe, distinguish direct and adaptive seasonal dimorphism; and I see in this distinction an important advance, which before all places us in a position to explain the results of the various experiments undertaken by myself and others ina much more satisfactory manner.. I have already pronounced this view in a lecture* delivered at Oxford in the beginning of 1894, and I have sought to show that adaptive seasonal dimorphism, which I had previously only put forward as possible, does actually occur. ‘The example there given for perfect insects was, indeed, only a hypothetical one, viz. the case of Vanessa prorsa-levana; but for larve, at least, I can select an example from Edwards’s excellent work on the North American butterflies with tolerable certainty, viz. that of Lycena pseudargiolus, which will be more accurately discussed later on. I did not then know, what I learnt shortly afterwards from an interesting little pamphlet of Dr. G. Brandes, that cases of seasonal dimorphism had been known for a long time among tropical butterflies, and that among these, at least, one of the seasonal forms depends upon the assumption of a special pro- tective colouring. Brandes maintains, with justice, that the view hitherto widely held among us is erroneous, according to which seasonal dimorphism was not to be expected in tropical countries, since the alternation of seasons is absent there. Periods of rain and drought, at least for many tropical countries, form such an alternation very sharply. At any rate, Doherty and, somewhat later, de Nicéville, have pointed out, for Indian butterflies, a series of seasonally dimorphic species, not merely by observation of the alternation of the two forms in nature, but by rearing the one form from the eggs of the other ; thus among Satyrids of the genera Yphthima, Mycalesis, and Melanitis, and for the species of Junonia, it is accepted as proved; and in all these cases the difference between the two forms principally con- * ¢ Aeussere Hinfliisse als Entwicklungsreize,’ Jena, 1894. SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 181 ‘sists in the fact that the one form seems like a dry leaf on the under side, while the other possesses another marking, and at _ the same time a number of ocelli. Without engaging in the controversy as to the biological value _. of these ocelli, I do not for'a moment doubt but that the colouring with ocelli is also an adaptive one, possibly protective or intimi- dating colouring. If one of the two forms had no biological adaptive significance, it could no longer exist ; the single adaptive one would have replaced it. But it is obvious that the appear- ance of complicated details of marking and colour, such as ocelli are, cannot be simply the direct effect of heat or cold, drought or humidity. These influences are not the actual causes of such forma- tions, but only the stimulus, which sets their primary constituents free, i.e. induces their development, as I tried to demonstrate in the lecture above noted. As the sufficient cause of the winter sleep of the marmots does not lie in the cold, but in the organization of the animal which is adapted to the cold, and as the cold only brings the existing predisposition to winter sleep into play, so among these butterflies with adaptive seasonal dimorphism the display of the one or the other marking is apparently connected, partially at least, with one of the above named outward in- fluences, although in reference to these tropical butterflies we do not yet know to which of them. We recognize temperature as the stimulus to development with the cases of adaptive seasonal dimorphism of our indigenous butterflies, as in all cases of seasonal dimorphism, which have been hitherto proved experimentally, it is always high and low temperature, which gives the outward impulse to the appearance of the one or the other form, where this impulse did not come exclusively from within. There are therefore two different sources of the appearance of seasonal dimorphism; on the one hand, the direct action of alternating external influences, viz. temperature, can bring about this change in the outward appearance; and, on the other hand, the processes of selection. It is therefore necessary to consider these two kinds of seasonal dimorphism separately. It will certainly not always be easy to decide between them when a particular case has to be dealt with, as at present it is not always possible to say whether a colouring or marking has a definite biological value or not. Both causes also may co-operate in one species. | Direct seasonal dimorphism.—Among our indigenous species Chrysophanus phlewas may be certainly considered an example of this. In the first place, the seasonal differences relate only to the upper side, and then a biological value can scarcely be dis- covered for the black powdering of the summer form, eleus. Moreover, it occurs in both sexes. On this point the experiments of Merrifield and my own are 182 as THE ENTOMOLOGIST. in complete agreement as to the fact that the influence of a higher temperature on the pupe makes our German butterflies, which are alike in both broods, somewhat darker ; but my ex- periments with a Neapolitan brood have proved that this brood becomes red-gold through cold, and powdered with black through heat, but that the latter character appears at a much lesser tem- perature, and far more strongly than in the German brood. One cannot, therefore, forbear ascribing a somewhat greater sensitive- ness for this colour reaction from temperature to the southern colony of phieas, than to the northern, particularly since a long subjection to a low temperature nevertheless permits the Nea- politan brood to appear with more black on the margins of the wings, than the German form ever possesses. Theoretically, therefore, this statement of the fact can be expressed. on the ground of my theory of heredity somewhat in the following manner: the determinants (Bestimmungsstiicke) assumed in the germ-plasm of the scales concerned have been a little altered in southern colonies of the species in the course of generations by the constantly recurring high temperature, so that they tend to the formation of black scales in a stronger degree than with the northern colonies of the species. But among the latter also these determinants can be induced to form black scales, if they are affected by a high temperature at the time during which the formation of colour is going on in the wings, i.e. in the last days of the pupal rest. The alterations of the scale-determinants are consequently twofold in this case; on the one hand the climatic temperature acts upon them so long as they, still enclosed in the germ-plasm of the egg or the sperm, are contained in the repro- ductive organs of the insect, and this operation of altering must first be a minimal one, which only increases to a noticeable extent by accumulation during a long course of generations; were it not so, the spring brood from Naples could not still be always comparatively free from black powdering, as is the case. But secondly, the temperature effects alterations in the scale-deter- minants in question, when they are already enclosed in the rudiments of the wings of the pupa, and are on the point of forming the scales of the wing, and this effect is a very much stronger one. But while the former must be transmitted from one generation to another by the continuity of the germ-plasm, and can therefore also gradually accumulate and increase, the | latter cannot be inherited, as the wings and wing-scales of a particular individual die with it, and this accounts for the pure golden colour of the spring form of the south. I might lay especial stress on Merrifield’s observation, ac- cording to which the last five or six days of the pupal period are the critical ones, i.e. for deciding on the colour which should arise. Two of Merrifield’s experiments (Nos. V. and VI.) appear to SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 183 me to prove this. Pups, which had been kept for ten weeks at 4° C.,* were half of them then brought into a temperature of 13° C., in which they emerged after 34-36 days as the pure golden spring form; the other half of the iced pupe were brought into a high temperature (32° C.), where they emerged in 5-6 days, and, indeed, as black powdered forms approaching the form eleus. The latter experiment, to be sure, was only made with five or six specimens, and in the first about half the pupz died, or emerged crippled; but yet the result is so definite, that it may well be regarded as conclusive. Nevertheless, I should have liked to have repeated it once more with a larger number of individuals, if I could have obtained material for it. The question of the critical period for the influence of temperature appears to me the more important, since with other species I have found just the opposite, viz. that the beginning of the pupal period determines the form of the dimorphic butterfly, and since it appears to me possible, on theoretic grounds, that this may be different in direct and in adaptive seasonal dimorphism. It is conceivable, on direct alteration of climate, that the effective temperature must set to work, when the colours of the wings are beginning to form, as how should their alteration be otherwise brought about, if not by changes of the chemical pro- cesses, which underlie the production of colour? The deter- minants of the scales will therefore be influenced in this way at the moment, in which they become active; they undergo various small modifications by different temperatures, which lead to an alteration in the course of the colour-chemistry. But whether with many species, which appear to be altered directly by the climate, quite other factors do not co-operate to influence the colour-chemistry, is another question, whose solution is certainly not possible at the present time. I might, indeed, consider it probable from the result of Experiment VIII., in which hybernating pupe of a large number of the most various species of Lepidoptera were kept at 30° C., and thus induced to emerge earlier. None of them exhibit anything special in marking or colouring, although here certainly an increased temperature was operating just at the time when the formation of colour is going on. This points to the fact, that with the various considerable alterations, which Dorfmeister, Merrifield, Standfuss, EH. Fischer, and many others have produced by cold or a higher temperature in many butterflies, it is not the chemical processes on the formation of colour itself, but rather the various predispositions to the colour-patterns of their ancestors still contained in the germ-plasm, or later on in the rudiments of the wings of the species in question, which might * A reference to Merrifield’s paper shows that this should be 0:1° ©. (Translator). 184 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. be stirred to activity in different ways, just as also Dr. Dixey has interpreted—certainly with justice—many of Merrifield’s cold and heat aberrations as partial reversion to ancestral characters. With Vanessa io, at least, a quite striking agree- ment in the marking of the fore wings with Vanessa urtice and its nearest allies is brought about by the action of cold, which does not admit of another explanation. Standfuss and E. Fischer also reared an exactly similar aberration by the con- tinued action of ice upon the pupa, and they also interpret it as reversion in the direction of Vanessa urtice.* Moreover, it seems to me important, that all these experimentalists had to first subject the pupa, after the long cooling (on ice 8-42 days), to a higher temperature for a longer time before they emerged. With Merrifield it still required 18 days of a temperature of 16° C., with Standfuss 9-10 days at ‘‘the room temperature.”’ The chemical processes, therefore, of the formation of colour did. not go on here under the influence of cold, but of medium heat— another sign, that it is here a question of the indirect effect of cold. : Thus it is also in all probability in the second kind of seasona dimorphism—the adaptive. Two different patterns will be present here close to one another as rudiments in the germ-plasm, and the question as to which of the two kinds shall become active is decided in the period immediately after pupation, not later. It can scarcely be otherwise, as with this kind of seasonal dimor- phism not merely the quality of the colour is concerned, but also the whole pattern,—in many cases, indeed, even the form of the wing (in a slight degree with Pieris napi, in a much stronger degree, according to Edwards’s sketches and figures, with the American Grapta interrogationis var. fabricit and var. umbrosa). All the processes of the growth of the wing must, therefore, be altered by it, and it is evident that this can no longer happen, if the form of the wing already exists in a com- plete state. However, before I pass on to the closer discussion of adaptive seasonal dimorphism, I might cast a glance at the results on Vanessa urtice. This species, indeed, is nowhere seasonally dimorphic, but is certainly climatically polymorphic, 7.e. it has a dark polar form, var. polaris ; a bright red southern form, var. ichnusa, with very small black spots, sometimes entirely absent ; and an intermediate form which belongs to Central Europe. These differences also seem to depend on the direct action of the different temperature which affects the pupe. The existing experiments, indeed, are still very incomplete; above all, experi- ** M. Standfuss, ‘ Ueber die Griinde der Variation und Aberration des Falterstadiums bei den Schmetterlingen,’ Leipzig, 1894. Sonderabzug aus Insectenborse. E. Fischer, cand. med., ‘Transmutation der Schmetter- linge in Folge Temperaturverinderungen,’ Berlin, 1895. ADDITIONS TO BRITISH LEPIDOPTERA. 185 ments entirely with the Sardinian ichnusa and polaris form are still required ; but we have: still succeeded in several cases in -more or less completely producing the ichnusa form by heat and the polaris form by cold from our intermediate German form. The darker colouring of the polar form scarcely depends on adaptation, or is Lord Walsingham’s interpretation correct, according to which the duskier colouring of the arctic butterflies is considered as a protection from temperature? In this case we must expect that the dark colouring of this var. polaris still remains constant at a high temperature, as the scale-determi- nants in question would then be directed once for all to the pro- duction of black. Before experiments have disproved such a state of affairs, 1 might regard the change in the darkness of Vanessa urtice as the direct result, biologically without signi- ficance, of the action of different degrees of temperature on the wings in the course of development. But heat-experiments with the arctic brood would be quite as desirable as cold-experiments with the Sardinian. Thus we have before us, in Chrysophanus phleas and Vanessa urtice, species which, according to the present position of our view, exhibit direct seasonal or climatic dimorphism; and it is interesting, that—as I brought. forward years ago—the direct action of a higher temperature has just the opposite result in the one species to what it has in the other: phleas is blackened by heat, wrttice becomes brighter and more fiery from the same cause. We cannot, therefore, say generally how often and how repeatedly this has happened: that heat darkens the colours of butterflies. (To be continued.) REMARKS on “ADDITIONS to toe BRITISH LEPIDOPTERA DURING tHe PAST TEN YEARS.” By Eustace R. Banxes, M.A., F.E.S. As the list of ‘‘ Additions to the British Lepidoptera during the past Ten Years,” published in the ‘Entomologist,’ xxvii. 8342-5 (1894), was to some extent compiled from notes and information supplied to Mr. South by myself, I may perhaps be allowed to supply a few omissions that I notice, and corrections, &c., that should be made. Species formerly omitted are marked thus *. SESIA CONOPIFORMIS, Eisp., must apparently be struck out. Although Mr. C. W. Dale has not yet cancelled his note in Entom. xxvii. 245, I learn that it was decided at the meeting of the Ent. Soc. London, at which he exhibited the specimen ENTOM.—JUNE, 1896. P 186 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. recorded as conopiformis, that it was not that species, though its identity was not definitely ascertained. CARADRINA SUPERSTES, Tr. Most of Mr. Tutt’s determinations in Brit. Noct. Vars. i. 148-9, having been cancelled, it is advisable to substitute the reference ‘‘ Ent. Rec. vi. 208-4,” where superstes is established as British. *THALPOCHARES PAULA, Hb.,—with the references ‘‘ EK. M. M. x. 19; Ent. Ann., 1874, p. 156,”—should be inserted after Plusia moneta. Mr. South altogether omits this species from the Ent. Syn. List,t and also from the ‘“‘ Additions,” though I sent up its name for insertion. Hercyna PHRYGIALIS, Hb., should not be admitted to the British list on the evidence offered in E.M. M. xxviii. 264. MELISSOBLAPTES GULARIS, Zell. I failed to persuade Mr. South to omit this insect, though he acknowledged my protest by inserting a ‘‘?’’ before it. He entered it on the strength of Mr. J. H. A. Jenner’s note in Entom. xxv. 286, but it is there clearly stated that the moths emerged at Lewes from larve or pup imported direct from Japan to London, and they were therefore not of British origin. No evidence of the species having established itself in this country has yet been produced. *ANTITHESIA CARBONANA, Brt., with the reference ‘‘ HK. M. M. xxl. 4,” should be inserted after Tortrix decretana. The name carbonana was used by Doubleday in his List, but he sunk it in his Sppl. List as a synonym of fuligana, and it is uncertain to what insect he applied it; in any case Doubleday’s name cannot stand, because it is unsupported by any figure or description. Mr. Barrett, however (KE. M. M., l.c.), uses the name for the fen insect, attached to Stachys palustris, which he there separates from fuligana and describes as n. sp. RETINIA RETIFERANA, ‘‘ Hein.” For ‘‘ Hein” read ‘‘ Wk.” Mr. Barrett inaccurately attributes the name to Heinemann in HK. M. M. xxix. 1138. Wocke pointed out that margarotana, Hein., was not identical with margarotana, H.-8., and gave the name retiferana to the former species. GELECHIA SEMIDECANDRELLA, ‘‘ Threlfall.’’ For ‘ Threlfall”’ read “Stn. & Thrfl.” In E.M.M. xxiii. 233, Threlfall names the species, but, instead of describing it himself, quotes with due acknowledgment a MS. description drawn up by Stainton. It is, therefore, a case of joint authorship. Lita OCELLATELLA, ‘‘Sta.”’ For ‘‘Sta.; Ent. Ann. 1859” read ‘‘Boyd, Ent. Week. Intell. iv. 143 (1858).’’ Since the Entom. ‘‘ Additions”’ were published, coloured figures of imago, larva, and tenanted portion of food-plant of this species, as well as of its allies L. suedella and L. plantaginella, have appeared in Proc. Dors. N. H. & A. F. C. xv. pl. adv. p. 59. + Included in ‘‘ Addenda et Corrigenda.”—R. §8, es ADDITIONS TO BRITISH LEPIDOPTERA. 187 AcRoLeEpIA ASSECTELLA, Zell. As the history of the specimen recorded in EK. M. M. xxx. 291 is unknown, there is not sufficient evidence for admitting this species into the British list. This latter remark applies also to Xystophora servella, which I purposely omitted, although one example was bred in a London suburban greenhouse (EH. M. M. xxv. 861), and two moths taken near King’s Lynn may perhaps represent that species (EH. M. M. xxx. 51). ORNIX FAGIvorA, ‘‘ Sta.” For “ Sta.” read ‘“ Frey.” CoLEOPHORA FLAVAGINELLA, Zell. Add reference to coloured figures of imago and larval case in Proc. Dors. N. H. & A. F. C. x. pl. adv. p. 197, figs. 5, 5a. *COLEOPHORA ARTEMISIELLA, Scott, Ent. Ann. 1861, p. 89; Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., N.S., v. 409-10, pl. xvii., figs. 2m, 2a, should be inserted. This species—so distinct from C. artemisico- lella and C. maritimella, with which it is sometimes confounded— was omitted by Mr. South from the Ent. Syn. List, and also from the ‘‘ Additions,’ though I sent up the name and reference for insertion. LITHOCOLLETIS ANDERID®, Flchr. Add reference to coloured peer of imago in Proc. Dors. N. H. & A. F. C. xi. pl. adv. p. 47, g. 8. LITHOCOLLETIS DISTENTELLA, ‘‘Frey.” For ‘‘ Frey,” read ** Zell.” NEPTICULA AUROMARGINELLA, Rdsn. Add reference to coloured ony of imago in Proc. Dors. N. H. & A. F. C. xi. pl. adv. p. 47, g. 10. NEPTICULA FILIPENDULZ, Wk. Omit the ‘‘?”’ inserted before the name in Entom. ‘ Additions.” I now learn from Mr. W. H. B. Fletcher that he entered the ‘‘?”’ in his List (Trans. Chich. & W. Sussex N. H. Soc., No. 5) not from any doubt about the identity of his insect with filipendule, Wk., but in hesitation whether jilipendule was truly distinct from poterit, Stn. In any case filipendule stands secure at present. Nepricuna Gel, Wk. For ‘‘get, Wk.” read “‘fragariella, Heyd.” Dr. Wocke described get as n.sp. in 1871 in the well- known Catalogue which he compiled with Dr. Staudinger, but himself afterwards sunk it as identical with fragariella, Heyd., in the concluding part of the ‘Schmet. Deutsch. und der Schweiz,’ which he brought out in 1877 after the death of Von Heinemann. In the list of ‘‘ Additions, &c.,’’ Catocala electa, Lita ocellatella, and Nepticula rubivora should have each been marked with an asterisk as having been omitted from the Ent. Syn. List (1884). The Rectory, Corfe Castle: February, 1896. P.S.—ARGYRESTHIA ILLUMINATELLA, Zell., which was inserted in the ‘‘ Additions” (J.c. p. 844) on the strength of the note in HK. M. M. xxx. 51, must now disappear from the British List (vide HK. M.M. xxx. 98).—F. R. B., May 4th, 1896. Pp 2 188 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. ON THE IDENTIFICATION OF DANAUS PLEXIPPUS, Liny. By W. F. Kirsy, F.L.S., F.E.S., &c. CoNSIDERABLE confusion has arisen, and still prevails, respecting the butterfly which ought to retain this name; and it may, therefore, be useful to set forth the full evidence. The original description (Syst. Nat., ed. x., i. p. 471, n. 80), with the references, &c., is as follows :— “P. D. alis integerrimis fulvis; venis nigris dilatatis, mar- gine nigro punctis albis. Pet. Mus. 58, n. 527. Sloan. Jam. 2, p. 214, t. 2389, f. 5, 6. Catesb. Car. 2, t. 88. Rar. ing. 188ni'3. Habitat in America septentrionali. Ale primores fascia alba, ut in sequente, cui similis.” The species alluded to in the last line is Danaus chrysippus, which has a white subapical band on the fore wings, a character not exhibited by any American species. It is to be noted that Linné does not add the letters ‘“‘M.L.V.” to either species, leaving it to be inferred that they were not in the Queen’s Collection at the time. In 1764 Linné published his descriptive Catalogue of the Queen’s Collection (Mus. Ludov., Ulric. Regine, &ec.); and at p. 262 describes Papilio plexippus, quoting Sloane, Catesby (with doubt), and Petiver. The most important passages here are the following :— “Habitat in America septentrionali. P. Kalm, Meus e China.”’ ‘‘Ale Primores apicibus late nigris in qua parte, preter puncta alba, etiam Fascia alba interrupta ex Maculis quinque.” This would lead us to infer that Linné’s type was a Chinese specimen, which alone could be fairly compared with D. chry- sippus, and to which alone the sentence beginning “ Ale Primores”’ could apply. This is the view taken by Dr. Aurivillius in his ‘“‘ Recensio Critica Mus. Lud. Ulr.” p. 70, published in the Swedish ‘Vetenskaps Handlingar,’ ser. 2, vol. xix., no. 5. He adds the further evidence that two specimens of the Asiatic insect still exist in the remnants of the Queen’s collection, and that it is figured under the name plexippus in an unpublished plate by Clerck. The notice of P. plexippus in Linné, Syst. Nat. (ed. xii.), 1. (2), p. 767, n. 117 (1767), only differs from that in the 10th by the addition of the words ‘‘ Mus. Lud. Ulr. 262,” and by the reference to Ray being placed first. What is the evidence in favour of the name plexippus being applicable to a North American species? DAMP COLLECTING-BOXES AND LAUREL-JARS SUPERSEDED. 189 Firstly, Aurivillius quotes a very old description of the North American insect, which Linné received from Kalm, from an old _ MS., with a reference to Catesby. But there is no evidence that the name plexippus was affixed to it; and Linné’s own words seem to imply that he considered his Chinese specimen the type, especially keeping in view the line appended to the original description comparing the butterfly to chrysippus. But can we set aside the American locality, and the reference to books in which American species are described or figured? And what is the species mentioned in these old books which Linné quotes ? Some of Linné’s references are wrong, to begin with. To take Petiver first: we find, in Petiver’s ‘Museum,’ p. 52, n. 527, a butterfly from Carolina briefly described, which he figured afterwards in his ‘Gazophyllacium,’ pl. 15, fig. 9. If we admit the claims of American butterflies, this should be the typical figure; but it represents Limenitis archippus, Cramer! Sloane, of course, figures Anosia jamaicensis, Bates; and it is not till we come to the third quotation (Catesby), which Linné afterwards quoted with doubt, that we meet with the common North American Anosia menippe, Hubner. Lastly, Ray’s description belongs rather to A. jamaicensis (which he actually called the butterfly), than to any other species; though he also quotes Petiver’s notice of a butterfly from Carolina, which, as we have seen, was Limenitis archippus. Under these circumstances, I am still of opinion that it is better to regard the eastern Danaus, figured by Cramer as Papilio genutia, as the true Papilio plexippus, of Linné, on the strength of his comparing it with D. chrysippus; and having regard to Clerck’s figure, and the ostensible types; and to call the common American species, now becoming naturalised among us, by the name of Anosia menippe, Hubner. DAMP COLLECTING-BOXES AND LAUREL-JARS SUPERSEDED. By H. Guarp Knaees, M.D., F.L.S. In your issue for October, 1894 (Entom. xxvii. 294), Mr. Philip de la Garde drew attention to the use of naphthalin as a means of keeping freshly-caught insects relaxed without damp, even when collecting under a tropical sun. This statement was referred to (H.M.M. xxxi. 21) in January, 1895, in a foot-note to my description of Mr. Clark’s rapid and wonderful method of relaxing dried specimens by the application of wood-naphtha to their thoraces. It has been a matter of surprise to me that none of your readers would seem to have spotted the paragraph in 190 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. question. To me it appears to be one of the most interesting discoveries that has been brought before the entomological public for many a year; for it had long been my hope that some vapour might be found to take the place of aqueous moisture, of which I confess to having a horror, even when its evil effects are, to a certain extent, mitigated by the addition of carbolic acid. It is, therefore, with great satisfaction that I am enabled, from my own experience, to confirm Mr. de la Garde’s observations in every respect. In a well-closed vessel containing a fair amount of naphthalin, insects will undoubtedly keep supple for a long time; a cockroach killed in a cyanide-bottle, to which four crushed marbles of albo- carbon had been added, displayed no indication of rigor mortis, and a month afterwards was as pliant as when first killed—even more so; and yet there were not the slightest signs of putrefac- tion, disarticulation, or mildew. A Biston hirtaria, literally soused with a drachm of chloroform, in which it was allowed to remain for two hours, and then put into a well-stoppered bottle with a quarter of an ounce of sublimed naphthalin, was, in a fortnight afterwards, in perfect condition for setting out. It would seem, therefore, that, in addition to its power to keep freshly-caught insects relaxed, naphthalin has the effect of counteracting the rigidity caused by cyanide, and even of an over-dose of chloroform; and no doubt, if it were combined (either mixed or in a separate compartment) with cyanide in our killing-bottles, the latter would be considerably improved thereby. Combined with a few drops of wood-naphtha, as in my suggestion for ‘‘ Dry-relaxing’”’ (EK. M. M. xxxii. 101), it will be found very useful for relaxing small Micros, which will not bear the application of wood-naphtha, or indeed of any other fluid. Fortunately the relaxing action of naphthalin, alone, upon dried specimens is quite insufficient to prevent the continuation of its use as a valuable prophylactic against mites and mould in our cabinets. Let me persuade your readers to give naphthalin a trial, for I am morally certain that it will henceforth take the place of the damp collecting-box and the laurel-jar. Mr. de la Garde has conferred a great boon upon entomolo- gists by his discovery, and it seems to me quite safe to predict that naphthalin, like many other gas products, has a grand future before it. London: May, 1896. 191 CHRYSOPHANUS PHLGAS, As. Tuer specimen of C. phleas figured above is from the collection of the late Mr. J. A. Cooper, of Leytonstone; it was captured a few years ago on Wanstead Flats. In October, 1898, the memorable phlwas year, Mr. Sabine sent me for figuring some aberrations of the species which he had recently taken; two of these are represented on p. 305, vol. xxvi. of the ‘Entomologist.’ Upon reference to these figures it will be seen that fig. 1 bears a remarkable similarity in the character of the aberrant markings to the figure now given; but in Mr. Sabine’s specimen the variation is confined principally to the under surface, while in the present specimen the variation only appears on the upper surface, the under surface being com- pletely normal. The upper surface of the primaries only are adorned with bold black club-like markings, adding greatly to the beauty of the insect. A somewhat parallel aberration of this species is also figured, Entom. xi. p. 25, in which the usual markings are greatly exaggerated, forming a broad black band across the primaries. In the description given of the specimen it is stated that ‘‘the lower wings are marked as usual, and the markings of the under side are entirely normal’; thus agreeing exactly with the speci- men now figured. F. W. Frowawk. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. Parrinc oF HyBERNIA RUPICAPRARIA.—Though I cannot answer Mr. Thornewill’s question re the above (ante, p. 180) with absolute cer- tainty, 1 think it most probable that pairing takes place in the early morning. I happened to be out at 4 a.m. on Jan. 30th last, and the males were then busy on the wing, and continued so for at least two hours, as I again saw them on my return home at 6a.m. I had no time then to search for the female, which I afterwards regretted, as it would have cleared up any doubt on the point. — N. F. Searancxez ; Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, April 20th, 1896. BrepHos NoTHA THREE YEARS IN THE Pupa-stateE.—In June, 1893, I found a few larve of this species upon aspen, and the following April bred some of the moths. In April, 1895, I bred one, and last month another, from the same batch of larve.—Gerrvasze F, Matuew. 192 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Nore on Porrnesta curysorrH@a.— Ten years ago this species used to occur sparingly in this neighbourhood, but I have not seen any since. In the spring of 1894 I found a few larve near Sittingbourne, but did not see any last year. This year, however, I obtained a small brood. Is this species dying out in this country ? Twenty years ago it used to be abundant in most of the eastern counties, but I have not noticed it mentioned among lists of captures or duplicates for a very long time.—Gervase F, Marnuew; Dovercourt, May 11th, 1896. Areyynis ntopE.—The Rev. O. Pickard-Cambridge, writing (Kntom. xxix. 148) of the specimen of A. niobe captured by Mr. Gerrard in the New Forest, says, ‘‘ Was not the so-called niobe afterwards ascertained to be only a variety of adippe?’’ I cannot imagine how such a mis- take has got about; but even Mr. Barrett falls into it in his ‘ Lepi- doptera of the British Islands,’ vol. i. p. 166. The specimen in question, which I obtained from the Rev. Windsor Hambrough, and is now in my collection, is an unmistakable niobe var. eris, a variety which seems to be commoner than the type in some places. No one acquainted with both species could possibly mistake it.—C. A. Briees; — 55, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, May 14th, 1896. A Census or Bririsn Insects.—The first column is taken from Stephens’s ‘Catalogue of British Insects,’ published sixty years ago. The second refers to those of the present time. Had not Stephens reckoned such a large proportion of varieties as species his numbers would not be near so high as they are, especially in the Neuroptera and Orthoptera :— Stephens. Dale. Coleoptera 2. Coee us. SOE OO Hymenoptera ... 2054 ... 4700 Lepidoptera ... 18388 ... 2090 Dinters 402 os: UTA os. 8000 Hemiptera ical AROd- oo Rp 1046 Neuroptera ... 870 ... 246 Orthoptera sas “aes 42, Total ... 10,002 14,404 —C. W. Date; Glanvilles Wootton. Nore on VANESSA ANTIOPA.—Years ago it was considered to be a stroke of fortune when a collector caught an English ‘‘ Camberwell Beauty.” Judge then of my astonishment, in a country-side home in Australia, to see a store-box full of this butterfly. The owner shocked my youthful dreams by making me his confidante. He informed me that in the old country he had done well by them. He first of all imported ova from America in hollow pieces of cane. These were duly hatched and reared. Part were turned loose in the imago, others kept for trade. Thus the specimens were bred on English soil! I remember one year four hundred being the recorded number seen or captured in England. And I further remember a noted difference between British and continental specimens, the one being of a yellow tinge, the other whiter cream. Deiopeia pulchella and many rare British moths swarm in Australia. How easy to send ova, and turn —_— Ss ee ee le a es ey a NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 193 the imagines loose. ‘If foreign insects caught on British shores were not reckoned to be of greater value than those at home, there would _ doubtless be less heard of new British species. The wonder is, with such opportunity and temptation to gain, that many more cases have not occurred.—T. P. Lucas; Brisbane, Australia. Tue New Forest Cicapa.—Perhaps it will probably surprise Mr. Cambridge and other entomologists of the present day to hear that this fine species (Cicada hematoides, ante, p. 147) was taken by Mr. Bydder in the New Forest as long ago as 1815. Thereis an admirable figure of it in Curtis’s ‘ British Entomology,’ from specimens taken in the New Forest by Mr. Curtis and my father in June, 1831. A remarkable fact in connection with this species is that it is more than double the size of Ledra aurita, the second largest species of the Homoptera in Britain.—C. W. Date; Glanvilles Wootton, May 4th. CicaDETTA MonTANA, Scop. — The question of the first recorded occurrence of our only British Cicadid having been referred to by the Rey. O. Pickard-Cambridge in his interesting paper on Brockenhurst (ante, pp. 146-150), I may say that the earliest record with which I am acquainted is that of Samouelle, in his ‘Entomologist’s Useful Com- pendium’ (1819), where, on p. 229, he says, ‘‘ The only species known to inhabit this country was lately discovered by Mr. Daniel Bydder near the New Forest in Hampshire.”’ There can be no question as to the identity of the species, as he gives a recognisable figure of it (op. cit. pl. uu. fig. 2) under the name of Cicada anglica, — Jamzs Epwarps; Colesborne, Cheltenham, April 4th, 1896. Notes on various Insects.—Hulophus endocerchus, Walk. This is a synonym of Clinw gallacum, L., and is a parasite of the Cynipide.-— Eulophus ennagamis, Walk. This I have bred from Coleophra flava- ginella.—Ceratopogon candidatus, Winn. This I have bred in number from the pith of teasel-stems.— Ceratopogon bipunctatus, L. This occurs commonly under elm-bark.—Scatopse albitarsis, Zett. This I have bred from the pith of burdock-stems.— Dilophus vulgaris, L. Of this I have an hermaphrodite, with the wing on the right side dark, on the other light.—C. W. Date ; The Manor House, Glanvilles Wootton. ‘¢ ApPLE-TREES AND WineLEss Morus.’’—In reply to Mr. Mitchell’s query (ante, p. 127), I beg to say I have seen wingless moths by night ; in fact, since this district can claim an additional species, Nyssia zonaria, several of which are depositing eggs in a box as I write by gaslight, my advantages are rather exceptional. On three points Mr. Mitchell and I will agree—the females are more active by night than by day, they have longer and stronger legs than the males, and they are quite capable of walking to the end of a larger oak-branch and depositing their eggs, even although the activity of geometers by night is well known to be limited. The great question is—Do these concessions account for the wide distribution of larve, or, in other words, for all the distribution? Clearly not, because in the corre- spondence on the subject (Entom. xxvi. 20) it is stated, in no hypo- thetical language, that males have been seen—the method is not de- scribed—to carry up the females. The statement is borne out by one of the ‘Standard’ correspondents, who declares, ‘‘ All fruit-growers 194 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. know that a small percentage of female moths will always be carried up by the males.’”’ Another goes so far as to say the cart-grease ring round the trees ‘is of no use at all.”’ Here, then, is the additional aid towards wide distribution. As to why males are not frequently captured on the wing when carrying up the females, I should say it is because the species is not often netted.—J. ArxLe; Chester. ABUNDANCE OF HeEpiaLus LUPULINUS LARV®, AND A PARASITE THEREON. —The past winter has been noted for its abundance of the larve of the garden-swift moth (H. lupulinus). They have been and are still in many parts of Kent attacking the roots of various plants, especially the strawberry. Amongst those sent me I have noticed the constant habit, when attacking that fruit-plant, of eating right up into the crown of the plant, as we see in others of this genus. In the first samples sent me I failed to see any signs of the pest until the root- stocks were split up. They destroy the plants entirely, and also eat the rootlets of the runners. In the majority of instances they, how- ever, live free in the soil, feeding upon the rootage from the outside, especially when they are attacking mint, which seems a favourite food-plant. Notices of this attack have been sent me from various places in Kent, from near Dorking, and near St. Neots. Amongst two packages sent from Canterbury and Kimbolton, I found several speci- mens of Anthocoris, which evidently destroy the Hepialus larve under- ground. Their method of procedure is to crawl upon the larva’s back, and then plunge their beaks into the skin behind the head. Soon after this operation the larve seem to sicken and die, numbers that were sent me from Canterbury last month having evidently succumbed on the journey from this cause. To make certain, however, I kept a number of these larve with a few of the Anthocoris sent, and watched them in this carnivorous habit. The larve seemed to know what was going to take place, for the instant the ‘‘bug’”’ got upon the back of its prey the latter wriggled backwards in that curious manner common to the Jupulinus larve. This hemipteron moved about in the loose earth amongst which the garden-swift caterpillars abound with con- siderable ease.—F. V. Turopatp ; Wye Court, Wye, April 24th, 1896. An unusuaL Hasirat ror Cossus LicgNIpERDA Larv& in WINTER.— On the 28rd of this month (April) some larve, full-fed, of the goat- moth were forwarded to me from Bruton in Somerset, that were found about eight or nine inches below the ground and about four feet apart, in soil that was used last year for dahlias and sunflowers, and which has been free from vegetation since. One had already commenced to spin its cocoon beneath the soil, which they continue to do, although wood has been put in the cage. The cocoon is made up of the grains of earth loosely united together with silk. Although the larve often leave the trees for a short time, I can find no records of them perma- nently taking up their abode for pupation in the ground.—F. V. TuropaLp ; Wye Court, Wye, April 24th, 1896. [Several instances are recorded of the pupation of the larva of this species either on or just below the surface of the ground. Some- times it has been dug out of the earth.—Eb.] 195 CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. ENDROMIS VERSICOLCR At Reapine.—It is with great pleasure that I report a capture of this glorious insect, on April 18th, after some three or four hours’ hard searching. I also found a couple of ova laid near the moth, and since have obtained a fair number from my captive. On the same day, and on the same ground, I saw single specimens of EL. versicolor (male), and Drephos parthenias, but was unable to capture either of them. ‘Iwo specimens of Ematurga atomaria also turned up (this I should imagine is abnormally early ?).—C. J. Nasu; Pitnacree, Culver Road, Reading. VANESSA C-ALBUM IN SoutH Wates.—While staying at Hay, Breck- nockshire, this April, 1 took a hybernated male specimen, in good condition, of this insect, in Dany Forest, and a female specimen in Boatside Wood, on the banks of the Wye. I also saw another specimen in this wood, but was unable to capture it. Both insects were taken on dullish days, and were disturbed from the long herbage. On flying they soon settled on a tree-trunk, making their capture easy.— A. D. Simms; Birmingham, May 2nd, 1896. PiusIa FESTUCH: ConFLuENT Spot Form. —TI have just received a specimen of P. festuce in which the spots are confluent, from Mr. J. Collins, of Warrington.—J. ARKLE; 2, George Street, Chester, April 27th. CUCULLIA VERBASCI AT REST.—On April 19th I took an example of thie species at rest. This is the first time I have ever met with the perfect insect in a state of nature—W. M. Curisty; Watergate, Ems- worth, Hants. New Forest, Sprinc 1896.—I had four days’ collecting at Easter in the New Forest, with two of my brothers. The weather was very favourable, and in the day time, by searching the trunks and palings, we secured the following insects: —Trachea piniperda, Xylocampa lithorhiza (very common), Xylina rhizolitha (two), Tephrosia biundularia (plentiful), Larentia multistrigaria, Hybernia progemmaria, Eupithecia abbreviata. Brephos parthenias was only occasionally seen, but Gunopteryx rhamni was very much in evidence. ‘The sallows were almost over, but yielded a good series of Teniocampa miniosa and Trachea piniperda. We also took a few Teniocampa munda, Lobophora lobulata, Anticlea badiata, and single specimens of Oportna croceago, Noctua plecta (surely an unusual visitor to the sallow bloom), Cidaria miata, and Teniocampa populeti. 4A 108s. 6d. ; half. yearly ditto, 15s. 6d.; quarterly ditto, 8s. Money Orders to be : made payable at Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W.C. MACMILEAN & CO., Limited, BreprorD STREET, STRAND. On the Ist of every Month, GrratLty EnvarGEp, price 1s. 8d., THE JOURNAL OF BOTANY BRITISH AND FOREIGN. ae Epirep By JAMES BRITTEN, F.LS. Contains original articles by our leading British Botanists, Notices of Books, _ Proceedings of Societies, and Botanical News. Especial attention is now given to British Botany. 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Water 200, Geos oo go ee | es re 4 : i f ; = ; _ Wa ee : v (=. a PS ba FTA Speen ae, 2 oF ats + 7 = tor. re : 1 4 . . ss Me 5 Be a . \% ie Jae 2S Pea ih he - - * roa yy ty oy Reamer, es eel § cre ‘ . - “ +b he aoe yee ARTO AC MINS a TS te < ea ee win ah at ot , % i BA in ae — t at Places. Tam geet oe es costae | ; it will cost you nothing the specimens ck elon ae r upneoraL ee "Pet ae lower th Ee age ie “wire THE assasranon on ROBERT PY ADEIN, 1 PES. T.R. BILLUPS, FES. W. LUCAS DISTANT, F.E.S., dc. EDWARD A. FITOH, F.L.S., ei | F, W. FROHAWK, F.E.S. “ “By ome eaitdeusa uf mutual idy unervet goat are ba and re ) ; Fike ‘LON WEST, ‘aaa b , HAM ons. 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Ree. | 7%: ~ ; A 4 <8 Pax i got eas, bad ' eae S. B IST r 0 00K De , wacis ner hey gupplied. se ’ Se eo i aA Cig as ¥ 5 eter Sater) . SA eh p WY eS £2) Ae — v) re A oe ae ie Ca 0, 9 of January, 1893.) iC : Alhluc F; OdVU. / ee en ak * ¢ cid. 0%,4" es) a) ore = - — a a er at va 4 e ae ; ny ib -—, ods ee ag a a Kae ea) He ‘moved tc the > nD } nas peer 16: E = i ‘ - be i a er para AC ‘SUI 8 end for he new a d enlarge me : Spake DEN | | ‘kno’ Wl 7 THE ENTOMOLOGIST Vou. XXIX.] JU LA 2896. [No. 398. MR. STURT’S FORCING APPARATUS. Tue idea of this invention was suggested to Mr. Sturt by the modern seed-incubators. It is a great improvement on that of. my friend the late Dr. Boswell Boswell (better known as Prof. Syme). Its principle, which I here publish with Mr. Sturt’s permission, and indeed at his wish, appears, though simple, to be as excellent in conception as I am assured it is effective in practice. Mr. Sturt kindly went to the trouble of bringing up from Kingston one of his glass flower-pots, together with an explanatory sketch and notes, and also two lovely, but small, varieties of Sphinx convolvuli, the result of forcing; and left them with Mr. Cooke, of Museum Street, for my inspection and information. He has since obligingly furnished me with further details on points upon which I desired to be enlightened. The annexed figure will show the arrangement of the com- ponents of this forcing-cage :— A represents a hot-water soup- plate. B a glass flower-pot inverted. C a stout wire tripod stand, simi- lar to those used for baking meat. : D a small paraffin-lamp to burn at least twenty-four hours. E a tin tray. If the soup-plate A be thought to be too costly, your readers will easily, if necessary, impro- vise a substitute by placing an ordinary soup-plate upon a shal- low tin pan; and, similarly, if a difficulty is found in obtaining the glass flower-pots, a bell-glass will answer the purpose, but it should be tilted in such a manner as to admit air below, for ENTOM.—JULY, 1896. Q 202 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Mr. Sturt considers that ventilation is important. The top of the flame of the lamp D should be about two and quarter inches from the bottom of the plate, for which purpose the height of the tripod stand should be regulated accordingly. Night lights may be used in the place of the lamp, but require more frequent attention. In preparing the apparatus for use the sunken part of the soup-plate should be packed to the rim as tightly as possible with thoroughly damped moss; into this twigs, as shown in the figure, should be fixed, up which the insects, as they emerge, can crawl in order to expand their wings; the pup should then be arranged on the damp moss, and lightly covered with a thin layer of damp moss; they soon make hollows for themselves on the surface of the moss, and not unfrequently ‘‘ kick off the blankets,”’ seeming to prefer to lie bare. The metal compartment beneath the plate should now be filled through the opening F with water at about 100° F., the lamp lghted, and the whole placed away from all draught, which might extinguish the flame. The temperature should be maintained between 90° and 110° F., but dampness should not be excessive, for Mr. 8. believes that this is one of the chief causes of crippling ; and he therefore contents himself with pouring only a few teaspoonfuls of water round the rim of the plate when he observes the moss becoming dry at the edges. The time occupied by the process of forcing is, in the case of S. convolvult, from eighteen to twenty days. Insects should, of course, not be removed from the twigs until their wings are fully expanded. The great use of forcing comes into play with the thin- skinned hawk-moths, and it is very interesting to watch the successive changes which take place in them. It does not answer well for the more pachydermatous pupe, and often has disastrous effects upon such as are enclosed in tough cocoons. H. Guarp Kwnaaes. London, June, 1896. NEW EXPERIMENTS ON THE SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. By Dr. Aueust WEISMANN. (Translated from the German by W. E. Nicuotson, F.E.S.) (Continued from p. 185.) A closer observation shows that, even with natural climatic varieties, it is not everywhere wholly a question of the direct influence of the colour-chemistry. ‘The southern var. ichnusa of Vanessa urtice always has less black above in so far as spots 5 and 6 are lost, spot 4 is at least smaller, and so is the black of ara,» SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 2.03 the hind wings; but the spots 1, 2, and 8 of the costa have not become smaller. Now, if the black of the costa behaves diffe- rently from that on the basal part of the wing, another factor must co-operate here, as | have already maintained elsewhere, and sought to explain theoretically. This can only be, as it appears to me, the influence which the previous history can exert on any particular part of the wing according to circumstances. If for a particular spot every kind of the otherwise similar ances- tral determinants of the stem form were conveyed into the germ-plasm, then the normal colouring can be considerably interfered with by the action of an unusual temperature and the way cleared for a reversion to an ancestral form or to a mixed form. The polar variety of V. urtice also shows that with natural varieties other factors co-operate besides mere climatic in- fluences. The specimens of this species from Lapland are clearly distinguished from the German specimens, but still the difference does not lie in an important alteration of the marking. Several specimens, however, of Vanessa urtice from the northern island of Japan (Yezo) are known to me through the kindness of Dr. Fritze, which possess a black transverse band in lieu of the spots II. and 8; the space between these spots, with the Lapland polaris, is only somewhat flushed with black; here a broad deep black bridge is formed between both spots, similarly as with the Californian Vanessa milbertti. And this variety lives on the 48rd to the 45th parallel of north latitude. Can this then be a direct result of the climate, which is not very different from that of Southern Germany? Or must not something else, perhaps sexual selection, have co-operated with it? Is it a primitive form from which the var. polaris from Siberia and Lapland has been formed by the loss of the bridge between spot II. and 8? or is it the other way about, and is polaris striving after this var. yezoensis by gradual increase of the blackish shading between II. and 8? ‘These are questions, which it is easier to ask than to answer, but which enable us to recognise how cautious we should be in the assumption of a reaction purely of temperature in a particular case. Among the species experimented upon by me, Pararge egeria and meione present a third case of direct alteration by climate. With this species, as with Vanessa urtice, it is nowhere a question of seasonal dimorphism, although the species produces two broods, wherever it occurs. This is simply explained by the fact that itis not the pupe but the larve of the winter brood which hybernate; the pup, therefore, are not formed until the temperature has already become almost summer-like. Now, as the temperature which acts on the larve does not influence the perfect insect in colour or marking, and the conditions of tem- perature, which affect the pup of both broods, are not very Q 2 204 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. different, the conditions for the development of direct seasonal dimorphism are not given, as is also the case with V. urtice. Merrifield also has recently made experiments with Pararge egeria, and I should very much like to be able to compare his results with my own. Apparently they contradict one another, in so far as my German brood of egeria were not altered by 32° C., while his pupae, under the same treatment, produced butterflies with smaller and less sharply defined bright spots, and also with a considerably lighter ground colour. With all respect for the great accuracy with which Merrifield obviously works and observes, I might yet suspect that the differences, which he here observes, are not far-reaching ones, but small individual variations, which are not connected with the increased temperature. I myself at first thought I saw constant differences between those specimens which were forced in the incubator and those developed at a room temperature, but, after a careful comparison of all my specimens, I saw my mis- take. It would also contradict what we should expect, if our egeria had smaller spots from heat, as meione has them larger. For the rest, it is interesting to be able to confirm my earlier conjecture, that meione is the primary and egeria the secondary form, in the markings of the butterfly itself. BP. meione has, indeed, more numerous and larger spots; thus, for example, there are five on the costa, while often only two are distinct in egeria. But two or three of the others may be generally recog- nised in egeria as faint indications of bright places, in the dark ground colour: ‘‘obsolete”’ (verloschene) spots, as the good and descriptive expression of the lepidopterists has it, which may be taken literally in this case, as these traces can only be explained as vestiges of the spots of the parent form. Adaptive seasonal dimorphism.—I recently cited, by way of conjecture, the North American butterfly, Lycena pseudargiolus, as an example of such among larve, when I was relying on the very detailed statements of W.H. Edwards He found differently coloured larve in the summer and autumn broods of this butter- fly. Now the earlier larva is white, and, as Edwards expressly says, well adapted to the white flower-buds of its food-plant, Cimicifuga racemosa ; but the autumn brood is yellowish green or olive-green, and lives on a plant with yellow flowers, which blooms much later—Actinomeris squarrosa ; so it is a question of assuming this latter colouring also to be protective, and of regarding the whole as a case in which the two broods have adapted their colouring to their different food-plants. American entomologists must prove whether this is actually the case. If it is so, then it would be a typical instance of adaptive seasonal dimorphism, inasmuch as the protective significance of both forms is without question. With the tropical butterflies having double seasonal forms, above referred to, it would also certainly SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 205 be the case, that both forms will have protective significance ; but it is not so easy to prove, on account of the uncertainty in estimating the biological value of many of the details of mark- ings which here come into consideration, and at all events observations are required on the spot. I have cited Vanessa prorsa-levana as a hypothetic example of an adaptive seasonal dimorphism of the perfect insect, and I have relied on the remarkable similarity which the upper side of the prorsa-form, with its black provided with a white band, has to Limenitis sibylla and camilla. But I do not ignore the diffi- culties which stand in the way of a proof that this is a case of mimicry. We do not yet know whether these species of Limenitis enjoy an immunity, or whether they are sought after by birds, or were sought after at an earlier period. But if it could be proved that they are privileged, and that prorsa obtained pyro- tection by its similarity to them, it still has to be explained, how the levana-form has an adaptive value, and, indeed, on its upper side, which generally possesses no adaptive value among the butterflies. To be sure, I was able to show years ago, that the dark upper side of the female blues actually conferred protection, as they lay their eges with outspread wings, and are then con- siderably less conspicuous than the blue males are, when they sit with outspread wings. But we do not know the habits of the levana-form sufficiently accurately, and if we did know them, it would still be always sufficiently uncertain whether we could regard the undoubted similarity of the upper surface to the dead leaves of the spring wood as protective. But, as it appears to me, we cannot well conceive that seasonal dimorphism can arise, unless both seasonal forms have an adaptive value. Granted the one alone is adaptive (here, for example, the mimetic prorsa-form), it would therefore be con- ceived as arising by selection, i.e. the determinants (anlagen)* of their wing-colouring would have been changed little by little from the levana-determinants to the prorsa-determinants. Now if, as my theory of heredity assumes, many primary constituents of the entire individual (the “‘ids’’) are present close to one another in each germ, then, although their selection need not necessarily follow the same course, one cannot see what should prevent the collective ids, little by little in the course of gener- ations, from containing only prorsa-determinants, and from the levana-determinants being supplanted. Now generally, if the prorsa-form has an advantage over the levana-form even only in the summer, all individuals which are not true prorsa * Anlagenis here used as synonymous with determinant. In reference to the difficulty attending the proper rendering of anlagen in its various meanings, cf. Prof. Parker’s note to his translation of the ‘Germ-Plasm’ (Cont. Science Series). He frequently renders it ‘‘ primary constituent.” Later on Prof. Weismann uses it as synonymous with ‘“id.”’—Translator. 206 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. will have to be rejected by degrees. These specimens, however, are just those which still contain levana-determinants, and in which both of the characters are mixed. In this case, therefore, the levana-form must wholly disappear, and both broods become similar. Only if the levana colouring were more advantageous in the spring than the prorsa colouring, it could and must remain, and, indeed, from the fact that only a part of the id contained in the germ-plasm was altered, while another part remained unaltered. There cannot well be any doubt but that levana is the original form, as, according to Trybom’s observations, it is at the present time the only form in those places where only one brood occurs in the year, as in Siberia on the Yenesei. But if it is not at present possible to bring forward a proof thatthe upper sides of prorsa and levana are to be regarded as protective colouring, yet the delicate combination and generally the kind of variability of both patterns of colour are decisively against their interpretation as direct climatic forms. Already, in my work on seasonal dimorphism of the year 1875,* I laid stress upon the fact, that the prorsa-form could in no way be simply referred to an increase of the black. 1 there said (page 40) :—‘‘ Even in the case of species the summer form of which really possesses far more black than the winter form, as, for instance, Vanessa levana, one type cannot be derived from the other simply by the expansion of the black spots present, since on the same place where in levana a black band runs” (across the hind wings), ‘‘prorsa, which otherwise possesses much more black, has a white line. The intermediate forms which have been artificially produced by the action of cold on the summer generation present a graduated series, according as reversion is more or less complete; a black spot first appearing in the middle of the white band of prorsa, and then becoming ‘enlarged until, finally, in the perfect levana, it unites with another black triangle proceeding from the front of the band, and thus becomes fused into a black bar. The white band of prorsa and the black band of levana by no means correspond in position; in prorsa quite a new pattern appears, which does not originate by a simple colour replacement of the levana markings.” This is perfectly accurate, although later on a fanatic oppo- nent of the evolutionary doctrine simply described it as ‘‘ false,” and asa ‘‘want of observation.’’t The different stages of the conversion of the levana- into the prorsa-marking can be followed to some extent in the different forms of porima, and it is certainly * Weismann, ‘‘ Studien zur Descendenztheorie. I. Ueber den Saison Dimorphismus der Schmetterlinge.”” Leipzig, 1875. + Johannes Schilde, ‘‘ Gegen pseudodoxische Transmutationslehren, ein Entomolog.”’ Leipzig, 1879. SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 207 very instructive to see that this does not in any way follow fixed principles, but is in a certain sense without rule. It cannot be said: the black increases, the yellow changes into white, but ‘“‘in this place the black expands, there it is changed into white,” as was shown above; the white band of the hind wings origi- nates from black in its lower part, from brownish yellow in its upper part; the interrupted band-of white spots originates, on the other hand, only out of the brownish yellow ground colour. Many of these changes, therefore, cannot possibly be simply chemical processes, induced by the action of a higher tempera- ture on the ‘“‘ pigment-formers’’ (Pigmentbildner) of the wings of the pupa, and comparable to the reddening of blue litmus- paper in acids. All that I wrote on the subject twenty years ago I still consider fully justified: ‘“A new marking has developed, emanating from the existing one.” But while | then thought that this new formation must be always regarded as a reaction of the specific levana-organism to a higher temperature, I now recognise that temperature does not in general take part here as the actual cause, but that it is a question of a process of selection, which goes on independently of the temperature, and which eradually alters (umstempelte) some of the ids to the prorsa-ids. But these prorsa-ids were at the same time so arranged that they become active under the action of a higher temperature, if this is acting at the beginning of the pupal period, while the levana- ids become active at a lower temperature. Heat, therefore, is only the excitant which sets free the prorsa-determinants, while cold sets free the levana-determinants. But this does not exhaust the matter. As already explained above, I formerly thought that the offspring of the prorsa brood always assumed the levana-form, even if their pup were sub- jected to a high temperature: this was not, indeed, entirely correct, but still it contained a germ of truth, so far as this second brood has a stronger tendency to the levana- than to the prorsa-form. ‘This is convincingly proved by all the experi- ments. They can be changed into prorsa, as one of my old experiments of 1869 proves, in which the whole brood of a female of prorsa again assumed the prorsa-form under the influence of the unusually hot July sun. But in this case also the tendency of this second brood to the activity of the levana-ids can be ‘recognised from the fact that many butterflies exhibited a striking amount of yellow, and were, indeed, almost porima. On the other hand, the first brood of the year has just as pronounced a tendency to the activity of the prorsa-determinants, otherwise it must be possible to always make all individuals of a brood into levana by cold, which I, at least, have not succeeded in doing ; but generally a not quite pure form of levana originates in this way, often only approaches to it, viz. porima. If this were not so, a number of levana butterflies would fly in July every cold 208 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. summer, a fact which has never yet been observed. But at the same cool temperature—say, 15° C.—at which the first brood would produce prorsa butterflies, the second produces exclusively levana butterflies, or at any rate a preponderance of them. These facts, as it appears to me, force us to assume, that an alternation of the two forms is provided by nature, apart from the influences of temperature; that in the first brood the prorsa-ids, in the second, i.e. the first generation of butterflies of the following year, the levana-ids are predisposed to activity, and that they can only be prevented from actual activity by special outward influences. The most important of these influences is the temperature during the pupal period, which acts in such a way that many individuals of the first brood of the year can be induced by cold to assume the levana-, or at any rate the porima-, form, and almost a majority of the individuals of the second brood can be induced by heat to assume the prorsa-form. Appa- rently everything is arranged so that butterflies emerging in the summer possess the prorsa-form, and, indeed, although the summer is not hot, and that all butterflies emerging in the spring possess the levana-form, although the spring is quite warm, as is often the case with us. The experiments have shown, that all hybernating pupe produce levana without exception, let them be subjected to ever so high a temperature. It appears to me that by taking this view of seasonal dimor- phism we obtain a more satisfactory insight into this remarkable phenomenon, than we hitherto possessed. (To be continued.) SILK-PRODUCING LEPIDOPTERA. By Aurrep WaAILty. (Membre Lauréat de la Société Nationale d’Acclimatation de France). (Continued from p. 159.) WILD SILKWORMS. Asiatic Spectes. ANTHEREA YAMA-Mai, Guérin Méneville (Japanese oak silk- worm). This wild silkworm, reared on a large scale in Japan, on account of the beauty and excellent quality of its silk, was introduced into France in 1861, by Guérin Méneville. Bred in various parts of Europe with more or less success, it has now almost disappeared, breeders having lost it, or given it up, to rear an easier species, Anther@a pernyi (Chinese oak silkworm) ; but new attempts are being made to rear it again from eggs 1m- ported from Japan. That which discouraged most breeders was that the eggs generally hatched before the oak buds were suffi- SILK-PRODUCING LEPIDOPTERA. 209 ciently developed ; besides, the moths, for the most part, refused to pair in captivity. It would, however, be easy to deal success- fully with these two drawbacks. I have already in former reports recommended the use of small oak trees in pots, to rear the worms till the oak buds are sufficiently developed. On the other hand, premature hatching of the worms may be avoided by placing the eggs, during the winter, in muslin bags suspended in the open air in a northern aspect and protected from the rays of the sun. As soon as the oak buds have burst open, the eggs may be submitted to a gentle and moist temperature, so that they should all hatch as rapidly as possible. With respect to the other difficulty, that of the pairing of the moths, the cages containing the latter should be placed in the open air, and even tied to branches of trees, when this is possible. In rooms the yama-mati moths pair with the greatest difficulty, and it is the same with many other species. Of course cages containing moths must be protected from would-be enemies. Like the ova of Bombyx mori, A. yama-mai ova are naturally preserved all the winter, and hatch in the spring. But in reality there is a notable difference between the two species. The eggs of B. mori only contain a germ during the winter; they remain liquid. It is only in the spring, after the eggs have been sub- mitted to the heat, that the larva is formed and hatches after it is fully developed. The fertile yama-mai ovum, on the contrary, contains a larva which is formed about three weeks after the laying, and this larva, fully developed in the month of August or September, remains in the ovum till March or April, and some- times later, before hatching. Therefore Bombyx mori hybernates in the ovum state and yama-mai in the larval state. Ova of the other silk-producing Bombyces which I have bred could never hybernate; they always hatched a few weeks after they were laid or the larve died in the egg, if the weather was too cold for them to hatch. The eggs of the second brood of Antherea pernyt and Attacus cynthia, tor instance, laid in October, were never of any use for the following spring, and it was the same respecting the eges of Antherea mylitta, Attacus atlas, and others. Ova of the yama-mai in the southern parts of Hurope may hatch in March; in central parts they hatch in April, in northern parts in May, and in Scotland in June. All depends on the temperature of the various countries; besides, the hatching of the eggs, like the emergence of the moths from the pup, may be retarded or accelerated by the variations of tem- perature, as is the case with our native Lepidoptera. It is the same with respect to the duration of the rearing of the various species; no time can be specified, unless a uniform temperature can be obtained. Once, in London, in the open air, the duration of a rearing of yama-mai larve lasted one hundred and ten days; on the contrary, a rearing made in a conservatory, 210 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. at a janpol of 25° to 27° Centigrade, lasted only about one month. Artacus cyntui4, Drury (Ailanthus silkworm). Introduced into France by Guérin Méneville in 1858, its cultivation spread through Europe, in parts of Africa and America, and even in Australia. This species, with an open cocoon like all those of the same genus, is naturalized in France and the United States _ of North America. Besides the Ailanthus (Ailanthus glandulosa), Attacus cynthia can be reared on the castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis), lilac, laburnum (Cytisus laburnum), barberry (Berberis vulgaris), cherry, &ce. Cynthia moths generally emerge about the end of June, and the eges hatch, at the ordinary temperature, about a fortnight after they have been laid. In hot climates this species becomes bivoltine, and even polyvoltine. A native of China, Attacus cynthia is also found wild in India all along the Himalaya range, in Assam and other parts, where it feeds on various plants. The moths pair easily, and the larve are very easy to rear in the open air in England and other northern countries. ANTHERHA PERNYI, Guerin Méneville (Chinese oak silkworm). This valuable species, with a large closed cocoon of rich silk, is, with the preceding species, the easiest to rear in the open air in northern countries. The moths pair easily in captivity, and in any situation. The species is single-brooded in the northern parts of Europe, and double-brooded in the southern parts. In South Europe the moths may emerge from March, in central and northern parts from April and May; sometimes they will emerge in June. The rearing in the open air lasts from six to eight weeks, and sometimes longer. Pernyi larve may be reared on plum and apple trees, but they do not thrive well on these, as far as my experience goes. One of my correspondents in Illinois, U.S.A., however, wrote to me, some years ago, that he saw his pernyi larve of the second generation leave oak trees, of which the foliage had become hard and tough through the great heat and drought, go and feed on hawthorn bushes; others were found in a garden on apple trees, where they had reached an enormous size. (To be continued.) ENEMIES OF HUMBLE-BEES IN NEW ZEALAND. By W. W. Smira. Amone the many animals introduced into New Zealand by the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, the humble-bee may justly claim first honours in their order of merit. Since the ninety queens were liberated at Christchurch, N.Z., nine years ENEMIES OF HUMBLE-BEES IN NEW ZEALAND. 911 ago, the sum of about £200,000 has been realized on red clover (Trifolium pratense) seed alone. Their rapid establishment and phenomenal dispersion over the South Island are, I believe, well known to entomologists. In New Zealand, as in Europe, they are subject to fluctuations in the seasons, and to several enemies. Last winter (May to August) was perhaps the severest on record in the South Island. Snow two inches deep lay on the Canter- bury plains for several days, while sharp frosts were experienced every night for a fortnight. Deeper snow and harder frosts were also experienced in nearly all the upland and alpine country. As a result the humble-bees were not so numerous during the pre- sent as in the two previous summers; nor have their labours been quite so beneficial in fertilizing the red clover. Good results may, possibly, follow an occasional severe winter in preserving and perpetuating hardier forms of the race. Favourite and comfortable places for the humble-bees to hybernate in are the raised banks beneath gorse hedges, and the cavities about the roots of Pinus insignis growing on the plains. It is, however, more their enemies in New Zealand I now desire to refer to than to their general history. For two seasons we have found numbers of dead humble-bees with a small punc- ture either in their thorax or abdomen. On the 9th January of the present year I was fortunate in ascertaining the cause of these punctures, and in witnessing the death of a humble-bee. I was admiring a fine group of antirrhinums in bloom, on which several queens and neuters of Bombus hortorum var. subterraneus were working. Instantly a queen was seized by a large Dipteron (Astlus varius), both falling together to the ground. The Asilus, although inferior in size to the humble-bee, was able to hold it on the ground, to pierce the fore part of the thorax, and kill the bee in a few seconds by sucking out the viscera. In both America and Hurope the carnivorous habits of the Asilide are well known, especially their destruction of hive-bees. They have likewise become troublesome about hives in this district every summer. Although my small entomological library contains no records of Asilus destroying humble-bees in Europe, I may suppose they do exist. Another enemy of humble-bees here is the introduced English starling. Last nesting season we noticed them several times capturing and carrying the bees to their nests to feed their young. Excepting fragments of the bees’ wings, we were un- successful in finding other portions of their bodies in the exuvie around the nests. In many of the agricultural and pastoral dis- tricts of New Zealand, the starling’s services are invaluable as destroyers of injurious insects. It is, therefore, regrettable that these birds now attack the humble-bees. Up to the present I have not observed any of the native birds attacking them in this district. Ashburton, N.Z., April, 1896. O19 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. (Mr. Edward Saunders (Ent. Mo. Mag. xxu. 94) records the occurrence of a number of dead or dying humble-bees on the cround under a lime tree in August, 1885. ‘‘ Nearly every speci- men appeared to have been killed in the same manner, having a large hole in the upper surface of the thorax, and another at the apex of the abdomen, the apical segments being removed.” For some time he was unable to discover any clue to the possible cause of mutiation; but at length he noticed the carcase of a bee to fall from a branch of the tree upon which a bird, subse- quently determined to be the great tom-tit, was disporting itself. The writer adds:—‘‘ Although I have no positive evidence whereby to convict Parus major, I think the probabilities of his being the culprit are so strong that it is hardly necessary to seek further for the murderer of these humble innocents.’—Ep. | A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. By W. F. pe Vismes Kane, M.A., M.R.I.A., F.E.S. (Continued from p. 162.) CucuLuia umMBRaATICcA, L.—Universally common, and variable in colour and markings. Var. tanaceti, Haw., seems to corre- spond with a large number of our males, and many of our females would rank as var. lucifuga, Haw. Var. lactuce is a not uncommon form also, of dark grey streaked with lighter; the hind wings brown, with a paler base. GoONOPTERA LIBATRIX, L.—Common in most localities. Haprostoua TRIPARTITA, Hufn.— Widely distributed, but rarely numerous, so far as my experience goes. In most places more common than H. triplasia. Some examples have the sround colour dark brown, but in others it is almost black. The var. urtice, Hb., which approximates the latter species in the suppression of pale markings, I have not met with. Localities : —Howth, &c., Co. Dublin; and in Co. Wicklow; Cromlyn (Mrs. B.) and Killynon (Miss R.), Co. Westmeath ; Drumreaske, Monaghan, rare; Favour Royal, Tyrone, rare; Sligo, rather abundant (R.); Coolmore, Co. Donegal (J.); about Derry, rather rare (C.) ; Carlingford and Castle Bellingham, Co. Louth (Thornhill); Enniskillen, rare; common near Belfast (W.) ; Clonbrock, common (R. . D.), and at Ardrahan and elsewhere in Co. Galway. HaprosToLa TRIPLASIA, L.— Widely distributed, but some- what scarce. Derry, abundant (C.); Castle Bellingham, Co. Louth, abundant (Z'hornhill) ; Belfast, abundant (W.); Carling- ford and Armagh, scarce (J.); Coolmore, Co. Donegal, scarce ee ee eee —_—— = A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. 213 (J.); one at Galway (A.); Ardrahan (Harker) ; Clonbrock, two (R.H.D.); Sligo (R.); Markree Castle, a few; Tempo Manor (Langham) ; Drumreaske, Co. Monaghan, a few; Cromlyn, Co. Westmeath (Mrs. B.); Kenmare, Co. Kerry, &c. Puusta inuustris, ab.—A specimen of this rarity in good condition was netted flying to bramble-flowers at Castle Kevin, Annamoe, Co. Wicklow, in August, 1887, by Miss Alice Hull, daughter of Prof. Hull, F.G.8., who had taken the place during the summer of that year. She was unaware of her prize, which she gave to the National Museum, until Mr. Carpenter, F.E.S., identified it. The only British captures (in Wales, and by a Mr. Pratt on Salisbury Plain) took place previous to 1811, since which no further records are known. That the insect has not again been taken in Ireland proves nothing, considering the plentiful lack of Ivish entomologists; and it may eventually prove to be indigenous, and not a stray visitant ; asin more than one instance—such as Plusia bractea and Dianthecia cesia— species for many years known as Irish from single specimens, have proved to be plentiful when sought for. In France it inhabits the mountains of Dauphiné, the Hautes and Basses Alpes, the Pyrenees and Doubs (Bruand), and is not rare, the larve feeding on various species of Aconite, &c., like that of P. moneta. As the common monkshood is widely cultivated in cottage gardens, there is no difficulty (as. has been proved in S.E. England in the case of the latter species) in regard to a supply of a suitable food-plant in Ireland. Puusta cHrysitis, 2.—Abundantin most places. The Linnean type has the two metallic-green areas separated by the unbroken median brown band (Tutt’s Brit. Noct.). In Ireland, as in EKingland, however, this is a rare aberration. In some speci- mens the metallic sheen is more blue than green, but I have some doubt if this is the case in really fresh specimens. Puusia BractEA, I°b.—Very widely distributed, though appa- rently somewhat local. In suitable seasons it is abundant in some localities. The metallic blotch varies somewhat in shape, and in some instances inclines to a silvery tint. A second brood was noticed by Miss Reynell on Sept. 5th, 1893, at Killynon, Co. Westmeath, where, and at Cromlyn (Mrs. B.), it is generally plentiful. Trim, Co. Meath (G.V.H.); Cabra, Howth, and Dundrum (Low), Co. Dublin; Co. Wicklow (B.); Mullingar (Wilcox) ; Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny (S.); Glandore and Bal- linadee, near Bandon (D.), Co. Cork; Cappagh, Co. Waterford (Miss V.); Kenmare, Co. Kerry ; Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare; and Killaloe, not rare; Westport, Co. Mayo (W.); Knocknarea, numerous (f.), and Markree Castle, Co. Sligo ; Clonbrock, abun- dant (R. E.D.), and one at Galway (A.); not rare near the town of Donegal. 914 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Puusia FEstucH, L.—Found in most localities, but seldom abundantly. The ground colour is sometimes a very deep brown, wholly obscuring the neuration in the central wing-area. The two metallic central patches are most variable in size and shape, sometimes very widely divided, and sometimes only by a line. I have taken it in the extreme north, as well as in Co. Cork, and it is widely spread throughout Central Ireland. A second flight has been often observed in September by myself and others. Puusta rota, L.—Local, and by no means usually common. Mr. Maurice Fitzgibbon took a very pretty salmon-tinted speci- men at Howth (? var. ancora, Frr). The gamma-mark is some- times very minute in var. percontationis, Tr., but I have never seen a specimen in which it was obsolete. Found widely in Cos. Dublin and Wicklow; Castle Bellingham, very numerous (Thornhill) ; Armagh (J.); near Derry (C.) ; scarce at Clonbrock, Co. Galway (R. H. D.) ; Sligo, and Drumreaske, Co. Monaghan ; not rare in Co. Westmeath. PLusIA PULCHRINA, Haw.—The commonest species except P. gamma. The ground colour varies from a rich yellowish brown to a fine purple, variable in strength of tone. Below the oval metallic spot is another of deep orange colour in most examples. Puusta Gamma, L.—Hxtremely common everywhere. Rarely fresh specimens occur with pale ground colour like that of hybernated examples. Some years ago I noticed this moth in swarms on the bare shaven sward of Dursey Island, off the Kerry coast, flying to the thrift flowers; and, as the locality is a very unlikely one for this species to breed in abundance, it would suggest a migration. PLusIA INTERROGATIONIS, LZ.— Common on many heathery moors and hillsides in Ireland. Our specimens seem to be somewhat brighter in ground colour than Scottish, which are blacker. When freshly emerged the violet-purple tint is very handsome. One specimen I took at Mote Park, Roscommon, is very pale in ground colour, with the transverse lines and mark- ings very striking and broad, as well as the interrogation marking, which is extraordinarily large and massive. In some specimens, however, it becomes almost obsolete. The larve are conspicuous and easily found both by lamplight and in sunshine, but are very subject to ichneumons. Localities :—Altadiawan, Co. Tyrone, not rare; Tempo Manor, Enniskillen (Langham), do.; Cromlyn (Mrs. B.) and Killynon (Miss R.), Co. Westmeath, do.; Ballinasloe, very common (Hon. Emily Lawless), and Mote Park, Roscommon ; Hollybrook (Miss ff.), Markree Castle, and L. Gill, abundant, Co. Sligo; Kilderry, near Derry, not rare (C.) (To be continued.) 215 NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. ‘‘FuneI PAaRAsItic oN Burrerriies.’’—In reference to the paper on this subject (ante, p. 170), it may save some perplexity if I inform entomologists that the structures described in the paper are those called battledore scales, or male plumules, or androconia. As no allusion is made in the paper to the fact that the structures are those known and figured by so many entomologists, and as this was pointed out at the meeting of the Society at which the paper was read, it is desirable that this statement should be made.—D. 8.; p. C.N.H. Soe. If Mr. Rickard, who contributes to the June ‘ Entomologist’ an article with the above heading, had ever studied the androconia of butterflies, he would have at once understood why his supposed ‘fungi’ were confined to the male sex of the insects examined. We recommend his examination of Wonfor’s articles and illustrations in the ‘Journal of Microscopical Science,’ new series, vols. vill. and ix.— SamuiEL H. Scupper; Cambridge, U.S.A., June 7th, 1896. Gynanprous Ino (Procris) curvon.—I went out, on June Ist, to get a few specimens of this insect for friends, and found males largely predominating in numbers. Whilst hunting up sufficient females to make the numbers even, I took one insect which had a normal male feathered antenna on the right side and a slender female one on the other. On setting this specimen, I found that the right wings were a shade longer and larger than the left, which seems corroborative evidence of hermaphroditism. I do not find that the sexes in this insect are exactly similar in size, the males being a trifle the larger. I am not sufficient of an entomologist to know if the above is conclusive evidence of hermaphroditism, or to be able to - supplement it, or even to be aware if the case is at all unusual.— Henry H. Starter; Thornhaugh Rectory, Wansford, Northants. [The specimen is certainly gynandrous (‘‘hermaphrodite’’), In the ‘Wiener Entom. Zeitung,’ 1884, there is a figure of an example of Jno ampelophaga, in which the abdomen appears to be that of a female, whilst the right antenna is distinctly male and the left antenna female in character.—Ep. | CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. Notrs oN THE SEASON FROM THE CHESTER DisrrRict.— A torrid summer in 1895, followed by a winter that would have done duty for the South of France! Cheshire newspapers recorded the appearance, out-of- doors, of butterflies in January! I captured my first, in the open, on February 11th—a hybernated Vanessa urtice. Long before that date, as early as February 3rd, Phigalia pedaria (pilosaria) had been common enough on our gas-lamps. I continued to take the species in Delamere Forest, from oak-trunks, by day, until April 11th. The captures showed the usual range of colour variation—from pale grey with indistinct markings to specimens strongly marked, and thence on, but rarely, to unicolorous and almost black ones. Hybernia rupteapraria 1 saw on the gas-lamps, Feb. 8th. One of the surprises of the season here has been the scarcity of 216 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. A. leucophearia. ‘Taking Delamere Forest as representative ground, I captured two on Feb. 8th, four on Feb. 22nd, and five or six (the last) on March 7th—including a pale grey form with the markings in barest outline. Nyssia hispidaria has also been scarce with us. I did not find it before March 7th, when I took a couple of males developing their wings on oaks about three feet from the ground. On March 28th I found a third and last specimen—another male—at rest on a beech. WH. progemmaria and Anisopteryx escularia appeared on the gas-lamps, Feb. 20th; but the latter moth has been altogether less plentiful than in previous years. ‘The sooty, unicolorous form of H. progemmaria var. fuscata was a frequent visitor at the gas-lamps. Larentia multistrigaria turned up in Delamere Forest—the first on Feb. 22nd. At the beginning of April this species was succeeded by Lobophora lobulata, a moth which is sometimes mistaken for L. muiti- strigarta from its similar appearance and habit of resting by day low down on palings or oaks. j e a a +. at ; re ts Sy HE EY TOMC GIS ST Sit code a 4 Tae a uninteresting ; but we think that the ‘keys by which the Groupee are -gorted into families, the families into genera, and the genera inten ____ Species,” hardly promise to be of much service in the direction indicated. — The Hymenoptera-Aculeata of the British Islands. By Kpwarp SAUNDERS, _ F.L.S. Demy 8vo, pp. viii, 391; plain plates 8. London: Li. Reeve & Co. 1896. PossiBLy one reason why bees, wasps, and ants have not, so far, attracted the serious attention of those who are interested in the € entomological fauna of our country is that there was no really up-to- date text-book on Hymenoptera-Aculeata available. With the advent of the important work now before us there is little doubt that our native species will be more closely studied, and interest in them be largely developed. The author deals with 374 indigenous species of Aculeates, and these are placed in four sections as follows :—Hetero- gyna (ants), 20; Fossores (sand wasps), 127; Diploptera (true wasps), 23; Anthophila (bees), 204. In the Introduction, which treats at some length of the anatomy of Hymenoptera, there are some useful hints on collecting and preparing specimens. We have also received the following :— ‘The Crambide of North America. By C. H. Fernald, A. M., Pho 8vo, 93 pp., 10 plates. Massachusetts Agricultural College. 1896.’ ‘Report of the Entomological Department of the New Jersey Agri- cultural College Experiment Station. By John B. Smith, Sc.D. For the year 1895. Trenton, N.J. 162 pp.. The John L. Murphy Pub- lishing Company. 1896.’ “a ‘The Honey Bee: a Manual of Instruction in Apiculture. By @ Frank Benton, M.S. 118 pp., 12 plates, and many illustrations in text. Washington: Government Printing Office.’ (Bulletin No. 1, - new series.) ‘United States Department of Agriculture. Division of Ento- ~ mology :—The San Jose Scale, its occurrences in the United States, with a full account of its Life-history, and the Remedies to be used against it. By L. O. Howard & C. L. Marlatt. 80 pp. Washington : Government Printing Office. 1896.’ (Bulletin No. 3, new series.) ‘The Grass and Grain Joint-Worm Flies and their Allies: a con- sideration of some North American Phytophagic Eurytomine. By L. O. Howard, Entomologist. 24 pp. Washington: Printing Office. 1896.’ (‘Technical Series, No. 2.) ‘Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, Ithaca, N.Y. Entomological Division :—Clmbing Cutworms in Western New York. By M. V. Slingerland. The University, Ithaca, N.Y. 1875.’ (Bul- letin, 104). Also by the same author :—‘ Wireworms and Bud Moth’ (Bulletin, 107); and ‘The Pear Psylla and the New York Plum Bealé? . (Bulletin, 108). ‘The Mediterranean Flour. Moth (Hphestia kuehniella, Zell.) in Europe and America. By. W.G. Johnson, A.M., Assistant Entomo- logist. Appendix to the Nineteenth Report of the State Entomologist of Illinois. 65 pp. Springfield, Il]. Ed. F. Hartman. 1896.’ & EXCHANGE. (The publication of Notices of Exchange, or of Advertisements, in the ‘Entomologist’ is in no way a guarantee for the British nationality, authenticity, or good condition of the Species. This Notice is not given to throw doubt on the bona fides of Exchangers or Advertisers, but to absolve the Editor from responsibility, in case the liberty allowed should be abused.] Marked * are bred; t are high flat-set. Duplicates.—Querecus (cocoons from larve taken on heather in April); pupe of Io. Desiderata.—Very numerous.—J. T. Fountain; 58, Darwin Street, Birmingham. _ Duplicates.—Agabus paludosus, Tachyusa flavitarsis, Husphalerum primule, Polydrusus cervinus, Rhagonycha elongata, Gastrophysa raphani, Haltica ericeti, Corticaria serrata.—Dr. J. Harold Bailey ; 128, Broad Street, Pendleton. Duplicates.—Iimagos of Populeti,* Munda,* Incérta* (dark), Gothica,* Radiata* and intermediates (fine forms), Alni* (fine); pupe of Templi. Acceptances answered in four days.—J. N. Young; 85, Fitzwilliam Road, Rotherham. _- Desiderata (for new illustrated work on larve and pupe).— Larve and pupe of Iucina, Megera, Abbreviata, Albicillata, Saponariz, Nigrocincta, Xerampelina, -Cursoria, Vulgata, Temerata, Gnaphalu, Centum- Notata, Pusillata, Rubiginea, estudo, Pulchellata, Biundularia, Festuce, Albulata, Caniola, Isogrammata, Lariciata, Plumbeolata, .Palustris, Impluviata, Venosata: Indigata, Griseata, Ocnosa, Vetusta, Psittacata, Unangulata, LIlicifolia, LEmarginata, Lychnitis, ‘Auricoma, Anachoreta, Valerianata, Coronata, Sylvinus, Cambricaria, Scrophu- larie, A. Urtice, Citraria.—W. A. Rollason; 1, Newhall Street, Birmingham. CHances or Appress.—Sergt.-Major C. Block, from Bonnington, Edinburgh, to 39, Willoughby Terrace, Stoke, Ipswich. . Louis B. Prout, to The Ehns, 26, Richmond Road, Hackney, N.E. 9 . : = Correction. —The writer of the note on Vanessa c- alba in South Wales @ntom. 195) is A. D. Imms, not A. D. Simms as printed. = ae | MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. BY = Sours Lonpon EnromotocicaL anp NaturaL History Society, Hipernra ‘CHamBers, Lonpon Brine, S.E.—Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in ach month, at 8 p.m. - Crry or Lonpon EntomotocicaL anp Naturau History Socirety.—The “meetings of this Society (held at the London Institution, Finsbury Circus, H.C.) will take place on the Ist and 8rd Tuesdays in each month, from 7.30 to 10 p.m. 4 is heretofore. - Norts Lonpon Naruraut History Socrety.—Meetings are held on the 2nd ‘and 4th Thursdays in each month at the North East London Institute, Dalston “Lane (close to Hackney Downs Station on the G.E.R.), from 7.45 to 9.30 or 10 p.m. Se TO CONTRIBUTORS.— Papers, Notes, and Communications, on all “branches of Entomology, are solicited. Contributors are requested to conform, as far as possible, to the following rules: — All Communications must be clearly “written on one side only of the paper. Generic names must be given in full, — “excepting where immediately before used. The Editor is not responsible for unused MS., neither can he undertake to return it, unless especially asked to do so. Contributors of the more important articles receive six copies of such articles. NOTICES of EXCHANGE (inserted without charge) must contain “nothing more than the specific names of the duplicates and desiderata, except when two insects are known by the same specific name, and must be clearly “written on one side only of the paper. All notes, papers, books for review, &c., “and notices of exchange should be sent to the Editor, _ RICHARD SOUTH, 100, RITHERDON ROAD, UPPER TOOTING, S.W. _ ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to West, Newman & Co., 54, Hatton Garden, London, E.C., not later than the 21st of each month. Sc 1me te meets eS bri ov ae -FORSCHER UND SAMMLER. | a breite ginzlich umgearbeitete und durch Srupien zur Dasonypenzn erweiterte Auflage des rs Handbuches fur Sammler der europaischen Gross- “Schmetterlinge. Yon Dr. M. STANDFUSS, - Dozent beider Hochschulen und Kustos des Enter diosiaghen Museums am eidgery Polytechnikum zu Ziirich. - Paldarktischen Gross - — Mit 8 lithographischen Tafeln und 8 Textfiguren: (Saas PREIS: —BROCH. 14 Mk.; GEBUNDEN, 15 Mk FOURTH EDITION, PRICE ONE SHILLING. The Insect Hunter’s Companions INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTOMOLOGICAL SPECIMENS. By the Rev. JOSEPH GREENE, M.A. Revised and Extended by A. B. FARN, pe - CONTENTS. —Burrerrums AND Motus. The Egg: gbarohing: boxing ei 5 moths ; pairing insects. The Larva: rearing; sleeving; collecting larve ae beating; the Bignell Tray; sweeping; searching; to find larve by night; ae _hybernating larve ; removing the pupx; describing larve; parasites of larve VS ay preserving larve. The Pupa: pupa- -digging ; ; remarks ; hints : forcing. Th _ Imago: localities; net; mothing ; honey-dew ; sugaring ; taking Lepidoptera a light; indoor light ; erouting ; smoking ; killing; relaxing, &.; setting; grease; — : mites; moula; cabinets and store-boxes; painting; arrangement and nomen- if 25 elature ; number of specimens and manner of placing; relaxing; transmission of — =: insects, larve, and eggs by post; entomological diary, books, &c. cone _ observations. A chapter on Micro-Lepipoprera by A. B. Farn; on CoLEOPTERA ee ~ by Edward Newman; on HyMENnoprera wee Frederick Smith; on treeding GALL- a = ‘FLIES by Edward A. Fitch. oe Lists of Butterflies and Moths. FOR LABELLING AND REFERENCE. tae r HE ‘ENTOMOLOGIST’ SYNONYMIC LIST OF BRITISH ‘LEP a al DOPTERA. By Ricwarp Sourn, F,E.S. In duplicate; printed on one side _ only of fine cream-wove paper for labels; and on both sides for reference. Price 28. a Bes 4 FOR REFERENCE ONLY. ae Bef ae ‘ENTOMOLOGIST’ SYNONYMIC LIST. Price 6d. ee ah a hear ‘ENTOMOLOGIST’ EXCHANGE LIST. Price 1d.; post free, lid. One halfpenny stamp is sufficient postage for any number of copies. _BIRDSNESTING & BIRD-SKINNING. A Complete Description of the Nests and Eggs of. Birds which Breed in Britain, By Epwarp Newman.—Srconp Epirion. With Directions for Collecting and Preservation; a Chapter on Bird-skinning; and Description and Woodcuts of — the Instruments necessary, to the Collector. By Miter Curisty. Cloth extra, Feap 8vo. Price 1s. : a London: WEST, NEWMAN ¢é& CO., 54, Hatton Garden, he iS ~ Mr. LCoeee Ge e ‘ ie R. = os G. STEVENS will Senn By Auction, at his Giese Roma vg "4 — 88, King Street, Cavant Garden, on Wednesday, July 8th, at half : formed by the late Mr. Coorrr. This Collection is chiefly valuable for the | : long series of most species, which are in exceptionally fine and fresh. 4 ~ dition and well set, nearly all having been recently collected or bred by the Ces late Mr. Cooprr. Mi On view the day prior 12 till 4 and morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. i LARGE COLLECTION OF BRAZILIAN LEPIDOPTERA, ots also other Orders, recently imported from the Rivers Jumwa and Madeira, including the Rare CALLITH@A MARKII, in fine condition. 2 Also Pieris Phaloe, 2/-; P. Deniophila, 3/-; H. Nera, 3/-; Heterochroa Urraca, - 2/-; Chlouppe Selina, 5/-; Ch. Livida, 5/-; Catagramma Cynosura, 3/-; ma 8/-:—in fine condition. Inspection invited.—C, Markii. What offers? BERNARD PIFFARD, Hitt Hovussz, Hemen HempstreaD. be. vf THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKERS. ag AKERS of Svan description of ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS Te APPARATUS} _ - 5 Store and Boox Boxss, fitted with camphor-cells; Setting Boards, oval or ii flat, &e. Cabinets of every description kept in stock. Crocxetr’s SpeciaL INSECT = Casrvers, Interchangeable Drawers, fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show - __ upper and under sides without removing Insects. Store Boxes specially made for — z Continental setting, highly recommended for Beetles. All best work. Lowest — g possible terms for cash. Prices on application. Estimates given. The Trade supplied. EsTasiisHep since 1847. 2 SHOW ROOMS: 7a, PRINCE’S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. te: Factories: 34, Riding House Street and Ogle Street, W. ae The largest Stock of Cabinets and Boxes to select from. Gréat advantage m- eh dealing with the maker. All goods at store prices. | ae NATURE: ee ) . A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. ae “‘To the solid ground eee Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye.”—WoRDSWORTH. aS Published every Thursday, price 6d. Yearly subscription, 28s.; half-yearly ditto, 14s. 6d.; quarterly ditto, 7s. 6d. To all places abroad: Yearly subscription, — £1 10s. 6d.; half. yearly ditto, 15s. 6d.; quarterly ditto, 8s.. Money Orders to be _ _ made payable at Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W.C. MACMILLAN & CO., Limited, Beprorp STREET, STRAND. On the Ist of every Month, GreatLty ENLarGED, price 1s. 8d., — THE JOURNAL OF BOTANY i ‘ BRITISH AND FOREIGN. = Epirep BY. JAMES BRITTEN, F.LS. ~ __ Contains original articles by our leading British Botanists, Notices of Books, Proceedings of Societies, and Botanical News. Especial attention is now given De _to British Botany. There is usually at least one plate, drawn by a well-known _ botanical artist. - Subscription for the year, payable in advance, SIXTEEN SHILLINGS, post free. 5 eric for Advertisements may be had on application to the Publishers. e- WEST, NEWMAN & CO., 54, Harron Garpen, Lonpon, E.C. ¥ WITH 664 COLOURED Price of the whole Work, £26. as New Edition is published in Parts, with 10 Plates each. Price ag Seok Part, oe List of Subscribers and Specimen of Etchings, post “tp ee on demand. — ae Vol. I., with 213 Coloured Plates, is issued. Price £8 10s. With af -_. synonymy for each figured species: Br : P. WYTSMAN, Scientific Bookseller, 79, Rue Neuve, BRUSSELS Y® EIONEL CLs ha - NATURAL-HISTORY AGENT, BARTON STREET, GLOUCESTER, ee Collectors with every kind of apparatus for the various branches o ot Natural History: Cabinets, Store Boxes, Butterfly Nets, &c. ; a BIRDS’ EGGS, SKINS, LEPIDOPTERA and COLEOPTERA, &ec., kept oa vin stock in large quautities. _ The largest stock of Eaas in England to select from, including many very r. ra oe species. List of clutches sent if desired. Large buyers liberally dealt with. NEW AND SECOND-HAND BOOKS. a Wiyaemary: Birds skinned and prepared for Cabinets, or mounted by skille assistants. ‘Full general Catalogue and Special List of Hees and Sxrns, post free. N.B.—No beled and only one address as above. “ape = OVA, LARV4@, AND PUPA. FERTILE OVA. Per doz. Ligustri, 6d. Ocellatus, 4d. Populi. Villica, Plantagints ea Bucephala, 3d. LARVA. Per doz. Fuciformis, 3/- Tiliz, 1/6. Ocellatus, Amare le _¥aleula, 1/- Carpini, Rivata, 9d. PUPA, each. Elpenor, 4d, Betu: —Quercifolia, 5d. Cinxia, 3d. Dubitata, Rusticata, Quercus, Verbasci. 2d. Potatoria Oxyacanthe, lid. Cuculatella, Grossulariata, Salicis, Aurifiua, Neustria, Frifolii, Disp tad ‘1d. Box and Postage 2d. 24 Consecutive Lists as issued, of Pupe, &c., 1/- post free. ee ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS. Nets, 1/3. 3-jointed ditto, 3/- 4-jointed ditto, 3/9 Ne Oval Collecting Boxes, 9d., 1/- and 1/6. Oval Larve Boxes, 9d. Double 1/- Sugaring * i “whale Brush, 1/6 and 2]- Sugaring Mixture, 1j- and 1/6. Lamps, 1/3 to 4/6. Setting Boarda _ Oval, l-in. 8d. in. 9d. 2-in. 10d. 23-in. 1/- 3-in. 1/2. a STORE BOXES. Best make, camphor cells, 10-in. x 8-in. 2/6. 14-in. x 10-in, 4/- 16-in, - xi1l-in.5/- -‘Suredeath”’ Killing Fluid. 6d. per bottle Pins at maker’s prices. Setting é ~ Houses, 9/6 and 11/6. New and Illustrated Catalogue of Entomological Apparatus, free. a et _ LeprpopTera CoLuEctinG. IrLustraTED, 4d. LEPIDOPTERA REARING ,ILLUSTRATED, 40\ J. & W. DAVIS, MUSEUM WORKS, DARTFORD, KENT. Established 18851. BIRKBECK BANE vy : Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London. Ses eh’ TWO-AND-A-HALF per CENT. INTEREST allowed on DEPOSITS, repayable on demand. age Fi sede per CENT. on CURRENT ACCOUNTS, on the minimum monthly balances, when not drawn below +5 STOCKS, SHARES, and ANNUITIES purchased and sold. SAVINGS DEPARTMENT. For the*encouragement of Thrift the Bank receives small sums on deposit, and ailows siverest — monthly, on each completed £1. Birkbeck Building Society. Birkbeck Freehold Land Society, i ; How to Purchase a House for £2 28. per Month. How to Purchase a Plot of Land for 5s. per Month,, < y - THE BIRKBECK ALMANACK with full particulars, post-free. = He FRANCIS PS SURECR OES; Manager. Seong "’) _—sC Proprietor, ne EDMOND Pana : a Entomologist to the Roya L Fammny and Eron Connon. r : Full price Catalogue on application, = re "specialty: :—LIVING OVA, {DARVAL, nk PUPA. (3 (No larger Stock in Europe.) 3 ee ee _ BREEDIN G GROUNDS :—The “NURSERY,” “Onan Roan, Woxoson. ae Also at KING STABLE STR. tET, ETON. , Da Ag oh ‘Price Lists are issued about Ist and 15th of each soauds on RECEIPT of Ine eve * i list issued for one year will be sent is ia HIGH STREE am ‘ET ON. ee a :. tes LARVAE, and PUPA. oe : A LARGE ASSORTMENT always. on ay “Send for ‘Price hit wo : te ER WE HEAD, Entomologist, Scarnoroven, — ae DOSS | The Largest Breeder of ‘Leproprera in the a eielid Toles. Reais: Full List of “aie ie oe Cabinets, be, sent on lication. WATKINS & DONG. Naturalists and mivsfartareds of beh rea Apparatus cae Plain Ring Nets, wire or cane, including er, 8. 8d., 2s., 28.6d. Fo 8s. 6d., 48. Umbrella Nets (self-acting), ' Boh Pocket Boxes, 6d., 9d., 1s., 1 Zine Relaxing Boxes, 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d., 2s. _ ested Chip Boxes, ee ae ur d Entomologic pe assorted or mixed, 1s. 6a, peroz. shag ties terns 108, 6d. ier Is. _Sugari hike 4s. Zine ers gia ib -Coleopterist’s Collecti ttl am ik ‘1, 1d ca fe oe ae a oy Insect 9 p Z 9 ne, 6d. bot Chlorofc vay Rie on, ‘vag nsec Boxes from 1s. 4d. per. cae sheath, 1s. 9d. Tax ‘idermist? 4d.,6d.; A ial Hp | L - Butterflies, 2d.; of Bade! 85, eth ito of Land and Shells, 2d.; Useful Bo re sects, F 98, &e. Bed K Now ready.—Th e EXCHANGE LIST and EL LIST. Mr. Ep. Meyrick, B.A NESS 5 , F.ES., Deane ) eee. British Lepidoptera.’ Exchang Lists, 14d. each garner Label 1 Lists, 1 1s. 6d. e Do Us aie ad ei Nee Tale ; Sa aha es ae ' Our new Label-list of Britis names, 1s. 6d. Our new C numbered), 1s.; or on one 8 ene [xon”” Li MP “Of eer description for Ins Sno tal fi, Di Sir Re Piss Re ee owe at nS tn og EA) m iy ake aay ie oe. =f if oe Leen ti : ide, The De rau Py Wal ial 208. Enemies — » 210. ; es A © Caialosue of the SNE 3 oTES AND Gece aioe hs hdiaitia on nen ny ” D.S., 8. H. Scudder, r AR 215. Gynandrous Ino sah geryon, Henry H. Slater, 215. _ CAPTURES AND FIELD Reports.—Notes on the Ae from the Chester pian ae ame , 215. Anosia plexippus in Hampshire, F. W. Frohawk, 216. Notes ve ales, T. B. Jefferys, 217. Plusia aso at Watford, C. E. Fry, 217. | Soormins. = Hinieolonienl ae London, W. W. Fowler, 217. South London _ Entomological and Natural ates Bona ed aie Ear 219. Birmingham “oes Entomological Society, Colbran 221. Cambridge Entomolo- aie - gical and Natural History Society, Cx ‘ Wilkineon, 74 ne ah Ve ig f . iw Mae era Our pene s Butterflies and Moths, and bow a! kia Oe them: A Guide to the | tera of Great aaa a ‘The Byes) _ oper ent ° the Be | | | ata 27 Ga | CONTINENTAL LEPIDOPTERA. Me ps sare Stacy ah of 1400 Butterflies and 700 Moths, all well detain good pag a An opportunity for Curators of sania bigs oe _ particulars a ) uM a f oe oe MATHEW, Len Hous, Dovencouns, Hissex. a IAM — WATKINS, | Entomologist, “VILLA ‘SPHINX, -EASTBOURNE. eee OK of EXOTIC “LEPIDO ‘st PTERA in the INGDOM. | Collections always arriving from the most isolated places. I am ao in species from ee ee and Soath Amer ica. deine i Ryde he a Geral BASKET” is a gre a success. 1 cose se. Bo prices. ae. t; it will cost you nothing — t will cos Prices are, i a ea oe > sper . . ‘Vol. cK) : “Aasta Ses ae GEN ERAL ‘EN TOM OLOGY. "WITH THE ASSISTANCE or > i ee i ROBERT ADKIN, FES. a | MARTIN JACOBY, FES. i, a T. R. BILLUPS, F.E.S. _W. F. KIRBY, ELS, FS. W. LUCAS DISTANT, F.E.S., a | J. H. LEECH, L.S., F. ey eP A WITCH, RLS FE8. | Dr. D. SHAR FE. F. W. FROHAWK, F.ES. = | G. H. VERRALL he A penis at We. Wanna, fae aa é vy i oh: ; ae ie i fe _ oe im. & CO., 54, A LTON ___ E. H. MEEK, Naturalist, SS “56, BROMPTON ROAD, LONDON, SW. eed Supplies Entomologists with ee Hequisite : pest ‘OF THE BEST M } gp FOR NEW PRICED i ag POST FREE, Au Onda, when accompanied by Post Office Order, will receive immediate cette Steel Knuckle-jointed Not, folds up for pocket, 4s. — a Ladies’ Umbrella Net, 5s. Wire Ring Net, with aie screw, 28. | _ Pocket Folding Net, with three brass joints, 3s. 6d., 4s. | ‘Balloon Net, 26 by 18, for Beating, &e., 6s. Telescope Not, 6s., 8s. 6d., 10s. 6a. Self-acting Swee at Net, 8s. oer ee 6d., 1s., 1s. 6d. _ Sugaring Tins, with affixed, 1s. 6d., 2s. Killing Box, 9d., 1s. Bottle of Killing Fluid, 9d. - Corked shi ig Boards, Lin., 6d.;14,74.; 13, 8d. ; : 13, 9d.; 2in., 10d.; 24,11d.; oh, 1s. ahogany Pocket Box, with glass to slide in groove, 3s. 6d. . Entomological Pins, any size, Gilt or Plain, 1s. per box; four sizes, mixed, 1s. per oz. Nek a0 Ww Fas Exchange Lists, 1d. saiens of Mite Deshroyer, 0 illow Chip Boxes, say four sizes, 1s. 8d. gross. Setting an aaa Houses, com ete, 9s. 6d., 11s., 138. ‘Pocket nie sa L., 9d. vo 1s. 6d. Postal Boxes, 6d., 9d., 1s. The Entomologist’s Store and Setting House, containing every realateay £3. Has ana Improved Pocket Lanterns, 2s. oo 8s. Salle ues ‘Zine Oval es ‘et Box, oe 1s., 1s. 6d., 2s. ips Die 2s., 3s. _ Corked Store Boxes, best make, 2s . 6d., 4s., 5s., 6s. dit 0, soe ‘in Fenian Cloth, ; Book Pattern, 16 by 11, 8s. 6d. Tin Vi Sao. -Y, 8d., for Cane Nets. ae LARGE ASSORTMENT OF BRITISH AND ‘FOREIGN INSECTS KEPT IN STOCK. a CABINETS of aed waco in seo and ou Order, RBs: ii : 2 ; Heturatists, . in a aah pari be ae | ap Ri "(Late o a NEW Diocrpreneewemnds . | Oa ae ace IW. MARSDEN, a mt sea ee ae ! soi : at THE ENTOMOLOGIST = Vou. XXIX.] AUG UST, 1696: [No. 399. MELITHA CINXIA, ABERRATIONS. AurHoucH M. cinxia is subject to considerable variation in the pattern of the under surface, which seldom agrees exactly in any two specimens, such striking forms as those represented in the above figures are of very exceptional occurrence. Fig. 1 is a remarkably beautiful female: the upper surface of the primaries has all but lost the usual transverse bands crossing the apical half, while the basal half is heavily clouded ; the secondaries are rich fuscous, showing only the submarginal fulvous rings and two small fulvous spots in the discal cell; the under surface of the secondaries has all the usual black mark- ings so greatly intensified that many of the normally light basal markings are entirely obliterated, giving the specimen a very rich appearance ; crossing the primaries are series of elongated marks. Fig. 2, a male, is almost normal on the upper surface, but the pattern of the under surface of the secondaries is very aberrant, the fulvous basal area being almost devoid of markings, the median light band is heavily blotched with black, and the fulvous band strongly outlined with black. Out of some hundreds of specimens I have bred I obtained a somewhat ENTOM.—AauGustT, 1896. S 226 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. similar male, having the median light band heavily marked with broad black blotches. Both specimens figured above were captured at Ventnor some years ago, and are now in the rich collection of Mr. A. B. Farn, to whom I am indebted for the loan of them for figuring. EF, W. Fronawk. July, 1896. AMONG rue SPRING BUTTERFLIES 1weotrue ARDENNES. By W. Harcourt-Batu. Last May I took a flying trip to the Forest of Ardennes in the Belgian provinces of Namur and Luxemburg. Leaving London. on Saturday morning, May 28rd, I arrived the same night at Brussels, where I had to break my journey. The next day, however, at about 2 p.m., found me at my first destination, the picturesque and romantic little town of Dinant-sur-Meuse. Being cold and dull when I arrived, I determined to postpone entomo- logical operations until the following day. The whole of Monday I spent in traversing the high, breezy uplands called the ‘“Famenne’’—a distance of twenty miles—to Rochefort, from whence in the evening I took train to Poix, situated in the sheltered valley of the Lomme. The next four days were occupied in exploring the Valley of Poix as far as St. Hubert, and the thickly-wooded country around Grupont. The weather was tolerably favourable for day work, to which I confined myself. The nights and early mornings were exceedingly chilly, but the days were fine, although there was upon the whole perhaps more cloud than sunshine. I found vegetation rather backward, which can be readily understood when I remark that the mean average elevation above the sea-level of the region under consideration is between 1000 and 1500 feet. At St. Hubert (which the Baron de Selys informs me is a good locality for the Lycenide) the oaks were only just in bud, while the hawthorn was not yet in blossom; and in all the higher meadows the wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudo-narcissus) was still in full flower, although it had disappeared from sight in the midland counties of England for at least five or six weeks. As a consequence, I did not find butterflies plentiful, except in the most sheltered situations at the lower elevations. If I had postponed my visit . until a week or a fortnight later, I should have procured a longer series of many species which were only just commencing to make their appearance. Orthoptera were well in evidence, the field- cricket (Acheta campestris) occurring in great numbers in many localities, in addition to several species of field-grasshoppers in the imago state, although so early in the season. AMONG THE SPRING BUTTERFLIES IN THE ARDENNES. pays The woods in the district visited are mostly composed of beech and oak, the former tree being at its best, and looking beautiful indeed, with its cheerful, light green foliage. There _ are also numerous coppices of birch and hazel, in addition to artificial plantations of spruce-fir and other conifers. The under- growth consists chiefly of. hazel and bilberry, the latter being found principally in the beech woods. Sloe was seen plentifully in several localities, being frequently adorned with nests of the lackey-moth (Bombyx neustria). The hill-sides around Grupont presented a gorgeous appearance with the golden flowers of the broom, which was in full bloom, and entirely takes the place of the gorse in our own country, the latter shrub being unable to withstand the cold winter climate of the Ardennes. Heather of several species clothed the more sandy uplands and waste places. The principal products of agriculture appear to be corn of different kinds, sainfoin, and Dutch clover. Apple trees were the fruit trees mostly in evidence in the orchards. In all the lower situations, beautiful, rich natural meadows abound, wherein flourished a great profusion of flowers, affording good collecting- erounds for the entomologist. These meadows are irrigated in a similar way to what they are in the Alps, namely, by means of trenches, along which the water of streams is carried from higher levels and made to overflow. For the edification of those who may be fond of bigger game than butterflies, I will mention that wild boars are exceedingly numerous in the forest, and commit great depredations upon farms in the vicinity. Wolves are still found, although in gradually decreasing numbers each year. Of bears I could not obtain any information; but they probably still linger in some of the more unfrequented parts of this wild domain, as they were certainly known to do thirty years ago. IT will now supply a summary of the number of species of butterflies which I obtained each day, with particulars of the weather experienced :— May 24th, 3species. Very dull and cold. 3. woth, 24 _ Fine most of the day, with a very cold wind. oe aotn,, 21 * Fine, with a cold wind. i arte, 21 as Fine in the morning, cloudy in the after- noon; a heavy thunderstorm occurred during the night. Beacon, 22 ,, Dull all day to 4 p.m. » 29th, 28 56 Dull all morning, fine in the afternoon. I may here say, for the sake of comparison, that the largest number of butterflies which I have met with on the wing in the month of May in the South of England is twenty. The number of species of butterflies which I encountered in the Ardennes during my brief visit was thirty-four, of which s 2 228 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. thirty-three were seen on the wing, one being in the larva state only. The following is a list of the species encountered, with localities, &&¢. :— | PaPILIONIDM (2 species). Papilio podalirius—Ten specimens, mostly in good con- dition; one of them, a female, being a magnificent large, rich-coloured example. Celles, Ciergnon, Grupont. P. machaon. —Three specimens, only one in good condition. Valley of Poix, Grupont. PIERIDH (6 species). Preris brassice.—Only just commencing to appear. P. rape. —Very plentiful. P. napi.—Very plentiful. Euchloé cardamines.—Abundant. Colias hyale-—Four specimens. Celles, Grupont. Gonepteryx rhamni.—Hybernated specimens ; very numerous. LycHNIDm (8 species). Chrysophanus dorilis.—Abundant. Ciergnon, Valley of Poix, St. Hubert, Grupont. C. phloas.—Several specimens. Thecla rubi.—Several specimens from different localities. Lycena astrarche.—Several specimens. Grupont. L. icarus. —Numerous. L. argiolus—Scarce. Celles, Grupont. The - pabulum, I think, must be sloe, as there is no holly whatever. LL. minima.—Several specimens in different localities. L. semt- argus.—Grupont. A small series. Erycrnipm (1 species). Nemeobius lucina.—Two specimens. Grupont. NyYMPHALIDH (9 species). Vanessa urtice.—Hybernated examples numerous; larve seen in all stages of growth on nettles. V. io.—Several hybernated examples seen. V. antiopa.—One hybernated speci- men at Poix. V. atalanta.—Three larve on nettles. Melitea cinxia.—Several specimens. Grupont. M. athalia. —Several specimens. Grupont, Celles, Ciergnon, St. Hubert. Argynnis selene.—Several specimens. Grupont. A. ewphro- syne.— Very plentiful. A. dia.—Two specimens. Valley of Poix, Grupont. | SaTYRIDM (5 species). Erebia medusa.—Several specimens. Celles, St. Hubert, Grupont. Pararge mera.—One specimen. Ciergnon. P. megera.— Abundant. P. egeria.—Several specimens. Ceenonympha pamphilus.—Plentiful. FUNGI PARASITIC ON BUTTERFLIES. 229 H&SPERIDm (3 species). Spilothyrus alcee.—Several specimens. Celles, Ciergnon, _. Valley of Poix, St. Hubert, Grupont. Syrichthus malve.—Very abundant. Ab. lavatere.—One specimen. St. Hubert. — . Nisoniades tages.—Very abundant. FUNGI PARASITIC ON BUTTERFLIES. By J. C. Ricxarp. In the July number of the ‘ Entomologist’ (ante, p. 215) are two paragraphs referring to a paper on the above subject (ante, p- 170). The first is by Dr. Sharp, who correctly states that he pointed out at the meeting at which the paper was read that the objects in question are known as androconia, &c. He also exhi- bited some numbers of a German magazine in which several of them are figured. The other paragraph is by Mr. 8. H. Scudder, who states that if I ‘‘ had ever studied the androconia of butter- flies, he would have at once understood why his supposed ‘fungi’ were confined to the male sex of the insects examined.” He then recommends me to examine Wonfor’s articles and illustrations bearing on this subject. I am obliged to Mr. Scudder for this reference. Neither of these gentlemen seems to have personally investi- gated the subject, both having referred me to the works of other entomologists. As their remarks throw considerable doubt on my statement as to the fungoid nature of these organisms, I would like to give some reasons for so regarding them. On the present occasion I will confine my remarks to the parasites of the Pierids mentioned in my paper, as of these { can speak with more confidence than I could of those found on Satyrids and Lycenids. I assert without the least hesitation that all the figures of the so-called androconia of the Pierids that I have seen or heard of represent them upside down. To prove this, stain the wing of Pieris brassice and transfer the scales (and fungi), while still wet, to a slip of glass. If these are microscopically examined through the glass slip, it will be seen that the apex or free extremity of the fungus is that part which has hitherto been regarded as the basal portion. I believe this error has mainly arisen from the fact that the scales and fungi point in opposite directions: if the fingers of one hand are locked in those of the other, the one set of fingers will represent the scales, and the other set the fungi. If these objects are modified hairs or scales, there is every reason to believe that their surfaces would exhibit striations. Of 230 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. these there are no signs; the only things at all resembling strie are the wrinkles seen on the peridium of the fungus of P. rape and P.napi; moreover the stem separates from the peridium at a certain definite spot, where there exists a sort of “hilum.” If the fungi were connected with the butterfly’s wing by these bulb-like bodies, a large proportion of them would fall off, and the butterfly would lose whatever benefit these so-called androconia afforded, the bulbs remaining attached to the wings as useless incumbrances. On the other hand, assuming these bulbs to be sporocarps of a fungus, what more natural than that they should fall off after they had completed their work of maturing and shedding their spores ? Again, if these organisms are only modified hairs or scales, they would be formed of chitinous material. The fungus of - P. brassice generally has the stem bent to a considerable angle with the body (peridium), but on adding a drop of water the stem straightens out. I submit that if the material was chitine it would not exhibit this sensitiveness to moisture. But this 1s not all; the sporocarps from dry examples of P. rape and P. napr have a “withered” appearance, the addition of a little water causes them to swell, the wrinkles disappear, and the black spot — so conspicuous on the apex of the fungus of P. agathina (p. 171) makes its appearance. I repeat that the withering and sub- sequent ‘‘plumping” out on the addition of water indicates a vegetable and not a chitinous substance. But if up to this point I had felt any doubt as to their character, all doubts would have been entirely dispelled on seeing the wonderful parasite of Pieris agathina (see p. 171). Here, again, the sensitiveness to moisture is noticeable. When they are first removed from the wing about one-fourth the length of the basal portion is bent so as to form an obtuse angle with the axis of the body, giving the fungus an unsymme- trical appearance; but after keeping them between glass slips for a day or two, the dampness of the room causes them to straighten out and assume a perfectly symmetrical form. It was the observation of this fact that induced me to add the note on p. 171 relative to the probable origin of the square form of this fungus. A comparison of the “glassy” sporocarp of this fungus with that of the fungus of P. rape (after damping the latter) will convince anyone of their identity of form and function ; and as the parasites of all the Pierids mentioned are closely allied, the demonstration of the apex of one form settles it for all the others. It should be borne in mind that what we see on the butterfly’s wing is merely the fructification of a plant whose vegetative organs (mycelium, &c.) are enclosed within its substance. I may also state that the spores of the brassice fungus germinate freely between slips of glass. The circumstance of their occurring only on male butterflies UNIFORMITY IN PINNING LEPIDOPTERA. ity aL is a singular fact; but I think parallel cases, perhaps equally inexplicable, could be found as pathological occurrences. It is obvious that if these objects are really fungi, there is no reason why they should not function as scent-producers—which I believe is the office assigned to androconia in general—and in this manner render a service to their host, and supply an addi- tional reason for the belief in that particular form of parasitism known as symbiosis. Will Mr. Scudder (or some other American entomologist) kindly inform us whether the ‘‘fungi” or ‘‘androconia” of the yellow variety of Pieris rape are in any way modified as compared with those of the ordinary white form ? 3, Halifax Road, Cambridge. UNIFORMITY IN PINNING LEPIDOPTERA. By N. F. Searancxe, L.R.C.P. In the recent correspondence on setting and preserving moths (Hntom. xxviii. 8303, 332; and xxix. 88, 125), I have been dis- appointed at seeing two points which deserve more serious consideration only mentioned casually, ¢.e. the necessity of having a standard of height of setting, and a way to procure absolute evenness of height. Too much is left to guess-work and individual fancy on these two points. _Every collector whose series are filled up from different sources must, after a time, come to regard his collection with a feeling akin to dissatisfaction. Each individual moth may be without reproach as regards setting, &c., but the tout ensemble leaves much to be desired, owing to the various heights of setting fancied by different collectors. Some have the wings touching the paper of the drawer, some are half-way up, and others right up at the top of the pin, giving the whole a ragged and untidy appearance. The text-books are not very clear on the subject ; and as some collectors will prefer one style and some another, if much exchanging is done the above unsatisfactory state of affairs is bound to happen sooner or later. Discrepancy in height cannot always be overcome by bringing the higher ones down to the level of the lower; nor is the necessary force required to stick them deeply in the cork unattended with risk to pin and moth. Could not some leading entomologist lay down a standard of height at which the various-sized insects ought to be set, either in parts of an inch or in millimetres? It is no use saying, “Stick the pin through the moth till there is as much under- neath as above,”’ as all collectors do not use the same sized pins o82 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. for the same insects. The advice, too, to pin them so that when set and pinned in the drawer the wings should just clear the bottom, leaves too much to guess-work, and often results in leaving too much or too little pin underneath. To procure absolute evenness in pinning, I have made a “contrivance,” which I hope will be found of use. At any rate, it has the merit of being simple, and easily made by any collector in about an hour, as it only requires the simplest mechanical skill for its construction. It consists of a series of six little ‘“‘rests’’ (for want of a better term) of six different heights. These are made from strips of tin varying in width from 2 inch for the highest ‘‘ rest” to + inch for the lowest. These strips are bent into the shape something like the letter M. With a fine taper-point punch, a hole is punched through the middle of the central part, and two more through each of the flanges, the latter being to tack the ‘‘rest’’ on to a wooden stand; the central hole is easiest made before bending the strip into the desired shape. The heights of the “rests” (which correspond to the length of pin which will be underneath the moth when pinned) I have made as follows :—i, 3, 5, 4, 4, and 4 of an inch. This gives a good range of height, + inch being for the largest moths—atropos, &c.; 4 inch for the smallest Geometers —pugs, &c. The six ‘‘rests’” are tacked side by side on a wooden stand, 6 inches long by 13 half inch wide, and 4 an inch thick. The modus operandi is as follows :—Start to pin the moth in the usual way (how I wish a “‘ contrivance”’ could be made to get the pin in straight). When the pin appears underneath the body of the moth, place the latter on the ‘‘rest’’ appropriate to its size, and push the pin through the hole in the centre of the “rest,” till it is stopped by the stand underneath. In this way, no matter what sized pin is used, every moth of the same size must have, to a hair’s-breadth, the same length of pin under- neath. The difference in a drawerful of moths set in this manner and a drawerful made up with various settings from various sources, is very great; the perfect evenness and regu- larity of the former contrasting favourably with the ‘“‘ scratch- lot’’ appearance of the latter. If anyone who reads this, and wishing to make a “ pinner”’ for himself, cannot make out how the thing is made from the illus- A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. 233 tration and the foregoing description, which latter, I fear, rather lacks lucidity, I should be most happy, on hearing from him, to send one of the “rests” asa pattern. It is much more easily made than described. The best way to get the correct measure- ments is to mark them off with a rule on the tin strip before bending into required shape; with the pliers, bending can then be performed with exactness. Mitcheldean: May 11th, 1896. A CATALOGUE OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF IRELAND. By W. F. pe Vismes Kang, M.A., M.R.I.A., F.E.S. (Continued from p. 214.) ANARTA MYRTILLI, L.—Very common in all moors and bogs. The colour varies from a bright brownish red (not so brick-red as in some English specimens I have seen) to a dark reddish black. In the bright specimens the white strige, &c., are well marked, but in the dark forms (from Markree Castle, Sligo, Toberdaly, King’s Co., Belleisle on L. Erne, and Altadiawan, Co. Tyrone) they are partially and sometimes almost wholly obsolete, especially on the basal area (var. albirena, Haw.). H&LIACA TENEBRATA, Scop.—Rarely met with. Markree Castle (Miss Cooper); Killarney (B.), and Sneem, Co. Kerry (f). HeLIoTHIs scutosa, Scliff.— One specimen was taken Sept. 19th, 1878, by Mr. David C. Campbell, of Ballynagarde House, near Derry, and identified by me. It was netted flying to the flowers of ragweed on the shore of L. Swilly near Buncrana. In view of the doubts raised some time since as to the bond fide occurrence of this rare insect in England, which were, I think, satisfactorily met by confirmatory evidence of capture, this un- doubted record of a capture in Ireland is of the highest interest. Mr. Campbell and myself have subsequently visited the locality in vain for other specimens. HELIOTHIS PELTIGERA, Schif/.—I have met with a few speci- mens only, but it would not be safe to assume this as a criterion of scarcity, as very few southern localities have been tested, and those for the most part only during a hasty visit when yachting. Greystones, Co. Wicklow, one; Castlehaven and Crookhaven, Co. Cork, a few. HeLiIorHis armMicERA, Hb. — Howth (Holt); Glengariff, Co. Kerry (Meek). CHaRIcLeA UMBRA, Hufn.—Local and scarce. The specimens I have taken or examined are of the rich ruddy form. Birchall 234 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. records, ‘‘ Howth and Co. Galway,” where one has been taken since at Clonbrock (R. EH. D.) ; Greystones, Co. Wicklow, scarce ; near Kenmare, Co. Kerry, a few; Cappagh, Co. Waterford, one (Miss V.); Castle Bellingham, Co. Louth, one (Thornhill) ; Armagh; and Sligo, one (McC.). HWRAstTRIA Fascrana, L.—A constant species, but variable in the marking of the reniform, which is sometimes filled in with white, but sometimes scarcely indicated by an outline. Appa- rently confined to Kerry, where it is in profusion near Killarney, Glenflesk, above Kenmare, near Headford, and about Loughs Cloonee and Inchiquin, &c. BANKIA ARGENTULA, Hb.—This species, when fresh, presents no notable variation. The greenish colour is rather evanescent. Very abundant in spots among the Killarney bogs, as at Dinas and Garrymeen Bog, near Lord Brandon’s cottage, and the lower slopes of Mangerton. Widely spread through Kerry, in similar localities as the last, but in more restricted areas, though stray specimens are met with throughout the neighbouring dis- tricts. The Hon. R. E. Dillon has discovered it also in Galway, at Clonbrock, and Mount Bellew. HyYpDRELIA uncuLA, Clerck.—Locally distributed in many Irish counties, and not, as in the preceding two species, confined to the south and west. There is a slight variation in the breadth of the ‘“‘unca”’ mark ; and in fresh specimens a pretty rosy tinge suffuses the fore wings, but is unfortunately evanescent. Abun- dant at Killarney and Kenmare, and in the same Kerry localities as the preceding. Occurs in Westmeath locally, at Cromlyn (Mrs. B.), and Killynon (Miss R.); Newcastle fens, Co. Wick- low, not rare; Mount Talbot and Clonbrock (R. HL. D.), and near Galway (A.). Common near Castle Bellingham, Co. Louth, where Mr. Thornhill met with a second brood on Aug. Ist, 1894, which was notable for a very hot summer. PHYTOMETRA VIRIDARIA, Clerck. — Exhibits the usual wide range of colour variation in Ireland, where it is common and widely distributed. Kvouipia mi, Clerck.—Variable both in the pale design and in colour. The pale lines and spots are sometimes yellowish, but generally whitish, and the ground colour is sometimes very dark fuscous-grey. Very widely distributed, but somewhat local, and often numerous. Kuciip1a GLypuica, L.—Curiousl y enough, I have rarelymet with this generally common species in Ireland, except in Galway. It is locally abundant, but seems not generally distributed. I have no records from the north. In Galway it is pretty widely distributed, and probably will be found on the dry limestone ——- oo SILK-PRODUCING LEPIDOPTERA. 235 pastures of Clare. Near Clonbrock, and Castle Taylor, Merlin Park, &c¢., abundant. Also at Tullamore, King’s Co. ; at Crom- lyn, Co. Westmeath (Mrs. B.), and Clondalkin, Co. Dublin (Gr.). OpHiopES LuNaRIs, Schiff.—Noticed as follows in Birchall’s ‘Catalogue’:—‘‘ Two specimens captured at Killarney by the late P. Bouchard in 1864.” But in the ‘ Supplementary Cata- logue’ of 1873 he includes N. bicolora and this species in the list of errata. There is no doubt in my mind of the authenticity of Bouchard’s captures at Cromaglaun Glen. His character, according to the late Frederick Bond and other contemporaries, was above suspicion ; and the subsequent captures of the former species has dispelled all doubts as to its being indigenous in Kerry. The Irish climate being in no way unsuitable to the latter insect, I have no hesitation in reinstating the record in the Irish list, more especially as I have been shown a specimen of the same by Mr. Dillon, taken by Lord Clonbrock’s gamekeeper in his demesne in 1894. CaTocaLA FRAXINI, L.—One was captured at Kingstown in r by the Rev. Joseph Greene, and is still in his cabinet at lifton. : CatocaLta NupTA, L.—Curiously enough this handsome and conspicuous moth has only been recorded as occurring in Ireland as follows. ‘The late Dr. Robert Ball, sometime Curator of the Trinity College Natural History Museum, reported its capture by him to Mr. Birchall, but omitted to state the locality. Mr. Cuthbert, of Blackrock, also informs me that he saw a specimen on a tree at Blackhall, Co. Louth, a few years since, but refrained from taking it, as he only collected Coleoptera. There can be small possibility of an error of identification in the case of so large and conspicuous a moth. (To be continued.) SILK-PRODUCING LEPIDOPTERA. By Atrrep WaILLy. (Membre Lauréat de la Société Nationale d’Acclimatation de France). (Continued from p. 210.) ANTHERHA ROYLEI, Moore (Himalayan oak silkworm), a species closely allied to A. pernyt. The moths are of a lighter shade of colour than those of pernyi, and have a greenish tint. The principal difference between the two species is in the cocoon; that of roylet is white and covered by an irregular and hard envelope ; the cocoon of pernyi, on the contrary, is of a light brown or buff colour, and it has no envelope. Moths emerging 236. THE ENTOMOLOGIST. from cocoons imported from India hatch for the most part in May or June, and some in the beginning of July. Pernyi and roylei moths pair together as if they were one and the same species ; and it is the same with all closely allied species. The eggs are apparently identical, and so are the larve. The hatch- ing of the eggs takes place after the same lapse of time, and the duration of the rearing is the same. The crossing of the roylei with pernyt produces the remark- able and robust hybrid which I obtained in 1881, susceptible of reproduction and forming an intermediate type between the two parent species roylei and pernyi. A. roylet is found at Simla, Mussoori, Almorah, Darjeeling, and in Assam. With respect to the roylei-pernyt hybrid I obtained in 1881, notices will be found in my reports on silk-producers for 1881 and 1882, which appeared in the ‘Journal of the Society of Arts,’ London. Specimens of moths and cocoons were exhibited and submitted to the Council of the Society of Arts on June 20th, 1882, after which an article on the subject was inserted in the Journal on Sept. 8th, by the editor, who had come previously, on my invitation, to examine the worms growing on the small oak trees in my garden in July. I very much regret, however, to have to record the extinction of my hybrid, in consequence of very bad weather, the destruction of worms by sparrows, and other causes, three years or more after the species had been ob- tained by me; but it never showed any sign of degeneracy. The stock of hybrid cocoons which had been obtained was by far too small to ensure a successful and lasting reproduction of this new species. I shall now give the description of the hybrid by Mr. W. F. Kirby, as read by him at the meeting of the Entomological Society of London, on May 8rd, 1882 :— “ Notes on a hybrid between Antherea pernyi, Guér., and A. roylet, Moore.—M. Wailly, the well-known rearer of silkworm moths, has succeeded in obtaining hybrids between Antherea pernyt and A. roylei, and has requested me to describe one of the moths. A. pernyi is the well-known oak-feeding silkworm of North China, and A. voylei is a North Indian species, also an oak-feeder. Hence they are not species occurring in the same locality in a state of nature. M. Wailly states, in a paper lately published in the ‘Journal of the Society of Arts,’ that the male pernyi paired readily with the female roylci, and that the hybrid larve (which he describes) proved much more easy to rear than those of roylei, with which he had but little success. The hybrid before me expands just six inches across the wings, which 1s about the size of large female examples of the two parent species. It is of a greenish buff colour, nearly as in the female of roylei, but much clearer, and with a distinct tawny shade, especially within the common band; the body and base of the SILK-PRODUCING LEPIDOPTERA. 237 wings are also suffused with a distinct vinous shade more resembling pernyi then roylei ; the shape of the wings also agrees better with A. pernyi. On the other hand, the eyes resemble those of roylet, but are considerably larger, the pupil especially being as large as in pernyi, but the projection of the black outer rim, sO conspicuous in pernyi, is scarcely indicated. The other markings of the wings are well defined, and resemble those of A. roylei. On the under surface the insect agrees in colour and markings with typical roylei, but the basal band is less distinct and perhaps less waved, and the submarginal spots, dusted with white and pink, are larger and more distinct. Just inside there is a very faint dark stripe, more distinct on the right wing. In roylet this is still more indistinct, whereas in pernyi it is well marked, but closer to the spots. The antenne and body of the hybrid are more like A. pernyi than A. roylei. The cocoon is fully as large as that of roylei, but instead of there being a con- siderable space between the outer and inner cocoon, there is scarcely any interval between them. A. pernyi has a similar but much smaller cocoon, and hence it would appear that that of the hybrid would be of greater commercial value than either.— W. F. Kirsy.” The following letter and description I received on Dec. 18th, 1882, from Mr. F. Moore, Curator of the Bethnal Green Museum, and formerly of the India Museum :— ““ Dear Sir,—Enclosed is a description of the imagos of your hybrid roylei-pernyi, which I promised to send you. I was much interested on my visit to you in August, and was astonished to see with what facility the larve of the various silk-producers can be reared in the open air. Your larve of cecropia, luna, selene, roylei, and the hybrid roylei-pernyi, all appeared in a most healthy condition. They could not have been better had they been living in their native country. “Description of the hybrid, roylei-pernyt. —The imago, in point of coloration, is intermediate between the two species. Both sexes of the hybrid show the mealy olivaceous colour of the pure roylet, dominated by a tinge of the ochraceous colours of pernyi ; the ochraceous tinge, however, is brightest across the discal area of both wings within the transverse band, and more especially so in the female. The bands on both wings are more strongly developed than in roylei, and more so even than in pernyt ; the ocelli in both sexes are larger than in either roylei or perny?, the talcose central spot being much larger than in roylei, _ but about the same size as in pernyi. The ocellus on the hind wing differs from that of roylei, in having the upper curve some- what extended upwards, thus giving it a slightly lobate form, as in some female specimens of pernyi. Both sexes of the hybrid are comparatively larger than the general size of roylei, and are much larger than pernyi.—F. Moors.” 238 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. ANTHERMA MYLITTA (Attacus mylitta, Fabricius; Attacus paphia, Linné). This large and valuable silkworm, known also under the name of “ tussah”’ or “ tusser,” is spread all over India and Ceylon. It is cultivated in Bengal, Assam, &c. It has a very extensive range, and may very likely be found in Burmah, Siam, Cochin-China, the Malay Peninsula, and the islands of the Indian Ocean. The cocoons of the different races of Antherea mylitta vary considerably in size, the largest coming from the Himalayas and other northern parts of India. The moths also vary con- siderably in size and colour. The mylitta cocoon is perfect in shape; it is smooth and without any floss; it is suspended to a small branch of the tree or shrub on which the larva has fed, by a strong silken cord, forming a ring around it. In. Kurope this species has been bred on oak and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). In India it lives on many trees and shrubs; among others, on Terminalia tomentosa, Ziziphus jujuba, Lager- stremia indica, Ficus benjamina, Carissa enidia, &c.; it is also said to have been found on wild plum. The moths from cocoons imported from North India generally begin to emerge from the end of June, but itis in July and August that they emerge in numbers; they then continue to emerge till about the end of October. Moths will even emerge in the winter if the weather is mild. The cocoons may hybernate twice and even three times. In northern countries mylitta cannot be reared in the open air, owing to the formation of the cocoon, and the hatching of the larve taking place too late in the season. In Spain, where I introduced it in 1884, Mr. Segin, British Vice-Consul in Mahon, Minorca, succeeded in rearing, on oak trees in the open air, worms obtained from a pairing which had taken place on July 31st. The eggs hatched ten days after they were laid, and the larve began to spin on Sept. 29th. Worms from two other pairings which had taken place, one on Aug. 13th, the other on the 14th, all died in the middle of November, in consequence of a sudden and complete change of temperature, just at the moment they were going to spin. ANTHERHA ASSAMA (A. assamensis, Helfer). With the excep- tion of the Dehra Doon, where it lives on a tree bearing the name of ‘‘kirkee,” this species is only found in Assam, where, in the Assamese language, it is called ‘“‘muga,’’ which means ‘‘amber,” on account of the colour of the cocoon. A. assamensis is culti- vated in Assam on a large scale, and its silk is highly valued. In certain parts of Assam five generations are obtained. The sum (Machilus odoratissima) is the favourite food of this species ; reared on it the worm produces, it is said, the finest and best silk. In Lower Assam it is reared on the sualu (Tetranthera monopetala). The foliage of certain species of forest trees, such as dighlati (7. glauca), bamroti (Symplocos grandiflora), and SILK-PRODUCING LEPIDOPTERA. 239 patichanda (Cinnamonum obtusifolium), may also be used to feed the worms if the first two trees should be found wanting in the last stages. During four consecutive years I received during the winter or in the spring large quantities of A. assamensis cocoons, but they never arrived in good condition. In 1889 over 400 were sent to me, all the moths having emerged during the voyage or died in the cocoon. Some of the moths had, however, emerged only a few days before the arrival of the boxes containing the cocoons, and this shows that it would be possible to receive the cocoons before the emergence of the moths, if they were sent in small boxes by sample post, going overland like the letters, instead of being sent by parcel post, which takes a fortnight longer. To obviate this rapid emergence of the moths, my correspon- dent in Assam placed in the boxes assamensis larvee which were just beginning to spin, thinking that by so doing about a week would be saved. The experiment was a complete failure, but it taught this lesson, —that larve cannot live, or change into pup that will live, when they are travelling; the shakings expe- rienced by the larve when travelling prevent them from forming their cocoons properly, and also kill the larve or newly formed pupe. Therefore I only found dead larve or dead pup in the cocoons. ANTHERMA FRITHII, Moore.—This is probably only a variety of A. mylitta. It is found in some parts of India, in Cochin- China, &c., and, according to Captain Hutton, at Darjeeling. ANTHERHA PERROTTETI, Guérin Méneville. Another race or variety of A. mylitta, discovered at Pondicherry by Mr. Perrottet. ANTHERE®A HELFERI. Another species, the cocoon of which resembles that of A. mylitta (Antherea nebulosa, Hutton). ‘‘A remarkable species, common in Central India, the silk of which can be compared to that of A. mylitta.”,-—Capt. Hutton. Bompyx (Theophila) HuTroni, Westwood. ‘‘A bivoltine species, living in the mountains on the wild mulberry tree, at Simla, Mussoorie, and Almorah. B. huttoni is a robust species, pro- ducing a fine whitish cocoon. Although the huttont worm is too wild to be bred in captivity, it would be a useful species for rear- ing in the open air on the mulberry tree itself.” —Capt. Hutton. Bompyx (Theophila) BencauENsis, Hutton. A polyvoltine species, resembling B. huttoni, but living in Bengal on Arto- carpus locucha. ‘‘ This species is smaller than the preceding one.’—Capt. Hutton. Bompyx aFrinis. Discovered in 1869, at Chota Nagpore, by M. Kingi; it lives on Artocarpus locucha, but Capt. Hutton reared it with the greatest success on branche of Morus indica. (To be continued.) 240 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. NEW EXPERIMENTS ON THE SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. By Dr. Auaust WEIsMANN. (Translated from the German by W. E. Nicuorson, F.E.S.) (Concluded from p. 208.) Furnished with this better information, let us turn to the observation of some other cases, which, I believe, we must con- sider as adaptive seasonal dimorphism. Among these I reckon before all our Pieride, which are seasonally dimorphic, at least partially so. Pieris napi, the green-veined white, exhibits in its spring form the well-known broad blackish green powdering of the under side of the hind wings, which is obviously a protective colouring, and which, in fact, conceals the butterfly sitting asleep upon the leaves of plants just as well as the chequered green and white under side of the species of Anthocharis. But it is just this green protective colouring which is absent in the summer form, and the thought arises that the drier and less brilliantly green surroundings of the summer brood have made this alteration necessary. I well know that experienced entomologists, such as Seitz, have ex- pressed the opinion that our whites enjoy immunity from birds, and would not be eaten by them. But in the first place the very accurate observations of Poulton and others are opposed to this view; and then with a butterfly asleep it is not a question of enemies among the birds, but of lizards, frogs, toads, and other enemies, whose importance in reference to butterfly-life is only very imperfectly understood. But this inadequate insight into the biology of the insects is just as true of the spring form, and with this the protective significance of the under side cannot be doubted. It is therefore certainly explained by the enemies of the butterfly at rest, whether we know them or not, and whether they still form a danger to the species or only did so in earlier times; as an old acquisition is only slowly lost, if it becomes unimportant. Let us now see whether the results of the experiments agree with this view. Besides my old experiments there are those of Merrifield on Pieris napi, and my own, which are here published, on napi and its var. bryonie. Our results appear to be contradictory on one important point, since Merrifield believes he has found that the critical time for the determining influence of temperature is the last days of the pupal period, while it is obvious from my new Experiments I. and II. that the time immediately after pupation is the critical one. The majority of the pupe of the first experi- ment, which were subjected to the summer temperature at this SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 241 time, produced the summer form, although cold may have acted upon them towards the end of the pupal period. On the other hand, in the second experiment pup of the same brood pro- duced the winter form, when they were placed in the refrigerator immediately after pupation, and the result was not materially altered, if they were brought into the incubator three days before emergence. I believe, however, that the contradiction between Merrifield’s results and my own is only an apparent one, and that the reason is, that with P. napi adaptive and direct seasonal dimorphism are mixed. Theoretically this might be anticipated as not only possible, but probable. A species, which has adapted itself to the seasons of the year by a double protective colouring, can on this account be still directly alterable by heat or cold. And this appears to be the case with P. napi. Only the under side of the wing is really adaptive here, but differences between the winter and the summer form are also exhibited even on the upper side. The winter form possesses the black powdering of the bases of the wings, which is absent in the summer form ; the winter form also exhibits a fine black powdering of the veins of the wings towards the margin of the wings, a character which is most strongly pronounced in the var. bryonie. But while the winter form has the apex of the fore wings only a dull grey, the summer form has here a more sharply defined and larger brownish black colouring. A biological value can scarcely be attributed to these charac- ters, and when it is seen that they run parallel to the action of a higher or a lower temperature on the pupe, there is an inclination to regard them as the direct influence of the colour chemistry. Should this view be correct, we must expect that circum- stances might arise, which would result in a commingling of the characters of the winter form with those of the summer form ; for example, winter form below and more or less summer form above. This would have to occur, if, for example, cold was prevalent at pupation until the primary constituents of the winter form—so far as they are adaptive and depend on special primary constituents—are rendered active, but then if later on, shortly before emergence, a high temperature was prevalent, and so in- fluenced the chemistry of the formation of colour in the wing, that the upper side had the summer habit. It would be very simply explained in this way, how Merri- field came to assign the critical time to the end of the pupal period. He was right in so far as the character directly depen- dent upon temperature is actually first determined at this time, while the beginning of the pupal period gives the decision for the adaptive characters, which are contained in the germ-plasm as duplicated primary constituents. ENTOM.—aAvueusT, 1896. T 949 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. It must for the present still remain doubtful whether this is actually the case; one of my experiments of 1872 contradicts it, since in this experiment pups of the first brood of the year of P. napi, which were placed on ice for three months, shortly after pupation produced 60 butterflies with all the characters of the winter form both on the upper and under side, although they had been transferred to a forcing-house on Oct. 3rd, where, in fact, these 60 butterflies emerged up to Oct. 20th. One of Merrifield’s experiments, on the other hand, is in favour of my view. Pup of the same second brood of 1892 were, as in my experiment, iced from three to four months, and then, when placed in a temperature of 27° C., produced eleven butterflies, which, indeed, exhibited the adaptive green powdering of the under side in the highest degree, but exhibited the charac- teristic features of the winter form less on the upper side, that is to say, those characters which, according to my view, might depend upon the direct influence of temperature. The contra- diction in the results of our experiments on both sides may perhaps be explained by the fact, that in my experiment the temperature of the greenhouse, in which I induced the pupe to emerge, might have been too low (no note was taken of it). If we disregard the possibility of the co-operation of direct alterations by temperature, Pieris napi behaves just like Vanessa prorsa-levana. In the open only the winter form is seen in the spring, only the summer form in the summer and autumn ; but this alternation of the form does not exactly cor- respond to the alternation of the brood, since generally in both broods a variable percentage does not develope forthwith (‘‘ subi- tan’’), but remains latent during the following period of flight, and first emerges in the second period following. So far as I know, it has not been ascertained by experiment how large this percentage is, nor within what limits it fluctuates; I see, how- ever, from a remark of Merrifield, that sometimes half of the first brood of the year do not emerge in the summer, but first emerge in the next spring, and in one of my old experiments with napi, in which all the individuals of a large brood of the summer generation did not emerge in the summer, but first emerged in the next spring, it has been quite rightly interpreted by Merrifield as a ‘‘congenital tendency”’ to hereditary hyberna- tion. It happens from this, that, under circumstances, an entire brood can remain latent the following period of flight. Influenced by the thought that the direction of the development is largely determined by external influences, I had then sought for such an influence as the cause of the phenomenon, and I believed that I could find no other for this, as I believed, quite exceptional be- haviour, than the mechanical shaking, to which the pup were subjected during a seven hours’ railway journey. In the mean- time Merrifield, not, indeed, with napi, but with other double- 7. % SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 248 brooded butterflies, occasionally saw the whole brood remain latent without any special influences ; so it must here also be the _ result of internal causes. We shall therefore have to assume here, as with Vanessa prorsa, that it is not external influences alone, which decide which primary constituent is to become active, but that with a part of each brood from unknown internal causes a tendency to the activity of, it may be, the summer form, or, it may be, of the winter form, may be present from the beginning. But this tendency to the summer form is always connected with the tendency to immediate (subitaner)* develop- ment, the tendency to the winter form with delayed (latenter) development, a. e. if a pupa of the summer brood from wild speci- mens does not develop immediately, but hybernates, then it always produces the winter form, although it is kept in warmth during the whole winter. On the other hand, all pupez of the second brood, in case they emerge the same autumn, produce instead the summer form; Vanessa prorsa, at least, behaves in this way. I have no experience with Pieris napi in reference to this point, and Merrifield’s experimentstf on it are not conclusive, as he placed only ten pupe of the second breod immediately in a high temperature (82° C.), none of which happened to be forced, but all hybernated. Now there might be an inclination at last to admit, that temperature had no influence in the determination of the form of the imago, and that all specimens of any brood, which assume the winter form, do so from an innate disposition ; and the same with those which assume the summer form. But such a view would be refuted by the experiments. Rather the specimens of the summer brood, which are ready for immediate emergence, and at the same time for the activity of the summer form, can have their intentions altered by cold, and be induced to assume the winter form, although they do not hybernate, but emerge, as soon as they are taken from the ice into a warm temperature. They retain, therefore, their habit of immediate emergence, although they have been altered to the winter form. This is obvious, for example, from my Experiment 14 of 1872, in which the iced first brood, when placed in a forcing-house after three months, produced 60 butterflies of the winter form, while 34 did not emerge, but hybernated and produced the winter form in the next spring. Most of the 60 which developed immediately would in all probability have emerged under normal conditions in June * This expression, which I first used in reference to the Daphnide, I faye made bold to use here also, as the process is the same as there, only that there it is a question of the immediate (subitaner) or delayed (latent) de- velopment of eggs, but here of pupe. Cf. Weismann, ‘ Beitrige zur Natur- geschichte der Daphniden,’ Leipzig, 1876-1879. + ‘‘ Experiments on Temperature-Variation in Lepidoptera, Ent. Soc. Lond. 1894, Part I., April. 9? in Proce. yr 2, 244 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. as the summer form; the 34 which hybernated may, on the other hand, have been predisposed to delayed development (Latenz), and to the winter form. Thus also a varying percentage of the second brood of the year may be induced by heat to assume the summer form, and to develop immediately ; some will emerge in this form, even at the usual intermediate autumn temperature, but the greater number will incline to latency and to the winter form from the beginning in so strong a way, that they are no longer to be altered from it; but more accurate proof is still wanted on this point. In my work of 1874, on seasonal dimorphism, I believed that I could decide, from the metabolism of a species in its different broods, which of the seasonal forms was the older and which the younger. From the observation, which is generally correct, that the brood of the summer generation in its principal part cannot be diverted from the levana-form by temperature, I then con- cluded, that this is the primary and that prorsa is the secondary form, since I regarded the artificial alteration as reversion to the parent form. Such, so I thought, could arise only with the younger and not with the older form. On the same ground, with Pieris napi, I considered the winter form the older. Although I still have the same view as to the relative age of these forms, yet I should now no longer rely on this conclusion, as, quite apart from the fact that with V. levana some specimens of the third brood emerge as the prorsa-form eveu in the late autumn, with a more mature insight into the processes of heredity, I cannot to-day any longer generally employ the conception of reversion in reference to seasonal dimorphism, as was explained above. Not*that I consider it exactly incorrect to speak of reversion here, as a phyletically older form actually arises in this case; but it seems to me more convenient and more suitable for explaining the processes to limit the conception of reversion to those cases of recrudescence of an earlier living form, which do not follow in a regular cycle, that is to say, in a normal way. According to my proposition every reversion depends on the fact that a certain number of unaltered ancestral determinants are transmitted in the germ-plasm of a species, which under especially favourable circumstances (see ‘Keim- plasma,’ p. 892) occasionally become active, and can impress the resulting individual with ancestral characters. With adaptive seasonal dimorphism such an idea of ancestral ids in the germ- plasm is to be assumed, but not as a small vestige, rather in the same number as the modern ids of the other seasonal form. Its germ-plasm is conceived of as consisting of an equal number of winter ids and of summer ids, which usually alternate with each other in the course of ontogeny. This is not quite the same as the exceptional occurrence here and there of reversion to an SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 245 ancestral form on the concurrence of exceptionally favourable circumstances ; it is a normal change between two germ-determi- nants, one of which is without doubt the older. , The origin of this alternation is not difficult to explain. With Species, which, like V. levana and P. napi, were single-brooded during the glacial epoch, and were then subject to similar con- ditions of life as our present spring form, some of the ids of the germ-plasm, which in earlier times were homogeneous, have been gradually formed into summer ids, and at the same time the activity of these ids has been controlled by certain internal and external influences, which have resulted in the constant alterna- tion of the two forms. The point is, that each of the two adaptive forms should arise at the right time, but not at a time _and under external conditions, to which the protective colouring is not adapted. The facts teach us that this happened in a two- fold way: First, from the fact that the two kinds of ids are so arranged, that they alternately promote the ontogeny; in the first brood therefore the winter ids would be active, in the second brood the summer ids, in the third brood the winter ids again, &c. And secondly, from the fact that the activity of that kind of id, which is disposed to be active, can be hindered by certain external influences, heat or cold, and at the same time the oppo- site kind of ids can be induced to become active. It comes to this, that the internal disposition to activity, of whose nature we can obviously divine nothing, is not always connected with an alternation of the two kinds of ids, but that in a varying per- centage of individuals of any brood the same ids are also disposed to be active in the following brood. But in this case, as a rule at least, the determination of the winter id is connected with the tendency to latency (hybernation), the determination of the summer id with the tendency to immediate development. In this way the coincidence of both adaptive forms with the ‘conditions of life appertaining to each seems to be best assured. Generally only two broods fly with us, and for this therefore the regular alternation of the two forms from internal causes is sufficient. Now it still remains to meet the possibility that by very unfavourable influences (bad weather, preponderance of enemies), such as constantly recur from time to time, though, indeed, but rarely, the permanence of the species in a certain area might be destroyed ; and this happens here, as with many other species, from the fact that a percentage, varying in each brood, carries with it the predisposition to delayed development. But in the normal way this is connected with the disposition to activity on the part of the winter ids, since otherwise the summer adaptation might arise in the spring. In each brood, however, there are also individuals whose summer ids are disposed to be active, but these generally possess also the predisposition to immediate development; this applies to all specimens, which 246 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. assume the summer form at the ordinary temperature or even at an increased temperature, if they belong to the second or the third brood. | The fact that the summer ids may be induced to become active by a high temperature renders it possible for a numerous second brood of the summer form to occur in a very hot summer, as this, according to my old experiment already referred to, must be the case with V. prorsa, it probably is also the case with P. napt. But, on the other hand, the fact that the winter ids may be induced to become active by cold. provides the possibility that, if cold sets in early in the autumn, the third brood of the year should mostly hybernate, and then produce the spring form in the spring. In spite of all these precautionary rules every specimen of a brood does not agree with the time of year, but the exceptions are rare; I do not know any case where a prorsa has been found in the woods in the spring or a levana in the summer; still intermediate forms (porima) occur in the summer, and I have already sought to explain them above. With Pieris napi a winter form or an intermediate form appears to have formerly occurred in the summer, but the differences here of the two forms are not so great or so sharp. Theoretically the mixed forms can be easily understood from our standpoint: they depend on the fact that both determinants become active at the same time, and that consequently each of them seeks to take part in the colouring of the wings, so that sometimes the one and sometimes the other may preponderate. The same process arises, which according to my proposition takes place on the intermixing of the parents’ characteristics in the child,* whereby, indeed, the one parent can make itself felt almost alone, and the other be entirely left out, but all con- ceivable combinations and intermixings of the characteristics of the parents can arise. In this case we know for certain that two separate predispositions come together on fertilization, and that consequently they are both together in the egg which is developing, while with adaptive seasonal dimorphism we only infer this from the phenomena of the change of garb. If I now deny the correctness of my earlier conclusion as to the relative age of the alternating seasonal forms, I do not do so with non-cyclic species, as Pieris napi var. bryonia. Ii it is true, as it appears to be from my earlier experiments, that bryonié cannot be induced by heat to assume the napi-form, the conclusion would be probable, though not necessary, that bryone is the parent form of napi. Now this is not a case of actual reversion, i.e. of that sort which occurs exceptionally, which could * Vid. in ‘‘Germ-plasm” the section on ‘‘ The Struggle of the Ids in Onto- geny”’ (p. 260, Eng. trans.). SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 9AT only happen if the white form had existed before the dark one, and if ‘‘white” ids, therefore, were usually still latent in the -germ-plasm of bryonie. As, however, in the new experiments with bryoni@é here described there were isolated white specimens, a final decision must be suspended until further experiments have been made, as is stated above in the ‘‘results” of the experiments. Seitz is inclined to regard the napi-form as the primary one, since most of the species of Pieris are white; but it might be argued against this that the dark bryonie occurs in widely removed regions of the earth,—in the Alps, the Jura, and the Polar Regions,—a range which points to a common circum- polar origin and subsequent separation after the close of the glacial epoch. Against this argument, indeed, the view might be held, that the black of the female bryoni@ is an adaptation to a cold climate, in the sense of Lord Walsingham, which had been formed by selection independently in the Alps and in the far north. We do not get much further with the decision of the - particular question, but perhaps from its profitable discussion we see afresh, how little we know of the biology of insects, and how difficult it is to obtain a true solution of particular questions. Now if, as I think is unavoidable, direct seasonal dimorphism is distinguished from adaptive, the question is, which of the known cases belongs to the one, and which to the other category. But in order to decide this, more accurate researches especially directed to this point are necessary, as they are not yet available. In cases in which double marking and colouring occur, which are evidently protective, as in the tropical Satyride bred by de Nicé- ville and Junonia almana-asterie described by Seitz as seasonally dimorphic, seasonal dimorphism can with greater safety be referred in anticipation to the processes of selection. Appa- rently Grapta interrogationis also, with its two seasonal forms var. fabrictt and var. umbrosa, investigated by W. H. Edwards, is to be referred to double protective adaptation, since in this case the protective under side exhibits great differences. But, on the one hand, considerable differences are present on the upper side; and on the other, it is yet to be proved in what way the protective under side of the summer form is a better pro- tection during the summer time, than the under side of the autumn and spring forms, and vice versd. The under side of the species of Grapta is always to a high degree protective, but it is very different in the different species, and with many of them also appears to alter according to the time of year. I often thought that I had found a seasonal dimorphism of the under side in our Grapta c-album, but the matter has not been followed up sufficiently closely to enable us to exclude other explanations of the variability observed, especially individual and local diffe- rences. I consider it, however, very possible that an adaptive seasonal dimorphism of the under side will yet be found. A, Seitz 248 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. has already pointed to G. c-aureum from Japan as an example of this. According to Edwards, in G. interrogationis the summer brood in Virginia has a muddy yellow under side with a compli- cated pattern of marking, but the autumn and spring butterflies have the brownish red of a dry leaf, and as a principal marking the bent midrib of a leaf. So it may be supposed that with our Pieride with protective under sides, so far as they possess a seasonal dimorphism, they owe it to the adaptation to the finely pinnate leaves, especially to the foliage of various plants (Crucifere, Umbelliferse) on which the butterfly is wont to rest. It would be interesting to observe one of these species, e.g. Anthocharis belia-ansonia, in its habits of life, in order to unravel the question, whether a greater simi- larity to the resting plant of each season does not produce the variations in the green and white pattern of the under side, which are not altogether insignificant. Such cases would only be explained by a double process of selection, which in the first brood rejects those specimens which during the summer guarantee less protection to the resting butterfly ; and in the second, those which guarantee less pro- tection in the autumn or spring. This process of selection must always have been double; moreover, if a single-brooded species, which already possesses adaptive colouring, is induced by a warmer climate to interpolate a second brood, then in this case the necessity of the adaptation of the second brood of butterflies to the altered environment of the later summer will first, indeed, have chosen out only the individuals of this second brood itself, but very soon the hereditary transmission of the newly assumed characters of the second brood will have made itself felt on the first brood, and rendered necessary a rejection of the individuals possessing them. A double adaptation can only be realised and retained by continual sifting of both broods, and, as it appears to me at least, this has only become possible under the further hypothesis that several ids* (anlagen) of the wings and of the whole insect are contained in the germ-plasm of each individual, from which some can be reared in this direction, and others in that, while at the same time they are adapted to different excitants which give them scope for action,—heat, cold, &c. In cases of pronounced double adaptation of a protective nature, we may safely infer such an origin of seasonal dimor- phism ; but with butterflies seasonal dimorphism is not confined to the under side, but accompanying these differences, which are certainly protective, there are also some on the upper side.. With Vanessa levana-prorsa this is the other way about, 7.e. the upper side is more strongly variable than the protective under side. On the latter there is in levana a large washed-out lilac spot, * Of. note on p. 205, where ‘anlagen’ is used as synonymous with ‘ deter- minant.’—Translator. — —_— SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. QAO which is either entirely absent in prorsa, or at least is slightly indicated on the hind wings only; on the other hand, ‘prorsa exhibits the white band below, which is covered with yellowish and brownish tones in levana. V. levana, therefore, at any rate while at rest, is well adapted to the numerous dry leaves of the spring wood ; I do not know, however, whether they rest on the eround. V. prorsa, indeed, spends the night on plants— brambles, danewort (Sambucus ebulus), and the like—and is well protected by this very white band, which is also visible when it is at rest, in the neighbourhood of white flowers. Although the upper side of most butterflies has no sympathetic colouring, still I will in no way dispute that such may occur in quite a general sense, and even the levana-form may to some extent be protected in flight by its agreement in colour with the yellowish-brown dry leaves of the spring wood. But generally protective colouring of the upper side will arise as mimicry. Although I have considered prorsa under this point of view, I should still expect that cases of mimicry would be rarely con- nected with seasonal dimorphism. It is not, indeed, impossible, but improbable, that any tropical species has mimicked one of the protected species for the rainy season, and another protected form for the dry season. It is the case that a species requiring protection has adapted itself to a different protected Danaid in Ceylon than in Malacca and in Java; examples are also known where the male resembles a different protected type from the female, but hitherto, at least, it has not been observed that periodic dimorphism occurs in a species with double mimicry. It is still more difficult to decide whether we have to do with pure direct seasonal dimorphism in any particular case. The experiments justify its assumption with Chrysophanus phleas ; and with Pararge egeria and Vanessa urtice the climatic varia- tions may well be regarded as the direct effects of the different temperatures; but it is difficult to decide whether, and, if so, how far, double adaptation takes part in this or—with climatic variations—sexual selection. When, for example, Merrifield* finds with a Geometer, Selenia illustraria, that low temperature applied to the pupe impresses the perfect insect with the dark winter form, and high temperature the bright summer form, this might be well regarded as the direct effect of temperature. But when one considers that the actual cause of the variability of both broods might possibly be an adaptation of the upper side of the moth to the different surfaces, on which it sits in the spring and in the summer, the possibility remains that processes of selection and not temperature have produced them. * Merrifield, ‘‘ Systematic Temperature Experiments on some Lepi- doptera in all their Stages,” in Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1890, p. 181. 250 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. But now Merrifield,* with another Geometer with a leaf-like cut to its wings, Hnnomos autumnaria, could in like manner pro- duce a darkening of the upper side of the ochreous moth by cold, although it has only one brood in England, and also in Germany. It looks as if this must still be the direct effect of cold; still we cannot maintain this without going further into the matter. It might be reversion to a more darkly coloured parent form. The remarkable alterations have already been above referred to in passing, which Dorfmeister, Merrifield, and Standfuss obtained in butterflies by the application of ice or of great heat to their pupe, and it was then noted, that Dr. Dixey considered the majority of these aberrations as reversions to earlier forms, and that for particular cases, at any rate, he has made this very probable. But this can scarcely apply to all, and some of these alterations of colour may well be regarded as the direct influence of temperature on the colour-chemistry of the wings. Now my experiments with the Neapolitan Chrysophanus phleas prove that such temperatures as create alterations slowly influence the germ-plasm also, and thereby enable the alteration to become hereditary; so these direct alterations of colour by the ciimate cannot well be entirely without significance, although they certainly have less significance for the metamorphism of the species of Lepidoptera, than I formerly ascribed to them before the recognition that a large part of seasonal dimorphism must depend upon selection. Perhaps the future will place us in the position of being able from the critical period of the effect of temperature to draw in- ferences as to the nature of the alteration. Should the view given by me above be confirmed, and the observations which at present stand opposed to it be explained in another way, we should be in such a position; but at present the facts are not yet sufficient for it. The very carefully carried out experiments of Merrifield above referred to do not yet afford any safe con- clusion on the question, whether the critical time for the coming into activity of one of the two double-determinants always lies in the beginning of the pupal period, and whether alterations of colour, which in the end proceed from the influences of tempera- ture, are always to be regarded as direct alterations of the colour- chemistry. With Selenia illustraria the pupe of the summer brood, which were iced immediately, produced winter form with dark colouring and marking; pupe of the same brood, which were iced for twelve weeks and then forced at 27° C., produced a much brighter moth with rather dark marking. Merrifield concludes from this, that the critical time for the ** Merrifield, ‘‘ Conspicuous Effects on the Markings and Colouring of Lepidoptera caused by Exposure of the Pupe to different Temperature-Con- ditions,” Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1891, p. 155. SEASONAL DIMORPHISM OF LEPIDOPTERA. 251 marking is the beginning of the pupal period, but for the ground colour the end of it. Now the ‘‘ marking” is only something separated from the “‘ground.colour”’ in our ideas; as a matter of - fact it is not here, as ina picture, where there is first the drawing and then the colour is laid on it; but what we call ‘‘marking”’ is only another stripe of colour of the one layer of coloured scales, which determines the colouring of the wing. ‘‘ Marking” therefore is genetically the same as ‘‘ colouring,” and biologically also, in so far as they work together for a sympathetic or striking colouring. I will not, however, deny that under certain circum- stances colourings may appear, which are actually of ditferent origin from the pattern of colour originated in the germ-plasm ; I see, for example, such a case in the black powdering of the southern form of Chrysophanus phlaas, the var. eleus ; but if the surface of the wings is sympathetically coloured, as is certainly the case with this Selenia, then the whole pattern of colour is already contained in the germ by natural selection, and makes up the biological value of the colouring. To which it may be added that with Selenia illustraria the marking of the sum- mer form is exactly the same as that of the winter form, only much fainter, and to some extent almost or entirely washed out; itis nothing quite new as with Vanessa prorsa, as opposed to levana. On this account the changes of colour observed by Merrifield would perhaps be more appropriately explained by the fact that the determinant of the winter form is set free by cold, but that the summer temperature following later on enables the summer determinant also to become active, and that the two determinants now work together and produce an intermediate form. But this would be a contradiction of my view that the beginning of the pupal period is actually the critical moment for the double determinants contained in the germ. ‘The questions here stated can only be answered by further experiments de- finitely directed to this point on as many species as possible. We may now at any rate go so far as to say, that the tem- perature before pupation has no influence on the colour and marking of the perfect insect. My experiments with phlwas already pointed to this, in so far as in this case the larve which hatched from Neapolitan eggs produced very different butterflies, although the pup only had been subjected to different tempera- tures, but the larve were all treated exactly alike. Merrifield has shown for Ennomos autumnaria, that the very different tem- peratures in which the larve may be reared are without influence on the colouring of the perfect insect. Therefore although, as we have recently learnt, the form of the wings of the imago is outlined very early in the larva,* yet the decision as to which of * Hi. Verson, ‘La formazione delle ali nella larva del Bombyx mori,’ Padova, 1890; and J. Gonin, ‘Recherches sur la métamorphose des Lépi- doptéres,’ Lausanne, 1894, 952, THE ENTOMOLOGIST. two wing-determinants of an adaptively seasonally dimorphic species shall become active, is, at the earliest, given at the begin- ning of the pupal period. NOTES ON THE SYNONYMY OF NOCTUID MOTHS. By Artruur G. Buruer, Ph.D., F.L.S., &e. (Continued from vol. xxviii. p. 276.) Triconia, Guen. = Cuaterna, Walk. Claterna, Walk., Cat. xv. p. 1548, is synonymous with this genus, the type being very closely allied to 7’. cydonia, Cram. ; it is significant of the value of the family characters recognized by Messrs. Guenée and Walker, that Trzgonia is placed in the Platydide, and Claterna in the Focillide. T'rigonia being pre- occupied in Mollusca (1791), Claterna will stand. The following genus probably belongs to the Thermesiide ; if, as I believe, I have rightly made out the affinities of the typical species, A. curvicosta. RENODES, Guen. Renodes sigillata. Thermesia sigillata, Walker, Lep. Het. xv. p. 1562, n. 4 (1858). T. credibilis, Walker, l. c., p. 1565, n. 8 (1858). Poaphila profecta, Walker, l. c., p. 1836 (1858). St. Domingo. Types in Coll. B. M. Erisparis, Walk. Neviasca and Pradiota, Walk. Walker described Episparis as a Trifid Noctuid of the family Orthosiide, Neviasca as a Deltoid of the family Platydiide, and Pradiota as a Geometrid of the family Macariide; and he described the same species in each of these widely separated families. Episparis varialis. Neviasca varialis, Walker, Lep. Het. xvi. p. 7, n. 1 (1858). Episparis signata, Walker, l.c., Suppl. 8, p. 10382 (1865). Pradiota sejunctata, Walker, l.c., 5, p. 1572 (1866). Episparis exprimens, Walker, Trans. Ent. Soc., 3rd ser., vol. 1. p- 106 (1862-3). India, Ceylon, Java, Borneo. Types in Coll. B. M. This is merely an oriental form of the African EL. penetrata ; the latter varies more, but probably is rather dimorphic than variable; the eastern type has the dark marginal crescent edged internally with white. NOTES ON THE SYNONYMY OF NOCTUID MOTHS. 253 AMPHIGONIA, Guen. Focruua (part) Guen. Amphigonia recurva. Focilla recurva, Walker, Lep. Het. xv. p. 1530, n. 5 (1858). F’. consurgens, Walker, J. c., p. 1581, n. 6 (1858). Espiritu Sancto, Western Coast of America, Venezuela. Types in Coll. B. M. Walker’s so-called variety of his F’. recurva is simply the male. The species is nearly allied to A. centurialis of Hubner (Gutr. figs. 295, 296). M. Guenée says of his genus Amphigonia that it is based upon three species, which he has not been able to examine at the same time. Probably, if he had, it would have struck him that several of his species of Focilla (placed in the preceding family Focillide) were congeneric with Amphigonia, and that there was no family distinction between the types of the two genera. EPHYRODES, Gruen. Tiviana, Leida and Maltana, Walker; Zethes and E’phyrodes (part), Walker. Eiphyrodes cacata. Ephyrodes cacata, Guenée, Noct. 8, p. 866, n. 1844 (1852). E. omicron, Guenée, l. c., n. 1845 (1852). Zethes quatiens, Walker, Lep. Het. xv. p. 15238, n. 2 (1858). Eiphyrodes umplens, Walker, l.c., p. 1588, n. 3 (1858). i. exprimens, Walker, l. c., p. 1589, n. 4 (1858). EF. jurgiosa, Walker, l.c., p. 1590, n. 5 (1858). EK. scitilinea, Walker, l. c., n. 6 (1858). E. comprimens, Walker, l.¢., p. 1591, n. 7 (1858). Iwwiana pallescens, Walker, 1. c., Suppl. 8, p. 1085 (1865). Leida pallida, Walker, l.c., p. 1086 (1865). Maltana thermisioides, Walker, l. c., 5, p. 1975 (1866). Para, Bahia, Venezuela, St. Domingo, Chiriqui. In Coll. B. M. GaLaPHA, Walk. Thyridospila, Walk. (not Guen.). That this is not M. Guenée’s genus is evident, for he says that, in Thyridospila, the thorax is narrow, the abdomen long and extending beyond the lower wings, flexuous at the extremity, terminated by a tuft of bifid hairs, which conceal two little smooth and recurved hooks (which remind one somewhat of those of the Forficule) ; the intermediate tibie cleft, and bearing a silky membrane covered with scales. The secondaries of the sole species are also said to have two angles. None of the above characters are found in the Thyridospila of Walker, one of the species of which genus appears to be Guenée’s Amphigonia isoa. 954 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. The genus Galapha will now contain Hypernaria sublineata, Walk., Galapha antecedens, Walk., Thyridospila rubricosa, Walk., Amphigonia isoa, Guen., = Thyridospila turbulenta, Walk., Thyri- dospila ustipennis, Walk., and Focilla intacta, Felder. Galapha antecedens. Galapha antecedens, Walker, Lep. Het. xv. p. 1544, n. 1 (1858). Focilla facunda, Felder, Reise der Nov. Lep. 4, pl. exviil. fig. 21. | Kea and Espiritu Sancto. Type in Coll. B. M. I strongly suspect that this is no more than a variety of G. sublineata, with which it closely agrees in pattern, though more brilliant in colouring; in the same way, in all probability, Foclla intacta of Felder will prove to be a dull form of F’. rubricosa, Walk. Galapha isoa. Amphigonia isoa, Guenée, Noct. 8, p. 388, n. 1804 (1852). Thyridospila turbulenta, Walker, Lep. Het. xv. p. 1527, n. 2 (1858). Focilla epulea, Felder (? Herrich-Schaffer), Reise der Nov. Lep. 4, pl. exviil. fig. 24. Villa Nova, Ega, and Tapajos (Bates). In Coll. B. M. The form of Herrich-Schiiffer’s figure differs from, and the markings of the secondaries especially do not correspond with, that of Felder. ) The following genera associated under his family Bendide by Guenée must be considered here, the genus Bendis itself being allied to Galapha :— Ironra, Hiibn. (not Guen.). Itonia lignaris. Itonia lignaris, Hubner, Exot. Schmett. Zuty. figs. 317, 318. I. opistographa, Walker (not Guenée), Lep. Het. xiv. p. 1838, ne (isb7)e Var. ? I. intrahens, Walker, l. c., xv. p. 1822 (1858). Venezuela, Honduras, and Sta. Martha. In Coll. B. M. PsEUDOBENDIS, N. gen. Itonia, Guenée (not Hiibn.). Structurally this genus is very close to Remigia, the woolly under surface of the wings and broadly-fringed legs being very similar; it differs however considerably in pattern (especially on the secondaries), the angulation of which and the ciliation of its antenne readily distinguish it. In every detail, excepting the woolly clothing of the wings, it still more nearly corresponds with Hulodes, next to which it should stand. NOTES ON THE SYNONYMY OF NOCTUID MOTHS. 955 Pseudobendis opistographa. Itonia opistographa, Guenée, Noct. 3, p. 212, n. 1614, pl. 23, fio. 4 (1852). I. multilinea, Walker, Lep. Het. xv. p. 1823 (1858). Honduras. In Coll. B..M. The true Jtonia, Hubn., in which the secondaries are not angulated (though obtusely subangulated), has naked legs, and no woolly clothing to the under surface of the wings. Brnpis, Hiibn. Bendis formularis. 3 Bendis formularis, Hubner, Exot. Schmett. Zutr. figs. 903, 904. 3,2 B. impar, Guenée, Noct. 8, p. 217, n. 1624 (1852). 2? B. poaphiloides, Walker (not Guenée), Lep. Het. xiv. p. 1341 (1857). 3 B. fusifascia, Walker, l.c., xv. p. 1823 (1858). 2 Hphyrodes postica, Walker, l.c., Suppl. 38, p. 1071 (1865). St. Domingo, Honduras, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Jamaica. In Coll. B. M. Felder has incorrectly figured a worn example of the female (Reise der Nov. Lep. 4, pl. cxix. fig. 16) as B. wrregularis. As M. Guenée points out, the latter has an oblique orange-margined blackish stripe through both anterior and posterior wings. Bendis wrregularis. Bendis irregularis, Hubner, Samml. Eur. Schmett. Noct. | fig. 361. Zethes umbrata, Walker, Lep. Het. Suppl. 3, p. 1024 (1865). ? In Coll. B. M. Bendis pelidnalis. @ Lesmone pelidnalis, Hubner, Exot. Schmett. Zutr. figs. #69) 170. 3 Bendis angina, Guenée, Noct. 3, p. 215, n. 1619 (1852). Ophiusa undulifera, Walker, Lep. Het. Suppl. 8, p. 970 (1865). 2 Thermesia iliiturata, Walker, l.¢., p. 1064 (1865). ? (Milne Coll.) In Coll. B. M. It is probable that our examples of the two preceding species were obtained from Surinam, but it is impossible to trace their origin. They are very old specimens, and may have formed part of Drury’s collection originally. Bendis poaphiloides of Guenée appears to me to be Walker’s Thermesia glaucescens, which is only a small form of his 7. suffusa = T. cinctifera. I have referred the species to the genus Argidia, but our examples are all females, and therefore it is possible that I may be wrong. In any case I do not believe the 256 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. species to be a Bendis, the unangulated wings and almost central character of the transverse stripe not being at all characteristic of this genus. Bendis pangonia of Guenée is, without question, identical with Walker’s Nawxia calorifica, the type of the genus Delgamma. The locality, ‘‘ Brazil?”, is of course incorrect, as it is an Indian species; but Guenée says:—‘‘Je ne suis pas bien str de la patrie de cet insecte, et il pourrait se faire aussi qu'il n’appartient pas a ce genre.”’ Bendis limonia is included by Herr Moeschler in his account of a collection received from Jamaica. The description of M. Guenée seems to point to a species of Orthogramma, allied to O. lurida:—“ Cuisses antérieures munies d’un faisceau de poils jaunatres et d’un autre faisceau d’un brun-noir luisant.” Cayenne is given as the locality; but M. Guenée says that he received two specimens from M. Feisthamel,—one marked with “Cayenne,” and the other “ India.”’ Bendis magdalia can hardly belong to the genus, the wings being entire, with the transverse band on the secondaries central. | B. ellops may be allied to B. pelidnalis, but I strongly suspect it to be an Orthogramma. Bendis hinna. Acolasia hinna, Hubner, Exot. Schmett. Zutr. figs. 971, 972. Bendis gurda, Guenée, Noct. 8, p. 216, n. 1623 (1852). Poaphila pulverosa, Walker, Lep. Het. Suppl. 3, p. 994 (1865). P. cinerea, Butler, P. Z. 8. 1878, p. 488, n. 101. Texas, Jamaica. In Coll. B. M. M. Guenée gives the Isle of St. Thomas as the locality of his B. gurda; and Walker was unable to give the locality of his Poaphila pulverosa, which was one of the old specimens from Milne’s collection. I have only seen females of B. hinna, which greatly resemble Poaphila, excepting that the primaries are sub- angulated. Near to it in the Museum collection I found Walker’s Poaphila perspicua (another species the locality of which was un- known); it is certainly Grote’s Phurys glans, which it will supersede. Bendis detrahens. Poaphila? detrahens, Walker, Lep. Het. xv. p. 1834 (1858). Trama arrosa, Harvey, Bull. Buff. Soc. 8, p. 13 (1875). KE. Florida, Texas, and Kansas. Types in Coll. B. M. This is such a typical-looking Bendis, that even if the name Trama were not preoccupied in Hemiptera there could be no object in adopting it. The genus Pleonectyptera appears to be a Thermesiid. P. geometralis, Grote, is = Poaphila irrecta, Walk.; and (speak- ing of Poaphila) Poaphila contacta and P. subordinata of Walker must be added to the synonymy of Panula inconstans, Guen. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 257 Poaphila? paucula, Walk., seems nearly allied to Pleonectyptera phalenalis, Grote, though a perfectly distinct species. The genus Milyus, Wlk., will supersede his Chabora; the typical species M. mixtura comes (not from Africa as stated by Walker) from Jamaica, and is the male of Azeta wneas; Azeta will take priority over both genera. Walker described a genus Corna, and placed it in the Poaphilide ; the type species C. inconspicua he subsequently described (p. 1089) as Hypernaria? tenebrosa. This genus belongs to the Trifide, and is nearly allied to Stellidia, Guenée, originally described as a genus of Geometrites, of the family Boletobide. Capnodes cinerea, Butler, from Japan, must be referred to Stellidia. (To be continued.) NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. Tue Licut Form or Vanessa c-atpumM.—I have just taken some more of the light form of this species in Shropshire. As no name appears to have been given this very distinctive seasonally dimorphic form of V. c-album,—which occurs as the type of the first generation upon the Continent, but only as an aberration of the same brood in this country,—I beg to propose the name lutescens for it.—W. Harcovurt-Batu; June 29th, 1896. Anoruer Use ror Napursatin.—When my insects revive after they are set, instead of dropping a little chloroform on them, which sometimes spoils the appearance of the specimen, I cover them with naphthalin, which soon kills and leaves no other trace behind. As the “emeralds” will not stand the vapour of ammonia, I stupify them in the cyanide-bottle sufficiently to set them, then cover them with naphthalin, and in a short time they are dead.—F. Hinton ; 184, Stamford Hill, N. KucHLOE CARDAMINES AT Rest.—On June 21st, near Esher, I came across a specimen of Huchloé cardamines at rest on the uncurling tip of a bracken frond, where it was well protected by resemblance, the mottled under surface of the hind wing harmonising wonderfully well with the green knobs of the unfolding fern covered with whitish down. One could almost fancy that this position was assumed after deliberate thought; but I suppose the fact is rather that the peculiar markings on the under surface of the hind wings harmonise with many plants whose foliage is finely divided, just as they do with the blossoms of some of the Umbellifere.—W. J. Lucas; Knight’s Park, Kingston- on- Thames. DRAGONFLIES CAUGHT By DrosEeRaA.—On June 27th, at the Black Pond, near Hisher, Surrey, I noticed several small dragonflies caught by the Drosera, which was in fine condition. On one plant of D. rotundifolia there were no fewer than four dragonflies, three living ENTOM.—aAvGusT, 1896. U 258 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. males of Enallayma cyathigerum, and one dead female, no doubt of the same species.—W. J. Lucas; Knight’s Park, Kingston-on-Thames. Nore on tHE Harty Sraces or tHe Larva or Porta cu1.—There is a curious point in the development of the larva of P. chi not mentioned in Newman or Stainton, neither does Mr. Arkle mention it in his note on the breeding of this species and its variety olivacea (Entom. xxix. 61), i.e. the larva, when newly hatched, has only the two posterior pairs of ventral claspers developed, the second pair being indicated by two small papille, only visible under a powerful lens; the anterior pair not visible at all. The young larva loops like a geometer. After the first moult, the second pair of claspers are more fully deve- loped, but are destitute of hooklets, and are not used in walking; the anterior pair only just visible. It is not till after the third moult that the second pair are fully developed and used in walking, the anterior pair not being developed till a moult later, and are, even then, smaller than the three other pairs, and, as often as not, are not used in walking, neither are they used in grasping the food-plant when the. larva is at rest. These observations were made on the larve from ova laid by a female var. olivacea.—N. F. Searancxe; Mitcheldean, June 16th, 1896. A Hymenoprerous Parasite.—About the middle of April this year, at Bidarray in the Lower Pyrenees, I found, under a stone near a river, a cocoon of a species of Lepidoptera unknown to me, of an inch long and half an inch in diameter; the pupa-case, a brown, hard, smooth, slightly curved cylinder, bearing no trace of segmentation or form of imago. I placed it in a tin box; on opening this on May 10th some five or six hymenopterous insects were found crawling about, some took flight, but a specimen or so were captured. On examination of the pupa-case it was observed that at either end was a small aperture gnawed; on opening the case the lepidopterous imago, withered and dry, was found to occupy a bare fourth of the space, the remainder being filled with a colony of twelve hexagonal cells, four in the centre, eight surrounding them, like a piece of honeycomb made of yellow silk. Sharp, in his work on ‘ Insects” (Cambridge Nat. Hist.), mentions a Brazilian sawfly which constructs its nest on the bee comb system, protecting the whole with a thick outer wall. In this instance the protective wall was built by the larva of a lepidopteron, whose larval parasites constructed within it, in accordance with the instincts of their order, pupa-cells of the form best suited to the economy of space in their cramped situation. A female imago of this hy- — menopteron measured three-eighths of an inch, the ovipositor adding another eighth of an inch. The head and thorax were black. Abdomen orange, darkening to black, and ending in a white spot just above the ovipositor. The first pair of legs was inserted far forward on the thorax, the other two pairs close together far back; the hind pair was the longest. The wings were four. A male specimen was coloured similarly, but measured an eighth of an inch less, and was more miniature in all his parts. Under the microscope the legs showed the divided trochanter of the sub-order Hymenoptera Parasitica, and the venation of the wings proved to be that of the family Ichneumonidae. The antenne long, reaching to tip of wings, black, with a bar of white eee ere NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 259 in the middle, consisting of thirty-three joints, more closely compacted nearer the extremities. Legs with divided trochanters, tibie furnished with a long hook, tarsi five-jointed, the last joint furnished with two hooks. Ovipositor length of abdomen, consisting of three pieces, the centre a smooth, hard, sharp-pointed borer, the outer sheath of two pieces softer and hairy. The whole insect was hairy. The position of the ovipositor in an incomplete female in one of the cells struck me as curious, being curled over and laid along the back of the ab- domen.—Rosze Hate THomas; The White House, Basildon, Reading, July 3rd, 1896. Larva or Dicranura VINULA AND Its Weapon oF Orrence.—On July 2nd I found three full-fed larve of Dicranura vinula, on a willow tree, which I took home with me. The next day, on my looking into their cage to see if their leaves wanted changing, one of the larve suddenly Squirted up a quantity of poisonous fluid with great force into my right eye. In the most intense agony I rushed off to the doctor, who pro- nounced the eye-ball to be in a dangerous condition, and said that the poison must have been of a most virulent nature. For some hours I could not see at all with the injured eye, and it was some days before it had recovered. At the time of this extraordinary occurrence my eye was quite two feet away from the caterpillar, thus showing the great force it must have used. I have bred hundreds of these larve before, and examined them closely in all their stages, but have never noticed this peculiarity before; though, of course, many kinds of larve slowly emit a greenish fluid when irritated. Can any of your readers tell me of similar instances of this extraordinary propelling force in any larve? Could the larva have shot from its mouth, or from the red filaments in its two tails? It certainly made a wonderfully good shot !—H. W. Suepuearp-Watwyn ; Glensyde, Bidborough, near ‘l'un- bridge Wells. [Lhe fluid which caused the unpleasant effect was formic acid, and it was ejected by the larva from an orifice placed on the under side of the segment immediately following the head. When at rest, the head itself 1s withdrawn into the first thoracic segment, and the opening referred to is then in position, and ready to discharge the irritating fluid. Possibly, however, the larva only uses this means of defence under exceptional circumstances.—Eb. | Tue tate Mr. J. A. Coorer’s Saue.——-Another collection, that of the late Mr. J. A. Cooper, of Leytonstone, has recently been broken up at Stevens’s, and considering the time of the year, and the fact that it contained few rarities or varieties, the total of £146 12s. 6d. realised may be considered satisfactory, notwithstanding the inclusion in that figure of two cabinets. Practically the only variety of any note was the fine var. of Polyommatus phleas figured in the ‘ Kntomologist’ for last June, which made £2 10s. Twenty-three specimens of Deilephila galit, all bred by Mr. Cooper from larve found by himself at Aldeburgh, Suffolk, in the well known galii year, fetched an average of about 4/6 each. A specimen of Sphina pinastri, well authenticated (but with no history in the catalogue), realised 32/6. Thirteen Nola centonalis went for £2 7s.; and a lot of Arctias, including a confluent var. of A. villica (once belonging to the writer), 28/-. ‘lhe cheapest lots in the sale 260 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. were probably two series of vars. of Arctia caia, the first including three with golden yellow hind wings, and a fine dusky specimen not specifically mentioned in the catalogue, realised 37/6; the second, a somewhat similar lot, but not quite so strongly marked, 21/-. Lelia cenosa went for 5/6 each. A lot of eight Acronycta striyosa, with four A. auricoma and others, 22/-. It was surprising to see a well-known dealer buying Pachnobia alpina at a shade over 3/6 each; whilst eleven specimens of Toxocampa cracce, with sixty-seven other insects, only fetched 6/- the lot. An asymmetrical male Angerona prunaria, with a long series of pretty but not particularly striking forms, fetched 45/—; and a fine dark Abrawas grossulariata 50/-. The two cabinets sold very well, a 40-drawer Gurney £27 6s., and a 36-drawer Brady £16 16s. I much regret to see the preliminary announcement of the dispersal next autumn of Mr. C. A. Briggs’s fine and well-known collection. It is not long since I had the pleasure of looking over it, and I think I may say without question that it will be the finest sale held since Howard Vaughan’s, a good many of whose specimens it contains.— Txos. Wu. Hatt; Stanhope, The Crescent, Croydon. CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. CoLLectING IN tHE New Forest.—I was staying at Lyndhurst from May 22nd to June Ist with Mr. A. D. Wilson, and below is a list of some of our captures during that time:— Rhopalocera were fairly scarce, Argynnis euphrosyne and Gonopteryx rhamni being far the commonest. Argynnis selene, Hesperia sylvanus, H. tages, Syrichthus alveolus, Lycena argiolus, Thecla rubi and Huchloé cardamines, were also on the wing: but we could not come across any Nemeobius lucina, although we went to Stubby Copse, and met entomologists who had taken some specimens the day before in splendid condition. ‘The moths taken during the day were:— Macroglossa fuciformis (flying over the rhododendrons at the Rhinefields), Scodonia belgiaria (on a heath near Lyndhurst we took over four dozen, the males and females being in equal proportions), Lithosia mesomella, L. aureola, Euthemonia russula, Tanagra cherophyllata, Euclidia mi, E. glyphica, Anarta myrtilli, Ephyra punctaria, E. trilinearia, Ventlia maculata, Anaitis plagiata, Tephrosia consonaria, T. crepuscularia, Melanthia ocellata, Odontopera bidentata, Cidaria comma-notata, Drepana falcula, D. un- guicula, Iodis lacteria, Corycia temerata, Ellopia fasciaria, Fidonia atomaria, F’. piniaria, Thera obeliscata, Larentia pectunitaria, Hylophila prasinana, and Phytometra @nea; while Ligdia adustata, Coremia pro- pugnata, Lithosia aureola, were taken at dusk. We sugared every night, but the results were not nearly as good as we expected. ‘The nights were very cold and misty, and this may have had something to do with the scarcity of moths at the sugar. We got however the following moths :— Moma orion (only one perfect specimen), Aplecta herbida, Grammesva trilinea, Thyatira batis (the commonest moth at sugar, and in very fine con- dition), Noctua festiva, Miana strigilis, Agrotis eaclamationis, Acronycta megacephala, A. psi, Gonoptera libatria, Tephrosia extersaria, and Melanippe montanata. Larve were very abundant, especially during the first two or three days, but most of them were ichneumoned. By beating the oaks we obtained over fifty larva of Catocala sponsa, and only three C. promissa ; ss” -—~ =" CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 261 the other larve were Thecla quercus, T. betule, Limenitis sibylla (one pupated the same day on which we found it, and the imago emerged on June 6th), Aryynnis paphia, Bombyx quercus, B. neustria, Amphipyra — pyramidea, Taniocampa miniosa, T. munda, Cleora glabraria, Liparis monacha, Hylophila bicolorana, Cymatophora ridens (not nearly as abun- dant as in 1894 and 1895), C. flavicornis, and Diloba c@ruleocephala.— H. O. Wetts; Hurstfield, The Avenue, Gipsy Hill, July 7th, 1896. From June 29th till July 8th my whole time, with the exception of one rainy day, was spent in extracting gorgeous specimens from what seemed at first sight an inextricable mass of forest. Lepidoptera and Coleoptera were the favoured branches of natural history—chacun a son gotit. The weather was completely as it should be for collecting, and many were the excursions made by day under a sun that gave out heat enough to daunt any save ardent entomologists. It was fairly surprising, to one who has not done much collecting before in the forest, to note the swarm of ‘ bug-hunters ” that invaded the place, and will continue to invade it, until the objects of their pursuit become extinct. Hach night, at sugaring time, the favoured spots were ablaze with lanterns, carried by ‘similarly afflicted ones,” hurrying from patch to patch, endeavouring to capture their rarities, and at the same time throwing a hurried glance at the trees in their rear, for fear of possible poachers. At times one might be fortunate enough to secure the two best rides for night work, but such a keen rush is made for these places that the most determined takes possession at 4 p.m., thus having to wait four hours in solitude until the “sticky ” time arrives. Of course the holder has the consolation of witnessing the would-be holders walk past with disgust written on their faces, which immediately gives way to sarcasm should conversation ensue. How the collector feels if the night turns out an utterly unprofitable one I am glad to say I do not know. Limenitis sibylla swarmed, and always with it, but in greater nnmbers, Argynnis paphia. ‘Two black (one without a trace of white) varieties of the former, and a variety coming between valesina and the type of the latter, head the list of the Rhopalocera. A male A. paphia, with white spots, was also taken; and what I consider to be the best thing I saw, a strikingly handsome variety of the male A. paphia, I missed; my hand trembles now, as I think of that fatal moment. But more valuable space I must not use with talk. The following list includes insects taken or seen during daylight ;—Argynnis selene, A. adippe, A. paphia and var. valesina, Vanessa atalanta, V. polychloros (saw one), Limenitis sibylla and two of the black variety, Apatura tris (saw one), Satyrus semele, Thecla quercus, Lycena agon, Hesperia sylvanus, Bombyx rubi, Nemeophila russula, Boarmia roboraria, Metrocampa margaritaria, Cleora glabraria, C.lichenaria, Pseudoterpna cytisaria, Phorodesma bajularia, Bupalus piniaria, Kubolia plumbaria, Hypena proboscidalis, and Endotricha flammealis. Night captures are perhaps rather more numerous. Among these were :— Acronycta tridens, Leucania turca, Tripheana subsequa, Erastria fuscula, Catocala sponsa, C. promissa, Toxocampa pastinum (I have never known this at sugar before), Aplecta herbida, Nola strigula (very abundant), Lithosia mesomella, Calligenia miniata, Boarmia roboraria (female), B. - repandata var. conversaria, Aventia flecula, and Melanthia albicillata, C. promissa at best is a “slippery customer,” and one that wants well knowing before you can expect to obtain a fine series. ‘To net them is useless; once inside the net they invariably emerge in hopeless fluff. To bottle them straight away off the tree is practically the sole way of obtaining them 262 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. perfect, but often they won’t wait for the bottle. Long before it is dusk they will come to the sweets; but from 9 p.m. till 9.30 or 9.45 p.m. is the time when they may fairly be called “ thick,” that is to say, two and three on a tree. Forty was our biggest take in one night. A word about T’. subsequa: Is this in a true sense a distinct species from 7’. orbona ? A well-known local collector in the forest told me he had obtained ova from subsequa, and therefrom bred subsequa and orbona intermixed, pointing out at the time the specimens.—C. J. Nasa Pitnacree, Culver Road, Reading, July, 1896. LEPIDOPTERA OF ARGYLLSHIRE.—The following is a list of some of the Macro-Lepidoptera which I have taken in Argyllshire about Loch Riddon during the last few years, and chiefly in the months of August and Sep- tember. In a little book, entitled ‘ The Fauna and Flora of Clydesdale and the West of Scotland,’ 1876, Mr. King gives a list of the Lepidoptera taken chiefly within ten miles round Glasgow on the north side of the Clyde, and at a few outlying localities. I suppose Loch Riddon might come among such outlying localities as it is an offshoot of “ The Clyde,” and so it is not sur- prising that almost every insect that I took had been already recorded for the district. The country is mountainous, and well wooded near the sea-level. Rhopalocera:—Pieris brassice. Larve were found every year about the garden; pup were generally attached to the trunks of some small trees in a neighbouring plantation.—Vanessa urtice. Imagos hybernated every year in the house; they would sit upon the ceilings in dark corners and passages all through August, even when the weather was very hot, and when disturbed they would immediately go back to their places and settle down quietly as before.—Erebia a@thivps (blandina). Very common in places; I took one female specimen which has no white centres to the black spots on the fore wings, and as these black spots are rather larger than usual and contained in a somewhat extra wide chestnut blotch, the insect has a curious appearance.—Lycena icarus. One specimen on August 15th; this date would seem to indicate that it belonged to a second brood. Sphinges and Bombyces :—Macroglossa fuciformis, L.(South’s List), = Hemaris tityus, L. (Kirby, ante, p. 40). One larva, which pupated on August 20th; this seems rather late even for Scotland.—Hylophila prasinana. One larva.—Spilosoma fuliginosa. The larva of this moth appears to me to require food in the spring after hybernation, although they will spin up without any, and produce stunted specimens; on the other hand, Bombyx rubi certainly do not feed after hybernation.—S. men- thastri. Fore wings always cream colour; never white.—Orgyia antiqua, Bombyx callune. Larva only common once, i.e. in 18938.—B. rubi. Larva always very common.—Odonestis potatoria. One imago and larve several times on the moors, but not at much elevation; Mr. King, in his list, also mentions this moth; but Mr. Barrett (Brit. Lep. vol. ii.) says of it, ‘apparently absent from Scotland.”—Drepana lacertinaria, D. furcula. —Notodonta dictea. Of a much whiter colour than South England speci- mens; just like those figured and described in Mr. Barrett’s book as coming from Aberdeen.—N. chaonia. One specimen. Noctue :—Demas corylii—Acronycta rumicis. Scarce, all darkish.— A. menyanthidis. Larva often not uncommon on the moors, and feeding upon almost anything; I found that they generally died in pupa.— Leucania comma.—Cenobia rufa. Often seen flying on the moors towards dusk.—Hydracia nictitans. Often to be found not uncommonly at rest on heads of ragwort, generally in a worn condition; they all seem to me to CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 263 belong to the form which Mr. Tutt calls lucens.—H. micacea.—Chareas graminis. Not common.—Apamea gemina. —Celena haworthit. Common on the moors; the species flies very swiftly in the afternoon.—Stilbia -anomala. A few.—Caradrina quadripunctata, Aqrotis suffusa, Noctua baia, N. neglecta, Triphena ianthina, T. fimbria.—Orthosia suspecta, including the pale form.—O. lota, O. macilenta.—Cerastis vaccinii. Common.— Scopelosoma satellitia. Common.—Xanthia fulvago (cerago), X. flavago (silago), X. circellaris ( ferrruginea).—Cirrhedia xerampelina. Two imagos, one of them at light; several pups, but all dead when dug up.—Calymnia trapezina.—Polia chi. I took a large number of this species one year in Kintyre, Argyllshire, and they were all quite typical; no sign of var. olivacea among them. FEpunda lutulenta var. luneburgensis, one.— E. nigra, Miselia oxyacanthe, Agriopts aprilina, Aplecta occulta, Hadena adusta.— H. protea. Very common, sometimes at sugar in the woods.—H. oleracea, Hi. contigua, H. pist. Larve often on the moors; they seem to eat anything.—Calocampa vetusta, C. exoleta, C. solidaginis, Gonoptera libatrix, Plusia interrogationis. Geometre :—Crocallis elinguarta. Sometimes resting on the heather on the hills.—Hugonia alniaria (tiliaria). A very few at light in September, and once a female specimen on the moors on November 22nd.—Himera pennaria, Amphidasys betularia.—Geometra papilionaria. One specimen ; it is not so fine a green as specimens from the South of England.—Todis lactearia, Anisopteryx e@scularia, Oporabia filigrammaria, O. dilutata, Larentia salicata, L. olivata, Eupithecia pulchellata, E. nanata.— Hypsipetes sordidata. Some are very handsomely mottled with reddish brown and yellowish colour; mountain specimens are smaller than those taken in the woods by the sea.—Melanthia bicolorata. Rare.—WM. ocellata, Coremia designata.—Phibalapteryx lapidata. Seen at three or four different spots; it flies considerably before dusk, and frequents places on the moor where there is plenty of grass and rushes; I have seen it at no more than 2U0 to 300 feet elevation.—Cidaria prunata.—C. testata. The females of the latter vary a good deal; I often took them resting on the heather.—EHpunda lichenea. I reported this species from this locality in error (Entom. xxiv. p. 246).—W. M. Curisty; Watergate, Emsworth, Hants, July 17th, 1896. PLusia MONETA IN SuRREY.—I took a specimen of this moth flying at light on the 5th inst., at Sutton, Surrey. — A. J. Exprep; London Hospital, E., July 7th, 1896. On the 8th of this month I caught a very fine specimen of Plusia moneta, in a sitting-room opening into the garden, from which it was attracted by the light. I caught a specimen last August in this same garden, which I have already reported.— J. B. Morris; Malden House, Malden Road, Wallington, Surrey, July 10th, 1896. Towards the end of May some friends found in their garden five bright yellow cocoons, attached to the under side of leaves of Delphinium, three of which were kindly given to me. These duly produced imagines of P. moneta. An empty cocoon was afterwards found in another garden. Altogether, with the above, no less than nine specimens of this species have now been found at Weybridge.—(Rev.) J. E. Tarsat The Common, Wey- bridge, July 15th, 1896. PLUSIA MONETA IN Kent.—I have again found larve of Plusia moneta in my garden here, and have bred three splendid specimens, the last one emerging to-day, June 29th. — Lewis F. Hitz; 45, Freelands Road, Bromley, Kent. - 64 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. PiustA MONETA IN Hasr Berus.— This handsome moth has now become extremely common in the neighbourhood of Ascot. The food-plant, monkshood, is much grown in cottage gardens about here, and from the largest of a few clumps growing in our own garden I obtained a long series of the moth on the evening of June 28th, bottling them from the flowers by lantern-light, and scarcely using the net. More specimens, but worn, were to be seen on the two succeeding nights.x—M. J. MansrreLp; Hurst- croft, Ascot, July ist. Bompyx QuERcus AB.—In the spring of 1895 I collected a large number of larve of this species on the coast sandhills. Most produced moths the same season, but eleven pup remained over until this year; these have now emerged, and amongst them is a female having the base of each wing thickly covered with dark scales; but these rapidly decrease in quantity, thus appearing to form all round the outer margins a very broad band almost entirely devoid of scales, although the fringes are perfect and very distinct. Amongst the large number bred there is great variation in the depth of the ground colour: but the specimen specially referred to is totally different to anything I have seen, and altogether is a most striking and in- teresting specimen. — C. F. Jounson; 59, Lowfield Road, Stockport, July, 1896. SEsIA MYOPIFORMIS.—On June 27th I caught in the garden here a perfect female of S. myopiformis.—H.W. Berti-Marury; Ravenscourt Park. [Probably there is an old apple or pear tree in the garden where the insect was taken, or at least in one not far away. We used to obtain S. myoptformis freely from an old jargonelle pear-tree which grew in a garden near Regent’s Park.—ID.] THECLA W-ALBUM AT ReApine.—On the 12th inst. I boxed a specimen of the above insect; it was settled on the flowers of bramble in a lane close to my house; I don’t think think it has been taken within five miles of Reading before. Although I searched the lane I could not find another specimen, neither could I find the food-plant (wych elm).—W. E. Burrer ; Hayling House, Reading, July 19th, 1896. THECLA W-ALBUM AT CHALFoNT Roan, Bucxs.—Several of the members of the South London Entomological and Natural History Society who went down to this locality on Saturday, the 18th inst., had the satisfaction of taking this species. Unfortunately, however, the specimens were not all in the best possible condition. I have collected in the district, at the same time of year during several seasons, but never saw the species there before. I should note that I also saw a female specimen of Argynnis paphia, another species new to me for the district.—RicHarp Sour; 100, Rither- don Road, Upper Tooting, S.W., July 21st, 1896. VANESSA C-ALBUM IN STAFFORDSHIRE. — A fine freshly emerged specimen of the above butterfly was taken here by my brother-in-law, Mr. J. R. B. Wasefield, in his garden, on July 11th.—H. W. H. Buaae ; Cheadle, Staffordshire, July 21st, 1896. ABUNDANCE OF CHGROCAMPA PORCELLUS.—No fewer than eighty or ninety specimens were taken at my home in Gloucestershire. So abundant were they that these specimens were picked specimens ; all slightly worn were Icft to follow their own sweet will. Two C. elpenor were as nobles amongst arabble. The last species is new to my list for Gloucestershire. —cC.J. Nasu; Pitnacree, Culver Road, Reading, July, 1896. SOCIETIES. 265 LycHZNA ARION IN THE Corswotps.—lI recently took a small series of this species in an unrecorded locality in the Cotswolds. The specimens are considerably larger than the average size of the type from the ** Gloucestershire Alps.”—W. Harcourt-Batu; June 29th, 1896. SOCIETIES. SoutH Lonpon Enromonocicat anp Naturat History Socrery.— June 25th, 1896.—R. South, Esq., F.E.S., President, in the chair. Mr. West, of Streatham, exhibited a bred series of Hypsipetes ruberata, containing uniform and banded specimens, and a specimen of Tro- chilium crabroniformis, bred from an osier-stem cut at Streatham in expectation of obtaining Sesia formiciformis. Mr. R. Adkin, a bred series of Eupithecia venosata from Hoy, with series from Shetland, Forres, and Isle of Man for comparison, and noted that the Orkney ones were of a browner shade, while the Isle of Man specimens were like South of England netted forms; also full-fed larve of Calocampa vetusta reared on dock from Inverness-shire ova. Mr. Barrett, a series of the rare Osmylus chrysops from Haslemere. Mr. South, types of the variation obtained from a brood of Spilosoma menthastri from Aberdeen. Several were smoky, one had dark fringes, in another the edges of all the black markings had run in appearance. Mr. McArthur, the five most remarkable forms of Abraxas grossulariata bred this year from some 8000 larve. In one the black external to the yellow band was almost entirely suffused; another was slightly smoky, and the spots had the appearance of having run; a third had the fore wings almost entirely black, with the outer half of the hind wings wholly black; another had the hind wings with a narrow black border, from the middle of which a wide streak ran into the centre of the wing. The smoky form was remarked as being very rare. Mr. Dennis, a series of Cenonympha typhon from N. Lancashire taken early in June. The specimens had very pure white markings underneath, referable to var. rothlebi. He also exhibited several very brilliant Cyantris argiolus from Horsley, of a shade approaching that of Polyommatus bellargus. Limenitis sibylla was reported as out in the New Forest early in June. July 9th.—C. G. Barrett, Esq., Vice-President, in the chair. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a short bred series of Dianthacia nana (conspersa), from larve taken in Hoy. ‘They were all dark in colour, about midway between the Shetland and Scottish mainland forms. Also a series of D. capsincola, from the same locality, showing no variation from the usual English form. Mr. Auld, series of varieties of Abraaas grossulariata bred this year. One specimen was of an unusual form, the basal half of each wing being curiously streaked, while the outer half was quite normal. On the hind wings the streaks were very irregular in length. Mr. Turner, series and life-histories of the following species of Coleophora:—C. lineolea from Brockley and Lewisham, C. albitarsella from Lewisham, C. palliatella from Epping Forest, C. lariciella and C. fuscedinella from Carlisle. The latter species showed the young curved cases, which are abandoned early and new straight ones made. Also living pups of Gonopteryx rhamni from ENTOM.—AaAvuGusT, 1896. % 266 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Byfleet. Mr. Lucas, bred specimens and pupa-skins of the local dragonfly Krythromma naias from Byfleet. Mr. Enock, a living specimen of the very rare male of Prestwichia aquatica, which, with the assistance of Messrs. Dennis and Scarfield, he had discovered in a pond in Epping Forest. It had only the merest rudiments of wings. He much doubted the statement that the species was parasitic on the eggs of dragonflies. The ovipositor seemed too strong and too long. He suggested that the ova were deposited in some aquatic larve.— Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Report Sec. Nort Lonpon Naturat History Socrery.—On Friday, May 22nd, 1896, the Society started on their annual Whitsuntide excursion to the New Forest. Messrs. C. B. Smith, L. J. Tremayne, C. Nicholson, R. W. Robbins, and W. H. Smith left Waterloo by the usual 5.50 train, and arrived at Lyndhurst Road soon after 9 o’clock. Thence they proceeded by omnibus to Lyndhurst, and were comfortably settled in their rooms at Lynwood a little before 10 o’clock. The following morning was dry, but dull. All the members were out before break- fast. ‘The fences only yielded a specimen of Eupithecia vulgata, a specimen of Coremia ferrugata, and a worn specimen of Teniocampa stabilis ; but a walk round Pond Head enclosure revealed the fact that larve, at any rate, were about in their usual numbers. Mr. Bacot turned up at breakfast time, and soon afterwards the whole party started out, taking the route down Beechen Lane. Larva-beating was immediately commenced, but only with moderate success. The quantity, indeed, was great, but the quality left much to be desired. All the Hybernias were common, H. defoliaria and H. marginaria being particularly plentiful. But the more satisfactory larve were, for the most part, scarce, and the following were beaten at various times throughout the trip :—Psilwra monacha (one or two), Hupithecia abbreviata (one), Himera pennaria (common), Asphalia ridens (a few), Brephos parthenias (a few off birch), Asphalia flavicornis (a few off birch), 4. diluta (a few off sallow), Cleoceris viminalis (a few off sallow), Hypsipetes sordidata (a few off sallow), Thecla quercus (two), Catocala promissa and CU. sponsa (a few), Teniocampa miniosa (in plenty off oak), Amphipyra pyramidea (a few), Hylophila bicolorana (one), Cabera pusaria (one), Agriopis aprilina (one). A notable absentee was Amphidasys strataria; whilst Miselia owyacanthe and Diloba ceruleocephala were also not in evidence. The day showed signs of becoming brighter, and a few butterflies appeared on the wing, including Argynnis euphrosyne and Pararge egeria, the latter in very fine condition, evidently the second brood just emerging. On turning into the pine woods, plenty of moths were found flying, mostly Thera variata, Panagra petraria, and Venilia macularia, though Mr. L. J. Tremayne took a specimen of Drepana lacertinaria, and Mr. C. Nicholson one of D. falcataria and one of Cidaria suffumata. The party worked on to the railway line in the hope of taking Macroglossa fuciformis (the narrow bordered hawk), but the Alkanet was mostly over, and the sun was not bright enough to induce these insects to fly. The party thereupon made a halt for lunch, obtaining a plentiful supply of milk from a cottage just across the line. After lunch, finding collecting decidedly slack, the party rested for an hour or so on the railway bank, except Mr. C. B. Smith, SOCIETIES. 267 who worked further down the line. Eventually, the members, still without their President, turned towards home. The railway bank had yielded Syrichthus malve, Nisoniades tages, Euclidia mi, and l. glyphica, and one or two specimens of Lycena icarus were also flying about. One specimen of Vhecla rubi had also been taken by Mr. W. H. Smith during the day. The party worked back through Denny bog and wood, and on their arrival at Lynwood found Mr. Harvey awaiting them. ‘The President did not appear till some time afterwards. He had, it appeared, been right up to the lucina ground, but failed to find that insect, the weather being much too dull, but had been rewarded by a couple of specimens of Macroglossa fuciformis, and one of M. bombyli- formis (the broad-bordered species). After tea the party set out to sugar in Hurst Wood. Plenty of Geometre flew at dusk, but these proved to be only Larentia viridaria, Panagra petraria, and other common kinds. Before the sugar was well laid on, rain began to fall, which it soon became evident had set in for the night. We soon had to return home, but not before it became obvious that not a single moth was coming to the sugar; and ‘“‘assembling”’ with a specimen of Eurymene dolobraria obtained by Mr. Bacot in the afternoon was equally unprofitable. On Sunday morning Messrs. L. J. Tremayne and Bacot worked before breakfast in ‘‘ Jones’s’’ enclosure for the larve of Limenitis sybilla, but without result; and a search for the larve of Argynnis paphia in Beechen Lane was equally unsuccessful. After breakfast the whole party started for Rinefield, with the exception of Mr. Nicholson, who preferred to go for Nemeobius lucina. The day was fine and bright, and the members spent some little time on Butt’s Lawn searching for Thecla rubi, but they were unsuccessful, though some fine specimens of Phytometra viridaria, Ematurga atomaria, and Argynnis euphrosyne were taken. They then turned into Hurst Wood, where hard beating produced about twenty larve of Catocala promissa. On emerging on to the heath between Hurst Wood and Vinney Ridge, the members were unable to resist the temptation of a dip in the Lymington river, after which they proceeded direct to Rinefield. Contrary to expectation, the rhododendrons were scarcely out at all, though the azaleas were in full bloom, and the latter afforded most of the attraction for the few insects that were on the wing. Although Mr. Harvey took a specimen of M. bombyliformis almost immediately on entering the avenue, scarcely any more were seen, and though the members remained on the ground for an hour or two, no success rewarded their patience. In the afternoon the party returned home aid Vinney Ridge and Butt’s Lawn. In the evening Messrs. L. J. Tremayne, R. W. Robbins, Harvey, and Bacot started to dusk at Matley. Going across the heath by the side of the Matley Road, they turned up a few specimens of Scodiona belgiaria at rest. Mr. L. J. Tremayne also took a specimen of Drepana lacertinaria flying. Dusking at the bog, however, again proved a failure, as, with the exception of some rather worn specimens of Pachycnemia hippo- castanaria, nothing worth taking was netted. Subsequently the party returned across Whitemoor, and took a few more Scodiona belgiaria. The next day was spent by the members at Stubby Copse working for Nemeobius lucina, of which Mr. Nicholson had taken seven yesterday. Very moderate success, however, attended the North Londoners to-day, 268 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. as, although there was plenty of sunshine, the species was only taken singly, and the numbers only reached about seven in all. Several other collectors were observed in the rather restricted localities to which this insect is confined, and it is feared that these may be getting somewhat worked out. There were plenty of insects on the wing, but nothing of any special note was taken. The members had to return to town the same evening. One or two larve of Bombyx trifolit were taken during the trip, but it is not thought advisable to give the exact locality.—Lawrencre J. Tremayne, Hon. Sec. BirmincHam Enromouocican Socrety.—June 15th, 1896.—Mr. R- C. Bradley in the chair. Mr. J. W. Moore, 194, Stratford Road, Birmingham, was elected a member of the Society. Exhibits :—By Mr. J. T. Fountain, Arctia villica, bred, from Dawlish; A. fuliginosa var. borealis, bred, from Scotland, and other insects. By Mr. A. H. Martineau, three specimens of the very rare aculeate Sapyga clavicornis which he had recently taken at Solihull. He said that in rest the insect lays its big clubbed antenne between its legs along the under side of his body, and quite out of sight, the clubs being turned upwards at tle end. By Mr. C. J. Wainwright, a specimen of the rare Doros conopseus taken in Wyre Forest at Whitsuntide. He said it was probably the handsomest British dipteron. Also a specimen of Polyommatus phiwas, from Sutton, in which the colours and markings of the left wings both above and underneath were bleached, having the appearance of being rubbed, though the specimen was in good condition, with all its scales. Also a short series of Hadena geniste from Wyre Forest. By Mr. R. C. Bradley, a specimen of Spilosoma menthastii, from Sutton, with very few spots on its wings; also a Cucullia bred from a larva found on the scabious at Barmouth, and which appeared to be asteris, but was unfortunately crippled; also a specimen of Dioctria rufipes with an ichneumon nearly as large as itself which it had captured.—Cotsran J. Wainwricut, Hon. Sec. RECENT LITERATURE. Abstract of Proceedings of the South London Entomological and Natural History Society for the year 1895; together with the President's Address. Pp.107. Published at the Society’s Rooms, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge, 8.E. We gladly welcome the appearance of this most interesting little publication. Although falling short of the volume for 1894 in the matter of pages, it compares very favourably therewith in the quantity of solid information that it contains. Among the papers is one on the variation of Erebia aethiops by Mr. Tutt, and this is a valuable contri- bution to our knowledge of the subject. The Report of the Council shows that the present effective strength of the Society is no less than one hundred and eighty members, and this fact, together with the further one that the substantial balance of nearly twenty-nine pounds remained in hand at the close of the financial year, are matters upon which we heartily congratulate the Society. but te to absolve the Editor from responsibility, in case the liberty . allowed sh 2d.] Marked ’ * are bred ; + are high flat-set. we Bi osha Phiteddcarin Smaragdaria.* Desiderata. —Numerous—W. lin; Western Dispensary, Rochester Row, Westminster, S.W. e uplicates.—Pupex of Payonia; ova of Curtula. Dewilerdta,: tees and pt numerous.—G. R. Garland ; ‘94, Sedgwick Road, Leyton, Hssex. ee uplicates.— —Ova of Ligniperda. Desiderata, —Imagines of C- Albu uercus, Artemis, Blandina. Black pins. Full data. = Ty, Wood ; Old ¢ nmar School House, Ashford, Kent. : Wwerhall oun Whitchurch, ulm: _ Duplicates.—Larve of Werdica: Carpini, Antiqua, Illunaria, and Gan e0- phala; pupe of Potatoria, Caia, and Filipendule. Desrderata. —Larv nestris, Ligustri, and ae ova of Ocellatus. ay Blackwell ; ae Some, Kent. mivtia.” ie Ounieee ae other. fee species in fine condition. — -] hatte 8, Marine Avenue, Southend. Yate —_W. J. bee 21, inking : e Phicne EERE &e.; O. Dispar fee from bought ova). papery: hunierous, especially Geometre.—L. H. Bonaparte- Wyse ; Manor of its Pahicoes. —Minos (Welsh). Desiderata. —Edusa var. Helice, Hyale, Iris, runi, Myopeformis, Formiceformis, Chrysidiformis, Ichneumoniformis, Cynipi- hy mis, Apiformis, Arundinis, A‘sculi, Asellus, Testudo,. Albulalis, Strigula, — erda, Gomplana, Caniola, Stramineola, Gonostigma, Crategi, B. Trifoli, | ula, Bicuspis, Cassinea, Carmelita, Dicteoides, Trepida, Dodonea. —H. Wag Blagg ; Cheadle, Staffordshire. Duplicates. —Ophiogramma’* (a few), Capsophila (some bred), Tenuia mbratica, lota, Festu-#, Triplasia, black Monoglypha, and others,—when off the boards. “Desiderata.—Atropos, Galii, Sphegiformis, Plantaginis var. Hospita, cenosa, Cuculla, Octogesima, Fluctuosa, Cinerea, Ashworthii, Sobrina, Hyper- ea, Rubiginea, Cesia, anthowista. Lutulenta var. Luneburgensis, Fucifera nustula, ae : Villiea Verbasci.*—W. B. Thornhill; Castle Cosey, Castle a S . - CHANGES or ApDRESS.—W. Harcourt-Bath, to 176, Ombersley Road, Motes pacts W. L. Distant, ¢o 4, Westbourne Terrace, Lower Addiscombe, *~ MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. L BERS, tasbon Deas: S.E -—Meetings on the 2nd and 4th hursdays in month, at 8 p.m. Crvy - or Lonpon Enromonoarcan anp Natura Huisrory Socrmry, one . ae ings of this Society (held at the London Institution, Finsbury Cireus; B.C.) ke place on the Ist and 3rd Tuesdays in each month, from 7.30 to LG p,m = heretofore. “Norru Loypon Narurat Hisrory Socrmry.—Meetings are held on the 2nd : lursdays in each month at the North East London Institute, Dalston 5 Hackney I Dowhs Station on the G.E.R;), from 7.45 to 9.30 or 10 Ps m. tan g0. pee of the more eparioth meviviae cies six copi s of articles. NOTICES of EXCHANGE (inserted without charge) must ¢ ni apathing more than the shecuie names of the duplicates and popsinerasen @ | reblog: on one side only of the paper. All notes, papers, books for review Mae and notices of exchange should be sent to the Editor, © S RICHARD ‘SOUTH, 100, RITHERDON ROAD, UPPER TOOTING, We S fe - ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to West, Newman & Co., 54, Hato % “ Gavden, London, -E.C., not later than the 21st of each month. | __ FOURTH EDITION, PRICE ONE SHILLING. ENTOMOLOGICAL ‘SPECIMENS, 7 the Rev. JOSEPH GREENE, M.A. Revised and Extended by A. B. ARN, niet ral: CONTENTS. —Burtrerriies AND Morus. The Egg: searching; boxing facta moths ; pairing insects. The Larva: rearing; sleeving; collecting larvee beating ; the Bignell Tray; sweeping; searching; to find larve by night; > — me hybernating larve ; removing the pupe; describing larve; parasites of larve; va preserving larve. The Pwpa: pupa- digging ; remarks; hints; foremg. 7’) Imago : localities ; net; mothing; honey-dew ; sugaring ; taking Lepidoptera at ? ~ light ; ‘indoor light ; grouting ; smoking ; killing ; ; relaxing, &c.; setting; grease; ~~ mites; mould ; cabinets and store- boxes; painting; arrangement and nomen- _— clature ; “number of specimens and manner of placing; relaxing ; transmission insects, larve, and eggs by post; entomological diary, books, &. Concluding observations. A chapter on Micro-Leriportera by A. B. Farn; on CoLEoPprEera ck Edward Newman; on Hymenoprera by Frederick Smith; on breeding GALL- a FLIES: by Edward A. Fitch. . Li sts of Butterflies and Moths. | FOR LABELLING AND REFERENCE. ops ‘ENTOMOLOGIST’ SYNONYMIC LIST OF BRITISH LEPI DOPTERA. By Ricnarp Sours, F.E.S. In duplicate; printed on one side a only of fine cream-wove paper for labels; and on both sides for reference. Price ved re FOR REFERENCE ONLY. PE ‘ ENTOMOLOGIST” SYNONYMIC LIST. Price 6d. ae. 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CrocknT?’s SprciaL INSECT ABINETS, Interchangeable Drawers, fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under sides without removing Insects. Store Boxes specially made for Continental setting, highly recommended for Beetles. All best work. Lowest ossible terms for cash. Prices on application. Estimates given. The Trade pplied. ESTABLISHED since 1847. a _ SHOW ROOMS: 7a, PRINCE’S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.. eet ee Factories: 34, Riding House Street and Ogle Street, W. Semin 7 e. The page Stock of Cabinets and Bowes to select from. Great advantage in i, za : dealing with the maker. All goods at store prices. Mes. & Je sas od Feap 8vo, 1s. 6d. i INSECT HUNTERS : or, First. Lessons in Eaton. By EDWARD NEWMAN. 4 Unrivalled as a First-Book in Entomology.” —The late W. Spence.- ae a “We know of no book that contains so much information in so small a compass | ee . the habits and economy of insects.” —Natural History Review. "WEST, NEWMAN & CO., 54, Harron Garpen, Lonpon, E,C. NATURE: A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye.” —WorpDsworTH. : oe - Published every Thursday, price 6d.° Yearly subscription, 28s.; . half- peatiye litto, 14s. 6d.; quarterly ditto, 7s. 6d. To all places abroad: Yearly subscription, 1 10s. 6d. ; half. yorly. ditto, 15s. 6d. ; PE ee ditto, 8s. Money Orders to be “MACMILLAN & Co., Limited, Heseoas iis. STRAND. On the Ist of every Month, GreatLy EnLarGEp, price ls. 8d., - OTHE JOURNAL OF BOTANY. 72 ane BRITISH AND FOREIGN. Epirep BY JAMES BRITTEN, F.LS. SOeatains original articles by our leading British Botanists, Notices of Books, roceedings of Societies, and Botanical News. Especial attention is now given — British Botany. There is usually at least one plate, drawn by a well-known nical artist. ‘ Subscription for the year, payable in advance, StxruEN SHILLINGS, post free, rms for Advertisements may be had on application to the Publishers. WEST, NEWMAN & CO., 54, Harron Garpen, Lonpon, E.C. . gem Collectors with every kind of apparatus for the various branch ee aa stock in large quantities. species. List of clutches sent if desired. Large buyers liberally dealt with. Dh Ifyou have not used our ‘‘ SUREDEATH KILLING FLUID ’’ you havenot tried the best and surest method of killing’ Tnsects. _Sample: Bottle 8d. Post free. 4 @gS- FERTILE OVA, LARVA, AND PUPAE. i FERTILE OVA. Per doz. Populi. Falcula, Monacha. Elinguaria, Rusticata, 4d. “Ue, Ligustri, Prunaria, Abruptaria 1/- Plantaginis, Menthastri6d. PUPA, each To, Pilosaria, Oxyacanthse lid. Hirtaria, Badiata, Lanestris. Verbasci, 2d, Postage 2d. x 11-in. 5!- Post 4d. Insect Cabinets. best make, from 13/6 Pins at maker’s prices. St stti Houses, 9/6 and 11/6. New and Illustrated Catalogue of Entomological Apparatus, free. : Revised and Comeaea by W E | ane : PES | WITH 664. COLOURED PLATES. Royal Ato Price of the whole Work, £26. This New Edition is published in Parts, with/10 Plates each. Price of each P List of Subscribers and Specimen of Etchings, post free on demand. Vol. I., with 213 Coloured Plates, is issued. Price £8 10s. synonymy for each peuied ee NATURAL- “HISTORY AGENT, BARTON STREET, er Natural History: Cabinets, Store Boxes, Butterfly Nets, &. BIRDS’ EGGS, SKINS, LEPIDOPTERA and COLEOPTERA, ee The largest stock of Haas in England to select from, including many very rare Si ~NEW AND SECOND-HAND BOOKS, “s TaxipERMy. Birds skinned and prepared for Cabinets, or mounted by skilled Y _ assistants. ates _ Fall general Catalogue and Special List of Haas and Sxrns, post free. a f e N.B.—No agents, and only one address as above. Ba Dispar, Rivata, 3d. Quercifolia 6d. Gonostigma9d. LARVA. Per doz. Ocellatus. ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS. Nets, 1/8 3-jointed ditto, 3/- 4-jointed ditto, 3/9. Oval Collecting Boxes, 9d., 1/- and 1/6, Oval Larve Boxes, 9d. Double 1/- Sugaring Tin with Brush, 1/6 and 2/- Sugaring Mixture, 1/- and 1/6. Lamps, 1/3 to 4/6. Setting Boards, Oval, ‘14-in, 8d. 1$-in. 9d. 2-in, 10d, 2$-in.-1/- 3-in. 1/2 33-in. 1/4 4-in, 1/6 ‘oe 1/8 5-in, 1/10 STORE BOXES. Best make, camphor cells, 10-in. x 8-in. 2/6. 14-in. x 10-in, 4/- ~ 16 LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTING. ILLUSTRATED, 4d. LEPIDOPTERA REARING ILLUSTRATED, 4d ee LEE Sine S & MUSKUM WORKS, DARTFORD. Established 1851. BIRB BECE BANE ° * Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, Londo:. TWO-AND-A-HALF per CENT. INTEREST allowed on DEPOSITS, repayable on demand. _ a per CENT. on CURRENT ACCOUNTS, on the minimum monthly balances, when not drawn below £1 a STOCKS, SHARES, and ANNUITIES purchased and sold. SAVINGS DEPARTMENT. _ Sap Pe For the encouragement of Thrift the Bank receives small sums on deposit, and ailows suverest monthly, on each completed £1. Birkbeck Building Society. Birkbeck Freehold Land Society. a How to Purchase a House for £2 2s. per Month. How to Purchase a Plot of Land for 5s. per Manin THE BIRKBECK ALMANACK with full particulars, post-free. | Sena, FRANCIS RAVENSCROFT, Manage _ BREEDING oRoUNDS: Ethe oN NURSERY “4 6: Iso at KING STABLE ‘STREET, _ PRICE Lists are coo about Ist and 15th of each ae - a pA of 1s, ovory list issued for one year will be sent free. 64, HIG Ho ‘Be RE BE T =z uh On eee Feat z : an aie end PUP. |e DA LARGE ‘ASSORTMENT always on a ‘Send for ; oe List to we a HEAD, Entomologist, Scarporoven, — ‘ , The Largest Breeder ve pee es heya bored Teles. | | Fall List of Lepidoptera, an Pp sai Bi , “WATKINS & STER | Naturalists and Manufacturers of Di cacuacieel Apparatus and Cabin ts. Plain Ring Nets, wire or cane, eRe 1s. 3d., 23., 2s. 6d. F ‘oldin ng - 8s. 6d., 4s. Umbrella Nets (self-acti ing), 78. Pocket Boxes, 6d Zine Relaxing Boxes, 94., 1s., 1s. 6d., 2s. Nested Chip Boxes, 8d. Entomolog ical Pins, assorted or mixed, lege OZ. Pocket Lan 10s. 6d. Sugaring Tin, with brush, 1s. 6d., 2s. Sugaring Mixture 1s. 9d. per tin. Store Boxes, with cam r Boards, flat or oval, 1 in., 6d. 5, 1hi i i 4 in., 1s. 6d.; 5 in., 1s. 10d.; Complete Set of fourteen Houses, 9s. 6d., 11s. 6d.; corked back, res Zine Larva Boxes Breeding Cage, 2s. 6d., 4s., 5s., 7s.6d. Goleopovat's Collectin Is. 6d., 1s. 8d. Botanical Cases, japanned, double tin, 1s.6 Botanical Paper, 1s. 1d., Fa ae 1s. ing An cr Bey ar g lir i 2s. 6d. to 11s. Cement for rey 2s. 6d. a pair. Cabinet Cork i | Chloroform signi Lae nsec sheath, 1s. 9d. Taxi st’s Companion, con - for skinning, 10s. 6d. Scalp ae 1s. 3d.; Seis “ uli : _ Blowpipes, 4d., 6d. ; cial EB: oo br B Birds a - Butterflies, 2d.; ditto of Birds’ Eggs, 3d., 4d., - Shells, 2d.; Useful Books on Insects, Eg , &e. ___ Now ready—The EXCHANGE Mr. Ep. Meyrick, bs Hohe F. iB, _ British Lepidoptera.’ Exchan Label Este, Te, eg each. 2, Our new Label-list of British Macro-Lep rt names, 1s. 6d. Our new Complete Catalogue o numbered), 1s.; or on one oa @ for labels, . ate Ne etl una e , of every HOW. RO the Me IRDS aja &o. Necaiph is e (¢ CONTENTS. Melita cinxia, Aberrations (with illustration), Ff. W. Frohawk, 225. Among the Spring Butterflies in the Ardennes, W. Harcourt-Bath, 226. Fungi Parasitic on Butterflies, J. C. Rickard, 229. Uniformity in Pinning Lepidoptera (with illustration), N. F. Searancke, 231. A Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Ireland, W. I’. de Vismes Kane, 233. Silk-producing Lepidoptera, Alfred Wailly, 235. New Experiments on the Seasonal Dimorphism of Lepidoptera, Dr. August Weismann, 240. Notes on the Synonymy of Noctuid Moths, A. G. Butler, 252. Notes AND OBSERVATIONS.—The Light Form of Vanessa c-album, W. Harcourt- Bath, 257. Another Use for Naphthalin, #’. Hilton, 257. Euchloé cardamines at rest, 257; Dragonflies caught by Drosera, 257; W. J. Lucas. Notes on the Karly Stages of the Larva of Polia chi, N. F’. Searancke, 258. A Hymenopterous Parasite, Rose Haig Thomas, 258. Larva of Dicranura vinula and its Weapon of Offence, W. H. Shepheard-Walwyn, 259. The late Mr. J. A. Cooper’s Sale, Thos. Wm. Hall, 259. CAPTURES AND FieLtp Reports.—Collecting in the New Forest, H. O. Wells, C. J. Nash, 260. Lepidoptera of Argyllshire, W. M. Christy, 262. Plusia moneta in Surrey, A.J. Eldred, J. B. Morris, Rev. J. H. Tarbat, 263; in Kent, Lewis F. Hill, 2683; in Hast Berks, M. J. Mansfield, 264. Bombyx quercus ab., C. F’. Johnson, 264. Sesia myopeformis, H. W. Bell-Marley, — 264. Thecla w-album at Reading, W. H. Butler, 264; at Chalfont Road, Bucks, Richard South, 264. Vanessa c-album in Staffordshire, H. W. H. Blagg, 264. Abundance of Chcerocampa porcellus, C. J. Nash, 264. Lycena arion in the Cotswolds, W. Harcourt-Bath, 265. Societies, 265. RECENT LITERATURE, 268. CoMMUNICATIONS REcEIvED.—J. Arkle, E. W. H. Blagg, T.D. A. Cockerell, B. H. Crabtree, C. W. Dale, J. W. Shipp, W. D. Thornhill, John Thorpe, &c. DOUBLE NUMBER.—The present number is Double, and price One Sumuuinc. There is, however, no extra charge to Subscribers who have prepaid at the office of the ‘ Hnromoxoaist.’ WILLIAM WATKINS, Entomologist, VILLA SPHINX, EASTBOURNE. ARGEST STOCK of EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA in the KINGDOM. Fresh Collections always arriving from the most isolated places. I am particularly rich in species from New Guinea and South America. My system of “APPROVAL BASKET” is a@ great success. It contains lovely specimens at lowest prices. Please ask to see it; it will cost you nothing unless you purchase. Prices are lower than those of auction, and the specimens faultless in condition. Collections purchased, or named and arranged. New Pricep CaTaLoGuE oF LeEpmpopTERA, 6000 Species (80 pp.), 6d. post free. (Returned to purchasers.) N.B.—I have the finest Reference Collections, and most experienced Staff of Assistants in England. JAMES GARDNER, MANUFACTURER of ALL KINDS of ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS, 29 (late 426), OXFORD STREET (Nearly opposite Tottenham Court Road). PRICED LISTS ON APPLICATION. All Articles Guaranteed; exchanged if not approved of. Friends and Customers are requested to note the Address, as mistakes occur daily. - ROBERT ADKIN, FES. ae 8 R. PXUDOP 8, bor ti Assn sa a KE. H. MEEK, Naturalist, 56, BROMPTON ROAD, LONDON, S.W. Supplies Lntomologists with every Kequistte OF THE BEST MAKE. SEND FOR NEW PRICED CATALOGUE, POST FREE. All? Orders, when accompanied by Post Office Order, will receive immediate attention. Steel Knuckle-jointed Net, folds up for pocket, 4s. Ladies’ Umbrella Net, 5s. Wire Ring Net, with brass screw, 2s. Pocket Folding Net, with three brass joints, 3s. 6d., 4s. Balloon Net, 26 by 18, for Beating, &c., 6s. Telescope Net, 6s., 8s. 6d., 10s. 6d. Self-acting Sweeping Net, 8s. Larva Box, 6d., 1s., 1s. 6d. Sugaring Tins, with Brush affixed, 1s. 6d., 2s. Killing Box, 9d., 1s. Bottle of Killing Fluid, 9d. Corked Setting Boards, 1in., 6d.; 14, 7d.; 14, 8d. ; 13,9d.; 2in., 10d.; 24,11d.; 23, 1s. &e., &e. Mahogany Pocket Box, with glass to slide in groove, 3s. 6d. Entomological Pins, any size, Gilt or Plain, 1s. per box ; four sizes, mixed, 1s. per oz. (by post, 14d.) Exchange Lists, 1d. Bottle of Mite Destroyer, 94. Willow Chip Boxes, nested, four sizes, 1s. 8d. gross. Setting and Drying Houses, complete, 9s. 6d., 11s., 13s. ~ Pocket Box, 6d., 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d. Postal Boxes, 6d., 9d., 1s. The Entomologist’s Store and Setting House, containing every requisite, £3. Improved Pocket Lanterns, 2s. 6d., 3s. 6d. Zine Oval Pocket Box, 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d., 2s. Pupa Diggers, 2s., 3s. Corked Store Boxes, best make, 2s. 6d., 4s., 5s., 6s.; ditto, covered in Green Cloth, Book Pattern, 16 by 11, 8s.6d. Tin Y, 2d.; Brass Y, 8d., for Cane Nets. A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF BRITISH AND FOREIGN INSECTS KEPT IN STOCK. CABINETS of every Description in Stock and to Order. Estimates given. A TLAONEL CLAR ia NATURAL-HISTORY AGENT, BARTON STREET, GLOUCESTER, hg bendy Collectors with every kind of apparatus for the various branches of Natural History: Cabinets, Store Boxes, Butterfly Nets, &c. BIRDS’ EGGS, SKINS, LEPIDOPTERA and COLEOPTERA, &c., kept in stock in large quantities. The largest stock of Eaas in England to select from, including many very rare species. List of clutches sent if desired. Large buyers liberally dealt with. NEW AND SECOND-HAND BOOKS. TaxipERMY. Birds skinned and prepared for Cabinets, or mounted by skilled assistants. Full general Catalogue and Special List of Eaas and Sxins, post free. N.B.—No agents, and only one address as above. me FERTILE OVA, LARVE, and PUPE. FERTLE OVA. Per doz. WNupta, Monacha, Elinguaria, 4d. Syringaria 6d, Dispar, Neustria, 3d. LARVA. per doz. Prunaria, 1/- Plantaginis, Pisi, 9d: Villica, Bucephala, Quercifolia, 6d. PUPA, each. Machaon, Vinula, Ligustri, Tiliz, Parthenias, Carpini, Populi, Lanestris, Badiata, Hirtaria, 2d. Elpenor, Ocellatus, A. Urtic# Scrophularia, 4d. Pilosaria, Oxyacanthez, lid. Jacobz, Defolaria, Escularia, Coeruleocep- hala,1d. Box and Postage 2d. extra. ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS. Nets, 1/3. 3-jointed ditto, 3/- 4-jointed ditto, 3/9. Oval Collecting Boxes, 9d., 1/- and 1/6. Oval Larvz Boxes, 9d. Double 1/- Sugaring Tin with Brush, 1/6 and 2/- Sugaring Mixture, 1/- and 1/6. Lamps, 1/3 to 4/6. Setting Boards, Oval, 14-in, 8d. 13-in. 9d, 2-in, 10d. 2}-in. 1/- 3-in. 1/2 34-in. 1/4 4-in, 1/6 4}-in. 1/8 5-in, 1/10 STORE BOXES. Best make, and fitted with camphor cells, 10-in. x 8-in. 2/6. 14-in. x 10-in, 4/- 16-in x11-in. 5/- 17}-in. x 12-in. 6/- Cabinets, from 13/6. Napthaline 6d. 3 Ib, Setting Houses, 9/6 and 11/6. New and Illustrated Catalogue of Entomological Apparatus, free, LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTING, ILLUSTRATED, 4d. LEPIDOPTERA REARING ,ILLUSTRATED, 4d. J. & W. Davis, 31 & 33, Hythe St, Dartford. THE ENTOMOLOGIST Vou. XXIX.] SEPTEMBER, 1896. [No. 400. UNIFORMITY IN SETTING. iy J. UH: Tencn 7s. A., H.5., &e. BESIDES appearance, uniformity of setting facilitates the comparison of specimens to a very great extent. The methods I am about to refer to have been adopted in my own and other large collections both of British and foreign Lepidoptera, and I seldom introduce specimens from foreign sources into my collec- tion without having them reset. The continental or flat style of setting has the following advantages over that usually practised _ in Enegland:—The pins are of uniform length for all thicknesses; the specimens are well raised off the bottom of the drawer, so that there is less danger of their being attacked by mites, &c. ; the wings are flat, and therefore in a better position for ex- amination and comparison than when sloped and curved to different extents according to the fancy of the collector, or the maker of the setting-boards; the fringes also are not liable to damage through contact with the bottom of the drawer, which is so often the case with insects set in the English fashion. The advantages of flat setting have been recognized at the Natural History Museum for some years; and within the last year or-so, the largest and most valuable collection of Lepidoptera in this country is being entirely reset. In setting insects, the first thing to consider is the pin. There are many different sorts and sizes; the white and gilt varieties are, however, almost universally condemned, owing to their liability to verdigris and corrosion. My experience of the English black pins (speaking of some years ago) is that they are too soft, and the points very blunt. For some years I used an iron pin of foreign make enamelled black; this pin was not found satisfactory, as it was too soft, and the enamel was so bad that the pins when used in turf-lined drawers almost invariably ENTOM.—SEPT. 1896, ¥ 270 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. rusted, owing to some ingredient in the turf. I then applied to Messrs. Kirby and Beard, and they made me a steel pin enamelled black. These have points like needles, and I failed to rust them, although I put them to several severe tests. I believe the only reasons they are not generally adopted is that they are not made in English sizes, and that they are rather expensive. The pin bill, however, is about the entomologist’s smallest outlay, and hardly worth consideration. I would suggest that half a dozen prominent British entomologists should form a committee to examine this pin, and, if found satisfactory, decide on the best length for the usual English cabinet drawer. The height at which insects are to be pinned could also be determined by the same committee, as suggested by Mr. Searancke (ante, p. 281), and setting-boards made accordingly. Boards (for the high flat style) should be made of soft wood from half to three-quarters of an inch thick. As the wings of most Lepidoptera have a tendency to droop when taken off the boards, this is obviated by a slight upward slope of the board from the centre; the correct angle has only been arrived at by con- siderable trouble. Fig. 1 shows the FIG.1. end view of setting-board ; the groove in the centre receives the body of the ee ee insect, and the pin having to pass |B Sh OR la through anarrow opening, A, between the groove and the cork, is pre- vented from leaning to either side. Fig. 2 represents the side of setting-board with cork below the narrow opening referred to; another strip of wood could be added, as indicated by the dotted line, to keep the pins at a uniform depth. These boards are made by Mr. J. Crockett, Prince’s Street, Cavendish Square, both for continental and English setting. A quantity of glass-headed steel pins and some glazed tracing cloth cut into strips will be required. Take the specimen to be set between the thumb and first finger of the left hand, and drive the pin through the centre of the thorax perpendicularly to the plane of the wings. Place the body of the insect in the groove, and drive the pin through the narrow opening and the cork to the required depth. As before explained, the pin can have no lateral inclination, so it is only necessary to see that it does not lean forwards or backwards. Care must be taken that the wings lie easily on the board, and that the body is neither too much elevated or depressed. Next take two strips of tracing cloth, glazed side downwards, and pin them on at the end of each side of the setting-board, as shown in fig. 3. The tracing cloth must be wide enough to cover the wings with the exception of a small portion of the base. Pass the cloth over the wings, pressing it slightly with the fingers of the left hand while the wings are raised into position with the setting-needle UNIFORMITY IN SETTING. yi fe | from the uncovered base; a pin can be inserted below the fore wing while the hind wing is being brought into position, but S N Ss Ss Ny S N Ss Ss Ss NI SS N S XS SS N Ss S Ss S S NS N Q N S N N S SS N N XS Ss Ss N N N N S N > SY S N N S > N N Ss Ny N S NS Ss N S N N S 8 S N TRACING CLOTH when this has been done and another pin inserted to keep it in place, as shown in the diagram, the first pin ¢an be removed ; additional pins are required to keep the legs and antenne in place, and sometimes to hold up the body. To set the next specimen all that is required is to turn back the tracing cloth and repeat the process. Now the important point of uniformity in the position of the wings is, I believe, only to be arrived at in one way, that is, to draw an imaginary line following the inner margins of the fore wings and passing through the pin in the thorax, as shown in fig.8,a,a. This will be found to produce the best results in the majority of Lepidoptera. I may mention in conclusion that setting-boards should on no account be covered with papered cork, as the pin-holes leave a roughness which is a disadvantage in raising the wings into place. Before using the tracing cloth a second time, it should y 2 272 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. be pulled across the back of a knife to remove the roughness of the pin-holes. The object of using glass-headed steel pins is to penetrate the wood, and the round glass head saves the soreness to the finger caused by ordinary pins when much work has to be done. The above described method can be equally applied to the English form of setting. I believe that tracing cloth and glass-headed pins, as adjuncts in the setting of Lepidoptera, were both introduced by that inimitable setter Mr. Arthur Cant, who has probably operated on as many Lepidoptera as anyone living. Iford Manor, Lewes. ON SEASONAL DIMORPHISM IN BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. By W. Harcourt-Batu. For some time past I have paid particular attention to the seasonal dimorphism of our British Rhopalocera and the accom- panying phenomena. I therefore perhaps may be excused in ventilating my views respecting a certain point connected with this subject which I wish to bring before the notice of the readers of the ‘Entomologist,’ and that is the influence of the climatal conditions in deciding the morphological characters. I will first take the three common species of Pieris in order to illustrate what I have to say. The. seasonal characters of Pieris brassice, P. rape, and P. napi are undoubtedly familiar to every entomologist. Those of the first brood are so distinct from those of the second that there could be no mistaking to which generation they belonged, even by a tyro. These characters I have, however, observed are subject to considerable modification or variation each season according to the prevailing climatic conditions of the particular year, namely the temperature and the amount of precipitation, the two phenomena being generally intimately connected with each other. As a general rule, I find that the earliest emergences of the first generation in the spring partake of the distinctive or more pronounced characters of the first brood to the greatest degree. Those which emerge from the chrysalis state later assume more of the characters of the second brood in accordance with the increase of temperature which pertains a month or so more advanced in the season. ‘These earlier emergences are smaller sized specimens than those which follow, and the black spots and markings are in addition more obscure,—in the males, indeed, being frequently almost entirely obliterated. When reared through the winter indoors, where the temperature is higher than that of the outside, the specimens of the spring ON SEASONAL DIMORPHISM IN BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. 273 brood assume more of the character of those of the second or summer generation. This}is especially noticeable as regards Pieris brassice, specimens of which both in size and intensity of markings resemble very closely those of the summer brood, so that it is really difficult to distinguish them with certainty. Pieris rape does not seem to be so similarly affected as regards size, but the markings are generally more distinct; and in the female an ochreous tinge is frequently visible, this being one of the characters which females of the second generation often assume, especially in hot summers, and has been more frequently observed by me upon the Continent than in this country. Now, as regards the summer broods of these three butterflies. I find the distinctive characters of these similarly affected in accordance with the temperature prevailing at the time or just preceding that of their emergence. In very wet seasons, when the temperature is as a consequence low, the butterflies partake more of the characters of the spring emergence; and this is particularly the case with Pieris napi, the under sides of the wings being more strongly veined and clothed with dusky spots than those of the typical summer specimens. I have indeed found specimens of all three species in July which could not be distinguished at all from typical specimens of the spring brood, but whether these are only late emergences of the first genera- tion or not, I am at present unprepared to say. In hot summers, on the other hand, the distinctive characters of the second broods become much more intensified. These manifest themselves in the darker markings on the upper side and in the lighter colouring upon the under side of the wings; this latter appear- ance being due in large measure to the diminution in the number of dusky scales. In very fine hot summers, when third broods are able to make their appearance, these characters make them- selves more prominent still, and the size of the specimens in addition undergoes an increase, as the series in my own collection amply testify. What conclusions are we able to draw from these facts? They seem to be due to the indirect influence of the temperature upon the chrysalis, in accordance with the views of Weismann, and this in the latter stage of its existence. Whether they were originally produced by temperature it is difficult to decide; but if one may be permitted to judge from the more recent of the chameleon-like theories advanced by the learned Professor above- named, the seasonal characters have been rendered permanent by means of natural selection for protective purposes,—if I may employ a metaphorical expression,—the assistance of the climate, that is, the temperature of the season, bringing into activity those particular germs which will enable the perfect insect to assume morphological characters in harmony with the surroundings. 274 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. In addition to the seasonal dimorphism of the above three species of Pieris, another British butterfly has absorbed a good deal of my attention. I refer to Vanessa c-album. In ordinary seasons the light form of this insect, which I have named lutescens (ante, p. 257), appears in this country only as an aberration of the type of the first brood. The number, however, which appear each season in proportion. to the type varies entirely according to the temperature. In exceptionally wet, cold seasons I have thus experienced considerable difficulty in procuring a single specimen of the light form, although those of the dark were not of uncommon occurrence. It is the males which seem to be more affected by the cold and wet, judging from the relative proportions of the two sexes in the variety lutescens whenever adverse climatic conditions prevail. The males are similarly less affected by a higher temperature. This season, which has been singularly fine and warm, has been the means of producing the variety lutescens in abundance. I have, in fact, taken over thirty of it, but not a single specimen of the type, so that what is in the great majority of seasons only an aberration of the first generation has occurred this year as the type of that brood, as is the case upon the Continent—at least in the centre and the south—every season. My hypothesis concerning this butterfly—and the facts seem strongly to support it—is that what constitutes the second brood of Vanessa c-album in Europe at the present day formerly occurred as the only generation, perhaps shortly after the ter- mination of the glacial period, but that more favourable climatic conditions existing now enable the butterfly to perform its metamorphoses in a shorter period, and thus to make two appearances in the same year instead of only one. ‘The first brood existing now is therefore the most recent production, and the light form of the butterfly in consequence the most highly specialised of the two. Birmingham, August, 1896. SILK-PRODUCING LEPIDOPTERA. By Aurrep WAILLY, (Membre Lauréat de la Société Nationale d’Acclimatation de France.) (Continued from p. 239.) Bompyx (Theophila) suzrwitt1, Moore. The moth of this species much resembles that of B. huttoni, but it is a little larger. All that is known of it is that the perfect insect was found in the collection of Major J. L. Sherwill; it is not known whether it was captured in the plains or at Darjeeling. ah Bompyx (Ocinara) reviciosm, Helfer.—‘‘ Although bearing SILK-PRODUCING LEPIDOPTERA. YH G5) the generic name of Bombyx, the description given by Dr. Helfer applies rather to a species of Ocinara. Dr. Helfer calls it the Goree silkworm; and Mr. Hugon, Deomooga silkworm. It is _ said to be found between Assam and Sylhet.”—Capt. Hutton. In his report on ‘ Silk in Assam,’ dated February 29th, 1884, Mr. EK. Stack, Director of Agriculture, speaks as follows respect- ing this species :—‘‘ This silkworm (Bombyx religiose) is called Deomuga on account of its large size. It is the largest of all silkworms; it attains a leneth of six and one-half inches; it is also the handsomest.”” Mr. Buckingham speaks of it thus :— “This silkworm lives on the sum (Machilus odoratissima), some- times with the common Muga. In the second and third stages it is of remarkable beauty, with rows of turquoise blue on the sides. In the fourth stage the blue spots disappear and golden yellow spots replace them. On each side of the body there are bands or stripes of all the colours of the rainbow, which make this silkworm by far superior to all others in beauty.” The Deomuga lives, it is said, thirty days, and spins its cocoon in three days. The moth emerges at the end of fifteen days in hot weather, and at the end of thirty days during the cold season ; the moth lives four days. The cocoon is large (8 in. by 14 in.) ; it produces a large quantity of strong and coarse silk. The thread of the Deomuga is employed in Bengal to make fishing lines. At Cachar the Deomuga lives on Ficus indica, and on the Pipal (Ficus religiosa). It is found generally in the valley of Assam. OctnaRa Lipa, Moore. This species is found in Mussoorie. The larva, which resembles that of a geometer, lives on Ficus venosa and the wild fig tree. It spins a small white cocoon on a leaf or on a stone at the foot of the tree; the cocoon is too small to be of any utility.—Capt. Hutton. OcInARA LACTEA, Hutton. This species is also found at Mussoorie, and it lives on Ficus venosa, spinning in a leaf a small and curious yellow cocoon which is surrounded by a yellow silk net-work. The larva is smooth, whilst that of O. lida is hairy.—Capt Hutton. Octnara comma, Hutton. The moth of this species is white, with a dark mark having the shape of a comma on the disc of the four wings. It is found in the Doon, at about 5500 feet above Mussoorie. TrinocHa vaRIANS, Moore. A small species, discovered at Canara, and by M. Grote at Calcutta. Itis useless as a silkworm. RuHopia NEwaRA. A very interesting species, with a curiously shaped cocoon, which is green. The larva feeds on weeping willow. Ruopia FuGAx. A species from Japan, similar to Rhodia newara but somewhat smaller. Feeds on all species of Salix. Hasily reared last year by me and several of my correspondents 276 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. on the Continent. The larva, like that of newara, hybernates in the ovum state. A peculiarity of the fugaz larva is that it squeaks when touched, or even if it is slightly disturbed. CRICULA TRIFENESTRATA. This curious species is found in various parts of India, sometimes in such large numbers that the larve completely strip the mango trees of their foliage; they also destroy the foliage of Acacia catechu, and even attack the tea trees. It is found in Burmah, Moulmein, and at Chota Nagpore in Central India. The cocoons are in large bundles, and they adhere so firmly to one another that they cannot be separated to be spun, which their structure besides would not allow; therefore they are carded. They are perforated like net- work, and are of a golden yellow colour. I made this species known in Europe in 1884, and the larve were reared with the sreatest success. I bred them on oak, plum, apple, pear, and willow trees, and later on plum exclusively; they are very polyphagous. In Mr. Stack’s report the following is said respecting this species: — Amluri or Ampotoni (Cricula trifenestrata).— The Am- luri takes its name from the mango tree or Am on which it feeds. It is one of the most common in Assam. It is found in the valley at the foot of the hills on the northern and on the southern side. It is also found at Gachar, where it feeds on the wild tea tree. It is also frequently found on the sum; but its favourite food is the mango tree of the forests or that cultivated near the villages. The chrysalis, like those of all species of silkworms, is eaten, and is considered as a great delicacy by the Kacharis, the Rabbas, the Meches, and the Mikirs. The Rev. F. Camboué has also stated, in his reports on the Mada- gascar silkworms, that ‘some of the natives (the Malgaches) eat with delight silkworm chrysalides, which they fry 1n fativy During several years I received from the late Dr. John Shortt, of Yercaud, in the Shevaroy Hills, Madras Presidency, large numbers of Cricula trifenestrata cocoons; but the great difficulty has also been to receive the pupe alive, as the moths for the most part emerged in transit about three weeks after the forma- tion of the cocoons. I may here state that, after several years of experience, I found that if pupe sent from hot countries are considerably delayed in producing their moths in consequence of a great change of climate, the moths, although the pairings take place, and they seem perfectly healthy, lay eggs that are not fertile, as a rule. Being months instead of weeks before they emerge, the moths of tropical regions seem to have lost their vitality and power of reproduction. Besides, a considerable number of these tropical species die in the pupa state, when the heat 1s not sufficient to allow the moths to emerge at the very time they are ready to make their appearance. SILK-PRODUCING LEPIDOPTERA. 277 The Cricula trifenestrata cocoons were between five and six weeks on the voyage from Yercaud to London. In about three weeks after their departure the moths commenced to emerge in large quantities, but some died after the arrival of the cases in London. The cocoons which had not hatched in transit died, or did not produce the moths till some time later on; hence the difficulty of obtaining fertile ova of this and other tropical species. CALIGULA stm~A, Westwood. The cocoon of this species, in the form of a net-work, resembles in shape that of Cricula trifenestrata, but it is larger and of a dark colour, almost black. Some years ago, in 1878 I think, I received cocoons of this species; but all the chrysalides which could be seen moving through the perforated cocoon died some time after. It is found in Simla, at Mussoorie, and in the province of Kumaon, feeding . on walnut, Salix babylonica, wild pear tree, &c. A similar species is found in Japan, where it feeds on the chestnut tree. This Japanese species is Caligula japonica. CALIGULA THIBETA. Is found at Mussoorie, where it lives on Andromeda ovalifolia, wild pear tree, and quince. It is also found in the province of Kumaon. Its specific name is wrong, as the insect never approaches Thibet. The cocoon is coarse, and of a similar texture to that of C. simla. Nroris HuTTONI, Moore. A _ species discovered by Capt. Hutton at Mussoorie, at about 6500 feet elevation, living on wild pear. The larve are found in April. The cocoon is a net-work, and its silk of no use. Arracus rRictinI. The worm of this species produces the silk known to the natives by the name of Arrindy silk. It is reared on the castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis). The principal places where this species is cultivated are Assam, Kast Bengal, Rung- pore, and Dinagepore. The Mekirs, in the eastern part of Bengal, possess a very fine race producing white silk. Attacus ricint (Bombyx arrindia) according to certain sericiculturists, is no other than Attacus cynthia reared on Ricinus in a state of domesticity. It is in Assam that this species is almost exclu- sively cultivated, and, like the mulberry silkworm, it is also cultivated in a state of domesticity, and bears the name of Eiri, a word which means Ricinus. ‘The species lives also on the Keseru (eteropenex fragrans) ; there are also several other trees, such as the Gulancha (Jatropha curcas), the Gamari (Gmelina arborea), and even, it is said, the Bogri or Ber (Zizyphus jujuba), on which the worm can be reared if the Ricinus happens to fail. Several times live cocoons of Attacus ricini were sent to me from Assam tied to a string placed across the box. The moths emerged so rapidly during the voyage that sometimes they paired, laid their eggs, and the young larve were found dead and dried up in the box. AcTIAS SELENE. A species spread over India and the Island 278 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. of Ceylon. The cocoon is closed, but irregular in shape, and it produces but little silk. There are, however, some races, like the Madras race, with a thick and firm cocoon, the silk of which has, it is said, been wound. The moth, which is remarkable for its beauty, is green, and has the shape of a long-tailed Papilio, like P. podalirius of Kurope, and P. ajax of North America. The larva can be easily bred on walnut; it lives also on wild cherry. In India it lives on wild pear tree, hazel nut, Cedrela pamculata, Coriara nepalensis, and several other forest trees and shrubs. Actias ma@nas, Doubleday. A species found at Darjeeling and in Assam; itis a larger species than selene, and the moth is of a bright ochre yellow. Actias LETO. This is found in the same localities as the preceding species, and there is now no doubt that manas and leto are one and the same species: manas is the female and leto the male. The wings of leto are yellow, but are covered with brownish pink blotches, which are wanting in the female menas. SATURNIA PYRETORUM. Is found at Darjeeling and Cachar. Nothing more is known of this species.—Capt. Hutton. SATURNIA GROTEI, Moore. Found at Darjeeling. One or two moths were also captured at Mussoorie. Captain Hutton thinks the larva lives on wild pear. Saturnia LInDIA, Moore. All that is known of this species is that it was found in a collection made by the late Captain James Lind Sherwill, and it is supposed it came from Darjeeling or its environs; it is allied to S. grotet.—Capt. Hutton. Saturnia criposa, Moore. In the collection of Capt. J. L. Sherwill, and found in the north-east of India. We have no information respecting this species. As it is closely allied to S. pyretorum, lam inclined to believe that its habitat is Darjeeling or Cachar.—Capt. Hutton. Lapa KATINKA, Westwood. The yellow moth of this species is of remarkable beauty, and it was discovered for the first time in Assam; it is also found, I think, at Mussoorie. A small quantity of silk can be obtained from the cocoon.—Capt. Hutton. Lapa savatica, Hutton. A species closely allied to the pre- ceding one; it is found at Mussoorie, at 5500 feet, and also at a lower altitude. The cocoon produces a small quantity of silk.— Capt. Hutton. Lapa miranpa, Atkinson. A fine species, discovered at Darjeeling by Mr. Atkinson, but no other information is given. —Capt. Hutton. Lapa sixkimensis, Atkinson. A very fine species, discovered at Darjeeling by Mr. Atkinson. It can be distinguished from the other species by its small size, and its wings, which are spotted with maroon. Nothing is known of its economy.—Capt. Hutton. Arracus atzias, Linn. The largest of the silk-producing NOTES ON THE SYNONYMY OF NOCTUID MOTHS. me) Bombyces; common at Mussoorie, at an elevation of 5500 feet, - and in the Dehra Doon; it is also found in the deep valleys of the surrounding hills; common also at Almorah, where the worm lives on the Kilmorah or Berberis asiatica, whilst at Mussoorie it never attacks that shrub, and lives exclusively on. the foliage of Falconia insignis. The worm of this species is probably easier to rear than all the other species of wild Bombyces. It produces a very large cocoon, which is rich in silk, and of a greyish colour. Attacus atlas is also common at Cachar, in Sylhet, at Akyab, in Arrachan, and in China (note o Capt. Hutton). It is spread all over India, the Island of Ceylon, China, Burmah, and other parts as far as Singapore at the extremity of the Malay Peninsula; it is also found at Java, Borneo, and probably in all the other islands of the Indian Ocean. The different races vary in size and colour; the cocoons also vary in size and colour. The larva is polyphagous. In Ceylon it is said to prefer cinnamon (Laurus cinnamomum) and Milnea roxburghiana, but it is found also on many other trees. In Europe it has been bred on barberry (Berberis vulgaris) ; it can also be bred on apple, willow, hornbeam, and other trees and shrubs. In 1881, I bred it in London on Ailanthus in the open air till the third stage. It could not be reared in the open air till the formation of the cocoon, except in southern parts. It can be reared in captivity, but not so easily as the note of Captain Hutton would lead one to suppose. The larva of Attacus atlas, like that of A. cynthia, is entirely covered with a secretion forming a kind of white flour, which can be easily rubbed off. Attacus atlas and A. cynthia have some features of resemblance, and the larve have been found living together on barberry in the province of Kumaon. Atracus Epwarpstl, Moore. A dark race of atlas discovered at Darjeeling. (To be continued.) NOTES ON THE SYNONYMY OF NOCTUID MOTHS. By Arruur G. Burzter, Ph.D., F.L.S8., &c. (Continued from p. 257.) ZutHes, Ramb. Z. quatiens, Walk., is an Ephyrodes; Z. xylochroma, Walk., is a true Zethes, but identical with Marmorinia shivula, Guen. Zethes hesperrordes. Zethes hesperioides, Guenée, Noct. 3, p. 880, n. 1795 (1852), Z. hesitans, Walker, Lep. Het. xv. p. 1524, n. 4 (1858). 280 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Z. umbrifera, Swinhoe, Trans. Ent. Soc. 1890, p. 258, n. 461. Java and Burmah. Types in Coll. B. M. Section Saraca, Walk. Zeties perturbans. Acthes perturbans, Walker, Lep. Het. xv. p. 1525, n. 6 (1858). Lignasia trimantesalis, Walker, l.c., xvi. p. 220, n. 6 (1858). Silhet, Japan, Chusan Island. Types in Coll. B. M. Deva? wornata, Walk., belongs to this section of Zethes. Panarapta, Hiibn. Pangrapta decoralis. Pangrapta decoralis, Hubner, Exot. Zutr. p. 18, n. 46, figs. mel yt 2. Marmorinia epronoides, Guenée, Noct. 8, p. 871, n. 18538 (1852). M. geometroides, Guenée, l. c., n. 1854 (1852). Pangrapta clegantalis, Fitch (teste Grote, Check-List, p. 42). Thyridospila recusans, Walker, Lep. Het. Suppl. 3, p. 1970 (1866). Georgia, New York, &c. In Coll. B. M. Guenée and Walker were quite ignorant of Hubner’s description and figure of this species; the former founding his genus Marmorinia for the reception of two Indian species, one of which (M. shivula) is a typical Zethes = Z. xylochroma, Walk., and two varieties of Pangrapta decoralis. The allied genus Hgnasia differs chiefly in its simple antenne; two synonyms may be recorded, viz. :—Hgnasta caduca, Swinh., from Poona, is a female of H. accingalis, Walk. ; and EH. euphrona, Swinh., also from Poona, is a small example of E. participalis, Walk. Thyridospila ? vicaria, Waik., from Congo, belongs to Hgnasia. Daaassa, Walk. This genus includes D. eupithecioides, Walk., D. juruana and D. vulgaris, Butl., D. marginata, Warr., Apphadana lturata, Walk., and T'hermesia croceiceps, Walk. All the species occur in South America. KUTHERMESIA, gen. nov. Antiblemma, Grote (not Hubner). The type of Hubner’s genus is a species from Java, with obliquely porrected palpi, having the third article acuminate ; whereas in the present genus the palpi are angulated and com- pressed, the third article (excepting at the tip or distal extremity) broadly triangularly expanded at the back, by the addition of a dense crest of gradually lengthening scales. The pattern of the wings and the variability of the species are almost the same as in T’hermesia. NOTES ON THE SYNONYMY OF NOCTUID MOTHS. 981 Huthermesia inexacta. Thermesia inexacta, Walker, l.c., Suppl. 8, p. 1038 (1865). T. funesta, Walker, l.c., p. 1040 (1865). T. alacris, Walker, l.c., p. 1041 (1865). T. conficita, Walker, l..c., p. 1042 (1865). T. saturata, Walker, l.c., p. 1048 (1865). T. adjuncta, Walker, J. c., p. 1046 (1865). Antiblemma canalis, Grote (see Check-hist, p. 42, n. 1295). North and South America. ‘Types in Coll. B. M. There is not the least question as to the identity of the above supposed species, in all of which the same pattern is repeated, with variations of ground tint, greater or less definition in markings, and white, yellow, or black reniform spot; the most dissimilar forms occur together. The above synonymy will pro- bably have to be increased when the Saundersian types are known. Renodes latirena, Guenée, may be also this species. Isoaona, Guen. Massava, Walk., and Hutoreuma, Grote. Isogona natatriz. 3 Isogona natatrix, Guenée, Noct. 3, p. 328, n. 1786 (1852). 2 I. continua, Guenée, l.c., n. 1787 (1852). ? Massava scissa, Walker, Lep. Het. Suppl. 8, p. 1110 (1865). 2 Hutoreuma tenuis, Grote (see Check-List, p. 41, n. 1291). 3,2. North and South America. In Coll. B. M. Walker describes his M. scissa as a male, but it is un- questionably a female. We have the male from Espiritu Sancto, Brazil. Grote’s specimens are both females, a little smaller than the Southern examples, but not otherwise differing. Puusta, Ochs. Plusia ni. Noctua ni, Hubner, Kur. Schmett. Noct. pl. 58, fig. 284. Plusia humilis, Walker, Lep. Het. xii. p. 915, n. 61 (1857). P. extrahens, Walker, I. c., p. 929, n. 88 (1857). P. significans, Walker, l. c., p. 980, n. 89 (1857). Kurope, Punjab, Darmsala, Campbellpore, Chekiang, Japan, Aden, St. Vincent, St. Domingo. In Coll. B. M. Grote quotes P. brassice of Riley as a synonym of this species, but it is far nearer to P. u-aureum; as a matter of fact, P. labrosa is much nearer to P. ni than P. brassice is, but the species are all quite distinct. Plusia daubet. Plusia daubei, Boisduval, Ind. Méth. p. 159, n. 1281; Duponchel, Suppl. 8, p. 486, pl. 42, fig. 1. P. indicator, Walker, Lep. Het. xii. p. 922, n. 74 (1857). 282 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. P. ciliaris, Walker, J. c., p. 928, n. 86 (1857). Kurope, India, and West Africa. In Coll. B. M. Plusia argentifera. Plusia argentifera, Guenée, Noct. 2, p. 852, n. 1186 (1852). P. secundaria, Walker, Lep. Het. xii. p. 9388, n. 95 (1857). Australia and Tasmania. In Coll. B. M. Walker selected a dwarfed male of this widely distributed and abundant Australian species as the type of his P. secundaria. Plusia basigera, Walker, is P. laticlavia, Morrison; I do not know which name has priority. Plusia agramma. Plusia agramma, Guenée, Noct. 2, p. 827, n. 1186 (1852). P. inchoata, Walker, Lep. Het. Suppl. 8, p. 841 (1865). Java, Japan, Ceylon, Canara, and Australia. Types in Coll. B. M. Plusia chrysitina. Phalena (Noctua) chrysitina, Martyn, Psyche, pl. 25, fig. 56 (1797). Noctua aurifera, Hiibner, Kur. Schmett. Noct. pl. 98, fig. 463. Madras (Martyn), Asia, and Africa. In Coll. B. M. P. orichalcea, Fabr., has been confounded with this species; it however differs in its slightly broader primaries, on which the brassy patch is decidedly broader, more regularly sinuated inter- nally, and not produced nearly so far towards the base. This patch, therefore, answers more closely to the Fabrician descrip- tion,—‘‘ antice macula lunari, orichalcea, nitida.’’ His locality is “‘ India’”’; we have it from the Nilgiris, Ceylon, and Japan. It stands between P. chrysitina and P. chrysitis. Plusta chrysitis. Phalena chrysitis, Linneeus, Syst. Nat. x. p. 518. Plusia nadeja, Oberthur, Etudes, 1880, p. 84, pl. 3, fig. 10. Japan and Europe. In Coll. B. M. M. Oberthur says that the metallic green in his species extends nearer to the base and farther towards the outer margin than in P. chrysitis ; but these differences are not constant. Our brassy Japanese specimens bear out the second distinction, but the greener ones do not. As P. chrysitis varies more in the extent of the metallic area than in any of its allies, such differences have no weight as specific characters. Any lepi- dopterist who compares Russian and Japanese examples must be convinced at once that they are not distinct species. Plusia festuce. Phalena festuce, Linneus, Syst. Nat. x. p. 518. Plusia putnami, Grote (see Check-List, p. 84, n. 847). ee — <<. ———- NOTES ON THE SYNONYMY OF NOCTUID MOTHS. 283 Europe, Japan, and United States. In Coll. B. M. I fail to see any reason for separating American specimens _ from those of Europe; perhaps in a long series there may be more starved specimens from the States than from Europe, and the silvery subapical streak in the former is more fre- quently narrow than in the latter. The Japanese examples, as a fact, differ more, the metallic markings being larger and more prominent than in Kuropean specimens; but individuals differ quite as much from one another. Without constancy no distinction is worth consideration. Plusia verruca. Noctua verruca, Fabricius, Ent. Syst. 3, 2, p. 81, n. 238 (1794). Plusia rutila, Walker, Lep. Het. Suppl. 3, p. 837 (1865). United States, Jamaica, Venezuela, Bogota. In Coll. B. M. It is highly probable that Walker’s and Fabricius’ types were from the same locality. Plusia striatella, Grote, is P. venusta, Walk., but I do not know which name was first published. Walker’s (supposed Kuropean) specimens of P. u-awrewm are undoubtedly P. brassice, Riley, and therefore have nothing in common with the true P. u-auwrewm of America. I must say I greatly doubt the original locality for the latter species, which is certainly not a variety of P. interrogationis as suggested by Dr. Staudinger, being more nearly allied to P. octoscripta. Plusia bractea. Phalena bractea, Schiffermuller, Wien. Verz. p. 314. Var. Plusia excelsa, Kretschmar, Berl. Ent. Zeit. 1862, p. 135, pl. 1, fig. 5. Plusia metabractea, Butler, Trans. Ent. Soc. 1881, p. 190, Me 70D. Hurope and Japan. In Coll. B. M. With our present series I find it impossible to maintain the distinctness of P. excelsa = metabractea as a species. Plusia octoscripta, Sanborn, is P. falcigera, Walker, but certainly not Kirby’s P. falcfera, which must be either P. pasipheia or an allied species ; the description is so bad that nobody can possibly decide the point without seeing the type. P. rectangula, Kirby, is unquestionably Guenée’s P. simplex, which it will supersede ; it is quite evident that Kirby called the inner margin of the primaries costal, as describers of Micro-Lepidoptera at the present time call it dorsal. Plusia ignea, Grote, is regarded by its author as a synonym of P. alticola, Walk. The species labelled as ‘‘ P. alticola,’”’ and which therefore I presume to be P. ignea, is quite distinct from Walker’s insect, which is more nearly allied to, though distinct 284 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. from, P. devergens, and may (I think) prove to be the P. devergens of American lists. It differs from the European species in its much less strongly dentated submarginal line, wider central belt, and less oblique V-shaped central marking on primaries, and decidedly broader black marginal belt on secondaries. Grote’s P. alticola = ignea is nearer to P. hochenwarthi, from which it chiefly differs in its much superior size. Plusia virgula. Plusia virgula, Blanchard, in Gay’s ‘Fauna Chilena,’ vii. p. 84, n. 2 (1854). P. certa, Walker, Lep. Het. xi. p. 920, n. 70 (1857). Triphena signata, Philippi, Linn. Ent. xvi. p. 298 (1860). Chili, In Coll. BoM. Mr. Hampson has pointed out to me that the genera Risoba and Prtrasa, hitherto placed near Thyatira (on account of their general resemblance to that genus), are actually Plusiide; Risoba will stand next to Plusia, which should terminate with P. thyatiroides ; next to Risoba should come Leptina, followed by Pitrasa and Plusidia. The type of the last-mentioned genus is Psabrostoloides = Plusia cheiranthi, Tausch. (To be continued.) NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. AcuEerontia atropos: Notses on Larva.—The larva of this moth is unusually abundant here this year, and full-fed specimens were ~ brought to me about the middle of July. Ina garden near here it was noticed on the potatoes, and was feared as being probably an invasion of locusts! Five specimens brought to me from this garden illustrated three well-marked varieties, though the dimorphic dark form of the larva was not among them. Three of them belonged to the here usual greenish-yellow form with moderately distinct violet- purple oblique stripes. One, however, was a pure green variety with the stripes very faint, and at first sight reminded one of the privet hawk moth caterpillar. The third variety was very beautiful, being yellow, with the oblique stripes very extensive, definite, and deep- coloured. This individual exhibited a remarkable pecularity, inasmuch as on the second abdominal foot of the left side there was no trace whatever of any of the clasping hooks; the leg seemed in other respects quite normal, and all the other legs had their full complement of hooks, these structures being in this species numerous and large. This specimen had received some injury near the anus, and I am sorry to say was attacked with diarrhoea and died, so that I had no opportunity of ascertaining whether there might be a repair of the deficiency at the last moult, which possibly (but not certainly) had not taken place in this individual. While examining it after death (or after apparent death), when flaccid, discoloured, and shrunk to about half its normal size, and lying on its side on blotting-paper an NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 285 apparent corpse, without reaction to pressure by my fingers, a house fly alighted on it and walked over it, whereon the skin was thrown into violent contraction ; a striking instance of the independence of the life of parts of the insect organisation.—D. Smarr; August 1st, 1896. TRIPHENA SUBSEQUA SPECIFICALLY DISTINCT FROM T’. ornBona.—Mr. Nash (ante, p. 262) asks, Is Triphena subsequa in a true sense a distinct species from 7’ orbona? The reason for his question apparently being a statement he makes that ‘“‘A well-known local collector in the forest (t.¢. the New Forest) told me that he had obtained ova from subsequa, and therefrom bred subsequa and orbona intermixed, pointing out at the time the specimens.’”’ I assume of course that the species intended are subsequa, Hb., and orbona, Fb., as the names are used in Doubleday’s list, and without wishing for one moment to throw doubt upon the bona fides of this worthy collector, whoever he may be, I would venture to say that there is some great mistake here. That such mistakes will happen I know full well, having myself been the victim of one of a similar nature, which happened in this way. Some few years since, when both these species were occurring pretty freely at sugar, together with a sprinkling of 7. pronuba, a collector, than whom I know no keener, sent me some ova labelled subsequa, together with a note saying that he was glad to be able to send me these ova, as I should see, as the larve grew, how very different they were from orbona; the eges duly hatched, and the larve grew apace, and it was very soon apparent that they were not subsequa, but in due course produced a very fine lot of pronuba. The only explanation that I have ‘ ever been able to obtain is that ‘‘ the pronuba eggs must have been in the box when the subsequa was put in it,’’ and I suppose the latter did not lay. Is it not possible that something of this sort may have happened in the case of the New Forest brood? ‘There can, I think, be no doubt as to the title of swbsequa to specific rank ; not only is the mark (the black spot on the costa) by which we are accustomed to distinguish it in the imago stage very constant, but, compared with orbona, the shape of the wings appears to me to be very different. In the larval stage the conspicuous ochreous dorsal line and accompanying rows of quadrangular black spots distinguish subsequa at once from the other more sombrely marked members of the genus.—Rosertr ADKEIN ; Lewisham, August, 1896. PLuUsIA CHRYSITIS: THE BanpED Form.—Mr. Kane, in his useful and interesting Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Ireland (ante, p. 213), falls into an error in his reference to this form of P. chrysitis. I take the banded form commonly enough about Chester, although not so frequently as the one usually regarded as the type, in which the median brown band of the primaries is more or less broken. Newman did not find the banded form rare, as will be seen from the following (‘ British Moths,’ p. 452) :—* Their colour”’’ (fore wings) ‘‘is metallic golden-green, with a brown blotch at the base, another and larger brown blotch at the middle of the costal margin, and a third opposite this on the inner margin; in some of my specimens the costal and inner-marginal blotches unite in forming a median band.’’—J. ArxKLE; 2, George Street, Chester. ENTOM.—SEPT. 1896. Z 286 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. LeEvcANIA STRAMINEA.—In Buckler’s work on ‘The Larve of British Butterflies and Moths’ it is stated, with reference to the larve of this species, that a large proportion of them are generally ichneumoned. I cannot quote the exact words, as I have not the volume with me. But in June last I took sixty-four of the larve, which in due course spun up and changed to pup. Before leaving home to take part in the naval manceuvres, I had to cut the cocoons off the muslin and from the reed stems upon which they had spun up, and I only found two of them ichneumoned. These I sent to my friend Bignell, and the others, with the exception of two sent to another friend, I brought on board with me, and from these I bred fifty-eight perfect insects and two cripples. From this it would appear that the species, at any rate in the neighbourhood of Dovercourt, where the larve were taken, is singularly free from the attacks of parasites, and, moreover, is not a very delicate one, as some of the cocoons were rather roughly handled, and all had a deal of shaking about. May I here take the opportunity of informing many friends and correspondents that I have just been appointed to H.M.S. ‘Hawke’ on the Mediterranean station, and in consequence shall not be able to carry into effect many of the promises I made last season with respect to exchanges this. I am very sorry, and hope to be forgiven, but it cannot be helped.—-Gsrvasz F. Maruew; H.M.S. ‘ Apollo,’ Sheerness, August 7th, 1896. Enemies or Humprtz Bres.—I was much interested in Mr. W. W. Smith’s note in the July number of the ‘Entomologist’ on the enemies of humble bees in New Zealand (ante, p. 210). Years ago, on the prairies of Illinois, I used frequently to see Bombus vagans, Smith, and B virginicus, Oliv., captured and killed by one, and I think two species of Asilus, but am at present unable to give the specific names of these. Doubtless Bombus pennsylvanicus, DeG., which is also common on these prairies, though a larger species, often meets the same fate. The flies pounce on their prey, and at the same instant thrust their stout beak into their victim. If the head of the bee is deeply immersed in a flower, the abdomen is punctured, but if the bee happens to be nearly or quite exposed, and especially if occupied with small blossoms situated on a vertical stalk, the thorax is pierced. In any case, the attack is followed so quickly by the thrust that the victim appears to die almost without a struggle, the captor generally sucking its juices before flying away. ‘The Asilus are rather fearless, and with caution one may watch them in exposed situations engaged in their murderous work.—I’. M. Wrzster; Ohio Agricultural Ex- periment Station, Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, U.S.A., July 24th, 1896. Cottecror v. Entromoxtocist.—Some little time ago I noticed in the magazine some remarks which seemed to imply that no one was worthy of the name of entomologist who did not make his collecting entirely subservient to the elucidating of scientific problems. This seems to me somewhat rough upon the ordinary collector. It is not everyone who has the necessary aptitude or training for investigating the questions with which science deals, nor have many people the leisure for this purpose; but surely everyone can admire a beautiful object SS a S| ae Ss eS ee NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 287 when he sees it, and it will be to him the more lovely when he has obtained it by his own exertions. Is it not then somewhat ungracious to discourage those whose only object is to obtain a more intimate knowledge of the external appearance of the wonders of creation, though they may not apply that knowledge to the deducing of general laws? Ag though one should say that a man ought not to form a collection of pictures, unless he can work out from them the true principles of painting; or to pick up shells on the shore, unless he can so clear up some problem in conchology. But even a “mere collector’? may have his use, for may not his collection, properly labelled, form part of the basis on which the scientific superstructure may be raised by others? I make these few remarks in the hope that someone more competent than myself, perhaps the Editor in person, may say a word on behalf of the ordinary collector, which with some shamefacedness I must avow myself to be, and tell us whether he is indeed to be put down with scorn and derision, or may, as I hope, still have a brotherly hand extended to him by those of greater attainments, but perhaps of no greater love for entomology.—Rev. W. Cxaxton ; Woolston, Southampton, August 4th, 1896. [As an entomologist is one who studies the habits, &c., of insects, and as a collector of insects, in order to obtain species, studies their habits and life-histories, it follows that a collector can justly claim to be an entomologist. Ento- mologists may be roughly divided into two classes—(a) the practical, (b) the scientific. Speaking in a general way, class a, which, by-the- bye, is far the largest, is to a very great extent quite independent of class 6; whilst students in the latter class are often indebted for material to those who labour in the former. There is, however, no hard and fast boundary-line between the two classes; very many expert practical entomologists in this country are distinctly scientific in their work, and several eminent scientific entomologists are adepts at field work. As this subject has been brought forward, it is to be hoped that our readers will favour us with their views thereon.—Ep.| Note on Ponta XANTHOMISTA var. NIGROcINcTA.—lIs it- usual for a portion of the ova of P. nigrocincta to hatch out in the autumn, and the rest remain over until the following spring? I have now been collecting many nigrocincta larvee each season for more than twenty years. At the beginning of June, 1895, I took a fair quantity, full-fed, but was obliged to go away at the latter end of August for ten days. On my return, I found many of the moths had emerged, and spoiled themselves of course. Not thinking anything about ova until the end of November when I came to clear out the large flower-pot they had been in, I found to my astonishment, on the cloth covering the top of the pot, a quantity of eggs, a great portion of which had hatched, and the larve had disappeared. ‘The rest I took great care of, and in the spring following the larve hatched out.—Joun Tuorre; Cheapside, Middleton, near Manchester, July 16th, 1896. 288 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. VANESSA C-ALBUM IN SaLop.—Two specimens of V. c-album were taken in my garden on August 3rd.—(Rev.) Cuartes F. THorNEWILL; Calverhall Vicarage, Whitchurch, Salop, Aug. 17th, 1896. EUcHLOE CARDAMINES IN AveustT.—On August 2nd I saw a male specimen of H. cardamines, flying in Tiddington Lane, between Thame and Oxford. It appeared to have just emerged.—J. W. Supp. ACHERONTIA ATROPOS IN LincoLNsHiRE.—Five full-grown larvee of A. atropos have been brought to me this year, and I have heard of others having been taken.—W. Lrwineron; Market Rasen, Aug. 14th, 1896. ACHERONTIA ATROPOS IN Herts.—On Aug. 4th I received a single larva of this species from a friend living at Elsenham, near Bishop Stortford.—F. Cornet; 14, Wellesley Road, Leytonstone, E. ACHERONTIA ATROPOS IN Co. WATERFORD, IRELAND.—A specimen, or rather the remains of what was once a specimen, of A. atropos was brought me dead by the gardener to-day (Aug. 6th). It was taken at rest ina potato field near Ballindud a few days previously. Is not August an unusual month to meet with this insect?—L. H. Bonaparrs-WysE ; Manor of St. John’s, Waterford. [Unusual but not exceptional.—ED.] ACHERONTIA ATROPOS IN SaLop.—A full-grown larva of A. atropos was brought to me on Aug. 18th from a neighbouring village, where it was found crawling across a path, and is now safely ensconced under ground.— (Rev.) Cuartes EF. Tuornewiti; Calverhall Vicarage, Whitchurch, Aug. 17th, 1896. CoLEOPTERA AT CIRENCESTER.—On August 3rd I took two specimens of Ptilium affine amongst rubbish in a garden at Cirencester. With them I also found Ptenidium evanescens and Acritus minutus.—J. W. SHIPP. AGROTIS ASHWORTHII.—On July 20th last I captured a specimen of this moth in the Sychnant Pass, between Conway and Dwygyfylchi. 1 should be glad to know if many specimens of this insect have been taken in recent years.— B. Harvey-Jeviin, B.A.; 61, Tyrwhitt Road, St. John’s, S.H., Aug. 15th, 1896. [Mr. Tait (Entom: xxviii. 283) records the capture of eight specimens early in July, 1895. ‘The species is probably bred each year from larve collected in the Penmaenmawr district.— Eb. | PiusiA MONETA IN HertrorpsHire.—My brother and I took eight specimens of P. moneta near Tring, during the last week of June and the first week of July this year. They were hovering around and settling on the flowers of monkshood. Several were in splendid condition.—J. W. Suipp; August, 1896. Piusta MoNETA IN Kent.—Two specimens of P. moneta have been taken near here this July. One at Ashford, by Mr. Lewis, on a carnation blossom; and another, at light, near Wye.—F’. V. THxoparp, Wye, Kent. ACRONYCTA ALNI AND APLECTA occULTA IN LiNcoLNsHIRE.—I have beaten two larve of Acronycta alni this year; one at Hartsholme, near CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 289 Lincoln, Aug. 3rd, the other near Market Rasen, on the 12th of the same month. At sugar, on the night of Aug. 12th, I had the pleasure of taking _a pair of Aplecta occulta for the first time in this locality—W. Lewineron ; Market Rasen. PARNASSIUS APOLLO IN THE PyrENEES.—I am finding this handsome butterfly here in abundance, both on the French and the Spanish sides of the range. It occurs between the altitudes of 2000 and 6000 feet, which thus approximates very closely with its vertical distribution in the Alps, allowance being made for the difference of latitude.—W. Harcourt- Batu ; St. Sauveur, Hautes-Pyrénées, July, 1896. ABERRATIONS OF ARGYNNIS PAPHIA AND LIMENITIS siBYyLLA.—T'rom June 29th to July 10th my brother and myself were collecting in the New Forest, and during that time we captured and saw most of the species mentioned by Mr. Nash (ante, p. 261). Among the A. paphia we took was an interesting variety of the male, in which the spots are confluent, forming a broad bar on fore and hind wings. We heard of several (about six) dark varieties of L. stbylla being taken. One male example of Boarmia abietaria was also secured, and a female specimen of Lasiocampa quercifolia was given to me by a boy, who had found it just emerged from the chrysalis.—F. L. BhatHwayt; Bromyard, Aug. 4th, 1896. ABUNDANCE OF CHG@ROCAMPA PORCELLUS.—Referring to the note by Mr. C. J. Nash on C. porcellus (ante, p. 264), I may say that the species has been most abundant here. On four nights I took on honeysuckle and valerian some fifty specimens, though not more than one-tenth were . sufficiently good to kill. I generally get two to four specimens in the year, but this year I have no doubt if I had tried I could have netted two hundred easily, but I did not bother to take them when I found them so worn. The honeysuckle was not sufficiently out to visit till June 4th, when the majority of some fifteen specimens boxed were useless. I may add that I found two larve of this species, three-parts fed, on Galiwm verum, on the night of June 2lst.—W. B. THornuiti; Castle Cosey, Castle Bellingham, Ireland, July 30th, 1896. Notes rrom Norra Wates.—During a three weeks’ visit to N. Wales, at the ena of May and beginning of June, I found insects unusually plen- tiful. More than 160 different species of Macro-Lepidoptera were met with, although “ sugaring,” except at the sandhills, was very unproductive. The following are some of the species noticed:—Pverts brassicae, P. rape, P. napi, all abundant.—Euchloé cardamines, plentiful. Argynnis selene, plentiful at Tan-y-bwlch, Merionethshire, by May 30th.—4A. euphrosyne, worn, May 24th.—A. aglaia, A. adippe, just beginning to appear at Barmouth, June 12th.—WMelitga aurinia, abundant in several localities near Tan-y-bwlch and Barmouth, quite fresh, May 26th; of about seventy specimens taken that day only two were females.—V. urtice, V. io, larve of the former species very abundant; the first of a batch of larve of the latter taken at Barmouth pupated June 14th, and the first imago appeared July 9th.— Pararge egeria, a few taken at Barmouth.—P. megera, very abundant.—Satyrus semele, just beginning to appear June 7th.—LHpine- phele ianira, plentiful— _Cenonympha typhon, June 6th, abundant on a large bog near Tan-y-bwlch; the form I took is similar to typhon from the South of Scotland and from Ireland.—C. pamphilus, abundant.—Thecla 290 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. rubi, generally distributed.—Polyommatus phleas, abundant.—Lycena @gon, abundant in one locality in Carnarvonshire by June 7th.—L. tcarus, abundant.—JZ. argiolus, one worn specimen at Tan-y-bwlch, May 30th.— Nemeobius lucina, took three worn specimens, May 29th, two of them being only fit to be released again. My friend Mr. W. J. Kerr took me to a valley in Merionethshire where he met with this species many years ago, and it was pleasing to find it still in existence.— Nisoniades tages, abundant. —FHesperia sylvanus, very plentiful.—Sphinw convolvuli, I learnt from my friend Mr. Kerr that this insect was fairly numerous at Barmouth last autumn, he having taken several specimens at flowers of the tobacco-plant. —Cherocampa porcellus, I saw one specimen at Barmouth, but failed to capture it.—Macroglossa bombyliformis, an insect more easily seen than taken; we captured ten specimens altogether, but they seem to spoil them- selves very soon after emergence.—Jno statices occurred in many localities. —Zygena pilosella, this interesting species was still plentiful in its old haunts where I had taken it in 1891 and 1893; my friend Mr. F. C. Woodforde was the first to find the cocoon, which is not exposed like that of Z. filipendula, but hidden away deep down amongst the stems of heather and grass, and some- times fastened on to stones.—Z. /ilipendule, very plentiful; out by May 24th.—Hylophila prasinana, Tan-y-bwlch.—Setina irrorella, one at Tan-y- bwlch.— Lithosia mesomella, LEuchelia jacobee, Nemeophila russula, N. plantaginis, Arctia cata, Sptlosoma lubricipeda, S. menthastri, Hepialus humuli, H. velleda, H. lupulinus, H. hectus, Dasychira pudibunda, Bar- mouth and T'an-y-bwlch.—Cossus ligniperda, one freshly-emerged female taken at sugar.—Porthesia similis and Bombyx neustria, larvee very common. —B.rubi, B. quercus, Odonestis potatoria.— Saturnia pavonia, several broods of larvee met with.—Drepana falcataria, Cilix glaucata, Acronycta pst.—A. runucis, plentiful at sugar.—Leucania lithargyria.—L. ltttoralis, Barmouth. —L. comma, L. pallens.—Axylia putris, one taken at Barmouth by my friend Mr. Meynell.—Xylophasia lithoaylea.—Mamestra albicolon, plentiful at sugar at Barmouth.—Miana strigilis, M. fasciuncula.—Grammesia tri- grammica, a fine variety, with suffused dark colouring on upper wings, taken at Barmouth.—Caradrina morpheus, Rusina tenebrosa.—Agrotis vestigialis, Barmouth.—A. suffusa, A. corticea.—A. ripe, Barmouth.— A. cursoria, four at Barmouth.—d. strigula.—Agrotis ashworthw, from Jarve taken in Flint at the end of April the first imago appeared on June 17th; my friend Mr. Woodforde and I went to hunt for these larve April 27th to 29th, and found, contrary to what appears in the text-books, the larvee feed freely and crawl about on their food-plants, rock cistus, &c., in the day- time, as well as at night. The traditional method of finding these larve by turning up stones is a very slow and tedious method of acquiring them. In captivity they feed freely on primrose and dandelion flowers, as well as on sallow catkins.—Mania maura, at sugar.—Dianthacia nana, one wing in a spider’s web.— Hecatera serena, one taken by Mr. Meynell.—Aplecta advena, one taken at sugar at Barmouth, and another seen.—H. adusta, abundant at Barmouth.—HJH. oleracea, H. pisi.—H. contigua, four at sugar at Bar- mouth.—Cucullia umbratica, abundant.—Gonoptera libatria.—Habrostola tripartita, H. triplasia.—Plusia festuce, Anarta myrtilli, Heliaca tenebrata, Evastria fasciana, Bomolocha fontis.—Venilia macularia, abundant and generally distributed.—Hurymene dolobraria, two at Tan-y-Bwlch.—Selenia lunaria, Amphidasys betularia, Tephrosia crepuscularia, T. punctularia, Pseudoterpna pruinata, Iodis lactearia.— Acidalia contiguaria, I took one CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 291 specimen of this interesting little Geometer on June 7th in Carnarvonshire. _—A. marginepunctata, A. subsericeata, A. fumata, Bapta temerata.— Strenia clathrata, Tan-y-Bwlch.—Bupalus piniaria.—Larentia cesiata, taken on June 3rd; surely a very early date ?—Hmmelesia albulata, very abundant.—JL. decolorata, Hupithecia pulchellata, EK. nanata, E. absinthiata, E. pumilata.— Lobophora viretata, one at Tan-y-bwlch.— Melanippe hastata, M. tristata, M. sociata, M. galiata.—Anaitis plagiata, very plentiful.— Tanagra atrata, very plentiful at Barmouth.—Lnnychia cingulata, very abundant.—L. octomaculata, plentiful on the railway line near Penrhyn- deudraeth railway station; one or two seen in other places.— Botys fuscalis, plentiful. The above list will, I think, show that North Wales is by no means a bad collecting-ground for the entomologist.—H. W. H. Biaae Cheadle, Staffordshire, July 21st, 1896. HARLY APPEARANCES oF LEPIDOPTERA IN 1896.—I was in the Lake District this year from May 25th to June 8th, and found some species out unusually early. This was notably the case with Caenonympha davus (typhon), of which I took several specimens on the Holker mosses on May 30th. The species was well out in the same locality on June Ist, and it simply swarmed at Witherslack on June 3rd, where in an hour anda quarter I captured and boxed sixty-seven specimens. On May 25th I found Argynnis selene well out near Lakeside, Windermere; and A. euphrosyne, males, were practically over, though the females were still in very good condition and extremely abundant. I took three nice pale varieties of this species. On May 28th I saw several Zygena jfilipendule on the railway embankment at Grange, and on the same day took at Witherslack a nice series of Procris geryon and a few Lycena agestis var. salmacis. This latter species was very abundant a week later. On May 30th Hydrelia unca was well out on the Holker mosses; and on June Ist arid 3rd I obtained respectively Aspilates strigillata and Acidalia fumata. I took a number of other species, but their time of appearance was about normal.—B. H. Crastree; The Oaklands, Levenshulme, Manchester, July 23rd, 1896. SOCIETIES. Sovran Lonpon Entomotocican anp Naturat History Socrmry, — July 28rd, 1896.—T. W. Hall, Esq., F.H.S., Vice-President, in the chair. Mr. West (Streatham) exhibited specimens of Catocala promissa and C. sponsa, bred from larve taken during the Society’s field-meeting at Whitsuntide. Mr. Robt. Adkin, a bred series of a Hypsipetes, bred from larve taken in Orkney by Mr. McArthur. He was unable to say whether they were H. trifasciata or H. ruberata, although he was inclined to think they were referable to the latter species. He also exhibited a specimen of Cwnonympha pamphilus, with the row of ocelli on the under side very well developed, Mr. Dennis, a series of under sides of Cupido minima, taken at Horsley, showing a complete gradation in the number and development of the ‘spots, and also one upper side well scaled with blue. Mr. Fremlin, specimens of Polyommatus astrarche var. salmacis, from Castle Eden Dene. Mr. Mansbridge, varieties of Abraxas grossulariata, bred from f # ; ers U ‘ * e ; ] ; ey ee tp ’ We 4 i eS is — . oe, = Peart Ra cs A’ i ‘ i ) i pails TH DBDNTANMNAT LEU IER pcm ys L Wwe , / . - Z A * 1 " rks 3 Ae ga (6) ne tee er \ ; my, - Ue ’ + AN 4 wt G L o°/ i yee id mee a ‘Va Lo eirht | larve obtained at Horsforth. Out of 150 larve two or three per cent. only showed more than ordinary variation, compared with some fifteen per cent. last year from the same locality. Two specimens were asymmetrical, and one was a nicely radiate form. Mr. West (Greenwich) exhibited specimens of the hemipteron Dicyphus epilobii, from Hltham. Mr. Moore, a specimen of the second brood of Cya- niris argiolus, taken on July 12th, at Oxshot; and also a specimen of Lycena agon, destitute of the row of fulvous blotches on the upper surface, and one having confluent spots on the under side. Mr. Robt. Adkin contributed a paper entitled ‘‘Notes and Observations made during the Society's Field Meeting at Chalfout Road, on July 18th, 1896.” August 13th.—C. G. Barrett, Esq., F.K.S., Vice-President, in the chair. Mr. 8. Stevens exhibited an unusually small specimen of Papilio machaon, having the black band on the hind wing very narrow. Mr. R. Adkin, a bred series of Pachnobia hyberborea, from pupe taken at Rannoch. Mr. McArthur, a preserved larva of the same species, mounted on a twig of its food-plant (H’mpetrum nigrum), the crowberry, and gave interesting details as to its life-history. Mr. Fremlin, a series of Phigalia pedaria, from Saltash, including the dark reticulated form and the very dark uniform variety. Mr. H. Moore, numerous interesting insects from South Africa, including a fine specimen of Actias mimose, which from its sluggish habits can be easily picked off the bushes ; its larve are more or less gregarious; several species of the larger Orthoptera, Pachytilus pardalinus, the species which often appears in vast numbers and does considerable damage; P. peregrinus, which is the locust of N. Africa; Cyrtacantus purpurifera, a very large species; Acheta africana, a mole-cricket from Johannesburg; and numerous species of Coleoptera which are attracted in thousands to the electric light in Pretoria. Mr. Sauze, a specimen of Cicada anglica, one of three taken by Mr. Heasley, in Surrey. Mr. Heasley had been attracted to some oak trees by an unusual stridulation, and eventually succeeded in obtaining these three examples. Thus a doubt as to whether this species stridulates or not has been cleared up, there being no previous record of such in this country. Mr. West, of Greenwich, a series of the local hemipteron, Hurygaster maura, from Folkestone. Mr. Mansbridge, a double cocoon of Clisiocampa neustria, from which, although the imagines had emerged from the pupa-cases, they had been unable to extricate themselves. When cut open there was only one cavity partially divided into two. Mr. Barrett exhibited four British specimens of Plusia ni, two belonging to Mr. Jeffries and two to Mr. Briggs; one of the former was captured in Surrey. Also a fine variety of Cleoceris viminalis, having the basal half of the fore wings very dark, in contrast to the very pale outer portion; and a remarkable form of Agrotis eaclamationis, in which neither of the stigmata was developed, but the elbowed and basal lines were very distinct and perfect on the uniformly pale brown ground colour. A discussion took place on the season, with especial reference to Colias edusa, and the means of migration of insects, Messrs. Stevens, McArthur, Adkin, Barrett, Mansbridge, Winkley, and others, taking part.—Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Report Sec. EXCHANGE. [The publication of Notices of Exchange, or of Advertisements, in the ‘Entomologist’ is in no way a guarantee for the British nationality, authenticity, or good condition of a the Species. This Notice is not given to throw doubt on the bona fides of Exchangers or _ Advertisers, but to absolve the Editor from responsibility, in case the liberty allowed should a he abused.] Marked * are bred; t are high flat-set. “ Duplicates. —Edusa (males), C-Album (a few), Valezina (5), Promissa. Desi- _derata. —Athalia, Blandina, Epiphron, Davus, Paniscus, and many others.— C. H. Blathwayt ; Frome Bank, Bromyard, Worcester. Duplicates.—Rhomboidea,* Sinapis (first. and second broods; black pins). Desiderata.—Local Macros in fine condition.—J, Clarke; 26, Zinzan Street, Reading. Duplicates.—Artemis,* Paniscus, Mesomella, Salicis,* Monacha,* Ravida. Desiderata.—Myopiformis, Minos, Exulans, Meliloti, and other local insects.— W. Lewington ; King Street, Market Rasen. Duplicates. ~ Sinapis, C- Album, Argiolus, Geryon, in fine condition. Desv- -derata.—Ruberata, Crambi, and Tortrices. Accepted offers answered by return.— W. Edwards ; Alm, Gibert Road, Malvern. Duplicates. —Arciolus ‘ (few), Bembeciformis,* Mesomella, Tincta* (few), Luctuosa, Notata (few). Desiderata.—Apiformis, Globularie, Cribrum, Mendica, ppeesoms, Urtice, Orion, &.—F’. C. Woodforde ; Market Drayton, Salop. Duplicates.—Reticella, Suasa,* Lineola; larve of Smaragdaria. Desiderata,— Flaviata, Glabraria, Trisignaria, Notha, Ocvulta, Atriplicis, Bractea, Cordigera, and other good species in fine condition.—F. G. Whittle; 3, Marine Avenue, re Southend. Duplicates.—Cardamines, Rhamni, Semele, Aigeria, Aigon, Argiolus, Tages, -Alveolus, Decolorata, Palumbaria, Piniaria (male), Mi, Flammealis, Palumbella, &e. Desiderata.—lLocal species and foreign stamps. Hora, Keeper's Lodge, Dibden, near Hythe, Hampshire. Duplicates.—Ripe, Albicolon, Littoralis, Affinis, Braue: Edusa, Argiolus. Desiderata.—Numerous; especially Unanimis, Xerampelina, Fulvago. Oo, Pyra- lina, Pusillata, Constrictata, Campanulata, Succenturiata, Dodoneata.—Rev. H. C. Dobrée Fou; Castle Moreton, Tewkesbury. Duplicates.—Pupe of Strataria (Prodromaria) and Pavonia (Carpini). Desi- derata.—Ova, larve, or pupe of Porcellus, Elpenor, Fascelina, Gonostigma, Cratwgi, P. Populi, B. Trifolii, Versicolor, Furcula, Bifida, Trepida, Ridens, Alni, - Dolobraria, Lunaria, Fuscantaria, Zonaria, Hispidaria, Roboraria, Consortaria.— G. R. Garland ; 94, Sedgwick Road, Leyton, Essex. ' Dupliewtes.—Paniscus, Exulans, Ashworthii,* Ravida, Cursoria, Plantaginis,* 3 ‘Confiua var. Thule, Hastata var. Hastulata,* Albulata var. Thule, Versicolora,* Humuli var. Hethlandica, Venosa,* Myrice,* Falcula,* Depuncta, Ulmata,* Carbonaria, Hispidus, and many others. Desiderata.—W-Album, Pruni, Arion, Albipuncta, Straminea, Rubidata, Belgiaria, Sinuata, Simulata, Coronata, Anomala (female); and offers —T. Maddison; South Bailey, Durham. Duplicates.—Croceago,* Berberata, Miata, Russata* (fine Cornish forms), 2 Propugnata, Ornata, Badiata, Subfulvata,* Subumbrata, Assimilata,* Munitata, Variata, Loewii,* Spilodactyla,* Lienegianus,* Turionana,* Edusa,* Semele, Villica,* Adonis, Fibrosa vars., Galatea, Gracilis, Typhe,* Rubricosa, Hirtaria.* _ Desiderata.—Very numerous; Diurni, Bombyces, and Noctuze, to extend.— W. G. Sheldon ; Kirkstyles, Havelock Road, Croydon. Duplicates. —Tris,* Betule,*. Exulans (Braemar), Meliloti, Humuli (grand Shetland yars.), Strigula, Helveola,* Fascelina,* Glabraria,* Lichenaria,* Cinctaria, Roboraria, Trepidaria, Viridata, Orbicularia,* Auroraria, Pictaria,” - Alternata,* Salicata,* Albulata var. Thules, Sexalata,* Lobulata, Undulata,* - Myrice,* Caliginosa, Depuncta, Gothicina, Miniosa,* Promissa, Sponsa, Craccx,* Flexula, Piceana,* Colquhounana, Alpinalis, &¢. Desiderata.—Numerous ; espe- cially varieties.—Percy M. Bright; Roccabruna, Bournemouth. Duplicates.—Exotic: Pap. antimachus, ©. archidona, Dynastor napoleon, Ornith. victoriz (male, 1). British: Miniosa,* Ridens,* -Meliloti, Auroraria, a Promissa, Sponsa, Sibylla, Subsequa (1 or 2), Rhomboidea (few), Oo (few), Australis, Citrago, Gilvago (shortly), Cinxia (few), Cribrum (few). Desiderata.— Exotic: Papilio, Triopas, Homerus, &c.; Ornith. morphas, &c. British: Noctuze largely; Occularis, Ophiogramma, Rubiginea, Lycena Arion —W. Dannatt; Ivi y = Dene, Westcombe Park, London, 8.EH. Duplicates.—Chi and var. Oleracea, iy Gece Tota, negate &e. Desi- derata.—Local butterflies.—H. J. Carpenter; The ODRETORLOTY Durham. Duplicates. —Selene, Cardamines, Brassice, Rape, Rubi,* Callune,* Fuli- ginosa,* Carpini,* Polyodon.—John Robb; Muirland Cottages, Port Elphinstone, Inverurve. Duplicates. oP éneeliieee Fraxinata, Furva, Serena, Luctuosa. Desiderata.— 4 Numerous. Lists exchanged.—C. A. H. Rodgers; 31, Hall Road, Handsworth, Birmingham. Duplicates.—Aglaia, Lunaria,* Tristata, Batis, Typhe,* Hepatica, Monglypha (black), Nebulosa, Ravida, Chi, Rubricosa. Desiderata.—Numerous; especially Geometers.—Rev. R. H. Fuller; Bakewell. Duplicates.—Minos (Welsh), Carpini* and pupe, Russula (males), Faleula, - Flavicornis, Littoralis, Adusta, Rubricosa, Solidaginis, Cardamines and pupe, Selene, Artemis, Io,* AXgon. Desiderata.—Iris, Pruni, Minos (Scotch or Irish), — } Aisculi, Asellus, Gonostigma, Fuscantaria, Viduaria, Extersaria, Vernaria, Rubri- cata, Trigeminata, Holosericata, Circellata, Inornata, Degenaria, Rotundaria, Pictaria, Alternata, Ononaria, &e.—EH. W. H. Blagg; Cheadle, Staffordshire. CHances or ApprEss.—Chas. Bartlett, from Branscombe, 62, Woodstock Road, to ‘‘Ingleside,’’ 58, Woodstock Road, Redland Green, Bristol.—T. D. A. Cockerell, from Los Cruces, to Mesilla, New Mexico, U.S.A.—W. F. Kirby, W. Egmont Kirby, M.D., and A. W. Kappel, from 5, Burlington Gardens, Chiswick, to Hilden, Sutton Court Road, Chiswick.—F. Milton, from 184, Stamford Hill, N., to 7, Chilton Street, Bethnal Green, E.—A. Paterson, from 25, Milton Street, to 58, Apley Road, Doncaster.—Rev. G. H. Raynor, from Panton pices! “y Wragby, to Hazeleigh Rectory, Maldon, Essex. MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. Souta Lonpon ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NaturAL History Society, HIBERNIA CHAMBERS, Lonpon Bripce, §.E.—Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in each month, at 8 p.m. City oF Lonpon EntTomoLocicaL AaND Naturat History Socimty.—The meetings of this Society (held at the London Institution, Finsbury Circus, E.C.) will take place on the Ist and 8rd T'wesdays in each month, from 7.30 to 10 p.m. as heretofore. NortH Lonpon Naturat History Socrrety.—Meetings are held on the 2nd — ui and 4th Thursdays in each month at the North East London Institute, Dalston — Lane (close to Hackney Downs Station on the G.E.R.), from 7.45 to 9.30 or 10 p.m. TO ENTOMOLOGISTS. OR SALE.—A Rare and Valuable Collection (two Cases) of Himalayan — | BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS, &c. The advertiser is compelled very reluctantly to dispose of the above. Can be seen by appointment. Address— Mrs. RICKETTS, 12, Nortucote Roap, CLAPHAM Juneotion, S.W. TO CONTRIBUTORS.— Papers, Notes, and Communications, on all branches of Entomology, are solicited. Contributors are requested to conform, as far as possible, to the following rules: — All Communications must be clearly written on one side only of the paper. Generic names must be given in full, excepting where immediately before used. The Editor is not responsible for unused MS., neither can he undertake to return it, unless especially asked to | do so. Contributors of the more important articles receive six copies of such articles. NOTICES of EXCHANGE (inserted without charge) must contain nothing more than the specific names of the duplicates and desiderata, except when two insects are known by the same specific name, and must be clearly written on one side only of the paper. All notes, papers, books for review, &c., and notices of exchange should be sent to the Editor, | RICHARD SOUTH, 100, RITHERDON ROAD, UPPER TOOTING, S.W. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to Wrest, Newman & Co., 54, Hatton Garden, London, E.C., not later than the Aalst of each month. Pt ae ot ae will, sete BY ” keomont hae his Great ade 38, King Street, Covent Garden, on Tuesday, September 22nd, at ast 12 precisely: —BRITISH and EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA, Collection of Fossils, Minerals, Shells, Animal Skins, Birds’ ar ns and Eggs, Stags’ Heads and Horns, and other Natural Heston a en Cabinets, Books, &e. TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27th and 28th. VALUABLE COLLECTION OF BRITISH LEPIDOPTERA. J[R. J. C. STEVENS has received instructions from C. A. Baas Esq. 4 (who is leaving London), to Seu sy Auction, at his Great Rooms, 4B , King Street, Covent Garden, on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 27th ; = 28th, at hallf- -past 12 precisely each day, the first portion of his. Also Bane Boxes, &e. KIPPING, THE Squarz, Hotswortuy, N. Devon. mens} Sell carded ; in first- rate condition. OR SALE.—Twelve Double Cases, with air-tight glass frames; Moth Trap; As Setting-cases; &c. Also New Forest dug ae (twenty to thirty ae 4. 10s. per hundred. Apply— rag ee pe oLoaist,” c/o Wrest, NEwMAN & Co., 54, Harron GARDEN, Lonpox. NATURAL HISTORY AGENT AND BOOKSELLER, ak of 40, TRIANGLE West, CLIFTON, BRISTOL. a Largest and best Stock in England of EUROPEAN LEPIDOPTERA, moderate prices. eae - Exotic Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, &e. = tay — Preserved Larvee of Rare British Lepidoptera. = cs Cabinets and Apparatus for Entomologists, Odlogists, Ornithologists, Botanists, bo. ek Botanical Cases, Drying Paper, &c.—British & Exotic Shells. Tae an. _ THE MosT RELIABLE Stock or BIRDS’ SKINS anp BIRDS’ EGGS in Briram. | : es, New and Second-hand Books.—Exchange and Label Lists. eae is: Send stamped and addressed wrapper for General Catalogue, 1893, & Shell Catalogue, 1895. S an N. B.—Mr. Marsden’s business was entirely removed from Gloucester in 1889. rie e sks THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKERS | J. T. CROCKETT & SON, - ee AKERS of every description of ENromoLoGicaL CABINETS aa APPARATUS} _ Store and Boox Boxss, fitted with camphor-cells; Setting Boards, oval or flat, ko. Cabinets of every description kept in stock. CrockEeTt’s SPECIAL INSECT ~ Gssowers, Interchangeable Drawers, fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show - upper and under sides without removing Insects. Store Boxes specially made for _ Continental setting, highly recommended for Beetles. All best work. Lowest EF pomible terms for cash. Prices on application. Estimates given. The Trade peepned. ESTABLISHED since 1847. Roe _ SHOW ROOMS: 7a, PRINCE’S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. 3 _ Factories: 34, Riding House Street and Ogle Street, W. . The largest Stock of Cabimets and Bowes to select from. Great oe in Sy Bcc with the maker. All goods at store prices. NATURE: A aes ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye. _W oRDSWORTH. BRITISH AND FOREIGN. EDITED BY eS epee hie BSES, r( i epost attention is now giver “Bre Biaise, There is ste at least one plate, drawn by a wall known ubseription for the year, payable i in advance, SrxruEn SHILLINGS, post fre for Advertisements may be had on application to the Publishers. | ial NEWMAN & CO., 54, Harton Garpen, Lonpon, E.C- ae By Hace SourH, F.E.8. In duplicate; printed.on one side | t aly of fine cream-wove paper for labels; and on both sides for reference. Price 28. FOR REFERENCE ONLY. a ba ahaa degen ie SYNONYMIC LIST. Price 64d. Established 1851. BIREKBECE BANE Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London. at TWO-AND-A-HALF per CENT. INTEREST allowed on DEPOSITS, repayable on demand.. ‘s Date vidas ie on per CENT. on CURRENT ACCOUNTS, on the minimum monthly eee Nn not snes . we below £10 eee, eee re STOCKS, SHARES, and ANNUITIES purchased and sold. : ane om | SAVINGS DEPARTMENT. | oS For the encouragement of Thrift the Bank receives small sums on deposit, and apama sucerest ns _ monthly, on each completed £1. 1a | ye Birkbeck Building Society. Birkbeck Freehold Land Society. : How to Purchase a House for £2 2s. per Month. How to Purchase a Plot of Land Sor 5s. ae suis es," aN 4 oy THE BIRKBECK ALMANACK with full particulars, post-free. ye eed FRANCIS, BAVENSOROFT, Manager. a ks Ly at te . a Shall 2d.; — "Specialty : — LIVING OVA, LARV#, and PUPM, Be) —rroprictor, E. EDMONDS, ot (A Entomologist to the Rovat Famny and Eron | Couns. of Full price Catalogue on application, — Pee: (No larger Stock in Europe.) BREEDING GROUNDS De as as Saeee Ave; Sy Be ag ale ‘au osite oT be ign ——patega xa8m8 ON APPLICATION, Dates dy On Kuan airy anya xticles Guarante d; exchange 4 tt ab rc "are requested to not sexe 4 of ix <€ »y . . a) tk 4 a : * bs ss N ant vy TA AN x oy CO. * - Ve ut i Regs Oh x ote NL ry 7 ae aa nt rg fr 0 PL. SN be 22 eS fi na! as ad tara ‘ 7 ? ROBERT ADEIN, PES. Pp, R. BILLUPS, B.E.S. St Wig W. LUCAS DISTANT, F-E.S., Se EDWARD A. FITCH, poet F. W. FROHAWK, cee Great dees ar done and grat disc oat ch. an md A Moy q antec et = ‘Ra iY >a, ee lary ol a ‘ : 7 ery a Bh 7 MEEK, Nataralicy: ee BROMPTON ROAD, LONDON, S.W. Supplies Entomologists twit ebery Requisite OF THE BEST MAKE. re SEND FOR NEW PRICED CATALOGUE, POST FREE. All rine when accompanied by Post Ofice Order, will receive immediate attentions Steel Knuckle-jointed Net ays op for ocket, 48. eee vee Net, 5s. Wire Ri Net, ih brass screw, 2s. ket Foldi Net, with three wae joints, 3s. 6d., 4s. . Balloon Ne 26 by 18, for Beating, &c., 68. Telescope Net, 68., 8s. 6d., 10s. 6d. Sweeping Net, 8s. Larva we wee 1g., 1s. 6d. Sugaring Tins, with Brush affixed, 1s. mie ae Killing Box, 9d., 1s. “2 Bottle of Killing Fluid, 94. Corked Setting Boards, 1in., 6d.; ;14,7d.;14,8d.;13, 9d.; 2in.,10d.; 23,11d.; 23, 1s. _ _ &e., &e. _ Mahogany Pocket Box, with glass to slide in groove, 3s. éd. | Entomological Pins, 5p ors size, tie vem 1s. per ihe sizes, mixed, 1s. por OZ. eek Xe Bottle of Mite Deaioy: da. Willow Chip Boxes, nested, four sizes, 1s. 8d. oom, Setting and Drying Houses, Seat ees 9s. 6d., 11s., 135. ‘TheE tomlogi i Stor ad aap oe ostal B : oxes, 6d., 9d., a e 6 Entomologist’s Store and Setting pees Pasty per Pel ged Ba » £3. ed Pocket Lanterns, 2s. oo . 6d. Zine Oval Pad A Box, 94., 18., 1s. 6d., 2s. upa Diggers, 2s., 38. ~ Corked Store Boxes, best make, 2s. 6d., 4s., 5s., 6s.; aie , covered in Green Cloth, Book Pattern, 16 by 11, 88.6d. Tin Y, 2d.; Brass Y, 84., for Cane Nets. a LARGE ASSORTMENT OF BRITISH AND FOREIGN INSECTS KEPT IN STOOK. | | Sepik of or cgsihanes in hoe and to Order. Estimates given. | ‘A LIONEL CLARK EMM - NATURAL-HISTORY AGENT, BARTON STREET, GLOUCESTER, —_ UPPLIES Collectors with every kind of apparatus for the various branches of A History: Cabinets Store Boxes, Butterfly Nets, &. BIRDS’ EGGS, SKINS, ] PIDOPTERA and COLEOPTERA, &c., kept in stock in large q uantities. ; The largest et of Kaas in England to select from, includ erveg very rare ; species. List of clutches sent if desired. Large buyers liberally dealt with. NEW AND SECOND-HAND BOOKS. ncetomiee” Birds skinned and prepared for Cabinets, or mounted by skilled nts. Fall general Catalogue and Special List of Eas and Skivs, post free. = oe ae ae 4 iss one address: as aboue, Ss aa) i 3 4 4d. Di spe 5 Nat Pe a , 3d. me - Ligustr m8 sg Betularia (Black Var.) 4d, 7 : : talanta, hae agi ie Buoeph nara i HE ‘ENTOMOLOGIST’ EXCHANGE LIST. 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A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF BRITISH AND FOREIGN INSECTS KEPT IN STOOK. — CABINETS of Nad ian in Stock ne ia Order. Estimates given. an LiIONGE. CLARK NATURAL-HISTORY AGENT, BARTON STREET, GLOUCESTER, \UPPLIES Collectors with every kind of a i saresstes for the Fae 3 branches any Natural History: Cabinets, Store Boxes, Butterfly Nets, & BIRDS’ EGGS, SKINS, LEPIDOPTERA and COLEOPTERA, &e., kept in stock in large quantities. — ealt with. The largest stock of Kees in England to select from, including many very rare species. ist of clutches sent if desired. Large buyers liberally _ NEW AND SECOND-HAND BOOKS. | Texte. Birds skinned and prepared for Cabinets, or mounted by skilled “Full g general Catalogue a and Sawist List of Ecos and ‘Sams, sig ser ae peak satis and oe one address as above. : — FERTILE OVA, & ¢ HEALTHY 1 PUPE, 2d. ' PUPA, mr ee TERTILE 0 Ova. Per doz. Cra genset retire ert rita aria, THE ENTOMOLOGIST ~ Vou. XXIX.] NOVEMBER, 1896. [No. 402. ARGYNNIS PAPHIA, As. Tats remarkable variety of Argynnis paphia I captured July _ 2nd this year in Whatcombe Wood, near Blandford. It is a male, and measures a little over two and a half inches from tip to tip of fore wings. All the lighter colouring of the fore wings is of a deep fulvous, the darker markings black, running into dark brown. In the hind wing the fulvous or ochreous colour is deeper, running into dark olive-green in the lower part of the wing. The under side of the fore wing resembles the upper surface, only lighter, and the tips are of a silvery green. The hind wings are marked with varied shades of silvery green. H, H. Tmney Basserr. Houghton Rectory, Blandford, Oct. 10th, 1896. ENTOM.—Nov. 1896. 2c 318 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. VANESSA ANTIOPA. By W. F. Krirsy, F.L.S., F.E.S., &c. Ir has been asserted by most authorities on British Lepi- doptera for the last century, that British specimens of the Camberwell Beauty have much whiter borders than Continental ones; but I find that of late years an opinion is growing up, and is becoming openly expressed, that this is not the case, and that our British white-bordered specimens are only faded or hibernated. The white-bordered form is not unknown on the Continent, but seems to be very scarce in many localities; while, although the yellow form is not quite unknown with us, it is so rare (not more than two or three having been recorded) that I am inclined to regard its occurrence in Britain as purely acci- dental. It would be very desirable to ascertain the proportion of white- to yellow-bordered specimens in different parts of Europe; but I am not aware that anyone has investigated the subject. American specimens, again, on the average, are larger, and the border is more deeply coloured than in Continental ones. During the present autumn, it is interesting to learn that several specimens of this butterfly have been taken in Forfarshire, the Isle of Skye, and other localities in Scotland, and have been recorded in the ‘Field’ and elsewhere. Two of these were taken by Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant, who has kindly allowed me to examine them, and the borders are snow-white. As they are fresh specimens, the question of hibernation or fading is hardly admissible. Mr. C. W. Dale, in his ‘ British Butterflies,’ pp. 157-162, has given a series of quotations from various English authors relating to this butterfly. I have turned up several of the older writers, and find that Donovan (1794) seems to be the first author who speaks of the specially white bor- ders of English specimens. Only two authors figure it with yellow borders. Wilkes’s figure is probably taken from a Con- tinental specimen, for he says that he only knows of two British specimens, but that it is very common in Germany. JHarris describes and figures the border as pale yellow, from a British specimen. Otherwise all the figures and descriptions which I have seen, by British authors, represent the border as white, though some say “‘ dirty white.’ Mr. Dale is, however, in error respecting the use of the names hygiea and lintneri, the first of which, he says, denotes the white form, and the other the American form. The former name was originally used to denote two forms of V. antiopa, one with white and one with yellow borders. Dr. Staudinger has since restricted the name to the aberration with very broad yellow borders, involving and nearly obliterating the area usually occupied by the blue spots. In the equally rare American aberration described as lintneri, the yellow CALOPHASIA PLATYPTERA. 319 border is still broader, and the blue spots are entirely absent. I may remark that the white borders of genuine British V. antiopa —like Mr. Grant’s specimens, and the fine series in the British cabinet at the British Museum (Mr. Buckler’s yellow-bordered specimen in the British Room is believed to have been bred from a larva received from Leipzig)—have a very different appearance to the borders of faded Continental specimens, which once were yellow. There are only three specimens with white borders in the general collection of the Museum; two from Bhutan, and one (dirty white) from Japan. Pryer, however, figures a Japanese specimen with a clear yellow border. Mr. Barrett suggests that the white-bordered British antiopa may come from Norway ; Linné describes the border as “‘albidus’’; and I should not be surprised to find that, outside Britain, the white-bordered form is more or less of a mountain insect. Dr. Lang says that Albanian specimens have white borders. British Museum (Natural History), Oct. 15th, 1896. CALOPHASTIA- PLATYPTERA, Ksp.: A- MOTH: NEW TO; BRITAIN. On Sept. 14th last, whilst searching for land-shells near Brighton, I had the pleasure of capturing a male specimen of Calophasia platyptera, Esper. When I first saw the moth it was in excellent condition, but unfortunately, in consequence of not being prepared for taking new Lepidoptera, it had to be con- signed to a match-box. The fringes have suffered somewhat, otherwise the insect is uninjured. I am pleased to say this pretty addition to our fauna will find a place in the collection of My. F. H. Briggs, of Lynmouth, Devonshire. In appearance our new moth is like a small ‘‘ shark-moth ” when at rest, to which group it belongs. The genus Calophasia is closely allied to Cucullia, and in our present arrangement will precede it. I believe if the locality is carefully worked other specimens will be found. In searching for C. platyptera the habits of Cucullia umbratica should be remembered, which will aid in attaining success. A full account of the capture and description, with figure of the specimen, appears in the October and November numbers of ‘ Science Gossip’ for this year. Joun T. CaRRINGTON. 1, Northumberland Avenue, London, W.C., October, 1896. oo 2 320 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. ON THE VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION AND DERIVATION OF THE RHOPALOCERA IN THE PYRENEES. By W. Eiunborant Baa . Own the occasion of a recent entomological expedition to the Central Pyrenees, part of my programme consisted in defining the vertical zones of vegetation, to provide a basis for studying the vertical distribution of the Rhopalocera in the region under consideration. The results arrived at, together with certain other facts and conclusions obtained during the course of the investigation bearing directly upon the subject of vertical or climatal distribution, I propose to present to the readers of the ‘Entomologist’ in the present paper. The district investigated consists of that portion of the chain situated within the French Department of the Hautes Pyrenees, and may perhaps be regarded as representing the average climatal conditions of the whole range. On account cf its central situation the precipitation is less than that further to the west, and greater than that which occurs in the continua- tion of the chain in the direction of the Mediterranean, which latter portion possesses a very dry climate indeed. The flora of this region is in character similar to that occurring on the northern slopes of the Alps, and in Cold Temperate Europe generally. The olive zone (or, as it ought more properly to be called in this district, the pseudo-olive zone) is theoretically represented (from a climatological point of view) in the Department of the Hautes Pyrenees at the lower elevations, where the mean annual temperature rises in some situations as high as 59° Fahrenheit, but practically (from a phyto-geographical standpoint) this is not the case, for, as I have already stated, the vegetation is wholly that of Northern Europe. The olive and other character- istic trees and plants of the warm temperate zone just commence to occur in one direction about ten or a dozen miles to the east of the Department in the vicinity of Bagneres de Luchon, and in another as soon as we cross the southern watershed and descend into Spain. Theoretically this zone terminates here at about the altitude of 1000 ft., but of course there is no phyto- geographical line of demarcation between it and the one above, so that if we are to admit it at all it can only be estimated by means of a calculation. The vine zone rises above the preceding to the height of about 1800 ft., which altitude is also considerably below the theoretical elevation it should be, based upon the mean annual temperature alone. It is, however, consistent with the con- ditions which exist in the zone below. THE RHOPALOCERA IN THE PYRENEES. 321 Now what are the causes of these apparent incongruities ? That nature refuses to be bound by the rules of geographers, and conform with mathematical precision to the calculations of physicists, without taking all the factors into consideration, is plainly patent. The theoretical (climatological) zones defined by geographers harmonise very well on the whole with the actual (phyto-geographical) zones adopted by botanists through- out the world, and Europe in particular ; but when our attention is confined to a small area, they are often found to be incon- sistent in detail. It is clearly evident that other factors should be taken into account besides the mean annual temperature in estimating the horizontal and vertical limits of the vegetation. In many cases the minimum winter temperature or the maximum summer temperature has to be provided for, and this I consider furnishes the cue to the reason why the vine does not ascend to such a height in the Hautes Pyrenees as it ought to do from the point of view of the mean annual isotherm alone. Its non- occurrence above the altitude of 1800 ft. is in my idea to be accounted for by the temperature of the summer, beyond the elevation at which the plant is successfully cultivated, being insufficient to permit of the fruit ripening. A good deal of rain falls in the region in question in the summer and autumn months, which is probably the cause of the temperature being insufficient to bring the grape to perfection; hence the reason why it is not grown. In the case of many indigenous species of plants and shrubs belonging to the warm temperate zone being unable to extend the area of their distribution even to the lowest elevations in _ this district, where the winter temperature is comparatively very mild, the same influence possibly operates as with the vine, the low temperature of the summer being likewise insufficient to ripen the seed, and thus not enable them to propagate their species. Perhaps it is also partially to be accounted for by their inability to compete with the more vigorous cold temperate forms which, thriving superabundantly by reason of the profuseness of the precipitation, do not afford a chance to the arid-loving forms from the southern and north-eastern sides of the Pyrenees to continue their kind. ! The fauna, and particularly the Rhopalocera, of the pseudo- olive zone in the Hautes Pyrenees appear to coincide in their distribution with the flora very well. The butterflies even at the lowest elevations, with a few trifling and unimportant excep- tions, partake wholly of the character of the north temperate region. It is possible that the reason of this lies in large measure in respect to the distribution of their pabula; in other instances species may be influenced directly by the amount of the precipitation, and by the temperature, in the same way as the plants. 322, THE ENTOMOLOGIST. In this connection I may here remark that in all the zones in the mountains (the same as in the Alps) it is singular how closely the distribution of the Rhopalocera coincides with that of the predominant or typical arborescent vegetation. This is particularly noteworthy by reason of the fact that very few trees and shrubs which constitute the facies of the different zones provide the pabula of the larve. Many low plants, on the other hand, which do constitute the food of the caterpillars, possess a wide distribution, or are represented in other zones by closely allied species. Besides the vegetation, the climate and many other factors it is evident, therefore, must be taken into con- sideration in order to account for both the horizontal and vertical distribution of the Rhopalocera. The lower hill zone rises in the Hautes Pyrenees to the height of about 3000 ft. The alien but graceful locust-tree (Robinia pseudo-acacia) flourishes in this region, growing luxuriantly by the sides of the ravines and gorges in company with other characteristic vegetation. The upper hill zone ascends above the preceding to the height of about 4500 ft. The most characteristic shrub belonging to it is the box, which grows in dense masses among the rocks upon the rugged mountain slopes, and produces a very typical feature in the landscape. The lower alpine zone lies between the altitudes of 4500 and 6500 ft., but it is exceedingly difficult in many parts of the mountains to define its position with a certainty owing to the absence of conifers, which constitute the typical arborescent vegetation of this region in the Alps, and throughout sub-Arctic Kurope generally. The places of the pine and fir are thus frequently occupied by the juniper and rhododendron, which, owing to the scantiness of the soil, flourish abundantly in the absence of the trees. It is thus often by no means an easy matter to tell where this region ends and the one above begins. The upper alpine zone is the region of small bushes and stunted shrubs, and occupies the mountain slopes between the altitudes of 6500 and 8000 ft. The snow zone, which occupies the highest and final vertical region, terminates at the point where commences the actual line of congelation, which on the northern slopes of the chain lies at about the altitude of 8800 ft. On the southern or Spanish side of the watershed bounding the Hautes Pyrenees all the above vertical zones are a few hundred feet higher, the altitude of the lower limit of perpetual snow being about 9200 ft., this constituting a difference of some 400 feet. Allowance being made for the difference in the latitude— about two degrees—between the Alps and the Pyrenees, the vertical distribution of the Rhopalocera in the latter range THE RHOPALOCERA IN THE PYRENEES. 323 appears to approximate very closely to that of the former, in support of which I could furnish abundant proof. It is not, however, my intention in the present paper to enter into detail ; this perhaps I may be persuaded to do in some subsidiary paper on the same subject later on. I propose here to deal with general conclusions only. One interesting fact which has struck me, in making a com- parison between the Rhopalocera occurring at the higher alti- tudes in the Pyrenees with their relatives in the Alps, is the comparative less number of melanochroic or alpine forms accompanying the type, or taking their place, than in the latter range. ‘wo theories may be put forward to account for this: 1, that the lowland or Austral types, which possess representa- tives in the higher zones in the Alps through being recent immigrants to the Pyrenees, have not had sufficient time to develop them in the latter range; 2, through competition being less severe or conditions less varied than in the Alps. The former seems to me to be the best view to assume, but possibly both may be to a certain extent correct. The number of species of Rhopalocera occurring in the Pyrenees is considerably less than that existing in the Alps, this difference being specially noticeable in the alpine forms; thus in the genus Erebia only about half as many species are found in the Pyrenees as there are in the great mountain range in Central Kurope. This deficiency probably dates back as far as the glacial period, and is to be accounted for by several hypotheses. In large measure it is undoubtedly due to the isolated position of the chain, coupled with the considerably less extent of area which it occupies in comparison with the Alps. To the glacial period, however, must be attributed an overwhelming influence in deciding the present distribution of the existing Rhopalocera fauna. ‘The effect it has produced is probably very profound indeed. As the ice-cap slowly advanced over the plains and low- lands of France, the butterflies gradually receded further south, until they ultimately reached the region under consideration. Here their retreat was finally and effectually cut off by the elevated mountain range rising in their rear like a huge wall, and as the ice-sheet approached its base they were in consequence, like the rest of the pre-glacial fauna, unable to surmount the barrier, and were compelled to succumb to the increasing cold. Most of the alpine forms which exist upon the higher slopes at the present day probably owe their survival during the glacial epoch to the shelter afforded them in Spain at lower levels on the southern side of the range, while nearly all the lowland forms found in the region now are probably post-glacial immi- grants from countries situated to the east. In support of this theory may be brought forward the fact 324 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. that the chain under consideration, by reason of its peculiar physical configuration, proves an effectual barrier to the dis- persal, north and south, of lowland forms existing on the lower slopes upon either side. Unlike the more elevated mass of the Alps, there are no transverse valleys and passes at a compara- tively low elevation which would provide the passage to and fro of such Austral or lowland types. All communication between France and Spain is thus completely severed, except in the case of those species existing in the immediate vicinity of the snow- line. Spain similarly in proportion to its southern latitude possesses a comparatively poor Rhopalocera fauna. In this case, however, less is possibly to be attributed to the effects of the glacial period than to the isolated position occupied by the Iberian peninsula ; at the same time it undoubtedly has made its influence felt to a great extent. At about the climax of the glacial epoch geologists assert that the land connection between Southern Spain and the northern parts of Africa was severed, and has been so ever since. This theory entirely accounts for why so few species inhabiting the southern shores of the Mediterranean have been able to extend their area of distribution to the north, where they could easily find a congenial home in the subtropical climate of Andalusia. At the same time no alpine forms inhabiting Europe, I believe, are found upon any of the mountains in North Africa. This would seem to suggest a date anterior to the climax of the glacial epoch for the discontinuity of the two continents. Geologists suppose that when the ice-cap attained its greatest dimensions the climatological and phyto-geographical conditions of the South of -Europe must have been very similar to those which reign supreme in Scandinavia at the present day. If this was the case it must have harboured many of the alpine forms of butterflies existing then. So that, unless the dis- continuity between the two continents did not take place at a date anterior to the climax, I do not understand the reason why some of them should not be retained at the present day at high altitudes upon the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria, to whence they would have retreated upon milder conditions ensuing. For if the disconnection took place before the climax, when the climatological conditions were not so severe, the alpine butterflies would not have retreated sufficiently far south in order to secure a foothold upon the African continent. The only other contingency I could see is that these conditions were not quite so severe at the climax as geologists have pictured, which is indeed supported by the fact that very few alpine forms occur upon the elevated chain of the Sierra Nevada, in the extreme south of the Iberian peninsula. Te Another important item to be taken into consideration in order to account for the comparative paucity of the Rhopalocera i Ol cml a _———E— ON JUMPING COCOONS FROM §S. AFRICA. 325 fauna of Spain is to be found in the extreme infertility and aridity of a large portion of its surface. If similar conditions prevailed at the time of the glacial epoch, it must have told severely against the survival of many forms which entirely de- pended upon its southern sanctuary for their propagation. Upon milder climatic conditions ensuing, the remnants advanced up the slopes of the Pyrenean chain to their present stations. It will thus be seen that the alpine forms occurring in the range must have been in large measure indirectly derived from Spain. The most curious thing about it is that there are so few endemic Species and peculiar varieties occurring in consequence through- out the chain. It is evident that many factors must be constantly kept in view in estimating the why and the wherefore of the present distribution and derivation of the Rhopalocera in the Pyrenees. Birmingham, October 1st, 1896. ON JUMPING COCOONS FROM §8. AFRICA. By D. Sarge, M.D., F.B.S., &e. At the last meeting of the Cambridge Entomological Society, Mr. Rickard kindly gave me two small oval objects known as “jumping cocoons.” He had brought them from §. Africa some years previously, his attention having been attracted to them there by the fact that these apparently inanimate, earthen- looking objects execute considerable leaps, even managing to spring out of a small vessel, such as a tumbler, in which they may be placed. Some of the insects had emerged from the cocoons during the voyage from Africa to England, but Mr. Rickard had not preserved any of them, and all he recollected was that they were flies that hold their wings in a roof-like position. As the two cocoons given to me were intact, it was probable that they contained some remains, and I consequently investigated them with the hope of discovering something un- usual that would explain the powers of jumping. I discovered inside what certainly is one of the most interesting pupe I have ever seen. The order of insects to which it belongs is some- what uncertain, but I consider it will prove to be an anomalous lepidopterous insect allied to Trichoptera. But first as to the cocoons. These do not look like the cocoons of Lepidoptera, their appearance being that of a small piece of oval pottery, 5 mm. long, with a rough surface. They have a considerable thickness, and when broken open the inside is like the outside, though rather less rough; there is no silken lining, no polished surface. In each of the two cocoons I found a pupa; the two were quite similar, and I have no doubt belong 32.6 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. to the larve that made the cocoons. They are of a highly anomalous nature, and agree in certain respects with the pupa of Micropteryx, whose discovery was recently made by Dr. Chap- man, though very different in other points. There are these dis- tinctions: 1, there are no free mandibles; 2, the ventral aspect is that of an anomalous pupa incompleta of Chapman, while the dorsal aspect is that of the Neuroptera, either of Hemerobiid or Trichopterous kind, but highly peculiar. The appendages on the ventral aspect are imperfectly fastened to the body, but _ the .wings extend quite to the extremity of the body, and are free, as to their edges, on the dorsal aspect. The front of this soft imperfectly chitinised pupa bears a hard projecting chisel, which differs from all the rest of the pupal surface in that, instead of being pallid and membranous, it is dark, hard, and strongly chitinised. The dorsal aspect of the abdomen is swt generis, for though soft it is thrown into several series of ridges — or folds, each of which bears a projecting, chitinous, acuminate tubercle; the structure of this dorsal part of the abdomen in- dicates great mobility of the segments on this aspect of the body. There are seven of the rows of ridges, 8-12 in each row; the longest and strongest are curved backwards. The most remarkable of all the features of this pupa is that the pleura of the abdomen are developed as large free flaps, which bear numerous long and strong sete. There are also a few long sete projecting from other parts of the body. With these data we can make a fair guess at the modus operandi of the insect. This little pupa is shut in a remarkably hard thick cocoon without any orifice, and it has to get out. Nature has not provided it with caustic potash for the purpose, but has endowed it with a mechanism of complex perfection to accomplish this little object. On the front of the head it has a sharp chisel edge, and with this it has to cut through the pot- tery ; contracting itself to the utmost in the posterior part of the cocoon, and retaining itself in this position by the hooks on the mobile part of the body, it is in a condition of elastic tension in consequence of the other side of the body being so differently formed and immobile; therefore, releasing the hold of the hooks, the pupa is discharged forwards, and the chisel piece strikes the front part of the cocoon; repeating this an enormous number of times a circle may be gradually inscribed on the inside of the far end of the cocoon, which gives way when sufficiently weakened, and the insect becomes free. In both the specimens the inside of the cocoon is about half-cut through ; either this is done as the result of a prolonged series of wriggles, or of shocks such as I have described. It is by no means improbable that the early part of the performance is carving the groove by wriggling, the later part knocking it off by jumping against it. The pleural sete are doubtless the sense organs that co-ordinate the movements. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 827 In order to rear this insect successfully it is clear that the cocoons should be fixed. I therefore venture to suggest that _ anyone having the opportunity should take a strong flat piece of card; make some little holes in it, and then, by means of Leprieur’s gum, used very thick so as not to penetrate the cocoon, secure one side of each cocoon in one of the card hollows, and they will then probably facilitate the exit of the imago. As to the order to which the insect belongs, I may remark that, as the pupz inside the cocoons were both mouldy and dirty from exudation, they had to be cleaned, and in order to see some points of the structure I separated the abdomen of one of the pupe from the rest of the body; in doing so I wounded the delicate integument of the wing-sheaths and leg-sheaths, and I find that these contain a profusion of scales of peculiar form, but no doubt, I think, of a lepidopterous nature. The antenne are very long, with free tips ; and altogether I consider that the insect will prove to be an anomalous lepidopteron, possibly somewhere near to Adela. Mr. Rickard informs me that he obtained these cocoons at Shark’s River, three miles west of Port Elizabeth. Cambridge, Oct. 17th, 1896. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. Rearine AcHERONTIA aTRopos.—In reply to Mr. Walker’s query (ante, p. 811) as to rearing this insect, I may say that I believe it to be ex- tremely sensitive during the resting stage underground previously to becoming a pupa, a period which, in the case of the larve I had, was about three weeks. These larve did not make cases of a solid character, but each one, about an inch or two below the surface, reduced the soil to a very nice uniform condition of fineness for an area of a quarter of an inch or more around itself; this prepared soil was only fastened together so very lightly that a very slight disturbance ruptured it. I wished to examine these specimens to see the condition in the resting stage, and in doing so I broke the earthen case of one, but put it together, as I thought, very nicely ; a deformed pupa was, however, produced. I have no idea how the larva operates on the soil, but the pupa of atropos is excessively active with its abdominal segments, far more so than any pupa of its kind that I know of. The sixth to eighth segments of the pupa are very deeply impressed and ridged on each side, and this condition is correlated to the capacity of movement ; for, though the sculpture I speak of looks quite shapeless, yet when the pupa is fully bent laterally, the largest ridge—close to the stigma —exactly fits to the side of the preceding segment. As to the con- dition in which Mr. Walker should keep his pups, I presume practical lepidopterists would say, out of doors.—D. Sarr; Cambridge, Sept. 29th, 1896. saa 3S THE ENTOMOLOGIST. My last communication to you has caused so many letters to me, from correspondents who cannot consult your previous volumes, that I am led to beg for space in your next issue, that I may shortly repeat my directions for forcing the pupa of A. atropos. I half fill a ten-inch garden-pot with sand, place on the top a layer of damp moss, lay on it the pup, and cover these again with another layer of moss; arrange some sticks round for the moth to climb, and cover with a bell-glass, as used by gardeners, to fit inside the rim of the pot. Put intoa soup-plate containing water, and place the whole arrangement inside the dining-room fender, not too close to the fire, turning the pot round occasionally to equalise the heat, and adding more water to the plate when it gets low. If this is done at the end of October, the perfect insect may be looked for about Christmas. It generally emerges to- wards night, the pupa becoming dark and soft, and turning on its back shortly previous to the emergence.—H. W. Livetr; Wells, Somerset. In reply to Mr. Edward R. Walker’s queries as to the best method of breeding this species, I have much pleasure in furnishing him with an account of the means I adopted some years ago with perfect success. I forget what year it was, but larve and pupe of atropos were more than usually abundant. I went round to different fields where potato-digging was in operation, and showed the men drawings of both larva and pupa, and told them that I would give twopence each for any they might find. ‘The consequence was that in a day or two I had a couple of dozen of larve and pupe brought to me, and had to tell the men that I did not want any more. The larvee were nearly all full grown, and went down in afew days. I had endeavoured to breed this species the previous year, but had failed altogether ; so 1 thought I would try some other plan. When the larve had been underground for three weeks I dug up the pupe. I then procured a large flower-pot, filled it half full of gravel, upon which I placed a layer of damp moss, about two inches thick, and upon this the pupe, covering them with another layer of damp moss about an inch thick. A piece of muslin was then tied over the top, and the pot placed on the kitchen mantelpiece. Twice a week the layer of moss above the pup was taken out, plunged into a basin of tepid water, wrung out, and replaced. The moths began to appear in about a month’s time, and from twenty pup thus treated nineteen moths appeared, only one being a cripple. A day or two before the moths emerge the pupxe begin to change colour, until they become nearly black, and at this period feel very soft to the touch, and, if handled a few hours before hatching, the moths may be heard squeaking within. I believe that I sent an account of this at the time to the old ‘ Entomologist’s Weekly Intelligencer’ [vol. v. p. 69, Nov. 27th, 1858].—Gervasre I, Matuew ; H.M.S. ‘ Hawke,’ Salonica, Oct. 14th, 1896. We have just had the pleasure of successfully rearing an imago of A. atropos. The larva (from Northamptonshire) pupated about Sept. 15th. On the 27th we placed the chrysalis in the forcing apparatus designed by Mr. Sturt, which was described in the ‘ Entomologist’ for July by Dr. Guard Knaggs. The moth—quite perfect—emerged on October 15th, after being in the ‘‘incubator’’ for eighteen days, the water being kept at about 105°.—A. R. and R. H. Hears; Willesden, Middlesex. ——eo. — NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 329 Vanessa c-ALBuM.—Mrs. E. §. Hutchinson (ante, p. 312) claims to have first discovered the light form of this butterfly in England. With _ due respect permit me to say that I never attempted to claim this dis- covery. What I do profess to have discovered is that it only occurs as an aberration of the first generation in the season in this country. In conformity with the law of priority in nomenclature I am quite willing to substitute the name of “ hutchinsonii’’ for that of ‘‘ lutescens,”’ if your correspondent will kindly inform me where a definition of the form under that cognomen was published, and if it is one of the magazines or works recognised by the editors of the ‘ Zoological Record.’ With regard to the results obtained by breeding the larve of this insect in captivity, they prove nothing; and Mrs. Hutchinson appears to miss the most important point, in referring to the same, in her omission to mention the environment of the caterpillars, whether they were reared indoors or out of doors, and what was the temperature previous to the emergence of the imago. It is well known that very different results can be obtained by rearing Lepidoptera under artificial conditions to what is the case in a state of nature. In support of this I may say that a larger proportion of the light form of this butterfly are produced in captivity than at large in a state of freedom, as I have had ample opportunity of proving. What I should much like to know from your correspondent is the relative proportions between the two forms occurring in a state of nature each season for a number of years back, and the climatological conditions prevailing at the same time.—W. Harcourt-Batu. Unirormity in Pinnine anp Settine Leproprera.—In the course of this interesting discussion in seems surprising that no one has sug- gested as a remedy for the existing state of things the disestablishment of the pin in its present form. However well pinned an insect may be, it must be admitted that it would look far better if there were no pin visible at all. As a substitute I would suggest the adoption of a small double prong, something in the shape of a reaping-hook ; the part representing the handle would end in a point, and would stand vertically in the cork; from this would diverge two arms like those of a capital Y; these would each curve over until they ended in a hori- zontal direction in two points, which would be inserted at the side of the thorax, underneath where the wings join it, and thus in the set specimen the apparatus would be totally out of sight. The advantages of some such contrivance as that which is here rather lamely described would be considerable. In the first place, the beauty of the thorax in many species would not be spoilt as is at present inevitably the case; secondly, the specimens would be well raised above the paper and out of the way of mites, while at the same time they would not stand so high as to give what most English collectors consider the ugly effect of high-setting; besides this the absence of a pin through the thorax would give a more natural effect to a set specimen. Set- ting might with this arrangement at first. present difficulties, but they would probably not be insuperable. Insects would be moved by clasping the upright part of the apparatus with forceps. The size of the new pins could be regulated in the way suggested by Mr. Tunstall in the last number, though it would probably be best to 330 © THE ENTOMOLOGIST. keep all specimens at the same height. —D. P. Turner; Tonbridge, Oct. 6th, 1896. MPs: There is no doubt some general rule should be laid down for the above, especially for collectors of British Lepidoptera. Exotic col- lectors are so few and far between that I think they might be left to fight their own battles. But who likes to see British insects set flat ? Insects so set are classed ‘continental’? at once. Who among the collectors who give long prices for insects (because they are caught this side of the Channel) would look at such insects on long pins, set flat? I think everyone will agree with me that flat-setting is ugly, wooden, and contrary to the laws of nature—therefore unnatural. A drawer of flat-set Lepidoptera always look to me as if they were made of paper. I suppose this is because one is accustomed to see them so in pictures. Of course I understand one principal reason is to show as much of the wing as possible, but there is nothing to prevent collectors having one or two specimens so set (my remarks refer more especially to those who have a long series) ; there is surely no necessity to set all flat. Let any who have doubts go and look at Hewitson’s magnificent collection in the Museum, and compare it with a German collection.— Water Dannatt; Ivy Dene, Westcombe Park, 8.E. Enromowoeist v. Contector.—Mrs. EH. 8. Hutchinson (ante, p. 313) publishes a very indignant note respecting the imaginary discourtesy of those who denounce the ‘mere collector.’’ I fail, however, to see what courtesy and discourtesy have to do with it, but consider it more a matter of truth and logic. If a person possesses a pronounced Opinion upon any subject, and has the courage of his convictions, I do not see that he deserves to be denounced as being discourteous, unless, of course, he published his opinions with the direct purpose of causing anybody annoyance. It is a matter entirely concerning principles instead of personalities. Your correspondent recommends the Rev, W. Claxton to ‘‘note’’ those who are so discourteous as to condemn the ‘‘mere collector.’’ Well, I can supply the first instalment to the list, in the name of that great and highly respected entomologist, the late H. W. Bates, who professed a profound contempt for the ‘‘ mere collector’ (see ‘The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin’). — W. Harcourt-Batu. | May I be allowed a few remarks on Mr. Claxton’s note and the Editor’s reply, pp. 286-7? I think that most of us rather despise those who form collections of pictures without in the least being able to appreciate their merits. So also with collectors of insects; it is reasonable, I think, to expect them to collect intelligently, and so far to be scientific. But it seems to me absurd to suggest that the ordinary untrained individual can do nothing for science in the course of his collecting. The great need of Entomology at the present day is intelligent field-collectors, who will notice and record what goes on before them; people who can see things that are not men- tioned in their text-books. Such observers should be aided by those whose training and knowledge of the literature enable them to pick out the new and valuable points in the observations. I have lately published a good deal on wild bees, and anyone who will look at my papers will see that nearly all contain references to assistance NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 331 received from young people who have no special knowledge of - Entomology,—some of them children. We have on foot a move- ment to interest’ the children in all the schools of New Mexico in natural history, and at the same time make them useful workers in the cause of science. It is just as easy to be scientific in this sense as to collect unintelligently, and a thousand times more delightful. To prove my point, I will by letter suggest a course of study to any collector who will follow it and report results after six months. He should state where he will reside, what he is collecting, and how much time he has to collect in.—T. D. A. Cockerett ; Mesilla, New Mexico, U.S.A., Sept. 6th. Tue GrocrapuHicaL VARIETIES OF Parnasstus aPpoLLo.—Why should not the different geographical varieties of this fine butterfly receive cognomens? This degree of variation ranks next in importance to the type, and is by far more worthy of distinctive recognition than either a seasonal variety or an aberration, for it is practically an in- cipient species, which the other forms have not so much right to be called. Taking the prevailing form found in the Alps as the type, we have in the Pyrenees a well-marked geographical variety, consisting in the lighter colouring of the male and the darker colouring of the female, the sexual dimorphism thus being very pronounced, which is due to the disappearance and development of the black scales respec- tively. ‘The male is especially distinguished by the almost total sup- pression of the dusky patch near the angle of the inner margin of the posterior wings, and in the almost total absence of the submarginal wave-like bands, particularly in the posterior pair. In this latter particular it is the antithesis of the form found in Scandinavia which possesses this wavy band of dusky scales very pronounced. The form occurring in the Alps seems to be intermediate between the two, and it possesses aberrations bearing a resemblance to them both. On the other hand, the Pyrenean form possesses occasional aberrations ap- proaching the alpine type. The specimens from Siberia are larger, according to various authorities, but I do not know in what other particulars they differ from the type. In this connection I may remark that the specimens of this insect which I have taken in the Jura are larger than the type from the Alps, and seem to be an approach towards the Siberian form. I beg to suggest that the three geographical varieties which I have defined be respectively called pyrenaica, scandinavica, and siberica. It is very possible that the form found in the Caucasus is worthy of a varietal cognomen, but I have not seen any specimens from this region. All the specimens of P. apollo from the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Jura may be divided into two sets according to their tints, in one of which it is of a delicate cream colour, although in the majority of specimens it is white. Altitude does not appear to have anything to do with it. I should like to suggest the name pulchella for the cream-coloured form.— W. Harcourt-Baru. MELIT#A DIDYMA var. ALPINA.—This melanistic variety appears to possess a wide area of distribution in the mountain ranges of Europe, for, in addition to the Alps, I have encountered it in the Pyrenees, $33 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. besides seeing it in a small collection of Lepidoptera from the Caucasus. In the Alps it occurs at a comparatively low elevation, having been found by me in abundance a little below the altitude of 2000 ft. It does not appear to be so common in the Pyrenees.—W. Harcourr-Batu. CoMMITTEE FOR THE Protection oF British Lepmoprera In DANGER or Extermination.—The first meeting of this Committee, appointed by the Entomological Society of. London, was held at the Society’s Rooms, on Oct. 14th, 1896, Professor Meldola, President of the Society, in the chair. Letters from the City of London Entomological and Natural History Society, the North London Natural History Society, and the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, express- ing warm sympathy with the object of the Committee, were read. After discussion of the best methods of securing the objects of the - Committee, it was resolved to invite information as to species in special danger of extermination, with a view to future action.—Cuas. W. Barrett, Hon. Sec.; 39, Linden Grove, Nunhead, S.E. Corrections.—P. 296, Roman numeral I (accidentally broken off in printing) should begin first line of label. P. 310, line 3, Miss G. E. Ormerod was born December 23rd (not July 28rd), 1823. CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. Larv&® oF CALLIGENIA MINIATA EATING IMAGINES OF THE SAME Specres.—I had a batch of the larve of C. miniata, and some of them have already attained the perfect state, whilst others are still feeding. The most remarkable thing, however, is that the larve have seized on and devoured the moths, although they were well supplied with their proper pabulum in the shape of lichen. In attacking the moths the larve fasten on to the top of the wing, and then proceed to eat the head and wings first and afterwards the thorax and body.—C. J. Bopen; 204, Hanover Buildings, Tooley Street, S.E., Sept. 12th, 1896. AporRIA CRATHGI IN KEnt.—I have the pleasure to record the capture of this insect, which as a British species is I believe almost extinct, in a locality in Kent where it has previously been taken and recorded. I do not care to give the exact locality, believing it to be the only one in England where the butterfly now occurs, for if it became generally known the species would undoubtedly in a very short time be exterminated. I may say that the insect is confined to an area of about a few hundred square yards.— H. Dovewas StockwEtxL; 2, Albert Road, Dover. CH@:ROCAMPA NERI NEAR Dartmoury.—I was paying a visit to a Mr. Owen, who was then living at Stoke Henning, near Dartmouth, in September, 1892, having been asked down to make tine acquaintance of one of his boys who had a strong taste for Entomology, and to whom I had sent now and then duplicate butterflies and moths. On seeing him almost the first words he uttered were, ‘‘ What do you think, Mr. Morres, we caught the other day on the honeysuckle on the verandah—an oleander hawkmoth!” On seeing me look rather incredulous he brought it to me on the setting-board, when it proved a fine specimen of C. nerit, and of an i. a to the honeysuckle over the verandah; it had a very strong flight, and CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. ooo unusually dark colour, at least many shades darker than some half-dozen specimens that I have hatched out since then from larve taken in the Nerira Valley between Ventimiglia and Bordighera, in N. Italy. On writing last week to my friend about it, he replied, ‘‘ The weather had been warm and foggy; and for several nights we had noticed a large moth come would not be caught. At last my father succeeded in taking it; but its back was a little rubbed in putting it into the smelling-bottle. The colours are as fresh and bright now as when it was taken.” I would add, however, that the injurv was so slight as not to damage it as a cabinet specimen.— (Rev.) AntHuR P. Morrss; St. Nicholas, The Close, Salisbury, Sept. 19th. Lyca@na arctiotus.—I do not know whether this butterfly has been generally abundant this season; but in places I have visited it has been exceptionally so, When in Carmarthenshire I found it, the latter part of April and in May, unusually common. Again, in parts of Somersetshire in July the second brood might be seen in town gardens, in lanes over hedges at the bramble-blossom, and the outskirts and open spaces of woods. There appeared to be a large number of female specimens often flitting over the ivy and visiting the bramble-bloom. I watched those on the latter on several occasions, but they appeared only to be attracted by the sweets thereof.— T. B. Jerrerys; 17, New King Street, Bath. LEUCcANIA EXTRANEA.—I have the satisfaction of recording the capture by myself of Leucania extranea, at sugar, in the New Forest, on Oct. 8th. The specimen is a good one, slightly smaller than the illustration given by Newman.—(Rev.) Georrrey Hueurs; Woolston Vicarage, Oct. 15th, 1896. VANESSA ANTIOPA IN OXFoRDSHIRE.—As I was taking a constitutional along the Oxfordshire side of the Thames on Sept. 7th, I had the pleasure of seeing a fine specimen of Vanessa antiopa sail close by me, and settle on the end of a lower branch of a large elm, within about two or three feet of where I was. Not having my net with me, I failed to capture it, although [ tried to do so with my hat.—W. Barnes; 7, New Road, Reading. VANESSA ANTIOPA IN LincoLNsHiRE.—On Friday, September 11th, at the Manse, Bracebridge, Lincoln, [ took a perfect specimen of V. antiopa. It was sitting on the raspberries, and near some plum trees, the fruit on which was then over-ripe.—G. M. Exrtson; Bilton Grange, Rugby. AVENTIA FLEXULA AT CHICHESTER.— On June 23rd I captured a freshly-emerged Aventia flexula here, in quite a different locality to that in which I took the specimen recorded by me last year. It is singular that this moth appears to be met with only singly. Although the place was frequently visited and well-worked subsequently, not another specimen could be found. Perhaps some of the readers of the ‘ Entomologist’ may be able to give information respecting the habits of this interesting moth, which may aid in the capture of more specimens next season.—JosuPH ANDERSON, JUN. CoLias EDUSA AT CHIcHESTER.—I know of only one specmen of Colias edusa being seen here this season.—JosEPH ANDERSON, JUN. SIREX JUVENCUS AND S. Gigas AT CHICHESTER. —- Two specimens of Sirea juvencus and several S. gigas have been taken in this neighbour- hood this autumn.—JosepH ANDERSON, JUN. ENTOM.—Nov. 1896. 2D 334 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. HELIOTHIS ARMIGERA IMPORTED wiTH ‘TomaTorEs.—On June 4th I received about twenty nearly full-grown larve that had been found among Valencia tomatoes. They were very combative in confinement. The larger seize the smaller ones, and throw them two and three inches away. They were kept out of doors. I touched one with my little finger; it turned sharply round and bit me, causing slight pain, but did not break the skin. The surviving larve had all gone down by June17th. TI reared only seven moths; they appeared on July 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th (two), 21st, and 25th. On Sept. 24th I received one larva (second brood, I suppose) which had been imported with Lisbon tomatoes.—J. ARKLE; Chester. RHopatocera IN Essex.—On July 19th I saw five Huchloé cardamines (males) flying along the railway bank off Leigh, all in good condition, On the same date Vanessa polychloros was fairly common between Southend and Shoeburyness; but as they kept well out of reach I was unable to take any. I saw only one specimen of V. 10; but Pararge megera was plentiful, also Hesperia thaumas.—G. R. Gartanp; 94, Sedgwick Road, Leyton. ABNORMAL SPECIMEN OF NEMEOPHILA PLANTAGINIS.—I should like to record the breeding of an abnormity of N. plantaginis, in which the hind pair of legs are replaced by miniature wings. — W. Woopwarp; 112, Northumberland Park, Tottenham, N., Sept. 10, 1896. URopreRYX SAMBUCARIA IN OcroBER.—I was much surprised while passing a street lamp here, on Oct. 2nd, to see a specimen of U. sambucaria clinging to the glass. Mr. Bird mentions having bred this species on Sept. 17th (Entom. xxvi. 303). It seems therefore evident that in suitable seasons a certain proportion of the larve of U. sambucaria do not hybernate, but produce imagines the same year, as is the case with many other species which usually hybernate in the larval stage-——Atrrep Sicu; Villa Ama- linda, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, Oct. 5th, 1896. EMERGENCE OF SMERINTHUS POPULI IN Auaust.—lI had a fine fresh S. populi sent me from Rhyl on Aug. 12th. It isa good-sized male, paler and much less strongly marked than the specimens which emerged in my breeding-pots on May 12th, 16th, 22nd, 28rd, and June 4th, 11th, and 25th.—J. ARKLE; Chester. SMERINTHUS POPULI IN SEPTEMBER.—A female specimen of this species was taken at Macclesfield, in Cheshire, during the first week of September. She deposited a batch of infertile ovaa—Ricuarp SourH. EMERGENCE OF EUPITHECIA PULCHELLATA IN Auaust.—On July 23rd I picked about thirty full-grown larve from foxglove flowers in Delamere Forest. A fine imago emerged on Aug. 21st.—J. ARKLE; Chester. ParasiTEs oF PACHNOBIA ALPINA.—lI have just returned from Rannoch, and have bred, from infested pup given to me by Mr. Salvage, a male and female of an Ichneumon allied to, or a variety of, Amblyteles uniguttatus, Grav., and several of a Pteromalus, apparently a new species somewhat allied to P. catillus, Walk.—C. W. Date; Glanvilles Wootton, July 6th. Hemiprera-HEeTeropterRA at Licut.— Last year, at Offley, near Hitchin, on Aug. 22nd, during a heavy thunder-storm, a specimen of Corixa striata flew into a room, evidently attracted by the light. This year, during June, a species of Psallus (probably varians or variabilis, from an oak tree close by), and on Sept. 16th a specimen of, Lygus pabulinus CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 335 alighted on my book whilst reading by gaslight at an open window at Dulwich. Hach of these three events took place between 9 and 10 p.m.— R. M. Leake; 15, Alleyn Park, W. Dulwich, S.E. A Fortnieut in 8. Devon.—On Aug. 1st I started from home to join my friend the Rev. E. C. Dobree Fox, for a fortnight’s entomology on the coast of S. Devon. The weather was delightful all the time, and we had very fair success. Among our captures were Lithosia caniola, Leucania albipuncta, L. putrescens, Hydrecia nictitans, Caradrina ambigua, Agrotis puta, A. saucia, A. obelisca, A. lucernea, Plusia festucea, Acontia luctuosa, Gnophos obscurata, Acidalia marginepunctata (promutata), Aspilates ochre- aria (citraria), Ligdia adustata, Larentia olivata, Hupithecia subfulvata, E. oblongata (centaureata), EH. pumilata, and Melanippe galiata. Common moths were abundant, especially Leucanta pallens and Agrotis exclamationis and A. segetum.— FE. C. WooprorpDE; Market Drayton. Rare Noctuz# in THE Iste or Wient.—I have much pleasure in recording the capture of Leucania vitellina by Mr. John Hodges, at Fresh- water, on September Sth; I saw the specimen shortly after capture, and Mr. Hodges was kind enough to add it to my collection. I was fortunate enough to obtain two specimens of Leucania albipuncta and four of Cara- drina ambigua during my stay at the above-mentioned spot.—P. W. AxsBorr; Four Oaks, near Birmingham, Oct. 6th, 1896. Captures aT Lamp-Licgur.—About 11 p.m. on the night of Aug. 8th last, while sitting in my “lamp” room here with my friend Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant, of the Natural History Museum, South Kensington, we received a most unexpected and extraordinary visitor in the shape of a skylark (Alauda arvensis). I need hardly say that, after being identified, it was promptly released, and, unlike many moths under similar circum- stances, it did not try a second visit. It was a dark still night and we were taking a good many moths, though none of any note, Noctua rubt and Pionea forficalis furnishing nearly half the ‘‘ bag.” We imagine the bird was disturbed from its roosting-place in the meadow below the house by a moving cow or sheep, and then, dazzled by the light in the window, was compelled to fly towards it. I have captured bats, beetles, and other ‘outsiders ” at lamp-light before, but never a bird! 1 have been taking both Paraponyz stratiotata and Acentropus niveus at the light in the same room. ‘lhere is a small stream, now nearly dry, about two hundred yards from the house, but no marshy ground or river-side vegetation for some distance. I took altogether four A. niveus, three of them on one night (August 12th), and four P. stratiotata. A Vanessa urtice came into the room on the night of August 4th. I was rather surprised at this, but my friend Dr. K. Wood, of Yalding, tells me that he has known one or two of these butterflies to come to a light before now. —Savite G. Reip (Capt.); The Elms, Yalding, Sept. 1st, 1896. ACHERONTIA ATROPOS IN ENGLAND AND WaALEs, 1896 :— Berks.—I have had six pup ot the above insect brought to me this autumn, and have heard of many others being found. The previous records in my note-book are three larvee, 1885 ; two pupe, 1889.—W. HK. Burier ; Hayling House, Oxford Road, Reading. Cheshire-—During the last month five larvee and cne pupa were brought to this museum from various parts of Cheshire, and I learn from my friend Mr. J. W. Roberts, of Barmouth, that several larvee have been taken in his 336 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. district.—Rosr. NewstEaD ; Grosvenor Museum, Chester, Sept. 29th. On Sept. 7th Mr. J. Lyon Denson, of Chester, showed me a full-grown larva of A. atropos taken about three miles from the city. This makes at least the seventh taken in the neighbourhood during the latter part of this summer and beginning of autumn.—J. ARKLE; Chester. Essex.—Several larvee of A. atropos occurred in the neighbourhood of Dovercourt at the end of August.—GrrvasE F, Matuew. Kent.—On August 17th a brother of mine found, at Hawkhurst, Kent, a very fine yellow example of the larva of A. atropos; it has since gone to earth. J have known of others taken in this neighbourhood at intervals since 1876.—J. Apams; 4], Whyteville Road, Forest Gate, E. Lincolnshire.—Larve and pupe of this beautiful moth appear to have been unusually abundant this year in the potato-fields in the Long Sutton district during August and September. Being there on August 17th, my brother from London met me, with a fine larva taken from the top of a potato barrel the day before in the Nine Klms Railway goods-yard. At an early hour on the 19th a boy brought me another fine one, picked up in the street opposite the police-station, both being of thie yellowish tint, and both, when put into a flower-pot with earth, buried themselves at once in order to pupate, which they did. From the last-mentioned date up to Sept. 30th I have received over one hundred and fifty pupe; several have died, either from the handling by the potato-pickers or bad packing during transit. I have this morning received another box of fifty, and am expecting more, 80 have already received upwards of two hundred.—W. Brooks; Grange Hall, Rotherham, Oct. 10th, 1896. Sussex.—Larvee of Acherontia atropos have been somewhat plentiful in the Chichester district again this season, the first being found on July 22nd, the last on Sept. 1st. On July 17th a fine moth—a loud squeaker— emerged from my last year’s pupe, of which I had eleven, and from which I succeeded in bringing out only three perfect specimens. I have had thirteen larvee in my possession this year.—JosEPH ANDERSON, JUN. RHOPALOCERA FROM CoLwyn Bay.—I spent the latter half of August at this fastly-increasing seaside resort, during which I was favourea with the most desirable weather. Although most of the species of Rhopalocera which I came across are more or less common, the following will show that Colwyn Bay is not a bad place for them, even towards the end of the season ; in fact I have heard that nearly forty different species occur, or have occurred, in the immediate neighbourhood :— Pieris brassice and P. rapa, very common; P. napi, extremely abundant ; Lasiommata egeria, very abundant, especially on the borders of the Pwllycrochan Woods ; L. mega@ra, abounds in almost every situation; Hipparchia semele, common among the rugged slopes of Bryn Euryn and on the Little Orme’s Head (I have observed it resting in considerable numbers on the face of the bare rock); H. ianira, common everywhere; H. tithonus, fairly common ; Cenonympha pamphilus, very common; Vanessa atalanta and JV. 10, a few newly-emerged examples seen; V. urtice@, second brood well on the wing; Argynnis paphia was over (I only saw one straggler); A. euphro- syne, one example only; Polyommatus phlwas, common; Lyce@na tcarus, extremely abundant; L. agestis, sparingly at Bryn Kuryn, but common on the Little Orme.— Aveustus D. Imms; Linthurst, Oxford Road, Moseley (near Birmingham), Worcestershire, Aug. 28th, 1896. 337 SOCIETIES. . Soutn Lonpon Entomonoeican anp Naturau History Society. — August 27th, 1896.—R. South, Esq., F.H.S., President, in the chair. Mr. Montgomery exhibited a beautiful xanthic example of H’pinephele tithonus taken at Jevington on July 27th, all the usually black area being a rich dark fulvous. Mr. Auld, this year’s results in breeding Abraxas grossulariata in the neighbourhood of Lewisham. Mr. Adkin, a head of flower-buds of ivy with ova of Cyaniris argiolus in siti, and made some remarks upon the habits of the species. Mr. Manger, a specimen of Hugonia polychloros taken on May 24th at Brockley. It was suggested that the larva fed on poplar, as no elm was known to occur in the neighbourhood. Mr. Moore, specimens of Papilio daunus and P. cresphontes from St. Augustine's, Florida; also several speci- mens of the ‘ walking stick,” Anisomorpha buprestoides, which when seized will spurt a strong acid vapour from exceptionally large glands placed in the sides of the thorax. Mr. Mansbridge, a bred series of Polia chi from a dark female taken near Huddersfield. Several examples were dark, having all the lines, bands and markings of var. olivacea, but without any trace of the olive-green shade of that variation. Mr. South, two specimens of Caradrina ambigua taken by Mr. Wood- ford near Exmouth in July this year. The specimens were unusually pale and glossy. In answer to a question from Mr. Barrett, Mr. McArthur said that the larva of Hadena adusta spun its cocoon in the autumn, but did not turn to pupa till the spring. He had repeatedly found them at the roots of moss. Mr. Auld reported that var. nigratu of Limenitis sybilla had been taken in some numbers this year. He also knew of a specimen of Polyommatus icarus having no vestige of spots on the under side, and a var. of Argynnis paphia possessing a pale border and a dark centre. Mr. Turner had taken the second brood of Zonosoma annulata in N. Kent, and three specimens came to sugar. Mr. Adkin had spent a fortnight at Hastbourne, but had seen no Colias edusa. Mr. South’s experience in Suffolk was of the same negative character. Mr. Mansbridge had heard that the species was to be taken on the east coast. Mr. Tutt during a month spent in §. France had seen but half a dozen, in fact it always appeared scarcer than C.hyale on the Continent. Mr. Tutt asked if there was any direct evidence that Pyrameis cardui hybernated as an imago. He had failed to find any authenticated record. In N. Africa Mr. Katon had reported the larve as feeding during the winter. Mr. Barrett had seen imagines in late autumn and again in spring, but knew of no positive evidence of the species being found in winter. Sept. 10th.— W. Mansbridge, Ksq., F.E.8., in the chair. Mr. A. Hi. Hall exhibited a gravid female of Z’ermes bellicosus from Cape Coast Castle, and a series of captured Callimorpha hera from Newton Abbot. Mr. Lucas, a female of Platetrum depressum having the male blue coloration, a male Calopteryx virgo having the right fore wing without the dark pigment, and a pair of the rare grasshopper Thamnotrizon cinereum from the New Forest. Mr. Montgomery, a bred series of Dianthecia capsincola from Kastbourne; one specimen had a wide sub- marginal line and a marginal area without the wavy lines. Sept. 24th.—C. G. Barrett, Esq., F.E.S., in the chair. Mr. R. 338 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Adkin exhibited living larve of Cyaniris argiolus in siti on the buds of ivy-blossom from EKastbourne, also full-fed larve of Aplecta occulta. Mr. Filer, a fine variety of Hnodia hyperanthus, having the white spots surrounded by yellow rings only, the black rings being entirely obsolete; it was taken in Essex. Mr. Moore, specimens of Thely- phonus giganteus, @ species midway between the scorpions and the spiders, from Florida, and contributed notes; also he showed specimens of Polistes annularis and a nest. Mr. Turner, a varied series of Noctua vanthographa, including a black form, a pale form, a red form, and a form with unusually well-defined stigmata; a very dark Agrotis segetum from Kent; a Triphena pronuba with a remnant of a discoidal spot; and two bred Acronycta aceris with the veins of the secondaries deeply lined with black. Mr. Montgomery, specimens of Noctua ditrapeziuimn from §. Yorks. Mr. Barrett, very long and varied series of Tephrosia biundularia and T’, crepuscularia, and sought to establish the identity of the two forms. After considerable discussion it was decided to adjourn the matter for further consideration at the next meeting, to give members the opportunity of exhibiting their own series.—Hy. J. ‘T'urnER, Hon. Report Sec. Brruincuam EintomoxoeicaL Socrety.—July 20th, 1896.—Mr.. P. W. Abbot, Vice-President, in the chair. Mr. K. 8. Haines, Danetree House, Stourbridge, was elected a member of the Society. Hxhibits:— By Mr. R. C. Bradley, a specimen of Sesia culiciformis taken in his garden at Sutton. Mr. P. W. Abbot said that he believed it to be quite a new record. He had been taking the species, together with S. cynipiformis, in the larval stage at Wyre Forest, the latter species having been quite common in the oak stumps. He had also taken S. cynipiformis in Sutton Park a few years back. He had found larvee in all stages and pupe as well of S. cynipiformis at Wyre Forest all together last May. By Mr. Wainwright, Cherocampa elpenor, a single specimen taken by Mr. Herbert Stone this year at Marston Green. He said that he believed it was many years since the species was taken locally, though there used to be several localities for it, and he knew it used to be taken near to Marston Green about forty years ago. Mr. J. T. Fountain said that he had taken C. elpenor at Shirley. Mr. Wainwright also showed a nice series of Criorhina asilica taken at Trench Woods last May, when the species was common. By Mr. G. W. Wynn, the following Lepidoptera taken in Wyre Forest this year :—LHupithecia venosata (a new record), Acronycta ligustrt, Boarmia repandata var. conversaria, Phorodesma bajularia, Acronycta leporina, Orgyia gonostigma (male), Angerona prunaria (a series), Cymatophora or, Boarmia roboraria, and Hadena geniste; also Triphena fimbria, bred, from Sutton Park, including one in which the band of the hind wings was decidedly grey in colour, not black; also Teniocampa populett from Rhayader, North Wales; and bred series of Hadena glauca from both Sutton and Cannock Chase, those from Sutton being darker than those from Cannock, contrary to experience of other species of Lepidoptera. By Mrs. Petley, a nice series of Cucullia umbratica from Wyre Forest. By Mr. R. G. B. Chase, a small collection of Lepidoptera made during a month spent at Tenby, including Cleora lichenaria and Agrotis lucernea. By Mr. P..W. Abbot, a series of Thecla pruni from near Peterborough, SOCIETIES. 839 and Papilio machaon from Wrexham Broad, Norfolk. By Myr. J. T. Fountain, Scotosia vetulata from Salford Priors. August 17th.—Myr. R. C. Bradley in the chair. EHxhibits :—By Mr. Wainwright (for Mr. C. A. E. Rodgers), a specimen of Smerinthus tiliz, from Malvern, which entirely lacked the reddish tinges of the wings, and was entirely green, rich and dark in colour. By Mr. R. C. Bradley, Formica easecta from Bournemouth, the known British locality, one male taken on May 10th; also a specimen of Ponera contracta from his garden at Sutton, a rare ant which he said was not hitherto known in the Midlands. By Mr. R. G. B. Chase, Vanessa - ¢-album and Triphena ianthina, both from Edgbaston. By M. A. H. Martineau, a piece of a gate-post with nests of Anthophora furcata and Pemphredon lugubris, and explained the manner of making them, &c¢.— Cotsran J. Wainwricut, Hon. Sec. LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE E\ntomonoeicaL Socrety.—An Exhibition Meeting was held on Monday, Sept. 14th, under the presidency of Mr. S. J. Capper, F.L.S., and was decidedly successful, the number and variety of the exhibits being in excess of any previous meeting. Some of the more notable exhibits were as follows :—By the President, a drawer containing 300 varieties of Arctia lubricipeda, including vars. eboraci and radiata and many fine aberrations ; and a similar drawer of A. menthastri, including a long series with brown upper wings. By Mr. B. H. Crabtree, a very long series of Canonympha davus var. rothliebit, from Witherslack ; three very light Argynnis euphrosyne, and two dark A. selene; and a drawer of Sesiide, including rows of Sesia sphegiformis, S. musciformis, S. ichneumoniformis, S. chrysidiformis, and S. scoliiformis. By Mr. Harold Milne, long series of Hrebia blandina and Cloantha solidaginis, an extreme form of Lycena e@gon var. corsica, a magnificent C. davus having the ocelli very large and elongated (similar to a variety of EL. hyperanthus recently figured), a fine Huthe- monia russula with immaculate hind wings, a melanie Macaria liturata, and a very large Abrazas grossulariata deeply suffused with yellow. By Mr. Joseph Collins, a collection of moss insects, including fine series of Carsia imbutata, Hydrecia petasitis, and a melanic race of Cymatophora duplaris. By Mr. T. G. Mason, series of Hydrecia nictitans var. paludis, Orgyia fascelina, and a black var. of C. duplaris. By Mr. R. Tait, imagines and living larve of Agrotis ashworthii, a splendid var. of Asphalia ridens having the base and apex broadly light and the central fascia very dark, and a Noctua which is probably a variety of Agrotis agathina. By Mr. Prince, series of Bombyx trifolii, and two Leucoma salicis which have the outer margins of the fore wings suffused with smoky black. By Mr. H. Bickerton-Jones, series of Leucania littoralis and Orgyia fascelina, including two asymmetrical females, both having black blotches on the costa of the left upper wing; and a box of Geometers, including Psodos trepidaria, Hyria auroraria, Asthena blomeri, Lobophora viretata, and P. lapidata. By Mr. F. N. Pierce, vars. of Polyommatus phleas, and a curious malfor- mation of Strenia clathrata. By Dr. J. Harold Bailey, a collection of Coleoptera from the banks of the Ribble, including Bledius sub- terraneus and B. pallipes, and Telephorus paludosus, which is new to Lancashire.—H. Bicxrerton-Jonss, Hon. Sec.; 180, Lodge Lane. 340 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. _ Tse Nonparert Ewromotocican anp Naturat History Socrery.— October 1st, 1896.—Exhibits:—By Mr. Samson, very fine series of Arge galatea, caught on Andover Downs; also specimens of Chero- campa elpenor which were in faultless condition. By Mr, Martin, a nice specimen of Acherontia atropos, which he had bred from a larva found in the Isle of Wight. By Mr. Gurney, specimens of Dianthecia conspersa, Plusia chrysitis, and Cymatophora ridens, the latter being of a very dark form. By Mr. Huckett, good series of Polyommatus adonis, both male and female, taken at Folkestone. By Mr. J. A. Clarke, who visited the Society towards the close of the evening, two specimens of Nyssia lapponaria, and three splendid varieties of Abrawas grossulariata, one showing the black mantle form, another being of the yellow mantle form, whilst the third was almost devoid of markings on the fore wings and quite so on the hind wings; also a very variable series of Oporabia filigrammaria. The result of the election of officers was as follows :—President, Mr. Thos. Jackson. Vice-President, Mr. Wm. Stevens. Curator, Mr. Harpur. Secretary, Mr. F. West. Treasurer, Mr. H. Blake. Reporting Secretary and Librarian, Mr. F’. A. Newbery. Trustees, Mr. Gurney and Mr. Huckett. Committee, Messrs. Huckett, Gurney, Norman (E.), Cooper, Harpur (W.), Farmer, Butt, Lusby, Moore, Samson, and Norman (A.). Mr. Clarke was afterwards enrolled a member of the Society.—F. A. Newsery, Reporting Secretary. RECENT LITERATURE. ‘The Gypsy Moth (Porthetria dispar, Linn.): A Report of the Work of Destroying the Insect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ; together with an Account of its History and Habits both in Massa- chusetts and Europe.’ By Edward H. Forbush and Charles H. Fernald, A.M., Ph.D. 495 pp. Appendices and Index ¢; with 66 plates (some coloured), numerous illustrations in the text, and 5 maps. Published under the direction of the State Board of Agriculture by authority of the Legislature. Boston: Wright & Potter. 1896. ‘Contributions towards a Monograph of the Aleurodide, a Family of Hemiptera-Homoptera.’ By W. M. Maskell. 39 pp., 12 plates. Extract from ‘ Trans. New Zealand Institute,’ vol. xxvii. 1896, ‘Further Coccid Notes; with Descriptions of New Species, and Discussion of Questions of Interest.’ By W. M. Marshall. 31 pp., 8 plates. Extract from ‘Trans. New Zealand Institute,’ vol. xxviii. 1896. ‘Nineteenth Report of the State Entomologist on the Noxious and Beneficial Insects of the State of Illinois for the years 1893 and 1894.’ By §S. A. Forbes. 206 pp., 18 plates. Springfield, Ill.; Hd. PF. Hartman, State Printer. 1896. ‘On the Mediterranean Flour Moth (Ephestia kuehniella, Zell.).’ Appendix to above. By W. G. Johnson. ‘New Mallophaga: 1. With Special Reference to a Collection made from Maritime Birds of the Bay of Monterey, California.’ By Vernon L. Kellogg. 168 pp., 14 plates. Leland Standford, Jun. University, Paulo Alto, California. 1896. * ae "a Ne es ne ” ae : = | a ~ | y Rie 3 ; east 3 se ng ran ey," 3 ne Sey rs St oe ed * are bred. we) Exotics, including “Atlas. Dantdorddes = inetizh, Lepidoptera.— es we; 9, Teesdale Street, Hackney Road, London. — ne cates.—T. SE rur, Betule- ee Desiderata.—Arion, Tris; in good condition; plicates —Nupta,* * full- -grown ee ‘of Cossus. Desiderata.—Pupe Fre fic ines, numerous.—H. W. Bell-Marley ; 60, Shaftesbury Road, Ravenscourt s London. a4 D plicates.—Chrysitis.* Black pins. Desiderata.—Ova or pupe only of Bombyces and Geometre. ~—Hirnest Cornell; 16, Queen’s Grove Road, — % ngford, Hssex. eae ee nuplicates.—Sponsa. Diether cites Hl, Comma. Linea, Littoralis, Connexa, ons incula, Interjecta, Ypsilon, Diffinis, Chamomille, Arbuti, V-Aureum, Clorana. . W. Claxton; Sunnyside, Woolston, Southampton. Duplicates. —Prunaria* * (exceptionally fine banded forms), Io,* Pudibunda,* &e. lerata.—Local Noctue ; and numerous ova, larve, and pupe.—J. G. Goddard ; AS Di uplicates.—Ova of B. Trifolii. Desiderata.—Set specimens of British Beas se 3 croscopical slides showing structure of Apis mellifica.—W. Buckley ; 17, Upper _ Moss Lane, Manchester. cs uplicates.—Coleoptera : Callidium variabile, Nacerdes melanura, chy ngensis,and Lamina. Desiderata.—Chrysomela cerealis, graminis, marginata, linolenta ; and many other rare and local Coleoptera and Lepidoptera.—W. E. ae or ; Hayling House, Reading. san uplicates.—Litura, Macilenta, Oxyacanthe, Vetusta, Exoleta, Fuliginosa, ee jini, Polyodon, Aurantiaria (few males and females), Brumata, Piniperda, mines, Atalanta.—John Robly ; Muirland Cottages, Port Elphinstone, A Ure. “ei a plicates.—Edusa, Adippe, Polychloros, Lineola, Plantaginis, Villica, Carpini, te) a, Zonaria (female), Citraria, Falcula, Munda, Gilvago. Desiderata.— Davus, Ligniperda, Senex, T. Crategi, and very many others. —Bernard S. vood ; Brooklyn Villas, Colchester. uplicates.—Pupe of Pavonia (Carpini) and Curtula. Desiderata.—Ova and of §. Ligustri, Elpenor, Ocellatus, Limacodes, Monacha, Crategi, Callune, darius, Ziezac, Pigra, Flavicornis, Venosata, and many other common —G. R. Garland; 94, Sedgwick Road, Leyton, Essex. | plicates.—Pupx of Prasinana, Coryh, Trilinearia, and Adustata ; imagines ae ybxee,* Potatoria,* Coryli,* Persicarin,* Pistacina, Umbratica, and Betu- Desiderata.—Paniscus, Lineola, Ochracea, Syringaria, Lunaria, Illustraria, _ my others.—H. Douglas Siookwell ; va Albert Road, Dover. ge Vay. * Br tish), Rhomboidea (few), Miniosa ; Exotic butterflies, Papilios, &e. Disctiler sae Saponarie, Nigrocincta, Cassines, Rubiginea, Carmelita, Obelisca, Nigra, ans, Muscerda, Fluctuosa ; preserved larvee ; Exotic butterflies.— W. Dannatt ; Duplicates.—Citrago, Russata* (fine Cornish forms), Propugnata, Badiata, pe ita, Loewii,* Spilodactyla,* Turionana,* Hdusa,* Adonis, Fibrosa vars., , Gracilis, Typhe,* Rubricosa. Desiderata.—Very numerous ; Beast 7CeS, and Noctuz, to extend. —W. G. Sheldon; Kirkstyles, Haveloen fioad, Siteaies —2Gothicat (from Gothacina female), S. Populi,* Ocellatus,* Flavi- aa s,* Cerago,* Caia,* Neustria,* B. Quercus,* Festuce,* Amataria, Popularis, era Myrtili, Pyralata, Pinastri. Desiderata.—Thymiaria, Candidata, Cam-- ja, Clathrata, Emutaria, Imitaria, Rhizolitha, Lithoriza, Verbasci, Tincta, , Pulchrina (to renew), Aurago.—J. Arkle ; 2, George Street, Chester. Seiten é Duplicates. —Mostly S. French : Podalirius, Sinapis, Cleopatra (female), anopa, Provincialis, Cinxia, Galatea, Convolvuli, Lavandule, Rhadamanthus, ‘i, Plumistaria, aad many others. Desiderata.—Rhopalocera of the world; ros of Europe; series of B. Quercus, its vars. and larve. Should be glad to lange with lepidopterists abroad, especially in-Russia, Greece, and America.— . Warburg: 8, Porchester Terrace, Hyde Park, W. Duplicates.—A. Atmoriella (n. s.), 5. Pedella, Lafauryana,* Extersaria.* iderata.—Several local and rare species, especially Semibrunnea, Umbrana, us, Communana, Semirufa, Marginepunctella, Audoninana, M. Caledoniella, osella, Palustrella, Obscurella, Junctella, Imperialella, G. Populetella, ra, and Viciniella. —H. A. Abmnge:; King’s Lynn, Norfolk. ». Kote ah Sa | vee, Pe OP Shs 4 er “al oth ny? rm ee te : o> % ve UBS a sts aoe io Mein ae Desiderata. Cracow, Beton se aay eee ee e mille, Lychnitis, Semibrunnea, 'Atriplicis, Empyrea, Dysodea, Cesia, Oc F ulvago, Xerampelina, Leucographa, &e.—H. W. Hi. Blagg ; Greenhill, Ol Staffordshire. Duplicates.—Conigera, Litura, Csaba Macilenta, Gemina, Variata, Fes Suffumata, Lota, Strigillaria, Dahlii, Fuscantaria*. (8), Cembre, Pinoveran: Bertramii, Coniferana, Trigonodactylus, Bouchardana, Bipunctidactylus, Nites 34 nana, Icterana, Hyrciniana, Stramineana, Hohenwartiana, Octomaculana, Angus- — tana, Baumanniana. Desiderata.—Numerous; including many common speci for renewal.—A. M. Stewart ; Park View, Kileapihans N.B. ae Duplicates.—Ova of Alniaria ; pupe of Strataria. Desiderata. —Imagines | aia Ty phon (Davus), Exulans, Precox; and ova or pupe of Porcellus, Elpenor, Asellus, Monacha, Gonostigma, P. Populi, "Trepida, Anachoreta, Ridens, Orion, Leporina. Strigosa, Alni, A. Ligustri; Auricoma, Hispidus, Albicolon, Opima, Popu Scrophulariz, Lychnitis, Nubeculosa, Dolobraria, Erosaria, Zonaria, Consorta Consonaria. Only fine and medium set insects, with locality, accepted ; ee pins.—G. R. Garland ; 94, Sedgwick Road, Leyton, Essex. _ Duplicates.—B. Rubi larvae, Quercus,* Neustria,* Caja,* Meticulosa, Rime and Grossulariata. Desiderata.—Numerous.—ZJ. T’. Hyde ; The Grove, ee Duplicates.—Monacha* (dark varieties), Atalanta,* Io,* Tihe,* Dis par,* Autumnaria,* ‘Neustria,* Bucephala,* Instabilis,* Stabilis,* Tllunaria.** Bisa ins. Desiderata.—Butterflies, numerous. Black pins. To renew series.- F. J. Rasell; 67, St. James’s End, Northampton. cA Duplicates. Preserved and stuffed larve : P. Brassice, Rape, V. Atalanta, ¢ Urtice, 8. Populi, Filipendule, Jacobex, Caja, Fuliginosa, Salicis, Dispar, : Monacha, Fascelina, Lanestris, Neustria, B. Rubi, B. Quercus, Trifolii, Potatoria, — Carpini, Pilosaria, Zonaria, Grossulariata, Defoliaria, Progemmaria, Didyaudae ay Bucephala, Ceruleocephala, Littoralis, M. Brassica, *Precox, Xanthographa, — Lucipara, Pisi, Chrysitis, Iota, Psi, Cursoria, Trapezina. Desiderata.—Numerous. —C,. Couldwell ; 1, Park Avenue, Cane Street, Hull. Duplicates.—Aglaia, Selene, Davus, Artaxerxes, Exulans, 8. Popult* (and pupe), Velleda, Plantaginis,* Fuliginosa var. Borealis,* Callunz* (and pupe), Carpini* (and pupe), “Repandata (pale vars.), Czsiata, Olivata, Immanata, Suffumata, Populata, Pyraliata, Mensuraria, Dictea (pupe), Rurea and var. Alopecurus, Polyodon (black), Gemina, Literosa, Tenebrosa, Nigricans, Tritici, Lucernea, Festiva (vars.), Dahli, Brunnea, Piniperda, Suspecta, Macilenta, Rufina, : Litura, Vaceciniu, Chi, Oxyacanthe, ‘Thalaewina: Rectilinea, Solidaginis, Vetusta, Exoleta, Myrtilli, H. Urtice, Chrysitis, Festuce, Pulchrina, Resinana,* &e. Desiderata.—Very numerous; many common Geometre wanted to extend series. ¥ —Arthur Horne ; 52, Irvine Place, Aberdeen, N.B. : Duplicates. —Edusa, Artemis, Cardui, Typhon, Lineola, Elpenor,* Fucifoensit ) Plantaginis, Fuliginosa,** Dromedarius,* Flavicornis, Littoralis, Lutosa,* Lucernea, Populeti, Munda, Capsophila, Adusta, Suasa,* Lithorhiza,* Vetusta,* Solidaginis, — Melanopa,* Promissa, Pastinum, Obfuscata, Virgaureata,* Sagittata,* Desiderata. — —W-Album, Pruni, Arion, Meliloti, Porcelles: Bombyliformis, Sesiide, Lithosiide, a Gonostigma, Furcula, Bifida, Notodontas, Fluctuosa, Ocularis, Auricoma, Ligustri, — Elymi, *Canne, Leucophea, Ophiogramma, Unanimis, Scolopacina, Ambigua, — Sobrina, Gilvago, Subtusa, Retusa, Fulvago, Oo, Pyralina, Diffinis, Ochroleuca, Albimacula, Cesia, Tinecta, Occulta, Glauca, Contigua, Genistzx, Cucullias, Heiothis, Bractea, &c.; and many Geometers.—H. W. Vivian ; Glanafon, Port Talbot, S. Wales. p Desider ata (for new illustrated work on British larve and pup). —Larve ar : pupe of Fasciaria, Heparata, Adusta, Pubescens, Clathrata, Capsincola, Formica: formis, Ripe, Viridata, Sexalisata, Tincta, Sambueata, Lupulinus, Tipulifor Hectus, Velleda, Ichneumoniformis, Cynipiformis.—W. A. Riollason ; 1, Ng Street, Birmingham. _ Cuances or Appress.—T. H. & ©. A. Briggs, from Surrey Hanae oat to Rock House, _ Lynmouth, N. Devon.— Claude Morley, to 34, Berners st. [ps Now Reavy. 60 pp. Demy 8vo. Price 2s. R. AUGUST WEISMANN’S paper on “NEW EXPERIMENTS On SEASONAL DIMORPHISM or LEPIDOPTERA.” ‘Translated E. Nicnoxson, F.E.S., for the ‘ Entomologist’ ae P ae Ae aad ‘separate form. ‘ Lonpon : West, Newman & Co., 54 Ss) oo” Le - 9 a 2. oe —— . aa “TUESDAY, , NOVEMBER 10th. ‘The ; Second Portion of the Extensive Collection of BRITISH LEPIDOPTERA formed by C. A. Briggs, Esq., F.E.S. b. . 88, King Street, Covent Garden, on Tuesday, November 10th, at x _ Halt. -past Twelve precisely, the Second Portion of this Valuable and well- - Imown Collection, comprising th EUDOREA, CRAMBIDZ ‘and _PTEROPHORIDA:; together with a Collection of BRITISH and _ ‘EXOTIC LEPIDOPTERA formed by — Smart, Esq., &c., &c. : + g . TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24th and 25th. The Third Portion of the Extensive Collection of BRITISH a | i LEPIDOPTERA formed by C. A. Briggs, Esq., F.E.S. F, TR. J. C. STEVENS will Sern sy Avcrion, at his Great Rooms, = 38, King Street, Covent Garden, on Tuesday and Wednesday, — ~ November 24th and 25th, at Half-past Twelve precisely, each day, the Third and Concluding Portion of this Valuable and well-known ee. comprising part of the BOMBYCES, the NOCTUZA, GEOMETRZ & PYRALES; and two of the Excellent CABINETS, one of 40 drawers and one of 20 drawers, in which the Collection is. - gontained. he above Sales will be on view the day prior, 12 till 4 and morning cof. Sale, and Catalogues had. rw Be HERBERT W. MARSDEN, | NATURAL HISTORY AGENT AND BOOKSELLER, 40, TRIANGLE West, CLIFTON, BRISTOL. - Largest and best Stock in England of EUROPEAN LEPIDOPTERA, moderate prices. Exotic Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, &c. Ps oy - Preserved Larvee of Rare British Lepidoptera. "Cabinets and Apparatus for Entomologists, Odlogists, Ornithologists, Botanists, &c. ae - Botanical Cases, Drying Paper, &c.—British & Exotic Shells. g _ THE most RELIABLE Stock or BIRDS’ SKINS anp BIRDS’ EGGS rn Brrram. 2 New and Second-hand Books.— Exchange and Label Lists. Send stamped and addressed wrapper for General Catalogue, 1893, & Shell Catalogue, 1895. N.B.—Mr. Marsden’s business was entirely removed from Gloucester in 1889. oe W.c-LONGILEY, _ ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINET AND APPARATUS MAKER, E 12, White Hart Street, Catherine Street, Strand, London, W.C. , ETS, Breeding Cages, and Apparatus of every description. Cabinets for 4 rie Insects ; Birds’ Eggs; Minerals; Shells; Coins; &c., &c. Pocket Boxes, - Store Boxes, and Book Boxes. Sheets of Cork any size. ; NATURAL HISTORY AGENT AND BOOKSELLER. Established 1851. BIREBECE BAN EX Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, Londoa. TWO-AND-A-HALF per CENT: IN'TEREST allowed on DEPOSITS, repayable on demand. fee oe. per CENT. on CURRENT ACCOUNTS, on the minimum monthly balances, when not drawn ow Cs, _ STOCKS, SHARES, and ANNUITIES purchased and sold. SAVINGS DEPARTMENT. ‘tae For the encouragement of Thrift the Bank receives small sums on deposit, and ailows sxcerest ae = penny, on each completed £1. Birkbeck Building Society. Birkbeck Freehold Land Society. Bw to Purchase a House for £2 2s. per Month. How to Purchase a Plot of Land for 5s. ree Month, i “HE BIRKBECK ALMANACKE with full particulars, post-free. FRANCIS RAVENSOROFT, Manager. a CABINETS, Interchangeable Drawers, fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to 8) ae WESLEY r& SON. 28, Facey treet HAVE JUST PUBLISHED = 4“ Natural Mistory & Scientific Book eivewlar,” CONTAINING BOOKS AND PAPERS ON c: THYSANURA, ORTHOPTERA, NEUROPTERA pages 21 -RHYNCOTA, HEMIPTERA (page 23); DIPTERA (page % LEPIDOPTERA (page 25); COLEOPTERA (page 30); HYMENOPTERA (page 33); ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY (Page Post FREE FOR 6d. “~ SEE IEIen anne Subscription Price £133 7s, for £113. a BIOLOGIA CENTRALI AMERICANA; or, Con- tributions to the Fauna and Flora of Mexico and Cen _ America. Edited by F. D. Gopman and O. Satvin. ZOOLOGY. — numerous coloured and plain Plates. Parts 1 to 127. Royal 4to. Bi The continuation will be supplied as issued. 3 28, Essex eee eee LonDOoN. THE PRACTICAL CABINET ae J. T. CROCKETT & SON, a a bea of every description of ENToMOLOGICAL CABINETS aid APPARATU STorRE and Boox Boxss, fitted with camphor- cells; Setting Boards, oval flat, &e. Cabinets of every description kept in stock. CRockETt’s SprciaL INsE upper and under sides without removing Insects. Store Boxes specially made fe Continental setting, highly recommended for Beetles. All best work. Lae possible terms for cash. Prices on application. Estimates given. The supplied. EsTaBLISHED since 1847. SHOW ROOMS: 7a, PRINCE’S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, WwW. Factories: 34, Riding House Street and Ogle Street, W. ns The largest Stock of Cabinets and Bowes to select from. Great advantag dealing with the maker. All goods at store prices. | MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. South Lonpon ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NatTurAL History Socirery, Hiper CuampBers, Lonpon Brings, 8.Kb.—Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays -each month, at 8 p.m. ard Ciry or Lonpon EnromotoaicaL anp Natural History Socrery.- meetings of this Soeiety (held at the London Institution, Finsbury Cire is, Ht will take place on the Ist and 38rd T’wesdays in each month, from 7.30 to 10 p.m as heretofore. “ NortH Lonpon NATURAL. History Socrery.—Meetings are held on. and 4th Thursdays in each month at the North East London Institute, _ Lane (close to Hackney Downs Station on the G.E.R.), from 7.45 fo 9.30 0 10 ’ NonparEIL EntomoLocicaL AND Natura History Socrrty, 90, MANsF ' SrrREET, Kinastanp Roap, N.E.—Meeting nights, 1st es Sed Thursdays i yf eae month. Ag Rf bio eee oe os a NATURALISTS’ SUPPLY STORES, 64, HIGH STREET, ETON. Proprietor, E. EDMONDS, Entomologist to the Royan Famity and Eron CoLieae. A aT ee By Full price Catalogue on application. eo Specialty: — LIVING OVA, LARVAi, and PUPA, a (No larger Stock in Europe.) BREEDING GROUNDS :—The “NURSERY,” OssornE Roap, Wrnpsor. Also at KING STABLE STREET, ETON. . P Pace Lists are issued about Ist and 15th of each month; on REcErIPT of 1s. every , list issued for one year will be sent free. 64, HIGH STREET, ETON. ms OVA, LARVZ, and PUPA. 9 A LARGE ASSORTMENT always on hand. Send for Price List to MM H. W. HEAD, Entomologist, ScarBorouacn, The Largest Breeder of Leriporrera in the British Isles. Full List of Lepidoptera, Apparatus, Cabinets, &c., sent on application. - “WATKINS & DONCASTER, Naturalists and Yanufactarers of Kntomological Apparatus and Cabinets. _ Plain Ring Nets, wire or cane, including Stick, 1s. 3d., 2s., 25.6d. Folding Nets, _ Bs. 6d., 4s. Umbrella Nets (self-acting), 7s. Pocket Boxes, 6d., 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d. _ Zine Relaxing Boxes, 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d., 2s. Nested Chip Boxes, 8d. per four dozen. _ Entomological Pins, assorted or mixed, 1s. 6d. peroz. Pocket Lanterns, 2s. 64. to 10s. 6d. Sugaring Tin, with brush, 1s. 6d., 25. Sugaring Mixture, ready for use, - Is. 91. per tin. Store Boxes, with camphor cells, 4s. 6d., 4s., 58., 63. Setting _ Boards, flat or oval, lin., 6d.; 1}in., 8d.; 2in.,10d.; 24in.,1s.; 34in., 1s. 4.5 | 4 in,, Is. 6d.; 5 in., 1s. 10d.; Complete Set of fourteen Boards, 10s. 6d. Setting ’ Houses, 9s. 6d., 11s. 6d.; corked back, 14s. Zine Larva Boxes, 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d. Breeding Cage, 2s. 6d., 4s., 5s., 78.6d. Coleopterist’s Collecting Bottle, with tabe, Is. 6d., 1s.8d. Botanical Cases, japanned, double tin, 1s. 6d., 2s. 9d., 3s. 61., 43. 6d. Botanical Paper, 1s. 1d., 1s. 4d., 1s. 9d., 28. 2d., per quire. Insect Glazed Cases, 2s. 6d. to lls. Cement for replacing Antennex, 6d. per bottle. Steel Forceps, - 9s.6d. per pair. Cabinet Cork, 7 by 34, best quality, 1s. 4d. per dozen sheets. Brass { Chloroform Bottle, 2s. Trideut Lens, 1s. to 8s. Glass-top and Glass-bottomed _ Boxesfrom 1s. 4d. per dozen. Zinc Killing Box, 9d., ls. Pupa Digger, in leather p, sheath, 1s. 9d. Taxidermist’s Companion, containing most necessary implements for skinning, 10s.6d. Scalpels, 1s. 3d.; Scissors, 2s. per pair; Egg-drills, 2d., 31., 18.3 Blowpipes, 4d., 6d.; Artificial Kyes for Birds and Animals; Label-lists of British Butterflies, 2d. : ditto of Birds’ Eggs, 3d., 4d., 6d.; ditto of Land and Fresh-water Shells, 2d.; Useful Books on Insects, Eggs, &e. : Now. ready.—_The EXCHANGE LIST and LABEL LIST. Compiled by | Mr, Ep. Meyricr, B.A., F.L.S., F.E.S., according to his recent ‘Handbook of - British Lepidoptera.’ Exchange Lists, 13d. each; 8d. per doz.; 4s. per 100. ‘Label Lists, 1s. 6d. each. Our new Label-list of British Macro-Lepidoptera, with Latin and Hnglish names, ls. 6d. Our new Complete Catalogue of British Lepidoptera (every species numbered), 1s.; or on one side for labels, 2s. The ‘‘Drxon” Lamp-net (invaluable for taking moths off street-lamps without climbing the lamp-posts), 2s. 6d. SsrOW ROOM. FOR CABINETS Of every description for Inszcrs, Birps’ Haas, Coins, MicroscopicaL OBJEctTs, Fossius, &. Catalogue (66 pp.) sent on application, post free. A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS AND BIRDS’ EGGS (BRITISH, EUROPEAN, AND EXOTIC). Birds, Mammals, éc., Preserved and Mounted by First-class Workmen. Only Address :— 36 STRAND, W.C., LONDON (5 doors from Casrine Cross). Ais nie f ae Ns eet oy Site ’ ; Ni ae i aC Ra -— PRICED ast 0 on C APPLICATION, Nis hats a 4 ts? J Keely on , , cet ¢ ™ (OAR ILS, , 7% i i APS ES , : i ies ae bas l= 5 a ee A “CONTENTS. cha mA pier 4. "Rhopalovers in pares GR G , 884, is normal Specimen of Nemes ila plant riage W. Woodwar | 884, Uropteryx _ sambucaria in October, cen ich, 334. Ppa dean of Smerinthus Donal in August, J. Arkle, 334. one, popul i in September, Richard South, 334. Emergence of Eupithecia pulchellata in a dine J. Arkle, 834. Parasites ‘of Pachnobia alpina, C. W. Dale, 384. Se ates at Light, aR IM, Leake, 334. A Fortnight in § 8. Devon, de, 835. Rare - Noctue in the Isle of Wight, P. W. ‘Abbott, 385. Mibirtcks at Lamp-light, Savile G. Reid, 335. Acherontia atropos in England and Wales, _ 335. Rhopalocera from Colwyn Bay, Augustus ee Fis BSG, 3 < } | Soctnnrs, 387-340. Recent Lirerature, 34 ~ Communications REcErve,—W. ae H. Hodge, A. P. Jenkin, oe A. Newbery, B. Piffard, G. W. Smith, J. Thorpe, eps filkinson, &e. WILLIAM WATKINS, Entomologist, VILLA SPHINX, EASTBOURNE. © + ARGEST ‘STOCK of EXOTIC. LEPIDOPTERA in the KINGDOM. ae Fresh Collections always arriving from the most isolated places. Tam "pare rich in species from New Guinea and South America. My system of “APPROVAL BASKET” is a et success. It conteii lovely specimens at lowest prices. Please ask to see it; it will cost you nothing unless you purchase. Prices are lower than those of auction, and the specimens Collections purchased, or named nd. arranged. New é " I hawe the finest Reference Collections, and mot experienced Ba % “JAMES GARDNER, Kes : th Ree ae eal ny “opposite: ‘Tottenham Court Road). " ie : — RER of ALL KINDS of ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS, 4 sas a) (late 426), OXFORD STREET ie — og : _ faultless in condition. | a ’RICED | tinea OF ii ;PIDOPTERA 000. ecies (80 PP-), 6d. post 4 : y ng ey ee eae hasers.) — / 5 Lee an if ' | ‘DECEMBER, 1896. - ROBERT ADEIN, FES. T. R. BILLUPS, F.E.8. W. LUCAS DISTANT FE EDWARD A. FITCH, FS. #L HL MEEK, Naturalist, se, BROMPTON ROAD, LONDON, S.W. Supplies Entomologists with ce Requisite OF THE BEST MAKE | SEND FOR: NEW PRICED CATALOGUE, POST FREE. ; au Orders, when accompanied by Post Office Order, will receive immediate attention. Steel Knuckle-jointed Not, folds u up for pocket, 4s. Ladies’ Umbrella Net, 5s. Wire Ring Net, with brass screw, 2s. Pocket tant with three brass joints, 3s. 6d., 4s. * Balint Net, 26 by 18, for Beating, &., 6s. Telescope Net, 6s., 8s. 6d., 10s. 6d. Suge igi Sn. Swe en et et Rep ti 6d., 1s. ae a ; rin 8, affixed, - 8. Killing Box, 94., 1s. Shope e sae ede OL UN7a SERA “icone wie ta: oe orked Se oards, lin. »7d.; 14, 8d. ;13,9d.; 2in.,1 »11d.; 23, 1s. : &e., Mahogany Pocket Box, with glass to slide in ae 3s. 6d. . Entomological Pins, ge he size, 2 eee 1s. per box; four sizes, mixed, 1s. per oz. BT » 13d.) Exchange Lists, 1d. Bottle of Mite Destroyer, Willow Chip Boxes, Seco four sizes, 1s. 8d. gross. Setting and Drying Houses, complete, 9s. 6d., 11s., 18s, Pocket Box, 6d., 9d., 1s., 1s. 6d. Postal ee 64., 9d., 1s. ae! Entomologist’s Store and Setting House, containing every requisite, £3. Improved Pocket Lanterns, 2s. 6d., 3s. 6d. Zine Oval Pocket Box, 94., 1s., 1s. 6d., - Pupa Diggers, Qs., 8s. Corked Store Boxes, best make, 2s. 6d., 4s., 5s., 6s.; ditto, covered in Green Cloth, Book Pattern, 16 by 11, 8s.6d. Tiny, is : Brass Y, 8d., for Cane Nets. A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF BRITISH AND FOREIGN INSECTS KEPT IN STOOK. | _ CABINETS bag Sad bios ss bly in ee ane to Orden. brie ae " WATURAL-HISTORY AGENT, | BARTON STREET, GLOUCESTER, i Collectors with every kind of ee for the Pie branches of Natural History: Cabinets, Store Boxes, Butterfly Nets __ BIRDS’ EGGS, SKINS, LEPIDOPTERA and cot OPERA, oy kept in stock in large quantities. | ae ae: largest stock of Baas in England to select from, incl a — rare } species. List of clutches sent if desired. Large buyers liberally d | ‘NEW AND SECOND-HAND BOOKS. Taxtonnay Birds skinned and prepared for Cabinets, or mounted - skilled Sees ictaiia | Full general Catalogue i and Special List of Eaes and SKINS, post free, as N.B.—No agents, and ong one Lspdined as above. mgs FI RTILE OVA, & HEALTHY — FERTILE OVA. Per doz. LEA Aprilina, 6d. S ,1/- Nupta, Monachas niaria 4d. ar, Neustria, Coeruleocephala, Oxyacanthe, d. Antiqua, 2d. PUPA, | a as Elpenor, Thalassia da. ig enyanthidis, Olivata, Scrop- s, Geniste, So rig 4d. i, Carpini, Badiata, Vorbasdh » Jacob a Menthaeiey 1d. Alnt, 4 eGe =: ting H Lane oe 6. (oe ee theca. cap * ats FING & MOUNTING, I tomy CoLLECTING, Intustratep, 4d. Lup rporrEna I .& W. Davis, 31 & 33, Hy THE ENTOMOLOGIST Vou. XXIX.] DECEMBER, 1896. [No. 403. apnenaTiys OF ZYGZNA TRIFOLII. Fie. 1. Pie, 2. Tue two insects figured above were taken by myself in West Sussex. Fig. 1.—This specimen of Zygena trifolii has only four spots on each wing, and is the only example of this form of the species that I have ever seen. Fig. 2 represents a variety of Z. trifolit which I have already referred to in this Journal as reminding me of Z. piloselle (Entom. xxviii. p. 215). Three examples, all pretty much of this form, were taken. I may add that Z. meliloti and Z. lonicere also exhibit this piloselle-like form of aberration, as may be seen by referring to Mr. Barrett’s book (vol. ii. pl. 59). W. M. Curisrty. November, 1896. ENTOM.—DEC. 1896. 25 842 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. NOTES ON THE EARLIER STAGES OF THE SECOND BROOD OF POLYOMMATUS (LYCAINA) ARGIOLUS* By Rosert Apxin, F.E.S. Waite staying at HKastbourne in August last I chanced to come upon a female Polyommatus argiolus in the act of depositing ova on heads of flower-buds of ivy ; subsequent search revealed eges in considerable numbers, and later on the resultant larve. I was thus enabled to follow the life-history of the autumn brood under absolutely natural conditions, from the laying of the egg till the pupal stage was reached, of which the following is a brief account :— At the time when the butterflies of the second brood are on the wing, the flower-buds of the ivy are still young and form compact heads. The butterfly, having selected one of these heads, settles upon its top, closes her wings over her back, and, bending her abdomen down and round underneath the buds, affixes an egg to the under side of one of the slender single bud- stalks. In about a week the eggs hatch. The young larva, which in colour maiches the buds very closely, rests on the bud- stalk with its anterior segments, which completely cover its head, pressed closely against the bud, and looks so exactly like a slight swelling of the upper part of the stalk as to make detection a matter of great difficulty, even with the aid of a fairly powerful lens. Throughout its life the larva is very sluggish in its habits, seldom leaving the head of buds on which it is hatched, so long as sufficient food remains for its nourishment, or occasionally when about to change its skin. It appears to feed only at night, and its manner of feeding, which is the same throughout its life, is to eat a round hole through the outer shell of a bud, and pressing its head forward through it to clear out the soft inside of the bud. In from four to six weeks it is full-fed; it then quits the buds, and attaches itself by slender silken threads to a leaf, and in a few days becomes a pupa, in which state it passes the winter. Although there is an amount of recorded evidence that the larva will take other foods, the peculiar resting habit and manner of attacking the flower-buds suggest very strongly that the only natural pabulum of the later brood is the ivy flower-buds, and the early brood would find the flower-buds and young green berries of the holly similarly suitable to their habits. ** Abstract of a paper read before the South London Entomological and Natural History Society, Nov. 12th, 1896. ™ ae gt pdb a ee 348 THE SENSES OF INSECTS. By J. ARKLE. Tue criticisms from home and abroad, hostile and friendly, scientific and lay, which have been made upon my remarks under this head (Entom. xxvii. 386; xxvill. 248) have been a source of much personal gratification. The subject has even been reviewed by Mr. Tutt (Entom. Record, vil. 178). If this acknowledgment should appear to come somewhat tardily, I would say I have been waiting for additional light on the views and experience of some of my critics. Like Mr. Marshall’s ‘anomaly,’ however, I have still to wait. I am by no means the author of the objection to hearing in insects. Among scientific men, Linné and Bonnet thought insects had no hearing. It would scarcely be fair to retort that I seek cover under fossil authorities. For I have been rather surprised to find that some of the experiences quoted by present- day writers in support of hearing in insects are decidedly ancient rather than modern. The word ‘‘ hearing” implies a sensitiveness to sounds in general. Itis a human conception, and defines a sense common to man and other vertebrates. Whenever I look for evidence of this sense in insects, I look in vain. That is my position with reference to all insects I know. Mr. Marshall observes (Entom. xxix. 42):—‘‘I should con- sider that the difference between the sense of hearing and that of touch is only one of degree and not of kind.” I cannot agree with him. I believe hearing and touch are distinct senses. We no more use the organs of touch for the purpose of hearing than we use for the purpose of touch the internal ear. Let us travel a little with the theory of concussion or vibra- tion as applied to insects—even though that theory, as yet, be but a parasite on what is admittedly an inexact science. It is something more than the concussion or vibration set up by a blow on a tree. Let us seek for something like a definition ; see if there can be room for such a theory; leave it for the present as a thing we know little about; and seek consolation in the thought that if we knew everything we should think far - too much of ourselves. By way of definition here is what Kirby and Spence say :—‘‘ The hearing in insects may be something related to hearing as we understand it. Antenne, for example, may collect notices from the atmosphere, receive pulses or vibra- tions and communicate them to the sensorium, which, though not precisely to be called hearing, may answer the same purpose” (‘ Introduction to Entomology,’ vol. iv. p. 240). And here is scope even from Mr. Marshall :—‘“‘ There is little doubt that such auditory powers as are possessed by insects are of a very different character from those possessed by man, as they 2H 2 344 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. are not nearly so highly specialised or differentiated, and it is extremely probable that they are in many instances nearly allied to, or combined with, the faculties of touch.” To claim the sense of hearing for insects after admissions like these is indefensible. Let us look a little at the anatomy of an insect. Itis enclosed ina kind of shell. We wear our skeleton internally; the insect wears its externally. Protection against injury is not the only thing aimed at under this arrangement. Take a living A’schna grandis by the wings and turn it upside down. You will see, with the aid of a lens, one of the most delicate mechanisms, suggesting respiration and circulation, close to the thorax, and exposed to injury every time the fly settles on a hedge. The dragonfly wears his shell dorsally and laterally—just where there seems least risk of injury. And here and there, as in other insects, this shell is studded with minute hairs, which may also ‘‘ collect notices from the atmosphere, pulses and vibrations.” To sum up: there may be a great deal in connection with this horny shell not dreamt of in our philosophy. He who would wander in the paths of atrophy and develop- ment must start with a stock of faith. I do not point to this as a fault, but a fact. For humanity can hardly stir without faith. Leaving the era before the common cell of protoplasm as pre- historic, we arrive at a general, if momentary, agreement upon the chronological origin of insects and vertebrates. The insects came first. And so ‘‘ our cerebral hemispheres are but modifica- tions of the supra-cesophageal ganglia of a scorpion, while our eyes and nose are the direct descendants of its eyes and olfactory organs.” True, this explanation ‘‘ differs from all others,” but that is as nothing—and it is present-day. But at this the lay- man definitely revolts. Neither will he have it that there is a ‘“‘yesidual reptilian influence’’ in the practice of hissing bad plays; or that when we yawn “we are trying to use gills which have been closed nobody knows how long.” He asserts, ‘Tf the unscientific person read much of this sort of thing without the proper correctives, and looked at the freaks and perversities of evolution without looking still more at its great sanities, he might believe that Nature made her arrangements chiefly for some time ago, and that her later children have to put up accordingly with a mortifyingly large proportion of second-hand and misfitting instincts.’’ Personally, by prefer- ence, and without fear or favour, my faith les in the story of Creation. Nothing there must be upset, save on the strictest lines of reciprocity. Quid pro quo! To turn again upon the additional sense in insects is like slaying the slain. Mr. Marshall asks (ante, p. 48), ‘‘ Many insects, such as bees, ants, &¢., possess a definite and fixed abode, from which they are in the habit of wandering, sometimes for con- a VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE LEPIDOPTERA. 345 siderable distances, in search of food. Now, if these insects have no sense of direction whatever, how can they find their way back as accurately as they do?” They find their way by the use of landmarks! Disturb a bee, and it will circle round and round like a carrier-pigeon. Here is a hive only a few hundred yards from the sea. Twenty bees are liberated on the shore, and not one of them returns! Another lot set free on a lawn two hundred yards away—another unaccustomed place— are equally unable to find the hive! Forty ants feeding on some honey placed on a square of glass close to their nest are removed fifty yards off. They all lose themselves! Now, I pause to consider what would be the result were this a lay instead of a scientific explanation. One of my critics, I fear, would betake himself to the seat of the scornful; another to bone-picking—rest and refreshment? But the explanation is that of Sir John Lubbock, of Mr. Romanes, of Mons. Fabre. The experiments I very briefly quote will be found described at length, with others, in ‘The Senses of Animals’ (Sir J. Lubbock), chapter xiii. Chester, November 2nd, 1896. ON THE PREPONDERATING INFLUENCE OF THE OR- GANIC OVER THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT IN DETERMINING THE VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE LEPIDOPTERA. By W. Harcovurt-Bartu. ; In endeavouring to elucidate the various problems connected with the vertical distribution of the Lepidoptera in the different and diverse mountain systems in Kurope, a great many factors have to be taken by the student into consideration. _ The hypothesis of the glacial epoch and the subsequent amelioration of the climate supply us with the means of gauging the indirect action of the physical conditions which have oper- _ ated to produce the present result. But a little further insight into the subject at the same time will enable us also to estimate and appreciate the preponderating influence exerted by the organic over the physical environment. Although many hold that the mere effect of the climatal conditions (especially the temperature and precipitation) are by themselves the principal factors in deciding the vertical distri- bution of the great majority of species, I am perfectly convinced personally that such is not the case, but that they do in point of fact play quite a subordinate part in the determination, although they may be in a good many instances the indirect cause thereof. 346 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Many examples could be given in support of this contention. I will confine myself to a few. Numerous species of alpine plants which only live at great altitudes upon the mountains in their native habitat can be made without any difficulty whatever to flourish in gardens even down to the sea-level. Witness, for instance, the many kinds of alpine saxifrages and gentians, &c., which are in cultivation. The various species of pines and fir trees which constitute the typical arboreal conditions of the sub-alpine zone in the moun- tains, and of the sub-arctic region of the horizontal isotherms, can in like manner be successfully grown in places where the temperature is considerably higher. There is no reason there- fore whatever to conclude that their distribution either vertically or horizontally is directly due to the climatal conditions. The same thing precisely holds good with regard to the Lepidoptera, which are subject to the same general laws as the plants which provide their pabula. There are, on the other hand, some powerful reasons for supposing that many of the species of plants and animals which are now confined to high altitudes upon the mountains, or exist only in the high latitudes of the north, owe their survival almost exclusively to the direct influence of the organic environment. The particular organic competition with which they would have to contend at lower elevations may be entirely wanting at the higher ones. In the case of insects, their natural enemies, birds, bats, moles, shrews, lizards, and frogs, are usually very scarce in all the higher zones. In many parts of the Alps, where the mountaineers have ruthlessly destroyed many of the more extensive forests of de- ciduous trees, the conifers have taken their place, in some instances springing up spontaneously, and at present success- fully maintaining their ground against the oaks and the beeches. The inference to be drawn from this fact is that the conifers are capable of flourishing at lower levels than they at present occupy, quite as well as at the higher ones, provided they are precluded the possibility of competition from the more vigorous oaks and beeches of the lower elevations. Whether the pines and the firs will successfully prevent the encroachment of the latter in the spaces which have been cleared for them, for several centuries to come, is, I should venture to say, extremely doubt- ful. On the other hand, the conifers, with their needle-like foliage presenting a minimum of surface to the frost, alone survive at the higher altitudes where the deciduous trees would, by reason of their larger leaves, soon perish. The direct influence of the climatal conditions seems to act more powerfully in curtailing the upper rather than the lower limits of species. Many species of butterflies and moths thus seem very sensitive to cold, especially in the pupa-state, as is VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE LEPIDOPTERA. 347 well known to those who rear exotic forms in this country. This is possibly the principal reason why Acherontia atropos and several other species of Sphingide do not occur permanently more plentifully in the British Isles than is the case, although certain plants which the Jarve are known to feed upon are found in sufficient abundance. Deficiency of moisture seems in a similar way to circumscribe the distribution of certain species in other countries. These are also apparently instances of the direct influence of the physical conditions. The distribution of the Lepidoptera both vertically and hori- zontally is not by any means always co-extensive with that of their pabula. In some instances it may be more extensive than that of their usual food- plant, when they select a closely-allied Species in its stead; but in the majority of cases the plant possesses the widest distribution of the two. In the latter the struggle for existence with their natural enemies proves too ereat for the insects, notwithstanding the abundance of their food supply. We have good grounds for supposing that many species of animals and plants formerly existed in situations and at eleva- tions where the climatal conditions were very different from those which they occupy at the present day. There are numer- ous examples of this to be found in the Alps, the correct causes of which we know. The chamois, for instance, which formerly frequented the pine forests, are now seldom seen there, except in the winter time, having been forced to flee upwards before their chief enemy, man. The bear, the lynx, and the ibex have similarly had to seek refuge among the higher and more in- accessible peaks. Many insects are also now found less com- monly than formerly at the lower elevations, owing to the extension of cultivation. Numerous other similar instances might be adduced all in support of the superior power of the organic environment. From the discontinuity in the present distribution of many genera and species of fauna and flora, their former more exten- sive area which they occupied may be estimated. ‘Take, for instance, the Pyrenean desman or water mole (Mygale pyrenaica), which possesses its nearest relative in the steppes of South Russia. Then we have two species of butterflies in Hurope, namely, Zegris eupheme, which occurs in Andalusia, South Russia, and Asia Minor; and also Satyrus hippolyte, which is likewise found in the Iberian Peninsula, and again in the South of Russia, but not in any intermediate locality. All of these must once have possessed a continuous distribution in order to account for their present dispersion. The genus nis, or its immediate stirps, undoubtedly pos- sessed in former times an almost complete cosmopolite distribu- 348 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. tion both geographically and vertically, if we thus can correctly interpret the fact that the most closely allied representatives of this arctic and alpine group are elsewhere (in the southern hemisphere) to be found in the alps of New Zealand (Argyro- phenga), and in the Chilian Andes (Argyrop) ; while the well- known genus Erebia was once in an almost similar position, judging from the fact that it possesses very near representatives in the Southern Andes of South America, as well as in the high- lands of South Africa, several genera of which were indeed for- merly included in that of Hrebia. If, however, in the latter case the genus may not have been so completely cosmopolite, 1 do not see that the contention cannot hold good with regard to the former; for if, as Darwin suggested, the alpine fauna of the American Andes was derived from the regions to the north during the glacial epoch by means of the elevated mountain chain crossing the equator, I fail to perceive how it can account for the occurrence in a similar manner, in the isolated archi- pelago of New Zealand, of the genus Argyrophenga, which is so closely allied to Ginis of our northern hemisphere. In this con- nection, I may here remark that the marsupial mammals which are now so abundant and characteristic of the Antipodes were, during Miocene times, almost equally as plentiful in Kurope, in- cluding the British Isles. Another important item in support of the hypothesis that the organic conditions exert a paramount influence upon their distribution is to be found in the fact that many species of plants and animals occur in certain zones upon some mountains which do not correspond with their occurrence in other zones further north. . —s- Duplicates.—Davus, Obfuscata, Munitata, Fumata, Vartan (dark vars.), Lignata, Cesiata, Suffumata, Russata (Arran), Comitata, Strigillaria, Albulata, ee Bd wae Bom = Ae Pe - am a eee oe et et Per PN ete we oth Aaa aces Bo: B “ Duplicates. —lota, Palette Mater, Nigeioand (very maak tae: Caprophila® 2 Exoleta, S. Populi,* Potatoria,* Caia,* Umbratica, Ophiogramma* (few), Porcellus, — C- Nigrum, Lithargyria, Thalassina, Littoralis, Elymi, Suspecta, Circellaris, Typica, Tenuiata,* Venosata,* Brumata, Bilunaria, Prunaria, Sordidata.* Desiderata— Very numerous; must be on black pins, in perfect condition and well set, with data; pups wanted.—Blwndell Thornhill ; Castle Cosey, Castle Bellingham, Ireland. Duplicates.—Papilio, Thaos, Philoscenes, Pamnon, Paris, Erithronius, Degas . milis, Antiphates, Sarpedon, Agamemnon, Cloanthus, Helenus, Apatura mahesa, Argynnis childreni,; nephe, Lathonia, Cynthia arsinoé, C. avis, C. Helaris, Catop. orocale, Danais, Genutes chrysippus, Limniacee, Erith. Lepidea, H. Mesippus, Bolina dubius, Hel. chautonias, Junonia almana, asterias, Orithya Lemonias, venone, Euplca core, Kall. macleis, Morpho Peleides, Parthenos vireus, S. Hipselus, Hippocle, Terias.Hecabe, D. Livornica, P. apollo, C. Phicomene, &c, —fRev. M. Hick; Trimdon Grange, R.S.O. CHANGE OF ADDRESS.—H. 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