^^^-O ^ ^ '% ENTOMOLOGISTS RECORD JOURNAL OF VARIATION. J. V^. TUTT, F.E.S. PRICE 7s. 6d. Special Index, Is. LONDON : ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.U. BERLIN : R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, 11, Caulstrasse, N.W. NEW YORK: P. H. HEINSBERGER, 9, First Avenue, New York, U.S.A. PKEFACE TO VOL. III. We have at the conclusion of Vol. III. to again thank our still iincreasing circle of subscribers for their support. Our attempts to interest the ever-increasing body of collectors, and at the same time to keep pace with scientific advance, appear to be crowned with a large measure of success. Our Exchange List, of which collectors so largely avail themselves, is now much larger than those of all other British Entomological Magazines combined, whilst the scientific papers by well-known contributors, speak for themselves. Headers will hear with pleasure that Dr. Chapman will write a ■series of papers " On the Larva of Arclia caia," which will be illus- itrated with two Chromo-Litho Plates. A series of articles on comparatively new and little-known Lepidoptera, illustrated with •Chromo-Litho figures, will also appear in Vol. IV. The Special Index to Vol. I. is out of print and cannot be supplied, whilst of that to Vol. II. only a few cojiies are left. A Special Index to Vol. III. (for which we have to thank Miss Kimber) is published herewith. The delay in binding, caused by the rather late production of the Index is to be regretted, but the labour entailed is so great that it could not be done more quickly without serious •errors and blunders creeping in. THE EDITOR. SPECIAL INDEX. Tk Entomologist's Record and Jonrnal of Variation. VOL. III. SPECIAL INDEX. Ai-rciwieil In (tnJci- of Species. APTERA. j pentactenus, Tryphlopsylla ... 79; COLEOPTERA. abdominalis, Telephorus 67 ! Adalia 121 fedilis, Astynomus 86 feneovirens, Khynchites ... ... 211 \ 5«neus, Elmis 297 aequata, Homalota 304, 311 affinis, Donacia 298 afiinis, Megarthrus 297 agilis, Liopterus 120 alni, Callidium 86 alni.Cis 297 alternans, Oxypoda ... ... ... 304 Anantis 122 angustata, Choleva 304 augustatus, Hydroporus 120 angusticolle, Coryphium 21, 304, 311 aiigusticollis, Lathridius ... ... 302 angustior. Hydrous ... ... ... 72 Anisosticta ... ... ... ... 121 anisotomoides, Choleva ... .. 297 aquaticus, Cercyon ... ... 211, 212 arietis, Clytus... ... 86 armata, Strangalia 41, 86 asparagi, Crioceris ... 298 asperit'oliarum,Ceuthorhynchus 246, 298 ater, Ocypus 270 atomarium, Apion 298 atomarius, Mycetopliagus 297 atomus, Malthodes 211 atomus, Orthoperus ... 297 atra, Tachyusa 296 atrata, rar. subrotuiidata, Silpha 68, 120 atratula, Apthona ... 298 atricapillus, Bolitobius ... ... 264 atrope, Epitrix 21,298 aureolus, Cryptocephalus ... ... 298 avellan*, Orchestes ... 298 badia, Ocalea ... ... 303 Balaninus balteatus, Elater banksii, Chrysomela ... bella, Bolitochara bidens, Donacia bidentatus, Cis bidentatus, Pognocherus bifasciatum, Rhagium bifasciatus, Litargus... bimaculatus, Stenus ... binotatus, Stenus bi punctata, Adalia ... bipunctatus, Psammoechus bipunctatus, Stenus ... bispinus, Xylocleptus bistriatus, Ehantus . . . botlinica, Adalia var. crucifera brevicornis, Myllasna brevicornis, Xylophilus brunnea, Lithocharis brunnea, Mordellistena brunneum. Colon brunnipes, Ocypus ... bulbifer, Bythinus ... cadaverina, Phaleria. . . csesareus, Staphylinus campanula, Miarus ... canaliculatus, Stenus caprese, Adimonia ... caraboides, Melandrya caricis, Phalacrus carinatus, Tropiphorus castanea, Liodes cerasorum, Balaninus cervinus, Dascillus ... cervus, Lucanus chalybaeus, Ceuthorhynch chlorocephala, Lebia... clirysomeloides, Choleva cinereus, Haliplus Cionus PAGK 21 246 120 265 298 298 297 86 297 69 296 104, 121, 122 297 296 298 296 121 122 296 79 303 297 297 296 297 41 296 298 296 298 246 297 298 39 ... 212, 214 ... 264, 297 297 Jis ... 298 296 264 296 21 SPECIAL INDEX. PAGE circumflexus, Dytiscus 191 cisti, Bruchus.. 264 298 claviger, Anthrenus 297 Cleonus 21 coarctatus, Cyphon 297 Coccinellidse 31, 6 9^ 102 Coccinellidse-Aphidiphagse 102, 103 Coccinellidse-Pby tophagse . . . 102 cceruleus, Helops 41 comari, Phytobius 212^ 214 complicans, Eucephalus 296 compressus, Ocypus 296 conspersus, Agabus ... 120, 143 constrictus, Ceuthorhynchus 264 coriarius, Prionus 63, 86, 246 coryli, Apoderus 298 crinitus, Sitones 298 cruentatum, Apion 246*, 302 curculionoides, Attelabus ... 298 curtisii, Bythinus 118 cyaneus, Orobitis 298 10-punctata, Coccinella 104, 122 decipiens, Homalota 303 decorus, Philontbus 303 dentipes, Colenis 297, 302 depressa, Homalota 264 depressus, Licinus 296 didymus, Agabus 211 dilaticornis, Homalota . .. 302 dimidiata, Hygronoma 296 dimidiatus, Dytiscus 120 dissimilis, Bledius 142 dissimilis, Limobius 264 Donacia 48 domesticum, Trypodendron 24 Dytiscus 71 echinatus, Platytarsus ... 168, 264 edwardsii, PblcBophilus 21 equestris, Cassida 299 ericbsoni, Stenus 297 erythrocephala, Hydroporus ... 119 erythropus, Meligethes 297 exarata, Homalota 265 exoletus, Colymbetes 39 fasciatus, Anthocomus 297 fascicularis, Pogonocherus 67 femorata, Sagra 268 fenestratus, Ilybius ... 39, 191, 271, 296 fibulatus, Malthodes 297 fimetarii, Atomaria 270 flavescens, Drilus 264 flavicornis, Dorcatoma ... ... 212 flavimanum, Apion 302 formosus, Tacbyporus 296 foveolatus, Claviger 297 frit divided into longitarsis and. brevitarsis — Bagous ... ... 80 frontalis, Maltbinus 192 fulvibarbis, Leistus 211 fulvipes, Staphylinus 296 fuscula, Lithocbaris 168,264 PAGE gentilis, Gyrophnena... 296 gilvipes, Bembidium... 296 glaberrimum, Cryptobium 296 glabra, Liodes... 39 globosa, Lasia, noiu, 24- punctata Subcoccinella 102 gracilis, Myllsena 296 gracilis, Pterostichus 296 gracilis, Thyamis 299 graminis, Miarus 298 granaria, Calandra ... 96 granulatus, Carabus... 67 grapii, Ebantus 296 gravidus, Bracbypterus 302 gutta, Atomaria 297 gyllenhali, Acupalpus 211 hsemorrhoa, Oxypoda 304 hjemorrboidalis, Scymnus 297 hemisphericus, Scirtes 297 herbigrada, Apbthona 299 bieroglypbica, Coccinella ... 103, 184 hispidus, Pogonocherus 298 holosericeus, Corymbites 297 horridus, Ceuthorhynchus 298 hortulanus, Clonus ... 298 humator, Necrophorus 246 hydrolapthi, Apion ... 302 hygrotopora, Homalota ... 265, 303 Hypera 21 byperici, Chrysomela 298 imperialis, Hedobia 297 impressa, Cnemidotus .. ... 119 impressopunctatus, Ccelambus ... 296 iopterum, Homalium ... 297, 303 juncorum, Bryaxis ... laevigata, Silpha Ipeviusculus, Evsesthetus lateralis, Telephorus... latetricola, Btaphylinus lemnse, Donacia limbata, Omosiphora limbatus, Scymnus ... lineatulus, Tychius ... lineola, Cryptocepbalus littoralis, Silpha livens, Anchomenus ... livescerum, Apion livida, Amara lividus, Aphodius longicollis, Lina longula, Epursea longulum, Lathrobium loti, Apion lucidus, Mycetoporus lugubris, Cercyon lunatus, Gronops luperus, Ci stela luteus, Cychramus ... margaritse, Micropeplus 297 297 , 296 211 296 298 297 102 298 21 .. 143 ... 211 298 296 297 118 297 296 298 67, 192, 308 296 270 21,264, 297 303 303 SPECIAL INDEX. PAGE PAGE marinus, AiJpus .. 21 pallidula, Oxypoda ... 303 matthewsi, Mantura .. 298 pallidus, Tachyporus 296 maurorufus, Quedius .. 191 pallipes, Apion .. 298, 302 megacephalus, Rhynchites ... .. 211 pallitarsis, Stenus 296 melanocephalus, Philhydrus 11 9, 143 paludosus, Agabus .,. 211 memnonius, Hydroporus .. 211 papposus, Limnebius 143 mercui-ialis, Herniceophaga .. 298 parallelogrammus, Hydropc rus ... 143 meridian us, Toxotus 2 1, 8iT parallelopipedus, Dorcus 246 meridionalis, Dromius . 69 pascuorum, Gymnetron 298 mesomelas, Atomaria . 297 peltatus, Quedius 3C3 micans, Orchesia . 191 perforatus, Rhizophagus 40 micans, Polydrosus . 298 petro, Bagous 79 micropterus, Calathus .. .19 petrosus, Eagous 79 minima, Gyrophsena... . 296 philanthus, Hoplia ... 297 minor, Orchesia •• 297 picipes, Quedius .303 minor, Pterosticlius .. 296 picipes, Thyamis 299 minutus, Limonius . 297 pictus, Hydi-oporus ... 120 minutus, Rhynchites . 298 pilicornis, Loricera ... 69 modeeri, Hippuriphela .. 298 pilifera. Alexia .. 102, 303 moschata, Aromia 19 1, 298 pilosus, Pogonocherus 86 moschata, Ceramby x . .36 plana, Epij^eda .. 304, 311 multipunctatus, Mycetophagus . 297 planum, Homalium ... 303 mysticus, Clytus .. 86 pomorum, Anthonomus 313 populi, Lina ... 143 nebulosus, Leistotrophus ... 27( ), 296 populnea, Saperda 86 nebulosus, Liopus . 86 porcatus, Micropeplus 302 nereis, Erirhinus . 298 prasusta, Grammoptera 86 nidicola, Microglossa . 302 primula?, Eusphalerum 297 nigra, Homalota . 303 pubescens, A pion 298 nigricans, Choleva . 303 pulchellus, Cionus ... 298 nigricans, Philhydrus . 296 pulicaria, Anaspis ... 297 nigriceps, Quedius . 303 pusillus, Trogophlceus 297 nigricornis, Antherophagus . 297 pumila, Mordellistena 297 nigrina, Oxypoda . 211 puncticollis, Lema ... 298 nigrinum, Agathidium . 803 punctigerum, Apion ... 302 nigrita, Choleva .. 303 punctipenne, Homalium .. 26.% 304 nigriventris, Dromius . 296 punctus, Mycetoporus 296 nigromaculatus, Exochomus .. 102 pusilla, Haltica 298 nitidulus, Rhizophagus . 307 pusilla, Thyamis 299 noctis, Gymnetron .. 302 pusillus, Aphodius ... 297 nodicornis, Phyllotreta . 299 nodifer, Lathridius .. 243 notatus, Colymbetes . 143 4-maculatum, Scaphidium 192 24-punctata, Subcoccinella 297 obliterata, Adalia .. 121 quadricorne, Prognatha .. 304, 311 oblonga, Cassida . 143 quadrimaculatus, Dromius 69 oblongicollis, Rhizophagus... .. .306 5-lineatus, Hydroporus 67 oblongo-guttata, CoccineIJa . 244 oblongo-guttata, Mysia .. 122 renipustulatus, Chilocorus 297 oblougus. Hydro bius . 143 revestita, Strangalia 191 obscurus, Callicerus . 211 robinii, Aopus 21 obsoletus, Cercyon .. 296 rubi, Batopliila 298 occulta, Homalota . 303 rubicundus, Cceliodes 303 ocellata, Anatis .. 122 rufa, Monotoma .. 271, 303 ocellata, Coccinella ... . 244 rufescens, Aphodius ... 191 octavii. Arena . 128 rufescens. Colon .. 211, ,302 octomaculata, Pachyta ... 2 I, 86 rufescens, Leistus 211 oleiperda, Hylesinus ... .. 298 ruficollis, Rhinosimus 297 ononis, Apion ... .. 298 ruficornis, Grammoptera 86, 118 opacus, Hylastes . 24 rufopicea, Ischnoglossa 67 ophthalmicus, Rhynchites ... .. 298 rugulosus, Ceuthorhynchus 212 orbiculatus, Stilicus... .. 296 ruricola, Homaloplia 79, 26.5, 297 oryzte, Calandra .. 96 ruspator, Necrophorus .. 246, 297 ovatus, Onthophagus .. 143 rusticus, Telephorus ... (!(> oxyacantha', Homalium .. 303 sacer, Steucus 271 pagaua, Homalota 27 1, 303 sagittaria', Galeruca ... 298 SPECIAL INDEX. PAGE sanguinea, Adimonia 298 sanguinicollis, Megapenthes ... 192 sanguinolenta, Cassida ... ... 271 saxatile, Bembidium 271 scaber, Evsesthetus 296 scalaris, Strangalia 86 schaumi, Eutlieia ... ... ... 303 scirrhosus, Erirhinus ... ... 298 scrophularia?, Cionus 298 scutellaris, Scymnus 102 semicuprea, Donacia ... ... 298 7-punctata, Coccinella 122 sericea, Donacia 298 serripes, Colon ... 211, 270, 297 se tiger, Orthochaetes ... ... 298 signaticollis, Berosus 119 similis, Chilocorvis ... 118 solidus, Meligethes ... ... ... 264 .solntus, Stenus ... 297 solutus, Tachyporus 302 sordidum, Philorhinum 297 spadicea, Choleva 39 sparganii, Donacia 298 spencei, Apion 246, 303 splendens, Homalota 68 splendens, Philonthus 167, 246, 296 squamulatus, Tychius ... ... 298 stercorarius, Geotrupes ... ... 241 striatum, Homalium 302 strictula, Gyropha?na 303 strigosus, Hydnobius 297 subcffirulea, Plectroscelis 212 subrufus, Coeliodes ... 211 subspinosa, Zeugophora 211 subtestacea, Anaspis ... 297 subtillisima, Phlceocbaris ... 304, 311 sulcata, Pseudopsis 265 sulcirostris, Cleonus ... ... ... 68 tabacicolor, Grammoptera 86 tardyi, Mesites ... 68 tenebricosus, Otiorhynchus 21, 168, 264 tenue, Apion 302 tenuicornis, Elenchus ... 225, 244 terra, Tiresias ... ... ... 297 tessalatus, Corymbites 297 testaceus, Leptinus 265 thoracica, Anaspis 246 13-punctatus, Hippodamia 121 tremulse, Erirhinus 211 trilineata, Hypera 298 tristis, Aleochara ... 296 troglodytes, {var. chevrolati) Ceutliorhynchus 302 19.punctata, Anisosticta 121 11-punctata, Coccinella 103 tuberculatus, Limnius 297 typhse, Donacia 298 umbrata, Oxypoda 211, 212 umbratica, Tachyusa 265 umbrosus, Meligethes 297 variabilis, Gnorimus 195 varians, Agathidium 118 varians, Chrysomela 298 variegata, Hippodamia 121 venustula, Aphthona vespillo, Necrophorus vibex, Cassida... viburni, Galeruca vicise, Apion ... viduus, Anchomenus. . . viminalis, Gonioctena viridicollis, Phyllobius viridis, Malachius ... vittata, Oxypoda vulgaris, Melolontha waltoni, Phy tobius . . . DIPTERA. albiceps, Philonicus ... annulata, Thereva . . arcuatum, Chrysotoxeum . Asilus atrata, Xiphura PAGE 121, 298 ... 246 ... 299 ... 298 ... .302 ... 143 ... 298 ... 297 ... 297 ... 303 ... 311 211, 214 271 271 190 96 192 berberina, Criorrhina ... 168, 192 bifasciata, Limnobia 313 bombylans, var. plumata, Volucella 190 borealis, Sericomyia... 190 bovinus, Tabanus ... ... 21, 96 bo vis, Hypoderma .., ... ... 190 bromius, Tabanus 1 90 corvina, Homalomyia ... ... 128 crabronifoi'mis, Asilus 21 crocata, Pachyrhina 168 equi, Gastrophilus 21, 24, 189 fei'ox, Echinomyia ... ... ... 190 floccosa, Criorrhina 168 fulvus, Aty lotus 190 Gastrophilus 189 gigantea, Tipula 96 kowarzi, Homalomyia 128 lamed, Pteropcecila (= muliebris, Toxoneura) 38 lasiopthalma, Pyrellia 23 littoralis, Amalopis 313 lutescens, Tipula 96, 190 meridiana, Mesembrina 190 micans, Therioplectus ... 39, 190 muliebris, Toxoneura 38 nasalis, Gastrophilus 21, 189 cEstracia, Chilosia 190 oleracea, Tipula 96 pentactenus, Typhlopsylla 79 polita, Nichrochrysa 190 potomida, Stratiotomys (a)... 21, 190 quadrifasciatus, Conops 190 SPECIAL INDEX. %i riparia, Stratiomys ... rivosa, Pedicia ruficauda, Criorrhina rufitarsis, Metopia ... scripta, Tipula sepulchralis, Eristalis syl varum, Xylota Tabanus PAGE 21, 192 ... 190 ... 192 ... 128 ... 190 ... 39 39, 190 ... 96 vulgaris, vars. purens and promi- iiens, Exorista ... 32 vulpinus, Micro palpus 190 HEMIPTERA. albicinctus, Psallus 226 articulatus, Aspidiotus assimilis, Lecanium associalis, Pseudococcus aurita, Ledra ... camellicola, Pulvinaria Coccidse dendrobii, Prosophora distinguenda, Myrinedobia . . . f raxini, Eriococcus geocoriceps, Henestaris lialophilus, Henestaris Liburnia ... linearis, Eanatra luzulaa, Signoretia minimum, Lecanium persicte, Pulvinaria pulveraria, Eipersia rubicola, Aleui'odes ... sexguttatus, Calocoris socius, Pseudococcus rufescens, Aspidiotus tomlinii, Eipersia ... 14, ulbricbii, Trapezonotus vestimentis, Pediculus HYMENOPTERA, arenaria, Cerceris atricoruis, Halictus ... barbarus, var. punctatus, Aplueno- gaster bolitophila^, Tanyzonus 14 14 ... 66 71 113 120 ... 13 128 14 14 225 21 128 14, 128 14, 128 14, 128 14 41 128 88 28, 178 13 ... 120 94 23 no 66 306 circumcincta, Megachile compressus, Camponotus cunicularia, Colletes erytlirocephalus, Leptomyrmex PAGE ... 24 ... 89 23, 24 ... 66 f asciata, Abia 94 flavus, Lasius 272 fulva, Belyta 306 geminata, var. armata, Solenopsis ... 89 gigas, Sirex ... 21 gracilis, Iridomyrmex ... ... 66 hoi'torium, Bombus 167 itinerans, Iridomyrmex 66 juvencus, Sirex 216 lapidarius, Bombus 167 leucorum, Trichosoma 21 longiceps, Aphsenogaster ... ... 66 lutaria, Ammopbila 94 mayri, Ectatomma 66 metallicum, Ectatomma ... ... 66 micans, Camponotus ... 89 Monomorium ... ... ... ... 66 mucronatus, Oxybelus 23 mystaceus, Gorytes ... 94 niger, Lasius 272 nigriventris, Myrmecia 66 nigrosenea, Andreiia... 24 nigrocincta, Myrmecia ... ... 66 nudatum, Ectatomma 66 palmipes, Crabo 24 piniperda, Myelophilus 24 pratorum, Bombus ... ... ... 24 punctatus, Spathegaster 155 purpurens, Iridomyrmex 66 rubiginosus (var.), Camponotus ... 66 rufa, Vespa 21 rufonigra, Sinia ... ... ... 89 rufoniger, Iridomyrmex ... ... 66 ruginoides, Myrmica 272 smaragdina, CEcophila 89 stigma, Astata ... ... ... 23 subcarinata, Myrmicaria ... ... 66 tuberculatus, Ephialtes 21 xanthomelana, Osmia ... ... 23 LEPIDOPTERA. al)breviata, Eupithecia 114, 116, 176, 179 abietaria, Boarmia 175, 192, 270, 292 abietaria, Eupithecia {vide togata E.) 107 abjecta, Mamestra ... ... 205, 285 abruptaria, Hemerophila 20, 83, 94, 131, 175, 226, 255, 294, 307 SPECIAL INDEX. PAGE absyntliiata, Eupithecia 179, 207, 267, 279, 295 absynthii, Cucullia 179 acanthodactyla, Amblyptilia 33, 34, 267 aceris, Cuspidia 1, 2, 3, 73, 76, 106, 134, 158, 198 acetosse, Nepticula ... ... ... 240 acis, Lycsena 128, 208 Acrwa 269 Acronycta (Cuspidia, etc.) 1, 3, 27, 28, 98, 99, 105, 145, 146, 147, 148, 193, 249, 273, 275, 276 actseon, Hesperia adipelluR, Crambus adippe, Argynnis 191, 208, 210 213, 286, 290 139 117, 207, 209, 232, 260, 2P4, 285 adonis (bellargus), Lycaena 8, 70, 238, 264, 270, 272, 289, 311, 312 adusta, Hadena 45, 125, 158, 161, 233, 236 adustata, Ligdia 17, 86, 115, 202, 260 ad vena, Hadena 179, 181, 196, 199, 246, 266 advenaria, Epione 132, 158, 174, 179, 191, 232 advenella, Rhodoplitea ... ... 200 tegeria, Pararge 67, 204, 207, 232, 239, 260, 262 tegon, Lycsena... seuea, Pliytometra seneana, Argyrolepia sescularia, Anisopteryx 191, 207, 260 84, 208, 209, 210, 230, 286 203 83, 130, 292, 309, 310 138, 167, 264 sesculi (pyrina), Zeuzera afifinis, Calymnia (Cosmia) 23, 165, 199, 204 afifinitata, Emmelesia 86, 131, 133 affinitana, Euposcilia 203 agathina, Agrotis 287 Agdistis 32, 33 agestis ra)'. artaxerxes, Lycseua ... 287 aglaia, Argynnis 20, 2l", 134, 209, 259, 264, 271, 285 agrammella, Coleopbora Agrotis albicillata, Melantbia albicolon, Mamestra ... albipuncta, Leucania albovenosa, Viminia 257 14 158, 191, 286 ... 161, 287 43 158, 167, 277 vars. albida, argentea and ochracea 198 albnlata, Emmelesia 115 alcbymista, Catephia 36 alexis (icarus), Lycasna 95, 112, 197, 208, 215, 230, 232, 246, 259, 262, 270, 272 alni, Cuspidia 1, 3, 4, 17, 21, 26, 43, 106, 112, 113, 132, 133, 162, 179, 192, 205, 218, 219, 245, 277, 278, 281, 287, 292 alsines, Caradrina 134, 191, 207, 262, 310 alsus (minima), Lyca?na 1 64, 208, 232 alternata, Macaria 110, 285 PAGE alticolella, Coleophora 127 Alucita ... ... .. ... 32 amataria, Timandra 134, 175, 239, 255, 266 ambigualis, Scoparia ... ... 258 ambiguana, Eupcecilia ... ... 292 anceps, Mamestra ...135, 158, 181, 192 anella, Melissoblaptes ... ... 285 angularia, Ennomos 25, 69, 71, 119, 165, 175, 179, 245, 246, 255, 262, 271, 272, 307 angustana, Eupcecilia 258 angustea, Scoparia ... ... ... 231 anomala, Stilbia 21, 86, 287, 295 Anticlea 112 anthyllidella var. sparsiciliella, Anacampsis ... 79 antiopa, Vanessa 38, 144, 177, 206, 208 antiqua, Orgyia 39, 60, 220, 245, 247, 274 antiquana, Orthota^nia ... ... 201 apiciaria, Epione 165, 174, 200, 262, 271 apiformis, Trocbilium ... 72, 313 aprilina, Agriopis 85, 94, 261, 266, 270, 271, 289, 294 arbnti, Heliodes (Heliaca) 161, 203, 286 Arctia 2,249, 275 arcuosa, Chortodes (Miana) 134, 198, 232, 258 argentula, Bankia 230 argiolus, Lycsena 84, 13.3, 143, 166, 236, 265, 270, 288 arion, Lycsena 196, 256, 280, 287, 288, 299 armigera, Heliothis ... 239,271,282 artaxerxes, Lj^csena vide agestis, L. artemis (aurinia), Melitsea 86, 143, 158 artemisicolella, Coleophora... 35, 203 arundinis, Macrogaster 82, 171, 197, 229 ashworthii, Agrotis vide candelarum raj"., A. asiliformis, Sesia ... ... ... 45 assimilata, Eupithecia 179, 279, 295 atalanta, Vanessa 161, 166,197, 204, 206, 207, 209, 224, 239, 247, 260, 262, 263, 266, 267, 288, 312 athalia, Melit^a 143, 161, 191, 192, 232, 312 atomaria, Fidonia ... 84,191, 295 atrata, Tanagra 232, 258 atrijilicella, Gelechia... ... ... 167 atropos, Acherontia ... 179, 188, 212, 291 augur, Noctua ... 14, 134, 199, 258 aurago, Xanthia ... 64,282,294,313 var. 67 aurantiaria, Hy hernia 22, 39, 116, 166, 176, 179, 293, 310 aureola (sororcuIa),Litbosia 67, 115, 143, 166, 179, 232 auricoma, Viminia ... ... ... 1(6 auriflua, Liparis 39, 120, 125, 197, 245 aurinia, M. vide artemis, M. aurita, ran ramosa, Setina ... ... 67 australis, Aporophyla 204,213,235, 239 autumnaria, Ennomos 90, 91, 174, 242, 246, 301 SPECIAL INDEX. avellanella, Semioscopus aversata, Acidalia 134, 175 232 258 272 34 162 291 233 185 209 203 285 137 215 162 311 badiata, Anticlea 83, 115, 130, 131 143, 160, 176 baja, Noctua ... 85, 131, 165, 199 bajularia, Phorodesma 134, 158, 180 182, 213, 232, 261 baliodactyla, Aciptilia barrettii, Dianthoecia vide luteagc var. barrettii, Luperina basilinea, Apamea 17, 115, 133, 158 batis, Thyatyra 21, 35, 86, 132, 134 158, 162, 168, 181, 183, 204, 232 260, 261, 264 beJgiaria, Scodiona vnr. flavillacearia bellargus, Lyctena vide adonis, L. .. bembeciformis, Sesia... ... 191 bennetii, Agdistis ... ... 34 betula>, Thecla 63, 86, 133, 165 166, 179, 245 betula?, Tinagma ... ... 13 betularia, Amphidasys 31, 38, 166 171, 192, 209, 215, 226, 255, 263 307 ; iwr. doiibledayaria 168, biarcuana, Phoxopteryx bi color, Notodonta ... ... 117 bicoloria, Miana vide furuncula, M bidentata, Odontopera 17, 57, 120 131, 132, 143, 174, 232, 295, 296 bifida, Cerura (Dicranura) ... 65, 86 bilineata, Camptogramma 200, 233 246, 262 bilunana, Pfedisca 214 bilunaria, Selenia vide illunaria, S bin*v2lla, Homceosoma ... ... 203 bipunctaria, Eubolia 176, 191, 264 286 bipuuctidactyla, Mimasseoptilus 34 202, 230 biseliella. Tinea 22 bisetata, Acidalia 17, 134, 175, 200, 255 Bisulcia 273 biundularia, Tejibrosia 35, 50, 105 1G7, 114, 162, 2-33, 295 blanda, Caradrina 21, 135, 198, 207, 310 blandiata, Emmelesia 109 blomeri, Astbena ... ... ...118 b(Htica, Polyommatus ... 271, 313 liombyciformes ... ... ... 275 bombyliformis, Macroglossa 159 179, 230, 232, 237, 290 boreata, Cheimatobia 46, 60, 69 176, 266 brachydactyla, Pselnopborus 33 34, 63, 114 bractea, Plusia 248 brassicee, Mamestra 17, 94, 198, 242, 279, 306 brassier, Pieris 45, 71, 197, 198 tur. cbariclea ... ... ... 46 brevilinea, Leucania 207, 234 brumata, Cheimatobia 46, 60, 69 166, 167, 266, 293, 309 PAGE 130 200 brunnea, Noctua 135, 162, 168, 181, 207, 232, 258, 260, 262 275 113, 169, 172, 194, 267 70 274 271 176, 238, 258, 259 Bryopbilidse bucephala, Phalera cajnis, Cymothoe cffinobita, Panthea csesia, Diantha?cia caesiata, Larentia casspititiella, Coleophora ... ... 127 caia, Arctia 3, 6, 20, 39, 44, 51, 52, 111, 118, 120, 131, 137, 155, 156, 192, 197, 215, 270, 275, 309; var. lutescens ... ... ... ... 254 c-album, Vanessa 158, 179, 180, 263, 268, 271, 272 caledoniella, Microptery.x ... 13, 185 cambricaria, Venusia Ill camelina, Notodonta 17, 67, 132, 142, 158, 166, 232, 262, 267 candelarum, var. ashworthii, Agrotis 72, 181, 271 candidata, Astbena 115, 162 caniola, Lithosia ... ... ... 43 cannae, Nonagria ... 207, 234, 281 capitella, Lampronia ... ... 306 capsincola, Dianthcecia 214, 246, 289 capsophila, Dianthoecia ... ... 8 captiuncula, Phothedes 232, 234, 262, 289 cardamines, Euchloe 84, 120, 132, 14;;, 144, 160, 192, 232, 244, 247 cardui, Cynthia 47, 129, 131, 13,3, 142, 158, 159, 161, 166, 179, 182, 187, 191, 197, 203, 204, 205, 206, 208, 209, 213, 216, 232, 237, 261, 262, 263, 266, 271, 288, 289, 310 carmelita, Notodonta 25 carnella, Ilithyia ... ... ... 140 carpini, Saturnia 9, 39, 40, 116, 120, 158, 168, 184, 185, 198, 213, 226, 232, 254, 262, 275, 294 carpini and pj'ri liyhrid, Saturnia ... 141 cassiope, Erebia vide epiphron, E.... carpophaga, Dianthojcia 8, 120,131, 133 castanea, Noctua ... ... ... 233 TOTS, neglecta, and lawis ... 287 castigata, Eupithecia 86, 131, 289, 295 castrensia, Bombyx 167, 203 celerio, Chaerocampa 24, 256, 267, 271, 280 cembrH^, Scoparia ... ... ... 199 centaureata, Eupithecia ... 200, 214 cerago, Xanthia 35, 248, 259, 261, 267, 284 Cerastis certata, Scotosia Cerura ... cerusselhis, Cranibus cervinaria, Eubolia cespitalis, Herbula cespitana, Sericoris cha>rophylellus, Chauliodus 7, 36, 290 chaonia, Notodonta 116, i:;i, 13,i, 179, 271, 292 chenopodii, Hadena vide trifolii, H. 153 20, 114, 192, 237 252 139 176 ... 233, 248 233 SPECIAL INDEX. PAGE chi, Polia 7, 17, 65, 231, 289, 291, 292, 295; mr. olivacea ... 260 Chilo 171 chlorana, Halias 9, 12, 201 chrysanthemana, Sciaphila 230 chryseis, Lycaena ... 45 clirysidiformis, Sesia... ... 142, 270 Chrysocorys 33 chryson, Plusia 282 chrysonuchellus, Crambus ... 139, 140 chrysorrlioea, Liparis ... 20, 125 cilialis, Nascia 156, 171, 196, 199 cinctalis, Botys 282 cinctaria, Boarmia ... 120, 167, 175 cinerana, Grapholitha ... ... 248 cinerea, Agrotis 133, 164 ciniflonella, Depressaria ... ... 130 ciiixia, Melitsea ... 143, 157, 245 cirsiana, Ephippiplioi-a 201 citrago, Xanthia 35, 267, 284, 294, 295 citraria, Aspilates 176, 191, 237, 238, 270, 288 clathrata, Stenia 112, 166, 200, 230, 232, 233, 266 c-nigrum, Noctua 23, 86, 158, 162, 204, 213, 234, 262, 267, 285, 288, 294 coenosa, Lselia ... Ill, 128, 171 coeruleocephala, Diloba 15, 133, 166, 179, 246, 251, 273, 274, 275, 294 Coleopborae 155, 202 comariana, Peronea 311 comitata, Pelurga 201 comma, Hesperia ...64, 204, 181, 236 comma, Leucania 17, 158 comparana, Peronea ... 14, 201, 311 complana, Lithosia ... ... 207, 246 complanula, Lithosia 131, 197, 207, 246, 289 comptella, Swammerdamia 225 concolor, Nonagria ...43, 178, 226, 281 conflua, Noctua 14, 31, 59, 87, 95, 96, 112; rar. obsoleta 60 conformis, Xylina 36 confusalis, Nola ride cristulalis, N. coniferaiia, Stigmonota 233 conigera, Leucania ... ... 232, 258 consignata, Eupithecia 113; 131, 179 consociella, Bhodophcea ... ... 264 consonaria, Tephrosia 114, 130, 133, 232 consortaria, Boarmia 35, 110, 133, 161, 162, 163, 262 conspersa, Dianthoecia 68, 131, 133 ra?-. ochrea ... 272 conspicillaris, Xylomiges ... 85, 113 contaminellus, Crambus ... 139, 285 contigua, Hadena ... 162, 192, 295 contiguaria, Acidalia 47 convolvuli, Sphinx 16, 18, 19, 86, 132, 204, 210, 212, 243, 266, 267, 271, 280, 290, 291, 292, 301 coracina, Psodos 226 cordigera, Anarta ... ... ... 185 coronata, Eupithecia 131, 200, 285 corticana, Poidisca 231 corticea, Agrotis ... 17, 162, 163, 270 corydou, Lycsena 40, 64, 142, 182, 208, 236, 270 corylata, Cidaria 114, 120, 167, 289; rar. albocrenata coryli, Demas 17, 35, 114, 117, 132, 143, 162, 163, 166, 249, 274, costsestrigalis, Hypenodes ... costella, Cerostoma ... Ci'ambi ... cratsegata, Eumia 17, 21, 131, 160, 174, 179, 200, cratfegi, Aporia ... 39, 85, crataegi, Pontia (Pieris) cratsegi, Trichiiira ... 67, crepuscularia, Tephrosia 35, 116, 119, 132, cribrum, Eulepia cristana, Peronea cristulalis, Nola 114, 131, 133, 191, croceago, Hoporina crocealis, Ebulea cruciana, Hypermecia cruciferarum, Plutella 14, 142, 201, cruda, Tseniocampa 83, 116, cubicularis, Cai-adrina 17, cucubali, Dianthoecia 131, 162) cucullatella, Nola 133, 179, culmellus, Crambus ... 16, 17, 140, cuprealis, Aglossa cursoria, Agrotis ... 22, 209, Cuspidia 28, 98, 99, 145, 146, cygnipennella, Elachista ... cynipiformis, Sesia cytherea (matura), Cerigo 165, cytisaria, Pseudoterpna 20, 209, dahlii, Noctua 23, 168, 233, daleana, Sericoris Danaidse ... daplidice, Pieris ... 45, davus, Csenonympha decolorata, Emmelesia defoliaria, Hybernia 20, 22, 118, 166, 179, 255, 293, 295, degeneraria, Acidalia demarniana, Phlseodes dentalis, Odontia dentina, Hadena ... 17, 94, depuncta, Noctua var. mendosa Depressarise ... derasa, Gonophora 21, 135, 181, 183, 192, 198, 260, 264, Diastictis dictsea, Notodonta 17, 124, 132, 133, 151, 184, 242, 279, dictseoides, Notodonta 17, 93, 192, 235, 242, 267, didyma, Apamea vide oculea, A didymata, Larentia ... 14, 17, diffinis, Calymnia 135,204, PAGE 143, ... 233 131, 167, 276, 292 ... 291 ... 180 ... 80 155, 226, ,307 112, 137 ... 45 133, 214 111, 1.33, 207 191, 292 ... 270 162, 209, 232 ... 246 199, 207 ... 201 179, 208, 214 120, 130 245, 259 18.5, 289 191, 209 139, 141, 190 199, 282 112, 233, 245 147, 148, 275 ... 214 ... 271 198, 285, 292 133, 262, 266 259, 287 ... 282 ... 168 208, 226 ... 259 11.5, 131 116, 309, 310 ... 68 ... 192 ... 285 132, 162 14, 263 ... 14 ... 142 158, 272, 291 ... 109 131, 285, 295 151, 292, 294 200, 258 231, 300 SPECIAL INDEX. diluta, Cymatophora 35, 234, 261, 291, dilutata, Oporabia 60, 166, 293, 295, dimidiata, Acidalia vide scutulata, A. dipsaceus, Heliothis 207, 209, 214, dispar, Chrysophanus var. rutilus dispar, Liparis dissimilis (suasa), Hadena distans, Oxyptilus ditrapezium, Noctua. divisella, Gelechia . dodonea, Notodonta 188, 242, 65, 70, 162, ...33, 34, 2.5, 26, 132, 161, 166, 232, dodoneata, Eupithecia 19,114, 161, 166, 179, dolobraria, Eurymene 67, 109, 110, 115, 133, 162, 166, 168, 174, 232, dominula, Callimorpha 133, 192, vars. romanovii, italica et donna dotata, Cidaria 134, 210, 245, 258, dromedai'ius, Notodonta 17, 142, 184, 258, 267, 279, dubitalis, Scoparia dubitata, Scotosia ... 17, 35, 109, dumetana, Tortrix ... dumetellus, Crambus duplana, Retinia duplaris, Cymatophora ... 16, 22, 162, 181, 207, 233, 236, dysodea, Hecatera edusa, Colias 8, 129, 131, 132, 142, 155, 158, 159, 160, 161, 163, 164, 167, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 187, 192, 197, 203, 204, 205, 206, 208, 209, 210, 211, 214, 21.5, 216, 224, 227, 228, 229, 231, 232, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 244, 246, 247, 248, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 269, 271, 272, 280, 285, 287, 288, 289, 290, 292, 306, 312, 313 ; rar. helice, 129, 132, 164, 182, 203, 204, 205, 206, 208, 210, 211, 214, 215, 216, 224, 227, 228, 231, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 244, 246, 248, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 269, 272, 285, 287, 288, 289, 290, 292, 306, Elachista electa, Catocala elinguaria, Crocallis 119, elocata, Catocala elpenor, Chairocampa 64, 158, 181, 197, 21.5, 232, elutata, Hypsipetes 17, 134, 178, 200, 259, elutella, Ephestia emarginata, Acidalia 35, 175, 200, 207, 213, emutaria, Acidalia ... 175, 182, Ephyra epiphron, Erebia ... ... 143, equicolor, Cynthia ... 294 310 246 128 268 246 204 247 291 171 292 202 292 207 141 i.'95 296 248 131 201 233 282 260 199 313 202 226 200 226 266 309 24 232 204 111 196 141 PAGE ericellus, Crambus ... ... 16, 139 ericetana, Orthotsenia ... ... 201 ei-icetata, Emmelesia ... 233, 259 erosaria, Ennomos 166, 175, 291, 292 Eucymatoge (species placed in by Meyrick) 110 euphorbipe, Viminia vide myricpo, V. euphorbia?, Deilephila ... ... 45 euphorbiata, Minoa ... 35 euphrosyne, Argynnis 44, 84, 117, 143, 160, 209, 215, 232, 245, 272, 285 Eupithecia, 21 ; (species placed in by Meyrick) 110 exanthemaria, Cabera 131, 162, 200, 255 excessan^, Caccecia ... ... ...113 exclamationis, Agrotis 17, 39, 131, 134, 157, 158, 162 exigua.Laphygma 88 (? British), 239, 282 exiguata, Eupithecia 131, 1.34, 179 exoleta, Calocampa 60, 11.5, 130, 158, 294 expallidana, Catoptria ... 156, 201 extensaria, Eupithecia ... 43, 281 extersaria (luridata), Tephrosia 35, 162, 175, 232, 260, 292 exulans Zygsena 58, 281 fagella, Diurnasa ...40, 115, 127, 292 fagi, Stauropus 39, 130, 133, 143, 158, 161, 165, 166, 167, 178, 179, 192, 232, 246, 281, 292, 301, 313 falcula, Platypteryx 17, 35, 114, 132, 142, 179, 262, 267 falsellus, Crambus 139 farinalis, Pyralis ... ... ... 199 fascelina, Dasycliira ... 69, 130, 157, 248 fasciana (fuscula), Erastria ... ... 232 fasciaria, Ellopia 109, 158, 174, 185, 207, 235, 260, 292; var. prasinaria 225 fasciuncula, Miana 134, 158, 210, 232, 258 ; mr. cana 134 favillaceana, Capua ... ... ... 206 fennica, Noctua 14 ferrugalis, Scopula 265, 284 ferrugata, Coremia 94, 115, 131, 132, 150, 151, 152, 153, 176, 177, 200, 224, 242, 254, 283, 311 ; see correction ... 177 ferruginea, Xanthia ... 35, 67, 166, 266, 284, 287 festaliella, Chrysocorys ... ... 34 f estiva, Noctua 14, 45, 71, 87, 112, 13.5, 158, 162, 163, 191, 192, 199, 214, 233 258, 260, 270; rar. grisea 59; vars. ... 58 71 festucte, Plusia 22, 69, 158, 199 fibrosa, Helotropha vide leuco- stigma, H. filipendulw, Zygsena 23, 37, 134, 157, 159, 166, 232, 237, YH\, 311 rar. chrysanthemi 178, 208, 210, 244, 245 fimbria, TrJpha3na 20, 85, 181, 192, 232, 288 fimbrialis, Pj'ralis 199 XVI SPECIAL INDEX, PAGE flammatra, Noctua (? British) ... 88 flammea, Meliana 15(;, 172, 178, 196, 281 flammealis, Eudotricha ... ... 207 Havago, Gortyna ... 20, 166, 294, 301 flavicincta, Polia 39, 67, 94, 199, 207, 284, 294 ilavicornis, Asphalia 28, 3."), 116, 119, 130, 144, 258, 26.% 267, 294 var. 126 flexula, Aventia 264, 292 flina (lupulina), Hepialus ... ... .')4 fluctuata, Melanijjpe 40, 69, 131, 143, 176, 200, 242, 270, 289 fluctuosa, Asphalia ... 285 fluviata, Camptogramma 176, 281, 285. 291 '. 158 199 65, 67, 70, 295 191, 232 201 112 fontis, Bomolocha forficalis, Pionea fraxinata, Eupithecia fuciformis, Macroglossa fuligana, Sericoris ... fuliginaria, Boletohia fuliginosa, Arctia 56, 1.30, 131, 156 158, 159, 197, 232, 263, 289 fulva, Tapinostola ... ... 166, 267 fulvago, Euperia 168, 248 fulvata, Cidaria ... 200,259,295 fulviceps, Euproctis 65 funebrana, Opadia 201 furcatellus, Crambus 16, 58, 139 furcula, Dicranura 86, 183, 192, 210, 258, 262, 206, 289, 292 furuncula (bicoloria), Miaiia 21, 40, 198, 204, 207, 208 furva, Mamestra 233, 295 fuscalis, Botys... 199, 216, 226, 259 fuscantaria, Ennomos 35, 86, 287 fuscedinella, Coleophora ... 32,282 galactodactyla, Aciptilia galatea, Arge 117, 208, 232, galiata, Melanippe ... ... 86, galii, Deilephila 69, 71, 177, gamma, Phisia 17, 84, 129, 131, 179, 199, 203, 205, 208, 234, 262, 287, 295, gemiiia, Apamea 40, 131, 134, 158, 162, 232, 233, 258; var. genistse-like form geniculellus (geniculeus), Crambus 139, genista:", Hadena ... 143, 158, geographica, Clidia geryon, Ino 164, gigantellus, Schseuobius gilvago, Xanthia gilvaria, Aspilates ... glabraria, Cleora glandifera (muralis), Bryophila 119 144, 170, 208, 23.5, 288, var. impar 112, glareosa, Noctua 23, 233, 238, 259, 287, 288, glauca, Hadena ... 160, 161, glaucicolella, Coleophora glaucinalis, Pyralis 34 287 131 256 142 296 150 140 247 145 237 200 290 176 287 289 113 294 295 127 231 PAGE glyphica, Euclidia 232, 289 gonodactyla, Platyptilia 14, 33, 34, 131, 214 gonostigma, Orgyia 69 gothica, Tajniocamim 83, 96, 112, 115 116, 119, 130, 131, 144, 160, 161, 258; var. pallida, 130; rar. gothicina ... ... 142 gracilis, Tfeniocampa ... 8.;, 120 1.30, 143, 168 graminis, Charajas 210, 259, 260, 262, 288, 291, 294 Graphiphora 14 grisealis, Zanclognatha ... ... 134 griseola var. stramineola, Lithosia 197 grossulariata. Abraxas 21, 179, 191, 192, 195, 200, 214, 245, 248, 262, 268, 309, 311 gularis, Melissoblaptes .. ... 256 Hadena hamana, Xanthosetia hamma (sylvinus), Hepiahis hammoniella, Heliozela hampstediensis, Cynthia hamula, Drepana ... ... 114, hartmanniana, Argyrolepia 195, hastata, Melanippe 158, 167, 176, 191, 192, 207, hastiana, Peronea ... 171, 201, haworthii, Celsena ... 16, 186, 210, 267, hectus, Hepialus 52, 54, 77, 78, 79, 101, 134, 207, 209, 282, Heliconias ... hellmanni, Tapinostola 198; var. saturata helveola, Lithosia 212, 232, 264, helveticaria, Eupithecia 20, 185, helvetina, Agrotis heparana, Tortrix heparata, Eupisteria 35, 86, 175, 207, hepatica, Xylophasia 134, 158, 162 181, 198, 291 ; var. characterea, Hepialidaj ... 30,52, 59, 68, 77, hera, Callimorpha 43, 112, 196, 226 234, 281 ; var. lutescens, herbida, Aplecta 158, 162, 165, 181, 192, 232, 236, 246, 258, 260, hermannella, Nannodia hero, Hipparchia Hesperidse heterodactyla (teucrii), 88, 112, Oxyptilus 33, 34, 33, 86, 202, 33, 34, hexadactyla, Alucita hexapterata, Lobophora hieracii, Oxyi^tilus hippocastanaria, Pachycnemia 207, hippolhoe, Polyommatus hirtaria, Biston 48, 119, 165, 171 175, 179, 225, 255, 263, hispidaria, Nyssia ... 83, 115, holmiana, Dictyopteryx hortuellus, Crambus 139, 140, 141, hostilis, Phycis 94 201 54 13 45 232 207 215 311 289 258 21 19 292 281 67 201 295 134 100 313 294 214 45 188 34 215 58 .309 46 265 166 201 199 43 SPECIAL INDEX. xvii humuli, Hepialus 53, 54, 55, 65, (i8, 77, 78, 79, 101, 123, 124, 134, 197, 247; rar. hethlandica hyale, Colias 164, 178, 182, 204, 208, 210, 211, 214, 216, 227; 228, 231, 236, 238, 244, 247, 261, 265, 269, 280, 285, 288, 289, 311, hyalinalis, Botys Hybernia ... ... ... Ill, hybridalis,Stenia ... 129, 233, Hydriomena (species placed in by Meyrick) ... hyemana, Tortricodes Hyloi:)liila hyperanthus, Epinephele 230, 232, 239, 258, 260, liyperborea (alpina), Agrotis hyiJericana, Catoptria ianira, Epinephele 20, 21, 39, 197, 216, 232, 239, 258, ianthina, Triplitena 17, 85, 165, 181, 198, ichneumoniformis, Sesia 191, 192, ilicifolia, Lasiocampa ilicis, Thecla ... illunaria (bilunaria), Selenia 49, 63, 83, 118, 130,131, 132, 142, 160, 166, 174, 200, 208, 214, illustraria, Selenia 21, 49, 65, 90, 91, 93, 119, 142, 174, 192, 225, 242, 258, imbutata, Carsia 176, imitaria, Acidalia ... 134, 175, immanata, Cidaria 14, 17, 21, 110, 111, 131, 134, 258, 259, immutata, Acidalia 200, 213, 214, 232, impura, Leucania 135, 158, 198, 258 ; rar, punctileriea, indigata, Eupitliecia ... 162, 168, innotata, Eupitliecia inornata, Acidalia 134, inornatana, Phoxopteryx ... inornatella, Gelechia inquinatellus, Crambus 312 382 309 287 110 115 147 269 247 203 262 270 281 256 .. 171, 17, 139, 140, instabilis, Tasniocampa 83, 115, 116, 119, 120, 1.30, 142, 144, 161, interjecta, Trii)h;Fna 85, 86, 198, interjectaria, Acidalia ... 175, internana, Btigmonota interrogationis, Plusia 144, 259, io, Vanessa 166, 197, 207, 232, 262, 263, 266, 267, iota, Plusia 15, 17, 85, 132, 134, 158, 180, 210, 295; correction, iris, Apatura 63, 117, 161, 167, 179, 206, 216, 239, 246, 262, irregularis, Dianthcecia irriguana, Sericoris ... irriguata, Eupitliecia irrorella, Setina isodactylus, Platyjjtilia isogrammaria, Eupitliecia 290 210 200 295 255 94 295 281 175 201 202 141 191 199 264 214 295 07 , 280, 292 85 282 116 142, 232 3, 34, 186 260 jacobaese, Euchelia jodutta, Hepialus Kallima kiihniella, Ephestia PAGE 131, 197, 203, 262, 266 54 117 306 labui'nella, Cemiostoma ... ... 214 lacertula, Platypteryx 35, 114, 179, 232 lachesis, Arge... ... ... ... 66 lactana, Grai3holitlia ... ... 202 lactearia, lodis ... 115, 162, 289 lacunana, Sericoris ... ... ... 201 lamda vars. somniculosa and zinckenii, Xylina ... ... 86 lanceolana, Bactra ... ... ... 201 lanestris, Eriogaster ... 9, 39, 144, 203, 232, 289 lantanella, Lithocolletis ... ... 242 lapidata, Phibalapteryx ... 143, 281 lariciata, Eupitliecia 279, 289, 295 lathonia, Argynnis ... ... 117, 208 Leioptilus ... ... ... ... 33 lemnalis, Cataclysta ... ... ... 199 leporina, Cuspidia 1, 2, 3, 14, 17, 19, 25, 26, 28, 29, 60, 73, 76, 97, 98, 106, 124, 162, 167, 192, 233, 235, 267, 268, 271, 278, 279, 292; rar. bradyporina ... 124, 312 Leucania ... ... ... ... 171 leucanipennella, Coleophoi'a ... 13 leucographa, Pachnobia .. 113, 168 leucopbpea, Pachetra ... ... 43 leucophajaria, Hybernia 83, 115, 118, 176, 292, 309, 310 leucostigma, Helotropha, 198 ; vars. albijJunctaancHunina 198; var. fibrosa 289 libati-ix, Gonoptera 15, 35, 167, 199, 210, 261, 262 liclienaria, Cleora ... 144, 170, 192 lichenea, Einmda ... ... ... 288 lienigianus, Leioptilus ... 34, 225 Jignata, Phibalapteryx ... ... 23 ligniperda, Cossus 135, 167, 168, 215 ligustri, Bisulcia 2, 106, 145, 147, 162, 163, 181, 196, 212, 245, 247, 260, 281, 292 ligustri. Sphinx 120, 133, 191, 215, 248, 266 linearia, Eph3'ra vide trilinearia, E. lineola, Hesperia 15, 213, 232, 280 lineolata (virgata), Mesotype ... 132 Liparidai ... 249, 250, 251, 274 literalis, Diaseniia ... ... ... 248 literana, Leptogramma 144, 169, 170, 270 literosa, Miana ... 165, 198, 259 lithargyria, Leucania 45, 134, 158, 207,214,232: rar. pallida 198 Lithocolletis is9 lithodactyla, (Edematophorus 34, 1U5, lu7 lithorhiza, Xylina i<4 lithoxylea, Xylophasia 17, 134, 198, 207, 232 SPECIAL INDEX. littoralis (testaceoides), Prodenia 14, 40, 70, '282 litura, Anchocelis 15, 35, 45, 267, 284, 287, 294 liturata, Macaria 35, 158, 162, 207, 214, 232, 233, 287 li vomica, Deilephila Lobophora lobulata, Lobophora 274, 276 90, 132, 174, 286 132, 129, 182, 281 43, 155, 159, 182, 196, 271, 280 110 35, 116, 130, 131, 162, 176 Icetus, Oxyptilus 33 loewii, Mimoeseoptilus ... ... 34 lorquiniana, Dictyopteryx ... ... 171 lota, Orthosia 166, 261, 267, 271, 284, 294 ; correction ">7 lubricipeda, Spilosoma 17, 39, 69, 115, 131, 132, 155, 173, 216, 309 ; rar. radiata 167,268 lucernea, Agrotis 181, 183, 233, 289 lucina, Nemeobius 130, 160, 161, 164, 166, 206, 232 lucipara, Euplexia 17, 133, 134, 162, 181, 199 ludifica, Diphthera lunaria, Selenia lunaris, Ophiodes lunigera, Agrotis 23, 181, 183, 233, lunosa, Anchocelis 35, 166, 246, 261, 284, 291, 294 iupulinalis, Botys ... 43 lupulinns, Hepialus 53, 54, 68, 100, 101, 115, 124, 1.53, 166, 191 luridata, Tephrosia vide extersaria, T. lurideola, Lithosia vide compla- nula, L. ... ... luteago, var. barrettii, Diantha?cia (Lupei-ina) 14, 43, 87, 237, 311, 312 lutealis, Scopula ... 14, 199, 258 luteata, Asthena ... 133,286,295 luteolata, Rumia vide cratajgata, R. Lycsenida? Ill, 112, 188 lychnitis, CucuUia 183, 300 machaon, Papilio 39, 77, 117, 157, 188, 197, macilenta, Orthosia 45, 261, maculata, Venilia malvpe, Syrichthus Mancipium Marasmarcha . . . marcidella, Acrolepia margaritaria, Metrocampa 134, 210, margaritellus, Crambus 16, 17, marginata (umbra), Heliothis 162, 163, marginata, Lomaspilis 115, marginepunctata, Acidalia promutata, A. ... matura, Cerigo vide cytherea, C maura, Mania 119, 214, 312 267, 284, 294 115, 286 84, 130 45 33 307 207', 232, 258 139, 234, 259 1"^, 181, 246 131, 133, 200 vid.o 135, 180 medon, Lycsena vide agestis, L, megacephala, Cuspidia 1, 2, 3, 4, 17, 27, 106, 134, 198, 262 megfera, Lasiommata 117, 166, 197, 204 melampus, Erebia 244 melas, Erebia 244 meliloti, Zygsena ... ... 45, 292 mendica, Spilosoma 39,50, 111, 114, 142, 143, 161, 203, 309 mensuraria, Eubolia 165, 201, 207, 210, 230' menthastri, Spilosoma 17, 69, 119, 120, 131, 132, 166, 204, 214, 294; mr. walkeri Ill menyanthidis, Viminia 98; 162, 259, 27.5, 289- mercurella, Scoparia ... 199, 231 merope, Papilio 168 mesomella, Lithosia 23, 134, 207, 210, 261, 294 metallicella, Coleopliora ... 32, 282 meticulosa, Phlogophora 213, 262, 267, 284 metra, Pontia 4.> mi, Euclidia , 133 miata, Cidaria 119,259,284,294 micacea, Hydrcecia 198, 294 microdactyla, Leioptilus 34, 202, 230' mimetica, Neptis ... ... 141 miniata, Calligenia 20, 134, 204, 207, 261, 270 minima, Lj'csena vide alsus, L. minos, Zygajna 232, 262, 281, 289- minutata, Eupithecia 35, 162, 165, 267, 295 misella Tac, Tinea 178 mixtana, Peronea ... ... ... 162 monacha, Psilura 111,179, 190, 222, 246, 257, 264, 268, 274, 276, 288, 304. 305- moneta, Plusia 43, 165, 177, 184, 196, 226, 244, 282, 285 monodactyla, Pterophorus . . . 33, 34 montanata, Melanippe 17, 29, 94, 115, 131, 176, 187, 226 morosa, Gelechia ... 202 morpheus, Caradrina ... ... 134 mucronellus, Schfenobius ... ... 200 multistrigaria, Larentia 83, 115, 294 munda, Tcieniocampa 45, 83, 116, 143 mundana, Nudaria ... ... 197, 205 munitata, Coremia ... ... ... 258 muralis, Bryophila vide glandi- fera, B muripennelia, Coleophora ... ... 127 muscerda, Lithosia ... 207, 272, 285 myelins, Crambus 20, 140, 144, 234, 258, 259, 282- myricifi (euphorbise), Viminia 60, 61, 162, 259' myrtillana, Phoxopteryx ... ... 162 myrtilli, Anarta 35, 207, 209, 262, 264 nana, Dianthoecia vide conspersa, D. nanata, Eupithecia 35, 131, 162, 165, 267, 289, 295- SPECIAL INDEX. napi, Pieris 21, 45, 67, 69, 71, 11'2, 143, 197, 230, 268, 312; var. nappeae, 45, 127 ; var. sabellicse 178 nebulosa, Aplecta 35, 85, 133, 158, 162, 163, 210, 260, 291 ; var. robsoni, 14, 178; var. suffusa 178 neglecta, Noctua 234, 258, 261, 287, 309 neglectana, Spilonota ... 214, 271 nemorosa, Hepialus ... ... ... 54 Nepticulas 189 nerine, Erebia ... ... ... 244 nervosa, Simyra ... 145 ueurica, Nonagria ... ... ... 2o7 neustria, Bombyx 40, 156, 179, 197, 208, 214, 232, 270 nickerlii, Luperina ... ... ... 59 nictitans, Hydrcecia 86, 112, 262, 285, 295; si'h-species paludis and lucens ... ... ... 112 nigra, Epunda ... 15, 60, 261, 287 nigricans, Agrotis 67, 68, 142, 181, 198, 210, 259 nigrocincta, Polia riJe xantho- mista, P. ... nigrofasciaria, Anticlea nisana, Grapholitha ... nivea, Pjecilia noctuella, Stenopteryx Nonagria ... 83, notata, Macaria 175, notha, Brephos notulana, Eupoecilia nubeculosa, Petasia ... 21, 22, 114, 130, 143, 35, 46, 165, 216, nupta, Catocala Nj-cteolidae ... nymphfealis, Hydrocampa Nymphalidse obelisca, Agrotis 23, 204, 210, 213, 235, obfuscaria (ata), Dasydia 24, 175, obliquaria, Chesias ... ... 162, oblitella, Gelechia 171, obscurata, Gnophos 86, 182, 214, 226, 233, occulta, Aplecta 232, ocellata, Melanippe 115, 132, 176, 261), ocellatus, Smerinthus 17, 39, 132, 167, 267, 279, ochraceana, Capua ... ochrodactyla, Platyptilia 22 , 34, ocbroleuca, Eremobia octomaculalis, Ennychia 161, 191, ocularis, Cymatophora 4:;, 184, 19u, 196, oculea (didyma), Apamea 17, 135, 198, 2U7, 258, 262, oleagina, Valeria oleracea, Hadena 17, 94, 199, 232, olivalis, Scopula ... olivata, Larentia ... ... 176, olivitrella, Dasycera... omicromaria, Ephyra i:'.2, 175, 203, 00, Dicycla 21, 67, 8:; 248 231 203 171 255 114 2U1 274 294 274 199 112 239 233 202 202 288 259 262 288 202 186 191 2 1 (J 27(1 104 279 199 25^< 214 2^6 i:;5 ophiogramma, Apamea 43, 48, 65, 119, 184, 208, 285; unanimis, ■mistaken for ... ... ... 59' opima, Tpeniocampa ... 115, 130, 143- or, Cj'matophora 133, 162, 163, 164, 215, 247, 270' orbicularia, Ephyra 292 orbona, Triphsena 17, 165, 183, 198, 207, 271; ra r. curtisii ... 258, 313^ orichalcea, Plusia 38, 39, 212, 229, 291 orion, Moma 1, 69, 76, 161, 166, 181, 193, 217, 232, 246, 249, 250, 275, 281, 292' orobana, Stigmonota ... 201, 230< orope, Andasema 141 Orthosia 249' osteodactylus, Leioptilus ... ... 34 ostrina, Thalpochares 282" oxyacanthae, Miselia 15, 166, 261, 284 ; rar. capucina ... 15, 294 palseno, Colias pales vars. isis Argynnis palleana, Tortrix pallens, Leucania and arsilache. 17, 158, 160, 162, 183, 198, 259, 267, 242; var. rufescens ... pallida, var. bellargus, Lycana pallida, Scoparia 171, pallidactyla, Platyptilia 33, 34, 63, palpina, Ptilodontis 86, 131, 132, 144, 179, 198, 262, 287, paludana, Phoxopteryx paludum, Trichoptilus ... 33, palumbaria, Eubolia 21, 132, 133, palustrana, Sericoris... ... 162, pamphilus, Ccenonympha 21, 117, 120, 197, 210, 232, paniscus, Carterocephalus ... paphia, Argynnis ...20, 166, 168, 207, 214, 232, 239, 246, 260, 280, 285, 288, 290 ; var. valezina 20, 168, 207, 209, 216, 239, 264, 280, Papilio 22, 66, 112, 134, papilionaria, Geometra 133, 144, 167, 175, 179, 18-2, 312 244 201, 13.5' 8 199' 186- 294 201 34 207 258 179- 290 143 234, 262, 291, Pa])ilionid» ... parenthesella, Sophronia ... Parnassius parthenias, Brephos 116, 118, 119, 1.30, 166, parva, Thalpochares 282, parvidactyla, Oxj'ptilus pascuellus, Crambus 139, 140, 141, pastinum, Toxocanipa 181, 230, jjaula, Micra pectinitaria, Larentia 5 131, 1,33, 200, 233, ... 132, 69, 166, 175, 179, ])entadactyla, Aciptilia .34, 131, penziana, Sciaphila 65 pendularia, Ephyra pennaria, Hiniera 295 112 180 269 294 306 34 199 265 80 175 293 202 , 70 SPECIAL INDEX, PAGE pei-egrina, Hadena 94 peribolata, Eubolia 167 perla, Bryophila 8, 135, 144, 170, 208, 231, 233 ; var. flavescens, 294 perlellus, Crambus 139, 140, 141, 199; rac. warringtonellus ... 16 perplexana, Peronea 201, 311 persicarife, Mamestra ... IhS, 198 perspicillaris, Cloantha l.">.'), 159, 160, 182, 281 petiverella, Dicrorhampha 271 petraria, Panagra ... 84, 132, 175 petrificata, Xylina 39, 154, 261, 284, 294, 309 phseodactyla, Marasmarcha ... 34 philanthiformis, Sesia ... 45, 270 phlceas, Polyommatus 118,192, 197, 214, 215, 230, 312 phcebe, Argynnis 66 phragmitella, Lavei'iia 171 phragmitellus, Cbilo ... 156,200 phragmitidis, Leucania 203, 285 ; vars. pallida and rufesceiis ... 198 phryganella, Lemnatopbila ... 293 phrygialis, Hercyna 225, 282 picata, Cidaria 86, 134, 191, 255, 286 piceana, Tortrix 312 pictaria, Aleucis 143 Pieris ... ... ... ... ... 45 pilosaria, Pbigalia 15, 83, 94, 119, 125, 162, 179, 225 pilo.sella?, OxyptiJus ... 33, 34, 247, 282 pinastri, Dipterygia 21, 35, 134, 158 pinastri, Spliinx 45, 226, 245, 280, 281 pinetelluH, (Jrambus 16, 139, 140, 141 pinguinalis, Aglossa 199 piniaria, JBupalus 120, 178, 185, 207, 260, 287, 295 pinicolella, Batrachedra 291 piniperda, Panolis 56, 6.3, 67, 70, 161 pisi, Hadena 17, 65, 67, 70, 94, 118, 120, 131, 132, 133, 158, 162, 166, 232, 245, 262; vir. ... 125 pistacina, Ancbocelis 15, 35, 45, 166, 246, 261, 267, 284, 294 plagiata, Anaitis 17, 131, 132, 176, 233, 262, 288, 295 plantaginis, Arctia 57, 70, 133, 164, 266; i-ac. hospita 57, 5«, 127, 2.54 Platyptilia 22 plecta, Noctua 86, 115, 131, 132, 158, 199, 232, 262 plumbagana, Dichrorhampba ... 203 plumbana, Dicbrorhampba ... 203 plumbaria, Eubolia vide palumbai'ia, E. politana, Dichrorbainplia 203 polychloros, Vanessa 67, 142, 239, 247 polyodon, Xylophasia 17, 134, 180, 183, 198, 207, 232, 238, 242, 258, 294, 311 pomonella, Carpocapsa ... ... 114 Pontia ... ... ... ... ... 45 popularis, Neuronia 166, 260, 262, 288, 291, 294 populata, Cidaria 21, 210, 258, 259, 295 PAGE populella, Gelechia 271 populeti, Tfeniocampa 130, 142, 292 ; var. intermedia 69 ; var. nigra ... ... 126 populi, PcBcilocampa 15, 60, 166, 301 populi, 8merinthus 21, 39, 166, 192, 197, 267, 280 porata, Ephyra 115, 175 porcellus, Cbrseocampa 17, 23, 158, 168, 179, 208, 246, 271 porphyrea, Agrotis 35, 134, 162 233, 264 posticana, Retinia 22, 282 potatoria, Odonestis 88, 112, 125, praecox, Agrotis ... ... 35, 209 prajtellus, Crambus 16, 139, 140, 141, 199 prasinana, Halias 132, 134, 142. 166, 232, 243, 273, 313 preangustana, Bati'achedra ... 271 proboscidalis, Hypena ... 134, 199 procellata, Melanippe 86, 191, 260, 264, 286 prodromaria, Amphidasys 83, 94, 118, 119, 142, 162, 168, 175, 263 progemmaria, Hybernia 57, 70, 83, 116, 118, 133, 144, 232, 309, 310; var. fuscata ... ... ... ... 117 promethea, Callosamia ... 11,3, 143 promissa, Catocala 45, 261, 264, 290 promutata, Acidalia 131, 157, 175, 204, 233 pronuba, Triphsena, 15, 16, 17, 20, 158, 162, 163, 181, 183, 188, 198, 207, 232, 238, 258, 262, 267, 268 : var 291 propugnata, Coremia 86, 152, 175, 210, 214, 255 protea, Hadena 94, 261, 267, 284, 294, 295 Pseudacrsea ... ... 142 psi, Cuspidia 1, 2, 3, 8, 28, 73, 106, 112, 145, 158, 192, 207, 271, 276, 289, 294; mr. suffusa ... 114, 198 psittacata, Cidaria ... 270, 284, 309 Psodos ... ... ... ... ... Ill psyche, Arge ... ... ... ... 65 pterodactyla, Mima?seoptilus 34, 202 Pteropborina 32, 40, 58, 80 pudibunda, Orgyia ... 39, 60, 114, 119, 131, 132. 154, 166, 168, 191, 232 pulcliella, Deiopeia 21, 129, 131, 133, 155, 159, 160, 161, 164, 178, 182, 187, 191, 196, 208, 212, 215, 226, 244, 246, 262, 287, 295 pulchellata, Eupithecia ... 262, 281 pulcbrina, Plusia 17, 134, 199, 258, 295 pulveraria, Numeria 115, 131, 132, 175, 202, 232, 255, 266 pulverulenta, Ta^niocampa vide cruda, T. ... ... pumilata, Eupithecia 83, 116, 135, 162, 176, 233 punctaria, Ephyra 86, 115, 175, 245, 246, 253, 255 SPECIAL INDEX. punctidactyla, Amblyptilia 33, 34, 70 punctulata, Tephrosia 35, 116, 132, 133; i'a?\ delamerensis 295 l)urpuralip, Pyrausta ... ... 230 l)urpuraria, Lythria 36, 281 purpurella, Micropteryx ... ... 116 pusaria, Cabera ... 131, 175, 200 puta, Agrotis 164, 181, 183, 184, 204, 235, 285 putris, Axylia ... 86, 135, 198, 262 pygmpeana, Acrolepia ... ... 36 pygma?ata, Eupithecia ... 19, 185 pj'raliata, Cidaria vide dotata, C. ... Pyralidffi ... ... 32 pyralina, Cosmia 199, 206, 216, 266, 286, 291, 300 pyrainidea, Amphipyra, 35, 86, 143, 204, 245, 261, 262, 294 pyrastrana, Tortrix ... 201 pyrenaicus, Hepialus ... ... 101 pyrina, Zeuzera i^ide sesculi, Z. pyrophila, Agrotis ... 61 quadrifasciaria, Coremia ... ... 176 qusestionella, Gelechia 202 quercana, Halias 67, 133, 135, 166, 214, 262, 288 quei'cella, Phibalocera ... ... 201 quercifolia, Lasiocampa 133, 171, 179, 198, 214 quercus, Bombyx 85, 86, 93, 130, 191, 213, 309; var. callunY, 7, 90, 184, 259, 271, 296 quercus, Thecla 207, 210, 285, 288 radiatella, Cerostoma 253 rapse, Pieris 45, 69, 197, 210; var. 126; ra?-. metra 45 raschkiella, Lavema ... ... 180 ravida, Agrotis 35, 64, 196, 198, 205, 234, 265, 291 reclusa, Clostera ... 289 rectangulata, Eupithecia ... 86, 295 rectilinea, Hadena 94, 162, 168, 233 remutata, Acidalia ... ... 115, 255 repandata, Boarmia 17, 85, 133, 162, 208, 309 ; var. conversaria, 20, 85, 191, 260; var. sodoren- sium ... ... ... ... 258 reticcilla, Fumea 203 reticulata, Cidaria ... 15, 43, 281, 313 retusa, Plastenis (Cosmia) ... ... 291 revayana, Sarrothripa ... 165, 270 rbamnata, Scotosia .. 133, 260, 294 rhamni, Gonopteryx 119, 197, 207, 260 rhizolitba, Xylina ... 261,284,294 rhododactylus, Cncemidophorus 33, 34 rhomboidaria, Boarmia 17, 165, 200, 255, 265 rhomboidea, Noctua ... 21, 64, 206, 214, 292 ribeana, Tortrix 201 ribesiaria, Cidaria ... 86,289,295 ridens, Asphalia ... 164, 260, 292 ripa", Agrotis 182, 205, 235, 268, 27u rivata, Melanippe ... 191, 260, 264 PAGE roborai-ia, Boarmia 109, 110, 120, 226, 260, 290 rosaecolana, Spilonota 201 rosana, Tortrix ... 201 rostralis, Hypena ... ... ... 166 ruberata, Hypsipetes 162, 168, 176, 272 rubi, Bombyx 18, 68, 86, 130, 133, 155, 232, 248, 259, 262, 287, 289, 313 rubi, Noctua 131, 132, 134, 165, 199, 204, 262, 285, 294; var. 126 rubi, Thecla 116, 232, 244, 285, 294 rubidata, Anticlea ... ... 207, 260 rubiginata, Melanthia 21, 68, 134, 167 rubiginea, Dasycampa 13, 15, 116, 202, 282, 284 233. 175- rubiginosana, Pcedisca rubricata, Acidalia ... rubricollis, Gnophria 232, 261, 289, 292 rubricosa, Ta?niocampa 83, 120, 130, 143, 161, 168 rufa, Coenobia rufaua, Peronea rufata, Chesias rufillaua, Semasia 198, 245 ... 311 ... 132 35, 230 rufimitrana, Mixodia (correction 67) 94 rufiiia, Anchocelis 261, 284, 287, 294 rumicis, Viminia 35, 98, 106, 131, 143, 157, 158, 162, 179, 198, 204, 232, 277, 289, 294 rupicapraria, Hybernia 69, 83, 11.5, 179, 291, 310- rurea, Xylophasia 17, 131, 134, 162, 258, 287, 291 ; ran combusta, 162, 246 ; var. alopecurus, 295, vars 158 russata, Cidaria 17, 38, 111, 112, 131, 133, 176, 200, 210, 231, 259, 309 ; var. centum-notata, 216, 288 rusticana, Clepsis ... ... ... 201 rusticata, Acidalia ... ... 175, 206 russula, Nemeophila 133, 157, 179, 191, 239, 286 sagittata, Cidaria salicana, Penthina salicata, Larentia salicella, Dasystoma salicis, Leucoma ... 171, 200 ... 214, 271 176 119 20, 118, 197, 209, 255, 274 35 203 225 199 17, 1.34, 209, 255 ... 185 ... 233, 262 21, 162, 167, 180, 181, 294 Sarrothripa ... ... 147 satellitia, Scopelosoma 39, 69, 83, 153, 154, 166, 261, 267, 284 satura, Hadena 43, 94, 156, 233, 271, 299 saligna, Phyllocnistis salinella, Coleojihora salinellus, Crambus ... sambucalis, Ebulea ... sambucata, Urapteryx sangiella, Micropterj'x sanguinalis, Rivula ... sapponarise, Neuria SPECIAL INDEX. 201, 203 ... 162 ■satyrata, Eupithecia, 162, 176, 289 var. callunaria, o7 Satyridis saucia, Agrotis 164. 204, 21.3, 234 235, 239, 246, 261, 26:., 267 270, 285, 288, 290, 291, 294 309 ; ra?'. nigrocosta saxicola, Homceosoma scabiosata, Eupithecia schalleriana, Peronea, 66, 70, 201 311 ; var. ]atifasciana •schiEfermillerellus, Nematois scoliwformis, Sesia, 43, 44, 95, 191 233, 247, 281 scolopacina, Xylophasia 288, 291 Scoparise Scopelosoma Bcopoliana, Catoptria scotana, Leptogramma scrophularise, Gucullia scutulata (dimidiata), Acidalia 86 175, 200^ segetum, Agrotis 17, 135, 162, 163 198, 213, 235, 261, 262, 267 270, 284, 285, 288 rselasellus, Crambus 140, 200, 203 selene, Argynnis 44, 117, 133, 166 232, 246, 247, 259; rar semele, Pararge 157, 182, 205, 216 225, 232 semibrunnea, Xylina semifasciana, Ditula senex, Nudaria Serena, Hecatera sericea, Lithosia sericealis, Rivula serratulae, Syrichthus servillana, Lobesia ... :sexalisata, Lobophora 86, 200, 246 285 shepherdana, Peronea Sibylla, Limenitis 20, 63, 117, 206 207, 299, 232, 260, 264 siceliota, Trichoptilus sicula, Platypteryx siculana, Phoxopteryx silaceata, Cidaria 19, 63, 130, 176 202, 207, 253, 265, 285, 286, 289 silago, Xanthia 35, 261, 266, 270 284: similidactyla, Platyptilia similis, Liparis riV/e auritiua, L. .. sinapis, Leucophasia 44, 86, 179 20.3, 206, 232, 246, 262, 265, 287 sinuata, Anticlea ... ... 171 smaragdaria, Phorodesma 20, 21 39, 43, 111, 161, 167, 180, 192 sobrina, Noctua 24, 233, 258, 259 282 sociella, Aphomia solandriana, Pcedisca 180, 201 Solenobia 186 solidaginis, Lithomia (Calocampa) 233, 259, 287, sororcula, Lithosia vide aureola, L. 168 84 21, 43 230, 233 162 80 309 248 289 14 230 313 311 95 306 230 282 300 230 294 230 126 287 284 201 197 180 281 274 195 202 292 201 280 33 84 201 294 108 288 208 281 287 245 258 187 295 spadicea, Orrhodia sparganella, Orthotelia sparganii, Nonagria ... sparsata, Collix spartiata, Chesias sphegiformis, Sesia 15, 70, 88 284, 294 ... 200 ... 176 43, 143, 191 272 sphinx (cassinea), Asteroscopus 22 spilodactyla, Aciptilia ... 34 spini, Thecla, 45 ; rar, lynceus spinula, Cilix 83, 179, 198, 207 289 splendidella, Phycis sponsa, Catocala 45, 133, 234, 236 239, 261, 264, 290, stahilis, Tseniocampa 83, 115, 116 119, 130, 143, 144, 160, 161, 199 stagnalis, Hydrocamjia statices, Ino 133, 157 steineriana, ro;-. dohrniana, Tortrix stellatarum, Macroglossa 159, 178 208, 209, 210, 232, 237 stipella, (Ecophora stramineana, Conchylis stratiotalis, Paraponyx strigilata, Acidalia strigilis, Miana 17, 40, 134, 157 158, 198, 232; iw. ajthiops, 134, 295; ra»\ virgata strigillaria, Aspilates ... 232 strigosa, Cuspidia 1, 2, 3, 26, 28, 43 106, strigula, Lycophotia vide porphyrea Agrotis suasa, HadenaricZe dissimilis, H. .. subfulvata, Eupithecia 214, 271 sublustris, Xylophasia 162, 232 subnotata, Eupithecia ... 109, subocellea, Elachista ... 66 subpurpurella, Micropteryx subrosea, Noctua ... 14, 46 subsequa, Triphsena 48, 156, 181 183, 207, 212, 214, 232, 233, 235 246, 260, 261, 262, 271 subsequana. Coccyx ... subsericeata, Acidalia 35, 55, 86 subtristata (sociata), Melanippe 17 21, 131, 176, 200 subtusa, Tethea subumbrata, Eupithecia succenturiata, Eupithecia ... suffumata, Cidaria ... 83, 167 suffusa, Agrotis 15, 130, 164, 181 183, 184, 192, 213, 234, 235, 261 262, 267, 284, 285, 288, 291, 294 superstes, Caradrina ... 84 suspecta, Dyschorista 233, 234, 259, 287, sylvaticella, Coleophora sylvinus, Hepialus 53, 54, 68, 78 101 syringaria, Pericallia 134, 158, 174 192 PAGE 301 171 299 285 294 281 274 182 256 291 24 292 268 199 166 13 289 20 201 199 175 40 295 196 295 262 131 70 116 128 292 137 175 230 199 203 271 286 309 157 291 127 165 266 tpeniata, Emmelesia . . 248, 290 SPECIAL INDEX. XXIU PAGE T?eniocampa ... 142, 276 tages, Nisionades 84, 120, 208, 216, 232 taminata, Bapta ... ... Hj, 17') Tapinostola ... ... ... ... 171 ta.rsipennalia, Zanclognatha ... 134 temerata, Bapta 11.^), 132, 143, 232, 286 temerella, Geiechia ... 87 tenebrai'ia rar. wockearia, Dasydia 244 tenebrosa, Kusina 21, 23, 126, 131, 132, 134, 158, 162, 163, 167 tenuiata, Eupithecia... ... ... 200 tephradactyla, Leioptilus ... ... 34 terminella, Asyclina ... ... 231 terralis, Botys 216 tersata, Phibalapteryx ... 176, 260 testacea, Luperina 4.5, 294 testata, Cidaria 86, 133, 134, 176, 200, 271, 295 read tristata, Melanippe for, on 133 tetradactj'la, Aciptilia ... ... 34 tetragonella, Gelecliia ... ... 240 teucrii (heterodactyla), Oxyptilus 34 thalassina, Hadena 131, 133, 158, thaumas, Hesperia ... theobene, Cymothoe . . . theodota, Cymothoe Theria therinella, Coleophora thetis, Arge 162, 163, 295 15 70 70 111 242 66 thj-miaria, Hemithea 134, 179, 182, 213, 260, 289 tilise, Smerinthus 50, 144, 165, 167, 184, 188, 280, 312, 313; var. centripuncta ... ... 312 tiliaria, Ennonaos ... 29, 35, 174, 267 tincta, Aplecta 85, 158, 162, 163, 215, 260 tii^uliformis, Sesia 192 titea, Arge ... ... ... ... 66 tithonus, Hipparchia 117, 127, 239 tragopoginis, Ami)hipyra ... 15, 17, 35, 86, 181, 199, 294 trapezina, Cosmia 21, 70, 135, 143, 154, 179, 207, 273 trepida, Notodonta triangulum, Noctua 132, 143, 167, 168, 292 17, 45, 85, 86, 135, 198, 207 Trichoptilus ... ... 33 tridens, Cuspidia 1, 3, 28, 73, 106, 158, 198, 214, 276; var. bidens 276 trifolii, Bombyx 157,281 trifolii, Hadena 279 ; vars. albifusa and oregonica ... 94 trifolii, Zygajna 23, 183, 214, 281 ; rar. confluens 248 trigeminana, Ephippiphora ... 203 trigeminata, Acidalia ... ... 135 trilinea, Grammesia 162, 163, 232; rar. bilinea, 163, 192, 266; rar. pallida-linea, 247 ; var. evidens, 247; rar. semifuscans, 247; rar. obscura ... ... 247 trilinearia, Epliyra 35, 115, 131, 132, 134, 143, 175 triplasia, Habrostola 131, 208 triquetrella, Solenobia trisi, 144, 171 versicolor, Endromis 69, 115, 116 141 verticaUs, Botys vetulata, Scotosia 133, 179 vibicigerella, Coleophora viburniana, Tortrix 13 viduaria, Cleora villica, Arctia 20, 4o, 51, 52, 131 157, 159, 188, 192 207, 246, 258, 66, 201, 269 PAGE 295 214 22 237 SPECIAL INDEX. PAGE viminalis, Epunda 35, 199, 262 Viminia 2, 3, 98, 145, 146, 147, 258, 269, 275 vinula, Cerura 20, 65, 120, 130, 132, 210. 289 viretata, Lobophora ... ... 141, 160 virgata, Mesotype vide lineolata, M. virgaurgea, Polyommatus ... ... 45 virgaureata, Eupithecia 22, 36, 131, 267 virgularia, Acidalia... ... 135, 175 viridaria, Larentia vide pectinitaria, L viridata, Nemoria 157, 209 viridella, Adela 31,282 vitalbata, Phibalapteryx 109, 176, 202, 285 vitellina, Leucania (? British) ... 88 vulgata, Eupithecia 114, 131, 162, 179, 200 w-album, Thecla 180 warringtonellus, Crambus 139, 140, 141 wavaria, Halia ... 200 woodiana, Ditula ... ... 195, 282 xanthographa, Noctua 1, 17, 165, 199, 204, 210, 213, 231, 258, 262, 267, 294 xanthomista, Polia 87 ; var. nigi"o- cincta 37, 271 ; vars. statices and nigrocincta . . . ... ... 87 Xanthorhoe ... ... ... ... 110 PAGE xerampelina, Cirrhoedia 21, 67, 79, 288 ; var. centrago, 65 ; var. unicolor 65 Xylina 15.3, 154, 249, 276 xylosteana, Tortrix ... 201 ypsilon, Orthosia 45, 133, 135, 199, 201 zalmoxis, Papilio ... ... ... 95 ziczac, Notodonta 17, 67, 86, 131, 132, 184, 198, 246, 258, 267 zinckenii, Xylina ... ... ... 85 zonaria, Nyssia ... ... 115, 132' zophodactylus, MimcEseoptilus ... .34 NEUROPTERA. baltica, Erotesis 196 chauviniana, Anomalopteryx ... 116 chrysops, Osmybus ... ... ... 21 fluminum, Baetis ... ... ... 21 ORTHOPTERA. albifrons, Decticus ... ... ... 216 cinerascens, Pachytylus ... ... 216 fasciata, (Edipoda ... ... ...216 immaculata, Cystocoelia ... ... 87 intermedins, Decticus ... ... 216 lapponica, Ectobius 21 pellucens, .Acanthus ... ... 32 viridissima, Phi'asgonura ... ... 21 pr.vi. ^ ,y ./ Horace Knif)"ht deLadnat mMi! 1/ Youno La-rvssofAcronycta.. IVest iNTevMH An 'olir litVi, #^ ^i.r> ^'"r^ JOURNAL OF VARIATION. No. 1. Vol. III. January 1.5th, 1892. THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. By Dr. T. A. CHAPMAN. {Continued from page 251.) iiOTES ON Plate VI. — These figures show the larvse of Acronycta, Section Cnspidia, with the exception of Ciispidia stn'gosa (on PI. IX.) and C. aceris (on PI. v.), that of Monia orion being also included. The young larvae of Cuspidia have a more delicate appear- ance than those of Viniinia, due to the tubercles having, not several, but one hair on each tubercle (the anterior trapezoidals of aceris and leporina have two). They all strongly present the Acronycta feature of a "weak" nth segment, this being always pale, always with smaller tubercles and finer, shorter hairs, lower dorsally, though often a little wider, and with the tendency to a sub-division into an anterior and posterior sub-segment more marked than in an\- other segment. The " pale " and " dark " segments are in C. psi, tridens and strigosa the same as in Viminia, viz., 3,4. 6,7. 10,11 pale ; in psi, 13 is dark ; in tridens and strigosa, pale. In strigosa, the dark portion of the dark segments is more decidedly a mere dorsal lozenge, but this is to some extent the case in the other two, not so much so in the remaining species. In atni, 6 and 7 have become dark segments and 10 partially so ; inegacephala is nearly the same, except that 10 is dark, and 3 and 4 are somewhat doubtful. In aceris and leporina, 10 remains pale, as also does 6 ; 3 is pale in leporina, dark in aceris. With regard to M. orion, it will be sufficient here to note that, very different as it is from the others, the " weakness " of THE ENTOMOLOGISTS RECORD. segment 1 1 is very evident, showing that its supposed affinity with Acro7iycta is confirmed by this curious and special character. The arrangement of pale and dark segments may be made more intelligible if arranged in this tabular form. Except in ligustri, the head is always black, and the 2nd segment is pale, except for the predominance of the dorsal plate and some dark markings. Arrangement of pale and dark segments in larvce {First skin, or, netvly /latched) of Acronycta. SEGMENTS : SPECIES. HEAD. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 lO II 12 13 14 Bisnicia ligustri ... AW Vim i Ilia X = — — X — — X X — — X Ciispidia strigosa ... X = X — — X X — — X — C. tridcns ... X = — — X — — X X — — X — C. psi X = — — X — — X X — — X X = C. alni X X — — X X X X X = — X = = C. niegacephala X X = = X X X X X X — X X X C. l^porina X = = ~~ X — X X X — — X X = C. aceris X ^^ X X X X X X X X X ^, X dark ; = doubtful oi" intermediate ; — pale. AcYonycia {Cuspidid) leporina. — This species and aceris differ from the other Cuspidia in having very hairy larvae (in last skin). The nature and disposition of the hairs, however, is such as presents no similarity to the hairiness of the larvae of Viminia. In Viminia, the hairs resemble those oi Arctia in being developed in rosettes on the tubercles. In leporina, and to a great extent in aceris, the tubercles actually disappear, and the hairs that are developed are scattered over the general surface, and are, in fact, a full development of the hair points that cover the general surface in megacephala and strigosa (and others). Aceris does, however, in one or two points, make an approach to Viminia, probably, however, as a matter of parallel variation, rather than by continuity of relationship. As to leporina, there is only one point at all suggesting affinities to Viminia, closer than those of the other Cuspidians, and that is that the newly hatched larva has two hairs on the anterior trapezoidal tubercles. On this point I must call attention to the circum- THE GENUS AURONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. '6 Stance that under several species I have written as though aceris onh' presented this pecuharity, this is a lapsus requiring correction. It differs, however, entirely, in the arrangement of light and dark segments, and, since psi, tridens and strigosci, which each have only one hair to a tubercle, resemble Viminia in the alternation of light and dark segments, and are there- fore nearer to them than kporina, I incline to regard this duplication of anterior trapezoidal bristles as not indicating close relationship. The eg^ of Icpovina (PI. VIII., fig. 3) differs from those of all the other Acronyctas, to what at first sight appears a very important degree, as regards its coloration. There is the outer fringe of clear egg shell, but the inner egg is homogenous in colour ; all the others, beginning with psi etc., which remain clear, passing through megacephala, where the brown coloration only reaches the length of separate dots, to alni, aceris etc., where the dark colour is more abundant, have some pale areas tending to be arranged in concentric circles of spots. In leporina the pale area entirely disappears. The development of the colouring is a very regular and beautiful process, the egg, pale straw colour at first, as the inner egg shrinks away from the shell, develops a chocolate dot at the vertex sur- rounded by a small reddish circular patch, which is gradually invaded by the chocolate colour, which is still, however, rather bright or reddish ; then round the margin of the inner egg appear 5 to 8 reddish spots, the inner chocolate area extends angularly towards these spots leaving for a brief interval between them a circle of pale blotches. Then the dark colour absorbs the whole inner egg, which becomes of an uniform tint, except that the ribbing of the shell, more markedly than in any other species, gives in different lights some very pleasing effects of a silky or pearly lustre. The egg exceeds one millimetre in diameter, is only about •35 mm. in height, very variable in the number of ribs, two specimens having respectively 41 and 63, the lesser numbers are the more common ; towards the top they are waved into arched lines enclosing distinct hollows, the white reflections from the bottom of which, give the peculiar silky tone above noted. The ribs increase by branching or separate origin, but towards the margin are straight and simple. When first laid, the egg is colourless. The micropyle presents the same rosette of radiating willow-leaf cells as in the other species. The newly hatched larva (PI. VL, fig. 5) is 2 mm. long, white, 4 THE KNTO.MOl.UGiST S UECOUD. witli tliL- dark segments marked by the dorsum being dark brown, these are 4.5, 7.8.9 and 12, and partially 13 and 14. The head is black, and there is a distinct black plate in the 2nd segment. The anterior trapezoidals have each two hairs with indication of a third, the other tubercles each have one hair ; the hairs are long (i mm.), black, and longest on the front segments. Both hairs and tubercles are much smaller on 11, the tubercles have very decidedly the wedge-shaped outlines due to mutual pressure, and cover nearly the whole dorsum of the young larva. On the dark segments and on the 3rd, the tubercles are black, the supra-spiracular and posterior trape- zoidal on 6 are tinted dark, the tubercles of 10 and 11 are nearly colourless as well as the anterior trapezoidals of 6. The tubercles and hairs of 10 are smaller and weaker than the others, though less so than on 11. The 12th segment is high but narrower than 11, and has the crucial arrangement of trapezoidals, whilst on 13 they are reversed. As the larva grows, there becomes evident a transverse groove between the trapezoidals (like alni), or perhaps two transverse level ridges to each segment (carrying respectively the anterior and posterior trapezoidals), ending in a point at the outer end, the posterior being the wider, would better describe the aspect — this is especially obvious on 11. The scutellum of the 2nd carries four hairs along the anterior margin, and four along the posterior, but the two inner of these are smaller, it carries a central marking as if for subdivision. There are only two hairs on the anterior trapezoidals of 3 and 4, that is, these tubercles do not show the usual indication of being double, except by the hairs being in front of each other on 3, and side by side on 4, whilst on the others they have a diagonal dispo- sition (the outer in front). When full-grown in this (ist) skin, the contrast between 6, 10, II and 7.8.9 is very great, the former are smooth, white, glazed, giving a porcellaneous aspect, the hairs are smaller (most on II), and the tubercles are either white and indis- tinguishable or much smaller than the large black plates of the dark segments. The nth segment has the typical lateral projection and dorsal depression, and the division into two sub-segments is more marked than on the other segments. The 3rd segment has become slightly rufous. The larva invariably selects the underside of the leaf, and, in feeding, leaves the veins and upper cuticle. It sits with a slight bend at the 6th segment, but with no approach to the curl of alui or megacephala . THE (JENUS ACKONVCTA AND ITS ALLIES, 5 The \oung lar\ai are usually to be found in the wild state, several together on adjacent leaves or branches, showing that the eggs, though laid separately, are generally laid in little groups. In the 2nd skin, the larva presents the same general facies as in the first. In the 3rd and 4th, it has another aspect, having largely lost the alternation of dark and light segments, and gained the long hairs, which are, however, straight, and not very long or thick. In 5th (and 6th) it has the adult plumage of long flowing hairs. This division into three stages is very decided, and not precisely paralleled in any other species. When well grown in the 2nd skin the length is 5-6 mm., head small, black ; the dark segments are pinkish or fusco-rufous instead of blackish, the pale are yellow, the tubercles have 4 to 6 hairs. It keeps its full width backwards to the I2th segment, indeed it almost looks broader behind, and is flat on the dorsum, giving a very square outline. The sides are marbled, pale rufo-fuscous and whitish-yellow, the hairs are pale laterally — dorsally they follow the colour of the tubercles. Dorsally, 2nd segment fusco-rufous, tubercles black ; 3rd the same ; 4 and 5 fusco-rufous, tubercles black — a trace of a subdorsal yellow line ; 6th yellow, darker laterally and a little darker to hind margin, tubercles yellow dorsally, laterally rufous ; 7.8 and g fusco-rufous with black tubercles — a paler line below the posterior trapezoidal ; 10 and 11 yellow, tubercles so pale as to be invisible and marked only b\' weaker hairs ; 12, pink, with black cruciform tubercles ; 13, rufous, tubercles black : 14, yellow, tubercles black. When half grown, the larva already suggests somewhat the adult aspect, when it curls round so as to make the lateral hairs of jrd and 6th segments meet. In the 3rd skin, there are now numerous yellow hairs spreading laterally, some nearly half the length of the larva ; they are still, however, the spreading tufts on the tubercles. The skin presents no very marked distinction of light and dark segments, but the difference still exists in the tubercles of 4, 7.8.9 and 12 being black, although their spiracular ones have yellow hairs, also the trapezoidal tubercles of 2.3, 5 and 13 are black — all the rest are yellow. The hairs also of the anterior- trapezoidals of 3.4-5, 7-8.9 and 12 are black and stand up tuft- like, especially so on 5, 7 and 12. A black hair or two (but no tuft) exists also on the anterior trapezoidals of 6 and 10, and on the posterior trapezoidals of the dark segments b THE ENTOMOLOGISTS RECORD. 5, 7.8.9 and 13. Owing to the yellow hairs and those tubercles that are yellow, the general impression is of a 3^ellow larva, but it is really much darker. The dorsum of 2.3.4.5, 7-8. 9 and 12 is very dark, nearly black ; there is a broad yellow line below the trapezoidals, then a broad purplish band ; next a whity yellow line through, or just below the supra-spiracular tubercles ; then another purple band, and a whitish line through the subspiracular tubercles. These bands and lines are a little irregular in outline, giving a marbled effect. Under surface fuscous, head black, the post-spiracular tubercle is still distinct, carrying several hairs. In the 4th skin, the larva is of the same type as the 3rd. It now eats the whole thickness of the leaf. The yellow hairs are 3-4 times the diameter of the larva in length, stretching uniformly to both sides, with black tufts on 5, 7.8.9 and 12. Length 13-15 mm. Head black, with labrum and a /\ above clypeus yellow. Larval surface yellow, with purple-black dorsal area, darkest on 2.3.4.5, 7-8-9 and 12, fading into yellow area in marbled reticulations. The trapezoidal tubercles on segments named are black, all others yellow or reticulated with chocolate as the rest of the larva, for reallv the general surface is purple-black or chocolate coloured, with minute yellow circles round the hair points, and these are so large and numerous in the lines of the posterior trapezoidal, the supra-spiracular and subspiracular tubercles, as to result in the impression that the larva here is yellow. The under surface is chocolate coloured. The longest hairs spring from the tubercles, those from the hair points of the general surface are about the larval diameter in length. All the hairs are straight. The anterior trapezoidals of either side rather approximate in the middle line, so that the black tufts appear to be simply dorsal, their double character not being evident without close observation. The black posterior trapezoidals of 7.8 and 9 form very obvious black spots in the posterior trapezoidal pale band. The post-spiraculars are still visible. Some larvae are so dark, that the pale bands are narrow and only the subspiracular one very distinct, whilst the supra-spiracular tubercles are chocolate tinted. On the other hand, the skin of one larva is so pale as to be almost green, with hairs nearly white— the dark (chocolate) dorsal band being barely visible except at the dark tufts — and with two faint darker lateral bands, the hair points being rather paler. VARIATION. 7 In the 5th skin, the larva assumes the adult plumage, and, in many, this is the last skin, others assume a 6th skin ; this I take to be the normal procedure, but my notes do not state the proportion of each, which is, however, variable. In one instance a whole brood had only 5 skins (4 moults). This differs from the preceding skins in the greater length of the hairs, these being no longer straight, and in the larval skin being yellow or green and by having less or none of the chocolate markings. {To be conimiied.) DESCRIPTION OF PL A TE VI. F"ig. I. — Larva oi JcroJiycla {Cnspidia) rsi x 25 diam. ; newly hatched. Fiij. 2. — ,, ,, ,, tridens x 18 diam. ; fed two days. Fig. 3. — ,, ,, ,, a:ni x 18 diam. ; fed two days. Fig. 3a. — ,, ,, ,, alni, lateral view. Fig. 4. — ,, ,, ,, megaccphala X 16 diam. ; nearly full (ed. F'ig. 4a. — ,, ,, ,, megacephala, lateral view. Fig. 5. — ,, ,, ,, leporina X 20 diam. ; newly hatched. Fig. 6. — ,, Aloiiia orioii, x 30 diain. ; dorsal view. Fig. 6a. — ,, ,, X 30 diam., lateral view. s^^^ARIATION. V.^RiATiON IN Chauliodus ch^rophvlellus. — This species shows some amount of variation in colour and intensity of markings, a few specimens being ahuost entirely black, and some with the grey of the type replaced by a sandy brown. — \V. Farren, Cambridge. Noi>ember \ith, 1891. BoMBYX QUERCUS VAR. CALLUN^K. — The usual period required in this neighbourhood by Bombyx querciis var. caliunce, to pass through its different transformations, is two years. The eggs are laid at the end of June or beginning of July, and hatch in from ten to eighteen days according to temperature. The larva during the winter is about an inch and a half long. The full-fed caterpillar spins up in June or July, and, if the weather is very fine, a few insects may occasionalh emerge on the moors at the end of August ; but the usual time ol emergence is about the end of the third week in June in the following year. — John Finlav, Meldon Park, Morpeth. Mei.anic var. of Polia chi — An almost melanic form of F. chi \n both sexes has been captured here, this and last season. — G. T. PoRRrrT. December ith, 1891. Cerastis spadicea and C. vaccinii. — The former is a rare insect in Ireland ; I have taken it with the anti-marginal yellow streak, but only once without. C. vaccinii varies through all moods and tenses. from the uniform mahogany colour, to the pale yellow with strongly- defined markings. Although the distinctions are sufficiently notable, there seem to be often specimens the contour of whose wings makes them not easy to define to which species they belong. The breadth of the wing, the apical angle, and the outer margin are not quite so marked. 8 THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD. and I am sure, therefore, many mistakes are made. — W, F. de V. Kane, Kingstown. December \2tI1, 1891. DiANTHCECIA CARPOPHAGA AND D. CAPSOPHILA. — D. CarpOpkaga is, I ihink, not found in Ireland, so far as I have information. One or two rubbed D. capsophila have been shown me as the former, but I had no difficulty in relegating them to the latter species. I hope, shortly, to see the English capsophila, which, I am assured, settle the question as to the real identity of the species. If Mr. Barrett, however, has been convinced of their identity, I must prepare to change my opinion, but up to the present the absolute identity of Continental capsophila with Irish and Manx forms, seems not easily got over. — Id, I hold the opinion of Mr. Kane as to D. capsophila and D. carpo- phaga being true species. I have caught and bred many hundreds, I may say thousands, of both ; and have seen no carpophaga so near capsophila as those from our own coast, yet there is not the slightest puzzle in picking these out, by any one really knowing the species. I consider we have many species much more difficult to distinguish than these. — H, Murray, Carnforth. January 2nd, 1892. Var. of Vanessa urtic^. — I have a specimen of V. urticcB with all the pale markings of the wings of the purest white, which renders it most conspicuous when compared with the typical forms. — H. Sharp, 23, Union Street, Langham Place, London, W. [It would be interest ing to learn from Mr, Sharp whether this peculiar var. of urticce was bred or captured. The pigment in this species is excessively soluble, and a natural variety of this kind possesses great interest, — Ed.] Vars. of Bryophila perla and Cuspidia psi, — I have a pale var. of B. perla with the markings scarcely visible and another form of the same species yellow. I have also the pale form of C. psi with the fringes of fore wings and the tip of the abdomen of a bright rosy colour. — Id. [These forms are all noticed in The British NoctucB and their Vars., vol. i. — Ed.]. Variety of Lyc^na bellargus. — In the neighbourhood of Seaton (S. Devon), last September, I met with a curious variety of the above. The specimen, a male, is of a pale lavender grey colour, and quite lustreless, and presented a curious contrast while flying to the typical examples, that abounded in the spot where it was taken. — R. M. Prideaux, Clifton, Bristol. [ 1 his is var, pallida, Ent. Rec, vol. I, p. II. — Ed.] Black var. of Colias edusa. — The specimen on the upper surface is black, instead of the orange colour of the normal form, with the exception of a small oval yellow spot near the base on the upper margin of hind wings. The colour of the latter is shot with blue. The broad band which is black in the normal form, is in this brownish, which, as seen on the ui)per wings through a lens, shows rather long yellow scales sprinkled over it. All the nervures are black. The middle area of the forewings on the underside is blackish blue, from the base towards the outer margin runs a broad grey blotch. The colour of the wings on the costa towards the tip is olive green. The black spot normally present is in this specimen, only perceptible on both sides by a deeper black. The underside of the hmd wings is olive green, otherwise spotted with the characteristic metallic markings of the Colias genus. The body, antennse, palpi and fringes, like the ordinary form, only instead of yellow, black is more predominant. Size 25 mm. (one forewing $). SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 9 The above variety was caught on September 25th, hi a meadow en- closed by a wood, near Agram, where other Colias species occur. It appears to have freshly emerged, and is perfectly developed. — August Onsen, Bakacgasse No. 4, Agram, Croatia. fgCIENTIFIC NOTES. Variation in the Colour of the Cocoons of Halias chlorana. — I suppose all students of variation have interested themselves in that particular phase of the subject in which certain larvae appear to have a remaikable foresight, and, according to what their surroundings are or have to be, appear to have a tendency to spin a cocoon of the colour which will protect them best from their numerous enemies. The cocoons of Eriogaster lanestris and Saturnia carpifii are those which have been more generally used for experiment by Mr. Poulton, and others who Ixave followed in his footsteps, and it struck me when at Deal in August, collecting larvae of Halias chlorana^ that it would be equally easy to experiment with this species, and far more easy to rear, so that there might be no deaths etc., to modify the success of the experin)ent. I collected some 600 larvae, and put them with a quantity of their foodplant into large linen bags of three different colours, — (i) dark slaty black, (2) white, (3) a bag which had once been white but was now very dirty. In about three or four days, some larvje in each began to spin their cocoons on the sides of the bag, and, much to my astonishment, there certainly was an appreciable difference in the colouring of the three lots, especially in the bags numbered i and 2. Those in bag i were, with two solitary exceptions (and these were normal), out of just above 20 cocoons, of a somewhat reddish colour, those in bag 2, were of a rather pale straw colour tending to white, with the exception of three that were normal, those in bag 3 were nearly all normal, but there were 2 dark reddish cocoons and two very pale ones mixed up with the normal ones. I at once assumed that, in a state of nature, hereditary influence would be strong enough to produce occa- sionally paler cocoons than the type, and vice versa, although the greater number of the cocoons would be of the dull greyish ochreous tint which appears to be normal. To satisfy myself as to this, I accordingly sleeved some out, and the result obtained so far justified my expectation that I got cocoons of a decidedly darker, and others of a decidedly paler tint than the great majority of these, proving that, even in nature, there is some tendency to variation, and I came to the conclusion that those in the dirty bag (3) were spinning up more according to the normal condition of things in nature, and that the few specimens in bags i and 2, which varied so greatly from the general body in those bags, varied simply from an inherent tendency in the species to vary in spite of the surroundings, and that the others, having adapted themselves to their surroundings, had spun darker cocoons than usual in bag i, and paler in bag 2. Thus far, then, my observations had led me to believe that this particular species could adapt itself within certain limits to its surroundings, and that the theories put forward in this direction were, in the main, correct. 1 then began experimenting further. Each larva, when full-fed, C 10 THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD. crawled on to the bag and began to spin a network of silk on the linen of which it was composed, before attempting to build the sides of its little boat-shaped cocoon, and I noticed that this basement fabric (if I may call it so) appeared to be invariably white. That is to say, the larva nrturally spun white silk. It was suggestive, therefore, that the larva had the inherent power of colouring the silk or not, according as it spun a dark or light cocoon, and that the normally coloured cocoon, as found in nature, was really to some extent coloured, and not simply formed of the silk as originally made by the larva. The question therefore arose, how was the white silk made of a different colour to white, assuming of course that white was the natural and original colour, unmodified by anv colouring matter whatever? Certain it was that the larva did in my three bags have the power of colouring this white silk within the limits I have previously suggested and pointed out. How was this effected ? I now took a considerable number of what appeared to me to be full- fed larvae from each bag, and distributed them equally, about 20 in each, in three large new chip boxes, and here my troubles began. Tho'>e from the dark bag (i) produced a great number of fairly dark cocoons not corresponding at all to the colour of the inside of the box, although a comparatively small number did so precisely. Those from the dirty bag (3) were a2;ain most normal, and those from the white bag (2) spun some rather pale cocoons which did not correspond at all to my idea of adapting themselves to their surroundings. There were also two purely white cocoons among those from the dark bag, and one in that from the dirty bag. A few larvse in the various boxes showed that I was also deceived occasionally in my ideas as to their being full-fed, and I was afraid that the removal of some of those larvae from their i^urroundings before they had made up their minds to spin was the cause of the failure, and that environment had no influence unless the larvae were in an active state of making or being about to make their cocoons. As some of these larvae had been removed when they were not full-fed, I thought, as I have just mentioned, that the extent of their maturity or otherwise might influence matters. Accordingly I made another experiment, and was most careful to select none but those which had positively commenced to spin. Here my success was most complete, but in a way I had nevei anticipated. The larvae appeared utterly unconscious of their new environment (in chip boxes). Those from bag I spun a fairly dark cocoon as they assumedly would have done in the dark bag, those from bag 3 were normal, and those from bag 2 were also normal, certainly not so pale as I had expected from the behaviour of the lot from bag i. Here then I had advanced a step. The colour of the cocoon was already determined when they were ready to spin and was only modified infinitesimally afterwards. Hence the failure of my previous experiment was fully explicable by assuming that some of the larviE were, and others were not ready to spin. I now took larvae not full-fed from the dark bag and fed them up in a chip box and got either pale or normal cocoons, showing at any rate that living in the dark bag throughout their existence, except the last few days, did not influence them at all \ similar results were obtained from the larvae in the white bag. I was now quite satisfied that the larva could respond to its environment SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 11 only at the active period of making the cocoon, or the time immediately preceding that period, and that, when the cocoon was begun, its colour was fixed. I now took a number of comparatively immature larvae which I knew were not full-fed, although they appeared to be nearly so, and practically starved them into making cocoons. With scarcely an exception the cocoons were pale from whichever of the three bags they were taken. It now became clear that the colouring of the cocoon was a physiological process, and within certain limits, the cocoon was coloured independently, and probably not at the exact time each strand of silk was woven into the cocoon, and it was equally clear that the larvae had practically no power whatever to form dark or normal cocoons, if starved for some three to six days before spinning. Therefore the colouring matter was directly connected with nutrition. But how? I now took a tin and placed larvae in it, allowing the food to get moist and even to begin to decay, owing to the moisture collecting in the tin. Most of the larvae died, filled with a black fluid, the few who passed through this process, voided an almost perfectly black excrement and spun an almost black cocoon. What then was the connection between the colour of the cocoon and the colour of the excrement? They were identical without doubt, and it suddenly dawned on me that it might be that the colouring matter of these cocoons was an intestinal or urinary waste product, and the more I considered the matter, the more certain I became. If I starved my larvcC so that there was no excretory waste, I got white or pale cocoons under almost any condition of surroundings and environment. If they were well fed up to the moment of pupation, and healthy, the cocoons were fairly normally coloured, whilst if there was a tendency induced by external circumstances (especially moisture) to promote excessive secretion, the cocoon became exceptionally dark.^ I had now arrived at any rate at a satisfactory explanation of the cause of the coloration, but I was not altogether satisfied how far the larvae could, in a state of nature, respond to their environment, but I should say it was to a moderately considerable extent, and I found that larvre kept healthily, in a roomy glass breeding cage, spun cocoons, which were modified considerably in colour, according as they spun up on white paper, open chip boxes, dead leaves etc. in the cage, but this modifica- tion did not include a complete response to environment, it was only an approach to it in a most general way. Yet another ex[)eriment. I opened a dozen dark -coloured cocoons, after the larvae had been at work in them for some 12 hours and were quite invisible, and took out the larvae. These I put into a dark- coloured box, and each and all spun a second cocoon, thin and fragile, and with one exception, white, pure white, showing that the dark colouring matter had been absolutely expended in forming the first cocoon, with the one exception mentioned, and that the larva, although still capable of spinning the white silk, had no further power or capacity ' I found afterwards that the food in my dark bag (No. i) had a much greater tendency to decay than in the others (probably because I had put it away wet), and I surmise now, that this had something to do with the fact that the first lot of cocoons formed on the sides of this l)ag were so much darker tiian the other sets. 12 THE entomologist's llECOilU. to form a second dark cocoon, or in other words, was unable to supply the necessary colouring matter, to darken the silk which it spun. As to how the larva applies the intestinal waste remaining in its system at the time of spinning, for the purpose of colouring its cocoon, I can only form suggestions. The excretion must be made from the anal orifice, I think, and not from the oral (although the latter is more than possible). The difficulty of accepting the hypothesis that the colouring matter is excreted from the oral orifice suggests itself to me because the normal colour of the silk which is spun as a basement on which to build the cocoon, is apparently always white, and I take it that all the silk spun is, in the same way, white, and that the colouring matter is injected after- wards. If further observation should prove the silk spun is not always white, I should prefer to suppose that the oral orifice was used for the purpose of excretion. If on the other hand, excretion takes place from the anal orifice, the secretion may be poured out in small quantities in very fluid form, after the silk is spun, to darken the parts already formed, in the ordinary manner of fluid intestinal excretion. I only record one other observation, and that was made when I thought I had finished my observations. I left the larvse which remained in the bags, to spin up or die as they thought fit, and quite nine-tenths of the cocoons formed by the remnant were paler than one would expect in all the bags, some in the dark bag being quite white, showing that the starvation element was a stronger one in the direction of the formation of a pale cocoon than was the dark environment, in the direction of the formation of a dark cocoon. In conclusion, my experiments with Halias chlorana have satisfied me that, within certain comparatively narrow limits, this species has the power of forming a cocoon which shall respond to its environment ; but that the formation of an excessively dark cocoon in nature shows a strong tendency to some form of disease ; in which the intestinal excretion becomes very dark ; whilst the formation of an absolutely white cocoon, given that the larva is healthy and has a plentiful supply of food, is almost a physical impossibility, although in response to environment it is possible (and probable) that a comparatively pale one might be formed. I also conclude that the colouring matter is an intestinal waste product, the colouring of which produces the variation in the colour of the cocoons, and the total absence of such waste, results in the production of an absolutely white cocoon, and comparative absence, a comparatively white one. — J. W. Tutt. October, 1891. SiURRENT NOTES. ^^ The Entomological Society of London suggests dropping the July, August, and September monthly meetings, and substituting three extra meetings in the summer months. The Title-page to Vol. II. of The Entomologisf s Record, which could not be printed in time to be published with the December number, will come 6ut with the Special Index. The City of London Entomological Society has taken much more convenient rooms at 33, Finsbury Square. The Council call the atten- tion of Entomologists to the list of papers that are to be read at the BIBLIOGRAPHY. 13 forthcoming meeiings. The Proceedings for 1891 are ready for distri bution to members. The capture of Leiicania unipiuicta in the Isle of Purbeck by Mr. Eustace R. Bankes, and of Dasycampa rubiginea by the same gentleman and others, is a fit ending to the record of rare NocxUiE captured in 1S91. Mr. E. Saunders, F.L.S., adds two new Hemiptera to the British fauna. These are Trapezonotus ulbrichii, Fieb., "taken by the Rev. T. A. Marshall on the cliffs near Boscastle or Tintagel, Cornwall," and Myrmedobia disti/igue/ida, Rent., of which Mr. Saunders " took 3 ^ and 2 $ by beating old lichen-covered larches near Busbridge, Surrey, in July, 1890" {E.M.M., p. 8). Another change in the proprietorship of the Entomologist has taken place with the new year, Mr. South having acquired it irom Mr. Leech. The Annual Meeting of the South London Society on Jan. 28th promises to be a lively one, judging from the suggestions to hand last night (14th). Prof. J. B. Smith, who spent a fortnight recently studying the Noctu^ in the British Museum collection hopes to publish his notes shortly. It does not seem to be generally known that the students' rooms of the Natural History (South Kensington) Museum contain the finest collec- tions of all orders hi the vvorld. Specialists frequently go to the Museum, and, having seen the general collection upstairs, come away thoroughly disaj)pointed, whereas if they had asked to go into the students' rooms and signed the visitors' book, they would have come away delighted. A work on British Diptera, published in shilling parts, is being brought out by Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G. It is sure to be in the hands of all dipterists, and will make a reliable text-book for those who are just commencing to study this order. Two parts are now ready. gglBLIOGRAPHY. Additions to the British List and Changes in Nomenclature. Lepidoptera. Tortrix steineriana van dohrniana (?) added to the British list as T. done/ana, Carpenter {Ent. Rec, ii., pp. 239 and 264). It is question- able whether the pine-feeding species will not finally prove identical with T. viburniana, as Mr. C. G. Barrett informs us that the pine-feed- ing larvae will also feed on Vaccinium. Heliozela hammoniella, Sorh., is a prior name of Tinagma betulce, Wood (H. T. Stainton, E.M.M., p. 299 ; Ent. Rec, ii., p. 252). Dr. Sorhagen's name, being given only on the mine of the larva, as recorded by Mr. Stainton, cannot replace T. betuhe in my opinion. It is out of reason to name an insect from a vacated mine. When it is done from a larva, it is rather unsatisfactory, but by whatever name the mine may be called. Dr. Wood and Mr. Stainton certainly fir^t described the species, and their name should stand. Micropteryx caledoniella, Grif , n. sp. added to the British fauna (A. F. Griffith, E.M.M., p. 300 ; Ent. Rec. ii., p. 252). Coleophora Ifucanipcnnella, Hb., added to the British fauna (C. G. Barrett, E.M.M., p. 302 ; Ent. Rec, ii., p. 252). 14 THE entomologist's RECORD. Apleda nebiilosa var. robsoni, Collins. Melanic var. (J. Collins, Efit. Rec, ii., p. 264). Prodetiia littoralis, Bois. Bred by Mr. Boden from a larva found in an imported tomato {Ent. Rec, ii., p. 260). Noctua confliia^ Tr., and N. /estiva, Hb. Differentiated (J. W. Tutt, Ent. Rtc, ii., p. 266). Noctua mi}^ur. — Referred to genus GraphipJwra. N. femiica and N. •iubrosea. — Referred to genus Agrotis. N. depuncta. — British form referred to as var. )nendosa (J. W. Tutt, Etit. Rec, ii., p. 262). Luperina luteago var. barrettii. Reinstated in genus Dianthcecia (W. F. de V. Kane and W. Reid, Ent. Rec, ii., pp. 275, 276). Hemiptera. Henestaris halophihis, Burn. = geocoriceps, Antess. Added to the British fauna (E. Saunders, E.M.M., p. 298). Lecafiium assimilis {e), n. sp., on Aster, ac Colwyn Bay. L. minimum, n. sp., on Areca, in Cheshire. Fulvi?iaria persiccc, n. sp., on pt-ach, in Cheshire. Fseudococcus associalis, n. sp., on Ribes, in Yorkshire. Ripersia tomlinii, n. sp., on grass roots, in ants' nests m Guernsey. R. pulveraria, n. sp., under leaf-sheaths of Agrostis, Cheshire (R. Newstead, Ent. Rec, ii., p. 306, E.M.M., p. 334). Aleurodes rubicola, n. sp., on Rubus, at Blackheath (J. W. Douglas, E.M.M., p. 323).— J. W. T. ^OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. Notes of the Season of 1891. — Scarborough. — I think the only really fine summer weather I have experienced this year was a fortnight in Septembt-r spent at Scarboro' — it only rained on two half days during the whole time. I was staying with friends, so did not pay so much attention to entomology as I otherwise might have done ; however, by working the hedges on " Oliver's Mount," I managed to secure some very fine specimens of Peronea schai/eria?ia var. latifasciana. I wonder this has not been raised to specific rank. In one hedi'e, quite half of the P. variegana were var. cinana, I secured a fine lot, some of them with the cilia as black as the wings (the usual colour of the cilia being orange), these with some other nice forms of P' variegana, a few P. comparana and Cidaria immanata were the chief imagines I took. I found an odd larva of Cuspidia leporina at " Lady Edith's Drive," and on the cliffs north of Scarboro' a few Heliothis marginata. Larentia didy- mata swarmed everywhere, as also did Piutella cruciferanifn, and on the cliffs where colts-foot occurred there also were Stopula lutealis and Platyptilia gonodactyla. — \V. Farren, Cambridge. Nov. nth, 1891. The Isle of Purbeck. — In an autumn chiefly remarkable for the extraordinarily bad weather, which more often than not made collecting an absolute impossibility, it is a treat to be able to record the capture of any rarities. My first great stroke of luck was on Oct. 12th, when I took at sugar in our shrubbery a fine specimen of that great prize Leucania unipuncta { = extranea, Guen.) : taking into consideration its conduion and all the circumstances, it seems highly improbable that it had flown from any distance, or could have been accidentally intro- duced in any stage. The night was apparently a most unlikely one for insects, rather chilly compared with the preceding ones, with a NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 15 clouded moon and occasional heavy and cold storms of rain, but to my surprise the moths simply could not resist the attractions of the sugar, and appeared in far larger numbers th m on any other night this autumn. Up till then sugar had been a sad failure, and had produced extremely few moths of any sort or kind, and nothing worth setting with the exception of four or five Epunda nigra. I left home on Oct. 15th for nearly a month, but on Nov. 13th — the very first evening on which I tried night-work after my return — I had my second stroke of good luck, and boxed four grand Dasycampa rubiginea off ivy bloom in our shrubbery between 6 and 7.30 p.m., and took another on the follow- ing night as it was sheltering un.ier an ivy-leaf during a torrent of rain. Although I have been on the look-out for the species for years past, the only specimen I ever met with until this autumn was taken within a few yards of our front door on Nov. 3rd, 1883 —eight years ago ! — Eustace R. Bankes, The Rectory, Corfe Castle. Dec. i^/h, 1891. Ruthin, North Wales, — I have just taken a fine Piecilocanipa populi at light, the first of that species I ever saw alive ; " treacling " during October produced two or three each of Anchocelis pistacina, A. litura, Cerastis spadicea, Amphipyra tragopogonis, Plusia iota, Miselia oxya- canthce (with one var. capucina), and one each of Agrotis suffusa and Gonoptera libatrix, not a very remarkable record, Diloha ccEruleocephala was to be had on the lamps. — J. E. R. Allen. Nov. i^th, 1891. Clevfdon. — Pcvcilocampa populi has been tolerably abundant at light with us, though only males have been taken. Insects have not been so plentiful at ivy this autumn. I was surprised the other day to find a $ specimen oi Fhigalia pilosaria in my large breeding cage, standing outside in the shade, and which I believe to be from a pupa dug this autumn ; is not this unusually early? — J. Mason. Dec, 1891. Retarded Emergenck. — It is not wise to throw away one's rubbish at the end of the first season ; in June last I bred two nice Cidaria reticulata from larvae collected in 1889, these I should have missed had I cleared out my rubbish. — H. Murray, Carnforth. Dec. 10th, 189 1. Hesperia lineola at Burwell Fen. — Looking at my series of Hesperia thaumas a short time ago, I found among them a specimen of H. lineola of my own taking, luckily it was labelled, and on referring to the number in my diary found entered among other things, "Aug. 4th, 1890, Burwell Fen, i Hesperia thaumas," it was the only "skipper" I boxed that day, and as my friend Mr. Jones was with me on the day in question, he at once looked at his own set, and there, sure enough, was another //. lineola taken on the same day, and peculiarly the only " skipper " he boxed. There have been two previous records of H. lineola on Burwell Fen, one by Mr. Vivian in 1889, and the other by Mr. Tutt this year. I daresay when I go for them next year I shall find plenty, as the two mentioned above were netted at random and kept as nice looking Hesperia thaumas. — W. Farren, Cambridge. I^lov. 1891. Triph^na pronuba, Double-krooded. — In the third week in August I found a large batch of white ova on a sprig of asparagus seed ; they hatched on the ist of September, and began feeding well. By tiie end of the week they were a quarter of an inch in length and growing very fast ; by the end of the third week they were about three parts grown, and were exceedingly voracious, eating up an armful of asparagus seed in a night; I now began to wonder what they could be, and had 16 THE entomologist's RECORD. decided that they were an "underwing" larva, but by this time it had become evident they were going to feed up and not hybernate, and I could find nothing written as to " underwings " being full-fed in the autumn. The first week in October the larvre were full-fed, and I sent some to friends at Cambridge, Ely etc., but they were unable to name them with certainty. AVhen full-fed they went into the earth, some deep down, and some on the surface. The pupjE are in a very large recep- tacle full of earth, and have not been disturbed in any way. They are kept in a cold, quite unheated, conservatory, almost tantamount to being out of doors, the thermometer having this year already gone down below freezing point several times ; I had wondered much what my large brood could be, and having set my heart on their being something good, I determined to force a few pup^e, thinking thus to learn their name. On the 28th of November I took the gauze off, intending to get lialf-a-dozen or so pupae for my forcing cage, when to my astonishment there was a specimen of T. promiba running about. I wrote to my friend, Mr. W. J. Cross, of Ely, to whom I had given some pupse, and I found that his also have all come out, the first on the 29th, since which I have bred some scores more, and they are still (December 12th) coming out. I have searched and. consulted all the authorities to which I have access, and I can find no mention whatever of proruiha being double-brooded, and shall be glad to know if it is generally known that it occasionally occurs. — W. Bond Smith, Potton, Sandy. Sphinx convolvuli at Reading. — Hearing from Mr. Mason at Clevedon that Sphinx convolvuli was about, I tried a large bed of Nicotiana in hopes of getting it, but without success. In October, how- ever, luck came so far that two were brought in, one found on a timber carriage, the other picked up by a gardener. Both are good soecimens, which is far from usual with things brought in this way. One was a large $ , but it would not be coaxed into laying eggs, it beat itself to pieces and died, — W. Holland, Reading. Nov. 1891, Time of flight of CeljEna haworthii. — When at Sinionswood Moss a month ago, we were favoured with the sight of Celcena haworthii in some quantity, though formerly we had to content ourselves with odd specimens laboriously extracted from clumps of heather. Before 6.15 p.m. there was not a specimen on the wing, but a few minutes after- wards they flew everywhere, and they can fly. — G. A. Harker. Times of flight of the species in the genus Crambus. — The following are based on my own experiences of the species I have met with in Scotland. Crambus pratellus — most abundant for an hour before sunset and after sunrise, can be flushed abundantly during the day time. Crainbus du7netenus — the same remarks apply to this species. Cratnbus cricellus — in the afternoon and evening (perhaps it might be got in the morning, but I never was near the localities in the early morning). Crambus furcatellns — only in the afternoon. Crambus margaritellus — -in the afternoon and evening before dusk, and sitting on grass during the day. Cranibus pinetellus — to be found at dusk and after it is dark. Crambus perlellus — in the morning and all day. Crambus var. warringtonellus — the same time as perlellus. Crambus Iris/ellus—ecisiiy flushed during day, flies freely at dusk and before and after it is dark. Crambus culmellus — morning, noon and night. — W. Reid, Pitcaple. October, 1891. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC, 17 Mr. Raid's Crambi appear to fly mainly before dark ; but, in the beginning of August, we found that they flew considerably after dark. From 9 to lo p.m. we took males of C. margaritei/us, C. iitquifiateHiis and C. culmelliis, flying very low, from one blade of grass to another, in search of females. It seems to me that this is the only time when it is possible to obtain the ? . I have never seen them fly, and do not think they could fly very much with such short wings and long (and broad also) abdomina. — G. A. Harker, Liverpool. October i8//;, i8gi. Attractiveness of Flowers to Moths. — Having for the last season or two been tryipg to ascertain which flowers may be considered the most attractive to moths, the results may be interesting to your readers. In order to experiment and give each a fair trial, I have had beds sown of over a dozen different plants, amongst them being the greatest acknowledged attractive plants. I have come to the conclusion that the spur valerian is far the most successful one, having taken on its flowers upwards of fifty species of lepidoptera, many of which'appear in swarms. This year's captures have been as follows : — Chmrocajupa porcellus, Urapicryx sambucata, Rumia cratcega/a, OdontoPera bidentata, Boarmia repandata, B. rhoviboidaria, Acidalia bisetata^ Lii^dia adustata, Larentia didy»iata, Hypsipetes elufafa, Melanippc sociata, M. montanata, Scotosia dubifata, Cidaria t'ussata, C. hmnanata, Anaitis plagiaia, Leuccmia comma, Z. pallens, Xylophasia mrea, X. lithoxylea, X. polyodon, Mamestra brassicce, Apamea basilinea, A. oculea, Afiafia stri_^Uis, Caradrina cubicularis, Agroiis se<^etu)?i, A. exclamationis, A. coificea, TryphcBiia Jatithi^a, T. orbotia, T. pronuba, Noc'ua tria?iguli/m, JV. xmithographa, Polia chi, Euplexia lucipara, Hadena dentina, H. okracea, ff. pi:i, Cucullia umbrntica, Pliisia chrysitis, P. iota, P. v-aureum, P. gamma and Amphipyra tragopogotiis. — G. Booth, Grange-over-Sands. Abundance of Larv^. — Larvae here, as elsewhere, have been abundant. In the mosses Ciispidia leporina, Notodonta camelina, N. dromedariiis, Drepana falcula and N. dictcBoides have been much com- moner than usual, as also has N. ziczac, N. dictcea and Sphinx ocellatus on the sandhills. — Geo. A. Harker, Liverpool. October \Zth, 1891. I have found the past summer more productive of larvae than the imago, and I have taken many good sorts, including Notodonta dictcea, N. dromedarius, N. camelina, Ciispidia alni, C. megacephala and Demas coryli \ the latter has been most abundant, I have beaten out of beech and oak, during the last two months, twenty-five dozens of the larvre, but I never came across more than one moth. — J. N. Still, 41, West- cliff Terrace, Seaton, Devon. September "jth, 1891. I am glad Mr. Tutt has called attention to the abundance of larvae of Spilosoma menthasfri and ^S". lubricipeda this season. In this district they were in extraordinary numbers, the gardens being completely stripped by them even to the rows of cabbages and clumps of horse- radish in the cottage gardens. At the back of the factory here there is about half an acre of waste ground, where for the past few years I have encouraged a fine growth of dock and other plants useful for feed- ing. There was a perfect army of the larvai here, and as they grew in size they stripped everything to the ground, leaving the tall stems of dock and willow herb quite bare. It would be interesting to know if they have been generally common. — J. A. Cooper, i, Sussex Villas, Leytonstone, E. November \2th, 1891. 18 THE entomologist's RECORD. The only thing that appears at all abundant is the larva; of Bombyx rubi. In some places in the park it is difficult to avoid treading on them, the curious thing being that there is no heath there, and they are feeding on grass. — R. B. Robertson, Sketty Park, Swansea. September 2C^/h, 1891. The larvse of this moth {B. riibi) have been unusually abundant this autumn. We have no heath where it abounds ; I do not think this is really the natural food of the larvas, but the common bramble, hence the specific name rubi. The larvae appear, as Captain Robertson remarks, to feed on grass until three parts grown, when they collect in small colonies on the nearest bramble, and are afterwards found rambling in search of winter quarters ; I have a numerous batch of the larvae feeding in a natural condition in a sunny position, being only confined to a certain space of ground ; these were picked off the grass culms when about an inch long. I believe it is better to collect them when about this size than wait till they are three parts grown, as when this size they are more likely to be stung, which accounts for failures, to some extent, ni breeding the imago. My larvae at the present time are quite as fine as any to be found in the wild state, they have been fed on bramble, but have also eaten most of the grass in their enclosure. — J. Mason, Clevedon Court Lodge, Somerset. October 21st, 1891. Habits of THE Larva of Emmelesiaunifasciata. — I have been taking the larvae of Emmelesia unifasciata in this neighbourhood during the last week ot September and the first week of October. Not many years ago this insect was a rarity, and it seems a good example of what is probably the case with many others, that, when their life-history is known, what were previously thought rarities are often found to be generally distributed. A worn imago came to light in August, so, towards the end of September, I searched the Odontites rubra {Bartsia odo/itites) in several places in the neighbourhood. In the locality for the insect, near Croydon, searching for it is very wearisome and unproductive (indeed I found none by searching here), so I followed the plan I had found successful before, and cut off sprigs of the unripe capsules, enough to fill a large bag. How the larvae manage to conceal themselves in, or partly in, the small capsules, is a wonder to me ! This I did on several occasions from different localities, and turned the contents of the bag into band boxes with muslin over the top, on my return home. In the course of the next day, or a few days, or even longer, the larvae attach themselves to the muslin, and I then take them out and put them into a cage with fresh sprays of the foodplant and sandy earth, in which they soon pupate. If taken earlier than the last week in September or beginning of October, it would be necessary to sprinkle some water occasionally over the capsules to prevent their getting too dry, and also to add some fresh food now and then, but this trouble is avoided by taking the larvae when I mention, when they are nearly full-fed. They make a small neat oval tight cocoon, and many go over a year before emergence. I expect the insect might be taken in very many localities where it is now un- known, if this plan were adopted, — and the larvae are very easy to rear. The Bartsia grows as a weed in most places, at the roadside hedges, and in rough pasture land and waste places. — W. S. Riding, Buckerell Lodge, Honiton, Devonshire. October, i8gi. Sphinx convolvuli at Howih. — In October, I got a specimen of NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 19 ,5. convolvidi at Howth, and earlier in the season an odd specimen of Etmnelesia unifasciata. — G. V. Hart, 14, Lower Pembroke Street, Dublin. AcRONYCTA (Cuspidia) leporina. — May I call attention to ray inquiry for information as to the geographical distribution of the varieties of this larva? — T. A. Chapman, Firbank, Hereford. EUPITHECIA DODONEATA IN IRELAND. In the Ent. Rec, W., p. 298, Mr. P. H. Russ records EupHhecia dodoneata from County Sligo, and adds that he does not think that it has been previously recorded from Ireland. I should like, however, to point out that in the Ent. Mo. Mag., 2nd series, vol. i., p. 214, there is a note by the Rev. W. F. Johnson, in which he mentions the fact of its occurrence in the Mullinures. — Eustace R. Bankes, The Rectory, Corfe Castle. December, 1891. DouBLE-RROODEDNESS OF CiDARiA siLACEATA. — This insect is Un- doubtedly double-brooded in this locality, but probably not completely so. I meet with the imagines regularly at the gas-lamps in May and August, and I always record an interval of seven or eight weeks between the appearance of the last specimens seen of the earlier brood, and the first of the later one. The incompleteness of the second brood would appear from the fact, that out of 30 pupae obtained from ova laid by a female of the s[)ring brood, all emerged in the following August except four ; and these, apparently healthy ones, are hybernating as pupae. There is certainly a tendency here to the seasonal dimorphism referred to by Mr. Tutt, both as regarding the size of the respective broods, and the entirety or the reverse of the broad central band. However, I have some specimens of the second brood with the central band coni|)letely broken. The larvee feed up well and rapidly on Circcea liitetiana and Epilobium montaniim. As I have also reared the species from ova ot the second brood which are now pupae; it will be interesting to compare the imagines resulting therefrom with those that emerge from the four pupee of the first brood referred to above. — R. M. Prideaux, 28, Berke- ley Square, Bristol. Notes on the dates of appearance of Eupithecia pvgm^ata. — Mr. Atmore's experience {Ent. Rec, vol, ii., p. 258) regarding this insect is somewhat similar to my own, although I had never considered it really double-brooded, especially from its behaviour in my breeding pots. The following are some dates referring to it in my note-books : — 1886 — Small and full-fed larvae obtained from September 4th to the end of the month. The first moth from these emerged on June i4ih, 1887, and the next on June i8th. From this date one or two appeared almost every day throughout July and until August 9th. Now and then they missed nearly a week, being most regular from June 27th to July 13th, three being the greatest number bred in one day ; altogether I bred 38, and in 1888 I bred about 12 more from the same lot of pupae, making 50 in all from some 300 larvae collected in 1886, the rest having been ichneunioned. The 1888 specimens, which had spent two years in the i)upal stage, came out from May 31st to June 24th. My dates for the capture of the perfect insect are in 1889, August 4th, SL-ven specimens, and in 1891, June 19th, two specimens. I don't think thers is a distinct double brood, although Mr. Atmore's dates — August 26th and September 6th for the imago — -would appear to point to it. They certainly seem to be on the wing all the summer, from the 20 THE ENTOMOLOGISTS RECORD. beginning of June to August gth, and with Mr. Atmore to August 26th and September 6th ; whilst I have had full-fed larvae from September 4th, none of which, however, produced moths the same year. It will be worth while looking for early larvae when occasion offers. — \Vm, Farren, Cambridge. December 27//;, 1891. Urtication. — With regard to the mQ;}iuy {Ent. Rec, ii., p. 296) about "urtication" caused by larvae and cocoons, I have been affected by those of Bo7nbyx calhmce. They do not affect my hands, but if, after handling either the larvae or cocoons, I rub my face or neck, a very disagreeable stinging sensation is produced, and rubbing only makes matters worse. I have known the hands of ladies and children to become much swollen after carrying larvae of the same species. The last time 1 was affected was in the dead of winter when sorting pupae, and I certainly was not perspiring at the time. — A. D. Connon, Wood- end Brace, Aberdeen, N.B. [The only species that has ever affected me in this way is Liparis chrysorrhcea, but it is too long ago to give anything like the exact information that Mr. Freer requires. At the time handling the larv^ie under any conditions used to produce large blisters over my arms, face, and neck ; and only going into the room where the larvce or pupae were kept was sufficient to ensure my face swelling to such an extent that I was hardly able to see. A good dip in cold water and a turn in the open air soon put matters straight. 1 was rather astonished to find symptoms of urtication develop in my son, a boy about ten, when handling larv?e of L. salicis. This species never has the slightest effect on me. — Ed.] fgOCIETIES. City of London Entomological and Natural History Society. — Thiwsday, December i^th, 1891. — The Annual Pocket Box Exhibition, held at the Society's new roomS; 33, Finsbury Square, E. C, attracted a large number of members and friends. It is impos- sible to give a detailed account of all the exhibits, but some of the most noticeable were the following : — Mr. Allbuary, a perfect albino specimen of Epinephe/e janira, taken at Dover in 1889, and line bred varieties of Arctia caia and A. villica. Mr. Cooper, black forms of Boarmia repandaia from Sheffield, and banded specimens (var. con- versaria) from the New Forest. Mr. Machin, Scotch forms of Gortyna flavago^ with southern specimens for comparison, the former being much darker ; also Etipithecia helveiicaria, Crawbiis fiiyelhis, Coccyx ustomacidatia and CEcopliord stipella. Mr. Sampson, series of Pseudoterpna cytisa?-ia and CalUgenia viiniata, and long and varied series of Hybernia defoliaria and Triphmna fimb?-ia. Mr. Huckett, series of Argynn's aglata, A. paphia and var. vaiesi/ia, and Linienitis sibyl/a from the New Forest. Dr. Buckell, a long series of Triphcena pronuba from the London district, showing much variation, the most noticeable forms being those with dark anterior wings and light stig- mata. Mr. Quail, life histories of many Geometrae, including Scotosia certata, Hemerophila abruplaria and Phorodesma smaragdaria. Mr. Gates, living larvae of Melanippe montatiata and cocoons of Dicrafiura vinula. Mr. Battley, a number of microscopic slides illustrating the "anatomy and structure of various insects : also, on behalf of Mr. J. SOCIETIES. 21 Collins, of Warrington, a beautiful series of Lithosia sericea, taken in the Manchester district. Mr. Simes, variable forms of Smerinthiis populi, also bleached specimens of Epinephek janira and Ccsfionyf/ipha pamphibis. Mr. Levett, a series of Arena urticce, bred from larvae taken in the Lea valley. Mr. Southey, Cuspidia aim, and a specimen of Deiopeia pukhella from Southend. Mr. Tutt, two cabinet drawers of the genus Eupithecia, exhibiting long and varied series of almost all the British species. Mr. Prout, specimens of Cosmia trapezina, bred singly, and as having no chance of obtaining animal food, these specimens were all much smaller than usual; also fine bred forms of Melantppe subtristata {sociaia). Mr. Gurney, specimens of Phorodesvia smaragdaria. Mr. Hill, a number of species from Rannoch, including Petasia ni/beailosa, Cidaria immatiata and dark forms of C. populata and Melanthia rubigiiiata. Mr. Bacot, various Nocture, taken in Epping Forest this year, these included Gonophora derasa, Thyatira batis, Dipterygia pinastri^ Dicycla oo and Rusina tenebrosa. Mr. Turner, a box of foreign Lepidoptera, including some fine South American HeHcofiias and North American Bombyces, with larval parasites. Mr. Clark, Rumia cratcegata, without the brown markings, a smoky variety of Abraxas ulmata, Stilbia ano?nala, from Aberdeen, and the dark var, of Argynnis ag/aia, previously exhibited. Mr. Bjiyne, series of Caradrina blanda and Aliana fiirunada, from Epping Forest. Mr. Riches, a series of Abraxas grossulariata bred from Hornsey larvae ; also in Diptera, Tabanus bovvms and Asilus crabrotiifonnis ; in Orthoptera, Phrasgonura viridissima ; and in Hymenoptera, Tricho- soma lucoriim. Mr. EUiman, a large number of species taken during 1891 at Tring, Herts, including Neuria sapofiarice, Luperina cespitis, Cirrhcedia xeravipelina and Noctua rJwmboidca, and the following Coleojitera : — Myllcena dubia, Coryphium angusikolle, Phlceophlus edwardsii and Epitrix atrope. Mr. Heasler, a very fine exhibit, con- sisting of cases of aquatic Coleoptera and Staphylinidse. Mr, Lewcock, a number of good Coleoptera from Eynsford, Kent, including Crypto- cephalus lineola, CisUla liiperus, Otiorhynchus kncbricosus and Toxotus meridianus. Mr. Cripps, representatives of the following genera : — Ckonus, Hypera, Cionus and Balanimis. Mr. Milton, Pachyta ocfoma- culata, Aepus marinus and A. robinii ; in Diptera, Siratiomys riparia, S. potoniida, GastropJiihis nasalis and G. equi ; in Hymenoptera, Sirex gtgas, Ephialles tuberadatus and Vespa rufa ; in Orthoptera, Phras- gonura viriiiissima and Ectobius lapponca ; in Neuroptera, Osmybus chrysops and Baetis fluminum ; and in Hemiptera, Ranatra linearis. He also exhibited a specimen of Eubolia paliimbaria, captured by a plant of the Sundew {Drosera roiundifolia), and a ])iece of polished stone, the markings of which resembled a landscape, with trees and hedges. — A. U. Battley & J. A. Simes, Hon. Sees. South London Entomological Society. — Thursday, Deeember loih, 1891. — Mr. Adkin exhibited a peculiar var. of Pieris tiapi, showing an almost black band from the costa to the inner margin, and passing through the normal black spots. Mr. C. G. Barrett exhibited some specimens of Selenia illustratia bred by Mr. Merrifield, and referred to that gentleman's experiments. Mr. Weir also made some remarks as to the scientific value of these experiments. Mr. Tutt remarked that the dark specimens produced by a low temperature, 22 THE entomologist's record. were also more or less deformed, and since the darkening and deformity went together, there must be some connection, and he suggested that the cold stayed the complete development of the pigment. Mr. Fenn supported Mr. Tutt's statement as to the darkening and crippling going together. Mr. Adkin exhibited Petasia Jiubeciilosa., Mr. Tugwell some melanic specimens of what he considered Eupithecia saiyrata. Messrs. Barrett, Tutt and Fenn disagreed with this, and trisignata and vir- gaiireata were suggested as the species. Mr. H. Williams, $ 's of Hybemia aurafitiarta. If. defoliaria, etc. Mr. Mansbridge sent a note relating to the Tinea, which he first obtamed from imported guano, and which was referred by Mr. Tutt at the time as probably Tinea biseliella, and stating that the name suggested by Mr. Tutt was probably correct. Mr. Tutt remarked that the specimens were larger and brighter than typical biseliella, but that he could see no other difference, although he had bred a considerable number, and the species were probably speci- fically identical. Mr. Tugwell then exhibited a box of Scotch insects collected by Mr. Raid this year, and commented on the wretched season in Scotland, stating that sugar had been utterly useless. Among other species, he exhibited a Platyptilia bred by Mr. Reid from the leaves of " ragwort," and the true Retinia duplana. Mr. Barrett re- marked on the fact that no Platyptilia was as yet known to feed on ragwort (Senecio), and that the method of feeding on the leaves differed from the method of feeding of other British Platyptilia. Mr. Tutt stated that Mr. Reid first brought up the subject in the Record " Exchange Club " book, that there the matter was discussed, and that although it was then hinted that this was a new species, it was so like ochrodactyla in the perfect state that the matter was allowed to drop until fuller information about the larval stage could be obtained. He also mentioned that he had received similar specimens bred by Mr. Christopher Eales from ragwort, the larva having been taken near Carlisle. Mr. Barrett then referred to Retinia dupla7ia, and stated that the true duplana was first captured by the Messrs. Salvage, and that those called duplana previously were small R. turionana. Mr. Fenn asked if they were not what Mr. Warren determined as R. posticana, and Mr. Barrett stated that this was so. Mr. Adkin stated that R. duplana occurred very early. Mr. Edwards exhibited some rare exotic Papilios. Mr. Carpenter, a fine series of Plusia festucce from Cambridge. Mr. C. G. Barrett, a fine lot of varieties belonging to and captured by Mr. Percy Russ, at Sligo {vide Ent. Rec, vol. ii., p. 299). He remarked on the fact that light and pale forms of the same species occurred in the same locality, and instanced Agrotis cursoria and A. valligera. Mr. Tutt said that it was to be expected in a locality where any variable species was common that extremes would be occasionally met with. At Deal, there were very pale and occasionally black specimens of A. iritici, but the very dark ones were rare. At Aberdeen, on the other hand, the black was the commonest form, and at Sligo, by far the greater number were distinctly brown. A. valligera and others varied in the same way, but whilst each locality exhibited a general tendency in a certain direction, occasional extreme forms could always be selected. — Ed. Birmingham Entomological Society. — December ^th, 1891. — Mr. Bradley exhibited a box of Lepidoptera taken during the year at Sutton. Mr. C. J. Wainwright showed Asteroscopus sphinx {cassinea), from Han- SOCIETIES. 23 bury Park, and Calymnia affinis from Arley. Mr. E. C. Tye, a box full of captures made this year, including Chcencampa porcellus, from Sutton, Lithosia inesomella from Wyre Forest, Noctiia glareosa etc., from Sutton. Mr. P. W. Abbott, a box of this year's captures, including Fhibalapteryx lignata, Nociua dahlii etc, from Sutton. Mr. G. T. Baker showed four boxes full of Scotch insects, collected at various times in the Shetlands, Hebrides, Rannoch and Forres, by the Messrs. Salvage. December 21st, i8yi. — Mr. P. W. Abbott exhibited Ag,rotis obelisca, taken by Mr. A. J. Hodges in the Isle of Wight, also Noctua c-nignim, which Mr. Hodges said was often confused with it on the sugar. Mr. R. C. Bradley, PyreUia lasiophthahiiia, from Sutton. Mr. G. W. Wynn, two specimens of a Noctua, from Sutton, which he had been unable to name, and with which members present could not assist him. Mr. Abbott read a paper on " A fortnight's collecting in the Isle of Wight in 1891." He said that he had had the advantage of the assistance of Mr. Hodges, who knew the ground well. They had worked specially for Agtotis Iiua'gera, with which they were very suc- cessful ; among other good species, they took a very fine and variable series of Zygcena trifolii, many being blotched forms ; yellow varieties of Zygcetia filipendulce were also taken. — Colbran J. Wainwright, Hon. Sec. [I have since seen the two specimens mentioned above, which prove to be females of Rtisina tenebrosa. — Ed.] Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Socieiy. — Monday^ December i^ih. — Mr. Willoughby Gardner, F.R.G.S., read a paper entitled " A preliminary list of the Aculeate' Hymenoptera of Lanca- shire and Cheshire, with notes on the habits of the genera." The author remarked that although but little had been done in the district in the order Hymenoptera compared with the more favoured Lepi- doptera and Coleoptera (of which very full local Faunas had been compiled and published by members of the Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society), still much quiet work had been done during a series of years by several observers ; it was now very desirable, he said, that those scattered records should be brought together so that they might be permanently preserved in a form that would serve as a basis upon which future information on the subject might be con- veniently built up. The writer acknowledged the valuable assistance of the following local workers from whose notes, along with his own, he was enabled to compile his paper, viz., Miss E. C. Tomlin, Mr. J. T. Green, the Rev. H. H. Higgins, Mr. J. R. Hardy, Mr. R. Newstead, F.E.S. and the late Mr. B. Cooke. The paper included a list of r6i species, hitherto recorded in the counties of Lancashire and Cheshire, giving full particulars of localities etc. This out of 373 species at ]>resent described as indigenous to Great Britain. The records in- cluded notes of the occurrence of such interesting and local insects as Astata stigma, ^scybelus mucronaius, Colletes cu?iicularia, Halictus atricornis and ^smia xanihomelana. In order to afford some infor- mation to members of the Society who had not studied the order Hymenoptera, Mr. Gardner gave a running resume of the general habits of the insects of each genus seriatim, throughout the paper, illustrating his remarks by specimens of the various species, cases containing nests, " life-histories " etc. Mr. S. J. Capper exhibited a 24 THE ENTOMOLOGISr's RECORD. type collection of Hymenoptera ; Mr. Tomlin, of Chester, a collection of Hymenoptera, and specimens of Hylastes opacus, Er., Trypodendron doinestician, L. and Myetophilns piniperda, L. ; Mr. Newstead, nests and specimens of Bombus pratorum, Megachile circumdncta, Andrena nigrocenea, Colletes cunicidaria ; genitalia and leg of Crabo palinipes ; Mr. Stott, a specimen of Chcerocampa celerio on behalf of Mr. H. S. Clarke of Douglas, where it was captured this summer ; Dr. Ellis, a collection of Coleoptera made in the Spanish Pyrenees ; the Library and Museums Committee, nests and specimens of British and Foreign Hymenoptera, and Mr. J. T. Green, a collection of Hymenoptera. Jan. nth, 1892.— The annual meeting was held in the classroom of the Free Public Library, William Brown Street, where, although the weather militated against a large attendance, a most enjoyable evening was spent. The president, Mr. S. J. Capper, occupied the chair, and in the course of his annual address referred to the entomological records of the past year, and also gave a series of most interesting personal reminiscences of his experience as an entomologist for over fifty years. This began at an Epping school, where Henry Doubleday did so much work, and helped the schoolboys by naming and describing their captures. The president spoke of the progress of the science since his first acquaintance with it, and the improvements in the mode of capturing and preserving specimens. He reterred also to the inauguration of the Lancashire and Cheshire Society, the first meeting of which was held at his house at Huyton, in March, 1887. The president further enumerated the principal achievements of the past session, which, he said, had been at least equal in good work to any previous session. In conclusion, he remarked that it was to the younger members that they now looked for the further progress of the Society — Mr. S, J. Capper, F.L.S., F.E.S., was re-elected president; and the Rev. H. H. Higgins vice- president; Mr. ¥. N. Pierce, F.E.S. (hon. secretary) and Mr. C. H. Walker (hon. librarian) were re-elected; the new members of the committee being Messrs. George Harker and C. E. Stott. — During the evening the folhnving were exhibited by the members named : — Varieties of British Lepidoptera, the president ; varieties of Ettpitheda vcnosata, Mr. C. S. Gregson ; life History of the bot fly Gastrophilus eqid, Mr. R. Newstead ; Phyds splendidella, captured at Wallasey, July, 1891, Mr. H, B. Jones; a fine web formed by the larvae of Ephestia elutella, Dr. J. W. Ellis ; and Scotch Dasydia obfuscaria, Nodua sobri7ia etc., Mr. C. E. Stott. — F. N. Pierce, H071. Sec. lOTICES, REVIEWS, Etc. The Lepidoptera of Bognor. Webster and Webb, High Street, Bognor. — Our local lists are gradually being worked up. This is re- printed from the Proceedings of the West Sussex Natural History Society, and is compiled by the present President, Mr. A. Lloyd, F.E.S. Besides the Le[)idoptera, lists of the Plants, Seaweeds, Mollusca, and Marine Crustact-a, together with notes on the Geology of the district, are to be found, and will undoubtedly be of great service to those who visit this delightful part of our coast. •^"^"^ ^Nr, ^'■'^^^ JOURNAL OF VARIATION. No. 2. Vol. III. February 15th, 1892. THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. By Dr. T. A. CHAPMAN. {Continued from page 7.) \CRONYCTA (Cuspidia) leporina (continued). — There are two distinct forms of the larva, the southern alder or green form with white hairs, and the yellow northern or birch form. The former is tolerably uniform in the larval surface, being green and nearly free from marking. Length 34 mm. ; outline thickest at 7.8 and g, tapering either way with an arched or rounded margin, especially when sulking, something like Noiodonta dodoncea or N . carmeliia, but more truncate at the tail. Colour pale apple-green with no markings, spiracles white with a fine black line, head and legs a trifle paler, labrum and palpi nearly white, darker beneath. The surface is uniformly clothed with long, perfectly white hairs, which stand erect for about 2 mm. of their length, and then bend down parallel to the larval surface for a length oVabout 5 mm., thus forming a continuous coat or surface at a distance of 2 mm. from the larva. Very inconspicuous, but easily seen when looked for, are certain black hairs, 2 to 3 to each anterior trapezoidal, i to each posterior trapezoidal, 1^ to 2 mm. long, a little longer and more numerous on 13 and 14, where they tangle with the flowing white hairs. Sometimes this form has some black markings in head. The yellow form has a yellow larval skin with distinct chocolate bands down back and side, indistinct as to outline, but pronounced as to tint ; it is also 26 THE entomologist's recokd. olive-brown beneath, the head has much black, and the black tufts on the back are very strong, rising above the level of the yellow hairs, especially are they strong on 5.7.8.9 and 12. I have had the white form with a good deal of chocolate marking of the skin, and the yellow form tolerably free from it ; whilst the degree of development of the black tufts of the con- joined anterior trapezoidals varies very much. I have not mentioned yet, as I desire to do so with especial emphasis, the peculiar manner in which the long hairs, after being bent down parallel to the larval surface, are arranged. This is exactly as if they had been brushed smoothly, but the remarkable part of the arrangement is that they are always brushed forwards on the right side, and backwards on the left side. So that we have here an instance of bilateral asymmetry, which is certainly extremely rare throughout all insects. In the white form the brushing is generally most smooth and perfect, in the yellow one there is sometimes a little roughness. When ready to spin, and some hours before it moves off in search of a site for its cocoon, a change of tint occurs, the skin becomes a dirty olive and the hairs nearly black, except their extreme tips, which change colour but little. The appearance is as if the larva had been well smoked. The larva will some- times eat a whole leaf whilst the change is taking place. I have had strigosa eating several days after the similar change that occurs in that species had begun, but this year strigosa began to excavate within a couple of hours of the first change of tint being noticed, in every instance in which the observa- tion was made. Leporina makes its cocoon by boring a hole into rotten wood, though it will adopt any suitable tube, bramble or elder pith, etc., just like alni or strigosa. I once found the larva in the wild state making its burrow, this was into the dead bark of an alder, a most ancient tree, with hard cork-like bark nearly two inches thick. A typical cocoon is made by entering a vertical face of rotten wood, the whole excavation being made by the larva, sometimes occupying as much time as 20 hours, and always about half as long again as alni, varying of course according to the material. The whole excavation may be in one line, but usually when half an inch deep the burrow turns downwards. The total depth is i"3 inches (35 mm.), and 0*4 inches (10 mm.) in diameter; the exterior opening of the burrow is closed by a diaphragm of dark felt, consisting of the cast hairs of the larva with a minimum of silk ; 10 mm. below THE GENUS ACRONTCTA AND ITS ALLIES. 27 this, another diaphragm made of wood chippings and strong silk occurs, this is a strong structure, and is in fact the top of the cocoon proper, the burrow is often sHghtly narrowed at this point, the material to form the diaphragm being obtained by a rounding out of the cocoon cavity, and some superfluous chips always occupy the base of the cocoon and occasionally other portions, a trace of silk lines the cavity, and is more abundant at the base, where the chrysalis entangles its anal spines therein. No larval hairs are to be found on the cast skin, or anywhere in the cavity, except in the felt diaphragm closing its mouth. In emerging, the moth makes an inappreciable opening in this, which closes up elastically. In the inner cover there is sometimes a small circular lid, at others a triradial slit. The pupa (PI. IV., fig. i), length 20-22 mm., wings 11, abdomen g, width 5 mm. to 5th segment, then wider, 6 mm. to gth segment, then tapering to apex. Projection of spiracles marked. Colour blackish-brown, with darker dorsal line, and paler beneath ; wings and legs transparent, dark green nervures distinct as raised ribs on the wing cases. The two hairs at antennal base very minute, wings meet at end of proboscis, separate again, just showing tips of hinder legs. The anal armature is a boss somewhat flattened from above downwards, forming a thin semicircular margin, round the edge of which the ventral hooks are tolerably regularly distributed as a corona, eight in number on each side, the two terminal ones being more important and finely curved in a lyre shape, and the two nearest the base being one above the other. The lower surface of the boss is flattened, the upper rather domed, carrying the two dorsal hooks, projecting upwards, slightly backwards, and also with a double lyre-shaped curve. The boss is dorsally finely wrinkled and pitted, margined above by a transverse depression, above which again is a small rounded wrinkled boss ; a special raised line or wrinkle passes down from the transverse groove, between the bases of the dorsal hooks. The pitting of the general pupal surface is only marked along the anterior dorsal margins of the abdominal segments, and the intersegmental membrane is, as in the other species, finely shagreened. This species remains several years in pupa more frequently than any other, except inegacephnla, a third of a brood will often stay over the second year, and I have had several that emerged satisfactorily after a third winter. The protection which the full-grown larvae of Acronycta have 28 THE entomologist's record. from their enemies, owing to their special form and colouring, is a matter that, in its details, has very largely eluded me ; I have, in fact, seen very few Ctispidia in the wild state. Psi and tridens are usually conspicuous, but may be otherwise in many circumstances ; strigosa no doubt closely assimilates to a haw- thorn leaf with a bit of brown dead leaf or twig. But, except in the case of leporina, I have made no observations that are either new or very definite. But in this case, so odd is the mimicry, and so unlikely to be thought of, except by having actually observed it in the field, that it is very likely that some other species have unsuspected means of protection or conceal- ment. My observations were made and repeated a good many times on the green, white-haired form occurring on alder ; this larva sits somewhat curled round, near the middle of the under- side of a leaf. Looking down from above it is absolutely hidden^ looking up from beneath it ought to be very evident, but this is far from being the case. I have several times missed a larva till I have looked three or four times, and have also fancied I saw a larva when none was there. In looking up from below through the foliage of an alder tree, most of the lower leaves are in the shade of the upper ones, but here and there a gleam of light falls through on to a portion of a leaf, and gives it quite a different tone and appearance, as seen from beneath. A larva of leporina seated beneath an unilluminated leaf, precisely resembles one of these patches. Mr. Poulton thinks the larva gets protection by resembling a cocoon, though I fancy a bird would attack the cocoon as readily as the larva ; an ichneumon might be deceived, or at least if deceived, would leave the cocoon alone, and there is a chalcididous parasite that plays great havoc amongst leporina. This may, therefore, for all I know, be the actual means of protection of the yellow larva, that is more frequent on birch and in the north, though I rather fancy that, curled up under a birch leaf, and occupying nearly its whole surface, it more nearly resembles a dead yellow leaf or two with some spinning attaching them to the living leaf, such as Asphalia flavicornis, for instance, and other larvae often leave in great numbers on some birch trees, and the black tufts that sometimes persist in this form, resemble bits of frass and other dark chips that are entangled in such vacated lodgings. It would not perhaps be altogether improper to call such empty domiciles, cocoons, though they are not usually included in the term. I have never myself been mistaken, so far as I know, by passing over THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. 29 leporina on birch, certainly I have never taken anything else for leporina, though I have not unfrequently found the full- grown larva at rest on birch. My difficulty in accepting Mr. Poulton's hypothesis is, that the protection on alder is cer- tainly by a very different resemblance, whilst on birch, I can call to mind no cocoon that it is at all like ; indeed the only one at the right season is that of Ennomos tiliaria, to which leporina larva bears no resemblance. An Orgyia antiqua cocoon might occur, but is not common on birch, nor has it the right tint. In any case leporina presents a marked instance of a dimorphous larva, each form being suited to different circum- stances and almost certainly for purposes of concealment. The dimorphism of the adult larva wants further investiga- tion as to its geographical distribution, and I shall be glad to hear, from as many localities as possible, as to which form is found, and under what circumstances. As far as my present nformation goes, I regard the white as a southern, the yellow as a northern form, but I also associate the white with alder, the yellow with birch. This may result from the circumstance that here I usually capture the white form on alder, rarely on birch. In Scotland I used always to take the yellow form freely on birch, rarely on alder. I do not know that alder is more common in the south and birch in the north, as an actual botanical fact, both being fairly common everywhere, but certainly they have that relationship in the habitats of leporina in which I have hunted. As a basis to elicit further information I may say, that somewhere about Cheshire or Lancashire the white form gives place to the yellow. Does the white extend further north on the east coast ? What form occurs in Wales and Ireland ? Especially information would be interesting from any locality where both forms occur with equal frequency. The moths from the two forms cross readily, and, in one brood at least, the resulting larvae were the most richly coloured I have seen, and preserved the black tufts more freely into the last skin than any others I have met with. {To be continued.) Dr. Chapman's query, re the forms of the larvae of this species, which was published in the last number {ante. p. ig), should have been inserted with this part of the paper. — Ed.^ 30 THE entomologist's record. §|URRENT NOTES. Last year I appealed to our subscribers to support the issue of a " Special Index " to the Record, on scientific grounds. Every copy was sold, and an "Index" to Vol. I. is a desideratum. May I appeal for the support of all our subscribers to that for Vol. II.? It is disappointing when subscribers, who can well afford it, will not support anythmg that is not an aid to the " mere collector." The yournal of the Society of Arts, for June 12th, 1891, price 6d., should be obtained from George Bell & Sons, York Street, Covent Garden, by every entomologist who is interested in the economic branch of our subject. The paper in it is entitled " History and description of the growing uses of Tussur Silk," by Thomas Wardle, F.C.S., F.G.S., and contains 44 pp. and 36 wood cuts. Mr. F. DuCane Godman, F.R.S., has been re-elected President of the London Ent. Soc. ; Mr. J. A. Clark, F.E.S., re-elected President of the City of London Ent. Soc. ; Mr. C. G. Barrett, F.E.S., elected President of the South London Ent. Soc. ; whilst Mr. S. J. Capper, F.L.S., has been re-elected (for the fifteenth time, we believe) President of the Lancashire and Cheshire Society. The Report of the Lancashire Soc. shows a deficit, and the Sec. expresses a hope that members, who have not paid their annual sub- scription, will pay up and square matters. This condition of indebted ness of entomologists to their societies, is a great drawback to our work, and generally the offenders are not the members who can least afford to pay. Frequently members, who hold high position in one society, are in arrears in another. The official position of such members is much to be regretted, as there is no doubt that they seek position for notoriety, rather than from a love of our subject. The voting for Vice-President of the South London Ent. Soc. ended in a tie between Messrs. Fenn and South. Mr. South was elected (as the nominee of the Council) by the casting vote of the President. Mr. South, who was not nominated as an ordinary member of the Council, therefore, only just retained his seat. Mr. J. E. Robson, F.E.S., of Hartlepool, Editor of The British Naturalist, comes to London on February iSth, to read a paper on " The Hepialidse," at the City of London meeting of that date. All entomologists are cordially invited to 33, Finsbury Square, and it is earnestly hoped that a large attendance will be present to welcome him. The London Ent. Soc. have determined to drop their meetings in July, August and September, and will hold two meetings in February, March and April, on the second and fourth Wednesdays in those months. The meeting in May will be on the second Wednesday, in the other months on the first Wednesday. Mr. F. DuCane Godman regrets the possibility of less scientific work being done in the immediate future, owing to the gathering of large collections in Museums, where there is less chance of the wealthy amateur, with leisure, devoting so much attention to his subject as with a private collection in his own home. Certainly very little useful work is done in Museums. But it appears to us, that the breaking up of our work, so that men become Hesperidists, Pieridists etc., and ignore other branches, is more likely to reduce the sum total of pure scientific work, CURRENT NOTES. 31 apart from the mechanical process of the determination of species, which di/etia?iti entomologists appear to delight in. When these wealthy entomologists spare a few shillings in support of general ento- mological work, as apart from their own particular hobby, an impetus will be given to entomology, and the suggested retrograde movement will vanish. It would be interesting, for example, to know what steps, direct or indirect, the President of the London Ent. Soc, one of his Vice-Presidents, and at least two or three other members of his Council, take to further the study of British entomology. Dr. Carlier has published a most interesting " List of the Macro- lepidoptera of Balerno, Midlothian " (with notes), in the January number of The A?inals of Scottish Natural History, with which is now incorporated The Scottish Naturalist. To those of our readers who are general naturalists, the lecture in "Curiosities of Bird Life," by R. Bowdler Sharpe, LL.D., F.L.S. etc.. at Steinway Hall, 15, Lower Seymour Street, Portman Square, on February 24th, at 8.30 p.m., should prove interesting. Mr. South, in the British Naturalist, comes down heavily on Dr. Mason's statement, which I used as a quotation in the Record, vol. ii., p. 267, and says : — "The words would never have been uttered by any- one who was acquainted with the facts of the case." Mr. Souih's re- marks prove that he is the only interested person who knows nothing of the subject on which he is writing, as he suggests (i) that the name of couflua is a M.S. name, which it is not; (2) that Boisduval knew nothing of Icelandic specimens, which he did, as he and Guenee gave " Iceland" as one of the two known localites in the Noctuelles in 1852 \ (3) that Dr. Staudinger first found and wrote about couflua in Iceland in 1857, which the publication of the Iceland locality by Boisduval and Guenee, in 1852, shows is equally erroneous. Mr. South's remarks would be interesting if they were not so very inaccuiate. Dr. Chapman contributes a most interesting paper on the " Ovipo- sition of Adela viridella," in the E.M.M. He appears to have deter- mined satisfactorily that the egg is laid in the midrib of an oakleaf (underneath), the midrib being pierced by the ovipositor, the time occupied being from 20 to 25 seconds. He supposes that as soon as hatched the larva falls to the ground, and that the larval life is passed there. Herr Hoffman says that " Ainphidasys betularia ab. doubledayaria is spreading all over the Continent. During the last five or six years it has been recorded from near Hanover (i^^), from Dordrecht and Grave (Netherlands) ; from Gotha, Thuringia ; from Melle, near Osnabriick ; from Aachen, from Rheydt, near Dusseldorf; from Eutin, Holstein." {E.M.M., p. 48). A most important paper on Coleoptera, entitled "The Coccinellidje," will be read by Mr. G. A. Lewcock, at the meeting of the City of London Society on March 3rd. Mr. Coste, who originated in his own mind an idea that Mr. Cockerell believed the genetic relationship of colours in insects was yellow, white and red, after writing several pages to disprove what only existed in his own mind, has written another page to say that he is " glad to learn Mr. Cockerell now agrees with him," etc., when Mr. Cockerell has denied most emphatically that he had ever supposed the genetic relation to be in the direction Mr. Coste criticises. 3?. THE entomologist's RECORD. Mr. J. B. Hodgkinson proposes naming a Cokophoron allied to fuscedinella — metalliceUa. Dr. Wood, however, has not yet given an opinion on their distinctness. The City of London Entomological Society has appointed a literary Committee, who are drawing up a Fauna list for the district comprised in a ten miles radius from Charing Cross. The Lepidoptera and Coleoptera will first be dealt with ; but lists of other orders are solicited. The work is already in hand, and Dr. Buckell, 32, Canonbury Square, N., is anxious to receive lists or communications relating thereto, from all entomologists (members of the Society or otherwise) interested in the Fauna of the London district. Mr. R. H. Meade reduces Exorista purens, Rud., and E. promtnens, Mgn., to varietal rank, considering both varieties of E. vulgaris {E.M.M., p. 20). The Annual Dinner of the South London Society took place on February gth. It was a very successful gathering. A series of photographs, with a short account of our leading ento- mologists, is appearing in the British Naturalist. Those of Lord Walsingham and Mr. H. T. Stainton have been already published. Mr. Theobald, B.A., F.E.S., writing of Stylopized Bees, considers : — (i) The ? Sty lops gains its nourishment from its host by osmosis, and this causes the alimentary canal, in part, to become abnormal. (2) The abnormal canal is forced upon the sexual organs, and renders them, in whole or part, abortive. (3) That the ova and spermatozoa are not generally present in infected imagos. {E.M.M., p. 42). Dr. Sharp {E.M.M.), says that the. specimen oi yEcanthus pellucens, taken by Mr. Haworth, by which Mr. Shaw gave the species a place in the British Orthoptera, was stated by Westwood, long ago, to have been misnamed, and that the species is, therefore, not a British insect. ^OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. The Pterophorina.i — ^\-^q. Pterophorina, or " plumes " are now generally considered to be an aberrant group of the Pvralid^, but so distinct are they in appearance and structure, that they will probably be always considered as a separate family. Their fragile appearance makes them look difficult to manipulate, and hence many collectors will not study them. This appearance is deceptive, and no group is easier to pin and set than the " plumes." They should always be killed with ammonia, because of the importance of the legs being set, and ammonia leaves ihem very flaccid after death. The specimens are apt to verdigris, and so black pins should always be used. Most of the species are abundant where they occur, ^though very local ; a itw are very rare, but any active collector may get a large number of species his first season, especially in the South of England. Under the Doubleday arrange- ment the family was divided into three genera — Agdistis, Pterophoriis, and Alucita, the first and last genera containing only one British species each. Herr Wallengren first sub-divided the unwieldy genus Pterophorus naturally, and his sub-divisions are generally accepted. Quite recently, ' Abstractor a paper read at the City of London Entomological Society, January 2ist, 1S92. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 33 Mr. Meyrick has attempted a new subdivision based on the neuration. One or two of his alterations are satisfactory, especially his use of Trichoptilus, Wlsm., and his new genus Marasmarcha. His alterations in nomenclature are absolutely useless and unnecessary, as there was no question in any one's mind about the use of the existent names, and his whole system, based as it is on one variant feature of the imago, viz., neuration, is as valueless for stable characters for classification, as was the original classification of all moths by Linnaeus by the antennae. No one character is of use alone, and no characters based on the imagines alone, without a most intimate knowledge of the earlier stages, will ever give us a stable and natural system of classification. The Wallengren arrangement, with but slight modifications, will be used in the table that follows these preliminary notes. The structure of the wings of the species is variable. Those of Chrysocorys and Agdistis are uncleft. The wings of Alucita hexadacfyla are each divided into six plumules, whilst in all the other genera, the fore-wings are divided into two lobes, the hind wings into three plumules. The rarest species are Oxyptilus hieracii and Pselnophonis brac/iydactylus, their right to be considered as British species having frequently been questioned. C?icBmidophoriis rhododactylus has been almost exterminated by thoughtless collectors in its old haunts at Chattenden, whilst Platyptilia isodactylus has recently been bred in some numbers by Mr. Eustace Bankes, after having been very rare for many years. The two broods of P. gonodadyla feed differ- ently, the spring brood in the flower stalks of Tussilago farfara, and the second on the leaves of the same plant. The close brotherhood of Aiiddyptilia acayiihodactyla and puuctidactyla is very remarkable, espe- cially their similar habits, etc. Oxyptilus distans and O. Icetiis are now recognised as seasonably dimorphic forms of the same species ; O. piloselia;, after many years' absence, has recently been taken near Dover by Mr. Sydney Webb. It is also very strange that our O. heierodadyla [teucrii) is not known on the Continent. Do the Continental lepidop- terists (at any rate in part) call this species hieracii ? The capture of Trichopiiliis paluduni in Yorksliire in 1891 is rather remarkable. Can this possibly be the allied siceliota ? A species of Platyptilia has recently occurred on ragwort in Aberdeenshire and in Cumberland, closely allied to P. pallidactyla. Will it turn out to be this latter species, or is it something new to science ? A small form of P. monodactyla, as was supposed by Mr. C. G. Barrett, was taken by me on Wicken Fen this year in July. In superficial appearance it is more like Leioplilus, and its specific identity is open to question. These and many other puzzles have yet to be worked out by those who are attracted to study this interesting family. The larvae of the " plumes " are generally hairy, and their methods of feeding very diverse, sometimes boring into the stems of plants, sometimes enclosing themselves in flowers, and sometimes feeding on leaves. The pupae are also generally hairy, and attached by their anal segments, or otherwise spin a slight web in which to pupate. Many of the imagines hybernate, and of other of our species it is un- certain in what stage they pass the winter. The following table may be of service to those who have not previously worked at the " plumes." It gives some of the most important particulars relating to the insects in their various stages. The Roman numerals relate to the months of the year : — C AO^ F 05 K 5; ^ — --^ d .a -3 (^. « ^ .a Itii:i|4i|ll^ -rilHiiP IlitJI S S |^^«'^t.~ S S :«:| S; « -^^^ «S S § 5 a; ;, § -S ^ < • t/5«-** -•t/i'tn^^ :c:::: ::t^'.-S(u::::::::::::::::::: tyj^d : ^ ; S <" "c : : ::: r^ :: 6 :::::::::: : bi)-75:c?: '?=35„>:,c!:W):ur:u-^ - «; : : ^ : ^3 : 2 ■" > H hJ « : < 'S ■ U 0 ►J 0 0 ^ c 2 r^ S Oco ._ ::a > .- > .S;!.^? > > > > > ...-:=, I :l=. >?->?•>>>>>>>•>>■>>>•>. >>>>>?»> > ._ ;>>>>>>>>>•. S >>>>>. > > > > . >>•>>>>;.> ^ -^ .ris :5 -la-r:; ■5 '^ -s >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>?»> i.k ^ :•? ^l: "Ss a "^ ■ 5 -S ^ ■::' ^ ^ ^ jo., ^3 '^ :►« ^ a II ^?5 -^ :s 3 -^ ^ -^ a ,1 , s; g" 1-3 'I ~ « - ■ ^ ^ . :-S a^-S^ ,.13 ?^^.s ?„^ ■^ 5 S'-^ ii '■;; ^ll||i "§ -3 ^ ■&>•> « • '^"S ? a " '^5 ^^ -^-S u ^ 'is ^ lS of their species, and the so-called scientists in America are gcncrnlly museum species-namers — not biologists. SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 51 sexually, and I know at least one species in which Ragonot places the sexes of the same species in different genera. The Linn^ean system of antennal classification is a distinct advance on this, although most of the male NoctU/E with pectinated antennae were called Bombyces, and their females were placed elsewhere, but once the fact was recognised that this sexual variation occurred, there was less muddle than can possibly exist under this system. The Neuropterists, Orthopterists, etc., back up the neuration system. But why ? Because they know nothing of the earlier stages of the insects they study, and are obliged to adopt some superficial character to aid them in determination. This is quite right. Names are a means to an end, and until the actual affinities are known, some such arbitrary attempt at classification must be adopted, whilst each successive potterer at an artificial scheme fondly hopes that his will turn out to be a final and everlasting method of arrangement to be adopted by everyone. But Lepidopterists are not in the condition of the collectors of these orders. Some of us do know enough of the earlier stages of our species to get a fair guide as to a natural classifi- cation. Then what I ask is — why should we be bound down by the opinions of so-called scientists who study collections and fondly hope they are studying nature, who build up a house of cards of artificial and arbitrary arrangements, and see the law of order peeping out to their enlightened intelligences ? Let our museum people name speci- mens and describe them. This is their natural work, because it is the only one for which they have the slightest training ; but for goodness' sake let our biologists classify. I incidentally remarked at the meeting of the Society that the earlier stages should be used as the only means of " natural classification," and was informed that the larvje also varied according to their environment. What innocence ! Fancy a larva varying structurally owing to environment. Did my informant imagine, I wonder, that if I put a Noctua larva in water it would suddenly develop gills ? I am sorry to write this in connection with a paper written by a man whom I believe to be one of the hardest workers we have, but I believe his efforts are entirely misdirected, and I must raise my voice in opposition to the funds of the Society being spent on such papers as these. If the paper be worth anything let Mr. Meyrick bring it out at his own expense and on his own authority, but I do object, as a Fellow of the Entomological Society, that these papers should go forth, with the approval of the Entomological Society of London stamped on the face of them. I do not suppose for one moment that the views of a Fellow outside the Council will weigh with some of the members of the Council who have acted as censors of the Transactions for years, and will probably continue to do so, and who will perhaps feel hurt at the outspoken expression of an usually silent Fellow, at any rate so far as their Society is concerned. — J. W. Tutt. February, 1892. Moisture Experiment. — I made, last spring, a small experiment as to the effect of almost continuous dampness on larvre. I placed three dozen small larvae of Arctia caja and the same number of A. villica under a large hand-light in a cold greenhouse, and kept the atmosphere under the light constantly moist, except for half-an-hour each day when the light was tilted, for the purpose of allowing the accumulated moisture to run off the glass, and to give the larvai air, and also to dry the food which I had growing in pots, and which consisted of dock, dead-nettle, 52 THE entomologist's record. groundsel and chickweed. Under this somewhat heroic treatment the whole of the caja larvae gradually died off, one by one, but the villica did not do so badly — one or two were accidentally killed and others died — but finally twenty were full-fed and were then removed to an ordinary breeding cage to spin up and pupate. This they did with the exception of three, which died in the attempt. Five emerged cripples, but the remaining twelve were perfect insects — eleven of these did not differ from the ordinary form, but the twelfth turned out a rather curious var., smaller than the type and darker, with the light spots on the fore-wings much smaller than usual, and with a broad black band on the outer margin of the hind-wings, which extended about half-way up the wings, giving the whole insect a peculiar appearance. I have placed the specimen in the Exhibition box, so that my confreres of this basket may see it. — T. Maddison. January 2^tli, 1892. Morphology of the Lepidopterous Pup/E. — I have waited in • vain to see some reference made in the Entomological magazines to Mr. E. B. Poulton's paper, read before the Linnaean Society, on the above subject {lyans. Linn. Soc, vol. v., part 5, Aug., 1890). Is it possible that entomologists are still unaware that in the majority of cases discrimination of the sex of pupse is easy ? If they knew it, one would expect to see some notice of the fact in our entomological literature, as it would be a convenience, especially where one obtained pups for the purpose of pairing and breeding. — Geo. C. Griffiths, Clifton, Bristol. [I must own my complete ignorance of the existence of this paper, and must say that whilst we have a Society devoted entirely to matters entomological, the scattering of strictly entomological papers in the Transactions of the Zoological and Linntean Socieites is much to be deplored, as 99 out of 100 of the Fellows of these Societies are not entomologists, and many entomologists are not Fellows of these Societies. — Ed.] The Genus Hepialus.^ — Whilst I do not undervalue the study of the surface markings on the wings of lepidoptera, I think the habits, as well as the structure, are of at least equal importance, and perhaps, in some cases of even greater interest. But the "collection" we are desirous to make, is too often the item of first importance with us, and we study the habits and peculiarities only so far as they will help us to secure a fine series. Common species consequently receive but scant attention, and when in addition to being common, an insect is difficult or impossible to rear from its earlier stages, we get our series filled as satisfactorily as possible, and trouble ourselves no more about it. The " Swifts " come under these conditions ; the perfect insects are all common and easily obtained, but the larvae feed below the surface of the earth, — some of them for at least two years, — and they are so difficult to manage, that few, indeed, have succeeded in rearing them from the egg. It will be most orthodox if I begin my remarks with this earliest stage, the egg. These in all cases are dropped by the female among the herbage as she flies over it. Mr. Buckler mentions the fact in relation to velleda. " The eggs were scattered by the parent moth on the ground, amongst the stems of fern {Fieris aqnilina), during the month of June" {Larvce, etc, vol. ii., pp. 54-55). Of hecius he ^ Abstract of a paper read by Mr. J. E. Robson before the City of London Ent. Soc, February i8th, 1892. SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 53 says : — " The eggs are globular, small, and bluish black, and are laid by the $ over fern brakes towards the end of June " {I.e., vol. ii., p. 52). Mr. Hellins, in reference to huinuli, quotes Dr. Chapman {E.M.M., vol. xxiii., p. 164), as to the females "dropping their eggs loosely, and, if captured, continue to do so into the hand or into the box " {Larvcc, etc., vol. ii., p. 131). I have confirmed all these observations, and also that the same habit obtains with lupulinus and sylvimts. In connection with this habit, it should be noticed that the eggs are very small for the size of the insects, and when extended they are perfectly free from any adhesive substance. They consequently soon find their way down to the bottom of the herbage, and when the young larva emerges, it makes its way under the surface as quickly as possible. Though a female, captured whilst ovipositing, will continue to drop her eggs, she flutters her wings all the time as if still in flight, and it v/ould almost appear that she could not deposit them when at rest. The eggs of all the species are white or nearly so, when first extruded ; but in a very few hours they turn deep bluish-black. Mr. Hellins thinks it curious that the eggs of huinuli should turn black, as the young larva is white. If there was anything in this remark, it would apply with equal force to all the species ; but the fact is, that the change of colours is of the shell only, and has no connection at all with the larva within, for unimpreg- nated eggs change in exactly the same way. Mr. Buckler established the fact that hectus and velleda take two years to mature. In a letter to me, dated June 23rd, 1868, he says: — "I quite despair of rearing any Hepialus from the egg, because some of them, if not all, are two seasons in the larval condition, as I have proved with two species, but what these two are is just what I should hke to know ; — I believe hectus and velleda, — but, until I can produce the moths am not in a position to give their history." A week later, June 30th, 1868, he wrote : — " I am very much obliged to you for the eggs of hectus, but since I penned you my letter I have bred the moth from the larva I had figured, and I will here say that I never had any species so troublesome to manage, or such a trial of my patience. They were in perpetual motion, to coerce them was impossible, for they jumped and ran backward as rapidly as forward." He ^urther says : — "The other species, which I hope may prove to be velleda, certainly without the slightest doubt, do take two seasons to come to maturity, as full-fed larvae can be found, and others not more than a quarter, some one-third grown at the same time, and long before the earliest moth of the species could be out, and the little ones grow very slowly all through the summer and autumn of their second season. I have their history complete enough if I could only breed the moth ; but this season I have only one to depend on, and I fear the time is almost past for its emerging." The moth, however, was bred, and the history completed. The Rev. John Hellins, referring to huinuli, which he reared from eggs, sent him by Mr. Porritt and myself, says they began to haich on 24th July, were noticed on August 19th, September 13th, and October 26th, and "from the rate of growth observed at these dates, I am inclined to think that one year would suffice for the whole life of these species, the larval stage lasting from August till the next May; but, of course, I cannot speak positively" {Larvce, vol. ii., p. 131). I had considerable personal experience with larvce oi huinuli 54 THE entomologist's record. some years ago, and have dug up hundreds of them, but they were always ahke in size at the same season. I never found some full- grown, and some a third or quarter-grown, at the same time. Of the other too, lupuUniis and sylvimis, I can find no observations recorded ; but the little knowledge I have of the former species, leads me to the conclusion, that, like hutnuli, it passes through all its changes in a single year. Sylvinus larvae I never had. The larvae of all the species feed on roots and underground stems ; but I scarcely think they are exclusively confined to a single plant. Buckler gives bracken {Fteris aqiiilind) only, as the food of hectus and velleda, and I never found either where bracken did not abound. Owen Wilson, however, adds dandelion root as a food of hecius ; and it seems a very likely thing for it to feed on. Dock is the only food named by Buckler for sylvinus ; but I have taken it freely where there is certainly no dock near. Owen Wilson adds dandelion and sorrell. I am disposed to think it must eat bracken also. I have found larvse of humuli at roots of dead-netttle, and in the creeping root of bog-mint. Owen Wilson gives burdock, hop, daffodil, dock, musk-thistle, black horehound, and stinging-nettle. It probably feeds on many others. For lupjilimis, Wilson gives white dead-nettle, daffodil, black horehound, and plaintain. This larva most certainly feeds on others than these. Mr. Buckler speaks of the great aversion from light evinced by the larva of hecius, and the rapid efforts it makes to hide itself. Humuli larvcX, though awkward and clumsy in their movements, and without the great activity displayed by those of hectus, are equally quick to conceal themselves, and easily penetrate tolerably stiff soil. The larvse of all the species, whether they live one year or two, feed up in the spring, and when mature they approach the surface, and form a loose cocoon in which the long yellow- brown pupa can move about with great ease, wriggling and twisting itself up and down by means of projecting knobs or teeth on the rings of the abdomen. It is curious to see the pupa of lupuliiiiis so move itself, for the cocoon is a long silken tube in which the pupa works itself in either direction and with considerable celerity. When about to emerge they press through the cocoon, and through the surface of the earth. I have seen the empty pupa cases of lupuliiius sticking in considerable numbers from the surface of a track that had been trodden quite hard. Hectus is said to pupate under leaves, or amongst moss. I never found the pupa. We now reach the perfect insects, and it is to these the greatest interest attaches. Perhaps the most unusual thing in connection with them, is that not one of them has ever been called by any other name except that in ordinary use.^ The most the "resurrection men " have been able to do for them is to make hectus into hecta, and lupulitius into lupulina. What pleasure, therefore, to speak of insects by names that everyone knows ! No doubt, the very distinct characters of each have contributed to this, for the merest tyro can never make a mistake about any of the species, or take a " Swift " for anything else. It is, therefore, quite unnecessary that I should attempt to differentiate the species or describe their markings, though I shall have something to say ^ Sylvinus was called hamma by Hiibner and Freyer, lupulina by Hiibner, and flina by Esper. Hccta was called jodtitta by Esp. , ne/norosa by Esper, Jlina by Geyer. — Ed. SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 55 about some of the markings further on. The marked peculiarities of the perfect insects are the long slender abdomina, the long pointed wings not overlapping at the base, and the extremely short antennae. But the first thing to attract notice in this group is the vibratory, pen- dulum-like flight of the male Imniidi, which may be seen in the early twilight of a summer evening, swinging leisurely backwards and forwards, as if it had nothing else to do. It seems always to have been accepted that this oscillating flight had something to do with the opposite sex, and a theory was long held that there was a female concealed in the herbage below, and that his motions were made in the desire to attract her notice, much, I suppose, as the males of certain birds and other animals strut and posture to gain the favours of their lady love. Many a fruitless search have I made to discover the hidden female. The slight changes of position he sometimes makes, were assumed to be the result of her motions below, and I have over and over again tried to follow these changes, thinking I should thus be guided to her. The male is generally so intent upon what he is doing, that you may stand close to him. But my search was always in vain, the solution escaped me for many years, and even when Dr. Chapman solved the problem, and recorded as long ago as 1876 {E.AI.M., vol. xiii., p. 63) the meaning of this exposed hovering, I, unfortunately, overlooked the record. Accident at length revealed the secret. I was passing through an uncultivated field where humidi was unusually abundant. Stopping for a moment to watch them, I saw a female fly to one of the oscillating males, which immediately followed her down. For a moment I did not comprehend what I had seen, but another female rose, and I noticed this time that one came in actual contact with the male, which also flew down after her, and, when I found them on the herbage, they were already paired. Before I left the field I had seen this repeated again and again, and had not the slightest doubt of the meaning of the peculiar motions of the male. This, subsequent observations have fully confirmed. The male humuli flies in this conspicuous manner that the female may see him, and his light colour very greatly assists this. Dr. Chapman, in recording what he had seen, expressed the opinion that it must have been noticed before, and, really, when you have once seen it, you cannot help thinking as he did, that it must have been observed long ago. The flight of the female at this time is, as he pointed out, very different from her flight when she is dropping her eggs over the herbage, and which, so far as I have seen, is always done later in the evening. There is another matter connected with the flight of humuli that has not, I believe, been recorded. That is, the fact that when several males are flying in close proximity, they amuse themselves by bumping together much as flies do around our curtain fringes. I had noticed this once or twice previously, but merely thought they were flying rather close together, and accidentally came in contact ; but last summer I convinced myself that it was no accident, but that they were really at play, I was on the railway side endeavouring to take Acidalia subsericeata, when I noticed two male humuli flying together. I stood and watched them for some time, noticing that they occasionally came in actual contact, but not attaching any meaning to the act ; presently, a third male appeared a few feet away. It quickly drew near the other two and then joined them, all flying close together, and two, or some. 56 THE entomologist's record. times all three bumping together and then swinging off again. Then a fourth came down from the top of the bank and joined in the game. They were so intent upon it they allowed me to stand so close that I could have touched them with my hand. At last I netted the four at a single stroke, and, immediately repenting I had disturbed them, I turned them out of the net. One flew away, but the other three actually returned to their play, and I left them there. Sometimes only two would collide, often three, but generally before they parted all four would be in close proximity if not in actual contact. They were rather clumsy, and it seemed as if they needed to swing backwards and for- wards once or twice before they could steady themselves sufficiently to direct their flight as they wished. Before I leave this species I would call attention to the fact that it is the only one of our " Swifts " in which the sexes differ in a very marked degree,^ and, also, that the males occuring in the Shetland Islands, known as var. hethlajidica, are much more like the female than the ordinary form. So long ago as 1865, Dr. Knaggs called attention to the peculiar form hunmli assumed in these Islands {Ent. Ann., 1865, p. 98), but little notice was taken of the matter, and it was not until Mr. Meek's collector, some years later, brought a large number of these extraordinary specimens home, and they became generally distributed in our collections, that we began generally to understand what it was to which our attention had been directed. Some said that in these remote Islands the male had assumed the markings of the female, but another explanation of the phenomenon is more probable. All our British species of Hepiabis are similar in character of markings except male hunmli, which (except these varieties) is without markings entirely. This indicates descent from one ancestor, and it is more than probable that the sexes of hunmli once resembled each other, as do the sexes of the other species. The female flying to the male by sight would always see the paler specimens best. Thus, the lighter the colour of the males, or the more silver there was about them, the more conspicuous would they be, and, therefore, more likely to secure partners and produce a lighter or more silvery offspring. This would go on year after year, the silvery markings increasing in extent in the course of generations, until a perfectly white male was produced as we see it now, solely by " natural selection." In the extreme north, where there is longer daylight at midsummer than with us, the female would be able to see better than in our dim twi- light, and the paler males would have less advantage. The process of selection, therefore, would be slower, and as the darker males, as Lord Walsingham has shown, would develop more rapidly, still tending to delay the evolution of the perfectly white male. {To be continued.) Variation. Variation in Midlothian Lepidoptera. — Spilosomafuliginosa, L. — I have only taken a few specimens of this insect, one of which, captured on June i6th, 1888, had a perfect, though diminutive, left upper wing. Mr. W. Evans has also taken them in the bog. Panolis piniperda, ^ I have always looked on H. sylviims as presenting very marked sexual dimor- phism.— Ed. VARIATION, 57 Panz. — During April and May, 1888, this insect was so common on the fir trees of the wood, that Dr. Northcote and myself captured over 100 specimens, varying in tint from bright orange red to greenish-brown or black. Lately it has been less abundant. It has also been taken by Mr. Wilson, Mr. Evans, and is mentioned by Lowe and Logan, Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc, vol. i., p. 3. Odontopera bidentata, Clerck. A very common insect in Bavelaw Wood, usually hidden behind the rugosities of the bark of Scotch fir trees ; many specimens show a melanotic ten- dency. Recorded both by Mr. Evans and Mr. Wilson. Larentia viri- daria^ Fb. [pectinitaria, Fues. ; f/iiaria, Bork., Sta). Very common in the wood during July, the specimens varying much in intensity of colour. Taken also by Dr. Northcote, Mr. Evans and Mr. Wilson. Eupithecia satyrata, Hb. — Larvje of this species, common on the flowers of scabious, on Balerno Moor, August 4th, 1884, and August nth, 1885. Mr. Wilson found the larvae of var. callunaria, Stgr., common on scabious on Bavelaw Moor, September 14th, 1856, and again on September 5th, 1858. — E. W. Carlier {Annals of Scot. Nat. Hist., pp. 42-45)- Vanessa urtic^ var. — I have a specimen of V. urficce, which I believe to be the same form as that mentioned by Mr. Sharp in The Entomologisf s Record {ante, p. 8). All the markings, which in the typical specimens are yellow, are in this quite white. It was taken in a field at Bognor, about the middle of July, 1886. — R. C. Baton, 21, Hopton Road, Streatham, S.W. January i^th, 1892. Hvbernia progemmaria var. fuscata. — In the exhibition box, I have placed an extreme specimen of H. progemmaria. It is many shades darker than so-c^Wo.'di fuscata. I should fancy it a near approach to those obtained in Yorkshire by Mr. Porritt. I obtained the specimen last spring at Warrington, with half-a-dozen others of nearly the same intensity, together with ordinary specimens of \?a. fuscata. — J. Collins. February ist, 1892. [This male is as dark as the darkest Barnsley males, but not so dark as females obtained by Mr. Porritt, which are absolutely black. — Ed.] Variation of Arctia plantaginis, etc. — In Aberdeenshire we find A.plantaginis everywhere on waste ground, from the sea-side to the tops of our highest mountains. From the sea-level to a little over 1,500 feet, typical specimens only are to be got, with an occasional aberration; from 1,500 to 2,500 feet every intermediate form between the type and var. hospita occurs ; while over 2,500 feet one can only get liospita. While at Braemar with Mr. Maddison last July, we got type, inter- mediate varieties and hospita on the mountains, and it was curious to note how the type was gradually replaced by the variety as we ascended the hill slopes. A great part of our collecting was accomplished at over 3,000 feet elevation, and at this height it was not rare to see hospita careering over the broken ground, where its colours harmonised most remarkably with the grey rocks and lichens, and it was a very difficult matter to keep them in sight for any length of time, but a little lower down the hill side we succeeded better, where we had the heather for a background. My total catch was seven good hospita, several intermediate and typical forms, and a few of all the different varieties, which may be said to have been in the wars, for they were in a very tattered condition. Intermediate forms with the superior wings c 68 THE entomologist's record. Jwspita and the inferior wings typical ate not rare, but one I captured had the superior wings typical and inferior wings with a pure white ground colour, a very pretty variety indeed. Had we been able to devote more time to this species we might have done more with the varieties, but Zygcena exulajis was the special insect for which we went to Braemar, and although we worked very hard for them my captures only reached about fifty, while Mr. Maddison's were even less. While here, I also turned up another species which proved exceedingly scarce, viz., Crambus furcatellus, of which I only secured about half-a-dozen. — Wm. Reid, Pitcaple. A. PLANTAGiNis VAR, HOSPiTA — I ncver saw this form in the Lowlands. I have enclosed in the exhibition box three females of plantaginis with smoky, yellow and rosy undervvings, and would like to know if the same forms occur in the south. — A. Horne, Aberdeen. Var. of Noctua festiva. — I captured last July at sugar a striking and distinctly marked var. of this protean species. It is of an uniform reddish-ochreous colour, with the stigmata inconspicuous, but with the transverse lines (half, inner and elbowed lines) strongly marked in blackish. There is also an absence of transverse shades, which serve to make the black lines show up more clearly. The pronounced transverse lines on an uniform reddish-ochreous ground, with the faintly outlined stigmata, and absence of transverse shades, make the insect a very pretty one. The specimen has been favourably commented on by the members of one of the baskets belonging to the " Record Exchange Club." — J. Collins, Warrington. [The specimen is a very strangely coloured one, I have not seen another like it. — Ed.] Current notes. It is probable that the old Cambridge Entomological Society will be resuscitated. It is rather a disgrace that one of our Universities, which were previously the centres of Entomological Science, should be so hopelessly behindhand now. In the last number of the Ent. Record, p. 33, I wrote : — " It is also very strange that our Oxyptilus heterodactyla {teucrit) is not known on the Continent. Do the Continental lepidopterists, at any rate in part, call this species hieraciiV The suggestion soon proved true, for whilst looking over some type-specimens of Pterophori in Mr. Briggs' collection, which had come from Dr. Staudinger, I immediately detected two heterodactyla which had been sent to him for hieracii, Zell. The second volume of T/ie British IVoctucs and their Varieties has now, we believe, been sent to all subscribers. If any have not yet received them, we should be pleased to hear. We should also be pleased if those gentlemen, who still owe for Vol. I., sent out last May, and who have not yet acknowledged its receipt, would do so. Mr. Leonard S. Sellon kindly informs us that the woods about Sils- Maria, mentioned in The Record, vol. ii., p. 268, are about 6,500 ft., and not 5,500 ft, as there stated. The village is 6,000 ft. Mr. H. Goss deserves the thanks of field-naturalists in general, for the determined stand he has made against the War Office annexing 800 acres of the New Forest. Of course, this 800 is only likely to be a first instalment. CURRENT NOTES. 59 Mr. South seems to be mixing the study of Vertebrata with En- tomology. Last month, he found one of those continuously recurrent developments, known as "a mare's nest," relating to Noctua confiiia, Tr. This month a similar development appears to have been dis- covered relating to a Continental species called Luperina nickerlii, Frr. Mr. Robson received a very hearty welcome at the City of London Society's meeting on Feb. i8th, and read a most interesting paper on "The Genus HepialusT Among other visitors, we noticed Mrs. Bazett, F.E.S., Miss Kimber, F.E.S., Messrs. G. T. Porritt, F.L.S., F.E.S., R. Adkin, F.E.S., A. Robinson, B.A., F.E.S., and many of our leading London lepidopterists. Mr. G. Ehsha, F.E.S., has just concluded, in The British Naturalist, the best series of " Practical Hints " for each month in the year ever published for micro-lepidopterists. A paper on " Coleoptera from Central China and the Korea '' has just commenced in the Entomologist. The portrait of Mr. S. J, Capper, F.L.S., appears in the current number of The British Naturalist. He is well-known as the father of the Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society. Mr. South's probable error in naming certain larvx from Notts, as those of Apamea ophiogram?7ia, which we pointed out in our "Current Notes," vol. ii., p. 277, has been referred to by Mr. W. H, Harwood, who supposes that the larvae are those of A. unanimis, a surmise which appears very probably correct. The attention of London collectors is again directed to the notice of the City of London Entomological Society, re the compilation of the fauna list, which they have in preparation. The Hampshire Field Club Papers for the year contain, among a large number of most interesting papers, "The Lepidoptera of Hampshire, Pt. V., Tineina," by the Rev. A. C. Hervey. Mr. S. E. Cassino, 832, Exchange Bldg., Boston, Mass., U.S.A., is publishing an lnter7iational Naturalists' Directory and solicits the names and addresses of British Naturalists. What an active condition Entomology must be in ! Mr. Reid collects again, by subscription, in Scotland, and Mr. W. Salvage also intends working Sutherlandshire and Inverness. I believe the Shet- lands also are to be worked. Both Messrs. Reid and Salvage want a few subscribers to complete. Another of our best private collections, that of Mr. R. E. Sahvey, comes under the hammer this month. The specimens are in first class condition, and contain some remarkably good forms. We would call the attention of our micro-lepidopterists to Mr. Head's advertisement this month. It is with the greatest regret that we have to record the death of that ardent entomologist Henry \V. Bates, F.R.S., on February i6th. The Naturalist on the Amazons was his most extensive, though by no means his only published work. I was very much disappointed to find that the specimen recorded by Mr, C. G. Barrett from Howth {E.M.M., p. 48), "as an exact repre- sentative of the darker Shetland variety," was not N conflua at all, but N. f estiva \3ir. grisea. It was, at the Lond. Ent. Soc. Meeting, com- 60 THE entomologist's record. pared with N. confltia var. obsoleta, to which it, of course, bears a super ficial resemblance, owing to them being parallel varieties. Mr. Fenn at the meeting- suggested that " the removal of the dark scales between the stigmata, tended to make it look like the Shetland examples." ^OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. Winter Notes. — Pitcaple, N.B. — As I still want a few pupse of Viviinia viyricce for my correspondents, I went out one day and in a it^ hours picked up a dozen ; the snow was very deep and the cold intense, so I had to give it up. This is the only collecting I have attempted so far. — W. Reid. February ?^t/i, 1892. It may be interesting to record that on the 14th inst., happening to glance at an inverted bell-jar in which I keep my pupae during the winter, I discovered that a female Dasychira pudibunda had emerged. The insect has not been forced in any way, but has been kept through the winter in a cold room in which a fire is never lighted. I always keep my pupse in this room, but have never known an insect emerge so early before. — Henry A. Hill, 132, Haverstock Hill, N.W. It is quite astonishing the great amount of cold P. popiili is able to endure. During the extreme hard weather of last winter /(?/Zif// never deserted his post, viz., under the lamp, and on one occasion eight specimens were taken when it was freezing hard, and so slippery that it was nearly impossible to prevent the small ladder from slipping. — John H. Still. December, 1891. I can fully endorse Mr. Still's remarks regarding the hardiness of P. pcpuli. Last winter, 1890, I took several specimens when the thermo- meter registered nearly 28° of frost. This season has been a more prolific one for them, November 20th being the best night I have had. I took sixteen specimens on that occasion, at the same time I noticed Cheimatobia brianaia, boreafa, and Oporabia diliitata flying about the lamps in very large numbers. During October the ivy bloom was the most productive I have ever known it, the usual common autumnal species being excessively abundant thereon, with a fair percentage of C. vetusta, exoleia, and Epunda Jiigra. — G. A. Booth. December, 1891. Acronycta (Cuspidia) leporina. — With reference to Dr. Chap- man's paper in the Record for this month, the following may be of interest. In this district the larva of A. leporina is, to my knowledge, only found on birch, and the white form is quite as common as the yellow. As to O. a?itiqi/a not being common on birch, here it is fre- quently beaten out in all its stages, in very large numbers, at the same time as A. leporina is taken, and appears to prefer birch to anything else. — Geo. A. Harker, Liverpool. February iqth, 1892. The "RecorT)" Exchange Club. — It is now two years since we started our " Exchange Club," and it may do us no harm to expose some of our weaknesses and success. When we first started, we numbered thirteen baskets, each with twelve members (including my- self) and two other boxes called the " Waste box " and the " Exhi- bition box " respectively. Sufficient members were quickly got together, and as a great number of these were unknown to me, even NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 61 by correspondence, there was a great deal of difficulty in arranging that members, who could be of the greatest use to each other, should be in the same basket. However, this was arranged in a fashion, and the baskets began to circulate. After two or three rounds something like an idea as to the entomological capacity of the various members could be formulated. There were first of all the men who did badly but who could not do better ; secondly, the men who did badly, ana might have done better ; thirdly, those who did satisfactorily as far as their specimens were concerned, but continually grumbled at their own generosity and the other members' want of it ; and lastly, those who did well, and tried to make the system a success. The first class were soon hopelessly out of it, and as soon as they felt that they were useless in the basket, resigned. The second class simply reflected the lowest type of collector. As an example of this class I call to mind one man who cleared out everything on every occasion the basket came to him, and when I cut him out wrote to me that he had taken pyrophila^ myriae, etc., common this year at Aberdeen, and I want to make some return for what I have taken." Needless to say he never had the chance. Perhaps there have been some dozen men of this type, but I have generally got rid of them by dropping them altogether. I have had to quietly get rid of two or three quite recently. No one feels any compunction about dropping such as these. With the third class it is different. They begin by doing you a favour in joining. They don't see that they should be bound down by any rules. They put in good insects themselves and other people's insects aren't always quite so fine. They never get anything out of the basket they want (but they always take as many or more specimens than any one else). They cannot understand why people don't put in enough of a sort to make a series. They are c[uite willing to be in the " Club," but they certainly shall not put in their rarest things. So-and-so is ill, and so- and-so has nothing left fit for exchange, don't you think we had better rest ? I have no time to write notes this round, and so on ad nauseam. What delightful people these are in a basket ! I sometimes think them worse than the second class above. The fourth class are the leaven of the whole business. Men who collect nothing too good for the baskets ; who discuss any subject, with which they are familiar, at length in the note-books ; who are always ready with information for the use of their fellow-members ; who send their choicest specimens by post for exhibition ; who study the convenience of other members to every degree. -It is invidious to particularise, but Mr. Webb as an exhibitor ; Messrs. Fenn, Farren and Richardson, as kindness personi- fied in giving information, and Mr, Holland as a type of generosity with his specimens, cannot be excelled. I might mention fifty other members who have given me nearly equal help in my attempt to run the show and helped me in the difficulties I have had to encounter. Sometimes I am disposed to throw up the whole affair when some indi- vidual makes himself particularly obnoxious, but I feel satisfied that the principle of exchange adopted is the true one and the mutual help in other matters is beyond cavil. Some strange experiences are met with. One member never by any chance put in more than eight specimens, and every round suggested retiring because the boxes were so empty. I find, too, on reference 62 THE entomologist's record. to the books that this same member took out twenty per cent, more specimens than he sent round besides those of his own that were returned to him. Another member writes : — " I have lots of dups. by me of good species, but I shall not send them round till I get something as good." This collector never sent a perfect or well-set specimen round once, and I dropped him. Another writes in a book to hand a few days ago : — " I never got an insect from the boxes worth putting into my cabinet." In four rounds this man has signed for 117 specimens, and I will guarantee the condition from the names on the boxes from which he took most of them. What a gratuitous insult to other members who are nearly all more scientific lepidopterists and better collectors than hmiself. Our waste box has been the greatest failure. The name was a mis- nomer. It was meant to contain fine specimens of such species as any straightforward collector would understand were not altogether suitable for exchange. It has, in most instances, become a receptacle for the most veritable rubbish, put into it by collectors who ought to know- better, and give their fellow-members credit for the possession of a small amount of common sense. I invariably burn all " rubbish " in these boxes. The Rev. Mr. Hewett and Mr. Collins are our most advanced practical exponents of the proper use of the " waste " box. Would that those men who give us three-winged fiUpendiilce and broken pennaria, geinina without scales and worn didyma, would once for all understand that the presence of their rubbish is an insult, and that they are wasting their generosity on the desert air. The "exhibition" box is in some baskets a grand success. Our class No. 3 above, although rarely trusting their own beauties to the tender mercies of the post, give unstinted admiration to the beautiful exhibits very frequently made. I consider every member in a basket should acknowledge the kindness of an exhibitor even if his natural shyness prevent him admiring it because it is not his own. However, most do now, although at first the most stolid silence was sometimes observed. I suppose there is a period in the early part of almost every col- lector's career when the sordid love of possession is one of the ruling reasons for collecting, but in Natural History pursuits many soon get beyond this. Of course those who do not, do us a great deal of harm, and are more than useless in our ranks. They have nothing in common, either with the amateur who does his little to help in unravelling the facts around him by careful observation, or the professional who gets his living by obtaining material for others to use. There is a good deal of clannishness among lepidopterists in those districts where they most do congregate, but the individual nature peeps out more in our note-books than is possible elsewhere, and then the clannishness disappears. Scotch collectors are generally sup- posed to be close. Our Scotch members practically disprove this in every way, and never complain ; probably the greatest amount of un- necessary complaint comes from some of the enthusiastic Londoners, who don't think the postage worth paying unless they can get two or three score insects each turn, although, of course, they are quite ready to give their quid pro quo in return. We have still nine baskets circulating, of which one only can be NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 63 Stigmatised as really " weak." There are still members who write no notes of interest, and who look on the matter perhaps as a mere matter of exchange, but they are very few, and I am firmly convinced that many men have been led to record useful observations, which they would never have dreamed of submitting directly to any magazine, but which have been freely discussed in the semi-privacy of the Club note-book. Our membership is generally full, sufficient collectors being intro- duced to the baskets by friends, but if any fairly efficient collector would like to join, I shall be very pleased to receive his name and will let him know when there is a vacancy he can fill, but he must under- stand that, although he is free to exchange privately as much as he pleases, he must reserve sufficient duplicates for the basket through the winter months. — J. W. Tutt. February ^th, 1892. PsELNOPHORUS BRACHYDACTYLUS. — In your excellent paper on " The Pterophorina," Eiit. Rec.^ vol. iii., p. 33, you appear to throw a doubt on the right of Pselnophorus brachydactylus to be considered as a British species. You may perhaps not be aware that I possess and have had for about forty years, the first specimen recorded of this species taken in England. This was captured in Norfolk, a fact that was at the time well known to Stainton. I had it placed in my hands at the time by a friend of mine, who was, I believe, the captor. His name was Furr. He died, and it has been with me ever since. — J. Jenner Weir, Beckenham. February i()th, 1892. I believe the first specimen of Pselnophorus brachydactylus that was captured to be in the possession of Mr. Jenner Weir. The second specimen was taken at Carlisle by a local collector from whom I bought it for 2d., with a number of Platyptilia pallidactyla. It was sent on to Stainton to be named, and is now, I believe, in the Rev. Henry Burney's collection. — J. B. Hodgkinson. March, 1892. Single-brooded species in the North of England. — Cidaria silaceata in this locality in a state of nature is distinctly single-brooded. I never have taken an imago of Cidaria silaceata later than the be- ginning of July, and bred specimens always emerge about three weeks before I take any of the same specimens on the wing in a state of nature. I keep the larva and pupa of C. silaceata in a cold frame, and, as I have said before, I have only once had two insects emerge at the end of August. I have been wondering if Mr. Robson keeps his pupae indoors. I think he must, to have insects emerging on 22nd November. Another species which is distinctly single-brooded in this neighbourhood, and that is Selenia bilunaria {illunaria), the imago emerges in May, and there is no July brood in this locality. — J. Finlay, Meldon Park, Morpeth. January 12th, 1892. Apatura iris. — I saw several specimens of this species here at the beginning of August, and I think it is probably not very rare here. Thecla betulce and Limenitis sybilla also occur. — E. W. Bowell, Sissing- hurst Vicarage, Staplehurst, Kent. Prionus coriarius. — In September last, I took a specimen of this beetle on a tree in Epping Forest. Mr. Mutch kindly identified it for me. — J. McCiECHiE, 59, Grenville Road, Hornsey Rise, N. Notes from Chinnor. — Last season was a very good one here for moths, but bad for butterflies. Sugar was very attracti/e, my best 64 THE entomologist's record. takes being Nodua stigmatica, Agrotis ravida and Xanthia aurago. Common species were in abundance, Butterflies were comparatively scarce, Hesperia covwia occurred very sparingly this past season, whilst Lyccena corydon failed to appear at all close to Chinnor. I, how- ever, found it by thousands a few miles off, and noticed that the females outnumbered the males by at least 20 to i. "Assembling" was going on vigorously, but the usual case was reversed. There the males attracted the females. It was amusing to see a male paired ; whilst around on the grass-stems were scores of females, at rest, with their bodies in an unmistakably '' calling " attitude. My two lads and my wife, who were with me, also remarked this singular phenomena, and certainly during a long entomological experience at home and abroad, I had never seen such a thing before. I suppose the scarcity of males obliged the females to search for partners. — A. J. Spiller, Chinnor. February 6th, 1892. Breeding Insects. — Having been fairly successful during the last two seasons in rearing larvae by the sleeving method, a few notes on that subject may not be out of place. I have tried several different plans with the object of saving time in feeding, etc., but have dis- carded all in favour of sleeving. Some years ago I made several large boxes, averaging three feet square, with perforated zinc sides and sliding tops, leaving the bottom quite open. These were then placed on some good soil, with young trees planted inside. However, they turned out a grand failure — in one case I lost over two dozen Chcero- cmnpa elpeuor through moles. The greatest drawback to this plan were the aphides (green fly), which, in a very short time, swarmed, and as they could not be fumigated or otherwise destroyed without injury to the larvas, the plan had to be given up. The sleeves are best made of black book muslin, which is less conspicuous than white, besides look- ing moderately clean until finished with. I generally put the ova out about a fortnight before they are due to hatch, sometimes as many as 300 in a sleeve a foot long. When selecting a branch a good look-out must be kept for earwigs or green fly, — a smart shake will dislodge the former, but if there be much fly, a fresh branch should be taken, as it will cause a great deal of trouble afterwards to change the sleeve, especially when the larvae are in the young stages. If the branch is bare of foliage the tip can be tied back towards the base. Sometimes it will be found necessary to use several twigs together, on account of insufficient foliage, in which case it is important to have them well wrapped with fine string at the base previous to putting on the sleeve, otherwise very young larvse will escape between the adjoining twigs. The best way to fasten the end overlapping the branch is to give it a twist previous to tying. When a change is required cut the sleeve right off and take its contents under cover, open the bottom and pull the branch out on a clean newspaper ; a number of larvae, if small, will be left inside on the muslin. I'hese need not be removed, and then it leaves those only on the twigs to deal with. Pull a twig from the stem, and commencing at the top, clip off the larvae into a jam pot. By taking a small piece at one time, the whole is rapidly gone over and thoroughly examined. Some larvae will be found attached to the thicker wood, and if not disposed to come off readily, it is best to pass a sharp penknife underneath, leaving them on the bark. When NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 65 changing small larvae that attach themselves by webs, it is better to hold the branch in the left hand horizontally, giving it a smart knock on the top with the scissors, when they will detach themselves, and may then be easily cut off, a score or so at a time and guided into the jam pot. By repeating the process several times the branch is soon cleared. If the brood is a large one, it will be found advantageous towards their last stage to transfer them altogether to a roomy box and finish feeding by hand. If a few branches are cut off and inserted into damp soil in a small pot it will last quite fresh for three or four days. If the brood is a small one, and not requiring soil, with ordinary attention as many as 60 may be successfully pupated in a sleeve, say, 15 inches by 7 inches in diameter, taking Selenia illustraria as an example for size. The folds and creases of the muslin seem well adapted for the purpose of pupating, the majority choosing such positions in preference to the twigs and leaves. Even larvae with strong jaws, such as Centra vinula and C. bifida, will readily spin up in a sleeve without evincing a dis- position to escape, at least, that is my experience, with other collectors it may prove different. — H. Alderson, Hilda Vale, Farnboro', Kent. fgOCIETIES. Entomological Society of London. — Wednesday^ February \oth, 1892.— Mr. Thomas W. Cowan, F.L.S., F.G.S., of 31, Belsize Park Gardens, Hampstead, N.W. : Mr. Wm. Farren, of Union Road, Cam- bridge ; Mr. Philip de la Garde, R.N., of H.M.S. Pembroke, Chat- ham; the Rev. J. A. Mackonochie, B.A., of St. Botolph's, Lincoln; and the Rev. A. Thornley, of South Leverton Vicarage, Lincolnshire, were elected Fellows of the Society. Mr. E. Meyrick exhibited a number of specimens of Euproctis fulviceps, Walk,, taken by Mr. Bar- nard, showing the extraordinary variation of this Tasmanian species, all the males of which had been " sembled " by one female. 1'he males were represented by various forms ranging from black to white, which had all been described as distinct species. Dr. Sharp, Mr. Hampson, Mr. McLachlan, Colonel Swinhoe, Mr. Elwes, Mr. Tutt, Mr. Poulton and Mr. Jacoby took part in the discussion which ensued. Dr. Sharp exhibited samples of pins which he had tried for preventing verdigris, and stated that silver wire was the best material to use, as insects on silver pins remained intact, whilst those on gilt pins were destroyed by verdigris. Mr. G. T. Porritt exiiibited a series of species representing Huddersfield forms of Folia chi, including nearly melanic specimens, found there during the last two seasons. He said these forms had not hitherto been observed elsewhere. Mr. Tutt exhibited a series of Hadena pisi, comprising specimens very grey in tint, others of an almost unicolorous red with but faint markings, and others well marked with ochreous transverse lines. Three distinct forms of Hadena dis- similis ; red and grey forms of Fanolis piniperda, and a dark form of Eupithecia fraxinata ; also a specimen of Sciapkila penziana. With the exception of the last-named, which was taken in Anglesey, all the specimens were taken or bred by Mr. Tunstall in the neighbourhood of Warrington. The Rev. Dr. Walker exhibited specimens of Arge 66 THE entomologist's record. titea^ A. lachesis, A. psyche, A. thetis, and other species of the genus from the neighbourhood of Athens ; also specimens of Argynnis phcebe, taken in Grenada in May, 1891. Mr. W. Farren exhibited a series of specimens of Perotiea variegana var. cifiatia, and P. schalleriana var. latifasciana, from Scarborough ; Eupcecilia vectisa7ia, from Wicken Fen ; and Elachista subocellea, from Cambridge. Mr. G. A. J. Rothney sent for exhibition a number of species of ants collected by himself in Australia, in May and June, 1886, which had recently been named for him by Dr. Forel. The collection included : — Iiidoviyrmex purpicrens, Sm., / rufofiiger, Lowne, /. gracilis, Lowne, /. itienerans, Lowne, Ectatomma meta/licutfi, Sm., E. nudatum, E. mayri, Aphcetiogaster longiceps, Sm., Polyrhachis atujnon. Fab., Myrmecia nigriveniris, Mayr, and nigrocincia, Sm. ; Leptomyrmex erythrocephalus, Fab., and a variety of Camponotus ?-t(biginosus, Mayr, from Brisbane ; also a few species from Honolulu, and a species of Monomoriuju, which Dr. Forel had not yet determined, and which he believed to be probably new. Mr. C- O. Waterhouse read a paper entitled " Some Observations on the Mouth Organs of Diptera," which was illustrated by numerous diagrams. A long discussion ensued in which Mr. Champion, Mr. McLachlan, Mr. Jenner Weir, Mr. Slater, Mr. Poulton, Mr. Distant, Dr. Sharp, Mr. Hampson, Mr. Elwes and Mr. Barrett took part. Mr. E. Meyrick read a paper entitled " On the Classification of the Geometrina of the European Fauna." Mr. Hampson, Mr. Elwes, Mr. McLachlan, Colonel Swinhoe, Mr. Tutt and Mr. Distant took part in the discussion which ensued. Eeb. 24//;, 1892. — The President referred to the loss the Society had recently sustained by the death of Mr. Henry Walter Bates, F.R.S., who had twice been its President; and he also read a copy of the resolution of sympathy and condolence with Mrs. Bates and her family, in their bereavement, which had been passed by the Council at their meeting that evening. Mr. Frederick C. Adams exhibited a monstrous speci- men of Telephnrus rusticus, taken in the New Forest, in which the left mesothoracic leg consisted of three distinct femora, tibi^ and tarsi, apparently originating from a single coxa ; he also exhibited specimens of Ledra aurita. Mr. G. A. James Rothney sent for exhibition a series of specimens of two species of Indian ants {Myrmicaria subcan?iata, Sm., and Aphcenogaster {Messor) barbarus, L., var. pnnctatus, Forel), which had recently been determined for him by Dr. Forel. He also communicated notes on the subject, in which it was stated that Myrmicaiia stibcarinaia, Sm., was not uncommon in Bengal, and formed its nests by excavating the earth round trees, and throwing it up in mounds of fine grains. The author also stated that both sexes of this species swarmed early in the " rains," from about July 7th to July loth. Of the second species — Aphcenogaster barbaj-iis var. punctaius, Forel — Mr. Rothney observed that it, like the bee, Apis dorsata, seemed to have a great partiality for the gardens and buildings of the old Mogul Emperors in the North-West Provinces and in the Punjaub, the bee disfiguring the arches and roofs with its huge nests, and the ant frequenting the gardens and steps. The Hon. Walter Rothschild communicated a paper entitled "On a little-known species of Papilio from the Island of Lifu, Loyalty Group." The paper was illustrated by a beautifully coloured drawing by Mr. F. W. Frohawk, of SOCIETIES. 67 the male, variety of the male, female, and underside of the species. — H, Goss, Hon. Sec. City of London Entomological and Natural History Society. — Thursday, February Afth, 1892. — Exhibits : — Mr. Tutt, some very fine forms of Cirr/tcedia xera?npeli?ia, which he had received from the Rev. Joseph Greene. These included some fine examples of the var. unicolor, Stgr., which he said was common in parts of Germany, and also in Southern France, where it occurred in equal numbers with the type ; he stated that the common British form was the var. centrago, Haw. He also exhibited Hadena pisi and Panolis pmiperda (red and grey forms), and a melanic var. of Eupithccia fraxinata ca]3tured by Mr. Tunstall, near Warrington. Mr. Clark, four specimens of Mixodia rufimitrana, taken by Mr. Eustace Bankes in Dorset. Mr. Battley, a number of species taken in Epping Forest, including a very small specimen oi Pieris napi ? , Trichiura craicegi, etc. Mr. Bayne, a series of Lithosia aureola from Epping. Mr. Simes, Vanessa polychloros, Dicycla 00, etc., from Epping Forest. Mr. Sykes, Polia flavicinda, Xanthia ferrughiea and other autumnal species from Enfield. Mr. Nicholson, two varieties of Pararge cegeria, the only specimen that emerged from a large brood. One of these was without the eye-spots on the forewings, while the other had the light and dark markings blotched into one another. Mr. Tutt expressed an opinion that the variation was due to disease, and was probably caused by the food being insufficient or innutritious. Mr. Milton, a number of species from Epping Forest, including Eurymene dolobraria, Dicycla 00, Halias quer- ca?ia, etc. ; also in Coleoptera, Telephorus abdotninalis, Hydroporus e^-lineatiis, Pogonocherus fascicularis. Mr. Burrows, Carabus granulatus from Wanstead, and a series of Bembidium /^-guttatus from Mitcham. Mr. Heasler, Ischnoglossa rufopicca, taken under rotten beech bark at Loughton, and Alycetopotus lucidus from Boleti at the same locality. Mr. Riches, Testicella scutellum, and other species of slugs. Mr. Boden, various fossils from the Gault clay at Folkestone. The Secretary read a resolution recently passed by the Council, an- nouncing their intention to compile a list of the fauna observed within a radius of ten miles of Charing Cross, and impressed upon the members the necessity for their co-operation. Mr. Bayne then read his paper. ^ At the conclusion of the paper a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Bayne. Thursday, February I'^th, 1892. — A very full meeting came together to welcome Mr. Robson, who had come from Hartlepool to read a paper. Exhibits, Lepidoptera : — Mr. Raine, living larvos of Hepiahis humuli, also a large collection of preserved larvce. Mr. Southey, bred series of Notodonta ziczac and N. camelina from Ham]:)stead Heath. Mr. Tutt, fine forms of Agrotis nigricans, also A. tritici and vars. of Xanthia aurago, belonging to Mr. Chittenden and taken in Kent, and Continental types of Agrotis helvetina. He also exhibited a Se/ina, taken by Mr. Freer at Tintern, Monmouth. Mr. Tutt thought that it was S. aurita var. raf?iosa, of which he possessed specimens from the Engadine. Mr. Battley, a young larva of Apamea opJiiogramma, about a quarter of an inch long, which he had found at the roots of ribbon grass in his garden. He stated that this species hybernated as a very ^ An Abstract of this paper will be printed. — Ed, 68 THE entomologist's record. young larva inside the stems of the grass. Mr, Robson, a var. of Bombyx rubi with the lines forming the band confluent at the inner margin, three vars. of Dianthcecia conspersa from Hartlepool ; also a banded form of Melanthia bicolorata with the band extending right across the wing. A banded form of Acidalia degeneraria, very similar to Milliere's var., and other interesting species. Mr. Prout, a series of Agrotis nigrica7is from the Isle of Wight. Mr. Quail, a drawer of Hepialida to illustrate the paper. Mr. Bacot, a number of Hepialidce, including a very light form of H. huniuli J . Mr. Clark and others also exhibited the genus Hepialus. Coleoptera : — Mr. Heasler exhibited Homalota splendens and Cleonus sulcirostris from Mitcham. Mr. Lewcock, a long series of Silpha atrata, showing the pale forms from Orkney, and the var. suhrotundata from Ireland. He pointed out that in the latter var. the margin of the elytra was very broadly developed, while in the Orkney specimens the margin was in all respects similar to the type form. Mr. Lewcock also exhibited two pairs of Alesites tardyi from Dublin. Referring to this species, he said that in the male the antennae were inserted near the apex of the rostrum, while the female had the antennae inserted nearer the base. The apex of the rostrum also was thickened in the male, and the reverse in the female. Messrs. Cripps, Burrows and Southey also exhibited Coleoptera. In Odonata, Mr. Simes exhibited (on behalf of Mr. Wattson of Clapton) a number of living larvae and pupae of LibellitlidcE, zEschnidcB and AgrionidcE. Mr. Robson then read his paper (ante, p. 52). Mr. Tutt, in moving a vote of thanks to Mr. Robson, said that he quite agreed with that gentleman in placing structure before wing markings as a basis of classification ; he, however, dissented from Mr. Robson's opinion that hiimuli showed the greatest sexual dimorphism in the group, and pointed out that though the sexes in humidi differed greatly in colour, the shape of the wings was similar in both sexes, whilst in sylvinus and lupulinns, although there existed no great colour difference, the shape of the wings of the two sexes differed very much. Mr. Lewcock seconded the vote of thanks to Mr. Robson, and stated that he had seen H. velleda commonly at Farnham, in the hop gardens. Mr. Quail stated that he had taken H. sylvinus ? at sugar. Mr. Simes, referring to Mr. Robson's opinion that the white colour of humiili was not required in the Shetlands so much as in the South, because of a longer daylight in these latitudes, asked how the advantage indicated would accrue, if, as was to be expected, a dusk-flying species varied its time of flight in proportion to the amount of light. Mr. Robson, in reply, stated that in the Shetlands, where it never got really dark in the summer, the species was essentially a day-flier : he added, further as his experience, that injects flew at regular times, and not in accordance with the amount of light. Messrs. Simes, Battley and others, were of opinion that the flight depended on the amount of light — insects flying earlier on dark evenings and later on light ones. The vote of thanks to Mr. Robson was then carried unanimously. Fauna List. — The Council of the City of London Entomological and Natural History Society have decided to compile a list of the fauna of the London District. The departments of Birds, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera are already in hand, and notes will be welcomed from all naturalists. Contributors are requested to observe the following SOCIETIES. 69 rules : — i. The London District is understood to mean a circle of about lo miles from Charing Cross, that is, lying within the following points : — Enfield Station, Ponder's End Station, Chingford Station, Woodford Bridge, the point where the main road to Romford crosses the G.E.R. at Brookham (half way between Ilford and Chadwell Heath), Ripple Castle, Abbey Wood Station, Pope Street Station, Chislehurst Station, West Wickham Station, South Croydon Station, Carshalton Station, Sutton Station, Worcester Park Station, Kingston Bridge, Twickenham Station, Hounslow Station, Southall Station, Harrow Station (L. and N.W.R.), Edgware Station (G.N.R.), New Barnet Station. Districts included in this area : Epping Forest south of Chingford, Plumstead Marshes, Shooter's Hill Wood, Shirley Common, Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common, etc. Districts outside the area; Epping Forest north of Chingford, including Bury and Hawk Woods, Lords' Bushes, Abbey Wood, Chislehurst Common, West Wickham, Stanmore Common, Hadleigh Wood, etc. 2. The locality and date should be stated where possible, but no records previous to ist January, 1880, should be given. 3. The generic and specific names should be stated in all cases. Lists may be sent in to : — Mr. J. A. Clark, 48, Broadway, London Fields, N.E. (Birds.) Dr. F. J. Buckell, 32, Canonbury Square, N. (Lepidoptera.) Mr. H. Heasler, 17, Danby Street, Bellenden Road, Peckham, S.E. (Coleoptera.) Thursday, March -x^rd, 1892. — Exhibits : — Lepidoptera : — Mr. Battley, typical forms of Pieris rapce and P. napi, and an intermediate form taken at Cheshunt. The underside of this insect was very slightly "veined," though the upper surface presented the characteristics of P. napi. Mr. Clark, preserved larvae of Orgyia gonosiigma, Dasy- chira fascelina and Lasiocampa quercifolia ; the latter being taken on the Hackney marshes last year. Mr. Tremayne, Hybernia rupi- capraria and Scopelosoma sateUitia from Epping Forest. Mr. Bayne, series of Cheimatobia briimata and C. boreaia, also a specimen of Ticniocampa populeti var. intermedia, from Norfolk. Mr. Riches, series of Ardia lubricipeda and A. menthastri, also a dark var. of Ennomos angularia, and a suffused form of Melanippe fluctuata. Mr. Southey, a series of Hime^-a pennaria from the Highgate Woods, in- cluding a very small female. Mr. Milton, Deilephila galii, said to have been taken at Swanley, last year ; also Endromis versicolor, Moma orion and Pliisia festticcz. Coleoptera : — Mr. Burrows, Loricera pidicornis, Droniius quadrimac- ulatus, D. nieridionalis, Ste?iiis bimaculatiiin. Mr. Lewcock, a number of Coccinellidce, on behalf of himself, Mr. Sharp, of Chester, Rev. W. F. Johnson (Armagh), and Mr. H. G. Cuthbert, of Dublin, Messrs. Heasler, EUiman and Cripps also exhibited series of Cocciiiel/idiE to illustrate the paper. Mr. Lewcock then read his paper on " British Coccinellidce."'^ In noticing the variation of this group, Mr. Tutt remarked that some species had black specimens with a red dot on each of the elytra, whilst others were red and had a black dot. These dots, how- ever, were not interchangeable, the black dot being constant in position and spreading to form the black specimens, leaving, however, a small ' An abstract of this paper will appear — Ed. 70 THE entomologist's record. portion of the ground colour (posterior to the original black dot), to form, as it were, a red dot, which was, therefore, not in the same position, nor did it replace the original black dot. Messrs. Heasler and Cripps stated their experience corroborated Mr, Tutt's ; Mr. Lewcock, however, was of opinion that the red spots frequently re- placed the black. On the motion of Messrs. Tremayne and Tutt, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Lewcock for his paper. Mr. Clark announced that a specimen of the Dunlin {Tringa variabilis) had been shot on Tottenham Marshes by Mr. Skertchley. He also announced the decision of the Council to charge members IS. for second copies of the Transactions for 1891, and non-members, 2s. — A. U. Battley and J, A. Simes, Hon. Sees. South London Entomological Society. — Thursday, February nth, 1 89 1. — Mr. J. Jenner Weir read some very interesting notes on " protective resemblance," as exhibited in the habits of Cymothoe theodoia, C. ccenis, C. theobene and C. cemilius, the latter species exhibiting an extreme divergence in the coloration and size of the different sexes. Mr. Farren made an interesting exhibit of vars. of Peronea variegana, the specimens being very black in colour, and stated that almost 50 per cent, of the specimens captured in the particular locality near Scarbro', from which these were obtained, were of this form ; a fine series of P. schalleriaiia var. latifasciana from the same locality, Eupaxilia vedisana from Wicken, and Elachista subocellea from the chalk near Cambridge. He stated that Mr. Tutt had, apparently, the same species from the chalk at Cuxton, in Kent. Mr. Farren asked for remarks, re his vedisana. Mr. C. G. Barrett said that this " Fen" form of vedisana, with a central band, was very remarkable, and so dissimilar from the more unicolorous salt marsh form that it was some- what difficult to suppose them identical, although that was his opinion. He stated that the specimens appeared to be like a moth which he had long since received from Prof. Zeller. Mr. Fenn also remarked on this exhibit. Mr. Billups exhibited a Noctuid larva, found feeding on a tomato, imported from the Canary Islands. Mr, Tutt stated that it was probably Frode?iia littoralis, a species bred last year by Mr. Boden, and referred to the recent exhibit of three similar larvae at a recent meeting of the City of London Society. Mr. W. Austin, of Folkestone, exhibited the beautiful vars. of Lyccena bellargus, previously noticed {Record W., p 273). Mr. Tutt, exhibited for Mr, Tunstall, the Nadena pisi, H.dissiniilis, Fanolis piniperda, Fupithecia fraxinaia, and Sciaphila penziana, which are mentioned in the Report of the City of London Society, for February 4th, He also exhibited the insects in the Exhibition Box of No. 2 basket of the Record Exchange Club. They consisted of a dark var, of villica, bred by Mr. Maddison (a note con- cerning which appears in another column), Amblyptilia pundidadyla, belonging to Dr. Riding, a very dark Hybernia progemmaria var. fuscaia belonging to Mr. Collins, of Warrington, the suffused form of Hyria auroraria, Orrhodia vaccinii, one of which showed the concave outer margin supposed to be typical of O. ligula (generally but erroneously called spadicea). Mr. Williams, a varied series of Cosmia tmpezina, one of a blackish-grey coloration with only the transverse lines paler. Mr. Adkin, two fine vars, ( 3' and ? ) oi Nemeophila planiaginis ; the hind wings dusted with black scales to such an extent as to obscure tht; SOCIETIES. 71 normal colour. These were a part of a brood similarly affected, bred from Hailsham. He also exhibited typical specimens for comparison, Mr. Weir exhibited a splendid series of Pieris napi from various parts of the world, some of the varieties being as large as P. brassiaz. He also read souie interesting notes on the variation of the undersides of napi in its various broods, and pointed out some remarkable facts relating to the sexual variation in this direction. A paper was then read by Mr. W. Wallis Kew, on " The Dawn of Memory in the Animal Kingdom," and dealt with the facts related, and assumptions made by various authors as to the ability of certain lower animals, principally Mollusca, to return to their homes under satisfactory and unsatisfactory conditions, but he made no attempt to argue out the feasibility of supposing these animals capable of an attempt to reason. Mr. Dobson called attention to the fact that Mr. Kew had not dealt with the possibilities of " reason " occurring in the lower animals, and stated that it was difficult to differentiate "instinct" and "reason," and that he considered the illustration brought forward as probable attempts at memory were but simple instinctive processes. Mr. Tutt agreed with Mr. Dobson that it was impossible to differentiate between instinct and reason, and suggested that the line could not be drawn between the instinctive faculty and the lowest possible development in reasoning power. Even in the lower Vertebrata, instinctive faculty could be trained into what could possibly be called a first attempt at reasoning faculty. Mr. Tutt then went at length into the nervous structure of the Mollusca, and the facts relating to the special differentiation of sensory nerve centres and motor nerve centres, and stated that although improbable, it was quite possible that any specialised nerve centre which was the seat of any special sense, might be utilised for the reception of external impressions, so as to be a means of enabling an animal to actually use some very small amount of discretionary power, but at the same time urged its utter improbability. He then referred to the essential structure of the nervous system in the lower Vertebrata, and believed here, memory in an exceedingly elementary form which could be increased by special training, was necessarily present. He referred to the necessity of a biological training as apart from superficial observation on the study of such a subject as this. The President made some remarks, and a most successful meeting came to an end. — Ed. Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society. — Mr. W. E. Sharp read a paper entitled " Some remarks on the Hydradephaga of the District," illustrated with specimens and large coloured diagrams. The author referred to the general classification of the Coleopteia, and pointed out that in the genus Dvtiscus the whole physiology was to adapt them to less resistance m swimming. He then gave a resicmc of the records of local species, of which 74 species had been recorded out of 129 known to be indigenous to the British Isles; only four genera being unrepresented. The President exhibited fine varieties oi Ennovios angularia ; Dr. Ellis, Pulvinaria camellicola (a rare species of Coccus from camellia trees) ; Mr. ColHns, 4 specimens of Deilcphila galii, bred by him from 22 larvce taken on Epilobium angustifolium, at Warrington in 1S89, the specimens were small and were the only perfect ones bred, and a variety of Noctua /estiva, with distinct black transverse lines on 72 THE entomologist's record. a uniform ground colour ; Mr. Schill, Hydrous angtistior from Milan, flying round electric light ; Mr. Stott, a collection of local Hydradephaga ; and Mr. Pierce, Agrotis candelaruvi from Saxony, and its British var. ashworthii. — F. N. Pierce, Hon. Sec. Birmingham Entomological Society. — February ist. — The Secre- tary read the annual report of the council, which showed the number of members to be about the same as at the last annual meeting; and the Trea- surer presented his annual report, showing a balance in hand of^4 1 8s. 4d. The following officers for the ensuing year were elected : — President, Mr. W. G. Blatch, F.E.S. ; Vice-President, Mr. G. H. Kenrick, F.E.S. ; Treasurer, Mr. R. C. Bradley ; Librarian, Mr. A. Johnson ; Auditors, Messrs. Herbert Stone, F.L.S., and A. Stone Wainwright ; and Hon. Sec, Mr. Colbran J. Wainwright ; Messrs. G. T. Bethune-Baker, F.L.S., F.E.S., and G. W. Wynn, were elected as remaining members of the council. Mr. C. Runge showed cocoons of Trochilium apiformis, containing larvae, which he had dug out of poplars near the roots, at Arley. February 8t/i. — Social Meeting. — By invitation of the council, the members and a few friends met at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, to spend a social evening. A number of interesting books and insects were shown and discussed, and music was kindly provided by a few members and friends. — Colbran J. Wainwright, Hon. Sec. ^^OTICES, REVIEWS, Etc. The British Noctu^ and their Varieties, Vol. H., by J. W. TuTT, F.E.S., published by Swan, Sonnenschein & Co., Paternoster Square. Price "js. — Some two years ago, circulars were sent to some of our leading lepidopterists, stating that, if sufficient names were obtained, a work on "The British Noctuae and their Varieties" would be published. Newman's British Moihs is twenty years old, and Stainton's Manual thirty-four years, so that nothing complete on any family of the macro-lepidoptera had appeared for some time. Some 200 lepidopterists at once responded, including the Rt. Hon. Earl Waldegrave ; the Rt. Hon. Lord Walsingham, Ex-Pres. of the Ent. Soc. of Lond. ; Mons. Oberthlir, Ex-Pres. of the Ent. Soc. of France ; Herr Snellen, Ex-Pres. of the Ent. Soc. of Belgium ; Mr. H. T. Stainton, F.R.S., Editor of the E.M.M. : Mr. J. Jenner Weir, F.L.S., one of the Editors of the Entom. ; Mr. J. E. Robson, F.E.S., Editor of the British Naturalist; Mr. G. T. Porritt, F.L.S., Ex- President of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union ; the Presidents of the City of London, Lancashire and Cheshire, Birmingham, West Sussex, and other Societies, etc. After some delay, owing to the publishers, the first vol. was brought out in May last, the second appeared last weekj the third (and last on this family) is well in hand. There must be a considerable number of young lepidopterists who did not have circulars at the time, who may be willing to subscribe for the only work on the Noctu/e which attempts to bring our knowledge up to date. If so, the author would be very pleased to have names and addresses. Those who subscribe direct to him for the whole work, get it for 5s. 6d. per vol., instead of 7s. — Ed. #^ JOURNAL OF VARIATION. No. 4. Vol. III. April ISra, 1892. THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. By Dk. T. a. chapman. ( Co n tin lied jro in page 29.) \CRONYCTA {Ciispidia) aceris. — This species is usually associated with Icporina, on account of both having hairy larvae, but the egg colouring, the different distribution of pale segments in the newly hatched larva, and the method of pupating, make it most probable that this aspect of the full-grown larva is a resem- blance, not due to a close relationship, but is a case of similar structure independently developed in allied species. The arrangement of the hairs also differs very markedly in the two species. In both, the hairs of the general surface are well developed, but in aceris, the tufted distribution is largelv due to a special development of the hairs of the tubercles, only slightly paralleled in Icporina and not occurring in any other British species. The egg (PI. VIII., fig. 4) is large, i.i mm. in diameter, rather flat, ribs numerous — usually 70 to 75 — but sometimes as few as 50. When first laid it looks very like that of psi or tridens, but is a little more opaque. As the inner egg shrinks and leaves a colourless margin, it assumes a rich chocolate colour with pale straw-coloured spots, which are rather large and somewhat irregular in distribution and shape, being fre- quently almost angular rather than circular, and often run together into streaks and blotches, but suggesting a never- attained type of a central spot, and three rings surrounding it, of which the inner is imperfect and encroaches on the central spot and the outer is marginal, the intermediate one 74 THE entomologist's record. consisting of the largest spots frequently joined together into portions of a circle. The number of spots in each circle would be perhaps 6, 12 and 15 respectively where each row is most regularly developed. The micropylar spot is small, and surrounding it, the ribs join together in a wider area than usual of confused and irregular ridges, not settling down into regular ribs till half way to the margin. The newly-hatched larva (PI. V., fig. 10) is fully 2 mm. long, the head is black early, but the rest of the larva pale, the dark segments being marked by the dorsum being reddish-rufous ; as it begins to feed, however, it becomes much darker. There is a black plate on segment 2. Segments 5, 7, 8.9, 12 and 13 (and partially 4) have the dark dorsal areas (dark segments). The tubercles on these segments are white when the larva is just hatched. When the colour matures after some hours, the general tone is fuscous, 3 is paler, there is a large white area on 6, and 10 and 11 are white, the tubercles are black even on these pale segments, larger on the dark ones, angularly flattened against each other, but on 11 much smaller, circular, and separated from each other. On 12 they are cruciform and trapezoidal reversed (as usual) on 13. The tubercles each carry one long hair, about twice the diameter of the larva in length, the anterior trapezoidals each have two ; four on those of 3 and 4, and three on those of 12. The skin is finely dotted all over except on whitest portions ; on 3 and 4 the trapezoidals are fused. The divisions of the segments into two sub- segments carrying each the anterior and posterior trapezoidals are very evident in this species. The head carries long hairs. The larva sits curled into a note of interrogation (?) form ; it sits beneath the leaf and eats the lower parenchyma between the veins. In the 2nd skin, it sits coiled in a circle with the head against the 12th segment, and this is its attitude at rest till it is full-grown. In this skin, it still leaves the veins and upper cuticle. The colour is a very deep brown (black at first glance) with some white markings. It has white marks on 2, 3 and 4, tending to form a dorsal line and circles round the tubercles, but most marked laterally on 3. Segment 6 has white marbling concentrated into rings round trapezoidals and supra-spiracular. On 10 and 11, these rings are so large that the segments might be called white, with a dorsal and sub-dorsal dark line, especially as the tubercles are pale, and on II nearly white. The segments are swollen with deep THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. 75 incisions; ii is still flat and low, and 12 high. Dorsal hairs black except on 6 and 11 and partially on 10. On 5, 7.8.9 and 12, they are longer (diameter of larva), blacker, and more numerous. Many hairs on the lateral tubercles are white, all the tubercles have several or many hairs, there is a distinct indication of a white line through sub-spiraculars and a less marked one through supra-spiraculars — both plainest towards the incisions. In the 3rd skin, the larva is distinctly white and black as if in mourning. There is a faint dorsal white line on 3 and 4, whilst 6 has longitudinal white lines on line of posterior trape- zoidals, below supra-spiracular and on line of sub-spiracular. On 10 and 11 the trapezoidals are white on a white area, leaving a narrow dorsal line black ; the supra-spiracular trape- zoidals are also on a white line. At the incisions there are indications of white lines on supra- and sub-spiracular levels on most of the segments. Each segment has also a minute white central dorsal spot. The post-spiracular is small but distinct ; all the other tubercles have numerous hairs, those of 6, 10, 11 and the lateral ones white. The hairs are plumose confined to tubercles and about diameter of larva in length. It now sometimes eats the whole thickness of leaf. In the 4th skin it presents some resemblance to the full- grown larva, and one has an opportunity of tracing to some extent the origin of the more abundant plumage of the later skins. Already they exist in strong tufts, brushed forwards and backwards from the centre of each segment over the next one and with a white dorsal dot on a black area exposed on the top of each segment ; the skin of 10 and 1 1 is pale, but the rest seems dark brown or blackish ; but the skin is little visible as the hairs grow from its general surface as well as from the tubercles, the whole aspect of the larva is now that given by the hairs ; the hairs are 6 mm. in length on the anterior and posterior segments laterally, compared with 12 mm. the length of the larva, not quite so long elsewhere. The forward- pointing brown tufts spring chiefly from the anterior trape- 2oidals, those of the posterior are yellow ; the yellow hairs, directed backwards behind the dorsal lozenge, spring from the general surface of the skin apart from any tubercles. When well grown, the pale areas on sides of 10 and ri, and the creamy colour on sides of 13 and 14 are quite evident, on 10 and II the ground colour is light chocolate, but the area around hair points creamy white. The remains of a distinc- 76 THE entomologist's record, tion into dark and light segments also exists in the hairs on the dorsum; on 3.4.6, 10.11.12 and 13 being white or yellow; whilst they are dark on 5.7.8.9 ; the forward tufts as already noted, being darker than those brushed backwards. Two larvae in this skin are larger than the others and their hairs are brown and yellow (of the others blackish and dirty white). These attained their last skin in one more moult, the majority took another moult (5 moults), the 6th skin being the last (I have here a note that aceris does not eat its cast skin, whilst leporina does do so). In the 5th skin, the larva is substantially similar to the 4th, but takes yellow and brown as the colour of the hair bundles, just as the more forward ones in 4th skin did ; still their colours are a little brighter, viz., light yellow instead of deep yellow, and the brown has a pink tinge. Their heads are also larger. The longest hairs in 5th skin are 7 mm. ; of the forward larvae in the 4th, 6 mm. The tufts are 2 mm. long in the forward larvae, rather more in the normal 5th. In all, the dorsal diamonds are now much as in last skin. When the " forwards" moulted into 5th (their last) skin they were much smaller than their brethren, now well grown in 5th (their penultimate) skin, but their heads were much larger, viz., that of the adult larva. There seems no need to describe the full- grown larva, but a few points may be noted ; the ground colour of the larva is chocolate or black, but each hair has a minute creamy white circle round its base, and these by their greater or less development, tend to form two lateral lines and rings round the tubercles. The tubercles are still very evident, the three dorsal ones black, the others partially yellow. They give rise to yellow hairs, but the great dorsal flame-like brushes arise from the general surface, over considerable areas in front and behind the posterior trapezoidal tubercle. The 6, 10 and 11 segments are still distinctly paler than other segments in some larvae. The 2nd segment is hardly- visible dorsally in ordinary attitudes of the larva, but it is not so nearly obsolete as it is in Moma orion. It possesses a black dorsal plate, fringed with yellow hairs, but quite obscured by the greater tubercles and longer hairs of 3 which overhang it. The hairs of 3 and 4 are mainly from the tubercles, trapezoidal and supra-spiracular, which are very large and porrected. The lateral (supra-spiracular ?) tubercles of 2 are large. {To be continued.) 77 fgCIENTIFIC NOTES. The Genus Hepialus {continued from p. 56). — The males oi hectus fly in a somewhat similar fashion to those of humuli, backwards and forwards, like a pendulum, but there is this difference between them : Hiimuli generally selects an open place, and exposes himself as much as possible, flying generally three or four feet from the ground. Hectus, on the other hand, will conmience his motions on the sheltered side of a bush or large fern, or in some other secluded spot. He flies a shorter distance, too, before he turns, and altogether behaves in a quieter and more retiring manner than does his bigger brother. Mr. Barrett was the first to detect the manner in which the male hectus attracts his partner. He found it flying freely at Canaster Wood, and as he wanted some specimens for the museum, he took as many as he could during the few minutes it remained on the wing, in all forty males and four females. The remainder of the passage had better be given in his own words : — " To the fortunate circumstance of taking so large a number perfectly fresh, 1 attribute the discovery of a fact which I have not seen recorded — that this species, when in fine condition, diffuses a very decided perfume, almost exactly the same as the perfume given off by the larva of Papilio machaon, when the forked tubercle is extended, and more like that of ripe pineapple than any other perfume of which I know. I noticed it faintly when turning the moths out of the pill-boxes, but when a number were pinned into a box it became very noticeable indeed. It was confined to the male moth, and seemed especially to come from the curious bladdery termination of the aborted hind legs, but of this I am not positive. It certainly does not continue to be observable when the moths get worn. I suspect that it has some connection with the curiously inverted habits of the sexes in Hepialus, and seems to attract the females" {E.M.M., vol. xix., pp. 90-91). Subsequently (September, 1886), Mr. Barrett returned to the subject : — " I have again noticed the very distinct and even powerful perfume of pineapple given off by the male Hepialus hectus, and now think that it is connected with rather abnormal sexual habits in this species. One evening, in June, they commenced flying very early (about half-past eight o'clock) in broad daylight, and on capturing some males, which were quite freshly out, I noticed the perfume very distinctly. Presently, while watching two males oscilla- ting in their peculiar manner in a little space enclosed by two or three bracken fronds, I saw a female flying along, when she entered the space, she flew against one of the males, buzzed about a little, and then settled on one of the bracken fronds, where she hung with quivering wings. Instantly the male began to search for her, not, apparently, assisted by vision, but buzzing blindly up and down and around the spot until he came in contact with her quivering wings. This proceeding was so surprising that I watched further, and presently another female went through a similar performance, and then a third, the males in each case being within a very small space regularly oscillating until discovered and interrupted. Yet the males were not plentiful at all, and bracken was, of course, very abundant, and the female, coming from a distance, had, apparently, no reason for flying into the little space occupied by the males, unless, as seemed evident, 78 THE entomologist's record. drawn into that direction by the scent. I certainly did not see any female fly past one of these oscillating specimens. A somewhat similar habit has been recorded in the case of Hepialus humiili, where also the female flew actually against the oscillating male ; and I feel no doubt that this curious reversal of the usual order of things takes place in each species in which the males, instead of flying in search of their partners, oscillate over a limited space" {E.M.AI., vol, xxiii., p. no). Since then I have frequently seen this species pair, and the female has a curious manner on these occasions. Mr. Barrett describes it as " buzzing about." I have spoken of it elsewhere as a " tumbling, shuffling sort of flight." But this is only assumed when she comes within the range of the diffused odour. Previously, and also when dropping her ova among the bracken, she flies steadily enough. But though the oscillating flight of the males is now explained in this satisfactory way, there are some other points that are still puzzling. When they are at all plentiful, the males may occasionally be found on tree trunks, I never felt satisfied that this was selected as a place of rest ; perhaps they merely climb up when emerging from the pupa, though they are generally rather too high up for that. Besides, I have occasionally found sylvinus on palings, and that is a species as given to concealment as hectus. I have also been unable to satisfy myself as to the meteorological or other causes which affect the flight of this insect. One night, as Mr, Barrett mentions, they will fly in daylight ; I have seen them with the evening sun shining on them as they flew, the females appearing at the same time ; another night, they will swing away for half-an-hour, and their sweethearts will never appear ; a third night they will fly quite late ; and on a fourth they never put in an appearance at all. Sometimes, when they fly, they seem to come out all at once as though they came out at a signal. One night, I re- member being in the wood ; there was not an msect to be seen, then a single hedus appeared, and before I had boxed it, the place was alive with them. I could net five or six at a single stroke, and got over fifty in the twenty or twenty-five minutes they continued on the wing, about a quarter of them being females. Then they disappeared as suddenly as they had appeared, I was anxious to obtain specimens showing silver marks on the hind wings, and went again the next evening at the same hour. I could see no difference in anything. The weather was as fine, the wind in the same quarter, but I never saw a specimen. At other times they will come out at intervals for, perhaps, over an hour, and not appear in large numbers at all, this is what might be expected, but their sudden appearance in enormous numbers, and equally sudden disappearance, or their absence on apparently suitable nights, are not very easy to explain. A third item that has puzzled me is that when sweeping the herbage, when I have often taken them in cop. I have twice found a second female in the net, as though she had been attracted to the male after he had paired with another. From one of these females I obtained eggs that proved infertile. In these two species the manner of flight is the same : the males swinging backward and forward till they attract the females, the one by sight, and therefore flying in an open and exposed place, and being light and shining ; the other by scent, the diffusion of which is assisted by the motion, and the insect, therefore, flying in a sheltered nook where the faint odour CURRENT NOTES. 79 is not lost. Should the scent-producing power of hectus ever be lost, either entirely, or at some particular locality, a result might be expected like that which has already been obtained in hunudi. The specimens most easily seen, those, for example, with more silver on their wings, would be more easily observed by the females, would be more certain to secure partners, and would tend to produce a more silvery race, which in always increasing ratio, would go on until males were pro- duced entirely silver on both wings, like those of hutnuli. Specimens of heciiis, with faint traces of silvery markings on the hind wings, are not very uncommon, and they occasionally occur with the spots well defined. With the tendency for the silvery markings to become larger, another factor would also come into operation. As the female would require to see the male, it would follow that, the larger the specimen, the more easily would it be seen. Thus the larger males, also, would be more certain to find partners, and produce larger offspring, this double action constantly at work, hectus would both increase in size and become more and more suffused with silver, until an insect would eventually be evolved, not only silvery like humuli, but as large in size. It is not difficult, therefore, to see how two species may spring from one ancestor. (Zb be continued.) gURRENT NOTES. Messrs. Farren, Jones and their friends are to be congratulated on the energetic way they have acted with regard to the Cambridge Entom. Society. In the University there must always be a large number of men who are naturalists, and in the University towns really powerful Societies ought to be formed and maintained with ease. Mr. Merrifield re-read his paper "On the effects of artificial tem- perature on the colouring of Panessa urticie and certain other species of Lepidoptera." The discussion which followed was to a great extent abortive owing to the President calling on certain members to speak whether they knew anything of the matter or not. At least four or five gentlemen attempted to discuss the subject, who, it was clear, had never read Mr. Merrifield's papers, and valuable time was frittered away. The remarks of Messrs. Adkin, Weir and Fenn, who are always au fait with what is going on, were interesting and to the point. One gentleman unfortunately became personal in his remarks. Mr. E. Saunders has added Trypfdopsylla pentac/enus to the British fauna. Male and female specimens of this flea were obtained from the Noctule bat in Cambridge. Mr. Champion describes a specimen of Xylophilus in his collection as X. brevicornis, Pern's, and adds the species to the British fauna. Mr. Barrett drops his Anacampsis sparsiciliella as a variety oi A. anthyllidella {E.M.M). Mr. Coles records a black variety of Homaloplia ruricola from the chalk-hills at Poitsdown, Hants {E.M.M. p. 8i). A similar specimen was recorded in the Nov. No. of the same Magazine. The localities for Bagoiis petro in Fowler's British Coleoptera, vol. X., p. 288, are all wrong except the Askham Bog locality. The other localities refer to B. petrosus. The Rev. W. W. Fowler also points out {E.M.M. p. 81) that he has included at least two species under 80 THE entomologist's RECORD. the name of B. frit. He proposes abolishing the name/;*'/'/ and calling the Bagous with long tarsi B. longitarsis and that with short tarsi B. brevitarsis. We have to congratulate the Rev. G. M. A. Hewett on his little pamphlet entitled "Bug-hunting." It is written in his usual racy and interesting style. The collector who cannot learn something from this must be very advanced indeed, and to those who want something in popular style nothing better can be conceived. The notes are divided into " Appliances, Breeding, Setting, Beating, Odds and Ends " etc. It is written essentially for the Wmchester college " boys " (dare we call them so?), but "boys" of an older growth will find much infor- mation if they write to Messrs. Wells, College Street. Winchester for "Bug-hunting." Another excellent article by our friend Mr. C. Fenn, called " Notes on Collecting Tortrices (l"he pole system)," appears in the E.M.M. for the current month. We are pleased to see that the theories advanced in the introduction to The British Noducs a?id their Vars., vol. ii., to account for variation in colour as the result of surplus energy, more or less developed in the pupal stage, is likely to receive general support. The idea was sup- ported by Mr. Jenner Weir at the South London Entomological Society on March loth, and certain species of Satyrida, etc., exhibited in proof. It is with the greatest regret that we have to announce the death of Mr. Francis Archer, one of the original members of the Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society, at Liverpool. He was an excellent all-round naturalist, a man of kind and genial disposition, and his loss will be especially felt in Liverpool, where his worth was so well known. The monthly portrait in the British Naturalist is that of Miss Eleanor Ormerod. A portrait of the late Mr. H. W. Bates is given with this month's Entomologist, and one of the late Mr. Francis Archer with the current number of The Naturalist. At the usual fortnightly meeting of the Aberdeen Natural History Society on March 15th, Mr, W. Reid, F.E.S., read a paper on the " Crambi of Scotland." We should be pleased if any of our readers could give us, from foreign books or otherwise, descriptions of varieties of our British species of Noctuai, not mentioned in vols. i. and ii. of The British Noctua and their Varieties. We also particularly want the references to Micra paula as a British species. The Annual Exhibition of The South London Entomological Society will be held at the Bridge House, London Bridge, S.E,, on the 5th and 6th of May. On the 5th it will be open from 7 to 10.30 p.m. ; on the 6th from i to 10 p.m. Tickets for admission may be obtained from Mr. Barker, F.E.S., 147, Gordon Road, Peckham, S.E. |OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. Ammonia, Verdigris and Black Pins. — In Mr, Tutt's paper on the Pterophoritia {Ent. Record, vol. iii., p. 32) he says : — " They should always be killed with ammonia because of the importance of the legs NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 81 being set, and ammonia leaves them very flaccid after death. The spe- cimens are apt to verdigris, and so black pins should always be used." Now, I never kill with ammonia myself, simply because I have a theory that all specimens strongly impregnated with it are apt to corrode the pins, whatever kind are used. Those who are in the habit of using ammonia will probably say I am under a misapprehension, but I have found that certain species which never corrode my pins do corrode the pins of some of my correspondents, and I should much like to have the opinion of a practical chemist on the subject. As to black pins, after long experience I have come to the conclusion that for the purpose of preventing verdigris, they are perfectly useless. I regarded them as a delusion and a snare when they were first intro- duced, because it seemed to me that japan varnish would certainly be soluble in the acrid fatty matter which some species unfortunately contain, and on writing to a pin manufacturer whom I know, I found he was quite of my opinion ; moreover, he said that in order to get the varnish on, it would be necessary to subject the metal to so much heat that all the " temper would be taken out of it, which would cause the pins to bend easily and to turn up at the points. The only way I know to prevent verdigris, is to extract the fatty matter — by immer- sion in benzoline or otherwise — before the pins have become green. I operate on large numbers of specimens every winter, and thus save many that would otherwise be utterly spoiled. Very likely the varnish may protect the metal to a certain extent for a limited time, just as gilding does, but it is a mere question of time. I use black pins myself, simply because I cannot atford to be wiser than the majority of other people — for some collectors still say, " Do not send me any black pinned specimens " — but when I remember how much more easy and pleasant it was to pin some insects — the smaller Hymenoptera for instance — with pins that had points, I cannot help grieving over the success of mis-directed cnteri:)rise. — ^V. H. Harwood, 2, Brooklyn Villas, Colchester. February 22}id, 1S92. The experience of Mr. Harwood is, I admit, probably far beyond mine, on this important subject; but still, I have set so many specimens during the last twenty years, »:hat I cannot get away from actual facts. First, with regard to the action of ammonia on pins. It is, I suppose well- known, that ammonia readily affects the metal and forms chemical com- pounds with it. Place a few white pins and a few black ones in a box, and then pour a drop of liquid ammonia into it. A few minutes, and the white pins are quite green, and shortly after the black pins also, especially if badly japanned. But, do insects absorb sufficient ammonia to affect the metal, and secondly, if so, do they not part with the absorbed ammonia, on exposure, too rapidly to affect the pin ? I have some t,ooo specimens of Pterophori in my collection, and scarcely a single black pin has corroded, and all my specimens have been killed with ammonia. Those that have come from correspondents on white pins are very different, and are gradually getting thickly coated with verdigris, and the insects are posturing at all angles. My Tineina are, generally, as free from verdigris, and so, comparatively, are my Tor- trices. Of course, insects on some black pins do verdigris. Tayler's pins have such large heads, but compared with Kirby, Beard and Co.'s pins, the bad pins are probablv less than 1:20. In fact, 25-50 c 82 THE entomologist's RECORD. per cent, of Kirby, Beard's pins are often useless, 2 to 3 per cent, of Tayler's would leave a wide margin, but they are so ugly that Kirby, Beard's are generally used in preference. Besides, Kirby, Beard's pins used to be cheaper than Tayler's, and hence used to be more largely bought, but now the same price is, I believe, charged for the (from my experience; inferior pin. I agree most heartily with Mr. Harwood in all he has to say about the bad points and absence of temper in the metal, but there can be no doubt that a much inferior metal is used in the manufacture of japanned pins than in the ordinary white ones; and when all is said and done, I think all Micro collectors (especially the younger men) will continue to risk spoiling a few specimens by the absence of points to their pins and their manufacture from soft metal, rather than have to make a new collection entirely every seven or eight years in some of the more important genera of the " little fry." With some of the larger Macro-Lepidoptera it is, I confess, merely a matter of time, but then such species as Macrogaster ariindinis and its namesake in Noiiagria, have enough fat in them to verdigris anything ; but is it not better, even then to stave off the evil day as long as possible ? — J. W. TuTT, Westcombe Hill. March, 1892. Are black pins really better than white for Micros ? I have always used white pins because the black ones are so liable to bend. Both kinds verdigris, though I suppose the black are better than the white in this respect. I so often bend the pins (black) of insects sent me, and this is so very trying when it happens, that I have never felt any temptation to use the black ones myself. — \. Robinson. Feb., 1892. The Lepidoptera of Epping Forest.^ — As it is rather difficult to indicate localities by the use of the names of the different parts of the Forest, which many of us probably do not know, I think it will be advisable to divide the Forest into sections. In the first, which I propose to call the Chingford section, are included the Forest proper, between Chingford and High Beach, and the district to the south and west of this portion, as far south as Larkswood, taking in Chingford Church, Chingford Hatch, etc., and part of Sewardstone, but not, of course, encroaching on the Lea Valley. This strip of country is studded with woods, and in earlier times, I suppose, was all forest land. Coming again to the Forest proper, after crossing Chingford Plain, we pass through a wood of pollard trees, mostly hornbeam and oak, inter- spersed with sloe bushes, and broken by marshy glades. The general level of this wood (according to the maps in Mr. E. N. Buxton's book) is 200 feet above high water mark. It, however, rises to 300 feet at the S.W. corner. After walking about a mile, or a mile and a half, we cross Fairmead Bottom and come to the first beech woods. These are on higher ground. The second section, between the road from the "Robin Hcwd" to High Beach Church, and thence on to Sewardstone and the "Wake Arms," we will include under the name of Monkswood, This stretch of the Forest is of a far more varied character than the first named. We pass through a belt of polled trees, beech, horn- beam and oak, then heather studded with pollards, birches, holly, sallow, etc. After a mile or so, we reach Monkswood proper, a wood composed of splendid beech trees, with a few old oaks scattered ^ Abstract of Paper read before the City of London Entom. Society on Feb. 4th, by Mr. A F. Bayne. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 83 amongst them, and broken by glades with heather and sallow. This section has a good many ponds and open marshy spaces. In this division, I will also include Jack's Hill, on the right of the road from Loughton to the Wake Arms, the character of the wood being similar. Monkswood proper stands at about 300 ft., and the Wake at 370 ft. On entering the next section, which I will call the Wake Arms section, we pass through an extent of open heather studded with clumps of birches. This continues until we reach Epping Thicks, which resemble somewhat the Chingford Wood, but have more beeches, and which extend to E[)ping Town, two miles beyond the Wake Arms, Ambers- bury Banks, near the Epping Road, stand at 381 ft., and the end of the Thicks at 369 ft. Epping Lower Forest lies to the north of the town, and much resembles the first section (Chingford). It will be seen, from the figures quoted, that there is a general rise of the country between Chingford and Epping. As to the geology of the Forest, there is not much to be said. The formation is tertiary, consisting of London clay, capped in places with gravel, sand, and brick-earth. With regard to localities sugared. We sugared in i8go in only one spot, last year in two. Both of these belong to the Chingford section, and large trees just outside the woods were sugared. Now as to collecting generally. The first moth to appear is H. rupicapraria, at light, and flying at dusk. In February and March, searching the tree trunks seems to be the best mode of working. Hyheritia leucophoearia and Phigalia pilosaria (pedaria) are both common in the Chingford section. On the 7th March, 1891, a single specimen of Nyssia hispidaria was taken on an oak trunk in the same section. It sat in a crevice of the bark, nine or ten feet from the ground, and one Amphidasys prodromaria {sirataria) was found on the 29th of the same month in the Wake Arms section, also on an oak trunk. In March, Hybernia margiiiaria and Ajii- sopteryx cescularia appear at light commonly. Last year the former continued on the wing from the end of February until the first week in May, Sallowing opens usually about the beginning of April. In Monkswood, Tcuniocampa stnbilis, gothica, cruda {pulvefulenta), instabilis {incerid), and hybernated Scopelosoma saieliitia, Orrhodia vaccinii are common, while T. nmnda and gracilis and Pachnobia rubricosa are occasionally met with; rubricosa, however, was plentiful in 1890 on sallow bushes, near Chingford. A pair of O. vaccinii, in copula, fell into the sheet one night in April last. Our best sallowing night last year was the 15th April. After a very fine day the sky clouded over slightly. The wind was N.VV., light, and the moon about half full. The moths continued coming on till about one o'clock, and then seemed to stop suddenly. About the middle of the month Larentia inultisirigaria is common at dusk, flying over the heather in Monks- wood and Selenia illunaria {Inliinaria) throughout the Forest. After the sallows are over, the sloe bushes begin to blossom. Flying to this attraction in the Chingford Wood, Eupithecia puviilata, Cidaria siiffinnata, and Anticlea badiata are plentiful, and about a dozen and a half A. nigrojasciaria were netted in 1890, but none in 1891. In the glades Ciiix glaucata {spinnld) and Hemerophila abriiptaria are to be found. Tree trunks during the month are not usually productive 84 THE entomologist's RECORD. of much more than an occasional Xylina lithoriza {areola). In May the larvae of Geometra papilionaria are to be taken on the birches in the Monkswood and Wake Arms sections. The best way to find them is to search the branches of the smaller birches, as recom- mended in the Ent. Record, i., p. 23. They are rather difficult to see, as they greatly resemble the birch catkins. They rest stretched out stiffly, generally at the end of the twig. Among the butterflies Lyccena argiolus may be taken rather plentifully, on sunny days in Monkswood" and Epping Thicks, while A. etiphrosyne, Euchloe car- damines, Nisionades iages and Syrichthus malvce are to be found throughout. Flying in company with the butterflies in the Monkswood section, are swarms of Ematur^a atoviaria and P. petraria, with an oc- casional Phytometra cenea {viridaria). {To be continued.) Platypteryx sicula. — I must mention the capture of four larvae of Platypteryx sicula on September 12th, by a former collector, Mr. Grigg, and myself; and having searched for the moth in vain in the early summer, it is very gratifying to find that the species is still existing in its very circumscribed locality. The difficulty of obtaining it is, however, very great, as the trees have grown up very much since the days when Mr. Grigg and others were so successful. — Geo. C. Griffiths. Novejnber 30///, 1891, Caradrina superstes. — The specimens of the above, captured by Mr. Hodges, are very interesting to me, never having seen the species alive, — and it would be valuable to collate the number of undoubted specimens known to have been taken here, with the localities where they have occurred. It bears such a superficial resemblance to C. blanda, that I daresay it is often overlooked on the sugar for that species, and this is more likely from the way the insects of this genus rest without exposing the hind wings.-— C. Fenn, Lee, Kent. I have had no difficulty in distinguishing C. superstes on the sugared flowerheads, even in the excitement of capture, from our form of C. blatida. — A. J. Hodges. Attractiveness of Flowers. — One of the noticeable facts of the past season in these parts (South Devon), appears to be the unusual absence of visitors on flowers, in most years so attractive ; such as the scented tobacco {N. affinis), red valerian, rhododendrons, honeysuckle, cherry-laurel, rasi)berry blossoms, lavender, etc. With the exception of a very few common butterflies and Plusia gamma, on sunny days no lepidoptera were seen to visit them (though frequently watched at all hours). It was the same with barberry and laburnum flowers in the spring, and the number of insects on sallow was but small. Yewberries, though in abundance this autumn, were left untouched when fully ripe, and at ivy, though there was a scattering of insects, few were visible feasting, and most of those obtained had to be shaken off the plants. — William S. Riding. December 22nd, 1891. Hecatera SERENA. — With us, this species feeds on various species of Picris, and is most common on railway banks, etc. The larva is abundant, but is so terribly infested with ichneumons that I have given up attempting to breed it, the results being only about four or five per cent. The moth occurs on palings, and at sugar and flowers at dusk. I daresay it will feed on most Conipositce. My larvae have been obtained by sweeping at dusk and in the afternoon. Sowthistle would. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 85 I should say, be too juicy a provender for them. — C. Fenn. [The larvae were very abundant last autumn when we were sweeping for DiantJuecia irregularis larvae at Tuddenham last August. — Ed.] Larv^ beating in Spring. — To those not knowing the fact, it may be interesting to learn, that night-beating for larvae, especially after lo p.m., is the most productive means of capture possible, and many larvae are obtained of species which do not always come to sugar, such as Noctua ditrapezium, Aplccta tincta, Triphmna interjecta etc. I once beat out of the birches and sallows at Tilgate, over 500 larvae in one night, between to. 30 p.m. and i a.m. and amongst them were 16 iV. ditrapezium, 20 Triphcena fimbria, 8 A. tincta, with Plusia iota and Boarinia repandiia commonly, and any quantity of Noctua baja, brumiea, tria/iguluin, Triphxna janthitia, Aplecta 7iebu!osa, etc' Where the var. conversaria of B. repandata is ever taken, it should be searched for at night about the end of April, along the rides and hedges ; tlie pale larva is then easily found and may be beaten into an umbrella, but it is of little use searching for it in the daytime. In confinement they will eat anything, but I have always found them most common on hawthorn, blackthorn, nut and birch, in the order named. — C. Fenn, Lee, Kent. Setting the Forelegs of Agriopis aprilina. — If injection with oxalic acid were adopted as a method of killing lepidoptera, the difficulty referred to {Ent. Rec, ii., p. 295) would not, 1 believe, be met with ; nor would mechanical force have to be used to overcome the intense stiffening resulting from the use of cyanide of potassium. I have a considerable series of this species with all the forelegs extended in front, and have never had any difficulty in setting them. — R. Prideaux. Use of Naphthalin. — A method of using the above, that I have adopted for some years, occurs to me as possibly worth recording. Naphthalin melts at 80° C. and the fusion may readily be done in a test tube over a spirit lamp. If a small brush be inserted in the test tube, and the liquid applied hot to the sides, corners, or crevices of pocket, postal or relaxing boxes, etc., it hardens immediately where applied, does not knock about the box, and is most efficient in keeping boxes so treated, free from mites. — R. M. Prideaux, Clifton, Bristol. XvLiNA conspicillaris. — Do the specimens of Xyliiia conspicillaris, taken in England, differ in any way from Continental specimens? My British specimens are all of the same type; two came from old Benj. Standish, Darenth Wood captures ; 5 bred by the late E. Horton, of Worcester, and one from Mr. Edwards of the same place. — J. B. Hodgkinson. [I believe there is no difference whatever. A full account of the variation of this species is to be found in T/ie British NoctucB and their Varieties^ i., pp. 69-71. — Ed.] Aporia crat^gi. — Has this partly extinct species occurred again ? If so, in what county? — Id. [The last record should be well known to Mr. Hodgkinson. It is in the E.M.M., vol. xxiv., p. 131, and is vouched for by Mr. Webb. Mr. Edmonds has sold a large number of pupce of late, but no one supposes they are of British origin. — Ed.] Xylina zinckenii. — I recently had two foreign specimens of this species offered to me to purchase. They were nothing like the specimens which were sold with Mr. Warren's collection. — Id. [Probably as the 86 THE entomologist's record. former " were nothing like " ihe latter, they were not the species at all. There is, however, some variation in the species ; one named var. is called somniculosa, whilst zinckenii also is a variety, lamda being the type.— Ed.] Lepidoptera of Sidmouth, S. Devon. — I should like to supplement Mr. Majendie's list of the Lepidoptera of Sidmouth. During the last three years I have been collecting there with my brothers during the month of August and first week in September. Among the Rhopalocera I may mention that the second brood of Leucophasia sinapis was fairly common last year. I took as many as i6 in three-quarters of an hour ; we have only taken 2 Thecla betulce.. Among the Heterocera, larvae of Notodonta ziczac, JV. dictcea^ Ptilodontis palpina, Dicranura bifida, D. furcula. Nocture — Thyatira b a f is (larva), Hydioicia nictitans, Axylia piitris, Tryphcena interject a, Noctua pleda, N. C-nigrum, N. trianguium, Amphipyra pyramidea, A. tragopoginis, Stilbia anoinala. GEOMETRiE — Ennomos fuscantaria, Eupisteria heparata, Acidalia scutulata, A. subsericeata, Lygdia adustafa, Einme/esia affinitata, Ephyra piinctaria, Eupithecia castigata, E. virgaureata, E. rectangulata, Gnophos obicurata, Lobophora sexalisntd and L. hexapterata (larvae), Mclanippe procellata, M. galiata, Coremia propugnata, Cidaria picata, C. ribesiaria, and C. testata. No doubt Mr. Majendie may have omitted some of these insects, because he considered them too common, but I think that it makes a list more complete, when even the commoner species are included. — Clifford Wells, Hurstfield, The Avenue, Gipsy Hill, S.E. BoMBYX RUBi. — Does the larv« of this species throw off the black velvety mantle that is worn in October? My nephew, when collecting the larva of Melitcea artemis, brought me a fine full-fed larva, as brown as that of Bombyx querent, which I pronounced it to be. However, I was surprised when a large male rubi emerged. Some fifty years ago I used to breed this species easily. I had at that time a good chance. I put them in a place where the temperature, night and day, was from seventy to eighty degrees, in a large box with plenty of loose moss, and fed them on garden or other roses through November, and when the outside supply failed, continued on plants growing indoors. They fed up well, pupated, and came out generally in January and February. — J, B. HODGKINSON, Sphinx convolvuli near Croydon. — I captured a magnificent specimen (evidently just emerged), of Spitinx convolvuli at rest, upon a paling, very close to the Old Croydon Racecourse, on my way to sugar in VVickham Wood. — C, Wells, Hurstfield, The Avenue, Gipsy Hill. Coleoptera in Herefordshire.— /Vzr/O'A? octomaculata is far from rare in Herefordshire, and in the Black Mountain district it is quite common. Other Longicornia which occur here are Prionus coriarius, A. vioschnta, Calliditim alni, Clytiis arietis and C. mysticus, Astynomuf CBdilis (imported, no doubt), L. nebulostis, P. pilosits, S. scalaris and poptilnea, Rhagiiim bifasciatiim, Toxotus meridianus, Strangalia annata (very common), Z. tomentosa, Grainmoptera tabacicolor and G. rufi- coriiis (both common), and T. prceusta. — E. W. W. Bowell, Staplehurst, Kent. January \Wi, 1892. Smoking for Insects. — I think that lepidopterists in this and other districts would do better if they " smoked " for their insects, especially SOCIETIES. 87 the smaller ones. I know that in June and July, I could have taken thousands of specimens in a day on the sandhills here if I had had time to set them. Before I tried "smoking" I could only get, say, five or six Gelechia temerella in a morning ; with the " smoke " I could get fifty in an hour, and the same with other Gelechice. I use old rags or brown paper, or, in fact, any paper made into touch-paper with saltpetre melted in water and dried again. A whiff or two of this, sent among the roots of the grass, etc., will make most things move. — T. Baxter. November 13//?, 1891. Societies. Entomological Society of London. — March 9, 1892. — Professor C. Stewart, President of the Linnean Society, exhibited and made re- marks on specimens of Cystoccelia iinmaculata, an Orthopterous insect from Namaqualand, in which the female is far more conspicuously coloured than the male, and the stridulating apparatus of the male differs in certain important details from that of other species. A long and interesting discussion ensued, in which Dr. Sharp, Mr. Poulton, Mr. Distant, Mr. H. J. Elwes, Colonel Swinhoe, and Mr. Hampson took part. Mr. Elwes exhibited specimens of Ribes aureum, which were covered with galls, as to the nature of which the Scientific Com- mittee of the Horticultural Society desired to have the opinion of the Entomological Society. Mr. Fenn, Mr. Tutt, and Mr. Barrett made some remarks on these galls. Mr. Elwes also exhibited a large number of species of Heterocera, recently collected by Mr. Doherty in South- east Borneo and Sambawa. Colonel Swinhoe, Mr. Hampson, and Mr. Distant took part in the discussion which ensued. Mr. Barrett exhibited a series of specimens of Noctua /estiva, bred by Mr. G. V. Hart, of Dublin, which represented most of the known forins of the species, including the Shetland type, and the form formerly described as a dis- inct species, under the name of Noctua confiua. Mr. Fenn and Mr. Tutt made some remarks on the specimens. Mr. W. C. Boyd exhibited a specimen of Diantlwecia barrettii, taken at Ilfracombe last summer. It was remarked that Mr. W. F. H. Blandford had recorded the capture of D. barrettii — which had, until recently, been supposed to be con- fined to Ireland — from Pembrokeshire, and that its capture had also since been recorded from Cornwall. Mr. Tutt exhibited specimens of Polia xanthoinista, from Mr. Gregson's collection, which had recently been sent to him by Mr. Sydney Webb. They included, amongst others, a specimen much suffused with yellow, and resembling Hiibner's type and Gregson's type ot var. stitkes, which Mr. Tutt stated was practically identical with Treitschke's nis,rocincta. He remarked that certain localities appeared to produce different forms of this species, responding largely to their environment as far as colour is concerned, and were thus protected by resemblance to their surroundings. Mr. G. A. James Rothney exhibited and read notes on a large collection of Indian Ants which he had made in Bengal between 1872 and 18S6, comprising some 90 species. He stated that 18 of these species had been described by Dr. Mayr in his paper entitled " Ameisen Fauna Asiens," 1878: he also said that Dr. Forel had recently identified several other new species in the collection, and that there were about 88 THE entomologist's record. ten species and one new genus which Dr. Forel had not yet determined. Mr. H. Goss exhibited, for Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell, of Kingston, Jamaica, several specimens of palm leaves, from the garden of the Museum in Kingston, covered with Aspidiotus articiilatus, Morgan. The leaves appeared to have been severely attacked, the scales entirely covering the upper surface in places. Mr. Cockerell had pointed out, in a letter dated i6th Feb. last, that the species is notable for the sharp division between the thorax and abdomen ; and that he had formerly distributed it under the name of Aspidiotus ri/fesce/is, but had since satisfied himself that it was identical with A. orticulatus from Demerara. He added that the species fed on a variety of plants, and was known from Demerara, Jamaica, and Barbados. Mr. F. D. Godman con- tributed a paper by the late Mr. Henry Walter Bates, with an introduc- tion by himself, entitled "Additions to the Longicornia of Mexico and Central America, with remarks on some previously-recorded Species." The Rev. A. E. Eaton communicated a paper entided " On new Species of Ejjhemeridse from the Tenasserim Valley. March 23, 1892. — The Secretary read a letter from the City of London Entomological and Natural History Society, on the subject of a proposed Catalogue of the Fauna of the London District. The assis- tance of Fellows of the Society in the compilation of the Catalogue was asked for. Mr. G. C. Champion exhibited a number of new species of Longicornia, from Mexico and Central America, recently described by the late Mr. H. W. Bates, in his paper entitled "Additions to the Longicornia of Mexico and Central America, with remarks on some previously recorded species," read at the last meeting of the Society. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited three very rare species of Noctu^, viz., Nodua flammafra, Leiicania vitellina and Laphygma exigua, all taken by Mr. H. Rogers, at Freshwater, Isle of Wight, in the autumn of 1891. Mr. F, C. Adams again exhibited the specimen of Telephorus rusticus, in which the left mesothoracic leg consisted of three distinct femora, tibi^. and tarsi, originating from a single coxa, which he had shown at the meeting on the 24th of February last. The specimen was now reversed, to admit of the better examination of the structural peculiarities, upon which Dr. Sharp, Mr. Champion and Mr. Jacoby made some remarks. Mr. Osbert Salvin exhibited a series of mounted specimens of the clasping organs in the male of several species of Hesperidce. Dr. Sharp exhibited, for Mr. F. D. Godman, a collection of Orthoptera, recently made in the Island of St. Vincent, West Indies, by Mr. H. H. Smith, the naturalist sent to that Island by Mr. Godman in connection with the operations of the Committee appointed by the British Association and the Royal Society for the investigation of the Fauna and Flora of the Lesser Antilles. It was stated that the collection had recently been referred to, and reported on by, Herr C. Brunner von Wattenwyl and Professor J. Redtenbacher. Mr. J. W. Tutt exhibited and remarked on a series of various forms of Or7'hodia vaccinii and O. {spadicea) ligula. Mr. C. G. Barrett exhibited and made remarks on a series of specimens — including some remarkable varieties — of Bombyx querciis and Odon- esiis potatoria. A long discussion ensued as to the probable causes of the variation exemplified, in which Mr. Tutt, Mr. Jacoby, Mr. Poulton, Mr. H. Goss, Mr. Salvin, Mr. Bethune-Baker, Dr. Sharp, and Mr, Distant took part. Mr. G. A James Rothney sent for exhibition a SOCIETIES. 89 number of specimens of Campoiiotiis coiiipressus, C. viicans^ CEcophila smaragdiua, Sima rufo/iii^ra, Solenopsis geminata var. armaia, and other species of ants, from Calcutta, to^^ether with certain species of Aphidce kept by them for domestic purposes ; also certain of their enemies and parasites. He also communicated a short paper on the subject, entitled "Notes on certain species of Calcutta ants, and their habits of life." — H. Goss, Hon, Sec. South London Entomological Society. — March 24th, 1892, — Mr. Merrifield re-read his paper "On the effects of artificial temperature on the colouring of Vanessa Jirticce and certain other species of Lepidop- tera." Mr. Merrifield said that at the time he commenced his experi- ments, in 1887, Mr. Edwards, in America, and Prof. Weismann, in German}', had shown that the colouring and markings of some butter- flies were affected by temperature in the pupal stage. Their experiments had been on seasonally dimorphic species, and tended to show that temperature so applied, only operated on the summer-pupating form, causing it to assume, or make a near approach to, the winter-pupating form, but that the winter-pupating form could not thus be made to as- sume the other form. Weismann's explanation of this was that the winter-pupating form was the older one, and that the application of cold (and indeed of other agencies) to the sunmier pupa caused it to " throw back " to the ancestral form. His (Mr. Merrifield's) experiments showed results which, while by no means inconsistent with this theory, indeed in some respects supporting it, showed something more, and indicated a general effect of temperature upon the colouring of both the seasonal forms of some dimorphic species, and of some single brooded species. A distinction was to be drawn between the single brooded and the seasonally dimorphic species, as to the way in which temperature operated. In the seasonally dimorphic species, no doubt each individual, when it came into separate existence, had an innate tendency to lead one or other of the two lives, viz. : — either to feed up (juickly, and come out as a perfect insect after a few months, or to feed slowly, and come out after passing the winter in the pupal stage. But either of these tendencies might be diverted into the opposite one by certain external agencies, of which temperature was a principal, but not, he believed,the only one. Considering that one of the differences be- tween two seasonal forms was often that of size, it seemed clear that the question which of the two destinations the individual should follow must, in the main, be decided before the period of full growth was reached, i.e. before the end of the larval period ; and therefore such of the markings and colouring as were proper to either seasonal form ex- clusively, would thus indirectly be affected by circumstances operating during the larval, or even the oval stage, viz., by those circumstances which decided to which of the two seasonal emergences the perfect insect should belong; and the earlier experiments before adverted to, showed that similar results might, to some extent, be obtained by ex- ternal agencies in the pupal stage. But it had now also been estab- lished that temperature applied in the pupal stage to either seasonal form of some seasonally dimorphic species, and to some single- brooded species, materially affected the colouring, and, in some species, the markings ; the markings, ai)parently by long-continued exposure in the early part of the pupal period to a very low temperature (such as 90 THE entomologist's record. 33" F.); the colouring by a very moderate difference of temperature during a later period, which, in the case of the Seknias and some others he had localised as that which separated the inactive central period of pupal life, from the very late period when the colouring of the perfect insect had begun to show. In ii/usfraria, the natural difference of markings, as well as of colouring, between the two seasonal forms, was strong, and he had obtained a close approximation to either form, with ease and regularity, by temperature applied to the pupa at the right time. In ilhinaria and lunaria there was not so much difference in markings, but there was, especially in the former, a very conspicuous difference in colouring, and in both broods of both these species similar results ensued, with practical invariableness. It was the same, but not so regularly, with the single brooded E. mituuinm-ia. In V. urticce, the results were in the same direction, but not so considerable, a temperature of 50° to 60° appearing to develop the greatest intensity, especially of the dark parts and the blue crescents, a relatively low tem- perature (47°) causing a general increase of darkness, some specimens approaching the northern var. polaris. In C. caja a moderately low temperature caused the general ground colour of the forewings to be darker, and that of the hind wings to be less yellow, and the dark spots on them to spread, and increased in a striking degree the length and breadth of the black abdominal bars. B. qiiercus and its var. calluncE. showed slighter results in the same direction. Many more experiments, and on many more species belonging to widely-separated families among the Lepidnptera, should be tried before sufficient materials could be accumulated for a satisfactory explanation of these temperature effects ; but in the meantime he ventured to suggest that some of them were due to the circumstance that a particular tempera- ture was more suitable to health and vigour than any other was, and tended consequently to produce larger size and greater intensity of colouring and markings, but that this would only account for a small part of the effects produced, especially in the seasonally dimorphic species, and in those he had operated on there seemed to be what, in the absence of further knowledge, might' be called a direct tendency in a low temperature to cause darkness of markings. Mr. Merrifield exhibited a large number of examples of the temperature effects pro- duced. Mr. Fenn, after a few preliminary remarks, bearing testirnony to the labour, patience and extreme care displayed in working out these experiaients, for which great praise was due, and also to the slight delicacy he felt in opposing Mr. Merrifield, after the trouble that gentleman had taken in coming so far to read his paper before them, proceeded to say that in a long experience of breeding Lepidoptera, extending over more than thirty years, he had found that when treated in a natural manner the proportion of abnormal varieties bred to be under one per cent. He divided variation into two sections, viz.^ natural and unnatural or artificial. With regard to the former, that m.ight again be divided into three nearly equal causes, heredity, moisture and natural selection ; he gave the reasons for each, with examples. Respecting the latter, Mr. Fenn held that an examination of most of our extraordinary varieties would show that the variation in question was caused by some form of disease, some weakening of the vitality or constitution of the insect, either in the larva or pupa state, not of SOCIETIES. 91 course by any specific complaint ; and this appeared not only in mark- ings but also in many instances in the shape of the wings, which usually altered in the direction of breadth. When these causes operated in nature it was a result in one case of a want of succulence in the food, for in very dry seasons when plants were scorched up, a tendency was shown to the production of small imagines, and the same resulted from semi-starvation when a sufficiency of food was unattainable. These conditions resulted in lessening the size of the imago, the density of the scaling, etc. Alpine species were often deficient in this latter particular, and this, it was inferred, was caused by continued exposure to severe weather and to insufficient nutrition. Examining Mr. Merrifield's experiments in accordance with these views, Mr. Fenn assumed that all the specimens exhibited would be found to belong to the artiticial group for these reasons. Most of the species experimented on were double-brooded, and the experience we possess in breeding Lepidoptera shows us that although we may hasten a summer brood yet we cannot turn the spring form into the summer one, the reason being that the extra development of the insect in the larva or pupa state has determined the imago, and that we cannot put back the hands on the clock of nature or reverse what has been already done. Mr. Merrifield himself admitted this. There was another point to which he would direct attention, and that was the temperature neces- sary to alter the colour of the insect — 87° to 57°, and whatever may have been done by artificial means, in a state of nature the lower even of these temperatures was amply sufficient to put all our autumnal, winter and spring species entirely out of its influence, for, to quote Mr. Merrifield, " I find that three days (and, I presume, nights) are all that are sufficient to effect this change." Now a period of three days from September to April or part of May, when the temperature never fell below 57°, is at the least unusual, if not almost unknown, in this country. In Mr. Merrifield's paper, published in the Transactions of the Entomo- logical Society, I find that with regard to 6'. illustraria 60° to 73° is sufficient to produce the change in the direction of heat, and this makes it a matter of impossibility for the spring brood of illustraria in a natural state to be affected at all. Respecting the single brooded species, E. autiininaria is one insect particularly relied upon. In 1884, being fortunate enoug'i to take three $ examples of this insect at Deal, two of which deposited eggs ; by keeping the broods separat^^ly, and by judiciously crossing them, the strain was kept up for several years. Hundreds of the imago were reared, and Mr. Fenn submitted a very long series bred under purely natural conditions in which even greater extremes of variation were apparent than in any of those artificially treated by Mr. Merrifield, but by far the greater proportion followed the coloration of their parents. With regard to the range of temperature necessary to affect autuinnaria, 73° to 80°, it might be assumed that either of these temperatures was quite unusual for a period of three days and nights at the time w-hen autumnaria was bred in confinement (August) or taken at large in September, yet we bred either dark or pale autumnaria following in a great degree the colour of the parent moths. It was pointed out how many of the specimens exhibited showed a tendency to crippling or deformity, plainly indicating that their consti- tutions had been tampered with in some previous state, and this was 92 THE entomologist's record. held to be the cause of the variation observed, for variation it un- doubtedly was, unnatural variation. In this direction the V. urfi'cce were a strong case in point. In conclusion Mr. Fenn stated that the deduction he drew from these experiments and from comparing the results with his own experiences, were as follows, viz. : Such variation as shown by Mr. Merrifield is practically impossible in a state of nature unless we assume it to be the result of disease, and as such a condition would weaken the brood to a great extent, it would all the more rapidly disappear, and in any case would fail to compete with healthy broods in the struggle for existence. However, he said, we may differ with regard to these experiments, we must all admire the way in which they have been carried out, and he begged to propose a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Merrifield for his paper. After Mr. J. Jenner Weir had made some remarks bearing on the cause of such colour variation as was referred to by Mr. Merrifield, and its relation to surplus energy, several members (called on by the President) spoke at, rather than about the subject, and it seemed very doubtful whether some of them had read Mr. Merrifield's papers relating to his experiments. Mr. Adkin got back to the question, and gave an account of some Vanessa urticoi bred by him, which tended to support Mr. Merrifield's facts, especially with regard to the development of the blue lunules. Mr. Tutt stated that he had already suggested explanations of many of Mr. Merrifield's results in his pamphlet on Melanism and Melanochroism in British Lepidoptera, and within the last few weeks in the Introduction to vol. ii. of The British Noctuce and t/ieir Varieties. Mr, Tutt maintained that on broad grounds there was no doubt that heredity and other factors inherent in the species explained some of the results, whilst exposure to moisture and other ordinary climatic changes helped to explain others. But there was at the same time no doubt that tempera- ture did more or less affect the coloration. The question at issue was now reduced to its narrowest possible compass, and he asked. How does temperature affect the coloration of lepidoptera? Is the action direct or indirect ? He had no doubt himself that such result was entirely indirect, and that its action was due to its influence on the constitu- tion ot the pupa, the pupa being taken by Mr. Merrifield as the stage in which the most vital changes in colour were affected. Mr. Tutt pointed out from Mr. Merrifield's own showing that " the larva must by no means be overlooked " in the question ; but, restricting himself to the pupal stage, he would attemi)t to explain how the changes on Mr. Merrifield's experiments were brought about. He would distinguish particularly between the butterfly, Vanessa urticce, and the moths, Selenia, etc. In the first case, crippling was so apparent, that no one could argue for a moment that " disease," or a failure to carry out the normal processes of development, might not be a potent factor, and there was no doubt it was. Shortly, he assumed, that when the larva was full-fed it had a certain amount of " surplus " energy stored up, which, elaborated under suitable conditions, would become the normally coloured pigment. Prevent by artificial condition (tem- perature, etc.) the proper elaboration and consequent formation of this pigment, and the result would follow that the imago would exhibit the result of such action on emergence. But the ground colour of V. urticce is essentially black. Therefore the failure to SOCIETIES. 93 develop pigment would tend to darken the general colour by throw- ing up the dark ground colour ; and as Mr. Merrifield's specimens exhibited at the same time, not only a failure to develop pigment, but also a failure to produce the normal membranous structure of the wings, it became apparent that the cause of one failure was the probable cause of the other. He therefore assumed that the action of temperature was indirect, and that the result vvas directly due to the insects being unable to carry out their normal functions during development. With regard to the moths it was different. They had essentially two colours in their organism, so to speak. In Selenia illustraria these were purple and reddish-ochreous, due to seasonal dimorphism, the pigment ranging from reddish-ochreous, through red to purpl^ ; in Bombyx quercus yellow and red-brown, due to sexual dimorphism, the females being yellow and the males deep red-brown. In these species, too, simple chemical experiments showed that the ground colour was white. But here again the changes in colour, brought about by temperature, were directly due to the normal elaboration or non- elaboration of the pigment-forming material and- only indirectly with the temperature that prevented this elaboration. It was also not so intimately connected with failure in membranous development. The genetic sequence of the colours in illustraria was yellow, red, purple. .A. rapid development under high temperature produced the ochreous or red form, whilst a longer and slower development was necessary for the development of the purple coloration, so that a more complete usage of the pigment-forming material could be made, This genetic sequence in the development ot colour, as occurring in nature, he said he had dealt with at length in the Introduction to vol. ii. of The British Nocliice before referred to ; and he cordially supported the vote of thanks proposed by INIr. Fenn to Mr. Merrifield for bis kindness in coming forward to read the paper. Mr. Dobson stated that on one occasion he had a large number of larvae of Nofodonta dicicEoides, these were exposed to a very high temperature (naturally), and pupated under this high temperature, the result was that the pupje were ill-developed, the resulting moths malformed and cripples. Mr. Merrifield agreed with many of Mr. Fenn's observations, and thought most of them consistent with the results obtained in the course of his experiments as reported by him. He would not expect to get such great differences in colouring by the application of temperature alone as might be found in ordinary collections where the different varieties were the result of a combination of many influences and chiefly heredity. His object had been to test the effect of temperature by itself, and with that object he had operated on broods as uniform in all other respects as could be. It was almost always absolutely necessary in experimentation to apply more or less artificial conditions in order to isolate the insect experimented on from the mixture of causes always found in the operation of nature. But his moderately low temperatures were, in fact, often the natural outdoor temperature, and though for "forcing" he had generally used a temperature of about 80°, he had reason to think that there was little or no difference in effect where the temperature was several degrees lower, so as to approximate to what was often experienced for several days together in summer. In any case there could be no doubt that in the species principally operated on by him, temperature alone, 94 THE entomologist's record. applied in such moderation as in no way to affect the healthy appearance of the insect, produced, with great uniformity, conspicuous differences in colouring. There were other species in which in general no considerable effect was produced unless the temperature was so extreme as to cause crippling or imperfect development in a considerable proportion of the subjects treated. — Ed. City of London Entomological and Natural History Society. — Thursday, March i^ih, 1892. — Exhibits, Lepidoptera : — Mr. Hodges, varieties of Folin JIavicincta, from Portland and Guernsey, and some fine banded forms of Agriopis aprilina from Durham. Mr. Gates, a living specimen of Melanippe monta/iata, bred from a larva previously exhibited on December 17th, 1891. Mr. Gurney, freshly captured specimens of Aviphidasys prodromaria, Fhigalia pilosaria, etc. from Epping Forest, at Wood Street. Mr. Prout, bred series of Coremia tinidefitaria and C. ferrugata. Mr. Nicholson, bred specimens of Hemerophila abriiptaria, second brood. He pointed out that these were smaller and darker than the spring brood. Mr. Sykes, a specimen of Leiicania iinpura, approaching the var. pwictilinea, Tutt, taken at Enfield. Messrs. Clark, Tutt, Hodges, Battley, Southey, Milton and Dr. Buckell exhibited their series of the genus Hadena, Coleoptera ; — Mr. Heasler, a specimen of Plinthics caliginosiis taken at Greenwich. Mr. Milton, various beetles, and in Hymenoptera, Abia fasciafa, Cerceris arenaria; Gorytes mystaceus and Amvwphila hiiaria. Mr. Tutt then read his paper on " The genus Hade7ia." He pointed out the nearness of Hadena to the Apa/nidcE and stated that, of our British species in the genus, II. porphyrea reached its western limit and h. peregrina its northern limit in our Islands, and that, therefore, both species must of necessity always remain rare here. The various forms of each species were dealt with seriatim, and Mr. Tutt remarked that although H. proiea, H. deniina and H. pisi exhibited a fair amount of variation, the genus was not generally a variable one in the imago state. He said that this was fully made up, however, by the variation in the larvae. Rectilinea he was inclined to place in a separate genus as Staudinger had done. Reference was made somewhat fully to the American vars. of H. trifolii, especially vars. albifusa and oregonica. Mr. Battley, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Tutt, called attention to the extreme variability of the larvae of H. oleracea and H. trifolii, and to the resemblance of some of the latter to the larvae of Alamesira brassiccE. Mr. Lewcock seconded the vote of thanks. Dr. Buckell had found the larvae of H.pisi common on Hampstead Heath, but stated that the imago did not appear to come to sugar. Messrs. Milton, Southey and Tremayne continued the discussion, and the vote of thanks was passed unanimously. Mr. Tutt, in replying, stated that he had taken H. pisi on sugar in 1891, from the end of May to the middle of August, but it did not come so freely as might be expected from the abundance of the larvae. Erratum. — Ent. Rec, p. 67, line 12, for "four specimens oi Mixodia rufiinitrana, taken by Mr. Eustace Bankes, in Dorset," read " bred by Mr. E. Bankes, from larvae taken in Hampshire." Birmingham Entomological Society. — Marrh 14th, 1892. — Mr. R, C. Bradley showed several species of Cu/ex, taken at Sutton. Mr. SOCIETIES. 95 G. T. Bethune-Baker showed a lar^e number of ScoparicB, from St. Helena, which differed from all otlier Scop.xrice in the possession of deeply serrated antennae; some of the specimens too being almost black. Mr. Baker said that even from the mainland of Africa, nearest to St. Helena, he knew of no Scoparia. with the same characteristics. Mr. G. H. Kenrick read a paper : — " Some considerations on insects confined to small areas." He touched briefly upon self-evident causes ot locali- sation, mountain chains, etc., and then entered more fully into the causes of the presence on our coast lines, in the fens, woods, etc., of many species only found in those restricted districts in our country, though found in similar ones on the Continent. He remarked that it was strange to find so many species restricted to so small an area as our "fens" for example, and showed that those "fens" represent a very wide extent of country, all fen, extending over the German Sea to, and including, Holland, and of which our Lincolnshire and Norfolk Fens, and those in Holland, are all that is left. The insects inhabiting this wide extent of country are now, to a considerable extent, crowded in to the few surviving spots, and hence we get many peculiar species in a small area ; he believed the same applied to coast species, our coast line having once formed a part of a very much more extended Conti- nental coast line ; to wood species, our woods being the remains of former extensive forests, etc. He concluded by pointing out many much more complicated questions of distribution and localisation, of which he could offer only slight explanation, and which he said opened out a wide and interesting field for study. A discussion followed, in which the Rev. C. F. Thornewill, Messrs. G. T. Bethune-Baker, R. C. Bradley and C. J. Wainwright joined. — Colbran J. Wainwright, Ho 71. Sec. Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Societv. — March 14th. — Messrs. H. Locke, of Birkenhead, and G. Norel Deville, of Crosby, were elected members. The President referred to the loss the society and naturalists generally had sustained by the death of Francis Archer. Mr. William Webster, of St. Helens, read a paper entitled "Was Shakespeare an Entomologist?" The author stated he had examined the works of the poet, and found 207 references to insects, and, as far as could be ascertained, mention of 30 kinds of insects, and showed, by numerous quotations, that Shakspeare not only possessed a fair know- ledge of entomology, but that he was a philosophical observer of nature. Mr. Willoughby Gardner, F.R.G.S. read a short note on the " Popular names of insects about Shakspeare's time," some few of which still existed in country places. Mr. Webster exhibited Papilio zalmoxis ; the President, Messrs. Stott, Harker and the Hon. Secretary, long and variable series of Noctua fcstiva and confliia ; Messrs. Harker and Jones, British and Continental forms of Lyccena icarus. — F. N. Pierce, Ho)i. Sec. Cambridge Entomological and Natural History Society. — February iph. — A meeting of six old members of the Society was held at the house of Mr. Jones, 59, Trumpington Street, to discuss the possi- bility of setting the Society going again, the last meeting having been held March 8th, 1889. The advisability of altering some of the existing rules was discussed, one item being the changing the name of the Society from "The Cambridge Entomological Society" to "The Cambridge Entomological and Natural History Society." As several 1)1) TtfE ENTOMOLOrnST S HE(^OKl). members of the University were desirous of joining, and the Anniversary Meeting had always been held in February, it was deci'Jed that the next meeting should be the Anniversary Meeting; and that all gentlemen willing to join, should be invited to attend for the purpose of being elected members, and to take part in the subsequent business of electing officers for the year, and considering the proposed alterations of the rules. February 26th. — Anniversary Meeting. Mr. G. H. Bryan, M.A., President, in the Chair. In the absence of Mr. Theobald, Mr. Farren acted as Secretary. Messrs. A. M. Moss, A. Rashleigh, H. S. Fitzroy, W. Morrow, C. Woodhouse, M. White, C. Wells, W. H. Powell, H. T. P. Smith, W. C. Feetham, H. Eltringham, R. LI Hodgson, A. S. Shrubbs, and G. Watkinson, were elected members. The proposed alterations in the rules were made ; and the officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows : — President, Mr. A. M. Moss ; Vice- President, Mr. G. H. Bryan, M.A. ; Hon. Sec. and Treasurer, Mr. Wm. Farren, F.E S. ; Hon. Librarian, Mr. Alfred Jones. As other members of the Council — Messrs. C. Woodhouse, C. Wells, and H. Eltriniiham. March wth. — Mr. A. M. Moss (President) in the Chair, Messrs. W. G. S. Malim, H. C. T. Langdon, and H. V. Bull, were elected members. Mr. F. V. Theobald, F.E.S., sent for exhibition two cases of Diptera : one showing the life history of the "Daddy long- legs" {Tip2ila), T. oleracea, T. gigantea and T. iutescetis ; the other being a case of Tabanus bovinus and asilus ; also a box of living specimens of "the corn and rice weevil," Calandra granaria and orgya. The Secretary read some notes on the exhibit by Mr. Theobald, in which it was stated that the larvae of Tipu/a, known as "leather jackets," are very injurious to grass, corn, and root crops. Tabanus bovinus, the specimens exhibited, were from Switzerland, where they attack the horses to a dreadful extent, are also common in parts of England, notably the New Forest, Sussex, etc. Calandra (corn and rice weevil) are very destructive to stored wheat, barley, oats, and rice, and to some extent maize, especially abundant in Calcutta wheat ; but also coming from other parts. The weevil lays its eggs one on each grain, and the young larva bores its way in, where it assumes the pupal state. Mr. Farren exhibited a long series of Noctua /estiva with a row of the small Scotch forms, erroneously described by Newman as conflua ; and for comparison some of the true conflua from Shetland j a series of Arctia ?nendica, including some of the peculiar Irish forms, and a number of specimens, descendants of Mr. Porritt's celebrated Huddersfield ones, and the exhibition box of No. 3 basket of the " Record Exchange Club," which contained Noctua /estiva and JV. con/lua, a most remarkable variety of Tceniocampa gothica, and some micros. He also exhibited the wing bone of a ? Pochard {Fuligula /erina), having a marvellously healed fracture of the humerus ; and pointed out a fragment of shot imbedded in the bone. Mr. Jones read a paper on " Killing and Setting Lepidoptera." A discussion ensued, chiefly on the several methods of killing ; Mr. Jones and Mr. Farren strongly recommending the use of ammonia in preference to cyanide. A vote of thanks to the author for his interesting paper, concluded the meeting. — Wm. Farren, Flon. Sec. I JOURNAL OF VARIATION No. 5. Vol. III. May 16th, 1892. THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. By Dr. T. a. chapman. {Continued from page 76.) lH^^^""^! C-R ON YC TA (Cuspidia) aceris (contimied). — I have I^^O y some notes on the arrangements of the hairs beneath KM^ y ^^^ effete skin previous to moulting. How the tufts imoi^mmm ^^^ j^j^j across the dorsum to the opposite side, inter- lacing with those of the other side, either hair by hair or in small bundles, — how the lateral bundles pass beneath the larva and interlace below with those of the other side, and so on, — but I have no observations at all solving the difficult question that has often puzzled me in hairy larvse, how the hairs get into these positions. One would suppose that they must grow from their points of origin, but how do they in the confined space between the two skins, pass so smoothly to the other side and interlace with the others accurately, with no trace of ever pushing one another aside irregularly ? The white diamonds have four hair dots across their middle and two near their posterior angles, the latter carry minute pale hairs, otherwise they are free from hairs or marking or hair dots. The lateral tubercles are still important as hair carriers, and in this respect are not much differentiated from the surrounding skin, but the trapezoidal tubercles have become much less important than in previous skin and have to be sought for. When disturbed, the larva curls round into a solid ring, with the head buried in the hollow of the loth and nth segments, yet the larva retains a very firm hold of 98 THE entomologist's record. the leaf, though at first sight one would suppose the legs to be in the interior of the ring, as in other larvae when curled up. This is a very similar result, though attained in a somewhat different manner to that which is met with in Viminia, which curl up, yet somehow hold on by the anal prolegs. The larva always rests underneath the leaf, and is conspicuous even among Acronycta as being subject to the attacks of TachincB. The remarkable and handsome arrangement of hairs and the dorsal diamonds make a very attractive larva, yet, from having hardly ever met with it myself, I have failed to interest myself in this species so much as in some of the others. If it occurs in the west of England, it must be very rare, nor does it extend far north. Horse chestnut seems to be its favourite food in England, though it also occurs freely (when it does occur) on sycamore, and less so on maple. I have met with it on oak, and believe that it is occasionally found on various other foodplants. In pupating aceris differs from the other Ctispidice in not burrowing into rotten wood or otherwise excavating a cavity or burrow. It likes to get behind a loose chip of wood or bark, or into a mixture of wood chips and dead leaves and will spin up among dead leaves, in moss, etc. A cocoon formed among wood chips has first a wide outer area of loose spinning, then a distinct cocoon of rather loose texture, about i^^ in. byf broad, consisting of a very pale brownish (nearly white) silk, with the hairs of the larvae and numerous wood chips interwoven. Inside this, and on one side continuous with it, is the inner cocoon, of tough white silk, dense and firm, with wood chips included in its thickness ; the toughness is equal to, if not greater than that of mcnyanthidis or ruinicis. This inner cocoon is i^ in. X ^ in. Internally it is lined with white silk, but is rough and irregular rather than smooth, as the interiors of cocoons usually are. I have also had cocoons made in moss, which were almost exactly of Viminia type, but these were sent me and had, I fancy, been deprived of the outer envelope and were only the inner true cocoons. The pupa (PI. IV., fig. 2) is 22-25 mm. long, 13 for wings, and 9 for free abdomen, width 7 mm., fairly equal to gth segment, then tapering to extremity, but with decided angular ribbing at spiracular lines. The colour, and texture is the brown chitinous of the CiispidicB. The rich brown has darker lines at the margins of segments, especially of 4, 5, 6 and 7, also a dark dorsal line widened in places, as if it were the THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. 99 black line which, in the larva, encircles the lozenges. This is unmistakable on ii and 12. The gth and loth segments often have projections representing the prolegs ; in some pup£e these are so distinct as to suggest a continuance of the larval structure. No hairs are found except those at the base of the antennae, and of these, o)ily one is certainly made out. The proboscis and intermediate legs fall short of the length of the wing cases, and the extremities of the hind legs come into \'iew. The boss carrying the anal armature forms a less pro- jection than in other species, and would, but from analogy with them, be regarded rather as merely the rounded end of the pupa slightly produced. It is, however, abundantly and finely wrinkled and has a full armament of spines. These consist, as in the other Cuspidice, of a dorsal and ventral series. The dorsal set are here subject to a multiplication (or rather division), that hitherto we have seen affecting only the ventral series ; on either side there is one strong spine, the largest of all and three weaker ones of about frds its length. The ventral set consist of g or 10 on either side, very crowded together, somewhat longer than the shorter dorsal hooks. The dorsal hooks bend downwards, but the ventral ones pre- sent in all directions. The hollows on the dorsum of the abdominal segments, which apparently exist in all the species of the Cuspidice, and which I have more fully described in some of them, are here especially evident in the 5th segment. The cast larva skin is nearly free from hairs, which are left entangled in the outer cocoon. The pupa varies, however, a good deal. In not a few there are on some segments mark- ings that appear to be a persistence of the diamonds on the larval dorsum, and the persistence of larval prolegs though com- moner in this than perhaps in any others, is really exceptional. The dorsal hooks are at times single and may have one, two, or more slighter companions, the ventral set may be as few as five. The boss is at times more marked than as above described. The hooks are very curved and entangle them- selves in the silk of the cocoon as to be often broken rather than be set free for examination, although the pupa does not take so firm a hold of the cocoon as one would expect from so abundant a supply of hooks. It is not unusual for this species to pass a second year in the pupa state. i^To be continued.) 100 THE ENTOMOLOGISTS RECORD Scientific notes. The Genus Hepialus {concluded from p. 79). — The males of the other three British species of this genus fly in a very different manner to those already spoken of. Lupulitius is much the com- monest species of the three, and the males may be seen hunting for the females in early twilight with a most erratic flight just above the herbage, darting hither and thither, turning and twisting about in all directions and with great rapidity. Common as the species is, and closely as I had watched it for some years, I never saw the act of pairing till last summer. This was described in detail in the E.M.M., vol. xxvii., p. 197, and I had better quote the account written at the time, than re-describe from memory. "On the evening of June 3r(i (1891), I saw a newly emerged female crawling up a grass stem. It was just then eight o'clock ; and at the same moment a male approached with its usual rapid, irregular flight. It flew within a foot of her, but did not take the slightest notice, and was evidently unconscious of her proximity. When she was half-way up the stem she commenced to vibrate her wings ; first there was a preliminary flutter or two, and then a steady, long-continued vibration, which lasted without intermission for ten minutes. A male then approached. It flew in its usual quick erratic manner until within about three feet of where she sat. The rapid flight was instantly checked, and it commenced to fly backwards and forwards, advancing very slowly as it did so, evidently searching for her ; when within a foot I netted it, and in doing so slightly disturbed her ; the vibrations of her wings ceased, and after a short pause she commenced to crawl further up the stem. I feel sure it was the net that disturbed her, and not any consciousness of the approach of the male. As she climbed up, she gave a quick flutter or two, then moved up a little, another flutter and a further progress upward, until she seemed satisfied, settled herself comfortably on the stem, and began again with the rapid vibrations of her wings. This was kept up for rather over twenty minutes before another male appeared. It flew in the same wa}', rapidly but erratically, until within three or four feet, and then slowly backwards and forwards, advancing as it did so until it found her. There cannot, I think, be the slightest doubt that the female diffuses a faint attractive odour, and that the vibration of the wings assists to diffuse it. This diffusion judging by the distance at which the males changed their mode of flight, does not appear to be effective more than three or four feet from where it emanates. The night in question was absolutely calm, perhaps with a little wind it might have influence to a greater distance." The males of Hepialus sylvinus fly in a similar manner to those of lupulimis, and it would be reasonable to assume from this that their mode of attraction is the same. A solitary and far from complete observation which I recorded in 1887 {E.M.AL, vol. xxiii., p. 214) may be quoted here. "I had sugared some parts on the railway side, and was wandering about in the twilight, looking for nothing in particular, when my attention was drawn to a large moth fluttering in a peculiar manner on a stem of grass : it seemed as though it was trying to escape from something that held it SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 101 fast ; thinking some large spider, or other predaceous creature had hold of it, I lit my lantern, and then saw it was sitting on the stem vibrating its wings with such rapidity, that I could not possibly see what the species was. I watched it closely, and presently a small moth, unheeding the glare of my lantern, flew to it. I needed to be very quick to secure it before they paired. The vibratory motions of the wings ceased as soon as the other touched it, and I saw it was an extra large female sylvinus. For nearly ten minutes she remained motionless, then, after a preliminary flutter or two, the motions of the wings recommenced, and presently another male flew up ; this time they were too quick for me, and the pairing was accomplished." I have quoted this after the observations on lupuHnus, though it was made first, but it was less complete, and having only a dim light, I could not notice minor matters so well as in the later observations made in bright daylight. As far as it goes, it fully confirms the observations of last year. In August, 1890, I noticed a number of males oi sylvinus flying to a particular spot ; it was almost bare of herbage, and as each came up, they seemed to push themselves down on the sand, then fluttered about a little, and flew away. One or two flew a little distance, came back, and went through the same motions again, pushing down on to the sand, and fluttering about. I took quite a number, without stirring from the spot, and might have taken many more. I imagine a female had emerged there, perhaps the evening before, and that traces of the scent still remained. I marked the exact spot, and went again the following evening. One or two specimens came up, but they did not appear to be so eager nor so certain as the previous night ; they hovered about for a moment or two, but never went down to the turf, and it was clear the scent was about exhausted, but that a trace of it still remained. Hepialus velleda males fly with wonderful rapidity, so quickly indeed, that they are most difiicult to take on the wing when hunting the females. I have never seen them pair, nor observed the mode of attraction ; but there is no reason to suppose it will be any different from hipulinus or sylvinus^ and that the female when she emerges will sit on a stem, and flutter her wings to assist in diffusing the odour. It would be foreign to my purpose to refer to the habits of any of the exotic Hepialidcz, some of which are of great size ; but indeed, I have no knowledge on the subject, nor do any records appear in any of our English works to which I have access. Mr. McLachlan {E.M.M., vol. xxiii.,p. 215) mentions Hepialus pyrenakus, of which he says : — " The male is somewhat similar to that of lupulinus, but the female is nearly apterous and utterly incapable of flight ; any collector, however, so fortunate as to obtain a virgin $ , can secure as many males as he may desire. They " assemble " just as in the case of certain Bombyces, etc." It would be interesting to know the habits of the genus in other places, and especially whether any of them hover like humuli and hectus. I have now accomplished my task, and have laid before you such details of the habits and peculiarities of the British species, as I have been able to find recorded, or have myself observed. I told you I had no theory to advance, nor anything new to introduce. I can only hope that some of you may not have read, may not have observed, or do not remember some of the facts 1 have brought before you to-night. — J. E. RoBSON. February, 1892. 102 THE entomologist's record. The British Coccinellid^.^ — The insects comprised in this group are essentially of the highest interest and importance to agriculturists, florists, and mankind in general, from the fact that in their larval and pupal stages they feed on the pests termed Aphides. In those portions of the country devoted to the cultivation of hops, the Aphides, or " Fly " as they are sometimes called, do a vast amount of injury to the planta- tions, and the quality and quantity of the hop crop often depend on the repressive measures adopted to rid the vines of their tiny but numerous enemies. Yet, in spite of all precautionary measures, the Aphides, owing to their marvellous power of reproduction, continue year after year to flourish and multiply. As destroyers of Aphides the Ladybirds are undoubtedly the best servants possessed by the agricul- turist, as not only do they derive their sustenance from the Aphides, but they also destroy many more than are required for actual feeding purposes. It will thus be seen that the part played by the Ladybirds is of incalculable value, and that the species should in all stages be protected from wanton destruction. Number of Species. — In Dr. Sharp's Catalogue, 187 1, the division Coccinellidce comprised twelve genera, containing altogether forty-one species. In the Catalogue issued by Fowler and Matthews at the commencement of 1883, some thirteen genera were enumerated, and the species then known numbered forty-five. In the same year, however, Dr. Sharp brought out a revised edition of his Catalogue, wherein the group was rearranged under sixteen genera, although the number of species remained the same as in Fowler and Matthews' Catalogue. For many years British coleopterists laboured under the great disadvantage of not having a good handbook on this branch of Entomology; but in 1887 the first volume of The Coleoptera of the British Islands was issued by Canon Fowler. In 1889, the third volume, which contains the Coccinellidce, made its appearance. The entire work is now completed. The alterations in the arrangement of the genera and species of the Coccinellidce were numerous. We find in Canon Fowler's work that the group is now divided into two divisions, viz., Coccinellidce-Phytophagce, containing but a single species, and Coccinellidce-Aphidiphagce, comprising fifteen genera, and containing forty-two species. The total number of British species, despite the fact that a new species of Coccinella is incorporated in the group, is thus reduced to forty-three. This is accounted for in the following manner: — by transferring Alexia pilifera to the Eiidomychidce ; by classing Exochomus nigroinaculatus {auritus) as doubtfully British ; and by reducing Scymnus linibatus and S. scutellaris to the position of varieties only. As most of our species are sufficiently recognisable by the markings of the elytra, it is scarcely necessary to go into the matter of structural differences. Coccinellidce Phytophag.^. — The only species in this division, now called Subcoccinella 2\punctata, L., was formerly known in our lists as Lasia globosa, Schneid. The insect is very local. Unlike the other members of the British Coccinellidce, it is a plant feeder, and can be obtained in considerable numbers by using the sweeping-net in the 1 Abstract of paper read at meeting of City of London Entomological and Natural History Society, March 3rd, 1892, by Mr. G. A. Lewcock. SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 103 localities where it occurs. I have found both larva and beetle on clover and other plants at Chattenden, Kent. Mr. Battley brought me some specimens from Southend; Mr. Newbery obtained it near Southampton; Mr. T. W. Hall captured a few specimens, singly or in pairs, in Hertfordshire, and also near London ; Mr. A. Ford finds the species common in the Hastings district. Many other localities are given in Canon Fowler's work, but those enumerated above are quite sufficient for the purposes of this paper. CocciNELLiD^ APHiDiPHAGiE. — The term Aphidiphagi was first used by Latreille, as referring to the carnivorous habits of the species included in this division of CoccinellidcE. It may be as well, however, to mention that in Kirby and Spence's Entomology it is stated that the larva of Cocci?iel/a hieroglyphica " eats the leaves of the common heath {Erica vulgaris) after the manner of Lepidoplera." Of this point I have not been able to satisfy myself, but judging from the structure of the mouth organs, etc., I believe it to be similar in habits to the other species of the genus. Life history. — The perfect insects pass the winter in a state of hybernation, hiding behind bark of trees, in odd cracks and corners generally. On the approach of spring the beetles come out, and the females may be found in suitable localities depositing their eggs, usually on the underside of leaves or on the stems of plants, trees, etc., which are infested with Aphides. Sometimes a number of eggs are deposited together, but more often the parent beetle distributes them over several plants. The young larvae appear in a few days, and are mostly of a slaty-blue colour, but this varies according to the species. In the majority of cases, however, some traces of the wing-pattern are more or less discernible. The larvae immediately commence their attacks on the Aphides., devouring and slaughtering them indiscrimi- nately. It is somewhat interesting to watch the Ladybird larvae at feeding times, and note their method of operation. On one occasion while experimenting with larvae of Coccinella w-punctata in my garden, I witnessed the destruction of twelve Aphides by a single larva in about five minutes. It was on a July afternoon, and I was endeavouring to get the former species to feed on the Aphides clustered on some scarlet-runner beans. I placed a larva on a leaf which contained a goodly number of Aphides. It immediately roused itself like an animal scenting prey. First one Aphis was caught up in its jaws, given a sort of shaking, then dropped, as if the flavour was not of the right sort. Other Aphides became victims in the same way, when the Ladybird larva moved off to a new hunting-ground. The experiment of trying to rear the larva of C. wpundata on the garden Aphides proved eventually an utter failure, and I was only able to obtain a couple of starved specimens from about 50 or 60 larvae, and these, I believe, were nurtured from the carcases of their brethren in confinement. To resume the subject, the larva, on reachmg the full-fed stage, fastens its tail to a leaf, generally choosing the upper surface, the body attaining an upright position, and it then changes to pupa. The duration of the pupal stage seldom exceeds six days, when the beetle emerges quite perfect. At first the elytra (or wing cases) are of an uniform white, but in a short time, however, the dark markings begin to appear, and in a few hours the wing-cases are of the proper pattern and colour. Variation. — It is well known to most coleopterists that the Ladybird 104 THE entomologist's record. species in many instances vary so exceedingly in the colour and markings of the elytra as to give one a deal of trouble in determining the name of the species to which it belongs. The most variable of the group undoubtedly are Adalia bipttnctata, Coccinel/a \o-punctata, and C. hieroglyphica. Other species also vary considerably, but not to the same extent as these three. The type form of A. bipundata has red elytra with a black spot on each side. Sometimes, (perhaps owing to the disarrangement of the black pigment by moisture as it pupates) the black spots spread over the elytra, leaving two red spots visible near the apex, and at the humerus. Then again the black markings take the form of a cross, and in some varieties the pattern is indescribable. In C. lo-punctata we have endless varieties, the most pronounced being black with testaceous humeral spots. In some instances, we find an entire absence of black markings, or the dark are replaced by white markings. Some specimens have a coronet of spots on the thorax, but this feature is not wholly confined to C. lo-punctata. In C. hieroglyphica the type form has five distinct black markings on the elytra, and between this and the black form there are many gradations. A specimen in the exhibit (captured at Esher) has black elytra with four red spots. A second (from West Wickham) somewhat resembles it, but has also a red border to the elytra. {To be continued.') Development of Imago within Pupa. — I find that Valeria okagina matures before winter, and passes the winter as an imago, within the pupa shell, like the Tceniocampas. This habit has some bearing, or at least, it is illustrated in some of its physiological aspects, by the instances recorded of a moth not developing its wings for many hours after emergence. Will no one rear some common Tceniocampas in quantity, and tell us all about this curious habit ? what other species possess it? — T. A. Chapman, Firbank, Hereford. Classification by Structure of Imago. — I feel so sure that Mr. Tutt's remarks on my system of classification {ante, p. 50) are prompted by a genuine interest in science, and desire for the truth, that I have no doubt he will allow me space to point out quite briefly where he has unintentionally mis-stated the facts of the case. In the first place, my system is not based on neuration, but on the structure of the imago, of which, of course, neuration forms a part only. The whole of the struc- ture is noted and made use of wherever available. Secondly, my papers, referred to by Mr. Tutt, consist solely of an immense body of facts, wholly founded on original observation, and in large part new (being the structural characters which I have observed in eacli species, and often in a very large number of individuals of each species) ; and of a small number of conclusions drawn from these facts (namely, the ordinal grouping of these species in genera and families). These con- clusions may, of course, be wrong ; I, at least, have never laid claim to infallibility ; but unless it can be shown that a large proportion of the structural facts are false (which is not alleged), I submit that the accumulation of so large a body of scientific facts cannot be regarded as " utterly useless ; " and I feel sure that Mr. Tutt will, on this showing, willingly withdraw the epithet. Thirdly, I would point out that Mr. Tutt's use of the term, " superficial," is not in accordance with its general acceptation in science ; where it is employed to denote all such charac- ters as are not structural, such as colour, markings and habit. The SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 105 characters I employ are solely structural, and the meaning of the passage iherelore requires explanation. Fourthly, the comparison with Mr. Butler's paper " On the genus Acronycta,''' appears to me extremely unfortunate, smce, in attemptmg to break up that genus, and distribute it amongst several different families, Mr. Butler was guided solely by these remarkable differences ui the earlier stages, ot which Mr. Tutt su strongly advocates the nnportance. No one who is guided by the structure of the imago has ever proposed to break up Acrofiycta on that ground ; and if Mr. Tutt, or any other reader, will take the trouble to compare the neuration of the species of Acronycta with one another, and with the families in which Mr. Butler placed them, he will easily see why. Fifthly, with regard to the statement that synonyms for the same species are placed in different genera, Mr. Tutt quoted what he sup- posed to be an instance of this at the February meeting of the Entomo- logical Society, viz., Platyptilia similidactyla, Dale, which name he stated to be truly applicable to Alucita lithodactyla, Tr. ; but I then pointed out to him that the species for which I had used the former name was in no way related to A. lithodactyla, and that, although my use of the name might be erroneous, I expressly stated, in the introduc- tion to my paper, that I had not entered at all mto synonymy or correc- tion of specific names, and had simply employed the name in general use {Trans. Ent. Soc. 1890,432); the authority followed here, being Staudinger's Catalogue. If any other instance can be alleged I will ex- plain it. Sixthly, in regard to such a species as Tephrosia biundularia, showing seven distinct forms (not types) of neuration, it should be understood that in any given species or genus those characters which have been found to be variable have not been used for definition ; this species was mentioned by me as an example not of characters which I had used, but of characters which I had not been able to use. The characters which are variable in this species are found to be constant in Eucosmia undiilata, for instance. Mr. Tutt has described many vari- ations of colour and markings in species, yet he has never proposed to wholly reject colour and markings as a means of distinguishing species. Seventhly, Mr. Tutt says "Fancy a classification of Vertebrata on the same lines ! " It is unnecessary to fancy one, as any text-book of Zoology will give the very thing. All classifications of Vertebrata which I have ever seen proposed in modern times are actually founded on the identical lines which I have adopted, namely, on the structural charac- ters of the adult animal. Embryology is indeed considered to give valuable information as to the line of descent of an animal, and embryo- logical characters have occasionally been employed for leading divisions (as the placenta in Mammals), though this is exceptional ; but the special value of embryological characters is due to their being protected from the influence of external environment, which is not the case with the characters of the young after birth. The generic characters of Mammals are usually drawn mainly irom the bones and teeth, which may be regarded as quite analogous with the neuration and palpi of Lepidoptera. But I am exceeding my proposed limits, and must abstain from a discussion of the general question of the relative value of characters. One word on behalf of Prof. Fernald, whose knowledge Mr. Tutt lias under-estimated. So far from Prof. Fernald being a mere Museum c 106 THE entomologist's record. student, I happen to know that the bulk of his work is biological ; he has a series of glass-houses, and three assistants constantly employed to carry on his observations of the life-histories of insects, and I could mention other American entomologists equally fortunate. And, finally, if I may be pardoned for a personal reference to myself, has not Mr. Tutt assumed too hastily my complete ignorance of larval stages ? This is hardly just, conndering that I have been a practical collector in all quarters of the globe for 25 year>, 15 of these being spent in England. If, as I suppose, Mr. Tutt has studied British species only, the number of species with whose earlier stages I am practically acquainted must largely exceed those which he knows ; the information obtainable from others is at the disposal of us both. If biologists are to classify, as Mr. Tutt wishes, why is an unfoitunate biologist like myself to be prohibited because I happen to know a little about structure as well? I venture rather to hope that English Lepidopterists may be stimulated to take up the study of structure, in which they are commonly reputed to be behind the students of every other science, and even behind the lepidopterists of every other country. — E. Mevrick, Ramsbury, Hungerford. March 26th, 1892. I have the greatest pleasure in printing Mr. Meyrick's note. In fact, I should have been rather disappointed had he not answered my criti- cisms. Mr. Meyrick is quite correct in saying that his system is based on the structure of the imago, but I maintain that the neuration is the main feature relied on. If we look at the tabulation of the families {Trans. Ent. Soc. of Londoii., 1890, p. 436, and 1892, pp. 56-57), I think that it will be conceded that there is little but neuration con- sidered, and that my suggestion as to the broad basis of classification is just, and when we read of the other characters in different genera, similar descriptions in the same words, and almost the only differenti- ation remains with the neuration, I think we may safely conclude that the system is essentially based on the neuration. I quite agree that Mr. Meyrick's facts may, some day, prove to be useful, but it is the ordinal grouping in families and genera which merits our attention, and, in some cases, appears to me to be utterly erroneous. From the former point of view, I should be sorry to say that Mr. Meyrick's careful and praiseworthy accumulation of facts are " utterly worthless," but I do certainly think that the system of classification based on these facts is of no actual value. The term " superficial," was a partial lapsus for "variable," but at the same time I consider most of the characters taken from the external structure of the imago superficial, compared with the more constant and trustworthy ones derived from the larvae and pupse. With regard to Mr. Meyrick's reference to Mr. Butler's paper \Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1879? PP- 313-317)? i feel sure Mr. Meyrick can hardly have read it. If Mr. Meyrick refers to this paper he will see that Mr. Butler, after referring to, and casually examining (?) the blown larvae of the Acrojiycta, then examines the neuration of the imago, and really founded his distribution of the species on these characters, and this fact remains, although he appears to have entirely misapprehended that side of the subject. On this, he finally transferred Viminia rumicis and V. auricoma to the Arctiida, Cuspidia leporina and C. aceris to the Liparidce, C. megacephala^ C. psi, C. tridens and C. strigosa to the Noto dontidcR, whilst C. aini and Bisulcia ligush-i were left in the Noctuites, SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 107 so that it must be clearly understood that Mr. Butler was not "guided solely by these reniarkable differences in the earlier stages" in his "attempt to break up the genus," but positively by the neuration, which, from his point of view, was sufficiently near to those families to which he proposed transferring them, for his purpose. Dr. Chapman has proved most conclusively that Mr. Butler's examination (if it may in- deed be called as much) of the larv^ led him into ridiculous error, but his paper shows, at the same time, that it was his idea of the neuration \\ hich confirmed his notions, and led liim into the latal position which has made entomologists smile whenever they hear of Mr. Butler's sub- division of the genus Acronyda. As to OEdoinatophoius lithodactyla, it is not a matter of what Mr. Tutt "supposes," but it is an actual fact that siinilidac/yla, "DaXe = Iit/iodacty!a, Tr. Of course, if the use of the name is admitted by Mr. Meyrick to be erroneous, there is an end ot the matter, as he will correct it, but it is of no use allowing a palpable error to go on because Wocke did not know better. I think Mr. Meyrick will find that Eiipithecia abietaria and E. togata are synony- mous (I know they are treated as distinct in the Continental catalogues, but these, unfortunately, are very unreliable), and these are placed in different genera {Irans. Ent. Soc. Loud., 1892, pp. 66-68). I quite agree with Mr. Meyrick, re his remarks on T. biundidaria, but 1 re- member Mr. Meyrick stated most positively that some 60 or 70 speci- mens of this species had been examined, whilst, of other species, only one or two, and it immediately occurred to me whether the neuration of the species (apparently permanent) would have varied to an equal degree had a corresponding number of specimens been operated on. I think, from my own knowledge, that 1 can safely answer yes ! and Mr. Meyrick's work itself bears out the suggestion in the 15 pp. of examples of variation in neuration in Trans. Ent. Soc. Land., 1892, pp. 126-140. Mr. Meyrick also refers to my own work. Colour and markings are useful, in a general way, to discriminate species, but we should fail hopelessly in certain species until we recognised them by all their characters, including colour and markings. Neuration (which is another variable factor) might be of occasional use to distinguish species, but would fail alone in certain cases, as do colour and markings. Besides JNIr. Meyrick does not select these variable factors in the imago to discriminate species, but to classify a group, and give us natural affini- ties. The consequence is that his system generally fails most absolutely. Mr. Meyrick's reference to the ordinary classification of Vertebrata is misleading. These are not classified on one character alone, but on a combination of many. We use a character like dentition, as we c'o colour, antennae, etc., in lepidoptera, to tell us quickly where we should ex[)ect the creature to fall, not to determine its actual position. To do this we examine all its characters. I do not quite agree with Mr. Meyrick that the palpi of lepidoptera are altogether analogous with the teeth of mammals, the former are limbs, the latter simply epidermal structures, nor, except in a very indirect way, are the bones analogous with the neuration. I know nothing of the knowledge of American micro-leindopterists besides that which can be gathered from their published works, and I maintain that the life-history of very few of their species appear to be known, or, if known, published. The butter- flies have been well worked out, but Scudder and Edwards have not 108 THE entomologist's record. based their work on the structure of the imago ; they have worked out the affinities, in many instances, from the larvae, their genera sometimes being based entirely on such. If Prof. Fernald is so well situated as Mr. Meyrick suggests, it will be very regrettable should he attempt to classify and arrange the American micro-lepidoptera on characters of the imago, and overlook, as Mr. Meyrick's diagnoses show that he has done, the earlier stages entirely. I sincerely trust I have done no in- justice to Mr. Meyrick, or hurt his personal feelings, but I only assume Mr. Meyrick's ignorance to the larval stages to the extent that he has tailed to use them, and I must confess that being a collector for 25 years in all parts of the world does not commend itself to me as an absolutely necessary qualification for classifying insects, and although Mr. Meyrick is not quite correct in supposing that I have studied British insects only, and although he may (?) be practically acquainted with the earlier stages of a larger number of species of lepidoptera than myself, yet this greater knowledge is valueless as far as the entomo- logical world in general is concerned, as he has the knowledge hidden away, and has failed, so far as I can see, to make the slightest use of it, although in his note above he would appear to imply that he has. I suppose we are all biologists in a way, but there are differences in degree, and I am afraid that Mr. Meyrick's examination of nervures, palpi and legs are as unavailable as my studies in nervures, colour, wing-markings and imago structure generally, to get any very useful idea ut classification, which I would leave to those deeper biologists who make exact studies of the eggs, larvse, pupae, and their anatomy, and support the general conclusions arrived at by these studies, by the examination of the more superficial imago structure, on which Mr. Meyrick entirely relies. He may know a little or much about the structure of the larvse, etc., but he does not refer to them in any of his diagnoses. I quite agree with Mr. Meyrick's final wish, but hope that those who study structure will not make the palpi, legs, neuration, etc. (all characters which frequently vary, even in the sexes of the same species, like the size and shape of the wings), their goal, but study the subject from the point of view of the ovum, larva and pupa, in connection with which will be found most of the useful and reliable characters necessary for a classification which will satisfy those whose scientific minds love order, and who want to see some comparatively stable system adopted. So much in reference to Mr. Meyrick's remarks above. I would now go further and take one or two examples to illustrate my objec- tions. This will make my position clear to British lepidopterists who do not care to investigate the matter further. Mr. Meyrick writes : — " It will be well to mention here some of the general rules of classifi- cation. No genus, family, or higher group is tenable, unless distinctly separable from all others by points of structure, which, whether singly or in conjunction, are capable of accurate definition.^ If a systematist is not able to define by a clear and not simply comparative character the distinction between two genera, he is bound to merge them together; thus, to say that in one the cell is short and in another long, is no sufficient definition;- to say that in one the cell is less than one-third ^ I suppose this is meant only to apply to the imago condition. If so, why ? ^ Is this not purely imaginary, or can Mr. Meyrick give us one of our existent genera thus defined ? If Mr. Meyrick traces Guenee's application of our generic names, I think he will find no such absurd differentiation. SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 109 of the wing in length, and in another more than one-third, is sufficient, if found constant and clearly perceptible ; but in practice it would probably be a very bad character, ^ as probably some species would be transitional. Even where transitional forms are not known, it will always be nei:essary to use judgment as to whether the distinction employed is of such a character as to be likely to hold good in the event of the discovery of additional species. But even where there is a good and definite point of distinction, it does not follow that the genera are to be maintained ;- where genera are small and numerous, it becomes mtrmsically undesirable to multiply them, and in such a case, if two small genera agree in nearly all structural characters, resemble one another superficially, are apparently closely connected genealogically, and finally are capable of accurate definition and dis- tinction as a single whole, then they ought in general to be united. Many structural characters are variable, either in different specimens of the same species, or sometimes in a transitional series of closely allied species. I hope shortly to give a paper on the classification of the European Geometrina, and shall then give some remarkable, and, I believe, unprecedented statistics of the variation of structural characters, liut many instances will be found in the following genera. The same point of structure will often be found available as a good and reliable distinguishing character in one instance, and not in another ; this can never be determined except by actual consideration of the particular circumstances. Nor can it be said beforehand what characters are likely to be good ; perhaps the most suspicious are tufts of hairs, especially when developed as secondary sexual characters, when they are often 'unreliable'" {Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1890, p. 430). Mr. Meyrick's ideas may be sound, and if the genera which he has united, did agree in nearly all structural characters, did resemble one another superficially, were apparently closely connected genealogicallv, and finally, were capable of accurate definition and distinction as a whole, there would perhaps not be much harm done ; but do roboraria and wavaria, duhitata and blandiafa, dolobraria and fasciaria, or stcbnotata and vi'.albata fulfil these conditions ? If so, how ? Is a genus with a dozen "ors"in it " accurately defined and distinguished"? Having now considered this paragraph, we may consider how it works out. Mr. Meyrick makes a genus with fixed characters ; he finds a moth or two fits into it. He finds another species which agrees pretty well with everything but the palpi, and he adds " or " to his characters and admits this species ; he finds another agreeing pretty g:>nerally, but failing in another character, another "or " is added, and s .) on ; e.g., of Diastictis, Hb., he writes : — "Face with appressed scales or short ridge or tuft of projecting scales. Palpi moderate, porrected or subascending, rough scaled. Thorax soi/ieiinies crested posteriorly, fiiore or less hairy beneath. Femora glabrous or rarely slightly hairy ; posterior tibiee in (J ojten dilated, with all spurs present. Fore-wings in ^ with fovea, ^ Nothing shows the absolute lengths to which those who are simply students of the characters of the imago may have to resort for a character, if, as Mr. Meyrick practically admits, such a case as this is possible. - It would be interesting to know what is to determine this, and how Mr. Meyrick has settled it. From Mr. Meyrick's statement it would appear that a character, which would be accepted to break up a large genus, might be ignored, even if of equal value, to unite two small ones. 110 THE entomologist's RECORD. sometimes surmounted by a small gland ; lo (nervure) sometimes anasto- mosing with 12, often connected with 9, ii out of 10 towards or above middle, or \i lower anastomosing with 12, or often absent." Now by this arrangement and under this diagnosis Mr. Meyrick classifies brunneata {pinetaria), vauaria iivavaria), rohoraria and coUiOrtaria as belonging to this genus. Fancy, tvavaria and roboraria, pifiefaria and consortaria in one genus ! This is, of course, due to the ors above, which, I should think, might have been multiplied by Mr. Meyrick with a little skill so as to include the whole European fauna in one genus. By means of similars " ors " luteolata {cratcBgata) is included in the same genus with notata, littirata, altertiata and claihrata, whilst fasciaria, margarifata, pulveraria and dolobraria get united in Metro- campa with an exceptionally good supply of "^ ors." The " ors " in Hydriomena allow the inclusion of the following British species : — ocellala, sif/iit/ata variata, juniperata, sagittata, fiilvata, dofata, picatn, ??iiata, site/ata, sordidata, trifasciata, truncata, iminanata, silaceatn, coryldta, suffumata, ccEsiata,fiaviciiiciata, dubitata, badiata, nigrofasciaria, mbidata, berberata, cucullata, albiciilata, adcequata, utiangidata, minor- ata, tcBfiiatn, uni/asciata, alchemillata, affinitata, decoiorata, alhilata, procellata, bilineata, flicviata, polygram fnata, lapidata ; rather a strange mixture those who know the larvae and pupre will probably think. There is still another important point. The usage of these "ors" sometimes admits almost anything, and their application allows species to go in several genera. Take for example, Hydriomena and Xanthorhoe. The only positive difference in these genera appears to be "Antennae in $ ciliated, rarely dentate or naked" in Hydriomena, and " Antennas in 1^ bipectinated, apex usually simple " in Xanf/iorlwe ; but the latter character, I should say, is almost included in the " ciliated " of the former species. As a result of this fine distinction, the species are separated in a marvellous manner. Variata gets into Hydriomena, firmata into Xanthorhoe ; nnangulata in the former, montanata and fluctuata in the latter, polygrammata and lapidata in Hydriomena, lignata in Xanthorhoe, and so on. A few other peculiarities are as follows: — Ocellata, variata, sagittata, sordidata {elutata), innnanata, co'siata, dubitata, badiata, albiciilata, admquata {blandiata), decoiorata, flnviata, polygi-ammata, etc., are all included in the same genus ; reticulata and prunata are separated from silaceata ; vitalbata and tetsata are lumped with togata, sparsata, subnotata and scabiosata into Eucymatoge ; coronata, debiliata and I'ectangulata are separated from the great mass of Eupithecia^, whilst the tenuiata-isogrammata group remain. Our five species in Lobophora get distributed over three genera, and it appears impossible to explain what the generic distinctions are. Candidata is in the same genus ^■5 filigranunaria, but separated from biteata. Brinnata and boreata are sandwiched between blomeri and cambricaria, with adustaria following the latter. Vittata, limitata, plumbaria, undulata, bipunctaria, multistrigaria, didy?nata, ferrugata, firmata, montanata, fluctuata, olivata, viridaria, etc., are all lumped into the genus Xa?itliorha\ and separated from their allies in Hydrio- mena by eight genera. The closest British allies to mscularia are parthenias and notha, which are true Geometers according to Mr. Meyrick. Perochraria and ochrata get transferred to different genera, as also do subsericeata, inornata and aversata on the one hand from CURRENT NOTES. Ill remuiaria on the other. Strajjiinata is separated from its variety circellala by thirteen species, of which perochraria, hiwiiliata and dilutaria are three. Rubis;inaia {rubricata) gets into the same group as remutata, immutata, immorata, etc. Our six Ephyras, mirabile didu, are not separated, although under another generic name, nor is a striking species like roboraria placed in the midst of them. Temerafa, taminata, obsciiraria, obfuscaria^ pictaria, petf aria,a.nd lineata {dealbata) form another very unnatural genus, whilst 7'upicapraria has a genus to itself between cUraria and trepidaria, the genus in which the latter is placed being derived, according to Mr. Meyrick, from the genus of the former, which I dare say is correct, so far as evolution leads us to suppose that all these genera are derived the one from the other. Again, trepida7-ia in Psodos separates riipicapraria in Theria from leucophcea7-ia , iiiargtjiaria, defoliaria and auratitiaria in Hybernia, and these are followed by genera containing zonaria, etc. I cannot find some of the British species at all, e.g., 7'uberata, but it may have been transferred to the Tortrices or Tineina. Now all this may appear very clear and natural to Mr. Meyrick, but to those who, like myself, have not educated themselves up to this point, it is a fearful mixture to be taken in small doses as infrequently as possible. In short, the whole system is something to be pondered over by those entomologists who are anxious that the Entomological Society of London should settle the matter for ever and aye, as if any society in the world had yet an infinitesimal portion of the material necessary to produce even a slight approximation to a natural classification in any one group. At any rate it appears to me that Mr. Meyrick might learn much concerning a natural system from Guene'e, and his paper is a proof that his work is not much in advance of that of Linnaeus, which was done 150 years ago. — J. W. TuTT. April, 1892. VlgURRENT NOTES. Each year the South London Entomological Society outdoes itself at its annual exhibition, and this year is no exception to the rule. Among the lepidoptera the exhibits of so many members stand promi- nently forward that it is difficult to select what is really best. Mr. Henderson shows a very fine drawer of Tephrosia crepuscularia (3 broods), the distinction between the broods being very marked, and the third brood presenting its usual character of pigmy size. Messrs. Croker and Simes, life-histories of a large number of species, all well mounted, that of Fhorodes7/ia S77ia7-agdaria, its larva in its natural dress, being conspicuous. Mr. Barker, an interesting drawer of Lyai/iida;, and Mr. Mera, very beautiful series of Arctia caia and Angero7ia primaria ; Mr. Adkin, a large part of his fine collection, and a drawer of Rannoch species of the highest interest. His series of Irish Spiloso7}ia 77ie7idica are especially worthy of mention. A long row of exceedingly clean and well-arranged drawers belonging to Messrs, Machin, Wellman, Tuawell, and J. A. Clark, are full of interest, and attract the working collector. Mr. Wellman's Cidaria russata and im/na7iaia, Mr. Clark's f.celia cc27wsa, black Psihi7-a 7/ionacha and Spi/oso/zin 7iie>!t/iasi>-i var. walkeri, and Mr. Tugwell's suffused Ve7iusia ca77ibricaria, dark StrcTiia 112 THE entomologist's RECORD. daihrata, from Basingstoke, and Boletobia fuliginaria attracting, per- haps, most attention. Mr. Farren exhibits a magnificent series of Bryophila var. impar, and a grand lot of the various species of A?iticlea. Mr. Barrett, a fine lot of Agrotis cursoria and Odotiestis potaioria, including yellow forms, whilst, at the same time, a box of varieties ot Diurni from Messrs. Russ, Sydney Webb, Robson, Rev. Joseph Greene, Drs. Wheeler and Mason are, perhaps, the most bizarre lot of insec:ts ever collected into so small a space. Mr. Nussey, a fine lot of LyccetJCB and Hesperidce ; Mr. South, another very extensive exhibit, amongst which LyccBna akxis, Cidaria russata, Noctua festiva and N. confliia (the two latter very distinct, as arranged in series) are, perhaps, the pick, whilst the same gentleman's Tortrices, Pyrales, and Pteropihorina are most interesting. Mr. Jager his fine drawer of "Tigers," includ- ing Callimorpha hera. Messrs. Billups, Lewcock and West make a grand show of Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, etc., between them; and Messrs. J. Jenner Weir and Edwards exhibit some fine exotics, the cases exhibiting mimicry between the females of certain Papilionidce and Nyiiipiialidce being especially interesting. But, per- haps, the greatest entomological treat was provided by Mr. Leach, whose cases of Paljearctic Bombyces and Noctua were exceedingly fine and interesting, and opened one's eyes to the vagaries of certain species under different conditions, vvhen studied from the point of their geo- graphical distribution. Mr. Tutt exhibited Hydrcecia 7iictita7is and the sub-species H. pahidis and lucens, Cuspidia alni and C. psi, long series of vars., and a drawer of varieties of Tceniocampa gothica ; Dr. Sequeira, two drawers of picked lepidoptera, etc. There were many other exhibitors who made most interesting exhibits. Perhaps it is going out of the way for an Entomological Magazine, but certainly Mr. J. A. Cooper's birds' eggs were quite a feature of the exhibition, and the attention the exhibit drew was quite deserved by its excellence. The first part of Mr. C. G. Barrett's work on the British Lepidoptera has been at last published. It has been generally expected that the letterpress would be good, and the plates more or less unsatisfactory. The latter is certainly the case, and not only is the colouring poor, and in some certainly bad, but the larvae have been apparently drawn and coloured from " blown " specimens, and, of course, are most unnatural, and bear no comparison whatever with those drawn by Sepp, Rosel and Hiibner loo to 150 years ago. The letterpress is generally correct, although the nervures of the female of Aporia cratagi are said to be blacker than those of the males, and the species in general is considered not to be variable. As a matter of fact it varies, perhaps, next to Pieris napi rather more than any of our British Pieridce. The explanation in the introduction that the plural of " ovum " is " ova," etc., shows that the work is characteristically suitable for beginners. There appears to be but little in the first part which is not in Newman, except some general statements on variation which occupy usually as much or more space, as the notes on the species in general. We certainly had hoped for something on the lines of Scudder's big work, and must own to being grievously disappointed. Certainly on the present lines there is but little encouragement for collectors of a few years' standing to buy it, and we can only hope that the author will soon reach the smaller " fry," where his intimate knowledge will be far beyond that of the NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. IIS average collector. From the amount of letterpress in Part I., and at the rate of a part per month, some 300 parts will be wanted, and 25 years will probably be occupied in cornpletion. Much more ietter- l^ress must be given per number, if the author is ever to reach that part of his work which is sure to be most valuable. The Irish Naturalist is a new " monthly journal," devoted to "general Irish natural history," which we welcome with pleasure. The tirst number contains articles by Prof. Johnson, D.Sc, Prof. Cole, F.G.S., Rev. W. F. Johnson, M.A., A. G. More, F.L.S., etc., and as it has been accepted as the organ of several of the Philosophical Societies and Field Clubs in Ireland a good circulation should be quickly assured. Mr. J. Alston Moffatt contributes a very interesting paper on wing structure, entitled "A microscopical examination of an unexpanded wing of Caliosamia promethea," to the Report of the Ent. Soc. of Ontario for 1891, pp. 32-35. It is in reality an extended account of his paper, Ent. Rec. vol. ii., pp. 274-275, and he refers to Dr. Buckell's and Mr. Fenn's papers oti this subject. The Report has a large number of facts of the highest interest and value on economic entomology. For the students of the Coccidcs, Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell, Curator of the Museum, Kingston, Jamaica, has prepared mounted specimens, and will send sets (10 specimens in each) on application. They should be of the utmost use to agriculturists. It would be interesting to the members of the " Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological and Natural History Society," after having heard Mr. Webster's paper {ante p. 95), to read a paper by the Rev. Thomas W. Fyles, on "The Entomology of Shakespeare," given in the Annual Report of the Fruit Growers' Association and Entomological Society of Ontario, 1890, pp. 78-87. Mr. Thomas Hutchinson, of Leominster, publishes a list of Hereford- shire Lepidoptera, w^hich will, we believe, be embodied in the Trans- actions oj the Woolhope Club, and, thanks to Dr. Wood, it appears to be more complete in Micro-lepidoptera than any local list yet published. Mr. Hutchinson notes that 510 species of Macro-lepidoptera out of 811, and 669 species of Micro-lepidoptera out of 1262 occur in the county. It is the particular home cf Xylomiges conspicillaris and Eiipitliecia consignata, and such species as Cuspidia alni ■os\di Fachnobia leucvgrapha occur here frequently, the latter in abundance. lOTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. Caccecia excessana, Wlk., fkp.ding on Laurel. — Within the last three years, records have appeared of the larvge of several species ot British Lepidoptera feeding on common laurel {Cerasus lauro-cerasus). The last case was reported by Mr, Bignell (Entoni., xxiv., 18), who found a colony of the larvee of Fhalera bucephala feeding on a laurel hedge at Portsmouth. In this district, I have observed colonies of the larvae of C. excessana, feeding, last season and the present one, on laurel fences. This native species is practically omnivorous, and has, for several years, attacked apples in different parts of the country, but, 114 THE entomologist's RECORD. unlike Carpocapsa pomonella, it attacks only the outside of the fruit. After considernble experience with both species, I have not yet seen excessana penetrate to the core of the apple, and consume the pips, as is the general habit of pomonella. The larva of the former conceals itself, like other species of the group, under a dead, contracted leaf, which it attaches to the skin of the apple, and, living under its shelter, eats out shallow furrows, or sometimes good-sized patches on the surface, but never, according to my experience, deep in the flesh. It, however, destroys the fruit, and renders it unsaleable. I have lately found these larvje feeding on several other, both indigenous and introduced, plants. — W. W. Smith, Ashburton, N.Z. Jan. 2nd., 1892. Delay in Pupa. — Four pupae of Brephos notha, had last year com- pleted a second winter in the pupa state, and were very nearly thrown out as useless, because they had changed colour, from brown to black, a change often implying decay, but which I took to mean partial development of the imago, from some cause arrested, probably by death. These have, however, just produced four imagines, after being in pupa three winters. Petasia miheadosa has also emerged, after i^assing five winters as a pupa. — T. A. Chapman, Firbank, Hereford. March 28///, 1892. P.SELNOPHORUS BKACHYDACTYLUs. — With regard to the notes on this species {Ent. Rec, iii.. pp. 33 and 63), vide Scottish Naturalist, iv., p. 246, 1877-78, where I record the capture of two specimens near the mouth of Glen Tilt, Perthshire. One was taken bv the late Sir. T. Moncreiffe (see Sc. Nat.^ vol. ii., p. 203), and is, I suppose, still in his collection. I think the other was taken by Mr. W. Herd, who has nrobably still got it. There is no doubt about the species, but I did not know that it was quite so rare. — F. Buchanan White. Perth. The T>epidoptera of Epping Forest {continued from p. 84). — Tree trunks during the month (May) are very productive. In the Monks- wood portion, Demas coryli, Dasychira pudibunda, Arctia mefidica and Tephrosia consonaria ; in the Chingford section, Cidat'ia corylata, and throughout the Forest, Nola cristulalis, Cuspidia psi, Amphidasys betularia, T. binndulaj'ia, Eupithecia abbreinata and Coreinia propu^- nata are to be found. Of these D. pudibunda^ C. psi, T. biunduhiria, C. propugnata and C. corylata are abundant. The psi are usuallv light coloured, but occasionally var. suffusa is met with. T. consonaria may be taken in some numbers, but is very local. ISf. cristulalis (which sits head downwards) is not very common, but is well dis- tributed. They have been seen sitting on beech, hornbeam, birch and oak, and are rather conspicuous on the two first named trees. One larva was crawling over a beech trunk on July 25. Of A. befularia, Arctia mendica, and E. ab)breTiata, only a few have been picked up each year. One specimen of Eupifhecia dodoneata was taken on the 19th May, 1890, at rest on an oak trunk in the Wake Arms section. Light during the month is usually only productive of a few E. vulgata, and Eubolia certata. Beating is, perhaps, an even more productive mode of collecting at this time of the year than searching the trunks. The four " hooktips " are sometimes plentiful, Drepana cultraria occurring in Monkswood, lacertinaria and falcataria in the Monkswood and Wake Arms sections, and hinaria throughout. The males of cultraria flit about in the sunshine commonly, and on the NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 115 31st May, 1 89 1, binaria was flying in some numbers in the glades near Fairmead. Among the GEOMETRiE, Venilia maculata, Ephyra punctaria, Bapta temerata and taitmiata, Melaiiippe inontanata, Coremia nnidmtaria and ferrugata in the Chingford section, and Alelanthia ocellata, Ephyra li/iearia, Acidalia remuiaria, Asthena candi- data, and Lomaspilis 7nargi)mta in the Monkswood and Wake Arms divisions are to be knocked out. E. linearia is often quite a nuisance. Euryviefie dolobraria and N. ptilveran'a have been taken in the Chingford and Monkswood sections. Among the footmen Lithosia aureola {sororcula) may occasionally be disturbed near Ching- ford, or seen flying late in the afternoon. One specimen of E. porata fell to the beating stick in the same locality. At dusk, Hepiahts lupJiH?i?is, Apamea basiHnea, Nodiia plecta, lodis lactearia, Emmelesia albiilata and decolorata and L. aduslata are to be found in the Chingford Forest. E. decolorata and Z. adustata are only taken sparingly, the others are cfommon. {To be continued^ Spring Notes. — Liverpool. — At Knowsley, on April loth, I got black Diii7-naa fagella, and the following day at Crosby found Nyssia zofiaria abundantly. — J. E. Robson. April 16th, 1892. Reading. — The weather changed to cold just when the sallows were attracting moths rather freely. Endro77iis versicolor h^d d\so begun lo emerge, but have stopi^ed again. — W. Holland. April i6lh, 189?. Carlisle. — I have taken a specimen of Nyssia hispidaria, which I believe is new to the district. I also took a pair of Calocampa exoleia, in copula, on March 26th, whilst Lare?ilia nmltistrigaria a.rL6. Tortricodes hyetnana are now out in abundance. — C. E.'\les. March 30///, 1892. Wanstead Flats. — I took two specimens of Tceniocampa opima after several fruitless journeys on Wanstead Flats. — k. W. Mera. April 25M, 1892. Stony Stratfo?-d. — I took a freshly-emerged male Spilosonia hdmcipeda on February 13th, some 30 yards from a small furnace. Probably it had spun up near. — W. Foddy. Alarch 'jth, 1892. Isle oj Man. — Moths have been somewhat abundant at the sallows lately. On the evenings of the 9th and loth inst., I visited some bushes in the neighbourhood of Lezayre. Both nights were bright, moonlight, and rather cold ; but, notwithstanding this, insects swarmed. Tceniocampa gothica and T. instabilis were the commonest species to be met with, and these varied to a most extraordinary degree, and are in splendid condition. I also took some beautiful specimens of T. stabilis and Anticlea badiata. I might mention here that I have never found T. stabilis until this year. — H. Shortridge Clake, 2 Osborne Terrace, Douglas. Epping — All fine species of the genus Hybernia occur in considerable numbers in Epping Forest. H. IcucopJucaria we get both very light and fine dark forms, and there is also a very pretty dark banded form, the $ can be found on fences and tree trunks in the daytime, h. rupicapraria, until this season, I thought a local species in our Forest, but with the assistance of my friend, Mr. F. B. Harvey, I have taken it on every whitethorn hedge between London, Epping, Enfield, etc., which we searched ; the ? 's, about an hour after dark, are found at the bottom of the hedges, later on, about the middle and interior, and still later, on the outside and top of the hedges. Those ^J's taken within 116 THE entomologist's RECORD. the Forest are a shade darker than those from outside. H. aura^itiaria occurs commonly, both hght and mottled forms, and H. defoliaria is very plentiful, as is also H. marginaria, of which I have some fine dark forms, as well as very light, from the same trees. The ? of the last three species can be found plentifully on tree-tiunks after dark by the use of a lantern. — Ambrose Quail, Stamford Hill, N. Theydon. — On Saturday, at Theydon Bois, I took Brephos parthenias. The first one I saw about i p.m., drying its wings, and by 2 p.m. thev '.vere flying freely. I also took two Asphalia flavicornis. — A. U. Battley. March 2^th, 1892. Rugeky — Asphalia flavicornis has been fairly abundant. I took Thecla ruhi on April loth. Saturnia carpini has also been very common this year. — R. Freer. April \/\th, 1892. Poole. — Since April ist, Taniocampa gofhica, T. instabilis, and T. stahilis have been plentiful at sallows, together with an occasional T. 7?mi!da, T. crnda and Orrhodia vaccinii. Eiipithecia piimilata has appeared in some numbers. Though I have worked hard for Dasycampa rubiginea in last season's locality, I have failed to find another specimen. — J. H. D. Beales. April 11th, 1892. Reading. — On April 21st, at 4.30 p.m., I took a ? Endromis versicolor which laid a large batch of eggs ; on April 29th, at 2.30 p.m., a pair of Notodonta chaonia, the $ also obliging me with ova. Eupithecia abbreziia/a, E. irrignala, Lobophora lobitlata, Tephrosia crepuscttlaria., T. pimctulaia, Aficropferyx piifpiirella, subpurpurella, nnii/iaculella, etc., have occurred, some in abundance. — E. Bazett. May ']th, 1892. Societies. Entomological Society of London. ^^/Jr// 13///, 1892. — Mr. R. McLachlan exhibited specimens of Anomalopteryx chauviniana^ Stein, a Caddis-fly remarkable for the abbreviated wings of the male, the female having fully developed wings ; he alluded to the PerlidcB as including species in which the males were frequently semi-apterous. Dr. Sharp inquired if Mr. McLachlan was aware of any order of insects, except the Neuroptera, in which the organs of flight were less developed in the male than in the female. Mr. C. G. Barrett and Mr. H. J. Elwes cited instances amongst the Bombycidce in which the wings of the male were inferior in size and development to those of the female. Dr. Sharp exhibited specimens of both sexes of an apparently nondescript " phasmid " insect allied to Orobia, obtained by Mr. J. J. Lister in the Seychelle Islands, together with Phylliiim gelonus. He also exhibited specimens of both sexes of an Acridiid insect, of the group Proscopides, remarkable for its great general resemblance to the Phasmidce, though without resemblance, so far as is known, to any particular species. In reference to the Phyllium, Dr. Sharp called attention to the fact that the similarity of appearance of parts of their organisation to portions of the vegetable kingdom was accompanied by a similarity, amounting almost to identity, of minute structure. He said that it had been stated that the colouring-matter is indistinguishable from chlorophyll, and that Mr. Lister had informed him that when in SOCIETIES. 117 want of food, a specimen of j^the Phylliiim would eat portions of the foliaceous expansions of its fellows, although the Phasmida. are phytophagous insects. The resemblance to vegetable products reached its maximum of development in the egg ; and Mons. Henneguy has observed that when sections of the external envelope of the egg of Phyllium are placed under the microscope no competent botanist would hesitate to pronounce them to belong to the vegetable kingdom. Dr. Sharp also stated that in some species of P/iasmidce it was easy to obtain the egg by extraction from a dried specimen. Mr. Barrett exhibited, for Major J. N. Still, a specimen of NoiodoJita bicoloria, which had been captured in a wood near Exeter. Major Still had stated that the captor of the specimen was unaware of the great rarity of the species. Mr. Barrett also exhibited, for Mr. Sydney Webb, some remarkable varieties o[ Argytinis adippe and CiBuonyiipha painphilits : also two specimens of Apatura iris, and two of Liinenitis sybilla in which the white bands were entirely absent. Mr. E. B. Poulton gave a lecture " On the denuda- tion of the Scales in certain Species of Lepidoptera," and illustrated it by a large number of photographs shown by means of the oxy-hydrogen lantern. Mr. G. F. Hampson, Mr. Elwes and Mr. Poulton took part in the discussion which ensued. April 27///, 1892. — Robert McLachlan, Esq., F.R.S., Treasurer, in the chair. Mr. C. G. Barrett exhibited, for Mr. Sabine, varieties of the following species : — viz. one of Papilio machaon, bred by Mr. S. Bailey, at Wicken, in 1886; one of Argyunis lathonia, taken at Dover in Sep- tember, 1883; one of A. euphrosyne, taken at Dover in iSgo; and one of A. seleiie, taken at St. Osyth, in 1885, by Mr. W. H. Harwood. He also exhibited a long series of Denias coryli, reared by Major Still from larvce fed exclusively on beech, which he said appeared to be the usual food of the species in Devonshire, instead of hazel or oak. Mr. Barrett also exhibited, for ?\'Ir. Sydney Webb, a number of varieties of Arge gacatea, Lasiommata megcera, Hipparchia iithoniis and Coitio- nympha pamphilus, from the neighbourhood of Dover. The Rev. J. Seymour St. John exhibited a variety of the female of Hybernia pro- gemmaria, taken at Clapton in March last, in which the partially developed wings were equally divided in point of colour, the base being extremely dark and the outer portion of the wing very pale. The Rev, Canon Fowler made some remarks on the subject of protective resemblance ; he said his attention had been recently called to the fact that certain species of Kallima apparently lose their protective habit in some localities, and sit with their wings open, and that Dr. A. R. Wallace had informed him that he had heard of a species of Kallima sitting upside down on stalks, and thus, in another way, abandoning its protective habits. Mr. W. L. Distant referred to certain species of South African butterflies, which, when at rest, were protected by their resemblance to the plants on which they reposed, or by their resem- blance to the rocks on which they settled, but which frequently abandoned their protective habit and sat with open wings. Mr. Barrett, Mr. McLachlan, Mr. Jacoby, Mr. Champion, Mr. H. Goss, Canon Fowler, and Mr. Frohawk continued the discussion. Mr. Goss in- formed the meeting that, in pursuance of a resolution of the Council passed in March last, he and Mr. Elwes had represented the Society at the recent Government inquiry, as to the safety and suitability of the 118 THE entomologist's RECORD. proposed Rifle Range in the New Forest, held at Lyndhurst by the Hon. r. W. H. Pelham, on the 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd inst., and that they had given evidence at such inquiry, and addressed a large meeting of ^Var Office officials, Verderers and Commoners. — H. Goss and ^V. W. Fowler, Hoii. Sees. City of London Entomological and Natural History Society. — Thursday, April "jth, 1892. — Exhibits: Lepidoptera — Mr. Gates, a living specimen of Hadeua pisi. Mr. Southey, a long and variable series of Hyhernia defoiiaria. Mr. Bacot, a series of Hybernia pro- get?imaria, including var. fiiscata, also an asymmetrical form of Arctia caia. Mr. Clark, Brephos partlienias and Aniphidasys p7'odromaria from Epping Forest. Mr. Battley, ova, young larvjE and cocoon of Leucoina salicis. Mr. Simes, a life-history of L. salicis and a variable series of Hybernia leucophctaria. Mr. Smith, a series of Seknia bilunaria, showing considerable difference between the spring and summer forms. Mr. Gurney, a series of Lithosia quadra from the New Forest. Dr. Sequeira, a case of Rhopalocera from Central Africa. He remarked that several of these specimens much resembled British species, one in particular being almost identical in markings with Poly 01)1 niatiis phlceas, but having tails to the hind wings. Mr. Milton, Asthena blomeri from Clevedon. The exhibits in Coleoptera were as follows : — Sina longicollis and Grammoptera riificornis by Mr. Milton. Mr. Heasler exhibited Chilocorus siinilis, Byihinus curiisi and Agathi- diu7?i varians. Mr. Battley then read his paper on the " Life-history of Leucoma salicis,'" stating that the ova were deposited from the 12th to the 15th of July, 1890, in large clusters, and enveloped in a tough substance, havmg the appearance of froth. They were globular in shape, and at first bright green in colour, changing to lead colour before hatching, which took place on 27th July. The young larvae, leaden black in colour, with a rusty tinge on the back, fed in a state of nature on various species of poplar {Populus fastigiata, nigra, balsamifera and tremula) and willow {Salix alba and fragilis). They began to stop feeding at the beginning of August, and having cast one skin, retired for liybernation at the end of the month. They then formed whitish cocoons, of a firm but transparent texture, under the bark of their foodijlants. At the end of April, 1891, they began to feed again, and soon cast their second skin, the third and fourth being shed about 20th May and 8th June. They now assumed their full-fed markings, the colours, however, being not quite so bright. About 19th June they cast their skin for the fifth and last time, and were full-fed by the end of June. Newman says that it "spins a web on the trunks of the poplar, or on the ground," but Mr. Battley stated that he had always found them spin up among the living leaves.^ The pupa is black, thickly covered with yellow hairs. The imagines emerge from the middle to the end of July, and are very common in most parts of the Lea valley in the neighbourhood of their foodplants, the males coming to gas lamps about midnight. In the discussion that followed, Mr. Mera stated that the time of flight was about midnight, but he had occasionally seen it on the ^ The larva alwa)'S spins up in this way at Deal, where the moth is abundant. — Ed. SOCIETIKS. 119 •wing at dusk.^ Mr. Burrows stated that he had found cocoons of this species formed upon the trunks of trees, but thought that the larvK were compelled to spin in this way, as they had almost de- foliated the trees. INIr. Simea called attention to the peculiar yellow blood of the species, and the glands of the thorax. A vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr. Batdey for his paper. Mr. Riches stated that he had seen a freshly-emerged specimen of Spilosoma menthastri. Mr. Southey stated that he was breeding Biston hiitaria from pupae that had gone over two winters, A discussion also look place upon the distribution of Gofiopteryx rhaiiini near London — ^Wimbledon Common and Highgate Woods being cited as good localities for the species. Thursday, April 21st, 1892. — Exhibits: Lepidoptera — Mr. Battley, five specimens of Tccniocanipa instabilis from various localities in the north of London, two being of a very light colour. Mr. Huckett, two specimens of Selenia illustraria, bred from larvae taken last autumn.- He stated that the imagines bred from these larvae closely approached the ^stival form. Mr. Tremayue, Amphidasys prodroi/iaria, from Epping Forest, Cidaria miata, Asphalia flaviconiis and Dasychira piidibunda. Mr. Clark, a series of Dasysto/na salicelia from Epping Forest. Mr. Hill, a $ specimen oi Dasychira pudibunda, quite freshly emerged, having a large area in each wing denuded of scales; these areas were strikingly symmetrical on either side of the insect. Mr. Smith, Asphalia Jiavicornis and Tephrosia crepiiscularia from West W' ickham. Mr. Southey, a series of Crocallis elinguaria and Ennomos a/igu/aria from Hampstead, one ($ of the latter species having the tips of the anterior wings suffused with purple. Coleoptera : — Mr. Hcasler, Cnemidotus impressa, Hydroporits crythrocephala, Philydrus melanocephalus and Berosus signaticollis from Mitcham. Mr. Battley advised those members possessing any ribbon-grass in their gardens, to search for the larvae of Apamea ophiograinma now ; he added that during February these larvce had wandered from the ribbon-grass and attacked carnations. He also recorded that he had heard the nightingale in Larkswood, Epping Forest, on April 19th. Mr. Simes announced that he first observed the swallow on April 8th, and the sand-martin and spotted flycatcher on April i8th. Thursday, May ^ih, 1892. — Exhibits : Lepidoptera — Mr. Fox, a living pupa and one imago, bred from the larvae found by him feeding in tomatoes, and exhibited before the Society on 21st January {E/it. Rec, ]). 40). The imago seemed to possess affinities with the genera Habrostola or Heliothis. Mr. Clark, a very fine series of Brcphos par- thenias from Epping Forest. Mr. Prout, a long and very variable series of Bryophila glandifera from Sandown, including most of the forms mentioned by Mr. Tutt in his British Nociua. and their Varieties. Mr. Bacot, a tine series of Tceniocampa gothica from Epping Forest antl Rayleigh. Mr. Tremayne, a series of Papilio inachaoii from Wicken. Dr. Buckell, a series of Phigalia pedaria, bred from pupae from Epping Forest ; one ^ showing a tendency to melanism, brought about, as in tlie case of $ Biston hirtaria, by imperfect development of the scales. Also an example of Tceniocampa stabilis from Epping, having the stig- ^ The moth flics freely at dusk at Deal, It appears to remain nn ihe wing unlil late, — Ed. 120 THE ENTOMOLOGISTS RECORD. inata confluent on one side, but distinct on the other. Mr. Simes, a series of Erastria venustula from Essex, and Dianthcccia carpophaga from the Isle of Man ; also a number of young larvje of Liparh simi/is, which had been bred from ova. Mr. Gates, Dicranu7-a vinida and Hadena pisi hom Barnes. Mr. Bellamy a very fine and variable series of Tmiiocampa instabilis, and a very dark form of T. gracilis ; also T. cruda and PacJmobia rubricosa. Mr. Milton, a series of Bupalus piftiaria from Clevedon and Scotland ; Cidaria corylata from Rannoch and the London district ; also a cocoon of Saturnia pavonia, con- taining two pupae ; also in Coleoptera : Pediculus vesiimentis and Chrysometra hanksi. Mr. Heasler, Hydroporus pictus, H. afigustatus, Agabus conspersiis and A, agilis. Mr. Smith mentioned that two spe- cimens of Thanaos tages and three examples of Anthocharis cardamines had been taken at Dorking last Saturday (April 30th). — A. U, Battlev and J. A. Simes, Hon, Sees. Erratum. — Eni. Rec. p. 67, 8 lines from bottom, for " Hampstead Heath," read " Highgate Woods." Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society. — Monday, April iilli, 1892. — Mr. J. E. Robson, F.E.S., of Hardepool, Editor of the Brilish Naturalist, read a paper entitled " Melanism and its theories." After reviewing the various theories put forward by previous vt^riters to account for the tendency of the colour of certain species to darken, he stated that it was his belief that no single theory could account for the phenomenon of melanism now going on ; and, while aoreeing with Lord Walsingham that the dark colour of insects in cold ^ and snowy regions was due to that colour being most suitable, he also considered that the increase of smoke and dirt, obscuring the rays of the sun near large towns, would also tend to produce melanism by the laws of "natural selection." The paper was illustrated by numerous examples of melanic forms of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, including Mr. C. A. Briggs' very dark Sphinx ligustri, Mr. Capper's black Boarmia cinctaria, and B. roboraria, and Mr. Robson's very dark Arctia nmi- thastri, Odontopera bidentata and Chortobius paniphilus ; but the little box that attracted most attention contained side by side Mr. Briggs' fine variety of Arctia caia with faint buff-coloured markings on the forewings with black bicolor-\\}f.^ spots occupying the centre ; the hind- wings being entirely red, and Mr. Capper's variety of the same species, the forewings of which are immaculate with the exception of one black spot near the centre, the hind-wings being normal. Mr. Newstead exhibited types of Prosopophora dendrobii, Doug, (a MS. name only), a very remarkable Coccid from Demerara, descriptions of which will shortly appear in the E.M.M. Mr. Collins, on behalf of Messrs. C. R. Billups and J. Dutton of Warrington exhibited a $ and ? of Dytiscus dimidiatus captured in the " Fens " in 1891, after having been lost sight of for eight years, and Silplia atrata var. siibrotundata taken on the East and S.W. coasts of the Isle of Man, in February, 1892. — F. N. Pierce, Hon. Sec. ^ Lord Walsingham has practically withdrawn from this position, as facts, apart from theories, prove that the countries in cold and snowy regions do not usually have dark local races, 7jide Ent. Record, etc., ii., p. 3, see also Scudder's paper on the subject in his great work, pp. 1285-1288.— Ed. <^^^ AND ^{"^ JOURNAL OF VARIATION. No. 6. Vol. III. June 15th, 1892. Scientific notes. The British Coccinellid^. — {Co7itinued from p. 104.) HiPPODAMiA, Mulsant. — This genus contains two species. H. 13- punctata, L., is usually found in marshy places, among reeds, etc., and is not common. The only record I have is by Rev. W. F. Johnson, whose specimens are exhibited. He takes it "on water-plants, etc., near marshy places." The localities given by him are Armae;h, Belfast, and Dublin. If. variegafa, Goeze {Cocc. mutalulis), is easily recognized by its oblong shape, and in having a row of spots arranged somewhat in form of a semicircle across the elytra. The spots are often confluent, and at times only faintly present. The larva seems to feed on Aphides frequenting low herbage. I obtained my series chieflv at Sheire (Surrey), but have also met with it at Rainham (Essex) on banks of the Thames. Mr. W. E. Sharp (Chester) writes me that " C. mutabilis is very common on the rough star-grass of the sandhills on the coast." Canon Fowler states that it is not recorded from the northern counties of England or from Scotland. Anisosticta, Duponchel. — Our single species, A. ig-punctaia, is found chiefly among reeds and aquatic plants. The species is common in localities near London. On one occasion Mr. Cripps and myself bagged over xoo specimens at a small marsh in Esher. It can also be obtained freely at the ponds of Walthamstow, Loughton, etc. Mr. T. H. Hall "for some years past found them plentifully and in variety by sweeping tufts of decaying reeds in the shallows on Barnes Common." Mr. Ford states that it is scarce in Hastings district. Mr. W. E. Sharp (Chester) records one capture only. Adalia, Mulsant. — Three species are included in this genus by Canon Fowler, viz., A. obliterata and A. bipimciata (formerly of the genus Coccinella), and A. boihnica, a species new to Britain. A. obliterata, L., has an M-like marking on its thorax, and is usually found in fir plantations. It is generally distributed in South of England, but not common. I have captured it at Eshcr, Sheire and Farnham (Surrey). Mr. T. H. Hall took some under bark about ten years ago in Bradley Wood, Derby. Mr. Ford says it is " somewhat common, but local, in Hastings district." Rev. W. F. Johnson records it from Armagh, and Mr. H. G. Cuthbert captured it in Dublin district 122 THE entomologist's RECORD, during autumn of 189 1. A. bothnica, Payk., has a variety named crucifera, Weise. A single specimen of this variety has been captured by Dr. Power at Moss Morran, Scotland, and for this reason Canon Fowler incorporates the species in the British list. A. bipunciata, L. — This beetle may be found almost everywhere — in our gardens, parks, fields, river banks, and indeed in any place where herbage or trees grow. In choice of prey it is undoubtedly the least dainty of the Ladybird tribe, as it will devour nearly every species of Aphides which infest our fruit trees, flowers, and food crops. In the vicinity of hop grounds, it is surprising what immense quantities of A. bipunctata are to be met with. I remember on one occasion while visiting Farnham (Surrey) that the insects swarmed in great numbers in the windows, houses, and churches in that district. Other Ladybird species, such as Coccinella 10-punctata and C. iptindata, were also present, but not in such profusion as A. bipu7ictata. The whole of these three species will devour the " Hop Aphis " {Phorodon hiimuli)^ but the last is by far the most useful in hop plantations. The migratory habits of the two-spot Ladybird are so well known that it is needless to enlarge on the subject. Suffice it to say, however, that the Ladybirds appear to follow the swarms of Aphides. Nevertheless, there is just one fact in connection with this subject that may be worthy of note. In 1888 Professor Riley, the eminent American entomo- logist, specially reported on the life-history of the " Hop Aphis," and confirmed the statement made by Mr. Francis Walker (in 1848) that the Aphis migrates in the autumn from the hop to the wild or cultivated plum (where the eggs are laid), and then back again to the hop plant in the spring. Owing to this statement certain cultivators rather lost their heads, and it was suggested that the plum tree, wild and culti- vated, should be exterminated. What I should like to impress upon cultivators is this : Supposing that the plum trees be condemned in order to deprive the "Hop Aphis" of its hybernating refuge, how are we to prevent immigration of the Aphides f Probably, after we have sacrificed one of our best fruits, the number of Aphides in hop plantations would be found as great as ever. The subject certainly requires much further investigation before such drastic remedies are resorted to. It must also be borne in mind that hop cultivation has ever been precarious, and that the plants are largely affected by the weather ; therefore, given genial weather and proper cultivation,^ the hop plant, aided by the Ladybirds, would doubtless recover from the attacks of Aphides, and a good crop would be the result. Mysia, Mulsant — M. oblongo-guttata, L. (formerly Coccinella oblongo- guttata), is one of the large species which devour the Aphides frequenting fir trees. It is local rather than common. It occurs at Esher, Farnham, and other parts of Surrey ; Delamere Forest and fir woods in Cheshire district (W. E. Sharp) ; Hastings ; and fir plantations generally. Anantis, Mulsant. — Our species, A. ocellata, L., is the largest of the British Ladybirds. When alive, the black spots on the elytra are surrounded by white or yellow rings, which become indistinct after ^ The meaning intended by this term includes burning the dead bines and general rubbish of the hop grounds. In America, repressive measures form part of the cultivation of potatoes. — G. A. L. SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 123 death. This beetle may be found in similar localities to A. oblongo- gutta/a, and frequently in company with it. {To be contitmed.) Entomological Publications by the Linn^an and Zoological Societies of London {ante, p. 52). — In your editorial note, in reply to my mention of Mr. Poulton's paper on the " Morphology of the Lepidopterous Pupa," you take exception to the publications of entomological papers in the Traiisactions of the Zoological and Linncean Societies. It seems to me, however, that there are several good reasons for this, and that they are not very far to seek. In the first place, the Entomological Society is not as wealthy as the Linnjean and Zoological Societies, and could not possibly take all the papers on entomological subjects which would be offered, if the above-named societies did not accept such papers. The Entomological Society's subscription is a very moderate one, and if more of our entomologists joined it, its publishing power would attract papers which now go elsewhere. A second reason is that the Linnsean and Zoological Societies would have no right to the names they bear, if they excluded one important section of the animal kingdom ; for be it observed, that one series of the Linnsean Society's Transactions and Proceedings is devoted to Zoology, and the other to Botany. By this breadth of field they are able to take in branches which have no society specially to bring them forward — Conchology, for instance. Another reason, and the one which particularly applies to the paper in question, is that the Entomological Society's Transactions are in octavo form only, whilst the Lmnsean and Zoological Societies publish theirs in quarto. This, in a paper such as Mr. Poulton's, is of paramount importance, as it is illustrated by numerous and highly enlarged figures, quite unsuitable for an octavo page. Beside 14 woodcuts in the text, the paper has two plates, bearing respectively 32 and 34 figures, varying from the natural size of the object represented, to a magnificationof 50 diameters. Until a very large accession of Entomologists to its ranks, enables the Entomological Society to bring out some of its publications in quarto, such papers as this, to say nothing of those requiring the figures of large insects, Westwood's Castniidcs or Butler's Revision of the SphingidcR, for example, must continue to find their way to the Linnsean or Zoological Societies' Transactions, and while this is so, may we hope that our Editor will keep himself informed of such papers, and from time to time bring those he considers of interest under the notice of the readers of the Record. — Geo. C. Grifkiths, 43, Caledonia Place, Clifton, Bristol. [Mr. Griffiths is right. I have repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that our entomologists do not support the Entomological Society of London, so largely as they should. I did not think, when I penned my editorial, of the all round loss we should sustain, were the sister societies not to help in the publication of our work. I was only thinking of the inconvenience the distribution of such papers is. — -Ed.] Hepialus humuli. — Now Hepialus is to the front, I may mention an observation, that I do not think I have recorded or seen mentioned by others. In two successive years, I saw what I took to be Nocture hovering about the summits of one or two elm trees, some 50 or 60 feet from the ground. I managed to capture one by watching for one descending to a lower level, and found it to be humuli ($ ; and then 124 THE entomologist's record. was able to identify the manner of flight, and to observe some ascending from a neighbouring meadow, where humuli was on the wing, and I think I also recognised ? 's, though these might have been some NocTUA or other. Ulmus and Humulus are botanically nearly related. — T. A. Chapman, Firbank, Hereford. Alay^ 1892. Hepialus lupulinus. — I have been reading the first part of Mr. Robson's paper on " The genus Hepialus," in the Record, and can fully endorse some of his remarks ; but it is curious what a mass of ignorance exists about some of our very commonest insects. As to H. lupidinus, no doubt the larva of this species will eat the roots of very many plants. If one goes into a grass meadow when the species is " out," the imagines may be seen flying by scores just below the tops of the grasses, at the roots of which the larvae feed. I know little of their earlier stages, beyond the fact that the ? ^ows her eggs, as she hovers, among the herbage. The larvae feed in a long vertical silken tube, in which they are tolerably active, and the pupa is formed in the same tube. I have seen the pupa sticking out of these tubes in hundreds where the turf has been cut and piled up, about the time the larva is full-fed. As I said before, I daresay the larva is not over particular as to diet. Few abundant species are. I have found it at the roots of mint and thyme abundantly, also at those of strawberry commonly, and at the roots of many other plants ; but I have little doubt that its true food is the roots of coarse grasses. The pupa (with the hairs omitted) figured by Buckler, is very representative, and the larva certainly reminds me very considerably of what I know as the larva of lupulinus. — C. Fenn. May, 1892. Protective resemblance, etc., in Cuspidia (Acronycta) leporina. — Dr. Chapman's interesting account of Cuspidia leporina, in the February number of the Record, has enlightened me considerably. I have taken both the green-white and yellow-black form on Cannock Chase, and have always looked on the latter as a "seasonal form," since I have always found the yellow one in late autumn, sometimes as late as the end of October, and have been accustomed to look on it as being analogous to the brown form of Notodonta dictcea, which never puts in an appearance until the poplars begin to lose their foliage, and which then rests on the small branches, whereas the green form rests on the edges of the leaves. The yellow larva of leporina is of much the same tint as that which the birch leaves assume in the autumn. But, however late I have taken leporina from alder, I have always found it to be the green form. I have taken the larvce from birch, alder and poplar {Populus nigra). It is most common on birch, and least so on poplar, from which tree I have only taken the yellow form. In the country district around Cannock Chase, I have only found it on alder. My resultant imagines have been both leporina and var. bradyporina. With regard to "protective resemblance," I cannot think that leporina possesses any, beyond that resulting from its superficial resemblance to green or yellow leaves, from its habits (always resting on the under side of a leaf), and from its hairy coat. I am aware that birds will eat hairy larvse ; but it seems fair to assume that they prefer smooth ones when they can get them. The hairs and spines of larvae are probably the remains of an epidermal stinging apparatus, such as is still found in certain exotic larvae, and in a modified form in our own Porthesia VARIATION. 125 siniilis and P. chrysorrhxa, and as it is likely that all hairy cater- pillars once possessed these weapons of defence, it seems reasonable to suppose that hairs and spines, will, even at the present time, confer on their possessors a certain immunity from the attacks of their enemies, and I might add that hairy larvae, as a class, are much more conspicuous, and show fewer signs of "protective re- semblance " than their naked brethren. Concerning the distribution of the two forms, I might mention that when I was at Banaire, N.B., last autumn I beat a few birch trees, and got two larvse of leporina from one tree, both were of the green-white form. I got no others. — Richard Freer, Rugeley, Staffs. |ARIATION. Hyria auroraria var. — Of the pink or crimson form of H. auroraria, I usually get a few each season. The species does not occur at all freely, and I have only taken about eighteen specimens in two years. I occasionally get red and yellow specimens like those obtained in the south ; but the crimson ones are typical of the species here. — J. Collins. February, 1892. [My typical specimens (red and yellow) are labelled New Forest, Sandwich, Wicken, Hartford and Chippenham, the more unicolorous from Witherslack and Heysham Moss. Those from Thorne Moor appear to be intermediate, but nearer the type. — Ed.] Variation of Lepidoptera in Aberdeenshire. — If by the red form of Hadena pisi, Mr. Tutt means insects like those sent round by Dr. Buckell from North London, I can say emphatically that this form is never found here. H. adusta — I never saw pale forms of this species, neither have I seen them unicolorous black ; reddish specimens with rather darker markings are not rare, but our most common form is the dark variegated one. I have (or had) a most curious suffused brownish specimen, without any markings, and I once saw another ; but on the whole, striking varieties are rare. Phigalia pedaria — This species varies much about here, some very pale and others very dark, but never as dark as the Hull specimens ; ours are also not unicolorous, the markings are always more or less distinct. — W. Reid, Pitcaple, N.B. Variation of Lepidoptera at Warrington. — H. pisi — I have representatives of the four forms ^ enumerated, and of the red uni- colorous form I bred one last year ; it is the rarest here of the four. H. adusta — I take dark variegated forms most frequently of any, and never saw an unicolorous black specimen. I also get them reddish brown, with transverse lines yellowish, and stigmata whitish, which would most nearly approach the type. — J. Collins, Warrington. Variation of H. pisi. — I have bred this species from Barnes Common, Surrey, and also from Wanstead Flats, Essex, but only the two red forms, the Surrey ones inclining to be more mottled than those from Essex. — A. W. Mera, Forest Gate. Variation of Odonestis potatoria. — Last year I bred several good and striking varieties of Odonestis potatoria, among the more ^ 1. Red ground colour ; (a) unicolorous, {h) variegated. 2. Purple ground colour ; (a) unicolorous, (Jb) variegated. 126 THE entomologist's record. conspicuous being a male with the coloration of the female, and a female with the coloration of the male. I have seen many notices of the former variety, but not of the latter. I shall be glad to learn whether any collector has had the same fortune as myself — T. Willson, 2 2, Halford Terrace, Richmond. February T^rd, 1892. [There are several records in our old entomological literature, and most of our larger collections contain such. I took a perfectly yellow male of this species at Wicken last year, and a Dundee collector gave me a dark male-coloured female some years since. — Ed.] TiENiocAMPA POPULETi var. NIGRA. — Last spring, Dr. Chapman sent me some ova of T. populeti which had been laid by a dark ? . There were about a dozen to begin with, from which I bred nine, all dark ; two were especially so, as dark as ordinary Rusina tenebrosa, and neither Drown nor grey, the markings hardly visible. Three others had similar tendencies but were not of so decided a colour, and the remaining four were also dark, but suffused with a red brown colour about the middle of the wings. There was not one of the ordinary grey type. — E. W. BowELL, Sissinghurst Vicarage, Staplehurst, Kent. April, 1892. Argynnis SELENE VAR. — I have a specimen of A. se/ene taken at Brockenhurst in 1890 which is somewhat analogous to the vars. of V. urtica mentioned by Mr. Sharp {Ent. Rec, p. 8), and Mr. Baton {Ent. Rec. p. 57). All the brown markings on both upper and under sides are replaced by white, while the black and silver markings remain intact. The specimen was in fair condition and so could not have been " worn," to have this appearance. Has any theory been started to account for this failure of the pigment cells? Does it bear any analogy to "albino" specimens of blackbirds, mice, rabbits, etc. — A. W. S. Fisher, The College, Winchester. [The failure of pigment development is somewhat fully discussed in the " Introduction " to The British Noducz and their Varieties, vol. ii. — Ed.] AsPHALiA FLAVicoRNis VAR. — A curious Specimen of A. flavicornis emerged yesterday (March i8th) in my cage, bred from larvae obtained in the New Forest. There are hardly any signs at all of the usual transverse lines, but a large number of black scales are suffused over the green ones, especially near the base and apex. But, most curious of all, there are two longtitudinal black streaks on the costa, about a quarter of an inch in length and slightly curved, the concave side being towards the costa. There is nothing else unusual about the specimen, except its small size, just under i" 3'". — Id. [Does not this resemble the northern type, described in British Noctiice,\&\.c., vol. i., p. 5 ? — Ed.] Var. of Noctua rubi. — Whilst sugaring one evening last July, at Askham Bog, near York, I took from amongst a number of typical specimens, a pale yellowish ochreous form of Noctua rubi, in fine condition. In the collection of Mr. T. AUis, in the York Museum, I notice that there are two specimens of this form. — W. Hewett, York. Seasonal forms of Pieris napi. — In the Entomologist's Record, etc., for March, p. 69, there is an account of the exhibition, at the meeting of the City of London Entomological Society, of an intermediate form between Pieris rapce and F. napi, in which it is stated that "the under- side of this insect was very slightly veined, though the upper surface presented the characteristics of F. napi." This is an exact description CURRENT NOTES. 127 of the ordinary appearance of the females of the summer emergence of the latter insect, of which I possess a very large number. It is much to be regretted that in most cabinets that I have examined, the widely different forms which appear in spring and summer respectively, are not placed in separate rows. In my youthful days, the distinction was always made, because the spring emergence was called F. napi, and the summer F, napa. — J. Jenner Weir, Chirbury, Beckenham, Kent. Arctia PLANTAGiNis VARS. — Mr. Wm. Reid's note {Ent. Record, vol. iii., p. 57) on Arctia planiaginis, in Scotland, is very interesting. It seems that in Scotland, at altitudes over 2500 ft., the variety hospita takes the place of the typical form, and that the latter is not to be obtained so high up. In Switzerland, we get both forms flying together at considerable elevations. I have taken both forms in the Upper Engadine at about 7000 ft., and they seem to be very common there. I also obtained one specimen somewhat like hospita, but with the black markings much more predominant, giving the insect a very dark appearance. In " The Lepidoptera of Granbiinden," the type is said to occur at over 8000 ft. elevation, and to be " characteristic of our alpine meadows," besides occurring lower down. With regard to var. hospita, it says, "principally in the Alpine region, but also abundant as low as 3000 ft. — Leonard S. Sellon, Davos-Dorfli. Dark Varieties of Diurn^ea fagella. — Of what I take of this species at Swansea, about 10 per cent, are black in various degrees, and these are all taken on a few elm trees in the Park — standing in a little patch by themselves, the other trees, which are isolated, only producing the ordinary grey type. I do not know whether this is a case of " natural selection," as mentioned in Mr. Tutt's paper on " Melanism and Melanochroism in British Lepidoptera," as the trees of this group are rather stunted and very much exposed to the weather, the bark being very black, making it extremely difficult to distinguish the black ones at rest. — R. B. Robertson, Swansea. April, 1892. 5^URRENT NOTES. This month's British Naturalist contains a portrait of that veteran entomologist, J. W. Douglas, who is happily still amongst us and still actively engaged in entomological pursuits. Two most interesting scientific papers appear in the current number of the British Naturalist — " The Secondary Sexual Characters of the British Coleoptera," by Dr. Ellis ; and " Butterfly Life before leaving the Egg," by the Rev. H. H. Higgins. An excellent article on " Our rush-feeding Coleophorse," from Dr. Wood, appears in the E.M.M. By different characters connected with the structure of their ovipositors, he subdivides what we have before known as murinipennella and ccespititiella into five species : — (i) sylva- ticdla (flies in May), larva on Luzula sylvatica ; (2) alticolella (flies in ]\x\y),\dLX\di on /uncus la7nprocarpus ; (3) murinipennella (flies in May), larva on Luzula cainpestris and Z. multiflora ; (4) ccespititiella (flies in June), larva on many kinds oi /uncus ; (5) glaucicolella (flies in July), larva on many kinds oi /uncus, particularly y". glaucusS. 128 THE entomologist's record. Mr. Edward Saunders combines Orthyotylus ochrotrichus and O. propinquus as one species under the former name. Mr. Newstead adds the following to our lists : — Pulvinaria persicce, n. sp., from peach trees at Knutsford, Cheshire ; Signoretia luzulce, Dufour, from Ince, Cheshire, on Luzula canipesiris ; Pseudococcus socius, n. sp., on black currant, from Wakefield, Yorks ; Riper sia ptilveraria, n. sp., on Agrostis vulgaris at Sandiway, Cheshire ; Ripersia tomlinii, n. sp., on grass roots in ants' nests, from Moulin Huet, Guernsey. He also men- tions Lecanium minimum, n. sp., on Areca and Abutilon, but does not say whether it is British. Eriococcus Jraxitii is transferred to the genus Ripersia. Two new English species of Jlomalomyia have been added to the British list by Mr. Verrall — H. corvina, n. sp., and B. kowarzi, n. sp. {E.M.M., p. 149). Mr. Meade unites Metopia riifitarsis, Moigen^ with M. rubriiarsis, Ztl. under the latter name {E.M.M., p. 153). Mr. Blatch adds Arena ociavii, Fauvel, to the Coleoptera of Britain. One specimen was captured at Weymouth and another in a dead gull at Ilfracombe. The prices of our rare British lepidoptera are still maintained. At the sale oi Mr. Naish's collection seven specimens of Chrysophanus dispar produced ;^i 6 8s., one male brought ^3 3s., and a female ;,^4 los. Four Lyccena acis were sold for i8s. ; eight LMa c(2nosa for ;^3 17s. 6d. ; seven Agrotis subrosea for ;^6 12s. (one fine example fetching ;^2 los.); and two Cieora viduaria £,\ is. It is with regret that we record the death of Dr. Carl A. Dohrn on May 4th, at Stettin, at the age of 86. He was one of the honorary members of the Ent. Soc. of London, and was exceptionally strong as a coleopterist, of which order he had a very extensive collection. We are publishing a pamphlet (24 pp.) on Secondary Sexual Charac- ters in Lepidoptera. Price is. The points dealt with comprise "Antennae," "Wings" (absence, etc.), "Scent Glands," "Scale Patches," " Venation," " Legs," " Colour," etc. The Burton-on-Trent Natural History and Archaeological Society publish a volume for 2s. (Bemrose and Sons, Limited, 23, Old Bailey, London), full of the most interesting matter to naturalists in general and entomologists in particular. Dr. Mason and Mr. Harris have a very complete list of " The Micro-lepidoptera of Burton-on-Trent and Neighbourhood," extending to 14 pp. and worked out in good style. The Presidential Address of Dr. Mason, entitled " The Functions of a Local Natural History Society, with special reference to the study of plant galls," is a most instructive essay, and must be read to be enjoyed ; whilst the other articles, "The L'ish Aran" (7 plates), by Dr. Mason; "Notes on a Salt Marsh at Branston " (i plate), by J. E. Novvers and J. G. Wells ; " Trout and Grayling," by G. Morland Day ; etc. are most interesting. Entomologists collecting in Epping Forest are complaining of the great destruction of the bracken and heather, and even of the trees caused by forest fires. It would seem that the cottagers believe that they have a grievance with regard to some questions of common rights, and it is the strong opinion of some persons that the fires are lighted to attempt to intimidate the Forest authorities. On Sunday, May ist, NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 129 there were 13 fires within a short' distance of the Wake Arms. The rangers and poHce seem quite unable to put a stop to this. One man, however, has been apprehended and committed for trial at Chelmsford, and there are rumours afloat of clever and daring captures of entomo- logists carrying lanterns while working the sallows. It is to be hoped that the Commissioners will take more vigorous steps to stop this scandal, either by increasing the Forest staff or in some other way. The offer of a reward of £25 would seem to have had no effect. As the heather is now, however, changing its colour from brown to green, it is to be hoped that the new growth will soon cover and hide the unsightly black spaces with a new garment of green. ^OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. Notes of the Season.— Many will remember how in 1877 the entomologists of the southern counties of Britain and some of the northern ones were startled by the appearance of Colias edusa during May. I took specimens myself in the gardens of St. Mark's College, Chelsea, and they were frequently to be met with in, some numbers even in the main thoroughfares. Although in nothing like the pro- fusion of 1877, Colias edusa has this year again put in an appearance, and considering its rarity during the last few years, there appears to be no doubt that the specimens are immigrants. Records from all the counties along the south and south-east coast have come to hand, the var. helice occurring with the type. I have seen no specimens in London, but the suburban district of Lee and Eltham has been visited by the stranger. Prophecies rarely come off, but certainly everything points to an edusa year on the south coast. But edusa is not the only visitor. Several specimens of Deiopeia pulchella are recorded from Kent, Hampshire, Sussex, etc., and there appears to be no doubt that this well-known rover has extended its more recent wanderings to our shores. Countless numbers of Plusia gainiiia arrived in England about Tuesday, May 24th, when, suddenly, the moth occurred in swarms all over Kent, and probably elsewhere. They are still (June 7th) in vast numbers on every piece of waste ground. With these were Stenia hybridalis. It is strange that these two species nearly always occur in excessive abundance together. Last but not least, comes that cosmo- politan species Cytithia cardui. Everywhere in- Kent the thistles are being literally covered with eggs, 22 eggs were found on one small leaf on Whit-Monday. So far, these are all well recognised migratory species, and as all have a second brood when they do arrive here in the spring, it is to be hoped that our southern lepidopterists will render a good account of the rarest of them. By the by D. pukhdla is not hard to rear, I believe, if any one has pluck enough to keep a hen for eggs. The great capture of the season so far, however, is Ophiodes lunaris, taken by Mr. Austin at Folkestone. Most of our recognised rarer British species are putting in an appearance in numbers. The lovely weather appears to have brought out insects which have been lying over for generations. Even the growlers acknowledge that they have a good beginning at last. — J. W. Tutt. Kifiloch Ran)wch, iV.^.— Insects are out in fair numbers here now c 130 THE entomologist's record. my catch on Saturday was 62, and was composed of the following : — Lobophora lobulata and vars., Asteroscopus nubeculosa, Brephos parthenias, Semioscopus avellanella, Depressaria ciniflonelia, Asphalia flavicornis, etc. — Wm. Reid, F.E.S. April, 1892. St. Anne's-on-Sea. — We have commenced the season in earnest now, and so far it certainly promises to be a very good one. The sallows have been unusually productive ; TcRuiocampa graa'/is swarmed on them at night, T. opima was fairly common, whilst there were several T. gothica, stabilis, iiistabilis, and Pachnobia rtibricosa. A specimen of Calocampa exoleta and one Agrotis suffusa also turned up. The larvae of Dasychira fascelma are more than usually abundant, and are nearly full-fed. I got the first Dicranura vitmla on April 22nd : is not this rather early? Bombyx quercns (callunce), B. rtibi, and Arciia fuligmosa larvae and pupae have also turned up in the course of our collecting. We are having splendid weather for entomology, and the nights have been very favourable compared with last year, — Holmes Baxter. April 25///, 1892. Tring. — I venture to think that the following dates of first appear- ances that I have noticed this season may be of some interest to your readers : Hesperia inalvcB, April 23rd ; Tephrosia consonaria, April 26th ; Nemeobius luciua, April 30th. A Stauropus fagi emerged from pupa kept in a cold room on April 7th. In this locality I usually find lepidoptera appear later than at Epping, Kent, and Surrey localities. — E. Geo. Elliman, Westcroft, Tring. April -tyOth, 1892. Leicestershire. — I have made several visits to the sallows this season, and a list of my captures may be interesting to some of your readers : — Knighto7i, April 6th : Tceniocampa gothica, T. stabilis, T. instabilis, T. pulverulenta, Hybernia progemmaria, Anisopteryx CEScularia in pro- fusion. April 7th : Calocavipa vetusta (i), Pachnobia rubricosa (i), T. nmnda (i), T. stabilis, T. instabilis, T. gothica, T.piilvemlenta, Anticlea badiata, Hyber7iia progemmaria, A. cescularia, April 9 th : C. vetusta (i), T. gracilis (4), T. tnunda (2), T. populeti (1), T. instabilis in quantity ; T. pulverulenta, T. stabilis and T. gothica, together with a few var. pallida. April 10th : T. gracilis (2), T. munda (i), T. instabilis (6), T. gothica (6), very cold north-east wind and moonlight. April 2 1 St: T. tnunda (i), P. rttbricosa {1), T. instabilis, T. stabilis, T. pulveru- lenta and T. gothica in quantity ; A. badiata (2), Selenia ilhuiaria (2), Cidaria silaceata (i), warm night; south-west wind; cloudy. April 23rd : P. rubricosa (2), T. instabilis, T. stabilis, T. pulveruletita, T. gothica in quantity; A. badiata (3), C. silaceata (i), south-west wind; warm and cloudy ; T. instabilis were the black and dark chesnut forms ; T. pulverulenta were variable, T. stabilis and T. gothica ordinary forms, with the exception of T. gothica \2cc. pallida (i). I found the catkins of the osier generally much less productive than the common sallow {Salix caprea ?). I got any quantity of T. pulvenilenta, T. stabilis and T. gothica at sallow, but T. instabilis in comparatively small numbers ; yet at the osiers T. instabilis was by far the commonest species. T. gracilis I have not found away from the osiers. — Frank BousKELL, Lansdowne Road, Stoneygate, Leicester. May T^rd, 1892. Devon Coast. — During the last six weeks we have had in this neigh- bourhood continual brilliant sunshine with hardly a drop of rain. The last week has been hot and sultry, and the entire absence of any wind NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 131 has made the gas lamps unusually productive. My captures on three lamps situated on a road overlooking the cliffs, with a considerable amount of undergrowth and forest trees and ornamental timbei- round about, on four evenings commencing at lo o'clock and ending at 11.30, when the lamps were turned out, may be of interest, not on account of rarities but on that of the number of species taken : — Nola cristu- lalis, LilJwsia co!npla)mla,Eiic]ielia jacobcece^ Dasychira pjidibnnda, Arctia caia, A. villica, Spilosoma fidiginosa, S. lubricipeda, S. vienthastri, Pferostoina palpi/ia, Notodonta dictcea, N. ziczac, JV. c/iaoni'a, Demas coryli, Viminia rumicis, Xylophasia rurea, Alainestra brassiccc, Apaniea basiiinea, A. gemma, Grammesia tngrammica, Rusma tenebrosa, Agrotis exclamationis, Noctua pleda, N. rubi, N. baia, Txniocainpa gothtca, Diantluecia conspersa, D. carpophaga, D. cucubali, Hadena pisi, H. tha- lassina, Habrostola tripartita^ H. triplasia, Pliisia gamma, Riunia luteo- iata, Selenia biliinaria, Odojitopera bideiitata, Hemeropiiila abriiptaria, Acidalia marginepunctata, Cabera pusaria, C. exa?it/iemata, Numeria pulveraj-ia, Lomaspilis ?na?-ginata, Laretitia viridaria, Emnielesia affijiitata, E. decolorata, EupitJiecia venosata, E. consignata, E. castigata, E. virgaureata, E, nauata, E. viilgata, E. subnotata, E. exigiiata, E. coronata, LobopJwra carpiiiata, MelantJiia ocellata, AI. sociata, M. moti- tafiata, M. galiata, M. fluctiiata, Antidca badtata, Coremia fernigata, C. unidentata, TripJiosa dubitata, Cidaria truncata, C. immanata, C. suffumata, Anaitis plagiata, PtcropJiorus gonodactyla, P. pentadactyla. — John N. Still, Seaton. May 21th. [The dates at which some of these species have been captured is rather startling, notably Eupithecia subnotata, P. pentadactyla and Cidaria immanata. The larva oi penta- dactyla. should be small in May, and the eggs of C. immanata not long hatched. — Ed.] Christchurch. — I have just learnt from my friend Mr. Brameld that a specimen of Deiopeia pulcJiella was taken by his son on May 30th, flying in a field not far from the harbour; it is in such fine condition that it must have only just emerged from the pupa. I also know of another taken on the same day and in the same neighbourhood. Many of our readers may recollect that I reported a specimen in the Ento- mologist, 1 886, as taken May i8th, 1878, and was at the time impressed with the idea that it was a strange time of appearance, also its faded condition when captured caused me to suggest hybernation ; this, how- ever, was not thought to be the case, but a long discussion arose during the summer as to whether this species is permanently established in Great Britain or not. — J. M. Adye. June c,th, 1892. [I do not think these specimens are British born, but immigrants like the Colias edusa, Plusia gamma, Cynthia cardui and other species which, absent last autumn, are now most abundant on our south coast. — Ed.] Eastbourne. — I caught a good specimen of Deiopeia pulchella at Eastbourne on the 30th May, and another was taken by a friend of mine at Dungeness on the ist June. It is a very good specimen except that it has lost the point of one of its antennae. They are both females. — R. B. PosTANS, 14, King's Road, Eastbourne. Gosport. — A specimen of Deiopeia pulchella was captured here under very peculiar circumstances. The specimen differs in the disposition of its red markings from those in both Morris' and Newman's works. — W. H. Mackett, St. Matthew's Schools, Gosport. 1S2 THE entomologist's recoed. Berkshire. — My friend A. L. Budge captured a hybernated specimen of S. convolvuli at honeysuckle last evening. Is it not very unusual for this insect to hybernate in the perfect state ? — J. H. D. Beales, West Woodhay Rectory, Newbury. Jime 6th, 1892. Folkesto7ie. — I captured a fine specimen of Ophiodes lunaris at Folke- stone at sugar on May 30th. Colias edusa has also appeared here in good numbers. I have taken one var. helice, and have heard of several others being taken. — W. J. Austen, 2, Radnor Street, Folkestone. Ju7ie Tffd, 1892. Wallasey. — Having heard that Nyssia zofiaria had been taken on the Wallasey sandhills at Easter, I and two friends resolved to go in search of it on Saturday, the 23rd inst., feeling that if we secured a dozen or so among us we should do well. Although on our arrival a drizzling rain was falling, we got to work immediately and from the very first found the species exceedingly abundant, in fact as many as 10 or 12 could be picked up without moving from one spot. The females were in the majority and literally swarmed. The males were in many cases very conspicuous, resting flat on the short herbage ; others were to be found low down on the stems of the coarse grass. A splendid series was secured by each of the party, including several very fine dark and light forms. Several Mesotype lineolata and one Dicranura vitiula completed a successful trip. — R. Tait, Jun., Cheetham Hill, Man- chester. Monmouthshire. — It being a particularly dark, muggy night on the 13th of May, I thought I would try the lamp. I use one I have had made for the purpose : it gives a good light, is 9 feet high, and easily carried. At 9.30 I put it up on a piece of ground covered with gorse, broom, and young growth, backed up by a dense wood. It rained all the time I was out, at first gently, but gradually got worse, and at 10.20 I had to retire wet through, but in that short time I took Cuspidia ahii (i), Notodonta dictaa (3), N. ziczac (2), N, camelina (4), N. palpina (2), Chesias riifaia{e^), %tvexz{ IVumeria piilveraria, Thyatyra bails, lephfvsia crepuscularia, T. biundularia, T. pendularia, Ephyra llnearla, Melanippe iinangulata, and Hadena denfina, while Panagra petrarla, 3felanthia ocellata, Eubolia plumbaria, Auaitis plagiata, Coreniia ferrugata, and other common Geometr^e fairly swarmed round the lamp. I went out again on the 26th of May near the same spot. It was 10 o'clock when I put up the lamp and I stayed until 12. It rained most of the lime, and moths came more freely while it did so. I took Cuspidia alni (i), Notodonta trepida (2), N. trlmacula {2), Halias prast?iana (i), JV. ziczac (4), Epione advenarla (i), N. camelina (2), N. palpina (4), Smerinthus ocellatus (2), Demas coryli (2), Plusia iota (i), Selenia lunar ia (3), many Thyatyra batis, Riisina tenebrosa, Noctua plecta, Grammesia trigram- viica, Dicranura vinula, Drepana falcataria, Numeria pidveraria, Corycia temeraia, Ephyra annuluta, Hadena pisi and Nocttia rubi. Spilosoma menthastri, S. lubricipcda, Odontopera bidentata and Dasychira piidibunda came in such numbers as to be perfect nuisances to me. The hot days we have had at intervals since the last week in March has had the effect of bringing out the imagines of many species much earlier than usual. I took T. ptinctularia the last week in March ; Anthocaris cardamines on the 4th of May \ Cuspidia alni and JV. came- lina on oak trunks on the 9th May; E. advenaria on the 15th May; NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 183 Cidaria tesiata on the 8th May ; Ino statices on the i6th May ; Abraxas ulmata on the i8th May. — A. Nesbitt, Llandago. Winchester. — This year has so far been extraordinarily good here. Almost everything has been commoner than usual. Trunk hunting has been especially productive, yielding Nola cristulalis, Tephrosia crepuscularia, T. consonaria and T. punctulata va. plenty, while a few Noiodonta chao/iia, Demas coryli, Stauropus fagi, Bistdcia ligustri, Eurjinene dolabraria and Boannia consortaria have turned up. Acojitia luctuosa, Dianthcecia conspersa, D. carpophaga, JVotodonta dictcea have been taken by other means. On the wing, Lyccena argiolus was locally common, and Nemeophila planiaginis is now swarming ; CalUnwrpha dominida is hardly out yet, but the larvae were not quite as common as usual. Sugar has been excellent, producing Cuspidia alni (a few), plenty of Bistdcia ligustri, a good many Cymatophora or, several Chariclea marginata, and a few each of Hadena thalassina, Thyatyra batis, IP. pisi, Agrotis cinerea, Euplexia lucipara, Apamea basilinea etc., most of which have fallen to the bag of Rev. G. M. A. Hewett. Of larvae, Scotosia rhamnata, S. vetulata, lodis vernaria, and Dyschorista ypsilon, have been common, while a few Catocala sponsa, Geometra papilionaria and Lasiocampa quercifolia, and one Trichiura cratcngi have also been taken. Hybernated Cynthia cardui are remarkably abundant. Has any one noticed this elsewhere? Last, but by no means least, two specimens were taken (on the 30th and 31st of May) of that prize of prizes, Deiopeia pidcheUa. — A. W. S. Fisher, Win- chester. The Lepidoptera of Epping Forest.^ — {Continued from page 115.) In June a few good larvae have been met with. Several full-fed Halias bicolorana have been found crawling over oak trunks in the Monks wood section. Last year, on the 20th, one larva of Thecla betuhe was beaten at the very first stroke from a sloe bush, but though a great many bushes were beaten afterwards, the only further result was a good sprinkling of the larvae of Nola cucullatella. The larva of Diloba cxruleocephala is common on sloe at Chingford, and that of P. cyiisaria may be taken in the Monkswood section. Beating is fairly productive. A. luteata from small maples near Chingford and in Epping Lower Forest, Larentia pectinitaria in Monkswood and beyond, and Boarmia repandata throughout are the principal fresh emergences. The tree trunks have not yielded much beyond those mentioned as occurring in May, except Aplecta nebulosa. One speci men of Envnelesia apftnilaia was found on a fence near Epping last year. Among the butterflies Argynfiis selcne is common in the Wake Arms section about the middle of the month. Many day-flying moths are also on the wing. Bonibyx rubi was plentiful on the 21st June, 1891, in the last mentioned locality, and Nemeophila russula a week later. The former flies very rapidly over the heather early in the afternoon, but seems to steady down later, and can be caught fairly easily about 6 o'clock. One female was found sitting on a sprig of heather. N. russula is trodden up from the heather. It flies rather high, and if there is any wind many are lost. It is very local. Eubolia palum- baria is common north of High Beach, and one Euclidia mi was taken last year. Ino statices may be found in some of the fields bordering the Chingford Forest. At dusk, in the Chingford section. 134 THE entomologist's record. the principal species captured have been Eiipithecia exiguata, Cidaria russafa (Jnincata), Acidalia aversata, M. bicolorata, an(i Metrocampa ynargaritaria, Noctua rubi, Xylophasia rurea, Rusina tenebrosa, Zanco- glantha grisealis and Hepialus hamuli. All these, except R. tenebrosa, are plentiful. Sugaring is commenced during the month, and among the earliest visitors are, Thyatyra batis, Leucania lilhargyria, Xylophasia polyodoti, X. lithoxylea and hepatica, Dipterygia pina\tri {scabriuscula), Apamea gemina, Miana fasciuncula and slrigilis, Agrotis exclainationis, Noctua augur, and Etiplexia lucipara. All these, except X. hepatica, D. pinastri and A. gemina are common. The var. oithiops of strigilis outnumbers the type, and an intermediate form is taken, but only in small numbers. Both the red and brown (var. cana^ forms of fas- mmcula occur. A nicely mottled form of hepatica (var. character ea) is sometimes found. July. — Among the butterflies two specimens of ^/^gj/^^/^/^/Zwd! have oeen captured near Chingford, the last in 1889, and another of the larger Fritillaries, supposed to be aglaia, was seen in Monkswood last year. Among day flying moths Zyga;na filipendulcz is abundant in some of the fields bordering the Forest. Two of the best insects to be taken this month, by beating, are Phorodesma bajularia and Acidalia inorfiata. The males of the former fly at dusk, but are very difficult to get in good condition, being usually pinkish-brown instead of green. It seems to be distributed equally throughout the Forest. Two specimens of Eucostnia utidulata were disturbed by the beating stick on the 25th July, 1 89 1, one in the Monkswood and the other in the Wake Arms section. Cidaria testata is common in Monkswood, among the sallows. At dusk Plusia iota and pulchrina may be found, while chrysitis is, in some years, almost a nuisance. Angerona prunaria flies in some num- bers in the Chingford Forest. It is on the wing from sunset until long after dusk. Among the footmen Calligenia miniata flits about at dusk, or it may be beaten in the Monkswood and Wake Arms sections. It is the only species in the family which has been taken in any numbers — seven were netted one evening. One specimen of Lithosia mesomella was trodden up on the 25th July, 1891, in the last-named locality. Lycophotia strigula flies over the heather in Monkswood, and Chortodes arcuosa in the damp fields round the Forest and in the glades. Peri- callia syringaria emerges during the month, and may be netted in all the sections, although not very frequently anywhere. Among other species noticed have been — in Monkswood— //rtZ/rti- prasinana, Acidalia bisetata, A. diinidiafa, and E. alchemillaia. In the Chingford section — Caradrina morpheas, C. alsines, Z. tarsipennalis, Hypena proboscidalis, Urapteryx sambucaria, A. imitaria, Timandra amataria, Hemithea strigata, Cidaria dotata and fulvata ; and throughout the Forest H. hectus and Hypsipetes sordidata. Of the above species A. bisetata, C, morpheas, If. proboscidalis, H. strigata, C. dotata and pyraliata, H. hectus and H. sordidata are common. U. samhucaria, A. imitaria, and T. amataria fly along the glades and hedges, and are plentiful at times. One specimen of T. amataria was found at the end of August, 1889, which, I suppose, must have belonged to a second brood. E. alchemillata has only occurred once, C. alsines twice. On tree trunks Cuspidia aceris and fnegacephala, Cidaria inwianata and picata are to be found in the Chingford section; the three first-named are common, NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 135 the last is rare. On fences, A. virgularia and E. pumilata are abun- dant, and one specimen of A. trigeminata was taken on the 5th July last year near High Beach, while on some of the walls on the outskirts Bryophila perla is very plentiful. At sugar, one Dicycla 00 was captured in July, i8gi. Of other species, Leucania impiira, Agrotis segetum, Calymnia trapezi?ia, Apamea didyina and JV. triafigulum are very com- mon. Gonophora derasa was abundant last year. A good many Axylia putris were boxed in 1890, but none in 1891. Noctiia f estiva and bmiinea, Calymnia diffi?ns, Apamea unanimis. Mania maura and Dyschorista ypsilon are fairly frequent visitors, but the two last are more plentiful in the Lea Valley. Caradritia blanda is rather rare ; some are dark. Leucania pallens is abundant ; one var. rufescens was caught in Monkswood in 1892. Two specimens of Mamestra sordida have been taken — one each year. In July, 1890, one H. quercana was attracted to the sugar, and in 1891 another specimen was beaten from an oak in the Chingford section. Another visitor to sugar in 1890 was a fine Cossus lig}iiperda. {To be continued.) Entomological Pins. — I quite agree with Mr. Harwood in what he says regarding pins in the Record for April. The best pin still is the old gilt or silvered one of Tayler & Co. These pins ar-e perfect in temper ; but still they have two faults, their large heads, and liability to verdigris. The last fault is the serious one. Kirby, Beard & Co.'s pins have better shaped heads, bat are of worse metal and make ; but even in these we discover the badly made ones before we have pinned our insects, and reject them without any harm being done. All these pins are coated by electricity, with the thinnest possible film of metal, too thin to be of any use. Black pins are worse. These are un- sightly from their colour ; they are too soft, nor have they served the purpose they were puffed to serve, unless that purpose was to fill the pin maker's pocket — they may have done this — but time shows that they have not prevented verdigris. I have insects here, on black pins, with as flourishing, branching, green trees of verdigris growing out of their thoraces, as any of those Tortrices I was looking at the other day in the South Kensington Museum. Whether on black or white pins, I fear a collection of pinned Tortrices would be the same as these if kept as long. Mr. Tutt's Pterophori prove nothing, unless he shows how long his, and his correspondents' specimens have been pinned; for black pins have not been in use many years, but there is no knowing how long those insects on white pins have been pinned. Mr. Tutt says, " There can be no doubt that a much inferior metal is used in the manufacture of japanned pins, than in the ordinary ones." But there is no need to assume as a certainty that all the makers systematically use inferior metal for black pins, when there is a simple, true explanation of the matter in the fact that heat is applied to the pins for the japan to be put on and harden. This heating takes the temper out of the pins, and the result is, they turn up at the points, or double up suddenly, close up below the moth. Probably, as many moths are ruined from this doubling up of the pin alone, as by the verdigris in the old pin, and they are certainly destroyed much more quickly, and still we have the verdigris left to finish off many more. I have never used black pins because I foresaw that they would be softened in the process of varnishing, and I communicated my ideas on 136 THE entomologist's record. the subject to other entomologists at the time. However, anxiety to escape from verdigris made many adopt them ; advertisements and fashion led the rest. Dr. Sharp's silver-wire would be safe from verdigris, but it will not take a point. To pin a Lithocolhtis with an ordinary sharp fine pin, is not easy to do successfully ; but to prick a hole first, and then scretv in a piece of blunt silver-wire, sounds hopeless. The silver- wire is rather dear too, and we should still want ordinary pins as well, which would mean still more trouble and expense. Steel pins, as offered now, appear to be made of a hard kind of steel with some amount of manganese in it, and this, from its nature, would rust quickly. Steel pins might be a success if they were coated with a good thick coating of tin, by the ordinary method of tinning, the steel selected having only sufficient hardness to render it of the usual pin- metal temper after being heated in the process of tinning. A non- corrosive pin metal might be made of an alloy, if not too expensive. Antimony and tin, for instance, might be tried, in proportion, perhaps of about I to ICO, tin to give the toughness, antimony the hardness. If pins could be made of this, they would not require coating. Would German silver be likely to do for a pin metal? These are only suggestions. The perfect entomological pin has yet to be invented, and if someone versed in metals would set his brains to Avork to invent a good one, he might find it pay well, and he would certainly deserve our lasting gratitude. — W. Holland, Reading. April, 1892. [Perhaps Mr. Holland is right, but not altogether so. Some of my Pterophori have stood for eight or nine years now, and those on white pins apparently no longer. I still think the japanned pin staves off the evil day. The whole of Mr. Holland's paper is most instructive and suggestive. — Ed.] We have naturally been much interested in the correspondence in the Entomologisfs Record in connection with your paper on the subject of " Ammonia, Verdigris and Black Pins," and would Hke to be permitted to say that the reason japanned pins are softer than the silvered ones, is on account of the process of japanning being done at a high temperature. This has a tendency to soften the wire and causes the pin to be less elastic. We are now manufacturing entomological pins black bronzed, which is done in solution and does not soften the pins. The difference between our entomological pins and those of other makers is that by our process of manufacture the head is formed first and the point ground true with the head. In the ordinary process the point is ground first and the head made afterwards with the result of great injury to the point in the heading process. The only objection to our entomological pins that we have ever received, is in respect of the size of the heads, but these cannot be reduced by our process of manufacture. Is it not possible for the collector to cut the heads off with a pair of pliers after impaling the insect? — D. F. Tayler & Co., Limited, Birmingham. May ^ih, 1892. I think the No. 8 pin is suitable for almost all the Noctu^, with the exception of a few of the very largest, and if the black pin is con- sidered the best why not everyone use it in the future. What looks worse than to see a series of good insects set with all sizes and all colours of pins, and one insect perhaps touching the drawer, whereas the next one appears as if it wanted to come through the glass. I NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 137 have seen a lot of good insects of recent capture set with the com- monest of pins. — R. DuTTON, York. If comparatively short and stout pins be used, the points are gene- rally much better. No. lo is a splendid pin (black) (Kirby, Beard and Co.). I have not had much experience with Micros, but No. 17 seems fairly good as far as I can find. No. 16 is too weak a point, and No. 15 too long. — Henry J. Turner. I like a pin of a decent length, though not awkwardly long. A pin so short that the head only just projects above the thorax, is so difficult to get hold of, even with forceps. I like No. 10 for the smaller Geometers, and I do not think it is too big for the larger Tortrices. It is very annoying when the point turns or the pin bends, and spoils a good insect. No. 17 is very bad in this respect. I have never used No. 15, but should think it would be a suitable pin for the larger. Geometers and I would suggest : — For NocTUyE, No. 8 ; for large Geoinieters, No. 15 ; small ditto, No. 10 ; for Pyrales, Crambites, etc.. No. 10 ; for large Tortrices, No. id ; small ditto. No. 18. — George Balding. Steganoptycha subsequana and Tinagma betul^. — Steganoptycha {Coccyx) stibsequana is said to di-ffer from its near ?i\\y pygnicBatia, Hb., in having black lines in the ocellated spot, and in the specimens of subsequana that I have taken, these black lines are always present. The other species I have not seen. Tinagma betulce occurred amongst birch in this county last summer in June and July. — N. M. Richardson. Arctia caia. — With reference to my note on the appearance of Arctia caia in Ent. Rec, iii., p. 36, and of the Editor's remark at the end of it, the larvae were kept in a small room upstairs in the house, with the window wide open all day long. I am sorry I neglected mentioning this, as no doubt it is a matter of great importance. The boxes I kept them in were well ventilated, indeed some were covered with leno, so they had plenty of fresh air, being also placed pretty close to the open window, — G. A. Birkenhead, Downs View, Penarth, near Cardiff. Aporia crat^gi. — In further reply to Mr. Hodgkinson's note, I may say that the seven specimens mentioned in the E.M.M., vol., xxiv., p, 131, as being taken at Sandwich in 1887, are not the last record of the capture of this species in Great Britain. On the 9th June, 1888, my nephew, Mr. H. M. Briggs, took a specimen at Ramsgate, which was recorded in The Entomologist, vol. xxi., p. 184, and also in The Young Naturalist for that year. — C. A. Briggs, 55, Lincolns Inn Fields. Zeuzera pyrina (iESCULi). — Some notes upon the life-history of this species may be worth recording. I find it prefers branches and young trees of about eight inches in circumference ; in trees of larger growth, elms for instance, it affects the upper branches of about that circum- ference. I have rarely found it in the trunks of large trees, in which fact it differs from its relative, Cossus ligniperda, which principally affects the trunks. On the other hand, I have taken them from branches of not more than two inches and a half circumference, and from elm, syca- more, pear, lilac and plane. In the autumn of i88g I observed two little larvae just commencing to burrow, and noted that after going a short distance in the wood, they cover the entrance with a kind of drum- head, which effectually conceals it ; this head is occasionally opened to 138 THE entomologist's record. eject the frass. On May 6th, 1890, the larvae were again at work, and still continued to cover the entrance to the burrow, which in a short time becomes very much larger, until, when full-fed, it is large enough to allow the pupa to emerge partly from the burrow, which is then about ten inches in length. I have found the full-fed larvae in the autumn, but have not been able to find them in the spring, and am inclined to think they pass two winters in that state, and pupate early in the spring. I recently cut down a branch, from which a specimen emerged in July, 1887 ; from outside appearance the branch looked quite solid, the only sign of the emergence that remained was a jagged circular piece out of the bark, the wood had grown over and completely covered the large hole made by the larva, but the burrow up the centre of the branch still remained, and the branch was in consequence quite weak. We can well understand from this why branches will break off in a strong wind. — Ambrose Quail, Stamford Hill, N. Notes on Zeuzera pyrina. — i8yi was not a pyrina year. I did not see a solitary imago, and only one empty pupa case the year through, albeit continuous observation was kept up in the localities that were so prolific last year. What I did see, however, was abundant evidence that larv^ were feeding all through the period, which, in the preceding years, had been the time of emergence of the imago. I therefore live in hope. The gale of November nth proved too much for the solitary ash tree in the front garden of the house opposite ray own, off which, as recorded in Ent. Rec, vol. i., p. 182, I, in 1890, obtained twenty-seven moths. The tree was snapped off about seven feet from the ground, and an examination of the carcase was an interesting study in economic entomology. The larvse appear, in the first instance, to bore into the tree more or less horizontally, that is, directly across the channels up which the sap flows from the root to the leaves ; the functions of such channels as may thus be interfered with is, of course, arrested, and sap can no longer flow up them. Having reached a greater or less distance from the bark, the larva changes its course and feeds upwards or downwards, returning again towards the bark and excavating a considerable cavity immediately under the bark before pupation. It follows from this, that the extent of injury to the tree depends partly on the size of the tree and partly on the number of larvae feeding in it. Where the tree is a large one it would take a very considerable number of larvae to destroy so many sap channels as would seriously interfere with the vitality of the tree as a whole, although some branches may have to pay the penalty ; but in the case of saplings and small trees, a few larvae may work very great havoc. Newman says (p. 18) : — "We have even observed that fruit trees thus infected bear more abundantly than those which are perfectly healthy." If this be so, it is probably due to the limitation of the area of nutrition and is somewhat akin to pruning. — Francis John Buckell, 32, Canonbury Square. Strange Pabulum for Larv^. of Cossus ligniperda. — During the months of August and September, 1891, I had about two dozen larvae of the above-mentioned species brought me from diff"erent quarters, many of which were nearly, if not quite full-fed. I placed the lot in a large tin, into which I put a lot of old corks, thinking that they would spin up more easily in that soft material than by my former process. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC, 139 viz., elm chips and sawdust. I was surprised to find that they at once commenced to voraciously devour and to tunnel the large corks in all directions, apparently enjoying the new material as food. On removing several wine corks, nothing was left but an outer shell, and in several instances a full-fed larva was comfortably coiled up in the interior, where one would have thought it was almost impossible for such a large larva to find accommodation. Another remarkable thing was, I could find no excrement, unless it was passed in the same, or a similar state as when eaten ; that it was eaten must be evident from the fact that most of the larvre attained a much larger size. This circumstance has puzzled me on former occasions, when I have bred the insect from tolerably small larvae. Has that oily exudation peculiar to the larvae anything to do with the digestive organs, or is it only an offensive odour inherent in the creature as a protection against its enemies? Perhaps this experience may be an aid to those who breed C. ligniperda, that in the absence of a tree or its ordinary food, old corks form an excellent substitute, and also illustrates the wonderful power of the jaws of this larva, who can in a very short space of time drill a hole through a piece of cork 2 or 3 inches thick, quite as neat as any sharp-edged tool of the carpenter. — J. P. Mutch, Hornsey Rise. Times of Flight of the Crambi. — My experience of the time of flight of the Crambi is much more in accordance with that of Mr. Harker than of Mr. Reid. I believe the real time of flight of nearly all the species to be from dusk till midnight. It is my experience of the following, viz. : — Fahelbis. — From early dusk till 12.30 a.m. This insect I used to take freely in my own garden. I believe the larva feeds on the moss which grows on walls, thatch and buildings. PrcBtellus. — From dusk till dark. This is the only species I have met with, which does not fly late, but it is always more or less on the move by day. Ericellus.- — Habits similar to p?-cBtellus. This is (or was) a very abun- dant Rannoch insect. Margaritellus — This is also a Rannoch insect. Both ericellus and margaritellus I have met with as late as 11 p.m., or even later. Pascuellus and uligi/iosellus. — In the afternoon, and from dusk far into the night. Furcatellus. — I know little of this insect. I have seen it on Snowdon, where I am told it is often very abundant, but know little of its time of flight. Fifielellus. — Only at dusk and after- wards. PerleUus. — This with us is exclusively a night flyer, swarming at the lamps as late as 2 a.m. Warrifigto/iellus. — Habits X\V.q perlellus, of which it is only a variety. Inquinatellus, geniculellus and contaminellus. — From late dusk till about i a m., cotifamiiiellus the latest. Tristellus. — At dusk till 2 or 3 a.m. Culmellus. — Dusk till 11 p.m. Chrysotiucliellus. — Dusk till II p.m. Hortuellus. — Dusk till 2 a.m. Cerussellus. — Although well on the move all day, I believe its real time of flight is just after dark. This I have observed repeatedly. These observations may be partly proved in this way : I have taken at light every one of the species mentioned above, with the exception of furcatellus and cerussellus., but as the latter does not, as a rule, occur where lamps are abundant, it proves nothing. There is one fact about the Crambi worth nothing, I believe, except falsellus, which is a solitary species, all the others are abundant where they occur, if we only know how to take them. With further knowledge, I believe all our rarer Crambi (except falsellus) will be found to be locally abundant, and as their habits are so very similar I am surprised this is not already the case. — C. Fenn. 140 THE entomologist's RECORD. The notes on the times of flight of the Crambi are very interesting, and such slight experience of them as I have I gladly give. Ilithyia carnella. — Can be easily disturbed during the day when the sun is shining, but not when it is at all cloudy ; it flies rapidly a short distance, and can be easily marked down. Also flies just as it is getting dark, but so far as my observations go not for any length of time. Comes occasionally to sugar. C. perlellus. — Flies during the day in the sun- shine. IVarniigiondlus, the same remark applies, but I have never noticed either species (?) after sunset. With regard to zvarringtonellus being a variety of perlellus^ it is worthy perhaps of note that at Torquay only perlellus occurs ; on the other hand, in Dorsetshire, where war- ruigto7ieUus swarmed, I did not take diUy perlellus ; but in North Staf- fordshire both the type and variety occur, I believe, in the same locality. C. chrysonuihellus swarms on the downs near Eastbourne during the day, and this year I took it plentifully on the Malvern Hills, between 5 and 6 p.m. I have had no experience with this insect after sunset. Incpiinatelhis flies freely in the sunshine, but I have never noticed it at dusk. Culmellus does not move during the day, but it swarmed at Torquay from dusk till between lo and ii. Pascuellus. — At dusk. Adipellus. — Easily disturbed during the daytime. PrcEtellus. — Easily dis- turbed during the daytime. Geniculellus. — Easily disturbed during the daytime. Afyellus flies freely during the day ; abounds in a bog near Keswick. Selasellus. — During the day in long grass near ponds. Hortuellus. — This flies during the day, at dark can be easily disturbed. Tristellus. — Same remark applies. — E. C. Dobree Fox. I fear I can add only very scant notes as to the times of flight of the Crambidce. C. pinetellus easily disturbed all day, natural flight begins at twilight. It is generally one of the earliest visitors to the moth trap on favourable evenings. C. pascuellus. Flies readily early in the afternoon and again at late dusk. C. pinetelhis. I have only taken one specimen ; that was flying after dark. C. perlellus. Comes to the moth trap after dark till about 2 or 3 a.m. C. tristellus. Easily disturbed all day, fiies at dusk. C. inquinatellus. Frequently takes short flights in the afternoon. Comes rather early to the trap. C. geniculellus. Comes to the trap after dark. C. culmellus. Flies at dusk, and comes readily to light early. C. hortuellus. Disturbed easily in the afternoon, flies at early twilight ; comes to light during the first part of the night. — M. KiMBER. Of the genus Crambus we have here, falsellus, prcetellus, pascuellus, pinetellus, perlellus, tristellus, inquinatellus, geniculellus, culmellus and hortuellus. I find all these fly naturally from dusk on into the night and rest a bit in the day, but if they are ever asleep it is with one or both eyes open, for they are, most of them, only too readily put up in the day. Perlellus and geniculellus are not quite so easily moved in the day as the rest. If it is at all rough or cold they lie close. Pinetellus is the only one I have never started in the day, it does not seem to move till it is almost dark. — W. Holland. I have corrected one mistake which I fell into last time ; the times of flight given for the other species are the times when I have found the several species most abundant, Mr. Fenn's experience is very curious, according to him all are most abundant from dusk on to mid- night. As nearly all the species I mentioned are found in June and SOCIETIES. 141 July, it is a physical impossibility for them to fly in the dark in this part of the world. Our night, at this season of the year, I call dusk, it is no uncommon thing for us to get Crambidce in the dusk at mid- night. The ? 's of all the species I have captured are as strong on the wing as the $ 's, but the ? is seldom got during the day. After going over the other lists I see our times of flight for the different species are in every instance nearly alike. Rev. Dobree Fox finds pei-lellus and its variety flying in the sunshine, and has never seen either in the dark. I have also found both swarming by day in the sunshine, but never in the dark, while Mr. Fenn has found this to be a nocturnal species. Culmellus with us swarms by day as well as night. Two species are nocturnal, but the natural time of flight of nearly all the other species I know, is from sunset to dusk, after dark they may be found sitting on grasses, etc. Nearly all may be taken by day often in abundance, and early morning is a good time. I have continued the history of this genus by giving the best localities for the different species which I have found in Scotland. Crambus prcetellus, riversides, meadows, near woods and grassy places, almost everywhere. C. dume- ielliis, coast sandhills, riversides, and along the edges of locks. C. ericelliis, heathery knolls at a fair elevation. C. furcateilus, grassy slopes, and mountain tops at a great elevation. C. 7nargaritcllus^ grassy places on wet moors, and pine woods. C. inyellus, edges of woods, generally in wet places. C. pinetelhts, pine woods. C. perlelli/s, coast sandhills; var. ivarringtonellus, coast sandhills. C. tristelliis., among rank herbage almost everywhere. C. culmellies, railway banks, sandhills, meadows, and grassy places generally. C. hortiielhis, once in a railway cutting^by day, and on coast sandhills. — W. Reid. LoBOPHORA viRETATA. — This species did not occur here so plenti- fully last year as usual, and seemed to emerge in a desultory fashion, straggling on to the end of June. I obtained ova, and can corroborate Mr. Tunaley's statement that ivy is their iooA par excellence in captivity; they eat every particle except the stem, and moreover this food has the advantage of keeping fresh for a long time when "sleeved," and the stalks put in water. — R W. Abbott, Eirminghaiu. Endromis versicolor. — I have to record the capture of 13 young larvre of this species last May in Wyre Forest. They were just hatched, and I managed to get 8 into the pupal stage. Another local collector found a batch of about 15 eggs, I believe, a fortnight earlier. — Id. IgoCIETIES. Entomological Society of London. — Wednesday, June \sf, 1892. — The Hon. Walter Rothschild sent for exhibition Neptis niinietica, n. s., from Timor, mimicking Andascna orope, one of the Euplueidce, and Cynthia equicolor, n. s., a species remarkable for the similarity of the two sexes, from the same locality ; also a hybrid between Salurnia carpini and S. pyri, and specimens of Callinwrpha do/nini/la, vars. roinanovii, italica, and donna, bred by a collector at Zurich; he further exhibited a very large and interesting collection of Rhopa- locera made by Mr. W. Doherty in Timor, Pura, Sumba, and other islands, during October and November, 1891. Col. Swinhoe remarked 142 THE entomologist's record, that the various species of Neptis were usually protected and imitated by other insects, and did not themselves mimic anything, and that the pattern of the N^epiis in question was very common among the butter- flies in the Timor group. Mr. jenner Weir, Prof. Meldola, Mr. Trimen and others continued the discussion. Mons. A. Wailly exhi- bited about fifty species of Australian Lepidoptera, mostly from Queens- land, and fertile ova of Trilocha varians, which are arranged in small square cells, fastened together in large numbers, and present an appear- ance quite different from the usual type of Lepidopterous ova. Mr. F. Merrifield exhibited a series of Drepana falcataria, half of which had been exposed for a week or two, in March or April, to a tempera- ture of about 77°, and the other half had been allowed to emerge at the natural out-door temperature. The latter insects were in all cases darker than the former, all being equally healthy. Mr. McLachlan, Mr. Barrett, Mr. Tenner Weir and others took part in the discussion which followed. Mr, C. G. Barrett exhibited a curious variety of the male of Ardia mendica, bred by the Rev. W. F. Johnson, of Armagh. Canon Fowler exhibited the egg-case of a species of Mantidce from Lake Nyassa, and specimens of Bledius dissimilis, Er., from Bridlington Quay, Yorkshire. Mr. McLachlan called attention to the reappearance in large numbers of the Diamond-back moth, Plutella cr'/ci/erarum, which was very abundant in gardens near London, and expressed his opinion that the moths had been bred in the country and had not immigrated.! Mr. Jenner Weir, Mr. Bower, and Prof Meldola stated that they had recently seen specimens of Colias edusa in different localities near London, Mr. Jenner Weir and others also commented on the large immigration of Plusia gamma, and also on the appearance of a large number of Cynthia cardiii and other Vanessidae. The Hon. Walter Rothschild communicated a paper on two new species of Pseudacrcca. — W. W. Fowler, Hon. Sec. City of London Entomological and Natural History Society. — Thursday, May igth, 1892. — Exhibits : Lepidoptera. — Mr. Riches, living larva of Agroiis nigricans and pup?e of Hepialiis humuli. Mr. Clark, a cabinet drawer, containing thirty-three species of Depressarim. Dr. Sequeira, a large number of dwarfs of various species, with types for comparison, the most notable being Vanessa polychloros, LyccBna corydon, Setina irrorella and Sesia chrysidiformis. Mr. Bloomfield, a large number of T(2nioca)npa and two Selenia illustraria from Epping Forest. Mr. Bacot, Tceniocampa incerta from Epping Forest, and a living example of Lophopieryx camelina, taken the same morning at Clapton. Mr. Bayne, a series of Amphidasys strataria from Epping Forest, and three examples of Taniocampa populeti from the same dis- trict. Mr. Hill, a series of Tceniocampa goihica and var. gothicina from Rannoch ; also examples of Hyiophila prasinana with the green colour changed to yellow by the action of cyanide. Mr. Southey, a very fine series of Notodonta dromedarius from Highgate Woods. Dr. Buckell, a series of Selenia bilunaria, bred from ova from a female of last summer's brood. Two larvae, from these ova, fed up and emerged last autumn and were of the aestival form, but the remainder went over until ^ I quite agree with Mr. McLachlan with regard to this species. The larvse were very abundant in my garden last autumn, the moths being equally so at the present time. — Ed. J SOCIETIES. 148 this spring and produced the vernal form. Coleoptera. — Mr. Milton ex- hibited Colymbetes jwtatus, Agabus conspersiis, Hydrobius oblo7igus and Hydroporus parallelogrammus. Mr. Heasler, Anshomenns ridttus and Limnebhis piipposiis from Mitcham. Dr. Buckell read a paper by Mr. J. Alston Moffatt from the Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario^ Canada, for 1891, on "The microscopical appearance of the unexpanded wings of Callosomia protnethea." A most interesting discussion ensued, in which Drs. Sequeira and Buckell and Messrs. Clark, Simes, Bayne and others took part. Thursday, June 2>id, 1892. — Exhibits: Lepidoptera. — Mr. Battley, a box of lepidoptera from Southend, Essex, including Lyccena argiolus, a dwarf form of Anthocharis carda/nines, Aleucis pictaria, Tce^iiocampa gracilis, Viminia rumicis, Hadena genistcB, etc. Mr. Clark, a series of Anticlea badiata from Epping Forest. Mr. Tremayne, Platypteryx ufiguicula, Corycia iemereta and Ephyra trilinearia from Epping Forest. Dr. Buckell, living larvee oi Amphipyra pyramidca and Cosmia trapeziua. Mr. Smith, Halias prasinana, Demas coryli and Odontopera bidetitata. Mr. Bayne, a series of Tceniocampa munda from Epping Forest, and a specimen of T. stabilis with the wings on one side brown, and parlly grey on the other. Mr. Bacot, a bred series of Spilosoma mendica. Mr. Southey Tceniocampa gracilis and Pachnobia rubricosa from Hamp- stead. He also exhibited two specimens of a Noctua bred from tomatoes imported from Italy, and a specimen of a Bombyx found in a barrel of foreign apples. Coleoptera. — Mr. Heasler, Philydrus nielanocephalus from Mitcham. ]\Ir. Beck, Cicindela sylvatica and Lina populi from Aldershot, Cassida oblonga from Freshwater, Onthophagus ovatus from Bonchurch, and Silpha littoralis taken under a dead hedgehog. Mr. Bayne mentioned that Lithosia aureola was now fairly plentiful at Chingford, and that other species abounded. Mr. Tremayne stated that insects were very abundant at West Wickham, while Mr. Prout recorded Stauropus fagi diwd. Notodonta trepida from the same locality. — A. U. Battley and j. A. Simes, Hon. Sees. South London Entomological Society. — Thursday, May 12th, 1892. — Mr. Adkin exhibited a box of Rannoch insects, including Petasia nubeculosa, Erebia epiphron, Phibalapteryx lapidata, and Cidaria corylata wax. albocrenata ; Mr. Frohawk larvae oi Argynnis euphfosyne 318 days old, larvce of A. paphia 282 days old, larvae of Militxa aurinia, pup?e of AT. cinxia and AI. athalia. Mr. Barrett a long and variable series of M. aurinia and Melanippe fluctuata ; Mr. Tugwell reported on a trip to Tilgate where larvae of Sesia sphcgiformis were found, and Mr, J. A. Cooper recorded the capture of imagines and ova of Tceniocampa opima on Wan stead Flats. Thursday, May 26///, 1892. — Mr. Hawes exhibited two parallel series of Pieris napi bred from the same batch of ova, part emerging as the summer brood with strong black markings in August last, part as the spring brood, dusky, with less strong markings in the present month (May). Mr. Weir remarked on the distinction of the two broods. Mr. Frohawk a pupa of Argynnis paphia with brilliant metallic markings, which only took 18 to 20 hours to change from the larval to the pupal stage. Mr. Tugwell a box of insects captured in Tilgate Forest ; Mr. Adkin some fine Asteroscopus nubeculosa, which had been in pupa from 144 THE entomologist's record. 1890 to 1892, and Stated that a previous lot had been in pupa from 1884 to 1887. Mr. Tugwell had bred the same 'species after [three years, but Mr. Cooper's had all come out the first season. Mr. Hill exhibited some Scotch varieties of Tceniocanipa goihica, and Mr. Carpenter a specimen of Vanessa antiopa, which had been captured some years ago on Tooting Common. Mr. Jenner Weir then read a most interesting non-entomological paper, at the end of which a most hearty vote of thanks was tendered to him. — Ed. North Kent Entomological and Natural History Society. — The 15th bi-annual meeting of the above Society was held on Wednesday, May nth, at the Royal Assembly Rooms, New Road, Woolwich. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and con- firmed, and Mr. Dennis was elected a member. The exhibits were very limited, Mr. Allbuary showing Geometrse and Micro-lepidoptera ; Mr. W. Broughton Eiichloe cardamines, etc. ; Mr. Povey, Micro-lepidoptera ; Mr. Woodward, larvae and ova of Geometra papilionaria, and Mr. Poore, conchological specimens. The officers for tue ensuing six months were elected as follows : President, Mr. J. Woodwatd ; Vice-president, Mr. C. H. J. Baldock ; Treasurer, Mr. A. S. Poore ; Secretary and Librarian, Mr. H. J. Webb ; Assistant Secretary and Librarian, Mr. T. Moore ; Committee, Messrs. Allbuary, E. Knight, Sargent, W. Broughton, Povey and Wilson \ Trustees, Messrs. Webb and Sargent ; Auditors, Messrs. Allbuary and H. Broughton. The question ef reducing the subscrip- tions was then opened, and after full discussion the proposition of the Secretary was adopted — viz., that ordinary members pay i^. 3^. per quarter, and that corresponding members (outside ten mile radius) pay in advance 2s. 6d. per annum. A vote of thanks to Mr. Baldock for a donation concluded the meeting. — H. J. Webb,' Hon. Sec. Lancashire and Cheshire Entomologi(:"al Society. — Monday^ May ()ih, 1892. — The Rev. H. H. Higgins, M.A„read a paper entided, " Butterfly life before leaving the egg," in which, after describing the formation of the egg, he traced the gradual growth of the nucleus through the various stages until the tiny caterpillar was complete in all its parts and ready to leave the egg. The paper was illustrated by various eggs of lepidoptera shown under microscopes. Mr. Higgins also showed some Brazilian lepidoptera, and pointed out a strung case of mimicry. The president exhibited the rare Craiiibus myelins from Perth ; Mr. Stott, a case of educational entomology, on behalf of Mr, Rigby, Natural History Museum, Nottingham, containing the life history of Eriogaster Idnestris ; Mr. Jones, recently-bred lepidoptera, and a fine variety of Asphalia flavicornis. — F. N. Pierce, Hoji. Sec. Cambridge Entomological and Natural History Society. — April 29///, 1892. — Mr. White exhibited a very dark variety of Sinerin- thus mice and specimens of Plusia interrogationis, Hybernia progem- maria, Notodotiia palpina ; Mr. Moss, some good varieties of Tcenio- campa stabilis and instabilis. Mr. Farren read a paper on " Protective Resemblance" (which will appear in the next issue — Ed.). In con- nection with the paper Mr. Farren exhibited between 30 and 40 species of Fen lepidoptera representing nearly all the larger orders and many genera, also specimens of Cleora lichenaria, Biyophila niuralis, B. perla, and Leptogramnia litera7ia and larvae of G. vernaria and C. lichenaria. — W. Farren, Hon. Sec. <$^^ ^Ni. ^''^r^ JOURNAL OF VARIATION. No. 7. Vol. III. July 15th, 1892. THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. By Dr. T. A. CHAPMAN. {Continued from page gg.) \CRONYCTA (Bisulcia) ligustri. — This species differs from the groups Viminia and Ciispidia more than they do from each other. If it is to be kept within the genus Acronycia, then most certainly such species as Clidia geographica and Siinyra nervosa must be placed in the section Viuiinia, and not in separate genera. Ligustri differs from the others in the form and sculpturing of the pupa, and also in the form, habit and general facies of the full-grown larva, even making full allowance for the immense variety that Acronycta allows amongst its adult larvae. It agrees with Acronycta, however, in its two most essential characters — viz., the flat dome-shaped egg (less than a hemi- sphere) very like that of psi, and in the young larva having a " weak " eleventh segment, and having, indeed, an undoubted Acronycta form and aspect, although it has no dark segments — except the black head, and this even is pale on emergence from the egg. The egg (PI. VIII., fig. 8) is of a pale pearly green, almost colourless, very translucent, i.i to 1.2 mm. in diameter, quite as flat as any of the others, about one-third its diameter in height. The ribs are 60 in number ; the micropylar area is rather larger than usual, and the ribs do not increase in number outwards by intercalation or division so much as is usual in other species. The figure is faulty in not showing a large micropylar area, and in showing little or no branching of ribs. In one instance, two ribs joined together outwards, and so 146 THE entomologist's record. diminished the number of ribs towards the margin. This is very unusual, and I have not met with it in a.ny other A crony da egg. The summits of the ribs are narrow and waved, but it would be hardly correct to say there are any transverse secondary ribs. The inner egg shrinks from the shell as in the other species, but no coloration takes place. The egg is laid singly, probably beneath the leaf. The newly-hatched larva (PI. V., figs. 8 and 9) is whitish or colourless except the head, which soon becomes black, and the brown jaws. The tubercles are slightly outlined in a darker shade, and the hairs are fuscous towards their bases. The length of the larva is about 2 mm., of the hairs 0.3 mm. There is one hair on each tubercle. The tubercles are arranged on the usual pattern, the trapezoidals and supra-spiracular are largest, and of oval form ; the post and sub-spiracular smaller, each abundantly distinct from its neighbours, with no trace of the angulation and apparent crowding so characteristic of many ViminicB and CiispidicE. The slenderness of the larva makes the legs and pro-legs appear very long, and the pro-legs show well the double-winged form characteristic of typical Macro- Heterocera. The eleventh segment is lower than the others and rather broader, the tubercles and hairs are less pronounced, but not so markedly as in the other sections. In the second skin the larva is 35- mm. long, very like the first skin, the head now tends to be pale, and is greenish with a large black shade dorsally on either side, the tubercles and hairs are black, the post-spiracular tubercle has dwindled and carries no hair, the dorsal and sub-trapezoidal yellow bands begin to show themselves. In the third skin the yellow lines are more in evidence, the head is paler, usually with a distinct black lunule on either side, but sometimes with only a trace of fuscous. The tubercles are much the same, black with black hairs, and the post-spiracular still visible. When about to moult, the new hairs beneath the skin are easily seen, folded across the back in a regular pattern, the sub-spiracular reach the dorsum, the trapezoidal pass far down the opposite side. At this stage, in size, in colour, a pale transparent apple-green, in tapering to either extremity and in the sub-trapezoidal yellow band, the larva has a strange super- ficial resemblance to a Botys larva. The further skins produce little or no change in the appear- ance of the larva, the tubercles become not only relatively but actually smaller, each only carries one hair ; the head tends to I THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. 147 be entirely green, but usually retains a black spot on either side, the plates on the sides of the legs are black, the spiracles orange ; the head is small and the larva tapers to either end and continues remarkable for transparency, displaying trachea and other items of internal anatomy. The larva always rests underneath the leaf, and as soon as large enough, along the mid-rib, and when full-grown along the central petiole of the ash leaf, which is its usual food. The tapering to either extremity assists it in eluding observation when so placed, indeed it is rather difficult to see, notwith- standing the bulk of the full-grown larva, and a half-grown one may be easily overlooked, even when changing the food in captivity, although its presence is of course well known. I do not know, from personal observation, where the cocoon is made naturally, never having met with one ; but my friend, the Rev. G. M. A. Hewett, finds that they make them under moss on the trunks of the ash trees, when such a situation is available. In captivity, some individuals ascend, and like to spin under some overhanging ledge, but the majority appear to prefer to go downwards and spin among dead leaves and surface rubbish, generally against the side of cage, however, and, probably, they usually spin against the stem of the tree. The cocoon consists of very dark, nearly black, silk, and is of considerable strength, in one dense layer, without any admixture of chips or extraneous matter, but adhering, if possible, to some leaf or other object all round. This habit makes it of varying and irregular form, and so gives rise to a little doubt whether the fact that the point of exit is usually a valvular slit is a true and constant result of instinct, or is due to this point being so often where two objects, between which the cocoon is made, meet at an angle. The fact, however, is undoubted, that, unlike Viminia with a weak place in the cocoon, or Cuspidia with a specially-arranged, but not specially weak point of exit, Bistdcia ligustri has frequently a valvular slit in the cocoon, often nearly as completely elaborated as in Hylopliila or Saro- thripa. The pupa (PI. I., fig. 3, and PI. IV., fig. 4) is even more distinct from those of Viminia and Cuspidia,\h^.n they are from each other. Having only one species to deal with, it is difficult to take any of the points of difference as being generic rather than specific, but, as a provisional expedient, it is perhaps simplest to regard them all as being so. It is of the Noctua type as regards general appearance and texture, short and 148 THE entomologist's record. thick, the general outline similar to a Tcsniocampa, 15 mm. long, of which the free abdominal segments (9th-i4th) are only 5 mm. ; the width is 5 mm., the widest part being about the 4th abdominal segment. The colour is brown, tending dorsally to black, especially along the posterior margins of the 4th, 5th and 6th abdominal segments. The head, legs, and wing cases are very smooth and polished, but the remainder of the pupa, especially dorsally, is sculptured in a very definite manner, of which only the dimmest suggestion is to be found in any of the Cuspidics. A special pattern affects the dorsum of each segment, viz., two furrows or channels crossing from side to side, leaving a median and two marginal ridges. On the prothorax these furrows meet laterally ; the anterior is inter- rupted in the middle line by a very slight ridge, but the second is so interrupted as to present only two ends and two pits between the divided ends. On the mesothorax, the pattern is so modified by the expansion of the median ridge and central interruption, as hardly to come within the definition of the pattern which is fairly applicable to the other segments. The furrows form a horse-shoe shaped depression, with the convexity forwards, and the posterior ends dilated, leaving in its centre a raised surface, shaped like a heraldic escutcheon or shield. On the metathorax, the furrows coalesce and the dividing ridge is represented by only a faint elevation in the dilated ends of the furrow. On the first abdominal segment, the median ridge is divided on each side of the middle line. On the following segments, the pattern is more typical, the median ridge widens at its extremities, and flattens out to join the marginal ridges, and in the flat portion the spiracles are situated. The marginal rido^es of adjoining segments are separated by a sharp but narrow incision, so that the pupa appears to have alternately double and single ridges transversely. All these ridges, from the posterior thoracic margin to the median ridge of the 7th abdominal segment, are very sharp and well-defined. There are no minute pits as is so usual with Nocxu^. The pro- thoracic spiracle is distinct, the six abdominal spiracles are oval and have a shallow depression behind them. The pupa tapers to a point behind, which has, however, a very definite though minute armature, consisting of eight short points hooked down- wards (towards the venter), disposed almost in the pattern of the hooks of tridens, two being dorsal, and the other six in a line anterior to this, the central ones being the largest. There SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 149 are two, if not three, very minute bristles at the base of the antennae. I have never taken the larva on anything but ash, which is no doubt its proper food in this district (Hereford), and its form and colouring are so adapted to its residence on the leaves of the ash, that I should imagine its other foodplants are makeshifts, resorted to, if one may so express it, because their botanical affinities persuaded the parent moth when ovi- positing, that if they were not ash they were something very like it, and the larvae found it possible to accept the position. I have never had a pupa of this species successfully pass a second winter in that stage. {To be contimied.) fgCIENTIFIC NOTES. The British Coccinellid^. — {Continued from p. 123.) CocciNELLA, Linne. — This genus formerly contained two-fifths of the entire British species, but in the present arrangement six only are included. The first in order, C. Yo-pundata, L. {variabilis^ 111.), has been referred to previously as being one of our most variable species. It is common and generally distributed, and may readily be recognised by the yellow legs when other characteristics are wanting. C, hieroglyphica, L., occurs in heathy places, and is generally common. At Esher, Farnham, Shirley, West Wickham, and other localities in Surrey it can be taken abundantly by sweeping heath, the black vars. being almost commoner than the type form. C. 1 1 -pund at a \s occdi- sionally abundant on the banks of the Thames and other places near London. A considerable variation is exhibited in the spot-markings on the elytra ; sometimes the spots are entirely confluent, and in the Irish exhibits by Rev. W. F. Johnson and Mr. H. G. Cuthhert the whole of the specimens are of this character. The Rev. W. F. Johnson writes me that the type form of this species is rare in Ireland. The variety occurs also at Farnham (Surrey), Rainham. (Essex) and Yarmouth. C. ^-pundata, L. is a northern insect, and I have no authentic information concerning it. C. ^-pundata, L., though generally common everywhere, can be best obtained by sweeping the rank grass at sides of meadows. It is also common on heath, and widely distributed. C. distinda, Fald. {labilis, Mulsant) closely resembles C. 'j-ptindata, but the anterior angles of the thorax are much broader, more rounded, and not so projecting ; and the apex of the episterna of the mctasternum is white. The species appears to be local rather than common, and occurs in various parts of Surrey, Kent, and Sussex. Halvzia, Mulsant. — As very little reliable information is to be obtained respecting H. \2-gutiata,'^ it must be passed over for the ^ It may be as well to note here that the term '■^ 'guttata " is applied to the while- spotted species. 150 THE entomologist's record. present. The next in order, H. i6-guttata, is said to frequent young birches and other trees, but none of my correspondents record any capture of this species. H. i ^-guttata, L. can hardly be considered common, as it never turns up in any numbers. It occurs in the London district (that is to say, the district as recently defined very properly by the City of London Entomological and Natural History Society), Esher (on wild sage), Farnham, etc. Three specimens were captured by Mr, H. G. Cuthbert in the Dublin district during the autumn of 1 89 1. H. i2)-guttata abounds in fir plantations in south of England and elsewhere. Two of the series exhibited were sent me by Mr. Cuthbert, who captured them in DubHn district, in autumn of 1 89 1. H. cojiglobata, L. (C \\-piinctata, L.) is found commonly by sweeping sides of lanes, banks of nettles, etc., everywhere. H. 22-pimctata is generally common in Surrey and elsewhere on banks and sometimes on nettles, — G. A. Lewcock. CoREMiA FERRUGATA AND uNiDENTARiA. — The question as to the specific distinctness or otherwise of these two common GEOMEXRyE has long been an open one, but few attempts seem to have been made to arrive at any definite conclusion. Newman's remarks {^British Moths, p. 170) are no doubt well known to most British lepidopterists, and need not be quoted in full. In effect, he states that we have two species, exceedingly alike except in colour, but not indistinguishable, unidentaria having occasionally a " purple-red median band very much resembling that of C. ferrugata "; but he adds that Guenee combines the two on account of Sepp having figured both varieties as bred from the same caterpillar; and that according to his (Newman's) own observation the two caterpillars "are extremely similar in all their characters." No doubt these remarks have given rise to many experi- ments, but very little seems to have been put on record. Mr. Sydney Webb has obligingly furnished me with a short outline of the history of the question. He says {in Utt.): — " It is really curious how history repeats itself. When first collecting I learnt that unidentaria and ferrugata were forms of one moth ; then Stainton's Manual came out and we had two species ; doubts were thrown upon these and the two almost merged together again ; at all events, soon afterwards we were told that unidentaria had red banded examples and ferrugata black ones. No doubt in collections the species were very much mixed, and when sales came on at Stevens' and Sotherby's rooms, these series were as eagerly sought after as lots of vars. now, not for their rarity, but intending purchasers, trusting to well known collections being rightly named, so purchased with avidity these lots to be certain their own insects were correct. Then came a time when a little more light was thrown upon the subject, and a little knowledge is a dangerous thing ; all red unidentaria were thrown out from collectors' series as doubtful — Knaggs repudiated them ; Newman, a good general entomologist, but no lepidopterist, could say nothing but follow the lead of others before him ; and Stainton had devoted himself to micros. So things gradually drifted into the copying age of literature of entomology, combined with the crude observations of young observers. ... It thus behoves us now to check (from these inaccuracies constantly repeated) all the older statements of entomologists." Going on the lines suggested in the sentence last quoted, I have SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 151 obtained the following evidence of the existence of a red form of ttnidentaria : — I. Mr. Nelson M. Richardson has twice bred broods containing both red and black specimens from dark red or " purple-red " $ 's. II. Mr. W. H. B. Fletcher has bred a similar mixed brood from a i^iack ? . III. I'he late Mr. C. S. Bouttell of Catford bred about two dozen specimens from a red 2 , half coming out black, half red or intermediate. IV. Mr. A. U. Battley, of Stamford Hill, has bred a small brood of black specimens from a red J . Thanks to the courtesy of these gentlemen, and of Mr. J. A. Clark (who is in possession of some of Mr. Bouttell's brood), which courtesy I take this opportunity of publicly acknowledging, I have been able to examine several of these specimens. V. I have myself twice bred mixed broods, black and dull red, once from a red ? , once from one so worn that its colour was indistinguishable. VI. It should perhaps be added that Captain R. B. Robertson bred last season from a red and from a black $ , the pup^e being unfortunately mixed ; but he has kindly shown me some of the red specimens that resulted, and they are of the same form as Mr. Fletcher's red unideutaria. I may add that some are in possession of Mr. Sydney Webb, who agrees that "they must be unideutaria'^ Of the existence of a black form of ferrugata I can get no authentic information, though I have bred two which are darker and duller than some red tmidentaria. It need hardly be said, however, that the mere existence of a red var. of uiiidentaria no more justifies our %\x)}fXvi^ ferrugata as a species, than, for instance, would the existence of a ^^;«'^^^-like form of Apamea gemina (Tutt, Brit. NoctucB, vol. i., p. 87) justify us sinking the former species as a var. of the latter ! Assuming the ordinary view to be correct as to what constitutes a species, the evidence wanted is — Do the two forms pair in a state of nature ? If not, are they distinguishable in any stage ? Several entomologists who have bred both forms have pronounced the larvae indistinguishable ; but Mr. Sydney Webb has been more discriminating, and has succeeded in differentiating them. He writes : — " The caterpillars are quite different in colour when first hatched, but after the first moult, almost indistinguishable one from the other until nearly full fed, when a dark dash appears upon the anal segment, at the side of the larvte ; and this mark bears much resemblance to that upon the imagines of Notodonta dictceoides and N. dictcea, being a dash in the one case, an elongated triangle in the other," If these differences are found always to hold, they will presumably be sufficient to mark the two as specifically distinct. As for the imago, several points of distinction between the red unideutaria and ferrugata have been suggested, though the variability of both species renders it difficult to say which can be relied on in all cases. Mr. N. M. Richardson says of red unideutaria that '* the red is generally rather darker than typical ferrugata and often of a purplish tint ; " but his own personal opinion is that the two are forms of one species, connected by intermediates. He has shown me one typical ferrugata bred among some unideutaria from a dark red 5 ; this specimen went round in one of the " Record Exchange Club " boxes, and Mr. Sydney Webb suggested that it must have been accidentally introduced among the brood ; unless this was the case it seems to show that ferrugata is only a specialized form of unideutaria, and can be 152 THE entomologist's record. obtained from it through the ordinary " red unidentariaP But all my other evidence points in the opposite direction, as I have seen no other "red ?/;?/(/^«i'rfr/fl " which come at all near the 'Vj'^\C2\ ferrugata. Mr. Sydney Webb considers the two quite easily separable, and refers to the following characters as distinguishing them :— Apex of unidentaria less pointed, fascia broader, hind margin paler without the rivulet transverse lines, hind wings bicolored without waved lines. The width of the fascia seems to me far too variable to be relied on ; Captain Robertson has a beautiful variety of unidentaria in which it is decidedly narrower than in typical designata {propugfiata). In a few extreme cases the hind wing distinction does not hold, but on^the whole this is very reliable, and generally the red unidentaria have paler hind wings than the black, and further removed in appearance from those of Jerrugata. The late Mr. C. S. Bouttell wrote to me : — " I have certainly never hesitated about naming the two species ; the C. ferrugata always appeared to me to have the red colour brighter and of a purplish hue, and the hind wings always smoke-coloured throughout with all the waved lines continuous, whilst in the red vars. of C. tmidentaria the ground colour is more inclined to brickdust red, and the hind wings much lighter than C. ferrugata, and the waved lines not distinct." Mr. A. U. Battley suggests that the discoidal spot on the fore wings is narrow, linear, and transverse in unidentaria, broader in ferrugata, "and inclined in some specimens to become the shape of the moon at first quarter"; that the double pale bar on hind wings is more angulated in unidentaria than in ferrugata ; and that ferrugata is slightly narrower in the wings, and more pointed, than unidentaria. The discoidal spot, however, is, I fear, too variable for the distinction to hold in a long series. Other slight differences, not noticed by my correspondents, seem to be : (ci) The " twin spots " of ferrugata are placed on an ochreous patch ; in tmidetitaria on a pale space. (f>) The under surface of unidentaria much less tinged with ochreous. {c) The fringe of ferru- gata more distinctly spotted with dark colour, and others less important. The geographical range of both species in this country is extensive, though unidentaria is said to be absent in some places. The times of appearance of both species are the same — regularly double-brooded, with a tendency {at least in captivity) to produce a partial third brood late in autumn. My object in writing these notes and collecting this evidence on the question is not to draw herefrom any dogmatic conclusions, but rather to bring information, as far as possible, up to date, and to stimulate entomologists to further investigations. There are three possible views which may be entertained — that we have one species, or two, or even three : a red, a black, and a variable species sometimes red and some- times black ; but the latter may, I think, be set aside as in the highest degree improbable, notwithstanding that black unide?itaria generally throws, with remarkable constancy, black forms only ; for the black specimens from red parents seem quite indistinguishable from other imidentaria. Of course, there can be no doubt about the common origin of the species, and it would be an interesting question for scientific investigators. Which is the older form ? If the black, then ferrugata would be the most highly developed form, and the question SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 153 would be, Can it, by in-breeding, be obtained from Jtnidentaria ? If the red is the original form, it almost seems that the two must be now quite distinct, as typ\ca.\ /ermgaia shows so very little tendency to throw unide?itaria-\\\i^ forms. As Mr. Richardson says: — "A itw careful experiments ought to settle the question ; " and the experiments I would suggest to those lepidopterists having leisure and inclination are I. Pairing, if possible, the type forms; or red unidetUaria with type ferrugata. 2. In-and-in breeding, with judicious pairings, and detailed notes of results. But even if every opportunity of breeding from red unidentaria be taken, much good work may be done, as these seem generally to throw " mixed broods," and the extremes could be com- pared with typical ferrugata. In conclusion, I shall be only too pleased to hear from any entomo- logist who has any information on this subject ; we have worked independently too long, and it is high time that all results were compared and put on record : it may then be hoped that ere long the question will be definitely settled. — Louis B. Prout, 12, Greenwood Road, Dalston, N.E. April 26i/i, 1892. Hepialus lupulinus larva. — I have read Mr. Fenn's comments on my Hepialus paper, but he is certainly wrong in saying that the larvae of lupulinus feed " in a long vertical silken tube " (the italics are mine). In the first place I have never seen the burrow of any Hepialus larva lined with silk, and such a lining would be a disadvantage to the larva were it so lined. In the second place their burrows are not vertical. How could they get at their food, the roots of plants, were they confined in a silk-lined vertical tube ? When ready to pupate, such a tube is formed, sometimes more or less vertical, but frequently at a very slight angle. In this, the pupa can move about with great case, but it must be remembered the confinement therein is not the disadvantage to the pupa it would be to the larva, and when ready to emerge, it presses its way to the surface by use of the knots or spines in the segments. So far as my observations extend, I have never seen the burrow of a feeding larva lined with silk, nor yet vertical. — John E. Robson, Hartlepool. Cannibalism, especially of Scopelosoma satellitia. — When any character has been held up to opprobrium through the ages, in the pages of history, there comes a time when one arises and shows that the whole matter was a mistake and that the arch villain of history was in reality a most estimable character. I think that something of this sort admits of being done on behalf of S. satellitia. In the Manual, Stainton says : — ^" Young collectors must be cautious not to admit the larva of the Satellite into their breeding cages, as it has a depraved taste, and, instead of confining itself to a vegetable diet, it eats with avidity other larvce, not disdaining to eat those of its own kind." So high is Stainton's authority, that I find that not a few entomologists have acted most closely on this advice, and have no experience in the matter. For my own part I must admit that I always declined the acquaintance of the larva of satellitia till comparatively recently, and then I admitted it strictly as Stainton directs, cautiously, and noting its behaviour. This year I had a number of ova of satellitia., which re- semble and are laid singly on twigs like those of Xylina and not at all like those of Cerastis, to which the moth is supposed to be allied, and c 154 THE entomologist's record. reared a number of larvae. Now I had never detected saiellitia in an act of cannibalism, and therefore I rather pressed the matter ; I had a score of larvse in a small tumbler, and finally kept seven together, also in a small tumbler, till they were full-grown, often starving them a good deal, yet they did to each other no injury whatever. Calymnia trape- zina is no doubt the most determined cannibal, and I once reared the moth, having given the larva from a size of about a quarter grown only animal diet. There are other species that seem rather to like it, and some that only do it when crowded together. Xylina, especially /^/r/- ficata, is given to cannibalism, and this tendency is much aggravated in captivity ; at large, the larva is solitary, and when half-grown goes for more succulent food, generally leaving the trees and taking to low plants, and if not supplied with more juicy material in captivity will do badly and die, but will, if opportunity offers, try cannibalism as a means of adding to the moisture of its pabulum. Other species, such as vaccifiii, also crave low plants and succulent food when half-grown, but no provocation will make them cannibals. The total list of occasional or frequent cannibals must be a long one. I have met with a consider- able number but have kept no note of them. Satellitia belongs, no doubt, to the occasional class, under the pressure of too dry a diet ; but I may repeat that I have, even so, never detected it. — T. A. Chap- man, Firbank, Hereford. June, 1892. //VARIATION. Strange aberration of Dasychira pudibunda. — I have lately bred a very curious specimen of Dasychira pudibunda, from a larva taken in Epping Forest on the 29th August last. The specimen has a large patch on the upper side of each forewing completely devoid of scales. The hindwings are similarly affected, the scaleless portion extending from the base of the wings to about the middle. On the underside, the forewings each have a smaller scaleless patch (corre- sponding with the upper half of the patch on the upper side), and the space on each side of the principal nervure of the hindwings, extending from the base to the crescent-like spot, is almost entirely devoid of scales. Altogether the specimen presents a very peculiar appearance, especially when held up to the light. A remarkable thing about the insect is that the scaleless portions of the wings are the same size and shape on each side. The only reason that I can think of for this curious malformation, is that it was caused by some accident to the pupa or larva, but this seems doubtful on account of the perfect symmetry of the scaleless patches on each side. The insect is a male, and in all other respects is perfectly well developed. — Henry A. Hill, 132, Haverstock Hill, Hampstead, N.W. 27M April, 1892. Variation of Odonestis potatoria. — The variation to which this species is subject seems to me full of interest, and worth following out. I have in my collection ten females all bred from larvae taken in one year, and all under the same conditions. No two of the ten are exactly alike, either in colour or markings. Four of the females have the colouring of the males, though not quite so red in hue. I have never seen a male with the yellow colouring of the female, though I have CURRENT NOTES. 155 bred a very large number of the moth. I am trying them again this season in the hope of obaining fresh varieties. I have also among my specimens illustrating the life history of this species, two flies which emerged from a cocoon ; they are not ichneumons, but diptera, closely resembling the common house-fly. The same species also emerged from a cocoon of Bombyx rubi. — Hv. Ullyett, Folkestone. White variety of Rumia crat^gata. — ^For the past ten days a num- ber of R. cratcBgaia imagines have been daily emerging in my breeding cage, which were bred from larvns obtained from a whitethorn hedge in my own garden last September. One of these moths which emerged yesterday, is so totally different in colour from the ordinary type, that it may perhaps interest some of your readers if I give its description. All the wings are pure white, the costal margin of the forewings have the usual red brown spots, which crahegata possesses, but are not quite so large or distinct. The two little brown spots near the middle of each forewing, have a white centre, and are well defined. Unfor- tunately the two hind wings are crippled. The head, thorax, and body are a beautiful glossy white. The undersides are also white. I sliall be glad to know if any of your readers have even bred a variety of this insect similar to the description I have given, and whether any one can account for the colour being so different from the ordinary form. — H. Shortridge Clarke, 2, Osborne Terrace, Douglas, Isle of Man. May 2\sf, 1892. Food and Variation. — In order to see if the food of the larva had any effect upon the coloration of the imago, I fed up a brood of Spilosoma lubricipeda upon red pickling cabbage. They ate the coloured cuticle chiefly, their frass was the colour of their food, yet the imagines emerged if anything rather paler than the normal. A great proportion of the larvae died, and a number of pupae were consumed by the surviving larvie. A brood oi A ret la caja I tried to rear on red cabbage all died. — Harry Moore, 12, Lower Road, S.E. Current notes. Mr. Bignell describes {E.M.M. p. 176) a new species of Cynipidoe under the name of Spathegaster pu7ictatus. Reports of Delopela pulehella continue to come to hand. Specimens of Deilephlla llvornlca also have been taken by Captain Robertson at Swansea, by Mrs. Routledge at Carlisle, by Mr. Newton at Winchester and by Mr, Flood at Dorking. Colias edusa was still on the wing on Saturday last, July 9th ; but Lieutenant Brown has eclipsed all previous records for the year up to date by taking Cloantha perspicillaris Xpolyodon) near Folkestone. At Oxford, Mr. Stainton has been appointed as one of the Curators of the Hope Professorship, held by the veteran entomologist Professor J. O. Westwood. One of the oldest entomologists has, we regret to say, passed away in the person of Professor H. C. Burmeister at the age of 85. A first class plate illustrating the genital organs of the Coleophorce, lately differentiated by Dr. Wood, is given with the current number of the E.M.M. 156 THE entomologist's record. The late Mr. J. C. Dale's photograph appears in The British Naturalist for the current month. Mr. Reid records the turning up of "several larvse of Hadena porphyrea {satiira) on Bennachie, from which only one imago has, as yet, been bred. Mr. Common (Connon?) of Braco captured a beautiful specimen at treacle several years ago." " Sugar " appears to be maintaining its efficacy. Mr. Hodges reports to us the capture of six Triphcena subsequa^X Freshwater. In Kent, on Saturday night last (July 9th) a dozen patches were covered with moths ; but they had to be left, all our boxes having been filled up previously. Students interested in the lepidoptera of Scotland, should not miss Dr. Beveridge's article on " Lochinver as a locality for lepidoptera," in the current number of the Annals of Scottish Natural History. The third volume of The British Noctuce and their Varieties has just been published. Subscribers who have not yet received their vols, should communicate at once with us. ^OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. A Red Letter Night on Wicken Fen. — Productive as is " light " on Wicken Fen, the really good nights are if^' and far be- tween. A close, warm night, cloudy, with thunder rumbling in the distance, when you can stand still and perspire ! and the moths come even too thick. All manner of flies and gnats buzz round your ears and eyes, with Crambites and Pyrales. Nascia cilialis, among others, dances up and down the lamp glass, attended by Chilo phragmitellus. NocTU^ keep dabbing on the " sheet," caia comes flopping around, generally in your face, assisting the swarms of gnats and common things to prevent your boxing a Catoptria expallidana which is running up and down the lamp glass. "Lappets" and "Drinkers" come flop on the sheet, and some of them dropping off keep up an incessant rustle in the grass below, while Botiibyx neustria and Arctia fieligitiosa, the noisiest of all, come tap, tap against the lamp, and then com- mence a series of furious charges, making it a matter of impossibility to box the rare micros that run up and down the front of the lamp. The only way is to go for these noisy, blustering fellows — catch, kill, knock them down, tread on them — anything for a lull in the wild storm, and you may go the next morning and survey the wreck — " Tigers," "Lappets," " Drinkers," " Lackeys," wings and bodies all over the place. August is the month for these night of nights ; July stands next chance ; June rarely produces one ; this, however, is the month for quality of species. Such a night in May is as unlikely as " snow in harvest." But I was on the Fen on Tuesday, May 31st, and saw Houghton, who told me of a wonderful night he had on May 27th. Species, usually looked for three weeks later, out in profusion, such as Arctia fidiginosa, Vitninia venosa, Meliana flammea, Nascia cilialis, etc., and his characteristic statement that there were " hundreds and thousands," was proved afterwards, when I called at his house, by the board after board he showed me filled with the above-mentioned species, some of the finest tlammea I have ever seen, and a grand lot of pretty forms of fuliginosa ; and the NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 157 numbers of cilialis he had, showed that it must be full out ; the usual time for it is the third week of June, and I have taken it as late as August nth. Things appear to be generally early in the Fen, as the day I was there (May 31st) Papilio machaoii was flying in a worn con- dition.— Wm. Farren, Cambridge. Notes of the Season. — Guernsey. — During a business stay in the Channel Islands, extending from June 20th to July 4th, I was unable to devote much time to collecting, but paid several visits to my old locality for Melitcea cinxia, which occurred in profusion on its very limited ground, and some rather warm and exciting sport resulted in a long series in grand condition, amongst which were three varieties of undersides (one of which is very fine) and several well-marked upper- sides. Our best day's sport was on Midsummer Day, when we filled all our boxes. Amongst other species, I was glad to be able to secure about 30 Nemoria viridata, which were knocked out among the furze, and were in the finest condition. I might add that although killed, as usual with all my captures, with ammonia, the delicate green colour is not in the least affected. Nemeophila russula was very common, the males on our earlier visits affording us some capital exercise, and it was pleasing to see the enthusiasm their wild flight evoked from my companion, whose motto after once starting in pursuit was '''' Nil desperandum.^'' On a later visit we were fortunate in finding the females of this species on the wing, and secured 7, which is unusual in my experience, as pre- viously I had found that the females were as retiring in their habits as the males are the reverse. Amongst them was one good variety, in which the underwings were as light as in the males, with a complete absence of the usual black cloud, hio statices were very much more widely distributed but hardly so common as on previous visits, and females of this species were also more in evidence than in previous years. Arctia villica was fairly plentiful and remarkably strong on the wing : the enthusiasm aroused by its very brilliant appearance in the sunshine hardly sufficing to carry the pursuit to a successful end. Orgyia fascelina appeared early \ I took a fine pair in cop. on grass stems, where, although such large insects, they were remarkably incon- spicuous. We also took full fed larvae of the same species and a single one of Bo)nbyx trifolii. Pararge seniele v/as dashing about on the cliffs, and cEgeria in the shady lanes above ; although woods are entirely absent here, possibly they are attracted by the old name of the parish, "The Forest," and accept the similitude for the reality. Acidalia proinutata occurred sparingly at rest on the cliffs, and Zygcena Jilipendiihe rivalled Ino statices in the metallic brilliancy of its appearance on the wing. We were tempted by the prolific nature of the locality to stay the night and try our luck, but, unfortunately, the evening selected proved very clear and cold, with an almost frosty brilliancy of the stars ; nothing appeared on the wing at dusk, saving one or two of the commonest micros and some 1,000 to 1,200 sugared flower heads produced next to nothing ; a few Minna strigilis, Viininia nunicis, Agrotis exclaniationis, etc., only appearing, to our intense disgust. I indulged in only one other even- ing, with the treacle tin daring my stay with precisely similar results, excepting that the common species were rather more plentiful, and one very worn Caradrina superstes gave evidence that I was too late for that interesting species. — .\lbert J. Hodges, Isle of Wight. July 5///, 1802. 158 THE entomologist's record, Wje Va/ley {Monmouthshire). — I note Mr. Fisher's query in your last number. Vanessa cardui was very abundant here this spring, and I had not seen it in this locahty before ; in fact, all hybernating Lepidop- tera were remarkably numerous. From Newman's description of the habits of the larvae of Ellopia fasciaria, I imagine they were full-fed at the end of October, but my larvae passed the winter on the needles of the Scotch fir, commenced feeding again early in the spring, and were full-fed, some by the middle of May, others not until the middle of June. I have bred at one time or other most of the larvae which have a reputation for being cannibals, but the most determined cannibal I know is Calocanipa exoleta. I put four in a box together ; the largest of the larvae killed and partially devoured the other three in one day. Out of three dozen (one dozen I obtained from Lincolnshire) I now have three survivors in separate boxes, or I expect I should only have one ; all the rest fell victims to the prowess of their brethren. Colias ediisa has appeared about this part, whilst Vanessa c-album and Argynnis paphia have put in an appearance. Moths have been plentiful, amongst others^ I have taken since my last note Stauropus fagi, Epione ad- venaria, Pericallia syringaria, Thyatyra derasa, Aplecta prasina, Melanippe hastata, Melanthia albicillata, Macaria liiurata, Phorodesma bajularia, Bomolocha fontis, Chcerocampa porcellus and elpenor, and Plusia iota and festucce. — A. Nesbitt, Llandogo. Tunbridge Wells. — The last month has been a wonderful one for sugar here. I never saw insects in such profusion, sometimes there were seventy or eighty on one patch of sugar. My best nights have been during bright moonlight, thus being quite contrary to the old notions. Among the species I have taken were Xylophasia hepatica and X. nirea and vars. (swarming) D. pinastri, Mamestra anceps, Apamea basilinea, M. persicaricz, Aplecta herbida, A. nebiilosa, A. tincta, Apamea gemina, Hadena pisi, H. thalassi?ia, H. ge?iistce, H. adnsta, Noctua plecta (swarming), N. c-nigrum, N. festiva, JV. tenebrosa, Triphcena proniiba and Agrotis exclamationis were a positive nuisance, Chcerocampa elpenor, Notodonia camelina, Cuspidia psi, C. aceris, C. megacephala. C. tridens, Viminia rumicis, Lewania pallens, L. impiira, L, lithargyria , L. comma, Thyatyra batis, Gonophora derasa, Miana strigilis and M. fasciuncula swarmed. — R. A. Dallas Beeching, 24, St. James Road, Tunbridge Wells, dth J^uly, 1892. Petiarth. — During April and the early part of May, the larvae of Meliiaa ariemis swarmed in the Penarth district, more particularly in one field where several hundred were taken by the members of the Penarth Entomological and Natural History Society — the majority of the larvae have found their way to various parts of the country. — At the end of May the imagines were very plentiful. During May, several specimens of Saturnia carpifii were taken on Barry Island, and during May and June the larvae have been very abundant, feeding on bramble. One larva has already pupated — is not this very early? This is the first year we have met with carpini here. On May 14th I took on Barry Island a female Arctia fuliginosa, which, although a cripple, produced a goodly number of ova. These hatched in due course, and the larvae, after feeding well on dock leaves, are now spinning up. Another specimen was captured at Porthkerry near Barry, by Mr. W. E. R. Allen, a few days before I took mine, these NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 159 are the first specimens of fuliginosa noted for this district. On June 1 2 th I took at Penarth Macroglossa bombyliforinis as the insect was settled on the grass. Several specimens are believed to have been seen on the wing. Vanessa cardui has turned up very suddenly this spring in extraordinary numbers, none having been seen last season about here. This seems to show that the present visitors are immigrants. I have lately come across some of the larvae. Zygana filipendidce has also been literally swarming this season. Several Ardia villica have been taken on Barry Island. During the last week or two a fairly good number of Macroglossa stellatanim have been seen, several being captured. Is not this date also rather early for stellatanim ? This is certainly thus far the best season we have had for several years. May one of the reasons be found in the severity of the last two winters, killing many enemies of the insects, and thus preserving the larvae and pupee from destruction. — G. A. Birkenhead, Downs View, Penarth, near Cardiff. J^uly 6/h, 1892. \_M. stellatarum has been recorded for every month in the year, I believe. June and July are its chief months in Kent. — Ed.] Folkestone. — I took Deiopeia pulchella here on May 29th, and saw another whilst fishing at Smeeth (about nine miles from here, on the South Eastern Railway) on the 4th of June. I had no net with me, but tried to box the insect several times, when a gust of wind blew it into some willows across the stream. During the five years I have resided here, I have never seen Colias edusa in the spring till this year, when I have seen quite close I should think at least half a dozen (male and female) all much 7vorn. — F. Le Grice, 4, Shorncliffe Road, Folke- stone, y^une 30///, 1892. Swansea. — I took a splendid Dielephila livornica flying over rhododendrons, a few days since. — R. B. Robertson, Fort Hubber- stone, Milford Haven. June 24//;, 1892. Folkestone. — I have the pleasure of adding Cloantha polyodon [perspicillaris) to the record of rare insects captured this year. I took a specimen at sugar on the 4th of this month, near Folkestone. It is a male, and in good condition, except that the fringes are worn, showing that it must have been on the wing for some days. It is too striking a moth to make any mistake about, but to make assurance doubly sure, I took it up to South Kensington Museum, and compared it with the solitary specimen which I was shown there. — E. ^V. Brown, Shorncliffe. June 2()t/i, 1892. [It is a pleasure to record the capture of such a rarity as C. perspicillaris. " This species is hardly known as British. There are two records only, given in Newman's British Moths, p. 425. Of Clerck's figure I made the following de- scription : — ' Anterior wings brownish-fuscous with the basal area white, a broad, white, longitudinal patch running out of the basal area, along the central nervure as far as the whitish-ochreous reniform with which the patch is joined by three fine white lines. The space between the elbowed and subterminal lines white, especially in the upper parts ; the subterminal W-shaped and white ; the costal area dark brownish-fus- cous ; a fine white edge to inner margin ; area under white patch in stigmatal area ochreous-yellow. Hind wings grey ; paler base.' {[cones, PI. II., fig. 2). Of the early occurrence of this species in Britain, Mr. Stainton writes : — ' A single specimen of Cloantha perspicillaris was 160 THE entomologist's record. taken by the late Mr. Paget near Yarmouth, the capture of which is recorded in the Entomologist, June, 1841, p. 128, whilst the specimen is in the collection of Mr. Doubleday. The species is figured and described in Humphrey and Westwood's British Moths, vol. i., p. 230 ; PI. LI,, fig. I. According to Guenee, the species is widely dispersed on the Continent, but ' never very abundant.' ' The larva feeds in July and August on Hypericum.' {Ent. A/in., 1855, PI. XVI.); whilst Mr. Stainton further writes ;— ' A specimen of Cloantha perspicillaris found in a spider's web at Ashford, Hants, was exhibited by the Rev. Mr. Hawker, at the May meeting of the Entomological Society ' {Ent. Ann., 1855, p. 47). Guenee writes : — ' Engramelle has figured (846 ab), under the name of La Pah, a Noduelle which does not at all resemble Leucania pallens, and which appears to me only an accidental variety of our perspicillaris'' {Noctuelles, vol. vi., p. 113)." {British Noctua. and their Varieties, vol. iii., pp. 98, 99). — Ed.] Lee, Kent, — The season here is the latest I ever recollect. Two or three nights ago T. gothica and stabilis in fine condition were flying merrily and commonly with Rumia cratcegata, which has only just appeared. Eupithecia dodoneata is only just out (May 23rd), which is the latest time I have ever recorded for first emergence, they are in lovely condition, I have known them out the first week in April. Anticlea badiata and Selenia illunaria are hardly over yet, so com- ment is needless. Trees and plants are equally late ; the ash is only just bursting, and the oak is not yet in flower. — C. Fenn. May 26th, 1892. Birmingham District. — I have just returned from a short collecting trip after Lobophora viretata, and am glad to be able to report it to be still unaffected by the rather continuous and close attacks to which it has been subjected the last season or two by the very active collectors of the district. To a southerner, the hollies certainly were a surprise, both for size, age and plenty, and held out an amply fulfilled promise of providing a head-quarters for this elsewhere very scarce Geometer. Lyccena argiolus was also very plentiful, although getting worn ; but I was struck by the complete absence where we were working of many common butterflies, such as Anthocharis cardamines, Argynnis euphrosyne, etc. A few hours spent on my journey down, in Wychwood Forest, after Nemeolnus lucina, were not altogether suc- cessful, owing to a very cold and high wind and lack of continuous sunshine. I am, however, afraid this species was not so plentiful this year there as usual, I only secured eight or ten in the short time my train allowed me to wait. When working for viretata we picked up a good many Lladena glaiica at rest in fine condition, this was also new to me. — Albert J. Hodges. Felixstowe. — On June loth I took a specimen of Deiopeia pulchella at Felixstowe, and on June 20th a female Colias edusa at the same place, which had every appearance of having hybernated. Sugar was attractive, and I took a fair number of NocTU^ but none of them rare. — A. W. Mera, Forest Gate. June 2,0th, 1892. Bognor. — I took Colias edusa at Bognor on the 26th inst., having seen the species previously on the 12th inst. — W. H. McLachlan, Clapham. June 2)'^th, 1892. Weymouth. — In netting insects I have been fairly fortunate, and NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 161 have, amongst other captures, taken about 40 Heliaca arbuti, and to- day have had given to me a ? Dciopeia ptilchella. It was taken in this neighbourhood in an allotment garden, and after its capture was shut into a match-box, and fed on grass, where it unfortunately rubbed one of its wings slightly, otherwise it is in good condition. During the past fortnight numbers of Colias edusa have been on flight, apparently hybernated specimens, as their wings generally are more or less torn and their colours have faded. Cynthia cardui and Vanessa afalafita are more plentiful than I have seen them for some years. — A. Forsyth. June 6i/i, 1892. Netu Forest, Epping, Abbot's Wood, C king ford, etc. — A week at Whitsuntide at the New Forest produced Nenieobius liicina, Stauropus fagi (2), Notodonta dodoncca (i at sugar), Boarmia consortaria, Diphthera orion (10), and a full-fed larva of Apatura iris, which is now in pupa. The evening of June 10th was grand for sugar, hot, hazy and dull. Besides a large number of ordinary Nocxu^, I took 8 of the D. orion on that evening. They usually come to sugar at dusk (9 — 9.20 p.m.), and settle, with \vings closed, at the top of the patch, looking remark- ably like the green lichen which covers the trees. Fortunately they are not shy, and have to be scraped into the box, so fond are they of the sugar. I was a little too late for 6". fagi at Epping. I had one day there and took no imagines, but found 56 ova on a beech trunk. These were scattered, from about 6 inches from the ground, up to 8 ft., on all sides of the tree, singly or in small groups. They are now changing colour. If this is the usual way in which S. fagi oviposits, it would be a good way to collect the species, as the newly deposited ova are very con- spicuous on the green trunks. A visit to Abbot's Wood, Polegate on June 25th, was chiefly planned for Melita:a athalia. The dull day almost prevented them from flying, but I took 10, also B. consortaria, Ennychia octoniacidalis, etc. Sugar is splendid round here. Last week I boxed over 100 insects in i| hour, and set out 96 of them. This was at "Lark's Wood" near Chingford. Phorodcsma smaragdaria is a great lover of the sun, and basks on al the sheltered plants. Mine are doing well. I have already bred about 20 all full size. This seems to disprove the theory that the southern- wood fed specimens are dwarfed, for my larvre had both southernwood and sea wormwood, and preferred the former. I believe it to be a question of plenty of food, sun, air and space. — A. U. Battley. June, 1892. Aberdeen. — The season here promises to be a very good one. The sallows in the spring were unusually productive ; Tceniocampa stabilis, T. in stabilis, T. got Idea, and Pachnobia rubricosa swarmed on them almost every night. Panolis piniperda and Hadena glauca were rather scarce. I was surprised to find a male T. stabilis and female T. gothica in cop. drop into my, sheet. I have bred a nice lot of Spilosoma viendica from larvae obtained near Aberdeen last autumn, the males are not quite so dark as the English form, hitherto this insect was supposed to be very rare in this district. The best of my other captures is a fine series of ochreous forms of Diantha'cia conspersa. Hadena adusta is abundant at sugar, and Maniestra albicolon has been taken in fair 162 THE entomologist's record. numbers. Hyppa rectilinea is exceedingly scarce, I have only taken one specimen. I was successful in taking a short series of Retinia duplana and Leptogramma scotana in Morayshire. Viminia tnyricm, V. 7nenyanihidis, Hadena dissimilis (i), Viminia rumicis, Rusina te/iebrosa, H. dentina, X. rurea and its var. combusta, T. batis and H. pisi are turning up at sugar in more or less abundance. I have netted Hypsipetes impliiviata, H. ruberata, Chesias obliquaria, Macaria ii/urata, Eupithecia satyrata and its var. callufiaria, E. indigata, E. nanata, E. vulgata, E. minutata, E. pumilata, Lobophora lobulata, Tephrosia biundularia, Phigalia pilosaria, Amphisa prodromana, S, palustrana, Phoxopteryx niyrtillana, P. biaramna, Peronea niixtatia, etc. — A. HoRNE, Aberdeen. June 20th, 1892. Winchester. — I began to sugar on the last day of May, and my first bag was three Bisulcia ligustri and three Cymatophora or. I went again the next night and took seven C. or, six B. ligustri., one Cuspidia alni., one C. leporina., Euplexia lucipara, Hadena thalassina, If. pisi, Agroiis cinerea, five Granimesia trilinea, two Noctua /estiva, one Demas coryli (at my lamp), one Thyatyra batis, etc. Not to go too much into detail, I have taken altogether {all at sugar), in the same ride, three C. alni, four C. leporina, forty Aplecta herbida, twenty-three A. iincta, three A. cinerea, twenty-one B. ligustri (they soon get worn), twenty- five C. or, one Diantluvcia cucubali, one Neuria saponaricB, seven Chariclea marginata, five Xylophasia hepatica, eleven Noctua brunnea, nine A. segefum, three Apamea gemina, one H. contigua, two H. genistce, five JV. c-nigrum, one Leucania pollens, one Xylophasia sublustris, two A. corticea, eleven T. extersaria, one Eurymene dolobraria, four Boarmia repatidata, three B. cotisortaria, Cabera exanthemaria, Asthena candidata, and lodis lactearia and any quantity of Euplexia lucipara, JV. /estiva, T. batis, A. exclamationis, Tripha'na pro7iuba, Apamea basilinea, A. 7iebulosa, H. thalassina, Rusina tenebrosa. I learnt a great deal, so much that I hardly know how to arrange it. The following appear to be the chief facts: — i. Geotnefers — especially the Boarmidce — came freely to sugar. 2. IVola cristulalis does not come (there were lots about), whereas N. strigula does. I took a fine series one year, on sugar, at Lyndhurst. 3. The etiquette about a made ride ought to be most stringent. If a man has sugared three times in a ride, he ought to have an absolute claim on it. I say this for two reasons : {a) More insects came every successive evening. Objection — They may have been coming out fast. Answer — Many were very worn, (p) After three nights absence and a heavy rain, the wind changed, and I sugared the opposite side of the tree ; there were three times as many insects on the old place as the new, right in the wind. 4. Atmospheric conditions. The best night, in point of numbers, was in a pouring rain. I still shudder at that night. I started in a drizzle, and when I got to the wood every tree was dripping, and it was roaring with pain — pouring with rain, I mean. I had on a mackintosh and a 'brolly, and filled two collecting boxes (I wanted to renew E. lucipara, H. thalassina, T. batis, A. nebulosa, N. /estiva). But whenever one opened a box, in came the rain, so I knelt in the mud and held the box, etc., under the umbrella, and the strong wind kept blowing the 'brolly away. I reached home in a piteous plight, but with my insects in a perfect state. Moonlight made NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 163 a little difference, but not much, the insects were very wary and kept jumping off, not falling down, and fresh ones kept coming much later than usual. I did not get home till 2.30 one very bright night, but had as many insects as usual. Wind (warm) made no difference, except, perhaps, that the insects sat very tight and were easy to take. I thought they rather took a drink and walked into shelter, and then came back for another. I found several off the sugar, especially higher up the tree. Since the change of last week I have hardly taken any- thing. 5. I don't know what a man does without the cyanide bottle and oxalic acid. I tried, as an experiment, boxing C. marginata, A. nebulosa, and T. batis, and they were wrecks next morning. Of course, my method is tedious. Pin sideways when stupefied in the bottle, and oxalic about every six insects. It involves a small wait after every insect, even with a new bottle and some method in putting away the pen and oxalic carefully. It was a terrible trial on the wet night. But you can pack dead insects very close, and they come home in splendid order with the box very slightly damped. 6. The behaviour of insects. Lots drop and can be picked up. Notably — A. tiebulosa. They often walk away from the sugar, one should look round about especially above and in a wind. Several stay only for a very small drink, notably, T. batis and C. marginata. Others drink for ever, notably, N. /estiva and Triphaina pronuba. Some come early and disappear, e.g., C. or. Some vary, e.g., 2\ batis, the earliest on one night, the latest on another. Some come late, e.g., A. iincta (rarely before 11 o'clock). Some came almost on the ground, on the trickles, e.g., C. 7narginatus and, to some extent, T. batis. Some may possibly be passed over, e.g., B. ligustri and A. herbida. Some are liable to be confused, as R. tenebrosa and G. trilinea var. bilinea (dark), A. tincta and A. nebulosa, A. segetuni and A. corticea, etc. Some seem always fresh and then disappear, e.g., A. herbida. Others get worse and worse as Grammesia trilinea and H. thalassina and T. batis. Some are pug- nacious and drive the others off, especially G. trilinea. I slew two of the latter because, under my very eyes, they hustled off A. tinctot This seems specially to happen just as the light falls upon them. It is very advisable to come straight on to your sugar and not round a corner, they drop off immensely when the light falls on them sideways (or from underneath), it seems to tickle them under the wings. 7. Materials. I thought I found treacle and rum better than treacle and jargonelle, and thin treacle better than thick treacle, as making better trickles and keeping them longer. I sugared with very thick treacle one evening, and a very little seemed to go a long way. The bulk of the insects were six inches away from the sugar, and a lot on the ground singing " We won't go home till morning," and some didn't, not till two o'clock. So much for sugar. I kept a female Colias edusa, and put her under a bell-glass with a sod of white clover. She was very fresh, wing edges perfect, and colour nearly so. She laid heaps of eggs, little white things like pears, with the stalk stuck into the upper side of the leaf These have behaved- with much eccentricity. Some have changed their second skin, some have changed their first, some are just hatched, and some are still ova. Two females of Demas coryli laid freel\', but all the ova seem infertile. One was taken by day and one by night. B. consortaria have laid well. 164 THE entomologist's record. I put a chip box into the sleeve with them, and nearly all the eggs are invisible, hidden away under the films of wood which have started with the damp. I thought they had not laid until I noticed the green of the ova under a thin film. C. or also laid well. They differ much from the Rannoch ones. I hope the second brood of Deiopeia pulchella may turn up. Has anyone views as to how to try for the larvse — sweep the Myosotis in the water meadows ? I can't sweep the middle of a cricket pitch, where there was one taken, others are paid to do that. — G. M. A. Hewett, Winchester. 20th June, 1892. Bristol. — I consider that the season here is, on the whole, a good one. The weather so far has been fairly favourable, though many nights have been cold. On Whit Monday, which was a splendidly fine day, I was able to get a good day's collecting at Dursley (Gloucester) with a friend, and although we got no rarities, we saw that fine locality at its best, as far as number of specimens is concerned. Lycatia alsics was literally in swarms, sitting in rows of a dozen or so on the damp mud in the roads left by rain on the previous day. (By the way, I once saw this species resting on a sheep's dropping at Portsmouth.) Ino geryon also was flying among the long grass in hundreds. Nearly all we caught were males, the females hiding among the grass. We were rather too early for Nenieophila plaiitaghiis, two specimens only putting in an appearance, and only one Nemeobius lucina ; but we either saw or captured fifteen species of butterflies and a large number of moths. — C. G. Griffiths. July \th, 1892. Folkestone. — Colias edusa and var. helice, C. hyale, and Deiopeia pul- chella have been taken at Folkestone this year. — Hy. Ullyett, Folke- stone. Retarded Emergences. — In June, 1890, I had some larvae of Sphinx ligustri which fed up and pupated in the following August. One emerged in June, 1891, and the remaining sixteen have now made their appearance in the following order : 6 ? 's, 4 5^ 's, i ? , 5 c? 's, the last one appearing this evening. I also had a similar experience with Cucullia verbasci. Out of about a dozen larvae which pupated in August, 1890, all but one hatched in April and May last year; this remained in the pupa until April 21st, 1892. I have captured 6 specimens of Agrotis suffusa in splendid condition at different dates from June 8th to 27th this year. Is it not rather an unusual time for this species? They are in too fine a condition for hybernated ones. — H. Sandlin, 28, Hastings Road, Maidstone. July ^th, 1892, [^Agrotis saucia, A. suffusa, and A. puta all have double broods in some seasons, one in May and June, and a later in August and September. Records of retarded emergences of Sphinx -ligustri and Cucullia verbasci both occur in the first vol. of this magazine. — Ed.] AsPHALiA ridens — RETARDED EMERGENCE. — In the New Forest the appearance of this insect in the larval stage is very uncertain ; some years it is abundant, while sometimes hardly one is taken. In June, 1888, it was very abundant all over the Forest. Of the larvre taken in that year by myself quite 80 per cent, died before reaching the pupal stage ; most of them were stung, but several fell victims to cannibalism, I found "sleeving" the best method of rearing them. If moss is placed in the sleeve they will spin up in it without the slightest trouble. The pupae are very hardy, thise kept in a warm NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 165 room emerge just as well as those kept out of doors. It is fatal to remove them from the cocoons, as this produces cripples in many cases. Those kept indoors emerge in the middle of March ; those outside, about a fortnight later. As a rule the males appear first. They appear to remain in this pupa from one to five winters. In 1889 I bred 25 insects; in 1890, 13; in 1891, 22 ; in 1892, 14 (these having been in this pupa 4 winters). There are now only 3 pupae left which appear to be alive ; while apparently not a single pupa has died or produced an ichneumon. The time of emergence varies from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. I have not succeeded in getting them to pair in confinement. Since 1888 I have only taken a few larvre, which have been kept carefully separate from those taken in 1888. Not a single cripple resulted from pups left in the cocoons. — Reginald S. Sellon, The Hall, Sydenham, S.E. May ^th, 1892. Plusla. moneta at Tunbridge Wells. — I last night (July 12th) had the good fortune to capture another fine specimen of Plusia moneta at light in a garden within a very short distance of the place where I captured a specimen in 1890. Another was netted to-night (13th), and one missed. — R. A. Dallas Beeching, Tunbridge Wells. Time of Emergence of Smerinthus tili^. — During the last three seasons I have bred some numbers of Smerinthus tilice. Some of them have been forced ; but whether forced or not, they have almost invariably emerged between the hours of 12 and 2 p.m. This seems to support Miss Kimber's theory as to special times of emergence {Ent. Rec, vol. i., p. 341). — J. H. D. Beales, W. Woodhay Rectory, Newbury. BiSTON hirtaria. — Females seeking the males. — Last season, when the insects were emerging, my breeding cage, which was glazed both sides and placed against a window in an outhouse, enabled me to see upon more than one occasion, between 8 and 9 p.m., the females seeking the males. The males were resting motionless, but the females were quivering round them with that fluttering motion of the wings so familiar to those who have kept silkworms. — Harry Moore, 12, Lower Road, Rotherhithe. The Lepidoptera of Epping Forest. — {Concluded from page 135). In August there is not much day work, and beating has produced little except Enno?nos angular ia, and a few Triplu^na janthiua. Thecla l>e/iil(C, however, is on the wing, and on the i8'th August, 1890, three males were taken, and several others seen. One S. revayana {undulanus) was found on a post on the 3rd of the month, last year, in the Monkswood section. Boarmia gemmaria and Catocala nupta may be boxed on trees on the borders. One Odonestis potatoria was attracted by a lantern on the 8th, last year, near High Beach. Night work is much better. Flying over heather, in the Monkswood section, Bepialus sylvinus, Nodua baia, and xanthographa, E. nanata, and minutata are common, while in the glades Epione apiciaria and EuhoUa mensuraria may be taken, rather sparingly however. Sugar produces N. ruin and xanthographa in swarms, and N. umbrosa and baia, and Triphivna orbona less frequently, and in 1 89 1 Miana literosa and Cerigo matura also turned up, while Calymnia affinis was plentiful at the beginning of the month. During September there are many good larvre to be found. Stauro- pus fagi was beaten for vigorously. We, however, did not get any, though we saw one fall into the sheet held by Messrs. Quail and Austin, 166 THE entomologist's record. who were beating the next tree to the one we were under ; still a good number of D. coryli, D. pudibunda, If. prasinatia, A. betularia and commoner larvae fell into the trays. Beating by night was rather more productive than by day. The principal fresh arrivals at sugar and light are Tapinostola fulva (which, however, has only been taken singly), Gortytia ochracea, N. popilaris, and A. lunosa. Two specimens of Ennomos erosaria were found on trees in Monks wood, in 1891. The principal butterflies noticed during the month have been Vanessa io, urficcB, cardui and aialanfa, and Pararge megcera. During October ivy is the great attraction. The locality most worked is Chingford Old Church. The regular captures are A?ichocelis pistaclna^ Miselia oxyacanihcE, Scopelosoma satellitia, and H. rostralis. In 1890, two specimens each of Orthosia /of a, and Mellinia ferruginea\vQ.xQ. taken. Oporabia dilutata swarms at light. All I have seen have been of the dark form. Sugar attracts most of the above. In November, on mild evenings, Diloba ccBm/eocephala, Himera pennaria, Hybernia defoliaria, and aura?ittaria, and Cheimatobia brumata are plentiful at light ; and on the I St November, last year, one Pcecilocampa populi was taken. From the captures mentioned, it will be noticed that the Forest is weak in butterflies and Sphinges : 24 butterflies have been seen, the best being A. paphia and selene, T. betulcz and L. argiolus. The only Sphinges taken have been S. populi, I. statices, and Z. filipendidce. The other divisions are better represented. Of the Bombyces may be mentioned 2 NolidcE, 3 Lithosiidcv, 4 Hepialidce, 4 Drepanulidce^ 2 Notodontidce ( S. fagi and L. ca7neUtia), in all 33 species. Noctuoe show 95 species, and Geometrce 99, giving a total of 254 species. — A. F. Bayne. Feb.. 1892. Errata. — p. 132, line 2 from bottom, for "4th of May" read "4th of April." p. 133, line I, for Cidaria testata read Melanippe tristaia. Societies. City of London Entomological and Natural History Society. — Thursday, June i6th, 1892. — Exhibits. — Dr. Buckell, a peculiar dark coloured var. of Lophopteryx camelina, bred from a pupa taken in Epping Forest, also a female of Hepialus lupulinus, ovipositing, the ova being merely dropped, and possessing no adhesive property. Mr. Huckett, a specimen of Stauropus fagi from Monks Wood, Epping Forest, and examples of the summer brood of Selenia illunaria. Mr. Tremayne, specimens of Stauropus fagi, Notodonta dodonoea and Lithosia aureola, taken in the New Forest at Whitsuntide. Mr. Smith, some prettily marked forms of Hadena pisi from the Lake District, and a series of Nemeobiits lucifia from the New Forest. Mr. Fox, a long and variable series of Spilosoma meiithastri. Mr. Bayne, a pupa of Halias quercana, and a variable series of Strenia clathrata. Mr. Battley, Lithosia aureola, Brephos parthenias, Nyssia hispidaria and Euryinene dolobraria, all taken in Epping Forest this season. He also exhibited a specimen of Diphthera orion, taken on sugar in the New Forest, and recorded the SOCIETIES. 167 capture of nine more examples of this species, two Stauropus fagi, and a full fed larva of Apatura iris. Mr. Nicholson, bred specimens of Boarmia ci?tctaria, and living larvae of the same species. He remarked that these larvae were of a bright green colour, and not brown as stated by Newman, also that they feed freely on sallow, — a fact which he believed to be unrecorded. Mr. Simes, living larvae of Bombyx castrensis from Shoebury. Mr. Clark, a series of Gekchia atriplicella from the Hackney marshes. Mr. Milton, a series of ATelauippe hastata from Stornaway, with southern forms for comparison ; the northern examples tending towards a lighter coloration. He also exhibited in Coleoptera, specimens of Philonthus splcndens, and in Hymenoptera, series of the males, females, and neuters of Bombus hortorius and B. lapidarius. Thuisday, July ']th, 1892. — Exhibits. Lepidoptera. — Mr. Hollis, a melanic example of Ciieiinatobia brumata from Highgate, and a very fine form of Spilosoma iiibricipeda, approaching the var. radiata. Mr. Battley, varieties of Smerinthus tilix ; also living larvae of CoHas ediisa, Viminia venosa^ Gonoptcra libatrix, Cidaria siiffumata and Stauropus fagi. He stated that he found the ova of S. fagi deposited in batches of about half a dozen, at varying heights on a large beech trunk in Epping Forest. The larvce had hatched on July 2nd, and cast their first skin on July 4th. He also mentioned that he had bred about fifty Phorodesma s/Jinragdaria, and that although the larvae had been fed on southernwood, the imagines were rather above the average in size. Mr. Clark, a series of Leucania turca taken at sugar in the New Forest. He stated that sugar had been unusually attractive during his stay at Brockenhurst, and that on one occasion he counted 93 insects on a single patch. Mr. Bacot, Cuspidia leporina, Rusina te?iebrosa and Neuria sapotiarice taken at sugar at Hadleigh, Mr. Rosevear, Smerinthus ocellatus, S. tilia' and a series of Eubolia peribolata from Guernsey. Mr. Prout, a series oi Melanippe unangulata and a slightly asymmetrical form of Melanthia rubigifiata ; also examples of Notodonta tnpida and Stmcropus fagi from West Wickham, and a specimen of Eupithecia togata from Hale End (Epping Forest). Mr. Quail, a life history of Zeuzera cesculi and a specimen of an Australian species closely approaching Z. cesculi in shape and structure, but resembling Cossus ligniperda in coloration ; also two examples of Stauropus fagi from Epping Forest, Dr. Buckell, a bred series of Demas co?yIi. With regard to this species he remarked that there was a slight tendency to variation in the depth of tint of the dark portion, and also in the amount of ochreous coloration of the upper half of the anterior wings ; he also mentioned that although Newman states that the larva pupates under moss, all of his larvce had spun a leaf together for pupation. With regard to the position of the species in Mr. South's list, he suggested that that gentleman might have placed it among the Noctu/e on account of the well defined orbicular and the distinct signs of a reniform ; but that personally, judging from the larval state, he inclined to place it among the Bombyces. He also exhibited an example of Cidaria corylata in which the lower half of the central band was resolved into two dots. Mr. Milton, a number of species bred this season, including Smerinthus ocellatus, S. tilia', G^ovietra papilionaria, etc. Coleoptera : — Mr. Heasler, several species 168 THE entomologist's record. from Eynsford, including Lithocaris fuscida, Pseudopsis sulcata, Otiorhynchus ienebricosus and Platytarstis echinatus. He remarked that the last was exceedingly local, all the nine examples exhibited being taken in one sweep, and that subsequent work had failed to produce more. Mr. Quail mentioned that he had been working for pupse of Cossus Ugniperda but found that the woodpeckers had fore- stalled him, leaving nothing but empty cocoons. — A. U. Battley and J. A. SiMES, Hofi. Sees. Birmingham Entomological Society. — June \th to ^th. — A three days' excursion was made to Sherwood Forest. A party of ten made Edwin's Dome their head-quarters, from which they worked Thoresby Park, and that part of the Forest more specially called Sherwood. They were mainly lepidopterists, who were not rewarded by anything new ; many larvae of Euperia fulvago were taken ; a few Notodonta trepida, Euryinene dolobraria and many commoner species were found on tree trunks, etc., but nothing of special note. A few Dipterists who were of the party were rather more fortunate, taking some nice Syrphidae on the Hawthorn bloom, including such species as Criorhina ^occosa, C. berberina, etc. ; they also took commonly on the furze flowers the fine "Daddy" Pachyrrhina crocata. Glorious weather was enjoyed, and considering that fact, the number of insects met with, was disappointingly small. — Colbran J. Wainwright, Hon. Sec. The Cambridge Entomological and Natural History Society. — Friday, May i2>th. — Mr. Moss exhibited a very pale ochreous variety of Amphidasys prodromaria, also specimens of Noctua dahlii, N. brimnea, and iimbrosa, Hyppa rectilinea, Pachnobia rubricosa and leucographa, Tceniocampa gracilis, etc. Mr. Farren his collection of the " Thorns " and other Geometrse. Mr. Powell a box of aquatic insects collected in the district ; Mr. Bull a very pale and also a very dark variety of Saturnia carpi7ii. Mr. Farren, having attended the South London Entomological Society's Annual Exhibition on the 5th and 6th inst. described and remarked on some of the exhibits, making especial mention of Mr. Merrifield's cases illustrating the effects of temperature (during the pupal stage) on the colouring of certain species of Lepidoptera, and Mr. J. Jenner Weir's Papilio vierope and the various forms of its female, with the different species of Danaidce they mimic for protection. The subject of mimicry was discussed at some length, Messrs. Langdon, Bryan, Jones and Moss taking part. Friday, May 21th. — The Right Hon. Lord Walsingham, F.R.S. was elected an honorary member of the Society. Mr. Freeman exhibited a very fine Amphidasys betularia var. doubledayaria taken at Cambridge, a beech leaf found in Norfolk with a cocoon each of Halias prasifiana and Dasychira pudibunda spun on it, and the two specimens bred from them, Hypsipetes ruberata from Norfolk, and a large box of Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, etc. Mr. Bryan a box of Hymenoptera, Diptera, etc. to show instances of mimicry. Mr, Bull Xylina semibrimnea, Eupithecia indigata and Hypsipetes ruberata. Mr. Farren a series of Argynnis paphia var. valezina and other butterflies. Mr. Moss read some notes on different species of Lepidoptera which had come under his notice, chiefly at Liverpool and Windermere, the notes relating to the habits of Charocampa porcellns and Cossus Ugniperda, etc. being especially interesting. — Wm. Farren, Hon. Sec. #'^ ^ND ^''^y/^ JOURNAL OF VARIATION. No. 8. Vol. III. August 15th, 1892. Scientific notes. Protective Resemblance.^ — I have been induced to put together these few rough notes on " Mimicry " or, as I prefer to call it, " Pro- tective Resemblance," from seeing in a recent number of The Field Club an article by the Rev. F. O. Morris attacking the theory of " Mimicry." The article in question reads as follows : — " One of the fresh fancies put forth by our wise men of late years is what they call ' mimicry.' It is the likeness of various creatures, especially insects (as being, I suppose, the most numerous), to the objects they more or less repose or live upon. There is just a sjibsfraiiit/i of truth, or of apparent truth, in the notion they broach about it, and of this, advantajc is at once taken to build any number of castles in the air upon it. To take, first, a few examples of such instances as might appear at first sight to give countenance to the supposition. There is the resemblance of Leptogramma literana to the green lichen on the bole or branch of an old apple tree, which is indeed most curious ; but if the eye of an entomologist can detect the little insect even with this protective disguise, how much more readily must that of some small bird or other creature in search of its food, with the hundreds of lenses of the eyes that some of them have, given them by Nature to aid them thus to get their livelihood— told, though we are, that the would-be captors are deceived by the similarity? But the insects by no means escape in numberless cases, and thus the rule is disproved by excep- tions. I do not know anything from this point of view more wonderful than the likeness of the buff-tip moth {Pygcera biicephala) to a bit of stem of a small branch of the silver-birch tree ; and the ends of the wings, when closed, have a most exact resemblance to the end of the said piece, as if cut off with a knife ; so much so, that, when I was a boy some four or five years old, or a little more, I gave it the name of the ' piece of stick moth.' But here is a fact for the philosophers to face as well as they can. This moth, in its caterpillar state, I have never known to feed on this birch,- nor on any other such (though it * Abstract of a paper read before the Cambridge Eiit. and Nat. Hist. Society, April 29tli, 1892. - Mr. Morris's stock of information and power of observation must be very limited. I had three l>irches in my garden stripped by the hirva; of this species in September, 1801.— Fn. 170 TFTE entomologist's RECORD. will on occasions), for that tree grows naturally in a sandy or peaty soil, while the elm,^ which is the tree most affected by the larva, has no such predilection, but rather the contrary. It is plain and palpable then to any one who prefers facts to fancies, that so far from the wonderful resemblance of this moth to a stem of the silver-birch being a protec- tion to it, it would have the exactly contrary effect when in view of all the birds in the neighbourhood on the green leaves ^ of the elm, or any other tree in Nature." It will be readily seen that the reverend gentleman is quite sensible of the remarkable resemblance which the two species cited bear to their respective foodplants or probable surroundings, and my own conclusion is that he will not, rather than can not, see that this resemblance is protective, and so invents arguments of a frivolous nature to disprove the theory ; and even when speaking of Leptograniina literana he com- mits himself so far as to say : — " But if the eye of an entomologist can detect the little insect, even with this protective disguise, how much more readily must that of some small bird or other creatures in search of its food, with the hundreds of lenses of the eyes that some of them have, given them by Nature to aid them thus to get their livelihood ? " so that he admits it to be a protective disguise, and then contradicts himself without apology. Now when an entomologist is searching for L. literatia or any other moth, generally speaking, his eye is sensible of no other object, being trained by experience to note the shape of a moth ; whereas a bird on the look-out for a dinner is more likely to pass over the moth, which to all appearance is part of the lichen on which it rests, for the little black beetles and other more conspicuous insects with which the lichen teems. The lichen-feeding species afford several good instances of protective resemblance ; most fresh in my mind now is Cleora lichenaria. No one who has hunted for the larvae of this species could help being struck by the resemblance it bears to lichen, and the meagre result of searching for an hour or so bears ample testimony that the resemblance is protective. The same remark might apply to the imago ; indeed, we hear of this variable insect adapting its colour by " natural selection " to the colour of the lichen on which it rests ; for instance, in districts where yellow lichen prevails there is a preponderance of the yellow variety of the moth ; in the only locality for the species in this district of which I know, the yellow form is a rarity, greenish-grey being the prevailing colour, as it also is of the lichen. Bryophila muralis and perla^ two species feeding on lichen growing in old walls, are in the perfect state protected not only by their resemblance to the liclien, but also to the walls on which they generally rest, glandifera (^muralis) being especially hard to see. Mr. Tutt states {British Noctuce and their Fars., vol. i., p. 8) that at Deal, where B.perla occurs commonly, he gets the yellow forms on a wall covered with yellow lichen, and he further informs me that he hardly ever gets a yellow one on any other wall in the town. I have taken several yellow perla here, but cannot say for certain on which walls. One thing, however, I did notice last year, that on a certain white wall I got a larger percentage of very light specimens. Although there are endless ^ Surely willow and sallow are the trees most generally affected in Britain. I find a large number are again feeding in my garden this year both on birch and oak. — Ed. - Is not this assumed habit imaginary ? — P'D. SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 171 instances of " mimicry " in imagines, it is among larvae that it is most pronounced. Geometra vernaria, for instance, presents one of the most remarkable cases I can call to mind. The moth, a grecii one, deposits its eggs on the stems of Clematis vitalba. These eggs are green like the stem and are somewhat flat, cylindrical, and laid one on top of another in little steeples of about lo or 13, looking under a glass like a heap of small cheeses, but to the naked eye they might be a leaf-stalk with the leaf broken off or a short tendril. The larva hatches in July or August, and is green like the eggs. They rest on the stems of the foodplant, sticking straight up, holding on merely by the hind claspers ; they have a bifurcate hump on the first segment sticking forward over the head, and the resemblance to a broken leaf-stalk or tendril is most remarkable. It is a hybernating larva, and in the late autumn when the leaves and stems of the Clematis turn brown, the larvae of vernaria turn brown with them ; and in the spring, when they commence to feed again, with the first moult the brown skin is discarded and they become green again like the growing plant, and the disguise all through is complete ; for they spin up among the leaves, turn to a green pupa, and in a week or so the perfect vernaria emerges green also. Every one must have noticed the resemblance of the larvae of the larger Geometry, A. beiularia, B. hirtaria, the " thorns,'' etc., to sticks, and at some time or other, known them as stick caterpillars, and I should think few will doubt that this resemblance is protective. Fewer, per- haps, will have seen the larvae of Aiiticlea sinuata on the seeds of Galium verum, or Cidaria sagittata on Thalictnim Jlavnm, both of which larvae bear marked resemblances to their respective foodplants. Lasiocampa quercifolia is well protected ; in the larval stage they feed by night and rest by day, low down on the stems of the foodplant, I have found them on hawthorn, sallow, blackthorn and buckthorn, and so difficult are they to see that a very general way of collecting them is to feel down the stems for them ; for my own part, I always prefer to trust my eyes. They are very variable, and certainly seem to have a way of adapting their colour to the stems of the bush in which they feed ; for instance, I have, on blackthorn and buckthorn, the stems of which are black and smooth, found most black larvae ; and on sallow and whitethorn, the stems of which are white or mottled grey, found larvae to match — the rule of course not being without exception, but I found it, nevertheless, a rule. Returning to the imagines, I have always wondered at the peculiar prevailing wainscot or grey colouring of most " fen " moths, and a certain general style of the markings, consisting of striations running down the length of the wing from the base to the hind margin ; and when I say " fen " .moths, I do not mean any particular genus or order, but genuine " fen " species of many orders. It is particularly shown in the "wainscots," Lencania, Tapino- stola, JVonagria, etc. Macrogaster arinidinis, Lcelia ccenosa, represent the BoMBYCES ; Hypena cribralis, the Deltoides ; all the Chilos are excellent examples in the Crambid/e; Scoparia pallida and Nascia cilialis, in the Pyralid.e ; Dictyopieryx lorqiiiniana, in the Tortrices ; Gelechia divisella^ obliiella and inor?iafclla, Orthotelia sparganella, and Laverna phraginitella, the Tineina; whilst Peronea hastiana, a well known polymorphic species, is a good illustration in a way. There is a very pretty wainscot coloured form of it, having the before-mentioned 172 THE entomologist's record. striations very plainly marked, which appears to be peculiar i to the "Fens." The moth itself cannot be called an exclusive "fen" insect, but this form appears to be so, and follows out my idea of a typical "fen" moth. If we inquire into the reason of this prevalent colour and style of markings, I think we must come to the conclusion that it is due to a " protective resemblance " to the dead reeds and sedges on which they rest, and, indeed, it seems beyond doubt when we see how like M.flainmea and the other " wainscots " are to the nodes of the reedS; resting as they do head downwards and with the wings wrapped round the reed. As regards the Rev. F. O. Morris's remarks on P. bucephala, I certainly should have thought he had lived long enough as a naturalist to know that so far as trees are concerned, the larvae of this common moth are omnivorous, and the natural conclusion is that such a species is generally to be found feeding on the prevailing tree of the district. Here there is very little birch ; elm and lime are the prevailing trees, and are accordingly well patronized by the "buff-tipped" larvas ; but in a district where birch prevails, it is the tree most affected. Then, as regards the resemblance of the imago to a piece of birch stick, I don't think there is so much difference between birch and other sticks, es- pecially sallow and willow, as to arouse the suspicions of a bird ; it does not seem feasible that birds would be able to discriminate between one piece of stick and another, and even if they could, I should think if they saw several pieces of stick lying at the foot of an elm tree, and amongst them was what their botanical knowledge told was a piece of birch, that they would hardly go out of their way to see why it was there ; and the frivolity of the reverend gentleman's arguments are complete when he talks of the moth's resemblance to a stick rendering it conspicuous when resting on the green leaves of the elm. As a well-known matter of fact, they rest on the trunk of the tree or on the ground, only frequenting the leaves at night when depositing ova, and then they are protected by the darkness and the fact that all respectable birds are asleep ; and such birds that do hunt by night, as the night-jar, etc, usually catch insects on the wing rather than on trees. I cannot think Mr. Morris does well in so frivolously attacking a theory put forward, as he says, "by our wise men." These wise men, as he chooses to term them, are the men we have to thank for advancing our hobby of making a collection of moths into an interesting and instructive science. They are specialists at their work, devoting all their time to studying and making known these interesting facts, so lightly criticised by the Rev. F. O. Morris, who is well known as a writer of popular books on Natural History, but who is no scientist. I wonder how he reconciles the wonderful resemblance of the Indian leaf butterflies (which, when resting with the wings closed, are so like a dead leaf as to make it very difficult to detect them, even when one is aware of their presence) with his statement, " there is just a substratum of truth or apparent truth in the notion they broach about it " ? This paper is necessarily very incomplete, as it only occurred to me to write it in the present week and then only as an answer to the Rev. F. O. Morris's article. I have not been able to consult any of the literature ^ Possibly I am mistaken in considering the form peculiar to the Fen ; certainly it is common there. — W.F. SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 173 that has been written on the subject, and so have had to rely entirely on my own personal observations. — W. Farren, Cambridge. Fecundity of Spilosoma lubricipeda. — It occurred to me lately that it might be interesting to ascertain whether, in the event of a male or female being induced to pair a second time, the number of fertile or fertilised ova could be thereby increased. Having no bred speci- mens ready, I selected several pairs of the prolific 6". lubricipeda, which were just then emerging in great numbers. For distinction I shall call the males m i, m 2, etc., and the females f i, f 2, etc. I took m I and f i in cop., and boxed them in (what I shall call) box I. Boxing them, unfortunately, made them separate, but in due course about i8o ova were deposited. After this, they again came together, and as a result fi laid about 100 more ova. I then re- moved them from box i, and placed m i in box 2 with another female, f 2, and f 1 in box 3 with another male, m 2 ; mi and f 2 soon came together, and as a consequence f 2 in due time deposited about 440 ova. On the other hand, m 2 and f i at first took no notice of each other, the reason being that f i was still engaged in oviposition, which lasted until about 100 more ova were laid. But after this I found m2 and fi in cop., and as a result (apparently) about 140 more ova were deposited by f i, making up the enormous total of 520 ova laid by one female, while m i was (apparently) responsible for the deposit of more than 800 ova. Having been so far successful, I tried a different experiment. I placed another male, m 3, and another female, f 3, together in box 4, and in due course about 400 ova were deposited. I then removed them, together with another female, f 4, into box 5. About sixty more ova were laid in this box, which, from their position I attributed to f3. I then removed m3 and f4 to another box, where thirty ova were deposited ; but, unfortunately, nothing more came of it, as all the moths died soon after. Now as regards fertility. Only about one-half of the 180 ova first laid by f I hatched out, whereas about two-thirds of the remainder proved to be fertile. In other words, about three-fifths of the whole, or scarcely more than 300 ova had been fertilised. On the other hand, virtually the whole brood deposited by f 2 proved fertile, less than ten having failed to produce larvffi. x^ssuming, then, that m i was responsible for about 220 of the fertile ova laid by f i, and for 430 of those laid by f 2, m 2 must have fertilised no less than 650 ova. Nearly all the ova deposited by f 3 hatched out, making about 450 fertile ova ; that is, of course, on the assumption that the sixty ova deposited in box 5 were laid by f 3. I think this may be taken as about the maximum of fertile ova deposited by one female of this species. So far as I am able to judge from the above experiments, I should incline to the opinion that a second pairing does not in- crease the number q[ fertile ova deposited by one female; but, that it does, or may, increase the number of ova fertilised by one male. 1 may just add that the above are only a few of the experiments which I tried, but which, for various reasons, led to no result of general interest. Many species decline to pair a second time. — George HoLLis. July, 1892. The Ova State of Geometr^e. — The following few rough notes 174 THE entomologist's RECORD. made from actual observations of my own, may be of some slight interest, tending as they do to throw some little light on the time which elapses between the laying and hatching periods. It will be seen that the amount of variation is excessive, and this is not always explained by reference to temperature, although this influence must be very great. At present, the materials are not sufficient for theorising, at least to me, but still one or two salient facts are worthy of record. The most noteworthy is the duration or period in the egg state of those which pass the winter without hatching, and it is curious to remark that although some of these ova are deposited at least a month earlier than others of the same species, yet the date of hatching is practically the same. It is unnecessary to say that ova can be hastened by being kept in a warm temperature, the fact being so well known, but I am inclined to think that the very extraordinary difference in the time of hatching of different broods of the same species may be caused by the length of time which occurs in their deposition ; that is to say, that the last portion of the batch laid by a captured female hatches more rapidly, in proportion, than those first deposited, but this is merely an idea. I have reared most of our Geometr^e either from the ova or larva state, but fail to find references among my notes to duration of time in the ova except with regard to those enumerated below. The dates and the year being given in every instance, it would be easy to compare the average temperature of each period. Such a list may be in existence, I dare say it is, but I have no time at present to work it out. So many larvae are easily procured that rearing from the ova is not always resorted to, but it is an interesting study which, however, is often of little service from absence of notes and observations. GEOMETRiE . DURATION OF OVA STATE. Year. Ova Laid. Year. Hatched. Duration. 0. sambticata... 1874 July 11 1874 July 23 12 days. E. apiciaria ... 1890 Aug. 18 1891 June 7 9.x months. advenaria 1875 June 27 1875 July 7 10 days. R. craUtgata 1874 Juue 24 1874 July 6 12 1874 Sept. 1 1874 Sept. 8 7 E.fasciaria 1885 July 6 1885 July 19 13 E. dolobraria 1875 May 15 1875 May 25 10 P. syringaria 1884 July 9 1884 July 26 17 1885 July 14 1885 July 27 13 S. illunafia 1860 IMay 9 1860 May 25 16 „ illustraria ... 1861 July 22 1861 Aug. 3 11 ... 1874 May 4 1874 May 22 IB „ 1876 April 29 1876 May 22 23 lunaria 1861 June 13 1861 June 25 12 1865 June 3 1865 June 10 7 1886 June 9 1886 June 24 15 0. bidentata 1886 June 2 1886 June 8 6 E. autumnaria 1884 Sept. 18 1885 May 5 7| months. 1885 July 27 1886 May 22 10 " 1886 July 20 i 1887 May 13 91 „ 1887 July 30 1888 May 6 n „ tiliaria 1865 Sept. 14 1866 May 29 8i „ ... 1866 Aug. 15 1867 May 10 8| „ „ 1886 Sept. 15 1887 May 26 8i „ SCIENTIFIC NOTES. 175 Year. E. fuscantaria erosaria anzularia ... H. pemtaria B. hirtaria A. prodromaria H. abruptaria B. abietaria ... dnctaria . . . extersaria ... D. obfuscaria G. papilionaria E. porata )> pwictaria ... )j omiaoiiaria ;, >) u . '■' pendularia... triliiiearia E. heparata ... A. I'libricata ... scutidata ... bisetata hnnnliaia{i,iterjectaria) ritsticata ... vb-gularia ... pro unit at a ... subscriceata strigilata ... imitaria cm lit aria ... aver sat a ... 1710 mat a ... emarginata > > ... ... B. aviataria ... C. pttsaria C. taminata .. M. no'.ata L. petraria .. N. ptilveraria 1865 1887 1865 1887 1888 1888 1861 1885 1886 1887 1860 1886 1889 1886 1875 1861 1874 1886 1888 1891 1874 1885 1891 1875 1885 1865 1887 18-8 1888 1886 1887 1888 1890 1891 1885 1866 i8at 1874 1874 1874 1875 1875 1883 1885 1887 1871 1874 1866 1874 1874 1891 1874 1875 1874 1874 1862 1862 1866 1865 1875 1888 1861 1865 Ova Laid. Sept. 16 Aug. 27 Sept. 14 Sept. 23 July 15 Oct. 27 April 17 April 16 April 20 April 12 May 26 May 30 May 16 July 31 May 17 June 7 Aug. 10 July 13 Aug. 4 Aug. 24 Sept. 2 Aug. 17 Aug. 20 May 16 June 21 Aug. 20 June 17 May 22 Sept. 3 Aug. 24 June 10 ]\Iay 26 May 19 Aug. 18 July 25 June 9 Aug. 10 July 13 July 13 July 4 July 25 Aug. 4 Aug. 20 July 10 June 27 July 27 July 23 July 21 July 16 July 23 Aug. 12 July 23 Aug. 7 July 1 June 20 IMay 26 May 27 May 31 Aug. 16 INIay 24 June 18 May 10 May 20 Year. Hatched. Duration. 1866 June 5 8| months. 1888 May 20 8i „ 1866 May 3 7i „ 1888 May 13 8 1889 May 6 9J „ 1889 Mar. 23 5 1861 May 22 35 days. 1885 May 9 24 1886 May 7 17 1887 May 12 30 1860 June 22 26 1886 June 15 15 1889 May 30 15 1886 Aug. 19 19 1875 June 3 16 1861 June 21 14 1874 Aug. 22 12 1886 July 18 5 1888 Aug. 20 10 1891 Sept. 2 9 1874 Sept. 16 14 1885 Aug. 26 9 1891 Aug. 26 6 1875 May 26 10 1885 June 29 8 1865 Aug. 26 G 1887 June 23 1886 June 14 1886 June 23 9 rivata 1875 July 20 1875 July 25 5 ,, 1888 July 13 1888 July 23 10 j» ... 1889 Aug. 15 1889 Aug. 26 11 siihtristata ... 1874 July 18 1874 July 27 9 moiitanata... 1875 June 11 1875 June 30 9 fliictuata ... 1874 July 4 1874 July 9 5 A. ■nibidata ... 1874 July 1 1874 July 11 10 J) 1885 June 22 1885 July 3 11 1889 June 29 1889 July 7 8 badiata 1884 May 10 1884 May 21 11 C. ferrtigaria 1875 May 12 1875 May 29 17 ,, 1884 ]\Iay 9 1884 Tilay 20 11 )» 1891 Aug. 12 1891 Aug. 17 5 iinidentaria 1875 May 12 1875 May 29 17 „ 1886 Aug. 22 1886 Aug. 29 7 ", 1891 Aug. 22 1891 Sept. 3 11 propiignala 1886 June 8 1886 June 15 7 quadrifascjaria 1875 July 25 1875 Aug. 8 14 C. fliiviata ... 1862 Oct. 13 1862 Oct. 28 15 ,j 1865 Aug. 30 1865 Sept. 4 5 J, 1865 Sept. 29 1865 Oct. 9 10 J ) ... ... 1865 Oct. 28 1865 Nov. 18 21 r. tersata 1874 July 9 1874 July 16 7 J) ... ... 1875 July 10 1875 July 17 7 vitalbata ... 1865 May 26 1865 June 1 16 C. mssata 1889 Aug. 29 1889 Sept. 9 11 1890 June 6 1890 June 14 8 1890 Oct. 13 1890 Nov. 8 26 1891 June 29 1891 July 12 13 1891 June 20 1891 June 30 10 silaceata ... 1887 Aug. 1 1887 Aug. 9 8 ,j 1888 May 2 1888 May 14 12 ,, 1888 June 27 1888 July 9 12 testa/a 1874 Aug. 16 1875 April 11 8 months. E. cervinaria 1874 Oct. 7 1875 Mar. 23 51 jj b/pu>icfa7-ja 1874 Sept. 5 1874 Sept. 24 19 days. C. 7 in but at a ... 1874 Aug. 23 1875 April 6 n months A.plagiata ... 1874 Sept. 6 1874 Sept. 19 13 days . C. spartiata 1874 Oct. 29 1875 Mar. 14 4imonths. obliquaria 1875 IMay 30 1875 June 6 7" days. „ 1884 April 30 1884 May 23 23 It — C. Fenn. July, 1892. CURRENT NOTES, 177 CoREMiA FERRUGATA AND UNIDENTARIA. — Mr, Prout asks for any information concerning the specific difference or otherwise of these so-called species, and suggests a few careful experiments which he considers ought to settle the question. No doubt many of your readers are familiar with the old tale of the Chinaman whose house was burnt down containing his pig ; the pig was roasted, and for some time it was thought necessary to burn down a house in order to obtain roast pig, until it was discovered that a porkling might be roasted and still leave the house unburnt ! Thus, Mr. Front's experiments seem to suggest almost any method except the most simple and natural one, viz., — -thai of comparing structure. His three pages and a half are carefully devoted to comparison of scale markings ; but surely a moth is not composed entirely of scales. Why then should structure be so carefully avoided ? Had the specimens belonged to the Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, or Neur- optera, the structure would have been the first thing examined, but, be- cause they are Lepidoptera, the only part used for differentiation is scale markings, which every breeder knows to be most variable and eccentric. One of the most important parts to the anatomical student, is the genital organ of the male. This, as a rule, differs greatly m species otherwise very closely resembling each other, and it is to the investi- gation of these organs, I devote myself when I wish to at once tell whether unidentaria and fernigata are one or two species, A glance at the two woodcuts will at once show how different these two species are in the structure of this part alone. They represent what are termed the harpes, and consist of a pair of hooks, situated one at either side of the terminal segment. In the first figure, that of fernigata, the hook is furnislied with a series of cockscomb-like pro- jections, which are absent in the second figure, that of unidentaria, in which the basal portion is rounded and narrower than m fernigata, where it is angulated and stouter. The remaining parts of the organ are equally distinct. No matter how variable may be the scale markings, the structure of these organs will be found constant. In conclusion, should Mr. Prout, or any other of your readers, wish to test the accuracy of my statement, let him send me a body of a male carefully cut off from either of these two species, and I will undertake to name it from the genitalia alone, — F, N. Pierce, 143, Smithdown Lane, Liverpool. August 2nd, 1892. C. fernigata. C. mn'dentaria. Current notes. The British Naturalist gives this month a portrait of Mr. George T. Porritt, who, after thirty years of collecting is as keen a field naturalist as ever, and whose List of the Lepidoptera of Yorkshire is a perfect monument of patient labour, Mr. Gardner records Deilephila galii from Hartlepool. Mr. Reid saw Vanessa antiopa at Forres. Further records of Plusia moneia are in our current number ; whilst Mr. i'eers records two others from c 178 THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD. Harrow-Weald, Middlesex. Additional Deiopeia pulchella are recorded from East London, Christchurch and Grange {Entom. i6i). Zygana filipendulcB var. chrysanthemi from near Hastings. Stauropus fagi has been particularly abundant in the Reading district, Epping Forest and elsewhere. Meliana flanunea was as abundant at Hickling and Ran- worch as at Wicken in May, whilst Macroglossa stellatamm swarms in various parts of Middlesex, Devonshire, Kent, etc. Our readers should not miss Mr. Holland's note {E.M.M., p. 206) on the habits of Stauropus fagi. I saw a magnificent series of varieties of this species, captured by Mr. Holland, exhibited at a recent meeting of the South London Entomological Society. The thanks of all naturalists are due to those gentlemen who took such active steps against the Government proposal to acquire sites in the New Forest for rifle ranges. Our readers will hear with pleasure that their efforts have been entirely successful, and that the Forest is now more than ever secured to the public as an open space. Ento- mologists are particularly indebted to Mr. Goss, the hardworking Honorary Secretary of the Entomological Society of London. Mr. Dale adds Ripersia iomlinii to the British list, Mr. Newstead's original examples having come from the Channel Islands. Records of Colias hyale especially from unusual districts should be carefully noted, as in edusa years hyale is frequently recorded in error for var. helice. Tapinostola concolor in moderate condition is recorded as captured on July 13th by Mr. Woodforde in a marsh near Market Drayton in Staffordshire. Has any competent lepidopterist examined the specimen ? Special attention is drawn to the fact that the City of London Society has removed to The London Institution, Finsbury Circus, E.C VARIATION. Aplecta nebulosa var. robsoni. — I have bred three black vars. of A. nebulosa this year; Mr. Tunstall has also brc-d three, and Mr. Collins two. — T. Acton, Warrington. jFuly, 1892. [Mr. Acton has kindly sent me a series of very dark (var. suffusa) specimens of this species leading up to the extreme form. — Ed.] I have bred a black specimen (var. robsoni) of A. nebulosa from a larva which was taken in Delamere Forest. — R. Tait, Jnr., Manchester. Golden variety of Tinea misella. — Among a considerable number of specimens of this species taken in an old barn here, are a few which have the forewings of an unicolorous golden tint and with scarcely any of the dark mottling usual to this species. — J. W. Tutt, Wicken. August ^th, 1892. Hemaphrodite of Bupalus piniaria. — On 3rd July I took a specimen of the above species having the right side and a portion of the left hind wing that of a male and the left upper wing that of a female, one antenna is pectinated, and the other simple. — T. Willson, 7, Warrington Road, Richmond, Surrey. July i2>th, 1892. I 17i» |OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. Notes of the Season. — Epping Forest. — The following list of larvae beaten here in June last may be of interest, although nothing of impor- tance has been taken : on buckthorn Scotosia vetulata ; on oak Hemithea thyi/iiaria, Eupiihecia abl>re: iata, Eui^onia angidaria ; on whitethorn Bombyx neustria, Abraxas grossulariata, Hiinera pennaria ; on sallow Hypsipetes eliitata ; on blackthorn Thecia betulx (several) ; and the following very commonly on same : Nola cucullateila, Diloba cxruleo- jefihala, Cos/nia trapezina, Phigalia pedaria, with some lio-ht vars. ; Hybeniia de foliar ia, aurantiaria, rupicapraria, Rumia hitcvlata, and I was also surprised to beat one larva of Biston Jiirtaria. Of imacrin^s the following are worth noting, Lithosia aiinola, Drepana fakaiaria and lacertinaria, Stauropns fagi ^.wA dark var. of $, Ne/neophila russula a.nd Epio7ie advenaria. A visit to my old Cossus ground was disappointing, for although I found about a dozen cocoons, every one had been cleared out by the woodpeckers, which have this last year or two done considerable damage to the Cossus. I was, however, pleased to find the larvae of Vanessa cardui coxxvaxonVj on thistle heads, this larva has not occurred since 1888, when I took it plentifully on the same ground. — Ambrose Quail, 15, Stamford Hill. Northampton. — I recently sp^nt three months at Northampton, and thought that some notes on lepitioptera of the district may be interestino-. The Northampton Natural History Society publish a list of Macro- lepidoptera occurring within a radius of fifteen miles of the town, and there are recorded of Rhopalocera 51 species; Sphinges, etc., 17 species ; Bombyces, etc., 44 species, Noctu?e 144 species, and Geometr^e 125 species; making in all 381 species for which the locahties are mostly given. Of the Rhopalocera the most noticeable are Leucophasia sinapis, Vanessa c-album, Apatura iris., Thecia pruni and Carterocephalus patiiscus. Of Sphinges Acherontia atropos., ChcBrocampa porcellus and Macroglossa bombyltformis. Of Bombyces Psiliira monacha, Lasiocampa, quercifolia and Notodonta chaonia. Of Noctuas Cuspidia alni, Cirrhcedia .xerampelina, Hadeua advena and Cuciillia absynthii. Of Geometrse Geometra papiliofiaria. The card of membership to this society is a permit to collect on over a dozen estates in the neighbourhood ; and I mention this as many provincial Natur^ History Societies would do well to adopt the same idea where possible. I had little time for collecting, but among others I took Viminia rumicis, Pterostoma palpina (i), Ctlix glaucata, Eupithecia absynthiata, assiniilata, viilgata, exiguata, consignata (?) and dodoneata ; the two latter are not recorded in the Northampton list, which is therefore broughr up to 383 species. — Id. Hereford. — I saw but did not capture a specimen of Colias edusa here to-day, the first for a number of years. The frequency of Cynthia cardui and abundance of Pliisia gamma and Plutella cruciferarum are features of the season. — T. A. Chapman, Burghill, Hereford, fiine^th, 1892. Doncaster. — The following notes relating to lepidoptera for this district begin in the middle of the season, without any attempt to recall the earlier months. July has been only middling in both weather and insects. Sugar has not been the great success here, that it seems to 180 THE entomologist's REf'OUI). have been in other places. I have seen no crowded nights, but neither have there been any perfect blanks. Nothing rare came to the sweets, but I took a nice series of Neuria saponarice and some beautiful forms of Xylophasid vwiwglypha. At flowers (sweetwilliams and pinks) were many Plusia chtysitis, a few P. ioia and one Hecatera serena. I have had very little opportunity for day collecting, but I have heard of Colias edusa being seen here. Micros are abundant, and at present some nice forms of Cerostotiia costella and Pcedisca solandriana are out. Larvse of Laverna raschkieUa are abundant, whilst Sophronia pare?i- thesella is on the wing at dusk, but difficult to catch. — H. H. Corbett, 19, Hallgate, Doncaster. — August 2nd, 1892. Wye Valley. — Mania maura is exceedingly common here, and comes to sugar in numbers. I have always fed the larvee on Salix alba, but this does not appear to be usually given as a food-plant. While on this subject, I believe if the Editor of The Entovwlogisfs Record could devote a small space in his valuable journal for his readers to record instances in which they have successfully fed larvre on out-of-the-way food-plants (by which I mean those not given by any of the recognised authorities), it might be useful to collectors, in cases in which larvae are not by any means general feeders, and the usually accepted food- plants not (as is occasionally the case) easily attainable. I have some larvffi of Phorodesma pustiilata, which emerged a few days ago. It is curious how sticky they appear to be, everything they touch adheres to them ; when first observed the> were covered with loose ova ; these I removed, and placed them on their food-plant; they immediately com- menced gnawing the upper cuticle of the oak leaf into minute fragments ; and in ihese with the exception of the head they are completely enveloped : these fragments stick up all over them, giving them an extraordinary appearance as they move about, for their activity in their encumbered condition is remarkable. The weather has been lovely here for some time, and the commoner sorts of insects have been plentiful, but I have taken nothing worthy of note, with perhaps the exception of Thecla iv-album, of which I have taken several fair speci- mens. C^rapta c-album appears to be a remarkably confiding insect, several times lately when standing about in the garden, specimens of this butterfly (male and female) have settled on me, and have not stirred until I moved. 1 was certainly to be trusted, as I never interfere with it until the spring, when I take the hybernated females to obtain ova. My wife has also had a similar experience. — A. Nesbitt. 30//^ July, 1892. [I am always quite willing to insert the occurrence of unusual food-plants for larvoe. The habit referred to as occurring in P. pustulata is undoubtedly protective. This species and P. smarag- daria, gnaw off pieces of their food and gum them on to their bodies. The body is not I believe "sticky," as suggested by Mr. Nesbitt, nor is the attachment of the pieces a matter of chance. — Ed.] Jsle of Wight. — Having heard, in common with other stay-at-home collectors, of the great success attending the use of the treacle tin in the early part of June, I left London about a week earlier than usual for my quarters at P>eshwater, but found to my disappointment that I was even then, colloquially speaking, "a day behind the fair." I think June 14th was the first night I started " sugaring," and although insects were very plentiful, yet the rarer species had evidently been out some NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 181 time, and were in some cases almost over. Aplecta herbida was in fine condition, and had I been a fortnight earlier would have been plentiful ; as it was, I secured each evening till the i8th (when I left for the Channel Islands) from 4 to 6 specimens. Diphthera orion in one in- stance only gladdened us by putting in an appearance on the sugar, and was promptly boxed. Cymatophora duplaris occurred, but not commonly. Aplecta advena was taken as usual, but sparingly, although it occurred singly even after my return here on July 4th ; during which month every evening produced some welcome addition to the long columns of Noctu^ on the setting boards, of which the best were the Trip/uvna subsequa already noted {ante, p. 156). Of these I captured the first in a wood where I rarely work on account of its greater dis- tance from my quarters (and from supper) ; on July 8th and the fol- lowing evening I took two more in my regularly worked wood, missing a third, which was hustled off by a swarm of T. proniiba whilst I was eagerly boxing the second off the same tree. On the nth I secured 2 more in the same wood, and a friend working for me took a fifth specimen in another wood. Three more specimens (making 8 in all), of which the last was worn, turned up singly, the latest being taken July 20th ; its disappearance being marked by the emergence of our eagerly anticipated British-born Colias edusa, of which I saw the first specimen July 21st, flying over a clover field near the Bay. Amongst other species at sugar in more than usual numbers here may be men- tioned Neuria saponarice, Bisnkia ligustri (in ones and twos each evening, almost regularly), Xylophasia hepatica (early, but straggling on almost to end of July), Euplexia lucipara, Noctua brunnea (in grand condition), Mamestra anceps, and the usual retinue of humbler species, amongst which tlie palm for numbers and variety must certainly be given to Triphcvna promiha, of whicli I never saw such a number of fine forms. Of the species which, although regular occurrents, seldom visit sugar, can be noted Toxocampa pastinum (of which for the first time in my own experience I saw several specimens on the sugared trees), Heliothis mari^inatiis (singly), and Cluzrocampa elpenor, which was so unusual a sight amongst the Nocture as, for the moment, to recall the enthusiasm of early days, then evoked even by pronuba. Gonophora derasa was very plentiful, but very easily alarmed, and proved rather troublesome by disturbing other species. Triphcena fimbria and Thyatyra batis have occurred very sparingly. Inuring the early part of July the high winds entirely prevented any useful work on the Downs, but the 13th and 14th proved suitable, and a long round of sugaring pro- duced a very fine series of Agrotis luiiigera, with a few A. hicernen. The latter species turned up in greater numbers on the 29th, in company with A. nigricans. The scarcity of thistles or any suitable blossoms to sugar, necessitated the use of bundles of cut blossom, of which Herac- leum sphondytiuni was the most attractive. A well-sugared bunch of this in a favoured spot, on the 14th, was a magnificent sight, being almost covered with A. lunigera in the grandest condition. Is not this idea capable of application to A. ashwort/iii, which must surely, if given the chance, fall a prey to the same temptation which is so fatal to the other species of the genus Agrotis? Nocture seem early right through up to date of writing, all the following having turned up earlier than usual with me: — T. janihina (28th July), Amphipyra tragopogonis, 182 THE entomologist's record A gratis puta, A. suffusa, etc. T. pasiinum was fairly plentiful about the middle of the month, and was easily beaten out just at dusk. About a dozen was my largest capture in the evening, but I neglected netting in favour of the sugar. The " Emeralds " are not plentiful here, but my brother secured a fine Geometra papilionaria at dusk, and P- bajii- latia also occurred, followed by plenty of Hemithea thymiaria. Acidalia efnuiaria were early, and, as usual, very difficult to get in fine condi- tion ; but by netting among the reeds in the middle of June, I managed to secure a fair series. During the last few days Colias edusa has been fairly plentiful, although as yet they are only locally common ; the males seemed to emerge first, as out of my first day's capture (July 26th) only one $ was found, the sexes seem now equally divided. Two fine helice have rewarded some very warm work, but I have not seen C. hyale at present, whilst CyntJiia cardui appeared with the first edusa. Although personally I have not been the lucky captor of any of the recorded great rarities, yet I am quite delighted at the improved reports of the year as received at present, and can heartily congratulate the various captors of such prizes as Deiopeia pitlchella, Deihphila livornica, Cloantha perspicillaris, and Ophiodes lunaris (recorded in the columns of the Record) upon their success, and trust we shall all have our turn before the close of the season.— Albert J. Hodges, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight. August \st, 1892. Jsle of Purbeck. — While driving to-day (July 27th) along the road between Corfe and Swanage I saw two lovely specimens, evidently just fresh from the chrysalis, of Colias edusa; they were apparently both males, and are doubtless the earliest individuals of the brood, the appearance of which we are all so anxiously awaiting. Although C. edusa was common here in June, I did not see a single one fine enough to take, and it was evident that they were immigrants from the Continent. On June 8th I netted a worn var. helice which had not previously been recorded from Purbeck. — E. R. Bankes. Isle of Wight. — A first visit to the Freshwater district on July 25th and 26th was productive of some notes worth recording. The season so far, has been a fair one, but not so good (I am informed by Mr. A. J. Hodges) as 1891. The usual Noctu^ have found their way to sugar, and the net captures were also fair, but facts had better be chronicled in the regular way. A hot afternoon's climb up the East Downs produced Aciptilia spilodactyla in plenty, for on a small patch a few inches across, of Marrubiu/n, about a dozen pupae, several imagines and one larva were quickly found, and more on adjoining clumps. On Compton Downs a lot of Mullein ( Verbascum) was fairly eaten to bits by Cucullia verbasci. The gulls had, however, found out this conspicuous larva, and only half a dozen were taken on scattered stems. On the chalk Gnophos obscurata, Lyccena corydon and Satyrus semele occurred, but the sun was not bright enough to bring them out in numbers. This (Freshwater) is the regular home of Colias edusa, a stray hybernated female is seen there almost every season, and this year has proved no exception, while on July 21st the first newly emerged edusa v^'a.?, seen by Mr. A. J. Hodges near the Compton Downs; and at Yarmouth on the 26th we captured five specimens, one being a female, while two others were chased unsuccessfully — they were first seen on a sandbank, near the mouth of the river Yar, while searching NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 183 for Agrotis ripce. larvae at the roots of the sea Orache ; the other edusa were flying on clover fields and Downs ; four males were taken first, all bright and freshly out of the pupa, the female rather small — Agrotis ripce. larvge were very small, but over a dozen were turned up in the sand. The evening was unfavourable for sugar, as a stiff north-easter blew on the Downs, and the night was far too cold to expect much. Parties were divided, those sugaring in the wood for Gonophora derasa, Thyatyra batis and Triphcena subsequa (of the latter Mr. Hodges has captured eight fine specimens) were only flwoured with a few common insects, TriphcBiia orboiia, Leiicania pallens, Xylophasia polyodon, T.pronuba, etc., but the high cliffs were far more productive, and under the guidance of Mr. A. J. Hodges, whose favourite collecting ground lies many hundred feet above the sea, I made a practical acquaintance with Agrotis lunigera and A. lucernea. The only other moths flying to the sugar on thistle heads and baited wild flowers were four A. nigricans and one A. puta. It is rather a dangerous experience, and I quite agree with a former writer that every lunigera taken is worth a pound. Those from the most exposed cliffs and overhanging precipices were always the finest, and the sugar most attractive was generally placed where one would hardly care to go by daylight. A. lucernea were in splendid trim, but scarce, compared with lunigera, which were getting a little worn. The best advice to nervous cliff collectors of lunigera who are not insured, is Punch's hint to those about to marry — " Don't." I should hardly care to renew the experiment (Which ? — Ed.), and if the truth were known, felt quite glad to get safely back to Freshwater at H.30 p.m. The next day's take was principally Zygcena trifolii, of which several nicely banded vars. have been met with this year. Altogether I have to thank Mr. Hodges and his brother for a very enjoyable trip after Isle of Wight species. — John Henderson, 25, Madeira Road, Streatham. Hampshire. — Between Petersfield and Rowland's Castle I found plants of both black mullein and woolly mullein, and a few larvge on each, probably C. lychnitis and verbasci, all gone to earth now. — J. Henderson. Agrotis suffusa and A. puta in July. — Mr. Tutt's editorial notes on p. 164 to the effect that A. suffusa and A. pu(a are in some seasons double-brooded — the first brood occurring in May and June, and the second in August and September — while satisfactorily explaining the appearance of the former in June, as recorded by Mr. H. Sandlin, will hardly account for the occurrence of both species in the latter half of July, to which I can bear witness, as I have taken them at sugar here within the last ten days. On July 15th I boxed a fine fresh A. suffusa, and believe that I left alone another that was slightly damaged ; and last Saturday night, July 23rd, a rather worn A. suffusa and a beauti- fully fresh A. puta came to sugar ! Although I have met with A. puta in the middle of June in Portland, .August seems to be the regular month for it here, so probably the specimen taken on Saturday was an early moth of the ordinary single brood ; but as the normal time for A. suffusa with us is September and October, it would require some boldness to say whether those seen lately belong to the ordinary autumn brood or an earlier one, or what has been their previous history. In Stainton's manual A. suffusa is given a; appearing in 181 THE entomologist's RECORD. "June(?) to September," and in Merrin's calendar in "July to October, to March, May and June." — Eustace R. Bankes, Tlie Rectory, Corfe Castle. July 25//^, 1892. [It is quite possible that in a season like the present the A. suffusa might be either late specimens of the early brood or early specimens of the late brood. F. piita (second brood) occurs normally at Deal in August, but I have taken beautiful specimens during the last week in July in early seasons. — Ed.] Time of Emergence of Lepidoptera. — I observe in the Entomo- lo^isfs Record for July a note on the time of emergence of Smerinthus tilice. I am glad to notice that this interesting subject is now receivint^ some attention. In some notes upon "Lepidoptera in Roxburghshire," which I wrote for the Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalises Clui) i?i /line, 1885, I therein made the following observations: — "Before closing these notes, I may mention that with regard to the time of emergence from the chrysalis state of lepidopterous insects, it is curious to note the regularity in time, I mean certain periods of the day, in which different species emerge. I cannot say whether or not there is a general rule, but I have found this to be the case with several species that I have repeatedly bred : thus the time of emergence of Bombyx querciis \z.x. callunce is from 8 to 12 '^.xn.\ oi Harpyia furciila, ^i^ox^i 2.30 p.m.; Leiocanipa dictcea, 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. ; Notodonta dronie- daiius and N. ziczac, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m, and Saturnia carpini about 9.45 a.m. These instances might be extended, but they are sufficient to show the apparent rule of certain periods of emergence." I should say that the pup?e from which the species mentioned above were bred, I kept as near as possible under similar conditions, and their time of emergence was closely watched and particularly noted. — A. Elliot, Caverton, Roxburgh, N B. August 2nd, 1892. Plusia moneta. — I caught a third Plusia nioneta on the 14th instant at light in the same garden where I caught the other two on the nth and 12th instant. They were all hovering over the monkshood {Aconitum), which grows in profusion there. A fourth specimen was captured on the 23rd July in the same garden, and hovering in the same manner. — R. A. Dallas Beeching, Tunbridge Wells. ^ I am fortunate in being able to report another capture of Plusia moneta in my garden on the 21st July. I noticed something hovering in the dusk about the flowers of Nicotiana affinis, somewhat after the manner of the Sphingid.'e, but upon its settling on the flower I at once saw what it was, and it remained perfectly quiet sucking the honey from the flower, so that I was enabled to box it without aid of the net. I have this June taken 2 Cymatophora ocularis, and 3 Apaniea ophiogramma at sugar in my garden. Common things absolutely .swarmed at sugar during June, but since hardly a specimen is to be seen. — M. A. Pitman, Norwich. July 28//;, 1892. Hints on Labelling. —When collecting, one is always meeting coincidences, such as certain plants are in flower when certain lepidoptera are on the wing. One year they may be found together early in the month, and the next, the bad weather or other causes may retard them, but in nearly every case the ciuses which retard or accelerate the flowering of the plants, also retard or accelerate the time of appearance of the insect. Of course there are exceptions, but NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 185 I think this method of recording is more useful than the date alone, without any remarks. I know gentlemen who are very particular about having the exact day on which their insects were captured recorded on the label. To my way of thinking I should consider the exact hour at which they were caught was of far more importance, a record of this kind would be one little piece of information regarding the insect's life-history ; and if there were added to this a note saying whether the species was at rest or flying naturally, one would have a certain part of its life-history in a nut shell. — \Vm, Reid. yuly, 1892. MiCROPTERYX SANGIELLA AND CALEDONIELLA. — I sent a box tO my friend, Mr. C. G. Barrett, with some Micropteryx to look over, and he returned them, to my satisfaction, with two new species added to rny collection, viz., 7 satigii and i caledoniella : the former is a fine distinct species. — J. B. Hodgkinson. Notes on Midlothian Lrpidoptera. — Biipalus piniaria, L. — Very common in the wood in June, as many as 20 or 30 females having been found at one time clinging to grass stems within the area of a yard or two. Taken also by Mr. Evans, Mr. Wilson, and Dr. Northcote. Eupithecia helveticaria, Bdv. — I took some six specimens of this insect on the bog in June, 1888, where it has also been captured by Dr. Northcote. Mr. Wilson found the larvae on juniper by Balerno Burn, September 5th, 1858. Mentioned by Low and Logan m. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc, vol. i., p. 259. Dianthcecia cucubali, Fues. — Three dozen larvae taken from flowers of the ragged robin {Lychnis flos-cuciili) on Balerno Bog, August 4th, 1884. Taken also by Mr. Wilson. Eupi- thecia pygma'ata, Hb. — One imago captured on rushes at Balerno Burn, July 2nd, 1854, and another at hedge of Harelaw Farm, July 12th, 1858. Mr. Wilson speaks of this insect as E. palustraria. Anar/a cordigera, Tlmb. — I have only been fortunate enough to capture one specimen of this very pretty little insect, which rose from the heather on the noi th side of the road that bisects the bog. Ellopia prosa- piaria, 'L.^fasciaria, Schiff. — This insect may be commonly found early in July just emerged from the pupa, either on the ground at the roots of the pine trees in the wood, or on the bark of these about half a foot above the grass. Caught also by Mr. Evans, Mr. Wilson and Dr. Northcote. Scodiona belgiaria, Hb. — 1 have only taken a single speci- men of this insect, a male, that had fallen into the small Burn which crosses the bog, July, 1887. Mr. Evans captured a female on Currie Moor in July, 1880, and a single specimen, var. flavillacearia, fell to the lot of Mr. Wilson, July 13th, 1865. — E. W. Carlier {Annals of Scot. Nat. Hist., pp. 42-48). Notes on Saturnia pavonia. — On looking over my diary for 1891, I noticed some interesting facts about S. pavonia. I had a dozen cocoons, from 1890 Wicken Fen larvie, the foodplant of which, on the Fens is Meadow-sweet {Spircea ul//iaria). The peculiarity about these Fen cocoons is now well known, ^ some being quite a silvery white colour, but there is no appreciable difference between the Fen imagines and those from the New Forest. From these cocoons five 3 's and one ? emerged between 7 and 8 a.m., and four $ 's emerged about ' Recent experiments has lijone a long way to prove that this is not peculiar to " Fen " larvjc, but is probably due to a starvation diet before pupation, vide Eiit. Rec, ii., pp. 299, 300 ; EiU. Kcc, iii., p. 9. — En. 186 THE entomologist's record. II a.m., two not emerging. The ? that emerged at 7 a.m. is very peculiar ; it approaches the scaleless specimens sometimes seen, and in markings and colour partakes much of either sex, which coupled with its emergence at the same time as the males is interesting. I had two \? 's and one ? emerge the same day. A pair copulated between 3 and 4 p.m for about 45 minutes, and between 7 and 7.30 p.m. the ? deposited a batch of ova, 18 in number j about 8 p.m. another 16; and a third batch six in number. Part of the second and the last six laid proved infertile, the others hatched on May loth. As is well known the males in a state of nature fly between 2.30 and 4.30 p.m., at which time the ? has just dried its wings ; and, as I have shown, copulation takes place about that time, it suggests the probability that unless the $ has emerged the same day, it would have no attraction for the males, as otherwise you would expect them to fly at any time during the day. The fact of males emerging four hours before the female, strikes me as being interesting, and it might be worth while to observe whether it occurs in other insects, as by that means an idea of the natural time of flight might be obtained. — Ambrose Quail, 15, Stamford Hill, N. Platyptilia pallidactyla. — I was pleased to read your note on this interesting group {Pterophori?ia), also the table annexed, which, to my mind, is invaluable. I should like to say a word or two on a few species. I am glad to see you have put pallidactyla = hertrami the "yarrow- feeding " plume. It is the larva of this, I believe, that Mr, Eales found feeding on the flowers of Senecio aquatica, and not that of isodactyla. I have specimens from him which appear to be all pallidactyla. They were common, and he breeds plenty of the "yarrow" specimens as well. I may here note I have some twenty or more from Witherslack, from Mr. Eales, of all colours, some nearly as yellow as ochrodactyla, others nearly white, but some nearly black. All the specimens in my series, however, have the same markings, legs also, as the species which is now called ochrodactyla {dichrodaciyla), a very good name. I cannot And a single marking on this insect yet that is not on pallidactyla. Ochrodactyla, in a long series, is perhaps larger and has the fore wings more falcate. I bred most of my specimens from tansy, the others came from Sang, So far, I am inclined to think they are but one species. — J. B. Hodgkinson. [There is nothing in my note, I think, to suggest that I supposed Mr. Eales' specimens were isodactyla. As that gentleman very kindly gave me some of his specimens, and they are now in my collection, I can only reiterate that they are like pallidactyla, but whiter, even in bred specimens. — Ed.] Times of Flight. — On September 12th, at 2.30 p.m., I took last season Celama haworthii flying over the mosses on the moors in this neighbourhood. The afternoon was overcast and warm. My experience of the species is that if the atmosphere be clear and the sun shining brightly there are few insects on the wing, but if the afternoon be calm, warm and moist the species flies pretty freely. I have also taken the species on the blossom of the heather {Calliina vulgaris) at night in August. — J. FiNLAY. Breeding SoLENOBiiE, — I find the larvae of a Solenobia upon a stone fence in some abundance. Can .my readers give me any hints regarding the best method of rearing those insects ? Would it be a NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 187 good plan to sleeve them with a few large stones by way of pabulum ? or would one have more success if they were to allow the larvse to pupate before collecting them? — Wm. Reid. A Soknobia is an unsatisfactory insect to breed as one may not improbably get nothing but females, which in this genus are, to say the least, uninteresting. I should think that if the pupae could be collected with equal ease, one would be likely to breed a larger pro- portion of them than one would from the larvae, as some of these would probably die before changing, I have had some small Soknobia larvae on lichen-covered stones in a liower-pot this winter (1891 -'9 2), but many have disappeared. — ^N. M. Richardson. LiPARis DISPAR AT SoUTHSEA. — The specimen of Z. dispar in my box was seen at rest in the window of a grocer's shop in Palmerston Road, Southsea, and my son obtained permission of the shopman to box it. I should think it must occur at Southsea or on Portsea Island generally. — Douglas A. Onslow. [It would be interesting to have any other recent records of the capture uf this species at large. — Ed.] Deiopeia pulchella. — Since reporting to you the occurrence of this insect here and at Dungeness, I have been informed on good authority of two specimens having been seen at the beginning of the month (June) at Maldon, in Essex. One was taken, so there can be no question as to the identity of the species. The one I took here was so fresh and perfect as to make the idea of its being an immigrant rather starthng at first sight ; but as the species seems to have occurred all along the coast from Gosport on the south to Maldon on the east, I can hardly doubt that you, Mr. Editor, are right in your belief that these insects were not bred here. The Dungeness specimen was taken on the sea shore. As to Colias edusa and Cynthia cardici they are abundant here at this time, the latter especially, and I have no doubt whatever that they are immigrants, as neither species was to be found here last autumn. That they will be abundant at the end of August and early in September all along the south coast there can be no kind of doubt. — R. D. Postans, Eastbourne. Melanjppe mon'janata. — Apropos of Mr. Gates' exhibit at the City of London Entomological and Natural History Society {Ent. Rec, p. 94), a few notes may be of interest. Though so common, it appears its life history is not over well known. My reading may not be up to date, but as far as I can judge neither Stainton, Newman nor Kirby bred it, although their descriptions of the adult larvae are correct. Neither, however, say anything about its being double-brooded. Newman says the egg is laid in the autumn and the larva is full-fed at the end of March, which Kirby and Stainton extend to May. The fact is, the eggs which are deposited in early summer produce larva? which will be full-fed, and their metamorphosis complete within three months, while others will feed slowly right through the season, hybernate through the winter, and not produce imagines under ten months. As regards food, Stainton and Newman say the larvae feed on primrose, Kirby says low plants. They are probably not very particular in their choice : mine ate anything but sallow, and prospered. Kirby says the imagines appear from May to August — far too short a period, being too late and too early, at least according to my e.xperience. On June 8th, 1890, I took a female in the Crown Woods, Shooter's Hill, which 188 THE entomologist's record. deposited a batch of ova. These hatched in a few days, and took kindly to sallow. Imagines appeared August 26th, September 5th, 7th and 25th, November 2nd and May 20th, 1891. Some of the larvse I gave a friend emerged the same season, but as far as I know only one successfully hybernated through that terribly hard winter. — Harry Moore, 12, Lower Road, Rotherhithe. [This must be quite unusual in this species. I have never seen during 20 years' experience in our Kent woods, where the species swarms, a specimen of a second brood in nature. — Ed.] Entomological Pins. — The "Pin" correspondence is very interest- ing to all entomologists ; let us hope that some changes will result from it. Without doubt Tayler's pins are the best, barring the heads. It is a good suggestion to cut these off, but why not sell some at a cheaper rate without them ? Another drawback to their pins is the confusing way in which they are numbered. A fault I find with both makers is that the fine pins are too fine, and the coarse too coarse. With the former it is hardly possible to move an insect either with pliers or fingers in safety. Who uses such pins as 2 and 3. (Tayler), or II, 12, and 13 (K.B.), and what for? For micros, pins must be fine ; but could they not then be made of steel, either blued, bronzed, silvered or varnished in some way to prevent rust ? Then at any rate they would not double up at a touch. For macros, any one who values their specimens must use coarse pins, but they need not be so coarse. Take Kirby Beard's, 10 is a very nice pin for Lyccenidce^ Hesperidxe, and small Geometry, but it barely leaves enough room above the thorax to catch hold of with pliers, and fingers are out of the question ; whilst if it were made also in Nos. 8 and 9 length, it would do for all the medium sized Noctu/E and larger Geometry. No. 9 is of quite sufficient thickness for 4, 5 and 6 length, and No. 5 (juite thick enough for 2 and 3 length. The same with Tayler's : No. 8 the thickness of No. 10, and Nos. 12, 13, 14 and 17 the thickness of 8, would give us very serviceable pins. As to the black varnish, whether it prevents verdigris or not, it certainly makes the pins softer and look coarser than they really are, yet looking down on a drawer they certainly catch the eye less on account of their dark colour (this is particularly the case with the flat-headed ones, Tayler's). But this would be better met by a brown bronzing, the present pins are too black; no insect is jet black, whilst the majority have the thorax more or less brown. In effect, I suggest that entomological pins should be firstly, brown bronzed ; secondly, headless (this apparently would improve the points of Kirby Beard's) ; thirdly, the coarse ones less coarse ; fourthly, the fine ones made of steel or some harder metal. — K. M. HiNCHLiFF, Instow, N. Devon, June^ 1892. I am glad to see the discussion anent pins. So far as I am con- cerned, the mere colour of the pin is not, to my mind, of any great importance, though I prefer gilt or black to white as less liable to verdigris. I like Kirby Beard & Co.'s best, and use the following sizes in macros (black). No. i for insects the size of ^. atropos ; No. 4 for F. machaon, S. tilice, etc. ; No. 6 for Arctia villica, T. pronuba, etc. ; Nos. 8 and 9 for the Noctu^ (excluding the very large and very small) and for most butterflies; No. 10 for small Nociu^, and 9 and TO for GEOMETRyE. according to size. The great thing to my mind is NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC, 181» to use a pin of moderate length in proportion to the insect to be set, and strong. If I were limited to 4 sizes for macros my verdict would be without hesitation for Nos. 4, 8, 9 and 10,— T. Maddison, South Bailey, Durham. I have come to the conclusion that although Tayler's undoubtedly have the best points, Kirby Beard's are most satisfactory as regards sizes and as having smaller heads. The sizes I use are No. 2 for the larger, and No. 4 for the smaller species of"' Hawks" and Bombyces ; No. 8 for the largest butterflies, small Bombyces, and largest NocTUiE ; No. 9 for most Noctu^ and several small Bombyces and medium size butterflies, and the few largest Geometr.e; No. 10 for the few smallest Noctu.e, a good many butterflies, and most Geometr.^ ; No. 17 for nearly all Tortrices and I'ineina; No. 19 for smallest TrxEiNA. I use more No. 9, 10 and 17 than any; No. 18 I consider too thin for Tortrices and Tineina. No. 17 serving for nearly all these, and I never use anything finer than No. 17 in black; the very thin pins seem to be rendered useless by the enamelling. For the smaller LithocoUetes and all Nepiiailcc I have lately adopted the Minatin Nadein Vienna pins, and it yet remains to be proved as to whether the sieel or silver ones are the best. I fear the steel will rust, otherwise they seem perfection itself, and supply the hitherto much-wanted " perfect pin for Neps." — Wm. Farren, Union Road, Cambridge. Although other entomologists claim to have been the first to use the black pins, I think Meek would say that both Mr. Howard Vaughan and myself had persuaded him for some years to get some made; for Mr. Edleston first started enamelled pins in 1846 for his own and Mr. Sidebotham's private use. They were reported to be a success, and we did not know then that they had been afterwards repudiated as useless and dropped altogether. I have never used the black ones and refused a testimonial in their favour. They were, and are, as is in fact known, not suited for anything but just to be put in position and never moved again. In 1879, acting upon my advice, the late John Sang had some silver ones made, having seen my Dicroramphs ungreened after three years, he liked them very much ; but it is difficult to get them made very thin. Rapid desiccation is, after all, the best means to keep off for a time evil consequences. I used, after setting my Tortrices, to place them in the sun, throwing a newspaper over them, tent-like, for a few hours ; if this be done, series will be in good order, unsprung and ungreen, when others not so "cooked" will be spoilt ; and as black enamelled pins certainly stand longer than plain white, perhaps this method might be tried with them with even more success. — Sydney Webb, Dover. DiPTERA IN Somersetshire. — Whilst collecting in the west of England last summer, I made an effort to obtain a few GastropJiihis (Diptera) larvK, and in the horse-dropi)ings of two fields ne;ir Wellington, Somerset, I found 14, from which I bred 11 flies; 7 were G. etjui, the others were G. nasalis. Six of the equi were females, but the se.Kes of nasalis were equal. In one of the males of the latter \.\vt pubescence is of a bright golden colour, except that on the basal segment of the abdomen, which is of an ashy colour. 'I'he eggs of these flies are deposited in the autumn on the horse, chiefly the front legs, from which they are licked by the horse and swallowed ; and on U)() rHK K\T<)MOT/)0IST S RECORD. reachin;^ the stomach they hatch, the larvae fastening themselves to the stomach by hooks with which they are provided, feed on the partially digested food. When full-fed, which is about the end of June, they pass through the horse, and may then be found in the droppings. They pupate within the larval skin, and the flies emerge about the beginnmg or middle of August. Those I bred were exceedingly restless on emerging, and seemed unable to hold on to the box or gauze, and one of them was spoilt through falling about so much. At last I stuck a stick in the centre of the box and that seemed to be just the thing for them. On reaching the top of the stick they were quite comfortable, and I had no further trouble with them. I often used to see and kill them when I followed the plough, but never remember seeing them setde even when the horses were at rest, and I never saw them follow the horse to the stables and very rarely to the roads. Although so common as to be very troublesome to horses in the fields they are rarely taken elsewhere. A nephew of mine squeezed out two larvre of Hypodcrina hovis from the cows. One of them (the larvae) died at once, and the other pupated, but did not emerge. They are exceedingly large for the size of the insect, and the orifice of the tumour leading to the larvae beneath the skin is about the size of a pencil when the larvng are fu'l-fed. I also took the following in the neighbourhood : Straiiotoma pofomiJa on Heracleum sphondyliiim over a brook ; this is the second species I have of this rare genus, the other being riparia ; Echinomyia firox, fera, both on and near the hills ; Micropalpus vulpinus on the hills ; Theriopledus 7nicans on the trunk of a tree ; Xylota sylvai-ium flying along a hedge near a river ; Atylotus fulvus flying over heather on the hills ; Tabanus hromius, a {^\^ on umbelliferous flowers over a brook ; Volucella bombylans and var. plumata, common on the hills. I took a male of the latter and female of the former in copula ; Nichrochrysa polita on horse-droppings; Pcdicea ri'vosa in a marshy meadow; Tipiila scrip fa in a wood, one specimen only ; T. lutcscens fairly common in most woods. The males of this seem very difficult to capture, as they were up and away before I could get within ten or twelve feet of them, and the brambles and ferns made pursuit very difficult. I only took one, and that was owing to its being hampered and doubtless much weakened by parasites. Its thorax was quite red with them. The females were much easier to capture. Mesambrina me7-idia)ia was not common except in one sheltered spot, where I took four by one stroke of the net as they were settled on the trunk of a tree. My captures also included Conops quadrifasciatus, Sericomyia borealis, Chilosia a'stracia, Chrysotoseum aniiafi/:'!. — F. Mir.TOX, 184, Stamford Hill, N. Aprii, 1892. Erratum. — p. 160, line 7, "PI. xvi." read p. 16. Societies. South London Entomological and Natural History Society. — Thursday, July 14///, 1892. — Mr. Oldham exhibited a number of species recently captured at Epping, including Cymatophora ocularis. Mr. Fenn, a magnificent series of dark varieties oi Liparis monacha, originally from New Forest specimens, the darkening having been intensified by selection soriETlEs. 191 in interbreeding. Mr. Adkin, an empty pupa of Sesia scolicpformis in its cocoon under the bark of the birch. Mr. Tugwell stated that he had seen the pupa of S. sphegifonnis push itself from the burrow in which it changed, and after breaking through the skin of the alder, as if just about to emerge, retreat into the burrow again, if the meteorological conditions were not favourable. Mr. C. G. Barrett remarked that he did not know of the power of pupae to retire again, although he knew well enough of the forward movement. A discussion ensued in which several members took part. Mr. Hawes exhibited larvse of Lyccena (Bgo7i feeding on Ukx. Mr. Fenn stated that Ruckkr had bred it from Bird's-foot Trefoil. — Ed. City of London Eniomoi.ogical and Natural History Socieiv. — Thursday 2\st July, 1892. — Exhibits: — Mr. Clark, a variety of Fidonia atomaria from Ringwood, a specimen of N'ottua /estiva with distinct transverse dark lines, and two Eulepia cribrnm. Mr. Smith, Macroglossa fuciformis and Melanthia albicillata from Blandford, Dorset, and recorded the capture of Hesperia adccon and Sesia ichneumoniforinis near Swanage. He also exhibited, on behalf of Mr, Quail, Epione advefiaria and Cidaria picata. Dr. Sequeira, Eulepia cril>ru>n, Euihc- iiwnia russula, Aplecia herbida and Boarmia repandata var. coiiversaria all from the New Forest. Mr. Battley, Melifcsa athalia and Ennychia octomaculalis from Abbots Wood. Mr. Nicholson, bred specimens of Cynthia cardui, and a var. of Abraxas grossulariata. Mr. Bacot, a variable series of Hepiahis lupulinus from Tottenham, several specimens being almost entirely silvery white in colour ; also a specimen of Dasychira pudibrcnda from Clapton, Mr. Allbuary, Sesia bembeciformis, Melanippe hastata, Ennychia octomaculalis, and a fine specimen of Diopeia pulchella from Dover. Mr. Simes, a living female of Bombyx quercus, and young larvae of Sphinx ligustri. Mr. Southey, series of Caradrina alsines and Tcenio- campa itistabilis. Mr. Milton, Chelonia villica, Endroniis versicolor and many others ; also in Co\eo\)\.tx2L, Dytiscus circunijlexus, Aroniia nwschata, Ilybius fcnestratus and Aphodius rufcscens, also several fossils from the chalk at Gravesend. Mr. Heasler, Quedius maurorupus and Orchesia niicans, both bred from fungus from Bexley. Mr. Burrows, Strangalia riiestUa taken near Coventry. Mr. Rosevear, specimens of Helix a/ibensis, a snail that is only found at Gibraltar, and which has hitherto been unrepresented in the British Museum. Dr. Buckell remarked that the habit of resting head downwards appeared to be usual in two species, IVola cristulalis and N. cuculatella, showing a similarity in habits of two allied species. He also recorded the occurrence of several chalk insects at Southend, Essex, a locality on the London clay, notably Melanippe procellata, M. rivata and Etibolia bipunctaria. Mr. Battley recorded Ere?}iobia ochroleuca and Aspilates citraria as further examples of chalk insects from that locality. Mr. Nicholson mentioned that he had seen two flights of Cynthia cardui depositing their eggs on some thistles at Chattenden Woods. Dr. Sequeira remarked that the male glow-worm had the power of emitting a faint light, although it was not as bright as that of the female. Messrs. Tremayne and Smith gave accounts of entomological work as Lyndhurst and Dorset- shire, the chief feature being the large number of insects attracted to sujiar. 192 THE entomologist's RECORD. Thursday, ^tJi August, 1892. — Exhibits: — Mr. Tremayne, a bred series of Callimorpha dommula from Deal, and Melitcea athalia from Abbots Wood. Mr. Machin, Mamestra anceps, a variety of Cuspidia psi, dark forms of Boannia abietaria, and a series of Phhvodes demur- niana. Mr. Smitli, Gonophora derasa, Triphcena fimbria, PericalUa svringaria, Cleora lichcnaria avid Hyria auroraria from Lyndliurst, and Sesia ichnetimojiiformis from Swanage. Mr. Bellamy, G. derasti, TJiyatyra baits and Ixucania turca from Highgate Woods, and Dicranura furcida from Southend. Mr. HoUis, a yellowish variety of Abraxas grossulariata, and ichneumons bred from Selenia illustraria. Dr. Buckell, a series of Amphidasys betularia bred from one batch of eggs. One specimen of these had the ground colour almost ochreous, while the dark markings seemed to have lost their intensity. He also exhibited a variable series of Nodua /estiva, all taken in an evening at Highgate Woods, one of them having the dark dot beneath the discoidal spots expanded into a distinct claviform mark. Mr. Clark, a specimen of Graiiimesia trilinea var. bilinea, and a fine variety of Polyoinmatus pJdffas both from Abbots Wood. The latter had a broad black hind marginal band on the fore-wings, reaching to, and including the transverse row of S].)Ots, Mr. Battley, a bred series of PJwrodesma smaragdaria, and various preserved larvae showing a system of retaining the colour by stuffing with green silk. Mr. Milton, Colias edusa, Sesia tipuliformis, Notodonta dictaeoides and Scotosia certata ; also a living example of a rare species of Diptera, Stratio??iys riparia, of which he had recently taken specimens at Gravesend and Stam.^ord Hill. Coleoptera : — Mr. Heasler, Scaphidiuui \-inaculatum, Mycetoporus lucidus, Megapenthes sanguinicollis and Malt] linus frontalis. Mr. Machin stated that he had recently bred Notodonta dictaoides from ova deposited last May, proving that this species is occasionally double-brooded. — A. U. Ba'itley and J. A. Simes, Hon. Sees. Birmingham Entomological Society. — J^ufy nth. — The following exhibits were made : — .Mr. Wainwright for Mr. G. W. Wynn, a specimen of Stauropus fagi bred from a larva found at Wyre Forest last year ; also a box containing some of Mr. Wynn's captures made during the recent visit of the Society to Sherwood Forest, including Hadeiia contigiia, Cuspidia kporina, Agrotis suffusa, etc. Mr. Kenrick showed Sherwood captures ; also Aplecfa herbida from Trench Woods, and a few Scotch insects including a fine red variety of Smerinthus populi. Mr. P. W. Abbott showed a fine variety of Ardia caia from a larva reared on colts-foot, specimens of Stauropus fagi from Wyre Forest, and a nice series of Melanippe hastata from the same place. Mr. W. D. Spencer showed a bred specimen of Cuspidia aliii from near Rugeley. Mr. C. J. Wainwright showed Diptera taken at Sherwood this year ; also a few taken in 1889, including Xiphura atrata, etc. Mr. A. Johnson showed larvce of Anthocharis cardamines found on pods of the white rocket, which they resemble very closely. Mr. R. C. Brad- ley showed his Sherwood Diptera, and read a few notes upon them ; they included two species of Criorhina, floccosa, and ruficauda, ber- berina also being taken by Mr. Wainwright ; also other nice Syrphidcc, and a few good " Daddies," including one specimen perhaps new to the British list. — Colbran J- Wainwright, Hon. Sec. "^^ AND ^{'^ JOURNAL OF VARIATION. No. 9. Vol. III. September 15th, 1892. THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. By Dr. T. A. CHAPMAN. {Continued from page 149.) \pMA ORION. — This is the only British species out- side the genus Acronyda that appears to me to belong to the same family. I presume it was originally classed with Acrojiycta on the ground of characters of the imago, I sustain its claim to that position because the newly hatched larva presents an eleventh segment that has essentially the same characters as that segment has in true Acronyctas. The young larva has, nevertheless, a considerably different facies, and the egg is nearly spherical, instead of being of the flat form characteristic of those of Acronycta. Nevertheless, the egg has the same remarkably fragile delicacy that many Acronycta eggs have. The egg (PI. VIIL, fig. lo-ioa) is flat on the lower surface on which it rests and so is not quite a sphere, but is nearly three-quarters as high as it is wide. Its diameter is 0*7 mm., the ribs number thirty at the margin, and the transverse or secondary ribs are very marked, from the netting at top, the ribs increase outwards by division and intercalation in the usual way, but, instead of doing so in irregular positions, nearly all the increase takes place at about one-third of the way from the summit, though rarely quite as regularly as shown at fig. loa. The whole egg is extremely delicate and transparent, acquiring a pale straw tint, but no deeper coloration or markings, nor does any change occur as the contained larva becomes ready to hatch, except a slight increase of opacity and the tips of the larval jaws can be seen, but the young larva is itself so transparent that very close observation is necessary to see anything more of it. 194 THE entomologist's record. The eggs are laid beneath the leaf in batches of fifty or more, regularly disposed in close order like many species of Arctia and Nocture. The newly hatched larva is a very delicate whitish scrap, whose first duty is to eat up as much as his neighbours permit of his egg-shell, and who is already prepared to drop by a thread if alarmed. In PL VI., figs. 6-6a, the facies in which he differs from a young A crony da is, perhaps, a little exaggerated, and he certainly has not so much colour as there shown, though a greenish tint soon arises when some food has been eaten. They linger rather leisurely over their eggshells, apparently waiting for the last member of the batch to hatch. I have not found them (as Spilosoma does) eating any infertile eggs. At length they commence to feed, which they do by ranging themselves exactly side by side, and marching forward exactly in line, in the manner of Pygcera biicephala — only even more exactly and accurately. They only eat the parenchyma of the leaf, leaving the upper surface and even the smallest ribs. The larva is practically colourless, and only i^ mm. in length. It looks rough and irregular from the large size of the tubercles and has a large head, but the want of colour makes details very difficult to observe, and it is generally cylindrical. Segments 4 to 10 have a small circular anterior trapezoidal tubercle and a large curved posterior trapezoidal, which arches round the anterior trapezoidal apparently in order, as it does, 'to occupy all the dorsum except that taken by the small anterior trape- zoidal. Then there is a large supra-spiracular, and an equally large sub-spiracular tubercle, and between these two minute (pre- and post-spiracular) tubercles. There is also, in these segments, a remarkable feature suggestive of alliance with Liparidiz, viz., — a minute dot in the central line, between the posterior horns of the posterior trapezoidals. The other segments do not possess this. The hairs are long, delicate, and colourless, the longest on the posterior trapezoidal, a very short one on the pre-spiracular, each tubercle has only one hair, except the supra-spiracular which has three. It may be noted that the prolegs are complete circles of about 14 hooks, the true legs have the battledore palpus well-developed, and there is a chin-gland which, when everted, is of very much the size and outline of a thoracic leg but with a fine pellucid apex somewhat prolonged. Except the brown tipped four-serrate jaws and black eye spots the head is nearly colourless, and carries about five hairs on CURRENT NOTES. 195 either side. The tubercles on 2, 3 and 4 are somewhat different (as usual) from those on the other segments. On 11, the tubercles are very small, and the hairs about half the length of those on the loth and other segments. Below the sub-spiracular I only detect one ventral tubercle, but suspect there must be another. {To he continued.) Current notes. Mr. J. E. Robson is working at the distribution of Melanic and Melanochroic forms, and would be obliged if entomologists would send him lists of species occurring in their localities which produce dark varieties. He would also be glad to know when these dark varieties were first noticed, and if any changes in the surroundings have been made during the last half-century. Communications should be ad- dressed to Mr. John E. Robson, Hartlepool. We have heard of competitions in various branches of natural his- tory. Messrs. Gregson and Robs(jn exhibited at the meeting of the Lancashire and Cheshire Society of September 12th, 'Challenge Series of Abraxas grossulariata, showing variation produced by food." We think the exhibitors should add "and other incidental circum- stances." Cannot these series be exhibited at one of the City of London Society's meetings for Londoners to see the sight? Ditula li'oodiana has been run to earth at last. It has figured as a rarity ever since its discovery, and suggestions have even been made that it was only a small form of D. /lartmanniana. It is a very dis- tinct little species, and it was only natural that its habits should be discovered by Dr. Wood, after whom the species was named. It feeds on mistletoe, mining as a rule into the thickness of the leaf and eating the cellular tissue. It is able, however, if its first mine does not last until the larva is full-fed, to spin two leaves together, and it then clears out the cellular tissue of the second leaf where they are in contact, but this is not a natural habit. We have to thank Dr. Wood for bred specimens. To those interested in London entomology, " The Entomology of a Bayswater House," in the E.M.M., p. 230, should be interesting reading. The larva of the rare Lamellicorn, Gnorimus variabilis is described by the Rev. Canon Fowler, M.A., from Windsor Forest examples {inde E.M.M., p. 242). Mr. C. G. Barrett records the occurrence of Syridhus alveus, Hiib., in England about 20 years ago. The specimens were detected several years ago in the cabinet of the Rev. T. H. Marsh, of Cawston, Norfolk, by Mr. Barrett, and two were given to him. Since that time Mr. Barrett's specimens have remained unnamed, owing to their similarity to both S. alveus and S. serralulce. The specimens were probably taken in May or June, 18 or 20 years ago. Mr. Barrett states that Mr. Marsh tells him that he never saw 6'. alveolus except when he captured the specimens in question and considered them as such. He 196 THE entomologist's record. suggests " migration " as an explanation of their appearance, as they have never been observed since. Of course a much better chance of finding out something about their appearance would have occurred if the specimens had been recognised shortly after their capture. But after twenty years there is little chance of making a satisfactory guess. Mr. King, of 14, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, has created quite a record in taking a large number of Erotesis baltica at Chippenham Fen, and offers to send specimens to " Neuropterists who desire the species." Previously it was known as British by four specimens, taken by Dr. Wheeler in Wicken Fen, in 1877, and one by Mr. Porritt, in 1891, at the same place. Mr. Ward- Jackson records the capture of DeilepJiila livornica at Lyndhurst, on June 4th. Mr. Phipps, Plusia inoneta from Tunbridge Wells, on July 13th ; whilst another is recorded by Mr. Reid as captured at Alton on July 12th. Deiopeia pulchella at St. Leonards on May 28th last, by Mr. Esam, and another at Brighton by a boy last month (July). Lyccetia arion was captured at Selcombe (Salcoml^e ?), South Devon, during the first half of July by Mr. Prideaux ; whilst Calli- morpha hera has again been taken by Mr. Jager in its old haunts. Mr. Beadle records eighty specimens of Erebia cassiope on the after- noon of June 2ist in the Cumbrian mountains, near Borrowdale. ^OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. Notes of the Season. — Wicken Een} — My success at Wicken last year tempted me to make another trip to the same locality with my son Bertie, and we spent three weeks there, commencing from July 27th. The local collectors reported an excellent season up to date, several species having occurred abundantly on some evenings, as Meliana flamiuea, Nascia cilialis, etc. ; whilst such local species as Cuspidia strigosa and Cymatophora ocularis had been rather more common than usual. Bisulcia ligustri had turned up ; Aplecta advena had been abundant, but Mr. Houghton informed me that he doubted whether I should get ravida this year, as it was out fully a month earlier than last year, and it was, he believed, over. This, I found, was only too true, one specimen only being allured by the light a day or so after my arrival. My troubles meteorologically were legion. During the first week, there was a north-east wind blowing, the sky was generally clear, radiation was excessive, and in about an hour after sunset there was a thick dew, sometimes changed into a ground fog all over the Fen. Of course, on such nights, nothing came to light and nothing to sugar. On two nights in this week it rained and was pitch dark, and then we got a heap of moths at light, although sugar still failed. The second week the wind got more westerly, but the sky remained clear as ever. There was less radiation, but a full moon prevented the light working, and only on one night during this week did we have any real success. Sugar was still an absolute failure. Dusking, however, paid well, and I took a very large number of specimens, chiefly Geometry and ToRTRiCES, in this way with the net. The last week the wind was 1 Read at a meeting of the City of London Entomological Society, Thursday, September ist, 1892. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 197 chiefly southerly, vve did not have one good night at light, and only one or two fair ones. The wind was on three or four evenings very high, and on one occasion Bertie nearly got buried under the sheet which collapsed. Sugar, however, paid the last three nights, the last night, of course, proving the best. However, taken all round, we got a fair return for the labour put in, and brought home a large number of insects. There were some strange appearances. The beautiful May weather had tempted many of the early species to try a second brood, apparently in many cases successfully. The earlier NocTUiE were much earlier than last year, but the changed conditions of July had made the later species rather later. In the following captures it may be understood that I took charge of the sugaring and netting depart- ment whilst my son made almost all the captures at the light. During the day time, a second brood of Papilio machaon was in abundance, as many as forty being taken by an entomologist during one day. This is in striking contrast to last year, when scarcely a specimen of a second brood occurred. Larvae of all sizes, and pupae, were also to be found at the same time. Pieris napi was abundant in the Fen ; the two other species, rapce, and brassicce, in the gardens of the village. Colias edusa was seen once or twice, but was common at Cambridge. Gonopteryx rhamtii was apparently fairly plentiful, whilst Cynthia cardui^ Va?iessa ataldfi/a, V. urticce and V. io were everywhere. The hedges were alive with Epinephele tithonus and E. Ja?iira, whilst Chortobiiis pamphihis, Polyom/natus phlceas and Lyaena icarus occurred on the green in front of the house where I stayed. I saw Satyrus megara in the orchard, and this, I think, completes my observation on the Diurnal fauna. In the NocTURNi, most of the captures were made at light. Smerin- thus popi{li (evidently a specimen of an autumn brood) was bottled, and larvae of Chcerocampa elpenor of various sizes noticed on the ditch sides. Macrogaster arundinis came to every sheet but ours (it was the same last year), only odd specimens, of course, owing to the lateness of the season. Hepialus humuli males swung merrily right in the heart of the Fen, whilst Niidaria senex was captured at early dusk, its ap- pearance at that time in abundance almost always presaging a dewy evening and an entomological collapse at dark. It also came late to light. N. mundana occasionally at light in the Fen, but this species can be best captured with the hand-lamp in the " droves " outside the actual " Fen." Liihosia griseola occurred sparingly at light, but more freely the last few nights at sugar, whilst its var. stramineola was rare. We took three only between us. Z. lurideola was not common. Larvae oi Eiichelia jacob(Z(Z\itxQ.XQ^wzw\g the Senecio to ribbons, whilst Chelonia caia now and again showed up at light. Arctia fuiiginosa occurred as a second brood : we got some four or five specimens at light. One larva only of Spilosoi/ia urticce occurred, and though I nursed it because I did not know the habits of the animal, it acted contrariwise and died. Liparis aurifiua was everywhere, and an occasional Z. saluis at light. Bornbyx 7ieustria on one night came in crowds. We boxed and bottled two or three dozen, and I consider them one of the best results of the trip, owing to their variation. But Bertie did better in this line with Odo7iestis potatoria. He took some five dozen specimens, comprising no less than four yellow males, one or two males almost of the colour 198 THE entomologist's record. of Lasiocampa quercifolia, the rest being intermediate, some closely approaching the purely yellow males, others rich brown with the inner marginal areas yellow, others entirely reddish-brown, and sometimes with a purplish tinge. Only some ten specimens of L. quercifolia came to light, and of these four specimens, one a large female, were in the net at the same time. Larvoe of Satur?iia carpmi appeared to be fairly common. The second brood of Cilix spinula was abundant, and by simply setting those that I could not help netting I got a nice series. Pygczra bucephala came to light, as also did one male Ptilodontis palpina and several Notodonta ziczac ; the larvse of the latter also occurred on the sallows, and were of various sizes. Gonophora derasa was on the sugar, but worn, and Cuspidia iridetis occurred until the last day of my visit. Larvae of this latter species from those just hatched to full-fed were noted at the same time. Only one C. psi occurred, very different from the pale forms captured last year, this one resembling our London var. siiffusa. C. aceris, C. megacephala and Viminia rumicis also visited the sugar. The second brood of V. albovenosa was more than usually abundant. Bertie took about twelve or fifteen at the light. These were all of the pale var. albida, Auriv. (var. argentea, Tutt), which seems to be the usual autumn form, the type and var. ochracea constituting the bulk of the spring emergence. Leucania lithargyria var. pallida turned up at sugar, whilst L. impudens (with very little variation this year) came to light during the time that sugar would not pay. L. pallens and L. impura were abundant, and L. phragfnilidis •with its vars. pallida and rzifescens, appeared repeatedly during the last week both at light and sugar. Ccenobia rufa flew at dusk, but Tapi- nos/ola hellinanfii, although worked specially, would not turn up in numbers. Bertie got about a dozen at light, and I got another couple of dozen perhaps, from the sugar, and this was all. A few of the specimens were beautiful examples of the red ab. saturata of Stau- dinger, and some were much dusted with black scales. Pupae of No7iagria ariindiiiis were found in Typha, the affected plants being at once detected by the yellow central leaf. Hydrcecia f?iicacea put in an appearance on the last night, whilst an odd specimen of Axylia puiris occurred on the first night of our visit. Xylophasia lithoxylea and X. polyodoti swarmed when sugar was attractive, but I saw no black varieties of the latter like those I got at Wicken last year. Of X. hepatica I saw one late specimen and several Cerigo viatura. Mamestra brassiccs and persicaricB were the only representatives of their genus, whilst varieties of Apamea didyjna were occasionally to be seen in profusion. Helo- tropha leucostigma occurred freely on two evenings, I boxed some seventy specimens, but although many looked very fine on the sugar, their evening and morning tales did not agree, and only about a half were really perfect. Some fine dark specimens of var. albipuncta and var. lunina occurred among them. Altana strigilis and furiiticula both occurred -very rarely, literosa rather more frequently, whilst Chortodes arcuosa came to light whenever it was attractive. Caradrina taraxaci was the only representative of the genus. I believe I have two speci- mens against three or four dozen captured last year. Agrotis segeium, A. nigricans and A. tritici var. aquilina were all rare, and I only saw one A. ravida, which I captured at light. Triphcena janthina, T. interjecta and T. orbofia began to appear as I left. T. pronuba was in NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 199 more than its usual abundance. T. mterjeda is peculiar in its habit and appearance on this Fen. I used to get it freely at Cuxton in July flying rapidly in the late afternoon sunshine over bramble blossom, and occasionally at sugar. Here it sometimes indulges in the former habit, but it comes very freely to sugar in late August, and last year I shook about five dozen grand specimens out of the sugared " knots " on one evening. This year, it was later in putting in an appearance, and I only got a very i't\i. Nociua augur was worn, as also N. triangulum ; but N. xanthographa and the second broods of N. plecta and N. rubi were in fine condition, and the last named plentiful. A few N. festiva and N. baia were observed, but N. umbrosa occurred more freely than any other member of the genus. Larvee of Tccniocampa stabilis appeared to be common on the sallows. Tetliea subhisa occurred twice at sugar, but of the genus Cosmia I only took five C. affitiis against almost a hundred specimens of affinis and a few pyralina last year. Hecatera dysodea larvae were rare this year. If our collectors would only carefully overhaul the lettuce flowers and seeds in country gardens, I feel sure this species would be less local. We used to get the imago years ago in Kent, but I did not know how to find the larvae then. Polia fiavi- cinda larvas occurred commonly in Houghton's garden. Cleoceris viminalis came to light sparingly. I can never understand why this species is not commoner in the "Fens;" the same remark applies to Dyschorista ypsilon. Eupkxia lucipara occurred, but Apleda advma, which had been abundant, was over. Hadena oleracea and one H.pisi were the only representatives of the genus; the hedges and the under- growth in the " drove," where I v/as so successful last year, had been cleared out, and perhaps seriously interfered with some of the species. Bertie took one Pbisia festuccE at light, and P. gamma, of course, swarmed. Houghton bred a large number ; two I selected are almost as purple as P. pulchritiay and one has no red gloss on it whatever. Even a common species like this is worth breeding. Two Gonoptera libatrix came to sugar, with a few Ncenia typica and Af?iphipyra irago- pogifiis. This, I think, completes the Nocture observed. Only Hypena probosddalis occuxv&d of the Deltoides ; and the Pvralides gave but few species. Pyralis fi/iibrialis, one only ; P. farinalis, in abundance in the old barns in the village, with Aglossa pinguinalis and A. cuprealis. Of this latter species Mr. King of Glasgow got a very considerable number just previous to my visit. Two specimens of Nascia cilialis were taken at light, so fine as to suggest a partial second brood from the May moths. A few Catadysta lemnalis, Paraponyx stratiotalis and Hydrocampa stag7ialis were observed, but no H. nyrnp/icealis. Botys verticalis swarmed round the outside of the Fen, B. urticalis and Ebulea sambucalis being almost as abundant. B. fuscalis had to be worked for to get a series, whilst an odd specimen of E. crocealis came to light, p. forjicalis, Scopula luiealis, S. olivalis and S.prunalis were all common on the outskirts of the Fen, whilst an odd specimen or so each of Scoparia cembrce and S. 7nercurdla were the sole representatives of this genus, except S. pallida, of which I got a very long and fine series of well-marked specimens. Crambid^ were scarce. Crambus prcetellus C. pascuellus, C. perlellus, C. tristdlus and C. hortudlus all occurred very sparingly on the Fen. C. cu.me'lus was commoner, and by dint of hard work, walking througli the sedge in Burwell Sedge Fen, I got a 200 THE entomologist's record. series of C. selasellus. The species also came to light in Wicken. This is supposed to be a common species. I have never found it so, and lose no opportunity to take it whenever I meet with it, and find my correspondents want it. Chilo phragmitelliis was the commonest species : the males coming freely sometimes to light, but the females were rarely to be met with. A fine black form of the $ was captured. Sch(X7iobius mucronellus and 6". gigantellus were both obtained very sparingly by Messrs. Houghton and Bailey. I was not working in that part of the Fed to which they appear to be almost restricted, and was therefore less fortunate. Of RhodophcBa advenella, two specimens un- expectedly turned up at light. Of Geometry, I took a fair number. Epione apiciaria was to be taken in plenty on some nights (very late) flying along the sallow bushes ; some specimens have the outer band reduced to a minimum, but the females do not appear to be so variable as at Deal. Rumia cratcegata, of course, occurred, so did the second brood of Selenia illunaria, though not at all commonly. One s[)ecimen of Crocallis elinguaria was netted at dusk, whilst Boarmia rhomboidaria (males and females) came freely to sugar on one evening. Of the genus Acidalia — scutulata and bisetaia were common, but the form of the latter thickly suffused with dusky scales, was not met with this year. A. inwiutata came to light, and A. iinitaria and aversata occasionally to sugar, whilst emarginata flew sparingly at dusk. Cabera piisaria and exanthemaria both flew among the sallows, and Strenia clathrata came rather freely to light. Halia wavaria occurred occasionally on the outskirts of the Fen, whilst Abraxas grossulariata, as usual, was in swarms. Lomaspilis fnargi/iata was only seen once or twice, evidently the precursors of an autumn brood. Larentia didyjtiafa occurred outside the Fen, and S, pectinitaria was taken at dusk, and also came somewhat freely to sugar. Emmelesia alchemillata flew very sparingly in the afternoon, and amongst the Eupithecice. — ceiitaureata, vulgata, tenuiata, coronata and larvae of valeria- nata were observed. Collix sparsata occurred in abundance, in good condition, on our arrival, but gradually got worse, although remaining almost as abundant until the end of our stay. Lobophora sexalisata was evidently over, only two or three specimens being captured. I took a long series of Hypsipetes elutata. The " Fen " form agrees pretty generally with our South of England wood form, although pale central banded forms are rather more common, and the central band is often strongly tinted with reddish. Second broods of Melanippe subtrisiata and M. fluctuata began to put in an appearance, and I netted a con- siderable number of black-banded, with a small number of purple-banded, unidentaria. Only one or two of my captures appear to be referable to ferrugata. Camptogramma bilifieata was of course abundant, but we could not find the larvae of Cidaria sagittata. Some six years ago they were taken in great abundance on the Thalietrum Jiavum, growing all over the Fen ; since then they have got very rare, and now appear to have become almost extinct for the time being, although they will most probably turn up as commonly as ever in the immediate future. Worn Cidaria russata were met with, and a fine series of C. testata taken. The latter are rather pale in coloration, rarely with the rich purple reflections characteristic of the North English and Scotch speci- mens of the species, and they are of rather large size. C. fulvata also NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 201 occurred, as did Pelurga coi/iitata; whilst an odd specimen of Eubolia mensuraria brings the captures in this group to an end. Among the Tortrices I got more species. I saw two larv^ only of Halias chlorana, but Tortrix dumetana was much more abundant than last year, and I set a good number. T. py7-astra/ia, xylosfeana, rosaiia, hej>ara}ia, 7-ibeatia, iinifasciana and costaua were noted in more or less abundance, whilst a itw T. pallea?ia were captured. Peronea co7npa- rana, perplexana and schaUeriana all turned up, and, as usual, together. I have seen a very considerable number of pe?plexaJia now, including several that have gone through Mr. Barrett's hands, and I am as unable as ever to distinguish them from comparana. That compm-ana and schallei'iana are but colour varieties of one species has long been my opinion, and I expect to see all three telescoped into one species shortly by breeding from the egg. P. variega?i:i occurred, and P. shephcrdana was just commencing to put in an appearance. P. hastiatia occurred in all stages — larvse, pupce and imago. I used to think this was double- brooded, but it appears in the Fen to occur all the year round without break. Houghton gets the imago in the winter and spring, and larvae in May on to November, the imago occurring from June until the fol- lowing May. Some of the larvcC I got were full-fed, some just hatched, whilst the moths were obtained at the same time. A few specimens ot Dictyopteryx uliginosana : all of that form with the central black dot which, I believe, characterises the second brood, were taken, and D. holmiaiia noticed on the sugar. Ditula seniifasciana came sparingly to sugar. I could not find a method to get this freely, although I believe it must occur rather commonly. Some fine fresh specimens of ^/^//(jiA? roscEColana were taken in the middle or August, whilst the extremely local Sericoris fiiligana, on one evening only, came for a short time rather freely to light. The black form of S. lacunana was only once noticed, and Orthotcenia antiqicana and O. ericetafia occurred very rarely at light. Sciaphila chrysajithemajia, a very large and dark form, came to light ; whilst a late specimen of Ckpsis rusticana and a ? Bacira lanccolana were netted. The dwarf sallow form of Hypermecia criiciana was common. The second brood of Phoxopteryx paludana was just beginning to put in an appearance, as also was P. inornatana; but I got a fine and long series of P. siculana from the buckthorn. This was the first time I ever saw the species other than very rarely. Pccdisca solandriatia was represented by an odd specimen, as was Ephippiphora cirsiana. Opadia funebrana larvae were in evidence as usual. How well Houghton appears to breed this species ! My cap- tures of Stigmonota orobana were this year restricted to two or three specimens. This was due to the fact that I did not often spend the afternoon in the Fen. Catoptria was represented by two or three spe- cimens each of scopoliaiia and expallidana, whilst the second brood of the so-called Fen Eupcecilia vectisana was accompanied by a few spe- cimens of E. tiotulatia and E. udana. Xanthosetia hainana was abun- dant. An odd specimen or two of Concliylis straniineaua brings our captures in this group to a close. Among the Tinkina our captures were few enough. Rarely was the weather still enough to give them a chance of flight. Plutella cruci- ferarian was everywhere. Pliibalocera quercella came to sugar, as did some dozen species of Depressarice^ all, I believe, common. Of the C 202 THE entomologist's record. Gelechice — wornntella, oblitella, inorosa and qucestioneJla were the best, whilst subocellea was the most abundant. Several species of the genera Colcophora and Elachista occurred, I hardly know which yet. Of the Pterophori, the second brood of Leioptibis microdactyla occurred somewhat freely on Eupatoriuin cdmiabininn. Mimcescoptihis bipuncti- dactyla were kicked up or came to light, whilst a small dark form of what may be Pterophorus pteroda tyla {mofiodactyla), which I reported last year, occurred sparingly. L. peiitadactyla was the only other species observed. As will be at once noted, my captures were almost all common species, nothing rare turning up. However, the setting of these kept me em- ployed, and gave me a quantity of additional material to study local variation. — J. W. Tutt. August, 1892. Lee. — There has been a great change in the entomological scene during the last month, and if all goes on as it promises at present this should be a really good season. After last year, the worst on record from my experience, and 1889 and 1890 not much better, this is really refreshing. At present, insects are swarming. Eupithecia dodoueata, though late, has been commoner than usual, but in lovely condition. Phibilapteryx vitalbata, Lygdia adustata, Loboplwra hexapterata, Chesias obliquaria, Cidaria silaceata and many others have been far more frequent than usual, some of them abundant. Tortrices are coming out ; Grapholitha ladana is already flying thickly over the aspens, Capua ochraceana in profusion among the hornbeams, and I took a few Lobesia servillatia among the sallows a iQ.\N afternoons ago. There is, of course, a rush of species in my breeding cages, and setting is quite a business. Larvge also seem plentiful. — C. Fenn, Eversden House, Burnt Ash Hill, Lee. June c^ih, 1892. HonHon. — The earliest sallows were in full bloom the last week in March. On one evening only were moths abundant, and they were the commoner Taniocampida^ and hybernated Cerastes, with one rarity to make up — a female rubiginea. The latter is of the pale ochreous- brown ground colour form, and has since obligingly laid eggs. Some hatched early in May, and are feeding on apple and dandelion, though they refused the latter when young. I visited the sallows frequently, but found few visitors, as the bright moon and east winds in the earlier part of April, whilst they were at their prime, seemed to keep insects away, the only successful night (that on which I took rubiginea) being cloudy, and a warm west wind blowing gently. Cidaria silaceata emerged in my cages (indoors) towards the end of April, from larvae bred last autumn. All the imagines, except one, have the dark trans- verse band divided by a fine pale line ; whilst some imagines taken at light at the end of last August, and so fresh that they had evidently just come out, all have the band without this division.! I think there can be no doubt that there are two broods in the south of England, one at the end of April and the beginning of May, and the other towards the middle and end of August. I have taken four female Numeria pulveraria, flying during the day time in bright sunny weather along the hedgerows. If missed at the first stroke of the net, they dive down into the herbage, but are easily disturbed by the stick or captured by searching. They appear to be looking out for sallow on 1 Vide, Ent. Rcc, vol. ii., p. 297. — Ed. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 203 which to deposit their eggs, for one I took early in May between twelve and one o'clock, in very perfect condition, laid a large batch of eggs within an hour or two, on being placed in a large chip box covered with muslin. I do not remember seeing this habit of the female noticed, as the insects are usually supposed to fly at dusk. I have bred two Ephyra omicronaria from an ordinary marked female, in which the usual wing marking, a central spot, is obsolete. Is this a common variety elsewhere? I netted one here last spring in a wood, in which it is very indistinct — only just visible, but I have never before come across specimens in which it was absent. Leucophasia sinapis is supposed to be a wood insect, but both last year and this I have taken it flying along the hedges of the lanes far away from any woods or copses. Its smaller size and fluttering slow flight easily distinguish it at a distance. I killed two with ammonia, but find they are permanently damaged by it, as the yellow colour induced does not pass off. Can anyone tell me, from their experience, whether the vapour of vinegar or some mild acid would restore the original pure white colour ? My son took a specimen in very fair condition, as late as the beginning of the present month. — W. J. Riding, Buckerell Lodge, Honiton. June 2\st, 1892. Essex Marshes. — I found Dichrorhainpha phcinbagana, D. plumbana and Psyche radiella, on the 6th of May, at Benfleet ; Stenopteryx noctuella (common), Heliodes arbuli, Eupcccilia affinifana, Argyrolepia ceneana (one only), Spilosoma mendica, and larvae of Eriogaster lanesiris on the 29th of May, near Benfleet; Sericoris littorana, Agdistis bejinetii, Funiea reiicella, at Shoeburyness, on the 6th June, but not a single larva of Bombyx castrensis was seen on this occasion, although many well advanced larvae were found a fortnight later. Coleophora salmella and C. artemisicolella were taken on the loth June at Benfleet, and a pair of Eupithecia subutnbrata netted, in the middle of June, at Shoeburyness. Tortrix costana occurred, on the 24th of June, in the same locality, whilst Leucania phragmitidis, Dichrorhainpha polita/ia, Ephippiphora trigejuinafia, Catoptria hyperica?ia, Ho/nceosotna blncBvella and Craiiibus selasellus were taken on the 15th of July at Benfleet. On the iSth of July, Catoptria scopoliana and Euchelia jacobcece. were on the wing, the latter in fair condition, whilst larvte of the same species — adult and young — were on the foodplant. S. noctuella, Cynthia tardui and Plusia gamma were common on the Essex marshes in May. I was particularly pleased to take Fumea reticella. It occurred so freely that, in a short visit, I was able to take thirty-one specimens. — F. G. Whittle. July 25//?, 1892. Isle of Wight. — Since my note of August ist {ante., p. 181) we have here had some very fine sunny weather, and bearing in mind the old adage of " making your hay while the sun shines," I have " made hay " to a considerable, although not literal, extent amongst our welcome immigrant, C. edusa, recollecting that it is fifteen years since we all had a similar opportunity. My friend, Mr. Abbott, joined us on the iSth, and our united captures since edusa appeared (July 21st) have resulted in filling up a very long series of picked forms, including no less than twenty-one var. helice, among which are two very fine forms, inter- mediate between the var. and the type, in which the usual white or very pale shade of helice is replaced by shades of very pale yellow 204 THE entomologist's record, inclining to a deeper bistre towards the middle of the upper wing. In another case, the usual bright orange spot on each underwing, which stands out so conspicuously in normal helice, is of nearly the same pale shade as the ground colour, and is only rendered conspicuous by a slightly different tone, and by the circumscription. '' Sugaring " has been very unsuccessful, but is now improving again nightly, excepting when south-westerly gales sweep the Downs almost bare of everything except the enthusiastic " bug-hunter," who, in his vain struggles to obtain AgroUs obelisca for his friends, will face the elements in their most blustering moods. A. saiicia has turned up singly again after being absent here for several seasons, but Aporophyla aiistralis at present, is very scarce, the first specimen taken, although much earlier than usual (August 19th) being much worn, whilst those taken since have been in fine condition. Amongst species now occurring at (to me) unusually late dates are Thyaiyra bails, at sugar, August 22nd and 25th; Calligejiia miniata, 2X^0 at sugar, about August 25th; Vimhtia rumicis, still at sugar, August 29th; Arctia menthastri, at rest, August 29th. In addition to these, several double-brooded species are now out in fine condition. Acidalia emutaria, very fine, but scarce ; also A. protJiutata \ while Noctua rubi and Agfotis puta appear nightly fresh as paint, and Cosmia affitiis, with one C. diffitiis, again graced the sugar last week. Miatia jurunciila is still deferring its "positively last ap- pearance for the season." Amongst Rhopalocera, Pararge megth, 1892. Castle Cary. — Colias edusa, Cynthia cardui and other Lepidoptera are frequent in this locality. I saw both the above species on the wing to- day, though it was windy. — W. Macmillan, Castle Cary. August 6th, 1892. Reading. — It is a butterfly year this time. Most species have been plentiful. Colias edusa was not uncommon here in the early part of June, all worn though, so I let them pass on. Why will people hunt these down, and call them fresh ? I am afraid a good many have been slaughtered, and the chances of a good lot in the autumn so much lessened. Cynthia cardui and Vanessa atalanta were swarming at the same time. Nobody raises a doubt whether these were hybernated. Limenitis sibylla has not been so abundant for years. The same with Leucophasia sinapis, Nemeobius lucina and all the Fritillaries. Apatura iris is in great force, often five or six to be seen about one tree. Vanessa antiopa was seen twice in the beginning of June, not taken, but unmistakably identified. The buckthorn is in rags, the work of larvae of Gonepieryx rhamni. Larvae of Cynthia cardui and Vatiessa atalanta are on the nettles and thistles everywhere. For the moths the season is a good one all round. Crowds of Nocru^ and Geometry showed up at sugar till July, when the quantity became less but the quality better. Cosniia pyralina is on now, both here and at Swansea. The latter place seems to be better for this species than Reading, judging from the last night's sugaring I had there, when Captain Robertson and I took fifteen specimens among the elms, on which they probably feed. Some few species which were plentiful last year have not yet appeared. Noctua stigmatica I have not seen yet; but for the last day or so the wind is set dead east, and I don't expect to see it much till we get a change. Is hornbeam the chief food plant of Capua favillaceana ? I have reason to think it may be Spanish chestnut, in some districts at least. This species is uncommon at Reading. Out in the Hastings woods I found it very plentiful in May. A large proportion of the undergrowth in the woods about Hastings is chestnut, and favillaceana always turned up amongst this and not among the hornbeams ; in one wood in particular the whole cover was chestnut, and " the " only moth there was favillaceana, but this NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 207 absolutely swarmed at rest on the stems and branches. I find on referring to my note-book, that in the only place I take the moth near Reading, there is some chestnut growing but no hornbeam. Argyrolepia hartmanniana too, what is it supposed to feed on ? At Swansea last year I got this moth commonly by brushing Scabiosa succisa, wherever the plant grew. I mentioned this to a friend the other day, and he brought in hartmanniana a day or so after from his place, Basingstoke, where he had never seen it before. He brushed it out of the Scabious in the same way. The larvae of Cidaria silaceata, which I have just brought home, how like they are to the capsules of the Epilobiiini on which they are feeding ! — W. Holland, Reading. July 2']th, 1892. Norfolk Broads. — I have just returned from the Norfolk Broads, where I cannot say I have found the season a good one. The weather was, however, much against collecting, and almost the whole time I was there the weather was cold and dull with a N.E. wind. Only a couple of Leucania brevilinea rewarded my efforts, exactly the same number as I obtained last year. Nonagria canncz were scarcer than last year. Lithosia muscerda and Nonagria neurica I never saw. — A. Robinson. August, 1892. Szvanage, Ringwood and Neighbourhood. — Night work during a stay in the above named locality from July i8th to August 2nd was very disappointing, owing no doubt to the general prevalence of N.E. winds and cold nights. Day work, however, was more satisfactory. Argynnis paphia, A. adippe and Limenitis sibylla were very plentiful, and in good condition at the beginning of my stay there, but they very soon became chipped and worn. A. paphia var. vales inay^'i.?, fairly common. It has a habit of resting with closed wings on the tree trunks, to which it bears a striking resemblance. The type paphia does not appear to rest like this, but goes among the leaves. Gonepteryx rhanmi, Fanessa io, V. atalanta, V. eardui and the autumn brood oi Parargeczgeria were just appearing by the end of July. I took Theda quercus in the forest, and a nice freshly emerged lot of Lyccena ccgon on the heath on July 2 1 St. Among the moths I took Calligenia miniata, Lithosia comp'ana, Calliinorpha dominula (worn), Cilix spinula, Cuspidia psi, Calyninia trapezina, Folia flavicincta, Metrocampa niargaritaria, Tephrosia crcpuscularia^ Thera variata and Melanippe hasiata, at rest ; Anarta myrtilli, flying over heather ; Bupalus piniaria, flying round pine ; Heliothis dipsaceus, disturbed among grass in a meadow, and Ellopia fasciaria, Eupisieria obliferata, Macaria liturata, Eubolia mensuraria and E. plunibaria by beating. Then as to night work, flower blossoms were the most productive ; Lithosia mesoinella, Leucania lithargyria, Xylophasia polyodon, Caradrina alsines, Agrotis porphyrea (common), Noctua trianguluni, Triphcena subsequa (i), T. orbona, T. pronuba, Pachyneniia hippocastanaria, Eubolia plunibaria, Endotricha flanunealis and Ebulea crocealis, on heather ; Caradrina blanda and Apamea didynia, on bramble; Eupithecia absynthiata, on ragwort; Lithosia coniplanula, LLepialus hectus, Xylophasia lithoxylea, Apamea didyma, Miana furu)tcula, Acidalia emarginata and Anticlea rubidata, flymg at dusk in lanes. Treacle only produced Cymatophora duplaris (i), Leucania lithargyria (i), Noctua brunnea (i), Nvnia typica (2), Orlhosia ypsilon (2) and one or two Triphcena pronuba and Boarmia 208 THE entomologist's record. repandata, while light attracted Bonibyx fiei/stria, Odonestis potatoria, Habrostola triplasia and Selenia ii/uiiafia. Two days at Swanage, July 29th and August ist, was productive of some splendid fresh Colias edusa, Arge galaiea, Lyccena alexis, L. corydon, L. alsus, Thaumas tages and a fine lot of Hcsperia adcEOti. Macroglossa stellatarum were flying about commonly, but I only succeeded in catching one. Zygcena filipendidce were flying as thick as flies. I also took Bryophila gla?idifera, B. perla, Phytomeira ce^iea and Miana fimincula. — VV. Bloomfield, 14, Canterbury Road, London, N. September ^th, 1892. Manchester. — On August 26th I saw a fine female Colias edusa, taken that day in a field near my house. I do not think edusa has been seen in this neighbourhood since 1877. A friend of mine then took two of the type and one helice, about a mile away from here. — B. H. Crab- tree, The Oaklands, Grange Avenue, Levenshulme, Manchester. Sept. 5///, 1892. Afariow, Bucks. — Some Colias edusa have been brought in to me here, but I have not seen a single var. heiicr. at present, nor have I taken C hyale yet. — (Rev.) Bernard Smith. August 2?>th, 1892. Forest Gate. — I have only seen one Colias hyale here yet ; this I unfortunately missed. — B. L. Nussey. August 29//^, 1S92. Colchester and Essex Coast. — My son Bernard took a good ^ Colias hyale last Saturday, 13th inst., and his younger brother Philip took one on Monday, 8th. We have also taken several nice varieties of C. edusa and Cynthia cardui, but have looked in vain, thus far, for Pieris daplidice, Argynnis latho?iia, which ought to turn up this year, Deiopeia piil- chella, which may be expected again now, Vanessa a?itiopa, etc. On Wednesday, the 17th, I took two nice C. hyale, and one of my sons took one, and saw two others. The species is not in the least likely to to be confined to this district, so that there will be plenty of records in another month probably. We took the first at St. Osyth, on the Essex coast, and the others at Myland and Sexden, two of the outlying parishes of the borough of Colchester. — W. H. Harwood, Colchester. Cambridge. — I have not much to report this season. The " lions " of the year have not neglected us, Cynthia cardui in profusion in May and June, and again now ; one (to my knowledge) edusa was seen in June. They are quite common now in suitable localities. What an insect the " clouded yellow " is to carry the entomologist back ; quite a golden landmark in one's life ! Two or three weeks ago, on the old Roman road, three miles out of the .town — happy hunting-ground for Lyccena alsus, Chccrocampa porcellus, Ajiticlea sinuata, and in days gone by of L. acis — three otherwise sedate enough entomologists might have been observed rushing madly about after yellow butterflies ; not, indeed, catching so many as if they had stood still and struck at them as they flew by , but it was fifteen years ago since either of them had seen edusa, except one or two worn ones in 1889, and the old association and memories called up by the sight of these yellow strangers flitting about in all directions took them back those fifteen years, and so they must needs run for the time. Plusia gainma has fairly owi-gamma-di. itself for commonness, and Plutella cruciferarum thoroughly maintains its repu- tation as a pest. Apatnea ophiogramma has been with me the best thing of the season. Working in a small locality close by, where it used to be taken years ago, I succeeded in getting a good series ; and^ two NOTES ON COLLECTIN(=;, ETC. 209 other collectors, at least, were equally successful. They were on the wing a long time ; the first I know of was taken about the 5th or 6th of July. I took them in first-rate condition myself from the 15th to the 26th, after which 1 was obliged, owing to other matters, to abandon them, but I know of captures up to the 5th of August. They are genuine dusk flyers, about half-an-hour being the time allotted one to get them. I took three or four by walking about with a light after dark, but dusk is undoubtedly the time. They fly quietly, look very light on the wing, settle about on different flowers, Scrophuluria and nettles for preference, and are very quiet in the net and easy to box. — Wm. Farren, Cambridge. August x^th, 1892. Liverpool. — Colias edusa has been fairly abundant on the sandhills on the north side of the river, and I took one at Wallasey. Agrotis prcecox was somewhat more plentiful than usual ; A. cursoria and A. valligera scarcer ; whilst A. tritici showed up with some nice forms. Vanessa atalanta and Cyfiihia cardui have appeared in some numbers. We do not usually see much of either in this neighbourhood. A week ago we found about thirty larvce of Macroglossa stellatarum, since then incessant rain has stopped collecting. — G. A. Harker, 100, Huskisson Street, Liverpool. September ^tJi, 1892. Hackfiey. — The enclosed specimen of Colias edusa is the third taken in our garden at Hackney this season. I have not noticed it in London before. I took a male of this insect on June 15th last at Walmer, Kent, which had, from the freshness of its colour, only just emerged from the chrysalis. Is not this very early ? — Walter Butters, South Hackney, N.E. August 2(^th, 1892. [Athough fresh in colour, I should say that the specimen taken on June 15th had not recently emerged and was most probably an immigrant. It was just at that time that specimens (presumably immigrants) were common all over the southern half of England. — Ed.] Bournemouth., Swanage a7id New Forest. — I saw a specimen of C. edusa flying over the headi at Bournemouth in the beginning of July, but in spite of a long chase did not succeed in taking it, not having a net with me. Soon after that several were seen at Swanage, where the species was very plentiful on August 5th, but no var. helice were to be seen. During August I hear that edusa was to be seen even in the gardens at Bournemouth. I have noticed that Macroglossa stellatarum and Uropteryx sambucata were both unusually plentiful this year ; whilst I found Argynnis adippe far more common than usual during July in the New Forest. With careful searching I managed to take several Nemoria virtdata at the end of June at Bournemouth, where I also took Nola confusalis, Amphydasis betularia, Pseudoterpna cytisaria, Afiarta myrtilli, Sesia bembeciformis, Liparis salicis, Phytometra cenea, Hdiothis aipsaceus (i), Nola cucullatella, besides many other common species. Out of three expeditions which I made in July to the New Forest, two turned out hopelessly wet. But during the three days I took Argynnis paphia and Limenitis sibylla plentifully, though they did not seem quite so common as last year, I was rather early for var. valezina, but we secured two or three, and missed as manv more. Phytometra cenea was fairly common, as was Argynnis adippe. I took a few fine specimens of Argynnis aglaia, and one or two A. euphrosyne in good condition, late though it was. Amongst other things I took Hepialus hcctus, Metro- 210 THE entomologist's record. campa margaritaria, Lithosia mesomella, Apleda nebulosa and one Thecla qiiercus. I also took five small larvae of Dicraniira furcula \ whilst those of D. viniila and Gonoptera libatrix were common. At Swanage on July 15th I found Besperia aciceon fairly common and in good condition, and hear that on August 5th they were more plentiful than ever ; as, alas ! were its captors. Phytonietra cejiea and Macroglossa siellatarum were on the wing, as were also Zygcena filipejidiiloi and Z. lonicerce, of the latter of which I took a nice variety^ with confluent spots. — (Rev.) J. A. Mackonochie, Douglas, N.B. September c^th, 1892. Lanark, N.B. — In Scotland insects seem rather more plentiful than last year here (Douglas), which is, however, saying but little. Charceas graminis has been very common in August, and I have taken some nice dark forms of Cidaria mssata and populata. Besides these I have taken Carsia imbutata fairly plentifully in one particular spot, Eiibolia mensuraria, Cidaria dotata, a few CcelcencB hmvorfhii, Miana fasciuncula^ Plusia iota, Oporabia filigi^ainmaria (i), Coremia propng?iata (i). I have also seen one or two Vanessa tirticcB, Pieris rapcc and Ccenonympha pamphihis — quite a marked occurrence, as butterflies of any description are a great rarity here ! — Id, Sivansea. — On August 20th I took a very fine ? Sphinx convolvidi hovering over a bed of Nicotiana affinis, which I had planted on purpose ; and on the 22nd another female was brought into the house by a cat ; whilst on the 31st I took two males, but have seen none since, the weather being too stormy. — R. B, Robertson, Sketty Park. September 5///, 1892. Sussex and Hampshire. — I have much pleasure in recording the occurrence of Colias hyale this year in Sussex. I have taken six specimens as follows : — August 20th, one, about three miles east of Brighton; 22nd, one, near Lewes; 23rd, two, between Lewes and Brighton; 25th, one, about three miles west of Brighton ; 30th, one more in the same place. It thus appears to have been thinly distributed over a somewhat large area in that part of Sussex. In addition to the above I have seen six specimens on the setting boards of two Brighton collectors. Var. helice appears to have been somewhat more plentiful than C. hyale, thirteen specimens having fallen to my net, seven in Sussex and six in this part of Hampshire. One specimen has the spots in the border almost entirely absent, and two or three edusa vary in the same way. Another helice is of a pale saffron colour, and I have one edusa intermediate in colour to this and the type. It seems somewhat difficult where the colijur is so variable, to say exactly where edusa ends and var. helice begins. — H. Packham, Crofton, Fareham, Hants, Perth. — I had a look at the ragwort bloom for the first time this season last night ; and as it was moist and warm, there were a great many insects at it, especially Noctua xanthographa, four or five of this species being on every bloom. Amongst my captures I took three newly-emerged Agrotis obelisca in perfect condition, besides a number of finely marked vars. of A. nigiicans. If this warm weather continues, I believe we shall have a successful autumn collection. — J. Wylie, Perth. August 24th, 1892. ^ Is the captor sure that the species was not ttijoiii ? It is so rare an occurrence for lonicerce to have confluent spots. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 211 Boxhill and North Kent. — In company with a member of the North Kent Society (Mr. E. Knight), I pai'i a short visit to Boxhill, and found C. edusa just coming out. We managed to take seven after great labour, on the slopes of the hills between there and Reigate on July 24th. From July 24th to August 2rst, Mr. Knight and I spent all the time we could get in the North Kent Marshes, between Higham and Woolwich, where we found C. edusa very abundant, especially in the clover and lucerne fields ; of the first fifty taken by us, only thirteen were females. We also captured Colias hyale, and saw one other. The second week of August seemed very like the first ; C. edusa was abundant, var. helice and hyale occurred but very sparingly, our record being two of each (of the latter). On August 21st we had our best day. Messrs. J. Wilson, E. Knight, and myself went down to Graves- end, counting fifty-seven edusa on the railway banks going down. Near Gravesend we got into one clover field where edtcsa nearly equalled in numbers the whites ; and what was better than all, var. helice and hyale occurred in greater numbers than we had seen it before. I should think one out of every five or six were hyale, and one out of every ten or eleven were var. helice ; we managed to secure twenty hyale and nine helice. We saw C. edusa flying in the main streets of both Gravesend and Northfleet, and severally have actually been taken in the Royal Arsenal. We found the males near Gravesend quite twice as numerous as the females. — H. Allbuarv, 42, Elm Street, Plumstead. Wimbledon. — Having found Wimbledon a rather productive locality last year, I determined to visit it again this year, partly to increase my own collection, and partly to work up some beetle localities for the London fauna list, which has been taken in hand by the City of London Entomological Society. Three visits have been made, one in April, another in June, and a third in August. The weather having been rather cold, I restricted my operations on the first visit to tuft-cutting in the ravine, and only took one good insect, namely, a nice specimen of Colon serripes ; but as this was the first Colon I had ever taken, I was tolerably well satisfied. In June I spent a whole day on the common with my brother, and insects were plentiful in quantity and good in quality. By sweeping down the ravine I took Zeugophora subs/>inosa, Malthodes atonius, Telephorus lateralis, and, rather strangely, Hydropones memnonius. By searching among the reed refuse I secured Luslus rufescejis and L. fulviharbis, Acupalpus gyllenhali, Oxypoda unibrata and nigrina, Agabus didyimis and paludosus ; and while search- ing I saw an Anchonunus, running up one of the reed stems, which proved to be A. livens. By the banks of the stream running by the side of the common, Callicerus obscurus and Cercyon aquaiicus turned up, and by beating I took Rhynchites megacephalus and Erirhinus treniulce, while my brother took Rhynchites ceneovirens and Cxliodes subrufus. Coming back, as it was getting dusk, I recommenced sweep. ng in the hope of getting some club-horns, and I succeeded in getting one Colon t~ufescens, also Ocalea castafiea and Galeruca tenella. In August I confined my operations almost entirely to sweeping, but the wind was strong and cold, and insects were not plentiful. The sheltere*.! spots on the common, however, produced Fhytobius ivaltoni 212 THE entomologist's record. and p. comari, and single specimens of Oxypoda umbrata, Donatoma flavicornis, Balaninus cerasorum, and Plectroscelis subccBrulea. The banks of the stream again produced Cercyon aqiiaticus, and the little beating that was done resulted in three Ceutorhynchus riigulosiis. — H. Heasler, 17, Danby Street, Peckham, S.E. September ^ih, 1892. Isle of Wight, — In addition to the late occurrence of previously- named species, I was very surprised to capture at sugar (September 3rd) a very fine TriphcBna subscqua in the same wood that my previous specimens were captured in. Earlier in the week (about ist inst.) my friend Mr. Abbott, and my brother, captured a single belated Blsulcia ligustri, also in the finest condition. — Albert J. Hodges. LiTHOSiA deplana (helvola). — -While in the New Forest last month I found the larvre of L. deplana very abundant, beating it commonly from both oak and beech. All the authorities give lichen as the foodplant; but I found that most of the larvae were on trees with no lichen at all. I tried feeding them on oak leaves and beech leaves (both fresh and dried), also on lichen from both trees, but they refused everything. Perhaps some collector, more successful than myself, can inform me what they feed on, and whether they will thrive in confinement. — Reginald S. Sellon, The Hall, Sydenham. Capture of Deiopeia pulchella in August. — On August 14th, after getting the C. ediisa, recorded elsewhere, I chased and captured a moth on the shore, not ten yards from the sea, facing Hayling Island ; it showed white wings and frequently settled, but was off again. At first I took it to be a large Pyrale or Crambus, but found to my delight that it was I), pulchella. I see a notice of another taken at Gosport, and personally consider them foreigners ; for the wind was blowing so strongly that it would not have taken many hours to cross the Channel that morning. — J. Henderson^ Streatham. Acherontia atropos in Northumberland. — I had sent to me by a friend a living specimen of Ache7'07itia atropos on July 27th, taken near Morpeth. — John Finlay, Meldon Park, Morpeth. August e^th, 1892. Sphinx convolvuli in Lincolnshire. — On the evening of August 20th, whilst I was watching some plants of Nicoiiana affinis, a specimen of Sphinx convolvuli appeared on the scene. It came to the tobacco flowers, but, being alarmed, flew off to some sweet peas. Then it visited a phlox, but soon returned to the tobaccos, hovering over which it was quickly captured. It proved to be a female, and was so denuded of scales that I put it down to be an immigrant. Panton is not more than twenty miles distant from the coast. — (Rev.) G. H. Raynor, Panton Rectory, Wragby. Deiopeia pulchella at Folkestone. — I have a very fine female specimen oi D. pulchella, taken here on August 17th. It is the largest specimen I ever saw ; it measures nearly two inches across the wings. — VV. J. Austen, 2, Radnor Street, Folkestone. Plusia orichalcea. — I tender my most grateful thanks to Mr. Farren for his " wrinkles " on the method of finding F. orichalcea larvae {ante, vol. ii., p. 294). I went out in search of them the first week in June, as suggested by him, and took twenty larvae on June 2nd ; also two on the 3rd. I only came across one or two afterwards. The time mentioned seems the best time to get them, as they are full-fed NOTES ON COLLKOIINO, ETC. 213 or nearly so. I dug up some roots of pAipatorium, and planted thern in the garden. Having the larvse on the plants I went away with a clear conscience. On looking in my pupa box to-day, I found eleven beauties had emerged, and two cripples. — R. B. RoiiKUTSON, Swansea. July will, 1892. Times of Flight. — I see {afite, p. 186) it stated by Mr. Quail that Satumia carpmi rviales fly between 2.30 and 4.30 p.m., there is no doubt but that they do ; but my experience of the species is that the males are on the wing before 1 1 a.m. ; and I have always found them more difficult to net between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., /.fk, 1892. — Mr. C. J. W^ainwright exhibited some nice specimens of Xylota sylvarum from Wyre Forest, forms oi Amphydasis betularia, intermediate between the type and var. doubledayaria, etc. Mr. G. W. Wynn, a box of moths taken on sugar during two nights at Wyre Forest, including a nice row of Aplecta tincla, Cossus ligjtiperda, Cymaiophora or, etc. Mr. A. Johnson showed series of Cheerocampa elpetior, Sphinx ligustri, etc., and some varieties of Arctia caia from larvce fed on lettuce. — Colbran J. Wainwright, Hon. Sec. South London Entomological Society. — Thursday, August 2^tii, 1892. — Although there was only a small attendance, a few good exhibits were made. Mr. Nussey exhibited a specimen of Polyonunatus phlccas with only the central spot on the fore-wing, and another with entirely dark hind-wings, Lyccena icarus with the dots on the undersides deve- loped into dark dashes, and a dark banded Argynnis euphrosyne. Mr. Allbuary, a fine series of Colias edusa and its var. heiice, taken near Gravesend ; also two living Vanessa uriicce, in one of which the whole of the normal bright red colour was of an ochreous tint ; a large specimen of Melanippe hastata from Shepherdswell ; Deiopeia pulchella taken on Whit Monday at St. Margaret's; Lobophora hexapterata from ' Piinled ante, p. 196. 216 THE ENTOMOLOGISTS RECORD. Bexley Woods, and Acidalia rusticata taken as late as August 21st. Mr. Hawes, a second brood of Thanaos tages. It was remarked that it had been seen in the New Forest on August 20th. Mr. Adkin exhibited Apafura iris, and Mr. Carpenter a series of Argynnis paphia var. valesina, also a specimen with pale patches in the centre of the wings. Mr. Hawes had taken Colias hyale and edusa at Felixstowe, whilst Mr. Carrington, referring to the variation of edusa, remarked that he had heard of no very unusual varieties except a helice with green hind- wings, and a typical specimen almost as small sls phlceas. Thursday, September 2>th, 1892. — Another small attendance, many members still being away from town. Mr. Frohawk exhibited Satyrus semele bred from ova laid by a female captured in the New Forest. Mr. Fenn a brood of riissata, the ? having been captured at Chattenden. There were practically three forms, (i) with a whitish central band, (2) with a black central band, (3) with a yellow band = var. cetitum- notaia. Of the latter variety one specimen showed the yellow of a particularly pale coloration, looking almost as if worn. Mr. Fenn further exhibited Colias edusa, a female quite black banded, another with only one or two yellow dots on the band, also var. helice ; also specimens of Cosmia pyralina from Reading. Mr. Winkley, a peculiar variety of Catocala nupta. Mr. Frohawk said that he had examined the specimen by daylight, and found the normal red colour of the hind wing was in this specimen pale brown, shot on the surface with purple. By gaslight the specimen looked of a purple-brown tint. The fore-wings were also much darker than is usual in this species. Mr. Tugwell, three dark- banded specimens of Spilosoma luhricipeda with their Yorkshire parents. These three were only in pupa three weeks, emerging in August last. Mr. Carpenter, Sirexjuvencus from Belsize Park. Mr. Manger, a specimen of Cynthia cardui taken at sea 30 miles from Algiers. Mr. S. Stevens, a rather large specimen of a Botys allied to or identical with fuscalis taken at Totland Bay in June last, with typical fuscalis and terrealis. Mr. Fenn thought there was some difference in the transverse lines from fuscalis, but after careful examination Messrs. Frohawk and Tutt could find no point of difference between this specimen 2S\^ fuscalis, except its size, a slightly sharper angle at the upper part of the elbowed line and some pale patches between the nervures of the hind-wings, but the two latter points were both exhibited in one or other of the typical fuscalis exhibited. Mr. Tugwell considered it was a large fuscalis. Mr. Harry Moore exhibited the following Orthoptera from Cadiz: — Decticus intennedius, D. albifrotis, CEdipoda fasciata, and Pachytylus cinerascens. Mr. Jenner Weir exhibited four specimens of Fyrameis cardui, which he had reared from larvce collected at Westgate in July last on thistles, the chrysalids had been subjected immediately after metamorphosis to a temperature of 57° Fahr., the result was that the whole of the eight specimens which had become imagines showed a decided darkening of colour, chiefly brought about by the black of the wings occupying a much larger area, and the fine innermost row of spots on the lower wings being not only of increased size but often confluent. Also a specimen of Epinephele iaiiira $ , with a clearly-defined ocellus on the upper side of the lower wings. Messrs. Frohawk and Tutt remarked that they had never noticed an ocellus on the lower wings in this species. — Er>. <^^^"^ AND %^ JOURNAL OF VARIATION. No. 10. Vol. III. October 15th, 1892. THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. By Dr. T. A. CHAPMAN. {Continued Jroni page 195.) \OMA ORION {continued). — In the second skin, the larva is at first colourless as it was on hatching, but as it grows, it takes on some colouring, faintly outlining the richness of the adult larva. The tubercles are still large, giving a rugged outline to the larva if closely looked at. The 5th and 6th segments are widest. It narrows towards the head and again to the nth segment, the I2th and 13th are again very large, forming two dorsal humps, the head is pale, with two transverse rufous bands. The general colour is creamy yellow, with a red brown dorsal line and another below the trapezoidals. On segments 3 and 4, this lower line runs through the outer trapezoidal and another red line runs between them, the result of the five lines and the tubercles between is to strongly suggest a slashed and puffed sleeve. On 5 and 7 the dorsal line is absent, and is faint on 10. On 6, the two lines meet in a broad band, round the anterior trapezoidal, and in front of the posterior the incisions are also red brown. On 8 and g the dorsal line sends a curved branch forward between the trapezoidals, forming a trident-shaped mark. On the nth segment, the colour is increased by the dorsal line widening behind the anterior trapezoidals and the outer one behind the posterior. 12 has the dorsal trident, but no lateral line, 13 and 14 have no lines. On the 4th to loth segments (and the others arc similar), the anterior trapezoidals have four secondary hairs, the much larger posterior have five secondary hairs and an indication of an outer row of 10 or 12, the supra-spiracular have also five 218 THE ENTOMOLOGISTS RECORD. or six secondary hairs ; there is no trace of the central dot seen in the first skin, but there is, between and behind the anterior trapezoidals, a depressed area fading out forwards, with straight sides and angulated behind. The post-spiracular dwindles, but the sub-spiracular has acquired some secondary hairs. On ii, the tubercles are smaller and have fewer secondary hairs than the others. On 3 and 4, the outer trapezoidals and supra-spiracular are nearly fused. The ar- rangement of hairs on the 2nd segment is so complicated, and they are so abundant as to make description practically out of the question. The head is nearly colourless and has at least five hairs on either side. The prolegs have now assumed the unilateral form with g-ii hooks — the anal have nine hooks. The larva still eats the lower side of the leaf, leaving the upper cuticle and veins, it never leaves any cell untouched, so that a leaf often presents a very perfect skeleton, but with the upper cuticle. They still march forward shoulder to shoulder, their heads exactly in line and their sides touching, and some- times 40 or 50 in a row. When disturbed they drop by a thread, and throwing the head back, have the form of a letter S. I do not know how they manage, in the wild state, to reform their procession after such a disturbance. In the third skin (after 2nd moult) it has much of the colouring of the adult larva, the head is rather deeply cleft, giving an angular outline much like th3itoi A crony da (CuspidiaJ alni, and is black, with green radial marblings, but the propor- tion of each is very variable ; it is very rounded, smooth and polished, and has a dozen or more hairs on either side, of which four or five are decidedly larger than the others. On 5, 6 and 12 the tubercles are large, forming humps. The general colour is pale yellowish green, marbled dorsally with blackish red, 6 is the darkest segment, and has only a small creamy patch behind the posterior trapezoidals ; 5, 7 and 10, have a clear, creamy dorsal lozenge, including the trape- zoidals on the other segments; 8, g and 12 have the trape- zoidals yellow, and the anterior are so also on 3 and 4. On 8, 9, II, 12, the ground colour tends to form a broad sub- dorsal pale line through the posterior trapezoidals. There are no dark markings on 13 and 14. Except some long lateral hairs on 2, 3 and 4, which are dark, all the hairs are pale or whitish. The supra-spiracular are dark on 2, 3, 4 ; from 5 backwards, pale. There is some reddish marbling below these ; the THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. 219 sub-spiracular tubercles are smaller and paler. Except the post-spiracular, which appears to be obsolete, all the tubercles are highly developed and have 5-10 hairs. The inner dorsal tubercles, however, of 3 and 4, are worthy of special note, they stand up, leaning somewhat forward, as great mammillae, narrowing towards the apex. Other tubercles somewhat approach this form. When full-fed in this skin the larva has a riband-like aspect due to the sides being parallel and the- back flattened, and the flattening appears more complete than it really is, from the arrangement of the colouring, viz.,hro3.d\y noted, a yellow larva with the flat dorsum coloured dark claret or deep red, in which are three yellow lozenges stretching across segments 5, 7 and 10, and in the others, two yellow spots, marking the outer ends of such lozenges, these being smallest on 6. After the third moult (in fourth skin) it is a red larva with black and yellow markings, a black lump on 6th segment (with two yellow dots behind) a yellow raised patch (hump ?) on 5, 7 and 10, and a small black hump on 12. The red colour is due to the trapezoidals which are so coloured and of large size. On the yellow patches (5, 7 and 10) they are yellow, and on 6 black ; on 12 their inner halves are black. The back is otherwise black from the upper margin of the supra- spiracular tubercles, with two very narrow yellow dorsal lines indicated, one between and one below the trapezoidals ; a conspicuous yellow (nearly white) patch is present on each side in front of hump on 12. The sides are marked by several alternate lines of yellow and fuscous, the lower parts are very delicate and transparent still, and may be called colourless or pale fuscous. The hairs are whitish and longer than the diameter of the larva, more than twice this on 2, 3, 4, 12 and 13. The head is black with yellow marblings and a yellow- patch at upper end of clypeus, and one on each side of this. From this to the last skin there is little change except in the abundance and conspicuousness of the hairs. In the last skin these are either rufous or whitish, but always so abundant as to make it rather a hairy larva, they especially hang abundantly over the head Skye-terrier fashion. A specially pale larva possesses yellow lozenges on segments 4 to 10 or II, encircling and including the trapezoidals, much like those on A. alni. On 5, 7 and 10 the tubercles are of same colour, on 9 only, the posterior trapezoidals are red and linked together by a red band, in the others (4, 6, 8, 11), 220 THE entomologist's record. the tubercles are all red. In the typical larva these red tubercles are so surrounded by red areas as to obscure what is essentially the case, viz., the existence of these lozenges on all segments, only those on 5, 7 and 10 being conspicuous. The tubercles are still large, but the anterior are relatively small and almost in line with the posterior, across the larva. This results in a red band encircling each segment. The most remarkable feature of the larva is the disappear- ance of the 2nd segment. This is reduced dorsally to an exceedingly narrow black collar, with two white transverse lines, but is hard to see from the thick fringe of hair passing forwards over the head from segment 3. Laterally, it pos- sesses two tubercles of ordinary type, of a pale cinereous colour. Immediately behind these is the ist spiracle, black and very large. The other spiracles are black, surrounded by paler areas. At all stages the head is large, and this gives a somewhat unusual appearance at the moults. The dislocation of the head, which takes place when laid up, has a specially un- healthy and repulsive aspect, the large head giving an appear- ance as if the larva had just moulted, rather than of being about to do so. The progressive atrophy of the 2nd segment adds to the unhealthy look by placing the new head under a very bald membrane, out of place in a hairy larva. In the fourth skin, certain larvae become rather larger than others, and moult directly into the last skin, others take an intermediate moult. What I have to say on this point is, perhaps, more interesting than if I had succeeded in making more definite observations. I secured larvae in 1887 from the New Forest, and had several broods from these in 1888. Not being prepared for this variation in moulting, the result was that I concluded I had made some error in counting the moults, and had got muddled. In i88g, however, I found that this variation occurred, about half the larvae adopting each method. I fancied, therefore, that following Orgvia antiqua possibly they were th August, 1892, |§URRENT NOTES. Mr. E. Saunders has io\xn^Elen:hus tenuicornis, Kirby, to be parasitic on a Homopterous insect of the genus Liburnia (probably allied to hrevipennis). 'J'he Rev. A. E. Eaton writes a description, and gives figures, of the same species {E.M.M., p. 250). The Rev. C. T. Crutwell records the capture of Ellopia fasciaria var. prasinaria (the green form), Crambus salinellus and Leioptilus lienigianiis at AMeburgh in iSuffolk. Mr. Elisha publishes a description of the larva of Sahimnierdaniia apicel/a (con/pte/ia), and states that they feed on the underside of the leaves of sloe-bushes, being solitary when young, and becoming gregarious as they get older. Dr. Mason states that, when on a visit to the Rev. A. Matthews of Gumley, he noticed a Pyralid which eventually proved to be Hercyna phrygialis, lib. The specimen is said to have been captured in 226 THE entomologist's record. Scotland, bears a slight superficial resemblance to Psodos coracina, and occurs commonly in the Alps and in the Scandmavian mountains, so that collectors in Scotland ought soon to render an account of it. Mr, Saunders adds Psallus albicinctus, Kirschbaum, to the list of British Hemiptera. A single $ example was beaten off a sallow on the 13th of July, at Chobham. Colonel Partridge records having seena/'/^r/i dap/idice ^i Folkestone, whilst his groom saw a Dciopeia pulchella. He also saw a specimen of Plusia f/ioneta on the boards of a beginner, who had taken it at light. Specimens of Deiopeia pulchella are recorded (i) from Battle, captured by Miss Roper on June 4th; (2) from Fonmon Castle, taken by Mr. Jones on June 8th ; (3) from Southampton, by Mr. Rybot on June loth. The record of the occurrence of Tapinostola cojicolor in Staffordshire, in July last, to which we at once drew attention {ante p. 178) has proved to be incorrect as was expected. Lord Rendlesham and his sons captured eleven specimens of Sphinx pinastri at Woodbridge, Suffolk, during the daytime in the first part of August, and left several damaged specimens on the trees. Ova were obtained, and larvae were recorded as feeding up on September 4ih. The Boiys referred to ante, p. 216 is recorded in the official report of the S )uth London Ent. Society as "a new species of Botys allied to fuscalisy The specimen is certainly a large fuscalis, and that was the general opinion of the members present who knew the genus. It is a pity to introduce a supposed new species in this manner. If some authoritative entomologist describes a species and gives it a name the matter can be thrashed out, but this method is altogether objectionable and unscientific. Mr. Bateson, at the Meeting of the Ent. Soc. of London on October 5th, exhibited specimens of Saturnia carpini \\\\\c)i\. he had fed up in a white muslin sleeve, and which had spun their cocoons in white paper; also others which had spun up in a dark muslin sleeve in dark paper. There was no difference in the colour of the cocoons, thus showing that the lai vK had not been influenced by their surroundings. Mr. Poullon then read a paper and stated that the larvre of Aniphy- dasis hetularia when exposed to light were very sensitive to environment. He reared some in the dark, these showed no variation, another lot was kept in darkness during the day, and exposed to the light of a paraffin lamp by night. These produced but slight variation. He found the colours very little altered in the last stage, the previous stages being those in which the larvae were most susceptible. The action of artificial and distinct colours in the larvse did not produce the same colour in the larvae, thus orange produced green, blue produced dark brown, etc. Alelanippe 7nontanata larvae were sensitive to the action of light, Rumia cratcegata very sensitive, whilst those of Catocala electa^ C. elocata, Hemerophila abrnptaria and Boarmia roboraria proved also sensitive. On the other hand, Gnophos obscurata larvte did not respond in any way to the action of light. Messrs. A. Robinson and Jager have been successful in capturing Callimorpha hern again this season in South Devon. Plusia vioneta pupae are recorded as taken by Mr. Gervase Mathew in Kent {vide, Report of Ent. Soc. of London in this number). 227 ,OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. CoLiAS EDUSA AND C. HYALE IN 1S92. — The cvent of the year, entomologically, has been another influx of Coi.as. It is Ijut rarely we are favoured with an appearance in numbers of both our British species ediisa and hyale in the same year ; but this has been one of the few years in which such an event has occurred, and will go down to posterity, if not with 1835, 1857, 185S, 1S68, 1875 and 1876, when both species were almost equally abundant, at any rate, with such years as 1826, 1S43, 1844, when eJusa was very abundant, and hyale by no means rare. In the year 1842 hyale was exceedingly abundant, but there were no ediisa ; in 1868, the hyale greatly outnumbered the edusa ; whilst in 1859, when edusa swarmed, there was only one record for hyale, and in 1877 (probably the "record" year of the century for edusa) there were practically no hyale. That neither edusa nor hyale have a permanent home among us, has been most positively demonstrated, although in most years the sheltered nooks in the Isle of Wight produce a few specimens, and the information which we have now at hand, and the carefully recorded occurrences of the appearance of the species, both in 1877 and the present year, demonstrate beyond doubt the fact that a large number of specimens come into the country as immigrants in the early months of the year. These are most prolific, and their progeny, finding ready and suitable feeding grounds in our clover and lucerne fields (both of which plants are largely cultivated all over the country), abound in the latter part of July and ihoughout August, the offspring of these again appearing before winter finally sets in. There are, I know, lepidopterists, who, in the limited light of their own individual experience, still believe in triennial, septennial and other "ennial" appearances of this species, just as there are others to whom the terms " migration " and " immigration" are like the proverbial "red rag to the bull," but the former is nonsense, and the latter have a vast array of facts to support them, at any rate, in our larger and strong-winged species. As in 1S77, edusa this year appeared first in May. At the meeting of the Entomological Society of London, Messrs. Weir, Bower and others noted their appearance near London. Records from Bognor, Weymouth, Doncaster and Wallasey, showed that their distribution souih, west and north was pretty extensive ; but there appeared to be no record for Scotland or Ireland. These were denominated by the captors as being "fresh," "fine," "worn,"' or "tattered," according to the individual standard set up by the observer as to the condition of specimens in general. I can only re-echo Mr. Holland's quer)-, " Wny will people hunt these down and call them fine?" In this immigration, edusa was very much commoner than hyale, a few var. helice appearing with the typical forms of the former species. These worn specimens were noted until the second week in July (my last observation was on July 9th), and by that time all except a few of the more powerful specimens had died off. The relative numbers in these early specimens v,-cre, as might have been expected, maintained thoroughout. Edusa has been much com- moner than hyale. In fact, the var. helice of the former species has 228 THE entomologist's record. been cc^mmoner tlian the latter species. The first specimens oi edusa which were British fed appeared in the Isle of Wight on July 26th, the appearances being pretty general all over its area of distribution by the end of the month. As was to be supposed, the south coast has been its great home, but it is doubtful whether any English couuties have not been visited by the welcome stranger. Even in the heart of London it has occurred; and a little lad brought me a fine female from his back garden (a little paved court some 12 by 9 ft.), where it was resting on a wall, the house being at Star Corner, the central point of the Bermondsey slums and the great home of costermongers in general. Perhaps var. helice has been most common on the south coast. Some two to three dozen specimens were exhibited at the last meeting of the Entomological Society of London, captured near Bournemouth by one collector, two of the specimens being strongly tinged with yellow, and intermediate between the type and extreme form. Mr. Hodges records above two dozen from the neighbourhood of Freshwater in the Isle of Wight, including also some intermediate forms, and other collectors have been equally successful in obtaining considerable numbers, so that those whose collections have come into existence since 1877, and who leave gaps in their cabinets for rarities, which they sometimes never fill, should at any rate be able to fill up at least one of these empty spaces. Hyale has been in no way so generally distributed nor so abundant, although individual collectors have sometimes caught fair numbers. These, however, have been chiefly captured in the eastern and south-eastern counties, and the records from more westerly localities are decidedly rare. The exhibition of var. helice mentioned above, comprised also some hundreds of type specimens which had been sacrificed, whilst there were only six hyale. Mr. Hodges, at Fresh- water, did not see one. In Kent, Messrs. AUbuary, Knight, Wilson and others got fair numbers ; but s.ill the fact remains that hyale was very much more restricted in its range, and rarer than its congener. Of other varieties, Mr. Grifliths records a female with typical wings one side, and helice wings the other. Mr. Parry one with a silvery border, I cannot imagine quite what this can be like ; and Mr. Carrington had heard of a helice with green hind wings. As helice is often described as greenish white, and the records in the Field are not generally made by specialists, probably this latter was nothing much out of tlie common way. The normal females vary very much in the shape and size of the yellow spots in the black band, and there has hardly been a large exhibit in which I have not noticed a female so devoid of these spots, that it has been placed among the males owing to the absence of this character. On the other hand, some have the spots very large and well developed. In both sexes the band itself is subject to great variation, sometimes being of an intense black, at others quite ruddy, both being frequently much powdered with light scales. The central spot in the fore wing varies considerably, both in size and shape, whilst the pale central spot in the hind wing is very variable in tint. The width of the border also varies considerably, and some specimens have a tendency to throw off dark prolongations towards the centre of ^ the wing, from the middle of the band of the anterior wings. But it is probable that most of the best varieties will have been caught by comparative youngsters, and will not be recorded in the magazines. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 229 The life-history of cJusa was well worked out in 1877 by Mr. Fitch {Entom., xi., p. 58) : — Female captured June 6th, eggs were laid June 8th, these hatched June 14th, larvce pupated July 7th-9th, imagines emerged July 2rst-August 15th. A large brood being reared, consisting of 49 males and 57 females. These bred specimens paired, eggs were laid July 29th, larvce hatched August 7th, pupa September 24th. No butteifly was bred, and only one pupa was obtained, owing, as Mr. Fitch said, to " heavy rains injuring them in the breeding cages " and his own neglect. But living imagines freshly emerged were again at large throughout October, and other entomologists reared the brood through. This year the Rev. Mr. Hewett, Mr. Hawes and others, have succeeded in getting through the first brood, and numbers of larvae and pupas belonging to the second brood have been exhibited by various collectors at the entomological meetings during the last fortnight, so that this second brood must be now very near emergence. On the Con- tinent, the species, I believe, without exception, hybernates as an imago, but in England the query propounded by Mr. Fitch still remains to be answered by observers this winter. He writes : — " Does it pass the winter as an eg^.? as a larva {Ent. Mo. Mag., vi., p. 232)? as a pupa {Id. V. 77)? or as an imago {Ent. Inielligejiccr, ii., 11, and Id. ix. 179)? I quite believe that those specimens that emerge here and fly about in the late autumn and early winter (in 1877 imagmes were captured in December) lay their eggs, contrary to the generally accepted idea on the Continent, and that both the eggs, young larvce (if hatched) and imagines are killed off. If a specimen of a hybernating butterfly goes into hyber- nation, I believe it does so at once, and the femalts are then usually unfertilised. The fact that so few edusa go into hybernation here, but attempt to fly actively about during the winter, points to a conclusion that their failure to continue here is essentially due to climatic causes, but of how these act we appear to be at present in hopeless ignorance. At any rate I believe the species can only hi. perpetuated by imagines which, on emergence go directly into hybernation, and safely pass the winter in that stage. — J. W. Tutt. October ']tk, 1892. Notes of the Season. — Gahvay. — My captures have not been specially interesting so far, except a specimen of Eupithecia togata, taken in a fir wood some miles from here. — J. E. R. Allen, Gahvay. Chippenham Fin. — During my stay at AVicken, I took a run over to Chippenham on the first Friday in August. It was a fine hot day, and although I knew day work was almost useless as a rule in the Fens, I thought I might get something entomologically besides the pleasure of looking over new ground. I met Mr. Cross of Ely as soon as I got there, and he enabled me to find my way about much more quickly than 1 could have managed alone. There is no doubt for most Fen insects, Chippenham Fen is far beyond Wicken, and the numerous trees scattered as belts all over the Fen give quite a dis- tinctive character to iL Much of the Fen is known as "Poor's Land" and is public property, the rest is private and preserved, and it appears that the keepers do their best to keep off" visitors from the whole. But there is certainly enough public land to serve entomologists for their work. Great beds of Eupatorium cannabimim abound almost every- where in the "Fen," and on these the larvai of Plusia orichalcea zx^ taken in some abundance in June. Maoogaster atundinis, too, is 230 THE entomologist's record. much more common here than at Wicken, and the number of yellow reeds I saw scattered all over the Fen gave evidence of the work of the larvae in the roots below. The first species I met in the " Fen " were Crambtis tristelliis with a few C. selasel/ns, Rivula sericealis, and Leioptilus microdadyla. A plant of Verbascutn was eaten completely, and large quantities of " frass " were on and about it ; but I could find no larvae. Pieris ?iapi occurred abundantly everywhere in the " Fen," and passing through a belt of trees Rivula sericealis began to occur in considerable numbers. In the course of the day I took some 60 or 70 specimens of it, most of which were in fine condition. This species I have taken in many marshy localities, but I have never seen it really abundant before. The long grass and sedge were mixed with Vicia cracca, and from this several Toxocampa pastinmn were disturbed. Some of these were in fair condition, much better than others I had observed a fortnight earlier in North Kent. The paths crossing the Fen appear to have been made up, at no very remote period, of Cretaceous rocks (gault, etc.), and on these, many species of the "chalk" flora were established, and appeared sirange in the " Fen " ; and here such species as Pyrausta purpi/ralis, Phytomet7-a cenea, Lyccena icarus and Polyommatus phlceas were flying merrily in the sunshine. Strangest to me, though, was the sight of numbers of Epinephele hyperanthus flying freely all over the Fen. I turned up one Bankia argefitula, the first I had seen alive. It was in good condition, probably the offspring of an early ? of the same summer. A made road, overgrown with flowers, produced, besides lots of Rivula sericealis, — T. pastinuin, Stre?iia clathrata, Afelanippe subtristata (second brood), Stigmonota orobaiia, Catoptria scopohaJia, Nematois schiffermillerellus, Alimaseoptilus bipuuctidactyla, Sciaphila chrysafitheniana, and in a field hard by, Crambus selasellus (without C. tristellus) and Catoptria scopoliana were fairly abundant ; and here also I took an odd specimen of Semasia rufillana. Besides these, I noticed several Acidalia scutulata, also Eubolia mensuraria, and other species equally common. I left at 6 o'clock and was well satisfied (considering that I did not stay to take a single evening-flying insect^ with some 160 specimens I had captured, and many observa- tions made ; and I am sure the Fen, which can be easily worked from Fordham, where there is plenty of accommodation, would give an excellent result, especially to any one who could get there during the latter part of June and the early part of July. I may add that Mr. Houghton took a fine lot of Macroglossa bombyliformis larvce on Scabiosa there this season. He found them when small on the undersides of the leaves during June, the plants attacked showing conspicuous evidences of the work of the larvre. — J. W. Tutt. August, 1892. Teivkesbury. — This has been, in this locality, one of the best seasons we have had for Geometers for a long time. Sugar has varied much. With the dry moonlight nights there has been very little ; then when we have had a warm dull night, things have been fairly plentiful. One thmg has struck me, how on some nights certain trees attracted freely, and then on another night the same trees produced nothing, whilst the trees barren before produced the moths. On the light nights, a tree over a pond proved attractive, but Saturday night last was the best night we have had ; the barometer was falling, night rather dull, NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 231 atmosphere very warm, with an entire absence of that chilly i.i^ht feeling that so often troubles us. On the same niglit, light was m )st attractive, also flowers ; indeed, light has been more or less attracti c for the last three or four weeks. — E. C. Dobree Fox, Cas le Moreto;), Tewkesbury. Ai/gust, 1892. Doncaster. — What little time I have been able to give to collecting has been fairly profitable, but sugar has been a com|jltte failure. Numerous earwigs and spiders, and a few very worn Noctua xantlio- grapha being the only things attracted to the sweets. Searching tree trunks has produced a nice series of Fa'cilia jiivea and several other Gelechidce, of which I do not know the names. Seeing Poecilia nivea is one thing, and catching it is quite another. They sit in the crevices of the baik of oak trees, and when a pill box is brought near them they either fly away or run over the hands of the would-be captor in a most annoying manner. PcBdisca coriicana was a perfect pest on the tree trunks. I never saw this abundant species so abundant. One single specimen of Calymnia diffinis I found on an elm trunk, but sugaring failed to produce any more. A wall on the way to my favourite wood has well repaid searching; on the morning of the 21st ult. I counted 18 species of moths upon it. These included Folia chi in varied forms, Bryophila peria, Cidaria ntssafa very variable, and some Scoparias which I think are angustea and mercurella. Last week I took Pyralis glauchialis on the same wall. This species is not recorded for Don- caster in "The Yorkshire list." Autumn larvae are beginning to show up. Abraxas sylvata is abundant, and Asychna terminella is busy mining the leaves of Circea. I shall hope to get many larvae, both macros and micros, before the next month's notes are due. — H. H. CoRBETT, ig, Hallgate, Uoncaster. Hampshire. — It may be of interest to note that Colias ediisa made its appearance at Christchurch as early as the middle of July, and soon became extremely abundant ; but during the first fortnight or three weeks the specimens consisted chiefly of males. Those friends who have been successful are, firstly, Mr. Brameld, who obtained a large number, including four of the well-known variety helice on the cliff, not far from High Cliff; Mr. Uruitt found it very plentiful in meadows by the river, and captured several of the variety helice ; whilst Mr. McRae and myself succeeded in taking an unusual number at the same place in one morning (August 6th), finding the species in extraordinary pro- fusion, unparalleled since the year 1S77. We managed to secure a fine specimen of Colias hyale, and missed two others. On the following morning I visited the same field, and caught another specimen of this latter in fine condition. Since that date I have taken 6 fine helice, and Mr. McRae has just shown me a long and beautiful series of this variety with intermediate forms, also 4 more C. hyale. Most of these were taken nearer Bournemouth. — J. M. Adye. Sept. ^fh, 1892. The Excursions of the North London Natural History Society during 1892: On May 21st, Epping Forest; June 4th-6th, New Forest; Juno 25th, Polegate ; and July 23rd, to Leigh, Essex, were attended by the following gentlemen : — Messrs, S. Austin, A. U Battley, Hawes, Hicklenton, Horton, E. Joy, L, B. Prout, C. Nichol- son, R. W. Robbins, J, A. Simes, C. B. Smith, L. J. Tremayne and H. A, Tremayne, The insects taken were as follows : — 282 THE ENTOJrOLOGlST's RECORD. Epping Forest. — Weather very fine and bright. Argynnis euphrosyne, Ilesperia malva, H. /ages, Bomhyx riibi, Drepana cultraria, D. binaria, Odimtopera bidentata, Tephrosia consonaria, Bapta temeraia, Antidea badiata, Coreiiiia iiiiide?ihiria, Numeria piilveraria. New Forest. — Lyndhurst, Rhinefield, Beecham Lane, and Brocken- liurst. Argynnis euphrosyne, A. selene and paphia (larvre), Eiichlo'e cardamines, TJieda rubi, LyccB7ia icarus, Nemeobms ludna, Alacroglossa fuciformis (ad lib.\ M. bombylifonnis, Gnophria rubricollis, Lithosia sorer- tu!a, Halias prasinana, Nola cristidalis, Spilosoma fidigitiosa, Bombyx rubi, Dasydiira pudibunda, Siaiiropiis fagi (3), Notodonta trimacula, N. (amelina, Moina orion, Thyatyra batis, Grammesia trilinea, Aplecia prasina, Epione advenaria, Eurymene dolobraria, Aspilates sirigillaria, Macaria liturata, Tanagra atrata. Polegate. — Weather warm, but cloudy in afternoon. Meli/cea athalia (many in good condition), C/icerocai?ipa dpe/ior {i),\2irw^ of Bombyx neustria and Eriogaster lanestris. Miana araiosa, Erastrla fasdana, l^ephrosia luridata and several other Geometry,. Ennychia odoviacidalis . Leigh. — Weather fine, warm, and rather hazy. Hesperia lineola {ad lib.), Aldanargia galatea (several), Macroglossa stellatariim, Zygiena fili- pendulcE, Strenia dathrata, Addalia iinmutata (common), A. emargi- iiata ; also larva; of Va/iessa urticce, io, atalanta, cardui, Saturnia carpini, Bombyx ?ieustria, B. rubi, all common. Although the above are not complete lists of species taken on these excursions, they may be of sufficient interest to publish. — R. W. RoBBiNs {Hon. Sec). Folkestone and Reading. — I captured a freshly emerged male Colias eiusa in the Warren at Folkestone on July 22nd, and another on July 25th. One of my sons captured a female in my back garden at Reading on the 29th ; and on the 31st I saw five (one pair in cop.) on the railway bank near my house, since which I have taken thirty edum and two C. hyale. — W. E. Butler, Reading. Ireland. — The v/hole of last month I was in Ireland : the first fortnight in Co. Galway with Mr. Jones, in search of Zygcena nubigena. For this we were too late. We found it, but scarce, and in poor condition. We had very bad weather — rain and wind every day, still we managed to get together a few insects. Amongst the butterflies we found Leucophasia sinapis, Epinephele liyperanthi/s, Satyrus egeria, S. srinele, Cxnonympha pa/npliilus, S. janira, including one variety with no white pupil to the black spot on the forevvings, Argynnis paphia, A. adippe, Lyaena alsiis, L. icarus ; these latter were very fine, with much larger red spots than any I have ever before seen. We also took Thanaos tages. Among the Bombyces, Spilosoma fuliginosa, Hepialiis vellcda, H. hedus, Zygoina filipendulce, Drepana lacertula and Setina irrorella. Of the NocTU^, Phothcdes captiuncula was everywhere, flying about in the day-time in hundreds, but mostly worn ; these are much more strongly marked and marbled than any English specimens I have seen. Sugar produced Nodua pleda, N. brunnea, N. baja, Leucania lithargyria, L. conigera, Hadena pisi, Viminia rumicis, Tripha'na subsequa, T. fimbria, T. pronuba and Xylophasia polyodon, many fine almost black forms, X. sublustris, X. lithoxylea, Thyatyra batis, Apamea gemina, H. oleracea, Miana strigilis, M. fasciuncula, and we netted a specimen of Eudidia glyphica. GEOMETRiE were represented by Meirocampa ?nargaritaria, NOTES ON COLl.ECTING, ETC. 233 Larentia pectinitaria, Mdanippc trislafa, Strenia dathrdta, and of course, Caniptogramma bilincata. Many of these bilineata had very dark bands across the forewings, but we spoiled a number of them with ammonia.^ It seems to have no effect on the yellow, but it apparently takes the black band out entirely, or at least only leaves a dmgy yellow. We found a form not uncommonly of exactly this dingy colour that the blackish ones were reduced to. S. hybridalis was, of course, common, also Herbida cespitalis and Rivida sericealis, R. sanginnalis was fairly common, and exactly the same colour as our sand- hill (Wallasey) form. I have seen a form called the "Irish form," in which the ground colour is of a gre-Miish-yellow. I do not say this form do2s not exist in a state of nature, but I never saw it alive, and I can make as many as I want by simply killing with ammonia, as I found to my cost last year. Among the micros we could do nothing, the weather was too much for them. The last fortnight I spent at Howth, but could only collect in the evenings. Lycophotia stiigida {porphyrea) was very common on the heather, Agrods lunigera and A. luceniea somewhat scarce, the latter very dark. Besides these, I took Eiipdheda pumUata, Nodua fesdva, Bryophila perla (yellow forms), Anaids plagiata, Gnophos obscurata and Acidada promuiata, all rather ^arce ; and Larcnda pedhidaria extreme'.y abundant. — G. A. Marker, Liverpool. August 2nd, 1892. Moray and Aberdeen. — The season in the North of Scotland still continues to be a good one. Sugar is working splendidly, both on the coast and inland. On the 22nd June at Loch Nabo, Morayshire, I found Hyppa redidnea abundant at sugar, Cymatophora duplaris also was rather common ; the only other thing worthy of note was one pale Cuspidia leporina. I netted on the same evening a nice series of Alacaria Uturata, Eupdhecia togahi, Edopia fascia ria, etc. On ist July I had a night's sugaring at Inveran, Sutherlandshire, bat the only insect that occurred in quantity was a very dark form of duplaris. I beat from birch a beautiful lot of Cidaria corylata var. albocrenata. Traces of the larv?e of Sesia scodcefornds were not rare on the birch trunks. At Aberdeen, on the coast, I found swarms of Crandus dumeledus. Emmelesia ericetata has also been abundant, I managed tu net 140 in about two hours. A^rods lucernea is plentitul at heather bloom along thi Kincardineshire coast. Agrods iridci, cursoria, vaUigera and Mamestra furva are turning up in fair numbers on the sandhills ; while in the woods Nodua daJdii, N. sobriua, N. castanea, Dysdiorista suspeda, Lithonua solidaginis, N.glareosa and Apleda occulta are coming more freely to sugar than I have seen them for some consider- able time. On the 25th July at iJurghead, Morayshire, I took two fine lyipluena subsequa at sugar, and lost a third specimen ; they were almost the only insects at sugar that night, which was cold and frosty. At the same place I netted Scodiona belgiaria and Dasydia ob/uscata, Crambus dumetellus, P. rubiginosaiia, Sdgmonota coniferana, and a pretty variable lot of Sericoris cespilana. At Monymusk, .A.berdeenshire, on the 5th August, I took at heather bloom a Noctua which I take to be Hadena satura \ it is in perfect condition, and is no'-v on the setting board ; it certainly is not H. adusta or Apanica gcndiui. At ^ We cannot imagine how some of our friends u e .immonia. We have very long series of dark (black) banded specimens all killed with ammonia. — Ed. G 234 THE entomologist's EECORD. " the same place I was fortunate enough to take six Crambus myelins and a long series of C. viargaritelhis, which are both new to me. — A. HoRNE. August 2isi, 1892. York. — I have nothing of interest to report, as this season at York has been a great failure owing to the excessive rainfall. Askham Bog has been and still is unworkable ; there is a great deal of water yet upon it. I ventured two evenings in the hope of getting Dyschorista suspecta, but only a few odd specimens appeared, whereas last year at the same time it occurred in hundreds. Giometra papilionaria, I believe, had been fairly common, for I saw numerous wings scattered about, which showed that the bats had had a fairly good time of it, and we found five at rest on the grasses, but none were seen on the wing. These were freshly emerged specimens, and considering the date, August 5th, we should in ordinary seasons consider this late. I tried sugar one night last week and it was a complete failure. Plusia gainfua was almost the only species to be seen, and this was commoner than ever I had seen it. It appeared to congregate most at the flowers of the bramble. — R. Button. August 2(^th, 1892. Saltburti and Durhatn Coast. — I have been at Saltburn, Yorks., off and on during a considerable part of August, and have sugared on nearly every favourable night. Common Noctu^ came freely as a rule, but the only insect of any value was Agrotis ravida of which I got three specimens, one on each of three successive nights, and I missed a fourth on another occasion. Through the kindness of Mr. Robson of Hartlepool, I made my first acquaintance this year with Phothedes captiuncula in its living state. This is a most peculiar insect to take, flying low in short flights over grassy places near the sea. For five minutes or so many specimens will be flying, then, possibly owing to some slight change in the temperature, none will be seen for a con- siderable time, perhaps half an hour or more, then the flight will be repeated. My specimens were taken on the 3rd of August, which is a trifle late for it, the best time being from the middle to nearly the end of July. — T. Maddison. September ^^rd, 1892. Norfolk and Devon. — The weather has been unkind to my collecting this year. In July I was three weeks in the Norfolk Broads, but, with a cold N.E. wind and occasionally rain, I got little. Pupse oiNonagria cannce were scarce this year, I have only bred eight, and there is one to come out. Of Leucania brevilinea I only got a couple. In August I paid a visit to South Devon after Calliinorpha hera, and was lucky enough to obtain a short series, and also some eggs from which the young larvae are just hatching. Though I had little time to give to anything else, I got some nice Colias edusa, which was common, and a couple of var. helice. I am now in North Devon, about ten miles from Barnstaple. C. edusa is not uncommon here, but we hardly ever get a fine day, and the weather keeps up a monotonous drizzle. — A. Robinson. September i6th, 1892. New Forest. — Sugaring in quite a new direction in the New Forest recently, I have done very well with some species. Besides a large number of Catocala sponsa, I have seen Thyatyra batis (quite fresh ; is this species double-brooded ?), Agrotis saucia, A. suffusa, Noctua neglecta and c-nigrum, whilst Asphalia diluta has been present in large numbers. On one evening (September 5th) my son and I took NOTES ON COLLECTIXG, ETC. 235 60 of this last species in good condiuon. I have also found an unusual number of Cuspidiii leporina and Ypsipetes iinpluviata larvce this year, but I observe that a great number of larvae, especially those of the Noto- DONTiD^, are ichneumoned. I have had the misfortune to lose three out of four N. dicticjide's which I have taken, in this way. Is this the experience of other collectors? — J. C. Moberly, Southampton. September i,ih, 1S92. IVyre Forest. — C.dias edusa appears to be still emerging. A fine male was captured on Septeaiber 15th by Mrs. Abbott. — P. W. Abbott, Birmingham. Isle of Wight. — Since my last notes the season has continued to be very satisfactory. Sugar on the Downs always remunerative; the results vary little with the temperature and general state of the atmosphere, but it is worthy of note that in the woods, here at least, it continues to be absolutely useless. Colias edusa keeps emerging; some lovely specimens were noticed, and on Saturday last (September 17 th) I saw my last helice, a perfectly fresh specimen, but which was so strong on the wing that I never got a shot at it, although I followed it doggedly for a quarter of a mile. Previous to this I had captured one, equally fine, among plenty of the type, freshly emerged, earlier in the same week, and two (of which one is a very fine intermediate form) on September 5th. These bring our Freshwater total of helice to over two doz^n, which I regard as very satisfactory. The 19th was the finest night at sugar that I have ever had at this time of year ; amongst other good things I look two Triphcena subseqiia (worn), with a few Aporophyla australis and a good take of A. obelisca, which although so late, as they have been out more than a month, were nearly all fine. Strangely enough A. saucia, which has been as conspicuously plentiful this year with me as it usually is the reverse, was on this evening very scarce, only about half a dozen being seen ; although on some previous evenings I had brought home enough even to satisfy my rather sanguine anticipations. In the past five years I have only taken this species singly here, but this year I have been able to select out of a large number some very fine forms. It may not be generally known that this insect, when fresh, has a beautiful peacock-blue metallic glow upon the crest and head, and occasionally more slightly upon the body, resembling the sheen of rich plush. Besides the two T. subsequa referred to above, I took one (worn) upon each of the two only visits to the woods here, viz.^ September 3rd and 14th; these, with another on the Downs, taken 12th September, brings up the season's total of this species to about thirteen or fourteen, which is also a " record " in my own collecting experience. Agrotis puta, segetuin and suffusa have also been much more abundant than usual, and the larv?e of .^. ripce seem about as usual, but their mutual liking for flesh diet seems to b.\at all contrivance upon the part of those friends to whom I send them, and for my own part I gave up the attempt to bring them through years ago as a game not worth the candle. Mr. Abbott writes me that he has put 22 singly into separate receptacles; this should circumvent them, and his perseverance is worthy of all praise. Amongst late occurrences beyond those mentioned in the p evious month, the mo->t conspicuous has been a worn female A. lunigera on S.ptember 17th, nearly a month behind. Bryophila glaiuiijera is also occurring singly 236 THE ENTOMOLOGISr'S RECORD. up till yesterday, September 20th, in good condition, which is later than usual here. — Albert J. Hodges, Freshwater Bay, September 2\st, 1892. Oxfordshire. — Colias edusa species appeared sparingly in the clover fields at the end of May and beginning of June, and, anticipating a Colias season (from their worn appearance, which showed that they were immigrants), I did not trouble to capture any, but left them to breed. The new brood appeared here early in August, and were soon very abundant, I have captured several hundred specimens near Chinnor, but the var. helice has so far been scarce, as I have only taken two specimens to date. As the insects are still in fine order I anticipate that they will occur (as in 1877) to quite the end of the month, — A. J. Spiller. Septeviber 1th, 1892. Bucks. — Whilst collecting Hesperia comma on the chalk downs in the Wendover district I noticed C. edusa very commonly on the hills. I likewise captured it plentifully in a clover field at Monks Risborough. —Id. Somerset. — I noticed at the end of August that C. edusa was apparently common at Taunton and Minehead. — Id. Devon. — I noticed C. edusa on the cliffs at Seaton, — Id. Oxon. — It is not often, I believe, that Colias hyale occurs here, hence I have the greater pleasure in recording the capture of eight specimens at Chinnor. Three of these were taken on August 23rd, by my younger son, Reginald Spiller, a lad of 10 years. On September 5th I captured two flying over a lucerne field, and on September 6th a milk-white female, just fresh from the chrysalis. Two other specimens have been taken by another collector. — Id. Eastbourne. — I have little to record except the abundance of Colias edusa at Eastbourne, where I spent the first fortnight of August. One specimen I saw there was well worthy of note, and I greatly regret that I was unable to secure it. On the first morning after my arrival I went out, unfortunately without a net, and on a precipitous bank just out of reach, saw a specimen which had the two left wings normal ? and the right wings var. helice. It was sitting on the flowers just below me, and I watched it for several minutes, but it was quite impossible to reach it without a net and though I haunted the spot for several days after I never saw it again, Lyccena corydon was in the greatest abundance on Beachy Head and elsewhere, but although I examined numbers of specimens I only found one or two slight variatiuns. — G. C, Griffiths. September ^th, 1892. Surrey and Peters field. — After writing to you from Surrey I took at sugar, on August 22nd, a fine Catocala sponsa, the first time I ever saw it there, I have seen several specimens of Colias edusa here this week while out shooting, and on September 6th managed to capture a good C. hyale. — Waldegrave, Blackmoor, Petersfield. September Zth, 1892. Ireland. — My experience of the season has been not very satisfactory. I went to Tyrone and Monaghan to try for certain insects in their well-known haunts, but they were evidently very late in emergence, and, in spite of some very hot days, I only took a few precursors of the host which should have been thick on my sugar. It was thus with Cyniatophora duplaris, Hadena adusta, Aplecta herbida, Lyccena argiolus, NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 237 etc. I had one day's success with Macroglossa b^vfibyliforj/iis, and caught seven, mostly in good condition, one hot day in a new locaUty; thus filling up my cabinet series, exhausted by the urgency of corre- spondents. I took nearly all on the wing, not settled as heretofore ; the great heat made them swift and restless, delaying on flowers more from curiosity than hunger, and their flight under such circumstances is almost as rapid as that of M. siellatarum. Dianthcecia barrettii is still flying at Howth I learn, and is less scarce than in former years. — W. F. DE V. Kane, y^n^y, 1892. Grange-over-Satids. — Colias edusa are out here. Previously to last week only two or three specimens had been seen, but they are now out in fairly considerable numbers. My best day's capture last week was 9 si^ecimens — 7 males and 2 females, all newly emerged. Cynthia cardui is also very abundant this year. — Geo. A. Booth, Grange-over- Sands. August 2()i/i, 1892. Lie of IVight. — On Saturday, August 20th, whilst staying at Fresh- water, I made an excursion to Compton Bay with Mr. A. J. Hodges and some friends, and, as the weather was everything that could be desired, all the party burned with a desire to measure their agility against that of the wary and wily edusa. The locality selected was that where last year Zygccna filipenduhe swarmed, and where 5 specimens of the yellow variety were taken. The slopes leading down to the Bay are covered, amongst other short herbage, with birdsfoot trefoil {Lotus corniculatus), and as the Bay is only open to the south, one is not surprised at this spot being the usual annual head-quarters of Colias edusa, although in most seasons it is most sparingly represented. On our way we worked the steep slopes of Afton Down, and found plenty of excitement, edusa being everywhere except in the nets, as one of our "amateur" friends feelingly observed. The excitement increased when Mr. Hodges took a fine helice, which upon our arrival at our destina- tion was quickly followed by two more, which fell to the "amateur" side of the party. Entomology for a time gave way to natation, as the temptation to take a refresher in the way of a dip proved stronger than the hopes of a phenomenal "bag." About one o'clock we turned home- wards, and met with equal success on the return journey, taking two more heiice within a few minutes after starting, and a third later on, together with some finely marked ? edusa, bringing up our morning's total to 6 helice and about 60 edusa. Aspilates citraria were plentiful, and proved a welcome catch to the older members of the party, who were content to reserve their energies for helice, learing the younger and more enthusiastic juniors the honours of quantity as opposed to quality. — P. W. Abbott, Birmingham. August 21th, 1892. Bakewell. — The insects of this neighbourhood, so far as I can gather, have been very little worked, and I hope to meet in course of time with some instructing material for observations. So far, my chief captures have been Frocris geryoii, which seems to be abundant in some of the dales ; Me/anippe tristata, whicli seems to be very generally distributed throughout the neighbourhood ; Habrostola urtiae, which is fairly common, coming at dark to the flowers of sweetwiliiam ; Scotosia certaia, which is generally supposed to feed only on the leaves of the common barberry, is here found in abundance on the holly-leaved JBerberis of uur gardens. The abundance of larvae, to which attention 238 THE entomologist's record. has already been directed, had attracted my attention; the rose trees being especially affected. — C. F. Thorxewill, Bakewell. yuly \\ih, 1892. Morpeth. — This has not been a favourable season, either for collect- ing larvge or imagines, in this neighbourhood. The weather in May was dull, cold and wet ; June was the same, with the exception of two or three days ; July no better. For the last ten da\s we have had much better weather. In June, sugar was more attractive than it is at present, the only insects which come to sugar at present being Xylophasia polyodon and Triphcena proniiba. The blossom of the heather is just now very attractive to Nodua glareosa. I was out on the moors the other day and was very much struck with the manner in which Larentia ccesiata, when at rest on stones, etc., assimilated with the colour of the stones. Sometimes as many as five insects were at rest on one large stone. — J. Finlay, Meldon Park, Morpeth. August 29///, 1892. Berks. — It may be of interest to record the capture of Cuspidia alni both in the larval and imago state. On August 17th, 189 1, I found a half fed larva on elm, but it proved to be ichneumoned and died. On May 26th, 1892, I captured a freshly emerged imago at rest on a tarred paling, close by where I found the above-mentioned larva. Colias edusa has been plentiful round this neighbourhood. — W. P. Blackeurne-M,\ze, Shaw House, Newbury. Septonber 29///, 1892. Keston. — Colias edusa has appeared sparingly in this neighbourhood, but in the clover fields round Keston three or four could generally be taken any bright morning since August 15th. On the ist September my son took a nice fresh Colias hyale $ opposite the Salt Box on the Westerhani Road ; this is the only specimen I have seen. — F. W. BiDDLE, Beckenham. September 10///, 1892. Sa?ido7v/i. — No doubt you will have plenty of communications as to the abundance of Lepidoptera in the Isle of Wight this season. I have only been staying here for a short time, but have succeeded in taking a good series of Colias edusa, and a fair number of helice, one with pale instead of orange spots on the hind wings. Several hyale have been taken, though I have not been kicky enough to meet with them. I obtained a nice series of LyccRua adonis at Ventnor, the females being especially rich in colour. Aspilates citraria has been common, and I took a female, which has deposited some eggs. Most of the common species have been also abundant. The weather last week was bad, and put a stop to collecting. It is a curious circumstance that the last occasion on which I remember C. edusa and var. helice to have ceen anything like common (though they were not nearly so numerous as now) was in 1885, in which year I was staying for a short time at Deal. This would give to the seven years' theory some weight, as I believe the previous abundance of the species was in 1878, or there- abouts.— George Mollis, Sandown, Isle of Wight. September loth, 1892. [The last C. edusa year was in 1877 not 1878. The seven years' theory has, I believe, nothing whatever in it. The appearances oi edusa in abundance are most erratic. — Ed.] Dover. — Being at Dover last month for a few day, I had the pleasure of spending two half-days (23rd and 26'Lh) on the East Cliff. I found Colias edusa very common, taking about two dozen, eight males NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 239 and sixteen females, including two of the var. helice. I kept two females alive, and got a i^w eggs, which are now hatching; is not this an exceptional time for the eggs to be laid ? I was also fortunate enough to capture two Colias hyalc in splendid condition. — Frederick T. Grant, 7, Hastings Road, Maidstone. September ']ih, 1892. [In C. edusa years, tlie eggs of the newly emerged specimens are normally laid in July and August, a third brood appearing in October in favour- able weather. — Ed.] Leicestoshire. — C. edusa has turned up here again this August and September, after having been recorded only four times since 1877. I have notes from Stretton Magna, Kibworlh, Knighton, Rearsby, Syston, Brooksby and Melton. I noticed one var. hdice at Stretton, but have no other note of it. — F. Eouskell, Lansdowne Road, Stoneygate, Leicester. Laphygma exigua and Heliothis armigera in the Isle of Wight. — After repeated disappointment I was at last rewarded with the capture of a single specimen of L. exigua at sugar on September 2ist, at Freshwater, and upon the same evening was successful in capturing one Heliothis armigera also at sugar. I was leaving for London on the 23rd, but although I tried again the last evening I was unsuccessful in seeing any more. Other species at sugar during that week were Agrotis saucia, in profusion, on one evening I captured over sixty fine specimens, A. obelisar, and more rarely Aporophyla australis. I also took a single Luperina cespitis on sugar during the week. I believe this is a rare visitor to artificial sweets. — Albert J. Hodges, 2, Highbury Place, N. Butterflies at Sugar. — During a stay at Brockenhurst (New Forest) this August, I look the following butterflies at sugar, Argynnis paphia (4), var. valezina (i), Vanessa polychloros (4), V. io (3), V. atalajita (i), Limenitis sibylla (6), Apatura iris{\), Pararge cegeria (4), Epinephele janira (i), E. tithonus (i), E. hyperanthus (i). The /m was a male, and I took it about 1.30 in the brightest sunshine. I shall be glad to hear if anyone has had a similar experience. I also saw one Catocala sponsa at 3.30 p.m., and took several others about 6 p.m.— F. Bouskell, Lansdowne Road, Stoneygate, Leicester. September 10///, 1892. Egg laving of Ti.mandra amataria. — I took a Timandra amataria a fortnight ago, and had a good look at her whilst placing her eggs on the grasses on the side of a bank. She laid them in groups of four or five, and suffered herself to be quietly boxed. She afterwards gave me a nice lot of ova. They are of deep bright coral red, and change to an inky black the day before hatching out. The larv?e are now feeding on knot-grass. Will they hybernate? — S. Walker, 23, Portland Street, York. — August Zth, 1892. Euthemonia russula. — I obtained a batch of eggs from two female Eutliemonia russula captured at midsummer; the young larvae were all fed together on dandelion, but — whilst the rest are still small before hybernation — one fed up quickly, pupated on August 26th, and emerged a fine male on Sei)tember 15th. — H. W. Basden-Smith, 6, Hillsborough, Plymouth. September i^th, 1892. [Similar instances have been re- corded before. Usually one or two individuals in a batch will feed up rapidly, and emerge the same autumn. — Ed.] Foodplant of Lithosia deplana. — Referring to Mr. Sellon's note 240 THE entomologist's kecoud on Li.hosia dephxfta (Jielveola) {Ent. Rec. vol. iii., p. 212), although I have not had any personal experience in breeding this species from the larva, I have been informed on good authority that it feeds, at all events in the New Forest, on a very minute lichen which grows quite close to the branches and trunks of the trees, and has not the appear- ance of an ordinary lichen, merely giving the tree-trunks and branches a whitish appearance. Unless one could sleeve the larvae on the actual trees on which they are found, I should think it next to an impossibility to rear them successfully (unless, of course, they are full-fed when taken). I always return the larvae to the trees when I beat them out, — Henry A. Hill, 132, Haverstock Hill, Hampstead, N.W. October t^th, 1892. Entomological Pins. — As it is probable that I may have used more " black-enamelkd " \n\\% than anyone in Britain, with perhaps the single exception of Mr. W. H. B. Fletcher, I should like to make a few remaiks on the subject. As regards verdigris, my experience leads me to believe that black pins, although unsatisfactory in some respects, do, undoubtedly, as Mr. Tutt says, " stave off the evil day" longer than gilt or silvered ones. Of course, the only thoroughly satisfactory way of dealing with grease in both macros and micros is to extract it, if possible, from the body, as, even if verdigris is pre- vented, the grease is always liable to spread to the wings, and is an eyesore, even if it only affects the body and thorax. Of black pins, those manufactured by D. F. Tayler & Co., of Birmingham, are far and away the best, though it always makes one sigh to look at those gigantic and unsightly heads, and long for a little spare time in which to decapitate them before using ! Owing to these ugly heads, I never use Tayler's pins where those of Kirby, Beard & Co. can be used safely, as is the case with the larger sizes ; and after trying an enormous number of pins by different makers, I have selected the following as being decidedly the best and most convenient, and always have a large stock of them beside me: — Nos. 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, and 17 of Kirby, Beard & Co. ; Nos. 15, 19, and 20 of D. F. Tayler & Co. ; No. 18 of E. G. Meek. For the sake of uniformity all my insects are set on black pins, and when in the cabinet they certainly do not catch the eye like gilt or silvered ones. Any one ought easily to be able to decide for himself what size of pin is best for any particular species, though it is well to try to hit the "golden mean " between the two extremes, for there are those who set stout Nocture on No. 14 of Kirby, Beard & Co., whilst on the other hand, the late John Sang used to advocate the use of "as stout a pin as the thorax would take," and I have received from him such small and slender insects as Gehchia letragofielln set on No. 10 black pins ! In reply to Mr. Farren, I think he will find No. 20 of D. F. Tayler & Co.— particularly if he has lime to nip off the heads beforehand— a first-rate pin for all ordinary Nepticulce. The Minuten Nadeln are useful for N. acelosce, and the one or two other species that are equally small ; but on the slightest provocation they rust in the most horrible way, and I have lately lost some dozens of Nepticulce, received from a friend, owing to the lower parts of the pins being entirely destroyed by rust. There is one important point to which I should like to call special attention, as it is often so sadly neglected, I mean the careful selection of each pin NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 241 on which a specimen is going to be set. In every batch of pins there will always be a large proportion utterly unfit for use, owing to one of the following defects : (i) crooked shafts, (2) hooked points, (3) points too blunt, (4) points too fine, and certain to bend before long ; and black pins should always be rejected unless entirely coated with enamel. When asked the question, "Where do you get your excellent pins from ?" my answer is always the same in substance : " Probably the same place as you do, only on no account do I ever set a specimen on anything but as perfect a pin as it is possible to get." My plan for sorting them out is extremely simple : on a perfectly smooth sheet of cork, covered with white paper, I roll each pin with a finger of the left hand, whilst in the right I hold a powerful lens directed on the point of the pin ; unless the shaft is quite straight throughout, the point " wobbles ■' when rolled on the board, and any other defect is easily seen. Different batches of even the same sized pin from the same makers vary very greatly in quality, and oftentimes an enormously large percentage has to be thrown away as imperfect, but some of the rejected pins can be utilised in the process of setting, for holding down braces, cross-pinning, antennae, etc. The only objection that can be urged is that the selection of pins takes up time, but one gets quick at it after a little practice, and I maintain that it is time well spent, and that an insect might as well be destroyed at once as set on a bad pin ; and, after all, it will be seen that the process cannot be a very lengthy one when I mention that I frequently sort the pins and set out from 150 to 200 moths — mostly, of course, and often all, micros — in from five to seven or eight hours (averaging about thirty in the hour), that I have before now killed, sorted out pins, and set in the same morning 100 micros by 8.30 a.m., and that at one time this season there were over 1,700 moths on my settmg-boards at once, all bred, cr taken, and set by myself within the previous ten or twelve days ; it is only fair to add that all my specimens are set to the very best of my abihty. Anyone with a few spare hours in the winter or early spring might utilise them in sorting out some pins so as to save time in the season, and the result would well repay the trouble. One must remember that the only fair test of a good pin (or, for the matter of that, of a good moth !) is whether one would be glad to have it in one's own cabinet, and all that are not quite up to that standard should be rejected at once. — Eustace R. Bankes, The Rectory, Corfe Castle. August 2)^t/i, 1892. I have just arrived at a crisis in my opinion about pins, having hitherto always used the silvered pins, as I prefer the look of them, but having a fine crop of verdigris growing on the thoraces of some ot my best " mfernal feeders " (to quote Dr. Knaggs' humorous friend), I have decided to go in for " the best black enamelled." My favourite sizes have always been Kirby, Beard's No. 10 for most CiEOMETR^ (under the size of ^elenia i/iustraria, for instance) ; No. 9 for most Noc'iUiT"., such sizes as i^copelosonia satellitia, etc. No. 4 for Ardia caja, etc. No. 2 for Sphingid/E. — E. Augustus Bowles, Myddelton House, Waliham. Parasites on Geoirupes stercorarius. — Last August at Cromer I found a specimen of G. stenoran'us which seemed to have an unusual number of parasites {Gamascus coleopiratorum) upon it. These I have 212 THE entomologist's record. now carded and counted, and find they reach the astonishing figure — nine hundred and twenty-four (924). — Id. LiPARis DiSPAR AT SouTHSEA. — Your Correspondent in last month's Record {anle, p. 187), has evidently met with some of my L. dispar ; for, just at the back of Southsea Castle, in a side road adjoining, and not fifty yards from Palmerston Road, I turned out a lot of larvae of L. dispar, Selenia illustraria and Ennoinos alniaria {aiituumaria), as they were getting too crowded, and I only wanted to breed a few of each. — John Henderson, Streatham. Effect of DARK^JESS during Day on Night-flying Moths. — It may be worth recording, I think, as instancing the effects of light in controlling the flight of lepidoptera ; that during a heavy thunder- storm which occurred here about the loth of August at 2 p.m., the sky reached a darkness about equal to that of twilight, and while this lasted, I observed a number of moths flying around the windows, amongst which I detected the following species : Xylophasia polyod'jn, Leucania paliens, Mamestra brassiccB and Melanippefiuctiiata. — Douglas Stuart Steuart, North Leigh, Prestwich, Lancashire. August 22nd. CoREMiA ferrugata AND UNiDENTARiA. — In reference to the above question now being discussed in the Record, I think Mr. Pierce deals unwarrantably hard with Mr. Prout. He seems altogether to scout the idea of superficial markings and structure as being of any importance whatever. According to his unfailing 'method of distinguishing the species, we are as badly off as ever as regards the females, Mr. Pierce's method being applicable only to the males. We are also to destroy our series of both species by breaking off the bodies of all the males in order to find out the difference in the structure of the genital organs. If this is to be the only way to distinguish the species, I think we may as well do away with the differentiation of the species altogether, or else acknowledge and support the efforts of those who are trying to dis- tinguish the species, not only by superficial markings, as Mr. Pierce infers, but by the structure and habits of all stages of the insect. — W. Bloomfield, 14, Canterbury Road, Ball's Pond Road, N. September ^th. Keeping Micro Pup^ during the Winter. — I quite agree with Mr. Farren about keeping micro pups out of doors. It is absolutely necessary with some species, and good for many others, if not all. In the genus Nepticula the results are very striking, but I have found less difference in regard to Lithocolletis (except L. hintanella, and perhaps some others). Coleophora does best out of doors ; in breeding C. ther'.nella, for instance, I plant a thistle in a large flower-pot, low do-vn in tlie pot, and leave the larvae in this all the winter, out of doors, with a piece of muslin over the top of the pot. They spin their cases on to the sides of the pot^ and come out well, requiring no food in the spring. Some of the macros do not seem to like so much exposure. I think that exposure is more important where the larva spin their cocoons in autumn, bat do not become pup:€ until the spring. — N. M. Richardson, near Weymouth. August iT^th, 1892. Times of Emergence. — I have this year bred both Notodoiita dictcea and N. dictceoides, from larvae collected last year on Cannock Chase ; and while the former invariably emerged between 9 and 1 1 at night, the latter made their appearance in the afternoon. This strikes me, in the case of two species so very nearly allied, as very remarkable. SOCIETIES. 243 Does it coincide with the observation of any other among our readers? — C. F. Thornewill, Bakewell. July, 1893. Sphinx convolvuli in the Isle of Wight.— When I last wrote and noted the absence of the above beautiful species, I was only too hasty in announcing the fact, as since then I have been successful in taking seven specimens, 4 $ and 3 ? ; the former appear smaller than usual, and, in fact, only one female is of what I consider ordinary expanse of wing. The males are very fine and richly mottled with dark splashes ; the females appear less clearly marked, or possibly more worn. I saw two or three at once on Septeiiiber yih, but was unable to get a stroke as they never hovered, but on the 9th I captured two, after which I saw no more till the 19th (one), 20th (one), and on my last evening (22nd) I had the good fortune to net three, all in the same garden, but more at geraniums than at petunias. I was rather sorry I could not stay another evening as I hoped to bring up my total to the same as Capr. Robertson for the season, viz., ten specimens, but was unable to do so. This last evening also proved a very successful one at sugar, as NocTU.ii of all the species that usually turn up at the time, were present in good numbers. — Albert J. Hodges, 2, Highbury Place, N. October 6fh, 1892. Does Sphinx convolvuli hybernate? — Can anyone account for the capture of this species here in June? {ante, p. 132). I see that the Rev. G. H. Raynor considers that the one taken by him at Panton on August 20th was an immigrant (p. 212). I believe that some entomo- logists consider that cflnvolvuli hybernates in the perfect state. It has certainly been known to breed in England, as there are records in back numbers of the Entomologist of the finding of both larva and pupa. The one I mentioned as being captured here in June was very worn, and had the appearance of having hybernated ; but perhaps I was too hasty in putting it down as such. On September 14th I missed a specimen at tobacco flowers. May not this have been a descendant of the above? — J. H. D. Beales, West Woodhay Rectory, Newbury. Larva Preserving. — When reading a paper upon the above subject before the City of London Natural History Society, I mentioned that I always kill my larvae with cyanide. Mr. Southey, on the other hand, recommended the use of benzine for the purpose. I find that the contortions indulged in by larva; killed in benzine will sometimes cause them to assume a bad shape when preserved ; therefore I still recom- mend the cyanide to kill, but before rolling, dip the dead larva m benzine. By this plan, the benefit claimed for benzine, viz., of preventing the loss of hairs, etc, is obtained, and the result is generally a much belter shape when preserved. I have also noticed i\\:\.i Halias prasina/ia imago when killed with cyanide becomes straw-coloured, but when removed from the bottle it reassumes its natural green colour, and I am curious to know whether the use of any other poison would have the same result. — Ambrose Quail, 15, Stamford Hill, N. fgoCIETIES. Entomological Society of LoxnoN. — October ^th, 1892. — Afr. C. O. VVaterhouse exhibited a specimen of Latridius nodifer feeding 244 THE entomologist's record. on a fungus, Tj-ichosporhim roseiim. The Rev. A. E. Eaton sent for exhibition the male S[)ecimen of Elenchus tefiuicornis, Kirby, taken by him on the 22nd August last, at Stoney Stoke, near Shepton Montague, Somerset, and described by him in the Entomologisfs Alonthly Magazine, October 1892, pp. 250-253. Mr. McLachlan stated that another specimen of this species had been caught about the same date in Claygate Lane,- near Surbiton, by Mr. Edward Saunders, who discovered that it was parasitic on a homopterous insect of the genus Lihurnia, and had also described it in the Eni. Mo. Mag., pp. 249- 250. Mr. J. M. Adye exhibited, for Mr. McRae, a large collection of Colias edusa, C. edusa var. helice and C. hyale, all taken in the course of five days' collecting in the neighbourhood of Bournemouth and Christchurch, Hants. There were twenty-six specimens of helice, some of which were remarkable both for size and colour. He stated that Mr. McRae estimated the proportion of the variety helice to the type of the female as one in fifty, Mr. Adye also exhibited two specimens of Deiopeia pulchella, recently taken near Christchurch. The Chair- man, Mr. Hanbury, Mr. Jenner VVeir, and Mr. Merrifield commented on the interesting nature of the exhibition, and on the recent extra- ordinary al-undance of C. edusa and the var. helice, which was probably not exceeded in 1877. Mr. Dallas Beeching exhibited four specimens of Plusia monela, lately taken, in the neighbourhood of Tunbridge Wells. Mr. Gervase F. Mathew sent for exhibition two specimens of Plusia f/ioneta and their cocoons, which were found at Frinsted, Kent, on the 3rd September last. It was stated that Mr. Mathew had found seven cocoons on the under side of the leaves of monkshood, but that the imagos had already emerged from five of them. Mr. Rye exhibited a specimen of Zygcvna filipt'nduhe var. clirysanthemi, and two varieties of Arctia villica, taken at Lancing, Sussex ; also dwarf specimens of Euchloe carda'/iines fiom \VimbIedon ; a variety of Thecla 1 ubi from Bournemouth, and varieties of Cocciiiella ocellata and C. oblongoguttata from Oxshott. Mr. A. H. Jones exhibited specimens of Argynnis pales var. isis and var. arsilache (the females of which showed a tendency to melanism), recently taken at Campfer, in the Upper Engadine ; also melanic forms of Erebia melampus, and a specimen of Erebia nerine, taken at Bormio, at the foot of the Stelvio Pass. Mr. Elwes exhibited specimens of typical Erebia melas, taken by him- self at Campiglio, in the Western I'yrol, on the 25th July last, at an elevation of 7,000 feet ; also specmiens of the same species from Hungary, Greece, and the Eastern and Central Pyrenees. He stated that the supposed absence of this species from the Alps, which had seemed to be such a curious fact in geographical distribution, had been first disproved by Mrs. NichoU, who discovered it at Campiglio two years ago. He also exhibited fresh specimens of Erebia 7ierine, taken on very hot rocks at Riva, on the lake of Garda, at an elevation of about 500 feet ; also specimens of the same species, take.i at the same time, at an elevation of about 5,000 feet, in cool forest glades; and remarked that the great difference of elevation and climate did not appear to have produced any appreciable variation in this species. Mr. Elwes also showed a pair of Dasydia lenebraria var. ivockearia, Stgr., from Campiglio, which appeared to him to be sufficiently constant and distinct from the typical form to be treated as a species. SOCIETIES. 245 Mr. G. T. Porritt exhibited two fine varieties of Abraxas grossularijta, bred by Mr. George Jackson during the past summer from York lar\oe. Also, on behalf of Mr. T. Baxter, a curious Noctua taken on the sand- hills at St. Anne's-on-Sea on August 20th last, and concerning which a difference of opinion existed as to whether it was a melanic form of Agrotis cicrsoria or of Caradrina cubicuiaris. Also a small dark form of Orgyia aniiqna, which had occurred in some numbers at Longridge near Preston. Mr. A. Eland Shaw exhibited a specimen of Mecflstethiis grossus, Linn., taken lately at Irstead, in the Norfolk Broads district. Me stated that this was the first recorded capture of this species in Britain since 1884. Mr. C. G. Barrett exhibited a specimen of Syrichihus alveus _ caught in Norfolk, about the year i860, by the Rev. J, H. Marsh; a beautiful variety of Argynnis euphrosyne, caught this year near Godalming ; and a series of varieties of Emiomos angular ia, bred from a female taken at Nunhead. Mr. P. Crowley exhibited a specimen of Zygcena filipendida: var. chrysauthemi, taken last August at Kiddles Jovvn near Croydon, by Mr. Murton Holmes. Lord Walsing- ham sent for exhibition several specimens of larvae of Sphinx pinastri and Aphoniia sociella, preserved by himself, which were intended for presentation to the British Museum. The larvae of pinastri had been sent to him by Lord Rendlesham, who obtained them from ova laid by a female which he had captured in Suffolk last August. Mr. de Niceville communicated a paper entitled " On the Variation of some Lidian Eupkeas of the subgenus Sticlophhva ;" and Captain E. Y. Watson exhibited, on behalf of Mr. de Niceville, the specimens re- ferred to in this paper. Colonel Swinhoe, Mr. Hampson, Mr. Poulton, and the Chairman took part in the discussion which ensued. Mr. \\^ Bateson read a paper entitled " On the Variation in the Colours of Cocoons and Pupae of Lepidoptera; further Experiments." Mr. E. B. Poulton read a paper entitled " Further Experiments upon the Colour- relation between certain Lepidoptera and their surroundings." Miss Lilian J. Gould read a paper entitled " Experiments on the Colour- relation between certain Lepidopterous larvae and their surroundings, together with Observations on Lepidopterous larvae." A long discus- sion ensued, in which Mr. Jenner Weir, Dr. Sharp, Mr. Merrifield, ]Mr. Poulton, Mr. Tutt and the Chairman took part. — H. Goss, Hon. Sec. City of London Entomological and Natural History Socieiy. — Thursday., September i^th, 1892. — Exhibits: — Dr. Buckell, living Xdsws: oi Ephy7-a punctaiia, 19 days old, examples of Liparis auriffim without the black markings, Nona^^ria rufa from Wimbledon, and a very dark form of Amphipyra pyramidea bred from a larva found in Kensington Gardens. Mr. Southey, series of Hadena pisi and Cidaria dotata from Hampstead ; also a \o\\g%^x\^% oi Abraxas grossularia'a, containing an example with a pale straw ground colour, also a fine specimen, speckled with black dots on both fore and hind wings. Mr. Bacot, examples of Melitcea cinxia from the Isle of Wight, and a series of Theda betulce from South Devon larva;. Mr. Rosevear, two specimens of Torrubia robertsii, a parasitic fungus having for its host the larva of Hepialus virescens from New Zealand ; he also read notes descriptive of the growth of the fungus. Mr. Tutt drew atten- tion to the description of this fungus in the Entom. Record., etc., vol. ii., pp. 99-101. Dr. Sequeira exhibited Bisulcia iigustri, Cuspidiaalni, ai.d 246 THE entomologist's recohd. series of Leucania /urea and Apkcla herbida from the New Forest. Mr. Allbuary, two very pale specimens of Vanessa iirticce from Northfleet, the pale colour being evidently produced by a failure of the pigment. Mr. Clark read a paper '• On a melanic race of Liparis tnonacha,'' illustrating the same with a fine series of that species, the progeny of a pair received from Scarborough. The male parent was almost black, the female only suffused, and J" and 5 offspring followed ihem respectively to a very large extent in the depth of their coloration. Coleoptera. — Mr. Heasler exhibited Elater balteatns^ Melandrys cara- doides, Aniaspis thoracica and CeutJioryiichus asperifoliuin. Thursday, October 6ih, 1892. — Exhibits: — Mr. Goldthwaite, a series of Apkcta advena from Carshalton, and a lemon-coloured male of Colias edusa. Mr. Bacot, bred specimens of Liparis dispar. He remarked that a few larvte received from Winchester produced males with paler markings and borders to the hind wings, while the females were darker than the others he had bred. Mr. Boden, Vafiessa urticce with while markings instead of yellow, and Colias edusa var. helice. Mr. Bellamy, a very variable series of Anchoce/is lunosa an J A. pisiacina, taken on lamps at Wood* Green. Mr. Smith, a male of Ennonios autuiiinaria'^ taken at Southsea this season, this being the third specimen he had obtained from that locality ; also Lobophora sexalisata and a banded form of Canipfograinma bilineata. Mr. Hill, a long series of Ennomos angularia bred from a female taken in Epping Forest. He remarked that the males all showed a tendency to become suffused in the vicinity of the transverse lines, but the females were normal, possibly indicating that the male parent was a suffused specimen. The larvse were fed on copper beech. Mr. Riches, Notodo7ita ziczac, Heliothis marginata, Dianthijccia capsincola, etc. Mr. Mera, Deiopeia puic/iella, a variety of Lyae/ia alexis, and bred series of Liihosia coinplana and L. complanula, all from Suffolk. He stated that he had beaten the larvoa of complanula from trees, but those of coinplana were found on a brick wall. Mr. Prout, a variable series of Agrotis saucia from Sandown. J)r. Buckeli, pupas oi Ephyra punctaria. He remarked ui)on the curious butterfly-like mode of pupation of this geius, the pupce being attached to a leaf by the tail and a silken belt. He also stated that although the majority of the spring brood turned green before pupation, the autumn brood usually retained their br.jwn <-olour. Mr. Battley, Apatura iris (bred), Chctrocampa porcellus, Stauropus fagi, Diphthera orion, and a specimen of T/iera variata with the band reduced to a small blotch on the costal margin, all from the New Forest. Mr. Bayne, Argynnis paphia, ^ with a bleached spot on each wing, A. selcne, with the black markings much reduced, Tripluena subsequa and Heliothis dipsaeea, all from the New Forest. Mr. Clark, a series of Hoporina croeeago, bred from ova. Mr. Southey, Xylophasia rurea and var. conibusta from North London. Mr. Milton, Colias edusa and Leucophasia sinapis from CuUompton ; also in Coleoptera, sixteen specimens of Necrophorus ruspator, sixteen li. vespilo, and four JV. huniaior, all taken under one dead rabbit, and specimens 6f Dorcus parallelopipedus, Prionus corarius and Philonthus splendens. Mr. Heasler, Apion cruentatuni and A. spencci from Totteridge. — A. U. Battley and J. A. Simes, Hon. Sees. ^ Vide note by Mr. Henderson, ante p. 242. — Ed. SOCIETIES. 247 South London Entomological Society. — Septeviher 22?id, 1892. — Mr. Fenn exhibited a series of Or\;yia aiitiqua, rather above the ordinary size ; ^[r. McAithur, a series of Hepialiis huunili from the Shetlands, and stated that whilst the now weli-known dark males from those islands affected the marshy districts, those taken on the cliffs were white. He also exhibited Sesia scolurfonnis, with the pupa case, the puparium in sitii, and ichneumons bred from the species. Also Agroiis hyperborea, with empty pupa case and preserved larvae mounted on the foodplant. Mr. Frohawk exhibited a bred series of Vanessa atalanfa, and referred to the statement that was frequently made that the small white spot in the red band was indicative of the female. He exhibited six females with, and six females without, this white spot, but said that only one male had the spot present, and this was peculiar in having other superficial female characters. Mr. Tutt stated that he had found the males invariably without the spot, but the females both with and without, and that therefore those specimens with the spot were almost certain to be females, but those without were both males and females. Mr. Carpenter exhibited a bred series of the same species, showing the same main points, but he also had one male with the white spot. Mr. Barren exhibited several each of Colias ediisa and C. hyale, taken on the same day at Blean. Mr. Fenn said he had seen Vanessa urticce, ifi copula, and asked whether it was probable the female would lay her eggs this autumn, and so produce a late brood. Mr. Carrington did not believe the Vanesscs were double-brooded. Mr. Tutt stated that it was his opinion that most of the Vanessc^ occasion- ally copulated in the autumn, and in such cases he considered the female would lay her eggs at once, and that an attempt at a partial second brood would thus be made, which would be a success or failure, dependent on the condition of the weather during late autumn. He further stated that it was generally accepted that when butterflies emerged in the summer those that meant to hybernate would go into hybernation at once, however early, and would copulate the fjllowing spring, but that a butterfly having copulated would not go into hybernation. He stated that autumnal copulations of V. ur/i'ae were very frequent, those of V. polycJiloros less so. Mr, Cooper supported this view, and stated that he had, a day or two previously, taken newly hatched larv^ of V. urticce. Mr. Adkin considered that the ova hatched a few at the time, and the existence of a brood might thus be spread over a long period. Mr. Frohawk pointed out that this would be practically impossible in the gregarious species of Vanessce which clear the food as they go, and that the late hatched ones would starve. Mr. Hawes exhibited larvcX of Colias edusa — the ova laid 15th to 17th August, hatched the 22nd to 28th. As the larvce were almost full- fed, these were certainly about to produce a second brood, as was the case in 1877. Mr. Tugwell exhibited Granunesia irigraminica^ including specimens of vars. evidens, setnifuscans, obscura and pallida- linea, but apparently no specimens of the var. bilinea of Hiibner; i.Iso a pale variety of Cymatophora or, and nice specimens of Bisukia ligustri and Hadena genista. Mr. Frohawk saw Euchloe cardainincs in Surrey on August [8th and August 20th; whilst Mr. Warne took two very fresh Argynnis selcne late in August. Mr Adkin exhibited a series each of Oxyptilus pilosellcc and disfans, captured at Folkestone; and, for 24:8 THE entomologist's record. Mrs. Hutchinson, Cornish specimens of Herbxda cespiialis, Diasemia literaiis, Scoparia dubitalis, Tortrix viburfiia?ia, and a species marked doubtfully as Homaosoma saxicola. Mr. South exhibited a series of GrapholUha nisana and a comparative series of G. cifterana. Mr. Fenn called attention to the face that nisella was common both on poplars and willows, and that there were two distinct races of the species, a larger and smaller, affecting these foodplants. Mr. Barrttt remarked that poplar as a foodplant of nisella was unknown to him. Mr. Fenn referred to the fact that some entomologists wish to merge cinerana into nisella, and pointed out differences in shape, etc., besides difference in habit. — Ed. IvANCASHiRE AND CHESHIRE Eniomological SOCIETY. — September 12///, 1892.— The President (Mr. S. J. Capper, F.L.S., F.E.S.) in the chair. Mr. F. N. Pierce, F.E S., read a paper entitled, " Some further researches upon the genital structure of Lepidoptera." The author described the different species in the genera Acronycta, Agrotis, Nodua, etc., and showed that in cases where the identity or otherwise of species was disputed the genitalia might often hz used as a sure means of differentiation. The paper was illustrated by the author's preparations of these parts thrown upon a screjn by the aid of an oxy- hydrogen micro lantern, and by photographs and specimens of each species described. The President exhibited varieties of Angerona prunaria Messrs. Gregson and Robson challenge series of Abraxas grossulariala, showing variation produced by food. Mr. Scowcroft, varieties of Xanthia ccrago. Mr. William Johnson, a fine variety of Vanessa urtiae, which had the ground colour very pale ; Bombyx rubi, with the bands absent; and Orgyiafascelina, with a mass of dark scales near the centre of the costa of the forewings. Mr. Prince, varieties of Abraxas grossulariata and a specimen of Colias edusa, nearly the var. helice, captured at Wallasey. Mr. Harker, C. edusa from Crosby. Mr. Crabtree, who remarked that he had only taken one var. helice among 56 types, a long series of C. edusa captured at Si Imouth, South Devon. — F. N. PiKRCE, Hon. Sec, 143, Smithdown Lane, Liverpool. Birmingham Entomological Society. — September \2ih, 1892. — G. H. Kenrick, Esq., V.P., in the chair. Mr. Neville Chamberlain showed a box of Lepidoptera which he had recently collected in Inverness-shire. Mr. P. W. Abbott showed a long series of Colias edusa from Freshwater, Isle of Wight, including half a dozen helice, and one specimen intermediate in colour between the type and var. helice. Mr. W. Harrison, two Colias edusa from Trench Woods. Mr. R. C. Bradley, Zygcena trifolii var. confluens, and one Emmelesia tceniata, both from Barmouth. Mr. G. H. Kenrick showed Plusia bractea from Scotland, and Euperia fulvago from Sherwood Forest and Cannock. Mr. W. Harrison, larvae of Sphinx ligustri from Trench Woods. Mr. C. J. Wainwright read a paper upon " Isolation as a factor in the evolution of species," in which he endeavoured to show that not only were the indirect effects of isolation very consider- able, but that it directly performed an important part in the divergence of species, without the assistance of " natural selection." Con- siderable discussion followed, in which Messrs. G. H. Kenrick, Neville Chamberlain and R. C. Bradley joined. — Colbran J. Wainwright, Hon. Sec. ^^\««Bln|Wi J. <^^*- ^ND ^"iv JOURNAL OF VARIATION, No. 11. Vol. III. November I5th, 1892. THE GENUS ACRONYCTA AND ITS ALLIES. By Dr. T. a. chapman. {Contimied from page 222.) EM AS CORY LI and Diloba c) • • • •■• 1890 Aug. 14 1890 Aug. 29 15 )> IJ • • • '• • 1891 July 23 1891 Aug. 7 15 I) E. quercinaria 1886 Aug. 17 1887 May 10 8| months. B. hirtaria ... 1882 Mar. 31 1882 May 7 37 days. A, betnlaria ... 1891 June 24 1891 July 7 13 » H. abrnptaria 1884 May 20 1884 June 13 24 )) ,, 1889 May 23 1889 June 6 14 II B. gemniaria 1883 July 11 1883 July 31 20 II H. strigata ... 1889 July 8 1889 July 17 9 )i Z. punctaria ... 1887 June 5 1887 June 13 8 11 ,, 1887 Aug. 10 1887 Aug. 19 9 II A. bisetata ... 1886 Aug. 11 1886 Aug. 21 10 II rernidaria ... 1886 June 8 1886 June 22 14 II initmUata ... 1891 July 26 1891 Aug. 12 17 II T, amataria ... 1885 July 20 1885 July 24 4 C. exanthemaria 1887 June 5 1887 June 15 10 11 M. notata 1891 July 10 1891 July 23 13 II y 1 *• ■ • • • 1892 June 5 1892 June 10 5 N. fulveraria 1890 May 25 1890 June 9 15 II ji • • ■ "• 1892 May 31 1892 June 10 10 ,, H, defoliaria 1881 Nov. 10 1882 Mar. 25 4i months „ 1882 Dec. 2 1883 April 19 4i 1, M. tmangulata 1886 Aug. 11 1886 Aug. 21 10 days. C. desigftata ... 1890 June 5 1890 June 16 11 II unidentaria 1892 Aug. 5 1892 Aug. 15 10 picata 1884 July 15 1884 July 26 11 II — F. J. BucKELL. August^ 1892. 256 THE entomologist's record. Current notes. Every now and again the common Cordyceps {Torrubid) robertsii awakens the interest of lepidopterists in general. The younger lepidopterists look on it in wonder, and the older as a curiosity. Comparatively few look at it from a scientific point of view, and we presume that those few would be astonished to find that it were possible to write a book of 364 pp. on the " Entomogenous fungi, or fungi parasitic upon insects." This work has been excellently done by Dr. M. C. Cooke, M.A., who calls his book Vegetable Wasps and Plant Worms. He describes the fungi known to be parasitic on Hy- menoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera, Heteroptera, Homoptera and Arachnidae, and figures most of them. It is to be hoped that entomologists, who observe larvae, pupse or imagines, attacked by fungi, will, instead of rushing into print with no actual knowledge of what the fungus is, turn to the pages of this work and write a scientific note under its proper name, and thus add valuable scientific matter. This is a book to be bought by every entomologist who is in the slightest degree interested in the advance of the science. It is published by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Whilst, on the one hand, some of our friends explain that the " mudthrowing " recently indulged in, was not meant to spatter anyone, on the other hand two or three public cases of " whitewashing " occur in the current numbers of more than one of our contemporaries. Mr. Jenner records the occurrence of Melissoblaptes gielaris, Zell., bred from larv^ of pupae detected in September, 1891, in some rice from Japan, which arrived about that time in this country. Chcerocampa celerio is recorded as captured in Sherborne, Dorset, on October 1st, by Mr. Benthall, and from Ashford, in Kent, on October 21st, by Mr. Viggers. Lyccena arion is reported from the Forest of Dean by Mr. E. G. C. Brooke. Unfortunately, Mr. Brooke was on a bicycle, had no net, and was unable to capture any specimens. This is unfortunate, as such a record as this really needs verification. Mr. Sich records the capture of a larva of Deilephila galii, found feeding on the common red fuchsia in a garden at Chiswick. Specimens of a Thecla, which Mr. Bromilow supposes were hybrids between T. spini and T. tlicis, prove to be T. spini var. lynceus. Records of hybrids taken in a state of nature, always want inquiring into most carefully. Probably no mass of reference work equal to that recently brought out by Mr. W. F. Kirby under the title of A Synonymic Catalogue of Lepidoptera Heterocera, vol. i., has ever before been presented to the entomological public. It is well known that Mr. Kirby has a greater knowledge of entomological literature, than any entomologist living; and it would certainly be hypercritical to attempt to deal with the work in the way of ordinary criticism. Such a monument of labour as this can never repay the author, except the knowledge that its use to future workers is unquestionable and almost beyond calculation. Every entomologist ought to support the publication of such a work as this. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 257 It is with the greatest regret that we record the death, on October i8th, of Mr. Howard W, J. Vaughan, at the age of 46. He was well-known as an active collector, and his collection, sold in May, 1890, realized Dr. Wood describes another rush-feeding species of Coleophora, which he names agram/neila^ and states that its favourite food is Jancus conglomeraius, but that it also occurs on J. effusiis and lamprocarpus. Mr. McLachlan states that the large collection of Neuroptera formed by Mr. H. Albarda, has been given to the Leyden Museum, on condition that it be kept separate and not incorporated in the general collection. It would have been an excellent thing if such collections as the Zeller and Grote collections, in our own museum, had been placed under similar restrictions. Nothing is more unsatisfactory than the breaking up of these historical collections, and the obliteration of the individual value which such collections ought to possess. We have also to record, with regret, the death of Mr. J. T. Harris, of Burton-on-Trent, on October 3rd, at the age of 62. He was a keen Coleopterist, but was always ready to support the production of works in other branches of Natural History. Is it not nearly time that the South London Entomological Society began to waken up ? At the last it'f^ meetings, members have not been so numerous as was their wont. No scientific papers have, as yet, been read this autumn, and the meetings are likely to degenerate into gossiping half-hours over the exhibits which come to hand. It has come to Mr. Clark's knowledge that he was deceived in the origin of the Liparis inonacha figured last month. He wishes us to state that he received them from Mr. Salvage, who supposed they were taken at Scarborough. Mr. Salvage received them from Mr. Head, supposing they were British. Mr. Head now states that they were " obtained originally from a cross between New Forest and Continental parents." He also states that he has "told correspondents how they were obtained if they asked if they were British." Surely this is insuf- ficient ! When buying from a British dealer, we generally assume the British authenticity of our purchases unless we are told the contrary. This, it would appear, is directly contrary to Mr. Head's practice. No one regrets more than Mr. Clark this unfortunate incident, and the British entomological public will perfectly understand the bonCi fides of that gentleman by his having had some of the specimens figured, and he wishes to take the earliest opportunity of explaining the matter. Attention is drawn to the fact that the City of London Entomo- logical Society has altered its meeting nights to the first and third Tuesdays in the month. ^OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. Notes of the Season. — Aberdeenshire. — Punctually at 8 p.m. on August 3rd, the Flying Scotchman steamed forth from King's Cross station, bearing, with many others, my wife, self and family, to the happy " land o' cakes ; " and well does this train deserve its title, for at 7.45 a.m. (ii| hours), we reached Aberdeen, a distance of 540 miles. Doubtless, the objects of paramount interest, en route, G 258 THE entomologist's record. to most of the travellers, were the Forth and Tay Bridges, but hardly compatible with the record of an entomological tour. At Aberdeen station we were met by our friend Mr. Arthur Home, and conducted by him to a very substantial breakfast, he, at the same time, giving such glowing descriptions of our probable captures and eventual rendezvous, that we were all eager for the fray, and so we again wended our way to the station, and accomplished another twenty miles, probably the most tedious part of our journey, for the Scotch local trains are not famed for express speed. Through the kindness of Sir Arthur Grant, Bart., we were allowed carte blanche, to his extensive estate of Monymusk, there to revel on mountain and in valley in our favourite pursuit. Mr. Home joined us on Friday, August 5th ; and as I was allowed to relinquish the responsibility of both husband and father during his stay, I can assure you we did not allow the grass to grow under our feet. Mr. Home was most desirous to complete his promise, that, had it not been for his affable companionship, I should have been tempted to cry " dead beat; " however, he had his desire nearly fulfilled, with only one exception. August 5th, after dinner, we went in search of good "sugaring" ground, and on the way netted the following imagines : — Larentia ccesiata, some nice banded forms ; L. didymata, swarms (not taken) ; Thera variata ; Cidaria populata, common ; C. itnmanata, very variable; L. viridaria, common; Miana fascmncida,dX rest on thistles; Epinephele hyperanthus, worn, but some without any markings on under- side and much smaller than the southern form ; E. janira, worn ; Ccenonympha pamphilus, common ; Scoparia ambigiialis, very common ; Etipcecilia angustana, common ; Padisca solandriana and Scapula hitealis, both very common. Amongst larv£e were the following : — Notodonta dromedarius, N. ziczac, JDicranura fiiraila, D. vmula, Asphalia flavicor?iis, Demas coryli, TcBuiocatupa gothica. Home for tea at 6 o'clock ; started at 6.30 for "sugaring" ground, and although a distance of three miles from our lodgings, we contented ourselves with just sufficient " mountain dew " to ward off the evil effects of the " Scotch mist," and then resorted to our pipes. Our "sweets" being laid on, we mounted our " flags " in readiness for Geometers and Micros. The following were caught : — Cidaria dotata, C. populaia, C. immanata, Larentia ccesiata, L. olivata, Metrocampa inargaritaria ; and at honeysuckle, Cucullia titnbratica and Plusia pulchrina. At the same blossom my friend secured a fine specimen of Cramhiis myelins. At sugar were the following: — Noctua sobrina (14); N. neglecta (2); N. tnnbrosa (2) ; Aplecfa prasina (i) ; Triphcena orbo?ia var. curtisii (i) (also the red form and the type) ; Noctua baja and N. brunnea, very common ; Xylophasia polyodon, from type to jet black ; Triphxna pronuba, Leucania impura, Apamea oculea, Noctua xanthographa, N. /estiva, all very common and variable ; Graphiphora augur, worn ; Apamea gemina, worn ; Boarmia repandata var. sodorensium} We then went home very satisfied with our first day's work. I may mention that some of the above species preferred various flower blooms to sugar. On August 6th, the captures by day new to the former list were : — Tanagra atrata, Coremia mu7iitata, Hepialus hectus, Ellopia prosapiaria ; at sugar N. sobrina (10), Xylophasia rurea, Leucania conigera and Miana arcuosa. ^ Is our correspondent quite sure that this variety was the one captured ? — Ed. NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 259 August 7th was devoted to mountain work. We obtained Ccvnonympha davus and Argynnis aglaia, both worn ; A. selene, in fair condition ; Lyccetia aiexis, worn ; Evunelesia ericetata, Cidaria populata, Botys fiiscalis, Cratnbus inargaritellus. At sugar we obtained Noctua sobrina (27), and thefollowing fresh species : — C/iara:as granmiis, Miana literosa, Agrotis nigricans, Caradrina cubicularis. Mr. Home secured another Crambus viyellus. August 8th we were setting all the morning, the weather being cold and wet. At sugar we found N. sobrina (8) and the other usual species, but not so numerous as before. On August 9th we again devoted ourselves to mountain work, and obtained larvae of Viminia metiyanthidis, V. myricce, Bombyx rubi. The only thing new to our list was Sericoris pabistrana. At sugar we obtained N. sobrina (6), with other species as before. The air was cold and frosty. On August loth we again worked the mountains, and obtained the species of Geometers already recorded, very numerous. Phisia interrogationis were very wild, we only captured three ; whilst at sugar N. sobrina (8), and fresh to our list : — Aplecta occulta (i), Xanthia cerago, Noctua dahlii. This evening we secured three C. viyellus, two falling to my net, but these I gave to my friend Mr. Home. On August nth the morning was wet and spent at setting. At sugar, in the evening, we obtained N. sobrina (30), C. myelins (i), and, fresh to our list, Noctua glareosa, Dyschorista suspecta. Other insects swarming both on sugar and bloom. I don't think I should be exaggerating if I said we saw several thousands. Weather warm, drizzling rain. On August X2th we again went to the mountains. We netted A, aglaia, Plusia interrogationis, L. ccesiata larvae, as before, with the addition of some Geometers, probably Cidaria miata ; whilst at sugar we took N. sobrina (20), all other species being again very plentiful. On August 13th Mr. Home left for Aberdeen; we were both well satisfied with our week's captures, of which all rare Macros we agreed to divide equally. I accompanied Mr. Home to Aberdeen to have a look at his splendid collection, also to well overhaul his duplicates. I had apprised him of this weeks before, so he had looked me up a very nice lot, valuable in renewing and completing series. This ended the most important part of my entomological holiday ; the latter part of the time was spent in the immediate neighbourhood collecting botanical specimens, of which there were many varieties, these were consigned to the care of my eldest daughter. Sugar, on August 13th, produced with others already enumerated the red variety of Leucania palkfis. August 14th was very windy with rain in evening, so that we spent most of the day indoors. On August 15th we captured A. aglaia, C. itntnanata, L. ccesiata, H. elutata, nice forms, and larvre as before. On August 1 6th, morning work, as before, nothing new to list ; but at sugar in the evening N. dahlii, N. glareosa (black var.), X. polyodon, August 17th, day work as before. Sugar in evening produced, new to list, only Liihomia solidaginis. No entomological work was done on the 1 8th and 19th. On the 20th we arrived at Pitfour, Aberdeenshire, found there, new to list, Cidaria fulvata, C. russata, and larvae of Bojnbyx callunce. On the 22nd we left Pitfour for Aberdeenshire, thence to Edinburgh. 260 THE entomologist's record. On the 23rd we left Edinburgh for Morpeth, Northumberland, found there on the 24th at light, the red form of C. graminis^ at rest Polia M/and var. olivacea, also a nice series oi Neuria popularis. August 25th, left for London. Thus ended a most enjoyable trip, and in my opinion a most satisfactory entomological record. — J. P. Mutch, Hornsey, N. Hampshire. — On the 6th July last, by the very kind invitation of Rev. G. M. A. Hewett, whose enthusiasm as an entomologist is so well-known to all of us, and whose hospitality I enjoyed during my stay at Winchester, I had my first experience of collecting in the south. Going out in the afternoon but a very short distance from Winchester, we were well at work with net and beating-stick, in a narrow lane with hedges covered with Clematis. The wind was rather strong, but the stick brought out a lot of species which I had never seen on the wing — Melanippe procellata, M. rivata, Phibalapteryx tersata and Eupithecia isogrammata were in plenty, and in fine condition, — Hemithea thymiaria, Lygdia adustaia, Anticlea rubidata, Scoiosia rhamnata, S. vetulata, M. ocellata and a few others were not so plentiful. Having had sufficient of this we had a turn at some thistles for larvse of Cynthia cardui, and shortly afterwards retraced our steps to the city, noting a number of CuculUa verbasci larvae feeding on a high bank. I was much tempted to take some, but not having the food for them at home I had to reluctantly decide against it, After dinner we sallied out, accom- panied by a gentleman from Portsmouth, to the wood made famous by Mr. Hewett's sugar experiences, so graphically recorded in these pages. The wind by this time was blowing almost a gale, and every moment we expected rain ; however, it managed to hold off, and after a walk of two or three miles up a steep road we found ourselves in the woods. Mr. Hewett parcelled out the ground, and we were soon at work. The wind was so boisterous that nothing ventured on the wing at dusk, and our success at sugar was nothing to what it might have been with more favourable wind conditions. I managed to take one fine Triphczna subsequa, and, amongst others, I got Bisidcia ligustri, Aplecta tincta, A. nebulosa, six Cymatophora duplaris, JNoctna brunnea, JV. festiva, etc. Next morning we were at Lyndhurst Road station, soon after nine o'clock, and commenced operations immediately. I here saw several butterflies on the wing which are specially pleasing to a northern collector. The beautiful flight of Limenitis sibylla was worth going the journey to see. The males were mostly chipped however, but still I got a fine lot to bring home when I was out on the following day. Argynnis paphia was very fine, and very abundant. Satyriis egeria (worn), A. adippe, Epinephele hyperanthus, Lyc(e7ia (Zgon on the heaths, Vanessa atalanta (one), late for a hybernated specimen, were the chief captures. On the buckthorn, larvae of Gonopteryx fhafuni were not uncommon. In the afternoon I netted a fine example of Boarmia repandata var. conversaria, several Fidonia piniaria, with pale yellow markings in the $ , El/opia fasciaria, etc. I took also a few larvae of Asphalia ridens on my way to Lyndhurst. My doings at sugar were ot a successful nature, but do not warrant special mention. On the wing and at sugar were Boarmia roboraria (two), Tephrosia extersaria, Bisulcia ligustri, Leucania iurca, A. herbida, Thyatyra batis, Gonophora derasa, the three latter very common. I also took during my stay NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 2(U Phorodesma bajularia, Calligenia miniata, Lithosia rubrkollis and L. mesomella. — S. Walker, York. August Zth, 1892. JVew Forest. — On August 30th, my son and I began sugaring a ride in the New Forest, quite apart from the usual haunts of entomologists in that locality. Between that day and October ist we sugared four- teen times from twelve to twenty trees on each occasion, and we took 474 insects and saw forty-six different species. Amongt those we took were the following : — Triphcena siihsequa (i), Epimda nigra (3), Xylina petrificata (7), Noctua neglecta (14), Thyatyra batis (4), Agrotis sufftisa (20), A. saiia'a (34), Asphalia diluta (75), Hadena protea (31), Xyliiia rhizolitha (57), Anchocelis rufifia (23), A. liinosa (2), Calocampa vetusta (2). It was interesting to note the days on which the species appeared at sugar for the first time ; for instance, A. litura, X. silago, N. proiea, X. rhizolitha, X. petrificata appeared for the first time on September 1 2th; A. lu?iosa on September 15th; E. nigra on September i6th ; X. cerago, A. rufina Sind pistacina on September 19th; Gonoptera libatrix, Agriopis aprilina and Scopelosoma satellitia on September 20th; C. vetusta SLud Cerastis vaccinii on September 22nd j Orthosia macilenta on September 26th; O. lota and Miselia oxyacanthth, iZ^2. Folkestone. — My opportunities for collecting have been very few since the spring, with the exception of one week towards the end of September, and then the weather had commenced to break up, so that the result was not very satisfactory. I was then staying at Folkestone, where, of course, Colias edusa was found, but not in anything like large numbers, and I saw neither var. helice nor C. hyale, but I saw a splendid lot of both the latter taken by Mr. Austin, of Folkestone, some few weeks before. I believe some entomologists consider that 1892 will compare favourably with 1877 as an edusa year; but from my experience, I should certainly say not, which was confirmed by Austin, who took a far larger number in 1877. I was fortunate in taking a nice variety of Lyccena adonis (underside) while at Folkestone. — A. W. Mera. October 2']th. Gabvay. — I have been in the neighbourhood all the summer, except from the end of June to the middle of August ; but I have not been able to explore the district nearly as thoroughly as I should have liked. In the butterflies, perhaps the most remarkable thing has been the abundance of Vanessa iirticc^. Fresh specimens were out before the end of June, and larvce were still feeding in September. I have not seen much of the Sphinges. Two footmen were to the fore — Lithosia lurideola, abundant in the larva state, and feeding even on bramble leaves ; and L. rubricollis, lying about the dusty roads wher- ever they were overshadowed by trees. - Does anyone know the larva of this species? I have found a curious mottled-green larva, with six red warts on each segment, which I think must be those of L. rubri- collis. Eriogaster lanestris, Cilix glaucata {spimila), Dicratuira vinula, and Clostera pigra {reclusa) have been common in either the larva or imago state. Among Noctu/E may be mentioned Bryophila muralis {glandifera), Viminia vienyanthidis, V. ru?nicis, Cuspidia psi\ Helo- tropha fibrosa, Celcena haworthii, Agrotis lucernea, Folia chi (disap- pointingly like my Lancashire specimens), Eiiclidia glyphica. I have hardly taken anything at treacle, otherwise the list of Nocture species would be larger. Among Geometers, the most noticeable are lodis lactearia, Hemithea strigata {thymiaria), Hyria niuricata, Eupithecia satyrata, E. nanata, E. lariciata, E. castigata, E. scabiosata, E. togata, Cidaria corylata ; not a very remarkable record, but I never had a chance of trying for such species as Zygcena nubigena and Fhothedes captiu?icula, so I have to look forward to making their acquaintance next season, — J. E. R. Allen, Gahvay. October 14th. Ireland. — Among the insects mentioned as numerous in England this season, Vanessa cardui and Macroglossa stellataruni have been also abundant in Ireland, especially the latter, which was as plentiful in the north as in the county Dublin. I observed the females on several 290 THE entomologist's record. occasions depositing ova singly on Galium verum, and reared severa larvae therefrom, which pupated from the middle of August to the 6th of September. About the middle of September I left home, and before the middle of October a member of my family noticed that two ima- gines had emerged. On the Continent the imago is in flight all winter on sunny^days in mild climates. I think that this is one of the insects whose presence in this country is maintained by immigration. Mr. Mera mentions that M. homhylifonnis has disappeared from its former haunts near Ipswich. I am inclined to think that this change of locality is habitual with this species, as after receiving from a friend in England very full notes as to the habit of the larvae, I and a friend searched most carefully a spot where it used to be very numerous, and which has not been disturbed, but in vain. I was not successful in Monaghan in obtaining Sphi?ix convoivuH, though I planted extensive beds of Nicotiana affinis and other flowers, but a friend in Waterford took a specimen, and another was captured in Sligo. I heard of but one CoUas ediisa in Ireland, viz., at Howth. The weather this autumn has been so extremely wet and cold in the north that I have done no entomologising. The ivy is coming out, but I have not been able to try my luck between engagements and bad weather. I may mention that I have been successful in breeding Emmelesia tcviiiaia, some twelve or fourteen having fed up rapidly and gone down to pupate. — W. F. DE V. Kane. October 26th, 1892. New Forest District. — The past season has been distinctly good for the New Forest district. Insects came to sugar very freely in June and the first fortnight of July: — Boarmia roboraria was fairly plentiful, also Argynnis paphia var. valezina ; but, on the other hand, Ckora glabraria was exceedingly scarce ; Catocala promissa was very scarce, but C. sponsa occurred freely, though rather later than usual. No great rarities, however, have turned up, but on the whole I am inclined to think we are entering on a series of better seasons for entomologists. One of the features of this season has been the abundance of larvae of Selenia lUustraria. In this immediate neighbourhood Neiiioria viridata was very plentiful in one or two localities, but I was too much engaged at the time to collect them. This autumn Agrotis saucia has been quite abundant at sugar ; and Colias ediisa has been very common, in fact, anyone so disposed might have taken two or three thousand specimens here and round Swanage. I could only give a very limited time to them, and so only took five var. helice, but another collector secured between twenty and thirty. I had the good fortune, however, to take two ? edusa with scarcely a trace of the yellow blotches on the black borders of the wings. Hesperia actccon was very abundant this year. A curious thing about this insect is that it seems to appear earlier in the season than formerly. This year it was well out on the 12 th of July, though it continued to emerge up to the 8th or loth of August. — Percy M. Bright, Bournemouth. November ^th, 1892. Cambridge. — Xanthia giliiago has been fairly plentiful on the gas lamps here, and I have taken a nice variable series. Chaidiodus chcerophylellus larvse here are fairly thick on Pastinica sativa ; the imagines are now coming out and producing a large proportion of almost unicolorous specimens, either black or brown. The larvae of this species seem to straggle on over a long period, full-fed larvre being I NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 291 found from the last week of August to the end of September. It is not to be wondered at that the moth is rarely caught, since it is such a sluggish species, requiring careful searching even in the breeding pots. Agroiis ravida seems very erratic. Mr. Tutt found it at Wicken in the beginning of August, and Mr. Jones took three specimens here in the middle of September in very decent condition. I was pleased to come across B. pinicolclla here this June. It was fairly plentiful in bright sunshine among some small firs.— W. Farren. October ']th, 1892. Clevedoii. — I only noticed three specimens of Sphinx convolvuli this season, and they were much later than usual. I had a fine healthy pupa of Aclierontia atropos brought me about a month since from a friend's garden, which I at once placed in a small breeding-cage, laying it in about 2 inches of very damp moss, and covering it with about an inch of the same material ; the cage was then placed in a shady corner of a small humid plant stove in a temperature ranging from 65° to 80° Fahr. ; the moss covering the pupce was sprinkled with water every other day, and at the end of the third week I was delighted to find that a fine male had emerged in splendid condition. — J. Mason, Clevedon. October 21st, 1892. Swansea. — Light and sugar are beginning to pay a little now, for the past three weeks they have been useless. About a month ago Neurojiia papillaris came freely to the moth trap with a few Liiperina cespitis, the latter does not come to light now, strangely enough, but I have taken three during the last two days at sugar within twenty or thirty yards of the trap. Agrotis suffusa is common now at sugar, with an occasional Anchocelis liinosa, Agrotis saiicia and Asphalia diluta ; lunosa also comes to light. Mr. Holland was staying with me the last fortnight in July, and we did fairly well at sugar. GonopJwra derasa, Thyafyra batis, Xylophasia hepatica, X. rurea and Aplecta ?iebulosa being common, and we turned up some things new to the Swansea district, such as Dyschorista suspecta, Ciiarceas graminis, Hypcnodes costcestrigalis, X. scotopacina Leucania turca ; but what we were particularly keen on was Calymnia pyralina, of which we generally took two or three of a night, our best night totalling fourteen pyralina between us. My moth-trap during July and August produced such good species as Noctua ditrapezium, Camptogramma fluviata, Plusia orichalcea, C. pyralina, Geonietra papili- onaria, Cilix spinula, Luperina cespitis, Ennomos erosaria and Plastcnis retusa. On 21st July Mr. Holland took at sugar a beautiful variety of Triplia;na pronuba, the fore-wings being nearly pure white, the hind ones being a cream colour with a pink tint. — R. B. Robertson, Sketty Park, Swansea. September i^th, 1892. Bakezvell. — I have noticed a striking abundance of Polia chi in this district during the last three weeks sitting on numerous stone walls about here : they seem to take up their position quite indifferently in the sun and out of it, as well as upon the limestone walls and on those built of millstone grit ; on the latter of which they are, of course, very conspicuous. I mention this as a noteworthy fact in connection with the question of "mimicry." I used to take this species on Cannock Chase early in August, and was surprised to find it so much later here, only a few miles further north. Can any one suggest a reason ? — C. F. Thornewill, Bakewell. September 2ot/i, 1892. Sligo. — Folia chi has been very abundant here this season, and any 292 THE entomologist's record. taken at rest have always been on the stone walls, which they closely resemble in colour, as remarked by the Rev. C. F. Thornewill and Mr. Farren. Chi has not only been plentiful, but has been out a longer time than usual. My first capture this season was on August 24th, and it is not yet over ; I got one at ivy two nights ago. Has any one remarked that in Ireland tree trunks are almost useless as a collecting medium ? I have never been able to get anything excepting Ellopia fasciaria, Dhirficea fagelia, and one or two species of Scoparia, all on spruce fir; no other trees seem to be of the slightest use. Perhaps it may be they are usually covered with ivy or moss. — P. H. Russ. November 10 th, 1892. JNew Forest a?id Sydenham. — My own experience of this season is that it has been far better than the last five years, both here and in the New Forest. The first insects to turn up were H. rupicapraria and Anisopteryx cescularia (Feb. 24th), followed by Hybernia leucophcearia (March i6th), and all the usual spring insects. At the sallows I got nothing, except one Tceniocampa populeti (April 7th). Cymatophora ridens began to emerge from pupae, in which they had been four winters, on April ist. During April and May a large number of Ephyra orbiaihirta, Eiirymene dolobraria, Liihosia ritbricollis, Bisulcia ligustri, Eupa'cilia ambigua?ia, and Lobophora sexalisata emerged from pupffi, all from the New Forest last year. From May 14th to i6th I was in the New Forest, and obtained a few larvae of Boarmia abietaria, but they were very scarce. Sugar was quite useless in May at Sydenham. In the New Forest from June ist to 12th, Tephrosia extersaria and Eurymene dolobraria were much more abundant than usual, Staiiropus fcigi {i), Notodonia trepida (2), Cerura furciila (i), and several of the usual Forest insects ; ZygcEfia meliloii, however, being very scarce. A day after Eiilepia cribrum only produced a few worn males ; perhaps the hot weather in May brought them out much earlier than usual. In August I returned to the New Forest. Apatura iris was fairly plentiful, and I bred a few from larvce which I took in June, they were rather small ; I have bred them several years, but the specimens have been always small, although I have sleeved them in large sleeves. Colias edusa was common, but only one var. he/ice. Sugar produced Caiocala spOJisa, promissa, Noctua rhomboidea (2), Triphczna subseqiia, Cerigo malura, and any number of common things. At light the best insect was Aventia flexula (4). Larvse beating was the most paying work. Cuspidia alni (6), Stauropus fagi, Moma orion (32), Ciispidia leporina (41), Notodonia trepida (5), N dictcBoides (n), Enno/nos erosaria (5), while Eury?nene dolobraria, Demas coryli, Lithosia helveola, Notodonta dodoncea, N. chaonia, and other common species were abundant. — R. S. Sellon, Sydenham. September 19///, 1892. Jskof Man. — On the 8th November I had brought to me a beautiful specimen of 6". convohmli, which was captured by Mr. C. Bacon in his grounds at Seafield, Santon, the latter end of September. It is in very good preservation, and measures almost five inches across the wings from tip to tip. The taking of S. co?ivoIvuli in the island is generally recorded every year, and as a rule the specimens are found close to the coast. — H. Shortridge Clarke, 2, Osborne Terrace, Douglas, Isle of Man. November i^th, 1892. Highgate. — Few people, I imagine, even naturalists themselves, were NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 293 aware that the damp, dark fogs of last week were suital)le for the pursuit of lepidopterous entomology in the open air ; and fewer still, probably, ventured to put the matter to the test of practical experience in the face of such propitious (?) atmospherical conditions. I think, therefore, an account of my own sport at the time may be interesting to the readers of the Record. Wishing to avoid the " Guys," I accord- ingly picked my way through mud and mire on the 5th into Highgate Wood. The fallen leaves made the moist ground afford a fairly good foothold, and after a couple of hours' hard work I obtained five Lemna- tophila phryganella (three male and two female), several Ilybernia defoliaria (females), and one H. mirantiaria (male). Not a very large bag, yet it was very enjoyable to wander through the wood at a time when the colouring was at its best ! For the benefit of those who are unacquainted with the habits of Z. phryganella I would observe that the males (of a brown colour) may be beaten^ out of the undergrowth, and that then they take a short, slow, sailing kind of flight ; but they are very provoking, for, if not caught on the wing, they soon settle and appear to vanish in the most unaccountable manner. I lost several owing to this cause, as they seldom rise to the beating-stick a second time. The females (white with black markings, and having very pointed wings) I found at rest on the trees. They are very inconspicuous, and easily missed. On the 9th, when the fog was very thick, I visited the lamps near the wood, and found the moths coming to the light. This determined me to go round the next day, but the fog became so dense in the morning that it required some resolution to carry out my inten- tion. Everything was reeking with moisture, and the roads were a quagmire. However, when I came to the lamps, a most curious sight met my gaze. Hundreds upon hundreds of Hybernia defoliaria of every possible type, and scores of H. aurantiaria were adhering to the lamps (on one lamp I counted over forty moths), not only on the lamp- glasses and the framework surrounding them, but also under the glass, inside, on the lamp-post itself, on the ground close by, and even on adjacent palings or hedges. Now what could have been the attraction to account for such immense numbers? It was really surprising, too, how they managed to obtain foothold on the moist greasy surfaces ! When touched they usually fell on their backs into the mud, unless intercepted ; though occasionally they took to flight. As I wished to obtain a good series of the various forms of H. defoliaria, I was at first in high feather, but became embarrassed when I discovered how difficult was the task of merely picking and choosing ! I took four Himera peiuiaria just before meeting the lamp-cleaner with ladder and duster, and so I fear I may have missed others further on. He said he had never seen so many moths in his life before. Putting aside all imperfect specimens (and these were numerous) I find my bag of picked specimens for the week (November 5th — 12th) amounts to: — L. phry- ganella, 5 (3 males and 2 females) ; H. pennaria, 3 (males) ; H. auran- tiaria, 14 (males); H. defoliaria (males) 22, (females) 10. I might have increased the number greatly had I been so minded. It is a curious circumstance that (comparatively speaking) I scarcely saw any Cheimatobia brumata or Oporabia dilutata, though I took one or two of 1 We have found them flying naturally in the morning sunshine in abundance. — Ed. 294 THE entomologist's record. each species, as well as some smaller fry in the wood. — George Hollis, Dartmouth Park Hill. November, 1892. Wye Valley. — Since my note on the 30th July, I have taken here Charceas graminis, Netironia popularis, Neuria reticulata, Ltiperina testacea and cespifis, Noctua xanthographa, tubi, c-fiigrum, and glareosa, Cerastis vaccinii and spadicea, Anchocelis pistacina, ruji?ia, litura, and lufiosa, Agrotis segetum, suffusa and smicia, Hydrcecia micacea, Orthosia tnaciknta and lota, Hadena protea, Gortyna ochracea, Calocainpa exoleta and vetusta, Xylina ornithopus and socia, Agriopis aprilina, Asphalia diluta, Catocala nupta, Polia flavicinda, Amphipyra tragopogotiis and Pyramidea, Miselia oxyacanthcB var. capucina, Diloba cceruleocephala, Xanthia fulvago, citrago and atirago, Cidaria miata, Hemerophila abruptaria, Scotosia rhanmata and Chesias spartiata. A good many species appeared to be partially double-brooded this year, in September (late) I took a Cuspidia psi and Viminia rumicis, Notodonta dictcBoides, Pterostoma palpina, Spilosoma menthastri, and Xylophasia fnonoglyplia, apparently just out. In October I took a pair of Agrotis segetum (black van), the reniform in the female was very distinct and white, and, contrary to Mr. Newman's experience of the October broods of this species, I obtained ova. Out of some three hundred larvae of Aplecta prasina eight fed up quickly, pupating in September (the rest are hybernating), the first imago appearing on the 2nd inst., two more emerging this day. — A. Nesbitt, Llandogo. November e^th, 1892. Cannock Chase District. — I regret to say, that owing to a variety of circumstances I have not been able to devote as much time to entomology as I should have wished. Perhaps this in some measure accounts for my having taken no rarities, and (judging from the entomological journals, I should think I am alone in that respect) not a single " clouded yellow " of any description gladdened my eyes. The farmers about here, with a singular lack of enterprise, in my opinion, seem to consider clover not worth growing. I only know of three fields within a radius of some miles, and on these I kept a watchful eye to no purpose. The early spring insects, Asphalia flavicornis, Larentia multistrigaria, Brephos parthenias, etc. were quite as common as usual. Thecla rubi came out intermittently from the loth April to the middle of June, but was always scarce. Saturnia pavonia simply swarmed all over the heather in March, April and May, and a young and guileless entomological friend of mine tried to catch them. If I had had a virgin female, I have no doubt I could have got hundreds. I heard of a great flight of Lithosia fuesomella one evening, but alas, I was not there, and the next night I went up fully armed, but never saw one. I, however, took two or three at light in the town of Rugeley. Notodonta dictcBoides was decidedly scarce : I got about six females and three males, and obtained ova from all the females. It is a weary, weary insect to rear, prone to all manner of diseases, and takes about three months to feed up ; I tried them all ways and the result is about twelve pupae. I bred a large number of Diloba cccruleocephala, and among them was a specimen with bright yellow stigmata ; I don't know whether this is a common var. or not, it is not mentioned in The British Noctuct and their Varieties, and is a very striking form. Bryophila pcrla vQ.x.flavescens was not uncommon (I got about a dozen). The yellow lichen theory does not hold good here, as there is NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 295 none. Hadena thalassina swarmed at light, and 1 got H. glauca, H. contigua, H. proiea at rest on palings ; Xylophasia rurea with vars. comhista and alopecurus was fairly plentiful at light, the vars., which occur in equal numbers, being much commoner than the type, of which I only got one, and that had a greenish ground colour, Miana strigilis was very common ; there were many hundreds at sugar one night, all var. cethiops, and I have never taken any other form in Rugeley, which is not a manufacturing town of any importance, not at all smoky, and is situated two miles from the Chase. Why this " thusness " I know not ; but that malnutrition, damp, cold, environment, etc., do not apparently satisfactorily account for all^ forms of melanism is certain. ^ Stilbia anomala turned up again in plenty, but I could not get hold of a female, although I searched the heather carefully with and without a lantern. I got a fair number ol Hydrcecia nictitans, which here exhibits markedly the effect of environment. Those I get in the town at light are large and red, those from the Chase are small and dark, some almost black. The sub-species hiceris, which one might expect to get on the Chase, I have never found. Xanthia citrago was common in the larval stage and Polia chi was more abundant than usual ; it seems to prefer brick to stone here, and generally sits on the mortar, which it simulates in a wonderful manner. Calocampa solidagmis kept up its character for abundance and stupidity ; I took this year at light about a dozen Mamesira furva which is entirely new to this locality. Habrostola tripartita (urticce) and H. triplasia were common in both broods. Plusia iota, P. chrysitis andP.gawma were all very common. P.pu/c/irina was scarce, and I never saw a P. iiiterrogaiionis ; Odontopera bidentata was excessively abundant at light, and Tephrosia biundularia and punctulata were fairly plentiful, the dark form of the former called, I believe, delamerensis, is the usual form here, the type is very rare. I took one pregnant female of Geofuetra papitiofiaria, which laid about 150 ova, these I sleeved on a birch tree, and they have done famously so far. Asthena luteata and Eupisteria heparata were both common ; Ematurga atomaria was as common as usual ; the Chase form is at times quite black, and is always very dark. Bupalus pifiiaria was common among the firs, but Aspilates strigillaria was decidedly scarce. I got some nice forms of Oporabia dilutata and Hyber?iia defoliaria in an oak wood near here. Eupithecia pulchellata was a victim of enter- prising excursionists, who seem to consider it the height of bliss to lop off the heads of all the foxgloves they see. I got iarvK of E. subfulvata, E. fraxinata (I get two larvoe a year regularly), E, nanatct, E. itidigata, E. absy/it/iiata, E. tni/iutafa, E. assimilata^ E. castigaia, E. lariciata, and E. rectangulata and bred a nice yellow form of the last ; Cidaria immanata, C. testata, C. populata, C. dotata, C.pyraliata, CfiilvatadXiA C./r/^z/^/rt! were all fairly common I don't take C. russata here, I have some from Cambridgeshire, and, I think there is little difficulty in distinguishing it from imvianata by Mr. Fenn's method. Atiaitis plagiata was also common. In addition to the insects mentioned above, I took larvae of Notodonta diciaa and ^ Perhaps Mr. Freer will tell us what geological strata are characteristic of the district, what the surface soil is like, and how it varies ? — Ed. ' Can Mr. Freer suggest a cause for this form of melanism, which he records ? — Ed. 296 THE entomologist's record. N. dromedarius, and one larva of Bomhyx quercus var. callunce. in May. What a thing this is to feed ! It did not spin up until the end of August. I may add in conclusion that no insect was markedly more common than usual, with the possible exceptions of P. gamma, 0. didentata, and M'. strigilis. — Richard Freer, Rugeley, Staffs. Tririg District. — As notes on the Coleoptera, occurring about this part of the country do not seem to have appeared often in the entomo- logical journals, perhaps an account of the more uncommon ones noticed by myself, during some portion of the season of 1892, may not be without interest. The greater part of the district is dry and chalky ; but towards the north of the town there are many marshy spots lying on the gault and greensand, especially at the outcrop of the latter from under the chalk. The Chiltern Hills, which here rise to a considerable height, are capped by gravelly and loamy soils, which produce in several parts ground of a heathy character. The woods on the slopes of the hills are chiefly composed of beech and ash ; but in the woods on the higher ground there is a fair amount of oak. In a district giving us this variety of soil and contour, we should naturally expect to find any order of insects well represented ; and as far as Coleoptera are con- cerned, I have felt well satisfied with the results of my work. The good things among the Geodephaga that I noticed are not numerous. I took one specimen of Licinus depressus, under a flint, on March 20th ; Lebia chlorocephala (i), beaten from small hawthorn bush; Dromius nigriventris (2), running on a pathway ; Bemhidium gilvipes and Amara livida (i), under stones ; Pterostichus minor, common under stones and dead reeds. I took a single Pterosticlms gracilis last autumn in the locality, but have not seen the species since. Hydradephaga. — Hali- plus cinereus, a few in a coombe on the chalk ; Cailambus impressopimc- tatus (2) ; Rhantus bistriatus, P. grapii; Ilybiiis fetiestratus, not common, Palpicornia. — Philhydrus nigricans, fairly common in a stagnant pond ; Cercyon obsoktus (4) ; C. lugtibris (2), in wet moss. Brachelytra. — Aleochara tristis ; Tachyusa atra (2), under dead reeds; Encephalus complicans (i), in wet moss; Gyrophana getitilis and G. minima, both common in /ungi ; Hygro7ioma dimidiata, taken sparingly by sweeping marsh plants, and with it Myllcena dubia (4); M. gracilis (i); M. brevicornis, I found in moderate numbers in moss, in winter ; Tachy- porus pallidus (3), under dead reeds; T. formosus (1), by sweeping in marshy field ; Alycetoporus puncius (i); Staphyliniisfulvipes, I took one specimen only of this rare species, it was running on a chalky bank, in the bright sunshine ; S. latetricola (15), all caught on the wing, or just settling after flight, on hot sunny days at the beginning of May. They occurred at the same spot as S. fulvipes, and a few Leistoirophus nebu- losus were flying with them. These large " staphs " greatly resemble some of the Hymenoptera when on the wing, and possibly some are passed over on that account. Staphylinus ccesareus (i), also taken on the wing ; Ocypus bninnipes and O. compresstis, a specimen of each caught, running on one of the chalk downs ; Philonthus splendens, in moss and dwvig; Lathrobium lottgulum (2), on a pond bank; Crypto- biu?n glaberrimum, in moss from marshy ground, with Stilicus orbicu- latus ; Ercxsthetus scaber, in haystack refuse ; E. Iceviuscuhis, in wet moss ; Steniis bipiinctatus, very common about the reservoirs and ponds ; S. canaliculaius, S. binotatus, and S. pallitarsis (2), about the banks of NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 297 ponds ; S. erichsoni, in moss and haystack refuse in dry situations ; 5. solutus (3), by sweeping rushes ; Ti-ogophlcBus piisillus, under dead reeds ; Fhilorinum sordidum^ common on furze in May ; Eusphakriiin primul(z (3) ; Homaliutn iopteriim (2), under bark ; Megarthrus affi?us (2), in haystack refuse. Clavicornia. — Bythinus biilbifer, in wet moss yiiih Biyaxis Jiincoriim; Claviger foveolatus (25), all in quite a small nest of Formica flava, under a flint — a number of nests of the same ant examined at the same spot did not yield a single specimen more ; Or- thoperus afo?nus, under cut grass in the garden ; Calyptomerus dubius (4), in haystack refuse ; Colcnis dentipes ; Hydnobiiis strigosus (i) ; Colon brunneiim, all by evening sweeping under old beech trees ; C. serripes (i), sweeping on marshy ground; Choleva anisotomoides, in moss; Necrophorus ruspator (2), in dead rabbit ; Silpha hevigata, running across pathways ; Phalacrus caricis (2), sweeping Carex ; Epurcea longula (i), under bark; Omosiphora limbata (2), under bark of dead ash in April; Meligtthes itmbrosus a.x\d Aferythropus, both on Helianthemum ', Pria dulcamara ; PsafumcEchus bipunctatiis, on /uncus ; Anthrophagus nigricor?iis (i) ; Atomaria guita (2) and A. mesofuelas, both in wet moss ; Endomychus coccineus, under bark ; Chilocorus re?iipustulatus, bred from a pupa found on bark of a willow ; Subcoccinella 2^-punciala, sweeping on the chalk downs ; Scymnus htemorrhoidalis, in haystack refuse ; My- cetophagus atomarius (5), M. f/iulfipunctatus (3), Litargus bifasciatus, the last three species I took under bark of decaying beech trees, they seemed only to affect bark, which was ramified by the hyphae of some fungus ; Tiresias terra (4), bred from larvre found under elm bark, in February ; Anthrenus claviger, in the house ; Elmis cefieus and Limnius tuberculaius, both in a small running stream. Serricornia. — Lucanus cen'us, rare in the district — a female was brought to me, but I have not taken it myself; Aphodius pusillus and A. lividus (j), in sheep's dung; Hoplia philanlltus (3), flying in sunshine ; Homaloplia ruricola, plen- tiful, but very local, flying on sunny mornings in June and July, over the short grass on chalky ground. I had no difificulty in securing over fifty in a short time one morning. There were a number of dark forms among them, but I only got two perfectly black varieties. I also found a few specimens under stones on dull days ; Limonius minuius, one crawling on a grass stem ; Coryinbiles tessalatus (5), sweeping in a marshy field ; C. holoceriseus, abundant, flying on the chalk downs, in the sun ; Dascillus cervinus, common by sweeping ; Cyphon coarctatus, by sweeping Carex ; Scirtes hemispharicus, swept off a species of /uncus ; Malthodes fibulatus, beaten from hazel and hawthorn blossom ; Malachius viridis (i) and Anthocoinus fascialus (2), by sweeping in a hedgerow; Hedobia imperialis (2), beaten from old hedge; Cis biden- iatus, on an old beech stump ; C. alni, under bark of beech. Heteromera. — Cistela luperus, beaten chiefly from flowers of Pyrus aria (white beam tree) ; the flowers of this tree, by the way, seem to be as attractive as any to Coleoptera, but they only last for a short time. Orchesia minor (2), evidently hybernaling under the bark of a dead holly tree, in January ; Rhinosimus ruficollis, common under beech bark; Mordellistena brunnea (i), beaten from hawthorn hedge; M. puniila (i), beaten from hawthorn blossoms ; Anaspis pulicaria, on Umbelliferce; A. subtestacea (2). Rhyncophora. — Phyllobius viri- dicollis, common on a chalky pasture; this is, I suppose, about D 298 THE entomologist's record. the most southern locality for the species. Tropiphorus carinatus (i), beaten from birch ; Polydrusiis ffucans, Sitones crinitus, on clover ; Hypera trili7ieata (2), in moss in winter; Orthochcetes seiiger (i), by sweeping ; Errithinus fiereis, on Carex ; E. scirrhosus, at the base of the leaves of Sparganiiwi ramo$um, the parenchyma of which they were devouring ; evidently this is the foodplant ; Orchestes avcllance, scarce on oak ; Tychius squamulatus, a few; T. lineahdus (i), by sweeping; Cionus pulchellus^ fairly common with C. hortidanus and C. scropJmlaricB, on Scrophularia nodosa and aq2iatica^ I bred a fair number of each species by collecting the little hemispherical cocoons, which are pro- minent on the foodplant ; Gymnetron pascuorum, in clover field ; Mtarus grammis, rare on CaJ/ipanula glomcrata^ on chalky ground ; M. campanula, occurring with the preceding ; Orobitis cyaiieus, rare, by sweeping; Ceuthorrhynchus asperifoliarum (2); C. chalybmts, on chalky pasture ; Ceuthorrhynchus horridus, sparingly on thistles ; Apion con- quens (2), on Matricaria; A. atomariutn, in moderate numbers on Thynms vulgaris, but difficult to get ; A. pallipes, common on Mercu- rialis ; A. ononis ; A. loti and A. livescerum, sweeping on chalky ground ; A. waltoni, common in several places on the chalk ; A. pudescens, a few with the preceding. All the above Apions occurred during July and August. Rhy7tchites ophthahnicus (i), on hazel; R. minutus (2), also on hazel. Attelabus curculionoides, on oak. Apoderus coryli (3), on hazel. Hylesinus oleiperda (2), under bark of ash ; Xylocleptis bispinus, common in old clematis bushes ; Bruchus cisti, occurred in moderate numbers on Helianthemufn. The Longicornia were not at all well represented. A few Aromia moschafa were found early in August, sunning themselves on the willows, their presence being made known by the agreeable scent which they produce ; not, by the way, very much like musk ; Fogonocherus hispidus and F. bideniatus, a few of each beaten from old hawthorn bushes. Phytophaga. — -Donacia bidens, fairly common on Potaffiogeton in ponds on the hills ; D. sparganii, a single specimen by sweeping on the canal bank ; Z>. typhcB, not common, in an old moat ; Z>. setnicuprea, abundant on the canal bank ; D. lemnt?, rare on Sparganium : D. afflnis, fairly plentiful, in a moat : I took the greater number by searching at the base of leaves of a Carex. The two com- mon species, D. linearis and D. sericea, were plentiful in many parts of the district ; Lema puncticollis, on thistles : Crioceris asparagi, was common in a friend's garden ; Cryptocephalus aureolus, common in the flowers of Ranunculus repens at first, later in the blossoms of Hieracium pilosella ; Chrysomela varians and C. hypericin both species in all stages on Hypericum hyperici was by far the more plentiful ; Gonioctena vimi- nalis, rare on sallow ; Adimonia caprcea (2) ; A. sanguinea, on hawthorn blossom ; Galeruca sagitiaria;, common in marshy ground, by sweeping, and hybernating in stems of dead reeds, sometimes as many as seven or eight in one stem ; G. viburni, on Viburnum opulus ; Hermeophaga mercurialis, on Mercurialis perennis ; Haltica pusilla, occurred freely on the chalk downs ; Hippuriphila mooderi, in moss gathered from a marshy meadow ; Epitrix atropce, very local but plentiful on Atropa belladonna, the leaves of which were riddled by the insect ; Mantura maithewsi, on Helianthemum, this is a sluggish member of the Zr«///V/^^; Batophila rubi ; Aphthona venustula, in the thick part of a wood on Euphorbia amygdaloides ; A. atratula, in moss at roots of Thy?nus in NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 299 winter, and on the plant in summer ; A. herbigrada, very common on nearly every piece of uncultivated ground on the chalk : Phyllotreta nodicornis, a few on Reseda ; Thyamis pusilla ; T. piciceps ; T. gracilis, the last two on Senecio Jacobcece ; Cassida vibex (2), on thistles ; C. equestris on Mintha aquatica. Many of the above insects were taken in Bucks ; nearly half the district worked being in that county. Some of the best parts of the district (entomologically speaking) are very strictly preserved ; but I had free access to these, owing to the courtesy of the principal landowners. — E. G. Elliman, Westcroft, Tring. Rarities and Exchangers. — We have received during the past two months several communications from subscribers asking whether we thought that Mr. of was to be relied on for the supply of such species as Hadenasatura,Xy/omiges conspicillaris, JVonagria sparganii,eic. as British rarities. Now, from the commercial point of view on which many amateur entomologists arrange exchanges with strangers, the fact remains that no one takes these and equally rare species in sufficient quan- tities to arrange an exchange in such species, and those who do not know the gentlemen personally who take these and similar species are only aid- ing fraudulent persons in getting rid of such species as British by adver- tising for them. It is the collector's place, even if he have no interest in entomology as a science, to keep himself au fait with these things, but a glance at the exchange lists in all our magazines is sufficient to show how ignorant in this matter some of our collectors are. They appear to take a list and write off: — '''■Desiderata. — Boitica,arion ^euphorbia, pulchellajlicifolia, purpuraria, sacraria, cannce, spargatiii, conspicillaris, conformist etc. Oc- casionally ^'daplidice, antiopa,musculosa,scutosa,erytJirocepJkala, oleagina, ostrina, paula, parva, circellata, strigaria, fuliginaria and ononaria " are added. And then the writers of such lists of desiderata complain that a certain class of collectors cheat them. Is it not palpably their own fault, and do not the lists of duplicates they themselves offer prove their ignorance? It is of course deplorable that in the study of entomology there are men who are willing to supply so-called British specimens of these species to a collector for some local species which he foolishly considers is an equivalent, and so, perhaps, it is, as it leaves a fraudulent person a monetary margin between the value of the foreign specimen and that of the local species he gets in exchange, but not from the British standpoint. A Continental specimen of ostrina, paula, parva, fuliginaria, ononaria, etc. has a commercial value equal to such British species as hyperborca, sobrina, bombyliformis, convolviili, or any of our most desired local species, and therefore, the exchanger gets a quid pro quo, perhaps a good one, but not what he pretends that he expects. It is not our province to point out those of our friends who take our rarest insects. Generally they are entomologists, and not simply collectors, and would not thank us to subject them to the annoyance of receiving letters offering them euphrosyne, seletie, festiva, brunnea and other species which occur in their own gardens, for the specimens which they prefer to give to those entomologists with whom they have a personal acquaintance. Collectors who exchange on a commercial basis can make a collection up to a certain point, but that they can ever hope to finish their collection is ridiculous. All ^dJ/z^Tf^e collectors know that the British rarities of such collectors are a fraud, and that they have no actual value. There must be many collectors who have never read 300 THE entomologist's record. " Young Barnes," published in T/ie Intelligencer, thirty years ago, and the epithet "Young Barnes" is nowadays on many an older collector's lips as he reads down the exchange column, and sees what " duplicates " certain collectors offer for their " desiderata." We only, however, want now to draw attention to that inconsistent class of persons who encourage fraud, and then wonder if they are being swindled, and who, if only half the energy they display in worrying people in order to fill up a "blank," was put into working out the life-history or observing the habits of some familiar species, would be creating a pleasure for themselves, and doing service to science. — Ed. Entomological Pins. — In the Record, p. 240, Mr. Bankes, in an interesting and instructive article on pins, speaks of the Minuten Nadeln rusting. So they do if you use the steel ones, but they are to be had made of silver, which I suppose will not rust. I have not found them to do so, and I maintain that it would be an advantage to use them for all NepticulcB. True they are easily bent when stuck in cork, but I find they go easily into, and hold well in, strips of well- dried elder pith ; and setting boards can be made of the same material fastened on to wood. The first time I used them it struck me that they filled, as nearly as pins could, the want Mr. Stainton mentioned •some thirty years ago in the Ento/nologisfs Companion, of a perfect pin for Neps. — W. Farren. October 2\th, 1892. FooDPLANTS OF CucuLLiA LYCHNiTis. — It may be generally interest- ing to note the fact that larvaj of C. lychnitis will eat Scrophularia aqiiatica. I had eighteen larvae sent to me on the 15th August, varying in size from three parts grown to small ones in about their second skin, which had been taken feeding on the white mullein, and was surprised to find that I could not call to mind that I had seen any mullein in these parts ; and on inquiry, found that it does not occur near here or is very rare. I was then in a fix as to what to feed them on, as I could only see mullein (white or black) given as the foodplant ; but tried them with Scrophularia aqiiatica, judging from analogy that as C. verbasci will eat both Verbasciim and Scrophularia, another member of the family might possibly do so. The larvae did not seem to take kindly to it at first, and crawled over it restlessly ; but on looking at them again about an hour afterwards I found them all busily occupied in eating the buds and blossoms. The result so far is that twelve of the larvae have pupated, and the other six died. I cannot say until next year what the ultimate result will prove to be, and have not opened any of the cocoons. Two days ago I came across a note by Mr. J. E. Robson {Etiiom., xxiv., p. 146) in which he says : — " I think it probable that the larvae of all three {viz. : — verbasci, scrophularice, and lychnitis) will feed on any of the mulleins or figworts. — E. W. Brown, Shorncliffe. September 12th, 1892. Foodplant of Cosmia pyralina. — Mr. Holland is anxious to know whether this species feeds naturally on blackthorn. That I cannot say, but I can relieve his mind with regard to elm, for in the early part of June, 1885, I beat from some elms near Brentwood a number of Cosmia larvaa, most of which turned out to be affinis, whilst two or three were diffinis, and a single one was pyralina. I still possess the imago which resulted from the latter, and see from its label that it was NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 301 born on July loth, 1885. — (Rev.) G. H. Raynok, Panton Rectory, Wragby. Early Appearance of Pcecilocampa populi. — On October 21st I took a small male P. populi at rest in the waiting-room at E. Barkwith Railway Station, whither it had evidently been attracted by light on the previous evening. On looking through my diary, which has been kept for many years, I cannot find a record of any capture earlier than November 3rd, and this in the south of England. Have any of your readers taken it in October ? It is certainly somewhat of a misnomer to call it the December moth. — Id. Failure of " Sugar." — Thirty years ago I could take from forty to sixty Nocture, but now on the same trees not a moth comes. The main reason to which I attribute this change is the ivy, which in these parts has been allowed to run wild for many years at its own sweet will, and has now got to bloom upon a large number of trees, and with us it begins early in September — according to position — and continues for two months. Another reason, I believe, is the great revolution wrought in all our good gardens of late years by the introduction of herbaceous and sweet-blooming flowers. I will name a (e^ff which I find attractive : — sunflowers (in many varieties), single dahlias, Aaron's rod {Solidago), scabious {Achiilcea), Japan stonecrop {Sedum spcctabile). One evening in 1 89 1 I took sixty-five moths in over twenty varieties upon a bed of this last, including many that never come at all to sugar or ivy ; never- theless, I consider that ivy is far and away the most attractive thing we have for all kinds of insects, and recently I have taken several of the very local long-horned grasshopper Meconema varia upon the blooms. As a rule the flowers which bees frequent by day are attractive to moths by night, and are worth visiting immediately after dark. — W. H. Tuck, Tostock, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. Ennomos autumnaria. — On September 2nd a large female of this species was discovered at Holborn Viaduct Station. It was fluttering on one of the trucks of a goods train, which had recently arrived from the coast. It had probably been attracted by the lights when loading. About fifty ova have been deposited, but they are apparently infertile. — A. T. Mitchell, 5, Clayton Terrace, Gunnersbury, W. November ^th, 1892. Sphinx co\'VOLVULi. — I have been very keen on Sphinx convolvuli this year, and been out every favourable night after night looking for them over a heap of Nicotiana planted in the kitchen garden. So far I have taken a dozen, my last being on September 18th — a very worn female. I have her still alive in a glass filter with Convolvulus, but as far as I can see she has not yet laid. Has any one found out whether they hybernate or lay during the autumn. The weather here at present is very bad : rain, hail, etc., every day, and bright moonlight at night, so there is no good setting my moth-trap or sugaring. Is Eupatoriuni cannabinum a well-known plant for Gortyna ochracea to feed on ? This is the only thing, bar fox-glove, I can find the pupae in, — R. B. Robertson, Swansea. October 6th, 1892. [Living pupce of S. con- volvuli are largely advertised in the Continental magazines during the winter months. — Ed.] Habit of Siauropcs fagi larva. — I noticed a nearly full-fed larva o{ Stauropus fagi drinking from a spot of water, with which the cage 302 THE entomologist's record, had been sprinkled. This habit was not shown by any others of the many larvae of the same species contained in the same cage. — F. B. Newnham, Church Stretton, Salop. Use of Ammonia, — The editorial note {ante, p, 233) seems to suggest that I do not know the proper way to use ammonia. Perhaps I do not ; but it seems to me that ammonia is always ammonia, and will have the same effect however applied. However, the way I use it is very convenient, and might be worth imparting to the general public. I get a shallow tin box, half full of sand, and set in it a wide bottle with the bottom cut off. Upon the sand I pour a sufficient quantity of .880 ammonia, and then use the apparatus like a cyanide bottle, throwing the insects into it out of the pillboxes, in which I have carried them home. There is no need of a stopper, the moths are dead as soon as they get in. When they are all in, I take away the bottle, put the lid on the tin box, and put it aside till next morning, when the moths are in fine order for setting. I find sand the best medium for carrying the ammonia, with sponge or blotting paper, the ammonia is apt to come into contact with the wings. — G. A, Harker, 100, Huskisson St., Liverpool. October 2(^th, 1892. [We take it that by the method mentioned by our friend Mr. Harker, the insects come in contact with the sand containing the ammonia. If so, it explains everything, for there is the greatest possible difference between throwing the insects on sand containing ammonia, and subjecting them to the fumes of ammonia. We throw chip boxes, with the living moths in them, into a close-fitting tin. Our moths, therefore, are killed by the fumes which pass through the chip boxes. — Ed.] Coleoptera captured round London in the Autumn of 1892. — On August I St, it being a fine day, I went to my old locality at Bexley, to see what Coleoptera were to be had there. I left home early in the morning and walked the whole way, as I wanted to try Kidbrooke Lane first, in order to obtain some insects for the London list. This part of the excursion, however, was not very successful, as the only insects that were taken were four Lathridius angusticollis and single specimens of Micropeplus porcatus, Brachypierus gravidus and Gym?ietron noctis. I then went on past Bexley, and by some means or other succeeded in losing my way and got round to some woods at the back of the station, where I took a series of Brachyptems gravidus and Gymnetron noctis from the toad-flax, and although not a bug collector myself, it may interest that part of the entomological fraternity to know that Gargara genistce was common on the broom. I now discovered my mistake and started afresh on the right track, and began sweeping vigorously and insects soon began to pour in, especially the Apions, of which I succeeded in taking seventeen species, the best being vicice, tenue, Jlavifnatmm, pallipes, punctigerum and hydrolapathi ; by sweeping at the sides of the ash woods two Colenis dcniipes and two Colon rufescens turned up, the former when going, and the latter when coming back. I went as far as the chalk pits, where insects were not so plentiful, but I took Microglossa nidicola, Homalota dildticornis, Tachyporus sohitus and three Ceu- thorrhynchus troglodytes var. chevrolati. On Septe nber 17th I went to Southgate to try the locality, which was new to me. At Southgate I only took Homaliiim stridtjim and Apion critentatum, and as the place did not look very promising I walked on to NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. BOS Totteridge where the sport was better, four Apion spencei turning up (the insect that I really went for). The weather now turned very cold so I gave up sweeping and tried searching and soon came across a large piece of fungus on an old oak stump which yielded about sixty Gyrophcena sirictula, and some refuse on a piece of waste land close to Woodside Park produced Ilomalium pla7ium and oxycanthce. On September 24th I went to Coombe Wood to see what was to be got by sifting the dead leaves there. I did not get there till somewhat late in the afternoon, so instead of looking over the siftings there I brought them home to examine, and the result was that I got far more than I expected, which is accounted for, I think, from having more siftings to look at and having a better light to look it over by than the semi-darkness of Coombe Wood about four o'clock on a September afternoon. Among the insects that were common may be mentioned Alexia pilifera, Oxypoda pallidula (I took ten), Quedius picipes, nigriceps and peltatus ; I also took two specimens of Lithocharis brunnea and single specimens of Homalota decipiens, Mycctoporus lucidus, Philonthns decorus, Agathidmm Jiigrinum, Ocalea dadia, Cychramus luteus and Cceliodes rubicundus. Just before going into Coombe Wood I tried the gravelly bank of the Beverley (by the wooden bridge leading over into the wood), and took three Homalota hygrotopora by throwing water over it. On October 8th I took the train to Hammersmith and walked along the tow-path to Barnes railway bridge and from there to Kew. Along the tow-path I noticed some large masses of fungus growing on one of the willows, so I at once set to work to examine the bits on the ground which are more productive this time of year than the growing fungus on the tree itself. Homalota nigra was present in swarms and also four Homalota occulta (none of which can be referred to Dr. Sharp's description of the var. fungivora), this latter insect does not appear to be particular as to its food so long as it is strong, as later in the day I took two more in very rotten vegetable refuse, and on November 5th I took a specimen from a dead bird in Richmond Park. The prize of the day's outing was a specimen of ii-'^Z/^Vz ^r/;^?/w/ which was also taken from the same lot of fungus. A little further down the tow-path I succeeded in taking two Cholera nigricans and four C. nigrita in some ground fungus, and coming back from Kew I found a specimen of Homalium iopterum under bark of an old stump in one of the hedges. On October 15th I went to .see if I could not find a decent locality in the north-west part of the London district, so I took the train to Willesden and walked up Dollis Hill to Hendon where there appear to be some very decent lanes for sweeping and which I shall certainly visit next summer. In some dead leaves by the side of the road up Dollis Hill I took two Oxypoda vittata and a single specimen of Homalota pagana, the latter being rather interesting, as all I have from North London ; this specimen (and three in Mr. Newbery's collection) have the abdomen lighter only at the apex and the thorax pitch-black, thus giving the insect a very different appearance from the type form. In one of the fields close by I found a fermenting manure heap with some hay on ihe lo|), this I shook over some india-rubber sheeting and Micropepliis margarilie. came out in swarms, and also a good number of Mo/iotoma rtifa, but this insect wants good eyes and 304 THE entomologist's recoed. patience to obtain, as it is rather a sluggish insect and the colour is such a good protection that unless the insect moves it is impossible to see it. I also took from the same heap Microglossa suiuralis, Oxypoda h(2morrhoa and a male Choleva angustata (I have taken this Choleva several times before but they have always been females). On October 22nd I paid a visit to Wanstead Park with very satisfactory results, the fact being, that I had taken a number of good beetles at Loughton which I was anxious to obtain within the ten mile radius, and as Wanstead Park seeriied the most likely spot I went there with the following result. As soon as I got in the Park I took a series of Frognaiha quadricorne under the bark of some sticks which were piled up just by the entrance. There was a large quantity of ground fungi growing in various parts of the Park, but no insects in it with the exception of one specimen of Oxypoda alternans. I also took one Hovmlota cequattr' from tree fungus, and under the bark of some felled beech trees I found three Phlmcharis subiillisijna, three Epipeda plana, one Coryphiuin angiisiicolle* and one Hotiiaiiuin piaictipenne* (Those marked *are some of the Loughton insects referred to.)— H. Heasler, 17, Danby Street, Peckham. Explanations as to Liparis monacha. — Perhaps you will allow me, in justice to myself, to make a few remarks re the melanic race of Liparis mofiacha, which Mr. Clark described and figured. No doubt Mr. Clark has been deceived in them, but Mr. W. Salvage could not have been. Mr. Clark says {ante, p. 222) : — "In July, 1891, I received from a correspondent at Scarborough a male and female of L. jnonacha, which had been captured in that neighbourhood ; " and further states that "the feinale laid a batch of eggs, numbering no." In the Ent. Record ior 'i>\o\Qmber 15, there is a statement to the effect that Mr. Clark " received them from Mr. Salvage, who received them from me, and supposed them to be Scarborough specimens." As a matter of fact, I never sold Mr. Salvage any living imagines of Z. monacha, and did not send him any specimens in July, 1891. I supplied him with some ova of L. monacha in October, and some set specimens in November of that year, after which Mr. Salvage sent me a post-card for the locality, which was duly answered. Had Mr. Salvage not been informed of their origin, the ridiculously low price that I asked him for them was sufficient, I should say, to convince any entomologist that they were not true British specimens. With reference to my way of doing business, I am under the impression that it is exactly similar to other dealers in general. I believe it is not customary for any dealers, when supplying specimens, to say where they have come from, unless asked to do so. When my correspondents write me for British specimens they are supplied with British specimens, and full data of same are given when required. Had I known Mr. Salvage dealt only in authentic British lepidoptera, I should not have sent him the L, monacha; but he simply wrote to me for any varieties I had for disposal. — H. W. Head, Scarborough. When I purchased the specimens and ova of Liparis monacha from Mr. Head of Scarborough, he did not send me their history, and I very naturally thought they were from that district and true British. Indeed, I had no doubt of their authenticity until Mr. Clark wrote and said that he had been attacked about their origin, and that it had been NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC. 305 hinted that they were not British at all. I immediately wired and wrote to Mr. Head for full particulars, and my surprise and disgust may be judged on receiving a reply that they were from a cross between New Forest and Continental specimens. Mr. Head remarks that the low price he put on them should have been a sufficient guarantee to convince entomologists that they were not true British specimens. Is it possible that Mr. Head does not think it necessary to make any distinction between British and Continental insects when selling, unless specially asked by his correspondents ? This seems to me a strange way of doing business, and most certainly will not be a sufficient guarantee for me in future. — W. Salvage, 12, Montreal Road, Brighton. December 2 fid, 1892. By the courtesy of the Editor, I have seen the letters written by Messrs. Head and W. Salvage to the Entojnologisfs Record. The facts are practically as I stated them, and I simply gave in my paper {aitte, p. 222) the information given me by Mr, Salvage. In the second note {arUe, p. 257) are the facts derived from letters afterwards received by me from Mr. Salvage, and from letters written from Mr. Head to Mr. Salvage. The following apology has been sent to me by Mr. Salvage : — "Dear Sir, — I see I am referred to in the current number of the Ento- mologisfs Record as being the one from whom Mr. Clark obtained the ova of L. fnonac/ia, whose origin has been called into question, and felt that an apology is due to Mr. Clark for all the trouble and incon- venience he has been put to about them. When I had the ova from Mr. Head of Scarborough, he certainly did not tell me that they were not of pure British origin, and very naturally I was led to believe they were taken in that district. Mr. Clark, in stating their British authen- ticity, was guided by what I told him, and as I deal in nothing but British insects, I considered them strictly as British, and let Mr. Clark have them as such. Until their authenticity was called in question, I never had a doubt about them. However, it seems that one cannot be too careful now-a-Jays in purchasing rare species and extreme forms. Again expressing my deep regret for the great inconvenience which I have caused Mr. Clark,— I am, yours faithfully, W. Salvage, Nov. 21st, 1892." — J. A. Clark, The Broadway, London Fields, Hackney, N.E. [We do not propose to allow a recriminatory discussion on this matter, but simply lay before our readers the opinions of the two dealers implicated. To the outsider it appears clear that there must be more broods of this species in existence in Britain which their possessors have fondly hoped were British, and for which they have paid dearly in that belief. It does not appear that British monacha have suddenly grown dark, and it seems probable that the many dark races of monacha at present in existence in Britain are simply from originally imported ova, and that those who have recently devoted time, care and money to breeding black monacha have been duped, and that such specimens should have no place in liritish collections. This black aberration of monacha, known as eremita on the Continent, is not at all uncommon in many localitie-;, and has a commercial value of about 4d. to 6d. for fine specimens. Truly, people who make collections without caring about entomological science have much to answer for, because if there was not such a competition to possess, there would be no incentive to fraud. It is satisfactory to know that an exposure has been made, and the 306 THE entomologist's record, matter may fairly be left to public opinion, to settle who, and in what degree each has offended. To the scientist who finds his data crumbling from beneath his feet, such matters are more than disgusting. — Ed.] Ephestia kuhniella in Jamaica, — To-day I examined a lot of larvae of Ephestia kuh?iiel/a, found in oatmeal bought here. No doubt they came out with the oatmeal from England, or at least their ancestors did. — T. D. A. Cockerell, Institute of Jamaica, Kingston. August ()t/i, 1892. Erratum. — Page 232, line 13 from bottom, for " adippe" read ^^ as'laiay Scientific notes. Cannibalism. — Apropos of cannibal Scopelosoma {Ent. Rec, p. 153), there is, in Natural History Notes, vol. ii. (1882), pp. 7-8, an account of cannibalism in this species. But it so happens that the author of the article showed me one of the supposed Scopelosoma, and it was Mamestra brassicce. It may be worth while to note this correction while the matter is under discussion. — Theo. D. A. Cockerell, Institute of Jamaica, Kingston, August ()th, 1892. ^URRENT NOTES. Tanyzo/ms bolitophilce., the name given by the Rev. T, A. Marshall to a species of ^^/)'//y^ {E.M.AI., p. 275), sinks under the earlier name of Belyta fulva {Mem. Manch. Lit. a?id Philos. See, vol. ii., 1889) of Cameron, Mr. Luff records {E.M.M.) that Mrs. Boley bred from eggs of C. edusa var. helice two fine female var. helice, and five or six males of the normal type. The remaining chrysalides died, "probably from the effects of cold." Mr. Eustace R. Bankes records Micra parva, captured on June 8th last on a saltmarsh on the edge of Poole Harbour. This is another addition to the few recorded localities for this species in Britain. A full account of the British records is to be found in The British Noct. arid their Vars., vol. iv., pp. 10, 11. A " Life-history of Lanpronia capitella," by Dr. Chapman, appears in the E.M.M. The eggs are laid in red currants rather more than half grown, the moth penetrating the lateral region of the currant. Two eggs appear to be laid at each penetration. This takes place in May. At end of June the larva leaves the currant, and hybernates in a small firm white cocoon, placed among the dead scales at the bases of the buds. It mines the shoots in spring and, unlike Bicurvaria muscalella^ does not make a case. Dr. Chapman also makes some critical remarks on the Adelid^. Mr. W. G. Blatch describes a new species of Rhizophagus under the name of oblongicollis, which he found in Sherwood Forest, October, 1886, and June, 18S9; also in Bagot's Park, Staffordshire, June, 1892. SOCIETIES. 307 Compared with Ji. nitidulus, it differs from that species in the following particulars : — " Colour different (ferruginous throughout), head not so wide and with longer neck, eyes smaller and less distinctly prominent, antennae with longer third joint and club more ovate, thorax not narrowed behind and more strongly punctured, interstices of elytra less shiny, abdomen without any impression on last ventral segment " {E.M.M.). The rare Acrokpia marcidella is recorded by the Rev. C. R. Digby as being captured on the Purbeck coast on June 15th. British Lepidopterists have not sustained so great a loss for many years as they have during the last week in the person of Mr. H.T. Stainton. The genial and kindhearted author of The Manual of British Butter- flies and Moths and The Natural History of the Tineina, died on the 2nd inst., at the age of 70. An excellent observer, his work in the above volumes and notes scattered throughout the pages of the Ent. Mo. Mag. still remain to us, and was not fated, as is so often the case with that of British lepidopterists, to be lost with the worker. The Intelligencer of some forty years ago did much to make the entomology of to-day, and a great share of the pioneer work of that period fell to the lot of the friend whose loss we now mourn. In conjunction with Mr. ]\IcLachlan, the entomological magazine work of Britain was raised by Mr. Stainton to a higher level than has been known before, and under the same friendly care has not only been maintained, but has shown a steady progress. A past President of the Ent. Soc. of London, he has been an active member of that Society since 1848, and both the City of London and South London Entomological Societies were gratified to count him as one of their patrons. He was known to be in failing health, but the news of his death will come as a shock to many who did not dream that the end was so near. It is impossible to do justice in a short notice to a man to whom we owe so much. A teacher and counsellor has gone from among us ! We mourn his loss most deeply and sincerely. Mr. Poulton exhibited on a screen, at the Ent. Soc. of Lond. meeting on the 7 th inst., photographs of the larvoe of Ennovios angu- laria, Hemerophila abruptaria, Rumia cratcBgata and Amphidasys betularia to illustrate colour variation in these species in response to environment. The most marked results were with regard to R. cratic- gata and Amphidasys betularia. fgOCIETIES. The Yorkshire Naturalists' Union held their thirty-first Annual Meeting on November 15th, in the Huddersfield Town Hall, which was well attended by members of the Union from various parts of the county. In the afternoon, an exhibition, organised by the Hudders- field Society and referred to later on, was opened, and remained so till late in the evening, for the inspection of members and associates. Sectional meetings were held for the election of officers of sections, and 308 THE entomologist's record. to receive the annual reports of the secretaries. At 3.30 the General Committee met, under the presidency of Dr. Sorby of Sheffield, in the unavoidable absence of Mr. C. P. Hobkirk, the president of the Union. There was a very good attendance of members. The address of the retiring president (Mr. C. P. Hobkirk, unable to be present) was read in a very clear and interesting manner by Mr. E. R. Waite, one of the hon. secretaries. He said : — " In dealing with the origin of natural history societies in Yorkshire, it was mentioned that a Literary and Philosophical Society was founded in Huddersfield before 1840; and about that time a grand exhibition was held in the Huddersfield Philosophical Hall ; and this and other such societies in Yorkshire covered almost the whole field of human knowledge. Further develop- ment and specialisation of scientific research led, at a later date, to the establishment of field clubs and natural history societies, for the investigation of local phenomena. To Huddersfield belonged the honour of the foundation of the first naturalists' society in Yorkshire. The Huddersfield Naturalists' Society, under whose auspices the present meeting was being held, was founded in 1847, and it had never lacked in able, zealous and energetic naturalists to maintain its existence, and to keep alive the love of natural history in the district. The Union was formed in 1861, under the title of the West Riding Naturalists' Society, which title it retained for fifteen years ; and the credit of suggesting and originating the formation of a confederation of societies, was due to the late Mr. William Talbot, of Wakefield. In September, 1 86 1, at a meeting held in Heckmondwike, at which representatives were present from Huddersfield, Wakefield and Halifax, Mr, Talbot introduced the subject of combined and organized intercourse, and on his proposition, seconded by Mr. W. H. Charlesworth, and supported by Mr. R. Jessop, both of the Huddersfield Society, it was resolved to form the Union for the purpose of holding joint meetings periodically at the various places where societies had been already established. A further meeting was held at Huddersfield, on the iSth January, 1862, at which four societies — Huddersfield, Wakefield, Heckmondwike and Holmfirth — were represented. The decision of the previous meeting was confirmed, and the Union was constituted. The first honorary secretary was Mr. Jas. Ellis of Heckmondwike, and he was succeeded in 1863 by Mr. B. Bradley of Sheepridge, who held office till January, 1867, and he was followed by Mr. R. Smith, Dewsbury Moor, and he again was succeeded, about 1870, by Mr. J, M. Barber of Heckmondwike, and he remained secretary till the society was re- organized in 1876. Concurrently with the change of style and title to that of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union, Messrs. W. Dennison Roebuck and George Brook were chosen joint secretaries. In 1864, The Naturalist, the journal of the Society, was published on their own responsibility, by Messrs. Geo. Tindall of Huddersfield (now of New- market) and G. H. Parke of Halifax (now of Wakefield), but the magazine was really edited by Mr. Tindall and Mr. C. P. Hobkirk. The publication was discontinued in 1867, in the middle of the third volume. In August, 1875, a new series of the Naturalist was commenced under the editorship of Messrs. Hobkirk and G. T. Porritt — (applause) — and published regularly at Huddersfield, and afterwards at Leeds, down to the present time, by these and subsequent SOCIETIES. 309 editors." The address was continued at some length, and at its conclusion the members inspected the exhibits, which were made by the different sections. In the Lepidoptera, Mr. Geo. T. Porritt, F.L.S. exhibited the specimens of Arctia inendica from Grimescar, Hudders- field (figured in Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1889) and which are considered to form the finest series of the species in existence. This case also contained some fine varieties of Arctia lubricipeda from York, and an olive-banded Botnhyx querciis (a very rare form in Britain) from Crosland Moor, Huddersfield. Another case contained fine melanic forms of Boarmia repandata, from Netherton Wood, Huddersfield. Case 3 contained fine Yorkshire series of Ypsipetes eluiata, Cidaria russata, Hybertiia progemmana, etc., also an almost complete collection of British Pterophori. Mr. Geo. Jackson of York, showed three cases containing extraordinary varieties of Chelonia caja, Arctia lubricipeda and Abraxas grossulariata ; Mr. S. L. Mosley, F.E.S. exhibited a museum collection of British butterflies for students, arranged on an entirely new plan, so as to be of the greatest scientific service ; also a selection of drawings of varieties of Chelonia caja, Abraxas grossulariata, etc. Mr. G. T. Porritt also showed his collection of Neuroptera and Trichoptera. Mr. Mosley showed his collection of British galls and gall insects (about forty cases), the Yorkshire species being especially indicated ; and he also had a number of life-histories of all orders on view, prepared for the museum, illustrative of insect life. In economic entomology, Mr. Mosley exhibited fourteen large cases containing a complete collection of British injurious insects, prepared by order of the Agent-General for Victoria, for the Museum of Economic Entomology, Melbourne ; also cases, similar to those fitted up for Kew Gardens, illustratmg some Yorkshire injurious insects; as well as a collection of agricultural seeds and grasses. In educational natural history, Mr. Mosley showed a number of cases illustratmg various branches of natural history, as prepared by him for schools, including cases intended to aid the teacher in giving instruction, cases intended to be given as prizes to children, cases for school walls, etc. — Ed. City of London Entomological and Natural History Sociei y. — Tuesday^ Novetnber i^th, 1892. — Exhibits. — Mr. Prout, long series of HybernidcE, to illustrate local variation ; also an abnormally large example of A?iisopteryx ascularia from Sandown, I.W. Mr. Battley, series of Agrotis suffusa and A. saucia from Ilfracombe. He stated that he found the form of the latter with the dark costa (var. nigrocosta) comparatively scarce. Mr. Bacot, series of Hybernidce, including a fine series of suffused forms of H. dejoliaria from Epping Forest. Mr. Quail, banded forms of Hybernia leucophearia. Mr. Clarke, a long and variable series of Cidaria psittacata from Lyndhurst. Mr. Nicholson, an example of Nociua neglecta, and a fine series of Xylina petrificata taken on sugar at Lyndhurst this autumn. Mr. Prout then read his paper, entitled " Random Notes on the Hybernidce" Treating of the classification of the genus Hybernia, he remarked that it had but little affinities with the species usually placed in lists directly before it, viz., Pachynemia hippocastanaria, but seemed closely allied to the Larentiidce, as introduced by C. brumata, the connecting link being A, cescularia. With regard to the grouping of the species of Hybernia, inter se, he remarked that there were two pairs of species, and one odd one : — (a) 310 THE entomologist's record. aurantiaria and marginaria, agreeing in the broad wings, semi-apterous $ , and comparatively slender larva ; {b) rupicapraria, approaching the first group in the imago, but widely different in the larva ; {c) leuco- phearia and defoliaria, wings more elongated, markings and variations similar, apterous $ , and stouter larva. He was uncertain, however, whether group {h) or (c) should come next to cescularia, the former being nearer to it in the larval state, the latter in the imago. On the subject of variation, he remarked that this was chiefly owing to protective colouring, and dependent on the habits of the species. Thus, the natural resting-place of rupicapraria, leucophearia, and cescularia was on tree trunks and fences, the insects being all brown or grey-brown. On the other hand, defoliaria, auratttiaria, and marginaria rested among dead leaves, and their colour was ochreous. Defoliaria and marginaria, however, had acquired the habit in some localities of resting on fences, and in these districts the dark unicolorous specimens became more common. The females usually hid among leaves and rubbish at the roots of their foodplant by day, and ascended the trees at night ; and he had noticed a tendency in them to become gregarious, on one occa- sion finding four female defoliaria on one tree. With regard to the occasional superabundance of some of the species, he expressed an opinion that the females sometimes migrated short distances ; but that the chief factor of these swarms must be looked for in local influences, or in the migration of a large number of males, as suggested by Mr. Adkin. Remarking on the time of year at which these species appeared, he stated that with defoliaria and aurantiaria temperature had but little to do with it, as pupae kept indoors emerged at the usual time, but that the spring species seem to wait for a few mild days before they made their appearance. Defoliaria, however, sometimes lay over in pupa until January or February if the autumn were very severe, and rupicapraria had passed over the time of its emergence entirely, arid died in pupa during the following summer. All the species emerged about mid-day, the limits in Mr. Front's experience being from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., both in captivity and nature. On the subject of breeding, he stated that defoliaria seemed to require a good depth of earth for pupation, and that rupicapraria and ascularia made firm cocoons, after the manner of brumata. The earth should be kept damp, as the larvae otherwise dried up when full-fed ; but he had found it necessary to dig up the pupse just before the imagines were due, so as to allow of the emergence of the moths. A discussion took place, in which most of those present joined \ and a vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Nicholson, and seconded by Mr. Battley, was accorded to Mr. Prout for his paper. Tuesday, December dth, 1892. — Exhibits : — Mr. Clark, a specimen of Vanessa cardui, taken in the New Forest, part of the wings having a bleached appearance. Mr. Bacot, a variable series of Hybernia defoliaria from Epping Forest, some specimens being very dark, others well banded. Mr. Prout, a long series of Caradrina blanda, and one specimen of C. alsines, from Sandown. Mr. Battley, Orrhodia vaccinii and O. ligula, taken this autumn, including specimens of each with a pale band on the hind margin. Mr. Tutt pointed out that the banded form was the type of ligula, but that the parallel form in vaccinii was very rare. Mr, Bayne, variable series of Oporabia dilutata, some specimens being pale and others dark, although all from the same SOCIETIES. 311 locality. Mr. Smith, varieties of the undersides of Z. adonis. Mr. Riches, a fine bred series of Xylophasia scohpacina from Highgate Woods ; some specimens being rather suffused. Coleoptera. — Mr. Heasler, specimens of Homalota cequaia, Epipeda plana, Coryphiiiin angusticollc, Prognatha quadricorne and Fhlcecharis subtillisima. Mr. Rosevear, a living larva of Melalonfha vulgaris. The following gentlemen were then elected as officers for 1893 : — President and Treasurer, Mr. J. A. Clark, F.E.S. ; Vice-Presidents, Mr. J. W. Tutt, F.E.S., and Dr. Buckell ; Curators, Messrs. Smith. and Heasler ; Librarians, Messrs. Gurney and Nicholson ; Council, Messrs. Prout, Hollis, Lewcock, Bayne and Newbery ; Secretaries, Messrs. Battley and Simes. The Secretary read the report for the past year. After reviewing the progress of the Society during 1892, he congratulated the members on their improved position, both financially and otherwise, and mentioned the publication of the " Annual Transactions " and the compilation of the list of the London Fauna. The President then read his annual address. He referred to the great progress made by the Society during the thirty-five years of its existence, and commended the growing interest in Natural History, as evinced by the attention which is paid to the subject in our schools. Captain Thompson proposed that a vote of thanks be accorded to Mr. Clark for his address, and for his services during the past year. This was seconded by Mr. Tutt, and carried unani- mously. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the retiring officers. — A. U. Battley and J. A. Simes, Hon. Sees. Erratum. — Page 270, line 12, for "Forres" read " Rannoch." South London Entomological Societv. — November lotk, 1892. — Mr. Williams exhibited larvce of Colias hyale in the fourth skin, and one pupa of the same species, obtained from August-laid ova. Mr. Purdey exhibited some fine vars. of Feronea comariana, from the Folke- stone district, the specimens agreeing mainly in colour with the three allied forms known as schalleriana, comparana and pcrplexana, which latter almost certainly form but one variable species. Mr. South exhibited series of Coremia unidentaria and C.ferrugata; he considered them very distinct and had never seen specimens that could not be dis- tinguished. Mr. Kane exhibited a large number of species from Ireland, including Dianthxcia luteago var. barreitii, which he con- sidered was wrongly referred to Ljiperina ; Bryophila muralis, varieties which had been referred by Mr. Warren to his impar ; intensely dark Camptogra^nma bilineata and Xylophasia polyodon ; Notodonta bicolor and many other interesting species ; Mr. Mera, two beautiful underside varieties of Lycuatoplio)-a ocularis, 184 ; Dasycantpa nihigtnea, 13 ; Dcilephila galii, 111, 256 ; D. livornica, 155, 159, 196 ; Deiopcia pulchella, 129, 131, 155, 159, 160, 164, 178, 187, 196, 212, 226, 244 ; Endromis versi- color (larvae), 141; Erotcsis ballica, 196; Hadena satura (larvse), 156; Heliolhis armiger, 239 ; Laphygiiia exigtia, 239 ; Leucania unipuncta, 13 ; Lyccvtta arion, 196, 256 ; Micra parva, 306 ; Ophiodes Itinaris, 129, 132 ; Pieris daplidice (seen), 226 ; P'latypteryx sicula (larvte), 84 ; Fliisia moneta, 165, 184, 196, 226, 244 ; Sphinx convolvuli, 16, 18, 86, 132, 212, 243, 267, 291, 292, 301 ; S. pinastri, 226 ; Tripho:na stthsequa, 156, 180, 207, 212, 235, 261, 262, 292 ; Vanessa antiopa (seen), 177, 206 ; Zygcena pilipendulct ^?iX. chtysantheuii ... ... ... . . ... ... 178, 244 Retarded develoiDment : — Spilosoma niendica, 50 ; Zygcena filipendulcc, 37 ; re- tarded emergences: — Asphalia ridcns, 164; Brephos notha, 114; Cidaria reticulata, 15 ; Petasia nubeculosa, 114 ; various, 164 ; retarded larval deve- lopment,/isrt'zj z'tw/^rm? ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 37 Retrospect of a LeiDidopterist for 1892 ... ... ... 280 Sales: — Mr. Naish's Lepidoptera, etc. ... ... ... ... ... ... 128 Season, Notes of the .. (1891) 14, 35; (1892) 60, 129, 157, 179, 196, 229, 257, 284 Seasonal Forms : — Pieris iiapi,V2&; seasonal variation of Larvse ... ... 279 Setting: — Notes on pins, 240 ; setting forelegs of ^^;7i?/z'.f rt/>;7/?//(Z ... ... 85 " Smoking " for Insects ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 86 Societies : — Birmingham Entomological Society, 22, 38, 72, 94, 168, 192, 215, 248, 271, 313 Cambridge Entomological and Natural History Society ... 95, 144, 168, 313 City of Loudon Entomological and Natural History Society, 20, 38, 67, 94, 118, 142, 166, 191, 213, 245, 269, 309 Entomological Society of London 37, 65, 87, 116, 141, 243, 268 Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society, 23, 43, 71, 95, 120, 144, 248, 271, 312 North Kent Entomological and Natural History Soeiety ... ... ... 144 North Loudon Natural History Society : Excursions 231 South London Entomological and Natural History Society, 21, 41, 70, 89, 143, 190, 215, 247, 272, 311 Yorkshire Naturalists' Union ... ... ... 307 Tabular arrangements : Duration of Ova State of the Geometridse, 174, 175, 255; Pterophorina, 34 ; segments in larvae of Acronycta .. ... ... 2 Times of Emergence : — 184, 242 ; of Sineriuthus tilia, 165 ; times of flight, Ccelana haworthii, 16, 186 ; Saturnia carpini, 213 ; of the species in the Genus Crambus ... ... ... ... ... ... 16, 139 Urticatiou ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 Use of Naphthaline .. ... ... ... ... 85 Variation in Colour of Cocoons of Halias chlorana ... ... ... ... 9 Woodcuts: Genital organs of Coremia , ... ... 177 317 INDEX TO LOCALITIES. Aberdeenshire :— 125, 161, 233, 257, 287 ; Pitcaple Berks :— 238, 26G, ; Newbury, 132, 263, ; Reading, 115, 116, 206, 232 Bucks:— 236, ; Marlow, 208, ; Stony Stratford Cambs :— Cambridge, 208, 290, ; Chippenham, 229 ; Wicken ... 156 Channel Ishiuds : — Guernsey.. ... ... ... ... ... .■• 128 Cheshire: — Wallasey ... Cornwall Cumberland: — Carlisle Derbyshire: — Bakewell ... ... ... ... ... 237 Devon:— 234, 236, 266, 285, ; Coast, 130; Honitou, 202; North, 288 Sidmouth ... Dorset :— Isle of Purbeck, 14 ; Poole, 116 ; Ringwood, 207 ; Swanage, 205 207, 209 ; Weymouth Durham: — Saltburn and Coast ... ... Essex :— Benfleet, 35 ; Colchester, 208 ; Epping, 82, 114, 115, 116, 133, 161 165, 179, 232, 263, 288 ; Leigh, 232 ; Marshes, 35, 203, 263 ; Theydon, 116 Wanstead Flats Gloucestershire: — Bristol, 164; Tewkesbury Hants:— 183, 210, 2.31, 260, ; Christchurch, 131; Gosport, 131, Isle of Wight, 180, 182, 203, 212, 235, 237, 238, 239, 243 ; New Forest 161, 209, 232, 234, 261, 264, 290, 292; Petersfield, 236; Southsea, 187 205; Winchester 133 Hereford ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 86 Herts:— Tring 130 Ireland:— 236, 289, ; Galway, 229, 232, 262, 289 ; Howth, 232; Sligo Isle of Man 115,262 Isle of Purbeck ... ... ... ... ... . . ... ... ... 14, Isle of Wight 180, 182, 203, 212, 235, 237, 238, 2.39 Kent :— 211, 284 ; Canterbury, 206 ; Dover, 238 ; Eynsford, 264 ; Folkestone 132, 159, 164, 232, 264, 289 ; Keston, 238 ; Lee, 160, 202 ; Margate, 288 Sevenoaks, 206 ; Tun bridge Wells .. 158 Lanark, N.B. Lancashire : — Grange, 237 ; Liverpool District, 115, 209, 267 ; Manchester 208; St. Anne's-on-Sea, 130 ; Warrington Leicestershire ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... 130 Lincolnshire ... ... ... ... ... 205 London District :— 205, 206, 209, 263, 302; Benfleet, 35; Bo.x; Hill, 204, 211 264 ; Clapton, 206 ; Epping Forest, 82, 114, 115, 116, 133, 161, 165, 179 232, 263, 288 ; Essex Marshes and Leigh, 203, 232, 263 ; Eynsford, 264 Forest Gate, 208 ; Highgate, 292 ; Lee, 160, 202 ; Shirley, 35 ; Sydenham 292 ; Theydon, 116 ; Wanstead Flats, 115 ; West Wickham, 35 ; Wimble- don 211 Middlesex : — vide London District. Midlothian 56 Monmouth :— 132, ; Wye Valley 158,180^ Moravshire Norfolk:— 234; The Broads Northampton ... Northumberland: — Morpeth... Oxon:-Chinnor 63,205 Perth :— 210 ; Rannoch Somerset : -189, 236; Castle Cary, 206; Clevedon 15,284 Staffs: — Cannock Chase, 294 ; Rugeley Suffolk :— Felixstowe, 160 ; Lowestoft Surrey:— 236, ; Box Hill, 204, 211, 264; West Wickham, 35; Wimbledon Sussex:— 210, ; Abbot's Wood, 161, 232; Ashdown Forest, 262, Bognor, 160; Eastbourne ... ... ... ... ... ... 131 Wales :— Penarth, 158, 262 ; Ruthin, 15 ; South Wales, 158, 159, 205, 210, 262 Swansea .. 159, 210 Warwick: — Birmingham District ... ... ... ... ... ... 141 Worcestershire: — Wyre Forest ... ... ... ... ... ... 141 Yorkshire: — Doncaster, 179, 231 ; Hull, 35; Scarborough, 14 ; York 318 PAPERS READ BEFORE SOCIETIES, NOTICED AND REVIEWED DURING 1892. BiEMiNGHAM Entomological Society: — page Fortnight's, A, Collecting in the Isle of Wight, in 1891, P. W. Abbott ... 23 Holiday, A, spent in North Cornwall in 1891, Colbran J. Wainwright ... 38 Isolation as a factor in evolution of Species, Colbran J. Wainwright . . . 248 Social Ants, A. H. Martineau 272 Some considerations on insects confined to small areas, G. H. Kenrick,F.E.S. 95 Cambridge Entomological and Natural History Society : — Killing and Setting Lepidoptera, A. Jones ... ... ... ... ... 96 Protective Resemblance, Wm. Parren, F.E.S., 144, and vide General Index. City op London Entomological and Natural History Society: — British CoccinelliJce, G. A. Lewcock, 69, and vide General Index. Epping Forest, The Lepidoptera of, A. F. Bayne, 67, and vide General Index. Genus //fl^^«fl. The, J. W. Tutt, P.E.S 94 Genus Hepialus, The, J. E. Robson, F.E.S., 68, and vide General Index. Life-history of Z£«ct)wa 5rt//m, A. U. Battley ... ... 118 Melanic race of Liparis nionacha, J. A. Clark, F.E.S., 246, and vide General Index. Microscopical appearance of unexpanded Wings of Callosoinia proinethea (J. Alston Moffatt), Dr. F. J. Buckell 143 Notes on Acidalia ii/i/nntata, Dr. F. J. Buckell ... ... 214 Preserving LarvEe, On, A. Quail 39 Pterophorina, The British, J. W. Tutt, P.B.S.,41, nnd^vide General Index. Random Notes on the Z0/(^e;7«'^(^2?, L. B. Prout 309 Wicken Notes, J. W. Tutt, F.E.S., 215, and vide General Index. Entomological Society op London : — Additions to the Longicomia of Mexico and Central America, etc. (The late H. W. Bates, F.R.S.), F. D. Godman, F.R.S., F.E.S 88 Additions to the lojii^icornia of INIexico and Central America, etc., with observations, C. J. Gahau, F.E.S 269 Classification, On the, of the Geoinetn^ia of the European Fauna, E. Meyrick, F.E.S 66 Colour-relation (Experiments) betweeii certain Lepidoptera and their surroundings, etc., E. B. Poulton, M. A., F.E.S. 245 Colour-relation (Experiments) between certain Lepidopterous Larvae and their surroundings, etc.. Miss Lilian J. Gould ... ... 245 Contributions to a knowledge of the Homopterous family Ftdgorida:, W. L. Distant, F.E.S 269 Denudation of Scales in certain sj)ecies of Lepidoptera, E. B. Poulton, M.A., F.E.S 117 Indian Ants, G. A. James Rothuey, F.E.S 87 New light on Formation of Abdominal pouch in Parnassiiis, S. H. Scudder 269 New Species of Ephcmeridcc from Tenasserim Valley, Rev. A. E. Eaton, M.A., F.E.S 88 Notes on certain species of Calcutta Ants, G. A. James Rothney, F.E.S. 89 Observations on the Mouth-organs of Diptera, C. O. Waterhouse, F.E.S. 66 On a little-known Species of Papilio from the I. of Lifu, Loyalty Group, Hon. Walter de Rothschild, F.E.S 66 Pseudacnm, Two New Species of, Hon. Walter de Rothschild, F.E.S. ... 142 Revision of Genus Ypt/ii/na, principally founded upon form of male Genitalia, H. J. Elwes, F.E.S., and J. Edwards 269 Secretion of Potassium-Hydroxide by Dicranura viniila, etc., Oswald Latter, F.E.S 269 Variation in Colour of Cocoons and pupse of Lepidoptera, W. Bateson, F.E.S 245 Variation, On the, of some Indian Eitplceas of the sub-genus Stictophlma, Lionel de Niceville 245 CONTENTS. 319 Lancashibe and Cheshire Entomological Soceett: — Butterfly-life before leaving the eg?, Bev. H. H. Higgins, M.A 144 Genital structure of Lepidoptera, Further researches, F. N. Pierce, F.E.S. 248 ]\Ielanism and its Theories, J. E. Robson, F.E.S ...120 Popular names of insects about Shakespeare's time, Willoughby Gardner, F.R.G.S 95 Preliminary list of the Aculeate Hymenoptera of Lancashire and Cheshire, Willoughby Gardner, F.R.G.S 23 President's Address, S. J. Capper, F.E.S 43 Some remarks on the Hydradephaga of the District, W. E. Sharp, F.E.S. 71 Switzerland, a Naturalist's Paradise, W. R. Scowcroft ... ... ... 312 Vegetable Galls and their Makers, S. L. Mosley, F.E.S 271 Was Shakespeare an Entomologist ? William Webster ... ... ... 95 South London Entomological and Natural History Society : — Dawn of Memory in the Animal Kingdom, W. Wallis Kew, F.E.S. ... 71 Effects of Artificial Temperature on the Colouring of Vanessa urticinets of every description kept in Stock. SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. Allbestivork. Lowest possible terms for cash. Prices 07i application. Estimates given. The trade supplied. Established since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAYENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, RIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. The Largest Stock of Cabiiiets ana Boxes to select from. GUARANTEED BRITISH. FOR SALE, LIVING PUPiE OF Machaon, Euhi, Ocellatus, Tilise, Confusalis, Callunse, Versicolor, Dolobraria, Lunaria, Zonaria. (Iiinsonaria, Extersiria, Viridata, Lactearia, Porata, Omicronaria, Orbicularia, Luteata, Heparata, Alternata, Affinitata, Decolorata, Venosata, Pulchollata, SuccentUriata, Subfulvata, Pygmajata.Virgaureata, Albipunctata, Ruberata, Rivata, Unidentaria,JUndulata, Obliquaria, Hamula, Curtula, Reclusa, Palpina, l)romedarius, Dodon;va, Dcrasa, Batis, Or, Ocularis, Tridcns, Alni, Ligustri, Menyanthidis, Myricu'j Populeti, Albimacula, Serena, Verbasoi, Marginata, Notha, etc., etc. Also Ova of many Species. For Price Lists apply to MS. H:. ia.ILlRMS€>€yT>^ Colclxestex*. A very extensive assortment of British Lepidoptera, C'oleoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera in the finest rossible condition always in stock. No. 2. t Entomologists' Record JOURNAL OF VARIATION, J. W. TUTT, F.E. S, FEBRUARY i^th, 1892. Price SIXPENCE. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post free SIX SHILLINGS, TO BE FORWARDED TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, 2, Highbury Place, London, H., LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.C. BERLIN: R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, 11, Carlstraese, N.W. Q„l^cn^^t.f1nnc fnr Vnl TTT arA nnw dllft. The Best Boots for Travelling in all Weathers. ABBOTT'S 120, High HolbornJ.C ABBOTT'S 60, Ludgate Hill, E.C. ABBOTT'S 434, West Strand, W.C ABBOTT'S 183, 185, Goswell Rd, E.C. ABBOTT'S Corner of HollowayRd & Seven Sisters Rd. SPECIALITE,-Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order. THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKER. MAKBB OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS AND APPABATUS. Store and Book Boxes fitted with Camphor Cells. Setting Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabinets of every descriptio7i kept in Stock. SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. All best work. Lowest possible terms for cash. Prices on application. Estimates ^iven. The trade supplied. Established since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, RIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. The Largest Stock of Cabinets and Boxes to select from. GUARANTEED BRITISH. FOR SALE, LIYING PUP^ OP Machaon, Rubi, Ocellatus, Tilise, Confusalis, Callnnse, Versicolor, Dolobraria, Iitmaria, Zonaria, Consonaria, Extersaria, Viridata, Lactearia, Porata, Omicronaria, Orbicularia, Luteata, Heparata, Alternata, Aflanitata, Decolorata, Venosata, Pulchellata, Succenturiata, Snbf ulvata, Py gmaeata, Virgaureata, Albipunctata, Ruborata, Rivata, Unidentaria.JUndulata, Obliquaria, Hamula, Curtula, Reclusa, Palpina, Dromedarius, Dodonoea, Derasa, Batis, Or, Ocularis, Tridens, Alni, Ligustri, Menyanthidis, Myricse, Populeti, Albimacula, Serena, Verbasoi, Marginata, Notha, etc., etc. Also Ova of many Species. For Price Lists apply to \fir. H. HiLJEMnrOOI>, Cololnesstei?. A very extensive assortment of British Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera in the finest possible condition always in stock Entomologists' Record JOURNAL OF VARIATION, J. W. TUTT, F.E.S. MARCH isth, 1892. Price SIXPENCE. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post free, SIX SHILLINGS, TO BE FORWARDED TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, 2, Highbury Place, London, N., LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G. BERLIN: R, FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, 11, Carlstrasse, N.W. 0„1, ;^^;^^^ f^r. V/>1 TTT o^^ ,.r^w H110 The Best Boots for Trayelling in all Weathers. ABBOTT'S I 120, High Holt)orii,l.C ABBOTT'S I 60, Legate Hill, E.C .1 ABBOTT'S 434, West Strand, W.G ABBOTT'S i 183, 185, Goswell R(l, i E.C. i ABBOTT'S Corner of HollowayRd & SeYen Sisters M. SPECIALITY -Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order. THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKER. MAKER OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS AND APPARATUS. Start and Book Boxes fitted luith Cantfhor Cells. Setting Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabinets of every description kept in Stock. SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. Allhestiuork. Lowest possible tertns for cttsh. Prices on application. Estimates given. The trade supplied. Established since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAYENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, RIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. J'ke Largest Stock of Cabinets ana Boxes to select from. MONDAY, APRIL 25. The Valuable Collection of British Lepidoptera formed by R. E. SALWEY, ESQ., F.E.S. Mr. J. C. Stevens will sell by Auction at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, on Monday, April 25th, at 12.30 precisely — The valuable collection of British Lepidoptera formed by R. E. Salwey, Esq., F.E.S., including Macros and Micros, in long series and exceptionally fine condition, Pulchella (Folkestone), well authenticated Antiopa, Stellatarum (black), S. pina^i (Suffolk), Lathonia (Kent), Viduaria (New Forest), beautiful lot of Pterophor^ and many rare and interesting species in perfect order, to which is added two expensive Cabinets, 40 and 20 drawers, by Mr. E. G. Meek. On yiew Saturday prior, 10 till 4, and morning of sale, and catalogues had. ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD' JOURNAL OF VARIATION. J. W. TUTT, F. E.S. APRIL i^th, 1892. PriQQ SIXPENCE. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post free, SIX SHILLINGS, TO BB FORWARDED TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, 2, Highbury Place, London, N., LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G. BERLIN: R. FRIEDLANDER <& SOHN, 11, Carlstrasse, N.W, J.: ^ ^^^ ir^l TTT »w.^ ^^-.MT A',',^ The Best Boots for Travelling in all Weathers. ABBOTT'S i20,HigliHolt)orii,W.C ABBOTT'S 60, Luagatc Hill, E.C. ABBOTT'S 434, West Strand, W.G ABBOTT'S 183, 185, Goswell U, E.C. ABBOTT'S Corner of HollowayM & Seven Sisters Rd. SPECIALIT^.-Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order. THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKER. MAKER OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS AND APPARATUS. Stare and Book Boxes fitted wit/i Camphor Cells. Setting Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabinets of every description kept in Stock. SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. AllbestU'ork. Loivest possible tertns for cash. Prices on application. Estimates given. The trade supplied. ii stablished since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, HIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. The Largest Stock of Cabinets ana Boxes to select from. MONDAY, APRIL 25. The Valuable Collection of British Lepidoptera formed by R. E. SALWEY, ESQ., F.E.S. Mr. J. C. Stevens will sell by Auction at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, on Monday, April 25lh, at 12.30 precisely — The valuable collection of British Lepidoptera formed by R. E, Salwey, Esq., F.E.S. , including Macros and Micros, in long series and exceptionally fine condition, Pulchella (Folkestone), well authenticated Antiopa, Stellatarum (black), S. pinastri (Suffolk), Lathonia (Kent), Viduata (New Forest), beautiful lot of Pterophori, and many rare and interesting species in perfect order, to which arc added two expensive Cabinets, 40 and 20 drawers, by Mr. E. G. Meek. On view Saturday prior, 10 till 4, and morning of sale, and catalogues had. No. 5. lia^-a-^- <^' l,JUN-.3i,1892;THE ENititiiOGi8T'8 Record jp^/i JOURNAL OF VARIATION. Edited by J. W. TUTT, F.E.S. MAV i6l/i, 1892. Price SIXPENCE. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post free, SIX SHILLINGS, TO BE FORWAKOBD TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, 2, Highbury Place, London, N., LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G. BERLIN: R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, 11, Carlstrasse, N.W, CI..I :^4-:^«.r, 4Vvn ir^l TTT ^~«^ ^^^, <3..^ The Best Boots for Travelling in all Weathers. ABBOTT'S 120, High Holl)orn,W.G ABBOTT'S 60, Lnclgate Hill, E.G. ABBOTT'S 434, lest Strand, W.G ABBOTT'S 183, 185, Goswell U, E.G. ABBOTT'S Corner oIHollowayRd & Seven Sisters Rd. SPECIALITE.-Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order. THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKER. MAKEK OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF ENTOMOLOG-ICAL CABINETS AND APPARATUS. Store and Book Boxes fitted with Camphor Cells. Setting Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabinets o/ every description kept in Stock. SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. All best work. Lowest possible terfiis for cash. Prices on application. Estitnates given. The trade suppliea. -Established, since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, RIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. The Largest Stock of Cabinets ana Boxes to select from. THE NATURALIST; A MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by W. DENISON ROEBUCK, F.L.S. (LovELL, Reeve & Co., s, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, E.G.). PuUished on the \st of evejy month, price 6d., or Annual Subscriptioti 55"., to Mr. W. DENISON ROEBUCK, Sunny Bank, Leeds. Entomologists Record JOURNAL OF VARIATION. Edited by J. W. TUTT, F.E. S. JUNE i^th, 1892. PrloQ SIXPENCE. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post free, SIX SHILLINGS, TO BE FORWARDED TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, 2, Highbury Place, London, N., LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G. BERLIN: R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, 11, Carlstrasse, N.W. The Best Boots for Travelling in all Weathers. ABBOTT'S i20,HigliHolt)oni,W.C ABBOTT'S 60, Ludgate Hill, EX. ABBOTT'S 434, West Strand, WX ABBOTT'S 183, 185, Goswell U, EX. ABBOTT'S Comer of HollowayM & SeYen Sisters M. SPECIALITE.— Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order, THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKER. ar. T7- O rt O CJ lES^ E3 t t, MAKER OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OV ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS AND APPARATUS. St^re and Book Boses fitted -with Cainphor Cells. Setting Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabinet) of every description kept in Stock. SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. Allbettwork. Lowest possible temtj for cash. Prices on application. Estimates given. The trade supplied . JEstablished since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAYENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, RIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. The Largest Stock of Cabinets and Boxes to select froTn. THE NATURALIST: A MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by W. DENISON ROEBUCK, F.L.S. (LovELL, Reeve & Co., 5, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, E.G.). Published on the \st of every month, price 6d., or Annual Subscription 5s., to Mr. W, DENISON BOEBUCK, Sunny Bank, Leeds. No. 7. THE .^ Entomologists Record AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION. Edited by J. W. TUTT, F.E.S- JULY i^th, 1892. Pr'm SIXPENCE. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post free, SIX SHILLINGS, TO BE FORWARDED TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, a, Highbury Place, London, N., LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G. BERLIN: R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, 11, Carlstrasse, N.W. The Best Boots for Travelling in all Weathers. ABBOTT'S 120, High Holl)orn,W.C ABBOTT'S 60, Lndgate Hill, E.C, ABBOTT'S 434, West Strand, W.C ABBOTT'S 183, 185, Goswell Rd, E.C. ABBOTT'S Corner of HollowayRd & Seven Sisters Rd. SPECIALITE.-Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order. THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKER. MAKER OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS AND APPARATUS. store and Boole Boxes fitted with Camphor Cells. Setting Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabinets of every description kept in Stock. SPECIAL. INSECT CABINETS, With Drasvers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. All lest luork. Loivest possible terms for cash. Prices on application. Estimates given. The trade supplied. Jtstablished since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). ' Factories— 34, RIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. The Largest Stock of Cabinets ana Boxes to select from. THE NATURALIST: A MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by W. DENISON ROEBUCK, F.L.S. (LovELi; -Reeve & Co., 5, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, E.G.). Fithlished on the ist of every month, price 6d., or Annual Subscription 5^., to Mr. W, DENISON HOEBUCK, Svmny Bank, Leeds. l^ ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD JOURNAL OF VARIATION. Edited by J. W. TUTT, F.E. S, AUGUST i^th, 1892. Pr/ce SIXPENCE. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post free SIX SHILLINGS, TO BE FORWARDED TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, 2, Highbury Place, London, N., LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G. BERLIN: R. FRIFDLANDER & SOHN, 11, Carlstrasse, N. The Best Boots for Travelling in all Weathers. ABBOTT'S 120, High HolbomJ.C; ABBOTT'S 60, Luflgate Hill, E.C, ABBOTT'S 434, West Strand, W.G; ABBOTT'S 183, 185, Goswell Mr E.C. ABBOTT'S Corner of HollowayRcl & Seven Sisters Rd. SPECIALITE,— Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order. THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKER.. MAKEB OF EVEKY DESCRIPTION OF ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS AND APPARATUS. Sure and Book Boxes fitted with Camphor Cells. Setting Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabituts o/ every descriptiott kept in Stock. SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawfcrs fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. Allbesttvork. Lowest possible tertns for cash. Prices on application. Estimates given. The trade supplied. ii^stablished since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, RIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. The Largest Stock of Cabinets ana Boxes to select from. FOR. SJLHiS (mostly bred).— Carpini, 2d. ; Plumigera, 6d. ; Falcula, 2d. ; Carmelita, is. ; Camelina, 2d. ; Ziczac, 4d. ; Dictaea, 4d, : Curtula, 6d. ; Alni, is. 6d. ; Myricae, 8d. ; Ravida, is. 6d. ; Populeti, 6d. ; Angularia, 2d. ; Autumnaria, 8d. ; Consonaria, 3d. ; H. comma, 2d ; Tiliae, 4d. ; Machaon, 3d. ; Alsus, id. ; Artaxerxes, 6d. ; Geryon, 2d. ; Corydon, id., and nearly every British species. Pup^e of Carmelita, Consonaria, Biundu- laria, Dolobraria, Autumnaria, etc. Pupae and local imagines purchased in quantity. A. J. SPILLER, Chinnor, Oxon. Record JOURNAL OF VARIATION. J. W. TUTT, F.E. S, SEPTEMBER i^tli, 1892. PrkQ SIXPENCE. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post free, SIX shilli:ngs, TO BE KDRWAKDED TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, 2, Highbury Place, London, N., LONDON; ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, LC. BERLIN: R. FRIFDLANDER & 80HN, 11, Carl8tra«8«, N.W. The Best Boots for Travelling in all Weathers. ABBOTT'S ^ 120, High Holborn,W.C ABBOTT'S 60, LBClgate Hill, E.'C. ABBOTT'S 434, West Strand, W.C ABBOTT'S 183, 185, Goswell M, E.C. ABBOTT'S Corner of HollowayRd & Seifen Sisters Rd. SPECIALITE.— Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order. THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKER. MAKER OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OP ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS AND APPABATUS. Store a7id Book Boxes fitted -with Camphor Cells. Setting Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabinets of every description kept in Stock. SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. All beat work. Lowest possible terms /or cash. Prices on application. Estititates giveti. The trade supplied. Jfistablished since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, RIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. 7 he Largest Stock of CabiJtets atid Boxes to select from. FOR S JLILtS.— Fine British Specimens of Iris, C-Album, Actaeon, Pruni, Galii, Chrysidiformis, Testudo, Versicolor, Plumigera, Furcula, Dictjeoides, Fagi, Carmelita, CucuUina, Myricse, Alni,' Hispida, Ravida, Pyrophila, Lucernea, Sobrina, Autago, CroceagOj etc., etc., at most reason- able prices. A " graph " list of British and Exotic Lepidoptera, ova, larvce, and pugre is issued every month ; post free on application. A. J. SPILLER, Chinnor, Oxon. :!^ dL lit. T^ ^:'^ )^ ^ No. 10. :v i'i^'.i} THE y^ ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION. Edited by J. W. TUTT, F.E.S, OCTOBER i^th, 1892. Price ONE SHILLING. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post free, SIX SHILLINGS, TO BE FORWARDED TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, 2, Highbury Place, London, N., LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, LC. BERLIN: R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, 11, Carlstrasse, N.W. The Best Boots for Travelling in all Weathers. ABBOTT'S 120,HigliHoll)orii,W.C ABBOTT'S 60, Ludgate Hill, E.C. ABBOTT'S 434, West Strand, W.G ABBOTT'S 183, 185, Goswell Rd, E.C. ABBOTT'S Corner of HollowayRd & Seven Sisters Rd. SPECIALITE.-Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order. THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKER. O CJ TSL. E3 T T, J". T- O MAKEK OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS AND APPARATUS. Stere and Book Boxes fitted %uith ■Camphor Cells. Setting Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabinets o/ every description kept in Stock, SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. All best work. Lowest possible terins for cash. Prices 07i application. Estimates gi^ren. The trade supplied. Established since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, RIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. The Largest Stock of Cabinets and Boxes to select frcm. FOKL sale.— Fine British Specimens of Iris, C-Album, Actaeon, Pruni, Galii, Chrysidiformis, Testudo, Versicolor, Plumigera, Furcula, Dictffioides, Fagi, Carmelita, Cucullina, Myricse, Alni, Hispida, Ravida, Pyrophila, Lucernea, Sobrina, Aurago, Croceago, etc., etc., at most reason- able prices. A " graph " list of British and Exotic Lepidoptera, ova, larvae, and pupae is issued every month ; post free on application. A. J. SPILLER, Chinnor, Oxon. THE AND No. 11. ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD JOURNAL OF VARIATION. Edited by J. W. TUTT, F.E. S. 2?>/. 'm NOV. 29 1892 VEMBER istk, 1892. '/'- Price SIXPENCE. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post free, SIX SHILLINGS, TO BE FORWARDED TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, z, Highbury Place, London, N., LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, E.C. BERLIN: R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, 11, Carlstrasse, N.W. The Best Boots for Travelling in all Weathers. ABBOTT'S ' 120, High Holborn.W.C ABBOTT'S 60, Legate Hill, E.C. ABBOTT'S 434, West Strand, W.G ABBOTT'S 183, 185, Goswen Rd, E.C. ABBOTT'S Corner Of HollowayM & SeYen Sisters Rd. SPECIALITE.— Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order. THE PRACTICAL CABINET MAKER. MAKER OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS AND APPARATUS. Sttre and Book Boxes fitted with Catnfhor Cells, Setting Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabinets of every description kept in Stock. SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insects. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. Allbestwork, Lowest possible iertns for cash. Prices on application. Estimates given. The trade S7ipplied. Established since 1847. Show Rooms~7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAYENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, BIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. The Largest Stock of Cabinets ana Boxes to select from. JPOR SJLILiE.— Fine British Specimens of Iris, C-Album, Actseon, Pruni, Galii, Chrysidiformis, Testudo, Versicolor, Plumigera, Furcula, Dictseoides, Fagi, Carmelita, Cucullina, Myricse, Alni, Hispida, Ravida, Pyrophila, Lucernea, Sobrina, Aurago, Croceago, etc., etc., at most reason- I able prices. A "graph " list of British and Exotic Lepidoptera, ova, larvae, und pupae is issued every month ; post free on application. A. J. SPILLER, Chinnor, Oxon. Sutoscviptions for Yol. lY. ai?© novir di»©. Entomologists Record JOURNAL OF VARIATION. J. W. TUTT, F. E. S, DECEMBER i^th, 1892. i>ou^i:ie: nxji¥i:ber Price ONE SHILLING. Subscription for Twelve Numbers, post frecj SIX SHILLINGS, TO ue FORWAKUED TO Mr. ALBERT J. HODGES, 2, Highbury Place, London, N., LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 62, Paternoster Row, LG. BERLIN: R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, 11, Garlstrasse, N.\ The Best Boots for Travelling in all leathers. ABBOTT'S 120, High Holbom.W.C ABBOTT'S 60, Ludgate Hill, E.C. ABBOTT'S 434, West Strand, W.G ABBOTT'S 183, 185, GoswBll Rd, E.C. ABBOTT'S Corner of HollowayM t Seven Sisters Rd. SPECIALITE.-Sporting Boots of every Description made to Order. THE PRACTIOAL CABINET MAKER. O CJ I5L E! T T, MAKEK OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINETS AND APPARATUS. Store and Book Boxes fitted with Camphor Cells. Setting; Boards, Oval or Flat, etc. Cabinets of every description kept in Stock. SPECIAL INSECT CABINETS, With Drawers fitted with Glass Tops and Bottoms, to show upper and under side without removing insedts. Store Boxes Specially made for Continental Setting, Highly recommended for Beetles. A II best work. Lowest possible terms for cash. Prices oji application. Estimates given. The trade supplied. Established since 1847. Show Rooms— 7a, PRINCE'S STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W. (Seven doors from Oxford Circus). Factories— 34, RIDING HOUSE STREET and OGLE STREET, W. The Largest Stock of Cabi?iets ana Boxes to select from. FOR. SAUE.— Healthy Pups of Machaon, 3d.; Ocellatus, i|d.; Populi, 2d. ; Tilias, 3d.; Ligustri, 3d.; Jacobaese, id. ; Mendica, 2d. ; Pudi- bunda, 2d. ; Coryli, 2jd. ; Prasinana, i|d. ; Versicolor, 8d. ; Carpini, 2|d. ; CallunEB, 3d. ; Lanestris, 2d. ; Spinula, id. ; Testudo, 3d. ; Carmelita, gd ; Trepida, yd.; Ziczac, 2|d. ; Curtula, 3d. ; Fagi, is. 3d. ; Aceris, 4d. ; Alni, IS. 6d. ; Glauca, 4d.; M. Brassicae, id.; Dolobraria, 5d. ; Betularia, 2d.; Biundularia, 2d ; Consonaria, 4d. ; Trilinearia, 2d. ; and many others. Imagines : — Nearly every obtainable British species of Macro-Lepidoptera at very reasonable prices. Collections bought. For lists apply to A. J. SPILLER, Chinnor, Oxon, EXOIEI^ICTO JB. [Notices of Exchange, which should consist only of the specific names of Duplicates and Desiderata are inserted without charge. Entoraological Books wanted may also be inserted in this column.] [The Editor wishes to state that the publication of Exchanges, Advertisements, etc., in this Magazine, is in no way to be taken as a guarantee of the authenticity, good condition, etc., of the specimens. This Notice is not intended to throw doubt upon the bmuz fid-:s of Advertisers, etc., but to free the Editor from responsibility, should the privilege be abused.] Marked* are bred. Exchange Lists, addressed to J. W. TuTT, Westcombe Hill, S.E., must be received before the 8th for insertion in the current month The City of London Entomological Society has decided to compile a list of the fauna of the London District. This district is understood to mean a circle of about ID miles from Charing Cross, and includes on its outskirts Epping Forest (south of Chingford), Plumstead Marshes, Shooter's Hill Wood, Shirley Common, Richmond Park, and Wimbledon Common. Lists may be sent in to Mr. J. A. Clark, 48, Broadway, London Fields, N.E. (Birds) ; Dr. F.J. Buckell, 32, Canonbury Square, N. (LepidOjitera) ; Mr. H. Heasler, 17, Danby Street, Peckham, S.E. (Coleoptera). EXCHANGE CLUB.— Will those members who have a basket in their possession kindly drop me a card as per rule ?— ;/. iV. Tiitt, Westcombe Hill, S.E. Duplicates. — Rhomboidea (Stigmatica),* T. lanthina * (a few), D. Barrettii, etc.. etc. Desiderata. — Octogesima, Or, Fluctuosa, Leporina, Strigosa, Auricoma, Albovenosa, Musculosa, Albipuncta, Flammea, Maritima, Sparganii, etc., etc. — G. V.Hart, 14, Lotver Pembroke Street, Dublin. Duplicates. — A large number of well set (carded) and correctly named British Coleop- tera, including many rare and local species. Desiderata. — Lepidoptera, Coleopteia, and other orders. — A. Ford, Claremont House, Upper Tower Road, St. Leonards-on-Sca. Duplicates. — Silaceata,* Dromedarius,* Tristata,* Unidentaria,* Advenaria,* Fili- grammaria,* Piniaria ( ? ), Falcula,* Immanata* (fine), Mendica * (fine), Lubricipeda* (fine), Arcuana, Sponsana, Sauciana, Bilunana, Ramella, Occultana,* Similana, Betulella,* etc., etc. Desiderata. — B. Tnfolii, Bajularia, Porata, Rubricata, Carbonaria, Pygmceata, Irriguata, Constrictata, Dodoneata, Ruberata, Impluviata, Undulata, Derivata, Chaonia, Dodonea, Atriplicis, Lychnitis, Dipsacea, Notha, etc., tic— Jno. Harrison, 7, Gaivber Road, Barns ley. Duplicates. — Galatea, Angularia, Illunaria, Biundularia, Crepuscularia, Bidentata, Spartiata, Petraria, Tersata, Cerago, Lucipara, Lota, Macilenta, Fasciunciila, Strigilis, Nictitans, Thalassina, D. Pinastri, Rurea, Trilinea, Pistacina, Basilinea, L. Comma, Satellitia, Suffusa, Chrj'sitis, Iota, Rutina, Illu.straria, Ziczac, Curtula, etc. Desiaerata. — Very numerous, to complete series. Lists exchanged. Insects set on black pins preferred ; good condition only. — H. Alderson, Hilda Vale, farttboro' R.S.O., Kent. Duplicates. — D. Rubiginea var.* Desiderata — Acis, Galii, Ilera, Ilicifolia, Bicuspis, Erythrocephala, Bractea, Nubeculosa, Barrettii, Ca;sia, Albimacula, etc., and ofifers. Fine and well-set specimens only required. Accepted offers answered within a week. — W. S. Riding, Buckerell Lodge, Honilon, Dezwi. Duplicates.— C\n\\2,, Statices (Guernsey), Edusa, Cardui, Z. Trifolii, Citraria, Viretata, Derasa, Conigera, Lithoxylea, Hepatica, Gemina, Blanda, Puta, Suffusa, Saucia, Nigricans, Obelisca (few), Lucernea, Lunigera, Plecta, C-nigrum, Triangulum, Brunnea, Lucipara, Pyramidea, Spilodactyla, all in long series. Lists exchanged. Desiderata.— Numerous, including Formicaeformis, Myopiformis, Cynipiformis, Bombyliformis, B. Trifolii, Tiliaria, Fuscantaria, Erosaiia, Bajularia, Quadrifasciaria, Elymi, Ditrapezium, Subtusa, Retusa, Gilvago, Nigra, Lutulenta, Ochroleuca, Marginata, Dipsaceus.— Albert J. Hodges, 2, Highbury Place, N. Duplicates.— KAwi\.2,, Suspecta, Neglecta (a few), Glareosa, Solidaginis, Lucernea, Litura, Gemina, Festiva, Myricre (few), Spartiata, Rurca vars., Polyodon (dark), Conspersa (few, Scotch), Pupae of Vinula and Myrica;. Desiderata. — Numerous.— A. E. Cannon, Mannofield, near Aberdeen, N.B. Duplicates. — Paphia, Egeria, Semele, Edusa, Cardamine^, Tages, H. Sylvanus, Alveolus, Rhamni, Mundana, Bucepliala, Antiqua, Psittacata, Piniaria, Remutata, Ocellata, Alniaria, Mensuraria, Didymata, Vaiiata, Albulata, Fasciaria, Proteus, Janthina, Oleracea, Dentina, Baja, Forficalis, Tarsipennalis, Pascuellus, Literana, Arcuana, Ulicetana, etc. Desiderata. — Numerous.— /^c^/wa/^f 5". Sellon, The Hall, Sydenham, S.E. Desiderata. — A. Prunaria, G. Obscurata, E. Heparata, L. Flavicinctata, M. Rubiginata, M. Hastata, S. Undulata, C. Russata, Immanata, and many common Noctuse. I will endeavour to make a good return.— yi;/m E. Robson, 15, Northgate, Hartlepool. puplicates. — Viretata, Lobulata, Edusa, Solidaginis, SufFusa, Testacea, Lonicerse, Citraria, Pyramidea, Cardui, Selene, Euphrosyne, Sta'ices, Saucia, Dentina, Egeria, Consonaria, N. Rubi, Rufina, Puta, vSegetum, Geryon ; all on black pins. Desiderata. — Very numerous. — P. W. Abbott, Four Oaks, near Birmingham. Duplicates. — H. Defoliaria (iviJ5S^ INSEKTEN-BORSE.— A medium of Exchange and Mart, in which Special Wants, Exchanges, etc., may be advertised. Published on the 1st and 15th of every Month. Post-Office Orders may be obtained at any Office in the Postal Union. Subscriptions for Three Months, One Shilling. Insertions at the rate of One Penny per line for a quarter of a page in width FRANKENSTEIN & WAGNER, LEIPZIG, GERMANY. THE NATURALIST: A MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by W. DENISON ROEBUCK, F.L.S. (LovELL, Reeve & Co., 5, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, E.G.). Published on the 1st of every month, price 6d., or Anmcal Subscription 5i-., to Mt. W, DENIBON ROEfiUCK, Sunny Bank, Leeds. MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. EhtOmblogical Society of London, Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, W. — Wednesdays, at 7 p.m. Next meeting on January i8th, Annual Meeting. The City of London Entomological and Natural History Society, London Institution, Finsbury Circus, E.G. — Tuesdays, at 7.30 p.m. ? December 20th, January 3rd and 17th. All Entomologists cordially invited. December 20th, " Colias edusa in 1892 " by Mr. A. U. Battley. Jan. 3rd, "Pocket Box Exhibition." Jan. 17th, "Notes on Stauropus fagi " by Mr. A. F. Bayne. The South London Entomological and Natural History Society, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge. — Thursdays, at 8 p.m. December 22nd; January 12th and 26th (Annual Meeting). NATURALISTS' SUPPLY STORES, I ^ 31, PARK STREET, WINDSOR. Proprietor, E. EDMONDS, Naturalist. 'Manufacturer of Entomological Apparatus dnd Cabinets to the Royal Family anil Eton College. SPECIALITY— (Lepidoptera) Ova, Larvse and Pupae. Breeding Grounds : The " Quaker's Garden," King's Road (adjoining Long Wali<, Windsor Gr«at Park), and also at "The Nursery," Osborne Road, Windsor. , Pricp Lists are issued about the 1st and loth of each month- and' (by special arrangement with the printer) are Printed and Posted the same day. On receipt of Is., every'List issued for one year will' be sent Iree. (No connection with any other firm in Great Britain) 31, PARK STREET, WINDSOR (5 doors from Great Park Gates). FOR SAJLE. All ^vi.£i.x*ci.]:xteecl ^pitisli Insects. Edusa, Athalia, Iris, T. Quercus, H. Comma, S. Ichneumoniformis, Muscreformis, Complanai Obscurata (and vars.), Papilionaria, Roboraria, Contiguaria, Venosata (vars.), Bicuspis, Orion, A. Ligustri, Australis, Trilinea (fine vars.), A. Saucia, Lunigera, Cinerea, Tritici (vars.), Ashworthii, Ditrapezium, Croceago, Albimacula, Conspeisa, Lutulenta (vars.), Anomala, Albistrigalis, Derivalis, Dumetellus, Tumidella, etc. Also many species of Micros and Pup^. For Prices apply to THOS. SALVAGE, The Plaquet, Arlington, Sussex. N.B. — Good Value, either in Cash or Exchange , given for Vars., Pnpie, etc. The attention of Entomologists is requested to the fact that the race of Liparis monacha, recently figured and described, were not supplied by me. Special Index to Vol. III. of " Entomologist's Record." A "Special Index," containing all the references in Vol. III. of the Entomologist' s Record, arranged under families in the order of specific names, is in course of preparation. Early application should be made to Mr. A. J. HODGES 2, Highbury Place, N. Price is. WATKINS & DONCASTER Naturalists and MaDafactarers of Entomological Apparatus aid Cabiuets. Plain Ring Nets, wire or cane, including Stick, Is. 8d., 2s. ;^d., 2s. 6d. Folding Nets, 3s. 9d., 4s. 6d Umbrella Nets (self-acting), 7s. 6d. I'ocltet Boxes, 6d., 9d., Is., Is. 6d. Zinc Relaxing Boxes, 9d Is., Is. Gd., 23. .Vested Chip B >ses, 8d. per four doz. Entomological Pins, assorted or mixed, Is^ per oz. Pocket Lanterns, 2s. 6d. to lOs. 6d. Sugaring Tin, with brush, Is. 6d., 2s. Sugaring Mixture, ready for use. Is. 9d. per tin. Store Boxes, with camphor cells, 2s. 6d., 4s., os., 6a Setting Boards, iiat or oval, I in., 6d. ; IJ in., 8d. ; 2 in., lOd. ; i^ in., Is. ; 3| in., Is. 4d. ; 4 Ie Is. 6d. ; 0 in.. Is. lOd. ; Complete Set of fourteen Boards, lOs. 6d. Setting Houses, 9s. 6d., lis. 6" corked back, 14s. Zinc Larva Boxes, 9d., Is., Is. 6d. Breeding Cage, 2s. 6d., 4s., 58., Ts. Coleopterist's Collecting Bottle, with cube. Is. 6d., Is. 8d. Botanical Cases, japanned, double 1 Is. 6d. to 78. 6d. Botanical Paper, Is. Id., Is. 4d., Is. 9d., 2s. 2d., per quire. Insect Glazed Cases, 2s. 6d. to lis. Cement for replacing Antennae, 6d. per bottle. Steel Forceps, 2s. per pair. Cabinet Cork. 7 by 3j, best quality. Is. 4d. per doz. sheets. Brass Chloroform Bottle, 2s. Insect Lens, Is. to 8s. 6d. Glass-top and Glass-bottomed Boxes, from Is. 8d. per doz. Zinc Killing Box, 9d., Is. Pupa Digger, in leather sheath. Is. 9d. Taxidermist's Companion, containing most necessary implements for skinning, 10s. 6d. Scalpels, Is. 3d. ; Scissors, 2s. per pair; Egg- drills, 3d., Is. ; Blowpipes, 6d. ; Artificial Eyes 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. etc. Our new Label-list of British Macro-Lepidoptera, with Latin and English names. Is. 6d. Our new complete Catalogue of British Lepidoptera (every species numbered), Is ; or on one side | for labels, 2s. HEALTHY PUP/E OF MANY SPECIES NOW ON SALE. SHOW ROOM FOR CABINETS Of every description for Insects, Birds' Eggs, Coins, Microscopical Objects, Fossils, &c. Catalogue (68 pp.) sent on application, post free. A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS' AND BIRDS' EGGS (BKITISH, EUROPEAN AND EXOTIC). Birds, Mammals, etc. Preserved and Mounted by First- dass Workmen, Only Address: — 36, STRAND, W.C, LONDON (5 doors from Charing Cross). European Lepidoptera and Prepared Larvae- Large Stock. Cheap Prices. Fine Specimens. Correct Determination. rniCE LIST IX. SEASOlN 1892-93. AUGUST HOFFMAN N , MuTCH's Pulmonic Cough Linctus. The Mild and Soothing Influence which this Preparation has, classes it among the most valuable of its kind in cases of COUGH, ASTHMA, BRONCHITIS, SHORTNESS OF BREATHING, OR DIFFICULTY OF EXPECTORATION. It speedily removes any accumulation of Phlegm, and allays Irritation of the Membrane of the Throat and Chest, rendering those delicate parts less susceptible of future irritation and disease. /n Bottes at \s. \\d. and 2.r. M. Wholesale— ].?>^"^QxYu^ & SONS, 489, Oxford Street, W. 4 i 1 ^ PREPARED SOLELY BY J. P. MUTCH, 359, Hornsey Road, London, N. E, KKIGHT, PRINTER, MIDDLE STREET, ALDERSGATE, B.C r 9 ^ ^ 1 1 1 I 1 1 .11 L ■