ee) Pee Le NY eddy fester SEY Ay PER f Mast) e| Ore Dee Haase ne ay af PET: ht i OEE STITT? 7; faa e PRET E REIS ane POSSI SIE Pe Pn) ESTED ETI) ee EINE, PERE PRL PEI LID eed Weegee ry aadiaa HO Heed iva rey) EY ee) Hehe PLPAPT SILO Y reer thn ry ih Mitte Wes ‘ iy (. ee ep na fren) Fiiseeadas : Ee AEN ed PTI) MD Peery PAPI SA IIS EEE EIS DOE 1 i, WIAA ETD PRE EEE?) OTe POY ie Met eae isne Miasited é ay AF iy Hs iy C6685 Uisae teases POPPA TILT ceay aie lene tides Hees ey Hy My PE ESTES Hi 1) Ha 5s fey IIIS) hee He iSi¢ Oh) OD SES Ise Hite tis tie ieee Oe Shey? iii) EES is by Wi Apt ees PU FEARS TIN iii Bits if Vy Hy) ih fy 5 He rhs 10s) i Hi iit mY Nf a a vine py py fy BS J On i Ue Hate PAPA, Ae Oils ay BT MTA AI DEAS iia eeds Se Seas! La iss Ny vid es fy ie) oy ‘ 3 a MMs rah By 0, By i Py eee if Hit Wy Be ay Hie ies ‘ y é nag ies Vee, 4 ae as eS, MIS) ot ; _ i 7 on ‘ . eb Pe oe “ a if a 4 fi 4 We Pe Mh ies ; A TE cere SEA) De i i Oye ae 7) a He _ y ae i) Bie x Hii a aes Pai is (fis RAY Y Peds) y, HS . ae j Lee aay LETRAS, re Mig Ly i i TO Hi ie tee La HORTLE! Hs Ht Lis _ yy) bt ve Hh Ws bik # We Lo iy AAee i oy i aya es a3 i ay oe jes Hs Pe _ sais ony, ike fey . Wy a fe iit Bi ee Hh) He Y He Be ae Fy 4, th 3, te ee rie yy 7 a . a eee | ry if ‘lite so Ath Me 3: a : i Wy We a Vy ie Hf ies y its AG > 2 LA EE BE Piz La A E: A I Pils VE Puls Ly EE Pia LA EE: Dis JEEZ E > Bis Pie Ly Piz IL ____ _ ] = CU UUUYUUUUCUCE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM FOUNDED 1893 <= YW VV NNW IT f 1 ] BP We a ote t THE SOUTH LONDON Entomological & Natural Bistory Society, (Established 1872) ~ 1, DENMAN STREET, RAILWAY APPROACH, LONDON BRIDGH, S.zB. > Patrons. SIR JOHN LUBBOCK, Bart., R. McLACHLAN, Esgq., F.R.S., MP, BURS:, EL.S:) BSE. 1 To) bets eed bial rey HENRY T. STAINTON, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.E.S. OFFICERS AND GOUNCIL, Elected December 17th, 1885. LOO OOOO President. R. ADKIN, F.E.S. Sice-President. J. JENNER WEIR, F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S. Council eRe BILLUPS, (BBS. J. A. COOFER. R. SouTH, F.E.S, J. T. CaRRINGTON, F.L.S. | T. W. HALL, F.E.S. | J. R. WELLMAN. We WESP Te D:S: Hox. Curator. Son. Pibrarian. W. West (Greenwich). W.. C. CHANEY. Hon. Treasurer. E. STEP, 37, Charlwood Road, Putney, S.W. Hon. Secretaries. H. W. BARKER. * WALTER A. PEARCE, Lyndhurst, Croxted Road, West Dulwich. * To whom all Communtcations should be addressed. hick >: WHE SOUZH LONDON +t ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 7, DENMAN STREET, RAILWAY APPROACH, LONDON BRIDGE, S.E. The Society has for its object the diffusion of Biological Science, by means of papers and discussions, and the formation of typical collections. There is a Library for the use of Members. Meetings of the Members are held on the Ist and 3rd Thursday evenings in each month, from Eight to Tenp.m., at the above address, The Society’s rooms are easy of access from all parts of London, and the Council cordially invite the co-operation of all naturalists, especially those who are willing to further the objects of the Society by reading papers and exhibiting their specimens. nore SUBSGRIPZION. Seven Shillings and Sixpence per Annum, with an Entrance fee of Two Shillings and Sixpence. All communications to be addressed to the Hon. Sec., TOW 2iwe: 1873) 2 1874 1875 1876 .. 1877 1878 WALTER’ A. “PEARCE, . Lyndhurst, Croxted Road, West Dulwich. PAST PRESIDENTS. STBWH 59 1 — J. R. WELLMAN. 1879 ... R. STANDEN, F.E.S. i 1880 ... A. FICKLIN. Ee es 1881 |...) V. Ri! PERKINS: JFeEsS: . A.B, GRARN: 1882. ... T. R. Brr.ups, F.E.S. : 3 1883 ... J. R. WELLMAN. sae Je. BARRETT. 1884 ... W. West, L.D.S. ee ie WILE TANS: |. .1885... R. Sourtn; F.E-S mo ORT, 1885, S - HE Council have pleasure in again reporting a year of satisfactory work and progress, testified by the numerous exhibits, and the increasing interest taken by Members in the Meetings of the Society. It will be remembered that, owing to the disposal of the premises in which the Society had its offices, we were again compelled to seek a new abode. The change has been one for the better. The new position chosen by your Council we feel sure has done much to improve the standing of the Society, the accommodation and comfort afforded being a vast improvement on our former quarters. The position of the rooms is all that can be desired, and although the change was inconvenient at the time, we may safely conclude that no one has regretted it. This year we observe with pleasure the development of a spirit of unreserve in the imparting of personal knowledge, as evidenced by the number of papers, communications, etc., that we have had the pleasure of listening to. Six new Members have been elected this year, but we regret to say that three others have sent in their resignation ; therefore our present membership numbers fifty-five. We have pleasure in stating that the financial position of the Society is in every way satisfactory. The Library has been greatly improved by the binding of some fifteen volumes: this we were enabled to do by the generosity of several anonymous friends. The duties of Librarian are still rendered by Mr. CHANEY, who has attended to them with his usual care. The additions this year are as follows, viz. :— DONATIONS. “The Entomologist” for 1885, and “ The Zoologist” for 1885. From Mr. T. P. NEWMAN. “The Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine” for 1885. From Mr. M’LACHLAN. . 4 ‘“‘ Transactions of the Entomological Society of London” for 1884. From Mr. W. H. MILES. “Our Insect Allies;” ‘Transactions of the Entomological Society of London” for 1885 ; and “ The Garner ” (Vol. I.) Brom Ving ds kee DiLULUPS: “ Stephens’ British Entomology” (2 Volumes). From Mr. Ides SMURIE, “The Sixth Annual Report of the Dulwich College Science Society. From the SOCIETY. “ Tllustrated Science Monthly.” From Mr. J. T. CARRINGTON. By PURCHASE. “Science Gossip” for 1885. Cameron’s “ Phytophagous Hymenoptera,” Vol. IT. The Society’s Collection of Insects is steadily progressing ; and to Mr. WEST, the Curator, we owe the arrangement and preservation of this valuable portion of the Society’s work. Additions this year have been :— 172 species of MWuicro- and Macro-lepidoptera, from the President, Mr. SOUTH; and several species of Lepidoptera, from Mr. ADKIN. We should have been glad to have reported a like pro- gress in the Herbarium, but we are sorry to say no new species have been added to it this year. The Excursions held this year were to Chingford on May 16th. Oxshot yi.) )uneRzoth: Boxhill Fe 2h Chobham ,, July 18th. Folkestone ,, August 3rd. the most successful being those to Oxshot and Boxhill. The principal event of the year was the Exhibition, held at our Rooms on December 3rd, which was a great success, and has established on a firmer basis the reputation of the Society. The Exhibition consisted of all branches of Natural History, the Class Insecta being best represented; the other Classes comprising Mammalia, Aves, Arachnida, and Mollusca. 5 The Botanical exhibits included specimens and coloured studies of British and exotic plants; also coloured studies of British Fungi. The lower forms of Animal and Vegetable life were well represented in the room set apart for the display of Micro- scopical objects, in which the Society was assisted by Messrs. ENOCK and NEWMAN, and Members of the South London and Queckett Microscopical Societies. Among the Exhibitions at our Meetings we notice the following :— fTymenoptera. Mr. Biitiups, Hymenoptera-Aculeata, such as Pompilus spissus, Priocnemis pusillus, Sphecodes subguadratus, S. vartegata, S. simile, S. affinis, Prosopis dilata, P. confusa,; also many rare species of Ichneumonide, such as Chrysts fulgida, C. neglecta, wasps’ nests, genera Polistes and Odynerus from Borneo, and nest of Vespa germanica from North Devon. Mr. West (Greenwich), Wasp’s nest from S. America. Lepidoptera. Mr. ADKIN (Vice-President), Lugonta guercinaria including var. infuscata, and the Irish form of LVoctua dahlit ; also the following, all bred. L£dromis versicolor, Notodonta chaonta, Acronycta alni, Eugonia erosaria, Eupithecta satyrata, also Acidalia inornata, and a very dark form of Dianthecta capsophila from south of Ireland. Mr. Barker, varieties of Lycena icarus (alexis) and Boarmia repandata, and B. abietaria, bred ; also Actdalia rubiginata (rubri- cata), taken in the Warren at Folkestone, in August. Mr. Cook, Cherocampa porcellus, var., Lithosia griseola, and bleached variety of Zpzphinele (.Satyrus) tantra. Mr. Cooper, fericallia syringaria (bred), and Zonosoma (Ephyra) orbicularia. Mr. Croker, Variety of Abraxas grossulariata, Geometra ( Lodes ) vernarta, and Melitea athalia, from Cromer. Mr. Dosson, Lugonia(Ennomos ) erosarta, Direpana lacertinaria (Platy pteryx lacertula), dark var., and Dicranura bifida. Mr. Exey, Drepana lacertinaria (Platypleryx lacertula), and Lobophora lobulata. 6 Mr. EvisHa, Lethocolletis bremiella, L. canvella, L. lantella (bred), Eupecilia udana, Acronycta strigosa, and Plusta chryson (orichalcea) (bred); also Coleophora vibicigerella, bred from larve taken in the Essex salt marshes during the present year. Mr. GAsKkeEL., Lithosta deplana (helveola) and Diantheca conspersa. Mr. Hat, Diantheca albimacula. Mr. Hetps, MMelanippe unangulata, and an unusually pale variety of Lurrhypara urticata (Botys urticalis ). Mr. HIcKLING, a strongly marked specimen of Argynnis aglaia, and Sphinx convelvult taken at Sidcup. Mr. Levert, a variety of Vanessa urtice and Angerona prunaria, also Dianthecta conspersa. Mr. Lowry, Guophria (Lithosia) rubricollis. Mr. McLacuian, Psychide \arva-cases from Zanzibar, re- sembling the molluscan genus Cyclostoma. Mr. Mera, Cherocampa elpenor, var., and Dicranura furcula. Mr. OtpHaM, Thedla betule and Ptilodontis palpina. Mr. W. A. PEARCE, Actdalia rusticata and Eupithecia minutata (bred). Mr. Soutu (President), Varieties of Polyommatus phleas, Lycena trarus, Zygena filipendule and Boarmia repandata ; Chero- campa celerto from Natal and Italy, British and Swiss Aelfea, Lycena eschert and L. dorylas from Switzerland, and living larve of Toxocampa cracce, also several local Tortrices, Mr. TUGWELL, varieties of the Zygenide, the unique British specimen of Syztomts phegea, Eugonia autumnaria, Nola centonalts and the whole of the Dzanthecia, northern and southern forms. Mr. J. JENNER WEIR, Devtopeia pulchella from South Africa, varieties of Lycena icarus (alexis) and L. corydon, also the exotic genera Morpho and Cadligo, and a series of Danais archippus. Mr. WELLMAN, Sesza chrystdiformis, S. tchneumoniformis, S. culictformis, taken at Folkestone, Cherocampa celerio from Walton-on- Naze, varieties of Czdaria suffumata, second brood of Acdalia trigeminata, and a third brood and larve of A. rudbiginata (rubricata), also Lemiodes pulveralis. Mr. West (Greenwich), Spzlosoma (Arctia) urtice. 7 Mr. West (Streatham), Oforina croceago (bred), Acronycta myrice, Nudaria senex, Actdalia marginepunctata (promutata), var., and Chestas spartiata from Folkestone. Mr. J. T. WiuiaMs, Sphinx convolvult, Plusia chryson (orichat- cea) (bred), and Oxyptilus distans. Coleoptera :— Mr. Bixuuprs, the rare Anthicus Schaumt, Scolytus pruni (bred), Scymnus frontalis Stilicus geniculatus, Quedius attenuatus, Cis vestitus, Olibrus particeps, Coccinella 12-guttata, and many exotic species. Mr. CHaAney, Carabus auratus, Donacia menyanthidis, D. thalassina, D. semicuprea, Bembidium varium, Lina populi, Aphodius “lividus, and Mononychus pseudacort. Mr. Croker, Exotic Coleoptera. Mr. Evey, Wotiophilus rufipes, Cerylon fagt. and a fine specimen of Brachycerus apterus from the Cape of Good Hope. Mr. West (Greenwich), Calosoma sycophanta, Chlanius Schrankit, and Stenolophus Skrimshiranus. Hlemtptera :— Mr. Bittups exhibited Salsa Cocksii, Dicyphus errans and Globiceps flavomaculatus. Flomoptera :— Mr. Bittues exhibited Eupreryx picta, Cybus smaragdula, and Bythoscopus flavicollts. Mr. J. JENNER WEIR, species of J/antide and Cicade from South Africa. Mr. Bitiups also exhibited Exotic Veuroptera. Mr. McLacuian, European Zvichoptera, Ascalaphide, Nemop- teride and ant-lions. Mr. W. A. Pearce, Trap-door spider and nest, and Horned Lizard, Genus P&rynosoma from California. Mollusca :— Mr. Bituups, Zonites excavatus, Z. radiatulus, from Bromley, Kent, “Helix nemoralis, var. roseolabiata, Achatina acicula and Paludina vivipara. Mr. W. A. PEARCE, Chiton chilensis from California. 8 Mr. Step, Paludina contecta, Pupa marginata, Spherium ovale from Richmond Park, and Cochlicopa tridens. Mr. West (Streatham), Bulimus acutus including var. ntgricens from New Quay, Cornwall. Mr. Cook exhibited some excellent mounted specimens of birds, including Str7x flammea, Turdus merula, Sternus vulgaris, Fringilla celebs. Botanical Exhibits :-— Mr. A. E. PEARcE, Sketches of Exotic and British plants. Mr. W. A. Pearce, Exotic and British plants, among the latter being a curious monstrosity of Digztalis purpurea. We have to thank the following Gentlemen who have exhibited at our Meetings, as Visitors, viz. : Messrs. BIRD, BOWER, BROOKS, CRIPP, DAWES, FARN, GURNEY, JAGER, JANSEN, LEWCOCK, MACKENZIE, NEAVE, ROWE, SHUTTLEWORTH, TuTT, WATKINS and WEBB. From this lengthy Report, which represents but a portion of the year’s exhibits, it will be seen that the Members have been doing serviceable work, and we hope to be able as an outcome of this Report to record next year a “sreater increase of Members. WALTER; AY PEARCE, H. W. BARKER; Fon. Secretaries. LIANSDIA T @ Bi UA @ WLR Q). @ tere 0) Dat OSSF Cer Ons Opie | CEO Es ) oO | ‘a De Te eG B= eG. Oni DBASE ‘daLS GAVMda f ‘VUAW 'M ‘V (WaANYVA “MH ‘ESOL YA) T A40QUMIIITT “ADPSANY J, 1991109 punoj puv ‘sIQYONOA UAT poredwos ‘poupny “SLOJIDR ET Coa = = J OUrlea G6 7 SOTIT[IGUIT IOAO sjassy JO aourreq “ 0 OL I. sievory jo uonsodorg aqesijear payeunsy * Sggr ‘seujsuys 0} oyenO I Guay 4g | G 6 OL” a “ puvy Ul sour[eg Yseg OL ‘SHILITIGVI'T "SLASSY 192 LIMOS 7 eee eee “purl ul QouLvleq (79 ooo eon eee solipuns (73 “ UOTIqIUXY JO sasuodxy “ a Se SULT ey O> OF 22 ae ns PoAloooyY SIvIITY * A1gUOIVIG pue asvjsog “ ON ohh eae svoudiesgus pue sodq sournuy * See bue 100 jo asvyoing ‘ Zak Oneee oe Zz: ou SOUT ALVIGUay: =: 22 Gia JUDY fe SOL GL & VEgt ‘YIgI ‘99q “pny Ise] Woy souR[Vg OT, BT "AUN LIGNATXY, "SLd1AO AY ‘Q88l YVVHA AHL VOX LYYWHS HINVTVE, "RIMIVOS ANCUSIH THANEHN CNH IWOIBETCNeAuNA NeaNed Hanes AH INI SIUDIBIN TES VANDI DIRS, S Sy —————te—____ > GENTLEMEN, It being customary for your President, at the expiration of his term of office, to briefly review the present position and future prospects of the Society, I have very great pleasure in performing this, the final duty devolving upon me. Our Society, like other Societies of a kindred nature, has been subjected to a somewhat chequered career since its foundation in 1872. It is not, however, my intention to unveil its past history further than will enable us to glance at our position in December, 1884. We were then just beginning to settle down in our quarters in the Borough, and my friend and predecessor in the chair, Mr. West, in his farewell address congratulated us on the possession of a larger and at the same time less expensive room than that we had previously occupied. We little anticipated at that moment the awkward predicament from which we were shortly to be called on to extricate ourselves. You may remember that in March last (1885) I had to announce to the Society that the landlord, from whom we rented the room in which we were then assembled, was about to close his premises, and he requested us to remove all that belonged to us as soon as we possibly could. Fortunately for us we had among the Members of our Council, gentlemen who were able to cope with the difficulty which thus unexpectedly turned up. For a time the Society was without a local habitation, but through the kindness of Mr. Billups, the Members of our Council were enabled to meet and transact the extraordinary business connected with our enforced change of residence. It only remains for me to say in this connection, that the Society is fortunate in the change of domicile which has been effected, and that our best thanks are due to Messrs. Adkin, Billups, Ficklin, Pearce and 12 Step. These gentlemen, by charging themselves with par- ticular duties, contributed materially towards the recovery of the Society from its unpleasant position, and by their energy and tact enabled us to secure our present commodious rooms. We have now the advantage of being within a short distance of the City, and the London Bridge and Metropolitan Railways. Thus favourably situated we may reasonably expect to obtain additional recruits from among those dwellers on the other side of the river, who are interested in Natural History, as well as from those who reside in localities south of the Thames. It is to be regretted that for some obscure reason or other, one or two of our old Members have withdrawn their support ; but as a set off against this, we have had the satisfaction of welcoming the return to our ranks of certain workers who had been estranged from the Society for some years. As you will have learnt from the Treasurer’s report, our financial position is not only sound, but we have a respectable balance in hand. The attendance of Members and the business transacted by the Society, during the year now drawing to a close, not only maintains the improved character manifested during the latter part of 1884, but on one or two occasions has afforded evidence of still greater improvement. This encourages me to exhort you to exert yourselves to the utmost to prevent the Society from again subsiding into the inert condition which at one time promised to put a period to its existence. Let us éndeavour to raise it to such a state of efficiency and usefulness, as will establish it in the front rank of local Natural History Societies. If it is our desire, as I have every reason to believe it is, that the Society should be considered something more than a Conversational Club, it is of primary importance, that when we meet to transact the business of the Society, we should give our undivided attention to such business, especially during the time that interesting facts are being communicated. Our Exhibition this year eclipsed anything of the kind hitherto attempted by the Society. Although the greater proportion of the exhibits pertained to the class Insecta, 13 various other Zoological classes were represented, and the sister Science of Botany was not unrecognized. In the room set apart for Microscopes, no less than 21 instruments were fitted up. Of this number 11 belonged to Members of the South London Microscopical and Natural History Society. To this Society, as also to the Lambeth Field Club, we are indebted for much valuable assistance, and I take this opportunity of thanking these Societies, on behalf of the South London Entomological and Natural History Society, for their courtesy. Among the very large number of visitors who favoured us by attending, were many distinguished Entomologists and workers in other branches of Biological Science. Several of these also contributed most interesting exhibits. Altogether, I think I may fairly congratulate the Society upon having scored a success. Although such success is unquestionably due to the united action of all, still the carrying out of details, must of a necessity, rest with a few. As a fact, the general plan of the Exhibition was worked out by Mr. Adkin, and in the execution of that plan he was very ably seconded by Mr. Billups. To these gentlemen, and to our worthy Secretary, Mr. Pearce, on whom devolved the incidental correspondence, the thanks of the Society are especially due for their careful forethought and untiring zeal, which practically conduced so much to the happy issue of the undertaking. One of the specified abjects of the Society, is the “ diffusion of Biological Science, by means of papers and discussions.” Up to the present I am afraid we have not done a great deal towards giving effect to this article of our Association. How- ever, it is perhaps not too much to hope that the little we have done in this direction during the past year, is but an earnest of the greater things we propose doing in the future. Among the many useful labours that should be undertaken by a local Natural History Society, is the compilation of the Flora and Fauna of its own particular district or county. County and district lists of animals or plants, consisting of names and localities only, are not without a certain value to 14 collectors ; but from a scientific point of view, they are com- paratively valueless. The compiler of a Flora or Fauna, or any section or sections thereof, will do well to bear in mind that the end and aim of his labour should not be simply to enumerate the species occurring in any given area or district. He should endeavour to impart to his work a deeper interest and a greater value, by giving not only the habitat of animal and the station of plant, but also information respecting the geological features —especially as regards subsoils—of the locality, and dis- tributions of the species over the area dealt with. Particular attention should be given to variation, and all species which vary, or show a tendency to vary, even though it be but slightly from the type, should be noticed. For instance, supposing we are compiling a list of the Lepidoptera of Surrey, and we know that the Box Hill representatives of a species differ from those occurring in other parts of the county, we should certainly not omit reference to the fact, but should briefly point out the characteristics of the Box Hill form. The habits of local forms of species may also differ from the normal habits of the types of those species, and where such is known to be the case, particulars should be given. Very many other details might be added; these will suggest themselves to the compiler who undertakes his task, with the set purpose of producing a work which shall be of service to the student as well as the collector. Some years ago, when the Society was solely Entomological, it was resolved to collect material for the formation of the insect Fauna of our district, which I suppose, wouid be particular portions of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. I am given to understand, that certain sections of the list were elaborated to something like completion, and other sections were in a forward state. Estimates for printing were obtained, and all preparation made for early publication, when for some reason the whole thing collapsed. I don’t know why, when the proposed Fauna was on the very eve, as it were, of publication, it should have been allowed to become a dead letter. There may have been dissension in our ranks, Surely the private pique of a Member or Members could not derange the 15 organization of a Society to the extent of preventing that Society from proceeding with an undertaking upon which it had long been engaged, and which it had nearly completed. That the existence of a Society depends upon the unity and cohesion of its Members is a fact I can readily understand, but that a useful work, which all Members of the Society are interested in, and contribute to, can at any moment be suppressed by the action of one or more Members, is a state of things which I must confess myself unable to comprehend. One would naturally conclude that as material, in the shape of local lists, notes, observations, etc., was furnished to the Society for an avowed purpose, such material would still be found among the property of the Society. This, however, I regret to say, is not the case. I am informed that the MS. list of Coleoptera is still at our service, but I am afraid that the same cannot be said of the MS. list of Lepzdoptera, or yet of the original local lists and notes from which it was compiled. I venture to say that the Society is, at the present moment, as well qualified to take in hand the preparation of the insect Fauna of Kent, Surrey, or Sussex, or any particular area or areas of those counties, as it has been at any time since its establishment. As a nucleus we have the MS. list of Coleoptera, but lists of all other Orders will have to be compiled de novo. I may add that this matter will probably come under the considera- tion of the Council at an early date. If it is deemed expedient that a Fauna should be compiled, I hope that the proposal will not only meet with your approval, but that every Member will render all the assistance he possibly can towards making the work a credit to the Society. Occasional reports of our proceedings have been published in the ELutomologist ; and a local paper, The South London Press, has frequently inserted extended notices of our meet- ings. This is very satisfactory as far as it goes; but falls shert of what should be the acmé of our ambition. I am sure we should all be pleased to see our proceedings and transactions issued in a separate form, emanating from the Society itself. 16 It may be within our power to do something in this direction during the New Year, if it is only by enlarging our Annual Report, by adding an abstract of our transactions. As we gather numerical strength, we may hope that our transactions will increase in a proportionate ratio, and that in the near future we may be enabled to publish a volume of respectable size. But for the present we must be content with the modest addition of a few pages to our Annual. The contemplated improvement is but a small one, I admit ; but if it should be effective, it may be considered as the legitimate outcome of the advancement made by the Society during the year, and for this reason it will be welcome. Before concluding this portion of my address, I cannot refrain from adverting to a matter which I consider as not only satisfactory in itself, but as indicative of a more com- prehensive interest obtaining among those workers who either from choice, or the limited time at their disposal, confine their attention to Entomological subjects only. Even in the history of the Society, there was a time when anything in the way of an exhibit or communication pertain- ing to any order other than Lefzdoptera, received but scant courtesy at the hands of those Entomologists who affected rather the particular than the general. It is gratifying to observe a more liberal feeling springing up among and around us. The Lepidopterist is beginning to recognise the fact, that, as regards insects alone, nature has not exhausted all her wondrous cunning in the creation of Butterflies and Moths, but that a considerable share of it has been reserved for beetles, flies, and such like “ beasties.” ? This augurs well for the success of the Society at the time —which I hope is not far distant—when we may have in our body a larger proportion of workers in other branches of Natural History than we have to-day. In the intercourse of students in various fields of Biological Science, banded together for a common purpose, I see much that cannot fail to contribute to the mutual advantage of all. 1 According to Kirby, about 12,000 insects of all Orders are known to occur in our islands, and of this number, as you will probably know, only about 2080 belong to the Order Lefidoplera. i A number of species have been made known and added to the British Fauna during the year. Of these I note the following :— ; Dicranoneura similis, and Typhlocyba salicola, two Hemipterons new to Science, named and described by Mr. Jamz3s Epwarps. (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxi. 229, 230.) Mr. R. H. Meapbe describes a new maritime fly (Znt. Mo. Mag., Xxll, 152), under the name of Ceratinostoma maritimum. This Dipteron possesses some of the characteristics of species in the genus Scatophaga, and some of those pertaining to the genus Cordylura ; it was therefore found necessary to create a new genus for its reception. A Lepidopiteron, new to Science, taken by Mr. GEORGE COVERDALE in the salt marshes near Shoeburyness, July, 1884, was named and described by Mr. StaInron in the £xt. AZo. Mag., xxii. 9, under the name of Coleophora paludicola. Lithocolletis anderide, also new to Science, bred in the spring from larva, found in the preceding October. Named and described. (Luz. Mo. Mag., xxii. 40.) Two species of Lepidoptera are recorded as probably new to the British Fauna by Mr. A. F. Grirrira, Lx. Mo. Mag., xxii. 64. These are named respectively Ornix fagivora and Nepticula nyland- riella. The first bred in the spring from larva, found in autumn on beech, and the last was found in some numbers on the trunks of mountain-ash in Sutherlandshire, May. A Gelechia taken by MR. Sana, amongst Artemisia maritima, in salt marshes, near Redcar in July, is described by Me. Srainron, under the name of Gelechia tetragonella. (Lunt. Mo. Mag., xxii. 99.) Nepticula assimilella, a species new to Britain, was bred by Mr. W. H. B. FLErcHER, in June last, from larvee found in Sept. 1884, on Populus tremula, in Abbots Wood. (Lut Mo. Mag., xxii. 113.) Coleophora potentille, recorded by Mr. GEORGE ELIsHa, as occur- ring in Epping Forest, cases on Fotentilla tormentilla, in September, Ent. Mo. Mag., xxi. 254. Coleophora tinctoriella, named and described by Mr. GEORGE COvVERDALE, Lutom. xvill. 225. Lycena argtades,a new “ blue” recorded by the Rev. O. Pickarp CAMBRIDGE (£xtom. xvill. 249),and Cucullia artemiste, added to the British Fauna (2xfom. xvill. 290). Nine species of Sphecodes, added to the British Hymenoptera, and described by Mr. Epwarp Saunpers, (Zt. Mo. Mag., xxi. 177), viz. :—spinulosus, puncticeps, longulus, niger, pilifrons, similis, fer- ruginatus, hyalinatus, variegatus, divisus, and adimtdiatus. B 18 At the April Meeting of the Entomological Society of London, Mr. Bitiups exhibited two species of Pezomachus, new to Britain, P. immaturus, and P. vulnerans. A single example of a Coleopteron (Tachys parvulus), new to Britain, taken by Mr. J. H. SMEDLEY, at Wallasey, September, 1884, and described by the Rev. W. W. Fow.er, zt. AZo. Mag., xxii. 43- Of these additions to our Fauna, the most important, or at least the most interesting, is that of a new butterfly. The fact of a new butterfly, and that too a species of Lycena, occurring in England, is an event for which Entomologists were hardly prepared. Among Lepzdoptera, the butterflies have always received most of the collectors’ attention. The ‘‘ blues” especially have been industriously worked. In the hope of obtaining varieties, many Lepidopterists give considerable time to the capture and examination of the commoner species of Lycena. Now that examples of a new species are among the possible results of a free overhauling of such species as ZL. zcarus and L. wgon, it is probable that both these insects will in the future, like cur canine friends at present, have their liberty considerably interfered with. It is to be hoped that the ‘‘ suspects ” may be treated with moderation, and receive their immediate discharge if after capture and examination they are found to have no criminating evidence in the shape of a tail about them, and do not happen to be wanted ona charge of hermaphrodism or aberration. The circumstances attending the capture of this new species would seem to suggest a more careful scrutiny of our commoner species of Lepidoptera in out-of-the-way places. It cannot, however, be expected that the greatest energy or most con- summate care will result in the detection of many other new species in this way; but it would be well for us, perhaps, never to take for granted that any object zs what it appears to be, until we have assured ourselves of its identity. Certain species may be so familiar to us that we would venture to identify them even at a distance ; but it is better not to place too much reliance on our ability in this respect. A little trouble taken in the examination of a supposed common object might be rewarded by the discovery of a novelty. 19 The curious feature connected with the capture of Cucullia artemisi@ in this country is the unusual date. Mr. Brooks says he took his two specimens on the 26th of August. On the Continent, where this insect is abundant in its particular localities, it is out in May and June, and the larve would be feeding on wormwood at the time Mr. Brooks took his specimens. According to Dr. Staudinger Cucullia artemisice and C. adsinthit are both found in Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Central and South Russia, and in the Altai. C. absinthiz, however, has a more western range than C. artemisi@, as it occurs in France, also in England. ‘The British counties from which it has been recorded are, Dorset- shire, Devonshire, Cornwall, Somersetshire, Glamorgan, and Berkshire. With the exception of the last-named county all these are on the ccast. The first four adjoin, and Glamorgan is only separated by the Bristol Channel. Wormwood (Artemzsia absinthium), the fooi plant cf both these insects, has a very wide geographical range. It is found in Europe, N. Africa, Siberia, Dahuria, N.W. India, and N. America. Asa British plant it is local, occurring in waste places. It extends from Forfar southwards. In the north and west of Scotland it is rare, It occurs in Ireland, but is probably not indigenous to that country. The occurrence this year of some of the rarer Sphinges in England has caused no little excitement among lepidopterists. I have not the slightest doubt myself as to their origin. Like the Colzas they are immigrants in the first instance. Under favourable circumstances they may breed here, but their permanent establishment in England is hardly probable. In his article on Axosia plexippus (formerly known as Danats archifpus) Mr. Jenner Weir states (Lxtom. xviii. 306) that altogether nine specimens of this insect have been re- corded as captured or seen in England this year. He also adds that as regards the four specimens taken, and two others seen in Cornwall (Zz¢om. xvii. 290-292), “ there is no reason to doubt but that they were actually bred in this country.” Mr. Weir is further of opinion that there is a fair chance of this handsome species establishing itself in England. Such an event is one that would be most gratifying to all British 20 lepidopterists, and might be considered as an exchange for Pieris rape, which North America probably received from us as an importation during late years. This latter insect, by the way, has already developed a climatic race in the New World. Callimorpha hera has been again taken in the south of England by Mr. Jager, who captured a specimen and saw another on the 24th of August this year. This specimen was brought up to our Exhibition by Mr. Jager. It has yellow hind wings, and is the var. lutescens of Staudinger. Mr. Brooks, who it may be remembered has been very successful with this species during three successive seasons, and is also the fortunate possessor of Cucullia artemisi@, was good enough to point out the lucky hedgerow to Mr. Jager. One specimen of Callimorpha hera is recorded by Mr. H. D’Orville, as taken near Exeter on August 14th, 1871 (£727. Mo. Mag. viii. 87). Appended to this note is an editorial, stating that several other well-authenticated cases of the occurrence of C. sera in the south-west of England had occurred during the previous ten years, and asking Entomo- logists who had knowledge of such captures to give an account of the circumstances. Ido not find that this request elicited any information on the subject, but I believe there are records extant of a specimen taken at Newhaven in 1855, and another near Brighton in 1868 ; and at some time before the earliest of these dates, Captain Russell captured several in Wales. In the Lxtomologist for December last (vol. xviii. 318), Mr. Joseph Potter records the capture of a specimen of Catocala Jraxint in Hyde Park, on the 9th of September. He states that it was at rest in a sycamore, thirty feet from the ground, and that it had been seen two hours previously onan ash tree. Mr. Potter adds, “ I have no doubt it emerged from the pupa in the immediate locality ; it had apparently not flown far,” Just fifteen years ago, that is in 1870, Mr. Potter recorded a specimen as taken by a friend of his, at rest on an ash tree in Regent’s Park, also on the oth of September (Z£z¢. AZo. Mag. vii, 111). In 1874, Mr. Charles Oldham took a worn specimen at Folkestone, on September 5th, and Parry of Canterbury says he took one “almost equal to bred” in Pine Wood, Kent, 21 September 26th (Eu/om. vii. 228, 289). A rather wasted example was taken by Mr. W. W. Shaw in Berwickshire, September 9th, 1876 (Zzztom. ix. 278). In 1880, five specimens were seen or taken at sugar in various parts of the country as follows :—Mr. John Mundie, of Aberdeen, says one visited a sugared tree on August 30th, and two following nights. Mr. Wratislaw took one at Rugby, August 31st. A much worn and broken example fell to the lot of Mr. Griffiths, taken in the Leigh Woods, Bristol, Sept. ist. Mr. W. White one, at Barnsley, Sept. 6th, and Mr. J. H. A. Jenner, one in fair condition, near Lewes, Sept. 27th (Bio iia 24@,, 241,128) 310): Having reviewed the Society’s actual position, touched on some of the probable items of our programme for 1886, and also glanced at the most notable captures and important discoveries made this year by Entomologists in Britain, I will now briefly refer to some eminent Biologists, learned special- ists, and earnest workers who have been removed from their labours by the hand of death during the past twelve months. Bya the juntimely. death of MraKive,, F:Z:S.,) EE 2S.ithe scientific world has lost an able Entomologist and most assiduous literary worker, and this Society one of its original patrons. EDWARD CALDWELL KYE was born in London in June,1832, and died at Stockwell on Feb, 7th, 1885, after a very short illness, in the fifty-third year of his age. As an Entomologist, he at first was interested in Lepzdop- tera, but subsequently turned his attention to Coleoptera, among which order he was especially successful in discovering species new to the British fauna. In the Extomologis?’'s Annual 1863, he commenced a series of articles on British Coleoptera, which he continued until the Azzzzal ceased in 1874. Mr. Rye was one of the original founders and co- editors of the Lztomologists Monthly Magazine, the first number of which appeared in June, 1864, In 1866, he pub- lished his well-known British Beetles. He was sole editor of the last ten volumes of the Zoological Record, and in several of the earlier volumes the article ‘Coleoptera’ was from his pen. He contributed articles on various orders of 22 the class /zsecta to the Encyclopedia Britannica, and was also connected with the /7ze/d newspaper as one of the Natural History editors, and sole editor for Travel. In 1874, Mr. Rye was appointed Librarian of the Royal Geo- graphical Society, and from this date his numerous literary engagements caused him to withdraw his attention from entomological field work. His splendid collection of coleop- tera is in the possession of Dr. Mason, of Burton-on-Trent, by whom it was purchased a few years ago. Dr. GWYN JEFFRYS was born in January, 1809, and died January 24th, 1885, aged 76. He practised as a solicitor at Swansea until 1856, when he was called ‘to the bar. Shortly afterwards he retired from the profession, and devoted him- self to the study of Natural History, a taste for which he had acquired as a boy when he took great interest in the insects and shells occurring in South Wales. He appears to have made Conchology his principal study, and as an authority soon rose to fame. Among his most important literary works is British Conchology in five volumes. He was an honorary LL.D. of St. Andrews, and a Fellow of the Linnean and Royal Societies. HENRY MILNE-EDWARDS was born of English parents at Bruges, in October 1800, and died in Paris, July 29th, 1885. His name will always occupy a prominent place among the most eminent naturalists of the first half of the present century. Although he at first took up the practice of medi- cine as a profession, he eventually abandoned this in favour of Natural History, in the study of which he had always evinced a passionate interest. The lower forms of animal life principally engaged his attention, particularly the Marine Invertebrata, and it is among these that he found material for much original research. His earliest important, investigations were undertaken during the year 1826 and 1828, when he and Audouin studied the littoral zone fauna of the coasts of Granville and sround the Isles of Chansey to Cape Frehel. In 1829, the results of their labours were brought before the French Academy of Sciences, and in 1830, Cuvier, assisted by Dumeril and Latrielle, drew up and presented to the Academy a report 23 upon these investigations. In this report, the young natural- ists were complimented for the good work they had so successfully conducted. Among other appointments held by MILNE-EDWARDS was that of Professor of Entomology at the Museum Jardin des Plantes. Besides numerous original memoirs, he was author of many important works; of these it may suffice to mention Ffistotre Naturelle des Crusteces 1834-40, Histoire Naturelle Coralliares, 1857-60, Lecons sur la Phystologie et f Anatomie comparte de Homme et des Antmaux, 1857-1881, 14 vols. Recherches Anatomigques et Zoologiques faites pendant un Voyage sur les Cétes de la Sicile, etc., with nearly 100 coloured plates. Dr. WILLIAM BENJAMIN CARPENTER, C.B., F.R.S., was born in Exeter, 1813, and died in London, Nov. 1oth, 1885, in the 73rd year of his age. He graduated M.D. at the University of Edinburgh at the age of 26, and shortly afterwards com- menced the practice of. medicine at Bristol. In 1843, he removed to London, with the determination of devoting him- self entirely to scientific and literary pursuits. He filled the offices of Examiner of Physiology and Comparative Anatomy in the University of London and Professor of Medical Juris- prudence in University College, until 1856, when he succeeded to the Registrarship of the University of London. Dr. Carpenter was the author of numerous works; but the manuals of Physiology, human, comparative, and general, are perhaps more particularly associated with his name. His Microscope and tts Revelations still holds its place, as also does his masterly /utroduction to the Foraminifera. He also con- tributed able papers to the Cyclopedia of Anatomy and Physiology, and to the journals and transactions of several learned Societies. He took a prominent part in promoting deep-sea exploration and research, and in conjunction with Sir Wyville Thompson, he initiated the Challenger expeditions. The results of these expeditions he reported in the Proceed- ings of the Royal Society, and in the Journal of the Royal Geographical Society. Dr. Carpenter was in no sense of the term a specialist, but a many-sided naturalist. After labouring in the brain- exciting occupation of original research, he would by way 24 of relaxation and amusement contribute to an Eucyclopedia or compile a text-book. It has been well said of him that in the days when he was fully employed, he was doing two men’s work as a profession, and compassing that of a third simply for recreation. Major F. J. SIDNEY PARRY, F.L.S. Born: October, 1810. Died February Ist, 1885, aged 74. Major Parry was a Coleopterist. His collection of Lzcanzde, comprising species from all parts of the world, was almost complete. He was elected a member of the Entomological Society of London in 1840, and was one of its oldest Members. NICHOLAS COOKE was born at Liverpool, January 1818, and died May t1oth, 1885. The loss of this energetic lepidop- terist will be greatly felt by the Lancashire and Cheshire Entomologists, whose Society he, in conjunction with Mr. Capper and other friends, founded, and of which he was one of the vice-presidents. His collection of British Lepzdoptera, probably one of the largest in England, was bequeathed, together with his almost complete one of European Butter- flies, to the Corporation of Liverpool. Mr. Cooke not only industriously worked his own district, but for many years past he collected annually in the High- lands of Scotland. He added Wyssia zonaria and some other species to the British Fauna, and was especially successful in the capture of rare and local species, such as Sesza sco/ti- Jormis and Crymcdes exults, JOSEPH SIDEBOTHAM, F.L.S., born near Hyde Wied? at Bowdon, Cheshire, May 30th, 1885, aged 62. Mr, Sidebotham was a thorough naturalist and a student in many other branches of science. He was perhaps more generally known as a Botanist and Entomologist. The Cheshire scientific Societies have lost in him one of their most ardent supporters. SIDNEY SMITH of Walmer died on the 28th of December, 1884, in the 78th year of his age. Mr. Smith was probably known to those of our entomo- logical members who have worked much around and about St. Margaret’s Bay. His collection of British Lepidoptera contained many interesting varieties of certain species, among 29 which were several of Callimorpha dominula, some of which were black, and others had pink or yellow hind wings, And now, gentlemen, in conclusion I have to tender you my most sincere thanks for the distinction you conferred upon me last December, when you elected me as your President for the year 1885. Believe me that lam deeply grateful for your uniform kindness and courtesy during the time I have had the honour of presiding at your meetings. As previously adverted to, the Society has made progress during the past twelve months, and [ shall always feel a pardonable pride in remembering that it was my good fortune to occupy the Presidential chair in 1885. The present satisfactory status of the Society is due not to any one particular cause, but to the harmonious working of a set of circumstances. Certain officers and members of Council, to whom reference has been made, have by their special efforts on behalf of the Society contributed in no small degree to the general success; but it is my pleasing duty to acknowledge the very able manner in which our Treasurer and Secretary have discharged their several im- portant duties. It is upon these officers that the success of the Society depends to a very considerable extent, and upon whom the bulk of the work connected with the executive devolves. The Assistant Secretary, Mr. Barker, has also rendered valuable service to the Society in drawing up the various reports which have been published. Our Librarian and Curator have bestowed much careful labour on our Library and Collections respectively. I congratulate the Society on its election of Mr. Jenner Weir as Vice-President. In Mr. Robert Adkin, whom you have elected as your President for the year 1886, you have a gentleman who is not only in every way well qualified for the position, but is one who has given abundant proof of the keen interest he takes in the welfare of the Society. |] have very great pleasure in vacating the chair in favour of Mr. Adkin, and I look forward with the greatest confidence to the future of the South London Entomological and Natural History Society. RICAAKD SOURE: ABSTRACT OF. PROCEEDINGS. JANUARY 1st, 1885. R. SOUTH, Esq., Presedent, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited specimens of Hebrus ruficeps, Linn., taken for the first time in England in the developed form. Locality: Loughton, Essex. FEBRUARY sth, 1885. R. SOUTH, Esq., President, in the Chair. The President read a paper entitled “ Some Observations on the Protective Coloration of Lepidoptera.” Printed in full at page 36. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited two female specimens of Ranatra linearis, Linn., taken at Loughton on 6th January, 1885. This Hemant, usually associated with stagnant pools, was taken at least a mile from any water. MARCH 5th, 1885. Ro SOUrH, Esq.) Preszdenz, in’ the Chair: Mr. H. T. Dobson read a paper, the subject being: “Do the Lower Forms of Animal Life feel Pain?” The author commenced by expounding what was meant by the lower forms of animal life, briefly referred to the division of the animal kingdom by Cuvier, and at some iength described experiments which he and others had made; all tending, in his opinion, to show that the lower animals did not feel pain. The paper was illustrated by diagrams of the anatomy of the invertebrata, APRIL 6th, 1885. R. ADKIN, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited Pezomachus tmmaturus, Forst, and 2. vulnereus, Forst, both species being new to 27 Britain, and having been taken on January 3rd, 1885, in Headley Lane. MAY 7th, 1885. R. SOUTH, Esq., President, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited living specimens of Carabus auratus, taken on April 30th, in the Borough Market, from a basket of vegetables imported from the South of France. AUGUST 6th, 1885. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a rare species of Proctro- trupide, Inostemna Boscit Jur, taken on a sunflower leaf at Peckham; also the egg case of a mantis, found in tobacco leaves by Mr. Adkin. SEPTEMBER 3rd, 1885. R. SOUTH, Esq., F.E.S., President, in the Chair. Mr. Jenner Weir exhibited species of Avachnida, of the order So/pugide, which appeared to belong to the genus Galeodes. Mr. Weir said these specimens were taken in the Kalahari Desert by Mr. G. A. Farini, and he briefly referred to. the structure and size of these Arthropods, they being about two and a half inches in length, and the legs extending Over six inches. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited Ledra aurita, L., Centrotus cornutus, Linn., Gargara gentst@, Fab., Ulopa reticulata, Fab. etc., and read the following notes :— “The insects exhibited belong to the sub-order Hemiptera- Homoptera. They include a very extensive set of insects, in which the upper and lower wings are generally homogeneous, I mean by that of the same kind or nature. The antenne are in most of them very short and bristly, and consisting of three jcints, the head having only two ocelli. They are repre- sented in this country by some fifty-two genera and two hundred and seventy species. If strange variety of form, in fact, if the most outre and dizarre shapes be the object of admiration, 28 this family will supply abundant material; and if our own especial group in the Fauna list should not be enough, we have only to go to Guiana, the Brazils, and-the islands of Florida, where these strange little creatures may be met with in the most beautiful, at the same time weird and fantastic shapes; while, to come nearer home, Geoffroy, the historian of the insects of the environs of Paris, while describing Ceztrotus cormuius. callsiit “Le Petit Diable;? or “Little Wevilt; andiat the present time this group is known all over the Continent as “ Geoffroy’s Little Devils.” The Cercopidz proper and the Tettigoniz are very extensive and beautifully coloured long, or rather parallel insects. They are represented in this country by two genera and two species only: Zvr¢cophora sanguinolenta and Tettigonia viridis, but they abound in South America and in Asia. Our smaller species such as 7yphlocyba, Alebra, Cybus, Eupteryx, Gnathodus, etc., are extremely beautiful little crea- tures, while to come further on, which of us is not acquainted with our active little saltatorial friend, Aphrophora Spumaria, the common Frog-hopper of our little town gardens. How many of us and how often have we been annoyed by seeing our plants infested by a larva, which carries on his depreda- tions and robs our plants of its juices while artfully concealed and enveloped in a mass of white froth, closely resembling saliva. De Geer, the celebrated Swedish naturalist, wishing to know how the larve produced this frothy dwelling, says he took one of them out of its home, wiped it dry with a camel’s hair brush, and placed it on a young stalk of honey- suckle, placed in a glass of water to keep it fresh. It began, he says, by fixing itself on a part of the stalk, into which it inserted its trunk, and remained a long time in this attitude, occupied in sucking and filling itself with the sap. Having then withdrawn its trunk, it remains there, or else places itself on a leaf, where, after different reiterated movements of its abdomen, which it raises or lowers and turns on all sides, one may see coming out of the hinder part of its body a litile ball of liquid, which it causes to slip along, bending it under its body. Repeating again the same movement it is not long in producing a second globule filled with air like the first, which 29 it places side by side with, and close to, the preceding one. This operation it continues as long as there remains any sap in the body, it is very soon covered with a number of small globules ; which, coming out of its body one after the other, tend towards the front part, aided in this by the movement of the abdomen. It is all these globules collected together which form a white and extremely fine froth, whose viscosity keeps the air shut up in the globules, and prevents its moisture from easily evaporating. If the sap which the larva has drawn from the plant, is exhausted before it feels itself sufficiently covered with froth, it begins afresh to suck, until it has got a new and sufficient quantity of froth, which it takes care to add to its first stock. My own observation leads me to believe that this frothy exudation is secreted by peculiar organs in the tail of the larvae. This exudation undoubtedly serves to protect them from the heat of the sun; the soft body of the larve but for this would soon shrivel up; it also conceals them from birds, and other insects which would otherwise prey upon them. Notwithstanding the concealment, wasps, however, often get them out and carry them off. It is in the froth that the larvze change into pupez, and do not leave their strange habitation to undergo their final metamorphosis. It is in this vaulted cell that the pupa disengages itself, little by little, from its skin, and in the month of September we find these creatures most abundant. Towards the end of autumn the females become gravid: they are then so heavy that they are scarcely able to fly or jump; while the males, on the con- trary, make prodigious bounds, springing sometimes two or three yards. How few know that the little broad-headed, brownish, frog-jumping insect now so common on plants is the frog-spittle insect in its perfect state. Many good people class these insects along with the Aphides, as species of the very comprehensive, though most unscientific genus, vulgarly called Blight.” Mr. H. Janson, who was present as a visitor, exhibited a specimen of Sphinx convolviuli, taken on the knocker of a door in Victoria Road, Finsbury Park. 30 SEPTEMBER 17th, 1885. R. SOUTH, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the - Chair. Mr. Adkin exhibited a female variety of Pararge megera, taken at Folkestone, in which the black spot near the apex of the right fore wing is represented only by a dark dot, not larger than the usual white centre, which in this case is wanting. Mr. Elisha exhibited Geometra smaragdaria, bred from larve taken in the Essex salt marshes. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a species of Lepzsma, new to science, which was foundswarmingon some account books which were kept in an iron safe at Messrs. Adkins’ Tobacco Factory, Aldgate. Mr. Billups said its nearest approach was Lepzsma subvittata, Guerin, which was described by Sir John Lubbock in his Monograph of the Collembolla and Thysanura,and which was exceedingly common round the environs of Paris. OCTOBER st, 1885. IR. SOUTH, Esq, PuES.) P7eszaen7, ine the Chant: Mr. J. Jenner Weir exhibited specimens of Lycena argiades, taken in Saxony, also L. trochilus, which he said was the smallest known European butterfly. Mr. Cook exhibited a specimen of Sphinx convolvule, taken in an oil shop at Rotherhithe. Mr. Step exhibited colour sketches of Boletus scaber, Agaricus (Amanita) vaginatus, and Agaricus (Clitopilus) orcella ; three species of edible fungi, found a few days pre- viously on Bookham Common, Surrey, Mr. Step stated that he had found these in some abundance, growing in close proximity to Agaricus rubescens, A. procerus, Boletus edulrs, and other species. Questioned as'to their edible qualities, he replied that he could not endorse the encomiums of Budham respecting the So/etz, but all the other species named he had found excellent. Mr. J. Jenner Weir remarked that on the Continent he had frequently seen various Ao/edz for sale in the markets, and quantities of Cantharellus, which, according to Mr. Step, had been abundant this season on Wimbledon Common. 31 OCTOBER 15th, 1885. Re SOUMEHMsGe HES. vexeszacze, in the, Chairs Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited specimens of TZed¢tigometra tmpressopunctatus, Dufour, and communicated the following note :— “Tt was first taken in 1865 at Freshwater Bay, Pembroke- shire, by the Rev. T. A. Marshall, in a sheltered hollow, thinly covered with thyme and short grass. It was there very common, but restricted to a small area. It is a sluggish insect, concealing itself on the ground, where it is not eisily detected. According to Signoret it occurs near Paris, and on both sides of the Mediterranean. The present specimens were taken in a little hollow, in some numbers, on the range of hills known as the Hog’s Back, running from Guildford into Portsmouth, by Dr. Capron, of Shere, near Guildford, who has generously presented them to me.” Mr. Adkin exhibited a bred series of Czdaria prunata, Linn., and remarked that the larve should be fed on red, not black, currant, and suggested as a probable cause of the failure of some who had attempted to rear this species during the present summer, that the latter food-plant had been used. In his experience it was easy to rear. The specimens now shown were the descendants of a moth received from Folke- stone in August of last year. The ova commenced to hatch on May 5th, the larve fed readily on the young leaves of the red currant, on which they were placed, the first spinning up on June 24th, the imagines emerging between July roth and 26th. The larve required but little attention during the time that they were feeding, and in spinning up appeared to select a part of the stem of the food-plant just below the juncture of the branches, several cocoons being placed together, the cluster thus formed often completely encircling the main stem. NOVEMBER 5th, 1885. Ro SOuUtH, Esq.,. P.E:Ss Preszdezz,. in’ the ‘Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited two species of Coleoptera, viz., Mononychus pseudacort, F., and Lina longicollis, Suf., 32 also four species of the TZenthredinide, viz., Hoplocampa plagiata, Klug., LBlennocampa melanocephalus, Fab., Lyda flaviventris, Cam., and Fanus femoratus, Klug., and made the following remarks :— 1. Mononychus pseudacori, F., feeds on Sris Pseuddcorus the yellow iris, flag, or corn flag. 2. Lina longicollis, Luf., is not at all a common beetle, but occurring locally, and sometimes in profusion on alder or poplar. 3. Hoplocampa plagiata, Klug., is an exceedingly rare sawfly, there being only three known captures recorded ; one by the Rev. 1. A... Marshall,-at Boxhill; in 1870; onesby, myself, a female, at Weybridge, May, 1884; and the present specimen, also by myself, at Chingford, May, 1885. 4. Blennocampa melanocephalus, Fab., appears to be gene- rally distrisuted in England and Scotland, but not common; this specimen being taken at Chingford, May, 1885. 5. Lida flaviventris, Cam., very rare, this being according to Cameron, the finest specimen captured in this country, there being only three recorded captures previously. This specimen was taken at Boxhill, May, 1884, by myself. 6. Fanus femoratus. This is also an uncommon sawfly, and was bred from the almost extreme ends of the sallow, into which the larve bore, and feed on the pith undergoing their final metamorphosis in the stem. This insect has also been known to attack a young oak, burrowing under the bark, and causing small gall-like excrescences, in which, unlike most of the Zenthreainide, it changes, instead of dropping into the ground to pupate. Mr. T. W. Hall exhibited a remarkable variety~ of Abraxas grossulariata, and said it was the only variety bred from 343 larvae, 190 of which were infested either with the Ichneumon Casstnxaria vidua, Gr., which was considered rare, or the Dipteron Myctodissa lucorum, Fall.; specimens of both species, mounted by Mr. Billups, were also exhibited. a5) Mr. R. South exhibited MWehtea athalia, M. aurelia, M. parthenie, aud M. dictynna, and read the following note :— “Tn 1881 I found a good number of A7elit@a larve feeding on yellow cow-wheat (JZelampyrum pratense) aud foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). From these I bred a fine and variable series of JZ. athalia. Ghrouch they kindness ofthe iNey. J.) Ca oW sy dasker, ll have a fairly good collection of Swiss butterflies, and among them are fine series of several species of J7elitea. Among the North Devon athala I find an example which comes so close to M. aurelia from Switzerland, that I am quite unable to detect the least difference between them. Entomologists more experienced in separating closely allied species of Rhopalocera, may not have the same difficulty. Other specimens in the North Devon series show a tendency towards the aure/ia type on the upper surfaces of their wings, and the undersides of others very closely resemble the colora- tion and markings of J/. parthenze. As regards the geographical distribution of these three insects, it may be stated that at#alza has a much wider range than either of the others. It is distributed throughout the countries of Europe, even to the Arctic regions, and is also found in Asia Minor, in the mountainous parts of Armenia, and in Siberia; still it only occurs in certain localities in those countries. As a British insect, for instance, it is only to be found in certain places in South England and South Ireland. There is no record of its having been observed in the North of England or in Scotland, though why it should be absent therefrom, seeing that it is an inhabitant of regions very much farther north, is a question which does not appear easy to answer in a satisfactory manner. Aurelia and parthente both occur in Switzerland, but from this country their course of distribution diverges. The first named, that is, avre/za, is found as far north as Lapland, and east into Asia as far as Armenia. Parthenie, on the other hand, is confined to mountainous districts in South- West Germany, France, Piedmont in Italy, Central Spain, and Andalusia. Thus one spreads north and east, and the other south and west. 3b4 Both these insects are also local, being restricted, like athaha, and indeed all other species of the genus, to small holdings hereand there throughout the area of their distribution. In the case which I exhibit this evening you will find series of Melite@a athalia from Sussex, Essex, North Devon, and Switzerland. In the last row but one is a specimen of Melitea dictynna from Switzerland, and below it one of the North Devon examples of athalia, which is not altogether unlike the Swiss insect. In the last row are three specimens of JZ. parthente from Switzerland. These are put in so that you may comp:re them with the Swiss JZ, athalia. I think you will agree with me that the Swiss athalia favours parthente rather than the British athalia, as regards colour and pattern of the upper wing surfaces. As already adverted to, some of the North Devon athalia resemble parthenze on the under sides. Next to parthenie you will observe two examples of JZ. aurelia (Swiss), and below them two North Devon athala. I think that you will admit that the foreigner and the Britisher are exceedingly alike. When I first observed the resemblance of these specimens to WW. aurelia, | was inclined to send a note to our Entomo- logical journals regarding the capture of this species in Britain. Further comparison of British with Swiss JZ. athalia, and these again with Swiss WW. aurelia and MM. parthente induced me to suspect that these last-named insects might not be distinct species, but only forms of JZ. athalza. However, I have at the present moment no strong evidence to offer in support of my supposition. I must there- fore let it remain in abeyance until I have collected more facts and additional material, when I may be enabled to put the whole matter before you in a more complete form.” Mr. Step read a short paper on the Freshwater Mussels (Anodonta cygnea and anatina), which he illustrated by speci- mens and diagrams. The species were said to be widely distributed over the lakes and rivers of the country. Com- mencing with a description of the shell, its hinge and the muscles by which the valves are held together, the reader 35 proceeded to the morphology of the creature, and thereafter to an explanation of its anatomy and physiology, concluding with an account of its reproduction and development. NOVEMBER 9th, 1885. Ry SOUDH, Esq.) KES. Preszaent, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited the following Ichneumontde : Bracon oscilator, Ns. Bred from Coleophora virgauree. Flemtteles fulvipes, Gr. Colastes braconius, Hal. Bracon vartiator, Nees. Macrocentrus infirmus, Ns. Ichneumon computatorius, Gr. Lissonota segmentator, Fab. ” ” Zygena filipendule. A miner in oak-leaves. Coccyx strobilana. Flydrecia petasites. Arctia fuliginosa. Sesia sphegiformts. SOME OBSERVATIONS ON PROTECTIVE COLORATION OF LEPIDOPTERA. READ FEBRUARY 5TH, 1885, BY RICHARD SOUTH. —~Swgtpstae— ALL forms of animal life dependent upon plants are themselves the natural prey of other animals. It is, therefore, a matter of vital importance to the majority of animals that they should possess colour and markings, which in character, assimilate or harmonise with their surroundings. The plant-feeder requires protective colour, so that it may conceal itself from its carnivorous enemies, and the flesh-eating animal, so that it may be able to steal upon its herbi- vorous prey unobserved. In those localities, as for instance in the tropics, where vegetation is most varied, a corresponding variety in animal life will be found to exist; but on the other hand, in the sandy deserts where there are neither trees nor shrubs we find the coloration of reptile, bird, or beast, to be in unison with that of the sandy soil. Again, in the Arctic regions, pure white, with one or two exceptions, is the prevail- ing tint of fur and feather. Some writers, although they do not entirely deny its being to a certain extent protective, contend that protection is not the primary object of colour. Such writers draw attention to the heat absorbing qualities of colour, and argue that, in the Arctic regions for example, white fur is of more utility to animals than would be a darker coloured fur, because white is a bad absorber of heat, and in con- sequence an animal possessing a white fur would be better able to exist in its ice-bound habitat, as the heat of its body would be economised and not readily parted with. But, on the other hand, it is well known that the musk sheep (Ovdbos moschatus) a gregarious arctic animal, is of a dark brown colour. Now brown as a good absorber of heat, is only second to black. It is unnecessary to say more on this head than to observe that looking at the habits of musk sheep, colour in harmony with their surroundings would be of less service to them than a conspicuous colour. Their dark colour 37 enables them to readily see each other, therefore, when danger threatens, these animals can quickly flock together. From this point my remarks will be confined to a consideration of the protective colour and mimetical markings of Lepidoptera only. To the casual observer, the various hues and styles of ornamenta- tion of the wing surfaces of Lepidoptera may appear to be distributed without particular object or method. If we look at a collection of set-out specimens, we shall probably be at a loss to say why this species is of a uniform green, and that species curiously mottled or striated with various shades of grey, red, or brown. To the Lepidopterist the colours and pattern of an insect are most intimately associated with the determination of species, but to the insect itself it is a matter of different import. It is essential to the insect that its colour and ornamentation should confer upon it a resemblance to some other natural object, peculiar to the situation in which it occurs, especially during its periods of repose. In fact, for its protection at such times it is necessary that the insect should be as unlike itself as ornate harmony with its surroundings can render it. We can only properly understand how it is that the structure, colour, and pattern of an insect’s wings can afford protection to the insect, by going out into the woods and fields, and there studying the normal habits of Butterflies and Moths when at rest. We shall then observe that the various species have peculiar methods of folding, expanding, or otherwise disposing their wings so as to accord with the material upon which they are reposing, or if not with the material itse'f, then with some other natural object, such as a leaf, tuft of lichen, stick, stone, or even an excrescence on the bark of a tree. The colours and pattern on the wings of the insects will be found to render the assimilation wonderfully complete. In tropical regions numerous instances occur of species of Lepidoptera imitating or mimicking, not only other specics of their own order, but also certain species of other orders. In Britain however, with the exception of the resemblance of the clear- winged Moths to Bees, Hornets, etc., there are probably no good examples of mimetic analogy. So this phrase of protective mimicry may be passed without further remark. By way of illustrating the subject of this paper a few familiar examples of British Zepzdoptera only will be referred to. As is well known the genus Vanessa is composed of species whose wings are brilliantly coloured on the upper surface, and they are consequently noticeable objects even at a distance, but the under 38 sides of the hind wings of all the species are mottled and shaded with sober colours, so that when the insects are at rest on the trunks of trees, or even on the ground in the ordinary manner of butterflies in repose, that is with the wings raised vertically over the back, they are perfectly protected by reason of the complete harmony existing between the colours of the under sides of the hind wings of the insects and the object upon which they rest. Darwin in Zhe Descent of Man suggests that conspicuous colours are indirectly beneficial to many species as a warning that they are unpalatable. I am not aware whether or not this will apply to species of the genus Vanessa; if it does, then they are doubly protected, and can roam from flower to flower or bask in the pleasant sunshine without a thought of danger. I am inclined to think, however, that they do not enjoy entire immunity from attack when on the wing, or when settled with wings expanded. I have frequently watched the commoner species of the genus basking in the sunshine with their ‘wings fully displayed, and have always observed that on the least shadow falling across them, they either took to flight or immediately closed their wings, This fact would suggest an in- stinctive knowledge of the protective nature of the under sides of their wings, and at the same time imply that they did not place implicit confidence in the deterrent properties of their brilliant colours. This is, however, a matter that I do not propose to go into in the present paper, it being my intention to treat of protective coloration of Lepidoptera only, in as far as it relates to the safety of the species in a state of repose. Most of you will probably have had some experience with Satyrus semele, and will have observed how cleverly it eludes capture by the simple process of closing its wings. A specimen of this insect will alight on the ground a few feet in front of you. Then with net in hand you creep gently forward with your eye fixed on the spot where you saw semze/e settle, but only to find the insect vanished. You feel certain it cannot have flown away, still, you cannot see it ; and whilst you are peering here and there semel/e darts from under your very nose, and settles again a few yards further on, there to repeat the same tactics. The orange tip butterfly (Zachloé cardamines) again, is not difficult to see or capture when on the wing, but when at rest in its favourite position, that is, on the flower-heads of one of the Umdbellifere, the under sides of its wings harmonize with the flowers, and render its detection difficult. In Zhecla rubt we have an example of bright 39 coloration confined to the under sides of a butterfly. This insect, as most of you will know, is brown on the upper surfaces of the wings, but the under sides are bright green. When danger is imminent it settles on a leaf, erects its wings over its back, and is effectually concealed. Many other examples of protective coloration among Butterflies could be given, but I think those I have referred to will suffice. If you recall your experiences many instances will doubtless occur to you where you may remember to have noted a resemblance between the undersides of a butterfly and the object upon which it rested, but which you may possibly have considered only a coincidence and not as an illustration of protective coloration. Among the Bombyces and LVotodontide there are many remarkable imitations of bark, twigs, and withered leaves. For instance, Cossus ligniperda and Stlauropus fagi, resemble the bark of trees on which they rest. Phalera bucephala rests on branches of trees or bushes, and the yellow patch on the hinder portion of its fore wings re- presents the fractured base of a recently detached twig. Laséocampa guercifolia at rest is very like a cluster of dead leaves. Several species of /Voctue and Geometre habitually rest on the trunks of trees, ¢9., Acronycla megacephala on poplar, Acronycta ligustri on ash, Tephrosia punctulata on birch, Lupithecta abbreviata on oaks, and Eupithecta rectangulata on apple or crab. All these afford good illustrations of insects possessing colour and ornament- ation in harmony with their resting-places. Most collectors of Lepidoptera will have observed these insects in repose, and will not have failed to remark how beautifully they assimilated with the bark of the trees upon which they were noticed. Various species of moths are sometimes found on palings, but.as a rule their occurrence in such situations is probably due to accident. It is well known that when the wind has been blowing with some degree of force from a favourable quarter during the night, examina- tion of fences in certain localities early the following morning, often results in the finding of numerous specimens of Lepidoptera ensconed thereon. At other tirnes, long stretches of fencing will not yield a single moth. It may therefore be concluded that in the majority of cases moths rest on pales and other kinds of fencing rather from the force of circumstances than from the exercise of their own free will. Some few species of Lefidoptera do habitually, but not ex- clusively, repose on old fences, especially when such fences are plentifully covered with lichen. The lichen, for instance, would 40 afford food for the larvee of Cleora lichenaria, and the perfect insect would find a safe resting-place thereon because the colours of insect and lichen would blend harmoniously together. The great bulk of Lepidoptera conceal themselves during the day among the foliage of trees or bushes, or hide at the roots of grasses and other herbage. In whatever way they may rest, enemies of various kinds are ever on the alert, and wherever the moths may secrete themselves, they would be in danger of detection and seizure unless their structure, ornamentation, and colour either harmonized with their immediate surroundings, or counterfeited some natural object occurring near their resting-places. Possibly you may have met with that ubiquitous insect 77iphena pronuba hiding away under various plants in fields and hedgerows. It is not often seen among the foliage of plants, but generally on the ground and near the root- stock of the plant. In this position it is not unlike a stone, and for such an inanimate object I have frequently mistaken it, until I attempted to touch it, when it darted away and at the same time revealed its identity by exposing its yellow hind wings. Agvo/is strigula (porphyrea) and Anarta myrtilli offer excellent examples of protective ornamentation. The colours of the fore wings of each of these insects blend admirably with the colours of the dead twigs and flowers of the heather, upon and among which these species rest. Species of the genus Xanthza agree in a striking manner with the dead and dying leaves of their food plants. Thus we see typical Xanthia fulvago (cerago) is in coloration exactly like a dying leaf of the sallows Salix auritta and Saltx capree, even to the spcts. The lemon-coloured variety of Xanthia fulvago, known as flavescens, is said to be chiefly bred from larve found feeding on the leaves or catkins of Salix viminalis, a narrow-leafed species of sallow commonly called “ osier.” The insect in this case is smaller than the type, and is of the same tint of colour as the dying or defunct leaves of the osier. Oforina croceago 1s often found during the winter hibernating among the dead leaves of oak as they hang on the young or scrubby oaks growing in hedgerows, etc., on the borders of woods. So far, except in the case of Xanthia fulvago, I have confined my remarks to what may Le termed typical coloration; I shall now refer more particularly to variations from the type, and shall endeavour to show that such variation is not of the accidental character it is often supposed to be, but is closely connected with, or I should say influenced by, the nature of the insect’s surroundings in different localities. 41 In speaking of an insect imitating or mimicking an object, such as a leaf, twig, bark, etc., it must not be supposed that the use of such terms imply conscious action on the part of the insect. As will presently be shown more fully, there is in all insects a tendency to vary; by the laws of inheritance, varieties are reproduced, and natural selection does the rest. The offspring of all animals exhibit a general likeness to their parents, but individually they vary to a greater or lesser extent, not only one from the other, but also from the parent type. This is well exemplified in the Lepidoptera. If a series of any species in this order is examined, even though such series is formed of in- dividuals of the same brood, it will be found that no two specimens of the series are exactly identical in every particular of structure, colour, and pattern of marking. In the case of species usually considered constant in colour and markings, the points of difference may be so trivial and minute as to escape detection unless the specimens are carefully and critically compared ; but in a species of a polymorphic character, the divergence from the type and from each other is more pronounced, though there is a decided bias in favour of the parents where the series is composed of individuals of one brood. In any case, if variation from the type is of a nature to confer additional protection on the iorm so varying in any particular locality, then such form will possess an advantage over the type in that locality, and will probably supersede it, for, as Darwin in Origin of Species tells us, it is varieties of the same species and species of the same genus that come into the sharpest conflict in the great struggle for existence. On the other hand, if the type is well protected by virtue of assimilation with its surroundings, and none of the varietal forms, which from time to time occur, improve upon the type in this respect, then the type will continue to prevail; but should the environment of the species become gradually altered in character, then the forms best fitted to exist under the changed conditions, will be perpetuated, and the former type being at a disadvantage will be gradually eliminated. In Boarmia repandata we have a good illustration of a species which is either variable or constant in coloration according to the locality it inhabits and the nature of its surroundings in that locality. Thus for instance, in the Isle of Lewis, one of the Hebrides or Western Islands of Scotland, the species is represented by a small leaden grey form which in colour and style of ornamentation agrees 42 with the rocks upon which the insect habitually rests in that island. Mr. Jenner Weir has named this form sodorenstum (E-ntom. xiv. 220). I should say that the representatives of B. vepandata in the Isle of Lewis are but little affected by crossing with forms from the mainland of Scotland, in fact the small size of the specimens is very suggestive of an impoverished strain, probably the result of isolation and consequent inter-breeding. In some parts of North Devonshire B. repandaza varies from a pale grey with few markings, through grey with ochreous tinge and distinct lines, to an almost uniform smoky grey brown, together with a predominant banded form (conversaria). This form also varies in depth and tone of colour. The species is common all along the coast district between Ilfracombe and Lynton, but it is found to be most variable in the charming little oak woods in the glens by the sea, and in those places the var. conversaria is more numerous than the type, if it be possible to speak of a type where all that are not of the banded form are of such various patterns and shades of colour. Conversarta and the more or less typical forms rest on oak trees, and in this position the banded form is quite secure, its coloration harmonises with the lichen-clad oaks so well, that the insect’s de- tection is a matter of difficulty. My first experience with the banded variety led me to suppose that this form would be easily seen when at rest; but what I observed of its habits afterwards convinced me that the first specimens of conversaria I had seen were-for some reason unfortunate in their resting-place. Occasionally re- pandata was observed sitting on old walls, also on rocks, of which Jatter masses of various sizes occur in all the woods. Many of the repandata captured or bred would have harmonised well in colora- tion with the rocks, but only few specimens were actually seen thereon. The present sylvan character of those North Devonshire localities, to which reference has been made, is a feature of comparatively recent date, and is due to man’s agency. Without doubt the low growing herbage, such as bilberry and heather flourished there, though perhaps not so luxuriantly, ages ago. Possibly birch and sallow of a scrubby growth may also have existed before the oak trees were planted. Then, as now, the larve of Loarmia repandata would feed on the bilberry and heather, and the perfect insects would probably rest on the rocks. After the oak trees were planted, and as they increased in size, the herbage, including bilberry and 43 heather would, under the fostering shelter of the trees, become more robust, growing and spreading in all directions, and gradually cover nearly the whole of the rocks, in consequence of which repandata would generally rest on the tree-trunks. Arboreal insect-eating birds would take up their abode in the young woods, and then commenced a struggle for existence between the varieties of vepandata and that form best adapted by reason of its protective coloration, to exist under the altered nature of the locality would be preserved. Of course the best protected, and therefore predominant form of to-day (conversaria), did not acquire all at once the distinctive pattern of wing ornamentation we now find in this insect. As the nature of its habitat gradually changed from a treeless and rocky wilderness into a well-timbered wood with a luxuriant undergrowth, so first one, and then another of the varieties of zefandata would be in the ascendant, but the tendency of the variation throughout must have been towards the character of marking now so fully developed in conversaria. In evidence of this we have the fact that the majority of the more or less typical sefendata exhibit either a strong outline or a faint trace of the band of conversaria, There are many other places in England where the conversarta form of Boarmia repandata occurs from time to time, but not in such numbers as to threaten to supplant the type. From one of these localities (Bristol) I received part of a brood of larve hatched from eggs deposited by a banded female. The nineteen larvee produced ten typical vepandata, and nine of the form conversaria. Unfortunately nothing of the male parent was known, but probably as conversarta only occurred sparsely in the locality, the male was of the typical form. Types of some species of Butterflies and their named varieties are sometimes only slightly differentiated in colour and markings of the upper surfaces of the wings, but the under sides of the wings show considerable difference, for instance in the case of Cenonympha typhon and its varieties datdion and philoxenus. A pair of each of these insects are shown. On reference to the var. /azdion it will be observed that the sub-marginal spots of the under side are either very small or entirely absent. This form occurs in Ireland and Scotland, but does not appear to have occurred elsewhere. The variety philoxenus is only found in the North of England, and is peculiar to the counties of Cumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire. If you compare this form with the type it will be found to possess an extra spot on the upper surfaces of the superior wings, situated 44 near the anal angle. You will also observe that the sub-marginal spots of the under sides of the inferior wings are large and distinct. Newman in S47itish Butterflies considered this form as a distinct species, and it will be found in his work under the name zo¢hlzebiiz. I have never had the pleasure of seeing Cenonympha typhon or either of its varieties in a state of nature, therefore I am not able to say anything positively of its habits during repose. C. pamphilus a near congener of ¢yfhon rests on the heads of rushes and coarse grasses, sometimes two or three examples on one head. I have often seen this species in repose, and can assert that the position selected is one well calculated to afford protection by reason of the complete harmony of the colouring and ornamentation of the under sides of the wings of the insects mh the grass or rush heads upon which it rested. In their various habitats the type and varieties of Cexonympha typhon may also assimilate with their resting-places. On the Yorkshire moors and mosses for example, it may be an advantage to the species that the spots and rings of its under wings should be of the size we observe in the form ffhzloxenus, and in the same way small size or complete absence of spots on the hind wings of the var. /azdion may also confer security upon that form. Xylophasia rurea, and its variety alopecuris (combusta), affords an instance of marked difference between type and form of a species of Noctua. The normal habit of this insect is to rest among herbage at the roots of trees and bushes. Sometimes it may be found in-the crevices of the bark of trees. In marking and coloration the type bears a strong resemblance to a piece of oak twig, or of a darker coloured stick from which the bark has been partly stripped. The variety, on the other hand, is not unlike a bit of birch or some such dark or reddish-barked twig. In some parts of Britain the variety is more frequently met with than the type, and in other parts the type is predominant. Another noteworthy fact is that where combusta and type are nearly or quite equal in point of numbers, intermediate varieties occur which connect the two extreme forms. From these facts I am inclined to infer that in certain localities, some parts of Scotland, for instance, the combusta form prevails because its colouring is in harmony with the general character of the debv7s in and about the resting-places of the insect in those localities. In the same way the lighter colour and arrangement of markings give protection to the typical rzvea in those localities where it predominates. Reference might be made to many other examples of types and 45 varieties of species being respectively coloured and marked in accordance with the peculiar character of their surroundings; but in a short paper of this kind it is not possible to instance more examples. We will now pass on to a consideration of reproduction of varieties. In the observations of Boarmia repandata var. conversaria it has been shown that in a portion of the progeny of a banded female nearly fifty per cent. favoured that parent. ‘This fact is the result of the action of the laws of inheritance. With the view of further illustrating how strong is this tendency to inherit the coloration of a parent, I exhibit four series of bred Cidaria truncata (russata). The four series represent the progeny of the captured females you see lettered respectively 4. B.C. D. All the specimens of each set or brood are arranged in double columns above their proper female parents. The examples in the first column of each set more particularly favour the parent, except in the matter of size. (It is well-known that individuals of summer broods of Lepidoptera vary in size from individuals of spring broods.) In no case was anything known of the male parent of either of the series of C. truncata ; but we see that a large proportion of each series favour the female parent, and this is sufficient to show, that at least on one side, the parental coloration and device of the wings of a moth are transmitted to the progeny. In North Devon, where the female Cidaria truncata were captured, the form A. is predominant. In the case on the table, you will see five other captured specimens Ofe this mspeciess lettered GE.) 0G, “A/a Ehesexexamples lage added to show the whole range of variation of ¢runcata, in the coast district between Woody Bay and Lynton, in North Devonshire. If you look at theseries 4. and 4. you will sce that nearly all the individuals of 4. are of the same form as the female parent, whereas in Z&, sixteen examples only favour the female parent, ten others are in coloration something like the female parent of series D., and two specimens are of the form 4A. From these facts I am inclined to suppose, that the male parent of the 4. series was of the same form as the female of that series, and that the female parent of series B. paired with a male of the coloration of the Y. female. Of course, this infer- . ence is ideal, and I only put forward the hypothesis that you may be induced to prove or disprove it by breeding this or other polymorphic species from parents which are either of different or identical forms. I am strongly of opinion that by carefully selecting males and females to breed from, we might ultimately get nearly entire broods of a particular form of almost any species of Lepedopéera that will 46 breed freely in confinement. The reproduction of varieties in this way might be termed artificial employment of natural laws, and is analogous to the operations of the poultry, pigeon, or stock breeder. It is, however, performed by nature herself, but by the much slower process known as ‘“ Natural Selection.” In nature, the forms of a species most nearly assimilating with their surroundings, or those which most successfully imitate other objects, escape their enemies, while the less protected forms of species fall victims, and a long continuance of this process will not fail to gradually, but surely, eliminate those less favoured forms, thus leaving the protected forms free to increase and multiply. ‘These remarks do not apply to “hybrids,” or certain phases of deformity. Hybrids are the result of unnatural union between opposite sexes of distinct species, and the offspring are sterile. Deformities are due either to accident or influence of some atmospheric condition. In conclusion, I may say, that protective coloration of Lepidoptera is not a favourite subject with Entomologists generally, but I trust that the few remarks I have had the honour of reading before you this evening may induce those of you who do not already give attention to the matter, to take note of those moths you may find at rest in their native haunts, and see if you cannot trace some similarity between the insects and their resting-places, or some natural object adjacent thereto. Now that the breeding of Lepidoptera from the egg is so generally practised among Entomologists, many good opportunities must occur for obtaining information upon the following points :—If of a species, more or less constant in colour and markings, a female differing from the normal type has been captured and fertile ova obtained therefrom, it would be interesting to ascertain to what extent the variation was reproduced in the offspring of that female. In the case of a variable species, male and female known to be of different forms, as for instance, female type of B. vefandaza paired with male of the form conversaria. How many of the offspring favour the male? How many the female? How many of the brood are unlike either parent? When the male and female are of identical form, as for example, var. combusta of Xylophasia ruria. What proportion of the offspring are of the parent type? There is a wide field for experimental research in this direction, open to those Entomologists who are willing to sacrifice their rarer varieties in the enterprise. SiO Fv VED Rs: Se ee ADKIN, R., F.E.S., Prestdent, Wellfield, Lingards Road, Lewisham, Sas BarKER, H. W., Hon. Sec., 148, Hollydale Road, Peckham, S.E. Buss, A., Pennenis, Allenby Road, Forest Hill. Biuuurs, T. R., F.E.S., 20, Swiss Villas, Coplestone Road, Peckham, S. E. Boicer, H. L., 4, Rose Terrace, High Road, Lee, S.E. CARPENTER, J. H., 15, Loughborough Road, Brixton, S.W. CaRRINGTON, J. T., F.L.S., Savage Club, Savoy, W.C. CuHampPion, G. C., F.E.S., 11, Caldervale Road, Elm Park, Clapham S.W. CHANEY, W. C., Hon, Librarian, 96, Bird in Bush Road, Peckham, Sais Crops, W., 47, Phillimore Gardens, Campden Hill, W. (Zzfe Member). Coxe, W., F.E.S., Laurel Cottage, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. Co.tett, E. P., 76, Islip Street, Kentish Town, N.W. Cook, A. E., 31, Lower Road, Rotherhithe. Cooper, J. A., 1, Sussex Villas, Harrow Road, Leytonstone. CoVERDALE, G., 24, Fleming Road, Lorrimore Square, S.E. CROKER, A. J., 58, Astbury Road, Queen’s Road, Peckham, S.E. Dosgson, H. T., 3, Sycamore Villas, New Malden, Surrey. Downine, J. W., 59, Lupus Street, Pimlico, S.W. ELIsHa, G., 122, Shepherdess Walk, City Road. Evry, A. G., 84, Drakefell Road, St. Katherine Park, Hatcham, S.F. Fickiin, A., Norbiton, Surrey. FreMLIN, H. S., 1, Margaret Street, Cavendish Square. Frouawk, F. W., Park Place, Eltham. GASKELL, Av; 1235) @ueen’s: Road, Peekham,) S.E Gipey 4, 185)" High Street; Wewasham, SiE; Gopwin, F., 88, Carlisle Street, Edgware Road, W. GoLprHwaltTeE, O. C., 2, Grove Villas, Grove Road, Walthamstow. EA Ele Wierehenon 3. Newsslmms We He tps, J. A., Newstead Lodge, Westhall Road, Forest Hill, S.E. HENDERSON, J., 58, Romolo Road, Herne Hill, S.W. HickiinG, G. H., Landon Cottage, Elm Road, Sidcup. 48 Hopcson, A. E., Coleford, Gloucestershire. Jonson, H., 3, Clarendon Road, Walthamstow. Joy, E., 15, Brownswood Park, South Hornsey, N. KENWARD, J., Redcliffe, Corona Road, Lee, S.E. LevETT, C., 104, Malpas Road, Brockley, S.E. Lowry, P. H., 61, Hackford Road, Brixton, S.W. MEDLAND, J. B., 12, Borough High Street, S.E. Mera, A. W., 68, Richford Street, Hammersmith. Mites, W. H., F.E.S., Dawson & Co., 5 & 6, Hare Street, Calcutta, India. Montiero, Senor A. de C., 72, Rua do Alacrine, Lisbon. NEwBERRY, W. H., 3, Elliot Road, Lewisham, S.E. OLDHAM, C., 2, Warwick Villas, Chelmsford Road, Woodford. Pearce, W. A., Hon. Sec., Lyndhurst, Croxted Road, West Dulwich. Pearce, A. E., Re - ss PERKINS, V. R, F.E.S., Wotton-under- dee, Gloucester. PONSFORD, J. T., 73, Loughborough Park, Brixton, S.E. Potter, A., 440, Kingsland Road, E. Ricketts, M., 61, High Street, Gravesend, Kent. Rosg, A. G., 11, Kyverdale Road, Clapton. SouTH, R., F.E.S., 12, Abbey Gardens, St. John’s Wood, N.W. STANDEN, R., F.E.S., The White House, Alby, Norfolk (Zzfe Member). Step, E., //on. Treasurer, 37, Charlwood Road, Putney, S.W. eheyeNs S , EvL:S., F.E:S.,,.Loanda, Beulah Hill, Norwood. TAYLOR, G. W., Care of E. KE. Taylor, Woodside, Rowditch, Derby. TucwELt, W. H., 6, Lewisham Road, Greenwich, S.E. Urwick, W. F., Clapham Common, WALKER, J., 23, Ranelagh Road, Sheerness. Weir; J. J., F.LS.:F.ZS., FE.S., Vice-President, Chirbury, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham. WELLMAN, J. R., 8, Medora Road, Brixton Rise, S.W. West, W., Hon. Curator, 8, Ravensbourne Terrace, Lewisham Road) (SiE: West, W., L.D.S., Cyprus Villa, Lewin Road, Streatham Common. WILKINSON, S. J., 22, Richmond Terrace, Clapham Road, S.W. Wituiams, J. T., 5, Woodland Villas, Foots Cray, Kent. LONLON: KNIGH?, PRINTER, MIDDLE STREET, E.C. THE SOUTH LONDON Entomological & Aatural History Society (Established 1872), The Bridge House, London Bridge, S.E. SPs Patrons. JOSEPH W. DUNNING, Esq., M.A., ) R. McLACHLAN, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S. HilaiSi, FeZ. Sa FESS: SIR JOHN LUBBOCK, Bart., M.P., | HENRY T. STAINTON, Esq., ID BCH p AMOR Shs LIONS DONS, F.R.S.s BL. S),- EG. Se Fo ES: F.E.S. LORD WALSINGHAM, M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S. OFFICKRS AND COUNCIL, Elected December 16th, 1886. President. R. ADKIN, F.ES. Pice-President. R. SOUTH, F.E.S. Council. T. R. Bituups, F.E.S. W. A. PEARCE, | Jj. R. WELLMAN. J. T. CarRINGTON, F.L.S. | W. H. TUGWELL. | W. West, L.D.S. J.cJj.. WEIR, (EVL.S., F:Z.S:, F.ES. Hon. Curator. How. Librarian. W. WEst? (Greenwich). W. C. CHANEY, Hon, Treasurer. E. STEP, 37, Charlwood Road, Putney, S.W. Hon. Secretary. H. W. BarKER, 148, Hollydale Road, Peckham, S.E. To whom all Communications should be addressed. ISEC THE S@dLH LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, THE BRIDGE HOUSE, LONDON BRIDGE, S.E. ne eee The Society has for its object the diffusion of Biological Science, by means of papers, and discussions, and the formation of typical collections. There is a Library for the use of Members. Meetings of the Members are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings in each month, from Hight to Ten p.m., at the above address. The Society’s rooms are easy of access from all parts of London, and the Council cordially invite the co-operation of all naturalists, especially those who are willing to further the objects of the Society by reading papers and exhibiting their specimens. WO neamnnd SCBSCRIPYLION. Seven Shillings and Sixpence per Annum, with an Entrance Lee of Two Shillings and Sixpence. All communications to be addressed to the Hon. Secretary, W. H. BARKER, 148, Hollydale Road, Peckham, S.E. ARRRARRARRRARDRDAAAA ADA AD AA AADAAARARRARARR ARID IRAE EDAD PAST PRESIDENTS. 1872 ... J. R. WELLMAN. 1879 ... R. STANDEN, F.E.S. 1373 cc: HA 1880 ... A. FICKLIN. 1874 ... 55 1881 ... V. R. PERKINS, F.E.S. 1875 ... A. B. FARN. 1882... LD. Ri BILLuPs, +H. E-s. 1876 ... As 1883 ... J. R. WELLMAN. 1877 ... J. P. BARRETT. 1884 ... W. West, L.D.S. 1878 ... J. T. WILLIAMS. 1885 ... R. Souru, F.E.S. 1886 ... R. ADKIN, F.E.S. REPORT, 1886. +. + N reviewing the transactions of the Society for the past 0 year, it is with great satisfaction that the Council have to report the continued vigour and increasing scope of its operations. Its progress has been attended with a rapidly increasing membership, in itself a guarantee that the useful and in- teresting matter brought forward for discussion at the Society’s Meetings, together with the wider range and thoroughness of its investigations into Biological Science, have been deservedly appreciated by the Members. The regular attendance at the Meetings of the Society attests also to the enduring interest with which its work is regarded. Since our last Report fifty-two new Members have been elected, three have resigned, and three have been struck off the books, leaving a total of one hundred and one. Our financial position is also very satisfactory. After covering all expenses there is a useful balance left in favour of the succeeding year. The Library has been enlarged by the following dona- tions, viz. :— WIEist of Vorkshire, Wepidoptera;.., by. G.,l.- Porritt. ties: From Mr. R. ADKIN. “Catalogo de Los Lepidépteros, Chili”’ Por W. Bartlett- Calvert. From the AUTHOR. “The Garner;” “Dictionary of British Plant Names” by Fitzgerald. From Mr. T. R. BILLUPS. “Tllustrated Science Monthly ;” Vols. VI. and VII. of the “Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Club;” “ Mid- land Naturalist ;” “Our Insect Enemies,” by Theodore Wood; “Report on the Migration of Birds ;” “ Gapes 4 Disease ;”” “Cornish Fauna—Vertebrate Animals and Crustacea ;”” “The Hessian Fly,’ by Miss Ormerod ; “Catalogue of Lepidoptera of Devon and Cornwall ;” “Goss’s Insect Fauna.” From Mr. J. T. CARRINGTON. “Fauna and Flora of West Kent.” From Mr. T. D. A, COCKERELL. “Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine” for 1886. From Mr. R. MCLACHLAN. “Entomologist ” for 1886, and “ Zoologist”” for 1886. From Mr, T. P. NEWMAN. “ Annual Report of the Lancashire and Cheshire Entomolo- gical Society.” From the SOCIETY. “Fauna of Blackheath and its Vicinity” (Part I.) Part IV. Vol. IV. “Transactions of the Entomological Society of London: On the Distribution of Lepidoptera in Great Britain;” “List of Land and Freshwater Mollusca of East Sussex,” by J. H. A. Jenner; “Variations in the Colour of Lepidoptera,” by J. J. Weir. . From Mr, J. JENNER WEIR. AND BY PURCHASE. “Science Gossip” for 1886. “ Larve of British Lepidoptera,” by Buckler. The Society’s Collection of Insects under the care of Mr. W. WEST, of Greenwich, has received the following addition : A number of species of British Lepidoptera from Mr. J. T. CARRINGTON, The Herbarium has been greatly enriched by: 125 species from Yorkshire, and 157 species from Ran- noch. From Mr. J. T. CARRINGTON. And a number of plants, including fifty species of mosses from Mr. T. D. A. COCKERELL. 5 The Society has also received a small Collection of British and Foreign Mollusca from Mr. T. D. A. COCKERELL. The Excursions held this year were to Horsley on May 2oth. Conducted by Mr. WINDYBANK, Bookham on June 26th. Conducted by Mr. STEP. Westerham on July 17th, Conducted by Mr. CARRINGTON. Chobham on August 7th. Conducted by Mr. BILLUPS. Epsom on September 4th. Conducted by Mr. CHANEY. We must call attention to the project which has been developed of collecting material for the publication of a | Fauna of Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, and Berkshire, to which further reference will be made in the President’s Address. WUC IDI el JeidveU Gla, H. W. BARKER, | Hon. Secs. IE SOULA LONDON ENTOMOLOGICGAL eee BALANCE SHEET FOR GENERAL RECEIPTS. ELA anna: To Balance from last Audit, Dec. 17th, 1885 10 9 5 », subscriptions and Entrance Fees... at (Sli 28 6 », Contribution towards Cost of “ Proceedings” 2 2 0 VEAIBY TUS) JL PUBLICATION To Special Donations... be a Beet MOF 40 male of; Proceedings 7 ae Ms oO moe O PSM (0 LIBRARY To Special Donation af a ss) = OmlOeRO | », Library Fines... hee ne Se ea COIS | Clas diane ASSETS. To Cash Balance, General Fund ... 9 5 9 | ‘a if Pablication:,,— 7s) aeons 0 | a 55 Library - Lele as . ih ths} 5 | », Estimated Realisable Proportion of Arrears 3 0 O 414 18 5 Audited, compared with vouchers, and found correct, AND NAZARAL HISTORY SOCIETY. MME Vt Ake N880: FUND. FUND. By By EXPENDITURE. Rent Printing : Expenses of Aanivall Exhibition Postage and Stationery Sundries Balance in hand Engraving Printing Balance in fend Balance in hand LIABILITIES. Rent due at Christmas, 1886 kre Balance of Assets over Liabilities ... December 16th, 1886. THOS. WM. HALL, J. W. TUTT, Auditors. a et et OH HOOAN el eae aes — cn arpowrnrrns 443 19 11 Pavons 6 EDWARD STEP, Zveasurer. Pa ASl Boal g. 1. Larentia olivata, Bork. (var.), page 53. 2, Abraxas grossulariata, L. (var.), page 46. | Boariia repandata, L. (vars.) page 46. Larva of Phorodesma smaragdaria, Fb. (a At rest; 6 extended), page 53. 6. Zygena exulans, Hoch. (pupa case among crowberry) page 64. 7. Trogus alboguttatus, Gr., page 62. 8. L£chthrus lancifer, Gr., page 58. 9. Perilisus triangulatus, Bridgm., page 73. 10. Lrromenus plebejum, Wolds., Foerst.. page 73. ll. Cleptes nitidula, Latr. (male), page 48. 12. Apanteles jucundus, Marsh, page 63. 13. Bassus bizonarius, Gr., page 73. Proc. S.L.E.& NES. jel Taakevens:, FW. Frohawk del. et hth. West,Newmain & Co imp PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. + ? GENTLEMEN, In accordance with the usages of this Society it is my pleasing duty to address you on its progress during the year now drawing toaclose. With this object in view I do not propose to enter in detail upon the earlier history of our Society ; that is probably known much better to many of you than to myself, and it is with great pleasure that I observe our first President among us this evening; but as many of the members now present have joined us at comparatively recent dates, it may not be amiss to glance very briefly at our position from time to time during the fourteen years of our existence. Founded under favourable circumstances in the year 1872, the Society appears to have met with considerable support ; and at the close of 1879, the membership had reached the respectable total of 94. About this time, however, a period of depression set in. At the termination of the following year we find, by the report of the Council, that “ the membership had not increased,” and a falling off is from time to time recorded, until, at the Annual Meeting of 1883, the number of members on the Society’s books stood at only 44, the cash balance in the hands of the Treasurer at less than 43, and the Council had to make the unpleasant confession that “secessions from us have considerably weakened our Society.” Times of ad- versity often father prosperity. So in our case; despite the untoward events in regard to our place of meeting, which are, - I doubt not, fresh in the minds of many of you, the member- ship began again, slowly but surely, to increase, and the Treasurer’s balances to become more substantial, until, at the end of last year, we were able to show a list of some 55 members, and a cash surplus of over £10, and there 10 appeared to be good reason for looking with confidence to the future. This brings me to the period more directly under our notice this evening. Since our last Annual Meeting we have elected 52 members, many of them men of repute and considerable experience in various branches of Natural History ; happily, death has caused no breach in our ranks; there have been but 3 resignations, and 3 names have been written off, so that our membership at the present moment stands at Io1, a total with which we have every reason to be satisfied for the time being. The Treasurer’s balance, as you have already heard from the statement that he has so clearly put before you, compares favourably with last year, and the finances of the Society continue to maintain a thoroughly sound condition. The Rules of the Society have, from time to time, been modified in some particulars to meet the requirements of our altered circumstances ; they are, I believe, now out of print, and I would suggest that their revision, as a whole, might, with advantage, receive the early attention of the Council with a view to their presentation to a special meeting for confirmation, pending a re-issue. The improved attendance of members at our meetings continues, and much business of an interesting character has been transacted. The Exhibits also have been more numerous, and have included objects of considerable interest in various branches of Natural History, and in many cases the reading of short notes has materially added to their importance. I cannot too highly commend this practice. Often an Exhibit that in itself appears to have little to recom- mend it, and which may even be passed over comparatively unobserved by the bulk of those present, will, when particulars concerning it are known, become of some scientific value, and induce discussion that is calculated to throw light upon matters, producing results otherwise unattainable; and I venture to think that those who are good enough to favour 11 us with such notes, are justly entitled to the undivided attention of the meeting, while they are reading them. It is to be regretted that more papers have not been read before the Society, the three with which we have been favoured, one on the Extozoa, by Mr. W. West (Streatham), one by Mr. R. South, on Lretesh Snake-like Reptiles, and another by Mr. E. Joy, Oz collecting Lepidoptera at Waicken Fen, afforded much information on their respective subjects, and added considerably to the interest of the meetings at which they were read, and the thanks of the Society are due to their authors for the great care evinced in their preparation. I am happy to be able to state that there is a prospect ofa larger number being brought forward during the coming year ; indeed, I am given to understand that some few have already been promised; and we may, therefore, hope to have the benefit of them at no very distant date. It is also a matter for regret that so little has been heard of our corresponding members. There appears to be a pre- vailing impression that a corresponding member has simply to pay his half-crown a year, receive in return any matter that may be printed by the Society for the use of its members, and rest contented. But surely he has greater privileges than these? He is enabled to become a corre- sponding member by reason of his place of residence being more than twenty miles from London; but that is no reason why he should not have the advantage of bringing his queries before the meetings. I am sure that our Secretary will be only too happy to read to the meetings any corre- spondence that he may from time to time be pleased to send up, to our mutual advantage; and, I trust, that in the future we may hear more of our corresponding members in this wise than has been the case of late. During the summer months five excursions were held, the localities visited being Horsley, Bookham, Westerham, Chobham, and Epsom. In the majority of cases it was new ground to the members, and the thanks of the Society are due to Messrs. Windybank, Step, Carrington, Billups, and 12 Chaney, for the arrangements made, and personally con- ducting on the respective occasions. The first three were well attended, and some interesting captures made, as well as much productive-looking ground explored; but the two last, owing probably to their dates falling at a time when many members were from home, coupled with the lateness of the season, produced but small musters; and it will bea question for the New Council, when considering the list of excursions for the coming year, whether even better results might not be obtained by shortening the programme. The plan of our Exhibition this year was laid on a much larger scale than anything that has been attempted by the Society in recent years, and in the result proved a success fully justifying the most sanguine expectations. The Ex- hibits were exceedingly numerous and varied, and represented many branches of general Natural History; the more minute specimens shown under microscopes contributing in no small degree to the usefulness of the Exhibition, from a scien- tific point of view. Itis to be regretted that, owing to the dense fog that prevailed in the southern suburbs, we were deprived of the assistance of some few of our old and much esteemed members. We were, however, favoured by a very large attendance of members and visitors, including many dis- tinguished Entomologists and workers in other branches of Zoology, many of whom very kindly exhibited most in- teresting specimens, as did also the Zoological Society of London. To these, as well as to the Royal Microscopical Society, the South London Microscopical and Natural History Society, and several other Microscopical Societies, and the Lambeth Field Club, we are indebted for much valuable assistance on the occasion, and I take this opportunity of thanking them on behalf of the South London Entomo- logical and Natural History Society. I have no hesitation in saying that the success of this undertaking was mainly due to the disinterested manner in which the general body of members worked together with that one common object in view; but I should be remiss in my duty were I to omit 13 to mention the Committee entrusted with the perfecting of the arrangements, namely, Messrs. Barker, Billups, Pearce, South, and Step, to whose untiring energy I have very great pleasure in bearing testimony. Many valuable additions have been made to our Collections and Library, and the best thanks of the Society are due to the respective donors. Our Curators and Librarian continue to exercise their accustomed care in the preservation of the objects in their charge. A feature in the management of the Society during the year has been the delegation to small committees of matters requiring that continued and undivided attention which it is impossible for the Council to give in the hour allotted to them in each month: the system so far has worked admirably, and I see no reason why it should not be more extensively applied, with good results. As an illustration of its working I am able to say that the somewhat voluminous reports of our meetings have been carefully revised to the end of November; and should it be decided to print them in ab- stract form, there is no reason why they should not be issued early in the coming year. In his Address to you at the last Annual Meeting, my worthy friend and predecessor, Mr. South, said that “ Among the many useful labours that should be undertaken by a local Natural History Society, is the compilation of the Flora and Fauna of its own particular district or county,” and further suggested that this Society was well qualified to take in hand the preparation of such work. You will, no doubt, remember, that early in the New Year the question was brought forward at one of our meetings, and a resolution passed em- powering the Council to collect and arrange the necessary material for such a Fauna. The matter having been sifted by the Council, it was decided that the area to be covered should include the counties of Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hamp- shire, and Berkshire, being in effect the five counties South of the Thames, from its source to outfall, and elected a Committee to make preparations for carrying out the work. 14 Within the last few days a circular and outline have been issued to you, setting forth, in some detail, the plan upon which it is proposed to proceed, accompanied by a map which I may term the foundation on which to build up the work. I need not point out to you that the preparation of a map containing so much elaborate detail is a work of much skill, and necessitating the expenditure of a large amount of time; and I take this opportunity of congratulating our esteemed Secretary, Mr. W. A. Pearce, to whose unaided labours we are indebted for its production, on behalf of the Society, upon the very able manner in which he has com- pleted the arduous task so willingly undertaken by him. From the numerous offers of assistance already received, both from members and friends of the Society, there is good reason for believing that abundant material will be forthcoming ; and I cannot urge upon you too strongly the desirability of every member giving the fullest information in this respect. The promised “descriptions of the various catchment basins” are already in course of preparation, and there appears to be every probability that the work of compila- tion will proceed forthwith. It is, perhaps, premature to speak upon the subject of publication further than is mentioned in the outline plan already referred to; but I may be permitted to say that the comprechensiveness of the work and the rate of publication must largely depend upon the available means for the time being, and that, however important the work may prove itself to be as it progresses, it must not be allowed to be- come a drain upon the ordinary resources of the Society. It is probable that a scheme bearing upon the subject may ere long be brought before you; but in the meantime a special publication fund (that has received sufficient support to provide for the printing of the maps, circulars, etc., without trenching upon the ordinary funds of the Society) has been opened, and to this I would direct your . attention. 15 During the year some few additions have been made to the British Insect Fauna, from which I note the following :— Coleoptera :— Lucnemis capucina, Ahr, was exhibited at the Entomological Society’s meeting on July 7th, by Rev. H. S. Goruam. The specimens were discovered, in June last, in an old beech tree in the New Forest. (“ Proc. Ent. Soc.,” 1886, xxx.) Langelandtaanophihalma, Aubé., was first taken by Mr. THEODORE Woop, at St. Peter’s, Kent, in May last, where he found it in some numbers in decaying seed potatoes (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 93), and specimens were exhibited at the Entomological Society’s meeting on August 4th. (‘‘ Proc. Ent. Soc.,” 1886, xxxvii.) Anchomenus sahlbergt, Chaud. At page 264, vol. xxii., ‘‘ Ent. Mo. Mag.,” the Rev. W. W. FowLer describes this species from three specimens taken by Mr. HENDERSON on the banks of the Clyde, below Glasgow, about twenty years ago; it had not before been found in Europe. Lepidoptera :— Botys repandalis, Schiff. Mr. C. G. BARRETT, in the “Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 145, identifies as this species some Pyrales bred some time since by Rev. Henry Burney, from larve found feeding in the heads and young shoots of Verbascum nigrum on the south coast of Devon. Yo quote Mr. Barrett’s words, ‘‘This species is a welcome and extremely interesting addition to the British Fauna.” Two species are contributed by Mr. Joun H. Woop of Tarrington, Ledbury, viz. :— Lithocolletis adistentella, H.-S., and Nepticula desperatella, Frey, bred from larvee mining in the leaves respectively of oak and wild apple (‘‘ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxii. 261; xxili. 188). Fleydenia auromaculata, Frey, a species closely resembling Gophora fulviguttella, Zell., is recorded by Mr. C. G. BarreETT, as having been taken in Shetland some time since, but not previously identified (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii, 13). Cateremna terebrella, Zk., has been bred by Lorp WaLsINGHAM from larve found in small aborted cones of Ades Douglasii, near Thetford, Norfolk (‘‘ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 82). Cosmopteryx Schmtdtella, Frey, is recorded by Mr. W. H. B. FLETCHER as having been found by him in the larval state in leaves 16 of Vicia sepium growing in low damp hedgerows near Worthing, Sussex. (Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. ii. Hymenoptera :— In the /chneumonide we have several additions, among them :— Meteorus luridus, Ruthe., obtained by Mr. BIGNELL. Bassus bizonartus, Gr., taken at Peckham, and Echthrus lancfer, Gr., from Walmer, both by Mr. Bituups. Our indefatigable member also contributes two new Braconide, namely, Chelonus carbonator, Math., taken at Bookham, and C. sfeculator, Math., from Benfleet, Essex; and (‘‘ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxii. 228) Dr. Capron describes two others, Bracon Westmelt, Wesm., and Ascogaster canifrons, Wesm., which, though taken previously, are only now identified. Diptera :— Mr. G. H. VERRALL describes one hundred new species (“Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxii. 179), and Mr. Peter INCHBALD, two, namely, Cecidomyia muricate, Meade (“Entom.” xix. 152), and C. clausilia, Bouché (“ Entom.” xix, 223). In this order we must not omit to mention the recently determined corn-pest Cecidomyia destructor, Say, which has caused some con- sternation among our agriculturists, and for particulars of which I cannot do better than refer you to Miss E. A. Ormerod’s concise little pamphlet, published by Simpkin, Marshall & Co., at the moderate price of 6d. Neuroptera :— For the only addition in this order we are indebted to Mr. R. M’Lacuian, who describes KXolbia guisquilarum, Bertkau, a genus and species new to Britain, taken in the New Forest (“Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 38). From the foregoing it will be seen that the year has been by no means deficient in novelties, and among the rarer Lepidoptera and occasional visitors in that order, several in- teresting notes have been from time to time made. A single specimen of Papzlio machaon, L., is recorded as having been taken between Herne Bay and Whitstable, Kent, by Mr. Martin Jacoby, and is perhaps worthy of mention on account of the unusual locality for the species. 17 Coltas edusa, Fb., so common last year, has been noted but very sparingly during the past autumn, the only records of its occurrence, so far as I am able to ascertain, being some ten specimens at St. Leonards ; three (including one var. helice, Hb.) at Deal ; two at Eastbourne ; and one each at Chicester, Folkestone, Maldon, Swansea, and Christchurch, in all some twenty examples. And one specimen of Vanessa antiopa, L. was taken by Mr. W. H. Pemberton-Barnes, in his greenhouse at Havering-atte-Bower, Essex (“Entom.” xix. 248). But perhaps the most interesting of the recent additions to the British Butterflies (if we except Lycena argiades, Pall., introduced to our lists last year, but which has this year been conspicuous by its absence) is Axosza plexippus, L. From an exhaustive paper on this species by Mr: James J, Walker, R.N., F.E.S., published in the “Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxii. 217, we learn, that starting from its American home, it rapidly colonized the numerous groups of South Pacific Islands, and eventually established itself in Australia; but its Eastern march appears to have been more difficult to accomplish, the great expanse of ocean (over 2,000 miles) between the American Continent, and the first resting-place in our direction, may have offered obstacles requiring unusually favourable surroundings to overcome them. In due time, however, it reached our shores, and a specimen was taken at Neath, in South Wales, by Mr. J. T. D. Llewelyn on 30th September, 1876, just ten years ago (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xiii. 107), and single examples have been recorded from time to time up to last year, when fully a dozen were accounted for, quite half of them from Cornwall. We do not, however, appear to have any mention of its oc- currence on the Continent of Europe until the present year ; it is therefore interesting to note its capture at Gibraltar (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 162), and a specimen is also recorded from Guernsey (“Entom.” xix. 278), facts pointing strongly to a continued eastward range and probable permanent settlement within our coasts. The number of records of its capture in this country during the past summer show that it probably existed in some numbers, its range apparently being from C 18 Cornwall to Hampshire, on the South Coast; and on the West, one specimen is noted from Pembroke. Among the Sphingide I note Acherontza atropos, L., is far less commonly mentioned than was the case last year, the | only records being one taken at Greenwich by our Member, Mr. C. Levett, on the 18th May, in fine condition (“‘ Entom.” xix. 157) ; and this capture appears to be of some importance as pointing to a spring emergence ; three specimens in Shet- land (“Entom.” xix. 279), four at Leominster, and one each at Howth, Ireland (“Entom.” xix. 279), and Dartlington, South Devon (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 162). Sphinx convolvult, L., on the other hand, appears to have been fairly common in many parts of the country. Mr. Dover C, Edgell records the capture of many specimens on flowers in a garden at Lewes (“ Entom.” xix. 300), and it has also been taken at various other places, from South Devon (“ Entom.” xix. 280) to Aberdeen (“ Entom.” xix. 249). A specimen of Dezlephila euphorbie, L., is recorded from Bowden, near Manchester, by Mr. Joseph Chappell, who suggests that having both wings on one side crippled, it could not have flown, and must have emerged near the place of capture (“ Ent, Mo. Mag.” xxili, 108), “‘ Entom:2 sax.) 250): Two specimens of Cherocampa celerio, L., are reported from Lewes (“Entom.” xix. 300), and one from Hastings (“ Entom.” xx. 16), and one of C. xerzz, L., from Brighton, the latter by Mr. T. Langley (“ Entom.” xix. 250). We have also records of Dezopeia pulchella, L., one specimen taken at Ramsgate by Mr. Theodore Wood (“Entom.” xix. 280); Callimorpha herd, L., which has again been turned up in some numbers in South Devon, by the assiduity of our member, Mr. J. Jager (“Entom.” xix. 250); and Leucania vitellina, HWb., taken at sugar at Finchley, Middlesex, by Mr. W.T. Sturt (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 110), noticeable chiefly on account of the unusual locality. The year has been by no means unproductive of literature bearing upon subjects connected with Natural History, and among the more important works on Entomology I may 19 mention the following: “The Larve of British Butterflies and Moths,” by the late William Buckler, Vol. I. “ Butterflies,” being the Ray Society’s vol. for 1885, but issued only in the early part of this year. It contains coloured illustrations of the larve of the majority of our British Butterflies, with descriptive notes upon their life-histories. The “British Pyralides” (including the Pterophoridz) bye jen eee Weech) | BAC) Pele: S ri be Z.5..0 CLC. okecellthy published, should prove a useful addition to the somewhat scanty literature upon this particular group of Lepidoptera. The volume contains upwards of a hundred pages of letter- press, devoted mainly to the descriptions and habits of the larve ; localities; notes on the more important varieties of, and chief distinguishing characters between, closely allied species; and eighteen admirably coloured plates, in which the greater portion of the imagines are delineated. (London: Inevit sorter, 10. Menterdenmstreet, VWs) The ‘ Coleoptera of the British Islands,’ by Rev. W. W. Fowler, M.A., F.L.S., Sec. Entom. Society, etc. is now publishing in monthly parts, in two editions, the one con- taining letterpress, the other letterpress and carefully coloured plates, and will probably form, when completed, one of the most important works on the subject. (London: L. Reeve and Co., 5, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden.) In other branches of Natural History we have “A History of British Birds” (with coloured illustrations of their eggs), by Henry Seebohm, sixth and concluding volume. (London: Ree Jeorter:) “British Fungi.” By Rev. John Stevenson. Vol. 1. Agari- cus—Bolbitius. Illustrated with some woodcuts. (W. Black- wood & Sons, Edinburgh.) “Tllustrations of British Fungi,” by Dr. M. C. Cooke. Vol. 4, bringing the total number of species illustrated up to 790. In the early part of this address I congratulated you upon the immunity of our Society from loss of any of its members by death, but death has been very near our doors. In the early days of the year we heard with regret that EDMUND 20 SHUTTLEWORTH, a gentleman who had for many years taken a considerable interest in Entomology, had been taken from us. Mr. Shuttleworth was known to several of our members, and he had signified his intention of offering himself as a candi- date for membership, but his untimely decease prevented his intention being carried into effect. And looking further, to the ranks of the great body of students of Biological Science, we have to deplore the loss of many learned men and ardent workers; among them :— REV. C. S. TRESS-BEALE, M.A. More than thirty years ago, when living at Tenterden, Kent, he supplied that locality where cited in Stainton’s “Manual of British Butterflies and Moths.” He afterwards resided at Alkham, near Dover, where he added the pretty Cuephasia cinctana, Schiff., to our lists, and ultimately returned to Tenterden, where he died, Dec. 23, 1885. J. B. JEAFFRESON, M.R.C.S., for some time President of the Highbury Microscopical Society, and well known in the North of London as a diligent worker with the microscope in biological research, died Jan. 12th. Rev. W. W. NEWBOULD, F.L.S., died April 16th. His special study was our native British plants, and several of our local county floras owe much to his co-operation. THOMAS EDWARD, immortalised by Smiles in his “ Life of a Scottish Naturalist,’ died April 27th. Born on Christ- mas-day, 1814, he early in life showed a great love for mammals, insects, and creatures of every description, and many amusing anecdotes are told to illustrate his extreme fondness for even the most repulsive subjects in the animal kingdom. His researches added greatly to the knowledge of Natural History, as he embodied his new discoveries in papers written to scientific magazines, etc. After the publication of his biography by Smiles, he was raised from comparative poverty to a condition of comfort by the presentation to him of some £300, the result of a subscription, and the award of an annual pension of 450 by the Queen. Recently a scheme has been set on foot for the erection, by subscription, of a 21 memorial to his memory, in which the town council of Banff are taking a leading part. JOHN ARTHUR POWER,M.D. By the death of Dr. Power, which took place at Bedford, on Thursday, June toth, Entomologists, and especially Coleopterists, have lost a good friend and an ardent worker. To his energy and perseverance we are indebted for many additions to our list_of British Coleoptera; and numbers of species, pre- viously regarded as great rarities, were, by his aptitude for becoming acquainted with their habits, found to exist far more commonly than was generally supposed. He became a member of the then recently formed Entomological Society of London, in 1834, but appears to have resigned his mem- bership some ten years later. In 1856, he was chosen a member of the Entomological Club, and continued so until the day of his death. ARTHUR GROTE, F.R.S., F.L.S. Born 1814, died Decem- ber 4th. He wrote a number of papers on subjects connected with Botany and Zoology and contributed an_intro- duction to MHewetson’s “ Descriptions of New Indian Lepidopterous Insects in the Atkinson Collection.” So much, gentlemen, for the year now rapidly drawing to its close ; and in conclusion I beg to express to you my sincere appreciation of the honour you did me in electing me your president, of the kindly way in which you have overlooked my many shortcomings, and the courtesy and support that you have at all times so willingly extended towards me. To the Officers and Council my thanks are especially due. Their many good qualities are too well-known to you to need any special mention at my hands. I am quite sure that you have learned, as I did, with much regret, that Mr. W. A. Pearce finds it incumbent upon him to withdraw from the office of Secretary, and I feel that I am only expressing your sentiments when I say that the Society fully appreciates the able manner in which he has discharged the arduous duties devolving upon him in that capacity. In 22 Mr. H.W. Barker, whom you have selected to succeed to this all-important post, and who has for more than twelve months carried on a material portion of the secretarial work, we are fortunate in having a gentleman of unusual ability, and who I have no hesitation in saying has the true interests of the Society at heart. This year has been one of progress. We have every reason to be confident in the immediate future; the field before us is great. Let me conclude with the wish that our Society may “ go on and prosper.” ROBERT ADKIN. ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. JANUARY “th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., President, in the Chair. Mr. W. A. Pearce exhibited Dezlephila lineata, Fab. from California. Mr. South exhibited and made some remarks upon the following Zygenide: Zyzaena transalpina, Esp. Valleys of the Southern Alps. a ¥ var. hippocrepidis, Hiib. Germany, France, and Belgium. Common. filipendule, L., from Folkestone, July. trifoliz, Esp., var. dubia, Staudinger, transalpina, Hib. jitipendule, L., var. ochsenheimeri, Zeller. Generally considered a South European insect, occurring in the South of France, valleys of the Southern Alps, Italy, and Greece. It is the transalpina of Och- senheimer, and is by some considered a distinct species. Mr. J. Jenner Weir exhibited specimens of the spring and autumnal emergences of Lycena argiolus, L., among which was a specimen of the autumnal brood very closely resembling an American species, Lycena pseudargiolus, Boisd. ; whilst another was almost the colour of L. corydon, Fb. Mr. Weir said, it was generally known that the females of the spring brood laid their eggs on the flowers of the holly ; whilst those of the autumnal brood laid theirs on the flowers of the ivy. Hehad noticed that while this insect was double- brooded in his garden at Blackheath and various other places, 24 it was single-brooded at others. Mr. Harcourt Bath, writing on the subject, had stated that in the Midlands (Birmingham) the species was only single-brooded. Mr. Weir added that he had tried a great number of times to obtain specimens of the autumn brood from the Gullivers in the New Forest, and they said they had never seen an example of the species in the autumn. In those parts of the New Forest in which holly is abun- dant, Z. argiolus is very common in the spring ; ivy, on the other hand, is generally scarce in the forest. He had himself spent considerable time in the neighbourhood of Brockenhurst, where the insect is most plentiful, trying to find the ivy-feeding larve. He had found very little ivy, and no Lycena larve among that examined. It was a singular possibility of this insect having a brood suppressed through the proper pabulum being absent. He could not say himself whether it was so or not, but the Gullivers, old foresters, born in the forest, and keen observers of insect life, ought to know. Was the brood suppressed through want of pabulum? And if so, he thought it was a new idea and well worthy of the consideration of the Society. Weismann certainly had succeeded in suppressing the summer brood of Pzeris napi, L., by putting the pupz on ice, when, instead of A producing B, A produced A indefinitely. It was just the same in the Alps, the variety of P. xapz, bryonie, Hib. having only time to make one emergence. He would ask the members of the Society to capture Z. argiolus whenever they saw it, carefully label it with time of year and where taken, whether ivy was there as well as holly, and add any other information or further note which might be of interest. Several members made observations on these remarks and it was the feeling of all present that members of the Society would gladly render what assistance they could to Mr. Weir in clearing up this question. 25 JANUARY a2ist, 1886. Ry ADKIN, Esq. ES.) Preszdezz, inthe Chair, Mr. F. W. Frohawk exhibited specimens of the curious ichneumon Adlysta manducator, Panz., bred from the coleop- teron, Creophilus maxillosus, L. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited male and female specimens of S7vex gigas, L., and read the following notes :— “The species exhibited belongs to the family of Siricidze (Tailed Wood Wasps), the larvee of which are very destructive to timber, more especially fir-trees. The female lays her eggs in living wood, and the larve live for many years in the interior. They are not only very destructive to plantations, which have been destroyed by the borings of these insects, but they have been known to be a terror to whole households. Kirby and Spence, in one of their letters upon indirect injuries caused by insects, give an instance of this, in which several specimens of .S. gigas, were seen to come out of the floor of a nursery in a gentleman’s house, to the great discomfiture both of nurse and children. Another instance, upon the authority of Mr. Ingpen, is also worth mentioning, and occurred in the house of a gentleman at Henlow, Bedfordshire, from the joists of the floor of which, swarms, literally thousands of Szrex, emerged from innumerable holes large enough to admit a small pencil-case, causing great terror to the occupants. Numerous other references might be made to the destruction caused not only to woods and plantations, but to houses after they have been built some three or four years. But I cannot help quoting another instance, showing how powerful the mandibles of the larve are; lead itself not being impervious to its attacks. Marshall Vaillant presented to the Académie des Sciences in 1857, some packets of cartridges containing balls which had been pierced through by the larve of the Szvex, during the sojourn of the French troops in the Crimea: some of these insects were still shut up in the galleries which they had hollowed out in the metal. Then M., le Marquis de 26 Bréme in the year 1844 also exhibited before the Sociéte Zoologique many cartridges, the balls of which had been per- forated to the depth of a quarter of an inch. ‘These cartridges appear to have come from the arsenal of Turin, packed in barrels made of larch-wood ; after leaving which, the insects enawed through the envelopes of the cartridge, and at last into the balls themselves. ‘‘T might give many more instances; but I think I have said enough to show the very great rapacity, as also the strength of mandibles of these destructive creatures. But I must not close these few remarks without calling your at- tention to a most valuable ally which comes to our assistance in keeping down the very prolific Szvex ; and that is no other than the delicate and fragile parasite, Rhyssa persuasoria, L., of the family of J/chneumonide, the long ovipositor of which is well adapted for finding its host in the gallery made by Szrex, in the larve of which the female deposits her eggs, checking in a great degree the increase of that species. In Canada, many people imagine that it is the Ahyssa which kills the trees by ‘stinging’ them, as they term it; and as often as they see it, they heedlessly destroy the very creatures which help to lessen the real enemy of the tree, whose works are more secret and deep. Species of the genus R/yssa occur all over the world, but probably not more than twenty-four or twenty-five species have been described, two only of which occur in this country, namely, Rhyssa leucographa, Gr., and our friend, R. persuasoria, L. ““Mr. Bond observes that ‘ R/yssa actually bores through the solid wood to deposit its eggs in the larvae of Szver ,; the ovipositor being worked into the wood like an awl.’” Mr. Billups also exhibited specimens of Rhyssa persua- sorvia, from Chobham. Mr. Dobson exhibited two specimens of Acherontia atropos, L., and said he obtained three pupz of the species last autumn; about the 20th November the pupz to all appearance were dying, he then placed them in a tem- 27 perature of between 60° and 70° F., with the result that one died, the others revived under the warmth, and in five weeks, six days, one emerged, and the other in six weeks, three days, coming out respectively on the 2nd and 5th of January. Mr. Carrington mentioned that he had known two collectors in the north, who were very successful in rearing this insect by artificial means, and used to get all the perfect insects out before Christmas ; and made similar remarks in reference to Deilephila galiz, Schiff. Mr. South said he had on one occasion obtained a pupa from Dartford, which he left in the sand it had already bur- rowed into in the larval stage, and the perfect insect from which emerged in June of the following year. Mr. South exhibited Noctua castanea, Esp., and var. neglecta, Hib., and made the following remarks :— “ This insect is described, as you will know, in Stainton’s ‘Manual, under Hubner’s name of neglecta, as ‘pale grey (with a faint ochreous tinge) or reddish,’ and again under the same name in Newman’s ‘British Moths,’ as varying ‘from ochreous grey to brick-dust red.’ “T show this evening examples of the species from the New Forest and two localities in Perthshire. The New Forest specimens are grey, with an ochreous tinge, and are true neglecta. Those from Perthshire, on the other hand, are either erey, with a reddish tinge, or of a decided chesnut colour. The chesnut-coloured specimens are the castanea of Esper, and the reddish tinged grey examples connect the two named forms. “The species occurs on heaths throughout Central and Western Europe, but is more generally represented by the ochreous grey form, zeglecta. Castanea (which, by the way, is Knage’s helvetina) is almost entirely confined to Germany and Britain. “The larva, which feeds on heather and bilberry, is some- times brown and sometimes green, but each form is ornamented 28 with identical markings of a darker colour, and has pale dorsal and sub-dorsal lines. The two larval forms have no correspondence with the two varieties in the perfect state. “ As far as I know the variation of the larva of a species of Lepidoptera is quite independent of variation in the imago. Take Wamestra persicarig, L., for example. I select this species because most of you will have probably bred it. You will know that there are two distinct and constant forms of the larva, one green in colour and the other brown. I never got any but typical perszcarie from such larve. There is a variety of the imago (wmzcolor, Staudinger) in which the reniform stigma is filled up with brownish instead of white. The South of Turkey is given as a locality for this form, but it may occur elsewhere. “To return to Woctua castanea. I may say that the form neglecta is widely distributed throughout Britain, but my knowledge respecting the distribution of castanea proper is very limited. I have only received it from Scotland. It is reported to occur in the New Forest, but I have never seen examples from that district.” Mr. Carrington remarked that during his collecting ex- perience in Scotland, he took a long and interesting series of this species, the chesnut-coloured variety being a little in excess of members of the type, and he noticed, when gather- ing the larve, that they varied somewhat; but he did not think there was any connection with the variation of the larve and that of the imago, as he had bred both forms, viz., neglecta and castanea, from each variety of the larva. He had found the larvee feeding on sallow. FEBRUARY 4th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Chaney exhibited a pretty form of Hydrecia nictitans, Bork., and said it was bred from one of two pupz found by him under a stone on the Saltings at Cliffe, in the county of Kent, July, 1884. 29 Mr. E. Joy exhibited a sub-diaphanous variety of Vanessa zo, L., from Folkestone, several sub-diaphanous varieties of V. urtice, L., and a dwarf form of Lycena zcarus, Rott., the coloration of which was somewhat similar to that of JZ. corydon, Fb. Mr. W. A. Pearce exhibited a North American butterfly, of the genus Papzlio. Mr. A. G. Rose exhibited a fine variety of Epznephele hyperanthes, L., taken at Box Hill in August last, in which the ocelli on the upper side, instead of being of the ordinary form, were identical with those usually confined to the under side of this species. Mr. South exhibited short series of Himmelesta albulata, Schiff, from the Vaud Canton, Switzerland, and the following counties and districts in Great Britain: Kent, N. Devon, Dum- barton, Rannoch and the Shetland Isles. He said that the Swiss examples represented the form usually found on the Continent, and were the true albulata of Schiffermiuller. None of the British specimens were exactly identical with those from Switzerland, the principal point of deviation being their smaller size, but in the matter of coloration there was also a notable difference. Although one or two individuals of the Kentish series exhibited a tendency to the ochreous grey colour of Continental specimens, the majority from England and Scotland were decidedly grey, whilst most of those from the Shetland Isles were either drab or brownish grey, with but faint indications of the usual markings. These last were the var. ¢hules, Weir; and the grey forms referred to were Staudinger’s griseata. Mr. South was of opinion that if all the representatives of Z. albulata in the Shetlands had been of the abnormal colour of a large proportion of the specimens occurring in those isles, they might not have been recognised as pertaining to that species, but as some of the individuals still retained the characteristic markings of Z. a/budata, their specific identity stood revealed. He also referred to a pure 30 white form of the species (var. Hebudium, Weir) which is said to occur among specimens of the usual British type in the Isle of Lewis, one of the Hebrides, or Western Islands of Scotland. In conclusion he said that he held the opinion that a restricted habitat, and the close inter-breeding consequent thereon, had much to do with the production of local forms. Mr. Rose made some remarks on this species which he had observed in Norway. Mr. Wellman exhibited a varied series of Oporadza filt- grammaria, H.-S. Mr. J. T. Williams exhibited a very beautiful banded variety of Wyssza hispidaria, Fb. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited Agapanthza lineaticollis, Don., from Lincoln; Calliidium variabile, L., and Strangala 4-fasciata, L., both taken at Chobham, July, 1885, and read the following notes :— “These three species of Coleoptera belong to the sub-order Longzcornza, Latreille, this immense family number- ing already nearly 4,000 known species, comprising some of the largest, most showy, as well as the most destructive insects of the Insect Fauna. Their eggs are introduced into the cracks in the bark of plants or trees by the long extensive tip of the abdomen. The larve are long, flattened, cylindrical, fleshy and often footless whitish grubs, armed with strong sharp mandibles, adapted for boring like an auger in the hardest woods, and live from one to three years in their burrows before transformation; at the end of which time they construct a cocoon of chips at the end of their burrows, the head of the pupa lying next to the thin portion of bark left to conceal the hole. “ Avgapantiia is often taken on thistles, to the blossom of which it is much attached. “ Callidium is mostly met with on old trees, and some- dl times fences; while Stvangalza is met with on umbelliferous flowers and is generally distributed.” Mr. West (Streatham) exhibited a Coleopteron found at one of Messrs. Protheroe & Morris’s sales of bulbs. Mr. Billups said it was a beautiful species of the genus Czouus, doubtless from Central America, and had probably been packed with the bulbs sent for sale. FEBRUARY 18th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Pvreszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Tugwell exhibited specimens of the probably new species of Crambzd@, together with allied species of the same genus, viz.: Crambus inguinatellus, Schiff, and C. contaminellus, Hb., from Lancashire. Mr. Tugwell said he first took it at Deal in 1877,—he believed the time of appearance was July and August, and he referred to an article by Mr. Tutt in last month’s “Entomologist” on this Crambus. Mr. Adkin also exhibited an example of this moth, taken in July, 1882, at Deal, and for the purpose of comparison, specimens of C. znquinatellus, C. geniculeus, Haw., and C. contaminellus, Hb., from Preston; and said Mr. Tutt had taken the species in question in some numbers at Deal, Mr. Coverdale had found it at Shoeburyness, and it was believed to have been taken at Brandon in Suffolk. It had been suggested that the species was C. poliellus, Tr. Mr. Rose exhibited comparative series of Bryophila perla, Fb., from Lea Bridge and Eastbourne; Boarmia repandata, L., which he stated to be the typical form found in the Black Woods at Rannoch ; and a variety of Aczdalia emarginata, L., taken at Herne Bay. Mr. Tugwell, referring to this variety, said he did not think it was an unusual form of the species, as he had bred several of a like character. Mr. Carrington said the specimens of B. vepandata were the Rannoch form of the species, which was quite distinct from any of the southern forms. 32 Mr. T. W. Hall exhibited series of Cleocerzs vimznalts, Fb., and Xanthia fulvago, L., both bred from Derbyshire larve. Mr. South remarked that the series of X. fulvago, were very fine; one or two of them looked like dark forms of X. flavago, Fb., and were probably an instance of hybridism between the two species. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited the following Coleoptera, viz.: Meligethes exilis, Sturm., from Tenby ; Anthicus schaumz, Wol., from Weymouth, and Aydrobius perrist, Fair., Myceto- porus nanus, Grav., and Omalium rugulipenne, Rye, from Hartlepool; also three species from West Africa belonging to the family Cetontzde: Ceratorhina morganit, White, C. gralliz, Bugq., and C. horntmanzz, Bates. MARCH 4th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Frohawk exhibited a long and varied series of the imago of Melit@a aurinza, Rott., coloured drawings of the larva and pupa, and also specimens of an ichneumon bred from the pupz. Mr. Frohawk said he had received a quantity of the larve of this species from Church Stretton, in Shropshire, ~ and had been very successful in rearing large numbers of the imago, the larve feeding on honeysuckle. Mr. Billups remarked that the species of ichneumon exhibited was Apanteles glomeratus, Gr..and parasitic on a large number of butterflies. Mr. Tugwell again exhibited specimens of the supposed new Crambus, for which Mr. Tutt had suggested the name candzellus. Mr. Tugwell said, that when he last exhibited this moth, he had not seen the Blackheath form of C. contaminellus, Hb., but he had since had an opportunity of seeing this form, and felt so convinced that it was the same form as the Deal insect, that he saw Mr. Stainton upon the subject, with the result that there was no doubt the Blackheath contamznellus was identical with the new Crambus! MHerrich-Schiffer, in his 30 work, figured the Lancashire form of contamznellus, both male and female, very minutely under this name; whilst Hubner, under the same name, figured most correctly the Deal insect. Now there was evidently two different representations of either two forms of the same insect, or probably, two distinct insects, both having been named contaminellus; and it was certain that the Deal insect had been figured before under this name, Mr. South suggested that Hubner’s name, being the prior one, would have to be adopted for the Deal and Blackheath insect, and the Lancashire insect would consequently be with- out a name. Mr. E. Step exhibited a case of birds’ eggs, containing thirteen species, taken in the neighbourhood of Leith Hill, among which were the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio, L.), the Great Titmouse (Parus major, L.), and the Moor Hen (Galliinula chloropus, 1.) Mr. A. E. Cook exhibited mounted specimens of the following birds from Hampshire, viz. :—the Kingfisher (A/cedo ispida, L.), the Great Spotted Wocdpecker (Pzcus major, L.), and the Green Woodpecker (Gecznus viridis, L.). From the remarks of several members it was gathered that the King- fisher was to be seen at, among other places, Blackheath and Lewisham ; and both Woodpeckers were commonly to be found at West Wickham and Richmond Park, and not un- frequently in Kensington Gardens. MARCH 18th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Pvesedent, in the Chair. Mr. Henderson exhibited /chneumon xanthorus, Foerst., Lacon murinus, L., and a species of Tenthredopsis, from Lundy Island, off the Coast of Devon. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited Orthopiera and Homoptera from Natal and Borneo, and the following species of Coleop- tera :—Onthophagus gazella, L., O. marsyas, L., and O. 4- 34 punctata, L., from Madagascar, and Anthia sex-guttata, L., from India. With reference to this last species, Mr. Billups said it belonged to the family of Carabidae, or ground beetles, which delight in arid and sandy soils, in which they form shallow excavations and lie in wait for their prey. In manner and even in the figure of their bodies, they very closely resemble Broscus cephalotes, L., which is found so abundantly on the sandy shores of our own coasts. The species appeared to be confined to certain districts of Asia and the African continent, and, although in many parts of the southern shores of Europe the vegetable and animal productions become strongly assimilated to those of Africa, up to the present, we have had no European example recorded. Mr. R. South exhibited specimens of Vanessa callirhoé%, Fab., and stated, that this species was closely allied to V. atalanta, L., and was found in India, China, Japan, and the Canary Islands. It was especially abundant in the Himalayas, occurring at an elevation of from five thousand to ten thousand feet. It had been introduced into Andalusia and the south of Portugal, and was consequently considered a European insect. The larva fed on the nettle, and, he had been in- formed, was very similar to that of V. atalanta, which species occurred sparingly in the Canaries; but as far as he knew, not in China or Japan. The pair exhibited were bred, among others, by Mr. J. H. Leech, who found the larve at Teneriffe, one of the Canary Islands. They were Godhart’s vzlcanica, and differed from eastern specimens in the tone of the red markings. The Indian insect, or atalanta-indica of Herbst, has orange-red bands. Mr. Wellman exhibited dark forms of Aypsipetes sordi- data, Fb., from Barnsley, and said the larvae had probably fed on heather. Mr. A. W. Mera exhibited dwarf forms of Lycena egon, Schiff, Z. zcarus, Rott., and Vanessa cardut, L. Mr, R. Adkin exhibited reddish forms of 7e@niocampa gracilis, Fb., which, he said, he understood were bred from 30 larvee obtained somewhere in the Kentish marshes, the imago being very different from the ordinary Kentish form. Mr. J. T. Carrington said he had taken this form of 7: gracilis in the New Forest, but it was really the Rannoch form of the species, and no doubt occurred throughout the whole of Scotland. It was a singular fact that this form should appear in Scotland, where the fauna was to some extent boreal, then miss the whole of the Midlands, and occur in the New Forest, and apparently in Kent; and it would be very interesting to ascertain how the divergence came about. Mr. E. Joy read notes on collecting Lepidoptera at Wicken Fen, and exhibited specimens of some of the species taken, including Papzlio machaon, L., Calamia phragmitidis, Hb., Meltana fammea, Curt., and Hyria muricata, Hufn. APRIL ist, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited Asteroscopus nubeculosa Esp., which had remained over three years in pupe. Mr. South exhibited a fine series of Hybernza marginaria, Bork, and the var. fuscata, bred from ova received from Mr. Harrison of Barnsley. Mr. South stated the larve were fed on hawthorn; the first specimen emerged on the 26th of February and the last on the 22nd of March, the greater number coming out about the roth of the latter month. Mr. Tugwell also exhibited a series of the same species, together with the var. fuscata, and said that they were bred from some of the same batch of ova as those exhibited by Mr. South. Mr. Billups exhibited the following Coleoptera; Panag- @us quadripustulatus, Sturm., and Lebza chlorocephala, Hoff, taken in Headley Lane on the 22nd March, 1886. Also two species of Diptera: Sciaria pulicaria, Hoff., and 7: EEE regelationis, L., bred from apples. Mr. Billups also exhibited a living specimen of the Viviparous or Scaly Lizard (Zootoca vivipara, L.), ani said 36 it was the smaller and more graceful of the two species of lizard found in Great Britain. It was common in this country, and chiefly found in dry sunny banks, thickets and copses. It was not so abundant on the Continent, but was found in France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, frequenting the pine woods in the latter country. Its motions were singularly varied and agile, and it darted on its insect prey with the velocity of an arrow, its sight as well as its hearing being most acute. The only other species in this country - was known as the Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis, L.) Mr. Billups also called attention to a branch of the Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus fetidus, L.), which he had found growing the previous week in Headley Lane, Surrey, and he remarked that it belonged to the order Ranunculace, or Crow Foot Family, and was known in many places as the Bear’s-foot, Ox-heel, or Setter-wort. The plants of this order were distributed over the whole surface of the globe, and were all of them more or less poisonous, but the Hellebore appeared to possess the most powerfully poisonous properties of the whole family. The only other species found in this country was the green Hellebore (47. vzrzdzs, L.). Mr. J. A. Cooper exhibited eggs of the following British birds: the Sparrow Hawk (Accigiter nisus, L.), the Water Hen (Gallinula chloropus, L.), and the Coot (Fudlica atra, L.) Mr. W. West, of Streatham, contributed a paper on “The Entozoa or Internal Parasites.” Mr. West began his paper by referring to the ancient records of the Azozoa, or internal animal parasites, and then passed on to the classification of the species. The class Entozoa or Helmintha is divided into three sub-classes, viz., the Sterelmintha, Calelmintha, and Anenterel- mintha, which are again divided into five orders, viz., Tur- bellaria, Trematoda, Nematoda, Acanthocephala, and Cestoda. These orders are further divided into nineteen families, and 37 there are seven others that have apparently no settled place, and are called particular types. The first order, the Zurbellaria, are recognized by vi- bratile cilia covering their bodies, which are composed of soft tissue, and are of various forms: some flattened, pear-shaped, others cylindrical, of enormous length, and jointed somewhat like tapeworms; they are capable of increase by the usual sexual methods and by fission. The second order, the 7vematoda, or Flukes, have soft roundish or flat bodies enveloping the visceral organs. They are small animals, the smallest being about one-hundredth part of aninch, and the largest varying from one to five inches in length. They undergo several metamorphoses, the earlier of which take place in ponds, or ditches, and damp pasture- grounds. The common liver fluke (Fasciola or Distoma hepatica) gives rise to a disease called “the rot,” in sheep ; it is oviparous, and the action of water loosens the lid-like covering that the egg is provided with, and sets free a little wedge-shaped embryo covered with cilia. After a short active life it alters its form, and takes up its abode in some mollusc, where it becomes transformed into a cyst, and afterwards develops into a tadpole-like animal called a Cercaria, which, if swallowed by cattle, make their way to the liver, and after a time become converted into sexually mature 7vematoda. Again they get restless, make their way to the intestinal canal, and eventually become expelled with the feces. Mr. West then went on to déscribe the anatomy of one of the Dzstomide which infest man; and called attention to one of the particular types, Bz/harzia, which at first sight has the appearance of a round worm or leech. This resem- blance is due to the edges being rolled inwards, forming a tube, as it were, in which the female is generally found em- braced. She is a small filamentous-looking body, not nearly so large asthe male. Sz/hargia are found mostly in Egypt, and give rise to many serious complaints. The third order, the Vematoda, or round worms, are of 38 various sizes, the smallest types are represented by the so- called vinegar and paste eels, whilst others have been seen several feet in length. About 550 species have been described in the eight families. About the best known is called Trzcho- cephalus dispar, which belongs to the fourth family, the Fz/aride. The anatomy of this worm was minutely described, as also that of the well-known Mematotd worm, the Trichina spiralts, the cysts of which, when introduced into the stomach of an animal, attain their sexual maturity in about forty-eight hours, and the viviparous females become parents in about six days. The young then penetrate through and take up their abode in the voluntary muscles, where they become encysted, and remain coiled up within them, waiting to become devoured by some other animal. If not released, after a time they break up, and become transformed into carbonate of lime. Leuchart found in one ounce of muscle 325,000 individuals of this species. ' The fourth order, the Acanthocephala, contains no types infesting man, although they have been found in mammals; birds and fishes are most troubled with them. They are small animals, having elongated bodies, marked by transverse folds. At the head is a long mouth or proboscis, armed with recurved hooks, and in the male there is a peculiar clasping organ to assist it in the sexual act. The embryo is a pear-shaped organ- ism, and develops w¢thin its own interior a small Achzno- rhyncus : the original body becomes part of the new develop- ment, and only the old skin is cast off. When transferred to the body of another host it becomes sexually mature in about a week. The Cestoda, the fifth order, comprises the so-called tape- worms, which are distinguished by their soft, flat, long bodies, divided into joints, the anterior of which forms the head and neck, The head, which is exceedingly small when compared with the length of the animal, is furnished with four suckers, and sometimes a double crown of hooks. The joints at the posterior end are capable of existing independently and of developing ova. Cestoda are found either in the larval or 39 mature condition in almost all animals, but mostly in the Carnivora. Man harbours no less than ten species. If the mature joints or proglottides are administered to an animal, in twenty-four hours minute embryos are found in the blood, and are carried along to the liver, where they form a colony of cysts. After a time they escape by pushing their way through, take up their abode in other parts of the body, and undergo a second encystation, which takes place in about eight weeks. If these cysts are administered to some other animal, the larva is set free in two or three hours, and in three days shows indications of becoming jointed; in twelve days they are four inches long, and become sexually mature in about a month. The Prog/otizdes are furnished with male and female organs of generation, but are not capable of self-im- pregnation, as was formerly supposed. Mr. West then minutely described the anatomy and life- history of the most common one infesting man, the 7@aza solium, and stated that they had been found to ft. 2 in. in length, and containing 825 segments. He also described the Tenia echinococcus, which causes one-seventh of the annual mortality of Iceland. The Tetrarhynchide infest the marine vertebrata. Having described the life-history of this worm, Mr. West concluded by a few words of advice how to avoid becoming infested with Entozoa. The remedy is very simple; partake of no animal food but what is thoroughly cooked, nor any vegetables that have not been thoroughly washed or boiled. Butchers through their ignorance frequently infect themselves; they place the knife between their teeth that has been used to cut up a diseased animal, the ova thus get transferred to their stomachs. The paper was well illustrated by diagrams and specimens of the various Entozoa under microscopes. APRIL 13th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. A. W. Mera exhibited Syutomzs phegea, L., bred from ova deposited by a female captured in Italy. 40 Mr. Wellman exhibited Phoxopteryx upupana, Tr. Mr. Billups exhibited a curious construction which had been found by Mr. J. T. Williams under a stone in his garden at Foot’s Cray. The formation consisted of about thirty or forty fusiform cocoons composed of a felt-like material, and arranged side by side, vertically and transversely, the whole forming a pear-shaped mass; each cocoon contained a larva which Mr. Billups said was certainly not Dipterous, nor Hy- menopterous, but might probably be the larva of a species of Lepidoptera. Several members concurred in this opinion. Mr. A. E. Cook exhibited Moloch horridus, Gray, a species of Agamide from South Australia, and a living specimen of the Green Snake, NVatrzx torquata, Ray, taken at Sevenoaks. MAY 6th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esg., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. G. Elisha exhibited a bred series of Avztzspila pfeifferella, Hb. Sta., with specimens of the mined leaves and the pupze cases cut out from the same, and said there was a statement by Mr. C. Healy in one of the early volumes of the “Entomologist” (Vol. Il, p. 129) that the larve pupated under the surface of the earth. Now he (Mr. Elisha) had bred a large number of the insects, and he found they invariably took their cases in between the decaying leaves, and not under the surface of the earth, as stated by Mr. Healy. Mr. Wellman exhibited Adela cuprella, Thnb. Sta., from Wimbledon Common. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a series of Exdvomts versicolor, L., bred from larve reared in 1884; and he mentioned that from these larve nine moths emerged in 1885 ; one male and eight females; whereas the twelve that appeared this year were all males. Mr. Step exhibited a specimen of MJorchella esculenta, 4] Pers., found by Mr. B. W. Adkin at Wantage, Berkshire ; and said it was not by any means a common fungus in this country, most of those that were eaten in England being brought from the Continent. Mr. Carrington remarked that he once found two speci- mens of this fungus at Box Hill, Surrey. Mr. Carrington stated that during the Easter recess he had paid a visit to Selborne, the home of Gilbert White, and what was most noticeable was the backwardness of the season. The only lepidoptera seen were hibernated specimens of Vanessa io and V. urtice, and examples of Pzeris napi and Diurnia fagella; and for four days’ good work in a district which, under natural circumstances was one of the _ best localities in which to spend an entomological holiday, he thought this was a most meagre list. He mentioned that a bitch otter with two young were noticed in the neighbourhood of Selborne. MAY 20th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell exhibited a cluster of cocoons of a species of Ichneumonidz from Constantinople. Mr. J. Jager exhibited A/eucis pictaria, Curt, and other Lepidoptera from the New Forest. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited white males of SAzlosoma men- dica, Clerck, from the south of Ireland, about which he stated he hoped to say something at a future time. Mr. Levett exhibited a bred series of Ligdia adustata, Schiff, from larve beaten in the neighbourhood of Shooter’s Hill. JUNE 3rd, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Tugwell exhibited some interesting forms of Spzlosoma menthrastt, Esp., bred from ova received from Hartlepool. 42 Also a specimen of Axosia plexippus, L., taken on the 21st September, 1885, at Trevilly, by Mr. Harris Saundry. Mr. W. G. Sheldon exhibited Eupithecia pusillata, Fb., and Retinia turionana, Hb., both from West Wickham, Kent. Mr. Wellman exhibited living larve of Eugonia autumn- aria, Wernb., Acidalia emarginata, L.,and Epione apiciaria, Schiff. Mr. W. West (Streatham) exhibited preserved larve of Eubolia cervinaria, Schiff., and Xanthza citrago, L. Mr. G. P. Shearwood exhibited a number of preserved larvee, the various stages of several species being shown; among the species exhibited were Phorodesma smaragdaria, Fb., and Aciptilia galactodactyla, Hb., the latter taken on the Society’s excursion to Horsley, Surrey, on 29th May last. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited four specimens of Saturnia pa- vonia, L., bred from a nest of gregarious larve taken 2Ist June, 1884, at Chattenden, Kent, and found feeding on hazel ; and which had fed up on hornbeam, remaining in pupz until the present year; the colours of the imagines being par- ticularly rich and bright. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited specimens of Paussus faviert, Fairm., found in nests of the ant, Phezdole megacephala, var. pallidula, F., by Mr. Lewis, in Portugal. This gentleman also exhibited J/eteorus luridus, Ruthe., bred by Mr. Bignell of Plymouth, from the larva of Voctua brunnea, Fb., twenty-three parasites emerging from one host. | The only previously known specimen was a male in the col- lection of Mr. Bridgman, Norwich, the host being unknown. JUNE 17th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Pres¢dent, in the Chair. Mr.T.R. Billups exhibited the following Ichneumonide : Apanteles bicolor, Ns., bred from Lzthocolletis lantanella, Schr. Stn. Colastes braconius, Hall. bred from L. spznzcollella, Kol. Limneria interrupta, Gr., bred from Sericoris euphorbiana, 43 Frr. These three species were bred by Mr. Elisha. Mesoleius sangutinicollis, Gr., and Pimpla brevicornis, Gr., both bred from Gracillaria stigmatella, Fb., Stn., by Mr. Wellman. Mr. Billups also exhibited two species of Tenthredinide, viz., Allantus viennests, Schr., and Hylotoma cerulipennis, Rtz., taken in copula at Hayling Island on the 7th June. Mr. W. G. Sheldon exhibited a varied series of Hepzalus lupulinus, L., taken at Riddlesdown, Surrey; also bred series of Earias chlorana, L., and Crambus chrysonuchellus, Scop. Mr. Frohawk exhibited Acontia luctuosa, Esp., from Cudham. Mr. W. A. Pearce exhibited a bred series of Cucullia verbasct, L., the larve having been taken at Mickleham, Surrey. Mr. Jager and Mr. J. T. Williams both exhibited Erastia venustula, Hb., from Horsham, Sussex ; and the latter gentle- man also exhibited Acronycta alnz, L.,and Aphomia soczella, Hb., bred from the cluster of fusiform cocoons found under a stone by him in his garden at Foot’s Cray, a portion of which had been exhibited by Mr. Billups at the meeting on the 15th April last. Mr, T. R. Billups exhibited large groups of the larve of _ Hyponomeuta padellus, L. Sta., which he said he had received from Gravesend, and he understood that an enormous amount of damage had been caused, both in Kent and Oxfordshire, by the ravages of this larva; the apple trees in these two counties being literally stripped of both the young fruit and leaves, In some parts of Oxford the owners of the orchards had adopted the plan of spreading sheets under the trees and beating the larve into them; but the difficulty was that in beating the larve off, the young fruit fell at the same time. Some discussion then took place as to the probable cause of the appearance of this larva in such large numbers, and the best means to be adopted to exterminate them, in which Messrs. Adkin, Tugwell, Wellman, Chaney, J. T. Williams, West, and others took part. AA, Mr. W. West (Greenwich), exhibited a long series of a species of Coleoptera, belonging to the genus Azzprestidia, taken at Suakim. Mr. Step exhibited living specimens of the edible snail, Helix pomatia, L., from Ranmore, Surrey. JULY ist, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. South exhibited a specimen of Melanippe fluctuata, L., of a cream colour, the markings being reduced to almost vanishing point; this variety was taken on a fence in the neighbourhood of St. John’s Wood. Mr. Wellman exhibited TZzhecla rubz, L., and called attention to the absence of the white spots from the under- side of one specimen; a long series of Eupithecia rectangulata, L., comprising a light grey variety and several specimens of the var. zzgrosericeata, Haw. ; and a long series of Aciptilia galactodactyla, Hb., from larve taken at Horsley, Surrey. Mr. Sheldon exhibited Dzanthecia nana, Rott., from Deal, and Phoxopteryx derasana, Hb., from Riddlesdown, Croydon. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited two living larve of Boarmza repandata, L., received from Mr. South, and which showed a curious arrangement of the cocoons of a species of Micro- gaster ; Mr. South stated the larve spun a little pad of silk, then bent themselves into a bow on the twig, and the para- sites began to creep out of the host and formed their cocoons under the arch. Mr. Sheldon exhibited an egg of the cuckoo (Cuculus canorus, L.), found by him at Shirley Heath, Surrey, on the 26th June last, in the nest of a Meadow Pipit (Azthus pra- tensis, L.). Mr. W. A. Pearce exhibited a coloured drawing of the Fly Orchis (Ophrys muscifera, Huds.), taken at Ranmore, on the occasion of the Society’s excursion to Bookham. 45 JULY 15th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited specimens of Cleptes nitidula, Latr., taken at Benfleet, in Essex, on the 5th inst., on the umbelliferous bloom of the Common Cow Parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium, L.), and which he stated was probably the rarest of the twenty-two species comprising the family Chrysidide. It had been taken in the New Forest and in Suffolk. Mr. Smith states that he once took a specimen near Lowestoft, and received one from Loch Rannoch. It will thus be seen it is a very local species, the male especially so, the specimen exhibited being the only male recorded as taken in this country. This gentleman also exhibited the larve of Geometra papil- zonaria, L., and its parasite, Apanteles rubripes, Hal., and said it had been bred by Mr. Curtis and Mr. Bignell, commonly from the same larve ; Mr. Harding had also reared it from Vanessa urtice, L., and Mr. Cameron from Pieris brassicae, Jee Mr. Jager exhibited Dzanthecia nana, Rott., bred from larve obtained at Caterham, Surrey, and Teignmouth, Devon; those from the first-named locality feeding on Sz/ene inflata, Sm., and those from Teignmouth feeding on Szlene maritima, With. ; Dianthecia cucubalt, Fues., reared on S. inflata ; and bred specimens of Botys terrealis, Tr.; also several species of Eupithecia, bred from various flower-heads which had been kept in leno bags—a plan suggested by Mr. Carrington. Mr. Gaskell exhibited a variety of Ematurga atomaria, L., of an almost uniform fulyous tint with only slight indi- cations of the normal markings visible towards the hind margin. The specimen was taken at West Wickham, Kent. Mr. J. T. Williams exhibited a specimen of Cadera pusaria, L,, irradiated with black ; a curious form of C. exanthemata, Scop., Dasycera olivierella, Fb., from Foot’s Cray, Kent, and 46 a striking variety of Abraxas grossulariata, L. (Pl. 1, fig. 2) bred from larva obtained in Mr. Hicklin’s garden at Sidcup, Kent. The ground colour of this specimen was a full rich cream inclining to buff, the anterior wings having the usual basal blotch of orange with two black spots, not so large and distinct as in ordinary specimens, The orange median band was also very slightly dotted with black on either side, ter- minating on the costal margin with a more distinct blotch ; the outer margin having six small but vivid black spots within the cilia; the posterior wings of the same ground colour, with a few minute black specks along the anal and outer margins, and none whatever in the median area. Mr. T. Gibb, Junr., Asthena blomeri, Cutt., Hepzalus velleda, Hb., var. carnus, St., and a variety of MZelanippe mon- tanata, Bork., all taken in the neighbourhood of Burton-on- Trent. Mr. R. South exhibited specimens of Loarmia repandata, L., bred from larvz obtained this year from North Devon- shire. He remarked that although several curious forms of this species had occurred to him in former years, the series (89 in number) bred this year, was by far the most inter- esting he had yet had an opportunity of studying, em- bracing as it did a greater range of variation and comprising some extraordinary examples of the conversarza form, together with numerous varieties of the typical form. The specimens exhibited were selected with the view of showing the extremes in each phase of variation. In two examples of the conversaria “form the ground colour was almost of the same dark shade as the central band; whilst two other specimens of the same form had respectively a pure white and creamy white ground colour, with exceedingly rich velvety black central bands. Two of the specimens exhibited are figured Pl. 1, Figs. 3 and 4. 47 Mr. South also exhibited a long series of Aphomia sociella, L., and with reference thereto stated that some of the specimens shown were bred from the portion of the cluster of cocoons found by Mr. Williams in his garden at Foot’s Cray, which was exhibited at the meeting on the 15th April last; while the others were bred from a bundle of sticks from Dart- ford, so closely spun together by the larve that it required some force to separate them (the bundle of sticks was ex- hibited). He was of opinion that the cluster of cocoons found by Mr. Williams was the natural mode of pupation of the species; and the pupation among the sticks, a modification of this natural habit induced by the nature of the material the larva had to deal with in confinement. From the bundle of sticks he had bred ninety-six specimens, while from the small piece of the cluster found by Mr. Williams (which he also ex- hibited), he had bred twenty-one; and there were probably many more to emerge, as one had come out on his way to the meeting. Several members contributed remarks on this species. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited living larve of Votodonta trepida, Esp., reared from ova deposited by a female of this species taken on May 22nd, 1886, at rest on an oak trunk at Seal Chart, Kent. The Secretary read a letter from Mr. Perkins of Wotton- under-Edge recording the probable capture by his nephew, of Sesza andreniformis, Lasp., at that place. With reference to this insect, Mr. Carrington said it was one of the rarest of the British Sesz7d@. He had heard that in Germany it had been taken very freely by searching the flowers of the privet in July, and he determined to try and take it in the same way in England. He accordingly went to one of its old localities, near Gravesend, and searched for about an hour the only time the sun was visible, and during that period he saw one which he unfor- tunately failed to capture. He had very little doubt that 48 if the blossom of the privet was properly searched during the first fortnight in July, S. azdreniformis would be taken. AUGUST sth, 1886. J. JENNER WEIR, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited male and female specimens of Cleptes nitidula, Latr. (Pl. 1, fig. 11), and read the follow- ing notes :— “Shuckard in his very excellent monograph on the Chrysidide, published in the ‘Entomological Magazine’ in the year 1836, speaking of the male of Cleptes nztidula says, ‘I can detect no difference between the insect I possess as the male of this species, and the male of the preceding, C. semiauratus, with the exception of the slighter exsertion of the fifth abdominal segment, and the colour of the head and thorax being more blue.” The late Frederick Smith, in his short. but concise monograph, published some twenty-five years later—in the ‘ Entomologist’s Annual’ for the year 1861— says, ‘the male I do not know.’ As Shuckard gives no other peculiarity or difference between the two species, I have taken some little trouble to search, but can find no other written or published description. This being so, it has led me to care- fully examine a large number of the males of C. semzauratus, but structurally I can find no difference between the two species. As regards colour—which is not always a safe test—there is most certainly a distinct difference, and I am compelled to differ from both Messrs, Shuckard and Smith’s descriptions. They say of C. semzauratus, head, thorax, and basal joints of the antennz bright metallic green, as also the coxz and femora; while of the abdomen, Smith says, the apical margins of the third, fourth and fifth segments black. Shuckhard says, the abdomen shining testaceous, with the marginal half of the third segment black, and the fourth and fifth of a steely-blue. From a large number of specimens of C. semtauratus examined by myself, the head, thorax and basal joint of the antennz, as well as the coxe and femora, are 49 a bright metallic blue, with, in some cases, a very faint approach to green ; while the abdomen is shining testaceous, with the basal half of the third segment black, and the fourth and fifth metallic blue or violet. “In the male of Cleptes nztidula, the colour of the basal joint of the antennz, head, thorax and femora is a bright golden green; while the first and second segments of the abdomen are obscure and also testaceous, the third, fourth, and fifth deep black, with no approach of a chalybeous reflection. “These few observations I think clearly prove that Shuckard had certainly not the male of C. xitidula to describe from, while Mr. Smith’s description would almost. lead one to suppose—unless he had a number of speci- mens under observation—that instead of describing the male C. semiauratus, he was actually describing the rarer of the two species, viz. C. zztzdula,” Mr. Billups then called attention to four groups of Cocoons, from which he had reared a large number of Microgaster flavipes, Hall. and stated that this species of Braconidz was parasitic in the larve of Boarmia repandata, from which it had been repeatedly bred by Kriechbaumer and Brischke on the Continent, and by Bignell and Cooper in this country. The whole of the A/ccrogasteride were in- ternal parasites, living in the body of a single victim larger than themselves, and in the case of some of the smaller species, issue in great numbers from the same caterpillar, forming their cocoons in clusters like a honeycomb, their heads, however, not being all turned the same way, the imago making its exit from both sides of the so-called honeycomb, which is always fixed up on edge. The following numbers which emerged from the cocoons exhibited, will give some idea of the fecundity of these parasites, 82, 66, 67, and 57, a total of 272 specimens from four larve of JSoarmza, added to which there were in each cluster of cocoons a large number which perished, not being able to release them- selves. B 50 This gentleman also exhibited Chryszs succincta, L., taken at Chobham, Surrey, July 28th, 1886, on the bloom of the wild carrot (Daucus carota, L.), and stated that this rare species of the Chrysididzee was only recorded as having been taken some fifty years since by Messrs. Dale and Rudd, in Hampshire, and the late Mr. F. Smith had only met with it twice, and then in the same county. Mr. W. West (Streatham) exhibited Eugonia autumnarza, Wernb., and bred specimens of Ocneria dispar, L. A short discussion took place as to this last species not having been taken in England in the wild state for the last thirty years. Mr. Chaney stated that he took a female in a wood near Chatham about thirty years ago, and a friend (Mr. Walker), took a male at Chattenden about fifteen years ago. Mr. Wellman exhibited three very fine specimens of Dianthecia albimacula, Bork., from Folkestone ; series of Epione parallellaria, Schiff., and &. apzczarza, Schiff., both having been bred from ova. With reference to the second of these insects (4. parallellaria), Mr. Weir said that he understood it was likely to become almost extinct in this country, as the place where it was now found would probably be destroyed ; and he re- ferred to the burning by the Government of the herbage of the locality where Zygena meliloti, Esp., used to occur, and the consequent almost total destruction of the species. Mr. Carrington stated that as an old captor of this insect he should like to mention two or three facts as to its probable extinction, which he did not think was immediately possible. The best ground for the insect was a small piece of land covered with heather, detached from the common, and might be ploughed up at any time ; but the land was so poor, and so unlikely to be worth the trouble of breaking up, that it was not probable the locality would be destroyed. The insect, however, also appeared on a large tract of common land of four or five acres in extent. The best time in which 51 to take imagines in numbers was about seven o’clock in the morning, when the ground was wet with dew; after half-past nine the imago was only to be obtained by being kicked out.. The larve fed on Salzx repens, L., and both he and Mr. Prest had made many attempts to introduce the species to other localities, but without success. Mr. Goldthwaite exhibited Ematurga atomaria, L., among which was a singular variety of the male; the ground colour of all wings being a bright orange, the usual transverse brown bands absent, but replaced on the forewings by several black blotches, so placed as to give the insect a very distinct and beautiful appearance. Also a xanthic variety of Lycena mint- ma, Fues., from West Horsley ; and a long series of very dark forms of Xylophasia monoglypha, Hufn., which he stated was almost the only result of twelve days work in that locality. Mr.C. Oldham exhibited a series of Abraxas grossulariata, L., bred from pupz obtained from Cambridgeshire, showing a better range of variation than is usually seen in a number bred in the same hap-hazard way. Mr. Carrington said that in the north of England, where varieties are more frequent than in the south, the collectors never hunted promiscuously, but went to particular localities where there was almost a certainty of getting those beautiful banded varieties that were to be found in the north, and it was extremely probable that these varieties were hereditary. Dark forms were more likely to be obtained when the larve were fed on blackthorn. There was a melanic variety of the larva taken in the neighbourhood of Shields, and as far as he knew was never taken elsewhere. The usual food plants of the larva were blackthorn, currant, and gooseberry, but it was not to be found so commonly on gooseberry as on currant. The larva had, however, been found feeding on Cotyledon umobzlicus. Mr. Weir remarked that the fact of this species feeding on the Cotyledon was very interesting, as it was a plant closely allied to the currant and gooseberry. 52 Mr, W. A. Pearce exhibited Calligenia miniata, Forst., from the New Forest. Mr. J. Jenner Weir exhibited five beautiful varieties of Argyunis paphia, L., and said that after many years’ ex- perience, they were five of the most marked he had seen. All the specimens were females, one being the lightest he had ever taken, another as dark as the variety valezina, Esp., and was a melanic variety of paphia, properly so-called; also a perfect form of valezizna, and a beautiful green form of the same variety. Mr. J. H. Carpenter exhibited a larva of Hepzalus virescens, from Tikitapu Bush, near Rotorua, New Zealand, with the fungus known as Cordiceps robertszz, growing from the neck of the larva. Mr. W. A. Pearce exhibited a specimen of the Horned Toad (Ceratophrys cornuta, L.), from California. Dr. C. M. Matthews, exhibited the flowers of what are known as the Green Dahlia and Green Rose. Mr. E. Step exhibited Planorbis albus v. draparnaldt, Shepp., and Zonztes crystallinus, Mull., from Moulsey Hurst. AUGUST 10th, 1886. J. JENNER WEIR, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. W. G. Sheldon, exhibited bred series of Eupithecia pimpinellata, Hb. Conchylis adilucidana, St., Grapholitha geminana, St., Ephippiphora cirstana, Zell., bred from thistle stems, £. fenella, L., and some interesting forms of Xan- thosetia zegana, L., from Hackney Marshes. Mr. J. J. Weir, exhibited several xanthic varieties of Evrebia epiphron, Knock., Epinephele tantra, L., Satyrus semele, L., Cenonympha pamphilus, L., and a very pale form of Polyommatus phleas, L. Mr. J. A. Cooper exhibited a long series of Axgyrolepia’ badiana, Hb., and said that both Mr. Stainton and Mr. Merrin gave the larvee of this species as feeding in the stems 53 and roots of Burdock (Arctium lappa, L.) ; but he had searched carefully, and had been unable to find any larve either in the stems or roots, although he had found them plentifully in the seed heads of the plant, from which those now exhibited were bred. Mr. Cooper also exhibited Phorodesma smaragdaria, Fb.,, bred from larve found in the Essex Salt Marshes. The larvee being figured on Pl. 1. fig. 5. Mr. Jobson exhibited P. smaragdaria bred from larvee found in the same locality; Eyvrastrza venustula, Hb., bred from ova, and Lobophora sexalisata, Hb. Mr. J. T. Williams exhibited an almost albino variety of Acidalia bisetata, Hufn., and a variety of Larentia olivata, Bork. (Pl. 1. fig. 1), having the whole of the base of the wings suffused as far as the median fascia. Mr. Helps exhibited Boarmza repandata, L. var. con- versaria, Hb., from the New Forest. Mr. C. Oldham exhibited examples of the second brood of Lycena argiolus, L., and ova of the same species laid on a twig of holly. Mr. Frohawk exhibited Z7mandra amataria, L., bred from ova laid on the 7th July last, and coloured drawings of the larva and pupa. Mr. Goldthwaite exhibited black forms of Hupzthecza rectangulata, L. Mr. W. A. Pearce exhibited a coloured drawing of Hadena pist, L., and food plant. Mr. Step exhibited growing specimens of the Round- leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia, L.), and{the Long-leaved Sundew (D. zutermedia, Hayne), from Chobham. SEPTEMBER 2nd, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a rare species of Hymen- optera: Zachytes unicolor, Panz., taken at Hayling Island, on June 7th, 1886. 54 Mr. J. R. Wellman exhibited a box of Exotic Lepi- doptera, which, he stated, had all been taken at sea; also living larvee of Czdaria picata, Hb., and Acidalia rusticata, Fb. Mr. W. G. Sheldon exhibited red and grey forms of Noctua castanea, Esp., bred from larve taken on Shirley Heath, Surrey. Mr. Adkin stated he had frequently obtained larve of this insect from Shirley, but had never bred the red form of the species. Mr. South exhibited yarieties of Lycena corydon, Fb., taken at Eastbourne, and he stated he had taken thirty-five specimens, which were all connecting links right up to the extreme forms he now exhibited ; and he was of opinion that the real interest attaching to varieties was to show the links connecting extreme forms with types, rather than having the extreme forms only. Mr. J. J. Weir said he quite agreed that it was necessary in arranging insects in the Cabinet, to graduate them, the extreme forms, and then the links connecting them with the type. It was a most singular thing that more varieties of L. corydon were taken this year by Mr. South than he (Mr. Weir) had taken in his life, although he had captured great numbers of the species at Lewes. Mr. South also exhibited Abraxas grossulariata, L., and said that these again, as in corydon, were the extreme forms, but out of a large number bred this year he had all the con- necting links between the ordinary and extreme forms, None of those he exhibited were very striking varieties, but they were just in that stage, that in a few more years, if bred from, some very striking varieties would be obtained. He wished it to be understood that he fully believed in varieties being perpetuated. Mr. South further showed specimens of Dicrorampha con- sortana, var. adistinctana, Nein., and remarked that, in 1881, he captured two specimens in North Devon, one of which 55 was sent to Mr. C. G. Barrett, who identified it as dstinctana of Hein., only taken before at Vienna, until taken by him (Mr. South) in North Devon; and he thought that last year Mr. Machin had taken two specimens of a Dzcro- rampha, which Mr. Barrett had also identified as distinctana of Hein. | This year, Mr. South added, he had bred fourteen specimens of dzstinctana from shoots of Chrysanthemum re- ceived from North Devon; and he had no doubt whatever it was a form of consortana, the reason being that the larva was identical with the description of larvz of consortana he took some years ago at Shanklin, Isle of White, and the habits of both larve were also exactly similar. Mr. J. J. Weir exhibited seven specimens of Argynnis paplia, L., and one specimen of A. euphrosyne, L., and drew attention to the white spots on the wings, which, he said, were not suffused spots, as seen in Epznepheletanira It was avery curious thing that these spots should be so conspicuous. He had this year taken seven examples, and heard of several others having been captured. What could be the origin of these spots? Possibly the pupa had something on it which prevented the rays of light from colouring the insect; in nearly all cases the spots were symmetrical. Mr. South said that in 1881 or 1882 he took some specimens of this insect with the spots, and it occurred to him at the time that they were probably caused by the sun’s rays passing through a globule of water and falling on the pupa. In some cases the spots were symmetrical, in other cases any- thing but so; but, as a rule, they were not symmetrical. Mr. Carrington observed it was scarcely possible one drop of water would cause these spots, as the angle of light would be such as to concentrate the rays, and would leave a line instead of a distinct spot. He remembered one particular season, in the New Forest, when a great many were taken, some showing the spots in the centre of the wing, and in various other ways. It was not probable all these pupz 56 were lying in the same locality. So far as he could gather, they were taken considerable distances apart, and he thought we ought to look elsewhere for the causes of these spots. He then referred to the cases of A. betularia, L., and T. crepuscularia, Hb., in which the variation has become per- manent in certain localities. Several other members con- tinued the discussion, and Mr. Adkin exhibited Cleoceris viminalis, Fb., a species which he stated had some little bearing on the question of permanent variation. From twelve larvz sent him from Barnsley, he expected to rear only the black form of the species obtained in that locality ; but among them he had bred one of the ordinary form of the species as found in the south of England. Mr. South said he had received forms of this species from Glasgow quite as dark as those from Barnsley. Mr. Sheldon contributed obser- vations on collecting 7. crepuscularza, in Derbyshire, from which, it appeared, that in some of the woods which had been thinned, the insect was generally found on the trunks of oak trees, and was the light form, whereas those found in another wood which was very thick, were very dark, and, in some cases, almost black. Mr. J. A. Cooper exhibited Axylia putris, L., Zonosoma orbicularia, Hb., Eupethecia subfulvata, Haw., and Tephrosia biundularia, Bork., the latter bred from a female captured in June last, the larva having fed upon knot-grass, Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited the following Coleoptera :— Choragus sheppardi, Kirb., from Broadstairs ; Trox sabulosus, L., from Chobham; the delicate little longicorn MWolorchus minimus, Scop., and Mycetoporus longulus, Mann., taken at Bookham, on the Society’s excursion, June 26th; and the scarce Panageus quadripustulatus, Sturm. ‘Twojlocal species of Hemiptera—Phylus coryli, L., and P. avellane, H.S., taken at the Society’s excursion to Westerham, in July last, the immature form of Temmnostethus pusillus, Schiff., MWicrophysa elegantula, Baer., from Broadstairs, and also the Homopteron Ledra aurita, L., from the same locality. 57 Mr. Billups read a note from Mr. Bignell, of Plymouth, in reference to some remarks made by him before the Society July ist, concerning the larva of Boarmia repandata and its parasite, Wicrogaster flavipes, Hal. Mr. South said it appeared to him that Mr. Bignell took especial exception to the statement that the larva of B. repandata “spun a little pad of silk.’ Probably Mr. Bignell thought that the silk on which the Mccrogaster formed their cocoons was referred to, in which case his contention would be valid, as it was certain that although the larva of vrepandata seems to be exceedingly attentive to its parasites, it does not carry its attention to the extent of providing a foundation for the erection of the pyramid of cocoons formed by those parasites immediately under its body. The object of the silken pad is evidently to enable the lepidopterous host to effect a secure hold with its anal claspers during the time it is bent in arch-like form, not only whilst the J7zcrogaster larvee are leaving its body, but for some considerable time after the parasites have housed themselves under the shelter- ing protection of its curved form. SEPTEMBER 16th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. J. A Cooper exhibited a long series of Zygena Silipendule, L., showing marked variations of the border of the posterior wings, from North Devon. Mr. Adkin exhibited Lophopteryx cuculla, Esp. Mr. E. Joy exhibited a remarkable variety of Epinephele tantra, L. Mr. Wellman exhibited series of Acidalia btsetata, Hufn., with very pronounced marginal markings, from Raindean Wood, Folkestone ; long varied series of Bryophila muralzts, Forst., from southern localities, and a specimen of B. zmpar, Warren, from Cambridge. Also Déanthecia irregularis, Hufn. 58 Mr. W. G. Sheldon exhibited 77zphosa dubztata, L., and Agvrotis agathina, Dup., both taken at the flowers of heather on Shirley Heath, Surrey. Some discussion ensued as to rearing the larve of the latter species. Mr. J. J. Weir exhibited a specimen of Agvrotis, taken forty years since, which has not yet been identified; also a specimen showing some of the characteristics of both Agvrotis segetum, Schiff, and A. suffusa, Hb. Mr. W. West (Greenwich), a long and variable series of Cryptocephalus pusillus, Fab., from West Wickham, Kent. OCTOBER Vth, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Billups exhibited Echthrus lancifer, Gr., (plate 1, fig. 8), a species of /chneumonide new to Britain, taken by him at Walmer in August last,and said that the genus appeared to be very rare, or at least, very little known in this country-—hitherto being only represented by one species, 4. velucator, .; they appeared to be parasitic on wood-boring larve. Herr Brischke had bred members of the genus from Sesza sphegt- Sormis, S. formiciformis, and Leucania obsoleta ; and no doubt if Lepidopterists, who bred the clear-wing moths, were to save the parasites which appeared in their cages, species of Echthrus would be found among them. Mr. Wellman exhibited examples of second broods of Melanippe tristata, L., Acidalia emarginata, L., A. rusticata, Fb., and A. strigdlaria, Hb., all reared from ova. It was remarked that a second brood of A. strigzlaria was somewhat unusual. Mr. J. Jager exhibited specimens of Callimorpha hera, L., taken in the south of Devon, one the var. /utescens, Staud., having been taken by a signalman at Teignmouth. Also a number of forms of Bryophila murals, Forst., from Dawlish, ° among which were some of a brownish coloration, and he stated that he found more of this form than any other. 59 Mr. J. T. Williams exhibited Eupzthecia linartata, Fb., bred from larve taken in July, which were full fed and out within about fourteen days. Mr. R. South exhibited yellow-banded forms of Sesza culiceformis, L., also Mzmeseoptilus zophodactylus, Dup., and M. bipunctidactyla, aw. i Referring to these plume-moths, Mr. South said that Mimeseoptilus zophodactylus is a smaller and more slender- looking insect than 7. dipunctedactyla, but these characters are not in themselves sufficient to distinguish one species from the other. A more trustworthy feature is the white costal edging to the outer digit of fore-wing of zophodactylus. Mr. South also exhibited series of Thera variata, Schiff, from Switzerland, England, and Scotland, and stated that the specimens from Switzerland were the true variata, and differed in colour from obeliscata, the form found in this country, and which, in his opinion, was the only form obtained here. The Scotch form, known as obliterata, was described by Dr. Buchanan White, and was a small and dark variety of obeliscata. A specimen of Thera juniperata, L., was also ex- hibited for comparison, as the coloration and character of the markings of vavzata were more nearly allied to junzperata than obeliscata. Mr. Elisha exhibited Agvotzs ashworthiz, Dbl., and Dasycampa rubiginea, Fb. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited the following species of Lepid- optera taken in East Sussex during the past season: Varieties of the undersides of Lycena icarus, Rott., very closely approach- ing the variety zcarznus of Scriba; and of ZL. corydon, Fb., Lithosia griscola, Hb., Bryophila perla, Fb., including an orange variety ; Stenia punctalis, Schiff., Amblyptilia acanthodactyla, Hb., and Diasemia literata, Scop. With reference to this last species, Mr. Adkin stated that although occasionally met with in our southern counties, it appeared to be of by no means common occurrence. It was mentioned by Westwood as having been 60 taken in moist places in Darenth Wood and the New Forest. Stainton, in his “ Manual of British Butterflies and Moths,” gives Lyndhurst, Newnham, and Sanderstead as localities. Several specimens were taken by Mr. Norcombe in Devon- shire, in 1858, and a little later Mr. Reading captured about twenty-four near Plymouth; but Mr. C. G. Barrett reports it in some numbers from Pembrokeshire, and gives the date of its appearance as the first half of the months of June and August ; and he subsequently mentions that after losing sight of it for ten years, he took about a score in 1881, and seven- teen in 1884. Morris figures this species (Pl. 54, No. 19) ; but the notes given under this number evidently refer to Nascza cilialzs, Hb., figured under No. 17 on the same plate; and if we assume that the figures have been transposed, as appears probable, we find that he adds Plymouth and Arundel to the above list. Mr. J. J. Weir exhibited a variety of Vanessa cardut, Lo from Grahamstown, South Africa, with a row of white spots on the primary and secondary wings, the latter having the nervures thickly edged with black, widening into blotches on the hind margin, and he stated that a similar variety was sometimes taken in England. A white and black specimen of Colas electra, from the same locality, showing that that species exhibited a similar dimorphic condition of the female to that which obtains in Colas edusa, Fb. ; two specimens of Lycena corydon, Fb., from Lewes, the fringes of all the wings of one being spotless white, and of the other inky grey. Mr. Weir then made a communication to the Society to the effect that Mr. F. F. Freeman, of Plymouth, had informed him that he had just seen a specimen of Anosia plexippus, L., taken by Miss Whipple at Downderry, on the southern coast of Corn- wall. Adverting to a note of Mr. G. D. Hulst, “Entomologica Americana,” ii. 104, August, 1886, in which it was stated that the name of this insect as given above is that which the British Museum gives to what the rest of the Lepidoptero- 61 logical world calls Danazs archippus, Mr. Weir remarked that the genus Azosza was established by Hubner in 1816, and this insect placed in it under the name of menzppe; but Linneus, in 1758, had named the species plexzppus, and it was not till 1793 that Fabricius named it avchippus. All this is shown in Mr. Moore’s admirable monograph of Lzmunaina and Lupleima in the proceedings of the Zoological Society, 1883, pp. 233-34. It was true that the name Alexippus was erroneously applied to Salatura genutia, Cram. (1779), an Indian species, by several authors. Linnzeus describes his species as American ; but little attention was paid in his time to the geographical distribution of animals, and some of his followers misapplied the description. At all events, both the generic name Avzosza, and the specific name plexzppus, were long ago applied to this insect, the latter indeed for more than a century and a quarter. Mr. E. Sabine exhibited a variety of Papzlio machaon, L., which was especially noticeable on account of the at- tenuated character of the band on the hind wings. Also a number of varieties of Zygena filipendula, L., taken in Kent, including several of the yellow form. This gentleman also exhibited varieties of Lycena bel- largus, Rott., the specimens exhibited including a number of light forms and two black males. Mr. Sabine gave an account of how he took this extraordinary number of varieties, and said that they represented examples of both the spring and autumnal broods, and with the exception of one of the black males (which was captured in a previous year) were all taken during the present season. They were all found on a chalky soil ; and he was of opinion that they were hybrids between bellargus and corydon, as on one occasion at the same locality, he took a male of deHargus in copula with a female of corydon. Mr. Weir remarked with regard to these varieties that he thought the light specimens must be hybrids between the two species mentioned by Mr. Sabine, but the curious part of the 62" whole matter was that they had been taken both in the spring and autumn. As to the black males, which were taken in different years, he could only say that in the course of his experience, during which he had paid a great amount of at- tention to this species, he had never seen or heard of anything like it. Mr. South, who stated he had also paid considerable attention to L. dbellargus, concurred with Mr. Weir in his observations on Mr. Sabine’s exhibit. Mr. West, of Greenwich, exhibited two species of Coleoptera from Shirley, Surrey—Lalaninus rubidus, Gyll., and Erirhinus pectoralis, Panz.,—the former taken on birch, and the latter on sallow. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a species of Hydradephaga, Colymbetes fuscus, L., from which a Lepidopteron, most pro- bably Endrosis fenestrella, Scop., had emerged; the pupa case being firmly attached to the body of the beetle. Referring to this exhibit Mr. Billups said no doubt the egg had been laid between the elytra, and after its emergence the larva made its way into the body of the beetle, where its metamorphosis took place, finally making its exit from be- tween the hinder part of the elytra, which had been gnawed away to allow of the escape of the imagine. This gentleman also exhibited specimens of the very pretty and curious Birds’-nest fungus (Cyathus vernicosis), found growing in his garden at Peckham. OCTOBER 21st, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., President, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited the following species of Ichneumonide ; Zvogus lutorius, Fab., and its rare ally, 7. alboguttatus, Gr. (Pl. 1, fig. 7), the former bred from Che@ro- campa porcellus, and the latter from Sphinx lgustrz. Mr. Billups stated that both species had been bred by Mr. R. Adkin from larve taken at Dartford, Kent, and that this 63 genus of Ichneumonidz contains nearly our largest species, being only eclipsed by the genus RZyssa. It seems some- what remarkable that both these species, which, until just lately, were the only recorded species in Marshall’s List of British Hymenoptera, should be bred from larve taken in the same locality. The third species, 7vogus exaltatorius, Panz., was described by Mr. Bridgman in a paper read before the Fellows of the Entomological Society of London, July 7th, 1886, from a specimen given to him by Mr. G. E. Bignell, of Plymouth. Mr. Billups also exhibited a fine series of Apanteles jucun- dus, Marsh (PI. 1, Fig. 12), both sexes being represented, as well as the cluster of cocoons from which theyemerged. These little Microgasterides were bred from the larve of Pzeris bras- sic@, L., received by Mr. South from Ireland. This exhibit was especially interesting from the fact that there is no record of the insect having been reared previously, and in describ- ing it last year, the Rev. T. A. Marshall, in his Monograph of the British Braconzde, had but one specimen to work from, that being a female, taken by sweeping in Northamptonshire, the male being then unknown. Mr. C. H. Watson exhibited Acherontia atropos, L., (bred) and Caiocala spousa, L., and C. promissa, Esp., from the New Forest. Mr. Levett also exhibited A. atrofos, taken on a fence in the neighbourhood of Greenwich. Mr. E. Joy exhibited Crdaria sagittata, Fb., bred from larve taken in Wicken Fen, Cambridge. Mr. Helps exhibited Lastocampa quercifolia, L. Mr. W. West (Streatham) exhibited two xanthic forms of Lryophila perla, Fb., from Margate. Mr. W. G. Sheldon exhibited Plusia chryson, Esp., P. festuce, P. pulchrina, Haw., Amblypitlia acanthodactyla, Hb., and Yortrix ribeana, Hb, 64 Mr. Ficklin exhibited a long series of Pedisca sordidana, Hb. Mr. J. Jager exhibited a specimen of Sphinx convolvult, L., taken at Starcross, South Devon. Mr. L. Gibb, a specimen of Avgyunzs aglaia, L., taken at an elevation of 2800 feet above the level of the sea; varieties of Lycena icarus, Rott., and other species from Scotland ; also a long series of Zygena exulans, Hoch., var, subochracea, White, from Braemar; and for the purpose of comparison, two examples of the Swiss form of this insect. Mr. Tugwell also exhibited this species from the same locality, and an empty pupa case, made up among Crowberry, (Pl. 1, Fig. 6). He stated that the only difference between the Swiss form and the variety swbochracea of White was that in the Swiss specimens the red was very much deeper in colour, and the scales were more dense. Mr, Mera exhibited bred examples of Eugonita autum- naria, Wernb. : Mr. G. Elisha exhibited Dzanthecta irregularis, Hufn., | bred by him this season. Mr. Wellman exhibited a number of species, taken or bred by him during the season, among which were C7daria picata, Hb., C. szlaceata, Hb., and several Aczdalia. Mr. Shearwood exhibited preserved larve of a great many species including TZorocampa pastinum, Tr., Stilbia anomata, Haw., Lithosia mesomella, L., Melanippe hastata, L., Abraxas grossulariata, L., including the black variety, Vyssza zonarza, Schiff., Cucullia chamomile, Schiff, C. absinthi, L., Nola albulalis. Ub., Deilephila gali, Schiff., and Asteroscopus nube- culosa, Esp. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a bred series of Aczdalia tnornata, Haw., in reference to which he said there was a doubt in the minds of many as to distinguishing it from A. aversata, L. but he was of opinion that the spots in the fringes of the first- 65 mentioned species afforded a trustworthy distinction if the specimens were in anything like order. Mr. Adkin also exhibited, on behalf of Mr. William Farren, of Cambridge, long series of Bryophila muralis, Forst., B. impar, Warren, and B&. perla, Fb—the first-mentioned from Folkestone, and the last two from Cambridge. Mr. Adkin stated that there had been some considerable dis- cussion as to whether zzpar was a true species, or only a variety of muralzs. He was pleased to have the opportunity of bringing Mr. Farren’s exhibit to the notice of the meeting, and he would like to have the opinion of the members present upon this point. For the purpose of comparison with this exhibit, Mr. Wellman had brought his beautiful series of nuralis, and Mr. Jager the red forms of the same species, taken by him this year at Dawlish, and which had been already exhibited at one of the Society’s meetings. Mr. Farren had asked him to call attention to the neater, harder, and more glossy look of zmpar, compared with mzralis, and to the fact that the latter was generally larger; also that the reniform stigma, which extended almost across the fore wings, was filled up, and almost obliterated with black in zzpar, while at the anal angle wasa blackish blotch always present in zmpar, but absent in murals. The lines in zmzpar instead of ending in spots on the costa, ran together, and formed a blackish edging along the costa ; further, the wings in z7zpar were not so ample as in murals, and the fore wings were decidedly narrower than in that species. Although both varied considerably in colour, running from grey to a deep bluish green, the whole tone of colour was very different in the two—zmpar, both on body and wings, being peppered with black, and murals with pale greyish brown. Mr. Weir said the Bryophzla was not a group to which he had paid very much attention; but looking at the habits of the whole genus, and the necessity for their resembling walls and old rocks, and at the light in different neighbourhoods, he could quite understand that local forms and races were almost F 66 sure to arise,and it would be impossible to suppose otherwise. In the present state of the question, he felt disposed to say that zmpar was not a clear species, but it should be bred from the larve before we could speak with certainty. It appeared to him that it was only a dominant variety of the particular district in which Mr. Farren had taken the insect. Mr. Tugwell said he quite endorsed what Mr. Weir had said, and that, in his opinion, it was simply a local form of murals, and nothing more. Mr. Wellman concurred in this view, as did several other members. Mr. Carrington said he had never heard of any of the senus Bryophila having been reared from ova. He was of opinion that if ova were obtained it would not be sucha difficult matter to rear the larva as was generally supposed ; and if reared, it would no doubt clear up the disputed point. Mr. Oldham made a communication to the effect that the Long Pond, in the Warren at Folkestone, had been destroyed by the erosion of the coast by the sea; and he exhibited a fossil of Pecten beevori, in a fine state of preservation, partially covered with iron pyrites. NOVEMBER 4th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Billups exhibited seven male specimens of Hadzctus xanthopus, Kirby, a species of Hymenoptera-Aculeata, from Reigate, Surrey; and he stated that the whole seven were taken on one solitary bloom of thistle. The species was very local and appeared to prefer situations on the coast. It was occasionally plentiful at Hastings, Ventnor, Arundel, Little- hampton, Southend, and Deal, but had not been recorded so far inland as Reigate, nor taken later than the month of August. The date of the capture of those exhibited was the 30th October, and was probably without precedent, and only 67 to be accounted for by the mild and spring-like weather of the last two months. Mr. West (Streatham) exhibited bred specimens of Eubolia cervinata, Schiff. Mr. Wellman exhibited Dasydza obfuscaria, Hb., and Eupithecia togata, Ub. Mr. A. E. Cook exhibited Vanessa c-album, I.., from Wales. Mr. Jager exhibited a striking variety of Aypszpetes ruberata, Frr., taken at Brockenhurst, in the New Forest. Mr. Carrington stated that this variety was not un- common in Scotland, in which country there was only one brood, whilst in England there were two. Mr. W. G. Sheldon exhibited dark forms of Hypszpetes sordidata, Fb., from Cadder Moss, Lanarkshire. Mr. T. W. Hall exhibited short series of Cerastis vaccinzz, L., and C. spadicea, Hb., which, he remarked, were exhibited not for their rarity, but rather to get an expression of opinion as to whether the two species were distinct or whether Spadicea was but a somewhat uncommon variety of vacciniz. The specimens shown were chiefly from Epping Forest. Mr. Adkin said it was one of those questions which Entomologists looked at from different points of view. Mr. R. South exhibited Guophos obscuraria, Hb., and read the following notes :— “There are forms of odscuraria which run so close to varieties of other European species of Gwophos, that it is hardly matter for surprise that authors should have included such insects as pullata and dilucidaria in works on British Lepidoptera. “As far as we know at present obscuraria, Hb., is the only species of the genus found in Great Britain. At the same time it is quite possible that the ful/ata of Hib. is not really distinct from his obscuraria. The descriptions of the 68 larvee of these insects are, in some respects, not quite identical but the insects themselves are very similar, Again, the variation of pullata, like that of obscuraria, ranges from a white or whitish form on the one hand, to a black or blackish form on the other. “ Dilucidaria, Hb., has a certain superficial resemblance to the paler form of obscuraria, but on a closer examination the structural differences of the two insects are at once apparent. “ By way of illustrating the variable character of obscuraria, in the ground colour of its wings more especially, | exhibit specimens from widely distant British localities. The first three are from Folkestone, and these in tone of colour lead up to the darker coloration of the New Forest and Perthshire specimens in the next row. The third and fourth rows are from North Devon and Lewes respectively. “From these examples it will be seen that in each locality the species is represented by a different form, and each form seems fairly constant in its particular locality. The Folke- stone, New Forest, and Perthshire specimens are more or less typical. The North Devon examples come near to, but are not quite, Staudinger’s var. argillacearia, and the Lewes insects approach the var. ca/ceaéa, Staud. “Mr. Jenner Weir, in an elaborate paper on ‘ Variations in the colour of Lepidoptera,’‘ Entom.’ xvi. 169-176, says (p. 173), ‘as an instance of a topomorphic variety, dependent, ap- parently, on the geological environment, I know of no better example than that of Gzophos obscuraria’ With regard to the forms before you this evening it would be difficult to imagine coloration more suitable for each in its peculiar habitat than that which it possesses. “In the production of these varied forms there is, I think, no question of food influence. The differences between the darkest and lightest specimens is simply one of more or less blackish pigment, and the amount of such pig- ment is regulated by the laws of natural selection and in- 69 heritance working in accord with the surroundings of the insect.” Mr. Rose exhibited Lycena virgauree, L., from Norway ; varieties of Boarmia repandata, L., from the Isle of Wight and Ambleside; and Wudaria mundana, L., which latter species had been plentiful on walis in the Lake District. Mr. Adkin exhibited specimens of Euchelza jacobeée, L. in one of which the red markings were absent from the right wing. Mr. Chaney exhibited the following species of Cole- optera: Sphodrus leucopthalmus, L., from Peckham; MWolytes germanus, L., Agabus nitidus, F., from Snowdon; and Bary- notus merens, F., from West Horsley. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited the scarce grasshopper, Gom- phoceros rufus, Ch., from Reigate ; a new locality for this species of Orthoptera ; also the following species of Hemiptera :— Corimelena scarabeoides, L., and Sehirus morio, L., both from Reigate. Mr. Billups stated that neither had hitherto been recorded from this locality, Messrs. Saunders, Douglas, and Scott giving London districts only for S. morio; and Purley Downs, Gloucester, Mickleham, and the sand hills near Burnham, for C. scarabeoides. Mr. Billups also exhibited three distinct groups of miniature cocoons produced from larve mining the leaves of a plant of Columbine (Aguzlegia vulgaris), growing in his garden at Peckham, and which, he stated, were most probably dipterous, or some species of Chalcid parasitic on the miner. Mr. Billups then called attention to a note in the current number of “ Science Gossip,” recording the occurrence of a large flight of butterflies at Salzburg, Austria ; and a short discussion took place as to this and similar flights which have been noticed from time to time, in which Messrs. Carrington, South, Williams, Adkin, and others, took part. 70 NOVEMBER 18th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a female specimen of Prosopis punctulatissima, Sm., taken at South Hayling, June, 1886, and said that this very rare short-tongued bee had hitherto only been recorded from Birch Wood, Kent, where it was taken some twenty-five years since by the late Mr. F. Smith. Mr. Billups also exhibited two drawers of /chneumonide, containing types of most of the genus from the /chneumonides to the Cryptides ; also large series of most of the Chryszdide, showing his improved system of mounting these very fragile insects, and his new mode of labelling, obviating the necessity of keeping a journal. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited Ptclophora plumigera, Esp. Mr. R. South exhibited three instances of parallelism in the coloration of the female of Lycena icarus, Rott., and L. bellargus, Rott., two being well-marked examples of their respective types, and one being a variety of L. dellargus, coming close to var. ceronus, Esper., but lacking the orange spots on the forewings. If these had been present it would have exactly corresponded with the variety of zcarus ex- hibited by its side. There was also shown a curious form of the male of Lycena corydon, Fb., with distinct ocelli on the forewings, and a specimen of L. zcarus from the Isle of Hoy, having a strong tinge of the de//argus blue on the inferior wings. Mr. W. G. Sheldon exhibited a specimen of the genus Xanthia which, Mr. South stated, was known in this country as var. ocellaris of Xanthia gilvago, Esp.,and probably identical with Xanthza ocellaris, Bork. ‘Some discussion ensued, in which Messrs. South, Adkin, Carrington, Sheldon, and Williams, took part. 71 Mr. E. Step exhibited two species of fungi from Wimbledon Common: Calocera viscosa and Pesziza aurantia. DECEMBER 2nd, 1886, R. ADKIN, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Tutt exhibited, and drew attention to the close re- semblance of, several species and forms of Agrotis. The exhibit comprised a number of A. nzgricans, L., from Deal, Greenwich, and Cuxton; about 500 specimens of A. ¢riézcz, L., and var. aguzlzna, Hb., from several localities, and so-called Scotch odelisca, with specimens of obelisca, Hb., from Germany for comparison; also specimens of agathina, Dup., from Perthshire, and a very fine series of cursorza, Bork., from Sligo, among which were many interesting forms, some of them very like German odelisca. One peculiar specimen, among other curious forms of ¢rzézcz, from Sligo, lent Mr. P. Russ, bore a superficial resemblance to agathina. Mr. Tutt also exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Russ, Epunda lutulenta, var. sedz, Gn., together with a beautiful example of the var. Juneburgensis, Frr., captured near Sligo. Mr. Adye exhibited a‘ melanic variety of Hemerophila abruptaria, Thnb., and a curious male variety of Epzinephele zantra, L., having a conspicuous white blotch of irregular shape upon each of its four wings. Mr. R. South exhibited a number of Rhopalocera, from the Amor Valley, Siberia. Among the species were Lycena cleobts, Brem., L. avgiades, Pall., L. optilete, Knock., L. zephyrus, Friv., Argynnis selene, Schiff, A. selenis, Ev., and A. euphrosyne, L, Mr. R. Adkin exhibited Czdaria reticulata, Fb., bred during the present season by Mr. H. Murray, Carnforth, from larve found on /mpatiens nolt-me-tangere, L., near Winder- mere. Mr. W. A. Pearce exhibited a coloured drawing of the larva of Mamestra persicaria, L., feeding on willow. 72 Mr. Tugwell exhibited a number of insects from New Caledonia. Among these was a specimen of Cherocampa celerto, L., which he stated was exactly similar to the type found in this country. There were also in the box several species of Syxtomzs, allied to S. phegea. Dr. P. Rendall exhibited a specimen of Noctua festiva, Hb., v. conflua, Tr.,taken by him at sugar, in the New Forest, between the 20th and 28th July. He stated that during this time he took not a single specimen of the ordinary form of festiva, although this had been common about the 17th to 20th June. An interesting discussion then took place as to whether conflua was distinct from festzva. Mr. Hall exhibited a specimen of the large green grass- hopper, Locusta viridisstma, taken at sugar. Mr. Tugwell said, that on the sandhills at Deal it was a very common experience, in the course of an evening’s sugaring, to find this species, and he was of opinion that they came there to catch the moths that were attracted by such sugar, and he had frequently seen them attack and make a meal of even so large an insect as Phlogophora meticulosa, L. Mr. Billups said that this species of grasshopper was not at all particular as to its food. He had kept them alive by feeding them with small pieces of beefsteak or worms. Mr. Billups exhibited a species of Coccidz (or Plant Lice), Aleurodes vaporariorum, Westw., taken from a greenhouse at Snaresbrook, Essex, December 2nd, on the leaves of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum), where it had been doing an im- mense amount of damage to the plant, and read the following note :— “This species was first described and figured by Prof. Westwood in the ‘Gardener’s Chronicle,’ 1856, page 182; but for a later description I would refer Members to the ‘Entomologists’ Monthly Magazine’ for this month, page 165, where the insect is more fully! described by Mr. J. W. Douglas, to whom I am indebted for identification.” 73 Mr. R. South read a paper on British snake-like reptiles. The author having briefly referred to Professor Huxley’s division of the Zoological sub-kingdom Vertebrata into ° three primary sections, viz.: Ichthyopsida, Sauropsida, and Mammalia, made some remarks on the apparently in- congruous grouping together of reptiles and birds in the section Sauropsida. He then proceeded to deal with the class Reptilia, and observed that of the four orders in this class represented by living forms in the present day, only two, viz.: the Ophidia and Lacertilia had representatives in Britain. The three British Ophidians, and one snake-like Lacer- tilian were then discussed at some length. DECEMBER 6th, 1886. R. ADKIN, Esq. F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited three species of Ichneu- monidz, new to Britain :— Bassus bizonarius, Gr. (P1. 1., Fig. 13), taken in his garden at Peckham, May, 1885. Evromenus (Trichocalymma, Foerst.) plebejum, Wolds (Pl. 1, fig. 10), taken at Dulwich, June rith, 1885. Perilissus triangulatus, Bridgm. (Pl. 1, fig. 9). The male was taken in his garden at Peckham, May, 1885, and the female at Croxted Lane, Dulwich, May, 1885. He stated that he was indebted to his friend, Mr, J. B. Bridgman for the identi- fication of these three new species, which he has fully described in a paper read before the Entomological Society of London, July 7th, 1886, and printed in fullin the Society’s Transactions for 1886. Mr. Dobson exhibited wasps’ nests of the genus Odynerus, found under a doorway in the New Forest. 74 Mr. Adye exhibited specimens of Sphinx convolvult, L., taken at Christchurch, 1885; and he stated that although he had been out on upwards of forty nights, he had not seen a single example of the species this year. Mr. Adkin, on behalf of Mrs. Hutchinson, exhibited a male specimen of Stauropus fagz, L., having female antenne. Mr. West, of Streatham, exhibited eggs of the Emu (Dromaius nove hollanda). LIST OF MEMBERS. Avkin, R., F.E.S., President, Wellfield, Lingards Road, Lewisham, S.E. Apxkin, B. W., Brandon House, Morden Hill, Lewisham, S.E. ApyE, J. M., Somerford Grange, Christchurch, Hants. Barcuay, F. H., Leyton, Essex. BarKER, H. W., Hon. Sec., 148, Hollydale Road, Peckham, S.E. Beaumont, A., F.E.S., 30, Ladywell Park, Lewisham, S.E. Bitiups, T. R., F.E.S., 20, Swiss Villas, Coplestone Road, Peckham, S.E. . BLANDFORD, W. F., Trinity College, Cambridge. Buiss, A., F.E.S., Pennenis, Trewsbury Road, Sydenham, S.E. Botcer, H. L., The Tiger’s Head Inn, Chiselhurst, Kent. BoutTE Lt, C. S., 7, Irene Road, Fulham, S.W. Brapy, C., 3, Tanners End, Edmonton, N. Brices, C. A., F.E.S., Surrey House, Leatherhead, Surrey. Brices, T. A., M.A., F.E.S., Surrey House, Leatherhead, Surrey. CARPENTER, J. H., 15, Loughborough Road, Brixton, S.W. CaRRINGTON, J. T., F.L.S., 2, Victoria Mansions, Westminster, S.W. Cuampion, G. C., F.E.S., 11, Caldervale Road, Elm Park, Clapham, S.W. Cuaney, W. C., Hon. Librarian, 96, Bird in Bush Road, Peckham, S.E. Criark, J. A., F.E.S., The Broadway, London Fields, E. CLoDE, W., 47, Phillimore Gardens, Campden Hill, W. (Zz/e Memter). CockERELL, T. D. A., 5, Priory Terrace, Bedford Park, Chiswick. Cote, W., F.E.S., Laurel Cottage, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. CottetT, E. P., F.E.S., 76, Islip Street, Kentish Town, N.W. Cotuincs, H., 30, Wickham Road, St. John’s, S.E. Cook, A. E., 31, Lower Road, Rotherhithe, S.E. Cooper, J. A., 1, Sussex Villas, Harrow Road, Leytonstone. 76 CrokKlR, A. J., 49, Braxfield Road, Brockley, S.E. Day, G., 19, Garlick Hill, E.C. Distant, W. L., F.E.S., M.A.L, 1, Russell-hill-road, Purley, Surrey. Dogson, H. T., 3, Sycamore Villas, New Malden, Surrey. Downine, J. W., 59, Lupus Street, Pimlico, S.W. Dunninc, J. W., M.A., F.L.S.,.F.Z.S., F.E.S., Patron, 12, (Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn, W.C. Epwarps, S., F.E.S., Kidbrooke Lodge, Blackheath, S.E. Every, A. G., 84, Drakefell Road, Hatcham, S.E. E.isHA, G., F.E.S., 122, Shepherdess Walk, City Road, E.C. Enock, F., F.E.S., 21, Prospero Road, Upper Holloway, N. FARREN, W., 14, King’s Parade, Cambridge. Fickuin, A., Norbiton, Surrey. FREMLIN, H. S., 1, Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, W. FRERE, R., St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, W. FrRouAWK, F. W., Park Place, Eltham. Grsp, L., 185, High Street, Lewisham, S.E. Gisp, T., Jun., Bretby, Burton-on-Trent. Gopwin, F., 88, Carlisle Street, Edgware Road, W. . GOLDTHWAITE, O. C., 2, Grove Villas, Grove Road, Walthamstow. Goocn, W. D., F.L.S., 2, Victoria Mansions, Westminster. Hau, T. H., 35, Thorne Road, Albert Square, Clapham, S.W. PALL, “D.. W.;) H.E:S.,:3, (New Inn, - Wee Hetps, J. A., Newstead Lodge, Westhall Road, Forest Hill, S.E. HENDERSON, J., 58, Romolo Road, Herne Hill, 5.W. Hickuinc, G. H., Landon Cottage, Elm Road, Sidcup. Huu, L. F., 39, Belsize Park Gardens, N.W. Hopeson, A. E., Coleford, Gloucestershire. HutTcHINSON, H., 110, Cannon Street, E.C. JAGER, J., 180, Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W. Josson, H., 3, Clarendon Road, Walthamstow. Joy, E., 15, Brownswood Park, South Hornsey, N. Kang, W. F.peV., M.A., F.E.S., M.R.E.A., Sloperton Lodge, Kingstown, Co. Dublin. KELSALL, J. E., Toynbee Hall, E. KENWARD, J., Redcliffe, Corona Road, Lee, S.E. 147 Lance, Rev. H. C., M.D., F.L.S., F.E.S., Western Elms Cottage, Reading, Lea, JouN, 2, Elm Villas, Elm Row, Heath Street, Hampstead, N.W. Levert, C., 104, Malpas Road, Brockley, S.E., Lowry, P. H., 8, Winslade Road, Brixton Rise, S.W. Luxzsock, Sir JoHN, Bart., M.P., D.C.L, F.R.S., F.LS., F.G.S., F.E.S., Patron, High Elms, Down, near Farnboro’, Kent. McLacuian, R., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S., Patron, Westview, Clarendon Road, Lewisham, S.E. McDonatp, F. W. Jun., 11, Walden Street, New Road, Commercial Road, E. MANGER, W., 100, Manor Road, New Cross, S.E. MattTHEw, Dr. C. M., Wickham Lodge, Trinity Road, Upper Tooting, S.W. MEDLAND, J. B., 12, Borough High Street, S.E. Mera, A. W., 1, Lothian Villas, Capel Road, Forest Gate, E. Mites, W. H., F.E.S., Dawson & Co., 5 and 6, Hare Street, Calcutta, India. MonTIERO, Senor A.DEC., F.E.S., 72, Rua do Alacrine, Lisbon. Mu uns, B. W., Shirley Villa, Broad Green Avenue, Croydon. Newserry, W. H., 3, Elliot Road, Lewisham, S.E. Nevinson, E. B., 9, Essex Street, Strand, W.C. Newman, T. P., F.Z.5S., F.E.S., 54, Hatton Garden, E.C. Nussry, B. L., 8, Upper Tulse Hill, S.E. OLDHAM, C., 2, Warwick Villas, Chelmsford Road, Woodford. Pawsey, W., 21, Cressingham Road, Lewisham, S.E. Pearce, A. E., 1, Ildersley Grove, West Dulwich, S.E. Pearce, W. A., Lyndhurst, Croxted Road, West Dulwich, S.E. Perkins, V. R., F.E.S., Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. PonsForD, J. T., 73, Loughborough Park, Brixton, S.W. Pow.Ley, W., M.A. Cantab., Whitton Villa, Hounslow. RENDALL, P., M.D., St. George’s Dispensary, Little Grosvenor St., W. Rice, D. J., 22, Methley Street, Kennington, S.E, Rickertrs, M., 61, High Street, Gravesend, Kent. Roperrs, C, 20, Aytoun Road, Stockwell, S.W. Rosk, A. J., F.E.S., 2, Linden Villas, Bedford Road, Snaresbrook, SABINE, E., 22, The Villas, Erith, | 78 Satwey, R. E., F.E.S., 1, Bouverie Place, Folkestone. Suaw, A. E., F.E.S., 13, Lanhill Road, Paddington, W. SHEARWOOD, G, P., Uplands, Belvedere Road, Upper Norwood, S.E SHELDON, W. G., The Oval, Addiscombe, Croydon. SKINNER, G., 31, Motley Street, Wandsworth Road, S.W. SoutH, R., F.E.S., Vice-President, 12, Abbey Gardens, St. John’s Wood, N.W. Spanton, A, W., Ellerslie, Eltham Road, Lee, S.E. Stainton, H. T., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.G.S., F.E.S., Patron, Mountsfield, Lewisham, S.E. STANDEN, R., The White House, Alby, Norfolk (Zzfe AZember). Step, E., Hon. Treasurer, 37, Charlwood Road, Putney, S.W. STEVENS, S., F.L.S., E.E.S., Loanda, Beulah Hill, Norwood, S.E. Storey, A. T., 49, Wilson Road, Camberwell, S.E. TuGWELL, W. H., 6, Lewisham Road, Greenwich, S.E. Tutt, J. W.,F.E.S., Rayleigh Villa, Westcombe Park, Blackheath, S. E. Urwick, W. F., Clapham Common, S.W. WALKER, J. J., R.N., F.E.S., 23, Ranelagh Road, Marine Town, Sheerness. WALSINGHAM, THOMAS DE GREY, Lord, M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S., Patron, Eaton House, Eaton Square, S.W. Watson, C. H., 4, Auckland Villas, Gipsy Road, West Norwood, S. W. WEIR, J. J., F.LS., F.Z.S., F.E.S., Chirbury, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham. WELLMAN, J. R., 8, Medora Road, Brixton Rise, $.W.: West, W., Hon. Curator, 8, Ravensbourne Terrace, Lewisham Road, S.E. West, W., L.D.S., Cyprus Villa, Lewin Road, Streatham Common. WiLkinson, S. J., 22, Richmond Terrace, Clapham Road, S.W. Wiis, J. T., 5, Woodland Villas, Foots Cray, Kent. Winpyeank, A. J., Ashdown Road, Kingston-on-Thames. Wricut, W. H., Secretary’s Department, Somerset House, Strand, W.C. Members will greatly oblige by informing the Hon. Sec. of any errors or alterations in the above addresses and descriptions, al by [2 BD) SD Ge Anosia plexippus ... 17s ‘42; 60 ponslt ire Se PAGE PAGE Abraxas grossulariata, avd vars. Anthia sexguttata ... Es sco BY 46, 53, 54, 64 | Anthicus schaumi ... oe g2 Accipter nisus arth Pats ... 36 | Anthus pratensis .. ath we 44 Acherontia atropos 18, 26, 63 | Antispila neimereliat Re eA Acidalia bisetata, var. 53, 57 | Apanteles bicolor ... ame sony »> emarginata, 42,58; var. 31 Ap glomeratus... Pe 27) »» inornata ... an .. 64 op jucundus Re eg Rey erusticata.e 54, 58 5 rubripes sa Harveals » Strigilaria... Ab ... 58 | Aphomia sociella ... 43, 47 Aciptilia galactodactyla ae Aquilegia vulgaris, mzner 72 ... 69 Acontia luctuosa ... aN 43 | Argynnisaglaia_... ade . 64 Acronycta alni_... is ee AS nD euphrosyne 55> 71 Adela cuprella_... Bio ua. 40 a5 paphia, vars. ey 52, 55 Agabus nitidus... ae .. 69 a selene... 3 on fil Agapanthia lineaticollis ... i. 30 of selenis ... noe at fi Agrotis agathina 58, 71 | Argyrolepia badiana ae ve N52 » anundetermined specimen of 58 | Ascogaster canifrons, a new Ich- », ashworthii... ee ite 59 neumon wht a ee 1G wae cuKsOral sae Ms ... 71 | Asteroscopus nubeculosa . 35, 64 ‘30 Migricans, ..: Re ..«° 71 | Asthena blomeri ... Aas .. 46 5, Obelisca ... aa ... 71 | Axylia putris as he w. 56 pp alien ee ae ahee7t Aleucis pictaria... ae .. 41 | Balance Sheet ss Bs eaeO Aleurodes vaporariorum ... ... 72 | Balaninus rubidus ... Soe se OZ Allantus viennesis ... 5a ... 43 | Barynotus meerens... Nes .. 69 Allysia manducator, bred from Bassus bizonarius, @ mew Ichneu- Creophilus maxillosus a00 eas mon... 300 16, 73 »- Amblyptilia acanthodactyla 59, 63 | Bilharzia_ ... SES Amphidasys betularia ... 56 | Boarmia Eeeanidetas 31, 44, 6 53, 57, 69 Anchomenus sahlbergi, @ zew Co- 5 ap its parasite 49, 57 leopteron ite ss ... 15 | Botys repandalis, a mew Lepidop- Annual Exhibition eee 12 teron ... x iat hy GRAS EPRI. », ..terrealis a oe ceeiaals 80 PAGE Bracon westmeli, a zewwIchneumon 16 Broscus cephalotes... ah ie 34 Bryophila impar ; 57, 65 Ap muralis.., 57> 59, 65 ” perla T, 59; 65 Buprestidae, from Suakim... we 44 Cabera exanthemata ae oon i son pUSaTial |... we 45 Czenonympha SA ORINEY UAT wom 52 Calamia phragmitidis B80 eek Callidium variabile wee an 30) Calligena miniata ... pee eee 2 Callimorpha hera ... “ike 18, 58 Calocera viscosa... 71 Cateremna terebrella, a zew raltent dopteron sine BoC oe TS Catocala sponsa... at 131463 »> _‘-promissa . : 63 Cecidomyia ceucilia a new Dip: teron ... 500 360 ee EO Rs muricate ,, 16 5 destructor... oe 16 Cerastis vaccinil ... bse wor 67 »> spadicea ... a tase, 107, Ceratophrys cornuta wes BRBLS2 Ceratorhina, ‘three species of, Srom W. Africa 3 Cheerocampa celerio Ags ae 72 Ap nerii.. 18 5 Percale? ats be rasile 62 Chelonus carbonator, @ mew Ich- neumon dpe aes aren (6) a speculator ond a. 16 Choragus sheppardi sae w =56 Chrysis succincta ... 500 Bee eG {o) Cidaria picata ais 54, 64 +. reticulata... oie soo fl » sagittaria ... Bae i 63 silaceata ... ‘ 64 Gon, South American petits of 31 Cleoceris viminalis ah 32, 56 Cleptes nitidula 45, 48 Colastes braconius... nes Be hy. Colias edusa, occurrences during 1886... a are mee cok, >» electra aoe up ... 60 Conchylus dilucidana wise do Cordiceps robertsii ate ap 7) GY PAGE Corimelcena scarabceoides O09) Corresponding Members ... eee Corymbetes fusca ... ae 02 Cosmopteryx schmidiella, @ new Lepidopteron .. : 15 Cotyledon anisitions a ue plant of Abraxas grossulariata free aS Council’s Report ... 3 Crambidee, probable new pees oF 31, 32 Crambus chrysonuchellus... ace alg? Cryptocephalus pusillus ... gS Cucullia absinthii ... ae 5 314! 55 verbasci ... ae wo 148 An chamomillce ies a OA: Cuculus canorus ... ss soo fala Cyathus vernicosus ae a ROZ Dasycampa rubiginea a0 Boa sto) Dasycera olivierella S43 - 45 Dasydia obfuscaria... mee Mey Py) Death Roll of 1886 a ppan | 20) Deilephila euphorbice ... eS, gall 27, 64 i lineata ... sae See Deiopeia pulchella... Bas BS eels) Diantheecia albimacula_... aso. SO Bn cucubali ne ua f4§ i irregularis ~ 57, 64 FP) nana 44, 45 Diasemia literata ... er 59 Dicrorampha consortana, var. is. tinctana see “ise adn aby Drosera intermedia ae Hob 533 », rotundifolia ne Se 5S Farias chlorana_... 43 Ecthrus lancifer, @ zez idinetmon 16, 58 Ematurga atomaria 45, 51 Emmelesia albulata, A/r. South on 29 Endromis versicolor ge . 40 Endrosis fenestrella is van 02 Entozoa, Mr. Weston... bin) 2) Ephippiphora cirsiana_... 52 35 foenella Sa eS 2 Epinephele hyperanthes, 2 Bias eon! | 58) ianira, var, - 52,57 71 29 PAGE Epione apiciaria 42, 50 >» parallellaria SO Epunda lutulenta, vars. etal Erastria venustula ... 43, 53 Erebia epiphron, var. 52 Ervirhinus pectoralis 62 Erromenus plebejum, a new Te neumon ; hoe l/s) Eubolia cervinata ... 42, 67 Euchelia jacobeee .. . 69 Eucnemis onmelney a new Coleop- teron 500 15 Eugonia uanaveeren scay HA, £6, 64 Eupithecia linariata 59 e pimpinellata ... 52 Fy pusillata dagunciz 69 rectangulata ... 44, 53 90 subfulvata sco &{) D0 togata ... ., 67 Excursions during 1886 ... 5, 10 Fasciola, or Liver-fluke 37 Fauna of Southern Counties 13 Fulica atra ... 36 Gallinula chloropus 33, 36 Gecinus viridis Be Geometra papilionaria Hee) Boa 45 Gnophos obscuraria, and vars. 67 Gomphoceros rufus ; 69 Gracillaria stigmatella, parasite of 43 Grapholitha geminana Wise 152 Hadena pisi 53 Halictus xanthopus 66 Helix pomatia bt 44 Hemerophila abruptaria ... 71 Hepialus velleda, vay. carnus 46 55 virescens... : Spaatpel 4 Heydenia auromaculata, a new Lepidopteron ... 15 Hybernia marginaria 35 Hydrobius perrisi . 32 Hydrcecia nictitans 28 Hylotoma ceerulipennis 43 Hyponomeuta padellus 43 Hypsipetes ruberata eT, 93 sordidata 34, 67 G PAGE Hyria muricata.., as soo 2 Ichneumonide from Constantinople 41 Ichneumon xanthorus _... BD. i) Kolbia quisquilarum, a xew Neu- ropteron te ns wt 16 Lacon murinus ... 33 Langelandia anopthalma, a new Coleopteron ... Be oo BES Lanius collurio ... 5 er 838 Larentia olivata, var... Fey 53 Lasiocampa quercifolia ... nO Lebia. chlorocephalia et Pepeeealy Ledra aurita ie 8 Hf 56 Leucania vitellina ... £3 Pr ERD bs) Ligdia adustata ... i soo AI Limneria interrupta ae vecteR Ae Lithocolletis distentella, a xew Lepidopteron ... F 15 55 eeiamal ven astte oF 42 a spinicolella ,, 42 Lithosia griseola ... vei ws 59 »» mesomella a3 On! Lobophora sexalisata oe Ea} Locusta viridissima A bone Lophopteryx cuculla 57 Lyccena argiolus, the ¢wo vous we 23, 53 a bellarsusi se: tek 61, 70 », corydon = 54, 59, 60, 61, 70 » Icarus, dwarf forms of 29, 34 vs Dy Ls .» 59, 64, 70 »» minima, xanthicvar. ... 51 virgaurrece 69 Liyeasnidlte, Jrom the Amor Valley: 71 Lycopersicum esculentum, attacked éy Aleurodes vaporariorum ... 72 Mamestra persicarice ae Baris 7fil Melanippe fluctuata, var. ... doo cz) “3 hastata... is od a montanata, var. we. ~46 nt tristata... ane Boe aye) Meliana flammea ... aes Sadana Meligethes exilis ... aa Hae 2 Melitcea aurinia... aa oe PACE Mesoleius sanguinicollis 43 Meteorus luridus, @ zew Ichneu- mon an 16, 42 Microgaster fame 49, 57 Microphysa elegantula 50 ~/Mimeeseoptilus bipunctidactyla ... 59 a ee 59 Moloch horridus ; 40 Molorchus minimus 56 Molytes germanus ... 69 Morchella esculenta 40 Mycetoporus longulus 56 5 nanus Natrix torquata Be Nepticula desperatella, a xew Le: pidopteron ends Noctua brunnea, parasite ap Soon ae 3, castanea, avd var.neglecta 27 Ap 56 red and grey vars. 54 », festiva 72 Nola albulalis 64. Notodonta trepida... 47 Nudaria mundana .. 69 Nyssia hispidaria, eee var. 30 3, zonaria aH 64 Ocneria dispar 50 Odynerus sp. a 73 Omalium rugulipenne 32 Onthopagus sp., /rcm Maiagascar Be Ophrys muscifera ... - 44 Oporabia filigrammaria 30 Poedisca sordidana... a Od: Panagceus quadripustulatus, 35, 56 Papilio machaon 16, 35, 61 Parus major aon ee} Paussus fauvieri 42 Pecten beevori 66 Perilissus triangulatus, @ mew Teh: “neumon 73 Peziza aurantia 71 Pheidole megacephala sen Ue Phorodesma smaragdaria ... 42, 53 Phoxopteryx upupana 40 Phlogophora meticulosa, eatez By Locusta viridissima 72 82 PAGE Phylus avellance 56 “A coryli 56 Picus major : 33 Pieris brassicce, z¢s Aoi 63 Pimpla brevicornis.. 43 Planorbis albus, var. , (lemme 52 Plusia chryson 63 >> festucce 63 », pulchrina 63 Polyommatus phloeas 52 President's Address 9 Prosopis punctulatissima ... 70 Ptilophora plumigera 70 Retinia turionana ... 42 Rhyssa persuasoria, Garaane Wise Sirex 26 Saturnia pavonia ... 42 Satyrus semele, var. 52 Sehirus morio . 69 Sericoris euphorbiana, poner e 42 Sesia andreniformis aay, Siricidee, Wr. Billups’ Notes On... 25 Snake-like Reptiles, 177. South on 73 Sphinx convolvuli ... 18, 64, 74 », ligustri 62 Spilosoma mendica, aap nls a 41 An menthrasti 4! Sphodrus leucopthalmus ... 69 Spring of 1886, backward... 4I Stauropus fagi 74 Stenia punctalis 59 Stilbia anomala 64 Strangalia 4-fasciata ego Syntomis phegea 39, 72 Tachytes unicolor ... 53 Toenia solium 39 Toeniocampa gracilis, Hae eis of 34 Temmonedate pusilits 56 Tephrosia biundularia 56 99 crepuscularia 56 Thecla rubi... 44 Thera juniperata 59 3, Obeliscata 59 » variata 59 Timandra amataria Tortrix ribeana Toxocampa pastinum Trichina spiralis Tricocera regelationis Triphosa dubitata ... Trogus alboguttatus », exaltatorius >, lutorius Trox sabulosus Vanessa antiopa », c-album a callirhoé ... aS cardul, vars. of ... PAGE Vanessa io, avd urticce, vars. of... 29 Xanthia citrago... see sone Ag fulvago ... Mees she g2 » ocellaris .. 70 Xylophasia polyodon, dark form of 51 Xanthosetia zoegana os Te G2 Zonosoma orbicularia se .. 56 Zonites crystallinus le ese Zootoca vivipara ... Pe Se 35 Zygoena exulans, var. sub-ochracea 64 », filipendulce i 57, 61 »» Meliloti... ap doo G0) Zygoenidce, Mr. South on certain species of ane S06 sop 23 EDWARD KNIGHT, PRINTER, MIDDLE STREET, LONDON, E.¢. Ass 15 sitinw \ 6. ee aha sie opehelee] Handke ele . * eo aS Bi poaciltieTe er rox memons pecierreces watkaor, pe ss AION. So Sig ray ces re ipo ere ntinge tad iat gna eae tnt SS % bE: i + oF mee ~ ~ ee Rm yee mae he ay OSA WISI’ 2 maa eae eae {33 ; “Se dele dle tesxS) 1, Proce Sal Boel S) West Newman &Co.imp < del.adnat. i Prohawk Ey THE SOUTH LONDON Entomological & Datural Bistory Society (Established 1872) The Bridge House, London Bridge, S.E. an JOSEPH W. DUNNING, Esq., M.A., | R. McLACHLAN, Esq., BP.L.S., F:Z.S., F.E.S. F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S. SIR JOHN LUBBOCK, Bart., M.P.. | HENRY T. STAINTON, Esq., D.C.L., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.G.S., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.G.S., F.E:S. F.R.S., F.E.S. RIGHT HON. LORD WALSINGHAM, M.A., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S. &c OFFICERS AND .COUNCIL, Elected December 22nd, 1887. resident. tT. Re BILEUPS) BES. Pice-Presidents. J. T. CARRINGTON, F.L.S. W. H. TUGWELL, M.P.S. Council. T.. W. Haut, F.E.S. R. SoutuH, F.E.S. Jey. WEIR, Poles), BeZe95,) Hales: Hon. Mibrartan. DJ) INIGE: R. ADKIN, F.E.S. J. W. Tutt, F.E.S. J. R. WELLMAN. W. C. CHANEY. How. Curator, W. WEsT (Greenwich). Hon. Creasurer. E. STEP, The Mays, Ladbroke Road, Epsom, Surrey. Hon. Assistant Secretary. H. J. TURNER. Hon. Secretary. H. W. Barker, F.E.S., 83, Brayard’s Road, Peckham, S.E, To whom all Communications should be addressed. E97 AOL ea ty Zo Iod ¢ THE SOUYH LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, THE BRIDGE HOUSE, LONDON BRIDGE, S.E. The Society has for its object the ciffusion of Biological Science, by means of papers, and discussions, and the formation of typical Collections. There is a Library for the use of Members. Meetings of the Members are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings in each month, from Eight to Ten p.m., at the above address. The Society’s rooms are easy of access from all parts of London, and the Council cordially invite the co-operation of all naturalists, especially those who are willing to further the objects of the Society by reading papers and exhibiting their specimens. RA RARARKRA RRR RRA RR RR RAS SaGBSGRIPTION. Seven Shillings and Sixpence per Annum, with an Entrance fee of Two Shillings and Sixpence. All communications to be addressed to the Hon. Secretary, He We BARKER: 83, Brayard’s Road, Peckham, S.E. POLI DOPPPEPLLIS I IIIPIPLIEIIPOMDJIP_SISLSISIIGI LS PAST PRESIDENTS. 1872 ... J. R. WELLMAN. | 1880 ... A. FICKLIN 17/2 dbo a5 | 188i... V2 R.-PERKINS, FP. EvS: 1874 ... 5s |) 18822. ok. Ro SBILEUPSshan Ss 1875 :., Ay B. WARNS | 1883... J; R. WELLMAN. ite AS) hos 33 | 1884 ....W.. WEsT, L.D.S: 1977 4.2 J. By BARRED. > 1885) eRe SOUTH HAE AS: 1878 ... J. -T. Wiliams. 1886 ... R. AKIN, F.E.S. 1879 ... R. STANDEN, F.E.S. 1887 ... 5 eo ed @ Ee ae iSis7: eee ‘HE Council have again toe congratulate the Members in this, their sixteenth Annual Report, on the continued prosperity of the Society, the year now fast drawing towards a close having been a most successful one. At the end of 1886 it was found necessary, for many reasons, to remove the headquarters of the Society to more suitable premises. The present rooms were then taken at a slight increase in the yearly rent; and as a result of the greater convenience and comfort, together with other causes, the Council can again report a large increase in the membership. When the last Report was issued, the number of Members on the books was 106; during the year 51 new Members have been elected, we have lost one Member by death, one has resigned, and the names of seven others have been erased from the books, leaving a total of 148 Members. Owing to the increased membership, the exhibits have been more varied and numerous, a greater number of papers have been read, and, as a consequence of this, the average attend- ance of Members at the meetings has been better than it had been for some time past. The financial position of the Society still continues satis- factory, as will be seen on reference to the Balance Sheet. The following is a list of the additions to the Library :— “The Entomologist” for 1887, and “ The Zoologist,” for 1887. From Mr. T. P. NEWMAN. “The Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine” for 1887. From: Mr. MCLACHLAN. “The Young Naturalist.” From Mr. J. E, ROBSON. “The Charter, Bye Laws and List of Fellows.” From the ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 4 “Thirty-six hours’ hunting among the Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera of Middlesex.” From Mr. S. T. KLEIN. A Scrap Book for Press Reports. From Mr. E. STEP. “ List of Macro-Lepidoptera of East Sussex,” “ A Revision of genus Entomobrya,” “ Macro-Lepidopiera of Killarney,” “Lepidoptera of Bristol District,” “Science Monthly,” 3 Parts of “The Hoosier Naturalist,” “Notes from my Aquarium” (G. Brook), “Report of Observations of Injurious Insects ” (Ormerod), Vol. I. of “The Naturalist” (1887), “Dragon Flies, Ants, etc’? (Bath), a map of Rannoch on rollers, various papers, magazines, etc. From Mr. JOHN T. CARRINGTON. “List of Macro-Lepidoptera of East Sussex.” From Mr. J. H. JENNER. “Genera of British Mosses” (Unwin), and “List of Macro- Lepidoptera of East Sussex.” From J. JENNER WEIR. Part II. of ‘“ Transactions of the Essex Field Club,” and “ The Essex Naturalist,” for 1887. From The Essex FIELD CLUB. “Manual of the Mollusca” (Woodward). From Mr. H.-L. BOLGER. Six Copies of Paper on “Pedigree Moth Breeding.” From Mr. F. MERRIFIELD. “ Report of Agricultural and Horticultural Society of India.” From Mr. W. H. MILES. ‘“¢ Animal Parasites” (Van Beneden); “ Ants, Bees, and Wasps” (Sir John Lubbock) ; and “ The Garner” for 1887. From Mr. T. R. BILLUPS. “The Naturalist’s Monthly.” From Dr. WILLIAMS. “Our Summer Migrants” (Harting). From Mr. FENN. “Abstract of Proceedings of the Metropolitan Scientific Association.” From the ASSOCIATION. Plate for Society’s Proceedings. From Mr, F. W. FROHAWK. 5 “Vear Book of Scientific and Learned Societies ;” “ Science Gossip ” for 1887; Vol. II. of Buckler’s “ Larve of Brit- ish Lepidoptera.” By PURCHASE. The Council take this opportunity of again thanking the respective donors to the Library; and at the same time they wish to express their thanks to Mr. Chaney for his services as Librarian, and the general feeling of regret that he finds himself unable longer to fulfil the duties of that office. The following donations have been received for the Society’s collections, which are still under the care of Mr. W. WEST, of Greenwich :— A pair of Zygena exulans, from Mr. L. GIBB. A number of species of Lepidoptera from Mr. R. ADKIN andar Ka SOULE: British Land and Freshwater shells from Dr. RENDALL. Many species of Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, etc., collected in the neighbourhood of Colorado, from Mr. T. DT COCKERELL: The following Excursions have been held :— The Zoological Society’s Gardens on May 14th. Conducted by Mr. J. JENNER WEIR. Loughton on June 4th. Conducted by Mr. C. OLDHAM. Mickleham on June 25th. Conducted by Messrs. STEP, C. A. BRIGGS, and T. H. BRIGGS. Sevenoaks on July 16th. Conducted by Mr. J. T. WILLIAMS. The Annual Exhibition was held on the 16th of November, there being about 100 Exhibitors, and despite the exceedingly foggy weather, an attendance of about 1,000 visitors. H. W. BARKER, Hon. Sec. THE SOUTH LONDON ENVOMOLOGICAL LL SEES BALANCE SHEET FOR GENERAL . RECEIPTS. raga ies Ieee To Balance from last Audit, Dec. 16th, 1886 9 5 9 », subscriptions and Entrance Fees... Hoe BIRO 6) Zo) kD) PUBLICATION To Balance from last Audit int et Bese hig My 1.010) », Lransfer from General Fund ... Aes sea 1 28O).. © », vale of “ Proceedings ” abe ee Leo ROR © », Donations Ae ve ae oe Saou Pe) Ito} 0) PATS 38 o- LIBRARY To Balance from last Audit a me AE ATL TaetS », Library Fines ... ae We ne sagas | oe BE AO) ASSETS. To Balance, General Fund... 7 O25 = i Publication ,, r326. O %5 99 Library 9 iy eee aa Total Cash Balance ... Soph Mae hnts One », Estimated Realisable Propoition of Arrears 2 10 o Alri 18 64 Audited and found correct, AND NAWURAL HISTORY SOCIEY, THE YEAR 1887. FUND. EXPENDITURE. IB? INGE Soc BE : », Lransfer to Eubhearion mind », Purchase of Books », Postage and Stationery », Exhibition ie ees only) » Printing 5» sundries é », Cash Balance in hang: FUND. By Printing ; ,, Cash Balance in hand FUND. By Binding ,, Balance in hand LIABILITIES. By Rent due Christmas, 1887 ,, Balance of Assets over Liabilities December 22nd, 1887. W. H. TUGWELL, | Vo We TOMI j Auditors. oe ~ SE Sat Lal H iS) f=) ends Wo) Oy (e)-xoy 5 bole Slats) 2G) ze our a Ones, Zo) i © TOM 7a AO 1 (0) >) JEN, 8 © I 6 I 4 Lia) ATO 3 8a © 815 64 Hirt 18 64 PLATE E Fig. 1. Afelitea cinxia, L., 8, var. (upper and under surfaces), page 65. » 2. Melitea cinxia, L., 9, var. (upper and under surfaces), page 65. » 3 Lycena icarus, Rott., g, var. (underside), page 62. 5, 4. Spilesoma menthastri, Esp., var. page 77. » 5. » 6. 9 7. eRe Spilosoma mendica, Clerck., g g , var. rustica, Hub. (Cork), page go. Rit pena), sO: peylli: », 12. Sprlosoma mendica, Clerck., @, var. rustica, Hub. (Antrim) page go. alls) Spilosoma mendica, Clerck., 2 3, var. rustica, Hub. (Cork), en l4s page go. » 15. Lphestia kiithniella, Zell., pages 20 and 58. eb a0. ' Figal. Phenus principalis, Dup., $, page 54. , la. Sectional view of Head and Thorax. Golofa hastatus, Bur., 6, page 52. a. Sectional view of Head and Thorax. Allantus marginellus, Pz, 8, page 55. Blennocampa alternipes, Klug., 9, page 55. Blennocampa aterrima, Klug., 9 page 55. Chetropachus quadrum, ¥ab., 9, page 55. Apanteles zygenarum, Marsh, ¢, bred from AZelitea aurinia, page 57- 7a. Cluster of cocoons, from which A. syge@narum was bred. bo rasbnedee oh ae Saag) Macrocentrus marginator, Ns., 9, page 50. eeatOn 9. Stilpnus deplanatus, Gr., &, page 50. texan alge Proc. S.LE.8NHS. del 3 4 Vv 7) W.A.Pear PVE SOE NE Sic ADDRESS: ——_#s—_- GENTLEMEN, The time has arrived when it devolves upon me to discharge the final duty pertaining to the office to which you so generously elected me, for the second time, twelve months ago, by addressing you upon the progress of the Society during that period ; a duty with which I have pleasure in complying. The past year has again been one of advancement; and alterations of some importance in the conduct of the affairs of the Society have been made. In the first place, the nights of meeting have been changed from the first and third to the second and fourth Thursdays in each month. In the early days of our existence, it was, I believe, the custom to meet every Wednesday evening for the transaction of business ; but, presumably on account of the inconvenience of such an arrangement, the meetings were made fortnightly, and other alterations were from time to time considered necessary, until we found ourselves meeting regularly twice in each month, on the first and third Thursdays. But as the membership in- creased, it appeared that this selection was an unfortunate one, as these particular evenings clashed most annoyingly with the meetings of another and more learned Society. It was therefore deemed desirable to accept the exigence of the situation, and the alteration above referred to was duly accomplished at the commencement of the year; and we are now, I believe, in the happy position of having meeting nights that we may call practically our own. Then, again, the place of meeting has been changed. For some time prior to the close of the previous year, it was fore- seen that a shift of quarters might not be disadvantageous, if suitable premises could be found. The Rooms we then occu- pied were hardly so comfortable as one could wish, and 10 occasionally the meetings were inconveniently crowded ; in addition to this, we had no definite agreement as to our tenancy, and there was a possibility that we might be told at any moment to turn out ; but the “last straw” was a notice of increased rent, and it was considered by the executive to be high time to inquire what other suitable accommodation existed. In their search they were fortunate in having the services of, as my friend, Mr. Weir, very aptly put it, “ai manion’ the spot,in) the (person; off Mira eae Billups, through whose instrumentality our present Rooms were put before the Council on conditions that appeared to them to justify their bringing the matter before a Special General Meeting. This was done, and it was decided that the proposed move should be made ; the concluding arrange- ments were got through, and the necessary agreement, the preparation of which was very kindly undertaken by Mr. T. W. Hall, was duly signed, sealed, and delivered ; and on Thursday, the 1oth February, the first meeting was held in these Rooms. The question that will naturally present itself to your minds is, Have these changes proved advantageous to the Society? The Reports of the Council and various officers that you have already heard will, to some extent, have answered this; but it may be well, in passing, to examine some of the items touched upon more closely than is expe- dient in such reports. In the first place, is the position of our place of meeting as convenient as formerly? I think that you will all agree with me that it is so; and I venture to think, also, that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to find any locality offering greater facilities in this respect. Its close proximity to the stations of the Southern railways and tram- lines render it especially suitable to the requirements of the large number of our members living south of the Thames, while its contiguity to the Monument Station of the Metro- politan Railway brings it within easy access of the districts lying in a more northerly direction; the Rooms themselves are, you will readily admit, a great improvement on any that il we have occupied in recent times, and present conveniences equal to the most exacting demands of the present position of the Society. Then as to our membership. The gross gain during the year is within two of fifty per cent. ; this does not, however, represent the actual increase in numbers. Of course there is the other side to be looked at—the losses that have to be deducted. No matter how great or strong a society may be, there must be a continual loss of members; the strongest society that ever existed would, unless continually supplied with new blood, in the shape of additional members, inevitably die out. Happily our losses have been inconsiderable. One member only has resigned, we have to deplore the death of one, and the names of seven have been removed from the books, leaving us at the present moment with a total membership of 148—a larger number, I believe, than has ever previously stood on the books of the Society. The financial position of the Society, as you have already heard by the Treasurer’s Balance Sheet, continues to remain sound. Although the actual cash balance in the hands of the Treasurer is not quite so large as at this time last year, the deficiency is accountable for in that we are now paying a somewhat increased rent; and many of our new members having been elected at comparatively recent dates, their sub- scriptions are not included in the present Balance Sheet. There is therefore good reason to believe that the Society is in this respect in an even stronger position than formerly. The attendance of members at our meetings continues to be satisfactory, the average at the twenty-one meetings held in these Rooms being thirty-two; it must, however, be borne in mind, when considering these figures, that the twenty-one meetings do not represent the whole of the year ; two that were largely attended were held in the old rooms in January, and of course this evening’s numbers are of necessity omitted. On the other hand, the whole of the summer meet- ings, which never are very large, are included, and materially affect the result. It is satisfactory to know that the smallest attendance during the whole year was twenty, and this in the 12 height of summer, when the majority of the members are more busily engaged upon field than Society work. These numbers will be found to compare favourably with the records of even recent years ; and it is no great way that one has to look back to find a time when what was this year our smallest meeting would have been considered a splendid attendance. The Exhibits at our meetings have again included objects in varied branches of Natural History, many of them in themselves of much interest, and frequently accompanied by carefully worked-out notes, which could not fail to materially increase their scientific value, and affording an opportunity for the discussion of matters relating to them not otherwise attainable. ; The typical collections, under the care of our Hon. Curator, Mr. W. West (Greenwich), are maintained in good order, and have been enriched by the addition of specimens from some few of our members. Their efficiency would, however, be much increased were they more complete; and I feel con- fident that there are many among our present members who only need to be informed of the state of the case to induce them to render the necessary assistance. If each member were to hand over to the Curator any spare duplicates that he may have of species that are wanting in the Society’s collec- tions, there would very shortly be few blanks left. The Library has been improved by the presentation of sundry volumes and periodicals by members and friends of the Society, to whom our best thanks are due; also by the purchase of others; and various magazines that have been acquired in parts have been bound, and are thus in a con- dition to be of use to members. It was with much regret that I learned some few weeks since that Mr. W. Chaney, who has so efficiently filled the post of Honorary Librarian since the commencement of 1883, would be prevented by his domestic. arrangements from again offering himself for re- election. To his energy and untiring attention the present satisfactory condition of our Library is largely due. If he had a fault, he erred in the smallness of his demands upon 13 the Society’s funds; and during the five years that he has had control of the Library, the Council have had the satisfaction of knowing that whatever grants were voted to his depart- ment would be well spent; and I feel that in expressing to Mr. Chaney our high appreciation of his services, I am but echoing the sentiments of every member of the Society. In the ability of the gentleman whom you have chosen to succeed to this important post we have every reason to repose the utmost confidence; to Mr. Rice, library work is no new matter, and under his care our Library will doubtless continue to maintain its accustomed efficiency. The preparation of the “Fauna cf the South-Eastern Counties,” to which I referred in my Address to you at our last Annual Meeting, has made less satisfactory progress than I then anticipated. Some good work has already been accom- plished ; but there remains much more to be done before any portion of it can be brought to a satisfactory issue. Material assistance may be rendered by the general body of our mem- bers to those more intimately engaged upon the work by pre- paring lists of the districts coming under their observation, and the particular orders that they make their study, and for- warding them to the Secretary. Until such lists are received in some numbers, it is impossible that any great portion of the work can be satisfactorily proceeded with. The revision of the Society’s Rules, to which I referred in my former Address, has been placed in the hands of a repre- sentative Committee, and the result of their labours will very shortly be brought before you for consideration and adoption. A Cabinet Club that was started in 1886, with a view to enable members desirous of so doing to obtain a cabinet with- out any large immediate outlay, has progressed satisfactorily ; seven shares have already been drawn, and the cabinets that have been delivered have met with approval. It is probable that the whole of the twelve shares will be allotted before the end of the coming year; and the promoters of the Club are to be congratulated upon having thus far successfully carried out their undertaking. 14 It is with much satisfaction that I note a considerable in- crease in the number of papers read before the Society, and our thanks are due to their respective authors for the great care evinced in their preparation. The various subjects dealt with will doubtless be treated in detail eisewhere ; it is there- fore unnecessary that I should recapitulate them here. Two novel features have also been introduced at our meet- ings, with a good measure of success. The one,a ‘ Micro- scopic Evening,” brought together some score or so of instruments, and afforded a fitting opportunity for members working on the more minute forms to compare notes, and proved a most interesting meeting to the general body of members. The other was an exhibition of Photo-Micro- graphic slides, by aid of the Sciopticon Lantern, by Mr. Smith, of the Sciopticon Company, to whom the thanks of the Society are due, for providing a most pleasant and instructive entertainment. And I trust that the success with which these first attempts were attended may induce further trials in a similar direction. I am also pleased to note the receipt of an increased number of communications from our corresponding members, which have induced discussions of interest not only to the meetings at which they have been read, but doubtless to their senders also; and I trust that cur corresponding members will con- tinue to avail themselves of the opportunities thus offered to ventilate their observations and queries to a still larger extent in the future. During the summer months four excursions were held, as follows :— May 14th, the Zoological Society’s Gardens, under the guidance of Mr. J. Jenner Weir, who gave most interesting notes upon the various animals inspected. June 14th, Epping Forest, Loughton to Chingford, when Mr. Oldham took charge of the party. Although the weather of the previous few days had been anything but promising, this particular day was very fine, and insect life was fairly abundant, but, as far as Lepidoptera was concerned, confined 15 to comparatively few species. It was noted that the Horn- beam (Carpinus betulus) was literally stripped of its leaves by the larve of Chetmatobia brumata, L. June 25th, Leatherhead, Mickleham Downs, Headley Lane, conducted by Mr. E. Step, Mr. Billups, who was to have assisted, being unavoidably prevented by domestic affliction. Mr. C. A. Briggs very kindly undertook his portion of the programme, and piloted the company through a most pro- ductive-looking country, in which many interesting objects, Zoological, Entomological, and Botanical, were noted, and several good captures made. July 16th, Sevenoaks, Knole Park, Fawke Common. Mr. J. T. Williams acted as guide, and led the way through some of the most promising parts of the district, pointing out the localities and objects of especial interest by the way, thus affording a pleasant and instructive time to those for- tunate enough to be present. On the whole, the attendance at these excursions was, to say the least, disappointing. In the case of that to the Zoological Society’s Gardens, its smallness was no doubt, to some extent, to be accounted for by the date having unfor- tunately been fixed for the day on which the Queen visited the City ; this counter-attraction proving too much for many who would otherwise have been present ; but I am utterly at a loss to understand the apparent apathy shown; especially by our younger members, on the other occasions. I know of no more ready means of gaining information than these field- days; and I venture to hope that, should members be found willing to undertake the conduct of similar excursions in the future, as they have done in the past, often at considerable personal trouble, they will be much more liberally supported by the general body of members, so that the stereotyped party of a dozen of the present year may be very largely augmented. The arrangements for the Annual Exhibition were made on a scale far exceeding anything attempted in recent years, and in the result proved successful beyond the most sanguine 16 expectations of those having charge of them. The Com- mittee of Management were fortunate in having at their dis- posal a largely-increased room-space, and were thus enabled to provide and fully allot upwards of 1200 superficial feet of table-space for exhibits requiring that class of accommoda- tion ; several larger objects found place in other parts of the building ; and in addition a room was set apart for the exhi- bition of Photo-Micrographic slides by aid of the Sciopticon Lantern, to which two large audiences were attracted. The thanks of the Society are due to Mr. Smith, of the Sciopticon Company, for thus providing a most interesting entertain- ment. The exhibits embraced objects in almost all Biological orders, and it is impossible for me here to enter into general detail ; but one or two special features should not be allowed to pass unnoticed. The gathering together of a vast collec- tion of Lyczenide from all quarters of our South-Eastern district, including probably all known forms, together with many from the Continent of Europe, could not fail to be of interest to many entomologists who have recently shown a disposition to enter into controversy upon this family, and it is to be hoped may have formed a common ground upon which to adjust their differences of opinion. The cases of exotics reared in the Zoological Society’s Gardens, and exhibited by that Society, and the educational series arranged by Mr. S. L. Mosley, including the complete life-history of Cecedomyta destructor, Say., attracted considerable attention. A novel feature was the exhibition by Messrs. Geo. Neighbour and Son of improved Bee-keeping Appliances, illustrating the ease with which bees may be profitably kept, and their manner of working observed. A large table of Fungi, col- lected near Esher, on the Monday preceding the Exhibition, and arranged by Messrs. Carrington and Step, indicated a vast field open for profitable research, and appeared to be much appreciated. Among the large number of Microscopes that were set up, were several by Messrs. R. and J. Beck, in which the latest improvements in the arrangement and use of such instruments were seen to advantage. To our numerous 17 , friends, and to the various Societies who contributed so largely to the success of the Exhibition by the loan of valuable objects, and in sundry other ways, our best thanks are due. And the readiness with which the general body of our members came forward to support the Committee in the arduous task that they had undertaken—many of them placing large por- tions of their valuable collections at their disposal, is de- serving of all praise, and is but another proof of their earnestness in the Society’s work. Of course such an Exhi- bition could not be carried through without considerable expenditure ; and although sundry members most generously took upon themselves the task of defraying the cost of various desirable accessories which tended much towards a successful issue, it required a substantial vote from the Society’s funds to cover the actual necessities of the case. The question has been raised whether it is desirable that the Society should be put to so large an expenditure with this object. I have very carefully watched this point for some time past, and am fully convinced that the Exhibitions of the last few years, although admittedly a considerable tax upon the finances for the time being, have been, in the result, a decided source of strength to the Society; there is little doubt that many whom we now number among our members have at our Annual Exhi- bitions realised, for the first time, the advantages of united action such as is offered by the Society ; and, further, many friends who have never previously bestowed much thought upon Natural History subjects, when once there, evince a lively interest in the exhibits, and some of them may be led to take up some branch as a study, and even become useful workers in the cause of Natural Science. This alone should be a strong incentive to us to continue our exertions in this direction ; and I trust that the day may be far distant when it is found necessary to abolish, or even curtail, this portion of our annual programme. Since our last Annual Meeting the British Insect Fauna has received many additions, of which I propose to give some particulars, and, where possible, also references to the pub. C 18 lished records, which, I trust, may be of service to those wishing to inquire more fully into the circumstance of their capture. Coleoptera :— Homalota consanguinea, Eppelsheim, Scopeus cognatus, Muls. et Rey, Bledius dissimilis, Er., Bythinus validus, Aubé, Micrambe abtetis, Payk., Atomaria rhenana, Kr., and Lemophieus pusillus, Schon., are added to our lists by Rev. W. W. FowLeEr, from specimens taken during the past few years, and now identified (‘‘ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 49). Octhebius auriculatus, Rey., from the Isle of Sheppy, Lzszzzs vivularts, Rosenh., found by the late Dr. Power at Woking, and Tropiphorus obtusus, Bonsd., taken by Dr. SHARP in Dumfriesshire, were exhibited by that gentleman at the November meeting of the Entomological Society of London, having been recently identified. Orthoptera :— Periplaneta australasie, F.; Mr. R. McLacuian makes this addition from examples taken by Mr. BARRETT at Belfast in 1866 (Ent. Mo, Mag.” xxiii. 235). Neuroptera :— LFlolocentropus stagnalis, Albarda., a species of ZYvichoptera, is re- corded as British by Mr. J. E. FLETcHER, who obtained the males by sweeping the water-plants growing in a pond at Grimley, Worces- tershire, and the females by beating an adjacent hawthorn hedge (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 43). Apatania fimbriata, Pict., another species of Zvichoptera, is added to our fauna by Mr. KenNETH J. Morton, from specimens taken near Killarney, Ireland, as well as Tinodes maculiuorntis, Pict., from the North of Ireland (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv, 118, 136). Hymenoptera :— Nematus oblongus, Cam., » patlipes, Fallén, Sst fet, Zags, » ¢aricivorus, Zad. (Plymouth, C. G. Bignell), igilips bitolorata, Sp. n. (probably from London district), i) are contributed by Mr. P. Cameron, F.E.S. (“Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 193). Tapinoma melanocephalum, For., an ant new to this country, was found by Mr. T. R. Bittups in the Palm House at Kew Gardens, and exhibited by him at our meeting on March roth (see also Entom. xx, 184). Strongylogaster macula, Klug., a species that appears not to have been previously noted in England, is identified by Mr. P. CAMERON from a specimen taken by Mr. McLacutan, in his garden at Lewisham, in June last (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 45). Lepidoptera :— Parnassius delius, Esq. : the capture of a specimen of this butterfly by Mr. E. W. ScHwartz near Bangor, North Wales, in September, is reported by Mr. E. MERywick, who suggests that its presence in so unlikely a locality was probably due to man’s agency rather than the laws of nature. Its range on the Continent appears to be confined exclusively to Alpine districts (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 130, “ Entom.” 5o1ey 1CH) Polyommatus alciphron, Rott., = hipponoe, Esp., var. gordtus, Esp., is reported as having been taken at Tiverton in 1886, by Mr. F. G. Jounson. ‘There is no reason to doubt the dozd-fides of the captor ; but in this, as in the previous case, further evidence is desirable before accepting it as an addition to the British Fauna (“ Entom.” xx. 173). Notodonta torva, Hub. : this interesting and handsome species is added on the authority of Mr. C. G. Barrett, who detected a single specimen among a series of JV. ¢refida, Esp., in the cabinet of Mr. F, NorGATE, of Downham, Suffolk, who had reared it some six years ago from ova or larve that he found in Norfolk. The larva, which closely resembles that of JV. zéczac, L., feeds on the Aspen (Populus fremula), and is full-fed in September. The species is widely dis- tributed on the Continent (‘‘ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 276). Acidalia immorata, L. Two examples (¢ and ¢) of this species were taken by Mr. C. H. Morris, of Lewes, flying over heather (Calluna vulgaris) near that town on 27th June last, and were exhi- bited at the Society’s meeting by Mr. J. H. A. JENNER on 13th October. At the Entomological Society’s meeting in November Mr. SAMUEL STEVENS exhibited a specimen of this species that he obtained some thirty years ago at the sale of Mr, Desvigne’s collec- 20 tion, and which he had since kept in his cabinet as a doubtful species of the genus Strenia, Dup., or Lidonia, Tr. Mr. J. JENNER WEIR informs me that it is very probable that it was taken at Lewes by the late Mr. Hopley, who some forty years ago was a frequent correspon- dent of Mr. Desvignes; it is therefore by no means unlikely that all three specimens were taken on the same or closely approximate ground, but at periods separated by nearly half a century (see also “Entom.” xx. 289). Ephestia kiihniella, Zell., appears to have been identified by Mr. G. C. BaRRETT, from specimens received from Mr. W. THompson, of Stoney Stratford, who had reared them from larvee found feeding in a mixture of ground rice and wheat-meal in a bakehouse in that neighbourhood (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 255). Mr. R. SourH informs me that some two or three years since he reared two moths from larvee received in ground rice from a grocer’s in London, which must undoubtedly be referred to this species. During the past summer the larvee have been found in countless numbers in one of the dock warehouses in London feeding in American meal that had been brought to this country from Fiume, on the Adriatic, where it is probable they were introduced. ‘The damage caused by them in this instance is very extensive, and there is the unpleasant prospect that if once fairly established the species may become one of our most serious insect pests. Happily within the last few weeks enormous swarms of Lraconide, which are evidently parasitic on the lepidopterous larvee, have been found in the neighbourhood of the infected meal, and will doubtless do much to mitigate the evil. Some of these larvze were exhibited at the Society’s meetings by Mr. T. D. A. CocKERELL when first discovered, and imagines bred from them have since been shown by other members. Tortrix decretana, Tr., a species closely resembling the common T. podana, Scop., and with which it appears to have been confused by its captor, Mr. E. A. Armorg, of King’s Lynn, until extricated from a series of that species by Mr. W. WarREN, who gives a descrip- tion of its distinguishing characters (“‘Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 125). Stigmonota pallifrontana, Z. ‘This interesting addition to the British Tortrices is another of Mr. W. WarrREn’s identifications, the specimens having been taken by Mr. W. THompson some eight years since, probably by sweeping flowers of Heracleum sphondylium. The species somewhat closely resembles S. zxternana, Gn., in general appearance, and the larva is said to feed in the green pods of the 21 milk vetch (Astragalus glycyphyllos), being full-fed at the beginning of August (“‘Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiil. 232). Butalis siccella, Zell., which so far as its occurrence in this country is concerned, appears previously to have been confused with B. vartella, St., is identified by Mr. E. R. BANKEs, who took specimens in June, 1836, near Weymouth, Dorset. On the Continent the larvee have been found in sand-tubes several inches long, under both thyme (Thymus) and crowberry (Zmpetrum) (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 275). Gelechia (Lita) blandulella, Sp. n., a species closely resembling L. maculea, Haw., is described and named by Mr. J. W. Tutt from specimens taken by him on the Deal sand-hills (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 105); and examples were exhibited at the Society’s meeting on 25th August. Gelechia semidecandrella, Sp. n. Under this name Mr. J. H. ‘THRELFALL describes a species closely resembling Lita maculiferella, Douge., that he bred from larve feeding in the shoots, flowers, and seeds of the little mouse-ear (Cerastium semidecandrum), (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxill. 233, “ Entom.” xx. 65). Elachista sctrpi, Sp. n., is named and described by Mr. H. T. STAINTON from specimens bred by Mr. W. H. B. FLETCHER from larvee mining ‘the leaves of the sea club-rush (Scirpus maritimus), growing in a ditch near Worthing, Sussex. The species was first taken by Mr. BARRETT in a salt marsh near Pembroke in 1875-6, but was then not distinguished from the closely-allied 2. riynchos- porella, Sta. (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 253-4). Doryphova questionella, H-S., which appears to have been occa- sionally taken at Wicken Fen for some years past, and to have universally passed as D. morosa, Mihlig., is identified by Mr. W. WarrEN (“Ent, Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 104). Nepiicula woolhopiella, Sp. n., was bred by Dr. J. H. Woop, of Tarrington, from larvee found feeding in beech leaves, and described and named by Mr. H. J. Srarnron (“ Ent. Mo. Mon.” xxiv, 62). Diptera :— Ovimarga virgo, Ztt., an important addition to the British Zzpudide ; Pp (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiii. 205), and Limnophila aperta, Sp. n. (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 108) are recorded by Mr. G. H. VERRALL; while Mr. R. H. Mean describes several new species of Anthomyitde, including ¢ 22 Polietes hirticura, from a single specimen taken near Bolton Abbey. Hydrotea similis, 2 § from Douglas, Isle of Man, and Homalomyia nigrisquama, 8, from near Bicester and Ulverston. Mr. Meap also makes some important corrections in Synonymy (Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxili. 179, 250). Hemiptera—Homoptera :— In notes on some British Coccide, Mr. J. W. Douctas describes new species as follows: Ischnaspis filiformis (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 21). Lecanium beaumontia (“ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 95). Lecanium longulum (Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 97). Orthezia insignis (“‘ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 169). Having thus noted some of the more important of the additions to our British lists, it may be well to glance briefly at some of our rarer species or occasional visitors. Lepidoptera :— Aporia crategi, L. After its reported complete disappearance from Kent, the record of the capture of seven specimens near Sand- wich on July r3th is interesting (Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 131). Colias Edusa, Fb. A single specimen was observed by Mr. T. H. Briccs at Effingham on June roth (‘‘ Entom.” xx. 181), but the only record that I have received of an autumn capture is one near Carnforth, reported by Mr. H. MurRay. Vanessa anttopa, L. A specimen was seen by Mr. F. W. FRoHAWK at Balham on 6th August (“ Entom,” xx. 322), and another by Mr. W. J. H. NEwMaNn in Oxfordshire on the r4th of that month (“ Entom.” xxi. 12). but neither was secured. Anosia plexippus, L. After being taken in increasing numbers for some years, is this year, so far as present records are concerned, conspicuous by its absence—a state of things that suggests a further trial of patience before accepting it as an acclimatized British * subject. Acherontia atropos, L., has been unusually scarce, whereas, Sphinx convolvult, L., has occurred throughout the length and breadth of the United Kingdom in considerable numbers. » 29 Deilephila euphorbie, L., is reported by Mr. G. C. BARRETT ; single specimen having been taken in his garden at King’s Lynn (Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 114, 132). D. livornica, Esp., was exhibited at the Society’s meeting on April 2gth, by Mr. Hetps. The specimen was taken in the beginning of February at Coles Cross in Somerset (about twelve miles inland), where it flew in at a cottage door, evidently attracted by light. Cherocampa celerio, L., has fallen to the lot of Mr. H. Murray, of Carnforth. Callimorpha hera, \.., has again been taken in its accustomed lo- cality in Devonshire by both Mr. W. F. pe V. Kane and Mr. J. JAGER. Whatever may have been the origin of this insect in this country, there can now be no doubt that it occurs in this locality under natural conditions. Catocala fraxint, L. A single specimen is reported by Mr. R. W. Bowver to have been picked up on a path at Hertford (“ Entom.” xx. 306), and one by Mr. H. M. Lez, of Sutton, Surrey, who took it on a tarred paling on September 18th (“ Entom.” xx. 325). Eupithecia extensaria, Freyer., has been turned up on the Norfolk coast by Messrs. A. E. Armore and G, C. Barrett, who secured some nine examples in all. They were driven out of Artemtsta maritima. The species does not appear to have been previously recorded for some years (‘‘ Ent. Mo. Mag.” xxiv. 114). Hymenoptera :— Blennocampa atterima, Klug., and 5. alternifes, Klug., two rare sawflies, were exhibited at the Society’s meetings by Mr. T. R. Bitiups, who took them at Chobham and Boxhill respectively. Diptera :— Cecidomyta destructor, Say., has been observed in greatly increased numbers in several parts of the country, and in some localities has created quite a panic among growers of cereals. Whether this pest is of recent importation, or whether it has long found a home within our shores, but escaped observation, appears to be a point on which those best calculated to form an opinion are not agreed ; but we have the satisfaction to know that several species parasitic upon it have already been discovered to be here, and further, that the average British climate has not yet been proved to be favourable to its con- tinual and rapid increase (see “ Entom.” xx. 262, 317, 327). 24 During the year a very considerable amount of Literature bearing upon Biological subjects has been published. Two pamphlets, not previously noticed, are worthy of especial mention, as relating to matters closely connected with the work of this Society, I refer to the “ List of Lepidoptera of West Sussex,” by Mr. W. H. B. Fletcher, and the “ List of Lepidoptera of East Sussex,” by Mr. J. H. A. Jenner; which, if not perfect as recording every species that has occurred in the districts of which they respectively treat, are well worthy of careful perusal by all interested in the geographical distribution of Lepidoptera, Among the more important of general works, I note the following :— “Coleoptera of the British Isles,” by Rev. W. W. Fowler. Vol. I., Adephaga—Hydrophilide, has been completed, the monthly parts having been issued to subscribers with praise- worthy punctuality. (London: L. Reeve & Co.), “The Larve of the British Butterflies and Moths,” by the late William Buckler, Vol. II. (The Sphzuges and part of the Bombyces), being the Ray Society’s vol. for 1886, was issued in March of the present year. The plates, if possible, excel in execution those of the previous volume, and the descriptions, consisting of Mr. Buckler’s notes, with copious additions by the Rev. John Hellins, are probably the most important yet published. The work is edited by Mr. H. T. Stainton, and will doubtless prove a most valuable addition to our Entomological literature. “The Cockroach: an introduction to the Study of In- sects,” by Profs. L. C. Miall and Alfred Denny, treats in popular language of the life-history of Perzplaneta orientalis and its allies, and is illustrated by upwards of 100 drawings. (London: L. Reeve & Co.) “ Ants, Bees, Dragonflies, Earwigs, Crickets, and Flies,” by W. Harcourt Bath, is a handy little volume, avowedly for beginners; it is liberally illustrated, and the explanations are clear and concise ; it cannot fail to be a useful assistant 20 to anyone about to commence the study of these most interesting insects. (London: Swan, Sonnenschein & Co.) “ British Stalk-eyed Crustacea and Spiders,’ by F. A. A. Skuse. In this work the author treats, in a simple form, of tthe structure, habits, and habitats of the orders referred to, the methods employed for their capture and preservation, and their classification, under which head the distinctive characters of the various families are briefly noted. This book, which is in uniformity with the last-mentioned, is illus- trated with many woodcuts, and should prove a useful com- panion to the young collector, to whom, we are informed, it is especially addressed. (Same Publishers.) “Rough Notes on the Birds observed during Twenty Years Shooting and Collecting in the British Islands,” by E. 'T. Booth, was commenced in 1881, and has been issued in parts at intervals; part XV., which has recently appeared, bringing it to a conclusion. The work is carefully illus- trated, and contains many interesting and valuable notes relative to some of our rarer birds, not to be found else- where. (London: R. H. Porter.) ‘“Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1886,” by a Committee of the British Associa- tion. The eighth annual report contains much information of considerable value. (Edinburgh: Macfarlane & Erskine.) “British Birds Eggs,’ by A. G. Butler. Parts 1V.—VI. have been published, completing the work. (London: E. W. Janson.) Geo. Bentham’s “ Handbook of the British Flora.” selene, 66, 77 Annual Exhibition vee PLS Ae paphia .. 42, 77, 80, 100 Anosia plexippus ... a sone, Br », war. Valesina, he: Anticlea cucullata ... ae .. 74 | Argyrolepia ceneana sa 109 PAGE Arion ater, vars. of Bee 60.1 5B », bourguignati 54, 55 » hortensis.... aie pte 55 », subfuscus ... 300 a608)! SS) Armeria maritima . ish we 150, Armillaria Peas ae 81 Arundo, food plant of Moatnia ophiogramma .. 60 .. 64 Arvicola amphibia, var. ater .-. 104 Asphalia ridens_... ie stoe, byl Aspilota ruficornis ... stie a =59 Aspilates gilvaria .., ise 67 5 ochrearia ear 30033 Asteroidea ... ie ae pate Astynomus eedilis ... Sea 87 Atomaria rhenana, a new Coleop: teron ... as Ae saa ie Balance Sheet ies teen pO) Bartramia, form of Peeing 422. 49 Bembidium lunatum ae ono. OY) Biological Subjects, new Literature on fe 000 HA so 24: Blaps mortisaga .... 500 Bao) 5) Blatta orientalis ... ae »++ 100 Bledius dissimilis, @ mew Coleop- teron ... store Boat) al©) Blennocampa alteruipes A66 Sho ee} np », Mr. Billups note on55, 56 Ap aterrima ius Seer) A », Mr, Billups note on55, 56 Boarmia abietaria ... ee aay» 7X) 5 repandata... eae HO Boletus scaber ace Se Sesel ieSSLL Bombinator.. Me ada ah LOX Ap MenbinGE nore Lp LOZ 0 igneus ... oe wae LOZ Bombyx trifolii ... a aba tee) Bomolocha fontis ... eee OS Brachycerus spiracles Bilge notes on Hio0 vse, 30 British Bats, Mr. Kelsall ¢ Gee ese Bryophila muralis .., . 67, 85, 86 An perla 85, 86 50 », yellow var. an OF Bryum Ae 00 ee wes 49 PAGE Butalis sicella, a zew Lepidopteron 21 Butterflies, scarcity of in England 35 Bythinus callidus, @ mew Coleop- teronya sa: ae son nS Cabinet Club aa ae boo 18} Calligenia miniata ... a +. 102 Callimorpha hera ... 2273 », varlutescens ... 73 Callens vulgaris, food plant of Acidalia immorata ... sce Vf Caprimulgus europzus, e925 of ... 59 Carabus auratus... tee ree 57. Carabide ... an ue Se Carpocapsa saltitans 66, 75 Cassinaria vidua_ .., ea w. 64 Catocala fraxini... a eae 23 5S promissa ... a6 ... 66 “3 sponsa... Bee OS Cecidomyia destructor 16, 23, 72, 188 oe pectoralis... gen 42 Cecidomyidee eG 5 .. 89 Cephalanthera gence, obo 1 5) Cerastium semidecandrum, food plant of Gelechia semidecan- drella ... seo AGC pio: P2is Ceratospyris ateuchus _... apa eB Cerceridez ... vist Soe ee Cetonia floricola ... Hos pes // Chalcosoma atlas ... a veep 52 Cheerocampa celerio bee S22 we porcellus .. 59, 88, 101 Cinclidotus, Zosttion of capsulein 49 Cionus scrophularize er .. 68 », tuberculosis Bes 68 Clematis vitalba, food plant ie Eupithecia grammaria p50). ES) Clitocybe nebularis as OL Clitopilus orcella ... ae pao te! Clytus mysticus ... sas . 68 Coccinellidze ak Soon g/Z Coccothraustes meee C225 Be 62 Cochlicopa lubrica Ps 37, 89 Ccenonympha pamphilus ... aEaO3 Coleophora currucipinella.,.. sen = 59 Pr palliatella ... poo: ¥5{2) 122 PAGE Colias edusa 22 », aurora var. chloé . 99 », edusa, var. helice ... 99 3). erate, var, pallida °.. 99 Collembola.. 89 Conulus falas 89 Convolvulus ar vena oon Wane of Sphinx convolvuli 71 Corymbites tessellatus 68 Councils Report 3 Crambus alpinellus 69 4 contaminellus 69 » geniculeus 85 ne tristellus ... 86 Criocephalus agrestis 72 Cruciferae ; 100 Cryptocephalus jitieola 68 Cryptoblabes bistriga 80 Cucullia gnaphalii... 75 Curculionidee 89 Currant, food plant of Tneutyatis capitella ese 75 Cynips terminalis ... 42 Cynipide 89 Daltonia, osztion of capsule in 49 Dasycampa rubiginea 30 Dawsonia, szze of spore in... 49 Death Roll of 1887 oi (cane 20 Deilephila euphorbize sas te 53 livornica . 225458 Deiopzea pulchella... 74 Depressaria 70 5 yeatiana 69 Diantheecia albimacula 67 6 capsophila 40 Dicranuridze 26 Dicranura bifida 61 55 furcula: 43. 61 ne vinula, cocoon of 71 Dicycla oo ... 1 IA. Diphyscium, position of ape wz 49 Donacia, speczes of... 68 Donations to Collections 5 Doryphora palustrella .», 09 ks questionella a new 21 Lepidopteron ... PAGE Drepana binaria 71 Dynastidee ... 52 Dytiscus circumflexus 87 ne marginalis 87 3 marginalis, sfzvacle ait CYC Of es SE 42 BA punctulatus 87 Eastbourne, Collecting at, Mr. Adkin’s notes on §1 Echinus, spznes of... 42 Elachesta scirpi, @ sew Tepidens teron, closely allied to E. rhyn- cosporella age Emmelesia albulata, var. cules Epeira diadema, spinnerets ied Jaws of... ; Ephestia igiumielian a new 1 Lepi dopteron eet Ephestia kiihniella, ped im ware- houses ... . Ephippiphora aheatana ono see Epinephele ianira ... - 50, 74, oh tithonus 83, Erastria venustula ... Eubolia bipunctaria x, limitata Eucosmia undulata Eugonia erosaria ... s» quercinaria Eupeecilia ambiguella, AZ. Maen ait Eupeecilia afaandariae Mr. ‘Shelaan on ie a Eupithecia.castigata 33 coronata 53 expallidata extensaria 33 isogrammatia ... 50 oblongata 3 plumbeolata a pumilata ws s§ nA bred from flowers of Clematis and A srimony Eupithecia venosata 99 53 58 Falco peregrinus as Bop Fauna of South-Eastern Coupee, Fidonia limbaria ae Fontinalis, Zosetion of Doe zn.. Foraminifera Formica integra Fringilla Fringilla czelebs Fritillaria meleagris Funaria, germination of ... Galium, /food-plant of Anticlea cucullata Gelechia ; : ; Gelechia (Lita) Bianaaleie: a new Lepidopteron, closely resem- bling Lita maculea Gelechia hippophaella An semidecandrella, a new _Lepidopteron closely resem- bling Lita maculiferella Gelechia vitella Geometra papilionaria -Gnophos obscuraria i ope Goat and Sheep, hybrids heeaeen Sh Golofa cacus »» hastatus a) Outen : ie Grimmia, Zosztion Wicance Citar ant Gymnopleurus amoenus a Gymnostomum, germination of ... Hadena dentina Ifaliplus cinereus . 55 confinis ... », Havicollis »» fluviatilis » fulvus 5 lineatocollis ee uticollisien. Helicopsyche Heliothus dipsacea Helix aculeata fon » 9» var. lutescens », arbustorum, var. flavescens, monstr, sinistrorsum 123 PAGE 37 13 58 PAGE Helix aspersa 98, 105 an »» var. lutescens 31 »» hortensis . 105 rufozonata ... 31 99 29 var. »» nemoralis 100, IOI, 102 ») pisana 40 »» pomatia 45 »» Virgata 40 Heliothus dipsacea 61 Hemiteles fulvipes oy Hemerophila abruptaria ... 62 Hepialus sylvanus 85 Flibernation and Casini. Mr. Carrington on é 37 Hippophaé rhamnoides, Fee of Gelechia hippophaélla 74 Histeridze BG 72 Holocentropus stagnalis, @ new species of Trichoptera eS Homalota consanguinea, a new Coleopteron ake 18 Homalomyia nigrisquamea, a ew Dipteron 22 Howea griesbachia 43 Hyalina alliaria ROS me cellaria 97, 98 » crystallina Bee OS »» excavata .. 97, 98 > nitidula 08 sl ee pura 95 Hybernia aurantiaria 30 a: defoliaria ue Bhp) SIO) Hyctodissa lucorum 65 Hydatius seminiger 79 Hydrelia uncula sao 4 OL Hydrotzea similis, a zezw ibesteron 22 Hypna, ¢ime of blossoming 48 Hypnum cupressiforme 48 Ichneumonide 72 Incurvaria capitella 75 Ino geryon... 30 »» globulariz 30 », statices 30 Ischnaspis filiformis, @ zezu Henin teron 124 PAGE Say, effect of secretion from back of Toad, on ane ee 500, 88} Kangaroo on Leith Hill 65, 68 Lzemophleeus pusillus @ mew Pee - teron elo Larve in flour, Mr. = Cocbenell On... 58 Lasioderma testaceum, JZ. Biluhs on ae bess 58 Lebia chlorocephala 68 Lecanium beaumontie, @ new Hemipteron ... aes 22 Lecanium longulum, a@ new Hemipteron 22 Lepiota procerus 81 TetidopieraRhopalocee) vans of round Lewes, Mr. Jenner Weir, on as Leptura cribripennis soo. 72 Leucophasia sinapis 33, 35 Library, Additions to 3 Lilium martagon ... 59 Limax agrestis ann At 99 i aS var. sylvatica 54 oo arborum 55 Limenitis sibylla 35 Limneea palustris ... 99 Limneria ensator seis Limnius rivularis, a mew iColcon: teron : : cael Limnophila epertae a new Bipieren 21 Lissotriton palmipes 55 List of Members 108 Listera ovata a 59 Lita blandulella 7. sp. 69 », marmorea 69 », semidecandrella 69 Lithostege griseata 61 Lobophora halterata 59 ” viretata 59 Locustidee, Mr. Cockerell’s note on ~ 92 Lucilla caesar sao ste) Lyczena zegon 34, 51 >> astrarche ... ats Berets PAGE Lyceena bellargus ... 51, 70, 83, 84 nr PA underside of ... 73 5, corydon 30, 52, 66, 70, 83, 84 from Asia Minor 36 39 2? os a var. albescens... 99 ” ” vars. ... 80, 93, 94 > +icarus . 62, 70, 93 3 >», Dwarf form ence) CO) 33 >», Lnglish and Scotch forms ... .. 40 A », . “Mr. South on ... 83 ie 62 Macaria alternata ... Ba Ropes Macrocentrus linearis var. pallidipes 75 FA marginator, 7. sp. Macroglossa stellatarum ... Bed eS) Malachius eeneus ... ae BE 68 s bipustulatus... CEOS . pulicarius 1s ws ©68 Fe ruficollis ae OS 5 viridis ... 68 Malva sylvestris, food Plant / Gelechia vitella ss 4 Megalosoma elephas Be not: SY Melanippe fluctuata es TS ie galiata... 73, 85 Melanthia bicolorata, var. plumbata 74 Melanargia athalia... Me Boa ey a galatea a seen oy: Melissoblaptes anellus ... Laan OO Meliteea aurinia ea ee Syi Ske Aye ceibobiate) ae ae OS Mesochorus fulgurans ae Miana bicolora (furuncula) bane 8 Micrambe abietis, a zew Coleopteron 18 Mosses, Mr. Step on ah aeevanAlS Moth, crackling noise of, when jiying ... G3 ue seine ye Mus rattus ... ee we comete Si Muscide ... oh sic Babe eS) Mustela erminea ... zie $5 OS Mutillide ... Sore bc ye Mycetophilidze ... SO) Myrmeleon europezeus, Mr. Gane Wetr on cs ASS Soa 7S) 125 - PAGE Nebroda echeria ... Bh Boo Sy Nebria complanata Uae 360. YS) Nematus fagi, azew Hymenopteron 18 ar laricivorus 59 18 a5 oblongus a 18 fies 5 pallipes 9 18 Nepa cinerea ane aac sao OP Nepticula woolhopiella, @ new Lepidopteron ... re Qatar Nilasera amantes ... vt gL Posie Pica ames. BE aT Noctua castanea ©... abs 71, 87 » festiva var.... ne OG ro @lareosay.... 560 Boo 1 te Notodonta torva, a zew Lepidopteron 19 AS ZICZAC ... 608 tn 40) Ochthebius auriculatus, @ ew Lepidopteron ... me soenis) Orimarga virgo, a new Dipteron... 21 Onthophagus capella po dew 54 ay gazella ai Boum ay 45 tages.. Bd MISA, Orthezia insignis, @ zew Hemip- teron ... vee onc Bone Orthosia upsilon .. w. «=OL Osmia rufa, JZ. Billups ¢ on REALS Ostreus fumipennis... ask OS >, leuticularis... sh bab Ser Oryctes nasicornis ... Kit 26, 60 Pachnobia leucographa _ ... P53 Paniscus cephalotes, female ete OS Papilio eedipus aa vals PMS, »5 agamemnon is 5 »» cenea, from South Viite 53 », Cloanthus ... AE Hhgthgy: », marchandii... aud Has ly) »» Mmeriones, from Madagascar 53 »> .merope, from West Africa 33 », sarpedon ... ee Botley Parnassus delius, a@ zew Lepidop- terone... 000 Sue Fie LO) Pararge egeria 5a i bia GY Weep cerale ss 83 Pelophila borealis, from Ae titnehs 58 PAGE Pempelia palumbella d6e sh 65 Pericallia syringaria we8 ee 50 Periplaneta australasiz, @ mew Orthopteron ... tae soee ae) Pieris brassicze ... as BRS a5 » Unusual abundance DFS aOR ath ie OSS Pieris nee ae ah Ve O2 sje Gaplidicekmye.. ah ab toh 5g) MON doc ob ana S62 Bp COLELB). OF occ Peek OlL », Oleracea, Wr. Jenner Weir on 62 », rape, abundant in 1887 ... 64 Pisidium abditum ... 2 ESO) Re roseum ... oe aon 1, ZO) Phascum cuspidatum bab EAS Philonotis ... gf ane He 49 Pheeneus festivus ... we Sa yi) Bp principalis Ue: bob eye Ae sapharinus 506 sian esyl 3 splendidalis a, Rea. atGyl Philonthus punctus ite 71, 83 Phocea flava aoe Ken soon te) »» pumila 506 ase te e5O) Pholiota squarrosus bie OL Phycis adornatella ., oe Bdas Phyl!lobrotica quadrimaculata ... 68 Physa fontinalis... as a 99 Planorbis bicarinatus iA Bete eo) i parvus ... m2 Hoc £59) Pleuronectes flesus... 97, 104 Plusia interrogationis 2 Or, », .chryson 69, $0 Polietes hirticura, @ zew Dipteron 22 Polycystina .. abe spa a Paya netie alciphron = Hipponoe var, gordius, a new Lepidop- teron ... aun pais ELS) Polyommatus piles 70, 87 0 » var. schmidtii 99 Pclyporus schweinizii... sEAITOO Polytrichum, form of capsule in ... 40 6 commune, character- astics of... Noe ye a AG Potticae, development in ... nas President’s Address ae siete .O PAGE Psila rosze 88 Psyllidee bp 89 Pterophorus Monod erie 85 Pupa anglica 97 Rhagium bifasciatum 31 Rhamnus frangula, siwclarity oF bark of stem of to pupa-cases of Eupecilia ambiguella Rhantus notatus ss pulverosus Rhododendron hirsutum ... Rhodopheea consociella Rhombus leevis a5 maximus Rhopalomesites tardii Rhyssa persuasoria Rosa spinosissima, accredited Hone. plant of Spilonota incarnatana Russula emetica ... Hot », heterophylla BF nigricans ... Saturnia pavonia Satyridze Satyrus semele Scalaria pseudo-scalaris ... Scatophaga lutaria . a Scirpus maritimus, Jarve of Elachista scirpi, mening the leaves of a ss Scopzeus cognatus, a ew Coleop teron Scoparia angustea, My. Silane on Scotosia rhamnata, Wr. Jager on es vetulata, ae “5 Selenia tetralunaria Sericosomos brunneus Sesia asiliformis >, sphegiformis... Smerinthus tilize Solea vulgaris Sparassis crispa Spathegaster aprilinus Ap baccarum As vesicatrix . 104 PAGE Sphagnum ... : ake 47, 50 Sphinx convolvuli... . 22, 90, 88 Spilonota incarnatana, Zr. Adkin on Set at nas eae SO Spilosoma mendica, Mér. Adkin’s notes on 90 Spilosoma cree 56 ae me i Tusneie On wT Stenia punctalis MAN ESIS Stigmonata pallifrontana, a new Lepidopteron ... 20 Stilbia anomala 72 Stilpnus deplanatus 50 Strangalia aurulentia aceite? Strongylogaster macula, @ mew Hymenopteron 19 Succinea parvula, szb-species of S, putris ... 30 c 40 Succinea pfeifferi ... we Seas) A putris 40 Taiscolia heemorrhoidalis, JZ. Billups’ note on : 60 Tanymecus palliatus 68 Tapinoma melanocephalum, @ zew Hymenopteron pai a) Tapinoma, a new Hymenopteron, Mr, Billups on ase 43 Tapinostola fulva ... 80 Telephorus lateralis Fs) 208: Tellina balthica IOI, 102 Tenthredinidze ; Dee tex) Tephrosia biundularia 39, 73, 87 An crepuscularia 39 Testacella scutatum 99 Thecla quercus 70 Thera simulata 66 >, varietata 73 Tineina Bao) 639) Tinodes Hiawaliceenis! anew Neu- ropteron 18 Tortrix decretana, a xew Tenis teron -. Ne 20 Tortula, form of Capel: an 49 Tremellodon gelatinosum 127 PAGE PAGE Tripheena comes, var. of ... ... 66 | Xylina ornithopus ... 88 Tropiphorus obtusus, @ mew Cole: », semibrunnea 88 opteron si a PLS yea Socia ahi a i OS Trypetidee ... bes ae ... 89 | Xylocopa latipes, Mr. Billups’ noté on.. : oe ooo == Valvata piscinalis ... vee .- 89 | Xylocopa voces Oe Tipe Aye) SIMCETaS Perens eee SO note on. : naa Vanessa antiopa ... oe 22,92 | Xylotrupes aienorennas 52 Fp atalanta ... ie gop, 2X9) = gideon .. 52 a Gealbumiys =: His Bash 23} ea ae a ae Vellow forms of red spectes 44 Be KHL. Be AO se x ue hpaede Dia os bog »> polychloros sa ... 34 | Zanclognatha tarsipennalis, Jr. Be WERRKCES don wile 42, 71 Adkin’s note on 43 An », from Mexico ... 87 | Zootoca vivipara ral ena Variation, Mr. Cockerell on .. 95 | Zygeena filipendulz 50, 57, 74 795 85, 101 Wryneck, eggs of... se ea Sy Sea trarolitl . 101 Zygeenide ... . IOL Xanthia fulvago ... nay Tey He A > war, flavescens ... 77 ERRATA. The following folios have been unfortunately omitted in printing this Index, Viz :— Page 123, Ist column, last line, ‘‘ Monstr. sinistrorswia... DA a Ky i) OA Prova inl a line 32, ‘* Mesochorus fulgurans HUB Moy. SM Ws Zn 2G iauas lines 4 & 6 ‘‘ Xylocopa latipes & violacea... 60” nnn EEE LONDON; KNIGHT, PRINTER, MIDDLE STREET, ALDERSGATE, E.C. en) Laleon ce csp uel aes va PBR LN eal Proc ob NES: PPRISSSac. F.W.Frohawk del.et lith. West, Newman.imp [S&F - 15F{ THE SOUTH LONDON Entomological & aXatural History Society (Established 1872), Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge, S.E. ——~S we Gpesa latrons. JOSEPH W. DUNNING, Esq., M.A.,| R. McLACHLAN, Esq., F.RS., F.LS., F.Z.S., F.E.S. F.LS., F.Z.S., F.E.S. SIR JOHN LUBBOCK, Bart., M.P.,; HENRY T. STAINTON, Esq., F.R.S., DN CHE RER: See Be Sie GaSe, F.L.S.:E.GS.,: FES: F.E.S. RIGHT HON. LORD WALSINGHAM, M.A., F.R.S.,F.LS., F.Z.S., F.E.S., &c. OFFICERS AND COUNCIL, Elected January 23rd, 1890. Jiresident. JOHN T. CARRINGTON, F.L.S. Pice-Presidents. W. H. TUGWELL, Ps.C. J. J. WEIR, F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S. Council. R. ADKIN, F.E.S. | T. R.BitLups, F.E.S. | T. W. HAL, F.E.S. C. G. Barrett, F.E.S. 1 C, A. Briccs, F.E.S. ; R. Soutu, F.E.S. J. R. WELLMAN, Hon. Curator. Hon, Mrbrarian. W. WEsT (Greenwich). D. J. Rice. Hon. Creasurer. E. Ster, The Mays, Ladbroke Road, Epsom, Surrey How. Secretaries. *H. W. Barker, F.E.S., 83, Brayard’s Road, Peckham, S.E. D. J. RIcE. * To whom all Communications should be addressed. IK KS JOSE’ Ab, ) Oui f 4 Oy ES A ou, Sh) sd St THE SOUTH LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, HIBERNIA CHAMBERS, LONDON BRIDGE, §.E. The Society has for its object the diffusion of Biological Science, by means of Papers and Discussions, and the formation of Typical Collections. There is a Library for the use of Members. Meetings of the Members are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings in each month, from Eight to Ten p.m., at the above address. The Society’s Rooms are easy of access from all parts of London, and the Council cordially invite the co-operation of all Naturalists, especially those who are willing to further the objects of the Society by reading Papers and exhibiting their Specimens. SdBSCRIPTION. Seven Shillings and Sixpence per Annum, with an Entrance fee of Two Shillings and Sixpence. All Communications to be addressed to the Hon. Secretary, H. W. BARKER, 83, Brayard’s Road, Peckham, S.E. PAST PRESIDENTS. 1872 ... J. R. WELLMAN. 1881 ... V. R. PERKINS, F.E.S. 1873, ... 6 1882.... T. R. BILLupS, F.E.S. 1874 ... 5 1883 ... J. R. WELLMAN. 1875 ... A. B. FARN. 1884... W. West; LDES! 1876 ... 33 1885 ... R. SouTH, F.E.S. 1877 ...'J. PB: BARRETT: 1886 ... R. ADKIN, F.E.S. 1878 ... J. T. WILLIAMS, 1887 ... ie 1879 ... R. STANDEN, F,E.S. 1888 ... T. R. BrtLups, F.E.S. 1880 ... A. FICKLIN. 1889 ... 39 Jegdad lay Ouen ihe iMershsy pee Council can again congratulate the members on the satisfactory progress which has been made during the year. When the Report for 1887 was read there was a membership of 148. During the present year two members have been struck off the roll of membership, and one other has resigned. Against this loss of three members no less than fifty-five have been elected, making the total number now on the Society’s books exactly 200. About the beginning of April, at the suggestion of Mr. Coryndon Matthews, it was decided by the Council to offer greater facilities to country members, and for this purpose a Committee was appointed to arrange the necessary details, some of which it was found would have to be submitted to a General Meeting of the members, and this was accordingly done on the 26th of April, 1888. It was ultimately arranged that, under certain conditions, all country members should have, among other privileges, those of using the books belonging to the Library, and, as far as was possible, the identification of specimens. Since this became known we have elected fourteen country members, many of whom have sent exhibits and notes to the meetings, and others have availed themselves of the opportunity of getting specimens named. The financial position, as will be seen by the Treasurer’s Balance-Sheet, is thoroughly sound, there being a larger balance in hand than at any previous time in the Society’s history. The additions to the Library for the year are as follows :— “The Entomologist” and “The Zoologist” for 1888, from Mr. NEWMAN. “The Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine” for 1888, from Mr. MCLACHLAN. 4 “‘ The Essex Naturalist” for 1888, from the ESSEX FIELD CUUB: “The Young Naturalist,” from Mr. J. E. ROBSON, The “ Garner,” for 1888, “ Floral Structures” (Henslow), “The Mammalia” (Schmidt), ‘ Anthropoid Apes” (Hart- man), ‘Hogg on the Microscope,’ Frames for the original drawings of the Society’s Plates, and of the Great Auk’s Egg, from Mr. T. R. BILLUPS. “Animals and Plants under Domestication” (Darwin), “ Origin of Species” (Darwin), and “ Microbes, Ferments, and Moulds” (Trouessart), from Mr. R. ADKIN. “Paper on Sphinx pinastri,’ “The Illustrated Manual of British Birds,” Part 1, and “Handbook of Coleoptera” (Cox), from Mr. JOHN T. CARRINGTON. “A Naturalist’s Voyage Round the World” (Darwin), and “The Fertilization of Orchids” (Darwin), from Mr. W. H. TUGWELL. “Report on Pedigree Moth Breeding,” by Mr. Merrifield, from the AUTHOR. ‘The West American Scientist,’ and the ‘‘ Canadian Entomologist,” from Mr. T. D. A. COCKERELL. “European Butterflies” (Kane), and ‘Our Summer Migrants,” from Mr. F. G. FENN. “ Pallas’ Sand Grouse” (Tegetmeier), from the AUTHOR. “The English Entomologist,” 1792 (Thomas Martin), from Mr. S. J. WILKINSON. “ Seventeenth Annual Report of the South London Micro- scopical Society,” from the SOCIETY. “ Report of the West Kent Natural History, Microscopical, etc., Society,” 1887-8, from the SOCIETY. “ Transactions of the County of Middlesex Natural History Society,” from the SOCIETY. Obligation Book, from Mr, LACHLAN GIBB. Attendance Signature Book, from Messrs. TURNER and BARKER. And by Purchase :— “The Year Book of Scientific Societies for 1888,’ and “Science Gossip,” for 1888. By the kindness of Mr. ADKIN, who put the Council in the way of obtaining a much larger book-case at a small cost there is now plenty of accommodation for the books; and thanks to the efforts of Mr. CHANEY, the late Librarian and Mr. RICE, who now fulfils those duties, a Catalogue of the Books in the Society’s possession was issued with the Abstract of Proceedings for 1887. The Collections are still under the able care of Mr. WEST (Greenwich), and he has now prepared a list of destderata, and it is hoped that members will render what assistance they can to make the Collections as complete as possible. The Abstract of Proceedings for 1887, published in 1888, contains two plates and 127 pages of printed matter. The Society is indebted to Messrs. R. ADKIN and R. SOUTH for Plate 1, and Plate 2 was presented by Messrs. T. R. BILLUPS and W. A. PEARCE. The Excursions during the year were five in number as follows :— May 12—Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park. Conducted by Mr. J. Jenner Weir. May 26—Horsley, Surrey. Conducted by Mr. Helps. June 23—Weybridge, Surrey. Conducted by Mr. J. T. Carrington. July 14—Westerham, Kent. Conducted by Mr. J. T. Carrington. September 22—Kew Gardens, Surrey. Conducted by Mr. T. R. Billups. October 13—Esher, Surrey (Fungus Outing). Conducted by Mr. E. Step. The Annual Exhibition was held on the 17th and 18th October, the first night being considered a private view, for which a limited number of tickets were issued at a charge of 6 Is. each; of these 411 were sold, and realized £20 IIs, a sum sufficient to cover all the expenses. On the second evening, when the Exhibition was open free by complimentary ticket, there was an attendace of about 1,700. In connection with the Exhibition, the Council thought it expedient to ask members to guarantee a fund which would be sufficient to cover the probable cost of such Exhibition. The required amount was at once promised; and the Council wish to tender their thanks to the members who volunteered their support to the fund, which, however, owing to the large sale of tickets, was not drawn upon. At a meeting held in December, 1887, a resolution was passed, and a Committee appointed to revise the Rules of the Society. Such Committee afterwards submitted their Report to a General Meeting of members on the 9th February, and, with some alterations, their recommendations were adopted. Mr. LACHLAN GIBB was good enough to present the Society with an Obligation Book, and some other friends presented an Attendance Signature Book. The Council beg to ask all members who have not yet signed the former book to do so as soon as possible, and also when present at any meeting not to omit to sign the Attendance Book, as it is very desirable that as full a record as possible of the attendance at meetings should be kept. H. W. BARKER, fon. See. Per 7 ih Fig. 1. Lycena bellargus, Rott. (var.) 2. Lycena tcarus, Rott. (var.) 3. >-—_ JANUARY t2th, 1888. T. R. BILLuPS, Esq., F.E.S.,: President, in the Chair. Messrs. F. W. Hawes, C. E. Runnacles,and A. E. D. Gould were elected members. Mr. J. Jenner Weir exhibited specimens of Czcadetta montana, Scop., and stated that it was the only species of Cicadide that was found in Britain. It was not common, and was almost confined to the New Forest, two or three being taken yearly ; this year the Gullivers among them had taken a dozen examples, all, with one exception, being females. The capture of so many females, Mr. Weir thought, might be explained by the males being more active than the females, and thus being able to elude capture. Mr. Tugwell exhibited specimens of Déanthecia cesza, Bork., from Germany, and the var. mananz, Gregson, from the Isle of Man, for the purpose of comparison, and pointed out that the Manx insect was dark slaty blue in colour, whilst the German examples were pale bluish grey with a pale ochreous grey central fascia ; further, the Continental specimens were decidedly larger than the English examples, and altogether appeared hardly referable to the same species. Also Con- tinental examples of reputed and rare species of British Lepidoptera, among which were Cloantha polyodon, Clerck., Acontia solaris v. albicollis, Fb., Thalpochares parva, Hb., Eulepia grammica, L., Notodonta trilophus, Fb., Bryophila alge, Fb., and Lythria purpuraria, L. With reference to the last-named, Mr. Tugwell said that it had no right to appear in the British list, as there was not a single authentic record of its capture in Britain. Mr. Carrington said that he knew of two authentic examples of this species, one of which he saw alive, and both were taken about seven miles from York, there being an interval of eight or ten years between the times of 35 capture of the two specimens; the first one referred to was now in Mr. Allis’ collection at York. Although he, in common with Mr. Prest, and many other Yorkshire lepidopterists, had worked the same district for many years, he did not know of any further specimens having been seen. Mr. Dobson exhibited specimens of Agviopis aprilina, L., and a short discussion ensued as to the reason of the green colour in this species fading so quickly when compared with the green colour of Woma orion, Esp., and Geometra papilion- aria, L. Mr. G. Skinner exhibited a specimen of the Black Rat (Mus rattus, L.), which he stated was one of four recently taken at Price’s Candle Factory, Battersea. With reference to this now very rare species of rat, Mr. Carrington contributed observa- tions, and Mr. T. W. Hall stated he had seen one alive in Cannon Street at the end of last year. Mr. Tutt contributed remarks on the reputed captures of Acidaha strigaria, Hb., in Kent, and suggested that they might have been small specimens of A. vemutarza, Hb., as two years siuce, at Chattenden, he had taken about forty, of what he in the dusk thought were A. sudbserzceata, Haw., but which on examination proved to be small specimens of A. remutaria,, the curious fact being that there was not one full-sized specimen among the forty captured. JANUARY 26th, 1888. GR: Baer ues Esq. FE/S.,, Preszdend, in the Chair. Mr. Tugwell exhibited Welsh and German specimens of Xylina furcifera, Hufn.,and referred to the difference between the latter and the British representative of the species. The Llantrissant insect was, he said, much darker in colour, being a deep violet, inclining to blackish, whilst the European specimens were a dull violet grey, with a warm reddish tone in the stigmata, particularly in the reniform. The tone of coloration is the principal difference between the two forms, the European being, as a whole, a paler and duller insect. Mr. Tutt exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Alderson of Farnboro’, Kent, the following varieties :— Aplecta tincta, Brahm., with the ordinary markings of a deep purple colour. Phigalia pedaria, Fb., with the basal half 36 of the anterior wings very black, the remainder of the anterior wings and the inferior wings darker than usual. Sfzlosoma mendica, Clerck., with only one black spot on each wing. Scopelosoma satellitia, L., of a greyish ground, marbled with black. Avaztis plagiata, L., with the transverse lines con- tracted into a single band. Tenzocampa munda var. tmmacu- lata, Stgr., and one of a grey ground colour. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited on behalf of Mr. W. F. de V. Kane, specimens of Rhopalomesites tardiz, Curt., from Killarney and Powerscourt, Ireland, and invited remarks upon the same as regards variety ; but the opinion seemed to be that there were no varieties, the pale forms being only immature specimens. Mr. H. T. Dobson read a paper, “Does the Darwinian Theory lessen Biological Mystery.” FEBRUARY oth, 1888. TR BILLUPS, Esq, F.EVS.. President, im the ‘Chair: Messrs. F. Warne, N. Warne, A. T. Mitchell, F. E. Strong and P. C. C. Billups, M.D. were elected members. Mr. R. South exhibited long series of Cerastes vaccinii, L., and the dark insect known in this country as C. spadzcea, Hiibn. This last, he said, was most certainly the insect known on the Continent as Cerastis, or rather Orrhodia ligula, Esp., var. poltta, Hiibn., specimens of which he also exhibited, as well as examples of Hiibner’s spadicea and mixta, Staud., both of which are forms of C. vaccznzz, as known to Entomologists in this country. Mr. South went on to say that, although he could not conclusively prove it, yet he was strongly inclined to think that C. vaccenzz and C. ligula were forms of one species, and he illustrated by examples that certain characters, other than the dark coloration of primaries, claimed for C. “gula only were also to be found in C. vaccznzz. Mr. J. W. Tutt exhibited Xylophasia rurea, Fb. (vars.), including a whitish grey form having a slight glaucous tinge, rare in Britain; the specimens shown coming from Sligo, although it was occasionally taken in the Isle of Man, and at Rannoch. The other varieties included a banded form from 37 Lewis, ochreous forms, and the dark varieties leading np to an intensely reddish black form, var. alopecurus, Esp., from Rannoch. Mr. F. W. Hawes exhibited the following varieties :— Epinephele canira, L. (8), having the left forewing entirely bleached. Taken July 20th, 1885, in Perry Wood Enclosure, New Forest. Argynuis paphia, L., (8), with spots and bars on upper surface confluent, colour of under surface blended and confused. Taken July 23rd, 1885, Park Hill Enclosure, New Forest. Lycena argiolus, L., in which the blue of upper surface was exceedingly rich, and very similar in tint to the blue of dedlargus, Rott. Taken on the cliffs near St. Peter’s Port, Guernsey, June 14th, 1887. Mr. J. Jager exhibited an aberration of Vanessa antiopa, L., the yellow margin of the superior wings being broader than usual and obliterating the blue spots, the specimen was bred in Germany by Mr. William Werner, who had also bred another example, in which the usual blue spots of inferior wings were obliterated. Mr. R. South, on behalf of Mr. T! H. Leech, exhibited specimens of Coleoptera, mounted on triangular pieces of microscopic glass, enabling the under surface of the specimens to be studied. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited, on behalf of the Rev. W. F. Johnson, examples of Bembidium clarkiz, Daw., taken by sweeping and in moss on the shores of Lowry’s Lough, and in the Mullinures, Armagh. FEBRUARY 23rd, 1888. a. R., BIELUPS, Esq., FE.S., Bresedenz, inthe Chair: The Secretary read a paper by the Rev. W. F. Johnson, “Notes on the Geodephaga in Ireland.” An Exhibition of microscopic objects then took place, the Society being assisted by Messrs. E. Dadswell, J. Terry, R. Macer, and Coombs, members of the South London Microscopical and Natural History Society. Mr. Eland Shaw exhibited photogenic apparatus of Lampyris noctiluca (trans- verse section), leg and foot of Ophzon; Mr. Dadswell, Sfon- gilla fiuviatilis—a beautiful object; Mr. Terry, stem of 38 sweet-brier, and Vorticella; Mr. Macer, Orthezza insignza, and head and eyes of the jumping spider; Mr. Turner, under side of Argynnis aglaia; Mr. R. Adkin, fresh-water algz in conjugation, Volvox globator with resting spores, section of stem of Virginian creeper, head of Vespa rufa, also Alaptus minimus, one of the smallest hymenoptera in the world ; Mr. Coombs, section of eye of blow-fly ; Mr. West, sun animalcule (Actinosphertum), and water-flea; Mr. Medland, diatoms; and Mr. Tutt, wings of lepidopterous insects. MARCH 8th, 1888. f. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdeviz, in the Chair Messrs. H. Robson and H. A. Auld were elected members. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a variety of Eubolia bipunctaria, Schiff., in which the whole of the ground of the forewings was black; a whitish grey basal patch and central fascia (the latter enclosing the usual central spots, which were very prominent), being the only markings visible; hindwings correspondingly dark. The specimen, which is a male, was taken by Mr. O. Dannenberg at Boxhill, in July, 1886. Plate Le e..0; The following notes from Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell were read :— Agrotis suffusa. ‘This insect is abundant in America, from Georgia and Texas to Hudson’s Bay, and is now generally known there as A. ypszlon. It appears that Von Rottemburg described it in 1776 under the name ypsz/on, which is prior to Hiibner’s saffusa, and ought therefore to take its place, and I would suggest that unless any sufficient reason can be given, the prior name should be adopted in England. An additional synonym to those given in the “ Entomologist” Synonymic List, is A. ¢elefera, Harris, 1841. On the origin of Gonepteryx cleopatra, L. Ata meeting held early in 1887, I expressed the opinion that the change of colour from red to yellow seen in certain species of Zyge@na, and allied moths, as well as in other classes of animals, was due to the effect of ill-conditions in breaking up or altering some rather highly complex pigment. Mr. South remarked at the time that the case of Gonepteryx cleopatra was probably a case of the formation of that pigment from a simpler one, a 39 view from which I was inclined to dissent at the time, on the ground that the orange and red pigments were not identical. I could not then explain the orange patch in G. cleopatra, on other grounds, however, and was obliged to let the matter rest. I am now convinced that G. cleopatra arose as a seasonal variation, thereby differing from the aberrations of Zyg@na and its allies, which certainly do not arise in that way. An American species of Colzas, the C. eurytheme of Boisduval, which is generally distributed throughout the States, has on the forewings an orange patch on a yellow ground, precisely similar to that of G. cleopatra. There is, however, a seasonal form keewaydin, Edwards., which emerges from pupz which have hybernated, and has the orange patch much reduced, in some specimens being almost or entirely suppressed. Now the seasons in America are very marked, the difference being much greater than in Europe, hence the summer and winter types must necessarily alternate; but supposing that the ‘climate of America was to become much more uniform, the northern States uniformly cold, the southern ones uniformly warm, what would happen? Is it not obvious that the winter form of Colias eurytheme, with a much reduced orange patch, would be perpetuated in the north, while the summer form would be prevalent in the south—thus producing species (for so they would then be called) exactly analogous to Gonepteryx clespatra and rhamnz? Many things point to the fact that the seasons were once extremely marked in Europe; and I have no hesitation in saying that in those old days Gonepteryx rhamni and cleopatra were but seasonal forms of one and the same species. Mr. John T. Carrington read a paper “ British Salmonide and their Culture.” MARCH 22nd, 1888. a R. BILLurs,.Hsq. FES. Preszdenc, in the Chair: Messrs. E. Knight, C. J. Montague, J. E. Lloyd, W. Roots, and R. Pierpoint were elected members. Mr. R. South exhibited specimens of Polyommatus phleas, L., with ocellus on under surface of left posterior wing, similar in character to the marginal ocelli on the under surface of 40 anterior wings, and an example of Papzlzo dtano, Cram., with a patch of the colour and ornamentation proper to the under surface of hind wings on the under surface of right forewing. The abnormities had the appearance of insects which had been patched up or mended, but with the exception of the unusual markings referred to, they were quite perfect specimens. The Polyommatus was captured by the exhibitor in N. Devon, 1881, and the Papzlio by Mr. Leech’s collector in China, 1887. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a case illustrative of the life history of Abraxas grossulariata, L. This, Mr. Billups said, was prepared by Mr. Mosley, and formed one of a series arranged for educational purposes. Mr. W. White exhibited preserved larve of certain species of the genus Acrvonycta, and remarked that the object of his exhibit was to illustrate the differentiation of character in the larve of this genus, as with some of the moths there was the strongest similarity ; whilst in the well known instance of A. tridens, and A. psz, it was so close that Entomologists were unable to discriminate between them. He was desirous of obtaining ova of any of the genus, as he thought it would be extremely interesting to study the affinity of the group very closely. It was well-known that the larve of many of the species varied greatly in different stages; and it was probably by the study of the earlier forms of the larve, that correct and natural views of the relationship of the group would be obtained. Mr. South said that he had been informed that in their earlier stages the larvee of A. psz could not be separated from the larve of A. tvidens. Mr. J. Jenner Weir exhibited British and French specimens of Euchloe cardamines, L., and read the following note :— “‘T have observed for some years that there is a difference between the Continental specimens of Euchloe cardamines, so far as I have been able to examine them, and those captured by myself in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Hampshire. [havea series of twenty-four males of this insect captured in the above counties: these have the orange spot on the upper wings reaching but slightly beyond the discoidal black spot. The inner edge curves outward, not extending beyond the first median nervure, thus leaving the hinder angle white. This 4] disposition of marking I find perfectly constant in those I have captured. “Tn the Continental specimen I find the orange spot extends considerably beyond the discoidal spot, and is continued to the inner edge of the wing, causing the hinder angle of the wing to be orange. Lang, in his “Rhopalocera Europce,” figures this species with the hinder angle orange, as though the drawing had been taken from a Continental specimen ; but the orange of the wing extends only in relation to the discoidal spot, to the extent usually seen in British specimens. Newman, in his British Butterflies, figures the species with the shading in lieu of colour extending to the inner edge of the wing, as usual in Continental but not British specimens. “The distinction pointed out is very ‘small, but if it be constant our Euchloe cardamines is an insular variety easily separable from continental specimens of the species.” Mr. Frohawk presented a water-colour drawing by himself of the egg of the Great Auk (Alca impennis, L.). Mr. B. W. Adkin exhibited a mounted specimen of the Robin (Erzthacus rubecula, L.), having the feathers of the head of a white colour. The specimen was found dead in a garden at Lewisham, 1878. Mr. Adkin said that two years afterwards he observed a specimen at Reigate with the same peculiarity, and he asked whether any Member could give him information as to whether it was due to variation or caused by age. Mr. Frohawk remarked that from an examination of the feet of the bird exhibited, he was of opinion that it was not an old one, but undoubtedly a variety. Mr. J. Jenner Weir also expressed an opinion that the white plumage of the head was due to variation. Mr. J. W. Tutt read a paper, “The Morphology and Physiology of an Insect.” APRIL 2th, 1888. T. R. BiLLues, Esq., F.E.S., President, in the Chair. Mr. F. G. Fenn, on behalf of Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell, exhibited a new rose-gall, Rhodztes tuberculator, Riley MS. n. sp., and the following note by Mr. Cockerell was read :— “Every British Entomologist must be familiar with the red 42 hairy galls so frequently seen on the native roses, the product of Cynips rose; and in this district (Custer County, Colorado), a no less familiar object is a spherical but not hairy gall, abounding on the prickly branches of the wild rose. The specimens now exhibited were obtained at Swift Creek, on February 26th, and some on being cut open were found to contain living larvae. A few specimens being sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture at Washington, were pronounced by Mr. L. O. Howard to be the product of an undescribed species, Rhodztes tuberculator, Riley MS., which, however, was contained in the collection of the Department. In an old gall I was fortunate enough to find a dead specimen of the imago. It is about three millimetres long, almost black, and shiny. The legs are reddish, and the wings tinged with brown. I await the breeding of living examples to draw up a detailed description, this example being too mutilated for the purpose.” Mr. Slater exhibited an example of a Lomdyx from Zulu Land, which he said approached nearest to Lomdyx oubze, taken by M. Guerin, in South Abyssinia,'and might be a local variety of that insect ; if not, it was a new species. Mr. C. H. Watson exhibited varieties of Aybernia leuco- phearta, Schiff., from Richmond Park. Mr. R. Adkin remarked on the small size of the specimens, and suggested that if this was the average size of the examples taken this year it was no doubt attributable to the hot dry summer of 1887. Mr. Watson said that they were a fair average of these he had taken, and other Members remarked that they had this spring seen many undersized examples. Mr. Tugwell exhibited two forms (grey and black) of both sexes of WVyssza hispidarza, Fb., which he stated were bred from one batch of ova from Richmond Park. In replying to Mr. White he said that the larve did not vary to anv extent, whereas in rearing the variety fuscata of Hybernia marginaria, Bork., he had found that the black variety of the larve to a large extent produced dark varieties of the perfect insect. Mr. Jenner Weir exhibited specimens of Pzeris brasszce, L.., from St. Petersburgh, lat. 60°, Lewes and Blackheath, between lat. 50° and 52°; Hyeres, lat. 43°; showing that the species 43 did not differ from places so remote, either in marking or in size. Mr. Henderson, with a view to illustrating the local varia- tion of different species of lepidoptera, exhibited Satyrus semele, L., Cucullia verbasci, L., etc., from various !ocalities. Mr. Tutt, with reference to the last-named, said, those exhibited showed a good deal of variation, and he thought it was probable that varieties of C. verbascz were frequently offered as C. scrophularig, Esp., a species which did not seem to be found in Britain at the present time. Mr. Tugwell expressed an opinion that in many cases the supposed C. scrophularie were simply assumed to be that species because the larve were found feeding onthe Scrophularia instead of on Verbascum, the usual food-plant of C. verbascz. Mr. Carrington said it was now a well-known fact that the larve of C. verbascz fed on both the plants named by Mr. Tugwell. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a specimen of the genus Aspidimorpha from Upper Burmah, belonging to the group Phytophaga (Plant-eating Beetles), and read the following NOE —— “This beautiful specimen was brought from Upper Burmah, amongst the roots of an Orchid (Dendrobium brymerianumy), and belongs to the family Cassidide (or Tortoise Beetles), a very extensive family of Beetles, with highly developed elytra, In this country we have but one genus of Casside, numbering some thirteen species, while the exotic species are very numerous ; our own species are not very remarkable for their beauty, being mostly a dull pale green, which renders them almost invisible while clinging to their food-plants. We certainly have one or two species which have golden stripes ; but this colour fades soon after death even more than the green, which, when the insect becomes dry, turns to a brown or dirty yellow, with scarcely a tinge of green in it; while many of the exotics are so extremely brilliant, and their colours so permanent, particularly those from South America, that they are often set in gold and worn as jewels. The larvee of these beetles have a very curious habit of sheltering themselves under a covering or umbrella of their own excrement, and this they can elevate or depress so as to shade or shelter them more or less effectually. With most 44 plant-eating larvee the ejected excrement falls to the ground, but not so with the larve of the Tortoise Beetles ; at the end of the tail it has a sort of forked appendage which Kirby calls a fecifurk. On this they place the excrementitious matter, which is then turned over the body, sometimes lying flat on the back; at others it forms an acute, sometimes a blunt, angle with the body, or it may be unbent and in the same direction with it, it soon becomes dry, and is ripidly pushed forward by fresh excrement. In this way a kind of shield is formed, which completely covers the body, and so disguises its appearance that it requires a very practised eye to recognize it. As soon as this covering becomes too heavy and unwieldy, the creature throws it off, and another is soon formed in its place. There are amongst the exotic family of Cassidide very many remarkable and curious forms of elytra, as also a great variety of metallic colouring; such as Mesomphalia wllustris, M. festiva and dissecta, Batonia bidens, Alurinus marginatus and thoracicus, Coptocycla annularis and balyt, Dolichotoma cenea, Selene venosa, S. spintfex, and many others.” Mr. Jenner Weir exhibited a bloom of Warczssus cycla- munius produced by a bulb collected in Spain, and remarked that it was interesting because this species had been described by Parkinson in his “Paradisus terrestris” in 1629, since which time it had been almost lost sight of, until Mr. Tait rediscovered it in Portugal, from which country Mr. Weir had also received it and bloomed it. Mr. T. R. Billups stated that an unusually large number of the Hawfinch (Coccothraustes vulgaris, Pallas) had been recorded as occurring in the Forest of Dean. Mr. Tutt remarked that after collecting for some years in the vicinity of London, he had come to the conclusion that there were as many forms of melanism to be obtained there as in any other part of the country; he had taken Mamestra abjecta, Hb., at Greenwich, several of which were perfectly black; Agvrotis nigricans, L., were very much darker than those obtained on the coast; Miana strigilis, Clerck, Polia chi, L., and Acronycta aceris, L., were additional examples that he could call to mind at the moment. He believed also AD that the dark form of Acronycta leporina, L., was almost the only form of the species to be obtained in the woods round London. The species mentioned were only a few of those subject to melanism in the London district, and he thought the whole question was one well worthy of study and discussion. Mr. Tugwell said that very dark forms of Hemerophila abruptaria, Thnb., and beautiful melanic forms of Aupzthecia rectangulata, L., var. nigrosericeata, Haw., were obtained in the neighbourhood of London; and Mr. Carrington stated that in Hyde Park Augonia querctnarta, Hufn., occasionally occurred of a mahogany colour. APRIL 26th, 1888. Me Re Bink Urst sq hak. S. _7escacneimecne © latte Messrs. J. E. Pearce and J. Pearce were elected members. Mr. H. T. Dobson exhibited a specimen of Szmerinthus tiie, L., having the lower part of the central band of the superior wings absent. Mr. J. Lea exhibited examples of Hybernia leucophearia, Schiff., and with reference to the remark on the small size of the species taken this spring, made by Mr. R. Adkin at the previous meeting, stated that all he had seen were far below the average size. Mr. J. Jenner Weir read an extract from a letter addressed to him from Mr. Cockerell, and dated March 31st, referring to his note read at the meeting held on March 8th last, “On the origin of Gonepteryx cleopatra, L.:— “JT gather from Mr. Fenn that my note on the origin of Gonepteryx cleopatra was not quite understood at the South London Entomological and Natural History Society, and that you were unable to follow the argument. I will try to put it more lucidly. Proposition: That Gonepteryx cleopatra and rhamnz are climate forms. Argument: (1) The original progenitor of the two species must either have had two seasonal forms, or else split into a northern (vZamnz), and a southern (cleopatra) race in the course of its migration from the original locality. (2) If it had been simply influenced by climate like (say) the Scotch and South English species, which present different forms in those two districts, zyter- 46 mediate forms would occur, and there would be no tendency for their extinction, on the contrary, the intermediate climate of the central portion of the species range would tend to preserve them. “(2 b) But if Gonepteryx had had seasonal forms like those of Colzas eurytheme, there not being a successton of broods, but only two in the year, no intermediate forms would arise, and the dimorphism would become stereotyped and ready, under altered conditions (vide former note), to produce two such species as G. rhamnz and cleopatra. “Tf this makes my meaning any clearer to you, and you think my view was not rightly understood from the former note, would you mind allowing the above to be read, or reading it yourself before the Society?” Notwithstanding Mr. Cockerell has very clearly stated his areument, I find great difficulty in agreeing with him. Gonepteryx rhamnz is not a northern species only, but on the contrary it inhabits the whole of Europe, except the Polar regions; and it is figured by the late Mr. Pryer in his “Rhopalocera Niponica,” the Japanese form apparently not differing from the European; further, the species is not double-brooded, nor is G. cleopatra I believe. Mr. Cockerell imagines that the case is similar to that of Colias eurytheme and C. keewaydin; but both these are figured by Edwards in his ‘“ Butterflies of North America” as having the wings suffused with orange, although to a much greater extent in the former than in the latter species. Seeing there- fore that G. rhamnz and G. cleopatra exist over a large part of Europe in the same districts, and have a synchronous appearance in the latter part of the summer, and again after hibernation in the spring, I feel myself unable to accept his ingenious theory of the origin of the two species. Mr. J. W. Slater read a paper, “ Nature’s Sanitary and Anti-Sanitary Services,’ of which the following is an abstract :— “We too often fail to realize the vast quantity of organic refuse produced daily upon our globe as a necessary result of the existence of animal and vegetable life. Were this mass of matter—often offensive—not duly dealt with, we should, on the one hand, be surrounded with injurious nuisances, and, on the other hand, we should soon find the 47 totality of organisable matter locked up in effete forms, and life thus rendered henceforth impracticable. To prevent such a result the dead organism is eaten up by animals or absorbed by plants. The animals and plants thus employed may be termed ‘ Wature’s scavengers’ ; and, according as they do their work well or ill, they must rank as sanztary or anti-sanitary agents. Such beings may be found in almost all the divisions of the animal and vegetable kingdoms, from mammalia and birds down to microscopic fungi. Space will not allow me to enumerate them or to describe their varied and often curious ways of going to work. Suffice it to say. that they form three classes: some, which bury polluted and offensive matters in the earth ; some, which devour filth, but confine themselves to this diet alone ; and some, which when besmeared with putrid and infectious matter, settle upon our persons and our food, and thus communicate disease and death. As examples of the first and best class we may mention the sexton-beetle, which buries the carcases of small animals; and the dung-beetles, which carry down into the earth the excrement of various animals. As instances of the second class we may take the vulture, which devours putrid offal, but gives off from its body a most offensive smell. Lastly, in the third class we have the carrion and dung flies, which may be described as the colporteurs of pestilence. Towards these three different classes reason de- mands that we should adopt a totally different line of policy. “But the subject, in addition to its practical importance, has also a profound speculative interest. The efficiency and completeness, or the deficiency and the shortcomings of Nature’s agencies for dealing with refuse, throw valuable cross-lights upon the origin of species, and indeed upon the whole issue between the old and the new schools of Biology. The scavengers of the first class we should cherish, defend, and seek to multiply. Those of the second, except they are otherwise dangerous, like the wolf and the hyzna, we may tolerate and, under certain circumstances, we may even protect. Thus, when sanitary arrangements are defective, it is good policy to preserve vultures by legal enactments. But against the third class, the diffusers of disease, we should wage a systematic and untiring war. 48 “On careful examination we find that not every kind of nuisance finds, in the economy of Nature, some animal adapted for it perfect removal. Thus there is no generally diffused insect which buries human excretions, certainly not if in quantity. The dissolved pollutions in the waters are not duly met, and the tiny, solid impurities floating in the air seem also to be overlooked. Further, we find one and the same nuisance simultaneously attacked by burying-beetles, by Silphe, and by blow-flies. Or animal droppings may be at once visited by Geotrupide, by Brachelytra and dung-flies. Now, what should we think of an army where part of the soldiers were equipped with the repeating breech-loaders, part with muzzle-loaders, and part with matchlocks? What would be our thoughts if we found the commanders anxious to keep up the number of the matchlock men, whilst allowing the regiments armed with breech-loaders to decrease? Or what should we think of a carrier who employed between the same two places, and for the same classes of goods, barges, stage- waggons, and pack-horses, giving continually a larger propor- tion of the traffic to the last? Yet these twe imaginary cases are exactly parallel to what we actually observe in Nature’s arrangements for the disposal of offal. “ Further, let us suppose a city where the scavengers, night men, and knackers, after being engaged in their ordinary duties were allowed, without any previous cleansing and disinfection to act as surgeons, sick nurses, provision dealers, bakers, or cooks? Yet this is precisely what we observe in the animal world. The Dzptera (two-winged flies) one moment plunging themselves into matters loathsome and infectious are in the next in close contact with our food and our persons. Thus we see that ‘Nature’s sanitary service’ does not form a well-organised system in which provision is made for every kind of nuisance, and where every task is committed only to that creature which is capable of executing it in the most perfect manner. On the very contrary, we find important matters overlooked, comparative trifles meeting with abundant attention. We see the true sanitary agents elbowed out of the field by imperfect rivals, who, like quacks, prosper in virtue of their own shortcomings. This state of things agrees ill with the old theory that the animal forms of 49 each country were each especially qualified for the discharge of some important function. But if that function is the propagation of pestilence, what then? If, with the new school, we regard the Fauna or Flora of any country as consisting of such species as have hitherto been able to hold their ground in their struggle for existence, and which possibly but incidentally render to man or to the world at large benefits or injuries, all becomes intelligible. “We have further seen that there are animal forms depend- ing for subsistence upon dead matter in every possible stage, from the scarcely cold carcase, or the fruit or leaf just fallen from the spray, on to the débris in which scarcely any trace of organic structure remains. Without a supply of such matter, these animals, as now constituted, could not exist. The sexton-beetle implies small dead vertebrate animals (or perhaps mollusks) ; the Dynastzd@ pre-suppose the existence of decaying trees, and the Geotrupide that of herbivorous mammals. If, therefore, we assume that every animal has some especial and unalterable function for which its structure is specially adapted, the scavengers of Nature cannot have made their appearance until those animal and vegetable species, whose remains they were fitted to remove, had been for some time in existence, or had multiplied accordingly. The carrion feeders would have been in evil case had they come into being before deaths had become frequent. But if we suppose that animals in the course of generations adapt themselves both in structure and in habits to varying condi- tions this difficulty ceases. It is surely conceivable that animal forms which at one time preyed upon living animals or growing plants have, as the competition for food increased, gradually begun to subsist upon the dead remains of either, and have thus taken their place among Nature’s scavengers. Thus a candid consideration of these creatures, their doings and their conditions of life, supplies us-with valuable evidence in favour of the doctrine of Organic Evolution.” MAY toth, 1888. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. W. Martin was elected a member. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited specimens of Hydaticus seminiger, E 50 De G., which, although not a rare, is a local species of the Family Dytiscidz ; it was taken by one of our members, Mr. Beaumont, at Lee, in Kent, where it has not been met with for some years, but was originally taken there in some considerable numbers, An exhibition of microscopical objects was then given. Among the exhibits were those of Mr. H. Groves, Diatoms in situ, Mr. W. West (Streatham), ovaries of house-fly and developing tooth of a kitten, Mr. Dadswell, Volvox globator, Stentor, and Vorticella, Mr. Turner, Marine Algz, and parasite of the turkey, Mr. N. D. Warne, scales of Vanessa zo, Mr. Macer, spinnerets of Epezra diadema and living house- fly, Mr. R. Adkin, antenna of Saturnza carpini, Mr. T. RB. Billups, Lztus cynipseus, Hal. 2, and Cosmocoma ovulorum, Jes aoe MAY 24th, 1888. a. Re ‘BILLUeS, Esq.) \F.E:S., PreszdentNin the, Chair Messrs. A. H. Japp, LL.D., L. Stevens, and Coryndon Matthews, F.E.S., were elected members. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a fine series of both sexes of Bracon brevicornis Wsm., parasitic on Ephestia kuhnzella, Zell., and stated that Mr. Marshall once reared the female from the galls of Andricus terminalis, Fab. Mr. W. F. Kirby bred six males and one female from Ephestza elutella, Hub. Herr Brischke obtained a male from Dzoryciria abzetella, Zinck., while Mr. S. Webb, at Dover, also bred a male from J/yelozs ceratonte, Zell. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a fine series of Asphalia ridens, Fb., bred from pupz received from the New Forest. The specimens showed a considerable amount of variation; the most notice- able being one in which the base and outer third of forewings were almost devoid of markings, producing a strong contrast with the dark central band ; while in others the wings were to a large extent covered by blackish-gray shades. Mr. J. Jager exhibited a larva of Nemeophila plantaginzs, L., which he stated was one of many he had found in a dying condition, partially covered with what appeared at first sight to be a small species of fungus? On examination he had discovered a small larva, with which he was unacquainted, emerging from that of the lepidopteron. Mr. Tugwell stated 51 that he had met with a similar instance when rearing the larve of Lastocampa quercifolia, L. Mr. West, of Streatham, said the small larva was that of the hair worm (Gordzus), the ova of which had probably been swallowed by the lepidop- terous larva when feeding. Mr. H. J. Turner exhibited eggs of the Dartford Warbler (Melizophilus undatus, Boddaert.), from Godalming; the Wheatear (Saxricola enanthe, L.), from Red Hill; the Tree Pipit (Anxthus trivialis, L.), from Box Hill; the Long-tailed Tit (Acredula caudata, L.), and an egg which had not been identified. He stated that the nest from which this egg was taken was something similar to that of the Goldcrest (Regulus cristatus, Koch). Mr. Turner further remarked that the Dartford Warbler and Wheatear were becoming very scarce in Surrey. Mr. Tugwell expressed an opinion that this was not the fact, and thought it was owing to the shyness of the birds that they were not noticed. Mr. Carrington said he had recently been walking over Dartford Heath with Mr. Farn, who pointed out several places where he had observed the nest of the Dartford Warbler, and who added that it bred in the neighbourhood each year, and with regard to the Wheatear, Mr. Carrington was of opinion it was as abundant now as it had ever been. The discussion was continued by Messrs. Tutt, South, Step, and Rice. Mr. F. G. Fenn read a paper on “British Land and Freshwater Shells.” JUNE 14th, 1888. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. A. Robinson exhibited ringed forms of the larve of Trichiura crategi, L., from Monkswood, and asked whether this was a common variety. Mr. Tugwell said the larve of this species were exceedingly variable. Mr. West (Streatham) exhibited a species of Noctua, bred from a larva taken in Switzerland, at an elevation of 5000 feet; he thought the specimen was a typical example of Acronycta leporina, L. Mr. South and Mr. Tugwell concurred. 52 Mr. P. F.J. Lowrey exhibited a male specimen of T@nzocamp2 stabilis, View., taken in copula witha female of 7. gothica, L., at sallow bloom, Darenth Wood, Kent. He stated that ova were obtained, only a portion of which hatched, and the larve subsequently sickened and died. Mr. E.G. Fenny ion behalf of Mr. 1) (i Ae “Cockerelll exhibited the following Lichens: Peltigera horizontalis, L., Placodium elegans, Link., also an undetermined species of Omphalodium, and the following notes from Mr. Cockerell were read :— “The two specimens exhibited are interesting as illustrating the wide distribution of lichens. Peltzgera horizontalis, L., was gathered at Naomi, Summit Co., Colorado, on September Ist, where it was growing in some abundance close to the creek, at an altitude of over 8,000 feet. ** Placodium elegans, Link., placed by some authors in the genus Lecanora, is the orange lichen on the twig, the dark brown one being an undetermined species of Omphatlodium. This lichen was found early in October, by Surface Creek, in Delta Co., at about 8,500 feet altitude. Both these species are British, as I find P. horzzontalzs recorded from Westmore- land, and P. elegans has been gathered in the Grampian mountains in Scotland. “] met with three species common to the British fauna on Surface Creek—Vanessa antiopa, L., among the insects; Conulus (or Zonites) fulvus Miill., and Pzsedeum puszllum, Gmel., among the mollusca; while the British flowering- plants were represented by no less than seven species— Fragaria vesca, L., Epilobium angusitfolium, L., LE. alpinum, L., Veronica serpyllifolia, L., Achillea millefolium, L., Campanula rotundifolia, L., and Chenopodium rubrum, L. The English magpie, also, had its representative in the larger American form P7ca rustica var. hudsonica, Scop.” Mr. J. T. Williams called attention to the abundance of larve of Bombyx neustria, L., and mentioned that he had noticed a number of hybernated specimens of Vanessa carduz, L. Reference was made by several Members to the unusual abundance of many species in the larval stage, and to the number of imagines of V. carduz, observed in different localities. 53 The Secretary read the following note from Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell :— “Query as to a White-banded variety of Sesza culictformts, L.—Looking over some numbers of the Fed to-day, I came across (1887, p. 828) some notes by Mr. F. W. Frohawk on the past season, wherein he casually mentioned having taken a “white-banded”? example of Sesza culiciformis at West Wickham. Hitherto, I have always classed the bands of the Sesizd@ with the hind wings, etc., of Avctiza, Zygena, etc., as exhibiting a pigment, common to all, which was dimorphic, the two forms being yellow and red. And we know that some species of Sesza have yellow and some red bands, and further, that occasionally a normally red-banded species will have this portion yellow; but that it should vary to white was quite unexpected and unknown to me. Therefore, as it is clearly a matter having considerable bearing on our views concerning the band-pigment of Sesza, I put forth this query — are white-banded Sesz@ known to any of the Members of this Society and is) the! specimen! referred, to. in) the F727, known anything of? Any information on this subject will be of great value.” Mr. Tugwell said he had had considerable experience of the genus Sesza, and a white-banded variety of S. culeczformis was unknown to him; but a pale yellow lemon-banded form was not rare. Mr. J. T. Williams stated he had never bred any but the usual form of the species; Mr. T. W. Hall, although he had bred some of a lightish yellow, had never seen anything approaching even a cream colour; Mr. Tutt was of opinion that Mr. Frohawk had made a mistake as to the identity of the insect, and should he be right as to this, the change of colour might be due to some chemical. Upon the suggestion of Mr. R. Adkin, the Secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Frohawk, requesting him to exhibit the specimen in question at a future meeting. (See page 57.) JUNE 28th, 1888. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. Miss M. Kimber and Mr. A. E. Hall were elected members. 54 Mr. W. H. Tugwell exhibited examples of Spzlosoma menthastri, Esp., var. ochracea, White., bred from Dundee parents, the larve having been fed on stinging nettle (U7rtzca dioica, L.). Mr. D. J. Rice exhibited the nest of a Robin (Evzthacus rubecula, L.), made in an old kettle; nest and eggs of Hawfinch (Coccothraustes vulgaris, Pallas), taken in the Leith Hill district, where he stated the latter bred regularly. Mr. Tugwell mentioned that he had recently bred several specimens of Sesza sphegiformzs, Fb., the larve having been found at Tilgate Forest, Sussex. He was of opinion that the species spent three years in the larval stage. The ova being de- posited on alder stems at the end of June or beginning of Julv, hatch in a fewdays. The young larve feed on the inner bark, and may be found quite small the following spring, throwing out tiny threads of frass through the bark. They feed all through next season, burrowing between the bark and woody stem. The third year they eat well into the centre of the wood, and towards the end of the season they form a channel out to the bark again, always working upwards, but do not pierce the bark. They remain as full fed larve ‘until the bevinning of the May following, when they pupate near the end of the burrow, and appear as imagines in June, so that as larve they live some thirty-four months. It is quite useless to collect the larve until the spring of the year in which they pupate, and with best success after that stage. To collect them young is only to sacrifice them ! JULY ti2th, 1888. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vzce-President, in the Chair. Messrs. A. L. Clark, W. B. Farr, and R. Atherton, were elected members. Mr. Weir exhibited a male specimen of Lycena icarus, Rott., which he had taken at Lewes in June last. It was remarkable as showing a slight tendency to hermaphroditism ; there were on the upper side of the under wings two well-defined and several smaller submarginal spots ; the colour of all the wings in other respects was that of an ordinary male of the species. His attention had been drawn to the insect by a male of the 55 same species, evidently by its actions mistaking the specimen exhibited for a female. Mr. South did not suppose the specimen was anything but a male, the males of the blues and many other species frequently toyed together in the way mentioned by Mr. Weir. Mr. Tutt stated he had frequently taken this variety at Deal; on one occasion he obtained fourteen or fifteen examples of it. Mr. Weir referred to the invariability of the species round Lewes, as compared with the said extreme variability at Deal. Mr. South added that for four years he visited the Isle of Wight, and never failed to examine large numbers of the species now referred to, and had only once found anything approaching the variety shown this evening. Mr. Carrington was of opinion that some allowance should be made for the difference in the geological formation of the localities now referred to. Mr. Dobson exhibited Votodonta chaonia, Hb., bred from pupe obtained in the New Forest in 1888, when it was very plentiful; from the small number of imagines taken this year, he was of opinion that the pupze were standing over. Mr. Carrington observed, that it was not at all uncommon, for members of this group to remain in pupe for more than ene season. Mr. A. Robinson exhibited a pink example of MZzana strigilis, Clerck., from Monkswood. Mr. R. South remarked that avery large pink form of this species occurred in N. Devon, which might at first glance be taken for M7. lzterosa, Haw. Mr. Jager exhibited preserved larve of Callimorpha hera. L., from Devonshire parents. Mr. W. West (Greenwich) exhibited Colymbetes notatus, Berg., Cercyon aquaticus, Mull., and Heterocerus obsoletus, Curt., taken on the Salt Marshes, Milton, near Gravesend, Kent. Mr. Rice exhibited eggs of the Red Legged Partridge (Caccabis rufa, L.); nest and eggs of the Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus, L.); and eggs of Nightjar (Caprimulgus europeus, L..), the last from the Leith Hill district. hem Secietarya, on’ behalf of Mire ie Dr A. ‘Cockerelll exhibited a coloured sketch of a Thomisid spider on the flower of Lzgusticum montanum, found in Custer Co., Colorado; and read the following note :— 56 “Numerous cases of mimicry and deceptive likeness to surroundings are known to occur in the spiders belonging to Thomisus and allied genera, and it may therefore be of some interest to record an additional case which has recently come under my observation in Custer County, Colorado. There is a yellow-flowered umbelliferous plant—Ligustecum montanum, Benth. and Hook.—which is very frequent by the creeks, and a careful search will reveal specimens of a yellow spider of moderate size, seated in the slight depression in the middle of the disc of the umbel, never more than one spider on a single disc. These spiders also frequent the yellow blossoms of certain species of Cruciferae growing in the same neigh- bourhood; and in all cases, when seated on the flower, resemble it in colour so closely as to be quite unnoticeable unless specially looked for. Now, whenever an insect settles on the flower, the spider makes a spring and grasps its victim, nor lets go again until he has made a meal of its life juices. This afternoon I noticed a small Pamphila, allied to the European P. comma, which did not fly off from the yellow flower it was on when I approached. Wondering at this, I stooped to examine, and certainly it was in the fatal grasp of a yellow spider, and by that time quite dead. The flowers of Ligusticum in this locality are much frequented by a pretty beetle— 7vichodes ornatus, Say., and a prettier green Chrysis ; but I have not yet observed the yellow spider to capture these, though no doubt it does so. Mr. Wallis Kew has recorded (Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. xxiii, p. 136) that Chryszs zentta is preyed upon by a spider (Xysticus cristatus) in Lincolnshire. The sketch accompanying this note, although rough, will give some idea of the appearance of the spider on a Ligusticum flower.” Mr. Weir said similar spiders were not at all uncommon on flowers in England. There were several species closely resembling the flowers on which they were sitting for the purpose of obtaining their food. Mr. Tugwell had noticed corresponding instances in the New Forest. Mr. Step had seen a white species on the flowers of umbelliferous plants. Mr. South had also frequently seen them in the umbels of what was commonly called cow parsnip—Heracleum sphondylium, L. 57 JULY 26th, 1888. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., V2ce-Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. T. S. Hillman was elected a member. Mr. J. T. Carrington exhibited a specimen of Szver gigas, Fab. Mr. West (Greenwich) stated he had several times taken the species drying its wings on willow trees near London. Mr. W. H. Tugwell exhibited Eupztheceza extensarza, Frr., also very dark specimens of MWelanippe fluctuata, L., from Pitcaple, known as the var. neafolzsata, Mill. together with examples of the Southern form of the species. Mr. Robson, a variety of Aveynuzs euphrosyne, L., taken by Mr. Waller at St. Mary’s Cray, Kent. Plate 1, fig. 3. Mr. Frohawk exhibited the white-banded variety of Sesza culiciformis, L., referred to in Mr. Cockerell’s note read at the meeting on 14th June. The Secretary read the following further communication on the subject from Mr. Cockerell :— ‘White pigment in the Sesiidz.—The species of the genus Sesta have black bodies with coloured bands, and these bands are usually red or yellow, the pigments being presuma- bly the same as the red and yellow pigments of the Zygenide and Cheloniide. Sesza culsciformis, L., is a red- banded species, but has an occasional variety (duzescens), in which the banding is yellow, a fact which agrees well with the view that the red and yellow pigments are forms of one. But this is not all; Mr. Frohawk in The Field, 1887, p. 828, alludes to a ‘ white-banded variety’ of S. culzczformis which he found at West Wickham. This white banding in Sesza struck me at the time I read of it as very curious, but it is not unique, for the banding in S. andreniformis, Lasp., is stated to be ‘white or pale yellow, and that of S. sphegzformts, Fb., is white. So it really now appears that if there is good reason to believe the pigment in question to be dimorphic, red and yellow, there is equally good reason to suppose it trimorphic, red, yellow and white, unless indeed these white forms (which I have not seen) are due to albinism or absence of pigment. The same variation to white occurs also in Arctia cata, L., for H. Strecker states that this species in 58 North America has a white collar but in Europe this occurs only very occasionally. On the other hand, in Europe and America the hind wings are red; but in Asia Minor (Amasia and Tokat) the males have them pure white. All this is very interesting ; but it is desirable to collect more information as to the variation from red and yellow to white in the Sphinges and Bombyces before venturing on any definite conclusions, and it is with the hope of obtaining such that I have written this note.” Mr. Tugwell remarked that he had never previously seen a white-banded specimen of this species, and it was an excep- tional variety; the colour of the band in Mr. Frohawk’s specimen was a pale creamy white, very much the same tone of colour as prevailed in the band of S. sphegzformis. In Nemeophila plantaginis, L., var. hospita, Schiff., we have another example of variation from yellow to white. AUGUST oth, 1888, J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vce-Presedent, in the Chair. Messrs. R. Waller and J. N. Young were elected members. Mr. C. A. Briggs exhibited a series of Zygena meltlotz, Esp., taken in the New Forest during the year by Mr. Meek, who had stated that the species occurred in a different spot from that where it had been previously obtained. Mr. J. T. Carrington exhibited Venusza cambrica, Curt., and Boarmia repandata, L., from Sheffield, and said that they were remarkable on account of their melanic appearance. Mr. Wellman had informed him that he had a similar specimen of the first-named species, from the same neigh- bourhood, which was almost as dark as the one shown. Mr. Weir thought a great deal of interest attached to this exhibit, as many species received from the north of England ™ showed a great tendency to melanism. The point was whether the action was direct or indirect ; whether melanism arose from the smoke cutting off the sunbeams, coupled with the dirty state of the tree trunks through the deposit of soot, and whether in consequence the insects became darker because they were more easily concealed. Mr. Wellman, having from the same locality received these dark insects, showed some cause at work to produce this darkening; but it was an open 59 question whether it was direct or indirect. Mr. West (Greenwich) remarked that upon a tarred fence, nailed up to which were some currant bushes, he always found the larve of Abraxas grossulariata, L., absolutely black, having no spots whatever, but the imagines bred from these larve were always typical. Mr. Carrington said the question was whether animals had the power during a single lifetime to adapt themselves to their surroundings; and if so, to what extent. One could not understand why the moth was able to do so except from the reason Mr. Weir suggested, that those who survived were those that adapted themselves to their surroundings for protective purposes. When he was at the Royal Aquarium, he remembered some soles and plaice being brought there: the soles harmonized with the colour of the sand at the bottom of the tank in which they were kept; but the plaice, which were taken at the mouth of the Thames, were of a delicate brown colour with very few spots, but being placed in a tank having a gravel bottom with some white stones among the gravel, within twelve hours the plaice were covered with brilliant spots imitating the colour of the gravel. This was not a solitary instance; the experiment was carried on for some considerable time, and in every case the fish changed to the colour of the gravel at the bottom of the tank. He could understand that the fish were more highly organized than moths; but if one animal was capable of doing this, he did not see why another should not. The fact that Mr. West took absolutely black larve of A. grossulariata from a tarred fence, and also that black larve of the same species were every year found in the neighbourhood of Newcastle-on-Tyne, seemed to suggest that the individual had power to adapt its colour to its surroundings. Mr. Weir said that the larger newt, if taken from a pond and placed in a white basin for two or three hours, would lose its colour. Mr. West (Streatham) said the small cuttlefish had power to change its colour ; if placed in a white receptacle it would turn almost the same colour, and he believed that the stickle- back changed its colour in the same way. Mr. Step had frequently noticed that if he took a toad from Wimbledon Common and placed it in his garden, the soil of which was much lighter than that of the Common, it would soon change 60 its colour so as to be very difficult to detect ; this was known to take place frequently among the Reptilia. Mr. A. E. Cook exhibited a variety of Smerinthus tile, L., the lower part of the central band on the primaries being absent. Mr. J. Jenner Weir exhibited MZyrmeleon europeus, L., bred by him from larve he obtained at Fontainbleau in 1887. Mr. J. Jenner Weir read an extract from a letter addressed to him by Mr. Cockerell, dated 21st cf May, 1888, refering to Mr. Cockerell’s theory that Gonepteryx rhamni and Gonepteryx cleopatra originated as seasonal races, or as he should term it, horeomorphic races ;— “(1) I take it that dimorphism in animals is something like the case of certain salts which are dimorphic in the crystals ;. that is to say, as the salt may crystalize either as a cube or octahedron (say), so the primitive germ may develope either into one form or the other, and a very good instance of this is the familiar case of male and female (in fact the sexes remain undifferentiated till quite late in embryonic life). Now this differs from szmfle variation, which is wholly the result of circumstances ; it is doubtless oréginally a case of simple variation, but when it has reached the stage we call dimorphism, the effect of outside influences is like a small weight in the balance, determining which tendency- shall prevail, and originating no new character. “(2) Therefore, the mere fact of two species flying together is favourable, rather than otherwise, to the view that they arose as dimorphic varieties; because two species could not have been produced under the same conditions by ‘simple variation, unless by natural selection, which is improbable in the present case. “(3) In certain districts of America Colias eurytheme and Colias keewaydin fly together and at the same time, though otherwise they are alternating seasonal races (vide W. H. Edwards’ Butterflies Worth American Colias, iv.) ; so much for the two species flying together. “(4) Is it certain that Gonepteryx cleopatra is never double- brooded? But if it is not, I do not see any difficulty in supposing our originally double-brooded species becoming single-brooded ; and to prove this possibility I will take the same species that you have taken, viz., Pzerzs napt. 61 ‘““We have in America, as in Europe, the one-brooded. P. bryonig in the far north, which is an exaggeration of the winter form Oleracea hyemalis,and venosa of the double-brooded species further south. Then there are the summer broods of these last, viz.: Oleracea estiva and pallida; and finally in West Virginia the single-brooded wzrgznzenszs, which is an exaggerated Oleracea e@stiva. This insect comes out in spring, and is single-brooded like Gonepteryx or Anthocharis. “So to tabulate Pzerzs api in America :— SINGLE-BROODED. WINTER BROOD. SUMMER BROOD. SINGLE-BROODED. Northern, dvyouze. Eastern, oleracea oleracea Southern, wrginzensis hyemalts @stiva, Western venosa and pallida. Eliminate the double-brooded race, and you have dryonie like G. rhamnt, and virginiensis, like G. cleopatra ! “ Now Ido not pretend that these cases are exactly parallel, or that the two-brooded wagz is likely to be lost; but to my mind, it is sufficiently like the hypothetical case toe the two species of Gouepteryx to be convincing of the posszbility of my theory. AUGUST 23rd, 1888. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. H. A. Cruttwell was elected a Member. Mr. J. T. Williams exhibited nine specimens of Dezlephila galw, Schiff, taken by him at St. Margaret’s Bay, Kent; and stated that Mr. F. Oswald had taken eight others; the whole number were taken flying over flowers of Echium vulgare, JL, Mr. Wellman exhibited bred examples of a second brood of Lobophora viretata, Hb., Rhodophea advenella, Zinc., and also a melanic specimen of Venusta cambrica, Curt., from Sheffield, which was referred to at the previous meeting, and specimens of Sesza culiceformzs, L., with yellow bands. Mr. R. South exhibited a melanic example of Plusza gamma, L., and called attention to a curiously serrated line on the hind margin of the primaries, which formed a distinct metallic W. 62 Mr.D. J. Rice exhibited nest and eggs of the Creeper (Certhia Jamiltaris, L.); and eggs of Wren (T7roglodytes parvulus, Koch.). The Secretary, on behalf of Mr. T. D. .A. Cockerell, exhibited specimens of TZvzchodes ornatus, Say., Chrysts pacifica, Say., and Cantharis nuttalli, Say., from Colorado, and read the following note :— “ Cantharis nuttalli, Say. This species of Cantharis, kindly named for me by Prof. C. V. Riley, is exceedingly abundant in this locality (Custer Co., Colorado), being gregarious on low plants and very conspicuous. W. L. Carpenter has already recorded this species from Colorado (Ann. Rept. U. S. Geol. and Geog. Survey for 1873), and he states that he found it only very locally in South Park, where it was confined to /rzs missouriensis, Nuttall (or as he calls it, ‘‘/rzs tenax”’), and seemed to be protected by its resemblance to the colour of that plant. I cannot, however, quite agree with this view, because here it is certainly a very conspicuous beetle, and yet does not appear to be eaten by birds—indeed one might well suppose that a species of Cantharzs would not be palatable. Neither is C. xuttalli always confined to /rzs—I have indeed found it in plenty on /7zs missouriensis here, but even more abundantly on leguminous plants—particularly Thermopsis and Oxytropis lambertz. “The other two species of insects exhibited are 77zchodes ornatus, Say., and Chryszs pacifica, Say.,—mentioned in a former note read before the Society as being frequent on the flowers of Ligusticum montanum in this locality. I have also observed both species on Geranium fremontzz, but more rarely, and on one occasion I found 7: ornatus on the flower-head of Achillea millefolium.” The Secretary also read the following notes from Mr. T. D..A. Cockerell :— “The genus Euchloé (=Anthocharis)—Darwin, in the Descent of Man remarks that although the males of certain species of this genus have orange-tips, those of others, like the females, lack them, and suggests that these latter are nearer the original type of the genus. &. ausonides, Bdv., a species found in this locality, and ranging northward to Alaska, is one that lacks the orange tips, and is probably the most 63 primitive form of Huchloé we have, since the larva, which I have been fortunate in discovering this year, is almost exactly like that of Peris protodice, Bd. and Lec., a species which flies in the same locality and lays its eggs on the flower-heads of the same plants. Indeed, I sent Mr. W. H. Edwards a number of larvae which were supposed to be those of protodzce, from which he got pupz of profodice, sure enough, but also a pupa of awsonides! And he wrote me that he had not noticed any difference in the larve, except that he sometimes thought some were blacker—had more black hairs. This interesting fact, together with others (which I shall give in detail else- where), has led me to suppose that Hzchloé arose from an ancient Pzeris-stock, which is now most nearly represented by P. protodice and its allies, and that the separation took place on the American Gontinent. “Can insects distinguish between red and yellow ?—Some weeks ago I wrote a note, which has been read before this Society, on the habits of a certain yellow Thomzszd spider, common in this locality, remarking that it seated itself on yellow flowers, and so concealed, captured the insects that alighted on them. Since then I have also found examples of this same yellow spider seated on the flowers of Geranzum fremontiz, which are of a pale pink colour, and this suggests an inquiry, can spiders and insects distinguish between red and yellow? It is conceivable that the ancestors of Geranium were yellow, and that the habit of sitting upon these flowers was acquired at the time by the ancestors of this yellow spider—for although I do not remember to have seen or heard of any yellow flowered Geranium, it is worthy of note that Oxalis, in the same natural order, has both pink and yellow flowered species. But allowing this possibility, it still remains to be asked, does this yellow spider seat himself upon a pink flower because he cannot tell it from a yellow one? and further, can the insects which visit these flowers distinguish between the yellow of the spider and the pink of the flower, and so perceive and elude their enemy? Some time back I noted in the Extomologist that the yellow Gonepteryx rhamnt was especially fond of settling upon pink flowers, but it rather appeared that the insect was aware of the conspicuous contrast between these colours. I venture to think this inquiry 64 is not without interest to Entomologists, and I hope that some information, in addition to that now given, may be elicited from members of the Society—principally, whether they have noticed a fondness or otherwise of yellow insects for pink flowers, and whether the insects seemed aware of the difference between these two colours,” SEPTEMBER 13th, 1888. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vece-Presedent, in the Chair. Mr. J. H. Keys was elected a member. Mr. H. A. Auld exhibited a large number of Dicycla oo, L., taken at sugar, near Hayes, Kent, on the roth August last. Mr. Turner exhibited a melanic specimen of Soarmza gemmaria, Brahm, taken at Ashdown Forest. Mr. Elisha exhibited fine series of the following Tortrices: Argyrolepia eneana, Ub., A. zephyrana, Tr., Eupectha atrt- capitana, St., E. amandana, H.-S., Retenta turzonana, Hb., Catoptria juliana, Curt., Phoxopteryx derasana, Ub., Ephippi- phora trigeminana, St.,and Carpocapsa pomonella, L., the last named bred from berries of the white beam tree (Pyrus aria, Sm.), also the following Tinea, Memators fasciellus, Fb., Cerostoma horridella, Tr., C. alpella, Schiff., Coleophora therinella, Tgstr., and Gelechia semidecandriella, Threlfall, the last-named bred from Cerastium tetrandrum, Curt. Mr. Wellman exhibited bred examples of Noctua sobrina, Gn., from Perth; Dzanthecia trregularis, Hufn., from Cam- bridge. Mr. R. South exhibited Lycena tcarus, Rott, from Durham and Rannoch, and read the following notes :— “The short series of Lycena icarus from the county of Durham which I exhibit this evening, shows not only the ordinary forms of the species, but some which, so far as my experience of zcarus will warrant an opinion, are by no means common forms, but on the contrary, most interesting aberrations. Asa whole the series, limited in number as it is, may be regarded.as a fair sample of Lycena tcarus occurring in the neighbourhood of Bishop Auckland and Castle Eden. The most notable examples perhaps are the fourth B.A., g and the third’ B.A.; and! ‘fourth’ C:E3 9’s in) row 1. oDhe male referred to has very distinct patches of black in the fringes, 65 and the females, which are exactly similar aberrations, have all the under-surface markings of the primaries reproduced on the upper surface of these wings, minus the black central dots. Aberration in under-surface ornamentation was principally in the direction of the obsolete, but one specimen exhibited is itself a not very good exponent of the three phases of aberration I have discussed elsewhere. This example has an extra basal spot on primaries, is minus one or two on second- aries, and on the same wings has the initial spots of basal and central series united. For the Rannoch specimen of L. zcarus, I am greatly indebted to my kind correspondent, Mr. Ellison of Perth, who was good enough to send me some sixty or seventy examples. From these I have picked out all the males that exhibit any trace of black dots or spots on the hind margins of the inferior wings. There are just fourteen individuals which have these spots developed in a greater or lesser degree. I was aware that this form of Z. zcavus occurred in Scotland and also in Ireland, at least, that part of Ireland which embraces Culleenamore. I also knew that the south of England produced it, as I found one last June at Ventnor; but I am yet in the dark as to the occurrence of this form of Lycena zcarus in other parts of England, and shall be glad if any member of this Society can give me the necessary information. I think IT understood Mr. Tutt to say here that such forms were not uncommon in England. I should much like to have a few localities,as I am anxious to learn something more about the English distribution of this form. Mr. Tutt said that he always obtained a fair percentage of them at Deal, Kent. Mr. Step exhibited galls of Aulax glechome, Hartig., on the leaf stalk of Ground Ivy (Vegeta glechoma, Bentham) from Epsom. SEPTEMBER 27th, 1888. T. R. BILLuPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. J. Jager exhibited three specimens of Cal/emorpha hera, L., bred from ova obtained from a female of the species cap- F 66 tured at Starcross, Devon, in 1887; and a fine series of Stilbta anomala, Haw., taken at Sandersfoot, South Wales. Mr. Auld exhibited an example of Callimorpha hera, L., taken flying in the sunshine at Dawlish, Devon; also two specimens of Vanessa zo, L., with an additional blue spot below the ocelli. Mr. Tugwell exhibited living larve of Dezlephila galiz. Schiff., and remarked that he had met with this species in some nnmbers at Deal, feeding on Galum verum, L., a few also on G. mollugo, L. They were distributed over a considerable area, extending from St. Margaret’s Bay on the south-west, to Pegwell Bay on the north; not only were they found near the sea line, but in places five or six miles inland. During his three weeks’ stay at Deal, he and his family had by diligent search collected some 200 of the larve. They varied immensely in colour and marking, and included the eight forms figured in Buckler’s Larv@; also several other varieties, In some, the usual pale yellow or creamy white sub-dorsal spots were replaced by a bright rose-pink colour. Three were entirely black, without any markings; and two, half grown larvee, had the sub-dorsal markings much freckled with violet, making them extremely handsome. The year 1888 will be known to Lepidopterists as the great galit season. In 1850,and again in 1870, D. galz larve were found in some numbers at Deal; but they were sought for in vain in intermediate years. He had spent much time, season after season, over the same ground, without finding a trace of them. OCTOBER i1th, 1888. T.. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., President, in the Chair. Messrs. W. H. Bennett and E. D. Y. Poole were elected members. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited two species of British Fossorial Hymenoptera, namely, Ceratophorus morio, V. de Lind, with its var. anthracinus, Sm., taken in his garden at Peckham ; and two specimens of Vysson dimidiatus, Jur., from Chobham. Also four specimens of Momada roberjeotiana, Panz. 67 Mr. Tugwell exhibited Efzschuza farrella, Curt. and Crambus alpinellus, Hb., from Kings Lynn, and an albino example of Thera firmata, Hb., from Scotland, of which the following is a description:—The ground colour of all the wings much paler than the type, and the usual ochreous central fascia reduced to the faintest outline, fringe white. Mr. J. Jager exhibited Lepidoptera captured by himself at Tenby in South Wales, 1888, among which was a variety of Argynnts paphia, L., with two white blotches on both wings on one side. Also of Satyrus semele, L., having black spots instead of the usual ringlets ; Vanessa zo, L., with blue spots below the lower ocelli of hind wings, and Colias edusa var. Felice, Hb., captured by himself in South Wales. Also types of Agrotis lunigera, Steph., and A. ripe, Hub.; and remarked that the last-named species was very common at sugar, and on the lamp-posts, around Tenby at the end of June, whilst the larvz were plentiful on the sandhills in August and September, feeding on Sea-holly (Eryngium maritimum, L.) and Prickly Saltwort (Salsola kal, L.). Mr. J. H. Carpenter exhibited a slate coloured specimen of Amphipyra pyramidea, L. Mr. Elisha exhibited bred specimens of Axgyrolepia maritimana, Gn., and Czdaria reticulata, Fb. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited several twigs of Scotch Fir (Pzzus sylvestris, L.) which had attached to them resinous nodules containing larvee of Retznea resinella, L., from Forres. Mr. F. G. Fenn exhibited Helix hortensis, Mill. mons. sinistrorsum, Taylor, taken at West Drayton, October, 1888. Mr. Step exhibited specimens of Lzmax maximus, L., and L. agrestes, L., killed in a solution of mercuric bichloride, which, he stated, had the effect of preserving them in the same position as they were in when placed in the solution, 68 OCTOBER 25th, 1888. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. E. A. Atmore was elected a member. Mr. C. A. Briggs exhibited Gnophos obscuraria, Hb., the ordinary form and a particularly fine series of the banded form from Folkestone, the pale form from Lewes, the dark form from the New Forest, and a similar form from Ascot. Mr. Wellman, on behalf of Mr. A. E. Hall, exhibited a number of Lycena zcarus, Rott., taken in a field near Edlington Wood, Doncaster, in July; the female specimens were very striking in colour, some being almost as blue as the males, and the others being of various shades between these and the ordinary form. Mr. O. C. Goldthwaite exhibited a specimen of Triphena orbona, Hufn., and white spotted forms of Avgynuzs paphia, L., from the New Forest. Mr. C. Oldham exhibited a variety of Cherocampa porcellus, L., from Epping Forest, which had the pink blotches along the costal margin of the fore wings narrower and of a much lighter shade than the type; whilst the broad outer margins were somewhat indistinct. Mr. Tutt, on behalf of Mr. P. Russ of Sligo, exhibited Agrotis tritezcz, L., showing a good deal of variation; A. cursorta, Bork., showing variation, from type to specimens with a distinct dark spot in the centre of the wing ; and var. sagitta, Ab., with intermediate forms. Epunda lutulenta, Bork., showing two very characteristic phases of variation, one of a fine steely grey colour covered with white scales, with a distinct band, black in ground colour, with the hind wings white; the @’s of this variety are especially dark, the anterior and posterior wings being equally black. Mr. Tutt remarked that the pale Continental form did not appear to occur in Britain, but that the palest as well as the darkest of our specimens were named varieties on the Continent ; v. sed, Gn., and v. Zuneburgenszs, Frr., being the best known forms. Mr. Oldham exhibited several specimens of Calosoma znguzsitor, L., which he stated were all taken from one birch tree in Epping Forest. 69 Mr. West (Greenwich) exhibited Thalycra sericea, Sturm., from West Wickham, Kent. Mr. Carrington exhibited a skin of Pallas’ Sand Grouse (Syrrhaptes paradoxus, Pall.), and remarked that Mr. Cooper had received specimens of this rare bird, which, as was well known, had immigrated westward from the central portions of Asia, where it was usually found in considerable numbers. Mr. Jobson had pointed out to him, that in years when the bird occurred in this country, which were unfortunately few and far between, Dezlephila galiz, Schiff., also occurred in some numbers. Mr. Cooper said it might interest the meeting to hear that he had received a letter during the week, stating that in a locality which he was not at liberty to mention, where Pallas’ Sand Grouse had been very plentiful in the spring, they were still to be seen in good numbers, and it was very probable that nests would be found. NOVEMBER 8th, 1888. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. Messrs. H. W. J. Vaughan, F.E.S., W. Warren, M.A., FBS We. D. Cansdale, F.E:S., C. Henn, EB. Oswald.) la. A: Sauzé, A. Short, H. E. Hopkins, D. Chittenden, and S. Webb were elected members. Mr. Wellman exhibited Aczdala aversata, L., the specimens being examples of a second brood bred from ova obtained from moths taken by him in the neighbourhood of Brixton, and included plain, banded, and reddish forms. Mr. Tutt, on behalf of Mr. T. A. Chapman, exhibited Acronycta tridens, Schiff. ; a long series of 80 bred specimens from Hereford, some with a beautiful rosy tinge, others show- ing a great deal of variation in the character of the discoidal spots, and in the character of the basal mark; a long series of A. psz, L., from the same locality for comparison, together with an exceptionally dark specimen of A. megacephala, Fb. Mr. Tutt stated that Mr. Chapman had said the larvz of A. tridens and A. psz were very different. Mr. Tutt thought most of the specimens taken in the London district were gsz, but those taken in the Rochester district in nine cases out of 70 ten were ¢ridens ; he could not point out any characteristic difference ; but was of opinion that if a long series of the two species were studied, it was not difficult to separate them. The best way to obtain a series of ¢vzdens was to obtain ova from the females of the imagines taken, and when the larve emerged it was easy to tell whether they were those of the species required. Mr. West (Greenwich) said he used to obtain the larve of A. tridens from Whitethorn round Lewisham and Lee. NOVEMBER 22nd, 1888. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. Messrs, W. G. Dawson, F. E. Brown, A. Marshall, and J. Katz were elected members. Mr. J. Jager exhibited Agvrotzs precox, L., from Glamorgan- shire, obtained by shaking the sand crests ; also two speci- mens of Acidalia marginepunctata, Goze., taken at Sanders- foot, S, Wales, at light, these examples were of a dark slatey colour, with indistinct markings. Mr. Carrington said the Liverpool collectors obtained a form of this species from the Isle of Man which was even blacker than those taken by Mr. Jager ; it was interesting that this form should have been obtained from S. Wales, the geological formation being altogether different from that of the Isle of Man. Mr. Nevinson exhibited Leucanza putrescens, Hb., from S. Wales, and two specimens of Afelzothzs peltigera, Schiff., imagines of the former were taken on the 15th, and larve of the other on the 18th August, the imagines emerging on the 17th September. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited Pzerzs napz, L., from West Ireland, approaching var. bryouze, Och., Lycena icarus, Rott., Ellopia prosapiaria, L., from English and Irish localities, E7aturga atomaria, L., Larentia didymata, L,, Eupithecta nanata, Hb., and Hypsipetes sordidata, Fb., from English, Irish, and Scotch localities, and remarked that with the exception of the form of P, napt approaching bdbryonze they were alike from all localities. Mr. Tugwell exhibited two specimens of Wargarodes union- alas, Hb., from Kingsdown, Kent, 1877, off flowers of Eupa- 71 tortum cannabinum, L., also two specimens of Mecyna poly- gonalis, HAb.,.one taken on the sandhills. at Deal, and the other at Kingsdown, Kent, in 1877, off the flowers of Funcus obtustfiorus, Elrh. Mr. Hawes exhibited ova of Bombyx neustria, L., clustered round the stalk of a pear. DECEMBER 13th, 1888. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., President, in the Chair. Messrs. G. Tindall and M. Winkley were elected members. Mr. F. Enock exhibited a number of small Hymenopterous insects belonging to the Chalc:dide, which Mr. Enock stated were sent to him by Mr. Macer, who found them on the out- side of sacks of Russian Wheat. He paid a visit to the Flour Mills, and found the insect swarming in thousands on the sacks and about the huge heap of grain—a sample of which he took home and examined carefully, and found several empty grains having a small puncture about 3 inch in diameter, from which no doubt the fly had emerged. He compared it with the parasites which he had bred from pu- paria of the Hessian fly, and found it to be very closely allied to the Russian Merzsus intermedius of Dr. Lindeman, to whom he had sent living specimens for identification. He was inclined to think it was parasitic upon the Granary Weevil (Calandra granaria, L.), specimens of which he found “among the grain. Mr. R. Adkin, on behalf of Mr. J. W. Austin, exhibited the following varieties: Lpznephele tantra, L., 3 of a pale shining fawn colour, Cenonympha pamphilus, L., strongly marked, measuring I;, inches in expanse, Lycena bellargus, Rott. g U-S., ground dark grey, usual spots absent, and Bryophila perla, Fb., pale, zanthic, and slatey-grey forms ; taken at Folkestone. Mr. J. T. Williams exhibited Cymatophora or, Fb., from the Hebrides; the specimens varied from the southern type in the dull yellow colour of the stigmata. Mr. R. South exhibited British and foreign examples of Diantheecie allied to D. zana, Rott., and read the following notes: Of the three species of Dzanthecta more or less closely allied to D. nana, viz., compta, albimacula and cesta ; compta is 12 the only one at the present time whose right to a place in our lists is not beyond question. I think if its pretentions could be upheld or overthrown by vote D. compta would most cer- tainly be scratched. It should, however, be remembered that the first admission of D. albitmacula and D. cesta to our lists was in each case on even more slender evidence than that which can be produced to support the claim of compia. From 1816 to 1864 albtmacula was enumerated among British Dianthceciz on the strength of a single example in Mr. Stephen’s collection which was said to have been taken at Birch Wood in Kent. On June 8th, 1864, Mr. G. H. Lacy took the second British a/bzmacula ; at the present moment, thanks to our Folkestone collectors, probably few collections are minus a British type at least of this species. Although a specimen, supposed to be of Yorkshire origin, existed in the collection of Mr. G. Shepherd prior to 1866, D. cesia does not appear to have been established as a British species until that year. Writing in the Ext. Mo. Mag.,iv., p. 91, under the date of August 14th, 1867, Mr. E. Birchall says that his friend, Warren Wright, of Dublin, bred cesza from larve taken on the south coast of Ireland. Since that time the species has found its way into most of our collections. With regard to D. compta Mr. Birchall remarks in his list of the Lepidoptera of Ireland published in the Ezz. Mo. Mag. for 1866, “ A pair of this well-known species taken in Ireland by Mr. Tardy, are in the collection of Trinity College; but I am unable to indicate the exact locality of their capture. The insect has long been a reputed British species, and I confidently anticipate its admission to our lists when Dublin collectors bestir themselves a little.” A few years after this, Mr. Meek records the capture of several (six, I think) specimens on the Hill of Howth, Dublin, and I am afraid that this is all the evidence we have to prove D. compta being a British insect. On the other side there are the published opinions of Mr. Charles Stewart Gregson and Mr. Doubleday. Both of these gentlemen appear to have been equally dubious of British compta, and were quite in accord in suggesting that probably the insects in question (which by the way neither of them had 73 then seen, I think) were compta-like forms of JD. nana. Further, both were convinced that if the specimens recorded as British were really compta, then the said specimens were undoubtedly Continental and not British examples. In the teeth of this there are people who believe in British compta, and I am one of them. In Central and Southern Europe D. compta is commoner and more generally distributed than D. zana; but the latter has a far more northern range where it becomes melanic. In the most northern and some of the eastern localities in which D. compta occurs, it also has a melanic form. Throughout the common area of the insect’s distribution, forms of zaua are hardly, if at all, separable from compta, and dark forms of the latter from melanic forms of zava. The larva of compta is said to be different from that of zana. It feeds on pinks and also on Szlene. In nature the larva of zana has only been found on Sz/ene; but it will also eat the unripe seeds not only of pinks but also of sweetwilliams in confinement, as I have had frequent opportunities of proving. If my memory serves me, the larva of zava, when feeding on sweetwilliam or pink, is somewhat different in appearance than when feeding on Sz/ene. As the pale forms of zana are connected by intermediates with the melanic forms, so also are they with compta; and I am inclined to think that both compta and zana are forms of a primordial species represented in the present day by the melanic specimens of zana. The larva of zana has continued attached to Sz/ene, whilst the larva of compta has seized on Dianthus, hence probably the difference in colour and marking of the two larve. It may be mentioned that plants of the tribe Sz/eze have a more northern distribution than plants of the Dianthus tribe: both genera belong to Caryophyllez. In conclusion I must briefly refer to the variation of D. xana. Taking Stainton’s description we have for the type an insect whose primaries are “dark grey, with pure white markings ; the orbicular stigma and a blotch below it white; the reni- form stigma pale grey; the lines whitish, margined with dark grey; a whitish dash along the inner margin.” From this type there is aberration in two very opposite directions, On the one hand, the dark grey gradually gives way in favour 74 of the white, to what extent Iam not prepared to say; but I have seen specimens in which there was less of the dark grey colour than in the palest example in my series now exhibited, and I think it is quite possible that J may yet see a much nearer approach to albinism in this species. On the other hand, we find the dark grey increasing at the expense of the white, and also becoming heavier in tone, until at last we have a melanic form. Sometimes the primaries have a leaden grey coloration, with a more or less complete oblitera- tion of the paler markings which in the specimens from Shetland and Lewis are often tinged with ochreous. These are the chief phases of variation; there are some other departures from the normal coloration and ornamentation, but these are somewhat erratic,and although not unimportant may be passed now without more particular reference. There are probably several specimens in my series of D. nana which represent varieties already named or to be named in the near future; but these I heed not. The series in its entirety fairly well illustrates the aberration to which the species is subject, and to which I have roughly adverted. The first and last examples of the series I regard as coming within touch of the extreme limits which bound the legitimate variation of the species. I may add that it appears to me to be useless to give names to three or four of the more aberrant forms of a poly- morphic species, and to ignore the lesser deviations from the type. When we confer distinctive names on other than purely local forms or dimorphic forms of a species we are either going too far or not far enough. In the discussion which ensued Mr. South said that he considered D. capsophila, Dup. was only a local form of D. carpophaga, Bork. Some specimens of a Dzanthecia from South Wales were intermediate between capsophzla and the darker form of carpophaga. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a series of Dzanthecia nana, from Kent, Surrey, Shetland, and the Hebrides. Mr. T. W. Hall, series of many species of Dzanthecza. Mr. Tugwell exhibited Wemeophila plantaginis var. hospita, Schiff, from Forfarshire, and some almost black specimens of Agrotts stmulans, Hufn., from Aberdeenshire. (i) Mr. Manger exhibited Dyxastes hercules, Fab., from. Mont- serrat, Chalcosoma atlas, Fab.; Megalosoma thesus, Fab., and a species of Golofa, which was not identified, from Brazil. . Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited specimens of Curculio (Mzarus) micros, Germ., taken by his friend, Mr. W. West, in Headley Lane, in the year 1884, at which time Mr. West said it seemed to be in abundance; but although he had several times since diligently searched the same locality he had been unable to again meet with it. Mr. Billups also exhibited some 50 species of Chrysomelidze from different parts of the world, and made the following remarks :—“ The magnificent family of Chrysomelides, or Leaf-beetles is well deserving of its name, which signifies golden apples,’ and is given to the insects on account of their rounded and brilliantly polished bodies, which are often decorated with metallic colourings of every combination. The largest of our own British species is the well-known ‘Bloody-nose Beetle’ (Z7zmarchia levigata, L.), whose indigo globular bodies are familiar to most residents in the country. The genus Chrysomela has a very wide geographical range, and indeed wherever the climate permits insects to live at all, some of the species may generally be found. They feed, both in the larval and adult stages, on leaves, some of the larve being leaf-miners.. It is estimated that there are from 8,000 to 10,000 species comprised in this family. _ Mr. Billups also exhibited a specimen of the Homopteron, Hotinus clavatus, Westw., and said this very singular and grotesque insect belonged to the family Fulgoridaw, Leach (Lantern flies), and was taken by Mr. Elwes at Darjeeling, in 1886. With reference to Pixnotheres pisum, the minute mussel crab, of which Mr. Billups exhibited male and female examples, Mr. Carrington said this crab was sometimes called the Pea Crab, and in his opinion was not nearly so rare as. generally supposed. When he was working at the Crustacea he kept several of them in confinement, and he was certain that the crab did not feed on the mussel; it was one of those cases in which the one animal lived on the crumbs which fell from the table of the other; the crab was more a vegetable than an animal feeder, and fed on the small pieces of vegetable matter 76 that passed through the mussel during the process of breath- ing. As to the statement that the mussels let the crabs in and out of their shells, he had never seen this in those he had kept under observation, nor did he believe that they did so. DECEMBER 27th, 1888. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Messrs. (FE. E: Fenton, M'R:C.P:, EF: Pe Perks, "jx Scudder and W. Reid were elected members. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited Pygera anachoreta, Fabr.,and made the following remarks: “In the Young Naturalist, viii., 215, Mr. C. S. Gregson, in an article upon the nativity of this species says, ‘There is a mealy whiteness about foreign anachoreta. The series exhibited were bred from a batch of ova received from Mr. G. P. Shearwood, but beyond that he could not give their pedigree; he, however, pointed out that the specimens varied considerably in tint; some being quite pale and agreeing with Mr. Gregson’s description, while others were of a rich brownish shade. He, therefore, concluded that the tone of colour of the insect could not be relied upon as a cuide to its nationality.” Mr. T. R. Billups read a paper on “Ichneumonide bred during the years 1887 and 1888, by members of the Society.” This paper was illustrated by the exhibition of examples of the 80 species referred to, with the addition, in many instances, of the cocoon, and in some cases of the larval host. 17 NOTES ON THE GEODEPHAGA OF IRELAND. By Riv. W. F. JOHNSON. ead Feb. 23rd, 1888. The number of species of Geodephaga at present known to occur in Ireland is only some 140, out of the 300 and odd species in the British list. This apparent disproportion of numbers arises from the fact that Ireland has never been properly worked for Coleoptera. Consequently we may reasonably suppose that a more thorough investigation would raise the number on the present list very considerably. That such an undertaking would be amply rewarded may be gathered from the fact that I have, single handed, taken in this district since I began to work at the Coleoptera (now just four years ago), upwards of seventy-six species of Geodephaga, many of which had not been previously recorded as Irish. Of Czcendela we have only one representative, viz., campestris. I have not met with it; but have been in- formed that it occurs at Churchill, about ten miles distant. Carabus is tolerably well represented, but only two appear really common, granulatus and nemoralis. Of Elaphrus, only the two common species rzpfarius and cupreus have as yet been recorded. I do not know whether their power of stridulation has been noticed. My attention was drawn to it by a specimen of &. cupreus, which, while in my hand, to my great surprise, began to stridulate. On picking up others, I found they had the same power. The noise ap- peared to me to be made with the elytra. Blethisa multipunctata has been recorded from near Belfast by Mr. Haliday, and from Lowry’s Lough by my- self. It occurs at the latter locality, along with Pelophila borealis, but is not at all as plentiful as its companion. Pelophila 1 have taken in great numbers on the shores of lakes, or loughs, as we call them. It seems to prefer a clay shore with stones upon it. The beetle is usually found under the stones, except in the height of the season, when it runs about with great activity on the mud, sand, etc., or flies in the hot sunshine, June and July are the months in which it is most plentiful; but I have taken it as late as 78 October. The larva I conjecture to be aquatic; but this is a point which I have not yet been able to elucidate. The Dyschzriz are represented by six species; of these obscurus rests on Haliday’s record of its capture at Lough Neagh, and Canon Fowler seems disinclined to keep it on the British list unless. further examples occur. I do not, however, think that anyone has searched the same part of the shores of Lough Neagh as Mr. Haliday since his time ; therefore, the beetle may be there waiting patiently for some enterprising coleopterist to unearth it. The Bembidta on the Irish list number twenty-four. Fifteen of these have occurred here, among them being S-strzatum, mannerhermt, clarkit, flammulatum and affine. The two last-mentioned do. not appear to have . been recorded elsewhere in Ireland. It is probable that additions will be made to the list of this family, as the country seems very favourable to it. Patrobus excavatus is recorded from County Donegal and from Rostrevor Mountain in County Down; Pagonus chalceus from County Dublin. One specimen of. Zvechus lapidosus was taken at Holywood, near Belfast, by Mr. Haliday, and another from Killiney beach, County Dublin, is given in Professor McNab’s Dublin list. Pterostichus musters fourteen Irish representatives. I do not get any of them in numbers except P. diligens and P. strenuus. Amara communis bears out its name in being very common; but the other species are decidedly sparing in their occurrence hitherto, as far as my acquaintance with them goes; very likely, however, this state of affairs may be altered by further search. Calathus cisteloides, C. flavipes, C. mollis and. C. melano- cephalus, are widely distributed and common, especially the last. C. micropterus is recorded from Donegal, and I have taken it on the coast of Antrim. Out of the eleven Azchomenz on the Irish list, ten have occurred here, the missing one being A. jzumceus, which is recorded by the late Mr. R. Patterson, from the vicinity of Belfast. Of those taken here, dorsalis, fuliginosus, albtpes, marginatus, and parumpunctatus are quite common; the 79 first two being found under stones and in moss, the others on the banks of streams and lakes. I got quite a nest of oblongus under a heap of stones this week; it also occurs in moss, as does gracilis. The Dromic do not seem to be very plentiful in this country. D.agzlzs and D. nigriventris are recorded only from Dublin; the others have been taken here, near Belfast and Dublin, and consequently seem to be widely distributed. I do not, however, meet with them commonly. Chlenwus vestitus and C. nigricornis were captured by me here for the first time last summer. Canon Fowler states that Mr. S. Stevens took seven specimens of C. holosericeus on the banks of Lough Derg, near Killaloe, in the County Clare, in 1870 or 1871. A visit to the same place would very likely result in the capture of more specimens. The Harpalus family are very badly represented in Ireland so far. I have only taken the commonest species, and the best capture among them appears to be //. punctulatus, taken near Dublin by the late Dr. Power. I have appended a list of the Irish Geodephaga as far as at present recorded. I cannot say I regard it with anything like satisfaction. It is just a beginning, and serves to show where the gaps are, and what remains to be done. I feel, however, quite sure that were the south and west, the sea coasts and the mountains of Ireland, searched by earnest workers, not only would most of the gaps in our present list be filled up, but very probably new species be added to the coleoptera of the British Isles. LIST OF IRISH GEODEPHAGA. Cicindela campestris, L., Cychrus rostratus, L., Carabus auratus, L., nitens, L., clathratus, L., granulatus, L., montlis, ¥., arvensis, F., catenulatus, Scop., nemoralis, Mull., vzolaceus, L., Calosoma tnguisttor, L,, Elaphrus riparius, L., cupreus, Duft., Blethisa multipunctata, L., Loricera pilicornis, ¥., Notiophilus aquaticus, L., palustris, Dutt. biguttatus, ¥., Letstus spinibarbis, F., montanus, Steph., fulvibarbis, Dj., rufescens, ¥., Nebria complanata, L., brevicollis, ¥., gyllenhalit, Sch., Pelophila borealis, Pk., Dyschirtus thoracicus, Ross, folitus, Dj., salinus, Schaum., globosus, Hbst., Clzvina fossor, L., Tachypus flavipes, L., Bembidium 5-striatum, Gyll., rufescens, Guer., obtusum, Sturm., eneum, Germ., guttula, ¥., mannerheimit, Sahl., clarkiz, Daws., dorts, 80 Pz., minimum, ¥., lampros, Hbst., b¢hunctatum, L., decorum, Pz., affine, Steph., <¢bzale, Duft., atroceruleum, Steph., saxatile, Gyll., Jemoratum, Sturm., druxellense, Westa., concinnum, Steph., littorale, Ol., pallidipenne, \\l., flammulatum, Clair., varium, Ol., punctulatum, Drap., paludosum, Pz. Patrobus excavatus, Pk. Pogonus chalceus, Marsh., Trechus lapidosus, Daws., rubens, F., minutus, F., obtusus, Er., Aépus marinus, Strom., Pterostichus cupreus, L., versicolor, Sturm., vernalis, Pz., aterrimus, Pk., niger, Schal., vulgaris, L., négrita, F., gracilts, Dj., minor, Gyll., strenuus, Pz., diligens, Sturm., vitreus, Dj., madidus, F., striola, F., Platyderus ruficollis, Marsh., Stomd¢s pumicatus, Pz., Amara fulva, De G., consularis, Duft., spinipes, L., convexiuscula, Marsh., vufoeincta, Sahl., tbzalis, Pk., familiarts, Duft., acuminata, Pk., “zvialis, Gyll., communts, Pz., ovata, F., stmzlata, Gyll., plebeta, Gyll., Badister bipustulatus, ¥., sodalis, Duft., Sphodrus leucopthalmus, L., Pristonychus subcyaneus, \\l., Calathus cisteloides, Pz., flavipes, Fource., mollis, Marsh., melanocephalus, L., micropterus, Duft., Taphria nivalis, Pz., Anchomenus junceus, Scop., dorsalis, Daws., albipes, F., oblongus, ¥., marginatus, L., parumpunctatus, F., viduus, Pz., micans, Nic., piceus, L., gracilis, Gyll., fuliginosus, Pz. Olisthopus rotundatus, Pk., Dromdtus linearis, Ol., meridionalis, Dj., agilis, F., guadrimaculatus, L., nigré- ventris, Th., melanocephalus, Dj., Metabletus truncatellus, L., foveola, Gyll., Cymindis vaporariorum, L., Brachinus crepitans, L., Broscus cephalotes, L., Chlenius vestitus, Pk., nigricornis, F., holosericeus, F., Harpalus punctatulus, Duft., puncticollis, Pk., rufibarbts, F., ruficornts, F., zgnavus, Duft., latus, L., Bradycellus cognatus, Gyll., verbasct, Duft., collaris, Pk. Dichirotrichus pubescens, Pk. Anisodactylus bcnotatus, F. BRITISH LAND AND FRESHWATER SHELLS. Read May 24th, 1888, by MR. F. G. FENN. I have thought it advisable in preparing this paper on our British Land and Freshwater Shells to abandon my first idea of treating the whole group, and to give, instead, a short account of those species that are found within the South Eastern Counties. The Society’s district is too well-known to require defining, and the map which I have brought is not to show its extent, but merely how it may be divided into several natural divisions, each characterised by the presence or prevalence of distinct shells. That the South Eastern Counties are rich in mollusca will be seen from the fact that of the 136 species on our British 81 list, 123 are found here, though this may be partly accounted for by remembering that with the exception perhaps of some parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire, no part of England has been so thoroughly investigated. The first thing that strikes one in recording the mollusca for any given area, is the extremely limited range of certain species when, as far as we can judge, there is no visible cause for the limitation, though certain well-known facts will account for a good deal; as, for example, the nature of the soil, whether calcareous, clay, or sand, and consequent on this the prevalence of certain food-plants. Yet when all these are taken into con- sideration, there still remains very much to be explained. There are several questions which come up in writing a paper of this kind which are very difficult to answer: as, why certain species which were common in one year afterwards gradually became rarer, till they either died away altogether, or after a lapse of a year or two suddenly reappeared in profusion ; and why others, as, for example, Clauszlia biplicata at Putney, should only be found in a space almost to be measured in square yards; while another closely allied species is common throughout the whole of England. But this is not to be a paper on the problems of distribution, extremely inter- esting though they are. Before going into any details, and assuming that some of those present are not very familiar with the subject, I will go rapidly through the genera with which we have to deal to- night. Beginning with the Freshwater Shells, out of 46 species only three are absent. First among the bivalves is Spherium, which includes four species, three of which are found in the district ; the other Sfx. ovale, Fer., is known only from a few places in the north of England. I have one specimen from the Grand Junction Canal, but have never heard of any being found there lately. Pzszdium, five species distributed throughout; but they are very small shells, lamentably deficient in constant characteristics, and merge so into one another by insensible gradations that very few people can accurately determine them. OUmzzo, comprising three species, one absent, U. margarztifer, L., the pearl-bearing mussel, which is only found in rapid streams in the mountainous districts of the north of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. G 7 82 Dreissena, one species, D. polymorpha, Pall. This shell attaches itself firmly to the stones or woodwork on which it lives, by means of a byssus, in exactly the same way as Myzzlus edulis, L., the common mussel of the seashore. There is a theory that it is not an indigenous species, but was introduced by timber ships from the Baltic ; but it is more reasonable to suppose that it has become distributed by natural means, as it is common throughout the whole of the north of Europe, including Russia. It is fairly common throughout the district in running water and ponds, and in London has even made its way from the New River, and been found in profusion in iron waterpipes taken up in Oxford Street. erzdena ,; N. fluviatilis, L., the only species, is of frequent occurrence, and is found commonly throughout the Thames as far as Hammersmith and Barnes; also in the Sussex Ouse, and in the Avon at Christchurch. Paludina, two species, one P. vivipara, L., common throughout; the other, P. contecta, Millet., rarely met with. The first named is the shell so often seen for sale, to put in aquaria with gold fish. Bythznza, two species, both common. Valvata, two species, both very common. /Planordzs : of the twelve species in this genus, only one is absent, PZ. dilatatus, Gould. This shell occurs in a few places in Lancashire, and is generally considered an introduced species imported to Manchester in bales of cotton. Physa, two species, P. fontinalis L., and P. hypnorum, L., both widely distributed. There is a third, Physa acuta, but its only claim to rank as British, is that for many years it has inhabited a tank in, I think, the Victoria Regia House at Kew. Where it originally came from is not known with certainty; but it is a common European species, also found in the West Indies, at Cuba, St. Thomas, etc. Lzmnea: of eight, the only one absent is Lemnaa znvoluta, Thompson, a shell only found in a little mountain lake near Killarney. There are probably no shells whose outward form is so directly the result of external conditions as those of the genus Limnea. | have brought a good many examples of L. peregra, Miill., the most variable one, to illustrate this. As a matter of fact, almost every pond has its own variety. In a pond near Tooting a sinistral variety of this shells occurs. This form is exceedingly rare. I know no other locality for it in England ; 83 it is perhaps the most remarkable snail found in the district. Ancylus is the last freshwater genus; and the two species A. fluviatilis, Mill. and A. lacustris, L., are found in streams and ponds adhering, like minute limpets to plants and stones, Among the land mollusca there are many more gaps. Out of 90 species only 79 are so far recorded. Of the 15 slugs three are absent; the first of these, Geomalacus maculosus, Allman, is exclusively Irish; the next, Avzon flavus, Miill., is a doubtful, almost a mythical species, included in the list on the authority of a specimen which there is very little doubt was merely a variety of the common Avzon ater, L. Limax tenellus, Mill., north of England only, Shetland and Northum- berland. Both species of Yest¢acella are included among the remaining 12. Testacella haliotidea, Drap., the commoner of the two, is probably much more widely distributed than is generally imagined, for though conspicuous in appearance it is of a retiring nature. The greater part of its life is spent underground ; but after heavy rains it may sometimes be seen in gardens, crawling over beds and paths, and its light yellow colour, even without the small shell on its tail, renders it unmistakable. Its diet consists almost exclusively of worms; and I have known it found on one or two occasions by people who, going out on wet nights to collect worms for a fishing expedition, have found Zes¢ace//a hunting also. Its manner of eating them strikes us as being rather cruel, a slug three inches long will attack a worm perhaps considerably longer, and having swallowed as much as it conveniently can, will digest that quietly, while the remainder writhes and wriggles about outside till it is eventually drawn in. Swccznea is the next genus after the slugs, and we have four out of five species, the one absent S. od/onga, Drap., being exceedingly rare. These shells vary so much that it would be possible to arrange a series showing almost perfect gradation from S. pfedfferz, Rossm., to S. putris, L., and no two conchologists would draw the dividing lines in the same places. V2ztrzna, one species. V. pellucida, Miill., common. Ayalina=Zonttes, ten species, all represented. elzx, twenty-six species, four of which are absent. Of these one /7. lamellata, Jeff., is found only in the north of England and Scotland ; the second, 4. vz//osa, Drap., 84 is included in the British list on the strength of four probably introduced specimens found in Glamorganshire in 1873 ; while the other two, H. revelata, Mich., and A. pisana, Miill., are restricted to the south-western counties and Channel Islands. The next genus, Bu/zmus, contains four species, all represented ; though here again, one, B. goodalliz, Mill., is an introduced species. Pupa, four species, one absent. Vertzgo, eleven species, eight of which are represented, though very locally. Owing to their small size, these shells are very frequently overlooked. Balea, the only species, B. perversa, L., is fairly common. C/auszlza, four, all occurring in the district. Cochlicopa, two, C. lubrica, Miill., common everywhere; C. tridens, Pult., rather local. Achatina, Carychium, Cyclostoma and Acme, each have their own species represented. It is possible and probable that before the list is completed some of these vacancies may be filled up, but this is how it stands at the present time. The divisions which I have marked out here are not intended to be arbitrary, or rigidly defined, but merely to show how certain districts are characterised by the presence of certain shells. For example, anyone wishing to procure specimens of the large Roman snail, Helix pomatza, would naturally go to the chalk downs, and would never think of wasting his time looking over heath or sandy country ; and in the same way we go to stagnant ditches or marsh-land for Limnea glutinosa, Miill., running water or lakes for Uvzos ; quiet pools for the large Anodontas ; and muddy waters and canals for the large Lzmueas; while other species like 7. carthusiana, Miill., and Bulzmus acutus, Miill., are known never to occur more than a mile or two inland. Broadly speaking, the chalk district supports the largest and most varied molluscan fauna; next in order comes the low-lying alluvial land ; while the poorest districts are the dry heath and sandy country or districts of woods, as Virginia Water, Bagshot, or Leith Hill. In these and similar places shells are few in number ; there is less variety, and their texture is sometimes exceedingly thin. Granite and peat are the most unfavourable to mollusca; but we are not troubled much with either of these in our district. Dr. Gwyn Jeffreys, who was perhaps our best authority, 85 states in his British Conchology, his opinion, “that minera- logical conditions have very little to do with the habitat of any of the mollusca, nor with their comparative abundance or scarcity in any locality.” It seems reasonable, however, to suppose that the connection of certain species with certain formations, even though they may not be restricted to them, is not entirely attributable to accident. As an example of this, we are apt to associate Cyclostoma elegans, Miill., with limestone and chalky districts ; but it occurs fairly commonly in Jersey, where there are no calcareous strata at all. It is generally the case that when species commonly found on chalk occur in other districts the texture of the shells is thinner ; and we assume, from the form found on the chalk being far more abundant, that it is the typical one, and that the thin shell is adapting itself perforce to unnatural conditions. Snails can exist on any soil that contains some amount of calcareous matter, and I think very few soils are entirely devoid of this. Beginning in the North West :—The first district is what we will call the Upper Thames division, which may be taken roughly as including the whole of Berkshire. The greater portion of this district is on the chalk formation. It is a very little worked district, and I have but few records. Amongst these, however, are Paludina contecta, Millet., which occurs in a few places; and Limunea glutinosa, Mull., one of the rarest of the Lzmneas, is found at Reading, and nowhere else in the district till we come to East Kent. When living, the shell is completely covered by the mantle, which renders it readily distinguishable from all other Lzzn@as, where the mantle only reaches to or slightly beyond the outer lip. The Lower Thames Region.—This district includes the south side of the river from Windsor to the borders of Kent, and such part of Surrey as lies north of the chalk downs. This part of the river is essentially the home of those species which like mud and a sluggish water, as Paludina vivipara, L., Limnea auricularia, L., Unios, and Anodontas, though these never attain any size like they do in quiet pools. WD. poly- morpha, Pall., is common in the upper parts of the river, where the water is clearer; also in adjacent streams and ponds. WNeritina fluviatzlis, L., adheres to stones through- 86 out, even as far down as Barnes and Putney: it seems to live contentedly either in clear running water, or in the liquid mud which does duty for water in the lower parts of the Thames. Of the remainder of this division the shells of Barnes Common are fairly typical, and here are found P/. Lineatus, Walker, a curious little shell which has the interior separated by plates into chambers something after the fashion of the Nautilus. Alsothe little Vertzgo antcvertigo, Drap., and still smaller Vertigo pygmea, Drap., and even smaller than this the tiny H. pygme@ea, Drap., the smallest of our British Helzces. Farther down the river at Putney is found CZ. dzplicata, Mont., now the only British locality of the species, and when built over or drained, as seems inevitable, it will probably become extinct. Close by here is found P. voseum, Scholtz. This shell has been recorded for Hastings by Mr. J. H. A. Jenner; but the only other locality of recent date is Minster, where it was first noticed by Mr. S. C. Cockerell. The North Kent Region.—This is merely a narrow strip extending through Greenwich, Woolwich, Gravesend, and Chatham. The distinctions, however, which warrant this being classed as a separate division are mainly of a negative character. The larger species of Planorbis found along the Thames valley are mainly absent, but their place is taken by small shells of the genus Limunea, Pisidium, Valvata, etc. Almost the only characteristic shell is Wydrobza similis, Drap., a little shell not a genuine freshwater species, but it occurs in muddy ditches and other places that are occasionally over- flowed by the tide. With it is sometimes found Asszmznea grayana, Leach, another estuarine species, though more marine in its habits than Aydrobza. The North-East Kent and Thanet Division.—This district includes a strip extending from the coast line to the North Downs, and from Sheppy through Whitstable, Herne Bay, Margate, and Ramsgate, to Sandwich. It was undoubtedly once a portion of the old Thames Valley ; and therefore it is not surprising to find that the fauna bears a marked resem- blance to that of the present valley, and that there are very few distinct species. Asszmznea grayana, Leach, which first appeared in the last division is here fairly common in brackish water. Perhaps the most representative shell may be con- 87 sidered Limncaa glutinosa, Miill., which occurs in two other places, and in the marshes near Reculvers is rather common. Almost without exception the shells which are found through Putney, Barnes, and Kew occur again here, as P/. corneus, L., various species of Lzmn@a, Pisedium roseum, Scholtz., etc. It is curious that several shells in this district have white varieties, as though there were some peculiarity in the place which tended to produce albinism. As examples of this Planorbis corneus, L., Limnea palustris, Miull., and Physa Jontinalis, L., have each a white var. occurring in the marshes. North Downs Division.—This division is the broad belt of chalk downs extending from East Kent away through Surrey and Hampshire, ending beyond the district with which we are now dealing on the borders of Wiltshire. As might be expected we have here a considerable change in the fauna, and we find a number of those shells which in the south of England at least are always associated with the chalk downs. In walking through Surrey or Kent no one can fail to be struck by the change in mollusca on passing from the tertiary clay or sand to the cretaceous, and it is impossible to believe, as I said before, that this can be merely attributable to accident. Among the most noticeable shells are H. pomatza, L., which occurs at intervals, and in a few places, as Dorking, Cater- ham, and Reigate, etc.,is extremely common, JZ. Japicida, L., an uncommon species, and other such shells as Helex virgata, Da Cos., H. ertcetorum, Miill., H. caperata, Mont., and Cyclostoma elegans, Miill., Clauszlza laminata, Mont., and C. volphiz, Gray., and Coch. tridens, Pult. None of these shells I think, occur anywhere in the district north of these downs. At Caterham occurs a very beautiful yellow variety of A. aspersa, Mill. ; it is found by the side of the road feeding on Clematis vitalba,; and white varieties of A. rotundata, Mill., and Hyalina nitidulus, Drap., I have taken at Orpington, but they are far from common. On the Kentish coast is found one of the most rare, if not the rarest British shell, Acme lineata, Drap., a white variety of which has been taken at Folkestone. Testacella is found rather commonly at Croydon and Nor- bury. My last authority for this is our gardener, who is very 88 familiar with the slug worm-eaters, and has found it when digging in our present garden. At Preston Candover, near Basingstoke, a white variety of Clausilia laminata, Mont., has been found rather commonly. Sussex District—This division includes a small piece of the Kentish coast and the whole of the county of Sussex. It is situated mainly on two distinct formations, viz., that portion of the Wealden generally known, I think, as the Hastings sand and the southern branch of the range of chalk hills or the South Downs. The shells vary very considerably from east to west. The eastern fauna more nearly approaches that of the Thames valley or the North Kent marshes, and all the ponds and streams are well stocked with the freshwater bivalves Spherium, Pzrstdium, etc., and many species of Limnea, Planorbis, etc. Limnea glutinosa, Mull., common in North Kent, is conspicuously absent here. Among the slugs T. haliotidea, Drap., has been found on one or two occasions. Zonttes and Helix are well represented by the commoner species. A. carthuszana, Miull., and A. virgata, Da Costa., occur round the south coast, common on the chalk, but much rarer elsewhere. Three species of Vertzgo have been taken, pygmea, Drap. antevertigo, Drap., edentula, Drap., and Acme lineata, Drap., near Hastings. The general character of the East Sussex shells is an abundance of the commoner species, but nothing peculiar or remarkable. The details about East Sussex I have mainly extracted from a list compiled by Mr. J. H. A. Jenner. In the western part of the county there are several fresh shells which appear to be stragglers from Hampshire. Dead shells have been found of H. pomatia, L.; and A. obvoluta, Miull., and H. fusca, Mont., occur sparingly. Of the last, two specimens were taken at Lewes in 1852, but I have never heard of its being taken since. Heléxr sericea, Mull., easily distinguished by the silky hairs with which the epidermis is covered, is found in one or two places. H. erzcetorum, Miull., and H. vzrgata, Da Cos., occur all round the coast, most abundantly on the chalk. One very curious slug found in this district is Lzmax cinereo-niger, Wolf. The upper surface does not differ notice- ably in some specimens from Lzmax maximus, L., the common potted slug of our gardens; but on the under side of sole 89 there are two black bands about one-eighth of an inch in width, leaving a white mark down the middle, and by this it can be readily distinguished. There is only one locality for this in the South of England. South Hants.—This, the western extent of the district, is mainly situated on clay and London clay, with, in the forest district, sand and gravel; and is the home of those species which are met with occasionally in West Sussex, as #H. obvoluta, Mull., A. lapicida, L.. Limax arborum, B.Ch., etc. It contains the only locality I know for Ay. excavatus, Bean., but it is also interesting as being the western limit of 7. haliotedea, Drap., and the eastern limit of the other species 7. maugezt, Fer. The last species is found at Fare- ham, and the other at Winchester. Amalia gagates, Drap., a rather uncommon lead grey slug is found at Christchurch, but it has also been taken in Sussex, at Hastings. Paludina contecta, Millet., has been taken in one place. Among a number of interesting shells taken by Mr. Ashford at Christ- church are a beautiful yellow variety of Merztzna fluviatzlts, L.., with the usual dark markings in some cases quite absent, and white varieties of C. rugosa, Drap., and P. umbzilicata, Drap. The other shells found in this district do not differ remarkably from those common to Sussex and North Kent. Isle of Wight.—I have very few records at all from here; but it is interesting as being the eastern limit in the range of Bulimus acutus, Mull., a shell which occurs along the coast line of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. Among its other shells are two species of Vertigo and Testacella haliotidea, Drap. This is the last of the eight districts which I marked out, and with it I will conclude. If the paper has been uninteresting, as I am afraid it has, I will only ask that members will not imagine that the subject itself is tedious, but will lay the blame on its treatment. Certain parts have been very little searched, and any specimens, slugs or snails, would be welcome. I was cautioned before writing this against making it a mere list of names, but fear I did not keep this sufficiently in mind. All that remains for me now, however, is to thank you for the attention with which you have listened. 90 ICHNEUMONIDAZ BRED DURING THE YEARS 1887 AND 1888 BY MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL His TORY SOCIETY, Read 27th December, 1888, by Mr. T. R. BILLUPS, F.E.S: I propose taking the species alphabetically, simply making a note of any that may be uncommon; and I should add that I am compelled to keep back for a future paper many species which, at the present moment, are undetermined. Apanteles tmpurus, Nees, bred by Mr. South from Cuemzdo- phorus rhododactylus, Fb. Apanteles fulvipes, Hal., Mr. South reared in some numbers from Yoxocampa cracce, Fb. This appears to be a new host for this species. Apanteles vzmene- forum, Wesm., was bred in some numbers by myself from the lilac leaf-miner, Gracilaria syringella, Fb. This is alsoa new host for this species. Apanteles spurtus, Wesm., was reared by Mr. South from Haka vauaria, L.; by Mr. Adkin from Arctza cata, L.; and by myself from a cluster of cocoons found attached to a leaf of plum tree. Apanteles xantho- stigmus, Hal., was bred by Mr. South from Graczlarza stigma- tella, Fb.; while Mr. Elisha bred Afanteles bicolor, Nees, from Lithocolletis lantanella, Schr. Apanteles pallidzpes, Reinh., was reared by myself from a cluster of cocoons found on a thistle growing on the railway bank, East Dulwich. 0 4 SSUlpaao01g ,, Jo aes “ puevy ul souvrjeg Aq |} 9 SIE aces wept “* - 9QQT WOIY BDUL[Vg OF ‘aangopuagy a FATS *s1GtaIay ‘GNNH NOILVOITEANd Sa Cae Oo puvy ul sourreg “ souvinsuy “ puny Areiqry 0} sgjsuery, “ “ sguizesey, pue syoog “ Aiguoljye}g pure asvjsog “ ee ies “ Sunuug “ 9 ass “ soaq aouvijUy pue suondiosqng “ quoy Aq | Il o1 v2 ae ue ggg1 ‘If ‘oaq ‘aouRleg OF ‘aangipuag% 7 Gideon "541299 GNONH TIVAANAYD ‘688. 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GENTLEMEN, Sincere and hopeful is my salutation to you on addressing you from the chair this evening, to which I was by your kindness a second time elected last season. It has been a rule for some years past that at the Annual General Meeting the retiring President should as briefly as possible review the work and progress of the Society for the past year. In observing this custom I take the opportunity of returning you my heartiest thanks for the general goodwill and kind forbearance shown me while I have held this office. We are frequently asked, Is the Society prospering and doing all it was intended to do by its founders? I think, gentlemen, it is matter for congratulation that the Society still continues to increase in numbers, and that it is now far and away above anything that could have been anticipated by the original founders. We have heard from our Hon. Secretary a very favourable report, especially as regards the membership. Although we have lost one member by death and have had several resignations, and I regret to add, several struck off the list, still, with all these drawbacks, your mem- bership is now very much larger than at any previous time in the Society’s history, the roll of members numbering 223. I was sanguine enough in my last address to hope that. we should add another fifty to our number during the year we were then entering upon; that desirable result was not quite achieved, the number of members elected being forty-two, This, I think, is a very welcome and encouraging sign that the popularity of the South London Entomological Society is not on the wane, but is still as great as ever. I am sorry to say that the financial condition of the Society still causes our Chancellor of the Exchequer some very anxious 105 moments. Mr. Step reports that a very large number of subscriptions are still unpaid, and that he is almost weary of making his appeals to the defaulting members, and unless there is soon a marked improvement the Council will be obliged to adopt some drastic measure to remedy this unsatis- factory state of affairs. If the Society is to continue in a healthy and vigorous condition an effort must be made on the part of members to obtain more prompt and regular pay- ment; and this is now more especially urgent as we have become located in new quarters at a greatly increased rental. For some considerable time past we have been inconveni- enced through not being able to hold our meetings in the rooms we originally engaged at the Bridge House Hotel, so that our Council was compelled to make serious complaint to the proprietor. That gentleman, not seeing his way clear to give us the necessary accommodation, gave us six months’ notice to leave, thereby entailing upon our Council the trouble- some duty of once more finding us a new and commodious habitat. After a somewhat lengthy and anxious search we were enabled to make arrangements for the occupation of the present suite of rooms, but, as I have previously stated, at a very much higher rental—in fact, just double the amount previously paid. And now comes again the question my predecessor, Mr. Adkin, put in his last address—Will the change prove advan- tageous to the Society? Our Council have every reason to believe that it will, we having accommodation far superior to anything previously enjoyed by the Society. Our Library will be at the members’ service much earlier than has been hitherto possible, as our Council-room will now be quite apart from it, thus obviating the necessity of keeping the members who have half an hour to spare waiting outside the room while the Council deliberates. Then our ordinary Meeting Room is larger and much better ventilated, so we hope that during the summer evenings we shall not hear so many complaints of the excessive heat. The lighting is per- haps not quite all we could wish, but I think our Council are in the position to promise that before long there will be no cause for complaint upon that point. It now only remains for you, as members, to relieve our Treasurer’s anxiety as to 106 whether we shall be enabled to continue in our present quarters, or whether we shall be cast adrift through the apathy of members in not supplying him with the one thing that is needful to keep us in possession of these commodious and convenient quarters. The Library, under the fostering care of Mr. Rice, has been largely increased and much enriched by many valuable works, acquired by presentation, to the donors of which we feel it our duty to return our very grateful thanks. In addition to these gifts, the Council voted £15 for the purchase of books ; this sum our Library Committee seem to have expended very judiciously, not only in acquiring a considerable number of works, but several of great rarity. To members who may have extensive libraries or duplicate copies of any Biological works to spare, I cannot suggest a more useful and beneficial mode of disposing of their surplus stock than by presenting them to Mr. Rice, for the Library. He will, I feel sure, be delighted to be enabled to add to the Society’s valuable store of literature, however small the work may be. The Society’s Collections under the charge of our inde- fatigable Curator Mr. West, still continue to grow; but not as rapidly as Mr. West could wish, and indeed might reason- ably expect, considering the large number of members who are interested in the different orders. I am informed that there are many vacant spaces in the cabinet waiting for types of even the commoner forms of lepidoptera. I feel sure this is not from want of generosity on the part of our members, but from the fact that they are not apprised from time to time that there is a typical collection in the Society’s possession for the use of beginners. I hope our friends will bear this matter in mind, and that soon we shall hear that there is no more room in the old cabinet, and that a new one will be required for types of the new species that may be discovered. Our Ordinary Meetings during the past year, I think we may say, have been remarkably well attended, especially when we consider that many of our members come from long dis- tances; in fact, in no period of the Society’s history have our meetings been so large, or the exhibits so numerous and varied. In very many cases these have been almost of a unique character, and have been accompanied by concise 107 notes. We have had a number of papers read before the Society, several of them from members who are separated from us by vast tracts of ocean, but are still with us in spirit. I allude more especially to Mr. Cockerell, who is endeavouring to recruit his health among the mountains of Colorado, and Dr. Percy Rendell, who is at the Cape of Good Hope. We, as members of a Natural History Society, should be always ready to benefit by mutual co-operation and aid; in fact more willing to give than to receive. We cannot, therefore, do better than to remember the motto of Te Entomologist :— “By mutual confidence and mutual aid, Great deeds are done, and great discoveries made.” We have held but two actual field meetings during the year, but we have had two most instructive gatherings in the Zoological Society’s Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; besides which Esher and Claremont was the district selected for the annual fungus foray. The visit to the Zoological Society’s Gardens, in May, was under the guidance of our esteemed member Mr. J. Jenner Weir, and to him are we indebted not only that the excursion was a most successful and pleasant one, but for a very instructive afternoon’s entertainment. Some considerable time was spent in the reptile house, where we made the acquaintance of the pretty and harmless lizard; the fierce and gigantic crocodile ; the hissing serpent, endowed with the brightest colours, and clothed in scales flashing in the light with a thousand varied metallic reflections. “Terribly beautiful, Wreath’d like a coronet of gold and jewels, Fit for a tyrant’s brow ;” and were introduced to that curious creature the manatee (Manatus americanus), from Demerara. Mr. Weir informed us that it belonged to the order Sirenia, or Sea Cows. This creature appears to be entirely aquatic in its habits, for it has been noticed that a previous specimen which was in the Gardens was totally unable to move when its tank was dry. It inhabits the shores and rivers of Eastern South America and Western Africa, feeding exclusively on water-weeds. 108 There are two other known species, the Floridan, 7. Jatzvos- tris, and the African, M. senegalensis. The family of the gulls (Laridz) came in for a large share of admiration, as also the cranes, herons, etc. The Quadrumana and Carnivora had many special attractions, and that highly interesting class of animals the Felidz, the cats, cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, tigers, etc., all received attention, Mr. Weir leaving no object of interest amongst the thousand and one that were set before us, without calling our attention to it. Horsley, June 22nd.—This, the first of our field meetings, was under the especial care of a gentleman who thoroughly knew the neighbourhood, and was well conversant with its delightful surroundings. The day was all that could be wished for, and about thirty-four members attended. Mr. Carrington, our guide, to make the excursion less fatiguing, provided traps to meet us at the railway station, and convey us a distance of about two and a half miles on to the ento- mologist’s hunting ground. This means of husbanding our strength for the clamber up the rugged hills, and the race with our nets which took place on reaching the top, was evidently much appreciated by all present. Although there did not appear to be any great abundance of insect life on the wing, our Lepidopterists captured several good species, and most of them were enabled to add something of interest to their collections. Several fine species of _Ichneumonidz were taken, as also several good Diptera. Our Botanists were not left without their share of spoil: amongst the very beau- tiful Flora, such species as the green man orchis (Aceras anthropophora, Brown), the bee orchis (Ophrys apifera, Huds.), the spotted orchis (Orchzs maculata, L.), and the tway-blade (Listera ovata, Brown) being very plentiful, while several specimens of the musk orchis (Hermznzum monorchis, Brown), and the small white gymnadenia (G. aldzda, Rich.), were dis- covered and packed carefully away for the Herbarium. After tea a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Carrington for the very able manner in which he had conducted the trip, brought to a pleasant termination one of the most agreeable of field meetings. Westerham was the locality chosen for our July field ramble; but unfortunately for those who had anticipated 109 some good captures on this occasion, the weather, which had been very wet and cold for several days, still continued in the same unpropitious state. Twenty-two members, however, ventured to try their fortune; but alas! the paucity of insect life was painfully apparent, and few indeed were the insects netted, and those mostly dipterous. However, we enjoyed a very lengthened walk through the beautiful scenes for which the district is famed, Mr. Carrington missing no opportunity of pointing out anything and everything which was at all likely to interest his visitors; and it was agreed by all that the afternoon’s walk, in spite of the weather, had been most enjoyable, and that the neighbourhood of Wester- ham was well worthy of future exploration. On the 21st September the Society visited the Botanic Gardens at Kew, and had a pleasant and instructive day ; in fact, it might well be termed a red-letter day for those visitors who were present. It was particularly fortunate that the magnificent South American water lily, the Vzctorda regza, was blooming. Those members who were early at the Gardens saw the entire development of the inflorescence, from the opening of the bud until the full expansion of the flower, upwards of a foot in diameter, the beautiful circular leaves of the plant, which are from six to eight feet in diameter, looking much like floating tables covered with velvet. The Palm House was then visited, and some idea obtained of the luxurious growth of tropical vegetation, both by walking on the paths under the trees and realizing, par- tially,;the sombre character of an intertropical forest, and then by ascending into the gallery, where we were better enabled to understand how each species struggled up towards the light, and thus made the real flower-garden over head, instead of as in our climate, under foot, or at any rate much nearer the ground. The members then walked through the Arboretum to the Temperate House. Here we find that the plants are arranged phyto-geographically, so that the features which distinguish the vegetation of the temperate regions of the whole earth are presented in their respective divisions. We thus had a good opportunity of seeing how much the singular vegetation of Australasia differs from that of the other continents. The 110 numerous species of Eucalyptus, Banksia, and Casuarina have a dried-up appearance, contrasting unfavourably with the rich green of the leaves of the plants and trees from the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The visit to the Cactus House, which contains the finest collection of these plants in the world, and exhibits every form of the grotesque shapes characteristic of this peculiarly American group, brought to a close a most instructive and entertaining afternoon, and to Mr. Jenner Weir is due the very best thanks of the Society for the kind and unselfish manner in which he placed himself at our disposal, leaving no object of interest unobserved. The Annual Fungus Foray was held on October 26th, at Esher and Claremont ; but Mr. Step, who undertook to con- duct us, informs me that it was an almost total failure, very few of the members meeting on the occasion, and that those who did go met with but little success. This was no doubt owing to the lateness of the season, and the unfavourable meteorological conditions of the previous week, several very severe frosts having taken place, followed by heavy rains. This was especially to be regretted as the Council purposely appointed the meeting a fortnight later than it would other- wise have been in hopes of having a fine show at our Exhi- bition. The Hackney Microscopical Society held their hunt on September 8th, and were rewarded with no less than 130 species. This, I think, clearly points to an error on our part, and I would suggest that in future, if our Executive finds it necessary to hold the Annual Exhibition as late as the last day in October, it would be wise to have our hunt early in September, and hold a Cryptogamic Exhibition by itself. It would then be possible for others of our members, whose hands as well as heads are busily engaged in making our Annual Exhibition a success, to join our mycological botanists in the search for specimens. I do wish that it were possible to arouse more interest in these field meetings. I fear that many of our members think that we go out as mere holiday makers. I should like to undeceive them on that point. We go as students of Nature, anxious to penetrate deeply into the many and varied branches of Natural History. Even our specialists who accompany 111 us into the field feel their many wants and imperfections, and leave no stone unturned, or hedgerow neglected, in hopes of gaining further information from Nature’s storehouses, and if possible adding some other rarity to their collections. For the encouragement of our younger members who may have seen some of the many thousands of insects which were on view at our late Exhibition, and may perhaps have gone away with the idea that there was no more to be done or opportunity for them to be known in the entomological world, I would simply say that the stores are not yet exhausted, nor have Nature’s bounties left off flowing, but observant eyes are needed. To prove my case I perhaps may be allowed to read a small quotation from Lord Walsingham’s Address to the Entomological Society of London, last week. Speaking of the progress of Entomology and the work that remains to be done, his lordship said: “Some attempts have been made from time to time to arrive at the number of species of true insects of all orders existing on the face of the globe. Dr. John Davy, in a letter to W. Spence, in 1853, estimates that 250,000 species of insects exist (77. Ent. Soc, n. s. iii. p. 32). The latest of these calculations is perhaps that of my pre- decessor in this chair. At a meeting of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History Society, held at Dumfries in 1883, Dr. Sharp said: ‘As the result of a moderate estimate it appears probable that the number of species of true insects existing at present on our globe is somewhere between 500,000 and 1,000,000 ;’ and expressed his own opinion, in which I entirely concur, ‘that the number probably exceeds the higher of these figures, and will come nearer to 2,000,000.’ Dr. Sharp has been good enough to give me the approximate number of distinct species of Coleoptera described up to the present time ; he puts these at about 120,000, basing his cal- culation upon the Munzch Catalogue, published in 1868, which contained 77,000 species, and upon the additional descriptions since published. I think, Gentlemen, there is here plenty of encouragement for all to go forward in this delightful pursuit, and it may be said with truth, that in the study of Natural History we have a pure democracy, where all objects are as real and as beautiful for the toil-worn artisan as for Croesus with all his gold.” 112 Our Annual Exhibition, which this season was open for two days, the 30th and 31st of October, was again a very great success, beyond our most sanguine expectations, being visited by upwards cf 2,200 people. Our Exhibition Com- mittee, Messrs, Adkin, Barker, Carrington, Manger, South, Tugwell, Rice, and Yardley, were indefatigable in their exertions, and worked with such unanimity that there was no possibility of failure; and although it was thought that hardly so large a number of specimens was brought together as on our last Exhibition, the deficiency was well made up for by the valuable quality of the objects lent by our many friends. Probably one of the most interesting and instructive sights was the exhibition of living ants, kindly lent by Mr. H. Burns, F.E.S., who spared no pains in explaining to the numerous visitors the habits of these little creatures. Amongst the species which he exhibited we noticed a nest of Myrmica scabrinodes, Nye, which he had brought from France ; another of Laszus flavus, De Geer.—in this family the queen might be seen attended by her numerous court—and several other species, the whole occupying a large room, which was crowded by an appreciative audience both evenings: in fact, I fear, a number of our own members missed certainly one of the most instructive sights in the Exhibition. If so, it may be some gratification to them to know that Mr. Burns has kindly pro- mised not only to exhibit his little pets again, but also to read a paper on their life history, etc., during the coming spring. The large room was again filled with vast numbers of specimens of Natural History, embracing most known orders in the insect fauna, and many valuable specimens from the ornitho- logical world, some of the objects on view being unique. For me to attempt to individualise where all was so good, would be quite out of place; but I cannot help thinking that the innovation of introducing living objects, such as the valuable birds of Mr. Castang, the newts and snakes of Messrs. Adkin and Cook, as also the water spiders of Mr. Perks was a step in the right direction, for the more we are enabled to observe Nature’s living wonders the greater will be our surprise that we have not sooner become students of her marvellous organisms. I cannot pass by the South London Microscopical Society 113 without according to its members, who have always been so ‘willing to assist us, our very heartiest thanks for the valuable aid rendered on this as on previous occasions ; neither can I forget the valuable services of Mr. G. Day, who not only brought down his triplexicon lantern, but entertained us with four most instructive lectures upon “ Parasites,”’ “ Plant Life,” “Nest Builders,’ and “ Microscopic Wonders.” Our Exhibition Committee, not liking to lose the attraction of the Fungus Table, deputed several gentlemen to go to Esher on the Tuesday previous to the opening ; and Mr. Step informs me that more material was brought together than on any previous occasion, but not in the condition he could have wished, owing to the atmospheric conditions previously mentioned. To our very numerous friends who assisted us by the loan of objects, we return our very hearty and grateful thanks, feeling sure that they have materially assisted in strengthening the Society by bringing in additional members whose interest in Natural History has been awakened by the sight of natural beauties which they had hitherto not dreamed of. And my sincere hope is that it may be long before this Society ceases to hold its Annual Exhibition. We are assured by an old proverb, that there is “nothing new under the sun,” but our naturalists, taking exception to this aphorism, still assert that the Fauna of the British Isles is yet far from being worked out; and as several new and rare species of the class Insecta have been dis- covered during the past year, I purpose calling your attention to some few of them, and referring you as far as possible to the published records of the same. Lepidoptera. Hesperia lineola, Ochsenheimer. This is probably the most interesting addition to our fauna list, from a Lepidopterist’s point of view, being the discovery of a new butterfly. To one of our own members, Mr. F. W. Hawes, are we indebted for the introduction of this little curiosity of the Family of Skippers (Hesperide). Mr. Hawes’ specimens are all males, and were really taken in 1888, but have only recently been identified. Mr. Carrincron has also taken both sexes of the same species this season, but I think I understood him to say from forty to fifty miles from the district in which Mr. Hawes captured his specimens. The insects were I 114 exhibited in these rooms at our last meeting by both gentlemen ; Mr. JENNER WEIR also exhibited a specimen which had been in ° his collection for some time, but he could not state the locality from which it came. For a full description I would refer members to Entom., xxiii. p. 3. Acrolepia assectella, Zeller. ‘To our veteran Lepidopterist, Mr. STAINTON, is due the honour of adding to the British List of Tinez this new species, which has long been known on the Continent and as near home as Brussels and Paris. Mr. STAINTON’s attention was called to some onions which had been grown for seed, the seed-, heads of which appeared to have been attacked by some kind of disease ; these on closer examination he found to be infested by the larvae of Acrolepia assectella, which had been feeding on the stems supporting the flower and seed. From the larve thus obtained Mr. Stainton bred a series of the little moth which in future will figure in our list of British Acrolepie (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxv. Pp. 291). These two species of Lepidoptera are all that have been recorded as new during the past season; but several rarities have been observed, and I think they are well worthy of notice on this occasion. ) Parnassius (Doritis) apollo, L. A specimen of this noble but- terfly is said to have been observed hovering over the cliffs at Dover on the 28th of August last, by Mr. Sapine, Junr., but the very treacherous nature of the ground prevented any attempt at capture (Lntom., xxi. p. 278). Coltas hyale, Z., was seen by the Rev. J. L. Tarsat, near Whiteleys, Reading, on the 2nd of September (Z/om. xxii. p. 256.) Colias edusa, ¥b., appears to have been observed in several localities, and to have been fairly common in some places. It has been recorded from Essex, Surrey, Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Gloucestershire, Devonshire, South Wales, and Lancashire. From the two latter localities many specimens are recorded as captured (£Zntom., xxii. pp. 255, 278). Vanessa antiopa, L. This very handsome species has been captured in localities somewhat wide apart. It is recorded from Guestling by the Rev E. N. BioomrFrEtp, while Mr. E. SAUNDERS speaks of it being taken at Beckenham. Mr. Goss records its capture at Barcomb, Sussex. A fine specimen has been taken at Leytonstone, Essex ; and it has also been observed at Battle, Sussex, and Liss in Hampshire (Zt. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 429; Lntom., xxii. Pp. 257, 306). 115 Sphinx convolvuli, L. This fine species of the family Sphingidz is reported from numerous localities: Regent’s Park, hovering over the bloom of WVicotiana affinis ; from Reading, resting on a paling ; from Christchurch, Hants, by one of our members, Mr. ADYE; Chipping Norton, again at the bloom of Vicotiana ; from Penarth, at the bloom of a balsam ; while at Porthkerry, two were taken at the fascinating tobacco. At Manchester, one was taken from the wall of a greenhouse; several were observed busy at tobacco. From Ramsgate we again hear of its capture at tobacco ; while Aberdeen- shire and Devon add their quota. A gravestone at Leicester was the resting-place of one; the bloom of the petunia attracted two in the Isle of Wight; while from other places, too numerous to specify on this occasion, it is also announced (£x/om., xxii. pp. 258, 280 and xxiii. 18; Hz. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 456). Deilephila galit, Schiff. Two specimens of this lovely moth are reported to have been captured in the neighbourhood of Chester ; while a third, a fine male, was taken at rest in a garden at Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire (Zz/éom., xxil. pp. 211, 234). Deilephila euphorbie, L. The Rev. J. S—Eymour Sr. JouHN, writing from Stamford Hill, N., records the capture of thirteen nearly full-fed larvee of this very rare insect, which were taken by a friend, feeding on the Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralias, L.), but he gives no locality. They have since pupated, and ten apparently healthy pupze were in the gentleman’s possession at the time of writing his note, November 22nd (£z/om., xxiii. p. 18). Cherocampa celerio, L. On the 1st of October, a lad took a fine specimen of this insect at rest on the framework of a green- house, at Hartlepool (Zz/om., xxii. 281). Caradrina ambigua, Fab. Mr. Turr records the capture of a worn specimen of this rarity, by himself, at Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, and his observation of two other fine specimens in the collection of Mr. A. J. Hopces, which were taken in the same locality in the year 1888 (Lxtom., xxii. p. 235). Stigmonota ravulana, H-S. It might be worth while to call attention to the capture of this interesting Tortrix in June, 1888, at Renfrewshire, although not recorded until February of last year (Zntom., xxii. p. 18). Coleoptera. Anaspis garneyst, Fowler. This good species has only just been added to the British list, although it was captured in some numbers by the late Dr. Power at Ditton, Horsell, Cowley, and 116 Claygate, some years since. To the Rev. Canon Fow.er is due the honour of describing the species, which he has named after an old and much esteemed Coleopterist, the late Mr. W. GaARNzEys (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 333). Anaspis melanostoma, Costa. This species, which is well known on the Continent, has been added to our list on the strength of a specimen found in Dr. Power’s collection, taken at Darenth Wood, June 3rd, 1860 (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 335). Having recorded the only two new Coleoptera, it would perhaps be well to notice the capture of several rarities. Fleptaulacus villosus, Gyll. This rare little species of Scara- beeidee fell to the nets of Mr. J. J. WALKER and Dr. SHARP in some profusion at Cobham Park, on the 2oth of June last; while the equally rare little Adveus granulum was secured by Mr. J. J. WALKER on the same occasion (Zt. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 359). Pentarthrum huttont, Woll. This interesting species of Calan- dridze was again taken from a white poplar in the neighbourhood of Plymouth, by Mr. J. H. Keys in May last, he having previously met with it in the same habitat in 1888 (Zt. AZo. Mag., xxv. p. 326). Medon piceus, Kr., and Actobius signaticornis, Rey., were taken by Mr. Beaumont and myself from a heap of weeds and vegetable refuse at Lewisham on May toth (Znt¢. JZo. Mag., xxv. p. 364). Time will not permit me to refer to more species of Coleoptera, especially as other orders have yet to be noticed. I am, therefore, compelled to omit many other recorded captures of rarities in this order and pass on to Diptera. Myopa polystigna, Rond. Our member Mr. BRUNETTI, records the capture of two specimens of this species, which is new to the British list, in an orchard at Painswick (Zz. AZo. Mag., xxv. p. 281). Syrphus excisus, Zett. This interesting species has been added to our list on the strength of two males taken in July, 1887, and one female in July, 1888, by another of our members Mr. CoryNDON MATTHEWS, who captured them at Ivy Bridge, South Devon (£xz. Mo. Mag., XxV. DP. 379). Hyetodesta consobrina, Zett., added to our list by Dr. MEapkg, from a specimen taken by Miss PREscort-DeEcig at Chagford, South Devon, in May, 1888 (Zt. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 395). fHHyetodesia sudetica, Schnabl. New to the British list, and described from two specimens captured by Dr. MrabE at Baslow, Derbyshire, July, 1887 (Zxz¢. AZo. Mag., xxv. p. 396). 117 Spilogaster atripes, Meade, two males of which were taken at Hornsea, near Hull, by Dr. MEapE, and S. spinifemorata, Meade, captured at Bontddu, North Wales, by Miss PrEscort-DEcIF in August, 1881; as also S. fratercula, Zett., taken at Baslow, Derby- shire, by Dr. MEADE. All are new to the British list, the two former being new to science (Zz. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 425). Hydrotea parva, Meade. This little fly is new to science, and described from a solitary specimen captured in an osier bed at Buckingham by Mr. MEabE in 1887 (Zuz. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 448). Chortophila curvicauda, Zett., is added to our list from numerous captures made by Dr. Capron at Shiere, near Guildford, Surrey, in April, 1888 (Zt. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 449). flemtptera. Scolopostethus neglectus and S. punctatus, Edwards. These two new Hemiptera have been added to the British list by Mr. JAMES Epwarps, who has captured the former in some numbers in the neighbourhood of Norwich; while the latter is described from specimens in the collection of Mr. E. SAuNDERS (4x7. Mo. Mag., KNVe 1 2710): Lygus viscicola, Puton., is introduced into the British Fauna by Mr. Douc.as, from specimens received from Dr. CHapmMan of Hereford, where it has been found plentifully on the mistletoe only (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 396). Anthocoris visct, Doug. This little Hemipteron, which is new to science, is one of the results of looking out for the previous species on the mistletoe (Vescum album). It was found by Dr. CHAPMAN, and sent by him to Mr. Douctas, who has described it (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 427). Hymenoptera. Apanteles hoplites, Rtzb., is added to our fauna list by Mr. J. B. Brrpcman, who describes a female of this species, which was bred by Mr. W. H. B. FLercHER from Gelechia populella, Clerck., in 1885 (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 282). Bombus scrimshiranus, Kirby, and 6. pomorum, Panz. Mr. F. D. Morice has had the good fortune to take both these rarities this season ; the former at Wimbledon, in September, and the latter at Beachy Head in the same month. This gentleman has also been successful in taking some numbers of the exceedingly rare Halictus atricornis, Smith, near Rugby, and also at Whalley in Lancashire ; and as though this were not enough of good things to fall to one net in a season, he has also captured one each of the following rare 118 fossorial Hymenoptera: Hoplisus bicinctus, Rossi, and Priccnemis affinis, V. de Lind. (Ent. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 434). Neuroptera. Lype fragilis, Pict., and Agapetus delicatulus, McLach. ‘These two species of Trichoptera are added to the British list by Mr. J. F. X. Kinc, who has met with the former, common at Lough Corrib near Galway, Yewpoint, and Summerhill, on the Connaught side, and Lough Ree near Athlone; while the latter was taken at Tore Cascade, Denough River, and in the Horses’ Glen, Mangerton, near Killarney (Ext. AZo. Mag., xxv. p. 235). Setodes punctata, F. A species of Trichoptera well known in France, Holland and Sweden, has been added to the British list by Mr. J. E. FLetcHer, who swept a solitary specimen from an ash tree on the banks of the river Severn, in July last (Zt. AZo. Mag., XXV. P. 383). Eisthna borealis, Zett. Five specimens of this rare boreal and alpine dragonfly were taken by Messrs. K1nc and Morton in its old haunts near the Black Wood, Rannoch, on the 22nd June (Znt. Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 383). Orthoptera. forficula pubescens, Géné. This new earwig is added to our list by Mr. ELanp SHaw, who describes it in his New Synopsis of British Orthoptera, from specimens sent to him by Mr. C. W. Date, who found it amongst reeds at Charmouth, Dorsetshire (Ent, Mo. Mag., xxv. p. 358). Knowing that we have amongst our members some who pay especial attention to our flora, I think it is only right that they should be informed, if they do not already know the fact, of the discovery of a new British Alga, or Seaweed. Rhododermis elegans, Cr., var. polystromatica. For the addition of this elegant marine plant to our flora, we are indebted to Mr. E. M. Hotes, who has discovered it growing at Bognor, and to Mr. E. L. Batrers, who has also found it at Berwick-on-Tweed. Hitherto it had only been known to occur at Brest (Zoo/ogist, xiii. johua gia) “Of making many books there is no end,’ so said a very ancient writer; if this was the case in the time of Solomon, what are we to say of the condition of literature now-a-days ? No less than 8,078 volumes have been published in the United Kingdom during the year that has just closed, London alone 119 being responsible for 6,774. Among this vast amount of literature there is a great deal bearing upon Biological subjects, and therefore of interest to ourselves ; but it cannot be expected that I should do more than call attention toa few of the most important. The third volume of “ The Larve of British Butterflies and Moths,” by the late William Buckler, has:been issued by the Ray Society. This is a most valuable work, especially to Lepidopterists. Miss E. A. Ormerod is again well to the front, with her “ Twelfth Annual Report of Observations on Injurious Insects and Common Farm Pests.” This little work should be in the possession of all who are interested in the subject, especially agriculturists and horticulturists. It might not be out of place to call attention to the change of proprietorship of the Axzzomologzst, which will in future be edited by Mr. South, who is very well known to most of us; and whose name is, I think, a guarantee that it will lose none of its present popularity. Also to the new series of the Ezztom- ologist’s Monthly Magazine, conducted by Messrs. Stainton, McLachlan, Barrett, and others; the first of these works having an existence of twenty-three years, and the latter twenty-five years. They are familiar magazines to most of us, and I would strongly recommend all entomologists to subscribe to both of these valuable works, if they do not already do so. “A Contribution towards a Catalogue of the Neuropterous Fauna of Ireland.” By James J. F. X. King ; Glasgow Natural History Society, 1889. A very useful addition to our know- ledge of the Fauna of Ireland, which should be on the bookshelves of all who study Neuroptera. “The Butterfly: its Life-history and Attributes.” By John Studland. London: T. Fisher Unwin, 1889. Price, one shilling, An elementary work, but at the same time a most useful little book for the student who is just beginning entomology. “Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Anti- quarian Field Club, Dorchester.” This Society is doing excellent work in entomology, and its proceedings should be of value to the systematic entomologist. The work contains some excellent papers, with coloured and plain plates. In 120 Vol. IX. reference is made to a moth new to Britain, Butales siccella;; and in Vol. X.to “New and Rare British Spiders,” as also to “ A New Species of Epzschnia.” Practical entom- ologists will find this a most valuable work. “The Flora of Maidstone.” By H. Lamb. Will be welcomed by all botanists as a most exhaustive list of the Flora of the neighbourhood. “Index Generum Avium; A List of the Genera and Subgenera of Birds.’ By F. H. Waterhouse, Librarian to the Zoological Society of London. Will be found a valuable and much-needed Index for ornithologists, Mr. Waterhouse having arranged alphabetically about 7,000 names of genera and subgenera, which have been used by various authors since 1766. “Sylvan Folk; Sketches of Bird and Animal Life in Britain.” By John Watson. An interesting little work dealing not only with birds, but also some of the smaller mammals. “Our Rarer Birds; being Studies in Ornithology and Oology.” By Charles Dixon, with Illustrations by Charles Whymper. The author having had the opportunity of studying various birds in their natural haunts, is enabled to give a fairly accurate description of their habits. I fear I have already taxed your patience severely, or I might refer to numerous valuable notes in our different Natural History Magazines; but those already brought before your notice will, I think, suffice. We may well say with Kingsley in his Glaucus, “ Happy truly, is the Natur- alist. He has no time for melancholy dreams. The earth becomes to him transparent; everywhere he sees signifi- cances, harmonies, laws, chains of cause and effect endlessly interlinked, which draw him out of the narrow sphere of self- interest and self-pleasing into a pure and wholesome region of solemn joy and wonder.” Gentlemen, I must now ask your sympathy for the families and friends of deceased naturalists, who have passed away from us since our last Obituary record. I will endeavour to be as brief as possible with this painful portion of my duty. We have lost a young member in the person of Mr. B. W. 121 MULLINS, who only joined the Society in 1886. I have been unable to learn the cause of his death, or his speciality in the study of Natural History. Mr. HENRY LEE, F.L.S. The Naturalist to the Brighton Aquarium, died at the comparatively early age of sixty years. He was more particularly known to scientific literati for his entertaining work, entitled “The Octopus; or the Devil- Fish of Fiction and Fact.” REV. CHURCHILL BABINGTON, D.D., F.L.S., passed away on the 13th of January last, at the age of 67. He was a very eminent botanical scholar, as well as an excellent naturalist ; and although he will probably be better remembered for his classical and archeological accomplishments and his skill as a paleeographer, his researches in the fields of Zoology and Botany were of no mean order. So long since as 1842 he contributed to Potter’s History of Charnwood Forest, an Appendix on the Botany and Ornithology of that district, following later on with a volume on the Birds of Suffolk, which was published in 1886. To botanical students he was known as an authority on Lichens, being a contributor on that subject to Hooker’s Flora of New Zealand. He will be especially missed by those who had the pleasure of calling at his charming rectory, and revelling amongst the treasures of nature, which he in his kindly hospitality delighted to exhibit to his guests. The REV. JOHN GEORGE WooD, M.A., died on the 3rd of March, at Coventry, after a brief illness, while on a lecturing tour. He was born in London in 1827, and graduated at Merton College, Oxford, being ordained in 1852. He was for a time attached to the Seamen’s Floating Chapel, and was also Chaplain to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital. He, how- ever, did not continue long in active clerical duties, abandoning them for the, to him, more congenial sphere of writing and lecturing upon Natural History subjects In this work he was highly successful, and has probably done more to popularize the study of Natural History among the masses than any other writer of modern times. His “ Homes without Hands,” being a description of the Habitations of Animals classed according to their Principle of Construction; his “Insects at Home;” his “Common British Insects;” 122 “Insects Abroad ;” “Out of Doors,’ being a selection of Articles on Practical Natural History; and his “Bible Animals,” giving a description of every living creature mentioned in the Scriptures, with many other writings of a like description, will help to keep amongst us his name as a household word for many years to come. He left a widow and large family to mourn his loss. His eldest son, the Rev. Theodore Wood, is well known to many of us as an ardent student and successful collector of British Coleoptera, and as the author of several little works on elementary and economic Entomology. WILLIAM BRODRICK, whose name we cannot omit, passed away at the ripe age of seventy-four, deeply regretted almost ‘as much by those who knew him by reputation only, as by the many personal friends he has left behind. He died on December 2 Ist, 1888, at Littlehill, Chudleigh, North Devon, where he had resided for upwards of twenty years. He was educated at Harrow, and took his degree at University College, Oxford. Apropos of his life-long love for Natural History, he used to say that he never learned anything at Harrow, but how to catch birds, yet his degree pointed to something beyond that. He studied medicine, but never chose to practice. Settling down at Belford, Northumberland, he became an enthusiastic lover of falconry, hawking over the moor of his uncle, Mr. Selby, of Ixizel, a name well-known to ornithologists. Here he procured and trained many fine falcons and tiercels; and it is as a writer on falconry, and an admirable draughtsman and painter of birds of prey, that Mr. Brodrick was and will be widely known. In 1855 he published his admirable work, ‘‘ Falconry in the British Isles,” the illustrations to which were all drawn by himself from life, he being assisted in the letterpress by his friend Captain F. H. Salvin. He will also be remembered by his charming folio plates of Hawks, entitled ‘“ Falconers’ Favourites.” His life-long study of the habits and attitudes of birds of prey, in motion and at rest, with his skill as a taxidermist, has resulted in the production of some of the most remarkable groups of stuffed birds, with which we are acquainted. He has also left behind him some most wonderful drawings of the external form and internal structure of British Mollusca and 123 Sea-Anemones, prepared under high microscopic power, many of these magnificent drawings being coloured. In August, 1857, he discovered on the rocks of Lundy Island, at low water, a Sea-Anemone new to science, Phellia brodriciz, which was described by the late Mr. P. H. Gosse, in the Annals and Magazine of Natural History, and figured later on in his celebrated “ History of British Sea-Anemones and Corals.” FREDERICK BOND, F.Z.S., F.E.S. On the toth of August, at Staines, aged 79 years, passed peacefully and quietly away a sincere and beloved friend of naturalists generally, in the person of Frederick Bond. Ornithologists and entomologists of the present generation have lost not only a friend but a guide and philosopher as well, and in him the Entomological Society of London has lost one of its oldest members, he having been elected in 1841. He joined the Zoological Society in 1854. Mr. Bond had no taste for writing long articles; but short notes from his pen may be found scattered through the journals of Natural History for the past fifty years. He more especially studied British Birds and their eggs, and Lepidoptera. Of the latter he was a most assiduous collector, and he has left behind him probably the most extensive and representative collection now in existence. Mr. Bond might well be termed a British Naturalist, he having but little interest in anything outside of the British Isles. In the hearts of his many friends his memory will still live on; while by future naturalists he will be best remembered by his eponyms, the British Noctua, Zapznostola bondiz, and the Indian Longicorn, Xynemon bondt. My limited space will not permit me to enlarge upon the very many interesting episodes in the life of this departed naturalist; but I cannot let the opportunity pass of calling your attention to the able Memoir by Mr. Dunning, in the November number of the Entomologist, and to the lengthened record in the Zoologist for the same month. REv. H. J. GorE, M.A., died at Hampstead on September 3rd, aged 75. For many years he was the Rector of Rusper, near Horsham, Sussex. He published very little; but as a field naturalist he was noted for being an indefatigable collector of British Coleoptera. 124 WILLIAM STAFFORD. The veteran ornithologist of Surrey departed this life’ peacefully on September the 21st, at Godalming, at the ripe age of 80. He was one of a group of self-taught naturalists, two of whom—the late Edward Newman (Author of the ‘ Letters of Rusticus,’) and j. D. Salmon (“Flora of Surrey ”)—were his staunch friends and fellow-townsmen. He never published anything, but dispensed his great local knowledge through others of more literary habits. His favourite study was the vertebrate fauna, and he was the chief authority on the birds of Surrey, of which he has left a magnificent collection, obtained by himself during more than fifty years of observation, stuffed and mounted by his own hand. Almost every naturalist who has _ passed through Surrey has visited his charming homestead at Godalming, more especially if desiring to gain any knowledge of the reptiles and birds of the county. To all of them he imparted information with the fulness and freedom which were his notable characteristics. PROF. WILLIAM RAMSEY MCNAB, M.D., F.L.S., died suddenly at Dublin, from heart disease, on December 3rd, at the early age of 45. He was educated for the medical profession, and took his degree at Edinburgh in 1866, and for a short time held an official appointment. But the hereditary instinct for Botany, descending from father and grandfather, seemed to prevail, and he became Professor of Natural History at the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester, and subse- quently of Botany at the College of Science at Dublin, and at the time of his death was scientific director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin. His name frequently occurs in the early volumes of the Extomologist’s Monthly Magazine in connection with Scottish Coleoptera, and he was the authority for several species recorded in the late Andrew Murray’s Catalogue. It now only remains for me, Gentlemen, to thank you for the patience with which you have listened to the dis- connected sentences brought before you this evening, and for the very courteous and kind attention shown me during my term of office. In my successor, Mr. Carrington, whom you have elected this evening, you have a first-class biologist, 125 well-known to all, who I feel sure will, with the assistance of the able body of colleagues you have elected to support him, spare neither time nor talent to make the South London Entomological and Natural History Society not only a benefit to all who are immediately connected with it, but a tower of strength amongst the Biological societies. PR BULEUPS: 126 ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. eee JANUARY toth, 1889. T. R. BILLUPsS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Jenner Weir exhibited specimens of Lzmunea truncatula, Miill., collected by Mr. Cockerell in Colorado, which appeared to be in all respects identical with the ordinary English form of that species. Mr. Jenner Weir also exhibited a ? specimen of Azosza plexippus, L., which he had received from Mr. Cockerell, Custer County, Colorado. Although in this specimen the inner edge of the wing was quite as black as in those received by him from Canada and Hudson’s Bay, it yet differed in the colour of the spots on the fore wings being all white, whereas in the northern specimens the four large central spots were of a fulvous brown, little inferior in richness to that of the disk of the wing. He exhibited at the same time the water-colour drawing which Miss Crallan had made from the specimen taken at Lind- field in 1876, from which it would appear that the example then captured resembled the more Northern form of the species. Mr. Jenner Weir also exhibited the following, received from Mr. Cockerell :-— Melitea minuta, Edwards, a small species allied to W. athalza Rott. Parnasstus smintheus, closely allied to, if not a geo- graphical race of, P. delzus, Esp., of the Alps. Euchloe ausonides, a species similarly allied to the European E. ausonia, Hb. Pierts oleracea, g§ and @?, Boisd. This species he had contended was not identical with our well-known P. xajz, L., and he was glad to read a communication he had received from Mr. Scudder on this point:—“I have to-day, for the first time, been able to make the comparisons I wished from the specimens you sent me, and I can report that the 127 European zafz, and the American oleracea, can be distinguished from each other in the caterpillar and chrysalis as surely and readily as zapz and rage can be distinguished at the same stages.” We may therefore expect to find this vexed question cleared up in Mr. Scudder’s excellent work now being issued. Mr. Chittenden exhibited very black forms of Aczdalza znornata, Haw. Mr. J. A. Clark exhibited dark varieties of Czdarza suffumata, Hb., black suffused forms of MJelanthza bicolorata, Hufn., var. Plumbata Curt., from Forres, and a variety of Oforabza dilutata, Bork., having black bands across the wings, taken at Brighton, 1888. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited Noctua glareosa, Esp., from Kent, Barnsley, York, Perth, Forres, and Shetland. The Shetland specimens and one of those from Perth approaching a melanic form, the others being all of the pale grey or slightly rosy type. Mr. W. H. Tugwell exhibited a series of nine Boletobza fuliginaria, L., and read the following note :— “ Eight of the specimens of this rare British moth exhibited this evening, were captured or bred by Mr. Edward Upton, at Dockhead, Bermondsey. The one smaller specimen I had the pleasure of breeding from a half-grown larva (one of four) that Mr. Upton showed Mr. J. T. Williams and myself, when on May 24th, 1884, we went by appointment to be shown fuliginariaat home. The four larvz we saw on that occasion were feeding on fungus on an old rotting wooden structure near a tidal ditch from the river Thames, and at a place that could only be approached under certain conditions of tide. One of these four larve, about half grown, Mr. Upton most generously allowed me to bring away, and this I fed up (on the piece of fungoid wood shown) and successfully bred. I call particular attention to the pupa case attached to the piece of wood. It will be seen that the larva forms a slung cocoon, z.¢., attached at both ends by silken threads. It does not go underground to pupate, as is stated by Kirby in his translation of Berge’s book. I am of opinion that the insect is a true Geometer, rather than a Noctua, as Mr. South classes it in his “Synonymic List.” The sketch of larva, from nature, was made by my daughter, showing it feeding and in repose.” Mr. White exhibited a coloured drawing of Catocala nufta, 128 L., the red colour of the secondaries being replaced by blue ; the variety was taken by Dr. Laver at Colchester. Mr. Weir observed that the wings were of the same colour as C. fraxint, 1b JANUARY 24th, 1880. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. T. R. BILLuPS, Esq., Prestdent, in the Chair. Rev. J. Greene, M.A., F.E.S., was elected a member. The evening was devoted to receiving the reports of the Council and Officers, the election of Officers for 1889, and the reading of the retiring President’s address. FEBRUARY 14th, 1889. T. R. BILLues, Esq., F.E.S., Presedent, in the Chair. Mr. C. A. Vine was elected a member. Mr. J. T. Carrington exhibited several specimens of a Braconid, which Mr. Billups said was Rhogas circumscriptus, Nees, bred from a larva of Acronycta alni, L., found in Carmarthen, 1888. Mr. Weir exhibited three male and three female specimens of a butterfly he had received from the Falkland Islands. They were of the same genus as our well-known Brenthzs (Argynnis), selene, Hib. and B. euphrosyne, L., and were apparently closely allied to the Chilian Brenthis anna, Blanch. (Mr. Weir has since ascertained that they were the Avgynunzs cytherts of Drury.) It was an interesting fact that Palzarctic and Neartic genera of Lepidoptera reappeared at the southern parts of South America which were quite unknown over a vast extent of the intermediate latitudes; but it should be borne in mind that there was in the American continent an almost continuous chain of mountains from the Arctic Ocean to the Straits of Magellan, which might have formed a connected temperate region, by which the migration of species from the north to the south may have been effected, at a time when the temperature of the earth was different from that which now obtains. Mr. W. H. Tugwell exhibited a variety of Dezlephila galiz, Schiff., bred 1889, from larvz obtained at Deal. Two of this form were bred, but as a rule this species is wonderfully 129 constant. In this variety the usual characteristic dark olive- green markings are replaced by dull grey, whilst the pale streak that runs from the inner margin to the tip of wing is obscured and dull in colour. The inferior wings are dull pale grey, lacking the usual rich rose shade at the anal angle. The body is also grey, instead of olive green.” Mr. Tugwell also exhibited a variety of Cherocampa porcellus, L., in which the usual deep rose-pink colour was almost absent, only the body being normal. The superior wings with a very narrow costal line of rose colour, the entire disc of wing, pale olive green, with faint grey shading, the hind wing pale olive green, shaded with grey marking. Mr. Carrington, with reference to the varieties of D. galzz, said that the variation appeared to be caused by an absence of the ordinary pigment. Mr. White asked whether Mr. Tugwell could give details of the exact conditions under which the varieties of D. ga/zz were bred, as they seemed to be in a somewhat immature condition, the hairs apparently adhering to the body and abdomen as if the specimen had not freely developed ; it would also be of interest to know at what temperature the specimens had been developed, and the time of emergence as compared with the normal examples that were bred. Mr. Tugwell, in reply, said the larve were found and fed at Deal, as far as possible under natural condi- tions; most of them pupated there; but in order to force them, they were, on his return to London, placed on sand and covered with damp sphagnum in a room where the tempera- ture was kept at about 70°; the two varieties emerged in the month of January, and were the only two that varied in any way, although he had bred some seventy specimens up to that date. He was not prepared to give any reason for the semi-diaphanous appearance of the specimens, but he thought Mr. White was hardly correct in suggesting that the speci- mens were not properly developed. Mr. C. A. Briggs exhibited Z7zphena comes, Hb., and T. orbona, Hufn., from various localities, calling attention to the T. orbona, from Unst, which showed hardly any variation. Mr. Turner exhibited pale pink forms of Zygena filipendule, L., bred from pupz collected at Reigate, Surrey. K 130 FEBRUARY 28th, 1889. T. R. BILuups, Esq., F-E.S., Presedent, in the Chair. Miss K. M. Hinchliff, Messrs. J. F. Perry, A. W. Nott, H. Moore, G. J. Randall, W. H. McLachlan, and J. Smith were elected members. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited Dzoryctrza abietella, Zinck, from Forres, N.B., and from Sutton, near Deal, Kent. Mr. Tutt remarked that Mr. George Coverdale had once taken a specimen at Shoeburyness, and another had been recorded in the Extomologzst’s Monthly Magazine as having been taken at Portland, a note being added that there were no fir-trees in the vicinity. Mr. Adkin thought it was ex- tremely difficult to say that there were no fir-trees in any particular locality, as they were planted in most gardens and shrubberies. At Shoeburyness there were gardens which extended almost to the Saltings, and it was well known that the larve of D. abzetella was found in very young trees. In addition to this, a number of ships carrying timber came almost daily to the River Thames, and he saw no reason why the insect should not be conveyed on board in the pupal state, emerge, and escape to the banks of the river ; the capture of one or two solitary specimens away from localities where fir- trees were known to occur, did not in his opinion prove that the species did not feed on fir. Mr. Cooper mentioned that when at Shoeburyness, during the week, he had noticed several fir-trees. Mr. k. Adkin also exhibited Cvambus dumetellus, Hb., from Forres, with C. pratellus, L., and C. dumetellus, Hb., from Kent, and C. evricellus, Hb., from Scotch localities, for comparison, and called attention to the resemblance of the Forres dumete/lus to the Kentish pratel/us, which, in colour, size, and general appearance, they approached much more closely than they did to the Kentish dumetellus,; but he pointed out that the form of the mediar white streak of the primaries showed them clearly to belong to this species. Mr. A. Robinson exhibited five varieties of Agrotis segetumz, Schiff., from Hunts, including one very pale male, one very dark female, and three males, showing variations in the spots and markings ; also two varieties of Agrotzs exclamationis, L., one 131 like the last figure in Newman’s Brztzsh Moths, and the other intermediate between this and the type. Mr. Tugwell remarked that both these species were very variable, but one of the examples of segetum shown was of a most unusual form, and would at first be taken to be a distinct species. There was, however, no doubt that it was a variety of the species in question, and although he had had a large ex- perience of the species, he had not hitherto seen one so striking. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited the following Arachnide: FTeliophanus flavipes, C. Koch, Ballus depressus, Walck, Pachygnatha De Geert, Sund., with 40 other species; the three first-named species were taken by himself in his garden at Peckham. Mr. T. R. Billups also exhibited Sz/vanus surinamensis, L., and gave a short description of the habits and economy of this curious coleopteron. Mr. W. Manger exhibited male and female specimens of Odontolabrus cuviera, and Protocerus colossus (?), from Darjeeling, India. With reference to the last-named insect, Mr. Billups expressed an opinion that it was certainly not the sugar-cane weevil, and he was of opinion that the species might be new to science. Mr. Tugwell made some remarks, relative to a communica- tion he had received from Mr. Pierce of Liverpool, as to the determination of species of Zygeenide by an examination of the genital organs, and exhibited drawings, having especial reference to the specific difference of Zygena trifoliz, Esp., and Z. melilotz, Esp. ; these drawings showing a most marked difference in the two insects in question. MARCH 14th, 1880. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. A. Horne was elected a member. Mr. Percy Russ exhibited a number of species of Lepidop- tera from Sligo, including among others a distinct black- banded variety of Amphidasys betularza, L., dark grey forms of Thera stemulata, Hb., black forms of Agvotes segetum, Schiff., 14 distinct varieties of A. cursorza, Bork., 18 varieties of A triticz, L., pale and dark varieties of A. vestzgialis, Hufn., a 132 ereen variety of Plusia chrysitis, L., and varieties of Epunda lutulenta, Bork., to the last of which Mr. Russ called special attention. Mr. Tutt remarked that the varieties of Z. lutulenta appeared to be the form known as /uneburgensts, Frr. The Secretary read the following notes from Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell :— “(1.) Dermestes fasciatus, Lec., type and aberration. JD. fasciatus of the ordinary form is very frequent in Custer County, Colorado, but the example now shown is the only marked variation from the type that I have met with. This interesting specimen has the /ef¢ elytron grey below the grey band—almost as grey as the band itself, and with not much black marbling. The vzg/¢ elytron below the band is black, with a trace of pale marbling, as in the usual form of the species. A symmetrical colouring in Coleoptera is by no means unknown—perhaps in this case, or even in most cases, it is due to partial atavism. Probably certain of the so-called ‘hemaphrodite’ specimens of Lepidoptera have a similar origin. “(2.) Pyractomena borealis, Randall. This specimen was obtained near Ula, Custer County, on the evening of June 12th. I was returning from town, and it was already dark, when I suddenly observed numerous bright points of light amongst the rank grass and herbage close toa creek. The lights appeared suddenly, lasted for from two to four seconds, and then went out. A search soon revealed specimens of the Pyractomena, each seated on some blade of grass or flower- stalk, their caudal segments (which are of a pale yellow colour) glowing vividly from time to time, the light being emitted in undulations lasting for about a second each, and fading altogether, or occasionally leaving a faint glow, after the third or fourth undulation. This, in fact, is the ‘ glow- worm’ of this country: the way in which the light is emitted is the chief point of interest in comparing it with the well- known Lampyris, and interesting speculations might be made as to the precise nature and use of this luminosity. Pyvac- tomena is luminous here only for a short time—in the month of, June.” Mr. Tugwell read a paper, “ Practical Hints on Breeding Macro-Lepidoptera.” 133 MARCH 28th, 18809. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Prestdent, in the Chair. Messrs. J. E. Cutts, W. T. Sturt, and W. G. Macmurdo were elected members. Mr. Hawes exhibited a variety of Epznephele tanira, L.., taken near Hastings, Sussex, having additional spots on the primary wings; also two varieties of Zygena filipendule, L., taken on the banks of the Great Northern Railway at Oak- leigh Park, July, 1876. In both these specimens the central spots and upper spot of the outer pair were absent, and the inner pair of spots much contracted. Mr. W. H. Tugwell exhibited examples of Dezlephila galiz, Schiff, and read the following notes :— The unusual number of Dezlephila galiz, that occurred all over England last year, extending even to Ireland and Scotland, naturally re-opens the oft-repeated query as to their origin. The idea that has perhaps found the most favour is the so-called “blown over” theory, although there has never been any conclusive evidence given to prove it; but merely that it appeared the most feasible solution of the origin of this sudden and wonderful abundance of a large and showy species like galzz. It may be remembered that in February last I exhibited a bred series of D. galzz, three males and three females, as fine and large as any British-born specimens I had ever seen; when, to my sur- prise, after the meeting, one of our members, Mr. F. Oswald, came to me, and whilst admitting the beauty of my speci- mens, asked if they were not unusually small. On thinking this matter over afterwards, I too recollected that Mr. J. T. Williams had also told me how large the specimens were that he and Mr. Oswald had taken in St. Margaret’s Bay, so much so that Mr. Oswald had supposed them to be S. ligustri, L. This gave me the key to what I am now fully convinced is a positive fact, viz., that in nearly every case of captured moths of D. galii they are immigrants from the Continent, as I found on writing to all the captors of imagines in 1888 for measurement of their insects, they all agreed in being the large type that is found in France, but which type is never reared here in England from British- 134 fed larve. The cause of this is, I am fully convinced, the want of sushine with us, our cold and wet weather, which weakens and dwarfs them, as the following table of figures will show pretty conclusively :— Bred specimens from English larve, z.e., found at large in this country. Liverpool :—Out of a large number bred one female only reached 3 inches, whilst the largest male was only 23; inches. From 106 bred by myself from Deal larve, the largest female measured 3,1, inches, the largest male measured 22 inches ; average males, 24 inches ; average female, 23 inches. From a number bred by Mr. J. A. Cooper from Essex larvee, largest females, 23 inches; largest males, 2% inches. Contrast these measurements with the following from caught imagines. The largest female caught by Mr. J. T. Williams measured 32 inches, and the smallest 34 inches ; whilst the males measured 24 inches. From Kingsdown, Kent, 9, 3+ inches; from Aberdeen, 2, 34.inches;_ from Plymouth, ?., 34% inches; Dartford, Kent,\(393) imebes;: Dublin, ¢, 2% inches. All these caught examples agree with French types in my possession, viz., females, 32 inches full; and males, 3% inches, and point most conclusively to their probable French origin, as not a single case of known bred English specimens ever reach the size of the caught moths, an average English ° being 23 inches ; an average English g, 23 inches only. Mr. Billups exhibited some very curious and _ beautiful forms of Exotic Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and Homoptera, amongst others, several species of Acrzpexa and LVecroscia from Mongpo, Sikkim, taken at a height of 4,000 feet above the sea; a species of Conocephalus from Central America, imported into this country in Orchids, two species of Homoptera of the family Fulgoride, not yet determined, as also some strange-looking Hemiptera from the Island of Celebes, and one specimen of an Hemipteron, Dalader acuticosta, from Burmah. In addition, this gentleman also exhibited three very brilliant species of Phytophaga, or plant-eating beetles of the family Sagrid@: S. buquetzi, Lac., from Java, S. chrysochlora, Lac., from Australasia, and Sagra cevuleata, Lac., from Madagascar. 135 Mr. W. West (Greenwich) exhibited a pair of Calosoma sycophanta, L., male and female, one of which he stated was captured in 1873 at Freshwater Bay, and the other in 1888 in Greenwich Park, Kent. | A microscopical exhibition was then given. Mr. Enock showing a series of slides illustrating the life-history of the Hessian Fly (Ceccdomyia destructor, Say.) comprising eggs zz situ on barley, larve and puparium 77 sztu in stem of barley, exuvize of pupa protruding from the puparium, male and female of the fly, also puparium and imago of the para- site Semztellus destructor, Say. Mr. West (Streatham), scales of Podura. Mr. Dennis, ova of Polyommatus phleas, L., and ovum of Lycena egon, Schiff. Mr. R. Adkin, parts of the larve of Orgyza antiqua, L. Mr. Boutell, gizzard of House Cricket (Acheta domestica), and eggs of Lzgdia adustata, Schiff. APRIL 11th, 1889. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Messrs. A. W. Dennis and G. E. Dench were elected members. Mr. Jenner Weir exhibited some butterflies which he had desquamated by the “ Waterhouse process ’’—z.e., by first immersing them in alcohol, and then soaking them for a few minutes in eau de Favelle (solution of hypochlorite of potash). He remarked that although the scales of the wings were dissolved, yet the hairs remained unaffected, and that the green pattern in the wings of such butterflies as Papz/zo lurlinus and Tzrumula petiverana retained its colour after desquamation ; the markings were therefore not merely super- ficial on these insects. On the other hand, the green colour of the wings of Oruzthoptera arruana appeared to be in the scales only, and was quite removed by the ‘“ Waterhouse process.” Mr. R. South exhibited several species of Lepidoptera, concerning which he made the following remarks :-— “ Plusta tota, L. 1. Typical specimen; 2 and 3, var. per- contationis, Treitschke, in which the metallic spots are united and form a gamma-like mark ; 4, 5 and 6 show modification of metallic spots in the direction of evanescence. Complete 136 effacement of the metallic spots constitutes the form known as zuscripta, Esp. ; “ Plusia pulchrina, Haw. (= v. aureum, Gr.). In the second specimen the metallic spots are confluent, and form a gamma- like mark. As far as I know this species, there is no ten- dency to effacement of metallic spots. “Comparing zota with pulchrina, it will be seen that the former has a rosy tinge, whilst the latter is suffused with purple. These appear to be the best characters by which we can most readily separate one from the other. I have care- fully examined the markings of each, but cannot find any better points of difference. In all my specimens of pu/- chrina (25 only) the stigmata are distinct, and there is a black abbreviated transverse basal line with metallic external edging, whereas in zo¢a the stigmata are not distinct as a rule, and the basal line when present at all is ill-defined. The last example, however, in the series of zofa exhibited this evening appears by its colour to be properly placed ; but as it has the basal line well defined, and distinct stigmata, it may be pulchrina. Here, then, a problem presents itself, and I shall be glad if someone can tell me whether the specimen in ques- tion is zo¢a with the markings of pulchrina, or an example of the latter with the coloration of zoza. “ Epunda lichenea, Hubn. Of this species I exhibit two series, one of which is from Plymouth, and the other from Portland, both places on our S.W. coast. The specimens in the Plymouth series are fairly typical of the species, whilst the series from Portland is composed of small pale greenish- grey specimens, with but little if any of the pink or reddish tinge which characterises the type, and all the stigmata are conspicuous. Further, the secondaries are much paler in both sexes., The last example in each contingent are intermediate forms of opposite sexes, approximating to each other in colora- tion and markings, and so connecting their respective series. “ Kubolia limetata, Scop. Series from various English locali- ties, the whole showing a considerable range of variation. “ Melanippe galiata, Hubn. Two short series bred from batches of ova deposited by different females. All the specimens of one set being much paler than the examples comprising the other set. 137 “ Triphena comes, Hubn. A specimen with ill-developed hind wings, colour and pattern normal, but only about one- third their proper size. “ Bupalus piniarza, L. The first specimen is typical of the Scotch and North English form of this species. The second specimen shows a preponderance of black, whilst that next in order has more than the normal amount of white. These three are from Forres, and were taken by Mr. Salvage last year (1888). The fourth and fifth specimens, from Forres and Durham respectively, have the apical patch and border of inner margin connected by a black bar which crosses the disc of the wing. Example No. 6 was taken by myself in Surrey. The light portions of the wings are of a pale yellowish colour, or perhaps it would be more correct to say that they are white, with a yellowish tint. This colour monopolises more than its proper share of the primaries, occupying as it does quite three-fourths of the wing. Another conspicuous feature in this specimen is the annular mark on the fore wings. The seventh specimen is from the New Forest, and also has more than its proper complement of yellow on primaries.” Mr. Wilkinson exhibited specimens of a few common species of scorpions, including male and female /sometrus maculatus, De Geer., from West Africa, and a female example of Centrurus biaculeatus, Lucas, from Cuba, and mentioned that they had been kept in spirits for four or five years, and when taken out for the purpose of mounting, were but little bleached. Mr. W. White exhibited a series of typical Avachnide, chiefly exotic, including examples of Galeodes, Scorpio Mygale, and petra. A letter from Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell, of Colorado, was read, referring to an article by Mr. Howard in the report of the Entomologist of the United States Department of Agriculture, in which was discussed, among other things, the food-plants of the larve of Carpocapsa pomonella, L., which, with the exception of one or two doubtful records, was con- fined to the natural order Rosace@. One of these doubtful records was in the Extomologist's Monthly Mag., 1874, p. 13, where Mr. Barrett stated that Mr. W. West told him he 138 reared C. pomonella from a larva found feeding in a walnut. C. pomonella being one of the most important insect pests, it was of special interest to determine accurately the various points in its economy, and it would therefore be desirable for Mr. West to bring the specimen in question to one of the meetings of the Society, or take steps to ascertain precisely to what species it belonged. Mr. West stated that he would bring the specimen with others, also bred from walnut, tu the next meeting ; and the matter stood over until then. The following paper, by Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell, was read :— On the Origin of the genus Auxthocharis, Bdv. (= Euchloe, Hb.).— These delicate little butterflies, belonging to the genus Azthocharis of Boisduval, seem at first sight very aberrant members of the Pzerzs stock, with their one brood a year, narrow wings, and (in many species) orange apical patches on the forewings. Yet in examining their characters as compared with those of Pverzs, I have been driven to the conclusion that Axthocharis is by no means an ancient genus—as genera go—and that it arose directly from an old Pzerzs stock, and that probably on the American con- tinent. In stating the facts which have seemed to me to support such a view, it will be useful to review the peculiari- ties of the genus Azthocharis, and show how they may have arisen as offshoots from the stock from which the genus Pzerzs has also directly come. Single-broodedness.—In Europe, Pzeris bryonte of the Alps and far north is generally assumed to be the one-brooded ancestor of the double-brooded P. zap~z of the lowlands, and there is a tendency to assume that multiplication of the brood is a direct result of a warmer climate, and the idea of a single- brooded species arising from a double-brooded one seems not often to be entertained. However, taking this same zapz group in North America, we have still the assumed primitive type, dvyonze, and like- wise the forms o/eracea and venosa to represent the European napt—so far the analogy is complete—but then we are met with what seems a strange anomaly. Pzeris virginzenszs,a delicate 139 pale-winged form, appears as a rare aberration in New York and Ontario, but actually as a spring-emerging one- brooded species in West Virginia—just exactly as if it were an Axthochares in fact! From this I think we get a clue as to the origin of Axthocharzs —it did not arise from a one- brooded arctic form like P. dvyonze, but was rather a branch from a stem which was probably even then double-brooded— and that accounts for its pallor and delicacy of structure, as fits an insect of the temperate zone. Orange-tips.—Those species of Azthocharis which I regard as coming nearest to the primitive type of the genus! do not present orange tips, but since these orange patches are so characteristic of many species it will hardly do to overlook them. In the first place they are developed in the males-— which seems to show that they are of the nature of secondary sexual characters, and have perhaps been perpetuated as such from what was once a very rare variety or aberration. Secondly, it is well to remember that both Pzerzs rape and P. venosa have yellow aberrations, and even possibly (as I have argued in Exztomologist, 1888, p. 112), came from yellow ancestors—and thirdly, in one species at least of Axthocharis (A. cardamines) there is an aberration (ab. aureoflavescens, see Entomologist, 1888, p. 189), in which yellow takes the place of orange. Preparatory stages—Dr. T. A. Chapman has an excellent paper (Ent. Mo. Mag., 1888, p. 257), in which he compares the egg of A. cardamines with that of Pzeres rape—pointing out that the egg of the former becomes orange, while that of the latter is never darker than a pale yellow—and further, that the eggs of cardamines are laid on the flower-heads. Having the eggs of no other Pzerzs at hand, he goes no further with his comparison, and it might be supposed that these differences were in some sense generic. But it is not so: Pzeris protodice is very common in Custer Co., Colorado, and it lays its eggs profusely on Avadbis, Sisymbrium and other cruciferous plants. These eggs are orange, and are nearly always laid on the flower-heads of Aradzs, though also frequently on the stem and leaves of Szsymbrium. Anthocharis ausonides (var. coloradensis, H. Edw.) flies here 1 See also Darwin’s Descent of Man, 2nd Ed.,, p. 312. 140 in May, and lays its eggs in the same situations as P. proto- dice. This year I sent Mr. W. H. Edwards a number of young larve, presumed to be those of protodzce—and certainly seeming all to belong to the same species. But on the Ist of July he wrote: “ Out of my protodzce larve I got on the 30th (June) several pupz (a ¢ protodice emerged from one of them some days later), and one of Axth. ausonides. 1 had not noticed any difference in the larve: I thought sometimes some were blacker than others—more black hairs.” So it will be seen that in the earlier stages P. protodice and A. ausonides have the closest resemblance—the larve, in fact, are not distinguishable. From these facts, I am inclined to believe that Azzthocharis ausonides on the one hand, and Pzerts protodice and its allies on the other, come nearest to the primitive stock from which both arose—and it is favourable to the idea of the antiquity of ausonides that it is the one species of its genus in America ranging to the far north—even Alaska. Assuming this, we are perhaps at liberty to construct a hypothetical Protopzercs, and imagine a butterfly inhabiting the American continent ages ago, in shape somewhere between the modern Peres and Leucophasia in markings—perhaps double-brooded—with a central black spot and dark apical patches to the fore wings, on the underside grey, marbling on the secondaries (for the green I take to be a subsequent arrangement of the yellow and black scales!)—in colour, possibly saffron or brimstone yellow, though probably already white, or partly so. Mr. Weir said that the paper was entirely speculative, but was full of suggestion. The assumption that the genus Anthocharis was an American one was not so carefully worked out as Mr. Scudder had argued cut his view that V. antzopa originated in America. In his (Mr. Weir’s) opinion there was not sufficient information on these matters to speculate upon the origin of the genus Axthocharts. There were so many of the group found in Europe that he did not see why we had not as much claim to it as America. Mr. South re- marked with regard to the question of colour, if he had under- } And the green veining of the underside of Pzerds napz is of the same nature— in neither case is there really any green pigment. 141 stood Mr. Cockerell’s paper rightly, the colour was first orange, then yellow, and afterwards white. His own idea was that species now red had passed through yellow and orange until ultimately they assumed the red we now see. NV. plantaginis, in arctic and boreal regions had a white form known as hosfzta. Coming south we got a yellow form. Then with regard to Gonepteryx rhamnz, the females in Europe were invariably pale, and much paler than the males. In Japan they were quite white; in China and India vhamnz occurred of an orange yellow; south of Europe, North Asia and Asia Minor, it was still darker, and was known as cleopatra. Mr. Leech had in his collection an excellent series of grades between the ordinary rkamnz and the variety madurenszs, which has the whole of the primaries suffused with orange colour. The question was a most interesting one, and he was very glad Mr. Cockerell had taken it up. Mr. Tutt thought that if an insect had its origin in hot climates, the primitive types were generally of a much stronger colour than if it had its origin in arctic countries. APRIL 25th, 1889. T. R. BILLups, Esq., F.E.S., Presedent, in the Chair. Messrs. A. Cant and R. Fortune were elected members. Mr. J. A. Cooper exhibited a bred series of Zentocampa populeti, Fb., the parent moth of which was said to have been taken at Rannoch, and he commented on their resemblance to the southern form of the species. Mr. Fremlin exhibited varieties of Vanessa urtice, L., picked from 3,500 specimens bred by him last year; in some the variation was in the shade of colour of the wings, in others in the size of the two spots on the superior wings; in the dupli- cation of the spots and in many in the absence of the usual pigment. These last, Mr. Fremlin said, emerged with crumpled wings, and died within a few hours of emerging. Mr. West (Greenwich) exhibited the specimens of Carfo- capsa pomonella, L., referred to in Mr. Cockerell’s note read at the last meeting. The specimen in question was unusually large, but undoubtedly of this species. Mr. Rice exhibited eggs of the Blackbird (Zurdus merula, L.), thirty clutches collected in the Leith Hill district, Surrey, 142 during the Easter holidays, each clutch being dissimilar in shade and markings, and showing variation froma whitish-blue spotted faintly with brown, to a ferruginous tint speckled so deeply that the ground colour was scarcely discernible ; the com- moner forms cf bluish tinge, streaked, blotched, and sprinkled with light and reddish brown, were arranged side by side for comparison. A single specimen (the only one obtained from the nest) of exceedingly glossy surface, the ground colour of bright greenish-blue, cowled at the larger end by a rich rusty- brown verging on purple, the remainder of the egg being quite plain, was especially noticeable. Mr. J. T. Carrington read a paper on “ Spiders.” MAY oth, 18809. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Tugwell exhibited Zephrosza biundularia, Bk., showing a well-marked series of this single-brooded species from Tilgate Forest, Sussex, particularly a beautifully-banded 9, figured, Plate I. fig. 4. Also Tephrosta crepuscularia, W.-V. spring and summer broods, and called attention to the fact that this was always a double-brooded insect—the spring brood appearing in March and April, and the summer brood in July; whilst 7. d¢andularia had a single brood, appearing at the end of May to mid June. Although these two insects had a very strong general resemblance, he was convinced, after repeatedly breeding both insects, that they were two distinct species. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a fine series of Bembzdium testaceum, Duft., taken by himself at Chobham, Surrey, October, 1888. Also several living specimens of Carabus auratus, L., taken in the Borough Market, this being the seventh year in succession that he had captured this species in the market. Mr. Billups also exhibited a large quantity of a species of Oribatidz, which he stated was causing an immense amount of mischief to corn-chandlers by feeding on the oats crushed for horses. Mr. Billups, on behalf of Mr. Enock, exhibited a spider new to Britain, and stated that it was one of several captured by Col. Le Grice, R.A., at Folkestone, in May last. They had been submitted to the Rev. O. Pickard Cambridge, F.R.S., 143 who identified them as Pellenes tripunctatus, or P. crucigerus (described under both names by Walckenaer). The habits of the male of this beautiful spider is to sit during the brightest sunshine on bits of chalk, which may be scattered about on sloping banks facing the south, the female being more retiring in her habits. The brilliant scarlet hairs which surround the four anterior eyes of the male make this spider the most strikingly beautiful of all the British Salticide. Plate I, figs. 10 and 11. Mr. Carrington recorded having seen a Golden Oriole(Orzolus galbula, L.) in the Park at Westerham a few days previously ; he had frequently seen the species in Spain and North Africa, but had not before seen it in England, and had never heard of it being seen so near London. Wrynecks (Fyux torquilla, L.) were very abundant, but the swallows appeared to be later. Mr. Billups said that during the afternoon he had seen a flight of some seventy or eighty swallows which were passing over London Bridge, flying very high, and appeared to be following in the wake of a heavy thunderstorm which had previously passed over London. MAY 23rd, 1889. ieee LEMURS. sou Meow vesde7e) in the Chair, Mr. Billups exhibited a series of Banchus variegator, Fab., bred from Panolis piniperda, Panz., by Mr. Helps, and a large female of Ophzon luteum, Fab., bred from Decranura vinula, L., by Mr. Waller. Mr. R. South exhibited [ypszpetes sordidata, Fab., (= elutata, Hub.), v. fusco-undata, Don., and v. zzfuscata, Staud. ; and read the following notes :— “The series of Hyszpetes sordidata exhibited this evening coniprises examples of the species from various English and Scotch localities. This is certainly a common insect, but as it is also most variable as regards colour and ornamentation, it must commend itself to all who are interested in variation. Before, however, aberration is discussed, I would draw your attention to specimens bred from larve collected in North Devon in 1881. The examples in the first three rows were bred from larve found feeding on bilberry in a small wood 144 near the sea, and they emerged in June; whilst those in the fourth row were bred from larve taken on sallows, which grew on the upper border of said wood and in the adjacent hedgerows; these attained the perfect state in July. At the time the bilberry-fed specimens were leaving the pupa in my breeding cages, the insect was to be taken in numbers as they flew, just before dusk, over the bilberry. When the sallow- fed specimens first came out in my cages (July 13th), the bilberry wild examples were getting worn, but the sallows continued to yield fine sorddata up to the end of July. “Jt will be observed that specimens bred from bilberry are much smaller than the examples bred from sallow. I regret to say that I did. not carefully compare the respective larve. “ As regards aberration of the species, it will be seen that I have divided the North Devon series into twenty-four detach- ments of vars. Placed asI have put them, each form appears to have aberrant character sufficiently well defined to entitle itto a varietal name, but arranged in the way I have a series in my cabinet, there is no clear line of demarcation between the various forms. [Two forms have been named in the past, z.e., Jusco-undata, Don., and znfuscata, Staud. The fore-wings of the former have a reddish ground colour, and are traversed by a black fascia. The last-named variety is more or less suffused with fuscous. Hiibner figures four specimens which appear to be modifications of the type—that is sordzdata, Fab.; these are numbered 224, 382, 384, and 385. His figures 381 and 383 represent specimens of the /usco-wndata forms, the latter tending towards zzfuscata, Staud. “Tt is curious to note that the zz/uwscata form does not appear to occur among the North Devon bilberry specimens, neither is there, as far as I could find, anything quite similar to the fusco-undata form among the sallow examples in that place. I examined large numbers of each, but only retained those specimens which served to illustrate the range of variation of the species in that particular district. Among the moorland examples of sordidata from the neighbourhood of Barnsley are examples of the zz/fuscata form, but compared with speci- mens from South England all the examples I have seen from that district are much darker in tint. The specimens from 145 Seal Chart, near Sevenoaks, also bred from bilberry, are pretty much like some of those from North Devon bred from larve found on bilberry. Mr. Tugwell exhibited a series of a rich brown and banded form of Ac¢dalia aversata, L., bred from a batch of ova from Boxhill. The female parent alone was seen, and this was the strongly-banded grey type; curiously, not a single one of the brood was of this form, the rich brown and the var. sfolzata of Staud., alone resulting, and in about equal numbers—a strong refutation of the idea that the ? parent gives a pre- ponderance of character to the brood. In this case not a single one followed the mother-type. Mr. Billups exhibited Lzthocharts picea, Kr., from Lewisham, and remarked that only two specimens had previously been recorded, one from Bexley Wood and the other from Darenth Wood, Kent; whereas it had now occurred in considerable numbers. Mr. White read a paper on “Observation versus Collect- ing.” . JUNE 13th, 1889. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-President, in the Chair. Mr. Wellman exhibited bred specimens of MJacroglossa Juciformis, L., showing the greenish coloured scales on the transparent part of the wings. Mr. Robson exhibited examples of Sesza formiciformis, Esp., with yellow bands. Mr. South exhibited Czdarza truncata, Hufn., and C. zmmanata, Haw., and contributed the following notes on the synonymy and variation of those species.—“In truncata we have a species which has been honoured with no less than eight names, and has been placed in half as many genera, not including Phalena and Geometra, which were rather tribes or divisions than genera. “ Phalena truncata, Hufn. Berl. Mag. iv. 602, 625 (17609) ; Rott. Naturf. xi. 78. (var.) Phalena centum-notata, Schulz. Naturf. vi. p. 93, pl. iv. fig. 4 (1775); Fab. Gen. 290. Geometra russata, Wein. Verz. p. 113, n. 18 (1776); Bork. Eur. Schmett. v. 405, 200; Hiibn. Geom. fig. 305. Dystroma russata, Hiibn. Verz. Schmett. 333, 3210. (var.) Geometra comma-notata, Haw. Lep. Brit. p. 325. (var.) Geometra perfuscata, Haw. L 146 lic. \Cidaxia russaiay, Vreit) Schmett. vi. 2) 180.6277) up: Lep .viii. 193, p!. 193, fig. 4; Boisd. Ind. 214, 1765. (var.) Poly- phasia concinnata, Steph. Ill. Brit. Est. Haust. iii. p. 2209, 6. P. centum-notata, Steph. l.c. p. 230. (var.) P. saturata, Steph. lic. p. 231. Lavrentia russarza, Herr.-Schaff. Eur. Schmett. ii 172, TSO swabs Gem. ip..037. “Seeing how variable the species is, this multiplicity of trivial names is hardly matter for surprise. Although considered distinct species in comparatively recent times, but few, if any, entomologists of the present day will be inclined to claim specific rank for the forms now so generally admitted to be aberrations of C. truncata. Centumnotata has the central area of the primaries white, whilst in commanotata the central area is fulvous, and in saturata the whole wing is suffused with fuscous, but the central area is paler; all these are modifications of the type form, and there are intermediates in all stages connecting one with the other. Hubner’s fig. 305, for instance, which by the way Guenée considers the type of russata, represents a specimen which is neither exactly typical or yet centum-notata, as it has broad bright fulvous bands ; this, however, may be an over-coloured figure, as are many of Hubner’s figures. “Tn the var. perfuscata, however, we have a form of ¢vuncata which exhibits some aberration from the type in marking as well as colour. The basal two-thirds of primaries are blackish, the external limit being well defined by a white toothed line ; there are also two short white lines on the inner margin near the base. Secondaries fuscous grey, with a pale central transverse line. Guenée’s fig. 2, pl. 17 (C. vussata var.), is like zzmanata, but is not a good representation of anything I have seen. From his description it is evident, however, that perfuscata, Haw., is the insect Guenée refers to. Hubner’s fig. 445 and Wood’s 580 represent modifications of this form ; the latter is like the three upper examples in the series of perfuscata you will find among the specimens exhibited this evening. “ Concinnata, Steph., applies to the Arran form of ¢runcata. In this form the blackish basal two-thirds of perfuscata is broken up, by the interposition of a transverse sub-basal fulvous white-edged band, into a blackish basal patch and a blackish central fascia; this last is further adorned with white 147 spots and dashes, and has its outer edge bordered by a white line, which sometimes is broadly expanded just below the costa; external third with the fulvous band well defined. “Cidaria tmimanata—Geometra tmmanata, Haw., p. 323. Polyphasta tmmanata, Steph., Ill. Brit. Haust., iii., p. 228; Wood, fig. 573. (var.) Geometra marmorata, Haw., p. 324. Polyphasia amoenata, Steph, Ill. Brit. Haust., iii, p. 228; Wood, fig. 574. “This insect is not so deeply involved in the synonymic web as that previously considered, but I have not tabulated the synonomy, as I thought I could deal better withit in another way [Dr Staudinger (Stett.) Ent Zeit, 1857, p» 252) seemsrat one time to have incorporated C. zmmanata with russata, and treated the forms of each as varieties of one species, z.¢. the truncata of Hufnagel. This name had been previously adopted by Lederer in his “ Versuch die europdishen Spanner,” pub- lished in 1853. Subsequently, however, we find that Dr. Staudinger, in his “Catalog,” places zszmanata, Haw., apart from ¢runcata, and condenses into four forms of z7mmanata the eleven aberrations he had previously characterised as forms of truncata. The following table will, I think, show this :— LIimmanata. Russata var. ad. Alis anticis albidis fusco-mixtis ; basi fasciaque media fuscis ¢@ 2. » 2g Al.ant. albidis ochraceo-mixtis; basi fasciaque media ochraceis ¢ 2. ”) Marmorata. Russata var. 6. Al. ant. albidis, lineolis undulatis nigris ¢ ?. , js. Al. ant. fuscis, extus albicantibus ¢@. a , 2 Al. ant.lutescentibus lineolis obscurioribus @. Thengvallata. Russata var. c. Al. ant. albidis basi fasciaque media aterrimis oF. ” Onzcolorata. Russata var. a. A\. ant. albido-cinereis ¢ ¢. » é Al, ant. concoloribus fuscis @. “ Weel rant OChraceisngis ¢ » 4. Al. ant. nigricantibus 2. 148 “Milli¢re (lonographie et Description de Chenilles et Lépi- doptéra, 1869) figures as two vars. of z7zmanata, two forms of truncata, thus his varieties of C. russata on pl. 5 are forms of zmmanata, fig. 11 being a well marked typical form, and fig. 12 the var. thengvallata, Staud. Then again— Plate tii. fig. 7, zmmanata var, = perfuscata, Haw. Re 3 8, zmmanata var. = comma-notata, Haw. ‘©The specimen which Stephens describes and Wood figures as amoenata, was taken in Devonshire, but I have nothing among my Devonshire examples which agrees with either description or figure. It is certainly a modification of the marimorata form of zmmanata. The only insect I possess at all like amoenata is one from Lewis, which you will find num- bered 3 in the series from the Hebrides. “ Thingvallata, which has white primaries with black basal patch and central fascia, is a modification of the type form. I have no example of it, nor have I seen a British example; but Mr. Leech has specimens from Japan, and I have seen Dr. Staudinger’s specimens from Iceland. The upper speci- men of the two from York varies in the direction of thing- vallata. “The wuzcolorata form of Staudinger appears to be somewhat protean in character, as it may be ashy-white, fuscous, ochreous, or blackish. Milliére figures (Icon., pl. v., fig. 10) a curious looking aberration which Dr. Staudinger includes with wnzcolorata, but I can make nothing of it ; the markings are those of z#zmanata in character, but they are pale olive- green in colour. “The thirteen specimens from the mainland of Shetland are of an almost unicolorous form, but those from Unst are neither good zmmanata nor marmorata, though possessing the cha- racters of both. I believe that this Shetland form is z#manata var. pythonzssata (Milliére, Icon., plate iii., fig. 9). Some of my specimens from Unst agree well with this figure, which I may add represents one of three specimens sent to Milliere by Doubleday, who bred them from larve.” Mr. E. Step exhibited Testacella haliotidea, Drap., from Lewisham, and Helzr Jlapicida, L., from Langley Bottom, Epsom. 149 JUNE 27th, 1889. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Billups exhibited specimens of the very beautiful Eulophus damicornts, Kirby, of the family Cynipide, Lat., bred from pupze attached to the leaves of lime-trees from Oxshot, Surrey, taken by Mr. Adkin. Mr. Billups said this species was most probably parasitic upon the larva of some species of Micro-Lepidoptera. Mr. Wellman exhibited Penthina pruniana, Hb., with the usual central dark half of the superior wings so largely suffused with pale grey that it had almost entirely disappeared (Plate lla, 18 7A)e Mr. Dennis exhibited a variety of Arvgynmzs selene, Schiff., taken in Ashdown Forest. The black markings of the spe- cimen were enlarged, and formed a somewhat broken band across the wing. Mr. Waller exhibited a fawn-coloured variety of Argynnis euphrosyne, L., taken at Box Hill, Surrey. Mr. Billups exhibited a specimen of the rare Hemipteron Sehirus dubtus, Scop., taken by Mr. Carrington at Horsley, Surrey, a new locality for this species, as hitherto it had only been recorded from the Isle of Wight, Portland, and Pang- bourne. Also a series of Corymbztes quercus var. ochropterus, Steph., taken at Armagh, Ireland, in May of this year by the Rev. W. F. Johnson. Mr. Billups also exhibited galls on the ground ivy (Wefgeta glechoma, Benth.), and the gall-flies bred from the same, viz., Callimome glechome, Mayr. For these galls he was indebted to Mr. Carrington, who found them in the neighbourhood of Westerham, in May last. Mr. Billups also exhibited galls on the yellow bedstraw (Galzwm verum, L.), and their makers Callimome galt, Boh. These galls were found in great abundance by Mr. Billups on the occasion of the Society’s visit to Horsley on the 20th of the present month. Mr. Carrington exhibited a large and curious cluster of dead flies attached to a sallow twig, part of a bush over- hanging a lake in the neighbourhood of Condover, near Shrewsbury. They were found by Mrs. Close, of Condover 150 Hall, who sent the mass of flies to the editor of the Fze/d newspaper for identification. Mr. Billups said that the species was Atherix ibis, F., one of the family Leptzde, and that the cluster consisted of female specimens only, it being the usual habit of the females of this species to deposit their ova on a branch overhanging water, and then almost imme- diately to die; these are followed by others which conduct themselves in a similar manner, and so form the pear-shaped mass which sometimes numbers many hundreds. The larve hatch from these ova, and drop into the water, where they undergo their metamorphoses. JULY ith, 1889. T..R. BILLUPS,-Esq., F.E.S., Presedent, in the Chair. Mr. Billups exhibited specimens of the curious Braconid, Orgzlus obscurator, N., bred by Mr. Adkin from a lepidop- terous larve feeding in the shoots of sallow, from Derry, Ireland, but the host was not known. Also specimens of Apanteles ruficrus, Hal., showing the clusters of cocoons and remains of its host, Dz/oba ceruleocephala, L., from the neigh- bourhood of Horsley, Surrey, the larve being collected by Mr. South. The exhibitor remarked that this common and gregarious parasite had been reared from widely different hosts, Mr. Bignell having bred it from Leucanza littoralis, Curt., and Spzlosoma menthrasti; Mr. Raynor had bred it from Leucania pallens, L., and Mr. Fitch from Collzx sparsata, Hb. ; while other gentlemen had bred it from Agvotzs precox, L., and Mr. Porritt had reared it from the same host as at present mentioned, Dzloba ceruleocephala, L. Mr. Billups again referred to the exhibition by Mr. Carrington at the previous meeting of the very curious cluster of dead flies (A¢therzx 267s); and now exhibited two dead flies with large clusters of minute pupz attached, from which had been bred another species of Hymenopterous parasite of the genus Ezcyrtus; at the previous meeting Anton alorus, Walk., was found in the cluster of dead flies ; but since then the tiny Azcyrtus must have emerged in myriads, judging from the enormous number of pupa cases found. 151 Mr. Tugwell exhibited stems of Salx repens, L., with what appeared to be galls closely resembling in appearance the berries of Vaccinzum. From the galls Mr. Billups subsequently bred a species of Zenthredinide, viz., Nematus viminalis, L. Mr. J. A. Clark exhibited specimens of Retznza resinella, L., from Forres. Mr. Turner exhibited a variety of MZelanippe fluctuata, L., the only markings being a small dark basal patch, a central small dark ocellus, and a dash on apical costal margin ; ground colour of wing white, with faint grey shading. The usual central fascia wanting (Plate I., fig. 8). Mr. Rice exhibited nest of the sparrow hawk (Acczpzter nisus, L.), containing six eggs, from Leith Hill; also several clutches of eggs of the nightjar (Caprimulgus europeus, L.), showing variety of coloration which was thought to be for protective purposes. Mr. J. J. Weir exhibited leaves of Urtica dtotca, L., with a number of dead flies attached, which, he thought, had perished by the attack of a fungus; the leaves of the nettles on the downs near Lewes often had as many as six or seven flies attached to a single leaf. Mr. Billups expressed an opinion that the flies had died through the attack of some internal parasite. Mr. Step exhibited a tawny owl (Syrnzum aluco, L.), from Leith Hall Surrey. JULY 25th, 1889. Ike BELEUPS, Esqu .:S.,4 Preszden7. in they Chain: Mr. H. Moore exhibited a series of nests of Pelopeus hu- miles, L., with larve, pupe, and imagines, and remarked that the insect was tolerably common in Bermuda, building its clay cells in clusters of from six to nine, under the eaves of houses, in cuttings, and at the roots of trees ; one of the nests seemed to have been built upon a root fibre in a pensile con- dition. The cells were formed of the clay found in the immediate vicinity ; that from the Walsingham caves was con- structed of a tenacious red clay; others of sandy clay (the commonest met with), and they were so brittle that only one in every five could be detached in a perfect condition. A good specimen made of black mud had been built on a white- 1&2 washed wall. The cells, which had an average depth of 14 inches, were built up of layers in concentric circles, the eggs then being laid at the bottom, and the cell, filled up with spiders, about ten in number, is then closed, and the whole surface daubed over with mud, so that it should not be too attractive in appearance. The Rev. J. G. Wood, in describing P. fistularia, Gr., a closely allied species, had stated that instead of choosing the plumpest kinds of spiders for her young, this wasp did just the opposite. P. Aumzlis seemed to take the first that comes; the contents of a cell exhibited comprised three Epezrzde, five Salticide, and two Linyphide. The larve are full fed in the autumn, and pass the winter in the larval state from November to March; they turn into pupz in the spring, and emerge about June. Mr. H. Moore made further remarks with regard to the development of the pigment in the pupz, which he stated seemed to be much slower in our climate, live specimens under observation being susceptible to every change of temperature, a warm day making a considerable difference in their metamorphosis. Mr. Billups exhibited six of the seven species of social wasps, of the genus Vespa, indigenous to this country, namely V. crabro, L., V. vulgaris, L., V. germanica, Fab., V. rufa, L., V. sylvestris, Scop., and V. norvegicu, Fab., the other species being the rare V. arborea, Smith. Mr. R. South exhibited a remarkable specimen of Argynnzs adippe, L. This curious insect was of a pale fawn colour, and the macular ornamentation hyaline, instead of the usual black. On the under surface of the secondaries the silver spots and red dots were quite normal. Mr. Auld exhibited three specimens of Callimorpha hera, L., var. Zutescens, Staud., bred from ova obtained from an example of the variety taken in Devon, 1888, Mr. J. T. Williams exhibited an example of Aretza caza, L., with the red of the secondary wings replaced by an orange colour. Mr. Rice exhibited a nest and five eggs of the wood-wren, (Phylloscopus stbilatrix, Bechst) from Sevenoaks, Kent, taken July 17th. The nest, instead of being semi-domed, was cup-shaped, and was built in standing grass about six inches from the ground. The eggs were normal. 153 AUGUST 8th, 1889. A, ke bRELUPS esa belias.,.veszac7eainy the «hair Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a female specimen of Bracon robertt, Wesm., taken in his garden at Peckham; a series of Ascogaster instabilis, \Wesm., A. varipes, Wesm. (both sexes being represented) from Derry; also galls on Salix herbacea, L., and their maker Vematus herbacee, Cam., from Aberdeen. Mr. Dawson exhibited a specimen of Polyommatus phleas, L., var. schmzdtiz, Gerhard, taken at Plumstead; an example of Dezlephila livornica, Esp., from Plymouth, 1888; and a variety of Z7@nzocampa incerta, Hufn., taken at Plumstead. Mr. Carrington, referring to the variety schimzdtzz, said he only knew of two or three having been taken during the last ten or fifteen years. Mr. Tugwell said, however, that he could not agree with this statement ; he thought that in nearly all the principal collections there were, if not the variety itself, forms of pleas closely approaching it. Mr. E. Joy exhibited a variety of Epinephele hyperanthes, L., with the whole of the spots on the under surface much enlarged. Mr. Dennis exhibited specimens of Bryophila perla, Fb., including several yellow examples, and one having the superior wings almost entirely suffused with black. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a specimen of Cherocampa porcellus, L., together with its cocoon, and said that the larva from which it was bred was taken at Eastbourne in the previous autumn, and being of small size was placed in a leno bag with a quantity of Galum to feed up; when next observed it was found to have formed a pupal chamber in one of the folds of the leno by lining it with a substance resembling a film of gelatine, slightly flexible to the touch and apparently of a damp resisting nature, and he was of opinion that it repre- sented the lining of the earthen cell made by the larva when allowed to pupate under natural conditions, but which was of so delicate a structure as to prevent its being detected when a pupa was removed from the earth. He further said that this pupa had been allowed to remain in its cocoon without other protection from the air until the imago emerged, after 154 which it was found that the velatinous lining had almost completely disappeared. The Secretary read the following note from Mr. Cockerell (Colorado) :— “ Bees and Poppy-flowers.—In June of the present year I picked some flowers of the prickly white poppy (Arvgemone platyceras, Link. and Otto) which is so common about here. I noticed some little bees on the flowers, but did not remove them. I carried those flowers about in my hand for at least half an hour, and then, looking at them, found the bees still there. They seemed quite stupified, and when knocked off fell down and were unable to fly. Evidently the poppy alkaloids had quite overcome them, which was rather sur- prising to me, as I had no idea bees would be affected in this way. Papaver somnzferum, one would suppose, ought to have even greater effect, if visited by bees, and observations on this point would be easy to make. Does any member know if such have been recorded ?” AUGUST 22nd, 1889. J. T. CARRINGTON, Esq., F.L.S., Vece-President, in the Chair. Mr. Skinner exhibited a bleached example of Epznephele zanira, L., taken at Box Hill, Surrey. Mr. Carrington, on behalf of Mr. G. A. Lewcock, exhibited some 300 specimens of Coleoptera taken during the season, comprising some of the larger aquatic species, a few Donacie, Malacoderma, Heteromera, etc.; mainly from Chattenden, Epping, Woking, and Farnham. Mr. Carrington remarked that during the week he had been to Shoeburyness, and while there he had noticed that the firing of the 110-ton gun appeared to have no effect on Lepidoptera ; Polyommatus phleas, L., Vanessa urtice, L., and other species did not seem to be disturbed by the vibration of the air, although it was so intense as to break windows at a distance of two miles. SEPTEMBER 12th, 1889. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Jenner Weir exhibited desquamated upper wings of the male of Avgynnis paphia, L. (Plate I., figs. 5 and 6), in 155 order to show that the apparent thickening of the median nervules and submedian nervure, in that sex of the species, was due to the dense covering of broad scales, bent over and concealing some very narrow clavate black scales, or andro- conia; these appeared to be of a different substance to the ordinary scales of the wings, so that when, by the Water- house process, he had denuded the wings of the ordinary scales the androconia remained intact, and were removed by the use of the camel’s hair brush, considerable friction being necessary. Mr. Jenner Weir remarked that he had been in- duced to bring this matter before the Society, because he found that some British Entomologists appeared to think that in the restricted genus Argynnis there was a real dilata- tion of some of the median nervules, and occasionally of the submedian nervure, but a reference to Mr. Scudder’s work on the “ Butterflies of the Eastern United States and Canada,” and to the “Exotische Schmetterlinge von Dr. Staudinger und Dr. Schatz,’’ would show that neither the American nor German Entomologists named had fallen into such an error. Mr. Croker exhibited dark forms of Gzxophos obscuraria, Hb., from the New Forest, and a specimen of Yeniocampa gothica, L., closely approaching var. gothicina, H.-S.,taken at West Wickham Wood. Mr. C. Fenn mentioned having taken a similar variety at Lewisham. Mr. Turner exhibited a pinkish variety of Hypszpetes sordz- data, Fb., also dark forms of Loarmia gemmaria, Brahm., from Ashdown Forest, and specimens of Cabera rotundarta, Haw. Considerable discussion took place as to whether the last- named was a distinct species or a variety of Cabera pusaria, L., in the course of which Mr. R. Adkin referred to an exhibit by Mr. Atmore at the Society’s Exhibition in 1888 of a long series of C. pusaria, in which were two specimens having the primaries on one side of the body approaching C. rotundarza, and on the other typical pusarza , these were bred from larve taken in 1886. 156 SEPTEMBER 26th, 1880. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Mr. Tugwell exhibited Peronza hastiana, L., vars.; bred during August, 1880, from larva collected at Braemar, Aber- deenshire, showing considerable variation; the form with almost black superior wings, with broad white or cream- coloured central dash, or vitta (and in a few cases bordered with red), was largely represented, 50 per cent. being bred of this type. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a series of Mypermecia augustana, Hb., bred from larve found feeding in shoots of sallow col- lected in Co. Derry, Ireland. The specimens showed con- siderable variation, some having the ground colour of the primaries silvery and the usual reddish brown central fascia — and costal patch intensified ; while in others the colour of these markings was almost entirely replaced by dull grey. Mr. Jenner Weir exhibited chrysalides of Pzerzs napz, L., to show that although their colour was very much affected by the environment of the caterpillar at the time of their meta- morphosis, yet in no way did their colour approximate to that of their surroundings. They were all the produce of one female of the species ; those that had changed to chrysalides in an ordinary breeding cage with perforated zinc sides were of a dull cream colour with black spots, and those that had metamorphosed in a tinned gentle-box, with the usual per- forations at the top, were of a beautiful apple green with black spots. They had all been reared from the egg and fed up in the breeding cage; and those that had become chrysalides in the gentle-box had been placed there a few days before they changed. Mr. Carrington remarked that in the gentle-box there would be an absence of light, while in the breeding cage there would be considerable light ; it might, therefore, be that the brightness of the surroundings would be more favourable to the bright colour of the pupa in the breeding cage. Another question was, how much individual control or will power there was to cause these changes? When at the Aquarium at West- minster, he had observed that if flat fish sent from the coast with very bright spots upon them, were placed in a tank with a clean 157 gravelly bottom, the spots remained; but if placed ina tank with a sandy bottom the whole of the fish lost the spots within twenty-four hours. If put back into the tank with the gravelly bottom the spots reappeared within the same period. This was no doubt protective, arising through natural selection. Mr. Tugwell expressed an opinion that if the green pupa were placed in a strong light they would probably lose their colour. Mr. Turner exhibited a varied series of Z7zphena pronuba, L., and said he was in doubt as to which was the var. zznuba, Tr., but that the variation of Z. pronuba was similar to that of 7. comes, Hb. Mr. A. E. Hall sent for exhibition a jar containing a large quantity of macaroni, which had been placed on one side for culinary purposes. On being opened for use it was found to be infested with a host of minute beetles. Mr. Billups said the little pest was Anobzum testaceum, L., a coleopteron, which at- tacked almost everything eatable, even cayenne pepper and cloves. OCTOBER tolth, 1889. iii bILLUPS; Esq. F.E.S.,27esecens, inthe: Chair: Mr. J. Jenner Weir again exhibited the green-coloured pupe of Pzeris nafi, L., and said that at the last meeting he exhibited chrysalides of Pzerzs napi, the metamorphosis of which had taken place under the conditions then stated. It was then thought by some of the members that the apple-green specimens would, if placed in a strong light, lose their colour. He now exhibited the same chrysalides which had been exposed for weeks close to the glass of his greenhouse, in the direct rays of the sun, and it would be seen that not the slightest fading of the green colour had taken place. Mr. R. South exhibited a curious specimen of Luperina testacea, Hb., bred from a pupa found at root of Szlene at Eastbourne, and an example of a Luperina, which seemed to be referable to L. muzckerliz, Freyer.; the latter received from Mr. Baxter, who had taken it at St. Anne’s-on-Sea, near Preston. Mr. South said that szckerlzz was probably only a variety of L. ¢estacea, and the Lancashire specimen appeared to be intermediate between typical mzckerliz and testacea var. guenéet, Dbid. 158 Mr. South also exhibited Z+zphena comes, Hb., from Dundee and Perth, and made the following observations on the markings of the secondary wings :— “The central spot on under surface of secondaries is generally less conspicuous than above, and often entirely absent. In specimen No. 1, for instance, the spot on the upper surface is large and well defined, but beneath it is very small. In Nos. 3 and 4 the spot is absent below, whilst in No. 5 it is as large as on the underside of No. 2, but is hardly visible on the upper surface. “ Another phase in the variation of this species is illus- trated by No. 5, and here again it is the ornamentation of the secondaries which is aberrant. In the black band pre- ceding the outer margin we have a character which is sub- ject to modification in several ways, but two only of these will be referred to, ze, A. Disruption; B. Abbreviation. In No. 5 we see the band is distinctly separated at a point where it is intersected by the first median nervule. In the two examples above, the band exhibits a tendency to break up at the same point. (The band in No. 3 is on one side apparently intersected by the three median and second sub- costal nervules, but this is really due to abrasion.) “Again, the band is usually broad towards the costa, where it unites with a black or blackish costal streak ; but in No. 6 we see the band is contracted beyond the first subcostal nervule, and there is no costal streak for it to unite with.” Mr. South, referring to Mr. Turner’s query at the last meeting as to Triphena pronuba, L., and its var. zznuba, Tr., stated that in the variety the wings and thorax were concolorous. Mr. J. A. Cooper exhibited a series of Dezlephila galiz, Schiff., bred this season from larve found in Suffolk and Essex ; and stated that although he had this autumn again looked for larve, he had not been able to find any. Mr. Tugwell remarked that his experience coincided with that of Mr. Cooper as to the total absence of the larve even in those places where it had been abundant the previous year. Mr. Wellman exhibited examples of Guophos obscuraria, Hb., from Lewes. Mr. Weir having stated that this pale form of the species only seemed to occur at Lewes, Mr. Tutt 159 remarked that he once took a similar specimen at Folke- stone. Mr. Oldham exhibited Larentza didymata, L., Carsia palu- data, Thnb., Celena haworthiz, Curt., and Miana Literosa, Haw., from Carrington Moss, Cheshire, which he stated would soon be a thing of the past, as there was an intention to cultivate it. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited examples of Boarmia adbietaria, Hb., from Boxhill and the New Forest ; with regard to the latter, he remarked that the larve from which they were bred were beaten from Scotch fir (Pzuus sylvestris, L.) ; they, how- ever, did not thrive upon it in confinement, but took readily to birch (Getu/a) when given to them, and ultimately fed up entirely upon it. Mr. Frohawk exhibited Calopteryx virgo, L., light and dark forms of the male, from the New Forest; and also C. Splendens, Harr. (male and female), from Ipswich. Mr. T. R. Billups exhibited a living example of the mole cricket (Gryllotalpa vulgaris, Latr.), and read notes relative thereto. Mr. A. E. Cook exhibited two specimens of the mole (Talpa europea, L.), from Essex, one of them being an albino. Mr. Cooper remarked that he once found an albino variety of the mole in Finsbury Park ; and the variety seemed to be fairly plentiful in Norfolk, as during the last two years he had several offered to him from that county. Mr. C. A. Briggs exhibited an example of Coregonus oxyrhynchus, L., a fish occasionally taken in English tidal waters, and in the same genus as the British Pollan (C. pollan, Thompson) and the.Vendace (C. vandeszus, Richardson), OCTOBER 24th, 1880, T. R. BILLUPS, Esq,, F.E.S., Presedent, in the Chair. Messrs. W. Mansbridge, V. Gerrard, C. H. Collings, H. C. Pickard-Cambridge, J. T. Winkworth, C. J. Wainwright, and A. Ford were elected members, Mr. Freinlin exhibited a specimen of Vanessa antiopa, L., taken near Maidstone on the 12th instant, and remarked that 160 two were also taken in the same district in 1847, and one in 1881. Mr. Mera exhibited varieties of Avctza caza, L., and said they were a second brood of the species. Mr. Carrington remarked that they varied much in size and markings from the typical form of A. caza, and in his expe- rience this was generally so when a second brood was reared. Mr. Adye exhibited two specimens of Laphygma exigua, Hb., taken by Mr. Druitt, of Christchurch. Mr. Weir exhibited a specimen of Pzerzs rape, L., taken by him during the week, and commented on the late appear- ance of the specimen. Mr. Winkley stated that he had noticed an example of the same species three or four days previously. Mr. W. West (Streatham) exhibited Gordzus aquaticus, L., and read the following notes :— “The specimen was found in water at Interlaken, in Switzerland. It belongs to the class Entozoa—sub-class Czlelmintha, order Nematoda, family Gordiide. It takes up a temporary residence in the bodies of certain insects, principally beetles ; the ova, which are oval, are swallowed by the insect, and possess filaments which prevent them passing out until developed. The longitudinal diameter of the egg is about =, of an inch, the girth being about 75. When fully developed they leave the insect in order to deposit their ova, which are ejected in long chains. The body is jointed, and when dried up is capable of resuscitation with a little water. They vary in length, the specimen shown being when stretched out 19} inches. The sexes are easily separable, the tail of the male being bifid, while that of the female is simple and rounded; they are generally found knotted together, but swim like an eel.” Mr. Manger exhibited a collection of crustacea from the Red Sea. Mr. R.»Adkin exhibited a series of Retznea resinella, L., together with specimens of the resinous nodules in which the larva feeds, attached to twigs of the Scotch fir (Pzzus sylvestris, L.), and sections of the same (Plate I., figs. 12 and 13), and read the following notes :— “ Retinea resinella, although a species well known on the a 161 continent of Europe, appears to have attracted little attention in this country, and so far as the literature on the subject is concerned the most extended notice of the manner of feeding of the larva appears in Wilkinson’s ‘ British Tortrices,’ where we read that ‘The Jarva feeds within a hollow resinous exudation from the branches of pine trees, occasioned by the wound in the bark made by the young larva feeding therein.’ I have therefore thought that a few notes upon the larve from which the series exhibited this evening were bred may be of interest. But before proceeding with them I may take the opportunity to mention that the insect described and figured in Westwood and Humphreys’ ‘ British Moths,’ under the name of Orthotenia resinella, and said to have been taken in fir plantations in Kent and Surrey, should probably be referred to Retznea turionana, Hb.; certainly not to this species, which, so far as this country is concerned, has occurred only in the more northern parts of our islands, and even there it is by no means generally distributed, but, as is the case with many other fir-feeding Tortrices, it has usually been present in some numbers in the few favoured places where it has been observed, and so far as I am aware there is no record of it from any locality south of Perthshire. “In the beginning of May of last year (1888) I heard from Mr. Salvage, who was then collecting in the neighbourhood of Forres, a town on the southern coast of the Moray Firth, that he had observed larve of this species feeding in a resinous exudation on the twigs of the Scotch firs (Pzxzus sylvestris) that abounded in the district; they were then small, and did not increase much in size during the month. After this they fed up rapidly, and by the end of June had the appearance of being nearly full fed; they, however, showed no appearance of pupating, and at the end of Sep- tember, when he left Forres for the South, bringing a quan- tity of the fir twigs with the resinous nodules attached with him, they were still larve. “ Having heard of the non-success attending some previous attempts to rear this species, | determined so soon as the larvee came into my possession to experiment upon some of them by keeping them at a higher temperature than they would experience in a state of nature; and accordingly I M 162 selected one of the largest twigs, placed it in a glass cylinder with the end of the stalk in water, and kept it in a warm room. From this a moth emerged on 12th December, a full- sized perfect specimen. Thus encouraged I selected ten other twigs, and treated them in a similar manner; from these a perfect moth emerged on Ist February, 1880, the other nine showing no signs of coming out during the month. Between the 2nd and 8th of March five of the pupz left their resinous habitations, fell to the bottom of the cylinder, where they rolled and twisted about in a most lively fashion, but only one of them produced a moth, and that a cripple, the others dying after wriggling about incessantly for six or seven days and nights; in the meanwhile perfect moths emerged from the four remaining pupe. “The rest of the larvae had been left out of doors through the winter, sheltered from heavy rain, but otherwise exposed to the weather, the twigs on which they were feeding being stuck in the sand kept moistened. On examining them on 7th April they were still larve ; and it was not until the 20th that I found a pupa. The first moth from these emerged on 25th May, and the last on 3rd June. The perfect insect, like the larva, appeared to be of very sluggish habit, and when disturbed from the needles on which it rested flew only to the next nearest to settle down again. “Having thus traced the insect through its later stages, it may be well before drawing conclusions, to examine its habitation with a view to arriving at its earlier economy. Viewed externally we see a fir twig with the terminal shoot dwarfed or more frequently divided into two or more separate shoots, growing at an angle to the main twig, which has a resinous nodule attached to it, much hidden by the needles, some of the lower series of which often pass through it. If we cut a longitudinal section completely through the twig and nodule, so as to expose their interiors to view (an opera- tion that is easily performed with a sharp knife), we find a series of workings apparently commencing at a point some three-quarters of an inch before the end of the old wood, with a narrow gallery immediately beneath the bark; this is con- tinued in the direction of growth, gradually widening, but always on the same side of the twig, until it reaches the base 163 of the young shoot, which is completely hollowed out. The nodule is situated at the opposite side of the twig to that on which the gallery is carried, and extends from a point somewhat below the commencement of the gallery up to the new wood ; it consists of an outer and an inner chamber, the former of which communicates at its upper end with the hollowed-out portion of the shoot, while the latter appears to be simply a receptacle for the pupa, and is probably not formed until the larva is about to change. The bark and a portion of the wood of the twig on the side next the nodule are also eaten away, but not to such an extent as to make a direct com- munication with the narrow gallery on the opposite side. “If we now compare these two sets of observations, it will be found that they fit the one into the other, and we are able to arrive at a probable life-history of the species, which would appear to be as follows :—The egg is deposited on the twigs of the fir, and upon hatching, the young larva eats through the bark, forms the narrow gallery, and feeds upon the soft wood of the tender shoot then growing ; this operation pro- bably occupying its first summer. It now taps the bark on the opposite side to that by which it entered, and causes the sap to flow, which by its own weight spreads along the twig in the direction of the stem, congeals, and forms a resinous lump, the inside of which the larva gnaws away, at the same time devouring the bark, and a portion of the wood next it, as it becomes covered, until it has obtained a sufficient size, and thus makes a habitation in which to pass its first winter. With the approach of spring the sap begins to flow again, and this probably supplies the larva with nourishment, it attaining its most rapid growth at the time when the flush is greatest. It remains as a full fed larva through its second autumn and winter, pupates in April, and the moth emerges at the end of May or early in June, thus occupying a period of two years in completing its metamorphosis.” NOVEMBER 14th, 1889. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E.S., Preszdent, in the Chair. Messrs. E. H. R. Hillsworth, T. Hudson, M. Farrant, and J. P. Nevell were elected members. Mr. J. Jager exhibited a bred series of Agvotis ripe, Hb., 164 and read the following notes as to his experience in rearing the species :— “While staying near Tenby in August, 1887, I found the larve of this species in large numbers feeding on the Sue@da maritima, Dum., and Cakzle maritima, Scop. The insect had previously been taken freely at sugar, and even at the lamp- posts in the town. I gathered a number of the larve about the middle of September, put them on ordinary silver sand (about 1 foot), but found them all dried up in the spring fol- lowing. In the summer, 1888, the sand hills from some cause or other were almost denuded of the food-plant; yet the larve were again to be found in the sand, although still very small up to the middle of September, when they are usually full-fed. I brought some home, and this time I pro- vided them with 3 feet of sea sand, the result being that I reared about half of them, but all very dwarfed, which I was not surprised at, as the larve, small as they were, did not feed any more after September 5th. I have ascertained that they hibernated quite 3 ft. down in the sand, but pupated just below the surface about June 15th, whilst the moths appeared early in July. “JT have this season brought a number of larve from the coast of Cumberland, where I found them in abundance, and as they were much larger, I hope to meet with a better result under the same treatment. I may mention that two gentle- men at Tenby had repeatedly tried to rear them, but failed. “ They are said to have a great propensity for cannibalism, but I have not experienced this.” Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a long and varied series of Acidalia marginepunctata, Goze., from Eastbourne, and re- marked that they, together with a great many more, were taken at rest on the rough stones along the parades during the past August. He believed the species was of general occurrence on our southern coasts,and he had met withit both at Eastbourne and other similar localities on many previous occasions, both at rest and on gas lamps; but it was not until he noticed its habit of resting on the rough stones and rocks near the ground, that he had found it in any quantity. The range of variation was considerable, some specimens having a clear creamy-white ground colour, with the usual a ee So 165 markings delicately pencilled, others a decided grey ground colour, with the markings in darker shades of the same ; while two or three had a distinct black shade extending from the base towards the centre of the primaries. Mr. Tutt exhibited a drawer of Guophos obscurarza, Hb., from various localities, arranged to show the geographical range of variation. Mr. Tugwell exhibited strongly divergent forms of Agvrotzs tritice, L., and A. cursoria, Bork., from English, Irish, and Scotch localities. Mr. Wellman exhibited a specimen of Wemeophila planta- gins, L., var. hospita, Schiff., taken in Yorkshire, 1860. Mr. R. Adkin, on behalf of Mr. Austin, exhibited a variety of Lycena tcarus, Rott. § taken at Folkestone, the upper- side of which was of a pale bluish lavender colour, and on the underside the usual spots were absent, their place being occupied by thin blackish rings (Plate I., fig. 1). Also a specimen of Lycena bellargus, Rott., 3 from the same locality, the spots on the underside of which were entirely wanting with the exception of the discoidal, which was strongly produced (Plate I., fig. 2). Mr. J. Jager exhibited shells found among Jimpatzens nolt- me-tangere, L., from the Lake District, which Mr. Step stated were Cochlicopa lubrica, Mull., and immature forms of flelix rufescens, Penn., H. caperata, Mont., Zonttes crystallinus, Mull., and others. Mr. C. Fenn exhibited a long series of Hybernia auran- tiaria, Esp., from North Kent, showing the prevalence of the typical form. Mr. Elisha exhibited bred specimens of Dezlephila galzz, Schiff., bred from pupze forced during March at a temperature of from 60° to 70°. The specimens emerged from 14 to 16 days after being placed in this heat, and not any of the pupz had died. The Secretary read the following communications from Mr: i. D, A. Cockerell :— “Do the colours of living Insects fade ?—The males of a small American butterfly, Mathalis zole, Boisduval, present orange spots near the upper edge of the secondaries, which spots are liable to (and I believe always do) fade suddenly shee { [iss (& @ yea ) 166 some time after the insect has been killed and preserved for the cabinet. This change of colour is independent of light. Now, I have found the “vzzg butterfly also with these spots pale yellow, just like the faded specimens, which originally had them orange. What are we to suppose? Are there two distinct varieties of the butterfly as regards the colour of these spots, or do they sometimes fade to yellow even during the lifetime of the butterfly? I cannot help inclining strongly to the former view, and yet the idea of insects fading while still alive is not altogether new. Mr. T. L. Mead, in his report on the butterflies of the Wheeler Expe- dition to the Central Region of North America (published 1875), states that he took examples of a Phyczodes near Salt Lake City, which ‘had certainly been bleached by the action of the weather.’ And we know that the effect of the dry heat of the arid region of North America is to give a pallid aspect to the whole fauna, though it is apparently not yet proved that this bleaching influence extends to butterflies after they are fully mature. I should like to ask the mem- bers of the Society, therefore, whether in their experience they have known Lepidoptera which were bleached or faded when captured; this bleaching having taken place during the insect’s lifetime, and szzce it emerged from the pupa-case and dried its wings? Of course I do not refer to specimens which have lost part of their scales, which are commoner than entomologists would wish; these are rubbed, and by no means bleached. “Hybrids and Mongrels——The question of the possibility of true hybrid or mongrel races being established in a wild state has been much discussed. It would be hard indeed to prove that this is impossible, but there is certainly a strong tendency among the progeny of crosses between nearly allied forms to resemble one or the other parent, instead of being -intermediate, while everybody knows that the blended hybrid products of distinct species are in nearly every case infertile. As illustrating this first-mentioned tendency, we may notice Mr. Arkle’s interesting note in the September Entomologist. The progeny of a cross between Amphidasys betularia type and var. doubledayaria, taken in Delamere ‘Forest, were al/ either type or doubledayaria. None were 167 intermediate forms. Darwin gives analogous instances in chap. xv. of his ‘ Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication.’ But the question how far this tendency to resemble the parents goes has never been definitely settled, and much may yet be done—by experimental crossing—to determine the point. Will not those Lepidopterists who breed so many insects annually take this matter up? They might without much difficulty obtain crosses between varieties of several species, and the results, if recorded and tabulated when numerous, would furnish statistics more powerful than any. amount of argument from probabilities. NOVEMBER 28th, 1880. ie RK. BILLURS, Esq. PE S., Presedent, im the Chair Messrs. M. Cameron, C. G. Barrett, F.E.S., F. P. Trewicke, IV. Leeres, L: W, Harris, A. J. Robertson, C. Hi. Lemmion, W. Howgrave, L. H. Strong, and W. E. Nicholson were elected members, Mr. Jenner Weir exhibited specimens of Lzmmnas chrysippus, L., and AHypolzmnas misippus, L., and remarked that there were four specimens of 7. mzszppus and four of L. chrysippus- alcifpus, Cramer, which he had received from Dr. Percy Rendall, from the Gambia; one of the females of the former was a mimic of Lemnas chrysippus, one of Limnas chrysippus- alcippus, and the other intermediate between the two, the white. of the under wings characteristic of the latter being reduced to a spot. Dr. Rendall informed him that he had never seen a specimen of the typical L. chryszppus in the district, so it might be suggested that a widely distributed species as 7. misifpus had reached the Gambia subsequent to the differentiation of ZL. alcippus, and that the mimicry had in some specimens not yet commenced, in others it was in- cipient, and in some complete. Mr. Weir also exhibited Lzmnas dorippus, Klug., from Eastern Africa, and a female mimic of Hypolimnas musippus ,; Limnas chrysifpus from Ceylon, and its mimic Aypoltmnas mistppus ; Limnas chrysippus from Natal, with a white spot on the under wing similar to that of the intermediate female of Hypolimnas misippus referred to above. 168 Lastly, a female of “7. mzszppus, which appeared to mimic a Limnas intermediate in colour between L. dorippus and L. chrysippus ; it would therefore appear that where these two species of Lzmnas were found together and hybridised, the mimicing female of the Hypolzmuas was found similar in colour to the hybrid. Mr. T. R. Billups read a paper on the “ Irish Staphyli- nidz,”’ by the Rev. W. F. Johnson. DECEMBER 12th, 1889. T. R. BILLUPS, Esq., F.E:S., Preszdenz, in-the Chair. Mr. A. Beaumont, F.E.S., was elected a member. Mr. W. H. Tugwell exhibited diverse forms of T@ndtocampa gracilis, Fb., pale grey forms from the London District, and red forms from the New Forest. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited a series of Peronea sponsana, Fb., from the New Forest, in which the primaries were of a pale grey colour, with a distinct reddish blotch extending from the middle of the costa more than half way towards the inner margin. Mr. South remarked that on a recent visit to Haslemere he had taken a single specimen of a similar form. Mr. C. G. Barrett said that although he had resided at Haslemere for some years, and had frequently taken the type, he had never met with this variety, and it appeared to be a case of a particular form of a species ex- tending its geographical range. Mr. Ince exhibited a collection of Arachnida from Switzer- land. Mr. C. Fenn exhibited a volume of original coloured drawings of larve, pupe, and imagines of Lepidoptera, with food plants. 169 PRACTICAL HINTS ON BREEDING MACRO- LEPIDOPTERA. Read March 14th, 1889, by Mr. W. H. TUGWELL. Practical hints on breeding Macro-Lepidoptera is the sub- ject of my short paper this evening, and before commencing I must apologise to those gentlemen present, whose expe- rience is possibly far greater than my own; but as these remarks are intended for beginners, I trust they may prove of some little interest to them, and if so my object will be fully attained. When I commenced the study of our Macro-Lepidoptera, early in 1842, the breeding of insects was rarely practised in England, and very little indeed was known of the larve of our native species, so that when in 1857 Mr. H. T. Stainton published his well-known manual, he had mainly to depend on Continental authors for the description of the larve therein referred to; and even with that aid a con- siderable number appeared to be quite unknown, as the following rough table will show. Stainton gives some 769 species of Macro-Lepidoptera, z.e., from tlie Diurni to the end of the Geometra :— Larve described. ie ee nue Unknown. Butterflies : 66 isn june B ets ie Ome 5 Sphinges : BO! Pilko. MR OT Sis y} nombycesaetcs | LOR (5) 634 Ue eb On mera van Noctuz Be OAR keene mney Ae se yea i EXC) Geometrz Be QR De gale NDS en ell Onan ome OS Total 769 G23 526 130 We could hardly feel proud of that state of our know- ledgé, but it is now, happily, very much improved. The number of larve described by the joint efforts of British Lepidopterists has wonderfully increased, whilst the list of 170 those unknown has from the same efforts been much reduced. This improvement is largely due to such men as the late Rev. Harper Crewe, the late Rev. Joseph Hellins, and the late William Buckler, whose posthumous work is now being pub- lished by the Ray Society. The good work that they initiated is still progressing, aided by many worthy successors, such as Messrs. W. H. B. Fletcher, G. T. Porritt, C. G. Barrett, etc. Still there remains much to be done; even in some fairly common species the larve are unknown; for example, Hesperia comma is by no means rare at Boxhill and Mickleham. Nothing is known of its larva; and Colas hyale has never been reared in England. The Geometrz are now pretty well worked up, but in the Noctuze many remain for some of us to win our entomological spurs. The great advantage of breeding lepidoptera over merely catching them, is not only that we get a biological knowledge of our study, but our cabinets are wonderfully enriched both in number of species and condition of specimens. Whilst ‘many errors have been swept away by breeding, several insects which from their great dissimilarity had been looked upon as distinct, have been proved to be only extreme forms of a variable species, and wzce versd. After these short prefatory remarks, I will endeavour to give a few practical hints on breeding, and will commence at the egg stage. When possible I much prefer breeding from ova. You not only get the whole life-history, but you also get better results: larvae that have been beaten out, are often either injured by the jar, or stung by various parasites. Ova differ much in form, and also in the length of time they remain unhatched. It is always desirable to have some idea as to the period of hatching, not only keeping them properly, so as not to kill them—for some remain in the egg-state eight or nine months, others only a few days—but also to be pro- vided with food for the larvz as soon as they emerge, a very important matter. A glass-topped box or small wide-mouth bottle is convenient to place eggs in that are near hatching. I prefer them to do so, before placing them on food, as you then know how many larve to look for in the first change ; that is very desirable and saves time. 171 Treatment of recently hatched larve.—When dealing with such small things as recently hatched larve, it is desirable to have them in rather close quarters for several reasons ; one is, that it often happens that they have a tendency to be restless, and they may get off the food if they have too much room, and die. Another thing, a small piece of food in a large cage is apt to wither quickly, and if a lot of food is used it is very troublesome to change them. After very many trials of various plans, the following method has yielded me the best results. Get two wide-mouth bottles, the larger of the two having a mouth sufficiently wide to allow the smaller to pass quite inside, place the young larve inside the smaller bottle with some recently-gathered food, but carefully avoid all moisture on the surface of leaves, etc. ; tie over the mouth of bottle with a piece of washed-out calico. Now place this smaller bottle mouth downwards inside the larger, then tie over the mouth of the larger bottle with calico, and then on reversing ends of this, the smaller bottle stands mouth upper- most, and by this means the condensation of moisture from the plant takes place on the side of the larger, z.e., outer bottle, leaving the inner bottle free from it. The condensation of moisture is always a great trouble in the earlier stages of breeding. All plants are necessarily full of sap, and the exhalation from their stomata settles on the sides of the glass cylinder or bottle, and the delicate little larve often get drowned in it, as most of us have proved. This doubled casing of glass answers admirably, as the condensation, if it takes place at all, will be always on the outer bottle, and consequently fraught with no danger to the tiny and tender brood. This may seem rather a complicated matter, but in practice it is by no means difficult. According to my experience the natural sap of the plant is a more healthy food than the more watery juices that result from food-plants immersed in water. Always, at least by choice, gather your food-plants in the early morning, and if possible carry them home in tins. By this means you have the whole plant full of natural sap. If gathered in the middle of the day, the sun will have materially exhausted your food, and it will then often wither very quickly. Then, again, when selecting branches of trees or shrubs to take 172 home for food for larve, select well-developed wood with healthy sound foliage, and not the young and succulent shoots. The matured wood keeps its freshness longer, and as a rule is far the best food; too succulent a growth is prone to bring on diarrheea. With the growth of the larve, you must naturally increase the size of the bottles or cages. Always avoid overcrowding. It may here be convenient to say a few words on the different styles or methods of feeding up. The close or dry answers well in many cases. By close or dry I mean that the food-plant has not its stems immersed in water, it is only freshly gathered ; and by being in a fairly close bottle or jar, and not exposed to a current of dry air, it keeps fresh and well for nearly a week. An ordinary white jam pot is a simple and convenient receptacle; first tie over it a piece of muslin, and then cover it with a piece of ordinary window giass. Some grind the jam-pot edges, and merely cover with glass; but personally I prefer the first plan, as the little inequalities of surface allow a certain amount of air to pene- trate, but not enough to dry up the food. Wide-mouth sweet bottles are useful. I have used them up to the capacity of a gallon. I am much in favour of this dry feeding for small geometers, etc. By this process I have succeeded in breeding very many species. A clean and dry flower-pot, substituted for the white jam- pot, also answers well. I may say that in one I last year bred a long series of Yenzocampa leucographa on Plantago lanceolata, without a single death, and the larve were evi- dently happy and fed up well; nothing could possibly have done better.. Perhaps the very best cage that I have ever seen or used is what is known as a bee-glass,! 10 or 12 inches in diameter. These may be used in two ways as follows :—The glass can be comfortably filled with food, the stems passing through the hole at bottom, and the whole allowed to stand resting on a jam-pot containing water. Cautzon: Always well stop the hole with cotton wool, or other convenient substance, to pre- 1 What is called a bee-glass is the ordinary form of horticultural glass of a bell shape ; but instead of the round button-like knob at bottom being solid, it has a hole quite through it. ae 173 vent the larve from crawling into the water below. They will do so, if you are not careful. Now by simplytying a piece of muslin over the top of the glass, you have a perfect breeding-cage. Food keeps well, larvz get air and light, and the results are perfectly satisfactory. You can readily watch your pets, and note their growth, change of skin, and peculiarities. I recol- lect once being much struck at the mode in which Cheszas vufata fed itself. It feeds on the common broom, the trifoliate leaflets of which are attached by short pedicels to the stem, and instead of nibbling off the sides of the leaflets, as is general with larvee when feeding, rufata went at once for the short pedicel, bit it quite through, holding it the while securely in its fore legs. It then held the leaflet up to its mouth by its legs, as a boy would a penny bun, twisting it round and round most deftly till all was eaten. I never before saw a larva feed itself in that way. This was not an isolated or single occasion, but time after time the operation was repeated. But to continue with my breeding experience. The second way in which this bee-glass is conveniently used, is the reverse of the one just described, and is specially adapted to those larve that pupate under the ground. The modus operandi is as follows:—Take a large-sized earthen pan— what is known as a propagating pan—that is, a shallow one from 4 to 6 inches deep—and fill this with prepared earth. _ I say prepared, as it is very desirable that earth in puparia should be absolutely freed from insect pests, such as pseudos- pretella, by baking. ‘The best soil is a light sandy peat, with pieces of rotten wood, commonly known as touchwood, mixed with it. This is a good addition, as many larve are very fond of boring into such substances. Well, having filled your pan with this earth, then place upon it a perforated zinc ring or cylinder some 4 or 5 inches deep, the top or upper edge of which is turned over, to fit the broad diameter of the bee- glass, so that it can rest on this ring of perforated zinc. By this plan you get a free passage of air through the zinc, and out of the top of the bee-glass, which is most necessary for many larve. This necessitates, of course, some ready means of having a small vessel of water to plunge the stems of food-plant in, and this is best done by the zinc 174 stands as shown.! This, of course, is buried under the earth in the pan, and is not removed. By having two or three bottles when shifting food, one is got ready, and the other removed, when the larve can be at once replaced in a cage. Avoid fingering the larve if possible. I generally use a pair of scissors to cut off the piece of twig, rather than pull them off, as some species hold on most tenaciously. It is a good plan to cover the earth with a layer of dry sphagnum or bog-moss, It serves a twofold purpose: it enables the larve to hide away in the day time, as many Noctuz larvz especially do, and it also allows the frass to be shaken away without disturbing the soil. This bee-glass feeding cage, used in one or the other fashion, is in my experience the most generally useful cage that can possibly be employed. I may safely say that in such I have bred thousands of Lepidoptera, such species as Asteroscopus nubeculosa, Endromzs yerstcolor, Acronycta alnt, A. strigosa ; the last two especially require rotten wood to pupate, Zenzocampa populett, T. opima, and Xylina furcifera (Mr. Evan John kindly gave me twenty ova of the last, and in my bee-glass and pan I bred twenty splendid moths). Possibly I ought to caution you to be careful that the zinc ring goes to the bottom of the pan, or else some larve, such as Nyssia hispidaria, which require a good depth of soil, and are prone to be restless on touching the bottom of the shallow earthen pan, will ramble, and very possibly come up again outside the zinc, and escape. This did occur to me with one of my earliest broods of Azspzdarza, and I lost every one of them so. I made a note of it. For breeding hairy larve I find that more air is necessary as a rule; very many of them absolutely require sunshine, but it is never safe to expose larve to the sun’s rays in glass or hardly with metal cages. The stored heat kills them. For hairy larvae, open canvas cages answer best, as they allow free passage of air, and may be exposed to the sun, as they do not store up heat. My best results with such larve as 1 A flat circular disc of zinc, say 5 inches in diameter, has an upright cylinder of zinc soldered on, in which a 2 or 3 0z. wide mouth round bottle will just slide in and out ; this bottle holds the stems of food-plant, and can be readily changed. 175 require sun and air have been obtained by modifications of the canvas cage. One species that most Lepidopterists have found extremely difficult to breed is Agrotis agathina ; the only time I tried to breed this insect, I adopted the following plan with success (out of thirty-two larvz I bred twenty-eight perfect specimens). An earthen. propagating pan was planted beforehand, by way of preparation, with a nice lot of heather (Calluna vulgarzs) all round the outer edge of the pan, leaving some four or five inches in the centre clear of plants for re- newing food, and this was obtained by a trip to Shirley oncea week. I used to select a few healthy plants of young and well leaved Erica tetralix (the pale maiden heath), and these were dug up and plunged into a small earthen pan to occupy the space left free in the larger pan. By this means I was enabled to change the food with very little disturbance of the larve. The whole was covered with canvas on a wire frame. . It was a little trouble, but then the result was a success. I may mention that possibly one reason of my success was, that I searched for my larve. The general way is to sweep, and in my opinion many of the larve get more or less injured by the knocking about in the net. You may get more by sweeping, but probably the best and most reliable plan is to search with a light for them. Feeding on growing plants.—At first sight it would appear that the very best plan for feeding larva, would be by planting food in flower pots, but I must say the result to me has been rather disappointing. Very few plants do well, z.e., grow healthily in the necessary confinement—they so often fog off and become mildewed. It answers well enough on growing trees, where you can “sleeve” them on the branches, but not so well on soft herbaceous plants. To those Lepidop- terists who live in the country, and have good gardens away from the nuisance of London smoke, this plan of sleeving will be found most useful. All that is necessary is to plant _ a selection of oak, alder, ash, birch, willow, etc., and by sleeves of canvas or gauze good results may be attained with little labour. I well recollect a visit I paid to my friend the late _J. G. Ross, of Bathampton, to whom so many of us owe our present fine series of A. a/z. In his garden of two or three acres, he had quite a plantation of young alders, and 176 on these he had sleeved an immense number of a/nz larve. Needless to say, he succeeded admirably, and bred thou- sands. The great and almost only difficulty that follows sleeving, is with those larve that require earth in which to pupate. That can be accomplished by fixing on the branch a pot of earth; but that is not so easily done. Of course you can also pick out your full-fed larve, and place them in other cages. As far as alnuz is concerned all that is necessary is to place inside the sleeves some pieces of rotten wood, or cut lengths of old pithy bramble stems or elder, and then the larve burrow in the pith to pupate. Internal feeding larve.—To feed up these from the egg is generally a difficult task, and one can only succeed well with a few species, root feeders, such as Zemflt, etc. You have only to get prepared a few boxes of earth, and plant roots of cow parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium) ; and as soon as the larve hatch, transfer three or four into the axils of the growing leaves on each head of plant, and then they are left to themselves. No care is taken to cover the plant until the middle of July; then you may cut down your plant within a few inches of the root, and cover with canvas. This is to prevent the escape of larve when they leave the plant to pupate, as then they will at times roam about. I have by this means bred Zemp/i freely. Some Lepidopterists use only the roots of the garden parsnip, but they are apt to go very soft ; still they have been found to succeed fairly well, though I think Heracleum sphondylium is the best food. Many root feeders may be readily collected when nearly or quite full-fed ; these roots are simply plunged into mould, in boxes, canvas or gauze covered, and you may breed many good things. Thus I have bred a fine lot of the once rare Sesia chrysidiformis from the roots of common dock and sorrel, collected at Folkestone Warren or at Eastbourne. I have not attempted to describe every possible form of breed- ing cage, but only such as have after over forty years’ expe- rience yielded me good results. Perhaps, if not trespassing too long on your patience, I may say a word or two on make-shift cages, when we may be away from home, and possibly have turned up some good larvee; as for example, this year Dezlephila gala turned up 177 with me at Deal. I paid a visit to a hatter, purchased a cartoon hat-box, cut out the centre within an inch of the outer rim of the top of the box, and covered it with coarse muslin. The lid then pulled down fixed the gauze or muslin securely, and formed a really good make-shift cage. The food of course must be put into either a wide-mouth bottle or a small rummer glass ; 7lb. square biscuit tins, with the tops cut out and the edges bent so as to allow a glass top to be slid in, form excellent make-shift puparia. Treatment of hibernating lavve—Very many of our larve hibernate, and a few words on their management may be useful. As soon as winter truly settles the season, and food- plants get killed, larvae crawl away, and many of them spin little pads of silk, on which they partly fix themselves ; others merely find a convenient spot on which to rest and pass the winter. Generally, I like to place in cages with hibernating larve some plant that will not readily get mouldy, such as ground ivy or small pieces of true ivy, and some dry sphagnum. On these the larve can rest without much fear of mould ; keep them in a cool greenhouse, avoid- ing absolute drought and sunshine. The first is prone to dry up your larve, and the latter possibly may awaken them from their winter sleep before nature has provided any growing plant for feeding them on. Early in March or April, according to season, you must watch your little ones, and if they once begin to move it is best to take them into a warmer place, and by giving them fresh food they will soon begin to eat and grow rapidly. The best results in breeding will generally be secured by con- fining yourself to moderate numbers, when there will be not only fewer deaths, but the insects themselves will often be finer. Overcrowding, combined with stale food, is almost certain to bring on disease. This often takes the form of diarrhea, and carries off the entire brood. One of the first symptoms of this is found in the frass getting soft and watery, and the larve themselves getting frequently soiled with it, the anal segments particularly so. It is not often one can do much to arrest this disease when once it asserts itself. A plan I have adopted with fair success is this: A small brood—some thirty larvee of Endromzs verstcolor—showed unmistakeable signs N 178 of diarrhoea ; the anal segments were fouled, and in some of them evidently stuck together. I tried an experiment: I took each larva separately in my open hand, held it under a tap of running cold water, and gently brushed it the while by means of a camel hair pencil. They were then placed on clean fresh food, and stood out in the sunshine. As a result, most of them safely pupated, and produced in due course fine moths. With a good species this is worth trying, at any rate. In this paper I have not attempted to describe larve col- lecting, only their treatment. Still, perhaps a few passing hints on how to secure a good series of Acherontia atropos may be useful. It is well known that the larve of atropos feed on the leaves of the potato, and that in some seasons the men engaged in digging the tubers find pupe in some numbers ; but they often get more or less injured before they reach our hands, and in consequence die. It is much better to seek the larve ourselves. At first sight it may appear difficult to find a few larve in a large field’ of potatoes, but in fact it is fairly easy todo so. The larve when nearly full grown are very voracious and quite strip the haulm of the leaves, so that you may walk down between the rows of potatoes and take ten yards on either side of you with ease and certainty of spotting any atropos larve that may be there, the bared stems showing up a long way off. You will soon see if the larva is still about by the abun- dance of fresh frass; if dried up it has probably pupated. In this manner I found thirteen in two mornings’ work at Deal, and bred them all by forcing. I much advise forcing for large Sphingide. Forcing is simple and safe. An ordinary biscuit box, with a partly glass lid, makes a good and simple forcing cage. Lay in two inches of clean sand, and on it place the pupe. Do not bury them in the sand. Cover them over lightly with a layer of damp sphagnum, with a few bushy twigs for the moths to crawl up and expand their wings, and the cage is complete. The cage only requires to be placed in a warm room at from 75° to 80°, and you will then breed your moths in midwinter with better results and with plenty of time to see to them in the dull season. In conclusion I would advise every Entomologist to study field botany; not only will it enhance the pleasure of his 179 outings, but materially help him to breed Lepidoptera; and should this paper in any way aid that object its purpose will be fully served. N.B.—This paper was illustrated by objects and models. Yn gpetr— IRISH STAPHYLINID. By Rev. W. F. JOHNSON, M.A.,F.E.S. Read 28th Nov., 1880. IN my paper on the Irish Geodephaga, I remarked that rather less than half of the British species had been recorded from Ireland. The list of Irish Staphylinidee contains an even smaller proportion of the British species. Canon Fowler, in his admirable work on the Coleoptera of the British Islands, gives the number of species of this family on the British list as upwards of 800; of these less than 300 have been recorded from Ireland. I have in my own collection Irish specimens of nearly two-thirds of these species, most of which have been taken here. There are no materials for remarks on distribution, as nearly half the records are from single localities. I have, however, made out lists of these single locality records which may perhaps prove interesting. Recorded from Armagh only:—A/eochara cuniculorum, Oxypoda longiuscula, Calodera ethiops, Myrmedonia collaris, Alianta tncana, Homalota imbecilla, gyllenhalt, pagana, elegantula, nigricornts, corvina, atomaria, Tachyusa umbratica, Falagria obscura, Myllena brevicornis, Tachyporus humerosus, transversalis, Tachinus laticollis, Bolitobius exoletus, Mycetoporus longulus, splendidus, fieterothops binolata, Quedius Jumatus, Philonthus umbratilis, cephalotes, ebeninus, ventralis, guisguz- liarius, v. dimidiatus, nigrita, micans, nigritulus, Actobius cinerascens, Xantholinus longiventris, Lathrobium longulum, terminatum, Sunius intermedius, dtversus, Evesthetus ruficapillus, leviusculus, Stenus melanarius, Steph., atratulus, fuscipes, declaratus, argus, fusct- cornis, palustris, binotatus, canescens, Rosh. (major, Rey), pallitarsts, cicindelotdes, Platystethus nodifrons, Oxytelus tnsecatus, tniustus, compla- natus, Trogophiwus bilineatus, ebongatulus, foveolatus, corticinus, tenellus, Lesteva sharpi, Acidota crenata, Lathrimeum atrocephalum, Acrulia inflatrz, Anthobium minutum, Proteinus ovalis, Megarthrus dentzcolizs, depressus. 180 From Carlingford.— Quedius attenuatus, Ocypus combressus, Lathro- bium rufipenne, Haploderus celatus, Homalium leviusculwm. From Killarney.—Quedius umbrinus, Stenus guynemert, vafellus, car- bonarius. From Galway.—-Aleochara brevipennis, Stilicus geniculatus, Medon propinguus, Syntomium eneum, Homalium striatum, From Waterford. — Aleochara morion, Homalota monticola, divisa, ravilla, villosula, aterrima, Quedius brevicornis, Lathrobium filiforme Stilicus similis, Stenus pusillus, ossitum, erosus, bifoveolatus, Homalium allardt. From County Wicklow. — Homalota currax, cambrica, hygrotopora, Falagria thoracica, Cafius xantholoma (var. variolosus, Sharp), Pederus Suscipes, Ancyrophorus omalinus. From Dublin. —Aleochara algarum, Microglossa nidicola, Tachyusa atra, Falagria sulcata, Hypocyptus leviusculus, Tachinus elongatus, Heterothops dissimilis, Ocypus similis, Cafius sericeus, Leptacinus parum- punctatus, batychrus, Lathrobium angusticolle, Bledius tricornis, atrica- pillus, Thinobtus longipennts, Deleaster dichrous, Philorhinum sordidum, Proteinus atomarius. From County Down.—Oxyfoda rupicola, Ocyusa hibernica, Homalota clavipes, tibialis, nitidula, alpestris, oblongiuscula, eremita, valida, orbata, Geodromicus nigrita. From Belfast.—Aryoporus cernuus, Philonthus thermarum, Paederus littoralis, Stenus bipunctatus, canaliculatus, circularis, Bledius opacus, Hapalarea pygme@a. The only Irish record for Lezstotrophus nebulosus is Cushen- dun in the County Antrim, where it was taken by the Rev. S. A. Brenan (vide Anz Wo. Wag. saan) 230)" 0 Of tne Belfast records Phzlonthus thermarum and Hapalarea pygmea were taken many years ago by Mr. Robert Temple- ton. The specimens are in the museum of the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, and have been identified by me. Pederus littoralis was captured by Rev. J. Bristow, and given to me. The rest are Mr. Haliday’s records. It will be seen that my own records in the above lists under Armagh and Carlingford are more numerous than those from all other localities put together, the exact numbers being seventy-three from Armagh and Carlingford, and sixty- eight from the rest. This arises not from any superior acute- ness on my part, but from the fact that I have been working steadily all the year round in practically one locality, while the 181 other recorders either have been passing visitors to Ireland, or else have not continued to work at Coleoptera. A large number of the best Irish species have been recorded by Mr. Champion, Mr. J. J. Walker, and Dr. Power, who only came on a visit to Ireland. Mr. Haliday made a considerable col- lection of Coleoptera, but he soon turned his attention to Diptera, consequently his list of Coleoptera, as published in the Transactions of the Belfast Field Naturalists’ Club, con- tains only eighty-seven species of Staphylinide. These facts, however, only go to prove that a rich harvest awaits the earnest worker among the Irish Staphylinide. I have several interesting species on my own list, and there are many rare insects among the other records. Dzglossa submarina has its place on the British list on the authority of specimens sent from Ireland to Mr. Javet by Mr. Haliday. These were most probably taken in the Belfast district. What an opportunity is here for the re-discovery of this interesting beetle. Ocyusa hibernica was described by the late Mr. Rye from a specimen taken by Mr. Champion on Slieve Donard, the highest point in the Mourne mountains, in County Down, where probably more of the same await the enterprising collector. I now propose to make a few remarks concerning such of my own records as may be of some interest. Aleochara cunzicolorum is decidedly rare here, and I have only two specimens in my collection. Oxyfoda longiuscula is quite common here, and has probably been overlooked else- where. Of Calodera ethiops I have only succeeded hitherto in securing one specimen. Myrmedonza collaris is likewise represented by a single specimen, but no doubt more will make their appearance. I took a few Alzanta zncana from stems of Typha latifolia, which I was examining for pupe of Nonagria arundinis. The reed is not uncommon about here, but is difficult to get at, as it grows most usually in bogs in the midst of water which the treacherous nature of the bottom renders it unsafe to attempt to wade. There is nothing very remarkable among my Homalote, except that HH. zmbeczlla does not seem usually to occur so far inland. Falagria obscura is the only species of the genus which has occurred here, but it is very common, and probably occurs in other parts of the island. The var. azmzdzatus, Steph., of Phz/on- 182 thus qutsquiliarius occurs sparingly under stones on the shore of Lowry’s Lough, and in a similar locality at Lough Neagh on Coney Island. It is exceedingly active and very troublesome to catch among the stones. I have taken a few Stenus canescens, Rosh. (major, Rey), by sweeping reeds on the edge of a small lake near Navan Fort, and at Lowry’s Lough, where it was accompanied by S. pubescens and S. pallitarsts; this last is by no means uncommon here. Les- teva sharpt 1 took from the under side of stones in the bed of a little brook, but it is not common. In conclusion I may remark that I find moss most produc- tive of Staphylinide, and moss is fortunately very abundant and luxuriant here. I am often astonished at the swarms of insects which lodge in it. I append a list, but merely to indicate the present state of affairs with regard to the Staphylinide. LIST; OF VIRISH STAPHYEINIDZE: Compiled October, 1889, by Rev. W. F. JOHNSON, M.A., F.E.S. Aleochara fuscipes, brevipennts, bipunctata, cuniculorum, lanugtinosa, mesta, nitida, v. bilineata, morton, grisea, algarum, obscurella; Micro- glossanidicola,; Oxypoda opaca, longtuscula, rupicola; Ocyusa hibernica ; Ilyobates nigricollts ; Calodera aethiops ; Myrmedonia collarts; Astilbus canaliculatus; Homalota monticola, ctrcellaris, elegantula, eremita, aqua- tica, valida, trinotata, divisa, nigrtcornis, ravilla, corvina, atomaria, villosula, atramentaria, sordida, aterrima, muscorum, orbata, fungt, clientula; Tachyusa umbratica, atra; Falagria sulcata, thoracica, obscura; Autalta rivularis; Encephalus complicans ; Phytosus spinifer ; Diglossa mersa, submarina; Oligota inflata; Myllena brevicornis,; Hypocyptus longicornis, leviusculus, ovulum,; Conosoma pubescens ; pedicularius, lividus ; Tachyporus obtusus, v. nitidicollis, solutus, chrysomelinus, humerosus, hypnorum, pusillus, brunneus, transversalis; Ctlea silphoides; Tachinus rufipes, subterraneus, marginellus, latzcolles, elongatus ; Megacronus cingulatus, analis ; Bryoporus cernuus ; Bolitobius lunatus, trinotatus, exoletus, pygmaeus ; Mycetoporus longulus, splendidus, Heterothops binotata, disstmilis ; Quedius fulgidus, brevicornis, cinctus, fuliginosus, tristis, molochinus, fumatus, umbrinus, rujipes, attenuatus, semicneus » Creophilus maxillosus ; Leistotrophus nebulosus » Staphylinus pubescens, erythroplerus, cesareus; Ocypus olens, simutts, brunnipes, cupreus, ater, morto, compressus ; Philonthus splendens, mtermedius, laminatus, eneus, proximus, addendus, decorus, politus, varius, margt- natus, umbratilis, cephalotes, fjimetarius, ebeninus, sanguinolentus, cruen- tatus, varians, ventralis, guisguiliartus, v. dimidiatus, thermarum, 183 nigrita, micans, nigritulus, trossulus, puella; Cafius fucicola, xantholoma, sericeus ; Actobius cinerascens ; Xantholinus glabratus, punc- tulatus, ochraceus, atratus, tricolor, longiventris ; Leptacinus parum- punctatus, batychrus ; Othtus fulvipennis, leviusculus, melanocephalus, myrmecophilus , Lathrobium elongatum, boreale, fulvipenne, rufipenne, brunnipes, longulum, filiforme, quadratum, terminatum, multipunctum, angusticolle; Cryptobium glaberrimum, Stilicus rufipes, orbiculatus, similis, affinis, geniculatus,; Medon propinguus, melanocephalus ; Litho- charts ochracea; Sunius intermedius, diversus, angustatus,; Pederus littoralis, fuscipes,; Evesthetus ruficapillus, leviusculus ; Stenus bipunc- tatus, guitula, bimaculatus, juno, guynemert, speculator, providus v. rogert, melanarius, atratulus, canaliculatus, pusillus, fuscipes, circularis, vafellus, declaratus, carbonarius, argus, ossium, fuscicornis, gent- culatus, palustris, ¢mpressus, e@rosus, flavipes, pubescens, binotatus, canes- cens, pallitarsts, bifoveolatus, nitidiusculus, cicindeloides, similis, paganus, latifrons ; Bledius tricornis, arenarius, opacus, atricapillus ; Platystethus arenarius, cornutus, nodifrons,; Oxytelus rugosus, insecatus, sculpts, laqueatus, tnustus, sculpturatus, nitidulus, complanatus, tetracarinatus ; Haplodesus celatus, Ancyrophorus omalinus; Trogophleus arcuatus, bilineatus, rivularis, elongatulus, foveolatus, corticinus, tenellus ; Thino- zus longipennis; Syntomium eneum, Deleaster dichrous ; Geodromicus nigrita, Lesteva longelytrata, sharpt, sicula,; Actdota crenata, Lathri- meum atrocephalum, unicolor, Deliphrum tectum, Arpedium brachy- plerum, Philorhinum sordidum,; Homalium rivulare, leviusculum, ripa- rium, concinnum, deplanatum, striatum; Hapalarea pygmea, Acrulia inflata, Anthobium minutum, Proteinus ovatlis, brachypterus, atoma- vius ; Megarthrus denticollis, depressus, Phleobium clypeatum. LIST OF MEMBERS. Chief subjects of Study :—, Hymenoptera; 0, Orthoptera ; e, Hemiptera ; mz, Neuroptera ; c, Coleoptera; ¢, Diptera; 7, Lepidoptera ; ovm, Ornithology ; r, Reptilia ; #, Mollusca; cv, Crustacea ; 4, Botany ; mz, Microscopy ; e, signifies Exotic forms. YEAR OF ELECTION. 1886 1882 1886 1888 1889 1888 1888 1887 1884 1887 1889 1889 1888 1888 1877 1886 1873 1887 1886 ADKIN, B. W., Brandon House, Morden Hill, Lewisham, S.E. LOT. ADKIN, R., F.E.S.,Wellfield, Lingard’s Road, Lewisham, S.E. / ADYE, J. M., Somerford Grange, Christchurch, Hants. 7. ATHERTON, R., Chorley, Lancashire. 7. ATKINSON, F. H., 51, Buckingham Palace Road, S.W. 7. Atmore, E. A, ‘F.E.S., 2, Haylett: Terrace,~King’s Lynn, Norfolk. 2. AuLp, H. A., Havelock House, Foot’s Cray, Kent. 2 Barctiay, F. H., Leyton, Essex. 7, orn, paleontology. BaRKER, H. W., F.E.S., fon. Sec, 83, Brayard’s Road, Peckham, S.E.- 2. BaRREN, H. E., 46, Lyndhurst Road, Peckham, S.E. 2 BarRRETT, C. G., F.E.S., 39, Linden Grove, Nunhead, S.E. /. Beaumont, A., F.E.S., 153, Hithergreen Lane, Lewisham, oh! Ds YANBU BENNETT, W. H., 62, St. Mary’s Terrace, West Hill, Hastings. Ti iG: Bituups, P. C. C., M.D., Rockiands, 179, Friern Road, East Dulwich, S.E. mz. Bituups, T. R., F.E.S., 20, Swiss Villas, Coplestone Road, Peckham, S.E.| 4%, 0, 6 d, he. BLANDFORD, W. F., B.A., F.E.S., 48, Wimpole Street, W. c. Boucer, H. L., Chiselhurst, Kent. 72 BouTTeELL, C. S., 3, Brownhill Road, Catford, S.E. 4, mz. Brapy, C., 3, Tanner’s End, Edmonton, N. 185 YEAR OF ELECTION. 1887 1887 1890 1890 1890 1890 1890 1887 1889 1888 1889 1886 1877 1890 1872 1872 1888 1887 1890 1888 1879 1886 1876 1889 1884 1884 1890 1885 1891 a Briccs, C. A., F.E.S., Surrey House, Leatherhead, Surrey. Z, m, British Fishes. Briccs, T. H., M.A., F.E.S., Surrey House, Leatherhead, SUEReyAN 2. Bricut, P., Roccabrunna, Bournemouth. 7 Bristow, B. A., Champion Hill, S.E. 2 Brown, E. W., Lieut., 2nd Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment, Shorncliffe Camp, Kent. 2 Bryant, G., 6, Oakley Crescent, Chelsea, S.W. 7. BuTLer, W. E., 297, Oxford Road, Reading, /. BUTTERFIELD, J., 110, Lewisham Road, S.E. CaMERON, M., 2, Darnley Road, Hackney, N. /. CaNnsDALE, W. D., F.E.S., 40, London Road, Forest Hill, S18) ee Cant, A., 10, Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, W. Z. CARPENTER, J. H., Johnson Villa, Gleneagle Road, Streatham, Seen Zh CaRRINGTON, J. T., F.L.S., Prestdent, 145, Strand, W.C. JZ, ex. CHAMPION, G., 37, Boundary Road, St. John’s Wood, N.W. 2. Cuampion, G. C., F.E.S., 11, Caldervale Road, Elm Park, Clapham, S.W. ¢. Cuaney, W. C., 32, Stroud Road, Woodside, S. Norwood, S.E. (Hon. member). h, 0, ¢. CHITTENDEN, D., Wellesboro’ Lees, Ashford, Kent. 2. Cuark, J. A., F.E.S., The Broadway, London Fields, E. 7. Criark, R. A., M.A., Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancaster. 7. CuarkE, A. L., 24, Estelle Road, Mansfield Road, Gospel Oak, IN;W. 2,0. Ciope, W. (Life member). CockERELL, T. D. A., 3, Fairfax Road, Bedford Park, Chiswick, W. f, d, m. Cotr, W., F.E.S., 7, Knighton Villas, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. Cormines,.C. El., 172, strand, W.C.772 Cook, A. E., 31, Lower Road, Rotherhithe, S.E. /, orn, r. Cooper, J. A., F.E.S., Sussex Villas, Harrow Road, Leyton- stone Road, E. JZ, ora. CranE, P. J., Holly House, Chingford, Essex. /. Croker, A. J., F.E.S., 156, Tennison Road, S. Norwood. 7/. ¢. DaciE, J. C., Mayfield, 105, Upper Richmond Road, Putney, Su Wenolia2..2. \ 186 YEAR OF ELECTION. 1886 1888 1889 1889 1890 1890 1884 1884 1887 1886 1886 1877 1886 1890 1889 1887 1888 1888 1872 1887 1887 1887 1889 1889 1836 18386 1890 1889 1884 1886 Day, G., 19,, Garlick. Hill; EC), orn, mz. Dawson, W. G., Plumstead Common, Plumstead, Kent (Zife member). b. Dencu, G. E., 65, Huddlestone Road, Tufnell Park, N. 2 Dennis, A, W., 48, Mansfield Street, Kingsland Road, E, JZ. Dennis, G: €., 17, 4lower street, York. 7% DosrEe-Fox, Rev. E. C., Castle Moreton Vicarage, Tewkes- bury. 4 Dosgson, H. T., Douglas Villa, Acacia Road, New Malden, Surrey. 4 ‘orn: Downinc, J. W., F.E.S., 59, Lupus Street, Pimlico, S.W. 7. Druck, H. H., F.E.S., 43, Circus Road, St. John’s Wood, N.W. DuNNING, J. W., M.A., -F.LS.,. FOZ.S., EVES: Patrons Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn, W.C. Epwarps, S., F.Z.S., F.E.S., Kidbrook Lodge, Blackheath, SEY ie 7 ELISHA, G., F.E.S., 122, Shepherdess Walk, City Road, E. /, Enock, F., F.E.S., 12, Parolles Road, Upper Holloway, N. ad, mt. Farini, G. A., Dartmouth Lodge, Forest Hill, S.E. Farrant, M., 74, Cambridge Street, Pimlico, S.W. 7. FaRREN, W., 14, King’s Parade, Cambridge. 7 Fenn, C., F.E.S., Eversden House, 83, Burnt Ash Hill, S.E. 2 Fenton, F. E., The Cedars, Ealing. Fickuin, A., Norbiton, Surrey. 72 Fitcu, E. A., F.LS., F.E.S., Brick House, Maldon, Essex. Luc hye FLetcuer, W. H. B., M.A., F.E.S. (Life meméer), Fairlawn House, Worthing, Sussex. 7 Fowter, The Rev. Canon, M.A., F.L.S., F.E.S., The School House, Lincoln. . Forp, A., Alexandra Villa, Braybrooke Road, Hastings. 4 c. FortTung, R., Ravensgill, Franklin Mount, Harrogate. orn. FREMLIN, H. S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., Mereworth, near Maid- stone, Kent. 2 FROHAWK, F. W., 9, Dornten Road, Balham, S.W. 7. GARDNER, W., Liverpool. /. GERRARD, V., 47, Foulden Road, Stoke Newington, N. 4 Grsp, L., Heath Bank, Princes Road, Lewisham, S.E. -é. Grisss, T., Jun., Bretby, Burton-on-Trent. 187 YEAR OF ELECTION. 1885 1885 1888 1889 1889 18838 1884 1888 1887 1884 18386 1890 1887 1878 1890 1888 1889 1889 1890 1837 1888 1889 1889 1889 1887 1886 1888 1887 1884 1889 1887 GopwIn, F., 472, Edgware Road, W. GoLDTHwaIreE, O. C., Oak Villas, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton. Z. GouLp, A. E. D., 61, Cornwall Road, Notting Hill, W. GREENE, Rey. J. G., M.A., Rostrevor, Apsley Road, Clifton, Bristol. 2. GROVER, T., 9, Victoria Street, Westminster. EA, AY BF Ees., Norbury, Shetiields 27, Hatu, T. W, F.E.S., 7, Princess Road, Selhurst, S. Norwood. Z. Hawes, F. W., 14, Dovecote Villas, Wood Green, N. /. Haywarp, H., 53, Fenwick Road, Peckham, S.E. HELps, J. A., Newstead Lodge, 91, Wood Vale, Forest Hill, Sa, HENDERSON, J., 25, Madeira Road, Streatham, S.W. JZ, orn. Hewk, H., Secretary’s Office, Bank of England, E.C. 2. Hicxin, W. R., Hickiine, G. H., Landon Cottage, Elm Road, Sidcup. Z Hitt, #& J., 132, Haverstock Hill, Hampstead, N. 2. Hi.LimaN, T. S., Eastgate Street, Lewes, Sussex. 7. HiILiswortTy, E. H. R., 137, Osborne Road, Forest Gate, FE. 7. HincuirF, Miss K. M., Worlington House, Instow, N. Devon. Unters. HoncEs, A. J., 2, Highbury Place, Islington, N. 7. Homes, W. J., 190, Bermondsey Street, S.E. Hopkins, H. E., 153, Camden Grove, Peckham, S.E. 7. Horne, A., 31, Watson Street, Aberdeen. 7. Howecrave, W., 56, Granville Park, Blackheath, S.E. 7. Hupson, T., 8, Berkeley Street, Battersea Park Road, S.W. 7 Incr, C. E. M., 11, St. Stephen’s Avenue, Shepherd’s Bush, IW ict As tC JAGER, J., 180, Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W. 2 Japp, A. H., LL.D., The Limes, Elmstead, near Colchester. OVn. . JENNER, J. H. A., F.E.S., 4, East Street, Lewes, Sussex. 4 ¢, GTO: Josson, H., 1, Rock Villas, Maynard Road, Walthamstow, E. /. Jounson, C. F., 1, Manor Villa, Hamilton Road, Highbury, INE Re Jounson, Rev. W. F., F.E.S., Winder Terrace, Armagh, Ireland. 4 ¢. _1886 Joy, E., 15, Brownswood Park, South Hornsey, N. /. 188 YEAR OF ELECTION. 18386 1888 1887 1887 1887 1884 1888 1888 1887 1887 1889 1889 1884 1890 1887 1885 1872 1890 1890 1889 1872 1889 1886 1889 1888 1888 1886 1888 Kang, W. F. vE V., M.A., F.E.S., M.R.1.A., Sloperton Lodge, Kingstown, Co. Dublin. 4, mz, marine invertebrata. Katz, J., 34, Beverley Road, Anerley, S.E. zstology. Keays, A. M., A.S.T.E., M.S.A., Wandle Cottage, Croft Road, Sutton, Surrey. KEDGLEY, C., Hibernia Chambers, Borough, S.E. KELSALL, J. E., Fareham, Hants. ova, 7. KENWARD, J., Rosslyn, New Eltham, Kent. 7. Kimper, Miss M., Cope Hall, near Newbury, Berks. 7 Kwnicut, E., 2, Lichfield Grove, Finchley, N. Lea, J., 2, Elm Villas, Elm Row, Heath Street, Hampstead, ING Wise 22: LEECH, 1.7 He, BoAg PALS Z.S5, ih Heo, hReG Seo. Hyde Park Gate, S.W. macro-l, ete., of Wallace's palearctic region. Lecros, A. V., 57, Brook Green, Hammersmith. Lemmon, C. H., Hawkestone Road, Rotherhithe, S.E. LevETT, C., 104, Malpas Road, Brockley, S.E. 2 Lrewcock, G. A., 73, Oxford Road, Islington, N. «¢. LivEsEy, F., 70o9a, Old Kent Road, S.E. Lowrey, P. F. J., Lyndhurst, 34, Elms Road, Clapham Park, 5.W. 2, 0r0. Lugsock, The Right Hon. Sir Joun, Bart., M.P., D.C.L., F.RSS., -FL.SyFG.S.,RBSS., ete: Patron, igh lms; Down, near Farnboro’, Kent. 4%, &. McALLAaN, R., 3, Ludgate Circus, E.C. McArruor, H., 35, Averill Street, Fulham, W. JZ. Mackmurbo, W. G., Aldersbrook, Hermon Hill, Wanstead, Essex. J. M’LAcCHEAN, UR.) FOR SS:,! BILSy, izes.” PERS aio, Westview, Clarendon Road, Lewisham, S.E. 2. M’Lacuian, W. H., 8, Trouville Road, Clapham Park, S.W. 2. ManGErR, W., 100, Manor Road, New Cross, S.E. 4 ¢. MANSBRIDGE, W., Luther Place, Horsforth, near Leeds. 7. MARSHALL, A., Byfleet, Weybridge. 7. Martin, W., 21, Longley Street, Southwark Park Road, S.E. MatTtTHeEw, Dr. C. M., Wickham Lodge, Trinity Road, Upper Tooting, S.W. a. MatTHeEws, C., F.E.S., Erme Wood, Ivybridge, South Devon. Orn. 189 YEAR OF ELECTION. 1885 Mera, A. W., 1, Lothian Villas, Capel Road, Forest Gate, E. 7. 1881 Mixes, W. H., F.E.S., The New Club, Calcutta, India. mz, 0. 1888 MITCHELL, A. T., 5, Clayton Terrace, Gunnersbury, W. 1888 1880 1889 1887 1889 1887 1889 1889 1836 1872 1888 1890 1884 1888 1888 1883 1880 1888 1889 1889 1888 1880 1887 1887 1886 1889 1888 1886 1887 MontacGugE, C. J., 37, Calabria Road, Highbury, N. mz. MonrTIERO, Senor A. DE C., F.E.S., Rua do Alacrine, Lisbon. Moore, H., 12, Lower Road, Rotherhithe, S.E. 4 4, d, e Z, Ob Oth Toe Morris, C. H., School Hill, Lewes, Sussex. 4, ¢, m. NEVELL, J. P., 16, Lordship Park, Stoke Newington, N. 2. NeEviINnson, E. B., 7, Staple Inn, W.C. JZ, stalk-eyed crustacea. NicuHotson, W. E., F.E.S., Lewes, Sussex. J. Norr,A. W..,. 7/5,, Waterloo Road, SiKy 7. Nussey, B. L., 9, Chester Place, Burrage Road, Plumstead. 7. OxLpHaM, C., 2, Warwick Villas, Chelmsford Road, South Woodford, E. 72. OswaALpD, F., 16, St. Mark’s Crescent, N.W. 7. PEAKE, A. E., Oakfield, St. Nicholas Road, Upper Tooting. TRG: Pearce, A. E., 1, Ildersley Grove, West Dulwich, S.E. 4. PEaRCE, J., 4, Borough High Street, Borough, S.E. . PEARCE, J. E. Ae Pearce, W. A., Wilkinehuses Alleehany Co., ee U.S.A. ZO: PERKINS, V. R., F.E.S., Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. UVa: Perks, F. E., 111, St. Martin’s Lane, Charing Cross, W.C. zoology, mt. Perry, J. F., Oscott Cottage, Birmingham. 4 «. PICKARD-CAMBRIDGE, H.C., 54, Milton Road, Herne Hill, S.E. Pope, E. D. Y., Slade, Ivybridge, S. Devon. 7 PonsForD, J. T., Bromley, Kent. Porritt, G. T., F.L.S., F.E.S., Greenfield House, Hudders. neldin yz: Pow, F. E., 43, Choumert Road, Peckham S.E. Pow ey, W., M.A., Whitton Villa, Hounslow. RANDELL, G. J., 6, Haycroft Road, Brixton Hill, S.W. REID, W., Pitcaple, Aberdeen. 4, continentad /. RENDALL, P., M.D., Bathurst, Gambia. /. Rice, D. J., Hon. Librarian, 22, Methley Street, Kennington, S.E. orn. 190 YEAR OF ELECTION. 1887 1889 1887 1888 1888 1890 1887 1887 1890 1890 1886 1886 1888 1886 18386 1886 1888 1890 1886 1887 1889 1890 1882 1886 1872 1873 1872 1888 1872 1886 1890 RoBERTS, C., 59, Leppoc Road, Clapham Park, S.W. /, ROBERTSON, A. J., Gloucester House, Harders Road, Peckham, SoH: Rosinson, A., 1, Mitre Court, Temple, E.C. 72. Rosson, H., 5, Winterwell Road, Brixton Hill, S.W. 4 6. Roots, W., 208, Gt. Dover Street, Borough, S.E. RownTrREE, J. H., Scarborough. 2 ROUTLEDGE, G. B., 50, Russell Square, W.C. 7. Russ, P., Culleenamore, Sligo, Ireland. 2 RussELL, S. C. J., 11, Dornton Road, Balham. Ryz, B. G., 212, Upper Richmond Road, Putney. /. SABINE, E., 22, The Villas, Erith. 2 SALWEY, R. E., F.E.S., Peace Wold, Radnor Park Road, Folkestone. 2. Sauzk, H. A., 4, Mount Villas, Sydenham Hill Road, S.E. /. Suaw, A. E., F.E.S., Wandsworth Dispensary, Wandsworth, S.-W. @: SHEARWOOD, G. P., Uplands, Belvedere Road, Upper Norwood, San ws SHELDON, W. G., 15, Alexandra Road, Croydon. 2 SHort, A., 19, Courthorpe Road,, S. Hampstead, N. 7. SINCLAIR Cox, E. W., 1, Temple Gardens, E.C. SKINNER, G., 31, Motley Street, Wandsworth Road, S.W. 7. SMITH, H. J., 36, Lausanne Road, Peckham, S.E. Situ, J., 67, Upper Whitworth Road, Plumstead, Kent. 7/. Situ, W., 4, Hill View Place, Paisley. 2. Souru, R. EES, 12, Abbey Gardens, St. John’s Wood, Naw. SpanTon, A. W., Ellerslie, Eltham Road, Lee, S.E. 2 STAINTON, Hi. T.,) F-R-S.;) F.L.S., FiGiSiy FEES ete: azo Mountsfield, Lewisham, S.E. 2 STANDEN, R., The White House, Alby, Norfolk (Zzfe member). e. STEP, E., Hon. Treasurer, The Mays, Ladbroke Road, Epsom, Surrey. 65, m, orn. STEVENS, L., L.C.C., Lower Road, Deptford, S.E. STEVENS, S., F.L.S., F.E.S., Loanda, Beulah Hill, Norwood, See Storey, A. T., 10, Woodstock Road, Bedford Park, W. STREET, H. W., 140, Kennington Park Road, S.E. /. POM YEAR OF ELECTION. 1837 STRINGER, J., Bulwer Road, New Barnet. JZ. 1889 Srronc, L. W., 14, Lordship Park, N. 2 1889 Sturt, W. T., West House, Queen’s Road, Kingston Hill. 2 1890 1889 18389 1873 1887 1886 1888 1887 18389 1889 1880 1890 1888 1886 1890 1888 18388 1888 1891 1887 1886 1888 1872 1872 1872 1878 1887 THORNEWILL, The Rev. C. F., M.A., Burton-on-Trent. 72. TINDALL, G. TREWEEKE, F. P., 3, Muschamp Road, Peckham, S.E. TucweELL, W. H., Ph.C., Vice-President, 6, Lewisham Road, Greenwich, S.E. 4, 4. TuRNER, H. J., 13, Drakefell Road, St. Catherine’s Park, S.E. Z, orn. Tutt, J. W., F.E.S., Rayleigh Villa, Westcombe Park, Black- INGA, Sel, ze VaucuHaNn, H. W. J., F.E.S., 55, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, W.C. 7. VERRALL, G. H., F.E.S., Sussex Lodge, Newmarket. d. VinE, A. C., 38, Temple Street, Brighton, Sussex. 7. WAINWRIGHT, C. J., Hall Road, Handsworth, near Birming- ham. JZ. WALKER, J. J., R.N., F.LS., F.E.S., 23, Ranelagh Road, Marine Town, Sheerness. 4 ¢. WALLACE, G., 42, St. Germain’s Road, Forest Hill, S.E. 72. WALLER, R., 273, Clapham Road, S.W. 7. WaLsINGHAM, The Right Hon. Lord, M.A., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S., etc., Merton Hall, Thetford, Norfolk. Z orn. Warp, A., 118, Richmond Road, Brighton. 2 Warne, N. D., 8, Bedford Square, W. 7. WarRNE, W. F., 8, Bedford Square, W. 7. WarRREN, W., M.A.,, F.E.S., 3, Kempson Road, Walham Green, S.W. JZ. WasHForD, T. J., Glengarry Road, East Dulwich, S.E. WATERHOUSE, E. A., 23, Spencer Road, Putney, S.W. Warson, C. H., 37, Tierney Road, Streatham Hill, S.W. 7 Weep, S., Folkestone Road, Dover. 7. Weir, J. J., F.LS., F-Z.S., F.E.S., Vece-President, Chirbury, Coper’s Cope Road, Beckenham, Kent. 7 eZ. WELLMAN, J. R., 8, Medora Road, Brixton Rise, S.W. 2. West, W., Hon. Curator, 8, Morden Hill, Lewisham Road, Spl Oy WAG West, W., L.D.S., Cyprus Villa, Lewin Road, Streatham Common, S.W. JZ, mz. WHIFFEN, W. H., 49, Granville Park, Lewisham, S.E. 7. 192 YEAR OF ELECTION, 1884 WILKINSON, S. J., 60, Lillieshall Road, Clapham Common, 1891 1872 1886 1888 1889 1886 1887 1888 Spinto ch Wi.uiAMs, H., 30, Hanley Road, Hornsey Rise, N. WituiaMs, J. T., 5, Woodland Villas, Foot’s Cray, Kent. 7. WINDYBANK, A. J., Fawley Cottage, Hardman’s_ Road, Kingston-on-Thames. 7. WINKLEY, M. H., Glen Eldon Road, Coventry Park, Streatham, SAV eae: WINKwWoRTH, J. T., 22, Wallwood Street, Burdett Road, E. 7. Wricut, W. H., Secretary’s Department, Somerset House, Strand, WiGi 2. YARDLEY, H. A., 162, Regent Street, W. Youne, J. N., 85, FitzWilliam Road, Rotherham. 7. Members will greatly oblige by informing the Hon. Sec. of any errors, additions or alterations in the above addresses and descriptions. CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN HE LIBRARY. sete ACCENTUATED List of the British Lepidoptera, with hints on the deriva- tion of their names. Algz, Marine. See British Seaweeds, by Gray. Amazons, The Naturalist on the River, by Bates. Anemones and Corals, A History of British Sea, by Gosse. Animals and Plants under Domestication, by Darwin. Animals, Senses of, by Lubbock. Annual Report and List of Members, Maidenhead Naturalists’ Field Club and Thames Valley Antiquarian Society. Anthropoid Apes, by Hartmann. Ants, Bees and Wasps, by Lubbock. Ants, Bees, Dragonflies, etc., by Bath. Ants, On the Habits of. Sze Scientific Lectures by Lubbock. Aquarium, The Freshwater, by Weston. Araneidz. See Staveley’s British Spiders. Ashmead (W. H.), On the Hymenoptera of Colorado. pp. 47. BATES (H. W.), The Naturalist on the River Amazons. Bartlett-Calvert, Catalogo de los Lepidopteros, Chili. Bath (W. H.), Handbook of Ants, Bees, Dragonflies, Earwigs, Crickets and Flies. An Illustrated Handbook of British Dragonflies. Beagle, The Voyage of the, by Darwin. Bees, British, by Shuckard. Bees, Catalogue of British, by Smith. Beetles, British, by Rye. Beetles (Carnivorous Ground) of British Isles, by Dawson. Bell (T.), A History of British Quadrupeds, including the Cetacea. A History of British Reptiles. A History of the British Stalk-eyed Crustacea. Bennett (A. W.) and Murray (G.), A Handbook of Cryptogamic Botany. Birds, Montague’s Dictionary of British, by Newman. Birds, Saunders’ Manual of British. Bird’s-nesting and Bird-skinning, by Christy. Birds of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, by Kelsall. 34 pp. Birds. See Our Summer Migrants, by Harting. Blake (H. G. O.), Summer, from the Journal of Henry D. Thoreau. Blowfly, The Anatomy of the, by Lowne. Botany, A Handbook of Cryptogamic, by Bennett and Murray. Bowers (R. W.), Evolution and Darwin. pp. 25. O 194 Brewer (J. A.), Flora of Surrey. Brook (G.), A Revision of the genus Entomobrya, Rond, (Degeeria, Nic.) pp. 12. Notes from my Aquarium. pp. 15. On a new genus of Collembola: Sinella allied to Degeeria, Nic. pp. 12. On the rate of development of the Common Shore Crab. pp. 12. Buckler (W.), Edited by Stainton, The Larvz of British Butterflies. Butterflies, An Illustrated History of, by Newman. Butterflies and Moths, A Manual of British, by Stainton. Butterflies, European, by Kane. Butterflies of Europe, by Lang. 2 Vols. Butterflies, The Larvee of British, by Buckler. CAMERON (P.), A Monograph of the British Phytophagous Hymenoptera, Vols. II. and III. Catalogue of the first Great National Entomological Exhibition at the Royal Aquarium, 1878. Champion (G. C.), Tropical Collecting. pp. 12. Chenu (Dr.), D’Histoire Naturelle Coléoptéres. Christy (M.) and Newman (E.), Bird’s-nesting and Bird-skinning. Claus (Dr. C.), Trans. by Sedgwick and Heathcote— Elemementary Textbook of Zoology. Special Part. Mollusca to Man. Cole (W.), Remarks on a Parasite of Humble Bees. Coleman (W. 8.), Our Woodlands, Heaths and Hedges. Coleoptera, Handbook of, by Cox, Coleoptera, Manual of British, by Stephens. Coleoptera, The British Delineated, by Spry and Shuckard. Coleoptera. Sze Rye’s British Beetles. Coleopteres, D’Histoire Naturelle, by Dr. Chenu. Coleopteres, Species général, by Dejean. Coleopterists’ Manual, Part II., by Hope. Collembola. See Monograph of, by Sir. J. Lubbock. Cooke (M. C.), Rust, Smut, Mildew and Mould; An Introduction to the Study of Microscopic Fungi. Couch (J.), Cornish Fauna, Part I., Vertebrate Animals and Crustaceans. Cox (H. E.), Handbook of Coleoptera. Croydon to the North Downs, Handbook of. Crustacea, A History of the British Stalk-eyed, by Bell. DARWIN (C.). A Naturalist’s Voyage. Journal of Researches into the Natural History and Geology of the Countries visited during the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle round the World. 2 Copies. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication. The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms. The Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection. The Various Contrivances by which Orchids are Fertilised by Insects. 195 Dawson (J. F.), A Monograph of the Carnivorous Ground Beetles f the British Isles. De Crespigny (E. Ch.), A New London Flora. . Dejean (D. M. le Comte), Species général des Coléoptéres. 4 Vols. Diptera, by Walker (Insecta Britannica). Douglas (J. W.), The World of Insects. Douglas (J. W.) and Scott, The British Hemiptera. Hemiptera—Heterop- tera. Dorking and Neighbourhood, Handbook to. ECHINODERMATA. See Forbes’ Starfishes. Entomological Society of London. Address read at General Meeting, January 28th, 1867. - before the Society, 1884. Aa Be ws January 21st, 1885. Charter and Bye-Laws of, List of Fellows of, December, 1886. Transactions of. Parts I. to IV., 1884. * aoe bartLVe,, Viole LVie.) Nes: Entomologist (The). Vol. II. to date. Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine. Vols. II. and IX. to date. Entomologist’s Annual, 1855 to 1859, 1861; 1863 to 1867 and 1870. Entomologist’s Weekly Intelligencer. Vols. I. to II., and VII. to X, Entomology, A Manual of, by Burmeister, Trans. by Shuckard. Entomology, An Introduction to, by Kirby and Spence. Epping Forest and Essex Field Club. Transactions, Vol.-I. Essex Naturalist (The), being the Journal of the Essex Field Club, Edited by William Cole, Vol. I., to date. FISHES, Freshwater, of Europe, by Seeley. Fitzgerald (H. P.), Dictionary of the Names of British Plants. Flora, A New London, by De Crespigny. Flora (Student’s) of British Islands, by Hooker. Floral Structures, by Henslow. Floral Dissections, by Henslow. Flowering Plants.and Ferns of Great Britain, by Pratt. 6 Vols. Flowers and Insects. See Scientific Lectures by Lubbock. Flowers, F ruits, and Leaves, by Lubbock. Forbes (E.), A History of the British Starfishes and other Echinodermata. A Monograph of the British Naked Eyed Medusz. Fungi, British, by Stevenson. 2 Vols. Fungi, Microscopic, by Cooke. GEODEPHAGA Britannica. .See Dawson’s Ground Beetles. Geological Rambles Round London, Handbook of. Goss (H.), On some recently discovered Insects from the Carboniferous and Silurian Rocks. Insect Fauna of the Recent and Tertiary Periods. pp. 14. 196 Goss (H.), continued— Insect Fauna of the Secondary or Mesozoic Period. pp. 37. ia ... see SO Cerastium tetrandrum, Gelechia semidecandriella bred from ... 64 Ceratophorus morio aa se 8S) 2 sy var. anthra- cinus ... ; ae 5 66 Cercyon aquaticus fa asso Cerostoma horridella__... iJ OF 5 alpella... oe .. 64 Certhia familaris... aa Peed Cheerocampa celerio stat 20, 115 3 nerii ‘ soa. Al) . porcellus var. 68, 129 notes on cocoon . 153 Chalcidide, Mr, Enock’s notes on. 71 Chalcosoma atlas . = ne UB) Chlamydatus flaveolus, new to Britain aa “ts Ado! 5} Chenopodium rubrum ... sag) 002 Chilo phragmitellus aay 24 PAGE Chorinzus tricarinatus, ew to Britain bse bee 500 4 Chortophila curvicauda ... ceoeile7, Chrysis ignita, a//uded 70... sea) G18) 3. Pacifica, M77 72, Di A. Cockerell’s notes on ... 62 Chrysomelide, Mr. Bzllups’ notes on a don Cicadetta montana Ses .. 34 Cidaria immanata... 147 » recticulata aN .<. 67 » suffumata, dark vars. 127 » truncata and immanata, Mr. South on Clitocybe laccatus He abe) alls} Cloantha polyodon sie . 34 Coccothraustes vulgaris ... 44, 54 Cochlicopa lubrica ad 20 AS) Coleoptera, mounted on tetangular pieces of microscopic glass... 37 Coleophora therinella ... .. «64 Colias edusa ...20, 67, 114 a », var helice 20, 67 5 eurytheme alluded to 39, 46, 60 » | hyale 114 » Keewaydin... _ 39, 46, 60 Columba palumbus 55 Colymbetes notatus bi OO Conulus fulvus _... Hes foo oY Coregonus oxyrhynchus ... ne nao) Corylus avellana 7yphlocyba avel- lane on i eo cage 24s Corymbites quereus, var. ochro- pterus .. ane oes .. 149 Council, List of |... i Scena Council’s Reports.. Bee 3, 97 Crambus alpinellus oats Soon SOUL * dumetellus, resemblance to C. pratellus ... 130 1 ericellus oa ... 180 - pratellus Be ... 130 Crategus oxyacantha, Lecanzum bituberculatum on twigs mo: 24 Creeper eas sat 62 Cuckoo aay me .. «14 Cucullia scrophular 123) = tae w. «=48 FA verbasci.. wit ... 43 Cuculus canorus ... é .. 14 Curculio (Miarus) micros Bre ay) Cymatophora or ... Ay Suen Ae Cynips rose, alluded to ... re AD) Dalader acuticosta i .. 134 Dartford Warbler... Ha ee ol Daulias luscinia ... oe .. 14 Deilephila euphorbie ... 115 s galii 20, 28, 61, 69, 115, 58, 165 ‘ », larue of ... s44. 66 i LD Tah ... 128 PAGE Deilephila galii, Mr. Tugiwell on 133 ne livornica eee 153 Dendrobium brymerianum w. 493 Dermestes fasciatus, M7. ° 7. D. A. Cockerell on vet ... 132 Desquamation, Mr. Weir on ... 135 Diantheecia albimacula, cesia, compta and nana, Mr. Southon ... 71 * cesia ... is we ~O4 var.manani ... 34 i capsophila, local form of D. carpophaga ‘74 np irreeularis... 64 Dianthus, larve of Dianthecia compta on “is sist ae) 183 Dicycla oo .. . 64 Dioryctria abietella, remarks on 130 Diplosis fraxinella, ew ¢o Science 23 Dynastes hercules... bet ene Hchium vulgare, Deilephila galii at 61 Hllopia prosapiaria ae sop) (7) Ematurga atomaria 70 Entomological and Biological Literature Are 25, 118 Epeolus variegatus si coe 43} Ephippiphora trigeminana .. 64 Epilobium alpinum a8 ano. OP 5 angustifolium soo, Epinephele hyperanthes, var. ... 153 = ianira, var. of 37, 71, with additional Spots, 133, bleached 154 Epischnia bankesiella, sew fo Science... oper, al’) es farrella 4 5 (aY/ Epunda lichenea, JZ. Sek on... 136 5 lutulenta, Mr Tutt's remarks on 68 <7 “a var.sedi... 68 var. luneburg- ensis 68, 132 Erithacus rubecula 41, 54 Eryngium maritimum Jarve of PP) ” Avrotis ripe on a se Ol Eubolia bipunctaria, var. S087) Gis) ‘ limitata ... af ... 136 HKuchloe, Mr. 7. D. A. Cockerell’s notes on the genus of... 62 5 Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell ov the origin of the genus .. 138 ij ausonides, 62, 140, allied to E\. ausonia . 126 3 cardamines, dzfference be- tween British and french specimens ... 40 Bye oy CUKUAAS UO 050 ... 139 Hugonia quercinaria S00 v. =45 Kulepia grammica doc w. 04 Eulophus damicornis esas cannabinum, alluded to oo8 Euphorbia “paralias, larue of Deilephila enphorbie on 115 Hupithecia extensaria_... SMe /, re nanata ; .. 0 5 rectangulata .. AD 5 53 var. _ nigro- sericeata 45 3 togata aa wet 29 Eupecilia amandana.... ... 64 Ms atricapitana ... 64 Excursions ; 5, 18, 99, 107 Exhibition, 1889 . = 99 Exhibition of Microscopic objects 37, 50, 135 Forficula pubescens, zew tobritain 118 Fragaria vesca... ale pea OP Fungus Outings ... soe aloes) Galium mollugo, larve of Dezle- phila galii on . 66 Gelechia “semidecandriella bred from Cerastium tetranarum.. 64 Geodephaga of Ireland, Motes on, Rev. W. F. Johnson 77 list of Irish, Rev. W. F. Johnson Sarastt Ae) Geranium fremontii, A Zhomeszd spider on . 63 3 » Chrysts pacifca on. Od 33 me vichodes ornatus on .. 62 Gnaphalium germanicum 23 Gnophos obscuraria 68, 155, 158, 165 Golderest, alluded to nae 51 Golden oriole Bais hts .. 143 Golofa a 79 Gonepteryx cleopatra, Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell’s noteson ... 938 Mr. T.D.A. Cockerell on the origin of 45, 60 Mr. J. Jenner Weir's notes on the ore- 39 re IU Of Ase eo. ms 4 alluded to... 141 a rhamni 5 63, 141 * » var, madurensis alluded to... 141 Gordius aquaticus, Wr. West on... 160 Granary Weevil, alluded to see uric Great. auk . see (iL PAGE Gryllotalpa vulgaris . 159 Gymnadenia albida . 108 Hadena albifusa ... Ai epee Halictus atricornis S) ay/ Harpalus cupreus.. 500 soo. Al Hawfinch ... 44, 54 Helianthemum vulgare, / larve of Butalts laminella on. 19 Heliophanus flavipes .. 131 Heliothis peltigera ct ee CD Helix caperata 165 » hortensis ... fe aes BY #5 i mons sinistrorsum 67 », lapicida 148 ) rutescens se. . 165 Hemerophila abruptaria... ww. 45 Heptaulacus villosus ... 116 Heracleum sphondylium .. 56 Herminium monorchis . 108 Hesperia lineola, zew to Britain 113 Heterocerus obsoletus .. ww. 55 Holomeristus er new to Britain ag oe wee head Hoplisus bicinctus 118 Hotinus clavatus . tO see Hybernia aurantiaria ... ... 165 5; marginaria ... . 42 - af var. fuscata 42 5 leucophearia, small szze of Ate 42, 45 Hybrids and Monerels, note by Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell 166 Hydaticus seminiger _... w. 49 Hydnum repandum 506 spam alto) Hydrotea parva, zew species ... 117 Hyetodesia consobrina, ew to Britain . 116 is sudetica, ew to Britain 116 Hypermecia augustana ... 156 Hypolimnas misippus 167 Hypsipetes sordidata 70, 155 35 . Mr. South on 143 a es var. fusco- undata 143, 144 var. infuscata 143, 145 Ichneumonide, Ar. 7. R. Billups’ paper on ms bred during 1887 and 1888, Haale by Mr. T. Lillups oi BD Ireland, Geodephaga of, Rev. W. EF. Johnson ... 77 6 Staphylinide of, Rev. W. F. Johnson ... - 179 Iris missouriensis Cantharis De talli on... 60 oC OZ (207 PAGE Isometrus maculatus 5) BY) Juncus obtusiflorus alluded to ... 71 Jynx torquilla . 143 Lactarius quietus... Set .. 16 cae subdulcis sh eG torminosus ... Hae Land and Fresh Water Shells, British, Mr. &. G. Fenn’s paper on ae Soo .. 80 Laphygma exigua 506 ... 160 Larentia didymata 70 Lasiocampa quercifolia, alluded to 51 Lecanium clypeatum _... noise ‘ bituberculatum w. «24 Lectures... 18 Lepidoptera, sot “affected ‘b hy dis- charge of artillery . 154 Leptusa ‘testacea ... a6 G00, 2 Leucania putrescens ... ede) (AD Library, Addztions to 3, 97 Library, Catalogue of 193 Liburnia punctulum, ew fo Britain ... 24 “A reyi, zew to Bi itain.. 24 Ligusticum montanum, alluded to 5D 3 ‘ Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell’s notes on a Thomisia spider on 55 = », Chrysis paci- ie fica oz... 62 e », Trichodes or- natus oz.. 62 Limax agrestis... dt -- 67 5 cy MMEDAO AOU ao MSs soo, | Oy Limnea truncatula 126 Limnas chrysippus 167 » chrysippus- alcippus 167 » dorippus ... 167 Listera ovata 108 Lithocharis picea 145 Living Insects, Do the colours of, fade, Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell 165 Lobophora viretata bon seer Ol: Long Tailed Tit ... 51 Luperina testacea, referable to L. nickerlit ... 157 . - var. guenéei, alluded to . 157 Lycena argiolus, var... 37 » bellargus, var. ... 71, 165 » icarus . 64, 65, 68, 70, 165 af 6 Mr. Vi " Jenner Weir's notes on 54 var. with black dots on hind margins 65 Lygus viscicola, zew to Britain... 117 ” tr) PAGE Lype fragilis, ew to Britain . 118 Lythria purpuraria fee ww. 34 Macrogaster arundinis ... Feel Macroglossa fuciformis ... . 145 Macro-Lepidoptera,. Practical Hints on breeding, Mr. Tugwell’s Paper on 169 Magpie... : 600 bho. Mamestra abjecta ob .. 44 Manatus americanus 107 », latirostris, alluded to 108 » senegalensis, ,, 108 Margarodes unionalis .. ao) Mecyna polygonalis 3 Weegee Medon piceus aes 116 Megalosoma thesus Sas sua) Melanippe fluctuata... ee 4 33 var. 151 3 5 var. neapoli- sata... oO” 3 galiata 136 Melanism, 2 wviccnity of London, Mr. Tutt’s notes on 44 Remarks on 58, 61 Melanthia ee var. plum- bata... 127 Melitzea minuta, “allied ‘to M. athalia ae as ... 126 Melizophilus undatus ... Teo Members, List of .. ‘ 184 Mercurie bichloride for ‘killing slugs ... Merisus intermedius, closely allied to ee use Bion fal Metatropis rufescens Bea) oll Miana literosa wt ee Wm stricilisii me. 4, 55 Microscopical Exhibitions. 37, 50, 135 Mimesa dahlbomi.. ; se » equestris .. aoe Ae 29 Monanthia augustata, new to Britain ; mes ite Mus rattus .. it hoe at) Myopa polystioma, new to Britain 116 Myrmeleon europeus ... ... 60 Narcissus cyclaminius ... we 44 Nathalis iole, alluded to ... . 165 Nature’s Sanitary and Anti-Sani- tary Services, 1. /. W. Slater ... : bee w» =46 Nematois fasciellus ois .. 64 Nematus crassicornis ... pop. 274 », herbacese : .. 158 », viminalis, dred from galls on Saltx repens 151 Nemeophila plantaginis ... .. 50 var. hospita, 58, 74, 141, 165 ” ” PAGE Nepticula fulgens, ew ¢o Sccence. 19 » serella, Ay 19 Nightingale os 600 .. 14 Nightjar... ae 55, 151 Noctua glareosa 5 ON, » sobrina ... ae .. 64 » Subrosea ... Ban bon) 74) Nomada roberjeotiana 23, 66 Notodonta chaonia, pupe stand- img over .. Fa trilophus sibs fen Woe Nyssia hispidaria ... noe w. 42 Nysson dimidiatus it ... 66 Obituary Notices 26, 120 Objects of Society oe dap Obligation Book ... abe SO Odontolabrus cuviera 131 Officers of Society SH aati Oleracea estiva ... ma san Lali 5 hyemalis... Bae .. 61 . pallida ... BoE abe) Wolk Be venosa ... aun Kany Aol i virginiensis BOE 61 Omphalodium, az undetermined species of as 266 52 Ophion luteum . 143 Ophrys apifera 108 Oporabia dilutata, zwith black bands 127 Orchis maculata .. 108 Orgilus obscurator 150 Oriolus galbula ... 143 Ornithoptera arruana, alluded to 135 Orrhodia ligula... seh) lake pp AOE polita .. «6386 Oxalis, referred to. eae #01638 Oxybelus mandibularis .. eee 2 Oxytropis lamberti os . 62 Be , Cantharis nuttallé Ws, Bes 162 Pachygnatha De Geeri ... bee, sill Pallas’ Sand Grouse 25, 69 Pamphila comma, alluded to... 56 Papaver somniferum, alluded to... 154 Papilio biano, aberration of . 40 ,, Jlurlinus, alluded to son, cli) Parnassius apollo .. 114 6 smintheus, allied to P. delius . 126 Past Presidents, List Ht of » eral abe Patrons... 46 roma Pea Crab ... 75 Pellenes tripunctatus (crucigerus) new to Britain bee 24, 143 Pelopeus fistularia, alluded to ... 152 humilis, Mr. H. Moore ” on é sen FOL Peltigera horizontalis ... nag a4 Pentarthrum huttoni 116 Penthina pruniana oo: 149 208 PAGE Peronia hastiana, vars. ... 156 » sponsana... 168 Pezomachus pilosus, ew fo Britain F don. Pheenoglyphis forticomis — pag, | 24 Phigalia pedaria ... Ae w. 8D Phoxopteryx derasana ... 64 Phylloscopus sibilatrix, cup shaped nest . 152 Phyllotoma fumipennis, ‘new to Sczence.. a e22, Pica rustica, var, hudsonica Aso. | a Pieris brassic, Mr. J. Jenner Weir’s notes on daa, | a >, napi, alluded to 60, 138 “6 », approaching var.bryonie '70 0 », chrysalides. effect of environment on colour 156, 157 s 5, var. bryonie, 61, 138, 139 >», Oleracea, sot zdentzcal with P. nape a 126 » protodice, alluded to 63, 139, 140 >, rape, alluded to . 160 5, Virginiensis, alluded to 138 venosa 138, 139 Pimpla varicauda, ew to Science 22 Pinus sylvestris, /arve of Retinea resinella on : bo8 Pinnotheres pisum ace aD Pisidium pusillum aes cco a4 Placodium elegans ae how Oe Pleurotus salignus Sep .. 16 Plusia chrysitis, green var. 132 ao canada ies Es aan OW > lota, vars. percontationis 135 i pulchrina, Mr. South on... 136 Polia chi ... abt .. 44 Polyporus schweinitzii ... ee Polyommatus dispar... 560; 743) 5 phleus, aberration. 19 9p », var.schmidti 153 Pompilus gibbus ... BGd 500} 2 Pe wesmeli es yenee22, Poppy flowers, affecting bees Potentilla tormentilla, /arve of Lepticula serella feeding on... 19 Practical Hints on Breeding Macro Ledidoptera, Mr. W. 2. Tugwell d Ba ... 169 President’s Address, "1888. sag Ll) - 1889.. 104 Priocnemis affinis.. 118 Protocerus colossus des boo deal Prunus domestica, TZyphlocyba pruni on Bor see Pseudococeus ulicis tee sven aA Pygeera anachoreta : 76 Pyractomena borealis, Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell on . 132 2 PAGE | Pyrus aria Carpocapsa sg bred from ne a .. 64 Quedius longicornis “es Seto Red Legged Partridge ... «. 55 Regulus cristatus al/udd to tol Report of Council, 1888 . 3 2 i 1889 . sa OY Retinia duplana zie: wtical with Retinia posticana ceed ie) Fr posticana Asie 5a) dg) o resinella Zarwe on Pinus sylvestris... 67 a » 151; Mr.R. Adkin Gio" aq ... 160 turionana 64 Rhodites tuberculator, Mr. T. D. A, Cockerell’s notes on . Al Rhododermis elegans, var. poly- stromatica, zew to Britain ... 118 Rhodophea advenella... soo (aul Rhogas circumscriptus 28 Rhopalomesites tardii_... oO Robin ach 41, 54 Rooms, Change of Tie lOO LOS: Rules, "Revision Oe 59 =f 6 Russula drimeia ... 560 eG 3 emetica ... BeG ey iG 45 heterophylla a G6 5 nigricans... aoe Bonin 4s) : ochroleuca aot eG) Sagra buquetii 134 » ceruleata 134 », chrysochlora 134 Salix herbacea, gad/s on ... . 153 Salsola kali Zarvie of Agrotis ripe on 67 Sarcophaga ‘fulvicauda, 7 new to Sclence.. Bhs dot SE agle15) Satyrus semele 43, 67 Saxicola enanthe.. as 51 Scolopostethus neglectus, new to Britain oo ally 3 punctatus, zezw zo Britain aly Scopelosoma satellitia 36 Scrophularia : 43 Sea Spurge, larve of Deilephila euphorbre on .. sen 2 EIS) Sehirus dubius . 149 Semitellus destructor . 135 Sesia andreniformis, alluded to... 57 » culiciformis Wr. 7. D. A. Cockerell s notes on White-hanued var. of De Old with yllow bands 61 ” »” 09 PAGE Sesia culiciformis, a//uded to 54 . formiciformis 145 » Sphegiformis, Wr. Tr vugwell’s notes on ee OA Setodes punctata, mez Zo ‘Britain 118 Silvanus surinamensis . 131 Sirex gigas... apo) BY Smerinthus tlie, : var. of... 45, 60 Sparassis crispa ... Ay soo als) Sparrow Hawk . 161 Sphecodes affinis ... sii gauss) 53 pilifrons os qos 2 Sphinx convolyuli oe dali Spilogaster atripes, 72.5. ... oy alaly/ fratercula, ew o Britain ... poo dlaly/ 43 spinifemorata, 72.5. ... 117 Spilosoma mendica 36 vs menthastri Sate ochracea 54 Staphylinide, Lrish, Rev. W. F, Johnson, on... 179 Af List of Lrish .. 182 Sterrha sacraria ... Ne ago. 2 2S) Stigmonota ravulana 115 Stilbia anomala ... sie ... 66 Strangalia aurulenta .... peo) wal Subscription Fae Bab ad Swallow Mes . 143 Syrnium aluco . 151 Syrphus excisus, zew to Britain 116 Syrrhaptes paradoxus 25, 69 Teeniocampa gothica, var. approach- ing gothicina ... 155 As gracilis . 168 Me incerta .. 153 Bs munda Ba gop, i0) 4 » var. zmmaculata 36 53 populeti . 141 3 stabilis 27 copuld with Li eothicn sas BOD Talpa europeea, albzno = Log Tawny Owl Ae Bo ... L151 Tenthredinidee 14 Tephrosia biundularia, vars. ope . 142 crepuscularia .. . 142 Testacella haliotidea . 148 Thalpochares parva 34 Thera firmata, azz albino .. 4 27 A simulata, dark grey for pa 131 Theria muscaria, xew to Brivazn. 23 ‘hermopsis, Canthart. 7s nuttalli on 62 Vhomisid Spider 9 Levezsticum montanum 59d uf EH Th IO) Al. Cockerell’s notes on 55d, 63 Timarchia levigata ee gob 0D Tinea ustella be ae BaeW ol PAGE Tirumula petiverana, alluded ¢o.. . 135 Tortrix piceana sa aoe) Trachonetis vers 29 Tree Pipit .. wi Piero Trichiura crategi vars. of larva... 51 Trichodes ornatus.. no OZ i ‘alluded i) 56 Tricholoma SE ssanelld) Triphena comes ... Sie AS) ealS/ . Mr. South on... los . orbona 68, 129 5 pronuba 157, 158 var.innuba... 158 Troglodytes parvulus +. 62 Turdus merula, varzation of cops 141 Typhlocyba avellanze eh . hippocastani 24 " opaca 24 A pruni 24 Ulex europeus, Pseudococcus ulicis among the spines of 24 Urtica dioica, dead flzes attached... 151 Vanessa antiopa, aberration ... 37 5 : ... 20, 52, 114, 159 < i alluded to . 140 5, cardui hybernated specimens 52 » 10, addztional spot below ocellé .. 66, 67 » urtice, vars aaa 10 PAGE Venusia cambrica 58 Verbascum.. 43 Veronica serpyllifolia 52 Vespa, the genus 152 arborea 152 " crabro 152 9 germanica 162 Bl norvegica ... 152 AS rufa a 152 - sylvestris ... 152 vulgaris 152 Victoria regia 109 Wheatear ... 51 Wood Pigeon 55 Wood Wren 152 Wryneck ... 143° Xylina furcifera ... 35 Xylophasia rurea vars. 36 se eR alopecurus 3% Xysticus cristatus, ad/uded to 56 Zonites crystallinus 165 * fulvus aS 52 Zyegena filipendule, pink ‘porms... . 129 3 vars. . 133 ms meliloti ... : go. BS x ETL filipendule, difference of genital organs 131 LONDON: E. KNIGHT, PRINTER, MIDDLE STREET, E.C. harcode’ : ng (,3\ GOC