Cae Pee rs Os cane < Pree ee eee Pmt e sane at Bree cat Kies ee : Panne Nace : : ; ms a : ; Menke cect acta me ee ye 3 : : a Camere ives ‘ : : “ 3 ae Sansom gee tec ate as 2 2 ae 4 ica : ats < te 5 SEs we Rema pom ED Seton Tee ye en Das . eet Rene AI te eer Hei coe Can dae aise age eres A aoe a ene: ay THE BULLETIN OF THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY VOLUME 12 (1953) Edited by W. J. B. CROTCH, M.A., A.K.C. BE The Amateur Entomologists’ Society 1 West Ham Lane, London, E15 ry S : fs ks Se egeetay om 1 hy *OTSA10 aly Tiree eh i : Y ie ; : — : ; . - = - = : ~ B 2 4 _ \— ‘ 4 i ~ — = - , , : _ > 4 : = : “ ~ ¥ ~ c $ S 5 oe 7 = i = ~ 4 a = e es ws #2 ~— - 7 — 4 = 2 me = >a : g 7 oo = U i au ; 7 > é a = ‘u A . 5 = si = - . xX ; - “ ey ‘ HK = * i ? . ‘ = ; ? | fe oe =e paaibal Tce < : 8 = ee) ee - ~ * A, ait ‘ ie Age : ~ = ~~ VW AS oe eA0 y ; “ pe Ds Ses e-f = .e P os - iy / —— oe : aoe we : « a ~ ~ ‘ -_ + = nae ¥ : 2 3 £ - = 3 t oo = a - t = : Ned ~ = “ : = —s * : = ao . ‘ = z is A> — Ses ‘ ; ~~_ - js ¢ 2 s j : i 2. te oe oy : ¥ f ed . -_ ~ E . 7 - 2 RoBERTE Ty coh re eee gal Sa ; 5 yy ~~ ‘ = ; >; ‘ — Fa = . o , oe ¥ - 7 ; ~ =< : r ee ‘ ¥ Ve ' : -_ gS e - ta * 4 Ss y) 7 vw 4 ¢ - Pee | ¥ 1 * : ~ s ' bare , 7 / : pes Me ea. P Z THE BULLETIN OF THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY EDITED by W. J. B. CROTCH, M.A., A.K.C. e ot # BRITISH PYRALID 3 and PLUME MOTHS oe oe 3} =-By BRYAN P. BEIRNE, 33 M.A., M.SC., PH.D., M.R.I.Ar, $3 F\R-ES., BJAS., P:ZS:, oe oe 33 21s. net $3‘° .. . Dr. Bryan Beirne has tackled this 33 subject of the smaller British lepidoptera 33 by compiling a work on the pyralid and $ plume moths, which is now published as $3.a companion volume to those by Richard $; South. Nothing but the highest praise 33 can be bestowed on Dr. Beirne’s work, in $$ which he covers all that is known con- $3 cerning the life history, ecology and dis- 3 tribution of each species. He also gives $$ most useful keys, and figures of wing $$ pattern, and wing neuration in order to gg assist in identification, together with $$ very ingenious and instructive sketches 33 showing the typical habitats and food $3 plants of the larvae. The book closes $$ with a useful bibliography including 33 local lists, glossary and comprehensive 33 index.” —The Naturalist. 7? :? FREDERICK WARNE & Co. Ltd. *3 1-4 BEDFORD COURT, LONDON, W.C.2 95253.54055555O5OHHHH5HHHOOHOOOOHSHO555S-$44FSF$H$H$HSSH$HOSSHHHSSHSSSobo>obbo>dooooooooMoodoododbooooHOoooE POSOSOOSSEOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOES ED OOO MOODS SO SO SOOO OOOESHOSSOOOOOSSOOO SOOO S OSES OOEOOOOCOOESOOOOOOESI On of oe E. W. 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CROTCH, 6 Bal- 33 moral Mansions, Clevedon Road, ;;: Twickenham, Middx. Enige Subscriptions ({2/- per annum, 6/- for 33 Juniors) to: P. C. LE MASURIER, 85 33 Warren Drive, Tolworth, Surrey. SN . TPSHOSSSSOSSES ESOS OS OHO OSES SSO SOS OOOO SISO SSOSSO SOS SESS HOSES OSHS ESS SESS SS SSE OS OHS O OSES SS SESE OSES EOOSOOD 2 SHESSSSOSSSS SSS SESS SOSH OSHS SE SSSSESEDO SS SL SSESSSHOSESSSSSSOSOS OO SESE HSE SESS SOSSOSSSSESSS HSE SOSOOSESESOOSD O¢ Ir’m looking in to wish — You a@ Happy New Year! e PRESIDENTIAL REFLECTIONS The columns of our Bulletin re- mind us frequently of the need for the scientific approach to entomo- logy. In spite of having had some- thing of a scientific training—one- sided, it must be admitted—I am still far from clear in my mind as to what a scientific approach is. All I know is that if I am told that my attitude over a certain problem is unscientific, [ am meant to feel that T am an intellectual, and probably also a moral, delinquent, a kind of cosh boy in the world of well-ordered and properly behaved scientific minds. This unfortunate and topical analogy goes further than one might think, because, like the cosh boys, I have no great sense of remorse over my delinquency. And I can quite easily go over to the offensive by sus- pecting that this constant emphasis on being scientific is a sort of mental priggishness, a narrowness and intoler- ance dressed up as detached tolerance and, what is worse, that it suffo- cates the imagination and creative impulses. Having had some experi- ence of the allegedly separate and incompatible worlds—the ‘ scienti- fic ’’ and the “‘ artistic ’’—I can see that both have advantages and dis- advantages in their unadulterated —S BULLETIN No. |45 JANUARY 1953 forms. Certainly, you cannot do statistics on creative impulses alone, and I suppose statistical compila- tions are necessary, provided they are not regarded as the ultimate goal and the final arbiter of things. I like the story about the ‘ elec- tronic brain ’’ which was used to forecast the results of the recent presidential elections in America. Univac, as this contraption is called, was fed with every conceivable statis- tic of every presidential election for years past, and, after it had been given a fair bit of time to digest this vast quantity, 1t was asked for its election forecast. Univac’s first re- turns said, quite definitely, it would be a landslide for Mr. Eisenhower. The sociologists and _ statisticians were alarmed at this nonsense, and declared that Univac was suffering from a bad indigestion as a result of having had too much fed to him too quickly. So they took forcibly from him great chunks of statistics that had been fed, to him; they gave him a rest and asked him again what the result of the presidential election would be. This time, Univac said very pontifically that, on the basis of the evidence supplied him, he thought it impossible to forecast accurately what the result would be, but the two contestants were so evenly matched that there was not much in it. The gathering of the experts around Univac heaved a sigh of relief that Univac had obviously got over’ his indigestion and was behaving ration- ally again. A little while after, the actual results of the election began to come in. Fresh consternation broke out again among the statisti- cians; it was a landslide for Mr. Eisenhower. Feverishly they plied Univac with all the statistics they had taken away from him. But now, of course, it was too late; the results were known; Univac had been right all along. Statistics had been all right; it was just that the statisti- cians had been wrong. Not that this anecdote need be taken seriously. We always like to see the pundit in an alien technical field proved an ass, and, quite 2 obviously, you can make an ass of yourself whether you imagine you are behaving as a _ scientist should, or whether you imagine you are behav- ing as an artist should. There is no logical reason why the two human components of science and non-science should not be blended, and indeed they often are, but the people who do make them mix satis- factorily are generally of excep- tional ability. I myself think that a so-called strict scientific training tends to stifle initiative, enthusiasm and curiosity. By nature, the scientist, like everyone else, would like to make vast generalisations out of insufficient data (‘“ I saw a man with ginger hair lose his temper, therefore all men with ginger hair lose their tempers, therefore all men who lose their tempers have ginger hair’’). This kind of jolly, easy, but illogical, thinking creates all the funny old-wives’ tales which most of us accept as gospel, and makes us hold emphatic views with a blithe disregard for facts, such as the fiction that flogging deters criminals. Now a criminologist could never say such a thing, because he is a specialist ~ who cannot. if he is to earn his keep, ignore certain (in this case) quite elementary statistics. But he pro- bably holds equally quaint views out- side the field of criminology. Since we occupy ourselves in our Society with matters entomological primarily for the sake of our amuse- ment and personal interest, J think we need not lay too much emphasis on being scientific (which, as I say, I am not very clear about from the outset), nor need we be terrified into careful respectability for fear of losing our status as scientific thinkers. Statistics, which comprise a goodly part of any scientific discipline, as a current contributor (P. L. Bradley, 1360) has pointed out, are a bit be- vond most of us—not so much intel- lectually, as beyond our patience— so that we sympathise with the lady who said she could never remember any statistics save one:—If all the people who fell asleep in church were placed end to end, they would be a great deal more comfortable. I asserted a little earlier, without supplying any evidence for this assertion, that a scientific training of mind risks suppressing initiative, enthusiasm and curiosity. After all, there is something damping to natural ardour to be told that an JANUARY 1953 idea must be verified, checked, con- trolled, correlated, and _ generally submitted to much mathematical metamorphosing. Where the effect reveals itself most damagingly is in the literature of scientific periodicals in which the language used becomes what I can only call ‘‘ dehydrated.”’ The expression of the self is squeezed to extinction, which usually means that the literary style is execrable, or, if not that, then pon- derous, or flat, or obscure. I¢ all re- duces itself to a sort of formula, like the geometric theorems that had to be done in class: ‘‘ Given: Prove: Proof.” Perhaps these things are necessary in a world of concentrated specialisa- tion, but I hope it will not be found necessary to ape the style in our own Bulletins. Enthusiasm, imagination and conjecture are the feelings we have when we see our first insect under a piece of bark, or rear some larva in a jam-jar, or read an author who stimulates us to further ideas. If we allow ourselves to put down in writing these spontaneous thoughts, most of which will find their way past the sympathetic and benevolent blue pencil of the Editor, we can contribute material which is more worth-while because it will contain greater liveliness, depth and style. It is, I believe, a mistake for a Society such as ours to disguise itself too frequently behind the false whiskers of scientific detachment. We wish to know neither more and more about less and less, nor less and less about more and more; we want to communicate interestingly about our knowledge, experience, ignor- ance, and pleasure. Some of the most profound and lasting documents in science have been written with simplicity, humour and personal anecdote—consider but a few famous authors in diverse scientific fields—Eddington, Hogben, labre, Cheesman, Forel, or Mead. It is quite true that, in order to tackle a problem scientifically, we have to remember that one swallow doesn’t make a summer, but one swallow is a great source of joy to the lover of birds. A. N. Branewam (18). 6 EDITOR’S ADDRESS Please note new address given in AES Notice on inner front cover. A hy te ee ee AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 3 THE BLUES GROUP I received over thirty letters from members of the group last year, and many kindly sent me specimens of Polyommatus icarus from various localities. I now have a small series for the study of geographical distri- bution from 25 counties and islands— the examples shown at the Annual Exhibition revealed how wide is the variation between local forms. Although the membership of the group is small, I do hope many more will come in and help to assimilate information on distribution and other important factors. We particularly want members from Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland. Last year I asked if any member knew if P. icarus was present on Lundy Island—the information is to hand, it was observed there this year! All my correspondents said 1952 was one of the worst years for blues for a very long time. Some species were almost absent in localities as far apart as Westmorland and Sussex. (0. argiolus was probably the most scarce; only a few Spring insects were seen and the Autumn brood was practically non-existent. P. argus was scarce in most places; A. agestis. C. minimus very scanty in the south, the former being in larger numbers in the north of the country. JL. bellargus had an- other poor year, just a few Spring brood with a slight increase in num- bers in the Autumn. J. coridon was fairly plentiful, but not quite so numerous as in 1951: although a few good varieties were taken, it was cer- tainly not a good year for variation. P. icarus, as usual, appeared in vary- ing numbers. though it was not at all common anywhere: nevertheless, a few specimens could normally be found in suitable localities. The paucity of P. icarus in some years is most difficult to understand. The fluctuations in numbers from year to year, even Spring brood to Summer brood, must be due to various factors and will need intensive study to be fully understood. Tt has been gener- ally assumed that P. icarus is treble brooded in the southern counties in good years—I am rather doubtful about this assumption and think that there may be only two broods with emergences from the second brood de- layed over a lengthy period. It is nearly always possible to find some butterflies of this species throuchout the months of August and September and part of October in the south dur- ing reasonable weather. IT was fortunate in breeding out a male caeca from a second brood batch of P. icarus on the 12th August; a pairing was obtained from the same brood and part of this F, generation began emerging in mid-November 1952 in a heated breeding cage. Most of the larvae of this brood went into hibernation before the end of Septem- ber and it was difficult to find many to place in heat, although I noticed that one or two larvae were feeding outside in natural conditions on the 4th November. R. C. Dyson (91). 6 PUPAL EMERGENCE TIMES During the past year or two several members have sent me _ interesting observations which they have made regarding times of emergence from pupae. Already I am able to piece together some parts of the picture, but before I can publish even a pre- liminary report I must have more in- formation. [ am sure that many members must have noted newly emerged insects, or recorded the times at which their bred specimens emerged last season. If you have made any such notes, please send them along, stating whether the in- sects concerned were in the natural condition or bred. If bred, I would like to know’exactly under what con- ditions they were kept prior to emerg- ence, such as whether the pupae were exposed or covered, or whether the eage could receive direct sunlight at any time of the day, etc. If you have any theories send them in too. Remember, this is group work and not just a private experi- ment. P. L. BRADLEY, 69 Manor Road, Barnet, Herts. e OVERSEAS EXHIBITS In our report on the Annual Exhi- bition, 1952 (Bulletin, Vol. 11, p. 109) we promised a fuller account of the exhibits shown by overseas members. They were the following :— Lepidoptera. G. W. Gibbs (1212*), New Zealand. Vanessa gonerilla. W J. Gray (1843), Nyasaland. Danaida chrysippus, Hypolinnos Misippus. (Mimicry). G. Hesselbarth (1761), Germany. Series of Pieris bryoniae ssp. flavescens. A. M. Holmes (1198), South Africa. Thestor holmesi Van Son. Speci- men taken in January 1950 at French Hoek Pass, when it was a species new to science. R. R. Irwin (1220), Illinois, U.S.A. Basilarchia disippus. (Mimir). J. AL Kein. (67 Ds New, York, URSZA. Cercyonis pegala, Euptychia cymela, Alypia octomaculata, Euthisonotia unio, Hadena arc- tica, Catocala obscura, C. mira. Dr. T. Norman (68), Upper Assam. Sticophthalma camadera. A. L. H. Townsend (1691), Kenya. India hansali; Olania SOs ke modermannm, a "psychid with lar- val cases made of twigs of Rhus glaucescens and_ Acacia abyssi- nica; larvae of F, generation of Bombycopsis conspersa reared in London from ova from Kenya. T. Trought (1373), Jordan. 17 speci- mens including Anosia plexippus, Eumenis piridice and F. tele- phana. AS Falitt (1879), Malta. Gonop- teryx cleopatra, Euprepia pudica. Coleoptera. Dr. F. H. Uther Baker (2011), Australia. Leptopius yee tus var. raucus. M. Isbill (2026). Georgia, U.S.A. 16 specimens of N. American beetles. D. F. Pickard-Cambridge (2052), S. Africa. Oryetes boas, Callichro- ma natalense, Rhabdotis aulica, Oybister immarainatus. A. J. Roudier- (1294), France. 11 specimens. R. Vieuiant (898). Belgium. Chryso- carabus awronitens with ssp. fes- tivus. abs. purnureorutilans, holochrysus and violaceopurpur- eus. Many of these specimens were strik- ing in either curiosity or beauty. Exhihitors had agreed that their contributions shonld not be returned to them, but either be presented to the British Museum (Natural His- tory) or viven awav after the BWxhthi- tion. Junior members attending the Exhibition put their names into a ballot box and luckv ones went proud- ly away bearing exhibits. having pro- mised to write personal letters of thanks to the donors. We hope that we may have an even bigger disvlay next September. Since there is time for it. perhaps every overseas member will find something to send. Mr. Rverley reports that he has two in hand already! Lewis JANUARY 1953 SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN ENTOMOLOGY (3) (Continued from Volwme 11, p. 111.) In the previous two parts I outlined some of the general concepts involved in making a logical and scientific ap- proach to biology. I want here to get a little nearer to entomology and illustrate these more abstract concepts by reference to a _ specific problem, namely the study of insect com- munities. A species of insect, however wide- spread it may seem to be, is usually divided up into a number of com- munities separated from one another by barriers which often seem trivial to us. It prefers certain breeding sites and occurs there year after year without straying far from its native haunt. If individual breeding sites are a long way apart, very little inter- mixing will occur, but often there is a certain amount of overlap. If we have a fairly isolated com- munity of insects, we can study many aspects of the biology of this insect such as its life cycle, its relative frequency from year to year, the overall number of insects at any one time, the birth rate and death rate, any migrations which may occur, possible subspeciation from one com- munity to another and a whole host of other interesting questions which, when elucidated, all add up to an intimate and detailed knowledge of the insect concerned — knowledge which, by the way, is much more interesting and valuable than a series of dead and dried specimens in a drawer of our cabinet, however beau- tifully set they may be. Now, suppose we have chosen a community of insects for our study, let us first investigate the numbers of insects of which it is composed. Onur experiment may be immediately divided into two topics. namely. the relative number of individuals from time to time. and the absolute num- ber at any one time. Taking the fluctuations in density of our com- munity first, we may have noted from general observations that the num- ber of individuals on the wing varies at. different times of the dav. also from one day to another according to weather conditions, from one year to the next, and also there will be a general rise and fall in numbers dur- ine the season as hatching takes place. We mov have kept careful notes of all these happenings over a period of several years, but nobody will be very convinced by our results unless we can AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 add weight to them by giving actual figures. ‘In order to obtain such figures we must count the insects in some way, and generally speaking the easiest way to do this is to catch them. A number of ingenious methods have been used, such as allowing them to drift with the breeze into a special net with a closing mechanism at the bottom, or, for very small species, by catching them on a moving fly paper as they drift with the wind. For nocturnal insects the light trap is perhaps the most efficient. A good all-purpose method for small, plenti- ful. insects such as mosquitoes, is to make a number of standard sweeps in the air with a net while walking a measured distance. After each series of standard sweeps the contents of the net are counted. Whatever the method we use it must be standard and repeatable in exactly the same way on any occasion. Remember, our insect community is the population and we are taking a sample from it, so if our samples are to be truly comparable they must be obtained in precisely the same wavy each time. The actual duration of the trapping must be timed to the minute and not just guessed at, or worse still prolonged a little in the hope of catching one or two more. We must work like a machine, for in sampling there is no place for the human element. These methods will give us good information about the relative fluctu- ations in our population, but of course they can tell us nothing about the absolute number at any time. In this type of problem there is nothing for it but to use some statistics. The first approach to this problem is interesting for the simplicity of the theory behind it, although it is not of much. practical use in entomology. Suppose our insect community is small. and during the period of the experiment the birth rate and death rate remains the same. Now if we catch a large number of these indivi- duals the size of the community will have been correspondingly reduced, and next time we trv we will not be able to catch so many. This second attempt will reduce the numhers still further, and if we continue day after day, we will eventually reach a point when our standard trapping pro- cedure will catch a much smaller num- ber than it did at first. Thus the trend of this gradual decrease will five us a direct measure of the total number of individuals. Those in- terested in the method of working this out should consult the paper by Moran (1951). The second method, and the one most frequently used in entomological work, consists in capturing a certain number of individuals (the actual procedure we use need not be stan- dardised), marking them and then re- leasing them back into the community. We now give them time to mix quite randomly into the community, and then take another sample and count the number of marked insects in it, expressing this number as a percent- age of the total sample. For the sake of argument, suppose we catch 100 insects. We mark each one and release them. After two or three days we catch another 100 and find that out of this sample 2 are marked. We thus infer that our first catch of 10 represented 2 per cent. of the whole community which must therefore consist of 5.000 individuals. By marking and releasing on a series of different days and using a different mark for each dav, we can estimate the hirth rate and death rate and average life span of members of our community. Of course I have over-simplified the details, and no account has been made of error which is inherent in all such experi- ments. For instance, one sample mav contain two ‘marked specimens. but the next may contain five, and the next three and so on. Tn work'ng out our results all this must be taken into account, and in writing down our conclusions we must not say ‘‘The population consists of 5,000 indivi- duals’’, but something rather like this: ‘‘The population may be ex- pected to lie between 4,850 and 5,150,’’ the scatter being calculated from our experimental results. (For further reference see Dowdeswell, Fisher and Ford (1940), with refine- ments by Bailey (1951)). Another point which we may be interested in is the degree of isolation of the community. If it has been well isolated for a long time the individual members will probably show certain slight differences from individuals of another district. These differences may not be apparent to the unaided eye, but will become obvious when some special factor we have chosen is compared throughout large num- bers of insects. Dowdeswell (1952) has shown that in the British Isles the butterfly Maniola jurtina may be divided up into a number of distinct races de- 6 pending upon the number of spots present on the underwing. There are many such factors which can _ be chosen as an indicator for detecting these differences, and it is up to our ingenuity and experience to choose a suitable one. There is no room here to go into the reasoning used in developing these ideas, but those interested are strongly recommended to read Dowdeswell’s paper quoted above. There are many entomologists who believe that it is fundamentally im- possible to apply mathematics to the study of living things. Others con- tend that statistics are used by cer- tain unscrupulous scientists in order that they may prove some_ point which other workers, less knowledge- able in the mathematical manipula- tions, would be unable to dispute. Both contentions are wrong. Firstly, it has been shown time and again that biology is just as suitable as any other branch of science for the appli- cation of mathematical concepts. Secondly, one cannot prove anything bv the use of statistics. One can only demonstrate the significance of a re- sult (that is to say, how often we expect to get such a result by pure chance), and the degree of error inherent in our experiment. REFERENCES. Bailev. N. T. J. (1951), Biometrika, ag, 293. (1952), Heredity, Dowdeswell, W. H. 6, 99. Dowdeswell. W. H., Fisher, R. A., & Ford, BE. B. (1940), Heredity, 3 67. Moran, P. A. P. (1951), Biometrika, 38, 307. (To be concluded.) P. L. Brapiry (1360). @ COLEOPTERA OF WOOLMER BOG I presume that all coleopterists know their ‘‘ Natural History of Selhorne,’’? with its many references to Wolmere Pond and Forest. But how many, on their habitual pilgrim- ages to Mecca (New Forest), have ever considered it as an extremely abundant locality for Coleoptera ? T have worked this area for four vears, and on only one occasion have T met other collectors. For the henefit of anyone seeking a new sround, I give a concise description of the locality and a short list of some of the more notable finds. JANUARY 1953 There have been many changes since Gilbert White’s days. Wolmere Forest is now split into several large heaths and much of it is now given over to farming. Some of the heaths are bare, and in parts boggy, and others are heavily wooded with Seots Pine. The Pond has been re- duced to a marshy stretch of land, known locally as Woolmer Bog. It is roughly 60 acres in extent, but some of this is inaccessible owing to W.D. restrictions. It consists of a central area which contains both clear and peat-pools. This is sur- rounded by dense masses of Bulrush and Sallows. Around the outskirts comes a deep belt of Mosses which finally gives way to heathland. Dur- ing a dry spell in 1952 it was pos- sible to penetrate very deeply into the heart of it, where many Hvdra- dephaga, hitherto unseen, were found in the dried pools. Of comparative rarities I have taken the following :— Carabus arvensis, C. monilis, C. nemoralis; Pristony- chus terricola: Patrobus excava- tus; Agonum ericeti, A. gracilis, A. oblongum, A. sexpunctatum: Pterostichus lepidus; Harpalus rubripes, H. rufitarsis; Stene- lophus vespertinus; Acupalpus elegans; Anthracus consputus. LonetcorntaA: Aromia moschata: Crio- cephalus polonicus: Leptura rubra, LL. cerambyciformis, TL. quadrifasciata; Prionus cori- arvus. RHAYNCHOPHORA: EHccoptogaster ratze- burgi; Nanophyes gracilis; Pis- sodes castaneus. SreRNox1: Corymbites Elater sanguinolentus. HypRavEPHAGA: Acilius canalicula- tus: Columbetes bistriatus; Dytis- CUS ‘cireumflecus: Hydaticus cine- GEODEPHAGA: tessellatus; reus, HH. seminiger; Hygrobia hermanna. CuavrcorniA: Glischrochilus 4-pune- tata; Hister marginatus: Omo- sita depressa; Parnus proliferi- cornis; Pediacus depressus; Por- cinolus murinus. MAtAcovERMA: Necrobium violacea. HETEROMERA: Pyrochroa coccinea. T shall be pleased to accompany anyone who wishes to work the spot, if he gets in touch with me. It must he before June, because I am leaving the district then. Finally. T should like to place on record the willing help, for iden- AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 tification purposes, of the AES members, G. H. Ashe, D. Tozer, and J. Cribb. S. E. ALuLen (2001). ® SHEPHERD’S LORE J was greatly interested in the article, ‘‘ A series which took twelve years to achieve,’”’ by P. Le Masurier (Bulletin, Vol. 11, p. 98), because it brought vividly to my recollection a somewhat similar experience of mine in the same locality and with the same species. In the Summer of 1937 my wife and I took our holiday, during the first two weeks of July, at Windermere. On three separate days I took the morning bus up to the Inn on the top of the Kirkstone Pass, with the in- tention of climbing one or other of the surrounding mountains, where | had been told that EHrebia epiphron had its haunts. When I arrived I found a collection of cars, buses and lorries standing while their boiling radiators cooled. Each day, on my arrival, I saw the tops of the moun- tains were hidden in thick mist; though I remained up there several hours each time, the mist did not lift. The radio weather forecast had been ‘‘ Fine, warm and_ sunny.’’ Down on the lowlands that was cor- rect. So, abandoning the weather prediction of the meteorologists, | put my faith in that of a local dweller in the mountains. The last full day of our holiday had come (14th July). With little hope, about 9 a.m., I telephoned the inn- keeper on the top of the pass, ask- ing him whether the mist had cleared; his answer was ‘‘ No.” JT asked further, ‘‘ Is it likely to clear?’’ He replied, ‘‘ Hold the line and I will ask my shepherd.”’ His unexpected answer came, ‘‘ He says it will be clear by mid-day.’’ ] caught the morning bus, and, my scientific curiosity being aroused, I asked the shepherd how he knew that the mist would rise; he did not en- hghten me, but told me to start on my climb. ‘‘ The mist will be gone by the time you reach the top, and, if it comes down again, keep near the long stone wall and you will come to no harm,’’ he advised me, T went straight up the rocks, and a rough climb I had; but he was right. When at last, rather exhausted, T reached the top, there was no mist and J sat in the sunshine and gentle breeze, ate my lunch, admired the 7 glorious views over Windermere and Patterdale, and finally ht my pipe. About 1.30 p.m. I set to work. The first catch was a fresh specimen of Xanthorhoe munituta; then about 2.30 p.m. EH. epiphron began to fly, and within an hour [ took 8 ¢ and 8 92 of them, all fresh specimens, which now adorn my small collection. I could have taken at least 100 of them, but all those not wanted were set free. Luck was with me; I must have gone up just after a mass emerg- ence of the butterflies. Keeping to the wall, near which was a_ sheep track, the way down became an easy pleasant walk, during which speci- mens of several species of Geometers were captured; among them were X. munitata, Entephria caesiata, Calo- stigia salicata, Lygris populata and var. of Cidaria fulvata. Finally ar- riving back at the inn, tired but triumphant, I was in time to have some tea and catch the bus down to Windermere. I have seldom had a more successful day, but I take no credit to myself; it was all due to the shepherd. H. Henstock (209). e REVIEWS Caddis, by Norman KE. Hickin, PhD 7 bSe.5 HR. W.S. 9 (A) Hield Study Book), Pp. 50, with four plates in colour and numerous line drawings. Methuen, London, 1952. Price, 9/6. As stated by the author in his pre- face, this is the first book in English dealing principally with the imma- ture stages of Caddis flies (Trichop- tera). The author begins with a summary of his subject including the réle of Caddis flies in Freshwater Biology and the special features which charac- terize the immature stages, with a short reference to their use to the fisherman. This is followed by a general description of an adult fly, with a key to the separation of the 13 British families, the life cycle, and an illustrated reference to the in- teresting Hymenopterous parasite which attacks, and appears to be restricted to, three genera (four species) in the larval stage. The next chapter deals with collecting, rearing, and preserving the immature stages and contains many practical hints. Here it might have been a help to have given some method of feeding larvae which might turn out to be carnivorous, to guard against canni- balism as far as possible. The rest of the book deals prin- cipally with larval and pupal mor- phology and gives two keys to the tamilies in the larval stage (one based on structure and the other, which the author says must be used as a rough guide only, based on their habits) and one key to the pupal stage. The final chapter contains notes on research, suggesting lines of study which might be undertaken. Two appendices in- clude a bibliography and a complete list of the known British species; while on the end-papers will be found a ‘‘Laboratory Notebook’’ giving line drawings explanatory of most of the begaical terms which have had to be used. : This delightful little book should be in the hands of everyone interested in aquatic life. It is written in as simple language as could be used on such a subject. en it is realized that the author has so far been able to describe the early stages of only about 35 of our 189 species (no more than 40 are yet known), it can readily be seen that here is scope for an immense amount of original work, in- deed a life’s work for several bio- logists. It is hoped that this book will go a long way towards finding those required. H. Wp: Transformations of Butterflies and Moths. By lL. Hugh Newman, F.R.E.S. Pp. 256. 8 Colour Plates. 146 Photographs. Ward Lock, Lon- don, 1952. Price, 30/-. The book cannot be considered to be happily titled, since the actual pro- cesses of transformation are disposed of in a few lines at the end of the author’s preface, and a matter of four pages forming the introduction to the book, written by H. B. Williams. The first 160 pages follow closely the pattern of the author’s previous books, ‘‘Butterfly Haunts’ and “British Moths and their Haunts’’. Thirty butterflies and forty-three of the commoner moths are dealt with, one opening being devoted to each species. On opposing pages are photo- graphs, many of them of very high quality, of the larva and the imago, captioned with a short description of the markings and coloration of the insect. It is unfortunate, however, that many otherwise excellent photo- graphs show signs of having been ‘improved’ by retouching. This applies particularly to some of the more hairy types of larvae (e.g. Buff Tip on p. 02). JANUARY 1953 Whilst the justification for retouch- ing photographs of a more or less scientific nature for the purpose of emphasising salient features is a de- batable matter, one feels that some ot these have been retouched to the point of exaggeration. . lt is to be regretted that in this section of the book, no information is appended to the photographs to indi- cate the scale of magnification. This obviously varies not only from species to species, but as between larva and imago of the same insect. This is, to say the least, confusing, in spite of the author’s note in his preface that “‘magnification in most instances is of decimal proportions’’ (whatever that may mean). The usefulness of the measurement of the larva in its final instar, given in the second section of the book, is largely discounted by the absence of any connecting link with the illustrations other than via the table of contents, which in any case is not alphabetical. There is actually no alphabetical index. The second part of the book consists of notes on each of the species dealt with in Part I arranged in the same order, giving brief but useful details as to size, time of appearance, food plants, and habits of larva and imago. Their usefulness might perhaps have been improved had they been inter- spersed with the corresponding illus- trations in Part I, or at least ade- quately cross-referenced. There are eight attractive colour plates by Anthony Moore. These are distributed throughout the whole book, with a page of short descrip- tions (which, incidentally, duplicate some of the information given else- where) placed between the two main sections. A reference to the number of this page on each individual plate would have been helpful. Briefly, one could perhaps describe the book as something rather more than a picture book, but one having little to satisfy any but the veriest beginner in the study of the lepidop- tera. It might well be the choice of a benevolent uncle (not being an en- tomologist), as a present for a young relative reputed to be ‘‘keen on but- terflies and moths’’. Possibly a clue to the class of reader to whom the author intended to appeal can be found in the fact that he has thought it necessary, in his glossary, to define both entomologist (‘‘student of insect life’’) and lepidop- terist (‘‘student of butterflies and moths’’). A. E. H. Society, 1 West Ham Lane, London, E.15. 1953. S A Da dddbdddoddbdbdbdbdbdbbbdbdbbdbrbbhrhdbhhbbbbhpbbbpbbbbbbbbb bbb bbbbbbbbbbbbbhbhhdbbbbbbbobobbdbbovbvbbovbvbbvbbbbbbobbbobbbbbbinind ob>4 bb, bh oo re +e SS SHSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSS SHS SHS HSS SS SSH SESS HSE SIS ESESS ES OSES OSEOSS CHESEOOS SESS SE OHSS SSO SOSOSOTESECESS O8 TFS Sy oe VOL. 12 No. 146 SRUARY - - 1953 THE BULLETIN OF THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY EDITED by W. J. B. CROTCH, M.A., A.K.C. SOPOSSEEEE SEE SEE EEE SESE SEE EF ESSE EES EEESEH Seeeeees sees cents nen Rn neennenespanenanessaneennn enn nanan eam PERSE SEES SE SESE SES ES EEE EEE EEE SESE EEE EEE EEE FE EEEEEEEEE EEE EE EEE EEEEESEEEEESEEEEES. teteeeeeeoe #4 TS reseeeeeeee eee e eee ee eee eee SESS OOESECOEE SEES EEESESEEEEEEE SEES SES rereeeeoeee SHES EE ES ESE EE EEE EEE ES EE SEE EEEEEESE EEE ELE SEEEEEEES EEE SEE SEES EE EE EE FEE EEE EEESE FESS SSOESSSESSESE SS SESE ESEESESESESSSESESESSEESEEE FEESSESSSESESESESES ESE SEFE SESE POSSESSES SSE SESE SE SESE SSESE SESS SSSSESESES EEE SOS SSSSSSHSESECHESEESESCESCFECE « Before spending your remaining Book Tokens see the wonderjul selection of titles in our Special list of the WAYSIDE & WOODLAND SERIES AND OTHER NATURE BOOKS The new edition of this 64-page Catalogue will be sent posi free on request. The text matter outlines the conienis of all WARNES nature books. and it is supported by over 36 hali-tone blocks, line illusirations. and a full index. Coloured cover. Size 7 by 4 inches. WARNE, 1-4 Bedford Court, Strand, London, W-.C.2 3 ENTOMOLOGICAL BOOKSELLER | : AND PUBLISHER March, May, July. and October and notices must be received by the {3th For Textbooks, Handbooks, I[lustraied Aducriisers 10: A= We Faunas, Local lists. Publications of Societies, Entomological Magazines. Separata, Extracts, Reprinis. If you would like to see a copy of my most recent catalogue—or have your| Offers to lead Field Meetings, exhibit. name placed on my permanent mail- ing A NEW FIELD LEPIDOPTERA from the Argentine Ova, larvae and pupae of Saturniids, Hawkmoths, and Morpho Butterflies. . P Payable in Great Britain. Apply to:— Senor WALZ, Reconquista 453, Buenos Aires, Argentina. cece cee eee seers ee eeeceeeeeereeeeeeeee FREES TS PEHES SE SEE SEES SESE SEEEEE SES ESE EEESEEEEEEEEEEEESE SES ESSE CESSEESEE ESSE SEE ESE ESE ESSE SES EESOEEESESD Peeeesececes sess sesccesece sees eeeeeeeeeeseeeseesseeeseceeesess * | AES NOTICE | fe Classey | WHERE TO WRITE FRES Applications jor new membership; ojfers = to help with AES work: Exchange aes Notices to: E. Lewis, Parry Road. London, S.E.3%5. (Wants and Erzr- changes Lists are circulated | : : of the previous month.) all entomological literature. k 2 Road, Orpingion, Kent. row, Middlesex. : London, S.E.42. ‘ list for catalogues—please 91 BEDFONT LANE Twickenhae, Jena FELTHAM, Middlesex Subscriptions (42/- per annum, 6/- for Juniors) to: P.-C. LE MASURIER, 8 Warren Drive, Tolworth, de Bi SHSCECE+OOOOE SESS SSSSSE SESE SESE SESE SEES SEESCOSCEEEEOE Non-arrival of Bulletins and changes of address should be reported to- B. L. J. BYERLEY, 48 Elmgrove Road, Har- etc., to: K. H. Bose, 49 Hengist Road, 5 Manuscripts, drawings and books for write to me at:— review to: W. J. B. Cros, 6 Bal moral Mansions, Clevedon 7 toait: tn SESSEESSSTeTESIIIII TT eeeset siti irr T tet ert Fee Sie earned in Sanh ite sogussssgnassassnnnssssnnuasssssnnassssatussssstaasssttss: % NEW HONORARY MEMBERS In accordance with Rule 3, the Council at its meeting on 5th Decem- ber 1952 elected the following to be Honorary Members in recognition of their services to Entomological Science and to the AKS. :— Professor W. A. F. Balfour-Browne, M.A. (340); Dr. K. G. Blair (197). It was, therefore, with especially deep regret that we learned of the death of Dr. Blair on 11th December. Professor Balfour-Browne has ex- pressed his appreciation of our ges- ture and has made a handsome dona- tion to the Society, for which the Council is very grateful. @ PRELUDE TO AN EXPERIMENT It is recorded in Advances in Modern Biology, Moscow, 16: 1, 1943, quoted by Nature, 11/11/1944, p. 614, that a Russian experiment in the rear- ing of Bombyx mori on a diet of mul- berry leaves to which a saccharose ele- ment had been added artificially, had increased the size of the larvae and the yield of silk as well as induced a greater degree of fertility. At Mr. W. J. B. Crotch’s suggestion, members of the AES Silk Moth Group agreed to try the effect of a similar experiment with tropical Saturniidae reared in this country as a hobby. As amateurs with limited time at our disposal, and lacking apparatus that is essential in the field of re- search, we cannot expect to produce anything but very generalised results. The most that we can expect to accom- plish is the collection of as much data aS we as individuals can. If we can show that as the result of this par- ticular treatment the results are better than under normal treatment, we can pass the information on to the expert and professional and leave it to him to provide such details as to which sugar and what percentage of it will produce the most satisfactory results. Our reward would lie in added in- terest to our hobby, and perhaps some small acknowledgment that we carried out the preliminary and very elemen- tary investigation which showed that it was worth the time and trouble of A E — ces keen No. 146 FEBRUARY 1953 the expert to carry our efforts a step further. SoME REFLECTIONS PRIOR TO CARRYING OUT THE EXPERIMENT The method suggested to us was that the leaves be treated with a solu- tion of glucose, saccharose or fructose. The first seems to be the most easily obtainable. Demerara sugar as the most easily obtainable source of sac- charose has its drawbacks in view of rationing, while fructose is not only dificult to obtain but is, in addition, very expensive. According to the Russian figures, the ideal percentage of sugar for the larvae to consume is 13% of the weight of the leaf. The obvious draw- back to the painting of the leaves with a thick glucose paste is that the leaf is likely to become a sort of fly paper, especially for the small larvae. A test however showed that privet leaves could be painted quite evenly and dried within about 15 minutes and, further, that, when shaken after dry- ing, the sugar was reasonably tena- cious under normal movement. This meant that an approximate percentage glucose estimation would be possible. Weight of ‘n’ leaves ............ xX grs. pies iar G5> eb Welucosesyaia; x being 100%, y is a simple calcula- tion. The chemist of a nearby works kindly promised to carry out the weighings on a pair of very delicate chemical balances and this problem was written off as solved. Care would have to be taken that the glucose paste used would be of a standard consistency and the painting uniform. The actual quantity of food eaten was of no importance as the percentage would be reasonably constant. In- ability to ascertain the proportion would not prevent the carrying out of the experiment. There would be no difficulty in using identical cages in adjacent positions for housing the experimental and control groups, each of which would have an identical number of larvae of the same parentage. The control group would, of course, receive normal food. Logically enough, Mr Crotch had suggested that larvae of a species easy to rear and whose behaviour was well 10 known should be used for the initial experiment, e.g., Philosamia cynthia or Actias selene. It appeared, there- fore, that the stage was set for the first opportunity that presented itself. A DRESS REHEARSAL On February 21st., 1952, I received from Mr. Harrison-Gray a mixed con- signment of Cynthia type larvae of varying ages. One of the essentials for the experi- ment is that all the larvae shall be of the same parentage and_ brood. Though this was clearly not possible with the larvae available, it seemed a good oportunity to have a trial run and see if there were any snags that could not be foreseen. Accordingly, a dozen larvae in the second stadium of as nearly as possible the same size were selected and divided into two groups. An _ in- dependent choice of which should be the experimental group was made, and the experiment of feeding one on ordinary privet and the other on privet painted with glucose commenced. The glucose was mixed into as thick a paste as possible and painted on evenly and thinly on the upper sur- faces only. When the glucose dried, the larvae were transferred to it and the two groups housed in plastic con- tainers. The experimental group ac- cepted their new diet quite readily, and the following day both groups settled down for their second moult. This was accomplished with the experi- mental group leading by a very small margin. For a haphazard selection from a mixed stock, it seemed that a very level start had been arranged. Snag No. 1 had become apparent be- fore the moult was completed. As the humidity inside the cage increased, so the glucose absorbed the moisture and ran off the leaves. If this continued, any weighings that were made to ob- tain a percentage sugar content would be valueless. By part-ventilation of the cage it was found that the sugar remained in a solid state, though perhaps on the moist side. Both cages were given the same ventilation and some of the humidity sacrificed. Snag No. 2 was that after a time the glucose got too dry and some flaked off and fell to the bottom of the cage as the larvae crawled about and ate the leaves. The larvae were con- suming a very large proportion of the glucose, but at the same time the flaking off would again upset calcula- tions made from weighings. It is quite probable that by a controlled system of ventilation the sugar conld FEBRUARY 1953 be kept at the required solidity to make it hang to the leaf while it was being eaten. As I could not give con- stant attention to the cages in order to open and close the vents, I had to rule this out. At the third moult the control group were a couple of days ahead of the experimental group and this time- lag increased, until at the spinning- up stage the experimentals were seven days in arrears. This in itself was of no great importance if there was anything to show for it. Unfortun- ately, there was no apparent difference in the sizes of the larvae nor in the apparent amount of silk spun. ‘The only difference that I could detect, and I freely admit that I would not like to swear that it could not have been imagination, was that at times the larvae that had had the glucose diet seemed to be much whiter, as if pos- sessing a heavier coating of the waxy powder which is a characteristic of the species. Anyone who has tried this method will have found out that it is very messy. I felt that it was not worth carrying out the real experiment on these lines unless some definitely im- proved results were obtainable. With- out waiting to see what sort of moths would emerge, I decided to look around for other methods of im- pregnating the leaves with sugar. The obvious alternative was a method of absorbtion. A SECOND ATTEMPT Apart from the unsatisfactoriness of the method of actually applying the sugar, the glucose used was a medi- cinal type containing compounds of calcium and_ phosphorus, together with vitamin D, and though consumed by the larvae, it had not produced the results we had hoped for. It could be that by being absorbed into the leaf some chemical change akin to our digestion might take place, which would make it more acceptable to the larvae; or it might be that the other ingredients counteracted the good done by the glucose. In searching round for other types of natural sugars I found that grape sugar, sold commercially as Dextrose, was a natural leaf sugar and decided to try this. Furthermore, I felt that until a sugar and method of application had been found that would show improved results over the normal feeding, de- tailed observations might be omitted. By this time I had obtained two pairings of P. cynthia, the progeny of lal AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 one feeding on privet; of the second on lilac. The first effects of standing sprays of the two foodplants in a solution of dextrose were not encouraging, because within half an hour both had wilted in a really alarming manner. Some two hours later, however, there were signs of a revival and by the following day, when they had been in the solu- tion for twenty four hours, they were standing up so rigidly that they looked unnaturally fresh and the grow- ing plant appeared limp beside them. This was encouraging and I think justified hopes of better results. Control and experimental groups from both pairings were started once again and the foodplant for the ex- perimental groups allowed to stand in a solution of dextrose (one dessert- spoonful to half a pint of water) for at least twenty-four hours. The con- trol groups were given fresh food. After the first day or two it looked as though those on the dextrose diet were going to leave the normally fed larvae standing, but from the second moult onwards there was nothing to choose between the experimental and control groups taken as groups. One of the controls was the first to spin up, but this was counter-weighted by the fact that the experimental group completed its spinning a day or so ahead of the controls. There was no visual difference in the size of either the larvae or the cocoons. The moths emerged in due course from cocoons which had been carefully labelled. Those from the _ experi- mental group were certainly fine moths, but no better than the best normally obtainable. Emergences were irregular and it was not possible to obtain a pairing of those that had received dextrose feeding. CoNCcLUSIONS On the face of it there was no ap- preciable return for the amount of time and trouble that had been ex- pended. It cannot be overlooked, however, that the amount of dextrose actually absorbed into the system of the larvae must have been very small indeed. Some slight compensation may have resulted from the feeding, because a female that had received dextrose after being paired with a normal male laid 423 ova in two nights—con- siderably more than the average; while an experimental male which was paired with a normal female for 23 hours paired with a second female that was free in the greenhouse within ten minutes of breaking with his first partner and remained paired for a further 22 hours. It might have pro- vided useful information if I could have reared some of these two groups, but it was beyond my rearing capacity. It is, of course, a recognised fact that this species pairs very easily, but at the same time [ think it may be true to say that the sugar treat- ment increased the vitality and stimulated the fertility. This is only an impression as there is obviously in- sufficient evidence to formulate a definite conclusion. In all other re- spects the experiment did not produce any encouraging results. From time to time as opportunity presents itself, I shall make further trials with other species. It may be that some species that are normally not very easy to pair will do so more readily if given a diet of one of the oses. The real problem at the moment is how to administer the ose, so that a reasonable quantity will be consumed. It looks as though the original method of painting the leaves will have to be resorted to. W. R. Smita (1641). sr WATER BUGS COMING TO LIGHT I live at Bedfont, Middlesex, and use an eighty-watt white mercury vapour lamp in my trap, which is situated in the middle of the garden. There are two rivulets about forty yards away on either side and gravel pits to the South, East, and North- West, the nearest being about one and a quarter miles away. Some three miles away are two reservoirs, close together. It may be for these reasons that in mid-1952 T had quite a large number of Corixids in my trap. When they first arrived I failed to count them and, perhaps, even to notice them. Later I began to compile data. The following sequence of num- bers gives an approximate idea of my captures starting on June 29th and finishing on July 26th 1952 (the inter- polated x’s indicate nights without observation) : — 2S ORs SOM xix te! OOM xe x. 100; 300, 500+, 500+, X, OX, exe Me 500+, x, 150, 130, 80, 120, 70) nil, 50, 20, Some rather cooler weather Ptlowed and no more were seen till August 30th. On the nights of the biggest intakes, T got no further than 500 in my count- ing, but there were possibly more than twice that number on the lawn, for when one held a torch close to the 12 FEBRUARY 1953 ground one could see water bugs jump- ing about everywhere in the torch- ight. a shall be pleased to give fuller de- tails to any member who may be in- terested. Awan KinpRED (1707*). @ THE CHANGING SCENE (1) One of the interesting—and at times exasperating—features of a study of local variation in colonial species of in- sects is the rapidity with which infor- mation becomes out of date. Some- times this is the case almost as soon as the information is given. A case in point is the article by me which ap- peared in the August 1951 Bulletin of the AKS (10, 86-87) in which I gave an account of Cumberland colonies of Huphydryas aurinia Rott. (the Marsh Fritillary). The picture has changed greatly since that article was written, and it may be of interest to give details of these changes. The information given there was based on observations up to and including 1950. Personal circumstances made my usual annual visit to the colonies impossible during 1951, though I have gleaned a trifle of information about the condi- tions that year. This article con- cerns personal visits to the colonies in 1952 and it will be best to discuss the matter under the same headings as in my previous article, so that it would be superfluous to give physical details of the altitude, location and distance of separation of the colonies again here. (A) The species here had suffered an almost complete collapse. Its pre- vious super-abundance was abnormal —one might almost call it pathological and there was bound to be some re- action. The numbers were, I gather, greatly reduced in 1951, but last year one was hard put to it to find half a dozen specimens where in 1950 there were many thousands. Needless to say, the specimens seen were typical, and one only hopes that the factors which made for the amazing variation in this colony will survive in the genetic make-up of the _ surviving specimens and will blossom forth again when the conditions become favourable for the species to multiply once more. Other observers have seen this colony dwindle almost to vanishing point; and each time there has been a spectacular recovery. The whole process is shrouded in mystery—there has certainly been no human inter- ference, direct or indirect; there has been no sign of abnormal parasitic activity—w ith a careful search T saw 3 parasitized larvae last year; food plant was clearly in short supply in 1950—-but so it was in previous years when the butterfly was very abundant, and in any case this could hardly by itself be responsible for an almost total collapse; 1951 was a year with a cold late spring—but so were 1947 and several other fairly recent years. It would be most interesting to know if any other colony has similarly col- lapsed at the same times. I have heard from various sources that 1952 was a bad year for E. aurwmma, but I have heard of no instance parallel to that which I have just outlined. (B) Numbers here have slightly de- clined, but the species never was very numerous in this colony—at least in recent years. The interesting feature was that the colony had shifted to the far corner of the next field westward (a very large field) not a specimen being seen in the field which had pre- viously been its headquarters. The luxuriant growth of the food plant was completely uneaten here. The shift of the population is not the end of the story, for the predominant form had changed, and the striking large bright red specimens had given way to . much smaller duller specimens not nearly so unusual or so distinct. I ex- amined every specimen I could find in 1952 (needless to say, releasing them afterwards) and I could not trace one which was of the previously pre- dominant form. (C) I was unable to spend more than a short while at this locality. The sun was shining, but the wind was keen, and I did not see a single specimen. | am not yet of the opinion, however, that it has become completely extinct, as the food plant had been eaten a bit here and there, and H. auwrinia larvae may well have been responsible. I shall hope to visit the place again next season. (D) Numbers were considerably re- duced here, though not so drastically as in Colony A, and there is at pre- sent no danger of extinction. The colony seems to be in process of shifting to the other side of the road, though the shift is only partial at present, and, so far at least, is not associated with any change of outward appearance such as has occurred in Colony B. (E) In spite of its situation at almost 1000 ft. above sea-level, this colony had been the least affected by what- ever adverse conditions they are which had so seriously depleted numbers else- where. There was apparently some reduction in numbers, but not to an AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 alarming extent; and the colony was still occupying the same headquarters as before. It would be most interesting to know exactly how widespread the pre- sent decrease in EF. aurinia really is. It would be also interesting to hear of observations which might throw light on the regularity or otherwise of these fluctuations in numbers in any par- ticular colony or group of colonies. This species 1s in many ways an ex- tremely interesting one and what is really needed in the first instance is that a visit should be paid annually to all the known colonies by local naturalists and their reports collected and compared. It would be useful too if a very small sample of insects (say, 2 males and 1 female) of the form typical in each colony could be col- lected for comparison. All this is pro- bably a vain hope, but it is worth throwing out the hint, for the results would be most fascinating and in- structive. (To be concluded). J. H. Vine Hatt (1520). rey LOCAL VARIATION I refer to the Rev. J. Vine Hall’s article in the Bulletin (10, 44 et seq.) on ‘‘Problems of Local Variation.’’ When I went to West Cumberland in 1952 I found a colony ten miles south of St. Bees, which differed in several important ways from those of the St. Bees locality. THE GRAYLING (a) Size. St. Bees, normal or larger; second locality, normal or smaller (particularly males with white- ness). (b) Colour of underside. St. Bees, black and white (see article under reference); second locality, very vari- able, all shades of darker browns and also albinos numerous. (c) Spots. St. Bees, as described in article ; second locality, specimens with three spots on upper wings almost as common as type; four spots with extra on hindwings not rare. (d) Situation. St. Bees, exposed ; second locality, sheltered. Perhaps this proves that the situa- tion does not always account for varia- tion; for, even though they would never leave the seashore, the situation for miles around was hot and wind- free on account of the mountains sur- rounding it. THe Watt Brown The dark suffusion occurs widely round the valleys of Eskdale and Was- 13 dale and along the coast. It prob- ably occurs in other valleys, too. THE Mrsapow Brown In the second locality, females fre- quently have a small unpupillated spot beneath the apical spot on the under- side. I did not find this in any male there. Tur GATEKEEPER Was not to be seen. sparsely inland. A. EH. Wricut (1666*). ® ARTIFICIAL HIBERNATION At the AES Exhibition, held in late September, I gave a demonstra- tion of setting butterflies. The species used were Red Admirals (Vanessa atalanta), which, being in perfect con- dition, gave the appearance of freshly emerged insects. This was not the case, however, many having been in captivity a month. Great interest was shown by those who had gathered to see the setting, when told of the method adopted to keep the insects alive and in this con- dition until 48 hours prior to the demonstration. For those who did not attend, but may be interested, I might explain that the insects were put in glass bottomed boxes 12 hours after emerg- ence, and these were placed in a large biscuit tin. The tin contained a small basin with a few ice cubes. The boxes were touching the sides of the basin so that the effect was to pro- duce a state of semi-hibernation. The temperature was generally 35°-40°F. Naturally the ice melted after a few hours and had to be replaced from the refrigerator. A small wad of cotton- wool soaked with a sugar solution had been placed in each box, but the in- It oceurred sects were in so torpid a condition that they showed little interest in feeding. After a month, nine specimens were despatched by cyanide and remained in the killing jar for 48 hours, after which they were in perfect setting con- dition. The rest of the butterflies were released and did not appear to have suffered in any way. S. Hu Hanson (320). PUPAL PERIOD OF A LONGICORN In September 1951 I found two larvae, and two adults, of the Longi- corn beetle Rhagiwm bifasciatum in a small Pine stump on lLimpsfield Common, Surrey. The larvae I put in a large tin with some of the wood. 14 I must admit that at the beginning of August 1952 my curiosity got the better of me and J turned out the con- tents of the tin to find that one of the larvae had pupated. In order to be able to keep my eye on it, I placed the pupa, with the other larva and some of the decayed Pinewood in a glass jar. The jar was put back into the tin so that the condition of dark- ness should be as before. The second larva very conveniently made its little pupation chamber on the bottom of the jar. I was thus able to note with certainty that it pupated on 3rd August and that the adult emerged on 24th August, giving a pupal period for this individual of twenty-one days. In both reared specimens the ab- domens were very much distended posteriorly, extending about 3 mm. beyond the ends of the elytra. P. F. Prevett (1802). @ SWALLOWS AND LEPIDOPTERA For the last two years Swallows have nested in my garage over my ear. In spite of a dropping tray, I have found a variety of insects (and less desirable things) on the bonnet each morning. Among these in 1952 were two Thecla quercus (Purple Hairstreak) and a male Orgyia antiqua (Vapourer). All were in a sad and semi-moribund state. T wonder what other species of Lepi- doptera are taken by these birds. Of ornithological interest only is the fact that the second brood young re- turned to roost in the garage each night for a month after they were fledged: the parents did not accom- pany them. Is this normal? PS KE. Kwnicut (94). REARING THE WATER CARPET I obtained a batch of ova of Lam- propteryxr viiheigiee last year and reared them successfully on Goose- grass (Galium aparine) until the time for pupation. Various books consulted stated that the pupa is subterranean, so I provided the full-grown larvae with earth in which to bury: but in- stead of going down, they just wan- dered about. Some formed pupae on the surface, but many dried up before the change. I found the most healthy pupae amongst the stalks of the food- plant where it entered the water bottle. The stalks were too tightly packed for the larvae to enter the bottle and drown, but the conditions were very moist. I should be interested to know if others have had difficulty FEBRUARY 1953 in rearing this moth. My theory, for what it is worth, is that suffumata inhabits damp places and the normal site for pupation is on the surface of the earth, but under a layer of wet dead vegetation. JoHN E. Knicut (94). a POWERS OF SURVIVAL On 16th July 1952, a ‘‘Shawk’’ larva emerged from an, ovum taken on sal- low in Cumberland. Hoping that it might be an Eyed Hawk, more rare here than the Poplar Hawk, I kept it. On 27th August it escaped from the breeding cage by pushing aside a rubber ‘‘stopper’’ covering a hole on bottom of cage. I found it, appar- ently drowned, in the jar underneath. I had not yet provided earth because it had not shown signs of pupating. Having read that larvae sometimes survived such immersion, I left it on soil and after twelve hours it had re- covered and gone under, where I found it full of life. I do not know how long it had remained under water—not more than six hours. R. H. Benson (1444). at ADVISORY PANEL Mr. Arthur F. Peacey, who has just joined the AES, has kindly offered to act as an adviser or Neuroptera and Trichoptera. Will members make a suitable entry on p. 76 of the Member- ship Tast (Bulletin, Vol. 11, No. 139). Mr. Peacey’s address is ‘‘ Hillside,”’ Brimscombe, Stroud, Glos. 6 MICROSCOPY GROUP The Microscopy Group has made a flying start. They are circulating among themselves a regular private bulletin every two months which em- braces articles, hints, questions, and answering advice. They are also pre- paring slide-boxes and suitably pro- portioned note-books for the circula- tion of slides prepared by Group mem- bers on particular subjects. An in- struction scheme is in operation to help beginners with mounting, etc. The Editor has invited the Group to advise on the preparation of an AES Leafiet on ‘‘ The Entomologist’s use of the Microscope.”’ Mr. Ison (1343) states that the Group could absorb a few more mem- bers. He will gladly send particulars on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope. —a = AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 @ SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN ENTOMOLOGY (4) (Continued from p. 6) By way of concluding this series of notes, 1 would like to describe a few of the ways in which insects have been used to elucidate problems of a more general nature. The specialist entomologist tends to regard his insects as a unique form of life, quite different from mammals or birds or fishes, and not to be compared with them in any way. He tends to lose sight of the fact that insects are highly organised living things which have a nervous system, and a repro- ductive system, and a digestive sys- tem, just as have the higher animals. Morgan, the famous geneticist, re- quired some organism which bred rapidly, could be easily kept and handled, took up little space, yet was well suited for genetical analysis. By some stroke of luck or intuition he decided upon the fruit fly Drosophila. The wisdom of this choice is shown by the fact that nearly fifty years of re- search have been carried out on Drosophila, and it is in ever increas- ing use at the present time. Almost the entire findings of the work on Drosophila have been found appli- cable to other forms of life, including human beings. Physiologists, who usually use the cat and the rabbit for their experi- ments, are beginning to turn to the insect for the elucidation of certain problems. In studying the mechan- isms of transmission of nerve impulses to muscles, the insect has certain clear-cut advantages over the mammal, not the least of these being the fact that it is unhampered by thought pro- cesses and other mental phenomena, and as a result it tends to behave with machine-like regularity. A controlled stimulus is much more likely to pro- duce a predictable result in an insect than it is in a cat. The small size of the insect is a disadvantage, but one which can be easily overcome. This automatic behaviour which the insect shows has attracted the atten- tion of the psychologist, and a study of insect behaviour-patterns when faced with certain standard situations has been fruitful. It has been shown that many insects never really learn by experience, so they can be fooled almost indefinitely. Forestry is a subject which cannot be studied apart from entomology. 15 The tree may be considered as a biological unit living and growing in an environment, and quite a large part of this environment consists of the insect pests which impede its growth in various ways. Therefore, a study of the interaction between the tree and its environment is an essential part of the study of forestry. Work on insect variation has made a considerable contribution to the present-day knowledge of evolution. Insects are a fairly recent phylum in the geological record and are still undergoing such a rapid expansion and adaptive radiation that evolutionary trends can be detected at the present time. Thus it is possible to see new species evolving almost under one’s very nose. All these topics really come under the heading of applied entomology, and in this case the insect tends to be regarded more objectively. There are many problems which are unique to insects, but even in pure entomology one must constantly guard against taking too subjective a view of the insect. It is not possible to make a scientific approach to the study of insects if we endow them with human faculties. The entomologist of fifty or sixty years ago liked to talk about the Wonders of Nature as if any organism were endowed with a deep and mys- terious sagacity, compared with which the human mind was but foolish and blundering. This attitude no doubt accounts for the fact that no real pro- gress was made in, say, insect physiology until the last decade or so. If we continually bear in mind the fact that an insect is a machine, quite unable to direct the course of its own destiny beyond a crude routine of avoiding reactions when presented with suitable stimuli, we cannot get led too far astray in constructing and interpreting entomological experi- ments. Those who wish to carry out some experiments on insects are strongly recommended to read the chapter on insect behaviour in V. B. Wiggles- worth’s ‘‘ Insect Physiology.’’ This gives an excellent account of the sort of work which has been done in this field, and the problems which are pre- sented. For those interested in the statistical side, an excellent theoretical background can be got from M J. Moroney’s book “* Facts from Figures ’’ (Pelican Books, 5/-). P. Le Bravrry (1360). 16 ® NOTES ON A MIGRATION STREAM On the coast of South Cornwall the entomologist has many opportunities to watch the come and go of our migrant butterflies. As he walks the cliff paths on any day between April and October, he notes the advent of Vanessa cardui, Vanessa atalanta, and Colias croceus. He sees the num- bers increasing from twos and threes to flutterings and dartings of colour beyond his ability to count. He notes their peak periods and their decline, and sometimes their almost complete elimination by a roaring gale from the Atlantic, which blasts and burns the herbage, and turns the beauty of yesterday to shrivelled and withered death. He comes to know where to look for the first arrivals, the par- ticular place or places along the coast- line he has under observation, where experience tells him he will be most likely to find them. He may, if he is fortunate enough to be at the right spot at the right time, see them flying in from the sea. When this hap- pens he records it as a noteworthy event rather than a commonplace oc- currence. It is even more unusual for him to find himself in a migration stream. On September llth, 1952, I was at Prah Sands; the day was hot and sunny, the sky clear and the wind blowing moderately from the N.W. The Sands face roughly South, and on the land side rise to low dunes. About 1 p.m. (B.S.T.) I was sitting on the shore close to these dunes, and with my back to them, and became aware, after a little w hile, that butter- flies were passing me at fairly frequent intervals. ING BO. Daan © Inet realised that this was, in fact; a migration stream, a count in quarter- hourly periods was begun, and con- tinued until 3 p.m. Only those butter- flies that passed within a few feet of my position, which remained un- changed throughout the whole ob- serv ation, were included. All were flying N. W., that is, against the wind. The total, when placed in compari- son with the vast migratory flights which take place in other lands, may seem insignificant, but it must be re- membered that these figures refer to passages past one fixed spot, and that there was no means of knowing the depth of the movement inland behind the dunes. The high percentage of Aglais urticae is particularly interest- ing. “Dr. ©. B. Ford im his “* Butter- FEBRUARY 1953 flies’? (New Naturalist series) says: ‘‘ The Small Tortoiseshell is not often seen to migrate.”’ 1530) 1245) 542 B.S.T. -45 -2 -2.15 -30 -45 V. atalanta 2 Q Q 1 3 1 41 V. cardui Q Q 1 5 C: croceus 1 1 1 3 3 4 2.15 2.80 2.45 -3 Total An Untlede Ne By aL 3 3 39 18 Wo dhs 8 7 4 58 In addition to the above, Pvreris brassicae and Pieris rapae were pass- ing in the same stream in large num- bers. No count was made of them, but there were certainly as many as all the others put together. Two un- identified Dragon-flies were also noticed flying in the same direction and over the same ground. H. B. SarGent (1189). @ REVIEWS Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects, Coleoptera, Ceram- bycidae by EK. A. J. Duffy. Published y the Royal Entomological Society of London, 1952.- Pp. 18) Price, 3/6: As with the other books in this series, this slim volume contains diag- nostic tables of the insects under consideration, including those so fre- quently introduced by commerce, with hints as to their probable host-plants. These tables are founded on those of Fowler and Reitter, and are based to a large extent on ‘characters of the upper side; there are three valuable plates illustrating structural charac- ters. The tables are easy to use and will prove most valuable to even the more advanced collectors of British beetles. As usual with the series, the printing and illustrations are excel- lent. It can be thoroughly recom- mended. G. B. W. Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects. Hymenoptera: 2. Symphyta, section (b). By BR. B. Benson. Published by the Royal En- et Ae Society of London, 1952. 86. Price, 15/-. esta (a) ‘of this work was re viewed in the Bulletin, Vol. 11, p. 92, This is a continuation of that book and follows the same method in de- scribing these insects. It contains 213 line drawings and deals with the family Tenthredinidae. Two more parts of this work have to be pub- lished and then we shall have an authoritative work on the identifica- tion of our British Sawflies. Ens Printed by T. Buncle & Co. 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BOBE, 19 yHengist Road, 337 name placed on my permanent mail- onaGn sae en in hi f atalorues—plea Pe & ay a eOueTin Pee Manuscripts, drawings and books for: a write to me at:— review to: W. J. B. CRoTcH, 6 Bal- = moral Mansions, Clevedon Road, } SOSPSSOHOOOOSD oe SHSSOSHSSFESHOSHSSSHSSHSHOSSS HO HSHHSHSHSSOHSOSOOSOOO SPSSSSSSSSSSHHPHS OHHH SSOSOSSOOOOOOSD a ; 91 BEDFONT LANE Twickenham, Middx. # oe . = 33 FELTHAM, Middlesex Subscriptions (12/- per annum, 6/- for 33 $3 Juniors) to: P. C. LE MASURIER, 85 | 33 Warren Drive, Tolworth, Surrey. SS rescees #0-0000680006000056b000nssescdoances oeeeseete sees re eee eeeee eee eUs eek On Gk en enteenttanettn nnn e*eovreoe SOOO OSS O ESSE ESOL OOS OODOSE LOO LODLOSOSOO SOO OSLSOLEOLOOOL ODEO SOOO L OOO SO SOOO OED UO HO OOOH OOOOH OOe COLLECTING COLLEMBCOLA (1) (The AES Council is indebted to Mr. Peter R. Barratt, F.R.E.S., for the specially-written series which begims below). WHAT ARE COLLEMBOLA? The name Collembola is derived from two Greek words kolla (mean- ing Glue) and embolon (meaning a peg). These two words refer to the extensile ventral tube. These insects are very small and are elongated or almost globular in shape; the exo- skeleton, which may be of almost any colour, metallic or otherwise (colours are very deceptive, and should not be relied upon as an aid to determination) and either smooth or granular, bears either scales, hairs, rods or sometimes pseudocelli. The eyes normally consist of a group of eight or fewer ocelli on each side of the head; but some species have no eyes at all. The antennae are almost always four-segmented, although some rarities may have as many as five or SIX. Special sense organs are to be found in certain species on segments iii and iv and in some species there are post- antennal sense organs consisting of various complex structures. These are BULLETIN No. [47 MARCH 1953 all the subject of a good deal of con- troversy. The mouth parts, consist- ing of mandibles, maxillae and greatly reduced labium, are for chewing or sucking and are withdrawn into the head. They are of very little use in determination, because when the in- sect is mounted on the slide for such purposes, they are difficult to show to the best advantage. The Collembola are of very special interest because the usual method of respiration is through the cuticle. Tracheae are present in several genera of the Symphypleona; these have a single pair of spiracles between head and thorax. The thorax is divided into three segments which are sometimes merged or indistinct; the legs consist of a coxa, trochanter, femur and tibiotarsus with a pair of claws re- ferred to as unguis and unguiculus; these last may im certain species be absent. The abdomen consists of four seg- ments which again may be well defined or indistinct; on the first abdominal segment is the extensile ventral tube or adhesive organ. Underneath seg- ment ili there is a spring holder or retinaculum, which holds in place the furcula, a partly fused organ on seg- ment iv or v which is used for jump- ing ; hence the common name Spring- tail. Fig. 1. A typical Arthropleonid (a) Postantennal organ. (b) Eye patch. (c) Prothorax. (d) Mesothorax. (e) Metathorax. (f) Coxa. (g) Trochanter. (h) Femur. Tibiotarsus. (j) Unguis. (k) Unguiculus. (1) Ventral tube. (m) Retinaculum. (n) Furcula. (0) Manubrium. (p) Dentes. (q) Mucro. 18 MARCH 1953 Fig. 2. A typical Symphypleonid (a) Eye patch. (b) Praecoxa. (c) Coxa. (g) Unguis. (h) Unguiculus. (i) Ventral tube. (1) Manubrium. These insects have no genitalia, both sexes being similar. The nearest thing to genitalia is an opening on segment v. The anus is on the underside of the sixth segment. WHERE ARE THEY FouND? Most species inhabit moist or dank surroundings, and live for the most part amongst decaying vegetable mat- ter, mosses and fungi. They may occur anywhere where there is sufficient moisture, for example, under stones, in leaf mould and, sometimes, deep in the soil. Wry Stupy THEM? The Collembola are amongst the least studied groups of _ British insects, partly because the diffi- culties of mounting and _preser- vation have been tar from _ over- come. These obstacles should, how- ever, be more than a deterrent to their study; they should be taken as a chal- lenge for those with time, patience and a desire to explore a little known realm of British Entomology, which, nevertheless, provides unlimited scope. I must at this stage point out that lack of information can be a_ big hindrance and can quite easily add to the chaos at present reigning in the Order. Itis my hope that these notes will attract the attention of someone who has not yet selected a particular group for study, or someone who feels Trochanter. (e) Femur. (f) Tibiotarsus. (j) Fused abdominal segments. (k) Furcula. (m) Dens. (n) Mucro. that he can add little of real value to the present knowledge of a_ well- studied subject, and encourage him to enter on a worth-while venture. As the Collembola are minute insects ranging from a few millimetres to con- siderably less than a millimetre when fully grown, a microscope is an ab- solute necessity; after that there are no holds barred. APPARATUS The collecting of Collembola is a simple matter, and very few items of equipment are needed. The first and most essential item is the Aspirator, or Pooter, as it is commonly known*. This may be used for collecting the specimens from the undersides of stones or off plants. Great care should be taken to avoid damaging the insects by misuse. The second re- quirement is a small brush, prefer- ably camel-hair. This dipped in spirit is handy for obtaining awkward speci- mens. Thirdly, a net of reasonably fine gauge. I myself use one made from 60 pic. voile, because some of the insects are so minute that they may easily pass through the average netting material. Fourthly, a few re- placement tubes for the pooter, which should contain 90% alcohol. It should be noted here that the insects * An excellent pooter is described and figured in AES Leajlet No. 6. AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 sucked into the pooter can be im- mersed from one of the spare tubes containing alcohol and, the tubes being the same size, the empty one be substituted, so providing a clear pooter for further collecting. The tubes should always be kept as full as pos- sible so as to avoid damaging the in- sects whilst in transit. The best form of label is a piece of plain paper upon which the data are written in pencil. The tubes can now be kept indefinitely, with the label inside, if placed in an- other receptacle and covered with alcohol to prevent evaporation from the tube. The graphite from the pen- cil is unaffected by the alcohol, and can be easily read after drying. A fifth item for obtaining specimens is the Berlese funnel, which is an inverted conical water bath with an aperture at the bottom and a_ sufficient diameter at the top to enable a tray or trays with perforations of a definite diameter containing soil or humus to be placed there (fig. 3). This is heated by a gas ring underneath to raise the temperature of the funnel to 120° F., at which heat it should be possible, within 24 hours, to drive all the insects out of the trays down the funnel into a glass container under- neath containing alcohol. In practice, I have found that a temperature of about 100° F., applied for a slightly longer period, gives better results, due to the fact that the sample does not dry out too quickly, and more insects Fig. 3. The Berlese Funnel (a) Tray pierced with holes of required diameter. (b) Conical water bath. (c) Fill- ing cap for water and safety valve com- bined. (d) Wrought iron stand. (e) Gas ring. (f) Gas supply tube. (g) Tube through point of cone. (h) A receptacle containing spirit. 19 a @ d e Fig. 4. Tullgren’s modification (for Berlese Funnel) (a) Bulb holder. (b) Observation panel. (c) Gauze on side to help escape of hot air without lowering of temperature. (da) (e) Sides made of any suitable material. are thus trapped. A method which I have found to be useful is Tullgren’s modification of the funnel (fig. 4), where you have the additional feature of heat applied from above by 15 watt bulbs, which can be used either alone or in conjunction with the gas ring. METHODS OF PRESERVATION AND MountTiIne SIZE I have already mentioned the best medium for preservation, namely, 90% alcohol; methyl, ethyl or iso- propyl may also be used. The latter does not seem to be quite so harsh on the specimens, but it must be at a concentration of at least 85%, or the hairs or scales on the insects will cause them to float on the surface. Some authorities recommend the keeping of some specimens in_ alcohol _ per- manently, with a few of the batch mounted on slides; others prefer slide mounting only. I am not prepared to condemn the former, although I per- sonally almost always use only the latter. There are good arguments for both systems. The accepted method of mounting Collembola to-day is in Berlese’s fluid. This is done by transferring the specimens from the alcohol to water or acetic acid before placing in the Berlese on the slide. After arranging the specimens as required, put on the cover slip and leave to dry in a dust- proof receptacle for about two weeks. If placed near warmth they will harden a little more quickly, but even after this time has elapsed great care should be taken when handling the slides, because a damp atmosphere may make the exposed mountant tacky. If crystallization takes place, run acetic acid round the cover slips and heat slightly; if necessary to re- 20 MARCH 1953 mount the slides, the mountant can be dissolved in water. This method of mounting has the advantage over balsam in that the mountant has a relatively low refractive index” and, therefore. permits greater resolution of fine details. An alternative method is to mount the specimens direct from alcohol (ethyl) into polyvinyl aleohol. I have used Dr. Salmon’s type Al. formula with some success. Tt should_be noted that, if staining is required, acid-fast stains should be used in both cases, and that both mounting media clear Collembola specimens without the necessity for a clearing agent. If the specimens are very opaque, they can be cleared in Berlese before mounting. Caustic potash can also be used, but there is a slight tendency for scales and hairs as well as other features to come off. (To be continued) cy PECULIARITIES OF LYMANTRIID LARVAE I was particularly glad to see J. C. Midlen’s note on J. dispar in the November Bulletin (11, 103) because I have for some time been interested in the abdominal glands in Lymantriid larvae to which he refers, and had been on the point of writing to ask whether any of our members could give me certain information about them in the English species. The following remarks refer ex- clusively to those glands on segments Abd. 6 and 7 (9th and 10th segments of Midlen’s note). They are present in almost all—probably in all—Lyman- triids that I have bred in Kenya: though Dasychira georgiana has only one—on Abd. 7 7— as is also the case, I believe, in another species of the same genus from India, D. grotei. The colour and shape of the glands differ in different species; in some they are most conspicuous, while in others they are very difficult to detect. Perhaps the most usual shape is that of an ordinary wooden draughtsman; 1.e., a very short cylinder showing one or more concentric rings on its flat top. Others are shaped like an Indian club; others, again, have a slim neck with a sort of bell-mouth at the top. All, to the best of my knowledge, can be everted at will, either one at a time or both together; and in two cases (Pteredoa monosticta and Polymona rujijemur) I have noticed a bead of fluid at the upper end of the everted gland. In rufifemur I found that eversion of the gland and extrusion of the fiuid could be induced by tickling the anal segment with a brush: and if the bead of fluid was removed, the gland was retracted and everted again with a fresh bead. This larva is rather inclined to the processionary habit: and I have seen the erection of the gland occur in response to nudging by the larva next in the queue. I have tried to discover whether the fluid is attractive to ants (as with Aphides and some Lycaenidae) or whether it is perhaps repellent to parasites or carnivorous ants. But, so far, I have insufficient data for any conclusion on these points. I should be most grateful if any member could give me the following information about these particular glands—those on Segs. A 6 and 7 only—in the larvae of British Lyman- triidae : — (a) Name of species. (b) Whether one, or two glands are present: or none. (ec) Whether fiuid, either as spray or bead, has been observed. (d) Any other relevant information. In conclusion, I should like to con- gratulate Midlen on his acute observa- tion and detailed description. He may be interested to note that in South’s ‘‘ Moths of the British Isles,”’ these glands on the larva of Eup. chrysorrhoea are referred to as ‘‘ver- million spots.’” As Midlen has ob- served, they are much more than that. A. L. H. TownseEnp (1691). a PLASTIC CONTAINERS AS REAR- ING CAGES For the first time, I have been using as rearing cages for young larvae the plastic sandwich cases obtainable at well-known multiple stores. They have all the advantages of the normal glass-topped boxes, and a few more besides. They are wholly trans- parent, do not rust, and are not stained by frass, as I have found the tins to be. They are easily washed in water and easy to dry, and. most im- portant of all, keep the food-plant fresh for a long period. They are reasonably cheap, and I would heartily recommend them to members. C. J. Taytor (2055). These containers have been ‘‘dis- covered’® by a number of members known personally to the Editor, who uses them himself. We undoubtedly ought to have forestalled Mr. Taylor in his thoughtfulness for the member- ship wn general. Two further points AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 21 are: that they can be used for larger larvae than glass-topped tins can ac- commodate; and they can be drilled very easily for ventilation, if required. —Ep.] & COLEOPTERISTS, TAKE CARE! According to Reuter, an_ East German court has granted a divorce to a Coleopterist, whose wife put beetles in his soup because’ he seemed to prefer them to _ her. “* Now,”’ she said, ‘‘ he can be mar- ried to his beetles.’’ e THE CHANGING SCENE (2) (Continued from p. 13) It sometimes happens that a change in the insect population occurs gradually over a long period of time; sometimes the change is rapid, a con- siderable alteration occurring in a matter of a year or two, as in the case of Huphydryas aurinia Rott. (the Marsh Fritillary) in Cumberland, of which I gave an account last month. Sometimes, however, a remarkable change occurs within the same season; and something of that sort happened here in Westmorland last year (1952). It appears that at the beginning of the season naturalists were of the impres- sion that it was likely to be an exciting year; immigrants, some of them rare, were seen in good numbers at remark- ably early dates. Though these immigrants failed to spread as far as Westmorland, the resident species were extremely plentiful here up to the middle of the summer. Then numbers began to wane and the process con- tinued steadily, so that the autumn species were scarce, and very little was to be seen on the wing by day or night. One wonders whether this was a local situation taking its rise from some un- determined local condition, or whether it was, in fact, widespread. If so, are any theories forthcoming to suggest an explanation ? One suspects that climate must have something to do with it; here, after a warm and fine spring the weather was thereafter rather cool, with less than the average sunshine, but also less than the average rain. There were no heat-waves, except dur- ing the fine spring in mid-May, but there was no weather obviously Severe enough to have a deleterious effect on the insect population. Never- theless, the change was most notice- able and is best illustrated by giving two lists of counts at the M.V. trap, one in April and the other in Septem- ber. Neither night selected was the best nor the worst during the month in question, and, in point of fact, the counts here recorded can be taken as roughly average. APRIL 15th, 1952 Light E. wind, increasing to fresh during night. Rather warm, with variable cloud. Cerastis rubricosa Fabr. (Red Chestnut) ... 18 Orthosia gothica Linn. (Hebrew Character) 57 ie cruda Treits. (Small Quaker) ...... 20 a stabilis View. (Common Quaker) 65 3 miniosa Fabr. (Blossom Under- wing) rt incerta Hufn. (Clouded Drab) ... 73 ae munda Esp. (Twin-spot Quaker) 7 ha gracilis Fabr. (Powdered Quaker) 1 Xylocampa areola Esp. (Early Grey) ...... 10 Xylena ensoleta Linn. (Sword Grass) ...... 41 Alsophila aescularia Schiff. (March VIO Re cH Pea a oe ts aceunkcke nee Sor 2 Colostygia multistrigaria Haw. (Mottled GMO) ech bse rete ee as anceicene se " Earophila obadiata Hutbn. (Shoulder SSILETET OVEN) tank See ae ae aR A a tar 10 Coenotephria derivata Borkh. (The SHHASENTONOTE)) Meenas tata e ee aan ear, Q Selenia bilunaria Esp. (Early Thorn) ... 4 Biston strataria Hufn. (Oak Beauty) ...... 1 OCALA FBI e: jet they Cyviae 3s 279 SEPTEMBER 15th, 1952 N.E. wind, mainly light, but somewhat variable in strength; mainly overcast; moderate temperature. Spilosoma lubricipeda Linn. (White REVATIO INC) er = ve ERE RSE ER LPE i n 1 Episema caeruleocephala Linn. (Figure of EV ONG) ese shee te Sk Bila de 1 Amathes glareosa Esp. (Autumn Rustic) 5 Triphaena pronuba Linn. (Yellow Under- i Vall O22) eve, SN EN ch AE eremene e or 2 Tholera cespitis Fabr. (Hedge Rustic) ...... a Luperina testacea Schiff. (Flounced RUStIC)T eee oe neon ennee 1 Aporophyla nigra Haw. (Black Rustic) ... 14 AUOEUGIIOE Clog Matin, (Eneeny (lau) gascososescosoopbe 4 Meganephria oxyacanthae Linn. (Green- brindled Crescent) 1 Hydraecia micacea Esp. (Rosy Rustic) ... 4 Rhizedra lutosa (Htibn.) (Large Wainscot) 1 Amphipyra tragopogonis Linn. (Mouse) ... 3 eee eee enw eceee Atethmia xerampelina Hubn. (Centre- Harned: Sallow)) see cee 1 Anchoscelis helvola Linn. ({(Flounced mines timuit yn wks cso rkae weet fl Citrea lutea Stroem (Pink-barred Sallow) 8 Cirrhia icteritia Hufn. (Common Sallow) 1 e. gilvago Esp. (Dusky-lemon Sal- OWA) d PON RACE Rw. 3 ea es 3 Dysstroma truncata Hufn. (Marbled Car- LOLOL) ee heir a HEB GHOREL cetoca sore ataeC cn nte atk 3 ob citrata Linn. (Dark Marbled Canpet)ie tis yes ey aay En 1 Thera obeliscata Hiibn. (Grey Pine Car- DOG) tag Pisce cS ais Sede eins see ts Atoeste nated tatlotcenes 4 ph BG FEEL he te ele asia 45 *A most unusual date. 22 I emphasise that both these counts were typical of the months in which they occurred. Obviously something happened between these two dates which adversely affected the insect population. What was it? J. H. Vine Hatt (1520). é STRIDULATION OF CYCHRUS ROSTRATUS L. Mr. C. M. Idle in a recent note (Bulletin, 11, 115) commented on the chirping produced by this beetle. The stridulation of Cychrus rostratus has attracted the attention of entomologists for more than a century and various views have been held as to how the noise is produced. Gahan (Stridulat- ing Organs in Coleoptera. Trans. Ent. Soc. London 1900, 433-452) suggested that the sound was produced by fric- tion between the epimeral lobes of the prothorax and the lateral edge of the mesosternum. According to Fowler (1887, ‘‘The Coleoptera of the British Islands 1, 5), the stridulation is caused by rubbing the abdomen against the elytra. This view is shared by Prochnow (1907/1908 “‘Die Lautappar- ate der Insekten.’’ Int. Ent. Zeitschr. 1, 169 and 181) who describes the stridulating apparatus in detail, and a shorter account by the same writer appears in Schréder’s Handb. d. Ent. 1928.1. Prochnow’s explanation takes into account the remarkable shape of the elytra which are highly arched and joined at the suture. The hind wings are absent and the elytra cover the flat abdomen, like. as he puts it, an up- turned boat. The edges of the elytra slope downwards and are provided with a fairly deep groove (the epi- pleural groove). Prochnow observed that the chitinized edge of the ab- domen fits into this groove in such a manner that it can only move in the direction of the long axis of the body. He states that the stridulating ap- paratus is situated in this groove and takes the form of a large number of more or less thick chitinous points present along the inner edge and on the floor of the groove, and arranged partly in rows from above down- wards. He describes these points as being often widened to small plates and as being sometimes cone-shaped. A corresponding number of pointed or peg-like structures are described on the edge of the abdomen. The noise is said to be produced by the frictions of these parts when the abdominal seg- ments are contracted. and the sound is increased by the hollow elytra which MARCH 1953 act as a resonator. From this descrip- tion one would imagine that the stridulating apparatus would be easy to see; but this is far from being the case, and Darwin (‘‘The Descent of Man’’, Chapter X), after examining Cychrus was doubtful whether it pos- sessed any true rasp. Some years ago I kept a few of these beetles alive for several weeks during the winter and they made a hissing noise On most occasions when the box containing them was opened. The noise appeared to be a first reaction to disturbance and was not kept up if interference was continued. In exam- ining these specimens, I could not detect any obvious rasp, but I think that a possible stridulating surface occurs near the apex of each elytron at the point where the epipleural groove widens on its inner side to fit over the enlarged last pleurite of the abdomen. The surface of the flange so formed is minutely and regularly shagreened, and the intersecting lines are so situated as to give in parts a finely striolated effect, the striolations slanting towards the edge of the flange. Jf examined in alcohol this shagreened area shows a sheen like velvet. There is a corresponding finely shagreened ‘‘ velvety ’’ strip on the posterior part of the last abdomi- nal pleurite on its inner side. Some finely shagreened sculpture can also be detected on the anterior part of the epipleural groove, particularly on the inner edge. and it is also present in places on the anterior abdominal pleurites. I think it is possible that interaction of all these surfaces, on movement of the abdomen, may pro- duce the hissing sound. It would be interesting to know if any movement of the abdomen ean be detected dur- ing stridulation, but at present I have no living beetles to observe. I have not found any recent account of the stridulation of Cychrus. It is not mentioned in G. J. Arrow’s inter- esting paper on the origin of stridulation in beetles (1942 Proc. R. Ent. Soc. Lond. (A) 117; 83-86), but, since writing the above, I have seen T. Marshall’s note (‘‘ Cause of Sound emitted by Cychrus rostratus.’ Ent. Mag. 1833, 213-214) and I am much interested to find that he also attributes the sound to friction of the edges of the abdomen in the epipleural grooves, moreover he considers that it is precisely at the widened part of the groove, which I have described above, that the friction is most pronounced, AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 He was able to imitate the sound by rubbing the edge of a piece of stiff paper in the channel. This I have at- tempted but without success! There is certainly scope here for further in- vestigation and hope this brief outline of the facts recorded will stimulate observations. Dorotuy J. JAcKSoN (1124). Mr. H. K. Airy Shaw (545) remarks that the unfortunate results of over- curiosity on the subject of the stridula- tion of Cychrus are detailed by C. C. Townsend, 1944, Ent. Mon. Mag., 80, 213. See also comment, loc., cit., 293. @ PENDULOUS FOOD-PLANTS Many of the most popular larval food-plants in Kenya are trees with pendulous branches; and when feed- ing young larvae on their foliage in the ordinary way—that is, on a twig or two standing in a water-bottle— I have encountered the following dificulty. When in search of fresh food, the larvae walk wpwards, expect- ing to find the twig they are leaving joined to another, down which they can go to find new pasture. Instead of this, they find themselves at the end of the upright twig; and often take a very long time to make up their minds to go down their twig (towards the bottle) where they can find a new route upwards. Often, indeed, they find themselves marooned on the lid of the jar, and are completely at a loss. I, therefore, bored a hole in the lid of the jar, inserted a long-stemmed branch of the food through it from be- low, bent the stem over and put its which is end in the water-bottle, 23 fastened by a rubber band outside the jar. Thus the food-plant was, so to speak, standing on its head (its natural position), and the larvae had no further difficulty. I now employ this method in all my cages where this type of plant is used, and find it most successful. The hole in the lid is, of course, plugged with wool round the stem, and must be large enough for a fresh branch to be put in beside the old one when _ necessary—a most simple method of food-changing. The business of renewing the water is also much simplified. The figure shows the set-up with a cylinder cage. Later I developed the idea, with even better results, to my breeding cages proper. With several holes cut in the top and a corresponding number of bottles outside, the ease of food-changing and cleaning is remarkable. A. L. H. Townsenp (1691). r) THE WHITE ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY Near Lapford on the main Exeter- Barastaple road is a fairly large oak wood on hilly ground, facing south, mainly comprised of mature trees, and in places thickly populated with oak and birch saplings. I visited this wood on July 3rd, last year, and although on that day the temperature was below normal and the sky overcast, I was surprised to see three males flying. I took one specimen which was quite fresh, although small and of normal mark- ing. I paid a further visit on July 10th, and the weather on that day was bright and warm. During the afternoon and evening, a thorough tour of the woods was made, and JL. camula was in abundance everywhere. On yet another visit on August 14th, tattered specimens were still observed flying until late in the evening. Dur- ing this visit I found quite a number of ova, and on one leaf of honeysuckle there were no less than three. There is no doubt that L. camilla is well established in this part of North Devon and I would be interested to know if this species has spread to other parts of North Devon. L. J. BacKweE.tu (2070). [The Editor has just received a copy of ‘‘ The Lepidoptera of Devon: In- troduction and Part I,’ by S. T. Stidston, F.R.E.S., from the Devon- shire Association, Entomological Sec- tion. The entry about L. camilla stapes that ‘‘ this formerly very rare species appears to have established 24 itself in three or four districts, and is very slowly spreading westwards, having reached the Newton Abbot dis- trict.”’ = This first part on the Lepidoptera covers the macros, and Captain Stidston (40) is starting on Part II, the micros. He would be grateful for any Devonshire records, common as well as rare, with close locality and dates. The List 1s a scholarly piece of work, very clearly produced. Non-members of the Devonshire Association may ob- tain copies from Captain Stidston at the nominal price of 5/3 (post free). @ NOMENCLATURAL ERRORS Col. J. C. Fraser (890) kindly points out the following errors in the list of overseas exhibits given on pp. 3-4:— Vanessa gonerilla (the New Zealand Red Admiral) should be Pyrameis gonerilla. Danaida chrysippus should be Danaus chrysippus. Hypolinnos misippus should be Hyplimnas misip- pus. Mr. S. E. Aten (2001) writes to express his apologies for the following misidentifications in his list. of rarities from Woolmer Bog (p. 6):— Acupalpus elegans was, in fact, Acu- palpus dorsalis and Acilius canalicu- latis was Acilius sulcatus var. scoticus. a REVIEWS Linger and Look, by L. H. New- man. Pp. 199, 40 half-tone plates. Staples Press, London, 1952. Price 11/6. In a way, this is the ‘‘ mixture as before ’’, and a most pleasant mixture it 1s—beautiful photographs with in- teresting and informative letterpress. The scope is a little wider and extends beyond the Lepidoptera to whelks and gall wasps; but a naturalist’s interests should not be limited too narrowly. The author acknowledges photo- graphs by eight photographers, but in- dividual pictures are without ascrip- tion. The diversity of sources prob- ‘ MARCH 1953 ably explains the considerable varia- tion in scale, which is very misleading in some juxtapositions. The scientific reader may well com- plain that there is nothing to show the actual size of the insect or animal pictured. There is, also, unfortun- ately a technical error on page 125, where the thoracic legs are wrongly defined as “‘ pro-legs.”’ Nevertheless, there is much good and sound talk in the book, written in an easy style. Parents will find this a useful birthday present for the youngster with natural history lean- ings and will not disdain to have a good look at 1t themselves. pra ly The Young Field Naturalist’s Guide, by Maxwell Knight, O.B.E. Pp. 144 and supplement of photographs. G. Bell & Sons, 1952. Price 10/6. This is an admirable book which deals in the most practical way with methods of studying living nature and making records. It even includes in- struction on the making of plaster- casts of animal and bird foot-prints. It is, indeed, a young nature-sleuth’s vade mecum. The book list is de- liberately short, but it contains the titles of the few essential ones for each major division of Nature study. We are proud to note that the AES Publi- cation ‘‘ Practical Methods and Hints for Lepidopterists ’’ is included and described as ‘‘ a mass of practical in- formation for butterfly and moth collectors.’’ There is an unfortunate error on p. 72, which should be corrected in the subsequent editions which will un- doubtedly be required. It is stated that ‘‘to reduce your 40 per cent. formalin solution to 10 per cent., you add to one part of formalin nine parts of water; for 5 per cent. ... add nineteen parts.’? Simple arithmetic will reveal the resulting percentages to be 4 and 2 respectively. Wd. BG. Professor Fungus By G. S. Kloet Printed by T. Buncle & Co. Ltd., Arbroath, and published by the Amateur Entomologists’ Society, 1 West Ham Lane, London, E.15. 1953. : | THE ENTOMOLOGIST ’ World’s largest circulation of any entomological magazine c | C TEE MARCH ISSUE WILL INCLUDE | | 1 @ Label List of Shield Bugs. + =~ @ = An important article on Butterfly Migrations. @ A half-tone plate of Moths. @ A new classification of Insects. | ©@ Descriptions of some experiments with ag ea pupae’ of Pieris. ae | @ Many other articles and many notes on the at ee 2 British Lepidoptera. @ Book Reviews. | 3 Domes The Subscription Rate a | 1s is 20- per annum : | it is not too late to - ie receive 1953 issues. ee. eee 7 : > te a s| eS .: ae _ HE ENTOMOLOGIST 44 ABBEY ROAD, LONDON, N.W.8 i FeCerre TSISISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSESESSSSSSSETETESESESESESEOSTTOTEEEEEEETTT ETT E TTT TEE en i aaa ala ane i iin aha igh ate lates wile sire Soph : AES Bulletin 33 Voiume 7, 1946-8. 232 pp., cover and index. 21s | 33 Volume 8, 1949. 96 pp., cover and index. 10s 6d $3 Volume 9, 1950. 108 pp., cover and index. 10s 6d Volume 10,1951. 124 pp., cover and index. 10s 6d Volume 11, 1952. 116 pp., cover and index. 12s 6d eeeee eeeee ? Label List of British Macro-Lepidoptera - 3s 6d 3 3} Check List of British Macro-Lepidoptera - Is 6d # ae (If purchased together 4s 3d) | # AES Leaflets Be $3 No 1. Collecting Coleoptera... ae: oe 3d 3 3 3. Rearing Silkworms = a ee 3d 33 Collecting Sawflies ae tio 6d $3. Collecting Flies (Diptera) a 23 6d 3 Collecting Beetles associated with Stored as: 33 Food Products sabe : =e 1s 6d 3 : 7. Some Improved Devices for Rearmme $3 Hymenoptera ze aoe sak 6d $$ 8. Collecting Ants ... oe be) Pape 6d 33 9. Collecting Caddises oe noe Is Od 33 10. Experiments with Bees ... ee a 6d 33 | 1]. Collecting Mosquitoes ..._... ame 6d 33 12. Collecting Dragonflies ... ae Be: 6d 33 15. Collecting Heteroptera ... 2. 6d 33 16. Making a Sweepnet — 3d 33 17. Making a Garden Pond for Ps © Study of Aquatic Insects ... : 6d 18. Collecting Clearwings ... Soe re 6d 20. Preserving Caterpillars =e eae Is 0d 3 Collecting Psocoptera ... sae se 6d 3 22. Collecting Lacewings ... aa Is 0d & 23. 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SHSHESHSHSSHSSSHS FHSS HSHSHSSOSHSHOSOSOOOSOSOSOS OO SOSESOSSD SPHSSSSSSSHSS HSS SESS HSHS OS OSSSHESHSHOOEOCOSOOOOOOOOEOSD toe Pereoe A ‘WAYSIDE AND WOODLAND’ BOOK ) = He SPIDER’S WEB By THEODORE H. SAVORY, MASS: i2s. 6d. net. 74 OOO HOGS HH4E O44 O4 H46OHSH1 HOHSHSOES FOSS HSOSHFFOOH FESO RO OOOHD eee “This fine work. —The Naturalist. “As regards the paper, printing and binding, these show the uniform excellence that one has come to expect when an addition to Warne’s well-known Wayside and Woodland Series makes its appearance.’— Amateur Entomologists Society Bulletin. From any Bookseller WARNE: LONDON, W.C.2 e a hw [Ty 154A ddd ddbbboob obo bobo coco POOH OOS OOO OOO SOOO SSH OOSO DESO SESE OES EDS PEDO ISOOHPFOEPOESCOOOOSEG® SEPSPSS SSS HS SSSO SHS OOS OSSE EOE SOE SSESHDODS GDOEOEHOVODOVODOOOSES EDEL ODEVO SEES OEE OHEVESEDOFESLOUS OOOO OVOSE E. W. Classey PRE: = ENTOMOLOGICAL BOOKSELLER AND PUBLISHER oe SHSSSSSHSSSHSOHOOS SPOSSHSSCSHSCO SOO HESS For all entomological literature. 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BOBE, 1/9 Hengist Road, London, S.E.42. Manuscripts, drawings and books for: review to: W. J. B. CROTCH, 6 Bal- 33 moral Mansions, Clevedon Road, Twickenham, Middx. 33 Subscriptions (42/- per annum, 6/- ‘for Juniors) to: P. C. LE MASURIER, 85 $3 Warren Drive, Tolworth, Surrey. som SOESSSSSSSESS SSS SE SOSHSSS ESE SESE SSS OSOSSESOSSSOOSOOD SOSSSSESSSSSSSHSSHSHSHSSSSSSSSSSHOSESSESOEOSOSEOOY eee A. Es No. |48 3 we BULLETIN APRIL 1953 A CONSPECTUS OF LIFE CYCLES OF BRITISH MACROLEPIDOPTERA (Dr. Bryan P. Beirne has prepared for the AES the following diagram and note which will be of wmterest to members.) The diagram below shows the numbers of species of British Macrolepidoptera in each stage of the life-cycle in each month of the year. It does not prove any- thing that is not generally known. There are several points of interest, however. More than 200 species are in the larval stage every month, except in June and early July, when the number drops to about 100. But at the end of April and in September larvae of over 300 species can be found. Over 200 species pass the winter as pupae. In June about 250 are in the pupal stage, but by August the number has dropped to about 100. The number of species in the adult stage is very small in winter, but increases sharply in May and June to a peak of about 400—or nearly half the total—at the end of the latter month. This is followed by a rapid decrease, broken by a halt in September caused, in part, by the appearance of second broods. There are opportunities for good hunting all the year round! eeeeeee® OVA. ---- LARVAE. =-=-- PUPAE. ——— IMAGINES. 400 300 NUMBERS OF SPECIES. ° o ? 100 5 e008 ef e ° rh) ee eee set® "°oecegoes JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 26 APRIL 195: CLIMATIC VARIATION AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF INSECTS It is surprising to me that~ the significance of climate variation as a factor affecting the distribution of Lepidoptera and other insects does not appear to have been _ sufficiently stressed by the majority of writers dealing with ecological matters gener- ally, and extension of range more particularly. In this fascinating pheno- menon of climatic change may lie the answers to many problems of dis- tribution the solution of which has so far eluded us, either wholly or in part. A vast field of ecological-phenological research awaits investigation, and in this work the amateur entomologist can play a by no means unimportant, if not indispensable part. True, Ford! invites attention to the point that changes in distribution of certain butterflies are almost certainly ‘‘at least partly dependent upon climatic effects,’’ and also comments on ‘‘several remarkable instances... in which unidentified climatic factors apparently exert a notable control upon both the fauna and flora of vast | territories .. .’’ But is it not a some- what disconcerting thought that many an amateur naturalist seems inclined to attempt to run before he can walk: if you like, to read the right things in the wrong order, likewise to tackle special or at any rate complex matters before he has mastered, more or less, the simple but essential elements of nature study ? My own approach to the study of nature has always been profoundly in- fluenced by the _ conviction that, primarily, the biological approach should be a two-fold one, embracing the phenological and the ecological ‘angles,’ which, patently, are naturally linked. Yet, although much of the admirable and ever-increasing literature available to the novice student deals faithfully enough with the broad ecological aspect, it largely ignores, or deals all too superficially or haphazardly with, the equally im- portant and inseparable phenological one. Whenever opportunity presents itself, whether in writings, lectures, correspondence or_ conversation, I make a point of emphasising, especially for the benefit of beginners, the im- portance of weather and_ climate (which latter may be defined, in brief, as ‘‘ average weather ’’) as_ study- subjects in themselves, no less than as highly significant factors playing a de- cisive part in determining the distri- bution, phases, activities and modifica- tions of animals, including insects. The tyro could do worse than read and thoughtfully digest such useful and illuminatng books as the late Sir J. Arthur Thomson’s ‘‘ The Biology of the Seasons ’’ (1911) (perhaps rather out-dated, but none-the-less funda- mentally authoritative), and H. C. Gunton’s more briskly modern and well-illustrated ‘‘ Nature Study Above and Below the Surface ’’ (1938). The latter is certainly one of the best intro- ductions to the study of phenology that any novice could wish to lay hands on, though for some odd reason it seems nothing like so accessible as was the case a few years ago. Preferably in conjunction with such readings, or at any rate at an early stage in study, resort to up-to-date works on weather and climate is, I suggest, most desirable; and of these helpful contributions two, in _ par- ticular, by Brooks? and Kimble? re- spectively, are recommended. Not only are they very readable; but also, be- tween them, they sum up much useful information concerning climatic fluc- tuation in ‘‘ historical’’ times and probable trends in the near future. It is significant that they agree, in broad outlines, in posing the thesis that the world is gradually warming up, and that this interesting change— at least in the Northern Hemisphere— affects chiefly the winters, so far as the British Isles are concerned; one notable tendency being a steady in- crease in mean winter temperatures. Such a theory can hardly be ignored, least of all by naturalists interested in the distribution and habitats of animal groups or faunas, for instance Lepi- doptera in our own islands—which, it must be remembered, constitute the northernmost limits of the geographi- cal range of certain species. The posi- tion is, however, becoming increasingly fluid and reveals a strong tendency for those limits to expand steadily, and by no means slowly, Polewards. REFERENCES. 1. E. B. Ford, Butterflies (New Naturalist, 1945), pp. 140-1. 2.C. E. P. Brooks, Climate Through the Ages (rev. edn., 1949). 3. G. H. T. Kimble, The Weather (Pelican, rev. & enl. edn., 1951). Peter MicHakEv (748). ee AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 27 LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir,—May I beg a few lines in the Bulletin in order to try to as- certain the position of Thomas Gray, the scholar and poet, amongst the pioneers of our hobby? Recently I acquired an 1814 edition of the works of Gray. At the beginning of the book there is a brief biography of the poet by the Rev. John Mitford. In this is a reference to Gray. Apart from being a keen student of Linnaeus he is credited with an account of English insects ‘‘more perfect than any that had then appeared.’ The above account is the first that IT have come across in which Gray has been reported as being interested in entomology. As Gray died in 1771, I should think that he would have been a few years in advance of Moses Harris, who is generally reputed to be the earliest accurate entomologist. Has any AES member any knovw- ledge of his entomological works, and if so what bearing have they had on the subject through the years? Yours faithfully, J. B. Oepen (1580). ® COLLECTING COLLEMBOLA (2) (Continued from p. 20.) Tue Lire Cycie I feel that I ought to point out that very little is known of the life-history of any species of Collembola, with the notable exceptions of Smynthurus viridis Linnaeus 1758, the Lucerne flea, and the garden _ springtail, Bourletiella hortensis Fitch 1863, which though partly known is still wanting in certain details. There is much work to be done in this field. The egg when laid is of a semi- fluid nature. Ova are usually laid in small groups on the ground or the particular plant or fungus on which the adult is feeding. The exterior, which soon hardens and assumes a smooth spherical shape, is invariably creamy-white in colour. In the case of the Lucerne flea, the female ingests soil and excretes it over the eggs, thus providing a protection against enemies and dry weather. When newly emerged the young Collembola are almost the same in appearance as the adult, except for the absence or deficiency of colour and difference in size. The Collembola undergo no metamorphosis; but they pass through a number of instars, separated by ecdyses, i.e., stages when the insect, in order to enlarge, is obliged to cast its skin. This method of growth must be kept in mind, to avoid any confusion due to size when trying to determine your specimens. Apart from this, there is sometimes considerable variation of colour and of markings between differ- ent instars of the same species; these characteristics are, therefore, of sub- sidiary value as a means of identifica- tion until more is known about life- histories—particularly of the genus Orchesella. So far as can be ascertained at the moment, the optimum temperature for egg laying lies somewhere be- tween 50° and 80° F. in the United Kingdom. The optimum for Collem- bola which inhabit such places as South Victoria Land must, however, be far below this range. Here, again, there is wide scope for study. HABITAT AND Foop Collembola can live in the sub-arctic and antarctic regions, the tropics of Africa, the wastes of Ausjtralia, at the tops of the highest hills and moun- tains, in the deepest caves—in fact, anywhere where there is sufficient moisture to permit the growth of vegetation. A few species which possess scales are to be found in rela- tively dry places; the majority in- habit the soil, living on decaying humus, the roots of plants, bulbs, the foliage of young plants, the pollen of conifers, the spores of fungi and algae, the sap exuding from trees or the mycelium of fungi. They are also found upon the surface of waters— notably Hydropodura aquatica Jinnaeus 1758. IT have found an- other species (Agrenia bidenticulata Tullberg 1876) in a moorland stream in Yorkshire. They were alighting on the water from the moss round the bottom of stones in a fast running stream, letting themselves be carried an inch or two down stream, then jumping back on to the stone and moss only to repeat the performance. See- ing several thousand of these purple coloured insects doing this at the same time was a lucky observation, for it is apparently an unusual phenomenon, for which no explana- tion has as yet been put forward. Another unusual species worthy of men- tion is Anurida maritima Laboul- bene 1865. It is a pale blue, knobbly and cherubic springtail to be found round the coasts of the British Isles. The insects live between the high and low tide marks, where they feed on the remains of dead molluscs, worms 28 APRIL 1953 and other decaying matter. So far, they have not been found above the high water mark: by this, we may infer that they must at times be covered by several feet of sea water. Careful records would be of scientific value here. It would be interesting also to know whether the beetle Aépopsis robin lLaboulbéne 1849 which lives at about the half tide mark is a predator upon them. Two other interesting habitats well worth examining for unusual species are the nests of Ants and Termites. It has often been assumed that Collem- bola are soil insects; but an examina- tion of the vertical fauna of wood- land areas might prove interesting. Another British species which has at- tracted little attention is Hypo- gastrura nivicola Fitch 1847, known as the Snow Flea because of its being found hopping about on the snow in early spring during thaws. This species finds itself at home amongst our traditional English slush: in the near-arctic regions of North Canada it is known to be a great source of inconvenience to the harvesters of maple syrup, although very few records are available of its activities. MetHODS oF DISTRIBUTION How these insects increase their distribution is a subject where a great deal of theory is supported by a small amount of fact. One obvious method of distribution is in the transfer by many natural means of either soil or plants from one place to another. Some have suggested that dispersal is by means of water, since the insects are light enough to be supported by the surface tension or they may be borne on plants washed away during floods, and often carried considerable distances. Some may be blown by the wind. as has been noted by Free- man (1952): in the United States of America they have been collected at 11.000 feet by sticky traps on aircraft; whilst in England they have been caught in nets suspended from wire- less masts in Lincolnshire at 277 feet. Others mav be carried on the bodies of birds (Haarlov, 1942). I am at present examining part of the Harry Britten Collection from the Man- chester Museum, University of Man- chester, which contains many speci- mens taken from birds’ nests. My findings and conclusions will, how- ever, be published elsewhere at a later date. (To be concluded) PeteER R. BARRAtTT. ANTENNA-BRUSH? Mr. D. P. Heppeti (1690) has sub- mitted to the Microscopy group an interesting photograph from a slide he has made of the tibia of a foreleg of the moth Plusia gamma. The ac- companying diagram has been drawn from the photograph, which appears to be about twenty-five times magni- fied. He describes the ‘‘curiously articulated appendage resembling a brush.’’ It is his guess ‘‘that it is an apparatus for cleaning the antennae.”’ It occurs in both sexes. Have any members noticed this in other mzmbers of the genus? And can they throw any further light on the subject? Yel el oo OO em om ve . Yy ! t a ‘ t Appendage to tibia of foreleg of P. gamma. CirGa Xp20- e LARVAL FOOD RANGE AND POSSIBLE EFFECTS (1) In response to Dr. Hamill’s posing of problems (Bulletin 11, 91), several members write giving details of some of their observations about larval food- plants and colouration (Bulletin 11, 105-07). From these contributions arise several further questions, namely :— pay AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 (i) What is the relation between larvae and their food-plants? (ii) What effect has the food-plant upon the larvae? (111) What effect has the food- plant upon the adult? These problems have been dealt with by several observers. It is, however, impossible to give a detailed account of them in a short space and, indeed, few species of insects have been studied. Many more experiments on a large number of species are required and this is where all AES members can help. Many simple experiments can be carried out, and from their results it will be possible to build up a mass of information, upon which more scien- tific work can be planned and from which theories may be evolved. It must be remembered that experiments which give apparently no answer to the questions must be included, as an unbalanced result would occur if they were left out. Before giving details of suggested experiments, I think it necessary to consider the questions and their re- lated problems. In a short article it is impossible to go into details; more information will be found in some of the books mentioned in the foot-notes. Firstly, we have to deal with larval food-plants. In reply to one of Dr. Hamill’s questions, Captain Dann- reuther mentioned that the range of food-plants on which the larvae of the five white butterflies feed lies between No. 89 and No. 175 in ‘‘ The London Catalogue of British Plants,’’ 1925. The larvae feed on only 30% of these species of plants. Why should they not feed on the other 70%? 15% of this total are rare or uncommon plants, unlikely to be visited by the butterflies, and a further 5% produce early spring leaves which die by early summer, e.g., Whitlow Grass (Hrophila (Draba) verna). This still leaves us with 50%. Of these the majority have hairy, hispid, tough and often small leaves. Of the 30% on which the Whites feed, very few have hairy leaves. Dr. O. W. Richards! mentions that probably more larvae would feed on turnips with smooth leaves than hairy leaves. This may often be ob- served in our own gardens. From this. and also by looking through P. B. M. Allan’s? book, it will be observed that the majority of larvae feed on non-hispid plants. There are exceptions: for example the larvae of the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardut) feeds on thistles (Cirsium spp.); and the larvae of the Red Admiral (V. atalanta), Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais 29 urticae) and Peacock (Nymphalis io) feed on Nettles (Urtica spp.). Generally it may be said that the texture of the food restricts the range of food-plants eaten by larvae. Next we come to a far more import- ant subject, namely, the physiological aspect. An imago lays her eggs on a certain species of plant; the larvae hatching feed on the plant and in doing so get accustomed to its texture and flavour. They will probably re- main on the plant for several days at least. |. Some larvae which are small when fully grown may never leave it. If a larva moves from the plant of the maternal choice, or, in the case of a tree, from that twig, there will be a strong possibility of its finding an- other plant of the same species. If not, and it starts feeding on another species of plant, it will at once react to a new texture and flavour. If the larva belongs to a _ non-specialized species, there is a good possibility of its continuing to feed, especially if the plant belongs to the same genus as the previous one. For example, the Elephant Hawk (Deilephila elpenor) will feed on most, if not all, species of willow-herb (Hpilobium spp.) or even other species of the same family. The chemical constitutions of other fami- lies are often very different; therefore, relatively few species may be expected to feed on plants belonging to different families. If the larva belongs to a specialized species, then it has to hunt for the right species of plant before feeding again. These facts will, been noticed by all readers. They are, however, generalizations. It should be noted that markedly non-specialized species, e.g., the Magpie (Abraxas grossulariata), Early Thorn (Selenia bilunaria) and Garden Tiger (Arctia caja) tend to have a great variation in their wing-colouration. Specialized moths, e.g., Pretty Chalk Carpet (Melanthia procellata) and the Small Emerald (Hemistola chrysoprasaria) have fixed wing colouration: their larvae will feed on only one species of plant. In my opinion the non-specialized species are in the process of evolution and may form new species. The specialized species have come to the end of an evolutionary series and risk the possibility of becoming extinct if their food-plant decreases or becomes no doubt, have 1 Journal of Animal Ecology: 9 (1940), 243-288. 2 ‘Larval Food-plants,’’ Watkins and Don- caster, London, 1949. 30 extinct. and this frequently happens in the course of man’s alterations to environment. The specialized species often have a restricted distribution, limited by the distribution of the food- plant. (To be continued) J. P. SavipeGe (2041). [There ts an error in the address given for Mr. Savidge in the Member- ship’ fast:- ‘for “© Spidal’”’ »read “ Spital.’’—Ep.] 6 THE NEW FOREST During recent years the New Forest has acquired quite a bad name from the collector’s point of view. Many have been disappointed and have re- turned from their holidays with little to show for their efforts and un- doubtedly some unkind remarks have been made which have been passed on_to other collectors. Having lived in the New Forest all my life, I think I can help by trying to show the cause of the change in recent years from the ‘‘glorious’’ years before the war. I will com- mence by giving a picture of the years immediately before the 1939-45 war. Nearly the whole area was thick with timber. A great percentage was pine. the remainder being made up of oak, beech. and other growth of a smaller nature. The majority of rides separ- ating the various enclosures were mainly bordered by oaks’ which reached an average height of, per- haps, fifty feet. The enclosures were so dense that the sun only penetrated in a few places. Consequently, every butterfly flew to the only place where they could find the sun—which was in the Rides. The Rides were mainly bordered by oaks. making an almost unbroken ‘‘wall’? from end to end. The Ride itself was rich with grass and a variety of low growing plants. while the borders consisted of a thick mass of low growing bramble and bracken. From the end of June until the middle of July was indeed an exciting period. The Silver-washed Fritillary, Araynnis paphia. and the White Ad- miral, JTimenitis camilla, really swarmed. I found the best policy was to choose a Ride which had the sun shining alone one side only. You could walk along and study hundreds of paphia feeding on the bramble or sunning themselves on the bracken. Often T have stood and counted thirty around me—when making a swipe at one individual caused quite a commotion within a few vards, but almost within seconds they would APRIL 1953 return again. During 1939 I was standing at one end of a Ride waiting for the sun to appear. When it did suddenly come out I shall never for- get the sight as I looked along the Ride to see paphia in their hundreds spiralling down from the tops of the oaks on to the bramble and bracken. It was reminiscent of an autumn day after a strong gust of wind. That year produced some fine varieties in paphia. Twenty var. valezina in a day was nothing unusual. I myself captured two hermaphrodites and one or two striking aberrations. Camilla too caused quite a bit of excitement; but, whereas paphia was almost every- where, camilla had their favourite corners. Var. nigrina was turning up all over the Forest. On one par- ticular day I captured three, all with- in a mile. Two others were caught, but being in poor condition were re- leased. Earlier in the year, too, with the Rides covered with large patches of Bugle, the Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Argynnis euphrosyne, was very numerous. Before they were over. the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Araunnis selene, avveared in fair numbers. but. like the High Brown Fritillarv. Aragynnis cydippe, they were more plentiful in less wooded areas. Then the war came and by 1946 nearly every enclosure had _ been cleared of timber, leaving a few scattered trees for seeding purposes. Practically every Ride during that period had been used by tractors haul- ing ont the timber. All vegetation was destroyed. leaving each Ride a sea of mud. In the enclosures them- selves. the undergrowth, exposed to the light for the first time, was rapidly growing—bramble being well to the fore. The butterflies. then. instead of being attracted to the Rides as the only sunny places, found little differ- ence wherever they flew—whether in the Rides or the enclosures, which in general appearance’ differed but little. Consequently, they spread over a vast area and even found, as the undergrowth became more favourable, new breeding grounds. Even the Dark Green Fritillary, Argynnis aglaia, made an appearance in some spots. Bee Hawk Moths (both species) were ever elusive as they huriled up and down a Ride with fleeting, hover- ing pauses at a Bugle flower; now, with no trees to steer them along the Rides, they were here, there and on the change again. AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 everywhere! It is a hunter’s night- mare. Your chances of being at the right ‘‘Bugle’”’ at the right time were slim, indeed. Chasing is out of tue question. Once, travelling at just under 40 m.p.h. on a motor bike, lL was overtaken by one! Vhe enclosures, however, were being quickly planted with young pine; but a pine tree under a foot tall doesn’t maxe much difference to its immediate area at that stage. In the meantime various collectors visited the Forest about the same time of year as they had been used to do before the war, expecting to walk along the Rides and catch things as in the past. But with such a vast area to fly in, very few butterflies came into their sight. Another fac- tor, too, was the fact that, regardless of season, nearly all species were ap- pearing at least a fortnight earlier than had been their usual practice be- fore the war! The numbers were there, possibly with most species, as they had been before the war. Paphia, however, in 1946 were in greatly reduced numbers. Cydippe favoured the open spaces and were more common than ever before. likewise with euphrosyne, but selene needed some looking for. The Duke of Burgundy Fritillary, Hamearis lucina, liked the new conditions and, although local in their habits, were easy to come across in fairly large numbers. The Purple MHairstreak, Thecla quercus, seen everywhere before the war, was seldom seen now, but you could find the larvae by beating, which proved that they were most certainly there. On the outskirts of the Forest the Brown Hairstreak, Thecla betulae, likewise could still be encountered. Since 1946 things have slowly been The enclosures are fast growing up. The under- growth is finding less and less of the Sun and is thinning and disappear- ing. The Rides are beginning to look more like normal with their patches of Bugle in spring and, later, bramble, etc. Paphia are appearing in increas- Ing numbers each year and camilla can be seen in quite encouraging num- bers in some of their old haunts. And, thus, as the enclosures grow, so will the butterflies be forced out again into the Rides where they can find their sunlight and nectar. Then in a few years’ time will the New Forest once again become the para- dise that was known by so many in the glorious past. Tan G. Farwewu (1445). ol SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN ENTOMOLOGY Although there is much _ sound advice to be found in Mr. P. L. Bradley’s article on scientitic metho- dicity in entomology, the whole of it is stultified in his concluding penulti- mate paragraph. He says, in effect, the insect 1s a machine, a mere robot capable only of obeying, willy-nilly, certain suitable stimuli. He does not tell his readers what the robot does when subjected to unsuitable stimuli. I know of no machine which possesses life, so perhaps Mr. Bradley will in- form us what life is? Certainly, I do not know myself, although my pro- fession is so largely concerned with the problems of life and death. Nor do | know of any scientist who can or who has been able to give a satisfactory explanation of what life is. The fact is, his advice to the young student is pernicious in that it is the essence of a blind materialism. In advising the young student to start off his investigations with the pre- judged view that an insect is a mere machine, he is attempting to close the door to one important branch of investigation which would seek to show that the insect is something a little higher than a mere machine. In my years of wandering through tropical jungles, studying nature with ears to hear and eyes to see and understand, how often have I paused awe-struck at some fresh revealed marvel of nature? It did not occur to me that what I saw was but a mere machine, lifeless and without men- tality; rather I found myself saying involuntarily: ‘‘This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.’”’ I am by no means a religious man; science has undermined and robbed me of most of the beliefs that I was nurtured on, yet I can still re- gard the wonders of nature with reverence and as something beyond the grasp of our feeble intellect. Cer- tainly I do not, and will not, regard an insect as a mere machine. Instinct is glibly spoken of by the materialist as something apart and different from mentality, yet the latter has been built up from the former, small beginnings to great endings, although the end is still afar off. My advice to the young student is to approach his problems with an open mind, un- prejudiced by preconceived ideas or a cold materialism. Lt. Col. F. C. Fraser, I.M.S., Retd., M.D., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. (890). 32 A BUTTERFLY’S “LOW” TASTES T. S. Ruruey (2114*) reports that, while walking along a woodland path near Maldon, Essex, last year, he saw a Pearl Bordered_ Fritillary (Argynnis euphrosyne) teeding on the remains of some unfortunate dead animal which had_ been partly devoured. It returned to feed after he had disturbed it. He wonders if it is commonly known that Fritillaries are, like the Purple Emperor (Apatura iris), attracted to such pro- vender, or whether his observation was unusual. @ REVIEW Insects indomitable, by Evelyn Cheesman. Illus. by Arthur Smith. 205 pp.; 17 line drawings. G. Bell, London. 1952. Price, 12/6. As a field naturalist, the author of this book is well known and with her earlier books on subjects entomologi- cal has reached a wide public. In this, her latest work, she has excelled herself in writing of insect biology, an account packed with examples culled from first-hand observations made in tropic regions as well as in this country and with many references to up-to-date work on insect physi- ology, ecology, etc. In reading the accounts of some of the author’s own observations, one is made to feel the deep interest—and even the excite- ment—she herself must have felt at the time: it is in this that much of . the value of the book lies. It should strongly suggest to young entomologists, and those of maturer age also, that to be only a collector of insects is not to get full value from the subject; but that to stand and watch the living insect in the field and to ponder over the why and wherefore of its activities can be not only pleasurable, but, more, may result in the discovery of something new. The book is divided into eleven chapters and in each the author deals APRIL 1953 with one subject or aspect of insect lite, starting with the elastic body and that remarkable variability of structure that has enabled insects to establish themselves in all parts of the world in unfavourable conditions. Chapter II, ‘‘Senses,’’ treats of the importance of olfactory organs to some insects; of keen vision—ensuring the quick perception of prey, mates and colour—to others; while to some, organs productive of vibrations and organs for picking up these vibrations are essential. Protective devices, a subject widely studied by naturalists, fill chapter ITI, and here the author refers to remark- able examples of warning coloration, mimicry in its complex forms, as well as camouflage, witnessed by her both in New Guinea, a happy hunting ground of hers, and near to home. Following chapters deal in the same pleasingly informative style with such subjects as ‘‘dispersal and migration’’; the association of insects with plants and of insect parasites and predators, some harmful, others beneficial, to man. Pests, a problem created by man himself in his up- setting of nature’s balance, fill chap- ter VII, and here again the author re- lates many of her own experiences. Social organisations, with many references to observations of ant, bee and wasp communities in the Far East, make good reading in chapter Viil. The remaining three chapters have as their subjects ‘‘Instinects and Tropisms’’?; ‘‘Complex Actions’? and ‘‘Individual Actions’’: each is full of interesting matter, provocative of thought. There is an adequate index. The seventeen line illustrations by Arthur Smith are a joy to look at, particularly those of a bumble-bee pollinating an orchid and of a pre- datory bug, a veritable insect ogre, with its prey. The book, well printed and well produced, can be read with both pleasure and profit by entom- ologists and others interested in natural history. LeaG. By Professor Fungus | yan , Ag Qs iv nome: nasser hn Se By G. S. Kloet — ~ Printed by T. Buncle & Co. Ltd., Arbroath, and published by the Amateur Entomologists’ Society, 1 West Ham Lane, London, E.15. 1953. SPOOCOSESS OO OSOCOSOSSOEESESEOEESEOO SOO EOSOSOSSEOSESEEES ESE FES POOOOOD9EOEH 99999 O9 9090990009999 000 33 9000000000005 00doseoeoeeeseEOSOSOSOOOOOIOOOOSOSOSOSOOODOSO DS ESS PHDOHODODODODOD ODO D ODO DOD ODDO ODOOOOS | THE ENTOMOLOGIST | ° ¢ ° OOOO OCOO4 POOVOOOS #% @ World’s largest circulation of any independent 3 entomological journal. #z © Founded in 1840 by Edward ‘Newman. Addo ooooooooo bobo bbb ed SPISCSCHSSSHSOOS SHH OSS OO SOTEOOHFOOOOD Ee Enlarged to twenty-eight pages per month. 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FORD, £2 2'5_5-6.7-83) . eee 33 5s. net. ee aes eee ___|ENTOMOLOGICAL BOOKSELLER 3: ee This book describes the super-families | = ee: : 3: Sphinges and Bombyces, comprising 104 AND PUBLISHER ~ 33 Species, to which have been added nine’ ame ss Of the largest representatives of other = RMT RES i ge eae in Pepa ‘For all entomological literature. 3 _ $$ together wi 5 hali-tones of eggs, Ee Sea RIN S E “©**/ Textbooks. Handbooks, Illustrated 3 _ $2 the illustrations are pood and Ford’s| es os ee $3 contribution irreproachable. 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CroTcH, 6 Bal- gs moral Mansions, Clevedon Road,| (ce) By taking just that extra subtsss 33333! 3 Tata bit of trouble required to ss Subscriptions (/2/- per annum, 6/- for| — record happenings of note 33 Juniors) to: P. C. LE MASURIER, 85 he ‘Baliga . 3: Warren Drive, Tolworth, Surrey. for the Bulletin. - aa oe z OAS OAASADASADOSADSSODSAADSAAADADAALAALAALAAAAADDAAAALDAAAAALDAAAAAADSAADSASASSbodDSLASDSSSDoSOSOSDMI OO Me Ke OOO EE SESE EE EE HE OESE ESOS SESE SESE SE SLE EE SES EE SESEEOEES SESSSESS SESS SE SCESSS SESE SESE SEEEHESE CEES A E —S BULLETIN No. 149 MAY 1953 OUR TWENTY-FIFTH LEAFLET The publication of the series of articles on ‘‘Collecting Bumble Bees’’ in the Bulletin throughout most of last year met with very general ap- proval. The Council felt that many members would like to have them in a more compact form, and they are now on sale as AHS Leaflet No. 25. But the Leafiet is more than a re- issue, for the author has provided beautiful drawings of all the male genitalia: material which was hither- to available only in Dr. O. W. Richards’ work in the Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society, Lon- don, 1927. Dr. Richards kindly lent Mr. Poole microscopic preparations for the purpose of his drawings. So we believe we are offering you a wonderful two shillings worth in this, our ‘‘jubilee’’ leaflet. e FINDING OUT THE EGG-LAYING HABITS OF A CADDIS-FLY (Miss Ruth M. Badcock, M.Sc., of the Uniersity College of North Staffordshire, hus kindly written this account for the AES of an observation which she made.) Adult insects are primarily terres- trial, air-breathing animals and only a few, such as the water-boatmen, certain other Hemiptera and water beetles, dwell in the water throughout the whole or major part of their lives, including the imaginal phase. These forms have special methods of obtaining air, often carrying their air supplies about with them and renew- ing their stock from time to time. It is unusual for aerial insects to enter water—and many would not survive it. Even the insects with aquatic nymphs or larvae do not usually go below the surface of the water to deposit their eggs. Most of them merely dip the tip of the abdomen in the water (Plecoptera, most Ephemer- optera and Odonata, some Trichoptera and Diptera), while some lay their eggs above the water which the larvae enter later (the alder-fly and certain eaddis-flies). The few insects which have actually been seen to enter the water and lay eggs have occasioned considerable interest. These includes species of the ephemeropteran Baétis (e.g., the red spinner) which have been recorded as crawling down emergent objects and laying their eggs while under water, also certain damsel flies (Odonata). There is a_ parasitic hymenopteran, Agriotypus armatus, which lays its eggs in submerged caddis pupae such as Silo, and it also crawls down solid objects into the water to seek its victim but comes to the surface every ten minutes or so to renew its air supply. An Indian moth, Aulocodes simplicalis, has been described as diving into the water when disturbed and it has been suggested that in _ suitable situa- tions the female might enter the water to lay eggs, but this was not observed, and in a breeding jar eggs were laid above the water. Some caddis-flies (Trichoptera) lay eggs surrounded by masses of Jelly; the eggs of others are found in flat sheets cemented to solid objects such as the lower surfaces of submerged stones. While it was readily conceiv- able that jelly blobs might just be dropped into the water, it was diffi- cult to understand how the sheets of eggs were cemented under inclined stones unless the female actually went under the water and put them there: yet the females had not been seen doing this, and for a long time people were rather sceptical about it, although there were a few indirect reports of caddis-filles swimming. However if you have not seen it hap- pen, it may be somewhat surprising to think of a caddis-fly, which is rather like a hairy moth, going into the water. Yet it is quite certain that some caddis-flies do enter water. For example, Dr. Hora has described the females of an Indian caddis-fly crawling into the rushing water of a waterfall, and the finding of eggs in gelatinous masses on the lip of the fall; and I myself have watched the process of egg-laying in one of the caddises which lay eggs in flat sheets, namely Hydropsyche angustipennis. The original detailed account of my observations is being published in Hydrobiologia, but the gist is given here. Many caddis-flies are active only towards dusk but H. angustipennis 34 flies during the day. Onasunny June aiternoon when searching for caddises, | was fortunate to see a female imago alighting on a stone projecting above the water surface in an _ upland stony stream. She remained there for some moments with at first the tarsi of her hind legs, but later only the tips of her antennae, resting in the water. Then she tiew two or three feet into the air, and after a rapid zig-zag flight over the stream, dived straight down into the water. She cleamed silver in it owing to the air carried down on her “hairy?* wings, and with these folded, she swam quickly to the lower surface of an in- clined, submerged stone. The stream here was shallow (3 or 4 inches deep) and the current very slight. A few seconds later, when the stone with the imago on it was lifted, she had already laid some two dozen cream- coloured eggs in a fiat sheet with transparent. colourless cement be- tween them. Subsequently the eggs became buff-coloured and eventually turned orange, the colour diffusing to the cement also. The captured female was kept over- night in a kilner fruit jar in which were placed a stone, bullrushes and water: the jar was covered with muslin. securely tied down. The caddis-fly rested on parts of the bull- rushes projecting above the water. The next morning a movement of the jar caused her to come into contact with the water for a moment and she forthwith entered it head first, going to the submerged, lower surface of the stone. First, she moved her ovi- positor tentatively over the stone, then started to describe an are with the tip of her abdomen as she laid her eggs in a curved row, with their long axes parallel. As she moved her abdomen, she swayed on her legs and, at the end of the arc, stepped a little to one side. In doing so, she shifted her orientation slightly and _ this caused some confusion in the arrange- ment of the eggs at the edges of the cluster. Next, she moved her ovi- positor back along the inside of the curve, depositing another row of eggs with their long axes parallel. She continued in a similar way, moving forwards a little now and then, until over two hundred eggs had been laid in dense, concentric rows. Then she crawled to another part of the stone, laying a second patch of eggs there, but when a ee was switched on she *True hairs are found only in mammals. May 1953 moved away trom the light, returning to the first patch and adding to it before laying yet another separate patch. Then, after being totally sub- merged for 37 minutes, she crept up the stone and, when all but the abdomen was out of the water, laid a final cluster of about 360 eggs. This insect had laid a total of some 840 eggs of which about 820 were de- posited within fifty minutes and some 460 of them during continuous sub- mersion. She lived for another day and a half under aerial conditions in the jar. The precise method of respiration enabling this aerial imago to be active under water for so long a time needs further investigation. Probably the air carried down by the ‘‘hairy”’ body and wings is used, but this air may also function as a physical gill, renewing its oxygen from that dis- solved in the water. The observations noted above may be of significance in connection with the ecological distribution and popula- tion density of the species. The eggs and larvae of H. angustipennis are only found in certain streams or reaches of streams, and it is possible to interpret the behaviour of the female caddis-fly described here in terms of reactions to factors which may influence selection of sites for egg- laying and hence the occurrence of the larvae. When the antennae were dipped into the water, she may have been sensitive to the composition or temperature of the water, while the subsequent zig-zag flight may have been correlated with selection of the actual site for egg-laying. The vision of insects is imperfect, but the reaction may possibly have been de- termined by the intensity of light re- flected from the stream-bed. The speed at which the water is flowing is likely to affect her ability to reach suitable sites for oviposition and there may be a mortality of females during spates if they cannot detect and avoid this condition. There is plenty of scope for fur- ther investigation of egg-laying habits and I should be interested to hear if other insect enthusiasts can confirm this suggestion that a female caddis- fly may ‘‘examine’’ the water before ege-laying; also to hear from anyone who may observe caddis-flies entering the water, how they do it, the kind of stream used, and any other points of relevant interest, including the identity of the caddis-fily—or perhaps the specimen could be sent to me for determination. ae = AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 INSECTS IN A COAL-MINE In each of the two previous volumes of the Bulletin I have reported upon insects which I have found in a coal- mine. Last year (Bull. 11, 23) I men- tioned a micro which I believed lived and bred in the mine. It has been identified for me as Tinaea pallescen- tella Stainton* and I have kept a record of its' appearances night by night on an average of six days a week throughout 1952. The results of my persistence astonished me, for only during November was it not to be found! Members may be interested in the following extracts from my record : — JaNuARY.—T. pallescentella was found in Ramcroft mine, Derbyshire, throughout this month. They are to be found in old workings and also in another part of the pit at the end of an air tube where they assemble in larger numbers. The tube is a yard in diameter, and the micros. seem to favour the mouth of it, but also ven- ture a few feet inside. I counted twenty moths the first time I found them there and from fifteen to twenty every night throughout the month. FEBRUARY.—The Tinaea can still be found in good numbers. The count for this month is 275. Marcou.—Over 250 again counted this month. Apritu.—The count of pallescentella has been equal to March. May.—Twenty-four counted in the mouth of the air tube one day; moths never absent this month. JUNE.—Seen in large numbers every night. Juty.—Pallescentella still abundant in the air tube. Aveust.—No diminution from July numbers. SEPTEMBER.—Most nights month only five were seen. Octoser.—Only 60 Tinaea seen this month; no more than three a day. NoveEMBER.—No micros. at all seen this month. DEcEMBER.—On the first day of December I found five moths again, so I continued my trudge to the air tube every day to find moths in_ twos and threes. On the 14th I counted fourteen moths; on the 22nd, nine; on the 29th, fifteen: and on the last day of the year, ten—making a total count of 91 for December. I noticed that one of its habits is to fly in front of a light for a couple of this *Tdentification confirmed by Mr. W. H. T. Tams. 35 of yards and then dive down on to the dust. When settled there they are not easily seen, for the dust from the mine is greyish and this becomes mixed with a stone dust which is sent into the mine and makes a yellowish background which affords excellent concealment for JT. pallescentella. Careful watching is, therefore, re- quired to detect the moth, which, however, has another habit, that of moving its antennae to and fro while at rest, thus revealing its presence to the alert eye. Its flight is short and slow, but it runs fast when on the ground. I have found the micro. only in the return airways and old roads; never in the air intakes. I am, therefore, confident that it lives in the mine. The average temperature is 58° F. On February 23rd I found a beetle in the mine (later identified as Chrysoina polita): it may have been introduced in some clay. In the following list of moths, the date of capture is given by numerals showing day and month (all were caught between 11.30 p.m. and 12.30 a.m.) :— Coen OLETE . triplasia 4.8. . grossulariata 8.8. . elpenor 10.6; 15.7; 16.7; 26.7. . elinguaria 4.8; 7.8; 8.8. . capsincola 31.6; 10.8. . nictitans 13.8. . impura 17.7; 4.8; 6.8. . pallens 14.8. . strigilis 26.6. . atrata 26.6. . tremula 28.7. . chrysitis 23.7. . ota 6.8. . gamma 12.9. . ocellatus 19.6. . popult 10.6; 3.7. . lubricipeda 98. 5; 26.6; 4.7. S. menthastri 10. 6: 26.6. T. gracilis 30.4. X. monoglypha 23.7; 7.8. W. BivsieE (1679). RRASIIYOS AN WORSE | (I am sure that many members would wish me to congratulate Mr. Bilbie on his perseverance in making such consistent efforts to record the presence of the micro. We hope _to hear that some night in 1953 he has been able to trace where they are breeding. Broods would appear to be practically continuous and overlap- ping.—Ep.) 36 COLLECTING COLLEMBOLA (3) (Continued from p. 28) Facts AND FIGURES According to Kloet and MHincks (1945) the number of British s ecies of Collembola is 260, but this figure should not be taken as too accurate a guide, for several technical reasons which are beyond the scope of these notes. The approximate number of world species is in the region of 1,500. About 70 species are known to be injurious; the most notable of these in the British Isles is Hypogastrura armatus Nicolet 1841, a pest of the mushroom beds, roots. of plants and seedlings. It is quite often to be found in daffodil bulbs planted in pots by school children and in many cases watered excessively, thus pro- viding ideal conditions. A species found to infest houses in Great Britain is Seira buski Lubbock 1869, sometimes encouraged by the dampness of the house, or by the pre- vailing humidity in hilly districts, particularly in Lancashire and York- shire, also in parts of Scotland and Wales. A springtail of considerable im- portance to the welfare of the country is Hypogastrura viatica Tullberg 1872, which is indispensable to sewage works in the British Isles, by keeping clear the sewage filter beds. When an old bed is abandoned and a new bed started, it is the custom in many places to carry a few spadefuls of the old bed to the new one; the purpose of this is to ensure that the new filter bed does not become choked with various growths. I would recommend this insect as being worthy of special attention by amateurs. This is, no doubt, the most common species con- cerned with filter beds, but it should be borne in mind that other species are likely to occur there. PALAEONTOLOGY Too little study has been possible of the fossil remains of Collembola for much to be known. The best examples are found in amber, some of which go back to Oligocene times, about 45,000,000 years ago. The insects pre- served therein must have been trapped by the resin exuded from a tree and eventually completely immersed, and so preserved in excellent condition. Some Arthropold remains found in flakes of Rhynie chert from the Old Red Sandstone of Scotland are be- lieved to be the remains of Collembol- oid insects, closely resembling Collem- May 1953 bola of the extinct family Poduridae. One fossil specimen has been named Rhyniella praecursor Hirst and Maulik 1926 and a second specimen Rhyniognatha hirsti Tillyard 1928. There is considerable doubt whether they are true Collembola, as the thorax and abdomen of both specimens are unfortunately missing. If more com- plete specimens could be found it would have a profound effect on our knowledge of the evolution of the Insecta. The keys which I give below closely follow the arrangement of Linnaniemi (1912). The modern tendency is to divide and redivide beyond reason: in my opinion this is unnecessary in such a small group. A nomenclatorial point causing some difficulty to new- comers is that Linnaniemi chose the name Axelson, so as to avoid confusion should any future author use the abreviation Linn., thus confusing Linnaniemi with Linnaeus. Key to Sus-ORDERS 1. Body elongated. Head horizontal. Segments of the thorax and abdomen distinct, but abdomen iv, v and some- times_vi fused. ......... ARTHROPLEONA. 2. Body subglobular. Head vertical. Segments of thorax and abdomen fused, but abdomen v and vi usually dastinct., 3.0) eee SYMPHYPLEONA. Keys To FAMILIES OF ARTHROPLEONA. 1. Prothorax bare dorsally, nearly always membranous; usually covered by forward projecting mesonotum. Cuticle smooth or minutely granular with hairs or scales. Fureula absent (there are a few rare exceptions.) ...... ENTOMOBRYIDAE. 2. Prothorax not bare dorsally; never different from dorsal plates of other segments; not covered by projecting mesonotum. Cuticle granular or tubercular without scales. Furcula often;ahsenk, ae PoDURIDAE. Keys To FAMILIES oF SYMPHYPLEONA. 1. Antennae shorter than head; dentes usually 2-segmented; minute.... NEELIDAE. 2. Antennae longer than head; dentes not segmented; size vari- BIOS Ts. ee: eee ee SMYNTHURIDAE. I am willing to answer any queries and give any help necessary in mat- ters of determination for the cost of return postage, if-AES members write to me at 2 Clifton Close, Glodwick, Oldham, Lancashire. PeTeR R. Barratt. 3 ; j AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 37 Postscript.—I apologise for the omission of the pre-coxa on p. 17, second column, line 20. The first line of the next para. contains an error: there are, of course, six segments of the abdomen (as shown in_ the diagram.) BIBLIOGRAPHY. Carpenter, G. H. 1921. British Antarctic (‘Terra Nova’’) Expedition, 1910, Natural History Report, Zoology, Vol. Iil., No. 9, British Museum (Natural History), pp. 259-268, 1 pl. Drift, J. van der. 1951. ‘Analysis of the animal community in a beech forest floor’. Inst. v. Toegepast Biologisch Onderzoek in der Natuur. Oosterbeek. 168 pp. Freeman, J. A. 1952. lembola in the air’. Lond. (A). 27: 28. Haarlév, N. 1942. ‘‘A Morphologic-Sys- tematic-Ecological Investigation of Acarina and other representatives of the microfauna of the soil around M@rkefjord, North-West Greenland.” Kommissioner for videnskabelige un- dersggelser i Grgnland, (Meddelelser om Gr@gniand). Kébenhaven. 128: 71 pp., G) jal, WIOGine Geese) coo HIMeckKs, WW. D) 1945, “SA Check List of British Imsects’’. Stock- port. 483 pp. Linnaniemi, W. M. (Axelson, W. M.). 1907- 12. ‘‘Die Apterygoten-Fauna Finlands’’. Acta Sci. Faun. Fl. Fennica, 49 (5). Helsingfors. 511 pp., 16 pl. Lubbock, J. 1873. “‘Monograph of the Collembola and Thysanura’’. Ray Soc. Lond. 276 pp., 78 pl. Miles, P. M. 1952. ‘‘Mica Scales as a soil substitute in rearing insects’. Ent. mon. Mag., 88: 181. Tillyard, R. J. 1928. ‘‘Some Remarks of the Devonian Fossil Insects from the Rhynie Chert Beds, Old Red Sandstone’’. Trans. R. Ent. Soc. Lond., 76: 65-71. Womersley, H. 1930. ‘‘The Collembola of Ireland’. Proc. R. Irish Acad., 37B: 160-202. “Occurrence of Col- Proc. R. Ent. Soc. @ LARVAL FOOD RANGE AND POSSIBLE EFFECTS (2) (Continued from p. 30) Having considered some of the physical connections between larvae and plants, we must now turn to the chemical relationships. Here we are mainly concerned with the effect of the plant upon the colouration of lar- vae'and adults. Before doing this, however, let us see how colouration is produced in insects. Colours may be produced by :— (1) structure of parts of the cuticle; (11) pigmentation; (111) a combination of (i) and (ii). Those in group (i) are mainly due to selective reflection and refraction of light from reflecting surfaces. The iridescent colours which occur in many insects are almost all due to interference in the reflection of light from multiple thin plates.2 ® Other metallic colours may be due to the scattering of short lght waves by minute particles and diffraction of light at grooved surfaces.45°& Re- cently Anderson and Richards have shewn, by the use of the electron microscope, that horizontal plates and ribbing occurred in several species of insects which they investigated.? The many recent melanic forms which have been described in recent years belong to this group. Pigments with purine bases have not, so far, been found in many in- sect colourations. Uric acid, a white compound, is deposited between the wing membranes of the white butter- flies, Pieris spp. These compounds are formed as the result of the decom- position of nucleic acids. In the white butterflies it has been found that the white colouration is primarily due to structural features and air-spaces. How is it possible to find out whether a colouration is pigmentary or structural? If the colouration fades after death and can be changed or altered by heating or by chemical methods, then the colouration is pig- mentary in nature. If the coloura- tion remains after this treatment then a structural colouration is probably present. Structural colourations will often disappear if placed in a liquid of the same refractive index. It can- not fade or be destroyed by chemical methods. If the colouration is partly altered then the colouration will probably be of the structural and pig- mentary combination (ili). By the above methods it can be found to which group the various colourations in (111) belong. Many insects’ colours are in group (iii) and have both structural and pig- mentary colouration. To get rid of the pigmentary colourations, if they exist, bleach with hydrogen peroxide and any colour which remains will be structural. The ‘two ~ ‘or’ more colours are often different and com- bine to produce another colour: for example, in Teracolous phleqyas the red pigmentary colour with the struc- tural purple produces magenta.& In other cases one colour often masks or hides the other colour. Brief mention must also be made of the genetical side of the problem. It is well known that certain enzyme actions are regulated by genes. As an example we may take the eve coloura- tion of the famous fruit fly, Droso- phila. This example will shew how complex colouration can be. Before synthesis of the red eye pig- ment can commence,’ tryptophan AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 must be present in the body of the animal, and this is probably obtained from the larval food-plant. Before the next stage can take place a gene has to be present, which we can eall v+. If v+ is absent the colouration of the eyes will be vermilion. If present the v+ gene seems responsible for the production of kynurenine from the tryptophan. If the gene cn+ is pre- sent it causes the kynurenine to be converted to chromogen; if absent the eye colouration will be cinnabar, as well as the rest of the body. another gene bn+ is present the red eye colouration will be produced, if not brown coloured eyes will re- sult’. Three genes appear responsible for the magenta colour of Primula sinensis. These can be all present, or some missing. Seven different colours can occur as the result of certain combinations of these genes, which are either dominant or _ recessive: — magenta, red, blue, slate, nearly white, coral and pale coral.!17 Con- ditions of the above kind occur in many insects and give rise to many colour varieties, for example, Arctia caja and Abrazas grossulariata. These types of reaction are only a few of the many complicated re- actions that go on in an insect’s body which combine to give the final effect. If any one of these chemical re- actions does not occur then the organism becomes altered and in most cases death results. Add _ to this the numerous chemical reactions that take place when the insect eats and uses its food for energy and other purposes, then we have a very complex system. With this in mind we must realise that changes in colouration may not be due to food- plants but to other reactions. Therefore, experiments done by AES members can only show the way to further experiments done on a large seale, and in controlled conditions. It is only by experiments that any re- liable new information can be gained about this httle-explored subject and studies by AES members can be of great value and lead the way to fur- ther experiments which will be able to reveal the mechanisms of changes in colouration and allied effects. (To be continued.) J. P. SavipeE (2041). 17 George (1951). ‘‘Elementary genetics.” Macmillan and Co. Ltd. 39 ON BOOK REVIEWS The Editor would like members to reiiect for a few minutes about book reviews: and may he be permitted the simplicity of the first person singular ? lt was prompted to think about the subject again by a note in my post- bag which I quote in extenso:— “Object (No. 2 of the AES Rules) reads—‘ The promotion and dissemina- tion of Entomological knowledge by every means possible and particularly the encouragement among the younger generation of a keen and a broad in- terest in the science.’ “The AES depends for its future existence upon the subscriptions of the younger members and those who may become interested members in the future. “In my opinion the best way to get younger members or non-members in- terested in the Society is by literature and those members who use their time and money to write for publications are doing the best possible service to the AHS and carrying out their obliga- tions. With this in mind, I felt very perturbed when reading the criticism on ‘Transformations of Butterflies and Moths’ in the January issue of the Bulletin (p. 8). “Younger people and even older interested people reading such an on- slaught by one member (if A. E. H. is a member), on a fellow member’s en- deavour to carry out his obligations to the society as Hugh Newman has done by publishing this book, would think very seriously before becoming a member of a society whose members go to such lengths to criticise each other in print; and would no doubt Join some other society which would seem more harmonious. “May I suggest that all members look for the best of endeavours of fellow members and, if a member dis- agrees with a fellow-member’s work, he writes or speaks directly to him as a brother in affliction, rather than force his comments in the Bulletin, so that the space thus available can be used for really useful articles. ‘‘As one’ of the not so young mem- bers, I hope this advice may be of service and will be accepted in the spirit in which it is given.’’—F. BICKERSTAFF (2078).”’ I do not remember having had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bickerstaff, but I think of him as one of those who are the very marrow-bones of a good amateur society, kindly, en- 40 thusiastic and ready to help any fellow-member. Of the review in question, I should like to say three things and no more. First, neither Mr. Newman nor his publisher has complained; second, I am confident that there was no per- sonal animus in the review; third, when handling the book, I had myself felt a sense of disappointment that so handsome a volume had _ been marred for lack of perhaps another dozen hours of work upon its pre- paration. WuHy ARE BOOKS SENT FOR REVIEW? Presumably publishers send books to relevant periodicals for review be- cause it brings them to the notice of specially interested groups of people and provides a new fillip to sales some little time after the initial paid ad- vertising has ceased to have effect; and also because choice snippets of in- dependent appraisal can be quoted in ‘“‘second-round”’ advertising. How ARE REVIEWERS CHOSEN ? Reviewers are all members of the AES. I select them from the Member- ship list; or on personal advice from the Council or by my own knowledge of their likely interest in the subject matter of the book. Members often appear to be astonished at being ‘picked upon,’’? but most accept the task (and the book). Recent reviewers will forgive me when I state that. in general, I select them not because they are ‘‘experts’’?’ who will give learned judgments, but as enthusiasts who will give an amateur’s reaction. We are the Amateur HE. S. after all. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A REVIEW? The main purpose does, indeed, accord with our object. Of nearly a thousand members, perhaps two- fifths are removed from large centres of population where they could browse round well-stocked bookshops to handle the book and make a personal Professor Fungus ees 7 May 1953 judgment of its interest or usefulness to them. Nearly another fifth are Junior Members, not all of them sufficiently self-confident not to like some guidance from an older amateur. DE LIBRIS AMICI NIL NISI BONUM? Is a review then to be considered as another form of advertisement for a book; or as a frank assessment of its value to amateurs who have not had a sight of it themselves? Kindly Mr. Bickerstaff suggests that if an author is also a member of the AES we should say nothing in print which is less than praise. Do other mem- bers really feel that way? Let us imagine a reviewer receiving a book ‘‘The A BC of Insects’’ by Hack Cashin, published by Messrs Very and Respectable Ltd. He dashes off a review as follows :— “The author of this book obviously seeks to profit from the current in- crease in interest in Nature Study and particularly insects. Unfortun- ately Mr. Cashin has misunderstood most of the sources he has quarried and ludicrous errors pepper every page. To crown all, he and his pub- lishers know so little about entom- ology that they have allowed the captions of the illustrations to be re- versed and figure a Cockchafer as a Purple Emperor. We do not recom- mend any member to waste money on this book.”’ But before posting his review, he turns to his copy of the Membership List and finds Casutn, H. (gen. ent.). He is appalled. On the doctrine of De libris amici nil nisi bonum, he racks his brains and sends the un- suspecting editor the following :— “This is a quite astonishing sym- posium and remarkably illustrated.”’ Do all the other members deserve that, just because Mr. Cashin paid 12/- for membership of the AES? Comments really will be welcome. Ws Ji Bz‘. By G. S. Kloet (MLoct eared eee UR Tre Fie UN VR OT ETA a POA ee A Ys UR es Ee Printed by T. Buncle & Co. Ltd., Arbroath, and published by the Amateur Entomologists’ Society, 1 West Ham Lane, London, E.Jo. 1953. PESOS SSS SSE SSS SSE SSE SSSS SOS ESHSSSSS SSO O SESS SSE SESS HSS OSODOS SESS SOOO H HHO SHO PEDO ODODE POD I OOOOOOOOOOOSD SS Seeeeeeeseeseseeeeees oes eSeo SOO SES EOE SO POOH OHH T TOPOL OOO HOL ODE LODO SOPHO DOO H POH OH POH T OHO HOOOOOOe 2. | THE ENTOMOLOGIST | @ World’s largest circulation of any independent # entomological journal. 33 @ Founded in 1840 by Edward Newman. = @ = Enlarged to twenty-eight pages per month. 33 @ British lepidoptera covered by articles on all % the latest developments. 33 @ Subscriptions remain unaltered at 20/- per # annum. | 3 @ EFdited by a panel of leading British entomolo- % r gists. , “ | 33 @ Wants and exchange notices inserted free for # . subscribers. | baer 33 @ Fearless book reviews. Cae ; 33 @ free supplements of label-lists issued at frequent # intervals. $3 @ Independent of any society or institution, The # : Entomologist .is untied in sits policy. - @ Review articles on techniques appear at frequent # intervals. 3 a) Orders should be ‘sent to: The Entomologist, # 44 Abbey Road, London, N.W.8. 33 | THE ENTOMOLOGIST | é Pa 4 < " oe POPSO POSES OSES EEEEO OSES OOO SOS DOOS HOES HOO SOS OS OSHS SOO SHOES OOOO SOOO OOHOOOOOO OOD oe OOS OSS See ee esesesesesesoessseseseseeseessesessssedesesssesecsssesesssssesssessesssssesses te oo - 3 5 SS SHSSSHSSSSESSSSSSSSSHSSESSS SOSH HSS OS SOSES OSES OE SESS SOOOEOESEESEOSD SHHHOSESSEHSESEESSSESESEE SESE SEES SESESEOSES oe 29 SHSSSSSSSSS SES OOLESSEOSOS OS ESE OOS OS ODH DOV ODED OOO OOOO OUOOOOOESEOEe seesssesteaeenestestasesteseststeste: f ao os 33) # BEE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION $2 OFFERS THE FOLLOWING AND OTHER FACILITIES TO 33 ENTOMOLOGISTS: 33 * Use of lending library of books, journals and scientific reprints on bees ¢; * Use of library of English translations of important foreign publications 33 * Loan of Exhibitions for shows and meetings, including Exhibition 3s of photographs and photomicrographs of bees 33 PUBLICATIONS INCLUDE: 33 * Dictionary of beekeeping terms, English-French-German-Dutch (12/6 : board; 16/- cloth). 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BIGNELL PRATT, 1 West Ham Lane 33 London, E.15 | 4 sieseeseseseesessssssesesesese SSSSSSSSSSSSHSSHSS SHS SSSSSSSSESSSSS OSES SSES ESSE SESESESSESEOSEESESOVESOD : : Se SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSESHOSS tala achalasia a —* THE BULLETIN OF THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY EDITED by W. J. B. CROTCH, M.A., A.K.C. ebb OSSSSSSS505050555555555555545555555S5SSSSSShaoSoo oooh a SaaS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL SADDAM SETHE SSHSHE HS SH SEES HEHE SSE SEES SESE PELE SE EEE SEES ESE ESE ESE ESF EOE SESE ESESESESSLOEOOSD — SOPHO ESTES SSESOD OS ae ee aoe ia =) NATURE FIELD SERIES By H.TREVORJONES # St Over 700 ulustrations in full colour by B. BUTLER es 3: a :: Book 1. Wild Flowers, Grasses, Ferns, Fungi, Trees. = : : se. Book -2: Birds and Wild Animals (including Marine Mammals). :: _ ‘ :: Book 3. Insects and Spiders. ; ; og ‘= Book 4. Shore Life, Fishes, Clouds and Weather. i 3m a _H. Trevor Jones has set out both to stimulate enthusiasm and — 3 " 33 satisfy curiosity. and because of the attractive way in which the text and ni :: colour-and-line drawings are combined, can reasonably claim to have $$ a succeeded. —Nature. Se ae ee ; : s = - oe 7 =. 6s. 6d. net each or 26s. net for the four volumes in a slip-case. 33> e - ~ cad a => From any Bookseller. Write for detailed colour prospectus to: oo kg oe a = oe . oe a oe 1 BEDFORD COURT .° ee ? 77 mrs FEPSSOS EOS EL SET SESH ESSE SE ESE SOO EL HEE SEE OPO SES OLE SEEPS LEP O ESE SOLE PH PPP OOSE POS STH PSSOSS A SOSH OSES: OF ~ -o HOPS SSE HOSE LEDS ELESELELOE OOOO LESH ELLE OLED OTH OL EOE PTE OP OOOO TOL OPOPOLEES POSES SOOGSSosSOSeoose: “ oe oe —_ ee a oe < oe eo Oa — = DATA LABELS 3m 33 oo = i 3 300 1000 3 33 : 4-line Price 7/— 12/6 3 . Peay ° z Pa een ee A Reg ELL Sh ae oe :: Printed in 43 point (Diamond) type 4 $3 in multiples of 125 for one wording =< oe es = = oe 3: =" 200 Sex Signs. Price 1/- a 7 +e oo 3 Other labels as required 39 re = ofr 5 al COORTASCEO SSA 00 CORETSESSL FSORESCOSSSODDODESDCOSOEESSS SODAS SEA SERESCOSRADEEEEREE DETREI eeee SEHK SHS HSE SOEE SESE ESSE SS OS SES ESEEE LOOSE EESESHEOOOEOEEED SOP SFSSSSSESEFE SESE SSE SESS SES SES ESESOCOESESEOE SECS SES SESS E SEES EE SOE SEE ESESEEESEFE SESE SE SS FESESSPEOEEEPOPIOI Ge ee ee er ee ee Ce ne eeesee Cee nn ne ein a ke ee a oe 3 * oe = THE = NEW FOREST $3 1s famous for its excellent collecting $$ and is a grand centre for a Holiday. 4 Come ie Relax at # BALMER LAWN = HOUSE BROGKENHURST, HANTS. Apply Miss SANDY * 33 October-April, 3: May-September, Se saee eee eae £5 5 0 per week Pape od: £6 6 0 per week 38 veccccccccccocccooococooocooooooeseneeiocccccseneese oe : o robb bbb bb rdbbbb 5b bbbbbbbbbb6bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb442 So eeeeeeeeeeeseeseseoeTOS HHO OS OSES SP OFOHODOSODOD ES OOL OHH HOD HO OHH HOOD OH VO HHO HHO UH HOD POO HO OOD OOOOOOOOS 33 | THE ENTOMOLOGIST ad + oe ee. - _—~_ ee, ~ ees On; >t 553553555943 TE 000000000005 05 0060 obo eee seeSOOSOOSSSOOOSOOOOOSOSSOSOSOOSOSOSOOSSO OOO OSS ODO OSOOSESESOCESOOOOSOOOSS ¢t dyes a World’s largest circulation of any independent entomological journal. Founded in 1840 by Edward Newman. Enlarged to twenty-eight pages per month. British lepidoptera covered by articles on all the latest developments. Subscriptions remain unaltered at 20/- per annum. Edited by a panel of leading British entomolo- -eists. Wants and exchange notices inserted free for subscribers. Fearless book reviews. 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Preserving Caterpillars ac Lo Geese 0G i ooeer 21. Collecting Psocoptera ...... i. 6d eoeee Oooo a alt cS +333) 22. Collecting Lacewings ... bs ee Is Od 23. Collecting Centipedes and Millipedes ec . 6d 24: Entomology of Bird Pellets... ‘7-2. sye ds 7 25. Collecting Bumble Bees... ... ... 28 ‘Od 3 When 12 different leaflets are ordered a deduction of 10% from BS the total cost is allowed. oe All these publications are obtainable from the Honorary Pubs e lications Secretary, C. BIGNELL PRATT, 1 WEST HAM # S LANE, LONDON, E.15. A remittance must accompany the 3 order and sufficient to cover postage must be included. Postage } on one leaflet is 14, on one volume 2d. ; ae sta SESS ES SES ESS SES SESS SSS SSS ISS SS SES SSSSSSSSESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTS TESTS SST TAT oe eee ada cd dah tad tad dad dN each AS SAAS AE ALANS AALS RS ANS ISN D AIR IO OI THE BULLETIN OF THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY EDITED by W. J. B. CROTCH, M.A., A.K.C SHSSSSSSSSSOSSESOSOOOOE SSSSHSSSSSSSSSSCSOSOE es oe 3 33 ee } a oe 33 FLIES OF THE BRITISH ISLES 3 oe ’ *¢ 33 = i =e 33 $3 By CHARLES N. COLYER, F.R.E.S., in collaboration with +e oe = CYRIL 0. HAMMOND, F.R.E.S 30s. net. $3 ax : oe 33 The only work of its kind, this book gives a profusely illustrated, comprehen- $23 ~ «z= ase = : = y 2 oe 33 sive survey of all the families of British Diptera. It deals with the structure ¢- 33 and metamorphoses of flies, their life-histories and habitats, and their réle 33 $$ in Nature, and gives methods of collecting. rearing, examination and pre- $3 33 servation. 48 plates in colour. 51 half-tone plates, and 50 text figures and 39 $$ diagrams, depicting 286 representative species, from original enlarged 33 microscope drawings by C. O. Hammond, F.R.E:S. 3 oe 7 33 From any Bookseller 3 oe oe (a ee 1 BEDFORD COURT. M3. = FREDERICK WARNE & Co., Ltd. BEDFORD COURT, #2 aa 33 COCCCCCOSES OO OEOSOOOOS6 0006S SOSSS5HOOO6SOSCOOSESEEOESCEESSSOO00S0000066060506565005589084008050 pon - nN SPSSSSSSSSS SESS HSS SESSSESSESSSSSSESSOSSHESSESS SESS SS SSEOSES SESH OSOESOESEVE SSE SSSESESESSOOSCESEOCESSEOSESOS oe ee . as ee a oo i.e 33 A NEW FIELD 33 (a 33 33 :? LEPIDOPTERA f he A i 3 : I I rom the Argentine oe “ oe es pate 7 3 Ova, larvae and pupae of Saturniids, Papilio, and Morpho a 5 - * 3: Butterflies. Papered Material. Also Insects of all Orders $3 = oe a 539 Payable in Great Britain co z 3 tt Apply to: 33 7- ; oe a a oe > i F. H. WALZ i oe z 3 Reconquista 453, Buenos Aires, Argentina 39 oe - *e ee * SECTS SSSSCOFEOCE SOOOCOOOL POOPIE ELE PEELE APE ER A AE APP AE. : eee soso 88555 S885ose0ccs005css055 Fetes shoes eheesesssesossees esse eessesoeessseees SHSCCSCSCSSOSOES SOP SPSS SESSSE SESE SESE SHOES SE SEE SEE SESE SESE SS SHESESE SEE E DHE L OSES USES ELSE EE SOELEEEEOSPO EE EL ESSE SESS EEEESESOOEED enn t Re AP CUR ARESLO RLS PRRAPLALASER ERD PORES DSLASECLO SOAS CASOORCOSC ORDA CORDS EDR E ON AERO Oe OOS ee * THE NEW FOREST is famous for its excellent collecting and is a grand centre for a Holiday. Come and Relax at BALMER LAWN HOUSE BROCKENHURST, HANTS. Apply Miss SANDY October-April? 322.6. £55 0 per week May-September, @.......... £6 6 O per week * - SHE FSSSSSSSSSSESSESSEOOSEe a bbbOb544545544555444554554554Hh5SSbSo>obb bb abo DADA AAA PSSM S SHEESH SSS SESS SS EO SSS S SSS SS OSES ESL ES ESOS ESSE OS ESE SESE SOS ESOS SOS SESSOOD secvenesocnesassusonesenenaas A Wayside and Woodland Book :: POCO CES OSE TTETCSTST SPOCCECOCSCOCEOCCECCEESOS AES NOTICE WHERE TO WRITE Applications for new membership; offers: 3S to help with AES work: Exchange Notices to: E. LEwIis, 8 Parry Road, + London, S.E.25. (Wants and Ez-%3 changes Lists are circulated ines — March, May, July, and October and? notices must be received by the 15th$3 of the previous month.) a Advertisers to: L. W. SIGGS, 40 Repton 3 Road, Orpington, Kent. ate o- : se. =sa Non-arrival of Bulletins and changes ors address should be reportéd to: B. E32 J. BYERLEY, 48 Elmgrove Road, Har-% Tow, Middlesex. 33 Offers to lead Field Meetings, exhibit, +. ; étc., to: K. H. BOBE, 4/9 Hengist Road, 33 London, S.A 3 Manuscripts, drawings and books ior ee review to: W. J. B. CRotTcH, 6 Bal-3? moral Mansions, Clevedon Road, : = Twickenham, Middx. Subscriptions Ug /- per annum, 6/- fi Juniors) to: P. C. LE MASURIER, Warren Drive, Tolworth, Surrey. — a 9 a oe SCIENTIFIG METHOD: A REPLY Since I completed my series of articles on scientific method I have met with certain criticism which, for the most part, accuses me of excessive impersonalism and lack of imagina- tion. But first of all, I would like to point out that these articles were in- tended to be a purely practical con- tribution to the ideas on scientific method which have been voiced at varfous times in the Bulletin. I was not intending to give the impression that an insect was only a machine after all; but for certain purposes of scientific research the insect may be regarded as a machine, and I main- tain that I am perfectly justified in this view. Mr. Brangham, in the January issue, gave us a picture of the research worker as a stupid old fool, getting his beard caught in his calculating machine and constantly arriving at misconceptions, whereas the ‘“‘un- scientific entomologist’’ strode happily through the world, unhampered by knowledge, and in fact a much wiser and sagacious fellow. As I am a re- search worker myself, much in the company of scientists, I find this idea rather curious. It is my experience that a strict discipline of mind does not, in fact, stultify the imagination, but rather stimulates it by giving it reality. It is always rather satisfying to feel that, however far-fetched an idea may sound, it can always, if necessary, be put to proof. Mr. Brangham condemns the sug- gestion that one should ever put one’s ideas to proof. To regard one’s insects purely as things of beauty and of wonderfully intricate construction is a perfectly legitimate view, and such an attitude has its place in the field of natural philosophy; but it is quite wrong to suggest that it is the only proper one, and the scientific view 1s foolish and pedantic. I am quite sure that in his study of insects Mr. Brangham makes use of keys and text-books compiled by the patient research of scientists, in which case his condemnation of the scientific attitude 1S an inconsistency. Dr. Fraser brings forward a similar point, in regarding as_ sophisticated No. [5] JULY 1953 = BULLETIN _ and unrealistic any attempt to re- duce living things to the level of such basic terms as chemistry, physics and mathematics. He contends. that animals possess a mysterious ‘‘ some- thing’? which must not be meddled with or speculated upon. However, even the properties of life itself are being probed by drawing analogies between a living cell and a steam engine, and applying extensions of the laws of thermodynamics! The fact that cold, impersonal reasoning can be combined in the same person with the highest level of philosophical thought and apprecia- tion of beauty is seen in most of the greatest scientists. To mention a few names of recent years — D’Arcy Thompson, Karl Pearson, Sir Gowland Hopkins, Sir Arthur Eddington, each had a wonderfully wide grasp of the application of his science to the general assemblage of natural pheno- mena, and yet when studying a speci- fic problem each took it in isolation and impersonally reduced it to fundamental terms’ of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. In fact, Sir Arthur Eddington found it quite easy to combine his fundamental re- searches in that most awe-inspiring of natural sciences—astronomy, with a deep religious experience, as is well seen in his paper ‘‘Science and the Unseen World’’, read as the Swarth- more Lecture before the Yearly Meet- ing of the Society of Friends in 1929. It is quite possible, and, indeed, a frequent occurrence, for a scientist to become so engrossed in minutiae as to lose sight of the beauty and won- derment of the phenomena which sur- round him. A butterfly or a flower ceases to be primarily a thing of beauty and becomes merely a name, or a Specimen pinned in a cabinet. But surely this is up to the individual. When one looks at the history of biology, one sees that up to about 1800 very little experimental work had been done. From then on some progress was made. _In 1824 Prévost and Dumas showed that contact of eggs and sperms was the prelude to fertilisation. In 18388 and _ 1839 Schleiden and Schwann postulated that most plants and animals are com- posed of cells. As late as 1850 argu- 50 ments were still going on amongst the highest authorities on the sub- ject of spontaneous generation. The seclence of genetics did not get under way until the beginning of this cen- tury. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that many rather quaint ideas about living things still remain as a legacy from this not-so-distant past. Biology is passing the stage where it records details about the life histories and external appearance of plants and animals (that is to say the descrip- tive stage) and scientists are enter- ing upon a stage of abstractions, theories and generalisations concern- ing life itself. Tf we are to keep pace in our studies of entomology with the general pro- gress of science, we must discard all these preconceived ideas that living things are something unique amongst the general assemblage of natural phenomena. Dr. Fraser asked me for a definition of life, so I will quote one of the best authorities of the. present day, Professor J. Z. Young. ‘‘Life is characterised by activities and | processes and by the particular mole- cules that are engaged. Different types of life involve different processes, and each sort of life therefore pro- duces certain types of molecules and certain visible structures. Specifica- tion of these chemical and _ visible units that we can abstract from the living organism is at present our only means of studying the system as a whole.”’ P. L. Brapiey (1360). A COLEOPTERIST’S HANDBOOK We are pleased to report that the response to our appeal for promises to buy copies of the next AES Handbook was very good, both from within and outside the membership of the Society. The Council has, accordingly, decided to go ahead with this venture. If all goes well, ‘‘A Coleopterist’s Handbook’? may be available for Christmas. Please do not waste your money and ours in sending enquiries to the Publications Secretary or Editor. We shall announce when it is ready for distribution. JULY 1953 USEFUL OR NOT? 1 often wonder how far useful hints recorded in the Bulletin by their inventors are actually adopted by other members and become part of their entomological routine. I think it would be a good thing if those members who try out a new idea carefully and find it useful would write and give their results. To try a new thing 1s a bit of trouble. To write it up, having tried it, is still more trouble. But good ideas must be given their meed of praise for the general good. For example :— (a) In January 1949 (Bulletin 8, 3) C. Renfrew (1507) recommended balsa wood for setting boards. I adopted this idea at the time and it is a boon, especially for small moths and micros which require very small pins. Mr. Renfrew improved on the idea later, by getting block balsa wood cut to the right size, with a groove made by a rabbeting plane. He gave me some when I came to Jordan, and I would not be with- out them. In fact, I have had block balsa wood sent out and made many more. The sandpapering must be properly done. To enable the wings to slip up more easily, I stuck cellotape (Selotape) strips on the boards either side of the groove. This worked quite well in the winter, but in the summer, once or twice, a micro’s wing stuck to the cellotape when being taken off the boards. I think that the adhesive had worked through a previous pin- hole. A dust over with tale powder before setting another lot on the same board might prevent this. This snag might not occur in the cooler climate of England. (b) In April 1950, 2+ was Mr. Renfrew again who described a ‘“‘pin- cushion’’ (Bulletin 9, 30). This proved very much worth while when I was doing my own setting and very easy. When unsetting I simply stuck the lill pins into a strip of balsa wood and they were ready to be picked up in the right position for the forceps, when required. (c) In August 1951 (Bulletin 10, 90) A. L. H. Townsend (1691) in an almost casual note at the end of a letter seems to have solved many of my re- laxing difficulties. He recommended sawdust, water, naphthaline and creosote. Having no creosote, a few crystals of thymol seemed just as satisfactory. As, however, thymol AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 was so expensive here, I now use a drop of origanum oil, which is locally produced and which was given me as a sample. This has a little thymol in it with another phenol called carva- crol, and certainly keeps mould away from the specimens. Without it, mould appeared almost at _ once. Green moths fade if left in this relax- ing tin for any length of time. Here in Jordan, I find that if imagines are left too long in the tin, brittleness of the legs develops, even though the wings can be put in place without difficulty. But, of course, specimens should never be left in the relaxing tin too long. Trevor Trovucut (1373). r) ANOTHER ACCESSORY How do you take your insects out of the killing-bottle? Do you just up- end the bottle, and shoot them out in a Shower of plaster-crumbs, and a mist of scale-dust? (This, of course, refers to Lepidoptera.) Or do you, perhaps, fish in the bottle with finger and thumb, haul them out one by one, brush the scale-dust off your fingers, and leave it at that? I hope you do not use either of these barbarous - methods, but use forceps; for fingers and thumbs are definitely not good for Lepidopterous wings. The ordinary steel forceps, in com- mon use for handling pinned insects, are not really satisfactory for grasping unpinned ones, for the grooves and ridges in the jaws may easily break legs or antennae or even produce floppy, unwanted ‘‘ailerons’’ on wings. Forceps gentle enough to handle even the smallest butterflies and moths can be made in a few minutes. I have three of them, of different sizes, and find them exceed- ingly useful. They are cut from thin, springy brass, but fairly stout tin will do quite well. The largest, used chiefly for fishing insects out of the killing-bottle, is cut from a strip 9” long by 3” wide. The medium one, very useful for holding the insect for pinning, needs a strip only 6” by 3”; and the smallest a strip 43” by 3”. Exactly central lines, AB and CD, are scratched on the strip of metal, and the points E, G, F and H are also marked, half an inch on either side of the central line CD. Now cut away with the scissors, or tin-snips, the parts shown shaded in the sketch, leaving the ends A and B rather less than 34” wide; and leaving the central portion, EGHF, the full width of 51 the strip. (Note that the length of RE and Gh ie. is thesame: mm all three sizes of forceps.) Lay the cut strip on the table. place an ordinary round pencil squarely across it, along the line CD; and then, holding the pencil firmly down with one hand, bend up the strip with the other so as to bring A and B exactly together. Hold them thus, and pinch the strip firmly and closely round the pencil. Remove the pen- cil, round off the tips A and B neatly with the scissors (holding them both together while you do this) and you will have spring-forceps so gentle that you can handle even very small moths 52 JULY 1953 with the minimum of damage. Also, if you should drop them and step on them, they can be easily straightened out and made as good as new—which is far from being the case with steel forceps. A. L. H. TownsEnp (1691). REARING THE SPURGE HAWK- MOTH Ova of D. euwphorbiae were obtained from a dealer last summer and fed from the start on Cypress Spurge. The young larvae were black in colour, with rather a short tail. They fed up rather slowly until the first moult, but after- wards were always ravenous. At each moult, the larvae became more and more bright in colour, yellow and white predominating on a black background. I had no trouble with them until the last instar. The larvae by this time were truly magnificent. They were mainly black, with red stripes and white and yellow spots and stars. No picture does justice to their colouring. At this time, some trouble occurred | in the rearing. I found that if a larva fell off its foodplant, it tended to re- main at the foot of the plant, rather than climb back. If put back, it started feeding again, but often fell off once more. Whether I was just un- lucky or whether this is a common habit, I cannot say. Further trouble occurred at pupation time. As some of the larvae fell to the ground, it was difficult to tell whether or not they were ready to ‘‘ go down,’”’ and I am afraid one or two died of starvation as a consequence. The larvae did better sleeved on growing food than on cut food, and they did not relish changing foodplant. This occurred when the supply of Cypress Spurge became rather low, and Petty Spurge had to be substituted. After a lot of wandering about, they finally consented to eat it. Nine pupae were eventually obtained, four of which emerged in October as a re- sult of forcing, and five of which are lying over. The moth itself lives up to the standard set by the larva, and is truly beautiful. The rose, brown and white wings and the brown and white fur harmonise very well. It is a pity that this lovely species is not more than a migrant to these shores. C. J. Taynor (2055). WORK ON THE ELEPHANT HAWK MOTH Reference to Stainton’s ‘‘ Manual of Butterflies and Moths’’ will reveal that the range of the Elephant Hawk Moth, then styled Chaerocampa elpenor, was very well known even so long ago as 1854. Moreover it was regarded as common at most of the localities where Stainton’s observers were resident, even abundant at Bir- kenhead and Scarborough, but ab- sent from Darlington, Glasgow, Edin- burgh, Oxford, Peterborough, Rams- gate, Winchester, Worcester and Worthing. Why these towns were avoided is difficult to guess, although it is possible that the omission was due more to the insect collectors than the insects. Meyrick in his Hand- book of 1895 stated that Deilephila elpenor Ts. was common throughout England, infrequent in Scotland. South in ‘‘Moths of the British Isles’’, 1907, dismissed the species as ‘pretty common’’. It would seem then, that we are travelling on well trodden ground and that little more is to be learned about it. Some entomologists are apt to ignore all Lepidoptera as too much studied. but it is probable that there is still a great deal to be learned and said about even the commonest Macrolepi- doptera. Many writers have stressed the importance of recording the effects of weather and vegetational changes on insect population. Dr. B. P. Beirne (Ent. Gaz., Vol. 3, p. 174) has also stressed the need for co-or- dination of these observations. He stated that work on even one species might be of great significance, the ultimate value depending upon the zeal, accuracy and honesty of the in- dividual workers. Perhaps. under the circumstances, we should take all three for granted. With all this in mind it was de- cided to begin work on the Elephant Hawk Moth, which is apparently eminently suited for our purpose. It is attractive to amateur entomologists (and they are the. people who count in this project) it is common every- where and it is easily found by the youngest tyro, at least in the larval stage. Moreover it is of a size which makes it good material for labora- tory as well as field experiments. E. B., Poulton in,.“* The * Colours _ of Animals’’, 1890, pn. 258. gives it an honourable mention. It is_ large enough to exhibit measurable indivi- duality in its reactions to stimuli, ac- AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 customed or unfavourable, and _ so give proof that it is not a mere machine (thus retarding the develop- ment of a too materialistic outlook in the youthful observer—the modern tendency deplored by Lt.-Col. F. C. Fraser). Its fondness for a _ plant which will apparently grow on any type of soil in any locality is another point in its favour. It seemed, therefore, a simple mat- ter to set in operation an organisa- tion for recording permanently the fluctuations in time and space of the selected insect, with a view to corre- lating incidence, abundance and eco- logical factors. The Geographical Provinces were worked out by Mr. Watson in his ‘‘Cybele Britannica’’, and, using these divisions, Mr. W. F. Kirby published in ‘‘The Entomo- logist’s Weekly Intelligencer’, No. 165, Nov. 26th, 1859, a thorough list of the divisions frequented by all the Sphingidae. This does not, however, give the degree of abundance or rar- ity, and this is the factor with which we are most concerned. Accordingly a form was circulated in the Autumn of 1952 to a limited number of AES members, who indi- cated in the 1952 Membership List that they were interested in Lepidop- tera. The names were chosen at ran- dom, but a ‘‘fair sample’’ was taken. The response was only lukewarm: 50% of those approached failed to re- ply at all. 30% apologised for nega- tive replies. From the remainder it was possible to glean the information that D. elpenor I. was rare in the extreme North and South, common in the Midlands near industrial centres. The main question asked was ‘‘How many elpenor larvae did you find in 1952”? and that is the factor on which we intended to base our population density figures. Mr. D. Moore (1248) of Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, found none. However, Mr. N. V. Harwood (825) of Guisborough, N. Yorks., found 13 larvae. Members in the Midlands were lucky. Mr Green (2043) of the Wirral found 3, Mr. J. P. Savidge also of the Wirral found 0. Mr Kennedy (20) of Leeds had 3 brought to him. Master Skidmore (1705*) of Shaw, Lancs., found ‘‘about 20”. Mr. W. Bilbie (1674) of Clay Cross, Derbyshire, found only 2, while Mr. J. H. Johnson (1040) of 2 miles away found 72. Miss B. Hopkins (827) of Kirton, Lincs., had 6 larvae taken to her for naming. Mr. Kearn (2100) of Wolverhampton found 6. 53 Michael A. Cornes (2126) of Burton- on-Trent found 26. Mr. Ransom of Bury St. Edmund’s, Mr. Chitty of Hastings, Mr. F. H. Lyon of Tiver- ton were unable to record seeing even iP ilanvas ore" AGP. Major sCliall7) searched for galls without noticing any elpenor. Mr. D. Heppell (1690) found 1 larva at Leysdon, Hants., but this was ‘‘stung’’ by some Tachi- nid fly and died. These results are more or less hap- hazard and therefore of no scientific value whatever, but, with a few pre- cautions, they might have had some scientific significance. In order to obtain this desirable objective I would, in all humility, suggest that members, who would like to help, should select an area, close enough to their re- sidence to be easily observed, where willowherb flourishes. Having selected their locality then make a search of exactly one hour’s duration during one evening in the last week of August and take every elpenor larva which they find. These larvae should be reared carefully and a note made of the percentage of those of green coloration, and those ‘‘stung’’ by parasites. Later on these discoveries should be sent to me for comparison with the other records. Tf no larva ‘is found in one hour, the searcher can continue until the time required to find one larva is dis- covered, then we have a chance to find out the degree of rarity in that area. Tt will be seen that my aim is to put into practice many of the sug- gestions which are airily put forth by the men of thought. If we can de- vise a standard method for measur- ing the population density of one species of insect, we may be able to extend our survey further. For in- stance the Small Phoenix, Hcliptop- tera silaceata Schiff., is often found with D. elpenor. Comparison of numbers of these two species in a season may reveal the needs of two widely differing species. Some members of the group bred numbers of the larvae from eggs, mainly to investigate the dimorphism. Mr. Levett (1867) believes that in captivity the larva invariably assumes the brown coloration. John F. Reid (1828) believes that the degree of light to which the larva is exposed influences considerably the colour of its skin. They hope to continue their experiments this year. Mr. Levett also noticed that older larvae failed 54 to assume the ‘“‘terrifying position’’ Were they becoming domesticated, that is had they ‘‘learned’’ that_there was no danger in the cage? Refer- ence to H. Spurway’s article in ‘‘New ‘Biology’, 13, ‘‘Can Wild Anima!s be kept in captivity ?’’ would suggest that they did. There are many other pro- blems in behaviour which could be in- vestigated. It is a good thing to duplicate experiments in_ widely separated areas, providing the re- sults are pooled within a reasonable time. Please let me emphasize that these are only suggestions. I welcome any comments or criticisms. Of course I should welcome even more any at- tempts to work the plan outlined and fill in the questionnaires which we hope to distribute later. J. H. Jownson (1040). s APPARATUS FOR DRAWING There appears to be a general need for a cheap and easily ~ constructed piece of apparatus that will facilitate the drawing of the objects of our study. I have tried to meet this requirement with a simple camera lucida mounted on an adjustable wooden stand which when dismantled forms a neat carry- ing case. I hope the figures will help other members to make their own. The camera lucida (A) consists of a cardboard tube some 43” long and of an internal diameter to take a simple lens (L) with a magnification approx. x2. (In the model described a ‘““Powerful Pocket Magnifier’, 2/6 from a multiple store, was used. It has a diameter of 13” and magnifies x21.) The lens is fitted into one end of the tube and is retained in place by two cardboard rings. At the other end of the tube, which is closed with a dise of card, a piece of thin glass (M) is placed in it at an angle of 45° and is fixed with plastic cement. This piece of glass may be rectangular and need not be shaped to fit the tube, but it must be fitted accurately at 45° to the length of the tube; otherwise all the drawings will be elongated. A microscope slide is excellent for this purpose; but some types of window glass reflect from both surfaces and produce a double image. Suitable glass may be ob- tained from any photographie stores. On opposite sides of the tube, holes (N) must be cut so that we may see fairly through the glass. The upper one need not be as large as the lower JULY 1953 one (as the dotted lines in the diagram indicate): I made mine of 1” and 12” diam. respectively. The inside of the tube should be painted dead black or lined with black paper. If a tube of the required diameter is not to hand, one may be constructed with brown paper and flour and water paste, which dries much harder than gum or glue and is much cleaner to handle. The stand consists of a box (B) 7” x 11” and deep enough to take the camera lucida. A slot (K) 2” wide is cut out of one side to take a 3” x 1” bolt fitted with a wing nut (H) which holds the adjustable upright (EK). This upright (E), which 1s 10 ‘ong. also has a er slot in which slides another bolt (J) carrying block (G). A piece of thin wood (F) 5” Soe Eis fixed ‘to block (G) and carries the camera lucida which is secured with an elastic band. (C), which is actually the lid, is fixed when in use by means of two bolts through holes drilled in the end of the box. s corre Write for details to the Director: 33 : a os ; ‘ ; e+ = oe . ri ’ a =n r = oe 8 Dr EVA CRANE, 55 NEWLAND PARK, HULL, YORKS 33 4 oe s J oe Ge ae ee ei, oe Digiistittittsssrssssessstesreiteeeesteeseeereestresteereetire ESSSSetSSSattSSSceSeCeeeSS SSS Sa ees ea a » - ~ t & x f vv 5 we J z R BS 999000000000 00000000 20000 FFe Cor eeer OOH FO EESES OOO SEE OEPOSESOOOOSOSOS OOS I SSOP OP SSOOOE DID FOSOPOOOUO POMS 55 Ca CLEC SURES SOCCCOLEOSCCOOCOO® >9 9999999959999 99999999999 OOP OO POOP OPIS SOPOT EOE O TSS POL LILES LTA L SSIS RSE SS Pt @ | AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGIST | aes pee f illustrated with photographs and line Gravanes) 3s —# Volume 9 “Practical Methods and Hints # m8 : for Lepidopterists 33 fee ~CSCSS Contains articles. on— = Collecting Caterpillars Breeding Cages for Macrolepidoptera ( describing 33 «38 ~ways of making a cage ) 33 Making a Beating Tray (describing six different 33 foe kinds of tray ) 33 i oe Price 5s. . 33 == LO Member ( quoting membership number ) 3s. 6d. 33 Be. i Postage 2d. extra per volume, from 33 -# = CC. BIGNELL PRATT, 1 West Ham Lane = eee | London, E.15 $3 wa) oe . ery of 9a ab e PVT TT TTT TTT TTT TTT ETSI TT TESS SESS 5 555555555555555H5H5HHHHH5HHHHHHHHHHHH5H5HHHSHSSSHS5H. SPOSCOSOSHOHSOS OOOOH OO® SOSHSSSHSHOSSSHSHSSSSOSOSSSHSSH SOS SOOO HHHSHSOGOO OO SOS POSH OOOO SOD OOOO OS OO OOOD ** -.? a SHE SSESSSSSESESSEESESESEEEEOEOED -o4 SESS S OSTEO SHE SS OSS E THESES SEH EOESESESESESEEEEOD Seeeeeseceeeseseoseeseeses @ BSE ESSE ESOL E ELE EE EEE ES ESE ESOL EL ELEL EEL ELEE ET EL EET TEP ETE LEE PTFE TTT E EPP TPEOPTPHPOPPPTTOPPPPPOOE? 7 ; ' 23332 | ENTOMOLOGIST’S i | GAZEFFE + ° L ere i A Quarterly Jourunt Devoted to : ~ British Entomology | sengnaasssssszstaaaasssssssttttassszzsss * < 2 ¢ * x 3 Well illustrated by coloured and plain plates and text = figures. ae ti fin $6666 J be oo dt Do dededdnd - ¢: "9 vy Ns Pale 4 THT OY tA i | 4 = Deals with all Orders of British Insects and with- all 3 subjects of importance to the Entomologist. + ° pad, = nef r assssstsssstst + * lane . va i 3333 ie sssssseess a3 Subscription 20/- per year. pees o . Na a eeees = Edited by E. W. Classey, F.R.E.S., with the assistance 33 of a panel of well-known entomologists. AS a aml 4 FREE SAMPLE COPY will be sent on application to:— ait i, ao oe ENTOMOLOGIST’S GAZETTE, # 91 BEDFONT LANE, FELTHAM, MIDDLESEX. e ~ PS eeeesessessesessessestssecsesersessestsstssestsstssssc? SESS SSSESS SHHEEHSESEOOOD POSSE SESS SES ESSE SE SESS SESE SESE SE SESE ESSE ESE SS SCE SESE ESE SESE SESES SHHESECOCESOOOD THE BULLETIN OF THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY EDITED by W. J. B. CROTCH, M.A., A.K.C. PESTS SSISSSSSSSSSSSSOSS SOTTO SS EOR ETO Teer 55555555555555S55S4S5HHSSSS5SSSSSSS4 SESSSIRSSSESSIOLSILASSILPSS SSIS SSS SES Soy PoSssSeessssseseeeeessTeseTeessesssesee sees T ist oe - i i oe 7 = A Wayside and Woodland Book ‘AES NOTICE , | The Freshwater Life | _ a i e Freshwater Life WHERE TO WRITE $3 of the British Isies . Membership applications, offers of help, $: 33 vant: hange notices (for 3 TI By ioe CE eet NEMS. es pres ie october ae Rep An HSS) SATION SDR EHS CLG EELS UU ESN ELL be received by 5th of previous 33 brates of Ponds, Lakes, Streams and month) to: E. Lewis, 8 Parry Road,¢ 33 Rivers deals with every aspect of London, S.E.15. 33 = freshwater life in a systematic manner. | 4qyertisers to: L. W. SIGGS, 10 Repton 30 $3 “No other books fill quite the same Road, Orpington, Kent. ta oe S “ $3 place in the field naturalists’ affections | changes of address and non-arrival of $3 $3 as the ‘Wayside and Woodland’ series,{ — Bulletins to: B. L. J. BYERLEY, 48 Elm-¢3 $3 and a warm welcome will certainly be grove Road, Harrow, Middlesex. $3 accorded to the present volume, which | Offers to lead Field Meetings, exhibit,22 : ae ¢¢ forms a pleasant and comprehensive etc., to: K. H. BOBE, 19 Hengist Road, 3: guide to the flora and fauna (chiefly London, S.E.12. oe $3 invertebrates) of our island waters ...| Manuscripts, drawings and books for: 33 It should arouse a new interest in review to: W. J. B. CROTCH, 6 Bar 33 bore z moral Mansions, Clevedon Road, oa ete life.” —Couniryside. Twickenham, Middz. $¢ With 16 colour plates, 51 half-tones, and $3 95 line illustrations. 21s net. oe Detailed prospectus available. : 2 Seu Subscriptions (12/- per annum, 6/- forss Juniors) to: P. C. LE MASURIER, 83 Warren Drive, Tolworth, Surrey. 3: FREDERICK WARNE & Co. Lid- a matters to: SS. M. HANSON, ; ones a Gunnersbury Park, London, W.5. 33 1 BEDFORD COURT, LONDON, W.C.2. : *y oe S- #F 500000 0000000000000000000000000 008 eo ee SOeeoe 0090000000000 0 00S OOOOOOOSOOSOSESOOOSSEOSOSTOSOSOS® Cees eee eee esses eee sis csessseseesisscsseseessassecsesssccscesassseeseses assesses eee eeeeeeeeeeees Os COPSESESOOSSSESOFO ESO SEDO SOOO ESO SOOS OOOH OS ESOSE LODO SOHO EOEO SE SOOOOEFOES SOOO SOOO OOPOO EDP CODE ODPOOOS gg OO SOOSSSESO SOO SEO OPE SHE SESOES OSE E OED OSES ESOS ODE SO SOOO SOO SOS OSO ES OOES ODO OOOO SOE OHOSE SOO GOS ESOL OOOOH ODOOOD 4, Fee ba et ee eee : : Fee OM Ht y TD a ANEW FIELD E 33 ~ LEPIDOPTERA from the Argentine | 3 $3 Ova, larvae and pupae of Saturniids, Papilio, and Morpho $4 . Butterllies. Papered Material. Also Insects of all Orders 33 Payable in Great Britain rien Apply to: } F x F. H. WALZ 33 Reconquista 453, Buenos Aires, Argentina 33 500 1000 — 4-line ...... Price 7/— 12/6 33 Printed in 43 point (Diamond) type ( ae ave / / - “8 AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 The insects are charmingly eccentric to watch and handle. It seems that the eyes are not much used in connec- tion with locomotion. The long fine anteinae are moved, singly or in unison, through sweeping arcs (per- haps to sense obstructions or fresh food) and the forelegs are edged tenta- tively into the ‘‘unknown’’ until they find purchase. The most slender sup- port will do, and the leg or antenna of another stick insect will provide a hold, so that a tangled pile of imagines can often be found in the breeding cage, making the occasional task of changing the foodplant a tricky pro- cess, 1f mutilations are to be avoided. This standing on one another’s legs is also a feature of the copulatory atti- tude. The male places his two leading pairs on the femora of the female s second and third pairs of legs. He grips her abdomen with his hind pair. Her abdomen is curved sharply upwards, while his makes a half-circle and effects conjunction from under- neath. Since copulation takes place after nightfall, it is only the lucky switching on of a room light which may enable one to see a pairing. The insects give off a heavy and sweet perfume when disturbed and this is picked up by one’s skin if the insects are allowed to walk on one’s hands. A female macklottt might well be a pleasing hair-ornament for a lady AES member going to a dance —and provide just a touch of scent behind the ears into the bargain. They thrive in a cylinder cage, with little ventilation, in what may con- veniently be described as a ‘kitchen climate,’’ Falls of temperature to 40° F. can be tolerated, but they should not be left by a window through the winter. Their life-span is a little more than a year (ignoring the three to six months spent in the egg). They are not ravenous eaters and their frass is quite dry and rather aromatic. If i a good sprig of rhododendron is placed | In a water-jar in the cage, they may be left unattended for a fortnight— quite a consideration when one is going on holiday! W. J. B. Crotca (1181). *Whereas C. morosus is normally par- thenogenetic and males are very rare. See Bulletin 11, 18. 63 MEMBERSHIP Mr. L. W. Siggs’ note on member- ship (p. 47) and a letter from Mr. E. Lewis earlier in the year have com- bined to set me writing the few notes below. I am a schoolteacher and encourage my pupils to take an active interest in Nature Study and especially in the insect kingdom. This encouragement takes the form of informal meetings of the school Field Club once a week throughout term time. At_ these meetings boys bring along their find- ings and captures and I do my best to give identifications, through neces- sity somewhat approximate, and some interesting information. If the boys happen to have brought nothing then I can usually produce some specimens to discuss. The AKS is stressed as a valuable source of help and contacts with people of similar interests. In the summer term coach trips are made to good localities, most of which are out of easy cycling reach of the junior members. The boys pay part cost of the coach and school funds pay the rest. Sometime early in the autumn term my notice board and classroom doors were bedecked with the AES Prospectus, several Bulletin covers, a sample Bulletin, a membership form and a list of AES publications. Later on in the same term, I suggested that a useful Christmas present would be the cost of the AES junior member- ship and that the suggestion might profitably be passed on to aunts and uncles. What results so far as the AES is concerned ? My first campaign, in 1951, was timed a little too late; it appeared that ‘present money’ was already booked up. With_ better timing in 1952, six boys joined in January. I sent all the application forms up together (including a spell- ing mistake which brought down upon me some administrative frowns), thus causing Mr. Lewis to declare that this mass enrolment was a piece of AES history. Three other boys wanted to join. but their parents thought otherwise. One more lad joined a few weeks ago and an eighth has just asked for an enrolment form. Thus my campaign has produced seven, pos- sibly eight, new members this year. The true results will be seen next year. when subscriptions have to be re- newed. If all these lads renew, then I shall have been successful. How about other schoolteacher members beating my figures? R. S. Georee (1402). {| i 64 AUGUST 1953 REVIEWS Butterfly Farmer by L. Hugh Nev- man. Pp. 208 with index; 68 phates. 9 Jline-drawings. Phoenix House, London, 1953. Price 16/-. The author needs no introduction. This latest book of his is full of in- teresting reading, gives an insight into the methods of breeding and rearing insects in captivity, and throws light on some of the setbacks which one must expect to encounter when either breeding or attempting to establish a species in a new locality. The book gives the history of the Butterfly Farm at Bexley. from its infancy until the present day. and describes many of Hugh Newman’s experiences as well as those of his father, whom so many of us knew so well, especially in the auction roou.s I feel that this publication will be of great assistance and interest to many, especially the younger entom- ologists and those who are hoping to breed their own specimens. It should fire the youngsters with enthusiasm to take the many risks of breeding insects. The photographs are good. Those of Lord Rothschild and Tring bring memories to many of us, and those of the Butterfiy Farm and _ breeding apparatus, etce., will give assistance to others. This is a well written confidently recommended. book and Fr. B @ Nature’s Way, by L. Hugh Newman and Walter J. C. Murray. 236 pp.., 32 pp. photographs. Country Life Ltd. Price 25/-. The form of this book will not please everyone, but it has much to recom- mend it. Each chapter deals with an aspect of the animal world from “Birth’’ to ‘‘Death,.’’ each section of Professor Fungus SO TABANIOS ARE ATTRACTED BY PERSPIRATION! a chapter being headed with a ques- tion which the section purports to answer. It is, of course, impossible to achieve this end in the space avail- able. Even three pages allotted to ‘“‘How do animals go _ courting?”’ leaves volumes unsaid. To some, these questions will be a little irritating and appear unnecessary. To a discriminating reader who is approaching. natural history anew, howerer, these questions will suggest many fields of investigation and one can imagine an adolescent, school work permitting, being encouraged to start on many a new field of explora- tion and discovery. The more mature field naturalist will find that browsing among the questions will revive memories and start speculation which will provide entertainment for many a winter’s evening. This book deserves a place on the bedside bookshelf. The photographs are up to the high standard one expects in Country Life publications. The preponderance of entomological examples. both in the text and in the photographs will be an added recommendation for AES mem- bers. i. WS: ° PROFESSOR FUNGUS Qur members will, we are sure. be glad to know that Mr G. S. Kloet (yes! He is the famous Kloet of ‘‘Kloet and Hincks’’?) has drawn a whole new set of cartoons for us. which wil figure as tailpieces to the Bulletin each month, unless space is just too tight to permit. It is probably unnecessary to remind members (but all the Juniors may not © know) that such drawings are copy- right and neither the cartoons nor the idea of Professor Fungus may be used without permission. By G. S. Kloet | ADDR AAM AMMA LAA AAAD ics 7 Printed by T Buncle & Co. Ltd., Arbroath, uid published by the Amateur Entomologists Society, 1 West Ham Lane. London, E.15. 1953. THE SOCIAL INSECTS -O. W. RICHARDS bone of Ean Ss most distinguished entomologists writes a deeply interesting book on bees, wasps, ants and termites. “Warmly commended.’?—J ULIAN Huxuey. i thoronghly ‘scientific .....-: striking, astonishing photo- graphs.’’—Witson Mipeiey (John 0’ London’ Se S “This fascinating book.’’—Irish Times. Illustrated. 15s. e ee ; | , MACDONALD P ‘ se | if, . ee: LC ifr ; x POPCPCeO SO OOEOEL EOE OIESEOESE TOS >ESEEESESESES ESSE SOROS ESOEOSOEOEOEESESELOSOROSOLODEOOIE 2090060000 0009 0% : Becrececesesesececsersoees ee PEOPEEES OSES ESO OOSESOSSESOOSEOO DOD OOOO OSS SO ESE OSS SOOO ORO HOOF DE SOS O OOOO SS | Ta 33 THE : 5 | AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGIST (illustrated with photographs and line drawings) |. 3 Volume 9 “ Practical Wedheds end Hints wage for Lepidopterists : 3 y oe ee - Contains articles on— ie Ee iliccuny Caterpillars : SOOSCOSHOOOD piecing Cages for Meccolpidaptera (describing - en ee, 38 ways _ of making a cage) — Ain . | Making a Beating Tray (describing six different $3 kinds of tray) : rie Et, Price 5s. | 33 s To Member ( quoting membership number ) 3s. 6d. 33 i Postage 2d. extra per volume, from 3 C1 BIGNELL PRATT, 1 West Ham Pene. 3 i: London, ss) eae | ee POCO Dacca nese c ce cece Cece Secs eecoceccuseseseeeesesececeuecosoeenseeeoeseesooes erere POOC000S00 500000 0SSOOOOO OOO OS SSE COO OOS ODL OOOO OOP PPOOOOO OD PPPS OOSOOS OOS OSSOOOOOOS ONS a ae SHSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHSSSSSSSESSSFESSSESHSSSSSSSES OSHS SOSE OES ESESOS OSES SSS FESEESEESEEOSOSD eee eoeecesees SA DADA AADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAAAAD AAA bh bb bbb ba php hhh ppp ppp papain toscesssesssossssessssessoeseseose oe 3 The Amateur Entomologists’ Society = | ANNUAL EXHIBITION | i 1953 3 SATURDAY, 19th September, from 2 p.m. to 5.30 pm. at & $$ BUCKINGHAM GATE CENTRAL SCHOOLS, Wilfred Street, a 33 London, S.W.1. | 8 = ADMISSION FREE. = = EXHIBITS. The Hall will be open from 10 a.m. for receipt of Mem- # 33. bers’ exhibits. Bring along your specimens (any Order, living or set), 3 ¢¢ equipment, apparatus, photographs, drawings, ete. If you require a 3 3; large space, notify Meetings Secretary in advance. Please label clearly. # 33 TALKS. | = 533 (To be announced later.) Aaa = 3s DEMONSTRATIONS. Members will demonstrate’ setting © of 3 = $3 coleoptera, diptera and lepidoptera, and the use of entomological equip- & ss ment. : $$ GROUPS. Members of Groups who have been corresponding will be ss: able to meet for discussion. . = 33 OVERSEAS MEMBERS’ EXHIBITS will be shown. : 3 re SURPLUS TABLE. If you have spare ova, larvae, imagines, : $$ equipment, books, ete., for sale or exchange, bring them along labelled ¢% 33 with name, price, or exchange wants. No charge for use of this table. 33 ENTOMOLOGICAL TRADERS will be in attendance. | st $$ Offers of help and enquiries to Hon. Meetings Secretary (K. H. %& 3: Bobe), 19 Hengist Road, London, S.E.12. . a 3 33 BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND AN EXHIBIT! — 33 HOW TO GET THERE— Bueking Palace | inch = ie) yords VOL. 12 No. 153 2 : TEMBER - - = 1953 THE BULLETIN OF THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY EDITED by W. J. B. CROTCH, M.A., A.K.C. ee SOCSEOSOOHSCEEOSE SOOO SSOESSEOOSSEOSO OSS OOESOOSOSOODO OOS OOSOES OOO OOOO POSES OOD POS SOPOO SISO SS OOOO OP VOIOD SS SOSSHSOOHSSSSSSOSOHOSOSOSOSH OO SOS OOH OSES OOOOH SO SOS OHESOSOSOOHSO OOOH OSS O OOS OOD HO OOHOHOO HOD COCOC CC OLS OSE RT be A NEW OBSERVER BOOK <= THE OBSERVER’S BOOK OF is Common 33 By E. F. LINSSEN, F.R.&£.s., F.Z.S., 3s and L. HUGH NEWMAN, oe F.R.E.S., F.R.H.S. xe 5s. net. ee In this concise volume, each of the $$ twenty-one orders of Insects found in ee the British Isles has been outlined, and ee over 300 of the more common species oe s a 2 = ss are given in the text. Representatives 33 of the Spider class have been included ee at the end of the book since they are $3 often closely associated with Insects. ss The Introduction includes sections on ee the behaviour and structure of Insects, $3 together with line drawings of a typical es insect, and an explanation of classifica- ee tion and nomenclature. The 64 plates, $$ 32 of which are in full colour, com- ee prise 322 figures illustrating over 200 ee species, and showing various stages of $$ development. Size is indicated by a ss scale or caption. os From any Bookseller = FREDERICK WARNE & Co. Ltd. ss 1 BEDFORD COURT, LONDON, W.C.2. ee ~ PP reeOESSOOOSSSSESESOO SOSH SO SOOE OOS OOO OOO OO OOEOS SOOO OSOSESOOOOOOSS COOOOOSOS HOOPS SOSHO SPSS PP OOPO OOP OO® COD SSCS SSOOS OSE SOSH ESOS OSESO OSH SO OSS OS OSOOO SOO OSSESEOSOOOSESESOOSS CHOSHHSOHOSOSOHOSOOHOOEOOYOOHOOOO OOOO © PP POSSESSES HS OHO OS OOPS SSO OPO SOOO SOOO OO SOO OSO SOS OOS HESS SOS OOOO OOOO SHO OH OOOH OSH PHOS OSO OOO FOOT OP OP ODDO OOO® on =e SOOOHSESO DOO SO SOSOOOSSSOOSO OOS OO OOOSOSOOOOOSOSOSESDPHSSOPOOOOESESSO SO SOSSEOO OOOO OSPSODOSOSOO OOO OOOOOS OS if A NEW FIELD | : LEPIDOPTERA from the Argentine — 33 Ova, larvae and pupae of Saturniids, Papilio, and Morpho Papered Material. 33 Payable in Great Britain ce Buttertlies. :: British Insects and Spiders. $2 Apply to: 33 F. H. WALZ 33 . Reconquista 453, Buenos Aires, Argentina AES NOTICE WHERE TO WRITE Membership applications, offers of help.33 Wants and Exchange notices (fors? oe March, May, July and October tog; 9 be received by fath of previous 3 month) to: E. LEWIS, 8 Parry Road, se@ London, S.E.15. ee oo Advertisers to: L. W. SIGGS, 10 Repton $e a Road, Orpington, Kent. — oe Changes of address and non-arrival of 33 4 Bulletins to: B. L. J. BYERLEY, 48 Elm- 3 + grove Road, Harrow, Middlesex. ss Offers ‘to lead Field Meetings, exhibit, 3 a = etc., to: K. H. BoBE, 19 Hengist Road, London, S.E.12. oe ee Sod moral Mansions, 34 Twickenham, Middz. : $69 oo Subscriptions (12/- per annum, 6/- for $3 i 5 fas Juniors) to: P. C. LE MASURIER, 8333 Warren Drive, Tolworth, Surrey. 3 Youth matters to: S. M. HANSON, 167 se Gunnersbury Park, London, W.5. 3a oo oo ee Also Insects of all Orders FS 00-0500 060004050000006060 OO SS OCOOCSOOSESESEOSSESEOOOSESESESEESES ESO SOOOOSESOOSSOSOOSOOSS DEDEOOEEOOEOOSS ° HO SSSSSOSSSSHSSSHSOSSSSSHOSSHH OSHS SS SO SSS SH SSS SOSH SSHSHGHHOSOS ESOS HOOSOS HOSS SO SOSOOOOSSD FELESHSEOOHEOOS | ~ DATA LABELS 33 Printed in 44 point (Diamond) type 33 in multiples of 125 for one wording 33 . Other labels as required 33 A.E.S. 3 1 West Ham Lane, London E.15 a Rae So eccccccceceeesereerseeeeeeeeeeee eee ESOS PSOESOSEESOSSOSELESEEESS FOESOHEOSESSSSESESO OSES EOOOOOS OSES SS SHSSSHSSSSSSSSSSSSHSOSOSOSO SOS OHO SO OHSS SOOO HSH SOLOS EOL HOLE SE OESS OHHH OHHH OOODODO ODODE HHO HUOVOOOUO OOD 7. oe clan 500 1000 4-line ...... Price 7/— 12/6 8-line ...... Price 5/- 10/—- 3 200 Sex Signs, Price l/- 3 Pr GENETICS BEHIND MIGRATION? The Editor has invited me to give AES members the essence of a theory which I put forward in Nature, 169, 832 (17.5.52). Of the many conten- tious issues which the phenomenon of migration in insects produces, | am here dealing with ‘ migration urge ° only, not the theories of directional flight nor loca] dispersal due to over- crowding. I am trying to give some governing principle as to why such insects as Colias croceus, Vanessa cardui or Macroglossa stellatarum arrive here in this country, in greater or lesser numbers, year after year. Up to date, environmental condi- tions, such as heat, drought, over- crowding, or the ‘ biological urge theory ’ of Heape!, have been the sole claimants; but if environmental control alone were responsible, how great would be the loss of genetic material—for without a return, those individuals most fitted for endurance and flight would be lost for ever to the species. The painstaking obser- vations of C. B. Williams? in this country, and more recently of D. and E. Lack? on a southerly migration of insects in the autumn, make pos- sible a hypothetical interpretation of migration on a genetic basis for the first time. Environmental stimuli alone cannot be the sole cause, if only for the reasons that there are always individuals left be- hind which do not migrate; and that subsequent generations from the initial migrants, though bred in an entirely different environment, con- tinue to migrate. This hypothesis may fit in with work already done on pupal diapause*. In 1947, I suggested® a possible theory of migration in insects on the following lines. In its simplest form there may be a gene for increased metabolic rate giving the individual a capacity for increased activity and migration (M), those individuals without it being m; the composition in the breeding area of, for example, C. croceus, at the beginning of the year would be MM, Mm and mm. MM individuals would be ‘ essential migrators,’ those with a constitution E — BULLETIN No. [53 SEPTEMBER 1953 mm would be physiologically incap- able of migration (possibly due to absence of fat body), and Mm, the heterozygotes, would be at a greater advantage than either homozygote in being able to migrate or not ac- cording to the exact environmental conditions. In years when conditions were disadvantageous, all the hetero- zygotes (Mm) would migrate, but in other seasons when not so affected would remain non-migratory. In a ‘migratory year,’ succeeding genera- tions passing north would inevitably increase their proportion of M, m’s being left behind, while conditions of decreased heat and absence of drought would tend to hold back a proportion of the heterozygotes, Mm. Assuming that the average life-cycle of C. croceus is about thirty-five days at mid-summer, several generations might succeed one another between southern France and the Channel, by which time there must be a great in- crease in the proportion of essential migrators (MMM). Towards the end of the summer, then, the gene fre- quency would show a cline from the north of England to the south of France with two homozygotes con- centrated at opposing ends (M in the north and m in the south). This suggestion was quite rightly criticized at the time on the grounds that there would be constant drain- age of the gene M from its southern breeding grounds and that, as yet, there was insufficient evidence of a southern migration. In view of the recent observations, however, it would appear that there may be an autumn return of genotypes all along the cline towards their southerly breed- ing grounds, the more northerly re- turns containing a greater percent- age of ‘ essential migrators’ (MM) and finally meeting non-migrators (mm) who will have remained as such throughout the summer in reduced numbers. Between October and March at least one generation will appear of C. croceus (where there is no dia- pause), the heterozygotes of which would have no urge to migrate dur- ing the cooler months. I+ must be emphasized that this situation could only hold good so long as the hetero- 66 zygotes held an advantage over both homozygotes for +a majority of the time. This theory fits in with known facts: (1) that migration in ‘vast numbers takes place in certain years only (MM and Mm); (2) that even in ‘ non-migratory ’ years certain 1n- dividuals are seen migrating north (MM); (8) that there are always in- dividuals. which remain in the southern region no matter what the conditions (mm). W. Hovanitz® has shown that in Colias eurytheme a single sex-linked autosomal gene (also controlling colour) is responsible for a change in activity. In the earlier part of the day (and to a lesser extent also in the latter part), this mutant flew in a greater proportion than did the typical. The idea of a genetic con- trol of activity in the Lepidoptera is therefore not altogether new. It is not inappropriate to reflect at this stage, therefore, on the control of the pupal period in continuous brooded migrants by possibly the same gene conferring increased metabolism and activity in the adult. Heliothis peltigera is a well-known species migrating to Great Britain, the pupae of which (from wild larvae collected here) have been shown to fall into three categories in regard to habit and aestivation: essential aesti- vators, essential hatchers, and the majority, while capable of undertak- ing aestivation, nevertheless reacting according to the environment4, Jar- vis? has shown a similar state of affairs in the pupae of Pieris brassi- cae. It is possible that the same gene which controls metabolism and migration might also control meta- bolism of pupal hatching and dia- pause. In this case the following situation would be found :— ImMAGo MM KXssential migrators. Mm Capable of migration or not; environmentally controlled. mm Incapable of migration. PupaA MM Kssential hatchers. Mm Capable of hatching or_ not; environmentally controlled. mm Essential aestivators. Proof of this hypothesis, still uncon- firmed, might lead to its application in the realm of pest-control in the following ways:—(1) by attacking returning individuals outside their SEPTEMBER 1953 reservoir of breeding, thereby elimi- nating those homozygote to migra- tion (MM); (2) by encouraging those individuals with the formula mm (non - migratory); great damage might, in fact, be done by elimina- tion or reduction of these. H. B. D. KettLeweE.t (706). 1 Heape, W., ‘Emigration, Migration and Nomadisin’ (Cambridge, 1931). 2 Williams, C. B., Trans. Roy. Ent. Soc. Lond., 42, 240 (1942); J. Animal Ecol., 90, 180 (1951). 3 Lack, D., and Lack, E., J. Animal Ecol., 20, 63 (1951). 4 Kettlewell, H. B. D., Proc. Trans. S. Lond. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc., 1943-44, 69 (1944). 5 Kettlewell, H. B. D., Proc. Roy. Ent. Soc. Lond., C 12, 43 (1947). 6 Hovanitz, W., Contr. Lab. Vert. Biol. Univ. Mich. No. 41 (1948). 7 Jarvis, F. V. L., Proc. Trans. S. Lond. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc., 1941-42, pt. 1, 1 (1941) @ ANTENNA-BRUSH? On page 28 of the April Bulletin, the question is asked whether the brush-like process on the fore-tibia of Plusia gamma has been noticed in other species of the genus. I think it probably occurs in all of them. Cer- tainly a similar form of it is present in each of the 16 Kenya species in my collection, and also in one species (P. nt) which is found in both Kenya and England. So far as I know, no-one has yet discovered what the use of this tibial process may be to the in- sect. To the student, however, it is of great use as a generic character; occurring as it does in a great number of moth-families and genera. It is not by any means always clothed in hairs; though in some genera it is a far more hirsute affair than in Plusia. In one Noctuid, for instance, (Sphingomorpha chlorea), both the brush-process and the tibia itself are so thickly covered that, when the fore- legs are advanced, and the hairs spread, the insect’s head appears almost as a small dot in the middle of a huge bush of long blond hair whose area is almost equal to the size of the moth’s thorax. Where the process is hairy, it is a very natural guess that it_may be used for antenna-cleaning. But it is often merely scaled, and in many cases it is a hard, naked affair which, with the tibia to which it is attached, re- sembles a pocket-knife with the blade a AES BULLETIN VOL 12 slightly open: the tibia representing the handle, and the process the blade. Moreover, the process often fits into a groove in the tibia, as does the blade into the handle of a knife when shut. It varies greatly in length in different genera, being very short in some, and in others longer than the tibia itself. In the Genus Onychipodia (one of the ‘‘footmen’’) and in some others, it takes the form of a short hook; horny, curved and_ very. sharply pointed. In none of these latter forms does it seem to be a very useful in- strument . for antenna-cleaning ; though it is of course quite possible that it may be so used. Tibial brushes are not found only on the fore-leg. A brush frequently occurs on the hind-tibia: and when this is so, there is usually a sort of spike or sp'’n@ opposite to it on the side of the ahdomen. which—again a guess—mav perhaps be used to clean the brush itself. A. l.. H. Townsenpd (1691). Some of the Saturniidae have the horny knife-blade affairs, e.g. Anthe- raea roylei, which also has a conspicu- ously bushy pair of front tibiae. IT have watched the males brush their antennae with their forelegs many times. but never seen with certainty how the projection is used.—Ep. e BEETLE SETTING Mr Prevett’s note in the Novem- her 1952 issue (Rulletin, 11, 104) on the setting of beetles has made me wish to put in a plea for pinning as a routine method of setting. JT remem- ber disenssine the matter some vears ago with the late Dr. K. G. Blair, who said that while all that the museums required was that beetles shonld be gummed on to the turned- down point of a triangle of card- board. he thonght that for ordinarv collectors pinning was the best method and was the usual continental way. Tn mv English collection T gummed all but the verv larce specimens flat on cards. but since T came out to S. Africa T have pinned all but the very small and fracile ones. T can insert a pin through an Apion. but doubt if T should try with a Pselavhid! T use onlv stainless steel. headless pins. For the actual pinning T find a slab of plasticine most useful. T use one about two inches square bv half an inch thick: into this slab T make a croove with the handle of the forceps suited to the size of the beetle 67 to be mounted. The beetle is placed ventral side downwards in this groove and held in position by holding a set- ting needle flat across it while the pin is inserted through the right elytron. After a little practice it is quite easy so to insert the pin that it comes out between the second and third legs without touching either coxa or damaging the centre line. The insect is then reversed and the other end of the pin pushed into the plasticine until its back is firm against it, when the antennae and legs can easily be spread into position. I then usually leave it in this reversed posi- tion, on another slab of plasticine, under cover (a glass tumbler) for twenty-four hours as, if left with the back uppermost, the legs tend to fall downwards. One small _ practical point, which applies particularly to Lamellicornia: I often find that after death the forelegs spread out at right angles to the body and cannot be moved forward into a more natural position; if, however, each foreleg is brought inwards across the centre of the thorax it will then go forward quite easily from that position. When the very fine pins are used, they must, of course, be mounted in polyporus strips. All but large beetles I set under a home-made ‘setting microscope, as sketched, which may be of interest to beginners. It requires a block of wood roughly 6 by 3 by 23 ins., two steel knitting needles, a pocket fold- ing lens and two halves of a bottle cork. My own lens happens to be a triple one: but since all three lenses together give too short a focus under which to manipulate the pins, I usually push one of them out of the way. A, B—Sections of a cork. C—Slab of plasticine, freely movable. _D—Depression filled with plasticine. E—Horizontal knitting needle bent up- wards through cork A. } | } | 68 As I have mentioned I still gum very tiny ones. For this I have made a depression about 13 ins. by 1 in. a 1 in. deep in the centre of the block of wood. This depression is filled with plasticine and the whole upper surface of the block is then covered with a sheet of blotting paper pasted over it; I use this in preference to or- dinary paper as the beetles do not slide about on it. The piece of card is pinned through into the plasticine in the depression and thus held firm for the gumming of the insect under the lens. A. H. Newton (1140). ComMMENT:—Very few British cole- opterists pin (British) beetles ex- cept, perhaps, for some of the larger species, such as Lucanus, which are apt to break loose from a card. The following are some of their reasons : — 1. Many species are too small to be pinned; e.g. Acrotrichis, Ptilium, Euthia. 2. The pin is apt to deform the specimen or to hide some of the diagnostic characters. 3. Pinned specimens are _ usually much more difficult to examine and name than are carded speci- mens; this particularly applies to a comparison of the joints of the antennae which are apt to bend out of the flat field of the lens. 4. One grows accustomed to the general facies of a beetle when it is carded and thus it is more quickly recognised. 5. The fine pins are very apt to bend. 6. When beetles dry, they grow more and more brittle and so portions are prone to break away and be lost; in carded specimens they would probably remain on _ the card. 7. Dissections of genitalia can be gummed on the card and so more easily preserved. Other reasons of less moment are that a collection of carded specimens has a neater appearance than one of pinned examples—and that collectors (the great majority) who card their beetles are unwilling to exchange with those who pin them. G. B. WatsxH (24). SEPTEMBER 1953 WINTER REARING OF TROPICAL SATURNIIDAE Looking back, I suppose it was the winter rearing of Philosamia cynthia ricint that first created in me the desire to have full rather than empty cages during the winter months. The success of this effort made me think of the possibility of trying the same thing with other species that were not essentially single brooded. Actias selene was the first that came to my mind, as the emergences were regular enough to be fairly sure of pairings during the summer and autumn, but after overwintering the general tendency was for them to be so irregular that pairings were often very difficult. This fact seemed to indicate that the natural tendency of the moth was to be more or less con- tinuously brooded and that the arti- ficial conditions created in order to delay the emergence until the spring were responsible for upsetting the rhythm of emergence. The problem to be solved seemed merely that of find- ing a suitable evergreen foodplant. My first effort with selene failed be- fore it had started; for while there was the opportunity for pairing and the conditions were apparently suit- able, the moths refused to pair. The following year young larvae from a very late pairing of Nudau- relia tyrrhea, whose parents had been reared on apple, were persuaded to accept Portugal Laurel. At first they seemed to do just as well as those that had been reared on apple, but after the first moult casualties were heavy. Quite a few reached the _ second moult, but from then on growth ceased, although feeding continued, and none reached the third moult. Cricula andrei larvae, hatched out during October, started off very well on Holly and seemed to be well estab- lished, but they too suddenly stopped growing and died as if from starva- tion. A further effort with A. selene was made in 1952. Some 300 larvae were persuaded to accept Holly, Portugal Laurel, and Rhododendron. A few larvae had been reared successfully on Holly during the summer. The result was the same as before. The Holly group were the first to die. Those on Rhododendron seemed to make rather better progress than those on Portugal laurel, but once again disaster followed the first moult. In this case a number of each group did complete the third moult, but only one, which was being reared on Portugal Laurel, reached the fourth AES BULLETIN VOL 12 69 and final moult. This sole survivor died when the moult was half com- plete. A botanist colleague of mine sup- plied the answer that should have been quite obvious from the start. Many of the evergreens, if not all, although retaining their leaves dur- ing the winter, ceased to draw up sap in the autumn and do not start again until the spring. The young larvae had in fact been starved to death through lack of nutriment in the food provided. The sugar feeding experiment re- ported in the February 1953 Bulletin (p. 9) suggested the possibility of pro- viding the necessary additions to an unsuitable diet in an artificial way. With cages once again empty, it was possible for me to devote many of the long winter evenings to read- ing up the subject of Diet and Nutri- tion. After careful study of the works of Wigglesworth, Brues and Uvarov, I found that natural sugars provided energy but would not pro- vide growth, although they could support life for a time after growth was complete. Growth and powers of reproduction were _ stimulated through the digestive assimilation of various substances of the vitamin B - group and nitrogenous matter. In the initial stages dextrose was used as a source of natural sugar, potassium nitrate as a source of nitro- gen and marmite provided the vitamin | B requirements. There are a number of products on the market which con- ‘tain several of the more important vitamin B substances required, 1.e. / thiamin, aneurin, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid and insitol, to »mention a few. It is probable that almost any one of these products ‘would prove satisfactory. Actually after a few days I substituted brewer’s |} yeast for marmite. Although it seemed from what I had read that a solution of these sub- ‘stances might be effective, I could vind no clue regarding the strength of such a solution nor the proportions of he ingredients to each other. | The following was therefore a shot n the dark, hoping for the best. | /extrose _ 042 080 0g GRRE ae 2 tablespoons | Potassium nitrate ...... 14 tea-spoons Marmite E61... 10. 4 tea-Spoon Seem rte 13 pints jiater, two tablets of brewer’s yeast | aplaced the marmite and, as the urvae grew, the proportion of water as reduced to 1 pint. When a pairing of Antheraea pernyt was obtained early in March, the opportunity for putting this solu- tion to the test was provided. The ova were the third domesti- cated generation to my knowledge, and I should want a lot of convincing that the original ova that I purchased had been laid by wild stock. It was not surprising therefore that only ap- proximately 60% of the ova hatched and that about a further 20% died within a day or two of hatching. This, I submit, may be taken as a sign that the stock used for the experiment was not of the strongest. The larvae are normally reared on oak and the only type in leaf so early in the year is the evergreen oak (Quercus iler). The leaves were hard and dry and I should imagine any- thing but appetising. A dozen lar- vae were given normal evergreen oak without vitamin solution. Although they fed quite vigorously, they seemed to derive little benefit and were all dead within a week. I had expected that this would happen, but the test was considered necessary in order to prove the inadequacy of un- treated food. The remaining larvae were given the same food, but the backs of the leaves were painted with the solution. As time went on the job of painting the leaves became too laborious and the _ solution was sprayed on. The larvae had no hesita- tion in eating the ‘doped’ food and progress throughout remained nor- mal and steady. When fully grown the larvae were fat and healthy in appearance and I am _ inclined to think rather larger than normal. Thus far the object of the experiment had been achieved. When the moths emerged they were well up to standard, the wing spans averaging 4” to 5” in the males and 41” to 51” in the females. What was more pleasing was the fat sleekness of the bodies and the heavy scaling of the wings. Pairings were readily ob- tained, ‘but pernyt is never difficult. Apart from one pair that remained to- gether for something approaching 48 hours, the duration of pairings was about 22 hours. Six pairings produced leek ets 130 and 150 ova each. So far as could be judged without actually counting through the empty egg shells, there was 100% hatching in each case, or at least something very near it. Up to one week from the time of hatching not one single death from natural causes had taken place, although the normal oak on which they were fed SEPTEMBER 1953 was ‘undoped’. What, therefore, may be claimed as the result of the experiment? Certainly, I thiak, that © it provided the nutriment for rear- ing. There seems justification too for thinking that it may have re- vitalised the strain. If this be so, then I think we must re-consider our ideas regarding the rapid deteriora- tion of some species bred in this country as the result of inbreeding. In summing up, may I suggest that this can do no more than provide a useful starting point for a long series of experiments? For example, we do not know how the solution will suit other types of larvae, nor whether its use with normal summer foods will tend to produce super-imagines or prove so rich that the larvae are lost. The composition of the solution was a haphazard guess, so that much has to be done in order to find out what proportions and strength produce the best results. Then, too, this may need to be varied for different species. If members feel disposed to try experiments on similar lines, whether with silk moths or other native genera and would care to send me a report of their findings, I will under- take to summarise the results from time to time so that all may benefit. I think members will agree that the task of putting the idea of enriching the food artificially to a thorough test is too big for one individual to tackle alone. If any members wishing to try a similar experiment feel that they would like more information on any - particular point, I shall be happy to give what help I can, but please remember that I am still groping in the dark. W. R. Smita (1641). CoMMENT:—I warmly applaud Mr. Smith’s pioneering spirit, but I feel that he has been led astray some- where in respect of the make-up of his solution. It is almost certain that Lepidopterous larvae do not have in the gut any bacteria which could synthesise proteins from potassium nitrate: they certainly could not do it themselves directly. It may be that bacteria develop in the solution when on the leaf and so make a little of the nitrogen available to the caterpillar. However, protein is in the leaf even in winter and the yeast would provide some extra. I sug- gest that members should follow up but without the Mr. Smith’s plan, It should be nitrate in the solution. just as effective. T. R. E. SoutHwoop (1051). THE SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY It is feared that Papilio machaon has disappeared from Wicken Fen, as only three were seen last year and none this. It therefore appears that fresh British stock may have to be introduced to the Fen and if pure Wicken machaon could be obtained it would be better than having to re- lease Norfolk stock. At the request of the Hon. Secretary of the Wicken Fen Local Committee, I am therefore asking anyone who has kept pure — Wicken stock going to be so good as to contact me with a view to being able to breed up numbers for sub- sequent release. H. B. D. Kerttewe tt (706). REVIEW The Social Insects by O. W. Richards, D.Sc., M.A. Pp. 219. with 129 plates and 12 line drawings in the text. Macdonald, London, 1953. Price 15/-. The very considerable progress which has been made in our know- ledge of this subject in recent years, makes an account by so distinguished an entomologist indeed most wel- come. The opening chapter introduces the reader to insects and their lives, fol- lowed by up-to-date descriptions of all the main types of social insects. which includes the various groups of wasps, bees, ants and termites. The descriptions, which mention some of the most recent researches, are in sufficient detail to give a good pic- ture of these creatures’ social lives so far as known, while many problems and gaps in our knowledge are pointed out or discussed. Entirely absent is a failing all too common with some of the writers on this subject in the past—that of judging insects by standards of human conduct and emotions. The style is clear and simple, technical terms being avoided throughout, making for easy read- ing. The numerous illustrations in- clude some _ particularly photographs. excellent — ne ne \ :: he é| AES BULLETIN VOL 12 71 Some readers will regret the ab- sence of a reference list. This is par- tially compensated for in the text by the frequent mention of investiga- tors’ names; and at the end a list of eleven works for further reading is given. While not written primarily for the entomologist, there can be few who will not receive both instruction and enjoyment from _ this _ fascinating volume. It should have a special ap- peal to AES members, for there is here still, as Dr. Richards emphasizes, a very wide scope for future study. K. M. W. @ EUROPEAN MIGRATION STUDIES The Centre for the observation of butterfly and moth migration in Europe (see Bulletin 10, 25) suffered a very grave blow by the death of that great enthusiast, Dr. Loeliger. The Editor is however glad to report the receipt, after an interval of some six months, of a further duplicated Circular (Number 41, May, 1953). Members may wish to note that the work is being carried on by Messrs. Eugen Pleisch and Hans Sidler, the address of the latter being Goldregen- weg 21, Ziirich 50. @ JUNIOR MEMBERS’ ISSUE The Editor tells me that he has already received some very good con- tributions from Junior Members. Will you others please remember my challenge on p. 47—and that the date that matters is September 12th. S. M. Hanson (320), Youth Secretary. e ON BOOK REVIEWS The Editor's note (pp. 39-40) evoked a good response from mem- bers and he would have liked to pub- lish letters in support of both sides of the case. As it turned out, the views expressed were nearly all on one side. Four letters have been selected for publication. Will other members who wrote please accept his thanks for their interest? From Mr. JoHn Moors (146) :— _May a professional writer and re- Viewer (though not as a rule of natural history books) offer a com- ment upon your sensible note, ‘‘ On Book Reviews.” Mr. Bickerstaff, with the kindliest intentions I am sure, really is talking through his hat. The purpose of a review is to tell the public what kind of a book X has written; to point out any particular merits or faults; to pronounce it good, bad or indifferent. The re- viewer has an obligation (of complete honesty) to his editor and _ his readers, Anybody who publishes a book deserves and expects fair com- ment upon it, which may, of course, be favourable or otherwise. Mr. New- man himself, as a_ professional author, naturally realizes this. The AES is not a mutual admira- tion society ; and Mr. Bickerstaff un- knowingly would do a great dis- service both to the Society and to the cause of science if he could persuade it to become one. I have, however, one suggestion to make. ‘There is little value in anonymity, and the semi-anonymity of initials is rather pointless. A criticism, I feel, should always be signed by its author’s real name. [The use of initials is often space- saving.—KEp. | From Mr. H. K. Atry SHaw (545) :— You invite comments on the review question. ] certainly share your view that reviews should be factual and objective, and quite without ‘“‘ re- spect of persons.”’ If authors and publishers take the risk of making books public, they should certainly be prepared for the frank public ex- pression of opinion on them also. A.E.H.’s review of Newman's book seemed to me (without having seen the book) to be a perfectly fair and reasonable criticism, such as_ the society and the public are perfectly entitled to expect, if only to safe- guard them from buying a “ pig in a poke.’’ And, after all, authors and publishers have a responsibility to the public, when they publish things, to see that their products are neither slipshod nor misleading, and it seems altogether right that they should be kept up to it. One could easily draw up a list of requirements for an ideal book re- view. These might include:—(1) sum- mary of contents; (2) does the book come up to reasonable expectations, in view of reputation (if any!) of author and publisher? ; (8) is it good value for money?; (4) is the title apt, or misieading?; (5) is production good?; (6) is information accurate and up to date?; (7) was the book 2 really worth publishing?—all, of course, in the opinion of the reviewer. It might almost be~ worth drawing up a list, after careful con- sultation with a number of reason- able and reliable folk, and sending out a copy with each book, ‘‘ for the cuidance of reviewers.”’ [I fear this might lead to reviews becoming rather stereotyped.—Ep. ] From Mr. H. B. Sarecent (1189) : — No, sir, members do not deserve the sort of review suggested in your clos- ing paragraph. As one of those who live ‘‘removed from large centres of population where they could browse round well-stocked bookshops to handle the book and make a personal judgment of its interest or usefulness to them’’, I read AES Book Reviews with great attention. Unless they are a frank assessment of the value of the work concerned, your readers will find themselves either missing something they want, or buying something they don’t want. When this happens, the space now given to this subject can be turned to more profitable use. The important thing, I think, is that we should be given some guidance as to the standard of scholarship of the books; whether they are of the ‘Picture Book’ class, or written for the average collector, or intended for the advanced student. “Ts it likely there will be anything in it I do not already know? Do the illustrations cover fresh ground, or are they no better or more informative than those I already have in a dozen other books ?’’ A good reviewer, I humbly submit, will. supply us with the answers to these questions. There are other matters to be considered, of course; the attention of potential purchasers should be drawn to in- accuracies, and dogmatic statements should be carefully examined, and not SEPTEMBER 1953 allowed to pass unquestioned unless supported by the best authorities. So, sir, I raise my voice in favour of full, free, frank and fair criticisms. Froms? Maes) Bee: (1858) :— Your article, ‘‘On Book Reviews,’ will be sure to draw septs onderee My own reaction is to give some sup- port to each point of view. Reviewers should not, in my opinion, give praise where it is not due, and if criticism is made, then it should be constructive and not de- structive. A. E. H. seems, on the whole, to have done his job well. He has praised the very high quality of many of the photographs, the attractive colour plates and the useful details given in the second part of the book. He has, on the other hand, criticised the title, the retouching of some of the photographs, the lack of information on the scale of magnification of the photographs and the lack of an alpha- betical index and cross references—but the remedies are suggested (or clearly implied) and could easily be included in a second edition. In my opinion, however, the re- viewer could with advantage have deleted his last two paragraphs. His remarks, without these paragraphs, are quite sufficient for a reasonable evaluation of the book to be made. Perhaps, before I conclude, refer- ence may be made to your remarks © babies . perhaps two-fifths (of the members) are removed from large centres of population where they could browse round well-stocked book- shops .. .”? I do hope members will use to the full the facilities offered by County Libraries. Any non-fiction BaRTROP book is obtainable by post or personal call from the headquarters or a local branch and the usual loan period is one month. Professor Fungus Zoo ii FELLOWS =a TR Mn By G. S. Kloet. EN TRANCE Printed by 7. ‘Buncle & Co. Ltd., Arbroath, and published by the Amateur Entomologis Society, i West Ham Lane, London, E.15. 1953. SHE SLE SES ESOS ESE EEE ESEESE SELES EEE EEE EE LESS SELES EEE SESE EEE SESE SESE SEE COFEEEEEEGE EOS HEEEEEEEEUGOESOLECOe SESS SSE SEES SES SES SEES ESE SESE SEE EEE E EEE EEE EEE SESE SE SESE SESE EES EEE SESS SESE OESESEEESOEEE EEE ESEELEGEEEEEETD ‘aif. ne > te ile ” The Amateur Entomologists’ Society ANNUAL EXHIBITION | 1953 SATURDAY, 19th September, from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. at BUCKINGHAM GATE CENTRAL SCHOOLS, Wilfred Street. London, S.W.1. ADMISSION FREE. ‘= EXHIBITS. The Hall will be open from 10 a.m. for receipt of Mem- % bers’ exhibits. Bring along your specimens (any Order, living or set), — equipment, appar atus, photographs, drawings, ete. If you requirea & large space, notify Meetings Secretary in advance. Please label clearly. — 3 TALKS. E. E. SYMS, Esq... F.R.ES., on “OUR SOCIARS® INSHCTS ”; W. J. B. CROTCH, Esq., M.A., on “ REARING SILKMOTHS.”’ = DEMONSTRATIONS. Members will demonstrate setting of { coleoptera, diptera and lepidoptera, and the use of entomological crm ment. 4 GROUPS. Members of Groups who have been corresponding will be able to meet for discussion. OVERSEAS MEMBERS’ ‘EXHIBITS ait be shown. 2 SURPLUS TABLE. If you have spare ova, larvae, imagines, equipment, books, etc., for sale or exchange, bring them along labelled with name, price, or exchange wants. No charge for use of this table. 2.9 ENTOMOLOGICAL TRADERS will be in attendance. Offers of help and enquiries to Hon. Meetings Secretary (K. — [. Bobe), 19 Hengist Road, London, S.E.12. ‘ BRING sou FRIENDS AND AN EXHIBIT! HOW TO GET THERE— eel ge eee fesse 4oo6 FETT TETET ES TS 322: on THE BULLETIN Cont eenith: Meola Maa “4 OF THE AMATEUR j
  • ; 1 BEDFORD COURT, LONDON, W.C.2. P = © 2 eee Membersh'p applicat'ons, offers of help, 33 Offers Seresegeesecesosseescescoesecesescesee ses ee ee ee eee eeoe Pee eseess oeresesereseresesersresereesesee sees oe AES NOTICE WHERE TO WRITE 3g Wants and Exchange notices (for “March, May, July and October toss be receined DY Tati oF previous 33 4 monte fo: B. Lewis, & Parry Road, 33 a London, S.E.45. g oe sam to: h-- We SIGGS: Adveitisers 10 Repton 33 ‘ Orpington, Kent. — Road, E hoe= Changes of address and non-arrival of $3 Bulletins to: B. L. J. BYERLEY, 48 Elm- $3 grove Road, Harrow, Middlesex. : to lead Field Meetings, exh‘bit. co etc., to: K. H. Bose, 19 Hengist Road, 33 7 London, S.E.12. ee Manuscripts, drawings and _ books for 3 review to: W. J. B.. CROTCH, 6 Bal- $3 moral YWansions, Clevedon Road, : i Twickenham, Middz. Subscriptions (12'- per annum, 6/- fort Juniors) to: P. C. LE MASURIER, 85 $ Warren Drive, Tolworth, Surrey. 7 3 Youth matters to: S. M. HANSON, 167 $3 Gunnersbury Park, London, W.3. oe SERS SSSSSSSS SS SSO SOSH SH OSS SOSH SSS SS OSS OO SOSH SS SO OS SSO SOSEO SOO ESOS CHESS OSESHOS SS SSO SESS SHS OSSOEOHOOOOOSD : : = G pa COC ORSSCCEEESERSOOCOS SDD SO CCOSCESESSDERESORECOOREOREECERDESDSGO4NSSEANSSTEORRE ER EREDAR EREEEE oe , ot SO OSeE OOS ESOS OOS OCCCEL OOOO OEOSSSSSSOSESESESEESOSESSESESEDOSEOSSSOSEOOSOSESPEPESESOPIOLOOSEHODOOE® dl $3 natural history subjects. 33 An Important New Fountain Press Book! ¢ - - a =) | ENTOMOLOGICAL PHOTOGRAPHY © : IN PRACTICE 33 By E. F. LINSSEN $3. The Fountain Press have long felt the call for a reliable book for photo- 33 graphers and naturalists on the photographic illustration of close-up The present book deals with this most $3 fascinating of all photographic pursuits. 33 such a subject must be from the pen of a writer who could combine the $3 $$ experience and knowledge of a field naturalist with those of a photo- $3 grapher, and they therefore asked Mr. Linssen to undertake the task. -- Contents include : — 3 ss THE SCOPE OF INSECT PHOTOGRAPHY — PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS +. 3: AND EQUIPMENT — ENTOMOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS — PHOTOGRAPH- e 33 ING THE DIFFERENT INSTARS — ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC PROBLEMS is os 3 —FURTHER CLOSE-UP SUBJECTS — FIELD WORK WITH STILL AND CINE SS n0sesese6enseederedvesesescnseccccensbecsesecceseneseesbencnssns 60es sete ennnaneennnnnann 4 It was, of course, also felt that — 3 ¢¢ CAMERA — COLLECTING AND REARING SPECIMENS — GLOSSARY OF 3: ENTOMOLOGICAL TERMS — INDEX 33 83” x63”. Well Illustrated. Cloth Bound. Price 32s. 6d. net (post 9a). 2 33 Published by — : y : THE FOUNTAIN PRESS 4 } 3 46-47 Chancery Lane . London W.C.2. 935 t 33 4 ee \ OF SECEHDLDHSOE SSE SOLOOOSESEO OOO FO COSTE e re Oe eee ere re ee eee ee ee eves EDITORIAL Members will be a little shocked to find the Bulletin so thin this month. It has not been curtailed to save money (although that is an important point now that members do not seem to be able to recruit new ones very often): there was not enough good material in hand for the Editor to fill out eight pages. If you want interesting issues, you really must not leave it to the other fellow to write all the notes and ob- servations or reports on dodges! Please make a paper. avalanche through the Editor’s letter-box. -Members will also note, and this time with pleasure, the new cover pic- ture for the winter months. We are again indebted to Mr. D. P. Golding for a beautiful scraper-board drawing from which the block has been made. @ ANOTHER TALE OF A QUEST As the nearest locality for the Large Heath, Coenonympha tullia, to the writer’s home is some 180 miles away, it is in the nature of a major operation to have the pleasure of see- ing it in its natural haunts. A few specimens were seen in early July 1940 in one of its more northern haunts in Westmorland, but as most of them were in a worn condition, a series was out of the question. In the course of a week’s touring in 1947, a visit was paid to its most southerly locality in Shropshire; but none were seen, for the butterfly had not then emerged. Subsequent visits to this locality were made at the end of June hoth in 1950 and 1952 en route to Cumberland for Hrebia epiphron (the Mountain Ringlet) (See Bulletin 11, 98). On both occasions mainly worn Specimens were seen and only one or two worthy of the collection were re- tained. It was, therefore, obvious that, if a series was to be obtained in good condition, a special trip would have to be planned somewhere about the third week in June. While in the company of three other members of the Council, this idea was mentioned and the inauguration of what might well be termed a Field Meeting Section of the AHS Council took place. It was decided that a BULLETIN No. [54 OCTOBER 1953 week-end should be spent in north Shropshire, starting off at dawn on the 20th June, returning the follow- ing day. The members of the party were Messrs. K. Bobe, B. L. J. Byer- ley, S. M. Hanson and the writer. The last two are solely lepidopter- ists, the other two being mainly dip- terists, although Mr. Bobe was also interested in obtaining the Large Heath. The writer set off at 4.15 a.m., col- lecting Messrs. Bobe and Hanson in Kaling at 4.85 a.m. and Mr. Byerley in Harrow at 4.50 a.m. In this way the long trip up A.5 commenced, the weather looking anything but hope- ful. OOO ESOS OEE SO SESOOSOOEESODOSEESS SOO EOSESOSOR ON 900 OCOOOOOS SOTSSSHSSSHSSS OSHS OHO SOOO OOO OO® SP SOP OLLOPHOPD OPO GL SLODO OO OLOO VOL OED SOL OHH OOD PODH DOPOD OHO DOOD IO OOOO OH IOOD OD SHSOHOSSSSOHOOHOHOOOOOOD ASR 33 : 33 33 | 33 Bo | A NEW FIELD i oe - 1 oe = . ; ‘ c i . $2 # LEPIDOPTERA from the Argentine i 33 Si (wee Bc + 3 Ova, larvae and pupae of Saturniids, Papilio, and Morpho 33 3 ‘Buttertlies. Papered Material. Also Insects of all Orders 33 oe a F oo 3 ~ Payable in Great Britain 33 oe Lod 3 : | 33 3 ; 2 Apply to: . 33 tae pies ae 33 £0 | | F. H. WALZ | | 33 B33 Reconquista 453, Buenos Aires, Argentina 33 ae oe oe , 29990000000 09000900090050000 0000000900000 009 0000059960000 O00 O00 SOS OOOSSOOS OSH 9 OSS OOOS SOSH OHHHHOOHOOSS Og Slccnennassececccscrecsenssseneccsascecesesssccesteccccssscecescesecssesscessecessesess FOSSOSSCEHOHH OOOO ae - DATA LABELS . | . , 500 1000 # i | Nes 4-line ...... Price 7/- 12/6 3 BS: Printed in 44 point (Diamond) type rar 5 / i 33 3 Pee. of 195 fc orditi 3-line ...... Price 5/— 10/- 33 in multip r one w 33 peer ied Bar: 2 200 Sex Signs, Price 1/- Other labels as required , A.E.S. , aies 1 West Harn Lane, London E.15 33 9 “4 Cre eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeoeeeeeeseeeeeseeeseseoess PPOPPOSHO POSH OPPOSES OOOO OD OOOO OOO DOO OOOO OOOOOOOOOOS ‘18S beeeesesee eo POO eee HerHOPoO Se Se ee seer oereesoones PRESSES SSS SSS SSP SSP SSSI TIIIIIIS ISS SS SESS Sees 0000000 090000000 000 00H Oe OOOO OOO OO SeeOOSeeeSeOOeoOseeeeeeesereeeseoeooreroseoeroceres COSCSS ESOS SEES OEESESISESEOOOESOSOSOSOSHLISODISSOD IIIS OSES OOSSOSIDOOS DD OOO DOSED ESSE oe 4 POCOSSHOOSOSO EPO SOOSCPOSCOOOCECSESOCOSOHOSE oe : 33 ¥ aoe 4 4 rz “AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGIST 00000000008 OOo. (illustrated with photographs and line drawings ) ss Se OCOOCOOOOOO Volume 9 “Practical Methods and Hints for Lepidopterists ”’ 33 Contains articles on— Here ane | Ealeting Caterpillars : Breeding Cages for ee ole doptera Gane 30 ways of making a cage ) Making. a Beating Tray (describing SIX different | kinds of tray) _ i ee pers PU igs i iis Price see : & ie Member ( quoting membership number ) 3s. 6d. 33 SHOPS OESCOS OH OEOOHOOSD OOOOH OOOHOOOOFOOO Postage 2d. extra per volume, from 7 33 i BIGNELL BRAID 1 Weer Han Vanes. 2 ee E.15 33 0000000000 SSSSSESSSSSSSESSSSSSITTSSSTSSTSTTSTT ST TT. oe OOO SOO OOO SO OSOGOHSS 4S OHHHOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOHHOOHOOO xe oe 4 oe oo oo oe o2 ee oe oa >e ba re C2 a oe e e @ oe +2 e re 33 33 e > e ¢ © 2 ee oe oo oe oe oe oe oe oe a SX satctenenencsnciecicctsnecnencieeie cece ee eee Ee ae Ta oo bi ho UIA of tena es rte ark ears 3 : ENTOMOLOGIST’S — : GAZETTE : A Quarterly Journal Devore ane Britsh Entomology — SHSPHSSSSO SO SOSSESOHOOOOD Well illustrated by coloured and plain plates and oe figures. | wat Die asia ia ie ‘s f] $3 coseseeees SOSSOHSSOSSSOSSSSOEOSSOOSOS SSS OOSHOSSOHOSOOOOOOSOESOOOOOD . oes: POSPOPSSSSSSSHHHHOSODSH SOOO OOOOD oo me 7 Deals with all Orders of British Insects and with all Oooeoe subjects of importance to the Entomologist. 8 oe: Subscription 20/- per year. 990000009599 04O594444444494040508 SPOPSSSSSSOSSSSSHSSSHOHOOSOOOD oe * é 3 Edited by E. 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Ltd. 1-4 BEDFORD COURT, LONDON, W.C.2. 0400000000008 000000000000 0000000 000000056 000000OC6 O96 00500006090 00.009000 0000054 S Seer eeeuTeeosensaael COD CCOE EO COESESEEES OES OESE SEES OOES OO OS OSEO SES SHES ESE OOO SOOO ESE OOOD GHEEHHESEHH OSE SOHO OOESSOOSESEOESOHOEO® | OF FESS SSOESSHOS SSE SS SSE SSOE SESS PSE S OSES ESSE SHES OOS OSE SEES SHE SEC HOSE SO SOLE SHOES SOOO OOOO DOP EH POOHODODEEE OD OF SOPSOSESO SHEE SE OOO OOO OEOED SEE SOEOEOSESSOOS EE TES OSE OHOD EOL ESO SEIU OL OLE OOOO DEO OL POLO OH IOOLOO OD EOOLOS DATA LABELS oe a i A NEW Butterflies. bb54OS5455555555555S55555554S5S5545S555S55S9555H55S555S54SHS5SSSSSSS55HHH5HHSESSSSS Sood S TA SHSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHSSS SSO HSSSSSSSSSSSSS ESS SSOESSHESOSSSSOSOSSESOSESCESESESESSCOEOSOO SP OOCCC Ce FOC > EOS OOOoS Printed in 43 point (Diamond) type in multiples of 125 for one wording Other labels as required AGES. -1 West Ham Lane, London E.15 . SI eeeeeeseeeseeeseceseeeeseeseseeeeeeseeeeeeeeeOSOSSS ESOS OOSSOESOOEOSSEESESOOSESEOSOSSES Beeseeeeeere POSSHOSO POO SHOE OOOOH OPED SOOO OO OE OO OD SOOODUSCO YEO OOOOE OOOO SEE OOE LODE OOOO OOOO LOOP OOS OHOD SOOO COEOOOd: : LEPIDOPTERA from the Argentine Ova, larvae and pupae of Saturniids, Papilio, and Morpho Papered Material. Payable in Great Britain Apply to: F HSWAEA 2 Reconquista 453, Buenos Aires, Argentina ae tesretintistettitertistitstsrieceseioesressiersre ti retiepreten rice et ne AES: NOTICE.» Suaem WHERE TO WRITE os ofers of help.s¢ — Exchange notices (Tor $3 P March, May. July and October tos be received by 5th of previous $3 monti) to: E. Lewis, 8 Parry Road. $¢ 3 London, S.E.15. Advertisers to: Le W: ~ Road, Orpington, Changes of address and non-arrival of 33 Bulletins to: B. L. J. BYERLEY, 48 Elm- grove Road. Harrow, Middlesex. Offers to lead Field Meetings, exhibit. é€tc., to: K. H. BOBE, 19 Hengist Road. London, S.E.42. = Manuscripts, drawings and books forse review to:°W. J. B. CROTCH, 6 Bal-3¢ moral Mansions, Clevedon Road, 3 Twickenham, Middz. bes Subscriptions (12/- per annum, 6 for * : Juniors) to: P. C. LE MASURIER. 8533 Warren Drive, Tolworth, Surrey. 3 oe8 Youth matters to: S. M. HANSON, {67¢ Gunnersbury Park, London, Tes Sa Meinbership applications. Wants and ; Ss of SIGGS. 10 Repton ss Kent. ¢€ cng oo : 33 so 4 oa : = 500 1000 ( 4-line ...... Price 7/— 12/6 1 3-line ...... Price 5/- "10/25 200 Sex Signs, Price 1/- FIELD +? eee eeeee Also Insects of all Orders at A E —S BULLETIN Lao NOVEMBER 1953 EDITORIAL We congratulate the Junior Mem- bers on the excellence of their response to the Youth Secretary’s challenge. This number is made up of their contributions and two have had to be left over. Even the book reviews are by juniors. ® EXPERIMENTS WITH THE MUSLIN MOTH In 1952 I reared a number of Muslin Moth (Uycenia mendica) caterpillars which duly produced seven pupae. These pupae all hatched out at the end of February 1953, as they were kept in a warm room; five were males and two-——one of which was deformed were females. The perfect female mated with one of the males and laid a number of eggs on the night of the 26th February. These eggs hatched on the 16th-l17th March, the young caterpillars being fed on dock. At the beginning of April I decided to carry out some experiments with these caterpillars. To that end I picked out forty approximately equal- sized caterpillars and divided them up into four groups, A, B, C and D, of ten caterpillars each; the remaining nineteen, most of which were much smaller, were called group E. Sub- sequently group E was divided up into four further divisions, E,, E,, E, and E,, the first three of four caterpillars each and the last one of seven. The experiments I wished to carry out were these : — G) With group A, to try the effect of the addition of sugar to the cater- pillars’ diet. (ii) With group C, to try the effect of not standing the foodplant in water. This group was therefore pro- vided with dock leaves not standing in water, while group B, the control group, had leaves standing in water. Gii) With group D, to try the effect of perpetual darkness on the cater- pillars. They were therefore fed in the same manner as group B, but kept in darkness, except for about five minutes each day when I was changing their food. (iv) With the various sub-divisions of group E, to find what other plants the caterpillars would eat. These experiments were started on April 4th and from time to time the caterpillars of the first four groups were measured with a ruler, so that rough comparison as to size could be made between the various groups. I should have preferred to weigh them, but could not get an accurate balance. Further, to make the experiments as accurate as possible, the caterpillars were kept in identical containers (1 Ib. jam jars with paper caps) in light of approximately the same in- tensity (except group D) and fed on dock leaves as far as possible of the Same age and texture and from the same plant. The group results are given below: Group A. From the 4th-9th April these caterpillars were fed on dock leaves standing in a 4% sucrose solu- tion (sucrose “being the only sugar available). This proved unsatisfac- tory as the leaves tended to wilt, although the caterpillars did not seem to mind and ate almost as much as those of the other groups. On the 10th, having obtained some glucose, I painted some leaves (stood in w ater) with a thick syrupy solution of it on the upper surface only; this dried to a thick crust like icing on a cake. The caterpillars did not “like this and went to the undersurface, where they nibbled holes in the leaf without eat- ing any glucose. To counter this, the leaves were painted next day with a thin paste on both sides: the cater- pillars promptly severed the leaf stalk (not painted) close to its join with the leaf. Similar treatment on the next two days had the same result, and on all three days very little leaf was eaten. On the 14th, the leaves were painted with a weak glucose solution. This was more successful as the cater- pillars ate more, but there was little glucose on the leaves. Also as this treatment was continued the atmos- phere in the jar became damper and damper, and the caterpillars more and more unhappy, so, finally, I gave up the experiment on the 24th April. The caterpillars had lagged well be- hind the control group all the time, and it took until June 10th for the last one to pupate, as against May 17th for the last of the control group. Of the original ten caterpillars of the “i 6) group, one was lost; one was accident- ally killed; two died (24th May, 4th June); one failed to pupate; one pro- duced a deformed pupa and four pro- duced satisfactory pupae, which seem to be very slightly larger than those of the control group. Group CU. This group was being fed on leaves not stood in water. As compared with the control group B, which had leaves standing in water, this group moulted in more of a bunch and, though at first lagging be- hind as regards size, they soon made it up. They pupated at the same time as the caterpillars in group B, their pupae seeming slightly larger than those of that group. From all this it would seem that mendica caterpillars do not mind whether their food is in water or not. Group D. This was a most interest- ing group. At first they did well—as well as the control group B, in fact. About April 20th the decline started. On April 22nd I wrote in the day-by- day record I] was keeping: <_““Most larvae in this group are on the bot- tom of the jar and looking very un- neallitiaiy aco: fi ee ve All except the four biggest larvae are peculiar in that they are small and very dark with certain very short whitish hairs on the side.’ The normal caterpillar at this stage (4th instar) was greyish, with greyish brown hairs, and upwards of 20 mm. long; these dark ones were not more than 17 mm. After this the cater- pillars died off rapidly and only one made a coecoon (20th May) but failed to pupate in it. On two occasions in this group one caterpillar was seen nibbling another; this was not seen in any other group. Group EH. I was under the impres- sion before this experiment was _ be-- gun that, once a caterpillar had been started on a particular foodplant, it was difficult if not impossible to change it to another. How wrong I was! Each sub-division of the group had about ten changes of foodplant and they all throve. Briefly, the fol- lowing foodplants were very popular: Red Deadnettle, Rowan, Clover, Wild Arum, Stinging Nettle, Holly- hock, Plantain, Shepherd’s Purse, Privet, Willowherb. Blackberry, Cow- parsnip, Male Fern, Elder, Ivy young leaves), Hazel. Hawthorn, White Deadnettle, Hedge Mustard. Blackcurrant, Raspberry, Stitch- wort, and Hedge Parsley. The fol- lowing were fairly popular: Dande- lion, Mint, Cox’s Apple, Honeysuckle, Lilac, Quince, and Birch. The fol- lowing were disliked: Lime, Maple, Geranium, Anemone, Primrose, White NOVEMBER 1953 Violet, Daffodil, Buddleia, Tulip, Horse Chestnut. J. P. S. Pemgerni2094> ® AN IDEA AND A PROBLEM I have worked with suecess what I believe to be a new method of setting beetles, bugs, cockroaches, ete., which enables a direct underside view, iis best deseribed by the diagram. White card is easier to obtain than any strong transparent material, and this method also enables a direct view of the underside. Until the insect is stiff a (pin can. be placed on the card underneath the insect to hold the abdomen up. The pin must not touch the gum, other- wise 1t will be difficult to remove when the insect is stiff. If the legs are not Woody Nightshade, Wallflower, and strong enough to hold up the body, a strip of cellophane paper can be fixed to the underside of the card. TEHRORARY PIN Tor VIEW UNDERNEATH VIEW IT would like to know a method of holding pins in position in the box when a bump occurs, other than merely pressing the pins down harder or av oiding bumps. I have tried unsuccessfully : (a) Horizontal and vertical strips of cotton to hold the pins in place. These apart from being a nuisance and difficult to arrange, are impracticable as the pins cannot be horizontally level, nor in some eases vertically. (b) A sheet of cellophane paper across the box underneath the labels, which have to be fairly high on the pins. This did not work as the paper tore so very easily, and any paper came away from the side or dislodged all the pins when another insect was placed in the box. AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 19 I would be grateful to hear the ex- periences of other members on this matter, aS insects get so. easily damaged in this way. C2 Vi Ini Clis*): @ BRITISH SOCIAL WASPS This is really a humble sequel to Mr. Poole’s articles on collecting Bumble Bees (Bulletin 11, seriatim). The Social Wasps contain seven species which make up a group of striking insects with their black and yellow bodies. Although the colours of all the species, except Vespa crabro (Hornet), are yellow and black, the patterns on the abdomen are different and this gives a ready guide to their identification. CASTES There are three castes in all the social wasps, excluding Vespula austri- aca, in which the worker caste is miss- ing:—The queens which are normal females; the workers which are females only capable of laying infertile eggs which develop into males; and male wasps. The queens are the largest, while the males come next in size and the workers are the smallest. Queens and workers have twelve joints in their antennae. Males of all six species (excluding V. crabro) have their first joint, nearest the head, more or less all yellow; but in the females of the following species (V. vulgaris, germanica and rufa) the first joint is quite black, while the others (V. syl- westris, norvegica and austriaca) have it of a bright yellow underneath. The queen’s job is to start building the nest and then to lay eggs. The workers take over the rest of the building from the queen and tend to the grubs. The males only pair with the fertile females, who will be next year’s queens, and they do not appear to do any other jobs for the rest. All male wasps are stingless. Lire HIstTorirs When the first warm days of spring arrive, the queen, one of last autumn’s brood, emerges from her’ winter hibernation in the hole or cranny which she chose last year. She then begins to search the neighbourhood for a suitable spot in which to build a nest. The nest may be built in a hollow tree, a hole in the bank, an outhouse, or under the roof of a house. When the queen has found a suitable nesting site, she builds a stalk from which the nest is to hang when it is finished: she attaches a small group of cells to it, and then more cells are placed around them and so on. Each cell contains an egg. When the young grubs hatch they are attended to by the queen until they are fully fed, then they seal their cells and pupate. When they emerge from the pupa, they eat their way through the top of the cell and emerge from the cell as a fully grown wasp. These young wasps appear about the beginning of July, they make up the first batch of workers. They then share the work, building more cells and tending to the grubs. Soon after this the queen stops work and con- centrates upon egg laying. During the spring and early summer only workers are produced in the nest, but in the late summer and_=e early autumn males and females appear. The young females, which will be next year’s queens, pair with the males and then search for a place in which to hibernate until the spring ealls them forth again. The males and workers and the old queen die as soon as the temperature drops in the late autumn. In the case of V. austriaca, which 1s a parasite on V. rufa, no nest is built and only queens and males are known. No workers of this species have been found. Foop Wasps are omnivorous feeders, that is they are not restricted to a plant or animal diet. Sugary substances, such as jam, treacle and fruit are a prominent part of their food. Also meat, when obtainable, together with other insects. A saliva exuded by the grubs in the cells is much relished by the workers. COLLECTING Wasps are best caught in a net of some kind and then either transferred to glass tubes or pill-boxes or put straight into the _ killing bottle. Either Ethyl Acetate or Potassium Cyanide is a good killing agent, as it kills them almost immediately and leaves the specimens nicely relaxed for setting. Setting is done on an ordin- ary flat board about two inches wide with about 1” groove in it; a slightly larger board will be needed for V. crabro, but all the other species are about the same size. THE NEST A wasp’s nest is composed of what is commonly called ‘wasp _ paper’. Wasp’s paper is usually made of wood, sand, paper or any other material that is suitable and available; which the wasp has chewed up and bound to- gether by a mucous secretion. Wasp 80 paper varies in colour from grey to a light sandy brown, according to what materials have been used. V. ger- manica uses sound wood, while V. vul- garis prefers wood which is rotten and has been subjected to the weather. The nest is built up cell by cell in tiers, about eight or nine being the usual number of tiers in a nest. The tiers are then enveloped in a dome- shaped covering with an _ entrance hole at the bottom, so that the whole lot resembles a rough sphere hanging by a piece of cord. THE SPECIES Vespa crabro (Hornet) This is the largest British species. It usually nests in trees or buildings. It can be recognised by its large size and its brown and orange colouring imslead of the usual bright yellow and black. NOVEMBER 1953 Vespula vulgaris (Common Wasp) Usually builds its nest in a hole in the ground, and makes it from rotten wood. It can be distinguished from J. germanica by the fact that the two yellow stripes on the thorax running from the ‘‘neck’’ to the insertion of the wings are parallel sided. It has four yellow spots on the thorax behind the wings. There is an _ anchor- shaped mark on the face. V. germanica (German Wasp) Resembles V. vulgaris in appear- ance and habits and is equally abundant. It may be distinguished by having the two side lines on the thorax triangular, not parallel sided. It has four yellow spots behind the wings. The face is marked with either three dots or a line and two dots, it varies in different specimens. V. norvegica (Norwegian Wasp) Usually builds its nest in bushes, quite often in gooseberry bushes. It is a darkish insect, but sometimes marked with a reddish tinge similar to V. rufa. It may be distinguished from V. sylvestris by having a broad and thick black line on the face in- stead of a single dot. V. sylvestris (Tree Wasp) Usually makes its nest in a hollow tree, but quite often in a hole in a bank. It has a small black dot in the centre of its face. Its markings are more constant than in any other species. V. rufa (Red Wasp) It is an underground builder, but rarely seen in houses as V. vulgaris and V. germantca are. It may be recognised by having the abdomen and legs more or less a reddish colour. The black markings are not so easily de- fined and it is very variable in coloura- tion. The abdomen is fairly shiny and there are only two yellow spots on the thorax. V. austriaca (Wood Wasp) This is a somewhat rare wasp and has very distinct habits from all of the other six species. It is a ‘cuckoo’ or parasitic wasp laying its eggs in the nest of V. rufa, which it somewhat resembles in colour. It has three black dots on the face instead of a black anchor as on the face of its host. Only queen and males have been found, the worker caste is missing. BIBLIOGRAPHY Sir JOHN Luspock. ‘‘Ants, Bees and Wasps.” (Kegan Paul). EDWARD OMEROD. “British Social Wasps.” (Longmans. 1868). E. SAUNDERS. “Hymenoptera aculeata of the Br. Islands’. (Reeve, 1896). V.norvegica V.germanica 82 EDWARD STEP. ‘Bees, Wasps, Ants and Allied Imsects of the British Isles”. (Warne). GEORGE and ELIZABETH PECKHAM. ‘‘Wasps, Solitary and Social’. (Constable). AES. ‘“Hymenopterist’s Handbook”. Vol. 7 of The Amateur Entomologist (1943). D. I. CHarpman (1648%*). e A STRANGE PAIRING As I live close to Mr. Smith of the Silkmoth Study Group, I spend quite a lot of time helping him with his tropical caterpillars. On Sunday, 28th June 1953, I watched a female Actias selene (In- dian Moon Moth) emerge. It was one of two that had overwintered naturally and I hoped to see the other one come out, prove to be a male, and pair. As this did not happen, the moth was put in a large pairing cage for storage. Later, the same day, a male Antherea pernyi (Chinese Oak Silk- moth) emerged and was also put in the same cage. This made me ask what sort of moth would emerge if the two paired. Mr Smith explained with great care that this was not likely to happen, because they were not very closely related species. When I arrived the next evening and asked my usual question, ‘‘Any- thing fresh?’ I was told ‘‘No.”? On looking in the cage, however, I saw pernyt and selene so close together that I was sure that they were paired. This surprised Mr. Smith very much, but on looking closer he found that this was so. I do not know what time the pairing took place, but as both species normally pair about midnight, I presume that is when it took place. They broke just after 10.15 p.m. and by the following morning 70 ova had been laid. Only a further 5 ova were laid altogether after that. Mr Smith was convinced that the ova would not be fertile and on this occasion he proved correct, for, although the ova were looked after very carefully, no larvae formed inside them. As the males usually find their female partners by tracking down the scent given off by the scent glands, it seems ‘likely that the scents of these two moths must be very similar. I have since learnt that Mr Harri- son-Gray (1806) had a similar ex- perience at about the same time, but in his case the female selene had already been paired with one of her own kind an hour or so before her pairing with pernyi. The ova were fertile and have hatched, but whether any Show crosa strains T have not NOVEMBER 1953 yet heard. We shall probably have to wait for the moths to be sure. Perhaps it is wishful thinking on my part that fertile*ova will result from a similar cross pairing and that we shall see selene with the eye-spots of pernyt and vice versa—or would it be some other mixture of the two? Who knows? A. R. Woopman (2175*). e OBSERVATIONS On the afternoon of 7th July 1953, while at work (City Treasurer’s De- partment, Manchester Town Hall) one of my friends brought me a_ dead specimen of a male Aeshna grandis which he had found in the corner of the room in which he was working. The left forewing was damaged, and the head was completely missing, but the body, and remaining three wings were dtill intact. Whether it had come to pay its water rate, or attend a meeting of the council, it never lived to tell. G. A. Harpman (2050*). I was collecting with a past mem- ber of the AES in a Hertfordshire wood, called Symond’s Hyde, last Sunday (Aug. 9). .It was a hot day and there were plenty of butterflies on the wing. At about 3 o’clock we were pushing our way through a thick undergrowth of Willowherb when he let his eyes follow a tattered old female Silver Washed Fritillary. He called my attention, having mentioned earlier that it was the right time of year to see paphia laying. Sure enough and much to our interests in her wavering path she alighted at the base of one of the narrow trunks of a rather shrubby Ash tree. Her abdomen curled round and one could see that she had left something behind. In short hops she flew up it, deposit- ing an egg at each landing. After a rest. feeding at a flower, she flew on to another tree to repeat the same actions. There was violet, the cater- pillar’s food-plant growing on the ground round each tree, though it is puzzling to wonder what degree of chance rules the choice of so con- veniently situated a position. We looked for the eggs and found them. small yellow things grooved with lines from tip to bottom. Each was placed within a erack in the dried-up bark, on the upper side, and cleverly hidden from sight. I. I. T. Evans (1576*). During the year I have seen three male dwarf Orange-tip Butterflies, Anthocharis cardamines, one of which i fig. 14. AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 On { W [ captured for my collection. Mr. E. Ford says (‘‘Buttertlies”, New Net. alist Series, pp. 220-21) that this form is to be seen prior to the normal emergence. This was not so in my locality (Potters Bar, Middlesex), be- cause they were all seen well after the first normal males were flying. Their emergence did, however, coincide with that of the normal females. Mr. E. Sanders gives the name of this dwarf form as ab. hesperidis or Butterfly Book for the Pocket’’, p. 265). No 1n- dication is given aoe. it is excep- tionally uncommon. Those I saw were a very smal] percentage of the total number flying in the same locality. B. J. Oveun (2054*). In an article in another magazine, Mr. Antram, F.R.E.S., told of obser- vations of Thecla betulae on the wing. These contradict the previous belief that this insect is seldom so seen. My own experience this year may also help to disprove this idea. While passing a field near Exeter on 7th September I noticed something on a hedge which caught my attention. A rather worn female was sunning, itself on hazel and flitting along the low hedge. Not having a net I failed to catch it. In an hour’s further search of the area I saw several butterflies at the tops of trees, but could not definitely identify them. On llth September I visited a known locality in the New Forest. I had an afternoon’s searching around blackthorn bushes before I noticed a female on heather blossom. This was not taken. I think these notes show that this insect can be seen on the wing quite easily if it is searched for in the right places up to September. C. S. Scott (763%). Members of the Felsted School saw on 19th July in the grounds of Spain’s Hall, Finchingfield, Essex, an interesting variety of the Comma butterfly. Mr. H. Lee reports that he, another master and a boy viewed it from one to two yards. Un- fortunately, they had no net and although they attempted to catch it with a jam jar, it fiew off and was not seen again. The Secretary of the School N.H.S. made a special journey there the following day to look for it, but did not find it. The accompanying diagram is an average of the impressions gained by the three observers of this male | Polygoma c-album. It was reminis- ‘cent of Frohawk’s Comma plate, LEPIDOPTERA IN HOLLAND At the end of August last year [ was on holiday in Central Holland, but had the chance of collecting only in one restricted, sandy area, where the vegetation was mainly heather, coarse grass and young conifers. As the evenings were very cold, compara- tively few moths were flying. I had a Tilley paraffin lamp with me. I was interested to find Luceria virens, recently discovered in 5S. Ireland, not uncommon. Specimens on the wing were mostly very worn; their beautiful green forewings hav- ing faded to a pale buff. However, I found four on _ different evenings, clinging to grass stems with their wings not yet, inflated. Each was found at about 9.30 p.m. The Central EKuropean Noctuid Ammoconia caecimaucula (W.V.) was common, and very fresh. Specimens of Ellopia fasciarw (Barred Red) were very pale, and one green var. prasin- aria turned up. Agrotis vestigialis (Archer’s Dart) was abundant; most being very dark, and a few having the ‘forewings heavily suffused with black. Agrotis vpsilon (Dark Sword Grass) was also abundant, and Celaenu haworthi (Haworth’s Minor) was not uncommon. Amongst many species of common moths were the following :—Tholera popularis (Feathered Gothic), Tholera cespitis (Hedge Rustic), Abrostola triplasia (Dark Spectacle), Hepialus sylvina (Orange Swift), Deilephila elpenor (Hlephant Hawk), Hydroecia oculea (The Ear), Luperina testacea (Flounced Rustic), Thera obeliscata (The Pine Carpet), and Thera firmata (Grey Pine Carpet). Few butterflies were found; the only species of interest being Argyn TS lathonia (Queen of Spain fritillary). Hesperia comma _ (Silver Spotted skipper), in this country virtually con- fined to chalky soils, was common. Davin S. SmirH (1755*). D REVIEWS The Observer’s Book of Common British Insects and Spiders. By E. F. Linssen and L. Hugh Newman. Pp. 114 and index, with 64 plates (32 in colour). Warne, London, 1953. Price 5/-. Each of the twenty-one orders of insects and some of the spider class have been briefly but competently out- lined in this inexpensive, comprehen- sive, and clearly printed book, which is a convenient pocket size. The majority of the book, written by E. F. Linssen, F.Z.S., F.R.E.S., is interesting, informative, and of a high standard throughout. Popular names of insects are used where known, and are preceded by the cor- responding scientific terms. Unfortunately, the sections on Trichoptera and Lepidoptera, written by L. Hugh Newman, F.R.E.S., F.R.H.S., do not compare well with the rest of the book. No scientfiic names are used in this section, and the author gives a detailed account of the habits and life histories of some in- sects, while completely omitting those of others, equally common. Many of the facts are not clearly expressed, and the reader may easily become muddled. The coloured illustrations are not nearly as good as the black and white photographs. The colour plates of butterflies are misleading and _ those showing their wings closed, or partly closed, certainly do not do justice to their beauty. As none of the illus- trations is placed in the required position in the text, the reader has constantly to turn the pages in order to find the plate to which reference has been made. For example, page 31 still refers to plate 1 opposite to page 18, whilst page 32 goes straight on to refer to plate 5, which is opposite to page 26. The effect is very tiring to a reader, but, of course, the book is for an observer, who may wish to look up only one or two insects at a time. I would not recommend this book to anyone wishing to specialise in any order, particularly Lepidoptera; but those wishing to acquire an observer’s acquaintance with all orders will find it useful and worth the moderate price. Eve Woopstra (1948*). The 30th and 3ist Reports’. of Gresham’s School Natural History Society, 1952 and 1953. Pp. 46; 4 plates. Price 2/-. NOVEMBER 1953 These reports of Gresham’s School N.H.S. are well’edited and printed. They include lists of the flora and fauna around Holt in Norfolk, where the school is situated. The compilers of the lists appear to have been thorough in their observations and records. The reports also include notes on expeditions to places of in- terest to the naturalist; a meteoro- logical section; and accounts. The volume will be useful to mem- bers of the AES who live in the dis- trict or visit it. I always find it help- ful when going to a district which is new to me to look at a list of the flora and fauna of that district. It avoids the annoyance of missing in- teresting plants or insects occurring in the locality. It is pleasing to see records of the orders Coleoptera and Hymenoptera, in which they inelude lists of Ichneumonidae. So often School Natural History Clubs limit their recordings to Lepidoptera. The society must be fortunate in having members interested in the less well-known botanical and zoological groups such as mosses, — lichens, mycetozoa, mollusca and the crus- tacea. D. 1. CHapMan (1648%*), UL CE (ee JUNIORS WANTED! Printed by T. Buncle & Co. Ltd., Arbroath, and published by the Amateur Entomologists’ Society, 1 West Ham Lane, London, E.15. 1953. © OOOO DCOCCCEOCOEE CESS DOD OOOOL POO OOOESOOEESEE OOS SORESSOEOOO OOO EOOOOOOO000ODECCEEEOOODE DOOR SOCOVEDOCS SE SL OPPOSE OSSD OOOO OOOO OOOOH OL HHOSOOO THOS OODOSHOS OL ODOT OSU OOL OOOH ODDO OOOO POOH OOOOH OOOSDO NOOO DOSOIO OOOO OY 33 = 4 oe oo oe oe oe = oo oe oe oe oe oe oe oe 33 \ BY | TUBERCLES 3 ? 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BIGNELL PRATT, 1 West Mamelane ie | London, E.15 ee seececccessooccooceseseoooccceessogcoecoseesegegeeenesceeeccceseooggcess seesgeesessesscoscsesseoooes, SOS SOSH OSOSH SOD OSOSOO OOOH POSOSO HOSEL OD HHOH DODO O ODES EHO DOSHODEOESEDED ESS DEO“ SEOEDOSHOEDESOOOOOOOOD core SOSOSOSOHOE OOS OSOSOOOOOD coeseccocoooooes SHOPS OO SOP SOSH OSH OOOO OD socesssveoeesseenteesneenes att aa a <3 SESOSSHSOSESSSHHHESSOSHSOOSHSOHOHEHOOOHOOOOSOOSSOOSHSEOOHEOHSCEOSD Namibia peda Sake ‘ 2 BEE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION 3 «OFFERS THE FOLLOWING AND OTHER FACILITIES TO aa 33 ENTOMOLOGISTS: | e e * @ ° * 33 of photographs and A hokedeneen ne iS bees $s PUBLICATIONS INCLUDE: 33 * Dictionary of beekeeping terms, English-French-German-Dutch (12/) 33 board; 16/- cloth). This gives the equivalents in the four 33 languages of 1500 beekeeping and entomological terms 33 * Bee World—international scientific journal about bees * e * 33 * Apicultural Abstracts—summaries of all important publications about oar § bees and allied subjects ie 33 Membership, £1 a year “ Write for details to the Director : = Dr EVA CRANE, 55 NEWLAND PARK, HULL, YORKS e Seeoeoe Occ eeeeeeeeseseeseseeeeseeeeeseSESSSOSESSSOSSS OES FESEEEEEESEESESEPOSSOSEOOS Oassseceeeses toPPPSSOPPSPPOLSTISS SSS S SSO TSS T SOTTOTITOLI STITT TTT E STS see TS SSS SSS TTS f= THE BULLETIN ae THE AMATEUR SOCIETY EDITED by W. J. B. CROTCH, M.A., A.K.C. ~ ENTOMOLOGISTS’ 1953 YD Uy easel Yj = VOL. 12 No. 156 ‘DECEMBER > oe . = : So POSSESSES SELES SEES PSE SOE SHOES OSE SO SHEDS SHOE IFSOEOOO OOS EL OOH DOE ES ESEOEEESEDOS OEE SOOO DEED OEOSOOOD OO OOOOE ae t? CEOCCCOESE SCO OEE SE TEESE OES SOOESELOSOESS MPPSPSPSOSOLOL OOOO ODO DIOLS OHOLOO SHOES OSES ODOOOS OOO OOOOOOC OOOO SS 33 By the Well-known Authority 3 # THE ARGENTINA # = SPIDER’S WEB ae oe oe as : = By TE. ks Say ORY. Eggs and Pupae of Butterflies and:: ¢¢ 8 Colour Plates, 19 Half-tone plates, Moths : 33 and 35 line illustrations. 12s. 6d. net. | Lepidoptera and all orders of insects $g This book describes the construction, in papers. $3 design and use of webs by different pa 33 Varieties of spiders. How does a spider Pupae Morpho catenarius % ¢¢ know the way to spin a web? By in ee j : $$ instinct or by observation? Is the WOE i oe E . S BME Be ASS ; ~ ¢¢ spinning a clever, individually planned 5/- each 3: process, or a semi-automatic one as far —S . j yj 5 Ay 9 7 c . -o- ae 33 as the spider is concerned ? 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CLASSEY, F.R.ES. a 33 Entomological Bookseller and Publisher 33 91 Bedfont Lane, Feltham, Middlesex = $¢ Telephone — Feltham 3740 i = ; # BOOKS ARE THE MOST ACCEPTABLE a CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 3 Send for me free Catalogue ae Book Tokens can now be accepted for either 3 New or Second-Hand Books oe » asin SECESOESS ESE SESSESESSSS OES SE SEH ES EES ESS SES! SHHEOHSS HES ESE SEES ES ESOS ESOP ESOS O OOO OOO OOS Ce eee eee ee ccc cc ccc cece cee tes ee eee seeee aaa la oa tse Safin hetiah tanh A E = BULLETIN No. 156 DECEMBER 1953 DEFENCE BY STARTLING Many reams have been written both for and against the Theory of Mimicry: much also about Protective and Warning Colours. But the method of insect defence which, for the purposes of this article, I call “Defence by Startling,” although it ties up with all these three, seems to me to be worthy of more mention than (so far as I am aware) it has received. IT am not suggesting that there is any- thing new in the idea: I merely pro- pose to give some interesting instances that have come to my notice. Perhaps we in Africa, where there are so many noxious creatures. are more keyed-up when collecting than you are in Eng- land. At all events I have received many shocks when so engaged—shocks ~ that, from the insects’ points of view, have been highly successful. Various methods of startling are employed. First, there are the insects who, believing that offence is the best defence, inflict a sudden pain. The common Wasp is a sufficiently familiar example. In Kenya we have far too Many insects that adopt this method. I may mention the large Lasiocampid larvae who suddenly expose brilliantly eoloured cushions on the thorax, and then, by a lightning-like lunge, plant a bunch of hairs in the hand of the unwary—hairs that inflict pain quite as severe aS a wasp-sting, and far more lasting. Then there are those who rely on making their escape while they have momentarily disconcerted the enemy. An example of this is the big Noctuid moth Othreis materna, which usually sits low down among the long stems of meadow-grass. Here the pattern of the forewings—a mixture of browns, greys, and greens—makes it almost invisible; and two of the veins being strongly marked in white give the effect of just two more among the thousands of interlacing stems. So far, merely protective colouring, of course. But when it is disturbed, not only is there a sudden and most alarming display of brilliant orange, black and white (the very ample hind- wings), but the creature flies off with a loud scratchy. rattling noise which makes one wonder, just for the critical moment, what sort of animal one has disturbed. The forewings are very hard, of rather parchment-like tex- ture, and the rattling is possibly caused by their scraping against the grass-stems. However it may be caused, the noise, together with the sudden flash of colour, is enough to send even an entomologist’s heart well up into his mouth. When he has re- covered from the shock, materna is far away. In another method, the insects try to startle their enemy into making his escape, leaving them in peace. Members of the Silkmoth Group are no doubt acquainted with the large Saturniid moth Gynanisa mara: but unless they have seen it in its natural surroundings—on the bark of a Wattle tree, for instance—they may perhaps not realise how when one extends a tentative finger towards what may—or may not—be just a bit of bark, the finger is promptly withdrawn as the dark forewings are very slowly raised, exposing a rather melancholy pair of ‘eves,’ and then slowly closed again. There is something menacing about the very slowness and _ deliberate- ness of the movement: it is as if a big bully was staring at you con- temptuously and saying ‘‘Well, do you want to start anything ?”’ Perhaps the strangest form of Defence by Startling is the ‘‘imita- tion’’ by these invertebrates of verte- brate forms. The Catocalid moth Cyligramma latona has well-developed eyes on the forewing: not just spots, but realistic eyes, complete with ap- parent pupil, iris, eyelid and eye- brow. When the moth sits, as it usually does, head downwards in some slight depression in the side of a bank, with its wings folded into a not quite flat triangle, and its antennae not tucked away out of sight, but held Fig. ] r 36 DECEMBER 1953 out sideways like a cat’s moustache, one could almost swear that some small weasel or cat-like mammal was staring at one out of a hole in the bank. kig. 1 gives no idea whatever of the ‘‘reality’’ of this likeness. That would require not only colours, but a much better artist. The eye is dark bluish-grey, with a metallic glitter that shifts as you change your angle of vision. There is a minute white speck, like the reflection that you will see in the eye of any portrait, and there are many other realistic details. In the figure I have not attempted to give an idea of the quality of the imitation: merely to show how it is produced. There are larger Noctuids (Genus Nyctipao, with wing-span of 41” and more) which adopt the same or similar markings, and the same position. I can assure my readers that when one is poking about in the rather dark, shady places that these moths frequent, the sudden vision of a motionless mammalian head, with baleful eyes and bristling whiskers, is enough to give anyone a shock! To turn to larvae. The ‘‘Threaten- ing attitude’’ of the Puss moth comes, presumably, in this category, though it is a very mild example, and it is difficult to say what creature the lar- va is supposed to represent. Two Kenya species are worthy of mention. First, a Notodontid, Stenosaurus iim- peditus. As with many Notodonts, the anal segment is a large bulbous affair, held well up off the twig on which the larva stands. In impeditus, there is a brilliant crimson streak run- ning round the bulb, halfway up, turning slightly up at the ends, thus giving “the idea of a grinning mouth. A red and white spot above each end represents an angry, bloodshot eye. Seen from behind, the larva might well be some nightmare creature with an angry, menacing, and clearly vertebrate face. But this is not all. When alarmed, it wags this horrid face at you, sideways: and at the same time takes three or four rapid steps backwards (that is, towards you). Startling? Yes, definitely, on the first encounter. After that, a most ludicrous performance. The other larva is that of the large Hawkmoth, Hippotion osiris. Tt puts up two different quasi-vertebrate shows. The first is the same as that attempted by the Elephant Hawk larva in England. (See South, “Moths of the British Isles’’, Vol. 1, Plate 17.) But the larva of osiris is very much bigger than that of e/penor. and its performance is much more gest the cat’s paws. thrilling. When the thorax is ex- tended, as when the larva is feeding, it has the look of some small but very fierce Saurian. The small head repre- sents the snout, the legs are formid- able fangs, and the ‘‘eye-spot’’ on the first abdominal segment, though ad- mittedly rather large for so small a croc, is decidedly threatening. In late life, osiris often skulks in the mass of débris under its favourite foodplant, a low growing, wide-spreading vine (Cissus). My wife, who has been well accustomed to larvae of many sorts for many years, also to snakes, having lifted up a branch of this plant one day, dropped it again rather hur- riedly, calling out ‘‘There’s a snake here!’ I hurried up with my stick ready. The snake was an osiris larva. Skin black and shiny, thoracic seg- ments fully retracted, two large lid- less eyes staring from the wide head formed by the swollen segments: since it was partly covered by leaves one could not tell how long its body might be: it certainly did look like a viper of some sort. Fortunately, I had met it before. so that, although I was de- ceived for a moment, it did not meet the usual fate of snakes. There have been previous mentions of Spiders in our Bulletin; so that although this is supposed to be about the defences of Insects, I venture to tell of a spider that I caught two weeks ago. Seen from behind, its bloated abdomen. measuring over 20 mm. across, and about the same from waist to spinneret, looks almost exactly like the head and face of an ordinary. but rather comical, cat. Fig ae Fig. 2 gives only a poor idea of the thing. There are two diverging humps on top of the abdomen (the ecat’s pricked-up ears). Two much smaller ones, very close together, nearer the tip of the abdomen, for the nostrils. The two hind-legs, curving round on either side of the body, sug- The resemblance is quite ridiculous. One thing I think is really remarkable: that is, that as one moves one’s head so as to see AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 87 eee the thing from one side or the other, the eyes seem to follow, just as do the eyes of a portrait in which the sitter is looking directly at the observer. This effect seems to be caused by some sort of reflection of light from a pale streak under the eye-tubercle. The spider is in front of me as I write. It has been dead for a fortnight, but those eyes still follow me round... . Those who have not seen these creatures for themselves will, no doubt, tell me that the resemblances are largely fanciful: that it is all wishful thinking: that I am far too imaginative for an entomologist. And what about their size? What use is a 5° crocodile, a 2” dragon, or a cat with a 20 mm. head? To the last objection I reply that the study of generally accepted ‘‘mimics’’ (e.g., among the African Butterflies) seems to show that the proportional size of model and mimic goes for very little. To the other criticisms I can only say that many of my friends, both entomologists and non-entomologists, have seen the creatures; and their re- actions, unprompted by me, have been most satisfactory ! It is perhaps not too difficult to be- lieve in the imitation of (or resem- blance to) a noxious or unpalatable insect on the part of a harmless or pleasant-tasting one. But why and how have these caricatures of vertebrate forms been developed in the invertebrates? Why, for instance, does latona nearly always sit head- downwards? How has impeditus “Jearnt’’ that, to give the right im- pression, he must make those few pur- poseful steps backwards? Again, at what sort of enemies are these de- fences aimed? What can a Pompilid wasp know about a crocodile? An Ichneumon-fly about a snake? Is a bird going to say ‘‘Heavens! That’s a eat! A small one, certainly, but I object to cats. Hop off!’ Or is one to suppose that Nature, over hundreds and thousands of years, has been pre- paring these miniature cats, weasels, crocodiles and snakes just to scare off the inquisitive Entomologist like myself ? A. L. H. Townsenp (1691). AN EASY WAY OF COLLECTING THE BEAUTIFUL YELLOW UNDER-WING Whilst out walking on an East Sussex heath, I was surprised and interested to observe Anarta myrtilli feeding off the flowers of rhododen- dron. _ At the north end of the heath there is a long line of rhododendron bushes, spaced at varying intervals.: Seeing one yellow underwing flying around these, apparently about to alight, I waited until it settled on one of the flowers. Upon closer inspection, I found that two more were sitting right inside the long tubular corollas, feeding from the nectaries. These moths were very easily taken. Thus encouraged, I passed down the line of bushes, and found specimens on most plants. On one, a rather isolated bush, I counted no less than fifteen actually feeding, and a further dozen flying near as though about to alight. Within the petals of some of the flowers, I found the spider Misumena calycina. This handsome spider lies in wait to catch and kill unwary insects as they come to feed. I found several dead yellow under-wings, and watched the capture and death of another. This spider is able to change its colour to accord with that of its background. In this case, it was a pastel shade of green with a suggestion of the pink of the rhododendron. During the short period of my at- tention to these flowers, I caught a re- markably good series of the moth. I can think of no better way, in the vicinity of rhododendrons, of collect- ing them, and the ease with which they may be boxed while feeding on this plant is sufficient recommenda- tion for the method. W. J. Hieerns (2072*). 5) LUSUS NATURAE Although variations and _ aberra- tions in the colouring, size and shape of insects are frequently met with, and specimens with stunted or mal- formed limbs are not uncommon, it is surely most unusual to find an insect with perfectly formed additional limbs. I have recently acquired a specimen of Sirex gigas, the Giant, or Pine Sawfly, which has an _ extra _ leg, slightly smaller than a fore-leg, at- tached directly behind the hind-leg on one side. Although upon examina- tion [I could find no trace of a corres- ponding limb having been situated behind the other hind-leg, I imagine that originally there was in fact a leg there also, so that the insect before being presented to me by its captors, (who had mistaken it for a hornet) may have had eight legs. Since I have never heard of a similar occurrence, I thought it might be of 88 DECEMBER 1953 interest to report it. It may prompt others with similar freaks or unusual insects to record the fact. B. G. CHATFIELD (1704). [Members may like to refer to Dr. E. A. Cockayne’s article on redupli- cated limbs in Cantharidae (Col.) in E.M.M. 79: 200 (1943).—Ep. ]. AN ABERRANT MEADOW BROWN In 1948 I was fortunate enough to capture two aberrant specimens of Maniola jurtina (the Meadow Brown butterfly) but omitted to report them, originally because I wanted first to make a more comprehensive survey of the locality in which I found them. I have, however, captured no further examples and indeed have _ spent eighteen months abroad. ‘It was on 17th July in that year that I was collecting Chalk Down butterflies on the North Downs near Maidstone, Kent. An unusual butter- fly caught my eye as it flew low over the grass and I got my net to it. The insect was a Meadow Brown differing from the normal by having the ground colour mainly of clouded cream, with patches of the usual dusky brown. It had obviously been on the wing for some time and its left forewing was partially crippled. er HT! ea To my amazement, only a_ few minutes later, I saw yet another aberration of the same species, with half the left hindwing coloured creamish. This when captured proved to be in fairly good condition. The first specimen is not unlike M. jurtina ab. radiata pictured in F. W. Frohawk, ‘‘Varieties of British Butterflies’. In the drawing of it the dark areas represent the normal background colour. B. C. A. Earn (1388). INSECT ORDERS (Continued from Vol. 10, page 124) Order XI EPHEMEROPTERA (Muayflies) Mayflies are small to medium sized insects with the hindwings re- duced or absent and the wing vena- tion primitive with numerous cross- veins. They are unique amongst insects, in moulting in the winged stage, for from the aquatic larva (or nymph) arises the duller sub-imago; this soon sheds its cuticle again and the imago itself emerges. The end of the abdomen has two cerci and some- times a median projection. The antennae are very short in the adult. The aquatic larvae of mest species are vegetable feeders, they live for up to three years, passing through many moults (twenty-four in Cloéon dip- terum). Their shape is very variable, for they are adapted to many environ- ments, from stagnant ponds to fast- flowing streams. Mellanby (1938) divided them into: (a) burrowers, (b) much flattened, living amongst strong currents, (c) swimmers, (d) creepers. The three caudal processes are always present, though often modified. Along the side of the abdomen are normally seven pairs of plate-like outgrowths, misnamed ‘‘gills,’ for their major function is not the absorption of oxygen, but probably to keep a cur- rent of water flowing over the body surface, where oxygen absorption does occur. These outgrowths are absent in the very young nymphs. The adult mayflies are short lived, from only a few hours in many of the night-flying species, up to a maximum of several days; they cannot take any food, the mouth parts being vestigial and the gut modified into a hydrostatic organ used in the aerial dances. The males form large swarms that dance by flying upwards rapidly and gradually falling, the females fiy through these and are caught by the males, with their long forelegs from below. The eyes of the male have larger facets in the upper portion than the lower, in some hese are raised on a projection forming a turbinate eye: it has been said that species with this type of eye dance vertically, while those with the more normal eyes dance at about 45°, but this is much affected by wind. The eggs, which vary greatly in structure and number (from a few hundred to several thousand) accord- ing to species, are laid either in batches on the surface, gradually AES BULLETIN VOL. 12 89 separating and sinking, or below the surface, especially on the underside of stones (this method is only recorded in some Baétis species). The eggs usually hatch in a few weeks, but Cloéon dipterum is often vivi- parous. Mayflies are well known to anglers, who refer to the sub-imago as a “Dun’’ and the imago as a ‘‘Spin- ner,”’ while many of their ‘‘flies’’ are made up to resemble certain species. Much information on Mayflies to- gether with simple keys and descrip- tions will be found in An Angler’s Entomology by J. R. Harris (Collins, New Naturalist Library, No. 23), which is well illustrated with colour plates. There are about 3000 species known, the majority from the tropics; the 47 species occurring in the British Isles may be identified from D. KE. Kimmins’ key in Handbooks for the identification of British Insects, Vol. 1, part 9 (Royal Entomological Society), which also gives keys to the nymphs, or the same author’s Keys to the British Species of Hphemeroptera with Keys to the Genera of the Nymphs (Freshwater Biological As- sociation). The order is divided into several families, the exact number being a subject of dispute between authorities. (To be continued) Brian O. C. Garpiner (225). @ A CABINET HAND-REST A tip which may be useful to those who have not met with the idea is that a rest for the wrist is a great help when arranging insects. in drawers. A flat piece of wood not more than 2” wide. and }” thick is chosen and sawn off to a length some- what greater than the width of one’s drawer. A narrow section of the same wood is screwed or glued beneath at each end, so that there is no danger of the support’s slipping or falling into the drawer when in use. The idea is seen in the accompanying diagram, compressed to save Bulletin space. The wrist is supported while the pins of the specimens are being pressed home and there is much less risk of weary, incautious movements. Moreover, it can assist neat alignment. G. C. Hotroyp (253), ANNUAL EXHIBITION, 1953 It was with a pleasurable sense of anticipation that I made my way to the 9th Post-War Annual Exhibition. Quite apart from the attractive exhibits and lectures, the occasion is always a grand opportunity to con- tact other members, to talk ‘shop’ and exchange views and to meet old friends once again. That many others shared this view was borne out by the constant stream of enthusiastic members and friends who ensured that the 1953 Show was once again an outstanding success. Looking around, it was pleasing to see that, though Lepidoptera was the largest single Order represented, the other Orders were by no means neglected. Prominent among the exhibitors were two of the AES Special Groups. The Silk Moth study Group had a fine display of bred) moths, living larvae, photo- graphs and coloured transparencies and members answered a continual stream of queries. MPLS O U4 1700 we™.> So oe ‘ Printed by T. Buncle & Co. Ltd., Arbroath, and published by the Amateur Entomologists’ Society, 1 West Ham Lane, London, E.15. 1953. FP SPHPHSSSSSS SSS SOSH SSH S OSS SS OSHS SH SSSOSHSHSHS OHO OS HOO SOS HOOP OPPO OOOO DODO SOOO DOD FP POOPOP PHO OOS SOOOOOPTOIO® AALS LLL SPSOCOOSTOCOOOPSSCO COCO CODD OCOD COLO OCCOLCOCCOCOL OUD YCVUDOLOOCOCOO CLO OVPOSELVOLUVOLO VEC! ‘ge AES NOTICE WHERE TO WRITE Membership applications, offers of help, Wants and Exchange notices (for March, May, July and October to bee-received oy foth of previous month) to: E. Lewis, 8 Parry Road, (a) Pihondon, S.E.95. : Advertisers to: L. W. SIGGS, 10 Road, Orpington, Kent. Repton (b) Changes of address and non-arrival of Bulletins to: B. L. J. BYERLEY, grove Road, Harrow, Middlesex. Offers to lead Field Meetings, etc., to: K. H. Bose, 19 Hengist Road, (c) London, HEA? Manuscripts, review moral LOW. 2B2-CROICH, Mansions, Clevedon Twickenham, Middx. 48 Elm- exhibit, drawings and books for 6 Bal- Road, | (d) : Subscriptions (12/- per annum, 6/- for Juniors) toz FC. im) MASURIER, 85 (e) Warren Drive, Tolworth, Surrey. $ Youth matters to: S. M. HANs ON, 167 peer SOUTY Park, London, W.5. 330000000000 se 000e 0 eee eee 000ee eee eeeeeoo0eeeeeeeoeeeeeeoe ences coccecesooeeeeeoosoosesoocesooooooors of 33 ad Lod oe od oe ° Members can help the Society in? several ways:— 3 By dealing with advertisers 33 and mentioning the Bulletin. 33 By bringing in new mem- 33 bers. (Subscription, 12/- per 33 annum. Juniors, 6/- per annum.) POOSOOHO By buying AES publications and suggesting Public Lib- 33 raries should buy them. 33 By friendly co-operation 33 with other members. 33 By taking just that extra 33 bit of trouble’ required to 33 record happenings of note 3 for the Bulletin. 33 POP SOHSSSOSH SSS SOS HO SHOS OSH ODO DODO OOD OOOO OOO DODO VO ODUS OOOOH DO DOO OD HHOOOHOO OOS U ODO SOOFODOPOOOOOOOEOOOOOSD x J * dulat ‘ A OOOO F009 OOO OO OOCSHOSOSSOSSOSOOSOSOOSOSEHOSHOSSSH OSOOOOD seesssessess j COSTAE SSStteeSSSSSStSSSSSSSESSSSSSSRESSSSAcEEESSSSSSESSSSSSESE CESSES 2090000000 53 sesessesesssssssssssssssseeesseeeeeesssssssssssssesssssseeseeeeseeeeeeeeseeeseteteteteeteetetee esses - oe ¢ o e A oe 33 3 33 33 oe oe : AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGIST : 3 a: Lad oe es (illustrated with photographs and line drawings ) Ye Yeas oe oe ce ne ~ ab Volume 9 “Practical Methods and Hints 3 $3 e e 39 33 ge for Lepidopterists = oe 33 Bs Contains articles on— = a Collecting Caterpillars 33 #% Breeding Cages for Macrolepidoptera (describing = = : 38 ways of making a cage ) e eee ee | se ae ee 33 rs Making a Beating Tray (describing six different 33 ote ee Bs 33 Binds of tray) secon: Price 5s. i es sag ‘To Member ( quoting membership number ) 3s. 6d. 3 ae 3 a. Postage 2d. extra per volume, from 33 ee $$ a cS BIGNELL PRATT, 1 West Ham Lane #3 s $3 ey, London, E.15 2 ee 33 33 oe $4 oo cad ~ ° e ’ SEPSOEE SOPHO SSESHOSSO SESH SO SSS HO DH EOE OO DO DISH OOO SOS E SE DEO OH OOOO FOSS SEO OOS OOHOEO OOOO OE SOOO OVOEOEEOOE HOO oe SOP SOSSHSSSHSSHSHHOSSOSSO HOSS OS OSS HOES OE SOEDOOHOOOOOOSESE SHEED OOOOOOOSD POOP OSO OOOO HOCH EHOOOHODOOOOOEOSEOS® oa oe 3} A Glossary for the Voune Lepidopterist —- 6d i: Label List of British Macro-Lepidoptera - 3s 6d } Check List of British Macro-Lepidoptera - ls 6d = (If purchased together 4s 3d) 3: AES Leaflets 33 No. 1. Collecting Coleoptera ... cy Br 33 3. Rearing Silkworms on ie ae $3 4. Collecting Sawflies fi:3 oe nee 33 : 5. Collecting Flies (Diptera) — : : 2s ae _ 6. Collecting Beetles associated with Stored Sei via Hood Products; . 72). ot zs8 Is 33 7. Some Improved Devices for Rearing oe Hymenoptera Bio es an 33 8. Collecting Ants ... NA eee ele 33 9. Collecting Caddises ae my | Sects 33 10. Experiments with Bees ... 33 11. Collecting Mosquitoes 33 12. Collecting Dragonflies ... i re 33 15. Collecting Heteroptera ... Sisk 33 16. Making a Sweepnet es . 33 17. Making a Garden Pond for the ¢ Study 33 | of Aquatic Insects ... se 3 or 18. Collecting Clearwings ... 3 33 20. Preserving Caterpillars = Sees = a 21. Collecting Psocoptera ... pe ! a ooeeee + 33 22; Collecting Lacewings ... x Aare as U-', 33 23. Collecting Centipedes and Millipedes oes 3 24. Entomology of Bird Pellets ... 5 Is 33 25. Collecting Bumble Bees ... ie cee 25); 33 26. Collecting Collembola_... Ri wk: ls SS re 3: When 12 different leaflets are ordered a deduction of 10% from ¥ 33 the total cost is allowed. 33 a All these publications are obtainable from the Honorary Pub- 3 33 lications Secretary, C. BIGNELL PRATT, 1 WEST HA Me 33 LANE, LONDON, H.15. A remittance must accompany pe 3 3$ on one leaflet is 14, on one volume 2d. Soe OO OOOCOOOEOOOO SOHO SSO SO SES EEEOSS OEE SESESOOSOOS OSES ESE SOSOESOEEESEOEOESEESSEOSESEOESESSESESEOOOHOSS: POH SSSSSOSOSSSOS SO SSS SSHSOSSSOSOEOSOSSESEOEOSOSOSOSCSEOOOOSD ahah adalat taal ce ad RASA tah) RI eee ‘ae AES BULLETIN, Vol. 12 il INDEX Compiled by A. BLACKBURN (1715) CONTRIBUTORS Ogden, J. B., 27 Allen, S. E., 7, 24 Pickard-Cambridge, D. F., 4 Austin, N. J., 62 IPECVetta es Bele Badcock, Miss R. M., 33 Printed. Pl S., 18 Baker, Dr. F. H. Uther, 4 Prosser, P. J., 76 Barratt, P. R., 17, 28, 36 Rivers, C. F., 94 Bartropp, T. H. C., 72 ROWERS VAC es Beirne, P. B., 25 sarcent, HH”? Bs 16, 72 Benson, R. H., 14, 61, 91 Savidge, J. P., 30, 39, 46 Bickerstaff, F., 39 Scott, C. S., 83 Bilbie, W...35 shaw, H. K. Airy, 71, 92; 95 Blackwell, L. J., 25 SIges, do. W... 47, 61, 94 Booker, W. G. C., 91 Smith, David S., 83 Bradley, P. L., 3, 6, 15, 49 smith, K. M., 57 “ Brangham, A. N., 2 Smith, Wave inte SER 70) i Brigden V4 L.. 92 Southwood, T. R. E.. 70 Chapman D I 82, 84 Taylor, C. J., 20, 46, 52 Chaifield. B G_ 8g Townsend, A. LL. H.;, 4, 20, 23, 52, 67, 87 Crare, Ev oe 1G Trought, ales ie Mh VBS Crotch, W. J. B., 63 neice re , Cruitwell, G. H. W.. 41, 91 ee a a ag Dexter S:, 91 (eeele gio deen Ue Be. Duruz, R. M., 46 Wiltshire, C. H. E., 56 oo R. Cc. 3 Woodman, Ame so Earl B Cc A 88 Woodstra, Eve. 84 Evans, I. I. T., 82 Wright, A. E., 13 Farwell, Ian G., 31 SEES Brasers Bs €.. 24 31, 14 Gardiner, Brian O. C., 89 Aberrant Meadow Brown, An, 88 George, R. S., 63 Aberration of Wing Contour, An, 56 Giblis, G. W., 3 Advisory Panel, 14 Goolbody, G., 91 Another Accessory, 51 Gray, W. J., 3 Another Tale of a Quest, 7? Hal), J. H. Vine, 13, 22, 42 Annual Exhibition of 1953, 89 Hanson, S. M., 13, 42, 47, 90, 91 Annual General Meeting, 42 Harliman, G. A., 82 Antenna-Brush ? 28, 66 Henstock, H., 7 Apparatus for Drawing, 54 Hepoell, D> H., 28, 73 Appeal for Specimens of Apidae, 46 Hesselbarth, G., 3 Artificial Hibernation, 13 Hilliard, R. D.. 99 Beautiful Yellow Underwing,. 87 Holmes, A. M., 3 Beetle Setting, 67 Holroyd, G. C., 89 Blues Group, The, 3 Huggins, W. J., 87 British Social Wasps, 78, 92 Hutchinson, D., 56 Butterfly Colonies, 42 Hyatt, K. H., 48 Butterfly’s “Low” Tastes, A, 32 Idle, C. M., 79, 84 Cabinet Hand-rest, A, 89 Irwin, R. R., 4 Caddis fly, egg-laying of, 33 Isbill, M., 4 Caterpillar Viruses, 57 Jackson, Dorothy J., 23 Challenge to Junior Members, A, 50 Johnson, J. H., 54 Changing Scene, The, 13, 21 Keyl, J. A., 4 Climatic Variation and the Distribution of Kettlewell, H. B. D., 66, 70 Insects, 26 Kindred, A., 12 Coal Mine, Insects in, 35 Knight, J. E., 14 Coleopterist’s Handbook, A, 50 Le Masurier, P. C., 74 Coleopterists, Take Care! 21 Lewis, E. (Hon. Gen. Sec.), 43 Coleoptera of Woolmer Bog, 6, 24 Major, Alan P., 61, 90 Collembola, Collecting, 17, 27, 36 Michael, Peter, 26 Conspectus of Life Cycles of British Macro- Moore, John, 71, 74 lepidoptera, A, 25 Newton, A. H., 68 Council’s Report for 1952, 43 Norman, Dr. T., 4 Defence by Startling, 85 Odell, B. J., 83 Drawing, Apparatus for, 54 lv AES BULLETIN, Vol. 12 Drying Oven for Insects, A, 75 Easy Way of Collecting the Beautiful Yellow Underwing, An, 87 Editorial Comments, 23, 39, 73, 77 European Migration Studies, 71 Experiments with the Muslin Moth, 77 Finding out the Egg-laying Habits of the Caddis fly, 33 Fluctuation in Numbers Fritillary, 41 Food Plants :— Chamaenerion angustifolium, 44 Cryptomeria japonica var. elegans. 93 Orchis purpurea, 61, 92 Pastinacea sativa, Portugal Laurel, 68 Rhododendron, 68 Quercus ilex, 69 (See also Larval Food-Range, Muslin Moth and Pendulous Food Plants) Genetics behind Migration, 66 Hibernation, artificial, 13 Holland, Lepidoptera in, 83 Honorary Members, New, 9 Idea and a Problem, An, 78 Insects in a Coal Mine, 35 Insect Orders, 88 Javanese Stick Insect. A. 62 Junior Members’ Issue, 72 Key to British Social Wasps, 92 Large Heath in Shropshire, The, 95 Larval Food Range and Possible Effects, 28, 37, 44 Larval Longevity, 94 Lepidoptera in Holland, 83 Letters to the Editor, 27, 47 Local Variation, 13 Lusus Naturde, 87 Marsh Fritillary Group? A, 42 Marsh Fritilary Numbers, 41 Meadow Brown, An aberrant, 88 Membership, 63 Microscopy Group, 14 Migration, 16, 66 Muslin Moth, 77 New Forest, The, 30 New Honorary Members, 9 New Zealand Stick Insect in South Devon, $2 Notes on a Migration Stream, 16 Notes on 1953, 90 Observations and Queries .61, 82. 91 “Other Orders’ at Light, 94 Our Twenty-fifth Leaflet, 33 Overseas Exhibits, 3 Peculiarities of Limantriid, 20 Pendulous Food Plants, 23 Plastic Containers as Rearing Cages, 20. 75 Powers of Survival, 14 Prelude to an Experiment, 9 (see also Winter Rearing) in the Marsh Presidential Reflections. 1 Professor Fungus, 64 Publicity Again, 47 Pupal Emergence Times, 3 Pupal Period of a Longicorn, 13 Queries and Observations, 61, 82. 91 Rearing the Spurge Hawk Moth, 52 Rearing the Water Carpet, 14 Reviews, On Book, 39, 71 Cheeseman, E. “Insects Indomitable”, 32 Gresham’s School. 30th and 3ist Re- ports of School Natural History Society, 84 Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects : Balfour-Browne, F. “Hydradeph- aga’, 96 Benson, R. B. “‘Symphyta”’, 16 Duffy, E. A. J. “Chambycidae~, 16 “Scolytidae and Platipodidae”™, 96 Pope, Vke et: “Coccinellidae and Sphindidae’’, 96 Heslop, J. R. PP. First Supplement to the Indexed ‘“Check-list of the British Lepidoptera’, 48 Hickin, N. E. “‘Caddis”, 7 Knight, Maxwell. “The Young Field Naturalists Guide™, 24 Linssen. E. F. “Entomological Photo- graphy in Practice’, 95 Linssen, E. F. and Newham, L. H. “The Observers Book of Common British Insects and Spiders’, 84 Newman, L. H. ‘“‘Transformations of Butterflies and Moths, 8 “Linger and Look’’, 24 “Butterfly Farmer’’, 64 Newman, L. H. and Murray, W. J. C. ““Nature’s Way’. 64 Richards, O. W. “The Social Insects”, 70. School Nature Study Union, 60 Scientific Method in Entomology, 4. 15, 31, 49, 74 Shepherd's Lore, 7 Silk Moths, 9, 68, 82, 85 8&9 Soil-less Culture and the Lepidopterist, 46 Startling, Defence by, 85 Strange Pairing, A, 82 - Stridulation of Cychrus rostratus, 22 Swallowtail Butterfly. The, 70 Swallows and Lepidoptera, 14 Teacher Responds, A, 76 Useful or Not? 50 Viruses, Caterpillar, 57 Wasps, British Social, 78, 92 Waterbugs Coming to Light, 11 White Admiral Butterfly, The, 23 Winter Rearing of Tropical Saturniidae, 68 Youth Secretaryship, 47 AES BULLETIN, Vol. 12 INDEX OF NAMES ARACHNIDA Misumena calycina, 87 INSECTA COLLEMBOLA Agrenia bidenticulata, 27 Anurida maritima, 27 Bourletiella hortensis, 27 Hydropodura aquatica, 27 Hypogastrura armatus, 36 Hypogastrura nivicola, 28 Hypogastrura viatica, 36 Rhyniognatha hirsti, 36 Rhyniella praecursor, 36 Seira buskii, 36 Smynthurus viridis, 7 ORTHOPTERA Acanthoxyla prasinus, 94 Carausius MmoOrosus, 62, 94 Locusta migratoria. ssp. migratorioides, 38 Orzines macklotti, 62 EPHEMEROPTERA Cloéon dipterum, 88 ODONATA Aeshna grandis, 82 HEMIPTERA, S.0. HETEROPTERA Blepharidopterus angulatus, 95 Reduvius personatus, 95 TRICHOPTERA Hyadropsyche angustipennis, 33 LEPIDOPTERA Abraxas grossulariata 29, 39, 58 Abrostola triplasia. 83 Actias selene, 10, 68, 82 Adalia bipunctata, 89 Aglais cashmiriensis, 56 urticae, 16, 29, 38, 56, 90 Agrotis vestigialis, 83 ypsilon, 83 Alsophila aescularia, 21 Alypia octomaculata, 4 Amathes glareosa, 21 Ammoconia caecimacula, 83 Amphipyra tragopogonis, 21 Anarta myrtilli, 87 Anchoscelis helvola, 21 Anosia plexippus, 4 Antheraea pernyi. 62, 82, 89 roylei, 67 Anthocaris cardamines, 82 Antitype chi, 2 Apatura iris, 32 Aporophyla nigra, 21 Arctia caia, 29, 39, 61, 91 villica, 58 Argynnis aglaia, 30 cydippe, 30 euphrosyne, 30, ® lathonia, 83 paphia, 30 Selene. 31 Aricia agestis, 3 Alethmia xerampelina, 21 Aulocodes simplicicalis, 33 Basilarchia disippus, 4 Biston strataria, 21 Bombycopsis conspersa, 4 Bombyx mori, 9 Bupalus piniaria, 74 Callimorpha jacobaeae, 91 Callophrys rubi,; 38 Calophasia lunula, 90 Calostigia salicata, 7 Catocala mira, 4 obscura, 4 Celaena haworthii, 83 Celestrina argiolus, 3 Cerastis rubricosa, 21 Cercyonis pegala, 4 Cidaria fulvata var., 7 Cirrhia gilvago, 21 icteritia, 21 Citrea lutea, 21 Clinia sp. ? modermanni, 4 Coenotephria derivata, 21 Coenonympha tullia, 73, 74, 90, 95 ab. philoxenus, 95 ab. scoticus, 95 Colias croceus, 14, 38, 65 eurythime. 66 philodice, 38 Colostygia multistrigaria, 21 Cricula andrei, 68 Cupido minimus, 3, 91 Cycnia mendica, 77 Cyligramma latona, 85 Danaus chrysippus, 3, 24 Dasychira georgiana, 20 grotei, 20 Deilephila elpenor, 29, 44, 52, 83 Dysstroma citrata, 21 truncata, 21 Eacles magnifica, 94 Earophila badiata, 21 Ecliptoptera silaceata, 53 Ellopia fasciaria, 83 Entephria caesiata, 7 Episema caeruleocephala, 21 Erebia aethiops, 90 epiphron, 7, 73 Eumenis piridice, 4 telephana, 4 Euphyadryas aurinia, 12. 21, 41, 42 Euprepia pudica, 4 Euproctis chrysorrhoea. 20 Euptychia cymela, 4 Euthisonatia unio, 4 Gonopteryx cleopatra, 4 Gynanisa maia, 8 Hadena arctica, 4 Hamearis lucina, 31 Heliothis peltigera, 66 Hemistola chrysoprassaria, 29 Hepialis sylvina, 83 Hesperia comma, 83 Hippotion osiris, 86 j AES BULLETIN, Vol. 12 Hybernia defoliaria, 61 Hydriomena impluviata, 1 Hydroecia oculea, 83 micacea, 21 Hyplimnas misippus, 3, 2% Hypocrita jacobaeae, 45 Lampropteryx suffumata, 14 Limentis camilla, 23. 30, 90 Luceria virens, 83 Ludia hansali, 4 Luperina testacea, 21. 83 Lycaena boéticus, 1 dispar, 20 icarus, 91 Lygris populata, 7 Lysandra bellargus, 3 coridon, 3 Macroglossa stellatarum, 65 Maniola jurtina, var. radiata, Meganephria oxyacanthae, 21 Melanthia procellata, 29 Nudaurelia tyrrhea. 68 Nymphalis io, 29, 38 Orgyia antiqua,. 14 Urthosia cruda, 21 gothica, 21 gracilis, 21% incerta, 21 miniosa, 21 munda, 21 Orthonia stabilio, 21 Orthreis materna, 85 Papilio machaon, 70 perrhebus, 46 Philosamia cynthia, 10, 89 ricini, 68 Pieris brassicae, 16, 38, 44, 66 bryoniade ssp. flavescens, 3 rapae, 16 Plebeius argus, 3 Plusia gamma, 28, 66 ni, 66 Polymona rufifemur, 20 Polyommatus icarus, 3 Polygonia c-albuni, 83 Pteredoa monostica 20 Pyrameis gonerilla, 24 Selenia bilunaria, 21, 29 Sphingomorpha chlorea, 66 Sphing ligustri, 58 Spilosoma lubricipeda, 21 Stenosaurus impeditus, 86 Sticopthalma camadera, “4 Strymon pruni, 90 w-album, 9 Teracolus phleqyas, 38 Thecta betulae, 31, 83, 90 quercus, 14, 31, 90 Thera firmata, 8&3 obeliscata, 21, 83 Tholera cespitis, 21, 88 popularis, 8&3 oo. SS Thestor holmesi, 3 Tinaea pallescentella. 33 Triphaena pronuba, 21 Vanessa atalanta, 13. 16, 29 cardui, 16, 29. 6d Xanthorhoe munitata, 7 Xylena ensoleta, 21 Xylocampa areola, 21 COLEOPTERA Acilius sulcatus var. scolicus, 24 Acupalpus dorsalis, 24 elegans, 6 Aépopsis robinii, 28 Agrilus pannonicus, 89 Agonum ericeti, 6 gracilis, 6 oblongum, 6 sexpunctatum, 6 Anthracus consputus, 6 Aphodius rufipes, 95 Argyroploce rivulana, 92 Aromia moschatus. 6 ; Carabus arvensis. 6 | monilis, 6 nemoralis, 6 | Chrysolina polita, 35 Colymbetes bistriatus, 6 Corymbites tesselatus, 6 Criocephalus polonicus. 6 Cychrus rostratus, 22 Dytiscus circumflexus, 6 Eccoptogaster ratzburgi. 6 Elater sanguinolentus, 6 Glischrochilus quadripunctata, 6 Harpalus rubripes. 6 Tufitarsis, 6 Hister marginatus, 6 Hydaticus cinereus, 6 seminiger, 6 Hygrobia hermanni, 6 Lampyris noctiluca, 95 Leptura cerambyciformis, 6 Tubra, 6 quaadrifasciata, 6 Nanophyes gracilis, 6 Necrobium violacea,. 6 Omosita depressa, 6 Parnus prolifericornis, 6 Patrobus excavatus, 6 Pediacus depressus, 6 Pisodes castaneus, 6 Porcinolus murinus, 6 Prionus coriarius, 6 Pristonychus terricola. 6 Pterostichus lepidus, 6 Pyrochroa coccinea, 6 Rhagium bifasciatum, 13 Stenelophus vespertinus, 6 Tenebrio molitor, 95 AES BULLETIN, Vol. 12 vil HYMENOPTERA norvegica, 79, 80 Acanthomyops niger, 91 rufa, 79, 80 Agriotypus armatus, 33 sylvestris, 79, 80 Sirex gigas, 87 vulgaris, 79. 80 Vespa crabro, 79, 80 Vespula austriaca, 79, 80 DIPTERA Germanica, 79, 80 Pseudacteon formicarum, 91 Printed by T. 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