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LIBRARIES ae z c wo ‘ es ow 2 Ne 5 2 a aes > yes QW a SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI a * = < = My. - z 1 Wy 8S 2 a Vide 2 = El ite dad : 3 aN NI_NVINOSHLINS ~LIBRARIES A Wu ee ee = vee ae = : : : : me | , =S SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI 5 ~ = \ 5 Ze, 2 : 3 c. > = 4 <7 0) i 5 es = ne | °G m oe NI NVINOSHLINS SJIYVHUAIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI AHSON, viS¥M NI NYVINOSHLIWS ‘ES SMITHSONIAN : : a : > a ce = a Oo yee SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTIO ” = ey = < ue S) Za) Z E > 2 a 2 i = ox < cS fo = 10 2 a Ag SMITHSONIAN _INSTITUTIO z 4b panies - 5 o x = 4; > 7a Mise w z Hh NVINOSHLINS SA1uYVud! SMITHSONIAN Ww = ar Bi w oO 2 >” > INSTITUTIO el ut rn sae no oe y, = . ie mM? ay. sas oO is 2 NVINOSHLINS SS3IYNVWHYA: ~ uae z w Xe > si QS & > ey it = om oo z w = o aa w re} = > z = < a O 3} w fa ra = a ‘ ty HLINS Saluvad: ae St 2 Oo We 48" CSS Entomologist's Record AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION EDITED BY 5. N. A. JACOBS, F.R-E‘S: Price 35s net Printed in Great Britain by T. BuncLte & Co. Lrp., Arbroath, Angus. GENERAL INDEX ili GENERAL INDEX Abisko Revisited. 259. Acherontia atropos L. in Northampton- shire. 34. Acherontia atropos L. in Suffolk. 296. Acherontia atropos L., Laphygma exigua, Rhodometra sacraria and other migrants in Surrey, 1963. 29. Aglais urticae L. at light. 246. Anabolia (Phaeopteryx) brevipennis (Curtis) and Jronoquia (Caborius) dubia (Stephens) (Trichoptera, Limne- philidae). 289. ; Andalusia, April 1964. collecting in. 177. Ant records and observations. 139. Ant records and observations for 1964. 287. Apatele leporina L. third time. 297. Apatele leporina L. overwintering two years. 29, 86. Apatele tridens Schiff. 1. Apatele tridens Schiff. Delayed emer- gence of. 199. Apatele tridens Schiff. in Derbyshire. 264. Apeira syringaria L. A disproportionate ratio of sexes. 297. Some wayside overwintering a Aporophila luneburgensis Frr. An un- usual flight of. 210. Arran 1964. The Isle of. 229, 296. Aviemore in August 1964. 234. Butterflies at Gibraltar, March 1964. 153. Butterfly. A very early. 87. Charaxes jasius L. and other species in Elba. Collecting. 159. Chazara (Satyrus) briseis L. in Sweden. 148. Chlorops (Cetema) myopina Loew. (Dipt., Chloropidae). Deletion from British list and the addition of neglecta. 199. Chlorops (Cetema) neglecta Tonn. in Hunts. 246. Coleman? Who was. 255, 297. Coleoptera of a suburban garden. 6— Brachelytra (Pt. 2). 237, 261. Coleoptera of sand martin (Riparia riparia riparia (l.) burrows in Ire- land. 292. Colias croceus Fourc. {clouded yellow) in Devonshire. 267. Colias croceus Fourc. in Anglesey. 243. Colias hyale L. in Essex. 243. Conservation of insect life in the New Forest. 169. Continental holiday, 1963. A. 102, 126. Continued existence of certain butter- flies. Some considerations on some present-day conditions as they affect the. 63. Cornwall. Reminiscences of. 232. Correction. 203, 286. Cossus. cossus Linn. (Lep., Cossidae). Hibernation and pupation of. 227, 294, 295. Cranleigh butterflies, 1963. 72. Cucullia absinthii L., etc., in a London garden. 22. Cucullia absinthii L. moves north. 17. Cucullia verbasci Linn. Foodplant of. 297. Cucullia verbascit Linn. on Buddleia. 267. Dagger are you? Which. 215. Dingle 1963. 18. Diptera in Galloway and Central Wales. 44, Emus hirtus L. A postscript on. 145. Enargia paleacea Esp., a correction. 267. Enargia paleacea Esp. in Wiltshire. The occurrence of. 268. Enargia paleacea Esp. in Surrey. 266. Enargia paleacea Esp. new to Suffolk. Qh, Erebia ligea (Linnaeus) (Lep., Satyridae). Comments on the supposed occur- rence in Scotland of. 121. Eremobia ochroleuca (Schiff.) the dusky sallow in Wiltshire—a further re- port. 145. Eriogaster lanestris L. second year. 118. Eromene ocellea Haw. in Hampshire. 243. Eucosma pupillana Clerck in Kent. 214. Euphydryas aurinia larvae in second winter. 88. Euphyia luctuata Schiff. and Rhodo- metra sacraria L. in 1963. 60. ELupithecia insigniata Hubn. and Hadena compta in North Bucks. 60. Eurois occulta L. in 1964. 296. Eurois occulta L. in August. spread immigration of. 244. Eurois occulta L. in Middlesex. 267. Eurois occulta L. in Suffolk. 245. Wide- Formica sanguinea lLatreille (Hym., Formicidae) in Southern England. 107. France and North Italy in June 1964. A trip through. 211. Gavarnie to Digne, August 1963. 11. Greatstone, Kent—July 1936. Holiday at. 91. . Greece in April 1964. 187. From. iv GENERAL INDEX Hadena barrettii Dbld. the hard way. Q75. Hadena compta (Fabr.) and Cucullia absinthii (L.). The spread of. 142. Hadena compta Fabr. in Norfolk. 267. Hadena lepida Esp. ssp. capsophila Dup. on the East Coast. 28. Hampshire migrants. 216. Heliothis peltigera Schiff. straw) in Wessex. 256. Heliothis peltigera Schiff. More about. Q78. Herse convolvuli L. in Shanklin. 266. Hod Hill. 270. Hyloicus pinastri in Portsmouth. 236. Hyponomeuta Latr. at Blackheath. A note on two species of. 117. (bordered Idaea lineata Scop. (the black veined moth). 145. Idiocerus (Hem.-Hom., Cicadellidae) in suburban North West Kent. The genus. 55. Inverness-shire in 1963. 36. Treland 1964. 223. Ireland 1963. Western. 40. Isle of Wight, 1963. Lepidoptera in the. 68. Jersey tiger—a third attempt. 249. Lampides boeticus L. on Ascension Island. 268. Latin. More about. 100. Leto venus Stoll. (Lep., Hepialicae). A note on. 189. Leucania loreyi Dup. in Cornwall. 233. Leucania obsoleta Hubn. Foodplant of. 268. Leucania unipuncta Haw. in Kent. 243. Linnaeus a bighead? Was. 100. Literature, Current. 29, 30, 57, 58, 89, 90, 120, 146, 175, 200, 217, 269, 298. Lithacodia deceptoria Scop. in Glouces- tersHfire. 214. Lithophane leautieri, and other notable records of moths at Arundel. 296. Lithophane leautieri in Somerset. 264. Lithosia quadra in Wales and Bristol. 236. Looking back over 1963. 95. Lycaenidae. Gynandromorphism in British. 89. Lysandra_ bellargus Rott. A scale defect in. 236. Macroglossa stellatarum L. in Sussex and Kent. 215. Madeira in the spring, April 1964. 252. Malacosoma neustria. Unusual appear- ance Of. 245. Melanism in Bournemouth. 199. Melanism in Lepidoptera in the west of Treland. 155. Melanism in the New Forest. 216. Meliana flammea Curtis at Arundel, Sussex. 193. Microlepidoptera. Notes on the. 16, 158, 230. Microlepidoptera. The. 258. Micro-Psychids. Looking for. 31. Migrant moths at Weston-super-Mare. 297. Migrant Lepidoptera in 1964. 193. Migrant Lepidoptera in Hampshire. 200. Migration of butterflies in Malaya. A prolonged. 142. Monopis rusticella in early January. Emergence of. 87. Myiolia caesio Harris in Surrey. 142. Early. Nephopteryx hostilis Steph. and Brachi- mis inornatella Dougl. new to Suffolk. 215. New Forest. More migrants in the. 245. More. 25. (centonalis New Forest M.V. Records. Nola trituberculella Bose Htibn.). 2145. Notes. 1964. 245. Nymphalis antiopa L. in Surrey. 119. Odontaeus armiger (Col., Scarabaeidae) in Northamptonshire. 296. Orthoptera notes for South West Britain, 1963. 136. Patrick Buxton Memorial Prize. 260. Pelosia obtusa H.-S. (Lep., Arctiidae), a species overlooked in Britain? 181. Phlyctaenia cilialis Huibn. (Lep., Pyraustidae) new to Kent. 228. Phytomyza scolopendrii Rob. Desv. (Dip., Agromyzidae). 118. Platytes alpinellus Hubn. at Blackheath. 116. Polymorphism in north east Derbyshire. 282. Pontia daplidice L. in Wiltshire in 1945. An occurrence of. 119. Procris statices L. (the forester). aberration of. 147. Prodenia litura Fabr. 118. Prodenia litura Fabr.: The Mediter- ranean Brocade (Lep., Noctuidae). Additional records of. 199. Prodenia litura Fabricius : The Mediter- ranean Brocade (Lep., Noctuidae) in England, 1963. 59. Psychophagus omnivorus (W1k.) and its attacks on the pupae of Lepidoptera. Some notes and observations on the Life history and habits of the para- SIUC) OD: Records for 1963. Red admirals. of. 296. Rhodometra sacraria L. A new Some late. 60. AN apparent migration 258, 267. Salad days. 83. Scientific names. 99. Season. The 1963. 8. Solenobia triquetrella Huibn. 209. GENERAL INDEX Vv Sphecia bembeciformis Hibn. in Derby- shire. 264. Staphilinus stercorarius Oliv. (Col., Staphilinidae). A note on. 246. Stauropus fagi L. (the lobster moth). Thoughts on rearing. 185. Stigmella aeneella (Hein.)—A_ species new to Britain. 23. Stigmella ulmifoliae Hering in Kent. 243. Teichobia filicivora Meyrick in Devon. 20. Thestor ballus Fabr. 214. Thumatta senex Hiibn. in Scotland. 235. Trichius fasciatus L. A correction and a warning. British range of. 144. Trichoptera. The larval taxonomy of the British. 194. Utetheisa pulchella L. in the New Forest. 200. Vanessa atalanta 200. Venilia maculata L. in September. 244. in central London. Welsh hills. In the. 247. Wild life tape recording competition. 148. Willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus L., fly catching. 143. Wiltshire. Entomological records from. 86. Xylocampa areola Esp. A new aberra- tion of. 286. Yugoslavia. A visit to. 279. Zygaena algira Boisduval,. 1834 (Lep., Zygaenidae). The identity of. 35. Zygaena Fabricius (Lep., Zygaenidae) in Scotland in 1963. Collecting. 149. Zygaena Fabricius (Lep., Zygaenidae). New synonymy in the genus. 129. Zygaena Fabricius (Lep., Zygaenidae). The silvicola Burgeff group of the genus. 1, 46, 74. OBITUARY NOTICES Burras (1871-1963). A. E. 61. Clark. Gowan C. 173. Easton. Nigel Typherleigh. 27. Hammond, F.R.E:S., H. E. 62. Kershaw, D.S.O. Hardinge. 265. Watson. Nora. 265. an appreciation. Colonel Sidney AUTHORS Ainley, R. G. 255. Allan, P. B. M. 265, 297. Allen, A. A. 55, 87, 116, 117, 144, 145, 237, 246, 261. Amsel, H. G. 200. Aston, Alasdair. 244, 245. Atkins, F. B. 268. Barrett, K. E. J. 107, 139, 287. Birkett, N. L. 102, 126, 236, 279. Blathwayt, C. S. H. 297. Bretherton, R. F. 29, 177. Brindle, A. 194, 289. moOwn, 8. C. S. 23. Bruce, C. G., 258, 267. Burton, J. F. 136. Byers, F. W. 232. Cadbury, C. J. 181. Carolsfeld-Krausé, A. G. 209. Chalmers-Hunt, J. M. 17, 59, 91, 193, 214, 215, 228. ; Chappell, A. M. 264. Chatelain, R. G. 234. Chipperfield, H. E. 142. Claassens, A. J. M. 292. Collier, A. E. 72. Collingwood, C. A. 58. Cook, R. R. 243. Craufurd, C. 115. Cue, Percy. 28. Davey, A. R. 27. Dickson, C. G. C. Dixon, C. H. 243. Duke, A. J. 189. 173, 214. Eagles, T. R. 120. Ellerton, J. 60. Fearnehough, T. D., 68, 215, 266, 267. Freebrey, A. M. 243. Gardner, A. E. 146. Genta eos Greenwood, J. A. C. 159, 243. Haggett, G. M. 62, 193, 296. Harman, T. W. 95. Harper, G. W. 36, 227, 244. Haynes, R. F. 268. Hayward, R. 236, 243. Heslop, I. R. P. 119, 246. Howarth, T. G. 176. Huggins, H. C. 16, 18, 155, 158, 223, 230, 286, 294. vi GENERAL Irvin, A. D. 83. Jackson, R. A. 63, 115. Jacobs, S. N. A. 29, 30, 89, 100, 146, 207, 211, 217, 243, 269, 298. Johnson, E. E. 244. Johnson, J. H. 264, 282. Johnson, Sir George. 153, 187, 259. Leech, M. J. 21, 29, 229, 296, 297. Lempke, B. J. 31. Lipscomb, C. G. 63, 275. Manley, W. R. L. 149. Mason, M. G. 267. Mere, Robin M. 28. Messenger, J. L. 266. More, David. 245. Muggleton, J. 267. Myers, A. A. 267. Newton, J. 214. Old Moth Hunter, An. 247. Parmenter, L. 57, 58, 89, 90, 118, 142, 144, 146, 175, 198, 246. Payne, J. H. 88. Payne, R. M. 44. Pelham-Clinton, E. C. 121. Postans, A. T. 165. INDEX Reid, W. 296. Reiss, H. 129. Reisser, H. 99. Rossell, H. G. 233, 235. Rutherford, C. I. 17. Saundby, Sir Robert. 267. Sevastopulo, D. G. 148. Shipp, T. M. 296. Siggs, L. W. 25, 200, 216, 245. Skinner, B. F. 234. Stafford, A. E. 87. Sutton, F. R. 200, 245. Symes, H. 86, 87, 118, 185, 199, 256, 278. Taylor, J. S. 189. Todd, R. G. 268. Torlesse, A. D. 40. Tremewan, W. G. 1, 35, 46, 74, 129, 149. Vaux, R. M. C. 40. Waddington, L. G. F. 100, 249. Wakely, S. 20, 22, 91, 172, 271. Weddell, B. W. 86, 258. West, B. K. 142. Wightman, A. N. 210, 295. Worms, Baron C. G. M. de. 215, 252, 286, 296. 11, 60, 61, Me cists RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION Edited by S. N. A. JACOBS, F.R.E:s. with the assistance of NEVILLE BIRKETT, M.A., M.B. H. C. HUGGINS, F.R.E.S. M. H L.. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S. J. CHALMERS-HUNT, F.R.E.S. H. SYMEs, M.A. Major A. E, COLLIER, M.C., F.R.E.S. S. WAKELY Commander G. W. Harper, R.N.(Retd.), F.R.E.S. a } \ | } .\ sf Ree. 2: ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 35s. POST FREE. Hon. Treasurer, CLIFFORD CRAUFURD, St ‘Denny, Galloway Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts. . A. ALLEN, B.SC., A.R.C.S. C. A. COLLINGWOOD, B.SC., F.R.E.S. Haren 1964 THE WORLD IN THE PAST WHAT IT WAS LIKE AND WHAT IT CONTAINED B. WEBSTER SMITH, F.G.S. Here is given a popular account, in simple non- _ technical language, of the wonders recorded in | Nature’s Great Stone Book of the Earth. Every cliff, field, quarry or river has a tale to tell. We wander amongst the Coral Islands, Mountains and Volcano Craters. We read of the Birth of the Harth and the Dawn of life; the Succession of Ages, each characterised by its own peculiar form of life. Every student of Nature will be thrilled by this most interesting story of the world when it was young. ! = | 73 plates in full colour 193 half-tone photographs 21s. net. THE STANDARD NATURAL HiSTORY | FROM AMOEBA TO MAN Edited by W. P. PYCRAFT, F.L.S. The wondrous story of evolution unfolded in this great book will be of unceasing interest to the general reader. Here will be found a comprehensive and lucid account of the development of species from the Invertebrates to the Vertebrates, from the Protozoa to the Primates. At the same time, pains have been taken to ensure a sufficiency of scientific detail to make this work an invaluable source of reference to the student. The names of the contributors should inspire confidence, for they are men of world-wide |} reputation in their several subjects. The work is not : dependent upon, but is assisted by, its illustrations. Over 900 text illustrations 12 colour plates 35s. net. From all Booksellers FREDERICK WARNE & CO. LTD. 1-4 Bedford Court, Strand, London, W.C.2 The Silvicola Burgeff Group of the genus Zygaena Fabricius (Lep., Zygaenidae) By W. GERALD TREMEWAN Department of Entomology, British Museum (Natural History) and Hueco REIss, Stuttgart The recent separation by Alberti (1958: 314) of Zygaena romeo Duponchel and osterodensis Reiss (=scabiosae auctorum) has made a study of the genitalia of the various subspecies necessary. In the following paper, the subspecies are now grouped under two species according to their genital characters and the remaining species of the group have also been studied The terminology of the genitalia follows that of Alberti (loc. cit.). In addition to difficulties in separating the species, a considerable amount of confusion has existed in the nomenclature. The name osterodensis Reiss is here considered to be the name of the species for- merly known as scabiosae Scheven while the latter is placed as a subspecies of purpuralis Brunnich. This was first suggested by Reiss (1933: 252) who considered that the specimens figured by Schaffer (1766: pl. 16, figs. 4, 5), and named scabiosae by Scheven (1777: 97), were true purpuralis. The latter species is still found in the neighbourhood of Regensburg but the species osterodensis (—scabiosae auctorum) does not occur there and, even if it were found there in the time of Schaffer, it must have been so rare that it could not have predominated. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that, if both species occurred at Regensburg, Schaffer took the commoner species (purpuralis) for his illustrations. On the basis of this argument, Reiss (loc. cit.) considered romeo Duponchel to be the species name. However, as stated above, romeo has recently been separated by Alberti (loc. cit.) as a species distinct from scabiosae auct. and, the next available name for the latter is osterodensis Reiss. This has already been suggested by Bernardi & Viette (1960: 245). The name minos Denis & Schiffermiuller, which was considered by Dujardin (1952: 246) to be the species name of osterodensis, should, in our opinion, be used to represent the subspecies of purpuralis which occurs in the Vienna district of Austria. This opinion is also held by Bernardi & Viette (loc. cit.). The examination of a Zygaena specimen, which was accepted as the type of dalmatina Boisduval, led to a further change in the name of the species (Tremewan, 1961b: 283). The name romeo was then returned to subspecific rank and dalmatina was taken as the species name. The study of the genitalia of this group has revealed that the species romeo probably does not occur in Dalmatia. It was originally thought that the subspecies goriziana Koch from Gorz, Istria and koricnensis Reiss from Koriéna, Bosnia, were conspecific with romeo. An examination of the genitalia of the type of koricnensis and of genitalia drawings of two para- types (¢, 2) of goriziana showed these to be subspecies of osterodensis (=scabiosae auct.). The distribution (fig. 1) suggests that romeo does not occur in Dalmatia. After the publication of the Zygaena type catalogue (Tremewan, 1961b), Holik (1961: 51) published an article on the problem and maintained his earlier opinion (Holik, 1935: 60) that dalmatina is a subspecies of punctum Ochsenheimer, and that the specimen in the Bois- : 7 2 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 duval collection was not the true type. In reply to Holik’s paper, an article was published by Reiss & Tremewan (1962: 39) when an attempt was made to confirm the validity of the type. In the original description of dalmatina, Boisduval (1834: 45) stated that the specimen was found in Dalmatia, in the nieghbourhood of Ragusa (Dubrovnik). Boisduval compared the specimen with examples of “scabiosae”’ (romeo Duponchel) from Italy and the Alps and stated that many of the Italian and Alpine specimens were referable to dalmatina. The specimen which was illustrated as the type (Tremewan, 1961b: 283, pl. 54, fig. 18) is conspecific with romeo Duponchel and is, in fact, probably one of the Italian or Alpine specimens mentioned by Boisduval. Holik, who has examined a photograph of the specimen, stated (in lit.) that it is an example of romeo orion Herrich-Schaffer. The additional evidence shows that it can no longer be regarded as the genuine type of dalmatina. Neither the species romeo nor osterodensis are known to occur at Ragusa while punctum is found abundantly in this locality (Holik, in lit.). It is therefore logical to follow Holik’s opinion that the true dalmatina is the subspecies of punctum occurring in the Ragusa district of Dalmatia. The distribution (fig. 1) of romeo and osterodensis overlaps in Istria, the west Alps through southern France to the East Pyrenees. It is possible that, in these localities, hybridization occurs as many specimens from these areas have what appear to be intermediate characters in the geni- talia. Such intermediate characters have been noted in romeo parvorion Holik, romeo freyeri Lederer, romeo orionides Burgeff, romeo lozerica Holik, romeo urania Marten and osterodensis eupyrenaea Burgeft. Acknowledgment is due to Dr. P. Viette, Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, for the loan of material from the Le Charles collection. We also thank Mr. M. Koch, Dresden, for supplying drawings of the genitalia of male and female paratypes of osterodensis goriziana Koch in his collection. Also to Mr. G. Pardo Gonzalez for the loan of a paratype of nevadensis picos Agenjo, and to Lt.-Col. W. B. L. Manley for making the loan possible. Z. gallica Oberthur 6 genitalia. Horns of uncus short, broad and flat, variable. In the aedeagus, the lamina dorsalis is triangular in shape, shorter and broader than that in nevadensis Rambur, laterally edged with strong spines. Near the base a transverse row of strong and fairly well developed spines, rather variable in length but usually longer than those in nevadensis. Central part of lamina dorsalis spiculate, anterior to basal spines, scobin- ate. Lamina ventralis rather narrow but broader at the base, comprised of a field of short, strong spines, latter stronger and larger at the base and towards the centre. A portion of the vesica spiculate, cornuti hardly evident. Vesical pad or “Blase” present. 2 genitalia. “Schildchen” very broad, triangular in shape. A slight development of the lamella postvaginalis, lamella antevaginalis ovoid, elongate. Ductus bursae weakly sclerotized on one side, anteriorly. Bursa copulatrix spherical, signum vestigial or absent. First pair of tibial spurs present or absent. Superficially, gallica may be distinguished from giesekingiana Reiss by the narrower forewings and rather denser scaling. The middle forewing streak is rarely broken in gallica and, when this does occur, is found only in aberrant specimens. 3 THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS "“SS13yY SISN3G0431S0 TSHONOdNG O3WOY YUNSWVY SISN3SQVA3N "ze 74 ‘J O ) 4 ENTOMOLOGIST 'S RECORD 15/1/1964 Z. gallica gallica Oberthur Z. gallica Oberthiir, 1898, Bull. Soc. ent. Fr., p. 21. Type locality: Neighbourhood of Digne, Basses-Alpes, France, 1000 m. Material examined: Lectotype J, 25 dd, 32 9, Digne, Basses-Alpes. 6 genitalia. As above. The differences in the genitalia of gallica and giesekingiana are slight and possibly do not justify their separation into two distinct species. The two lateral spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis are more strongly developed in giesekingiana. © genitalia. Ductus bursae weakly sclerotized compared with that in giesekingiana, signum vestigial or absent in gallica, vestigial in giese- kingiana. The genitalia of gallica are figured by Le Charles (1935:15) and Alberti (1958: 314). The latter author has placed gallica as a subspecies of nevadensis Rambur but we see no justification for this. The genital differences, although small, remain constant. The lamina dorsalis of gallica is longer, while the lateral spines are longer and more strongly developed. In the females, the lamella antevaginalis in gallica is broader than that in nevadensis and the ductus bursae is broader and more heavily sclerotized. In nevadensis the signum is well developed but is vestigia: or absent in gallica. Reiss (1953: 141, pl. 9, figs. 10, 11) illustrates the nominate subspecies in colour. Z. gallica frigidagallica Dujardin Z. gallica frigidagallica Dujardin, 1956, Bull. mens. Soc. linn. Lyon, 25: 254, Type locality: Céuze, environs de Gap, Hautes-Alpes, France, 1500 m. Material examined: 14, Céuze (coll. H. Reiss). 6 genitalia. As in gallica gallica. Z. gallica ssp. A series of 60 ¢ and 4 9 from Mt. Ventoux, Perrache, Vaucluse, represents a new subspecies. The specimens differ from those of the nominate subspecies in having less rounded forewings. The red coloration is brighter and the hindwing border is narrower. 6 genitalia. As in gallica gallica. Z. giesekingiana Reiss ¢ genitalia. Horns of uncus short, broad and flat, variable. In the aedeagus, the lamina dorsalis is broad, triangular, laterally edged with strong spines, a larger and stronger spine on each side at the base, between these two large spines a transverse row of spines decreasing in length towards the middle. Central part of lamina dorsalis spiculate, Anterior to basal spines the lamina dorsalis is scobinate. Lamina ventralis broad at the base, narrowing anteriorly, comprised of a field of short, strong spines, latter thicker and shorter at base and towards the middle. Part of vesica spiculate, cornuti hardly evident, vesical pad or “Blase” present. © genitalia. “Schildchen” very broad, triangular in shape. Lamella postvaginalis moderately developed, lamella antevaginalis curved but narrower than that in gallica. Ductus bursae moderately sclerotized on one side, bursa copulatrix spherical, signum vestigial. First pair of tibial spurs present or absent. THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 5 Z. giesekingiana Reiss Z. giesekingiana Reiss, 1930, in Seitz, Die Gross-schmetterlinge der Erde, Supplement, 2: 9, pl. 1h. Z. gallica f. interrupta Boursin, 1923, Bull. Soc. ent. Fr., p. 68, fig. 1 (infraspecific). Type locality: St. Barnabé (Vence to Coursegoules), Alpes-Maritimes, France, 1000 m. Material examined: 11 dd, 2 929, St. Barnabé; Grasse, Alpes- Maritimes. 3 @ genitalia. As above, see also under gallica gallica. The genitalia are figured by Le Charles (1953: 13) and Alberti (1958: 314). This species was originally described as a form of gallica by Boursin. It was later raised to specific rank by Reiss who renamed it giesekingiana. The name interrupta Boursin is infraspecific and, having no status in nomenclature, is not available. The name giesekingiana is therefore valid. Verity (1953: 51) incorrectly gave priority to the name interrupta Boursin. Le Charles (1953: 14) was of the same opinion and, in addition, considered giesekingiana and gallica to be conspecific. Alberti (loc. cit.) considered giesekingiana to be conspecific with nevadensis but we see no justification for this conclusion. The genital differences between nevadensis and giesekingiana remain constant. It is, however, difficult to decide whether giesekingiana and gallica are speci- fically distinct as the genital differences are small. It is interesting to note that they fall into two groups: (1) gallica, which has a wider distribution than giesekingiana and which at present can be separated into three geographical races or subspecies as follows: (a) gallica gallica from Digne, Basses-Alpes; (b) gallica frigidagallica from Céuze, Hautes- Alpes; (c) gallica ssp. from Mt. Ventoux, Vaucluse; (2) giesekingiana which is known from four localities, all closely situated in the Alpes-Maritimes, and which cannot be separated into various subspecies. The localities are St. Barnabé (type locality), Grasse, Coursegoules and Thorenc. The larvae of giesekingiana feed on Lathyrus filiformis Gay which is also the foodplant of gallica (Reiss, 1953: 135). Reiss (1953: 141, pl. 9, figs. 1-8) illustrates giesekingiana in colour. Z. nevadensis Rambur co genitalia. Horns of uncus short, broad and flat, rather variable. In the aedeagus, the lamina dorsalis is rather long, triangular in shape, laterally edged with strong spines, a longer and more strongly developed spine on each side at the base. Between these two basal spines a trans- verse row of spines which vary in length and which become shorter towards the centre. Central part of lamina dorsalis spiculate, basal part anterior to large spines, scobinate. Lamina ventralis narrow, comprised of a field of short, strong spines which become smaller posteriorly. Part of the vesica spiculate, a single group of cornuti composed of a field of minute spines. Vesical pad or “Blase’”’ present. @ genitalia. “Schildchen” broadly triangular but variable in shape. Lamella postvaginalis moderately developed, unsclerotized, lamella ante- vaginalis rather broad, elongate. Ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, especially on one side. Bursa copulatrix spherical, signum present, fairly strong, comprised of approximately 18-34 spines. First pair of tibial spurs present or absent. 6 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 Z. nevadensis nevadensis Rambur Z. nevadensis Rambur, 1866, Catalogue systématique des Lépidopteéres de VAndalousie, p. 166, pl. 1, fig. 10. Z. nevadensis atlantica Le Charles, 1957, Rev. franc. Lépid., 16: 21, pl. 5, figs. 37, 38 (nomen nudum). Type locality: central parts of the Sierra Nevada, south Spain. Material examined: A series of both sexes from the Sierra Nevada and the Sierra de Alfacar, Granada. 6 genitalia. Spines at base of the lamina dorsalis variable in length, usually short and reduced. A single group of minute cornuti, vesical pad or “Blase” present. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis moderately developed, lamella antevaginalis broadly elongate, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present. Le Charles (1957: 21) applied the name atlantica to two specimens of nevadensis which are purported to have been taken at Ifrane and Douala in Morocco. As no description accompanied the publication of the name atlantica Le Charles, it can only be treated as a nomen nudum and, for convenience, is placed here under the nominate subspecies of nevadensis. In the text, Le Charles stated that the specimens were referable to the species romeo Duponchel but in the legend to plate 5 refers them to nevadensis! The figures 37 and 38 on plate 5 undoubtedly represent two examples of nevadensis. It would be of interest to verify whether neva- densis does actually occur in Morocco. Z. nevadensis dumalis Marten Z. nevadensis dumalis Marten, 1957, Ent. Z., 67: 14. Type locality: Sierra de los Filabres, upper half of Baza, south Spain, 1400 m. We have been unable to examine material of this subspecies. Z. nevadensis kricheldorffi Reiss Z. nevadensis kricheldorffi Reiss, 1933, in Seitz, Die Gross-schmetterlinge der Erde, Supplement, 2: 252; 1931, Int. ent. Z., 25: 114, figs. Type locality: Neighbourhood of Guarda, Portugal, 800 m. The genitalia of this subspecies have not been examined. Z. nevadensis guadalupei Koch Z. nevadensis guadalupei Koch, 1948, Eos, Madr., 24: 326. Type locality: Guadalupe, Prov. Caceres, Spain, 654 m. We have been unable to examine material of this subspecies. Z. nevadensis schmidti Reiss Z. scabiosae schmidti Reiss, 1931, Int. ent. Z., 25: 112, figs. Type locality: Neighbourhood of Arenas St. Pedro, Prov. Avila (Sierra de Gredos), Spain. Material examined: 13, paratype, Arenas St. Pedro; 18 ¢g¢, 9 29, San Ildefonso, Segovia and La Granja, Spain. Gd genitalia. Lateral spines of lamina dorsalis rather shorter and thicker than those in ssp. nevadensis. Vesical pad or “Blase” present. THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 7 © genitalia. A slight development of the lamella postvaginalis, lamella antevaginalis elongate, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present. Originally described as a subspecies of scabiosae auct. but later trans- ferred by Reiss (1933: 252) to nevadensis which was then separated as a distinct species. The paratype examined is figured by Tremewan (1961b: 308; pl. 57, fig. 25): Z. nevadensis muda Marten Z. nevadensis muda Marten, 1957, Ent. Z., 67: 15. Type locality: Upper half of the Tera valley, between Laguna de Yengua and Laguna de Villachica, east of Mt. Moncalvo, Prov. Zamorra, Spain, 1300 m. We have been unable to examine material of this subspecies. Z. nevadensis falleriana Reiss Z. scabiosae falleriana Reiss, 1931, Int. ent. Z., 25: 111, figs. Type locality: Albarracin, Sierra Noguera and Sierra Alta, Aragon, Spain, 1400-1700 m. Material examined: 17 ¢d, 11 9° 9, Orihuela, Aragon, 1700 m. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of lamina dorsalis rather short but becoming longer laterally. A single group of cornuti, vesical pad or “Blase” present. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis moderately developed, lamella antevaginalis elongate, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present. This subspecies was originally described under scabiosae auct. but was subsequently transferred to nevadensis by Reiss (1933: 252). Z. nevadensis picos Agenjo A. scabiosae picos Agenjo, 1953, Graellsia, 11: 1. Type locality: Fuente Dé, Camalefo, Santander (Picos de Europa), Spain, 1001 m. Material examined: 1 ¢, paratype, Fuenté Dé, Camaleno (G. Pardo coll.); 3 dg, 10 9 9, Riano, Leon (W. B. L. Manley coll.). This was originally described as a subspecies of scabiosae auct. but an examination of a paratype ¢ has shown it to be a subspecies of nevadensis. Agenjo, in the original description, also referred to specimens recorded by Reiss (1931: 113) and Koch (1948: 322) but these specimens are osterodensis (scabiosae auct.) and are referable to ssp. cantabrica Marten. In addition to the paratype, a short series of nevadensis (3 gg, 10 9 2) from Riano, Leon has been examined. These specimens were previously placed as ssp. picos which was then transferred to nevadensis (Tremewan, 196la: 6; 1963: 8). Z. nevadensis timida Marten Z. nevadensis timida Marten, 1956, Ent. Z., 66: 287. Z. agenjoi Le Charles, 1957, Rev. franc. Lépid., 16: 21, pl. 6, figs. 39, 40 (syn. nov.). Type locality: Neighbourhood of Vallibona, mountains between Castellon and Tortosa, east Spain, 900 m. Material examined: 1 4, Tortosa (Z. agenjoi Le Charles, lectotype ¢ {Paris Museum coll.]). 8 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 6 genitalia. As in nevadensis nevadensis. We have been unable to examine the type material of timida Marten which was described as a subspecies of nevadensis. An examination of the lectotype ¢ of Z. agenjoi Le Charles, which was described as a species, shows it to be conspecific with nevadensis. The lectotype of agenjoi originated from Tortosa (leg. Marten) and was probably captured in the same locality as the type specimens of ssp. timida, under which the name is now placed as a synonym. The lectotype S of agenjoi was selected by Le Charles (1960: 103). Z. nevadensis ssp. A short series of nevadensis (6 ¢ 4) from Sta. Fe, Sre. Montseny, Catalonia, probably represent a new subspecies. The most noticeable character in these specimens is the wide hindwing border. One specimen is strongly aberrant and has the forewing spots confluent and suffused with red. scaling. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis short but well developed, vesical pad or “Blase” present. Z. mana Kirby 6 genitalia. Horns of the uncus short, flat, variable. In the aedeagus, the lamina dorsalis is elongate and triangular in shape, laterally edged with short, strong spines. Near the base, a transverse row of strong spines, variable in length, often decreasing in size towards the centre. Central portion of lamina dorsalis spiculate, anterior to basal spines, scobinate. Lamina ventralis narrow, comprised of a field of strong, short spines, latter decreasing in size posteriorly. Portion of vesica spiculate, cornuti hardly evident. “Blase” absent. 2 genitalia. ‘“Schildchen” very broad, variable, triangular in shape. Lamella postvaginalis developed, weakly sclerotized, bursa copulatrix spherical, signum absent. In superficial characters mana may be separated from osterodensis (=scabiosae auct.) by its smaller size, broader forewings with rounded apex and generally broader hindwing border. Forewing streaks rather thicker than those in osterodensis. Antennae of mana shorter and rather more heavily clubbed than the antennae of osterodensis. First pair of tibial spurs absent. Z. mana mana Kirby Z. mana Kirby, 1892, A synonymic Catalogue of Lepidoptera Heterocera (Moths), p. 64 (nomen novum for erebus Staudinger). Z. erebus Staudinger, 1867, Stettin. ent. Ztg., 28: 101 (preoccupied). Z. erebaea Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. mtinch. ent. Ges., 16: 15. Type locality: Adshara region, Georgia, Transcaucasia. Material examined: 5 gd, 2 99, Achalzych, Adshara region. 69 genitalia. As above. A considerable amount of confusion has existed in the synonymy of this species which was originally described as erebus by Staudinger. The name erebus Staudinger, 1867, is a secondary homonym of erebus Meigen, 1830, which is a synonym of anthyllidis Boisduval, 1829. Kirby (1892: 64) proposed the name mana to replace erebus Staudinger. In 1926, Burgeff proposed the name erebaea, apparently not aware of the name mana THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 9 Kirby. The name erebaea Burgeff is therefore a synonym of mana Kirby. This synonymy was correctly published by Verity (1953: 50) and has been accepted by Holik & Sheljuzhko (1955: 112) and Alberti (1958: 315). ' The species has been confused with adsharica Reiss with which, super- ficially, it is very similar. However, the two species may be readily separated on genital characters. Z. adsharica, which flies in the same region as mana mana, is not closely allied and belongs to the brizae Esper group of species (Cirsiphaga Holik). In superficial characters, adsharica may be separated from mana by the lower forewing streak which is broader and occupies the whole of the area between veins lb, 1c, and the median vein. In mana, the lower forewing streak is narrow and constricted in the middle and does not extend in breadth to vein lb. The first pair of tibial spurs are present in adsharica but are absent in mana. Z. mana chaos Bur¢geff Z. chaos Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. munch. ent. Ges., 16: 15. Z. erebus ab. interrupta Burgeff, 1914, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 5: 45, pl. 5, fig. 18 (infrasubspecific). Type locality: Bethania near Tiflis, Georgia, Transcaucasia. Material examined: 1 ¢, paratype, Bethania, Tiflis. co genitalia. As in mana mana. Verity (1953: 51) placed the names interrupta Burgeff and chaos Burgeff as synonyms of mana. This is incorrect as chaos is a distinct subspecies. The name interrupta is infrasubspecific and, although published earlier than chaos, is not available. Burgeff originally described chaos as a dis- tinct species but Holik & Sheljuzhko (1955: 116) have correctly placed it as a subspecies of mana. The paratype examined is figured by Tremewan (1961b: 308, pl. 57, fig. 25). Z. mana tarkiensis Holik & Sheljuzhko Z. mana tarkiensis Holik & Sheljuzhko, 1955, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 44/45: 115. Type locality: Berg Tarki near Petrovsk (Machatsh-Kala), Dagestan, Ciscaucasus. Material examined: 2 ¢ ¢,1 9, Kurush, Dagestan. 362 genitalia. As in mana mana. Holik & Sheljuzhko (1955: 116) placed the population of mana from Kurush under ssp. tarkiensis. Z. rjabovi Holik 6 genitalia. Horns of uncus short, flat and variable in shape. Lamina dorsalis triangular in shape, laterally edged with strong spines, a trans- verse row of strong spines, variable in length, near the base, central area spiculate, anterior to basal spines, scobinate. Lamina ventralis narrow, comprised of a field of short, strong spines, larger and more strongly developed at the base. A portion of the vesica spiculate, cornuti com- prised of a field of minute spines. ‘“Blase’’ absent. First pair of tibial spurs present. Z. rjabovi Holik Z. mana rjabovi Holik, 1939, Ent. Rdsch., 56: 115. Type locality: Daratshitshag, Armenia, 2000 m. 10 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 Material examined: 2 ¢ 6, Daratshitshag (coll. H. Reiss), prep. Nos. 24154A, 24154B, F. Dujardin. a 6S genitalia. As above. Holik originally described rjabovi as a subspecies of mana Kirby. Koch (1939: 403; 1940: 199) placed rjabovi as a distinct species. Holik (1940/41: 213) referred to Koch’s opinions but still maintained that rjabovi should be considered a subspecies of mana. Reiss (1953: 141, pl. 9, figs. 15-18) placed rjabovi as a separate species and illustrated four specimens in colour. Holik & Sheljuzhko (1955: 117) placed rjabovi as a distinct species following the opinions of Koch (loc. cit.). Alberti (1958: 316) placed rjabovi as a subspecies of mana. Z. rjabovi is closely related to mana and is very similar in genitalia but may be separated by the longer and more elongate lamina dorsalis. The spines at the base are shorter although this may be a variable character. The uncus horns of mana are rather larger and broader than those of rjabovi. Superficially, it may be distinguished from mana by the broken, middle streak in the forewings. Z. teberdica Reiss ¢ genitalia. Horns of uncus short, flat. In the aedeagus, the lamina dorsalis is triangular in shape, laterally edged with short, strong spines. Near the base a transverse row of strong spines, moderate in iength. Central area of lamina dorsalis spiculate, anterior to basal spines, secobinate. Lamina ventralis narrow, comprised of a field of strong, short spines, latter decreasing in size posteriorly. Cornuti of vesica hardly evident, “Blase” present, well developed. First pair of tibial spurs absent. Z. teberdica Reiss Z. erebaea teberdica Reiss, 1939, Ent. Z., 53: 113. Type locality: Teberda region, north Caucasus. Material examined: Holotype ¢, Teberda region (coll. H. Reiss), prep. no. 29154, F. Dujardin. S$ genitalia. As above. Z. teberdica was originally described as a subspecies of erebaea Burgeff (=mana Kirby) by Reiss who subsequently raised it to specific status (Reiss, 1953: 141, pl. 9, fig. 14). The type is figured in colour by Reiss (loc. cit.). Holik & Sheljuzhko (1955: 114) placed teberdica as a subspecies of mana Kirby. Alberti (1958: 315) placed the name teberdica as a synonym of manda. However, in our opinion, teberdica should be considered as a distinct species and may be separated from mana by the shape of the lamina dorsalis which, in the latter species, is more elongate than that in the former. The lateral and basal spines are longer in mana. The absence of the “Blase” in mana may, if constant, be a further character for separating the two species. Superficially, teberdica differs from mana in its smaller size, rather broader hindwing border and the middle streak of the forewing. In teberdica, the middle streak is constricted but in mana is usually of equal width throughout. (To be continued.) FROM GAVARNIE TO DIGNE, AUGUST 1963 ial From Gavarnie to Digne, August 1963 By C. G. M. pe Worms, M.A., Pu.D., F.R.E.S. ; ' Much was written in the early part of this century about these two classic localities situated in the Hautes Pyrenées and Basses Alpes respectively, but, though they have been visited regularly by collectors, little seems to have appeared in our literature about them in recent years. I have therefore thought it of interest to give an account of my sojourn in both these famous resorts at a rather later period of the season than most people have been to them for their rich lepidopterous fauna. Mr R. F. Bretherton and I were much encouraged by an article written by the late Brig.-Gen. B. H. Cooke (1925, Entomologist, 58: 87) describing a whole summer in 1924, which he spent from May to August, based on Argeleés. In it he gave a complete list of the butterflies he noted in the main part of the Central Pyrenees as well as those on its northern fringe together with their respective localities, though he did not describe their terrain and the countryside in detail. We, therefore, decided to join forces at Gavarnie early in August. I set out by the orthodox route on the Ist August by train to Paris and then took the very fast Pyrenées Express which landed me at Pierrefitte-Nestolas, just south of Lourdes, at 8.30 a.m. next morning. But a very wet welcome awaited me, in fact it was the heaviest, rain of the summer in that region. A bus took me the 20 miles steadily ascending to Garvarnie at 4500 ft. where my haven was the well-known Hotel des Voyageurs run by the Viergez-Bellou family since well into the last century. In spite of the deluge I managed to sally forth during this first after- noon to see if there were many changes in these surroundings since my two previous brief visits to them in 1949 and as far back as 1928. I found the village of Gavarnie had been greatly enlarged with many new hotels and shops, but what was more interesting was a metalled road which had been recently constructed up the Gave d’Ossoue towards the Pic du Vignemale where a rough path had only existed before. This made accessible one of the best collecting grounds, since it proved to be one of the few that had not been grazed flat by cattle and sheep. But it was not till the morning of the 3rd that I was able to sample it to advantage. Fortunately the sun broke through after 24 hours of continuous rain with much flooding. I made my way slowly for 2 miles up the winding road from the Hotel and was soon able to appreciate the wealth of butterflies still on the wing. It was on the ungrazed slopes just after crossing the torrent that I came across the biggest concentration, for here Parnassius apollo pyrenaica H.-B. and Papilio machaon L. were sailing about in numbers, though many were past their best, while no less plentiful were Aporia erataegi L. and Colias croceus Foure. Gonepteryx rhamni L. and Aglais urticae L. were both numerous, also Argynnis aglaia L. and Lysandra coridon Poda in the form minutepunctata Vty. with very pale underside. There were a few Melitaea didyma Esp. and M. dictynna Esp. still on the wing, the former with very dark females. The Satyrids were mainly represented by the very small and bright form of Hipparchia alcyone W.V. But of the two Erebias seen in this rich locality one flitting round tufts of long waving grass turned out to be E. manto Esp. in the spotless form constans Eiffel, while a smaller species in the more rocky parts proved to be E. gorgone Bdv., which is confined to the Pyrenees. Coppers in- 12 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 cluded Lycaena virgaureae pyrenemontana Vty. and L. alciphron veronius Frhst. I only saw one Maculinea arion Rott. and two of the local small form of Polyommatus escheri Hbn., while the inevitable Melanargia galatea L. was in abundance everywhere. That fine afternoon I spent in a walk towards the famous Cirque with its towering sheer rock faces over which several waterfalls descend from the huge glaciers of Mont Perdu and other large peaks. But most of the meadows had been cut in this region. There were still a few worn Erebia meolans gavarnica Obth. (=stygne Ochs.) and I saw another M. arion Rott. In the evening Mr. and Mrs. Bretherton and their younger son arrived by car, having spent nearly a week travelling across France. We made a late walk up the lower part of the Gave d’Ossoue, and among many of the butterflies already mentioned, we added the Skipper Pyrgus accreta Verity. A glorious morning, still and sunny, greeted us on the 4th when we all set out at an early hour on foot for the Cirque in order to reach it before the hordes of tourists who invaded it daily by foot or on the backs of horses or mules. The three miles along the main river took us just over an hour and it was not till we began to ascend during the final mile that we started to see a number of insects on the wing. The first was a small Erebia of the complex tyndarus group which that eminent authority, Mr B.S. C. Warren has designated as E. neleus murina Reverdin. Another butterfly of especial interest was Boloria pales L. of the form pyrenemiscens Verity which from its anatomical characters some authors regard as a separate species. It was flitting about in numbers low over the herbage at the entrance to the Cirque and more plentifully on a higher slope which was covered with a fine growth of the tall blue Pyrenean Iris, a grand sight. A further attractive insect to welcome us early in the day were several Pontia callidice Esp., mainly females, careering over the steep slopes. There were still a few Colias phicomene pyrenaica H.-S. to join them. The screes high above the pinewood at the western end of the Cirque were alive with Erebias, particularly E. epiphron Knoch, as well as E. neleus murina Rev., but the most interest- ing insect in this region was E. gorgone Bdv. of which the males varied greatly in size and spotting, but we only took a single female on this occasion. This sex has a most striking chequered underside to the hind- wings. This species seemed only to affect the rough grass on the edge of the screes. I noticed a larger Erebia settled on a small rock bordering the seree slope. It turned out to be a male E. lefebvrei Scop. with a ring of large spots all lanceolate. This species, too, which is a denizen like the previous one of the Pyrenees, was most fascinating and extremely variable not only in ground colour, but in markings. Russell Bretherton who ventured near the big cascade on the floor of the Cirque after crossing a large snowfield took several of this insect, including some fine females. Most were velvety black referable to f. rowlandi Warren, while others had large red patches both on the upper- and undersides of the forewings. The spotting, too, was most variable with specimens having only a few on all the wings compared with others with a complete ring of large spots. But this form of E. lefebvrei Scop. is much more heavily marked than its subspecies astur from the Eastern Pyrenees and Northern Spain. James Bretherton who had ascended the heights above the cliff wall brought back among other captures a single Erebia lappona Esp. f. sthennyo Graslin. The Blues were mainly represented by a very bright form of Plebeius idas alsophila Verity, also by P. argus pyrenaica Tutt, FROM GAVARNIE TO DIGNE, AUGUST 1963 13 Cupido minimus Fuessl., Cyaniris semiargus Rott. and the Coppers Lycaena dorilis and L. hippothoé L. The Skippers noted included Pyrgus serratulae Ramb., P. accreta Verity, Spialia sao Hubn., and Adopaea lineola Ochs. The only Burnets seen were Zygaena filipendulae L. and a single Z. hippocrepidis Hbn. The nettles in the whole region seemed to have been devoured by legions of larvae of Aglais urticae L. of all sizes. We estimated we had seen at least 30 species of butterflies in the ideal conditions prevailing during the day. The next day, the 5th, we motored down the valley to Gédre, then up the adjoining Vallée d’Héas ascending some five miles to the end of the road, but it became somewhat overcast when we surveyed the local slopes. AS we were returning by a steep path, we came across a bank of long grass alive with Erebia manto Esp. which rose in dozens as we walked through it, but many were already past their best. We retraced some of our route down the main valley and then walked up the side Vallée d’Estaubé where a large reservoir has recently been built with a very high barrage, which we crossed and then skirted the western side of the lake where there was plenty to keep us busy. Lysandra coridon Poda was in abundance as also was L. bellargus Rott. A number of Issoria lathonia L. were flitting along the narrow path which was also patronised by several Spilothyrus lavaterae Esp. of a very small form. Hesperia comma L. was well to the fore and we also took Argynnis niobe L., but probably the most interesting capture was an example of the small Burnet, Zygaena contaminei Bdvy., a very local species confined to the Pyrenees and Northern Spain. The next morning we further explored up the Gave d’Ossoue motoring up the very narrow and steep road to the upper pastures which had been very heavily grazed and it was only when we found an unimpaired slope did we see much on the wing, mainly Melitaea didyma Esp., M. parthenie Borkh. and some much fresher E. manto Esp. as well as the first Turanana baton Begstr. A heavy thunderstorm cut short our collecting for the rest of that day and a dull morning broke on the 7th when we set out once more by car down the valley past Luz and then up to Cauterets which I had last visited in 1949. But it was still very wet and misty when we drove up the tortuous road to the Pont d’Espagne at some 1500 ft. above the town where a huge car park now exists and also a téléférique to take the hundreds of tourists up to the famous Lac de Gaube at just over 5000 ft. But we elected to ascend to this beauty spot by foot up the steep path through the pinewoods, taking nearly an hour, but fortunately when we did reach the lake, the clouds parted, though not enough to see the great Pic du Vignemale towering above it. However, for a short time butterflies began to appear, especially Parnassius apollo L., Issoria lathonia L., Adopaea lineola Ochs. and Erebia neleus murina Rev. We motored back to Gavarnie late that evening and next day at an early hour Russell Bretherton and I set out on foot towards the Cirque, then up a winding path to the west till we came out on an open plateau, very bare of herbage due to grazing. A most surprising capture in this barren area were two examples of Thecla spini W.V. with a large orange patch on the forewing similar to the Spanish form. Pontia callidice Esp. was also flying at this altitude, but we soon came on some rough hillsides where Erebias were in plenty, mainly E. gorgone Bdv. with a few E. manto Esp. We then ascended to the Port d’Espagne at some 7000 ft. where there is only a large stone to mark the Spanish frontier. At this point, on a 14 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 stretch of very steep scree, E. lefebvrei Scop. was fiying in plenty, though as usual very difficult to net and with many somewhat worn. We returned in dull weather by a long and winding route over much grazed ground till we almost reached the Gave d’Ossoue near which by a torrent we came on a rough patch where numbers of butterflies were resting, mainly Plebeius argus L. with a good many E. manto Esp., while clumps of figwort were smothered with larvae of a Cucullia which may prove to be C. scrophulariae Cap., but a disappointment was the absence of Polyommatus pyrenaica Bdv. which had been reported from that region. It was probably already over. The morning of 10th August we once more set out down the valley to Luz, then up the big motor road through Baréges, to the very steep ascent to the summit of the Col de Tourmalet at 7250 ft., well above the clouds, but only a few Erebia epiphron Knoch. and E. meolans Schweiz. were flying at this level. However in the afternoon we walked up the toll road leading to the Observatory on top of the Pic du Midi at 9000 ft. The south-facing slopes were bathed in sunshine with the screes abounding with Erebia lefebvrei Scop. which were flitting up near the edge of the road, but most of them kept tantalisingly out of reach of the net, though a few which ventured across the road were captured. They were accom- panied by a good many of the black geometer Gnophos septaria Guen. Russell Bretherton who ascended to the Observatory came across a small colony of the very local Burnet Zygaena anthyllidis Bdv. which only occurs just beneath the summits of the highest Pyrenean peaks. But when we returned to the Col the clouds had descended making the drive down very slow and quite hazardous. Unfortunately the Brethertons had to start back to England early on the 10th which proved to be the finest day of our stay. I once more set out on foot for the Cirque where butterflies were even more plentiful than on our previous visit a week earlier. Boloria pales L. was skimming everywhere over the siopes, whije the scree harboured many more Erebias, particularly E. gorgone Bdv. including several females. When I surveyed the rough ground below the high waterfall E. lefebvrei Scop. was in numbers and mostly in much better condition than those seen in other parts, in fact there seemed a fresh emergence of this insect which I found quite easy to catch on a patch of ground covered with a brightly- coloured anemone to which they were attracted. Among them I was surprised to take a solitary female E. evias Godt. E. neleus Warren was also extremely plentiful. It was altogether an ideal day for collecting and seeing the full scale of insects on the wing. I spent my last day, the 11th, up the Gave d’Ossoue where most of the species I had previously observed were flying in increased numbers, especially Hipparchia alcyone W.V. An unexpected visitor to this area was Limenitis rivularis, not usually seen at these altitudes. This insect brought the total to just 60 species of butterflies noted in this Gavarnie region and its vicinity in the ten days of our visit. I set out from Gavarnie at an early hour by bus on the 12th for Lourdes where I caught a through express via Toulouse and Narbonne to Mar- seilles and thence, after a short wait, I travelled north again to St Auban and on to Digne which I reached about 10 p.m. after a journey of some 450 miles. My headquarters was the spacious Hotel Mistre in the main street of this very pleasant and comparatively large town situated on the FROM GAVARNIE TO DIGNE, AUGUST 1963 15 River Bléonne. Mr. Stoughton Harris, who had spent a profitable week’s collecting there in June 1963, had told me of some of the best localities for lepidoptera, as also had Col. H. Bridges who was there in 1962. I was soon to appreciate the wealth of this region when I set out on foot the next morning in brilliant sunshine to some wooded slopes on the out- skirts of the town just to the north. The feature of these famous surroundings in this late part of the season is the abundance of the large Satyrids which were my chief quest. In a flowery clearing I met them in force. The scabious heads were well patronised by both sexes of Hipparchia actaea Fab., the males a superb glossy black. They were accompanied by a few H. cordula Fab. which could be readily distinguished by their more rounded forewings, while huge females of H. circe Fab. were to be flushed almost at every step in the long grass. H. arethusa W.V. was just starting to appear as also was H. statilinus Hbn., though only the males. This favoured spot seemed to attract all the butterflies of the region. Lysandra coridon Poda was swarming together with a good proportion of L. bellargus Rott. The hedges were alive with Maniola tithonus L. and Melanargia galatea L. and among others of the 27 kinds of butterflies I saw that first morning were several Gonepteryx cleopatra L., many Colias australis Verity, C. croceus Fourc., and Papilio podalirius L., also P. machaon L., Argynnis cydippe L., M. cinxia L., M. didyma Esp. and a single female Pieris manni Meyer. As is often usual in such moun- tainous parts, a thunderstorm in the afternoon precluded further collecting for the day, but when I revisited this rich spot the following morning besides the species already mentioned I was able to add Melitaea phoebe Knoch, Polyommatus escheri Hbn., Argynnis aglaia L., Hesperia comma L. and a large speckled Skipper which turned out to be Pyrgus foulquieri Oberthur. On 15th August I set out on foot up one of the valleys towards the south-east of Digne to cover the 34 miles to the Thermal Hotel situated under a rocky cliff in a small gorge. The whole river is lined with thick serub, mainly sallows, poplars and sea buckthorn, but it soon clouded over so that very little was seen on the wing en route. However, it cleared sufficiently near the hotel for me to see quite a number of species flying in a small meadow by the river. These included Argynnis daphne W.V., A. dia L., A. paphia L. and Agrodiaetus damon W.V., all somewhat past their best, as well as Limenitis rivularis near the hotel, while a very dark form of Melanargia galatea L. was in abundance. On the outskirts of Digne on the way home I came across some long grass smothered with Blues at rest, the most interesting of which was Plebeius idas with large females flushed with blue of the form calliopis which feeds exclusively on the rhamnoides and may well be a separate species. Hipparchia dryas Scop. was flying on this ground with several males still in good order. The next morning I once more paid my usual visits to the wooded slopes where Hipparchia arethusa W.V. and H. statilinus Fab. Were much more numerous. In the afternoon I got a lift up the five miles of winding road to the foot of the long and steep escarpment of the Dourbes at 4500 ft. Here a grassy plateau was alive with butterflies, mainly Lysandra coridon Poda swarming together with numbers of Colias australis Verity. I walked the three miles downhill collecting all the way. Round some bushes I saw some large Satyrids flying which turned out to be Hipparchia hermione L. and a single H. fidia L. In another stretch 16 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 where the ground is very much eroded into bare channels, there were a few Maniola lycaon Rott. and Coenonympha dorus Esp. Lower down I took several Leptidea which turned out to be both L. sinapis L. and L. duponcheli Staud. which are not readily distinguishable in their summer broods except by their respective antennae, since L. duwponcheli lacks the white fleck on the underside so prominent in L. sinapis L. August 17th proved a thoroughly wet day which made any collecting impossible, but on the 18th the sun was out again in all its strength. I paid another afternoon to the Dourbes by taxi, going somewhat higher than before. In a lavender field in full bloom butterflies were again in plenty, in particular Papilio podalirius L. and P. machaon L. While waiting for the taxi to pick me up at the lower level after walking down again, I happened to spot two full-fed larvae of P. podalirius L. on a small plum tree. But there was no sign of Erebia neoridas Bdv. reported from this region. My last morning at Digne on 19th August was very fine and warm and I put it once more to good use in the usual clearing on the outskirts when the big Satyrids were at their height in this spot. I saw no less than nine species all flying together. In addition to those already mentioned from this locality, I saw Hipparchia dryas Scop., H. hermione L., H. fidia L. and H. briseis L., also Issoria lathonia L. and Thecla spini W.V. Burnets, too, were common in this area. They have been identified by Mr. W. Tremewan of the British Museum (Natural History) as mainly Zygaena fausta apocrypha Le Charles and Z. occitanica arida Dujardin. Calli- morpha hera L. was abundant on flowers, while Eilema caniola Hbn. was very numerous at rest on buildings. I had noted a total of 55 species of butterflies during my week at Digne. : I left that afternoon by train over the very picturesque mountain route via Veynes to Grenoble and on to Paris and London the next day, thus ending a very pleasant and profitable three weeks in these two delightful regions of France. Three Oaks, Woking. 24.xi.63. Notes on the Microlepidoptera by H. C. Huceins, F.R.E.S. Heterographis oblitella Zell. On September 18th, 1963, my son took his wife and myself to Tollesbury on the Blackwater estuary. When we had walked along the sea wall for over a mile we noticed a large number of Crambids in the grass. The great majority of these proved to be late, worn specimens of Crambus tristellus Fabr., but amongst these I saw a different smaller insect, which on capture proved to be a slightly worn male of the light form of H. oblitella. On our return I flushed another of what appeared to be the same species, but unfortunately it flew out over the mud to a clump of Aster tripoliwm, and as I was wearing light shoes, I could not follow it. I have not as yet heard of any other captures this year and Mr. A. J. Dewick, whose trap is only half-a-dozen miles away from Tollesbury as the crow flies, has seen none. It is curious how this moth always turns up within a few miles of the sea. So far as I can recollect, the only inland records are those of Captain Marsh in the Canterbury district, and that of Mr. Fairclough in mid- Surrey. NOTES ON THE MICROLEPIDOPTERA ef Crambus margaritellus Hibn. With reference to Mr. Kennard’s note on this moth (antea: 260) I suspect it would be found to be more widely distributed in Devon if looked for. I spotted a single specimen in Tuke’s collection, taken at light, and my wife and I then worked the two or three boggy meadows on his estate until we found it; it was quite common in a wet meadow, which meadow also contained Tuke’s private colony of Euphydryas aurinia Rott., of which no one was allowed to take more than four. Margaritellus was easily disturbed in the sunlight, and some of the females were very tiny and whitish. All my Honiton specimens are smaller and duller than those I have from Cannock Chase, which are decidedly redder, and two specimens, not of my own taking, labelled “Perth” are still larger and redder. The reference to Devon in Beirne is due to me, not a mere repetition of Meyrick; as it says in the preface, I read the book in typescript and made additions, and Dr. Beirne also called on me and saw my collection before going to Canada. Anthophila pariana Clerck Early in October I saw two specimens of this pretty and variable little moth on the window here, attracted by the light. I had not seen it locally for some years, though as an apple feeder, it is more likely to appear in gardens and small orchards to-day than else- where. When I lived near Sittingbourne I used to find it in great numbers by scratching the thatch of a barn near the bottom of my garden. I was then living in a cottage surrounded by orchards, which explains the abun- dance of pariana, which used to retire to the thatch directly the nights turned cold. I doubt whether it couid be so easily obtained to-day, I could easily see fifty in half-an-hour then, as barns to-day are usually roofed with cor- rugated iron or asbestos. I am aiso afraid that modern intensive washing will have greatly reduced its numbers. The larva, which feeds on apple leaves. is not very easy to find, but L. T. Ford, W. G Sheldon and myself ajl bred it in small numbers. I wonder whether Laspeyresia prunivorana Rag., of which I took two specimens in 1922, just before leaving the house, is still there, or Tortrix diversana Hubn. which was abundant in an old orchard near? I expect that modern “improvements” have put paid to both. CUCULLIA ABSINTHII L. Moves Nortu.—Another example of the rapid way this species is extending its range comes from Yorkshire. A couple of years ago larvae were taken at Leeds and shown at the Y.N.U. meeting. This autumn I took a number of larvae from the foodplant near Brough- bridge. The foodplant flourishes on the ground laid bare by the con- struction of new roads, in this case the recently opened Broughbridge bypass on the Al road. The chamomile daisy growing on the same ground has proved a good pasture for the closely related Cucullia chamomillae Schiff. It will be interesting to see how long it will take C. absinthii to reach Tees-Side, where its foodplant is very abundant and towards which dis- used railway lines may well provide a route along which to spread.—C. I. RUTHERFORD, 24 Oakdale, Harrogate, Yorks. 8.xii.1963. 18 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 Dingle 1963 By H. C. Huaains, F.R.E.S. As I have already mentioned (antea 219) I decided to join forces with Mr. E. S. A. Baynes at Dingle in 1963 to go further into the distribution of Platyptilia calodactyla Hubn. of which my wife had taken the first authen- ticated Irish specimen in 1962. I also wished to try for some more of the coastal species, whose erratic coloration as regards melanism has occupied my mind for some time, so I proposed a month’s stay. Incidentally, I like the place for a holiday also, and my wife loved it. When we arrived on June 26th, the general topic of conversation was a basking shark which had become entangled in a trawler’s nets and was lying on the shore by the pier. It was said to have done over £100 worth of damage to the nets and was 27 feet long and stated to weigh two tons. Whether this was the case or not I cannot say, but it was, at any rate, like Mr. Jingle’s mythical luggage, “Heavy, damned heavy”. Several attempts were made to sell it for fish meal, for which purpose the large skates, often weighing over 150 pounds are sold, but it proved too un- wieldy for the lorry that came to collect it. After five days, it began to “hum” a little, and to avoid causing a nuisance, the fishermen had to tow it out of the harbour to sea. I do not Know whether its remains washed up anywhere else, it may possibly have arrived in a mutilated condition like the celebrated Oronsay monster to add to the sea serpent legend. The winter had been very hard at Dingle as elsewhere, and the har- bour had been frozen over for the first time in human memory. The fuchsias, excepting in very sheltered places, had been cut to within a few feet of the ground, but on the other hand Silene maritima, which of late years has been quite rare, and usually unapproachable, had very greatly increased in the whole Slea Head area. The local birds had altered their status in several cases. Shortly after our arrival, my old friend Sylvester Nolan introduced us to Mr. Frank King, the well-known Irish ornithologist, who has recently opened a prac- tice at Dingle. Mr. King accompanied me on the one day the weather was fit for a trip to Inishvickilaun, and I was able to check what I saw of the birds by his much greater knowledge. The first thing I noticed was that the stonechat, usually common, had entirely disappeared; whilst Mr. Baynes was with us we covered most of the peninsula, and did not see one. It is to be hoped that it still survives in a few sheltered places and will re-colonise, as the Kerry stonechat is said to be of the Hebridean subspecies. The chough on the contrary, was more numerous than ever. On the last day of my stay, my son took me in a car for a last run round, and near Sybil Head we saw a flock of over forty. To make certain, we stalked them behind some rocks and got with- in fifteen yards, and he filmed the last four or five as they rose. The puffins were also much commoner. In 1961 they were very common on Inishvickilaun; in 1962 there was not more than one tenth of their previous number, but in 1963 they were more numerous than ever. There appeared, so far as I could tell, to be more storm petrels there also. When I was rattling the rocks for Euphyia bilineata ssp. isolata Kane I heard far more protesting in their nesting holes than ever before. The noise is usually described as purring, but to my mind it is more like a cat with asthma, of which I knew a good example on Tresco. DINGLE 1963 19 One last thing I should mention before reaching the lepidoptera (get forrard Ego, get forrard!) and that is that certain northern birds remained behind. There was an immature glaucous gull in the harbour which Mr. King tells me is still there, and he pointed out a bridled guillemot on our Blasket trip. He also told me he had seen a dark fulmar, which is again. an arctic race. As mentioned, the weather was only once safe to make the trip to Inishvickilaun, but on that day it was good. As usual, I took two nets, and got a friend to use one. We saw in all, eight bilineata ssp. isolata, unfortunately all males, and succeeded in obtaining five. Of these, Mr. King caught one, and when he surrendered the spare net as he was digging out a storm petrel’s burrow to check its identity (incidentally, it contained a bird, an egg and a rabbit!) Mr. Bernard Goggin, a young local botanist, took it up and succeeded in getting another. This moth is disap- pointing; when first caught it has a fine jetty sheen, but after a year this disappears as I have seen in my 1962 specimens, and I fear they will soon be brown-black like Kane’s Tearaght ones. I also took a number of larvae of Eupithecia venosata Fabr. ssp. plumbea Huggins which I originally described from Inishvickilaun speci- mens. I am pleased to say that the three pupae from 1962 larvae all pro- duced plumbea, which is evidently the only form on the island and a good subspecies. As I do not think that any have yet been shown, I might mention that plumbea is nearly black, much darker compared with ssp. fumosae Gregson than fumosae is compared with the type. Mr. Baynes and I, in 1963, at last, succeeded in getting some venosata larvae from the coast of the mainland. These have been isolated, and it will be interesting to see whether they too produce plumbea or the smoky form taken by Donovan on the Cork coast. There appears to be no con- sistency about these coastal insects. Hadena caesia Bork. and H. lepida ssp. capsophila Dup. are identical from the west Cork and Kerry cliffs and the Blaskets, whereas mainland bilineata vary enormously from cliff to cliff and isolata seems to be confined to Inishvickilaun and Tearaght, where it possibly survives; on either rock it is the sole form. My list of captures of any general interest is as follows :— Notodonta ziczac L. Amongst the numerous specimens that came to light were two very thinly scaled dilute specimens, new to me. Eilema complana L. A footman larva found just above sea level on the cliffs at Slea Head was carefully reared but proved to be only a typical specimen of this species. Cryphia muralis Forst. I worked this moth more than any other and got three more each of ab. nigra Huggins and the similar aberration in which the ground is greenish black. I also took a most interesting light buff insect, but unfortunately it knocked itself to pieces on the way home. I have now, in all, seen about 70 Dingle muralis (the result of about 30 days’ searching) and can confidently say that the typical form is not found there. Agrotis trux Htibn. and Ammagrotis lucernea L. Both these come some distance inland; I took them at light in the hotel garden. Mamestra brassicae L. There were several specimens of a very small form, no larger than Euxoa tritici L. in the trap. As I was busy with setting, I left them, until one morning Mr. Alan Wheeler, who was look- ing at my catch, thought they were odd, so we took one each, After 20 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 that I only saw bad specimens; the one I kept I am sure is only brassicae although of a more buff tint than usual, but I have kept one of the poor ones to be dissected in due course. Hadena caesia Borkh. I have now bred this from Slea Head, the Blaskets, and Adrigole, Co. Cork, and they are all alike, the so-called black form. I have also bred a couple of this form amongst a long series bred from the Burren. Hadena conspersa Esp. For the first time I took several of this insect, mostly bad, but a perfect one was just like one from Kent. Petilampa minima Haw. Several in a trap set at Milltown, just out- side Dingle. Donovan has no records for the south of Ireland except Cappagh, Co. Waterford. Plusia bractea Fab. I saw over thirty on this trip; the ground colour varied from orange brown to blackish brown as in Diarsia brunnea Fab. and the spangle varied greatly in size. Zanclognatha tarsipennalis Treits. Amongst numerous specimens I saw several of a yellowish clay colour in tint like Paracolax derivalis Htibn. These were new to me. Perizoma blandiata Schiff. I netted one at Dunquin, so it is well distributed in Kerry. Eupithecia pulchellata Steph. All seen were ssp. hebridium Sheidon, evidently the only Kerry form. Eupithecia fraxinata Crewe. One in the trap, the same small size as the ash ones I occasionally take in my garden. Lomaspilis marginata L. I took another like the one last year, with the black replaced by a pale rust-red. Ellopia fasciaria L. Three in the trap. I could find no pine in the town, and Mr. King tells me the nearest is on the former Ventry estate, two miles as the crow flies, and most of the way over the water. Eudoria resinea Haw. Several in the trap, rather large, and black and white. Scoparia basistrigalis Knaggs. One only, the first I have seen at Dingle. Teichobia filicivora Meyrick in Devon By S. WAKELY On the 11th September 1963 Mr. T. R. Eagles kindly gave me a Tineid moth which had just emerged and a tin containing some fern leaves on which the larvae had fed. Among the debris at the bottom of the tin were three cocoons, one of which showed the extruded pupa-case of the moth which he had given me. Two other moths emerged on the 16th September from the remaining cocoons, and the species was recognised as Teichobia filicivora Meyr. Mr. Eagles said he found the larvae near Clovelly, North Devon, and that the name of the fern was Polystichum setiferum (Forsk.) Woynar (soft-shield fern), quite a local species of fern but common in Devon. As this was the first record of the occurrence of this moth in Devon I thought it should be recorded, TEICHOBIA FILICIVORA MEYRICK IN DEVON 21 T. filicivora was first described in 1937 by Mr. E. Meyrick as a species new to science under the name Mnesipatris filicivora from specimens taken near Dublin by Dr. Bryan Beirne. They were found flying round a bed of the male fern (Dryopteris filis-mas) in mid-May and were reported as being quite common. To quote Meyrick: “The larvae feed in June and July on sporagia and fronds of D. filis-mas, living under a mass of excrement held together by silk, which makes them easily discovered”. On examining lepidoptera collections in the National Museum, Dublin, more specimens were found which had remained unidentified until Meyrick’s determination. Some of the data labels on these went back to 1909 (Entom., 70: 194-6). In 1940, Mr. S. C. S. Brown discovered the species to be well established in his garden at Bournemouth, Hants. This was the first record for Britain, and they were seen in numbers flying around clumps of male fern (Entom. Record, 52: 105). In a recent letter to me Mr. Brown mentioned the fact that it has also been taken in Dorset, where Mr. Parkinson Curtis found the moth flying over ferns at Poole. In 1960 Mr. L. Price sent me a specimen for identification which he had taken at light in his garden at Stroud, Gloucestershire. He had another which had been taken in 1955 but which had not been previously identified—also taken in his garden. In the same year Dr. E. Scott reported finding larvae common on the male fern in gardens at Ashford, Kent (Ent. Rec., 73: 95). The Devon imagines emerged in September but this could be due to the fact that the tin in which the larvae had pupated had been kept indoors. I might mention that a few years ago Mr. Brown sent me a parcel containing soil collected round the ferns growing in his garden at Bourne- mouth. This was placed in a large flower pot and a nice series of the moth emerged a few weeks later during May. It will be gathered from the foregoing that T. filicivora is now known to occur in Hampshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Kent and Devon, as well as in Ireland. No doubt by examining the undersides of the leaves of the male fern in July it would be found to have an even wider distribution. The characteristic little round bunches of frass held together by silk are quite conspicuous and could not be missed. The moth is quite small with a wing expanse of 10 to 11 mm., and is dark fuscous-purple in colour with small whitish tornal spot. It is unknown in any other part of the world. 26 Finsen Road, Camberwell, S.E.5. LaTE EMERGENCE OF APATELE TRIDENS ScuiFr.—In June of this year Mr. H. Symes kindly gave me a few pupae of the Dark Dagger. These pupae were part of a brood which was being cared for by Mr. Symes owing to the indisposition of the Rev. Carr. As a postscript to the observations made by Mr. Symes I should like to add that the last of the pupae he gave to me emerged as late as 18th October. The total emergence period, therefore, for this particular brood, extended over a period of 37 weeks.— M. J. Leecu, The Cottage, Hallgates, Cropston, Leicestershire. 28.xi.1963. 22 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 Cucullia absinthii L., etc., in a London Garden S. WAKELY For some years now I have grown a few plants of Artemisia absinthium in my garden at Camberwell, and an occasional specimen of Cucullia absinthii L. has turned up in the moth trap. My earliest records of this species date back to 1953, when I found a larva of absinthii in the garden and bred the moth in July, 1954. At this time odd absinthii were being reported from time to time at various districts in London. A few years later, larvae were found feeding on A. vulgaris at West Norwood, a mile or two from Camberwell. This year (1963) I had some extra large plants of absinthium flourishing in my small garden, and on 12th August I found half-a-dozen absinthii larvae feeding on the flowers. This was after dark when the larvae come up to feed. Almost every evening after that date I searched the plants and took all the larvae seen, as several friends had said they would like to, rear this local species. It was surprising to find as many as 10 or 12 one night—all that were visible with the aid of a torch—and yet the next night there would be about the same number taken. Towards the end of the month I was taking only 1 or 2 a night—some- times none at all. Some of the earlier larvae had spun up by this time, but by the beginning of September smaller larvae began to appear with the larger ones. They all fed up rapidly and the last date on which a larva was found was 28th September, by which time there were very few flowers left, only the dry seedheads. My total bag up to then was 120—an amazingly large number for such a small garden in London. Some of the larvae sent to friends lived only a few days and ap- parently did not take to A. vulgaris which was offered to them. I found myself that the larvae fed in a peculiar manner. They were kept in transparent plastic boxes—63 in. by 44in. by 2in. The foodplant was placed on Kleenex tissue paper, and as many as a dozen or more larvae were often in one box, which was thoroughly cleaned out each day and fresh tissue used. The larvae ignored the leaves, the flowers only being eaten, chiefly at night. Judging by the way the flowers were shredded to pieces nightly leaving a mass of powdered fragments, it appeared to me that only special portions of the flowers were eaten, probably the juicy base of the petals. Giving the larvae fresh food daily, they fed up ata terrific rate and even the smallest ones were full-fed in about a fortnight. They spun up in a cocoon made of silk mixed with a quantity of the powdered material from their feeding habit. If placed in another con- tainer with earth or peat they spun a similar cocoon mixed with the material available. I think that fresh food given daily is the secret of being successful when trying to rear this species, and in my opinion freshly picked food given daily would help in rearing many other species reputed to be difficult. Of course, this is not always practicable, but it is a point to be kept in mind. I also find that tissue paper in the container is as important as having the right food. It probably takes the place of dry grass, etc., on which the larvae often rest in the wild when not feeding. Of course this tissue absorbs a certain amount of moisture and should be changed when re- quired—often daily. Juicy foodplants require more frequent tissue- changing than dryer ones. STIGMELLA AENEELLA (HEIN.)—A SPECIES NEW TO BRITAIN 23 When searching the absinthiwm after dark, a number of other speceis of lepidoptera were seen, all actually feeding on this strong-smelling plant. Among those recognised were: Melanchra persicariae L. (which seemed to me to be particularly common on many plants this autumn), Scotogramma trifolii Hufn., Caradrina clavipalpis Scop., Euplexia lucipara L., Plusia gamma L., Eurrhypara hortulata L. and Cacoecimorpha pronubana Hb. There is a small bush of Dutch honeysuckle in the garden and in the previous year, larvae of Ypsolophus xylostellus L. were common in spun leaves. This year (1963) the spinnings looked different and contained the larvae of Epithectis mouffetella Schiff., and I was pleased to breed a small series of the moth from these in mid-June. Owing to the fact that I use my light trap only at week-ends and then only when the weather looks favourable, few species were taken at light. However, as usual, there were several surprise visitors. On 2nd August a finely marked light grey and nearly black tortrix appeared which puzzled me. Fortunately, the next night a typical Zeiraphera diniana Guen. turned up, and I realised that the previous one was a fine variety of the same species, not previously seen by me in the garden. Other species of note, considering the district, were Drepana binaria Hufn., Phalonia rubigana Treits., Blastobasis lignea Wals. and Bork- hausenia unitella Hubn. ; 26 Finsen Road, Camberwell, S.E.5. Stigmella aeneella (Hein.)—A Species New to Britain By S. C. S. Brown In September 1953 I found at Parley, Dorset, an empty Nepticulid mine on Sorbus. As the mine was unfamiliar to me I sent it to Prof. Hering of Berlin. He identified it as Stigmella aéneella (Hein. 1862) a species new to Britain. In the autumn of 1961 and again in 1962 I found similar mines, containing green larvae, commonly on apple in my garden in Bournemouth. I sent some of these mines to Mr. Carolsfeld-Krausé of Denmark, who determined them as belonging to aéneella. It is probable that this species has long been an inhabitant of this country, for Wood in 1898 gave the foodplant of oxycanthella (Stt.) as apple, pear and haw- thorn. Mr. Krausé informs me that on the continent aéneella is only found on Malus and is single-brooded, the larvae being found in Septem- ber and October. Oxycanthella on the other hand is not found on Malus and is double-brooded. Recently I had the opportunity of examining the collection of Nepticulid mines made by Prof. Waters which is in the Hope Department, University Museum, Oxford. Under oxycanthella I found several mines on Malus from the Oxford district which would thus be referable to aéneella. The ova are laid singly on the underside of a leaf, frequently on the edge. In the commencement the mine follows the edge of the leaf or runs along a vein. At this stage the frass is black and threadlike and does not fill the gallery. The mine then abruptly widens and becomes serpentine. The frass is now dark brown, abundant, and nearly fills the gallery. Finally, a small blotch is formed. I am indebted to Prof. E. M. Hering and Mr. Carolsfeld-Krausé for their assistance in the determination. 24 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 Stigmella aéneetla Hein. Mine. x2 and enlarged. MORE NEW FOREST M.V. RECORDS 25 REFERENCES Wood, John H. 1893. Notes on the earlier stages of the Nepticulae. Ent. Mo. Mag. XXIX 199 and sub. Hering, Prof. E. M. 1957. Blattminen von Europa. Band Il 662 31 3176 Band Wil Tafel 47 408C (Figure of mine) EARLY EMERGENCE OF POECILOCAMPA POPULI L.—It is, I think, worth recording that whilst working for Tiliacea citrago L. on 29th September near the village of King’s Cliffe, Northamptonshire, a single male specimen of P. populi flew into m.v. light. Early November is, in the Midlands, the normal time of emergence of this insect.—M. J. Lrecu, The Cottage, Hall- gates, Cropston, Leicestershire. 28.xi.1963. More New Forest M.V. Records By L. W. Siaes When I reported (Ent. Rec., 75: 119-122) that during 1962 I took 30 species in my m.v. trap which I had not previously taken in Minstead, I was tempted to add that I could hardly expect to have any appreciable number of new records in future years. However, in 1963 I took 22 species not previously recorded. They were :— CucurculaeLs. H. reticulata Vill. A. prasina Fabr. (2) E. subnotata Hubn. O. populeti Fabr. E. venosata Fabr. C. leucostigma Hiibn. E. assimilata Doubl. M. alpium Osbeck. E. succenturiata L. C. asteris Schiff. (2) D. ribeata Clerck S. costaestrigalis Steph. E. consonaria Hiibn. C. pendularia Clerck. (2) G. obscurata Schiff. M. albicillata L. S. brunnearia Vill. (3) P. flavofasciata Thunb. I. wauaria L. E. picata Hubn. P. strigillaria Hubn. The total number of species recorded in 1963 was 357 as compared with 320 in 1962. In view of the poor weather, and particularly the lack of warm nights, this is remarkable. Moreover, 20 of the 30 new species recorded in 1962 turned up again, some in increased numbers. The total number of specimens taken fell considerably, as the follow- ing figures show :— 1962 | 1963 No. of Total Average | No. of Total Average nights catch nights catch Mar. u 159 23 | 15 286 19 April, = 2'7 it 103 | 26 3657 141 May 26 934 36 26 760 29 June 28 4177 149 28 5420 194 July 29 12342 457 | 25 6850 274 Aug. 28 8516 304 29 5188 179 Sept. 8 2475 309 22 3339 152 Oct. 10 1059 106 23 1184 51 Nov. 13 537 41 17 394 LS: Total 176 32978 187 Dalel 27078 128 26 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 Such a fall in specimens coupled with an increase in species seems odd, but I find that there was a considerable drop in the numbers of some “abundant” species, as the following examples of reduction in numbers from 1962 to 1963 will show :— 1962 1963 1962 1963 A. exclamationis L. 7244 2274 N. pronuba L. 4168 981 L. varia Vill. Oem OTn P. meticulosa L. 214 48 D. rubi View. 731 331 L. pallens L. 384 167 O. plecta L. 822 365 A. monoglypha Hufn. 1374 678 A. xanthographa Fabr. 357 215 A. secalis L. 1424 551 I have been pleased with the results of the past two ‘“‘poor” seasons, and wonder what would happen if only we had a “good” one. I was most interested in the list of New Forest lepidoptera given by Mr. C. M. R. Pitman (Ent. Rec., 75: 187-199), especially as the only other list I have seen is that by “Mr. Baker revised by F. Bond, Esq., F.Z.S.” in the 5th edition of “The New Forest” by John R. Wise, 1895. To avoid the repetition involved in listing all the species I have recorded, I will indicate those taken by Mr. Pitman which have not yet appeared in my trap. Mr. Pitman’s list contains the following day-flying moths which I would not expect in the trap:—H. fuciformis, H. tityus, Z. trifolit, Z. lonicerae, Z. filipendulae, P. statices, A. myrtilli, P. tenebrata, E. mi, E. glyphica, R. hastata, P. macularia. I was surprised to see the following chalk insects recorded as I know of no chalk or limestone in the New Forest. Could Mr. Pitman have taken them en route from Salisbury? A. sublustris, E. rubidata, M. procellata, M. virgata, E. rivata, E. galiata, H. vitalbata, H. tersata. The others which I have not recorded are:—C. livornica, H. bifida, P. plumigera, T. or, T. crategi, E. lanestris, N. mundana, C. senex, P. plantaginis, A. avellana, H. asella, S. apiformis, A. flaviventris, A. vespi- formis, A. culiciformis, A. sphegiformis, H. hecta, H. fusconebulosa, C. augur, A. agathina, A. ditrapezium, A. stigmatica, E. orbona, H. suasa, H. lepida, C. graminis, L. straminea, M. turca, D. oo, A. affinis, Z. retusa, Z. subtusa, X. exsoleta, E. adusta, I. croceago, T. citrago, C. sponsa, U. triplasia L., A. luctuosa, H. rostralis, H. barbalis, H. immaculata, C. annulata, S. imitaria, S. emutaria, S. seriata, X. quadrifasciata, P. affinata, L. suffumata, L. prunata, T. dubitata, R. cervinalis, L. halterata, O. fagata, M. murinata, H. flammeolaria, H. testaceata, E. nebulata, A. sparsata, E. haworthiata, E. goosensiata, E. satyrata, E. indigata, E. dodoneata, E. lariciata, L. adustata, A. prunaria, S. notata, A. pulveraria, E. quercinaria. On the other hand, I have taken the following which are not included in Mr. Pitman’s list and are in addition to the 16 he mentions on page 199 of his article. *N. cucullatella L., L. obsoleta Htibn., *A. pygmina Haw., C. ambigua Fabr., A. epomidion Haw., A. unanimis Htibn., *P. minima Haw., C. leuco- stigma Hiibn., *R. tenebrosa Hiibn., *C. promissa Esp., S. costraestrigalis teph., S. sylvestraria Hiibn., S. trigeminata Haw., P. albulata Schiff., E. picata Hiibn., E. exiguata Hiibn., H. tripunctaria H.-S., G. obscurata Schiff. Those species marked with an asterisk, though not in Mr. Pitman’s list, must, I think, have been seen by him in the Forest. In connection with his remarks on some of the 16 which he had not recorded, I would point out that I live 11 miles from the nearest point on OBITUARY : 27 the coast and, according to South A. vestigialis, S. promutata, D. fascelina and C. chamomillae are not confined to the coast. I know that D. fascelina has been taken in recent years in other parts of the Forest and I have taken a larva on heather near Fritham. It is interesting to see that S. promutata, D. fascelina and C. chamomillae were included in the 1895 list. Sungate, Football Green, Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hants. Obituary NIGEL TYPHERLEIGH EASTON Cn Friday, 6th December 1963, Nigel Typherleigh Easton of Castle Hill, Reading, passed away peacefully, and there can be few in the world of Entomology who were not in some way aquainted with him and cannot mourn his passing. Born in Norwich on 2nd August 1902, he was educated at Oundle College, and went on to study at Faraday House in London, where he obtained his Diploma in electrical engineering. His love of Natural History was equalled only by his deep appreciation of music, and on leaving Faraday House he combined this interest with his qualifications and entered the relatively new field of the recording industry. But his active mind and consuming energy was of the kind that never allowed him to remain still. Ever anxious to seek new fields of interest, always more absorbed with to-morrow than to-day, he cheerfully denied himself the rewards his undoubted talents could have brought him in a settled career. By the end of the War he had worked for many of the recording companies, but the ten years prior to 1945, when he was with the B.B.C. at Daventry and later in North Wales, were to be the happiest as well as the most settled years of his life. After the War he turned to the teaching profession, taking as his subjects, English, Geography ,French, Latin, and Games. But after many changes of School he returned to Radio in 1955 and joined the firm of Herbert and Lascelles in Reading. His marriage in January of that year was not to prove a success, and five years later it was dissolved. But as far back as 1947, after he had moved to the damper air of Reading, the first long shadow of his last illness had reached out to him, and almost imperceptably each succeeding winter began to take its toll of him. By 1960 he was forced to find a more sedentary occupation, but his age and declining health were by now against him, and he was forced to accept only temporary positions. In 1962 he took up his last employ- ment, with the Inland Revenue at Whiteknights in Reading, a few yards from the home of his childhood, and began the final bitter struggle to keep working until the last day of his life. Throughout his long illness his cheerful optimism and love of living never deserted him. While seriously ill in Peppards hospital, Henley, in June 1963, he was planning his summer holiday, and achieved the impos- sible by driving to Portland four weeks later to fulfil his plans. His interest in Lepidoptera, first inspired by his Preparatory School Headmaster, was but the nucleus of a much wider interest that extended to nearly every corner of the field of Natural History. His magnificent private collection contains nearly every Macro known to occur in this country, as well as an interesting sample of insects brought home from his 28 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 holidays on the Continent. Yet he was not just a collector. Indeed, for many years he took very little, and a page or two of notes after a day out would probably have meant more to him than a dead iole. Nothing missed his eye, and nothing was too insignificant to merit a record in his diaries. Breeding, and in particular the study of genetics, formed his main interest, and many years were spent studying the genetic variations in P. dominula, and his experi- ments on the hybrid napi-brione are well known. His enthusiasm for his subject and his tireless attention to detail were infectious, and it is almost certainly a loss to Entomology that fate ordained he should leave no family.— A. R. Davey. Notes and Observations HADENA LEPIDA Esp. SUBSPECIES CAPSOPHILA DupP. (THE PODLOVER) ON THE East Coast.—I took a specimen of the above subspecies at mercury vapour light at Brancaster, Norfolk, on the 27th June 1959. According to “Scuth” this moth is confined to the west of England and to Ireland.—PERcy CuE, Ashford, Kent. Tur 1963 Srason.—After the exceptional cold and near ten weeks of snow cover of last winter, it was hoped that 1963 would be another memorable year like 1947, but this was not to be and until late October migrants were exceptionally scarce. So far as our native lepidoptera were concerned, it was in general an excellent season here in Chiddingfold, many species appearing in the trap in record numbers. Thus well over 100 Biston strataria Hufn. (oak beauty) were recorded in the garden trap in one night. Throughout the season large numbers of the commoner insects came to the trap, and many of the less common ones were seen in more than ordinary profusion. A few species were less common than usual, notably Amathes c-nigrum L. (setaceous Hebrew character), the second brood of which was far from common, and Noctua xanthographa Schf. (square-spot rustic), which was rather uncommon. For the first time Cucullia absinthii L. (wormwood) was seen in this district, though not by me. Clearly its remarkable colonisation of new areas is still continuing. Ptycholoma aeriferana H.-S. was more abundant than ever before, but Lozotaenioides formosana Frol. was unusually scarce. It was lovely to watch Apatura iris L. (purple emperor) flying in and around the garden and Limenitis camilla L. (white admiral) also visited us. Plusia gamma L. (silver-y) was never common, and the total of Nomophila noctuella Schiff. seen during the season was about a score. The first excitement in the way of migrants came after I had given up all hope of seeing any unusual ones. After returning home on the evening of 26th October from the South London Entomological and Natural History Society exhibition, 2 gd and 1 9 Rhodometra sacraria L. (vestal) were found in the trap; the female failed to lay. The season ended in a real blaze of glory. On the night of 6/7th November two Hippotion celerio L. (silver-striped hawk), two Nicterosea obstipata Fab. (gem) and one N. noctuella, as well as nearly a dozen P. CURRENT LITERATURE 29 gamma were in the trap. How glad I am that I did not pack up the trap in disgust early in October.—Ropin M. Mere, Mill House, Chidding- fold, Surrey. 8.xii.1963. ACHERONTIA ATROPOS L., LAPHYGMA EXIGUA HUBN., RHODOMETRA SACRARIA L. aND OTHER MIGRANTS IN SURREY, 1963.—My light trap at Ottershaw yielded a single very worn L. exigua on the night of 23rd/24th July and a good female A. atropos on 17th/18th September; and at Bramley I had a female R. sacraria, from which fertile eggs were obtained on 25th/26th October. For the commoner migrant it was a very poor year. Of Peri- droma porphyrea Schiff. and Hapalia martialis Guen. there were only singles, on 28th July and 10th September; of Nomophila noctuella Schiff. I had only three in late July and one on 23rd October; of Agrotis ipsilon Rott. there were 18, the first on 28th July and the last on 24th November, with four as companions to the R. sacraria on 25th October. Plusia gamma L. was recorded twice at the end of May, and fairly regularly from 10th June to 23rd November. But it was only abundant in late September, with 66 on 21st and 81 on 23rd, and the total for the year was much below average. The only migratory butterflies seen in Surrey were two or three Vanessa atalanta L. at Bramley in early October.—R. F. BRETHERTON, Folly Hill, Birtley Green, Bramley, Surrey. 8.xii.63. APATELE LEPORINA L. OVERWINTERING Two YEARS.—On one of my visits to Bedford Purlieus, Northamptonshire, last year, two female A. leporina arrived at the sheet. Both were in good condition and knowing that one of my friends was short of this species I decided to keep one for ova. Approximately 80 eggs were laid during the next two nights and there was no difficulty in getting the newly hatched larvae to take to birch as their pabulum. When the larvae had developed to their second or third instar a number of them were duly passed on to the friend in need. He did well with them; they nearly all pupated and he was looking forward to a bred series during this year. On making enquiries about the emergence of the pupae in June I was most surprised to learn that he had not had a single specimen out in his breeding cages. This state of affairs continued throughout the summer. The pupae, except for one, were perfectly healthy and are now going over for a second winter. What happened to the remainder of the brood will never be known as they were liberated in another part of the country. I have reared this moth many times in the past from larvae beaten in the late summer but apart from the above account have never known it to go over for a second winter.—M. J. Lrecu, The Cottage, Hallgates, Cropston, Leicester- shire. 28.xi.1963. Current Literature Catalogue des Lepidopteres de France et de Belgique, Vol. II, Fasc. VII, Microlepidoptera, Leon Lhomme. 20 francs. At long last, after many troubles, commencing with the fall which killed Leon Lhomme, the untimely death of M. le Marchand, who took over the work from Lhomme, and the death at a ripe age of Louis le Charles, who took over from Le Marchand, and countless printing 30 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD 15/1/1964 troubles, we have the completion of this catalogue after so many years of waiting. This is thanks to the collaboration of M. J. Bourgogne and M. Pierre Viette of the Entomological department of the French Natural History Museum. The style of the previous parts (which stopped in the middle of Bucculatrix) has been maintained, but certain slight alterations have been made in the systematic order, to bring it into line with recent work done. This makes the first stepping-stone since the Staudinger List of 1901 which had been the basis of European collections for so long. We take this opportunity of thanking the two gentlemen concerned, and congratulate them on their work.—S. N. A. J. Proceedings and Transactions of the South London Entomological and Natural History Society, 1962, 8vo., 27/6. The scientific portion of the President’s Address is entitled Report on the insects collected by the E. W. Classey and A. E. Gardner Expedition to Madeira in December 1957, which includes a very full account of the life history of Sympetrum nigrifemur (Selys) with many drawings and eight half-tone plates of the insect and its habitat. Interesting accounts of the many field meetings are followed by a paper by F. V. L. Jarvis entitled The Genetic Relationship between Aricia agestis (Schiff.) and its ssp. artaxerxes (F.). This has two half-tone plates of series of imagines to illustrate it. Part II of The Hemiptera-Heteroptera of Kent, by Dr. A. M. Massee, is followed by a paper entitled Notes on Rare Spiders and Courtship as a Clue to Relationships, by W. S. Bristowe, with six drawings by A. Smith. Part VII of G. M. Haggett’s Larvae of the British Lepidoptera not figured by Buckler has two coloured plates figuring larvae of Euplagia quadri- punctata Poda, Leucania vitellina Hubn., L. albipuncta Schiff., and L. unipuncta Haw. The Editor mentions some changes in the accepted nomenclature and species added to the British List. We regret that two misprints occur here (p. 199) for alnifoliella one should read ulmifoliella and for rossensis one should read vossensis. Book reviews complete the volume.—S. N. A. J. Beautiful Butterflies: illustrations by F. Prochazka, text by J. Moucha; translated by Alice Denesova. Spring Books Ltd., 4to., 12/6. Ten pages of introduction give a cursory picture of the place of Lepidoptera in the world, and of the butterflies in the Lepidoptera. There follow 57 plates, illustrating 80 species, each with descriptive text on the opposite page. These plates are a joy to behold; the artist is truly a master of colour and its use; his handling of the difficult sheen of Morpho cypris Westwood, for instance, has to be seen to be believed. The repro- duction is excellent, and although this may only be regarded as an entomological picture book, the figures are all hand done, not photographs as is the practice nowadays, and give one something really beautiful to browse over, both in the subject and its handling.—S. N. A. J. “MIKROPS” 2! X 2" COLOUR SLIDES OF BRITISH INSECTS Catalogue K5/ER now in by S. Dalton preparation A.R.P.S. FLATTERS & GARNETT LTD. 309 Oxford Road, Manchester 13 Pert of our extensive service to Biologists M.V. GENERATORS AND BULBS. Ex W.D. Air-borne, Hand-portable Petrol Generators. Weight 37 lbs. EOS TUT VOUW eile VAS ULE, “a ciesatcte sass Gre alaca ols wlstca me soneie ats £25 Os. Od. Ditto. Compiere with Choke/Transformer and TWO 80w. Bulbs (1 spare). EMER ECHUSMLOMECURTA istasiay® cea cc) Male tie av eoGate. 4 aha vhs MCRAE aeC ARE £32 10s. Od. SPARE 80w. M.V. BULBS for above. NEW Ex U.S.A.F. (Retail price, 48s.) 30s. each or 4 for £5 Os. Od. (Can also be run extra-bright with 125 watt choke from mains.) A few 125 watt are available at same price. P. J. M. ROBINSON The Homestead, Sandy Down, Lymington, Hants. J. J. HILL & SON ENTOMOLOGICAL CABINET MANUFACTURERS Specialists in Interchangeable Unit Systems, Store Boxes, Insect Cases, Setting Boards, Micro-slide Cabinets, etc. Reconditioned Second-Hand Insect Cabinets available from time to time. YEWFIELD ROAD, N.W.10 ’Phone Wil 0309 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION (Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890) The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine: Lepidoptera: Dr. H. B. WituraMs, Q.C., LL.D., F.R.E.S.; Orthoptera: D. K. McE. Kevan, Ph.D., B.Sc., F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc.; Diptera: L. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S.; E. C. M. d’Assis-FonsecA, F.R.E.S. CONTENTS THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS (LEP., ZYGAENIDAE). W. GERALD TREMEWAN ... CP oes vs geo FROM GAVARNIE TO DIGNE, AUGUST 1963. ©. G. M. DE WoRMs, M.A., PRD. \ ERE Se ee ao) TE Tis is eee NOTES ON THE MICROLEPIDOPTERA. H. C. HuGGINS, FRES... ... 16 DINGLE 1963. SH.°C. HUGGINS, FRIES i002 0 a TEICHOBIA FILICIVORA MEYRICK IN DEVON. S. WAKELY ... ... ... 20 CUCULLIA ABSINTHII L., ETC., INA LONDON GARDEN. S. WAKELY... ... 22 STIGMELLA AENEELLA (HEIN.)—A SPECIES NEW TO BRITAIN. S. ©. S. BROWN... ed SEA alte eo ant oa ee Oe on MORE NEW FOREST 1 M.V. RECORDS: 1. W. SIGGS\-, !¢ 3s ee OBITUARY—NIGEL TYPHERLEIGH EASTON 0.000 ses NOTHS “AND: OBSERVATIONS (0) 500 Sy CURRENT ‘LITSRATURE © 9 i005 0. 3° ee oe a en TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS All material for the TEXT of the magazine must be sent to the EDITOR at 54 Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent. ADVERTISEMENTS, EXCHANGES and WANTS to F. W. BYERS, 59 Gurney Court Road, St. Albans, Herts. 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Lrp., Arbroath. RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION Edited by S. N. A. JACOBS, r.REs. with the assistance of _ A. A. ALLEN, B.SC., A.R.C.S. C. A. COLLINGWOOD, B.SC., F.R.E.S. NEVILLE BIRKETT, M.A., M.B. H. C. HuGeIns, F.R.E.S. Sa L. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S. J. M. CuatMeERS-HUNT, F.R.E.S. H. SyMEs, m.a. Major A. E. COLLIER, M.C., F.R.E.S. S. WAKELY Commander G. W. Harper, R.N.(Retd.), F.R.E.S. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 35s. POST FREE. Hon. Treasurer, CLIFFORD CRAUFURD, Denny, Galloway Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts. i THE SPIDERS AND ALLIED ORDERS OF THE BRITISH ISLES THEODORE H. SAVORY, M.A., F.ZS. There are 550 British species of these exceptional creatures and among them there are countless differences. To help naturalists to name the species, this book describes those which are most likely to be found and there is a full account of their structure, habits and life histories. The book explains methods of study, collection and preservation. Descriptions include every family of British | Spiders, every species of Harvestman and False Scorpion, and the more familiar of the British Mites and Sea-Spiders. There is an account of their structure, habits and life histories, and the book ex- plains methods of study, collection and preservation. 63 figures in colour 130 illustrations from drawings and photographs and 88 diagrams in the text. 12s. 6d. net. THE SPIDER’S WEB THEODORE H. SAVORY, M.A., F.Z.S. How does a spider know the way to spin a web! By instinct or by observation? Is the spinning a clever, individually planned process, or a semi- automatic one? Such points as these are discussed in full by the author, who has spent a great deal of time observing spiders and their habits. The discussions are supported, in many cases, by. comparative tables of statistics which were compiled as a result of the observations made. 8 coiour plates 19 half-tones and 35 line illustrations. 12s, 6d. net. From all Booksellers FREDERICK WARNE & CO. LTD. 1-4 Bedford Court, Strand, London, W.C.2 31 Looking for Micro-Psychids By B. J. LEMPKE The two volumes of South’s “Moths of the British Isles” are without ‘any doubt the best to be got at such a price. It is, however, strange that the original author did not include the Psychidae in his work in contrast with the opinion of his contemporaries on the Continent who all included them in the “Macrolepidoptera”, following the well-known Catalogue of Staudinger-Rebel. This is the more strange, because South did include some families which stand mucn lower in the system, viz. the Cossidae and the Hepialidae. The regrettable result of this is, that the great majority of the present English lepidopterists is not interested in Psychids. After the death of Tutt (who published an excellent monograph of the British species in vol. 2 of his British Moths in 1900), Chapman and Burrows, there is practically complete silence in the English entomological magazines on this group. There is only one exception: the article of L. T. Ford in the Proc. Trans. South London ent. nat. Hist. Soc. 1945-1946, p. 103-110, plate XI (1946). It is a very good summary of the knowledge of the Britisn species at that moment. For the present I should like to draw the attention of my English colleagues on two genera, which have had my special preference the last few years, viz. Bankesia and Solenobia, two genera of small but beautifu! and very interesting moths. I hope that the results obtained by a few enthusiastic collectors in the Netherlands will stimulate them also to pay more attention to these insects in the British Isles. As regards Bankesia staintoni Walsingham, the only species of the genus that occurs in both our countries (apart from the mysterious B. douglasi), the history of it in Holland is the following. The first specimen was caught in 1926, in a woody locality in the centre of the province of Gel- derland. In August 1930 the late Lycklama a Nijeholt, a surgeon at Nijmegen (also in Gelderland) found a great number of caterpillars on the trunks of beeches some kilometres from that town. He fed them for some weeks on grass which they ate very eagerly and then they spun up their cases for hibernation. He overwintered them in the open and in the spring of 1931 Lycklama bred a nice series of moths which have long been the only representatives of the species in Dutch collections. In 1960 a caterpillar was found in the north of Dutch Limburg from which the moth was bred. That was our whole knowledge of staintoni till 1963. In February of that year I discussed the question with my friend Mr. B. van Aartsen and asked him to look out for staintoni when he happened to come with his car near the locality of Lycklama. Already a few weeks later he showed me some cases which he had found on the underside of thick roots of old beeches standing along a sunken road. Beeches often have roots which project a little above the ground near the foot of the trunk. With the aid of an electric torch he discovered the cases in their dark hiding places. After comparison with cases in the collection of the Amsterdam Zoological Museum (where Lycklama’s material is preserved) it was clear that they belonged to staintoni. Thinking that they were old cases, I glued them on a small piece of cardboard and put them away in the drawer. A few weeks later I looked by chance in it and saw to my surprise a living female sitting on one of smo CO 0) rake 32 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 the cases, the first I had ever seen in my life. Of course I informed Mr. van Aartsen. As he now knew where he had to look for the species, not on the trunks of trees, but in dark hidden places, he tried to find it not only in the neighbourhool of Nijmegen, but in every locality where he thought he might have success. Happily he is a collector with imagination. For few would have had the idea to look in the crevices of old palings or behind loose pieces of bark of fir trees. He even found them spun up on the roots of grass growing on the ridge of a sunken sandy path crossing a wood. Only in localities where the species abounds we found a few cases on the outside of the bark of a tree. In one locality Mr. van Aartsen saw a good number of males flying in the sunshine, near the foot of a beech. Very probably there were one or more virgin females in the vicinity. But notwithstanding his careful searching no trace of them or of the cases from which the males had resulted could be found. It is no doubt this hidden life which is the principal reason why so little is known about the species. Tutt writes (1.c.: 207) that the case is made of whitish silk and is thickly covered with coarse sand. This gives the impression that the cases have a pale colour. But all cases found behind bark or in crevices were dark. Only those of the path in the wood had a sandy colour. Tutt’s statement that the cases are rather soft in texture is quite correct. Now that I knew the cases well, I saw that a few I had collected in 1962 and which I thought belonged to a Solenobia species also were staintoni. But the greatest surprise was an old case in the Museum col- lected in Gelderland about 1850. There was not the slightest doubt about its identity: staintoni. All these cases were dark, covered with grains of sand and sometimes with small pieces of moss. Mr. van Aartsen also succeeded in breeding the species from the egg. He must still publish his account, so I only mention that the caterpillar is full fed in the autumn. It then crawls round searching for a suitable place to spin up the case. Now is the best time to look for them and to collect them! See the experience of Lycklama who found them in num- bers in the second half of August, whereas Mr. van Aartsen saw dozens of them in September and the beginning of October 1963. The caterpillar pupates in the autumn and the chrysalis overwinters: To sum up the Dutch results: before 1963 we only knew three localities for the species now we know 29! They are scattered over a considerable part of the country, but always in woody districts. As to the known distribution in England, Tutt mentioned only one locality: Southhampton Water in Hants. When Ford published his article 45 years later, it was still the only locality and I think it has remained so up till now. I need not give further comment. And now Solenobia! The cases of this genus are much easier to find. As soon as the temperature has risen enough in the spring the caterpillars crawl up the trunks of trees and fasten their cases on the bark at a height varying from low down to about two metres above the ground. They look like blackish grains of corn and can best be collected by loosing them with the point of a pocket-knife and holding with the other hand a tube below them. Collect as many as possible, for only a small part, as a rule, produces moths. As the caterpillars do not live on the trees, they have no preference for any kind. But their cases are most easily found on beeches because of the smooth bark. We also found them, however, on fir » & LOOKING FOR MICRO-PSYCHIDS 33 trees and I saw them in numbers in the deep crevices of the bark of oak trees, but here it was hardly possible to collect them. April is the best month for this work. In early seasons they may appear already at the end of March and in late ones some cases are still to be found at the beginning of May, at least in the Netherlands. No nicer work on a fine spring day than searching the tree trunks in a quiet locality for Solenobia cases, especially when a new spot is discovered where one or more species occur! The genus has long been very unpopular because of the great difficulties in determining the different species. It is hardly possible to arrive at a definite result only by consulting the descriptions in the handbooks. The last few years, however, great progress has been made in our knowledge through the work of some Austrian and Swiss experts. In Austria it is especially Herr L. Sieder of Klagenfurt, who makes a profound study! of the numerous species occurring in the mountains of Central Europe and who could describe already many new ones. In Switzerland, Prof. Seiler made a special study of the parthenogenetic forms of some species, whereas Dr W. Sauter made the Swiss Solenobia species the subject of his thesis (published Septernber 1956 in Revue Suisse de Zoologie 63: 451-550, plate I-V). I had the good fortune to come into contact both with Herr Sieder and with Dr. Sauter, and this has greatly stimulated the’ study of the Dutch species. In England two species are known, viz. Solenobia lichenella L. and S. inconspicuella Stainton. But Sauter showed already that there occur at least three species in the British Isles. Ford writes that sometimes a parthenogenetic form occurs of S. inconspicuella, the cases of which can then be found in large numbers. But there exists no such form of inconspicuella! This parthenogenetic form is nothing but the true Solenobia lichenella L., the cases of which are as small as those of inconspicuella. The question is, that the British Isles are inhabited by two parthenogenetic species just like the Netherlands, which can be easily separated by their cases. If you consult the beautiful plate which accom- panies Ford’s article (drawn by Mr. Jacobs) you see in fig. 14 a case with sharp ridges, and which is much larger than the insconspicuella case and even larger than the staintoni case of fig. 15. This case of fiz. 14 is an excellent figure of the case of the second parthenogenetic species, viz. Solenobia triquetrella Hiibner! Sauter also wrote, tnat he received material of this species from Ford, who writes, that it is locally found in the southern counties of England. In the Netherlands it is known from Friesland to Limburg and from Gelderland in the east to the dune area along the North Sea, without a distinct preference for a special biotope. It is the Solenobia of which we know the largest number of localities in Holland. Most of them are situated in woody districts, but the species also occurred in the immediate vicinity of Amsterdam (till 1963, then the locality was destroyed) along the railway from the capital to Haarlem The caterpillars no doubt lived on the plants growing on the verges of the railway, for moss or lichens failed completely there. In the spring they crawled upwards on the concrete palings which bordered the line. In these palings were holes through which iron-wire was drawn to separate the line from the public road. The caterpillars spun up their cases in these holes. It is, however, not a universal rule for this species to pupate in such a hidden place. I have also found the cases fully exposed on the trunks of 34 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 beeches. They are very often covered with small grains of sand, but can easily be recognised from those of staintoni because of their much stronger tissue. The colour varies from rather pale to blackish in the south cf Dutch Limburg where nearly everything is covered by a thin layer of dirt owing to the vicinity of our coal mines. As for the other Dutch species, Sclenobia inconspicuella is at present only known from a few localities in the centre of the country. The parthenogenetic form of S. lichenella also occurs with us, but its distribution is not yet fully known. It seems at any rate to be more wide-spread than insconspicuella. But apart from the three species mentioned already, there occur at least two other forms in the Netherlands. The first is Solenobia fumosella Heinemann, which is considered by Sauter to be the bisexual form of lichenella. The cases are indistinguishable from each other and it is only the habit of the female which tells if she is a lichenella or a fumosella. In the first case she starts at once to lay eggs, in the second she sits outstretched on the distal end of the case and awaits the male. It is, however, not possible to furnish absolute proof that lichenella and fumosella really are one and the same species, for it is impossible to cross a male fumosella with a parthenogenetic lichenella female. The male is a little larger than that of inconspicuella, and as a rule it has a distinct dark discal spot on the fore wings and the white spotting is different. It can also easily be distinguished by the shape of the scales of the fore wings. It is of course not impossible that fumosella also occurs in England. The second species is Solenobia pineti Zeller. As a rule this is not difficuit to recognise. The cases are as large as those of S. triquetrella, but only seldom covered with a few grains of sand and the ridges are less sharp. The male is in accordance with the proportion of the case as a rule much larger than that of fumosella and of inconspicuella and beautifully adorned with sharp little whitish specks on the fore wings. Sometimes, however, real dwarfs occur, but then they can be recognised by the shape of the scales and by a very smali spur on the tibia of the fore legs (so small, that it cannot be seen with a magnifying glass!). This Solenobia is our most common species of the genus in dry sandy districts. Contrary to the name it is not restricted to pine trees. I have collected dozens of cases from beeches and also found them on oaks, whereas we found on pine trees not only pineti, but also inconspicuella and fumosella. English collectors should keep a sharp look-out for this species when they visit a corresponding biotope in spring. In this article I have given a complete survey of the present knowledge of the two genera in the Netherlands. I hope, that it may induce some English collectors to devote special attention to these interesting moths notwithstanding the fact that South neglects them. Amsterdam—Z.2, Oude Ijselstraat 12 III. ACHERONTIA ATROPOS L. IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.—A female specimen of the death’s head moth was found alive, freshly emerged, at Kettering on 8th October 1963.—P. J. Gent, 3 Irthlingborough Road, Wellingborough, Northants. VOL. 76 PISA a “ay WASs ANS EIN SS Zygaena algira Boisduyval. Fig. 1, lectotype 4: fig. 2, genitalia; fig. 5. wedeagus. THE IDENTITY OF ZYGAENA ALGIRA BOISDUVAL, 1834 35 The Identity of Zygaena algira Boisduval, 1834 (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) By W. G. TREMEWAN (Department of Entomology, British Museum (Natural History)) Duponchel (1835: 86) described as new a North African Zygaena species under the name of algira Duponchel and illustrated a specimen on pl. 7, fig. 6. As the figure does not agree with the description, Oberthur (1916: 226), who accepted figures in preference to descriptions, proposed the name bachagha for the species which Duponchel had described as algira. The name bachagha Oberthiir can only be treated as a synonym of algira Duponchel (Tremewan, 1961: 257). This synonymy was originally cited by Rothschild (1917: 338) and was later accepted by Reiss (1930: 25). As Duponchel’s figure does not agree with his description it is possible that an aberrant specimen was illustrated. According to Dr. P. Viette (in lit.) the type of algira Duponchel is not in Duponchel’s collection and it is assumed that the specimen is either lost or destroyed. According to the Catalogue of the Library of the British Museum (Natural History) (1922: 380), Duponchel’s supplementary volume 2 was published in six parts. Pages 1-96, which contain the description of algira, and plates 1-6 were published in 1835. Pages 97-198 and plates 7-12 were published in 1836. The illustration on Plate 7, fig. 6, was therefore published in 1836. Herrich-Schaffer (1846: 45) illustrated the species on pl. 15, fig. 106, and in the text actually referred to Boisduval as the author of algira while Duponchel’s description and figure are not cited. Since then it has not been recognised that algira Duponchel was previously described under the same name by Boisduval (1834: 75). In his description, which is rather brief, Boisduval compares the species with hilaris Ochsenheimer, as follows: “Remarque. M. le docteur Marloy, chirurgien de la marine, a rapporté d Alger une Zygéne (Z. Algira mihi) qui a quelques rapports avec cette espece et avec Fausta. Dans les cing individus que j’ai vus, les taches n’avaient pas de bordure, et étaient liées a-peu-pres comme dans Fausta. Le collier, le corselet et l’abdomen étaient entiérement noirs, avec les pattes brunes. Je ne connais pas la Faustina de Portugal; mais d’aprés la description qu’en donne Ochsenheimer, elle différe trop de celle-ci pour su, poser qu'elle en soit une variété.”. This description is valid and undoubtedly refers to the same speiies that was described by Duponchel. According to the library catalogue of the British Museum (Natural History) (1903: 188), Boisduval’s Icones wer2 issued as two volumes in one. These two volumes appeared in 42 parts, each part having 2 plates with letterpress. Nos. 21-30, which contain the work on the Zygaenidae, were published in 1834. The synonymy may be expressed as follows: algira Boisduval, 1834, =algira Duponchel, 1835, =bachagha Oberthiir, 1916. The Boisduval collection of Zygaena is now preserved in the British Museum (Natural History). It contains one male of algira, which I 36 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 designate as lectotype, with the following data: “Algira. Dup. Alger.”; “EX. MUSAEO Dris. BOISDUVAL’; “coll. Ch. Oberthiir.”; “Rothschild Bequest B.M. 1939-1.”. Boisduval’s label refers algira to Duponchel but in spite of this I consider the specimen to be the type of algira Boisduval. It is probable that Duponchel’s specimens were obtained from the same collector. As Boisduval’s description is so brief, compared with that of Duponchel, it suggests that it was intended that the species was to have been described by, and attributed to, the latter author. However, as stated above, Boisduval’s description is valid and algira Boisduval has priority over algira Duponchel. The lectotype ¢ specimen, which is illustrated (PI. I, fig. 1), is slightly aberrant compared with normal specimens of algira which generally have the forewing spots confluent. In the type, spots 1, 2 and 2a are confluent, the latter spot extending along the dorsum as far as the posterior edge of spot 4. Spot 1 extends along the costa and is confluent with spot 3. Spot 4 separate, spot 5 connected posteriorly to spot 6. The genitalia (Zygaenidae Slide No. 801) are illustrated, Pl. I, figs. 2, 3. I am indebted to Mr. Arthur Smith for making the original drawings for the illustrations in this paper. REFERENCES Boisduval, J. A., 1834, Icones historique des Lépidoptéres nouveaux ou peu connus, @: 1-192, pls. 48-84. British Museum (Natural History), 1903, Catalogue of the Books, Manuscripts, Maps and Drawings in the British Museum (Natural History), 1: 1-500. , 1922, ibidem, Supplement, 6: 1-511. Duponchel, P. A. J., 1835, in Godart & Duponchel, Histoire natureile des Lépidoptéres ou Papillons de France, Supplement, 2: 86. Herrich-Schaffer, G. A: W., [1846], Systematische Bearbeitung der Schmetterlinge von Europa, 2: 45, pl. 15, fig. 106. Oberthtir, Ch., 1916, Etudes de Lépidoptérologie comparée, 12: 226. Reiss, H., 1930, in Seitz, Die Gross-schmetterlinge der Erde, Supplement, 2: 1-50, pls. 1-4. Rothschild, W., 1917, Novit. Zool., 24: 338. Tremewan, W. G., 1961, Bull. Brit. Mus. (nat. Hist.) Ent., 10 (7) : 239-313, pls. 50-64. Inverness-shire in 1963 By Commander G. W. Harper, R.N.(Retd.), F.R.E.S. I feel that I must start this article by expressing heartfelt agreement with the opening paragraph of Mr. H. Syme’s “Some Memories of 1963” (Ent. Rec., 75: 255). I can not remember such a disappointing season with so few real compensations, though, of course, so long as a few hardy insects struggle forth so there will always be some pleasant memories to recall. In my experience this year, in addition to appallingly bad weather for collecting both night and day, the season was marked by an unusual dearth of interesting insects, both species and varieties, while actual numbers seen remained fairly high, in spite of our quite unreason- able hopes of a fine warm summer, as in 1947, being frustrated. The coldest winter for a hundred years started in Badenoch on 15th November 1962, and the first thaw occurred on Ist March 1963, which coincided with the appearance of the first hardy larva of Phragmatobia fuliginosa L. warming up at full gallop on my garden path! The principal trouble with our winter in Newtonmore was that we did not have enough INVERNESS-SHIRE IN 1963 37 snow, so that the continuous frost went so deep that the village had no water for weeks! March remained mild, wet, and rather windy, the first emergence of the year being that of Phigalia pedaria Fab., a male drying its wings on a ‘garden fence on the 6th. This was followed by the first Achlyia flavicornis L. and immigrant Plovers and Thrushes in the middle of the month; by the end of it this species was present in unusually large numbers, while the early Orthosias were beginning to appear about two to three weeks late. April became even stormier and wetter than March, but the usual species struggled out bravely and surprisingly not quite so late, as I found two Brachyonica nubeculosa Esp. drying their wings on Birch trees in the afternoon of the 2nd, while both sexes of Poecilopsis lapponaria Bdv. were on a local fence as early as the 9th, the female even having laid many of her eggs already! The sallows were at last beginning to swell, but were not well out until the last week of the month, which as so often in this area became fine and warm. A most remarkable feature this year was the complete absence of the common day-flying species at this season, not a single Aglais urticae L., Saturnia pavonia L., and Endromis versicolora L. being seen on the wing, and more surprisingly still also not a single Archiearis parthenias L. was noted. It rather looks as if a deduction here may be at least plausible; that those day-flying species which hibernate as adults or exposed pupae near the surface of the ground or tree suffered more from the prolonged severity of the winter than these that endured these conditions as ova or larvae. Certainly Argynnis aglaia L. and Aricia aegestis Schf. artaxerxes Fab. were the only Butterflies later to be even commoner than in most years. Weather at the beginning of May reverted to snowstorms and very cold westerly winds. The first Odontosia carmelita Esp. came to my m.v. trap on the 8th, while Anarta cordigera Thun., a pair in cop. on a fence in the morning of the 12th, was several days later than usual. The cold blustery weather with snow on all the hills continued until the 23rd, but on the 17th the only really remarkable insect of the year occurred, a fine fresh Acasis viretata Hb., in my m.v. trap. This is a new species for my Badenoch list, no. 370, and is I believe the furthest North record for this interesting species, to date, though I understand that another specimen was taken about the same time as far North as Sutherland; if so, this is a truly remarkable expansion of range. It is likely that the food-plant so far North is Rowan, Pyrus aucuparia. Butterflies were late again this year in appearing, the first I saw being several fresh Thecla rubi L. flying actively in a brief sunny evening of the 20th over Arcostaphylos uva-ursi on my local moorland. Warm sunny weather at last on the 23rd brought out a good number of Anthocaris cardamines L. and Argynnis euphrosyne L. but Pieris napi L. usually so common with us was quite rare in the spring brood and almost non-existent in the summer one. The month ended with a continuation of warm sunny days and cold nights; a very pleasant short visit by my son and myself to Skye from 27th-29th May was productive of a good number of larvae of Zygaena purpuralis Br. and Z. filipendulae L. but very few Z. lonicerae Sch. ssp. jocelynae Tremewan, which was disappointing. Back in Badenoch the end of the month saw the foliage of the birches and aspens almost fully out, and a rapid advance in vegetation generally to a greater degree than the same date last year, but m.y. trap catches were equally small, only single figures! 38 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 In June the one warm sunny spell of the year, accompanied by a few thunderstorms but surprisingly small and uninteresting m.v. trap catches, continued until the third week. At this time we spent a few days with my son at Worcester, and I was able to revisit some old boyhood haunts in the Cotswolds, very pleasant but not very productive entomologically. The woods near Cranham produced a few nice Discoloxia blomeri Curt. and Abraxas sylvata Scop.; butterflies, however, were very scarce, and I saw no sign of Maculinea arion L., not surprisingly in view of the short time available and the poor weather. Several colonies of very variable Z. trifolii Esp. were in force but rather worn. Near Worcester, a memor- able pleasure was the sight of numbers of Leptidea sinapis L. in a quite small wood, together with Minoa murinata Scop., neither of which I had seen for many years. Also in this wood I found larvae of Orthosia gracilis Schf. spun-up‘in the terminal shoots of low sallows, an unusual pabulum in the wild in my experience, which is usually Fleabane, Meadow-Sweet, or Bog Myrtle. Some months earlier my son had explored Wyre Forest and found one or more empty old cocoons of Harpyia bicuspis Bork. We therefore planned a night operation to try for this elusive insect on the 21st June. We were lucky with the weather, a fine warm night for once, and this turned out to be the only really good collecting night of the year. Over 90 species of Macros came to my portable m.v. light and sheet, and a very few only to sugar. So exciting and pleasant a night was it that in retrospect the only species not to turn up was H. bicuspis! Among the more interesting species were melanic examples of Stauropus fagi L. and Semiothisa liturata Cl., many Tethea fluctuosa Hb. and a few T. duplaris L., many fresh Anaplectoides prasina Sch. and Polia tincta Hb., Bomolacha crassalis Fab., Boarmia roboraria Schf., Ectropis extersaria Hb., Angerona prunaria L., Apeira syringaria L., Mesoleuca albicillata L., and Euphyia rubidata Schf. We were very interested to note a number of Small-leaved Limes growing near our operating ground, but Drepana harpagula Esp. did not put in an appearance! In steadily worsening weather conditions my wife and I moved on to Tan-y-Bwlch in North Wales on the 24th for a week, where collecting was hardly possible by night or day due to incessant heavy rain. I think my total daylight catch consisted of one beautiful fresh Sterrha eburnata Wocke female sheltering from the rain on a rock, and a few worn Eupithecia plumbeolata Haw. flushed from Cow-wheat in the only locality I know for this species. My attempts to rear it from ova later failed ignominously on hatching! Only one night was fairly prolific; a few nice Amathes ashworthii Dbld. and Apatele menyanthidis ‘View. coming to m.v. light, but only common Noctuids to some sugared posts. My m.v. trap under these conditions did well, I suppose, by producing large numbers of common species, Stauropus fagi L. being almost the commonest. These handsome great insects always raise nostalgic memories of the thrill of finding my first S. fagi, a female, at rest on a Beech tree in Sussex in pre-m.v. days which provided me with a nice bred series. On the 3rd July we returned home to Inverness-shire and cool cloudy weather with ground frost on the morning of the 10th! In spite of these conditions the usual summer moths were present in normal numbers judging by m.v. trap catches; one very noticeable feature of this summer was the extraordinary lushness of all the vegetation, and the wild Dog- roses were in glorious abundance, as were low-growing plants such as Bird’s Foot Trefoil and Rock-rose, colonies of which have expanded INVERNESS-SHIRE IN 1963 39 considerably. Aricia aegestis Schf. ssp. artaxerxes Fab. was consequently about in large numbers in its colonies, and by the 20th Argynnis aglaia L. was a lovely sight, fully out in very large numbers and very fresh at this late date. The last few days of the month were warm and sunny, ‘and on the last day a male Amathes alpicola Zett. came to my m.v. trap. yet again in the odd-numbered year; it really is remarkable that this species never seems to leave its high ground haunts to visit my m.v. trap except in these alternate years of believed relative scarcity. In August the weather soon reverted, on the 5th, to its usual wet, windy and cold state, and the month as a whole was only remarkable for absentee species of usual abundance; Triphaena pronuba L. only appeared for the first time on the Ist, and continued relatively scarce all autumn; Amathes xanthographa Schf. was really rare, only two specimens being seen. However, as the month progressed trap catches were over- compensated for the lack of these by the ever increasing abundance of Dysstroma citrata L. which reached a really stupendous peak in early September with over a hundred in the m.v. trap and quite as many in the Birch bushes nearby! I have never seen this common species so abundant, or so lacking in striking varieties. September was marked by continued dull weather, with a few sunny days but a complete absence of frost; the first snowfall on the high tops occurred on the 25th. A notable absence of immigrant Lepidoptera con- tinued, only a very few singleton Plusia gamma L. and one Agrotis ipsilon Hufn. were seen here. A pressing Naval occasion in the form of a re-union dinner in London towards the end of the month resulted in a most delightful week-end in Surrey with Mr. G. A. Cole as my host. The weather was fairly kind to us though chilly and windy, and he most kindly drove me over to the Dungeness area in Kent, where, with his expert aid I had the greatest thrill of the year in taking no less than three species new to me. Searching the patches of Yellow Toadflax revealed the splendid sight of plenty of larvae of Calophasia lunula Hufn. mostly of good size. By great good luck the only patch of this food-plant that I know of in Inverness-shire grows alongside the railway at Newtonmore station, probably seeded from a train years ago, so I was able successfully to bring them all to the pupal stage in October. Later the same day at Dungeness beating the dead seed heads of Yarrow in one spot produced several larvae of Eupithecia millefoliata Rossler. As dusk approached, Mr. Cole stopped by a fine series of ditches crossing water meadows along which grew plenty of clumps of Marsh Mallow plants. A cold Northerly wind was blowing, however, and dusking only produced a belated Nonagria sparganii Esp. and no Hydraecia hucherardi Fab.; but the ever helpful portable m.v. light came to the rescue and a few tolerably good specimens, males, appeared later. We had, of course, to set out on the long drive back to Surrey fairly early, and a last search of the plants failed also to reveal any newly emerged females. October in Inverness-shire was wet and very windy, but mild and still with no frosts. The usual autumn species were well represented, with Dasypolia templi Thun. and Agrochola macilenta Hb. even commoner than usual. The third week of the month was remarkable for unusually large flocks of southward migrating birds, truly thousands of Redwings and Fieldfares, accompanied by small flocks of Long-tailed Tits filled my Birch spinney, and, curiously, a large number of swallows, presumably young birds from Scandinavia were also present for a day or two. But 40 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 there was not a single Vanessa atalanta L.! South again to London for the annual festivities and exhibition of the South London Ent. and Nat. Hist. Society at the end of the month, I experienced the one great immigrant thrill of the year by seeing alive, in Mr. J. L. Messenger’s m.v. trap a fine specimen of the lovely and rare Hippotion celerio L. I believe that there was quite a widespread wave of this splendid immigrant at this time. In November the first ten days were mild and wet, so I continued my m.v. trap in the garden; this proved fortunate, for among the usual late autumn species were a good number of Xylena vetusta Hb. and my last capture of the year was a superb melanic example which Mr. A. L. Goodson kindly informs me he thinks is probably ab. dufayi D’Aldin. The season virtually came to an end in the second week with the appear- ance of the first Operophtera fagata Scharf., and frosty cold weather completed the month. So ended a year only remarkable for a lack of immigrants and of sunshine. Hope springs eternal in the entomological breast! Neadaich, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire. 15.i.1964. Western Ireland, 1963 By Rear-Admiral A. D. TORLESSE General Lipscombe’s account of his pursuit of Polyommatus icarus Rott. in Western Ireland this summer was of particular interest to me because it so happened that during the second half of July my wife and I followed his trail to Co. Mayo and the Burren. Like Mr. Wheeler, whose article in the December number appeared while I was engaged on this paper, we planned our first trip to the West of Ireland more with a view to seeing the country and spying out the land entomologically than the pursuit of particular species. However, I did hope that Calamia virens L. would put in an appearance in the Burren before our departure on Ist August, and that we might find the Co. Mayo form of P. icarus there or elsewhere, and we planned our itinerary accordingly; the first week in Donegal visiting Portnoo in the south and Port-na-blagh in the north, then five days at Newport, Co. Mayo, and lastly a week at that well-known haunt of the lepidopterist, Ballynalackan Castle in the Burren of Clare. In the event, neither hope was realised; we were too early for C. virens, and although we found the second brood of P. icarus flying everywhere we were much too late for the single-brooded form. However, our trip was interesting entomologically, the scenery was delightful, the bathing excellent everywhere, and the hotels and guesthouses we had chosen when we booked in February could not have made us more welcome and comfortable. I took with me an m.v. trap for use where a mains supply could be arranged, but to save space on this trip in our small Herald estate car I discarded my portable battery-driven m.v. equipment in favour of an ultra-violet outfit made to a specification kindly provided by Mr. Kennard, who described this lamp in last year’s “Record” (Vol. 74, No. 2). Con- siderable use was made of both outfits. I was able to run the trap at three out of our four hotels, although only in the Burren did I find a really WESTERN IRELAND, 1963 41 rewarding site for it. The portable lamp I took out on every suitable night —not very many in all, as a number of nights were windy and wet or cold —as well as on some very unpromising ones. I did not find the 18 watt u/v equipment as effective as an 80 watt m/v lamp, but I had some quite ‘successful nights with it. We crossed from Holyhead on the night of 11th July, being landed at Dun Laoghaire in time to drive round the centre of Dublin before the traffic became thick, after which we wandered across central Ireland by way of Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon, Sligo and Donegal, arriving at Portnoo in time for dinner. The Portnoo Hotel with its fine coastal view proved most comfortable, with easy access by car to many miles of wonderful coastal scenery, and with good collecting grounds within a mile or two. The Irish form of Maniola janira L. was plentiful and in fine condition; also flying were Eumenis semele L. and Coenonympha pamphilus L. with, sparingly, P. icarus. Pamphilus appeared typical, but throughout coastal Donegal examples of the other three butterflies similar to the forms previously observed in the Island of Mull were frequent, the semele very dark, many icarus with bright red lunules, and the janira very large and brilliant. But the whole of Donegal reminds one so irresistably of parts of the western Highlands of Scotland that it is no surprise to find similarity in its fauna. I worked the lamp on coastal moorland on two nights without very much success, but amongst some 24 species I was surprised to take Leucania straminea Treits. At Muckros, on the north coast of Donegal Bay, we accidentally came across Sir Robert and Lady Saundby who were spending a fortnight in this very remote spot and who had recorded much the same list of insects. Leaving Portnoo on 16th July we chose a coastal route for the journey north to Port-na-blagh, noticing on the way the same butterflies as at Portnoo with the addition of Aphantopus hyperanthus L. During the next four days I worked places in the Horn peninsula and moorland in the Glenveagh range by day and night, finding much the same insects as at Portnoo, with the addition, on moorland, of Entephria caesiata Schiff. On 20th July we drove via Letterkenny, Donegal, Sligo and Ballina to Newport, Co. Mayo, where we had booked at the Abbey Villa guesthouse, a mile out of the town on the Achil road close to the southern end of L. Furnace. Here I was able to run the trap behind the hotel, but with indifferent success; a surprise on the very warm night of our arrival was an enormous catch of at least 200 Arctia caja L., but without a single interesting abberation among the lot. Nudaria mundana L. abounded; I had also taken it in Donegal. The weather was distinctly unpromising, two of our five days at Newport being hopelessly wet, but we were lucky in having a fine sunny day for our one visit to the Mullet. Time only permitted of our visiting a small part of the sand dune area described by General Lipscombe as the habitat of the large P. icarus, but although the foodplant was growing quite freely here and there amongst the marram grass no “blues” were seen there. A few P. icarus were, however, flying in the hayfields in the area, still mostly uncut even at this late date; they were similar to the Donegal examples, but the males were slightly larger and certainly the finest seen on our trip. Hardly a female was to be found but the one or two caught did not approach the size described by the General. 42 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 On only one night during our stay was the weather fine enough to tempt me out with the u/v lamp. I first tried a moorland site near L. Furnace, moving later to a more wooded spot in the same area, but although conditions seemed good I recorded 25 species only compared with 40 species in the trap at the hotel on the first night, and there was nothing of particular interest among them. As we wanted to see something of Connemara, on leaving Newport we took a circuitous route to Galway by way of Lenane, Clifden and Oughterard, a diversion well worth while for the wild mountain scenery about Lenane alone; indeed, the scenery on the whole route was most attractive, culminating in the climb up Corkscrew Hill and our first view of the Burren. Mrs. O’Callaghan made us most welcome at Ballynalackan Castle, where we found we were sharing the hotel with a cheerful party of members of the Bristol University Speleological Society, engaged in exploring the limestone caves in the vicinity, a task which members of the society undertake every summer. On their departure a day or two later, their place was taken by Messrs. G. M. Haggett and A. J. Wightman, who like us were in pursuit of C. virens but who, though they were able to stay a little longer, were also unsuccessful. During our week in the Burren I worked the coastal strip between Doolin in the south and Black Point in the north, including the dunes at the mouth of the Caher river and places up the river valley, and various spots on the north coast between Black Point and Ballyvaughan. The same butterflies were to be found as in Donegal and Mayo, with the addition of a very few ‘whites’ and Argynnis aglaia L., which was numer- ous but mostly in tatters; I did not take a single specimen worth keeping. At considerable risk to life and limb, Prokhedes captiuncula Treits. was successfully pursued over the broken limestone slabs in the late afternoon. A very few Setina irrorella L. were found in a rough field on the coast at Doolin, and further north Aspitates gilvaria Schiff. was plentiful. At night I worked the u/v outfit in a number of spots on or near the coast, taking a considerable list of insects, including Apamea furva Schiff. in plenty and a few Ammogrotis lucernea L. My first pitch for the trap at the Castle was unproductive, but I soon found a better place at a farm near Oughtdarra, a few miles away and below the Castle, where the owner kindly undertook to switch on at dusk and cover the trap at dawn. Here several quite large catches were made, particularly on the very wet night of 30th July when the catch was enormous and I actually recorded 68 species, though the real number was undoubtedly considerably greater. Unfortunately, as I was not using an anaesthetic, the whole contents of the trap was spoiled, including a single example of Apatele euphorbiae s.sp. myricae Guen., but there was something to be saved from the many hundreds of moths outside the trap, in the grass and herbage and on the surrounding rocks. A last expedition was made to the Bally- vaughan area in company with Messrs. Haggett and Wightman on the night of 3lst July, none too warm and the ground very wet after a rainy day, in search of C. virens. On the following day we crossed Ireland to Wexford, en route for Rosslare and home. A list of the species noted is appended. Admittedly, we did not stay in any one place long eonugh to work it at all seriously, but our holiday was not unrewarding entomologically, and the weather was probably as good as one has any right to expect in the west of Ireland. Owing to the date no attempt was made to look for Erebia epiphron Knoch., but with WESTERN IRELAND, 1963 43 Mr. Haynes’ articles in the “Record” of 1955 and 1956 in mind, a lookout was kept for possible mountain localities. The number of peaks in north- western Ireland lofty enough to harbour this butterfly is certainly impres- sive, and from the records few of them seem to have been searched for epiphron. No doubt a reconnaissance would show many of these hills to be quite unsuitable, but it would be surprising if a number of them were not found to possess the type of ground favoured by the butterfly. However, to find epiphron, let alone prove that it is absent, the place, the date and the weather must all be right, and a systematic search of the west Irish highlands for the butterfly would be a task of some magnitude, requiring the concerted effort of several people over more than one season. It is a far cry to the west of Ireland, but the lovely scenery, quiet roads and empty beaches, and the kind welcome everywhere, makes the long journey well worthwhile. List of Lepidoptera taken in Western Ireland, July 12-31, 1963 Pieris brassicae L. rapae L. napi L. Argynnis aglaia L. Aglais urticae L. Eumenis semele L. Maniola janira L. s.sp. iernes Aphantopus hyperanthus L. Coenonympha pamphilus L. Polyommatus icarus Rott. Laothoe populi L. Deilephila elpenor L. Pheosia tremula Clerck. gnoma Fabr. Notodonta ziczac L. dromedarius L. Lophopteryx capucina L. Habrosyne derasa L. Malocosoma neustria L. Philudoria potatoria L. Spilosoma lubricipeda L. lutea Hufn. Phragmatobia fuliginosa L. Arctia caja L. Nudaria mundana L. Setina irrorella L. Eilema lurideola Zinck. complana L. Apatele psi L. euphorbiae Fabr s.sp. myricae Guen. rumicis L. Agrotis exclamationis L. Lycophotia varia Vill. Ammogrotis lucernea L. Graphiphora augur Esp. Amathes c-nigrum L. triangulum Hufn. sexstrigata Haw. xanthographa Fabr. Diarsia brunnea Fabr. festiva Schiff. Ochropleura plecta L. Axylia putris L. Triphaena comes Hubn. pronuba L. Polia nebulosa Hufn. Melanchra persicariae L. Ceramica pisi L. Diataraxia oleracea L. Hadena thalassina Rott. Cerapteryx graminis L. Eumichtis adusta Esp. Procus fasciuncula Haw. literosa Haw. Prothedes captiuncula Treits. Apamea oblonga Haw. furva Hutbn. secalis L. lithoxylea Fabr. sublustris Esp. monoglypha Hutfn. Phlogophera meticulosa L. Phalaena typica L. Hydraecia oculea L. Leucania pallens L. impura Hubn. straminea Treits. lithargyria Esp. conigera Fabr. 44 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 Caradrina blanda Schiff. taraxaci Hubn. Petilampa minima Haw. Rusina umbratica Goeze. Cucullia umbratica L. Rivula sericealis Scop. Plusia chrysitis L. bractea Fabr. festucae L. iota L. pulchrina Haw. gamma L. Abrostola triplasia L. tripartita Hufn. Zanclognatha tarsipennalis Treits. Herminia barbalis Clerck Hypena proboscidalis L. Hipparchus papilionaria L. Sterrha subsericeata Haw. aversata L. dimidiata Hufn. Anaitis plagiata L. Lygris populata L. pyraliata Schiff. Cidaria fulvata Forst. Dysstroma truncata Hufn. citrata L. Thera obeliscata Hubn. cognata Thunb. Xanthorhoe ferrugata Clerck montanata Borkh. Colostygia salicata Hubn. Pelurga comitata L. Entephria ceasiata Schiff. Epirrhoe alternata Mull. Euphyia bilineata L. Lyncometra ocellata L. Perizoma alchemillata L. albulata Schiff. minorata Treits. blandiata Schiff. Hydriomena furcata Thunb. Eupethecia centaureata Schiff. absinthiata Schiff. icterata Vill. subumbrata Schiff. Gymnoscelis pumilata Hibn. Chloroclystis coronata Hibn. Abraxas grossulariata L. Lomaspilis marginata L. Aspitates gilvaria Fabr. Gnophos myrtillata Thunb. Cabera pusaria L. Campaea margaritata L. Ennomos quercinaria Hufn. Crocalis elinguaria L. Opisthograptis luteolata L. Ourapteryx sambucaria L. Biston betularia L. Cleora repandata L. Eurrhypera hortulata L. Rhodaria sanguinalis L. Mesographa forficalis L. Crambus hortuellus Hiubn. selasellus Hubn. Hepialus humuli L. 15/11/64 Diptera in Galloway and Central Wales By R. M. PAYNE We spent the second half of August 1963 on the coast of Kircudbright- shire. The generally poor weather and apparent scarcity of Tipulidae led me to take an interest in some other families of flies. During the whole fortnight there was a remarkable abundance of the large black fly Bibio pomonae (F.). The males could be seen drifting heavily over the pastures at about eye level, their long back legs hanging down. Clusters of Angelica flowers on the hillsides were often infested with them, as many as half-a-dozen on each head, while down at sea level they sprawled on the ragwort just above the shoreline. When on the flowers they were very easy to pick up by hand, appearing reluctant to take to flight. Males were everywhere, much more abundant than females. Our car had to be left in the open at night, and every morning there were numbers of the conspicuous red and black legs of the Bibio scattered on the roof and bonnet, presumably dropped by birds (or bats) that had cap- tured the flies on the wing. DIPTERA IN GALLOWAY AND CENTRAL WALES 45 Amongst the Tipulidae, my first find was a pair of Tipula scripta Mg. in cop. on the lee side of a beech trunk in a wood near Annan (Dumfries- shire). A keen wind was blowing through the wood, and I have often noticed that in adverse weather—cold wind or driving rain—crane flies may be found in bark crevices on the more sheltered side of large trees. Dalheattie Forest, a large coniferous plantation, did not prove very productive of flies. T. scripta and Dicranomyia chorea (Mg.) were taken in the rides, and I found single specimens of Crunobia littoralis (Mg.) and the handsome yellow-winged Metalimnobia bifasciata (Schrank) in more open boggy areas. Ula sylvatica (Mg.), one of the small hairy-winged Tipulids, occurred over a ditch. Ling was a common plant in open parts of the forest, and here Syrphus cinctellus Zett. was the most abundant Syrphid. The striking blue-banded Syrphus glaucus (L.) was taken several times from Angelica flowers. Is this fly commoner in the north than in the home counties? A hover-fly new to me was Didea fasciata Macq. which has a peculiar glassy appearance to its wings, and is at once noticc- ably flatter than most yellow-spotted Syrphi. I took a single male of this fly sunning itself on bracken in an open glade. The snipe-fly Rhagio lineola F. was often seen on spruce branches. A very handsome Syrphid that proved itself to be widespread in the district was the large wasp-like Sericomyia silentis Harris. This was common flying low over the ling near the summit of Screel Hill, a local viewpoint rising to some 1100 feet, and I also found it in several boggy woods right down at sea level near Rockcliffe. Flowery fields by the shore at Sandy Hills were a good hunting ground for flies, and three of the larger and less common Syrphids I caught here on ragwort were Eristalis aeneus Scop., Arctophila fulvua Harris—a furry fly resembling a bumble-bee—and Cheilosia bergenstammi Becker. A boggy wood just above high-tide level produced the small Tipulids Rhipidia maculata (Mg.) and Gonomyia dentata de Meij. A belt of alder scrub at the margin of Loch Arthur was carefully examined for crane-flies on day, but produced only the common species Tipula fulvipennis Degeer., Dicranomyia modesta (Mg.), D. autumnalis (Staeg.), Limonia macrostigma Schummel and Austrolimnophila ochracea (Mg.), From alder scrub at Loch Milton I took Nephrotoma quadrifaria (Mg.), the dusky-winged Empid Rhamphomyia spinipes (Fall.) and the brilliant Stratiomyid Geosargus flavipes (Mg.). * * *% * In mid-September I spent a week in Brecon and Radnor, two of the wildest and least ‘“developed’”’ counties in the country. As a matter of interest, it is said that in the whole of Radnorshire there is not a single factory chimney! Armed with the necessary official permits (for which, of course, no charge is made) we visited several nature reserves, and here in mainly fine weather I concentrated on my favourite group, the crane- flies. Craig Cerrig Gleisiad, in Brecon, is a splendid old red sandstone crag towering up to 2000 feet. At the foot of the rising ground below the cliffs I took Dicranomyia didyma Mg. amongst bracken by a stream (1200 ft.). A little higher up (1350 ft.) was an open area of boggy ground, and here I saw the common Tipula marmorata Mg. and T. pagana Mg. (no females of 46 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 the latter species) with T. alpiwm Bergroth, Limonia nubeculosa Mg., Ormosia hederae (Curtis) and Rypholophus haemorrhoidalis (Zett.). On ling and bilberry moorland at 1500 ft. Dicranomyia autumnalis and O. hederae occurred. Above this the ground rose very steeply to the top of the crags, and I followed up one of the mountain rills, finding T. marmo- rata, L. nubeculosa, Paradicranota subtilis Loew. (? a new county record), and Crunobia straminea (Mg.). The Crunobia, with its uniformly pale yellow coloration and rather flaccid movements, has very much the appearance of a teneral insect. Craig-y-Gilau N.R. (Brecon), a carboniferous limestone crag, produced nothing new, the only Tipulids seen being T. marmorata, T. pagana 3G and C. straminea. In the extreme south of the county we visited the Cwm Clydach N.R., and in this steep, wooded gorge I took Rhypholophus varia (Mg.) and R. bifurcata (Goet.), as well as the common Erioptera lutea Meg. and T. marmorata. R. varia also turned up, with Limonia nubeculosa, in a boggy oakwood in Nant Irfon (950 ft.) and in pasture by the R. Irfon I took Dicranomyia autumnalis. In the moorland bog above the valley (1200 ft.) were Tricyphona claripennis Verrall and T. immaculata (Mg.). In Radnorshire we spent a warm afternoon on Rhosgoch Bog (800 ft.), where the yellow Tipula melanoceros Schummel was plentiful, with Phylidorea lineola (Mg.), P. ferruginea (Mg.) and Ptychoptera albimana (F.). Unfortunately, we picked a very wet day for the bleak, exposed moorland above Rhayader, where at 1500 feet the only crane-flies to be seen were T. melanoceros, although a single T. marmorata was noticed on some rocks by a waterfall at 1000 ft. A deep wooded ravine at Aberedw (550 ft.) produced Rhypholophus haemorrhoidalis, Ormosia hederae and the ubiquitous woodland fly Limonia nubeculosa. I had long wanted to see the famous Tregaron Bog in Cardigan, re- puted haunt of polecats and other scarce creatures. However, a brief visit on 20th September proved disappointing so far as insects were con- cerned. Amongst those I have so far identified, no particularly unusual species were taken, the only crane-flies being Tipula melanoceros and the very similar T. luteipennis Mg. (both abundant), Dicranomyia modesta, Erioptera trivialis Mg. and the huge Limoniid Pedicia rivosa (L.). (A single male P. rivosa also occurred in a muddy lane at Pencerrig, in Radnorshire.) In the Allt Rhyd-y-Groes N.R. (Carmarthen) I took the following species in the damper parts of the oak wood (500 ft.): Tipula fulvipennis, Limonia nubeculosa, Dicranomyia modesta, Phylidorea aperta Verrall, Pilaria nemoralis (Mg.), Rhypholophus varia and R. haemorrhoidalis. Higher up the valley of the Doethie Tipula rufina Mg. and Crunobia straminea occurred in boggy oak wood. 8 Hill Top, Loughton, Essex. The Silvicola Burgeff Group of the genus Zygaena Fabricius (Lep., Zygaenidae) By W. GERALD TREMEWAN (Continued from p. 10.) THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 47 Z. romeo Duponchel ¢ genitalia. Horns of uncus short, broad and flat, variable within the species. In the aedeagus, lamina dorsalis broad, triangular in shape, laterally edged with strong spines, with a larger and more strongly developed spine on each side at the base. Between these two large basal spines, a row of spines which vary in number and length but which are usually short and reduced and often vestigial. Central area of lamina dorsalis spiculate. Basal portion, anterior to the large spines, scobinate. Lamina ventralis rather broad, comprised of a field of short, strong spines. A large portion of the vesica spiculate with two groups of cornuti, one large and strongly developed, ending in 2-6 short, strong spines, the other group merely a field of short, minute spines. Vesical pad or “Blase” generally absent. © genitalia. “Schildchen” broadly triangular but variable in shape. Lamella post-vaginalis undeveloped. Lamella antevaginalis strongly sclerotized, somewhat ovoid in shape and variable in width. Ductus bursae flattened, anterior two-thirds weakly sclerotized, angulated at entrance of ductus seminalis. Bursa copulatrix spherical, signum present or absent. When present, signum composed of a field of spines varying in number from 3-35 spines. First pair of tibial spurs present or absent. Z. romeo romeo Duponchel Z. romeo Duponchel, 1835, in Godart & Duponchel, Histoire naturelle des Lépidoptéres ou Papillons de France, Supplement, 2: 131, pl. 12, fig. 1. Z. celeus Herrich-Schaffer, 1844, Systematische Bearbeitung der Schmet- terlinge von Europa, 2, pl. 6, figs. 48, 49; 1846, ibidem, 2: 38. Type locality: Randazzo (at the foot of Etna), Sicily. Material examined: A series from Nicosia; Bosco; Mistretta, Sicily. do genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis reduced and almost vestigial, sometimes absent. Many of these spines may also be extended in length. Both groups of cornuti present. © genitalia. A slight development of the lamella postvaginalis, lamella antevaginalis broad, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present, rather strong. Superficially, the nominate subspecies is rather distinct from the remainder of the subspecies of romeo in having enlarged forewing spots. Z. romeo calberlai Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae calberlai Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 23. Type locality: Sila; San Fili de Cosenza, S. Italy. Material examined: A series of over one hundred specimens of both sexes from San Fili, Calabria. dG genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis variable in length. Both groups of cornuti strongly developed. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis weakly developed, lamella ante- vaginalis broad, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present. Z. romeo neapolitana Calberla Z. scabiosae neapolitana Calberla, 1895, Iris, 8: 209. Type locality: Campania, Prov. Avellino, Italy. 48 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 Material examined: Over fifty specimens of both sexes from S. Angelo and Mte. Castello, Italy. S genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis short and vestigial, cornuti of both groups reduced. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis undeveloped, lamella antevaginalis narrower than that in ssp. calberlai. Ductus bursae rather moderate1y sclerotized compared with that in ssp. calberlai. Signum absent (? constant). Z. romeo faitocola nom: nov. Z. scabiosae faitensis Holik, 1944, Iris, 57: 53 (preoccupied). Type locality: Mte. Faito, Sorrento, Italy. Material examined: A series of over seven hundred specimens of both sexes from Mte. Faito, Sorrento. ¢ genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis reduced, cornuti of both groups reduced. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis weakly developed, lamella ante- vaginalis broad, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present, very weak. The name faitensis Holik, 1944, is preoccupied by faitensis Stauder, 1929, which is a subspecies of punctuwm Ochsenheimer. We propose the name faitocola nom. nov. to replace the name faitensis Holik, 1944. Z. romeo adumbrata Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae adumbrata Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 22. Type locality: Mte. Sirente, 1500-2000 m., Abruzzi, Italy. Material examined: 1 ¢, Mte. Sirente (coll. H. Reiss). co genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis vestigial, two lateral spines at base well developed, both groups of cornuti present. Z. romeo jalina Rostagno (comb. nov.) Z. transappenina jalina Rostagno, 1911, Boll. Soc. zool. ital., (2) 12: 106. Z. scabiosae minima Turati, 1915, Atti Soc. ital. Sci. nat., 53: 609 (syn. nov.). Type locality: Monti Aurunci, Italy. Material examined: A series of over two hundred and forty specimens of both sexes from Monte Petrella and Monti Aurunci, Val de Petrella, Caserta, Italy. ¢G genitalia. Basal spines of lamina dorsalis short but somewhat longer than those in the above mentioned subspecies, both groups of cornuti moderately strong. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis weakly developed, lamella ante- vaginalis broad but narrower than that in the above mentioned subspecies, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum weak and reduced to a few spines. The name jalinad Rostagno was recognised by Verity (1920: 36) who correctly referred it to the populations of romeo from Monti Aurunci. Burgeff (1926: 12) incorrectly placed the name jalina as synonym of neapolitana Calberla and, querying Rostagno as the correct author, re- ferred to Verity (loc. cit.). Holik (1944: 51) also recognised the name jalina but was unable to trace the reference to the original description. Verity (loc. cit.) considered the name minima Turati to represent small, aberrant specimens of ssp. jalina while Burgeff (1926: 13) considered minima as a subspecies from Monti Aurunci. Turati originally described THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 49 minima as a subspecies from the Monti Aurunci and the name is now placed as a synonym of jalina Rostagno. Z. romeo romana Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae romana Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 21. Type locality: Albani Mts. and Roman Campagna, Italy. We have been unable to examine material of this subspecies. Z. romeo orion Herrich-Schaffer (comb. nov.) Z. orion Herrich-Schaffer, 1843, Systematische Bearbeitung der Schmetter- linge von Europa, 2, pl. 1, fig. 3; 1846, ibidem, 2: 33. Type locality: Tuscany; Marche (Sibillini), Italy, Material examined: A series of both sexes from Monti Sibillini, Piceno. $ genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis reduced in number, cornuti of both groups well developed. © genitalia. A slight development of the lamella postvaginalis, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present but reduced and rather weak. Z. romeo ssp. A series of specimens from Val Camaione, Lucca, Italy, 300 m., repre- sents a new and undescribed subspecies. In size the specimens are similar to ssp. orion H.-S. but are more thickly scaled, consequently the coloration is brighter. The ground colour is intense blue-black with a slight gloss, forewing streaks and hindwings dark scarlet tinged with crimson, spot 3 reduced and very small, lower streak constricted in the middle and sometimes broken, forming two spots (2 and 4), especially in the females. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of lamina dorsalis lengthened. Both groups of cornuti well developed. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis undeveloped, lamella antevaginalis narrow. Signum absent (? constant), ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, Z. romeo megorion Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae megorion Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 21. Type locality: Pegli; Genoa; coastal regions of the Italian and French Riviera. Material examined: 1 dg, Mte. Sperone, Genoa (coll. H. Reiss), a series of both sexes from Moulinet and La Turbie near Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France. 6G genitalia. The number and length of the spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis rather variable. In some specimens, the spines are re- duced in number and length and are often vestigial. In others, the spines may be lengthened and form a transverse row across the base. These moderately long spines, however, do not attain the length of those in osterodensis. Both groups of cornuti well developed, 2 genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis undeveloped, lamella antevaginalis narrow, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum vestigial. This subspecies occurs as a mixture of races in the coastal regions from Genoa to Nice. Z. romeo ssp. A distinct and undescribed subspecies of romeo occurs in the neigh- bourhood of St. Baume and Marseilles in the department of Var. The 50 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 specimens are smaller than those of ssp. megorion and the more trans- lucent wings have thinner scaling. The red coloration of the forewing spots and hindwings is a translucent carmine. In the forewings, spots 2 and 4 are narrowly connected by red scaling, this connection being often broken. Spots 3 and 5 are usually separate and are rarely connected by a fine line of red scaling. 6G genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis variable in length, variation similar to that in ssp. megorion. Both groups of cornuti well represented. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis variable and developed in some specimens, lamella antevaginalis narrow but variable; moderately strong, lateral sclerotization in the ductus bursae, signum absent, The absence of the signum appears to be constant. This undescribed subspecies was recorded as ‘“‘scabiosae” by Abeille (1909 :9) who also noted that the broken forewing streaks are characteristic of this subspecies. According to Abeille (loc. cit.) the larva feeds on Lathyrus pratensis L. and exceptionally on Hippocrepis comosa L. Superficially, this subspecies is not unlike giesekingiana Reiss but may be readily separated on genital characters. Z. romeo loritzi Reiss Z. romeo loritzi Reiss, 1958, Bull. Soc. ent. Mulhouse, p. 56. Z. romeo loritzi Reiss, 1958, Z. wien. ent. Ges., 43: 182 (nomen nudum). Type locality: St. Barnabé, Col. de Vence, Alpes-Maritimes, France, 900-1000 m. Material examined: 18 ¢d,1 2, Vence, Alpes-Maritimes. ¢G genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis variable in length and number but generally reduced. Cornuti well represented in both groups. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis undeveloped, lamella antevaginalis rather broad, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present, rather weak. Z. romeo ssp. An apparently new and undescribed subspecies of romeo occurs at St. Martin Vésubie, Alpes-Maritimes. Specimens from this locality have bright, scarlet forewing streaks and hindwings, ground colour of forewings blue-black with a slight gloss. Hindwing border fairly broad, especially at the apex. The lower forewing streak (2 + 4) is not broken although in some specimens it is constricted in the middle, The central streak is broken, forming two spots (3 and 5). S genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis short and reduced in number. Both groups of cornuti strong, well represented. © genitalia. A slight development of the lamella postvaginalis, lamella antevaginalis fairly broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum vestigial. Z. romeo parvorion Holik (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae parvorion Holik, 1944, Iris, 57: 48. Type locality: Digne, Basses-Alpes, France. Material examined: 4 33,1 9, Digne, Basses-Alpes. THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 51 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis variable in length and size, generally reduced; both groups of cornuti strong and well developed. © genitalia, Lamella postvaginalis undeveloped, lamella antevaginalis narrow, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized. Signum absent (? constant). The true romeo occurs in the neighbourhood of Digne and it is interest- ing to note that osterodensis (ssp. schultei Dujardin) occurs at Les Dourbes near Digne. It is not known whether the two species fly together on the same ground. The variability of the lamina dorsalis suggests possible hybridization between the two species. Holik originally described parvorion as a race of ssp. subalpina Calberla. Z. romeo subalpina Calberla (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae subalpina Calberla, 1895, Iris, 8: 205. Type locality. Piedmont, N. Italy. We have been unable to examine material of this subspecies. Z. romeo freyeri Lederer (comb. nov.) Z. freyeri Lederer, 1852, Verh. zool.-bot. Ver. Wien, 2: 70, 94 (nomen novum for triptolemus Hubner sensu Freyer). Z. triptolemus Hubner sensu Freyer, 1833, Neuere Beitrage zur Schmetterlingskunde, 1: 28, pl. 14, fig. 4. Z. scabiosae meridionalis Vorbrodt, 1913, in Vorbrodt & Muller-Rutz, Die Schméetterlinge der Schweiz, 2: 253. Z. scabiosae ephemerina Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 20 (syn. nov.). Type locality: southern Alpine Valleys of Switzerland (Grono, Misox) and south Tyrol excevt the Etsch and Eisack valleys. Material examined: A series of specimens from Tessin, Rovio; Bignasco, Switzerland; Val Randena, S. Tyrol. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis variable, rather longer than those in the central and southern Italian subspecies of romeo. The two lateral spines at the base are stronger and very much enlarged. Both groups of cornuti strong and well developed. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella ante- vaginalis variable, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, angulated anteriorly. Signum absent or, when present, weak. The tendency of the genitalia of ssp. freyeri to show transitory characters to osterodensis suggests that hybridization is taking place. The ssp. freyeri was first described and figured by Freyer who in- correctly attributed it to triptolemus Hubner, the latter being a subspecies of achilleae Esper. In 1852, Lederer proposed the name freyeri for the subspecies which was later renamed meridionalis by Vorbrodt. The latter name is preoccupied by meridionalis Oberthiir, 1911, which is a synonym of hippocrepidis provincialis Oberthiir, 1907. Burgeff proposed the name ephemerina to replace meridionalis Vorbrodt but these names now fall in synonymy under freyeri Lederer. Z. romeo orionides Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae orionides Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 21. Type locality: Trient and Adamello region, N. Italy. Material examined: 2 ¢<, Trient, N. Italy. 52 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis variable in length and number, suggesting transitory characters to osterodensis. Both groups of cornuti present, well developed. Z. romeo ssp. A most remarkable and distinct subspecies of romeo occurs in the neighbourhood of Geneva, Switzerland. The British Museum collection contains a series of over eighty specimens of both sexes from Boix d’Onex and Bois de Bay. The forewing spots are confluent and form well defined streaks as in osterodensis. There is, however, a strong constric- tion in the middle streak (3 + 5) of the forewings. The lower streak has a slight constriction in the middle but is never completely broken. In the females, however, the middle streak may be more frequently broken to form two spots (3 and 5). The specimens have rounded forewings as in romeo and have a wingspan of 23-28 mm. in the males and 25-28 mm. in the females. The red coloration is a bright scarlet, ground colour of forewings blue-black with a slight gloss. Thorax and abdomen black, thinly haired and without gloss. 6G genitalia. Lamina dorsalis short and broad, spines at the base variable in length and number. Two males show the formation of additional short spines in the disc of the lamina dorsalis. Both groups of cornuti well developed. 2 genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis undeveloped, lamella antevaginalis broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum absent (? constant). Z. romeo lozerica Holik (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae lozerica Holik, 1944, Iris, 57: 49. Type locality: Florac, Lozére, France. Material examined: 24 ¢¢,5 9 9, Florac, Lozére. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis variable, both in length and number. In one male examined, the spines are of equal length and form a transverse row across the base and are characteristic of osterodensis. Both groups of cornuti strong and well developed. © genitalia. Slight development of the lamella postvaginalis, lamella antevaginalis broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present, very weak. In superficial characters the subspecies is obviously referable to romeo. The male genitalia show slight transitory characters to osterodensis but are referable to romeo. Z. romeo urania Marten (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae urania Marten, 1957, Ent. Z., 67: 218. Type locality: Neighbourhood of Ripoll, Spanish East Pyrenees, 900- 1100 m. Material examined: 3 (9d, Thués-les-Bains, Pyrénées-Orientales; 22°2,Mt. Taga, Catalonia, 900 m. 3G genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis variable in length and number. Both groups of cornuti present, well developed. 2 genitalia. Slight development of lamella postvaginalis, lamella antevaginalis rather broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present and very weak in one female, absent in the other. The two specimens examined from Mt. Taga, Catalonia, are true romeo and agree with the original description of ssp. wrania Marten. Marten THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 53 himself considered urania to be a race of orion H.-S., ie., the species romeo. The three males from Thués-les-Bains are also true romeo. It is interesting to note that, in a large series of over two hundred specimens of osterodensis eupyrenaea Burgeff, there are no specimens from Thués- les-Bains. This suggests that the two species do not fly together on the same ground. As noted under osterodensis eupyrenaea, certain specimens of that subspecies have superficial characters which resemble those of romeo while the spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis of these specimens are variable in length. This suggests that hybridization is taking place. Z. osterodensis Reiss 3 genitalia. Horns of uncus short, broad and flat, variable within the species. In the aedeagus, the lamina dorsalis is triangular in shape, rather longer than that in romeo, laterally edged with strong spines, with a longer and more strongly developed spine on each side at the base. Between these two large, basal spines, a transverse row of long spines, varying in length, but usually two-thirds that of the lamina dorsalis. Central area of lamina dorsalis spiculate. Basal portion, anterior to the large spines, scobinate. Lamina ventralis rather narrower than that in romeo, comprised of a field of short, strong spines. Spines of central area of lamina ventralis thicker and more strongly developed. A portion of the vesica spiculate, this part developing into a single, large cornutus ending in a group of from 3-9 short, strong spines, arranged rather to one side. Vesical pad or “Blase” absent or vestigial. © genitalia. ‘“Schildchen” broadly triangular in shape but variable. Lamella postvaginalis well developed but not sclerotized as in, e.g., the filipendulae-lonicerae group. Lamella antevaginalis strongly sclerotized, ovoid in shape and variable in width. Ductus bursae more strongly angulated at entrance to ductus seminalis compared with that in romeo, weak to moderate sclerotization in the anterior two-thirds, especially laterally. Bursa copulatrix spherical, signum present (in all specimens examined), varying from 20-27 spines. First pair of tibial spurs absent. Z. osterodensis asiatica Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae asiatica Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 19. Type locality: Sojmonowsk, northern part of the southern Ural Mountains. Material examined: 4 96,5 929, Ural Mts. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis long and well developed, forming a transverse row across the base. Single group of cornuti strong and well developed. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present and well developed. Z. osterodensis filipjevi Holik (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae filipjevi Holik, 1939, Rev. franc. Lépid., 9: 276, pl. 7, figs. 12-15. Type locality: 50 km. south-east of Uzjan, Bashkir. No material of this subspecies was available for examination, 54 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 Z. osterodensis saratovensis Holik & Sheljuzhko (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae saratovensis Holik & Sheljuzhko, 1955, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 44/45: 106. Z,. scabiosae transiens Spuler, 1906, Die Schmetterlinge Europas, 2: 155 (preoccupied). Type locality: Saratov, southern Russia. Material examined: 1 ¢, Churalinsk, 1 9, Sarepta. S genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis long and well developed, cornuti reduced in length. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis developed, lamella antevaginalis broader than that in altaica (see below), ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present, rather weak, number of spines reduced. Z. osterodensis sibirica Holik & Sheljuzhko (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae sibirica Holik & Sheljuzhko, 1955, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 44/45: 109. Type locality: Tobolsk, west Siberian steppe region. We have been unable to examine material of this subspecies. Z. osterodensis altaica Holik & Sheljuzhko (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae altaica Holik & Sheljuzhko, 1955, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 44/45: 111. Type locality: Altai, central Siberia. Material examined: 13 ¢ 4,5 ©° 9, Baikal region and Irkutsk. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis long and well developed, forming a transverse row, single group of cornuti present, well developed. 2 genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella antevagin- alis broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present but number of spines reduced. Z. osterodensis kenteina Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae kenteina Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch, ent. Ges., 16: 19. Type locality: northern Urga, Kentei Mts., Mongolia. Material examined: 2 gd, 2 99, Urga, Kentei. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis long and strongly deveicped, cornuti strony, well developed. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis developed. lamella antevaginalis narrow, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present, strongly deve- loped as in ssp. asiatica. Z. osterodensis caucasi Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae caucasi Burgefi, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 19 (nomen novum for caucasica Spuler). Z. scabiosae caucasica Spuler, 1906, Die Schmetterlinge Europas, 2: 155 (preoccupied). Type locality: Achalzych, Georgia, Transcaucasia. Material examined: 1 @, labelled ‘““Causcasus’”’. 3 genitalia. Lateral spines of the transverse row at the base of the lamina dorsalis enlarged, central spines of transverse series shorter, but still well developed. Single group of cornuti present. (To be continued.) THE GENUS IDIOCERUS IN SUBURBAN NORTH-WEST KENT 55 The genus /diocerus (Hem.-Hom., Cicadellidae) in suburban North-west Kent By A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc., A.R.C.S. F. B. Jennings, writing over half a century ago (1909, Ent. mon. Mag., 45: 89), remarked on the paucity of records of insects of this suborder in general, and of this—in life—distinctly attractive genus in particular, which can hardly be said to share the obscurity of so many of its smaller relatives. To this day, however, it remains little known to the average field entomologist, and I therefore make no apology for offering some notes on the species of Idiocerus encountered during the past autumn within a few miles of my home. I will first illustrate the above point by a comparison. Taking for this purpose a local list for a productive and well-worked area, compiled over a number of years—The Natural History of the Oxford District, 1926: 295 —one finds only four species of Idiocerus listed for a circular area of seven miles’ radius from the centre of Oxford. This contrasts oddly with a total of eleven species of these leaf-hoppers that may mostly quite readily be collected in a single day near here in an area a fraction of the size--- nearly three times as many! W. West, working in the same district around the turn of the century, recorded in 1909 (‘Woolwich Surveys’) ten species of the genus, and later added one more; all of which the present writer, assisted at times by Mr. D. Collins, has met with recently either at Blackheath or Shooters Hill—places frequently mentioned in West’s list. It is, perhaps, unlikely that any further species will now be found to inhabit the district, though one or two possibilities remain. At any rate it is interesting to note, in view of metropolitan ‘sprawl’ and increasing pollution, that every one of those taken over 50 years ago by West still occurs—most of them freely. As the salicaceous host-plants of these bugs usually each support more than cne species (up to three here in the case of certain kinds of poplar) it will be convenient to list the species under their foodplants. Synonyms are added where a different name is now in use. Salix fragilis L—I. lituratus Fln., Blackheath, in plenty, with I. stigmaticalis Lew. (=adustus H.-S.) much less commonly on the same willows. The former species appears to be at its peak in July, the males almost over by August (at least it seemed so in 1963), but females—as usual in the genus—may persist till late in the year. I know of only one tree of the white willow (S. alba L.) in the neighbourhood, which is almost unworkable but might probably yield the same two species. Salix caprea L.—I. confusus Flor, Shooters Hill, one specimen; this apparent scarcity must be due to the lack of sallow in the area. the bushes being only very few and far between; in most localities this host supports lituratus besides confusus. Populus alba L.—I. distinguendus Kbm. (=cognatus Fieb.), abundant at Blackheath on a row of young white poplars planted only a few years ago; this tree also is scarce in the district, which probably accounts for the absence of I. albicans from the row just mentioned. The young stages plentiful in July, more or less pale green—of which colour little remains in the adults. Populus canescens Sm.—A single grey poplar in the woods at Shooters Hill, whose foliage is out of reach but which has given rise to a number of 56 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 seedling bushes growing mixed up with aspen, harbours thriving colonies of I. distinguendus and laminatus Kbm. on the bushes, together with albicans Kbm. very sparsely. The latter species perhaps breeds only on the parent tree, the few examples seen having strayed from it. Populus tremula L.—I. populi L., Shooters Hill, generally distributed and common, locally plentiful; the striking form of the female having the normal bright green replaced by deep rosy or orange-pink (as fugitive after death as the green) occurs very sparingly. I. tremulae Estl. is con- siderably more local on the same aspens, its headquarters in one small area (with an outlier or two) and another even more restricted colony quite separate from this. At least one specimen of I. laminatus has been swept from aspen here but it may have been a straggler from the grey poplar, though some little distance from it. At Darenth Wood, however, we found these three species together and in about equal numbers on 3 row of mature aspens, the laminatus showing a wider range of colour than at Shooters Hill; one remarkable female had the normally rosy- flushed parts clear green—a very deceptive form, strongly resembling a large Q populi— while others showed a transitional phase in that only the abdomen was wholly or partly green instead of rosy. Populus italica Moench.—Another productive host-tree regularly sup- porting three species around Blackheath: I. fulgidus F., vitreus F. (=h- aibum Fieb.) and decimusquartus Schrank (=scurra Germ.). The first two are general on it, occurring nearly always in company (as West and Jennings found), the last a good deal less common, at least this season, but still far from rare. West recorded it as abundant at Blackheath. Yet, apart from several localities around London, mostly on the north side (Jennings, l.c. sup.), British records of I. decimusquartus are very few—the most distant are isolated ones from West Sussex and Oxon. The same observers remark on the seemingly exclusive attachment of both ‘scurra’ and vitreus to the Lombardy Poplar, and this we can fully confirm. (Unfortunately, this tree, known to yield two other species of Idiocerus in Britain, is by its situation and mode of growth often almost unworkable!) Populus (deltoidea Marsh. X nigra L.=) X canadensis Moench.—The common hybrid ‘black’ poplar of the suburbs appears for some reason to be less acceptable to these insects than P. italica, notwithstanding the very close affiinity of the two trees; the only species found by us on it here and elsewhere is I. fulgidus, tolerably freely. One female among numerous typical specimens from Cheshunt, Herts., was bright salmon- pink instead of green—the only such specimen seen corresponding to the similar form of populi already noticed. (Whether the third green species, confusus, ever produces a like form seems uncertain.) Mr. Collins has found what appears to be colour-dimorphism in the ‘larvae’ of fulgidus at Carshalton Beeches, Surrey, where green and black forms occurred together last year in equal numbers on a bush of the above foodplant; but whether this is a sexual difference has not yet been demonstrated. Besides these 11 species, there is a specimen standing over the name I. cupreus Kbm. (=aurulentus Kbm.) in the collection of British Homop- tera at the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) with a label ‘Blackheath, Kent/x.1909/W. West’—one of a series from various sources. With the exception, however, of the original specimen taken by James Edwards at Cossey, Norfolk, and recorded by him as I. aurulentus (his cupreus being probably an abnormal overwintered vitreus), they appear to have been CURRENT LITERATURE 57 incorrectly placed as that species and to be in fact referable to vitreus. I suspected this from a naked-eye comparison and am glad to find that it is also the view of Dr. W. J. Le Quesne. As a guide to anyone wishing to work the group, it may be mentioned that East Anglia is seemingly the richest part of the country in Idioceri, with two or three very rare species recorded many years ago for which further data, and any recent records, are badly needed; and that for many remoter parts virtually nothing at all is known of the fauna. It would be strange if some of our many northern and mountain species of Salix, for instance, did not harbour one or two species of Idiocerus not yet known from Britain. For all 18 species now reckoned as British, August to September is the peak period. One of the rarer, I. vittifrons Kbm., is exceptional in being attached to the field maple, Acer campestre 1 Knowledge of foodplant is a most valuable aid to specific determina- tion. The slight or pronounced sexual differences in colour or marking shown by about half the species may be rather confusing at first, but as they are all gregarious and the sexes are easily known by the different formation of the apical sternites, this will not give much trouble; besides, closely similar species do not as a rule affect the same host-plants. Each species in the fresh state has a distinctive facies which soon becomes familiar (hard as it may be to describe). The curious ‘allochromatism’ among females of the populi group of species* seems to have a parallel in the pigmental changes undergone by females of certain Heteroptera (e.g. some Pentatomids and Mirids) in connection with hibernation, and beginning in the abdomen (cf. our ex- perience with I. laminatus). As only females of the present genus are known to hibernate—a small proportion normally surviving the winter— it may well be that the phenomenon under notice is basically similar, i.e. a by-product of physiological changes preparatory to overwintering; but the low percentage of any population to be so affected seems to offer difficulty, moreover the colour-change (assuming it is a change, and not a constant feature of certain individuals) can be complete before mid- August. Clearly, the question could only be settled by keeping whole broods under constant observation in captivity, and breeding if possible from allochromatic females. In conclusion I would thank my friend Mr. Collins for directly or in- directly drawing my attention to these interesting insects, and Dr. Le Quesne for his kindness in elucidating certain points and in freely giving us the benefit of his great knowledge of the ‘hoppers’. 31.xii.63. “Reversed in laminalus, where the green form is the exception, the rosy one the rule. In addition, there is sexual colour-dimorphism in laminatus (with brownish male) and populi (with yellow male), but in confusws and fulgidus both sexes are normally green. The reference throughout is of course to the ground colour—the markings remain unchanged. Current Literature Diptera Visitors to the Stinkhorn, Phallus impudicus Pers., in Denmark. The Stinkhorn is a toadstool with a scent repulsive to human beings but attractive to many species of flies. Records of visitors to this fungus have been published by H. Luther in 1947 for Finland, for this country by myself in 1947 and 1951 and by K. G. V. Smith in 1955, 1956, and for Belgium by A. Collart in 1950, 58 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 B. Overgaard Nielsen in 1963, FLora aG Fuiora, 69: 126-134, records Phaonia errans Mg. and Helomyza fuscicornis Zett. as new to the list of the Diptera of Denmark in an article on 1699 flies of 16 families captured at the fungus in two localities to the north of Copenhagen, Denmark, in September and October. The most numerous visitors were Polietes lardaria F., Phaonia variegata Mg., Calliphora vomitoria L. and Drosophila phalerata Mg. A comparison is made of the captures made in the four countries but it is evident that there is scope for further work to ascertain the full range of visitors and the reasons for the visits. Nielsen records breeding Drosophila busckii Coq. from the stinkhorn. L. PARMENTER. “The Biting Midges of Lyngby Aamose” in 1963, Natura Jutlandica, 10: 1-46. B. Overgaard Nielsen of the Zoological Institute, University of Aarhus, Denmark, presents his report of an investigation of the biting midges which were causing a great nuisance to the inhabitants of Lyngby Aamose. The town is in wooded fenland on the shores of Lake Lyngby, a few miles north west of Copenhagen. A description of the vegetation and the several methods of collecting is given before proceeding with the account of the midges. Some 20,000 Culicoides (Ceratopogonidae) adults were col- lected in 1960-62 with C. impunctatus Goet. providing over 90%. This is the species which was accidentally omitted from the British List in Kloet and Hincks, 1945, but is known as one of the most annoying species of the family in Scotland. The seasonal and daily activities of the species are discussed and also its dispersal, illustrated with tables and maps. The trapping of emerging midges and the micro-distribution of Culicoides larvae are described and a brief note on their pupation follows before the final summary. The paper concludes with a useful reference list of 27 items. L. PARMENTER. New Locality Records for British Ants, 1963 By C. A. COLLINGWooD Ponera coarctata Latr. workers were found in soil among loose rock on Brean Down. Somerset, in April 1963; this is the first record ‘for Somerset. Myrmecina graminicola Latr. has usually been taken in lime- stone country, typically nesting under deep stones on well drained sites. It was a surprise, therefore, to find a strong colony nesting in the sphagnum bog on Stoke Heath Dorset. The nest had a small pile of fine litter fragments on top in which the Myrmecina were incubating their brood. Various Myrmica, Lasius niger L. and Formica transkaucasica Nas. were occupying similar situations nearby. A large and thriving colony of Leptothorax nylanderi Foerst. was dis- closed under flaking rock in a sheltered position on Stanner Rocks just within the county of Radnorshire in October 1963. This is the second record for Wales where previously it has only been found at Chepstow by the late H. M. Hallett. This is also the second time only that I have found this species in Britain other than in tree stumps or under bark. THE MEDITERRANEAN BROCADE IN ENGLAND 59 More typically the species was abundant on old oak trees in Chilston Park, Kent, in September. Conversely, a strong colony of L. tuberum Fab. which normally nests in rock crevices or in moss, was found under ash bark in Goblin Coombe, Somerset, a locality where this species is not uncommon among the limestone exposures. These experiences illustrate the difficulty of attempting to define too closely the apparent ecological requirements of a species Myrmica schencki Em. was found in two new localities, nesting in sand at Kenfig, Glamorganshire in June 1963, and in a grassy bank near Coombe Halt, Oxfordshire, in July. The Glamorgan discovery supple- ments the discovery of H. M. Hallett who first discovered this species in the British Isles nesting in a marl bank at the edge of a wood near Sully. To date, this ant is now recorded from 13 locations in England and Wales compared with twice that number in South Ireland. Lasius rabaudi Bond. was also found on Kenfig dunes nesting in sand banks. One colony was found in a large L. flavus Fab. like mound in the sand. The interior of the nest was constructed of blackened carton. The nest was probably of fair age and contained very large numbers of males and also a very few alate queens. Some of the males and workers were retained in cap- tivity tor a few weeks and I was surprised to see the males which are robust in form with well developed mandibles, feed themselves from moistened sugar and also drag about insect corpses. Other new county records include L. fuliginosus Latr. seen foraging among willow near Hilton, Hunts., in September. Myrmica rubra L. and M. sabuleti Mein. at Portknockie, Banffshire, and Formica sanguinea Latr. on a wooded bank at Bridge of Canny, near Banchory, in Kincardineshire, in July 1963. This last place was about a mile away from a similar site where I found it in 1958 near Kincardine O’Neil, just over the county border into Aberdeenshire. Dr. Guy Morison also sent me some F. sanguinea from Marywell, in the same area. Prodenia litura Fabricius: The Mediterranean Brocade (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in England in 1963 By J. M. CuHaLmMers-HuntT Newspaper entomology is not renowned for its reliability, and seldom contains information of import that cannot be located in the entomo- logical literature. It was therefore of interest to read in the Evening News of 13th December 1963, a well-informed article drawing attention to the appearance of this species in England in unprecedented numbers. This short article, entitled “Looking for the Prodenia Litura”’, by L. B. Powell, is based on a Press notice issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, who have since confirmed that the moth occurred in this country as a pest on chrysanthemums in 1963. Mr. F. H. Jacob of the Plant Pathology Laboratory, Harpenden, writes that from July onwards, a few chrysanthemum growers in the southern half of England noticed unusual damage, and that caterpillars proved 60 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 difficult to kill with the common insecticides used in glasshouses. Cases were reported to the Ministry of Agriculture, whose staff identified the larvae as those of P. litura. Subsequently, infestations were found in a number of glasshouses on nurseries in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Norfolk, Essex, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Glamorgan and Worcestershire. The species is believed to have been accidentally introduced as ova or young larvae on chrysanthemums. P. litura has a wide range abroad in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and its larva is well-known as a potentially dangerous pest, notably on tomato and citrus fruits. Prior to 1963, however, it appears to have been very seldom noticed in this country, and the only instance of its occur- rence to my knowledge, is of a specimen bred from a larva stated to have been imported from the Canaries in bananas, and which was' feeding on the skin. The larva, and later the moth which was bred from it, were exhibited by Classey in 1949 (Proc. S. Lond. ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1949-50: N@);, 25). The species is not in Barrett (Lep. Br. Isles), South (Moths Br. Isles (1907)), nor in Meyrick (Rev. Handbook Br. Lep. (1927)). South (Moths Br. Isles, New Edition, 1961) states that it “has occasionally been reared here from caterpillars found on imported tomatoes”, but gives no further particulars. Notes and Observations Some LatTE REcORDS FOR 1963.—As usual, my mercury vapour light trap has produced some exceptionally late records here, among which are the following: October 13th, Apamea monoglypha Hufn.; October 24th, Epione repandaria Hufn.; November 4th, Hypena proboscidalis L.; November 5th, Leucania pallens L.; November 14th, Plusia gamma L., and I also saw a fully-fed larva of Pieris brassicae L. crawling up the wall of the museum at Haslemere on November 30th.—C. G. M. p—E Worms, Three Oaks, Shore’s Road, Woking, Surrey. 22.xii.1963. EUPHIA LUCTUATA SCHIFF. AND RHODOMETRA SACRARIA L. IN 1963.—I would like to mention two insects caught in 1963 which may be of interest. The first is a female Euphia luctuata Schiff. (white banded carpet) which I caught flying around some birch trees near Lewes on 5th May. The 1961 edition of “South” mentions June to August as the months of emergence of the moth. The second record is of a male Rhodometra sacraria L. (vestal). This was caught at light on 17th October at Cheltenham. The oblique stripes on the forewings are of a deep chocolate brown colour.— R. M. C. Vaux, M.B., B.Cu., 29 Leckhampton Road, Cheltenham, Gloucester- shire. 27.x1i.1963. EUPITHECIA INSIGNIATA HUBN. AND HaDENA COMPTA SCHIFF. IN NORTH Bucks.—E. insigniata Hubn. appeared in my mercury vapour light trap on 16th and 27th May last year; there are several old apple trees near to where I station the trap and next year I hope to find larvae. A worn and slightly battered specimen of H. compta was taken in the trap on 22nd July. The only highlights of an otherwise undistinguished season.—J. ELLERTON, Captain, R.N., Granborough Lodge, Granborough, Bucks. OBITUARY 61 Obituary ALFRED E. BURRAS (1871-1963) Alfred Burras passed away at Newbridge Hospital, Salisbury, on 15th November 1963, at the great age of 92 years, and in spite of his advanced years, his death came as a great shock to a very large circle of his friends, for until he reached his nineties he was a man of very great energy with a tremendous zest for his entomological and ornithological pursuits. All who met him, even in his later years, must well remember his unbounded enthusiasm which he kept up virtually to the end. He might well be termed the doyen of field naturalists, since he had a very wide and all- round knowledge of natural history and was one who spent all his years in practical field work. Excepting those years interrupted by hostilities, he pursued his interests almost annually on the continent, and among his favourite hunt- ing grounds may be mentioned the, Pyrenees, Alpes Maritimes, and such famous resorts in the Basses Alpes as Digne, Uvernet, Maurin and Dieule- fit, while the Swiss Alps were an equally happy and profitable collecting ground for him. From all these trips abroad, which were often carried out twice a year so as to coincide with the spring and autumn emer- gences, he brought back much interesting material, especially among the high level lepidoptera. On many of these expeditions he was accompanied by his very close friend, the late William Fassnidge, and they collaborated to provide some very valuable data for entomologists at home and abroad. On all these occasions went with him his devoted wife, whose help in the field has been of inestimable value to his success in many spheres of natural history. But these collecting trips were not without adventure, and he used to tell how he was once taken for a smuggler on the Italian frontier, but was saved by his net, which acted as his emblem of office. Although he spent much time out of this country, it was the New Forest which was his real home, and since 1907 he worked, every corner of this famous region and had an unrivalled knowledge of its fauna, and it was here that he made his final home, near Redlynch, among its lepi- doptera and birds which he also studied so closely, for he possessed a very extensive collection of eggs as well as of British butterflies and moths. Of his earlier days, he was born of humble parents in Westmorland, where he first showed the flair for observation in the field. From 1894 he was assistant master at several grammar and high schools, both in Cum- berland and the south of England, until he finally settled, in 1907, at the Boys Secondary School at Portsmouth, where he taught mainly English and French, and he remained on the staff there until he retired shortly before the 1939 war. Here again, he was recognized as a naturalist of marked talent. He was also a keen sportsman, being a cricketer, and especially a bowler, of no mean repute, being also an equally enthusi- astic angler. In his early days he won an open swimming championship on Lake Windermere. In the scholastic field he was a B.A. of London University, and also held the Diplome Superieur of the University of Caen, being fluent in French and Spanish. In the natural history world he was a fellow of the Royal Entomological Society of more than forty years standing, as well as a member of the British Ornithologists’ Union, and he had been presi- 62 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 dent of the Society for British Entomology. He was also on the Convo- cation of the National Trust. The sympathy of all his friends goes out to his beloved and devoted wife who, at the age of 86 years, carries her head high and is still living on the edge of those wild expanses of the New Forest that her husband loved so much throughout his long and active life. C.M.R.P., W.G.T., C.G. M. de W. H. E. HAMMOND, F.R.E.S. — An Appreciation Ted Hammond was unusual amongst entomological personalities in that he earned his reputation as a taxidermist rather than as a collector or field-worker, and the sphere in which he not only excelled but which he truly made his own was in the preservation of lepidopterous larvae by what is called “blowing”. This particular form of preservation had been carried on in only a desultory sort of way until Cockayne did it system- atically and then Hammond perfected the art, which is now recognised as making an important taxonomic contribution to collections both public and private. During the past twenty-five years Hammond devised new apparatus and ingenious techniques, all the while so polishing his expertise that he was able to operate on a tremendous scale and preserve great numbers of specimens for commercial distribution to schools and educational centres in addition to providing the large numbers of skins for private collections which was his major task and enjoyment. His industry was prodigious. He was never able to spend much time in the field so he became the centre of a highly organized band of widely scattered col- leagues who maintained with him a rich and entertaining correspondence by which larvae were posted and preserved and distributed; the tales born of this enterprise are a legion and all gained from the earthy and indomi- table joviality of Big Ted Hammond. His reputation extended beyond Britain but he was known intimately only to his own Birmingham colleagues and to a small inner circle of his correspondents. He wrote two major papers about his work, one for the Amateur Entomologists’ Society entitled “Preserving Caterpillars” (A.E.S. leaflet, no. 20, 1948) and one entitled “The Preservation of Lepidopterous larvae using the inflation and heat-drying technique” (Journ. Lep. Soc, 14, no. 1, 1960). He was a member of the South London Natural History and Entomological Society, and one of the pleasures of the Annual Exhi- bition was to meet him at Burlington House each October. For many years, and for most of us for as long as we had known him, Hammond was afflicted by acute deafness but during recent years his health was much troubled by additional illness culminating in an exacting aorta operation just over a year ago; that he was able to maintain his energies and interests was due in part to his robust constitution and un- yielding courage, but due equally to the devotion and care of his wife. Ted Hammond died on 15th December 1963, aged sixty-one. His work will live in the beautiful and exquisitely preserved specimens that will eventually occupy a permanent place in the national collections, and his memory will live with those of us who were fortunate to know him and to share in his work. To his widow we express our deepest sense of loss. 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AES eben nl Braubach 422, ‘ioaes THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION (Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890) The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine: Lepidoptera: Dr. H. B. WiLt1amMs, Q.C., LL.D., F.R.E.S.; Orthoptera: D. K. McE. Kevan, Ph.D., B.Sc., F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. ALLen, B.Sc; Diptera: L. PaRMENTER, F.R.E.S.; E. C. M. d’Assis-Fonsrca, F.R.E.S. CONTENTS LOOKING FOR MICRO-PSYCHIDS. B. J. LEMPEE _.. : 31 THE IDENTITY OF ZYGAENA ALGIRA BOISDUVAL, 1834 (LEPIDOPTERA : ZYGAENIDAE) . ... noe 395 INVERNESS-SHIRE IN 1963. ‘Commander G. Ww. rane RN. (Reta), E.R.E.S. ae te 36 WESTERN IRELAND, 1963. canara & D. aoa me o. ie PAO. DIPTERA IN GALLOWAY AND CENTRAL WALES. R. M. PAYNE... ... 44 THE SIEVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS (LEP., ZYGAENIDAE). W. GERALD TREMEWAN _... atte 46 THE GENUS IDIOCERUS (HEM.-HOM., CICADELLIDAE) ~ IN “SUBURBAN NORTH-WEST KENT. A. A. ALLEN, B.Sc., A.R.C.S. ... tate RS ere he CURRENT LITERATURE 234 Mee eae: seamen | NEW LOCALITY RECORDS FOR BRITISH ANTS, 1963. C. A. COLLINGWOOD 58 PRODENIA LITURA FABRICIUS: THE MEDITERRANEAN BROCADE (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) IN ENGLAND IN 1963. J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT ..._.. OE GO NU Ss hTERT Aa) i Ne NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS ae Wises 1 ae ee ae seth feet 1) OBITUARY TEs BG iT) SUPPLEMENT—THE BUTTERFLIES - AND ‘MOTHS IN “KENT: A " CRITICAL ACCOUNT. PART II. J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT com Aen ne ae an to 8) 4 TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS All material for the TEXT of the magazine must be sent to the EDITOR at 54 Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent. ADVERTISEMENTS, EXCHANGES and WANTS to F. W. BYERS, 59 Gurney Court Road, St. Albans, Herts. Specimen copies supplied by F. W. Byers on payment of 2s. 6d. or Sterling equivalent, which will be refunded or taken into account if person in question becomes a subscriber. 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Form- ing part of the well-known Wayside and Woodland ° series, it is the only work of its kind. ae he $ Ss < | fe ‘ Ww * oe = a m2 a eater a aes ets lst Ae er See. , Ey eee Me re RS iy Vea Pav) Dee Ge said I pene, ie eo TEATS i fee ee ‘ - 2) EEG ED SRE Cee ae ec cla” eT Ay’ be tes Ane A ya eee Ie The book opens with a section on the perfect insect, describing in turn its catching, killing, relaxing, ‘setting and mounting. The next section is devoted to breeding in its various stages—egg, larva, caterpillar, chrysalis. There follow a number of sections on such important subjects as preserving larvae and the labelling and care of collections. - Although this book is primarily concerned with butterflies and moths, other insects are not neglected. Ants, wasps and humble-bees, for example, have sections to themselves. 36 line illustrations 12 pages of plates. 3 valuable appendices 17s. 6d. net From All Booksellers FREDERICK WARNE & CO. LTD. 1-4 Bedford Court, Strand, London. W.C.2 63 Some Considerations on some Present Day Con- ditions as they affect the Continued Existence of Certain Butterflies By Major-General C. G. Lirscoms and Captain R. A. Jackson, R.N. 1. It is sometimes stated that little is known about the management of downland so that it may continue to support its natural population of insects and flora. On the contrary there is a large fund of knowledge built up by field naturalists over the years that throws considerable light on this subject. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss this and kindred subjects dealing with conservation where it affects those insects whose larvae feed on grasses and low plants mainly growing on hillsides and downland. Those which are most threatened by changing ecological conditions are :— Maculinea arion Linn., the large blue Lysandra coridon Poda, the chalkhill blue Lysandra bellargus Rott., the Adonis blue Melitaea aurinia Rott., the marsh fritillary After examining the causes of the threat to these insects an attempt will be made to consider what can be done for their conservation. 2. Historical background It has been said that towards the end of last century a man could hire a horse in Salisbury and ride out over downland the whole way to visit Stonehenge. If one did such a journey to-day one would be hard pressed to find a single patch of the original downs left undisturbed. Such is a fair measure of the changes that have taken place in Wiltshire and elsewhere in the life time of some of us. In those long ago days it can safely be assumed from old records that coridon, bellargus and aurinia were of general distribution in Wiltshire and although colonies of any one of them were periodically reduced or destroyed by occasional grazing, once the foodplant had recovered the area was at once recolonised from outside and quickly regained its former strength. It is this mobility that these insects have now lost, confined as they are to small isolated areas which, once destroyed, can now never be recolonised by natural means. The same principle of loss of mobility applies to a certain extent in the case of arion although of course its habitat is different. 3. The threat to the present isolated colonies This comes under four headings :— (a) Ploughing downland. (b) The virtual disappearance of the rabbit. (c) New building and development. (d) Intensive grazing by cattle, sheep and pigs. Each of these threats will be considered seperately and known examples of localities lost to the various insects thereby will be quoted. ABSOROY | ADR So same 64 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/111 /64 (a) Ploughing The call for more and better pasture, on what might be called margina: land, aided by the Government subsidy has led to quite steep hillsides being ploughed up and reseeded. A case in point was Homington Down near Salisbury, well known to many for its interesting colonies of Coridon and Bellargus. Initially the former was hardest hit as it was the feeding ground of the larvae at the western end of the down which came under the plough (bellargus suffered a different fate, see below). Another somewhat similar case has occurred at Camp Down on the northern outskirts of Salisbury where a thriving colony of coridon existed partly on unfenced downland and partly in an adjacent field. A few years ago the downland was ploughed up, grew a few crops of corn, and is now apparently abandoned to weeds and rough grass. At the same time the field is being heavily grazed by cattle and the chances of any coridon surviving this double onslaught seem remote. (b) The rabbit The increase of rabbits between the wars when so much land went out of cultivation, was almost phenomenal. Perhaps it reached its most damaging proportions in the stony fields of the North Devon and Cornish coasts. In this country of wide stone walls, it was almost impossible to control the increase and the loss to growing corn was very heavy. However, after the last war, relief was at hand, for in the early fifties that horrible disease myxamatosis appeared and in a year or two the rabbit was almost exterminated. This had a disastrous effect on both arion and coridon. Th=2 larvae of arion spends the first weeks of its life on thyme growing on anthills, but with no rabbits to keep them down, the coarse grasses ar2 smothering the thyme—this is very clear in Gloucestershire, where the butterfly is now very scarce, if indeed it still exists. In many of its old localities, visited by the authors last summer, it is quite gone. The anthills are still there but they are smothered in grass and there is no thyme on them. In Devon and Cornwall the same story is true but it is the young gorse which is smothering the thyme. In the case of coridon and bellargus the larvae feeds on the horseshoe vetch (Hippocrepis comosa) and it is this plant which is gradually choked out by the coarse grasses. It might be remarked here that on the other side of the picture the absence of rabbits has led to an amazing increase in the numbers of the larger fritil- laries whose larvae feed on dog violet. This has occurred on poor stony hillsides, where the rabbit used to crop the violets, whilst, luckily, there are not the coarse grasses to choke the plants. (c) New building and development More and more land is required for housing and in some cases plan- ning permission is given for downland dwellings. A case in point can be quoted again from Homington Down where ploughing killed poor coridon. bellargus lived further to the East and was spared the plough, but instead a house was built there, a large garden was made on its breeding ground and some pigs did the rest. CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF CERTAIN BUTTERFLIES 65 (d) Intensive grazing (i) pigs There is no doubt that of all animals, pigs present the greatest menace to the butterfly population. Wherever they are turned out they create a complete upheaval and butterflies breeding there are doomed. An outstanding example of this is Standlynch Down about 5 miles S.E. of Salisbury just west of the Southhampton Road. This was a small down with a good and variable colony of coridon. Directly pigs were turned out the colony was doomed to extinction, and has been completely destroyed. ? (ii) sheep In this county sheep have grazed on the Plain from time immemorial, but conditions to-day bear no resemblance to the past. Farming is so intensive now and so much land is under the plough that the grazing available is greatly reduced. The result is that the downs are overgrazed by great numbers of sheep, who are not moved until the down is cropned bare, with the result that the Horseshoe Vetch and any larvae on it are practically destroyed for a season. The plants recover but the insects are wiped out. Two cases may be quoted. Between Codford and Chitterne there is a patch of down, too steep for the plough, where both coridon and belargus occurred in quantity and across the valley: there was a colony of ‘skippers’ where the Essex skipper (A. lineola Ochs) far outnumbered its commoner relation the small skipper (A. sylvestris Poda). In the early fifties these downs were selected as a pasturage for a large flock of sheep in the early spring. The effect has been to blot out the colonies of all the insects named. An even more extreme case must be quoted. On another down with steep sides running up to a level top, which is under the plough, there existed a vast colony of coridon, containing many thousands of butterflies as well as great numbers of meadow browns (M. jurtina Linn). The down was very extensive being nearly a mile long, and so great was the con- course of insects that a visiting collector, with unrivalled experience of this country, gave it as his opinion that it was the largest colony he had ever seen. This was in 1961 but in the spring of 1962 at least 600 ewes with their lambs were enclosed on the down. The spring was extremely dry with cold winds. When the flock was moved, the whole down was eaten bare. There were no flowers on the down and no jurtina were to be seen. Of coridon perhaps forty or fifty were seen over the whole season. Gii) cattle Until recent years the emphasis has been on milk production, but; the government is now urging a large increase in home produced beef. The dairy herd hardly affected our problem, as the great majority of the cattle were pastured in the meadows near their stalls. With young bullocks being reared in large numbers, the downland is in great request and is often subject to heavy grazing. This is assisted by piped water being available at the most distant points on any downland farm. From the roads it is easy to see which land has been denuded of its butterfly population for it presents a bare appearance with the grass covered ‘toomps’ standing out clearly on the hillsides. Where this is the case, there will be no flowers and the butterflies will have been destroyed. 66 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/111 /64 Cases in point which may be cited are Edington Down eaten bare, about 1952, Stoford Down about 1960 and a most interesting down near Upton Scudamore which produced good numbers of coridon and bellargus and in addition a colony of the marbled white (S. galathea Linn) containing an aberational form found previously only on the Polden Hills. The area was enclosed for grazing in the spring of ’63 with the result that the butter- flies were grazed out. Hod Hill, in Dorset, which possesses one of the fast dwindling colonies of aurinia is yet another example. The vallums which encircle the hill top are well clothed in scabious and are grazed heavily at various periods of the year by both cattle and sheep. There is, however, a very limited area of hillside which is fenced off and here aurinia can breed undisturbed as it did over the whole hill top up to world war II. Each year it attempts to expand its range on the vallums, but equally regularly stock destroy the larvae. If it wasn’t for this small reservoir aurinia would have ceased to exist years ago. 4. The present position From the foregoing paragraphs it is clear that the survival of many of our butterflies is in a very precarious position, and that some action is essential if they are to continue to exist. This review has been written from the Entomological standpoint, but the botanists are equally concerned. The absence of rabbits is equally detrimental to many of the choicer wild flowers especially the rarer orchids, whilst heavy grazing means that there will be practically no flowers at all, although the perennial plants them- selves will be alive. 5. What is to be done? To deal with a situation like this is one of the reasons for which the Nature Conservancy has been set up and it has acquired many properties as nature reserves. These are under special supervision and control by officers of the Conservancy It is obvious however that the Conservancy can make but little impact on the whole countryside and its reserves are few and far between (in Wiltshire there is one, in Sussex two and in Kent five—two of small interest to naturalists). To further the work of the Conservancy and to make use of voluntary workers, County Trusts for Nature Conservation have been or are being set up in most counties of England and Wales. As a first action Nature Conservancy earmarked sites of Special Scientific interest (S.S.S.I.s) and the landowners concerned have been told of their existence. County Trusts are now equally concerned with the preserva- tion of these areas and recommend further areas for preservation to the Conservancy. However, unless they can buy or lease them outright, which is seldom possible, they have no control over their management, and if agricultural or forestry interests choose to destroy them there is no redress or compensation. In the authors’ opinion this is one of the weakest links in the conservation chain as it seems essential that S.S.S.I.s should be; given more effective protection. At the same time it is fully realisea that the farmer who has pigs, sheep or cattle, is running a business under-. taking and it would be invidious for the Trust to approach an individual and ask him not to graze his land so heavily or even to fence off certain portions as reserves. Fortunately there have been a few bright spots in. this gloomy picture at any rate in Wiltshire, where big farmers have CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF CERTAIN BUTTERFLIES 67 voluntarily undertaken to preserve areas of downland. In one case a farmer has fenced off several acres near Codford when it was explained to him that it contained rare orchids which were being destroyed by graz- ing cattle. In another near Salisbury a farmer has undertaken to preserve quite a large area of downland in its natural state. 6. The management of downland reserves This is a most difficult problem for little experience is available as a guide. The idea to be aimed at is to preserve the Ecology of the area under consideration if the insects and flowers are still flourishing, or to restore it to its original state where grazing and other causes have led to a threat to that which we wish to preserve. Naturally we cannot re- introduce our best friend the rabbit so we must have recourse to con- trolled light grazing and in certain cases burning. Where coarse grasses have established a hold and are choking the finer plants, fire will probably be essential. Burning must be carefully super- vised and carried out in strips so that the insects remaining on the un- treated portion will have good ground to transfer to when the portions burned have been rejuvenated. Where tor grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) is the trouble, careful watch will have to be kept to see that the burning does not lead to an actual expansion of the plant’s territory. This burning or swaling has proved most successful in the case of arion on the west coast and a reserve at St Catherine’s Tor near Hartland maintained the species in this way for many years. On the other hand before the last war, a private reserve was established at the Dizzard and all swaling was strictly forbidden. When inspected in 1947 it was found that the whole area was smothered in a thick growth of young gorse and the thyme was completely choked out. Of course the butterflies had vanished, killed by the kindness of their protectors. To return to our grass downs in Wiltshire where burning is either not judged to be necessary or is impracticable, grazing by a few cattle must be carried on. Only experiment and the experience gained can decide on the extent, but it is only common sense that in the first instance this should be very light, Under no conditions should grazing be commenced before 1st November and the beast should be withdrawn by the end of January vr middle of February at the latest. The number to be used must depend on the area to be controlled, but the figure of one beast to five acres is recoinmended as a start. As experience is gained after one or two years, the number of beasts and the period of their employment will have to be reviewed. 7. Responsibility for the future That the whole question of the preservation of the flora and fauna of our downland is of great importance not only to our County Trusts but to future generations cannot be gainsaid. Whereas in the past Wiltshire was renowned for its lovely flowery downs and was visited year by year by naturalists and nature lovers, the position to-day is that those downs worth a visit are few and far between. A large part of the responsibility for their preservation should be shouldered by the County Council authorities who alone in the county have been invested with the powers to establish nature reserves. So far 68 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/111 /64 few have taken advantage of this and to quote Mr. E. M. Nicholson, the Director General of the Nature Conservancy, speaking of County Councils in general, ‘It is necessary that they wake up and exercise the powecs they have got before it is too late’. (Times 5th Dec. 1963.) Lepidoptera in the Isle of Wight, 1963 By T. D,. FEaRNEHOUGH, A.MET. Foliowing a blizzard which swept over the Island on 29th December 1962, the new year opened with arctic conditions which prevailed through- out January. Even so, entomology could not be completely forgotten, for during visits made to regions under the roof necessitated by frozen water pipes, masses of cobwebs were encountered thickly sprinkled with insect remains. Large numbers of Pieris brassicae L. had been caught in the webs and a little exploration showed these to have come from pupae cases attached to the roof spars. Only one living pupa was found. Remember- ing the old legends told of rare moths found in spiders’ webs, I neglected the pipes for a while to investigate, but no entomological treasure was forthcoming. At the end of the month I brought indoors a few pupae of Pieris rapae L. obtained from larvae found wandering around the outside of the house during the previous autumn. These gave butterflies a few weeks later, and as the maximum temperature they experienced could not have exceeded 70°F. it was not surprising they were of the spring form. One specimen, however, was a fine example of the male ab. praeterita, having two black spots on the forewing. The first day of February brought more snow and frost. A thaw began on the 6th but was short lived. The temperature went low again and frost, often severe, prevailed every night until 4th March. For several consecutive nights I then searched hedgerows for Thria rupicaparia Schiff. The moth was found in one spot only, on the 7th, but although there were good numbers, it was not to be seen again on following evenings. The 14th brought a mild evening which tempted me to try sugar in America woods. The only moths attracted were several each of Conistra vacciniu L., Eupsilia transversa Hufn. and Agrotis ipsilon Hufn. Evening searches in the same wood, using a lamp, produced a few Erannis marginaria Fab. and one each of E. leucophaearia Schiff. and Alsophila aescularia Schiff. About twenty larvae of Nudaria mundana L. were found under a piece of loose oak bark. On the 24th, a survey of the undercliff at St. Lawrence was unproductive of spring larvae with the exception of a single Arctia villica L. Larvae of Endothenia gentianaeana Hiibn. were common in teazle heads but very few larvae of Phalonia roseana Haw. could be detected. During the first week in April the mercury vapour trap in the garden attracted only four moths, one each of Biston strataria Hufn., Xylocampa areola Esp., Orthosia gothica L. and O. stabilis Schiff. On the 7th, which was warm and sunny, Nymphalis io L. and Aglais urticae L. were flying about the cliff path between Shanklin and Sandown. By the 17th sallow was fully out but was not very productive of moths. During several evenings the species seen were O. gothica L., O. stabilis, O. incerta Hufn., O. cruda Schiff., Cerastis rubricosa Schiff., and C. vaccinii. During this period mercury vapour light became more attractive, all the species noted LEPIDOPTERA IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT, 1963 69 above at sallow being present and in addition were O. gracilis Schiff., Anticlea derivata Schiff. and Earophila badiata Schiff. On 24th April Chimabacche fagella Fabr. was present in large numbers in the local woodland. Almost every bole had specimens, sometimes as many as half a dozen. Whilst looking over these, a female X. areola was found. The following day a visit was made to the undercliff at St. Lawrence where larvae of Melitaea cinxia L. were found in very small numbers. However, a few days later a large number of larvae were seen near Binnel Bay. Only two larvae of A. villica were found during the whole spring. On 30th April a visit to Brading Down was unproductive, for apart from numbers of Ancylis comptana Frdol. flying over the turf, only a few fresh Pararge egeria L. were seen. During early May, mercury vapour light in the garden was not well attended, the noteworthy captures being a few Pheosia gnoma Fab., P. tremula Clerck, Cucullia chamomillae Schiff., Notodonta ziczac L. and Selenia bilunaria Esp. Along the coast near Sandown, larvae of Platyp- tilia gonodactyla Schiff. were common in the flower heads of coltsfoot, and Laspeyresia perlepidana was flying in good numbers. On the 15th the butterflies Syrichtus malvae L., Erynnis tages L., Aricia agestis Schiff., and Coenonympha pamphilus L. were flying on Brading Down. Laspey- resia ulicitana Haw. was swarming around the gorse bushes. In Borthwood Asthena albulata Hufn. was common among the hazels, each tap with a stick causing several to take wing. In the same locality Nemophora swammerdamella L. was equally common. Brading Down was again visited on the 26th, when Polyommatus icarus Rott. was found to be emerging in fair numbers. Along the roadsides near the Down, Anthocaris cardamines L. was flying in better numbers than in the previous season, but later the larvae suffered severely when the roadsides were sprayed with weedkiller, and much of the foodplant, hedge garlic, was destroyed. Near home, a very limited colony of Panemeria tenebrata Scop. was found, but the species was not seen elsewhere during the season. At the end of the month Cupido minimus Fuess]. was common on Brading Down and later in the same locality Lysandra bellargus L. was seen in very small numbers. On the 31st, beating hedges at the foot of St. Boniface Down was quite productive of moths, the following species being obtained: Epirrhoe alternata Miuhl., E. galiata Schiff., Electrophaes corylata Thinb., Lyncometra ocellata L., Melanthis procellata Schiff., Colostygia pectina- taria Knock., Xanthorrhoe spadicearia Schiff., Opisthograptis luteolata L. and Bapta temerata Schiff. The same night proved to be the first good one for mercury vapour light, but although a large number of moths was attracted there were no rarities. Among those attracted were the first hawks of the season, one each of Laothoe populi L. and Smerinthus ocellata L. A feature of the season was the scarcity of hawk moths, a total of only twelve being attracted to the light trap during the whole year. This number was composed of seven L. populi, one S. ocellata, three Deilephila elpenor L. and one Sphinx ligustri L. The last mentioned was a female which subsequently laid a few eggs but these were infertile, confirming the scarcity of specimens in the district. Only two Macro- glossum stellatarum L. were seen at flowers. Beating broom in a local wood on 5th June showed larvae of Chesias legatella Schiff. to be plentiful. At dusk in the same locality Perizoma affinitata Steph. and P. flavofasciata Thunb. were flying together in 70 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/111 /64 numbers. On 9th June a visit was paid to the cliffs at Luccombe to look for Laspeyresia gemmiferana Triets. One specimen only, a female, was seen, but many Eucosma farfarae Fletch. were flying in the sunshine. The gemmiferana locality is rapidly deteriorating, for not only did large cliff falls occur after the severe winter, burying a large amount of vegetation, but recently, abnormally high tides have caused extensive erosion and further falls of cliff. The night of the 9th was not good for mercury vapour light, but a fresh specimen of Heliophobus albicolon Hubn. was obtained. The Acronyctinae had a very poor season here, only single figures of Apatele megacephala Schiff. and A. rumicis L. appearing in the trap. Apart from Cryphia perla Schiff., which was more numerous, none of the other species were recorded at all. Sugar was attempted several times towards the end of the month but proved a dismal failure. One evening, when applying the sugar, I noticed a larva of Polyploca ridens Fab. on the upper surface of a bramble leaf, a suspicious position later confirmed when a parasite proved to be present. At this period, larvae of Cucullia verbasci L. were to be found wherever mullein was examined. During the month, L. bellargus was seen in several widely spaced localities on the downs, but always in very small numbers. On 15th June, I led the entomological section of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archeo- logical Society on a visit to Brading Down. About 5 p.m. males of Macrothylacia rubi L. appeared on the wing, careering over the slopes of the down. We saw a swallow pursue and capture one of the moths. The only other moth of note was Eupithecia scabiosata Borkh. The arrival of July brought better mercury vapour results in the garden, the best species captured being Lithosia complana L., Miltochrista miata Forst., Euphyia unangulata Haw., Apamea furva Schiff., Sterrha trigeminata Haw., Hydrelia flammeolaria Hufn., Hadena bicolorata Hufn., Agrotis clavis Hufn., Habrosyne pyritoides Hufn., and Gastropacha quercifolia L. The July butterflies were generally disappointing. Of the fritillaries, Argynnis selene Schiff. was seen in fair quantity at Cranmore, where also a few A. paphia L. were recorded. A. aglaia L. was not seen at all, although the insect was searched for in several downland localities where it used to be plentiful. Limenitis camilla L. had a good year, being reported in numbers from Cranmore, Newtown, Havenstreet and White- field Wood. Most of the species of browns were below average with the exceptions of Melanargia galathea L. and Pararge aegeria L. the latter being widespread and continually in evidence through the season. A visit to Tennyson Down failed to produce any Alucita spilodactyla Curt. and a search on Brading Down for Pyrausta flavalis Schiff. was unavailing. During the first few days of August a lot of time was spent looking for pupae of Nonagria sparganii Esp. in likely localities. None were found, but pupae of N. typhae Thunb. were plentiful and from these several fine ab. fraterna Treits. were reared. Night searching using a torch in the same localities was interesting. A strong colony of Leucania straminea was found, and at the same spot Chilo phragmitellus Hiibn. was on the wing. Other species encountered were Apamea unanimis Hubn., A. ophiogramma Esp., and Lampra fimbriata Schr., the last named seeming out of place on marsh land. A worn specimen of Laspeyria flexula Schiff. was found at rest on a reed stem. Just before dusk one LEPIDOPTERA IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT, 1963 71 evening a number of Euschesis interjecta Hubn. were flying around a clump of alders and proved most difficult to catch, as movement was hampered by the marshy ground. During the second half of August attention was turned again to butter- flies on the downs. Lysandra coridon Scop. emerged in good strength and ‘hundreds were examined for variation. This, however, proved to be slight, only a few arcuata forms being found. Pieris rapae L. became abundant on the downs and again some hundreds were examined. A fine female, having a black spot on each hindwing was obtained and also a well banded female specimen. The latter, being damaged, was caged, but no eggs were forthcoming. A nice capture was a fresh Aricia agestis Stgr. with golden lunules. Finally, an asymmetrically marked specimen of Maniola jurtina L. rewarded my efforts in searching for vars. September was a most unproductive month. Mercury vapour light attracted commoners in small numbers and sugaring on several nights gave no encouragement to persist with that particular sport. The native butterflies were waining on the downs and no migrants came to replace them. I turned to the pugs. After covering many miles of ground and spending many hours beating clematis, yarrow, ragwort, bramble, and other blossoms I acquired a good assortment of pug larvae. Alas, about 95% of them proved to contain parasites. During early October mercury vapour light in the garden attracted moths in but small numbers, including Aporophyla nigra Haw., Eumichtis lichenea Htibn., and Thera obeliscata Hubn. On the 22nd, a young col- lector, Roger Oakley, drew my attention to the presence of large numbers of larvae of M. rubi L. at Carisbrooke. On the 25th a period of mild weather commenced and the attraction of mercury vapour light became much enhanced. The numbers of common species were accompanied by a few desirable ones including Epicema caeruleocephala L., Lithopane ornitopus Hufn., Brachionycha sphinx Hufn., Dasypolia templi Thunb. and Leucania l-album L. The better conditions tempted me to have a final go at sugaring in Borthwood. I got only one moth on the sugar, but it was a very nice Anchosceles helvola L. A disappointing feature of the month was the failure of ivy blossom to attract moths. On several nights I went to look over the masses of ivy blossom to be found along the landslip but the results were always negative. The autumn butterflies were not very numerous; Nymphalis io L. and Aglais urticae L. were in fair numbers, Vanessa atalanta L. was scarce, Pyrameis cardui L. was seen twice. However, it was pleasant to see half a dozen Polygonia c-album L. feeding on blackberries at Luccombe on 4th October. During November a few sorties were made to look for moths after dark with a torch. The scarcity of the late moths was not unexpected, for a feature of the spring had been the non-eaten condition of the leaves of woodland trees. A total of about two dozen Erannis aurantiaria Hiibn. were seen but only two E. defolaria Clerck. A specimen of E. marginaria Fabr. which had presumably got its seasons mixed up was also found. In summary the 1963 season has been generally disappointing, both climatically and entomologically. It was hoped that history would repeat itself and that the arctic winter would be compensated by a sub-tropical summer, but in fact we got a cool rather dull summer, unfavourable to insect life. Features of the season were the scarcity of many species of 72 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/111 /64 lepidoptera normally abundant, the lack of migrants, and the failure of sugar. Finally I should say, in these days of fugitive nomenclature, that the names of the macrolepidoptera were taken from “The Moths of the British Isles” by South, 1961, and those of the microlepidoptera from “A Guide to the smaller British Lepidoptera” by L. T. Ford, 1949. 26 Green Lane, Shanklin, Isle of Wight. Cranleigh Butterflies, 1963 By Major A. E. COLLIER The optimism of the entomologist dies hard, but it must be very tough to survive the steady, in some cases drastic, deterioration in numbers of most species of butterflies in this area of Surrey. Twenty years ago the Chiddingfold woods abounded with most of the Fritillaries, and even ten years ago the High Brown Fabriciana cydippe L. was not uncommon, while the Silver-washed Argymus paphia L. could be found in every suitable bit of woodland, with a surprisingly high percentage of Ab valesina Esp.; and Mesoacidalia charlotta Haw. was frequently seen on the nearest parts of the North Downs. The small fritillaries were unusually abundant and those collectors who were able to visit the area in the middle forties will not easily forget the sight of clusters of Small Pearl Bordered, Argynnis selene Schiff. on every patch of Birdsfoot Trefoil or Ragged Robin. The Pearl Bordered Clossiana euphrosyne L., although not quite so plentiful, was widespread, and both species produced a great number of spectacular aberrations. Even in 1952 there were fifteen localities within ten miles of Cranleigh which demanded attention during May and June on account of their sizeable colonies of euphrosyne and selene. Of these localities only two remain to-day where small numbers may be seen, although many of the old localities are largely unaltered. The White Admiral, Limenitis camilla L., was not uncommon, and its hibernacula could easily be found along the paths and rides of the Canfold and Somersbury woods; while the Purple Emperor, Apatura iris L., was so widespread that I found no difficulty in recording its eggs and larvae in nineteen well-separated spots, all within five miles of Cranleigh. The indigenous Vanessids could be seen in moderate numbers in every flower garden, and one did not have to search far to find the larvae of the Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae L., and the Peacock, Nymphalis io L. The Pieridae and the Lycaenidae were reasonably plentiful, while the Satyridae and most of the Hesperiidae occurred in profusion and for- tunately, in most cases, continue to do so. To-day it is almost a contradiction in terms to speak of butterflies in the Cranleigh district, and that this is recognised will explain the fact that in the past nine years I have never met another entomologist working the many apparently attractive areas within a radius of six miles of the village. The 1963 season with its generally cool and sunless weather, broken only by a short hot spell in early June and another slightly longer one at the end of July, showed a further decline in the numbers of most species of butterflies. CRANLEIGH BUTTERFLIES, 1963 73 The Pieridae made their appearance from 26th April when Pieris napi L. and P. rapae L. were seen rather more often than for some years, and a week later P. brassicae L. appeared, but never became numerous or a nuisance in the garden. Euchloe cardamines L., first seen on 4th May, was subsequently recorded singly only three times, while two females were seen on the 25th, after which no more were noticed. Leptidea sinapis L. started in a promising fashion when a dozen males were encountered on 17th May in a wood where the population remains steady, but could expand very easily. Gonepteryx rhamni L. were ex- ceptionally scarce throughout the year, and there was no sign of Coleas croceus Fourcroy. Some of the Satyridae failed, particularly Coenonympha pamphilus L., which started the season well but dwindled later to such an extent that to see a second brood specimen in late summer was.a rare event. Judging by a number which I am rearing from eggs laid in May and June, the generally low temperatures and lack of sun has resulted in the larvae making very slow growth and failing to reach maturity before the winter. All my larvae have over-wintered, with occasional feeding observed, and in the wild this may lead to a sizeable emergence in the early summer. Pararge aegeria L. also had a disappointing year and, after a fairly promising start in mid April, failed to improve, and the second brood was nearly a complete failure. P. megera L. was even rarer than usual, and Eumenis semele L. was not seen at all in its usual habitat on the North Downs. Maniola tithonus L. first appeared on 19th July and were to be found in good numbers in August, but with noticeably less variation than in 1962. Aphantopus hyperantus L. was first recorded on 30th June, and in my three largest colonies numbers were well up to normal, lanceolata forms being not uncommon, though caeca forms were conspicuously absent. In two other colonies, where conditions appear to be very favourable, the population remains low in spite of the room for expansion. Maniola jurtina L. were on the wing from 11th June and had obviously not suffered, or been delayed, by the long hard winter. They flew in great numbers during their long overlapping emergence, and were almost a nuisance on the North Downs until nearly the end of September. The Nymphalidae continued their decline. Clossiana euphrosyne L., in evidence from 16th May, failed to improve on 1962, and A. selene were even more disappointing, a reversal of the usual course of events. Two specimens of M. charlotta were seen on the North Downs on 25th July, but I again failed to record cydippe. Paphia was recorded only three times, a solitary male on 7th July, three on the 20th and a single female on 5th August, and this in areas which might have been expressly designed for the species. Euphydryas aurinia Rott. appeared in very small numbers from 31st May, and in the autumn I saw no signs of larvae in either of two large, and once well populated, areas. Urticae io, Vanessa atalanta L. and V. cardui L. were rarely seen at any time of the season. Polygonia c-album L. was met with on three occasions, and then only singly or in pairs, until one rare sunny day on 19th October when no 74 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/ 111/64 fewer than seven appeared together on a small plant of Michaelmas daisies. Apatura iris L., although now very rare in this neighbourhood owing to the destruction of most of the oak woods, still persists in some outlying patches of forest. Many hours of searching revealed three eggs, recently laid, on 15th August, and a male insect was seen fiying in another wood earlier in the month. I do not expect to see camilla nowadays, and was surprised and delighted to meet with a couple on 29th July in what was recently an oak forest, but is now a devastated area, almost impassable in places, but with a few clear patches surrounded by birch trees, brambles and honeysuckle. The Lycaenidae made a mixed showing. Lycaenopsis argiolus L. was not recorded, nor was Strymon w-album Knock. A single specimen of Quercusia quercus L. was seen on 17th July but later visits to many once favoured localities produced no results, although the insect was reported to be plentiful in the Hook district. Callophrys rubi L. seems to have become rarer locally, as has Thecla betulae L. whose eggs a few years ago could be found in a great many situations round Cranleigh. Lycaena phlaeas L. again failed almost completely in the wooded areas, although a few were seen in late September on the downs. It was good to find that Lysandra coridon Poda and L. bellargus Rott. were holding their own in an environment where conditions are still favourable for a great increase in numbers if, or when, we get a succession of reasonably warm seasons. The Hesperiidae made a mixed showing, with great numbers of Ochlodes venata B. & G. and Thymelicus sylvestris L. in every suitable locality, whereas Syrichtus malvae L. and Erynnis tages L. were notice- ably less plentiful than usual. The past season was remarkably free from spring frosts, and I cannot recollect another year when it has been impossible to find a wild straw- berry flower with a blackened centre; on the other hand the cool and unsettled June, and the stormy and cold August and September, will have seriously interfered with mating and egg-laying by certain species, particularly selene and coridon. In the case of coridon, however, the ill effects will be minimised by the fact that owing to the cold autumn few, if any, eggs will have hatched prematurely. VANESSA 10 L. IN EARLY FEBRUARY.—While on a visit on February 2nd to Mr. W. J. Kaye at his home at Longdown on the downs just south of Guildford, we were surprised to see a peacock butterfly fluttering about in front of his house at about mid-day, with a temperature of about 56° F. That in the sun was just on 70° F. on his verandah where the butterfly eventually settled. I do not remember ever having seen a hibernated Vanessid as early in the year.—C. G. M. bE Worms, Three Oaks, Woking. 3.11.1964. The Silvicola Burgeff Group of the genus Zygaena Fabricius (Lep., Zygaenidae) By W. GERALD TREMEWAN (Concluded from p. 54.) THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICUS 15 Z. osterodensis irpenjensis Holik & Reiss (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae irpenjensis Holik & Reiss, 1932, in Holik, Iris, 46: 114, pl. 1. figs. 12-15. Type locality : Irpenj near Kijev, North Ukraine. Material examined: 1 4, paratype, Irpenj (coll. H. Reiss); 2 ¢¢g,2 99, Podolia. ¢o genitalia. Transverse spines at base of lamina dorsalis long and well developed, single group of cornuti well developed. © genitalia, Lamella postvayinalis well developed, lamella ante- vaginalis broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present, well developed. The populations of Podolia are probably referable to ssp. irpenjensis Holik & Reiss. Z. osterodensis ssp. A short series of specimens from Gyergyo Szt. Miklos, Transsylvania, probably represent a new and undescribed subspecies. co genitalia. Cornuti well developed, transverse spines at base of lamina dorsalis well developed but a slight reduction in the length of the central spines. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella ante- vaginalis narrow, sclerotization of ductus bursae weak or absent, signum present, well developed. In one female, however, the signum is reduced to three spines. Z. osterodensis budensis Holik (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae budensis Holik, 1942, Ent. Z., 56: 197. Type locality: Budapest, Budakeszi, Hungary. Material examined: 1 g,1 9, Budapest. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of lamina dorsalis long. well developed, single group of cornuti well developed. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella ante- vaginalis narrow, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present, reduced and rather weak. Z. osterodensis matrana Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae matrana Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 18. Type locality: Matra Mts., 500-800 m., northern Hungary. Material examined: a short series from Galyatet6 and Nagzkovacsie, Matra Mts. 6 genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis long and well developed, single group of cornuti well represented. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis developed, lamella antevaginalis narrow, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present, rather weak. Z. osterodensis ssp. A series of specimens (6 dd, 16 9 2) from Mezoeseg, Transsylvania, represent a new subspecies. According to the superficial characters these specimens might easily be placed as a subspecies of romeo. However, an examination of the genitalia shows that the specimens are conspecific with osterodensis. In superficial characters, the specimens have short, 76 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 rather rounded forewings as in romeo. In the majority of specimens, the middle streak is divided, forming two spots (3 and 5). Apparently this is a constant character of the Mezoeseg populations. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis long, well developed, single group of cornuti strong, well developed. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis strongly developed, lamella ante- vaginalis broad, variable, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized on one side only, signum present, rather weak, number of spines reduced. Z. osterodensis ssp. A series of specimens (3 dd, 1 @) from Rila Dagh, south-west Bulgaria, probably represents a new subspecies. The ground colour of the forewings is dull, bluish black, without gloss, forewing streaks and hind- wings scarlet, the middle streak of the forewings divided and forming two spots (3 and 5). Hindwing border fairly wide, thorax and abdomen rather hairy. According to the genitalia these specimens are conspecific with osterodensis. do genitalia. Transverse row of spines at base of lamina dorsalis long and well developed, single group of cornuti well developed. In one specimen, however, the central, basal spines of the lamina dorsalis are reduced in length while the vesica shows a slight formation of a second group of cornuti. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis developed but somewhat reduced, lamella antevaginalis fairly broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present but number of spines reduced. Z. osterodensis koricnensis Reiss (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae koricnensis Reiss, 1922, Int. ent. Z., 16: 66. Type locality: Maklen-Pass, Kori¢na, Bosnia. Material examined: Holotype ¢, Koriéna, Bosnia (coll. H. Reiss). 6 genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis long and fully developed, single group of cornuti developed. Z. osterodensis goriziana Koch (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae goriziana Koch, 1937, in Holik, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 27: 7. Type locality: Gorz, Istria. Mr. M. Koch, Dresden, very kindly supplied drawings of the genitalia of a male and female (paratypes) of goriziana in his collection. The sub- species goriziana is referable to osterodensis (= scabiosae auct.). dS genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis long and well developed, forming a transverse row, single group of cornuti present. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis developed, moderate, lateral sclerotization in the ductus bursae, signum present, moderately strong. Z. osterodensis ssp. A female from Mte. Simeone, Interneppo, Friaul, north Italy, 400-600 m. (coll. H. Reiss) is referable to osterodensis. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis large and fully developed, lamella antevaginalis rather broad, ductus bursae sclerotized, signum present but very weak and vestigial. THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICUS 77 Z. osterodensis praecarpathica Holik (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae praecarpathica Holik, 1942, Ent. Z., 56: 198. Type locality: Smrkovica, Djumbir region, Little Carpathians. We have been unable to examine material of this subspecies. z. osterodensis austrocarpathica Holik (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae austrocapathica Holik, 1942, Ent. Z., 56: 198. Type locality: Kosow; Kobaki, northern slopes of the east Carpathians. We have been unable to examine material of this subspecies, Z. osterodensis polonia Przegendza (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae polonia Przegendza, 1933, Ent. Z., 47: 27, figs. 4-6. Type locality: Szerszeniowce near Lemberg, Poland. Material examined: 2 ¢ 3,1 9, Genow, Lemberg, Poland. 6 genitalia. Transverse spines at base of lamina dorsalis well deve- loped, especially laterally, central spines somewhat reduced in length, single group of cornuti well developed. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella antevagin- alis rather broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present but reduced and rather weak. Z. osterodensis warszawiensis Holik (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae warszawiensis Holik, 1939, Ann. Mus. zool. Polon., 12: 26, pl. 1, figs. 31-33. Type locality: Pyry near Warsaw, Poland. We have been unable to examine material of this subspecies. Z. osterodensis ladina Holik (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae ladina Holik, 1944, Iris, 57: 44. Type locality: Grédden, Dolomites, Italy. We have been unable to examine material from this locality. Z. osterodensis curvata Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae curvata Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 17. Type locality: Bruck a. d. Mur, Thorl, Styria, Austria. Material examined: A series from Judenburg, Styria. 3d genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis long and well developed, single group of cornuti well developed. 2 genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella ante- vaginalis broad, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present, rather weak. Z. osterodensis tenuicurva Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae tenuicurva Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 18. Type locality: Neuhttten, Karlstein near Prague, Bohemia, Material examined: A series from Prague. 3 genitalia. Strong, well developed spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis, single group of cornuti present, strong and well developed. 2 genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis developed, lamella antevaginalis broad, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present, strong and well developed. 78 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/ 111/64 Z. osterodensis kessleri Reiss (comb. nov.) Z. romeo kessleri Reiss, 1950, Jber. naturf. Ges. Graubiinden, $2: 102, fiy 4. Type locality: Albulatal, Bergiin, Switzerland, 1300-1400 m. Material examined: 1 6, paratype, Bergun (ccll. H. Reiss); 5 gd, 2 20, St. Moritz; Ragatz; the Engadine. 4 genitalia, Spines at base of lamina dorsalis long and well developed (somewhat reduced in Bergun specimen), singie group of cornuti well represented. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella antevagin- alis fairly broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present, fairly strong. Z. osterodensis validior Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae validior Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. mtinch. ent. Ges., 16: 17. Type locality: Martigny, Wallis, Switzerland. Material examined: 1 9, Martigny (coll. H. Reiss). Q genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis broad, well developed, ductus bursae sclerotized, signum present, well developed. Z. osterodensis vosegiensis Le Charles (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae vosegiensis Le Charles, 1960, Bull. Soc. ent. Fr., 65: 103 (nomen novum for vogesiaca Le Charles). Z. scabiosae vogesiaca Le Charles, 1957, Rev. franc. Lépid., 16: 20, pl. 6. fig. 6 (preoccupied by vogesiaca Przegendza, 1932, ssp. of trifolit Esper). Type locality: Nonnenbruch pres Cernay; Mulhouse; Haut-Rhin, France. Material examined: Lectotype ¢, Nonnenbruch; 3 ¢ ¢, Nonnenbruch; 1 d, Uffholtz near Cernay; Haut-Rhin (Paris Museum coll.). 6 genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis variable but long and well developed. Single group of cornuti present. The lectotype was selected by Le Charles (1960: 103). Z. osterodensis expansa Le Charles (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae expansa Le Charles, 1957, Rev. franc. Lépid., 16: 20, pl. 6, figs. 9-11. Type locality: Lac de Montrion, Haute-Savoie, France, 1200-m. Material examined: Lectotype $, Lac de Montrion; 2 ¢¢,1 9, same locality (Paris Museum coll.). 3 genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis well developed, single group of cornuti present. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis developed, ductus bursae moder- ately sclerotized, signum present, spines rather weak. The lectotype was selected by Le Charles (1960: 103). Z. osterodensis droiti Le Charles (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae droiti Le Charles, 1960, Bull. Soc. ent. Fr., 65: 103 (with reference to Le Charles, 1957, Rev. franc. Lépid., 16: 20). Typ=2 locality: Céuze, Hautes-Alpes, France. Material examined: Holotype dg, allotype 9, Céuze; 3 ¢¢, same locality (Paris Museum coll.). THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICUS 79 6 genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis long and well developed, single group of cornuti present. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis developed, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present, weak. Z. osterodensis schultei Dujardin (comb. nov.) Z. minos schultei Dujardin, 1956, Bull. mens. Soc. linn. Lyon, 25: 256. Type locality: Les Dourbes near Digne, Basses-Alpes, France, 1500 m. Material examined: 38 ¢ 4,4 92 9, Les Dourbes, Digne. 6 genitalia. Transverse row of spines at base of lamina dorsalis well developed, single group of cornuti well developed. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella ante- vaginalis broad, well developed, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present, rather weak and reduced to a few minute spines. Z. osterodensis valida Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae valida Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 17. Type locality: Schwabische Alb, Wiirttemberg (Klingenstein, Blau- beuren, Neuffen, etc.), Germany. Material examined: 1 d, Blautal bei Ulm (coll. H. Reiss); 4 99, Hohen-Neuffen, Wurttemberg. 6 genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis strong and well developed, single group of cornuti present. © genitalia. . Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella ante- vaginalis fairly broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum pre- sent, rather weak. Z. osterodensis lineata Reiss (comb. nov.) Z. romeo lineata Reiss, 1933, in Seitz, Die Gross-schmetterlinge der Erde, Supplement, 2: 253, pl. 16k. Type locality: Dollnstein, Frankischer Jura; Neighbourhood of Stutt- gart and Leonberg (Wurttemberg), Germany. Material examined: 1 ¢,1 9, Stuttgart (coll. H. Reiss). 6 genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis long, forming a trans- verse row, single group of cornuti present. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella ante- vaginalis broad, ductus bursae sclerotized on one side, anteriorly, signum present, well developed. Z. osterodensis hassica Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae hassica Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. mtinch. ent. Ges., 16: 17. Type locality: Ingelheim, Heidesheim, Rheintal, Hessen, Germany. Material examined: 1 ¢, Unter-Ingelheim (coll. H. Reiss), 4 ¢¢,1 9, Frankfurt on the Main. 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis well developed, single group of cornuti present. Q genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella ante- vaginalis broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present, strong and well developed. Z. osterodensis osterodensis Reiss Z. scabiosae osterodensis Reiss, 1921, Int. ent. Z., 15: 118. Type locality: Griinortspitze, Osterode, East Prussia, 80 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/111 /64 Material examined: 1 g,1 9, paratypes, Grtinortspitze (coll. H. Reiss). 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis well developed, single group of cornuti present. @ genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis very broad and well developed, lamella antevaginalis broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present, well developed. Z. osterodensis masoviensis Reiss (comb. nov.) Z. romeo masoviensis Reiss, 1941, Z. wien. EntVer., 26: 58. Type locality: Rtidzanny, Masuren, East Prussia. Material examined: 1 4, paratype, Masuren (coll. H. Reiss). 3S genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis long and well developed, a single group of cornuti. Z. osterodensis haegeri Reiss (comb. nov.) Z. romeo haegeri Reiss, 1941, Z. wien. EntVer., 26: 58. Type locality: Bublitz (Stadwald), east Pommerania. Material examined: 1 3, paratype, Bublitz (coll. H. Reiss). 6 genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis well developed, single group of cornuti present. Z. osterodensis trimacula Le Charles (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae trimacula Le Charles, 1957, Rev. franc. Lépid., 16: 15, pl. 6, fig. 8. Type locality: Forét de Sainte-Maure, Indre, France. Material examined: Lectotype ¢, Forét de Sainte-Maure; 1 ¢, 3 99, same locality (Paris Museum coll.). 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis long and well developed, a single group of cornuti. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis moderately developed, ductus bursae weakly sclerotized, signum present, moderately strong. The lectotype was selected by Le Charles (1960: 103). Z. osterodensis eupyrenaea Burgeff (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae eupyrenaea Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 20. Type locality: Vernet-les-Bains; Mt. Canigou, 800-1200 m., Pyrénées- Orientales, France. Material examined: Over two hundred specimens of both sexes from Vernet-les-Bains; Haut-Cady; Mariailles; Casteil 4 la Forét de Rondai; Pyrénées-Orientales (B, M. coll.); 1 4, Mt. Louis (C. W. Mackworth-Praed coll.). 6 genitalia. Spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis long and fully developed but in many specimens a slight reduction in length of those in the centre. Single group of cornuti present, number of spines varying from 3-8. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis large and well developed, lamella antevaginalis rather broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present, variable but generally strong and well developed. A small percentage of the males have short forewings with a rounded apex and, in superficial characters, resemble romeo. The middle streak of the forewings is broken and forms two spots (8 and 5) and in more extreme examples all the streaks are divided and form five spots (1, 2. 3, 4,5). The genitalia of these specimens, which have superficial characters THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICUS 81 resembling those of romeo, are rather variable. The spines at the base of the lamina dorsalis are often reduced in length. It is possible that hybridization is taking place between osterodensis eupyrenaea and romeo urania Marten although it is not known whether the two species fly together on the same ground. Z. osterodensis leridana Marten (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae leridana Marten, 1957, Ent. Z., 67: 218. Type locality: Espot, Prov, Lerida, central Pyrenees, 1000-1100 m. Material examined: A series of over one hundred and eighty specimens of both sexes from Cauterets, Hautes-Pyrénées. $ genitalia. Spines at base of lamina dorsalis long and well developed, single group of cornuti fairly well developed. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis well developed, lamella ante- vaginalis broad, ductus bursae moderately sclerotized, signum present, generally strong and well developed. In superficial characters this subspecies is fairly constant and the forewing streaks are not divided into spots as in some examples of ssp. eupyrenaea. Only in extremely aberrant examples of leridana are the streaks rather constricted in the middle but then, are not completely broken. The genitalia do not exhibit any diverse variation as in some specimens of ewpyrenaea. The ssp. leridana was described from a series of specimens from Espot, Prov. Lerida, on the south (Spanish) side of the central Pyrenees. Specimens from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées) agree with the original description of leridana and are placed under that subspecies. Z. osterodensis cantabrica Marten (comb. nov.) Z. scabiosae cantabrica Marten, 1957, Ent. Z., 67: 217, Type locality: Gorges of the Cantabrian Mts., between the Sierra de Covadonga and the Massif of the Picos de Europa, North Spain, 500-700 m. We have been unable to examine material of this subspecies but, according to the original description, it should be referred to osterodensis. Marten described cantabrica as a race of scabiosae auct. (= osterodensis). The specimens were found flying together with nevadensis Rambur. The populations of nevadensis from the Picos de Europa have been described by Agenjo as ssp. picos. Z. osterodensis cantabrica was previously recorded by Reiss (1931: 113) and Koch (1948: 322). Z. osterodensis ssp. Two specimens (¢, @) from Bronchales, Teruel, Aragon, probably represent a new subspecies. The middle streak of the forewing is con- stricted, especially in the male. Ground colour of forewings bluish black, without gloss, forewing streaks and hindwings bright scarlet, hindwing border rather wide at the apex. Thorax and abdomen rather hairy, black, without gloss. 3d genitalia, Spines at base of lamina dorsalis long and fully developed, single group of cornuti present. © genitalia. Lamella postvaginalis poorly developed, ductus bursae sclerotized on one side, signum present, weak. 82 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1I1/64 REFERENCES Abeille, E. 1909. Etudes sur les Zygenes des Environs de Marseille et de la Région de la Saint-Baume. Mem. Soc. linn. Provence, 1: 1-24. Alberti, B. 1958 Uber den stammesgeschichtlichen Aufbau der Gattung Zygaena F. und ihrer Vorstufen (Insecta, Lepidoptera). Mitt. zool. Mus. Berl., 34: 243-396, pls. 1-32. . 1959. Ibidem. Mitt. zool. Mus. Berl., 35: 201-242, pls. 33-64. Bernardi, G. & Viette, P. 1960. Note sur la Nomenclature de trois Especes du Genre Zygaena Fabricius. Bull. mens. Soc. linn. Lyon, 29: 238-248. Boisduval, J. A. 1834. Icones historiques des Lépidoptéres nouveaux ou peu connus, Vol. 2. Burgeff, H. 1926. In Strand, Lepid. Cat., 33: 1-91. Dujardin, F. 1952. Nomenclature et Synonymie de certaines Espéces de Zygaena Européennes. Bull. mens. Soc. linn. Lyon, 22 : 245-247. Holik, O. 1935. Zyg. lathyri Bsd. und Zyg. dalmatina Bsd. Ent. Rdsch., 53: 56-60. —. 1940/41. Kaukasische und armenische Zygaenen. Ent. Z., 54: 201-205, 209-215. ——. 1944. Verbreitung und Variation der Zygaena scabiosae Schey. stidlich des Alpenkammes. Iris, 57: 41-55. ——. 1961. Qu/’est-ce que la Zygaena dalmatina Bsd.? Bull Soc. ent. Mulhouse, p. 51-54. Holik, O. & Sheljuzhko, L. 1955. Uber die Zygaenen-Fauna Osteuropas, Kleinasiens, Irans, Zentralasiens und Sibiriens. Mitt. mitinch. ent. Ges., 44/45 : 26-158. Koch, M. 1939. Zygaena Fab. V. Eine Zygaenenausbeute aus Georgien. J/itt. mitinch. ent. Ges., 29 : 397-415. ——. 1940. Zygaena Fab. VII. Ent. Z., 54: 199-200. ——. 1948. Las Zygaena espanolas del Instituto de Entomologia de Madrid. Eos, Madr., 24: 319-333. Kirby, W. F. 1892. A Synonymic Catalogue of Lepidoptera Heterocera (Moths), Vol. 1. Le Charles, L. 1953. Contribution a l’Etude des Zygénes gallica-mana-erebus. Rev. frane. Lépid., 14: 13-16, figs. 1-6, pl. 2, figs. 1-4, pl. 3, figs. 1, 2. ——. 1960. Nouvelle sous-espéces de Zygénes francaises [Lep. Zygaenidae]. Bull. Soc. ent. Fr., 65 : 102-103. Reiss, H. 1931. Die Formen der Zygaena scabiosae Schev. in Spanien und Portugal. Int. ent. Z., 25: 109-114, figs. ———., 1933. In Seitz, Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde, Supplement, 2: 249-278, pl. 16. —. 1953. Uber drei Zygaenen die als regressive Endemiten bezeichnet werden konnen, deren Entstehung vermutlich in der Pliozanzeit erfolgte. Z. wien. ent. Ges., 38: 131-141, pls. 8-10. Reiss, H. & Tremewan, W. G. 1962. Réponse a l’article ““Qu’est-ce que la Zygaena dalmatina Bsd.?”. Bull. Soc. ent. Mulhouse, p. 39-43, figs. 1-3. Schaffer, J. C. 1766. JIcones Insectorum circa Ratisbonam indigenorum, 7, pl. 16, figs. 4, 5. Scheven, P. von. 1777. Beitrage zur Naturgeschichte der Insecten. Der Natur- forscher, Halle, 10: 88-101. Tremewan, W. G. 1961a. Notes on Zygaena Species, with descriptions of New Subspecies from Spain (Lepidoptera, Zygaenidae). Ent. Rec., 73: 1-8. . 1961b. A Catalogue of the Types and other Specimens in the British Museum (Natural History) of the Genus Zygaena Fabricius, Lepidoptera : Zygaenidae. Bull. Brit. Mus. (nat. Hist.) Ent., 10 (7) : 239-313, pls. 50-64. . 1963. Notes on Zygaena Species from South-west France and Spain with Descriptions of three new Subspecies (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae). nt. Rec., 75: 1-10, pl. 1, figs. 1-21. Verity, R. 1920. Contributo alle ricerche sulla variazione e la distribuzione dei Lepidotteri in Italia: Zygaenides, Grypocera e Rhopalocera del Massiccio delle Mainarde (Proy. di Caserta). Boll. Lab. Zool. Portici, 14: 33-62. —_»—. 1953. Les noms des Zygénes gallica-mana-erebus, d’apres les regles de la nomenclature zoologique. Rev. franc. Lépid., 14: 50-51. SALAD DAYS 83 Salad Days By A. D. IRvIN In nearly every edition of the Entomologist’s Record we read an article entitled “Collecting Notes for 1963” or “This Year in the New Forest”. Many of these I find extremely interesting, but some tend to be so much a list of latin names that, I regret, with my lack of classic learning (Ent. Rec., 74: 253) I tend to give up the struggle. Such articles must surely give the writers great pleasure as they look back through their notes and diaries, and recall the pleasures of the chase and excite- ment of new and rare captures. Thinking along these lines has prompted me to write some collecting notes with a difference and to look back at the. diaries which I started at the tender age of fourteen, my second year at Bradfield College in Berkshire. My entomological career began at the age of twelve when my father presented me, as a reward for passing my Common Entrance Exam., with a second-hand cabinet full of butterflies and moths, and the three essential Wayside and Woodland Volumes by Richard South. The second step on going to Bradfield was meeting two other new boys, Michael Braid and Nigel Webb, both in the same house as myself and both enthusiastic entomologists; this remarkable coincidence (during the whole of our five years there only two other boys showed any interest in entomology) really laid the foundation to what looks like being a lifelong hobby. As I look back, it is interesting to note the gradual change that occurs throughout the years from youthful enthusiasm to the gradual introduction of the latin names and a more scientific approach to the subject. Also I can look back at the great day among my entries when Braid and Webb became Mike and Nigel; at last seniority was affording me the privilege of calling my friends by their christian names. The very first entry I made was 1/1/54, and here I read that I had fifty-three pupae in my possession including six lime hawks (this compares somewhat sadly with this year’s pupa digging, nine pupae and only one M. tiliae). Also on that day I notice “ruby tiger hatched’’, this record is followed on 31/1/54 by “small white chrysalis hatched”, surely some- what premature hatchings. As well as similar extraordinary entries there are some which reveal the rather naive approach we had to the subject in those days, particularly with regard to killing agents; 1/2/54 ‘Killed my small white with Windolene”, 7/2/54 “Webb tried to kill Best minor’s elephant hawk with D.D.T., it turned black”. Presumably having found these agents unsuccessful I read on 12/2/54, ‘““Resorted to extremities in killing my ruby tiger”. As with all eager young entomologists we did at times let our imagina- tion run away with us; 26/1/54, “Braid and Webb convinced me that my powdered quaker var. rufescens was only a common quaker”; 23/1/54, “Went to Great House Woods to look for young bee hawk larvae, found none”; 29/9/54, “Went to Streatley in search of brown hairstreaks”’. Although our imagination did at times run riot, our enthusiasm appears to have been endless, there are numerous entries such as 15/5/54, “Went to Bucklebury but found nothing”; all these entries were recorded in great detail, even to the extent of 4/4/54, “Removed from setting board one lime hawk”, I notice in the beginning of April 1954 that on seven 84 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 sugaring expeditions in ten days I caught six moths, and still our ardour could not be damped. We must have cycled thousands of miles and run and walked hundreds, we would think nothing of an hour’s cycle ride to a haunt where we might only be able to spend half an hour before we had to return for tea, and often as not we would come away empty handed. This cycling certainly kept us fit and we were doing things then, which most of us would shudder at now; 8/5/54, “Went to Bucklebury and saw several emperors, Braid caught two”; 7/6/54, “Went to Bucklebury but caught nothing, Braid caught five fox moths”. (Michael Braid later went on to captain the school athletics team and equalled the hundred yards record.) There must be few entomologists who had the opportunities that we had at school; there were four half days each week and we were allowed to go wherever we liked on our bicycles (except into Reading); and on top of that we were set in the middle of some of the finest collecting countryside in the British Isles, within easy reach of us were woods, marshes, downs, heathland and fields—apart from cliffs and mountains we had everything. Despite this and despite our enthusiasm there were no real rarities that we recorded; rather local captures included H. lucina, S. w-album, E. aurinia, C. minimus and L. bellargus. Probably our best capture was a variety of H. fusconebulosae taken at rest on a tree trunk, and once Michael Braid saw N. antiopa at rest in the College’s open-air Greek theatre, but alas no net. There were probably two reasons for our apparent failings, the first was plain ignorance, we just didn’t know when to look, where to look or what to look for. The second reason was lack of equipment, our nets were the spring-steel type (twelve inches in diameter), Wwe possessed no beating trays or m.v. traps, and of course no transport other than bicycles. We manufactured several moth traps ourselves, these were usually made out of old oil drums or biscuit tins, with an inverted enamel lampshade as the cone, and an ordinary 75 w. bulb as the light source; these were used more or less non-stop throughout the summer term and gave us a very good cross section of the moth population of that area. Various unsuspecting masters were persuaded to run these traps in their gardens, one even lived four miles away, and he would duly bring the trap in each morning with the moths scrabbling inside trying to escape, and of course when we opened it in the house-room they invariably did escape much to everyone’s annoyance. In spite of our limited knowledge and facilities we of course had our good luck (Michael Braid especially). 2/6/57, “Mike and Nigel went to Beggars Bridge Green, Mike caught five marsh fritillaries and two narrow bordered bee hawks, Nigel caught nothing”. Then there was the occasion when I saw three male A. iris flying round the top of an oak tree (surely a rare sight nowadays). I was up that tree an hour and a half before I captured one, during which time two elderly ladies had their picnic lunch under the tree completely oblivious of my presence. Nigel Webb, envious of my capture and obviously intent on subtler methods, disappeared for some time and then returned with several fresh cow pats neatly wrapped in newspaper and these were distributed in likely-looking spots, but all to no avail; and I remained during the whole five years the only one of our trio who possessed this rarity. As well as our luck in the field we were very fortunate in meeting two very distinguished entomologists while at school. The thrill it gave us was SALAD DAYS 85 tremendous, but I feel that it must also have given them immense pleasure showing these wide-eyed schoolboys their superb collections, and we, hanging on their words would avidly lap up any information or tips we could. The first of these men was the late F. A. Oldaker who, in addition _ to having Nigel and myself to supper and showing us his collection, very kindly invited us on the Haslemere N.H.S. annual ramble which he was leading (unfortunately his last) on 30/7/55. It was on this expedition that we saw our first specimen of A. iris while having our lunch in a small clearing. This magnificent insect came sailing down over the trees, pos- sibly attracted by our white sandwich papers, Nigel in his enthusiasm leapt up, scattering his sandwiches, missed the butterfly by a good six feet and sadly watched it sail back over the treetops. Our second great meet- ing was on 30/11/55, my diary reads, “Went to see Air Marshal Sir Robert Saundby with Mike and Nigel, who showed us a specimen of Plusia acuta he had taken in his m.v. trap. This is only the third time it has been recorded in England; of the others one was taken in about 1870, the specimen of which has since disappeared, the other was taken on the same night as his at Woking. Incidentally we were the first outsiders to whom he had shown this rarity”. A great day for us. As the years progress the entries in my diaries seem to become less, and those in my last year at school are all in Latin and confined to records of more unusual captures; we were beginning at last to become more particular in what we chased and more scientific in our approach. The entries lost any comic touch which youthful ignorance often betrayed, and were now more clear and concise as we began to learn the whats, whens and wheres of entomology. Some of the early entries I made now seem extremely amusing although at the time were written in all serious- ness: 12/3/54, “Fox caught a satellite for me in my net’, quite a feat in this modern age! 11/3/54, “Caught a peacock in the changing room”; 16/10/54, “Caught a brick in the house-room”; these must surely have been N. io and A. circellaris respectively. I think pride of place must go to an entry on 12/8/55 and here I repeat in full: “Went swimming at Wellington College Baths, saw six old ladies sheltering in the place where the water goes out, two of these I managed to catch in my hands and kill by pinching. The others escaped’. These were indeed our Salad Days but inevitably they had to come to an end, Michael Braid went to Sandhurst, but on manceuvres would always conceal his net or try and post himself near likely-looking sallow bushes; Nigel Webb did a year’s teaching at a preparatory school before going to Cambridge, he managed to borrow an m.v. trap from one of the masters and recorded some good captures in 1958, including P. fuliginosa; I went to Cambridge on a six year veterinary course, but there was always an empty tin in my pocket ready for any unsuspecting moths which might creep into lectures or practicals. I feel it would be wrong to end on such a nostalgic note, when the most satisfying and enjoyable day’s entomology any of us ever knew was to come six months after leaving school. We had arranged to meet on 29/6/58 and try for the black hairstreak; after a week of rain and dull weather we almost decided to cancel our expedition, but the Saturday dawned one of the best days of the summer. I left home at 8.30 and collected Michael Braid half an hour later outside the main gate of Sandhurst, we had an hour or so to kill before meeting Nigel so a quick 86 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/111 /64 trip to Chobham Common and I added two new species to my collection. Having picked up Nigel, off to Oxford; before we had got out of the car two S. pruni had been seen on privet blossom. All of us were lucky, and in addition I beat one fully-grown T. betulae larvae and obtained one A. prunaria (another new species). Leaving late in the afternoon we had a rapid drive over to Aldworth Downs and here collected several C. minimus at rest among the long grass, and finally before returning home just to clock up our hundred miles, we dropped in at Bradfield just to make sure it hadn’t changed. The perfect ending to this day was provided by some explosive beer tins, having been shaken up in the car, these emptied most of their contents on the ceiling, but we managed to salvage sufficient to drink to S. pruni and the future. 15 Jenkinson Road, Towcester, Northants. Current Notes ENTOMOLOGICAL RECORDS FROM WILTSHIRE In this wide but sparsely populated county, entomologists are very few and far between. In fact a reviewer of our recently published volume, The Macrolepidoptera of Wiltshire, by de Worms, remarked that the county lists often showed the distribution of collectors as well as that of the insects. This is particularly true of Wiltshire. This society is very anxious to extend the scope of the annual report which is compiled mainly from local sources. To this end it is requested that visiting collectors would be good enough to let me have a few notes of their observations. In this way we may get a better knowledge of the distribution of the various species in the county. For instance, there are indications that E. ochroleuca is extending its range, and that P. chryson has also occurred. Reports would be welcomed at any time up to the end of January each year and a copy of our report will be sent to all contributors as soon as possible after publication. Should rare or local insects seem to be endangered by human activities, early information on the subject would be very welcome. This would then be referred for any action that might be desirable to the newly- formed Wiltshire Trust for Nature Conservation.—B. W. WEDDELL (Re- corder for Lepidoptera for the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society), 11 The Halve, Trowbridge, Wilts. Notes and Observations APATELE LEPORINA L. OVERWINTERING Two YEARS.—When I read Mr. M. J. Leech’s note on this subject in the January Record (p. 29), I felt sure that I had had pupae of leporina (miller) that had gone over for a second year. On examining my series of this moth, I found one that had been bred in 1923 from a larva taken in 1921 near Winchester, and an- other bred in 1931 from a New Forest larva taken in 1929, but these were merely isolated instances, quite different from the brood mentioned by Mr. Leech.—H, Symes, 52 Lowther Road, Bournemouth. 25.1.1964. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 87 A Very Earty ButrerFLy.—On 2nd February, a warm, sunny morning, when we were out in the garden at 10.50 am., my wife called my attention to a butterfly that was fluttering around. It was Polygonia c-album L. (comma) and it alighted on the lawn almost at our feet. After about ten minutes there, it took to the air again and settled on my wife’s dress. It was very tame and quite content to stay there for a while. Eventually it came to rest on a patch of damp, warm earth in a very sheltered position, spead its wings to the sun and remained motion- less until I went indoors after observing it for over half an hour in all. It was a female in perfect condition and I think it must have been one of those that I saw on my Michaeimas daisies last October. There were a few wallflowers and purple primroses in bloom within a few yards and I hoped that these would provide food for its needs.—H. Symes, 52 Lowther Road, Bournemouth. 3.11.1964. EMERGENCE OF MONOPIS RUSTICELLA HUBN. IN EARLY JANUARY.—From the fact that the late L. T. Ford (1949, Guide Small. Brit. Lep.: 180) gives 5-6 and 8-9 as the months for the appearance of, this common Tineid in the imago state, I conclude that a midwinter emergence is distinctly unusual. It was therefore surprising to find an example fairly freshly disclosed—it had not been there a short time previously—on one of the first few days of January, in a perspex box in which I had put some dipterous pupae. collected from an old blackbird’s nest in the garden, along with some of the nest debris in which, no doubt, the Monopis pupae* had been concealed. The box had stood ever since in an unheated room, so, although of course the temperature would be a little higher than outdoors, there was no question of forcing. It is true, however, that after a cold Christmas period the last week of December had been rather mild, and this sudden marked change may have sufficed to precipitate the moth’s emergence. As a matter of interest, it seems to follow that with pupae hatching usually in spring or summer but occasionally the previous winter, imaginal development within the pupa must either take place at an unsuspectedly early stage in its life, or be capable of re- markably rapid onset and completion in response to an abnormal (and necessarily unpredictable!) mild spell—A. A. ALLEN, 63 Blackheath Park, S.E.3. 2.i1.64. *One more was later found in the box; and, just before dispatching this note, a second MW. rusticella has made its appearance. GYNANDROMORPHISM IN BRITISH LYCAENIDAE.—I was much interested in Mr. Bretherton’s article on the intersex forms of P. argus from north-west Surrey. The species is well known for this kind of aberration, and over the years, I have taken almost every form of gynandromorph, from those slightly marked with blue (male) scaling, to extreme blue nearly all over all four wings, some three wings male and one female, others with three wings female and one male, and last July and August I took five halved gynandromorphs from one small ground, but not in the Woking area. In each case, even in those specimens with only one or two wings affected, the male wings are always smaller than the female wings, and 88 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 the sexual organs appear to be female. Over the forty years I have been collecting Lycaenidae vars., I have heard of only two hermaphrodites in this species where the insect is truly halved in wings and including antennae and sexual organs. In L. coridon, gynandromorphism is more varied (see Bright and Leeds’s Monograph on coridon) and includes ab. roystonensis and the mosaic forms with one wing male, another female, and the others mixed. Yet there are many more halved gynandromorphs in coridon (I know of at least fourteen) with sexual organs different on both sides, and even more in P. icarus than in any other of the Lycaenidae. L. bellargus, again, I know of only two halved true hermaphrodites, and although I possess two gynandromorphs, one with right side male, left side forewing female and half hindwing male, other half female. The other taken by myself in the presence of the late L. W. Newman in 1929, and seen alive by him, had left forewing completely female, the other three wings all male. The left antenna was shorter and apparently female. To sum up, although gynandromorphism is obviously fairly common in P. argus, except for the halved and three winged ones of the same colour, the truly halved hermaphrodite, which includes the distinctly different sexual organs, is extremely rare.—A. E. Starrorp, “Corydonis’”, Colborne Way, Worcester Park, Surrey. 7.1.1964. EUPHYDRYAS AURINIA LARVAE IN SECOND WuINTER.—The following be- haviour of larvae of Ewphydryas aurinia Rott.,, the marsh fritillary, was so unusual that I thought it worth recording. Aurinia having now gone from the county of Northamptonshire, and knowing that the original stock was still being bred by Major Alan Collier of Cranleigh, I requested some larvae in 1962 and in August of that year I received a very fine web of larvae. They were put on a growing plant of Scabiosa succisa, Devil’s bit scabious, that had all available sunshine until about 2 p.m. each day: they went into hibernation between two leaves spun together, the size of a walnut, on the ground. They remained under deep snow throughout the winter and were first seen sunning themselves on 8th March 1963, and fed well on Symphoricarpus, snowberry, to suppliment the scabious. With the exception of two batches of ova, the whole brood of imagines were released in suitable surroundings. Both batches of ova were from observed pairings; one was sent to Douglas Fearnehough in the Isle of Wight, and the other I retained. Both batches succumbed to the fungal growth referred to by Dr. E. Lees (Ent. Rec., 75: 264). On cleaning out the wood-framed, glass-fronted, muslin-covered cage, 16” X16” X24” high, I found up;in one corner a strong silken web about an inch in diameter inside which were some fifteen small, active larvae, the same size as when I saw them sunning on 8th March 1963. One fed up and was a male pupa by the second week of August, but was taken by a bird. I have three small larvae still, and on 2nd January 1964 (these have not eaten during the summer) and remain in a curled leaf in a small plastic container.—J. H. Paynr, 10 Ranelagh Road, Wellingborough, Northants. 3.1.1964. CURRENT LITERATURE 89 Current Literature Butterflies in Britain. By George E. Hyde. 48 pp. Jarrold Tableau Series, 5/-. This book is a small collection of coloured and biack and white photo- graphs of British butterflies and their early stages together with short notes on the insects illustrated, preceded by a page of general introduction to the lives and status of British butterflies. The book should appeal mainly to young people interested in the subject and could well encourage some of them to take up entomology as a hobby and possibly an eventual calling. It should also appeal to those who like to have well executed picture books. I could wish, however, that the author had ascribed the Satyrids to the satyrs, or rustic sprites rather than to Saturn, who is the property of the emperor moths.—S. N. A. J. The Amazing World of insects. Arend T. Bandsma and Robin T. Brandt. x+46+134 plates, 42/-. With the perfection of cameras and of colour photography, many books have been put on the market recently, giving collections of excellent insect photographs with comments either by the photographer if he be an entomologist, or by an entomologist employed for the purpose. This volume, however, has an additional interest in that the insects treated come mainly from the southern hemisphere, and accordingly, they arouse the interest of northern entomologists. The subjects are well spread over the Arthropoda and the main groups of this phylum are explained on the first page of the introduction, the remainder of which goes into Evolutionary Development, Wings, Adaptability, Sense Organs, and Limits of Size, bringing out interesting facts which should help those merely interested in nature to take a closer interest in one or more of the insect orders. The following 45 pages are taken up with short comments on the subjects of each plate, with the plate number in the outside margin against each description, which makes reference very easy. The photographs are excellent without exception and cannot fail to be of interest to any intelligent reader, and it is to be regretted that the relation of cost and circulation debar more serious works from making more use of such photographs for illustration purposes, but possibly in due time this difficulty may be overcome. In the meantime, the volume under consideration is a worthy accession to the picture book shelf for moments of pleasurable browsing.—S. N. A. J. The Distribution and Abundance of Tsetse. J. P. Glasgow. 241 pp., 2 plates. Pergamon Press, Oxford. 1963. Price 60/-. The tsetse flies were first described as of a single genus Glossina by Wiedemann in 1830. By 1861 they were known to be responsible for the absence of cattle in certain parts of Africa. They have attracted the attention of many entomologists with support from governments and universities. This has resulted in the publication of several hundred papers covering a variety of aspects of study in field, laboratory and museum. 90 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/11/64 C. F. M. Swynnerton’s The Tsetse Flies of East Africa, 1936, volume 84 of the Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society, comprised some 600 pages with plates and figures galore. Although primarily a report of the work in East Africa for the years 1931-4, it included a mass of data on the genus and was in effect a study of the ecology of Glossina. In 1955, P. A. Buxton’s The Natural History of Tsetse Flies was published. Its 800 pages, abundance of plates, figures and tables covered every aspect and gave 27 pages of references up to 1953. It is a work essential to all working on tsetse flies and needs to be read by all dipterists. Whilst it was in the press, there appeared The Distribution and Abundance of Animals by H. G. Andrewartha and L. C. Birch. This had an immediate consideration by ecologists. The present work under review serves two functions. It is concerned with the ecology of the genus Glossina, dealing with the advances since Buxton’s work and considers Andrewartha and Birch’s work, testing their theory with the facts of a single genus. This has been done mainly under the headings of weather (including heat, humidity and light), food, inter- relations with other animals and the habitat. The biology of the genus is first dealt with in a chapter labelled “Background information”. Numerical increase and dispersal are next considered before the main chapters in which the research work on the factors affecting the ecology of the genus are discussed. Then follow chapters on the variation in the flies, their numbers and distribution. The general theory of the numbers of tsetse flies in natural populations is considered with the views of Andrewartha and Birch and is followed by an admirable summary which takes into account the earlier reviews of their work by O. W. Richards, L. C. Cole, A. Milne, etc. The list of references is comprehensive, encompasses the spate of publications since 1953 and includes many items not mentioned in Buxton’s work prior to that year. The numerous figures and tables include many useful original summaries. The author maintains an open mind throughout the book and time and time again points out where more studies need to be undertaken. The index, where tested is accurate and adequate and the proof reading well done, but it was a surprise to see the name Wigglesworth twice misquoted as Wrigglesworth. The sole coloured plate misses the detail and accuracy such as is shown in the coloured figure of Glossina austeni in B. Weitz, “Feeding habits of tsetse flies’. 1964. Endeavour, 23: 39. The book is one that should be studied by all ecologists as well as by entomologists. It must attract attention from many, to whom the destruc- tion of game animals in the attempt to control the numbers of tsetse flies and their spread of trypanosomes, has been of interest. With a quarter of Africa denied to cattle by the genus that transmits Nagana, this book may form a further step in the effort to increase food production in the continent.—L. PARMENTER. George E. Hyde Butterflies in Britain 48 lavishly illustrated pages Handy size, 74 x 5in., in board covers 15 brilliant colour plates and 29 half-tone illustrations from photographs by the author. Informative text by one of the best known experts in this field. : Real value for money at only 5/- from all stationers and booksellers, or direct from the publishers at 6/-, post free JARROLD & SONS LTD London Street, Norwich THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION (Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890) The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine: Lepidoptera: Dr. H. B. WiuiAMs, Q.C., LL.D., F.R.E.S.; Orthoptera: D. K. McE. Kevan, Ph.D., B.Sc., F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. Aten, B.Sc; Diptera: L. PaRMENTER, F.R.E.S.; E. C. M. d’Assts-Fonseca, F.R.E.S. CONTENTS SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON SOME PRESENT DAY CONDITIONS AS THEY AFFECT THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF CERTAIN BUTTERFLIES. Major-General C. G. LipScOMB and Captain R. A. JACKSON, R.N. ... 63 LEPIDOPTERA IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT, 1963. T. D. FEARNEHOUGH, A.MET. 68 CRANLEIGH BUTTERFLIES, 1963. Major A. E. COLLIER ... = ea 3 72 THE SILVICOLA BURGEFF GROUP OF THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS | (LEP., ZYGAENIDAE). W. GERALD TREMEWAN ... iy tes a Es 7A SALAD DAYS. A. D. IRVIN~ ... ta ae aie ee Bey zi a es) 83 CURRENT NOTES _... Ae uae a By Mee Se Sate ik a ss 86 NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS ... Be Se 5 ap nen oe aoe ees 86 CURRENT LITERATURE ... vee ne ses ey an = ve a ae 89 SUPPLEMENT—THE BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS IN KENT: A CRITICAL ACCOUNT. PART II. J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT ... a ~een(t59) TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS All material for the TEXT of the magazine must be sent to the EDITOR at 54 Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent. ADVERTISEMENTS, EXCHANGES and WANTS to F. W. BYERS, 59 Gurney Court Road, St. Albans, Herts. 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Lrp., Arbroath. A. ALLEN, B.SC., A.R.C.S. NEVILLE BIRKETT, M.A., M.B. H. C. HuGGINS, F.R.E.S. M. CHALMERS-HUNT, F.R.E.S. ajor A. E. COLLIER, M.c., : Commander G. W. Harper, R.N.(Retd.), F.R.E.S. RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION Edited by S. N. A. JACOBS, F.R.E.s. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 35s. POST FREE. _ Hon. Treasurer, CLIFFORD CRAUFURD, - Denny, Galloway Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts. BEBEDE BEDEROREDE PRICE 7/6 NET ; BEDEDBOSEDESABOSEDED ODED ESOT OD ODES ODO IO TED with the assistance of C. A. COLLINGWOOD, B.SC., F.R.E.S. L. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S. H. SyMEs, M.A. F.R.E.S. S. WAKELY oe 7 Be THE FRESHWATER LIFE) OF THE BRITISH ISLES JOHN CLECG In preparing the second edition of this work, full advantage — has been taken of the opportunity to make corrections, — particularly to the nomenclature, and to add a little new | matter to bring the book up to date. This guide to the plants and invertebrate animals of ponds, lakes, streams and rivers, is intended for those generally interested in the subject, as well as for the serious | student. It is one of the very few books to be published | : in recent years which deals with every aspect of freshwater ‘4 i life in a systematic manner. % i \ | 4 | | | Among other subjects are described the physical and | chemical conditions in water, the interrelations of | organisms and the impact of freshwater biology on man- | kind. In regard to species, plant and invertebrate life | have received the main attention of the author, but there is an additional chapter on the vertebrates to complete the ecological picture. The book also includes a useful chapter on the collection and examination of specimens. The illustrations are a special feature of the book, and include representations of most of the groups of organisms — described. 16 plates in full colour 51 half-tone plates $5 text drawings 21s. net OT ee NIG ee a iis From all Booksellers FREDERICK WARNE & CO. LTD. 1-4 Bedford Court, Strand, London, W.C.2. 91 Holiday at Greatstone, Kent—July 1963 By J. M. CHaLMERS-Hunt and S. WAKELY This holiday together was planned early in the year, and the time chosen was from 13th to 27th July. So many interesting species of lepidoptera were taken that it was decided to write an account of the holiday. For convenience we decided to make separate items of the various places visited, arranged in alphabetical order, and it was also felt that in this form it would be of most interest to readers interested in each particular place mentioned. The nomenclature used is that adopted by I. R. P. Heslop in his “Revised Indexed Check-list of the British Lepidoptera, 1962”, and printed in various numbers of the “Entomologist’s Gazette’. Appledore.—Several visits were made to Appledore searching for the larvae of Depressaria ultimella Staint. The foodplant is the Fine-leaved Water Dropwort (Oenanthe aquatica (L.)) Poiret (phellandrium Lamarck), a very local plant which grows in abundance in some of the roadside ditches in this area. On our first visit only a few small larvae were found, but on the 25th we made a special effort and found about three dozen larvae, some of which were full-grown. The larvae were found not only in the main stem (which often grows three inches or more in diameter), but also in the smaller branches. The plants were pulled out of the ditch and came up with heavy clots of mud, the plant itself being five or six feet tall. It took a long time to open up every stem of a single plant, so we were able to examine a few, plants only in the time at our disposal. The larvae of D. ultimella are pale green or yellow in colour and feed only on the internal pith of the stems. Six-inch sections of the stem were also taken for foodplant and the larvae fed up rapidly on this on our return home. They were kept in large glass jars or plastic containers with plenty of tissue paper to absorb excess moisture. Several thicknesses of linen material were tied tightly over the top of each container as the larvae are apt to eat their way through a single thickness when full fed. If the foodplant is kept in an airtight receptacle it quickly goes mouldy and rotten. The larvae spun up readily among the tissue paper. While searching the plant, many larvae and pupae of Depressaria apiella Hb. (nervosa Haw.) were found in the stems. This is an exceedingly common species which has a number of other foodplants and feeds in external spinnings among the flowers or leaves and frequently enters the stem to pupate. Larvae and pupae of the beetle Prasocuris phellandrii (L.) were to be found in every stem in large numbers. One lepidopterous larva which was actually feeding on the pith inside the stem was subsequently reared and proved to be Clepsis costana F.—a common species usually found in spun leaves of various plants. Another small larva found feeding inside the stem was kept for some weeks and grew into a large fat noctuid larva, which is probably Agrotis segetum Schiff. It fed up latterly upon dock, groundsel, etc., but had not emerged at the time of writing. Brooke, near Wye, was visited on the 19th, when Colonel Duffield took us round his fields. Many species were noted, the most interesting being: Phalonia cnicana Westw., Epinotia immundana F.R. (a late larva found in rolled alder leaf), Coleophora fuscedinella Z. and Caloptilia elongella L. (larvae of both on alder), and Opostega crepusculella Zell. (one imago taken by Col. Duffield). gi] MAY 9 Sil 92 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/IV/64 Camber, Sussex.—We found this one of the most rewarding places to visit and as it was so near, several visits were made, usually to the same spot—the salterns to the west of Camber Golf Course by Rye Harbour. Hereabouts, Artemisia maritima grew in large clumps and at dusk one evening a few Eucosma maritima Westw. were taken flying round its foodplant. A few more were taken later by sweeping the Artemisia. The 22nd was one of the best nights at this locality. Pediasia (Crambus) aridellus Thunb. (salinellus Tutt) was quite plentiful, many being freshly emerged and drying their wings on the grass. A surprise was the cap- ture of a single P. contaminellus Hb.—the dark form known as ab. sticheli Constant. This was thought to have strayed from the adjoining golf course. Single specimens of Hysterosia inopiana Haw. and Depressaria badiella Hb. were also taken. Two local moths taken here were Bactra furfurana Haw. and Aristotelia lucidella Steph. The larvae of both these species feed in the stems of the Common Spike-rush (Elocharis palustris), and we found several ditches where this plant grew in abundance. By sweeping this rush, many moths were obtained, especially A. lucidella. The foodplant of B. furfurana is given by several authors of well-known standard books on lepidoptera as Elocharis lacustris. There is no plant with this name, although there is a Scirpus lacustris. Elocharis palustris was formerly called Scirpus lacustris, but Scirpus lacustris has never been known as Elocharis lacustris as far as we can find out. Ditchling, Sussex, was visited on the 21st. Parking the car near the pond on the Common, we had not gone far before a small, dark tortrix was netted and determined as Dichrorampha pseudoalpestrana Danil. This species was first recorded for Britain in 1893, when specimens were taken in Epping Forest among its foodplant, Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica). We noted there was plenty of Sneezewort growing nearby and spent an hour or more walking slowly among the plants and occasion- ally netting one of the moths. In this way we took four each—eight in all. They were not in perfect condition and had evidently been out some days, but it was quite an exciting find. Other very local species taken here were: Phalonidia manniana F.R. (one near the pond), Ancylis inor- natana H.-S. (among its foodplant, Salix repens), Coleophora vibicella Hb. (larval cases were found and a few imagines taken, but most of the cases were empty or produced hordes of minute parasites, although a few moths emerged a day or two later), and Leucoptera wailesella Stt. (a minute moth common among Genista tinctoria) and on which its larvae —and those of Coleophora vibicella—feed. If Ditchling had been nearer Greatstone, we should certainly have visited it again. Dungeness was practically “on our doorstep’—only a few minutes’ run by car along the coast road. The best capture here was undoubtedly three specimens of Thalera frimbialis Scop. at dusk on the 18th. Although larvae have been actually taken on Achillea millefolium here, they probably feed locally on other plants as no Yarrow was seen in the immediate vicinity of where the moths were taken although it occurred not far away. On the Continent its foodplants are numerous and even include birch, blackthorn and whitethorn, as well as several, low plants, so it is probably the hibernating problem that makes it so difficult to rear. Eilema pygmaeola Doubl. ssp. pallifrons Zell. was quite common at rest on grass stems after dark on most of our visits. When returning from, Camber about midnight on one occasion we saw a bright light on the shingle near the road at Dungeness. Being curious, we investigated HOLIDAY AT GREATSTONE, KENT—JULY 1963 93 and found Mr. C. G. Bruce (of Lee) having a wonderful time with his M.V. light, surrounded by an unbelievable number of moths. They were milling round in a mass in the immediate vicinity of the light, and the sheet was covered by others resting. He kindly let us help ourselves to the micros as he was only selecting the pick of the macros. The two commonest species present were Eilema pygmaeola and Synaphe punctalis F. (angustalis Schiff.), which were in hundreds, together with odd speci- mens of Eurhodope marmarea Haw. and crowds of common species. He said he had hoped to get a few E. pygmaeola, but, he added, pointing to the mass present-—“This is ridiculous’. Evidently, conditions were perfect, as this kind of night is not of frequent occurrence. Other species of special interest to us taken on our visits to Dungeness included: Dolicharthria punctalis Schiff., Thiodia citrana Hb. (quite common at rest on Yarrow), Aristotelia palustrella Dougl., Agonopterix flavella Hb. (common at flowers of rushes), Ethmia terminella Fletch. (a number taken at rest on Echium vulgare after dark), and Oegoconia quadripuncta Haw. (flying in abundance at one spot where a pair in cop. were at rest on a twig of dwarf broom). Folkestone Warren.—We paid several visits to the Warren. Larvae were found in spinnings on Daucus carota and proved to be Depressaria rotundella Dougl. A single specimen of the extremely local and little- known Cnephasia genitalana Pierce was netted on one occasion. A few Cochylidia rupicola Curt. were taken in clumps of Eupatorium cannabium, and a single Aplasta ononaria Fuessl. was seen but left. We were disap- pointed at not finding two local species which we had hoped to come across; notably Lobesia euphorbiana Freyer (larvae of which had been taken in numbers here by the late L. T. Ford), and Agonopterix pallorella Zell., of which a single larva had been taken here by one of us in 1962, and successfully reared. Greatstone.—As our bungalow was here, it is natural that this place produced the greatest number of moths recorded on our holiday. We ran a light trap every night and on many nights the captures were in em- barrassing numbers. One of our first finds was the larvae of Calophasia lunula Hufn., which occurred on plants of Linaria vulgaris. It is an attractive looking larva which is conspicuous enough when spotted. It comes up and feeds on the newest growths at the top of the shoots. Half- a-dozen from a good-sized bed of the plant is a usual find, but a visit again the following day will often produce the same number, so presum- ably the larvae rest lower down when not feeding. It is still a local species here, but seems to be holding its own, in spite of the previous cold winter when the Dungeness district was snowbound for months on end. At the eastern end of Greatstone there are some high sand dunes covered with Sea Buckthorn. On the 21st we visited these dunes after dark and also used a Coleman’s lamp on a sheet. It was a remarkably good night and several species were taken which had not been seen at the bungalow, including the rare Melissoblaptes zelleri Joan. (one). A number of Witlesia pallida Steph. came to light, which puzzled us as it is usually taken in marshy places, particularly in the fens—a very different habitat to dry sand-dunes. Other species of interest taken here included Melanargia galathea L. (one at rest—also seen flying at Lydd on 26th—a new record for this area), Nola albula Schiff., Semiothisa alternaria Hb., Anerastia lotella Hb. (common), and Argyritis pictella Zell. (a small tineid) swarming on the ground round the lamps. The commonest species in the 94 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/IV/64 trap was undoubtedly Apamea monoglypha Hufn. A complete list of the species seen would be too long, but the following which were taken in the trap are worthy of mention: Dasychira fascelina L. (several males), Spilosoma urticae Esp. (one, very worn), Euschesis interjecta Hubn., Pyrrhia umbra Hufn., Heliophobus albicolon Hiibn., Leucania litoralis Curt., Nonagria dissoluta Treits., Apamea oblonga Haw., Lygephila pastinum Treits.. Laspeyria flexia Schiff., Plemyria rubiginata Schiff. (bicolorata Hufn.), Hydrelia flammeolaria (luteata Schiff.), Eupithecia millefoliata Rossl., Eupithecia tenuiata Hiibn., Eupithecia haworthiata Double., Cynaeda dentalis Schiff., Nyctegretis achatinella Hubn., Hetero- graphis oblitella Zell. (one), Phalonia margaritana Haw. (dipoltella Hiibn.), Ancylis achatana Schiff., Yponomeuta evonymella L., and Monopis imella Hubn. Lydd.—On the 14th we spent some time in the fields by Lydd Town Station. Mesotype virgata Hufn. was as common as usual among its foodplant, Galium verum, and a single Ethmia bipunctella F. was taken at rest on a fence post. Larval mines of Aspilapteryx (Gracillaria) tringipennella Zell. were exceedingly abundant here, as many as three being found on a single leaf of Plantago lanceolata. St. Margarets-at-Cliffe—This picturesque spot, with the French’ coast- line visible on clear days, was visited twice and provided some very good records. Larvae of Amelia (Tortrix) paleana Hb. in their characteristic large spinnings were found on various plants including Plantago lanceolata, Centaurea scabiosa, Carduus arvensis, Larvae of Agonopterix subpropinquella Staint. were found in spun leaves of Centaurea nigra and those of A. rotundella Dougl. on Daucus carota. Very local species cap- tured included: Childonia piercei Obraztsov (subbaumanniana Wilk.), Stenodes alternana Steph., Eana osseana Scop., Grapholita caecana Schlag. (a single specimen taken among Onobrychis viclifolia (Sainfoin)), Eucosma fulvana Steph. (on plants of Centaurea scabiosa) and Thiotricha subo- cellea Steph. A number of plants of Solidago virgaurea were seen grow- ing here. a plant not usually associated with chalk, and the blue flowers of the local Phyteuma tenerum (Round-headed Rampion) were also noticed. On the way to St. Margarets on the 17th we stopped at a wood near Dover, and collected a number of rolled leaves of Centaurea nigra. It was a great surprise to find later that the moths which emerged were Agonopterix carduella Hiuibn., a local moth more common in-the north and so far aS we are aware has not been taken in Kent for many years. Westwell.—On the 24th we were invited by Dr. Scott to have an evening’s collecting in his garden and the adjoining woods. Several other entomologists were present and we were delighted with the oppor- tunity to take some of the very local species occurring in his garden. At dusk, with hand lamps, we collected on the high wooded ground near the house and took Schrankia taenialis Huibn., Orthotaelia sparganella Thunb. (a very unexpected find on such high ground), and Tinea semi- fulvella Haw. Returning to the garden we found two M.V. lights fixed up—one at each side of the house—and were allowed to help ourselves to the numerous micros attracted to the sheets. These included Pandemis cinnamomeana Treits. (18), Phycholomoides aeriferana H.-S. (6) (a rare species first recorded for Britain by Dr. Scott in 1952), Spilonota lariciana Hein. (30), and a single Brachmia gerronella Z. We greatly enjoyed this trip and the hospitality accorded by Dr. and Mrs. Scott. LCOKING BACK OVER 1963 95 Looking Back Over 1963 By T. W. HaRMAN The hard winter caused a very late start to the season and it was 4th March before m.v. light was used and resulting in only half a dozen ‘Theria rupricapraria Schiff. This period was enlivened by the emergence of Trichopteryx polycommata Schiff. from larvae taken on privet at Folkestone Warren last year. Seven specimens from nine larvae success- fully came through. My wite saw a Brimstone butterfly on 6th March and this one must have revived very quickly after its refrigeration. The first field trip was with Mr. T. J. G. Homer on 14th March to an oak wood near Twyford, Berks. After a warm day the temperature stayed at 53°F. with cloud culminating with heavy rain at 9.30 p.m. when we had to pack up. By this time we had seen an extraordinary number of insects for this time of the year. There were several forms of Apocheima hispidaria Schiff. in dozens, Achlya flavicornis L. in plenty and some lovely forms of Erannis leucophaearia Schiff. Except for numbers of species it was like collecting in June. On calling at a local hostelry after getting back on to the metalled road, we found all these species settled around the light over the entrance porch. By mid-March Gypsitea leucographa Schiff. from local ova began hatching and a nice series resulted, mostly well marked. The rest of March was uneventful and it was Ist April before we made another field trip, to another oakwood in the area mentioned earlier. Among seventeen species, only Trichopteryx carpinata Borkh. was of any interest. On 2nd April the first of several Lophopteryx cucullina Schiff. from local ova hatched, these did not seem particularly difficult to rear. After several poor days we made a trip to Crowthorne, Berks. The temperature dropped to 46°F. with a slight wind, but we did manage to get one specimen of Dasycampa rubiginea Schiff. and Nycteola revayana Scop. On the return home that night we stopped at some local sallows and shook out five specimens of G. leucographa Schiff. and one Lithophane semi- brunnea Haw. At light here was one Hypena rostralis L. The following night saw us in Hampshire, again after D. rubiginea Schiff. Three speci- mens came to light by 9.30 p.m. and also one Panolis flammea Schiff., but we were washed out by rain at10 p.m. Mr. S. Coxey came down from the ‘Far North’ on 12th April for a few days. His main quarry was G. leucographa Schiff., but the first night produced low temperature and no moths. The night of 13th April was rather unusual and worth describing. After heavy showers all day and up to 8.30 p.m., the sky suddenly cleared and the stars shone brightly. The temperature dropped to 42°F. and all looked hopeless, but after such a long journey for the moth, we decided to try sallows. From a lone male sallow bush close to a beechwood we shook seventeen leucographa, surely a world record!? Mr. Coxey’s other quarry was D. rubiginea Schiff. and we went to Fleet, Hants., for it on 14th April, without luck except for one Orthosia miniosa Schiff. We went back the following night with great hopes as the temperature was 55°F. Within twenty minutes it began to rain and we had to retreat to Mr. Coxey’s car at intervals. Still we managed three rubiginea and Mr. Coxey patiently fed a male until June for eggs! Mr. Homer had a female which obliged us with five eggs, from these I reared one moth and he got two. The 16th April found us on the banks of the river Kennet searching for the larvae of Panaxia dominula L. We found quite a number, but they 96 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1V /64 seemed local, very easy to bring about their extinction, I should think, if collectors fail to use restraint. One of the most pleasant evenings of the year was on 17th April when Mr. Homer and I accompanied Sir Robert and Lady Saundby and Mr. B. R. Baker on a leucographa hunt. A visit was made to the ‘Coxey’ sallow, but the entrance to the site was blocked by a car containing a courting couple. Our noisy arrival followed by the extraction of numerous white sheets from the car boots disturbed the amorous pair who decided to leave hastily, much to our delight. Sir Robert’s prize comment was, “They can do that anywhere but this is a local insect”. At the conclusion of operations the sorting of sheets for their rightful owners proved rather difficult and a voice from the fray remarked, “Whose is this marked ‘British Railways’?”’. Our evening’s endeavours produced nine leucographa. Another larvae hunt was made on 20th April, this time Mr. B. R. Baker took Mr. Homer and myself to Burghfield Common for the larvae of Polia hepatica Clerck. on birch saplings. We searched for an hour with little success, but after finding a larva on a clean, thin stem which arose where a tree had been cut, I decided to stick to these and forget saplings whose catkins proved distracting. This made things easy as these single growths were much more backward with still quite small buds. The larvae showed up for yards in the light of an ordinary cycle lamp. We all got a nice number which subsequently hatched well. Yet another trip to the oak- woods near Twyford was made on 22nd April, this time with Polyploca ridens F. in view. We did get five even though the temperature dropped to 37°F. and two policemen were also attracted but did not settle! The next day at Medmenham produced another H. rostralis L. and the only female Lycia hirtaria Clerk I have ever seen at light. One Abraxas sylvata Scop. from local larvae hatched on 24th April, few came through all told. 25th April produced the first Odontosia carmelita Esp. for the year here so on 28th April Mr. Homer and I tried light under some birches in a large beechwood clearing not far from here. We got seven specimens by 10.0 p.m. when they appeared to stop flying. At home that night was another O. carmelita Esp., T. polycommata Schiff., Clostera curtula L. and Cucullia verbasci L. May began with a dreadful night. On 3rd May Messrs. Fairclough and Parfitt came up hoping to obtain Eupithecia insigniata Hiibn., but it was such a cold night that we held a conference rather than collect. The next night saw Messrs. Baker, Homer and myself at Padworth, Berks, after Cleora cinctaria Schiff. I managed to get one worn male but little else was taken apart from one O. carmelita. The same evening saw the first Stauropus fagi L. of the year at Medmenham. The 7th May resulted in one Orthosia advena Schiff. and a very nice male melanic Menophra abruptaria Thunb. My brother and I made a long trip to Devon for Xylomyges conspicillaris L. on 10th May. It was nearly midday on 11th May before we began the ritual of searching railway posts and it took three hours to find two moths. A quick glance at a tree in a nearby copse resulted in one conspicillaris but this must have been luck as no other trees held moths of any species. That evening we returned with the generator. It was so cold that only three moths turned up by 11.30 p.m., one of which was conspicillaris! This made a grand total of four for the trip. It was 16th May before I could record another night as excellent. Among nine new species for the year was E. insigniata Hiibn. The banks of the Kennet were again visited on 19th May, this time a search being LOOKING BACK OVER 1963 97 made for the larvae of’ Plusia chryson Esp. Only two were found the whole afternoon, but a later visit to another locality with Mr. B. R. Baker produced more which duly hatched well. The first Cucullia lychnitis Ramb. from larvae obtained near Henley-on-Thames emerged on 24th May. About half a dozen came out and the rest chose to lie over another winter. A female E. insigniata Hubn. taken on 30th May laid eggs and 23 larvae later pupated having fed up easily on hawthorn. Mr. R. Fairclough beat a large amount of hawthorn for larvae of this species without success, so perhaps it does not feed on this bush in the wild state. The 5th June found me at Dungeness, but it was a rather colourless trip except for a journey to Orlestone Woods with Mr. R. E. Scott on 5th June. Thundery conditions prevailed and all was perfect. By 11.0 p.m. we had three specimens of Moma alpium Osbeck, and all came within 15 mins. of each other. Sugar yielded Tethea or Schiff. fairly commonly. We were back again the following night under less favourable conditions, the only thing of interest seen being Anagoga pulveraria L. Back at Medmenham on 9th June saw one of the best days I have known so far, with the temperature at 68°F. at 10.0 p.m. and 93 species taking advantage of the conditions. A sun temperature during the day in the upper 80’s F. produced 16 new species for the year. On 10th June Mr. Homer and I visited Pamber Forest where we took Apoda avellana L., Hadena contigua Schiff., and Apatele alni L. as a new species. At Woolhampton, Berks, on 13th June I managed to obtain two specimens of Leucania obsoleta Hubn. and one Leucania straminea Treits., the latter being quite common here later in the month. Another new species to me, Polia nitens Haw., appeared on 28th June. There was then little to report until 20th July when Messrs. Baker, Homer and myself went to Pamber Forest. Among 101 species were Parastichtis suspecta Hubn., Nola strigula Schiff., Bupalus piniaria L. and Schrankia costaestrigalis Steph. as new ones to me. This turned out to be a very late night and it was 5.0 a.m. before we got home. Awaiting me was another new species, Xanthorhoe biriviata Borkh. with another the following night, both males. A couple of even better nights followed with my record of species for one night at Medmenham broken with 118 species on 22nd July. After reading and hearing so much about Southwold, we booked up for 27th July to 10th August and hoped the fortnight would give us a few nights without wind. Mr. Homer was there for the first of the two weeks and we ran three m.v. lights over this period and I ran two from our bungalow in Ferry Road for the second week. The second week was in fact the best of the two. Among the highlights of the holiday was a visit to Walberswick Marshes with the generator. Although rather breezy, some shelter was found on a path between tall reeds and here Nonagria neurica Hubn. proved fairly common. On 3rd August I joined Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Lyon and Mr. H. E. Chipperfield at Walberswick and we had a couple of wonderful hours on the edge of the marsh with hundreds of insects coming in, the best of which were Arenostola brevilinea Fenn, Arenostola fluxa Htibn., Coenobia rufa Haw., Sterrha emarginata L., P. suspecta Hubn. and N. neurica Hubn. There were two A. brevilinea Fenn in the trap at Southwold that night. A hunt for pupae of N. neurica Hubn. proved pretty hard work but of course I was a little late in the season. It took an hour to find two pupae and both hatched before leaving Suffolk. Other moths of interest were Apamea oblonga Haw., fairly frequent over the fortnight, Hadena compta Schiff., one only, Arenostola 98 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/IV/64 elymi Treits., common at light, Zanclognatha cribrumalis Huibn., a few worn specimens and Cucullia asteris Schiff., fairly common at light and very common as larvae in one area near Southwold. Sugar at Southwold was useless and marram grass was almost as unproductive. I found there were two natural baits that were extremely attractive to a fair number of species. One was honeydew on a small patch of phragmites, which was well attended every night by moths. An even better attractant, but to rather less species, were the heads of a small rush, not more than nine inches high, which grew commonly at Southwold. In places it was covered with moths on good nights, namely Leucania impura Hubn., but also Euxoa tritici L., Euxoa cursoria Hufn. and the occasional A. oblonga Haw. The rushes are on the opposite side of the road from the beach and are more sheltered than the marram grass, which may account partly for the differ- ences in numbers of insects at the two plants. Altogether it was a wonderful holiday for anyone interested in lepidoptera, especially those with a family. The beach is ideal for children and not overcrowded. I must admit I did not try the water as my feet rebelled too strongly for more tender parts to be immersed! After getting home again we were soon at Woolhampton where we saw Zenobia retusa L. and a single Oria musculosa Huibn. on 12th August. On this and the following night all three ‘Cosmias’ showed up at Medmenham. The rest of August was rather dull and it was 3rd September before another field trip was made, to Burghfield Common for larvae of Bomolocha fontis Thunb. About a dozen fell to the trays and on heather nearby, the larvae of Anarta myrtilli L. were quite common. The autumnal moths really began in force on 9th September with Anchoscelis litura L. and Tiliacea aurago Schiff., the latter being very common here this year. The 21st September saw a successful hunt for Tiliacea citrago L., five specimens were obtained before 11.0 p.m., with one Cosmia affinis L. putting in a late appearance. This day saw another emergence, that of our second son, a typical specimen of F, generation from abnormal parents!! Two nights later was the only occasion I can remember seeing three species of ‘Snouts’ together. They included Hypena proboscidalis L., Schrankia taenialis Hiibn. and H. rostralis L. Pamber Forest was again visited on 7th October and we noted Anchoscelis helvola L., Asphalia diluta Schiff., Griposia aprilina L. and Episema caeruleocephala L. On the way home we spotted a moth high on a lampost, and after a scramble and the help of a net we had another E. caeruleocephala L. We then zig-zagged our way from lampost to lampost into Reading! The next trip of interest was with Mr. Homer to Swanage from 18th- 21st October. We stayed at a guest house where we received royal treatment and ran four m.v. lights on the cliffs between Swanage and Durleston. It was a wonderful four-day visit and we got everything we went for plus some bonus species. Among those of interest were Dasypolia templi Thunb., about sixty seen with thirty at one trap on the last night, Lithophane leautieri Boisd., eleven specimens, Lithophane ornitopus Hufn., one fresh specimen, Nycterosea obstipata, three males and two females, all fresh specimens, Rhodometra sacraria L., one fresh male on 19th October, Palpita unionalis Huibn., two fresh males on 21st October. One R. sacraria L. came to light at Medmenham on 23rd October, so there must have been quite a number migrating around that time. The first L. semibrunnea Haw. appeared on 25th October and Ptilophora SCIENTIFIC NAMES 99 plumigera Schiff. on 5th November, a day earlier than last year. Before closing the year’s notes, mention had better be made of Trisateles emortualis Schiff. It was seen again this year and so is definitely resident. We have, however, learned little of its status or breeding habits. This is due mainly to the fact that we avoided overcollecting in the area in case it is extremely local and liable to extinction. So far all specimens, nine in all, have been taken within one hundred yards of each other and one task for 1964 is to try and find the insect in other localities. In conclusion may I defend the shocking summer by saying that the moths of 1963 kept me extremely busy and what we looked for we nearly always found. It was particularly satisfying to hunt larvae and find them and no matter what the weather is like, larvae still appear to feed and be found. The migrant hawks continue to pass me by but here is looking forward to 1964 and another fortnight at Southwold. 3 Lodge Farm Cottages, Medmenham, Marlow, Bucks. Scientific Names By Hans REISSER I have read with great interest the discussions about Latin or English names for the Lepidoptera. As a ‘continental’ reader, may I be per- mitted to say that Latin names are indispensible. What shall I, as a foreigner, understand of the species treated when there is only a name like, for instance, Lulworth skipper? When I am interested, I am com- pelled to fall back on South, from which I see that it is Thymelicus actaeon. What should an English collector do on reading in a German paper names like “Hausmutter” or “Erdpfahl’ only without the correct name Noctua pronuba? Certainly, a pure collector, not interested in any literature, is not upset by the using of popular English names only, and without the authors’ names. But every lepidopterist who writes and intends to be understood by other (which include foreign) colleagues should be obliged to use scientific, i.e. Latin, names and also cite the author’s name. In synonyma it is important to know the author’s name for consulting the literature to see exactly which species is treated. Nobody should be forced to omit English names, but everybody should be so helpful to his colleagues as to use at least once in every species he treats, the Latin name and that of the author together with the English name. In many cases using South, I am angry that the vernacular name is set first, and it is rather difficult to discover the scientific name together with the complication that the Latin names used in England are different from those used in publications in other countries. It is to be hoped that one day names shall be the same in all countries based on exact priorities or the exceptions agreed by the commission of nomenclature. Excuse me for having spoken with frankness; I have no wish to offend my English colleagues, and of course, anyone may use the popular names, which are often very signficant in the different languages, but in order to enable easy understanding, we should always employ the Latin names, too. Wien I, Rathausstrasse 11, Austria. 100 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1V/64 More about Latin Mr. Burton’s letter in the issue of October last was indeed welcome and so was the information vouchsafed in Mr. Jacobs’ opening paragraph on ‘Scientific names’. But do some of Mr. Jacobs’ statments stand up to analysis? I should like to know how he reconciles ‘names which are known and accepted throughout the world’ with the numerous alterations made in recent years. One need go no further than to compare the scientific names given by South in 1906 in his ‘Butterflies of the British Isles’ with those by Frohawk in 1934. Since when were these scientific names known throughout the world? Judging by an article by Commander Harper in the December issue, chaos is still the order of the day; however, let us get down to elementary facts. The Entomologists Record is printed in English for those people who are capable of reading and understanding English, and no one else, as it is utterly unintelligible to Chinese, Muscovites or Patagonians. To these latter and similar nationalities it might as well be printed in Sanscrit. The Record is intended primarily for readers in the British Isles, and I am prepared to gamble that ‘not so scientific’ readers outnumber the soi- distant scientific ones; I fully appreciate however that there are a large number of pukka scientists. There is no ‘vernacular name only’ class as far as I am aware; it is the ‘Latin name only’ class that is responsible for the paternity of this correspondence and the numerous offspring of supporters of Irvin and myself, neither of whom incidentally suggested popular names for the vast army of ‘Micros’. It is not without significance that the supplements on the ‘Lepidoptera of Kent’, which have been such a feature of the Record for many months, give the English as well as the Latin names of the respective insects. This defection from scientific standards will doubtless be frowned on by the cognoscenti, who ‘scorning the base degrees by which they did ascend’ gaze down from their Olympian heights at the rabble below. The diversity of opinions at present is as wide as the gap that separated the Rich Man from Lazarus; can we narrow it? L. G. F. WADDINGTON. 9 Greenleafe Avenue, Doncaster. Was Linnaeus a Bighead? By S. N. A. JACOBS Some reply to Mr. Waddington’s note is required, and in the hope that it may close this correspondence, I put the following on record. The whole correspondence was brought into being by Mr. Irvin asking why vernacular names were printed before instead of after the scientific names: a very reasonable question, and one to be commended to the publishers of popular and semi-popular natural history books. The Record has Argentinian (if not Patagonian), Chinese and Muscovite readers, whom it is most pleased to welcome, and I can see no reason for making it unintelligible to these friends by talking of drinkers and lackeys WAS LINNAEUS A BIGHEAD? 101 and Mother Shiptons, fanciful as these names may seem to some of us. We have a long list of interested subscribers in other foreign lands, too, some of whom have written to me on this subject. I very strongly refute any suggestion of snobbery in the use of world- wide names in preference to those only known to a small community. It is true that the world-wide names are apt to change in the light of new discoveries, but they change in accordance with rules (albeit somewhat complicated rules) accepted throughout the world, and these changes are notified throughout the world by the medium of the entomological periodi- cals and other publications. Commander Harper’s perhaps not unjustified strictures were against the complicated nature of these rules, an entirely different matter. I am convinced that objection to scientific names is, I regret to say it, a mixture of mental laziness and a “with it” objection to the classical languages on unreasoning principle. I am also shocked by the separation of Macro- and Micro-Lepidoptera. If vernacular names are necessary for the one they are necessary for the other, but I do not agree that they are necessary to either. What is the imaginary difference? I would suggest the slightly higher degree of care needed for handling the smaller subjects, and although there is something imaginary about this, it again comes down to some sort of laziness. By all means specialise in certain families but the “Micros” are not a separate order. For the matter of size, I have many “micros” exceeding two inches in expanse, and some even exceeding three inches, and if it were a matter of classification, the Cossidae, Zeuzeridae and Hepialidae, among which are some of the world’s largest moths (oh, sorry, goats, leopards and swifts) are all “micros” while Psychidae (bag- worms) are considered by some to be “macros.” There is nothing against using an intelligible vernacular name to a layman; in fact, it would be snobbish to mention the scientific name alone, but when talking to a gardener, a warehouseman, a miller, or some other person who, though not an entomologist, is constantly in touch with insects, the scientific name should be added so that he may be able to follow up the matter in the literature should he so wish. One of the most pleasing features of the naturalist world is the entire absence of snobbery from amongst its fellows, who are to be found in almost all social strata. The only passport required is a genuine interest in the subject, and a genuine interest would take the stile of international nomenclature in its stride. Throughout the centuries of our history, latin has been the basis of the lingua franca, and this became ‘dog latin” as it became necessary to use its natural flexibility in the manufacture of new words. On what better bank of names could Linnaeus have drawn than on the inexhaust- ible resources of Latin and Greek to form euphonious appellations which could be regarded as standard throughout the world. Did this make him a “bighead”’? Do not forget that he was a Swede, not a native of this staunch island—and just think what it would have been like had he named his insects in Swedish only! Then, again, let us think of some of our best field naturalists, the artisan naturalists of the past century, who spent their week-ends “sleeping rough” on the moors, collecting and studying the insects which gave them so much healthy interest. During my few months in the early summer of 1914 as an engineer apprentice at the Erith (Kent) works of Vickers Ltd., I der.ved much pleasure from an old labourer, known to all as “Toby” 102 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1V/64 (I never knew his real name) from whom I learned a great deal of my early butterfly and moth lore, and I cannot recollect him using vernacular names on any occasion, although I very much doubt whether his schooling had lasted many years in the village school. In my 1914-18 army days, I met a few kindred spirits, who always discussed insects by their scientific names (with the possible exception of Pedicularis pubis). Even “Chums” and “The Boys’ Own Paper” gave us scientific names to lead us to the upper levels, and in those days the challenge of a little more effort caused practically all to follow this sensible lead. There is no scorn for the “base degrees from which they did ascend’, only for those who took the “primrose path” of vernacular names. The main object of the study by the greater number of non-professional entomologists is to have an interesting hobby which brings them in contact with the outdoor world and which gives them a mental stimulus. The scientific side is also important, and the amateurs contribute to this as well as the professionals, by providing material and data on which the professionals can work, but what good would this be if only Britishers could understand their writings. Mr. Parkinson-Curtis, who has figured in this correspondence, refers to the vernacular name for Melanotus vulgaris, the common cockchafer, in his letters to me, which in Dorset is known, irrespective of sex, as a buck buzzard. Hearing this appellation, a foreigner might well ask whether it was a mammal or a bird, but he could hardly suspect that it was indeed an insect. A Continental Holiday, 1963 By Dr. NEVILLE L. BIRKETT I left England complete with family and caravan on 8th August 1963 for my annual holidays. After a dismal summer in England the main objective was to seek sunshine and with this in view Venice was our goal. Many friends had eulogised the charms of this ancient city but we had been frequently warned also of the excessive heat and pungency of Venice in August. These prognostications were fortunately not ful- filled during the time we spent near Venice. We had a pleasant trip motoring across France via Reims, then across the Jura to cross into Switzerland at Vallorbe. Then a wonderful stretch of motoring, with superb views, past Lake Leman to reach Martigny in the Rhone valley at tea-time on the 11th. Here we found an excellent site for the caravan and stayed about five nights. The superb weather of the 11th was too good to last so that by the evening there started a series of thunderstorms and torrential rains which were to last for over twenty-four hours. In consequence the “Glorious Twelfth” was most inglorious and was spent in idleness watching the rain descend and the only entomology was another look through Wheeler’s excellent little book on the Butterflies of Switzer- land dreaming day dreams of what treasures would be in store if the weather would clear. On 13th August, perhaps in answer to the prayers of the many holiday-makers, the day broke gloriously sunny and we set out early from Martigny ascending the Col de la Forclaz—which is the road leading to Chamonix. Most of the Swiss side of the Col is a magnificent new A CONTINENTAL HOLIDAY, 1963 103 road but there is a steep and rough middle section which, however, will soon be altered by the new construction actively in progress. The top of the Forclaz provides magnificent scenery and having taken this in and taken some photographs we then ascended by the Télésiége de l’Arpille to the top of that mountain—about 6,400 ft. Apart from the even more magnificent views, especially looking up the whole length of the upper Rhone Valley, there is an extensive summit plateau which provided interesting and good collecting. I noted the following species in the course of a morning collecting here :— Erebia tyndarus carmenta Frhst. Very common and in excellent condition all over the summit of Arpille. Erebia melampus tigranes Frhst. Common. The males getting worn but many of the females in good condition. Erebia montanus de P. Common but passé. Erebia euryale f. isarica Heyne. Fairly common and the female under- sides were very fine. Erebia ligea L. A few specimens were noted flying among the pine trees on the summit plateau but the species was much more common when I walked down from the summit to Forclaz through the pine woods later. Erebia epiphron Knock. I took only a single female of this species in this area. Colias palaeno L. Two fine males taken and others seen. Species of this genus are not the easiest to net! Lasiommata maera L. A few seen and taken. This was more commonly seen during the descent through the woods than on the summit. Melitaea diamina hebe Borkh. (dictynna Esp.). Frequent. Fabriciana niobe L. Many seen but few taken due to their rapid flight. Boloria pales Schiff. Frequent—very few females seen. Vacciniina optilite Knock. Two quite fresh males taken but I saw no signs of the females. Other more common species seen were:—Pieris rapae L., Papilio machaon L., Vanessa cardui L., Aglais urticae L. and a few common “skippers”. In the early afternoon I walked down through the aromatic pinewoods and had a picnic lunch before setting out along the Val du Trient towards the Trient glacier. As so commonly happens in alpine regions the clouds began to gather and butterfly activity diminished in consequence. In fact by the time we got within a mile of the glacier there was so much cloud that we did not continue the excursion on to the glacier itself. However a number of interesting species was taken on this walk but in smaller numbers than would have been the case had the sun continued with its morning brilliance. Fabriciana niobe niobe L. and f. eris Meig. were taken in small numbers. Mesoacidalia charlotta Haw. (aglaia L.). Common. (And perhaps I should, in utilising this name, apologise to various writers who dislike the change from the more familiar ‘aglaia’!). Argynnis amathusia Esp. Two good ones taken and numerous other worn examples seen. Heodes virgaureae f. zermattensis Fallou. Fairly common and in good condition. Lasiommata maera L. Frequent. 104 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1V/64 Erebia ligea L., E. montanus de P., and EF. euryale Esp. were all quite common. Erebia manto mantoides Esp. Quite common and well marked. Erebia melampus tigranes Frhst. A single fine female taken. I also took a few each of Mellicta athalia celadussa Frhst. and Melitaea diamina hebe Borkh. 14th August was another sunny morning and we set off in good time for the summit of the Grand St. Bernard Pass, 8,100 ft. En route I passed many likely-looking collecting grounds which lack of time pre- vented my exploring. Considerable time was also lost on the journey by traffic congestion caused by vast construction works in operation near the summit. The summit was rather disappointing being very bleak and windy, the wind being very cold at this rather high altitude. Few butter- flles were in evidence and I took only a single fresh male Boloria pales Schiff. seeing a few others as well as having a distant view of an Erebia! While I was failing to find butterflies my family visited the museum at the Hospice on the summit. My wife drew my attention to a collection of insects exhibited in the museum which I duly inspected. The collection was the relics of one formed by the well-known Ch. Favre who did so much to elucidate the lepidopterous fauna of the Valais. The lepidoptera were in a poor state and the coleoptera little better. The whole lot were in store boxes covered with dusty cellophane and exhibited in a rather dark set of glass-fronted cupboards. As usual the afternoon was very cloudy and no further collecting could be attempted. On 15th August we struck camp and moved up the valley to Brig finding a well-run site at the foot of the Simplon Pass. That afternoon, in spite of the inevitable cloud, I went to the top of the Simplon Pass (6,600 ft.) there finding the inevitable crowd of tourists but little signs of butterflies. In fact I found only a single Erebia tyndarus Esp. How- ever by way of compensation sitting about on the low vegetation was a great mass of Zygaena exulans Hoch. and I was able to take a short series of these in a few minutes. Returning towards Brig the sun began to shine again and I made a short halt just below Berisal. Here I took Erebia montanus de P., E. alberganus Esp. and Heodes virgaureae montana M-D. The latter was a fine female abundantly distinct from the f. zermattensis Fallou which Wheeler indicates to be the form found on the northern side of the Simplon. In glorious sunshine we set off on the 16th for Zermatt deciding before- hand that we should not let any water pass our lips even though having the protection of suitable inoculation. We motored to Stalden and then took train up the fantastic Nikolaital to Zermatt. While waiting for the train at Stalden I saw the only Euvanessa antiopa L. of the whole trip but by the time my net was operational le “Morio”’, as our French confréres term it, had disappeared. Having taken many photographs ascending the Nikolaital and also in Zermatt itself I turned my attention to the butter- flles which were plentiful in the fields beyond the town. Here in two hours I filled my boxes, a large cyanide bottle as well and developed a wonderful thirst! The following species were seen and/or taken :— Parnassius apollo L. Only two females taken but many others seen. These females are heavily dusted with dark grey and no doubt have a varietal name. Unfortunately this species is beset with a plethora A CONTINENTAL HOLIDAY, 1963 105 of named forms and I do not pretend to understand its many geographical races, etc. Heodes virgaureae f. zermattensis Fallou. Both sexes abundant and I took a good series. Hyponephele lycaon Rott. This also was common. The males were for the most part worn to shreds but the females were fine and varied. Aporia crataegi L. One only taken. I may well have seen others and not recognised them on the wing. The area I was working was rather difficult ground for running after fast flyers. Argynnis niobe niobe L. Frequent but rather difficult to contact. Mesoacidalia charlotta Haw. (aglaia L.). Common. Lysandra coridon Poda. Abundant. There appeared to be two over- lapping broods as far as concerns the males. Many were quite fresh ‘with well-marked spotting on the undersides. Others equally numerous, were decidedly passé and had generally weaker under- side spotting. It is possible there may be two species here which I have failed to recognise. The few females I took were fresh and with strong spotting. Palaeochrysophanus hippothoé L. Two males only taken. The specimens were fresh and I did not see any other specimens. Agrodiaetus damon Schiff. I took a single worn male only. Aricia glandon de P. I took a single male only of this species. Lycaenides idas var. aegidion Meissner. I took a fine male of this form. There seems to be some confusion in the nomenclature of this form. Wheeler describes aegidion for argyrognomen Bergst. (which is now idas L.) while Verity in Le Farfalle Diurne D’Italia, Vol. 2, gives aegidion as a variety of argus L. (aegon Schiff.). My putative aegidion from Zermatt definitely has got a spine on the tip of the anterior tibia. Thus it is definitely a form of idas. Lysandra escheri Hubn. Frequent. Aricia agestis Schiff. and Hesperia comma L. were both frequent at Zermatt. Polyommatus eros Ochs. A single male only taken. Pyrgus carlinae Ramb. A few. Pyrgus ‘alveus’ s.l. A number taken. I have examined the genitaliea of these and seem to have (1) accreta Verty., (2) alveus Hiibn., and (3) sifanicus Gr.-Gr. However I have little experience of this group and confirmation of these tentative diagnoses will have to be sought. So ended my day at Zermatt—a wonderfully exhilarating place with many butterflies to be obtained amidst most magnificent scenery. 17th August dawned very cloudy and rain soon followed. We set forth from Brig to cross the Simplon Pass into ‘sunny’ Italy. Hopes of collecting at the summit were literally drowned in the great downpour which continued throughout our journey as far as Bergamo. We there found a rather primitive site for the caravan just outside the town and thought little of the weather we had come so far to enjoy! After an entertaining meal at a somewhat plebeian restaurant in Bergamo we were glad to get to bed and forget the weather. Fortunately the morning of the 18th was bright and sunny and a few Graphium podalirius flying about the camp site cheered up at least the entomologist of the party. As the weather in the hills looked unsettled from our vantage point in the Plain of Lombardy we decided to proceed to Venice. After a satis- 106 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1V /64 factory run on the fine autostrada, stopping once to buy a box of peaches at just over one penny each, we reached the Venice area in the early afternoon. We went north a little from Venice and pitched our caravan some fifty yards from the Adriatic on the fine and superbly appointed German site at Cavallino. Here we stayed for eight nights and had superb weather for most of the time. During the time we spent in this area I did a considerable amount of collecting in the rough fields near the caravan site and on some rough ground a few miles away. The site, incidentally, was among many poplar trees and at night the lights attracted multitudes of Leucoma salicis L. which were also seen frequently by day sitting about on the buildings and poplar trunks. This in spite of twice- weekly spraying of the trees with some anti-pest substance, possibly D.D.T. The following species were seen or taken near Cavallino between 19th and 25th August :— Graphium podalirius L. Many seen and a few taken. The species was common flying about the sun-bathers on the beach. Specimens are fine and large with relatively pale ground colour. Pontia daplidice L. Many seen and a few taken. Most of the specimens were more or less worn and very few were worth taking. Vanessa cardui L. A few seen. A large and well-coloured form. Colias croceus Foure. Generally common. Two females agree with the description of the f. suffusa Tutt with considerable suffusion of dark scaling at the base of the forewings. Var. helice Htibn. was also present and frequent. Pieris rapae L. Common. Coenonympha pamphilus L. This species was plentiful and interesting. The form taken appears to be referable to f. ferrea Verty. It is large with well-marked marginal suffusion. One or two specimens have the double apical spots on the forewing—ab. bipupillata Cosmovici. The under surface of the hindwings in one specimen shows com- plete absence of the whitish central suffusion normally present. The submarginal discal series of dots is indicated by small brightly metallic dots as described for ab. marginata Ruhl. I only took a small series not at the time realising the great interest and variety exhibited in this area. Syntarucus pyrithous L. (telicanus Huibn.). I took a single specimen only of this interesting blue. I have read somewhere that it is a difficult species to see when on the wing so perhaps my failure to take more is accounted for by this fact. Plebeius icarus Rott. Common in the rough fields and not showing any particularly interesting features. Lysandra bellargus Rott. Abundant. All the specimens fine and large with magnificently marked undersides referable to ab. magnolutea Verty. Everes argiades Pallas. Common. In general the specimens seem rather small, especially compared with a short series I have taken last year in the Landes area of France. Perhaps the Landes specimens are true argiades and those from Cavallino are polysperchon Bergstr. Plebeius argus L. (aegon Schiff.). Common about the fields and not show- ing any strong racial characteristics. (To be Continued) FORMICA SANGUINEA LATREILLE IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND 107 Formica sanguinea Latreille (Hym. Formicidae) in Southern England By K. E. J. BARRETT Introduction The habits of this robust and interesting ant have been reviewed in detail by Donisthorpe (1927). During the summer months raids are made by sanguinea workers on nests of the Formica fusca group, from whicn Km. N x Fooncoo0ed x%% x yes aX 0 ee Bx" x % os x oie Ne iad ae 8, 3 crane @ Post-1950 record CE ero io ax xX a i ee ee © Pre-|950 record Supported omer ’ < & by specimens AXXM x 100 3 . er © Pre-|950 record xx Estos. fos xXx x x 4 x “it x0 OX ce 600 ae x x Exe z * x x x Me se rr *y a Ss hs 500 x x RX rar * * i xe" * XQ x ; x 00 ; 5 4 Ke Xxx" 7 x * 9 x XXXXX ope < XX xx 500 x* x : ) : ee 7 x re ® x* 200 Ro at 8 x" xXx xe x (e) (@) x xXx xX O & 4x KX XKAXAKAKX™* x ‘ Coe 100 oe XXX Res Ont x at Xx xx xx x xx x reall XXX 100 200 = 00 00 500 600 700 KmeE. Figure 1. Distribution of Formica sanguinea Latr. in Britain. (Based upon the Ordnance Survey map with the sanction of the Controller of H.M. Stationery Office. Crown copyright reserved.) 108 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1V/64 worker cocoons are carried back to the raiders’ nest and which hatch out there to become auxiliary workers or “slaves”. In Southern England and the Midlands Formica fusca L. is enslaved; in Scotland the more abundant Formica lemani Bond., a species not recognised by Donisthorpe, is taken. In Continental Europe, other species of the Formica fusca group, in- cluding F. cunicularia Latr. and F. rufibarbis Fab. are also enslaved. These species, however, are much less abundant in this country and no recent authentic record of their occurrence here as sanguinea slaves has been reported. Workers of the Formica rufa group of species have also been found in sanguinea nests in Continental Europe. Such occurrences have been described in Scotland (Donisthorpe, 1927; Weatherill, 1939) and these probably refer to the northern species, F. lugubris Zett. Surprisingly no such observations appear to have been recorded yet from the Midlands and Southern England where F. rufa L. often abounds in the same vicinity as F. sanguinea. Descriptions of “slave-raids’” were assembled by Donisthorpe (1927), but few observations have been published in recent years. On a hot day in July 1963, in the early afternoon at Lichett Plain, N. Hants., several raids were in progress. One in particular was observed for over an hour. At first, a few sanguinea workers were seen in and about the entrances of a fusca nest situated in sandy soil surrounding the roots of an upturned tree. After about fifteen minutes, a sudden evacuation of the fusca workers carrying cocoons occurred and these were seldom molested by the sanguinea workers, who then systematically began to carry worker cocoons from inside the nest back to their own nest situated about forty yards away. One supposed mode of sanguinea colony foundation is by the capture and rearing of fusca pupae by the sanguinea female after the marriage flight. A number of incipient colonies have been described in support of this theory (Donisthorpe, 1927). Such colonies containing uniformly small and active sanguinea workers with an unusually large proportion of fusca workers have been seen by the author, at Yateley Common, N. Hants, 1961, and at Lavington Common, W. Sussex, 1963. General Distribution Formica sanguinea Latr. occurs widely throughout Europe. In Brita:n it has a discontinuous distribution resembling that of Formica exsecta Nyl. (Yarrow, 1954). F. sanguinea is known in Britain from the Scottish High- lands, the Wyre Forest, the Forest of Dean and the sandy heaths of Southern England. It does not occur in Ireland. No structural difference has been detected between specimens from the different areas in Britain in which it occurs. This species, in all its castes, is readily distinguishable from the other members of its genus by the frontal emargination of the clypeus. The known British records have been assembled in Table I and Table 2. For species with a localised occurrence it is convenient to replace the vice-county system with a distribution plan based on the 10 kilometre squares of the Ordnance Survey which has previously been used for the British Flora (Perring and Walters, 1962). In Table 1, records for Southern England have been assembled, together with the geological formations on which they occur. Where the position of a record can be accurately assigned, the 1 kilometre square (within the 10 kilometre square) is given in parenthesis. In Table 2, records for the rest of Britain are listed but FORMICA SANGUINEA LATREILLE IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND 109 are not further discussed. The overall British distribution is illustrated in Figure l. The author (K.E.J.B.) would like to acknowledge the assistance of the following who have given details of their own recent unpublished records or helped in other ways:—Mr. S. C. S. Brown (S.C.S.B), Dr. V. H. Chambers, Mr. D. Chapman, Mr. C. A. Collingwood (C.A.C.), Mr. J. C. Felton (J.C.F.), Dr. G. Morison (G.M.), Mr. A. J. Pontin (A.J.P.), Mr. M. Speight (M.S.), and Dr. I. H. H. Yarrow (1.H.H.Y.). =, .~ fe) ) cy) (= S 6) wz D O = as ce co) 3} a) 1S 2) Vo) Se \ a) 6 a. e Figure 2. Distribution of Formica sanguinea Latr. in southern England. (Based upon the Ordnance Survey map with the sanction of the controller of H.M. Stationery Office. Crown copyright reserved.) 110 10 Km. Square SZ SZ SZ SU SU SU sU SU SU SU SU SU sU SU 09 19 29 00 10 20 21 30 66 72 73 75 76 82 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1V/64 Geology Bagshot Bagshot Bagshot Bagshot Bagshot Bagshot Bagshot Bagshot Bagshot Lower Greensand Upper Greensand Lower Greensand Bagshot Bagshot Lower Greensand TABLE 1 Distribution of Formica sanguinea Latr. in Southern England. Localities Parley Heath (Donisthorpe, 1927); Parley Common (99), Dorset, C.A.C., 1962. East Parley Common (09), C.A.C., 1962; West Heath (19), S.C.S.B., 1955 Hurn Heath (Brown 1958); Pussex Common (28), S.C.S.B., 1955; Avon Common (28), K.E.J.B., 1963; Week Common (29), S.C.S.B., 1955; Bransgore (98), S. Hants., ILH.H.Y., 1955. Broadley Inclosure (59), S. Hants., A.J.P., 1959. Ferndown (90), Dorset, S.C.S.B., 1955. St. Leonards (03), Barnsfield Heath (10), C.A.C., 1962; Matcham’s (21), Week Wood (30), S.C.S.B., 1955; Ashley (34), S. Hants., K.E.J.B., 1963. “New Forest’, 1858, 1908 (Donisthorpe, 1927); Burley (13), I.H.H.Y., 1955; Oakley Inclosure (25), S.C.S.B., 1962; Mark Ash (47), S.C.S.B., 1954; Bolder Wood (49%), S.C.S.B., 1953, A.J.P., 1959; Rhinefield (53), Vinney Ridge Inclosure (65), A.J.P., 1939; Holidays Hill (67), K.E.J.B., 1957; Emery Down (88), M.S., 1962; Lyndhurst, S. Hants., 1908 (Donisthorpe, Brit. Mus. Nat. Hist. Collection). Milkam Inclosure (00), S. Hants., K.E.J.B., 1963; Redlynch (28), C.A.C. 1961; Hampt- worth Heath (47), S. Wilts. (Collingwood 1962); Manor Wood (70), S. Hants. (Brang- ham, 1937). Brockenhurst, I.H.H.Y., 1955; Beaulieu Road (46), S. Hants., (Brangham, 1937). Tadley Common (02), A.J.P., 1950; Pamber Heath (11), Padworth (14), ILH.H.Y., 1955; Mortimer (Donisthorpe, 1927), (34, 45), A.J.P., 1959; Burghfield, 1906 (Donisthorpe, 1927); Burghfield Common (56), Berks. K.E.J.B., 1951, 1953, I.H-H.Y., 1955. West Heath Common (82), W. Sussex, K.E.J.B., 1963. Selbourne (43), N. Hants., ca. 1880 (Donis- thorpe, 1927). Blackmoor (83), N. Hants., K.E.J.B., 1963. Eversley Common (89), N. Hants., K.E.J.B., 1963. Eversley (80), N. Hants., K.E.J.B., 1963. Iping Common (51), W. Sussex, K.E.J.B., 1963. SU SU su SU SU sU SU SU SU TQ TQ TQ TQ TQ TQ 83 84 85 86 91 93 94 95 96 04 05 06 14 16 20 FORMICA SANGUINEA LATREILLE IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND 111 Lower Greensand _ Bagshot Lower Greensand Bagshot Bagshot Lower Greensand Lower Greensand Lower Greensand Bagshot Bagshot Lower Greensand Bagshot Bagshot Lower Greensand Bagshot Oldhaven Hindhead (85), (Donisthorpe, 1927); Kettle- bury Hill (89), Surrey, K.E.J.B., 1963. Farnham (29), Surrey, C.A.C., 1962. Frensham Common (51), Tilford Common (72), Surrey, K.E.J.B., 1963. Fleet (03), (Donisthorpe, 1927); Lichett Plain (06), Minley Wood (16), K.E.J.B., 1963; Yateley Common (29), K.E.J.B., 1961; Cove (55), 1843, Hawley (58), 1858, Blackwater (59), 1871 (Donisthorpe, 1927), N. Hants.; Mytchett (85) (Annotation in Brit. Mus. Nat. Hist. Copy of Donisthorpe, 1927); Frimley (98), Surrey, K.E.J.B., 1962. “Windsor Forest” (Donisthorpe, 1933); Fin- champstead Ridges (03), I.H.H.Y., 1955; Wellington College (33), 1895, 1916, (Donis- thorpe, 1927); Crowthorne (43), 1895, (Donisthorpe, 1927), (Steel 1946); Ninemile Ride (56), Easthampstead Wood (56), Caesar’s Camp (66), Penny Hill (95), Berks., K.E.J.B., 1962. Ambersham Common (19), Lavington Com- mon (48), W. Sussex, K.E.J.B., 1963. Thursley (09), Surrey, K.E.J.B., 1963. Rodborough Hill (21), Surrey, K.E.J.B., 1963. Frith Hill (08), Surrey, K.E.J.B., 1962. White Hill (10), K.E.J.B., 1962; Chobham, 1880, (Donisthorpe, 1927); Chobham Com- mon (54, 65, 66), Longcross Halt (86), Surrey (Barrett, 1963). Blackheath (Donisthorpe, 1927), (35), K.E.J.B., 1962; Farley Heath (54), K.E.J.B., 1962; Ewhurst (81), (Donisthorpe, 1927); Peaslake (84), Surrey, 1938 (K. M. Guichara, Brit. Mus. Nat. Hist. Collection). Woking, 1896, 1923, (Donisthorpe, 1927; Leicester City Museum Collection, Colling- wood, 1957); Wisley Common (79), K.E.J.B.. 1963; Ockham Common (88), Surrey, K.E.J.B., 1962. Horsell Common (00), K.E.J.B., 1962; Byfleet (60), (Donisthorpe, 1927); Weybridge Heath (73), Surrey, 1855, 1915, (Donisthorpe, 1927; Leicester City Museum Collection, Collingwood, 1957), C.A.C., 1953. Holmbury Hill (03), J.C.F., 1953; Leith Hill (33), Surrey, (Donisthorpe, 1927). Oxshott Heath (31), Esher Common (32), Surrey, A.J.P., 1963. Hove (85), E. Sussex, 1905, Donisthorpe, 1927). 112 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/IV/64 TQ 28 Bagshot Hampstead Heath (56), Middlesex, ca. 1880, now extinct (Donisthorpe, 1946). TQ 36 Oldhaven Croydon (34), 1865 (Donisthorpe, 1927); Shirley (55), Surrey, 1877, 1882 (Donis- thorpe, 1927; undated specimens in Brit. Mus. Nat. Hist. Collection). TQ 43 Hastings Ashurstwood (26), E. Sussex, 1913 (Leicester City Museum Collection, Collingwood 1957). TQ 45 Lower Greensand Westerham (43), Brasted (74), W. Kent, (Donisthorpe, 1927). TQ 78 Bagshot Thundersley (97), S. Essex, (Donisthorpe, 1927). TQ 81 Hastings Guestling Wood (53), E. Sussex, (Donis- thorpe, 1927). SP 92 Lower Greensand Heath and Reach (Donisthorpe, 1927); Baker’s Wood (18), Bedfordshire, 1945, (Chambers, 1949), K.E.J.B., 1963. TABLE 2 Distribution of Formica sanguinea Latr. in the rest of Britain 10 Km. Localities Square ST 76 Monkton Combe,* N. Somerset (Annotation in Brit. Mus. Nat. Hist. Copy of Donisthorpe, 1927). SO 50 Trelleck, Monmouth (Hallett, 1931; Specimens in Nat. Mus. Wales, Cardiff, Hallett, 1939). SO 51 Speechhouse—Coleford Road, Forest of Dean, W. Gloucester, (Collingwood, 1950). SO 69 Much Wenlock*, Shropshire (Donisthorpe, 1927). SO 77 Bewdley, Worcestershire, 1909, (Donisthorpe, 1927); Wyre Forest, Worcestershire-Shropshire (Donisthorpe, 1927, Collinz- wood, 1955). SD 47 Grange-over-Sands,* Westmorland (Donisthorpe, 1927). Not seen in recent survey (Collingwood and Satchell, 1956). NN 65 #£=Rannoch, Mid-Perth, 1913 (Donisthorpe, 1927). Specimens in Leicester City Museum (Collingwood, 1957). NO 59 Kincardine O’Neil (Collingwood, 1961); Marywell, S. Aberdeen, (G.M., 1963). NO 69 Bridge of Canny, Kincardine (C.A.C., 1963). NH 12 Glen Affric, Westerness (Weatherhill, 1939). NH 53 Loch Ness, Easterness (Collingwood, 1961). NH 80 Loch an Ejilein, Easterness (C.A.C., 1961). NH 90 3 Loch Morlich, Easterness (C.A.C., 1961). NH 91 “Aviemore and Nethy Bridge’, 1907 (Donisthorpe, 1927); Coylumbridge, Loch Garten, Abernethy Forest, Easterness (C.A.C., 1961). NH 92 Carrbridge, Easterness (Collingwood, 1961). *These records are unsupported by specimens and must be regarded as doubtful until confirmed. Distribution in Southern England In Southern England this ant occurs exclusively, but abundantly, on FORMICA SANGUINEA LATREILLE IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND 113 heaths and woodland borders based on sands and gravels. It is now largely confined to the sandy deposits of East Berkshire, Surrey, North Hants., West Sussex and the New Forest. Although still abundant in many areas, many sites have now been, and are being, extinguished by the extensive building operations of the last decade. The detailed distribution is illus- trated in Figure 2. The species has been recorded from the following geological formations. 1. Oldhaven, Blackheath, Woolwich, Reading and Thanet Beds. (Eocene). Although apparently abundant on the heaths of Croydon and Shirley in Surrey in the nineteenth century, the area is now largely built over and is probably extinct there. (It could not be found this past season in the Addington Hills area nor on Headley Heath in Surrey on this formation.) Similarly, an early record from Hove, E. Sussex, is unlikely to be substantiated now. These gravel beds (Figure 2) extend widely from Dorset to Sussex and to the north and south of the Thames Valley, but no recent records are known from these areas. 2. Lower Greensand. (Cretaceous). This ant occurs widely on the western lower greensand areas of Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex, particularly on heather-covered hillsides facing south (Figure 2). The very old record for Selbourne, North Hants., which is situated on the upper greensand-chalk border, if authentic, is unlikely to refer to a nest-site, but could possibly refer to the presence of an air-borne winged sexual from sites on the near-by lower greensand a few miles to the east on which it is now known to occur (Blackmoor). It is not known to occur with certainty to the east of the Leith Hill area of Surrey, nor to the east of the Petworth area of West Sussex. The records for Westerham and Brasted, West Kent, quoted by Donisthorpe (1927) are unsupported by specimens and could not be confirmed this year in that area. Although it would not be surprising for the species to be found on the sands from Reigate to Folkestone or from Petworth to Eastbourne, suitable heathlands are not as abundant as in the eastern areas and have not so far been found. A further belt of lower greensand spreads from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, northwards to Hunstanton, Norfolk. Its presence in, the Leighton Buzzard area was confirmed in 1945 by Dr. V. H. Chambers (1949). A few colonies were still present this year at the site described in a very small area of heather on an otherwise bracken-covered hill- side. It is not now known elsewhere in this area or further north. 3. Barton, Bracklesham and Bagshot Beds. (Eocene). The species occurs widely on heaths and woodland borders on this formation (Figure 2). It abounds around Bagshot and around Mortimer, although extensive building in these areas has reduced the number of sites on which it now occurs. It has not been recorded from the smaller areas of sand to the west, near Newbury. Smaller outcrops of sand occur in the London Clay towards the east. The species apparently formerly occurred at Hampstead Heath (Donisthorpe, 1946) and has been recorded from Thundersley in Essex (Donisthorpe, 1927), but no supporting specimens are known. The latter site is now largely built over and A. J. Pontin (private communication, 1963) has not found it in the South Benfleet-Thundersley-Hockley area. The species has been found throughout the New Forest and is particu- 114 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1V /64 larly abundant in the Parley Heath area on the South Hants-Dorset border. S. C. S. Brown (private communication, 1963) has pointed out that Dale and Curtis, who collected extensively in the Parley Heath area in the early nineteenth century, did not record it and believes that the westward extension from the New Forest has occurred over the last one hundred years. This view is supported by the absence of records from sandy heaths further west into Dorset towards Dorchester, where much collecting has gone on. The species has not been found on the Bagshot sands to the east of the New Forest, nor does it occur on the Isle of Wight. 4. Hastings Beds. (Cretaceous). This ant was recorded by Donisthorpe (1927) from Guestling Wood, E. Sussex, on this formation. It could not be confirmed when this site was visited during 1963. The habitat, mixed woodland (mainly oak) on a heavy soil, would seem unlikely. Formica rufa L., however, occurred abundantly there. Specimens of sanguinea from Ashurstwood, E. Sussex, are included in a collection of British Ants (1908-1914) pre- sented by Donisthorpe to the Leicester City Museum (Collingwood, 1957) and this locality, which was omitted from Donisthorpe’s distribu- tion list (1927) may have been confused with Guestling Wood. The heather-covered areas of the Ashdown Fo¢est are much more likely but recent confirmation of its presence here has not so far been obtained. REFERENCES Barrett, K. E. J., 1963. Ants from the Chobham Common Area of Surrey. £nt. Rec., 75: 29-30. Brangham, A. N., 1937. Formicidae of the New Forest. /. Soc. Brit. Ent., 1: 175-176. Brown, S. C. S., 1958. Five species of Ants inhabiting the same nest. Ent. mon. Mag., 95: 5. Chambers, V. H., 1949. The Hymenoptera Aculeata of Bedfordshire. Trans. Soc. Brit. Ent., 9: 197-252. Collingwood, C. A., 1950. Formica sanguinea in the Forest of Dean. Ent. Rec., 62: 91. , 1955. Ants in the South Midlands. Ent. Gaz., G: 143-149. , 1957. A Collection of Ants in the Leicester City Museum. Ent. Rec., G9: 1-8. —., 1961. Ants in the Scottish Highlands. Scot. Nat., 7Q: 12-21. , 1962. New Records for British Ants, 1961-1962. Ent. Rec., 7H: 234-236. Collingwood, C. A. and Satchell, J. E., 1956. The Ants of the South Lake District. J. Soc. Brit. Ent., 5 : 159-164. Donisthorpe, H. St. J. K., 1927. British Ants, 2nd Edn., London. , 1933. Additional Records of Ants and Myrmecophiles in Britain. Ent. Rec., 45: 132-136. , 1946. Slavery in Ants. Discovery, 154-155. Hallett, H. M., 1931. Myrmecophilous Notes from Monmouthshire. Ent. Rec., 43: 125-126. , 1939. Guide to the Collection of British Aculeate Hymenoptera, Cardiff. Perring, F. H. and Walters, S. M. (Ed.), 1962. Atlas of the British Flora, London. Weatherill, L. H., 1939. Ants in the North of Scotland. Ent. Rec., 51: 5-6. Yarrow, I. H. H., 1954. Formica exrsecta Nylander in the British Isles. Ent. mon. Mag., 90: 183-185. 129 Smith’s Lane, Windsor, Berks. 20th October 1963. THE DUSKY SALLOW IN WILTSHIRE 115 Eremobia ochroleuca (Schiff.), the Dusky Sallow, in Wiltshire—a Further Report By Captain R. A. Jackson, C.B.E. As a result of reports in the late summer of 1962, it appeared possible that this insect was on the increase in the county. To gain information on this subject, I appealed to collectors who had come across it in Wiltshire to let me know of their experiences (Ent. Rec., 75: 122-3), and I received a good many replies. May I take this opportunity for thanking your readers although I hope they all received an acknow- ledgment at the time. Of these reports, only one referred to 1962, when 18 ochroleuca were recorded as coming to mercury vapour light near Salisbury on 18th August. This taken in conjunction with Commander Harper’s report of “many” on 30th August on the Devizes road, west of Tilshead, confirms that the insect was far commoner in 1962 than hitherto. The other replies, of equal value, dealt with cases of either one or two specimens observed prior to that year, which support the conclusions reached abcve. In 1963 the weather on the Plain was most unpropitious, and I saw no ochroleuca on knapweed at all. O. musculosa was late in appearing, and I found it freshly emerged about two miles west of Tilshead on 14th August. Mr. Weddell was with me that night and one very fresh ochroleucau came to his lamp. He told me that he had taken one a few days earlier to the east of Tilshead, and that two other collectors had taken three a day or two later. As last year, I should be very grateful for any further records. How- ever, in view of the ccld clear nights we had, and the chilly winds, these captures seem to indicate that this insect is definitely on the increase in the county. Middle Farm, Codford St. Mary, Warminster, Wilts. Idaea lineata Scop. (the Black Veined Moth) By CLIFFORD CRAUFURD My friend Mr. Curtis of ‘Loxwood’, Sussex, when writing to me on 9th February informed me that some members of the South London Ent. & N.H.S. were not convinced that the above insect occurred in West Sussex. They contended that there were no records from Sussex. This is probably my fault as I did not put upon record my finding of the insect. On 9th June, 1935, I was staying in Plaistow and on the Sunday evening went for a walk over a farm with a friend. Passing through some fields near the old Coach Road, I saw a white moth flying ahead and caught it by putting my cap over it, having no net. I recognised it at once from the plate in South. I also saw several more. Next evening I again visited the same fields and found the moth was flying in good numbers. On 10th June, 1938, I visited the locality in the evening and there were large numbers flying. I should say that I saw at least a hundred. Mr. Curtis generally accompanied me when I was visiting the farm in question in the years 1935 to 1938 and can testify that we regarded lineata as a common, though local moth as far as we were concerned. 116 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/IV/64 The specimens in my cabinet—fifteen in all—are dated 9th and 10th June, 1935, and 10th June, 1938. I did not visit Plaistow in 1939, 1940 or 1941. The fields where the insects flew were at those times yellow with Genista tinctoria in bloom. I do not remember seeing the insect flying where the Genista did not cccur. Allan’s Larval Food Plants gives Genista, with a note of interrogation as the Foodplant. I had probably told him of my experience with lineata. I advised the late Dr. Cockayne in 1935 regarding lineata in Sussex and told him I considered Genista to be the Foodplant. He told me to prove it by taking a torch at night and lying down beside the Foodplant to observe the larvae feeding. Mr. Curtis advises me that the insect is not to be found in its old haunts. The fields were burnt and “‘scruffed up” in 1942 and I believe the Genista has gone. I. lineata (dealbata) has been recorded by Barrett and various other authors as taken in Herts. (1), Gloucester (1), Somerset, Dorset, Sussex (1) and of course at its headquarters in Kent where it was getting rarer in 1901. I should be pleased if readers who have taken lineata in Kent would advise me whether Genista tinctoria grew where the moth was found.— 17.i1i.1964. Notes and Observations PLATYTES ALPINELLUS HUBN. aT BLACKHEATH.—On the night of 2nd-3rd August last I boxed an unfamiliar Crambid from a wall of my m.v. ‘trap’ (a small upper room) just before turning off the light about dawn. I believe the moth was a genuinely late arrival, rather than that it had entered early in the night and secreted itself for some time—this not being the usual habit of Crambids attracted to the light. Next day I found to my great astonishment that it was without doubt Platytes alpinellus Hutbn., a very local species of coastal sandhills, recorded no nearer here than parts of the East Kent coast and the Isle of Wight, etc., and never at any distance inland. On informing Mr. S. Wakely some time later, I learnt that single specimens had turned up at light at several places in the south- east that year (of which probably we shall be hearing more in due course). Thus, a small immigration from the Continent appears to have taken place —a phenomenon not, I think, previously recorded for the species in question— and suffices to explain the occurrence of a specimen at Black- heath, which it is probably safe to claim as the first for the London area. It will be interesting to see whether similar inland captures of alpinellus are made this year, which would suggest that some of the moths had succeeded in breeding outside their usual haunts, but this seems quite unlikely.—A. A. ALLEN, 63 Blackheath Park, S.E.3. 2.i11.1964. EUCHELIA JACOBAEAE L. In AuGUST.—On the occasion just mentioned, two examples of the cinnabar moth surprised me by coming to the light. I have seen no record of this familiar insect for the month of August, or even late July; although there probably have been cases of second-brood specimens, the works I have by me make no mention of them. Moreover, last year was hardly one likely to produce abnormal second broods of normally univoltine species—in this part of the country at any rate. I wonder whether others, who run light-traps more regularly, had August NCTES AND OBSERVATIONS 117 specimens of jacobaeae. It seems scarcely possible that the two Black- heath moths were retarded individuals of the ordinary May and June brood (which, as it happens, I did not notice last season). In any case the species is quite irregular in this district, though I see one or two flying— always a welcome sight—in or about the garden in most years; possibly they are vagrants from further afield where it is more frequent, as I never see the larvae here though the Oxford ragwort is common enough.—A. A. ALLEN, 63 Blackheath Park, S.E.3. 2.ii1.1964. A Note on Two SPECIES OF HyponoMeuTA LaTR. AT BLACKHEATH — Hyponomeuta evonymellus L. was not uncommon at my m.v. lamp for a short time in early August, 1963; one undersized specimen had occurred about the same time in 1959. Four appeared on 22nd July, and on 2nd August several more, some very fine. It increased somewhat during the next few nights, but seemed to have disappeared after the 6th or 7th. I understand that this species is quite common towards the west and in Wales (and perhaps in the north) but that near London it occurs by odd specimens only—corresponding, presumably, to the rarity there if its recognized foodplant, Prunus padus (the bird cherry). The occurrence of the insect here in considerable numbers, however, suggests that it may have lately adapted itself to the common cherry trees of our gardens (P. avium, P. serratula). Possibly the question will be settled by the finding of larval colonies of evonymellus thereon in future years. I have seen no reference in the literature to the striking variability in greund-colour of the forewings which the ubiquitous H. padellus L. (sensu lato) exhibits here; perhaps this too is recent, and an instance ot industrial melanism. I have a long series showing a steady gradation from the typical clear whitish-grey to a smoky brown. Intermediate stages, which are common, have the wing-tips and a patch about middle of costa faintly to very distinctly darkened, the two patches enlarging and coalesc- ing until they cover the wing; one does not, apparently, find forms that are the result of a progressive darkening of the wing as a whole. Specimens thus in varying degrees darkened were already common in 1959, the first year that I ran the lamp; but I have not seen one such specimen among those met with at large or the few I have bred, either here or elsewhere. I believe that Mr. Wakely finds similar variation in padellus at Camber- well, S.E. Which of the biological races composing the species is or are involved in this variation I am unable to say, but it is likely that most of the specimens belong to malinellus Zell. There appears to be no com- parable tendency, so far at any rate, in the local populations of H. evonymellus and cognatellus Htibn. Nomenclature has not been at its happiest with this genus, the two species which are the subject of this note being most misleadingly named. I may add that the generic name, whether spelt with or (barbarously) without its initial aspirate, is unquestionably masculine; and therefore we ought to write padellus, etc., as of old, and not padella ete. as is often now done. (Another case is Nematois, a specifically masculine* formation (Greek, = ‘threadlike’; the feminine would be Nematoessa), so the rules require N. fasciellus, etc., not -a. Further, it should be written with a medial a (cf. nematode, Nematocera)—unless priority insists on the mis- spelling with 0, now common).—A. A. ALLEN, 63 Blackheath Park, S.E.3. 2.i11.64. *Like Myelois, Cololois, etc. 118 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1V/64 PHYTOMYZA SCOLOPENDRII Ros. DESvV. [DIPT., AGROMYZIDAE]—EARLY MINE IN DorSET.—The months when mines occupied by the larvae of Phytomyza scolopendrii in the Hart’s Tongue fern, Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newm. in Europe have been stated by Hendel and Hering in their standard works as May, June and September, October. Mr. G. C. D. Griffiths found the larvae in mines on this fern and on Polypodium vulgare L. at Thursley, Surrey, on 21st August 1955. At a recent meeting of the Entomology Section of the London Natural History Society, Mr. J. F. Shillito mentioned finding the mine in Dorset in February. He kindly sent me a pressed specimen taken on 10th February this year at Nether Compton, near Sher- borne. The mine contained a larva. This may be the earliest date on which the larva has been found and suggests that in suitable habitats the insect may have more than the two broods previously known. The mine is linear and generally found wandering near to the mid- rib on the upper side. The last portion of the mine usually runs parallel and close to the mid-rib itself. The frass is laid at the edge of the mine in a continuous line and not in dots. The fly pupates in the earth. The fly has been found in Lancashire and Cornwall and no doubt occurs in many counties. It is known to mine also in ferns of the genera Asplenium, Ceterach and Polypodium. Some of these are attacked by other diptera and lepidoptera leaf-miners, but only P. scolopendrii has been found in Phyllitis scolopendrium. Could readers please look at this fern in gardens and report, and so extend our knowledge of at least one small fly?.— L. PARMENTER, 94 Fairlands Avenue, Thornton Heath, Surrey. PRODENIA LITURA F'aBR.—Referring to Mr. Chalmers-Hunt’s note on this species (antea, 59), I would point out that the larva of this species is almost the most catholic feeder I know and could, if it established itself in English glass-houses, become a most serious pest. The following is my list of food-plants, from which it will be seen that there is little it might not eat:—Lantana, Antirrhinum, Zinnia, spinach, lettuce, castor, Caladium, cotton, bersin, lucerne, maize, ground-nut, beet, sweet potato, Colocasia, potato, leaf beet, mallow, jews mallow, French bean, Hibiscus esculentus, sesame, red pepper, tomato, vine, orange, plum, mulberry, chrysanthemum, wheat, rice, soya bean, fenugreek, egg plant, water melon, cucurbit, cabbage, onion, mandarin, guava, fig, poplar, banana, rose, mint, viola, agathi, tobacco, jute, indigo, elephant yam, peas, grass, Eugenia malacensis, Carissa carandas, Moringa pterygosperma, Ficus religiosa, celery, cauliflower, shaddock, apple, pear, radish, Clitorea ternata, Cestrum nocturnum, Thuya orientalis, Anona squamosa, papaya, mango, Glycosmis pentaphylla, teak, dahlia, Argemone mexicana, saint- paulia. P. litura is the cotton leaf worm of Egypt, although it does little apparent damage to cotton in Uganda, where it is common.—D. G. SEVASTOPULO, F.R.E.S., Mombassa. 22.iii.1964. ERIOGASTER LANESTRIS L., SECOND YEAR.—These notes are a sequel to my previous article, Ent. Rec., 75: 171). Some time in April 1863, I put the cage containing about 70 cocoons on a lower shelf in my garden shed, screened from the sun, to avoid the possibility of the pupae being dried up in the heat of the summer, a precaution scarcely necessary last year. Here they stayed until 1st February, when, in spring-like weather, I inspected the cocoons and found that there were 65 good ones. Besides NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 119 these, there were also four or five that consisted only of the inner white lining, and one normal cocoon with a crack down one side. All these, when opened, were found to contain the dried remains of a larva. I brought the cage indoors and put it in a sunny window. The first moth emerged on 3rd February. Several very sunny days followed, and although there were sharp night frosts, by 7th February eight more moths had emerged. There followed a long period of dull weather, lasting until 24th February, and broken only by a sunny day on the 13th, when five moths duly emerged. Another came out on the 24th, after which there ensued another long sunless spell until 7th March. On the 9th, the third sunny day running, a very small male came out. Altogether sixteen moths emerged, of which three did not develop their wings perfectly. There were also four cocoons from which the caps had been cut out, but the moths had been unable to extricate themselves. There remain 41 cocoons, the contents of which are anyone’s guess.—H. Symes, 52 Lowther Road, Bournemouth, Hants. 21.111.1964. AN OCCURENCE OF PonTiIA DapLipIcr L. IN WILTSHIRE IN 1945.—I regret that I omitted a reference to this occurrence in my paper on the Macro- lepidoptera of Wiltshire (Ent. Rec., 75: 199) and the present note may be considered as a postscript to that paper. The late Major Stuart Maples, of East Grimstead, Wilts., told me that in 1945 he had taken a specimen of the Bath white in a clover field near his home and was going to look there again. Major Maples was no longer a systematic collector (in fact he had sold his collection), but on his death on 11th September 1949, there passed into my possession some of his| later casually taken insects (approximately 1944 onwards). Besides a few set specimens of various species in a store box, there was a pocket collecting tin into which were pinned, just as they had been taken, two specimens of the Bath White (¢ and 2) and also some Clouded Yellows and other in- sects. I relaxed and set all these but naturally have kept them separated from my own collection, with the result that they were overlooked until recent events brought them to mind. Those who remember Major Maples as a successful and discriminating collector of Coenonympha tullia Mull, Apatura iris L., Lysandra coridon Poda and other species, of all of which he had the most beautifully set Specimens, will be sorry to hear of the death also of his widow, Judith Maples, at East Grimstead on 28th November last.—lI. R. P. Hestop, “Bel- field”, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset. 22.iii.1964. NYMPHALIS ANTIOPA L. IN SURREY.—In Ent. mon. Mag. for June/July 1963 (vol. 99) Mr. P. A. Hitch of Juniper Hall Field Centre, Dorking, Surrey, records a specimen of Nymphalis antiopa L. (Camberwell Beauty) which flew in and out of the door of his house on 3rd October 1963. A specimen of this butterfly, possibly the same one, had been seen in the garden two days previously and, says Mr. Hitch, “it may well have been looking for a suitable place for hibernation”’. This note is printed on the wrapper of the magazine, and as wrappers are not always included when the monthly parts are bound up into a volume, those of our readers who collect records of the Camberwell Beauty in England may like to have this reference. 120 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/1V/64 Current Literature Ecological Genetics. By E. B. Ford. 1964. Methuen & Co. Ltd., Lon- don. 83”x53”. Pp. xv and 335, 16 plates, 11 text figures, 7 maps and 17 tables. Price 42/-. Although this book is primarily intended for research workers and students nevertheless there is much in it to attract the intelligent amateur entomologist. In the first place the author is well known as a writer on entomology and he frequently refers to other distinguished entomologists. Secondly, a glance at the contents list shows that many chapters deal with such familiar insects as Melitaea aurinia, Maniola jurtina, Panaxia dominula, Cleora repandata and Triphaena comes. A word of warning must follow. There is assumed a knowledge of ordinary genetics and ecology and of the technical terms. In the first chapter we are told what is meant by ecological genetics. Briefly it is a combination of laboratory work and field studies. The chapter goes on to describe the material chosen and the methods used. Chapter two deals with fluctuations in numbers due to climate, food, predators and vegetation. The author is concerned to show that marked numerical increase can greatly accelerate the speed of evolution. It may come as a surprise to some to learn that though the number of spots on the wing of a butterfly is perhaps of itself of no biological significance yet the polygenes which control the spots may be of importance for survival. This is fully explained in chapter four, where the spot frequencies of M. jurtina in the Isles of Scilly and elsewhere are carefully considered and are found to illuminate various aspects of ecological genetics. In chapter five there is an exciting account of the discovery of an instance of the apparently rare phenomenon of sympatric evolution in animals. The precise location of the boundary line between the two forms of M. jurtina was found. It is truly said that no natural population of animals has been so fully quantified as P. dominula at Cothill in Berkshire and a chapter is devoted to a study of this colony. Many species of Lepidoptera are reviewed in chapter eight. The remarks about T. comes and the reference to the specimens collected by the late Dr. E. A. Cockayne will interest entomologists. The subject of mimicry has often been treated but it is refreshing to read a modern account. A whole chapter is given over to describing the evolution of mimicry in Papilio dardanus and it is shown that recent experiments have made clear the mechanism involved. Kettlewell’s long-continued work on Industrial Melanism is fully analysed and receives well deserved praise. In the concluding chapter the following points are stressed:—(1) the universality of the principles illustrated; (2) the unsuspected rapidity of the operation of genetic forces in evolution; (3) the comparative un- importance of mutation and of random drift; (4) the probable increase in the part played by genetics in medicine. The book seems to be almost free from printers’ errors. One only was noticed: on p. 19 Achillea becomes Achilles. The section describing the plates is most useful. Even if the ordinary amateur entomologists does not quite understand it all he will be the better for reading this excellent book.—T. R. EAGLEs. : he publication o* Notes and Views = of the Purple Emperor | by _LR.P. Heslop, G. E. Hyde, R. E. Stockley 5 Size of book: 10” x74” ted | aaa: 207 pages plus 22 plates with 44 illustra- al tions, of which eleven are in colour. _ A complete up-to-date work on the PURPLE EMPEROR butterfly, there is no repetition of the basic facts contained in the standard works. In addition to the Purple Emperor, 42 other species of British Butterflies and eight Moths are mentioned in the text at varying length. The plates are confined to the Purple Emperor in all its stages, including some extreme aberations all a3 previously unfigured. | i The book is now in course of preparation and will be published in October. _ This book should interest both the entomologist and _ field naturalist. The work has been produced entirely _ by subscription. The authors are now mailing all subscribers and it is unnecessary for them to write for 5 further information. “y ‘THE SUBSCRIPTION LIST IS OPEN UNTIL JULY i Price to Subscribers, £110/—; Published price, £2 10/— Postage 3/6 extra R. E. STOCKLEY. Blackwater, nr. Camberley, Surrey THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION (Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890) The following gentlemen act as Honorary Consultants to the magazine: Lepidoptera: Dr. H. B. WiILiiaMs, Q.C., LL.D., F.R.E.S.; Orthoptera: D. K. McE. Kevan, Ph.D., B.Sc, F.R.E.S.; Coleoptera: A. A. ALLen, B.Sc.; Diptera: L. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S.; E. C. M. d’Assis-Fonseca, F.R.E.S. CONTENTS HOLIDAY AT GREATSTONE, KENT—JULY 1963. J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT and S. WAKELEY ae bs ws a ee ie 4 AOL LOOKING BACK OVER 1963. T. W. HARMAN ... fae ay Lv: fis Bese 3) SCIENTIFIC NAMES. HANS REISSER ... uk tg om, a me ie hyde OF MORE ABOUT LATIN. L. G. F. WADDINGTON ... as eve Ge erie Net OO WAS LINNAEUS A BIGHEAD? S. N. A. JACOBS ... Be es Ge ah Seated OO) A CONTINENTAL HOLIDAY, 1963. Dr. NEVILLE L. BIRKETT ... vias an beet) hte) FORMICA SANGUINEA LATREILLE (HYM. FORMICIDAE) IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND, K. E. J. BARRETT ... Se Le an Ue we “Ae bre eties Lies EREMOBIA OCHROLEUCA (SCHIFF.), THE DUSKY SALLOW, IN WILTSHIRE—A FURTHER REPORT. Captain R. A. JACKSON, €.B.E.... 115 IDAEA LINEATA SCOP. (THE BLACK VEINED MOTH). CLIFFORD CRAUFURD 115 NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS ... nae Se Aa a ae a a nae alts CURRENT LITERATURE Be Bs ne te oe ny a Go rs. eke. SUPPLEMENT—THE BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS IN KENT: A CRITICAL ACCOUNT. PART II. J. M. CHALMERS-HUNT ... ee oe ... (163) TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS All material for the TEXT of the magazine must be sent to the EDITOR at 54 Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent. ADVERTISEMENTS, EXCHANGES and WANTS to F. W. BYERS, 59 _ Gurney Court Road, St. Albans, Herts. Specimen copies supplied by F. W. Byers on payment of 2s. 6d. or Sterling equivalent, which will be refunded or taken into account if poison in question becomes a subscriber. BACK NUMBERS, VOLUMES, and SETS OF VOLUMES to the TREASURER, Denny, Galloway Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts. CHANGES OF ADDRESS to the TREASURER. REPRINTS: 12 copies, taken straight from the magazine are sent gratis to contributors of articles; these may contain extraneous matter. More formal reprints from re-set type may still be had at cost price, and orders for these should be given, at the latest, with the return to the Editor of corrected proof. ILLUSTRATIONS are inserted on condition that the AUTHOR DEFRAYS THE COST. Contributors are requested not to send us Notes or Articles which they are sending to other magazines. All reasonable care is taken of MSS, photographs, drawings, maps, etc., but the Editor and his staff cannot hold themselves responsible for any loss or damage. Printed by T. BuncLe anp Co. Lrp., Arbroath. » %, ‘ a ne? Guw Pa” ae MAY 1964 4, @ = > c ey B= Pay *% See ee . ~~ -ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION Edited by S. N. A. JACOBS, F.R.E.s. with the assistance of . A. ALLEN, B.SC., A.R.C.S. C. A. COLLINGWOOD, B.SC., F.R.E.S. Le BIRKETT, M.A. MB. H. C. HuGGINS, F.R.E.S. oh A = . L. PARMENTER, F.R.E.S. . CHALMERS-HUNT, F.R.E.S. H. SYMEs, M.A. lajor A. E. COLLIER, M.C., F.R.E.S. S. WAKELY Commander G. W. Harper, R.N.(Retd.), F.R.E.S. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 35S. POST FREE. Hon. Treasurer, CLIFFORD CRAUFURD, Peal Galloway Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts. EVEDOVETEDELELEDELELLDED PRICE 7/6 NET. ~“ I scicinnsigncoetwactessewigenies a CENTIPEDES OF THE BRITISH ISLES By E. H. EASON This is the first British work to provide a comprehensive guide | to the study of Centipedes in this country. All the species to be | found in the British Isles, including those doubtfully recorded, 4 . are fully described and illustrated. A great deal of the information | given by the author is the result of his own observations and {- research and will stimulate the reader’s interest in _ this much | neglected group. ie. As oll as details of structure and life-history, the book contains an account of the natural history of the group as a whole, with an explanation of the principles governing distribution } and classification. There is also a comprehensive glossary a technical terms and a full Sn OEE Safe iy, By 569 tine drawings & pages of half-tones 4 colour frontispiece £3 3s. Od. net From All Booksellers FREDERICK WARNE & CO. LTD. 1-4 Bedford Court, Strand, London, W.C.2. PLATE II VOL. 76 & me dite 4 B rn mmnauionnaasipars p> Aa DS Fig. 1 (upper). Erebia ligea (Linnaeus): Gillespie specimen. Fig. 2 (lower). Tray from Gillespie collection as received containing this specimen (in row at left). 121 Comments on the supposed occurrence in Scotland of Erebia ligea (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera, Satyridae) By E. C. PELHAM-CLINTON, The Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh In January 1963, an old and almost entirely unlabelled collection of Lepidoptera was brought into the Royal Scottish Museum by Mr. A. C. Gillespie of Colinton, Edinburgh. In the section devoted to British butter- flies was a female Erebia ligea. Although investigations inspired by this discovery made it seem un- likely that this was a genuine Scottish specimen, some of the possibilities revealed by a study of the literature concerning the species are worth putting on record. ALLEGED DISCOVERY BY SIR PATRICK WALKER The history of the discovery in Scotland of Erebia ligea (Linnaeus) and of E. aethiops (Esper) has been confused ever since the original announcements by Sowerby (1804-5). In December 1804 Sowerby de- scribed and figured Erebia ligea as “Papilio Blandina”’ (the species we know as aethiops); it was stated to have been caught in the Isle of Arran and to be in the cabinet of Alexander McLeay, secretary of the Linnean Society. In January 1805, Erebia aethiops was described and figured as “Papilio Ligea”: a note on the species reads “This is another new British Insect, procured by A. MacLeay, Esq. Sec. L.S., from the same place as the one figured in tab. 3. [an error for tab. 2.] of this Work”. Donovan (1807) corrected the error of indentification and stated (p. 87) that “Papilio Ligea was discovered by Major Walker [i.e. Sir Patrick] in the isle of Arran at the same time as P. Blandina”. Thereafter, the majority of British authors told the same story. Ford (1945), for instance, was interested in the possibilities of Erebia ligea occurring in Britain, and wrote (p. 148) “when Sir Patrick Walker captured the first British speci- mens of the Scotch Argus, Erebia aethiops, in 1804, it is said that he took in addition to that well-known British butterfly a second species flying with it. This was the “Arran Brown’, E. ligea...... ”. But who had ever stated that the first aethiops were captured in 1804? As I will show, the truth is that aethiops was first found by a different collector about 40 years earlier. J. F. Stephens is the only British author I have discovered who has attributed the discovery of Erebia aethiops in Scotland to the right man. He stated in his “Illustrations (1828) under Hipparchia blandina (p. 62) “Discovered many years since, at the beginning of August, in the Isle of Arran, by Dr. Walker, and, subsequently, taken there by Sir Patrick Walker and Dr. Leach”. Stephens later (1850, p. 9) showed that he had seen a manuscript description of aethiops by Dr. Walker (as Papilio Amaryllis) for he put “Papilio Amaryllus [sic], Walker, MSS” in the synonymy of Erebia blandina. Dr. John Walker (no relation to Sir Patrick), Professor of Natural History at Edinburgh University from 1779 till his death in 1803, must have discovered aethiops during one of his tours of the Hebrides between 1760 and 1786. There is an excellent description of the species (as Papilio Amaryllis) in a notebook in Edinburgh University library entitled SMITHSONIAR Pee ee catia sy fiiAl oO 122 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/V/64 “Miscellaneous Papers Vol. 1”: the place of capture is here given as “in Insula Bota. Septembro.”’, but no year is given. Other dates in this note- book range from 1763 to 1777. I presume “Bota” to be Bute, though I cannot find this form of latinisation elsewhere. A similar description of Papilio Amaryllis is given in another notebook dated 1769, one of a series in Edinburgh University library containing descriptions of specimens in his collection: here he adds “Mr. Fabricius assured me that this was different from the Ligea, and a species not in Linnaeus” and (judging by the handwriting at a later date) “I found in in [sic] Abundance Aug. 13 in Drifesdale [=Drysdale, Dumfriesshire] in the Meadows. At a Distance it seems quite Black”. Dr. Walker’s zoliection remained at Edinburgh University, but very few of his specimens (no insects) are still in existence and few of his descriptions were ever published. He has been ignored by British writers on insects since Stephens. Sir Patrick Walker (1772-1837) was also a well-known collector. Ac- cording to a manuscript journal of Lawrence Jameson, nephew of Robert Jameson who succeeded Dr. Walker as Professor of Natural History at Edinburgh, his uncle Robert “derived much knowledge from Peter’s [=Sir Patrick Walker’s] elegant and select collection of Insects, a collection considered at the time, the second best in this country—Dr. Walker’s being superior”. His collection appears to have been dispersed at Stevens’ in 1839, but I have seen no details of the sale. We have no first-hand evi- dence from Sir Patrick of his capture either of ligea or aethiops. Presum- ably he gave specimens of both species to McLeay, but there is only the confused evidence of Sowerby and Donovan that both were taken in Arran, and it is quite possible that Sir Patrick had the two species con- fused and that ligea was not recognised until the specimens were in McLeay’s collection. The manuscript icurna! of Robert Jameson’s tour of Arran and Ireland in 1797 reveals that Mr. Walker (later Sir Patrick) joined him in Arran on July 25th that year— just the right time and place to collect aethiops. From this time onwards Patrick (or Peter) Walker must have had less time for collecting: he was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in June 1798, became Heritable Usher of the White Rod in 1806, was knighted in 1814 and fought at Waterloo. He was a founder member of the Wernerian Society in 1808 and became its first treasurer, but his few contributions to its proceedings were never published and he took no part in the society’s later activities. Charles Stewart, another early member of the Wernerian Society, in his Elements of Natural History, 2nd edition, Vol. 2 (1817) gave a hint that aethiops and ligea may not have been found in the same localities. Under Papilio Blandina (p. 133) his note reads “Found plentifully in the island of Arran by Sir Patrick Welker”, but for Papilio Ligea he wrote “Found in woods in Scotland by Sir Patrick Walker”. The earlier edition of this work (1801-2) included neither species. The two specimens of ligea figured by Stephens (1828) were stated by him to be a pair in his own collection, and must therefore have been pre- sumed by him to be British, but he did not say how he acquired them. McLeay emigrated to Australia in 1825 and I cannot find what happened to his British collection, but this may have been the origin of Stephens’ specimens. This pair is at present in the British Museum (Natural History) and both are undoubtedly ligea, although Butler (1867) supposed that the male was E. euryale (Esper.). SUPPOSED OCCURRENCE IN SCOTLAND OF EREBIA LIGEA 123 The confused accounts of Sir Patrick Walker’s “discovery” of Erebia ligea are open to a number of interpretations. I think it most likely that tne specimens were not captured in Arran, but not being recognised as distinct from aethiops by Sir Patrick, they were added to his series of acthiops from Arran. It is possible that they were of continental origin but, for reasons which will appear later, just as likely that they were ceptured by Sir Patrick elsewhere in the south of Scotland. SUBSEQUENT RECORDS Since Erebia ligea was given a place in the British list it was inevitable that other supposedly British specimens would appear. “Inquisitor” (1837) mentions ‘“Ligea, in the cabinet of Mr. Stephens, and lately intro- duced into those of Mr. B. Standish, and several of our dealers”. A third “British” specimen has mysteriously appeared alongside the two originals in the Stephens collection. Mercer’s (1875) record of ligea in a Margate garden provides a touch of humour and cannot have deceived many. The specimen in the Tring collection recorded by Willoughby-Ellis (1929) is in a different category as it nas been given some prominence by Ford (1945, pp. 148-9). It was found by Lord Rothschild in the collection of A. E. Gibbs labelled simply “Galashiels”. However, I am indebted to Mr. A. L. Goodson of the Zoological Museum, Tring for information (in litt.) which suggests that the specimen was wrongly labelled. Mr. Goodson tells me that Gibbs collected on the continent every year: his British specimens were set fresh, but those from the continent were papered and set during the winter. The “Galashiels” ligea had been papered before setting. Moreover, Gibbs knew the Continental species well enough to recognise ligea and would surely not have overlooked it among his aethiops. But in spite of this it appears that the specimen must at some stage have been mistaken for aethiops, for it was found in a box of that species. THE GILLESPIE SPECIMEN The collection presented by Mr. Gillespie was contained in two wooden boxes, each containing two wooden trays of insects. One box contained a tray of British moths, all of species resident in the south of Scotland, and a tray of mixed insects, chiefly Lepidoptera and Coleoptera: apart from a few British moths these Lepidoptera were probably all non-European—the butterflies were certainly all from America and Australasia. The second box contained two trays: except for one British dragonfly (Agrion virgo (Linnaeus)), one exotic cockroach of a frequently imported genus (Panchlora) and a few British moths, the contents of both appeared at first sight to consist entirely of unnamed, unarranged, un- labelled British butterflies, among which by its setting low on the pin and slightly ragged condition a single female Erebia ligea, set underside upper- most, did not look out of place (Plate II). Mr. T. G. Howarth has since pointed out to me that the single Papilio machaon Linnaeus included is of the continental race, but this could of course have been a migrant individual. The only locality label in the whole collection was lying loose in the tray that included ligea and a number of aethiops; it reads— “Erebia blandina/Taken on Bute (North End) July 1891.” and has a hole made by a pin of the same size as that bearing the ligea specimen. Why 124 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/V/64 should a locality label have been written for only one specimen in the collection unless it was an unusual one, such as a blandina with white spots under the hindwings!? But it is also possible that the label was never on a specimen and at one time could have applied to a whole row of aethiops. Mr. Gillespie has kindly informed me that the collection was formed by two uncles of his, A. B. and J. W. Gillespie, who, at the time they were collecting, lived at Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. They died in 1942 and 1941 respectively, but probably did not collect after 1900. Both travelled to many parts of the British Isles and always took collecting apparatus (there are several southern species in the collection). J. W. Gillespie travelled on the continent and the ccuntries visited included Austria, but not Scandinavia. They corresponded with relatives in America and Australia. The “Erebia blandina” label is in the hand of A. B. Gillespie. I think it likely that this specimen of Erebia ligea was taken and set by one of the Gillespie brothers. They set many of their butterflies under- side up, and the specimen is set in the same manner and on one of the same types of pin as other specimens in the collection. The fact that J. W. Gillespie travelled abroad makes it possible for him to have taken a continental example to fill a blank space in the collection (though the complete lack of arrangement and naming does not suggest that he would have been tempted to do so) and were it not for this there would be a strong presumption that the specimen is of Scottish origin. The races of ligea are not sharply distinguished, and comparing the Gillespie specimens with material in the British Museum (Natural History) Mr. Howarth and I were able to match it fairly well with specimens from Scandinavia and from central Europe. In the opinion of Mr. L. G. Higgins, however, the specimen could not be well placed in a Scandinavian race. Of the two Stephens specimens the male looks more Scandinavian, the female more central European. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS The foodplant of Erebia ligea is :tated by continental authors to be the grass Milium effusum L. Some authors also give Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., a rare casual in Britain, and other unspecified grasses. Milium effusum is an uncommon grass in Scotland. Clapham, Tutin and War- burg (1957) state that it is “local and perhaps less frequent than formerly” (my italics). Perring and Walters (1962) show that it is (or was) thinly scattered over the south of Scotland, almost absent from the highlands, and that there is no definite record from Arran. I am indebted to Mr. B. L. Burtt of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, for a record from Kintyre, presumably not accurate enough to be recorded by Perring and Walters, and there is another vague record for Kintyre given by Ewing (1901). The distribution of its foodplant suggests, then, that it is most unlikely that Erebia ligea ever occurred in Arran. If Sir Patrick Walker’s specimens were British they would more probably have been captured somewhere on the mainland. Erebia ligea has a two-year life cycle and in some parts of its con- tinental range the adult appears in the odd-numbered years only: some references to this phenomenon were given by Cockayne (1953). SUPPOSED OCCURRENCE IN SCOTLAND OF EREBIA LIGEA 125 CONCLUSION It now seems to me a distinct possibility that Erebia ligea once occurred or may even still occur in damp woods in the south of Scotland. This area has still not been investigated sufficiently by lepidopterists; intensive sheep-farming has made large parts of it desolate in appearance and most unrewarding to the collector, but there may yet be remote habitats suitable for ligea. I have learnt recently of another butterfly species never yet recorded from the south of Scotland found for the first time in 1963 apparently resident in a border county. I doubt whether anyone has ever looked for ligea in Britain in the right places and at the right time. By now, owing to the destruction of suitable habitats and probably to the increasing scarcity of its foodplant, it may be too late. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Besides those whose help has been acknowledged above, my thanks are due to Mr. T. G. Howarth of the Pritish Museum (Natural History) for enabling me to examine the reputed British specimens of Erebia ligea and for some literature references. I am also much indebted to Miss J. M. Sweet, lately of the Department of Mineralogy, British Museum (Natural History) and now working at the Royal Scottish Museum, for references to the Jameson journals, and to the Librarian of the Edinburgh University Library for allowing me to quote from these and from the John Walker notebooks. REFERENCES Butler, A. G. 1867. Erebia Euryale of Esper, a species of Lepidoptera possibly new to the British lists. Ent. mon. Mag., 4: 151-152. Clapham, A. R., Tutin, T. G. and Warburg, E. F. 1957. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge. [Cockayne, E. A.] 1953. Current Notes. Ent. Rec., 65: 358-360. Donovan, E. 1807. The Natural History of British Insects, 12. London. Ewing, P. 1901. Phanerogams. In Elliot, G. F. S. Laurie, M. and Murdoch, J. B. Fauna, Flora & Geology of the Clyde Area. British Association Committee, Glasgow. Ford, E. B. 1945. Butterflies. Collins, London. “Tnquisitor’. 1837. Note on Butterflies questionably British. Ent. Mag., 4: 177-179. Mercer, W. J. 1875. Erebia Ligea at Margate. Entomologist, 8: 198. Perring, F. H. and Walters, S. M. 1962. Atlas of the Brilish Flora. Nelson, Edinburgh & London. Sowerby, J. 1804-5. The British Miscellany. Nos. 1 and 2. Stephens, J. F. 1828. Illustrations of British Entomology. MHaustellata. 1. London. ———. 1850. List of specimens of British Animals in the collection of the British Museum. Part V. Lepidoptera. London. [Stewart, C.] 1801-2. Elements of Natural History. 2 vols. London and Edin- burgh. 1817. Elements of the Natural History of the Animal Kingdom. 2nd edition. 2 vols. London & Edinburgh. [Willoughby-Ellis, H.=] ‘“H.W.-E.”’. 1929. [Report of meeting of the Entomo- logical Club at Tring, 27th October 1928]. Entomologist, 62: 47. 126 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/V/64 A Continental Holiday, 1963 By Dr. NEVILLE L. BIRKETT (Continued from page 106) Mellitaea didyma Esp. Just emerging at the time of my visit and very plentiful. Many pairs in cop. were found on the low vegetation bordering the irrigation channels of the ground I collected on. The facies is very bright and well-marked, especially the females. The females I took showed no evidence of the extensive suffusion associated with Staudinger’s meridionalis, but otherwise they seem nearer to this form than the f. occidentalis of the same author. Pararge megaera L. Quite common. Hipparchia statilinus Hufn. Became common towards the end of my stay in the area. My specimens seem referable to f. marmorea Verty. This species requires considerable stalking to effect its capture. Much patience is required especially when the temperature is nearly or quite 90 degrees F. Skippers were not much in evidence and I took only Erynnis tages L. and Carcharodus alcaeae Esp. On a visit to Venice itself I saw half a dozen Polygonia egea Cramer sunning themselves on the wall of an ancient church. Unfortunately I had no net with me and was unable to make closer contact. Incidentally I saw this species, again when I had no net available, in the Roman arena at Padua! Outside built-up areas I did not see the species so came home without any specimens to my considerable disappointment. We left the Venice area on 26th August and journeyed to the shore of Lake Garda where I was not able to do any collecting during the period of our short stay. Then we journeyed across north Italy taking advantage of the extremely good autostrada and reached a most pleasant lakeside site by one of the lakes of Avigliana. On 29th August we made a trip from here to the summit of the Col de Sestriere—about 6,000 ft. A number of interesting butterflies was taken here in the morning before the almost inevitable cloud put a stop to proceedings in the afternoon. Parnassius apollo L. Quite common but getting very worn. I took two only—both females with considerable dark suffusion of the wings. Graphium podalirius L. A few seen but none taken. Colias phicomone Esp. A few seen but only one taken. This is of the f. pulverulenta Verty. (Ent. Rec., 1926: 171). Vanessa cardui L. Common. Aglais urticae L. Common and of a bright form. Mesoacidalia charlotta Schiff. Common. Argynnis lathonia L. One only seen and taken. Mellitaea didyma Esp. Common. The females definitely of the meridionalis Stgr. form. Agapetes galathea L. Common but very worn. Lasiommata maera lL. Common. Satyrus bryce Hubn. (cordula Fab.). A single female taken. Erebia neoridas Boisd. I took five males of this species and these seem referable to f. nichocares Frhst. I find the separation of this form from typical neoridas (of which I have a series I took at Vernet les Bains in the Pyrenees Orientales a few years ago) none too easy. Warren in his famous Monograph of the Genus Erebia, p. 344, states A CONTINENTAL HOLIDAY, 1963 127 that nichocares features are found among races of the typical neoridas and vice-versa. This agrees with my own observations. One point of difference not noted by Warren seems to be that the red banding on the underside of the fore-wings of nichocares is narrower and altogether more irregular in outline than in typical neoridas. But my series of both forms is not really big enough for me to feel quite sure that this character affords means of separation of the forms. Agrodiaetus damon Schiff. Both sexes of this blue were abundant and in good condition. Philotes baton Bergstr. A few very worn specimens of this species were seen. Lysandra coridon Poda. Common but worn. After the clouds had blocked the sun in the afternoon I spent some time searching rough herbage and in this way found a number of skippers at rest on the grass, etc. In this way I took Thymelicus sylvestris Poda, Hesperia comma L., Pyrgus alveus Hiibn., Pyrgus carlinae Ramb., and P. carthami Hiibn. Regarding the last-named Warren in his Monograph of the Tribe Hesperiidi (Trans ent. Soc. Lond., 74: 71) states that the latest date he has taken this species is 22nd August in the Rhone Valley. My specimen, a male in good condition, was taken on 29th August. I should perhaps add that the determination was checked by genitalia preparation and the appearance of my slide agrees well with the figure on Plate XV of Warren’s Monograph. On 30th August we crossed the Mont Cenis Pass into France. Just below the summit on the French side I stopped to take photographs and see if any butterflies were about. I took Erebia euryale Esp. very worn out; Erebia epiphron Knock., Erebia tyndarus Esp. and a single Boloria pales Schiff. Later we stopped for picnic lunch at lower altitude between Modane and Lansleburg. I did a little collecting in a rough field by the road. Quite a lot of interesting insects were in evidence including :— Lysandra bellargus Rott.: common, but not nearly so finely marked as those from Cavallino. Plebeius icarus Rott.: common. Melitaea didyma Esp.: common. One male taken was of extremely dark facies and approaching f. graeca Stgr.; Colias callida Verty.—a few taken; Boloria pales Schiff., frequent. One female appears to be B. napeae Hoffmsg. Fabriciana niobe niobe L. and A. cydippe L. both frequent. This was quite a useful list of insects in an hour especially as I was not feeling very energetic after a dose of unknown species and race of Italian abdominal virus the night before. The only other collecting I did on this trip was again when we stopped for lunch, this time near Avallon, Yonne, France, in the foothills of the Mont. de Marvan. Here on ist September on a rough hillside I found butterflies plentiful and quite interesting. The following species were noted :— Erebia aethiops Esp. Common and in very fine condition. I took six males and two females and could have taken many more. These are of a large size and with very bright markings referable to ssp. sapaudia Frhst. The differences from the British form in size and markings are most marked. Perhaps a curious feature was the lateness of the date for such fresh specimens at no great altitude. 128 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/V/64 Clossiana dia L., common but worn. Melitaea phoebe W.V., a single fresh male only. Pontia daplidice L., common and fresh. Lysandra coridon Poda, many fine large fresh males. Plebius icarus Rott., common. Heodes tityrus Poda (dorilis Hufn.), males common but worn. A fine female taken. Hesperia comma L., frequent. Satyrus dryas Scop., com- mon but worn to shreds. The most interesting species I took here was Lycaenides idas L. (argyrognomen auct.). I got only three males and two females but the latter are shot with a wonderful shade of blue against which background the yellow marginal spots of the hindwings stand out brilliantly. So ended the collecting part of this most interesting holiday in which I was able to visit a number of localities. One now wishes to return to some of these for a more leisurely sampling of their most interesting lepidopterous fauna. It might be pertinent to add here a note on a thorny subject—that of the nomenclature of the European butterflies. At the present time this seems to be in a state of chaos. There is a great need at the present time for a really up-to-date check list of the species and races of the region. More and more entomologists are now turning their footsteps to the European mainland for their holidays and the formation of even a small collection of Continental species is interesting and also help to put into perspective the native British fauna. To find a chaotic nomenclature is far from encouraging and any official list which could form a basis for operations would be most welcome. Not all collectors are placed near London where ready access to up-to-date nomenclature of museum col- lections is available, with the advantage also of ready access to libraries. I have noted that most writers of notes on collecting experiences on the Continent do not give references to literature consulted in making deter- minations. In the hope that it may be of help to those placed away from the centre of activities, like myself, I append a list of references to works that I have found more or less helpful when working out my own captures from ‘foreign parts’. I give these, not from the point of view of the expert, but as another tyro so far as concerns European species and collecting. REFERENCES Le Cerf, F. Atlas des Lepidoptéres de France. Nouvel Atlas D’Entomologie, No. 6, Fasc. 1. (1960.) Grayes, P. P. and Hemming, A. F. (1928). The Geographical Variation of Lycaena virgaureae L. Entom., LX: 2 et seq. Higgins, L. G. (1941). An Illustrated Catalogue of Palaearctic Melitaea. Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond., 91: 175-365. Higgins, L. G. (1950). A Descriptive Catalogue of the Palaearctic Fuphydryas. Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond., 101: 437-489. Higgins, L. G. (1955). A Descriptive Catalogue of the Genus Wellicta Billbere. Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond., 106: 1-131. Lang, H. C. (1884). Butterflies of Europe. Two Vols. Murray, D. (1954). The Genera of the European Lycaenidae. Entom., 87: 4-11. (Curiously this paper makes reference to other works by authors names but fails to give list of references.) Seitz, A. Macrolepidoptera of the World. Vol. 1 (1906) and Supplement to Vol. 1 (1929). Verity, R. Le Farfalle Diurne D’Italia. Vols. I-V. Verity, R. Numerous papers in Entom. Record detailing great details of geographical variation. Warren, B. C. S. (1926). Monograph of the Tribe I/esperiidi, etc. Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond., 74: 1-170, NEW SYNONYMY IN THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 129 Warren, B. C. S. (1936). Monograph of the Genus Frebia. B.M. publication. Also many other papers in the journals on this interesting genus. Warren, B. C. S. (1944). Review of the Classification of Argynnidi, etc. Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond., 94: 1-101. Warren, B. C. S. (1953). Three Unrecognised Species of the Genus Pyrgus. Entom., 86: 90-103. Splits the ‘alveus’ group mainly on genitalia characters. Wheeler, G. (1903). Butterflies of Switzerland and the Alps of Central Europe. A most useful handbook though the nomenclature is out of date. Kendal. 24th January 1964. New Synonymy in the Genus Zygaena Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) By Huco REISS and W. GERALD TREMEWAN The preparation of a systematic catalogue of the genus Zygaena Fabricius has revealed new synonymy. It should be pointed out that many of the synonyms cited below were originally published by Burgeff (1926a; 1926b) and Reiss (1930; 1933) as new names to replace certain names that were considered by them to be junior, primary homonyms. These names, however, represent aberrations and have no status in nomen- clature, and therefore cannot be preoccupied by names which are of subspecifiec or specific status. Similarly, names of specific or subspecific rank cannot be preoccupied by names of forms or aberrations. During the course of our work, many junior, primary homonyms have come to hand and new names are proposed for these below. It is not intended to discuss here the systematic arrangement of the species, subspecies, forms and aberrations. We have merely cited the new synonymy and proposed new names to replace junior, primary homonyms. It is not considered necessary to discuss the regrouping of species and subspecies as this will be shown in the systematic catalogue which, it is to be hoped, will be published in the near future. It might be appropriate here to draw attention to the dates of publica- tion of two works on the Zygaena. These are Spuler, “Die Schmetterlinge Europas”, Vol. 2, the Zygaena part of which has been incorrectly dated 1910 by earlier authors, and Seitz, “Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde’, Vol. 2, which has also been dated 1910. The work of Spuler was published in parts, the dates of which are shown on the reverse side of the page entitled ‘“Schlusswort’. The parts on the Zygaena were published in 1906 and the “Nachtrag”, which contains references to the Zygaena, in 1910. Spuler’s “Die Raupen’” was also published in 1910. The part on the Zygaena by Seitz was published in 1907 and evidence of this is supplied by Griffin (1936: 261), and also by Dziurzynski (1908: 17), who refers to Seitz under Z. brizae Esper ab. cingulata Seitz and dates the work 1907. Holik & Sheljuzhko (1956: 119) considered the date of publication to be 1908 but the citation of Dziurzynski proves this to be incorrect. Z. laeta occidentissima Holik ab. pseudomannerheimi Burgeft Z. laeta occidentissima Holik ab. pseudomannerheimi Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 41. Z, laeta occidentissima Holik ab. pseudoorientis Holik, 1935, Sborn ent. Odd. nar. Mus, Praze, 13: 57, 64, fig. 21 (syn. nov.). 130 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/V/64 Holik proposed the name pseudoorientis Holik to replace the name pseudomannerheimi Burgeff but, as the latter is not preoccupied, pseudo- orientis Holik is an unnecessary replacement name and is placed as a synonym. Z. purpuralis rosea Burgeff Z. purpuralis rosea Burgeff, 1914, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 5: 44. Z. purpuralis rosalis Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 14 (syn. nov.). The name rosalis Burgeff, 1926, was proposed to replace the name rosea Burgeff, 1914. However, the latter name is not preoccupied by the earlier, infrasubspecific names of other authors. The name rosalis Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replacement name and is now placed as a synonym of rosea Burgeff, 1914. Z. purpuralis rebeli Drenowski Z. purpuralis rebeli Drenowski, 1928, Spis. blg. Akad., 27: 211. Z. purpuralis drenowskii Holik, 1937, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 27: 1 (syn. nov.). Holik proposed the name drenowskii Holik to replace the name rebeli Drenowski, 1928, which he considered to be invalid, as the description was published in Bulgarian and was not accompanied by a Latin diagnosis. Holik considered the name rebeli Reiss, 1932 (ssp. of graslini Lederer) to be valid but this is a junior, primary homonym of rebeli Drenowski, 1928. A new name is proposed to replace rebeli Reiss later in this paper. The name drenowskii Holik, 1937, is an unnecessary replacement name and is now placed as a synonym of rebeli Drenowski, 1928, which is valid. Z. purpuralis reissi Burgeff Z. purpuralis reissi Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 13. Z. purpuralis reissiana Burgeff, 1926, in Strand, Lepid. Cat., 33: 8 (syn. nov.). Burgeff proposed the name reissiana Burgeff, 1926, to replace the name reissi Burgeff, 1926, as he considered the latter to be preoccupied by reissi Stauder, 1922 (ab. of oxytropis Boisduval). As reissi Stauder has no status in nomenclature, the name reissi Burgeff, 1926, is valid and reissiana Burgeff, 1926, being an unnecessary replacement name, is placed as a Synonym. Z. felix felix Oberthtir Z. felix felix Oberthtir, 1876, Etudes d’Entomologie, 1: 36; 1878, ibidem, 3: 41, pl. 5, fig. 4. Z. eudaemon, Mabille, 1885, Bull. Soc. philom. Paris (7) 9: 57. Z. felix andalusiae Burgeff, 1914, Mitt. mtinch. ent. Ges., 5: 53 (Syn. nov.). Burgeff described, from a series of specimens purported to have been taken in Andalusia by Korb, a subspecies of felix Oberthtir under the name andalusiae Burgeff. There are no authentic records of the species occurring in Andalusia and we originally suspected that the specimens might prove to be the closely allied species beatrix Przegendza (felix auctorum) from west Algeria and Morocco. Prof. Burgeff, however, has very kindly supplied us with a photograph of the type series and the genitalia of the type J in his collection. The genitalia agree with those of the true felix Oberthiir and the photograph shows typical specimens NEW SYNONYMY IN THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 131 of the nominate subspecies. We therefore consider that the type series of andalusiae Burgeff originated from east Algeria and we place the name as a synonym of felix felix Oberthur. Z. felix constantinensis nom. nov. Z. felix faustula Reiss, 1933, in Seitz, Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde, Supplement, 2: 272 (preoccupied). Z. felix Oberthir ab. faustula Staudinger, 1887, Berl. ent. Z., 31: 37 Cinfra- subspecific). Staudinger originally described faustula Staudinger as an aberration. In 1933, Reiss quite justifiably raised the name to subspecific status and, according to the Rules of Nomenclature, the subspecific name faustula should date from 1933 and be attributed to that author and not to Staudinger. However, faustula Reiss, 1933, is a junior, primary homonym of faustula Rambur, 1866 (=fausta genevensis Milliére, 1861). We pro- pose the name constantinensis nom. nov. to replace the name faustula Reiss, 1933. The name faustula Staudinger, 1887, being infrasubspecific, has no status in nomenclature but, for convenience, is placed in synonymy under constantinensis nom. nov. Z. cocandica cocandica Erschoff ab. fumosa ab. nov. We propose naming the melanic aberration of cocandica Erschoff, figured by Burgeff (1906: 161, fig. 2; 1914: 52, pl. 6, fig. 54), ab. fumosa ab. nov. The specimen has spots 3, 4, 5 and 6 darkened with black scales. Type ¢ in H. Burgeff collection. Z. algira algira Boisduval ab. barraguei nom. nov. Z. algira algira Boisduval ab. aurantiaca Barragué, 1961, Alexanor, 2: 135, 136 (preoccupied). The name aurantiaca Barragué, 1961, is preoccupied by aurantiaca Holl, 1912 (ab. of algira algira Boisduval). The former is a true, genetical, orange aberration while the latter is merely tinged with orange in places and is probably only a pathological form. Mr. G. Barragué (in lit.) has agreed that we should re-name the genetical, orange form described by him. We propose the name hbarraguei nom. nov. to replace the name aurantiaca Barragué, 1961. MN algira exigua Rothschild . algira exigua Rothschild, 1917, Novit. zool., 24: 340. Z. algira Boisduval ab. exigua Seitz, 1907, Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde, 2: 29, pl. 8a (infrasubspecific). Seitz originally described exigua Seitz as an aberration of algira Boisduval, but Rothschild, recognising it as a subspecies, raised it to sub- specific rank in 1917. According to the Rules of Nomenclature, the sub- Specific name exigua should be attributed to Rothschild and date from 1917. The infrasubspecific name exigua Seitz, 1907, is placed, for con- venience, in synonymy under exigua Rothschild, 1917. Rothschild cited as type localities, Batna, Lambessa and Khenchela, Algeria. N Z. fausta oranoides de Sagarra ab. disjuncta de Sagarra Z. fausta oranoides de Sagarra ab. disjuncta de Sagarra, 1925, Butll. Inst. catal. Hist, nat, (2) 5: 274. 132 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/V /64 Z. fausta oranoides de Sagarra ab. sagarrai Reiss, 1930, in Seitz, Die Gross- Schmetterlinge der Erde, Supplement, 2: 25 (syn. nov.). The name sagarrai Reiss was proposed to replace the name disjuncta de Sagarra, 1925, but the latter is not preoccupied by Z. occitanica dis- iuncta Spuler, 1906. The name sagarrai Reiss, 1930 is an unnecessary replacement name and is now placed as a synonym of disjuncta de Sagarra, 1925. Z. carniolica onobrychis Denis & Schiffermiller ab. nigra Reiss Z. carniolica onobrychis Denis & Schiffermtiller ab. nigra Reiss, 1926, Int. ent. Z., 20: 217. Z. carniolica onobrychis Denis & Schiffermiller ab. totanigra Reiss, 1930, in Seitz, Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde, Supplement, 2: 30, pl. 3d (syn. nov.). The name nigra Reiss, 1926, is not preoccupied and totanigra Reiss, 1930, is an unnecessary replacement name and is placed as a synonym. Z. carniolica formidacola nom. nov. Anthrocera carniolica magnaustralis Verity, 1946, Redia, 31:66 (pre- occupied). The name magnaustralis Verity, 1946, is a junior secondary hononym of Z. trifolii magnaustralis verity, 1926. We propose the name formiacola nom. nov. to replace the name magnaustralis Verity, 1946. Z. carniolica sagarraiana nom. nov. Z. carniolica catalonica de Sagarra, 1940, VI Congr. int. Ent., Madrid, p. 392 (preoccupied). We propose the name sagarraiana nom. nov. to replace the name catalonica de Sagarra, 1940, which is preoccupied by Z. hilaris catalonica de Sagarra, 1924. Z. carniolica gaumaisiensis Holik Z. carniolica gaumaisiensis Holik, 1936, Lambillionea, 36: 182. Z. carniolica Scopoli ab. torgniensis Lambillion, 1909, Rev. Soc. ent. namur., 9: 75 (infrasubspecific). Holik attributed the names ab. dissociata Lambillion, ab. albilunaris Lambillion, ab. adunata Lambillion, ab. rubricostata Lambillion, ab. faustoides Lambillion, ab. flavicostata Lambillion and ab. torgniensis Lambillion to Cabeau. These names were originally manuscript names of Cabeau, but should be attributed to Lambillion who first published them in 1909. The name torgniensis Lambillion represents the typical form, but being infrasubspecific, has no status in nomenclature and, for convenience, is placed in synonymy under gaumaisiensis Holik. Z. carniolica berolinensis Lederer Z. carniolica berolinensis Lederer, 1853, Verh. zool.-bot. Ver. Wien, 2: 102. Z. carniolica berolinensis Staudinger, 1871, in Staudinger & Wocke, Catalog der Lepidopteren des Europaeischen Faunengebiets, p. 49 (syn. nov.). This subspecies of carniolica Scopoli from the neighbourhood of Berlin was first described by Lederer as ssp. berolinensis Lederer in 1853. In 1871, Staudinger described the same subspecies as berolinensis Staudinger which, in addition to being synonymous, is also a junior, primary homonym. NEW SYNONYMY IN THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 1383 Z. exulans apennina Rebel Z. exulans apennina Rebel, 1910, Verh. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, 60: (5). Z. exulans abruzzina Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. munch. ent. Ges., 16: 25 (syn. nov.). The name apennina Rebel, 1910, is valid and is not preoccupied by the earlier, infrasubspecific names of other authors. The name abruzzina Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replacement name and is therefore placed as a synonym of apennina Rebel, 1910. Z. loti ligustica Rocci ab. latomarginata Rocci Z. loti ligustica Rocci ab. latomarginata Rocci, 1915, Atti Soc. ligust. Sci. nat. geogr., 25: 112, pl. 1, figs. 6b, 10c, 11c. Z. loti ligustica Rocci ab. latemarginata Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. minch. ent. Ges., 16: 36 (syn. nov.). The name latomarginata Rocci, 1915, is not preoccupied by latomarginata Tutt, 1899 (f. of lonicerae transferens Verity) as both names have no status in nomenclature and are infrasubspecific. The name latemarginata Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replacement name and is placed as a synonym of latomarginata Rocci, 1915. Z. loti ligustica Rocci ab. diaphana Rocci Z. loti ligustica Rocci ab. diaphana Rocci, 1915, Atti Soc. ligust. Sci. nat. geogr., 25: 115. Z. loti ligustica Rocci ab. translucens Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 36 (syn. nov.). Burgeff proposed the name translucens Burgeff, 1926, to replace the name diaphana Rocci, 1915, but the latter is not preoccupied by the species name diaphana Staudinger, 1887. The name translucens Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replacement name and is placed as a synonym of diaphana Rocci, 1915. Z. loti ruberrima Verity Z. loti ruberrima Verity, 1920, Boll. Lab. Zool. Portici, 14: 37. Z. loti maximerubra Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 33 (syn. nov.). The subspecific name ruberrima Verity, 1920, is not preoccupied by the earlier, infrasubspecific names of other authors and the name maximerubra Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replacement name and is now placed as a synonym of ruberrima Verity, 1920. Z. loti achilleae Esper ab. grisea Reiss Z. loti achilleae Esper ab. grisea Reiss, 1922, Int. ent. Z., 16: 84. Z. loti achilleae Esper ab. flavogrisea Burgeff, 1926, in Strand, Lepid. Cat., 33: 21 (syn. nov.). The name grisea Reiss, 1922, is infrasubspecific and has no status in nomenclature. It is therefore not preoccupied by Z. rhadamanthus grisea Oberthir, 1909. The name flavogrisea Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replacement name and is placed as a synonym of grisea Reiss, 1922. Z. graslini rebeliana nom. nov. Z. graslini rebeli Reiss, 1932, Int. ent. Z., 26: 275, figs. (preoccupied). We propose the name rebeliana nom. nov. to replace the name rebeli 134 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 76 15/V/64 Reiss, 1932, which is a junior, primary homonym of Z. purpuralis rebeli Drenowski, 1928. Z. ephialtes ephialtes Linné f. trigonelloides nom. nov. Z. ephialites ephialtes Linné f. quinquemaculata Vorbrodt, 1913, in Vorbrodt & Muller-Rutz, Die Schmetterlinge der Schweiz, 2: 276 (preoccupied). Z. ephialtes ephialtes Linné f. unipunctata Vorbrodt, 1913, in Vorbrodt & Muller-Rutz, Die Schmetterlinge der Schweiz, 2: 276 (preoccupied). We propose the name trigonelloides nom. nov. to replace the names quinquemaculata Vorbrodt, 1913, and unipunctata Vorbrodt, 1913. The former is preoccupied by quinquemaculata Vorbrodt, 1913 (=Z. ephialtes ephialtes Linné f. aemilii Favre, 1897) while the latter is preoccupied by unipunctata Vorbrodt, 1913 (=Z. ephialtes ephialtes Linné). Z. ephialtes slabyi nom. nov. Z. ephialtes montana Slaby, 1953, Acta Mus. Silesiae, 3 (A):46, figs. C3, D1 (preoccupied). We propose the name slabyi nom. nov. to replace the name montana Slaby, 1953, which is a junior, primary homonym of Z. loyselis montana Rothschild, 1925. Z. transalpina intermedia Rocci Z. transalpina intermedia Rocci, 1914, Atti Soc. ligust. Sci. nat. geogr., 24: 115. Z. transalpina interjacens Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. munch. ent. Ges., 16: 74 (syn. Nov.). Burgeff proposed the name interjacens Burgeff to replace the sub- specific name intermedia Rocci, 1914. However, intermedia Rocci is valid and is not preoccupied by the earlier, infrasubspecific names of other authors. The name interjacens Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replace- ment name and is therefore synonymous with intermedia Rocci, 1914. Z. transalpina maritima Oberthur ab. trimaculata Oberthur Z. transalpina maritima Oberthur ab. trimaculata Oberthur, 1909, Etudes de Lépidoptérologie comparée, 3, pl. 30, fig. 189. Z. transalpina maritima Oberthur ab. trimacula Reiss, 1930, in Seitz, Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde, Supplement, 2: 39 (syn. nov.). The name trimaculata Oberthur, 1909, is not preoccupied and trimacula Reiss, 1930, is an unnecessary replacement name and is placed in synonymy. Z. transalpina bavarica Burgeff Z. transalpina bavarica Burgeff, 1921, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 11: 102. Z. transalpina boica Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. mtinch. ent. Ges., 16: 80 (syn, nov.). The subspecific name bavarica Burgeff, 1921, is valid and is not pre- occupied by bavarica Burgeff, 1914, which is the name of a hybrid and, being infrasubspecific, has no status in nomenclature, The name boica Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replacement name and is placed as a synonym of bavarica Burgeff, 1921. Z. hippocrepidis jurassica Burgefft Z. hippocrepidis jurassica Burgeff, 1914, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 5: 65, NEW SYNONYMY IN THE GENUS ZYGAENA FABRICIUS 135 pl. 2, figs. 186, 187, pl. 4, figs. 124-128. Z. hippocrepidis jurassicola Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 82 (syn. nov.). The subspecific name jurassica Burgeff, 1914, is valid and is not pre- occupied by jurassica Blachier, 1905, which is infrasubspecific. The name jurassicola Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replacement name and is placed as a synonym of jurassica Burgeff, 1914. Z. elegans Burgeff ab. burgefhl nom. nov. Z. elegans Burgefft ab. confluens Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges. 16:83 (preoccupied). The name confluens Burgeff, 1926, is preoccupied by confiuwens Reiss, 1925 (=Z,. elegans Burgeff ab. splendida Reiss, 1920). We propose the name burgeffi nom. nov. to replace the name confluens Burgeff, 1926. Z. viciae nigrescens Reiss Z. viciae nigrescens Reiss, 1921, Int. ent. Z., 15: 118. Z. viciae nigrina Burgeff, 1926, in Strand, Lepid. Cat., 33: 49 (syn. nov.). The subspecific name nigrescens Reiss, 1921, is valid and is not pre- oecupied by the name nigrescens Rocci, 1914, which is infrasubspecific. The name nigrina Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replacement name and is placed as a synonym of nigrescens Reiss, 1921. Z. trifolii caerulescens Burgeff Z. trifolii caerulescens Burgeff, 1914, Mitt. mtinch. ent. Ges., 5: 62. Z. trifolii Esper ab. caerulescens Oberthiir, 1910, Etudes de Lépidoptérologie comparée, 4: 493 (infrasubspecific). From the Sierra de Alfacar, Oberthur described specimens of trifolu Esper, which he named ab. caerulescens Oberthur. In 1914, Burgeff recog- nised the Sierra de Alfacar populations as a subspecies and raised the name caerulescens to subspecific rank. According to the Rules of Nomen- clature, the subspecific name caerulescens should be attributed to Burgeff and date from 1914. Tremewan (1961: 7) incorrectly attributed the sub- specific name caerulescens to Reiss (1936: 90), not realising that the status had been previously raised to subspecific rank by Burgeff in 1914. Z. lonicerae lonicerae Scheven ab. diaphana Burgeff Z. lonicerae lonicerae Scheven ab. diaphana Burgeff, 1906, Ent. Z., 20: 163, fig. 10. Zz. lonicerae lonicerae Scheven ab. translucens Burgeff, 1926, Mitt. miinch. ent. Ges., 16: 70 (syn. nov.). The infrasubspecific name diaphana Burgeff, 1906, is not preoccupied by the species name diaphana Staudinger, 1887, and the name translucens Burgeff, 1926, is an unnecessary replacement name and is placed as a synonym of diaphana Burgeff, 1906. REFERENCES Buregelf, H., 1906, Ueber einige neue oder wenig bekannte Zygaenenforme. Lnl. Z., 20: 153-154, 161-163, figs. 1-10. ——., 1914, Kommentar zum paléiarktischen Teil der Gattung Zygaena des von Chr.