; a i tug 'y 2 wd i yo 1 Ne etn a Sou ky ba auihe y oe rT Bo aca Oa en her HARVARD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY OF THE MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY <= | FROM THE WILLARD PEELE HUNNEWELL (CLASS OF 1904) MEMORIAL FUND 1ZBL0 - The income of this fundis used for the purchase of entomological books ub, 192i—Uaclober q. 192%. Se Ee gi ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD JOURNAL OF VARIATION Kpitep BY RicHarp 8. BAGNALL, F.L.S., F.E.S. E. A. COCKAYNE, M.p., F.z.s. Grorce T. BETHUNH-BAKER, Jas. E. COLLIN, F.z.s. F.L.S., F ZS. F.E.S. | Wels fShnk dig 1c GG ace ee M. BURR, p.sc., F.L.s. , B.Z.Sey F.E.S. Ala es (REv.) C. R. N. BURROWs, r. E.S. | JouN HarrLey DURRANT, a z. Ss. T, A. CHAPMAN, M.D., F.R.S., F.E.S. ALFRED SICH, F.£.s. (Geicrores WHEELER, .A., F-E.S., and Hrnry J. TURNER, F.x.s., Editorial Secretary. VOL. XXXII. JANUARY to DECEMBER, 1921. PRICE 12s. 6d. Special Index (with every reference), 1s. 6d. a es ieee U. Subscriptions for Vol. XXXII. are now due. Vol. XXXITII. I3,.YL0 No. 1. Che Entomologist’s Record Journal of Variation LipivED By Ricnarp §. BAGNALL, F.u.s., r.u2.s. KH. A. COCKAYNE, m.p., F.5.s. Grorcre T. BETHUNE-BAKRHAR, F.1.8., F.5.8. Jas. HE, COLLIN, F.ns. M. BURR, D.Sc., P.L.S., F.Z.S., F-E.S. H. Sr. J. K. DONISTHORPH, F.z.s., F.E.S. (Rzy.) C. R. N. BURROWS, v.z.s. Joun Hartury DURRANT, F-z.s. T. & CHAPMAN, ™.v., F.u.S., F.E.S. Aurrep SICH, F.n.s. (inv.) Grorce WHEELER, m.a., F.5.5., and Henry J. TURNER, F.x.s., Hditorial Secretary. —————————————— ones CONTENTS. PAGE. HprrortaL:—G.1'.B.-B. me = ee ae oe a ala “5 Bes te 1 A remarkable latent faculty possessed by Alpine Butterflies, B. C. S. Warren, F.E.S. Ae i The Pyrenees in 1920, 4. D. Pearson, F.E.S. is Ls Ls ae ans oe se 7 Lepidoptera in Peninsular Italy during the year 1920, Orazio Querci.. '.. ae asi 10 New Species of Myrmecophilous Hymenoptera-Proctotrypidea, Liewt. L, A. Bow, F.Z.S., Corttectine Notus :—Notes from Kent, Middlesex and Surrey, 4. Sich, F.H-S ae me 17 Current Notes anp SHorT Novices Se =P Wh af ae ae ae Fe 19 SprectaL INDEX. Tirne Pace of Vol. XXXII. JANUARY Tdth, 1921. Price TWO SHILLINGS (xuv). Subscription for Complete Volume, post free (Including all DOUBLE NUMBERS, etc.) TEN SHILLINGS, YO BE FORWARDED TO EE RS eth ho bo PAGE PBS. ‘ Bertrosn,’’ GELLATLY Roap, New Cross, S.H.14. Communications have been received or have been promised from Rev. G. Wheeler, Messrs. R. S. Bagnall, Hy. J. Turner, H. Donisthorpe, A. Sich, Dr. Verity, C. W. Colthrup, Rey. C. R. N. Burrows, Dr. T. A. Chapman, Capt. Burr, G. T. Bethune-Baker, EK. B. Ashby, J. H. Durrant, Major P. P. Graves, Orazio Querci, B. C. S. Warren, W. Daws, Alfred O. Hedges, with Reports of Societies and Reviews. ow, — WATKINS & DONGASTER, — Naturalists and Manufacturers of Entomological Apparatus and Cabinets. Plain Ring Nets, wire or cane, including Stick, 1/5, 2/2, 2/6, 3/2. Wolding Nets, 3/9, 4/3, 4/9. Umbrella Nets (self-acting), 7/-. 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NESTING BOXES of various patterns which should be fixed in gardens or shrub beries by lovers of birds before the breeding season.: SHOW ROOM FOR CABINETS Of every description for Insncrs, Brrps’ Waas, Coins, Microscopioat Orsmors, Fossins &e. Catalogue (84 pages) sent on application, post free. LARGE STOCK OF INSHC’TS AND BIRDS’ WGGS (Brilish, Huropean, and Exotic), Birds, Mammals, etc., Preserved and Mounted by Wirst class Worker. 36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C., ENGLAND. Lantern Slides in Natural Colours. LEPIDOPTERA & LARVA A SPECIALITY. Photographed from life and true to Nature in every detail. SLIDES OF BIRDS, WILD FLOWERS, &c., By same Colour Process. LAT LERN SLIDES MADE 'O ORDER FROM ANY SPECIMEN OR COLOURED DRAWING. PHGTOS IN COLOUR OF LARVA, LIFE SIZE, ON IVORINE TABLETS TO PIN IN THE CABINET. For List apply to— CHARLES D. HEAD, Cherrymount, Donnycarney, DUBLIN. - Bexley} L. We. NEWMAN (Kent Has for sale a superb stock of 1920 specimens in fine condition, including Varleyata ; Bicuspis; Pendularia var. Subroseata; Melanie forms Lariciata, Consortaria, Conson- aria, Abietaria; Jrish forms Aurinia and Napi, fine vars. Tiliae, Yellow Dominula, etc., etc. Quotations and Insects sent on approval with pleasure. Also a huge stock of fine PUPA and OVA. Write for latest price lists. Relaxing Tins are now 4/= small and G/-= large, post free. Re-«fills, 2/3 small, 3/3 large, post free. gxrouralo St’. : Rony oe JOURNAL OF VARIATION. Worn XXXII. Now. January ld5rH, 1921. AND EDITORIAL. We are glad to be able to announce that Dr. EK. A. Cockayne has consented to join our Editorial Staff, and in welcoming him most heartily we would remind our readers that his advent brings an old friend and contributor officially among us. We feel that he will be a real source of strength to us, for he is an experienced morphologist and microscopist and a first class field observer. His experiences in the “ice free sea’ during the war, as well as elsewhere, will probably be counted by him as events even to be re- membered, quite regardless of the strenuousness of the times through which he passed.—G.T.B.-B. Considerations on the possibility that Alpine species of Butterflies are possessed of a remarkable latent faculty, exercised under peculiar circumstances in connection with the Act of Egg- laying. By B. C. S. WARREN, F.#.S. Many collectors who use pill boxes for carrying their captures, will have noticed at one time or another that a ? butterfly so enclosed has laid a few ova in the box. This is, however, a decidedly rare occurrence, so my attention was drawn to the matter some years ago, when I noted ova, so laid, on frequent occasions ; but it was not until August, 23rd, 1913, when two ° Hrebia manto laid eighteen ova in two boxes, that I began to become interested in this unnatural habit. The eggs were fixed in rows to the sides of the boxes, and, with one exception, in which one egg was laid op top of another, each egg was separate from its neighbours. I had in the weeks immediately preceding this date found ova deposited in boxes by several other species of Hrebia, and subsequently noted the same on quite a number of occasions. Unfortunately, I made no notes at the time (except of the occasion mentioned above, and one other), but I was struck by the fact that all the species which behaved in this manner belonged to the genus Hrebia. Although writing from memory, I can state with certainty that ova were deposited in this manner, on more than one occasion each, by F. pharte, H. oeme, E. pronoé var. pitho, EK. tyndarus,,E. manto and E.. gorge, in the case of the last two on, at least, half a dozen times each. 4 THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD. every one of the species already mentioned as occurring at the 5000 ft. level, flying as strongly as ever; none the worse for their forty-eight hours under four inches of snow, though I noted a slight decrease in the numbers of A. pheretes, P. hiera, and L. subalpina. Five days later I visited the higher levels. The snow here had not melted until the morning of the 29th, consequently the four species already noted had undergone twenty-four hours longer confinement than those of the lower level, i.e., three days and nights. HH. lappona was as abundant as ever, but decidedly more worn, and there were some additions to both H. cacaliae and B. pales, which were obviously freshly emerged since the snow had melted, while P. napi var. bryoniae was not so numerous as it had been. Nevertheless, the result was sufficient to place beyond doubt the fact that all the species in question were, one may say, unaffected by forty-eight and seventy-two hours respectively under four inches of snow. From a very reliable local source I obtained much information about these summer snow-falls. In that. part of the country, I was told that such snow-falls might be expected in any month of the summer, and sometimes lay for seven days. Higher up they were more frequent and of longer duration. The peasants welcome the snow when there is a spell of cold weather, for should there be frosts with fine weather the grass crop of the year 1s much damaged. This rarely happens, for frost without snow is unusual, and if the grass is once covered with snow no frost that. comes does it the least harm, and in a few hours after the melting of the snow it is standing as erect as ever. It of course rarely attains there a height of more than twelve to eighteen inches. Thus Alpine butterflies, in any month, are sometimes subjected to these conditions, and I see no reason to suppose that the other species are not as well fitted to support the climatic conditions under which they live, as those I observed. In fact I think we may conclude that, like the vegetation,. they benefit by this enforced entombment, which protects them from the frost and the icy wind which usually accompanies it. The following records show such conditions may prevail anywhere in the Alps. Doubtless if looked for, many similar records would be: found in other publications. All the following references apply to the Entomoloyist’s Record. Mr. D. H. Pearson notes (vol. xxi., p. 264), at Binn on the night of June 22nd, 1909, ‘‘ heavy thunderstorm and hailstorm with three: or four inches of snow.’ The morning after, when the snow melted, L. arion, A. eschert, P. eros, and P. mnemosyne were seen, the latter very common. On going on to Kggishorn he adds, ‘‘ weather grew worse . . . . and two or three days of snow and wind.” Mrs. R. H. Page writes (vol.-xxii., p. 127), that at Zinal the first: few days of her stay (Aug. 3rd-5th, 1909), “ were very cold, snow falling at night.” Mr. A. L. Earl writes (vol. xxii., p. 167), at Zermatt on June 4th, 1909, ‘‘ cold throughout the week, rain every afternoon until the last: few days when it snowed continuously.” Mr. Pearson (vol. xxiv., p. 267) writes, “ the day after we lett Pontresina (July 21st, 1912), there was a fall of snow. Mr. B. 8. Curwen (vol. xxiv., p. 289), notes on July 24th, 1912, between Handeck and the Grimsel Hospice, the following species :— C. phicomone, C. hyale. EH. pharte, EF. mnestra, E.. gorge, E. tyndarus: BUTTERFLIES AND THE ACT OF EGG-LAYING. 5 and V. optilete, and adds ‘‘ two days previously there had been over a foot of snow.” In view of the date it is certain that all these species had survived burial under even this depth of snow. Unfortunately Mr. Curwen does not tell one how long the snow had lain. Mr. A. L. Earl (vol. xxviii., p. 54), records a “twelve hours thunderstorm with six inches of snow” on July 26th, 1913, at Pontresina, which put him to flight; but Mr. H. J. Turner (vol. xxix., p. 161), notes on August 17th, 1914, the following species which had “successfully weathered ” twenty-four hours incessant snow-fall :—A. niobe, A. aglaia, P. brassicae, EF. yoante, H. tyndarus, E. melampus, A. medon, and a doubtful H. alveus. I think no more need be added to show that all Alpine species, no matter what their season of flight, may be subjected to these conditions and are (as a whole, not individually) quite unaffected by them. This being so, is it unlikely or unnatural, that the @ ean lay under similar circumstances ? Then there is another remarkable point to note. All the species, which first attracted my attention by their readiness to lay in pill boxes are, it may be remembered, Hrebiid species. Now Dr. Chapman, whose experience in obtaining butterfly ova is probably second to none, writes (Ent. Rec., vol. xxiii., p. 238) of Erebiid species, that they are “ often difficult to induce to lay eggs.” This, of course, means in captivity, in as natural surroundings as Dr. Chapman could provide for them ; yet, shut up in boxes, they show a far greater readiness to lay than other species. What does this suggest? What, but that the condi- tions under a net bag with light and food plant, are not as natural to these species as those of the box. We may take it that the inability to fly is disconcerting in the former case, but compatible in the latter. The only natural circumstances which would, in any degree correspond with the position of the butterfly in the box, are those experienced by the buried butterfly. It probably often has, when buried, the additional incentive of foodplant, lacking in the pill box, but again it often may not; and the fact that eggs are so freely laid on the sides of the box, suggests to me that the buried insect may often lay on a rock. The two principal elements wanting in the pill boxes are, of course, moisture and the lower temperature, but this does not seem to affect the Erebias. Possibly it accounts for the Alpine Lycenids and Hesperias not having, in my experience, laid in the pill boxes; but I must add that I have not at all so frequently had these species enclosed for a sufficient length of time. The most unexplainable hypothesis which bas to be conceded, if we maintain that Alpine species possess this faculty, is that it can be con- served by a species, although only required intermittently, lying m abeyance for long periods. For example, in many seasons if the weather be fine, a given species will be able to lay its eggs without haying recourse to this faculty, especially in a series of fine seasons, perhaps ten might pass in succession without the necessity arising ; but, in the eleventh if required, the insect must be in full possession of the faculty which has passed down to it, although unrequired and unexercised by ten generations, if it is to benefit by it. Although this hypothesis is perhaps not one one would readily accept, yet I think we find some support for it in the fact that on rare occasions lowland species of butterflies will lay an egg or two in a box. 6 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’ S RECORD. In these cases what is the incentive? My own experience on this point is, as already mentioned, limited to two instances; and one of them (P. icarus) is an insect which often is found within the Alpine region. It therefore, to a certain degree, may have developed (or retained) the habits of an Alpine species. But the essentially lowland species which exhibit a tendency to lay in such circumstances, cannot be aceounted for in that way ; and though there can be no doubt that such occurrences are very rare, | think one can but regard them as the re-assertion and adaption of a natural instinct, once essential to the species in question, or rather to the ancestral type from which it was evolved, which in a remote past existed under very different climatic conditions. That after such a lapse of time as this concludes, the instinct still asserts itself, no matter how slightly, is suggestive that such a facilty as we have been considering, would be in no wise impaired by lying in abeyance through ten, or many more generations. Another contention, which may be brought forward, is that if Alpine species can survive burial they do not need to lay in that con- dition, but can resume their task when liberated again. ' To accept that contention we must assume that they can hve under snow for an indefinite period ; in the case of those species located above 6500ft. for perhaps as much as fourteen days, and for all species for seven days and nights; the longest period of which I have obtained authentic in- formation of snow lying in July, at 5000 ft. This, it does not seem to me, we can do, for although it 1s impossible to put a fixed limit to the length of time which they may survive, there is no doubt that, as has been already noted, even during a period of no longer than forty-eight hours, a certain number of individuals succumb, and the complete want of butterflies, in especially poor summers, which has been observed on occasions by collectors in the high Alps, is probably to be directly attributed to a longer spell of snow than they can survive. That when only quite a short time buried it is likely no eggs are laid, I have already suggested, but when it comes toa matter of days, I feel sure if the eges were not laid, they would never be laid at all. Both these points are borne out by the fact that in boxes I have never found an egg laid, unless the butterfly had been enclosed for the best part of a day. Again, in the case of late summer species: it is not an uncommon occurrence at altitudes over 6,000 ft. for snow falling in late August to be followed by successive falls at short intervals, so that the first fall has not completely melted before the next covers it again, and so it passes into winter without a break. Further, in considering the leneth of time any species can be buried and survive, one must remember that the depth of snow covering them may greatly affect this. The average depth of summer falls at altitudes between 5000 and 6000 ft. rarely exceeds five or six inches, but it can be double that (see Mr. Curwen’s note already quoted), and of course at higher levels it may frequently be so. It is quite possible that a quite short period under a greater depth, might be no more detrimental to the insects than a longer period under less ; but data on this question are wholly wanting. One more point arises which might be used as an argument against my theory. The buried butterfly, of necessity, lays its eges on any available surface. What would become of the young larve on hatching from these eggs, possibly situated on a rock, or some plant, other than their foodplant ? With species with very specialised food- THE PYRENEES IN 1920. fi habits, the young larva might have to travel a little distance to get to its particular plant (that it can both feed and travel under snow is almost certain), but in such species the @ probably goes to rest in proximity to, 1f not on, or under, the foodplant. In many Alpine species too, the larvee probably make their first meal off the eggshell ; this I know to be the case with all those Hrebia species mentioned already as having laid eggs in boxes. This would provide them with sufficient food to enable them to travel a moderate distance. The grass feeding larve, like the Krebias, will never have more than an inch or two to move. All the eggs of the Hrebia species, which I had, hatched in thirteen to fifteen days; it therefore must often happen that the eggs of those species which lay in late August, or even mid August (glacialis, goante, ewryale, pronoé var. pitho, yorge, etc.), are snowed over before they hatch. This fact justifies my previous assertion that young larve can feed and travel under snow; if not, we should have to accept the almost impossible theory that the larva of any Alpine species of Hrebia can hybernate at will in any stadium from newly hatched to six weeks old, according to the weather. This affects, more or less, all species which do not hybernate as an egg. It may be useful to add that the Alpine grass keeps fairly green under the snow, well into December, so that so far as the condition of the vegetation is concerned, there would be nothing to prevent the larvee feeding for the requisite length of time to attain a certain standard of development before commencing to hybernate. In conclusion, we have two irrefutable facts to reconcile: firstly, the meteorological conditions pertaining to the high Alpine regions, and secondly, the presence of butterflies in those regions. There have been, without doubt, in past centuries, repeated cycles of bad summers, in which the ordinary duration of the flight period of all Alpine species will have been lessened by half, a quarter, or three-quarters, their usual length ; and if we assume, not merely that the species are unable to lay under snow, but that to do so is not a completely natural function with them; then it follows that the repeated decrease in the amount of ova laid each year, reduced in proportion with the flight period of the species, must have so thinned the numbers of the species affected, that gradually, first one then another must have become extinct, until the whole butterfly Fauna of the high Alps would, long since, have ceased to exist. The Pyrenees in 1920. By DOUGLAS H. PEARSON, F.E.S. The Pyrenees had long been calling and after six years of enforced home keeping they clamoured with a voice that could no longer be disregarded and my brother and I decided upon a trip. Leaving London early on June 28rd, we arrived in Paris in the evening and took the night train for Luchon, where we were timed to arrive at about 8.30 p.m. In passing through southern France it was interesting to note that oxen were almost universally used for farm work instead of horses, and it was quaint to see oxen drawing a modern hay cutter or reaping machine. We were landed at Montrejeau about mid-day with a wait of 5 hours before the train went on for Luchon, and after having disposed of an excellent lunch 8 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. at the station restaurant, sallied forth to explore the entomological resources of the district. In a field near the station we found Colias edusa in very fresh condition and with them 2 or 3 Everes argiades, but when the good lady of the farm explained that we were more or less in her clover crop we sought pastures new by the side of the river. While I stayed behind to catch Nordmannia (Thecla) acactae—some- what past their best, my brother worked some low ground near the river and called out that he had taken something new. This proved to be Heteropterus morpheus, which was quite an unexpected find, and we managed to take half a dozen, including both sexes. They were flying round some brambles and I took the first to be a “hair-streak”’ as it had much the same style of flight. One or two Lycaena arion and other oddments made up quite a decent bag and we returned to the station well pleased with the short excursion. We stayed at Luchon from June 25th to July 1st, but were some- what unfortunate in the weather, the mornings being usually rather like a Turkish bath and the afternoons devoted to thunderstorms. On the 25th we walked up to the Hospice de France, a long uphill trudge— taking on the way Erynmnis altheae, which were in very good condition, but only appeared singly at long intervals, and one Hrebia oeme taken on a steep bank not far from the Hospice. The ground round the Hospice looked excellent, but we had no sooner arrived than thunder began to rumble and after a cup of tea we did the homeward tramp in a steady downpour. On the 26th we tried the Vallée de Burbe, branching off from the Hospice road near the old ruined tower and found very good ground. Argynnis cydippe (adippe) were large and strongly marked, but we were only able to turn up 8 of the var. cleodova. Some nice L. arion were taken, with tendency of spots to run into streaks, and one Lampides boeticus which was a new species to me. On the 27th we went a short distance up the road towards Lac d’Oo, took another L. boeticus, several Pararge maera var. adrasta, and one or two P. aegeria which were very deep in colour and practically the same as a brother had recently brought me from Algeria, being much darker than my Swiss specimens. In hopes of finding a breath of fresh air, we took the mountain railway up Superbagnéres on the 28th, but the flies which had tormented us in the valley were in legions on the mountain, and of all sizes from the Scotch cleg to a horse-fly about 14 inches long, who carried a bradawl in his business end and only sulked if you boxed his ears or smote him with a stick. It was good to be among the alpine flowers again, and we were soon busy netting Hrebia epiphron, which showed a considerable amount of variation, Melitaea aurinia (not merope), a single Hrebia ceto and other things. We enjoyed our lunch seated among the Dryas octopetala and Rhododendron, but before it was finished thunder began to roll round and then the rain began. It came in such blinding sheets that one could not see 20 yards ahead and it was only by keeping along the ridge that we found our way back to the large hotel, which is being built at the railway terminus and which we could not see until we were close to the building. An expedition up the Val de Lys was spoilt by rain and want of sun and nothing was taken, but the ground looked promising. On July 2nd we left Luchon for Gavarnie, and on arriving at Luz found it too late for the diligence, and on the advice of the station THE PYRENEES IN 1920. 9 master hired a motor to take us up to Gavarnie. It was a weird machine and we agreed that 8 trips at the rate charged would just about pay for the car. It broke down twice on the road and was only persuaded to resume action after much tickling of the carburretter, and as the boy who drove found it necessary to look at his hands every time he changed gear, we missed the boundary wall which kept us out of the scenery several times by a very slender margin. It was with a sigh of thankfulness that we drew up at the Vignemal Hotel with an added stock of grey hairs. Gavarnie is a truly delightful spot and we spent the time until July 16th very happily and wished it could be extended. The famous Cirque we left to the donkey riders, but worked hard to get samples of the entomological treasures of the district and were very fairly success- ful. Our favourite ground was the Val D’Ossue with its tumbled rocks and rushing river of beautiful clear water, but we found the lower part of the valley most productive. Near the entrance Hrynnis (Carcharodus) lavaterae was met with, a small form in good condition, and we managed to take a short series, but the most interesting species in the valley was Melitaea didyma. In the Rhone valley where didyma is sometimes very plentiful, one occasionally meets with the var. alpina, but I have always looked upon it as rather a prize. Here we did not meet with a single normal @, all being of the var. alpina, or more like the description of meridionalis. In my examples from Switzerland and Modane the reddish or sometimes yellowish ground colour shows on both upper and lower wings. The Gavarnie specimens are very varied. In most of them the ground colour is greenish-grey and in one both fore and hindwings are nearly black. Two have blue spots in the lower wings and one has the outer row of black spots extended into streaks. The g g have a darker border than most of my Swiss specimens and one has large black blotches on the upper wings. They form a lovely series, but unfortunately the 9 ? were by no means plentiful, and we would sometimes work for an hour without taking one. We only took one Ayriades coridon at Luchon, and the males were only just out when we arrived at Gavarnie, but became plentiful later. We examined a considerable number and with one exception —which is moderately spotted —all were very washed out and feebly marked on the underside. We only took 8 ° 2 of a very ordinary brown form. Plebeius aegon (aryus) swarmed in the valley and continued plentiful up to about 6000ft., but appeared to be of a very ordinary form. In this valley we also took a few Melitaea dictynna, which are by far the lightest form I have met with of this species. We made several excursions towards the Port de Spain, and on ohe occasion went over the border but were met by such an icy blast that we were glad to turn our backs to it and get into shelter. On the way up we found a spot for Krebia lefebvrei and when there was not a howling wind we managed by patient work to secure a nice little series. Dr. Keynes says that Hrebia stygne only crosses the screes or haunts the edges, but on this particular scree this was not the case, as one could watch an insect flying up and down the scree in exactly the same way as lefebvret, and when at last it came within reach and was netted it would over and over again prove to be stygne and provoke. unparliamentary language. Just before reaching this scree and near the main stream, a lovely brook of clear, cold water 10 THE ENTOMOLOGIST ’S RECORD. wells out of the ground, and several very pleasant meals were taken there and all efforts to drink it dry were unavailing. We worked very hard to find Latiorina pyrenaica, both on the way to Port de Spain and also on the way up Pimené, but had no success until July 12th when we took six on the way to Port de Spain and one more on the same ground on July 15th: we were no doubt too early for it. L. orbitulus we did not find at all. On July 18th we started in a thick fog by the lower road up Pimené, and where the path crosses a steep gulley we found a sooty black Hrebia which I take to be Hrebia manto v. caecilia. Our nets were so drenched with fog as to be useless, but we managed to box a nice little series as they sat on the dripping grass heads. They seemed to be confined to a small patch about 20 yards by 10 as we could not find them either above or below, and possibly they came up the gulley. Melanargia galathea var. leucomelas is said to be found near the village, but though we netted and examined a large number we failed to turn it up. The flowers were interesting but were not in such profusion as in some Swiss valleys. At Luchon we found the ‘“‘Sweet William,” which was new to me as a wild flower, and a pale Viola with stem 12 to 18 inches long and a long spur. Ramondia pyrenaica was going over at Gavarnie, but there were still some fine blooms left, and in some places were grand specimens of Sawifraga lonyifolia, which does not appear to bloom until the plant reaches a considerable size. On Pimené we found a small Colchicwn, so dwarf that the petals he back oh the turf. Gentians were rather poor and G. acaulis generally looked ill-grown and unhappy, but we found some beautiful patches of the little Gentiana nivalis. The most striking flower at Gavarnie was the purple Iris, and when seen in a mass On a mountain side it was a sight to be remembered. Of the black and white Skippers, Hesperia carthami was fairly common, but so small in comparison with Rhone Valley specimens as to be recognised with difficulty. We took several Powellia sao, and some others, which at present 1 do not feel competent to name. On July 16th we moved on to Biarritz and walked to the Lac Mouriscot, where we took Heterupterus morpheus and Coenonympha oedipus among the reeds, but neither were plentiful and many were decidedly past their best. MHnodia dryas was in fine condition and we took a nice series, including some large 9 2. and also a single specimen of Hipparchia (Satyrus) arethusa. We left Biarritz on the 20th and arrived home in the early hours of the 22nd after a tedious journey, but well content to have again felt the sun and tasted of the joys of the chase. Lepidoptera in Peninsular Italy during the year 1920. By O. QUERCI. (Continued from p. 227.) When, at the beginning of the month of June, 1920, I was persuaded that every hope Of collecting in Florence was excluded, I took counsel with Dr. Verity as to the best mode of employing my time. It was decided that I should go to the marshes of the lake of LEPIDOPTERA IN PENINSULAR ITALY DURING THE YEAR 1920. 11 Massaciuccoli (Lucca), where many years ago there was collected a form of Chrysophanus dispar. On the morning of June 9th I went to the Pian di Mugnone, near Florence, and Dr. Romei left for Monte Morello. On the Mugnone, considering the time of year, I ought to have found in abundance M. galathea, EF. jurtina, P. tithonus, P. brassicae, M. didyma, M. athalia, B. hecate, C. arcania, N. ilicis, A. flava, T. acteon, Z. stoechadis, 4. carniolica. I perambulated the whole zone from morning till night, not being persuaded that on such a splendid day some insect would not fly. At night I returned home with 3 specimens, and soon after my son-in-law, who had walked for 14 hours on the mountains, came back with one P. argus. The following morning I left for Torre del Lago, which is the nearest station to the lake of Massaciuccoli, and tried to penetrate into the marshes, but every road was closed by the walls of the Villas, and so I had to turn back passing through the whole Pineta of Migliorini, where I only saw a few shabby specimens of Mpinephele jurtina and Syntomis phegea. From Migliorini, along the dyke of the river Serchio, I went to Vecchiano without finding anything exeept two P. icarus, and from Vecchiano on the following day I penetrated into the marshes of the lake. I walked for many hours exploring the wettest and most grassy places, but insect life seemed suspended, not a butterfly, nor a fly, I only saw a red dragonfly hovering over the muddy water of a canal. On returning from this unpleasant excursion I took the train and arrived in the evening at Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. On the morning of June 11th I left by motor car for Fivizzano, the pretty village destroyed by the earthquake of September 7th, 1920. I did not find any favourable localities and I immediately went to Piazza al Serchio, from which I went on to Gorfiglano in the midst of the marble region. From Gorfigliano, by the valley of Acqua Bianca, I ascended the peak of the Pisanino, 5000ft., and reached a high valley full of snow. On the grassy slopes of the valley I collected an Mrebia gorye and an Aglais urticae, nothing else. Returning to Gorfigliano I crossed the mountain to go to Vagli Sopra, and | went towards Monte Tambura, for I was convinced that the marble region, dry and stony, was certainly not suitable for Lepidoptera. From the valleys of Monte Tambura I had seen Monte Sumbra, whose softly undulating slopes contrasted with the other pointed and arid summits of the Alpi Apuane. This induced me to go to Careggine, where I remained collecting till the end of July. My wife and daughter ought to have gone to collect on the mountains of Calabria and ought to have left at the end of April, but from various causes their departure could not take place till the 12th of May. After short halts at Rome and Naples they arrived at Cosenza on the 16th of the same month, and went to Rogliano situated on the mountains of the Sila. A long excursion in the neighbourhood of the village showed my family that the locality was too intensively cultivated to be suitable for their purpose. In the railway journey from Paola to Cosenza they had remarked some uncultivated localities, so they returned to San Fili where they found lodgings. . San Fili is about 2400ft. on the coast range of Calabria, and from it my family could ascend by a path to the summit of the mountain 12 : THE ENTOMOLOGISY’S RECORD. chain among beech woods with wide clearings full of high ferns. The locality was judged excellent ; the people of San Fili were hospitable and respectful, and used gentle pressure on my family to remain. Every time that my wife and daughter went up the high mountain they were accompanied by two Forest guards. During the first days, from the 18th to 26th of May, the weather was fine and the collection of Lepidoptera promising enough, although the season was too advanced for the ‘ precocious”’ species to fly and only damaged specimens were found. As many as 48 species of Rhopalocera were present, but nearly all in small numbers. The more abundant species were C. semiarqus, P. amandns, M. cinaxia, B. enphrosyne that 1s those generally scarcer, whilst of the species generally commoner; P. icarus, N. ilicis, P. rapae, M. brassicae, C. pamphilus, M. didyma, P. cardui, one saw very few individuals flying. At the distance of 500 miles the phenomenon was identical with what I had observed at Florence. One of the principal objects of our journey in Calabria was the collection of P. apollo, race pumilus, Stich., P. mnemosyne, race calabrica, Trti., and Melanargia arge, race turatti, Rostagno (=cocuz- zana, Staud.). These species were searched for carefully and the locality seemed excellent for their development, but the apollo was never met with and of the mnemosyne and the arge only a few individuals were collected. With regard to the P. apollo it must be noted that it scarcely emerged at all this year in Italy. On the Alps of South Tyrol, where apollo is always most abundant, Dr. Verity only took a very few specimens; Dr. Romei did not find it at all on the Monti Sibillini, where it is also abundant, and on the Caronie, in Sicily, Signor Ragusa only succeeded in collecting 7. I myself, on the Alpi Apuane, in spite of continued researches during two months and in the most favourable season, only saw two specimens. On May 27th, 1920, the collecting in Calabria was interrupted by vain. The first of June was fine and the Zygaenae appeared abundantly, but the bad weather returned and continued almost uninterruptedly till June 17th, preventing any collecting. On June 4th, taking advantage of a brief cessation of the rain, my wife and daughter went on to the mountain and made an important capture: the Syntomis ragazzit, Turati. They had little knowledge of the fine discovery made by Count Turati; they only knew that besides the Syntomis marjana, Staud., a new Syntomis had been found in Southern Italy, and they at once conjectured that the specimens found must belong to this new species, which they had never seen before. On June 17th the weather became fine again; all the spring Lepidoptera had disappeared and were replaced by the summer ones. From June 17th to 27th there emerged the second broods of R. phlaeas, L. dorilis, A. thersites, P. icarus, A. medon, C. croceus (edusa), L. sinapis, P. rapae, M. brassicae, C. pamphilus, P. megera, and the emergence of the summer species began: P. liyurica, P. argus, S. fagi (hermione), S. circe, S. cordula, S. semele, M.athalia, A. niobe, A. cydippe, but just as everything seemed turning for the best, on June 28th, all emergence of insects ceased. Vegetation was luxuriant, weather splendid, but collecting no longer offered any interest. One could walk for hours without collecting anything. LEPIDOPTERA IN PENINSULAR ITALY DURING THE YEAR 1920. 13 The hope of finding P. apollo and the females of S. cordula, A. niobe, and S. rayazzti detained iny family at San Fili till the first days of July, but the females did not emerge, so that on July 5th, after a long and fruitless mountain excursion, my wife and my daughter decided to leave Calabria and to come to me in the Garfagnana. It was absolutely not worth while to wait for the end of the ‘‘summrr PAUSE, which appeared to be very protracted, and to remain so far away in these turbulent times in which all communications might be cut off. After four days’ journey my family were re-united at Careggine on July 10th. In the subjoined list I note all the species collected in Calabria from May 19th to July 5th, 1920. Zygaena purpuralis, Brinn., race not identified, June Ist-17th. Z. scabiosae, Schev., race romeo, Dup., June 1st-20th. 2. stoechadis, Bkh., race calabra, Vrty., May 19th-June 20th. Z%. lonicerae, Schev., race stlana, Burg. (=herthae, Staud.), June 1st-20th. Z. meliloti, Hsp., race charon, Hb., June 1Ist-20th. 7%. owytropis, B., race not identified, May 19th-June 7th. 2%. carniolica, Scop., race florentina, Vrty., June 7th-20th. Procris statices, L., race not identified, May 20th-June Ist. P. tenuicornis, Z., race not identified, May 24th-June 4th. P. coynata, Rbr., race not identified, May 20th-June 4th. Syntomis ragazzui, Trti., race ragazzti, Trti., June 4th-20th. Krynnis alceae, Kisp., race australis, Vrty., June 17th. LH. altheae, Hb., race australiformis, Vrty., June 17th. Hesperia armoricanus, Obth., race fulvoinspersa, Vrty., May 19th- 26th. H. carthani, Hb., race not identified, May 19th-20th. HA. malvoides, Klw. and Hdw., race pseudomalvae, Vrty., May 19th-26th. Powellia sao, Hb., race not identified, May 19th-26th. Adopaea lineola, Ochs., race clara, Tutt, June 1st-17th. A. flava, Brunn. (=thauwmas, Hufn.), race iberica, Tutt, June 1st-17th. Thymelicus acteon, Rott., race ragusat, Vrty., June 1st-27th. Augiades sylvanus, Ksp., race sylvanus, May 19th-26th. Fiumicia phlaeas, L., race nigrioreleus, Vrty., I. gen. phlaeas, May 19-24th. R. phlaeas, L., race nigrioreleus, Vrty., I. gen. niyrioreleus, June 20th-27th. Loweta alciphron, Rott., race romanorum, Fruhst., May 24th-June 17th. L. dorilis, Hufn., race italorum, Yrty., I. gen. italorum, May 24th. L. dorilis, Hutn., race italorum, Vrty., II. gen. italorum, June 17th-27th. Glaucopsyche cyllarus, Rott., race pauper, Vrty., May 19th-24th. Scolitantides baton, Bgstr., race obscurata, Vrty., June 20th-23rd. Agriades thersites (Gerh.), Chapman, race not identified, II. gen., June 20th-27th. Polyommatus tcarus, Rott., race not identified, I. gen., May 19th- 24th. P. icarus, Rott., race not identified, II. gen., June 17th-27th.. P. amandus, Schn., race not identified, May 19th-26th. Cyaniris semiaryus, Rott., race not identified, May 19th-June 4th. Aricia medon, Huin., race subcalida, Vrty., I. gen. suwbornata, Vrty., May 21st-30th. A. medon, Hufn., race subcalida, Vrty., Il. gen., subcalida, June 17th-27th. A. ewmedon, Kisp., race not identified, May 24th-June 4th. Plebeius argus, L., race calabrica, Trti., June 1st-27th. BP. ligurica, Obthr., race not identified, June 17th-23rd. 14 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. Lycaenopsis (Celastrina) argiolus, L., race calidogenita, Vrty., June 20th. Qupido minimus, Fuessl., race minimus, May 22nd. Lampides boeticus, Li., race boeticus, June 20th. Callophrys rubi, L., race virgatus, Vrty., May 19th-26th. Nordmannia ilicis, Esp., race inornata, Vrty., May 19th-22nd. Colias croceus (edusa), Foure., race croceus, Il. gen. croceus, June 23rd. Leptosia sinapis, Li., race bivittata, Vrty., I. gen. lathyri, Hb., May 19th-21st. L. sinapis, L., race bivittata, Vrty., II. gen. bivittata, June 17th-27th. Anthocharis (EHuchloé) cardamines, L., race meridionalis, YVrty., May 19th-26th. Pontia daplidice, ., race daplidice, II. gen. daplidice, June 23rd. Pieris napi, L., race meridionalis, Ruhl, I. gen. vulgaris, Vrty., May 19th-2lst. P. napi, L., race meridionalis, Ruhl, Wi. gen. meridionalis, June 21st-27th. P. rapae, L., race rapae, L., I. gen. metra, Steph., May 19th-21st. P. rapae, L., race rapae, L., II. gen. aestiva, Z., June 20th-27th. Mancipium (Pieris) brassicae, L., race catoleuca, Rob., Il. gen. catoleuca, May 19th-26th. Aporia crataeyi, Li., race not identified, May 19th-June 20th. Parnassius innemosyne, L., race calabra, Trti., May 19th-26th. Papilio machaon, L., race aestivus, Z., II. gen. aestivus, June 17th. P. podalirius, L., race interjecta, Vrty., I. gen. interjecta, May 19th-22nd. Coenonympha pamphilus, L., race australis, Vrty., 1. gen. australis, May 19th-26th. C. pamphilus, L., race australis, Vrty., Il. gen. emilyllus, Vrty., June 24th-July 5th. C. arcania, L., race not © identified, I. gen., May 24th-June 20th. Epinephele jurtina, L., race not identified, May 19th-June 20th. Melanargia galathea, L., race not identified, June 1st-July 5th. M. arge, Sulz., race turatii, Rostagno (=cocuzzana, Staud.), May 19th- June 1st. Pararge megera, L., race megera, I. gen. megera, May 19th-26th. P. megera, Li., race megera, Il. gen. megera, June 20th-July 3rd. P. maera, L., race erdonia, Fruhst., I. gen. erdonia(=polsensis, Staud.), May 19th-26th. P. aegeria, L., race not identified, II. gen., June 17th. Satyrus fagi, Scop. (=hermione, L.), race alcyoneformis, Vriy., June 17th-27th. 8S. circe, F., race itala, Vrty., June 17th-27th. 8S. cordula, F’., race calabra, Costa (=acteina, Obthr.), June 17th-27th. S. semele, L., race not identified, June 23rd. Limenitis rivularis, Scop. (=camilla, auct.), race rivularis, 1. gen. vivularis, June 23rd. Melitaea didyma, Esp., race neeraeformis, Vrty., I. gen. neeraeformis, May 19th-June 27th. WM. trivia, Schiff., race not identified, I. gen., May 19th. M. phoebe, Knoch, race tusca, Vrty., I. gen. tusca, May 19th-26th. M. cinaia, L., race australis, Vrty., May 19th-26th. M. athalia, Rott., race obscura, Vrty., May 19th-July 5th. Brenthis daphne, Schiff., race nikator, Fruhst, June 1st-20th. B. euphrosyne, Li, race apennina, Stgr., May 19th-26th. Issoria lathonia, L., race not identified, I. gen. lathonia (not possible to identify the race not having collected the other broods), May 19th-June Ist. NEW SPECIES OF MYRMECOPHILOUS HYMENOPTERA——PROCTOTRYPOIDEA. 15 Argynnis cydippe, L., race clarens, Vrty., June 21st-27th. A. aglaia, L., race appenninicola, Vrty., May 24th-June 20th. A. niobe, L., race not identified, June 1st-July 5th. Pyrameis cardut, Li., race universa, Vrty., I. gen. universa, May 24th- June 4th. P. atalanta L., race atalanta, May 24th. Aglais urticae, L., race turcica, Stgr., May 24th. Polygonia egea, Cr.. race egea, I. gen. egea, May 24th. P. c-album, L., race c-album, II. gen. hutchinsoni, Robson, June 17th. Dr. Verity will publish an account of the races not yet identified. The number of species collected in the brief period of residence in Calabria is remarkable, but the number of individuals is very small ; of many species only one or two specimens were collected. The aberrations found in Calabria are also very few :— A female of Z. meliloti wanting the dark pigment on body and wings. A male of the same species in which the dark band of the hind- wings is so much extended as to leave only a small red point in the centre. A male of Z. scabiosae with a red ring on the abdomen. A male of 4%. ragazzii with the white spaces much reduced in number and dimensions and the hindwings quite dark. A male of P. argus with extensive fulvous marks on the upperside of the hindwings. A female of A. crataegi with the transparent space at the end of the cell of the forewings extremely broad. A male of M. athalia very dark. (To be continued.) New Species of Myrmecophilous Hymenoptera—Proctotrypoidea. By L. A. BOX, F.Z.S., F.E.S. The types of the species here described are in Mr. Donisthorpe’s collection of myrmecophiles and were taken by him in the nests of the ants mentioned. ” CERAPHRONID. Lagynodes niger, Kief., aterior, var. n. Male. Length 1°2mm. Alar expanse 2°7mm. Resembles niger in the colour being entirely black, the tegument being smooth and shining, the detail of the head and antenne, the shape and detail of the abdomen, the dividing sutures of the scutellum reaching at their junction in the centre to the posterior edge of the mesonotum, and the radius being distant from the extremity of the wing by two- thirds of its length. It differs in having the wings distinctly blackish or smoky, “the scape red only at the base, the rest dark brown, the femora black or fuscous -except at the knees, the tibie fuscous in the centre and the abdomen without trace of reddish colour. From nest of L. fuliginosus at Woking on September 27th, 1920. Ceraphron fuliginosi, sp. n. Female. Length 1mm. Alar expanse 18mm. Entirely black. Wings ‘normal, forewings fuscous except at the base and having a somewhat clearer area below the radius, hindwings slightly fuscous. Marginal nervure straight, not ‘thickened so as to form a stigma, the radius half as long again as the marginal nervure. Abdomen not compressed, ovoid and acuminate at the tip, very smooth ‘and shining, devoid of striation at the base. Head and thorax smooth and shining Wout finely acupunctate and clothed with short fine whitish hairs. Antenne entirely black, except the scape at the apex and the second joint piceous, with ten 16 THE KNTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. joints, scape nearly a third of the total length, swollen at the base, the second joint nearly twice as long as thick, obconical, funicle gradually thickened from the third joint to the last which is conical, third joint slightly longer than thick, fourth to ninth joints distinctly transverse, tenth joint twice as long as thick. Legs dark brown except the coxe, the tibie at the base and the tarsi, which are reddish. There is a dense fringe of long white hairs on each side of the metapleuree pointing backwards and covering the sides of the base of theabdomen. Propodeon narrowly margined and having a few deep striations especially obliquely on each side from the base to the inner side of the lateral acuminations, and forming a trapezoidal area in the base of which is the small spiracle. From the same nest of L. fuliyinosus at Woking on August 14th, 1920. DiaPrRup#. Lovotropa fuliginosi, sp. n. Female. Length 1*7mm. Antenna l‘lmm. Black, smooth and shining, with a mass of long whitish pubescence on the lateral corners of the pronotum, on the dorsal surface of the petiole and on the metapleure. Legs entirely bright orange-red. Antenne reddish-brown except the club which is black. Antenne with the scape stout and cylindrical, as long as the five following joints, together, second joint obeonical, twice as long as thick, third joint longer than thick, gradually thickened from base to apex which is as wide as the second joint, fourth to ninth joints transverse, moniliform, tenth to twelfth joints more than twice as thick as the rest, forming a club which is as long as the scape, tenth and eleventh joints globular, the eleventh distinctly transverse, the twelfth joint tapering to a rounded point, longer than thick. Wings atrophied, reaching just beyond the petiole, the forewing with a pale yellow marginal vein ending in a dark brown knob or stigma and extending to three-fourths the total length of the wing, the part beyond the stigma and immediately below it very pubescent, the rest hyaline and glabrous. Hindwing linear, almost threadlike but slightly wider at the tip and about as long as the forewing. Head wider than the thorax and about as wide as the abdomen, subsquare, wider in front. Mesonotum semicircular but as long as wide at the base. Scutellum with a deep depression in front next to and running into the mesonotum. Propodeon with a raised emargination all round ending in a prolonged blunt point or horn on each side, with a raised ridge in the centre from front to back which is widened basally and raised there to a knob-like point in the centre of the widened boss. The apical margin with a single tooth in the centre. Abdomen more than twice as long as wide, flat above, almost parallel- sided and somewhat truncate at the apex, petiole a little longer than wide, second segment covering at least three-fourths the total length excluding the petiole. All the tibize very slender at the base and gradually thickened to the apex. From the same nest of L. fuliyinosus at Woking, May 380th, 1920. PLATYGASTERID. Synopeas fuscicola, sp. n. Female. Length l‘lmm. Alar expanse 2°lmm. Dull black, with white hairs at the base of the mesonotum on each side in a fringe, on each side of the scutellum thinly, on the lateral edges of the propodeon densely, on the metapleure all over densely, and on the base of the abdomen above on each side and ventrally densely. Legs and antennee (except the club which is piceous) bright yellow. Wings, except at the base below the short marginal vein, covered with short dark hairs, almost hyaline. Tegule prominent and fuscons. Head transverse, finely and shallowly alveolate, ocelli in a slight curve, wide apart, the outer ocelli very near to the eyes. Pronotum broadly visible from above from one tegula to the other for about the same depth all round. Mesonotum convex, finely rugose, with two parallel striz from front to back frequently interrupted—like dotted lines— roughly dividing the surface into three equal parts and with a slightly raised knob or pimple rather shining in the centre immediately in front of the scutellum and another similar knob on each side between this and the tegula but nearer the latter and with a row of short strize between each. The awl-shaped prominence of the seutellum is smooth and shining and viewed sideways it will be seen that the tip NOTES ON COLLECTING. 17 is a sharply pointed horn, pale in colour, below which before reaching the impressed metanotum there is a second but obtuse tooth. The propodeon is divided longi- tudinally by a broad raised ridge which is smooth and shining and projects behind as a blunt tooth. So much of the rest of the propodeon as is visible is smooth and shining. The large segment of the abdomen which covers more than three-fourths of the whole is smooth and shining, the surface being almost imper- ceptibly alveolate. The antenne haye the scape long and slender, more than half the length of the funicle, slightly thickened from the base upwards and curved outwardly, having outwardly just before the apex a curved excavation from before the commencement of which springs a long curved hair or bristle reaching to just beyond the end of the joint which is truncate, the second joint obconical and almost as thick as the scape, twice as long as thick, the third joint only half as wide, ovoid and longer than thick, the fourth joint as long as the last, twice as long as thick, cylindrical, the fifth joint the same width, globular, the sixth joint trans- verse and truncate at the apex, the seventh to tenth joints forming a club slightly thicker than the scape, the seventh subtriangular, longer than thick at the apex, the eighth and ninth cup-shaped, transverse, the tenth joint longer than thick and bluntly rounded at the tip. The hind and mid tibiz are long and slender, thickened towards the apex, the femora strongly thickened in the middle. In a nest of F’. fusca at Barmouth on June 23rd, 1906. See Hnt. Rec., 1906, p. 319. FA OTES ON COLLECTING, Etc. Nores rrom Kent, Mippitesex anp Surrey.—My first hunt this year was in Richmond Park on April 21st. Here I found Pammene argyrana in abundance settled on oak trunks; most trees sheltered three or four and some especially favoured carried nearly a dozen moths. Among the number were two cream coloured specimens as Wilkinson calls them, while Barrett alludes to them as “ dirty: White.” There were a few intermediate between these and the type, and two P. splendidulana were also noticed. Two days later I found Ancylis tnornatana quite plentiful in its old haunt among Salia fusca on Barnes Common. Later Lithocolletis quinqueguttella also occurred here. At Hindhead on May 18th, several cocoons of Stiymella (Nepticula) septembrella were found in leaves of Hypericum. I was surprised to see Flesperia (Syrichthus) malvae at Richmond on May 22nd, as I had never previously seen it there. On the birches I found larve of Salebria (Phycis) betulae. The larva spins a slight but quite tough cocoon, to one end of which the pupa is firmly anchored by strong cremastral hooks. The moth on emergence carries a portion of the pupal head case with it, by means of which it forces a hole through the cocoon, and after emergence this part of the pupal shell is found outside the cocoon. It is a trefoil shaped piece which is apparently the top of the head, but as this pupa is of macrotype and breaks up irregularly I was-unable to fit the pieces on to any of the pupz to ascertain their exact position. At Otford, on the 29th, I found two small pupe in a head of Carlina vulgaris. They had the look of dipterous pups, as they were quite without segmental movement, but the lens showed them to be lepidopterous, and at the end of June one of them disclosed a nice specimen of Parasia carlinella. On the 31st, I saw four imagines of Chrysoclysta linneella on lime trunks in Chiswick, this is the earliest date I have on record. At Orpington, June 19th, Aphelosetia argentella was in multitudes for about half a mile along a road side. It would be an exaggeration to say that the grass was white with them, but 18 THE ENTOMOLOGIST ’S RECORD. there must have been one to every few square inches. When on the wing at dusk they must have presented a picture of fairyland. Onan old oak in contrast sat one solitary specimen of Tinea parasttella. About this time Paedisca bilunana was common on birch stems at Chiswick, Laverna hellerella on hawthorn and Pardia tripunctana on rose. On June 30th, at Richmond, I saw a few Penthina corticana, Hb., among birch, and found a nearly full-grown larva of Letocampa dictaeoides. I took twelve spun up Coleophorid cases for examination of the pupa, but every one of them contained parasites. here werea few Butalis grandipennis on Barnes Common, July 7th, they were first noticed there about seventy years ago as recorded in the Zoologist of that time. The common must have been a fine hunt- ing ground in those days. (Gelechia pinguinella was yery numerous on the poplar trunks and in fine condition. I also took this. species in Chiswick where I had not seen it before. At Wimbledon, mines of Stiymella salicis were very common in sallow leaves and Argyresthia goedartella was quite in its usual abundance. On July 24th I joined the South London Society’s excursion to Byfleet, and took a fine specimen of Abebaea (Cerostoma) lucella, which I had long wanted, four larvee of Aphelosetia cerusella in one mine on Phragmites: communis, all of them produced moths, which emerged after 5 p.m. (G.T.). This seems odd as Mr. P. A. Buxton records that A. poae, which feeds on Glyceria aquatica in similar situations, emerged between 8 and 9 a.m. The two species, however, belong to different sections of the genus (Hnt. Rec., xxviii., p. 88). I was also pleased to get larvee of Buceulatria frangulella off the Rhamnus bushes, they were mostly in their cocoonets changing their skins. The skin does not shrivel up like that of many larve, but remains outstretched in the cocoonet just. as it was before the larva crept out of it. On the 29th I walked down one of the last yet unmade-up roads in Chiswick and found Hemimene (Dicrorampha) simpliciana common and in fine condition, Artemisia vulgaris grows 1n abundance, and it is here that 1 have taken the larvee of Gracilaria omissella in their bladdery mines. In early August we: tried sugar, but it only produced a few of the very common Noctue. A few specimens of the once rare Conchylis smeathmaniiana occurred in our: meadow about this time. At Kingsbury on August 28th I found young larvee of Coleophora solitariella in their first cases, and also several empty egg shells. The eggs are laid on the upper surface of the leaf towards the base, close to or in the sulcus that runs down the middle of the leaf. The upright egg is cone-shaped, ribbed with a rather deep depression at the summit. The larva mines through the base of the eggshell into the leat. In making its first case the larva cuts out elongated pieces of the upper and lower cuticle, avoiding the serrated edge of the leaf. It fastens the newly made case to the under- side of the leaf, and later adds a portion to the tail end of pure white silk. In another place the young larve of C. albitarsella were also in their first cases, cut out from the leaves of Glechoma. In early September Peronca reticulata (contaminana) was abundant at Kings- bury in all its forms except vmicron, which I did not see at all. There was one specimen of the Y-form, with white ground colour, similar to a specimen taken at Bath and I think Mr. Turner also has a white one. There is a good deal of dogwood in the hedges about Kingsbury, but I was surprised to see many mines of Antispila treitschkiella in the leaves, ag | had never noticed these mines previously. In August,. CURRENT NOTES. 19° Cerostoma vitella was quite common in Regent’s Park on the elm trunks and I boxed a Vortria pronubana off a window of a house at the foot of Primrose Hill and saw a second one in September. This species still inhabits our garden in Chiswick, where it was quite com- mon this year.—Aurrep Sicu, Chiswick. December, 1920. G;URRENT NOTES AND SHORT NOTICES. The name of Alexander Borisovitch Shelkovnikov, who has done so: much to elucidate the fauna and flora of the 'Transcaucasian steppes, supplied specialists all over Europe with abundant material of all kinds, and lavished the most genial hospitality to men of science of all countries in his beautiful home at Geok Tapa, about half-way between Tiflis and Baku, is well known to readers of our pages. As the most prominent landowner in the district, and the only Christian and educated one, he was elected by his Tatar neighbours, with whom he stood in the most friendly and cordial relationship, to be representative of the district on the Constitutional Assembly for regenerate Russia, which assembly, alas, was stillborn. Inspired by the propaganda of the Bolsheviks and by the pan-Islamic fervour of Enver and his satellites, the local Tatars one day fell upon Shelkovnikov’s place in a mass and utterly destroyed it. His splendid vineyards were hacked to pieces, the contents of his cellars, containing three vintages, poured forth to waste, his house and buildings burnt to the ground, and the beautiful park, which he had cultivated so lovingly for twenty years, hacked down. Shelkovnikov succeeded, with considerable difficulty, in escaping alive, together with his wife and family. They dared not go to Tiflis, as Christians were being massacred in the train in that direction, but reached Baku safely. They left that hotbed of terror before it was too late and succeeded eventually in reaching Tiflis, where the host of savants is eking out his existence a completely ruined man.—M.B. A lady, who recently escaped from Petrograd, has brought the sad news, not absolutely certain, but practically hopelessly so, that Andrei Petrovich Semenoy-Tian-Shansky was done to death about two years ago or more by the peasants on his estate in the Riazan Government. The most that British entomologists dare hope is that it is one of his brothers who succumbed. Andre Petrovich, Hon. F.E.8., was one of the best representatives of Russian Intelligentsia. The son of a gifted and very distinguished father, who was the first to survey the Tian-Shan mountains, in recognition of which the T'sar Alexander IT. allowed him to add the title Tian-Shansky for his surname, Andre Petrovich inherited the old Senator’s love of natural science and became one of Russia’s most distinguished entomologists. He is best known in Britain for his work on Russian Coleoptera, Chrysids and Dermaptera. He was also: a first-rate all-round naturalist and a very keen sportsman. No mean poet he translated Horace into delightful Russian verse and had read widely several foreign literatures. Always a stout friend of Great Britain, he was enthusiastic over the war, and expressed the hope that the end would not come until the whole world had declared war on Germany, so that posterity might see plainly that Germany was an outlaw among peoples. He contributed considerably to the press in the British interest and took an active, if somewhat academic, part in _ 20 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. the movement for the amelioration of social conditions in his beloved Russia. With true Russian hospitality, he kept open house for thoughtful men of the varied interests. He was Vice-President of the Russian Entomological Society, which means acting chairman, for the. post of president was reserved for one of the Grand Dukes, and he was president of the Zoological Section of the Imperial Russian Geo- graphical Society, an organisation which led a separate existence independently of the mother-body. His death is a very great loss to Palearctic Entomology. When at Salonika, I used to receive a cheerful postcard from him every fortnight, till suddenly they ceased, and as I began to miss the characteristic handwriting, I felt that I had lost one of my very best friends. The same lady reports that A. Kuznetsov, the great authority on Russian Lepidoptera, has succeeded in escaping to Finland.—M.B. The Officers and Council of the Entomological Society, London, for the Session 1921-22, are President: The Rt. Honble. Lord Roths- child, M.A., F.R.S., ete. Treasurer: W. G. Sheldon, F.Z.8. Secre- taries: The Rev. George Wheeler, M.A., F.Z.S., and S. A. Neave, M.A., D.Se., F.Z.8S. Librarian: H. J. Turner. Council: Robert Adkin; H. EK. Andrews; G. T. Bethune-Baker, F.L.S., F.Z.8.; G.C. Champion, A.L.8., F.Z.8.; J. Hartley Durrant; A. D. Imms, M.A., D.Se., F.L.8.; James J. Joicey; G. A. K. Marshall, D.Se., F.Z.S.; Capt. Norman D. Riley; H. Rowland-Brown, M.A.; Comm. James J. Walker, M.A., R.N., F.U.8.; Capt. the Rev. J. Waterston, IBID), IB aIS\or The Officers and Council of the South London Entomological Society for the Session 1921-22 are, President: K. G. Blair, B.Sc., F.E.S.; Vice-Presidents: EK. J. Bunnett, M.A., F.E.S.; S. Edwards, F.L.8., F.Z.8., etc.; Treasurer: A. K. Tonge, F.H.S.; Librarian: A. W. Dods; Curator: 8. R. Ashby, F.E.S.; Assist. Curator: T. L. Barnett ; Mditor of Proceedings: Hy. J. Turner, F.E.8.; Secretaries : Stanley Edwards, F.L.S., F.Z.S., etc. (Corresponding) ; and Hy. J. Turner, F.E.S.; Recorder of Attendances: B.S. Williams ; Lanternist: AW. Dennis) (Council: Ry Adkin, HBS. : eda Barnett il Bowman; L. HK. Dunstar; Lachlan Gibb, F.H.S.; H. A. Leeds; Capt. N. D. Riley, F.E.S.; Dr. G. 8. Robertson; E. Step, F.L.S. It is fully anticipated that the Entomological Society will be in- stalled in its new premises, 41, Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, by March 25th next at the latest. The Imperial Bureau of Entomology, who will occupy the surplus rooms not at present required by the Society, have already moved in. The further decoration, repairs and alterations (few), which have to be made, are rapidly nearing com- pletion. The removal and re-arrangement of the Society’s Library is a matter requiring more time. Already the bookcases and shelving have been transferred and are being refitted and enlarged, much of the new material, bookcases and shelves, having been generously donated to the Society by Dame Alice Godman. Of course during the period of transition it is impossible for Fellows to use the Library, and all books borrowed have been called in. We understand that the large meeting room will be available for scientific meetings at times when it ig not required by the Society. It is situated on the first floor, and when fully fitted will seat at least a 100 persons, with ample cloak- room and lavatory accommodation. Subscriptions for Vol. XXXII. (tOshillings) shouid pe sent to» Me. Herbert E. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,”’ Gellatly Road, New Gross, S.£.14 (This subscription includes all numbers published from January 15th to December 15th, 1921.] Non-receipt or errors in the sending of Subscribers’ magazines should be notified to My. Herbert E. Page, “‘Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, §.H. 14 ADVERTISEMENTS Of Books and Insects for Sale, or Books wanted will be inserted at a mini:um charge of 2s. 6d. (for four lines), Longer Advertisemontsin proportion. A reduction made for a series. Particulars of Mr. Herbert HE. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Cross, 9.15. 14 Stbseribers who change their addresses inust report the same to Mr. H. WW. Paau * Bertrose,” Gellatly toad, New Cross, London, 8. Te 5 otherwise then: magazines will probably be 4 da slaved: New Gabinets aad erat ge ne Finest ee only, nal beet material only used. 12, 20, 30 and 40 drawer Cabinets in polished deal or makogany. Specifications and prices on application. Standard make Store Boxes, 10x8, 5/6; 13x9, 7/-; 14x10, 8/-; 16x11, 9/-; 174 x12, 10/-; postage 6d. extra. Special price by taking 12 or more of one size. Insect and Eigse Cases, Jointed Nets, Pins (Tayler’s), Zine Collecting Boxes, Setting . Boards, Killing Tins, etc., ete. Write for complete lists of set specimens, apparatus, larvee and pupx. LEONARD TATCHELL, Lepidopterist, 43, Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead, Ell. Duplicates. —Vi wileyata and other varieties of Grossulariata. Desiderata.—Good varieties and local forms. Spilosoma urticts, Advenaria, and other ordinary species to renew old series. Good Tortrices and Tineae.—Geo. T. Porritt, Hln Lea, Dalton, Huddersfield. Desiderata.—Crategata, Sambucaria, conditionimmateria.. Duplicates —Dominula, mendica, and numerous common species.—H. A. Cockayne, 65, Westbourne Lerrace, W.2. Desiderata.—Foreign examples, local races, vars. and abs. from all paris of the world of any butterflies included in the British list. Setting immaterial; exact data indispensable. Liberal return made.—IV. G. Pether, ‘‘Thelma,’’ 4, Willow Bridge Tioad, London, N. 1. Duplicates.—Aithiope, Selene, T. rubi, Phileas, Hectus, Perla, Chi, Nictitans, Boreata, Cambrica, Immanata, Olivata, Tristata, Dotata, Pedaria, Satyrata, Adequata, Mercurella, Angustea, Dubitalis, Ambigualis, Decrepitalis, Kuehniella, Fusca, Margari- tellus, Phryganella, Solandrinana, Sponsona, Rivulana, Urticana, Aurana, Dubitana, Herbosana, Myllerana, Octomaculana, Vaccinana, and Perlepidana. 'Desiderata.— Numerous, especially Tortricina.—A. A. Daiglish, 7, Keir Street, Pollokshields, Glasgow. Duplicates.—Aglaia, Adippe, *Io, I. quercus, Coridon vars., *Fuliginosa (Reading), *B. quercus ¢, Tiliw, Menthastri, *Linariata, Aurantiaria, Leucophearia vars. Paniscus. Desiderata. —Pupe of Dictwoides; Imagines of typhon, palpina, camelina (dark), Curtula, Pyra, and numerous others; Ova of Hispidaria.—Harold B. JVilliams, 112a, Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. Cuance or Appress.—/tev. G. Wheeler, M.dA., ¥.H.S., 28, Gordon Squere, W.1. Mr. Donisthorpe will still be glad to receive ants and Myrmecophiles from all parts of the British Isles, and to name any such for anyone who is kind enough to send them to him. He would however suggest that ants from any other parts of the worid be sent to his colleague, Mr. W. C. Crawley, 29, Holland Park Road, W.14. Myr. Crawley is specialising on the ants of the world, and it is a matter for congratulation that we should possess an Hntomologist in this country whose whole attention should be concentrated on this branch of Entomology. MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. Entomological Society of London.—11, Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, W., 8p.m. 1921, January 19th; Annual Meeting. The South London Entomological and Natural Histery Society, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge. Second and Fourth Thursdays in the month, at 7 p.m.— Hon. Sec., Stanley Edwards, 15, St. German’s Place, Blackheath, S.BE. 3. The London Natural History Society (the amalgamation of the City of London Entomological and Natural History Society and the North London Natural History Society) now meets in Hall 40, Winchester House, Old Broad Street, H.C. 2, first and third Tuesdays in the month, at 6.30 p.m. (No Meetings in July or August.) Visitors welcomed. Hon. Sec., W. Eh. Guraa, 44, Belfast Road, ne 16. All MS. and editorial matter should be sent and all proofs returned to Hy. J. ‘Turner, 98, Drakefell Road, New Cross, Loudon, 8.1.14 We must earnestly request our correspondents nor to send ws communications IDUNLICAL with those they are sending to other magazines. Lists of Dourricarms “and DesipErata should be sent direct to Mr. H. HK. Page. Bertrose, Gellatly Road, New Cross, S.H. 14 OVA, LARVAE, AND PUPA:. he Largest Breeder of Lepidoptera in the British Isles is H. W. HEAD, @iutonolonist, BURNISTON, Nr. SCARBOROUGH. Full List of Ova, Larvae, and Pupae, also Lepidoptera, Apparatus, Cabinets etc., sent on application. Many Rare British Species and Good Varieties for Sale. IMPORTANT TO ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETIES and MUSEUMS. BAGK VOLUMES OF 5 The Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation. (Vols. I-XXXII.) CONTENTS OF Vol. I. (Most important only mentioned.) Gents Acronycta and its allies.—Variation of Smerinthus tiliae, 3 coloured plates— Differentiation of Melitaea athalia, parthenic, and auwrelia—The Doubleday collection— Parthenogenesis— Paper on ‘aenivcampidae—Phylloxera—Practical Hints (many)— Parallel Variation in Coleoptera—Origin of Argynnis paphia var. valesina—Work for the Winter—Temperature and Variation—Synonymic notes—Retrospect of a Lepidopterist for 1890—Lifehistories of Agrotis pyrophila, Epunda lichenea, Heliophobus hispidus— Captures at light—Aberdeenchire notes, etc., ete., 360 pp. To be obtained from— Mr. H. E. PAGE, “Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, London, 8.E, 14 to whom Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable. LARGEST STOCK OF Palearctic Lepidoptera in the World. We offer ist Quality, set, exact localities. Price in Shillings. (p.= pair). Colias werdani g 1/6, ? 2/-; C. tatarica (cotypes), 5—10; C. christophi, 18—36 ; C. staudingeri, 3—6; C. pamira, 4—9; C. sulitelma, 1—2; C. sagartia, 6—12; C. wiskotti, 2436; Parnassius ap. uralensis, 2/6—5; P. nomius, 6—14; P. davidis, 8—16; P. honrathi, 14; P. rueckbeili, 14—32; P. simo-verus, 18—36; P. delph-cardinalis, 15 ; P. nordmanni, 16—32; P. imperator-musageta (the most beautiful Parn.), 45—35, p-=70; Ornithoptera brookiana, 8; O. hephaestus, p.=5; O. hecuba, p.=4; Papilio ascanius, p.=8; P. bitias-therapes ? 25; P. dixoni, 8; P. blumei, 5; P. inopinatus, p-=20; Morpho cypris, 15; M. anaxibia, 6; M. didius, 6; M. godarti, 5; Actias isis, 16; Agrias lugina, 8; Colias cocandica, 2—5; M. nestira, 6. Lepidoptera Catalog (58) of all Faunas contains 28,000 Lepi- doptera (350 different PARNASSIUS, 200 COLIAS, etc.). Price five shillings, will be compensated in orders of butterflies. Dr. 0. STAUDINGER & A. BANG-HAAS, Dresden-Blasewitz. SAI A Se at Spiel ates ; Subscriptions for Vol. XXXII. are now due. ee XXXII /3,¥24 No. 2. Che Entomologist’s Record Journal of Var iation (prep By Ricnarp 8. BAGNALL, ¥.u.s., v.5.s. EH. A. COCKAYNE, m.p., rns. Grorcge T. BETHUNE-BAKRHR, F.1.s., F.E.S. Jas. KH. COLLIN, r.n-s. M. BURR, p.sc., F.L.S., F.Z.S., F-E.S. ‘H. Sr. J. K. DONISTHORPKH, v.z.s., F.5.8. (Rzy.) C. R. N. BURROWS, r.u.s. JoHnN Harntriry DURRANT, F.u-s. T. A. CHAPMAN, m.p., F.R.S., F.E.S. Aurrep SICH, F.u.s. (Rnv.) GrorcE Tees M.A., F.E.S., and Henry J. TURNER, F.x.s., Editorial Secretary. CONTENTS. PAGK, Myrmecophilous Notes for 1920, H. Donisthorpe, F.Z.S., F.E.S. ae we ee ps 21 Lepidoptera in Peninsular Italy during the year 1920, Orazio Querci (cont.) ey xe 25 Butterflies of Gilan, N.W. Persia, P. A. Buxton, M.A., F.H.S. Bs ae Ss ts 29 Screnriric Notes :—Ovum and first ease of Coleophora ibipennella, Stt., 4. Sich, F.H S. 33 Cotnectinc Norns :—Larva found in a Barrel of Canadian Apples, W. Daws; Records, R. Long ; M. athalia and P. moneta in Somerset, J. F. Bird; Notes on Coccinellidae bleep in 1920, G. B. C. Leman, F.H.S.; Reappearance of A. britanus (Col.) in Surrey, Id. ; A new Aberration of Splidosoma plumaria, Hy. J. Turner, F.H.S. a A 34 | Current Norres anp SHort NoTicrs = =f oe < ne “a WA a 37 Societies :—The South London Entomological Society. . Ps ee aS us oe 38 CORRECTION. PEBRUARY Losth, 1921. Price ONE SHILLING (nur), Subscription for Gonipleto Volume, post free (Including all DOUBLE NUMBEIRS, etc.) TEN SHILLINGS, TO BE WwORWARDIED TO Hemel hi Ee: - PAGE, F.E.S.. ‘¢ BERTROSE,’’ GELLATLY Roap, New Cross, 8.H.14. Communications have been received or have been promised from Rev. G. Wheeler, Messrs. R. S. Bagnall, Hy. J. Turner, H. Donisthorpe, A. Sich, Dr. Verity, C. W. Colthrup, Rev. C. R. N. Burrows, Dr. T. A. Chapman, Capt. Burr, G. T. Bethune-Baker, E. B. Ashby, J. H. Durrant, Major P. P. Graves, Orazio Querci, B. C. S. Warren, Alfred O. Hedges, Comm. G. C. Woodward, C. Dover, J. F. Bird, W. Daws, with Reports of Societies and Reviews. ys Jt aa WATKINS & DONCASTER, Naturalists and Manufacturers of Entomological Apparatus and Cabinets. Plain Ring Nets, wire or cane, including Stick, 1/5, 2/2, 2/6, 3/2. Folding Nets, 3/9, 4/3, 4/9. Umbrella Nets (self-acting), 7/-. Poeket Boxes (deal), 7d., 10d., 1/2, 1/10. Zine Collecting Boxes, 9d., 1/-, 1/6, 2/-. Nested Chip Boxes, 9d. per four dozen, 1 gross, 2/-. Entomological Pins, 1/6 per ounce. Pocket Lanterns, 2/6 to 8/-. Sugaring Tin, with brush, 1/6, 2/-. Sugaving! Mixture, ready for use, 1/7 per tin. Store-Boxes, with camphor cells, 2/3, 2/9, 4]- 4/6, 5/6, 6/8. Setting- Boards, flat or oval, lin., 6d.; 1jin., 8d.; 2in., 10d.; 24in., 1/-; 34i0., 1/4; 4in., 1/6; 5in. , 1/10; Complete Set of fourteen Boards, 10/6. Setting Liouses 10/6, 12/9; corked back, 15/9. Zine Larva Boxes, 9d., 1/-, 1/6. Breeding Cage, 2/9, 4/6, 5/6, 8/3. Coleopterist’ s Collecting Bottle, with tube, 1/6, 1/8. Botanical Cases, japanned double tin, 1/6 to 4/6. Botanical Paper, 1/1, 1/4, 1/9, 2/2 per quire. Insect Glazed Cases, 2/9 to 11/-. Cement for replacing Antenne 4d. per bottle. Steel Forceps, 1/6, 2/-, 2/6 per pair. Cabinet Cork, 7 by 34, 1/2 per dozen sheets. Brass Chloroform Bottle, 2/6. Insect Lens, 1/- to 8/6. Glass-top and Glass-bottomed Boxes, from 1/3 per dozen. ine Killing Box, 9d. to1/-. Pupa Digger, in leather sheath, 1/9. Taxidermist’s Companion, containing most necessary implements for skinning, 10/6. Scalpels, 1/3 ; Scissors, 2/- per pair; Egedrills, 2d., 3d., 9d., 1/-; Blowpipes, 4d., 6d.; Artificial Hyes for Birds and Animals. lLabel-lists of British Butterflies, 2d.; ditto of Birds’ Eggs, 2d., 3d., 6d.; ditto of Land and Fresh-water Shells, 2d. Useful Books on Insects, Eggs, etc. SILVER PINS for collectors of Micro-Lepidoptera, etc., as well as minute insects of all other families and for all insects Hable to become greasy. We stock various sizes and lengths of these Silver Pins which have certain advantages over ordinary entomological pins (whether enamelled black or silver or gilt). NESTING BOXES of various patterns which should be fixed in gardens or shrub- beries by lovers of birds before the breeding season.. SHOW ROOM FOR CABINETS Of every description for InsEcrs, Birps’ Eeas, Corns, Microscopican Ossncrs, Wossins &c. Catalogue (84 pages) sent on application, post free. LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS AND BIRDS’ EGGS (British, Huropean, and Exotic), Birds, Mammals, etc., Preserved and Mounted by First clasx Worlkmen. 36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C., ENGLAND. Lantern Slides in Natural Colours. LEPIDOPTERA & LARVA A SPECIALITY. Photographed from life and true to Nature in every detail. SLIDES OF BIRDS, WILD FLOWERS, &c., By same Colour Process. LATGERN SLIDES MADE 'TO ORDER FROM ANY SPECIMEN OR COLOURED DRAWING, PHOTOS IN COLOUR OF LARVA, LIFE SIZE, ON IVORINE TABLETS TO PIN IN THE CABINET. For List apply to— CHARLES D. HEAD, Cherrymount, Donnycarney, DUBLIN. Bexley | L. We. NEWMAN [Kent Has for sale a superb stock of 1920 specimens in fine condition, including Varleyata ; Bicuspis; Pendularia var. Subroseata ; Melanie forms Lariciata, Consortaria, Conson- aria, Abietaria; Irish forms Aurinia and Napi, fine vars. Tiliae, Yellow Dominula, etc., etc. Quotations and Insects sent on approval with pleasure. Also a huge stock of fine PUPAE and OVA. Write for Jatest price lists. Relaxing Tins are now 4/- small and G/= large, post fre. Re-fills, 2/3 small, 3/3 large, post free. pray eck camel MYRMECOPHILOUS NoTES FOR 1920. 91 Myrmecophilous Notes for 1920. By HORACE DONISTHORPE, F.Z.S., F.E.S., etc In 1920 more time was devoted to Coleoptera than to Ants, never- theless a certain number of observations and discoveries were made, which are recorded here. Formtcmae, Myrmecina yraminicola, Liatr.—The colony of this species which I obtained on May Ist, 1910 (see British Ants, p. 81, etc.) is still under observation, and in a flourishing condition. For the first time for four years no winged females have been reared, though 3 3 have been plentiful as usual. A little fighting again took place in March ; but did not last long. J have not recorded before that in August, 1919, very serious fighting occurred in this nest, indiscriminately between 3% anddel. ? @. One 8% might be attacked by two others, or by two 2 @,or bya ¥ and 9, or by one 8 alone, or one 2 ; and the same with one ?. This lasted for nearly two months, and I was much afraid I should lose the whole colony, as over 70, and perhaps 100, ants were killed off in this way. I cannot explain it, as the colony had plenty of food, and a large brood to attend to. I put a stop to it in the end by punishing any ant or ants who were fighting. They were knocked off their legs with a paint brush, pushed about, rolled over, and shaken up until they appeared to be thoroughly cowed ! It is possible that this fighting may have been the cause why no females were reared in 1920, and it will be of interest to see if such ? ? will be produced this year (1921), as no fighting to speak of, no ants being killed, occurred last year. Acanthomyops (Vontsthorpea) niger, L.—On March 4th, workers in some numbers from a colony of this ant, nesting at the foot of a gate- post at Putney, were running about in the sun carrying bits of earth, ete. On July 7th, at Mother Ivy’s Bay, N. Cornwall, a fine colony of A. (D.) niger, situated under a large flat stone near a stream running from a marsh into the sea, was found to contain very many mermithogynes. These short winged females from this nest (which also contained numerous normal winged @ @ and many @ and ¥% cocoons, but no 3S 3S) are peculiar in themselves, in the fact that nearly every one of them possesses a large oval hole in the mesonotum, about ‘7mm long and -25mm. broad, the object of which I am quite unable to explain. The gasters of such specimens as were dissected were found to con- tain one, or two, worms in each. Most of the ants and brood of this colony were taken, and as I knew my colleague Mr. Crawley was working on a paper on mermithogynes, I handed them over to him for investigation and experiment. The only other myrmecophiles present in the nest were Platyarthrus hoffmanseygi, Brndt., and Cypho- deirus (= Beckia) albinos, Nic. On August 28th marriage flights of niger (and also of A. (C.) flavus and Myrmica ruginodis) took place in the afternoon and evening all over Putney. Acanthomyops (Chthonolasius) mixtus, Nyl.—On August 11th very many deilated 9 2 were seen al! over fhe heath at Weybridge ; and one winged individual was rescued from the clutches of a F’. san- guinea %. One example was observed entering a hole in the sand Fesruary, 1921. 29. THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD. which sheltered a colony of A. (D.) alienus. On digging into this nest, six deiilated miatus @ 2 were found to have already established themselves in it. The colony founding of all the British species of Acanthomyops is now well known, and thoroughly established (see British Ants, pp. 185, 196-99, 208-10, 215-16, 221-22, 230-388, 239-40). It would therefore seem unnecessary to keep on recording instances in support of facts already well-known; but a recent publication by Mons. R. Stumper— Zur Kolonie-grindung von Lasius fuliyinosus”’ [Arch. Natury. 85 189 (1920)|, however, proves that it is still advisable to do so. He found in-the summer of 1917 two isolated fuliginosus 2 Q in cells, but with no brood, and a third in a cell under a stone which covered a nest of A. (C.) mixtus, but not communicating with it. He therefore considers that further investigation is necessary. He mentions the discovery of de Lannoy, and what Hmery, Forel, and Wasmann had to say about it, but totally ignores the extensive and conclusive experiments carried out by Crawley and myself, besides the various other records published since our earlier papers, and my book ! I propose to republish the whole of the facts on the colony-founding of this ant in a future paper; and possibly in some continental publication. Formica rufa, L.—This ant was very forward in the south in 1920; on February 18th the colonies at Weybridge were in full activity, building up their nests, going from one to another, carrying their fellows, and massing in numbers on the nests in thesun; deidlated ? @ occur in fair numbers with the % 8 outside the nests. On March 21st at Oxshott [ found a winged rufa 2 out at some distance from her nest; this is the earliest date on record for either of the winged sexes of this species: April 17th being the earliest former record {see brit. Ants p. 255). Prenolepis (Nylanderia) longicornis, Latr.—On October 12th this cosmopolitan species was found to be abundant in one of the hot- houses at the Botanic Gardens, Regent’s Park. The 8% $ were running about on all the plants and pots, both in and around a large pond in the hot-house. This is the first record for the species in these gardens. CoLEopTERa. Atemeles emarginatus var. nigricollis, Kr.— A specimen of this variety was found in a nest of Formica fusca at Box Hill under a stone on May 4th. As far as I am aware this is only the second time that it has been taken in Britain. Myrmedonia funesta, Gr.—A specimen was taken running on the ground near an old ash tree at Long Ashton in Somerset, around which a number of A. (D.) fuliginosus % 8 were crawling. This is I believe only the third record for Somersetshire, of this insect. Claviyer testaceus, Preys.—This species occurred in abundance in nests of A. (U.) flavus under stones at Box Hill on May 4th, many specimens being im cop; and also with the same ant at Mother Ivy’s Bay, N. Cornwall, on July 7th. My friend Mr. Keys tells me he has always found Claviger to be very rare in Cornwall. Hymenoprnra—ProcorotRyYPIDAR. Lagynodes niger var. aterior, Box, Ceraphron fuliginosi, Box, Loao- MYRMECOPHILOUS NOTES FoR 1920. 23 tropa fuliginosi, Box.—These three insects, which are new to science, were all taken in a nest of A. (D.) fuliyinosus at Woking on September 27th, August 14th, and May 30th respectively. Iam indebted to my friend Mr. L. A. Box for the descriptions of the same (see antea, pp. 15-16), who at the same time described a species of Synopeas taken by me at Barmouth on June 28rd, 1906, ina nest F. fusca, under the name Synopeas fuscicola. BRACcONIDAE. Aspilota nervosa, Hal.—A specimen of this Braconid was taken in the same fuliyinosus nest as the above mentioned Proctotrypids on September 27th. This is the second time I have taken this species with fuliginosus, 1t having occurred with the ant in question at Darenth Wood in June 1909 | Hnt. Rec. 22 15 (1910)]. CHALCIDIDAE. Spalangia erythromera, Forst., was taken in the Woking fuliyinosus nest on September 27th, and also bred on December 10th from some carton and other refuse taken from the nest on the former date, and placed in a small plaster nest. As far as I know there were no ant larvee present, but plenty of a fat, broad Dipterous larva, which all pupated later. This however proves nothing, as the Spalangia larva may leave its host before pupating, and have been present as a pupa in the débris. This conspicuous jet black species is, in any case, most certainly a regular guest of fuliginosus. 1 first took it in Britain with this ant at Wellington College in April, 1906, and bred it in large numbers the same year from a nest of the ant. It has subsequently been taken by me at Darenth Wood, Oxshott, Weybridge and Woking, and always with the same ant, which it will be remembered is also of a jet-black colour. Dretera. Pseudacteon formicarum, Verrall.—This little fly was captured hovering over % 8 of F. sanguinea at Woking on August 14th. I had dug up a sanguinea nest and thrown the earth, etc., on a large white cloth. There were no ants on the cloth, or to be seen, except the sanguinea % 8%, and several of the little flies were observed hovering over these ants. It is rather important to emphasise this, as Wasmann in a recent and very valuable paper on this fly [Biol. Zentralb. 38 317-29 (1918)| considers it to be only associated with d. (D.) niger, as he thinks the ovipositor would not be long enough to reach between the segments of the gasters of larger ants. I have no doubt he is | correct in thinking that niger is its principal host; but there can be no possible doubt that on this occasion the flies were endeavouring to parasitise the sanquinea % ¥, and their behaviour was just the same as I have always noticed, when they have been hovering over niger, and other small % ants. HetTEROPTERA. Pilophorus cinnamopterus, Kirsc.—Larve in numbers and some imagos occurred on fir trees over rufa nests at Weybridge on July 16th and August 11th, and Megacoelwm beckeri, Fieb., larvee on the former occasion. I had hoped to find out something of the life-history of these two species, and the reason for their assoc¢iation with ants, and for t 24 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. this purpose I had prepared a very large tray covered with sand with a broad moat of water all round. On it were young oak, birch, and fir trees growing 1p pots and I had established a nice colony of For- mica rufa upon it, whose hillock was built up in one corner of the tray. Unfortunately the experiment proved to be a failure; as the bugs and their larve, of which I brought home numbers, and put on the young trees, always got into the water, and were drowned. Alydus calearatus, L.—Larve were seen running in company with F. rufa % % at Weybridge on August 11th. Nabis lativentris, Boh.—At Portheothan Bay, N. Cornwall, on July 9th, one larva of this bug was swept up in company with 8 % of F. fusca var. glebaria and A. (D.) niger, and another was taken running over a niver nest. It is not generally known that the younger forms of this bug possess spines on the pro- and meso-thorax, and also on the front femora ; these spines are entirely lost in the adult stage, and those on the femora are replaced by fine hairs. It is the only one in the genus possessing these peculiarities, which are no doubt connected with its ant-like form. My friend Mr. Ernest Green sent two of the spiny form to the Museum in June, which created quite a flutter at the time. When they were shown to me, I expressed a view that they were larve of Nabis lativentris, but was told that one could not expect any young form with spines to lose them entirely when adult, ete., ete. I produced similar forms from my cabinet taken with ants, but it was suggested they were a new species to Britain. The larval form ficured by Dr. Sharp [Cambridge Nat. Hist. 6 556 (1899)| who first called attention to the resemblance to ants, is older and does not possess the spines. Other specimens in my collection are also without them. However, ‘blessed is he that expecteth little,” especially when dealing with ants and myrmecophiles, and the various specimens being submitted to Mr. E. A. Butler, he identified them all as early stages of N. lativentris. I swept up a form without spines, and with yellow, instead of white, margins to the abdomen, in company with Myrmica © scabrinodis % 8 and dealated @ 2 by the side of a marsh near Chi- chester on August 17th. Other specimens swept up in the marsh itself, had bright red abdominal borders. CoccIDAr. Ripersia europea, New.—Numerous specimens of a Coccid which I felt sure was a species I had not taken before, were found in a nest of A. (D.) niger at Stepper Point, N. Cornwall on July 8th, in company with the Aphis 7rama radicis, Kalt. Professor Newstead, who kindly named them for me, told me that they were old adult @ ? fullof embryos. He says it is closely related to Ripersia tomlini, but is distinguished from old adults of the latter by its smaller size, the large number of gland pores, and the presence of a chitinous scoop-shaped structure of the anal ring. As far as lam aware the insect has only been captured once before in Britain— at Swanage. ARANEINA. Tetrilus diversus, Camb.—EKige cases of this spider occurred on the carton itself of the Woking fuliginosus nest, and very young, recently hatched spiders were running about on the carton on September 27th LEPIDOPTERA IN PENINSULAR ITALY DURING THE yEAR 1920. 25 ‘and November 4th. Whether this species is the same as 7’. arietinus, Thor., or not, it is undoubtedly a regular myrmecophile ; as is also the latter. I have taken it with this ant in various months (January, April, August, September, November, and December), at Oxshott, Wellington College, Weybridge and Woking; @ 2 occurring deep in the nest itself. The ? evidently lays her eggs on the carton of the nest and I have found egg-cases similarly situated at Weybridge and Oxshott. It is also probable that the records of Uryphoeca recisa, Camb., with ants, really apply to 7. diversus, as Mr. Hull tells me the true V. recisa, Camb., is a synonym of Tetrilus impudicus, Simeon, which is non- myrmecophilus. ACARINA. Laelaps (Laelaspis) humeratus, Berl., and Trachyuwropoda (Leonardi- ella) canestriniana, Berl.—These two mites, which are recorded here for the first time in Britain, were taken by me in a nest of Vetramorium caespitum at St. George’s Well, N. Cornwall, on July 11th. It is recorded from Italy in ants’ nests, and probably with the same host species, aS a var. taken in Russia and another in Corsica, were both taken with Tetramorium caespitum. Laelaps (Laelaspis) equitans, Mich.—I have already recorded this species from Porthcothan Bay, and commented on its habits [see Hnt. Rec. 32 183 (1920)]. Trachyuropoda (Janetiella) trogulotdes, Can. and Fanz. (=laminosa, Berl.), and Laelaps (Hypoaspis) myrmecophilus, Berl.—These were taken in ants’ nests at Porthcothan Bay on July 8th. The former with A. (D.) niger, and the latter with FH’. fusca var. glebaria. Lepidoptera in Peninsular Italy during the year 1920. By O. QUERCTI. © (Continued from page 15.) While my family collected Lepidoptera in Calabria I was collecting ‘in the mountains of the Garfagnana. I lived in a small peasant’s house isolated on the slopes of Monte Sumbra at about an hour’s walk from the village of Careggine. The locality seemed very favourable, having large waste lands close to the beech zone (3000-5000ft.). However, I noticed at once that the trees had not produced nuts and that the grass had suffered enough on account of the drought and from the hail-storms which had visited the region during spring. From June 18th to the 26th, notwithstanding the unfavourable season and frequent showers, I collected the following species :— Zyyaena purpuralis, Brunn., race fiorti, Costantini. 7%. achilleae, Esp., race triptolemus, Hb. 24. stoechadis, Bkh., race stoechadis, Bkh. Z. lonicerae, Schev., race vivax, Vrty. Z. SHOEI DO. Hsp., race of transition from sorrentina, Ster., to altitudinaria, Trti. 7%. oxytropis, B. (only two specimens). 2. carniolica, Scop. (only two specimens). Procris statices, L., race not. identified. P. tenuicornis, Z., race not identified. Heodes virgaureae, L., race apennina, Calb. Rumicta phiaeas, L., race nigrioreleus, Vrty. Loweia alciphron, Rott., race romanorum, Fruhst. Lycaena arion, L., race not identified. Agriades thetis, Rott., race apenniniyena, Vrty. A. hylas, Ksp., race correpta, 26 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. Vrty. A. escherit, Hb., race altivolans, Vrty. Polyommatus icarus, Rott., race zellert, Vrty., I. gen. zelleri. P. amandus, Schneid., race not identified. Celastrina semiarqus, Rott., race porrecta, Vrty. Aricia medon, Hufn., race pallidefulva, Vrty., I gen. subornata, Vrty. Plebetius argus, L., race apenninicola, Vrty. Cupido minimus, Fuessl., race minimus, Fuessl. Callophrys rubt, ., race virgatus, Vrty.. Nordmannia ilicis, Esp., race inornata, Vrty. N. acaciae, F., race italica, Vrty. Gonepteryx rhamni, L., race transiens, Vrty., IL gen. secunda, Vrty. Colias hyale, L., race calida, Vrty., Il gen. calida. C. croceus, Foure. (edusa, F.), race croceus, IL gen. croceus, Leptosia sinapis, L., race binittata, Vrty., II gen. bivittata. Pieris napi, L., race vulgaris, Vrty., I gen. vulgaris. ~P. rapae, li, race rapae, Il gen napae, Tu: Aporia crataegi, Li. (only two specimens). Coenonympha pamphilus, L., race australis, Vrty., | gen. australis. C. arcanius, L., race tenuelimbo, Vrty., I gen. tenuelimbo. H'pinephele jurtina, L., race not identified. Erebia epiphron, Knoch.. a new race. FE. stygne, O., race etruriae, Vrty. (=costantinii, Trti.). EH. medusa, F., race hyperapennina, Trt. FE. aethions, Esp. (only two specimens). Melanargia galathea, Li. (only two specimens). Pararge megera, Li., race meyera, 1 gen. meyera. P. maera, Li., race apennina, Vrty., | gen. apennina. Melitaea didyma, Hsp. (only one specimen). M. athalia, Rott., race tenuicola, Vrty. Brenthis euphrosyne, L., race apennina, Stgr. Argynnis aglaia, L., race apenninicola, Vrty. A. niobe, Li, race apenninica, Vrty. A. cydippe, L., race clarens, Vrty. A. wrticae, L., race turcica, Stgr. These are certainly not all the species which can emerge on the Apuane Alps in the first period, that is in the period preceding the summer pause. Many had certainly missed on account of the excessive drought, and this I deduce from the fact that I only collected a very few individuals of species which are generally common and abundant such as 4%. carniolica, C. hyale, P. rapae, A. crataegi, HK. jurtina, M. galathea, M. didyma. Amongst the Lepidoptera of Monte Sumbra I only found of note the two specimens of A. thetis, ab. polonus, Z., mentioned by Dr. Verity in the Hint. Rec., 1920, p. 140. ; The emergence of Lepidoptera ceased on June 26th and I continued for some days my useless excursions up the top of Monte Sumbra in search especially of P. apollo, but 1 only saw spoilt specimens of the other species before named, not worth capture. On July 8th I went to Lucca to meet my wife and daughter on their return from Calabria, and on the 10th of the same month we went to live in the little house on Monte Sumbra waiting for the summer species to emerge at the end of the pause. From July 10th to 14th we found a few individuals of A. coridon, Poda, race apuanica, Vrty.; P. icarus, Rott., race zelleri, Vrty., II gen. aestivalis, Vutt; A. medon, Hutn., race pallidefulva, Vrty., II gen. pallidefulva; P. napi, race vulyaris, Vrty., Il gen. napaeae, Esp.; S. fayi, Scop. (hermione, auct.), race not identified ; H. semele, Li. (only one male). After July 14th began the great emergence of A. coridon. All the meadows were full of restless coridon. At sunset they assembled in groups on the dried stems, and all around us we saw hundreds of white banners which took flight only on being disturbed by our nets. We could easily choose perfect specimens without useless slaughter LEPIDOPTERA IN PENINSULAR ITALY DURING THE YEAR 1920. 27 and our catch was of more than 2,500 pertect individuals, but we had certainly examined more than 10,000, among which we only found one male and one female of the aberration corydonis, Brestr., as it is figured by Tutt in Brit. Butt., vol. iv. (1910), plate II., fig. 14. On July 22nd the emergence of A. coridon ceased and we saw thousands of spoilt individuals together with a few individuals of the other species, also gpoilt. We had to leave Garfagnana owing to the want of Lepidoptera, and it was lucky for us because the house we inhabited was destroyed by the earthquake of September 7th, and we should certainly have remained till that date if there had been material to collect. On July 20th Dr. Romei, my son-in-law, came to visit us and he assured us that in the environs of Florence no insect flew and that he had seen none in his long journey from Florence to Caregeine. It was evident that the want of insects must depend upon the excessive drought, so my wife and daughter proposed to go to the Bagni di Lucca to collect in the valley of the Camaione river, which descends from the Monte Pratofiorito and falls into the Lima near Ponte-a-Serragho. They had collected in that locality in August, 1915, and they remem- bered that in the valley of Camaione the sun only appeared for a few hours during the day and this made them hope that the Lepidoptera had been able to save themselves from destruction. I went to the valley of the Camaione and perceived that something was flying there. I found lodgings at Bagni di Lucca and returned to Careggine to take my family. Before leaving Monte Sumbra my wife and I madea last excursion to it, feeling certain that in so suitable a locality the P. apollo could not be wanting. On our return from the Sumora (5000 ft.) we saw P. apollo flying in a valley below, which was rather moist, and we descended to it and were able to capture several specimens very much spoilt and one male only in good condition. As there was no more hope of collecting even P. apollo we left the Garfagnana to go to Bagni di Lucca, whilst my son-in-law left for the Monti Sibillini in the Marche. During the month of August in the valley of the Camaione (800ft.) we found all the species which we had collected there in 1915. Nisoniades tages, L., race clarus, Carad., II. gen. clarus. Erynnis alceae, Esp., race australis, Z., II. gen. australis. KH. altheae, Hb., race australiformis, Vrty., II. gen. australiformis. Hesperia armoricanus, Obth., race fulvoinspersa, Vrty., LI. gen. fulvoinspersa. H. onopordi, Ramb., race fulvotincta, Vrty., Il. gen. fulvotincta. H. malvoides, Elw. and Kdw., race pseudomalvae, Vrty., Il. gen. malvoides. Powellia sao, Hb., race gracilis, Vrty., Il. gen. gracilis. Urbicola comma, L., race apennina, Rost. Augiades sylvanus, Ksp., race sylvanus, IL. gen. minuta, Vrty. R. phlaeas, L., race nigrioreleus, Vrty., Il. gen. nigrioreleus. L. dorilis, Hutn., race italorwn, Vrty., II. gen. ttalorum. L. arion, Li, race not identified. Scolitantides baton, Bgstr., race baton, Il. gen. obscura, Vrty. A. coridon, Poda, race superapennina, Vrty. A. thetis, Rott., race etrusca, Vrty., Il. gen. etrusca. P. meleager, Ksp., race macra, Vrty. P. icarus, Rott., race zelleri, Vrty., Il. gen. aestivalis, Tutt. A. medon, Hutn., race pallidefulva, Vrty., Il. gen. pallidefulva. P. argus, L., race apenninicola, Vrty. P. idas, Li. (=argyrognomon, Bgstr.), race apenninophyla, Vrty. Hveres alcetas, Hoff. (=coretas, O.), race alcetas. 98 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. S. telicanus, Lang., race telicanus. LL. boeticus, L., race boeticus. H. lucina, Li., race lucina. C. croceus, Foure., race croceus, IL. gen. croceus. L. sinapis, L., race bivittata, Vrty., IL. gen. bivittata. Pontia daplidice, L., race daplidice, I. gen. daplidice. P.napi, L., race vulgaris, Vrty., II. gen. napaeae, Esp. P. rapae, L., race rapae, Il. gen. rapae (= aestivus, Vrty., and aestiva, Stauder). P. brassicae, L., race catoleuca, Rob., IL. gen. catolenca. Iphiclides podalirius, L., race zanclaeus, Z., II. gen. zanelaeus. C. pamphilus, L., race australis, Vrty., I. gen. emilyllus, Vrty. OC. arcanius, lu., zace tenuelimbo, Vrty., Il. gen. gracilis, Vrty. Pyronia tithonus, L., race etrusca, Vrty. Pararge megera, L., race megera, Ll. gen. filipluma, Ball. P. maera, L., race apennina, Vrty., I. gen. apennina. P. aeyeria, Li, race italica, Vrty., JI. gen. not identified. Mnodia dryas, Scop., race jultanus, Stauder. S. statilinus, Hufn., race intermedia, Vrvy. Limenitis rivularis, Scop. (=camilla, auct.), race rivularis, IL. gen. rivularis. M. didyma, Esp., race protea, Vrty., Il. gen. caldaria, Vrty. M. phoebe, Knoch, race emipauper, Vrty., I. gen. emipauper. M. athalia, Rott., race tenuis, Vrty. 3B. dia, L., race laetior, Vrty.. Il. gen. flavens, Vrty. Issoria lathonia, L., race emiflorens, Vrty., II. gen. emiflorens. A. cydippe, L., race clarens, Vrty. Dryas paphia, L., race maynifica, Vrty. P. cardia, L., race wniversa, Vrty. P. atalanta, L., race atalanta. A. rticae, L., race turcica, Ster., I]. gen. turcica. P.c-album, L., race hutchinson, Robson, I. gen. hutehinsoni. P. egea, Cr., race eyea, I. gen, egea. The species which had most felt the adverse season were those ot the Lycaenidi tribe: S. baton, A. thetis, P. icarus, A. medon, P. argus, P. idas, EB. alcetas, R. telicanus, L. boeticus emerged in very small numbers, and the individuals were very small, some baving a wing expansion of only a quarter of the normal size. We only took one spoilt specimen of A. coridon which had no doubt come from the overhanging summit of Pratofiorito where the species is common. The A. coridon is never found in peninsular Italy below 2000ft.; only A. arrayonensis is found in the plain, but in the Pratofiorito mountain, as also in the Apuane Alps, the A. arragonensis has never been found, nor has A. thersites. In the H. armoricanus and H. onopordi the colouring of the under- side is intensely fulvous; these are amongst the most characteristic of the fulvoinspersa and fulvotincta of Verity. At the end of August all the emergences ceased in the valley of Camaione. In the neighbouring valleys, too much exposed to the solar rays, there was absolutely nething. It was notable that in 1915 the valley of the Fegana stream was found full of A. coridon, race superapennina, and of individuals of a beautiful race of P. idas, whilst this year I went to it three times and covered about 90 miles on a bicycle without seeing any Lepidoptera either in the valley of the Fegana, or in the whole journey on the roads covered with dust which smothered all vegetation. Besides the Rhopalocera several tardy specimens of 4%. stoechadis were found in the valley of Camaione,. On August 27th I returned to Florence to see if the summer pause had come to an end in the Pian di Mugnone, but no insect was flying in the country burnt up by the heat and drought. My family preferred, therefore, to remain at Bagni di Lucca. In the second half of the month of July, my friend, Lieutenant BUTTERFLIES OF GILAN, N.W. PERSIA. 29) Mario Marchi, collected butterflies for me on the Monte Giovi above Fiesole. There he found abundantly A. coridon, race apennina, Z., and in the first days of August also some individuals of the like species A. arragonensis (Gerh.), Vrty., race florentina, Vrty., II gen. altera, Vrty. Of other species he only saw S. fagi, Scop. (= hermione, auct.), C. croceus (edusa) and L. rivularis (camilla). From July 24th till the end of October, my friend, Lelio Misirocchi, who was spending his holidays in the island of Elba, made some entomological researches. At first he found many spoilt individuals of S. statilinus, H. neomiris, H. semele, race aristaeus, D. pandora ; afterwards, at the beginning of August, when the second brood ought to emerge of C. corinna, race elbana, P. manni and Charawxes jasius, every insect disappeared entirely. (To be concluded.) Butterflies of Gilan, N.W. Persia. By P. A. BUXTON, M.A., F.E.S. The southern end of the Caspian Sea is fringed by forest, which stretches without any break from near Lenkoran, in the Trans- caucasian republic of Azerbaijan, to Asterabad, in N.E. Persia. The greater part of the forest lies in Persia, in the provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran. ‘The forest grows between the Caspian Sea and the Eiburz mountains, and stretches from sea level (that is to say, from some 80 feet below mean sea level) to about 5,000-6,000 feet on the northern slopes of the Elburz; the width of the forest, from the sea shore to tree-line, is between thirty and sixty miles; it is provided with a heavy rainfall distributed through every month of the year. Apart from this forest, Persia consists of a high, semi-desert table- land crossed by many ranges of rocky mountains, and the contrast between the fauna and flora of forest and plateau is extremely clearly marked. _1 do not feel competent to deal with the fauna of the plateau, and will only say that it consists of genera and species well known, most of them, as characteristic of the great desert belt, which extends from Morocco, through Keypt and Syria, to Persia, Turkestan and the Gobi. My object in publishing this very incomplete list of the butterflies of the great forest 1s to show how entirely the fauna of this reeion differs from that of the stony plateau; even my few captures are of con- siderable interest, for much less is known of the fauna of Gilan than of that of most parts of Persia. J was stationed in Resht and in Einzeli, both of them on the level of the Caspian Sea, from January to July, 1919. During the winter we were free to move in any direction, but the advent of spring (and of insects) coincided with the outbreak of a minute, but troublesome war with some forest tribes, and from March onwards our movements were limited. At the end of June I went by sea to Astara, on the frontier between Persia and Azarbaijan, and returned, mostly by road, along the coast till I reached Enzeli. Furtunately for me, Le Cerf (1913) has recently published a resumé of our present knowledge of the Persian butterflies. He has added considexably to the list, and under each species records its status in Persia, so far as it is known at present. His paper and bibliography are invaluable. 30 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. Specimens of several of the more interesting species have been deposited in the British Museum. Pieris (Ganoris) brassicae, L.—February 25th, Resht; May 28th, June 6th, Enzeli, single specimens. I made a point of trying to catch every ‘‘ white ’’ I saw, and believe this species was uncommon. It is probably confined to the forest region, so far as Persia is concerned ; all records to date suggest this. Pieris napi, li—One female, June 30th, HEnzeli. ‘This also appeared to be rare. The underside is entirely unveined, the dark tip of the forewing (upperside) is continued down the termen, and is united to the upper spot by black lines passing alone two nervures ; black scaling along the marginal termination of the nervures of the upperside, hindwing, is well marked. Pieris rapae, Li. var. crucivora, Btlr.—June 6th-30th.