HARVARD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Be OF THE FROM THE WILLARD PEELE HUNNEWELL (CLASS OF 1904) MEMORIAL FUND 13, %20 The income of this fundis used for the purchase of entomological books _FEB 6 1924 ~ ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION EpitEp BY RicHarp S. BAGNALL, F.t.s. , F.E.S. | Jas. HK. COLLIN, F.E.s. Grorcn T. BETHUNE. BAKER, H. Sr. J. K. DONISTHORPE, ¥.L.S., F Z.S., F.E.S. | Z.S., F.E.S. M. BURR, D.s¢., F.L.s., P. Zee Pr. E.S. JOHN HARTLEY DURRANT, F. E. S. (REv.) C. R. N. BURROWS, r. E.S. | ALFRED SICH, F.z.s. H. A. COCKAYNE, m.p., F.E.s. (REV.) GrorGEe WHEELER, M.A., F.E.S., and Henry J. TURNER, F.z.s., Editorial Secretary. VOL. XXXYV. JANUARY to DECEMBER, 1923. PRICE 12s. Gd. Special Index (with every reference), ls. 6d. “Double, Double, Toil and Trouble.” An ant, a wasp and a bumble-bee Were met one day beneath a tree ; ‘Alas’ said the wasp, ‘‘ the wood these days Is so very tough I am nearly crazed, Aud they have plastered the posts with creosote It has given me such a pain in my throat.” ‘Pooh, pooh!” quoth the ant, ‘‘ your troubles are mean, Why they’ve slaughtered my aphids with nicotine, And filled my halls with a poison gas So that even our workers cannot pass ; Such an horrible odour you never sniffed, I’ve a racking cough and am terribly miffed !”’ The bumble-bee hummed in his contra-bass, As he wiped the pollen from his face, “This farmer of mine is exceedingly rude, He has cut his clover and starved my brood!” Then they groaned in chorus, to disappear, In the circumjacent atmosphere. ANON. FEB 26 1923 5.320 Subscriptions are now due. ; KS es Vol. XXXY. No. 1. Che Enitomologist’s Recor Journal of Variation ipItTED BY Rionarp 8. BAGNALL, F.u.s., F.z.8. Jas. HE. COLLIN, F.z.s. Gurorez T. BETHUNH-BAKRR, F.L.8., F.E.S. H. 8r. J. K. DONISTHORPE, Ff.z.n., #.E.8. M. BURR, D.8¢., F.L.S., F.Z.8., F.E.8. Joun Harntizy DURRANT, r.z.s. (Rev.) C. R. N. BURROWS, F.z.8. AurrEp SICH, F.z.s. EB. A. COCKAYNE, w.p., F.z.8. (Rev.) Groner WHEELER, M.a., F.E.S. and Henry J. TURNER, F.z,s., Hditorial Secretary. CONTENTS. PAGE. Myrmecophilous Notes for 1922, H. Donisthorpe, F.Z.S., F.E,S. oe ie se Be 1 Lepidopterology, Hy.J.T. - . oo bic nc ne sc oe 9 Notes on Coccinellidae, G. B. C. Leman, F. E. s.. aS a i is as Pe 11 Some Notes on Swiss Butterflies, the late A. J. Fison He : é ate aie ies 12 Notes on CoiLectine :— Warwickshire Records of Tehneumoniiee: J. CW. Saunt te a0 13 Current Norrs anp SHort Noriczs a ae ae Be os ss a SO 14 Socrerims :—Entomological Society of London .. Ki 17 Reviews :—The Proceedings of the 8S. London Bafomoloctal ie N. H. S., C. R.N, B. as 19 JANUARY 15th, 1928. Price TWO SHILLINGS (nur). 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Myrmecophilous Notes for 1922. By H. DONISTHORPH, F.Z.S., F.E.S. FormicipaE.—Myrmicinak. Myrmecina graminicola, Latr.—The very interesting colony of this species, which I have now had under observation for over twelve years, continues in a flourishing condition. The following is a short extract from the yearly journal kept for this colony during the past twelve months. During the winter the ants kept very quiet and very few deaths occurred. Very little food of any kind was given to them. April 28rd, some bits of raw beef were given, these were cut up by the ants and fed to the larvae: the latter having pellets of the meat placed on their bodies for them to chew at. April 27th, many large larvae present. May 2nd, first packet of eggs observed. May 28th, several packets of eggs, and g, ?,and 8 pupae. Several ? ‘“ Daddy-long- legs” given to the ants; their bodies were cut up and devoured, and numerous eggs, taken from them, fed to the larvae. June 11th, fresh packet of eggs, and four winged 2 @ present. June 22nd, very many winged 2? 9 andafew gf gf hatched; many eggs present. July 2nd, still more winged ? ? hatched. July 9th, the body of a ‘ Magpie- moth” placed in the nest, the ants would have nothing to do with it ! This shows how very distasteful the moth must be, as Myrmecina is so fond of an insectivorous diet, devouring greedily flies, earwigs, clothes- moths, and other ants, etc. July 24th, some of the winged ? @ had shed their wings, and this continued until October 29th. when only one @ remained with one wing left. The colony is now in a very flourish- ing condition—a large number of 8 8, still more dealated ? 2, and many medium and small larvae being present. The outstanding features are that many more winged females, and far fewer g 3, have been reared than in any single year previously, and the colony was given less food last winter than usual. It is very difficult to draw any safe conclusions from the above as to the reasons for the production of females (i.2., 2 9, not ¥ 8) at any timeinacolony. Professor Hmery has expressed the views that 2 ? are only produced from larvae which have been fed with liquid food disgorged into their mouths by the ants, and not by bits of insect and other animal food given to them. Also, that perhaps the most important reason why they are produced is when there is no 2 in a nest. If I had not read his papers I should have come to the conclusion that this year 2 @ were produced in my colony 2 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. by an abundance of animal food (raw beef, etc.) fed to the larvae, after a winter of scarcity. Also in this colony there can never have been the impulse to bring up ? 2 through their absence, as the original 9 , the queen mother of the colony, was present in 1915 when winged 9? ? were first produced, and ever since then the colony has consisted of nearly as many @ Q@ as 3 8. Forel considers that the sex of an ant is already determined in the ege—as is the case with Termites. Space, however, will not allow me to deal with this subject at any further length here; but I hope to return to it in the future. Formicovenus nitidulus, Nyl.—Mr. H. J. Jeffery, of Newport, Isle of Wight, tells me he has found a colony of this little inquiline ant in a nest of Hormica rufa in Parkhurst Forest. ‘This is an interesting addition to the ant fauna of the Isle of Wight. Solenopsis fugax, Latr.—Mr. J. H. Keys, of Plymouth, sent me g o and 8 8 of the above species from the Lizard, in Cornwall, to confirm. It is a new county record, | Stenamma westwoodi, West.— When working fungi for Coleoptera at ~“ Beechen Corner,” in the New Forest, in October, I captured several % % of this ant at the roots of a funeus. The only other record I have of this species from the New lorest is from specimens in the Cambridge Museum Collection, taken by the late Dr. Sharp. Mr. Hallett has also ‘taken this ant in agarics,at Cwrt-yr-ala,in Septemberand October, 1921. *Mr. W. EH. H. Hodson tells me he has found a number of colonies at Winchmore Hill this year. It will be remembered that the only other actual nests of this species found in the British Isles are those discovered by Mr. R. A. Phillips, in Ireland [Trish Nat., 80, 125-27 (1921)]. The colony given to me by him in September, 1921, has progressed favour- ably, and not a single ant of the original colony died in the first twelve months I had it under observation. The following is a brief extract from my note book on this colony for 1922. April 25th, the queen laid her first eggs for the year and continued laying throughout the sum. ‘mer. May 28th, a number of semipupae, some pupae and one coloured pupa present. June 5th, a few more coloured pupae present. June 22nd, many light coloured 8 ¥ (callows) and one g hatched; 8 8 continued to hatch during the summer, and a few callows died. October 10th, I introduced a Stenamma % , from the New Forest, into this nest; not much notice was taken of it by the % 8 in the nest. When it approached any of them they backed away from it; it walked over the larvae, and endeavoured to make itself at home. ~I never saw it attacked and it lived in the nest for two days, but a dead ¥ was present in the hght chamber on October 18th, which was probably the New Forest specimen. October 15th, several long Dipterous larvae given to the ants, the 8 % arranged shai own eae on them in rows, like so many little pigs feeding side by side at a trough. The colony consists to- day (December 8th) of some 75 % %, about 100 larvae, and the queen mother. Leptothoraw acervorum, F.—On July 14th ants from a colony of this species were observed coming out of and going in to some beetle ‘burrows high up in an old apple tree in an orchard at Darenth Wood. The burrows were probably old ones of Scolytus pruni, which was in evidence in several of the ajpblle trees near at hand. MYRMECOPHILOUS NOTES FOR 1922. 3 DonicHopERINAL. Tridomyrmex humilis, Mayr.—In March Mr. Keys sent me speci- mens of an ant to name, which had been taken in houses in Plymouth. These proved to be % 8 of the Argentine ant, and from a new British locality. This pest continues the rapid extension of its range. TWorel [Le Monde Social des Fourmis (4, 1921)j stated it had already been recorded from the centre of France. In my book [British Ants, 342, (1915)| [ mentioned that it had occurred at Belfast (in great numbers), and in Edinburgh, I have since recorded it from Eastbourne (in great profusion), Enfield, and Guernsey. TorMICINAE. Acanthomyops (Dendrolasius) fuliginosus, Latr.—On May 10th I observed a number of % 8 of this species marching in files on and near a large hollow beech at Rhinefields, near the Rhododendron Walk in the New Forest. As I have previously pointed out [Mnt. Lec. 31, 4 (1919)|, this ant is very scarce in this locality, and this is the second time only that I have seen it in the Forest in all the years I have visited there. On May 5th the species occurred rather plentifully in a hedgerow along a bridle-path to Wimbledon Common. ‘This 1s the first time I have found this ant so near home; the actual nest was not found, but Owypoda vittata was running with the ants. On July 81st I picked up a winged female on a road at Barkham ; no nest nor 8 ¥ could be found anywhere near by. She got rid of her wings when placed in a box, and died in two days after she had been taken home and placed in a small plaster nest. During the seven years I have visited the fuliginosus colony estab- lished in a birch tree, of which it took possession at Woking on August 27th, 1915, after a fierce battle with a colony of A. (C.) umbratus ‘(the original owners), I have taken 35 Gunnteneias species of myrmecophiles in ib. I eave a description of this Dente in 1916 [Hnt. Rec., 28, 2 (1916)]; and on February 2nd, 1921, I exhibited at the meeting of the Kntomo- logical Society of London [Proc. Int. Soc. Lond., 1924, vii.-ix.] a number of % 8 of A. (D.) fulivinosus, all of which had 8 8 of A. (C.) umbratus fastened by their mandibles to their legs, etc., from this battle, and 80 species of the myrmecophiles. I stated that it had seemed a good opportunity to note how soon a new nest became in- fested with myrmecophiles, and consequently I have visited this tree from time to time ever since August, 1915. The following is a list of the species taken in the order in which they were found, but ouly the dates of visits are mentioned when an additional species was found :— Woking, August 27th, 1915. Battle between d. (D.) fuliyinosus and A. (O.) wnbratus. . Myrmedonia lugens ) Running about among the ants. These cast three species must have followed the = Piylneyean lasiae fuliyinosus. _ May 10th, 1916. . Myrmedonia laticollis. . Tropidopria fuliginosa and no. 8 also present. co bo ot dl. 32. 33. 4. THE ENTOMOLOGISI’S RECORD. August 17th, 1917. . Scatopse transversalis var. . Amphotis marginata and no. 2 also present. March 19th, 1920. . Myrmedonia funesta. . Quedius brevis. . Microglossa gentilis. . Harpactes homberqt. . Aphiochacta aequalis. ciliata and no. 2 also present. April 4th, 1920. 99 . Myrmedonia limbata and nos. 2, 8, and 9 also present. May 30th, 1920. . Oxypoda vittata. . Ptenidinum formicetorum. . Beckia albina. . Limosina curtiventris. . Loxotropa fuliyinost. Laelaps (Laelapsis) cuneifer and nos. 8, 8, 9, 10, and larvae of 9 also present. June 20th, 1920. . Ptenidium laevigatum and nos. 8, 9, 10, 12, 18, 14, 15, 16, and pupae of 9 also present. . Chalcid bred from Quedius brevis pupa. August 14th, 1920. . Ceraphron fuliginost and nos. 2, 8, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 18 also present. September 27th, 1920. » Othins myrmecophilus. . Spalangia erythromera. . Lagynodes niger var. aterior. . Aspilota nervosa. . Tetrilus diversus. Very young spiders and egg-sacks on carton of nest. . Quedius mesomelinus. . Larvae of Dipteron; small but fat and broad. Nos. 2, 8, 4, 8, 9, and 11 also present. October 7th, 1921. Oxypoda haemorrhoa and nos. 2, 8, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 20, 25, 28, 29, and 80 also present. June 8th, 1922. Notothecta confusa. Dendrophilus pygmaeus and nos. 2, 8, 4, 6, 9, 10, 15, 20, and 30 also present. September 22nd, 1922. Schizoneura corni, alate ¢ and nos. 2, 8, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 20, 21, 30, and 383 also present. MYRMECOPHILOUS NOTES FOR 1922, 5 October 18th, 1922. 35. Proctrupid sp. ?, and no. 15 also present. Tn connection with a few species in the above list :— Nos. 2 & 4 (Myrmedonia cognata, Mark, and M. laticollis, Mark, are about equally common, and are _two of the insects most frequently found present in this nest. This is not generally the case with the the former beetle in fuliyinosus nests, either as regards to distribution: or numbers. No. 9 (Quedius brevis, Hr.). On June 8th I brought home some, larvae of this beetle and placed them in a cell with some refuse from the nest. One pupated on June 12th and hatched on July 5th, seventeen days being spent in the pupal state. No. 10 (Microglossa gentilis, Miirk) was not observed in this nae until March, 1920; since then it has been quite abundant at times. In 1909 I discussed the problem of this (and other) species inhabiting both birds’ nests and ants’ nests (Z’rans. Ent. Soc. Lond.) 1909 398-402). ur No. 21 [Ptenidium (Matthewsiwm) laevigatum, Er.| has been found twice. I have little doubt that this is a myrmecophilous species. It has occurred with both Formica rufa and A. (D.) fuliginosus elsewhere.. One of the four specimens in the Matthews’ Collection was originally in his series of P. formicetorwn, and marked by him as being a typical specimen of the latter species, he having no doubt taken it with ants. Many of the British records of P. laeviyatum are probably erroneous. No. 25 (Spalanyia erythromera, Forst.) IL have bred this year from pupae from No. 80; this is a new host for the Chalcid. It will be. remembered that when I first discovered a host for this insect, I bred it from pupae of Phyllomyza lasiae. [For notes on the life-history, etc., of S. erythromera see nt. Rec. 84 4 (1922)]. No. 30. I have not so far been successful in breeding the imagos from these larvae, though I have frequently brought examples home and placed them in cells with bits of carton and refuse from the nest and damp earth. They always pupate, some fastening themselves on bits of the carton, but no flies have ever hatched out. These larvae are chiefly to be found in the earth, often very damp, immediately. beneath the carton of the ants’ nest. I have found Dipterous eggs, from which the larvae had emerged, attached to the carton of the nest, which I have thought might be those of this species. No 33. Dendrophilus pygmaeus, Li. This is the first time, as far as | am aware, that this Formica rufa guest has ever been taken in a nest of d. (D.) fuliginosus. As a second specimen occurred on September 22nd, it is not the case of a single chance specimen. The carton of the nest is of a hght brown colour. I keep the hole in the tree packed with grass, etc., in the usual manner, and of course. various species of non-myrmecophilous Coleoptera, etc., are often found, such as Aleochara succicola, Th., Atheta nigricornis, Th., Xan- tholinus linearis, Ol., Clambus punctulum, Beck., Hister merdarius, Hoft., Huplectus karstent, Reich., Coninomus constrictus, Gyll., Corticaria denticulata, Gyll., and C. eppelsheimi, Reitt., etc. I think that the reason that the fuliginosus have not deserted their nest, which ants will frequently do when continually disturbed, is tiat I generally give 6 “THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. them some sugar when I repack the nest. Mr. Champion also occasionally visits this nest, and he kindly informs me what species of Coleoptera be finds present. I am indebted to him for the first record of No. 14 (Myrmedonia limbata, Pk.) ; healso found No. 82 (Notothecta confusa, Mk.) there this year, and Quedius ventralis, Ahr. Acanthomyops (Donisthorpea) niyer, L.—On August 20th marriage flights of this ant took place both at Putney (noted by Miss I’. Kirk), and at Horsford in Norfolk, where I was at the time. In the latter locality the sexes of A. (C.) flavus, and species of Myrmica were also on the wing. Another flight occurred at Putney, on September 21st, all over the district, at about 5.80 p.m. Sparrows were catching the winged ants both on the ground and in the air, and a large green dragon-fly was “ hawking” them; flying up and down the Hazlewell Road. Acanthomyops (Chthonolasius) umbratus, Nyl.—When evening sweeping at Barton Mills on September 5th, numerous ¢ g and winged ? ¢ of this species were swept up off long grass, and were very active in the net. On September 22nd when evening sweeping at Woking, a single winged @ was netted. On being placed in a glass- topped-box she immediately got rid of her wings. Formica rufa, L.—On May 9th a single winged 9 was seen running in a sand-pit near Lyndhurst, New Forest, a marriage flight having no doubt taken place that morning, the day being hot and sunny. On June 6th at Woking a deilated 9 was picked up as she was crossing a foot path. This I took home and endeavoured to get accepted by some I’. picea ¥ ¥ from the New Forest. The experiment was not successful however; as she died (or was killed) in-a few days. Formica picea, Nyl.—On May 7th % 8 of this ant were running about all over the “‘ picea”” area in Matley Bog. Several nests were located ; the colony from one of these, which contained no less than 15 deilated @ 2, was taken home and fitted up in a plaster nest. The ants were evidently not at home in the plaster nest; and the colony did not thrive, though eggs were laid and larvae brought up. Amonest other food given to this nest was a number of . rufa ¥ cocoons, some of which were cut open and the rufa pupae devoured ; others were allowed to hatch and the rufa % ¥% lived for some time in the picea colony. Latterly they were sometimes pulled about by the picea % 8, and all eventually died. I have presented the individuals which remained of the colony to Miss Cheesman of the Zoological Gardens, as she had prepared a formicarium in the Insect House, con- sisting of a bog with growing sphagnum, rushes, etec., for their reception. She tells me that they all went down into the sphagnum. at once on arrival; but have not appeared since. It remains to be seen if the ? @ will lay eggs, and the 3 8 build up a typical picea nest next year. Camponotus (Camponotus) herculeanus, L., subsp. pennsylvanicus, Retz.—Mr. J. W. Saunt sent me to namea number of ants comprising gS, winged 9 9, 242, and ¥ ¥, which proved to belong to the above subspecies. He told me that about July 7th he noticed a large deiilated @ ant on the floor of a saw-mill at Coventry, which he realised was not a British species. On hunting about he found a plank of American oak which had been bored by Coleopterous, or Lepidop- terous, larvae, and on cutting offa piece a hole was exposed which was MYRMECOPHILOUS NOTES FOR 1922. 7 tigbtly packed with dead ants. After shaking out and removing with tweezers a large number of these, the entrances to a central chamber were exposed, and inside he discovered five live winged @ 9. Of course these ants had been introduced in timber from North America ; but how, and why, they came to be packed into the small space in which they occurred (Mr. Saunt kindly sent me the piece of oak and I should say the borings were Coleopterous) Iam quite unable to explain. In British Ants (p. 848) I give other records of this American species occurring in Britain. Winged ? 9 were also sent to the Museum (a year or two back), from Alfreton, Derbyshire, which had been imported from America in ash poles. COLEOPTERA. Atemeles emarginatus, F.—A specimen of this insect was found running at large in a sand-pit at Matley Passage, New Ilorest, on May 15th. A few Myrmicas were about in the sand-pit; the beetle had probably just left a Myrmica nest, preparatory to entering one of Formica fusca. _ Clythra 4-punctata, L.—A number of specimens were observed seated on brambles over a rufa nest in Ramnor Inclosure, New Forest, on May 11th. One pair, in cop., was quite close to the nest on a twig, and ants were continually running over them, apparently with- out disturbing them in any way. BRAcoNIDAE. Aspilota concolor, Nees.—Mr. Morley has kindly named for mea of this species which I took in a nest of Formica fusca at Box Hill on May 1st, 1910. I have several times taken Aspilota nervosa, Hal., in the nest of A. (D.) fuliginosus. Mr. Morley tells me that this genus is parasitic on Diptera; it is therefore certain that when found with ants, they are parasitic on the flies which have bred in the ants’ nests. Diptera. Microdon rhenanus, Andries, and JM. latifrons, Lw. ?—On May 6th I found one larva and a few empty pupa cases of a Microdon in a nest of A. (l).) niger situated in a stump of Scots pine in the New Forest. The larva was unfortunately injured when breaking up the stump with a digger, and as it died next day, it was placed in spirit. On May 11th I again visited the ride where the stump had occurred, to endeavour to obtain more specimens. A number of old, empty Microdon pupa cases were found in various pine stumps containing niger colonies (proving that the flies had been abundant last year), but neither larvae, nor live pupae, were seen. As the pupa cases were different from any I had previously seen lsent some to Father Wasmann, who informed me they were Microdon rhenanus, Andries, a rare species and new to Britain. He also kindly supplied me with the reference to the original description [Zeits. f. Wissen. Zool. cil, Heft 2 (1912)]. I subsequently gave a pupa case to Mr. Edwards for the Museum, with the reference, and he informs me that it does not agree with the description of M. rhenanus, and moreover he is of the opinion that it is that of M. latifrons. As I found Microdon puparia in several different stumps, they may not all belong to the same species, and it 8 THE ENTOMOLOGISL’S RECORD. is most probable that those sent to Wasmann are M. rhenanus.* Of the others however I can only say that they do not appear to me to agree with one of JI. latifrons, taken by Mr. Champion at Woking, which I have before me. The latter is distinctly larger, the ground surface is smoother, and the raised reticulated pattern is neither so prominent, nor so pronounced ; moreover the shape is different, being more parallelsided, and not as narrowed towards the base. ; Microdon latifrons, Lw., was taken in Britain in 1875, at Oxshott, and in 1900 at Nethy Bridge, by Colonel Yerbury; and by the late Rev. H. 8. Gorham, in the New Iorest, in 1902: but these I believe were only specimens of the imago netted at large. Quite recently Mr. Champion found live pupae at Woking in ants nests under pine bark, and Mr. Main at Ascot, from which the flies were reared. It is un- fortunate that I was not put on to these localities in time to ascertain the host ant of the fly, which host, as far as I know, is unknown on the Continent. As is well known, the larvae of all species of Micr al occur in many parts of the world, but always in ants’ nests, where they pupate ; and have been known for many years. The food, however, on which they lived was unknown, and it had never been discovered until 1912. Unfortunately Forel, in his last volume [Le Monde Social des Fournis du Globe, 2, 118 (1922)|, states that it is still unknown. In 1912 [Mut. Itec., 24, 35-6 (1912)| I demonstrated by experiment of what the food of these larvae consisted. It may be as well to recapitulate briefly what I then wrote concerning one from a number of the larvae of Microdon mutabilis taken in nests of Formica fusca, at Porlock, and introduced into a plaster nest containing a colony of that ant—‘‘ The smallest larva I had is now full grown and still alive to-day, December 23rd, it having lved in my nest for over seven months.” [It subsequently pupated and hatched.|] ‘It is always in the chamber occupied by the ants. When they move it very slowly follows them. The ants often sit on it and walk over it, but they never feed it. In my former experiments [Hnt. Rec., 19, 255 (1907): 24, 18-19 (1909)|, I kept the ants and larvae in a bow! with earth, and as the ants and the Microdon larvae were always beneath the earth, I could never see them without disturbing the nest. NowI have been able constantly to observe them, it is quite clear that the food of the larva consists of the droppings, and pellets (Janet’s Boulettes de nettoyage), of the ants. It has never had any other food in the bare chamber in which it lives, it has never gone to the honey which is in the last (the light) chamber, the ants have never fed it, and it has grown to a full size larva from a very tiny young one.” HeEtTEROPTERA. Nahis lativentris, Boh.ixamples of the larva of this bug were observed in company with 8 8 of Formica fusca, and F’. fusca var. glebaria, on the cliffs at Ventnor, I. of W., on September 9th. Mr. G. C. Leman and his son also found young stages of N. lativentris running about with % 3 of I. fusca at Southwold in August. On both of the above occasions the bugs were about the same size as the * Since this was written I have heard again from Father Wasmann and he tells me the specimens sent to him are M. rhenanus. LEPIDOPTEROLOGY. 9 ants. Other records of the occurrence of the larva of this Nabis with ants may be found in the H'nt. Mo. May. cor June, 1921 [H.M.M. 57 187 (1921)]. APHIDIDAE. Trama troglodytes, Heyden.—Specimens were found at large in a nest of A. (D.) niger under a stone at Freckenham, on September 5th. As usual when the nest was exposed the ants carried nae Aphids into safety. Aphis heraclei, Koch.—Many specimens occurred in a nest of Myrmica ruginodis at the roots of Heracleum sphondylium at Stowting, on June 30th. Forda formicaria was found in company with the Coccid Ripersia subterranea in a nest of A. (D.) niger under a large stone on the beach at Ventnor, I. of W., on September 11th. Lepidopterology. In the recently issued Trimestres of the Annales de la Société Entomologique de France the illustrious Abbé J. de Joannis has written a critical revision of the species of Lepidoptera whose larval stage produce or inhabit galls on plants in the European area. He has taken as the basis of his paper the great work of Houard, Catalogue des Zoocécidies des Plantes @Kurope et du Bassin de la Mediterranée, treating of each species in detail and finally showing that out of the 62 species of Lepidoptera recorded by Houard 12 should be deleted as included upon incomplete or erroneous original and unconfirmed observations, while at the same time M. de Joannis adds 12 Huropean species, which are not included in the original work of Houard. These 62 species are divided among the families Sestidae 8, Pyralidae 1, Pterophoridae 2, Orneodidae 4, Tortricidae 24, Hypono- meutidae 1, Crelechtidae 15, Hlachistidae 9, Neptieulidae 2, Tineidae 1. The Abbé’s remarks and criticisms are written in a most kindly manner with ample apologies to the author for having to point out such a series of errors both of commission and omission. He quotes with much apparent pleasure, and as an incentive for future observers the words of the late Lord Walsingham in vol. xl. of the Ent. Mo. Mag.: ‘ One finds here | Biskra, Algeria] among the Micros an unusual proportion of gall-makers. This habit is adopted by at least seven distinct genera :—Phalonia, Oecocecis, Coleophora, and four new ones (Anoecisis, Cecidophaga, Hypocecits and Proactica). Iam able to record nine gall-making species in these genera without taking account of Amblypalpis olivierella, Ret., the galls of which I believe I also found on Tamarix, and two others, not yet bred, one on Gynimocarpon fruticosum, possibly an inquiline, and one on Haloxylon articulatum.” The following are the species given as “‘ cécidogenes ”’ by the Abbé Joannis with the host plant, those marked with an asterisk being found in Britain :— *Sciapteron tabaniformis, Rott., on poplars (Populus nigra, alba, etc.) ; var. rhingiaeformis, Hb., on P. nigra; and subsp. synayriformis, Ramb., on P. alba, ete. Sesia flaviventris, Stdgr., on willows (Salia caprea, etc.). S. triannuliformis, Frr., on Sorrel (umex acetosella). *Odontia dentalis, Schiff., on Mchium vulgare and Anchusa sp. 10 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’ S RECORD. Platyptilia nemoralis, Z., on groundsels (Senecio nemoralis, silvaticus, etc.) ; var. sarvacenica, Wk., on S. fluviatilis. *Pterophorus mnicrodactylus, on Hemp Agrimony (Mupatoriwmn cannahinum). Orneodes desmodactyla, Z., on Stachys sp. QO. dodecadactyla, Hb., on Honeysuckles (Lonicera aylosteum, caerulea). O. yrammodactyla, Z., on Seabious species (Scabiosa columbaria, maritime, etc.). QO, palodactyla, Z., var. perittodactyla, Stdgr., on Scabiosa ureeolata. *Tortrix paleana, Hb., on Plantaao lanceolata. *Oonchylis atricapitana, Steph., on Senecio jacobaea. C’. pontana, Stdgr., on the wormwoods (Artemisia campestris, ete.). C. corsicana, Wlsm., on Santolina chamaecyparissus. (. austrinana, Chrét., on S. rosmarinifolia ; var. jflorana, Chrét., on S. chamaecyparissus. (. hylarana, H.-S., on Artemisia campestris. ©. clavana, Cst., on Artemisia gallica. CU. santolinana, Stgr., on Santolina rosmarintfolia. CU. evtensana, Ster., on Artemisia barreliert. Conchylis leucanthana, Cst., on Cephalaria leucantha. *“Hvetiia buoliana, Schiff., on pine trees (Pinus sylvestris). “FE. resinella, L., on pine trees (Pinus sylvestris, montana, ete.). *“(rypsonoma aceriana, Dup., on poplars (Populns alba, niyra, etc.). “Cr, incarnana, Haw., race dealbana, Frr. Pelatea festivana, Hb., on oak (Quercus pubescens). Semasia metzneriana, Tr., on Artemisia absinthium. S. ineana, Z., on Artemisia campestris. Kpiblema lacteana, Tr., on Artemisia campestris. “HF. tetraquetrana, Haw., on alders and birches (Alnus glutinosa, etc., and Betula pubescens, etc.). *h). luctuosana, Dup., on Centaury (Centaurea nemoralis). Grapholitha zebeana, Rtzbg., on larch (Larta europaea). *(7. servillana, Dup., on willows (Salix caprea, viminalis, cinerea, repens, etG.). G. conicolana, Heyl., on pines (Pinus sylvestris, laricio, etc.). *Argyresthia goedartella, Li., on alder (Alnus glutinosa). Parapodia sinaica, Frauenf., on Tamarisk (T’amaria gallica, etc.). *“(relechia mulinella, Z., on Dartsia aspersa. Phloeocecis cherreyella, Chrét., on Fagonia sinaica and I’. glutinosa. Lita yallincolella Mn., on Tamarisk sp. L. gypsella, Cst., on Aster acris. L. cauliyenella, Schmid., on campions (Silene inflata, nutans, italica, ete.). L. gypsophilae, Stt., on Gypsophila sps. I. coussonella, Chrét., on Silene sawifraya. Leleia brucinella, Mn., on Tamarisk. *Stenolechia gemmella, L., on oak (Quercus sessiliflora). Proactica halimilignella, Wism., on Atriplea halinus. P. echiochilonella, Chrét., on H'chiochilon fruticosum. Sclerocecis pulverosella, Chrét., on Limontastrum guyonianum, etc. Amblypalpis olivierella, Rag., on Tamarisk sps. (Vamaria jordania, articulata, ete.). “NOTES ON COCCINELLIDAE. 4 * Blastodacna vinolentella, H.-S., on crab-apple (Pyrus malus). *Mompha decorella, Steph., on willow-herbs (Hpilobium hirsutum, montanum, parviflorin, angustifolium, ete.). M. nodicolella, Fuchs., on Hpilobtiun montanum and angustifolium. Staymatophora serratella, Tr., on snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus). S. teucriit, Wism., on Teuerfum fruticans. *Augasma aeratella, Z., on the bistorts (Polyyonum aviculare, arenarium, etc.). *Heliozela stanneella, ¥.R., on oaks (Quercus pedunculata, cerris, lusitanica, etc.). : Coleophora stefanti, Joann., on goosefoot species (Atriplea parvi- florus, etc.). Phyllobrostis eremitella, Joann., on spurge laurel (Daphne gnidium). Nepticula turbidella, Z., on white poplar (Populus alba.). *N. argyropeza, Z., on aspen (Populus tremula). *“Incurvaria tenwicornis, Stt., on birch (Betula alba).—H.J.T. Notes on Coccinellidae. By G. B. C. LEMAN, F.E.S. 1. Hippodamia variegata, Goeze, ab. suparcuata, mihi. While collecting aberrations of this species in the summer of 1922 at South- wold, Suffolk, I found one with a formula not yet recorded. This aberration is distinguished from ab. arcuata, Leman, in having the confluence inverted and its formula is 1, 2, 8, 5+4+6, 4. Type in my collection. 2. I found this species in fair numbers on nettles and the coarse tall grass typical on the beach in this district. The type form with 9 spots largely predominated, followed by ab. constellata, Laich., ab. angulosa, Ws., and ab. similis, Schrank (138 spots). The following were found in much lesser ratio, viz.: ab. neglecta, Ws., ab. confluens, Sajo, ab. veloa, Ws., ab. 11-punctata, Schrank, and ab. abbreviata, Ws. Of each of the following I only took one specimen: ab. donisthorpet, Leman, ab. judii, Leman, ab. italica, Walt., ab. alacris, Ws., and ab. observepunctata, Schrank. 3. Of the above forms I do not think abs. confluens, veloz, L1-punctata, abbreviata, julti, ttalica and alacris have been recorded for Great Britain, though probably they may be found in many collections. 4. I took three specimens approaching ab. donisthorpet, Leman, to the extent that in two cases the left and right elytra respectively only have the typical confluence, while in the third case the left elytron has the typical confluence and the right elytron conforms to the formula of the type form (9 spots). 5. One specimen of ab. anyulosa, Ws., is remarkable for the bold- ness and breadth of the spots forming the confluence. 6. Out of some 200 specimens taken, only three (the typical form, ab. constellata, Laich., and ab, similis, Schrank) have the coronate form of marks on the thorax. 7. Halysta 22-punetata, L.—At the same time I took this species in large numbers, not on nettles as | had expected, but on young oak shoots springing up from stumps of fallen trees, all in the length of one hedgerow. Incidentally these shoots were all attacked by the whitish mildew so often seen on young oaks. I took the species in all 12 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. its stages and had not taken the larva or pupa before. These latter are readily distinguished from those of other Coccinellids by their distinct yellowish appearance. I brought back several of the larvae, which in due course pupated and emerged satisfactorily. Some Notes on Swiss Butterflies. {Supplementary to the Butterflies of See One, by Rev. Geo. Wheeler, M.A., F.E.S.] By the late MR. A. J. FISON. (Arranged and communicated by Miss L. M. Fison.) “The works of the Lord are great, sought out of allthem that have pleasure therein.’’—Psalm, exi. 2. (Concluded from vol. xxxiv., page 217.) Epinephele lycaon, Rott.—Fionnay, vii.; Nessel, 30.vii.90; Der- borence, 25.vili.90. Aphantopus hyperantus, 4.—Rhone Bridge of St. Triphon, 21.viii.03 (lots) ; Charpigny, 3. ile 88; Gryonne, 22.vii.22; Champéry, 31.vii.22 ; Mt. Carré, vi. and vill. - Dent: du Midi. A. hyperantus ab. arete, Milliére.—Above Plan Cerisier ; Martigny Combe. , A. hyperantus ab. caeca, Fuchs.—Corbeyrier; Kclépens. Coenonympha iphis, Schiff—Bex; Montet, 15.vi.20; Gryonne Meadows, 1.vii.22; Charpigny, 3.vii.22; St. Triphon Marsh, 3.vil.22 ; Dent du Midi, 4.vii.22 ; Mont Carré, 21.vi. C. arcania, L., var. insubrica, Ratzer.—Le Prese, 13.vil.01; Faido, 13.vil.03 (1). C. arcania var. darwiniana, Stdgr.—Bel Alp, 14.v1.90; Caux, vi. C. satyrion, Ksp.—Dent du Midi; Barmaz; Bonaveau, 8.vii.22 (L.M.F.), very small spots, some none. C. satyrion, Ksp., var. wricolor, Wh.—Morteratsch Glacier, 19.v1.01; Hmosson; Col de Forclaz, 7. viii. 09; Teméley, 2.vili.10. No black spots on band. C. satyrion ab. caeca, Wh.—(1) Rigi Staffelhohe, 21.vi.04. C'. pamphilus var. iyo, Ksp.—Mt. Bré; Cassarate; Mendrisio, 15.viii.02. C. tiphon, Rott.—Altmatt, 17.v1i.08; Arth-Goldau, 20.vi.04 ; Winsiedeln, 6.vii.04; Aigle beyond golf links by Canal, 16.vi.05, 5.E. corner, the best part. The forms found there are very interesting, some being dark and some pale. Leeuk, 19.v1i.07. ; Oeneis aello, Hb.—Saasegrund, 29.vi.94; under mountains from Vernayaz to Martigny, no doubt blown down. Laquinthal, 18.vii.08 ; under Dent de Morcles, 25.vi.90; Faulborn, 1.vi.14 (L.M.F.). Evrebia epiphron, Knoch., var. cassiope, Fabr.—Under Bel Alp, 14.vii.90. E. epiphron ab. -nelamus, Bdv.—Furka; Triibsee; Zermatt ; Simplon ; St. Bernard ; Glacier du Trient. FE. epiphron var. valesiana, Mey.D.—Pierre-a- Voir ; Magenwald. EH. melampus, Fssl., ab. sudetica, Stgr.—Randa; (1) Pratigau. i. flavofasciata, Heyne.—Schafberg, §S. of Ist Restaurant, 1-15.vii.04; Tscherva glacier, 30 mins. below and behind Restaurant, 1 g, 10.vii.01; none there in ee first found about 1850. Now on S. side of Albrun Pass. NOTES ON COLLECTING. 13 E. eriphyle, Frr.—St. Lucia, 30.vii.97. E.. pharte, Hb., ab. phartina, Stgr.—Anthémoz, 29.vi.02. E.. mnestra, Hb.—Boden Glacier, 18.vii.95. E. alecto, Hb., var. glacialis, Esp.—Fully ; Portailles; Vernayaz, 18.vii.91; Mattmark See, 29.vi.94; Faulhorn, 1.viii.l4 (L.M.F.) ; Anzeindaz, 14.vii.91. E. manto, Ksp.—Dischmathal (near eriphyle locality), 11.vii.04 ; Fénistral Bridge, 4.viii.10; Chamossaire; Corbeyrier; Rochers de Naye ; varies greatly in size. E. manto, Esp., ab. caecilia, Hb.—Trient glacier. FE. ceto, Hb.—Belalp, 14.vii.90 ; Teméley, 8.viii.1900. FE’. medusa, Fabr.—With extra eye at apex of forewing (on one side only) likeab. eviades, Wh. Found 1in50soat Charpigny; andonthe West side of Gryonne between road and railway in May, 1906, I got about 15 so. @s seem to have this eye at times. (16) Kclepens (marsh), 20.v.90; Belalp, 14.vii.90; Monte Bré, 28.v.03; Caux, 18.vi.03 ; Faido, 11.vi.04 ; (8) Charpigny, 8.vi.07. FE. oeme, Hb.—Maderanerthal, 24.vi.96 ; Faulhorn, 1.vii.14; Dent du Midi, 29.vi.14, with var. valesiaca, Elwes; Lutschine Valley, 8.vill.14 ; Champéry, 81.vii.22; Barmaz, 4.vili.22 (L.M.F.). E. evias, Godt.—Losone (1), 28.v.03; Asegna, 4.v.96; above Inden, 4.vi.94; Dent de Morcles (2/3 up), 15.v.94. FE. nerine, Frr., var. stelviana, Curé.— Under Piz Languard (near 1st and 2nd snow), vii.04; Taschthal, 9.vii.965. fi. euryale, Esp.—Hmaney, 18.vili.09. E, ligea, lu.—Dent du Midi, 29.vi.14—21.vii.22; Gorge de Chau- deron; E. of Nioue, vii.; Fren'éres, 3.vii.18; Grindelwald, vii.14 ; Champéry, 80.vii.22 (L.M.F.). Fi, aethiops, Ksp.—-Charpigny, viii. E.. aethiops ab. leucotaenia, Ster.—Alpe de Bodine. Evebia pronoé, Esp., var. pitho, Hb.—Salanfe Road above Salvan, 8.1x.10. FE. goante, Ksp.—Kmosson (Finhaut), 12.viii.09; sous Kippel, 10.viii.90 ; Faulhorn, 1.vii.14 (L.M.F.). FE. gorge, Ksp.—Rothhorn nr. Brienz, 16.vii.92; Mattmark See, 29.vi.94 ; Anzeindaz, 14.vii.91; Gornergrat, 5.vi.97. FE. tyndarus, Esp.—Faulhborn, 1.vili.14; Barmaz, 4.viii.22 (L.M.F.). FE. tyndarus var. dromus, H.S.—Nr. Anthémoz, 4.viii.03; Barmaz, 1.vili.03. E\. Jappona, Esp.—Arpilles, nr. Martigny (2082 m.) (4), 9.vi.90; Faulhorn, 1.viii.14 (L.M.F.). Melanargia galathea, L1.—Charpigny, vi. ; Les Posses; nr. Gryonne at Bex. Some with blue spots at edge of W. Sierre, 8.vii.02; Bueé, 3.vil.01 ; Bex, 8.vi.03. M. galathea var. galazaera, Esp.—Lavorgo, 9.vii.03; Mt. Bré, 28.v.03 and 18.viii.02; (24) Lugano, 2.v1.96. TOTES ON COLLECTING, etc. WarwicksHirE Records or IcHNEUMONIDAE (lcHNEUMONINAE).—Con- sidering the meagre reports of Ichneumonidae from the Midlands, perhaps the following captures in the Coventry district will be of 14 THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD. interest to readers. ‘These were all taken previous to 1922 and have all been determined by Claude Morley, F.Z.S., F.E.8. :—Prot- ichneumon laminatorius, F.—Bubbenhall, 80.vi.18, H. Cooke. Stenich- newmon trilineatus, Gm.—HKarlsdon, 1921, A. J. Aiers. S. ochropis, Gm.—Stockton, 12.vii.19. Cratichneumnon rufifrons, Gr.—Stoke, v1.16; Coleshill Bog, 28.vi.1917; Stoke, 29. v. 21. C. fabricator, Fab.— Common and generally distributed. C. annulator, Fab.—Common and generally distributed. C. fuyitivus, Gr. SS vestall, 31.vili.19; Stoke, 28.v.21. C. gravenhorsti, Fnsc.—Coombe, 14.ix.16; Bubbenhall, LLy. 19; 25.iv.20; Kenilworth, 8.viii.20. C. lanius, Gr. - Goleshill, 23.vi.17. Me: Tecniaimaroinen: leucomelas, Gm.—Stoke, Wall Teonublven nell 18.vi.18. M. saturatorius, L.— 9? Stoke, 1916. Barichneumon gemellus, Gr.— Church Lawford, 27.vii.l9. B. ridibundus, Gr.—Coombe, 15.viii.20 ; Stoke, S.vili.21. B. albicinctus, Gr.—Bubbenhall, 17.vi.19. ~ B. bilunulatus, Gr.—Ryton, 6.vi.20; Brinklow, 12.1x.20. b. vestiyator, Wesm.—Kenilworth, 8.vili.20. Jchnewmon deliratorius, L.—Generally distributed. J. sarcitorius, .—Bubbenhall, 17.ix.17; Cubbington, 7.vill.18; Canley, 14.v.19; H. Cooke. Bubbenhall, 3.vi.21; F. Bon- ham. J. latrator, Fab.—Coombe, 15.vili.20. J. molitorius, Gr.—Stoke, 9.vii.20. J. ewtensorius, Li. Common and generally distributed. J. gracilentus, Wesm.—Bubbenhall, 17.vu.17; Hunningham, 6.vii.19 ; Canley, 29.v.20. TL. confusorius, Gr—Common and generally distri- buted. J. albiyer, Wesm.—Bubbenhall, 20.viii.17 ; 18.11.21; Baldwin. I. gracilicornis, Gr.—Brinklow, 2.vili.20.. Haephanes hilgris, Gr.— Coombe, 15.viii.20. Rare. Chasmias motatorius, Fab.—Brinklow, 12.ix.20; Brandon, 7.1x.21. Ctenichnewmon castigator, Fab.—Coventry, 90.vi.21. C. funerenus, Fre.—Coombe, 7.vili.21. Rare. C. divisorius, Gr.—Ryton, 10.vi.17. Spilichnewmon occisorius, Fab.—Stoke, 21.viii.20. Amblyteles subsericans, Gr.—Bubbenhall, 8.vi.18; Coo, & § , 15.vili.20; Ryton, 81.vii.21; Brandon, 7.1x.21. A. armatorius, ¥st.—Generally distributed. Probolus alticola, Gr.—Stoke, v.16 9. Murylabus lar- “vatus, Chr.—Bubbenhall, 25.vii.17. Rare. Platylabus pedatorius, Fab.—Binley, 2.x.21. P. phaleratus, Hal.—Stoke, 11.vii.20, H. Cooke. Very rare. Herpestomus brunneicornis, Gy.—Bubbenhall, 1.1x.18, H. G. Wagstaff. Phaeogenes stipator, Wesm.—Binley, 2.x.21. Rare. P. planifrons, Wesm.—Stoke, 24.v.20; Coombe, 15.vili.20. P. impiger, Wesm.—Princethorpe, 26.v1.19. P. maculicornis, Ste.-—Cubbington, 7.vili.18; Coventry, 15.v.19; Church Lawford, 27.viii.19; Stoke, 8.vill.21.° P. stimulator, Gr.—Brandon, 1.vi.19; Coombe, 7.vi.19; Bubbenhall, 25.iv.20; Brandon, 11.vii.20. P. callopus, Wesm.— Ryton, 6.vii.20. P. fulvitarsis, Wesm.—Brinklow, 27.vi.19. Diadro- mus troglodytes, Gr.—Stoke, 9.vit.20. Hemichnenmon elongatus, Rtz.— Stoke, 19; Smockington, 7.viil.20. Rare. <Alomyia debellator, Fab. —Common and generally distributed. (Zo be continued). wig W. Saunt, 58, Enfield Road, Stoke, Coventry. G};URRENT NOTES AND SHORT NOTICES. The Linnean Society has awarded Professor E.. B. Poulton, F.R.S., etc., the Linnean Gold Medal, as a token of its appreciation of his long and important services to the advancement of zoological science. In a very appreciative and complimentary address, when handing him the Linnean Medal, the President of the Linnean Society gave a brief CURRENT NOTES, 15 account of Poulton’s brilliant work; and he finally said— While occupied with your own researches, and advancing science by your writings, you have always been a most generous and appreciative helper of other workers in your subject. You have been especially successful in stimulating young collectors of insects to extend their interest to the broader problems of bionomics and make real scientific progress, etc. . .” How many of us, like the writer, can thoroughly ‘endorse these remarks.—H.Sr.J.K.D. On December 12th we again had the pleasure of listenine toa lecture by Professor Poulton at the ‘‘Old Vic.” on ‘‘ Animal Warfare.” This embraced such varied forms as skunks, snakes, spiders, ants and other insects and their larvae, and was extremely interesting. It was ‘thoroughly appreciated by a large audience, among whom we noticed a few well-known entomologists.—H.Sr.J.K.D. ~The Entomological News has a short but interesting article on the ‘Authorship of the Lepidoptera described in the Hneyclopédie Métho- dique, vol. ix., by A. W. Lindsey, of the Denison University, Ohio. ‘He says the authorship of all the Lepidoptera is that of Godart not Latreille. The title of the volume under discussion is Encyclopédie Methodique—H Hntomologie. ou Histoire Naturelle— des Crustaces, des Arachnides et des Insectes. Mr. Lindsey extracts from the introduction the following sentence:—‘“A lexception des géné- ralités préliminaires, que je m’etois reservées, cet article Papillon lui (Godart| est absolument propre; et si la justice ne me commandoit point cet aveu, je ne craindrois point d’y mettre mon nom.” Mr, Lindsey adds a further footnote —“ Je n’ai autre part a soi travail que celle de lui avoir fourni des moyens d’execution et de l’avoir aide de raes conseils.” From this it certainly appears that the authorship of all the lepidoptera contained in that volume should be in future attributed to Godart and not to Latreille.—G.T.B-B. We quote on a current topic from the Les Angelos Times.—* Tue Bue Housr.—Over in Vienna an eminent biologist has performed some wonderful operations on insect life. He has transposed the heads of various bugs. He has grafted the dome of a beetle on the shoulders of a wasp, and made a mild-tempered and paticnt creature out of a fussy and useless one. It is significant that in all his experiments the head carries the initiative and inspiration. If he should take it in mind to eraft the noodle of a mosquito on the neck of a grasshopper, we would have a blood-thirsty creature with a barb-wire kick and the capacity of a saw-mill. When bees and butterflies have their heads transposed it is the brain that carries control of the body. The bee with the butterfly head becomes frivolous and only seeks the flower for its per- fume. On the other hand the butterfly with the brain of the bee attempts all the processes of honey-making and may develop a case of hives. If the scientists keep making progress we may soon see the crossing of a speed bug with a road beetle, and the production of a Ford that can not only think but climb trees.” The following Fellows are the Officers and Council of the Bit: mological Society of London for the Session 1923. President, . fi. Green, F.Z.8. Treasurer, W. G. Sheldon, F.Z.8. Secretaries, Sa. Neave, M.A., D.Sc., F.Z.S., and H. Eltringham, M.A., D.Sc., F.Z.S. Librarian, H. J. Turner. Council, R. Adkin, E. C. Bedwell, J. E. Collin, I.Z.8., J. Davidson, D.Sc., F.L.8., J. J. Joicey, F.L.8., F.Z.S., 16 THE ENTOMOLOGIS2’S RECORD. etc., F. Laing, R. Wylie Lloyd, W. G. F. Nelson, N. D. Riley, F.Z.S., Prof. Kh. B. Poulton, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S., etc., The Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild, M.A., F.R.S., etc., and H. Willoughby-Ellis, F.Z.8. The following will be the Officers and Council of the $. London Entomological Society for the session of 1928. President, N. D. Riley, F.Z.S., F.H.S. Vice-Presidents, K. G. Blair, B.Sc., F.H.S., and H. J. Bunnett, M.A., F.E.S. Treasurer, A. E. Tonge, F.E.S. Librarian, A. W. Dods. Curator, 8. R. Ashby, F.E.S. Assistant Curator, T. L. Barnett. Hon. Secretaries, Stanley Edwards, F.L.8., F.E.S., and H. J. Turner, F.E.S. Recorder, L. Ki. Dunster. Hon. Lanternist, A. W. Dennis. Council, T. L. Barnet, 8. A. Blenkarn, F.E.S., F. B. ‘Carr, A. W. Buckstone, O. R. Goodman, F.E.8., T. H. L. Grosvenor, F.E.S., H. A. Leeds, KE. Syms, F.E.S., C. L. Withycombe, B.Sc., The Bolletino Lab. Zool. Gen. e Agri. of Portici contains a number of contributions of original work done by the able scientists of the R. Scuola Superiore d’Agricoltura. Prof. Silvestri describes a number of Staphylinidae from the Indo-Malay region remarkable for their asso- ciation with ants. The paper is lavishly illustrated with line drawings. Minozzi gives the ants noticed in the neighbourhood of Sambiase in Calabria. Grandi contributes an account of his researches on the Parasitic Hymenoptera (Chalcididae, Agaonini and Sycophagint) occupying more than half the volume. Bezzi describes two new Trypaneidae (Dip.), which infest the Olive. Recent numbers of the Can. Hunt. contain among the more im- portant articles one by J. D. Detwiler on ‘‘ The Ventral Prothoracic Gland of the Red-humped Apple Caterpillar (Schizwra concinna),” giving a thorough investigation of the power which the larva has of ejecting an acid fluid from its body; and another by G. C. Crampton, “‘ Notes on the Relationships indicated by the Venation of the Wings of Insects.”’ The Ann. Soc. ent. Hrance, Trim. 1 and 2, just issued, contains the following papers :—IKieffer, ‘‘ Chironomides de 1l’Afrique équatoriale,”’ with 4 plates; Joannis, ‘‘ Revision critique des especes de Lépidopteres cécidogénes d’Kurope”; Brocher, <“ Etude expérimentale sur la functionnement du vaisseau dorsal et sur la circulation du sang chez les Insectes: la Periplaneta orientalis,” and the Obituary Notice of the eminent Coleopterist Louis Bedel. The annual volume of the Verhand. zool.-bot. Gesell. Wien for 1921 received a while ago contains a further contribution to the Lepidopterous Fauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Dr. Karl Schwerda who since 1906 has worked continuously on this subject. The previous communications he has made will be found with the following references. Verhand. 1906; 1908; 1910; 1911; 1912; 1916; 1917; 1918; 1920; Jahresber. Wien. Ent. Ver. 1908; 1912; 1918; 1914; 1915; 1916; and Zeit. st. Hunt. Ver. 1919. Thus a tolerably complete fauna list has been made with notes on particular species. The present article contains a coloured plate. Conte Turati continues the Faunal work which he has been doing for so many years. and there lies before us a very important paper ‘‘ Materiali per una faunula Lepidotterologica di Cirenaica’”’ 1922, giving an account of the Lepidoptera collected by Don Vito Zanon in Cyrenaica, including new forms which are described by Conte Turati SOCIETIES. 17 himself. In a previous paper in 1921 it will be recollected, Conte Turati gave an account of the Lepidoptera collected in the same region during a motor tour by Prof. Ghigi. It is a great pity that such original work is marred by the noninformative nomenclature. Muchloé belemia glauce distincta alewandri is an awful infliction, and only tends to make our study a laughing stock to the ordinary seeker after general knowledge, and to the earnest student is a real hindrance without. something to show the taxonomie value given to the various names by the user. The volume of Annalen des Naturhistorischen: Museums in Vienna for 1921 contains a long paper ‘“ Beitrage zur Hymenopteren-Fauna. Dalmatiens, Montenegros and Albaniens” by Dr. T. Maidli. It contains an account of the Aculeata and Chrysididae. In the the fifty-first Annual Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario we note a paper entitled the ‘ Inter-relations in Nature,” in which it is urged upon all observers especially upon the economic entomologist, to look upon this line of study as one of the most. important quests. The writer, W. Lochhead, styles all nature “a vast system of linkages’’ and quaintly reminds one of the rhyming chain of events we were accustomed to in our boyhood days, ‘This is. the cat that killed the rat that ate the malt that lay in the house that Jack built,’ adding ‘“‘ Man eats the fishes that eat crustacea tbat. eat infusoria that eat bacteria that feed on decaying organic matter in some pond.” SOCIETIES. Tue EnromontocicaL Society or Lonpon. _ November 15th, 1922.—The Secretary announced nominations for the Officers and Council for 1923. Exection or Frttows.—The following were elected:— Messrs. A. KE. Butler, The Nook, Cleveden, Somerset; G. W. Holloway, The Hill, Amberley, Glos.; Rev. J. F. Perry, St. Anne’s Priory, Edgehill, Liverpool; G. B. Ryle, Pangbourne, Berks; Bb. Stewart, Lovell House, Leeds, Yorkshire. Girts To THE Socrery.—The Treasurer announced the bequest of £1,000 by the late Mr. Hamilton Druce, the income from which is to be devoted to the Library. He also stated that Mrs. Newman had presented to the Society a portrait of the late Kdward Newman, who was President of the Society in 1858-4. Exuisitions.—Mr. C. L. Withycombe exhibited a photograph of clusters of larvae of a Cecidomyiid new to Britain, identified by Mr. IF, W. Edwards as probably Miastor hastatus, WKieff., and the exhibit gave rise to a discussion on the phenomenon of paedogenesis in which Messrs. Collin, Blair and Dr. Imms took part. Professor HK. B. Poulton quoted some original field observations on mimicry in butterflies in Central Africa by Dr. S. A. Neave, and discussed the evidence from various sources respecting the insect visitors of the primrose, particularly Bombylius spp. Mr. Arthur Dicksee exhibited some aberrant examples of Papilio from Formosa, including a specimen of P. horishanus, in which homoeosis was present. Papgrrs.— Lhe following papers were read:—‘‘ A revision of the 18 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. Australian species of the Genus Melobasis, Fam. Buprestidae, Order Coleoptera, with notes on allied genera,” by Mr. H. J. Carter, B.A. ‘“« Description of the pupal shell of Lachnocnema bibulus,” by Mr. G. T. Bethune- Baker. December 6th, 1922.—Ositruary.—The President announced the death of Mr. H. J. Elwes, F.R.S., a former President, and a vote of condolence with his relatives was passed. Eiecrion or Fettows.—The following were elected.—Mr. Donald Allen, 21, All Saints Road, King’s Heath, Birmingham; Mr. H. L. Andrews, c/o John Heelas, Eisq., Queen Anne’s Mansions, London, Ss. Girts To THE Society.—The Treasurer called attention to two new portraits in the Meeting Room, and also exhibited the plans for a new Meeting Room which it was proposed to erect at the back of the present building at some future date. These had been drawn up by Mr. W. Rait-Smith and presented to the Society, and a vote of thanks to him for his generosity in the matter was passed unanimously. Tixurpitions.—Mr. H. Donisthorpe exhibited the larva and pupa case of a species of Microdon associated with ants and probably new to Britain. Mr. W. G. Sheldon exhibited a rare British Tortrix, Hedya simplana, F. von R., taken in N. Scotland. Dr. HE. A. Cockayne exhibited examples of homoeosis in butterflies. Capt. K. J. Hayward exhibited an aberrant example of Limenitis sibilla on which scales had apparently failed to develop in patches. It was from the New Forest. Dr. H. Eltringham discussed the structure of the tympanic organ on the sides of the abdomen in Noctuid moths referred to by Dr. Jordan at a previous meeting. Dr. K. Jordan, F.R.S., exhibited some mimetic Castntidae and gave some account of a scent organ that is found in them. Mr. L. B. Prout, on behalf of Mr. J. J. Joicey, exbibited Geometrids of the Genus Bordota, Wlk., and gave some account of examples of sexual dimorphism and mimicry in these moths. Mr. H. J. Durrant exhibited some rare and aberrant British Lepidoptera, including a Tortrix HEucosma plebeiana, L., new to Britain. Dr. H. Eltringham, on behalf of Professor Poulton, exhibited further examples of Heodes phlaeas race ethiopica from S.W. Uganda, and some Hast African Lycaenids taken by Dr. van Someran, showing the attacks of lizards. Mr. W. J. Kaye exhibited several remarkable groups of mimetic butterflies from Venezuela. Mr. W. J. Lucas made some remarks on the food preferences of Vespa vulgaris, L. Mr. L. W. Newman exhibited a series of varieties of British Lepi- doptera. Mr. G. Talbot, on behalf of Mr. J. J. Joicey, exhibited some remarkable and little known butterflies from the island of Buru, including a new Ornithoptera. REVIEWS. 19 Dr. H. Eltringham showed on the screen a drawing of the Nemopterid larva exhibited at a previous meeting. Mr. Martin E. Mosely, who illustrated his remarks with lantern slides, gave some account of a scent organ in New Zealand Trichoptera. FWEVIEWS AND NOTICES OF BOOKS. Tue Procerpincs or tHE Sours Lonpon ENromoLocicaL AND Natura History Society. 1921-22. pp. xvii.-88.—The continued progress of this Society, which has attained its 50th anniversary, is again a matter for congratulation. The effects of the unsettling war- time are evidently wearing away, and the Society is now able to register just over 200 members. The Report of the Council modestly mentions that the number last year, 192, was a higher figure than had been reached for many years past. Our information does not go so far back as those days, but we are pleased to think that, with such evident vitality this Society presents a prospect of standing, if not already, before long, as second in number of members to the Ent. Soc. of London alone. The losses have been few, and the Obituary quite small, although this includes several well known and valued names. The augmentation of the Society’s Collection has continued. The bequest of the late Mr. Ashdown, including 2220 Coccinellidae, and Mr. Kemp’s British Odonata, which goes to make an almost complete series of that Order, are particularly to be noticed. There is a very evident desire exhibited to make the Collections as complete as possible in all available Orders, with the practical object of providing for the wants of students. The financial position is described by the Treasurer as being only ‘‘at least as good as it was a year ago,’ and this in spite of the generous support of the Publication Fund. The old trouble of unpaid subscriptions would appear to be largely respcnsible for this dis- appointment. It would nevertheless appear that the balance of assets over liabilities is quite satisfactory. In pages the Proceedings remain smaller than in former years, due to the continued high cost of printing, but the paper used and the general get-up have not suffered. This restriction of space has prevented the publication of more than the President’s Annual Address and three other papers, and these not “in extenso.”’ The President selected for his subject the old-time tradition of the “ Will-o’-the-Wisp.” This tale is probably far from extinct yet in out of the way parts of Britain. We have a recollection of the half humorous remonstrance of J. W. Tutt, when we suggested the insertion in the Hntomologist’s Record of a then somewhat recent story from the West of England bearing upon this subject, which might well have ended in tragedy. ‘‘ Scarcely scientific,’ was his verdict ; but in it went! Personally we have never seen the phenomenon, and therefore have no right to give an opinion, but two or three times we have thought we saw it in likely situations, and suitable times of year. The complete explanation does not appear to be forthcoming, and probably, as the President suggests, there are several. It is far from easy to locate, or examine, objects at night, and we have ourselves known a white handkerchief which was hanging upon a bush near by, to be taken for a ghost at a distance. 20 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. The Paper by Miss Cheesman upon the ‘ Oviposition and Larval habits of Rhyssa persuasoria,”’ a parasite upon the larva of Sires gigas, based upon the observations and materials of Lord Sligo, deserves. notice, as filling a gap in the life-histories of both insects. Mr. C. D. Soar’s notes upon ‘“ British Hydracarina”’ revive the hope that our old friend may be persuaded to make the plunge and publish the results of his many years study of this interesting group of one of the ‘‘ neglected’’ Orders. Probably there is no one at the present time who knows as much as he upon the subject, and his results have been expected by the Ray Society for many years. We write feelingly, knowing well the hesitation which comes upon students, when they think that they never do know, and never will know, quite enough to encourage them to appear in print. The third paper, upon “ Highways and Byways,” by Mr. L. W. Chubb, Secretary to the Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society, will remind collectors that they also possess rights. A large proportion of the reports of Meetings is occupied by studies of the Zygaenidae, chiefly by Mr. T. H. L. Grosvenor, who is making a special study of these Lepidoptera. Whether all the named species are really distinct we do not know, but it would appear from Mr. Grosvenor’s experience that there is no great difficulty in obtaining cross-pairing between many of them, which ability would appear to be not uncommon amongst closely allied forms, We recall many years ago that Mr. W. H. B. Fletcher, then of Worthing, devoted some attention to this subject. We think the evidence that a certain proportion of the larvae—of 4%. trifolii at least, go through a second winter, is new, even if it apply only to larvae reared in captivity. The curious “‘ Cuckoo-spit ” exhibited by Mr. H. Moore, from East Africa, Ptylus flavescens, F., would appear to have been at least noticed before it was sent by Mr. 8. L. Hinde to Prof. Poulton and recorded in the Trans. Ent. Soc. London (2.1906). Reading at random an old volume of Science Gossip, 1872, p. 184, we found mention of a similar phenomenon quoted from Livingstone’s Missionary Travels. In answer to a letter of enquiry, Mr. K. G. Blair kindly explains to the writer that the Psychid described upon p. 48 of the Proceedings was identified after the exhibition of the specimens as being Heterogynis penella. It is interesting to notice that Bruand in his Monographie des Psychides includes and figures Heterogynis therein. Needless to say, that although the male imago of this genus closely resembles a Psychid the internal structure of the abdomen is totally different. At the Annual Exhibition special notice was devoted amongst other subjects to Dr. Cockayne’s method of examination of Lepidop- terous colours by ultra-violet light, to forms of Papilio machaon, Rumicia phlaeas, and of a large number of other species. Mr. R. Adkin has, we read, assigned the name var venosa, to a very marked streaked form of Diaphora mendica from Co. Tyrone. Of the three Field Meetings, the most successful would appear to have been that held by invitation of Mr. and Mrs. R. Adkin at Eastbourne, when many interesting, if not rare, insects were captured. We again regret the absence of plates. The difficulty connected with their production, at least in Britain, would appear not to have been yet overcome, but we cannot but confess that we should have wished to see at least a portrait of Dr. Chapman.—C.R.N.B. Subscriptions for Vol. XXXV. (10 shillings) should be sent ta Mr. Herbert £. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,”’ Gellatly Road, New Cross, S.E.14 [This subscription includes all numbers published from January 15th to December 15th, 1923.) Non-receipt or errors in the sending of Subscribers’ magazines should be notified to Mr. Herbert E. Page, “ Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, 8.E. 14 ADVERTISEMENTS of Books and Insects for Sale, or Books wanted will be nserted at a minimum. charge of 2s. 6d. (for four lines). Longer Advertisementsin proportion. A yveduction made fora series. Pat if ulars of Mr. Herbert EK. Page, ‘' Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Cross, 8.@. 14 Subscribers who change their addresses must report the same fo Mr. H. Ji. Paar ‘Bertxose,’” Gellatly Road, New Cross, London, S.E.., otherwise their magazines will probably be delayed. Desiderata.—Foreign examples, local races, vars. and abs. from all parts of the world of any butterflies included in the British list. Setting immaterial; exact data indispensable. Liberal return made.—W. G. Pether, ‘‘Thelma,’’ 4, Willow Bridge Road, London, N. 1. Duplicates.—Aglaia, Adippe, *Io, T. quercus, Coridon vars., *Fuliginosa (Reading), *B. quercus ?, Tiliw, Menthastri, *Linariata, Aurantiaria, Leucophearia vars. Paniscus. Desiderata.—Pupe of Dictmoides; Imagines of typhon, palpina, camelina, (dark), Curtula, Pyra, and numerous others; Ova of Hispidaria.—Aarold B. Williams, 112a, Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. Duplicates.—Sybilla, Paphia, Io (2), Selene, Lucina (2), Ocellatus, Illustraria (autumn), Nastata, Roboraria ¢ , Prunaria (4) ¢ , Tipuliformis. Desiderata.—Castreusis ¢ , Cucullina, Cribrum, Cinerea, Ravida, Ashworthii, Notata, Obfuscaria, Smaragdaria and others, also vars. and local forms.—Harold H. Winser, Kent House, Cranleigh. Duplicates.—Cinxia, Bellargus, Coridon, H. Comma, Lineola, Galathea, Moneta, Nupta, and many others. Desiderata.—Blandina, Irish Icarus, Carmelita, Cuculla. Gonostigma, Ashworthii, Templi, Australis, Undulata, Smaragdaria, Testacea.— W. Gifford Nash, Clavering House, Bedford. Wanrep.—Specimens or coloured drawings. Foreign forms of British varieties of British Lepidoptera. Orrrrep: Drawings of 2,000 varieties.—S. L. Mosley, Tolson Memorial Museum, Huddersfield. Duplicates. Cinerea ¢ , fine forms, grey, brown and blackish, Maritima and vars. Immorata and other East Sussex species. -Desiderata.—Pupsx. Luteago (Barrettii), Caesia, Albimacula, Alpina, Xanthomista, Sparganii, Dissoluta (Arundineta), Graphalii. Also imagines of extreme forms Noctue in fine condition only.—A. J. Wightman, 85, Morris Road, Lewes. _ Cuance or Apprusses.—Rev. G. Wheeler, c/o Miss Swaine, Briarfield, Veuitajord: B.C. S. Warren, 14 Avenue de lV Eglise Anglaise, Suisse. MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. Entomological Society of London.—41, Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, S.W. 7, 8 p.m.. Annual Meeting, 1923, January 17th. The South London Entomological and Natural History Seciety, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge. . Second and Fourth Thursdays in the month, at 7 p.m. 1923, January 25th, Annual Meeting.—Hon. Sec., Stanley Edwards, 15, St. German’s. Plaee, Blackheath, S.E.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 I.C.2, first and third Tuesdays in the month, at 6.30 p.m. Visitors weleomed. Hon. Sec., W. E. Gurce, 44, Belfast Road, N. 16. All MS. and editorial matter should be sent and all proofs returned to Hy. J. Turnur, 98, Drakefell Road, New Cross, London, §.E.14 We must earnestly request our correspondents not to send us communications IDENTICAL with those they are sending to other magazines. Lists of Durricarns and Drsmerava should be sent direct to Mr. H. E. Page, Bertrose, Gellatly Road, New Cross, S.H.14 _ OVA, LARVA, AND PUP-E. The Largest Breeder of Lepidoptera in the British Isles is H. W. HEAD, Gripe gist, 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. MOUNTING OUTFITS. A simple and permanent method for mounting insects, &c. Adapted by the Entomological Dept. Royal College of Science, London. Price 8/- (*ea.*) and 6/- (sa.*) HARBUTT’S PLASTICINE, LTD. 56, LUDGATE HILL, E.C.4, and BATHAMPTON, nr. BATH. AGENT— G. A. BENTALL, F.Z.., Naturalist, 392, Strand, W.C.2. STEVENS’S AUCTION ROOMS LIMITED, 38, KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. 2. THE HORNE COLLECTION. Messrs. STEVENS will sell by auction, on TUESDAY, JANUARY 30th, 1923, at 12.30, the first portion of the well-known and extensive Collection of British Butterflies formed by the late Arthur Horne, Esq., F.E.S., of Aberdeen, including the Remarkable and Valuable Series of Varieties, many unique; specimens of the extinct Chrysophanus Dispar., and numerous rare species, most carefully selected by the late Mr. Horne from the leading Collections offered in recent years; all in the finest possible condition, and carefully labelled with date. Catalogues tn course of preparation. 9026 MAR 1923 2 Sybseriptions are now. due: Vol. XXXV. | Soe No. 2. Che Enitomologist’s Record Journal of Variation Hipirap BY -Ricuarp §. BAGNALL, F.1.s., ¥.5.s. Jas. E. COLLIN, F.r.s. Gnorce T. BETHUNH-BAKRER, r.1.s., F.E.S. H. Sr. J. K. DONISTHORPEH, F.z.5., v.E.8. M. BURR, D.sc., F..8., F.Z.8., F-E.8. _ Joun Harriury DURRANT, ¥-E.S. (Rzv.) C. R. N. BURROWS, r.x.s. Aurrep SICH, rF.u.s. EK. A. COCKAYNE, m.p., r.n-s. _ (Rrv.) Gzoreze WHEELER, m.a., £.5.s. and Henry J. TURNER, F.x:s., Editorial Secretary. CONTENTS. Acanthomyops brunneus, a pores of Formicidae new to Britain, H. Donisthorpe, F.Z.S.., a Jib Seisie 2 & es 35 ae ae th 21 Polymorphism of Pararge megera, Rouse Ver ity, 2 M.D. Ss - ae =e 2 23 _ Myrmecological Notes, W. C. Crawley; B.A., F.E.S., PRES. Bee ae Re = 29 _ The Horne Sale, 8.G.C.-R. Br vie Ee ae ae ‘Se 2h we a 32 Life-history of P. hiera, A. Simian ag ze 2 34 Description of the Pupa of P. hiera, G. 7. thine: Biker, F.L.S.. F. Z. [Serie ae B. 8. a 35 Norrs on CoinEctine :—Late appearance of larvae in 1922, 4. Russell ; cases sae of Rhopalocera in Tyrone, 1922, Thos. Greer .. ee Se = : oe ais 36 Current Norrs anp SHort Novices | ve a ae ze =f oe ie 37 Socirrres :—South London Entomological Society =a ee ae ae on ae 38 Review :—Le Monde Social des Fourmis, Forel, H. Donisthorpe Re a ate a 38 CorRECTION .. ze 38 as Ae a ee ie ae we 40 FEBRUARY 15th, iaae- Price ONE SHILLING (xu Subscription for Conrplens Volume, post free (Mnoluding all DOUBLE NUMBINRS, ete.) TEN SHILLINGS, TO BE FORWARDED 'rO HERBERT E. PAGE, F.E.S.. ‘‘ Berrrose,’’ Getnatty Roap, New Cross, S.E.14. Communications have been received or have been promised from Messrs. Hy. J. Turner, H. Donisthorpe, Dr. Verity, J. H. Durrant, G. T. Bethune-Baker, Alfred Sich, the late Dr. T. A. Chapman, R. S. Bagnall, J. W. H. Harrison, Dr. BE. A. Cockayne, C. R. N. Burrows, D. H. Pearson, W. C. Crawley, J. W. Saunt, Wm. Fassnidge, G. B. C. Leman, Lt. EB. B. Ashby, with Reports of Societies and Reviews. CE WATKINS & DONCASTER (ESTABLISHED 1879) 36, Strand, London, W.C.2. Telephone : GERRARD 9451. 33 Manufacturers and Suppliers of :: Natural History Requisites of all Kinds. Cabinets. Bes aeelity and finish. All sizes at TY SEE TS lowest prices on view at above address. Large stocks kept of British e Lepidoptera. Palzarctic and Exotic Species. RT TLE ETD LI Lists on application. e Large selection of British and Bird’s Egés. European Eggs, singles and in sets with data, always on hand. Books A varied and extensive stock on Entomology e ee axa) and all Branches of Natural History. GENERAL CATALOGUE SENT POST FREE. 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. LANTERN SLIDES MADE TO ORDER FROM ANY SPECIMEN OR COLOURED DRAWING. PHOTOS IN COLOUR OF LARVA, LIFE SIZE, ON IVYORINE 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; Melanic 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 PUPZ and OVA. Write for latest price lists. Relaxing Tins are now 4/-= small and G/= large, pos free. Re-fills, 2/3 ll, 3/3 large, post free. AR sfdarna)! wast ACANTHOMYOPS NISTHORPEA) BRUNNEUS, LATR. 21. Acanthomyops (Donisthorpea) brunneus, Latr., a species of Formicidae new to Britain. By HORACE DONISTHORPE, F.Z.S., F.E.S., ete. Acanthomyops (Donisthorpea) brunneus, Latr. Formica brunnea, Latreille, Hss. Hist. Fourmtis France, 41 (1798)!: Hist. Nat. Fourmis, 168 (1802)?; Jurine, Nouv. Meth. Class. Hymén., 273 (1807)°. [‘‘lia fourmi brune,”’ Huber, Moeurs Fourmis, 52 (1810)]*4. Formica brunnea, Losana, Mem. Accad. Sc. Torino, 31, 319 (1884)* ; Schilling, Ubers. Arbeit. Schles. Ges. varterl. Cultur., 55 (1888, 18389)°. Formica timida, Forster, Hym. Stud., 1, 35 (1850)"; Schenck, Jahrb. Ver. Naturk. Nassau, 8, 53 (1852)*. Formica brunnea, Schenck, Jahrb. Ver. Naturk. Nassau, 8, 126 (1852)°. Formica timida, Mayr., Verh. Zool. Bot. Ver. Wien, 5, 861 (1855). Formica brunnea, Nylander, Ann. Sc. Nat., 5, 68 (1856)". Lasins brunneus, Mayr, Kurop. Formicid., 50 (1861)"; Taschenburg, Hymen. Deutschl., 240 (1966)*. Lasius niyer race brunneus, Forel, Denkschr. Schweiz. Ges. Naturw., 26, 46, 49, 50, 217 (1874). Lasius brunneus, Hr., André, Rev. May. Zool. (8.8), 2, 180, 202, 216, 217, 219, 226 (1874)*: Ann. Soc. Ent. France (8.6), 1, 60 (1881): Spec. Hym. Hurope, 2, 193, 198, 201 (1882)""; Lubbock, Ants, Bees, Wasps, 68 (1882). Lastus niger st. brunneus, Bryant, Fourmis France, 56 (1890). Lasius brunneus, Wasmann, Tijd. Entom., 84, 41, 45, 48, 62 (1891). Lasius niyer race brunneus, Lameere, Ann. Soc. Hint. Belg., 36, 64 (1892), Lasius brunneus, Dalla Torre, Cat. Hym., 7, 182 (1893)”; Wasmann, Tijd. Nntom., 44, 14 (1898)*; 42, 163 (1899): Arch. Trim. Inst. Grand Ducal Luwemburg, 1, 11, 12 (1906)*; Kischerich, Ameise, 220, 221 (1906). Lasius niger brunneus, Bondroit, Ann. Soc. Ent. Bely., 58, 486 (1909). Lasius (Lasius) brunneus, Ruzsky, Hazan Vet. Inst., 29, 620, 633 (1912). Lasius brunneus, Adam and Foerster, Mitt. Badisch. Landesver. Naturk. Naturs., 19418, 210%. Lastus (Lasius) brunneus, Forel, Mitt. Schweiz. Wnt. Gesell., 12, 52,54, 55 (1915). Lastus brunneus, Schmitz, Natur. Genoots. Limburg, 1915, 72-75". Formicina (Donisthorpea) nigra subsp. brinmnea, Kmery, Bull. Soc. nt. Italiana, 167, 170, 174, 177 (1916)”. Lasins brunneus, Crawley, Int. Rec., 32, 197 (1920)*; Soudek, Zula. Otisk. Caso. Moravsk. Musea Zemsk., 4, 7 (1922). % Dirty yellow brown, head above and funiculi of antennae darker; gaster blackish brown ; scapes of antennae, mandibles, and tarsi brighter yellow. Head broader than thorax; ocelli small but distinct; eyes somewhat smaller than in niger ; frontal furrow well marked reaching median ocellus; scapes with- ont outstanding hairs. ‘horax with short silky pubescence more distinct «t sides. Seale square, slightly emarginate at apex. Tibiae without outstanding hairs. Long, 3:7-5mm. (2°5-4mm. teste André). Described from a number of % & from Theale. @ Lighter or darker yellowish brown; mandibles, antennae and legs lighter yellow. Head nearly as broad as thorax (considerably more so than in niger and flavus) ; scapes and tibiae without outstanding hairs; wings infuscate at the base. Long: 7-8:-5mm. (6-9mm. teste André). Described from a deilated @ taken by me at Les Agittes, in Switzerland, October, 1912, anda winged ? from Bulgaria in my collection. Fesruary 15ra, 1923. 22 THE ENTOMOLOGIST 'S RECORD. Original description of Formica brunnea, Latreille [Hss. Hist. Hourmis France, 41 (1798) ]:— “17 F. brune. brunnea. — LM O.p. Ferrugineuse foncée. Yeux, sommet de la téte et abdomen, noiratres. Kecaille carrée, presque bidentée. : Femelle. Brune noirdtre. Mandibules, antennes et pattes, ferrugineuses. Keaille bidentée. Abdomen large. Ailes longues: quelques nervures obscures sur la base des antérieures.’’ The male of Formica timida was described by Schenck [Jahrb. ver. Naturk. Nassau, 8, 54 (1852)] as follows :— “M. 2 L., auch kleiner. Glanzend schwarz. Oberkiefer schwarz mit einem etwas rothlichen zahne, zuweilen fast zweiziihnig. Stirnrinne sehr tief, von den Stirnfeld bis zum mittleren Nebenauge. Augen kahl. Fihler schwarzbraun, die Geissel nach dem Ende etwas heller ; Steilchen und Endglied der Geissel weisslich. Beine schwarzbraun, Gelenke und Tarsen blassriunlich, oft fast gelblich. Schuppe meist stumpfwinkelig ausgerandet, auf jeder seite der Ausrandung line Spitze mit langen Borsten. Kérper sparsam mit Borstenhaaren. Fliigel bis zur Mitte schwach briunlich getriibt, Adern und Randmahl braunlich. Am dbnlichsten der M. der fuliginosa. (den Unterschied f. bei dieser). Vor dem M. der gelben Arten schon dureh die kahlen Augen leicht zu unterscheiden ; characteristisch ist auch die Gestalt der Schuppe.”’ Habitat. Acanthomyops (Donisthorpea) brunneus occurs in HKurope—France’, Belgium”, Holland’, Switzerland", Germany”, Luxemburg”, Italy”, e:c.; Asia—Caucasus!’, Asia Minor’, Palestine!’, Persia®*; and Africa —Algeria!’. British distribution as at present known :— Berkshire, Theale (Joy). A strong colony of this ant was discovered by Dr. N. H. Joy in the hollow of a large felled poplar, at Theale, in Berkshire, on January 21st, 1923. As he realized that the species was unknown to him, he sent some workers on to me to name, and these I at once recognized as A. (D.) brunneus, Latr., an ant new to the British list. On February Gth I visited the nest with him and brought home a few of the workers to form a small colony in an observation nest. It is true that brunnews was recorded as British by the late F. Smith [Cat. Brit. Fossor. Hym., 11, 224 (1858): Trans. Ent. ‘Soc. Lond. (8.2), 4, 278 (1858), ete]; but in his 1871 Catalogue [Cat. Brit. Hym. Acul., 2 (1871)] he gives it as a synonym of wubratus. It should probably have been referred to A. (U.) metus (as neither that species nor brunneus possess outstanding hairs on the tibiae), which was not then known as British. Smith’s record for Deal consisted of a solitary female, sorted out from a lot of other ants [Hnt. Ann., 1858, 89], and was almost certainly mivtus. It will thus be seen that Dr. Joy’s capture is a genuine addition to the somewhat poor ant fauna of this country. A. (D).) brunneus is a very timid ant [hence Férster’s appropriate name'| of retiring habits, and seldom leaves its nest; which will account for its rarity here. When the nest is exposed the ants seek safety in flight with great rapidity. It principally nests in old tree trunks—Schenck® says chiefly oak, more seldom in lime; Forel" gives walnut, chestnut, and lime; and Mayr” records it in Populus alba from Vienna—and prefers parks and wooded land to more open country. It has also been found under bark and in rotten wood, at the roots of trees, under stones, and even in the walls of houses. SEASONAL POLYMORPHISM. 23 According to André” it feeds almost exclusively on the excreta of large aphides which it rearsin the galleries of the nest ; Lubbock” says it devotes itself principally to the aphides which live on the bark of trees ; and Schenck® mentions large grey plant lice which are found with it, and when disturbed the ants at once take them into the gal- leries. The marriage flight is said to occur in June and July, and Schenck® says it takes place between five o’clock and eight o’clock in the morning. The following myrmecophiles have been found with A. (D.) brunneus on the continent :— Coleoptera: Homoeusa acuminata, Mark; Microylossa pulla, Gyll.”, Ilyobates glabriventris, Rye”, Myrmedonia lugens, Gr.°, Atheta nitidula, Kr.8, Euryusa laticollis, Heer., I. sinuata, Kr, Claviyer duvali, Sauley”, Batrisus fornucarius, Aubé’, Batrisodes delaporte’, Aube”, B. adnewus, Hmpe*., B. venustus, Reich”. Araneina: Phrurolithus festivus, C.1K."1, Dysdera cambridgei, Thor. Acarina: Trachyuropoda bostocki, Mich.* Crustacea: Vlatyarthrus hoffmanseggi, Drdt.° This is the second species of ant that has been discovered in britain since the publication of my book on British Ants in 1915.. The first of these was Myrmica schencki, Wmery, discovered by Mr. H. M. Hallett at Sully, Glamorgan, and introduced as British by myself [Mnt. Nec., 27, 265-6 (1915)]. A description of the g of M. schencki may be found in the Record for 1917 [lnt. Ree., 29, 32 (1917)]. On the Geographical and Seasonal Variations of Pararge megera, L. By ROGER VERITY, M.D. (Concluded from vol. xxxiv., p. 214.) Grade III.: As I have mentioned in connection with jilipluma, the summer characters of the latter get more and more accentuated as one proceeds southward, and the difference between them and those of the spring generation increase proportionately. One thus comes to a . region where a distinct grade is discernible in the main line of variation, as compared. with nymotypical filipluna of Belgium, England, etc., and where other features contribute to produce races perfectly different from it, transitional to those of the extreme south. Besides belonging on an average to grade III. by the underside of the hindwings, the shape of the wings is seen to be narrower, more pointed at apex and with a straighter outer-margin, culminating in form porrecta, Vrty. (int. Rec., xxxi., p. 126), the upperside markings are less extensive, the basal black patch of hindwings is very much lighter in tone and often nearly obliterated by the abundance of fulvous scales, the fulvous is brighter and notably so in some females. In the materials I have at hand I detect two primary races :— Race yvrvipior, mihi, can be described as simply being the grade which follows filipluimna on the main line of variation. Roughly its distribution may be said to include the greater part of the Iberic zone, the south of France (specimens I possess from Chautonnay in Vendée are already clearly a transition to this race), and the north of Italy; probably it is found even north of the Alps in particularly warm localities (certainly, for instance, in some parts of the Rhone valley). Remarkably large individuals appear now and then, especially in the female sex, and there are localities, such as the valleys of South Tyrol, 94 THE ENLOMOLOGISL’S RECORD. where they are so abundant that one has the impression of a distinct secondary race, which might well be named GRanprscens, mihi. Oberthiir mentions twice in his Etudes de Lép. Comp., vol. iii., p. 364, and x., p. 852, the race of Lectoure (Gers) as being remarkable, because of its strong tendency to an increase in the number of eye- spots, such as he has observed nowhere else. This race seems worthy of being recorded by a name, and I propose that of oceLnarior, mihi. Race prazaustrRatis, Vrty., II. and ILI. generations pamnINSULITALICA, mihi, exhibits all the features of vividior, but in addition to them it possesses others which include it in the south-eastern lyssa line of variation. These consist in the silvery white ground-colour of under- side of the hindwing, instead of the yellowish tinge of /ilipluma and vividior, and in the pearly grey tone of its diffused scaling. In vividior and in vividissimg, to be described in grade IV., this scaling is broken up into more or less narrow bands and patches, but these are dark and they stand out sharply on the yellowish ground-colour. In paeninsu- litalica these bands and patches are only slightly darkened and they shade off into the white ground-colour. It constitutes the summer generations of race praeaustralis, and it spreads over the whole of the Peninsular Italic zone. TI select as “typical” the second (June) generation, and the third (September), from the locality of my “typical” praeaustralis. It will be observed that they are but a grade further along the same line of variation as the latter and also that they differ less from it than does vividior from its own first generation. The size of paeninsulitalica is, on the whole, smaller than that of vividior and the very large individuals, found so frequently in the latter, are quite scarce here. Under the name of tigeliiformis I have described in the Bull. Soe. Hntom. Italiana, xlii., p. 269 (1911), a series of specimens I had collected near Piteglio, m. 700, in the Pistoiese Apennines (Tuscany) at the end of August of that year. They are very striking on account of the reduced extent of all the black markings above and especially on account of the total obliteration of the band which precedes the eye- spots on the hindwing, so that by these characters they might at first sight be mistaken for tigelius, their small size also contributing to increase the resemblance. A more accurate comparison, however, soon shows that they are not even transitions to it, because they show no signs of the chief characteristics of tigelins on the underside, and a further proof is that even the most extreme examples could not be mistaken for it, whilst no tigelins ever exactly resembles tigeltiforimis ; there is always a distinct gap between them. Since 1911 I have found this form to be largely prevalent, mixed with a few individuals bearing traces of the band mentioned, in other localities, such as the extremely parched one of Quercianella on the Tuscan coast, south of Leghorn. In these localities it thus constitutes a remarkable secondary aberrative race. As an individual form occurring occasionally it is mentioned by Zeller, Calberla, Oberthtir and others and in fact it is not infrequent as an individual variation of paeninsulitalica in all sorts of localities, and I even possess a small specimen of pracaustralis, with the features in question well marked on the upperside, collected in Florence on March 380th, showing it is produced by unsuitable conditions of various sorts. SEASONAL POLYMORPHISM. 25 Grade [V.: By the name of race vivipissima, mihi, I should dis- tinguish the striking summer generations of the race of the south of Spain and of some localities of Palaearctic Africa, larger in size than any other of the species and more brilliant in colouring on the upper- side, especially in the female sex ; some specimens are of a beautifully intense reddish fulvous, others, on the contrary are of a light yellowish fulvous, but usually very bright; the dark pattern is more slender than in vividior and the black is often mixed with chestnut, which gives it a reddish tinge rather than a deep black one; in some females it is quite pale on this account. (This form castanropreta, mihi, is frequent also in Italy in paentnsulitalica.) The underside of vividissima can, on the whole, be described as a grade further than vividior, but there exists a greater amount of individual variation than in other races, some specimens resembling vividior and others depulverata of srade V. Race lyssa, Htibner, Mur. Schmett, I., pl. 186, figs. 914 to 917: Kirby in his Catalogue only mentions Hubner in connection with this name. All the other writers, on the contrary, attribute it to Boisduval (/c. Hist. Lép., I., p. 222, pl. xliv., figs. 4, 5), on account of the wrong dates in con- nection with Hubner. As Hiibner’s plate 186 is amongst those issued from 18238 to 1833 and Boisduval’s book was published from 1832 to 1841, it seems, on the strength of these new dates, all probabilities are in favour of the former haying appeared before the latter, but how it came about that Boisduval used the same name as Hubner, without qnoting him, remains a mystery. The only conjecture I can make is that the name was used in litteris by other entomologists and that speci- mens were sent to both labelled with it, as in the case of 1. jurtina race hispulla, published at about the same time by Esper and by Hiibner, and as in other instances of the sort, which are quite surprisingly. numerous in entomological literature. The features characteristic of the /yssa line of variation exist both in Hubner’s and Boisduval’s figures. The latter effectively described them as con- ferring on these megera a look very similar on the underside of hindwings to that of aera, L. At a closer inspection I find that what produces this is their more uniform tone, as also the darker and sharper streaks and circles round tbe eye-spots standing out more boldly and these circles being broader; the more uniform tone is due to the diffused scaling being either entirely absent, in extreme examples, or very pale and shadowing off in the silvery white ground-colour, so that no distinct bands and patches are to be seen, precisely as in maera; this character exists also on the basal half of the wing; here, in the fore- part of the space between the two central streaks and between them and the base, there survive traces of some darker patches than the rest of the diffused scaling, even in the greater number of the paeninsuli- talica individuals which resemble lyssa most, whereas these darker patches never appear in lyssa, just as they are never seen in maera. Hubner’s figures of lyssa by no means represent the most extreme and characteristic form along this line of variation; on the upperside the dark pattern is as extensive as in nymotypical megera of the north of Europe; on the underside the diffused scaling is, on the whole, more like grade III. than like the well characterised Jyssa in extent, but, not- withstanding this, the maera-like aspect is unmistakably there. Bois- duval figures specimens from Dalmatia in which all the dark markings 26 THE ENTOMOLOGIS’’S RECORD. of both surfaces are very much less extensive. Staudinger in his notes onthe Lepidoptera of Greece had observed as early as 1871 (Horae Soc. Ent. Rossicae, vii., p. 78) differences of this sort in the lyssa of various localities in the Balkans, and finds it worthy of atten- tion that specimens of the first generation from the Parnassus are lighter beneath than are June ones from Naxos and others from Smy rna. This is due to the fact that in megera seasonal dimorphism increases from north to south as far as the region of race vividior, because, as I have pointed out, the summer generations oradually change aspect, and that south of this region, in the Hastern Mediter- ranean, that dimorphism decreases again, because the first generation begins to follow in the same track of variation and ends up, in the southern Balkans and in Sicily, by acquiring the same aspect as the summer generations. The light and the dark formsare thus produced by all the generations and it is chiefly a matter of local conditions when one prevails markedly, as observed by Staudinger. Race australis, Zeller (Isis, 1847, p. 140): This author collected megera at Messina from the end of January onwards and got a few specimens at Syracuse in July. He too, who was so keen on seasonal polymorphism and deseribes it so well in many species, makes no remark about it in this one, but he describes the Sicilian race by the following words: ‘“ Wings more broadly ochreous, streaks on under- side of forewings thinner, underside of hindwings light erey.” I possess series from the neighbourhood of Palermo, collected during the spring, and one series from the Ficuzza (in the hinterland south of this town) collectedin August. Both series contrast markedly on the upperside with Hubner’s figures of lyssa by the limited extent of the black markings, and also with Boisduval’s, although to a lesser degree ; they are as reduced as the species can exhibit ‘them normally, except for tigelius. In the spring series none of my specimens have the band of the hindwing obliterated, as in tigelius and tigeliiformis, but all my August males have it entirely cancelled. As to the underside, it constantly exhibits the features of the lyssa line of variation. -I find that most specimens of both generations are quite alike, 7.e., with diffused scaling a little less extensive than in Htibner’s figure and a little more so than in Boisduval’s, but that variation in the first generation tends to produce forms culminating in a uniform pale erey scaling on the ground colour, which recalls the darkest northern races of maera, whereas in the summer generations it culminates in the disappearance of all grey scaling, so that the eround colour remains of a perfectly pure silvery white. I think that one is quite justified in selecting as the nymotypical form of Zeller’s australis the characteristic spring form just described, both because his description of either surface suits it admirably and because one understands that nearly all his specimens were collected at Messina in the spring. The features he mentions also separate well his Sicilian race froin lyssa. His name can thus be used for the first generation of Sicily. As to the summer generations one must conclude that they have remained to this day undescribed and unnamed. ‘To them, no doubt, belonged the Sicilian specimens mentioned by Oberthiir as particularly interest- ing because the male scarcely differs from tivelius, although the female always has the upperside pattern more developed than in the latter. I too, in fact, find no tigeliiformis amongst my females. I should not, SEASONAL POLYMORPHISM. oT however, consider the males a transition to tigelius, as does Oberthur, but simply a parallel variation of the upperside characters, because the underside follows quite a different line. I propose the name of fIGELLYssa, mihi, for the forms just described, which combine the features of tigelitformis on the upper surface with those of /yssa on the underside, taking as *‘ typical’ my series of the Ficuzza. This name can thus well be extended to the summer generations of Sicily, taken on the whole. Grade V.: Race depulverata, Frihstorfer, Internat. Entom. Zeitschr. Guben, IIL., p. 188 (September 4th, 1909), is described as follows: “The ground-colour is lighter than in Spanish examples. On under- side of forewings the black bands are narrower than in Huropean specimens. The hindwings are prevailingly, yellowish and the grey suffusion is either entirely absent or only imperceptibly shadowed.” The “types”’ were from Algiers, Philippeville and Oran, collected by Seitz, but no mention of their dates of capture is made. I think one can safely infer from the description that it applies to the summer generations, because the African winter one is, to my knowledge, distinctly dark on the underside, whereas this is evidently the cul- niinating degree in the reduction of the dark diffused scaling. The light coloured upperside also distinguishes this race from vividissima, Vrty., of other African localities. It will be interesting to know how these various African races and forms stand to each other and what their distribution is exactly. Form inrratersa, mihi: [ have already stated that amongst the Sicilian summer individuals there occur frequently some with the eround-colour of the underside of the hindwings clear silvery white or very pale pearl-grey, on account of the total or nearly total absence of grey diffused scaling. This form is parallel to the African depulverata, in which the ground-colour is, instead, yellowish. Seitz in his Gross-schmett. figures a specimen of this sort as lyssa, but, now we want to carry analysis further, we must note that it is very different from that of Hubner, although it represents the superlative degree on the same line of variation. I think it will be found necessary to dis- tinguish it by the name of infratersa and I venture to forecast that it will be found to predominate in some localities and that it will rise to the rank of race. As a matter of fact, there remains to establish what distribution and what seasonal connections lyssa, infratersa and tigellyssa have in the Balkanic zone and in Asia Minor. In the Ent. Rec. for 1919, p. 126, I named emilyssa, from specimens collected on the Bosphorus, a form with heavy black markings on the upperside and “ total lack of grey scaling on the underside of hindwings.” Now that Hubner’s dark dyssa must be considered nymotypical, my emilyssa is scarcely worth distinguishing from it (I then compared it to Boisduval’s), but the name can still be useful to designate the form in which the upperside has very extensive markings, whilst the underside is the very light infratersa one. The following little Table shows how the different primary races of P. megera, li., and their generations, stand to each other :— A B Cc D I,: I. g.infrapallens. I. g. megera. I. g. tigellina. Ils g Il. g. filipluma. Il.&I11. g. tigelius. L.g.praeaustralis. lI II. & M1. g. vividior. Il. &I1.g. paenin- sulitalica. 28 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. A B C D (1. g.? Lyssa. TA Il, & Ill. g. vividis- jl. g. australis. it sima. II. & Ill. g. tigel- ( lyssa. V.: Il. & III. g. depul- verata. The Roman figures in the first column stand for the successive erades of the main line of variation described at the beginning of this paper. The four other columns are characterised by the following features on the underside of hindwings : A: Ground-colour yellow or reddish-yellow. B: Ground-colour yellowish; diffused scaling blackish in tinge. C: Ground-colour mostly white; diffused scaling of basal half of wing much more extensive and intense than that of outer half. D: Ground-colour silvery-white or pearl-grey; diffused scaling grey in tinge. The blank spaces in the above table correspond to features which to my knowledge, have not for the present been observed to prevail in any locality, so that they are not characteristic of any race or genera- tion, but they simply occur as variations. If it be found necessary to designate them, the following names may be useful ;— In the A line of variation, grades I. III. and 1V. might be called respectively: LUTEAFILIPLUMA, LUTBAVIVIDIOR, LUTEAVIVIDISSIMA, as they resemble the corresponding grades of line B, but they have a more decided tinge of yellow or reddish-yellow on the underside. They are to be met with in Palaearctic Africa. In the B line of variation, grade V., of a paler yellow on underside than depulverata, might be called paLuimepEPULVERATA. Found in Africa and southern Spain. In the C line of variation, I only know of the existence of grade III. as the form with the lghtest underside markings in the summer generations : TIGELICLARA. In the D line of variation, grade I. is exhibited by individuals of I. gen. pracaustralis from Peninsular Italy, with the darkest undersides ; the diffused scaling, however, is always of a paler tinge than in nymo- typical megera, and they might well be called 1vrracanuns. As to grade V., 1b is the form I have described above under the name of infratersa. The races of Pararge megera, L., and their generations can be summarised as follows :— Race megera, L.: I. gen. megera, L.; IL. gen. filipluma, Ball. Described from ‘“ Austria and Denmark,” it probably extends to the whole of northern and central Europe, with local variations such as the following :— Secondary race caledonia, Vrty.; Described from the northern coast of Scotland, is presumably produced in many particularly damp localities. Secondary race alticola, Vrty : Described from the Baths of Valdieri, m. 1875, in the Maritime Alps, is produced in surroundings unsuitable to the species, and chiefly in extremely dry and hot ones. Secondary aberrative race mediolugens, Fuchs: Middle Rhine, locally. Race vividior, Vrty.: I. gen. megera, L.; Il. (and III.) vividior, Vrty.: Iberic, Franco-iberic, and Northern Italic zones. MYRMECOLOGICAL NOTES. 29 Secondary aberrative race ocellatior, Vrty.: Lectoure (Gers.). Secondary race grandescens, Vrty.: Described from South Tyrol, but presumably in all the regions of wividior locally. Race vividissima, Vrty.: I. gen. megera, L., ov infrapallens, Vrty. ; II. and III. gen. vividissima, Vrty.: South of Spain and in some localities of Palaearctic Africa. Race depulverata, Frihst. : I. gen. megera, L., or infrapallens, Vrty.; II. (and IIl.?) gen. depulverata, Frihst.: Described from Algiers, Philippeville, and Oran. Race praeaustralis, Vrty: I., gen. praeaustralis, Vrty.; II. and III., gen. paeninsulitalica, Vrty. Described from Florence, spreads to the whole of Peninsular Italy. Secondary aberrative race tigeliiformis, Vrty. Described from Piteglio, m. 700, in Tuscan Apennines, is produced locally in extremely parched surroundings. Race lyssa, Hiib.: generations still undefined. Balkanic zone and Asia Minor. Race australis, Zeller: I., gen. australis, Zeller; Il. and III., gen. tigellyssa, Vrty. Described from Messina, spreads to the whole of Sicily and perhaps to the localities of the Balkanic zone and Asia Minor. Subspecies tigelius, Bonelli (=paramegaera, Hiib.): I. gen. tigellina, Vrty.; Il. and IIL, gen. tigelius, Bonelli. Corsica and Sardinia. Note.—Not being acquainted with the two Asiatic forms megaerina, H.8., and transcaspica, Stdgr., I cannot establish their position in the variations of the species. Myrmecological Notes. By W. C. CRAWLEY, B.A., F.E.S., F.R.H.S. Cerapachys LAMBORNI, Sp. NOV. %¢ L.5mm. Black; mandibles, antennae with the insertions, tarsi and tro- chanters, joints of coxae, the extremities of femora and tibiae and apex of gaster, russet. Whole body with a moderately long semi-adjaceut pilosity. Head a fraction longer than broad, slightly broader behind than in front, the sides feebly convex, the occipital border slightly concave, the posterior angles not sharp. Mandibles broad and triangular, the terminal border, which is slightly concave, is nearly twice as long as the internal, its basal halfarmed with a few minute blunt teeth. Clypeus short, concave from back to front, the anterior border feebly con- vex; the frontal carinae, one with the clypeus, form a lobe on each side between the articulations of the antennae; they converge behind, and are wider in front than in cribrinodis ; the anterior part of each carina, which carries the insertion of the antenna, is narrow and not bilobed as in cribrinodis. The carinae on cheeks are low, straight, and the anterior portion is raised in a blunt knob. Eyes slightly behind the middle of sides. Scapes very thick, reaching a little beyond half the distance to occiput. All joints of funiculus broader than long except the apical, which equals the 4 preceding. Dorsum of thorax slightly contracted in the middle, the epinctum broader than the pronotum, the whole feebly convex in both directions ; faint indications of both sutures barely visible. Declivity of epinotum finely bordered. Node nearly twice (1.7) as broad as long, truncate behind and before, very slightly broader behind, convex above, underneath with a blunt triangular tooth. Postpetiole (first segment of gaster) wider than petiole, wider behind, straight in front and at back, considerably wider than long. Whole body shining; mandibles punctured, head smooth and shining with scattered punctures. Mesonotum similarly punctured, but front of pronotum and the base and sides of epinotum coarsely rugose-punctate. Declivity smooth and 30 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. shining, Petiole and postpetiole coarsely reticulate-punctate. Gaster smooth and shining, with smali scattered points. Type B.M. Monkey Bay, Lake Nyassa. (Dr. W. A. Lamborn, 1915. No. 100.) Differs from cribrinodis in the points indicated, and in its larger size, darker colour, thicker node, and sculpture. Prenolepis JACOBSONI, Sp. Nov. % L.2.6mm. Yellow testaceous, head somewhat darker, the gaster dark castaneous, lighter in some specimens. Mandibles with 6 teeth. Head small, oval, as long as broad, broadest at eyes which are large and prominent and situated barely behind the middle of sides ; the head narrows rapidly behind the eyes, the occipital border straight. Clypeus cari- nate, the anterior border feebly sinuate, the posterior border marked out with a black line. Frontal area deep. Scapes long, extending more than half their length beyond the occipital border. Thorax strangulate and emarginate at mesonotum, the pronotum and meso- notum forming a curve with an obtuse angle at the suture, and the epinotum form- ing a rounded convexity. Scale thick, very inclined, straight and sharp-edged at top, the stalk long and thick, the whole pedicel fitting into a recess in the basal segment of gaster. This latter is concavely truncate at its anterior border. Head and gaster provided with plentiful long yellow-brown hairs ; pronotum has one pair of short followed by two pairs of long hairs; the mesonotum has one or two pairs of short hairs. The legs and antennae covered with plentiful long semi-adjacent pilosity. There are a few short adpressed hairs on the cheeks. lintirely smooth and shining. Fort de Kock, Sumatra. (Leg. EH. Jacobson. No. 1088.) Type W.C.C. coll. Recalls Pr. naorojt, Forel, from Assam and N.-W. India, but thorax not so pilose, the epinotal convexity only a little more than half the pronotal convexity (in naoroji not much shorter than the pronotal). The scale, truncation of gaster, and length of scapes apparently similar. Camponotus (Myrmamblys) reticulatus, Rog., race sericellus, Vieh., var. RUGOSIOR, Var. NOv. % Major, L. 5 mm. Slightly smaller than sericellus, the sculpture of head coarser, and pubescence on gaster less abundant. Mandibles with six teeth. The light colour of head extends as far as the eyes and over a great part of the space between the frontal carinae. Frontalarea dark. Bands on the borders of the seg- ments of gaster almost white. Otherwise corresponds to Viehmeyer’s description of sericellus from Singapore. % minor, lL. 3.6mm. Slightly smaller, otherwise corresponds to the race description. 2 L. 5.6 mm. The light colour of head more sharply defined than in § major, and does not extend beyond the articulations of the antennae nor between the frontal carinae. Wings hyaline. Wing insertions yellow-white. Head smaller and narrower in front, and mandibles less massive thanin % major. ‘The angle between base and declivity of epinotum rounded. Otherwise like % major except for sexual differences. ¢ L.4mm. Dark brown, gaster darker, almost black; mandibles, extremi- ties of cheeks, and articulations of antennae, paler; insertions of wings and the two hind coxae yellow-white. Borders of segments of gaster not paler than rest. Gaster abundantly pilose. The scapes extend more than one-third of their length beyond the occiput. Mandibles edentate. Clypeus feebly convex, the anterior border straight. Hyes occupy more than half the sides of head, which narrows behind. Node low and thick. Whole head feebly reticulate ; the thorax more faintly so, and shining ; gaster densely and finely transversely reticulate. Simatra, Fort de Kock, 1921. 920M. (Jacobson, 1175.) Kindly compared with a co-type by Prof. Emery. Types W.C.C. Coll. MYRMECOLOGICAL NOTES. ob Camponotus (Myrmosericus) rufoglaucus, Jerd., race fea’, Em., var. erythropus, Por. ? (Hitherto undescribed.) L. 12 mm. Black; mandibles, most of clypeus, cheeks, insertion of antennae, frontal area and frontal carinae, the antennae, except the apical segments, and the legs, red; thorax dark reddish-brown. Wings hyaline, nervures brown. Head as broad or broader than thorax. Seale thin, broad and widely exca- vated at apex. Otherwise like the % major. Canary Islands. Dublin Museum, 11-1895. Polyrhachis thrinax, Rog., var. javanica, Mayr., &. The var. javanica, according to the description, has legs and antennae ferruginous, but two specimens from Sumatra have the antennae (except the last three or four joints of funiculus) and entire legs, dark brown or black. Mmery tells me he has a specimen from Singapore with similar colouring. As there does not appear to be any other difference in these specimens from the type, I prefer to record them as var. javanica, Mayr, simply. Fort de Kock, Sumatra. (H. Jacobson, 1097, 1920.) Worel (Formicides des Indes et de Ceylan, Part 111) refers to “ race javana, Mayr,’ and is followed by Bingham (Fauna of British India, vol. ii., Formicidae, p. 411). The name given by Mayr to his variety in Tijds. voor Entom., x., 1867, p. 20, is javanica. P. rastellata var. javana, Vieh. @ L.6 mm. A single @ appears to be this variety, as the legs are red and the tarsi black, as given by Viehmeyer as the colour of his var. javana (% ). He gives no description of the @. Fort de Kock, Sumatra. (Jacobson, 1177.) P. moeschi, For. % (Hitherto undescribed) L. 5 mm. Legs, black, insertions of antennae, and border of mandibles, brown. A few hairs on mandibles and anterior border of clypeus, and apex of gaster ; a row of bristles under first joint of tarsi; a fine scattered pubescence on femora, tibiae and gaster ; otherwise glabrous. Mandibles with five teeth. Clypeus strongly arched, not carinate, the lateral anterior border convex with a central projecting portion, occupying rather more than one-third of the whole anterior border, with a crenate edge ending in a tooth at each side. Frontal area broadly triangular, indistinct. Frontal carinae sinuate, equally wide in front of and behind articulation of antennae. Head as long as broad, widest at eyes, which are prominent and placed at the posterior angles ; occipital border convex. Antennae very long, reaching to base of gaster. The scape extends almost two-thirds of its length beyond the occiput. All funicular joints long and narrow, the 2nd shorter than the Ist or 3rd. Pronotum with rounded shoulders. Promesonotum convex in both directions, the meso- notum bluntly bordered. Thorax constricted and slightly impressed at meso- epinotal suture. Base of epinotum nearly twice as wide as long, barely half as long as declivity, with two long horizontal spines, slightly directed outwards, thick at base, almost as long as the declivity. Legs long. Node from the side more or less conical, from in front slightly wider at apex, sides straight; the two fine spines are horizontal, more widely spreading pro- Ee than the epinotal spines, nearly as long as the space between their ases. Shining ; mandibles with scattered punctures and finely striate at base. Rest of body with a fine ground reticulation, which on the promesonotum has a circular direction, and on scale and gaster is more or less transverse. Fort de Kock, Sumatra, 1921. 920 metres. (H. Jacobson, 1176). Type W.C.C. Coll. By. THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. There is little doubt that this species is the 8 of Forel’s P. moeschi from Sumatra (Zool. Jahr. Suppl., xv., Band, 1912,?). It agrees very well with Forel’s description, allowing for sexual differences. The Horne Sale. The first portion of the collection of British Lepidoptera. formed by the late Mr. Horne of Aberdeen, comprising the Rhopalocera, was disposed of at Steven’s Auction Rooms on Tuesday, January 380th last. The collection was rich in remarkable aberrations, many of which were from the ‘‘ Webb” and ‘ Farn”’ sales, and was of very large extent, having been formed on geographical lines, there being long series of species from various localities in Great Britain and Ireland. Two cabinets one of 68 and the other of 18 drawers were required to contain the insects. The sale was well attended, there being several well known collectors from the North intent upon securing some of the treasures offered, whilst amongst the regular buyers several new names were responsible for substantial investments. The interest of a famous South of England collection whose owner is in India, were capably looked after by a well-known professional expert. There were no fewer than 538 lots and the total amount realised, including the 68 drawer cabinet, amounted to about £1,265, in my opinion a very satisfactory result. The “ Webb” sale realised about £1,400 and the ‘ Farn” sale about £1,850, but each of these collections contained a larger number of remarkable aberrations. The prices of insects purchased at recent sales were generally maintained, but there were many exceptions, and this was not surprising to the writer as in former sales these insects were undoubtedly too highly valued. It will be sufficient to refer only to the specimens which were most keenly competed for in giving details of the prices obtained. A fine variety of Papilio machaon with large blotches and diffused -band, bred in 1916, realised £11. Two lots each of 10 pink suffused Pieris brassicae with others 82s. 6d. and 40s. A large number of yellow lemon Pieris napi (nearly 50) sold in small lots of 3 to 7 with others, brought from £3 to £4 per lot. Specimens of female Muchloé cardamtnes blotched more or legs with male colouring realised £1 12s. 6d., £2. 2s., £3, £38 3s., £38 5s., £3 103., £5 and £6. Seven Pontia daplidice 20s. to £25s.each. Lot 48, a fine gynandromorphic Gonepteryx rhamnt, went very cheaply for £3 10s. The long series of Colias croceus (edusa) and C. hyale brought satisfactory prices, and among the former a golden orange male ab. chrysotheme brought £8 5s., and one clouded with black on all wings £4. Two suffused male Dryas paphia made 35s. and £4 4s. respectively, and an example with cell blotched black, banded and with rayed hindwings £6 10s. Lot 85, a female broadly rayed and suffused with black, £5 5s., and -one (lot 86) with large confluent spots forming bands, £3 10s. Another with forewings mostly black, with black and rayed hindwings, £6 10s. Lot 90, a very fine specimen almost exactly similar to Lot 85 already mentioned, but with the black of a deeper shade, brought the very satisfactory price of £18. Lot 98 represented an old friend, the well known entirely black valezina from the ‘“Farn” collection. Keen competition obtained the price of £18, being one pound more than realised at the “‘ Farn” sale when it was taken North by Mr. Horne, and it now returns to the South. THE HORNE SALE. 33 Lot 96, a beautiful bred gynandromorph, which aroused much interest, the left side being true valezina and the right side partly vale- zina and partly ordinary male, was not dear at £17. Lots 91 and 92, containing a female with cuneiform markings in hindwings and one of the curious forms, which appear to be the transition stage between the type and valezina, £1 12s. Gd. Lot 101, an Argynnis cydippe (adippe), with large silver blotches at base of underside, West Wood, Kent, was obtained for £4 15s., pre- sumably a bargain, as it realised £11 when last sold at auction. LTuot. 108, a dark and clouded Argynnis aglaia, taken by Mr. Horne at Balmoral, brought £7, and lot 109, a very beautiful melanic specimen, also of Horne’s taking, £14. Lot 119, a pale golden Brenthis selene, made £38 10s., and one veiled with black, £7. Lot 121, a B. selene without discal markings, with heavy black dashes round outer border, was a remarkable aberration and probably unique. ‘This was one of the best things in the sale, and was well competed for, realising £17. Lot 122, another beautiful aberration clouded with intense black and in perfect condition, £14, and a white or cream form £4 10s. a remarkably good price. Lot 124 a dark specimen from the ‘* Webb” sale fetched £5, a depreciation of 80s. Lot 129, a pretty rayed under- side, £5 10s. The I/ssoria lathonia were sold in pairs varying in price from 35s. to 47s. 6d. Lot 147, a nearly black Brenthis euphrosyne from the ‘‘ Webb” series, realised £7, a depreciation of £3 10s. A cream coloured specimen from ihe ‘ Webb”’ collection appreciated from 25s. to £3 10s. The white forms both of this species and 1. selene all fetched unusually good prices. Lot 150, one of the most curious forms of aberration that the writer has seen, the spotting having developed into ziezac lines, appealed to the buyers because of its rarity and went for £11. Lots 151 and 152, melanic specimens from the « Webb” and ‘‘Farn”’ collections, realised £6 10s. and £7 respectively, each having depreciated to the extent of 80s. Lot 156, a fine rayed underside, was well worth £8 10s. There were no very extreme vars. among the JMelitaea cinvia and M.athalia except an ab. navarina of the latter species, which was bought for£4. ‘There were very long series of M. awrinia (artemis) from various localities, and these were sold for from 80s. to £4 15s., the number of insects in each lot varying from 17 to 85. Lot 190 the very rare silvery white Polygonia c-album, taken by the late Mr. arn and which at his sale realised £21, on this occasion fetched £20. An interesting deep purplish brown specimen with few markings was well worth £6, and several. pale and golden specimens were bid up to 50s., 50s., £3 5s., £3 10s., and £3 5s. Among the dAglais urticae cream and dark blotched specimens fetched from 380s. to £5 5s. The Huvanessa antiopa were sold at 35s. each, but one brought £5 15s. Vanessa io with obsolete ocelli sold at 40s., 65s., 22s. and 40s. Lot 281 realised £4, having been sold for£11at the“Webb” sale. Lot 226, which was auctioned recently at £12 12s., only realised £3 15s. on this occasion. More or less black Limenitis sibilla varied in price from 22s. to 55s. and 60s. Lot 264,a fine Apaturairis without white bands, brought £8 10s. and a similar one with blue patches only on each of the four wings was got for £9. This specimen realised £16 at the ‘‘ Mitford” sale. Light golden brown specimens of [pinephele jurtiua fetched from £2 5s. to £3 each. O4 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. Series of Coenonympha tiphon from various localities were sold in lots of about 50 to 65, and fetched from 380s. to £4 10s. All the various froms were represented, except the Welsh. There were 15 Chrysophanus dispar sold, the prices being £7, £4 15s., £6 6s., £9 9s., £8 10s., £6, £5 15s., £6 6:., £6, £5 15s., £11, £5 10s., £6, £4 10s., and 55s. for each, according to condition. Among the C. phlaeas, lot 365, the specimen with large confluent spots from the ‘‘ Webb’”’ Collection, figured in Barrett, brought £10, a depreciation of £2. There were very long series of all the “ blues’”’ each containing the usual remarkable colour shades and extreme underside variations. Lot 402, an underside of P. icarus from the “ Farn ”’ Collection, fetched £6, and another of the same species from Ventnor, lot 405, £4. Another Lot 406 (‘‘ Webb”) 35s. These at last sale realised £7, £5 10s., and £4 10s respectively. Lot 415, a true gynandromorph of Agriades coridon, only made £5 10s. the exact price it reached at the ‘“ Webb” Sale, the low price being accounted for by the want of freshness of the specimen. Lot 417, a fine and very perfect gynandromorph, left side male, right side partly female, taken at Reigate in 1914 by Mr. Quarrington, fetched the good price of £11 10s. Lot 457, a specinren with buff margins, rayed, etc., reached £9. Lot 488, ab. synyrapha, dusted with black and brown on one side, fetched £2 5s. Lot 445, an underside with deep black basal dashes and bands and spotless, brought £4 4s., and an almost entirely white obsolete underside, £2 15s. Leaden grey dgriades thetis (bellaryus) fetched from 26s. to 80s. each, and a beautiful- streaked underside, which brought £15 15s. when last sold, was ou this occasion obtained for the low price of £6 10s. A true gynandromorph of Celastrina argiolus was bought for £7, it having reached £14 14s. when sold at auction two years ago. A cream coloured Anyiades comma went for 25s., and an underside without markings, figured by Barrett, 35s. Owing to the late hour at which the sale concluded several of the buyers from the country had to leave to catch trains, and consequently the competition for the later lots was not so keen, and many good bargains were obtained among the “ Blues.” The 68 drawer cabinet brought the remarkable price of one hundred guineas. I understand that some more Chrysophanus dispar will be sold at the sale of the second portion of the collection on February 380th.—S.G.C.-R. Life-History of Pararge hiera. By A. SIMMONS. When collecting at Chamonix during June, 1922, I found Pararge hiera locally abundant. They were about on both sides of the valley, up the path to La Flégére, and also on the opposite side towards Mon- tanvers, the latter, however, was probably the most productive ground, the best spot being a rough bank just where the Montanvers railway leaves the second tunnel, at an altitude of 4,500 ft. They were par- ticularly fond of settling on dandelion flowers, but unfortunately were somewhat worn, so I caged two females to obtain ova. The weather was somewhat cold and broken, but eg@s were laid on the blades of grass from June 9th to 16th. The eess are spherical and creamy white in colour, changing two days before hatching to nearly black. The first larvae appeared on June 20th, and are a dirty white DESCRIPTION OF PUPA OF PARARGE HIERA. 385 colour, with a black head, which is very prominent and seems much too large for the size of the larva. After the first moult, which com- menced on June 29th, the ground colour changed to a uniform light green, and they lost their black head, which became a little lighter in in shade than the general colour, but was still very pronounced. The second moult took place on July 10th, and this produced very little change except that six very faint white stripes appeared, three on each side, but were hardly perceptible. The third and final moult took place on July 19th, and again there was very little change in the colour, but the stripes were now more distinct, the head, however, was still very prominent, giving the larva an unhealthy, starved appearance, but this gradually disappeared as they neared pupation. When full fed the larva is 28mm. long, of a delicate green colour, a little lighter than grass. It is of the usual Satyrid form, tapering towards the anal extremity, with three nearly white stripes on each side; the two on the dorsal area are very close together, one near the spiracles and one midway between the two. ‘The head is much lighter in shade, and though not now so prominent it still appears too large for the larva. It rests in a straight position on its food plant, and when annoyed falls and coils itself into a ring. When full fed the iarvae all attached themselves to the top of the cage and changed to light green pupae, almost the same shade as the larvae. They hung head downwards without any girth or band, and in no ease did they attach themselves to the stems of grass. The first pupa appeared on August 3rd, and the last on August 28rd, en route for Eneland, producing a total of 104. The larvae were quiet contented little creatures, bearing their confinement well, and took readily to any erass. but were fed chiefly on Agropyrwn repens, and I do not think that I lost above four out of the whole brood. They fed both by night and day and no attempt was made to hide during daylight, in fact they ~ seemed to enjoy the late afternoon sun. I thought that I should get them out during August as a second brood, but not one has showed any signs of changing, and the whole lot are evidently going to hybernate as pupae, a somewhat unusual habit for a Satyrid. It seems, therefore, that from 4,000 to 5,000 ft. hiera is only single brooded, and if a second brood does occur it may be only partial in favourable seasons, and probably at a much lower altitude. I left Chamonix on June 29th, staying about a fortnight at Mar- tigny, and going on to Bérisal on July 15th. I can claim, therefore (except the fortnight at Martigny, which was not very hot, only on four days did the temperature rise above 70°), to have fed the larvae under quite natural conditions, Bérisal 5,000 ft. being about the same altitude as where the parents were taken at Chamonix, and this may perhaps account for my success in rearing such a large number. Description of Pupa of Pararge hiera. By G. T. BETHUNE-BAKER, F.L.S., F.Z.5., F.E.S. Mr. A. Simmons has asked me to describe the pupa of Pararge hiera which he found commonly at Chamonix. Since | wrote the deserip- tion I have had three imagines emerge out of six chrysalids sent me. 36 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. One was shrivelled and I do not know the date of its emergence, but it was dead on December 30th last, on which day my wife told me there was a butterfly on the landing, which I found to be P. hiera. Then on the following day another emerged. Both these were quite perfect. The pupae were put in a gauze cage just by an east window, which was open all day. The other three pupae show no signs of maturity, but are the same clear green as ae were on the day I received them. Description of pupa:— Pupa, pale apple green, with very little yellow in it, wing cases slightly greyish with the green showing through. In shape it is thick and rather stumpy, with ap- parently no power of movement (I have seen no attempt at movement). It is very deeply rounded from the dorsum of the sixth abdominal segment to the cremastral attachment, which is situated right on the venter; the wing cases extend to practi- cally the fifth abdominal segment. To the naked eye the pupa looks smooth, but with a hand lens it is seen to be finely shagreened all over with fine irregular whitish elevations, the wing cases being broadly lined longitudinally as well. The antennae extend to the fifth abdominal segment, and the eyes are on the ventral surface. The thorax has a central longitudinal narrow projecting ridge, and it is sharply angled laterally near the middle, but rather nearer the collar at the juncture with the wing cases, and again at the front apex above the eyes, giving it a square: frons slightly angled forwards above the eyes. The spiracles show as circular depressions with central slits, above the spiracular row is a dorso-lateral row of simple whitish tubercles. The length is. 154mm., the greatest diameter of the abdomen is 5mm. at the fourth abdominal segment, and the diameter of the thorax at the angled shoulders is 52mm. WOTES ON COLLECTING, etc. Lave APPEARANCE OF LirpIDOPTEROUS LARVAE IN 1922.—As a result of beating birches and beeches in the Box Hill district on October 10th, 1922, the following larvae were obtained :—Hylophila prasinana (1), Drepana lacertinaria (3), D. faleataria (1), D. cultraria (several), Phalera bucephala (several), Dasychira pudibunda (1), Lophopterya camelina (several, many of them eet small), Pheosia (Notodonta) dictaeoides (several, mostly full fed), N. dromedarius (2, half grown), Demas coryli (1), Drtaena (Acronicta) psi (1), Acronicta leporina (2, full fed), Amphi- dasts betularia (several, in both early and late stages), Tephrosia crepus- cularia (1), Kphyra (Zonosoma) linearia (3), Cabera pusaria (1), Cidaria corylata (several), and some Tortrix larvae—not a bad result consider- ing the date. The young larva of Lophopterya camelina and the partly fed larva of Notodonta dromedarius did not arrive at maturity, possibly owing to the difficulty of obtaining their food plants in anything hke suitable condition, Allthe larvae of Amphidasis betularia, however, fed up and pupated, the last but one going down on November 27th, and the final survivor on December 10th; surely a record date. The pupa. resulting from the larva which went down on December 10th is small, but perfect, and it will be interesting to see whether the emergence of the imagines of this and some of the other A. betularia is retarded to any extent.—A. Russexx, Wilverley, Dale Road, Purley. January 8th, 1923. ABERRATIONS OF RuHopatocera IN Hast Tyrone, 1922.—The follow- ing aberrations of common butterflies occurred in this district during the past summer, which was remarkable for the persistence of dull cloudy weather, accompanied with a slight but increased rainfall; May and September being the only months in which there was any con- tinuous fine weather, and then only for a very short period. OURRENT NOTES. 37 Pieris brassicae—On September 15th a female of a pale yellow colour was captured. Pieris napi.—Several females of the summer emergence have three distinct spots on the posterior wings above ; the banded form, with the inner marginal streak and discal spots united, was more frequent than usual. Euchloé cardamines.—Two females in June, with two short black lines below the discoidal, between nervules 2 and 3, on underside of forewings, ab. dispila, Raynor ? I find that Sir C. Langham of Tempo Manor has a comparatively large number of this form (some of which are very distinctly marked), captured in his own neighbourhood (Co. Fermanagh). A male with the usual strongly marked spots on hind- wings, characteristic of the race hibernica, was transformed into con- spicuous black blotches ; this gives the margin of the wings a scalloped appearance. Epinephele jurtina.—A male from Lough Fea, in July, with an ocellated spot near the inner angle of the anterior wings above. Aphantopus hyperantus.—Several females of this species, with the ocellated spots and pale rings on upperside as large as those beneath. Coenonympha pamphilus——In a remote spot on the hills I captured a male aberration with two distinct black spots on the upperside of posterior wings along the border near the anal angle; this specimen has also a strongly defined black suffusion on the margins; a similar variety is mentioned by Barrett; and the late Rev. Frank EK. Lowe, M.A., records several examples from Orta (Hntom. Record, vol, xxii., 1910, page 23). Rumicia (Chrysophanus) phlaeas.—A male with wedge-shaped spots on forewings, very stmilar to the variety figured in South’s British Butterflies, plate 101, fig. 11. Polyommatus icarus.—A male example with underside var. postico- obsoleta, Tutt, the forewings with four submedian spots; male and female underside forewings with a conspicuous white wedge-shaped streak from the discoidals and tapering to a point towards the base, an aberration which has, I believe, not hitherto been noted in this species. —Tuomas Greer, Stewartstown, Co. Tyrone. January 20th, 1923. S,URRENT NOTES AND SHORT NOTICES. The “ Verrall ” Supper took place on January 16th, and was as regards numbers the most successful hitherto held. Over 120 guests sat down to a capital repast in the King’s Room at the Holborn Restaurant, with Mr. J. EK. Collin, the able managing director of the Association of Entomologists, under whose auspices the gathering is arranged, in the chair. The following is a list of those who accepted invitations :—B. W. Adkin, R. Adkin, H. EK. Andrewes, H. W. Andrews, Ii. B. Ashby, 8. R. Ashby, T. H. Ashe, F. Balfour-Browne, EK. C. Bedwell, G. Bethell, G. T. Bethune-Baker, K. G. Blair, L. A. 30x, M. Burr, S. Blenkarn, R. T. Bowman, E. Brunetti, P. A. Buxton, A. Cant, F. B. Carr, J. W. Carr, G. C. Champion, C. A. Cheetham, W. EK. China, E. A. Cockayne, J. E. Collin, J. Collins, Col. Monckton Copeman, Col. 8. Curtis, Dr. Davidson, Dr. F. A. Dixey, A. W. Dods, H. Donisthorpe, L. EH. Dunster, J. H. Durrant, F. W. Edwards, J. Edwards, Stanley Edwards, Dr. H. Eltringham, L. T. Ford, J. 8. Fox-Wilson, G. E. Frisby, F. W. Frohawk, J. C. I’. 38 THE ENIOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. Fryer, C. J. Gahan, Dr. F. Gaynor, C. Graseman, EH. EK. Green, T. H. L. Grosvenor, O. R. Goodman, P. Graves, T. W. Hall, H. M. Hallett, A. H. Hamm, B. S. Harwood, P. Harwood, H. C. Hayward, T. F. P. Hoar, Dr. D. Hunter, W. E. Hodson, Prof. Image, O. EH. Janson, A. H. Jones, Capt. H. Jones, D. Johnstone, C. F. Johnstone, Dr. N. Joy, Dr. K. Jordan, L. Lacey, F. Laing, H. A. Leeds, 8S. C. Leman, G. B. C. Leman, G. C. Leman, T. A. Lofthouse, W. J. Lucas, G. T. Lyle, H. Main, W. Mansbridge, A. W. Mera, Rev. F. D. Morice, J. P. Mutch, F. Muir, Dr. S. A. Neave, L. W. Newman, L. Nell, J. Peed, Col. H. D. Peile, F. N. Pierce, Prof. E. B. Poulton, R. M. Prideaux, Col. R. A. Rattray, W. Rait-Smith, N. D. Riley. A. H. Ruston, J. W. Saunt, Lt. Seabrook, V. E. Shaw, W. G. Sheldon, P. Z. Skinner, C. E. Stott, R. Stenten, EK. Step, C. F. M. Swynnerton, HK. E. Syms, W. H. Tamms, Rev. J. E. Tarbat, J. R. le B. Tomlin, A. E. Tonge, H. J. Turner, C. J. Wainwright, Comm. J. J. Walker, S. Walker, G. HE. R. Waters, Rev. J. Waterston, J. H. Watson, C. W. Whall, Rev. G. Wheeler, R. Wilding, B. S. Williams, C. B. Williams, C. L. Withycombe, H. Worsley Wood, L. H. Bonaparte Wyse, S. Yamada, Hashiro Yuasa. The action of the Council of the Entomological Society of London some two years ago, in taking measures to acquire a permanent premises for their library and meetings, has proved to be very popular among the Fellows of the Society, for we find on the list of donors to the housing fund the names of about one-third of the membership. Even fellows permanently located abroad have contributed. SOCIETIES. Tut Soutn Lonpon Enromonocicat SociEty. November 9th.New Memsers.—Mr. B. Jobling, 52, Charleville Road, W. Kensington ; Mr, C. H. H. Stokes, 107, Queen’s Road, Upper Norwood; Mr. G. E. Bryant, 168, Gloucester Terrace, W. 2; Mr. E. Meek, 119, Kempton Road, HK. Ham ; and Lieut. J. C. Seabrook, F.E.S., 6, Warwick Place, Belgravia, were elected members. Eixureits.—The President exhibited numbers of living Ptinus tectus (Col.), and a spray of oak showing the operations of Attelabus nitens (Col.), preserved with imagines. Mr: A. A. W. Buckstone, long bred series of Spilosoma menthastrt, from Broadstairs, including an example resembling S. urticae in texture and marking. Mr. Hy. J. Turner, the Coenonympha forms of C. iphis, C. arcania, var. satyrion and var. darwiniana, and gave an account of the variation and the distinctions between them. The series were from many localities in the Palaearctic Region. Messrs. O. R. and A. de B. Goodman, short series of the same forms. | Mr. W. J. Lucas read a paper, ‘“‘ The second Maxillae (labium) of the Paraneuroptera (Odonata), more especially as the mask of the Naiad Stage,” and illustrated his remarks with a series of lantern slides. FR EVIEWS AND NOTICES OF BOOKS. Lr Monpe Socran pes Fourmis pu Guope.—By Dr. Auguste Forel, REVIEWS. 39 Geneva. Librairie Kundig, Editeur. Tome 2nd, 1922. Pp. I.-III.+ 184 ; 1 coloured plate, 3 black and white plates, and 38 text figures. The second volume of Forel’s Monde Social des Fourmis deals with Sensations, Physiology, Ants and Plants, Hosts, Parasites, and Nests. Chapter I., after some general remarks on the sensations of ants, the author divides them into Chemical Senses, under the headings Taste and Smell; the Sense of Motion (by which ants measure the distance they ‘have travelled), and Equilibrium ; Other Sensations, general and local ; Physical Senses perceived from a distance, Temperature, Hearing, Sight, and sense of perceiving light. There is nothing new in all this (except perhaps the method with which it is dealt); most of the views and experiments of other myrmecologists being discussed. 1 might mention in connection with the sense of hearing that I tested ants in captivity with the Galton-Edelmann whistle in 1910, a perhaps more highly specialised and scientific instrument than had been used before for this purpose, the results bearing out the same views as those expressed by Dr. Forel. Chapter II., Physiology and Psychology of Ants. A num- ber of different phenomena dealing with the study of the functions of the organs, and the study of the mind are touched on—the effects of starvation, marriage flights, the absorption of the wing muscles by the blood after deailation, the pumping stomach, the glands, the language of ants, visual memory of place and time, etc. Chapter III., Ants and Plants, and Symbiosis. A general view of the relation between ants and plants, such as the gall-like roots of Myrmecodia and Hydnophytum inhabited by ants; leaves cut by the Attini for their fungus gardens ; the stems of T'riplaris, Cecropia, and spines inhabited by Pseudo- myrminae and other ants; several different species of ants amicably inhabiting the same plant; myrmecochorous seeds; Aristida (ant rice) and other grain cultivated by Pseudomyrminae, etc. Nepenthes sp. which digests ants in its pitchers; and Polytrichum which grows over and eventually obliterates hillock-nests of ants, are also referred to. In 1910 I pointed out how many of the rufa nests at Nethy Bridge were being extinguished by the undergrowth. Chapter IV., Myrmecophilous Animals and Mimicry. The author recapitulates Wasmann’s four divisions of Myrmecophiles, and then divides the chapter up into the following heads—Mimicry: under this heading he refers also to the similarity of certain insects to green leaves, dead branches, ete. (I should prefer to call this Protective Resemblance) ; Trichomes, Canaux pores ; Offensive or aggressive methods ; Rapports internationaux (this is really the behaviour of myrmecophiles (and the ants) when intro- duced to ants of species other than those of their own proper hosts) ; Symphiles: under this heading he discusses the question of the pro- duction of Pseudogynes, and is evidently in entire agreement with Father Wasmann’s celebrated theory. Forel states the presence of Atemeles (and of Lomechusa) coincides with that of the pseudogynes. This, as I have pointed out, is not so in the Highlands ; moreover, it is a positive fact that though Atemeles emarginatus is common in Eng- land, not a single pseudogyne of Formica fusca has ever been found here. It is also stated that though the relations of the cause with the effect is unknown, his own observations and those of his colleagues confirm Wasmann’s theory ; ‘‘ Atemeles and Lomechusa, cause,’’ “ Pseu- dogynes, effect.”’ Professor Wheeler and I, however, have both ex- pressed the view that the presence of these beetles is neither always, nor the only, cause of the production of pseudogynes. Synoeques : 40 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, under Dinarda he repeats the view that this beetle waves the tail under the face of the host because the latter is unable to grasp its body ; but I have shown that the reason is to give off the secretion with which the Myrmedonias and other myrmecophilous Staphs protect themselves when attacked by their hosts. Synechthres ; Cas particulars: dealing with Lomechusa, Thorictus, the Paussidae, etc. Under the last named beetles the unfortunate statement occurs that their larvae and pupae are quite unknown! In 1907 Adam Béving described and most beauti- fully figured the larva and pupa of Paussus kannegietert, Wasm., and in 1918 Wasmann described and gave photographs of the larva of Plew- ropterus dohrni, Rits. Under Diptera the food of the larvae of Microdon is said to be unknown ; whereas in 19121 demonstrated by experiment of what it consisted. Chapter V., Parasites, Voaicology, and Monstrost- ties of Ants. 1 ar surprised to find the larvae of Clythra are classified under Ectoparasites! An ectoparasite isa creature which fastens itself on to the body of its host, which Clythra larvae certainly do not. The myrmecophilous mite which fastens itself on to the strigil of an ant is not, as is stated here, the Uropoda ovalis of Janet, but the Uropoda philoctena, Janet= Urodiscella philoctena, Trous. The Uropoda ovalis, Janet= Uropolyaspis hamuliferus, Mich., fastens itself to the femur of the second leg of its host. Janet’s paper was written in 1897 (in it he re- ferred to a mite as ‘‘ Neoberlesia sp.?”’ which we now know to be Sphaero- laelaps holothyroides, Leon.), and of course much has been written and discovered about the myrmecophilous acari since then. Under Her- maphrodites our author mentions that in 1908 Wheeler gave a list of all the cases of Gynandromorphs then known. Wheeler, however, published a second list in 19138, bringing the total of all such cases up to 80. Donisthorpe published a list in 1915, bringing the total up to 84, and Crawley one in 1920 with a total of 48. Chapter VI., The Nests of Ants; under various sections dealing with all kinds of ants’ nests and their construction, contains a number of very nice figures and photographs of nests from all over the world. Under Carton Nests it is stated that Brun had observed that Lasius umbratus also made carton. This fact, however, was first discovered by me in 1912 (as is pointed out by Dr. Brun himself in his paper in 1913), and it is also further described, and a photo given, in British Ants, 1915. The plates and figures in this volume are as good as those in the preceeding one, though many of them are of course reproductions from other works. Unfortunately in our copy Plates ii. and iv. have been bound. upside down. Plate i. is beautifully coloured, and represents various cases of mimicry of ants by other insects, and ants. The chief criticism I have to make is that the work is not up to date ; the writings of some of the more modern workers (and indeed many of the later papers of the older writers also) being ignored. In a general work on the ants of the world, a reader who is not a specialist, but takes an intelligent interest in the subject. would wish to look up any part of it, to gather what are the latest views and discoveries up to the date (or near it) of the publication ; and not only what was known in say 1908, or earlier still! The book is of course well written, well printed, and interesting, and I wish sincerely it was not necessary to find the above faults with it. A review of the first volume may be found in Mnt. Record, 38, 59-60 (1921).—Horace DonsstHoree. Correction.—On page 18 of the January number the locality for H. simplana should have been Kent and not North of Scotland. Subscriptions for Vol. XXXV. (10 shillings) should be sent to Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Gross, S.E.14 [This subscription includes all numbers published from January 15th to December 15th, 1923.) Non-receipt or errors in the sending of Subscribers’ magazines should be notified to Mr. Herbert E. Page, “ Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, S.E. 14 ADVERTISEMENTS of Books and Insects for Sale, or Books wanted willbe nserted at a minimum charge of 2s. 6d. (for four lines). Longer Advertisementsin proportion. A reduction made for a series, Particulars of Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Cross, 8.H. 14 Subscribers who change their addresses must report the same to Mr. H. I. Page ‘ Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, London, 8.I., otherwise their magazines will probably be delayed. Desiderata.—Foreign examples, local races, vars. and abs. from all parts 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 Road, London, N. 1. Duplicates.—Aglaia, Adippe, *Io, T. quercus, Coridon vars., *Fuliginosa (Reading), *B, quercus ¢, Tilie, Menthastri, *Linariata, Aurantiaria, Leucophearia vars. Paniscus. Desiderata.—Pupe of Dictmoides; Imagines of typhon, palpina, camelina (dark), Curtula, Pyra, and numerous others; Ova of Hispidaria.—Harold B. Jilliams, 112a, Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. Duplicates. —Sybilla, Paphia, Io (2), Selene, Lucina (2), Ocellatus, Illustraria (autumn) Nastata, Roboraria ¢ , Prunaria (4) 3, Tipuliformis. Desiderata.—Castreusis ¢ , Cucullina, Cribrum, Cinerea, Ravida, Ashworthii, Notata, Obfuscaria, Smaragdaria and others, alse vars. and local forms.—Harold EH. Winser, Kent House, Cranleigh. Duplicates.—Cinxia, Bellargus, Coridon, H. Comma, Lineola, Galathea, Moneta, Nupta, and many others. Desiderata.—Blandina, Irish Icarus, Carmelita, Cuculla. Gonostigma, Ashworthii, Templi, Australis, Undulata, Smaragdaria, Testacea.— W. Gifford Nash, Clavering House, Bedjord. Wanrep.—Specimens or coloured drawings. Foreign forms of British varieties of British Lepidoptera. OrrzrepD: Drawings of 2,000 varieties.—S. L. Mosley, Tolson Memorial Museum, Huddersfield. Duplicates.— Cinerea ¢?, fine forms, grey, brown and blackish, Maritima and vars. Immorata and other Hast Sussex species. Desiderata.—Pupsx. Luteago (Barrettii), Caesia, Albimacula, Alpina, Xanthomista, Sparganii, Dissoluta (Arundineta), Graphalii. Also imagines of extreme forms Noctue in fine condition only.—A. J. Wightman, 85, Morris Road, Lewes. CuancEe or Appress.—L. H. Bonaparte Wyse, Oxford Lodge, Shoreham-on-Sea. MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. Entomological Society of London.—41, Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, S.W.7, 8 p.m. February 21st, March 7th and 21st. The South London Entomological and Natural History Society, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge. Second and Fourth Thursdays in the month, at 7 p.m. 1923, February 22nd, Lantern Evening. March 8th, Paper by Br. Fremlin.—Hon. Sec., . Stanley Edwards, 15, St. German’s Place, Blackheath, S.H.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. Visitors welcomed. Hon. Sec., W. HE. Gurae, 44, Belfast Road, N. 16. jj}... mee All MS. and editorial matter should be sent and all proofs returned to Hy. J. ‘TurNER, 98, Drakefell Road, New Cross, London, §.H.14 We must earnestly request our correspondents nor to send us communications IDENTICAL with those they are sending to other magazines. Lists of Dupricarrs and Desiprrata should be sent direct to Mr. Hl. E. Page, Bertrose, Gellatly Road, New Cross, 8.H. 14 OVA, LARV4E, AND PUPAE. The Largest Breeder of Lepidoptera in the British Isles is H. W. HEAD, Gitoutoalagist, BURNISTON, Nr. SCARBOROUGH. Kull List of Ova, Larvae, and Pupae, also Lepidoptera, Apparatus, Cabinets etc., sent on application. Many Rare British Species and Good Varieties for Sale. GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES. b a f Hardwood finished rich mahogany, panelled Ga i72@ Sz or glass doors. Drawers, 17x 16x 24", on - hidden runners. Lift-off glazed tops. Camphor cells. Lined cork or peat. 40-drawer, 12/6 per drawer. 20-drawer, 4/- per drawer extra. 10x8 18x8 14x10 16x11 17x12 Store Boxes. 3/11 5/- 6/6 7/9 9/- G. A. BENTALL, 392, Strand, W.C.2. STEVENS’S AUCTION RGOMS LIMITED, (Established 1760.) 38, KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. 2. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20th, at 12.30. THE HORNE COLLECTION. Messrs. Stevens have received instructions to sell by auction the Second portion of the well-known and extensive Collection of British Lepidoptera formed by the late Arthur Horne, Esq., F.E.S., of Aberdeen, comprising the Sphinges, Bombyces, and part of Noctuae. Specimens of the extinct C. Dispar and 17 of N. Subrosea; 16 Pul- chella, 85 Centonalis, 20 Sicula, 19 Coenosa, 200 Alpina, 16 Erythroce- phala, numerous local races and Hybrids. The magnificent series of Varieties of A. Caja and Villica, Plantaginis, Dominula. Also a solid mahogany Cabinet of 40 drawers with enclosed bookcase over. Catalogues in course of preparation. Se ee ee ne : ie ‘Subscrifllnis are now due: Vol. XXXV. =i) sa 13 ¥.20 ka ‘The Entomologist’s Record journal of Variation | Hipirpp By 5 Ricoarp 8. BAGNALL, F.1.s., F.5.s. Jas. H. COLLIN, r.nu.s. Grorcze T. BETHUNE-BAKRER, F.u.s., F.5.S. H. Sr. J. K. DONISTHORPE, ¥.z.»., #.0.8. ‘M. BURR, D-sc., F.L.S., F.Z.8., F-E.S. JoHn Harriry DURRANT, rF-.z.s. (Rev.) C. R. N. BURROWS, f.z.s. Aurrep SICH, F.z.s. -H. A. COCKAYNH, u.p., F.z.s. (Ruv.) Grorez WHEELER, w.a., F.5.s. and Hanry J. TURNER, FES, Hditorial Secretary. CONTENTS. PAGE, Notes on the Psychides, (Rev). C. R. N. Burrows, F.E.S. Se oe be me xe Al Digne, etc., 1922, Douglas H. Pearson, F.E.S. .. me at $e 56 3c ae 44 Hippodamia variegata, Goeze.—New aberrations, G. B. C. Leman, F.E.S. .. oe Sn 46 A Summer Holiday at Nyons, Drome and La Sainte Baume, Var., (Lieut.) H. B. Ashby, OR er ee ee eae a hen ee! peri | age Notes on Coxnzcrine :—Warwickshire Records of Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae, Pimplinae, J. W. Saunt ie ae a5 ee, ca So ae aa is ots = 53 - Current Notes anp Suort Notices a es a Ee we oe ae Ube _ Societies :—South London Entomological Society. Annual Exhibition .. aN a 54 List of the Races of the Rhopalocera of Peninsular Italy, Roger Verity, M.D., and Orazio Querci = we as >: sé ae a ae oe -- (1)-(4) MARCH 16th, 1928. (Including all DOUBLE NUMBERS, ete.) TEN SHILLINGS. TO BE FORWARDED TO PeERBER TD 22: PAGE, E-E:S.. “‘ Burtrose,’’ Getuatiy Roap, New Cross, 8.E.14. Communications have been received or have been promised from Messrs. Hy. J. Turner, H. Donisthorpe, Dr. Verity, J. H. Durrant, G. T. Bethune-Baker, Alfred Sich, the late Dr. T. A. Chapman, Dr. H. A. Cockayne, C. R. N. Burrows, J. W. Saunt, Wm. Fassnidge, with Reports of Societies and Reviews. Ce ° = WATKINS & DONCASTER (ESTABLISHED 1879) 36, Strand, London, W.C.2. Telephone: GERRARD 9451. :: Manufacturers and Suppliers of :: Natural History Requisites of ail Kinds. Cabinets. Best quality and finish. All sizes at REA lowest prices on view at above address. Large stocks kept of British e Lepidoptera e Palzarctic and Exotic Species. ~mmumnmome: (.IStS on application. ry Large selection of British and Bird’s ESsés. European Eggs, singles and in Ca eS sets with data, always on hand. B O oks A varied and extensive stock on Entomology e i ea and all Branches of Natural History. GENERAL CATALOGUE SENT POST FREE. 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. LANTERN 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. W. 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- avia, 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 PUPA and OVA. Write for latest price lists. Relaxing Tins are now 4/= small and G/= large, pos free. Re-filis, 2/3 il, 3/S large, post free. 18 A @ 40992 MAR 29 1929 - NOTES ON THE PSYCHIDES. 41 Notes on the Psychides. By the Rev. C. R. N. BURROWS, F.E.S. It may be remembered that in 1917 (Hnt. Record, vol. xxix, p. 69.) I ventured a preliminary note upon this puzzling group of Lepidoptera. During the long interval which has intervened, I have been engaged in collecting material, and trying to clear up the many difficulties which surround the study. Since this preliminary note I have reprinted (nt. Record, xxxi., p. 165) Tutt’s catalogue of the Palaearctic species, from British Lepidoptera, vol. 2, with a few minor alterations which appeared to be necessary. I have in the meanwhile lost several friends, Dr. Chapman himself, who first interested me in the study, and passed on to me a large store of material, F. G. Whittle, Arthur Bacot, and the Rev. I’. HK. Lowe, all active in supplying me with specimens and information. I also owe a debt of gratitude to the Misses Chapman, who after their brother’s death handed over to me all the remaining Psychides which they found in his innumerable store-boxes and drawers. ‘To those who are still helping me, I shall hope to tender earnest thanks later on. I stated in my original note that my object was to approach | the subject from the standpoint of the ‘“ genitalia.” My great drawback has been the difficulty of obtaining sufficient material. We all, I believe receive with reserve separations based upon single specimens, unless the distinctive features be so strongly marked as to render doubt upon the point to be out of the question. The limited material which I have been enabled to accumulate has severely hampered my progress, and frequently made it difficult for me to arrive at a definite conclusion. In several instances I have found upon receiving further specimens, that my first opinions have been erroneous ; and, while I am tempted to suppress several names as species, [ have also come across several evidently unrecognised forms, which have been passed as known. I have been successful in securing (so far as names go) at least ninety out of 148 species listed by Tutt, besides several not included in his list. There is however a proportion of single specimens which I am compelled to receive with considerable uncertainty, until their ey is confirmed. When I took up the study of the Psychides, my object was primarily to discover how many species occur in Great Britain. I soon found that I should have to extend my examination to the whole of the Palaearctic fauna, if only to make sure of the correct identification of our species. I also found that it would be extremely difficult to obtain British material, this, as well as Continental material, had often to be bought. I realized that although I could find in my immediate neighbourhood at least eight out of the twenty-one reputed British species, my correspondents did not seem to be so fortunately circum- stanced, and even of very abundant species, which I found in unlimited numbers, the specimens which I have received have often been limited to ones and twos. This is more extraordinary inasmuch as the wing- less condition of the mother would appear to postulate concentration of the offspring. The. Psychides would appear to be in ponsidenible demand at the auction sales. The names appear in italics, and the lots contains Marca. 15tu, 1923. . : 42, THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD. them fetch large money. One would be tempted to imagine that the purchasers buy ‘‘names’”’ rather than insects, as some curious facts have emerged, during the course of my accumulation of the British Psychides at such places. I have in my collection a series of six insects purchased at the ‘‘Iarn” sale labelled ‘‘ anicanella Mitford 6 males, females and 8 cases.’’ I seem to have a sort of recollection of these specimens. Possibly the note to p. 287 in Tutt’s British Lepidoptera may refer to them. I have no means of telling whence they came. One bears the label “ Mitford,” the rest have none. Now Bruand named this insect, but only the female was figured. No one appears to have identified Bruand’s species to this day. These six specimens proved to be four Mpichnopteryx pulla, and two Fumea casta, that is to say, the two very commonest British species of the Psychides. So much for italics! I feel glad that I have removed these from being a further temptation to acquisitive, yet ignorant, collectors. A second instance of the same kind presents itself to me. At the ‘‘ Webb” sale I ran down a series of insects which had hannted me for some time. This consisted of two lots of 6 and 7 specimens, each lot being accompanied by a label marked in pencil “N.S. Tutt, p. 314.” They had appeared in the “ Burney” and ‘‘ Briggs” sales before they arrived at the ‘“ Webb” collection. They were identified as Mitford’s. I have from Chapman a very similar specimen named mitfordella. All these specimens are remarkable for the evidence of past neglect, in the shape of lost bodies, antennae, and legs, with the wings reduced to mere rags. I call them lots “A” and“ B.” ‘The six ‘‘A”’ specimens had two bodies between them, while the 7 ‘“B” had not even one. This of course was a great disappointment to me. The “A” specimens appear to be ordinary Fumea casta, while the “B” lot differ slightly therefrom, but are not mitfordella, as diagnosed by Chapman. So far for the ‘‘ rare species’ which I have succeeded in obtaining at sales. Now for such as I have not secured. Solenobia triquetrella, Hb., appears now and again in the catalogues. I have never managed to secure a reputed ‘“ British’”’ specimen of this insect. Again the charm of a name appears to act. Is there any proof that this insect occurs in Great Britain ? I have managed to secure specimens of the males of all the named Solenobiae, except the somewhat hypothetical, S. suifunella, Christ., S. fumosella, Hein., and S. pallida, Staud., excluding S. lichenella, Li. (which has no male), I have examined the final segments of the remainder, accepting the names under which I received them, and I find that save for the size, there is no obvious difference. The imagines also are separated almost entirely by size, colour, and (always obscure) markings. The females of the genus however, do show some difference, in the number of joints to the tarsi. Females of the Psychides are often difficult to procure. Collectors usually neglect to preserve this sex, and also the cases. I have managed however to secure records of a certain number, which I now give: S. inconspicuella, tarsal joints (of the three legs) ais sie Dad S. lichenella ?, British specimens, tarsal joints (of the three legs) 4 S. cembrella var. pineti, tarsal joints (of the three legs) 5- S. triquetrella, tarsal joints (of the three legs) ... sid ate ie S. mannii, tarsal joints (of the three legs) 5 S. clathrella, tarsal joints (of the three legs) 5 NOTES ON THE PSYCHIDES. 438 Judging by the female legs, there are here certainly at least two species. Tested by the male antennal joints (always difficult to count) the facts stand thus : S. inconspicuella, Joints 26, expanse of wings, Tutt, 12:5 mm. S. nickerlii, 4 18, ? (C.R.N.B.), 11 mm. S. wockit, ea 27, from Tutt, 11-18mm. S. pineti, » 27-28, from Tutt, 13:14mm. S. triquetrella, 3 22, from Tutt, 14 mm. S. mannii, 3) 20-82, from Tutt, 15-5 mm. S. clathrella, BE 28, from Tutt, 16-17:-5mm. It would seem from this that the number of joints may depend upon the size of the specimens under examination. As to the cases, there is very little difference discernable except in the very much inflated male case of S. clathrella, otherwise it would appear to be a mere question of size, colour, and material. I find in Mucking, females with four, and also with five, jomts to the tarsi. Hence I judge (as Mr. Metcalfe pointed out to me), we have besides the ‘‘tnconspicuella group” the “triquetrella group.” As no males appear, it is impossible to refer to that sex, so I have to be satisfied that I collect (1) inconspicuella, or lichenella, and (2) triquetrella, pineti, mannit, or clathrella. To proceed. Another species which appears in the sale catalogues is Bankesta conspurcatella, Z. It would seem that there is some confusion here, based upon an old mistake of Stainton’s. In March of the year 1846 Mann captured in Tuscany 20 males. Submitted to Zeller (1850) they were named by him conspurcatella. One of these specimens is now in the Walsingham-Zeller Collection, in the Bzitish Museum, London. Whether Mann gave Zeller more than this speci- men I do not know, and the whereabouts of the 19 remaining speci- mens is unknown, at least to me. In March of the year 1867 Mr. H. A. Swinton captured at Warsash House*, Southampton, a Psychid which he sent to Stainton to be identified. Stainton had received in 1861 specimens of the same insect from M. Fologne, taken near Brussels. He was on the point of describing the species as new, when he came across Zeller’s description of conspurcatella, and from this description alone, never, it would appear, having seen Zeller’s or Mann's specimens, identified the British and Belgian species therewith, (lintom, Ann., 1868, p. 127, fig. 3.) In 1899 Walsingham (/¢ntom. Record, xi. p. 256), having Zeller’s Specimen before him, separated the Swinton-Fologne species as distinct from Zeller’s, and named it staintoni, an undeserved honour surely after Stainton had made so careless an error. The specimens offered for sale under the name of conspurcatella are then all staintont, and are simply records of the neglect of the owners to notice Walsingham’s correction of Stainton’s mistake. In 1900 Tutt was enabled to publish full particulars of the life-history of staintuni, thanks to the capture of a large number at the original locality by H. R. Bankes in 1892. No later takings of conspurcatella have been recorded. (To be continued.) ‘3 * Until now diplomatically concealed under the record ‘‘On the shore of Southampton Waters, opposite Calshot Castle’’ which very descriptive account led me to persuade my friend The Rev. J. E. Tarbat, of Fareham, to devote time and energy to the investigation of the whole of the shore of Southampton Water without success. Mr. Swinton later gave me full information, but Mr. Tarbat has not so far succeeded in tracing the insect. it THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD. Digne, etc., 1922. By DOUGLAS H. PEARSON, F.E.S. It had long been a reproach that I had never visited Digne, which is sometimes spoken of as the Mecca of the Continental butterfly hunter, and this reproach my brother and I resolved to remove. i Leaving London on the morning of July 14th we arrived at Clelles before midday of the 15th in a pouring rain, and after some search discovered our registered baggage on the edge of a ditch beyond the platform, where it had been thrown from the van, much to the detri- ment of the contents, as we discovered later. We stayed at Clelles until the 18th, and picked up some useful things. The neighbourhood of the viaduct appeared to be the best ground, and here we were pleased to take two or three Melanargia galathea var. lewcomelas, which we had hitherto worked for in vain. On the patches of thyme were a number of Klugia (Thecla) spint and Nordmannia ilicis, most of the latter being strongly marked var. cerr?. One Polyommatus admetus var. ripartti was taken, and a few Scolitantides baton in one spot only, but P. damon was very plentiful in some of the meadows. Near the viaduct Melitaea parthenie was flying freely, and as it has usually been my luck to find M. athalia plentiful and M. parthenie very scarce, I brought home a fair number, but am disgusted to find that many of them appear to be J. athalia, and am more puzzled than ever with these two species. Most writers seem to rely upon the colour of the palpi to distinguish one from the other, so we turn to the authorities. Kirby, in Butterflies of Europe, says of athalia, “the palpi are pale yellow and are only occa- sionally reddish at the tips,” and of M. parthenie, “palpi as in athalia.” Wheeler says of athalia, ‘palpi dark brown above,” and of parthenie, ‘“‘palpr golden brown above with a dark line below.’’ Kane does not mention the palpi of athalia, but of parthenie says, ‘‘ palpi yellow above.”’ Seitz says of athalia, “in doubtful specimens the palpi are a sure guide, which, when viewed from above, do not show any red hairs, but blackish ones, slightly intermingled with yellowish hairs beneath.’ He does not mention the palpi of parthenic. Wheeler describes the underside of athalia as “hindwing inner dark band generally broader at costa than in parthenie,” but Seitz says, ‘the markings of the underside are usually somewhat coarser, but too variable to afford any distinguishing character.” All of which is about as clear as mud! Many of these Clelles specimens have the wide median band of parthenie but the dark palpi of athalia. Would one be right in naming all specimens with yellow hairs above parthenie and dark ones athalia 2? Further hght would be much appreciated. On July 19th we moved on to Digne and cave there until the 28th. Butterflies generally were not abundant, and though there was a fierce sun on many days it was accompanied by a cold ‘wind, which may have accounted for the scarcity. We only saw two Papilio alexa- nor, one of which was netted, but P. podalirius was fairly common. Female Polyommatus meleager were very scarce, and we only managed to take eight during our stay, one being ? var. steevent. Satyrus brisets was not out at Clelles, but we took a few at Digne, and plenty later on at Briancon, and one S. fidia was netted, but was too badly torn to keep. We were pleased toagain meet with I. galathea var. leucomelas, and took four in the corner of one meadow. P. admetus var. ripartit DIGNE, ETC., 1922. 45 was fairly common and we took a nice series as 1t was a new capture for me. We also took anice little series of the summer form of Leptosia duponcheli, which was flying with L. sinapis, both being in good con- dition. Mr. Rowland-Brown, in 1912, pointed out that L. duponcheli can be distinguished from L. sinapis by the antennae, in L. sinapis the base of the club head being white in front, which white patch is want- ing in L. duponcheli. When using a thin black net the two species are | very easy to distinguish on the ground by this white patch. The wings are narrower and squarer in the male L. duponcheli, but in the female seem much the same shape as in L.sinapis. The dark marking on the costa of the forewing also seems less diffused than in L. sinapis and the ground colour not such a pure white. The undersides are practically pure white with a yellowish patch on the tip of the forewing, and are quite different from the specimens I have seen of the spring brood. S. actaea was a species which was new to me, and was therefore welcome, and with it S. cordula was flying, some of the ?s being still in good condition. COvenonympha dorus was fairly plentiful, and a very small race of P. icarus, which might easily be mistaken for Aricta medon (astrarche). Lavender is much advertised as a bait for butterflies, but we did not find it especially attractive, and the patches of thyme were generally much better attended. On July 29th we left Digne for Briancon, which I last visited in 1911, and there we stayed for two days, and were pleased to meet with a few HMrebia neoridas, which we had not found at Digne. 8S. brisets was here plentiful and easy to capture, and we netted a few more S. actaea and three P. admetus var. ripartii. On August 1st we motored up to Lauteret and stayed there until the 7th. On the evening of our arrival we had a heavy thunderstorm and torrents of rain, but on August 38rd walked up to the Col de Galibier and had a good time with Hrebia ylacialis var. pluto on the old road which goes over the top of the tunnel at about 9,000 ft. There were a number about, but, as usual, the number seen was much greater than the number taken, as they flew over steep screes. The view from the top, with Mont Blane in one direction and Monte Viso in another, was very fine. On the slopes near the hotel we took a few Ayriades ther- sites, which I-had not previously taken, but they were very scarce. On August 6th we walked up the slopes of Galibier, but there was such a howling wind that we finally turned back before reaching the ridge aimed at, as walking was difficult. In a more sheltered valley on the way down we hunted the grass heads, and were well rewarded by a nice series of P.erds, Vacctniina optilete, Latiorina orbitulus, and a few Albulina pheretes, ete., one seed head being occupied by six A. niobe and two B. pales.. One g Melitaea cynthia was also taken. Zygaena exu- lans swatmed in thousands on the hillsides, but this was the only place where “‘ Burnets”’ were at all plentiful. At Clelles a few Z%. trans- alpina were met with (and here a transalpina was taken in copula with purpuralis), and at Digne five 7. fausta, one Z. hilaris, one 4%. ephialtes, and a few 4%. carniolica; probably we were too early for the main crop. We left Lautaret on August 7th, motored down to Grenoble—a lovely run—and thence straight home, bringing to a conclusion a very pleasant holiday. 46 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. Hippodamia variegata, Goeze.—New aberrations. By G. B. C. LEMAN, F.E.S. 1. ab. harwoodi, n.ab. This aberration comprises the unique confluence of spots 1 and 5. Spot 4 is large and only escapes confluence pais spot 5 by a very narrow margin. The only other spots present are $ and 6. The type is in the collection of Mr. Philip Harwood, F.E.S., who kindly sent me his specimen, which he took at Little Hadham, Herts, on October 29th, 1911, for identification, and after whom I have the honour of naming it. Formuta: 1 + 5, 4, 6, bole 2. ab. reichei, n.ab. A. mutabilis, Seriba, var., ‘“‘ Voyage en Abyssinie” par Fruet et Gallonier (Hntom.) p. 409. 1. (Reiche, 1850): A. mutabilis, Seriba. Mon. Coce. I. 40. No. 2. obs., and Mem. Ac. Iinp. Lyons, XV. 28. No. 2. obs. (Mulsant, 1866). “1. A. mutabilis :—Seriba.—var. “ Variété a six points noirs sur chaque élytre independam- ment de la tache scutellaire, les trois points postérieurs plus gros, réunis en une grande tache avee un point rouge au milieu. Pattes antérieures rouges, genoux un peu obseurs, branches des pattes intermédiares, base des cuisses et extrémités des jambes roussatres.”’ This variety 1s distinguished from ab. turiementca, Zoubk., by the presence of the red spot in the centre of the large blotch formed by the confluence of spots 4 + 5 + 6. aes 1,2,3,4+4+ 5 + 6 (in large blotch with red spot in centre), 4. 3. ab. colligata, n.ab. A. variegata, Ws., B.T. II. Coce. (separat. Abdruck. aus der “ Zeit. fiir. Entom.”’ Neue Folge, Siebentes Heft. Breslau. 1879) pp. 5 and 6. 1. 1. k. nee v. corsica, Reiche—B-T. I]. Coce. (1885) pp. 12-14. i. nee Vv. corsica, Riche ai Aiedie Journ. d Entom. (1892) XXVIII. 1. 12. 1 nec var. corsica, Reiche—Ws., Deutsche Int. Zeit. (1900) pp. 122 and 123. “ oder noch 4 mit 1 zusammen,’ nec ‘(var. corsica)’’. «k, P. 1 + 4 gross, bilden eine Langsbinde . . . . vy. corsica, Reiche.” [Ws., 1879.] “7, P. 4 ist gross, nach yorn und aussen gekriimmt, zu letzt mit P. 1 zu einer schiefen Liangsbinde vereinigt. Corsica Sardinien . . . vy. corsica, Reiche.”’ [Ws., 1885. | This aberration has 13 spots, with 1 + 4 confluent (teste Weise), but it is certainly not the var. corsica of Reiche and cannot be confused with the latter. Formuta: 1 + 4, 2, 38, 5, 6, 4. 4. ab. bilimbata, n.ab. This aberration differs from ab. limbata, Fabr., in having the additional spot No. 6. Fabricius (1781) describes his ab. limbata in Sp. Ins. II. App. 497. 12 as under. HIPPODAMIA VARIEGATA, GOBZE. AT “12. Coccinella atra, coleoptorum disco rubro, limbata. Punctis duobus atris. “Media. Caput et thorax atra margine albido. Elytra atra ad suturam rubra puncto magno atro. Apex elytrorum rufescit.” Mulsant (1846) in Hist. Nat. des Col. under A. mutabilis, Seriba, var. C. makes the following observation (p. 41). — “Obs. Ici ce placerait la Cocc. limbata de Fabricius, si elle ne devait étre rangée méme de la liste des variétés de Véspece qui nous oceupe. Elle fut décrite par |’ Knto- mologiste de Kiel, sur un exemplaire du museum de Schultz, dont les élytres, selon toute apparence, se trouveraient accidentellement obscurcies. Fabricius dit quelle est noire, moins le disque des élytres qui est rouge et marqué d’un point noir sur chaque étui. Ou, suivant Schneider, qui parait avoir visité la collection de Schultz, l’exemplaire typique laisserait compter neuf points noirs sur chaque élytre dont la base et le bord externe sont obscurs.”’ On referring to Schneider (1792) New. May. II. p. 148, we find: “h. Coce. limbata, Fabr., aus der Schultzichen Sammlung. Sie ist der vorhergehende [=g. Cocc. 9-punctata, Schrank = H. varieyata, Goez.| ganz ibhnlich nur durch die schwarzebraune Farbe, womit der Grund und Ausserrand der Decken in betrachtlche Breite ange- flogen, etwas verstellt; doch lassen die neun grosser schwarzen Punkte leicht ausfundig machen.” Weise (1879) in his B-T. refers to a specimen in the Berlin Museum :— ‘m. Fled. mit breiten, scharf begrenzten, schwarzen Saume, der mehr als 4 der Breite einnimmt und P. 5. (1 Sttiek diesser sch6nen Var. auf dem Berliner Museum) : v. limbata, Fabr.”’ In his 1885 edition Weise uses the same phraseology with the exception of ‘‘ Seitensaume” for ‘‘ Saume”’ and, what will appear significant, he omits any reference to the specimen in the Berlin Museum. I wrote during 1922 to Professor Kélbe of the Berlin Museum and asked him to look up the specimen referred to by Weise in 1879 and send me a diagram of same. This he very kindly did, but his dia- gram, while agreeing in other respects with Fabricius’ description,. and that of later writers, discloses the presence of two spots, viz., 5 and 6. In this latter respect, the specimen now at the Berlin Museum does not tally with Fabricius’ description, and, while it is difficult to say with any certainty which of the two spots, 5 or 6, he intended by the phrase, ‘“puncto atro magno,” yet in view of the fact that normally spot 5 is the large spot on this series, coupled with Weise’s distinct reference to spot 5—and he appears to have seen such a Specimen at some time—I think we may accept spot 5 on the ab. limbata, Fabr. I have therefore named the specimen now at the Berlin Museum ab. bilimbata, to distinguish 1t from ab. limbata, Fabr. 48 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. Formura: 5, 6, $ and a black marginal border covering about 4 of width of elytra, from margin to suture, tapering towards apex, which is red. 5. ab. hepatizon, n.ab. There is a very curiously marked specimen in the general col- lection at the South Kensington Museum labelled, ‘India. Adon. Mulsant var.” in which all the spots are confluent to an abnormal degree, including the upper spots with the lower. The markings include a series of three confluences all connected inter se, viz.: (i) 4+8+42, then (ii) 144, crossing (1) at right angles ; and (iii) 4+5+6, which is a liver-shaped blotch containing the red spot found also in ab. reichii, mibi (Supra. 2), confluent with (ii). Whether the additional spot mentioned by Mulsant, Spec. des Col. Trim. Sec:, pt. 1, 88, 1 (1851), and. Mem. Ac. linp. Lyons, xv., 27, 1 {1866), as occurring in his var. doubledayi immediately below spot 1 is present in this aberration I cannot say. The thorax has one of the normal forms of this species, viz., two whitish spots and slight medial depression at apex. Type in §8.K. Museum. Formuta: 4+8-+2 crossing at right angles confluence 1+4+45-+6, of which 4+5-+6 forms a large liver-shaped blotch, with a red spot in centre. 6. ab. ellisi, n.ab. This aberration differs from ab. harwoodi, mihi, in having spot 4 joined to the confluence of 1 + 5, which is the distinguishing feature of ab. harwoodi. Spot 1 is larger and the confluence bolder, the other spots present being 6 and $. I found this aberration in the collection of Mr. H. Willoughby Klis, F.Z.S., F.E.8., who kindly placed his series of this species at my disposal, and after whom I have the honour of naming it. Mr. Willoughby Ellis informs me this aberration was taken by Dr. Tait at Swanage in June, 1900. The type is in the collection of Mr. Willoughby Hllis. Formunta: 1 + 5 + 4, 6, 4. 7. Correction for locality of ab. bearit, Leman [Hnt. Rec., xxxiv., No. 6. p. 102. 8. (1922)]. The locality for this aberration should have been given as “ New Brighton, Cheshire, and not Southport. 8. Correction of British Record of ab. alacris, Ws. [Ent. Rec., XXXV.,j NOW ds ps 115.2. (1923))). Closer examination proves this specimen to be ab. obversepunctata, Schrank, and this record should therefore be expunged. I much regret this error. A Summer Holiday at Nyons, Drome, and La Sainte Baume, Var, in July, 1922. By LIEUT. E. B. ASHBY, F.E.S., and memb. Soe. ent. de France. When Mr. F. T. Gilliat kindly asked me last spring to join him and his brother, the Rev. $8. W. KE. Gilliat, in a butterfly hunt in A SUMMER HOLIDAY AT NYONS, ETC. 49 Southern France, I suggested to him that we should retraverse some of the ground collected over by the late Mr. Rowland-Brown and Mr. Warren and described in the Hntomologist of past years. We agreed that it would be worth while to do this and we accordingly arrived at Nyons on July 6th, via Paris, Valence and Pierrelatte. We stayed at the Hotel Colombet at Nyons, which is satisfactory for a short stay of a few days and reasonable, but we must warn any entomologist who may follow us to keep carefully all his captures and collecting material, etc., under lock and key during his stay, as the spirit of curiosity (and consequent loss or damage) is developed to an extra- ordinary degree at this hotel. We found insects in the Nyons district comparatively scarce, probably owing to the great drought of 1921, but during the four days we spent there we captured between us the following (omitting those very commonly met with anywhere): Papilio machaon, P. podalirius, P. alewanor, Gonepteryx cleopatra, Pieris manni (abundant), Melitaea dia, M. phoebe, M. didyma, Melanargia galathea var. procida, Kluyia spini, Nordmannia ilicis, Lycaena arion, Agriades thersites, Hirsutina admetus var. ripartii, Polyommatus escheri females only, Satyrus fidia (one taken by Mr. F. T. Gilliat), Satyrus circe, S. hermione, Coenonympha arcania, C. dorus, Epinephele jurtina var. hispulla, E. pasiphaé, and Polygonia egea. I also took the Paraneur- optera (Odonata) Cordulegasta annulatus (very common), Sympetrum meridionale, Lindenia forcipatus and Aeschna mixta (very abundant) ; the Hymenoptera Mylabris quadripunctata, Scolia hirta, Bombus ligusticus, Pimpla instigator, Halictus quadristrigatus, Anthophora quadrifasciata ; the Dipteron Selidopogon diademe, besides the Moths Zygaena lonicerae, 4. filipendulae, Z. ephialtes ab. athamanthae and Acontia lucida. P. alewanor was anything but common and after many hours hard work I only succeeded in getting two, both fine female specimens. The males were apparently quite over at this date. On July 8th we took the autobus to Rosans in the Hautes-Alpes, a distance of 89 odd miles, arriving there about 9 a.m. We soon found to our regret that the main object of our journey, Melanargia japygia, race cleanthe, the rarest of French Melanargias, was quite over this year, judging by the very few chipped and worn specimens met with. However, Mr. Gilliat took a nice series of Polyommatus admetus race ripartit, and amongst a number of very fresh M. galathea, race procida, which I secured, there was an extremely dark melanic form, which is very striking in appearance. At this place we took fresh Satyrus cordula, Pontia daplidice, Anthocharis cramert var. ausonia, and Scolitantides baton, with the Cicada, C. frawina, which was both noisy and abundant, flying from tree to tree on the lower sides of the slopes. The collecting ground at Rosans is very extensive, rising for some considerable distance behind the little hotel of the village. We can recommend this hotel for a few days stay; it is clean, the food is well served and tariff satisfactory. We returned to Nyons in the evening after a very interesting day. During our last day at Nyons, in a fruitless effort to get more specimens of P. aleavanor, of which we saw a few, but could not get near among the scrub on the steep hill- sides, I got a female Heodes dorilis and two H. alciphron var. gordius females. Nyons.was essentially the Land of Olive Trees and the little green berries will later on produce the full-grown fruit in December. 50 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. We left Nyons on July 10th, and as we had two hours to wait at Pierrelatte, we tried to collect along the banks of the P.L.M. main line in a tempestuous wind. In a few sheltered hollows we found Thymelicus acteon abundant, a specimen of Satyrus briseis, Agriades thersites and Acronicta rumicis, with some commoner insects. We stayed the night of July 10th at Aubagne, beyond Marseilles, and leaving early the next morning we reached the hotellerie at La Sainte Baume by autobus a little before midday. Most of the time we collected along the wooded escarpment at the back of the hotellerie ; and also along the broad and hot expanse of the Plan d’Aupe, a plateau of considerable length running roughly east and west from the hotellerie, which faces north; also about the top portion of the road leading from Ste. Baume to Nans, and on the zigzag path to Nans, which leads down off from the main road shortly after it begins to descend. We also found it well worth while to work the ground imme- diately in front of the hotellerie as far as and to the right of a large cross, standing high on some boulders to the north. It is prudent to keep well to the path here to avoid the dangerous boulders and the crevices which for the most part are difficult or impossible to cross. One day I walked to the Col de Bretagne, but met with nothing interesting after leaving the Plan d’Aupe, which swarmed with many species of Orthoptera, though the view of the hills of Provence and the sea beyond was very fine. Another day I walked up to the grotto of St. Mary Magdalene above the forest south of the hotellerie, but a camera is more useful than a net up there, and the views ought not to be missed. When we first arrived at Ste. Baume we found Polyommatus dolus in good condition, but not very common. It was distributed all round the borders of the forest land, and we afterwards found it much more abundant in the woody “ oases’’ stretching out from the main forest on to the Plan d’Aupe to the west of the hotellerie. S. actaea we found just coming out on rocky ground a little north of the hotellerie, to the right of the above-mentioned cross. Both sexes were out. Laeosopis roboris was much too worn, although we took a round dozen between us. It occurred mostly on the bushes and scrub on both sides of the Nans road, just where it begins to descend, and also along the ridge due west from this towards the direction of the above- mentioned cross. , Of Brenthis hecate a few fair specimens were obtained after careful selection on the outskirts of woods and on thistle heads among fir plantations, on the Plan d’Aupe. SS. brisets commenced to emerge about July 14th, and soon became exceedingly abundant in both sexes, the first female emerging a few days after the 14th. Many of the females were the aberration pirata. The second brood of Limenitis camilla was emerging at both Nans and Ste. Baume about July 16th. On the 18th the Rey. S. Gilliat and I descended to Nans by the zigzag footpath which is considerably shorter than the main road and we had a famous lunch at the Grand Hotel de Lorge at Nans-les- Pins’ to give the little place its full name. We found the proprietor very polite and he remembered the names of quite a number of British naturalists. On arriving at Ste. Baume I had been given the rooms which had just been vacated by Dr. Rosa, who had gone down to Nans, from where he wrote me, but unfortunately I did not see him A SUMMER HOLIDAY AT NYONS, ETC. 51 again at Nans as he had gone before I visited the village. On this visit to Nans we took the only Dryas pandora I have seen in Provence this year, a female of 6. hecate, a nice series of a small race of Hpinephele ida, which appears to reach its highest limit here a little way below the Hotel de Lorge, where I found it along a good path behind the hotel leading towards the village, Mrynnis altheae one, a very dark [iimicta phiaeas, and a speci- men each of Hesperia sao and H. carthami. We also took a small number of Zygaena occitanica, freshly emerged, and a couple of Z. fausta. Here as at Ste. Baume butterflies were comparatively scarce compared with the usual abundance in July in a normal year. The numerous carp in the Hotel ponds at Nans were stated to be 37 years old; they are well fed by the numerous summer visitors to the Hotel. Specimens of Libellula depressa in their full blue plumage were flying over these pools and could easily be caught when settled, as they frequently did. S. alcyone was flying all along the zigzag path between Nans and Ste. Baume in very fair condition. One day in the forest at Ste. Baume we met M. Francois Bernard of Dunkirk, a coleopterist and member of the Hnt. Soc. of France, who gave me a Specimen of Ledra aurita (Hem.) he had just taken. Besides the insects above mentioned we found between us in the Ste. Baume district (omitting the commoner species) the following Rhopalocera :—P. podalirius, P. machaon, Pieris mannit, Colias croceus, Gonepteryx cleopatra (abundant), Nordmannia ilicis, Strymon w-album, Bithys quercus (abundant, very large specimens), Muyouia polychloros, Polygonia c-album, Huvanessa antiopa, Melitaea athalia, M. cinxia, M. didyma, M. dia, M. parthenie, M. phoebe, Dryas paphia, with several very fine var. valesina, Argynnis cydippe, Celastrina argiolus (large), Scolitantides baton, Polyommatus escheri, Agriades thetis, A. coridon, A. thersites (fairly plentiful especially in fir copses just outside the edge of the forest), S. alcyone, S.circe, 8. brisets, Hpinephele lycaonand var. lupinus, a fine form of S. semele, Melanaryia yalathea tending towards var. procida, M. arge, M. syllius (one worn), Coenonympha dorus, C. pam- philus var. lyllus, Rumicia phlaeas var. eleus, Thymelicus acteon, Pyrgus proto, Hesperia onopordi male and female, ete. Heterocera :—Smerinthus quercis, Ino globulariae, Sesia asiliformis, Zygaena trifolii, Z. transalpina ab. astrayali, Z. fausta, Lithosia com- plana, Catocala conrersa, ('. nyniphaygoga, Polyphaenis sericata, Cilia glaucata, Pseudopterpna pruinata, Boarmia lichenaria, and Hylophila quercana. Coleoptera :—Strangalia armata, Ergates faber, Criocephalus rusticus, Leptura fulva, Trichodes alvearius, Mylabris quadripunctata, M. variabilis, M. 12-punctata, Clytus floralis, Leptura hastata, Cetonta aurata, Crypto- cephalus seamaculatus, Lampra festiva, Chlorophorus trifasciatus and Scarabaeus laticollis. Paraneuroptera :—Aeschna mixta, A. cyanea, Calopterya viryo, C. haemorrhoidalis (the two last caught at Ste. Maxime and given me), and Myrmeleon europaeus. Hymenoptera.—Ammophila sahulosa, Humenes unguiculus (a wasp, erroneously called a bee, Hnt. Rec., vol. xxxiy., p. 161), Polistes gallica, Bombus pratorum, Vespa germanica, Discolia quadripunctata, Bembex sinuata, Philanthus triangulum, Halictus sexcinctus, the Bra- conid Glyptomorpha pectoralis, and one of the rare Cryptochilus octo- maculatus, Anthophora gallica (dubia). 52, _ THE ENTOMOLOGIS1T’S RECORD. Orthoptera.—Aedipoda miniata, Caloptenus italicus and nymph, Oedalus nigrofasciatus (flavus), Decticus albifrons, Bacillus gallicus, Stenobothrus yrammicus, Barbitistes fischert, and Leptophyes puncta- tissima. ; . Rhynchota.—Ledra aurita, Cicada fravina, Pentatoma rufipes, Har- pactor tracundus, and Carpocoris purpuretpennis. Diptera. —Volucella inanis, V. zonaria, Sphaerophoria nigricoxa, Tabanus bovinus, Anthrax fenestrata, Fallenia fasciata, Stenopogon sabandus, and Selidopogon diademe. I was glad to take a good long series of Sesia asiliformis, all on one large blackberry bush still in blossom along the Nans road. The greatest disadvantage we found was the continuous very gusty wind which blew most days in full force across the Plan d’Aupe. Barring two very slight showers we had no rain at Ste. Baume. We found M. Pedone at the hotellerie most obliging and he is very anxious to increase the numbers of his British clientéle. It was not until July 20th that I succeeded in finding Hirsutina dolus in any number. Previously to that date we had found it very sparsely distributed in many places around the hotellerie. But on this date after déjetiner, towards 5 p.m., on the Plan d’Aupe, I dis- covered both sexes in considerable numbers at rest on long grass stalks in a sheltered position under one or two isolated trees, but still getting the rays of the afternoon sun. With them were a few Agriades coridun and C. pamphilus var. lyllus, with one or two Pyrgus. proto. These trees were the extension of a copse that juts out into the plain about two miles due west from the hotellerie on the left. It would seem from this that H. dolus is decidedly gregarious in its habits and so different from A. coridon, which rests scattered all over the plain on lavender, etc. Evidently this is the time of day to get H. dolus in any number at this locality. The species appears considerably less active than A. coridon. On July 22nd the Rev. S. W. E. Gillat gave me a specimen of the “stick insect ’’ he had taken, most probably coming from a fir-tree near by. Unfortunately we did not see any more and I was unable to observe its habits in the open. The species is Bacillus gallicus; it is herbivorous, sluggish and harmless, of a curious stick-like build, always apterous in Kurope. Only one other species occurs in S. Kurope and N. Africa, viz., B. rossii. They may be found all the year round in very hot places in the extreme South of Hurope. In France B. rossii has been taken at Hyéres, Cannes, Ste. Maxime and Draguignan, but the male is excessively rare. Our very pleasant visit to Ste. Baume was enlivened by the great numbers of pilgrims to keep St. Mary Magdalen’s day and who also on Saturdays and Sundays thronged the hotellerie. The legend of the grotto above the hotellerie has a great hold on the Provengals and one of the most beautiful sights I shall ever remember was that of the grotto chapel at midnight, lit up for mass, the rays of light streaming down over the dark and silent forest below, and the deep tones of the clear church bell as, in the stillness of night, it pealed forth its call to the assembled pilgrims to worship. We left Ste. Baume on July 24th, accomplishing the hazardous descent in safety, and went direct to Marseilles by way of Auriol, after a very happy and successful trip in Provence. NOTES ON COLLECTING.’ 53 On the way home, however, I spent a few days at Lardy, in the Department of the Seine-et-Oise, easily reached from Paris, Gare Austerlitz, in little more than an hour. There is a fine expanse of collecting ground here, on the uplands rising from just north of the railway immediately from the station. Colias hyale was in great abundance, P. machaon some and Lycaena arion; abundance of ‘ burnets”’ Zygaena fausta, Z. carniolica, Z. filipendulae, Z. ephialtes ab. athamanthae ; and Orneodes hevadactyla. Among the Hymenoptera were Philanthus triangulum, Athalia glabricollis, Bombus agrorum and Anthophora dispar. The Neuroptera were Ascalaphus longicornis female, and Chrysopa vulgaris. The Orthoptera were Ocdalus nigro- fasciata, the larva of a species of Mphippiyera and Oedipoda iminiata. In conclusion, | must express my best thanks to Messrs. Blair, China, Edwards, Tams, and Dr. Uvarov of the Natural History Museum, and to the Rey. F. D. Morice and Mons. J. M. R. Surcouf, of Paris, who have all invariably given me the kindest assistance in helping me to name some of the more unfamiliar species. YOTHES ON COLLECTING, etc. WakwicKsHIRE Recorps or IcHNeUMONIDAE (Continued).—Crye- TINAE.—Crotocryptus- parvulus, Gr.—Coombe, 9.v.20. Cubocephalus brevicornis, Tasch.—Brandon, 2.xi.19. CC. oviventris, Gr.—Stoke, 17.vii.20, rare. Microcryptus abdominator, Gr.—Stoke, 10.vi.18 ; 12.vii.19 ; 10.vii.21; Canley, 11.v.21. MV. leucostictus, Gr.—Stoke*, 22.v.20. Glyphicnemis profligator, Fab.—-Generally distributed. G. brevis, Gr.—Wyken, 4.vi.17. G. erythroyaster, Gr.—Stoke, 7.vi.21. Phygadeuon variabilis, Gr.—Coombe, 29.v.21. P. exvigquus, Gr. — Stoke, Wil; SC. 125 jamaor, Eve Sole, wjpiilS)s Alaa s lesen orn, 19.x.19. Panargyrops tenuis, Gr.—Stoke, 10.vi.17. Hemiteles necator, Gr.—Stoke, 10.v.21.. H. bicolorinus, Gr.—Stoke, 1.vi.19. AH. areator, Pz.—Common and generally distributed. A. cinyulator, Gr.—Stoke, 22.v.21. H. castaneus, Tasch.—Stoke, 15.vii.21. HA. similis, Gm.— Stoke, 16.xi.19; 24.vili.19; Coombe, 9.v.20. H. aestivalis, Gr.— Stoke, 28.viii.20. HAH. validicornis, Thms.—Stoke*, 1919. 4. politus, Bdg.—Stoke, vili.1916, 9. Pczomachus instabilis, Fst.— Ryton*, 1919. =P. intermedius, Fst.—Stoke*, 1919. Stilpnus gagates, Gr.—-Stoke, 10.vi.19; 26.v.20. 8S. blandus, Gr.—bBStoke, 16.vi.17; 1918; 8.vi.19; rare. Atractodes tenebricosus, Gr.—Stoke, 17.vii.20: 17.x.20; 1.v.21. A. bicolor, Gr.—Brandon, 24.viii.19 ; Coleshill Bog, 29.1x.19. <A. yilvipes, Hlgr.—Stoke, 22.v.19; 21.vi.l9. Haolytus laevigatus, Gr.—Bubbenhall, 10.vi.17. Pycnocryptus peregrinator, L.— Stoke, 1916; Brandon, 20.v.17; Wyken, 4.vi.17;- Bubbenhall, 10.vi.17. Spiloeryptus abbreviator, Fab.—Church Lawford, 27.vu.19. Goniocryptus titillator, L.—Coombe, 15.vili.20. Cryptus tarsoleucus, Schr.— Coventry, 1915, ¢. C. viduatorius, Fab.—Brinklow, 24.v.19. C. obscurus, Gr.—Generally distributed. Habrocryptus porrectorius, Fab.—Coombe, 9.v.20; Stoke, 8.x.21. Pimprinar.—Aylonomus securicornis, Hlgr.Ryton, 6.vi.20; Rare, 4th specimen known, 8rd Gt. Britain. Hphialtes carbonarius, Chr.— Waverley Wood, 22.ix.18, H. G. Wagstaff; Bubbenhall, 9° 9, 15.vili.20, F. Pepper. Perithous divinator, Rossi.—Stoke, viil.16, 2. ~ Pimpla ruficollis, Gr.—Waverley Wood, 24.viii.19, H. G. Wagstaff ; 54 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’ S RECORD. Bubbenhall, 7.ix.19, H. Cooke. P. brevicornis, Gr.—Stoke, vill.16; 10.ix.17; Bubbenhall, 16.ix.19; Brandon, 2.xi.19. P. detrita, Hler.— Brinklow, 2.viil.20. P. instiyator, Fab.—Common and generally dis- tributed. LP. turionellae, L. Common and generally distributed. P. maculator, Fab.—Common and generally distribnted. P. rufata, Gm. —Common and generally distributed. Clistopyya incttator, Fab.— Stoke, 26.v.19; 20.viii.19; Bubbenhall, 17.vili.19. Glypta parvi- caudata, Bdg.—Coleshill Bog, 27.1x.19, rare. G. scalaris, Gr.— Princethorpe, 26.vil.19. G. bifoveolata, Gr.—Stoke. 20.v.19; Tinton, 1.viii.20. G. flavolineata.—Bubbenhall, 27.vii.18; 29.vi.19; Kenil- worth, 8.vili.20. Cryptopimpla caligata, Gr.—Stockton, 28.vili.20 ; rare. Lissonota bellator, Gr.—Stoke, 16.vii.21. L. cylindrator, Vill.— Stoke, 17.vii.20; Brinklow, 2.vii.1920; Bubbenhall, 30.vil.21- L. L. sulphurifera, Gr.—Generally distributed. Meniscus catenator, Pz.— Coombe, 80.vi.18. Alloplasta murina, Gr-—Generally distributed. Phytodiaetus obscurus, Desy.—Coombe, 9.v.20. Lampronota melancholica, Gr.—Ryton, 6.vi.20. Collyria calcitrator, Gr.—Coventry, 1915. Banchus pictus, Wab.—Generally distributed. Maetastes cinctipes, Retz. —Generally distributed. H. laevigator, Vill—Bubbehnall, 10.vi.17. (Vo be continued.)—J. W. Saunt, 53, Enfield Road, Stoke, Coventry. GXJURRENT NOTES AND SHORT NOTICES. We congratulate Dr. G. A. KX. Marshall, C.M.G., F.Z.8S., F.1.8., on his election to a fellowship in the Royal Society. There are but too few representatives of our Science of Iintomology in the Society, and even that small number has been lessened of late by the deaths of Dr. T. A. Chapman and Mr. Elwes. May Dr. Marshall enjoy the honour for many years to come. SOCIETIES. Tue Sours Lonpon EnromonocicaL Socrery. November 23rd.—Annuat Exurpition.— Messrs. A. de B. Goodman and O. R. Goodman exhibited 63 species (out of 118) taken by them in the French Pyrenees (Orient.) in July, 1922, including Papilio poda- lirius race feisthamelit, Pieris mannt, Laeosopis roboris, Apatura ilia var. clytie, Aryynnis cydippe ab. cleodowa, and the form chlorodippe not previously recorded from French soil, Parnassius apollo ab. brittingert, Latiorina orbitulus race oberthurt, A. pyrenaica, Mrebia epiphron race pyrenaica, 14. manto race constans, EL. gorgone, I. lefebvret, ete. Lord Rothschild exhibited a series of over 500 British Arctia caja, including many aberrations, together with larvae, pupae, and parasites. He also exhibited for comparison a series of continental European typical specimens and aberrations, and the various Asiatic and Ameri- can geographical races of A. caja. He drew special attention to the Armenian and §. Caucasian race wiskutti, Stdgr., as being dimorphic, the g having white and the ° rose-coloured hindwings. The Japanese race was distinguished by its large size and heavy marking, while most of the American races have red tegulae (patagia). Mr. W. G. Sheldon, a series of about 700 Sarrothripus revayana, with all the named forms except ab. sayittata. Mr. EK. Kk. Green, a small collection of miscellaneous Arthropods SOCIETIES. 55 from Ceylon, including a large hunting spider (Paecilotheria), a“ Cobra”’ Mantis, a “lanternfly,” the ‘“‘ Caricature bug ’’ Cetacanthus, etc., and bred series of Pyramets cardui and Huvanessa antiopa, the latter from Gavarnie. Mr. H. A. Leeds, many aberrations of British Rhopalocera captured in 1922, including Melanargia yalathea with golden-tawny borders of all wings, and forms comparable to ab. procida, ab. caeca of Aphantopus hyperantus, ab. ptorsas of Strymon prunt, extra spotted Mpinephele jurtina, Argynnis aylaia and Coenonympha pamphilus with greatly increased area of wings melanic, numerous named forms of FPlebeius aegon, many combination aberrations of Ayriades coridon, named from Tutt’s British Lepidoptera, and many others. Rev. G. Wheeler, the type specimens of Loweta subalpina var. brun- nea, Nomiades semiargus ab. striata, Albulina pheretes ab. caeruleopunc- tata, etc., very fine striated forms of Glaucopsyche cyllarus, Polyommatus icarus, Heodes viryaureae var. zernattensis, and Loweia alciphron var. gordius, also fine series of Parnassius apollo ab. rufa, Apatura iris ab. tole, A. ilia var. clytie, ab. eos, etc., with many other species showing obsolescence or excess of spotting. Miss L. Cheesman, a Japanese Long-horned Grasshopper, Dies- trammena marmorata, a pest in greenhouses with orchids. Dr. G. 8. Robertson, 2nd, 8rd, and 4th generations of Catocala fraxini from Horsham ; the 4th gen. specimen was very pale, the 2nd gen. specimen very dark. Mr. H. B. Williams, the series of Muchloé cardamines with its named forms, described in 77ans. Lond. N. H. Sy., 1915, with many minor aberrations. Mr. R. Adkin, his series of Diacrisia mendica with all the naied forms, including the new race venosa and the new mongrel race siistura, with a series of Herse convolvuli, taken in his garden at Kastbourne. Mr. L. T. Ford, a short series of Peronea cristana from the Isle of Wight, including an ab. purdeyana, a form hitherto only taken at Folke- stone. Mr. Hy. J. Turner, two old entomological works, Moufet’s /nsect- orum sive Minimorum Animalium Theatrum, London, 1634, and Ulysses Aldrovandus, De Animalibus Insectis libri septem, (1602) 1638. Mr. A. A. W. Buckstone, a striated (underside) Brenthis enphrosyne, Kent, a dull brown Vanessa io, bred Lancashire, a melanic Tephrosia consonaria, Maidstone, extreme light and dark-banded Cvocallis elingu- aria, Wimbledon, ete. Prof. Bateson, forms of the leaf in Primula sinensis, represented as resulting from the combinations of three pairs of factors, any of which may be present or absent. Mr. A. W. Mera, a series of Psilura monacha, bred from 1918 parents in successive years, the tendency to melanism being fully maintained to the last. On behalf of Mr. Copeland, Mr. Mera exhibited some fine examples of Catocala nupta, with smoky hindwings, taken at Loughton in Sep- tember, 1918. Mr. W. J. Kaye, a pair of the hybrid Sphingid luctani, Denso, a cross between Pergesa porcellus 9 and DP. elpenor 8. Mr. W. Brocklehurst, a gynandromorph of Dryas paphia, New Forest, 1922, and the rare Notodonta tritophus, Bedford, light, May, 1907. 56 THE ENLOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. Mr. W. G. Nash, a gynandromorph of PD). paphia and var. valesina, New Forest, 1922, a nearly black g of A. coridon var. plumbescens, Royston, and an intersex of the same species without androconia, etc. Rev. J. EK. Tarbat, Xylophasia monoglypha from six localities, in- cluding an intensely black specimen from Mucking and a very pale form from Freshwater; also Dysstroma truncata from the latter place, one dark-banded, another with much grey suffusion. Mr. L. W. Newman, his 1922 captures of Agriades thetis, with ex- treme aberration in colour and marking, with 1921 series to show the contrast between the hot and cold season coloration, compared series of Melitaca aurinia from many localities, living pupa and imagines of Oolias croceus from September laid ova, and many other notable aberrations. Mr. R. T. Bowman, varied series of Polia chi and var. olivacea, and examples of Numerta pulveraria, showing aberrant coloration. Dr. E. A. Cockayne, on behalf of Mr. Arthur Dicksee, (1) Homoe- osis in Papilio horishanus, Formosa, (2) an aberration of g P. thaiwa- nus with an angulated instead of rounded hindwing, (3) a series of Agvias amydon showing stages in the development of a blue mark on the hindwing. : Mr. L. F. Hammond, an Hpinephele jurtina of a pale silvery grey ab. brigitta and an Aricia medon with the white coloration replaced by dull grey and lead colour. Col. R. H. Rattray, aberrations of British Lycaenidae, Agriades thetis § with light grey patches, g with dark leaden coloured bar across wines, Plebetus aeyon with similar patches, an _ inter- sex with androconia, Adopaea flava with glistening white patches, Zygaena filipendulae with confluent spots on right forewing, and Hipocrita jacobaeae with red costal streak united with the two outer marginal red spots, and Cupido minimus with incipient striation. Mr. B. H. Crabtree, aberrations of Argynnis aylaia black markings replaced by silver, ab. albomaculata, and another with forewings black shot with dark green and only a few fulvous spots, a third with exten- sive coalition of silver on the underside, and upperside nearly spotless, with series of aberrations of A. thetis and A. coridon. Mr. B. W. Adkin, a small suffused A. aglaia, A. cydippe with en- larged markings, Vanessa io specimens with very variable borders to forewings. Mr. C. H. Williams, aberrations of A. grossulariata and A. coridon. Mr. G. H. Cornish, on behalf of Mr. Juby, a Rumicia phlaeas with the red marginal band represented by red dots, ab. radiata. Mr. A. Ki. Tonge, R. phlaeas ab. schmidtii, bleached forms of H’pine- phele jurtina, striated and obsolete forms of A. coridon, A. thetis, ete. Mr. D. Pearson, Polyommatus icarus from Notts, 1922, a fine gynan- dromorph, left side J , right side ¢, various blue ?s, some with well- marked lunules, and a large number of varied forms of Rhopalocera taken in the Kastern Pyrenees; anda drawer of Melitaea didyma, referring especially to the very remarkably dark variegated Gavarnie females. Mr. W. F, H. Rosenberg, rare Lepidoptera from 8. America, Papilio euterpinus, Pereute beryllina, the Saturnitdae, Coptopteryx sonthonnaxt, C. derceto, Loxolomia serpentina, the first of which had strong sexual dimorphism in the form of the hindwings, ete. Subscriptions for Vol. XXXV. (10 shillings) should be sent to Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Gross, S.E.14 [This subscription includes al! numbers published from January 15th to December 15th, 1923.] Non-receipt or errors in the sending of Subscribers’ magazines should be notified to Mr. Herbert EH. Page, “Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, 8.E.14 _ ADVERTISEMENTS of Books and Insects for Sale, or Books wanted willbe nserted at a minimum charge of 2s. 6d. (for four lines). Longer Advertisementsin proportion. A reduction made for a series, Particulars of Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Cross, 8.B. 14 Subscribers who change their addresses must report the same to Mr. H. 1. Paar “ Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, London, 8.H., otherwise their magazines will probably be delayed. Desiderata.—Foreign examples, local races, vars. and abs. from all parts 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 Road, London, N. 1. ; Duplicates.—Aglaia, Adippe, *Io, T. quercus, Coridon vars., *Fuliginosa (Reading), *B. quercus ¢, Tiliew, Menthastri, *Linariata, Aurantiaria, Leucophearia vars. Paniscus. Desiderata.—Pupx of Dictwoides; Imagines of typhon, palpina, camelina (dark), Curtula, Pyra, and numerous others; Ova of Hispidaria. —Harold B. Williams, 114a, Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. Duplicates. —Sybilla, Paphia, Io (2), Selene, Lucina (2), Ocellatus, [llustraria (autumn) Nastata, Roboraria ¢ , Prunaria (4) 3, Tipuliformis. Desiderata.—Castreusis 3 , Cucullina, Cribrum, Cinerea, Ravida, Ashworthii, Notata, Obfuscaria, Smaragdaria and others, alse yars. and local forms.—Harold E. Winser, Kent House, Cranleigh. Duplicates.—Cinxia, Bellargus, Coridon, H. Comma, Lineola, Galathea, Moneta, Nupta, and many others. Desiderata.—Blandina, Irish Icarus, Carmelita, Cuculla. Gonostigma, Ashworthii, Templi, Australis, Undulata, Smaragdaria, Testacea.— W. Gifford Nash, Clavering House, Bedford. Duplicates.—-Cinerea ¢ , fine forms, grey, brown and blackish, Maritima and vars. Immorata and other Hast Sussex species. Desiderata.—Pupse. Luteago (Barrettii), Caesia, Albimacula, Alpina, Xanthomista, Sparganii, Dissoluta (Arundineta), Graphalii. Also imagines of extreme forms Noctue in fine condition only.—A. J. Wightman, 35, Morris Road, Lewes. MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. Entomological Society of London.—41, Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, 5.W.7, 8p.m. March 21st; April 4th. The South London Entomological and Natural History 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.H.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 E.C. 2, first and third Tuesdays in the month, at 6.30 p.m. Visitors welcomed. Hon. Sec. 50 Wen Gurce, 44, Belfast Road, N. 16. _ All MS. and editorial matter should be sent and all proofs returned to Hy. J. Tunnzr, 98, Drakefell Road, New Cross, London, §.H.14 We must earnestly request our correspondents nor to send us comniunications IDENTICAL with those they are sending to other magazines. - Lists of Dupxicares and Drsipzrata should be sent {direct to Mr. H. HK. Page, Bertrose, Gellatly Road, New Cross, 8.H. 14 OVA, LARVAE, AND PUP. The Largest Breeder of Lepidoptera in the British Isles 1s H. W. HEAD, Gitomalonist, BURNISTON, Nr. SCARBOROUGH. Full List of Ova, Larvae, and Pupae, also Lepidoptera, ness Cabinets etc., sent on application. Many Rare British Species and Good Varieties for Sale. MOUNTING OUTFITS. A simple and permanent method for mounting insects, &e. Adapted by the Entomological Dept. Royal College of Science, London. Price 3/- Peds") | and 6/- Bee) HARBUTT’S PLASTIGINE, LTD. 56, LUDGATE HILL, E.C.4, and BATHAMPTON, nr. BATH. AGENT— 6G. AL BENTALL, F.ZS., Naturalist, 392, Strand, W.6.2. ‘1. Y POA, ~ pile A Photographic ATLAS OF DIPTERA. Series 1, 10/-, 155 plates; Series 2, 15/-, 125 plates. ~ By E. K. PEARGE, F.E.S. Obtainable from ali booksellers, or from— CAMBRIDGE UNIWERSITY PRESS, Fetter Lane, E.C.4. ; MAY & 1923 Ce Subscriptions are now due. = eee ses oa ok No. 4. Che The Entomologist’s Record Journal of Vari ation ‘ Hprreb BY Ricaarp S. BAGNALL, F.t.s., F.z.s. Jas. Ki. COLLIN, ¥.E.S. Grorce T.. BETHUNE-BAKRER, F.1.8., F.E.S. H. Sr. J. K. DONISTHORPH, F.z.»., ».H.8. M. BURR, D.8¢., F.L.S., F.Z.8., F.B.S. Joun Harrimy DURRANT, F-5.s. (Rev.) C. R. N. BURROWS, F.xz.s. Aurrep SICH, r.n.s. E. A. COCKAYNE, m.p., ¥F.E.s. : (Rrv.) Grorezs WHEELER, m.a., F.z-8. and Henry J. TURNER, v.«.s., Hditorial Secretary. ‘CONTENTS. PAGE Notes on the Psychides, Rev. C. R. N. Burrows, F.E.S. . a 38 Bk vA ae a7 What is a Species? the late Dr. d. Chapman, F.R.S., F.Z.S... ays a ie a 62 “Entomological Notes from Putney for 1922, H. Donisthorpe, F.Z.S., FHS. Bie 7 64 ‘The Distress of Russian Entomologists, Dr. Malcolm Burr, F.E.S. .. 2 se 65 Norres on CottEectine :—Warwickshire Records of Ichneumonidae, J. W. Saunt; Faaly emere re of P. rapae, Alice K. Locke; Records of Anopheles Species, A ED "Hamm, F.E.S.; C. 11- Se ab. lemani, n.ab., 7. F. ee F.E.S.; La Sainte Baume in July, 1922, G. H. Gurney, F.E. ics : : : 66 Current Norrs anpD SHortT Novices ee . a Si ; 3 oe 68 ~ Societies :—The South London Entomological Socidtye ; the Entomological Society the Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society .. ei : Bc ae 69 ‘Reviews anp Novices or Booxs .. BO List of the Races of the epee of Poninculle aly, Roger Verity, M. D. ands Orazio — Querci 5)—(8) APRIL 15th, 1929. Price ONE SHILLING (wu), Subscription for Complete Volume, post free (Inoluding all DOUBLE NUMBERS, eto.) TEN SHILLINGS, tO BE VORWARDED TO MERBE Rol 2 aPAGE.2-F.E:S.. ‘‘ BeRTROSH,’”? GELLATLY Roap, New Cross, 8.H, 14. Communications have been received or have been promised from Messrs. Hy. J. Turner, H. Donisthorpe, Dr. Verity, J. H. Durrant, G. T. Bethune- oS Alfred Sich, the late Dr. T. A. Chapman, Dr. BE. A. Cockayne, C. R. N. Burrows, J. W. Saunt, Wm. Fassnidge, H. A. Butler, with Reports of Societies and Reviews. va Ce WATKINS é DONCASTER (ESTABLISHED 1879) 36, Strand, London, W.C.2. Telephone: GERRARD 9451. re Gs) : 4 Manufacturers and Suppliers of = :: Natural History Requisites of all Kinds. Ca binets. Best Dae) pd mst All sizes at AS lowest prices on view at above address. Large stocks kept of British Lepidoptera e Palzarctic and Exotic Species. Lists on application. D) ) Large selection of British and Bird S Egés. European Eggs, singles and in sets with data, always on hand. Books A varied and extensive stock on Entomology e ; [=2) and all Branches of Natural History. GENERAL CATALOGUE SENT POST FREE. 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. LANTERN SLIDES MADE TO ORDER FROM ANY SPECIMEN OR COLOURED DRAWING, PHOTOS IN COLOUR OF LARVA, LIFE SIZE, ON IYORINE TABLETS TO PIN IN THE CABINET. For List apply to— CHARLES D. HEAD, Cherrymount, Donnycarney, DUBLIN. Bexley] L. WW. 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, etic., 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, pos free. Re-fills, 2/3 ll], 3/3 large, post free. See ee MAY 5 1923 NOTES ON THE PSYCHIDES. 57 Notes on the Psychides. By the Rey. C. R. N. BURROWS, F.E.S. (Continued from page 43.) Luffia lapidella.—Claimed by Tutt as a denizen of the British Islands, has up to the present evaded my search. Apparently widely distributed on the Continent, it reaches the Channel Islands, where, from the number of larvae sent to me by the late Rev. F. EK. Lowe of Guernsey, it would appear to swarm upon his Vicarage garden wall. The male has never been found in Great Britain, but it is included in Tutt’s work on the strength of the supposed capture of the female on the South Coast. I have not myself received any females from the south of England, which differ in the slightest detail from the ubiquitous L. ferchaultella. The tarsal formula for the female lapidella would appear to be 4-4-4, that of ferchaultella every possible combination of 4 and 8, as is pointed out by Tutt, even to 2-2-2, for the joints are fused without limit. I bred a male of lapidella from Guernsey in 1917, which became violently excited when introduced to a female of L. ferchaultella. Copulation appeared to ensue, but instead of only lasting a few minutes, as is the usual case with Psychides, this continued for half-an- hour. The female did not lay a single egg. As the eggs in this genus are laid into the empty pupa-shell, which remains within the larval case, I examined this shell and found it to be quite empty. Never before have I known ee of these females die without laying. Amongst the L. lapidella from Guernsey I found at least one female of L. ferchaultella. Possibly the larva had wandered, or been collected from, a neighbouring post or tree. L. ferchaultella, Steph. (=pomonae, Stainton).—The fences, posts, and trees, in this district are generally crowded with cases of this male-less, and therefore parthenogenetic species, in separate colonies rather than continuously. I have watched the growth of these colonies. A new length of ‘“ Yarra wood” railway fence + mile long constructed some 15-20 years ago, showed no signs, at first, of this species. Having found a Solenobia thereon, confined to about twenty yards at one extremity, I have watched the fence rather narrowly. At first ferchaultella was absent. I chose the unoccupied pales at the further extremity, as a suitable situation on which to plant out a number of cases of Solenobia lichenella from Wellington, Berks, sent by Mr. Hamm. These were evidently mixed with the present species, for lichenella disappeared, but ferchaultella remained, a single colony at first, and at the present patches occur along the whole length. This is the species which created a great deal of interest in the Bristol district some years ago, about which Harding wrote in the! MOVE) vol! viz, pp. 91-938 (£869), and vol. xii, p. 208 (1876), suggesting that it is the apterous, and parthenogenetic female of Narycia monilifera. Mr. Hudd through Mr. G. C. Griffiths of Clifton, handed over to me a card which Harding had arranged to illustrate. his theory. This card has two series of larval cases, the first evidently of NV. monilifera, the second of this species. ‘Below are 5 circles drawn in ink, and lettered, ** Apterous females of S. pomonae.”’ The females had disappeared*. __ * Referring to the female Psychides it is curious to notice how exceedingly liable they seem to be to the attacks of the Psocids, Acari, and such like unwelcome Aprit 15TH, 19238. 58 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. It is certain that Harding did not realise that a winged female N. monilifera had laid her eggs among his ferchaultella. This has happened several times to me. Tutt says that the females of ferchaultella do not “ call’? upon emergence, and Chapman separated, under the name of L. maggiella, a race whose females do ‘‘call.” I have repeatedly found females which do ‘‘ call,’ and Mr. Metcalfe received from Whittle, who collected them at Wicken, specimens which also “called.”’ The distinction here would appear to be rather forced. Masonia crassiorella.—Another species which is credited with occurring in Great Britain. I can find no British male among Chapman’s material, although there may possibly be some amongst the unlabelled specimens named as this species. Nowhere have I found any specimens amongst the material sent to me by friends. Chapman shows that the continental males will pair with females from the South of England. It is possible that what I found to occur between the two Luffias, also occurs with this insect. Yet I cannot but regard the species as a most unsatisfactory one. The difference in the position of the base of the anterior tibial spur, from that in Fumea casta, seems to me to be a small matter, when all other dis- tinctions only amount to a question of size and colour. If the large number of specimens in my hands be correctly named (tested by the position of the base of the anterior tibial spur) then there is a very great variation in size amongst théjmagines. I have now in my hands a race Sent to me by Count H. Turati, of Milan, which appears to be this insect. The imaginest appeared in 1922 before my local F'umea casta emerged. I am hoping with the progeny, now half ‘grown, to be able to discover whether crassiorella will pair with the Fumea casta from Mucking. I have not been able to learn anything more about Proutia eppingell Tutt, and Masonia edwardsella, Tutt, the types of which are in the British Museum, nor of J. miifomielan Chapman, M. hibernicella, Chapman, and Fumea scotica, Chapman. It may be that the fine distinctions upon which these species were founded, are but extremes where variation is considerable. The last time I saw F. G. Whittle, he brought me a large /wmea from Scotland under the firm conviction that he had taken F’. scotica. So far as this insect is “large and robust,” all was satisfactory, but the tibial formula proved it to be probably only casta. The parthenogenetic powers of the Psychides have not forced them- selves upon my attention. L. ferchaultella is confessedly so, but of that of other species I have not been able to convince myself. In the case of the three Solenobias which I find in Mucking, I have no absolute confirmation. With the large species which occurs commonly upon the posts by the river wall, upon gate posts along the roads, and found by Whittle upon posts in different parts of the marshes, I have visitors to the collection. Should such reach a-case of Psychides, the females, pinned and carded, are the first to suffer, and I rarely find a perfect specimen, with antennae and legs intact under such circumstances. + It is noteworthy that these imagines upon emergence exhibited a very bright fiery red sheen, which rapidly passed away. The same evanescence of colour appears to be exhibited by Ptilocephala bicolorella, Bdy., which is reduced to P. angustella, H.S., very shortly after emergence. NOTES ON THE PSYCHIDES. 59 found the females which are collected after emergence produce, as a rule, fertile eggs; while those which emerge in captivity, do not. It is the same with the small species which I call inconspicuella, and with the third species which I find upon the “ Yarra wood” fence. This would appear to prove the existence of the male, yet all my attempts to find that sex have failed. I have never bred a specimen amongst the large number which I have collected in the course of years. I have also failed in my attempts at “assembling,” and even in trapping him should he come when I was not present. I contrived a little trap which ought to have revealed his presence. Taking a chip box I placed a fresh female therein, and covered the open box with a piece of muslin, secured by an elastic band. In the centre of the muslin I then made a hole with the point of a pencil, just sufficiently large for his passage. The pencil leaves a slight “turning in” of the muslin round the hole, which I imagined would deter the invading insect from returning the way he came. No vestige of a visitor has ever appeared. I have netted in my garden Narycta monilifera, Diploma hermainata, Fumea casta, Epichnopteryx pulla, and Taiaeporia tubulosa, but no Solenobia. There is little question but that the Psychides exhibit periods of abundance alternated with times of scarcity. At Brentwood during April and May, 1886-7-8, I found innumerable males of inconspicuella _ upon Thorndon Park fence. From the latter year until I left the district in 1890 I found no more imagines or cases. I have paid occasional visits since, and Whittle used to search nearly every year, and was rewarded once by capturing a male. Doubtless had I lived upon the spot I might have experienced another year of abundance. It would appear to be much the same with other species. Norgate found large numbers of larvae of Pachythelia villosella in the New Forest, August 21st, 1879. He described his takings as ‘a band box full” (Tutt, vol. xi. p. 412, wrongly ascribes the record to me). I found upon the river wall at Rainham a swarm of F/pichnopterya pulla males, females, and cases. Mr. Hayward of Repton, writes me that on Cannock Chase, in April, 1920, he found large numbers of males of a Solenobia, flying and at rest. Specimens of these sent to me, judged by size and colour might probably as well be named S. nickerlit, as S. inconspicuella. Bankes’ success with B. staintoni may be another instance. Contrasted with these experiences of abundance I would mention that for the last two years the commonest species have been rarely met with, even in the spots where they have been previously plentiful. The reason for the variability of these insects, as also with most Lepidop- tera is probably to be ascribed to the variability in weather conditions. Bruand also complains that after hard winter weather, he found several of his species disappear from their usual haunts. The Psychides, at least such as I know, appear to feed chiefly during the winter, and to aestivate during the hotter part of the summer. Such Psychides as I have had the opportuuity of rearing in captivity, that is to say, those which occur, and are obtainable in Britain, are not difficult to deal with, so long as, if there be any doubt about providing proper food and surroundings, the larvae are not collected very long before pupation. I lost a number of Luffia lapidella from this cause, the tree-lichens at my disposal not suiting the rock- 60. THE ENTOMOLOGIS®’S RECORD. lichen feeding larvae. My experience is thus limited to our smaller species, suchas feed upon lichens and low-growing plants. The great enemy of the would-be rearer is mildew, and yet the food must be kept fairly moist, for, should it become dry the larvae cease to eat, I am now feeding my Italian Masonias upon dead, partly rotten, plum and other leaves, green grass, apple peel, rose petals, etc. They are also carnivorous, taking readily to dead flies, smashed Aphides, Lepi- doptera, and even cooked, or raw, meat. But the consumption of food is remarkably small, and I am inclined to think that variety rather than quantity, is the desideratum with these really small larvae. Rearing from the egg is a somewhat tedious business, as attention must be continued throughout the winter during which the vreater part of the larval state is passed. I have however brought through Fumeas, and these Masonias, without much difficulty, but have never attempted to rear Solenobias, which appear to require a particular lichen growing upon posts and fences, rather than living wood, or upon rocks and stones, and therefore difficult to keep under natural conditions. It is necessary to contine such small captives somewhat closely, and I rear them in 4in. glass topped, metal boxes, with a little earth or sand at the bottom, a bit of lichen covered bark, and anything in the way of food which may come to hand, all kept moist and frequently renewed to avoid mildew. I can give an example of the life-cycle of such a Psychid. Ova laid by the Masonia received from Count EK. Turati, of Milan, in May, hatched about June 4th, 1922, and the young larvae, as is their habit, first employed their energies in fabricating their tiny, smooth cases from gnawed flakes of the inner part of some bark. ‘They appear to have commenced to construct their “ faggot’? covering in August, from chopped up, fine, dry, grass stems provided for this purpose. They were eating leaves, by preference withered or dead in October, having passed a time, during the hottest weather, in quiet aestivation. I bred a male on December 21st which lived without attention until the 25th. This must have been an unusual occurrence brought about by the artificial conditions under which the insects were being reared. Since that date no more have emerged, and I have now (March) a mixture of a majority of large cases, probably nearly full size, and of a minority which are still small. Most of them are still feeding. They evince a great partiality for fresh flowers of Laurestinus, Myosotis, etc., making for the centre of the blossom in search of the nectar, it would seem. The larger larvae have been adding flat shreds of dead leaves to their cases, the result being that the customary ‘“faggot’’ case is entirely altered in appearance. ‘The captives appear to live in perfect amity, possibly so long as they are of the same family and, species. But sometimes tragedies occur. I had sent to me in a small box, a /umea, and a Narycia monilifera. Upon arrival I found that the F’wmea had devoured its companion. Whether it had died before it was seized it is not possible to say, if not there must have been a deliberate attack on the part of the Fumea. Yet my Masonias live in peace with a number of Psocidae, Poduridae, and Ovibatidae, and no living insects which I have introduced have suffered unless previously crippled. In these cases, and with green food, the principle desire would appear to be to extract the juices, rather than devour the substance. I have NOTES ON THE PSYCHIDES. 61 however seen a larva of Diploduma herminata with a large part of its body inside that of a dead fly. The use of insect remains in the covering of the cases does not appear to me to be absolute evidence that the former owners had fallen victims to the wearer, but rather perhaps that the larvae had come acrogs the remains when foraging about amongst the low growth in search of food and building material. One very curious habit of some of these larvae has puzzled me much. While rearing N. monilifera, and the Luffias, and I believe also the Solenobias, I have frequently discovered cases attached open- ine to opening. I thought at first that these were proofs of intended murder, but examination showed that both larvae were quite well and happy. The cases are spun together by the edges of the openings. How long this conjunction continues I do not know. I have preserved a pair of these coupled cases intact, in order that I may retain evidence of the fact. This habit must, | presume, be confined to the species which reside in smooth cases, as such an association would be difficult to those which construct more complicated habitations. Coming now to the description of individual specimens, it is necessary that I should use for the sake of brevity and compactness the numbers which I have attached to each. I must explain that I have actually several separate collections, each of which has had to receive a distinctive designation. C.I. Nos. 1-599.—Sienify Chapman’s mixed accumulation of imagines of Fumea, Bruandia, and Masonia, and such further material as I have been able to add thereto. EK. Nos. 600-699.—assigned to Hpichnopteryx, but scarcely used, as no important differences have been discoverable amongst the specimens of H’. pudla. Coll. (or C.) Nos. 700—.—The inclusive collection of imagines of Palaearctic species, Chapman's, and my own additions. C.M. Nos. 1—.—Chapman’s mounts. My own mounts bear the same numbers as the imagines from which the parts were taken. I have already stated that I have been unable to learn more about some of the new, and obscure, species included in Tutt’s list. These were largely differentiated by Chapman, upon the relative position of the base of the spur upon the tibia of the front leg of the male. The formula used (Tutt p. 299) is ‘‘ we may express the length of the spur by the distance of its point of origin from the end of the tibia, by a decimal . . . . This affords a specific character of some value.” This formula appearing to me to be somewhat vague (inasmuch as the leneth of the spur does not actually come into the calculation), I appealed to the Rev. J. W. Metcalfe of Torquay (whose great devotion, and kindness in measuring for me many hundreds of specimens has been invaluable) to devise a better, clearer, form. He accordingly supplied me with the following—which exactly coincides with my idea of Chapman’s meaning, and has been used by us in all measurements of the tibiae :—‘‘ For purposes of comparison, we employ the ratio of the length of the tibia beyond the origin of the spur, to the whole length of the tibia.” The great trouble remains that it is often exceedingly difficult to 62 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. decide upon the exact terminations of the tibia, as they are confused by the joints connecting with the other members, with the result that ‘the personal equation” largely effects the result, and I find myself frequently more or less out of agreement with both Chapman and Metcalfe. This difficulty will in a measure explain, even if it does not excuse, some of the divergences which may be discovered in the follow- ing details. These explanations become necessary when I approach the question of the new British species separated by Chapman, and Tutt, premising that Masonia edwardsella, Tutt, and Fumea germanica, Chapman, are not British. (Lo be continued.) What is a Species ? By the late Dr. T. A. CHAPMAN, F.R.S., F.Z.S., F.H,S. This is an abstract question and may, according to the way in which it is approached and the kind of answer that will be accepted, be a very easy or a very difficult one. What is wanted, however, is not a reply to an abstract question, but a reply to the concrete one, Are two groups of individuals all of the same species, or is each group of a species distinct from the other; and by what criterion shall we arrive at a just conclusion ? To follow the evolution of our idea of species I may be allowed to revert for a moment to the abstract question. I may, as having a pre- Darwinian memory, refer to the answer that still found most acceptance fifty years ago, and even later; not that our present answer was want- ing, but that it wanted the support that the Darwinian explanation gives. The answer was, that a species is a group of individuals all descended from separately created ancestors, presumably such a pair as was preserved by Noah, and consequently all related to one another and unrelated to any other individuals. How far have we travelled from this conception? To frame a definition of our present idea of a species as nearly as may be in the terminology of the older one, I might say that a species is a group of individuals which might all be supposed to be descended from a single pair with distinctive characters, and within a moderate (though indefinite) period. We suppose a species usually to arise by the isolation of a section of a pre-existing species, variation and selection producing the neces- sary modifications. And the new species, it is often pointed out to us, is descended, not from a single pair, but from the whole (possibly very large) isolated section. This is true in a sense, but qua distinct species, the modified older idea of an ancestry limited to a single pair is more nearly true. The species is distinct, because it has, under an altered environment, acquired by variation and selection certain new distinct characters. These distinct characters, preserved and cultivated because valuable under the new circumstances, may have originated in the isolated section frequently, and got lost by sheer accident, but one day anu indi- vidual possessing the required character (no doubt usually in a very moderate degree) left progeny, a fair proportion of which inherited the character, and from this basis the new character in its full develop- WHAT IS A SPECIES ? 63 ment became finally built up. Probably each feature characterising the new species originated in this way from one individual, and so there is only one ancestor for each distinctive character, or correlated group of characters. If however we select one distinctive character of the species, we have descent from one ancestor, as well no doubt as from many others, but this one ancestor is distinctive from everything represented in the present species. It may even be a question, how far infertility with related species may be due to the final dominance of the strain of this important primary individual. When a species is dividing into two or more distinct ones by isolation, there must be a longer or shorter period during which they are still one species, and finally a date at which they are perfectly distinct. Mathematically we might say, there must bea particular moment before which they are one, after which they are two species. Biologically, or at least experimentally, this is not the case, there is a period during which the matter remains doubtful. Probably if we had a sieve suitable for sifting the individuals, we should find that some individuals were already distinct, that others were less differentiated ; still more probably, if each individual could be sifted, some of its elements would be found distinct, others still in common. This latter is probably the case in species that are, and have very long been, somewhat widely distinct species. The common elements, how- ever, are unable to declare their affinity in face of predominance of the immeasurable elements, since all must develop more or less together. If this be so, absolute distinction for practical purposes declares itself long before complete distinction of all the elements of the germ plasm is achieved. But going in the other direction, must we not equally conclude that we may have distinctness of the character that we look for in species, in many elements of the germ plasm, long before they have any influence in producing infertility between individuals that possess them and those that do not. Following out the ideas thus suggested, specific distinction might be defined as immiscibility of germ plasm, and distinct species would be those where individuals possess a certain (possibly variable in different families and genera) definite proportion of such immiscible germ-plasm. It would result from this that there may be between two races the greatest variation in the amount of specific distinctness, and that this indefiniteness is a matter of fact and not of the personal equation of the observer. This might be taken to be arguing in a circle, were it not that instances of this vagueness of specific distinctness are not rare phenomena, but abound on all hands. What J have said gives my ideas, not of species but of what con- stitutes specific differentiation. My idea of species is to take something out of this that will be useful for practical purposes. I conclude that the races of peas experimented on by Mendel and Bateson are all of one species, but I should postulate that they possess some elements of specific distinctness. Smerinthus ocellatus and popult, on the other hand, are distinct species, but still possess some elements that are specifically identical. Trying to frame a general test that would separate these pairs of forms that are always regarded as of one species, from those that are 64 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. always regarded as two, should incidentally give some guidance (which after all is only some useful rule for ordinary rough purposes) on the doubtful and intermediate races, the conditions force us to take one of the degrees of miscibility. What this degree shall be, must in the end, be such a practical one as will appeal to the ordinary field naturalist, is in fact dependent on the personal equation, and the personal equa- tion must be that, if we can ascertain it, of the man who is practically dealing with specific forms in life. Such a test seems to be that if the two forms placed together in a suitable environment, mix readily to a common and ayerage form, then they are one species, if not, tkey are distinct. A common and average form must be interpreted broadly, and would include alternative and mutually exclusive variations, and so on. If the two forms appear to mix freely, and the mixed form reverts at once to one or other of the parent forms (apart from selection due to unsuitable environment) then the species are distinct. Such a test is however a counsel of perfection, the time and pains necessary to apply it to a given case will rarely be held to be remuner- ative, and what we really have to do is to bring in once again the personal equation, and decide, as best we may, from our other know- ledge of the two forms, what would be their behaviour were such a test appled. Entomological Notes. from Putney for 1922. By H. DONISTHORPE, F.Z.S., F.E.S. January 11th.—Forficula auricularia, out on footpath. February 23rd.—Coccinella bipuncta, on a fence. February 28th.—A % of Apis mellifica, on the wing. March 8th.—Vespa vulgaris 2 , on the wing. April 15th.—Coccinella 7-punctata, on a fence; Vespa vulgaris 2, on the wing. April 23rd.— Bombus sp.? flying in my garden. April 29th.— Geotrupes sylvaticus, a very small brightly coloured specimen walking on Putney Common. May 20th.—Phymatocera aterrima (Solomon’s Seal Saw-fly), flying In my garden. May 22nd.—Atomaria linearis, flew into my study window. May 23rd.—Phlogophora meticulosa (the Angleshades Moth), on a fence. June 2nd.—Pygaera bucephala (Buff-tip), and Lucanus cervus, on & fence in my garden. July 18th.—Lucanus cervus 2, on a fence in Oakhill Road. July 20th.—RKhizotrogus solstitialis, quite a small specimen at large in my garden. This is the first time I have noticed this beetle at Putney, though no doubt it is not uncommon. In July, 1920, how- ever, I let loose in my garden a number of specimens which I had brought up from Cornwall; and the specimen in question may have sprung from them. August 10th.—Calathus flavipes, on the pavement. August 24th.—Pyrameis atalanta (the Red Admiral), in the garden ; Tenebrio molitor, on the pavement. THE DISTRESS OF RUSSIAN ENTOMOLOGISTS. 65 September 18th.—Pentatoma rujfipes, in Hazlewell Road ; a speci- men was taken near the same spot on September 15th, 1920. September 20th.—Oxytelus sculptuwratus, on a window in my study. September 21st.—A large green Dragon-fly was observed flying up and down Hazlewell Road, and hawking winged ants during a marriage flight of the latter. October 1st.—A number of small Lepidopterous larvae were hang- ing by threads from the Laburnum tree in the front garden. I un- fortunately did not capture any at the time, and I did not see them again. October 7th.—Tortria pronubana, flying in some numbers in my garden. This species was very abundant all over Putney in 1922. The grass-hopper, recorded in 1920, was very common in my garden in 1922. I had never seen it previous to August 28th, 1920. October 8th.—Vespa vulgaris g , flying in Hazlewell Road. October 26th.—Quite a number of ¢ wasps (Vespa vulgaris) were noticed in the window of a confectioner’s shop in Hast Putney. November 8th and 25th.—A specimen of Geotrupes spiniyer, on the pavement in Hazlewell Road. On October 15th, 1892, I took a num- ber of this species in fields at Putney, situated just about where my house stands to-day ! December 12th.— Coccinella 7-punctata, on my fence. December 24th.—A Queen Wasp (Vespa vulgaris), picked up in a dormant condition on the pavement. When brought into a warm room she revived and crawled aloo, but went to sleep again when placed in a cold room. December 29th.— Pseudococcus Vikan. The colony of this scale insect recorded on October 29th, 1921, which occurred on a Laburnum tree in Oakhill Road, was as abundant, or more so, than ever. The Distress of Russian Entomologists. Ata recent meeting of the Entomological Society of London, the sum of 20 dollars was voted by the Society, and another 20 dollars subscribed among the Fellows, to send a remittance of food and cloth- ing to the President of the Russian Entomological Society, Andrei Petrovich Semenov-Tian-Shansky, Hon.F.E.S., who is living under distressful conditions in Petrograd; yet in spite of this, and of his rapidly failing eyesight, he is continuing to carry on his entomological work. The Russian Entomological Society, under his guidance and en- couraged by his devotion and enthusiasm, is also carrying on its labours; in the face of innumerable difficulties, the members have succeeded in producing their Review, copies of which have reached Hogland. The splendid work done by this school of Entomologists is, perhaps, not well enough known in Britain, except to specialists, but it is almost to them alone that we owe our present knowledge, which is considerable, of the immensely rich, interesting and important fauna of Central Asia, Siberia and the Caucasus. Yet these men can scarcely keep body and soul together, and many have families to support, while few can buy the clothing which is urgently needed. This state of affairs must seriously prejudice the efficiency of their scientific work and thus hinder the progress of Entomology. 66 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. In order to help them, a small committee has been formed, with the object of collecting funds and remitting them to the Russian Entomological Society, to be employed as their Council thinks fit, in aiding the members in need either with food or clothing. Moderate sums of money can now be remitted to Petrograd or Moscow. ‘This committee consists of Mr. Arthur Dicksee, F.E.S., Mr. B. P. Uvarov, at the Natural History Museum, and Dr Burr. Any sympathiser is requested to communicate with either of these, preferably enclosing a remittance, however small, for a few shillings will to-day buy millions of roubles, and will help a Russian colleague to carry on the struggle and his scientific work for the benefit of the Science which we all love. All British Entomologists, who enjoy happier conditions, cannot but feel the greatest sympathy for their Russian brethren under these pitiable circumstances, especially those who have connections by correspondence, friendship, or scientific relationship, above all, those who have at any time enjoyed the famous and lavish hospitality of that generous people, and probably many will welcome an opportunity of contributing to their assistance, to help them tide over until better days. Artbur Dicksee, F.E.S., 7, Duke Street, St. James. S.W.1. B. P. Uvarov, F.E.S., Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, S.W.7. Malcolm Burr, F.E.S., United University Club, Pall Mail Kast, S.W.1. Y)OTES ON COLLECTING, etc. WarwicksHirE Recorps or IcHNeuMONINAE (TRyPHONINAE).— Poly- clistus mansuetor, Gr.—Stoke, 24.vili.19; 8.1x.20; 8.vii.21. Ortho- centrus fulvipes, Gr.—Stoke, 10.v.21. Bassus laetatorius, Fab.—Stoke, 14.v1.20; 26.vi.20; Coombe, 15.viii.20; Brinklow, 2.vili.20. B. tri- cmnctus, GYr.—- stoke, vilelG 3 )5.vi- 09). tx l9-) 30. vi.20) 92vi0.20: Homocidus biguttatus, Gr.—Stoke, vi.16; 7.vi.21; 10.vi.2l. Al. flavo- lineatus, Gr.—Ryton, 6.vi.20. H. tarsatorius, Pz.—Stoke, 8.ix.20; 8.viil.21; 20.vi.21; 29.v.21; Brandon, iv.16. H. deplanatus, Gr.— Brandon, 2.x1.19. H. dimidiatus, Schr.—Stoke, 6.ix.19. Promethus sulcator, Gr.—Brandon, 24.viil.19; Brinklow, 2.viii.20; Stoke, 8.vi1i.20. P. coynatus, Hlgr.—Brinklow, 27.vii.19. Protarchus rufus, Gr.—Bub- benhall, 29.vi.19, H. G. Wagstaff. Mesoletus virgultorum, Gr.—Bran- don, 12.vi.21. Rare. M. semicaligatus, Gr.—Bubbenhall, 14.vin.19. M. anlicus, Gr.—Coleshill Bog, 14.vii.20 (host, Pteronus (Lophyrus) pint); Stockton, 28.viii.20; Stoke, 11.vi.21. MM. variegatus, Jkr.— Coleshill Bog, 11.x.19; 26.v.20. M. formosus, Gr.—Stoke, 29.v.21. M. filicornis, Hlgr.—Stoke, ix.16, 9. M. niger, Gr.—Bubbenhall, 18.v.19; Ryton, 5.vii.l9. Dyspetes praeroyator, L.—Stoke, viii.16; ix.16; Tile Hill, 23,viii.19; Kenilworth, 28.viii.21. Tryphon elon- gator, Fab.—Stoke, 20.vi.21. 7. rutilator, L.—Stoke, 4.vi.17; 80.v.21; Coombe, 29.v.21. TJ. vulgaris, Hler.—Bubbenhall, 7.v1.19; Corley, 28.v.20; Coleshill Bog,* 4.vii.20 (host, Pteronus pini). T’. consobrinus, Hler.—Ryton, 5.vui.19. Acrotomus succinctus, Gr.—Ryton, 10.vii.21. Exenterus aurtfluus, Hal.—Brandon, 4.1x.21. Mesoleptus typhae, Fre. —Ryton, 11.vii.21; Kenilworth, 28.vili.21. M. ruficornis, Gr.— NOTES ON COLLECTING. 67 Brinklow, 12.ix.20. Catoglyptus fortipes, Gr.—Bubbenhall, 7.vi.19. C. fuscicornis, Gr—Stoke, 26.v.20; 4.vi1.20; 7.viii.21; Ceo 15.vii.20. Huryproctus geniculosus, Gr.—Brandon, patil i. atomator, Mull.—Stoke, viii.16. H.notatus, Gr._—-Smockington, 7.vii.20. Perilissus filicornis, Gr.—Binley, 27.v.16; Brandon, 1.vi.19; Stoke, 1.vi.19; Wyken, 30.v.20. P. Juteolator, Gr.—Stoke, 29.v.19 (host, Priophorus tener). Prionopoda stictica, Fab.—Generally distributed. P. glabra, Bdg.— Bubbenhall, 29.vi.19. Lathrolestus wngularis, Thms. — Stoke, 24.vi.19. Polyblastus rartitarsus, Gr.—Stoke, 26.v1.20; Bran- don, 4.ix.21. P. pratensis, Gr.—Stoke, 2.vi.20.—(To be continued.)— J. W. Saunt, 58, Enfield Road, Stoke, Coventry. EARLY EMERGENCE oF Pieris rapax.—It may be of interest to record that I captured a male specimen of P. rapae flying round a lighted gas chandelier in a chapel at Hast Dulwich, at 8 p.m. on Sun- day, March 11th, 1923.—Aticr k. Lock (Miss), 77, Grove Hill Road, Denmark Park, S. E. 5. Recorps or ANopHELES sprcies.—The following particulars are taken from notes I made at the time. Anopheles plumbeus, Stph., = niyripes, Stacy. “gg flying in small swarms, at 8.15 p.m. (proper time) in the open, away from trees, up and down vertically, about six to eight feet above the ground. There were no large trees near, only small bushes about 20 yards off. First met with on June 8rd, 1915, and again in the same place on June 11th, 1915, in Hogley Bog, Oxford.” IT again met with 9 ¢ flying in a small swarm, at about the same time in the evening, in another locality, on August 14th, 1915, near Bayswater Mill, Oxford. On this occasion, although they were in the open, there were many large trees comparatively near. A. bifurcatus, Li, § g also fly in a similar way, in the open, my notes give, “flying in small swarms at 6.15 p.m. (summer time), in a clay pit, Shotover Hill, Oxford, on September 22nd, 1917.”—A. H. Hamm (F.H.S.), 22, Southfield Road, Oxford. CoccinELLa 11-puncrata aB. lemani, n.as.—lI recently submitted to Messrs. G. B. C. Leman and H. Donisthorpe a number of my Coccinellidae captures for their kind help in classification as to varieties, aberrations, etc., and among the C. 11-punctata, Li., submitted one — which, so far, has not been described or recorded. The scutellar spot is absent, and only two spots appear on each elytron, its formula being—38, 5. The specimen was taken at Burgh near Carlisle, on June 3rd, 1922. Since a careful search shows no previous record of this aberration, I propose, with Mr. Leman’s consent, to name it after him as some small acknowledgment of his work on the group, and his kindness in giving unsparingly his help and encouragement whenever it is sought. C. L1l-punctata ab. lemani. Formula—38, 5.—T. F. Marriner (F'.E.8.), 2, Brunswick Street, Carlisle. March 17th, 1923. Lia Samre Baume 1n Jury, 1922, anp a Correction.—In Mr. E. B. Ashby’s interesting paper on his captures last year, in the Sainte 68 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. Baume district, published in this month’s Record, I note he mentions having taken Melanargia arge* near Ste. Baume. ‘This, of course, must be a mistake, as this insect is only found in Spain and Sicily, and has never been recorded from the south of France. With regard to Satyrus briseis which is abundant near the Hotellerie at Ste. Baume, the female form, var. pirata, is found here, as Mr. Ashby states, not uncommonly, some of those which I took in 1920 being of very large size. This variety differs from the type, in the colour of the light bands of the upperside of the front wings, which are rich reddish ochre-yellow, instead of white, in fact it is almost exactly similar in colour and general appearance to the female var. uwhagonis of Satyrus priewi, which of course is only found at Albarracin in Central Spain. There however, curiously enough, var. pirata is not found, all the females being typical briseis, and the form a small and somewhat insignificant one.—G. H. Gurney, F.E.S., Keswick Hall, Norwich. GYURRENT NOTES AND SHORT NOTICES. Paris III. and LV. of the Transactions of the Entomological Society of London should now be in the hands of all the Fellows, and the concluding part consisting of the Proceedings only is well on the way. The present issue contains 820 pages and 82 plates, 4 being coloured. The paper which will appeal most to British entomologists is that by Mr. C. L. Withycombe, M.Sc., entitled ‘‘ Notes on the Biology of some British Neuroptera,’’ with six excellent plates in black and white; it describes the author’s researches in the little known habits and structure of some of the Osmylidae, Hanerobiidae, Chrysopidae, and Coniopterygidae. Mr. N. D. Riley’s account of the Rhopalocera found on the Mount Everest Expedition of 1921 is another interesting paper unfortunately marred by one of the plates. One of the most valuable papers is the ‘“‘ Monograph of the Genus Catochrysops,” by Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, with twenty plates, three of which are coloured; the paper contains a thorough investigation of the genitalia and of the androconia, of which the bulk of the plates portray the details. The attention of Entomologists throughout the world is called to the fact that, beginning with the Volume of 1922, the preparation of the ‘‘ Insecta ’”’ part of the Zoological Record is being undertaken by the Imperial Bureau of Entomology. In order that the Record may be as complete as it is possible to make it, all authors of entomological papers, especially of systematic ones, are requested to send separata of their papers to the Bureau. These are particularly destred im cases where the original journal is one that is not primarily devoted to ento- mology. All separata should be addressed to :—The Assistant Director, Imperial Bureau of Entomology, 41, Queen’s Gate, London, S.W.7. The second part of the first volume of the Bulletin of the Hull Museum was issued a short while ago. This deals almost exclusively with new forms of Lepidoptera of which such quantities have been obtained by Mr. Joicey’s collectors in New Guinea, Central Ceram, * By a curious error Arge (gen.) was printed MW. arge.—H.J.T. SOCIETIES. 69 Sumatra, S. America, ete., etc. Mr. G. Talbot is responsible for much of the work, whilst Sir George Hampson deals with new Noctuidae and Mr. L. B. Prout with the Geometers. Prof. Poulton has a note on a case of mimetic resemblance and Mr. Talbot gives some notes and remarks on nomenclature, which originated in the remarks made in the short review of part 1 in this magazine. There are no figures in part 2, but the new species will be fully illustrated in part 3, which is promised at an early date, together with the Index of Vol. I. SOCIETIES. Tae SourH Lonpon HnromonoeicaL Society. December 16th.—Nrw Mermpers.—Messrs. W. H. T. Tams, 19, Sulivan Road, Hurlingham, 8.W.6; F. G. Mann, B.Sc., Chemical Laboratories, Pembroke Street, Cambridge; and John Robertson, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., F.Z.8., 69, Bedford Road, S.W. 4, were elected. Eixuisirs.—Mr. C. Withyeombe showed the following species of Neuroptera in support of the fact that in the Order there often appears to be w tendency to reduction of the hindwings, but as a rule not to complete reduction ; Glenoleon indecisuin (Queensland), Cymothales sp. (Africa), Chasmoptera sheppardi (Asia Minor), Nemoptera bipennis (Spain), etc. Mr. R. Adkin, a series of Zygaena sp. reared from pupae sent him by Lord Rothschild, from the Chilterns, near Tring. Fifty-seven examples were six-spotted, and sixteen were five-spotted. When left to themselves there were no cross-pairings between the forms. He regarded the latter as Z. lonicerae. Mr. Hy. J. Turner, Mr. A. H. Tonge, Mr. Grosvenor, and Col. Rattray exhibited various species, forms and races of Zygaenidae. Mr. T. H. L. Grosvenor read a paper entitled *‘ Notes on the Zyyae- nidae,’ and a discussion ensued, it being generally stated that what was meant by the name hippocrepidis was not known, and surprise was expressed that confluence in the various species did not exhibit Mendelian characters. January 11th, 1923.—New Mempers.—Messrs. H. Baker-Sly, “ Kingston,” Edenbridge, Kent; J. P. Mutch, Church Road, Bexley Heath; C. J. V. Gray, School House, Bradfield College, Berks ; Rh. C. Fisher, B.Sc., Forestry Museum, Kew Gardens; and L. G. Bowles, 198, Brockley Road, S.E., were elected. Eixutpits.—Mr. H. Moore, showed g and ? Aryema moenas, the Assam long-tailed silk-moth, and an Arctia caja of very aberrant coloration, which latter he was presenting to the Society’s Collection. Mr. A. A. W. Buckstone, a bred series of Pyrameis atalanta, the pupae having been exposed to a fluctuating warm temperature, and pointed out the emphasis of the yellow coloration, and a similarly circumstanced series of Aglais wrticae, of which the yellow coloration was also pronounced. Mr Hy. J. Turner, a series of the beautiful Colias, CU. behri taken in the Yosemite region of California at 9700 ft. elevation by Mr. G. B. 70 THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD. Pearson; a pair of the N. American Parnassiid, Parnassius clodius; a short series of the very small Pierid Nathalis tole; etc. Papers.—Mr. G. W. Young, F.Z.S., read a paper entitled “ The Geological History of Insects”’ and showed a series of lantern slides in illustration. Mr. R. Adkin, as delegate to the Conference of Corresponding Societies of the British Association, read his report of the Meeting at Hull. January 25th.—Annuan Meetine.—The Report of the Council, Treasurer's Statement and Balance Sheet were received and adopted. The Officers and Council for the following year were elected. The President read his address, dealing first with the affairs of the Society and the obituaries of deceased members and devoting the main portion of his address to an account of his sojourn in the Canadian wilds, illustrating it with numerous species of various orders. The new President, Mr. N. D. Riley then took the chair and votes of thanks were passed to.the retiring Officers. Orpinary Merrinc.—Mr. J. W. Munro, D.Sc., Green Lawn, Kew Road, Richmond, was elected a member. , Mr. Frobawk exhibited an aberrational series of Papilio machaon including one of a rich deep ochreous yellow colour, captured at Herne Bay in August, 1857, and another of a dull buff ground very dark, bred in 1895 from Wicken Fen. He also showed a number of Diptera taken from the crop of a grouse in December last. Tue Enromontogicat Society oF Lonpon. January 17th.—AnnuaL Mertinc.—Dr. §. A. Neave read the Report of the Council, which was adopted on the motion of Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, seconded by Commdr. J. J. Walker. Mr. W. G. Sheldon, the Treasurer, read his Report and gave some details of the highly satisfactory financial condition of the Society. The Report and Accounts were adopted unanimously on the motion of Dr. C. J. Gaban, seconded by Mr. W. Rait-Smith. It was announced from the Chair that the Fellows nominated as Officers and Council for the ensuing year had been duly elected in accordance with the Bye-Laws. In the absence of the President owing to illness, his address “‘ On some Aspects of Variation in Lepidoptera” was read by Dr. 8. A. Neave, and at its conclusion a vote of thanks to the President, coupled with a request that it might be printed in the Proceedings, was moved by Mr. E. EH. Green, seconded by Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Officers for their services was then passed on the motion of Professor E. B. Poulton, seconded by the Rev. F. D. ' Morice, and Mr. W. G. Sheldon, Dr. S. A. Neave, and Mr. H. J. Turner briefly replied. February 7Tth.—Nomination of Vicr-Presipents.—The President announced that he had nominated Mr. J. EH. Collin, Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., and Lord Rothschild, F.R.S., as Vice-Presidents for the ensuing year. SOCIETIES. Exection or Frttows.—The following were elected Fellows of the Society :—Mr. G. D. Millward, 32, Moorgate, H.C. 2. Mr. Harold Wilkinson, Rheindeer Hotel, Burnley, Lancashire. Mr. J. D. Dean, 90, St. Fagan’s Road, Ely, Cardiff. Exurpitions.—Capt. K. J. Hayward exhibited an interesting series of Danais chrysippus from Upper Egypt, and also a melanic aberration of Polygonia c-album Mr. H. Donisthorpe brought for exhibition living examples of Acanthomyops brunneus, Latr., an ant new to the British list. Dr. F, A. Dixey, F.R.S., exhibited a little known Pierine from Fiji and a specimen of Muchloé ausonia race eyyptiaca from Western Keypt. Professor E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., exhibited a dragon-fly, Actayrion occidentale, taken at sea 60 miles west of Colombo. He also exhibited some specimens as evidence of colour adjust- ments in the wild pupae of Pieris repae, and made further observations on the protective resemblance of Polygonia c-album and the attacks of enemies on British butterflies. He further exhibited some remarkable “all-female’’ families of Hypolimnas bolina, L., bred in Fiji by Mr. H. W. Simmonds. Mr. H. J. Turner exhibited a short series of Argynnis atossa, Kdw., from South California. Dr. K. Jordan, F.R.S., exhibited some specimens of Geometrids and pointed out that the insect known as Anaitis playiata consists of two species, the true A. playiata, L., and the smaller and paler A. efformata, Gn., both species occurring in Britain, whereas only A. efformata is found south of the Mediterranean and in Southern Spain and Portugal. Mr. C. L. Withycombe, who illustrated his remarks with lantern slides, gave some particulars of three genera of Nemopteridae and their larvae. LancasHiReE AND CHesHiRE HKnromoLocicaL Socipry. February 20th, 1923.—Three new members were elected; and a resolution was passed admitting Junior Members to the Society at a reduced subscription in order to encourage beginners. Unfortunately Professor Newstead was unable to deliver his lecture, being called away through sickness in his family. We hope perhaps to hear his lecture at the April meeting. The Annual Dinner has been postponed until the Autumn. We were fortunate in having Mr. Mansbridge to exhibit and explain a beautiful collection of about 70 lantern slides which he had on loan from Mr. Hugh Main. We certainly always will welcome such beautiful work as Mr. Main’s whenever we have the opportunity of seeing it. Mr. Mansbridge then exhibited a single specimen of a species of Lepidoptera new to Britain called Auaimobasis normalis, Meyr., which he found on the dock wall, Liverpool, in September, 1921. It was probably imported as a larva or pupa. Mr. Edward Meyrick has a series from Ecuador and Columbia. Twenty-five species are known belonging to the genus Auaimobasis. The larval habits of normalis are not yet known. It is probably a seed eater. He also showed a series of Peronea hastiana from the Isle of Wight, comprising vars. divisana, radiana, centrovittana, cumbustana and brunneana, with corresponding varieties from Lancashire localities for comparison. It 72 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’ S RECORD. was seen that the Lancashire specimens were all very much darker than the parallel forms from the Isle of Wight. Mr. Tyerman also exhibited a very variable series of the same species which he had bred from Lancashire larvae last year. FW EVIEWS AND NOTICES OF BOOKS. HNTOMOLOGY WITH SPECIAL REFHRENCE TO ITs EconocicaL AspEcts. —By J. W. Folsom, Se.D. (Harvard), with 5 plates and 308 Text- Figures. Published by John Murray. 21s. net. This volume gives a comprehensive yet concise account of insects, treating entomology from the biological side. The author has evidently read widely and gives us the results of his studies in a succinet and clear form. The book (extending to 502 pp-) is packed with interesting facts from cover to cover. Almost every page suggests lines of study which specialists should take up and carry investigation yet farther. That way progress lies. Moreover we are given an exhaustive and therefore useful entomo- logical bibliography, arranged under appropriate headings, so that a student with a bias towards a certain phase of the subject can read up all that has been done up to 1923, and having this as a basis, can experiment as seems to him best, with a view of further discovery. The first chapter deals with classification—each Order and Sub- order being accompanied by a clear illustration of a typical specimen. As a rule only the commoner kinds of insects are referred to, so that the reader can easily procure the material, and use the text as a guide to personal observation. Then follows a chapter on anatomy and physiology—well illus- trated—and also one on development. The metamorphosis of Anosia plewippus, aS an example of a holometabolous insect, is shown step by step, from the full-fed larva up to the emergence of the perfect insect when it is ready for flight. This is done in fifteen stages. Chapter V. dealing with Color and Coloration is fairly exhaustive, touching as it does on the results of the studies of scientists of the calibre of Merrifield, Poulton, Weismann, Kellog, Mayer, Wallace, Edwards, Standfuss, ete. Next in order is a chapter on adaptive coloration and protective mimicry giving briefly the results of the studies of Dr. Dixey, Marshall, Wallace, Trimen, ete., and a short dissertation on Batesian and Millerian mimicry. Continuing are chapters dealing with ‘ Insects in Relation to Plants,” ‘‘ Insects in Relation to other Animals,” and ‘Transmission of Diseases by Insects.” Whilst this is on the whole well written, it is rather a shock to find that the results of experiments by Bacot are not given. The subject of Insect Behaviour is considered under the the three heads (1) Tropisms, (2) Instinct, (8) Intelligence. That on Tropisms, is further subdivided into Chemotropism, Hydro- tropism, Thigmotropism (negative and positive), Rheotropism, Anemotropism, Geotropism, ete. The Chapter on “ Distribution” is subdivided into (1) Geographical, and (2) Geological, whilst that on ‘‘ Insect Ecology ”’ is a feature of the work. We have no doubt that all real students and not a few of the most intelligent general readers will welcome this work of Professor Folsom. Subscriptions for Vol. XXXV. (10 shillings) should be sent ta Mr. Herbert E. Page, “*‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Gross, S.E.14 [This subscription includes all numbers published from January 15th to December 15th, 1923.] Non-receipt or errors in the sending of Subscribers’ magazines should be notified to Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘ Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, S.E. 14 ADVERTISEMENTS of Books and Insects for Sale, or Books wanted will be nserted at a minimum charge of 2s, 6d. (for four lines). Longer Advertisementsin proportion. A reduction made for a series. Particulars of Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Cross, S8.B. 14 Subscribers who change their addresses must report the same to Mr. H. li. Pag “ Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, J.ondon, S.E., otherwise their magazines will probably be delayed. Desiderata.—Foreign examples, local races, vars. and abs. from all parts 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 Road, London, N. 1. Duplicates.—Aglaia, Adippe, *Io, T. quercus, Coridon vars., *Fuliginosa (Reading), *B. quercus ¢, Tiliw, Menthastri, *Linariata, Aurantiaria, Leucophearia vars. Paniscus. Desiderata.—Pupex of Dictswoides; Imagines of typhon, palpina, camelina. (dark), Curtula, Pyra, and numerous others; Ova of Hispidaria.—Harold B. Williams, 112a, Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. Duplicates. *-Sybilla, Paphia, Io (2), Selene, Lucina (2), Ocellatus, Illustraria (autumn). Nastata, Roboraria ¢ , Prunaria (4) ¢ , Tipuliformis. Destderata.—Castreusis ¢ , Cucullina, Cribrum, Cinerea, Ravida, Ashworthii, Notata, Obfuscaria, Smaragdaria and others, also vars. and local forins.—Harold HE. Winser, Kent House, Cranleigh. Duplicates.—Cinxia, Bellargus, Coridon, H. Comma, Lineola, Galathea, Moneta, Nupta, and many others. Desiderata.—Blandina, Irish Icarus, Carmelita, Cuculla. Gonostigma, Ashworthii, Templi, Australis, Undulata, Smaragdaria, Testacea.— W. Gifford Nash, Clavering House, Bedford. Duplicates.—-Cinerea ¢ , fine forms, grey, brown and blackish, Maritima and vars. Immorata and other East Sussex species. Desiderata.—Pupx. Luteago (Barrettii), Caesia, Albimacula, Alpina, Xanthomista, Sparganii, Dissoluta (Arundineta), Graphalii. Also imagines of extreme forms Noctusz in fine condition only.—A. J. Wightman, 35, Morris Road, Lewes. Duplicates.—Pygmaeola, phragmitidis and galatea, also Irish Cardamines, callunae and interrogationis. Also Sirex gigas males, and their ichneumon Rhyssa persuasoria. Desiderata.—Scotch Butterflies.—Sir C. Langham, Tempo Manor, Co. Fermanagh, Ireland. Cuancr or Appress.—H. Baker Sly, Eden Lodge, Westcott Road, Dorking. MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. Entomological Society of London.—41, Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, S.W. 7, 8p.m. May 2nd; June 6th. : The South London Entomological and Natural History Society, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge. Second and Fourth Thursdays in the month, at 7 p.m. April 26th, Exhibits. May 10th, ‘‘ Life of the Bee’’ with lantern, W. H. J. Prior, F.H.S. —Hin sec., Stanley Edwards, 15, St. German’s Place, Blackheath, $.H.3. 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Many Rare British Species and Good Varieties for Sale. a - Hardwood finished rich mahogany, panelled Cabinets. or glass doors. Drawers, 17x 16x 24", on hidden runners. Lift-off glazed tops. Camphor cells. Lined cork or peat. 40-drawer, 12/6 per drawer. 20-drawer, 1/- per drawer extra. store Boxes. 10x8 138 14x10 16x11 17x12 3/141 5/- 6/6 7/9 9/- G. A. BENTALL, 392, Strand, W.C.2. “TYPICAL BLL ES A Photographic ATLAS OF DIPTERA. Series 1, 10/-, 155 plates; Series 2, 15/-, 125 plates. By E&. K. PEARGE, F.E.S. Obtainable from al} booksellers, or from— CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, Fetter Lane, E.C.4, seated Se a JUN 2 1923 : z Subscriptions are now due. a eee ES = a XX, XKXXYV. [ey 20 No. 5. Che Che Entomologist’s Recor : AND Journal of Variation Hiprrep By : Ricwarp 8. BAGNALL, F.u.s., F.u.s. Jas. EH. COLLIN, F.z.s. Grorce T. BETHUNE-BAKRR, F.1.s., F.2.S. H. Sr. J. K. DONISTHORPH, F.z2.»., ¥.E.8. _M. BURR, D.sc., F.U.S., F.Z.8., F.E.S. Joun Hartiey DURRANT, r-z.s. ' (Bzv.) C. R. N. BURROWS, r.z.s. Aurrep SICH, r.z.s. EH. A. COCKAYNH, m.p., F.E.s. (Rev.) Groner WHEELER, m.a., F.n.58. : and Henry J. TURNER, F.x.s., Editorial Secretary. CONTENTS. ap PAGE. Six weeks among the Butterflies of Hastern Switzerland, B. C. S. Warren, F.E.S... Ke 73 Notes on the Psychides, Rev. C. R. N. Burrows, F.H.S. a Ee ae Bs se 79 Nores on Cornectine :—Warwickshire Records of Ichneumonidae, J. W. Saunt .. a 84 Socretms :—The Entomological Society of London; South London Entomological Society 85 _ Reviews anp Notices oF Books .. oe as is Ss oe aia He a 88 _ List of the Macro-lepidoptero of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, W. Fassnidge, M.A. (1)-(4) MAY 5th, 1928. Price ONE SHILLING “AND SIXPENCE (nev), eee PLATE ) Subscription for Garptete Volmue: post free (Including all DOUBLW NUMBERS, eto.) TEN SHILLINGS, YO BE FORWARDED TO Remon 2 Be. PAGE, -F.E.S:, “ Bertrose,’’ GeLruatuy Roap, New Cross, 8.H, 14. be Communications have been received or have been promised from Messrs. H. 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The entomologist who visits such classical collecting grounds as the neighbourhood of Pontresina and the Albula Pass, for the first time, will doubtless derive great pleasure in anticipating the numerous and varied forms of Lepidoptera which he hopes to find, and for which these localities are celebrated. But it will not occur to him that, in addition to this pleasure, there will be any likelihood of his being able to add anything to what is already known of these localities, or of the geographical distribution of the species inhabiting them. That usually is regarded as a pleasure and reward reserved for the collector, who ventures into unknown districts and takes his chance of drawing success or a blank. However, it had long been my wish to collect in the famous valleys of the Engadine, having never penetrated east of the Schyn Pass, so, when last summer the opportunity offered, I decided to indulge in the pleasure of becoming personally acquainted with the localities which have, probably, been collected in by every English entomologist who has ever collected abroad, and subsequently to spend some little time on the Ofen Pass, in Lopes of adding something of interest to our knowledge of the butterflies of EKastern Switzerland; for the latter locality has, so far as I can ascertain, received but little attention from Swiss collectors; while the only English collector who appears to have left any record of a visit there was our late Editor, who on one occasion spent a day or two at Zernetz on his way further east. In carrying out this programme things turned out in a very unex- pected manner. The Ofen district proved quite as interesting as I hoped it would ; but the time spent in the Upper Engadine produced so many surprises that I felt they should be recorded, and so have ventured to offer yet one more account of the butterflies of these glorious localities to the readers of the E’ntomologist’s Record. We, that is to say my wife and myself, arrived at Pontresina on the afternoon of June 30th, and the weather gave us the first pleasant surprise of our stay. All that day the journey from Zurich had been under grey skies with occasional showers, which turned to continuous rain aS we began to ascend the valley of the Albula. By the time Preda was reacbed, at the mouth of the tunnel, the clouds were right down in the valley, shutting out all view, and the rain was falling ina steady deluge. Our surprise then can easily be imagined when we emerged from the tunnel to find a cloudless blue sky and bright sun- shine ; which conditions lasted for the next week in the Engadine, fie ee most of the time the clouds never lifted off the heights of the ula. The following morning, July 1st, we began collecting in the Roseg Tal. This magnifieent valley, and the Alps to which it leads, form without doubt the finest collecting grounds of the neighbourhood. On this day we ascended the valley to the junction of the Tschierva and Roseg glaciers, and went some way up the lateral moraine of the former, on its right side, having accidentally got on the old path, instead of the new one, which leads to the Tschierva Hut. Scrambling over the chaos of loose stones and rocks, which now cover the old path, May 15tx, 1923. 74 : ; THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. proved, in the blazing sun, such exhausting work, that we turned back shortly after lunch. The species noted all through the valley before reaching the glacier. were, however, of a very interesting nature, and mostly in beautifully fresh condition. The outstanding feature was on this occasion, and every subsequent one, the number of species of Argynnids and Melitaeids which were met with. At first, as for the greater part, they were only just emerging, none were in great abund- ance. Melitaea dictynna, M. maturna race wolfensbergeri, and Brenthis euphrosyne were most in evidence; but B. pales, type form and var. ists, B. amathusia, M. varia, and M. aurinia race merope were all taken, and though I did not find the particular places to which B. thore seems addicted, on this day, there is no doubt from the condition of my sub- sequent captures it must have been already on the wing. Among the other species noted or taken were Hesperia caealiae and H. malvoides, single specimens of each; Aricia eumedon, Cupido minimus, Albulina pheretes, Pieris rapae, P. napi race bryoniae, Papilio machaon, and numerous worn examples of Pararyge hiera. lrebia lappona was the only species noted at the higher level by the glacier. I may perhaps add here, that in our numerous excursions up the Roseg Tal we always went up by the footpath through the woods, on the right bank of the river, and found it, after the first mile or two, most excellent collecting ground. The following day we again went to the Tschierva glacier, and getting on the right path we eventually reached some beautiful grass slopes, on the south side of Piz Tschierva, above the glacier and the Tschierva Hut (which latter is built on the top of one of the ancient lateral moraines, which is here quite 100 feet high), and facing the great ice falls on the Piz Bernina. On the way up the path crosses some very fine grass-covered slopes, known as the Alp Misaum, which, however, do not seem at all so good for insects as the upper slopes. The path then curves round a spur of tbe Piz Tschierya, in a south- east direction, ana after a steep ascent runs along, only rising very slightly above the glacier, towards the Piz Bernina, with the moraine just below on the right, the slopes first mentioned on the left. These slopes, which are at an altitude of about 7,500 feet, and ascend some 400 feet, were swarming with butterflies ; they carried out the traditions of the Roseg Tal, in that the Melitaeas quite outnumbered everything else. J/. cynthia, M. varia, and M. awinia race merope were in perfect condition, and the gs in great numbers, the 9s being still scarce. The rocks below the path produced a few Pontia callidice. Lycaena arion var. obscura, Hrebia gorye (type), and MH. lapyona completing the list of species present. These slopes, backed by the great cliffs of Piz Tschierva, and sur- rounded in front by glaciers and snow peaks, form a typical Alpine collecting ground, in the most perfect setting imaginable. It is, how- ever, a long way to them from Pontresina, a good sixteen miles there and back, with a rise of 1,500 feet to their foot; it 1s therefore wise to make an early start and get over as much as possible of the walk in the cool of the morning. In endeavouring to ascertain the position of the best collecting eround above the T’schierva glacier I had a particular object in view. In Mr. Wheeler’s Butterflies of Switzerland, among the localities inen- tioned for Mrebia flavofasciata is “ Tschierva glacier behind restaurant, WSEKS AMONG THE BUTTERFLIES OF SWITZERLAND. 75 1.$.10.vi.01. Fison.” This record has since been twice published by Miss — son. among notes of the late Mr. A. J. Fison, in slightly vary- ing forms. in the Entomologist’s Record, 1914, on page 229, we find, “T also took a flavofasciata, 10.viii.01, on steep slopes east of Tschierva Hut, and another ascending to it on grass slopes above junction of the two glaciers.”” In last January’s number of this magazine, page 12, ‘‘ Hi, flavofasciata . . . . Tschierva glacier 30 mins. below and behind Restaurant, 1.9 .10.vii.01; none there in 1904; first found about - 1850.” This latter record agrees with the one in Mr. Wheeler's book, as to the date; the other gives the date as vill. and mentions two speci- mens. Although outside the scope of this paper, one may remark on the date, 1850, stated by Mr. Fison as the year of the first discovery of E. flavofasciata. One wonders what his reason for this statement was; for Col. von Nolte was supposed to be the discoverer of the species, in in 1893. Did some other collector previously come across it, and if so, who ? To return to the records. Mr. Fison failed to discover any further sign of /. flavofasciata in the Tschierva locality in 1904 ; and during the twenty-one years that had elapsed since he got his two specimens, there had been no further record of the occurrence of the species in that locality. That those two specimens could have, by chance, travelled almost to the foot of the Piz Bernina from the Schafberg seemed practically impossible; especially when we consider the fact, that although neither on the Schafberg noron the Alpe Pianascio is there any natural barrier to keep the species in its elevated home, yet it neverextends its habitat downwards. In both cases the vegetation extends in un- altered character, for many hundreds of feet downwards from the lowest level at which the species flies. We can only assume there is some- thing unsuitable to the species below a certain level, and it conse- quently feels no inclination to deseend. The chance then, that two specimens should have descended into the Bernina Valley, and travelled the whole length of the Roseg Tal, and then have crossed several miles of Alps to the neighbourhood of the Tschierva Hut, seemed so improb- able, that I felt sure flavofasciata must be located somewhere in that neighbourhood. The straige thing was, if this were so, how had such a much sought species avoided detection by the numerous collectors who go annually to Pontresina, especially as they had Mr. Fison’s record to help them? The hope of solving this problem then, was what led me to the Tschierva glacier, though it cannot be said I had much real hope of success. On the occasion of our first visit to the Tschierva slopes one thing seemed quite obvious. These slopes were ideal ground for flavo- fasciata; and even if they were not, there was no other ground for butterflies in the neighbourhood ; therefore I concluded they were the home of the species, and that Mr. Fison’s want of success in 1904 was owing to the confusion of dates in his notes, and that he was too late, so I determined to return in a week’s time, and make sure. It was well on in the afternoon when we returned to Pontresina, and very little was seen through the woods of the Roseg Tal. The following day we felt in need of a certain amount of rest, after two very trying days, so it was not until the afternoon that any collecting was done, when we went part of the way up the Schatberg. About half way up to the first restaurant (or what used to be the 76 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. first restaurant, for now it is unused) afew worn Hrebia evias were met with ; Coenonympha satyrion was abundant, as were a few other ordi- nary species, and two 3 Colias palaeno, were also taken. In the fields just behind Pontresina, through which the path up the Schafberg passes before reaching the woods, a number of Chrysophanus hippothoé var. eurybia were flying ; gs only on this occasion. The next day, July 4th, we spent in the Morteratsch valley. Going by train to Morteratsch we walked from there to the Boval Hut. It may be said at once that the west side of this valley is quite the least productive locality for Lepidoptera in the Pontresina district. Shortly before getting tothe Boval a few Lycaena alcon were taken, with L. arion. The only other species noted up to this being Brenthis pales, B. euphro- syne, Cyaniris semiargus, and Colias palaeno. At the head of the valley, near the Hut, a few Melitaea aurinia race merope, and three J and one perfect 2 Pontia callidice were taken. The only other butterflies seen being Hrebia lappona and E. gorge. The scenery, however, makes this valley well worth a visit for its own sake, and compensates one for the very poor results to be obtained in the entomological line. The continuance of absolutely perfect weather led us next day to try the ascent of the Piz Languard. We succeeded in reaching an altitude of almost 10,000 feet, a little over 700 feet from the summit, but then had to turn back, as the path, just 14 inches wide, was in very bad condition, and we did not wish to take the risk of its becoming worse. As it turned out, we heard afterwards, we might have safely gone on, as the path in that part is always in the condition in which we found it, and no worse higher up. On the cone of the mountain we saw no butterflies, but on the alp at the foot of the cone, at just over 9,500 feet, we came on a few insects, of which Pontia callidice and Krebia lappona were the most abundant. Among the latter I was glad to get one perfect specimen, very close to the rare ab. caeca, Favre. On the way down, through the Languard Tal, the following species were taken, though none were at all plentiful: Krebia glacialis, H. gorge, Parnassius delius, Papilio machaon, Pieris brassicae, P. rapae and P. napt race bryontae, Melitaca cynthia, M. aurinia race merope, Brenthis pales, and Aglais urticae. The next two days were cloudy and not suitable for long excur- siens, but the first two Hrebia mnestra were taken in the Roseg Tal. Hesperia serratulae, § and ?, were another addition to the species so far seen; and on the lower Schafberg slopes two lovely ? Colias palaeno ab. herrichi were a welcome addition, but cost me near an hour’s hard work to catch, which trouble I would certainly have spared myself had I then known the extraordinary numbers of this species which I was going to meet with later on. July 8th, was once more beautifully fine, and was devoted to the Roseg Tal. This day I came on Brenthis thore for the first time, and found that it was quite abundant up the rocky sides of the valley, and here and there at the foot of the cliffs, but it did not seem to frequent the glades through the wood, as I had been led to suppose it did. The 3 8 were quite plentiful and in varying condition, some quite fresh and many worn, so I feel sure they had been out in these particular places for more than a week. In about an hour [ obtained a beautiful series of js and three ?s. On this day, too, the ?s of Melitaea maturna race wolfensbergert were fairly numerous, and Hrebia tyndarus made its ‘KS AMONG THE BUTTERFLIES OF SWITZERLAND. kd first appearance. A very remarkable capture was a quite worn @ Pontia daplidice, near the top of the valley. According to Frey (Wheeler’s Butts. of Switz., page 62), daplidice is not found in the Grisons; and I think the altitude, between 6,200 and 6,300 feet, must also be a record for the species. No other specimen was seen, and one can only wonder if this specimen had come from the hot valleys on the southern side of the Bernina range, and had succeeded in crossing that great mass of snow fields and glaciers. I have spent months collecting in the north-west side of the canton, but have never seen daplidice, nor did we subsequently, in our stay at Zernetz, see any sign of it. The next day was spent on the Languard Alp, which locality is quite use- less for entomological purposes, owing to the number of cattle grazing there. On July 11th we made an early start and went to the Tschierva glacier once more. The day was beautifully fine, and in spite of the early hour the number of insects about on the Alp Misaum, made it impossible to-pass without putting up one’s net, although one wished to hurry on and give all the time possible to the higher slopes. The first catch of the day was a beautiful 2 Melitaea cynthia, and soon after M. varia and M. aurinia race merope began to appear everywhere. At last the foot of the final slopes was reached, and after several futile efforts to catch some fine Hrebia glacialis, which were seen on the rocks below the path, I turned to the grassy side and secured a small Hrebia, which proved to be EF’. epiphron var. nelamus. This gave me great hopes of coming on flavofasciata, for Mr. Fison took a ‘dark form” of epiphron at the same time as his two specimens of the former. In a very short time our boxes began to fill, M. cynthia, M. varia, and M. aurinia race merope were in absolute profusion, and it was, to me, a novel experience to find 9s of cynthia in anything like numbers. Other species noted were, Pieris brassicae, P. napi race bryoniae, Pontia callidice, Colias phicomone, Brenthis pales, Latiorina orbitulus, Lycaena arion ab. obscura, Coenonympha satyrion, and in addition to the previously mentioned Hrebia, EH. gorge and E’. tyndarus, the former being about in equal numbers, type and ab. triopes. Strangely enough, in such a prolific locality, no Hesperiids were present. By midday we had covered every yard of those slopes, and made a very fine selection of specimens; but there was one notable blank. There were no EF. flavofasciata. I was standing near the top of the slope, wondering for about the hundredth time where Mr. Fison’s two specimens came from, when a specimen of P. callidice flew past me, and reaching the rocks a few yards above did not turn aside, but flew straight up, and in a moment or two disappeared over a ridge. My Curiosity aroused, I was soon scrambling up over the expanse of rocks. Although somewhat resembling the chaos of rocks of the moraine below, these upper rocks were quite immoveable, with small tufts of vegetation growing here and there between them. The distance was I found, considerably greater than it looked, for I had ascended almost 300 feet (by aneroid) before I got to the ridge. Above this I found another grassy slope, similar to the one below, some hundreds of yards long and rising about 200 feet to the face of the cliff behind. This slope, or rather these slopes, for the ground is much broken up by rock, are completely hemmed in by the belt of rocks which I had crossed, and invisible from below. The view was marvellous. The waved 78 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. surface of the glacier was, in itself, an amazing sight, and could be fully appreciated now lying 600 feet below one, while the ice falls (of which the glacier is but a part) seen from on a level, or perhaps one ought to say from less underneath, were a sight never to be forgotten. Turning from this wonderful outlook, I felt that having got here I should just look around before going down again. The first thing seen was HV. epiphron again; I had netted so many that morning in hopes they were flavofasciata, that I passed it without a second look. A few yards beyond two more rose from the grass at my feet, and I swept one up in passing; and, found the long sought flavofasciata in my net. After a second glance, to assure myself I was not mistaken, I lost no time in making after the two other specimens J had passed. Both were flavofasciata. Five minutes were enough to show I had indeed solved the puzzle of Mr. Fison’s two specimens. The species was flying in numbers all over the slope, for the most part in very fair condition. It was considerably after lunch time, so I had to return to the lower slopes, where my wife had stayed painting, and in charge of our lunch. I found a somewhat easier way down, and after lunch we both climbed up again, when in about three-quarters of an hour, we took a really magnificent series of ¢s and four ?s, two of the latter and fourteen g's falling to my wife’s net; which I am sure is the first occasion on record of this species being captured by a lady. That Mr. Fison’s two specimens were wanderers from this colony there can be no doubt; but if there were, the following interesting point would soon dispel it. Mr. Wheeler notes, with reference to Mr. Fison’s specimens (Butts. of Switz., page 124), ‘the Tschierva glacier specimen has a slightly broken band, with very irregular inner edge.” This peculiarity of the yellow band on the underside of the hindwings is exhibited by almost half of my specimens, and I have never seen it in a Specimen from other localities. This characteristic leads us to a question of some interest. Should this Tschierva race be known as the var. thiemei? Iam not prepared to say, definitely, that it should not; as that name was given to the race of the Schafberg, and I have never seen any specimens from that locality. But, according to the description in Seitz, of thiemet, I see no reason for the existence of that name, and it certainly does not apply to my Tschierva specimens. Hiffinger says the Pontresina race is distinguished from the type (Campolunga) race by being darker and having the band on the upper- side of the forewings broken into spots of varying size, the black centres of the spots being small and often obsolete, otherwise not much different from the type. If this is all the difference shown by the Pontresina race, it certainly is not an adequate reason for maintaining that race as distinct from the type. It is extremely rare to see a specimen in which the rust- coloured band of the forewings is not broken into rings, and such a specimen could not, in the least, be said to be typical of the Campo- lunga race. If Hiffinger’s description is correct, the only real difference between the type and thiemet is, that the size of the rings round the spots is reduced (though not always, for he states them to be of “ varying size”’), and the spots themselves are often obsolete. Both of these characteristics are common forms of variation in the type. However, even if this Schafberg race shows no real distinction from NOTES ON THE PSYCHIDES. 79. the type the Tschierva race does; and the final sentence of Hiffinger’s description quite separates it from any connection with the name thienei, for he says, ‘otherwise not much different from the type.” Now, as already mentioned, the Tschierva race does differ from the type, and that to a very marked degree. This difference lies in the yellow band on the underside of the hindwing, the most conspicuous character of the insect. As Mr. Wheeler's note, already quoted, pointed out, this band was broken in Mr. Fison’s specimen, and this peculiarity occurs in 50% of my specimens; but, in addition, in almost all my series, this band is so reduced in width that it often is only just wide enough to contain the black spots. Very often the last three of them are quite separated from the others, each surrounded by a narrow line of yellow. By the ‘‘last three’? I mean those three spots nearest to the anal angle. This reduction in width is just as pronounced in the @ asin the g, and in one of my four @s the band has practically given place to six yellow rings, the three upper touching, and the three lower separate. The figure in Seitz (plate 36, row e¢, first fignre), showing the underside of a 2 thiemei, has the band as well developed as in any ? of the type race. This restriction of the band is so much more remarkable than the mere description would lead one to suppose, that I felt a photograph showing a series of the Tschierva: specimens beside some of the type race, would be of interest. Plate I. shows the characteristic features of the band very well, rows 1 and 2, Tschierva specimens, and row 3 some of my series of the Campolunga rage. It would be very interesting if Someone possessing a series of the Schafberg race, would tell us if they agree with the figure in Seitz (which might be the underside of a Campolunga speci- men) or with my photograph of the Tschierva race. If the former is the case, then thiemei is practically asynonym of flavofasciata ; and the Tschierva race undoubtedly deserves a racial name of its own. If the latter, then Hiffinger is at fault, and the Schafberg and Tschierva races must be united under the name thiemet. One wonders during how many centuries has flavofasciata lived and had its being on that rock-bound slope, undisturbed by man ; and how much longer it might have done so, but: for the chance that brought Mr. Fison in the way of those two specimens, so many years ago; and the chance that led me to their retreat when I had given up the search. How many such secrets do the peaks and valleys of the Alps conceal, and how often are we in close proximity and pass them by ? It was not until nearly seven p.m. that we reached Pontresina, tired, but greatly pleased by our success. (To be concluded.) Notes on the Psychides. By Ray. C. R. N. BURROWS, F.E.S. (Continued from page 62.) I hold, in the material, which Dr. Chapman committed to my care, most of the actual specimens upon which these differentiations were based, and judge it to be important thai I should, while I have them before me, *, place the facts upon record. ia * It is a matter of Teer that Chapman mislaid, cont could not‘find for me, his: motes upon the Psychides. His specimens occasionally bear numbers—-but these: 80 THE ENTOMOLOGIST ’S RECORD. I have made my measurements very carefully, at one sitting, and under precisely the same conditions. The types of Proutia eppinyella, Tutt (numbered 8752) (with four males and four cases in the Bankes Collection), and of Masonia edwardsella, Tutt, with four other males and two cases, are in the Walsingham Coll. in the British Museum, London. The following specimens are at present with me :— Proutia eppingella, Tutt, ?=salicolella, Brd., ?=betulina, Z., Spur-ratio, Chapman, -68. C.M. 78. ‘“ Prout’s Proutia, June, 1900.’’ A female, very imperfect. C.M. 74. ‘salicolella, Staud.”” Two wings. C.M. 75. ‘ Prout’s salicolella, 1899." Two legs. C.M. 76. ‘ P. salicolella, Staudinger, 1899.” Six legs. C.M. 77. ‘salicolella.” A female (8752, in pencil) with pupal head cover. ? female type. Coll. 854. ‘‘Frankesreich. Fl.’’ ‘“ anicanella, Brd., salicolella, Auct., nec. Brd.” Two left-side wings. No body, legs, or antennae. Probably = nos. 74 and 76 above. The absence of the bodies from Chapman’s specimens makes it impossible to identify them from the genitalia. The tibial spur ratios of the foregoing specimens are as follows :— C.M. 75. ‘ Prout’s salicolella, 1899.” ... oie sat fey 66 C.M. 764A. “ LP. salicolella, Staud., 1899.” eit bia nee 62 C.M. 76B. “ LP’. salicolella, Staud., 1899.” ak in ane 68 C.I. F.A. “Abbé de Joannis, P. salicolella.” ... ua ae ‘76: C.I. F.B. “ Abbé de Joannis, P. salicolella.” ... eS ors ‘18 A.B. signify two separate legs. Compared with this we have :— Proutia betulina, Z. Spur-ratio, Chapman, °69. Coll. 1116. Dr. Zerny, ‘“ Habich Wien,” 30.vi.82 ... suf 62 Coll. 852. Chapman, ‘“ P. betulina,” no loc. ... Ane Bae 62 Coll. 968. Chapman, “ P. betulina’’... BD ise ae “60 Coll. 1097. Dr. Zerny, ‘‘ Prater, 19.vi.90” ... oe By, ‘61 Coll. 1057. Staud., ‘‘ Lausn. Trans.” ... ee nat 65 Coll. D. de Joannis, ‘‘ Ttalia cent. Latium, $. K.” ate ‘13 Coll. E. de Joannis, nolo... ah Use aos tft 61 The evidence of the tibial spur, in favour of two species, would appear to be very weak. Masonia edwardsella, Tutt. Spur-ratio, Chapman, ‘71. C.M. 838A. Two heads, one with antennae and front legs. ‘“‘ edwardsella, Aix les Bains”... ax, Asp as ‘72 C.M. 88B. Ditto ditto ditto Pat Mis “71 C.M. 84. Two front legs, “‘edwardsella”’ .... oe re 65 Two heads are missing from specimens in the Walsingham Coflec- tion. No specimens are discoverable in the Chapman Collection. numbers are not consecutive and are very few in comparison with the total number of insects dealt with. Moreover, in some instances the numbers are repeated, which renders their use very difficult, and in several cases they do not agree with the corresponding material. NOTES ON THE PSYCHIDES. 81 Masonia mitfordella, Chapm. Spur-ratio, Chapman, -70. C.M. 88. Mitford’s black pin, Mason Coll., ‘ mitfordella.” One front lee... Me AS 2 aoe ‘76 C.M. 89. ‘‘nztidella, } Mason “Coll., 1 , mitfordella.” One front leg ... a ast ee "713 C.M. 171. % Fumea, Mitford, Clark Coll. ” One front leg ... “70 Coll. 970. ‘Clark Coll.” Hone wings, no body, antennae, or legs. Coll. 970. Ditto ditto ditto. One hind leg. Masonia hibernicella, Chapm. Spur-ratio, Chapman, °67. Coll. 114. ‘‘Glengariffe. 19. Joints, last good, spur }” “17 Coll. 1178A. ‘ Glengariffe, McArthur” a bi a: ere Coll. 1173B. Ditto ditto ; ‘76 Fumea scotica, Chapm. Spur-ratio, Chapman, 18. 81. C.M. 116. ‘ Large Fumea, Rannoch, scotica.’’ One front leg 80 C.M. 117. ‘Large Sutherland iinmeciscotiea ie eh 80 Coll. 1119. ‘Inveran, F. G. Whittle” Bs ‘78 Fumea bowerella, Chapm. Spur-ratio, Gaston 11. C.M. 155A. “Bower. 17.’ Head and legs se Pay C.M. 155B. Ditto ditto ae es 80 Fumea germanica, Chapm. Spur ratio, :88. Coll. 864. One male, four wings, no body, head, or legs. C.M. 112A. “ Voelschew (152), affinis.” Head and legs... "85 C.M. 112B. Ditto ditto Pe, A iB: ans ‘81 C.M. 118. = ‘‘ Voelschew (148), affints.”” Head and legs ... 83 C.I 9. Amale, nodata ... on a ae Ba 85 There remains Bankesta douglasii, Sta., the unique specimen of which is in the Bankes Coll. in the British Museum. Until this insect can be duplicated, or the type drastically examined, it is useless to add to the conjectures which have already been formed about it. The extremely fine measurement applied in this investigation is quite unused, as far as my information goes, in any other group of the Lepidoptera. Evidently, unless every individual in a species is an exact replica of the remainder, the possibility of endless division would be enormously increased. No such examination has, I believe, ever been made of a sufficiently large number of specimens to enable us to judge what amount of difference may occur in size, as well as formation, in a single species. I do not agree with the old collector who is credited with saying that ‘‘ unless he could see it across a five- barred gate, he did not reckon it a ‘ var.’”’! but I do maintain that it is a pity to establish species upon an insufficient, and unproved basis. I would not be credited with saying that these species are not, or can- "not be, proved to be valid, but rather that until we have sufficient material of each, the question must remain in abeyance. Of the 315 specimens consisting of Chapman’s mixed material, augmented by my own additions— 20 measuring between °51 and ‘64 are Bruandias. 59 measuring between ‘61 and -71 are called Masonias. 236 measuring between -72 and °82 are called Fumeas. I am able to separate Bruandias by the genitalia, but I cannot separate Masonias from Fumeas except by size. With a few anomalies 82 THE ENTOMOLOGISY’S RECORD. and gaps, the figures from ‘51 to -82 form a continuous series. It is therefore possible that a difference in the measurements of ‘Ol mm. may not only shift a specimen from one species to another, but may even shift it into a different genus, since no line of absolute demarka- tion is anywhere discoverable. These anterior tibial spurs are not con- fined to the species here considered, but occur in other genera, and groups of species, the ratio numbers often running parallel with these. - At the risk of exhausting the patience of my readers, I venture to include the result of our investigations of this curious and complicated subject. I have prepared two tables in which are recorded the par- ticulars of these very exhaustive examinations. The first represents the measurements of several hundred specimens of the mixed species allied to Fwmea, the second a similar examination of Bijugis and Psychidea. These measurements cannot be accepted as absolutely correct, within probably -02mm., owing to the difficulties which I have pointed out. Table of Tibial spur ratios in Bruandia, Masonia, and Fumea. Ratio. Number. -51* 1 *538* (1009S) “54% 2 55" 1 *56* 2 (733C) (1188T) Bb. reticulatella -56, Tutt, p. 303. -58* if ‘60* 3 ‘61{ (1098Z) B. comitella :61-°62, Tutt, p. 304. 62+ 1 -683{ 2 B. comitella (*784C) (+1189T) 64 2? Limit of Bruandia 64, Tutt, p. 299. B.comitellaC. M. subflavella J. 65 2 66 1 M. crassiorella -66--70, Tutt, p. 807. 67 8 M. hibernicella 67. 68 7 (744C) (1190T) M. subflavella, J. “69 3 “70 28 (736C) M. crassiorella M. mitfordella, M. afjinis, M. sub- flavella -70. “71 138 Limitof Masonia:71, M. edwardsella. Tutt, p. 299. “72 16 “73 11 “74 10 a) 17 "76 13. (738C) M. crassiorella. “77 16 Mucking & Glengariff. Lowest for I’. casta, | F. awe sis| “77, Tutt, p. 314. .}_. -77-:80. ‘78 14 (1119W). I scotica, -78--81. is Ie aw iar ee a an. | ‘80 91 81 25 Limit of Fwnea, ‘81, Tutt, p. 299. NOTES ON THE PSYCHIDES. 83 82 24 83 3? 84 1 85 2? 88 F’, germanica, :88, Tutt, p. 299. *=Boss on tegumen = Bruandia. t=No boss on tegumen. Nos. in brackets=separate mounts. Tibial Measurements in Psychidea and Bijugis. Psychidea= Short spur= F'umea form. 33 C. 748 B. graecella. “39 0. 18 P. majorella. Al Te Tab Ps sinvens T. 1150 P. marjorella. 42 8. 860 P. nudella. ‘43° =«T. 16 P. sapho. 8. 1040 P. marjorella. 44 8. 1089 P. marjorella. 45 §. 958 P. sapho. S. 868 P. nudella. Z. 1099 P. nudella. Z. 1100 P. plumella. bes 6 P. sapho. A8 T. 2 P. suriens. C.M. 187 P. sapho. 49 Lo 1147") P. sapho. 50 C. 866 P. nudella. 1144 P. suriens: T S. 966 P. plumella. S.1011 P. nocturnella. S. 1059 P. plumella. C. 864 P. suriens. S. 1288 P. nocturnella. Bijugis=long spur= EH pichnopterya form. ‘51 T. 1148 P. sapho. 562 §. 1010 B. bombycella. C. 1202 B. “ Lauterets.” 53 C. 949 B. bombycella. S. 1192 B. bombycella. ‘4 T. 1141 B. bombycella. Lt. 4 B. bombycella. S. 950 5B. pectinella. 55 C. 956 B. bombycella. C. 741 B. prowima. C.M. 1851 B. bombycella. C.M. ne B. bombycella. T. B. pectinella. 56 8. 1193 B. bombycella. T. a B. bombycella. 67 T. 1142 B. bombycella. T. 1143 B. bombycella. . C. 863 B. proaima. S.1191 8B. proxima. 58 C.M. 185? B. provima. 759 C. 867 B. pectinella. 8. 1231 B. pectinella. ‘60 S. 1232 B. pectinella. 62. C... 865 B. pectinella. . ee gs °64 C.M. 185°. B. pectinella. C., 957. B. bombycella. S.=purchased. C. & Coll.=Chapman Coll. T.=Turati. Z.=Zerny. | W.=F. G. Whittle. J.=Abbé J. de Joannis. C.M.=Chapman’s Mounts. It will be noticed that *B. yraecella -38 is the only specimen which *In spite of its low spur-ratio this insect agrees with Bijugis rather than Psychidea. It has indeed a short spur, but the formation of the genitalia ap- proaches Epichnopterys, as does Bijugis. The'connection with Psychidea, which hhas the Fumea form, is not close. Quite possibly the insect will require to be placed in a new genus. 84 THE ENTOMOLOGIS?’S RECORD. falls out of its place. The names here are almost entirely those under which I received the specimens, only corrected when evidently wrong. There would appear to be much confusion about Psychidea nudella, which would seem to be a rare species, and, difficult to recognise. This: is unfortunate, as Rambur’s genus Psychidea is based upon its “ short, spur.” I have one specimen from Chapman and one or two more which have come to me under different names, but several which I have received under this name are not nudella, for they have no tibial spur. Further, these spurless species, which cannot be included in Psychidea or Bijugis on this account, or In Fumea, Masonia, or Bruandia for the same reason, seem to separate into several species, which all appear to bear the name of vestalis, Staud. ! (To be continued.) WOTES ON COLLECTING, etc. WarwicksHIRE Recorps oF IcaneumonipaE (Continued).—Oputo- NINAE.—Campoplex rugifer, Fst.—Bretford, 2.vi.1918, rare. C. falcator, Fab.—Bubbenhall, 10.viii.18, H. G. Wagstaff (host Cosmotriche pota- toria). C. angustatus, Th.—Kenilworth, 8.viii.20. C. terebrator, Fst. —Bubbenall, 1.viii.19, H. Cooke; Brandon, 11.vi.19; Stoke, 28.v.20 ; Corley, 29.v.20 ; Coombe, 9.v.20, common and generally distributed. C. nitidulator, Hlgr.—Stoke, 20.v.19; Coombe, 20.v.1916; Corley, v.17;. Hawkesbury, 9.vi.17. C. myrtillus, Desv.—Ryton, 6.vi.20; Corley, 29.v.20, rare. C. cultrator, Gr.—Coventry, 9, 1915. C. pugillator, Linn.—Bubbenhall, 2.vi.18, H. G. Wagstaff. C. monozonus, Fst.— Stoke, viii.16. Sagaritis holmgrent, Tsch.—Brandon, 4.ix.21. S. latrator, Gr.—Brandon, 21.ix.19. S. annulata, Gr.—Binley, 2.x.21. Casinaria vidua, Gr.—Coventry, 7.vil.21, F. Pepper. C. moesta, Gr.— Kenilworth, 1918; Ryton, 1.vii.19. Nemeritis cremastoides, Hlgr.— Stoke, 22.v.21, 9 9. Spudastica kreichbaumert, Bdg.—Tile Hill (host Lygaeonematus compressicornis), 25.iv.20, 25.1v.20, 28.iv.20, rare. Omorga faunus, Hlgr.—Generally distributed. O. molesta, Gr.—Stoke, June, 1916, 1919. O. borealis, Ztt.—Stoke, 1919. O. ensator, Gr.—Stoke, viii.16. Meloboris inculcator, Gr.—Stoke, 28.viii.20. M. crassicornis, Gr. —Bubbenhall, 22.vi.19; Brinklow, 2.vili.20. Angitia majalis, Gr.— Coombe, 15.vili.20; Stoke, 1.1x.20 (host Depressaria heracleana). A. chrysosticta, Gr.—Ryton, 6.vi.20. A. curvicauda, Hlgr.—Bubbenhall, v.18; Kenilworth, 1918. Anilasta ruficincta, Gr.—Stoke, 4.vii.20. Labrorychus clandestinus, Gr.—Ryton, 10.vii.21, 9 9; Stoke, 20.vii.21. L. tenuicornis, Gr.—Common and generally distributed. Agrypon flaveolatum, Gr.—Bubbenhall, 8.vi.18 ; 29.vi.19; Bubbenhall, 1.vi.19;. 9.vi.19, H. Cooke. Ophion luteus, Linn.—Stoke, 1918; Coventry, 1916; Aldridge ; Coventry, 20, F. Shotten. 0. distans, Th.—-Bubbenhall, 10.viil.18. O. stigmaticus, Morl.—Bubbenhall, 18.v.21. O. scutellaris, Th.—Generally distributed. 0. obscurus, Fab.—Stoke, 29.ix.19, HE. H. Sills. O. ventricosus, Gr.—Bubbenhall, 9.vi.18; 18.v.19; 7.vi.19; Bubbenhall, 18.v.19; 15.vi.19, H. Cooke, rare. Paniscus cristatus, Th. —Stoke, June, September, 1916; Canley, 29.viii.1919, Cooke. P. melanurus, Th.—Coventry, 5.vi.19; Stockton, 28.viii.20; Wolvey, 3.vil.21. P. testaceus, Gr.—Coventry, 1915; Stoke, 1918; Brandon, 6.ix.17 ; (host Acronicta alni). P. gracilipes, Th.—Stoke, viii.16 ; SOCIETIES. 85 Waverley Wood, 9.viii.17; Hunningham, 6.viii.17; Ryton, 30.ix.17 ; Stoke, 21.vi.18. Astiphrommus alarius, Gr. —Bubbenhall, 29.vi.19, H. Cooke. Mesochorus politus, Gr.—Stoke, 15.v.20. M. contusus, Her. — Princethorpe, 26,vii.19 ; Stoke, 1919. M. vittator, Hlgr.—Stoke, ix.16. (To be continued.) —J. W. Saunt, 53, Enfield Road, Stoke, Coventry. SOCIETIES. Tue EnromoxocicaL Society or Lonpon. March 7th, 1923.—The President announced that Dr. G. A. K. Marshall, C.M.G., had been selected for election as a Fellow of the Royal Society, and a vote of congratulation was passed to him, with acclamation. Kvecrion or Fettows.—Mr. A. M. Stewart, 8, Ferguslie, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland; Mr. F. G. 8. Whitfield, 25, Drayton Gardens, S. Kensington, S.W; Mr. A. J. C. Wightman, ‘‘ Aurago,’”’ W. Chiltington Common, Pulborough, Sussex, were elected. Exursitions.—Mr. G. Talbot exhibited on behalf of Mr. J. J. Joicey a number of gynandromorphs of Lepidoptera, from various parts of the world. Major H. C. Gunton exhibited a remarkable variety of Grammesia trilinea from Gerrard’s Cross, Bucks. Professor EH. B. Poulton, F.R.S., produced further evidence that the wings of Lepidoptera are sometimes nibbled by caterpillars. He also exhibited and made remarks upon some fragments of beetles from a Pleistocene peat-bed at Wolvercote, nr. Oxford. These speci- mens gave rise to considerable discussion. Mr. J. H. Durrant exhibited an example of Hierowestis sanctae- helenae taken in a house at Margate and suggested that it might have been introduced via the Canaries in bananas. Dr. Malcolm Burr referred to the necessitous bee hiettnges of ASP. Semenoff Thian-Shanski, an Honorary Fellow of the Society in Petrograd, and said that remittances could be sent to him through the American Relief Fund. A proposal by Mr. J. H. Durrant, seconded by Mr. J. E. Collin, that the Society should head the list of subscribers with a donation of 20 dollars was passed unanimously. Mr. A Dicksee kindly undertook to collect and transmit the remittances to this Fund. Papers.—The following papers were read a, “On a Lepidop- terous Scavenger living in Parrots’ Nests,” by Dr. A. “efferis Turner. (2) ‘“‘On the mouth parts of the Tee by Dr. R. J. Tillyard. March 21st, 1923.—Etecrion or Fettows.—The following were elected:—Messrs. A. EK. J. Carter, “‘The Retreat.’ Monifieth, Nr. Dundee; L. G. Cox, 90, Marine Parade, Worthing; IF. C. Garret, West Croft, Hexhan ; G. Handley, 54, All Saints Road, King’s Heath, Birmingham; H. Notman, F.S.A., 136, Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, New York; D. A. Owen, 94, Wellington Street, Luton, beds; L. G. Saunders, B.Se., Molten Institute, Cambridge; EK. G. R. Waters, M.A 40, Leckford Road, Oxford; E. J. Winstanley, L.D.S., R.C.S., 25, Fellows Road, Hampstead, London, N.W. Russian Entomotocists.—Mr. A. Dicksee reported on the Fund 86 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. initiated at the last Meeting for Professor A. P. Semenoff Thian-Shanski, and a Committee consisting of Dr. Burr, Mr. Dicksee and Mr. Uvarov was appointed to consider the rendering of assistance to other members of the Russian Entomological Society. E.xuipitions.—Dr. 8. A. Neave exhibited, on behalf of Sir Gilbert Carter, a number of butterflies collected by him in the Canaries, and read some notes on them prepared by Mr. N. D. Riley. Mr. G. Talbot exhibited, on behalf of Mr. J. J. Joicey, some African butterflies, including the hitherto unknown female of Alaena aurantiaca. Mr. H. E. Andrewes exhibited examples of Carabidae from the Oriental and Australian regions. Professor E.. B. Poulton, F.R.S., exhibited a series of Rumvicia phlaeas race pseudo-phlaeas from Abyssinia, and also a Satyrine butterfly of strong Palaearctic affinities, from Somaliland. Parers.—The following papers were read :—(1) ‘‘A contribution to our knowledge of the Orthoptera of Macedonia,” by Dr. M. Burr and others. (2) ‘‘On the homology between the genitalia of some species of Diptera and those of Merope tuber,’ by Mr. F. Muir. (8) ** Records and problems of Insect Migration,’ by Mr. C. B. Williams. Tue Souta Lonpon EnromonocicaL Society. February 8th, 1923.—Mr. Fawthorpe was elected a member. Mr. Frohawk exhibited a coloured drawing of Pyramets cardui in a setting of flowers and leaves, and a drawing made by a ship’s officer, of a flying-fish which struck him on the face while on deck. Mr. A. E. Tonge, a series of Colias croceus (edusa) bred in November last from ova laid in September. There was little variation shown, -only one example, a male, had a paler ground. MirsegAn AG We Buckstone, series of normal Hpirrita (Oporabta) autwnnaria and EF. filigrammaria, a series of hybrids of the two species, the results of two pairings of the hybrids, and the further results of two pairings of these last. The hybrids were mostly intermediate, but the specimens, the result of the last pairings, closely resembled antumnaria. Mr. A. W. Mera, series of F. (O.) christyi from Chalfont Road, and of a melanic race of #. (0.) autwnnaria from Middlesbrough, and remarked that they were very closely allied species. Capt. Crocker, along series of Coenonympha pamphilus illustrating the range of variation in ground-colour, spotting, marginal markings, suffusion. ete. Mr. K. G. Blair, two forms of Anattis plagiata, which Dr. Jordan has just shown were morphologically two species. Nothing was yet known of the larval differentiation. Mr. Cheesman, a beetle disclosed on eriibae timber from Riga. Mr. A. W. Andrews, flower-heads of an Umbellifer with numerous Anthomyid flies entrapped by their proboscis. Mr. S. Blenkarn, species of local and rare Coleoptera including Lycoperdina succincta from Mildenhall, Staphylinus pedator from Box Hill, Lhagonycha unicolor (translucida) from Box Hill, Sphodrus leucophthalmus from a corn-shop in Woolwich, Anchomenus 4-punctatus from Cawthorne, ete. SOCIETIES. 87 The Rev. .!. Waterston read a paper entitled the “‘ Natural History of St. Kilda,’ with lantern illustrations. February 22nd, 1923.—Mr. L. W. Newman exhibited series of Charaeas graminis, from heavily marked to almost devoid of markings, Noctua depuncta var. maddisont, a red Dianthoecia carpophaga,2 2 N. subrosea, and a Chrysophanus dispar all from the ‘‘ Horne ”’ collection. Mr. Grosvenor, some Zygaena stoechadis which were a transition to Z. filipendulae. Mr. A. A. W. Buckstone, a series of Anaitis plagiata and pointed out the newly differentiated species A. efformata among them. Mr. Enefer, a very large centipede and a large cockroach found in some cases of pineapples from Singapore, unloaded at a Bermondsey wharf. Mr. Blenkarn, the local beetle Lebia chlorocephala from Otford, Kent. The rest of the exhibits were lantern slides shown by Messrs. Main, Frisby, Dennis, Bunnett and Dods. March 8th, 1923.—The President in tne chair. Mr. A. A. W. Buckstone gave a box of British Lepidoptera to the Society’s Reference Collection. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited the following aberrations of Palaearctic Rhopalocera, which had been artificially produced.— Pyramets atalanta, with red band almost obsolete; Vanessa io, with ocelli obliterated ; Aglais urticae, with large unicolorous blackish-brown area; Huyonia polychloros, with smeared blotches on forewings; Apatiura iris, with white bands nearly obsolete; Melanargia galathea, Dryas paphia, etc., and others of each species Mr. H. Moore, Anosia archippus, taken 100 miles off the coast of S. America; cases of the large “ bag-worm’’ (Psychidae) Veceticus omnivorus from N. Island, New Zealand. and referred to its dipterous parasite Murigaster marginatus and the hyper-parasite, Pteromalus sp. ; and the giant cricket ‘‘ Weda,”’ Hemideina meyacephala of New Zealand, with notes on its depredations and habits. Mr. Hare, a probably unique aberration of Anaitis plagiata, a wide- banded form from Erith, and a markingless example of Leptosia Sena from Symons Yat. Mr. O. R. Goodman, a series of Thymelicus acteon from the Isle of Purbeck with a series from S. France and pointed out that the males of the latter had both the stigma of the gs and the crescentic line of the 2s of the former series. Mr. F. W. Frobawk, British Aporia crataeyi with supernumerary veins developed in the hindwings, others with discoidal spots on the hindwings, and others with dark hind-marginal shading. Capt. Crocker, a curious aberration of Polyommatus tcarus with all the usual markings obsolescent and the ground colour of a light brown uniformly. Dr. Fremlin read a paper entitled, ‘‘ The Growing Importance of Entomology,” and there was a short discussion. 88 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. FREVIEWS AND NOTICES OF BOOKS. Responses OF THE LARGE WaATER-STRIDER, GERRIS REMIGIS, SAY, TO CONTACT AND LicGHT.—By C. F. Curtis Riley, Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. 58 pp. reprinted from Annals of the Entomological Society of America. Columbus, Ohio, December, 1921.—This is another contribution to the already extensive literature dealing with the American Water-Bugs. The hydrobiotic insect fauna of the Nearctic Province is extensive, the material is abundant, the biological problems are numerous and interesting, the entomologists are keen, and the dollars are forthcoming: so it is not to be wondered at that the results are commensurate. In this paper, Mr. Curtis Riley almost confines his attention to one species, Gerris remigis, Say, one of the largest American Gerrids, about the size of our G. najas, Li., and the subjects dealt with are those to which the names ‘‘thigmotaxis ’ and ‘‘phototaxis ’’ have been given, 7.e., the responses made by the insects to the stimuli of contact and leht; or, to put it in plain English, just how the bugs behave when they come in contact with solid bodies, wavelets, rain-drops, puffs of air, etc., and when exposed to the influence of light, both sunshine and electric, the latter being either stationary or in motion. The methods adopted were those of careful observations in the field, and laboratory experiments. Under the heading of the ‘ thigmotactic response,’ the most interesting phenomena dealt with are those of hibernation, death-feigning, and clustering. Evidence is given that the Gerrids hibernate amongst dead leaves, under bark, and in the cracks of logs, and similar places usually quite near their pond. When one reads of beds of dead leaves measuring 8 x 4 3 feet on the margins of pools, and of finding 250 specimens of the bugs in such quarters, one can hardly help envying the Hemipterists of the New World their ideal opportunities ; but a corrective 1s administered by the author’s confession ‘It was a long time before I found Gerris remigis in a hibernating condition. Seareh was made in almost every conceivable situation before the hibernation quarters of the species were located.’ He adds also, ‘‘I never have found them hibernating in mud, in water, at the bottom of water, at the bottom of a pool, pond, brook, creek, or river.” Death-feigning results apparently from the sense of touch and not from that of sight. In the phenomenon of ‘‘ clustering’ we seem to meet with a certain degree of individuality in the members of the group; certain of them become, after a time, restless, and in their struggles to free themselves from the contact of their comrades, whose legs and bodies frequently overlap them, they tend to disintegrate the group. This restlessness is explained as possibly due to some internal physiological (or might it even be psychological ?) differences in the individuals. In the experiments with light it was found that the insects moved towards the source of light and orieuated with their faces thitherward. This produced some puzzlement when the light oscillated. On the whole we may say that these 58 pages, well printed and free from typographical errors, are eminently stimulating and suggestive, and should be useful to English students as indicating methods of procedure and subjects for investigation. Numerous photographs enable the reader to realise to the full the nature of the habitats of Gerris remigis, Say.—H. A. Burtur (F.H.8.), 385, Kyrle Road, West Side, Clapham Common, ‘$.W. 11. Subscriptions for Vol. XXXV. (10 shillings) should be sent to Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Gross, S.E.14 [This subscription includes all numbers published from January 15th to December 15th, 1923.) Non-receipt or errors in the sending of. Subscribers’ magazines should be notified to Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘“ Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, S.E. 14 ADVERTISEMENTS of Books and Insects for Sale, or Books wanted will be nserted at a minimum charge of 2s. 6d. (for four lines). Longer Advertisementsin proportion. A reduction made fora series. Particulars of Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Cross, 8.E. 14 Subscribers who change their addresses must report the same to Mr. H. WW. Paau ‘' Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, Jiondon, 8.14., otherwise their magazines will probably be delayed. Desiderata.—¥Foreign examples, local races, vars. and abs. from all parts of the world of any butterflies included in the British list. Setting immaterial; exact data indispensable. Liberal return made.—IV. G. Pether, ‘‘Thelma,’’ 4, IWillow Bridge Road, London, N. 1. Duplicates.—Aglaia, Adippe, *Io, T. quercus, Coridon vars., *Fuliginosa (Reading), *B. quercus ¢, Tiliz, Menthastri, *Linariata, Aurantiaria, Leucophmaria vars. Paniscus. Desiderata.—Pupx of Dicteoides; Imagines of typhon, palpina, camelina (dark), Curtula, Pyra, and numerous others; Ova of Hispidaria.—Harold B. \Villiams, 1122, Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. Duplicates. —Sybilla, Paphia, Io (2), Selene, Lucina (2), Ocellatus, Illustraria (autumn) Nastata, Roboraria ¢ , Prunaria (4) ¢ , Tipuliformis. Desiderata.—Castreusis ¢ , Cucullina, Cribrum, Cinerea, Ravida, Ashworthii, Notata, Obfuscaria, Smaragdaria and others, also vars. and local forms.—Harold H. Winser, Kent House, Cranleigh. Duplicates.—Cinxia, Bellargus, Coridon, H. Comma, Lineola, Galathea, Moneta, Nupta, and many others. Desiderata.—Blandina, Irish Icarus, Carmelita, Cuculla. Gonostigma, Ashworthii, Templi, Australis, Undulata, Smaragdaria, Testacea.— W. Gifford Nash, Clavering House, Bedford. Duplicates.—-Cinerea ¢ , fine forms, grey, brown and blackish, Maritima and vars. Immorata and other East Sussex species. Desiderata.—Pupex. Luteago (Barrettii), Caesia, Albimacula, Alpina, Xanthomista, Sparganii, Dissoluta (Arundineta), Graphalii. Also imagines of extreme forms Noctus in fine condition only.—A. J. Wightman, 85, Morris Road, Lewes. Cuance or Appress.—H. Baker Sly, Eden Lodge, Westcott Road, Dorking. MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. Entomological Society of London.—41, Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, S.W.7, 8 p.m. June 6th; October 3rd, 17th. The South London Entomological and Natural History Society, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge. Second and Fourth Thursdays in the month, at 7 p.m. May 24th, ‘‘ Some Ancient Naturalists and their Work,’’ R. Adkin, F.E.S.—Hon. Sec., Stanley Edwards, 15, St. German’s Place, Blackheath, S.H.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 If.C.2, first and third Tuesdays in the month, at 6.30 p.m. Visitors welcomed. Hon. Sec., W. EH. GuraeG, 44, Belfast Road, N. 16. All MS. and editorial matter should be sent and all proofs returned to Hy. J. TURNER, 98, Drakefell Road, New Cross, London, 8.1.14 We must earnestly request our correspondents nor to send ws conumunications IDENTICAL with those they are sending to other magazines. Lists of Dupricares and Drsiperata should be sent direct to Mr. H. E. Page, Bertrose, Gellatly Road, New Cross, 8.H. 14 OVA, LARVA, AND PUPA. The Largest Breeder of Lepidoptera in the British Isles is H. W. HEAD, Gitomolonist, 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. MOUNTING OUTFITS. A simple and permanent method for mounting insects, &c. Adapted by the Entomological Dept. Royal College of Science, London. Price 3/- ("eas") and 6/- (sa%*) HARBUTT’S PLASTICINE, LTD. 56, LUDGATE HILL, £.C.4, and BATHAMPTON, nr. BATH. AGENT— G. A. BENTALL, F.25., Naturalist, 392, Strand, W.C.2. “PY PICAT? BLUILES | A Photographic ATLAS OF DIPTERA. Series 1, 10/-, 155 plates; Series 2, 15/-, 125 plates. By E. K. PEARGE, F.E.S. Obtainable from al! booksellers, or from— CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS Fetter Lane, E.G.4. 13, %.20 No.6 JUN 26 1923 ve ‘> The Entomoloaist’s Record Journal of Variation Wporrep BY RicHarp S. BAGNALL, F.t.s., ¥-E.s. Jas. HE. COLLIN, F.u.s. Grorce T. BETHUNE-BAKER, F.L.8., F.E.S. H. Sr. J. K. DONISTHORPH, F.z.s., ¥.5.8. M. BUBR, D.sc., F.L.S., F.Z.8., F-E-S. Joun Harrimy DURRANT, v-z.s. '(Rev.) C. R. N. BURROWS, F.u.s. Atrrup SICH, F.z.s. pe. A. COCKAYNH, m.p., ¥.E.S. (Rry.) Grores WHEELER, w.a., ¥F.5.8. and Henry J. TURNER, rF.x.s Hditorial Secretary. CONTENTS. PAGE. reliminary Observations on the British Vanessids, Harold B. Williams, LL.B., F.H.S. 89 a “Notes on the Lepidoptera of the eeu District co and. ee Major Deedee. 4 Graves, F.H.S. .. 5 as 95 Six weeks among the Butterflies of astern See tana” Bie On Ss Waves F.E.S.. 30 96 _ Current Nores anp Snort Notices ae 101 E Review :—A Biology of the British eee Heteroptera @. A. Butler B. re 8B. Se., F.E.S.), H.St.J.D. ... 103 PList of the Races of the 1¢ Rhopalocera of ponicuias rTaly, Rager Verity, M.D., aa Orazio Querci... He é (9)—(12) JUNE 15th, 1923. Price ONE “SHILLING (nur). Subscription for Conipleta Volume, post free (Inoluding all DOUBILE) NUMBIIKS, eto.) TEN SHILLINGS, ro BE VORWARDED TO HERBERT. Ba PAGE. 'F-E.S:, “ Bertrose,’’ GeLtuatty Roap, New Cross, 8.H.14. Communications have been received or have been promised from Messrs. H. Donisthorpe, Dr. Verity, J. H. Durrant, G. T. Bethune-Baker, Alfred ~ Pe eAe Cockayne, Rev. C. R. N. Burrows, J. W. Saunt, Wm. Fassnidge, H. B. W. z10 Querci, Hugh Scott, F. J. 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LANTERN SLIDES MADE ''TO ORDER FROM ANY SPECIMEN OR COLOURED DRAWING. - PHGTOS IN COLOUR OF LARYA, 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 ; Melanic forms Lariciata, Consortaria, Conson- aria, Abietaria; Irish forms Aurinia and Napi, fine vars. Tiliae, Yellow Dominula, etc., ete. Quotations and Insects sent on approval with pleasure. Also a huge stock of fine PUPZ and OVA. Write for latest price lists. Relaxing Tins are now 4/= small and G/- large, pos free. Re-fills, 2/3 small, 3/3 large, post free. WN 6 1923 OBSERVATIONS ON THE BRITISH VANESSIDS. 89 Preliminary Observations on the British Vanessids. By HAROLD B. WILLIAMS, LL.B., F.E.S. (A Paper read before the London Natural History Society, April 17th, 1923.) The title of this paper requires a few words of explanation. I have felt for some time that a collation of the published information on the British members of the Vanessid group would. be a useful contribution to entomological knowledge. Pending the completion of the necessary research work, for which at present I have very little _ time, I think I may usefully present to your notice a few facts con- cerning the group, together with some preliminary, and to some extent non-committal, observations of my own, in the hope of stimulating discussion and research which may be helpful later. The Vanessid species usually included in the British list are seven in number :—Polyyonia c-album, Hugonia polychloros, Aglais urticae, Vanessa io, Huvanessa antiopa, Pyrameis atalanta, Pyrameis cardut. These species occur throughout Europe. The three latter (anttopa, atalanta and cardi) occur in palaearctic America, where also the three first mentioned are represented by closely allied forms. Pyramets huntera, occasionally recorded from Britain, is also a North-American species. In my opinion it is as much a “ British species”? as P. cardut. ‘That is to say neither species, I think, is a constant resident. P.cardui is a regular immigrant, P. huntera, at present, a very rare one, but it would be rash to doubt the possibility of its becoming as frequent a visitor as P. cardut in the future. Otber species have been recorded. Aylais milberti, the common American nettle tortoiseshell and a close ally of A. wrticae, was once exhibited at a London Society as a variety of the latter species, and alleged to have been tuken in Sussex. Possibly it may have been so taken, but at the time in question it seems to have been rather a habit of certain dealers to palm off on unsuspecting amateurs foreign examples of closely related species as aberrations of British species. I hope, however, when circumstances permit, to experiment with A. milberti with a view to ascertaining whether it will breed in this country. I see no reason why it should not do so, indeed I think it is extremely probable that it will, unless exterminated in the early stages of the experiment by eager collectors, or by some self-appointed executioner who fears an extension of the limited number of species included in that sacrosanct compilation “THE BRITISH LIST,” a name, which I have written in capitals, in deference to the exaggerated reverence with which the insular mind of the ultra-conservative is apt to regard it. This little explosion has reference not only to the fate I anticipate for A. milberti, but also to the fate which I am informed on good authority has overtaken the - interesting little species Vanessa prorsa, which seemed well able to establish itself in this country. I do not propose to refer further in this paper to Aylais milberti as a possible denizen of this country, though it may be necessary to mention the species in considering the variation of A. urticae. The problems sug ogested by a superficial examination of the British Vanessids are too numerous to be dealt with, even briefly, within the limits of this paper. I propose therefore to confine myself here to two June 15rx, 1928. ! 90 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. branches of the subject, a detail in metamorphosis and a particular aspect of variation, both of which I shall submit to you in the guise of preliminary observation, indicating my views under cover of those words beloved of lawyers—‘‘ Without Prejudice.”’ Iam entirely open to conviction and eager for criticism. I trust, moreover, that I may be able to interest you sufficiently to encourage observation and record in the ensuing season, so that it may be possible to speak with more conviction at a later date. ‘The two points, upon which I propose to address you, are the act of pupation, and the parallel and convergent variation of Aglais wrticae and Vanessa io. Before passing to these subjects, however, may I briefly indicate one or two other matters affecting the group upon which I should like further information. In the first place the hibernation in this country of the two species of Pyramets cannot, I think, be yet regarded as fully understood. You are all, of course, aware of the careful experiments of Mr. L. W. Newman of Bexley, but more facts are desirable before any satisfactory conclusion can be drawn. Iam particularly anxious to know what, if any, reliable records exist of either species being seen on the wing in the winter months, or of either of them being disturbed or observed in natural hibernation. Records relating to Aglais wrticae and Vanessa to are frequent. I know of one relating to Hnvanessa antiopa. I have three relating to Pyrameis atalanta. I know of none for P. cardut, Polyyonia c-album, ov Eugonia polychloros, though the two latter undoubtedly hibernate here. In the second place I should like a definite and detailed observation as to the pupation of Vanessa to in nature. This species does not normally pupate on the nettle stems, as Aglais wrticae so often does. Where does it go to? In the third place I should like to know of any records of the capture (not breeding) of Vanessa io ab. fischeri, Stndf., in this country. I am satisfied that this aberration ought to occur wild here, particularly in its more northern localities. To return to the specific questions I want to put. The first concerns the pupation. For the purposes of this paper and without committing myself in any way to an assertion that it is so, I shall assume that all Lepidoptera, or at any rate all Rhopalocera, which suspend themselves by means of the cremaster in the pupal state, achieve that position by the same process. It may very well be that this assumption is unwarranted and -I only make use of it at this stage for convenience, as in the present state of knowledge it is impossible to collate sufficient observations on individual species for the purpose of comparison. Let me first state the problem. It is this: How does the pupa withdraw itself from the larval skin and attach itself by its cremastral hooks to the same pad of silk which supported the larva? Let me preface my rough notes by saying that more rubbish has been written on the subject than on almost any other entomological problem, notwithstanding the existence of certain very careful and precise observations. As an instance of early writings I may refer to Buckler’s well- known account of the pupation of Limenitis stbilla, in vol. 38 of ae #.M.M., which is reprinted in Newman, p. 69. “Tn the course of the third day the creature seems to Pale OBSERVATIONS ON THE BRITISH VANESSIDS. 91 up, unbends its head, swings itself to and fro a few times, then stretches itself downwards in a long attenuated line, which causes a rupture of the skin close to the head, which is seen slowly to ascend, exposing the bare and soft shining parts below from which a flat and forked pair of horns grow out perceptibly as one beholds this wonderful process; the skin continues to glide slowly upwards, and as the soft parts become exposed they are seen to swell out laterally and assume the very singular projections of the chrysalis; the skin of the old head gliding up the belly marks the progress of the disclosure, as the colours of the old and new surfaces are at this time alike, but the new rather more shining and semi-transparent ; occasionally, during the bulging out of the soft parts, a kind of convulsive heave or two occurs, but otherwise it remains still until the creature is uncovered as far as the ninth or tenth segment; it then curves its anal extremity by a sudden twist laterally, and in a moment dexterously withdraws the tip of the anal segment from the claspers by an opening in the back of the skin at that part; at this critical moment one has time to see that the naked, shining point is furnished with black hooks, and to expect its fall, but in another moment it has forcibly pressed the curved tip with its hooks against the stem, close to its previous attachment of the anal claspers, which has proved strong enough for the occasion.” Buckler’s suggestion that the cremaster is passed through a special opening in the larval skin, I have not met with elsewhere, nor is it in accordance with the facts, unless L. sibil/a is unique in this respect. For the remainder, this description is typical of many in its suggestion that the safe attachment of the pupa is due to the speed with which the cremaster is withdrawn and forced to its point of attachment. In actual fact this is a most deliberate movement, and in my opinion any ‘sudden twist laterally ’ would probably be fatal. Buckler’s account, like many others, resembles the traditional schoolboys’ prescription for making a vacuum—“ Fill a flask with water, turn it upside down to let the water out and put the cork in quick.” Parallel with this one finds another hypothesis, to my mind equally absurd, but which has obtained some acceptance and has even been regarded as to some extent within the limits of possibility by no less an authority than Scudder. ‘This ‘‘ explanation’ may be given in the words of Martin Duncan’s English edition of Figuier’s Insect World (1872) though it appears to be based on an ‘“‘ observation” of Réaumur and was published in Kirby and Spence, vol. iii., pp. 208-209. ‘‘But here comes the culminating point, the most difficult part of the operation. The chrysalis, which is shorter than the caterpillar, is at some distance from the silky net work to which it must fix itself; it is only supported by that extremity of the caterpillar’s skin which has not been split open. It has neither legs nor arms, and yet it must free itself from this remaining part of the skin and reach the threads to which it is to suspend itself. The supple and contractile segments of the chrysalis serve for the limbs which are wanting to it. Between two of these segments as with a pair of pincers, the insect seizes a portion of the folded skin and with such a firm hold that it is able to support the whole of its body on it. It now curves the hinder parts slightly, and draws its tail entirely 92 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. out of the sheath in which it was enclosed, etc.” (Pupation of Aglais urticae.) It is difficult to understand how this gymnastic feat can ever have been supposed possible. Osborne pointed out (..M., XV. 61) that the newly excluded pupa is in an utterly soft condition, that the caterpillar skin is now redneed to.a pocket so small that it covers only the end of the tail of the chrysalis, “and that the chrysalis itself has no longer any free segments. Osborne’s criticism was published in 1878, together with an excel- lent account of the real machinery by which pupation is accomplished. I find, however, that the errors of Réaumur have not only been copied into a continuous series of books since then, but have even been regarded as a possible explanation by Riley and Scudder. (vide Scudder’s butterflies, 1881, p. 35, and fig. 48 a-c). I have even heard a member of a London Society claim to have photographed the newly excluded pupa in the act of holding on by its intersegmental divisions. t Osborne’s explanation is that durine pupation the last and sufficient bona of connection between the chrysalis and the old larva-skin is a membrane, extending from the lining of the latter to the anterior horns of the two lateral ridges bounding the anal area of the chrysalis. He dissected this membrane and prepared specimens with the membrane stilk intact. Osborne says (loc. cit., p. 59) that this membrane is sufficiently strong and permanent to support the insect during the critical last moments of pupation, and shows that it also exists, though less perfect, in Pieris brassicae and Muchloé cardamines, which are by its means enabled to pupate suspended if the cincture is cut. I do not know how far Osborne’s observations will carry conviction. My excuse for calling attention to them in detail must be that they have been almost entirely ignored in this country for nearly 50 years. To my mind Osborne’s explanation carries complete conviction. I cannot imagine a soft and easily ruptured newly-excluded pupa holding a spiny larval skin between two of its segments. I do not believe that anything of the sort has ever happened. Moreover I do not believe that, once having secured this grip the pupa could move the remaining segments sufficiently to free the cremaster from the larval skin, and I am quite sure it could not engage in the circular movements, which I have witnessed before complete attachment. The question, however, need not rest here. It has been discussed by competent scientists (/7.1/.M. tom. cit.) and we must do justice to such observers as Réaumur and Harris (Jns., p. 202, 2nd edn.) by con- ceding that they undoubtedly believed they saw exactly what they des- cribed. Let us therefore examine the explanation a little more closely, with the aid of Dr. Chapman and Mr. W. H. Edwards. In E.M.M., XV., p. 78, Dr. Chapman discussed Osborne’s discovery and suggested that his ‘* membrane ’’ consisted merely of the linings of the tracheae, and that the “good old explanation” of the suspension (the inter-segmental grip) was largely true. Later (p. 186), having examined Osborne’s specimens, Dr. Chapman withdrew this suggestion and stated that the membrane was undoubtedly an independent structure * The last of Osborne’s three comments is perhaps hardly appropriate.—H.B.W. + No such photographs have been published, however, and I am not aware that any have been exhibited. —H.B.W. OBSERVATIONS ON THE BRITISH VANESSIDS. 93 possessing special relationship to the suspension of the pupa. In the Canadian Entomologist for December, 1878 (/.M.M., XYV., p. 220), Edwards then gave his own independent observations. I think Chapman and Edwards explain bow it is that the idea of the inter- segmental grip has arisen. In the first place Chapman shows that the larval and pupal surfaces are damp, so that by capillary attraction and atmospheric pressure they adhere with considerable firmness, and strongly resist any separating force though they will gradually slide off each other. In the soft pupa the segments are not flat, but rounded, with deep folds between. ‘The sliding larval skin therefore slides into these folds, and when the moment comes for the tail of the pupa to be withdrawn there is a bending back of the posterior part of the abdomen and this results in a pinching in of the skinfor the moment. There is no seizing of the outside of the skin—Edwards points out that the spines would make this impossible —but a momentary grip of the inside. The tail free, this erip is released and the pupa hangs by the membrane alone. ‘There is quite certainly no further grip. Edwards made his observations on Grapta interroyationis, Chapman on another Vanessid species. ‘There seems reason to think that it may be possible that there is some distinction in method in the case of Danais archippus. So far as the Vanessid species are concerned it seems clear to me that the grip which does occur is momentary and accidental, due to the adhesion of the two surfaces, and I think this view is confirmed by the experiments of Osborne and Hdwards, made independently, and showing that if the larval skin is folded back at the critical momeut so that such a grip becomes impossible, successful pupation will still take place without tt. There is still a hiatus. How does the pupa after freeing itself, get up to the pad of silk? Scudder is inclined to believe the elasticity of the supporting membranes is the explanation, and Hdwards is of the same opinion while admitting that the rising of the chrysalis in this way is beyond his comprehension. [ am rather inclined to believe that it also derives some assistance from the cremastral hooks. It bas always seemed so to me when watching the pupation of Aylais urticae. This detail however must await further observation before anything more definite is asserted than that the pupa does not climb up by erasping the outside of the larval skin with its segments. Here, for the moment, I leave this subject, in the hope that I have said enough to stimulate some of my readers to the making of further careful observations. Photographs are still desirable. My own show nothing clearly and the same applies to the series of photographs of the pupation of V. io in The Payeant of Nature, Part 2, p. 115. The second point on which I propose to touch this evening concerns the variation of Ayglats wrticae and Vanessa io. I do not propose to to give you at this stage a detwiled and classified list of the named and * It does not appear to be generally known that the pupa frees itself entirely from the larval skin before rising to the pad of silk, and is at first an appreciable dis- tance from it. C7. Proc. Sth. Lond. HE. & N.11. Soc., 1919-20, pl. I. (K. J. Bunnett). The article accompanying this plate is surely an instance of erroneous observation. The ‘‘ finger-like processes’’ referred to appear to be the ‘‘ sustentors’’ of Riley, representing the soldered anal prolegs of the larva, and undoubtedly play a part in pupation. The author of this paper, however, has neglected to study the scientific writings of Edwards and Osborne.—H.B.W. 94 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. un-named forms of these two species, but I must introduce the subject by describing very shortly the typical markings and giving a very general outline of the ran ge of normal variation. The markings of Aylais urticae Wave been described by Raynor (Ent. Ree., XX1. 4-5) in some detail. He says :— «The markings (liable to vary) are but few and simple. Hach of the three black blotches along the costa of the forewings I have termed a ‘macula’; the large one in the centre of the inner margin is a ‘nota’; and to the two smaller ones in the central area the name of ‘puncta’ is appropriately given. The outer margin is naturally termed the ‘margo,’ and the blue lunulated spots within it ‘outtae.” These complete the markings of the forewings. The outer margin of the hindwings also has a black edging, which contains blue markings similar to the ‘ guttae,’ but which for the sake of distinction are here termed ‘lunulae.’ The only other variable portion of the hindwings is the central, red, transverse belt, which at once suggests its parent word ‘ balteus.’”’ These names for the markings have been adopted by subsequent workers, and to my mind are valid names for these markings, in the same way as such well known terms as “stigma” or the English *“<cell’’ or ‘ discoidal spot.”’ A comparison of these markings with those of Vanessa io must now be attempted. There are in V. io the same three black blotches— ““maculae ’’—along the costa of the forewings, the third, counting from the base, being somewhat inconspicuous in ordinary specimens owing to its incorporation in the eye spot, and consequent modification. Figs. 14 and 16 of the plate devoted to the species in Frohawk show this “macula ’”’ fairly clearly, but it is most clearly to be seen in specimens transitional to ab. belisaria, Obth. There were excellent examples in the Horne Coll. in which the centre of the eye-spot was occupied by a distinct black macula, connected by rays with the 2nd normal macula. In ab. belisaria the 2nd and 8rd maculae coalesce, as in many aberra- tions of Aglais urticae (notably ichnusoides, Selys, and atrebatensis, Boisd.). Normal !’. io have no ‘“ nota”’ or ‘* puncta,” but aberrations are not infrequent in which a nota is either present or is represented by a dark shade. Jam not aware of the existence of specimens with “ puncta”’ corresponding in position to those of normal 4. urticae. The dark “margo”’ exists and the ‘“ guttae,’’ blue lunulated spots, occur, those nearer the apex being incorporated with, and forming part of, the eye- spot, the remainder being normally obsolete, but represented in aberra- tions rather commonly by dark spots. A chain of white spots, not represented in dA. wrticae, oecurs within the red area, as in many Vanessids. .The eye-spot, so conspicious a feature of the apical region, is merely a modification of these markings with a suffusion of blue ecales, the extent of which is one of the most variable characters of the species. The hindwings of V. to are black, with a variable amount of red suffusion, principally on the anal area though frequently covering a great part of the wing. The markings consist of an eye-spot and a blackish crescent mark above and within it. The eye-spot is not similar to that on the forewings, but consists of a pale area in which is situated a large and roughly circular black spot. In this black spot NOTES ON THE LEPIDOPTERA OF CONSTANTINOPLE. 95 are three blue ‘‘ bars” or lunules, of which the upper two normally coalesce. Both Aylais wrticae and Vanessa io are variable species and a host of forms of voth species have been named. I do not propose to discuss these forms in detail this evening, but rather to indicate certain features in the variation of both species in which the two tend to approximate in marking, and I shall endeavour to show, by reference to such forms, what I believe to be the origin of certain of the markings of V. io. I should therefore say, iu passing, that I consider J’. io the younger species fron the phylogenetic aspect and believe it has developed from an ancestor of a ‘‘ tortoiseshell”’ facies, probably with a considerable resemblance to Aylais urticae. On this assumption the remainder of this paper is based and I shall therefore describe shortly the ‘‘ progressive’ forms of A. urticae, showing an advance in the direction of V. io and the “atavistic” aberrations of J’. o showing indications of the more primitive markings of A. wrticae. “Progressive ’’ variation in the markings of A. wrticae occurs in conjunction with purely aberrant details in the same specimen, notably the union of the costal maculae, as in J’. io ab. belisaria ; I. polychloros ab. testudo: and parallel aberrations of P. c-albwm and other species. The occurrence of this form of variation throughout the e¢roup is suggestive of the markings of the primitive common ancestor, but this is not a subject abont which sufficient can be ascertained to tempt us into a digression here. I shall therefore proceed to consider the pro- eressive variation of dylais urticae. (To be continued.) Notes on the Lepidoptera of the Constantinople District (Asia) and Brusa. By MAJOR P. P. GRAVES, F.E.S. I had little time for collecting in 1922, but added two new species of Rhopalocera to the local list. The spring and early summer visits to Chamlija gave negative results as far as Pontia (Synchloé) chloridice was concerned. The fields it had frequented in fair numbers during the previous year had been ploughed up and it had disappeared. Pararye roxelana was common enough in early June as was Mugonia polychloros. On June 18th, I paid a visit to the Alemdagh Forest, © which for ence in a way was clear of brigands. I took a worn female of Brenthis hecate approaching caucasica about two miles from Alemdach village, and in the forest found Argynnids abundant. The Species seen and taken were Dryas pandora, fairly common, D. paphia not fully out, /ssoria lathonia abundantly, Argynnis aylaia on the way to the race ottomana, but already showing signs of wear, though the females were rare; two male 4. cydippe, one of which had scarcely any silver marking on the underside of the hind wings, while the other was a large but otherwise fairly normal specimen, and abundance of B. daphne. The second brood of 6. dia was just emerging. In one clearing JMelitaea athalia race mehadiensis was frequent though going over. Dr. Reverdin has kindly determined it as athalia, not pseud- athalia. Another interesting discovery was Heteropterus morpheus of which I took a single female. ‘This is the first time that this species has been recorded from Asia Minor to my knowledge. Occagional 96 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. worn Fleodes alciphron race meliboeus occurred. Coenonympha arcanius and Mpinephele jurtina were common and amone the latter I took a large, but unluckily damaged, female MM’. lipinus, a species which I have only taken very locally at Chamlija previously. At Brusa on July 7th-9th I had to confine myself to the plain. There, and for that matter in the outskirts of the town, Hipparchia brisets was common. I looked out for Pieris manni but am not satisfied that I obtained it. P. manni females and those of some of the Mediterranean P. napi of the summer brood are not easy to distin- guish. Pyronia tithonus occurred rarely on the plain. Plebetus argqus (aeyon) was not rare and seemed to be fairly normal in type. I found no Chrysophanus rutilus in the marshes, and but few Iveres argiades. L. camilla, D. pandora, worn out M. didyma and a fair number of P. aegeria var. intermedia with occasional P. maera var. orientalis were also seen or taken. A large black Satyrid, probably S. statilinus race fatuacformis, Vty., was seen from the train near Yuruk Ali station at about 1,500 ft. elevation near Mudania. I may here note that my second-brood Hesperia malrae, taken in the Constantinople district during the last two years, have all proved to be malvae after the examination of the genitalia by Dr. Reverdin. Six weeks among the Butterflies of Eastern Switzerland. (IWuth Plate.) (Concluded from page 79.) By B. C..S. WARREN, F.E.S. The beautiful weather now broke; a walk through the woods to St. Moritz, on the afternoon of the 13th, after a day’s vain, enabled me to box a pair of Polyommatus eros from a flower-head. ‘lhe next day was: wet too, and on the 15th we left Pontresina in a regular downpour, and reached Preda to find it turning very cold. By that evening it was snowing hard, and all Sunday the snow lay about three inches deep ; Monday was little better, though it cleared up in the afternoon. The following day however, the 18th, was clondless, and as the top of the Pass was still under snow, we went down; going as far as Bergun, getting on the old road below the railway viaduets. Insects were abundant, though in no great variety of species. The only kinds not hitherto met with were Hrebia pharte and Heodes vir- gaureae ; for the rest the following were taken or seen, and were more or less plentiful: Hesperia malvoides, H. alveus, H. serratulae, Aricia eumedon, A. medon, Cyaniris seniaruus, Lycaena arion, Plebeius aryus (argyrognomon), Papilio machaon, Parnassins delius, Aporia crataeqt, Brenthis euphrosyne, B. amathusia, Argynnis aglaia, and Hrebia melam- pus, H. ewryale, and EH. stygne. The next day was again wet, but the 20th was as perfect as could be wished. We started early for the top of the Pass, with great hopes of finding Krebia glacialis and Melitaea asteria, the latter of course being our principal object. The walk up, being early in the day, pro- duced little; the short cut from the Weissenstein Inn to the Teufels Tal only produced one P. delius. The wild Teufais Tal, on the contrary, gave us one @ P. delius, one Pontia callidice, two M. aurinia, race merope, several B, pales, one @ HMrebia glacialis and several EH. gorge, and one Pyramets cardwi. A remarkable list for such a locality. : SIX WEEKS AMONG THE BUTTERFLIES OF SWITZERLAND. 97 The top of the Pass, however, presented a fearful sight, from the entomologist’s point of view. It was overrun by hundreds of cows, and as a natural consequence the grass was eaten down as short and even as if a mowing machine had been taken over it. Less than an hour’s futile search showed that the butterfly fauna of this famous locality is a thing of the past; a few Melitaca cynthia, M. anrinia race merope, Brenthis pales, one Hrebia ylacialis, and a few Hh. lappona were the only species seen: only two more than we took in the l'eufels Tal, and only a very few specimens of each. It was a sad sight. We had our lunch and started down again, keeping to the road all.the way. Immediately after leaving the Teufels Tal a number of I. ylacialis were observed on a rocky slope just above the road, and several speci- mens secured. A little further down the road winds round several grassy hillocks, covered with Vaccinium bushes, These hillocks looked so attractive that we climbed to the top of one, and immediately dis- turbed several Colias palaeno, whieh we found to be abundant all the rest of the way to the Weissenstein Inn. On the first hillock we went up, in less than a quarter of an hour, we took twelve ¢ g and seven” type 2 2 (white), and seven ? ? var. herrichi, of varying shades of yellow. The capture of this fast-flying species here presented no difh- culty, as the soft grassy slope was as easy to run over as a tennis lawn; the insect, too, frequently rested on the numerous Vaccinium bushes, from which it could be swept-up in a most leisurely manner. Just here, too, I took the only Hesyeria andromedae I saw on the Pass. Below the inn, the grassy slopes on both sides of the road produced a fair number of ordinary species, among which the most interesting were, Albulina pheretes and Polyommatus eros, The next morning, July 21st, was again cloudless, and we decided to follow a very narrow path, which could be seen skirting the side of Piz Palpuogna in a westerly direction, and which we thought might lead to the T'schitta Pass. In this we were mistaken, for after about an hour and a half of climbing, the path rounded the western spur of Piz Palpuogna, and turned up a beautiful Alp covered with Vaceintiun bushes. Due west of this Alp, at the opposite side of a deep valley, the, real path to the Tschitta Pass was clearly visible. As it was im- possible to cross the intervening valley, we continued our way up the Alp, on which we soon found Colias palaeno to be just as abundant as it was on the Albula road. It was quite a surprise to me to see in these localities the two forms of the @ flying together in almost equal numbers; the ab. calflischi was common too, in both sexes. The species was so plentiful that there was no need to pursue it, for oae could get plenty of specimens by just taking those that flew close to one. On three oceasions I boxed freshly emerged specimens resting on the Vaecinium bushes, without using my net. The only other species about were H. lappona, Brenthis pales, and one fresh g of Vacciniina optilete. Once above the zone of the Vaccinium we reached some rock-strewn slopes, on the south side of Piz Palpuogna. Here a few Hesperia cacaliae, Brenthis pales, Melitaea aurinia race merope, Pontia callidice, and Pyrameis cardui were seen ; and of course the ubiquitous /. lappona and ©. palaeno, which latter was in more perfect condition at this alti- tude, just on 7000 feet. We had been wandering about for a short time when I came on a grassy gully, more sheltered from the cold north wind, which was blowing, than the rest of the hill-side. On 98 : THE ENTOMOLOGIST ’S RECORD. going down into it a small butterfly was disturbed from the grass, and a moment later I was delighted to find I had a beautiful specimen of that rarity of the High Alps, Melitaea asteria. After our experience on the Pass I had quite given up hope of taking the species this year; but here it was, just emerging, and in plenty. We took in a few hours a really beautiful series ee a fg, but only two ° @. We were, however, fortunate enough to get a eood many more of the latter next day, and were also glad to find that its habitat, was more extended than it had at first appeared to be. Hrebia epiphron and Hesperia andromedae were two additions to the list of the day before. The variation to be seen in my series of M. asteria. is remarkable ; the amount of black on the upperside, and the formation of the mark- ings on the hindwing underside, being the chief factors of this varia- tion. Mr. Wheeler observes in his Butts. of Switz., that his experience of the species shows it to be very constant, but that Frey notes it as being ‘‘rich in vars.” Frey’s signature is to be seen in the Visitors’ “Book at the Hotel in Preda, and one wonders if his opinion as to the variability of asteria was formed from examining a series from Piz Palpuogna ; although he apparently only recorded the species from the top of the Albula Pass. A week of almost continuous bad weather, rain and snow, with very cold winds in the few fine intervals, prevented almost all further col- lecting until the 29th, the day we were leaving Preda. That morning was so perfect that we felt we must try and get to the Fuorcla da Tschitta, which we had been hoping to do for the past five days. So, although our train left at five p.m., and the top of the Pass was well over 9000 feet, and consequently almost impossible to reach in the time, we determined to go as far as possible. To get on to the path for the Tschitta it is necessary to descend the road for about half a mile, when passing through a group of chalets one gets the one and only bridge which crosses the river, which descends the valley from the Tschitta. Across this bridge the path ascends through fir woods for the first 500 feet, and on entering the wood I took a worn 9 Melitaea maiurna ab. wolfensbergeri, and an equally worn $ and 9 of Brenthis thore, both species which we had not hitherto seen on the Albula. After rising above the woods, the path runs up the valley with the river on the left, and beautiful grass-grown slopes on the right, which conditions last until the head of the valley is reached, where the real climb begins. All the way up butterflies swarmed, every step one took seeming to disturb dozens. The variety of species was not so striking, but the number of individuals was enormous. The Erebias held first place, melampus, euryale, pharte, epiphron, and tyndarus were in hun- dreds, manto, innestra, and yorge were coming on, no ¢s of the three latter being seen. Colias palaeno and C. phicomone were also very abundant, and Hesperia serratulae and H. cacaliae likewise. Parnas- sius delius was also fairly abundant; one very fine ab. leonardi being taken, which is entirely without red marking on fore- or hindwings, the black apical spots of the forewings being also obsolete. The Lycae- nids were but poorly represented, though perhaps they did not get their fair share of attention, for want of more time. At the head of the valley the path is lost in the grass, and one has to take the direction SIX WEEKS AMONG THE BUTYERFLIBS OF SWITZERLAND. 99 from occasional splashes of colour on rocks which here and there pro- trude from the grass. After a very steep rise of 800 feet one leaves the vegetation behind and comes to traces of the path again, between patches of snow, and the butterflies which have been lessening in num- bers allthe way up the Alps, are now replaced by a few very worn Hrebiu lappona and FE. glacialis. At this point we were still about 1000 feet from the top of the Pass, but as the best of the collecting ground was obviously behind us, and the time getting short, we turned back. No sign was seen of A. asteria, and the vegetation seemed to be of a coarser nature than that found in the localities where the species occurs. The whole of the valley, up to about 8000 feet, deserves more time and attention than we were able to give it; but although we had to hurry we had no cause to complain of the results obtained. We caught our train comfortably, and reached Zernetz that evening. It is a quaint old town, permeated with the scent of hay. ‘The reason of this is that almost every other house is a barn, in which the rich crops of hay from all the valley round are stored. Stout-built, three- storied houses, with balconies, shutters, and in some cases even a coat of arms over the front door, are nothing but barns for hay; that at one time they were the homes of well-to-do families is certain, but now hay is supreme in Zernetz. We were woken up next morning, July 30th (a Sunday too), by the tolling of the church bell, at 4.30 a.m., not to call the population to church, but to turn the whole town out to cut hay. The weather had been bad for some time at Zernetz, so now they were making use of the sunshine in the proverbial manner. We, however, did not go out until the afternoon, when we went some miles up the Ofen Pass. For the first mile or two above Zernetz the great interest of the road was the abundance of Lyeaenids. Here, swarms of Cyaniris semiargus, Aricia eumedon, A. medon, Hirsutina damon, Polyommatus hylas, Plebeius argus, and P. aegon were collected round every moist patch on the road; and on the grassy banks the 9s were equally numerous ; while Ayriades coridon, A. thetis, Polyommatus tcarus, P. eros, Lycaena arion, and Vacciniina optilete, were all well repre- sented ; and a few Polyommatus anandus brought the total of “blues ”’ present up to fourteen species. Next to the ‘blues’ the most abun- dant species was HMrebia goante, the gs of which were very common and in lovely condition, but only two 2s were seen. Memories of the fine description of this part of the Pass, by our late Editor (vol. XXI., p. 197, made us push on in spite of the numerous attractions, and shortly before reaching the Val Laschadura bridge a few worn HMrebia ceto were taken. The road doubles back from the bridge in a long sweep, along the mountain side through the forest, and, almost directly after emerging from the trees, skirts alone the mountain side with a great precipice on the right: the place so vividly described by Mr. Tutt in his article, and which he justly called “one of the most delightful pictures in the Alps.” It was here he found EKrebia nerine, and we did likewise; but it was only just commencing to emerge, and not at all abundant as on the occasion of Mr. Tutt’s visit, which was what we had hoped for, as we were a fortnight earlier than he had been. We took a dozen gs, and with a fortnight before us felt no doubt we would be able to get as many as we wanted before we left. The next two days we spent on the road again, going as far as the Pont della Drosa, about eight miles from Zernetz. HH. nerine 100 THE ENLOMOLOGISE’S RECORD, occurred the whole way, in varying numbers, the ?s still being few and far between. ‘To the “blues’’ already mentioned Aricia donzelii, was a welcome addition. The next two days were wet, but August 5th, although cloudy to start with, gave promise of improvement, so we devoted it to a visit to the famous Val Cluoza. The whole of this valley lies in the National Park, and forms the most accessible way into that extraordinarily wild district, which is now the great national preserve, and known as the National Park. The district lies south of the Ofen Pass, stretching from the valley of the Inn eastward for about fourteen miles, beyond which another preserved area lies to the north of the Pass. The species which I was able to note were of considerable interest, but as all fauna and flora are strictly preserved it is useless to go there with a view to collecting. The vegetation of the valley is extremely rich; every variety of pine tree which grows in Switzerland occurring in that valley. Among the numerous animals existing in the preserve are the famous _ Steinbock, bears, ete. The ascent of the valley is steep, the path winds up through the fir forest for 1800 feet, and emerging then on the mountain side gives one a very fine view of the whole valley. ‘Through the woods there had been very few butterflies about, but at the high level along the side of the valley numerous kinds were seen. Vacciniina optilete was in larger numbers than I have seen it before in the Alps; and Hrebia nerine, too. was quite common. Polyommatos eros and Albulina pheretes occurred occasionally. Atter running very gradually up for some time, the path descends again to a small house, far down in the valley, where a keeper lives, and one can obtain a room for a night ; so as we wished to get as high up the valley as possible, we left the path and made our way onwards and upwards. By midday we came to some beautiful Alps, at an alti- tude of nearly 8000 feet, a good way south of Murtar6l, a fairly high peak which rises between the Val Cluoza and the valley of the Inn. On this Alp some Hrebias were fairly abundant, among which was a curious form of mnestra,in which the ? s had white centres to the black spots on the forewings, a feature also exhibited by the 9 glacialis, presumably var. alecto. E. gorge was also about, and of truly eastern character, the development of a full complement of black spots on both fore- and hindwings being much more pronounced than in the speci- mens from the Bernina district. So far as I could ascertain, on the heights above the Val Cluoza, var. triopes is racial, and completely replaces the type, which latter is of frequent occurrence in the Bernina district. The most unexpected sight of the day oceurred when we were at lunch, when a 2 Melitaea asteria fluttered up to the rock on which we were sitting; and continued to fly round it throughout the whole of our meal. Through the rest of the afternoon we saw several more, all very worn; but one was glad to note that the species evidently occurs all over the Alps along the south side of the Val Cluoza, above 7500: feet. By four o’clock we were successful, after a long and extremely steep climb, in reaching the summit of a col, at an altitude of just over 8000 feet, some miles south of Murtarél. From here the view in all direc- tions was extraordinarily fine. One could see to the south-west far up the Hngadine, and eastwards over the range of mountains fringing the CURRENT NOTES. 101 Ofen Pass, to the jagged peaks of the Dolomites. The wild nature of the country at the head of the Val Cluoza, and eastwards from it, is past describing ; and the grey, bare, precipitous cliffs of the Piz del Diavel (so called because from its base to its summit it is absolutely devoid of vegetation) make a fitting termination to this magnificent valley. The day, however, was changing, and the sky by now was leaden with clouds, and driving rain storms could be seen on several of the surrounding mountains, which, although adding to the extreme grandeur and desolation of the scene, reminded one it would be advis- able to be getting down from this exposed observation point, especially as we had some 1700 feet of precipitous mountain side to descend before coming to the path again. The only animals we saw were two chamois, at about one hundred yards distance; we did not see any steinbock, or bears; but though disappointed about the former, we did not feel the absence of the latter a very distressing omission. Personally, I think if I were a zoologist, who came to Switzerland really wishing to see bears, I would visit the capital and not the National Park; though I willingly admit that the country round the Piz del Diavel quite looks (if not lives) up to its reputation. After this extremely interesting day the weather broke again, and in the next four days but little collecting could be done. On the 10th we again went up the Pass as far as the locality for F. nerine. On the way up Aricia donzelii gs were now quite abundant, but still no ¢s were to be found. The ? nevine, too, were never really abundant like the gs had been; still by careful work we got a good series of them. Hirsutina damon deserves special notice, for besides being literally in hundreds, a very large proportion of them were of very small size, so small, in fact, that one was continuously mistaking them for A. donzelit. We left Zernetz the next day, and so ended an unusually successful expedition; but [ may perhaps note in conclusion, a remarkable change which has taken place in the Alps. The old diligence has disappeared from all the big Passes, and beautiful motor ones replace them, even in the Grisons where motors are otherwise not permitted. ‘The conse- quent saving of time in driving over a Pass is enormous, even though the motors never travel at all fast. It is now possible, instead of taking six hours, to drive from Zernetz to Santa Maria, to cross the Ofen Pass and reach the top of the Stelvio, and return to Zernetz, all in the day. <;URRENT NOTES AND SHORT NOTICES. The following note has been received from the Carlisle Natural History Society :—‘Ten years have elapsed since the publication of the last volume of the Transactions of the above Society. Owing to the war and the greatly increased cost of printing it has not been pos- sible to resume publication earlier, but another volume is now in the press and will be issued shortly. ‘This volume will contain the follow- ing papers :— ; “1. Addenda to Macpherson’s ‘ Vertebrate Fauna of Lakeland,’ by (the late) Eric B. Dunlop, and Appendix by L. E. Hope, F.L.S. “9. The Lepidoptera of Cumberland, Part III. (Geometrae), by G. B. Routledge, F.E.S. 102 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD. «©3, The Coleoptera of Cumberland (conclusion), by F. H: Day, F.E.S.” Reports of collecting continue to emphasise the unpropitious nature of the weather from an entomological point of view. The absence of the sun’s rays and the prevalence of the north wind for a lengthened period seems to have prevented emergence in any quantity- Four days in the country, May 80th to June 2nd, gave only two specimens of Pieris brassicae, and nothing else but a few, very few, small fry. Nothing could be stirred from the grass, during a walk along the famous Pilgrim’s Way in Kent. A long walk in the rich Surrey district produced a few Hamearis lucina, and odd specimens of eight or ten other species of Rhopalocera, but only on a slope sheltered from the incidence of the cold current of air. In the Rev. Mens. Soc. ent. Namur. for May, M. Cabeau calls attention to four striking aberrations of Rhopalocera diagnosed by M, Girard, T’raité d’ Ent., 111. (1873-85), but which have hitherto remained unnamed. These are now named by M. Cabeau as follows. An Aylais urticae with the wings entirely white taken at Bondy near Paris, in 1859, is called ab. bedlieri from its captor M. Bellier. A Dryas paphia with an oval white spot on each wing taken near Paris by M. Caroff, is ealledab.carojiana. An Epinephele jurtina which is wholly white, wings, head, and antennae, a female taken at Bondy, is named ab. leucothoé, And a Callophrys rubi, green on the upperside as well as on the lower, taken near Paris by M. Caroff, is named ab. amphichloros. What a cumbrous method it is to name aberrations of this character with a multitude of irrelevant terms. The same class of aberration occurring in many species might readily be designated by the same term, which would indicate to the future students, the nature of the aberrant form, without any effort of memory, or any prolonged research. A system of aberrational nomenclature of this character was proposed some years ago for the undersides of the Lycaenidae, by M. Courvoisier in Switzerland, but he died before it was really discussed. A curious aberration of a male Muchloé cardamines is announced by M. Derenne in the Rev. Mens. Soc. ent. Namur. On the forewing the discoidal spot is enlarged as in the female, and the costal margin is much emphasised with black, which widens towards the end of the cell and nearly touches the discoidal spot, from whence it runs on by a narrow praecostal extension to the apical area. This aberration is called ab. schepdaeli from its captor. In the Canadian Ent. for March there are some very interesting remarks by H. L. Seamans on “ Forecasting Outbreaks of the Cutworm (Porosayrotis orthogonia)” in Alberta based on meteorological observa- tions made during the past fourteen years. The data shows that ‘‘any year which has less than ten wet days in May and June, is followed by corresponding increase in the infestation of P. orthogonia. Years ‘which have from ten to fifteen wet days are followed by some decrease, while years with more than fifteen wet days are followed by an almost total disappearance of the pest.” Other factsare (1) that wet weather brings the larvae to the surface of the ground to feed, and they only retire when the ground dries; (2) that the parasites become active as soon as the rain is over and while the larvae are still compelled to feed above ground. c REVIEWS, 1038 Another portion of the Catalogue of Indian Insects has been issued, viz., Pt. 8, Bombyliidae (Dip.), by R. Senior White, and aims at being a complete reference and synonymie list with indications of the dis- tribution of the various species. The Imperial Entomologist, T. Bainbrigge Fletcher, of the Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, India, has compiled and issued a comprehensive List of Publications on Indian Entomology in 1920- 21, consisting of over 70 pages. It consists of an alphabetical list of the Authors of all papers, etc., with an analysis of each indicating its contents. A most useful work of reference. FREVIEWS AND NOTICES OF BOOKS. A Brotogy or tHE British Hemiprera-Hereroerera.—By HH. A, Butler, B.A., B.Sc., F.HE.S. Pp. L-VII.+682, with coloured Plates, Photographs and Text Figures. London, H. F. and G. Witherby, 1923. Price £3 3s. net. Of the 478 species of bugs dealt with in this attractive volume, which has recently come into our hands to review, a description is only given of those species, some 40 in number, which were new since Saunders’ Hemiptera-Heteroptera of the British Isles, published in 1892. This work is therefore not intended to take the place of Saunders’ book, but to be used with, and as an addition to, it. More- over, as it is there are 682 pages against Saunders’ 350, and should the author have given a new description of all the British species, the book would have been too unwieldy for one volume, and the cost no doubt prohibitive for most entomologists’ pockets. The binding, size, and general get-up is similar to that of the large edition of Saunders’. Considerable attention 1s given to the earlier stages in the life- history of these insects, which have been much neglected heretofore, and the data is chiefly taken from Mr. Butler’s own observations and discoveries. Many of the eggs, and larvae, very youne and more advanced, are described and figured; and the habits, habitat, and distribution of all the species is given as far as is possible. It may be as well here to give briefly a general view of the work: — After a short preface, in which the author explains the scope of the book, and gives generous thanks to all those entomologists who have helped him in any way, comes a very interesting Introduction extend- ing over 14 pages, which is both instructive and useful to the general entomologist as well as to the Hemipterist. On page 15 a valuable table is given to aid in the determinations of Families in the larval forms of the non-aquatic Heteroptera. We next come to the body of the work dealing with the Sections, Families, Subfamilies, and Species (pp. 16-602). Under each species, as far as is possible, the Ova, Larvae, Life-Cycle, Habitat, and Distribution, are described and: expounded. ‘The synonymy and references to each species are brief (no doubt on account of space), and only refer to the original descrip- tion, and the reference to Douglas and Scott, and Saunders, or where first added to the British list since the latter work. On page 351 new tables are given for the difficult subfamilies of 104 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’ S RECORD. Capsidae (Miridae), and of the division of the’subtamily Mirina; and on page 8538, a new analytical table of the division Miraria. 16 pages are devoted to the Bibliography; 9 pages to a List of the British Hemiptera- Heteroptera, arranged according to Oshanin’s Catalogue (1912); 11 pages to seasonal distribution in a tabular form for each month ; and 17 pages to a table showing the distribution in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Pages 672-78 consists of an Index to ‘all the Plants mentioned in the book, arranged under their Natural Orders. Finally we have an Index of the scientific names of the insects themselves. The Myrmecophilous species (those bugs which are generally found with ants, or in ants’ nests), with which we ourselves are best acquainted, are quite fairly dealt with; although we naturally attach more importance to them, and especially to the meaning of their mimicry of ants, than does Mr. Butler. We areable to add a few records, ete., which have been omitted :— Podops truncta, V.—The Rey. Canon Fowler recorded two Specimess in an ants’ nest at Sandown, I of W. [Fnt. Mo. Mag. 19 161 (1882)]. Styynocoris pedestris, Fall.—Mr. Keys took a specimen in the midst of the ants in a nest of Myrmica scabrinodis at Plymouth {(Donisthorpe) Ent. Rec. 14 38 (1902)|. Mr. Bouskell also sent me a specimen in a nest of Myrmica ruyinodis, taken near Caragh Lake, Co. Kerry, im June, 1912. Tropistethus holosericeus, Scholtz.—As pointed out by Mr. Butler, Dr. Putton and others bave recorded this species from ants’ nests on the continent ; but he says, however: ‘‘ There is no record of such an occurrence in Britain.” Mr. Jennines took if in an ants’ nest at Dorking in 1897 [(Donisthorpe) nt. Iec. 14 88 (1902)}. Probably all these three species, and certainly the first two, are not really myrmecophilous insects. Nabis lativentris, Bob.—Mr. Butler gives a very good account of this bug (pp. 271-75) and also a fine coloured figure of the nymph (Pl. iv., f. 1). He states, however, that there are no records for Scotland. Morris Young records it from Longbank [Clyde Area List 307 (1901)}. Piezostethus formicetorum, Boh.—To the four localities in Britain— “Glen Lui, Braemar, Rannoch, and Nethy Bridge”’ (in the last two of which we had the pleasure of first discovering the insect) given by Mr. Butler, we are able to add two more, namely, Bridge of Gairn (J. 7. F. X. King); and Westerham, Kent (Philip Harwood) [(Donis- thorpe) Mnt. tec. 84 5 (1922)). Myrmedobia coleoptrata, Fall.—To the six Hnglish counties given for the British distribution of this species (p. 845) we are able to add one in0re—Surrey; where we took the g at Oxshott with A. (D.) fuliginosus [Kut. Lec. 14 37 (1902)]. Pilophorus perplevus, De G.—We took this species by beating _ young fir trees covered with 4. (D.) niger on September 2nd, 1905, at Parley Heath, just in Dorsetshire, which adds a new county to the British distribution. Taken as a whole we must congratulate Mr. Butler on his patience and perseverance in producing such a fine work, which is indispensable to the Hemipterist, and we wish it every success.—H.St.J.D. Subscriptions for Vol. XXXV. (10 shillings) should be sent to Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Gross, S.E.14 [This subscription includes ali numbers published from January 15th to December 15th, 1923.) Non-receipt or errors in the sending of Subscribers’ magazines should be notified to Mr. Herbert E. Page, ‘‘ Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, S.H. 14 ADVERTISEMENTS of Books and Insects for Sale, or Books wanted will be nserted at a minimum charge of 2s. 6d. (for four lines). Gonger Advertisementsin proportion. A reduction mate for a series. Particulars of Mr. Herbert E. Paga, ‘‘ Bertrose,’’ Gellatly Road, New Cross, 8.M. 14 _Subsoribers who change their addresses must report the same to Mr. H. It. Paas 'Bertrose,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, Iondon, 8:18., otherwise their magazines will probably be delayed. Desiderata.—Foreign examples, local races, vars. and abs. from all parts of the world of any butterflies included in the British list. Setting immaterial; exact duta indispensable. Liberal return made.—IV. G. Pether; ‘‘ Thelma,” 4, Willow Bridge Road, London, N. 1. Duplicates.—Aglaia, Adippe, *Io, T. quercus, Coridon vars., *Fuliginosa (Reading), *B. quercus ¢, Tilis, Menthastri, *Linariata, Aurantiaria, Leucophearia vayrs. Paniscus. Desiderata.—Pups of Dictwoides; Imagines of typhon, palpina, camelina (dark), Curtula, Pyra, and numerous others; Ova of Hispidaria.—Harold B. |Villiams, 1122, Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. Duplicates.—Cinxia, Bellargus, Coridon, H. Comma, Lineola, Galathea, Moneta, Nupta, and many others. Desiderata.—Blandina, Irish Icarus, Carmelita, Cuculla. Gonostigma, Ashworthii, Templi, Australis, Undulata, Smaragdaria, ‘Testacea.— W. Gifford Nash, Cluvering House, Bedford. Duplicates.Cinerea ¢ , fine forms, grey, brown and blackish, Maritima and vars. Immorata and other East Sussex species. Desiderata.—Pupm». Luteago (Barrettii), Caesia, Albimacula, Alpina, Xanthomista, Sparganii, Dissoluta (Arundineta), Graphalii. Also imagines of extreme forms Noctue in fine condition only.—A. J. Wightman, 85, Morris Roud, Lewes. For Sale.-- Three vols. of Ganglbaner’s Die Kéfer.von Mitteleuropa. Any reason- able offer accepted.—H.D., 19, Hazlewell Road, Putney, S.W.15. : MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. Entomological Society of London.—4!1, Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, S.W.7, 8 p.m. Octob:r 3rd, 17th. The South London Entomological and Natural History 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.H.3. The London Natural History Society (the ainalgamation 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. Visitors welcomed. Hon. Sec., W. H. Gurce, 44, Belfast Road, N. 16. All MS. and editorial matter should be sent and all proofs returned to Hy. J. Turnur, 98, Drakefell Road, New Cross, London, §.1.14 We must earnestly request our correspondents nor lo send ws conumunications IDENTICAL with those they are sending to other magazines. Lists of Duriicarms and Desiperara shou'd be sent direct to Mr. H. E. Page, Bertrose, Gellatly Road, New Cross, S.E. 14 OVA, LARVAE, AND PUP. The Largest Breeder of Lepidoptera in the British Isles is H. W. HEAD, @iutomoalanist, 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. GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES. G bb = Hardwood finished rich mahogany, panelled en imets. or glass doors. Drawers, 17 x 16x 24", on hidden runners. Lift-off glazed tops. Camphor cells. Lined cork or peat. 40-drawer, 12/6 per drawer. 20-drawer, 1/- per drawer extra. 0x8 13x8 14x10 16x11 17x12 Store Boxes. 3/11 5/- 6/6 7/9 9/- G. A. BENTALL, 392, Strand, W.C.2. IMPORTANT TO ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETIES and MUSEUMS. BACK VOLUMES OF The Entomologist’s Record i and Journal of Variation. (Vols. I-XXXIIL.) CONTENTS OF Vol. I. (Most important only mentioned.) Genus Acronycta and its allies.—Variation of Smerinthus tiliae, 3 coloured plates— Differentiation of Melitaea athalia, parthenie, and aurelia—The Doubleday collection— Parthenogenesis— Paper on ‘’aeniocampidae—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—Litehistories of Agrotis pyrophila, Epunda lichenea, Heliophobus hispidus— Captures at light—Aberdeenshire notes, etc., etc., 360 pp. To be obtained from— Mr. H. E. PAGE, “ Bertroge,” Gellatly Road, New Cross, London, 8.E. 14 to whom Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable. Next Issue on September 15th. AUG 20 1923 : Nos 7&8. V3. GAO Che Entomologist’s Record Journal of Variation HWiprrEp BY ae Vol. XXXV. Bicnarp S. BAGNALL, F.u.s., F-z.8. Jas. E. COLLIN, r.xz.s. nee T. BETHUNE-BAKER, F.1.8., F.E.S. H. Sz. J. K. DONISTHORPH, F.z.»., ¥.5.8. BURR, D.SsC., F.L.8., F.Z.8., F-E.S. Joun Hartiry DURRANT, F.E.S. gv.) C. R. N. BURROWS, F.z.8. Aurrup SICH, ¥.z.s. A. COCKAYNE, m.p., F.E.s. — (Rey.) Gzorer WHEELER, w.a., ¥F.5.8. and Henry J. TURNER, F.z.s., HKditorial Secretary. CONTENTS. : PAGE. bservations on the Family Coleophorides.—The Case, Alfred Sich, F.E.S. (cont.) aes LG) eliminary Observations on the British ee: Harold B. Williams, LL.B., F.H.S. a (cont.) ~~. : : 113 otes on the ents Res C. R. N. Burros. F.E. 8. can) ae a ate eG otes on Paraneuroptera for 1922, Fredk. A. Killington, A.C.P. fe ae 6 Soros HS) st of Orthoptera and Neuroptera collected in the Hastern Ee with ecological notes, Hugh Scott, M.A., Sc.D., F.E.S. Si e ee 5c : a oe pee Current Norres anp SHort Notices oe ; oa Se oi 5 az Teo WA} Socretrzs :—The South London Entomological See Ae ceuert2s List of the Macro-lepidoptera of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, W. ere ML. A, (5)—(8) a ‘SULY—A UGUST, 1993. Price TWO SHILLINGS (nex). Subscription for Goeathe Volume, post free (Including all DOUBLE NUMBIIRS, eto.) TEN SHILLINGS. TO BE vORWARDED TO BERBER I.E. -PAGE, —.E.S. ‘ Bertrose,’’ GELLatiy Roap, New Cross, 8.H,14. Communications have been received or have been promised from Messrs. H. Donisthorpe, Dr. Verity, J. H. Durrant, G. T. Bethune-Baker, Dr. E. A. Cockayne, Rey. C. R. N. Burrows, J. W. Saunt, Wm. Fassnidge, H. B. Williams, Orazio Querci, Hugh Scott, H. J. Turner, with Reports of Societies and Reviews. Oy i O() WATKINS & DONCASTER ee is we | (ESTABLISHED 1879) 36, Strand, London, W.C.2. Telephone: GERRARD 9451. s: Manufacturers and Suppliers of =: Natural History Requisites of all Kinds. Cabinets Best quality and finish. All sizes at lowest prices on view at above address. Large stocks kept of British | ry Lepidoptera @ Palearctic and Exotic Species. cetaceans ieee, VAStS on application. ~~ e 9 Large selection of British and Bird S hgéss. European Eggs, singles and in sets with data, always on hand. Books A varied and extensive stock on Entomology and all Branches of Natural History. GENERAL CATALOGUE SENT POST FREE. 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. LANTERN SLIDES MADE 'rO ORDIGR FROM ANY SPECIMEN OR COLOURED DRAWING. PHOTOS IN COLOUR OF LARVA, LIFE SIZE, ON IYORINE TABLETS TO PIN IN THE CABINET. For List apply to— CHARLES D. HEAD, Cherrymount, Donnycarney, DUBLIN. Bexley] L. W. 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., ete. Quotations and Insects sent on approval with pleasure. Also a huge stock of fine PUP and OVA. Write for latest price lists. : Relaxing Tins are now 4/= small and G/- large, pos free. Re-fills, 2/3 small, 3/S large, post free. Se oS uae Logic yaoeeed cine ype ae ie apa Se Co is tial als a AUG 20 1923 OBSERVATIONS ON THE FAMILY COLEOPHORIDES. 105 Observations on the Family Coleophorides—The Case. By ALFRED SICH, F.E.S. (Continued from vol. xxxiv., p. 89.) One of the most essential conditions to lepidopterous larval life is that of moisture. Although certain larvae of the Tinetdae and Oecophoridae are able to carry on their existence feeding on old hair, feathers, or other substances under exceedingly dry conditions, the majority of the Tineina need in their early stages a comparatively large amount of moisture. Another necessity to their successful life is the possession of means to escape the attention of other creatures that prey on them. The methods by which these two necessities are secured vary greatly. Inthe family under consideration and its allies, the Lithocolletides being very small insects are able to meet the difficulties by remaining between the cuticles of a leaf of their foodplant during the whole of their larval and pupallife. The Gracilariides, at least the larger species, pass their early larval life in a leaf and later, when the larva grows larger, either roll the leaf edge, or twist the apex of a leaf into a cone-shaped dwelling. The Coleophorides solve the problems by first- living among flowers or seeds or in a mine in a leaf, and later forming a portable habitation, which may resemble other objects, but has not the appearance of a soft larva. Hventually this case is used as a convenient pupal habitation, but I believe it had no such origin. It was primarily a larval dwelling like the cones of the Gracilariids, which are not used as cocoons. Even now at least one species of Coleophora, C. salicorniae, is known to quit its case before pupation and Gontodoma limoniella does so likewise. The case may then be considered criginally as a habitation for the larva when it had become too large to hide in a calyx of its foodplant or between the cuticles of a leaf. As it is we may observe Coleophorid mines in Holostea, Lotus, Ulinus and Corylus from a distance, and if even the half grown larva were to live in the mine without a case, its mine would become so large as to be strikingly conspicuous. This is avoided by the larva dwelling in a case and making numerous small mines. The case is firstly constructed in order to retain the larva in a sufficiently moist condition, and secondly to pro- tect it. Whatever the exterior of the case may present to view, the interior is always a hollow cylinder more or less closed at one end and lined with a substance apparently impervious to water. This may be silk applied as a fluid or it may be some special secretion. The result is that the case becomes very tough and opaque. After the larva has taken a meal in the wet interior of the leaf it retires into the case. Here even in a dry wind it is protected from undue loss of moisture and from too sudden change of conditions from a wet mine to a dry atmosphere or even hot sunshine. In those species which do not mine, the case surrounds them with a non-absorbant material, which prevents undue loss of their own moisture and also protects them against the inclemencies of the atmosphere. ‘The same advantages are secured to all species while the larva is changing its skin, and more especially while undergoing the lone winter sleep which may last from August till the end of the following April. I will now describe in detail how some of the cases are constructed and enlarged. Hach species has its own method and strictly adheres Juty 15rx, 1923. 106 THE ENTOMOLOGIST’ S RECORD. to it. It shows how strong is the instinct, inherited memory, or whatever we may call it, when we find a solitary larva forming its special case without instruction or example in exactly the same manner as did its parents, whom it has never even seen. Sometimes C. caespititella, C. argentula and probably other seed-feeders will, before making a case, form tubes or galleries of silk and vegetable atoms in the seed heads of their foodplants. These tubes, I imagine, enable the larvae easily to reach the seeds which are usually on the surface of the head, or when feeding to retire rapidly into the interior if danger threatens. Later in life these larvae make short portable tubes which they turn into cases. The case of C. caespititiella is typical of the Coleophorid. It is fairly cylindrical, its length about five times its diameter, it is somewhat flattened at the distal end where it is closed by three conical valves which meet at their apices. At the other end is the circular mouth strengthened by a slight lip or flange running outside. Above the mouth the case is slightly restricted. This species is fully grown in Autumn but C. glaucicolella, which forms a similar case, may be found feeding in Spring. (. alticolella uses the calyx of the rush as a foundation to its neat case, and C. sylvaticella, a fine species discovered by Dr. Wood, employs the calyx of Luzula for the same purpose. ‘T'his species is one of those that take two years to reach maturity. When young it feeds on the seeds and after hibernation it commences eating the flowers in early summer. It passes the second winter as a full grown larva. Another of Dr. Wood’s discoveries is the small C’. agranmella, this makes a straight silken case with alternate light and dark longitudinal stripes. Its favourite food is Juneus conglomeratus, on Which it feeds at the same time with other species. For this reason and from its small size it has been overlooked, but I have recorded it from Sussex and have found it in Surrey. The late Dr. Wood’s fruitful Study of our rush-feeding Coleophorae has been recorded in a highly interesting manner (H.M.M., 1892). I have examined the cases in which C. laripennella passes the winter to see which authorities were correct and found that it is really more or less covered with grains of sand, not with meal of the footplant only. The case of C. viryaureae is better hidden in the seed heads of Solidago, because the larva decoratesit with someofthepappus. C. artemisicolella feeds on mugwort and C. deauratella living in flowers of clover, use parts of the flowers in forming their cases, but I have seen neither of them. Ihave found C. frischella on Melilotus; its case is formed of the shells of the seeds and has the appearance of a row of small beads. This species and others have been recorded as passing two years in the pupal state. It is not therefore wise to pin in the cabinet, without examination, those cases which do not yield the imago the first season. Though I have found several cases of C. albicosta on furze bushes, its method of treating the calyx out of which its case is made, has escaped me. I confess that I have never seen any of the seed-feeders in the act of forming their cases, they live hidden away while young and are therefore difficult to observe minutely. When in their final cases they are more easily noticeable, indeed the rush feeders are quite conspicuous when their cases stand out from the seed-heads, and we then see how the larvae need the shelter of their cases for we some- times find them where the rushes are growing in very bleak spots. The same may be said of C. argentula when feeding on the tops of OBSERVATIONS ON THE FAMILY COLEOPHORIDES. 107 yarrow plants in an open field. These are however the exceptions, for the Coleophorid is pre-eminently a lover of sheltered situations. As those plants that nourish the seed-feeders perfect their seeds in late summer and autumn and lose most of them before next spring, 10 1s natural that the larvae should feed up quickly and hibernate fully grown. C.ornatipennella, only eating seed when young, hibernates in the third stadium; our C. Jiaella probably does the same. While on this question I may say that I have reason to believe that nearly all our British species and those inhabiting central and northern Europe hibernate either in the third instar or as fully grown larvae and that none pass the winter in the oval, pupal or imaginal state. Some of the seed-feeders have been observed to supplement their diet by eating the leaves of their foodplants as well as the seeds. Mr. H. J. Turner says that ©. artemistella will eat the leaves as well as the seeds and Baron Crombrugghe states that C. artemisicolella does so likewise (Ann. Soc. Ent. Belg., 1907, p. 38). We now have the leaf-miners to consider, and it is among them that we find the most interesting cases and here we can actually watch the progress of construction. There is no doubt that the form which some of the cases take is of cryptic value and does deceive casual enemies, but it is no protection against special parasites. There is one casual enemy against which the Coleophorid is protected by its case. This is the ant. In Britain ants are not so abundant, but in warmer parts of Europe, in north Italy and along the Mediterranean coast for instance, they are continually running over the leaves of trees and herbage. I have seen them running against Psychids crawling on tree trunks, these then promptly brought down the mouths of their cases on to the bark and the ants then took no further notice of them, though they sometimes run over the case. The Coleophorid when crawling must be protected in the same way. Insectivorous birds, especially titmice and the warblers, carnivorous beetles and Hemiptera, earwigs and a few solitary wasps are other casual enemies against which the case in its various forms is more or less protective. Any botanist, who has examined living plants under a good lens, must be aware of the numerous mites, thrips and minute immature forms of insect life, which haunt especially the flowers and the angles of the veins on the underside of the leaves. Mites, I am sure, destroy Litho- colletis, when by accident they are able to enter the mine, but I have seen them and other minute creatures worry unprotected larvae by running about them. The Coleophorid when in its case or mine is free from such unwelcome attention. The dire enemies are the various species of internal parasites belonging to the Hymenoptera. These destroy great mumbers of Coleophorids. I have bred fairly large species, many smaller and numbers of minute ones. They all eat a round hole through the wall of the case on emergence. I have never seen any of these attack a larva; they may be able to pierce the case with their ovipositors. If they do this just after the larva has changed its skin, I imagine, they would meet with little resistance. The minute species may gain access to the case by squeezing themselves in between the valves at the apex. In 1919 I gathered a number of cases of C. vibicella, of which about ninety per cent. produced uumbers of minute brillantly coloured Hymenoptera. In 1920, wishing one day to obtain living pupae, I 108 THE ENTOMOLOGISL’S RUCORD. gathered the first dozen cases I saw, ten (’. fuscedinella and two (CO. ibipennella. On examination every one of these was found to contain parasites. These are instances of exceptionally severe attack. In some years very few parasites will be bred. These Hymenoptera are beautifully fashioned and, in contrast to many parasitic forms of life, show no loss of vital force. They appear to be gifted with as high an intelligence as any insect. I do not think I ever bred a dipterous parasite from a Coleophorid, but beleve I have read of such an occurrence. Before describing the actual methods of case-making I am tempted to say a very few words on silk. To the Coleophorid, and one may say to all Lepidoptera, silk is a necessity. Without silk they could — make neither their larval nor pupal habitations which so many of them now find indispensible, and even those larvae which form no such dwellings, as certain Satyridae and Lycaenidae, which are said to pupate simply on the ground, need silk when changing their skins. Lepidopterous silk, like Arachnid silk, appears to vary in its properties. Sometimes it contracts on exposure to air, sometimes it shows no such contraction. It is highly interesting to watch a larva under a lens while it is forming its dwelling. A small Gracilaria larva has no bodily strength to roll the edge of a leaf. What it does first is to spin very rapidly a large number of silk threads parallel to each other along the extreme margin of the leaf and at right angles to it. In a very short time we see the margin folding inwards. This can only mean that the silken threads have contracted and drawn the edge of the leaf over. This also shows that the silk at each end of the threads has a very strong adhesive propemy. On the other hand when we watch a Bueculatrix building its beautiful cocoon we observe that it forms a series of arches which remain standing upright. When the first half of the cocoon has been made, the larva which until then had been lying outside, crawls under the arches and completes the second half of the cocoon over its body. Here there is no contraction of the silk or the arches would collapse. I believe Coleophorid silk has both properties, as the cuticl-s of the leaves, out of which many cases are formed, are