Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 4 (1846).djvu/182

1348 for my figure. I found these larvæ in stony spots on the open hill-side, generally lurking among the grass at the side of the stones when raised, and sometimes sunning themselves oa the outside of the stones themselves. When thus exposed, their colour assimilates very closely to that of the gray whinstone, and must he a great protection against insectivorus birds. They feed on various grasses, but will not refuse chick- weed, spinach, &c., although nothing of the kind is to be found in their native locality.—R.F. Logan ; Hawthorn Brae, Duddingstone, March 28th, 1846.

Miana Strigilis and Æthiops.—In the December No. (Zool. 1199) I was much sur- prised to see stated by Mr. Harding, amongst other places in which strigilis had not occurred, was that of Hammersmith. I cannot conceive on whose authority he could record that, as it is far from uncommon in the marshes as well as in my own garden ; and I find from enquiries amongst my friends who visit the former locality, that most of their collections are supplied by specimens obtained there, ^thiops is exceedingly abundant and beautiful, intermediate varieties frequently occur. I have been infonned also that strigilis is taken in Battersea fields. I quite agree with Mr. Doubleday, in thinking that there is but one species ; I have always found that both insects appear simultaneously.—S. Stevens; 38, King Street, Covent Garden, Dec. 22nd, 1845.

Pterophorus tridactylus, captured on the 25th of February.—Whilst capturing moths on the 25th of February last, I beat from a box-tree a specimen of Pterophorus tridactylus, which in Mr. Westwood's ' British Moths,' is described as appearing in June. Could you or any of your readers inform me whether this species hybernates, if so, I should esteem a favour. I may add, the insect was not in the least rubbed or otherwise injured.—W. Hamhrough; Dunton, Bucks, March 26th, 1845.

Capture of Lepidopterous Insects at Hammersmith.—In the 'Entomologist' (Entom. 397), I recorded the capture of some rare moths in the marshes (Little Whit- tlesea, as it has been aptly called) ; since that time a few other species have occurred which are probably worth noticing in your pages, I also wish to make some additional remarks on those previously noticed.

Leucania obsoleta. This species, which was formerly so rare in cabinets, may be taken at sugar and on the wing early in June till the end of July ; the larva may be procured in the months of September and October feeding at night on the leaves of the reed ; it is very difficult to breed, as it lives through the winter, and may be found laying torpid in hollow reeds : it changes early in the spring without feeding, to a chrysalis.

Leucania straminea, Treits (Vectis, Curtis). Is taken at sugar and on the wing, from the end of June until early in August ; the larvae, which are very delicately marked, may be procured young in October, but are best taken feeding at night on the young leaves of the reeds the following May ; they remain about three weeks in pupae, and spin a slight web for themselves generally between the leaves.

Leucania or Nonagria geminipuncta, Haw. (paludicola, Hub.) This also is taken at sugar in the month of August ; the larva? feed in the interior of the stems of the reed, and previously to changing into pupae they eat away a hole nearly through the stem sufficiently large for themselves to escape when arrived at maturity, leaving only a very thin film over to protect themselves from the wet. The larvae are full-fed in July.

Nonagria crassicornis. This has been very abundant the last two seasons, and va- ries greatly, both in size and colour ; it makes its appearance the end of August, and I have taken it till December, but the best month is October, and a warm, windy night