Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 4 (1846).djvu/72

1238 Tachypus striatus. I was much pleased to find this elegant insect rambling about on the banks of the Derwent, in the sunshine of a fine day in the middle of April ; it inhabits the same locality as Pei7phus saxatilis. I have since taken a single specimen by the side of the Ouse.

Haliplus elevatus. Common amongst the gravel in the Ouse ; I also had it in plenty from Baldon. I have frequently observed this species to simulate death when seized.

Haliplus obliquus. A widely distributed species; I found it in Cumberland, and have also met with in plenty in ponds near Marsden.

Hygrotus fiuviatilis. Occurs in profusion (throughout the year) amongst the gravel in the Ouse and Derwent ; I have also received it in great plenty from Baldon.

Hydroporus Frater. Plentiful in the pond« of the Magnesian limestone district near Marsden.

Hydroporus latus. I captured a few specimens of this species in the Ouse during the summer of 1844 ; Mr, Hardy has since taken it in abundance in Ber- wickshire.

Hydroporus alpinus. Common in the Ouse and Derwent, I also found it in the Irthing.

Hydroporus Davisii. I find this fine species sparingly in the Derwent, where in common with H. alpinus it inhabits the gravelly bottom of the stream.

Gyrinus marinus. I have found this to be a widely distributed species, having found it at Baldon Flats, in pools near the coast, and in the Ouse. Mr. Hardy has this season found it in abundance on Prestwick Carr.

Gyrinus lineatus. This large and brilliant insect has only occurred in the Ouse; where I captured some dozens soon after day-light one morning early in April.

Orectocheilus villosus. I captured a fine series of this local species in the Ouse one evening in September, 1844, since which I have not been able to meet with it. Can this be owiug to its being a nocturnal species, as I see it is mentioned as such in the 'Review of the Progress of Zoology and Botany,' lately published by the Ray Society, p. 169? Or can they have been swept from their usual locale by the many floods of the season?—Thomas John Bold; 42, Bigg Market, Newcastle-on-Tyne, November 26th, 1845.

Occurrence of Melolontha Hippocastani in Ireland. — During a recent visit in Ire- land, a pair of this insect was given me by my friend Mr. Clear of Cork, captured at Bandon in the south of the county, where it appears he has been in the habit for several years past of taking annually a few specimens. Being in many respects extremely like the common Melolontha vulgaris, it is not improbable it may have been often overlooked. Nevertheless, when observed, the characters are remarkably distinct. The narrow black margin to the elytra, testaceous thorax, short terminal style of the abdomen, and smaller size, at once distinguish it from the common species. Unless I am mistaken, the only record of its having occurred in the United Kingdom is one con- tained in the ' Entomologia Edinensis,' and subsequently noticed in Mr. Stephens* ' Manual,' where it is stated to have been "captured some years ago by Mr. Wilson on the banks of Windermere." — T. Vernon Wollaston; Jesus College, Cambridge, November 7th, 1845.

Exhibition of strength in the larva of one of the Staphylinites. — Few things in nature are more surprising than the immense amount of strength with which the diminutive muscles of insects are endowed. I was fortunate enough to witness a feat of this kind