prove that the insect may sometimes hybernate, for if it could remain unscathed through part of the winter, it is most probable that it could do so through the whole until some sunny day in March instead of November should revive it. On the 16th of October I took a female of that beautiful variety Helice, perhaps some of your correspondents can inform me if it ever occurs in the male insect? — R. C. R. Jordan; Teignmouth, November, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of Colias Electra at Sidmouth. On the 12th of September last Colias Edusa was in great abundance in the clover-fields at Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire: there were thousands in one clover-field between Sidmouth and Lyme Regis. I remarked two beautiful white varieties.-Thomas Lighton.

Note on the occurrence of Colias Edusa and C. Hyale in Northamptonshire. I saw in Northamptonshire a male Edusa flying very swiftly, on the 14th of July, and a female that was taken near Whittlesea mere on the same day. When shooting near Triplow, Cambridgeshire, the second week in September, I saw two male Edusas and one male Hyale on the wing. I likewise saw a pair of Hyale that were taken about the same time near Cambridge.-F. Bond; Kingsbury, Middlesex, November 10, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of Colias Edusa in the Isle of Wight. In addition to the numerous notices of the appearance of this beautiful insect in England, during the past season, which have found place in your journal, I may mention the Isle of Wight, where it has been of very frequent occurrence up to about the middle of October. Although said to be visible only every four years, I think I have seldom failed to observe it annually with us here, though very sparingly except at periods which may agree with the above interval; but this I cannot assert with certainty. I recollect it was equally plentiful as now in the island, two, three, or perhaps four years ago. The rich, warm, saffron tint of the wings, certainly entitles Colias Edusa to rank with the most beautiful of British butterflies; and if gayness of colouring alone were the criterion of beauty, it would take precedence of the much rarer but more elegantly pencilled C. Hyale, likewise a native of this island, but very scarce. It is singular that the near relative of this insect, the sulphur butterfly (Gonepteryx Rhamni), usually so common here in ordinary seasons, has this year been rather scarce, and whilst the mostly abundant Vanessa Iö has appeared in smaller numbers than it is wont to do, I never saw V. Atalanta so profusely on the wing as it was this autumn. Vanessa Polychloros, which generally is the first of the diurnal Lepidoptera to greet us on sunny days in March, and again at the end of summer, has this year fallen numerically below the average; whilst the painted lady (Cynthia Cardui) has been rather frequent. Papilio Machaon occurs occasionally in the island, and I saw a specimen on the wing last August, between Calbourne and Brixton, but it is a rare insect here, as is also Apatura Iris. I have likewise missed Pieris Cratægi and Limenitis Camilla in my botanical rambles, usually not the most unfrequent of my former objects of attraction and pursuit, and though now unmolested, not the less gazed at and admired by me still.-Wm. Arnold Bromfield; Ryde, November 1, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of Colias Edusa.

I saw many specimens of this butterfly this autumn in the neighbourhood of Forest-hill, and caught three of them.-Francis Richardson; Peckham, November, 1843.

Note on Colias Electra or Edusa. I shall be obliged for more records of the capture of this insect: although those now published go far to confirm the quadrennial theory, yet we must have still more abundant evidence of its appearance, and also of its general absence during the intervening years, before the matter can be considered

as definitely settled. It will be recollected that the year of its abundant occurrence has always been that antecedent to leap-year.-Edward Newman.

Note on the occurrence of Colias Hyale at Epping. A few specimens of this species were seen here in August and September, but it was not nearly so numerous as last year. I only captured about a dozen.-Henry Doubleday; Epping, Nov. 29, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of Mancipium Daplidice and Argynnis Lathonia near Exeter. My cabinet has lately been enriched by specimens of these rare butterflies, captured in 1836 in Roseberry wood, near Exeter, by R. Dawson. Esq., who kindly presented them. —Thomas Lighton ; 4, Caledonian Place, Clifton, October 21, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of Polyommati in South Devon. I have ventured to enclose a short account of the south Devon Polyommati, as, owing to the wilful obstinacy of collectors in naming varieties as species, this genus is still imperfectly understood, at least so it would seem from the figures in Wood's Catalogue, as well as those in Mr. Humphreys' more recent work. Polyommatus Argiolus, a double-brooded insect, appearing in April and May, and again in August and September, approaches nearer to the Thecla in habit than the other south Devon species, flying high, and hovering over the holly and ivy bushes. In the spring the male may be seen flying quickly along the tops of currant-bushes, very much in the same manner that Thecla Quercûs flies along the oak trees; this is probably because they are in full flower and leaf at that time, which few other shrubs are. P. Alsus, the smallest of our British butterflies, appears in May (and again in August ?), it is a local insect, frequenting marshes and open places in woods; flight rather quick the male differs from the female in having the wings slightly tinged with a metallic colour, varying in different lights from blue to emerald green. Common on the cliffs at Teignmouth, where it principally settles on the plants of Equisetum hyemale. P. Argus, local, frequents open heaths, and appears in June and July. P. Alexis (Icarius of Wood's Cat.), double-brooded, appearing in April and May, and again in August and September, but specimens may be caught from the latter part of April to October. Wood's figures called P. Alexis and P. Dorylas seem to be varieties of the insect called Icarius, which is the general form of this insect, and by far the commonest of our British species: flight low, amongst the grass, frequently settling: meadows, pastures &c., abundant. P. Agestis, doublebrooded, May and August; local: frequents rocky places in woods. I took it in tolerable plenty in Bradley-woods near Newton, Devon, settling on the flowers of Helianthemum vulgare, though I did not see a single specimen until I came to the rock where this plant was growing. They seemed to settle on the flower, until there was an opportunity of molesting some passer by, either of their own species, or any other insect, as they even attacked bees and large flies (Eristales). This love of combativeness soon spoils their beauty, so that you may catch several specimens without obtaining one perfect insect. These five constitute the whole of our south Devon Polyommati, that is, all that I have ever taken, and with five others, P. Arion, P. Acis, P. Adonis, P. Corydon and P. Artaxerxes, make up the whole of the British species, which perhaps may be reduced to nine, as P. Artaxerxes is most probably merely a local variety of Agestis.-Robert C. R. Jordan; Teignmouth, November, 1843.

Enquiry respecting the mode of rearing the Death's head Hawk-moth. I shall feel greatly obliged by your inserting these few lines in the next number of The Zoologist.' The larvæ and pupæ of Acherontia Atropos being found almost every autumn in this neighbourhood, sometimes in tolerable plenty, and being extremely difficult to ; I should deem it a favour if any of the readers of 'The Zoologist,' who have

rear

been fortunate enough to rear the perfect insects, would, through the medium of this useful publication, insert a few hints respecting their management; being confident that they require some peculiar treatment. I received two larvæ last month, one of which has undergone the usual transformation in a flower-pot. I have had as many

as a dozen pupæ in the course of one season, but have never, in one instance, been fortunate enough to obtain the perfect insect. — G. Norman; Hull, Nov. 1, 1843.

Note on Brepha Notha and Parthenias. The specimen in the Linnean cabinet, with Linnè's label on the pin-" Parthenias," is the larger species with simple antennæ, or what in this country is usually called Notha, thus proving that the continental lepidopterists are correct. The species will stand thus:- BREPHA, Hub. 1. Parthenias, Linn. (Notha, Haworth &c.) 2. Notha, Hub. (Parthenias, Haw. Steph. &c.)-Henry Doubleday: Epping, November 29, 1843.

Note on Orthosia lunosa. Since I sent a few remarks respecting this species (Zool. 332), I have seen several specimens of the true Orthosia humilis of Hubner, and find it is a totally distinct species, with the under wings entirely fuscous, and nearly allied to O. pistacina. O. lunosa is identical with the H. subjecta of Duponchel, and O. agrotoides of Guenèe; but Haworth's name having the priority, must of course stand. It seems to be but little known upon the continent, and apparently rare. Mr. Westwood has referred it unhesitatingly to O. humilis, probably from the erroneous reference of Boisduval to Mr. Curtis's beautiful figure of it.—Id.

Note on Triphana subsequa. Mr. Bentley possesses two specimens of this species, one captured by himself in Hampshire, the other from Mr. Stone's cabinet, probably taken in the same county. The species is very likely to occur in the southern counties, as it is not uncommon in the northern parts of France. The insect figured and described by Mr. Curtis, is a totally distinct species, and I believe unique, though it is very possible that it may be common in some parts of Scotland. It does not seem to be known upon the continent.-Id.

Note on Triphana Curtisii. As we are indebted to Mr. Curtis for making known the unique moth to which my correspondent Mr. Doubleday refers, and as it appears at present to be without a name, I beg to suggest that it receive the name of Triphæna Curtisii; and I shall be happy to be allowed to give it that appellation. — Edward Newman.

Note on the effects of Rain on Pupæ, and on recent captures near Manchester. I agree with the remarks of Mr. Douglas (Zool. 334), that a warm rain is favourable to the development of moths from the pupa state; but in my opinion its effects are far more visible in forcing the perfect insects from their concealment in the herbage, and thus compelling them to ascend for safety the trunks of trees &c., on which so many are afterwards to be found. However, my remark as to the weather, was in regard to myself, a cold March wind, with heavy rain, in Dunham-park, is anything but favorable to my development, whatever it may be to that of pupa. In 1841, with very dry weather, Hispidaria and Zonaria were very common. Emmelesia Blomeri, Xerene

plumbata and albicillata, Nonagria pilicornis and Charæas fusca have been taken at Preston this season. At Blackpool I procured some beautiful specimens of Argynnis Charlotta, var.; and at Whitefield near here, a Lycæna Phlæas without orange margin in inferior wings, and one at Birmingham nearly black.— R. S. Edleston; Manchester, October 11, 1843.

Note on capturing Moths with Sugar. The Entomologist' and 'The Zoologist' have each contained several notices of captures of moths by means of sugar, but there

has been no account of the method of using it; and, from the communications of some of my correspondents, I am inclined to believe that it is not generally understood by country entomologists. A brief direction may therefore be of service, and be the means of making many captures during the next summer. The strongest brown sugar, known as "Jamaica foots," is mixed with hot water to the consistence of treacle, or somewhat thinner, and a small portion of rum added and stirred in; the composition is then laid on the trunks of trees in favourable situations with a painter's brush. I have found that it is better to make long and narrow streaks than broad patches. Many species do not like to wet their feet, and sit and sip the nectar modestly and at a distance, others are not so careful, but rush readily on their destruction. The sugar should be put on the trees at dusk, before the moths fly; for I have repeatedly observed, that if used afterwards, there will not be nearly so many come. With a lantern, suspended from the neck, and thereby preserving an upright position during every movement, the collector may visit the trees several times during an evening. The greater number of moths will be found during the first hour, but some species are only taken late at night. Most of them may be taken very easily by holding a pill-box under them, into which they will fall, and remain quiet till the next day, but some are not so quiet. Some persons boil the sugar and water, and think it an advantage, but I have not yet tried it. Of the efficacy of the addition of the rum I am sure, having more than once seen one collector use it, and another at the same time sugar without it, when the former would obtain double the number of Noctuæ.-J. W. Douglas; 6. Grenville Terrace, Cobourg Road, Kent Road, November 18, 1843.

Note on a few captures of Lepidopterous Insects. June 4. Abraxas ulmata, near Matlock in

abundance.

Papilio Machaon, do. 2 specimens

August. Larissa imbutata, Dalwhinnie

moor, Inverness-sh. N. B. Ellopia fasciaria, nr. Inverness Charæas Graminis.

Stilbia anomalata, Ben Nevis.

Augt. Polyphasia populata, Inverness.

Melanippe albulata, Ulswater,

Cumberland.

ericetata, Derwentwater.

Nudaria mundana.

Sep. 26. Heliothis peltigera, on Braunton

burrows near Bideford, asleep

on the sand.

-Thomas Lighton; 4, Caledonia Place, Clifton, Bristol, October 24, 1843.

Notes on Captures in Suffolk. By W. GAZE, Esq.

ALTHOUGH We have left off chasing our nimble friends the butterflies, for this season, and the weather being rather unfavourable for searching for the autumnal moths round the blossoms of the reed and ivy; there is still left the pleasure of taking a retrospective ramble over those excursions in which we were the most successful, and of reading those of our brothers of the net. I therefore send you an account of my excursions to Assington-thickets during the past summer, hoping it will prove interesting to some of the readers of 'The Zoologist.'

Assington-woods are situate about three miles east of Sudbury, and contain about five hundred acres. They are principally composed of oaks, with a thick underwood of hazel, willow, ash, berry-bearing alder &c., and in one part completely carpeted with that beautiful fern, Blechnum boreale; but the chief attractions to the entomologist are the thickets or broom-fields, these are pieces of about two acres each, surrounded by the high road, and are composed of long grass, heath, furze and broom, with here and there a stunted oak, birch, aspen and willow. My first excursion was made on the 23rd of May, accompanied by a guide. It was a most beautiful morning: Gonepteryx Rhamni, Mancipium Cardamines, Melitaa Euphrosyne, Hipparchia Ægeria, Megara and Pamphilus were very abundant: took one specimen of Thecla Rubi and several of Thymele Alveolus and Tages, Chesias obliquaria two, Hercyna maculata one, Acidalia floslactata three, Pyrausta purpuralis one, P. sordidalis several. A larva of Gastropacha quercifolia from the willow, one specimen of Leptura ruficornis, one of Dorytomus Tortrix, and Chrysomela litura in plenty. I was told adders abounded, and killed two with the handle of my net.

My second visit took place on the 5th of June. I entered the thickets about 11 A.M., and captured three specimens of Thecla Rubi, two of Dasychira pudibunda, one of Lithosia Aureola, Phasiane plumbaria in abundance, one of Minoa euphorbiata, several of Hercyna maculata, three of Margaritia fuscalis, a larva of Dasychira fascelina from the broom; Rhynchites Populi, one specimen, Saperda populnea twenty from the aspen, Leptura melanura and ruficornis, one of each, and three of Chrysomela rufipes. The Coleoptera were all inadvertently put together into a tin canister; when this was opened, on my return home, every specimen of Saperda populnea was completely spoiled, and most of the others injured; to get a fresh supply I made my third visit on the 23rd of June, but could only find two specimens of S. populnea, and none of the other Coleoptera. Melitæa Selene was rather plentiful and in fine condition. I took two specimens of Nemeophila Plantaginis, and saw two of Xerene hastata, which escaped. My fourth visit was made on the 15th of July, in search of Argynnis Paphia, which some years (I was informed) was very abundant, but could see only one specimen. Hipparchia Hyperanthus, Pam

phila linea and Sylvanus were abundant.

I took several of Anthro-
Hipparchus papilionarius

cera Filipendulæ, Angerona prunaria one, one, Chesias obliquaria one: saw larvæ of Gonepteryx Rhamni feeding on Rhamnus Frangula, and brushed three of Thecla Rubi from