360 TRAKSACTIOXS, NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 



been beaten after dark in a state of helpless intoxication from the 

 flowers of the Sallow, and Vanessa antiojjaj Linn., is also said to 

 have occurred at the same flower in the evening. Vanessa atalanta, 

 Linn., is said to have appeared at sugar. As a contrast to these 

 confirmed tipplers, the Argynnidse and Satyridse are by no means 

 assiduous flower-lovers, and the same may be said of certain of the 

 LycEenidse. Satyrus semele, Linn., prefers sunning itself on sandy 

 banks, Pararge egeria, Linn., loves the broad green leaves of the 

 Elm, whilst Thecla o-ubi, Linn., never strays far from its native 

 Birch. 



In certain of the Sphinges, or Hawk-moths, the tongue reaches 

 a great development, and Sphinx convolvuli, Linn., probably pos- 

 sesses the longest organ of this description among European 

 insects. Such of the Sphinges as fly by day are all flower-lovers ; 

 and the Humming-Bird Hawk-moth (Ilacroglossa stellatarum^ 

 Linn.) darts from flower to flower from early morn till late at night. 

 So swift are the movements of this insect that it is almost impossible 

 to catch it whilst on the wing. Choerocampa is also a day-flying, 

 flower-seeking genus ; but of this I cannot speak from personal 

 experience. The Smerinthi, on the other hand, are much slower 

 in flight, and do not appear to go to flowers. 



It is, however, among the more widely-distributed Nocture, 

 the true " night-hawks," that we must search for the insects likely 

 to be of the greatest service to plants in the matter of cross- 

 pollination, and in practically the whole division the tongue is 

 well developed. Yet here, nevertheless, we meet with genera 

 that seldom or never seek nutriment of any description in the 

 winged state, and among these, judging only from my acquaint- 

 ance with the few species occurring in this district, I would put 

 Acronycta, Tapinostola, Polia, and Anarta. I was inclined also 

 to range on the same side certain species of Leucania, as L. 2)aUens, 

 Linn., and L. imjpura, Hiib. ; for I have often worked in localities 

 where these two species are common, and where flowers are also 

 abundant, without having seen the Moths approach the flowers. 

 Other entomologists have had apparently a difierent experience, 

 and these two species of Leucania must be placed among honey- 

 bibbers. 



In the genus Plusia the nectar-sipping habit reaches its greatest 

 development. These beautiful Moths, w^ith their metallic glancing 



