118 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



alone, the larva also having received close scrutiny. Two cases of varia- 

 tion, alone worthy the name, are all that have been noted. One a colour 

 change due to a certain food-plant; the other, extreme, with a correspond- 

 ing departure in the moth that makes it easy to fancy, points out the way 

 new species are formed. This departure occurs with purpuri/asda, and 

 is primarily the result of food-plant and the accompanying conditions. 

 So many captures of this species had come to light from sections where 

 Columbine did not grow, it was evident there must occasionally be some 

 other food-plant. So it was not surprising when the discovery was made, 

 even in this locality, that in Loosestrife, Lysimachia quadrifolia, another 

 popular food prevailed. Indeed, in all places thus far examined by far 

 the greater number will be found at work in the latter plant. Yet, 

 strangely, one would hardly associate the robust Columbine feeders with 

 the attenuated examples in Loosestrife, for these at maturity are scarcely 

 half the diameter of the former, though in length they rather exceed them. 

 Their peculiar proportions are due to the very small size of the Loose- 

 strife stems and roots, and the Harris term " spindle worms " as applied 

 to these borers seems now most fitting. The tubercles do not attain the 

 size, or the colours the depth, of the Columbine feeders, yet there is no 

 difference in the position of the former. The resultant moth exhibits a 

 constant disparity, the purple fascia, which is really the outer portion of 

 the t. p. line, is narrowed and much less striking ; the general tone is 

 subdued, and with a marked difference of wing outline, produces a form 

 that is at all times unmistakable. Still, it may be wise to differentiate 

 them by no other terms than that of their respective food-plants. 

 Doubtless many of the varietal names of our lists would never have been 

 created had the reason for such occurrences been better understood, or 

 the significance of the departures fully noted. 



It may be fitting to conclude with a quotation from an authority who 

 is summarizing on an extended research in the whole biological field : 

 " False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often 

 endure long ; but false views, if supported by some evidence, do little 

 harm, for everyone takes a salutary delight in proving their falseness, and 

 when this is done one path toward error is closed, and the road to truth 

 is often at the same time opened." Let us hope in the present case what 

 are advanced as facts may prove such beyond peradventure j while from 

 the views, thanks to the authority, but slight trouble can ensue in any 

 event. 



