8 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS [Jan., 'l2 



Edwards' types of affinis consist of I $ and I $ with an 

 equal number of cotypes. Dr. Holland writes that the 9 

 cotype has a minute spot on the costa of one secondary. We 

 have one specimen in our dumetorum series marked similarly to 

 this. The description of the upper surface color was taken 

 from a limited number of specimens and is doubtless as mis- 

 leading" as was viridis Edwards, and dumetorum Boisduval. 

 The under side represents another uncommon form of dume- 

 torum, viridis and affinis representing the two extremes. 



The net result of our investigation shows that there is a 

 green Thecla in California which varies widely in the white 

 markings on the under side. The range of this Thecla extends 

 east to Utah and Colorado. Boisduval first described it but 

 without a great degree of accuracy. Edwards followed with 

 his descriptions of viridis from California and affinis from 

 Utah, both descriptions following certain forms only. 



From the above study, we believe our readers will agree with 

 us that the correct synonymy of the butterfly under discus- 

 sion is : 



T. dumetorum Bd., 



Syn. affinis Edw., 



Syn. viridis Edw. 



In conclusion, we wish to lay stress upon the importance of 

 having an abundance of fresh and perfect material when study- 

 ing specimens which very closely resemble already named spe- 

 cies. Such men as Mr. Edwards, and there are some living in 

 this year of our Lord, who have done so much magnificent 

 work with the Lepidoptera, have names to conjure with and 

 any inaccuracies in their writings are liable to create a condi- 

 tion of doubt and uncertainty which may take years to over- 

 come. 



Before closing, we desire to express our thanks to Dr. Hol- 

 land, Dr. Skinner and Mr. Newcomer for valuable information 

 which they have so kindly furnished one or the other of the 

 authors. 



