I&95-] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 9 



which we make are artificial and for convenience only, and none 

 hold in all cases. My list would be : 



Genus. Species distinguished by a type difference in structure. 



Sub-genus. Differing in structure, but less. 



Species. Breeding true to self, and not intergrading. 



Sub-species. Breeding true to self, and rarely intergrading. 



Race. Breeding true, except in intermediate localities. 



Variety. Forms distinct, but intergrading, more or less in any 

 locality. 



Sub-variety. Forms distinct, or not distinct, but the name ap- 

 plying to a variety comparatively infrequent or not marked. 



Form. A seasonal or sexual variation somewhat permanent. 



Variation. An individual variation, infrequent and not generally 

 distinct, and not permanent. 



Aberration. An individual, sport, or variation, very distinct, 

 without intergrades. 



Prof. John B. Smith replies: Under the term variety I under- 

 stand a departure from what may be considered the usual form 

 of an insect, which, while it does not breed true to itself yet at 

 the same time occurs frequently enough to bear a reasonable pro- 

 portion to the ordinary form, occurring independently of season 

 or of locality. It is to be understood, also, that there is no reg- 

 ular succession of intermediate forms between this variety and 

 the usual form. Where a range of intermediate forms exists I 

 would not consider the extreme entitled to a name, but I would 

 simply rank them as variations; for instance, we have in Carne- 

 ades infelix a form in which we have the full Noctuid markings 

 present, the colors well marked and contrasting, and this species 

 varies to a form which is entirely black without any trace of 

 markings whatever. Every intermediate stage between the im- 

 maculate and fully marked form is represented, and I do not, 

 therefore, give a name to anything except a species. 



Under the term form I understand what may be called a 

 sonal variety, as where Summer and Autumn, or Spring and 

 Summer broods offer a different appearance in size, color, pat- 

 tern, etc. This is what is also called a seasonal or a dimorphic 

 form, and these may be named provided it is specified that a 

 seasonal or dimorphic name is intended. 



An aberration is a sport, and indicates a monstrosity in ><>me 



