368 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



between the spots. Both authors claim a close resemblance between this 

 type and that of insulsa (Can. Ent., XXXVII, 59, line 11, 1905, and 

 Joiirn. N.Y. Ent. Soc, XV, 143, 1907). Closely analysed, I must admit a 

 general similarity in both maculation and colour, though I did not notice 

 it at first. Such similarity, however, is often to be noticed in this genus, 

 between occasional specimens of species not really closely related. In 

 this instance I should not have thought of associating them. 



263. E. tessellata Harr. — When I published my former notes on this 

 species, I was evidently under the impression that I could separate it from 

 focinus. Without going so far as to claim that they are identical, I must 

 regret my inability to draw any line between them, and shall not be sur- 

 prised if they ultimately prove the same. I have seen neither the type 

 nor original description oi fesseHata, but believe it to have been described 

 from the Eastern States. I have a series from Ontario, and can match 

 some of the specimens very well with local material. Ty^\c2i\ focinus is 

 slightly larger, and more blue-gray, but the variation here seems to be 

 enormous, and to include forms, many of which appear to be locally con- 

 stant elsewhere. Many of these have been described, and their validity 

 seems to be taken for granted. 



In Prof. Smith's Catalogue, three names are given as synonyms under 

 this heading, though one of them, nigricans^ appears to be a citation in 

 error of Riley's. Including these, Sir George Hampson gives eight, of 

 which, however, I have placed declarata Walk, as a distinct species, 

 probably prior to decolor Morr. This leaves seven supposed synonyms. 

 As a frank admission of my lack of understanding of this group, or, at any 

 rate, of my inability to make the necessary association of characters by 

 which the various forms may be distinguished from each other so as to 

 suggest distinctness of species, I may state that, in addition to those seven, 

 I have nine other names, as to the validity of which I do not feel at all 

 assured, and which I have indexed as possible synonyms. Of some of 

 this total of sixteen I know absolutely nothing, and merely follow Smith 

 and Hampson. Of most of the others I have seen the types, have often 

 compared one with another, and taken extensive notes. Of a few I feel 

 more or less convinced of the identity, with others I must look forward 

 to a better acquaintance. This certainly comprises the largest group in 

 all the Noctuidse that I have studied in which I have failed to arrive at 

 definite conclusions. As to insigfiata Walk., referred to in my former 

 notes, it appears that Walker gave the name to two species referable to 



