THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST 283 



prominent, for the most part shining black. On thoracic joints two and 

 three, III., IV., and V., are most prominent, placed in the conventional 

 triangular form ; III. a is in evidence on all abdominal segments before 

 the spiracles. On the seventh one, IV. is below the spiracle in the 

 usual noctuid position, and so differs in this important point from 

 p7(rp7irifascia. Leg plates are ordinarily distinct. Extreme length 1.65 

 inches. 



Of other Hydroecia species to be associated with these, there remain 

 two known to occur at Rye, which have so far escaped notice in their 

 earlier stages. These are inqucusita, G. & R., and the newly-described 

 circumluceiis, Sm. The former has a wide range and is represented 

 in most collections, but one rarely sees a perfect example. It is a rather 

 thinly-scaled species, and suffers so much from the effects of fiight that it 

 has long been sought in its larval state, so that perfect examples might be. 

 secured, for it is prettily shaded with the characteristic warm red-brown 

 and purple of the group. It is probably a root feeder and confined to 

 one variety of plant; just what one, though, remains as yet a nut to be 

 cracked. 



Circuvilucens occurred to me some years ago, a single example 

 having the temerity to fly in at an open window. It appears early in the 

 season, ranges well northward, and may be considered an associate with 

 cerina and rigida. A happy day, indeed, will it be when this species 

 gives up its secret of food-plant and habit. 



The few European species that are closely allied with the local ones 

 under consideration seem equally scarce in collections there, as many of 

 our species have heretofore been in American cabinets. This is likely due 

 to ignorance of their early histories, and it may afford us some satisfaction 

 to think we are at all abreast of our brethren on the other side, even in 

 this small matter, since we are so far behind in a knowledge of life- 

 histories generally. Leucographa as approaching our rutila and xanthens 

 slightly similar to margitiidens, are robust insects and must have great 

 burrowing larvae, which have burrowed to good purpose, indeed, if they 

 have escaped the generations of lepidopterists there who are ever on the 

 lookout for fresh details. 



