196 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



No one supposed, and it was absurd to suppose, that anyone was in 

 danger of supposing that Riley figured only moths coming from a black 

 ground-feeding larva. 



III. — Concerning Drury's amea and the Quebec Spilosoma. 



The discussion of the Cunea question was not uncalled for, and has 

 not been unprofitable. It is well that so much information on the 

 subject has been brought together. In this respect Mr. Lyman has done 

 good service. We can now see clearly the slight basis on which the 

 theory of the identity of cunea and punctatissirna has been built, viz., 

 two uncertain references, made long ago, by two old-world entomologists, 

 and the fact that punctatissima is a variable species. The references are : 

 " Whether this be the cunea of Mr. Drurv or not " (Sir James Smith), and 

 "There seems little reason for doubting that this is identical with the 

 Phalaena punctatissima of Abbott and Smith " (Westwood). We have no 

 reason to think that either of the writers had seen Drury's types. Upon 

 so trivial a foundation the theory has been built ! 



* Mr. Lyman thinks Smith and Abbot's figure of punctatissima 

 admirable, and that it shows perfect bilateral symmetry. Let us see ! 

 In the left secondary of the figure there is a black spot near the tip, and 

 behind it, running towards the body, are two others ; on the right 

 secondary the three spots run in a line along the outer margin ; and this is 

 what Mr. Lyman calls " perfect bilateral symmetry " ! He objects to my 

 expression "fancy sketch." Is it then a reality that, in the favoured 

 South, imagoes and larvse of punctatissima may be seen on mulberry 

 bushes at one time ? 



I had overlooked Drury's description of cunea. I am glad to read 

 it — it strengthens my case. Mr. Lyman gives it in full on page 122. I 

 will quote the English of the description to save the reader the trouble of 

 reference, and that there may be no mistake as to terms. I give the Old 

 Country meanings of ash-coloured and tip: 

 " Ash-colored, a., between brown and gray, like the bark of 



ash" Reiifs Dictionary. 



"Tip, the part where the costa meets the hind 



margin " Stainton's Manual, Vol I., x. 



The description is as follows : 



" Upper side. — Antennae pectinated and black. There is no appear- 

 ance of any tongue. Head white. Back and abdomen ash colour. 



