182 Transactions. — Zoology. 



besides large numbers of Notorcas imradelpha, Harmologa 

 latomana, and Tauroscoim gorgopis. Two specimens of Erebia 

 pluto were taken on a patch of shingle at about 4,200ft., but 

 this must be regarded as an exceptionally low elevation for 

 the species. 



On arriving at the top of the Pyramid a long descent is 

 made to reach the Mount Arthur Eange proper, and it is here 

 that probably the best collecting on the Table-land is to be 

 found. Metacrias erichrysa was frequently seen dashing about 

 in the hot sunshine, and was extremely difficult to catch. 

 Two other Bomhyces (?) were also obtained which are not yet 

 identified, but any moths belonging to the group are of extreme 

 interest, owing to the singular absence of its members from 

 the fauna of the lowlands in New Zealand. High up, at 

 about 4,800ft., Statlimonyrna anceps was found, the dark-grey 

 forewiiigs harmonising admirably with the rocks on which 

 it perches ; besides specimens of Orocramhus mylites and 

 catacaustus. These insects occurred up to the extreme top 

 of the mountain, as well as Erebia p)luto, which was very 

 abundant on the sbingle-flats above 5,000ft. 



I must confess that the ascent of the last 800ft. of the 

 mountain considerably alarmed me, although no doubt the 

 dangers are nothing in the eyes of more experienced climbers. 



On the top we discovered the names of previous visitors, 

 and during the half -hour spent there I noticed numerous 

 specimens of Erebia j^luto and Orocrainbus, so I am disposed 

 to think that their range of elevation would be considerably 

 more extended on a higher mountain ; but of course this is a 

 matter for future observation. Above 5,000ft. the only com- 

 mon plant is a fine wiry grass, which I conjecture is the food- 

 plant of these insects. The discovery of the larva of Erebia 

 pluto would be of excessive interest, and the insect might 

 probably be reared by any one who was able to spend two or 

 three months on the Table-land, as I think the females would 

 readily lay their eggs in captivity, if the young larvae could 

 not be found. An accurate record of the times of appearance 

 of these alpine insects woiild also be extremely valuable, which 

 of course could only be obtained by a naturalist residing on 

 the Table-land during the whole summer. 



During the descent numerous stoppages were made to 

 obtain insects, Erebia pluto continuing extremely abundant 

 until we left the shingle and snow. Lower down a few Coleop- 

 tera were obtained by beating spear-grass blossoms ; but the 

 Lepidoptera absorbed most of our attention. It was curious 

 to make the acquaintance here of Dasyuris 2)(i'>'theniata, a 

 species found on the cliffs above the Hermit's Cave, Welling- 

 ton, but nowhere, as far as I know, on the sea-level in 

 Nelson Province. When the top of Gordon's Pyramid was 



