Caloptcrvx. 217 



a. The form of the male, in which the wings remain 

 of a russet tint, and in which the meshwork of the 

 wings is extreme!)' fine, has been named anceps 

 (Stephens) and vesta (Charpentier). It has on several 

 occasions been mentioned as occurring away from water 

 {e.g. E. M. M., 1 87 1, p. 87 and 161 ; 1884, p. 274;, which 

 would lead one to suppose that it was \(ixy immature ; 

 but still it may be that at times, and perhaps regularly 

 in certain localities, the male never does assume the 

 blue colouring to its wings ; in the latter case, the 

 form would constitute a distinct race. That the blue 

 pigment is at times undeveloped is certain, for the 

 author has a specimen, taken in. the New Forest, with 

 the right fore-wing russet and the other three of the 

 mature blue tint ; while the Re\'. J. E. Tarbat has one 

 with both fore-wings wanting the blue pigment. 



/3. Males with smoky wings are almost certainly 

 alwax's half mature. 



7. Often no russet colouring appears at the tip of 

 the hind-wings of the male, and it varies much in extent 

 at the tip of the fore-wings also. 



5. The wings of the female, the hind ones especially, 

 are sometimes smok}' ; but this is perhaps only a sign 

 of age. 



6. Not an uncommon form of the female has the 

 wings somewhat dark, especiall}- the hind ones, while 

 a much darker transverse band crosses the latter near 

 the apex ; the meshwork of the wings is usuall}' coarser. 

 Perhaps age may again have a great deal to do with 

 the dark colouring. 



