1912.] 141 



tui-es, was remarked upon, and it was pointed out that development is slow and 

 requires considerable heat and moisture for its continuance, restricting the 

 geographical distribution of these creatures to some of the islands of the 

 Tropical zone. Sexual dimorphism is very pronounced, the females being large 

 and foliaceous, whilst the males are much more elongate, and are not, therefore, 

 so leaf-like in appearance. The feeding habits of S. guttata were described in 

 some detail, as were also the methods of oviposition obtaining in the two 

 families under consideration. The Mantidee possess some strange modifications 

 in structure resulting from their carnivorous habits. Thus, the front legs 

 which are modified for the seizui-e of prey, are developed to an extent out of 

 all proportion to the same limbs in other insects. The Mantidse enjoy a wider 

 distribution than the Phasmidse, being abundantly represented in all the 

 warmer regions of the world, including South Europe. Dr. P. F. Tinne exhi- 

 bited Lycsena xgon from the New Forest and other localities. — William 

 Mansbkidge, Hon. Secretary. 



The South London Entomological and Natural History Society : 

 Thursday, April llth, 1912.— Mr A. E. Tonge, F.E.S., President, in the Chair. 



Mr. Step exhibited the Crustacean Squilla desmarestii, and described its 

 Mantis-like appearance and habits. Mr. Gibbs, long series and specimens of 

 Pieris napi from various British localities, and pointed out their racial characters 

 with reference to various continental races and forms. Mr. Cowham, hybrid 

 Nyssia zonaria and Biston hirtaria, varied series of Hyhernia leucophaearia and 

 H. marginaria, small forms of Leucania pallens, probably of the 2nd brood, and 

 bred specimens of Zonosoma pendularia from Oxshott, referable to the rosy form 

 var. subroseata. Mrs. Hemming, bred series of Meliteea aurinia; the Carlisle 

 series included a melanic form and var. virgata, tlie Welsh series included forms 

 with very red groimd coloiir, and the Oxford series contained very pale 

 specimens, as well as a specimen closely resembling M. cinxia. Mr Quarrington, 

 living larvae of Bumicia phlseas, taken wild on April 7th and 10th. Mr. Newman, 

 full-fed larvEe of Abraxas grossulariata, kept in sleeves outdoors, and living 

 pupae of Dryas paphia and M. athalia. Dr. Chapman, living larvae of Leioptilus 

 tephradactylus. Mr. Tonge, a branch of Viburnum from Tilgate, with four 

 larvae of Mgeria andrenseformis. Mr. Colthrup noted the abundance of Biston 

 hirtaria this season, especially around London. Mr. R. Adkin, many examples 

 of named varieties of Britisli Lepidoptera to illustrate his paper, entitled 

 " Varietal names as applied to British Lepidoptera." —Ky. J. Turner, Hon. Sec. 



Entomological Society of London: Wednesday, March 6th, 1912. — The 

 Eev. F. D. Morice, M.A., President, in the Chair. 



The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Society : — Harold 

 Hodge, Chapel Place Mansion, 322, Oxford Street, W. ; Samarenda Maulik 

 (Calcutta), c/o Messrs. T. Cook & Son, Ludgate Circus, E.C. ; Roland T. Smith, 

 54, Osbaldeston Road, Stoke Newington, N. 



