112 THE REPORT OF THE No. 19 



and first segments small ; segments 2-7 gradually enlarging to 3 mm., and then tapering to the 

 posterior extremity ; each segment velvety claret coloiir, the velvety pile only in the central 

 part of the segments ; the intra-segmental sutures smooth, pale, in some specimens almost white; 

 head white, marked symmetrically on each side with three black marks, the uppermost almost 

 round, the middle one crescent-shaped, and the lowest above the ocelli, comma-shaped ; spira- 

 cles brown, ringed with black ; on each segment about six small black tubercles bearing slender 

 tawny bristles ; thoracic feet and prolegs darkened externally." The pitcher plant is very 

 abundant at the Mer Bleue, and we soon found a number of the larvae. These were in different 

 stages of development, from about three-eighths of an inch to full grown larvse. One pupa was 

 also found in one of the plants. The moth " is a small, thick-set insect, about three-eighths of 

 an inch in length, of a dark, metallic, purplish hue, which on the forewings is relieved by a 

 yellowish discal patch. The base of the wings is deep red. The dark colour on the wings of 

 the female is much blacker than in the other sex. The hind wings in both sexes are black. 

 When at rest, the wings are sloped like those of a Plusia." 



Lithacodia bellicula, a pretty little noctuid, was fairly common, and some nice fresh specimen* 

 were secured. Two other interesting noctuids were captured, viz, that beautiful, and extremely 

 difficult to catch, little species, Anarta cordigera, which had been taken here before, and which 

 we were specially on the look-out for, and Mamestra rugosa ; one specimen of the former was 

 collected by Mr. Young, and one of the latter by the writer, this being the first record 

 of the occurrence of M. rugosa in the Ottawa district. 



Argynnis triclaris always an interesting butterfly is also a frequenter of the Mer Bleue, bu** 

 on account of its rarity few specimens are found. We were in hopes of meeting with this insect, 

 and, although we watched for it throughout the day, no specimen was captured. A few Argynnids 

 were noticed flying, and specimens of bellona and myrina were caught. Whether any of those 

 observed were triclaris, we could, of course, not be sure. The species flies about a fortnight 

 later, Dr. Fletcher having taken specimens at the Mer Bleue on the 11th June one year and on 

 the 16th June another year. 



Doubtless, if the weather had been more favourable, other interesting lepidopterous insects 

 would have been observed. Specimens of coleoptera, hymenoptera and diptera were collected 

 and some rather rare species secured. These insects would, of course, have been more plentiful, 

 had the day been brighter. 



While Dr. Fletcher, Mr. Young and the writer were occupied the greater part of the 

 day in hunting for insects, or in collecting plants, Mr. Saunders who is an ardent ornithologist, 

 armed with his field glass, was busily engaged the whole time " looking up " birds and studying 

 their ways. Some nice nests, with eggs, of the Palm Warbler, the Nashville Warbler, the 

 Swamp Sparrow, and the White-throated Sparrow, were secured, and many useful notes were 

 made upon the habits of the birds mentioned. 



We reluctantly turned our steps homewards as evening came on, well loaded down with 

 specimens of plants and insects, and with some clutches of rare eggs, determined if possible to 

 return again next year, a little earlier in the season, so as to tackle the problem of the food 

 plant of Thecla nngustus, and later to learn something of the life-history of Chrijsophanii.s 

 epixanthe, which swarms on the Mer Bleue about the 1st July. 



