338 THE entomologist's record. 



hatched, are dark greenish brown, with the faintest trace of a hghter 

 hne below the spiracles, and a few scattered bristles. They are 

 extremely sluggish, and appear to be constantly sitting about, holding 

 on to the withered grass with the last three pairs of claspers ; the fore 

 part of the body thrown back, and the head tucked in, after the manner 

 of a Sphinx larva. The little pellets of excrement proved that they 

 were eating the food-plant provided for them ; but so slowly did they 

 grow, that it was several weeks before I saw much difference in them. 

 At last, they moulted, and, although this did not improve their size, it 

 made a great difference in their appearance. Dorsal and sub-dorsal 

 area brownish, a lateral series of wedge-shaped spots from the 5th to 

 the 12th segment, just above the spiracular line, apex pointing forwards, 

 and only crossing the anterior half of each segment ; below the spiracles, 

 a broad white line ; a few bristles scattered over the dorsal and sub- 

 dorsal area ; posture and habits, same as before, but not so sluggish, 

 and rolls in a ring, with the head on one side when disturbed. After 

 the second moult, they may be said to assume the colouring and 

 markings of the adult larvre in miniature. The larva rolls itself into a 

 ring when annoyed, and falls off its food-plant, but soon unrolls, and 

 seeks shelter at a great rate. Head, shining brown ; triangular plate, 

 brownish black, with a brownish-black mark upon each side ; dorsal 

 line inconspicuous, extremely narrow, light brown with a darker hne on 

 each side, and a double series of brownish-black, medio-dorsal, V'Shaped 

 markings, the tips of the V's directed forwards. Sub-dorsal area, light 

 brownish flesh colour, with a few very small brownish dots. A series of 

 very distinct black marks on the 2nd and 5th to 12th segments, both 

 inclusive, dividing the lateral white stripe below the spiracles from the 

 sub-dorsal area. Each segment emits a number of short bristles, and, 

 in some specimens, the dark-brownish, medio-dorsal stripes are decidedly 

 tinged with green. Feeds upon grasses, dandelion {Taraxacum officinale), 

 groundsel {Senecio vulgaris), and other low plants. — W. Reid, Pitcaple, 

 Aberdeen, November 25///, 1890. 



"^iy A gratis pyrop hi la larvae are thriving well, and have moulted again ; 

 they have changed colour, and the markings are very much brighter. 

 They are beautiful larvae now, but still retain the bristles. I have 

 managed to secure three at large. — Wm. Rsid, February 'jth, 1891. 



Vanessa atalanta at Sugar. — I see that Newman mentions the 

 liking V. atalanta has for sugared trees. I have observed as many 

 as five or six on one tree by day, and several single specimens by 

 night. I have also seen V. urticce, Epinephele janira and E. tithonus 

 at different times by night. Has any lepidopterist noticed these 

 insects at sugar ? — John N. Still, Horrabridge. 



Colias hyale in the Spring. — I observe that in the January 

 number of The Entomologisfs Record the Editor expresses doubt 

 whether Colias hyale normally hybernates as an imago. May I be 

 allowed to state that about the middle of May, 1886, I saw a female 

 of that species depositing her eggs on lucerne. That she was so 

 engaged is certain as I found three of the eggs. In September, 

 1888, I found a large brood of C. edusa on the Downs near here. 

 The first specimens — which were quite fresh — were seen on the nth 

 of that month. As I was anxious to obtain a good series, and, if 

 possible, get var. helice, I was on the spot daily (Sundays excepted) 



