102 THE entomologist's kecord. 



Und these a week later. Mr. Foljambe, who preceded us by a few 

 days, found the Apataridae to be comparatively scarce ; he also dis- 

 covered both a fullfed and a half -fed larva of A. ilia on the poplar 

 bushes. When the first greed of the collector had been satisfied, we 

 were able to learn much of the habits of these species, but they are too 

 well known to need description here. 



We were also much struck by the habits of several other species 

 which were plentiful at Eclepens, notably by those of Limenitis sibi/lla. 

 This species occurred in enormous numbers, and its habits appeared 

 to be almost identical with those of the Apaturidae : it was to be 

 found settled in large numbers on the road or on droppings, it was 

 even more fearless than the Apaturidat', and it would return constantly 

 to the same place. These habits were shown in a lesser degree by 

 hAiiionia jiolyc/iloros, by Polij()o)tia c-albiiui, and even by Paranje acliine, 

 and so remarkable was this resemblance that it occurred to us that it 

 might be an instance of local mimicry, the habits of the Apaturidae 

 being mimicked by 1^. aibylla and, though much less probably, by the 

 other species mentioned. Professor Poulton, on the other hand, 

 believes Limenitis to be a specially protected genus, and that in respect 

 of markings the roles of model and mimic as regards Limenitis and 

 Apatura are reversed. These two views are, however, not opposed, 

 since, taken together, they fit in with the ^liillerian theory of mutual 

 benefit. A fair amount of evidence might be adduced in favour of the 

 views indicated above, but more extensive and accurate observations 

 are necessary before the former can be accepted. xVdditional evidence 

 might be obtained by observing the habits of L. caiuilla, which was 

 only just beginning to appear when we left. Another possible 

 explanation of the behaviour of L. sibi/Ua may be an exaggerated need 

 of moisture, as this species is sometimes to be found resting on the 

 ground in most continental localities where it occurs. 



Among the other species taken at Eclepens were ParnassiHs ap<ilU> 

 var. pseudonoiuiun, Xordwaunia [Thecla) ilicis, and var. cerri, Strijnion 

 {Tliecla) pruni, S. acaciae, Limenitia canrilla, Brentliis ino, and CoeuD- 

 nympJia arcania (very abundant) ; the Ruralids (Theclids) were for 

 the most part worn. The iBOst interesting capture of all was a 

 magnificent aberration of Polyijonia c-albuui. In this specimen, both 

 sides of which are figured in the accompanying plate viii., the mark- 

 ings on the upperside are represented by four black blotches, one of 

 which occupies almost the whole of the hindwing. The underside is 

 also peculiar, and the comma-mark takes the form of an F. The 

 aberration corresponds more or less with the description of the form 

 called ab. F-album in Mr. Wheeler's book. Mr. Wheeler, however, 

 informs us that the figures of F-album which he has seen do not 

 indicate that the black markings on the upper side are more extensive 

 than in the type, though a certain amount of confluence has taken 

 place. 



It will be seen that the entomology at Eclepens is of an extremely 

 interesting character, but we suffered a good deal from the heat, and 

 it was somewhat of a relief to journey on June 30th to the fresher air 

 of Berisal, where we remained until July 4th. 



{To he concluded.) 



