174 THE entomologist's record. 



frequent, in good condition, but what Khigia spini there were, were 

 worn. On the famous cherry trees near the Baths, busily sucking at 

 the fruit, and in the orchard near the entrance to the cross gorge (so 

 replete with the juice exuding from the trunks of the apple trees that 

 we could approach almost near enough to touch them, without dis- 

 turbing them), were both Sat>/rus cnwand S.lierinione, both species wary 

 enough at the slightest movement of the net. Neither of these species 

 appeared to be as numerous as in better years, both were evidently 

 scattered over the whole district, as individuals were met with every- 

 where ; the locality of the Baths is without doubt the most prolific. 

 M. Cotte says they are fresh right down to September, as they do not 

 dy much unless disturbed. We certainly found them m good 

 condition up to August 4th (when we left Digne), those rejected 

 being more often chipped or damaged than worn. One had to work 

 persistently, however, to get a series of S. circe which, if easy to 

 catch under certain conditions (such as sap-imbibing), is more elusive 

 under others, and will persist in rising at the swing of the net, only to 

 settle a little higher on the tree, in as awkward a position on a branch 

 as it can select. 



In the cross gorge we found Hatijrus alrijnne, also in good condition, 

 but no 8. herinione ; while on the trees near the Baths were S. heniiume, 

 but no S. alcijojie. If these are one and the same species, as some 

 entomologists argue, why is it that within a short distance of each 

 other their sizes and their habits are so different ? S. herinione rests 

 on trees, and is partial to sap and the juices of fruits ; it also settles 

 on the road, often in the shade of trees, but Avill generally be found to 

 have been attracted by some over ripe fruit which has dropped from 

 them; while 8. alcynne is a smaller insect, and both at Aigle and in 

 the cross gorge at Digne, settles on rocks, or on the ground near them, 

 but does not seem to trouble about fruit. 8. alnjune and ^S. corcliila 

 were found flying together, while *S'. herinione was associated with 

 8. circe. 



The first .S'. fidia 3 appeared on the 26th, two more on the 30th, 

 and two on the 31st ; all perfect specimens. The broods of 8. cordula 

 and .S'. actaea this year almost coincided ; our first 8. actaea being 

 taken on the 81st. Eiiodia dri/as at this date were passe, as were 

 also some of the S. cordula, but others were very fine, especially some 

 of the females. After taking a nuonber of 8. cordula and 8. actaea, 

 one has no doubt that they are distinct species, it being quite easy 

 to distinguish between them even on the wing. Of the genus 

 Hippaichia, H. brims J was first taken on the 29th, on the right 

 bank of the Eaux Chaudes, while H. arethusa S did not emerge till 

 August 2nd ; but on the 4th, eleven Js were captured, just out of 

 pupa. H. seiiiele was met with from the 25th, onwards. Thus, out 

 of eleven species of 8at;/ridae, we obtained ten, the only one missing 

 being 8. atatilinvs, which was not out by August 4th, but which is 

 usually common at Digne. 



Occasional specimens of quite fresh Gonepteryx cleopatra were 

 taken. What a grand insect this is, as it flashes rapidly by one, 

 displaying the orange flushes on its upper wings in the brilliant sun- 

 light which it loves, or flying along the precipitous sides of a gorge, 

 at a tantalising height above one's reach ! 



Polyoiiniiatiis vieleayer <? s were captured on the 25th ; $ s not 



