236 THE ENTOMOLOGIST S KECOBD. 



should call No. 3 and 4 in the first row, var. ntomalis, but No. 3 not 

 such a well-marked example as No. 4. But I am much inclined to think 

 that we have the same confusion about amhigualis var. atomalis, and the 

 species atomalis, as we had about Noctua /estiva var. conflua and Nocttia 

 conjlna. With regard to S. basistrigah's ; although some specimens come 

 very near to large well-marked specimens of ^'. amhigualis, they may 

 be distinguished generally by the following points : — S. amhigualis — 

 (1) Imagn abundant from May to August. (2) Distribution very 

 o-eneral. (3) The 8-mark variable, but seldom dark. The first line 

 (profile-line), not beginning as a black dash on the costa. (4) Expanse 

 9^" — 10"'. S. hasistrigalis — (I) Imago during latter end of July and 

 beginning of August. (2) Very local. (3) The 8-mark very distinct 

 and dark. The first line commences as a black dash on the costa. (4) 

 Expanse 10'" — 1". 1'". — The LithocoUetidae are possibly even more 

 puzzling than the Scoparias. In the /ro//c//e//a-group, I have always 

 supposed that we had five species which might be distinguished as 

 follows : — (1) Nicellii — feeding on nut (underside of leaf) ; three fascia? 

 and two costal streaks ; apical spot long and oval. (2) Frolichella — 

 feeding on alder (underside of leaf) ; two fasciae and three costal streaks ; 

 apical spot, irregular. (3) Klemannella — feeding on alder (underside of 

 leaf) ; two fasciae and two costal streaks ; apical spot, round. (4) 

 Dunningiella — food-plant, doubtful ; two fascia? and three costal streaks ; 

 apical spot, oval. [The four species, nicellii, frolichella, Idemannella, 

 dunningiella, have no basal streak], (o) Stettiaella — feeding on alder 

 (upperside of leaf) ; two fascia? and three costal streaks ; with a basal 

 streak. It is very evident that the number of fascise and streaks are 

 somewhat liable to vary, and at any time fascia may be divided, 

 or streaks united, so that these terms may be convertible the one into 

 the other. This being the case, normally-marked specimens of nicellii, 

 frolichella and dunningiella, are hardly to be distinguished by transverse 

 markings of the costa ; they all possess five such marks. Frolichella and 

 nicellii are easily distinguished when bred, by the pabulum, and may 

 also o-enerally be distinguished by size, the former being much the 

 lar'>-er species. From dunningiella, which, according to the Manual is 

 intermediate in size, they are only distinguished by the duller colour 

 and oval black spot of this latter species. In the absence of knowledge 

 of larval habits, I think that dunningiella must at present be considered 

 a very doubtful species, perhaps the specimens considered as such, are 

 generally to be referred to nicellii. Stettinella, apart from its larval 

 habits, is sufficiently distinguished by the basal streak. This leaves 

 Idemannella, with four costal streaks, which nearly fits my exhibit in 

 the last round of the basket. But in the description in The Manual, 

 and in the specimens of Idemannella which are exhibited by Mr. 

 Eichardson, there is not the brilliant basal blotch reaching from costa 

 to inner margin, that my specimen possesses. However, such a small 

 difference as this would not do to form a species, and I must wait until 

 I have the fortune to breed more, and learn more of the insect, Itefore 

 settling- whether to call it a Ideiuannella or to consider it a new species." 

 Spkinc; Notes. — The spring opened this year in North Germany Avith 

 much promise to the entomologist of a successful season. The bees held 

 their Easter feast in unwonted numbers, and rare .species were often 

 captured. On sallows the cuckoo bees, Nomada, were in great plenty, 

 while the catkins were alive with Boinhus and Aiithrena. The spring 



