270 THE entomologist's record. 



arched pearly spots, that characterise A. selene, extended towards the 

 centre of the wing and forming blotches at least from twice to three times 

 the usual size, whilst the central pearly sj^ot, so conspicuous in normal 

 A. selene, is extended until it joins one of the outer blotches and so 

 reaches the outer margin of the wing. The dark markings towards the 

 base are absent, whilst the paler yellowish tint is in excess. 



One cannot help being struck with the resemblance that the under- 

 side of this specimen bears to those of many species inhabiting Alpine 

 regions ; and the severer conditions under which the Alpine species main- 

 tain their existence, suggest that the variation liere is entirely pathological, 

 Avhilst the direction which the variation has taken, has been guided by 

 atavic influences. 



It may be interesting to note that this specimen was captured in 

 one of the dark lanes, overgrown Avith Jong dank vegetation, which 

 intersect Abbott's Wood, and that I saw no other butterfly near. It was 

 only by chance that I noticed it fluttering in some brushwood, as I was 

 hurrying along wondering when I should succeed in getting into the 

 open again. Possibly this insect was bred amidst this herbage, 

 but it would api3ear certain that, Avliatever the environment to which 

 the caterpillar or pujoa was sul^ject during its development, it had 

 an effect on the resulting imago, Avhich is as remarkable as it is in- 

 teresting. 



I think I am correct in stating that Mr. F. W. FrohaAvk considers 

 this insect to be A. eiiphrosyne, but Messrs. Tutt, Tugwell and Hawes 

 think it to be A. selene, a conclusion with which the above notes show 

 that I agree. At the time of its captiire, A. eiqihrosyne was worn but 

 still pleiitiful, A. selene was quite fresh and equally plentiful. 



The second variety is, in a measure, the exact opposite of the 

 first ; for whilst the outer row of arched markings on the fore- wings, 

 and the row of dots within them are almost normal, the centres and bases 

 of these wings lack the normal black transverse markings, and the black 

 costal streaks oq the upper j^art of the wings are much restricted. The 

 consequence is that the blight tawny portion of the wing is more 

 extended than usual. On the hind-wings two abnormalities present 

 themselves: — (1). An increased darkening towards the base and 

 centre of the wing. (2). A union of the series of black dots by means 

 of dark shades, to the ajDices of the arches which fringe the outer 

 margin of the wing. 



The underside of this specimen is less abnormal, for the dark mark- 

 ings, absent in the centre of the upper side of the fore-wings are here 

 present, although in nothing like the usual depth of colour. The hind 

 wings are richl}^ coloured, the only sign of abnormality being the union 

 of the small black dots with the outline of the arched markings on the 

 outer margin of the wing, exactly as was described on the upper side. 



The interest that these varieties had for me, suggested that they 

 might have a general interest, and I therefore conceived that their re- 

 production Avould give pleasure to the readers of The Entomologist's 

 Record. 



pfotes on 2^ygaena minos. 



By J. W. TUTT, F.E.S. 

 Zygaena mines or, as it is sometimes called, Z. ■pilosellae, occurs in 

 so few localities in the British Isles, that very few entomologists, who 

 collect only within the limits of our sea-girdled country, haA^e had the 



