SOCIETIES. 279 



representatives of Aijlais (Vioiessa) urticac, specimens of Chri/sophanns 

 jjJdacas, in which the coppery gloss of the upper wings was of a very 

 light hue. Mr. Harper, on hehalf of Mr. Muncer : an aberration of 

 P;/raiiu'is atalanta, which Avas bred from a larva collected on the 

 Hackney Marshes, six weeks ago. The broad red band on the 

 superior wings, which distinguishes this species, was perfectly straight 

 in this specimen, and not angular, as in the type form, on account of 

 the absence of one segment nearest the anal angle. The white spots 

 on fore-wings above the red band were much larger, and not so sharp 

 in outline, giving them the appearance of having been put on with 

 white chalk and then smudged. On the end of the red band, nearest 

 the anal angle, there was a distinct Avhite patch. The red margin on 

 the hind-wings Avas devoid of the four black spots found on the usual 

 form. At the foremost tip of the hind-Avings there Avas also a clearly 

 marked white spot. A discussion then ensued on the subject of 

 the HYBERNATION OF Pyrameis c.ardui, " as souie little surprise Avas felt 

 at Mr. Tutt's doubt on the point (Oct. 1st No. of this magazine)." 

 The general opinion was that this species did hybernate in the imago 

 stage, as in Avhat other way can the appearance of specimens in the 

 early spring be accounted for ? Mr. Norman stated that his brother 

 had taken A'ery small larvtB in the late autumn, Avhich, under a 

 microscopical examination, he made out to be P. cardiii, and this led 

 him to think that this species hybernated in the lar\'al stage.'-' 



South London Entomological and Natural History Society. — 

 Oct. 22nd, 1896. — Food-plant of Luperina cespitis. — Mr. Ficklin bred 

 specimens of Luperina ceftpitu from larva taken on grass stems in the 

 spring. He suggested that their small size was due to their proper 

 food being grass roots, and not the green blades. Tephrosia bistor- 

 tata (crepuscularia) and T. crepuscularia (biundularia). — A large 

 number of specimens of Tephrosia c re}) use ul aria and T. biundularia 

 Avere shoAvn by Messrs. Tutt, Henderson, Barrett, Auld, Mera, Mans- 

 bridge, de V. Kane, Tunaley, H. Williams, and Chittenden, forming 

 such a collection of forms as, in the opinion of all present, had never 

 before been brought together. In reply to Mr. Barrett's re-assertion, 

 based on Mrs. Bazett's captures, that these tAVO Avere one species, Mr. 

 Tutt read a very exhaustive paper, Avhich Avill appear in our next 

 number. Mr. Henderson said that he had taken T. crepuseularia in 

 the very woods where it Avas stated, by Mrs. Bazett, not to occur. 

 His experience and remarks agreed Avholly Avith those of Mr. Tutt. 

 The remarks made by the other exhibitors all tended to support the 

 case as put forth in Mr. Tutt's paper. Mr. W. F. de Vismes Kane 

 sent an account of the occurrence of the only species, T. biundularia, 

 occurring in Ireland, together Avith an exhibit of Irish specimens. In 

 reply to the vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Barrett, and seconded by 

 Mr. Auld, Mr. Tutt said that the idea of species Avas largely a matter 

 of utility, and as there Avere tAvo distinct life cycles exhibited by 

 T. bistortata and T. crepuscularia, it Avas more conA'enient to consider 

 them as two species, although they might be very closely allied. Noctua 

 ditrapezium in Yorkshire. — Mr. Montgomery reported that there was 



* Some of the members of this society would appear to be rather behind the 

 times, and not to have seen the paper on the subject, Eitt. liec, vii., pp. 110-111, 

 which answers their query. We may suggest that " opinions " in plenty have been 

 pubUshed for years. What is wanted are facts. We hope that some lepidopterist 

 will find and exhibit living imagines of this species during December, January 

 and February of the approaching winter. — Ed. 



