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The other British Hemerobiidce tliat remain essentially rare are Psectra diptera 

 (known only by the unique example captured by the late Mr. J. C. Dale in 18i3), 

 3Iegalonius Mrtus, and Drepanopteryx phalcsnoides (I understand from Messrs. 

 Morton and King that search for the latter species in the locality where three speci- 

 mens were found last year, has been fruitless). — E. McLachlan, Lewisham, London : 

 October l^th, 1886. 



The distribution of the Lepidoptera in the British Isles. — As I am compiling 

 notes for a work on this subject, I shall be very glad of local lists of Lepidoptera, 

 which, however incomplete, will be useful to me. Eeaders of the Ent. Mo. Mag. 

 are requested to assist me in this desideratum. Full particulars may be had on 

 application to — W. Habcouet Bath, The Limes, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham : 

 October Wth, 1886. 



Lepidoptera, and the sense of hearing. — Will any reader of the Ent. Mo. Mag. 

 kindly inform me upon what grounds are the antennae of Lepidoptera assumed to be 

 the organs of hearing ? I think the sense of hearing in Lepidoptera cannot be very 

 keen, as gathered from the fact that they seldom evince any emotion at a sound, 

 however loud, and then when they do move I am inclined to believe that it is 

 merely the concussion of the air which induces them to do so.* I once fired a rifle 

 for experiment close to a butterfly and it failed to take any notice of the report — 

 was this either through fear, indifl'erence, or because it did not hear it ? What 

 proofs are there that Lepidoptera can hear? — Id. 



Wasps and hornets in the Midlands. — This autumn there has been a great 

 scarcity of wasps throughout the Midlands. In the spring, however, the females 

 were very abundant, but it is probable that the quantity of wet experienced in April 

 and May prevented them colonising. Stone fruit has been marvellously plentiful 

 this year, and has been gathered in excellent condition on account of the absence of 

 these fruit pests. It is remarkable how scarce hornets have become in the Midlands 

 within the last few years. About ten or twelve years ago they were very abundant : 

 I remember seeing a very large colony in Sutton Park, but have not observed a single 

 specimen since. — Id. 



A plague of Aphides in the Midlands. — The first week of October was abnor- 

 mally warm in the Birmingham district, and favoured the development of innumerable 

 swarms oi Aphides (principally ^^Ai« nigra), -which caused great annoyance to many 

 people as they filled the air with their multitudes. The swallows, which have not 

 yet all left us, have been making a very big feed the last few days. Yesterday, how- 

 ever, vre had a rather heavy thunderstorm, and also a quantity of rain during the 

 day, which has washed the Aphides nearly all away. The weather, too, has become 

 much colder, so that the insects are not likely to make a re-appearance this year. — Id. 



Drymus pilicornis and other Semiptera in the Isle of Sheppey. — The following 

 species of Memiptera have been obtained : — Drymus pilicornis : a single example, by 



* Slightly vague. We presume our correspondent refers to a general "shock," in contradis- 

 tinction to action on any special auditory organ. — Eds. 



M 2 



