NOTES ON PYRAMEIS CARDUI IN DURHAM. 41 



became quiescent and torpid. On the next morning, the 14th, as 

 there were indications of spinning on the surface, some layers of 

 Hannel were placed on the soil. The larva had not altered much from 

 its appearance of the day before, except that it was rather more 

 contracted, and was getting horny and shiny-looking. On the 

 morning of the 15th it was found to have spun up in the flannel. 



During the days when it was feeding it would sometimes 

 assume a posture that was sufficiently striking. Sustaining itself 

 by the last three pairs of prolegs only, it would stretch out and bend 

 over its thoracic segments until the head rested on the first pair of 

 abdominal prolegs. This attitude brought into strong notice the two 

 ocellated blue spots, which, stretched to their full extent on the dilated 

 segment, resembled two staring eyes, while the pendent segments, and 

 head below, looked like a long proboscis. More generally, the attitude 

 of repose was that of quiet extension, with the thoracic segments 

 contracted. On these occasions all that was visible of the ocellated 

 spots was a slight suggestion of the posterior edging of their black 

 circumscription, as the rest of their form was covered by the heavy 

 enwrapping skinfold of the mesothoracic segment. 



{To be concluded.) 



Notes on Pyrameis cardui in Durham. 



By J. W. H. HAEEISON, B.Sc. 

 Perhaps a few notes on the recent influx of Pyrcoiieis cardui from a 

 more northern locality than any previously mentioned m the Ent. 

 Record, may be interesting. It is necessary to mention that, for some 

 years, this insect has been practically absent from this locality. The 

 latest captures, here, were one in July 1902 and one in September 1901. 

 About ten years ago it occurred in fair numbers. Its congener, Pi/ra)neis 

 atcdanta, on the contrary, has been abundant, and was, in 1900, one of 

 the commonest autumn butterflies, frequenting sunflowers. It occurred 

 also, commonly in all stages, in 1901. P. atalanta did not occur last 

 year (1902). In the early part of this year (1908), P. cardui did not 

 appear, but, on July 81st, a very much worn female was taken by my 

 friend Mr. Chas. Robson at Shotley Bridge, Durham. Thinking this 

 to point to the fact that there had been immigrants there, I examined 

 nettles, thistles and mallow, wherever possible, in the Wear, Team and 

 Derwent valleys, for larvse, but in no case did I find one. I saw no 

 further trace of the insect until September 14th, when I found a 

 single specimen on a thistle-head in the old stone quarry at Birtley. 

 Its wings were in an awful state. In fact, those on the right side were 

 almost gone. Having then my vacation, I spent the next few days 

 around this place, but did not get another. On September 17th, 

 however, one was taken at Vigo, about one mile south of this place. 

 The Friday after this was unsuitable for collecting, so I did not get 

 out. On September 19th, however, I was up the Derwent valley and 

 almost the first butterfly to meet my gaze was P. cardui at Winiaton 

 Mill. Here I saw about a dozen on thistle-heads. Proceeding further 

 to a bed of Pier is liieracioides, I was delighted to see the flowers alive 

 with P. cardui. Hundreds were to be seen fighting for the flowers, 

 accompanied by Plnda (javima. Wishing to see whether the females 

 contained ova or not, Mr. Johnson of Gateshead, who was with me, 



