1874. - ' 181 



Note on Scsia apiformis. — Diiring tlio last three years I have bred some numbers 

 of S. apiformis from pupa) found by digging. I have been interested in watching 

 their struggles in emerging, and have observed some peculiarities in form and habit 

 ■which seem to assist them. 



The back of the abdomen of the pupa has transverse rows of little spikes or 

 teeth, making the segments look like the joints of an Equisetum ; there is one row 

 on each of the three last segments, two on the others. Another peculiarity is that 

 the cases of the antennte are prolonged and meet, forming a sharp chisel-shaped 

 point, standing just over the black patch between the eyes of the inclosed imago. 

 There are also two little points below this, standing over the bases of the palpi. 



Now, as to the habits of the insect. I kept some pupa) in a tin box under my 

 sofa, and distinctly heard them making a sort of scraping noise three or four days 

 before any came out. I cut a hole in one of the cocoons to see what the insect was 

 ' doing ; when it recovered from the disturbance, it began turning slowly round, first 

 in one direction, then in the other, and all the time keeping its head jammed up 

 against the top of the case. The rows of spikes on the abdomen, joined with the 

 very great extensibility of the segments, obviously help it to do this ; and their 

 position, on the hack only, will cause the front of the head, on which are the three 

 spikes already mentioned, to be pressed against the pupa-case. When the case 

 ultimately gives way, it does so in a remarkable manner ; a small cap comes off the 

 top, either entirely, or remaining attached by only a small hinge. This is not a 

 natural way for the pupa-case to break from a simple ' shove ' from within ; and the 

 line of fracture coincides with the Hue in which I believe the cocoon is rubbed. 

 Hence I believe that we have here modifications of form and habit specially adapted 

 to enable the insect to escape more easily from its winter prison. 



There is one point in which I am disappointed — I cannot detect with any cer- 

 tainty the signs of cutting in the fracture ; but, on the other hand, I find that if I 

 rub a piece of a cocoon with a pin's-head and then break it, it gives way along the 

 rubbed line. I should much like to have the opinion of any one who has observed 

 this insect, whether my explanation is correct. 



With respect to the moth, there are several little habits which I have not seen 

 noticed, and which add much to the striking resemblance it bears to a large wasp or 

 hornet. If disturbed when at rest on a wall or window, instead of starting off as 

 most insects do, it drops, and then flies away along the gi'ound ; the buzz made 

 when flying forms another point of resemblance, and also it has that peculiar trick 

 of moving the body up and down, which always (to my mind) suggests stinging. 

 ■ • Altogether, I should think it was hardly possible to have a more complete case 

 of mimicry. — W. C. MaushALL, 8, Spa Buildings, Cheltenham : Octoher, 1873. 



Variety of Noctua glareosa. — Amongst some Lepidopterous insects sent to mo 

 for names by Mr. Joseph Jackson, of Barnsley, is a very remarkable variety of 

 Noctua glareosa. The fore-wings, instead of bemg of the usual pale pinkish-grey 

 colour, are a rich chocolate-brown, which brings the paler markings out very dis- 

 tinctly ; the hind-wings, also, are very much darker than in ordinary specimens. 

 It is a beautiful specimen, and quite unlike any I have ever before seen. — Geo. T. 

 Pohk:tt, llLiddcrsfield : December 2nd, 1873. 



