170 [August, 



riella, Bankes. This is jiu error. I always regarded tbe latter as a 

 good and distinct species. My mistake was in supposing that certain 

 varieties of A. yrcecoceUa, Z., taken by Salvage in Scotland were illumi- 

 natella, Z., and the reference under No. 2430 should be under No. 2427 

 if anywhere. My apology appeared in Ent. Mo. Mag., XXXIT, 98, 99 

 (1896). 



Merton Hall, Thetford, Norfolk : 

 July Wi, 1906. 



NOTES ON THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS. 

 BT A. H. JONES, F.E.S. 



Islands are usually restricted in their insect fauna. Corsica, for 

 instance, with its area of 3376 square miles, its lofty mountains 

 (Monte Cristo reaching 8S89 ft.) and rivers afford suitable condi- 

 tions for the support of Lepidopterous life, but it w'ould compare 

 very unfavourably w'ith any corresponding area of similar elevation 

 in Central and Southern EurojDC, where no doubt 140 species of 

 butterflies w^ould be found ; whereas in Corsica there are probably 

 not more than 70; but why Majorca, with an area of 1430 square 

 miles, and a chain of mountains running parallel with the coast 

 attaining an elevation in several instances of over 4500 ft., should 

 be so destitute of Lepidopterous life is somewhat mysterious. 



The Balearic Islands geologically belong to the mountain system 

 of Andalusia, which is prolonged by a submarine ridge extending 

 from Cape Nao, and one might almost expect to find some of the 

 Leindoptera peculiar to Andalusia, but so far such does not appear to 

 be the case; the Lepidopterous fauna, poor as it is, being apparently 

 derived from the north coast of the Mediterranean. Two reasons 

 may be assigned for this dearth of insect life. First, the arid condi- 

 tion of the island, the mountains not attaining a sufficient elevation 

 to afford a supply of water during the summer months, when the 

 rivers are practically dry ; and secondly, the character of the plants 

 being not suitable for the support of Lepidopterous larvae. During a 

 visit to the island of Majorca from June Ist to 10th last year I noticed 

 but 13 species of butterflies and 8 of moths ; they presented wdth but one 

 exception the usual South European form. The size of nearly all the 

 specimens was below the average with the exception of Fieris rapce 

 which flourished and was a fine race. In my opinion the most likely 

 places in the island where additions to the list might be made are 



