A WEEK IN BRAEMAR, 83 



the ground we worked at night, but one or two were netted on the 

 wing after dark. These were the only ones seen in natural flight, and 

 we saw nothing to confirm a report I had heard of a late afternoon 

 flight. 



Plm^ia i)iterr<>(/atinnis, a genuine day-flyer, was also in great numbers, 

 but wanted much catching and more getting home in condition. By 

 using the largest size boxes, however, a very fine lot were eventually 

 obtained. This species also frequently rests on the rocks, but unlike 

 ]>. obfio^rata chooses the large and lichen-covered boulders, and rests high 

 up frequently even on top. A fair number were found thus, in the 

 late afternoon, but they also settle down for a time at mid-day, then 

 always ni the shade. Even during the time of flight, they rest quite 

 as frequently on the rocks as on the heather, and they are always far 

 more difficult to see than 1). abfnacata. In fact when actuall}' resting 

 on lichen, the colouring, aided by the irregular outline of crested thorax 

 and fine forewing fringes, aft'ords such marvellous protection that I 

 probably overlooked many more than 1 found. On a number of 

 occasions, after boxing a specimen, a second was discovered within a 

 few inches, and until then quite unnoticed. This species also was 

 only just coming out up Glen Callater on the last d;lJ^ We only saw 

 one specimen on the wing after dark and none were attracted by the 

 Kfdlnbiiiui. flowers mentioned later on, so I shoi^ld imagine that if there 

 is a night flight it is only a verj^ partial one. 



iMventia caesiata in verj' great variety was every where, but nowhere 

 so abundant as in the pinewoods on the hillsides over the river. Here 

 as one walked through they rose from the trunks and ground in 

 countless numbers, but the best specimens were picked oft' the rocks, 

 quite freshly emerged. L. salirata was practically over, a few 

 worn specimens being netted at early dusk. Even at dusk it is easily 

 distinguished on the wing from />. caesiata by its very feeble flight. 



Another species of which a long series was taken was Ki)iiiieLesia 

 tiiinniata (ericctata). It was not nearly so abundant as any of the 

 foregoing species (except L. salicata), and the only time it occurred in 

 any numbers was in Glen Callater on the 12th, when it flew freely all 

 the afternoon. On the Invercauld ground I should imagine it was 

 over, as only a few were seen, and these all at the higher levels, where on 

 the 8th a moderate number were on the wing at and before midday. 

 Seeing that it was flying from before dusk until long after on the 

 hillside we worked at night, it seems to have a very protracted time of 

 flight, as all the flights that we observed were perfectly natural ones. 

 Although so tiny, it is a robust little species, well adapted to the rough 

 conditions of its mountain home, quite strong on the wing and scarcely 

 ever shewing any wear. 



In the late afternoon, and until nearly sunset, Halia hninncata flew 

 over the junipers in the birch wood in great numbers. It w^as very 

 local and frequented the more open parts, especially just below the top 

 glade, where we treacled at night. Here we could frequently net 

 several at a single stroke, but until flight commenced not a specimen 

 could be found, or even thrashed out. Many were getting worn, but 

 they were so plentiful that any number of good ones could have been 

 taken. EnboUa plKinbana occurred on the ohfimrata ground, very 

 ordinary forms, common but quite local, and on the rocks and pine 

 trunks were a few beautiful Boannia repandata var. xodoreutiinn. 



