I- 



1868.] 199 



and it gradually passes into tlie pupa state, the larval skin being 

 deposited at one end of the cocoon. 



The pupa, which is five lines in length, is at first quite white, but 

 gradually a pale brownish tinge spreads over the back of the abdominal 

 segments, and the head, thorax, and wing-cases turn whitish-yellow, 

 the posterior portions of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th abdominal 

 segments become encircled with a reddish-brown tint, and the extremity 

 of the anal segment also turns reddish-brown ; the bases of the dorsal 

 surface of the 2nd and 3rd abdominal segments assume a brownish 

 tint, the colouring matter confining itself exclusively to that quarter, 

 and not encircling these segments like the 4<th to 8th ; the centre of 

 each eye shows a little dark speck, the tip of the head, which is 

 decorated with two little black bristles, turns to a reddish-brown colour. 



Twenty-four hours later the eyes assume a pale brown tint, and 

 then gradually become black ; afterwards the thorax becomes clouded ; 

 and eventually the markings of the future imago are slowly developed. 



The imago, in its struggles to escape, forces the anterior end of the 

 pupa through the end of the cocoon, and then releases itself, leaving 

 the pupa-skin projecting from the cocoon. 



The average duration of the life of the imago is from four to nine 

 days. I cai'efuUy watched the movements of one imago that had 

 reached the ninth day of its existence ; on the morning of that day it 

 was apparently well and tolerably active, but a great change came over 

 it by the evening ; it had then lost all power of flight, and moved with 

 a shuffling gait about the bottom of the breeding-cage. When the cage 

 was suddenly shaken or tilted on one side it rolled over and over, but 

 generally regained its feet ; in some instances it remained for a time on 

 its back, the only signs of life being a slight movement of the antennse 

 or a faint tremulous movement of the anterior legs. On being turned 

 over it endeavoured to walk, but was only able to stagger along with 

 a crab-like movement for a short distance. One hour afterwards 

 it died. 



Hoxton, 1867. 



Description of the larva of Agrotis puta. — Thanks to the kindness of the Rev. 

 J, Hellins and Dr. Hoarder, the larva of Agrotis puta, that has so long remained 

 unknown, is now figured and described. 



Eggs were sent by Dr. Hoarder to Mr. Hellins, August 29th, 1867, from which 

 larvae were hatched, September 2ud, and, as they showed at first a preference for 

 lettuce, they were reared on that plant, varied occasionally with slices of the root 

 of garden carrot. 



