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Notes on Rearing Lepidoptera. * 

 Jiv R. F. Pearsall. 



So little has been done as vet in rearing Lepidoptera, that no one 

 method can be classed as superior to others, nor will any insure success. 

 This is dependent upon the care and diligence of those who make the 

 attempt. In my experience I liave endeavored to re-produce as nearly 

 as possible the conditions which surround the various larvie in nature. 

 How best this can be done is a constant study to a mind fertile in ex- 

 pedients, for these conditions include degrees of heat, moisture, space, 

 Hght, condition of food-plant,, and proper facilities for pupation, all 

 suited to the various kinds of larvae. In suppl)ing these one finds that 

 no rule can be appHed to a single family, so diverse are their needs. 

 Take that of AcronvcLe among the Nociuidae. 1 will recall my ex- 

 perience with A. ovaia. I had been annoyed at its persistent attempts 

 to cut through the corners of my wooden boxes in constructing its cells 

 of woody particles, when it occured to me that a piece of dead-wood 

 might be preferred by it, antl thus save my boxes from destruction. I 

 placed a piece eight inches long, and perhaps three inches in diameter 

 in the box, and all my larva; disappeared mysteriously except two. How- 

 ever, in due course, my stick of wood gave out Sfjme fifiy perfectly de- 

 veloped imagos, and this without being disturbed to outward appear- 

 ance. It is a mistake to suppose that a supply of fresh air is essential 

 to the health of larvas. Cleanliness and freedom from mould is of first 

 importance. Next in order is the condition of food-plant. While it is 

 possible in some cases to transfer larvae from one food-plant to another 

 of kindred family with success, it can be done more easily just previous 

 to, or during the period of moult. Some species, however, prefer starv- 

 ation rather than taste other than their own particular plant. Suinach is 

 not Sumach to Datana perspiciia, unless it be the broad-leaved variety. 



']"he selection of food j)lant, too, is an important matter. When 

 you have taken vour larva feeding in the open woods, on leaves tossed 

 m every breeze, and mellowed into a richness and texture that only sun 

 can give, don't go to the shad}' border of that wood and gather them, 

 thin, sour, and perfect as a maiden of fifty. They will prove as disas- 

 trous to your larvit as green apples to the school boy. I have found 

 also that heat during larval existance is an important factor in determin- 

 ing the duration of pupal life. Species, ordinarily single-brooded, may 

 be pei-suaded to go through these transformations at once, instead of 

 going over the winter. I tried it, and was successful in the case of 

 Edema Albifrons, bringing out some eighty specimens, while my friend 



Read before the Soc, Jan. 8, 1889. 



