64 A CHAPTER ON ZYG2ENA MINOS. 



species yet discovered in this kingdom, save and except Z. 

 Minos, by the extreme bluntness and capitate form of the 

 antennae ; and from Z. Minos it is instantly distinguishable by 

 the texture and colour of the covering of the body ; in Z. 

 Minos this covering is long, shaggy and dead black ; in Z. 

 AchUlecs it is close, compact, shining and chalybeous-blue. 

 On the Continent this species occurs more particularly on 

 chalky soils, but I am not aware of the existence of chalk in 

 the vicinity of its Iiish habitat. I forbear describing the 

 colour of the wings, as the species seems subject to much 

 variation in this respect (p. 7565). 



Further Note on the supposed New Irish Zygcena. Of 

 course my note in a late number of the "Zoologist" (Zool. 

 7565) has produced many communications on the same 

 subject, the most interesting of which are, first, a letter from 

 M. Guenee, addressed to Mr. Doubleday, and, secondly, a 

 visit from Mr. Birchall. 



From M. Guenee's letter it appears manifest that that 

 greatest of Lepidopterists considers that the two Irish Zygcenm 

 are distinct as species. The one which we have so long known 

 by the name of 3Imos, and which is particularly distinguished 

 by its black woolly or hairy body, he believes to be un- 

 described ; and the comparatively recent addition to our 

 Fauna, which I announced in the June number, he regards 

 as the true Zygcena Minos. This view of the. case is cor- 

 roborated by a most careful comparison of a pair of con- 

 tinental specimens of Zygcena Minos, sent over by Herrich- 

 Schaffer, and one of which I had supposed to be Z, Achillece. 

 The continental specimens have been kindly presented to the 

 cabinet of the Entomological Club by Mr. Birchall, and 

 have been placed side by side with others of his own taking. 

 A pair of continental Zygcence, presented by Mr. Doubleday 



