18 NEUROPTERA. 



the interior of France, are again met with in the south west 

 of England and south of Ireland. On the other hand, the 

 north of Scotland produces nearly all the known Scandinavian, 

 and even some of the Arctic species. On looking through 

 the present synopsis, we find no southern species, and yet 

 where Cordulia Curtisii and Agrion tenellum fly their 

 southern consorts must occur. I have called attention to the 

 probable occurrence of Bittacus Italicus in England ; it is 

 so like a Tipula that it has probably always been overlooked 

 on that account, although the presence of four wings easily 

 distinguishes it. That Myrmeleon — and probably more than 

 one species — occurs in England, appears to me very probable, 

 in spite of all assurances to the contrary, and I hope that 

 careful search will be made for these remarkable insects in 

 particular. Indeed, without extravagance, we might go 

 further still. I even expect that one species of Ascalaphus 

 (perhaps A. longicornis) will some day come to light ; I should 

 not be surprised, if the remarkable Mantispa pagana were to 

 be met with in the south west, and I do not consider it be- 

 yond a possibility that Southern Ireland may possess the extra- 

 ordinary Nemoptera Lusitanica. Of the remaining genera, 

 it may be anticipated with certainty that the genera Chry- 

 sopa, JBCemerobius and Raphidia will all have more indi- 

 genous species to be added to them. If it is wished to in- 

 vestigate these genera further, of all methods of capture, the 

 best, according to my experience, is to beat into an umbrella. 

 Most species are nocturnal insects of prey, and, therefore, are 

 not often exposed to view. The best trees to beat are pines 

 and firs, and after them oak. It must be expressly noticed, 

 that the characters given are only applicable to the determi- 

 nation of the British species, and the synonymy given does 

 not aim at completeness. I have throughout selected only 



