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LEPIDOPTERA. 



New British Species in 1858. 



(By the Editor.) 



The almost unprecedented heat of last June, coming' so 

 closely on the heels of the unusually hot summer of 1857, 

 has had a most extraordinary effect on insect life. 



Many species that are usually rare have been taken in 

 some plenty ; species that are generally limited to a few of 

 our southern counties have wandered far further north this 

 year ; Colias Edusa has gladdened the eyes of many a north 

 country Entomologist, and some South European species, not 

 previously added to our lists, have now found a place there. 



Sow the heat of the weather produces these effects is a 

 problem which we are not prepared to solve, and which will 

 probably long serve to puzzle the rising generation of Ento- 

 mologists. 



That Micro, Ostrina, not taken here since 1826, should 

 occur simultaneously in different parts of the country, is cer- 

 tainly startling — though from all accounts the habit of the 

 insect is so retired that it seems but natural, even if the 

 insect were about, that it should escape observation. 



Our list of novelties is far better than usual, and the 

 occurrence of Notodonta bicolora in the south-west of Ire- 

 land will certainly tempt many next summer to visit that 

 part of the country, where we are told it is not improbable 

 that Charaxes Jasius may occur. 



1859. l 



