148 LEPIDOPTERA. 



captured ; they, as well as an Ostrina, lay very close among 

 the grass and brambles, and when disturbed did not fly more 

 than a yard or two, Ostrina settling on the ground and Parva 

 on plants : this was the only difference I observed in their 

 habits ; indeed, until I was able to examine both carefully at 

 home, I considered that I had merely taken the two sexes 

 of Ostrina. We searched the cliffs with great care for nearly 

 a week after, but without seeing a trace of more." 



Dr. Staudinger informs us that the larva of M. Ostrina 

 feeds in the shoots of thistles ; that of M. parva may have a 

 similar habit. 



Catephia alchymista, W. V. 



Of this most conspicuous and striking species, of which 

 we hope to give a figure next year, a single specimen was 

 taken in September this year at sugar by Dr. Wallace in the 

 Isle of Wight. 



The larva feeds on oak in July and August, the perfect 

 insect appearing naturally in June of the following year ; 

 hence its capture in September must be considered ex- 

 ceptional. 



This is not the Leucomelas of Haworth, of which he says, 

 " Mr. Francillon possesses an English specimen ;" the Fran- 

 cillonian specimen may still be seen amongst the doubtful 

 British species in the possession of Mr. Shepherd. 



Eupithecia viminata, Doubleday. 

 This obscure species, described by Mr. Doubleday in the 

 " Zoologist" last summer, p. 6103, appears to frequent the 

 osier : it has occurred in several localities, but its want of 

 distinctness has perhaps caused it to be overlooked. 



