Notes on Rearing Lepidoptera. * 
By R. F. Pearsatt. 
So little has been done as yet 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 have endeavored to re-produce as nearly 
as possible the conditions which surround the various larve 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, 
light, condition of food-plant, and proper facilities for pupation, all 
suited to the various kinds of larva. In supplying these one finds that 
no rule can be applied to a single family, so diverse are their needs. 
Take that of Acronycte among the ocfurdae. 1 will recall my ex- 
perience with 4. ovada. 1 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, and 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 larvae disappeared mysteriously except two. How- 
ever, in due course, my stick of wood gave out some fifty perfectly de- 
veloped imagos, and this without being disturbed to outward appear- 
ance. It isa mistake to suppose that a supply of fresh air is essential 
to the health of larvae. 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 larvee 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. Swmach is 
not Sumach to Datana perspicua, unless it be the broad-leaved variety. 
_ The selection of food plant, too, is an important matter. When 
you have taken your larva feeding in the open woods, on leaves tossed 
in every breeze, and mellowed into a richness and texture that only sun 
can give, don’t go to the shady border of that wood and gather them, 
thin, sour, and perfect as a maiden of fifty. They will prove as disas- 
trous to your larve 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 persuaded 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. 
