126 LEPIDOPTERA. 



unusual in the case of a pupa). In a fusiform, pale yellow 

 or whitish, silken cocoon ; attached to a grass stalk, or any 

 other convenient object, near the ground. 



Only recognised as an inhabitant of this country in 1872, 

 when it was found that what had been looked upon as small 

 specimens of Z. trifolii, occurring with that species in its 

 normal forms in the New Forest, truly belonged to the 

 present species. A belief that it is only a stunted variety of 

 Z. trifolii has been freely maintained, and strong confirmation 

 appeared to be furnished by the rearing of ten unmistakable 

 Z. trifolii from, it was believed, eggs of the present species, 

 by a most careful observer. This extraordinary result remains 

 unexplained, except upon the hypothesis of an accidental 

 substitution of larvae or eggs ; but the production of genuine 

 Z. mcliloti, without fail, from the eggs of that species, has 

 been abundantly demonstrated by Mr. W. H. B. Fletcher, 

 and, through his kindness, by myself, and the distinctive 

 characters in the imago, larva, and pupa appear to be 

 striking, and far more constant and reliable than in the two 

 following species. These characters are, moreover, those of 

 the insect as described by Esper, and as found on the 

 Continent ; and a comparison of long series of British with 

 Continental specimens fully confirms their identity. Further 

 evidence has been furnished by Mr. F. N. Pierce, in the 

 discovery that the structure of the organs at the apex of the 

 abdomen is quite different from that observable in Z. trifolii 

 and its allies. 



It inhabits marshy spots in the New Forest, Hants, and 

 is said to have been taken, many years ago, in Tilgate Forest, 

 Sussex ; I know of no other British locality. 



Abroad it is a common and well known species, found in 

 France, Switzerland, Germany, Northern Italy, Sweden, 

 Hungary, Dalmatia, Bulgaria, Southern Russia, Siberia, 

 Armenia, and parts of Asia Minor. 



