THE ENTOMOLOGIST. Q 



t 



an encounter. Melecta, although a parasite, has not the 

 slightest disagreeable odour, which, if my conjecture be cor- 

 rect, might secure her from molestation. 



Frederick Smith. 

 (To be continued). 



Variation in Lepidoplera. By C. S. Gregson, Esq. 

 (Continued from vol. iii. page 267). 



Amongst the Sphingina few varieties occur until we reach 

 the genus Sphinx ; and in my collection there is only one 

 specimen worthy of notice : this is a Sesia bembeciformis, 

 which has the whole of the ordinary yellow segment of a deep 

 rich orange. Sphinx Convolvuli varies much both in size 

 and markings ; I possess one specimen three inches in ex- 

 panse of wings, and more intensely marked than any I have 

 seen. 



Smerinthus Tilise and Populi. Of this variable species I 

 have specimens entirely without the central markings, and 

 others with simply a central spot or dash ; and one in which 

 these marks form a solid unbroken band across the wing. Of 

 Smerinthus Populi I possess two specimens of a light uni- 

 colorous fawn-colour : the expanse of wings is only two 

 inches and two lines ; yet from these small almost markless 

 females I bred some of the very finest and most distinctly 

 marked specimens I possess. 



Of the genus Zygajna I can scarcely venture to speak, 

 Z. Trifolii rarely producing two specimens alike, whilst Z. 

 Lonicerse rarely, if ever, varies in its markings, except in the 

 size of the spots : but I possess specimens of a Zygaena 

 having long pointed fore wings and intense red markings, 

 which should be called a " three blotch ;" the basal costal 

 mark is long and narrow, the outer mark club-shaped, and 

 the inner basal mark carried out nearly to the extent of the 

 outer mark, and only being divided from it by the central 

 nerve ; the inner margin of this blotch is a regular curve, not 

 notched out as in all blotched typical Trifolii which I have 

 seen. Of Z. Filipendulte I have many blotched specimens ; 

 in some the outer spots coalesce, in others both central and 



