2 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



the reiir, so that the chance of an individual coming a second time 

 under observation, at least on the same day, was reduced to a 

 minimum. As the under surface of the hind wings only was 

 visible while the insects were at rest, it was found necessary to 

 take each specimen between the finger and thumb of the right 

 hand, seizing the closed wings gently, but firmly, near their 

 base, and then quickly secure its body with thumb and index 

 finger of the left hand, when the upper as well as the under side 

 could be readily examined. Treated in this way neither the 

 specimens retained or those restored to liberty need sustain any 

 appreciable damage, if their apprehension is deftly executed. 



With Lyccena corydon, at Ventnor in 1883 and Eastbourne in 

 1880, 1 was especially successful, and obtained a most interesting 

 series of this species in each locality, among which are specimens 

 representing the principal varietal forms found in the " blues." 

 I will therefore commence my observations on the genus Lyccena 

 by some remarks on the aberration of corydon in Britain, as far 

 at least as I am acquainted with it. Subsequently I propose to 

 consider — 1, the variation of L. Icarus and L. hellargus, as 

 observed in this country; 2, local European species of Lycana 

 allied to Icarus, corydon, and hellargus, and forms of the latter 

 occurring in other parts of the Palasarctic region. 



Lyccena corydon, Poda. 



UPPEK SURFACE. 



Male. — Although the coloration of the upper surface of male 

 corydon seems to be fairly uniform in England, still certain 

 slight differences in the matter of tint are to be observed when 

 series from widely distant localities, such for instance as 

 Eastbourne and Newmarket, are placed side by side. In the 

 black hind-marginal border of the fore wing, however, we have a 

 more variable feature. Referring to my specimens from East- 

 bourne and Ventnor, I find several from each locality with very 

 wide black borders to the fore wings, and others in which this 

 border is very narrow. One example from the former locality has 

 the border so exceedingly narrow that it may be justly termed 

 linear. Several examples exhibit indications of a row of ocelli 

 on the hind margin, but in two specimens from Eastbourne 

 these ocelli are quite distinct, though the whitish rings are not 

 clearly outlined. In number there are six, or seven if the 



