NOTES, CAPTURES, ETC. 327 



morning to find that about six of the coronata larvae had 

 coinpletel}^ devoured the Noctua larva, which was about three 

 times the size of the former. I was aware of cannibalism 

 existing among the larvae of E. minutata, but have hitherto not 

 been acquainted with it in the case of E. coronata. — J. Jager; 

 180, Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, September 15, 1887. 



Larva rapidly Changing Colour ? — Mr. Hambrough's 

 query as to larva changing colour (Entom. 284) may probably be 

 accounted for by the common fact in optics, that blue or purple 

 is the complementary colour to yellow or orange ; therefore a 

 fixed gaze for a minute or so upon the marigold and then upon a 

 neutral-tinted object, like the larva, the latter would be sure to 

 assume for a few seconds a blue or purple tinge. I never heard 

 of larvae changing colour spontaneously, and believe this expla- 

 nation will easily account for it. — E. Wheeler; 31, Triangle, 

 Clifton, November 5, 1887. 



The Hessian Fly previously in Great Britain. — In the 

 report of the October meeting of the Entomological Society of 

 London (Entom. 309), I notice that Prof. Riley was of opinion 

 that the Hessian Fly was of recent introduction into our island, 

 and strengthened his opinion by remarking that it " had not 

 been recorded by Sir Joseph Banks, Curtis, Prof. Westwood, the 

 late Mr. Kirby, or by any other entomologist in this country who 

 had given especial attention to economic entomology" &c. The 

 founder of this Magazine had, however, noticed it at least eleven 

 years ago, for in the ' Entomologist,' under date February, 1876, 

 he writes: — "I trust the mischief (some linen damaged by Arctia 

 fuliginosa larvae) may not occur again ; as in the case of the yellow- 

 tail moth, the Hessian fly, and various other insects wliich have 

 seemed to threaten a continuous loss, and from time to time have 

 elicited prophecies of famine, which happil}' still await fulfilment, 

 this visit of the ruby tiger may possibly never recur. Sincerely 



hoping this may be the case, I must content myself with 



continuing to give this subject my best and most unremitting 

 attention. — Edward Newman." The italicised clauses will serve 

 to make this plainer. — E. G. Bayford ; West Melton, near 

 Rotherham, November 4, 1887. 



AcANTHOciNUS CEDiLis. — A few days ago a fine male of this 

 species was taken, flying across the packing-room of a Bolton 

 cotton-mill ; and, although inquiries were made, no new timber 



