152 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



rearing lepidopterous and other larvae. At present there are 

 twenty-six of the former. Twelve of the larger of these are 

 devoted to tropical species of Lepidoptera, chiefly the large silk- 

 producing Bombyces. In the smaller cages may be seen many 

 species of the more familiar British butterflies and moths in 

 various stages of their existence. There are also shown in others 

 foreign examples of some of our rarest species, such as Catocala 

 fraxini, &c. 



Amongst the species exhibited at the present time are the 

 very beautiful Samia Gloveri from Utah, a fine lot of larvse 

 feeding upon gooseberry. Attacus Cynthea and A. Pernyii are 

 also feeding in the larval state, the latter species being little 

 under three inches in length. Fine imagines of Attacus Atlas 

 have been emerging from pupse for some time past, as have A. 

 Luna and A. Silene. Bomhyx Yama-Mai were occupied in 

 making cocoons and preparing to pupate. This usually difiicult 

 species to rear has apparently found its surroundings suited to 

 its welfare, for a nice batch looked in healthy condition. 

 Saturnia injri were just hatching from the ova on the day of my 

 visit, and the little larvae were evidently satisfied with their 

 commissariat. 



Leaving these "silk-producers," and crossing to the European 

 side of the house, may be found Pajnlio Machaon, Limenitis Sibylla, 

 Apatura Iris, and A. Ilia, imagines of which have all been reared 

 from larvse. Near these are the Chclonidce, which seem to have 

 found more congenial quarters than at Westminster. Lasiocampa 

 quercifolia was represented by several large moths. In the next 

 cage were Cossus ligniperda, which, after drilling a hole through 

 a piece of willow wood, were comfortably resting in the pupa 

 state. 



In the centre of the room is a large table, uj)on which were 

 placed glass vases, containing aquatic insects ; near these were 

 glass tubes and other structures, with various small larvae and 

 ova of insects. Amongst the former were some interesting larvae 

 of Neuroptera (dragon-flies). The ant lion larvae have their pits 

 beautifully made in sand placed in a suitable glass vessel ; ants 

 are given to these ferocious little creatures for food. It is in- 

 teresting to see them throw up the sand, whilst the unfortunate 

 ant falls down the pits, and into the jaws of the adversary. 

 Next these are some very beautiful nests of Mygale ccementaria 



