372 



208. The genus Fumea. I tliink this genus has been extended, va- 

 rieties made distinct species ; I am acquainted with two only, — one 

 which is generally found in the larva and pupa state on grass, and the 

 other on the bark of aspen, birch or poplar trees and fences. These 

 larvae form a dwelling of pieces of dry grass, straw, &c., mingled and 

 drawn together with a thick web, resembling the cases of the Phryga- 

 nea or caddis-worm which is found in all our running streams ; this 

 they carry about with them, when about entering into the pupa state 

 they firmly attach the end from which they move and feed to the above 

 substances, they then reverse themselves in the cocoon, the head of 

 the pupa being at the end which is free. The female of this genus is 

 completely apterous, without antennae, I cannot make out that it has 

 legs ; it is, I believe, considered rare, this can only be from igno- 

 rance of its economy. I have in three instances discovered it in the 

 cocoon, and think it does not quit it until after its connexion with the 

 male, as in these instances they deposited their eggs without leaving 

 it : these female insects were in the same position as in the larva state, 

 from this I conclude they do not reverse themselves like the male. — 

 Our friend Douglas found a cocoon which, instead of producing the 

 insect, brought forth a numerous brood, which immediately availed 

 themselves of every particle in the box as a covering, but in this in- 

 stance the parent insect was not in the cocoon, he has also discovered 

 the eggs within the cocoon. The larvae of the genus Cochleophasia 

 is very similar in its economy, only the cocoon is formed of a more 

 leathery substance intermingled with small- particles of sand, and the 

 female, though completely apterous, resembles others of the same de- 

 scription, having legs, antennas &c. — Id. 



209. Localities and times of appearance of Agrotis. Several of 

 your correspondents, as well as others, have expressed to me a regret 

 that I did not give the habitats and time of appearance of the more 

 rare species of Agrotis, in my observations on that genus, (Entomol. 

 254) ; I therefore send the following for a place among your varieties. 



Agrostis aqua : found from August to November. It has been ta- 

 ken at Epping by Mr. Doubleday, in Plaistow Marshes and in Kent. 

 I have seen a fine female that was taken at the North Foreland light- 

 house in September. 



Agr. annexa : taken in June, near West Ham, Essex ; Cork, Ire- 

 land ; and also at Worcester. 



Agr. lunigera : found in June near Cork in Ireland. 



Agr. valligera : appears in August near Teignmouth, Devon ; also 

 near Liverpool. 



