324 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



afterwards distinguished. This Aphidius varius, like a few 

 other names, was in some degree a nebula, or included several 

 species, which were afterwards distinctly separated from each 

 other. The Aphidius must have the faculty of ascertaining 

 whether the Aphis which it visits has previously received an 

 egg from another Aphidius, and the Asaphes must instinctively 

 know, when it inspects the shell of an Aphis including an 

 Aphidius-grub, whether the latter has been already punctured 

 by another Asaphes ; or if the Aphidius be as yet unmolested, 

 the Asaphes will know the amount of progress which it has 

 made towards maturity, and whether it is in a suitable state 

 for the maintenance of the Asaphes-larva. In this little 

 lateral branch of creation (vegetation, Aphis, Aphidius, 

 Asaphes) each succeeding one controls its predecessor. 

 The compact structure of the Asaphes is in strong contrast 

 with that of the Aphidius, the lowest or most imperfect form 

 of the Ichneumon tribe. The occurrence of the Asaphes in 

 South America, as well as in Europe, infers a probability that 

 it also inhabits North America, where Aphides are numerous. 

 It is the genus Isocratus of Foerster. 



It may be occasionally found throughout the year, and 

 frequents the leaves of the spruce-fir in the middle of winter; 

 these leaves are a shelter for several species of insects, 

 though not equal to the protection afforded by the cypress, 

 which numerous Pteromali use as their winter home. 



Francis Walker. 



A List of the Bulterjlies inhabiting Guernsey and Sark, 

 with Notes of their Occurrence. By W. A. Luff. 



Argynnis Aglaia. — Very common in Sark on the slopes of 

 the hills near the sea. My earliest date of capture was on 

 June 19th, 1871, when I took a beautiful specimen. They 

 were still on the wing towards the end of August of the same 

 year, but were then very much worn. I have never taken it 

 in Guernsey, or met with those who have. 



A. Lathonia. — I captured a fine specimen in Sark on 

 August 12th of last year (1872). Mrs, Boley took another in 

 Guernsey the September following. 



