ORKNEY LEPIDOPTERA. 299 



with a broadish gi'ey outer marginal border ; transverse markings 

 absent. 



A. tritici. — Not nearly so common as A. ciirsoria ; all the 

 specimens have a subcostal streak, and in a few the transverse 

 markings are very faint. A. aqiulina, which is sometimes 

 considered to be a form of A. tritici, was not represented in the 

 collection. 



Noctua festiva. — A very extensive and highly variable series 

 of this species was obtained. Among the numerous aberrations 

 are four remarkable forms. One of these is dark chestnut with 

 a dusky basal patch, central shade, nnd outer marginal band ; the 

 stigmata inconspicuous. Another is brown with grey outer 

 margin. A third specimen is pale grey with a dusky central 

 friscia and band beyond. The fourth is brownish with velvety 

 black spots before the orbicular and between that and the 

 reniform ; a blackish shade from reniform to inner margin ; also 

 a band beyond. 



N. xanthographa. — Only three specimens, one red-brown with 

 a whitish reniform. 



Triphcena comes {orhona). — The only form observed was the 

 dark one known as var. curtisii. 



Epunda latulenta. — A very splendid series of this species was 

 taken, all in grand condition as they were found just emerged 

 from pupa. The grey form with dark fascia (var. secli) is largely 

 represented. Another form is blackish with a darker fascia not 

 always clearly defined. 



Taniocampa riibricosa. — Varies in colour from grey to dark 

 reddish brown ; some of the specimens are brown sufiused with 

 silvery grey; others are prettily variegated. 



Hadena adusta. — Not common. Among the specimens 

 brought back is one example which is almost entirely velvety 

 black. 



Larentia Jiavicinctata (riificinctata). — Only met with in Hoy, 

 where it was rare. The fulvous colour in the specimens is 

 brighter than in Scotch mainland examples. 



Thera juniperata. — The majority of the specimens have a 

 black or blackish basal patch and central fascia ; the latter is 

 entire. Only a few examples are of tlie ordinai"y type. 



Hypsipetes sordidata (elutata). — A very long series exhibiting 

 an extraordinary range of variation. Many of the specimens 

 fuliginous, but none really black. One curious example is 

 blackish with reddish basal patch and central fascia ; on the 

 outer margin there is a conspicuous white spot. Another is 

 olive-brown in colour, with blackish markings consisting of a sub- 

 basal fascia, an angulated one beyond, a central fascia bifurcated 

 above the middle and the ends approximating on costa, and a 

 broadish submarginal band. The series was reared from larvae 

 found feeding on stunted sallows. 



