202 



while the three dorsal humps are of a bright salmon-colour with a 

 few rows of pale-green markings running through them. Their 

 abdomen is of a very rich green, and at the end of the body is a 

 small hump, which is of a very bright pink colour. The differences 

 in coloration in the larvte from the two localities mentioned arise, 

 I believe, partly from the nature of the food-plant, and partly from 

 that of the situation where they are found. Those found at Newby 

 Cross are from the large fir-wood, and their paler colour and duller 

 tints result from the shady nature of their surroundings. The 

 larvse taken at Orton and at Thurstonfield, on the other hand, are 

 chiefly found in open situations ; and I think that the sunlight 

 has, in this case, had something to do in developing the brighter 

 colours observed. Besides the food-plants mentioned, I have 

 taken these larvEe on sallows, especially at Thurstonfield, where 

 the insect is sometimes found in great numbers on the sallows 

 growing on the Moss. 



A few remarks upon the best method of collecting the larvae of 

 this group may, perhaps, be of some service. The perfect insect 

 itself can be captured but seldom, and in such cases they are 

 generally found on the trunk of trees, or on old palings. There 

 is only one species of the group that may be taken on gas lamps ; 

 so that if it is desired to make anything like a complete collection 

 of the Cuspidates, it becomes necessary to rear the insects from 

 the larvae. For larva-collecting it is necessary to be provided with 

 a large umbrella, or else with a piece of wrapping about two yards 

 square, and also with a stout stick to beat the trees with. Open 

 the umbrella (stick upwards), or spread out the wrapping under 

 the tree chosen for operations ; but, before beating, carefully search 

 for any leaves that may be attached together by the edges, and 

 examine them for the larvs they may contain. Then bend the 

 branches over the sheet and strike them smartly with the stick, 

 with the object of shaking off any larvse that may be feeding 

 thereon. Large numbers of individuals, including, occasionally, 

 many species not attainable in any other way, may be collected in 

 the manner described. Carefully put the larvas into a collecting- 



