86 Entomological eambles in the midlands. 



analis, Syntomium ceneum, Phlceobium clypeatum, and of the minute and 

 curicras Bythinus bulbifer. 



We now shape our course towards the pleasant township of Solihull, 

 whence, after paying our respects to the grand old Church, (and perhaps 

 also taking a little refreshment at the "George,") descending the hill on 

 the right, past the Eectory, and passing through the wicket on the left, 

 we make the best of our way to Blythe Bridge, the walk taking about 

 twenty minutes. Arrived at the Bridge, we go the length of one field 

 down the river (sic) Blythe, working our water nets as we advance. The 

 water is low and clear, and, consequently, exactly suitable for our pur- 

 pose. Three or four species of Corixa (an extensive genus of the order 

 Heteroptera) are extremely abundant, as also are several kinds of water 

 beetles. Of the latter the more interesting captures are Brychius elevatus, 

 Agabus didymus, A. nebulosus, A. maculatus, Elmis ameus, E. Volkmari, and 

 Limnius tuberculatus. In the weedy pond on our right, near the foot- 

 bridge, we find the skeleton-like Hydrometra stagnorum, the vicious- 

 looking water scorpion, Nepa cinerea, and, very abundantly, the 

 typical Notonecta, as well as a fair sprinkling of the prettily maculated 

 variety. Several of the larger water beetles also occur, amongst them 

 being, of course, the giant Dytiscus marginalis and its inseparable 

 companion and imitator, Acilius sulcatus. Our dredging operations bring 

 to light a vast number and variety of larvcz — Stoneflies, (Caddis,) May- 

 flies, dragonflies, gnats, bugs, and beetles. By taking these home and 

 carefully tending them, we may, in due time, be gratified by seeing a 

 few, at least, assume their winged state, when we can either let them 

 exercise their newly acquired powers in the free air, or immortalise 

 them ty making cabinet specimens of them. One other insect must be 

 mentioned as having been fished up from the muddy bottom of this 

 prolific pond, viz., the extremely curious and uncommon Ranatra linearis. 

 On a willow, near the bridge, as we return, one of our party finds a 

 newly-emerged Puss moth, Dicranura vinula, worth noting as an unusually 

 early specimen. The eggs of this moth are very pretty, being 

 hemispherical in form, red, with a yellowish centre ; they are laid 

 singly on the superior surface of willow and poplar leaves, and so closely 

 resemble the tiny red galls, common on the foliage of those trees, as to be 

 distinguishable only by a practised eye. May is the month in which to 

 look for them, although they may sometimes be found as early as April 

 and as late as June. During one very favourable season I recollect 

 having larva of this species full fed and " spun up " in their cocoons as 

 early as Midsummer-day — the usual time being August and September. 

 The caterpillar is a very remarkable animal, and has attracted the 

 notice of observers of all kinds. Beaders of the amiable " Isaac Walton " 

 will remember a characteristic description of it in his " Complete 

 Angler." Under the flood refuse here (not "blood" refuse, as once 

 printed by mistake) occur lots of interesting beetles — Bembidium 

 rufescens, Lesteva longczlitrata, and Philonthus nigritulus, being, perhaps, 

 the best of the more conspicuous species. This, by the bye, is the only 

 locality I know of in this district for the first-named beetle. 



