548 Notes in 1887 upon lepidopterous larve, ce. 
The larvee were re-compared Oct. 25th, when the four 
largest were 80—90 mm. in length, varying with the 
degree to which they were stretched. The relative 
darkness was the same as on Oct. 20th, except in the 
case of the two lightest larve, of which the position 
was now the reverse of that previously noted. The 
lightest larva was, therefore, the lighter of the two in 
Division IV. (Plate XVL., fig. 6) ; while the next lightest 
larva was the lightest of Division I. (Plate XVL., fig. 7). 
This relative position is indicated in the order of the 
figures on Plate XVI., but the arrangement of the pre- 
viously-given tabular form requires to be modified in this 
respect, if it is to represent the order of the mature larve. 
Comparison with other descriptions. — From a com- 
parison with Mr. Buckler’s four figures of this larva 
(Ray Society, 1886, Plates XXI. and XXII.), it appears 
that either his larva was exceptionally light, or mine 
were exceptionally dark; for the lightest of my larve 
were much darker than that figured by him. The sub- 
spiracular line, although very prominent, was not nearly 
so wide and distinct as that figured by Mr. Buckler. The 
other differences will be best seen on comparing the 
figures. 
The appearance of my larve was also very different 
from that figured by Weismann (Studies in the Theory 
of Descent—‘ On the Origin of the Markings of Cater- 
pillars.’ Translated by Prof. Meldola. Plate IIL., fig. 16), 
especially in the tint of the ground colour. The sub- 
spiracular line was much like that shown in Professor 
Weismann’s figure. 
Habits of larve in last stage.—It has been stated that 
the larve conceal themselves in the earth or among 
brown leaves during the day. I think that this is most 
improbable, for I did not see the least tendency towards 
such habits, although I surrounded the larve with appro- 
priate materials during the last stage. Mr. Buckler 
and others have made similar observations leading to 
the same conclusion (J. ¢c. p. 28). 
The larve are extremely irritable when touched, 
ejecting from the mouth, on the slightest provocation, 
large quantities of a green fluid, containing fragments 
of leaves. This habit is quite unknown in Smerinthus, 
Acherontia, or Sphinx ligustri, except when the larve are 
excessively irritated. It is, however, well known to 
