the Biology of some British Neuroptera. 535 



as pale sagittate markings. In the basal third of fore-wing, a 

 distinct black spot at the cross-vein connecting M3 1-^ and Cuj 

 where the two latter closely approach one another. 



This species is likely to be confused with the next. The 

 male genitalia are very distinct, and there is no difficulty 

 in separating males, but with females determination is 

 often less easy. Generally the wings of humuli appear 

 more peppered with black and the membrane less clouded 

 with grey, than is the case with lutescens, but this is not 

 always so. 



H. hmmdi occurs abundantly in deciduous woods from 

 May until October, frequently in company with H. lutescens. 

 Hazel appears to be a favourite tree. 



Eggs are generally laid singly, rather indiscriminately 

 on leaves. A preference is shown for the vein groves on 

 the upper surface of a leaf, also many eggs are laid on the 

 under surface alongside projecting veins. Both in captivity 

 and in nature, however, it is common to find them any- 

 where on upper- or under-side of the leaf, sometimes on 

 the petiole. The egg is '7 mm. long, yellowish- white in 

 colour, of typical elongate-oval shape with pitted chorion and 

 micropylar knob. Very little darkening is noticeable as 

 hatching approaches, but the embryonal eyes can be seen 

 through the eggshell two or three days before the larva 

 escapes, and also the latero-dorsal lines are visible as a 

 double row of dots. 



At first the larva is white with a row of pale brown spots 

 on each side of the dorsum, but next day it has become 

 more yellow, especially in the abdominal region. In the 

 second instar the head bears the characteristic markings, 

 and the body is also very like that of the later larva, but 

 lacks some brilliancy. 



Description of Third-instar Larva. (Plate XL, fig. 4.) 



Length about 7 mm., when full fed. Body colour white or 

 creamy-white with two interrupted, brown, latero-dorsal bands. 



Head translucent whitish; markings brown, consist of a central 

 mark running from base of head forwards, but ending after having 

 traversed one-half or two-thirds the length of the head. Sides of head, 

 as far forward as the eyes, brown. The markings on each side really 

 consist of two brown lines, bvit these tend to diffuse into one another. 

 Eyes dark brown, antennae and palpi slightly fuscous, as also jaws, 

 which are more castaneous at their apices. 



