( 43 ) 



" In regard to the structures like Braconid cocoons I do 

 not think there is much to add to what I have already written. 

 The larva spins a few threads in the usual way. The hinder 

 extremity of the body is gradually raised until it is brought 

 to about an angle of 20° with the rest of the body, the larva 

 meanwhile continuing to spin. When it has been in this 

 position a few seconds the little mass is passed per anum, 

 the larva ceasing work only during the actual passing of it. 

 When several little masses have accumulated, the larva turns 

 round, weaves silk over each and in turn drags each off by 

 the silk and deposits it in the desired position." 



In reply to further questions as to the details of the larval 

 procedure Mr. Lamborn wrote, Nov. 12th — 



"In regard to the cocoons of Deilemera antinorii the larva 

 passes spheres per anum usually one at a time with an interval 

 of perhaps half a minute between them. Sometimes two are 

 passed, one following immediately on the other. When two 

 or three spheres have accumulated at its anal extremity the 



[xcvii 

 larva turns round, weaves a few turns of silk round one and 

 drags it away to the required position, I believe by means of 

 these silk threads. It then fixes it by a few further turns of 

 silk, and then removes the remaining spheres one by one in a 

 similar way. The silk spun over the spheres is white. The 

 spheres vary in colour even when first passed, some being 

 yellowish and often containing one or two bubbles darker 

 than the rest, others being much paler. I think that the 

 latter darken with age. The time occupied in spinning over 

 a single sphere is just a few seconds, and I think the silk 

 serves as a handle. I have not observed the whole process of 

 cocoon formation, for it takes some hours, the larvae frequently 

 commencing at night, and I have not seen the final stages at 

 all, but I shall look into the various points you mention." 



Concerning the cocoon of the allied southern and eastern 

 species of Deilemera, — I), leuconoe, Hopff ., Mr. G. F. Leigh had 

 written to Prof. Poulton on Oct. 27th, 1911— 



" I noticed what you say about the cocoon, and, in a short 

 discussion some years ago at the Durban Field Naturalists' 

 Society, I pointed out this very thing ; for when I first bred 



