( Ixxiii ) 



alone, out of many others, was unhealthy and appeared dis- 

 eased, as was the case also with some tomato plants which 

 occupied the same ground last year ; and it is probable that 

 these larvae were the cause of the " disease." The 9 beetle is 

 aptei'ous and subterranean in habit, which no doubt accounts 

 for their very much localised occurrence. 



The larvae show considerable resemblance to those of 

 Elateridae, but are more cylindrical, and the prothoracic seg- 

 ment is much elongated in front of the first pair of legs. In 

 addition, between the chin and the prosternum is a large 

 membranous portion, which is folded in, out of sight, when 

 the head is in the normal position, but the larva can throw its 

 head right back, at the same time puffing out this membrane 

 in a most peculiar manner. The actual use of this structure 

 is uncertain ; but it has been suggested that it is of use to the 

 larva in burrowing in the earth. 



Heredity in the female forms of Hypolimnas misip- 

 pus. — In continuation of the breeding experiments referred 

 to in the Proceedings, 1911, p. xliv. Prof. Poulton exhibited 

 females of two families, reared in 1911, from female parents 

 of the type form, by Rev. K. St. Aubyn PiOgers, M.A., 

 F.E.S. The first parent was captured at Rabai, near Mom- 

 basa, April 1 7 : the emergence of the large family of nearly 

 200 butterflies took place while Mr. Rogers was away from 

 home, and when he returned, on May 23rd, the great majority 

 were irretrievably damaged. All the females were of the 

 type form, and of these Mr. Rogers had sent the specimens 

 which were in good condition, viz. the 16 exhibited to the 

 meeting. At the same time it was to be noted that all 16 

 bore labels in Mr. Rogers's handwriting indicating emergence 

 on May 16, 1911. In three of these the white patch on the 

 hind wing upper surface, just beyond the cell, was distinct ; in 

 six it was slightly indicated ; in two represented by scattered 

 white scales. The patch was not borne by the parent. The 

 second female parent was captvired in the same locality on Nov. 

 29, 1911 ; the males were liberated, and the dates of emergence 

 and forms of the females were shown in the following table, in 

 which no mention is made of the white patch when represented 

 only by scattered scales : — 



