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In opening a discussion on the Anthroceridfe, Mr. B. S. Curwen 

 read the following notes : — 



It is with some diffidence that I enter into this discussion, as it 

 is only quite lately that I have given the family any serious 

 attention. 



One has, however, only to read up a few authorities on this 

 interesting group to realize that considerable doubt exists as to the 

 arrangement and specific separation of many forms. 



To illustrate my points I have brought up a small series of 

 typical European species and their varieties. 



Considering first the two interesting and involved species, 

 Anthrocera trifolii and A. lonicera, I exhibit a small store-box which 

 contains a series of each species, including named varieties of A. 

 trifolii. 



These two species appear in the imaginal state at much the same 

 time. The egg, the larva, the pupa, and its cocoon, are practi- 

 cally indistinguishable in both species. It is therefore of interest 

 to consider the differences in the imago. 



The antennae of A. lonicercc are stated to be longer and more 

 slender than those of A. trifolii, and Seitz makes the somewhat 

 sweeping statement that the two species can at once be separated 

 by these differences. Measurements made on the antennte of speci- 

 mens in this box indicate a range of antennal length for A. trifolii 

 from 8mm. to 10mm., with an average of 9mm., and for A. 

 loniceriv 9mm. to 12mm., with an average of about 10mm. With 

 regard to thickness and shape it is difficult, at least in dried and set 

 specimens, to detect any difference. 



The next point of difference is in the width of the black border, 

 which is considered to be narrower in A. lonicera: The specimens 

 of A. trifolii shown have a black border varying from about 1mm. 

 to 2-5mm., and those of A. lojiicerw from -Smm. to 2mm. The 

 hindwing is stated to be more pointed in A. lonicera:, and there is 

 certainly a tendency in this direction. A. lonicera: is generally a 

 bigger insect. 



On the other hand all the above points of difference are subject 

 to such variation that it is only in the case of specimens which 

 combine all, or most, of the characteristics of one or other of the 

 two species that anything approaching a definite determination can 

 be made. 



Some of my specimens, taken on the French coast, at Aubengues, 

 near ^Ylmereux, in a very restricted locality, on July 17th, this 

 year, are big insects, much of the appearance of ^. ZoHuvr« ; but 



