324 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



the larva might conceivably subsist on the aphides which 

 frequent roots on the surface of the soil, or on swellings produced 

 by these aphides on the plants on which they feed, or on the 

 excreta of these minute creatures, if any be deposited on the 

 surface of the soil ; but it must be admitted that any such 

 explanation is unlikely to prove correct. On the other hand, the 

 structure and characteristics of the larva of arion so closely 

 resemble those typical of larvae of other Lycamidse that possess 

 burrowing habits and subsist on succulent vegetable substances 

 that, even if we were ignorant of the known fact that it feeds on 

 fresh peas and beans, it would be difficult to avoid drawing the 

 obvious inference. 



A FEW COMPARATIVE NOTES ON SOME DIURNI 

 IN THE SEASONS 1912 AND 1913. 



By R. M. Prideaux. 



Where not otherwise stated, the following observations 

 relate to the sandy wooded uplands in the neighbourhood of 

 Brasted Chart, extending from Sevenoaks to Crockham Hill ; 

 with a few notes from the parallel range of chalk hills (the North 

 Downs) from Otford to Oxted. 



The season of 1912 began favourably, as was to be antici- 

 pated after the exceptional summer of 1911, and butterflies 

 appeared early and in abundance. 



The wet and cold summer that ensued, however, was so 

 prohibitive of insect activities that 1913, in my experience, has 

 been one of the worst seasons (especially the opening months) 

 of which I have any records. The later appearances and 

 second broods produced, it is true, specimens in more normal 

 abundance. 



Pieris brassiccs. — 1912. From May 10th fairly common ; second 

 brood scarce. — 1913. First brood scarce ; single specimens from 

 May 5th ; second brood common from July 11th (in S. Devon) and 

 July 28th here. 



P. napi. — 1912. The first brood abundant from April 24th, but 

 somewhat undersized specimens ; second brood scarce. — 1913. First 

 brood scarce from May 21st ; second brood in abundance. 



P. rapa. — 1912. From late April common ; later scarcer. — 1913. 

 First brood scarce, not seen before May 11th ; second brood in 

 normal numbers. 



Euchloti cardamines. — 1912. First appearance (a female, curiously 

 enough), April 21st ; subsequently very common ; ova found May 6th. 

 Three males were seen fluttering round a pair in cop. for several 

 minutes, May 10th. In the Boscastle district (N. Cornwall), where 

 a fortnight was spent at the end of June and beginning of July, 

 males of this species were recorded as late as June 24th. — 1913. 



