14 THE entomologist's RECORD. 



Plebeius argiis and P. arf/yrognomon were all equally common. Chryso- 

 phanus hippothoe was worn, and Melitaea athalia, M. dictynna and 

 Coenonympha pamphilus in good condition. Aporia crataeyi, as usual, 

 was abundant everywhere, and, on the rocks, an occasional Pararge 

 maera was obtained, but, on this occasion, as on the previous day, it 

 was principally to the Microlepidoptera that I paid particular atten- 

 tion, some very interesting Pyralids and Alucitids occurring among the 

 luxuriant vegetation on the river flats. 



The next day was devoted to an excursion up the Oythal to the 

 Stuibenfall. At first it promised to be fine, but gradually it clouded 

 over until finally we had several showers. Our way Jay at first up the 

 Trittachthal, a fairly deep gorge covered with extensive forests. There 

 were many rocks along our path, and from these occasionally Geometrids 

 started up. They were principally Larentia aptata, but an odd specimen 

 each of L. flavicmctata and L. olivata proved that one must carefully 

 examine all specimens. At the junction of the Oy and Trittach, two 

 thoroughly mountain torrents, there was a fine sunny bank alive 

 with butterflies. Melitaea athalia, M. dictynna, Brenthis enphrosyne, 

 Argynnis niobe, A. aglaia, Chrysophanus hippothoe, Polyommatus icariis, 

 P. bellargus, C'ltpido minima, Lycaena avion, Plebeius argus, Polyomma- 

 tus astrarche, Pararge maera, Enodia hyperanthus, Epinephele janira, 

 Coeyionympha iphis, C. pamphilus, and, above all, Aporia crataegi, were 

 common. Further up the valley an odd specimen or so of Erebia 

 oeme and Cyclopides jjalaemon were found. 



As one got further up the valley butterflies became scarcer. Most 

 of the above-mentioned species disappeared, but were not replaced by 

 other more alpine forms. It was evidently too early. Blues were most 

 frequently seen, particularly Cupido minima, which was in boundless 

 profusion and simply covered every patch of damp earth. They were 

 accompanied by Nomiades semiargus, $ mostly worn and $ fresh, and 

 occasional Lycaena arion. Why is it that one never gets the latter 

 species in good condition ? I have taken many hundreds at one time and 

 another, but have not yet got a decent series of a dozen specimens. 

 Leptidia sinapis, Papilio machaon and Colzas palaeno were further noted, 

 but the latter, the only specimen of this species seen by me during my 

 visit to Oberstdorf, escaped. 



On leaving the Oythal Wirtshaus we at first passed through a 

 gradually rising valley, which would probably have produced something 

 if the weather had been more favourable, but, as it was, nothing was 

 taken until we reached the higher ridges about the Stuibenfall. For 

 about 200 metres below the Stuibenfall the mountain-sides are covered 

 with dense thickets of deciduous trees — hazel, ash and planes pre- 

 dominating, at other spots there are huge growths of the basket-fern, 

 the like of which I have never seen before, and hereabouts Geometrids 

 were fairly common. I again had the satisfaction of taking Nemoria 

 viridata, but the specimens were mostly worn ; further I captured 

 Lobophora sexalisata, L. appjensata, Larentia p)omerearia, L. tristata, L. 

 ferruginata, L. turbata, Lomaspilis marginata, Abraxas sylvata, lodis 

 lactearia, and Eupithecia veratraria. 



On the following day I spent the morning on the lower slopes of 

 the Seealp, at first with meagre success. On the way up, blues were 

 plentiful, but only the usual common species, Nomiades semiargus, 

 Plebeius argyrognomon, P. argus and Polyommatus icarus, with an occa- 



