652 THE SECRETARY ON THE INSECTARIUM. [JunC 7, 



The cases in the opposite row were of similar construction, but 

 rather smaller iu dimensions. 



The cases on the south side (on each side of the entrance door) 

 have been mostly appropriated to the exhibition of the larger and liner 

 species of silk-producing moths of the family Bombycidae. Amongst 

 them might be specially noticed Glover's Silk-moth (Samia gloveri) 

 and the Cecropian Silk-moth {8. ceeropia) of North America, 

 Perny's Silk-moth {Attacus pernyi) of Northern China, the Tusseh 

 Silk-moth {A. mylitta) of India, and the great Emperor Moth 

 {Saturnia pyri) of Europe. 



On the north side of the Insectarium the smaller cases were 

 devoted principally to the rarer and more noticeable moths and 

 butterflies of Europe, such as the Swallow-tailed Butterfly (Papilio 

 machaon), the Black-veined Butterfly {Aporia cratcegi), the Purple 

 Emperor (Apatura iris), and the Orange-tip (Anthucharis car- 

 damines), among the former, and the Scarlet Tiger-moth {Calli- 

 morpha dominula) and Emperor Moth {Saturnia carpini), among 

 the latter group. The series was continued, mixed with other 

 forms, at the east end of the building. On the large tables in the 

 middle of the Insectarium were examples of other butterflies, 

 moths, beetles, mayflies, stoneflies, and aquatic insects of different 

 kinds. The whole series exhibited now contained examples of about 

 fifty species ; but daily additions were made to it. 



Finally, the Secretary observed, every specimen in the Insectarium 

 was distinctly labelled, and that over each of the principal cases was 

 fixed a glazed box, in which was placed preserved specimens of the 

 various stages of metamorphosis of the insect exhibited in the case 

 beneath. 



The Insectarium had been placed under the sole charge of Mr. 

 William Watkins, an experienced entomologist and breeder of 

 insects, whose name was well known to many naturalists. Mr. 

 Watkins, whose services had been secured for the Society for the 

 purpose of inaugurating this interesting exhibition, had prepared 

 the subjoined Report on the insects already bred and exhibited under 

 his charge. 



Iteport on the Insects exhibited in the Insectarium during the 

 month of May 1881. 



1. Exotic Lepidoptera. 



Samia gloveri. — Specimens of this species emerged almost daily 

 through the month; and fertile eggs were obtained, which hatched 

 on the 12th instant. The larvae when hatched are a shining black, 

 with numerous spines of the same colour ; after the first change, 

 which took place in six days, they assume a yellowish colour ; at 

 the second moult they become green with paler-coloured spines, 

 each tipped with bright red. A choice of many shrubs were given 

 them, but although they ate plum and sallow they left these for 

 gooseberry, which they are now thriving well upon. 



Sumia ceeropia — This species emerged through the month, and 



