SOCIETIES. 173 



detected in the malpighian tubes of insects. Mr. M'Lachlan agreed that 

 •the demonstration that the malpighian tubes were of the nature of renal 

 organs was now satisfactory. Mr. C. J. Gahan exhibited two species of 

 Coleoptera that he considered to possess a mimetic resemblance, viz., 

 Estigmend chinensis, one of the Hispidae, and a nondescript Lamiid allied 

 to Pemptolasius. He called attention to a peculiar structure of the antennae 

 in the latter by which the resemblance was increased. Mr. J, W. Tutt 

 exhibited a hybrid between Amphidasis prodromaria and A. hetularia, ob- 

 tained by Dr. Chapman. Mr. Stainton commented on the fact that the two 

 insects appeared at different times ; and Mr. Tutt stated that the A. hetularia 

 had been subjected to forcing, so as to cause it to emerge at the same time 

 as A. prodromaria. Mr. Tutt also exhibited forms of Caradrina, some of 

 which he said were considered distinct on the Continent, thongh they were 

 not recognised as such in this country, viz., C. taraxaci [(blanda) C. SU' 

 perstes, Tr., from Sligo, and C. superstes, H.-S., considered as synonymous 

 with superstes, Tr., but apparently more closely allied to C. amhigua. Mr. 



B, A. Bristowe exhibited varieties of Arctia menthastri, some of which had 

 been fed on mulberry and others on walnut ; no difference was observed in 

 the variation. Mr. G. Elisha exhibited larvae in their cases of Coleophora 

 vibicigerella and C. maritimella. Mr. A. G. Butler communicated a paper 

 entitled "Additional notes on the synonymy of the genera of Noctuid 

 Moths." — David Sharp, V.P., Acting Secretary. 



South London Entomological and Natural History Society. — 

 May 2Sth, 1891.— Mr. C. G. Barrett, F.E.S., Vice-President, in the chair. 

 Mr. J. F. Farmer, of Surbiton, was elected a member. Mr. C. Fenn 

 exhibited a series of Bistoii hirtaria, Clerck, and stated that he had taken 

 70 in three-quarters of an hour in Finsbury Circus. Mr. R. Adkin, 

 Endromis versicolor, L., bred from larvae fed in 1888 ; and remarked that, 

 in 1889, two females emerged ; in 1890, five females and one male. Mr. 

 Dobson, referring to a brood of Acronycta leporina, L., said that the 

 first year about 15 per cent, came out, in the second year 60 per cent. 

 Mr. Fenn stated that the late Mr. Tester had told him that E. versicolor 

 sometimes remained in pupa over five years. References were also made 

 to other species laying over, among which were Eriogaster lanestris, 

 L., Asteroscopus nubeculosa, Esp., Eupithecia venosata, Fb., Emmelesia 

 albulata, Schiff., and E. unifasciata. Mr. South exhibited specimens 

 of Vanessa antiopa, L., from India, China, Japan, Germany, and France, 

 and remarked that the American form was usually considered to present 

 a more powdery appearance of the border, but some of the specimens 

 shown from France were quite as much powdered. Mr. Cockerell exhibited 

 a variety of V. antiopa, having the margins irrorated with black, from 

 Colorado. A discussion ensued with regard to the colour of the margins 

 of this species in different countries, and whether the colour of living 

 insects could fade. Mr. South also exhibited Cidaria suffumata, Hb., 

 bred from parents received from Dover, and he made some observations 

 thereon. Mr. Tutt, a hybrid between Amphidasys hetularia, L., and 

 A. strataria, Hufu., belonging to Dr. Chapman, and types for comparison ; 

 also Caradrina amhigua, Fb., from Deal ; also typical specimens of 



C. taraxaci, Hb., and C. superstes, Tr., from Sligo ; and C. superstes, H.-S., 

 from Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. Mr. Adye, a dark form of Cucullia 

 chnmomillfe, Schiff. Mr. Hawes, a sketch of Euchlo'e cardamines, L., at 

 rest on a piece of grass, and pointed out that its position was well adapted 



