44 ; (July, 
paratively easy ; but in the Micro-Lepidoptera, where the body is not only very small 
but is covered with scales, to determine the microscopic differences of the parts 
must be exceedingly difficult ; and, as I apprehend that the removal and abrasion of 
the segments will be necessary, the value of the result, however satisfactory in itself 
as regards the specimen operated on, would be of small practical utility in judging 
of the specific identity or distinctness of other specimens of great general similarity 
not so examined. I do not say this to discourage examination, for the difficulty may 
be hypothetical; and it would often be very desirable to obtain some positive per- 
manent structural character in combination of the slighter and variable ones of 
“colour, dots, streaks and spots,” upon which hitherto, in descriptions of species, 
reliance has been placed. The researches in this direction of Boheman, Flor, and 
especially Fieber, with respect to Hemiptera-Homopterr, have brought to light a 
certain, definite and immutable character of the utmost value in separating species 
otherwise very similar. It should be mentioned, as a hint to workers, that, in this _ 
Order, the greater and more decisive differences are found in the male. Possibly 
with small Lepidoptera it may be found of advantage to examine the bodies while 
they are fresh and flexible. What revelations may be in store for us from this 
source of the gradation (or degradation) of species by natural selection or of its 
impossibility P—J. W. Douenas, Lee, 16th May, 1870. 
EntTomonocicat Socrety or Lonpon, 6th June, 1870; F. P. Pascor, Esq., F.L.S. 
Vice-President, in the Chair. 
J. V. Jacques, Esq., of Bristol, was elected a member. 
Mr. McLachlan exhibited the partially gynandromorphous example of Brachy- 
centrus subnubilus, Curtis, noticed at p. 19 of this Vol. 
Mr. S. Stevens exhibited living examples of Ateuwchus semipunctatus, recently 
captured by him on the shores of the Adriatic. One of these had been placed in 
bruised laurel leaves when captured, but was proof against this generally-adopted 
method of killing Coleoptera. 
Mr. Warwick King, present as a visitor, exhibited a collection of insects from 
the interior of Natal. 
The Secretary exhibited a collection sent by Mr. Ansell from Kinsembo, S. W. 
Coast of Africa. 
Mr. Miller exhibited gall-like swellings of the stems of juniper, found near 
Godalming ; remarking on their apparent connection with the gall-making Lepidop- 
tera of the juniper, bred by Herr Hartmann (vide Stett. Ent. Zeit., 1868, p. 109). 
Mr. Butler read additional notes on the probable identity or distinctness of 
Argynnis Nivbe and Adippe, especially with regard to Freyer’s remarks on their 
earlier stages. 
Mr. Crotch communicated “The genera of Coleoptera studied chronologically, 
part 2 (1802—21).” 
Major Munn, present as a visitor, gave an account of his experience with the 
honey-bee, the result of many years’ observation on its habits; and exhibited nu- 
merous anatomical drawings and specimens, in illustration of his theories. He 
was inclined to combat the opinions of Von Siebold and Dzierzon on the generation 
of the bee. He had found that the last eggs laid by the queen, or those laid by an 
old queen, invariably produced drones. According to his opinion, the queen-larvee 
did not take nourishment in the ordinary manner, the alimentary canal ending in a 
cul de sac, but it existed and increased by means of absorption of the liquid \¢ con- 
tained in its cell, and in which it was immersed. 
