192 [J"iy' 



high temperature of the nest forced vesparum to develop rapidly, and there might 

 perhaps be a succession of broods during the summer and autumn. Wlien the wasps 

 fail on the approach of winter and the temperature of the nest falls, those vesparum 

 that are still larvse hibernate in that state. At this stage the wasps throw out or 

 devour their starving brood, and it is especially for these hibernating larvge that the 

 very strong upper margin of their cocoon became so necessary as a protection. 



In looking at the autumn specimens for the first time, one is at once struck 

 with the abbreviated wings, in comparison with the length of the body, 6 mm., the 

 wings when expanded measuring only 9 mm., and I was rather surprised when I saw 

 the spring form of vesparum, that by hibernation in the larva stage the length of 

 the body had increased to 7 mm., and the wings in expansion to 13 mm., thereby 

 giving the insect a more proportionate appearance and a better means of discovering 

 a home for the next generation. 



Curtis figures this insect under the name of Anomalon vesparum in Brit. Ent., 

 pi. cxcviii, and, by the size indicated on the plate, it is evidently drawn from an 

 autumn specimen. 



Dr. Chapman asks if anything is known as to how vesparum eats the wasp pupa, 

 of which it leaves the head and thorax in situ and apparently intact, and yet has 

 removed all the proper contents, what remains being only the skin filled with fluid, 

 looking the ghost of its former self. — G. C. Bignell, Stonehouse, Plymouth : 

 June 6th, 1890. 



Food-plant of Phoxopteryx upupana. — For the last few years I have devoted 

 considerable time each autumn searching for larvre of Phoxopteryx upupana, but 

 without success, until last September, when a small number were obtained, from 

 which three moths have recently been bred. 



The larva feeds on birch, unites two leaves, forming a flat, and decided circular, 

 chamber, with its edges neatly fastened together, eats only the interior (j. e., the 

 upper-side of one leaf, and under of the other) of its domicile, and finally hibernates 

 in one of these chambers, assuming the pupa state late the following spring. 



German entomologists, I am informed, give elm as the food-plant. 



Hitherto, I had looked for this larva on oak, supposing it would prove the food- 

 plant, as the moths occur in two or three localities in this district in considerable 

 quantities, generally flying round that tree on calm, sunny afternoons. 



As so few larvae were taken, and the risk being very great in getting some of 

 those of the genus Phoxopteryx through hibernation, it was not considered advisable 

 to describe them until it was ascertained they really were the above-named species ; 

 but this having been proved, I hope to be able to publish a description in the autumn. 

 It was entirely ownig to the suggestion of Mr. W. Warren that my attention was 

 turned to the birch, and the food-plant of this species at last determined. — B. A. 

 BowEK, Lee, Kent : June ISth, 1890. 



Lithocolletis anderidce in Dorsetshire. — A letter received from the Rev. O. P. 

 Cambridge, of Bloxworth Rectory, contains the interesting information that of this 

 Lithocolletis (noticed by Mr. W. H. B. Fletcher, Ent. Mo. Mag., xxii, p. 40) he has 

 bred several specimens this spring, from birch, in a wood at Bloxworth. — H. T. 

 Stainton, Harrogate : June VMh, 1890. 



