June, 1902. J OtTOLENGUI : PlUSIA AND ALLIED GeNERA. 65 



Schaus who says that the species is not uncommon in Alexico where it 

 is confounded with biloba. The Mexican specimen is darker than the 

 type. Solida differs from biloba, in its smaller size, very different, 

 lighter color ; and the solid upper silver spot, which in biloba is simply 

 an ovate line open below. There is also a very distinct dash extend- 

 ing from the t. p. line outwardly to the fringes, about the center of 

 the wing in biloba, which is entirely absent in solida. 



Autographa CdAWoxn'xca. Sp eye r. (PI. VIII, Fig. n.) 



This name brings us to one of the most argued questions. My 

 material sent to the British Museum for identification is returned with 

 the statement that pseudogamma (PI. IX, Fig. 8), of which they have 

 the type, is placed with californica. Professor Smith in his Catalogue 

 of Noctuidse lists gamma, with the expressed opinion that californica 

 is the western and pseitdogavima the northern form of gamma. Later 

 he lists on, with californica and riissea as varieties. 



The genitalia of californica and pseudogamma are distinct, which 

 will satisfy Professor Smith as to the separableness of the species. The 

 same, in a somewhat lesser degree, is true of californica and European 

 specimens of gamma. In regard to locality I ha\e californica as far 

 north as Calgary and as far east as Syracuse, N. Y. I have pseudo- 

 gamma from Calgary and from the White Mts. In short it flies in the 

 same regions with californica. Professor Smith's reference oi californica 

 to ou is interesting. It is quite distinct from on but in pattern it does 

 resemble gamma, while in coloration, gamma in turn might be mistaken 

 for ou. Californica is subject to much variation, but as distinguished 

 Irom gamma it is a contrasty species, while gamma is suffused in color. 

 Twenty-four specimens of californica are before me, and twelve of 

 European gamma, and viewed as a group the two forms are readily 

 distinguishable. The most contrasty specimen of gamma perhaps 

 might be confused with the most suffused of californica. The twelve 

 of gamma, compared with a like number of ou (the latter including 

 Mexican examples), require a study of the pattern for differentiation, 

 the color scheme being the same. Russea is only a rather reddish 

 form of californica, aberrational rather than varietal. Fratella is a 

 starved ou. I have a specimen agreeing exactly with the type in size 

 as well as pattern. Coming from a torrid locality we may well imag- 

 ine a scarcity of food, and it is interesting to note that I have an 

 equally small californica from an iceclad region. 



