57 



Mr. Billups read a note from Mr. Bignell, of Plymouth, 

 in reference to some remarks made by him before the Society 

 July 1st, concerning the larva of Boarmia repandata and its 

 parasite, Microgaster flavipes, Hal. 



Mr. South said it appeared to him that Mr. Bignell 

 took especial exception to the statement that the larva of 

 B. repandata "spun a little pad of silk." Probably Mr. 

 Bignell thought that the silk on which the Microgaster formed 

 their cocoons was referred to, in which case his contention 

 would be valid, as it was certain that although the larva of 

 repandata seems to be exceedingly attentive to its parasites, 

 it does not carry its attention to the extent of providing a 

 foundation for the erection of the pyramid of cocoons formed 

 by those parasites immediately under its body. The object 

 of the silken pad is evidently to enable the lepidopterous host 

 to effect a secure hold with its anal claspers during the time 

 it is bent in arch-like form, not only whilst the Microgaster 

 larvae are leaving its body, but for some considerable time 

 after the parasites have housed themselves under the shelter- 

 ing protection of its curved form. 



SEPTEMBER 16th, 1886. 

 R. Adkin, Esq., F.E.S., President, in the Chair. 



Mr. J. A Cooper exhibited a long series of Zygcena 

 filipendulce, L., showing marked variations of the border of 

 the posterior wings, from North Devon. 



Mr. Adkin exhibited Lophopteryx cuculla, Esp. 



Mr. E. Joy exhibited a remarkable variety of Epinephele 

 ianira, L. 



Mr. Wellman exhibited series of Acidalia bisetata, Hufn., 

 with very pronounced marginal markings, from Raindean 

 Wood, Folkestone ; long varied series of Bryophila muralis, 

 Forst., from southern localities, and a specimen of B. impar, 

 Warren, from Cambridge. Also Dianthcecia irregularis, 

 Hufn. 



