38 



NOTE ON THE OCCURKENCE OF LEPIDOPTERA 



these were disturbed by storms of thunder and lightning. Under 

 such unfavourable circumstances collectors of Lepidoptera la- 

 boured at great disadvantage, and we cannot be surprised to find 

 them complaining of the season being one of the most unproduc- 

 tive in their remembrance. Not only were most of the species 

 few in the number of individuals, which were worn and battered 

 by the elements, but several of them appeared to be actually 

 smaller in size than usual, as if their growth had been retarded 

 by the unusual cold and moisture. But as even a bad season has 

 its bright side, this has produced a handsome butterfly ( Vanessa 

 Antiopa) in great abundance. A beautiful Hawk-moth (Sme- 

 rinthus ocellatus) has been added to our limited list of Sphingidae ; 

 one Geometer (Scotosia dubitata) ; a Pyralis (Spilodes paloalis) ; 

 and two Tortrices {Bicrorampha herbosana, and Cachocroa gran- 

 dcevana) : the two last are not only new to our fauna, but also 

 to that of Great Britain. Nor must we forget the nearly total 

 absence of destructive insects : neither gardeners nor farmers 

 complain much of damage from " blight," wasps, or from cater- 

 pillars, saw-fly larva?, surface-grubs, or wire-worm ; whilst those 

 great destroyers of agricultural produce, the " turnip-fly" and 

 aphides, were nearly totally wanting. 



DIURNI (BUTTERFLIES). 



The ~ff r hites (Pieris brassicce, napi, and raped) were in very 

 small numbers indeed, much to the gratification of cabbage 

 growers. 



The Orange Tip (Anthocaris cardamines) was rarely seen. 



The Frittillarics {Argynnis euphrosyne and selene). Both spe- 

 cies in much smaller numbers than in the previous year. 



The Small Tortoise Shell ( Vanessa urtica) was seen on wing 

 near Hexham on the 5th of February, but very few were seen 

 afterwards. 



The Peacock ( V. lo.) was not seen. The Red Admiral ( V. Ata- 

 lanta), and Painted Lady ( V. Cardui), were both very scarce. 



The Camberwell Beauty ( V. Antiopa) occurred in some plenty, 

 and a note thereon was communicated to our Societies, at an 

 Evening Meeting in January, by the present writer ; to the note 



