'893-940 123 



geniculeus, Dictyopteryx Bergmanniana amongst Rosa st>ino~ 

 stssima, and many small Geleckidce, which can be obtained by 

 kicking them out of the roots of the bent, where they shelter 

 during the day-time. 



Insects are abundant in the woods of Donard demesne 

 throughout the season. Lycosna argiolus (Holly Blue) is out 

 in May and Argynnis paphia (Silver-washed Fritillary) in July, 

 but the latter is scarce. No Sphinges seem to occur, and not 

 many Bombyces, but Hylophila prasinana is common, also 

 Hepialus velleda, H. kectus, and Thyatira batis. The latter 

 comes to sugar along with various Noctuce, such as Acronycta 

 rumicts, Hadena adusta, and Caradrina taraxacz, and Aphomia 

 sociella, whose larva feeds on the wax in bee-hives and the nests 

 of wild bees. 



The Geometrce are well represented, including several un- 

 common species, especially among the fir-feeding kinds. Ellopia 

 prosapiaria is common, also Bupalus piniaria and Boarmta 

 repandata, and the fine banded variety conversaria. Venusia 

 cambrica and Emmelesia teniata are scarce. Several Eupithecice 

 occur, including E. satyr ata, castigata ) larz'czata, and pumilata. 

 The last feeds on the flowers of Ulex ) and swarms both in the 

 higher parts of the demense and in the lower valleys. The 

 pretty Melanthia albicillata may be seen settled on tree trunks 

 in July. Thera variata is very abundant, but T. firmata is 

 scarce. Micros are not very abundant, and only Amblyptilia 

 acantho dactyl a aud Olindia ulmana are worth noting. 



Collecting on the mountains themselves is rather disap- 

 pointing, especially in the number of specimens obtained. I 

 have sometimes walked several miles without seeing a specimen 

 of any sort, and this on a fine day in summer. Nevertheless, 

 a good many species occur, and I believe that a resident collector 

 could do very good work when he had once found the right 

 spots for insects. 



This paucity of insects no doubt is due to the poverty of the 

 flora of the Mourne range. There are no truly alpine insects 

 recorded from the district, but then only Slieve Donard rises 



