Itisects, 6821 



One other example. Dr. Knaggs, only this year (Zool. 6733), 

 records the capture, by himself, of eleven larvae of Closlera anacho- 

 rcta, another rejected species, or so rare as to be entitled to be put 

 amongst the " doubtfuls" by the abolitionists. All this goes to prove 

 that the exclusion of species is often premature. 



Mr. Stainton, in opening the discussion, in the article before 

 referred to, made choice (very unhappily as it appears) of three spe- 

 cies to illustrate his argument — Vanessa Antiopa, Pieris Daplidice 

 and Argynnis Lathouia. I shall say a few words upon these species, 

 and take the expressed view of most entomologists of the present day 

 who consider their claims as British insects undoubted. With many 

 of the doubtful species, the fact of their being constantly taken upon 

 the coast is put forward as an argument in favour of their foreign 

 origin. Tu the case of P. Daplidice this will not hold good. Only 

 last year a mutual friend of Mr. Biggs and myself captured one or 

 two specimens at Cambridge ; yet Cambridge is quite inland, fifty 

 miles, as the crow flies, being the nearest point of sea-coast. 



Other instances of this species being taken far inland might be 

 cited ; but the above is sufficient for the purpose. Then, again, it has 

 been taken here from time immemorial, and in such condition as to 

 put the idea of its being " blown over" out of the question. 



The larva of this species feeds upon the wild mignonette, a 

 thoroughly English plant ; and I have heard, I think from Mr. 

 Harding, that it has been found at Dover. If this be correct, and I 

 see no reason to doubt it, the claims of P. Daplidice are fully made 

 out ; for a British insect is one that undergoes its transformations in 

 this country. 



V. Antiopa has even stronger claims. North, south, east, west, in 

 all parts of England is this splendid insect occasionally taken. I have 

 never heard of the larva being taken here ; but then T believe it feeds 

 on the tops of willows; and, persevering as entomologists are, they 

 can hardly be expected to climb to the top of every willow tree in 

 their neighbourhood, on the doubtful chance of finding the object of 

 their search, and at the risk of their necks. 



A. Lalhonia has so often, and for so many years, been taken here, 

 that, to my mind, it has quite as good claims as the others. 



With these examples — and many of a similar kind might be brought 

 forward — I think it is too much for any individual to take upon him- 

 self to reject our "doubtful" species. As mortals we are, pro- 

 videntially, short-sighted, and cannot probe the future ; therefore it is 

 impossible to say how many of these doubtful species may not be 



