anthkoceea (thermophila) vicle. 463 



Comparison of the larva of A. viciae with that of A. trifolii. 

 — Briggs says that the larva of A. viciao (meliloti) hybernates when 

 much smaller (3 lines) than that of A. trifolii (5 to 6 lines in length). 

 Until hybernation, there is no perceptible difference in the markings 

 of the two larvae, except that in the larva of A. trifolii the future 

 rows of spots and lateral lines are distinct, in that of A. viciae they 

 are nearly (and in some specimens quite) obsolete, giving the larva 

 somewhat the appearance of a maggot. In April, after hybernation, A. 

 trifolii moults and assumes the lateral lines with orange spots, and the 

 two dorsal and two lateral rows of large black spots that (except in 

 size, shape, and intensity) it possesses in common With the larvae of A. 

 palustris (trifolU-major), filipendulae and lonicerae. In A. viciae the 

 spots and lines are so nearly obsolete that, to a casual observer, they 

 would appear quite so, the large spots being represented by occasional 

 dusky punctations. 



Cocoon. — The cocoon is fusiform in shape, rather broader at the 

 basal end, deep yellow in colour, shiny, with several strongly developed, 

 irregular, longitudinal ridges extending from the base to within somo 

 little distance of the apex, the latter being comparatively smooth. 

 These ridges sometimes unite laterally, so as to form a somewhat 

 rough, irregular reticulation. The cocoon is of a thin texture, formed of 

 fine silken fibres closely interwoven. The inside of the cocoon appears 

 smooth, and is much paler than the outside. Under a lens, however, 

 it is seen that the cocoon is lined with a somewhat loose coating of 

 almost pure white silk fibres. The torn edge suggests that the yellow 

 colouring matter is an after addition, applied to the silk after it has been 

 spun, being found in isolated patches in some places. The cast larval 

 skin lies in the bottom of the cocoon. The cocoons described (for 

 which we are indebted to Mr. Head) are very uniform in size, 19 mm. 

 long, and 5 mm. wide at the broadest part. They are attached to 

 pieces of grass culm, and it is reported that the cocoons are never 

 placed at any great distance from the ground. Ochsenheimer notes 

 that "the cocoon is parchment-like, elongated, and pale yellow in 

 colour," whilst Esper also says that " the cocoon is elongated, and of a 

 very pale yellow colour," and Barrett calls it " pale yellow or whitish." 

 There is probably some variation, therefore, in the tint of the cocoons, 

 as ours are of a quite deep yellow colour. J. P. Barrett found a cocoon 

 attached to a grass culm, in the New Forest, in 1871. 



Pupa. — The pupa is very similar to those of the other British 

 Anthrocerids but is rather more slender than any of those known to 

 us. Ventrally : The head, mouth-parts and appendages are shiny 

 black, with fine transverse ridges crossing the appendages. The 

 head prominent, slightly depressed frontally between the bases of the 

 antennas. The maxillae are well developed, the first pair of legs 

 are very long and also well developed, whilst the tibiae of the second 

 pair only are visible. The antennas extend considerably beyond the 

 wings. The maxillae disappear beneath the apices of the wings 

 and antennas, and reappear again beyond the termination of the 

 latter, where also the tarsi of the third pair of legs are to be seen. 

 The whole of these are free from, but terminate at, the sixth abdominal 

 segment, in which there is a median depression in which they rest. 

 The abdominal incisions are well-marked, the anal segment turned back 

 dorsally. Laterally : The antennas prominent, extending beyond the 



