Insects, 1657 



honour first clearly to identify, and which he has kindly deputed me the pleasant task 

 of thus imperfectly introducing to the scientific world. It is gratifying to add, that 

 the opinions of Mr. Weaver and myself, on this interesting subject, derive powerful 

 confirmation from the testimony of your able correspondent, Mr. Stainton, to whose 

 remarks (Zool. 1091) I beg leave to refer the curious reader. — Shirley Palmer, M.D.; 

 Birmingham, February 3rd, 1847. 



Observations on expunging names from the list of British Insects. — In a catalogue, 

 published by J. R. Hawley and A. J. Guns, December, 1846, therein is stated as fol- 

 lows : — " Care has been taken to correct errors, and to reduce the number of doubtful 

 species and varieties, so far as could be done with certainty : it has been considered 

 better to leave varieties than destroy species." Now I affirm, with confidence, that 

 not the least certainty has been alleged to justify the expulsion of Meliteea Dia from 

 our list ; and, therefore, it is perfectly just that the assumed correction should be re- 

 voked. I have recorded in the ' Zoologist ' (Zool. 887) the circumstances of my cap- 

 turing this species, and I beg leave to refer the reader to that account. I again most 

 positively affirm my former statement. 



Twenty years ago I captured Erebia Cassiope, in abundance, on the highest moor- 

 land at the top of Langdale Pikes, 2400 feet in height. I found them on a spot that 

 inclines to the south, overlooking the little Tarn, and near to the pointed rocks known 

 by the name of Stickle Pikes. I recommend any entomologist that may be in that 

 part of the kingdom in July to search the above spot. I have no doubt whatever in 

 my mind that the insects I captured there are quite a distinct species from those of the 

 same genus taken by me in Perthshire, on similar elevation, land and foliage. 



A full description of Erebia Melampus occurs in a former number of the ' Zoologist' 

 (Zool. 729). All that I know, even as an attempt to disprove the previous claims, has 

 been conveyed in a letter, addressed to me, from a gentleman with whom I have the 

 honour of corresponding, who writes that he has received a communication from Paris, 

 and that his friend M. Pierret says that all the mountain Erebiae are darker coloured 

 and larger, from the high mountains, than those found on hills less elevated. I do 

 not for a moment dispute that such may be the case on the Continent ; nevertheless 

 my personal experience and practice proves to me the contrary as regards our moun- 

 tains. In addition to the before-mentioned remarks, I would observe that E. Me- 

 lampus is stronger and swifter on the wing, and flies higher, than E. Cassiope, and I 

 have had a very favourable opportunity of acquiring a knowledge of their habits, from 

 having captured them abundantly at an altitude certainly not less than 2400 feet. 

 This occurred in 1845, in a different locality to my captures of 1844, which I effected 

 at a considerably higher elevation. In conclusion, I would observe that any entomo- 

 logist that captures a new insect has a perfect right to enquire why its name is ex- 

 punged from our list. — Richard Weaver ; 152, Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham, Feb. 

 VZth, 1847. 



Note on the treatment of Acherontia Atropos. — The larvae of this fine insect, which 

 I have before noticed, are still, with the exception of one, remaining in the chrysalis 

 state. The specimen which I expect is the one which went to ground on July 26th, 

 came out October 11th ; but though it appears fully expanded, its wings are not quite 

 perfect ; I fear it must have struggled on the earth rather too long, for when I found 

 it (the wings not being then arrived at their sufficient stiffness), the insect was strug- 

 gling to support itself up the side of the box, which seemed too smooth for its feet to 

 hold by, in its weak state, I therefore placed it on some list, supported perpendicularly, 



