

Insects. 4025 



A Glance at the present state of our knowledge of the Coleophorm. 

 By H. T. Stainton, Esq. 



In the sciences of observation, it becomes absolutely necessary to 

 collect together, from time to time, all recorded observations, so as 

 readily to show the extent of our knowledge, and to indicate the par- 

 ticular points where further investigation is required. 



Reaumur, who in 1737 wrote the Introduction to the Study of these 

 insects, in the 4th, 5th and 6th Memoirs of his third volume, makes 

 the following remark: — "Though pretty common, as I have just 

 mentioned, I was for several years unable to find more than three or 

 four a year. It is, however, not uncommon to meet with elms and 

 oaks, on which, during the spring and summer, one can in a few hours 

 collect them by hundreds, ivhen one has learnt to know them, and 

 where to look for them.'''' 



The truth of this maxim is continually being confirmed by our own 

 experience ; and therefore, information which tends to show what to 

 look for, and when and where to look, becomes an essential step in 

 the progress of our acquaintance with these interesting insects. 



The larvae of the genus Coleophora all live in cases formed of the 

 epidermis of leaves previously mined by them, or of silk ; the larvae 

 feed on the parenchyma of leaves, attaching the case to the under side 

 of a leaf, and mining between the cuticles. Some species feed on 

 seeds ; and to this latter habit I am particularly anxious to direct at- 

 tention, as the seed-feeders are far more likely to escape observation, 

 not betraying themselves by the discoloured blotches as the leaf-feed- 

 ers do, and only therefore liable to be observed from the case protrud- 

 ing more or less from the seed-heads, seed-pods, or seeds which they 

 are devouring. 



1 shall divide the species into British, and continental which have 

 not yet been detected here ; and shall further subdivide them as 

 follows: — 1. Those of which the transformations are ascertained. 

 2. Those of which the transformations are suspected, or, resting only 

 on single observations, require further investigation. And 3. Those 

 of which the preparatory states are not yet recorded as having been 

 observed. I trust the day is not far distant, when the two last subdi- 

 visions will be merged into the first. 



A. 1. British species of which the transformations are ascertained. 

 Alcyonipennella, vibicella, conspicuella, Pyrrhulipennella, Tiliella, 

 XI. 2 R 



