5246 Entomological Society. 



this species was particularly subject, especially this season ; one specimen, in which 

 the under wings were merely rudimentary, flew with as much apparent ease as those 

 in which they were perfectly developed. 



Mr. S. Stevens exhibited Harpalyce Galiata, in which one under wing was quite 

 wanting. Mr. Bond observed that such malformation was not at all uncommon 

 among the Geometridae. Mr. Smith remarked that in the female of the common wasp 

 the wings were frequently not developed at all. 



Mr. Stevens exhibited two specimens of Deilephila Galii, bred from larvae taken 

 last autumn by Mr. Smith near Deal, and some Tortrices resembling female varieties 

 of Lozotaenia Viburnana, which he believed might prove a distinct species; also four 

 specimens of Trochilium Chrysidiforme and a specimen of a new British species 

 of Phycideae, probably Nyctegretes achatinella, taken in July near Folkestone. 



Mr. Waterhouse exhibited some specimens of Myrmedonia, which he had found 

 in the vicinity of a nest of the black ant (Formica fuliginosa), at Brockenhurst, in the 

 New Forest: they consisted of Myrmedonia funesta, M. lugens, M.humeralis, M. cog- 

 nata (?), and M. laticollis. Of these all the species furnished but few specimens, 

 excepting the M. laticollis, which was plentiful. Mr. W. further stated that of these 

 species three (M. cognata, M. laticollis and M. lugens), he believed, had not found a 

 place in the list of British Coleoptera, but that the M. cognata had been previously 

 discovered by Mr. Janson. One other new British species of Staphylinidse was 

 exhibited by Mr. W., viz. the Oxypoda vittata : it was found in company with the 

 species of Myrmedonia above noticed. 



Mr. Tompkins exhibited a specimen of the Nyctegretes? previously exhibited by 

 Mr. Stevens, which he had taken at the same time and place, on the Echium 

 vulgare. 



Mr. Bond exhibited six beautiful specimens of Graphiphora ditrapezium, taken 

 near Blandford, Dorsetshire, about the middle of July. 



Mr. Wollaston exhibited some Coleoptera recently taken in Leicestershire, 

 including a single specimen of Scraptia fusca. 



Poison with Laurel Leaves. 

 Under this title, the Secretary read the following note from Mr. Newman : — 



" I have two favourite theories with regard to insect-killing : first, that man, not 

 being constructed on the same plan as an insect, has very little chance of judging 

 correctly as to the extent or quality of its sufferings under any circumstances : secondly, 

 that man has no right whatever to inflict unnecessary suffering on any creature, and 

 may not assume that sensation exists not because he perceives it not. Entertaining 

 these views, I have watched with much interest the effects of laurel-leaf poison on 

 divers insects subjected to its agency : these are very similar in all insects ; a state of 

 coma is speedily induced, and this gradually assumes the phase of peaceful unsuffering 

 death. I will try to pourtray the scene in the instance of a perfectly vigorous female 

 of Arge Galathea. Immediately on being placed beneath the inverted tumbler, it 

 settled on the gauze covering of the bruised laurel-leaves, and walked about very 

 sedately, occasionally opening and shutting its wings, as if under the influence 

 of genial sunshine. It soon ceased walking, but the wings still moved occasionally; 

 and the convolute maxillae were unrolled, and their tip seemed to be feeling about in 

 search of food : presently the said tip was immersed in a drop of fluid exuding from a 



