4470 Entomological Botany. 



From the time that Fischer- von-Roslerstarnm figured on this plant 

 the larva of Adela Degeerella, it has been thought to be an especial 

 food-plant for that insect. This may, however, be doubted, the 

 larva feeding, according to Fischer, on several low plants, and 

 according to the observations of Lyonnet (published posthumously), 

 more in the style of Incurvaria masculella and pectinea, on withered 

 leaves. 



Ranunculus. Crowfoot ; Buttercup. 



A numerous genus, of which a few species give the prevailing yel- 

 low colour to our hay- fields in summer ; and an elegant one with 

 white flowers is the ornament of many a little pool of stagnant water, 

 in April. 



Speyer gives Ranunculus bulbosus as a food-plant for Orthosia 

 pistacina; but among the Micro-Lepidopterous larvae, I am not 

 at present aware of any specially attached to this genus : the poly- 

 phagous lively black larva of Sericoris lacunana may frequently 

 be observed feeding on the flowers ; and, as is well known, the perfect 

 insect of Micropteryx Calthella delights to bask in the sun on the 

 flowers of several Ranunculi. 



A mining Dipterous larva (Phytomyza flava, Meigen) is excessively 

 abundant on the leaves of R. repens and others, and is even specially 

 mentioned in a Botanical work, Dr. Johnston's ' Terra Lindisfar- 

 nensis,' p. 28 : — " The leaves are often marked with pale sinuous 

 lines, which are produced by the burrowings of a caterpillar that finds 

 a favourite food in their parenchyma." 



Caltha palustris. Marsh Marygold. 



Abundant in moist meadows, flowering in May. Frequented by 

 the perfect insect of Micropteryx Calthella, but not at present known 

 as the food of any Lepidopterous larva. 



Aquilegia vulgaris. Columbine. 



Not frequently met with in a wild state, but common in gardens. 

 Speyer represents Polia dysodea and Boarmia crepuscularia as feed- 

 ing on it. 



Delphinium consolida. Field Larkspur. 



In sandy or chalky corn-fields this beautiful plant occurs. The 

 shark-like larva of Chariclea Delphinii feeds on this plant, in July: it 

 is gregarious when young ; it keeps near the top of the plant feeding 



