5388 Insects. 



Ceropacha ocularis. Of this rare and beautiful species I took, last 

 autumn, four; up to the present time I have taken nine more, four 

 being unfortunately stung. The pupa is black and stout (something 

 like Coryli), enclosed in an extremely delicate open net-work of a rusty 

 brown colour : it is very difficult to find ; it frequently, nay, generally, 

 spins on the surface of spreading moss, or barely beneath it — some- 

 times between two leaves ; in this latter case it is soon blown away, 

 and, in the former, falls an easy prey to the first prowling mouse : it 

 should, therefore, be sought for as soon as possible after the change : 

 this, I think, should certainly not be later than the first week in 

 October. Various poplars. 



„ ridens. Of this also rare and very beautiful insect I took 



twenty-six last autumn ; up to the present time I have only found seven. 

 Like the last species, it is extremely difficult to find, and should be 

 sought for as soon as possible, viz. middle and end of August.* The 

 following directions may enable others to find it: — Detached oaks 

 growing in meadows, of a dry, loamy soil, seem the best; the situation 

 evidently preferred is the corners filled with dry rubbish and little 

 stunted brambles. Insert the trowel well into the earth, six or seven 

 inches from the angle, and turn up the sod, bramble and all, if pos- 

 sible : to find the pupa, after this is done, is a work both of time and 

 pain ; it will not do, in this case, to tap the sod. First carefully 

 examine the dead leaves, for they frequently spin up in them : you 

 must then, regardless of scratches, tear the roots asunder as gently as 

 possible. The cocoon is very weak, composed of little bits of stick, 

 dried leaves, &c, and requires delicate handling. Indeed, the whole 

 concern demands an elaborate manipulation. This is one of those 

 pupa?, to find which exacts a large exercise of the two virtues already 

 alluded to. (N.B. Pupa diggers wearing gloves will return home with 

 empty boxes). Oak. 



Apamea unanimis. The hybernating larvae of this species may be 

 commonly found under loose bark on willows growing near damp 

 ditches in April. When you return home place them in a box with a 

 little earth and moss, and, without further care on your part, the 

 perfect insect will appear in June. 



* I take this opportunity of correcting a mistake in the ' Manual' respecting the 

 larvae of this species and that of flavicomis. In that work they (the larvae) are said to 

 be found in September. This is a strange error : flavicornis is one of the earliest spring 

 feeders, while ridens is found a little later in the season. I have taken the pupa of 

 this latter, as stated above, in the middle of August, and, without any question, there 

 is but one brood of both these species. 



