REVIEWS AND BOOK NOTICES. 109 
remarks on the habits of these insects, their mode of constructing 
their cocoons and the food plants of the caterpillars. The author 
describes quite fully two sexes of the larva of Thyreus Abbotii, 
which is ‘‘ peculiarly interesting from the fact that its two styles 
of ornamentation, in marked contrast one with the other, indicate 
the sex of the insect, no other instance of which among the Lepi- 
doptera is known to us. The dorsal and lateral series of spots, 
yellow as described above, but frequently and perhaps usually of 
a pale green color, denote the male; the female being brown, 
without any trace of the above spots, but with interrupted, dark, 
subdorsal and stigmatal bands and numerous small longitudinal 
` patches.” The remarks on the varieties of Smerinthus geminatus 
Say will attract the attention of entomologists, since the author 
found among some moths of this species, ‘‘a female, having but a 
single blue pupil on the black ocellated spot of the secondaries. 
The occurrence of this variety is peculiarly interesting from the 
fact that upon specimens differing from the type of S. geminatus 
mainly in having but a single pupil, two other species seemed to 
be based, viz., Sphina ocellatus Jamaicensis of Drury and Smerin- 
thus Cerisyi of Kirby. . . A careful comparison of Drury’s figure 
with our variety leaves scarcely a doubt of their identity.” 
Other specimens show ‘‘ quite an approach” to S. Cerisyi, which 
Mr. Lintner thinks “is, in all probability, a simple variety of S. 
geminatus.” We are glad to see that the specific name Io is re- 
stored to what Walker called Hyperchiria varia. The reviewer ac- 
knowledges the correctness of Dr. Speyer’s decision. ‘The author 
advocates the rearing of caterpillars upon growing plants, which is 
becoming a favorite method with lepidopterists. In conclusion, 
we must confess ourseives greatly pleased with this brochure as it 
considerably advances our knowledge of the lives of our butter- 
flies and moths. 
As we are going to press with this notice, the first series of 
“ Entomological Contributions” comes to hand. It is replete 
with new and interesting details concerning the life of our butter- 
flies and moths. The history of Hemileuca Maia occupies twenty ae 
pages. We have also elaborate descriptions of the early stages 
of Meliteea Phaeton, M. Nyceteis, and Pieris oleracea and descrip- 
tions of three new species of Nisoniades, and a new Ellema. 
The other notes of times of capture, ete., are of practical impor- 
tance. 
