5926 



Insects. 



insect, can any one inform me how it happens that we never meet with any dead 

 insect or foreign substance in that article of universal use, tea. As tea cannot be 

 sifted like most commercial products, it has always appeared to me a very remarkable 

 circumstance that it is so totally free from anything unpleasant. Query, is there 

 something so poisonous in the juices of the tea plant that insects will not meddle with 

 it? — William Atkinson. 



Nolodonta Carmelita in 1858. — We hear of no fewer than 150 chrysalides of this 

 insect having been imported from the Continent, to make their appearance here in 

 May next as genuine British examples. We wonder whether it will occur in the 

 woods in the neighbourhood of Sheffield ?—John Scott ; Southfield Villas, Middleshro'- 

 on-Tees, November 14, 1857. 



Habits and Locality of Miana expolita. — This insect occurs in abundance in the 

 West of Ireland at the end of June ; its time of flight is about 4 p.m., but, from its 

 small size and the rapidity of its movements, it is extremely difficult to capture. The 

 males have the same habit of assembling round the female as the Bombyces, and by 

 watching their flight we were able to take up a position near the centre of attraction, 

 and secure them with comparative ease as they approached the spot. I should like to 

 know whether any of the night-flying Noctuae have been observed to assemble. The 

 Irish specimens of Miana expolita are much brighter and richer in colouring than 

 any I have seen from Darlington. When in perfect condition it is a beautiful insect, 

 very different from the dingy little thing which represents it in most cabinets. — Ed- 

 ivin Birchall ; Dublin, November 28, 1857. 



Why is empyrea considered a Phlogophora P — I think some mistake has occurred 

 in placing this insect amongst the group of which the meticulosa of our cabinets forms 

 the type. In no character whatever does empyrea bear a resemblance to meticulosa, 

 or even a species of which we are taught to consider Phlogophora as the generic title. 

 The striking feature in this genus is the peculiarly scalloped wing, and empyrea does 

 not show this. Besides, the colours of the genus Phlogophora are entirely composed 

 of fawns and greens, and although this is of no importance in determining the place 

 of the insect in question, yet one cannot help calling to remembrance what impresses 

 the eyes and mind most forcibly when we are led to speak of the genus, or on looking 

 over foreiiiu species. Now, if empyrea be placed alongside lucipara, even a casual 

 glance_will convince any one that the general contour of the two insects are very simi- 

 lar, that the dark band of the wings is exceedingly like to each other, and that the 

 position of the pale stigmata is the same in both ; and I would prupose that it be at 

 once removed from the genus Phlogophora to that of Euplexia, as being most in har- 

 mony with requirements of that genus. — John Scott; Soulhjield Villas, Middlesbro^- 

 on-Tees, November 17, 1857. 



Capture of Ennomos fuscaniaria near London. — A few days since, on looking over 

 my captures of the past season, my attention was attracted to what I then thought 

 was a specimen of Ennomos tiliaria. Upon closer examination and comparison with 

 E. fuscantaria, I observed a similarity ; I could not, however, be certain, and there- 

 fore took it to Mr. Newman, to whose kindness I am indebted for a comparison with 

 a specimen he has, and with those at the British Museum. I am happy to say 

 it proved to be E. fuscantaria. By reference I find I captured it near Kensington, 

 on the 27th of August last, on a gas-lamp. I believe it is the first specimen that has 

 been taken in that neighbuurhood. — John Henry Tilly ; 3, Bernard Street, Regent's 

 Park North, London, November 2, 1857. 



