8342 



Insects. 



we not admit the principle of mutation ? Should we not rather read D. flavipes, var. 

 canadensis, &c., than multiply cognate species ? Variations, due apparently to nu- 

 trition, especially demand attention. Haltica Allardii, which feeds on the Physalis 

 aristata, differs but very minutely from our H. Atropa?, whose food-plant, as implied 

 by the name, shares the same natural order, and somewhat similar properties. Mul- 

 titudes of our Tineina seem thus to vary from the effects of nutrition, e.g., Cemios- 

 toma laburnella and C. spartifoliella ; or, to draw an illustration from the Canaries, 

 our Catoptria ulicetana, and an almost identical form from the Retama, growing- at an 

 elevation of 9000 feet on the Canadas of the Peak of TenerifFe. But the unity of such 

 species is seldom sought, but rather their distinctiveness, though it may fairly be 

 questioned which of these is the more desirable investigation. In some species an 

 obvious capability of variation exists, as in the genus Coccinella ; whilst others, though 

 cosmopolitan, are everywhere identical, as Cynthia Cardui and Deiopeia pulchella. 

 May we not, then, well inquire at least which species are thus variable, and thus unite, 

 with supplementary climatal, local and nutrital appellations, many of those forms 

 which now, as distinct species, so encumber our catalogues? Some of our most emi- 

 nent botanists have recognized the existence of segregate as well as aggregate species ; 

 why cannot we do the same for Zoology ? but our investigators are, almost without 

 exception, segregators. Variations have been considered as tending to the improve- 

 ment or preservation of the species ; certainly the existing habits of many lead to their 

 destruction. The brilliant colouring of the larva of Trachea piniperda or Acronycta 

 Alni, and the exposed condition of that of Bombyx Rubi, contrasts strangely with 

 the twig-like forms of Rumia crataegata, just as the blue eggs of the thrush or 

 hedgesparrow are opposed to the eggs of the ringed plover or partridge, which so 

 closely assimilate with the soil on which they are laid. Surely no theory, save one 

 which involves mutations, can account for such apparent anomalies as these ; and such 

 a principle once fairly admitted, we may hope to see our nomenclature accommodated 

 to our advanced knowledge. — W. D. Crotch ; Uphill House, November 9, 1862. 



Colias Edusa on the 24th of October. — Is it worth notice that I saw a Colias 

 Edusa on Woking Heath on the 24th of October? It was fresh and vigorous, but as 

 there was ice on the night of that day it was probably its last. — W. C. Hewitson ; 

 Oatlands. 



Occurrence of Eupithecia arceuthata of Frey in Great Britain. — During my 

 three years' residence in Buckinghamshire I have each autumn taken the larva of the 

 above-named insect upon wild juniper, upon our hilly chalk clowns. When first I 

 found it— in I860 — I imagined it to be the larva of E. helveticata, but when the per- 

 fect insects appeared the following spring they seemed so different in size, colour and 

 general appearance that I could not bring myself to believe that they were this species, 

 and I determined to investigate the matter. During the past season I had an oppor- 

 tunity of sending a pair of the moths to Professor Zeller at Mesnitz. He replied at 

 once that they were E. arceuthata, Frey, but added that he considered this species and 

 E. helveticata, Bdv., to be identical, the latter a northern variety of the former. He 

 admitted, however, that he knew little or nothing of the larva and economy of the latter 

 species, and had seen but few specimens of the perfect insect. Mr. Donbleday and 

 Mr. Bond were inclined to concur in this opinion, but they also were imperfectly 



