1905. 



Carpknter.— ^ iiTiV Irish Mite. 



referable to an undescribed species, still less to a genus hitherto 

 unknown in its fatherland. • There is no evidence to suggest 

 that the mite has been introduced from abroad. Its increase 

 in numbers and consequent discovery are very probably due 

 to a change of feeding habit, for the Oribatidae as a family, 

 though vegetable-eaters, are generally found among moss or in 

 decaying wood. The attack by Lohmannia insignis on the 

 living tissues of the bean seedlings ma}^ well have beenincited 

 by the provision, through the gardener's labours, of such a rich 

 supply of a new food which on trial proved highly satisfactory 

 to the mites. 



EXPI^ANATION OF Pi,ATE 7- 



Fig. I. T.ohmannia insignis. Berlese, dorsal view ; legs removed, x 45. 



2. ,. veutral view, x 45. 



3. ,, ,, ., chelicera, x 120. 



4. ., , ,, left pseudostigniatic organ, x 120. 



5. „ ,, , terminal segments of foreleg with 



claw, X 120. 



NEWS GLEANINGS. 



The Battersby Collection of Lepidoptera. 



We are glad to be able to record that the well-known Battersby 

 collection of British and Irish Lepidotera has been presented by Mrs. 

 Battersby to the Museum of the Belfast Natural History and Philo- 

 sophical Society in College-square, Belfast. Among the many thousand 

 specimens are the original var. hibeniica of Melitcea aurinia, being the 

 types from which Birchall \iamed the variety. In view of the confusion 

 which has existed about the var. hibernica, it is important to l-aiow where 

 the original specimens can be seen. 



Queen's College, Belfast. 



The Belfast Naturalists' Field Club has opened a subscription list iu 

 aid of the special effort now being made to improve the equipment of 

 the local Queen's College. Subscriptions can be sent to the Secretaries 

 before December 25th. 



The Waterford Museum. 



The small museum started some years ago at Waterford has been 

 transferred to a room in the new Carnegie Library, under the direction 

 of R. J. Ussher, the Hon. Curntor. We wish the institiition every 

 success. 



