l8qi.] 



THE BRITISH NATURALIST. 



249 



in the more elaborate catalogues, (i.e. the recently published list of 

 British Fossil Vertebratal. The majority of Botanists even decline 

 to recognise any other as author than he who first published the 

 double name, i.e. the genus and species together. If the discussion 

 that has taken place has made these things clear, it will have done 

 good.'— T. D. A. CocKERELL, Jamaica, Sept. 5th, 1891. 



The above note may make Mr. Cockerell's position perfectly clear; 

 but for our part we protest in the strongest manner against any 

 attempt still further to complicate and alter the already bewildering 

 nomenclature of our Lepidoptera. We desire to see it simplified and 

 permanent. Under the binomial system an insect would be known 

 by its generic and specific name, as, Acronycta aceris — neither 

 Acronycta aceris, Linn, (because Ochsenheimer introduced the generic 

 term Acronycta), nor yet Cuspidia aceris, Buckell ; for whatever may be 

 the ultimate decision as to the authority for Cuspidia, Dr. Buckell did 

 not introduce the specific name acevis. In a synonymic catalogue they 

 would stand correctly enough — thus, 



Acronycta, Ochs. 

 aceris. Linn., 



but that is for reference, not for ordinary use. —Ed. B.N. 



Plusia Moneta at Cambridge. — A fine specimen of this beautiful 

 species was taken in August, i8go, by Mr. J. C. Rickard, at rest, just 

 outside his house in Downing Terrace, Cambridge. 



Will the species succeed in naturalizing itself here? And, if so, 

 what change of circumstances has induced it so to do ? — A. F. 

 Griffith, Brighton, October 12th, 1891. 



THE PTEROPHORINA OF BRITAIN, 



BY J. W. TUTT, F.E.S. 



( Continued from page 209.) 



0. pavvidactyla, Haw. — This pretty little insect is generally 

 supposed to be one of our commonest species, and on the chalk hills 

 of our South-Eastern Counties perhaps is, but its economy is not at 

 all well known, and a satisfactory description of the larva is still a 

 desideratum. The larva has never been reared in England. 



