1892. J 



THE BRITISH NATURALIST. 



165 



line running length-wise — a peculiarity the purpose of which can 

 scarcely be conjectured. 



(To he continued.) 



RANDOM NOTES ON BRITISH LEPIDOPTERA. 



BY JOHN E. ROBSON, F.R.S. 



Several of my subscribers have suggested that a series of Notes on 

 British Lepidoptera, somewhat similar to the "Gossipping Notes on 

 British Coleoptera," by Mr. Lewcock, would be of interest; I propose, 

 therefore, to attempt a similar series, though I will not follow quite 

 closely in Mr. Lewxock's footsteps. He is giving us the whole of the 

 British Coleoptera after a specified arrangement. Whilst I may be 

 able, in time, to go through the whole of the British Lepidoptera, I do 

 not intend to adhere closely to any special order, but to make notes 

 on any species or group that may be attracting attention at the 

 moment, refer to captures of new species or rarities, or any matter that 

 appears to be of interest, without waiting till their turn came in re;:ular 

 sequence, which might not be for a considerable period. When there 

 were no such notes to be made 1 would take the species in re,<^ular 

 order, or go back to species already dealt with, when anything new or 

 interesting turned up concerning them. London collectors, who meet 

 each other frequently at the meetmgs of the various societies, have 

 opportunities for knowing much that is going on, that are not 

 available for those residing in the provinces. These articles 

 may, in some small degree, keep country collectors "up to date" in 

 matters pertaining to lepidoptera. It is only possible, however, to 

 do this if I have the ready assistance of all my friends and 

 correspondents. 



Hadena satura. — The reported capture by Mr. Tutt (see ante p. 3), 

 of two specimens of this rare insect, is a matter of very great interest, 

 as it was looked upon by many as a doubtful British species. 

 Stainton's Manual says (Vol. i, p. 274), " Two specimens only have 

 occurred, one in Oxfordshire and one in Cambridgeshire."' Newman 

 adds "and one in the county of Wicklow, in Ireland, by Mr. 

 Bristowe." During a recent visit to London I had the pleasure of 

 examining the specimens taken by Mr. Tutt, and which are in 

 beautiful condition. They do not closely resemble any species I had 

 seen before, but agee in all respects with a pair of European satura in 

 Mr. Tutt's cabinet. It will be noticed that their place of capture is 

 within the area of former records. An insect that was seen by many 



