. The 10086 NATURALIST: 



A Monthly Magazine of Natural History. 



Part 73. JANUARY, 1886. Vol. 7. 



1 8 8 5. 



IN giving a list of new Lepidoptera occuring in 1884, on page 276 of the 

 fifth volume of this magazine, we said "Those we are likely to add to 

 our lists now will have a large preponderance of small or inconspicuous 

 species." In startling contrast to this assertion, no less than two new butter- 

 flies seek admission this year, one of which is both large and conspicuous. 

 Some half-dozen Tinea are also to be added. 1885 has also given to our 

 collections an unusual number of rare and interesting species, especially 

 among the Sphinges. Particulars are as follows 



tf. Lyesena Argiades, Pall. 



Two specimens of this little blue were taken on Bloxworth Heath, Dorset, 

 on the 18th and 20th August last year, by the sons of the Rev. O. Pickard- 

 Cambridge. A third specimen was taken near Bournemouth, on the 21st 

 of the same month, by Mr. Philip Tudor. The record of these captures call- 

 ing attention to abnormal looking blues, two other specimens were found 

 by the Eev. J. S. St. John, of Frome, in a small collection he had purchased, 

 and which are presumed to have been taken in Somersetshire. There can be 

 no doubt of these captures being genuine, and we will look with some 

 anxiety for its recurrence this season. There is no reason why it should not 

 occur with us, as Britain is quite within its range, and its food-plants are 

 found here. In appearance Argiades most nearly resembles JEgon on the 

 upper side of any British species ; on the under side it is nearer to Alsus or 

 Argiolus. It may readily be recognised by the small tail on the hind wings. 

 It is to be hoped that its appearance next year will settle the point whether 

 these are accidental visitors strayed across from France like the JBcetica, that 

 have been found in the same neighbourhood, or genuine natives with a right 

 to admission to our lists. 



2. Danais Plexippus, Linn. 



No less than ten specimens of this large and handsome butterfly have 

 been recorded as seen or captured in the latter part of last summer. They 



