4 



THE YOUNG NATURALIST. [January, 



country, as it differs more from Gamma in size than in other respects. 

 Laphygma exigua has occurred near Bideford, and at Colchester. 

 How widely this little rarity appears to be distributed. It may be 

 thought an evidence against the British nationality of some of these 

 Noctuse that they are so seldom met with, but sugar is not attractive 

 to all the group. The Pfasidce rarely or never touch it. I never but 

 once saw a Dianthecia on it, and there may be particular species in 

 every family that are not to be taken by such means. Light has 

 added to the numbers in our collections of other rarities, but all 

 insects are not attracted by light ; and we may yet hit upon some 

 other mode of collecting that will enable us to obtain more of the 

 species still so rare. 



Among the Geometers the most important record is that confirming 

 the occurrence of Acidalia immovata. It appears to have been first 

 taken by Mr. C. H. Morris, of Lewes, in June, 1887, on some heathy 

 ground near that town. At first they were supposed to be peculiar 

 forms of the female of Fidoniaatomaria, but further investigation proved 

 them to be new to Britain. Last year it was again met with at 

 the same locality, though a suspicious reticence is observed as to the 

 numbers taken. It is said somewhat to resemble Strenia clathrata in 

 appearance and habits, and is placed among the Fidonia by Berce, 

 under that genus. It feeds on Calluna vulgaris, and may occur in 

 other places than that recorded. Cidaria reticulata has again been 

 reared, and an interesting note on another page by Mr. Murray, 

 of Carnforth, endeavours to account for its rarity. 



I do not propose to speak about the micros other than to observe 

 that it appears Tortrix piceana had been taken by Mr. South and Mr. 

 Adkin before Mr. Capper announced its re-discovery. These gentle- 

 men were probably unaware of the importance of their capture. 



The Common Snake. 



( Tropidonotus natrix.) 

 By W. H. WARNER. 

 As we naturalists go poking about the hedgerows in the summer 

 time on the look-out for anything in the curiosity line, we are often a 

 little bit startled by catching sight of a thin, greyish-brown body 

 gliding gracefully up the bank, and before we have time to grasp it, 

 disappearing from our view. Timid folks will run away in a great 



