1889.] 



THE YOUNG NATURALIST. 



3 



(and we think the present one of them) have probably resulted from 

 imported eggs, larvse, or pupae. A full-fed larva, that had escaped 

 from confinement, might wander for a considerable distance. An 

 insect that is so abundant on the other side of the Channel as to be 

 considered injurious, should naturally occur here regularly. S.pinastri 

 does not. A large quantity of eggs, larvae, and pupae are imported 

 annually by dealers and others. The produce of some of these must 

 escape. Everything tends to show that the insect is never, in any 

 case, likely to be destructive here." 



The re-discovery of Zygana meliloti not far from its old locality in 

 the New Forest, is particularly satisfactory to those collectors of more 

 recent date who have not been able to obtain it, and who will be glad 

 of the opportunity of adding so interesting an insect to their collec- 

 tions. Whether it is a good species, or only a local form ; whether 

 it is the true Meliloti of Esper, or an in-bred form of Trifolii, it is 

 desirable that every one should have it, now when local variation is so 

 much studied. 



Though I have no doubt that Callimorpha hern was originally planted 

 in Devonshire for fraudulent purposes, there can be little question, but 

 it is established there now. It does not appear to be numerous, 

 though it is recorded by two collectors last year, and is rather 

 abnormal in its habits. Whether it will die out, or become a 

 permanent resident, the future must decide. What has become of 

 the Mr. Brookes who introduced it to the British entomological world ? 

 Since the Cucullia artemisice episode and Vanessa callirhoe, enquiry he 

 has made no public appearance. 



Among the Noctuse, the most important capture appears to be 

 one of Plusia ni, a specimen of which was taken last September, by 

 Major Partridge, of the Castle, Portland. He had been out sugaring, 

 and the insect flew to his light and was secured. This species was 

 first taken in England on August 13th, 1869, by the late H. D'Orville, 

 of Alphington, near Exeter. It is recorded in Vol. V. of the Entomo- 

 logists' Monthly Magazine, and in the Entomologists'' Annual, for 1869. It 

 is figured in the plate of the same work the following year (1870). 

 Mr. Barrett, who named and recorded the specimen, says, " The 

 specimen is a very perfect Plusia ni, and a most satisfactory confir- 

 mation of the title of the species to be included in the British list." 

 Plusia ni is very like a small Gamma, and I would advise any one pos- 

 sessing specimens of Gamma as small or smaller than Interrogations, to 

 send them to some authority for examination. It is quite likely there 

 may be specimens of Ni in some of the various collections in the 



