1869.] 291 
ing of the first two joints of the middle and hind tarsi, which, instead 
of being clothed with bristles beneath, are naked, and marked with 
several large punctures. The elytra have a few raised points on the 
shoulders, and shallow punctures near the apex ; the apical part, as in 
the allied species, is glossy. Costa Rica, Central America ; taken by 
the collectors of Mr. O. Salvin. 
40, Bartholomew Eoad, Keutish Town, N.W. 
March, 1869. 
NOTES ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF SCOPARIA (LEPIDOPTERA). 
BY H. GUARD KNAGGS, M.D., F.L.S. 
The great stumbling-block to the study of the Scopariee is un- 
doubtedly the difficulty experienced in procuring decent specimens, 
owing to an unfortunate tendency many of them have of quickly 
divesting themselves of characteristic markings when pill-boxed and 
conveyed in the usual fashion. To prevent this disappointment, the 
necessity of killing, pinning, and even setting the captures on the spot, 
is advocated ; and it cannot be too strongly urged that none but good 
examples should be preserved, for of all things a miserable array of 
irrecognisable objects is calculated to bewilder and repel those who 
might otherwise take an interest in the genus. In the present sketch 
an attempt will be made to show that the various species comprised in 
this group of little Pyrales are by no means so difficult of separation 
as is generally supposed ; and it is hoped that, when collectors begin to 
see their way to a knowledge of their distinctive characters, they will 
then regard them with a less unfavourable eye, and consequently de- 
vote a fairer share of attention to them than they have yet received at 
the hands of British Entomologists. 
Of one thing there can be no doubt, namely, that the bulk of 
European Scoparice affect high altitudes and boreal latitudes, and it is 
therefore but natural to expect that our mountains and northern dis- 
tricts will yield many species as yet unsuspected to occur here — some, 
perhaps, altogether new. 
The fore-wing of a Scoparia is divided into three tolerably equal 
areas by two lines, termed " first " (cut A, 1) and " second " (cut A, 2), 
the former being nearest the base of the wing : these areas may be 
respectively designated basal (cut A, 3), medial (cut A, 4), and apical 
(cut A, 5). It is in the medial area that the most important characters 
are found, but the other two render us occasional assistance in the 
determination of closely allied species. 
