THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER. 
95 
countries makes it very probable that the 
number of species indigenous to Britain 
is greater than that given by Stephens. 
Certain it is that at present the smaller 
proportion only of the species which 
exists is known. What a vast field lies 
open for those entomologists who have 
eyes for other creatures save beetles and 
butterflies ! ” 
Dr. Hagen then proceeds with the 
Synopsis of the British Psocidae. 
“ The Psocid$,” says Dr. Hagen, “ are 
remarkable for their minuteness and 
agility; they are among the smallest 
insects known ; they have an incomplete 
metamorphosis; the larvae and pupae 
resemble the perfect insects, but the 
ocelli are wanting, and in lieu of wings 
they have more or less developed sheaths. 
The economy of the Psocidae is in many 
respects similar to that of their allies the 
Termites. The larvae live gregariously 
on plants, tTees, or in rotten wood. The 
imago occurs associated, often in con- 
siderable, sometimes in countless num- 
bers, and in these cases the females 
greatly preponderate. I have observed 
neglected heaps of chaff to consist almost 
entirely of Psoci. The Psoci subsist 
upon dry vegetable and animal refuse, 
without, however, committing any real 
injury. According to my experience, 
the damage they inflict in collections of 
insects, even to the most delicate crea- 
tures, is very insignificant.” 
We should be glad to hear the opinion 
of our readers on the last-named point. 
Dr. Hagen is not the only contributor 
on Neuroptera to the present volume of 
the ‘ Annual,’ as Mr. M'Lachlan has 
devoted a few pages to “ Some Sugges- 
tions for the successful Pursuit of the 
Study of the Phryganidae, with a De- 
scription of a new British Species.” 
From these “ Suggestions ” the following 
extract must suffice : — 
“ The localities suitable for Lepi- 
doptera will as a rule also be found 
productive of Phryganidas. The larger 
species, Limnophilides, Ike., frequent 
various localities, and are far less re- 
stricted to the immediate neighbourhood 
of water than the others, though from 
their habit of breeding in standing 
waters, the place of their birth may be 
much nearer than is often suspected. 
They may be constantly beaten out of fir 
and other trees in woods, and on the 
slightest application of the beating-stick 
the large muscular species of Limno- 
philus, Stenophylax, &c., will rush out 
with an exceedingly dashing and vigorous 
flight, often eluding pursuit from their 
habit of getting among the brushwood. 
“Palings often afford a resting-place, 
where they may be easily captured. 
Sugar also has its charms, and they may 
frequently be seen enjoying the seduc- 
tive sweets with all the gusto of a 
Noctua. Lastly, I would mention sub- 
urban gas-lamps, at which certain species 
often swarm.” 
The new British species noticed is 
Limnophilus borealis ; it was taken by 
Mr. Winter in the fens of Ranwortb. 
No doubt a rich harvest of insects yet 
remains to reward the explorer of our 
undrained fens! 
(To be continued.) 
Complete in Two Vols.,fcp. 8 vo, cloth, 
price 10s., 
A MANUAL of BRITISH BUT- 
TERFLIES and MOTHS. By 
H. T. Stainton. 
This work contains descriptions of 
nearly 2000 species, interspersed with 
observations on their peculiarities and 
imes of appearance, &c., and is ill us- 
rated with more than 200 woodcuts. 
London : John Van Voorst, 1, Pater- 
noster Row. 
