* 893 * 94 -] 
123 
geniculeus , Dictyopteryx Bergmanniana amongst Rosa sfrino- 
sissima , and many small Gelechidw , which can be obtained by 
kicking them out of the roots of the bent, where they shelter 
during the day-time. 
Insects are abundant in the woods of Donard demesne 
throughout the season. Lyccena argiolus (Holly Blue) is out 
in May and Argynnis paphia (Silver-washed Fritillary) in July, 
but the latter is scarce. No Sphinges seem to occur, and not 
many Bombyces , but Hylophila prasinana is common, also 
Hepialus velleda , H. hectus ) and Thyatira batis. The latter 
comes to sugar along with various Noctuce , such as Acronycta 
rumicis ) Hadena adusta ) and Caradrina taraxaci , and Aphomia 
sociella , whose larva feeds on the wax in bee-hives and the nests 
of wild bees. 
The Geometrce are well represented, including several un- 
common species, especially among the fir-feeding kinds. Ellopia 
prosapiaria is common, also Bupalas piniaria and Boarmia 
repandata , and the fine banded variety conversaria . Venusia 
cambrica and Emmelesia teniata are scarce. Several Eupithecice 
occur, including E. satyrata ) castigata , lariciata ) and pumilata. 
The last feeds on the flowers of Ulex ) and swarms both in the 
higher parts of the demense and in the lower valleys. The 
pretty Melanthia albicillata may be seen settled on tree trunks 
in July. Thera variata is very abundant, but T. firmata is 
scarce. Micros are not very abundant, and only Amblyptilia 
acanthodactyla and Olindia nlmana are worth noting. 
Collecting on the mountains themselves is rather disap- 
pointing, especially in the number of specimens obtained. I 
have sometimes walked several miles without seeing a specimen 
of any sort, and this on a fine day in summer. Nevertheless, 
a good many species occur, and I believe that a resident collector 
could do very good work when he had once found the right 
spots for insects. 
This paucity of insects no doubt is due to the poverty of the 
flora of the Mourne range. There are no truly alpine insects 
recorded from the district, but then only Slieve Donard rises 
