/V7 } s Jj 
THE NATURALIST. 
VOL. IV., NO. XXIX.—FEBRUARY, 1889. 
STATEMENT OF THE CLAIMS OF Papiliopodalirius TO RANK AS A 
BRITISH INSECT. 
By Peter Rylands, Esq. 
The letter on this subject which appeared in The Naturalist for October (p. 24) 
was written with a view of eliciting further information, and it has answered this 
object to my entire satisfaction. In an especial manner are my thanks due to 
J. C. Dale, Esq., A.M., F.L.S., who has kindly furnished me with facts which, 
I have no doubt, will convince any unbiassed * person that podalirius ought to 
be entered in the British Fauna. 
I shall proceed to recapitulate :— 
I.—The cases in which it may be doubted that P, podalirius occurred, but 
which, taken conjointly, constitute far from despicable evidence. 
1. Berkenhout, who states in his Synopsis , respecting this Butterfly, that i fc 
is 44 rare in woods,” In elucidation of this remark Mr. Haworth observes, that 
Dr. B. might probably have possessed this species, 44 because I have heard of his 
giving a high price for a rare Swallow-tail said to be taken in Cambridgeshire, 
which was probably the identical specimen of podalirius that he described in his 
Synopsis of the Nat. Hist, of Great Britain , and which he there says to be 4 rare 
in woods.’ ” (Haworth, Pref., p. xxvii.) 
2. Mr. Rippon. —Mr. Haworth remarks that <4 an ingenious practical aurelian 
friend (Mr. Rippon, of York) has informed me that he took two sorts of Swallow¬ 
tailed Papilios , near Beverley, in Yorkshire, twenty-five years ago (1778 ?), but 
no specimens of thenfi are now extant ; a fire which unfortunately destroyed great 
part of his property having consumed them likewise. Now as we have only two 
Swallow-tailed species in Great Britain, one of the above in all probability was 
podalirius. I know machaon breeds near Beverley yet, &c.” (Haworth, loc. cit.) 
3. Howard Sims.— 44 Aug. 24, 1810. Howard Sims (son of Dr. Sims) is 
certain he saw P. podalirius this day about twelve o’clock on the road to Salt- 
* It may appear strange speaking of bias in such a connection, and yet the conduct of certain 
parties fully warrants the use of the term. 
VOL. IV.-—NO. XXIX. 2 H 
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