5 
Melanic lepidoptera. —Mr. H. M. Edelsten Synopsia abruptaria 
from Clapton, Nona pH a gemini puncta and Phigalia pedaria from En¬ 
field, N. cannae and N. typhae from Norfolk, Stauropus fagi from 
Epping, and Cymatophora gemmaria from Kent. Mr. A. Harrison 
Bombycia du plans and Acronicta leporina from Cornwall and Lancs., 
Pkaretra runiicis from Barnsley, Kupithecia venosata from Folkestone 
and Shetland Isles, and Aplecta nebuloxa from Cornwall, Epping and 
Delamere. Mr. L. A. E. Sabine, Pliraymatobia fuliginoxa with black 
body and hindwings. Mr. H. B. YVbitehouse, Lymantria monacha 
from Hull. 
Paper. —Mr. L. W. Newman read a paper detailing some of bis 
experiences in breeding melanic lepidoptera. The particulars given 
showed that as a rule such forms usually bred true—or almost so— 
after the second brood ; the strains, however, usually die out soon after 
this, presumably owing to weakness due to in-breeding. Mr. Newman 
claimed that melanism was obviously on the increase in the British 
Isles, and could not be attributed solely to an increasingly smoke- 
polluted atmosphere, as the areas affected are widely separated both as 
regards position and general characteristics, and by no means confined 
to manufacturing districts. 
A vote of thanks to the essayist proposed by Mr. L. B. Prout, and 
seconded by Mr. S. J. Bell, was duly carried. 
Feb. 5th, 1907.— Hartula hyerana—Temperature and variation. 
—Dr. T. A. Chapman exhibited specimens showing that out of 15 
examples emerging in November, December and January, 13 were 
decidedly darker in colour than any of 400 specimens which emerged 
at the normal time, viz., from August to October. Dr. Chapman 
considered it probable that the low temperature experienced by the 
pupa? of the late imagines was the direct cause of the latter’s tendency 
to darker coloration, at the same time admitting that the prolonga¬ 
tion of the pupal stage (directly due to temperature) might be a 
contributory cause. 
Acronicta leporina ab. —Mr. E. A. Cockayne, a specimen from 
North Sutherland, entirely white save for a large black spot in centre 
of forewings. 
Camptogramma bilineata vars. —Specimens from same district 
spotted with black.—Ibid. 
Acalla lorquiniana and Senta maritima. —Mr. H. M. Edlesten 
exhibited a series of the former from Norfolk, and drew attention to 
the fact that not only did the species resemble a miniature -S', maritima, 
but that it had parallel forms of variation. 
Cidaria miata. —Mr. A. Harrison, a long series bred in August and 
September, 190G, from New Forest OA T a. 
Pachys betularia vars. —Mr. V. E. Shaw, striking examples of 
forms intermediate between the type and var. Duubledayaria ; the 
specimens were secured at Bexley by sembling with typical bred 2 s. 
In four nights, 14 typical ^ s, 15 var. duubledayaria, 3 light inter¬ 
mediates and 4 dark intermediates were attracted, mostly between 
10.30 and 11.30 p.m. 
Cymatophora repandata—ab. Conversaria.- —A second brood bred 
September and October, from Torquay ova.—Ibid. 
Cosmias from Pinner. —Mr. P. H. Tautz, all four species from this 
