14 
in the latter var. the margin of the elytra was very broadly developed, 
while in the Orkney specimens the margin was in all respects similar 
to the type form. Mr. Lewcock also exhibited two pairs of Mesites 
iardyi from Dublin. Referring to this species, he said that in the male 
the antennae were inserted near the apex of the rostrum, while the 
female had the antennae inserted nearer the base. The apex of the 
rostrum also was thickened in the male, and the reverse in the female. 
Messrs. Cripps, Burrows and Southey also exhibited Coleoptera. In 
Odonata, Mr. Simes exhibited (on behalf of Mr. VVattson of Clapton) 
a number of living larvae and pupae of Libellulidce ., AEschnida and 
Agrionidce. Mr. Robson then read his paper. 
The Genus Hepialus. —Whilst I do not undervalue the study of 
the surface markings on the wings of lepidoptera, I think the habits, as 
well as the structure, are of at least equal importance, and perhaps, in 
some cases of even greater interest. But the “ collection ” we are 
desirous to make, is too often the item of first importance with us, and 
we study the habits and peculiarities only so far as they will help us to 
secure a fine series. Common species consequently receive but scant 
attention, and when in addition to being common, an insect is difficult 
or impossible to rear from its earlier stages, we get our series filled as 
satisfactorily as possible, and trouble ourselves no more about it. The 
“ Swifts ” come under these conditions; the perfect insects are all 
common and easily obtained, but the larvae feed below the surface of 
the earth,—some of them for at least two years,—and they are so 
difficult to manage, that few, indeed, have succeeded in rearing them 
from the egg. It will be most orthodox if I begin my remarks with 
this earliest stage, the egg. These in all cases are dropped by the 
female among the herbage as she flies over it. Mr. Buckler mentions 
the fact in relation to velleda. “ The eggs were scattered by the parent 
moth on the ground, amongst the stems of fern ( Pteris aquilina ), during 
the month of June” ( Larva , etc, vol. ii., pp. 54-55). Of hectus he 
says :—“ The eggs are globular, small, and bluish black, and are laid 
by the $ over fern brakes towards the end ot June” (l.c., vol. ii., p. 52). 
Mr. Hellins, in reference to humuli , quotes Dr. Chapman ( E.M.M. , 
vol. xxiii., p. 164), as to the females “dropping their eggs loosely, and, 
if captured, continue to do so into the hand or into the box” (Larva, 
etc., vol. ii., p. 131). I have confirmed all these observations, and also 
that the same habit obtains with lupulinus and sylvinus. In connection 
with this habit, it should be noticed that the eggs are very small for 
the size of the insects, and when extended they are perfectly free from 
any adhesive substance. They consequently soon find their way down 
to the bottom of the herbage, and when the young larva emerges, it 
makes its way under the surface as quickly as possible. Though a 
female, captured whilst ovipositing, will continue to drop her eggs, she 
flutters her wings all the time as if still in flight, and it would almost 
appear that she could not deposit them when at rest. The eggs of all 
the species are white or nearly so, when first extruded; but in a very 
few hours they turn deep bluish-black. Mr. Hellins thinks it curious 
that the eggs of humuli should turn black, as the young larva is white. 
If there was anything in this remark, it would apply with equal force to 
all the species ; but the fact is, that the change of colours is of the shell 
only, and has no connection at all with the larva within, for unimpreg- 
