HINTS FOR THE MONTH. 
79 
Arion was then given from my observations, and the fact of its 
gradually becoming extinct was attributed to the very wet seasons 
we were then having. Since then, however, they had been grad¬ 
ually increasing in numbers until the year 1891, but in 1892 only 
a very few were seen, and this season not one. Now, however, 
the last two seasons have been as favorable (in my opinion) as 
possible for the increase of it and yet it is only too apparent that 
with us it is nearly (if not quite) extinct. 
I can only account for its disappearance in these parts from 
the fact of the surrounding woods being cleared from timber 
which is strewn about, but the district it is supposed to inhabit 
covers such a large area that there are plenty of places for miles 
untouched where its food plant “ wild thyme ” is prolific. 
M. stellatarum has been literally swarming in places, and 
specimens could be taken all around and even right in the centre 
of the town. One fine specimen I took in my garden in the middle 
of the day. 
Platiginis : This species in one or two places was out in great 
abundance ; any number could be taken at once without moving 
at Haresfield. 
Around the lamps Menthastri could be seen, this apparently 
white moth flitting around in large numbers. I was much 
interested in watching the flight of this species, for many of them 
would fly with such force against the lamps as to partially stun 
themselves, afterwards falling into the road when they could be 
easily collected. 
On the ivy there were only four species that were fairly 
abundant— Lota, Lunosa, Pistacina and Protea- -and these could be 
secured in large quantities if needed. The appearance of the 
other species, excepting that generally speaking they were to be 
taken earlier, has been similar to other years. 
HINTS FOR THE d MONTH. 
PUPA HUNTING. 
Lepidopterists living in the south should search among the 
dead stems of bitter vetch ( Orobus tuberosus) and tufted vetch 
( Vicia craccaj or twigs near where these plants have been growing 
for the whitish-grey chrysalis of Leucophasia sinapis. It is 
suspended by the tail and a silken belt round the middle. 
The pupa of Anthocharis cardamines may be found throughout 
the winter on the dead stems of the hedge mustard (Sisymbrium 
officinale) and may be readily recognised by its singularly bent 
shape. It is greyish in colour, with whitish stripes on each side. 
