II 
 
THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND 
 MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID 
 
5, HENRIBTTA STREET, COVENT C;AHUEN, 
 LONDON, August 1st, 185G. 
 
 MR. REEVE'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 1. 
 
 ^ Mrs, Chanter. 
 
 Ferny Combes; 
 
 Or, a Ramble after Ferns in the Glens and Valleys of Devonshire. By 
 CHARLOTTE CHANTER. With 8 coloured Plates. 
 Fcp. 8vo, price 5s. 
 
 2. 
 Dr. W. Lauder Lindsay. 
 
 Popular History of British Lichens ; 
 
 Comprising an Account of their Structure, Reproduction, Uses, Distribu- 
 tion, and Classification. By W. LAUDER LINDSAY, M.D., Fellow of 
 the Botanical and Royal Physical Societies of Edinburgh, etc. With 22 
 coloured Plates, 400 Figures. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. Qd. 
 
 3. 
 
 Dr. Daubeny, F.B.S. 
 
 Popular Geography of Plants ; 
 
 Or, a Botanical Excursion round the World. By E. M. C. Edited by 
 Professor DAUBENY. With 20 tinted landscapes in chromo-lithography. 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. 6d, 
 
 Dr. Seemann, F.L.S. 
 
 Popular History of the Palms. 
 
 By Dr. BERTHOLD SEEMANN, F.L.S. With 20 tinted landscapes i 
 chromo-lithography. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. Qd. 
 
X ME. REEVE S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 5. 
 T. C. Archer. 
 
 A Series of UigJit School Plant Diagrams, 
 
 Illustrative of ' First Steps to Economic Botany,' by T. C. ARCHER, 
 Esq. Published for the Department of Science and Art, Marlborough 
 House. 
 
 Price 3,?. 6d. coloured, 2s. plain, per Diagram. 
 
 T. C. Archer. 
 
 First Steps to Economic Botany ; 
 
 A Description of the Botanical and Commercial Characters of the Chief 
 Articles of Vegetable Origin used for Food, Clothing, Tanning, Dyeing, 
 Building, Medicine, Perfumery, etc. For the use of Schools. By 
 THOMAS C. ARCHER. With 20 plates. Published for the Department 
 of Science and Art, Marlborough House. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 2s. 6d. 
 
 "An admirable and cheap little volume, abounding in good illustrations of the 
 plants that afford articles of food or applicable to purposes of manufacture. This 
 should be on the table of every family, and its contents familiar with all rising 
 minds." ATLAS. 
 
 " As a cheap school book it is exceedingly well got up, and contains upwards of one 
 hundred beautifully lithographed drawings, arranged on twenty plates ; they repre- 
 sent various useful plants and their products." GUARDIAN. 
 
 7. 
 
 T. C. Archer. 
 
 Popula/r Economic Botany ; 
 
 Or, Description of the Botanical and Commercial Characters of the prin- 
 cipal Articles of Vegetable Origin used for Food, Clothing, Tanning, 
 Dyeing, Building, Medicine, Perfumery, etc. By THOMAS C. ARCHER. 
 With 20 coloured plates. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. 6cl. 
 
 " Mr. Archer's volume, we are surprised to find, is the first popular book that has been 
 devoted exclusively to the commercial products of the Vegetable Kingdom of that which 
 constitutes nine-twelfths of the whole commerce in raw produce.'' EXAMINEE. 
 
MR. EEEVE S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 8. 
 
 Miss Catlow. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Popular Garden Botany ; 
 
 Containing a Familiar and Technical Description of Hardy and Frame 
 Plants, suitable for cultivation in the Garden. By AGNES CATLOW. 
 With 20 coloured plates by W. Fitch. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. Qd. 
 
 9. 
 Thomas Moore, F.L.S. 
 
 Popular History of British Ferns 
 
 and the Allied Plants ; comprising the Club Mosses, Pepperworts, and 
 Horsetails. By THOMAS MOORE, F.L.S., Curator of the Botanic- 
 Garden, Chelsea. Second Edition. With 22 coloured plates by Fitch. 
 Royal 16mo, price 10,?. 6d. 
 
 10. 
 Miss Catlow. 
 
 Popular Meld Botany ; 
 
 Containing a Familiar and Technical Description of the Plants most 
 common to the British Isles, adapted to the study of either the Artificial 
 or Natural System. By AGNES CATLOW. Third Edition. In twelve 
 chapters, each being the botanical lesson for the month. With 20 
 coloured plates. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price Ws. d. 
 
MR. REEVE S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 11. 
 Sir W. J. Hooker, F.K.S. 
 
 Curtis' s Botanical Magazine ; 
 
 Comprising the Plants of the Royal Gardens of Kew, and of other 
 Botanical Establishments in Great Britain, with suitable Descriptions. 
 By Sir W. J. HOOKER, F.L.S., Director of the Royal Gardens of Kew. 
 In Numbers, each containing 6 coloured plates. 
 
 Roval 8vo. Published Monthly. Price 3s. 6d. 
 Vols. I. to XI., price 42*. each. 
 
 12. 
 Sir W. J. Hooker, F.K.S. 
 
 Journal of Botany and Kew Miscellany ; 
 
 Containing Original Papers by eminent Botanists, the Botanical News 
 of the Month, Communications from Botanical Travellers, Notices of 
 New Books, etc. Edited by Sir W. J. HOOKER, F.R.S. With plates. 
 
 In Monthly Numbers, 8vo, price 2s. 
 
 13. 
 Sir W. J. Hooker, F.K.S. 
 
 Icones Plantarum; 
 
 Or, Figures, with brief descriptive Characters and Remarks, of new 
 and rare Plants, selected from the Author's Herbarium. By Sir W. 
 J. HOOKER, F.R.S. New series, Vol. V., with 100 plates. 
 8vo, price 3 Is. d. 
 
MR. REEVE S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 14. 
 
 Notes and Notions on Created Things. 
 
 First and Second Series. By the Author of c Episodes of Insect Life.' 
 With numerous wood-engravings. 
 
 I2mo, price 5,9. each Series. 
 
 " We cannot imagine a book that would take a deeper hold of the imagination." 
 
 ATHENJEUM. 
 
 15. 
 Dr. Hooker, F.R.S. 
 
 The Rhododendrons of Sittim- Himalaya ; 
 
 Being an Account of the Rhododendrons recently discovered in the 
 Mountains of Eastern Himalaya. By J. D. HOOKER, M.D., F.R.S. 
 With 30 plates by W. Fitch. 
 
 Imperial folio, price 3. 16*. 
 
 16. 
 Dr. Hooker, F.R.S. 
 
 Illustrations of Sittim- Himalayan Plants, 
 
 Chiefly selected from Drawings made in Sikkim under the superinten- 
 dence of the late J. F. Cathcart, Esq., Bengal Civil Service. The 
 Botanical Descriptions and Analyses by J. D. HOOKER, M.D., F.R.S. 
 With 24 coloured plates and an illuminated title-page by FITCH. 
 Folio, price 5. 5s. 
 
MR. REEVE'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 17. 
 
 Professor Edward Forbes, F.R.S. 
 
 Literary Papers on Scientific Subjects. 
 
 By the late Professor EDWARD FORBES, F.R.S., Selected from his 
 "Writings in the ' Literary Gazette.' With a Portrait and Memoir. 
 Small 8vo, price 6*. 
 
 " This reprint of reviews forms a charming book of miscellaneous essays. T 
 criticism is genial, sensible, comprehensive, and compact. It is not common to fin 
 
 besides being a scientific professor, a critic, and litterateur, the late Edward Forbes 
 was before all things a man genial, sympathetic, brave and true a thorough good 
 
 definite result, and a sense of the comic without the vulgar error 
 
 of turning all things to a jest." 
 
 18. 
 Sir W. J. Hooker, F.B.S. 
 
 The Victoria Regia. 
 
 By Sir W. J. HOOKER, F.R.S. With four coloured plates by Fit h. 
 Elephant folio, price 21*. 
 
 19. 
 Dr. Badham. 
 
 The Esculent Funguses of England; 
 
 Containing an Account of their Classical History, Uses, Characters, 
 Development, Nutritious Properties, Modes of Cooking, etc. By the 
 Rev. Dr. BADHAM. With 20 coloured plates. 
 Super-royal 8vo, price 21*. 
 
MR. REEVE S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 20. 
 Dr. Landsborough, A.L.S. 
 
 Popular History of British Seaweeds ; 
 
 Comprising their Structure, Fructification, Specific Characters, Arrange- 
 ment, and General Distribution, with Notices of some of the Fresh- water 
 Algse. By the Rev. D. LANDSBOROUGH, A.L.S. Second Edition. 
 With 20 coloured plates hy Fitch. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. 6d. 
 
 " The book is as well executed as it is well timed. The descriptions are scientific as 
 well as popular, and the plates are clear and explicit. It is a worthy sea-side com- 
 panion a handbook for every resident on the sea-shore." ECONOMIST. 
 
 21. 
 Professor Harvey, M.R.I. A. 
 
 Phycologia Britannica ; 
 
 Or, History of the British Seaweeds ; containing coloured Figures and 
 Descriptions of all the Species of Algae inhabiting the Shores of the 
 British Islands. By WILLIAM HENRY HARVEY, M.D.. M.R.I. A., 
 Keeper of the Herbarium of the University of Dublin, and Professor of 
 Botany to the Dublin Society. With 360 plates. 
 
 In three vols. royal 8vo, arranged in the order > ^ . 9 ,, 
 of publication . . . . . . j 
 
 In four vols. royal 8vo, arranged systematically > Q~ , r ,. 
 according to the Synopsis . . . J ' 
 
 A few Copies have been printed on large paper. 
 
 " The drawings are beautifully executed by the author himself on stone, the dissec- 
 tions carefully prepared, and the whole account of the species drawn up in such a way 
 as cannot fail to be instructive, even to those who are well acquainted with the subject. 
 The greater part of our more common Algae have never been illustrated in a manner 
 agreeable to the present state of Algology." GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 
 
MR. REEVE'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 Professor Harvey, M.R.I.A. 
 
 Nereis Australia ; 
 
 Or, Illustrations of the Algse of the Southern Ocean. Being Figures 
 and Descriptions of Marine Plants collected on the Shores of the Cape 
 of Good Hope, the extra-tropical Australian Colonies, Tasmania, New 
 Zealand, and the Antarctic Regions. By Professor HARVEY, M.D., 
 M.R.I.A. Two Parts, each containing 25 coloured plates. 
 Imperial 8vo, price 1. 1*. 
 
 23. 
 J. Sanders. 
 
 Treatise on the Culture of the 
 
 As well under Glass as in the Open Air. By J. SANDERS. With 9 
 
 plates. 
 
 8vo, price 5s. 
 
 " We have examined, with no common interest, the work before us; for it will be 
 
 24. 
 Dr. Seeniann, F.L.S. 
 
 Botany of the Toy age of H.M.S. Herald, 
 
 Under the command of Captain Kellett, R.N., C.B., during the Years 
 1845-51. By Dr. BERTHOLD SEEMANN, F.L.S. Published under the 
 authority of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. In Parts, 
 each with 10 plates. 
 
 Royal 4to ; price 10*. each Part. 
 
MR. REEVE S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. tf 
 
 25. 
 Dr. Hooker, F.R.S. 
 
 Flora of Tasmania. 
 
 By JOSEPH DALTON HOOKER, M.D., F.R.S. In Parts, with 20 
 Plates. 
 
 Price 1. lls. Qd. coloured; 1. Is. plain. 
 
 26. 
 Dr. Hooker, F.R.S. 
 
 Mora of New Zealand. 
 
 By JOSEPH DALTON HOOKER, M.D., F.R.S., etc. In 2 volumes. 
 With 130 Plates. 
 
 Royal 4to, price 12. 12*. coloured, 8. 15*. plain. 
 
 " The work is written in good plain English, with a view to the conveniency of colo- 
 nists, but without on that account being rendered in the smallest degree unscientific ; 
 quite the contrary. Let us add, that the beautiful execution of the work renders it 
 a library-book, even for those who are not interested about natural history." 
 
 GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 
 
 27. 
 
 Dr. Hooker, F.R.S. 
 
 Flora Antarctica ; 
 
 Or, Botany of the Antarctic Voyage of H.M. Discovery Ships Erebus 
 and Terror, in the Years 1839-43, under the command of Captain Sir 
 J. C. Ross, F.R.S. By Dr. HOOKER, F.R.S. Published under the au- 
 thority of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. With 200 plates. 
 2 vols. royal 4to, price 10. 15s. coloured; 7- 10*. plain. 
 
 " The descriptions of the plants in this work are carefully drawn up, and much inter- 
 esting matter, critical, explanatory, and historical, is added in the form of notes. The 
 drawings of the plants are admirably executed by Mr. Fitch ; and we know of no produc- 
 tions from his pencil, or, in fact, any botanical illustrations at all, that are superior in 
 faithful representation and botanical correctness." ATITEN/EUM. 
 
 b 
 
10 ME. REEVE'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 28. 
 R. M. Stark. 
 
 A Popular History of British Mosses, 
 
 Comprising a General Account of their Structure, Fructification, Ar- 
 rangement, and General Distribution. By R. M. STARK, Esq. With 
 20 coloured plates. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10*. 6d. 
 
 " Mr. Stark has given as full and instructive an account of our wild Mosses as can 
 well be desired. It is founded avowedly upon the long labours of Sir William Hooker 
 in the same direction, and this alone guarantees the soundness of the author's syste- 
 matic ^views. All the genera and species of * Moss, 5 as that term is understood by 
 botanists, are clearly but succinctly described in the English language ; and to aid 
 the learner in understanding the subject, we find twenty coloured plates admirably 
 executed by Mr. Fitch. When we add that the work has a good index, the reader 
 will require no further assurance that it deserves to be strongly recommended." 
 
 GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 
 
 " * Popular British Mosses' is the best book we have seen upon the subject. The 
 plates are exquisite, and do justice to the grace and delicacy of the originals." 
 
 GUARDIAN. 
 
 29. 
 Miss Roberts. 
 
 Voices from the Woodlands ; 
 
 Descriptive of Forest Trees, Ferns, Mosses, and Lichens. By MARY 
 ROBERTS. With 20 coloured plates by Fitch. 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. 6d. 
 
 " The fair authoress of this pretty volume has shown more than the usual good 
 taste of her sex in the selection of her mode of conveying to the young interesting in- 
 struction upon pleasing topics. She bids them join in a ramble through the sylvan 
 wilds, arid at her command the fragile lichen, the gnarled oak, the towering beech, the 
 graceful chestnut, and the waving poplar, discourse eloquently, and tell their respective 
 histories and uses." BRITANNIA. 
 
 30. 
 Joseph. Woods, F.L.S. 
 
 The Tourist's Flora ; 
 
 A Descriptive Catalogue of the Flowering Plants and Ferns of the 
 British Islands, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. By JOSEPH 
 WOODS, F.L.S. With a plate. 
 
 8vo, price 18*. 
 
MR. IIEEVE'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 11 
 
 31. 
 
 Mrs. Hussey. 
 
 Illustrations of British Mycology ; 
 
 Or, Figures and Descriptions of the Funguses of interest and novelty in- 
 digenous to Britain. By Mrs. HUSSEY. 
 
 Royal 4to. First Series, 90 coloured plates, price 7. 12*. 6d. ; 
 Second Series, 50 plates, price 4. Is. 6d. 
 
 32. 
 Sir W. J. Hooker, F.B.S. 
 
 A Century of Orchidaceous Plants. 
 
 The Plates selected from Curtis's Botanical Magazine. The Descrip- 
 tions re-written by Sir W. J. HOOKER, F.R.S., Director of the Royal 
 Gardens of Kew ; with Introduction, and Instructions for their Culture, 
 by JOHN CHARLES LYONS. 100 coloured plates. 
 Royal 4to, price 5. 5s. 
 
 " In the exquisite illustrations to this splendid volume, full justice has been rendered 
 to the oddly formed and often brilliantly coloured flowers of this curious and interesting 
 tribe of plants." WESTMINSTER AND FOREIGN QUARTERLY KEVIEW. 
 
 33. 
 Dr. Hooker, F.B.S. 
 
 Cryptogamia Antarctica ; 
 
 Or, Cryptogamic Botany of the Antarctic Voyage of H.M. Ships 
 Erebus and Terror. Issued separately. With 72 plates. 
 Royal 4to, price 4. 4*. coloured; 2. 1? 's. plain. 
 
12 ME. REEVE'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 34. 
 Henry Sowerby. 
 
 Popular Mineralogy ; 
 
 Comprising a familiar Account of Minerals and their Uses. By HENRV 
 SOWERBY. With 20 coloured plates. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10.?. 6d. 
 
 "Mr. Sowerby has endeavoured to throw around his subject every attraction. His 
 work is fully and carefully illustrated with coloured plates." SPECTATOB. 
 
 35. 
 Adam White, F.L.S. 
 
 Popular History of Mammalia; 
 
 Containing a Familiar Account of their Classification and Habits. By 
 ADAM WHITE, F.L.S., of the British Museum. With sixteen coloured 
 plates of Quadrupeds, by B. WATERHOUSE HAWKINS, F.L.S. 
 Royal 16mo, price IQs. 6d. 
 
 " The present increase of our stores of anecdotal matter respecting every kind of 
 animal has been used with much tact by Mr. White, who has a terse chatty way of putting 
 down his reflections, mingled with easy familiarity, which every one accustomed daily 
 to zoological pursuits is sure to attain. The book is profusely illustrated." ATLAS. 
 
 36. 
 Francis Walker, F.L.S., and H. T. Stainton, 
 
 Insecta Britannica ; 
 
 Vols. I., II., and III., Diptera. By FRANCIS WALKER, F.L.S. With 
 30 plates. Vol. III., Lepidoptera: Tiiieina. By H. T. STAINTON, 
 With 10 plates. 
 
 8vo, price 25*. each. 
 
MR. REEVE'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 13 
 
 37. 
 
 Miss M. E. Catlow. 
 
 Popular British Entomology ; 
 
 Containing a familiar and technical Description of the Insects most 
 common to the British Isles. By MARIA E. CATLOW. Second Edition. 
 In twelve chapters, each being the entomological lesson for the month. 
 With 16 coloured plates. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. Qd. 
 
 " Judiciously executed, with excellent figures of the commoner species, for the use 
 of young beginners." ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 " Miss Catlow's * Popular British Entomology ' contains an introductory chapter or 
 two on classification, which are followed by brief generic and specific descriptions in 
 English of above 200 of the commoner British species, together with accurate figures 
 of about 70 of those described ; and will be quite a treasure to any one just commencing 
 the study of this fascinating science." 
 
 WESTMINSTER AND FOREIGN QUARTERLY EEVIEW. 
 
 38. 
 John Curtis, F.L.S. 
 
 Curtis' s British Entomology, 
 
 Being Illustrations and Descriptions of the Genera of Insects found in 
 Great Britain and Ireland, containing coloured figures, from nature, of 
 the most rare and beautiful species, and, in many instances, of the 
 plants upon which they are found. 
 
 Commenced in 1824 and completed in 1840, in 193 numbers, forming 16 
 volumes, price 43. 16y. Now offered to Subscribers, new and in the best 
 condition, with 770 coloured plates, at 21. 
 
 Re-issued also in Monthly Parts, price 3s. d. 
 Vols. I. to V. of the Re-issue now ready, price 42y. each. 
 
 " Vous savez qu'al'dgard d'un grand nombre d'especes, leur determination reclame 
 le secours de figures. II est done de mon devoir de vous indiquer les livres ou vous 
 trouverez les meilleures. Celui de M. Curtis, sur les genres d'insectes indigenes de 
 1'Angleterre, me parait avoir atteint Vultimatum de la perfection." LATREILLE. 
 
 " M. John Curtis, naturaliste Anglais, a commence la publication d'un Genera 
 icoriographique des genres d'insectes et de plantes propres a la Grande Bretagne, 
 Leurs caracteres y sont represented avec la plus grande fide'lite'." CUVIER. 
 
MR. REEVE'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 39. 
 
 G. B. Sowerby, F.L.S. 
 
 Popular British Comhology ; 
 
 Containing a familiar History of the Molluscs and Shells inhabiting 
 the British Isles. By G. B. SOWERBY, F.L.S. With 20 coloured 
 plates. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. 6d. 
 
 " Mr. G. B. Sowerby maintains the character of his father and grandfather as a 
 naturalist, and has here produced a very instructive volume as an introduction to the 
 study of shells. This work belongs to Mr. Reeve's illustrated series on Popular 
 Natural History, and is a worthy companion to some of the latter volumes, of the 
 value and interest of which we have spoken when they were published. It will be 
 seen by the title that this work is confined to British shells. It will be found a most 
 convenient handbook at the sea-side, as all the more common shells are not only 
 described, but illustrated. It will serve as an admirable introduction to the great 
 work on British Mollusca,' by the late Edward Forbes and Mr. Hanley." 
 
 ATHEN^UM. 
 
 40. 
 Lovell Keeve, F.L.S. 
 
 Elements of Conchology ; 
 
 Comprising the Physiological History of Shells and their Molluscous 
 Inhabitants; their Structure, Geographical Distribution, Habits, Cha- 
 racters, Affinities, Arrangement, and Enumeration of Species. By 
 LOVELL REEVE, F.L.S. Parts 1 to 10, with 50 coloured plates. 
 Royal 8vo, price 3*. 6d. each. 
 
 "The work before us is designed to promote a more philosophical spirit of inquiry 
 into the nature and origin of Shells." ECCLESIASTICAL REVIEW. 
 
 41. 
 Lovell Beeve, F.L.S. 
 
 Conchologia Systematical 
 
 Or, Complete System of Conchology ; in which the Lepades and Conchi- 
 ferous Mollusca are described and classified according to their Natural 
 Organization and Habits. By LOVELL REEVE, F.L.S. Illustrated with 
 300 plates of upwards of 1500 figures of Shells. 
 
 Two vols. 4to, price 10 coloured. 
 
MR. REEVE S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 15 
 
 42. 
 Lovell Reeve, F.L.S. 
 
 Concholoyia Iconica ; 
 
 . d. 
 
 ACHATINA ........................... 190 
 
 ACHATINELLA ....................... 080 
 
 AMPHIDESMA ........................ 09 
 
 AECA .................................. 11 
 
 ARTEMIS .............................. 13 
 
 BUCCINUM ........................... 18 
 
 BULIMUS .............................. 5 12 
 
 BULLIA 
 
 056 
 
 CAEBITA .. ............................ 11 6 
 
 80 
 
 LUCINA 
 LUTRARIA 
 
 Or, Figures and Descriptions of the Shells of Molluscous Animals, with 
 Critical Remarks on their Synonyms, Affinities, and Circumstances of 
 Habitation. By LOVELL REEVE, F.L.S. Published Monthly in Parts, 
 demy 4to, each containing eight plates, price 10s. 
 
 \_Part 156 just published. 
 In Monographs : 
 
 s. d. 
 
 MACTEA 166 
 
 MANGELIA 10 6 
 
 MESALIA. & EGLISIA 016 
 
 MESODESMA 056 
 
 MITEA 2 10 
 
 MONOCEEOS 056 
 
 MUEEX 256 
 
 MYADOEA 1 
 
 NASSA 1 17 
 
 NATICA 1 18 
 
 N"A vie ELLA & LATIA 010 
 
 NEEITA 1 4 
 
 OLIVA 
 
 ONISCIA 
 
 PALUDOMTJS 
 
 PAETULA 5 
 
 PATELLA 2 13 
 
 PECTES 246 
 
 PECTUNCULUS 11 6 
 
 PHOEUS 040 
 
 PLETJEOTOMA 2 10 6 
 
 PTEEOCEEA 080 
 
 PUEPUEA 17 
 
 PYEULA 11 6 
 
 RANELLA 10 6 
 
 RICINFLA 080 
 
 ROSTELLAEIA 046 
 
 SlPHONARIA 096 
 
 SPONDYLUS 130 
 
 STEOMBUS 146 
 
 STEUTHIOLAEIA 016 
 
 TURBINELLA 17 
 
 TRITON 156 
 
 TUEBO 17 
 
 TTJEEITELLA 14 6 
 
 VOLTTTA 180 
 
 CAEDIUM .............................. 1 
 
 CASSIDAEIA ......................... 01 
 
 CASSIS ................................. 15 6 
 
 CHAMA ................................. 11 6 
 
 CHITON .............................. 220 
 
 CHITONELLUS ........................ 016 
 
 CONUS ................................. 300 
 
 CORBULA .............................. 066 
 
 CEASSATELLA ........................ 040 
 
 CYPE.EA .............................. 1 14 
 
 CYPEICAEDIA ........................ 030 
 
 DELPHINULA ........................ 066 
 
 DOLIUM ... ........................... 10 6 
 
 DONAX ................................. 12 6 
 
 EBUENA .............................. 016 
 
 FASCIOLARIA ........................ 090 
 
 FICULA ............................... 
 
 FlSSUEELLA ......................... 1 
 
 Fusus ................................. 1 
 
 GLAUCONOME 
 
 HALIOTIS 
 
 HAEPA 
 
 HELIX 
 
 HEMIPECTEN 
 
 HINNITES 
 
 1 
 
 1 1 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 
 .............. 
 
 ISOCAEDIA ...... ..0 
 
 6 
 6 
 6 6 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 
 14 
 070 
 
 1 18 
 01 
 04 
 
 
 
 " This great work is intended to embrace a complete description and illustration of 
 the shells of molluscous animals ; and so far as we have seen, it is not such as to dis- 
 appoint the large expectations that have been formed respecting it. The figures of the 
 shells are all of full size : in the descriptions a careful analysis is given of the labours 
 of others ; and the author has apparently spared no pains to make the work a standard 
 authority on the subject of which it treats." ATHEN^UM. 
 
16 ME. REEVE'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 43. 
 
 Miss Roberts. 
 
 Popular History of the Mollusca ; 
 
 Comprising a Familiar Account of their Classification, Instincts, and 
 Habits, and of the Growth and Distinguishing Characters of their 
 Shells. By MARY ROBERTS. With 18 coloured plates by Wing. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. fid. 
 
 44. 
 Adam White, F.L.S. 
 
 Popular History of Birds. 
 
 By ADAM WHITE, F.L.S. With 20 coloured plates. 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. 6d. 
 
 45. 
 P. H. Gosse. 
 
 Popular British Ornithology ; 
 
 Containing a Familiar and Technical Description of the Birds of the 
 British Isles. By P. H. GOSSE. Second Edition. In twelve chapters, 
 each being the ornithological lesson for the month. With 20 coloured 
 plates. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10*. 6d. 
 
 " To render the subject of ornithology clear, and its study attractive, has been the 
 great aim of the author of this beautiful little volume. ... It is embellished by up- 
 wards of seventy figures of British birds beautifully coloured." 
 
 MORNING HERALD. 
 
ME. REEVE'S LIST OP PUBLICATIONS. 17 
 
 46. 
 Miss Catlow. 
 
 Drops of Water ; 
 
 Their marvellous and beautiful Inhabitants displayed by the Microscope. 
 By AGNES CATLOW. With 4 coloured plates. 
 
 Square 12mo, price 7*. d. 
 
 "An elegant little book, both in the getting up and its literature. . . . The text 
 is accompanied by coloured plates that exhibit the most remarkable creatures of the 
 watery world." SPECTATOR. 
 
 " Of the manner in which this work is executed, we can say that, like Miss Catlow's 
 previous productions on natural history, it displays an accurate acquaintance with the 
 subject, and a keen delight in the contemplation of the objects to which it is devoted. 
 As far as the living beings which inhabit ' Drops of Water ' are concerned, we know of 
 no better introduction to the use of the microscope than the present volume." 
 
 ATHENAEUM, 
 
 47. 
 Dr. Landsborough, A.L.S. 
 
 Popular History of British Zoophytes ; 
 
 By the Rev. D. LANDSBOROUGH, A.L.S., Member of the Wernerian 
 Society of Edinburgh. With 20 coloured plates. 
 
 Royal 16mo, price 10s. Qd. 
 
 " This work constitutes one of the popular series of scientific treatises which, from 
 the simplicity of their style, and the artistic excellence and correctness of their nu- 
 merous illustrations, has acquired a celebrity beyond that of any other series of modern 
 cheap works. With this manual of Zoophytes, and that upon Seaweeds by the same 
 author, the student can ramble along the sea-shores and glean knowledge from every 
 heap of tangled weed that lies in his pathway." LIVERPOOL STANDARD. 
 
18 MR. REEVE'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 48. 
 Dr. Thomson, F.L.S. 
 
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POPULAR BRITISH ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
I Satutrnk Pavorua ininor. 2. Odonestis -potatoria. 3. Gastropadia Quercifblia. . 4^ Arc.raa. 
 
POPULAR 
 
 BRITISH ENTOMOLOGY; 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 A FAMILIAE AND TECHNICAL DESCKIPTION OF THE INSECTS 
 MOST COMMON TO THE LOCALITIES OF THE 
 
 BRITISH ISLES. 
 
 BY 
 
 MARIA E. CATLOW. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 REEYE AND CO., HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN. 
 
 1852. 
 
JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, PRINTER, 
 LITTLE QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS. 
 
TO 
 
 A. AND s. j. 
 
 OF FITZHALL, SUSSEX, 
 
 THIS LITTLE WOEK, 
 
 INTENDED TO FACILITATE AND ENCOtJEAaE THE PURSUIT 
 OF 
 
 Britisfj iEntotnoIojpfg, 
 
 IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED, 
 BY THEIR SINCERE FRIEND, 
 
 THE AUTHOR, 
 
 BRIDGELAND, 
 
 August 21s/, 1846. 
 
QlOV 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 THE deeply interesting branch of Natural History which 
 this little volume is intended to illustrate, is one that cannot 
 fail to prove attractive to those who engage in its pursuit ; 
 not only from the extreme beauty and variety of colour and 
 form displayed by the insect world, (though in these respects 
 almost unrivalled,) but also from the unbounded proofs of 
 the Divine goodness and wisdom evinced, in the adaptation 
 of each member in its numerous families to the purposes 
 of creation; and in the instincts bestowed upon them, by 
 which these purposes are fulfilled. 
 
 The limits assigned to the work will, of course, only 
 admit the description of a portion of the species indigenous 
 
 M361012 
 
VI PEEFACE. 
 
 in this country ; but it is hoped that an acquaintance with 
 those insects which have been selected as examples of their 
 class, for their superior beauty or interest, will prepare the 
 student for the profitable reading of those extended works, 
 which he will more readily comprehend, from having his 
 attention directed, in the commencement of the study, to a 
 comparatively few leading particulars. 
 
 When these are well understood, and a tolerably accurate 
 idea is gained of the peculiarities of the Orders and Families, 
 the young Entomologist will turn with more satisfaction 
 and interest to the examination of works devoted to the 
 elucidation of the Genera and Species. Eor this purpose 
 the advanced student should consult Curtis's ' British Ento- 
 mology/ which has the advantage of beautifully-executed 
 coloured illustrations ; Westwood's ' Entomologist's Compen- 
 dium' and ' Introduction to the Classification of Insects;' 
 and for ample information on the history, habits, and uses 
 of the insect tribe, Kirby and Spence's Introduction will be 
 found highly profitable and interesting. 
 
PREFACE. Vll 
 
 The attention of the reader may also be profitably directed 
 to another work entitled ' Episodes of Insect Life/ in which 
 the Instincts and Habits of Insects are described through 
 the agreeable medium of a series of Essays, combining in a 
 novel form an admixture of the Eeal and Ideal of Entomo- 
 logical life, adapted to the months of the year. 
 
 To the works of Curtis, Westwood, and Kirby and Spence 
 the author of this volume is deeply indebted, and their 
 valuable details being too voluminous and expensive for the 
 generality of young students, will, she trusts, be deemed 
 sufficient apology for the endeavour to open an easy and 
 pleasant path to that pursuit, which they have so ably illus- 
 trated by their talents and research. 
 
 In the first chapter, the author has given a concise intro- 
 dution to the subject, explanatory of the different parts 
 into which insects are scientifically divided by Entomolo- 
 gists, omitting those minor details only, which are merely 
 useful to the anatomist, or to those wishing to enter more 
 minutely into the dissection of specimens, than the readers 
 
Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 of this little work are supposed able or willing to do. The 
 second chapter is devoted to the classification; the eight 
 following embrace a description of as many species as the 
 space will admit, with notices of the most interesting 
 families, their uses and peculiarities; and the two last 
 chapters contain an account of the various methods of 
 capturing and preparing insects for the cabinet; the in- 
 juries and benefits derived from them by man; a short 
 account of fossil insects, abridged from Burmeister's Intro- 
 duction ; with other useful and interesting particulars. 
 
LIST OF PLATES. 
 
 PLATE I. 
 
 
 Fig. 
 
 Kg. 
 
 Page 
 
 2 Lit 
 
 1 Cicindela campestris .... 
 
 91 
 
 3Ph 
 
 2 Carabus nit ens 
 
 89 
 
 4 An 
 
 3 Gyrinus natator . . . 
 
 92 
 
 
 4 Hydrous piceus 
 
 65 
 
 
 5 Staphy linns olens 
 
 90 
 
 IPa 
 
 6 IJampyris noctilnca 
 
 108 
 
 2 Go 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3Po 
 
 PLATE H. 
 
 
 
 1 Necrophorus hnmator . . . 
 
 146 
 
 
 2 Silpha quadripnnctata . . 
 
 66 
 
 1 An 
 
 3 Lucanns cervns 
 
 148 
 
 2Le 
 
 4 Rhynchites populi 
 
 150 
 
 3Pi( 
 
 5 Chrysomela fastnosa 
 
 91 
 
 4M< 
 
 6 Coccinella 7-pnnctata . . . 
 
 67 
 
 
 PLATE III. 
 
 
 1 Ar 
 
 1 Stylops Dalii 
 
 193 
 
 2 
 
 2 Aclieta domestica 
 
 69 
 
 3 Vs 
 
 3 Gryllotalpa vulgaris 
 
 68 
 
 4 
 
 4 Gryllns viridissimns 
 
 241 
 
 
 PLATE IV. 
 
 
 iCy 
 
 1 Ephemera vulgata 
 
 113 
 
 2A r 
 
 2 Libellula depressa . . . 
 
 3 Phryganea grandis . . 
 
 4 Andrena nigro-senea 
 
 Page 
 
 94 
 154 
 114 
 
 PLATE V. 
 
 1 Papilio Machaon 119 
 
 2 Gonepteryx rliamni 77 
 
 3 Pontia brassiere 121 
 
 PLATE VI. 
 
 1 Anthocaris cardamines . . 97 
 
 2 Leucopliasia sinapis 126 
 
 3 Pieris cratsegi 164 
 
 4 Melitsea Enphrosyne .... 127 
 
 PLATE VII. 
 1 Argynnis Adippe 159 
 
 paphia 195 
 
 3 Vanessa urticse 161 
 
 Atalanta 242 
 
 PLATE VIII. 
 
 1 Cynthia cardui 223 
 
 2 Apatura Iris 204 
 
LIST OF PLATES. 
 
 Fig. Page 
 
 3 Limenitis Camilla 205 
 
 4 Hipparchia Megsera 99 
 
 PLATE IX. 
 
 1 Hipparchia ^Egeria 98 
 
 2 Thecla quercus 202 
 
 3 rubi 129 
 
 4 Lycsena phleas 130 
 
 5 Polyommatus argiolus . . . 124 
 6 Alexis 123 
 
 PLATE X. 
 
 1 Thymele alveolus 100 
 
 2 Pamphila linea 206 
 
 3 Anthrocera filipendulae . 207 
 
 4 Smerintlius ocellatus .... 164 
 5 tilise 135 
 
 PLATE XI. 
 
 1 Aclierontia Atropos 243 
 
 2 Sesia fuciformis 134 
 
 PLATE XII. 
 
 1 Sphinx ligustri 230 
 
 2 Deilephila euphorbias . . . 165 
 
 3 Macroglossa stellatarum 166 
 
 PLATE XTIT. 
 
 Fig. Page 
 
 1 Sphinx convolvuli 244 
 
 2 Cossus ligniperda 233 
 
 3 Thyatira Batis 170 
 
 PLATE XIV. 
 
 1 Plusia chrysitis 102 
 
 2 Catocala nupta , 212 
 
 3 Abraxus grossulariata ... 174 
 
 4 Pterophorus pentadacty- 
 
 lus 245 
 
 5 Alucita hexadactyla 245 
 
 PLATE XV. 
 
 1 Aphis rosse 76 
 
 2 Notonecta glauca 69 
 
 3 Culex pipiens 78 
 
 4 Cheironomus plumosus . 179 
 
 5 Tabanus bovinus 177 
 
 FKONTISPIECE. 
 
 1 Saturnia pavonia minor 101 
 
 2 Odonestis potatoria 233 
 
 3 Gastropacha quercifolia 232 
 
 4 Arctia villica... . 136 
 
POPULAR 
 
 BRITISH ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 JANUARY. 
 
 THERE is no branch of Natural History more interesting, 
 and few, more within the reach of students, than that of 
 Entomology : none, certainly, in which they will find more 
 abundant proofs of the wisdom and goodness of that great 
 Being, who is equally the Creator of the gigantic whale 
 and the diminutive animalcule, of the majestic oak which 
 flourishes a thousand years, and the fleeting ephemera which 
 fulfils its appointed duties, and lays down its little life in the 
 space of a few hours, of the mightiest intellect which ever 
 adorned the world, and the instinct which teaches the parent 
 moth to lay its eggs on that plant which will afford fitting 
 
 B 
 
POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 nourishment to the young larvse so different to herself in 
 form and habits. 
 
 The insect world is replete with wonders, and a whole life 
 passed in research would fail to exhaust the pleasure deriv- 
 able Jrom its attentive pursuit, more particularly to those 
 who in the study of the creature do not lose sight of the 
 Creator, but look 
 
 " Through Nature up to Nature's God." 
 
 What, for instance, can be more beautiful or surprising thari 
 the transformations which most insects undergo ? Hatched 
 in the form of a caterpillar, then becoming nearly torpid in 
 the pupa state, which they exchange for that of the imago 
 or perfect insect, and in each of these very different condi- 
 tions exhibiting instincts adapted to the medium in which 
 they are placed, and the functions necessary to their exist- 
 ence. A little insight into the subject will be gained by the 
 following explanation. The four stages of an insect's life 
 are the egg, larva, pupa, and imago. The eggs are usually 
 of an oval form, though some species vary considerably in 
 shape, being globular, conical, cylindrical, pear-shaped, etc. 
 They are for the most part smooth, but many are beautifully 
 ornamented, the colour also varying considerably : white, 
 yellow, and green are the usual tints, yet orange, red, brown, 
 
JANUARY. 3 
 
 black, and blue are to be found ; others are banded, as, for 
 example, those of the Pine Moth, which are blue, with three 
 brown zones. The number of eggs deposited by insects is 
 very considerable : the Queen Bee produces from 40,000 
 to 50,000 in the course of the year; one species of Moth, 
 according to Lyonnet, produces 1,000,000 young in the 
 third generation, and the Aphis observed by Eeaumur pro- 
 duced at the fourth generation 5,904,900,000 individuals. 
 The period which ensues before the egg is hatched, depends 
 on the temperature of the atmosphere, as well as the kind 
 of insect, varying from a few hours, as in the Meat-Fly, to 
 some months, and as a general rule those eggs which are 
 laid in the autumn are not hatched before the next spring. 
 In the larva, the next state of existence, the principal occu- 
 pation of insects is to eat and grow : in this condition they 
 are called caterpillars, grubs, or maggots, but the proper 
 and more scientific name is larva. Of these there are two 
 kinds those which in their general form have some resem- 
 blance to the perfect insect, such as the Orders OrtJioptera, 
 Hemiptera, Homoptera, and part of the order Neuroptera ; 
 and those which are quite unlike, comprising, with few excep- 
 tions, the Orders Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Dip- 
 tera, and part of Neuroptera. These last-mentioned larvae are 
 
4 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 of various forms, and are divided into two principal classes 
 those having a distinct scaly head, including many of our 
 principal insects, and those without a distinct head, as the 
 majority of the two-winged Mies ; the minor distinctions 
 depend principally on the number of the legs and prolegs, 
 but for these the student must refer to larger works. Hav- 
 ing attained its full size after several times changing the skin, 
 the larva undergoes its final and most important transfor- 
 mation, appearing in quite a different shape, that of the pupa, 
 during the period of which it remains more or less inactive, 
 and would be liable to destruction were it not for the ad- 
 mirable instinct shown by the larva in preparing for the 
 new state of existence to which it is destined. Here again 
 the distinctions are too multiplied to be fully entered into 
 in so slight a sketch as the present, though the whole may 
 be classed under two heads those whose transformation is 
 partial, and those in which it is complete. Lirmseus divided 
 them into five kinds, as follows : 
 
 Pupa cow/pleta, active, with all the parts of the perfect 
 insect : example, Aranea, the Spider. 
 
 Pupa semi-completa, active, resembling the parent, but 
 having only the rudiments of wings : example, Gryllus, the 
 Grasshopper. 
 
JANUARY. 5 
 
 Pupa incompleta, inactive, but with mdimental legs and 
 wings : example, Apis, the Bee. 
 
 Pupa oMecta, the thorax and body distinct, enclosed in a 
 scaly covering, and either naked or in a cocoon : example, 
 Lepidcptera, the Butterfly and Moth. 
 
 Pupa coarctata, enclosed within a case formed of the 
 skin of the larva : example, Musca, the Fly. 
 
 The first of these is now inadmissible, as the creatures 
 composing it are no longer classed with insects. More 
 modern entomologists have altered these arrangements, par- 
 ticularly Latreille; but leaving these somewhat intricate 
 questions, we will endeavour rather to gain a general idea 
 of this state of the insect world, which is interesting from 
 its being prior to the imago or perfect condition. 
 
 Pupae are generally of a dirty white colour, when their 
 habitation is underground ; some however are of a dark 
 bright brown, and those which have more exposure to the 
 action of light are variable in their tints, some being of 
 bright colours and gilded, as in the chrysalides of many 
 Butterflies. The period passed in the pupa state depends 
 greatly on the temperature of the atmosphere, as Provi- 
 dence has wisely ordained that the developement of the 
 perfect insect shall not take place till its proper sustenance 
 
POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 is prepared, and a suitable provision made for the deposi- 
 tion of the eggs in a proper locality. 
 
 The imago, or perfect insect, on first emerging from the 
 pupa-case, is frequently in an imperfect condition. In the 
 Order Lepidoptera, for instance, the antennse are bent 
 down, and the wings crumpled, small, and shapeless ; but 
 in a short time these are gradually unfolded, and assume 
 their proper form ; the elytra of the Coleoptera gain their 
 beautiful colours, and what before seemed a half-formed 
 mass is changed into an insect decked with the most bril- 
 liant hues, and rejoicing in its new and happy existence. 
 The operation of expanding the wings generally occupies 
 but a few minutes, though some Butterflies require nearly 
 an hour, and several species of Sphinx even a day. In the 
 Ephemera this process is almost instantaneous, some of them 
 however undergoing another slight metamorphosis after 
 they have quitted the pupariurn: fixing themselves upon some 
 object, they draw every part of their body, even the legs 
 and wings, from a thin pellicle or skin, which covered them 
 like a glove, and so exactly do these exuvias resemble the in- 
 sect, that they may at first sight be mistaken for it. Many 
 similar examples might be brought forward, as proofs of the 
 interesting facts discoverable in the study of these ' ' living 
 
JANUARY. 7 
 
 gems/' but as they will be better understood and more ap- 
 preciated when the technical terms are a little more familiar, 
 we will proceed to the explanation of those more commonly 
 used, after giving a slight sketch of the plan pursued in this 
 brief epitome. 
 
 As this work is intended for those who wish to gain a 
 somewhat scientific insight into the subject, yet are wanting 
 in time or inclination to dive into the many valuable works 
 written on this branch of Natural History, I shall first give 
 a short account of the Classes and Orders established by 
 those modern Entomologists who are deemed good autho- 
 rities (though every year, in the present advancing state 
 of the science, calls for. slight changes and modifications 
 in the system) ; and then commencing with the month of 
 March, the first in which the study would be prosecuted 
 with much success, describe as many of those insects as 
 the limits of the work will allow, which are likely to at- 
 tract the eye or interest the mind of the young student. 
 These will embrace the whole of the British Butterflies, as 
 being the most beautiful and attractive of the insect world ; 
 many of our most common Moths and Beetles ; and such 
 other insects as are likely to come under the observation of 
 the lover of Nature. To those who are sufficiently inter- 
 
POPULAE ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 ested in the pursuit to devote to it more time and research, 
 the valuable works of Kirby and Spence, and many others, 
 will afford ample occupation and enjoyment ; and should 
 any be led to these by this unpretending little pilot, the 
 writer will proudly resign them into the hands of more able 
 guides, satisfied that they cannot examine even the eye or an 
 insect, or the down on its wing, without strengthening their 
 belief in the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Creator. 
 
 The branch of Natural History we are about to examine 
 derives its name, Entomology, from two Greek words, sig- 
 nifying an insect and a discourse ; the term insect, from the 
 Latin insecta, meaning an animal divided into numerous 
 parts or segments. Insects are further distinguished by 
 being invariably furnished with six legs, a head distinct from 
 the body, two antennae, and by their breathing through pores, 
 or tracheee. 
 
 Insects are divided into three parts': the head, which con- 
 tains the organs of sensation ; the thorax, or trunk, which 
 includes the organs of motion ; and the rest of the body, 
 containing the organs of respiration. 
 
 With respect to the mouth, insects have been divided by 
 some authors into two sub-classes, MANDIBULATA, those 
 furnished with two pair of jaws, called mandibnla and 
 
JANUARY. 
 
 maxilla, by which they gnaw their food ; and HAUSTELLATA, 
 where these jaws are replaced by minute laminae forming a 
 kind of sucker, haustellum, which is received into a sheath, 
 the insects of this class procure their food by suction, 
 either from animal or vegetable substances. The other parts 
 of the mouth are the palpi, or feelers, small moveable ap- 
 pendages placed on each side, which vary in size and num- 
 ber ; the promuscis or rostrum being the part forming the 
 mouth in many of the sucking insects; the proboscis, or 
 sheath, which contains the trophi, or organs of the mouth 
 in Dipterous insects ; and the antlia, or suckers, the organs 
 constituting the principal part of the mouth in Lepidoptera. 
 This organ is generally very slender ; in the family Sphingida 
 it is long, in Papilionida much shorter ; in a state of rest 
 it is rolled spirally between the palpi. 
 
 The eyes of insects are of two kinds, simple and com- 
 pound, horny, immoveable, and unprotected by any eyelid. 
 When closely examined, they are found to consist of a great 
 number of minute hexagonal lenses, each of which forms a 
 distinct organ of vision ; of these, the common Ply possesses 
 4000, the Silk-worm Moth 6236, and some Butterflies 
 17,355 : when detached from the head and cleaned, they 
 are found to be as clear as crystal. The celebrated naturalist 
 
10 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 Beaumur fitted one to a lens, and found that he could see 
 through it distinctly, the object being greatly magnified. 
 Sometimes the eyes are divided by means of the antennae, 
 which are inserted in the middle, but generally they are 
 entire; in some instances they are placed at the end of 
 footstalks, and in a few insects the eyes seem entirely want- 
 ing. The organ of hearing is not manifest in insects, 
 though most of them possess this faculty in a certain degree, 
 as is evident from the power many individuals have of pro- 
 ducing sound, which would be a useless gift were the other 
 wanting. The sense of smell is shown by their instantly 
 discovering and crowding to those places where food agree- 
 able to them is to be found. Some naturalists are inclined 
 to believe this sense to exist in the antennae ; others transfer 
 the sensation to the palpi, and from experiments which have 
 been made on Bees, it seems probable that the chief sensa- 
 tions are communicated by the mouth, from the fact of the 
 proboscis being more or less developed, as the palpi are 
 minute or wanting. M. Lamarck considers this idea as 
 probably the correct one. 
 
 The organs of touch are usually supposed to exist in the 
 antennce, or feelers ; for the body, being in general hard or 
 horny, can but slightly communicate the sense of feeling. 
 
JANUARY. 11 
 
 The antennae are the two moveable appendages like horns, 
 which are so characteristic of insects; they are of various 
 forms, and assist greatly in determining the genera; it is 
 therefore necessary that the student should be acquainted 
 with the principal varieties they assume, and the names by 
 which they are distinguished. Some authors present a for- 
 midable list, but the most common are as follow : Setaceous, 
 when they gradually taper towards the extremity. Clavate, 
 when they grow thicker from the base. Filiform, when of 
 an equal thickness throughout. Moniliform, when composed 
 of a series of knots, resembling a string of beads. Capitate, 
 when they terminate in a knob. Fissile, when the knob is 
 divided longitudinally into laminae or plates. Per/Mate, 
 having the knob divided horizontally. Pectinate, having a 
 longitudinal series of processes like hairs, projecting from 
 them in the form of a comb. Plumose, when they resemble 
 a feather. Prismatic, when like a prism, or formed of three 
 sides. Fusiform, small at the two extremities, and thick in 
 the centre, like a spindle. Furcate, when the antennae are 
 divided into two branches like a fork. 
 
 The number of joints in the antennas varies considerably. 
 Coleopterous insects have in general eleven joints ; the sting- 
 ing portion of the order Hymenoptera twelve or thirteen, 
 
12 POPULAR, ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 according to the sex; in Lepidoptera and some others they 
 are much more numerous. A great diversity also often 
 exists in the structure of these organs in the opposite sexes 
 of the same species. 
 
 The elytra, or wing-cases, are the hard coverings which 
 conceal the wings of the order Coleoptera and others ; they 
 open longitudinally, and the difference in their form affords 
 generic and specific characters. The ala, or wings, are the 
 organs of flight : insects possess either two or four, when 
 not entirely wanting; where there are only two, they are of 
 a uniform size arid appearance ; when four, they most fre- 
 quently differ, the first or anterior pair being larger than 
 the other. These appendages are membranous, elastic, ge- 
 nerally transparent, attached to the upper side of the thorax, 
 and intersected with nerves, which sometimes form a kind 
 of net-work. In Wasps and Bees the wings are naked and 
 transparent; in Butterflies they are covered with minute 
 scales, embellished with the liveliest colours ; in the Caddice 
 Mies they are clothed with fine hairs, whence the name of 
 the order TricJwptera. Halteres, or poisers, are two short 
 nioveable appendages placed near the origin of each wing ; 
 this organ is peculiar to the two-winged insects. 
 
 The aculeus, or sting, is the instrument by which insects 
 
JANUARY. 13 
 
 wound and instil a poison ; it is used both as an offensive 
 and defensive weapon. The ovipositor is the instrument 
 which serves to pierce wood or the bodies of animals, in 
 order to deposit eggs. 
 
 The legs in insects are divided into the coxa, or hip, of 
 two joints ; the femur, or thigh ; the tibia, or leg ; and the 
 tarsus, or toe. The number of joints in the tarsus is in 
 some orders constantly five, but in others it varies from 
 one to five, and sometimes the posterior or hinder tarsi 
 have a joint less than the anterior. Upon the differences 
 in these numbers are established the chief divisions in the 
 order Coleoptera. The last joint of the tarsi is almost 
 always- terminated by two hooks. 
 
 In the form of the feet, and more particularly of the 
 tarsi, there are many varieties, according to the habits of the 
 insects. The anterior pair have sometimes the femur or thigh 
 grooved and armed with dentations, and the tarsi terminated 
 by a strong spine : insects having the anterior feet con- 
 structed in this manner, use them for seizing their prey, 
 and are termed Raptorii. Others have the tarsi flat and 
 hairy, this form enabling the insect to employ them as oars, 
 or for swimming ; these are called Natatorii. In the Bee 
 family the legs are formed in such a manner as to brush off 
 
14 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 the pollen from the stamens of flowers ; and in other species 
 the anterior legs are broad and spined, thus being calculated 
 for digging in the earth. When the upper part of the leg is 
 slender and cylindrical, the motion is generally confined to 
 walking ; when thick and apparently swelled, the insect is 
 usually capable of swimming or leaping, as this peculiarity 
 indicates greater muscular power. The muscles in most 
 insects are very numerous, and of course exceedingly mi- 
 nute; in the Caterpillar of one species, Lyonnet counted 
 more than four thousand, while those of the human body 
 do not exceed five hundred and twenty-nine; from this 
 cause many Caterpillars can suspend themselves in a hori- 
 zontal posture for some hours ; most persons have noticed 
 one curious species which has the appearance of a dried 
 twig, both in colour and in the perfect rigidity of the atti- 
 tude it assumes. 
 
 These are the principal terms necessarily used in the 
 description of insects; others more technical may be dis- 
 pensed with till the student is further advanced in the 
 science. The next month may be occupied in studying the 
 modern classification, adopted, with some modifications, by 
 Leach, Latreille, Kirby, Curtis, Westwood, and other 
 modern Entomologists. 
 
15 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 FEBRUARY. 
 
 WE will now enter briefly into an explanation of the 
 Orders which this little work is intended to illustrate, pre- 
 mising that in consulting Rther works when advanced in 
 the study, the young entomologist must expect to meet with 
 various opinions on these, as well as the minor divisions 
 in the classification. Orders are entirely omitted by some 
 which are considered indispensable by others, or new names 
 introduced where the order itself is recognized. This di- 
 versity of arrangement cannot be wondered at, when we 
 consider the vast number of insects to be classed, the great 
 variety in their structure, and the constant discoveries 
 which are made in the science. The system here adopted 
 is that followed by many eminent naturalists, and some 
 
16 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 orders are retained, though considered unnecessary by other 
 entomologists of equal celebrity; these may be easily dis- 
 missed by those students who gain sufficient experience 
 from the works of Nature and the study of science to be 
 enabled to form their own opinion; while to the mere ama- 
 teur it is of little importance, and certainly unadvisable, to 
 enter into questions which the learned cannot satisfactorily 
 set at rest. 
 
 Insects constitute the fifth class in the third sub-kingdom 
 of animated nature. Some authors make two great divi- 
 sions, Ametabola, insects undergoing no metamorphosis, and 
 Hetalola, those which undergo the three great changes 
 from larva to pupa, and thence to the imago or perfect in- 
 sect; but the latter of these divisions only will be consi- 
 dered, as the former consists of insects little interesting to 
 a beginner in the science, and indeed their situation is 
 much disputed by entomologists. They consist of THYSAN- 
 AUEA, divided into two small families, Lepismida and Podu- 
 rida, minute insects without wings, found under stones, 
 and floating on w r ater; and ANOPLUEA, also divided into 
 two families, Pediculida arid Nirmida, these consist of 
 the parasitic insects which are found living on animals and 
 birds, known by the general name of Lice. 
 
FEBRUARY. 17 
 
 METABOLA, 
 
 Insects undergoing transformation. 
 
 ORDER I. COLEOPTEBA, Aristotle. 
 
 Characters. Elytra horny or crustaceous, witli a straight suture 
 or opening ; wings two, membranous, longitudinally and trans- 
 versely folded when at rest ; mouth with transversely moveable 
 jaws ; antenna generally consisting of eleven joints. 
 
 This Order is divided into four sections and many families. 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 PENTAMERA. Tarsi five-jointed. 
 
 1. CicindelidcB. Antennae long and slender; legs long and 
 
 formed for running ; maxillae armed with a claw ; body 
 generally oblong; eyes prominent; colour generally 
 brilliant; size moderate. Locality, hot sandy districts. 
 
 2. Carabidce. Antennae filiform; legs long and slender; 
 
 maxillae with no moveable claw; body oblong; eyes 
 but slightly prominent ; wings often wanting. Loca- 
 lity, under stones and moss. 
 
 3. Dyticida. Antennae long and slender; anterior legs 
 
 short; hinder pair formed for swimming; mandibles 
 short and strong ; maxillae curved from the base ; body 
 
 c 
 
18 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 oval, and generally depressed ; eyes slightly prominent ; 
 colour generally dark brown, olive, or black. Locality, 
 stagnant water, but occasionally found flying. 
 
 4. Gyrinida. Antennae very short; anterior legs long; 
 
 four posterior legs very short and flat; mandibles 
 short, horny, and notched; maxillae flat, curved, and 
 acute at the tip ; body generally ovate and depressed ; 
 eyes consisting of two pair ; colour metallic ; size small. 
 Locality, running water, though sometimes found flying. 
 
 5. Hydrophilida. Antennae clavate ; legs formed for swim- 
 
 ming, and hairy; mandibles much toothed; maxillae, 
 outer lobe short and broad ; body hemispherical and 
 convex; maxillary palpi very long; colour generally 
 obscure ; size large. Locality, water and water-plants. 
 
 6. Silphidtf. Antennae thickened at the tip; mandibles 
 
 very strong ; maxillae with two lobes ; palpi filiform ; 
 body depressed ; colour obscure ; size moderate. Lo- 
 cality, dead animal matter. 
 
 7. Dermestida. Antennae short and clavate; legs short; 
 
 jaws short and thick; body thick and oblong, rounded 
 at each end, and clothed with scales or hairs, which 
 give it a variety of tints; size small. Localities,. dried 
 skins and fur, also bacon, books,, etc. 
 
FEBRUARY. 19 
 
 8. Stophylwida* Antennse rather short; legs robust; 
 jaws very powerful ; body long, narrow, and depressed 
 in form; elytra much shorter than the body; colour 
 frequently black. Localities, putrescent plants, fungi, 
 flowers, and under the bark of trees. 
 
 9. Byrrkida* Antennae more or less clavate; legs con- 
 
 tractile, that is, the tarsi can be laid close to the surface 
 of the tibia; elytra covering the body; body short, 
 oval, or rounded, very convex ; colour obscure. Loca- 
 lities, sand-pits and foot-paths. 
 
 10. Histeridce. Antennae short and elbowed ; legs toothed, 
 The two posterior pair being inserted widely apart; 
 mandibles very robust ; maxillse long ; palpi filiform ; 
 elytra short and truncate, leaving the body exposed ; 
 body square and highly polished; colour black and 
 shining, sometimes varied with spots; size small. 
 Localities, bark of trees and dung. 
 
 11. Lucanida. Antennse elbowed, and terminated by a 
 club ; fore legs generally longer than the others ; man- 
 dibles very large ; elytra covering the body ; body ob- 
 long, oval, and depressed ; colour black ; size large. 
 Locality, trunks of trees. 
 
 12. Geotrupida. Antennse with a large club; mandibles 
 
20 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 horny and curved; elytra smooth or simply striated; 
 body short, thick, and convex; colour metallic under- 
 neath, generally black above ; size moderate. Locality, 
 fresh dung. 
 
 13. Scarabida. Antennae with a three-jointed club; legs 
 long, posterior pair placed far back; clypeus"* large 
 and advanced ; mandibles terminating in a long mem- 
 branaceous plate ; elytra somewhat square behind ; 
 body broad and depressed ; colour usually black ; size 
 small. Locality, manure. 
 
 14. Aphodida. Antennae with a three-jointed club; man- 
 dibles short and dilated ; legs at equal distances ; body 
 elongated, oblong, or oval, and rounded at the extre- 
 mity ; clypeus large, concealing the mandibles ; colour 
 often black ; size very minute. Locality, sandy situa- 
 tions. 
 
 15. Trogidce. Antennae with a three-jointed club; man- 
 
 dibles horny ; maxillae with two lobes ; head deflexedf ; 
 wings sometimes wanting; body ovate; colour obscure. 
 Locality, sand-pits. 
 
 16. Melolontkida. Antennae with a large club, of several 
 
 plates; mandibles robust and horny; maxillae with acute 
 
 * Shield of the niouth. f Bent down. 
 
FEBRUARY. 21 
 
 teeth ; clypeus large ; elytra shorter than the body ; 
 body ovate and convex; colour rarely metallic, the 
 body being generally covered with minute scales ; size 
 large. Localities, trees and. hedges. 
 
 17. CetonidcB. Antennse ten-jointed; mandibles slender 
 and compressed ; maxillse horny, with the inner margin 
 membranous ; elytra shorter than the body ; body de- 
 pressed, generally oval, the front of the breast some- 
 times produced to a point ; colour brilliant ; size mo- 
 derate. Localities, trees and flowers. 
 
 18. Buprestida. Antennse short and serrated; legs short; 
 
 mandibles short, entire at the tips, and triangular; 
 elytra narrow at the tips ; body oblong and depressed, 
 sometimes linear, with a projection in front in some 
 species, in others, at the end of the body ; colour very 
 splendid in exotic species; size small. Localities, 
 forests and timber. 
 
 19. Elateridce. Antennse short and serrated; legs short; 
 
 mandibles bifid"*; maxillae two-lobed; body long and 
 narrow, produced behind into an acute point ; colour 
 obscure; size small. Localities, flowers, plants, and 
 grass. 
 
 * Divided into two at the end. 
 
22 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 20. Lampyrida. Antennse filiform; mandibles small, acute, 
 
 and curved; maxillse small; elytra sometimes short; 
 eyes large ; body long, depressed, and soft ; colour 
 obscure ; size small. Localities, meadows and hedges. 
 
 21. TelepAorida, Antennae simple and moderately long; 
 mandibles acute and curved ; wings and elytra perfect ; 
 body long, narrow, and soft; colour generally dull; 
 size small. Locality, flowers. 
 
 22. Melyridae. Antennee moderately long, serrated or pec- 
 
 tinated ; body long, ovate, slightly convex, and soft ; 
 colour bright green and red, conspicuous ; size small. 
 Locality, flowers. 
 
 23. Clerida. Antennse short, sometimes filiform, and 
 serrated, sometimes clavated; mandibles with several 
 teeth ; body long, often cylindric ; colour variegated ; 
 size small. Localities, flowers, bark, and dry wood. 
 
 24. Ptinida. Antennse moderately long, filiform, pectinate 
 
 or serrated ; mandibles small and toothed ; body oval, 
 but generally obtuse at each end; colour obscure. 
 Localities, old houses, paling, and stumps of trees. 
 
 25. Lymexylonida. Antennse short; mandibles short, 
 
 thick, and obtusely toothed; head separated from the 
 thorax by a narrow neck ; body linear. Locality, woods. 
 
FEBRUARY. 23 
 
 26. Bostrichida. Antennse short, with a three-jointed 
 
 club ; mandibles robust ; thorax forming a shield over 
 the head ; body cylindrical ; size small. Locality, trunks 
 of trees. 
 
 27. Scydmexida. Antennse as long as the head and thorax ; 
 
 mandibles toothed ; legs long and slender ; size very 
 minute. Locality, under stones and moss. 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 HETEROMERA. Five joints in the first four tarsi, and four in 
 the hindmost. 
 
 1. Notoxida. Antennse filiform, or slightly thickened at 
 
 the tips; mandibles strong, triangular or quadrate; 
 maxillary palpi terminated in a large hatchet-shaped 
 joint ; thorax narrow behind ; size minute. Localities, 
 sandy situations and various plants. 
 
 2. Pyrockroidce. Antennse in the males generally pecti- 
 
 nated or serrated ; mandibles acutely notched at the 
 tips ; maxillary palpi serrated ; body narrow in front ; 
 elytra covering the body; colour red. Localities, 
 flowers and leaves. 
 
 3. Itagriida. Antennse filiform; mandibles short and 
 
 thick ; maxillary palpi, last joint triangular ; head and 
 
24 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 thorax narrower than the elytra. Localities, hedges 
 and woods. 
 
 4. Mordellida. Antennae short and pectinated; thorax 
 
 semicircular ; body elevated and arched ; head inserted 
 very low ; hind legs broad and compressed ; colour 
 variegated; size small. Locality, flowers, particularly 
 whitethorn. 
 
 5. Cantkaridtf. Antennae generally filiform; mandibles 
 
 ending in a simple point ; palpi filiform ; head dilated 
 behind the eyes, and suddenly narrowed into a short 
 neck; elytra bent down at the sides; colour varie- 
 gated ; size moderate. Locality, vegetable substances. 
 
 6. Salpingidte. Antennae inserted at the base of the eyes; 
 
 palpi short and filiform ; legs slender ; head produced 
 into a snout; body oval, or oblong and depressed; 
 colour bright; size small. Localities, bark of trees, 
 and flowers. 
 
 7. JlMmenda. Antennas moderately long, and filiform; 
 
 mandibles triangular, terminated in a bifid point ; head 
 more or less elongated ; body often long and narrow ; 
 colour generally lively; size moderate. Locality, 
 flowers. 
 
 8. Melandryidce. Antennae short and filiform; mandibles 
 
FEBRUARY. 25 
 
 short; maxillary palpi three-jointed, end joints very 
 large, and often serrated; body long and depressed; 
 hind legs formed for leaping in some species ; mouth 
 not prolonged ; colour obscure ; size small. Locality, 
 bark of trees. 
 
 9. Cistelidce. Antennae not concealed by the margin of 
 the head ; mandibles sometimes entire, at others cleft at 
 the tips ; palpi filiform, or ending in a hatchet-shaped 
 joint; elytra somewhat soft; size small. Localities, 
 flowers and hedges. 
 
 10. Diaperida* Antennae short, and perfoliate or monili- 
 form, suddenly thickened at the tips ; legs short ; body 
 square or rounded; colour variegated; size small. 
 Locality, on fungi. 
 
 11. Tenebrionida. Antennae short, moniliform, or slightly 
 thickened at the tips ; mandibles short and triangular, 
 the tip bifid; palpi, last joint hatchet-shaped; wings 
 fit for flight ; body generally oblong ; colour obscure ; 
 size small. Localities, on the ground or under stones. 
 
 12. Blapsidce. Antennae rather short and filiform; man- 
 
 dibles bifid ; maxillae armed with a claw ; wings want- 
 ing ; legs slender ; colour black ; size moderate. Lo- 
 cality, damp places. 
 
26 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 TETRAMERA. With apparently but four joints in each tar- 
 sus, the fifth being very minute. 
 
 1. Bruchida. Antennse filiform or slightly thickened at 
 
 the tip, serrated or pectinated ; palpi filiform ; elytra 
 shorter than the body ; hind legs often very large ; 
 rostrum or snout short and broad ; body oval ; colour 
 blackish or varied ; size small. Locality, flowers. 
 
 2. Attelibida. Antennae straight; palpi minute and coni- 
 
 cal ; rostrum cylindrical and curved ; body oval, nar- 
 row in front ; colour generally black, varied with red 
 or yellow spots ; size small. Locality, various plants. 
 
 3. Curculionidae. Antennae elbowed, and terminated in a 
 
 club ; palpi small and conical ; rostrum or snout very 
 long ; colour generally very splendid ; wings frequently 
 wanting ; size very small. Localities, vegetables and 
 seeds. 
 
 4. Scolytidrt. Antennse, basal joint long, the end ones 
 
 forming a solid mass ; palpi minute and conical ; max- 
 illse thin, broad and spined ; rostrum or snout short ; 
 body oblong and convex ; colour obscure ; size small. 
 Locality, trees. 
 
FEBRUARY. 27 
 
 5. Prionida. Antennae long, filiform or setaceous ; man- 
 
 dibles very large ; palpi long ; upper lip obsolete ; tho- 
 rax sometimes toothed ; head not narrowed into a neck ; 
 colour dark ; size small. Locality, trunks of trees. 
 
 6. Cerambycida. Antennae very long, and never serrated ; 
 
 upper lip distinct ; mandibles robust ; body mostly long 
 and narrow; colour beautifully varied; size large. 
 Localities, forests and hedges. 
 
 7. Lepturida. Antennae moderate; mandibles acute at 
 
 the tips ; head inclined downwards, and elongated into 
 a neck ; elytra narrowed at the tips ; colour often dark, 
 with yellow markings ; size moderate. Locality, trunks 
 of trees. 
 
 8. Oriocerida. Antennae filiform and short; mandibles 
 
 short ; maxillae broad ; head sunk in the thorax ; body 
 oblong, and wider than the thorax; colour various; 
 size small. Locality, plants. 
 
 9. Cassidcz. Antennae short and filiform, inserted on the 
 
 upper side of the head ; parts of the mouth small, and 
 on the under side of the head; body flat beneath, 
 oval, with the thorax and elytra dilated at the sides 
 into a broad, flat margin; head nearly concealed; 
 colour diversified ; size small. Locality, plants. 
 
28 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 10. Galerucida* Antennse long, of an equal thickness, 
 and inserted close together ; palpi small and conical ; 
 body oval or rounded; colour obscure in general, 
 though some have a metallic lustre ; size small. Lo- 
 cality, leaves. 
 
 11. Ckrysomelidte. Antennse widely apart, short and 
 slightly thickened at the tip; mandibles notched; 
 body hemispherical ; palpi short ; legs rather thick ; 
 colour highly metallic; size small. Localities, plants 
 and vegetables. 
 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 TEIMERA. Tarsi apparently composed of three joints. 
 
 1. Coccinellida. Antennse often very short, with a flat- 
 tened club ; mandibles bifid at the tips ; maxillary 
 palpi, terminal joint hatchet-shaped; thorax very 
 short ; body round and convex ; colour red or yellow, 
 with black spots, or black with white, red, or yellow 
 spots ; size small. Locality, gardens. 
 
 ORDER II. STBEPSIPTEEA, Kirby. 
 Characters. Wings, posterior pair very large, folding longi- 
 
FEBRUARY. 29 
 
 tudinally, anterior pair transformed into short slender appen- 
 dages ; mouth with slender acute jaws, and two palpi ; tarsi 
 two- three- or four-jointed ; antenna two ; body long and narrow ; 
 eyes very large ; thorax very large ; legs moderate ; size small. 
 
 This Order has but one family Stylopida, sufficiently 
 described in the characters of the order. 
 
 ORDER III. DEBMAPTEBA, Leach. 
 
 Characters. Wings two, with numerous transverse and longi- 
 tudinal folds ; elytra leathery, only partially covering the wings, 
 and uniting with a straight suture or opening ; mouth with trans- 
 versely moveable jaws ; body forked at the end, long, narrow, and 
 flattened; head of moderate size; eyes small; clypeus distinct; 
 palpi filiform. 
 
 This Order has only one family Forjiculidce. 
 
 ORDER IY. DICTYOPTEBA, Leach. 
 
 Characters. Wings two, longitudinally folded ; elytra cori- 
 aceous, arid one folding over the margin of the other obliquely ; 
 antenna long and setaceous, with from fifty to a hundred and 
 fifty joints ; mandibles short, but strong, horny, and toothed at 
 
30 POPULAR, ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 the tip; maxillary palpi long, the last joint hatched-shaped ; legs 
 long ; tarsi five-jointed. 
 
 This Order has but one family Blattida. It is fre- 
 quently comprised in Ortkoptera, 
 
 ORDEB, V. OBTHOPTERA, Olivier. 
 
 Characters. Wings two, folded longitudinally ; elytra coria- 
 ceous, one folding over the margin of the other longitudinally ; 
 mouth with transversely moveable jaws. 
 
 1. Acketidce. Wings and wing-covers held horizontally 
 
 when at rest ; wings of large size, forming long fila- 
 ments extending beyond the body; antennae often 
 longer than the body ; body robust ; eyes large ; body 
 terminated by setae (bristles) ; tarsi slender ; colour 
 generally brown. Locality various, according to the 
 species. 
 
 2. Gryllida. Wings and wing-covers disposed like a 
 
 sloping roof, or deflexed when at rest; antennse very 
 long and slender ; wings very large and delicate ; tarsi 
 broad and fleshy ; size large ; colour generally green. 
 Locality, plants. 
 
 3. Locustida. Wings and wing-covers deflexed; antennae 
 
FEBRUARY. 31 
 
 short ; body robust ; mandibles strong and toothed ; 
 size small. 
 
 ORDER VI. NEUBOPTERA, Linnaus. 
 
 Characters. Wings four, generally large, and of equal size, 
 membranaceous ; mouth with transversely moveable jaws ; body 
 not armed with a sting. 
 
 1. Psocidtz. Posterior wings small ; antennae slender, long 
 
 and setaceous ; labial palpi almost obsolete ; mandibles 
 horny and toothed ; maxillae elongated ; body short and 
 ovate ; wings deflexed, with conspicuous veins, often 
 coloured ; legs long and slender ; tarsi two- or three- 
 jointed; size minute. Localities, trunk of trees, pal- 
 ings, old walls, books, etc. 
 
 2. Perlidtf. Posterior wings large ; antennae nearly as long 
 
 as the body ; labial palpi developed ; mandibles rucli- 
 mental ; body oblong and depressed ; head flat ; tarsi 
 three-jointed ; size moderate. 
 
 3. Ephemerida. Wings, hinder pair very small; antennae 
 
 small ; mouth almost obsolete ; body long and slender, 
 with elongated setae at the extremity ; head small ; 
 clypeus sometimes large, and closing over the mouth ; 
 legs slender ; tarsi five-jointed ; size small. Locality, 
 near water. 
 
32 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 4. Libellulida. Wings large and equal; antennae short and 
 
 slender; mandibles horny, thick, and strong; maxillae 
 long and toothed ; body very long and slender ; eyes very 
 large, uniting at the top of the head ; legs short, slender, 
 and armed with spines ; tarsi three -jointed; colour va- 
 rious and beautiful; size large. Locality, standing water. 
 
 5. Hemerobiida. Wings broader than the last; antennas 
 
 long and filiform ; jaws horny and acute ; maxillae long ; 
 body shorter than the preceding family ; head small ; 
 eyes prominent, and often gold-coloured ; legs slender ; 
 tarsi five-jointed ; colour bright, often green ; wings 
 with a prismatic lustre ; size small. 
 
 6. Sialida. Wings, anterior pair large, hinder pair smaller ; 
 
 antennae long and filiform ; jaws horny and toothed ; 
 pro thorax large and square ; tarsi five- jointed ; colour 
 in some species dull brown ; size moderate. Locality, 
 near water. 
 
 7. Panorjpidtf. Wings equal; head prolonged into a ros- 
 
 trum; antennae long and slender; mandibles small 
 and toothed ; maxillae two-lobed ; clypeus pointed at 
 the tip ; body long and slender ; prothorax forming a 
 collar ; legs long and slender ; tarsi five- jointed ; body, 
 the males have the sixth and seventh segments thin, 
 
FEBRUARY. 33 
 
 and curved, the eighth thickened and armed with 
 forceps, the female has minute filaments at the tip. Lo- 
 cality, hedges in damp situations. 
 
 8. Raphidiidte. Wings equal and of moderate size, de- 
 flexed when at rest; antenme slender and filiform; 
 head oval and flat ; mandibles powerful ; maxillse with 
 two lobes ; prothorax much elongated, forming a neck; 
 legs slender ; size small. Locality, woods. 
 
 ORDER VII. TEICHOPTEEA, Kirly. 
 
 Character 8. Wings four, membranous, the anterior pair hairy, 
 the hinder pair the largest ; mouth unfitted for mastication ; 
 mandibles rudimental ; prothorax very short ; antenna often much 
 longer than the body, slender arid setaceous ; palpi long and 
 slender ; colour brown or grey ; size small or moderate. 
 
 This Order has one family Phryganida. 
 
 ORDER VIII. HYMENOPTERA, Linnaw. 
 
 Characters. Wings four, membranous, the posterior pair 
 smaller than the anterior ; mouth with horny jaws, lower lip 
 sheathed by the maxillse, which form a rostrum ; body armed 
 with a sting ; tarsi generally five-jointed ; legs generally long 
 and slender. 
 
34 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 1. Tenthredinida. Wings large; antennae variable in form 
 
 but generally short; mandibles long, horny, and 
 toothed; maxillae long and membranous; thorax gene- 
 rally broader than the head ; legs of moderate length ; 
 body of female furnished with a pair of saws ; colour 
 dark, varied with white, red, or yellow ; size moderate. 
 Locality, various plants. 
 
 2. Uroceridce. Wings membranous; antennae filiform or 
 
 setaceous; mandibles short, but very strong; maxillae 
 elongated; thorax elongated; body long and cylin- 
 drical ; female furnished with a borer ; colour various ; 
 size moderate. Locality, fir-woods. 
 
 3. Cympida. Wings with few nervures ; antennse inserted 
 
 in the middle of the face, of moderate length and slender; 
 mandibles short and robust, toothed at the extremity; 
 maxillae elongated ; thorax oval and thick ; body much 
 compressed ; ovipositor long and spiral ; size small. 
 
 4. Eoanida. Wings veined; antennae filiform or setaceous; 
 
 mandibles toothed ; hind legs longest ; body attached 
 by a peduncle (stalk) ; ovipositor straight ; size small. 
 
 5. Ichneumonida. Wings veined ; antennae generally 
 
 slender and filiform ; mandibles small and curved ; 
 thorax oval; legs long; body long and cylindrical; 
 
FEBRUARY. 35 
 
 ovipositor straight ; colour black, varied with red, yel- 
 low, or white ; size small. 
 
 6. Chakidida. Wings nearly destitute of veins ; antennae 
 
 elbowed, and generally thickened at the tips ; mandibles 
 broad and horny, toothed at the top ; thorax oval ; 
 ovipositor sometimes concealed, at others long ; body 
 slender ; colour metallic ; size very minute.- 
 
 7. Proctotrupida. Wings almost destitute of veins; an- 
 
 tennae elbowed, and variable in length; mandibles 
 sickle-shaped ; maxillary palpi long and pendulous ; 
 legs long ; thorax oblong ; body ovate ; ovipositor 
 sometimes long and curved, sometimes concealed ; 
 colour black ; size minute. Locality, grass. 
 
 8. Ckrysidida. Wings, veins indistinct ; antennae filiform 
 
 and elbowed ; mandibles long and curved ; thorax 
 oblong; body oblong, shining, and attached to the 
 thorax by a peduncle ; ovipositor composed of several 
 segments of the body terminated with a minute sting ; 
 colour very brilliant, blue and green in the head and 
 thorax, ruby or copper-coloured in the body ; size 
 moderate or small. Localities, flowers, sand-banks, etc. 
 
 9. Crabronidtf. Wings generally developed in both sexes, 
 
 anterior pair not folded ; head large and nearly square; 
 
36 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 mandibles slightly curved ; antennae straight ; legs 
 fitted for walking and burrowing, not for collecting 
 pollen ; body of various forms ; appearance very like 
 Wasps ; size moderate. Localities, posts, palings, etc. 
 
 10. Sphegida. Antennae long and filiform; mandibles long, 
 
 curved, and acute at the tips ; legs formed for walking 
 and burrowing, and very long; body long, often at- 
 tached by a peduncle ; sting powerful ; colour metallic. 
 Locality, sand-banks. 
 
 11. Formicidte. Wings wanting in the neuters; antennae 
 long and slender in the males, shorter and thicker in 
 the females, basal joint very long, strongly elbowed; 
 mandibles horny ; body small ; head triangular ; thorax 
 in the males and females has no contraction in the 
 middle, which is the case with the neuters ; sting in 
 some species ; body sometimes joined by a peduncle ; 
 colour various ; size small. 
 
 12. Ewmonida. Wings in both sexes, and folded in their 
 
 entire length ; antennae often recurved and hooked ; 
 thorax short and truncate ; body joined by a peduncle, 
 and having a sting ; not clothed with hairs ; legs with- 
 out spines ; colour generally black and yellow ; habits 
 solitary. 
 
FEBRUARY. 37 
 
 13. Vespida. Wings folded longitudinally; antennae not 
 hooked, as in the last family; mandibles truncate and 
 toothed; maxillae terminated by a small projection; 
 body rarely joined with a peduncle, and having a 
 sting ; colour black and yellow ; habits social. 
 
 14. Andrenida. Antennae elbowed; mandibles simple, or 
 terminated by two notches ; hind legs clothed with 
 hairs to collect pollen; parts of the mouth short; 
 habits solitary. 
 
 15. Apidce. Antennae often elbowed, basal joint long; 
 
 parts of the mouth long like a proboscis, and folded 
 downwards in repose ; body armed with a sting ; habits 
 solitary or social, according to the genera. 
 
 ORDER IX. LEPIDOPTEBA, Limaus. 
 
 Characters. TFings four, covered with minute scales; mouth 
 consisting of a long, spirally coiled organ of two pieces, repre- 
 senting maxillae, with small jointed appendages at the base ; eyes 
 large ; antenna long, and variable in form ; thorax ovate ; tarsi 
 five-jointed. 
 
 SECTION I. DIURNA. 
 1. Papilionida. Antennae with a distinct club; wings 
 
38 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 broad, in some species lengthened behind into two 
 tails; palpi very short; legs all formed for walking; 
 claws distinct; size various. Some genera of this 
 family are distinguished by having a groove in the 
 hinder wings for the reception of the body, in others 
 this is wanting ; colour orange, brimstone, and white, 
 the latter predominating, or black and yellow. 
 2. Nymphalida. Antennae with distinct club; wings ro- 
 bust and grooved to receive the body; palpi rather 
 long; fore legs rudiinental; claws entire; colours 
 beautifully varied, many of the species spotted with 
 silver ; size moderate. 
 
 3. Lycanida. Fore legs fitted for walking; claws very 
 
 minute and entire; wings small and weak; colours 
 various according to the genera, blue and copper pre- 
 vailing. 
 
 4. Hesperida. Legs of uniform size in both sexes ; hind 
 legs spurred; lower wings horizontal when at rest; 
 antennae wide apart at the base, in some species ter- 
 minated with a hook ; maxillae very long ; colour prin- 
 cipally brown ; size small. 
 
FEBRUARY. 39 
 
 SECTION II. CREPUSCULARIA. 
 
 1 . Sphingida. Wings small ; antennae prismatic and termi- 
 
 nated by a little feather; spiral tongue very long; 
 body long, and acute behind; mandibles minute; 
 colour very varied ; size large. 
 
 2. Anthroceridce. "Wings bent down in repose; legs long, 
 
 hinder pair with spurs ; antennae simple and fusiform, 
 or thickened near the middle, nearly setaceous and 
 pectinated in the males ; maxillae very long. 
 
 3. JEgerida. Wings more or less transparent; antennae 
 
 simple, fusiform, or thickened at the tips, which are 
 generally terminated by a small tuft of hairs; body 
 elongated and terminated by a brush. 
 
 SECTION III. NOCTURNA. 
 
 1. Hepialida. Wings long, deflexed in repose; antennae 
 
 short and filiform; body long; spiral tongue very 
 short or wanting ; thorax never crested. 
 
 2. Bomtycida. Wings large, either extended horizontally 
 
 or deflexed at the sides ; antennae often strongly pecti- 
 nated in the males ; thorax not crested ; mouth almost 
 obsolete; body thick and hairy; prevailing colour 
 grey or fawn-colour ; size large. 
 
40 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 3. Arctiida. Wings deflexed; antennee strongly serrated ; 
 
 spiral tongue very small. 
 
 4. Noctuida. Wings moderate in size and often marked 
 
 with peculiar ear-shaped spots ; antennse almost always 
 simple ; thorax stout and often crested ; spiral tongue 
 long; body elongated and clothed with scales; colour 
 generally sombre. 
 
 5. Geometridce. Wings large, held horizontally; antennee 
 
 variable; parts of the mouth short; body slender; 
 thorax not crested ; legs slender ; colour more beauti- 
 ful than the last, many species having a broad waving 
 band across the fore wings; size moderate. 
 
 6. Pyralida. Wings moderate in size, forming a triangle 
 
 when in repose ; antennse simple ; mouth small ; labial 
 palpi often long; legs very long, and in some species 
 ornamented with bunches of hair; body slender and 
 elongated; size small. 
 
 7. Tortricida. Pore wings broad and entire, forming a tri- 
 
 angle when at rest ; antennse generally simple ; spiral 
 tongue short; labial palpi forming a short beak in 
 front of the head ; legs spurred ; body slender ; thorax 
 rarely crested ; size minute. 
 
 8. Yponomeutida. Wings often long and narrow; antennse 
 
FEBRUARY. 41 
 
 long, slender and simple ; palpi long and slender ; legs 
 moderately long and spurred ; body long and slender ; 
 colour often white, or slate with black spots; size 
 minute. 
 
 9. Tineida. Wings narrow, much folded in repose ; an- 
 tennse of moderate length, slender and simple ; spiral 
 tongue short ; legs spurred ; thorax rarely crested ; 
 body long and slender ; colour white, buff, or yellow, 
 marked with lines ; size small. 
 
 10. Aleucitidtz. Wings cleft into feathery rays, and car- 
 ried horizontally; antennae long, slender, and setaceous; 
 spiral tongue long; legs long and slender; size small. 
 
 ORDER X. HOMOPTEEA, M'leay. 
 
 Characters. Wings four, membranous and deflexed; anterior 
 pair the larger, and not wrapping over in repose ; body convex ; 
 antenna mostly very short and terminated by a bristle ; mouth 
 arising from the hinder part of the head ; mandibles and maxillae 
 enclosed in a canal. 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 TRIMERA. Tarsi three-jointed ; antennae minute. 
 
 1. Cicadida. Wings, anterior pair long and narrow: an- 
 
42 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 tennae inserted between the eyes, of seven joints, gra- 
 dually thickening to the tip ; rostrum elongated ; head 
 short ; eyes large ; legs not formed for leaping ; body 
 provided with two internal plates, which enable the 
 males to make the monotonous music for which they 
 are famed. 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 DIMERA. Tarsi two-jointed ; antennae moderate in length 
 and filiform. 
 
 1. Psyllida. Wings inembranaceous and deflexed, the 
 
 anterior pair being of firmer consistence than the 
 hinder; antennae long and filiform, terminated by 
 setae ; rostrum short, placed between the fore legs ; 
 thorax very large. 
 
 2. Aphida. Wings much deflexed, fore wings much larger 
 
 than the hinder pair; antennas sometimes of great 
 length ; rostrum varying in length, sometimes half as 
 long as the body ; thorax oval ; body short and convex. 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 MONOMEEA. Tarsi one-jointed; antennae six- to twenty- 
 five-jointed. 
 1. Coccida. Pore wings large, the hinder pair very minute, 
 
FEBRUARY. 43 
 
 like halteres ; antennae much longer in the males than 
 in the females ; the latter have no wings ; body elon- 
 gated in the males, short and globose in the other sex ; 
 size very small. 
 
 ORDER XI. HETEBOPTEBA, Latreille. 
 
 Characters. Wings four, anterior pair larger than the poste- 
 rior, wrapping partly over each other ; basal part coriaceous, the 
 rest membranaceous ; antenna generally long and filiform ; mouth 
 arising from the front of the head. 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 HYDROCORISA. Those residing in water. 
 
 1. Notonectida. Hind legs long and hairy, forming a pair 
 
 of oars ; fore legs short and curved, for catching their 
 prey ; elytra deflexed ; antennae inserted beneath the 
 eyes, and four-jointed ; rostrum short and thick, capa- 
 ble of inflicting a painful wound; body boat-shaped. 
 
 2. Nepidce. Fore legs raptorial, formed for seizing their 
 
 prey, the others made for creeping ; antennas short and 
 variable; rostrum short and robust; body depressed 
 and sometimes furnished with two long filaments ; 
 head small ; colour dull brown in both families. 
 
44 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 AUROCORISA. Those breathing the air. 
 
 1. Acanthida. Legs long and slender; antennae half the 
 
 length of the body ; eyes large ; rostrum long and 
 slender; body oval and depressed; tarsi three-jointed. 
 Locality, the sea-shore and banks of rivers. 
 
 2. Hydrometrida, Legs variable in different genera, but 
 
 not raptorial ; tarsi two-jointed ; antennae long, slender, 
 four-jointed ; rostrum of moderate length ; head as 
 broad as the thorax ; body long and narrow. Locality, 
 the surface of running or standing water. 
 
 3. CimiddcB. Legs moderately long and slender; tarsi 
 
 three-jointed ; antennae four-jointed ; rostrum long ; 
 wings reduced to a pair of short scale-like pieces; 
 body more or less round. 
 
 4. Tingida. Fore legs sometimes raptorial; tarsi often 
 
 only two-jointed; antennae filiform; rostrum very short; 
 body broad and depressed. 
 
 5. Capsidae. Legs long and slender; tarsi three-jointed; 
 
 antennae long, second joint often thick at the tip, and 
 the terminal ones very slender ; rostrum long and 
 four-jointed ; the crustaceous part of the elytra termi- 
 
FEBRUARY. 45 
 
 nated by triangular piece ; body convex. Locality, 
 plants and trees. 
 
 6. Lygaida. Tarsi three-jointed; antennae four-jointed, the 
 
 terminal joint not thinner than the preceding ; rostrum 
 moderate; body narrow. Locality, roots of plants. 
 
 7. Scutelleridce. Tarsi three- jointed ; antennae elongated; 
 
 rostrum long ; scutellum or shield large ; size large or 
 moderate ; colour varied. Locality, trees and plants. 
 
 8. Coreida. Legs long; tarsi three -j oint ed ; antennae four- 
 
 jointed, the end joint thickened or elongated; rostrum 
 long; colour diversified; size large. Locality, trees 
 and plants. 
 
 ORDER XII. APHANIPTEBA, Kirby. 
 
 Characters. Winy8 four, rudimental, resembling minute scaly 
 plates applied to the sides of the body; mouth formed for suction; 
 mandibles and tongue long ; maxilla short ; antennae minute ; body 
 compressed. 
 
 1. Pnlicidte. Body covered with a hard shining skin, 
 clothed with sharp bristles on the back and legs ; no 
 marked separation between the three parts of the body ; 
 head small ; eyes small and round ; legs long, formed 
 for leaping. 
 
46 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 ORDER XIII. DIPTEBA, Aristotle. 
 
 Characters. Wings two, membranous, not capable of being 
 folded ; lialteres two, small filaments clubbed at the tip ; mouth 
 with a fleshy proboscis forming a canal, enclosing several lancet- 
 like organs ; tarsi five-jointed ; thorax short and robust ; head 
 distinct and attached to the thorax by a very short and narrow 
 neck ; antenna very variable, inserted in the forehead. 
 
 1. Culicida. Head small; antenna slender, filiform, as 
 
 long as the thorax, plumose in the male; rostrum 
 nearly half the length of the insect, and slightly 
 thickened at the tip ; thorax oblong ; body long and 
 slender, on which the wings lie when at rest ; legs long 
 and slender. 
 
 2. Tipulidte. Headsmall; antennae variable; proboscis very 
 
 short ; palpi longer than the proboscis ; body and legs 
 long and slender. 
 
 3. Stratiomida. Antennae various, of not more than six or 
 
 seven joints, in some species the joints appear fewer in 
 number, and are terminated by a seta or bristle ; mouth 
 mostly rudimental ; wings placed on the body when at 
 rest ; body broad and depressed ; colour prettily varie- 
 gated. Locality, flowers in damp situations. 
 
FEBRUARY. 47 
 
 4i. Tabamda. Trophi greatly developed; antennae, third 
 joint very large, remaining joints closely united and 
 slender; eyes very large, and often beautifully coloured ; 
 wings extended horizontally at the side of the body ; 
 body triangular and depressed ; thorax thick ; size 
 large. Locality, woods and pastures. 
 
 5. Eombyliida. Proboscis long; antennae close at the 
 
 base, third joint fusiform and flattened; thorax much 
 elevated, making the head appear low ; wings apart 
 when at rest ; body often thickly covered with hairs, 
 short and thick*. Locality, flowers. 
 
 6. Empida. Proboscis long and folded beneath the breast ; 
 
 antennae as long as the head, third joint longest ; head 
 small and round ; eyes large ; wings large ; body nar- 
 row ; legs of moderate length ; size small. Locality, 
 flowers. 
 
 7. Hybotida. Proboscis short; head small and>spherical ; 
 
 eyes occupying nearly the whole surface ; thorax very 
 elevated ; body narrow ; size small. Locality, flowers. 
 
 8. Asilidae. Proboscis as long as the head, which is de- 
 
 pressed ; antennae, third joint long, terminated with a 
 seta ; thorax narrow in front ; body long, clothed with 
 stiff bristles ; size large. 
 
48 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 9. TAerevidte. Proboscis ending in two large lobes; an- 
 
 tennae, third joint ovate, terminated by a seta ; body 
 conical, and clothed with silky down ; size moderate. 
 Locality, trees. 
 
 10. SolicAopida. Tongue short and acute; antennae 
 
 short, ending in a small oval joint with a long seta ; 
 wings lying on the body when at rest ; legs long ; body 
 compressed and curved at the tip ; colour brilliant and 
 metallic ; size small. Localities, walls, trunks of trees, 
 or near water. 
 
 11. SyrplMa. Proboscis long, membranous and elbowed; 
 
 antennae three- jointed, the third being the largest, 
 ending in a seta ; head round, almost covered by 
 the eyes, and sometimes produced into a kind of beak 
 in front ; hind legs often thickened and toothed ; body 
 never curved at the end ; colour varied ; size large or 
 moderate. 
 
 12. Conopida. Proboscis long and elbowed, of various 
 shapes, cylindrical, setaceous, etc. ; antennae with very 
 short setae ; body curved at the end ; colour prettily 
 varied. Locality, plants and flowers. 
 
 13. Muscidce. Proboscis short, thick, menibranaceous and 
 
 distinct; antennae with the third joint the longest; 
 
FEBRUARY. 49 
 
 legs and wings moderately long ; body generally short 
 and robust, and not curved ; size small. 
 
 14. (Estridtf, Mouth obsolete; antennae very short, last 
 joint rounded ; body hairy. 
 
 15. Hippabozcida* Head distinct and circular, closely 
 united to the thorax ; eyes often very large ; clypeus 
 or anterior part of the head distinct, with the antennae 
 immersed in the anterior angles ; mouth forming a 
 kind of rostrum; body short, depressed, and clothed 
 with bristles ; wings with halteres, but sometimes 
 wanting; size small. 
 
 The preceding families, from which I have omitted those 
 containing only exotic or rare genera, are again divided into 
 genera and species ; but the utter impossibility of entering 
 into an explanation of these divisions in an elementary work 
 of this nature, will be evident from the fact, that the subdi- 
 visions of the order Coleoptera would alone occupy a space 
 equal to half the present volume. When sufficient informa- 
 tion has been acquired of the orders and families, and a 
 general idea obtained of the study, those works may be read 
 to advantage which enter fully into the generic and specific 
 distinctions : at present they would only confuse the young 
 student. 
 
50 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 The description of the family distinctions in this chapter 
 are principally taken (though much simplified and abridged) 
 from the valuable works of Westwood, which I would 
 strongly recommend, together with those of Kirby and 
 Spence, to the notice of students who wish for more ex- 
 tended information ; the former treating with great clearness 
 on the difficult subject of classification; the latter,, parti- 
 cularly that known as the ' Introduction to Entomology/ 
 detailing in the most lively and interesting manner, the 
 natural history, beauty, and peculiarities of this portion of 
 animated nature. To the latter work 1 am deeply indebted 
 for much useful and entertaining information, and the fre- 
 quent allusions to it in this little volume will, I hope, lead 
 my readers to a perusal of its pages, affording them delight 
 and profit by its varied and circumstantial history of Insect 
 Life. 
 
51 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 MARCH. 
 
 THE insects which make their appearance this month are 
 principally those, personally well-known to even the least 
 observing of Nature's students ; yet we shall probably find 
 that many interesting particulars may be learned, even of 
 the Bee and the Ant ; and should any of my readers think 
 they " know all about such common insects/' they will be 
 surprised to hear that the most eminent naturalists have 
 spent years in investigating the habits of these active and 
 industrious little creatures, and yet confess themselves still 
 ignorant of many particulars concerning them. Before pro- 
 ceeding to the description of species, I shall give a short 
 account of the families or groups to which they belong, 
 thus affording a little general information, where specific 
 
52 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 detail is necessarily imperfect, from the immense number of 
 our native insects. As the Bee is the most useful to man, 
 and the group, in its extended signification, requires some 
 explanation, it shall be placed at the head of the list. 
 
 Bee is the English name for all those hymenopterous in- 
 sects which compose the Linnsean genus Apis, now formed 
 into two groups, namely, the Apida and Andrenidae, distin- 
 guished from each other by the parts of the mouth, which 
 in the Ajpida are long, forming a trunk, folded under the 
 head and breast when in a state of repose, and stretched 
 forward when the insect is robbing flowers of their nectar ; 
 the mouth of the Andrenida, or rather the parts forming 
 that organ, are short. Another difference consists in the 
 latter having only males and females in their societies, 
 whilst the former possess the neuters, or working Bees, in 
 addition. 
 
 The family Apidce is that which will now engage our at- 
 tention ; it is divided into two groups, the Solitary and the 
 Social Bees. In the former, the tibia, or shank of the hind 
 leg, in the female, is clothed with hairs ; whilst in the latter, 
 with the exception of the queen, this portion of the leg is 
 broad and concave, forming a trough to carry home pollen 
 for the use of the community : this may be noticed as one 
 
MARCH. 53 
 
 of the numerous instances of design which call for our ad- 
 miration when studying the works of God. The Solitary 
 Bees form four sub -families, divided into many genera, to 
 enter into a description of which, would be foreign to the 
 design of this sketch ; it is sufficient to name some of those 
 whose designations are more familiar, such as the Uphol- 
 sterer and Mason Bees, the Leaf-cutter and Cuckoo Bees, 
 all belonging to the group which, from their habits, are 
 called solitary. The Social Bees consist of the genus Bom- 
 bus, Humble-bee, and Apis, Hive-bee, with some exotic 
 genera. The first of these make their nests in various si- 
 tuations; some digging to a considerable distance under- 
 ground, as Bombus terrestris ; others selecting a crevice in 
 a heap of stones, as Bombus lapidarius ; whilst the Bombns 
 muscorum places its nest on the surface of the ground, 
 covering it with moss or dried leaves. These nests are con- 
 structed by one solitary female, who forms in them a num- 
 ber of cells, in which she deposits her eggs. It is a curious 
 fact that the eggs first hatched are all neuters, or working 
 Bees, which are thus ready to assist their parent in the cares 
 of the infant state : the eggs hatched at a later period are 
 male and female. "When the cocoons, in which the grubs 
 undergo their transformation, are empty, they are not 
 
54 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 allowed to remain useless, but are said to be employed in 
 holding pollen. 
 
 The tongue of the Humble Bee only differs from that of 
 the Hive Bee in being furnished near the tip with a greater 
 number of long hairs, forming a brush, and enabling the 
 insect to collect a much larger quantity of honey at a time. 
 Towards August, from three to eight females are produced, 
 which are much larger than the others, and are destined to 
 survive the winter, all the rest of the community dying at 
 the approach of cold weather. The former alone possess 
 the instinct to conceal themselves in crevices of trees and 
 walls, and on the arrival of spring they construct a nest, 
 and perform all those labours, for which they were preserved 
 from the destruction of their species. The other genus, 
 Apis, is now restricted to the domestic Bee, Apis mellifica, 
 which will be described in its proper place. 
 
 The Aphida, or Plant Lice, a family only too familiar to 
 those who delight in their garden, begin to appear during 
 this month, and, when in great numbers, considerably di- 
 minish the beauty of many plants. The insects of this 
 family live entirely on vegetable matter, and the loftiest 
 tree is no more exempt from their ravages than the humblest 
 weed; they principally attack the foliage, and are always 
 
MARCH. 55 
 
 found on the under part of the leaf, preferring this, not 
 only on account of its being more tender, but as affording 
 protection from the inclemencies of the weather. Occasion- 
 ally the root is the object of their choice, that of the Lettuce 
 being often observed so thickly beset with one species that 
 the whole crop has been rendered of little value. These 
 insects are sometimes winged, at others destitute of these 
 appendages ; in the spring they are viviparous (that is, pro- 
 duce their young alive), and in the autumn oviparous, de- 
 positing eggs, like other insects, in places where they are 
 hatched the following spring. There are six or seven genera- 
 tions during the summer, which accounts for their wonderful 
 increase ; and in the autumn three more are produced. If 
 the Aphides had not many enemies, their increase would be 
 so great as materially to lessen vegetation. The larvse and 
 perfect insect resemble each other so much as to be distin- 
 guished with difficulty, except by size ; the females are ge- 
 nerally apterous (that is, without wings) ; the antennae are 
 filiform, and seven-jointed ; the tarsi two-jointed, the first 
 very short. This family forms part of the order Homoptera, 
 The interesting and well-known family, Formicida, or 
 Ants, merits notice more extended than would be afforded 
 by the mere naming of the species. The members of it 
 
56 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 resemble Bees in many of these particulars which distin- 
 guish them from most other insects, for example, in 
 having the largest part of their community composed of 
 workers, or imperfect females. These useful creatures seem 
 to have the sole charge of domestic affairs ; for though the 
 parent Ant lays the eggs, they are always under the imme- 
 diate and solicitous care of the workers, who regulate the 
 degree of heat and moisture necessary for hatching them ; 
 and when the young grubs appear, it is on these attentive 
 nurses that the duty of feeding them devolves, which they 
 do, either with their own half-digested food, or some peculiar 
 fluid secreted for that purpose. It seems probable that more 
 than one of these kind foster-mothers is required for each 
 larva. When the larvse are full-grown, they enclose them- 
 selves in cocoons, in which they undergo the rest of their 
 change, and the attachment of the workers to these cocoons 
 is even greater than to the eggs or young larvae. They may 
 be seen bringing them out every fine morning, taking them 
 in when the heat is too intense, sheltering them from rain, 
 and, although only half the size of their nurslings, running 
 with them as fleetly as if they had no weight whatever. 
 Their love for these partially-developed young is so great, 
 that they are said to invade other Ant-hills, to carry off all 
 
MARCH. 57 
 
 the cocoons they find, simply, as it seems, for the pleasure 
 of nursing and feeding them. When the supply of food 
 fails, Ants seek their dwellings, and in the inmost recesses 
 they cluster together, and pass the inclement season in a 
 state of torpor. Their food varies greatly; they are fond 
 of sugar, gum, and all the sweet exudations of trees, but 
 their staple food is animal matter, either those larvse inju- 
 rious to plants, or small animals, whose dead bodies would 
 otherwise taint the air : thus, like every other living creature 
 whose habits are known, they are found to be beneficial to 
 mankind and to the animal creation in general. Many birds 
 use them almost exclusively as food for their young ; phea- 
 sants and partridges seem particularly fond both of Ants and 
 their cocoons. They are winged at one season of the year 
 only, and the female soon rids herself of these appendages, 
 appearing then inspired solely with the ambition of founding 
 a nation ; while labourers from large Ant-hills are continu- 
 ally on the watch for these wandering mothers, whom they 
 bring home to their extensive cities, or raise new buildings 
 for the reception of herself and offspring. 
 
 Ants belong to the order Hymenoptera, like the Bee and 
 Wasp, from which they however differ in many essential 
 particulars: their workers are wingless, and the females 
 
58 POPULAE ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 destitute of a sting; the difference in their appearance is 
 obvious. There are about a dozen British species, some of 
 which will be mentioned hereafter. 
 
 As one of the Crickets may be both heard and seen about 
 this time, the family of which it is a member, and those to 
 which it is allied, claim our attention, as they are often con- 
 fused with each other by the inexperienced. There are three 
 families in this group of insects, named by Leach, Aclietida, 
 Gryltida, and Locmtida. The first includes the Crickets, of 
 which Aclieta domestica, or the common House-Cricket, is an 
 example ; the second, those Grasshoppers which have long 
 antennae, such as the Gryllus viridissimws, green Grasshop- 
 per ; and the third, those with short antennae, as the Locusta 
 miffratoria, the well-known destructive Locust. These fa- 
 milies may also be distinguished by their wings : in AcJie- 
 tidtz, the wings and wing-covers are held horizontally when 
 at rest ; in Gryltida, the wings are deflexed (bent down), 
 the mandibles are also not so much toothed ; the Locwtida 
 have the wings also deflexed, but then they are known by 
 their short antennae. To this family belong a number of 
 small species, very commonly found in grass, and to which 
 the familiar name of Grasshopper is given. 
 
 I shall now enter a little more into detail respecting the 
 
MARCH. 59 
 
 order Lepidoptera, as the first species makes its appearance 
 this month, though some, having survived the winter, may be 
 seen on sunny days even earlier. This, the most beautiful, 
 if not the most interesting order of insects, will, from the 
 attractive nature of the species, occupy a considerable por- 
 tion of these sketches, and it is therefore desirable to be 
 well acquainted with its leading features. The order I/epi- 
 doptera includes the Butterflies, Hawk-Moths, and Moths, 
 terms nearly corresponding to the genera Papilio, Sphinx, 
 and Phalana of Linnaeus, and to the modern divisions 
 founded on the times of flight Diurnal, Crepuscular, and 
 Nocturnal, One of the distinctions between these families 
 consists in the form of the antennae ; those of the Butterfly 
 being clavate (that is, terminated by a club) ; those of the 
 Hawk-Moth, prismatic, thickest in the middle ; and of the 
 Moth, setaceous, gradually tapering to the extremity. The 
 position of the wings, when at rest, forms another distinctive 
 mark ; those of the day-flying Lepidoptera being held verti- 
 cally, whilst those of the Moth are never in this position, 
 bat vary considerably in their angle to the plane of position. 
 The thorax of these latter insects is shorter and more robust 
 than among Butterflies, and they possess a stiff bristle at 
 the base of the under- wings, which, passing through a hook 
 
60 POPULAB, ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 on the under side of the anterior pair, maintains them in 
 their horizontal or inclined position. Having thus separated 
 the Moth from the Butterfly, we must endeavour to divide 
 the former from the Hawk -Moth. The most characteristic 
 mark of the latter is to be found in the different form of the 
 antennae, which has been described above; the wings too 
 are longer, narrower, and of a firmer consistence than those 
 of the true Moth, being also of smaller size, when compared 
 to the body ; by their rapid vibration the insect is poised in 
 the air like a Hawk (hence its name), and as many of the 
 species, when thus hovering, make a slight humming sound, 
 and in this respect, as well as in the rapidity of their move- 
 ments, bear some resemblance to humming-birds, they are 
 known under the mixed name of Humming-bird Hawk- 
 Moths. 
 
 There are also some differences observable in the Cater- 
 pillars of the three divisions. Those of Butterflies have 
 usually sixteen legs, six of which are placed on the anterior 
 part of the body, which represents the thorax of the future 
 insect, and these legs are divided into segments corresponding 
 to the parts which compose the leg of the Butterfly ; the 
 others, called prolegs, and attached to the hinder part of 
 the body, are soft and fleshy, seeming to be principally used 
 
MARCH. 61 
 
 for support. The caterpillars of Hawk-Moths are in the 
 latter respect similar to those of the Butterfly; but the 
 prolegs of Moth larvae vary both in number and structure, 
 though the anterior legs are always of the same number as 
 in the Butterfly, the most conspicuous being provided with 
 ten prolegs, others with eight, six, four, and some of the 
 smaller kinds with only two. The colour of the caterpillars 
 varies so much, that no distinction can be drawn from it : 
 that of the Hawk-Moth is sometimes very showy, green 
 being a prevailing hue, which is often varied with oblique 
 stripes of yellow, blue, or purple. The larvae of these in- 
 sects are generally smooth, or covered with hard grains like 
 seal-skin, and have a long horn near the extremity some- 
 what curved and bent back. Many caterpillars of the diurnal 
 Lepidoptera are also smooth, but in some cases they are 
 covered with long hairs and spines, which latter appendages 
 will, in some instances, pierce the skin, and in some foreign 
 species, sting like a nettle. 
 
 The chrysalides vary equally with the larvae and the per- 
 fect insect. Those of the Butterfly attach themselves to 
 walls, posts, or trees, and after selecting an appropriate situa- 
 tion, the animal commences its curious proceeding. As they 
 are suspended in two different ways, either perpendicularly 
 
6 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 by the tail, or horizontally by a band round the middle, the 
 operations of the caterpillar vary accordingly. When the 
 chrysalis is to be suspended by the tail, the first step is to 
 cover a portion of the surface to which it is to be attached, 
 with a layer of silken threads, so as to form a little reversed 
 cone ; into this the animal pushes its hinder pair of prolegs, 
 which are entangled by means of the small hooks of the 
 foot ; the anterior part of the body is then allowed to hang 
 with the head downwards ; soon after, it begins to bend the 
 head up, retaining this position for some time, then permit- 
 ting the head to fall again. This movement it continues 
 for some hours, till the skin rends in the back, and the 
 chrysalis appears ; by degrees the skin dries, and is pushed 
 towards the tail. Now the difficult task remains of extri- 
 r^cating itself from the skin, which is its only support, and 
 attaching itself to the silken threads, which are considerably 
 above. In order to accomplish this, it seizes on a portion 
 of the skin between two segments of the body, holding it 
 as with a pair of pincers, and thus supports itself till it 
 draws the tail from its sheath ; it then takes hold of another 
 piece, by elongating the rings of the tail, and repeating this 
 till the extremity touches the silk, to which it adheres by a 
 number of little hooks with which it is provided. " These 
 
MARCH. 63 
 
 operations/' says Reaumur, (f are most delicate and perilous : 
 it is wonderful that an insect which executes them but once 
 in its life, should execute them so well ; we can only con- 
 clude that it has been instructed by a Great Master/' 
 
 When the chrysalis is to be suspended horizontally, the 
 animal commences as before, and also prepares a silken band 
 for encircling itself near the middle. Different methods are 
 used for fixing this belt : some caterpillars let it hang down 
 in a loop, and then insinuate their bodies into it when it is 
 completed ; others bend their heads back to the point where 
 the girdle is to be fixed, and, after fastening the threads on 
 that side, carry them over to the other, simply by turning 
 the head in that direction. 
 
 The chrysalides of Butterflies are generally of an angular 
 form ; those of Moths oval or elliptical, and very rarely sus- 
 pended : the colour of both is usually deep chestnut-brown, 
 though occasionally of brighter hues. Those of Moths are 
 either enveloped in a silken cocoon, an example of which all 
 have seen in the Silk-worm, or buried in the ground, in a 
 hole well lined with silk to render it soft and warm, or 
 coated with a kind of varnish. The majority of Moths have 
 to force their way out of the cocoon no easy operation for 
 creatures destitute of jaws ; sometimes the perfect insect is 
 
64 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 furnished with the means of liberation, which is then 
 effected by an acid secretion discharged on the part from 
 which it desires to make its exit, and which then yields to 
 the slightest pressure. 
 
 When the caterpillar provides the means of escape for the 
 future Moth, it does so, generally, by making a circular inci- 
 sion near one end, leaving a small piece as a hinge ; but in 
 some cases a more elaborate contrivance is resorted to, such 
 as that of the Emperor Moth, which makes at one end of 
 the cocoon a funnel-shaped opening, like the neck of a 
 flask, composed of a series of loose threads, converging 
 like bristles to a blunt point, and formed of strong silk, 
 well gummed. To prevent any enemy attacking the helpless 
 inmate through this opening, the larva forms another funnel 
 within, in which there is no opening, but through which, 
 being made of very elastic threads, the moth can easily 
 effect its egress. These elastic threads also answer another 
 purpose, that of compressing the body of the Moth as it 
 emerges, thus forcing a fluid into the nervures of the wings, 
 and giving them their proper expansion ; for if the pupa is 
 taken out of the cocoon, the wings remain crippled ^. 
 
 We have now traced the Lepidoptera through the three 
 
 * Kirby and Spence, ' Introduction to Entomology.' 
 
1 Cic/indela camoestm. 2>. Carabua luteiie . 3 Oyrin .s 
 ' i.. : u>hylir,us ulens 6. Lampyrns 
 
 
MAECH. 65 
 
 different states into which they pass, and explained the 
 great subdivisions of the order; the student will now be 
 better prepared to understand those species which are pre- 
 sented to his notice. The order Coleoptera, the first men- 
 tioned, was described, with its principal family distinctions, 
 in February. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. HTDROPHILID^E. 
 
 HYDEOU8. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae short, and clubbed at the end ; 
 palpi long and slender ; mandibles largely toothed ; elytra nar- 
 rowing gradually behind ; tarsi five-jointed. 
 
 HYDROUS PICEUS. (Plate I.) Ground-colour black, in- 
 clining to olive ; margins of the elytra faintly tinged with 
 purple and green ; antennae and mouth reddish ; wing-cases 
 marked with eight dotted lines ; a few yellow spots on the 
 body, and hairs of the same colour on the breast ; the legs 
 very dark, and fringed with reddish-brown. This is the 
 largest of our water Beetles, and is common in the south, 
 though becoming rare in the northern counties. The larva 
 is very destructive to small shell-fish ; it swims with great 
 facility, and can seize its prey without changing its position, 
 
POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 from the freedom with which it moves its formidable jaws. 
 The female Beetle spins a silken bag for her eggs, in which 
 they float about until hatched ; the perfect insect may be 
 found as early as January in ponds and stagnant waters. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. SlLPHID^E. 
 
 SILPHA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna slightly compressed, and thick- 
 ening gradually from the seventh joint to the apex ; palpi, two 
 pair fixed to the maxillae and under lip ; mandibles not notched ; 
 elytra rounded behind ; tarsi five-jointed ; body formed somewhat 
 like a shield. 
 
 SILPHA QUADRIPUNCTATA. (Plate II.) Black and shin- 
 ing, with the elytra and sides of the thorax light yellow or 
 buff, with rounded spots of black. Length, five or six lines 
 (the line is the twelfth part of an inch). 
 
 There are about a dozen species of Silpha in Britain, 
 most of which are pitchy, or black, in colour ; they frequent 
 carrion, and are of infinite service in freeing the earth from 
 putrid substances. 
 
- 2. oilpha cpad - 
 
 5. Ghrpomek Tastaosa. 6. Coccmella 
 
MARCH, 67 
 
 COLBOPTEKA. C/OCCINELLID.E. 
 
 COCCINELLA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae very short, and terminated by 
 a compressed club ; palpi with a very large terminal joint, which 
 is hatchet-shaped ; body nearly hemispherical ; thorax angulated 
 behind ; elytra smooth ; tarsi three-jointed. 
 
 COCCINELLA SEPTEM-PUNCTATA. (Plate II.) LaAy-Urd. 
 Of a red colour, the elytra having seven black spots. This 
 is one of the commonest species; when touched, it will 
 emit a yellow fluid of a very disagreeable odour, which is 
 said to be good for the toothache. 
 
 COCCINELLA VIGINTIDUO-PUNCTATA is a beautiful species, 
 of a light yellow colour, having five black spots on the thorax, 
 and eleven on each elytron ; it is common in England. The 
 members of this genus, of which there are about thirty 
 species, vary from one-third to one-eighth of an inch in 
 size, and are ornamented with various colours, black, yellow, 
 and red being the most conspicuous. In France they are 
 considered sacred to the Virgin, and are called " Betes de 
 la Vierge," "Yaches a Dieu," etc.; in England they are 
 well known under the name of Lady-birds. 
 
68 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 ORTHOPTERA. ACHETID^E. 
 GRYLLOTALPA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae short and slender ; wings and 
 wing-covers horizontal; tarsi three-jointed ; fore legs very broad. 
 
 GRYLLOTALPA VULGARIS, or GRYLLUS GRYLLOTALPA 
 (Plate III.)> the Mole Cricket, is about an inch and a half 
 or two inches long, nearly cylindrical, and of a brown colour ; 
 its legs, being formed for the purpose of burrowing in the 
 ground, are broad and notched ; the body is terminated by 
 two long, stiff bristles ; it inhabits the^sides of canals and 
 damp soils, in which, just below the surface, it forms long 
 winding burrows and a chamber, neatly smoothed, in which, 
 about the middle of May, it deposits nearly a hundred eggs. 
 This singular insect makes a dull jarring sound, continued for 
 a long time without interruption, like that of the Pern Owl ; 
 farmers suppose it does injury by loosening the earth round 
 the roots of vegetables, upon which it is said to subsist, 
 though Latreille thinks it feeds on worms and insects. 
 
 ORTHOPTERA. ACHETIDJE. 
 
 ACHETA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennce very long ; wings and wing- 
 covers horizontal ; tarsi three-jointed ; legs slender. 
 
1- 
 
 ; dnmestica 3. Giyllutalpa.volgans 4 G-ryllus viridissimus . 
 
MARCH. 69 
 
 ACHETA DOMESTICA (Plate III.), the House Cricket, needs 
 little description ; it is of a buff colour, varied with brown ; 
 the loud chirping noise made by the males is occasioned by 
 the brisk attrition of their wings, the covers of which are 
 provided with a small glassy membrane, acting like the 
 parchment covering of a tambourine. These insects may be 
 found throughout the year in favourable situations. White 
 of Selborne says they feed on bread, yeast, salt, and any 
 kitchen sweepings : they are fond of moisture, and will 
 gnaw holes in wet woollen stockings or aprons hung to dry. 
 
 ACHETA CAMPESTRIS, the Field Cricket, is much more 
 rare, and appears later ; the colour is black, with the base 
 of the wing-covers yellow. It burrows at the side of paths, 
 making deep holes, at the mouth of which it sits, in order 
 to seize any stray insects for food. 
 
 HETEROPTEEA. NOTONECTID.E. 
 NOTONECTA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Body subcylindrical ; tarsi, first joint 
 long ; claws very minute. 
 
 NOTONECTA GLAUCA. (Plate XV.) Boat Fly. About half 
 an inch long, of a greyish colour ; the elytra spotted with 
 
70 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 black at the margin. It is an aquatic insect, and derives 
 its generic name from the habit of swimming on its back ; 
 on approaching a piece of standing water, these insects may 
 be observed resting with the tail upwards, and the legs ex- 
 tended at right angles ; with the body in this position, they 
 are enabled to obtain a supply of air to the apertures of the 
 air-tubes, which are on the sides. They produce a slight 
 wound with the proboscis, and feed on other insects. Many 
 of my readers may have seen them by means of the gas- 
 microscope. 
 
 HYMENOPTEEA. APID.E. 
 APIS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Proboscis long ; maxillary palpi almost 
 obsolete; lody oblong; legs furnished with a pollen plate, and 
 destitute of spines ; tarsi, basal joint oblong. 
 
 APIS MELLIFICA, the Hive Bee, needs no specific descrip- 
 tion, as the genus Apis is now restricted in England to this 
 species, which is one of the most perfectly social groups of 
 insects, and possesses the greatest share of instinct. One 
 of the most striking peculiarities in the Hive Bee is the 
 existence of those individuals formerly regarded as neuters, 
 
MARCH. 71 
 
 but which by modern investigation are found to be females, 
 imperfect in their organization ; these constitute the great 
 mass of the population in every hive ; to them is committed 
 the internal economy of the society, and upon them the 
 whole labour of the community devolves. It is also their 
 duty to guard and protect the queen, to feed the young, 
 and to kill the drones, or males, at the appointed season : 
 in a single hive there are many thousands of these indivi- 
 duals. The perfect female, or queen, may be distinguished 
 by her superior size and length, her brighter colour, and 
 curved sting. Her duty principally consists in laying eggs, 
 during which operation she is attended by a body-guard of 
 workers, who treat her with every mark of respect. The 
 male Bees, or drones, have no sting, the head is rounded, 
 and the eyes larger. 
 
 As soon as the plants begin to flower, Bees are in motion 
 for the purpose of collecting honey and wax, the former of 
 which is a sweet limpid juice found in the nectaries of 
 flowers, the latter is a secretion from the body of the work- 
 ing Bees. These different materials, being brought to the 
 hive, are received by the labourers in waiting, who form cells 
 of the wax, which serve as storehouses for the honey, and 
 nests for the young. The honey is partly distributed for 
 
72 POPULAR, ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 present food to the inhabitants, and the remainder laid up 
 for winter consumption. The form of the cells is an interest- 
 ing proof of instinct : as there is no great space in a hive 
 which is to accommodate so many thousand insects, and as, 
 also, the Bees do not secrete a great quantity of wax, the 
 saving of both space and material is an object of considera- 
 tion; consequently, every Bee is endowed with instinct which 
 places her high on the list of geometricians, as the cells are 
 precisely of that form which ensures both saving of space 
 and material. To prove this, Reaumur, the great naturalist, 
 gave the following problem to Konig, a skilful mathema- 
 tician : Among the hexagonal tubes with pyramidal bases, 
 to find that which can be formed with the least possible 
 quantity of matter. Konig worked the problem, and found 
 precisely the same angles which Reaumur had previously 
 ascertained to be those of the Bee's cell. It is a curious 
 circumstance that the design of every comb is sketched by 
 a single Bee, who lays the first rudiments, which are then 
 completed by the rest. There are three different kinds of 
 cells : the first are for the larvae of the workers, and for 
 containing the honey; the second, for the grubs of the 
 drones, which are larger than the former ; and the third, of 
 which there is only a small number, are destined for the 
 
MARCH. 73 
 
 future queens : these are called royal cells, and are of quite 
 a different form from the rest. The antennae seem to be the 
 organs by which the little architects regulate the shape of 
 their wonderful buildings. The first cells are all made of 
 the proper size and form for the working Bees ; but when 
 the queen is going to lay male eggs, the builders immedi- 
 ately change the dimensions of the cell to suit the intended 
 occupant; they also, at certain intervals, construct royal 
 cells, and about once in three days the queen deposits an 
 egg, which is destined to produce a future queen. 
 
 Another extraordinary circumstance is noticed, connected 
 with these embryo sovereigns, which is, that should the queen 
 happen to die before having laid any royal eggs, the Bees, 
 after much apparent consultation, select one of those formed 
 for the working Bees ; three cells are thrown into one for its 
 reception, the grub, when hatched, is fed with royal jelly, 
 and a queen is produced ; whereas, had it remained in the 
 original cell, and been fed with ordinary food, it would have 
 turned out only a working Bee. This, and some other facts, 
 are so contrary to what is known in other branches of 
 Natural History, that, unless fully proved, they might be 
 deemed fabulous. 
 
 We must now proceed to the period when the young 
 
74 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 queens are ready to come forth in their perfect state. At 
 this time the queen-mother appears to become infuriated ; 
 she rushes to the cells of her royal offspring, and tearing 
 them open, slaughters the inmates with her sting; after 
 killing two or three, she communicates her excitement to 
 the workers, when a great portion of them, accompanied by 
 their old queen, rush from the hive and seek another home. 
 In every instance it is the original sovereign that leads the 
 first swarm, which, being placed in a fresh hive, again com- 
 mences active labours. Meantime, the Bees remaining 
 in the old hive take great care of the undestroyed cells, and 
 prevent the young queens from leaving them, except at 
 proper intervals. As soon as one of them is hatched, she 
 proceeds to attack the royal apartments; but the guards, 
 who permitted the ancient sovereign to pursue her own 
 way, do not extend the same courtesy to her successor, but 
 surrounding the cell of her rival they bite and drive her 
 off. Angry at this conduct, the little queen stands upright, 
 uttering a clear shrill sound, and no sooner is this heard 
 than the Bees remain motionless, hanging down their heads ; 
 again she attacks the cell, and is again driven away, till at 
 length, giving up the contest, she quits the hive, with a 
 second swarm. To prevent the young queens from making 
 
MARCH. 75 
 
 their appearance too soon, the workers remove a portion of 
 wax from the cell ; making it sufficiently thin to be seen 
 through ; and when the prisoner is ready to free herself, 
 and has cut through the cocoon, they fasten up the cleft 
 with wax, and prevent her egress ; upon this, she emits a 
 distinct humming sound, which however excites no pity 
 in her subjects, though they feed her with honey when she 
 puts out her tongue for that purpose. At the proper time 
 she is released, and leads the swarm which is then ready for 
 her. In the autumn the males are all killed, and eyen 
 those grubs that would have changed into drones partici- 
 pate in the general doom. 
 
 Yolumes have been written, filled with interesting details 
 respecting these useful insects ; and the great difficulty, in a 
 sketch like the present, consists in selecting from so great 
 a mass of information that which shall interest the reader 
 and make him acquainted with the outline of their history, 
 within the compass to which it is limited, whilst it incites 
 him to search for more abundant details in larger works. 
 The ( Introduction to Entomology/ by Kirby and Spence, 
 gives a very interesting account of the Bee, and from, this 
 valuable work many of the above remarks are condensed. 
 
76 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 HOMOPTERA. APHID..E. 
 APHIS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennas filiform, seven-jointed ; elytra 
 larger than the wings ; body generally horned towards the apex ; 
 wings either four, or entirely wanting. 
 
 APHIS ROS.E (Plate XV.) is generally of a green colour ; 
 the tips of the antennae, and horns, black; tail pointed. 
 These insects may be found in February, when the weather 
 is sufficiently warm, and are produced from oval black eggs 
 deposited in the autumn. They reach maturity in April, 
 after twice casting their skins ; and early in June, some of 
 the third generation, after throwing off their last covering, 
 are found to possess four wings, which had been folded 
 into a very small compass, but now extend in a beautiful 
 manner to their proper form and dimensions. 
 
 APHIS HUMULI infests the Hop, and the importance of 
 this apparently insignificant insect may be gathered from 
 the following account given in the ' British Cyclopsedia of 
 Natural History :' "In the year 1802 the hop-duty fell from 
 100,000^. to 14,000^, on account of the great increase v of 
 the Aphis; in 1825, from 130,000^. to 22,000/. ; and in the 
 following year, which was remarkably dry and hot, scarcely 
 
MAECH. 77 
 
 an Aphis was found, and the duty, which began in May at 
 120,000^, rose to nearly 500,000, so that this little in- 
 sect actually possesses a control over the British treasury 
 amounting to hundreds of thousands." 
 
 LEPIODOPTEKA. PAPILIONID.E. 
 GONEPTEEYX. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna rather short and robust, thick- 
 ening near the summit to an obtuse club ; palpi compressed and 
 projecting a little beyond the head ; wings large, angulated, the 
 under pair grooved to receive the body. 
 
 GONEPTEEYX EHAMNI. (Plate Y.) Brimstone Butterfly. 
 The male is entirely bright sulphur-yellow above, and the fe- 
 male greenish- white ; both have a small round orange spot 
 near the middle of each wing, and some minute, rust-coloured 
 spots along the outer edge ; the under side is paler than 
 the upper, and the central marks are rust-brown and pale 
 in the middle. The body is black above, and clothed with 
 long, silky, white hairs, the under parts are yellow ; antennae 
 reddish; the head and thorax slightly tinged with rose- 
 colour. This insect is common in the southern counties, 
 and also occurs in many parts of the north, but not in 
 
78 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 Scotland. It often survives the winter, when its graceful 
 outline and gay tints render it a pleasing herald of spring. 
 It may often be seen vibrating like the petals of the prim- 
 rose it so much resembles in colour, by the side of a sheltered 
 wood. Though I have mentioned this pretty butterfly in 
 the early month in which it frequently makes its appear- 
 ance, yet the first broods are more usually seen in May, and 
 the second in autumn. The caterpillar is long, naked, and 
 of a light green colour, with many black dots on the back, 
 and a pale line down each side ; it feeds on the Prunus 
 spinosa, or Blackthorn. The chrysalis is angular. 
 
 DlPTEEA. 
 
 CULEX. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae setaceous, of about fourteen 
 joints, which form a tuft in the males ; palpi long ; rostrum long, 
 and enclosing a sucker of five pieces ; wings lying horizontally 
 on the body ; legs long. 
 
 CULEX PIPIENS. (Plate XV.) The Gnat. Body cinereous ; 
 wings transparent ; antennae of the male plumose ; length of 
 the insect three lines. The beautiful proboscis of this little 
 creature is well worthy of notice, notwithstanding the pain and 
 uneasiness it causes ; for although it appears to the naked eye 
 
MAECH. 79 
 
 to consist merely of a long, slender, and simple organ, it is in 
 fact a number of fine lancet-like pieces, enclosed in a fleshy 
 gutter, forming an instrument admirably adapted for suction, 
 and provided with a poisonous liquid, which it instils into the 
 wound in order to make the blood flow more freely : it must 
 be remembered that the females alone exhibit this thirst for 
 blood, the males contenting themselves (in more elegant taste) 
 with the nectar of flowers. The females deposit their eggs 
 in a remarkable manner : the larvse are destined to inhabit 
 water, and the perfect insect is an aerial being ; it therefore 
 takes its station on the extremity of a floating leaf, and, by 
 the assistance of the hind leg, forms the eggs into a curious 
 boat-like mass, which floats on the water. These hatch in 
 about two days, and may be seen in the larva-state jerking 
 about with great rapidity ; they are small, and semi-trans- 
 parent, long, and furnished at the sides with long hairs; 
 the head is rounded, having two jaws, which are kept in 
 perpetual motion, serving to produce a current of water, 
 which brings small floating particles to its mouth. They are 
 transformed into pupse in about fifteen days, in which state 
 the body is thickened, and exhibits the rudiments of legs 
 and wings ; the external apparatus for breathing now consists 
 of two small horns, and the pupa swims with great agility 
 
80 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 by means of two small swimmerets, or little oars. There is 
 an apparent difficulty in this little aquatic animal casting off 
 a form with which it could not live in the air, and assuming 
 that which would be destroyed in its future element. But 
 Nature, or rather the God of Nature, is never at a loss for 
 expedients ; the pupa rises to the surface, when ready to enter 
 its new condition, and elevating the thorax above the level 
 of the water, the skin bursts, by -swelling the exposed part, 
 and the head and thorax of the Gnat are seen, while the rest 
 of the body gradually appears. At this critical period (say 
 the authors of the ( Introduction to Entomology') the old 
 skin acts as a life-boat to the little animal; the observer, 
 who sees how this little boat sinks closer and closer to the 
 margin, feels interested for the safety of the insect, for should 
 it upset, the tiny mariner would certainly be drowned ; but 
 the Gnat, having fixed itself perpendicularly, draws first its 
 two anterior legs out of their case, and moving them forward, 
 proceeds to do the same with the next pair; then resting 
 for an instant on the surface of the water, the wings unfold 
 themselves, are dried, and the insect flies away to enjoy its 
 new existence. 
 
 CULEX PTJLICARIS. The Midge. Body slender ; antennae 
 plumose, and forked at the extremity ; wings white, about 
 
MARCH. 81 
 
 a line in length. The Midge very closely resembles the 
 true Gnat, but differs in wanting the long proboscis. The 
 antennse are ornamented with whorls of hair, which, in the 
 males, form beautiful objects. These insects do not appear 
 till later in the year, but, being so similar to the Gnats, it is 
 thought better to notice them together. 
 
 DIPTERA. BOMBYLIID.E. 
 BOMBYLIUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna, second joint very short, ter- 
 minal one long ; palpi very visible ; proboscis very long ; body 
 short, thick, and hairy ; legs long. 
 
 BOMBYLIUS MAJOR is about one-third of an inch long, and 
 covered with yellowish hairs ; the wings somewhat dusky. 
 
 BOMBYLIUS MEDIUS has the wings marked with small 
 dark spots; the specific name bestowed on it by Linnseus 
 is inappropriate, as it is larger than B. major. 
 
 BOMBYLIUS MINOR is much smaller than either of the 
 preceding species ; the wings are quite clear. 
 
 These insects are very active, flying with great rapidity ; 
 they hover over flowers without settling on them, but extract 
 the honey by means of their very long proboscis. Their 
 
8 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 transformations seem to be little known ; Latreille supposes 
 them to be parasitical in the nests of other insects. The 
 perfect fly (which very much resembles a Bee, and is hence 
 termed the Bee-fly) may often be met with in fine weather, 
 making a humming sound during its flight. 
 
 This family has been by some authors confounded with 
 Asilida, from which it is however distinguished by the pro- 
 boscis in the latter being very short, and the body longer. 
 The Asilida prey on other insects, which they seize on the 
 wing by means of their fore legs, and extract the juices with 
 the lancet-like parts of the mouth. The larvae in this family 
 reside in the ground ; the body is long, the head scaly ; they 
 are destitute of legs, but make use of the hooks on the 
 head to draw themselves along ; they form no cocoon when 
 about to become pupa3, but undergo the transformation in 
 the same locality in which they have existed in the state of 
 larvse. The finest species is the Asilus crabroniformis, thus 
 named from the resemblance it bears to the Hornet, Vespa 
 cradro. 
 
83 
 
 CHAPTEE IV. 
 
 APBIL. 
 
 THE sunshine of this variable, though often delightful 
 month, calls many of our insects into being. Several of 
 the early white Butterflies may be seen flitting about, re- 
 joicing us, as harbingers of spring, and sipping the sweets 
 of the few flowers now in bloom ; the less delicate, but 
 more brilliant Beetle, attracts our attention, as it runs 
 swiftly across our path, or flies heavily during a warm evening, 
 with its peculiar, humming sound ; the elegant Dragon Fly 
 emerges from the watery bed in which it had passed the first 
 stage of its existence, and hovers over the element it has so 
 lately quitted, as though unwilling to leave its native home 
 to try new scenes ; and though, 
 
 " Spring is but the child 
 Of churlish winter, in her froward moods 
 Discovering much the temper of her sire/' 
 
84 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 yet she sends us many of her "flying gems" as precursors 
 of her abundant fertility, when the sun shall have tempered 
 still more the bleak winds of March. The beautiful family 
 of Dragon Flies, Libellulida, is noted for the extreme 
 elegance of the species composing it. Kirby speaks of their 
 dress as silky, brilliant, and trimmed with the finest lace ; 
 and Mouffet says, " they set forth Nature's elegancy beyond 
 the expression of art." The French call them Demoiselles : 
 our less elegant names of Dragon Ply, Horse-stinger, etc., 
 are quite misapplied, as they are perfectly harmless. They 
 are generally seen skimming over standing water, seizing 
 other insects as food ; sometimes even Butterflies become 
 victims of these beautiful destroyers. The eggs are laid by 
 the female in the form of a bunch of grapes, and are soon 
 hatched into short, thick larvse, with six scaly legs; on 
 becoming pupse, they are equally active. In their aquatic 
 state these insects have a curious apparatus for catching 
 their prey, which is thus amusingly described in Kirby and 
 Spencers admirable work : " One of the most remarkable 
 instruments, in which the art and skill of Divine mechanism 
 are singularly conspicuous, may be seen in the under-lip of 
 the Dragon Ely. Conceive your under-lip to be horny 
 instead of fleshy, and to be elongated, so as to wrap over 
 
APRIL. 85 
 
 your chin, and then expand into a triangular plate attached 
 by a joint, so as to bend upwards again, and fold over the 
 face, as high as the nose, concealing not only the chin and 
 the first-mentioned elongation, but the mouth and part of 
 the cheeks; conceive, moreover, that to the end of this 
 last-named plate are fixed two other convex ones, so broad 
 as to cover the nose and temples : that these can open at 
 pleasure like a pair of jaws, exposing the nose and mouth, 
 and that their inner edges, where they meet, are cut into 
 numerous sharp teeth and spines, or armed with long and 
 sharp claws. You will probably admit that your own visage 
 would present an appearance not very engaging, while con- 
 cealed by such a mask ; but it would strike still more awe 
 into the spectators, were they to see you first open the 
 two upper jaw-like plates, which would project from your 
 temples like the blinders of a horse ; and next, having, by 
 means of the joint at the chin, let down the whole apparatus, 
 and uncovered your face, employ them in seizing any food 
 that presented itself, and conveying it to your mouth. This 
 formation so exactly resembles a mask, that if entomologists 
 ever went to masquerades, they could not more effectually 
 relieve the insipidity of such amusements, and attract the 
 attention of the Demoiselles, than by appearing at the 
 
86 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 supper-table with a mask of this construction, and serving 
 themselves by its assistance : these creatures steal upon 
 their prey as a cat does on a mouse." They live in the 
 water for ten or eleven months prior to their final change, 
 and from spring until the commencement of autumn may 
 be seen in every favourable locality ; when ready to quit the 
 pupa state they leave the water, and, ascending the stem 
 of some aquatic plant, allow their outward covering to become* 
 dry and brittle, when it splits down the back, and the head 
 and legs make their appearance. The insect then seizes a 
 twig with its fore legs, and draws out the rest of the body ; 
 after which it remains a considerable time, until its wings 
 acquire their full size and gauze-like appearance. 
 
 There are two families of Water Beetles seen this month, 
 and frequently earlier, the Dyticida and Gyrinidte, the 
 latter remarkable for the metallic brilliancy of their cover- 
 ing, which distinguishes them from the Dyticida. The 
 velocity with which they execute their evolutions on the 
 surface of the water is truly surpising, and has obtained for 
 them the name of " Whirligigs." One of our naturalists 
 thus describes them : " Water quiet, still water affords 
 a place of action to a very amusing little fellow, Gyrinus 
 natatory which about the middle of April we see gambolling 
 
APRIL. 87 
 
 about, on the surface of a sheltered pool ; every school-boy 
 who has angled for minnows in the brook, is well acquainted 
 with this merry swimmer in his shining black jacket ; one 
 pool commonly affords space for the amusement of several 
 parties, yet they do not unite, but perform their cheerful 
 circlings in separate family associations; if we interfere with 
 their merriment, they seem greatly alarmed, disperse, and 
 dive to the bottom, where their fears soon subside, and we 
 see our little friends dancing as before." 
 
 Some of the beautiful Tiger Beetles may occasionally be 
 found, their brilliant green rivalling the hue of the emerald, 
 when seen in the sunshine ; they fly swiftly, and the rapidity 
 of their motions renders escape impossible to any insect 
 they may attack ; they emit a fine rose-like scent. The 
 larvse reside in burrows of great depth, which they excavate 
 in sand ; at the mouth of these holes they station them- 
 selves to entrap their prey, and are, like the perfect insect, 
 furnished with hooked jaws, and six strong legs. Dr. 
 Kidd thus amusingly describes one of the larvse : " Such 
 a beauty ! the Parca, sweet creatures, the Ewmenidte, gentle 
 turtle-doves, were lovely in comparison; aspect vicious, 
 temper ferocious, jaws diabolical, stuck on the wrong way, 
 - head big, back humped, the hump adorned with two hooks/' 
 
88 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 The jaws afford one of the many proofs of design which 
 are so frequently met with in the insect world ; they are 
 turned upwards, contrary to the usual formation, but were 
 they in the ordinary position, the animal, which takes its 
 station at the mouth of its hole to catch stray insects, 
 would be compelled to throw back the head to a great dis- 
 tance, in order to snap at them, whereas its present forma- 
 tion enables it to take them without any difficulty; the 
 hooks on the back are also worthy of our notice, as it is 
 by their assistance that the insect climbs up, and retains 
 its situation at the mouth of the cell. 
 
 The same amusing author just quoted, says of one whose 
 hole he seems to have destroyed : " He set to work to 
 make another, for which purpose he used his feet and jaws, 
 loosening the sand with his feet, and fetching it out with 
 his jaws ; in this way he got down about half an inch, and 
 then adroitly hanging himself to the edge of the hole by his 
 hooks, he continued his labours in this droll situation ; at 
 last he got out of sight, and as he did not appear again, I 
 concluded he was taking a nap after his labours." 
 
APEIL. 89 
 
 COLEOPTEKA. 
 
 CAEABUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. -Body elongated, often bronzed or golden 
 green ; head projecting, narrower than the thorax ; antenna fili- 
 form ; thorax less broad than the body ; size large. 
 
 CAEABUS CLATHEATUS. About an inch long, of an 
 oblong form ; colour dark brassy, head and thorax faintly 
 punctured, each elytron has three elevated lines and a triple 
 series of excavations of a copper-colour, the under side and 
 legs black; the wings are not adapted for flight. 
 
 CAEABUS NITENS (Plate I.) is found on heaths, and 
 scarcely yields to any exotic insect in brilliancy of lustre. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. CAEABIDJE. 
 
 ELAPHEUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Head with prominent eyes; antennae 
 becoming thicker towards the extremity ; thorax nearly the same 
 width as the head ; tarsi, first four joints slightly dilated in the 
 males. 
 
 ELAPHEUS EIPAEIUS. Head and thorax deeply punctured, 
 the latter with a short groove in the middle ; elytra thickly 
 covered with minute punctures, and four rows of purple 
 
90 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 spots, each with a ring of metallic lustre; colour brassy- 
 green, under side bronzed green; legs pale yellow. This 
 insect frequents marshy places and the margins of ponds, 
 running very quickly. 
 
 COLEOPTEBA. STAPHYLINTD.E. 
 
 STAPHYLINUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Head large ; antenna short, inserted 
 between the eyes ; body narrow, and not covered by the elytra ; 
 wings very large ; palpi filiform ; size large. 
 
 STAPHYLINUS ERYTHB.OPTEKUS. About half an inch long, 
 with red elytra ; found under dead leaves, or stones, or seen 
 flying in hot sunshine. 
 
 STAPHYLINUS OLENS (Plate I.) is of a dull black colour, 
 with pale reddish elytra ; it is known under the name of the 
 " Devil's Coach-horse. " When alarmed, it opens its jaws, 
 and throws its tail over the back ; it is frequently seen run- 
 ning quickly across roads and sandy paths ; one very small 
 species sometimes causes great annoyance by flying into the 
 eyes, giving a smarting sensation from the vapour it emits; 
 they feed on decaying vegetable and animal substances. 
 
APRIL. 91 
 
 COLEOPTEKA. CHKYSOMELID^. 
 
 CHEYSOMELA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna slightly thickened towards the 
 tips ; palpi hatchet-shaped ; body rounded or oval ; wings formed 
 for flight ; colour very brilliant. 
 
 CHEYSOMELA SANGUINOLENTA is about a third of an inch 
 in length, of a blue-black colour, the elytra widely bordered 
 with red. 
 
 CHRYSOMELA FASTUOSA. (Plate II.) A very pretty species, 
 of a brilliant golden-green, with a stripe on each elytron of 
 violet-blue ; it is smaller than the last, and is found on the 
 white dead-nettle (Lamium album)* 
 
 COLEOPTEKA. CICINDELID^B. 
 CICINDELA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna filiform; palpi distinct and 
 hairy; wings long and slender; body oblong or oval; colour 
 very brilliant. 
 
 CICIKDELA CAMPESTRIS. (Plate I.) A very elegant insect, 
 of a bright grass-green above, with several white spots on 
 each elytron. 
 
92 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 COLEOPTEKA. GYRINTDJE. 
 
 GYEINUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna short and thick, forming a 
 mass, almost like ears; head sunk in the thorax; hinder legs 
 very short, compressed, and hairy ; fore legs long ; body highly 
 polished. 
 
 GYKINUS NATATOR. (Plate I.) Nearly three lines long, of 
 an ovate form, blue-black in colour, with a metallic lustre, 
 the breast rather red ; found in water. 
 
 COLEOPTEEA. DYTICID.E. 
 
 DYTICUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae eleven-jointed and setaceous ; 
 head thick, and partly sunk in the thorax ; elytra in some species 
 destitute of furrows in the males ; body oval ; colour black, 
 tinged with olive ; size large. 
 
 DYTICUS MARGINALIS has the body blackish-green above, 
 yellowish-blown below, the thorax and elytra margined with 
 yellow. The female is furrowed; it is about an inch in 
 length. 
 
APRIL. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. 
 
 ANOBIUM. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna of eleven joints, terminated by 
 three larger joints ; head short and round ; body cylindrical and 
 convex ; wings strong, longer than the elytra ; colours obscure. 
 
 ANOBITJM TESSELLATUM. Body of an obscure brown co- 
 lour, with yellowish spots formed by hairs ; the elytra are 
 not striated (marked with lines). 
 
 These innocent little creatures, from a superstitious error, 
 bear the name of Death-watch, in common with another 
 species, 
 
 ANOBIUM STRIATTJM, of a more uniform colour, and may 
 be heard in old houses making a clicking noise in the walls 
 and window -frames. This sound is produced by the insect 
 raising itself on its hinder legs, and beating its head with 
 some force against the wood on which it stands. There are 
 eleven species in England, all of which probably possess the 
 power of making this noise, which is merely a call or signal 
 to its companions. 
 
 NEUROPTEEA. LIBELLULID.E. 
 
 LIBELLULA. 
 Generic Distinctions. Head globular ; antenna short ; eyes 
 
94 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 very large ; body long, depressed, and pointed ; wings extended 
 horizontally in repose. 
 
 LIBELLULA DEPKESSA (Plate IV.), Dragon Fly, is of a 
 yellowish-brown colour with two yellow lines on the thorax ; 
 the body is brown or grey,, with the sides yellowish ; the 
 wings are transparent, with a large spot of brown at the 
 base ; length about an inch and a half ; the sexes are often 
 of different colours, the males having the body lead-blue, 
 whilst the females are rich yellow-brown; in the genus 
 Agrion (which some authors make a sub-family) the males 
 are of a rich blue, with black wings, the females a fine 
 green with colourless wings ; the body is also rounded and 
 much more slender. 
 
 HYMENOPTERA. FOEMICID^E. 
 
 POEMICA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna inserted near the middle of the 
 front part of the head ; mandibles strong, triangular, and dentate ; 
 wings large and unequal ; sting wanting. 
 
 FORMICA RUFA. Red Ant. The neuters are blackish, with 
 part of the head and thorax fawn-coloured ; the female has 
 the thorax oval and fawn-coloured, and the body black ; the 
 males and females are about four lines in length, the neuters 
 
IV. 
 
 L Ephemera vulgata. ?s .Lib ell ula depress a. 3 Phijganea .graiutis 4<. Arufcena mg: 
 
APRIL. 95 
 
 rather smaller; the wings are obscure, with yellowish 
 nerves. The dwellings of these Ants,, which are called Red, 
 Hill, or Horse Ants, are composed of straws, wood, and 
 earth, heaped into a cone-shape, and are found in woods ; 
 the number of individuals of which a nest is composed is 
 very great ; when disturbed the ants come out in immense 
 numbers, looking very formidable, and biting severely. 
 Their habitation is formed with much art, and differs from 
 that of all other species, in having a great many entrances, 
 which are all closed at sunset, when the little inhabitants 
 shut themselves in for the night. 
 
 FORMICA NIGRA. Black Ant. In this species the insects 
 are about two lines long, of a blackish-brown colour, with 
 the mandibles and part of the antennae paler ; they dig small 
 galleries on the sides of roads, fields, and gardens. 
 
 LEPCDOPTERA. PAPILIONID^E. 
 PONTIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna long, slender, and terminating 
 in an abrupt club \ palpi clothed with scales ; anterior wings 
 nearly three-cornered ; posterior wings rounded, and not varie- 
 gated beneath ; legs alike in both sexes ; chrysalis terminated in 
 a beak, and attached by the tail. 
 
96 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 PONTIA EAP^E. Small White Butterfly. Upper surface 
 of the wings white, slightly inclining to yellow ; the first 
 pair have a dusky spot at the tip, extending a short way 
 round the border; in the male there is one, and in the 
 female two, round spots on the disc ; the latter have also an 
 oblong patch behind ; the hinder wings have a black mark 
 on their anterior border. Beneath, the anterior wings have 
 two black spots ; the tip is yellow, as are the under wings, 
 and appears as if sprinkled with black spots ; on the an- 
 terior edge there is a streak of orange-yellow. Size about 
 twenty lines. The caterpillar is light green, with a pale 
 line on the back and a whitish streak on each side; it 
 feeds on the cabbage and turnip. There is a second flight 
 in July. 
 
 PONTIA METRA. Howard's White. Colour entirely yel- 
 lowish-white ; base of the wings blackish, and the tip of 
 the anterior pair slightly suffused with brown; in the male 
 there is a single, and in the female two dusky spots, which 
 are however sometimes wanting ; hinder wings are wholly 
 white. Beneath, the tip of the upper wings is yellow ; the 
 hinder wings are also yellow, sprinkled with black points. 
 From twenty to twenty-five lines in size. There is another 
 brood in June ; it is common in the south. 
 
APEIL. 97 
 
 PONTIA CARDAMINES. (Plate VI.) Orange Tip. The 
 primary wings in this pretty species are white, dusky at the 
 base, with a small crescent-shaped spot in the middle, and 
 a patch of black round the tip ; the outer half of the wing 
 is deeply tinged with orange in the male, but not in the 
 female ; the hinder wings are alike in both sexes ; on the 
 upper side they are dusky at the base, the surface presenting 
 traces of the markings underneath, which consist in spots 
 of green, powdered with yellow. The caterpillar is green, 
 with a white line on each side, and feeds on several Crucifer- 
 ous plants. This insect differs slightly from other Pontias 
 in the form of wings, which in the anterior pair are more 
 rounded, and by the under side being variegated ; the ter- 
 minal joint of the palpi is also shorter. The P. cardamines 
 measures about an inch and a half. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPHALTD^;. 
 MELELEA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae with a very abrupt knob, 
 large and flat ; palpi long and projecting ; wings of moderate 
 size, anterior pair rather long and triangular ; chrysalis suspended 
 by the tail. 
 
 H 
 
98 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 MELIT^EA ATHALIA. Pearl-bordered Likeness. Colour 
 tawny-orange, marked with several undulating black lines, 
 running across the surface. Beneath, the anterior wings 
 are pale brownish-yellow, with transverse streaks of black ; 
 the hinder pair with several pale angular spots near the 
 base, edged with black ; behind this, there is a curved band 
 of large pale spots, also edged with black, and near the 
 margin two series of black crescents. The caterpillar, 
 which feeds on plantain and heath, is black and spiny, with 
 two rows of white dots on each segment. The insect is 
 rare in the north, but not so in Devonshire and other 
 southern countries. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPHALID^E. 
 HIPPAECHIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna variable in length, club gene- 
 rally tapering at both ends, sometimes short and abrupt ; palpi 
 longer than the head; anterior wings sometimes angular, at 
 others rounded, and generally toothed in the hinder pair ; fore 
 legs very short ; chrysalis suspended by the tail. 
 
 HiPPAUCiiiA JEGERIA. Speckled Wood. Upper side brown, 
 the anterior wings marked with several pale yellow spots, 
 
APRIL. 99 
 
 having a black ocellus, or eye, with a white pupil; the 
 hinder wings have also one or two yellow spots, and a row 
 of ocelli round the hinder margin ; the under side is pale 
 yellow, clouded and streaked with brown ; the hinder pair 
 marked with undulating transverse lines, and a row of pale 
 dots encircled with brown. The caterpillar is green, marked 
 on the sides with yellow or whitish lines : it feeds on grasses. 
 There are three flights of this insect, in April, June, and 
 August ; it may be found throughout Britain. 
 
 HIPPAECHIA MEG-ERA. Wall Butterfly. Anterior wings 
 orange, inclining to brown, with the hinder margin and 
 several transverse bands of dark brown, each wing with a 
 large ocellus towards the tip, having a black iris and white 
 pupil ; the hinder wings are dark brown, with two trans- 
 verse bands, that next the margin having a row of ocelli, 
 Beneath, the upper wings are pale, with the brown bands 
 faintly marked, the ocellus being larger ; the under pair 
 are ash-grey, varied with two undulating brown lines, 
 they have also a series of ocelli and a waved band of pale 
 yellow. The caterpillar is pubescent or downy, of a light 
 green with a whitish line on each side. This is a common 
 species, and occurs again in July and August. 
 
100 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA. HESPERID.E. 
 
 THYMELE. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae terminating in an acute hook 
 and the club curved. 
 
 THYMELE ALVEOLUS. (Plate X.) Grizzled Skipper. A 
 small species, seldom exceeding an inch in extent; ground- 
 colour of the wings brownish-black, anterior pair with straw- 
 coloured spots ; the under wings have, in addition, an irre- 
 gular band near the hinder margin; the under side is grey 
 tinged with green, having spots nearly corresponding to those 
 above. 
 
 THYMELE TAGES. Dingy Skipper. Larger than the 
 preceding; the surface rather dark brown, clouded with 
 ash-grey, a few white points, and a series of them round 
 the margin of all the wings ; under side tawny grey, with 
 ill-defined white spots. Caterpillar bright green, with a 
 yellow stripe, dotted with black, down the back, and others 
 on the sides. Not unfrequent at the end of the month. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA. BOMBYCID^E. 
 
 SATURNIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae beautifully fringed, like the 
 
APRIL. 101 
 
 feather of a pen, in the male ; palpi and trunk wanting ; head 
 small ; wings very broad and entire. 
 
 SATURNIA PAVONIA MINOR. (Frontispiece.) TheEmperor 
 Moth. This beautiful species sometimes attains to three 
 inches in width ; the colour is greyish- brown, faintly tinged 
 with purple ; the hinder margin of all the wings has a band 
 of pale brown, with two transverse bands of brown and 
 purple on each wing, the hinder band very much waved ; 
 the centre of each is also ornamented with a large ocellus, 
 placed on a light ground, consisting of a black pupil with 
 a yellow or grey iris, and partly surrounded by a light blue 
 crescent ; in the apex of the anterior wings there is a patch 
 of purple and a black or whitish mark. The caterpillar is 
 of a lovely green, and has a black band on each segment, 
 adorned with pink tubercles, bearing a whorl of six hairs 
 diverging like a star. Latreille mentions a manufactory 
 established in Germany, in which the silk of which the cocoon 
 consists is used : the singular form of this cocoon was 
 described in March. 
 
102 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NOCTUID^E. 
 PLUSIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna simple ; palpi longer than the 
 head ; proboscis long ; head and iliorax tufted. 
 
 PLTJSIA GAMMA. Gamma Moth. Upper wings grey, 
 variegated with dusky brown, having a pale spot towards 
 the apex, and a few tranverse dark lines slightly waved, 
 the disc is inscribed with a silvery character resembling the 
 letter G or the Greek gamma ; the under wings are ash- 
 brown ; the hinder margin and nervures dark brown ; head 
 arid thorax grey. Caterpillar light green, with faint yellow 
 lines on the sides, and white ones on the back. 
 
 PLTJSIA CHEYSITIS. (Plate XIV.) Burnished-brass Moth. 
 Anterior wings ornamented with two broad golden-green 
 bands, variable in their tint ; near the apex there is a trans- 
 verse line of deep brown, of which colour are also the 
 hinder wings. The caterpillars of this species are green, 
 with a longitudinal white line on the sides, and oblique 
 streaks of the same on the back. The Moth frequents lanes 
 and the rank vegetation found among rubbish, and is com- 
 mon in the south of England. 
 
APRIL. 103 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. NOCTUID.E. 
 MISELIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna long, robust, and sometimes 
 slightly serrated ; maxillce, length of the antennae ; palpi short ; 
 head clothed with scales ; thorax large and crested ; wings narrow. 
 
 MISELIA APRILIANA. April Miselia. The upper wings 
 in this species are of a fine green, marked with trans- 
 verse black lines and spots; the under wings are dusky 
 brown, with a light streak on the inner side, and another 
 on the hinder margin. The caterpillar is commonly ash- 
 grey, with dark spots and lines, but varies considerably 
 It feeds on the ash, elm, and beech ; there are three brood 
 in the year. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NOCTUID^E. 
 
 PHLOGOPHOEA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna long, slender, and simple ', palpi 
 ascending ; thorax crested ; anterior wings longitudinally folded 
 in repose, deeply indented, and rather elongated. 
 
 PHLOGOPHORA METICULOSA. Angle-shades, Upper wings 
 pinkish-white, clouded with olive-brown, each with a large 
 triangular purplish mark in the centre, beyond which, there 
 
104 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 is a white band, the margin marbled with olive-brown ; the 
 hinder wings are whitish, with a faint rosy tinge, having a 
 dusky central crescent, and two or three faint waved lines. 
 The caterpillar is green, with a row of white spots on the 
 back, and a white line on each side ; it feeds on culinary 
 vegetables, and many common field-plants. There are three 
 broods, which appear in April, June, and September. 
 
 NEUBOPTEKA. PSOCID^E. 
 
 ATEOPUS. 
 Generic Distinctions. Tarsi three-jointed ; icings wanting. 
 
 Having mentioned the Death-watch, Anobium, it seems 
 desirable to name another insect sometimes confounded with 
 it, owing to a similarity in the sound it produces, viz., 
 
 ATROPUS PULSATORIUM. This is a very minute insect, 
 of a dirtyrwhite colour, commonly found amongst old books 
 and on papered walls. Its specific name alludes to the 
 noise which it makes, similar to the ticking of a watch. 
 The larvae resemble the perfect insect both in habits and 
 appearance. 
 
105 
 
 CHAPTEE V. 
 
 MAY. 
 
 MAY has ever been a favourite month; poets sing its 
 praise, as uniting all the opening beauties of spring with 
 the brightness and radiance of summer, as glowing with 
 flowers, perfumed with sweet odours, and melodious with 
 the cheerful carolling of birds. " Goddess of the spring" 
 is only one among the many flattering epithets applied to it 
 and the poet Darwin says, 
 
 " For thee the fragrant zephyrs blow, 
 
 For thee descends the sunny shower ; 
 The rills in softer murmur flow, 
 
 And brighter blossoms gem the bower." 
 
 But the praises lavished so profusely were originally uttered 
 in more southern climates, and in our northern latitude 
 
106 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 May- day has but scanty garlands for her Queens and May- 
 poles, even where this pretty and appropriate welcome has 
 not died away with the other rural festivities of our more 
 simple ancestors. Towards the latter end of the month, 
 however, the country is profuse in beauty of various kinds ; 
 many insects may be seen on the wing, sporting in the 
 bright sunshine and enjoying their happy though brief 
 existence. The lovely little blue Butterflies, Polyommati 3 
 may generally be seen in profusion, their small size, brilliant 
 colour, and delicate markings, rendering them very attractive; 
 the Fritillaries begin to display their silver-spotted wings, 
 and the Peacock Butterfly, so well known and universally 
 admired, greets the eye of the lover of nature; several 
 Moths also make their appearance this month, tempted by 
 its more genial atmosphere. 
 
 Amongst the Beetles may be seen species of the ex- 
 tensive family of Cockchafers, Melolonthida, some of which 
 are large and handsome : they live on the leaves of trees, 
 for which the structure of the mouth is well adapted ; and 
 in the larva state, which lasts three or four years, they do 
 equal injury to the roots of various plants. The grubs of 
 the common Cockchafer are white and fleshy; at the com- 
 mencement of spring they quit their winter retreats, at a 
 
MAY. 107 
 
 great depth in the earth, and come within an inch of the 
 surface ; when full-grown they again retire to the depth of 
 two feet, where they become pupse, having before con- 
 structed a cell, of an oval form, and very smooth in the 
 inside. They assume the perfect state in February, but do 
 not venture into the air until the fine days of May ; their 
 existence is then but short ; remaining inactive during the 
 day, they only emerge from their retreats at sunset, and fly 
 humming round the trees. In favourable seasons they 
 swarm to a great extent, and the damage committed by 
 them is often serious. Mouffet informs us that in 1574 so 
 great a number of these insects were driven into the Severn, 
 that they hindered the mills from working, and it required 
 the united efforts of hawks, ducks, and people to destroy 
 them. Some districts in Ireland were completely devastated 
 by them many years since ; they were first seen in Galway, 
 hanging from the trees in clusters, dispersing at sunset 
 " with a strange humming sound like the beating of drums, 
 and darkening the air for the space of two or three miles 
 square ; in a short time they entirely ate up all the leaves, 
 stripping the trees as bare as in the depth of winter : the 
 multitude spread so much that they infested the houses, and 
 became extremely troublesome. Happily, high winds and 
 
108 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 rain at length checked them; the pigs and poultry, too, 
 watched beneath the trees, and were fattened by them ; even 
 the country-people, then labouring under a scarcity of pro- 
 visions, had a way of dressing and living upon them as 
 food." 
 
 A very pretty and attractive visitor is frequently seen in 
 May, lighting the grass and herbage with its tiny green 
 lamp. The Glowworm, as this interesting insect has been 
 named, may be seen from the latter end of this month till 
 August ; its scientific name is Lampyris noctiluca ; the body 
 is long, depressed, and of a soft consistence ; the antennae 
 rather short, and serrated ; the thorax nearly square, and 
 concealing the head. It is the female that emits the light; 
 the male, possessing wings, of which the female is destitute, 
 is thus enabled to find its mate, who would otherwise be 
 concealed from his view. Poets have frequently alluded to 
 this pretty domestic lamp, but many have attributed it to 
 the male : thus Cowper says, 
 
 " This truth divine 
 Is legible and plain ; 
 "Tis power Almighty bids him shine, 
 Nor bids him shine in vain." 
 
 Shakspeare also alludes to it in the following lines : 
 
MAY. 109 
 
 "The Glowworm shows the matin to be near, 
 And 'gins to pale his ineffectual fire." 
 
 Darwin however was more enlightened, as he thus describes 
 this beautiful light : 
 
 "You, 
 
 Warm on her mossy couch the radiant worm, 
 Guard from cold dews her love-illumined form, 
 From leaf to leaf conduct the virgin light, 
 Star of the earth, and diamond of the night." 
 
 Some authors have endeavoured to disprove the idea that 
 the Glowworm's light is intended for this purpose, and 
 assert, in proof of their opinion, that the male is also lumi- 
 nous, though in a less degree ; this however does not seem 
 sufficient to refute the popular belief, and, until some other 
 use is discovered for this phenomenon, we cannot err in 
 ascribing to it the poetical one which has gained such uni- 
 versal belief. The eyes are very peculiar : Mr. Knapp says, 
 " When viewed at rest, no portion of the eyes is visible, 
 but the head is margined with a horny band, under which 
 the eyes are placed; this prevents all upward vision, and 
 the blinds are so fixed at the sides of the eyes, as greatly to 
 impede the view of lateral objects ; the chief end of this 
 creature's nightly peregrinations being to seek his mate be- 
 neath him on the ground, this apparatus seems designed to 
 
110 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 facilitate his search, by confining his sight entirely to what 
 is below him, just as we place our hand over the brow to 
 enable us to see more clearly an object on the ground. " 
 This may or may not be the cause of the peculiar formation, 
 but similar proofs of contrivance are constantly presenting 
 themselves to those who study the works of the benevolent 
 Creator, who does not disdain to adapt the eye of a little 
 insect to its wants and happiness. 
 
 An interesting account of these insects is given in the 
 'Magazine of Natural History' for November, 1835. Mr. 
 White, having collected some females at the end of June, 
 confined them in a glass jar, with sand at the bottom, 
 covered with moss ; he supplied his captives with snails, on 
 which they throve well, eating during a whole day without 
 intermission, and then fasting for eight days. About the 
 middle of July, they deposited their eggs in the moss and 
 soon after died : the eggs were of a pale yellow, and emitted 
 light, particularly when the moss was sprinkled with water. 
 In August the larvse appeared : they were rather lighter in 
 colour than the eggs, but became gradually darker ; they 
 had also the power of giving light. These larvee went 
 through the usual process of casting their skins, and in the 
 following May (having been nine months in attaining their 
 
MAY. Ill 
 
 full growth) they changed into pupae, and at the end of the 
 month the perfect insects made their appearance. The 
 larva of this Beetle very much resembles the female, but 
 may be distinguished by its larger size, by the colour, which 
 is black instead of brown, and by the imperfect structure of 
 the legs and antennae. We will now resume the description 
 of species. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. MELOLONTHID.E, 
 
 MELOLONTHA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna of ten joints, produced into 
 thin leaflets in the male ; body oblong, and often hairy ; thorax 
 slightly convex ; elytra shorter than the body. 
 
 MELOLONTHA. VULGAEIS, Common Cockchafer, has the an- 
 tennae and elytra of a reddish-brown, the latter have four 
 longitudinal ribs; the breast is grey and downy, and the 
 margin of the body marked with a row of triangular white 
 spots. The insect is well known under its English name 
 of Cockchafer. The body is of a peculiar shape, being 
 pointed behind ; this, and the beautiful fan-like antennae of 
 the male, are both worthy of remark. 
 
112 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. CAKABID^. 
 
 NEBRIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna filiform, or setaceous ; head 
 narrower than the thorax y which is heart-shaped ; palpi short ; 
 body oblong and depressed ; legs long and slender ; colour gene- 
 rally black or brown. 
 
 NEBRIA COMPLANATA. Buff or clay-colour, with black 
 markings. Some of the species are very handsome, and are 
 generally found on the sea-shore. 
 
 COLEOPTEEA. 
 
 HAEPALUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna filiform ; palpi filform ; elytra 
 entire, not truncated at the extremity ; thorax rather square ; 
 body oval ; colour generally shining black, with reddish limbs. 
 
 HARPALUS RUFICORNIS. Brownish-black above, black 
 below, with the antennse and feet pale brown; about half 
 an inch long; the elytra are downy, and lined or striated. 
 The Beetles of the family Harpalidce are generally found 
 under stones, decaying leaves, and in similar situations; 
 they run with great agility, and some species fly well. Some 
 
MAY. 113 
 
 genera feed on small insects ; others prefer vegetable food, 
 that named Zabrus being very destructive to wheat. The 
 larvae are longish, furnished with strong jaws and a forked 
 tail. 
 
 NEUROPTERA. EPHEMERID.E. 
 EPHEMEBA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna very short, terminated by a 
 seta ; mandibles nearly obsolete ; palpi very indistinct ; legs long 
 and slender, the first pair being inserted close to the head ; body 
 long ; wings triangular and horizontal. 
 
 EPHEMERA VULGATA (Plate IY.), Common May -Fly, is of 
 a greenish-brown colour, having transparent wings, mottled 
 with brown ; it has three long black bristles at the end of 
 the body. 
 
 EPHEMERA ALBIPENNIS is remarkable for the whiteness 
 of its wings, so that the swarms look like a fall of snow. 
 The generic name is given in consequence of the short 
 duration of the insect's life after attaining its perfect state. 
 The Ephemera appear in swarms after sunset, from the 
 latter end of the month till autumn, flying along the mar- 
 gins of streams, alternately rising and falling, with an ele- 
 
POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 gance of motion which cannot fail to attract attention. 
 The larva inhabits water, remaining concealed in the day- 
 time under stones, or in holes made in the clayey soil; it is 
 of course then destitute of wings ; the antennse are long ; 
 the mouth provided with a pair of horny appendages, like 
 jaws ; and the body has a series of leaf-like plates on each 
 side, with gills, or branchiae, at their base ; the extremity of 
 the body is furnished with short filaments. The pupa dif- 
 fers only in having the rudiments of wings. 
 
 HYMENOPTEEA. 
 
 ANDEENA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae, third joint longer than the 
 others ; maxlllce long and bent ; labrum, or lip, short ; proboscis 
 downy and thick ; hind legs hairy. 
 
 ANDRENA NIGRO-^NEA. (Plate IV.) This species of Bee 
 has the body black, and densely clothed with tawny-coloured 
 hairs ; the antennse are black, as is the thorax, which is also 
 covered with reddish hair ; the wings are transparent and 
 slightly iridescent ; the legs are black and hairy, the hinder 
 pair being thickly clothed with long white hair. 
 
MAY. 115 
 
 These insects make their nests in banks composed of 
 light soil, and prefer a southern aspect. They excavate 
 holes of a cylindrical form, nearly a foot in depth, of such a 
 diameter as to admit the insect : in making these burrows, 
 they remove the earth grain by grain, and throw it up out- 
 side, in the form of a hillock ; some species penetrate in a 
 horizontal, others in a perpendicular direction. They con- 
 struct a cell at the bottom of the hole, which they partly 
 fill with pollen, made into a paste with honey, and in this 
 they deposit their eggs, taking care to stop up the mouth 
 of the hole carefully, to prevent the ingress of Ants or 
 other insects which might injure the young larvae. There 
 are many other interesting genera in this numerous family 
 which cannot be described here ; they all consist of two kinds 
 of individuals only, the males and females; they are not 
 therefore strictly social insects, like the Hive and Humble 
 Bees, the true Wasps and Ants, all of which are provided 
 with neuters, for the due support of the community. 
 
 HYMENOPTERA. 
 
 YESPA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna generally elbowed, and thick- 
 
116 POPULAK ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 ened at the tip ; mandibles short ; body smooth and polished, 
 generally black, marked with yellow ; wings longitudinally folded. 
 
 VESPA VTJLGAEJS, the Common Wasp, has the antennae, 
 head, and thorax black, marked with yellow ; body yellow, 
 with the base of the segments, and a spot on each, black. 
 
 VESPA CRABRO, the Hornet, is much larger than the 
 common Wasp, of a rich brown, with dark markings ; the 
 head and body buff, spotted with brown. 
 
 The family Fespid^e is divided into Vespa, or true "Wasps, 
 and Odynerus, comprising the solitary species ; of the for- 
 mer, the Hornet is the largest of the species, and its sting 
 is a formidable instrument of defence. The nest of this 
 insect is of similar construction to that of the common Wasp, 
 though of coarser materials, and the columns supporting the 
 rows of cells are much stronger ; it is constructed either in 
 the hollows of trees, the thatch of barns, or in timber- 
 yards. It is difficult to obtain a sight of their nests while 
 building, for should the aperture be too large, they erect 
 a wall of the same material as the cells, which is described 
 by some naturalists as decayed wood, by others, as the bark 
 of trees gnawed to pieces and moistened with a sticky fluid, 
 which the insects have the power of emitting. With this 
 they make a kind of pasteboard, thicker than that of the 
 
MAY. 117 
 
 Wasp, but not so pliant, and of a dull buff-colour ; if the 
 nest does not fill the cavity in which it is commenced, they 
 protect it by a thick piece of the same substance, made very 
 similar in form to the paper cones in which grocers put 
 their sugar. Vespa vulgaris, the common Wasp, makes its 
 nest in the ground : early in the spring, a few large Wasps 
 may be seen actively engaged in obtaining materials for 
 this purpose; these are females which have survived the 
 winter, and are now preparing a nest for the purpose of 
 depositing their eggs ; they form a layer of hexagonal cells, 
 in each of which an egg is placed, and the larva is hatched 
 in a few days. The grubs are fed by the parent until full- 
 grown, when the mouth of the cell is closed, and they 
 become pupee; in this condition they remain about ten 
 days, when the first brood appears in the winged state, and, 
 being all neuters, they are ready to assist their parent in- 
 enlarging the nest, constructing fresh cells, and feeding 
 the larvae, as the foundress of the colony still continues to 
 deposit her eggs. It is not till the latter end of the sum- 
 mer that male and female Wasps are hatched : the latter are 
 not driven from the nest, as is the case with the Hive Bees, 
 consequently there is no swarming of Wasps, but all remain 
 together till the cold of the advancing season destroys the 
 
118 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 numerous family, with the exception of about a dozen 
 females, who survive to form fresh colonies in the ensuing 
 spring. As the nest is now a desolate ruin, we will take the 
 liberty of examining it without fearing the stings of its 
 waspish inhabitants. A full-sized nest is nearly a foot in 
 diameter, of a globular form ; the outer covering is con- 
 structed of many layers of a thin paper-like substance made 
 of moistened wood. There are several layers of cells, each 
 about two-thirds of an inch in depth, and supported by 
 numerous strong pillars; a nest consists of about 16,000 
 cells, differing in size according to the three orders which 
 compose the family. These little insects feed on sweets of 
 various kinds, as well as on flesh and insects, and frequently 
 plunder hives to feed on the honey of its industrious inha- 
 bitants ; one Wasp is said to be a match for three Bees, and 
 they will boldly encounter a whole swarm to obtain their 
 favourite food. 
 
 The solitary species of Wasp, forming the genus Odynems, 
 are much smaller than the common Wasp, which they re- 
 semble in colour ; the females construct their nests in sand- 
 banks, the crevices of walls, or in decayed wood. These 
 holes are several inches in depth, and of a cylindrical form, 
 the entrance being defended, in some species, by a curved 
 
1. Papilio MachcLon. 2 . Goneptei-yx Rhainni . 3 . Pontia 
 
MAY. 119 
 
 way, formed of sand. In the interior, the female buries 
 eight or ten caterpillars, similar in species and size, arrang- 
 ing them in a spiral direction ; an egg is then deposited in 
 the middle, and the mouth closed. The young Wasp, when 
 hatched, devours the caterpillars, which are just sufficient 
 for its support ; then assumes the pupa state, in a cocoon 
 of slender texture; and at length, becoming a perfect in- 
 sect, flies away. 
 
 There are about twenty British species of this genus, but 
 the specific characters are liable to considerable variation, 
 which renders them difficult to investigate. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA. PAPILIONIDJ:. 
 PAPILIO. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna rather long, with a slightly 
 curved club ; palpi short, third joint minute ; legs all formed for 
 walking ; kinder wings scolloped, with a long narrow projection 
 like a tail, and grooved to receive the body ; caterpillars smooth 
 and naked; chrysalis angular, and fixed by a band round the 
 middle. 
 
 PAPILIO MACHAON. (Plate V.) Swallow-tail. This most 
 beautiful insect is the largest of our Butterflies, the female 
 
120 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 sometimes measuring nearly four inches; the base of the 
 upper wings is black, slightly tinged with yellow ; the apex 
 principally of the same colour, with a row of semicircular 
 yellow spots ; the margin is also edged with yellow, spotted 
 with black, the latter forming three large patches, and also 
 broadly marking the nervures ; the base of the under wings 
 is yellow, except the inner side, which is black, the nervures 
 being dusky ; beyond the yellow portion is a broad black 
 band, marked by faint blue spots," and six large yellow cres- 
 cents ; the outer edge is yellow, and on the hinder angle is 
 a large round spot of red, streaked with blue; the under 
 side resembles the upper in all essential points. The cater- 
 pillar is greenish, with a black band on each segment, spot- 
 ted with red ; it feeds on umbelliferous plants. The perfect 
 insect is rather local, but in some places tolerably abundant ; 
 it continues till August. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA. ERYCINIDJS. 
 NEMEOBIUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna with a large abrupt club; 
 palpi very short ; upper wings triangular ; lower wings rounded ; 
 anterior legs very short. 
 
MAY. 121 
 
 NEMEOBIUS LTJCINA. DuJce of Burgundy Fritillary. This, 
 which is the only British species of this genus, measures 
 about fourteen lines ; the upper surface is dark brown ; an- 
 terior wings with three series of light yellowish spots ; the 
 marginal row with a black dot in each ; the posterior wings 
 have also a row of yellow spots, with the margin similar to 
 that of the upper pair; the under side is much paler, 
 marked with light spots and streaks of black ; the hinder 
 wings have two pale bands, composed of oval marks, the 
 outer one edged with black. The caterpillar is long, oval, 
 and depressed, of a pale olive-brown, with a large black spot 
 on each segment ; it feeds on the cowslip and primrose. The 
 butterfly is rather local. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEBA. PAPILIONIDJJ. 
 
 PONTIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 95. 
 
 PONTIA BRASSIOE. (Plate V.) Common Cabbage Butterfly. 
 The wings of this well-known insect are white above, with 
 a large patch of black on the tip of the anterior pair ; the 
 male has no other mark, excepting a black spot on the outer 
 edge of the secondary wings ; but the female has in addition 
 
122 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 two others on the upper wings, and a patch of the same 
 colour at their hinder margin ; on the under side the wings 
 are yellowish, the upper pair having two conspicuous black 
 spots on each; the body and antennae are black. The 
 caterpillar is green, with a line of yellow on the back, and 
 one on each side ; the body is covered with black tubercles, 
 each with a hair in the centre. It consumes the cabbage, 
 brocoli, cauliflower, etc., and has been found on the turnip; 
 these vegetables would be entirely destroyed were it not for 
 the many enemies which prevent their increase ; small birds 
 devour immense numbers ; a titmouse will take half a dozen 
 to its nest in a very short time. In enclosed gardens, sea- 
 gulls with their wings cut are of infinite service, and poultry 
 of any sort will soon clear the ground of these destructive 
 little creatures. 
 
 PONTIA CHARICLEA. Early White Cabbage. This species 
 differs from the last in size and rarity, having been observed 
 in Hertfordshire and Derbyshire only. 
 
 PONTIA NAPI. Green-veined White. Colour yellowish- 
 white, with the tip of the primary wings dusky, the male 
 having one, and the female two black spots nearly in the 
 middle of each ; the hinder pair are free from marks, except 
 the ordinary dusky spot on the anterior margin ; on the 
 
MAY. 123 
 
 under side, the nervures are strongly marked with a line of 
 dingy green ; the upper wing having two black spots near 
 the hinder margin. The caterpillar is dull green, covered 
 with white raised spots, blackish at the tip, and tufted with 
 short hairs ; the perfect insect is very common, and presents 
 many variations in size and markings. 
 
 PONTIA SABELLIC^;. Dusky-veined White. This is con- 
 sidered by many writers to be merely a variety of the P. napi, 
 and indeed the only difference seems to consist in the colour 
 of the nervures. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEBA. 
 POLTOMMATUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna short, with a compressed club; 
 i a little longer than the head ; wings entire ; colour blue, 
 but dissimilar, the females being generally brown ; size small. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS ALEXIS. (Plate IX.) Common Blue. This 
 very pretty insect is bright lilac-blue in the male, the hinder 
 margin edged with black; the anterior edge of the upper 
 wings white ; the female is brown, powdered with blue 
 towards the base of the wings, sometimes the surface is en- 
 tirely purplish-blue, and ornamented with a darkish band, 
 
124 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 having ocelli on the hinder pair ; the under side in both is 
 brownish-ash colour, the upper wings having two ocelli near 
 the body, a slender streak, placed transversely, a row of ocelli 
 near the middle, and externally a row of dusky crescents edged 
 with reddish-yellow ; beyond these are dark spots on a white 
 ground; the posterior wings have generally four ocelli near 
 the base, an angular white spot near the middle, and a 
 curved band of ocelli, succeeded by a series of markings 
 similar to those on the superior wings. The caterpillar is 
 hairy and of a green colour, subsisting chiefly on grasses. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS AniON. Large Blue. This species mea- 
 sures an inch and a half; the wings are pale violet- blue, 
 with a broad dusky border round the hinder margin ; the 
 male having a group of black spots on the disc of the upper 
 pair, and the female a similar group on all the wings ; the 
 under side is ash-colour, inclining to brown ; the anterior 
 wings with two ocelli towards the base, an irregular band 
 of them beyond the centre, and a centre of lunules, with 
 a small white mark adjoining each; the posterior wings 
 bluish at the base, where there are four spots. This species 
 is rare, and there are two or three others still more so, 
 which on that account will not be described. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS AEGIOLUS. (Plate IX.) Azure Blue. An 
 
MAY. 125 
 
 abundant species, very similar to P. Alexis ; delicate blue, 
 tinged with lilac, the wings edged with black ; the female 
 has a broad dusky border on the primary wings and a series 
 of spots of the same colour near the hinder edge of the 
 secondary pair; beneath, the colour is grey, tinged with 
 blue ; the upper wings with a slender curved spot in the 
 centre, and a band of streaks; the hinder wings nearly 
 similar. The caterpillar is like that of the Common Blue, 
 and is found on the holly. The insect is seen principally 
 in the south ; there is another flight in August. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS ALSUS. Bedford Blue. This is the smallest 
 British Butterfly, seldom surpassing an inch in size; the 
 surface is brown, slightly tinged with blue ; the under side 
 ash- colour, with a black crescent, edged with white, on 
 each wing, and a transverse series of ocelli near the hinder 
 margin ; on the inferior wings this series is very irregular, 
 and there are several scattered spots towards the base. 
 This delicate little insect seems to occur, though not 
 abundantly, in most parts of the kingdom. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS ADONIS. Clifden Blue. Expansion of 
 the wings about fifteen lines; the surface of the male a 
 most beautiful azure blue; the hinder margin of all the 
 wings edged with black ; on the hinder side the colour is 
 
126 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 brownish-grey, the base being blue, and the markings 
 nearly similar to P. Corydon, which appears in July. The 
 female is brown above, glossed with blue, with a small black 
 spot on the primary wing, and on the secondary pair a light 
 streak with ocellated spots. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. PAPILIONID.E. 
 LEUCOPHASIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna, club abrupt and compressed ; 
 palpi short and flat, the basal joint large and cone-shaped, the 
 second short and four-sided, the third minute and almost globu- 
 lar ; wings very narrow and oval. 
 
 LEUCOPHASIA SINAPIS. (Plate VI.) Wood White. This 
 is the smallest of our white Butterflies, and has somewhat 
 the appearance of a Dragon Fly ; the colour milk-white ; the 
 base of the wings dusky, and a large brown spot on the 
 anterior pair at the tip ; the under side is faintly tinged 
 with yellowish-green. The caterpillar is green, with a line 
 of bright yellow on each side. It feeds on the Ornithopus 
 perpusillus (bird's foot trefoil) and Lathy r us pratensis 
 (meadow vetchling) . The insect is rather rare ; I took only 
 one specimen in Sussex. 
 
1. Pontict n.-nri;H!:,]-,es 'A. Leocopham Smacpis 3 fteris Cr 
 
MAY. 127 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPHALID.E. 
 MELIT^EA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 97. 
 
 MELIT^EA AETEMIS. Greasy Fritillary. Colour deep yel- 
 lowish-brown ; primary wings with -black undulating lines 
 and light yellow spots ; secondary pair with three bands, 
 the middle one tawny-orange, with six small black spots; the 
 others irregular, and of a light yellow ; beneath, the primary 
 wings glossy, paler than abo ve, but the markings somewhat 
 similar ; the hinder pair with three bands of pale yellow 
 spots, edged with black ; between the central and marginal 
 band, the row of spots on the upper surface is distinctly 
 marked, each surrounded with pale yellow. The caterpillar 
 is black above, with spines of the same colour ; the under 
 side yellow, and a row of very minute dots on the back and 
 sides ; it feeds on the plantain. The butterfly occurs prin- 
 cipally in the south, and is said to be very abundant near 
 Brighton ; it is occasionally found near Glasgow. 
 
 MELIT^A EUPHHOSYNE. (Plate VI.) Pearl-bordered 
 Fritillary. Wings of a yellowish-brown above, blackish at 
 the base, and variegated with transverse spots of black, each 
 wing having a row of black spots towards the apex, and a 
 band of the same on the outer margin, which forms a trian- 
 
128 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 gular point on the inner side, enclosing a row of spote, the 
 colour of the ground ; the primary wings are yellowish un- 
 derneath, the black spots smaller than the corresponding 
 ones on the surface, the tips light yellow ; the hinder wings 
 have several large yellowish spots at the base, some of which 
 are slightly glossed over with silver, the spaces between being 
 red ; the latter colour forms a large spot in the middle, the 
 space between this and the hinder margin being variegated 
 with rust-brown and yellow, and a row of dark spots ; the 
 hinder margin is adorned with triangular silvery spots, 
 bounded by a deep black line ; there is also a long silver spot 
 near the centre, forming part of a band of yellowish colour. 
 The caterpillar is black and spinose, with lines of orange 
 along the back. It feeds on the violet. The butterfly seems 
 pretty generally distributed, and appears again in August. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. 
 
 THECLA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennce gradually thickening to the 
 apex ; palpi with the terminal joint short, slender, and oval ; 
 upper wings entire, the lower pair with one or two small appen- 
 dages ; colour always brown above. 
 
MAY. 129 
 
 THECLA RUBI. (Plate IX.) Green Hair-streak. Expan- 
 sion of the wings about an inch ; the surface of a uniform 
 brown colour, the under side of a fine green, sometimes hav- 
 ing a row of white spots on the secondary wings. The cater- 
 pillar is downy, light greenish-yellow, with a row of yellow 
 dots on each side, and a white line above the feet : it feeds 
 on the bramble, broom, and other plants. There are two 
 broods, but this is not a very common species, though found 
 plentifully in some parts of Scotland. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPHALID^E. 
 
 VANESSA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna* with an oval club ; palpi 
 nearly meeting so as to form a kind of beak ; wings angular, 
 having projecting points on the hinder margin; the caterpillar 
 armed with long spines; chrysalis angular, suspended by the 
 tail. 
 
 VANESSA lo. Peacock Butterfly. The colour of this 
 beautiful and well-known insect is deep brownish-red, with 
 a large eye-like spot, or ocellus, on each wing : that on 
 the upper pair has a large yellow crescent on the inner side, a 
 patch of blue externally, and a large reddish pupil ; there 
 are also five white spots, and alternate patches of black and 
 
 K 
 
130 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 yellow form the rest of the margin, near the base; the 
 border is yellow, with lines of black. The ocellus of the 
 hinder wings consist of a black centre spotted with blue, 
 and encircled with a zone of pale brown, bounded by a 
 large black crescent ; the under side is dark brown, with 
 waving lines of black, and a few white points. The cater- 
 pillar is of a shining black, with many white spots disposed 
 in transverse lines : it feeds on the stinging nettle ( Urtica 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. LYC^NID.E. 
 
 LYCLENA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna slender, the club thick and 
 abrupt ; palpi longer than the head ; secondary wings nearly 
 straight on the inner edge, and slightly notched at the extremity ; 
 colour brilliant copper. 
 
 PHLEAS. (Plate IX.) Common Copper. Upper 
 wings copper-colour, spotted with black, the under pair 
 brownish-black, with a copper band dotted with black on its 
 outer edge ; the under side of the primary wings spotted simi- 
 larly to the upper, but the colour paler ; the secondary wings 
 fawn-colour, with many indistinct marks, and a tawny band. 
 
Tlate, 
 
 \ iliftpui-ctiia /I'l^ena . ?,. ThiM'Ja Qucivu: 1 . '.^ Tin-rid. P;i<>: . -I 1 Uycftm l'hl;r;i;: 
 
 5 1'oJyo ti\ Hiatus ai^iohis B. Polyonirna.Uu; Alexis 
 
MAY. 131 
 
 This species is liable to many variations in the markings : spe- 
 cimens have been found in which the copper-coloured parts 
 were nearly pure white. The caterpillar is said to be green, 
 with a yellow stripe on the back ; it feeds on the sorrel. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEBA. HESPERID^E. 
 
 PAMPHILA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae terminated by a hook, short, 
 with the club straight, abrupt, and spindle-shaped ; palpi short ; 
 anterior wings rather longer than in the genus Thymele ; the 
 hinder pair have a small projection. 
 
 PAMPHILA PANISCUS. Chequered S/cipjier. Measures 
 about an inch ; the surface is brownish-black, marked with 
 numerous bright, rich, brown spots, those on the anterior 
 wings consisting of a large patch in the middle, then an 
 irregular curved band, intersected with black nervures, and 
 lastly, a faint row of dots parallel with the hinder margin ; 
 on the secondary wings are three spots, one of them larger 
 than the others, and a band of small dots ; the under side 
 is yellow inclining to grey; the upper wings have several 
 marks, and the under pair seven round yellowish-white spots, 
 
132 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 and a band of the same colour. The caterpillar is dark- 
 brown, ornamented with two longitudinal yellow stripes; the 
 head black, the segment behind it has an orange stripe : it 
 feeds on the plantain. This pretty insect is rather local. 
 
 PAMPHILA SYLVANUS. Large Skipper. Colour dingy 
 yellow, with the nervures and extremity of the wings brown, 
 the latter deepening into a blackish line round the outer 
 edge ; the anterior wings have a few small yellowish spots 
 on the dusky ground towards the tip, and an oblique black 
 streak in the centre; the hinder pair are marked with in- 
 distinct cloudy spots of a yellow hue, which colour is some- 
 times diffused over a large portion of the disc; on the 
 under side the anterior wings are yellow, and the posterior 
 pair yellowish-green, the former dusky black at the base, 
 and the latter marked with a curved series of pale spots, 
 varying in size and colour. This insect may be found on 
 the borders of woods from May till August. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. ANTHROCERID.E. 
 
 INO. 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae slightly curved, and gradually 
 
MAY. 133 
 
 thickening to the apex, pectinated in the male, in the female 
 serrated ; palpi short, and clothed with hairs. 
 
 INO STATICES. Green Forester. The upper surface of 
 the superior wings and body are of a beautiful golden-green 
 with a silky gloss, inclining in some parts to blue; the re- 
 mainder of the upper, and the whole of the under side, are 
 brown. The caterpillar tapers at both ends ; the colour is 
 green, with the head black, two rows of black spots on the 
 back, and on each side a series of red dots ; it feeds on the 
 Cardamine pratensis. 
 
 This insect, though somewhat local, is of frequent occur- 
 rence near London. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. SPHINGID.E. 
 
 METOPSILUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna slightly thickening from the 
 base ; anterior wings very acute at the apex, with a slight curve 
 on the hinder margin below the tip ; the inner margin is also 
 curved. 
 
 METOPSILUS ELPENOR. Elephant Hawk-Moth. The upper 
 wings, which measure above two inches, are olive-brown, 
 with the anterior edge, two oblique bands, and the hinder 
 
134 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 margin rose -colour ; the hinder wings are dusky at the base, 
 with the rest rose-colour ; the body is olive, with numerous 
 stripes of deep rose. The caterpillar, when full-grown, is 
 brown, with six oblique stripes of a grey colour ; it frequents 
 the different kinds of willow-herb and the common vine, and 
 occurs frequently in many parts of England. 
 
 METOPSILTJS PORCELLUS. Small Elephant Hawk-Moth. 
 This species is much smaller than the preceding ; the upper 
 wings are principally ochre-yellow, marked with purple, the 
 outer extremity having a purple band ; the under pair are 
 blackish at the base, and purple behind, the intermediate 
 space yellowish; body deep rose-colour, or purple. The 
 caterpillar resembles that of M. Elpenor. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA. SPHINGID^E. 
 SESIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna thickening from the base, and 
 terminating in a seta ; proboscis very long and spiral ; body 
 ending in a tuft of hairs, and of a short robust form ; wings 
 clear and transparent. 
 
 SESIA FUCIFORMIS. (Plate XI.) Broad-bordered Bee 
 Hawk-Moth. Body yellowish or olive-green, with the third 
 
MAY. 135 
 
 and fourth segments deep red,, and the two following yellow, 
 the tuft of hair at the extremity black and yellow ; the wings 
 are transparent and iridescent, with the nervures, a band 
 round the margin, and a streak on the upper pair purplish- 
 brown ; the base is tinged with green. The caterpillar is 
 pale green, with the under side and the horn (the character- 
 istic mark of the Hawk-Moth) reddish-brown : it feeds on 
 the honeysuckle. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA. SPHINGID^B. 
 
 SMERINTHUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna serrated ; proboscis very short ; 
 anterior wings angular, and toothed on the margin. 
 
 SMEEINTHUS TILI.E. (Plate X.) Lime Hawk-Moth. 
 This is a very variable insect, both in colour and in the form 
 of the markings. The anterior wings are generally greyish, 
 with an interrupted band of olive-green in the middle ; the 
 outer margin has a broad band of the same colour ; the hinder 
 wings are grey, with an ill-defined brown band running across 
 the outer margin. At other times the insect is found of an 
 obscure red; the thorax is marked with three longitudinal 
 lines of olive-green. The caterpillar is pale green, with seven 
 
136 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 oblique whitish stripes on each side, edged with red or yellow; 
 it feeds on the lime (Tilia Eurqpaa). The insect is rare. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEBA. ARCTIID.E. 
 
 AECTIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae rather long,bipectinate (having 
 a double series of hairs) in the male, serrated in the female ; 
 proboscis very short ; palpi y basal joint longer than the second ; 
 wings very thickly covered with scales ; colours deep black, crim- 
 son and yellow, in spots and bars. 
 
 ARCTIA VILLICA. (Frontispiece.) Cream-spot Tiger-Moth. 
 This species measures about two inches and a half ; the ante- 
 rior wings are deep black, spotted with cream-colour ; under 
 wings rather deep yellow, with spots of black, and a large 
 black patch on the outer angle spotted with the ground co- 
 lour : the thorax is black, with two cream-coloured spots ; 
 the body yellow at the base, and terminating in red, with 
 longitudinal rows of black spots. The caterpillar, when 
 full-grown, is black, with tufts of greyish-brown hairs; it 
 feeds on many common field plants. This insect is not so 
 common as others of the genus. 
 
MAY. 137 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NOCTUIDJ:. 
 TEIPH^BNA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna simple ; palpi short, and rising 
 up in front of the head ; proboscis long and spiral ; colour bright, 
 the under wings being always light yellow, with a black margin ; 
 size moderate. 
 
 TRIPH^ENA EIMBEIA. Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing. 
 The head, thorax, and anterior wings are liver-colour, in- 
 clining to grey ; the latter have four pale transverse lines, 
 and two pale rings on the disc, the second and third lines 
 enclosing a space darker than the rest, in which the two 
 ringed spots are placed ; the under wings are light yellow, 
 with a broad band of black, edged with the ground-colour. 
 The caterpillar is of an ochre-yellow, with a pale line along 
 the back ; it feeds on the potato, violet, primrose, etc. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA. 
 
 CALLIMOEPHIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna slender and setaceous ; palpi, 
 basal joint the same length as the two following; proboscis 
 longer than the head ; anterior wings long and narrow. 
 
138 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 CALLIMOEPHIA JACOB^E^E. Cinnabar Moth. Anterior 
 wings greyish-black, with a stripe of pink extending from 
 the base nearly to the apex ; on the hinder border are two 
 rounded spots, and a dash of the same colour; the under 
 wings are entirely pink, excepting a stripe of grey on the 
 anterior edge. The caterpillar is yellow, ringed with black ; 
 it feeds on the Senecio Jacobcea, or ragwort. Not a very 
 abundant species. 
 
 DlPTEEA. 
 
 TIPULA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna simple, of thirteen joints ; 
 rostrum long and narrow ; palpi short ; body elongated ; wings 
 and legs both long. 
 
 TIPULA PRATENSIS. Body black, with the front and spots 
 on the thorax reddish-brown. 
 
 TIPULA LUNATA. Reddish, with a black line on the 
 upper part of the body ; wings of the same colour as the 
 body. 
 
 TIPULA OLERACEA. Greyish -brown, without spots, the 
 wings bordered with brown. 
 
 These insects are very commonly found in meadows, 
 
MAY. 139 
 
 where they may be seen rising in swarms, their long legs 
 serving as stilts ; the females deposit their eggs in the earth 
 at a short depth below the surface. The larvae are fleshy 
 grubs, which attack the roots of grass and other plants, 
 doing much injury to the crops ; there are nearly fifty British 
 species, which are well known under the name of Crane-flies, 
 Harry Long-legs, etc. 
 
 DlPTEEA. HlPPOBOSCID^J. 
 
 HIPPOBOSCA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae inserted near the mouth ; head 
 small, round, and attached to the thorax by a neck; thorax 
 large ; wings large and horizontal ; body soft ; feet short. 
 
 HIPPOBOSCA EQTJINA. Forest or Hone-My. This insect 
 has the head yellow and flattened ; the body, which is broad 
 and short, yellowish, with brown spots; the wings white, 
 transparent, much longer than the body, and rounded at the 
 extremity ; the body slightly hairy. This is a very trouble- 
 some species, living principally on horses, and abounding in 
 the New Forest, Hampshire. It is a singular circumstance 
 that the female Fly nourishes her young within her body, 
 
140 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 where the larvae attain their full size, and even assume the 
 pupa state, in which form they are deposited by the parent ; 
 this egg-like cocoon is at first soft and white, but soon 
 hardens, becomes brown and of a round shape. These 
 curious particulars were discovered by Reaumur, who, being 
 anxious to observe the hatching of these singular eggs, as 
 he thought them, carried some in his pocket by day, and 
 took them to bed with him at night, that they might have 
 the proper warmth ; his surprise was great, when, instead of 
 grubs, perfect Plies were produced. Mr. Curtis observes 
 that " these flies move swiftly, and, like a crab, sideways or 
 backwards, and that they are very tenacious of life." It is 
 also remarked by Latreille that the ass fears them the most, 
 but that they cannot cause much pain, or horses could not 
 live in forests in the summer. 
 
141 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 JUNE. 
 
 IN this variable climate, June may generally claim with 
 more justice those honours which the poets have accorded 
 to May, and may well be considered the loveliest month of 
 the year; the weather is less capricious, the trees are in 
 their freshest robes, a profusion of the sweetest flowers is 
 scattered over the ground, and numberless insects are called 
 into being by the increasing heat, affording a never-fail- 
 ing source of amusement and instruction to the naturalist. 
 The young student must now lose no opportunity of in- 
 creasing his collection, and adding to the knowledge he 
 may have already acquired of the habits and forms of the 
 insect world: every advance in this knowledge will prove 
 an increase of pure and lasting pleasure, from the tendency 
 
142 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 it must have, when properly directed, to raise the mind to 
 the contemplation of the great Author of all things. June 
 is particularly prolific in specimens of the order Lepidoptera, 
 as might be expected from its sunshine and its flowers; 
 their light forms and brilliant colours adding another charm 
 to this gay and delightful season ; the Pofyommati in their 
 delicate blue dress, the Hipparchias of more sober hue, 
 and the Fritittarie*, will, I hope, be in some measure re- 
 cognized as old favourites, for many species will present 
 themselves to our notice, as well as several new genera, 
 both of diurnal and night-flying Lepidoptera. Some of the 
 Hawk-Moths are particularly spendid in colour, and re- 
 markable in size and form ; whilst the more delicate beauty 
 of the true Moths is not less worthy of admiration. The 
 order Coleoptera will enrich the cabinet of the zealous col- 
 lector with specimens both interesting and beautiful. One 
 species of the family Lucanidce makes its appearance, and 
 will attract attention by the formidable length of its man- 
 dibles, bearing a resemblance to the antlers of a deer, to 
 which it owes its name of Stag-Beetle. The family Cur- 
 culionidtf is noted for the destruction caused by the larvae 
 of many of its species to our vegetable productions ; they 
 may be distinguished by their frontal elongation. The 
 
JUNE. 143 
 
 Cetonida will please by their elegance, and the brilliancy of 
 their colours, in which green usually predominates; the 
 English species, Cetonia aurata, or Eose-chafer, is probably 
 known to many of my readers ; it frequents flowers. The 
 Silphida, though less striking in form and colour, are 
 interesting from their habits, which render this family emi- 
 nently serviceable to man, and amply atone for their in- 
 feriority in beauty. None of our British Coleoptera indeed 
 can vie with those of tropical climates in the richness of 
 their colouring ; some of those are so splendid as to be worn 
 instead of precious stones, the brilliancy of their hues being 
 often greatly enhanced by a high degree of lustre, and di- 
 versified markings. To many tropical Beetles might be 
 applied the words of the poet, who is thus describing the 
 birds which ornament the glowing landscape : 
 
 " With their rich restless wings, that gleam 
 Variously in the crimson beam 
 Of the warm west as if inlaid 
 With brilliants from the mine,, or made 
 Of rainbows." 
 
 Brazil is the richest country in the world in Coleoptera, 
 and a recent French writer says, that " in the middle of 
 January they are seen in the greatest profusion ; the herba- 
 
144 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 ceous plants are covered with brilliant beetles ; and the 
 slender twigs of the Mimosa, on which they live in society, 
 appear to bend under the weight of diamond beetles; the 
 Lampyndtfy issuing in myriads from their retreats, diffuse 
 their mild effulgence over the plants and shrubs, which they 
 often cover with their numbers, and the luminous Materida 
 dart about in all directions, filling the air with their radiant 
 tracks/' 
 
 In the old world, the western coast of Africa, the Cape of 
 Good Hope, Java, and other islands produce the greatest 
 numbers of these brilliant insects ; but leaving them to those 
 who can search for their beautiful and extraordinary forms in 
 their native lands, we must be satisfied with the more mo- 
 derate degree of lustre in the tribes we possess, in which will 
 be found no want of beauty and interest. The numerous 
 family Mnscidce, so well known under the general name of 
 Plies, present themselves abundantly to our notice in this 
 and the following month; the Domestic My, Blow-Fly, 
 Blue-bottle, etc., are familiar to every one; they frequent 
 houses, woods, hedges, and, in fact, may be seen everywhere ; 
 they belong to the order Diptera, and some idea may be 
 obtained of the great number of genera and species, by the 
 fact that eight hundred quarto pages have been written by 
 
JUKE. 145 
 
 one author, comprising technical descriptions of a portion 
 only; one genus contains 315, and another 230 species. The 
 legs of the Muscida, like those of other Dipterous insects, 
 are terminated by a tarsus consisting of five joints, the last 
 being armed with two claws and furnished with lobes, which 
 enable the insect to perform the curious, though common, 
 feat of walking with the back downwards on the ceiling, and 
 on highly polished substances. It has been generally sup- 
 posed that this was effected by the formation of a vacuum, 
 caused by the close application of the margin of these lobes, 
 and the muscular rising of the central parts ; but Mr. Black- 
 wall, in a volume of the Linneeau Transactions, has sug- 
 gested a new solution of this interesting point. He says, 
 that after much research into the subject, and many ex- 
 periments, he breathed into phials containing Flies and 
 other insects capable of walking in this manner, and found 
 that when flie moisture was condensed on the surface, it 
 totally prevented the insects from taking hold of the glass ; 
 the same ensued when a little oil was substituted, or flour, 
 pulverized chalk, etc., which adhered to the lobes of the 
 foot. These facts seem to imply that an adhesive secretion 
 is emitted by the instruments employed in climbing, and 
 this, by the aid of highly magnifying powers, was found to 
 
146 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 be the case. These interesting questions will, no doubt, be 
 the subject of further research, and every inquiry is sure to 
 open fresh sources of wonder and admiration. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. SlLPHID^I. 
 
 KECBOPHOBUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae but little longer than the head, 
 the four last joints being perfoliated (not closely applied to each 
 other) ; mandibles not toothed ; elytra of an oblong square form, 
 leaving the last three or four segments of the body uncovered ; 
 colour dark brown, varied with yellow. 
 
 NECROPHORUS HUMATOR. (Plate II.) This species is 
 brownish-black, with the three last joints of the antennae 
 orange-yellow; the elytra are deeply punctured, and each have 
 three slightly elevated lines ; the breast, and also the legs, 
 are covered with yellowish hairs. This insect is of frequent 
 occurrence in England, and all the species are designated 
 by the name of Burying Beetles, from their habit of interring 
 small animals after death, as a receptacle for their eggs, 
 thereby fulfilling a very important office in the economy of 
 nature. Any small dead animal, such as a mole or a mouse, 
 is soon visited by the Silphida> who creep beneath the body, 
 
JUNE. 147 
 
 and commence scratching away the earth till they have made 
 a pit, into which the animal gradually sinks ; when it has 
 reached a sufficient depth, the earth is thrown over it, and 
 the young larvse, when hatched, find themselves in the midst 
 of a repast, disgusting enough, but most happily suited to 
 their taste ; for the ground is thus freed from putrid sub- 
 stances, which would otherwise affect the purity of the at- 
 mosphere. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. 
 
 GEOTRUPES. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna with a club divided into 
 laminae ; mandibles standing out from the head, and notched ; 
 thorax very convex, and as broad as the elytra, which are short 
 and oval. 
 
 GEOTEUPES STERCORAKIUS is entirely black above, tinted 
 with violet ; the thorax is without punctures on the disc, 
 but has a few at the sides, and a short line in the middle ; 
 the elytra are marked with deep grooves, the spaces between 
 being smooth and convex ; the under side and legs are steel 
 blue, beautifully glossed with purple or green. 
 
 It is to this insect that Shakspeare alludes under the name 
 of the "shard-born Beetle/' both in < Macbeth' and 'Gym- 
 
148 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 beline/ These insects seem to prefer still, dull evenings for 
 their flight, at which time the humming noise they make is 
 very considerable. 
 
 COLEOPTEEA. 
 
 LUCAMJS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna, the four terminal joints project 
 on one side ; head as wide as the thorax ; maxillce terminating 
 in a slender lobe ; mandibles very large. 
 
 LTJCANUS CEEVTJS. (Plate II.) The male of the Stag- 
 Beetle is about two inches in length, including the man- 
 dibles ; it is entirely of a brownish-black colour, the surface 
 shining and covered with small punctures ; near the fore leg 
 is a patch of golden-coloured hair, which seems to be used 
 for the purpose of cleaning the antennae. The female is 
 considerably smaller than the male ; the mandibles are also 
 short, and the head much smaller. 
 
 The very formidable mandibles of this Beetle are em- 
 ployed in wounding the bark of trees, in order to feed on 
 the sap. Mr. Waterhouse kept one alive for many weeks, 
 feeding it on sugar and water ; it also seemed fond of the 
 juice of raspberries and other sweet substances. The perfect 
 
JUNE. 149 
 
 insect is found on the trunk of the oak, elm, and willow, 
 and appears generally towards the middle of summer. 
 
 COLEOPTEKA. CETONIDJ3. 
 
 CETONIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna ten-jointed, the club with 
 three joints ; thorax widening towards the hinder margin ; body 
 nearly ovate, obtuse, and somewhat depressed. 
 
 CETONIA AURATA. This pretty insect, known under the 
 name of Rose-chafer, is one of the most beautiful of British 
 Beetles; the colour is a fine golden green, very shining 
 above, and a bright coppery hue beneath; the elytra are 
 ornamented near the tips with numerous transverse white 
 marks; the form of the body is rather obtuse. This insect 
 is found abundantly during the summer months, particu- 
 larly in gardens, flying well, and with a humming noise, in 
 the heat of the day. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. 
 
 RHYNCHITES. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Head inserted far into the thorax ; 
 rostrum enlarged at the extremity ; body nearly square. 
 
150 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 RHYNCHITES POPULI. (Plate II.) In this well-known 
 species the body is shining, of a golden green, or with a 
 bluish tint on the upper side, and dark violet beneath ; the 
 antennse are black; the elytra punctured; in one of the 
 sexes there is an acute spine on each side of the thorax, 
 projecting forwards. The length of this insect is three 
 lines ; it is found on poplar and birch trees. 
 
 RHYNCHITES PUBESCENS is somewhat longer in proportion 
 than the preceding, of a deep violet-colour, and clothed 
 with rather long hairs ; the elytra are marked with punc- 
 tured lines. 
 
 EHYNCHITES BACCHUS. A beautiful species, found chiefly 
 in Kent on the vine, and doing great injury by devouring 
 the tender shoots, extracting the sap with its long tubular 
 proboscis ; this causes the leaves to roll up, and in these 
 little tents, surrounded by a silken covering, the eggs are 
 deposited. 
 
 The species of the family Curculionida have the English 
 name of Weevil, and may always be known by the elonga- 
 tion of the head into a snout or rostrum. 
 
JUNE. 151 
 
 COLEOPTERA. SlLPHID^E. 
 
 NECEODES. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna longer than the head, thick- 
 ening from the fifth joint to the apex ; thorax nearly round. 
 
 NECEODES LITTORALIS is entirely black, with the three 
 terminal joints of the antennse yellow; there are three 
 elevated lines on each elytron, the spaces between being 
 thickly punctured ; the hind legs are very thick, and toothed 
 on the under side. It is found on the sea-shore and banks 
 of rivers, under seaweed and carrion, on the latter of which 
 it feeds. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. DERMESTID^E. 
 DEEMESTES. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna short and clavate ; body oval 
 and somewhat convex ; legs short. 
 
 DEEMESTES LA.EDAEIUS is of a dirty ash-colour, with three 
 small black spots ; it infests bacon, and may be found nearly 
 throughout the year. D. murinus is generally found in 
 moles, hawks, and other carrion, hung up against walls; 
 and D. vulpinus infests the skins brought from Brazil to so 
 
152 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 great an extent, that it is said 10,000 have been offered 
 for its destruction. 
 
 DEKMAPTERA. FORFICULID^J. 
 FORFICULA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna filiform, of twelve or thirteen 
 joints ; palpi filiform ; tarsi three-jointed ; wings like a fan, and 
 folded under two short elytra; body terminated by two scaly 
 pieces forming a pincer. 
 
 FOKFICULA AURICULARIA, the Earwig ', has the body long, 
 and of a reddish-brown, the eyes black, the thorax dark in 
 the middle, and the sides yellowish, forceps yellowish-brown. 
 Despised and disliked as are these harmless insects, owing 
 to the generally received opinion (false as it is) of their 
 creeping through the ear into the head, they are interesting 
 on many accounts. Usually, the care taken by female 
 insects in constructing nests for the reception of their 
 young, appears more decidedly than in other animals the 
 result of mere instinct, as the parent dies long before the 
 birth of the young larvae ; but this is not the case with the 
 Earwig, which seems gifted with something approaching to 
 the maternal attachment evinced by the higher orders of 
 
JUNE. 153 
 
 creation, not only in taking great care of her eggs, but in 
 brooding over them like a hen, and collecting them when 
 scattered about. The young ones differ only from the 
 parent in their small size, and the want of wings and elytra, 
 which make their appearance in the pupa state ; the wings 
 are particularly beautiful, not only for the delicacy of their 
 structure, but from the singularity of the nervures. Ought 
 we then to feel contempt or dislike for an inoffensive little 
 creature, the peculiarities in whose habits and structure 
 testify that the hand of Omnipotence has been engaged 
 in its construction ? Why should it thus differ, unless to 
 excite our attention and reward our research ? The old 
 naturalist Mouffet gives an amusing account of the destruc- 
 tive habits of the Earwig, which, though perfectly harmless 
 to our persons, is mischievous in our gardens. " The 
 English women," he says, " hate them exceedingly, because 
 of the flowers of clove-gilliflower that they eat and spoil, 
 and they set snares for them thus : they set in the most 
 void places ox hoofs, hogs' hoofs, or old cast things that 
 are hollow, upon a staff fastened into the ground, and these 
 are easily stuffed with straw ; and when by night the savages 
 creep into them to avoid the rain, or hide themselves in the 
 morning, these old cast things being shook, forth a great 
 
154 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 multitude fall, and are killed by treading upon them." 
 They feed on vegetable substances, devouring not only 
 fruit but the petals of flowers. 
 
 TKICHOPTEKA. PHETGANID^J. 
 PHKYGANEA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna long and setaceous ; head 
 small ; moutli nearly obsolete ; Inferior wings larger than the 
 superior, folded longitudinally when at rest ; tarsi five-jointed ; 
 kgs spurred. 
 
 PHRYGANEA GRANDIS (Plate IV.) has the upper wings 
 brownish-grey, with a longitudinal black ray, and two or 
 three white points at the extremity. 
 
 The insects of this genus are found near water, and are 
 called Caddice-Mies or Water-Moths, and the larvse, Caddice- 
 worms, in which state they reside in the water in cases 
 made of sand, shells, etc.; the perfect insects are generally 
 of obscure dark colours. 
 
JUNE. 155 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPHALIDJS. 
 HIPPARCHIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 98. 
 
 HIPPARCHIA GALATHEA. Marbled White. The colours 
 of this pretty Butterfly are black and greenish-white, in 
 almost equal proportions; the upper wings have a large 
 oval spot of the light colour near the base, and others, 
 divided by the nervures, in the middle, two small ones near 
 the anterior angle, and a series of spots parallel to the 
 margin ; the lower wings are variegated in a similar manner, 
 and have a row of triangular marks on the hinder margin ; 
 the under side is much paler than the upper, the light 
 colour greatly predominating; there is also an irregular 
 row of ocelli on the inferior wings near the edge, and an 
 ocellus near the tip of the superior pair. These markings 
 vary in form and colour; sometimes the black predomi- 
 nates, and in other specimens the light colour, but not so 
 greatly as to prevent the insect being known. The cater- 
 pillar is yellowish-green, with a dark line on the back, and 
 another on each side; the head is brown, and there are 
 two small spines of the same colour on the hinder extremity; 
 it is found in May on the Phleum pratense, or cat's-tail 
 
156 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 grass. The butterfly is usually seen in moist glades or in 
 marshy grounds, and is not uncommon in the south. 
 
 'HiPPARCHiA TITHOXUS. Large Heath. Surface of the 
 wings ochre-red, with the base and a broad margin dark 
 brown ; the upper wings have a large black spot with two 
 minute white points, and the under pair a small ocellus 
 just above the dark band. On the under side, the primary 
 wings are similarly coloured to the upper, but the hinder 
 pair are greyish-brown, with an irregular light band across 
 the middle, in which there are usually four minute white 
 points, surrounded with brown. The male is more deeply 
 coloured, and has a brown cloudy mark on the primary 
 wings. The caterpillar is green, with a reddish line on each 
 side, and feeds on the Poa annua, or meadow-grass. The 
 perfect insect is small, and of frequent occurrence. 
 
 HIPPARCHIA PAMPHILUS. Small Heath. This species 
 is still smaller than the preceding, only measuring thirteen 
 lines; the colour of the upper side is light ochre-yellow, 
 with the outer margins dusky, and surrounded by a fringe 
 of whitish hairs ; the primary wings on the under side are 
 ash-coloured at the tip, and ornamented with a black ocellus, 
 having a white pupil; the secondary wings are greenish- 
 brown at the base, the rest ash-coloured and brownish-grey, 
 
JUNE. 157 
 
 with a few yellowish minute spots, these are however often 
 very indistinct. The caterpillar is greenish, dusky on the 
 back, and having a white line on each side ; it feeds on the 
 Cynosurus cristatns, or crested dog's-tail grass. The butterfly 
 is very generally found until September. 
 
 HIPPARCHIA JANIBA. Meadow Brown. This species is 
 much larger than the two preceding, the wings of the 
 female measuring nearly two inches ; the ground-colour is 
 brown, usually darkest in the male, and with a small ocellus 
 near the apex, encircled with reddish-yellow as a rim, but 
 in the female there is a large patch of ochre-yellow, within 
 which the ocellus is placed ; the hinder wings of the male 
 are usually unspotted, but those of the female have an 
 obscure yellowish mark in the centre ; the under side of the 
 primary wings is tawny- orange, with a broad pale band, in 
 which is placed an ocellus; the hinder wings are dusky 
 brown at the base and margin, the centre being paler, and 
 sometimes marked with two or three minute black spots. 
 The caterpillar is light green, with a white line on each side ; 
 it feeds on several kinds of grass. This is one of the most 
 common Butterflies; even in those damp cheerless summers 
 when few other insects are found, this hardy little creature 
 may frequently be seen flying from flower to flower ; they 
 
158 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 were particularly abundant, it is said, in the arid summer 
 of 1826. 
 
 HIPPARCHIA HERO. Silver Ringlet. Surface pale brown, 
 inclining to yellow ; upper wings pale, with an orange stripe 
 near the hinder margin, and two small ocelli; the inferior 
 wings with an orange line close to the edge, and four large 
 ocelli; on the under side, the primary wings are orange 
 at the hinder margin, which is adorned with a silvery line 
 and two small ocelli ; the secondary pair have a broad band 
 of orange enclosing five large and two small ocelli, forming 
 a curved band, behind which is a stripe of silver. This 
 insect is rare. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NTMPHALID^J. 
 
 MELIT^EA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 97. 
 
 MELIT^A CINXJA. Glanville Fritillary. This species is 
 tawny-orange colour above, arid the whole surface is reti- 
 culated (net-like) and spotted with black ; the hinder wings 
 having in addition a series of five or six black spots, parallel 
 with the margin, but at some distance from it. Beneath, 
 the colour is much paler, the primary wings have a few 
 
JUNE. 159 
 
 transverse black lines, and a series of black crescents to- 
 wards the tip ; the hinder pair have three irregular bands 
 of pale spots, edged with black, arid a row of black spots 
 with an iris of ochre. The caterpillar is black, with white 
 dots along the sides; it feeds on the Plantago lanceolata, 
 or narrow-leaved plantain, and the Veronica Ghamadrys, or 
 germander speedwell. The eggs are hatched in the autumn, 
 and the larvae pass the winter in colonies, forming a kind of 
 tent, by drawing together the leaves of the plant on which 
 they feed, and covering the whole with a web of silk. The 
 perfect insect is small and rather rare, though it has been 
 found commonly in the Isle of Wight, and some places in 
 the south. I have seen it (but rarely) in Sussex. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA. NYMPHALID.E. 
 ABGYNNIS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna rather long and slender, with 
 a very abrupt spoon-shaped club ; palpi, middle joint very long, 
 basal and terminal joint short; wings very large, and slightly 
 scolloped, hinder pair extending beyond the body. 
 
 ARGYNNIS ADIPPE. (Plate VII.) High-lrownFritillary. 
 
160 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 In this species the wings often measure two inches and a 
 half, and are of a yellowish-brown, with transverse undu- 
 lating streaks, and round spots of black, also a series of 
 black crescents near the outer margin ; on the under side 
 the primary wings are of a lighter hue, with a few silvery 
 spots near the tip; the secondary wings yellowish-brown, 
 with many silvery spots, some near the base, the rest form- 
 ing two transverse bands ; between the central and external 
 bands there is a series of small round rusty-brown spots, most 
 of them having a silver pupil. The caterpillar is reddish, 
 but becomes olive-green with age, and has a white dorsal 
 line and white dots on the sides ; it feeds on the Viola odo- 
 rata, or sweet violet. The insect is not uncommon in the 
 south of England. 
 
 AJRGYNNIS AGLAIA. Dark-green Fritillary. Very similar 
 to the preceding on the upper side, but rather paler ; the 
 under side is green, particularly the inferior wings, which 
 have six or seven silvery marks near the base, a curved band 
 of the same near the middle, and another parallel with 
 the hinder margin, consisting of seven spots without any 
 intervening row of ocelli, as in the preceding species ; the 
 anterior wings have silvery spots at the hinder margin. 
 The caterpillar is black, with red spots on the sides; it 
 
i .-Argynnis Adippp . 2. A. I'&plua . 3. Vair 
 
JUNE. 161 
 
 feeds on the Viola canina, or dog violet. The perfect in- 
 sect is more plentiful than A. Adippe. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPHALIDJI. 
 
 VANESSA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 129. 
 
 VANESSA UHTIC^E. (Plate VII.) Small Tortoise-shell. The 
 prevailing colour is orange-red on the upper side of this 
 pretty insect; on the anterior margin it inclines to yellow, 
 and is marked with three large quadrate black. spots, beyond 
 which is a small white mark ; near the hinder margin is an- 
 other large black spot, and two small ones on the disc ; the 
 margin is deeply edged with black, and ornamented with a 
 series of blue crescents, and two undulating lines of pale 
 yellow ; half of the under wings is black, the rest orange- 
 red, with a border similar to that of the anterior pair ; on 
 the under side, these wings are pale yellow, with three 
 patches of brown, the tip also mottled with the same colour, 
 and the border appearing to shine through from the upper 
 side; the hinder wings have the same appearance, being 
 brown, where the upper part is black, and of a lighter hue, 
 
 M 
 
162 POPULAft ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 where it is so on the other side. The caterpillar is blackish, 
 with four yellow stripes, and beset with strong spines ; it 
 feeds on the nettle, and, when young, lives in families, but 
 disperses when increasing size renders more food necessary. 
 The butterfly is very common, and may be met with in 
 March, but these are individuals which have survived the 
 winter : there is another brood in September. 
 
 VANESSA C-ALBUM. Comma Butterfly. This is the 
 smallest species of the genus, and differs much in the form 
 of the wings ; the colour of the upper side is reddish-yellow, 
 irregularly spotted with black, and having the hinder 
 margin dark brown; two of the largest spots on the 
 upper wings are placed on the anterior border, the others, 
 four or five in number, occupy the disc ; on the inferior 
 wings there are usually three black patches ; the colour of 
 the under side is dark brown, often inclining to yellow, the 
 basal half of the wings and the apex being the darkest; on 
 the paler portion of the anterior pair is an obscure band of 
 green, and two rows of greenish ocelli across both wings : 
 the hinder wings have a short curved line of pure white 
 near the middle, like the letter C reversed, hence the name 
 of the species. The caterpillar is brownish-red, with a 
 broad band of white on the back ; the head has two hairy 
 
JUNE. 163 
 
 tubercles, resembling ears ; it lives on the elm, willow, and 
 various trees and shrubs. The butterfly is not generally 
 common ; there is a second brood in September. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS. 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 123. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS AGRESTIS. Brown Argus. This species 
 measures about an inch; the colour is dark brown with a 
 fine silky gloss, having a band of orange spots, and the 
 primary pair a small black spot in the centre ; the under 
 side is greyish-brown, with numerous ocellated spots, and a 
 band similar to that on the surface ; the hinder wings have 
 a white mark on the disc. It occurs in some abundance in 
 the southern counties, appearing again in August. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEBA. 
 
 PIEBIS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna slender, the club formed gra- 
 dually ; palpi, two lower joints robust, the basal one twice the 
 
164 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 length of the second, the terminal joint very slender ; wings very 
 sparingly clothed with scales. 
 
 PTERIS CEAT^GI, (Plate VI.) Black-veined White, or 
 Hawthorn Butterfly. The English name almost sufficiently 
 describes this handsome species ; it is about the size of the 
 Pontia brassier, of a uniform white, with the nervures 
 black : the under side is exactly similar. The caterpillar is 
 black when young, but soon becomes partially clothed with 
 hairs, and striped with reddish-brown on each side; it eats 
 the leaves of the hawthorn, and will attack fruit-trees ; the 
 insect is by no means common, and is principally found in 
 the south. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. SPHINGID^E. 
 
 SMERINTHUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 135. 
 
 SMERINTHUS OCELLATUS. (Plate X.) Eyed HawJc-Moth. 
 The male of this beautiful insect measures two inches and a 
 half, and the female often exceeds this by an inch; the anterior 
 wings, which are very acute at the tip, are grey, tinged with 
 rose-colour and variegated with brown ; the posterior pair 
 are rose-colour, with the anterior margin grey, and the hinder 
 
JUNE. 165 
 
 part tinged with that colour; it has also a large ocellus 
 with a blue iris, and a large bluish-brown pupil placed in a 
 patch of deep black ; the head and thorax are nearly of the 
 same colour as the surface of the upper wings. The cater- 
 pillar is green, the sides tinged with blue, and most of 
 the segments marked with a white oblique stripe on the 
 sides, the head is bordered with yellow; it feeds on the 
 willow, poplar, apple, etc. The moth is common in the 
 south. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. SPHINGID.E. 
 DEILEPHILA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna rather short, and thickening 
 into a distinct club, with a terminal hook ; proboscis long and 
 spiral; anterior wings not very acute at the apex, the hinder 
 margin slightly rounded. 
 
 DEILEPHILA EUPHORBIA. (Plate XII.) Spotted Elephant 
 Hawk-Moth. The upper wings are olive-brown or greenish, 
 with a rose-coloured irregular band, extending from near 
 the base to the apex, and the margin of the same colour ; 
 the hinder wings are rose-coloured, with a white mark near 
 the body, the base and a transverse band being black ; the 
 
166 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 head and antennae are white; the thorax olive-green; the 
 body similar, with the sides of the three first segments white ; 
 the whole of the under side rose-colour. The caterpillar is 
 black, with numerous yellowish spots in transverse lines, 
 others red and cream-colour; the head, a line on the back, 
 and the legs, are red ; it feeds on the Euphorbia Cyparissias, 
 cypress-leaved spurge. The moth is rare. 
 
 DEILEPHILA LINEATA is somewhat similar in colouring, 
 but is rarely found. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEBA. 
 MACEOGLOSSA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna clavate; proboscis of great 
 length ; wings opake ; body having a tuft of scaly hairs at the 
 extremity. 
 
 MACROGLOSSA STELLATARUM. (Plate XII.) Humming- 
 bird HawJc-Moth. This, the only English specimen of the 
 genus, measures nearly two inches ; the anterior wings are 
 dusky brown, with several transverse bands, the two middle 
 ones being black, with a spot of the same between; hind 
 wings rust-yellow; body of the same colour as the upper 
 M ings, variegated with tufts of black and white. The cater- 
 
JUNE. 167 
 
 pillar is green, with numerous white points, and two white 
 rays on the sides; the horn is long, acute, and straight, 
 yellowish at the tip, and blue at the base ; it is found on the 
 Galium, or bedstraw. This curious and pretty insect is of 
 frequent occurrence, and may be seen darting about in the 
 day-time, from flower to flower, poising itself like a hum- 
 ming-bird over the blossoms, and extracting the juices with 
 its long spiral proboscis ; while thus suspended, the vibra- 
 tion of the wings is so rapid as to occasion a humming noise. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. BOMBYCID^E. 
 LASIOCAMPA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae bipectinated in the male, and 
 merely serrated in the other sex ; mandibles and trunk wanting ; 
 palpi short and hairy ; wings entire ; body tufted in the male. 
 
 LASIOCAMPA QUERCUS. Oak Egger-Moth. Colour deep 
 chestnut-brown in the male, rather paler in the female ; with 
 a yellowish band running across all the wings, and shading 
 off towards the margin into the ground-colour; on each 
 side of the anterior wings is a small white spot. The cater- 
 pillar is yellowish, with greyish-brown hairs, and a white 
 
168 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 band on each side, also an interrupted row of white spots 
 on the back ; it feeds on the oak, willow, etc. The moth 
 is very abundant. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. AECTIID^E. 
 HYPEEACAMPA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna simple ; palpi, terminal joint 
 shorter than the others ; proboscis long ; wings veiy opake, and 
 entire at the edges. 
 
 HYPERACAMPA DOMINULA. Scarlet Tiger-Moth. This 
 beautiful insect has the primary wings black and shining, 
 ornamented with about a dozen cream-coloured spots; the 
 secondary pair are of a fine crimson, with three irregular 
 black spots ; the body is of a similar colour to the wings, 
 but great variety occurs in the colouring of this pretty moth, 
 the under wings being sometimes pale yellow, at others dull 
 brown, without any vestige of the usually gay tints. The 
 caterpillar is black, with three longitudinal yellow lines ; the 
 black portion has many small blue tubercles with greyish 
 hairs. The moth is not common. 
 
JUNE. 169 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. AECTIID^E. 
 
 CEBUBA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae bipectinate ; palpi four, and 
 small; proboscis short, and nearly straight; legs, the anterior 
 pair have an unusual appendage in the form of a lobe, long and 
 compressed, attached to the inner side near the base. 
 
 CERURA VINULA. Puss Moth. The expansion of the 
 wings, which are diaphanous (semi-transparent), is about 
 three inches, the anterior pair being greyish-white, with 
 many and varied dusky lines, and the base spotted with 
 black; the nervures are of a yellowish-brown colour and 
 strongly marked ; the hinder wings are ashy brown, rather 
 white at the edge, having an obscure crescent on the disc, 
 and a few dark spots on the posterior margin. The cater- 
 pillar is remarkable for its grotesque form ; it has a large, 
 singular-looking head, which it holds in an elevated position, 
 and a forked tail, which is likewise kept in an erect posture. 
 Isaac Walton's description, though curious, is tolerably 
 accurate : " His lips and mouth somewhat yellow ; his 
 eyes black as jet; his forehead purple; his feet and hinder 
 parts green; his tail forked and black; the whole body 
 stained with red spots, which run along the neck and 
 
170 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 shoulder-blade, not unlike the form of a cross." The co- 
 coon made by this caterpillar is remarkable for its strength, 
 being composed of particles of wood united by a kind of 
 gum ; to enable the moth to pierce this case, it is said to 
 be furnished with a bag of acid, which dissolves the gummy 
 particles, and renders egress less difficult than would be 
 imagined from the nature of the obstacle ; it feeds on the 
 willow and poplar, and is not uncommon both in England 
 and Scotland. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. NOCTUID^E. 
 THYATIRA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna simple ; maxillae as long as the 
 antennae; palpi considerably apart, terminal joints short and equal, 
 middle one long and thick ; superior wings moderately wide and 
 acute at the tip ; body robust ; thorax furnished with a crest. 
 
 THYATIEA BATIS. (Plate XIII.) Peach-blossom Moth. 
 The upper wings of this beautiful insect are brown, with 
 dark transverse lines, each having five rose-coloured spots ; 
 a large one at the base clouded with brown, two near the 
 tip, one on the posterior angle, having a brown spot in the 
 middle, and a small one near the hinder margin ; the inferior 
 
JUNE. 171 
 
 wings are dusky, inclining to yellow, and having a pale line 
 near the middle. The caterpillar is of a peculiar form, 
 having a protuberance on the back, a little behind the head, 
 cleft at the summit into two branches, and triangular eleva- 
 tions along the back ; the colour is rust-brown ; it feeds on 
 the bramble. The moth is not very common, and is found 
 near woods. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. GEOMETBIDJS. 
 MELANIPPE. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna slender and simple; palpi 
 short, slender, and acute, terminal joint small and pointed; 
 proboscis rather long. 
 
 MELANIPPE HASTATA. Mottled Beauty. This species 
 measures nearly an inch and a half; the ground-colour is 
 white, with a broad black line or band round the hinder 
 margin of all the wings, spotted and interrupted on the 
 inner side ; across the middle of the upper wings is also an 
 irregular black band, nearly divided in the middle by the 
 ground-colour ; the base has another band interrupted by a 
 white crescent ; the under wings have a cross line of black 
 
172 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 angular spots. The caterpillar is dusky brown, with waving 
 yellow lines on the sides. The moth is not very common. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. GEOMETRID.E. 
 OUEAPTEEYX. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna simple ; palpi short ; proboscis 
 nearly as long as the antenna ; wings, anterior very acute, pos- 
 terior much prolonged. 
 
 OUKAPTERYX SAMBUCARiA. Swallow-tail Moth. The 
 wings measure about two inches and a half; the colour 
 delicate sulphur, shading into satiny- white towards the base ; 
 the surface marked with numerous streaks, placed trans- 
 versely; two lines of deep yellow run across the anterior 
 wings, and one across the under pair; at the base of the 
 tail-like projection are two small blackish spots. The cater- 
 pillar is reddish-brown, with darker longitudinal lines; it 
 feeds principally on the elder, willow, and lime-tree, and is 
 common in many parts of England. 
 
JUNE. 173 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. TORTRICID.E. 
 HYLOPHILA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna setaceous ; anterior wings very 
 broad at the base, contracted in the middle, and again dilated at 
 the hinder extremity. 
 
 HYLOPHILA PRASINANA. Green Silver-lines. The upper 
 wings light green, with three oblique stripes of silvery white ; 
 the hinder wings yellowish- white ; the margin of the upper 
 wings is tinged with red. 
 
 HYLOPHILA QUERCANA. Scarce Silver-lines. The largest 
 insect of this group, the wings sometimes extending to two 
 inches ; the colour of the anterior wings deep grass-green, 
 the latter traversed by two oblique white lines ; hinder 
 wings glossy white ; palpi and antennae tinged with red. 
 The caterpillars of both these moths are light green, with a 
 yellow line on each side, and two red streaks behind; they 
 feed on a variety of common trees. This moth is rare, but 
 has been obtained in the neighbourhood of London. 
 
174 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. GEOMETRIM. 
 ABEAXUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna moderately long and simple ; 
 palpi short ; body and thorax slender ; wings broad and rounded, 
 edge entire. 
 
 ABEAXUS GROSSULABIATA. (Plate XIV.) Gooseberry 
 Moth. This insect measures nearly two inches ; the upper 
 wings are white, with two bright yellow bands, and six trans- 
 verse rows of black spots ; the under wings have a few scat- 
 tered spots on the disc, and a series of larger size round the 
 border ; the body is also yellow, spotted with black. The 
 caterpillar is very similar in colour to the perfect insect, 
 being white tinged with blue, the under side yellow, and the 
 whole spotted with black. The moth abounds both in Eng- 
 land and Scotland, where the gooseberry and currant (the 
 appropriate food of the caterpillar) are found. 
 
 HOMOPTERA. ClCADIM. 
 
 CICADA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna six- or seven-jointed, very short 
 and setaceous. 
 
 CICADA SPUMARIA is of a brown colour, with two white 
 
JUNE. 175 
 
 spots on the upper wings. The larvse of this insect is well 
 known as discharging a kind of frothy matter, called by coun- 
 try-people " cuckoo-spit," in the midst of which they gene- 
 rally live, and find in it a protection against their enemies : 
 perhaps also this moisture may defend them from the sultry 
 beams of the sun. Some of the family possess the power of 
 making a chirping sound, which has been celebrated by many 
 poets ; and in reference to its being produced only by the 
 males, an old Ehodian bard says, 
 
 " Happy the Cicada lives, 
 Since they all have voiceless wives." 
 
 DIPTEBA. (ESTRID.E. 
 (ESTRUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae very short ; proboscis and palpi 
 obsolete ; thorax smooth ; body in the female very long. 
 
 (EsTRUS EQUI. Head yellowish-white; thorax yellow, 
 with elevated hairs on a bluish point ; the end of the body 
 is reddish, with two black spots ; the wings have a band in 
 the middle and two small black points at the extremity. 
 
 These insects have the appearance of large Plies ; their 
 
176 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 bodies are often hairy and ornamented with bands of various 
 colours, the wings very strong, and the mouth nearly ob- 
 solete. The habits of these little creatures are very remark- 
 able, each species being confined to its own peculiar quadru- 
 ped, the horse, the ass, ox, etc. The Iarva3 reside either in 
 the stomach, or beneath the skin of cattle, which seem to 
 possess an instinctive -dread of the presence of this insect, 
 which is the more singular as it inflicts no pain, merely 
 gluing its eggs to the hair. The larvse when hatched 
 burrow into the poor animal's back, gradually forming a 
 protuberance of more than an inch in diameter, within 
 which they live until attaining maturity. It is a curious 
 fact that their spiracles, or breathing pores, are placed, not 
 as usual on the sides, but at the extremity of the body, 
 in order, as it would seem, to avoid the necessity of 
 having a large orifice in the protuberance, which would in- 
 terfere with the comfort of its temporary inhabitant. The 
 (Estrus of the sheep is small, and of a greyish colour; it 
 places its eggs in the nostrils of that animal, whence the 
 larva ascends into head, and, when full-grown, falls down 
 and assumes the pupa state on the ground. 
 
Flat* 
 
 : Ann.s Poos*. 3 Notoruecta. glaxica. 3. Coler piping. 
 5. TalianiiB "Boymus . 
 
 Ch.eironom.us 
 
JUNE. 177 
 
 DIPTEEA. TABANID^E. 
 
 TAB ANUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae scarcely longer than the head, 
 the last joint thick and crescent-shaped ; eyes very large ; wings 
 horizontal, and triangular ; body conical. 
 
 TAB ANUS BOVINUS. (Plate XY.) Head greyish- white, with 
 the eyes of a shining green; the thorax and body blackish- 
 brown, with spots of a red tinge ; the wings are transparent 
 and veined with brown : it is a large and handsome insect. 
 
 The flight of some species in this genus is noiseless ; their 
 thick proboscis, armed with six lancets, inflicts considerable 
 pain, and their pertinacity is so great, that it is difficult to 
 drive them away ; the horse lashes its tail, and tosses its 
 head in vain, the Tabanus remains firm till its thirst is sati- 
 ated. It is the female alone that possesses this bloodthirsty 
 propensity ; the males frequent flowers. The larva resides 
 in the ground : it is long and cylindrical, narrow towards 
 the head, which is small, and armed with two hooks. 
 
 DIPTERA. MUSCID.E. 
 
 MUSCA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna rather short, the third joint 
 
 N 
 
178 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 much longer than the two first, with a seta or bristle, often 
 feathered ; palpi filiform ; wings distant. 
 
 MUSCA DOMESTICA. Common My. In this well-known 
 species the antennae are black, with a long terminal joint and 
 bearded seta; the eyes brown; the fore part of the head 
 white, and the remainder black; the thorax and body 
 blackish above, and pale yellowish-brown underneath. 
 
 MUSCA VOMITOEIA. Blue-lottle My. Head yellowish, 
 with brown eyes; the thorax black, and the thick short 
 body of a deep brilliant blue, whence its common name ; the 
 young are deposited in the form of eggs, which are hatched 
 in the course of two hours. 
 
 MUSCA CAUNAEIA. Blow Fly. Head yellow, the eyes 
 reddish ; antennae plumose ; the thorax is grey, and has 
 four white lines ; the body black, shining, and spotted with 
 white. This last-mentioned species is very troublesome, from 
 the constant endeavour to deposit its offspring on our animal 
 food ; but this propensity also renders it of great service, 
 in consuming dead and decaying animal matter. In order 
 to facilitate the discharge of this office, the Almighty 
 Creator has endowed the females with the power of hatching 
 their young in their own bodies, that they may be imme- 
 diately ready to fulfil the important duty assigned them. 
 
JUNE. 179 
 
 They deposit 20,000 young in the space of a few days; 
 the young grubs increase in weight two hundred times in 
 twenty-four hours, in consequence of their great voracity, 
 so that they must assist wonderfully in clearing the earth of 
 putrid substances ; in five days they acquire their full size, 
 and about the same time is spent in the pupa state, so that 
 in a fortnight there are descendants of the first brood in 
 existence. The larvse of the Muscidte are thick, fleshy, 
 cylindrical, smaller towards the head and truncated at the 
 other extremity ; they are destitute of legs, moving by means 
 of the hooks of the mouth. 
 
 DlPTERA. TlPULID^E. 
 
 CHIEONOMUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna beautifully feathered in the 
 male; body slender and elongated; wings white, with three 
 obscure points, from which arise pale transverse bands. 
 
 CHIEONOMUS PLUMOSUS, the Midge, is much smaller 
 than the Gnat, which it so greatly resembles ; they are often 
 confounded together, but the former wants the long pro- 
 boscis of the latter insect, and is perfectly harmless. The 
 English name is equally applied to several genera, and in- 
 
180 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 eludes above a hundred British species. The larvse reside 
 in water like those of the Gnat; that of C( plumosus is 
 found in stagnant water, and is called the Blood-worm, 
 from its red colour. Beauinur mentions that he found one 
 species enclosed in small paper-like cases of a brown colour ; 
 they were spindle-shaped, composed of silk, and somewhat 
 resembled an oblong seed. Midges may constantly be 
 seen in summer, hovering in moist situations, alternately 
 rising and falling, with a motion like that of the Ephemera. 
 Some species are remarakble for the beauty of their colour- 
 ing, and form interesting objects for the microscope. 
 
 Messrs. Kirby and Spence give a very interesting descrip- 
 tion of the manner in which the perfect insect escapes from 
 the pupariurn ; the native place of the pupa being water, 
 whereas the Midge is an inhabitant of the air. Eor the 
 extrication of the imago, it is necessary that the pupa 
 should remain quietly suspended at the surface, and that 
 the thorax, in which the opening for its exit is to be made, 
 should be at least level with it ; and this is precisely what 
 takes place. By a most singular and beautiful contrivance, 
 not only is the pupa, which is specifically heavier than the 
 water, enabled to suspend itself without motion at the sur- 
 face, but its thorax, which is the heaviest end, is kept 
 
JUNE. 181 
 
 uppermost. This is effected by the property which the 
 centre of the' thorax has, of repelling water : hence, as soon 
 as the pupa has once forced this part of the body above the 
 surface, the water retreats from it on all sides, leaving an 
 oval space in the disc which is quite dry ; and the attraction 
 of the air to the dry part of the thorax is sufficient to over- 
 balance the specific gravity of the pupa. If a drop of water 
 be let fall on the dry portion, it instantly sinks to the 
 bottom, but soon returning to the surface it remains sus- 
 pended as before. Just previous to the exclusion of the My, 
 the thorax is seen to split in the middle; the air enters and 
 forms a brilliant stratum resembling quicksilver, between 
 the body of the insect and the pupa- case, and the former 
 pushing forth its head and fore legs, like the Gnat, rests 
 the latter on the water, and in a few seconds extricates itself 
 wholly from the puparium^. 
 
 * British Cyclopaedia, article Chironomus. 
 
182 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 JULY. 
 
 THE gradually increasing heat of the season during the 
 present month, produces many insects new to the student ; 
 and if he be interested in the pursuit, much knowledge may 
 be acquired, many observations made, and an abundance of 
 specimens added to the cabinet. In Lepidoptera July is par- 
 ticularly fruitful, as sunshine seems the appropriate element 
 of these delicate creatures ; and the thicker clothing, if we 
 may so term it, with the more robust forms of the nocturnal 
 tribes, scarcely reconciles us to the idea of their still fragile 
 beauty being exposed to the chilly dews of night in our 
 northern climate. But we know that they are well adapted 
 to their assigned place in the creation ; and to the imagina- 
 tive mind there is something agreeable in the idea of being 
 
JULY. 183 
 
 surrounded by sights, as well as sounds, of life and beauty, 
 even when we are generally unconscious of their presence. 
 Surely this thought adds its mite to the testimony of an 
 over-watchful Providence, who peoples even darkness itself 
 with brilliant colours and elegant forms ; and animates the 
 period of sleep, the emblem of death, with sounds which 
 are but another name for melody, as if to reassure our 
 waking moments with a consciousness of His presence, who 
 " never slumbereth nor sleepeth." 
 
 The smaller species of Moth are so very numerous, that 
 but a very disproportionate number can be mentioned in 
 this little work ; a full account must be sought for elsewhere. 
 There are supposed to be not less than 2000 species, many 
 of very minute size ; and it has been truly said, that the 
 study of the minute Lepidoptera is yet in its infancy ; the 
 time of their flight, too, is an obstacle in the way of all but 
 very zealous entomologists, though it must not be imagined 
 that their appearance is entirely confined to the night or 
 twilight : this is the more appropriate, but not the sole 
 period of their activity, and many species may be seen 
 flitting in the sunshine with the diurnal Lepidoptera, and 
 other warmth-loving insects. Mr. Bird gives an account, in 
 the ' Entomological Magazine/ of the plan he adopted for 
 
184 POPULAE ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 taking Moths, which may afford a hint to those who are 
 desirous of studying this interesting and extensive group. 
 He says, " My success in obtaining Lepidoptera, to which 
 I am particularly attached, I owe to the use of a lamp : 
 during the moonless nights of summer I sit with a Sinumbra 
 lamp, and, perhaps, one or two smaller ones placed on a 
 table close to the window. The Moths speedily enter the 
 room, if the weather be warm, and I have had a levee of 
 more than a hundred between the hours of ten and twelve ; 
 I have for experiment's sake sat up till three o'clock, when 
 the whole heaven was bright with the rising sun, and Moths 
 of various kinds have never ceased arriving in succession 
 till that time. In the spring and autumn I have been 
 frequently very fortunate, though generally having my pa- 
 tience sufficiently tried. If at any time of the year a warm 
 mist pervade the air, there is almost a certainty of suc- 
 cess ; but should any one be induced by this account to 
 try the lamp, he must make up his mind to experience 
 more unfavourable evenings than favourable. There is 
 however this advantage in my sedentary plan of mothing, 
 that it can be combined with reading or writing ; and the 
 intervals between the arrivals need not be lost/' 
 
 The extensive family Ickneiimonidce presents many very 
 
JULY. 185 
 
 interesting particulars to the student, which are highly 
 deserving of attention. Eeferring to the order Bymenqptera 
 for the characteristics of the family, we find that the insects 
 comprised in it are provided with an instrument called an 
 ovipositor, which is composed of two external filaments 
 enclosing a slender piercer, with which the little creatures 
 bore a hole in wood or other substances, to form a hole for 
 their eggs. This instrument in some species is longer than 
 the whole body ; such is the case with the Pimpla manifes- 
 tator, one of the largest British species, which places her 
 eggs in the holes already occupied by the young larvae of 
 the Wild Bee, and, as these are usually of some depth, it is 
 necessary that this Ichneumon, which is destined to prevent 
 their too rapid increase, should be able to reach the cell in 
 which they are placed. The means by which the Pimpla 
 ascertains the presence of the food destined for her young, 
 seems to be her antennae, which she introduces into the 
 hole before depositing her eggs ; but whether by the sense 
 of smelling, hearing, or feeling, appears undecided. Those 
 species that place their eggs in the bodies of caterpillars, 
 are provided only with a very short ovipositor for this pur- 
 pose, as a more lengthened instrument would be superfluous. 
 The Ichneumonida are all parasitic upon other insects, and 
 
186 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 through their means thousands of caterpillars are destroyed, 
 which would otherwise do great injury. One species preys 
 on the Aplnda or Plant-Lice, and thus assists in checking 
 the increase of these troublesome little insects. This is the 
 species best known, being often seen in the garden, parti- 
 cularly the male, hovering over the rose-trees, or creeping 
 under the leaves; it is of small size, with long legs; 
 the wings obscurely coloured with bands and spots of black 
 and red. The female pierces the skin of the Aphis, and 
 deposits an egg in the wound, taking great care not to 
 place more than one in each insect; when the grub is 
 hatched, it feeds on the body of the poor victim, and when 
 full grown it spins no cocoon, being adequately protected 
 by the hardened skin of the dead Aphis. In a few days, the 
 now winged insect forces itself from its prison, and flies 
 away to enjoy its brief existence, and add another to the 
 countless myriads of happy beings. Another species is 
 mentioned by Mr. Kirby, as serviceable in keeping down 
 the numbers of the little Midge which attacks wheat when 
 in flower. Having placed a number of the grubs of this 
 mischievous insect on paper, he introduced a female Ichneu- 
 mon amongst them ; she immediately began to pace about, 
 vibrating her antennae very briskly; then fixing on one of the 
 
JULY. 187 
 
 larvse, she inserted her ovipositor ; the poor grub when pricked 
 gave a violent wriggle, and this operation was repeated till all 
 had received the egg which would prove so fatal a deposit. 
 In these instances the larvse of the Ichneumon are solitary, 
 but in some species they are gregarious, the parent depo- 
 siting several eggs in the same caterpillar : this is the case 
 with the Ichneumon, Microgaster glomeratws, which preys 
 on the larvse of Pontia rapa, or Small White Butterfly. 
 These caterpillars, when full grown, creep up to the corner of 
 window-frames, or similar places, to undergo their change ; 
 but frequently, previous to this transformation, a great 
 number of small white grubs issue from them (causing, of 
 course, the death of the caterpillar) ; the little grubs imme- 
 diately enclose themselves in oval cocoons, attached round 
 their victims, looking like a mass of yellow silk. Some- 
 times the larvse remain within the caterpillar until it is in 
 the chrysalis state, when they come forth in their perfect 
 condition; this depends on the species of Ichneumon, as 
 well as on the growth of the caterpillar. It is a wonderful 
 fact that these little parasites never attack the vital parts 
 of the larvse (as this would destroy their supply of food), 
 until they have nearly attained their full size, when they at 
 last destroy the organs of life, and then piercing through 
 
188 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 the skin they begin to construct their cocoons, which in 
 some species are found on the blades of grass, in others on 
 trees. The following notice, taken from that interesting 
 little monthly publication the ' Naturalist/ shows that in- 
 sects even in the pupa state do not escape the Ichneumon. 
 In reply to a query, it is said, " Some years ago, while col- 
 lecting in Botany Bay Wood, on Chat Moss, I was rather 
 startled on hearing a strange sound from among the dry 
 leaves scattered on the ground (especially as vipers are not 
 uncommon there). On looking closely, I perceived it came 
 from an. Ichneumon in the act of piercing a leaf. On 
 seizing it, I was delighted to have ocular proof that they 
 will attack pupse; the leaf contained a pupa, which next 
 season produced Acronycta rumicis. I believe few ento- 
 mologists have witnessed the above; it is the only instance 
 I have met with during several years' collecting/' These 
 insects vary much in size, some being among our largest 
 Hymenopterous insects, and destined to check the too rapid 
 increase of the Hawk-Moths, and other large Lepidoptera ; 
 others are so minute as to be seen with difficulty ; some are 
 even small enough to be parasitic on the eggs of insects. 
 De Geer found a mass of sixty eggs of some Lepidopterous 
 insect, not one of which had escaped the Ichneumon. We 
 
JULY. 189 
 
 have thus seen that these insects attack the larvae of Hymen- 
 opterous, Dipterous, and Homopterous insects, in the case of 
 Wild Bees, Midges, and Aphides ; other species of these 
 orders are similarly affected, as well as the Coleoptera, 
 though the greater number are appropriated to the order 
 Lepidoptera. But it does not end here, for these parasites 
 are themselves liable to the attacks of smaller species belong- 
 ing to the same family, and the instinct is remarkable, which 
 guides these second parasites to the particular caterpillars 
 already made the prey of the larger Ichneumons, which are 
 to furnish their own offspring with support. These interest- 
 ing, though diminutive insects, are divided by Latreille into 
 groups known by the number of joints in the palpi, but 
 these cannot be investigated in this rapid sketch, which is 
 only intended to excite an interest, leading to research both 
 in works of more pretension, and, better still, in the works 
 of nature, which will amply repay the student. What an 
 immense field is open to his survey may be imagined from 
 the fact that in this family alone, including merely the 
 European species, a work of three thousand pages has been 
 published by Gravenhorst. The colour and form of many 
 species are highly beautiful. 
 
190 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 COLEOPTEEA. BYRRHID.&. 
 
 ANTHEENUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae terminated by a three-jointed 
 club j body of a round and depressed form, the surface adorned 
 with undulating bands of coloured scales. 
 
 ANTHEENUS SCROPHULARIA scarcely exceeds two lines in 
 length ; the head is black with a small white spot ; the an- 
 tennae are reddish at the base but black at the tip; the 
 thorax is black, with the sides whitish, and the hinder part 
 red ; the elytra are also black, with bands of white ; the 
 under side is covered with white scales. The larvae feed on 
 animal substances, -and are sometimes very destructive in 
 museums : the perfect insect frequents flowers. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. STAPHYLINID.E. 
 
 XANTHOLINUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna placed near each other at the 
 base, and in general bent suddenly, geniculated, as it is termed ; 
 legs short and strong ; head and thorax somewhat square ; body 
 linear. 
 
 XANTHOLINUS FULGIDUS. The head and thorax of this 
 
JULY. 191 
 
 species are of a glossy black, punctured on each side ; the 
 elytra are deep red, punctured, and clothed with short hairs ; 
 the antennae, mouth, and legs are light red. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. 
 
 MALACHIUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna, joints a little projecting on 
 the inner side ; palpi short and filiform ; mandibles notched at 
 the joint ; thorax wider than the head ; some species are armed 
 with a spine at the extremity. 
 
 MALACHIUS MARGINELLUS is of a brassy-green colour, 
 with the sides of the thorax and tips of the elytra red. 
 
 MALACHIUS ^NEUS, sinning green, with the margins of 
 the elytra bordered with red ; it is about a quarter of an 
 inch in length. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. CLERID.E. 
 
 CLEEUS. 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna, club three-jointed; palpi 
 
192 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 terminated in a hatchet-shaped joint ; thorax narrower than the 
 elytra; body elongated. 
 
 CLEEUS APIARIUS is of a blue colour, the elytra red, with 
 blue bands ; the larva of this insect is found in bee-hives, 
 where it devours the larvae of the Bee, and does much in- 
 jury ; it is, however, rare. 
 
 CLERUS or TRICHODES ALVEARIUS. This species is very 
 similar to the preceding, but the extremities of the elytra are 
 red. The larva resides in the nest of the Mason Bee, feed- 
 ing on the grubs of that insect. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. CURCULIONID^. 
 
 HYLOBIUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae of twelve joints ; elytra oblong ; 
 legs moderately long ; body furnished with wings. 
 
 HYLOBIUS ABIETIS, which varies from five to nine lines in 
 length, is of a pitchy black colour, with many yellow spots, 
 on the elytra. It abounds in the fir-plantations of Scotland, 
 making great devastation, by destroying the bark; in 1824 
 many young firs were entirely destroyed on Lord Carlisle's 
 estates in Scotland by this insect. The mischief was at first 
 
JULY. 193 
 
 supposed to be the work of mice, so completely was the bark 
 stripped from the trees. 
 
 STREPSIPTERA. STYLOPID^. 
 
 STYLOPS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna, outer branch flattened and 
 three-jointed. 
 
 STYLOPS DALII. (Plate III.) Body of a deep velvet- 
 black, and yellowish at the sides ; legs brownish ; the wings 
 white and iridescent, about a line and a half in length. This 
 singular tribe of parasitic insects has been found in the bodies 
 of Wild Bees and Wasps, where they live in the larva 
 state. They have been divided into four genera, distin- 
 guished by peculiarities in the antenna. Eossi, an Italian 
 entomologist, seems to have first noticed the insect, and dis- 
 covered its habits ; and Mr. Kirby, having found another 
 species, investigated the subject minutely, and established 
 the order Strep&iptera for their reception. He observed a 
 specimen in the lrva state in the body of a Wild Bee, and 
 having drawn it out, found a white fleshy grub, a quarter of 
 an inch in length. On endeavouring to extract another, he 
 
 o 
 
194 -.POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 says : " How greatly was my astonishment increased when, 
 after I had withdrawn it a little way, I saw its skin burst, 
 and a head as black as ink, with large staring eyes, and an- 
 tennae consisting of two branches, break forth and move 
 itself briskly from side to side : it looked like a little imp 
 of darkness." Mr. Dale, who seems to have attentively 
 watched these little insects, found several in Anclrena barbi- 
 labrls, a species of Wild Bee, and caught one flying over a 
 hedge ; he says, " It looked milk-white on the wing, with 
 a jet-black body, and totally unlike anything else : it flew 
 with an undulating motion." There is much relative to the 
 natural history of these singular creatures, which still re- 
 mains unascertained or doubtful. There are several species 
 of the genus Stylops in England ; and North America and 
 the Mauritius have also furnished specimens of the order. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPHALID^E. 
 
 MELTLEA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 97. 
 
 MELIT^A SILENE, Small Pearl-bordered FT Hillary, greatly 
 resembles M. Eujphrosyne described in May, but it is much 
 smaller; the surface is similar, and the difference on the 
 
JULY. 195 
 
 under side consists in the ground-colour of the secondary 
 wings being rust-brown, with the transverse band at the 
 base and middle, not so light a yellow; in having three 
 silvery spots in the central band, and five others, three of 
 which are placed in a line on the anterior border, and the 
 other two near the inner edge, and in having the ocellus 
 towards the base black, with a red pupil. The caterpillar 
 is black and spiny, one half of the spines being yellow, and 
 the sides of the body having a light stripe. The butterfly 
 is not uncommon. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPHALID^:. 
 AEGYNNIS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 159. 
 
 ARGYNNIS PAPHIA. (Plate VII.) Silver-washed Fritillary. 
 The surface of this insect is very similar to that of the 
 species Adippe and Aglaia mentioned in June, the upper 
 surface being of a bright yellowish-brown, variously streaked 
 and spotted with black; on the under side the primary 
 wings are paler, many of the black spots indistinctly seen, 
 and the tips slightly tinged with green; the secondary 
 wings are green, with a brassy lustre, and ornamented with 
 
196 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 stripes or bands of silver, not spots as in the other species. 
 The caterpillar is light brown, with two dark lines on the 
 sides, and long hairy spines : it feeds on the raspberry and 
 violet. The insect is not uncommon. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. 
 POLYOMMATUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 123. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS ARGUS. Silver-studded Blue. Male, deep 
 blue above, inclining to lilac, with a broad band of black 
 round the hinder margin of all the wings ; the nervures are 
 also dark ; the under side is bluish-grey, becoming deeper 
 at the base, and adorned with many ocellated spots ; on the 
 hinder margin of the posterior wings there is a tawny orange 
 band, containing six bright silvery blue spots crowned with 
 a series of black crescents. The female is entirely brown 
 above, with a tawny marginal band. The caterpillar is dull 
 green, with a rusty line on the back, and oblique marks of 
 the same colour, edged with white, on the sides ; it feeds on 
 broom, trefoil, etc. The butterfly is common in the south. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS SALMACIS. Durham Argus. This species 
 is silky-brown above, the anterior wings having a white 
 
JULY. 197 
 
 spot, and all of them an orange band, indistinct on the 
 upper wings ; the under side is greyish-brown, the anterior 
 pair having a white spot, and a curved band of the same ; 
 these are succeeded by a band of orange spots. The hinder 
 wings have a similar marginal band, and several scattered 
 white spots, a large one near the centre, and a series behind, 
 connected with the yellow band by a broad central patch : 
 most of these spots have a minute dusky pupil. This insect 
 is principally found in Durham. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS AiiTAXERXEs, which appears principally to 
 differ from the last in being of a much darker hue, and the 
 spots having no pupils, is principally met with on Arthur's 
 Seat, near Edinburgh : from this circumstance it is called 
 the Scotch Argus ; but very little seems to be ascertained 
 respecting the history of the insect in its immature state, 
 though the butterfly is in great request, from the extreme 
 rarity of its appearance in any other locality. 
 
 POLYOMMATUS COUYDON. Chalk-hill Blue. This is one 
 of the larger species, measuring an inch and a half. The 
 surface of the male is a very light silvery blue, with a fine 
 silky lustre ; the hinder margin of all the wings having a 
 blackish band, and the inferior pair a series of dusky spots. 
 The surface in the female is brown, each wing having a 
 
198 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 pale central spot ; the hinder wings in both sexes whitish, 
 the ocellated spots being arranged in two curved bands in 
 the centre ; between these is an angular white mark, and on 
 the hinder margin a series of black spots, with a white iris, 
 half surrounded by a streak of orange : an oblong patch 
 of white connects this series with the central band. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEBA. NYMPHALID^E. 
 
 VANESSA. 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 129. 
 
 VANESSA POLYCHLORUS. Great Tortoise-shell. This 
 species bears much resemblance to V. urtica, described last 
 month, but is much larger, sometimes exceeding two inches 
 and a half; the upper side is dark orange; the anterior 
 wings have two large quadrate (four-sided) spots of black, 
 with two smaller ones near the base, the same number of 
 rounded spots on the disc, and another near the hinder 
 angle. The inferior wings have one large black spot near 
 the middle of the anterior margin; both pair have a deep 
 black border, ornamented with crescents which are blue on 
 the hinder wings, and bounded with two lines of pale yellow ; 
 on the under side, half the surface is dark brown, the re- 
 
JULY. 199 
 
 mainder grey, marked with waving lines of brown, and a 
 faint series of bluish crescents towards the tip ; there are 
 one or two pale spots on the wings. The caterpillar is 
 bluish-brown, with a lateral stripe of orange; the spines 
 are slightly yellow : whilst young, the larvae live together 
 in a silken web, but disperse after they have changed 
 their first skin : they feed on the willow and elin. This is 
 not one of the most common Butterflies, though occasion- 
 ally found in great abundance in the southern counties and 
 in the Isle of Wight. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPHALID.E. 
 
 HIPPAECHIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 98. 
 
 HIPPAECHIA SEMELE. The Grey ling. This is one of 
 the largest species of the genus, sometimes reaching to two 
 inches and a half across the wings ; the greater part of the 
 surface is brown, varying much in depth of colour; the 
 female has a wide band of pale yellow near the hinder edge 
 of the anterior wings, in which are placed two ocelli. The 
 male has only a yellowish patch round each ocellus ; the 
 
200 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 base of the hinder wings, and a posterior border, is brown 
 in both sexes, the intermediate portion being pale or red- 
 dish-yellow, with a small ocellus on the under side, the 
 anterior wings are tawny at the base ; the disc pale yellow, 
 with two ocelli, and the margin brownish; the posterior 
 wings are clouded with white, and dark brown ; the cater- 
 pillar is light green. This insect frequents stony and rocky 
 places, occurring plentifully in such situations both in Eng- 
 land and Scotland. 
 
 HIPPARCHIA HYPERANTHUS. Ringlet Butterfly. The 
 whole upper surface is of a dark brown colour, generally 
 having two or three eye-like spots on each wing ; the under 
 side is pale brown, with large ocelli near the margin, some- 
 times these are nearly obliterated, but usually they are very 
 conspicuous. The caterpillar is greyish-white, with a brown 
 line on the back : it feeds on the Poa annua, or meadow 
 grass. The butterfly is found pretty abundantly in the open 
 part of woods, meadows, and corn-fields. 
 
 HIPPARCHIA POLYDAMA. Marsh Ringlet. This species 
 measures about an inch and a half across the wings; the 
 surface is rusty yellow, tinged with brown ; the anterior 
 wings having one or two ocelli towards the hinder margin ; 
 the inferior wings are greyish-white round the outer margin, 
 
JULY. 201 
 
 with an ocellus near the body, and sometimes one or two 
 others on a line with it ; underneath, the primary wings are 
 greenish-brown at the base, bright yellowish-brown in the 
 middle, and grey at the apex, with a small white bar and a 
 few ocelli ; the base of the hinder wings is brown, beyond 
 which is a very irregular white band, the space beyond being 
 greyish-brown, with five or six ocelli. The caterpillar is dark 
 green, with a darker line on the back. The perfect insect 
 is found on marshy heaths. 
 
 HIPPAB.CHIA DAVUS very closely resembles the preceding. 
 It is extremely rare in England, but common in many parts 
 of Scotland. 
 
 HIPPARCHIA CASSIOPE, Mountain Ringlet, measures about 
 sixteen lines ; the colour is dark brown, with a silky gloss ; 
 the upper wings having a red band near the apex, marked 
 with black spots ; the hinder pair have a short band of con- 
 tinuous red marks, each bearing a small black spot ; the 
 under side of the anterior wings differs from the upper, only 
 in being tinged with rust-red ; the hinder wings are ash- 
 brown, having three black spots with a reddish iris. This 
 insect is principally found in the mountains of Cumberland 
 and Westmoreland, also in the hilly districts of Scotland. 
 There are two other species rarely found excepting in Scot- 
 
202 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 land, the H. blandina and H. ligea. The former is taken 
 in great profusion in August, near Brodick, Isle of Arran. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. 
 
 THECLA. 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 128. 
 
 THECLA QUERCUS. (Plate IX.) Purple Hair-streak. Size 
 about fourteen lines ; colour of the upper surface dark brown, 
 faintly glossed with purple in one sex ; the other with a 
 large patch of deep glossy purple at the base of the upper 
 wings ; on the under side the wings are ash-grey colour, 
 with a silky lustre, and traversed by an undulating white 
 streak, beyond which is a double series of whitish crescents, 
 and a few dusky spots on the primary wings ; the secondary 
 pair are ornamented with two reddish spots, one having an 
 ocellus. The caterpillar is greyish-brown, with a brown 
 head, and a row of yellow dots on the back ; it is very com- 
 mon in oak-woods in the south. 
 
 THECLA W-ALBUM. White-letter Hair-streak, Upper 
 side dark brown, with a silky gloss, the male having a 
 greyish spot near the middle ; the under side is light brown, 
 
JULY. 203 
 
 with a small transverse white line near the hinder margin 
 of the primary wings, and another towards the middle of the 
 secondary pair, forming two acute angles resembling the 
 letter W ; behind this, is a band of orange-red ; the margin 
 and the projecting tailed point are black, sometimes tipped 
 with white. The caterpillar is green, with three red spots 
 on each side of the lower segments, and a double series of 
 small dots on the back; it feeds on the elm and blackthorn. 
 The perfect insect is in general rare, but in some seasons is 
 found in great profusion. 
 
 THECLA PRUNI. Black Hair-streak. This species has 
 often been confounded with the former, which is more com- 
 mon ; the difference on the upper surface seems to consist 
 in the addition of three or four crescent-shaped red marks 
 near the hinder margin; the colour of the under side is 
 yellowish-brown, marked with an irregular silvery line near 
 the hinder margin of the primary wings, and across the 
 middle of the secondary pair ; behind this, is a row of black 
 spots, and on the margin a series of black crescents ; the 
 upper wings have the spots red. The caterpillar is green, 
 with longitudinal whitish rays, and numerous short trans- 
 verse lines ; the head is small and yellow. 
 
204 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. NYMPHALIDJE. 
 APATUEA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna long, with an egg-shaped club ; 
 palpi long, and projecting beyond the head, where they meet and 
 form a kind of beak; the basal and terminal joints of nearly 
 equal length, the intermediate one very long ; wings somewhat 
 triangular, edge of the primary pair nearly entire, the others 
 slightly scalloped. 
 
 APATUEA IRIS. (Plate VIII.) Purple Emperor. Surface 
 of the wings dark brown, changing, as the light shines on 
 it, to a very rich purple ; this brilliant colour is not seen in 
 the female, whose wings are of a paler brown. In both sexes 
 there are four patches of white on the upper wings, inter- 
 rupted by the nervures ; the hinder wings are traversed by 
 a band of white, a tawny streak running round them near 
 the margin, and the inferior pair have a black spot sur- 
 rounded by a red ring; on the under side, the superior 
 wings are rust-red, with a large ocellus near the hinder 
 angle, and two black spots near the base ; the hinder por- 
 tions of the under wings are greyish, with a faint undulating 
 brown line near the margin ; all the wings have the white 
 marks similar to those of the surface. The caterpillar is 
 pale green, with a yellow stripe down the outer side of two 
 
Cardui. 2. Apatura Iris. 3. limanitui 
 
 4. Hipp ar dim JMegaera 
 
JULY. 205 
 
 long horns, into which the head is divided behind ; it feeds 
 on the oak. This fine insect is much prized, both for its 
 beauty and the difficulty with which it is obtained; it is 
 found in the southern counties, but as it fixes its throne on 
 the summit of a lofty oak, from whence it takes very high 
 flights, there are many difficulties to overcome in the cap- 
 ture ; and a pole twenty or thirty feet in length, with the 
 bag-net attached, is necessary for the purpose. The wings 
 of these insects are stronger than those of any other British 
 species, thus fitting them for the powerful flight which their 
 habits require. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPHALID.E. 
 
 LIMENITIS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna thickening gradually from the 
 middle, almost to the apex, the club being long and "slender ; 
 palpi, basal joint the shortest and nearly oval, the second very 
 long, and the terminal one egg-shaped, and ending in a point ; 
 wings rounded and entire. 
 
 LIMENITIS CAMILLA. (Plate VIII.) White Admiral. 
 This pretty insect measures about two inches ; the colour is 
 dull black above, marked with dark spots; both wings tra- 
 
206 POPULAR, ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 versed By a broad white band, divided in the middle of the 
 upper pair, which have also several white spots; on the 
 hinder wings are two rows of obscure dark spots, between 
 the band and the hinder extremity. The prevailing colour 
 on the under side is brownish-yellow, all the white spots of 
 the surface being visible, with the addition of a few others ; 
 the base of the wings is tinged with blue. The caterpillar 
 is green, with obtuse fleshy projections on the back of a 
 reddish colour, and fringed with hair ; it feeds on the honey- 
 suckle. The perfect insect is one of our rarer species ; it 
 is found in the glades of woods, and is noted for its graceful 
 flight. Many specimens were taken this summer in Burn- 
 ham Beeches, Buckinghamshire. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. HESPERID.E. 
 
 PAMPHILA. 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 131. 
 
 PAMPHILA LINEA. (Plate X.) Small Skipper. This 
 insect is of small size; the surface of the wings fulvous 
 and without spots ; the hinder margin and nervures black ; 
 
JT. 
 
 1. Thyme] e alveolus . 2 . Pamphila liaea . 3. AnthroceTa 
 4. Sinermtkas ocellatas 5, SmemiOms "IHiic 
 
JULY. 207 
 
 the under side of the primary wings paler than the surface, 
 shading into grey at the tip, and brown at the base ; the 
 secondary wings are ash-grey, with a fulvous patch; the 
 male has in addition a black oblique line on the disc of 
 each anterior wing. The caterpillar is deep green, with a 
 dark line on the back ; it feeds on some species of grass. 
 The perfect insect is of frequent occurrence ; there are two 
 other species found occasionally, P. comma and P. Action. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEBA. ANTHKOCERID.E. 
 ANTHEOCEEA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna simple, slender, and of great 
 length, thickening into a curved club ; palpi rather long, termi- 
 nating in a point, and thickly clothed with hair. 
 
 ANTHEOCERA EILIPENDUL^ (Plate X.), Six-spotted Bwrnet 
 Moth, measures about an inch and a half; the upper wings 
 are greenish-black, with six red spots on each ; the under 
 pair carmine-red on both sides; the hinder margin with a 
 black border. The caterpillar is yellow, with three rows of 
 black spots on the head and others on the sides ; it feeds 
 on grass and other common plants. 
 
 ANTHROCERA LOTI. Five-spotted Burnet Motk. Very 
 
208 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 similar to the preceding, but smaller, and with only five 
 spots on the upper wings. The caterpillar is green, with 
 two longitudinal bands on each side, and a yellow dot on 
 each segment ; it feeds on the honeysuckle and other plants. 
 The moth is less common than the preceding. 
 
 There are several species of this pretty genus, all noted 
 for their brilliant colours, generally bluish-black and bright 
 red, the latter hue predominating on the lower wings and 
 forming spots on the upper. They are occasionally very 
 numerous : I have found them in profusion near Yentnor, 
 Isle of Wight, and they are also found in Scotland. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. SPHINGID^E. 
 
 SMEEINTHUS. 
 Generic Distinctions.- See page 135. 
 SMEBINTHUS POPULI. Poplar Hawk-Moth. This species 
 differs from all those mentioned before, in having the outer 
 margin of all the wings dentated; the colour is greyish- 
 brown, occasionally inclining to rusty-red and grey, with 
 bands and rays of a deeper hue than the ground-colour; 
 the upper wings have a white mark in the centre ; at the base 
 
JULY. 209 
 
 of the inferior pair is a rusty patch, and sometimes a white 
 spot near the middle. The caterpillar is green, with oblique 
 yellow or white stripes, the head bordered with yellow, and 
 the horn at the extremity of the body is of theseame hue ; 
 it feeds on the poplar. This is the most common of the 
 Sphingida, both in England and Scotland. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. HEPIALID^E. 
 ZEUZERA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna setaceous, short, pectinated 
 in the males, simple in the females ; palpi obsolete ; body long. 
 
 ZETJZERA ^ESCULI. Wood Leopard-Moth. This beautiful 
 species is snowy white; the wings but sparingly clothed 
 with scales ; and the nervures yellowish ; the whole surface 
 thickly sprinkled with dark blue spots ; the hinder wings 
 are white, and faintly spotted at the base, with a distinct 
 series of spots round the margin ; the male measures about 
 two inches, the female is often a third larger. The cater- 
 pillar is light yellow, with a double series of black spots 
 across each segment ; it is not very common. 
 
210 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. 
 
 ENDBOMIS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna in both sexes bipectinated ; 
 head clothed with long hairs; wings entire, large, and rather 
 transparent. 
 
 ENDBOMIS VERSICOLOR. Kentish Glory. The upper 
 wings in this species are rusty-red, inclining in some parts 
 to grey, each with two transverse bands of black, edged on 
 one side with white ; there are also other white marks, and 
 a small black crescent near the centre; the inferior wings 
 are tawny -yellow, with a waved dusky line in the middle, a 
 small crescent, and a few white spots. The caterpillar is 
 pale green ; the under side spotted with black, and the sides 
 marked with oblique stripes of pale yellow ; the form is 
 peculiar, bearing some resemblance to the Sfahingida, having 
 an elevation where they have a horn; it feeds on a variety 
 of trees, and must be ranked with the rarer species, being 
 found principally in the woods of the south of England. 
 
JULY. 211 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NOCTUID.E. 
 
 THYATIEA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 170. 
 
 THYATIRA DERASA. Buff Arches. The prevailing colour 
 in this species is light yellowish-brown ; the upper wings 
 having two oblique white bands, the space between which 
 is clouded with brown and white; there is also a transverse 
 series of fine zigzag lines of a brown hue, forming acute 
 angles on a whitish ground; the hinder margin is brown, 
 with two rows of small white arches, surmounted by a white 
 line; the hinder wings are dusky, with a tinge of ochre. 
 The caterpillar is yellowish-green, with brown spots and 
 lines ; it seems to be a general feeder. The moth is found 
 pretty frequently near woods and shady lanes. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. 
 
 CATOCALA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna long and setaceous ; proboscis 
 as long as the antennse ; palpi> middle joint much longer than 
 the others, and densely clothed with scales ; body thin at the ex- 
 tremity ; thorax slightly crested. 
 
212 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 CATOCALA FIIAXINI. Clifden Nonpareil. This very 
 handsome species sometimes measures four inches; the 
 upper wings are light grey, marked with undulating lines of 
 brown ; the under wings are brownish-black, with a broad 
 curved band of light blue across the middle ; they are also 
 deeply indented. The caterpillar is ash-coloured, rather 
 inclining to yellow, and sprinkled with minute black dots ; 
 the head is green, and the eighth segment has a protube- 
 rance of a bluish-black colour; behind this is an oblique 
 black line; it lives on the ash, oak, elm, poplar, etc. This 
 species is not so common as the following, and a good 
 specimen is a valuable acquisition. 
 
 CATOCALA NUPTA. (Plate XIV.) Red Underwiny. 
 Upper wings dark grey, with transverse waved streaks and 
 spots of brown and yellow ; the hinder border has a series 
 of crescent-shaped spots, and two waved dusky lines; the 
 under wings are of a deep carmine-red, with a curved black 
 band near the middle, and a broad marginal band of the 
 same : the under side of the superior wings is black, with 
 three transverse bands of white, the outer one forming an 
 acute angle near the inner margin. The caterpillar is narrow 
 at both ends ; the colour grey, marked with brown, greenish 
 underneath, spotted with black, and a row of small tubercles 
 
ZTF: 
 
 tirptis. 2.Caiscalaiuipta, 3 ALi-axa* Grossiflariah. 4 Ptarophorus ^ 
 5 AiuatsL lexadactvla 
 
JULY. 213 
 
 on the back ; it feeds on the poplar and willow. The moth 
 is frequent in the southern counties. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEBA. GEOMETRIC. 
 
 HIPPARCHUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna pectinated in the male, simple 
 in the female ; proboscis spiral, and shorter than the antennae ; 
 palpi meeting at the tip, basal joint very short, second long, the 
 last lanceolate ; wings, the lower pair are covered by the upper 
 when at rest, the margin of the former dentated. 
 
 HIPPARCHUS PAPILIONARIUS. Emerald Moth. This 
 species measures more than two inches; it is of a deep 
 grass-green, with two rows of whitish spots across both 
 wings ; on the disc of each is an obscure crescent-shaped 
 spot of a deeper green than the rest. The caterpillar is 
 green, with a yellow line on each side, and reddish warts on 
 the back ; it feeds on the elm, lime, and beech. The moth 
 is not very common, either in England or Scotland. 
 
POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 DlPTEBA. 
 
 PIOPHILA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna small, with a single bristle ; 
 head roundish, without a frontal projection ; legs moderately long 
 and slender. 
 
 PIOPHILA CASEI. Cheese Fly. This insect in its larva 
 state is a small fleshy grub, of an elongated form and white 
 colour; found in decaying cheese. Epicures do not hesitate 
 to eat these little creatures, thinking that they are bred 
 spontaneously from the best parts of the cheese, whereas 
 they are produced from eggs laid by the parent Fly, in a 
 similar manner to the Blow Fly, from whose offspring on 
 their meat these lovers of good eating would turn away 
 with disgust. The My is about the size of the common 
 House Fly, of a shining, blackish-green colour, with trans- 
 parent wings; the legs are varied with black and ochre; 
 the female is provided with an ovipositor, with which she 
 pierces the cheese, and deposits an egg in the hole ; these 
 are soon hatched, and feed on the cheese during the larva 
 state. When they have acquired their full size, they leave 
 their food and undergo the transformation into a chrysalis ; 
 and after remaining in this state for some time, the enclosed 
 Fly breaks that part of the outer covering which defends 
 
JULY. 215 
 
 the head into two parts, at the same time throwing off a thin 
 membrane which covered the body. At first the wings are 
 scarcely visible ; the insect however runs about very quickly, 
 and by degrees the wings assume their full size. The leaping 
 powers of the larvae are very wonderful, the leap being per- 
 formed in the same manner as that of a salmon, by taking 
 hold of the tail with its mouth, contracting the rings of 
 the body, and then letting go the tail. If a viper had equal 
 powers in proportion to its size, it would spring nearly a 
 hundred feet. 
 
216 
 
 CHAPTEE VI1L 
 
 AUGUST. 
 
 THE young student has, I hope, gained sufficient informa- 
 tion, and experienced sufficient pleasure from the study and 
 research of the preceding months, to continue the pursuit 
 with eagerness during the remainder of the season. He is 
 now supposed capable of placing most of the insects he may 
 find, in their proper order; in some, such as the diurnal 
 Lepidoptera, he will be able to descend as far as the species, 
 and thus to name the beautiful specimen correctly, unless 
 it is a very rare insect ; many moths will also be familiar to 
 him, and the order Coleoptera understood with regard to its 
 sectional and family peculiarities; some insight will have 
 been gained into the habits of all classes of the insect world, 
 and the student will not be liable to make the curious 
 
AUGUST. 217 
 
 mistakes, or give way to the silly prejudices, of those who 
 have never studied this interesting subject. Many persons 
 have no idea that nearly all the insects they see have enjoyed 
 three distinct modes of existence ; that they all fulfil some 
 important function in nature; and that the loss of one 
 among the many different groups might cause infinite 
 distress and confusion, by allowing the undue increase of 
 others on which they depen$ for food ; or, by not clearing 
 the earth of corrupt animal and vegetable matter, cause 
 disease to attack those who proudly or ignorantly demand 
 the use of this apparently insignificant portion of the crea- 
 tion. The more attentively the subject is examined, the more 
 plainly will it be seen that all are governed by wise laws ; 
 that not even the meanest insect is without its appointed 
 work : well would it be for those who are at the summit of 
 earth's created beings, would they endeavour to perform 
 their share in nature's plan with as much fidelity as the 
 little Burying Beetle or the still more diminutive Ichneu- 
 mon. " Order is heaven's first law," and man alone uses 
 the intellect which raises him above the creatures of instinct 
 to rebel against it. This month is replete with beauty of 
 every kind ; fruit, flowers, and the insect world, all add to 
 the charms of the season; and though a slight tinge of 
 
18 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 decay mingled with the tints of the verdure, already reminds 
 us of the approaching autumn, still much is to be enjoyed 
 before the lover of nature must exchange the evening 
 ramble for the fireside, and the book of nature for those 
 which will assist him in studying it more accurately another 
 year. This month produces one of the largest and most 
 beautiful of our diurnal Lepidoptera, the lovely Camberwell 
 Beauty, which is highly prized |rom the circumstance of its 
 appearance being periodical, the cause of which has not 
 been fully ascertained. " Until four or. five years since, it 
 had not been seen for forty years, and was then very abun- 
 dant in many parts of the kingdom; in 1819 a few were 
 taken in Suffolk, since which period it has not been seen"*." 
 Other species, both Moths and Butterflies, appearing at 
 this time, are remarkable for their beauty and rarity ; these 
 will be mentioned in their proper places, and happy may 
 the young entomologist consider himself who can add a 
 specimen to his collection. Those who are poetically in- 
 clined will be induced, on seeing them, to quote the lines of 
 Mrs. Barbauld : 
 
 "Lo ! the bright train their radiant wings unfold, 
 With silver fringed, and freckled o'er with gold ; 
 
 * British Entomology. 
 
AUGUST. 219 
 
 On the gay bosom of some fragrant flower, 
 They, idly fluttering, live their little hour ; 
 Their life all pleasure and their task all play, 
 All spring their age, and sunshine all their day." 
 
 A less agreeable insect begins to annoy us by its presence 
 about the end of this month, belonging to the genus 
 Stomoxys and the order Diptera. The species are small 
 Flies, which frequent the windows of our rooms late in the 
 summer, particularly when the weather is damp ; they greatly 
 resemble the common House-Fly, but are broader in form, 
 and the proboscis is capable of giving a sharp wound, from 
 which circumstance it has been commonly supposed that the 
 Domestic Fly stings in the autumn; but the species is 
 totally different. The specific names sufficiently testify their 
 teasing propensity, stimulans, pungens, and irritans being 
 members of this genus ; the Stomoxys calcitmns is the most 
 common. 
 
 The Tortoise Beetles, or Cassida, are an interesting and 
 peculiar family, both from their form and habits ; there are 
 about twenty species in England, but of a small size com- 
 pared with those of Brazil, which are often armed with two 
 erect spines rising on the centre of the elytra, meeting 
 together and forming an acute horn nearly half an inch in 
 
220 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 length. Some of the species are highly metallic, and though 
 they lose their beautiful colours when dead, they may be 
 restored by dipping the insect into hot water. The English 
 name almost sufficiently describes the curious form of these 
 Beetles, which greatly resembles that of a shield ; and as, 
 when disturbed, they contract the antennae and legs under 
 the broad sides of the thorax and elytra, (the head, too, being 
 often quite concealed,) they have the appearance of small 
 Tortoises. The variety of form as well as colour in the Cole- 
 opterous tribes, will strike every eye on first seeing a large 
 collection of these insects, and nothing can well be imagined 
 more frightful than some of them would appear, were their 
 dimensions equal to that of many quadrupeds ; as it is, they 
 surprise and gratify, without exciting any feeling allied to 
 fear. This idea is well expressed in the following lines : 
 
 " Their shape would make them, had they bulk and size, 
 More hideous foes than fancy can devise ; 
 With helmet heads and dragon scales adorn'd, 
 The mighty myriads now securely scorn'd 
 Would mock the majesty of man's high birth, 
 Despise his bulwarks and unpeople earth." 
 
AUGUST. 221 
 
 COLEOPTERA. MORDELLID^. 
 
 RIPIPHOEUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna deeply pectinated in the male, 
 those of the female serrated ; body arched ; thorax semicircular ; 
 elytra narrow at the tips, not meeting in a straight line, nor 
 covering the wings. 
 
 EIPIPHORUS PAEADOXUS, sometimes called Mordella pa- 
 radoxuSj resides in the nest of the Wasp, Vespa rufa. Mr. 
 Kirby, in his Bridgewater Treatise, says, " Connected with 
 the subject of parasites is a singular history communicated 
 to me by Mr. Hope. In the month of August, 1824, he 
 found more than fifty specimens of a singular little Beetle in 
 a Wasps' nest ; from their being found in cells closed by a 
 kind of operculum, he conjectures that they lay their eggs 
 in the grub of the Wasp, upon which they doubtless feed ; 
 but on opening some of the cells, he was surprised to find 
 instead of Beetles several specimens of an Ichneumon ; upon 
 further examination he discovered that these last insects 
 had been pierced in their turn, whilst in the chrysalis state, 
 by a more minute species, of which he found more than 
 twenty specimens, flying about in search of their prey. 
 From the above facts Mr. Hope remarks, we have a con- 
 vincing proof of a superintending Power, which ordains 
 
222 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 checks and counter-checks to remedy the fruitfulness of the 
 insect world ; first the Wasp, a great destroyer of Plies and 
 other insects, is prevented from becoming too numerous by 
 the Wasp-Beetle ; then, lest it should reduce their numbers 
 so as to interfere with their usefulness, this last is kept in 
 check by the Anomalon, which in its turn, that it may obey 
 the law, ' thus far shalt thou come and no further/ becomes 
 the prey of another devour er." The Mordellida are all of 
 small size, and occasionally variegated in colour. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. NYMPHALID^:. 
 VANESSA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 129. 
 
 VANESSA ANTIOPA. Cambenvell Beauty. This species 
 sometimes measures three inches ; the upper side of both 
 wings is a deep purplish-brown, having the appearance of 
 velvet, bounded externally by a broad band of velvet black, 
 in which is a series of large violet-blue spots ; beyond this 
 there is a cream-coloured border, slightly waved on the 
 inner side, and sprinkled with minute black spots ; the an- 
 terior border has two cream-coloured spots, and is mottled 
 
AUGUST. 223 
 
 with yellow towards the base ; the under side is shining, 
 dark brown, with waved lines of deep black, a small yellow 
 spot near the middle of each wing, and two others on the 
 border. The caterpillar is gregarious, and lives on various 
 trees, such as the birch and willow : it is black, with a series 
 of spots on the back, and some of the legs red. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. NYMPHALID.E. 
 
 CYNTHIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna with a short and abrupt club ; 
 palpi long ; wings scarcely angular, the hinder pair rounded and 
 simply scalloped, without any projection. 
 
 CYNTHIA CARDUI. (Plate VIII.) Painted Lady. Upper 
 wings tawny-brown at the base, ochre-red in the middle, with 
 a very irregular patch of black; a large portion of the apex 
 is also black, adorned with five white spots, of which the 
 inner one is the largest and placed obliquely ; near the mar- 
 gin is a series of white crescents and a row of faint yellow 
 spots ; the secondary wings are the same colour, with three 
 rows of black spots behind, the first being composed of five 
 round spots, the second of crescents, and the third of large 
 
224 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 patches placed on the projecting points ; the inner angle has 
 a large black spot, with a streak of blue behind ; on the 
 under side the primary wings are whitish at the base, and 
 have a large white spot in addition to those corresponding 
 with the upper side ; the tip is light brown, and the whole 
 disc tinged with carmine intermixed with ochre ; the hinder 
 wings are delicately variegated with light brown, greyish- 
 white and yellow ; there is a series of ocelli towards the hinder 
 extremity, and a row of purplish-blue crescents. The cater- 
 pillar is very spiny, of a brownish- grey colour, with yellow 
 lines on the sides ; it feeds on the thistle, nettle, and mallow. 
 This beautiful insect is of a large size; the under side 
 deserves particular notice for its delicate colour and mark- 
 ings ; it is not generally common, though sometimes appear- 
 ing in considerable numbers ; it is found also in Scotland. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. 
 
 THECLA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 128. 
 
 THECLA BETUL.E. Brown Hair-streak. This is the largest 
 species of the genus, sometimes measuring eighteen lines ; 
 the upper side is a glossy brown ; towards the middle of the 
 
AUGUST. 225 
 
 anterior wings, is a blackish mark, with a faint yellow cloud 
 beyond it, which is more clearly defined in the female, and 
 of a deeper colour ; the secondary wings are of a similar 
 hue to that of the superior pair, the projecting lobes being 
 marked with reddish-yellow ; the under side is tawny-yel- 
 low, inclining to red in some parts, with two small undulating 
 white lines edged with black. The caterpillar is green, 
 with yellow stripes on the back, and transverse rays on the 
 sides, of the same colour ; it feeds on the birch, blackthorn, 
 etc. The butterfly is not common. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NYMPH ALID^:. 
 
 AEGYNNIS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 159. 
 
 AEGYNNIS LATHONI A. Queen of Spain Fritillary. Surface 
 yellowish-brown, with numerous black spots of a rounded 
 form beneath ; the primary wings are paler than above, but 
 marked in a similar manner, and having a few silvery spots 
 towards the tip ; the secondary wings are ornamented with 
 above twenty silvery spots unequal in size ; seven of them 
 of a semicircular shape form a row near the hinder margin, 
 
 Q 
 
226 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 before which is a transverse series of ocelli of a brownish 
 colour with a silver pupil. The caterpillar is said to be 
 greyish- brown, with a white line along the back : it is spiny; 
 the hearths-ease and some other plants form its food. The 
 butterfly is small and rare. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. PAPILIONID.E. 
 
 COLIAS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae short and robust, thickening 
 into an obtuse club ; palpi projecting beyond the head ; wings, 
 primary pair triangular, secondary rounded. 
 
 COLIAS EDUSA. Clouded Yellow Butterfly. The male is 
 pale orange-yellow; the upper wings with a wide black 
 border, waved on the inner edge, and a rounded spot 
 of the same in the middle of each; the hinder wings 
 are also margined with black, the ground-colour is slightly 
 mixed with green, and each has a spot of deep yellow; 
 on the under side, the upper wings are pale tawny, greenish 
 at the extremity, with a central black spot, and a faint 
 series of blackish spots parallel with the outer edge ; the 
 under wings are greenish, with a row of rust-coloured 
 spots on the margin. The female has a few yellow spots on 
 the black band of the upper wings; examples of this sex 
 
AUGUST. 227 
 
 are found, in which the parts generally yellow are greenish- 
 white. The caterpillar is deep green, with a white line on 
 each side, marked with blue and yellow dots; it occurs 
 pretty frequently in the south, seeming to prefer the vicinity 
 of the sea. 
 
 COLIAS HYALE. Pale Clouded Yellow. Rather larger 
 than the preceding ; the male of a fine sulphur-yellow ; the 
 female white, faintly tinged with sulphur ; the upper wings 
 are greyish at the base, marked with a black spot, and 
 having a broad black band nearly divided by light spots ; 
 the under wings have a large round mark on the disc, and a 
 few dusky spots near the outer edge ; beneath, the upper 
 wings are yellowish-white, orange at the tip, a black spot 
 with a yellow centre on the disc, and a row of small dusky 
 marks near the outer margin; the under wings are dull 
 yellow with two silvery spots in the centre, surrounded with 
 rust-red, and a curved row of small black marks. The cater- 
 pillar is green, with two white lines on the sides, and each 
 segment marked with two series of black dots. The species 
 is much more uncommon than the preceding, being chiefly 
 found in Kent, Sussex, and Suffolk, near the coast- 
 There is one other species, which seems however a 
 doubtful native, and differs principally from the last in 
 
228 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 having the black border extended to the hinder wings, that 
 of the upper pair being entire ; and, though similar in this 
 respect to the C. edusa, it is sufficiently distinguished by its 
 paler colour. Further particulars are unnecessary, from the 
 extreme rarity of the insect, 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. 
 
 LYCLENA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 130. 
 
 LYC^ENA DISPAR. Large Copper. The male of this beau- 
 tiful insect is bright copper-colour above, with a black 
 margin round all the wings ; the base of the primary pair 
 is also blackish, on the disc are two small black spots, 
 and near the middle of the secondary wings is a curved 
 black streak. The female has the upper wings broadly mar- 
 gined with black, two or three black spots on the disc, and 
 a series of the same a little beyond the middle ; the hinder 
 wings are almost entirely black, except the nervures and 
 a broad band near the apex, which are copper-coloured. 
 Beneath, both sexes are similar ; the upper wings coppery, 
 with spots similar to those on the surface of the female, but 
 surrounded with a yellow ring ; near the margin is another 
 
AUGUST. ' 229 
 
 row of black spots, beyond which the colour is grey ; the 
 under wings are ash-colour, tinged with blue, and having a 
 coppery band on the hinder margin with a series of black 
 spots on each side; before this, is another row of black 
 spots surrounded with bluish-white, then a transverse black 
 streak, and five black spots near the base. The caterpillar 
 is said to be green, with white dots, and to feed on a species 
 of dock. It is found principally in Wales and Huntingdon- 
 shire. There are three other species of this pretty genus, 
 but they are so extremely rare that it would be useless to 
 describe them in this elementary work ; for this reason I 
 shall also be satisfied with merely naming the beautiful 
 
 MANCIPIUM DAPLIDICE, Bath White, a very rare insect, 
 which received its English name from a piece of needle- 
 work executed at Bath by a young lady, from a specimen of 
 this insect said to be taken near that place. 
 
 PAKNASSIA APOLLO, the Apollo Butterfly, is a doubtful 
 native, but so very beautiful that we are tempted to wish it 
 were less uncommon. 
 
230 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. SPHINGID.E. 
 SPHINX. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae rather long and increasing in 
 thickness nearly to the apex, which is slender and hooked ; pro- 
 boscis very long, slender, and convoluted (rolled up) ; body long 
 and not tufted ; palpi three-jointed. 
 
 SPHINX LIGUSTEI. (Plate XII.) Privet Hawk-Moth. 
 This fine insect sometimes measures upwards of four inches ; 
 the upper wings are ash-grey, slightly tinged with rose-colour, 
 and marked with black veins ; the hinder portion brown ; 
 the margin having two white lines, which unite near the 
 apex, on a greyish ground ; the surface of the inferior wings 
 is rose-colour, traversed by three black bands, that next the 
 base being short, and at right angles with the others, which 
 are parallel with the hinder margin; the thorax is dark brown 
 and white at the sides ; the body, deep rose-colour, with 
 black bands, broken in the middle by a broad longitudinal 
 brown stripe, having a black line down the middle. The 
 caterpillar is very beautiful, being of a fine apple-green, with 
 seven oblique purple and white stripes on each side; the 
 horn is yellow and black ; it generally feeds on the privet. 
 The moth is not unfrequent in the south, and is seen occa- 
 sionally in Scotland. There is another very rare but beau- 
 tiful species, SPHINX PINASTEI. 
 
FUt* ML 
 
 1. &p"hi?uc l,j>TustrJ . ;:. DmlRphUa. Ihrpjiorb'. <H 3. a cr o p'loss a, St.ellatarun 
 
AUGUST. 231 
 
 LEPIDOPTBRA. HEPIALIB.E. 
 
 HEPIALUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna very short, sometimes slightly 
 serrated ; palpi and maxillae both wanting. 
 
 HEPIALUS SYLVANUS. Orange Swift. This species is 
 orange- colour, with three white-lines ; the upper wings also 
 variegated with chestnut-colour, and a small dusky spot on 
 the disc. 
 
 HEPIALUS HUMULI, Ghost Moth, is pure satiny- white, 
 margined with yellow ; the female being entirely of that co- 
 lour, with streaks of brown on the anterior wings. In this 
 genus the female is unlike the male in colour and markings ; 
 the caterpillars feed on the roots of plants, and, previous 
 to their change, they bury themselves in an oval cell, com- 
 posed of grains of sand held together by silken threads ; the 
 eggs resemble grains of gunpowder. The H. humuli is some- 
 times found in June. All the species of this beautiful genus 
 are very local in their habits. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. BOMBYCID^. 
 
 GASTROPACHA. 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna sort, curved, and bipectinated 
 
232 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 in both sexes ; palpi very hairy ; lody very large in the female ; 
 wings strongly dentated ; when in repose, the anterior edge of 
 the upper pair projects considerably above the lower, giving an 
 oval form to the outline, and making it appear somewhat like a 
 serrated leaf. 
 
 GASTROPACHA QUERCIFOLIA. (Frontispiece.) Lappet 
 Moth. Surface of the wings rusty-brown colour, varying 
 in shade, the extremity rather of a violet hue ; the upper 
 pair with three oblique, waved, blackish lines, and a black 
 spot in the centre ; the hinder wings are generally unspotted, 
 though sometimes marked with faint streaks like those on 
 the upper pair. The caterpillar is of a large size, the pre- 
 vailing colour being dusky grey, with two blue spots near 
 the head, circled with black; each segment has a fleshy 
 appendage at the sides, and a tubercle on the last joint ; it 
 feeds on the willow, bramble, etc. The moth is found in 
 many parts of England, but seldom in profusion. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA. BOMBYCID^:. 
 ODONESTIS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna bipectinated ; palpi long, and 
 projecting like a beak ; wings entire ; body long, the male having 
 a tuft of hairs at the extremity. 
 
Plate -ZHT. 
 
 1. Sphinx CoiLvolvuli 2 Cossus H&roercU 3 ThyaTJra Brois . 
 
AUGUST. 233 
 
 ODONESTIS POTATORIA. (Frontispiece.) Drinker Moth. 
 In this species the male is reddish-brown, the anterior wings 
 having a patch of ochre-yellow at the base, and the disc 
 slightly suffused with that colour; a rust-coloured line 
 extends from the tip to the inner edge ; there is also a faint 
 line near the base, and another towards the hinder margin ; 
 on the disc are two white spots, one of them stained with 
 yellow ; the inferior wings are unspotted, but there is an 
 indistinct transverse streak on each, darker than the surface ; 
 the female is of a pale ochre-yellow, sometimes nearly white. 
 The caterpillar has two long, conical tufts, and on each side 
 a series of black velvety spots, followed by a line of yellow, 
 and, beneath these, tufts of white hairs. Like many of the 
 tribe, it rolls itself into a ring when alarmed ; it feeds on a 
 variety of grasses, and is plentiful in many situations. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. HEPIALID^. 
 
 cossus. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae short, and pectinated in the 
 inner edge; palpi distinct, and three-jointed; wings, upper pair 
 much larger than the under. 
 
 Cossus LTGNIPERDA. (Plate XIII.) Goat Moth. The 
 
234 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 wings measure between three and four inches ; the colour of 
 the upper pair is ashy white, clouded with brown, and 
 marked with numerous black streaks, waved, and frequently 
 crossing each other ; the hinder wings are brown, with faint 
 streaks near the hinder margin. The caterpillar is very 
 large, of a lurid red, tinged with pale yellow, and having a 
 patch of chestnut-colour on each segment ; it does not con- 
 sume the foliage of trees, but derives its nourishment from 
 the wood, making its way through the stem, thus doing much 
 injury to the trees. It lives three years in the larva state, 
 and then scoops a hollow in the wood, which it lines with a 
 warm fabric composed of the raspings of wood and layers of 
 silk. Within this nest the chrysalis remains till the moth 
 is matured, when the apparently difficult task awaits it, of 
 coming to the surface, as it is impossible for the moth to 
 emerge and develope its wings in the confined cell; this is 
 accomplished by means of a series of small spines projecting 
 from the hinder segments, which, when one side is moved 
 forwards, prevents its sliding back, and the other is brought 
 up in the same manner. The caterpillar diffuses a very 
 peculiar odour, which is said to resemble that of the goat ; 
 it is much more common than the perfect insect. 
 
 In spite of this powerful scent, strong enough to betray 
 
AUGUST. 235 
 
 the presence of the larva in the trees to which it resorts, 
 and which cannot be supposed to render it very inviting, 
 this caterpillar was fattened with flour by the luxurious 
 Bomans, and considered by them a great delicacy. Mr. 
 Kirby, in the following passage, seems to recommend this 
 example to our notice. " No insects/' he says, " are more 
 numerous than the caterpillars of Lepidoptera ; if these 
 could be used in the stock of food in times of scarcity, it 
 might serve the double purpose of ridding us of a nuisance 
 and relieving the public pressure." Eeaumur also suggests 
 this mode of diminishing caterpillars, and says, that if we 
 took to eating them, he should be of the same mind as the 
 red-breasts, and eat only the naked ones. I have elsewhere 
 mentioned the different tribes of people who make these 
 little creatures their food. 
 
236 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 SEPTEMBER. 
 
 HOWEVER exhilarating and delightful may be the bright 
 frosty mornings" of this month to the sportsman and the 
 pedestrian, however numerous the attractions which nature 
 still spreads around for her true admirers, the Entomologist 
 begins to find a great diminution in his peculiar sphere of 
 action ; for though many insects still bask lovingly in the 
 warmth of the noonday sun, enjoying to the last its enliven- 
 ing rays, there are now seen comparatively but a small 
 number of these airy creatures, who depend on warmth and 
 brightness for their short career; and the butterfly-net, 
 though by no means useless, will not be in such constant 
 requisition as during former months. There are however 
 found at this season two of the most beautiful species of 
 
SEPTEMBER, 237 
 
 Lepidoptera, which may be in all probability added to the 
 collection, the Vanessa Atalanta, or Red Admiral, whose 
 lovely wings are seen quivering with intense happiness, as it 
 settles on a dahlia or other autumnal flower, or sometimes 
 winging its way through an open vista of a wood, looking 
 rather like the produce of the tropics than an inhabitant of 
 our northern clime ; and the Acker ontia Atropos, or Death's- 
 head Moth, which is the largest lepidopterous insect found 
 in England, and, with one exception, the largest in Europe, 
 as it sometimes measures nearly five inches across the wings, 
 and females have been found of even still larger dimensions. 
 The somewhat formidable English name given to this insect 
 is derived from a large yellowish mark on the thorax, bearing 
 considerable resemblance to a human skull, or "Death's- 
 head." The great size of this insect, the peculiar appear- 
 ance on its thorax, and the power it possesses of making 
 a mournful sound when alarmed, render the Death's-head 
 Moth an object of great curiosity and interest. There are 
 many conjectures as to the mode by which it emits the cry 
 referred to : some authors suppose it to proceed from the 
 friction of one organ against another, such as the head and 
 thorax, or the tongue and palpi; others imagine it to be 
 caused by the motion of the wings; but more recent in- 
 
238 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 vestigation has led to the belief that the sound proceeds 
 from the interior of the head, where there appears to be an 
 organ fit for the purpose. The caterpillar when alarmed 
 has likewise the power of making a rather loud noise, like 
 that caused by an electric spark. These circumstances have 
 produced a dislike and apprehension of this innocent and 
 beautiful insect, which it will now be superfluous to assure 
 my readers are perfectly groundless ; though Eeaurnur tells 
 us of the members of a convent being thrown into the 
 utmost consternation at the appearance of one, which hap- 
 pened to fly in during the evening at one of the dormitory 
 windows. 
 
 Bees have a just cause for fear when they see one of these 
 Moths enter their dwelling, as they have a great predilection 
 for honey, and will disperse the inhabitants of the hive to 
 obtain it, notwithstanding their numbers and their stings. 
 Huber, who first noticed this circumstance, seems to be of 
 opinion that the Bees are paralysed by fear, either from the 
 great size of the intruder, from the sound it emits, or some 
 other influence ; he also states that he saw the Bees in one 
 hive, as if expecting their enemy, barricade themselves by 
 means of a wall of wax, which completely obstructed the 
 entrance, but was penetrated by passages for one or two 
 
SEPTEMBER. 239 
 
 workers at a time, thus securing themselves by an admirable 
 sagacity against an enemy they could not resist. "The art 
 of war amongst Bees/' he says, " is therefore not restricted 
 to attacking their enemies ; they know also how to construct 
 ramparts as shelter for their enterprises ; from the part of 
 simple soldiers, they pass to engineers," another interesting 
 proof of the instinct so abundantly possessed by these little 
 creatures. Compare this rational fear and wise precaution 
 with the feelings excited by the appearance of this Moth in 
 Poland : the account is taken from the ' Journal of a Na- 
 turalist/ "The insect is called the ' Death's-head phan- 
 tom/ the ' Wandering Death-bird/ etc. ; the markings on 
 its back represent to these fertile imaginations the head of 
 a perfect skeleton, with limb-bones crossed beneath : its 
 cry becomes the voice of anguish, the moaning of a child, 
 the signal of grief; it is regarded not as the creation of a 
 benevolent Being, but the device of evil spirits (spirits 
 enemies to man), and fabricated in the dark; the very 
 shining of its eyes is thought to represent the fiery element 
 whence it is supposed to have proceeded. Flying into their 
 rooms in the evening, it at times extinguishes the light, 
 foretelling war, pestilence, hunger, and death, to man and 
 beast." In spite of this alarming account, the best wish 
 
240 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 I can give the young naturalist is, that one of these beau- 
 tiful creatures may come within his net, that he may have an 
 opportunity of admiring its magnificent size and singular , 
 colouring, and of adding a somewhat rare insect to his col- 
 lection. 
 
 COLEOPTEBA. HELOPHORID^. 
 
 HELOPHOEUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennae of nine joints, and clubbed ; 
 palpi moderately long, the last joint thickened and oval ; body 
 oblong and depressed ; legs riot ciliated (hairy), though the beetle 
 is aquatic. 
 
 HELOPHORUS AQUATICUS is about a quarter of an inch in 
 length, of a dull brassy-brown, with the elytra greyish. This 
 family comprises a few genera of minute aquatic beetles, 
 which seem to form a connecting link between the true water 
 and land beetles ; they creep very slowly, and may often be 
 observed in muddy water, and on aquatic plants ; sometimes 
 in fine weather they leave the water and take flight ; in some 
 genera the palpi are very long. 
 
SEPTEMBER. 241 
 
 ORTHOPTEKA. GRYLLID^E. 
 
 GKYLLUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna long and setaceous, formed of 
 many indistinct joints ; palpi four ; head large ; thorax com- 
 pressed ; elytra inclined ; legs formed for leaping. 
 
 GRYLLUS VIKEDISSIMUS. (Plate III.) Great Green Grass- 
 hopper. Body and elytra of a fine green ; the former about 
 two inches in length, the latter still longer, and compara- 
 tively narrow ; the antennae are also of great length. These 
 insects are found at the beginning of autumn in grassy 
 places, and in hedges by the sides of woods ; they fill the 
 meadows with their singing, but become silent on being ap- 
 proached. They are herbivorous, feeding in all their states 
 on grass and herbs ; though it is said that when in confine- 
 ment they will devour each other. The long ovipositor with 
 which the females are provided, enables them to deposit their 
 eggs at a considerable depth in the earth in small cells. The 
 young ones when hatched resemble their parents in form and 
 activity, but they are destitute of wings and elytra ; in the 
 state preceding that of the perfect insect, they have the ru- 
 diments of these organs. In this genus the eyes are very 
 large, and the front of the head is acute and projecting. 
 
POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. 
 
 VANESSA. 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 129. 
 
 VANESSA ATALANTA. (Plate VII.) Red Admiral, or the 
 Admirable. This insect is common in most parts of Eng- 
 land, and in Scotland, where it is said to appear as early as 
 July. The surface is a deep glossy black, the superior wings 
 having a broad band of red running from the anterior margin 
 obliquely across the surface nearly to the hinder edge, where 
 it curves inwards ; beyond, there are six white spots and a 
 faint blue stripe ; the under wings have a wide red border, 
 on which there is a series of small black spots, and two 
 patches of blue at the inner angle; on the under side of the 
 anterior wings the band is ochreous-red ; towards the base 
 of the wings there is a waved streak of blue, and two others 
 of red, one of which is united to the central band ; beyond 
 the latter are two blue stripes, and the tip of the wings is 
 tawny, with two small white spots; the hinder wings are 
 marked with undulating lines and spots, composed of brown, 
 black, and grey, with a yellowish tinge. The caterpillar is 
 greenish- black, with a line of yellow on each side, and feeds 
 on the nettle, preferring the seed to the leaves ; it usually 
 
SEPTEMBER. 243 
 
 protects itself from the weather by drawing a few leaves 
 round it, securing them by silken threads. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA, SPHINGID^J. 
 
 ACHEBONTIA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna and proboscis very short, the 
 former terminating in a hook ; wings not indented. 
 
 ACHERONTIA ATROPOS. (Plate XI.) Death's-head Hawk- 
 Moth. The primary wings dark brown, marked with several 
 waved stripes of deep black and red, the latter colour mark- 
 ing the nervures on the hinder margin ; near the centre of the 
 wings there is a round whitish spot ; the secondary wings are 
 deep yellow, with two dark bands ; the head and thorax are 
 similar in colour to the upper wings, the latter having a large 
 spot somewhat resembling a human skull. The caterpillar 
 is sometimes five inches long, of a fine yellow, with seven 
 oblique bands of green on each side, and a series of blue 
 spots on the back, which is also marked with black ; it 
 feeds principally on the potato, and is much more common 
 than the perfect insect, as many of them die before complet- 
 ing their transformation. These fine insects are found in 
 various localities both in England and Scotland, and appear 
 to have been very abundant two years since. 
 
244 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. SPHINGID.E. 
 
 SPHINX. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. See page 230. 
 
 SPHINX CONVOLVULI. (Plate XIII.) Unicorn Hawk- 
 MotJi. This fine species is of a greyish-ash colour ; the upper 
 wings clouded with brown and black, also marked with lines 
 of deep black ; the secondary wings have three dark bands ; 
 the thorax is grey, with two indistinct lines in a horse-shoe 
 form, having a black spot behind, and a red one adjoining ; 
 the body is marked with black and red in alternate rings, 
 divided down the middle by a broad grey stripe, with a 
 black line in the centre ; there are two dark spots on the 
 under side of the btJdy ; the wings frequently measure four 
 inches and a half. The caterpillar is most commonly of a 
 bright green, with black spots on the back, and oblique 
 yellow stripes on the sides ; it feeds on the convolvulus, and 
 is not very common. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. 
 
 ALUCITA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antennce rather short ; palpi long and 
 slender, the terminal joint very long, acute, and turned upwards ; 
 thorax not crested ; body short. 
 
SEPTEMBER. 245 
 
 ALUCITA HEXADACTYLA. (Plate XIV.) Many-plumed 
 Motli. This pretty insect is often seen in autumn creeping 
 on the inside of windows, and is easily distinguished by 
 the beautiful structure of the wings, which are divided into 
 feathers, each having a central shaft fringed on both sides ; 
 the anterior wings have each eight of these rays, the hinder 
 ones only four ; the body measures about half an inch ; it 
 is of an ashy-grey colour, slightly varied with brown and 
 white ; a small black spot is visible on the tip of all the 
 plumes, and the anterior wings have two brown bands edged 
 with white. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. ALUCITID^E. 
 
 PTEROPHORUS. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna rather short; body long and 
 slender ; legs very long and delicate ; wings divided into separate 
 plumes, the upper from two to six, the under into three. 
 
 PTEEOPHOEUS PENTADACTYLUS. (Plate XIV.) White- 
 plumed Moth. This is the largest species of the genus, the 
 wings sometimes measuring more than an inch, the anterior 
 deeply cleft ; the whole insect is snowy white, with a silken 
 gloss; the eyes are black. The caterpillar is white, tinged 
 
246 POPULAE ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 with green, and having a yellow line on each side ; it feeds 
 on the nettle. The moth is common on hedge-banks and 
 weedy lanes throughout England. 
 
 LEPIDOPTEEA. YPONOMEUTID^:. 
 GLYPHIPTERYX. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna as long as the wings ; proboscis 
 short ; palpi longer than the head, somewhat curved ; thorax 
 not crested ; wings nearly lanceolate, with very long fringe. 
 
 GLYPHIPTEEYX LINN^EELLA. Linncens's GlypJiipteryx. 
 Sometimes measures nearly half an inch ; the anterior wings 
 are orange, with round silvery spots rising above the surface ; 
 the base and apex of the wings black, with a metallic lustre ; 
 the fringe and the hinder wings are dusky. Sometimes this 
 little insect is found in great abundance, but it is not very 
 general. 
 
247 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 OCTOBEB. 
 
 OUR mutually pleasant labour of describing and searching 
 for the various and beautiful insects found, even in England, 
 by the industrious and patient Entomologist, is now drawing 
 to a close ; for though even Moths may be taken during the 
 winter months, yet not many of the young students for 
 whom this little work has been written, either could or 
 would expose themselves at night to brave November's fog 
 and December's ice for the chance of entrapping them. 
 This month however still produces some specimens ; if the 
 autumn be mild, the Eed Admiral yet delights us with its 
 brilliant colours and graceful flight; and a few of the 
 nocturnal tribe remain to be described, which are sufficiently 
 hardy to set at defiance the approaching inclemency of the 
 
248 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 season. It has been mentioned before, that some Butterflies 
 exist through the winter ; specimens of the Peacock and 
 Tortoise-shell are seen taking flight on a sunny day in March, 
 or even earlier ; but if caught, they will invariably prove 
 very shabby specimens, giving unquestionable signs of hav- 
 ing survived the winter in some sequestered retreat, instead 
 of appearing fresh from the cocoon, 
 
 " No longer reptile, but endowed with plumes." 
 
 The Small Tortoise-shell has been found in the Isle of 
 Wight as early as the 8th of January, and it is supposed 
 that great numbers of this species pass the winter in a torpid 
 state; in Italy it is seen throughout the cold season. Other 
 insects may also be observed through the winter. Gilbert 
 White, in the ' Natural History of Selborne/ says, " Ivy 
 is the last flower that supports the Hymenopterous and 
 Dipterous insects ; on sunny days, quite to November, they 
 swarm on trees covered with this plant, and when they dis- 
 appear, probably retire under the shelter of its leaves, con- 
 cealing themselves between its fibres and the trees which it 
 entwines. Gnats, Flies of several species, and some Moths, 
 are stirring at all times when winters are mild, and are of 
 great service to those soft-billed birds which never leave us. 
 
OCTOBER. 249 
 
 On every sunny day the winter through, clouds of insects 
 usually called Gnats, appear sporting and dancing over the 
 tops of the evergreens in the shrubbery. Hence it appears 
 that these Diptera (which, by their sizes, seem to be of 
 different species) are not subject to a torpid state in the 
 winter, as many winged insects are: at night, in frosty 
 weather, and when it rains or blows, they seem to retire into 
 these trees." 
 
 Many of the insects which survive the winter, hybernate, 
 that is, pass the cold season in a state of torpor, and are 
 then ready, with the first warm sunny days in spring, to 
 commence their active labours as founders of a new colony : 
 this is the case with individuals in the Bee, Wasp, and Ant 
 tribes. Even amongst Hive Bees it is supposed that six or 
 seven-eighths are destroyed by the cold of the winter months, 
 in spite of their sheltered habitation, and the greater pro- 
 portion of the insect world are certainly produced fresh every 
 year from eggs deposited by the parent immediately pre- 
 vious to her own death. With regard to the dwellings reared 
 by this portion of created beings, enough has been said to 
 prove that its members are no mean architects : the skill of 
 the Wild Bees and Wasps, the mathematical nicety of the 
 Hive Bee, and the galleried domes of the Ant, all entitle 
 
250 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 them to rank with the far-famed Beayer in architectural 
 capability. On this subject much interesting and valuable 
 information may be gained from a work devoted to its de- 
 lineation, in which the reader will find fresh proofs of the 
 instinct so largely bestowed on these little workmen*. 
 
 I cannot close this short, and necessarily imperfect account 
 of the insect tribes, whose extreme beauty of form and 
 colour entitles them to universal admiration, in a more 
 suitable manner than with these beautiful lines, so descrip- 
 tive of their habits and loveliness : 
 
 " Child of the sun, pursue thy rapturous flight, 
 Mingling with her thou lov'st in fields of light ; 
 And, where the flowers of Paradise unfold, 
 Quaff fragrant nectar from their cups of gold ; 
 There shall thy wings, rich as an evening sky, 
 Expand and shut with silent ecstasy. 
 Yet wert thou once a worm a thing that crept 
 On the bare earth, then wrought a tomb and slept. 
 And such is man : soon from his cell of clay 
 To burst a seraph in the blaze of day." 
 
 * Rennie, Insect Architecture. 
 
OCTOBER. 251 
 
 LEPIDOPTEKA. 
 
 CALOCAMPA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna setaceous ; proboscis as long as 
 the antennae ; palpi robust and scaly ; anterior wings long and 
 narrow, hinder margin dentated ; thorax slightly crested ; body 
 depressed. 
 
 CALOCAMPA EXOLETA. Large Sword-grass Moth. This, 
 which is the most common species of the genus, measures 
 about two inches ; the prevailing colour is ochreous, in some 
 parts inclining to reddish-brown ; the upper wings marked 
 with dusky brown, each having two ear- shaped spots near 
 the middle ; the hinder wings are grey, with a dark spot 
 towards the base; the thorax is dark brown; the body 
 reddish-ochre, with bands of dark brown. The caterpillar 
 is very beautiful, and of a rich green, the back adorned with 
 two rows of white spots ; below this, is a yellow line, then 
 a series of small round spots, and a red line above the legs ; 
 it is a very general feeder, but seems to prefer lettuce and 
 asparagus. The moth is by no means common. 
 
252 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. NOCTUID^E. 
 
 SCOLIOPTERYX. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna short, bipectinated in the male, 
 slightly serrated in the female; proboscis rather short; palpi 
 long and scaly, first joint short, the others rather long ; head and 
 thorax crested ; anterior wings deeply cut, the other pair slightly 
 dentated. 
 
 SCOLIOPTERYX LIBATRIX. Herald Moth. The expanse 
 of the wings is about an inch and a half; the thorax and an- 
 terior wings are reddish-grey, with a red patch at the base, 
 a round white spot on the disc, and two white transverse 
 bands, from the outer edge to the apex ; the colour is grey, 
 and the red patch is sprinkled with minute yellow dots ; the 
 under wings are brownish, darker towards the hinder mar- 
 gin. The caterpillar is slender, of a green colour, with a 
 white line on each side. This beautiful Moth is very 
 abundant in the south, frequenting those neighbourhoods 
 where the willow and poplar grow, as the larvse feed on 
 those trees ; it is sometimes seen in July, but is named the 
 Herald Moth, from its appearing in profusion during 
 October, thus heralding the approach of winter. 
 
OCTOBER. 253 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. PYRALID.E. 
 
 HYDEOCAMPA. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna moderate, and simple in both 
 sexes ; proboscis rather long ; palpi four in number ; wings, all 
 the margins entire. 
 
 HYDROCAMPA NYMPILEATA. Beautiful China-mark. This 
 species measures nearly an inch ; the wings are white, the 
 anterior pair with, two brown stripes from the base to the 
 middle, the remaining portion having two bands connected 
 in the centre ; a narrow one forms the margin ; the posterior 
 wings have also two brown transverse bands, the arrangement 
 of which bands varies considerably. The caterpillar feeds on 
 duckweed, and is not common. 
 
 LEPIDOPTERA. YPONOMEUTID.E. 
 
 AEGYEOMIGES. 
 
 Generic Distinctions. Antenna as long as the wings ; palpi 
 short, filiform, and drooping ; winys rolled round the body when 
 at rest ; body very slender. 
 
 ARGYROMIGES SYLVELLA. Dark Porcelain. This insect 
 measures about three lines ; the anterior wings are white, 
 
254 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 with an ash-coloured band at the base, an angular one in 
 the centre, and two others near the apex; all are edged 
 with a dusky hue, and tinged with golden yellow: the 
 hinder wings are white. The family Yponomeutida consists 
 of numerous small Moths, none exceeding an inch in size, 
 and many being only a tenth part of these dimensions. It 
 is distinguished from the family Tineida by having only 
 two palpi, while the insects belonging to that group possess 
 four. The A. sylvella has been principally found in the 
 neighbourhood of London ; there is some uncertainty with 
 regard to the time in which this little moth makes its ap- 
 pearance. 
 
255 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 NOVEMBER. 
 
 THIS wintry month cannot be better employed by the 
 yonng Entomologist than in arranging his cabin et, study- 
 ing the habits and peculiarities of the insect world by 
 means of more extensive works on the subject, and endea- 
 vouring to classify and name those specimens not men- 
 tioned in this little introduction to the subject, but which 
 may have come under the notice of the industrious collector. 
 I shall now give some brief instructions relative to the 
 construction of a cabinet, for the benefit of those who may 
 desire to form a collection; and first, as to the necessary 
 instruments for capturing. 
 
 The entomological net is of various forms and sizes : 
 the one I have used has a pole six feet long, to which is 
 
256 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 strongly fastened a small hoop of cane to support a green 
 gauze net or bag ; by a dexterous turn of the hand, easily 
 acquired by practice, Butterflies and other insects may 
 be soon caught on the wing with this simple apparatus. 
 For some of the Lepidoptera, such as the Purple Em- 
 peror, a much longer rod is necessary, but these will 
 not probably come under the observation of the student 
 until he has acquired some experience, when he will find 
 ways and means for himself. The cane, or hoop, may be 
 about two feet in circumference, and the net half a yard 
 in length. Entomological forceps are also very useful when 
 insects are settled on leaves : these must of course be pur- 
 chased, so that a description is unnecessary, and they may 
 well be dispensed with for a time ; some chip boxes are also 
 useful for putting insects in, when the collector is at a 
 distance from home, that they may not be rubbed by the 
 hand, and the colour injured. The Lepidoptera are most 
 easily killed by a slight pressure of the finger and thumb on 
 the thorax, below the wings; this is, at least, generally 
 sufficient, but sometimes, to the great uneasiness of the 
 humane naturalist, they will be found alive some time after ; 
 suffocating by means of sulphur is still less certain, and 
 Messrs. Kirby and Spence recommend the following plan : 
 
NOVEMBER. 257 
 
 Fix in the lid of a small tin saucepan filled with boiling 
 water, a tin tube consisting of two pieces, which fit into 
 each other ; cover the mouth of the lower one with a piece 
 of gauze, and place your insects upon it, then fix the upper 
 one over it, covering the mouth also with gauze or muslin, 
 and the steam from the boiling water will effectually kill the 
 insects without injuring the plumage. Another more simple 
 apparatus is a piece of elder, or any soft wood with the bark 
 on, placed across the bottom of a mug; stick the insect 
 on this, inverting the mug in a deep basin, into which pour 
 boiling water till it is covered, holding down the mug that 
 it may not be overturned ; in two minutes the insect will be 
 dead." This latter plan however is objectionable, as the 
 insect can hardly be fixed to the wood by any other means 
 than by running the pin through the thorax when living; 
 and as only experienced naturalists can do this, with the 
 certainty of deadening the feelings of the insect, and at 
 once extinguishing the sense of pain, I would not recom- 
 mend my readers to practise it ; others advise the head being 
 touched with a strong acid, or that the insect be placed in a 
 covered jar, half filled with bruised laurel-leaves ; and beetles 
 may be immediately killed by immersion in boiling water. 
 This is the only drawback to the study of this delightful 
 
258 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 science in its perfection, namely, by forming a collection ; 
 but it is very evident that insects have not any of the sus- 
 ceptibility to pain that is found in the higher order of 
 animals, for they are frequently seen flying about with ap- 
 parently the usual sense of enjoyment, when they have been 
 deprived by accident of some of their due proportion 
 of legs or wings \ I myself once caught a Tiger-Moth on 
 the wing, which on examination was found to have lost 
 nearly the whole of the lower part of the body. The 
 Eev. Mr. Bird gives a curious instance of the bluntness 
 of sensation in insects ; he says, " When I was young in 
 Entomology I wished anxiously to find the quickest mode 
 of killing insects, and having captured a pretty beetle, I 
 took a pair of scissors and divided it at the junction of the 
 thorax and trunk ; the parts fell on a piece of white paper 
 which lay before me. Ear from being dead, I was grieved 
 and surprised to see the head and fore legs begin to run 
 about the paper ; it occasionally stumbled, but rose again, 
 and exhibited, if I may so speak, perfect self-possession; 
 it made for the edge of the paper, but arriving there, 
 and looking down, it seemed to think it too precipitous, 
 and so coasted along in search of an easier descent^ 
 which it did not seem able to find. This searching for a 
 
NOVEMBEE. 259 
 
 convenient place of descent, suited to its curtailed condi- 
 tion with respect to legs, of which it appeared perfectly 
 aware, occupied the head incessantly. I regarded it with 
 astonishment : here then, said I to myself, lies the vitality 
 of an insect, the body is dead at any rate ; but in this I was 
 quickly undeceived, for in about a minute after the body 
 had fallen on the paper, I saw the hind legs brought up- 
 wards, and employed in deliberately brushing and cleaning 
 the wing-cases ; the legs were then withdrawn, the cases 
 raised up, the true wings expanded from beneath, and 
 all made ready for flight, but the body, seeming then to 
 become aware that there was no guide, the head, its former 
 companion, being in possession of the eyes, the design was 
 abandoned, the wings folded up in their usual beautiful 
 manner, and the attitude of rest again assumed. A more 
 perfect act of a sentient creature could not be exhibited ; 
 the head continued to run about, and the body to clean and 
 expand its wings, the one for about twelve, the other six- 
 teen hours, their energies gradually decaying, till they ap- 
 peared to perish, or rather to sleep. " 
 
 From this and many similar anecdotes, it is apparent 
 that insects have not that acute sense of pain possessed by 
 the various tribes of animals, and it may assist in reconciling 
 
260 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 the collector to taking the lives of those insects necessary 
 to perfect his knowledge of their forms and habits ; for most 
 assuredly no one who studies the history of this part of 
 creation, and discovers the design for which each insect is 
 formed,, will ever wantonly destroy one of them, from weak 
 prejudice or silly and cruel caprice. When the insect is 
 killed, it must be prepared for the cabinet : a pin (short 
 whites) should be run into the thorax, and forced sufficiently 
 through to pierce the cork of the box or drawer, and hold 
 the insect firm ; it should also be high enough to prevent 
 the legs from touching the bottom. The best method of 
 setting Lepidopterous insects is by having a small board 
 made, with pieces of wood the same length, about three 
 inches wide and half an inch in depth, glued on at inter- 
 vals of about an inch, or something less ; then by sticking 
 the pin with the insect into one of these intervals, the wings 
 rest on the higher parts on each side, and can then be 
 easily fixed with braces in the desired position. The brace 
 is merely a piece of cardboard, long and narrow, fixed with 
 pins into the wood, and bearing gently over the wings so as 
 to keep them steady in their natural attitude ; the antennse 
 and legs should also be extended and kept in their places 
 by pins. When quite stiff and firm the insects may be 
 
NOVEMBER. 261 
 
 removed to their proper place in the cabinet. The best 
 method of arranging insects is in columns, with the generic 
 name at the head of each column, and the specific affixed 
 beneath the insect. A different drawer or box for each 
 order is desirable for the young student, but not indis- 
 pensable : and these arrangements must depend on means, 
 and increase with his increasing collection. Two of each 
 insect, particularly in Lepldoptera, should be procured, if 
 possible, to exhibit both the upper and under side. Should 
 an insect become mouldy, a brush dipped in spirits of wine 
 in which a little camphor is dissolved, will clean it ; but the 
 insect must be dried before being replaced in the cabinet. 
 Camphor in the drawers is very necessary to prevent the 
 attacks of other insects, whose presence is easily discovered 
 from the dust under the specimens ; when this is seen, they 
 should be taken out, brushed with a cameFs-hair pencil, 
 then touched with spirits of wine, and placed near the fire 
 till dry. Moths frequently change colour from an oily matter 
 common to all insects ; when this is the case, powder some 
 dry chalk on a heated iron, cover it with a fine piece of 
 linen, and apply to it the under part of the insect ; the 
 heated iron dissolves the greasy substances, which the chalk 
 then absorbs. Insects, when stiff before being properly 
 
262 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 placed out, which will sometimes be the case when caught at 
 a distance from home, may be relaxed by being placed on 
 moist sand. 
 
 The pupse are principally found during the first three 
 months of the year, in long grass, on trunks of trees, and 
 felled timber; also in April and May, on palings. Cater- 
 pillars may be discovered in great profusion in May. But- 
 terflies abound in June, July, and August. Moths extend 
 into September. The young naturalist must bear in mind 
 that most, if not all, of the insects named in this little In- 
 troduction, may be seen in other months besides those in 
 which they are described, as their existence is by no means 
 confined to that period ; and of many species there are 
 two or more broods in the year : but they will at all events 
 be found, in favourable situations, during or near the time 
 indicated. My readers must also remember that they will 
 meet with numerous insects not even alluded to here ; but 
 this will not cause surprise, when it is recollected that 
 in the order Diptera alone, there are nearly 2000 species 
 in this country, and still more in that of Coleoptera : 
 but as the Order in which any insect ought to be placed 
 will be readily known by those who have paid attention 
 to their peculiarities, reference may then be made to those 
 
NOVEMBER. 263 
 
 works entering into generic and specific details, which it is 
 evident must be omitted here. The best method of pro- 
 ceeding will be to secure a few specimens in each order, so as 
 to be thoroughly acquainted with these great divisions, and 
 then to fix on one or two of the most attractive, for instance, 
 the Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, adding to the collection, 
 and gaining all the information possible of these interesting 
 groups, and by degrees the sphere of study may be enlarged 
 according to the taste and opportunities of the student. 
 
264 
 
 CHAPTEE XII. 
 
 DECEMBEB. 
 
 A SHOUT account of the devastation caused by some insects 
 to our trees, fruit, etc., with the benefits we derive from others, 
 may not be uninteresting during this month of comparative 
 inactivity. Many Coleopterous larvae feed on the seeds of 
 plants : one species of Weevil, Balaninus nucum, destroys the 
 nut ; Bruchus granarius lives in the pea, and all the species 
 of the genus inhabit seeds ; the genus Apion has the same 
 taste. Apion fmmentarium is known in the larva state as 
 the red Corn- worm; it consumes the farinaceous portion 
 of the corn, whilst leaving the husk untouched, thus 
 causing great destruction in granaries. A long list might 
 be made of Owrculionida, which are injurious to seeds 
 of different kinds; and the genera Balaninus and Antho- 
 
DECEMBER. 265 
 
 nomus attack nuts and stone-fruits. Among the other 
 orders, it is more particularly the Lepidoptera and Diptera 
 which in the larva state live on fruit ; the plum, apple, and 
 pear are attacked by a small Moth, Tinea Pomona ; another 
 infests the chestnut ; and the larva of the Moth Pyralis 
 fasciata lives in grapes, destroying the largest and most 
 beautiful fruit. Many of the Dipterous maggots distort 
 plants by the excrescences they raise; others attack the 
 ripening ears of corn ; one of these produces the Ply called 
 by Kirby Tipula tritici. The roots of plants furnish a 
 supply of food to other species. The Coleopterous genus 
 Mater attacks the roots of corn; one, whose larva is 
 called the Wire- worm, frequently does much mischief; the 
 thick yellowish larvae of the Melolonthida and Cetonidte, 
 which in the beetle-state feed on leaves, devour in their im- 
 perfect form the roots of plants. The Melolontka vnlgaris 
 is very voracious ; Dr. Burmeister mentions an instance in 
 which the fields belonging to a farmer near Norfolk were 
 entirely destroyed, and eighty bushels of the larvse were col- 
 lected. Radishes, carrots, and onions are all infested with the 
 maggots of various Mies ; as well as the cauliflower and cab- 
 bage. Trees are also much injured by the larvse of Beetles, 
 instances having occurred of whole pine-forests in Germany 
 
266 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 being destroyed by their attacks; and the tropical palms 
 afford nourishment to many large exotic Beetles. The 
 Dipterous and Lepidopterous larvae take also an active part 
 in destroying the roots and stems of plants and trees. Leaf- 
 devourers are very numerous; among Beetles the Chry- 
 somelidtf, both in the perfect and imperfect state, choose 
 leaves as their food. Burmeister mentions the curious fact, 
 that Beetles and their larvse never consume the leaf from 
 the margin like the caterpillars of the L&pidoptera, but bite 
 a hole in the centre, round which they eat : thus these 
 destroyers may be distinguished merely by the appearance 
 of the leaf on which they have been feasting. The Hyme- 
 nopterous insects are many of them leaf-eaters, and the 
 family Tenthredinida (Saw-flies) sometimes destroy whole 
 plantations ; but by no order are leaves so universally used 
 for food, as among the Lepidoptera. The oak feeds nume- 
 rous caterpillars; according to Eoesel, this tree supports 
 200 distinct species, and every forest-tree is supposed to 
 nourish many varieties; most of our fruit-trees also feed 
 their peculiar tenants. Grasshoppers will eat almost every 
 kind of leaf, but give the preference to grass. The devasta- 
 tion of the Locust is too well known to need description, 
 and happily for us we are exempt from its ravages. 
 
DECEMBER. 267 
 
 Numerous insects find their food in animal matter; the 
 Ickneumomdtf, as described elsewhere, select almost exclu- 
 . sively the caterpillars of Lepidoptera as food for their young, 
 thus preventing their too great increase The parasitic 
 insects infest birds and Mammalia; the genus Pulex (the 
 Flea) lives principally on the latter ; the Hippobosca equina 
 on the horse; and the (Estrida, in their larva state, on 
 different quadrupeds, such as the ox and deer. But if 
 many animals are annoyed by being made the food and 
 habitation of insects, and even man suffers, both in his 
 person, food, and clothing, by their attacks, how much is 
 nature in general benefited by their unremitting labours in 
 destroying noisome and decayed substances, and lessening 
 the too great redundancy of both animal and vegetable life. 
 There are also many more obvious uses : to the smaller 
 animals, and numerous birds, they present an acceptable 
 food ; many birds feed exclusively on them, and the majority 
 of bats, the shrew, the hedgehog, and the mole prefer them 
 to other nourishment. 
 
 The advantages derived by man from the insect world 
 are very numerous ; many have been already named, and 
 we are also indebted to it for some portion of our food 
 and clothing. The Cossus of the Greeks and Romans 
 
268 POPULAR, ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 was the larva of a Beetle, and considered a great luxury; 
 Grasshoppers are said to furnish nourishment to the Be- 
 douins ; Locusts are eaten in Africa, and the Brazilian tribes 
 are very fond of a species of Ant which has an agreeable 
 acid flavour. The honey of the Bee is mentioned as food 
 even in the earliest times, and is almost universally used at 
 the present day. Some insects are used medicinally; the 
 Beetle employed in making blisters is one of the genus 
 Cantharis, or Lytta, according to some authors, and other 
 insects have been used for the same purpose ; the Coccinella 
 (Lady-bird) is sometimes applied for toothache. Formic 
 acid, obtained from Ants (Formicida), was formerly employed 
 as a volatile stimulant ; and galls, produced by the puncture 
 of many small Hymenopterous insects, have also their me- 
 dicinal properties. 
 
 Our clothing is indebted to the Silkworm, whose cocoon 
 furnishes the raw silk, from which so many useful and 
 beautiful articles are manufactured. The genus Coccus pre- 
 sents us with a brilliant red dye ; and we are indebted to 
 the gall-nut for one of the ingredients in ink : the true 
 gall-nut proceeds from the Cynips Galla-linctoria, which is 
 found in Asia Minor. 
 
 It may interest some of my readers to have a slight idea 
 
DECEMBER. 269 
 
 of the insects existing in remote ages, now that the science 
 of Geology has gained so distinguished a place in the studies 
 of every lover of nature. They are chiefly found imbedded, 
 according to Dr. Burmeister, from whose valuable work I 
 abridge this notice, in a resin called amber, which is cast on 
 the shores of the Baltic, or found in the more recent strata. 
 The way in which insects have been enclosed in this sub- 
 stance can be no other, than that they stuck to it when in a 
 fluid state, and were enclosed by what continued to exude 
 from the tree; according to the rapidity with which this 
 took place, depends the condition of the enclosed insect, 
 those which were quickly enveloped being in the most per- 
 fect state of preservation. The species of insects found in 
 amber seem to differ but little from those now existing, and 
 the number of different species already discovered is con- 
 siderable, showing that the class of insects must have been 
 then, as now, the most numerous : they are chiefly those 
 families which exist in woods and trees. Of the Order 
 Coleoptera are mentioned several of the families Elaterida, 
 Chrysomelidffi, and Curculionida j of Hymenoptera, Ichneu- 
 mons, a small kind of Bee, and numerous Ants are specified. 
 Amber Lepidoptera are very rare; Diptera, on the con- 
 trary, are common in the families Muscida, Tabanldae, etc. 
 
270 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 Tipulida are uncommon; the Order Neuropiera presents 
 specimens of the family Pkryganidte, and a species of Heme- 
 robins, with a few others. Amongst Dictyoplera have been 
 observed individuals of the genus Ephemera. In Orthoptera 
 the Blattida are the most numerous, some small Achetida, 
 a few larger Grasshoppers, and Locusts. 
 
 Fossil insects have been also discovered in recent forma- 
 tions, of which Marcel de Serres has given the most com- 
 plete list. According to him, they were found in calcareous 
 marl, which separates the several strata of gypsum in the 
 quarries of Aix in Provence ; they are accompanied by im- 
 pressions of plants, and are chiefly those insects which live 
 in a sandy soil ; their colour is gone, as they are of a uni- 
 form brown or black. The list includes specimens of the 
 Beetle, Ichneumon, Ant, Butterfly (very rare), My, Dragon- 
 fly, Earwig, Grasshopper, Cricket, and many others whose 
 names are less familiar : these will suffice to give the geo- 
 logical student a slight idea of the insect world in ages long 
 since passed away. 
 
 These, and many other particulars given in this little 
 volume, are not intended to satisfy, but to excite the curiosity 
 of the young naturalist, and induce him to apply for infor- 
 mation to other sources; but it may be hoped that they 
 
DECEMBER. 271 
 
 whose research extends no further, will not rank with those 
 who overlook the beautiful works of God through culpable 
 indifference or ignorance. " We attach, and with reason/' 
 says Reaumur, " a kind of consequence to the knowledge of 
 the faults and perfections of the productions in the fine arts, 
 such as music, poetry, painting, sculpture, and architecture ; 
 but of the works of the Lord of Nature, of the Master of 
 Masters, we scarcely think. There can indeed be no room 
 for criticism where there is nothing but what is admirable, 
 and where the most perfect finite intelligences, the more 
 they study such subjects, the more they discover of their 
 wonders. Yet this knowledge, so well calculated to elevate 
 the mind, and lead it to the contemplation of the source 
 from which all these wonders proceed, is regarded by many 
 as frivolous, or of little importance. But he who looks upon 
 an insect as merely a particle of putrid matter, and who has 
 no idea of the marvellous organs of these minute animals, 
 is in a state of ignorance far more blarneable than the man 
 who should confound the most finished productions in the 
 Erne Arts with the most rude and shapeless masses." The 
 student of nature will never rise from his labours disap- 
 pointed at imperfection and incompleteness in the object of 
 his pursuit ; the most minute, the most unwearied investi- 
 
272 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 
 
 gation, only leads to the discovery of increased perfection,, 
 and must, if duly considered and rightly directed, strengthen 
 every feeling of love and adoration towards the great Author 
 of all things, exciting in a high degree the feeling expressed 
 in those true and beautiful lines : 
 
 " What, though I trace each herb and flower 
 
 That drinks the morning dew, 
 Did I not own Jehovah's power, 
 How vain were all I knew ! " 
 
 JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, PRINTER, 
 LITTLE QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS. 
 
ENGLISH 
 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 \.NT black 
 
 Page 
 
 95 
 94 
 76 
 76 
 70 
 81 
 146 
 151 
 . 147 
 148 
 219 
 , 178 
 178 
 
 Butterflies continued. 
 Arsrus brown 
 
 Page 
 
 163 
 196 
 124 
 229 
 125 
 164 
 203 
 123 
 124 
 77 
 224 
 121 
 122 
 222 
 197 
 125 
 226 
 227 
 162 
 
 
 
 Aphis Hop 
 
 Azure-blue 
 
 Rose 
 
 Bath white 
 
 Bee Hive 
 
 Bedford blue 
 
 Bee-fly 
 
 Black- veined white . . 
 L v\ HIV- streak 
 
 
 
 Blue common 
 
 hard born 
 
 - Invcrp 
 
 
 Brimstone 
 Brown hair-streak . . . 
 Cabbage . 
 
 
 Blow-fly 
 
 Blue-bottle fly 
 
 
 Boat-flv 
 
 . 6.9 
 
 Camberwell beauty . . 
 Chalk-hill blue 
 Clifden blue 
 
 Butterflies, 
 Admirable 
 
 . 242 
 
 Admiral red . 
 
 . 242 
 
 Clouded yellow 
 
 
 205 
 
 
 ADollo . , 
 
 , 229 
 
 
274 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Butterflies continued. p ag e 
 
 Copper 130 
 
 * large 228 
 
 Dark-green fri Hilary . . 160 
 
 Duke of Burgundy . . 121 
 
 Dusky-veined white . . 123 
 
 Emperor, purple .... 204 
 
 Glanville fritillary ... 158 
 
 Greasy fritillary 127 
 
 Green forester 133 
 
 veined white . . 122 
 
 Greyling 199 
 
 Hair-streak, black ... 203 
 
 _ brown ... 224 
 
 green. ... 129 
 
 purple ... 202 
 
 white letter 202 
 
 Hawthorn 1 64 
 
 Heath, large 156 
 
 small 156 
 
 High-brown fritillary . 159 
 
 Howard's white 96 
 
 Meadow brown 157 
 
 Marbled white 155 
 
 Orange-tip 97 
 
 Painted lady 223 
 
 Pale-clouded yellow . . 227 
 
 Butterflies continued. p age 
 
 Peacock 129 
 
 Pearl-border, fritillary . 127 
 small 194 
 
 likeness . 
 
 Purple hair-streak ... 202 
 
 Queen of Spain fritill. 225 
 
 Red admiral 242 
 
 Ringlet 200 
 
 - marsh 200 
 
 mountain. ... 201 
 
 silver 158 
 
 Silver-studded blue . . 196 
 
 washed fritillary 195 
 
 Skipper, chequered. . . 131 
 
 dingy 100 
 
 grizzled .... 100 
 
 large 132 
 
 small . 206 
 
 Speckled wood 98 
 
 Swallow-tail 119 
 
 Tortoise-shell, great . . 198 
 
 small. . 161 
 
 Wall 91 
 
 White admiral 205 
 
 black-veined ... 164 
 
 small . . 96 
 
INDEX. 
 
 275 
 
 Butterflies continued. p ag e 
 
 White, wood. ... ... 126 
 
 Howard's 96 
 
 letter hair-streak 202 
 
 Caddice-flies 154 
 
 Cockchafer Ill 
 
 Crane-fly 138 
 
 Cricket, field 69 
 
 house ........ 69 
 
 mole 68 
 
 Cuckoo-spit 174 
 
 Day-fly 113 
 
 Death-watch 93, 104 
 
 Devil's coach-horse .... 90 
 
 Dragon-fly 94 
 
 Earwig 152 
 
 Fly 178 
 
 -blow 178 
 
 -blue-bottle 178 
 
 - boat 69 
 
 cheese 214 
 
 Forest-fly 139 
 
 Fritillary, dark green ... 160 
 
 Duke of Burgundy 121 
 
 Glanville 158 
 
 greasy 127 
 
 Page 
 
 Fritillary, high -brown . . 159 
 
 pearl-border. 127, 194 
 
 Queen of Spain 225 
 
 silver-washed . . 195 
 
 Froghopper 174 
 
 Gad-fly 175 
 
 Glowworm 108 
 
 Gnat, 78 
 
 Grasshopper, great green 241 
 
 Harry Long-legs 138 
 
 Hawk-moth, Bee 134 
 
 death's-head 243 
 
 elephant . . 133 
 
 eyed 164 
 
 humming-b. 166 
 
 lime 135 
 
 poplar .... 208 
 
 privet .... 230 
 
 sm. elephant 134 
 
 spotted el. . 165 
 
 unicorn. . . 244 
 
 Hornet 116 
 
 Fly 82 
 
 Horse-fly 139 
 
 Ichneumon . . . 184 
 
 Lady-bird 67 
 
276 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 May-fly 113 
 
 Midge 80, 179 
 
 Moths. 
 
 Angle-shades 103 
 
 April Miselia 103 
 
 Broad-bord. unclerw. . 137 
 
 Buff arches 211 
 
 Burnet, five-spotted . . 207 
 
 six spotted 207 
 
 Burnished-brass 102 
 
 China-mark, beautiful . 253 
 
 Cinnabar 138 
 
 Clifden nonpareil .... 212 
 
 Drinker 233 
 
 Egger, oak 167 
 
 Emerald 213 
 
 Emperor 101 
 
 Gamma 102 
 
 Ghost 231 
 
 Goat 233 
 
 Gooseberry 174 
 
 Herald 252 
 
 Kentish glory 210 
 
 Moths continued. p age 
 
 Lappet . , 232 
 
 Leopard, wood 209 
 
 Many -plumed 245 
 
 Mottled beauty 171 
 
 Orange-swift 231 
 
 Peach-blossom 173 
 
 Porcelain, dark 253 
 
 Puss 169 
 
 Silverlines, green .... 173 
 
 scarce ... 173 
 
 Swallow-tail 172 
 
 Sword-grass, large ... 251 
 
 Tiger, cream-spot. ... 136 
 
 scarlet 168 
 
 Underwing, red 212 
 
 yellow, broad. . . 137 
 
 Water 154 
 
 White-plumed 245 
 
 Plant lice 76 
 
 Eose-chafer 149 
 
 Wasp 116 
 
 Weevil 150 
 
 Whirlwig 92 
 
LATIN 
 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 ABRAXUS grossulariata . 
 Acherontia Atropos .... 
 Aclicta campcstris 
 
 Page 
 
 174 
 243 
 
 69 
 
 Atropos pulsatorium . 
 Bombylius major .... 
 
 Page 
 
 . 104 
 . 81 
 81 
 
 
 69 
 
 - modus 
 
 81 
 
 Alucita hexadactyla .... 
 Andrena nigro-oenea. . . . 
 
 245 
 114 
 
 Callimorpha jacobsese . 
 Calocampa exoleta . . 
 
 . 138 
 . 251 
 
 Anobium striatum . 
 
 93 
 
 Carabus clathratus . 
 
 89 
 
 
 93 
 
 
 89 
 
 Anthrenus scrophularia . 
 
 190 
 
 Catocala fraxini . . 
 
 212 
 
 Antlirocera filipendulse 
 
 207 
 
 nupta 
 
 212 
 
 - loti 
 
 207 
 
 Cerura vinula 
 
 169 
 
 Apatura Iris 
 
 204 
 
 Cetonia aurata 
 
 149 
 
 Aphis hunruli . . 
 
 76 
 
 Chironomus plumosus 
 
 379 
 
 
 76 
 
 Chrysomcla fastuosa 
 
 91 
 
 Apis mellifica . 
 
 70 
 
 
 91 
 
 Arctia villica 
 Argynnis Adippe 
 
 136 
 159 
 
 Cicada spumaria 
 Cicindela campestris 
 
 . 174 
 91 
 
 Aglaia 
 
 160 
 
 Clcrus alv6arius 
 
 192 
 
 
 225 
 
 
 192 
 
 
 195 
 
 Coccinclla 7~T3u.nctata 
 
 67 
 
 Aro'yromiges sylvella 
 
 233 
 
 
 67 
 
 Asilus crabroniformis . , 
 
 82 
 
 Colias edusa . . 
 
 , 226 
 
278 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 Colias hyale 227 
 
 Cossus ligniperda 233 
 
 Culex pipiens 78 
 
 ,pulicaris 80 
 
 Cynthia Cardui . . 223 
 
 Deilephila euphorbias ... 165 
 
 lineata 166 
 
 Dermestes lardarius .... 151 
 
 murinus 151 
 
 vulpinus 151 
 
 Dy ticus marginalis 92 
 
 Elaphrus riparius 89 
 
 Endromis versicolor .... 210 
 
 Ephemera albipennis ... 113 
 
 vulgata 113 
 
 Eorficula auricularia. ... 152 
 
 Formica nigra 95 
 
 rufa 94 
 
 Gastropacha quercifolia . 232 
 
 Geotrupes stercorarius . . 147 
 
 Glyphipteryx Linnseella . 246 
 
 Gonepteryx rhamni 77 
 
 Gryllotalpa vulgaris .... 68 
 
 Gryllus gryllotalpa 68 
 
 viridissimus 241 
 
 Gyrinus natator 92 
 
 Harpalus ruficornis 112 
 
 Helophorus aquaticus. . . 240 
 
 Hepialus humuli 231 
 
 sylvanus 231 
 
 Hipparchia J%eria 98 
 
 Cassiope 201 
 
 Davus 201 
 
 Galathea 155 
 
 Hero 158 
 
 Hyperanthus 200 
 
 Janira 157 
 
 Megsera 99 
 
 Pamphilus 156 
 
 Polydama 200 
 
 Semele 199 
 
 Tithonus 156 
 
 Hipparchus papilionarius 213 
 
 Hippobosca equina 139 
 
 Hydrocampa nymphseata. 253 
 
 Hydrous piceus 65 
 
 Hylobius abietis 192 
 
 Hylophila prasinana. ... 173 
 
 quercana 173 
 
 Hyperacampa dominula . 168 
 
 Ino statices 133 
 
 Lampyris noctiluca .... 108 
 
INDEX. 
 
 279 
 
 Page 
 
 Lasiocampa quercus ... 167 
 
 Leucophasia sinapis .... 126 
 
 Libellula depressa 94 
 
 Limenitis Camilla 205 
 
 Lucanus cervus 148 
 
 Lycaena dispar. 228 
 
 phleas. , 130 
 
 Macroglossa stellatarum 166 
 
 Malachius marginellus . . 191 
 
 seneus 191 
 
 Mancipium daplidice . . 229 
 
 Melanippe hastata 171 
 
 Meliteea Artemis 127 
 
 - Athalia 98 
 
 cinxia 158 
 
 Euphrosyne 127 
 
 - Silene 194 
 
 Melolontba vulgaris. ... 11 1 
 
 Metopsilus Elpenor .... 133 
 
 porcellus 134 
 
 Miselia Apriliana 103 
 
 Mordella paradoxa .... 221 
 
 Musca carnaria 178 
 
 domestica 178 
 
 vomitoria 178 
 
 Nebria complanata 112 
 
 Necrodes littoralis .... 151 
 
 Necrophorus humator . . 146 
 
 Nemeobius Lucina .... 121 
 
 Notonecta glauca 69 
 
 Odonestis potatoria .... 233 
 
 (Estrus equi 175 
 
 Ourapteryx sambucaria. . 172 
 
 Pamphila liriea 206 
 
 paniscus 131 
 
 sylvanus 132 
 
 Papilio Machaon 119 
 
 Parnassia Apollo 229 
 
 Phlogophora meticulosa . 103 
 
 Phryganea grandis 154 
 
 Pieris crataegi 164 
 
 Pirnpla manifestator . . . . 184 
 
 Piophila casei 214 
 
 Plusia chrysitis. . 102 
 
 gamma 102 
 
 Polyommatus Adonis . . 125 
 
 agrestis 163 
 
 Alexis 123 
 
 alsus 125 
 
 argiolus 124 
 
 Argus 196 
 
 Anon.. 124 
 
280 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 Polyommatus Artaxerxes 197 
 
 Corydon 197 
 
 Salraacis 196 
 
 Pontia brassier 121 
 
 cardamines 97 
 
 Chariclea 122 
 
 metra 96 
 
 napi 122 
 
 rapas 96 
 
 - Sabellicae 123 
 
 Pterophorus pentadactylus 245 
 
 Ripiphorus paradoxus . . 221 
 
 Ehynchites Bacchus. ... 150 
 
 populi 150 
 
 pubescens 150 
 
 Saturnia pavonia minor. 101 
 
 Scoliopteryx libatrix. ... 252 
 
 Sesia fuciformis 134 
 
 Silpha quadripunctata . . 66 
 
 Smerinthus ocellatus. ... 164 
 
 populi 208 
 
 tilise 135 
 
 Sphinx ligustri 230 
 
 convolvuli 244 
 
 Staphylinus erythropterus 90 
 olens . 90 
 
 Page 
 
 Stylops Dalii 193 
 
 Tabanus bovinus 177 
 
 Thecla betake 224 
 
 *- pruni 203 
 
 quercus 202 
 
 rubi 129 
 
 W-albmn 202 
 
 Thyatira Batis 170 
 
 derasa 211 
 
 Thymele alveolus 100 
 
 tages 100 
 
 Tipula lunata 138 
 
 oleracea 138 
 
 pratensis 138 
 
 Trichodes alvearius .... 192 
 
 Triphaena fimbria 137 
 
 Vanessa Antiopa 222 
 
 Atalanta 242 
 
 C-album 162 
 
 - lo 129 
 
 polychlorus 198 
 
 urticye 161 
 
 Vespa crabro 116 
 
 vulgaris 116 
 
 Xantholinus fulgidus . . 190 
 
 Zeuzera sesculi 209