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Show 1882.] T H E SECRETARY'S R E P O R T O N T H E INSECT-HOUSE. 633 larvae obtained, I did not succeed in rearing any, although every was taken to give them fresh food every morning and evening. The young larvae fed well and appeared to be in excellent health, till the second or third time of shedding their skins ; they then died by dozens, principally from diarrhoea. I had several hundreds of the larvae of Actios selene, which fed upon walnut. Some of these I placed in a cage in the Gardeners' greenhouse, thinking perhaps the Insect-house did not suit them; but they died there also, although one or two grew to be about 1| inch long. Not only did these exotic species die, but also such hardy European species as Sphinx pinastri. Larvae which were introduced into the house nearly full-fed did much better ; but those that were bred in it, with one or two exceptions, died. I am quite unable to say what was the cause of the diarrhoea ; but I am inclined to think that the heat of the house during the nights was too great. This, however, could not be avoided, as it was necessary to keep the house very warm, on account of the Birds-of-Paradise being there. It is generally said that the silk-producing Bombyces are much degenerated by "breeding in;" but this could hardly have been the case with Actios selene, Attacus roylei, and Telea polyphemus, as the insects from which the young larvae were bred were exceedingly fine, and it is rather difficult to get these species to pair in confinement; at the same time it is possible that these and other species (now there is such a demand for them) are "bred in" in their native countries by the persons who supply the European dealers. The examples of Attacus mylitta, which were sent home by J. Wood-Mason, Esq., and those of Attacus atlas, which were purchased, were all dead in the cocoons with the exception of two specimens of each species. This, I fear, was the result of getting a chill en route, as the insects were perfectly formed. Of perfect insects I had generally a good series on exhibition, especially of the beautiful Indian Moon Moth (Actios selene)-the first specimens emerging on the 18th April. Attacus roylei was exhibited for the first time, and also specimens of Cricula trifenestrata and Hypochera io. Of Butterflies, the following species were exhibited for the first time :- Thais polyxena, Argynnis paphia, Parnassius apollo, Lycana iolas, Vanessa xanthomelas, Thecla betula, levana, var. prorsa, spini, and also several species of the Sesiidee or Clearwings (see P. 1882, p. 548). Of Moths, Sphinx pinastri, Deilephila vespertilio, and the beautiful North-American Ceratocampa imperialis were the most noticeable species exhibited for the first time. |
