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Show 630 MR. J. H. LEECH ON THE [Dec. 18, 240. L Y M A N T R I A DISPAR. Phalcena dispar, Linn. Syst. Nat. x. p. 501. Var. japonica, Motsch. Etud. Ent. 1860, p. 31. Porthetria umbrosa, Butl. Trans. Ent. Soc. 1881, p. 10. Porthetria hadina, Butl. Trans. Ent. Soc. 1881, p. 11. Except that they are somewhat larger male examples of L. japonica, Motsch., and hadina, Butl., are not separable from European males of L. dispar in my possession ; whilst between L. umbrosa, Butl., and other males of L. dispar from Europe, also in my collection, there is not even a difference of size, consequently I cannot regard these insects as anything but forms of L. dispar. If such forms as those referred to were admitted to specific rank there are some other forms of L. dispar occurring in Japan which are, apparently, as distinct from those already named as they are from typical dispar ; these therefore would have to be raised to the dignity of species. Such a course is, however, opposed to the exact demands of science, which requires that we should acquaint ourselves with the geographical range of a species and ascertain all we can touching the variability of such species throughout such range rather than to allow locality to be the determinating factor when considering the claim of an insect to specific rank. In colour (8)1. dispar varies from whitish or pale whity brown through greyish brown up to a dark smoky brown, and in all forms the transverse lines and shades as also the discal spots of primaries may be either well-defined or more or less obliterated. The colour of females ranges from white to a pale fuscous and the markings are of different degrees of intensity. This colour aberration in L. dispar is only equalled by its variability in size. The smallest male in my series from Japan and Corea expands only 37 millim., whilst the largest female in same series measures 114 millim. The following comparative table of measurements of specimens in my possession may not be without interest. Japan and Corea. Europe. Largest 8 71 54 $ 114 93 Smallest 8 37 32 2 48 42 It will be seen that the difference in measurement between smallest and largest males is 39 millim., and between the smallest and largest females 72 millim., whilst the smallest male is 82 millim. less in expanse than the largest female. Yokohama, Yesso (Pryer); Fushiki, Nagahama, Gensan (Leech) ; Corea (Hers) ; Tokio (Fenton) ; Hakodate (Whitely). 241. LYMANTRIA FUMIDA. 2 • Lymantria fumida, Butl. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (4) xx. p. 402(1877); HI. Typ. Lep. Het. ii. p. 10, pl. xxix. fig. 4 (1878). Yokohama (Jonas and Pryer). |
