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Show 1881.] THE SECRETARY ON THE INSECTARIUM. 653 copulation was frequent; a large number of eggs were obtained, but many are not fertile, perhaps owing to the stock already having been interbred. Young larvae hatched on the 14th instant, and are growing well. Food-plant Plum. Attacus cynthia.-This species commenced to emerge towards the end of the month, but only 4 specimens have yet appeared. It is usually the latest species of all. Attacus pernyi.-Perfect insects of this species were on view throughout the month. Fertile eggs obtained, which commenced to hatch 30th instant, and are doing well. Food-plant Oak. Attacus mylitta.-This species commenced to emerge on 28th instant, a beautiful male being bred; on the following day a male and female emerged, the first male was therefore preserved. Eggs obtained, which are probably fertile. Attacus atlas.-Throughout the latter half of the month specimens of this species have emerged, and many fine ones are preserved. Eggs will probably be obtained later; many more still to come out. Actios selene.-The first specimen of this species emerged on the last day of the month. Actias luna.-During the early part of the month specimens of this species emerged. Eggs have been obtained, but it is doubtful if they are fertile. Telea promethea.-The cocoons of this species have as yet only produced a large Ichneumon-fly (Ophion, sp. inc.). Many visitors have evinced great interest on seeing these large parasites in the cage produced from perfectly-formed Lepidopterous cocoons externally, and internally a stout well-made oval cocoon of the Hymenoptera. Anthcera yama-mai.-The larvae of this species produced from eggs have done fairly well; many are now nearly full fed and about to spin. Food-plant Oak. BRITISH LEPIDOPTERA. Bhopalocera. Papilio machaon.-Imagines of this species have been on view almost daily throughout the month. Anthocharis cardamines.- During the first half of the month imagines of this species were bred. Aporia crata?gi.-Small larvae of this species were obtained and fed up, producing the first imagines 27th instant. The three stages of larva, pupa, and imago are now exhibited. Apatura iris.-This species has unfortunately not done well. I was unable to detect them in the act; but the numbers slowly diminished, and I am led to the conclusion that the larvae are cannibals. On several occasions I observed them worrying each other. Only 2 out of 24 larvae have been saved ; the first of these is now a pupa, the other feeding up. There were 6 larvae found dead. Limenitis siBylla.-This species was bred from small larvae obtained from the N e w Forest and Germany; and the three stages were on view during the last ten days of the month. |