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Show 1886.] ON RHOPALOCERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS. 343 4. Note on an Ectoparasite of the Menobranch. By Prof. R. R A M S A Y W R I G H T , F.Z.S. [Received June 24, 1886.] The specimens of Menobranchus recently brought by me from Toronto and presented to the Society's Collection were infested by an ectoparasitic Trematode, Sphyranuria osleri, mihi, which I first described in tbe «Proceedings of the Canadian Institute,' Toronto, 1878. The preserved specimens on which I founded my description enabled me to determine the zoological position of this parasite, which turned out to be an interesting form intermediate between Gyrodactylus and Polystomum ; but I was obliged to postpone any closer investigation into its anatomy till I had access to fresh specimens. I have recently had abundant opportunity of securing these, and I propose shortly to publish elsewhere the results of my studies. In view of the interest attaching to a certain parallelism between the phylogeny of the Polystomidae and that of their hosts, I take the present opportunity of referring to the desirability of examining any Urodela which may die in the Reptile House, in case of possible additions to this interesting family of Trematoda. 5. Descriptions of some new Species of Rhopalocera from the Solomon Islands. By G E R V A S E F. M A T H E W , Staff- Paymaster Royal Navy, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c. [Received June 11, 1886.] (Plate XXXIV.) During nearly a four years' Commission on the Australian Station, H M S 'Espiegle' was employed for a greater part of her time among the islands of the Western Pacific, and, upon two occasions, paid brief visits to the Solomon Islands. It is to be regretted that she did not prolong her stay at this charming group, for, from the little seen of them, they appeared to be, entomologically speaking, a perfect paradise, being clothed from water's edge to mountain's peak with the most luxuriant and varied tropical vegetation. But a serious drawback to collecting was the hostility and treachery of the natives. At many places they were cannibals, and extreme caution had to be exercised when landing-indeed at some places collecting was quite out of the question, as it would have been almost certain death to have ventured into the forest alone. When the natives have had more intercourse with white men it is to be hoped that they will become more civilized, and discontinue their, at present unpleasant customs. Now they look upon all white men |
