XIV. Observations on the Study of Entomology; with a short Account of the early Stages of Bombyx Versicolor.

By Mr. J. P. NEALE, F. E. S.

In presenting the annexed Plate of Bombyx Versi color, I am induced to lay before you the particulars relating to the capture of this rare and beautiful Ins sect, with some remarks on the present state of the study of the Order Lepidoptera. It is with great pleasure I observe that of Entomology to be rapidly increasing in this country; and I look forward with sanguine expectations, from the number of provincial Entomologists, that it will be found probably in our time to exceed the greatest exertions of our Continental brethren. I contemplate with satisfaction the knowledge probably to be attained from so many gentlemen pursuing the study of Entomology. That in such a wide field a variety of opinions will ever exist, common observation leads us to expect, as also that in all probability science will be benefited by such difference; but when nearly the whole of our scientific Entomologists turn their attention to every branch, to every class, but Lepidoptera, there is less wonder that this path has been so little trodden, as every one at all acquainted with Entomology will admit; but that there is much to do, is equally certain; and it is also a fact, that the imputed ignorant, plodding col

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lector has done more to the advancement of this department practically, than those who have studied the subject with scientific exactness. I trust I shall be excused proceeding thus far, attached as I am to the study, and wishing as I do, every part of this interesting science to be equally regarded, and regretting that we have so few modern works which include faithful representations and authentic descriptions of Insects in their different states. Such works need not fear encouragement, and would supersede a periodical publication deficient in these particulars, and which for the want of the exertions of individuals has been suffered to intrude itself on the public.

The Larva of Bombyx Versicolor here delineated was beat off the Birch in Darent wood, near Dartford in Kent, June 6th, 1805; and as I generally make drawings of all the Larvæ (falling in my way) that I am not thoroughly acquainted with, I have opportunities of ascertaining with precision every species I am fortunate enough to rear. This Larva was placed in a cage, and continued to feed until July the 8th; it then began to spin amongst the dead leaves, mixing the earth and leaves in a web like Noctua Sponsa and N. Nupta. The cage that contained the Chrysalis was kept in a room wherein there was seldom any fire. This circumstance is mentioned, because a Collector has since had two of the same Larvæ, both of which came forward much crippled, and which I impute to no other cause than the cage being kept in too warm a room, hardening the earth and absorbing the moisture necessary to their

complete evolution. I am by no means prepared to say that warmth will not sometimes, in some species, have the desired effect of forcing an Insect, at an earlier period and perfect; but I am certain such treatment more frequently causes its destruction. The perfect Insect of the above-mentioned Larva appeared the 20th of March following. In its action. this Moth differs materially from others in this class. In an early hour in the day, when I was about to terminate its existence, it suddenly flew with great swiftness from its place of confinement, and I should have lost my prize had not the window an instant before. been closed. It continued fluttering against the glass until it was caught. From that to the present period I have continued to search for more Larvæ of this Moth; but my endeavours were ineffectual till the spring of 1810, when in the same wood I beat another, but from some accident it never afterwards fed. The two before alluded to were taken in the same wood, and a third (a female) by another person, who was fortunate enough to rear her. I am not of opinion, although it is surnamed "the Kentish Glory," or "the Glory of Kent," that it is by any means confined to that county'; for in the summer of the same year a large and beautiful female specimen was taken in Surry, and it now enriches the extensive collection of English Lepidoptera of my friend Mr. Hatchett, who has permitted me to make a drawing of it for the annexed plate, and favoured me with the following note:

"Taken in the winged state, April 15th, 1810, "on an Alder stump by the person dwelling at the

"cottage, in Combe wood, from whom I received

"it next day alive.

(Signed) "J. HATCHETT.

"Kingsland, Nov. 12th, 1811."

Additional Note by Mr. HAWORTH.

The males of Bombyx Versicolor fly by day in the manner of Bombyx Quercus, hunting the sluggish females, which are incapable of easy flight, on account of their heavy bodies, and their wanting the spiral spring and socket of the males at the base of the upper wings. There is no doubt but the males assemble," in the manner of the Egger and Vapourer Moths, &c. in the vicinity of female Pupa about to hatch.