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142
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Vol.9: nos.4-5
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FIELD NOTES
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A NATURAL CYNTHIA — CECROPIA MATING
During the winter of 1954-5 some fifty cocoons of Samia ivalkeri advena Pack. (cynthia auctt.) had been accumulated for the purpose of examining the emerging imagoes for aberrant forms. Customarily each evening normal individuals were tossed in the general direction of a Forsythia bush near the door of my study at Washington, Connecticut, and no further interest demonstrated in their welfare except the hope that the species might become established in these environs. At about nine o'clock on the morning of July 8, as I emerged from my study, thoughts of the five specimens I had catapulted towards the bush the night before came to mind, and I determined to investigate whether any specimens still remained. Even as I approached, my casual glance startled me. There in full broadside view was a copulating pair of Saturniids, but it required a "doubletake" on my part to comprehend the picture. What I was seeing was surely a female S. walkeri released the previous night, but who was her strange partner? There was no mistaking the situation. A robust male Platysamia cecropia Linne had successfully wooed the fair lady, presumably winning out over ostensibly more eligible suitors. I feel certain she had entered her freedom in the company of two or more males of her kind, no: to mention those released on successively earlier days.
Not knowing how long they had been paired, I did not wish to chance disturbing them so decided to insure against predators by remaining a few hours in the garden near at hand. I might as well be candid—my wife had told me in no uncertain terms to get around to mowing the lawn that very morning. At noon I risked moving them to a large screen cage, accomplishing the task without mishap. They remained together until after 9:30 P. M. when I left the house. Upon my return three hours later they had parted. By the next morning there were already many eggs. More were laid the following two nights, during which nights, I might add, I dreamed of Lepidoptera with various patterns intermediate between the species, not to mention some with gaudy features known to neither, or for that matter, any moth. As the days passed I excitedly examined the eggs at ridiculously frequent intervals. Tension mounted to a peak as the seventh, eighth, and ninth days came by. The suspense was terrific.
No doubt, you have guessed the end of the story as, in truth, had I long before. It had been too much to hope for. Judging from the progressive collapse of the eggs as the days passed, the embryos, if formed at all, never developed to any extent. Unfortunately, I neglected to make a microscopic examination.
Sidney A. HESSEL, Nettleton Hollow, Washington, Conn., U. S. A.
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ZEUZERA AND ADOP/EA IN KENTUCKY
During the season's collecting (1955) in Rockcastle Co., Ky., two unusual records were made. On July 15, 20, and 21 specimens of the Leopard Moth, Zeuzera pyrina Linne (Cossidae), were taken, and another was reported seen by another observer. On Aug. 21 a specimen of the European Skipper, AAopcea lineola Ochs. (Hesperiidae), was taken.
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Ralph Beebe, Renfro Valley, Ky., U. S. A.
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