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228
Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society
NOTES ON CALLOPHRYS (CALLOPHRYS) COMSTOCKI HENNE
IN NEVADA
According to Ehrlich and Ehrlich (1961, How to know the Butterflies), Callophrys (Callophrys) comstocki Henne was known only from the Providence Mountains of San Bernardino Co., California. Thus, the discovery of this species in Nevada is an important extension of its known range. This finding was made on March 23, 1968 when Kenneth Tidwell and I were on a collecting trip in Nevada. At the time, we were collecting in the dr> hills about five miles west of Goodsprings, Clark County, Nevada, just north of Wilson Pass, at about 5000'. At about 11:00 A.M., when Ken and I were exploring a large arroyo near a radio relay station, I observed a small butterfly flying in a rocky side canyon on the east facing slope of the arroyo. Though at first thought to be a skipper, closer observation revealed it to be a species of Callophrys. It eventually rested on a rock in the dry stream bed and was captured. Further specimens were observed sitting on rocks or on the sand. They darted up when disturbed, but would shortly return to the same spot after circling around a few times, in skipper fashion, before alighting. They showed no preference for any particular kind of vegetation. A total of 3 females and 5 males, all in fresh condition, were captured.
One specimen was later examined by Harry K. Clench who determined it to be Callophrys (Callophrys) comstocki Henne. As compared with Providence Mountains material, it was found to be slightly larger with darker black markings on the post-median line of the underside.
In the same small canyon as the comstocki were taken, were found Callophrys fotis fotis (Strecker) and Callophrys siva (Edwards). The C. fotis were about as common as the comstocki, but preferred resting on bushes instead of the ground. A single C. siva was captured while sitting on a stunted juniper bush, a few of which grew along the sides of the canyon. The three aforementioned species appeared to be quite local as Ken Tidwell was unable to locate additional specimens in the surrounding area.
On the ridge above the canyon, many butterflies were found "hilltopping." Among these were Papilio rudkini, Anthocaris sara inghami Gunder, Euchloe creusa (Double-day), and Pieris sisymbri Boisduval.
Curtis J. Callaghan, 2500 Kensington Ave., Salt Lake City, Ut.
BOOK REVIEW
A short History of the Brown-Tail Moth, by William Curtis. A Curwen facsimile edition, 1969; 18 + 12 pp., 1 coloured plate. Introductions by W. T. Stearn and D. S. Fletcher. Distributed in North America by Entomological Reprint Specialists, P.O. Box 207, East Lansing, Michigan. Price $9.30 U. S.
This is a beautifully prepared little book that will be of particular interest to the bibliophile. The edition has been limited to a run of 1,000 copies. In the facsimile reproduction of William Curtis's classical treatment of the Brown-Tail Moth, the history of an outbreak, the seasonal development of the insect, its food plants and its potential predators are discussed from the stand-point of a biologist of 1782. A biographical introduction by W. T. Stearn outlines what is known of the life of William Curtis (1746—1799), primarily a botanist but latterly an entomologist. Another introductory section by D. S. Fletcher of the British Museum (Natural History) is devoted to the taxonomic relationships of the Brown-Tail, its pest status as a forest insect, and the history of its introduction and spread in North America.
D. F. Hardwick, Editor.