INSECTS' With the exception of the Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths) the Coleoptera (Beetles) and a few of the Hymenoptera (Bees, Wasps, etc.) the insects of Northamptonshire appear to be almost entirely unknown, and all efforts to obtain lists of the Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, etc.), the Neuroptera (Dragonflies, Caddis flies), the Diptera (Flies) and the Hemiptera (Bugs) have been unsuccessful. Probably the chief reason for the comparative neglect of Northamptonshire by entomologists ^ is that its natural conditions are far less varied than those of some other midland counties, or of many of the southern, eastern, western and northern counties. An inland county without any very important range of hills or mountains, and no extensive tracts of moor or fenland may not produce a great variety of species. Apart from the still remaining fragments of the ancient forests of Salcey, Whittlebury and Rockingham, and its other numerous and extensive woods,' Northamptonshire consists mainly of pasture and arable land, and with the exception of sylvan species — in which the county ought to be rich — its insect-fauna (the butterflies and moths excepted) is probably less interesting than that of counties whose physical conditions are more varied. Only a few species of Hymenoptera have been recorded from the county, and the lists of Coleoptera and Lepidoptera* which have been received are very incomplete. HYMENOPTERA' ACULEATA {Bees, Wasps, etc.) The following species have been recorded from the county by Mr. George B. Dixon, F.E.S. : — Gorytes mystaceus, L. Vespa germanica, Fab. Vespa crabro, L. — rufa, L. — vulgaris, L. Andrena albicans, Kirb. 1 The sequence of the orders here followed is that adopted by Dr. D. Sharp, F.R.S., in the Cambridge Natural History, vols, v., vi., 1895-99. 2 I desire to record my thanks for assistance received, to the Rev. Canon Fowler, M.A., F.L.S., Captain J. A. W. Vipan, the Hon. Charles Rothschild, F.Z.S., Messrs. Edward Saunders, F.L.S., Frank Bouskell, F.E.S., W. Edwards, T. H. Briggs, M.A., F.E.S., Eustace Bankes, M.A., F.E.S., G. Claridge Druce, M.A., F.L.S., Eustace F. Wallis, G. B. Dixon, F.E.S., H. N. Dixon, M.A., F.L.S., William Hull, F. Bostock, and W. J. Kaye, F.E.S.— H. G. 3 There are still upwards of 28,000 acres of forest and other woodlands in Northamptonshire, but about three-fifths of the entire acreage of the county consist of permanent pasture.
- Except as to the butterflies and larger moths.
6 Mr. E. Saunders has kindly revised this list and furnished the authors' names. — H. G. 89
