On the Species of the Genus Primula in Essex. 197
which is very common in the early spring, frequenting,
I believe, the flowers of Ranunculus ficaria and many other
plants, but which is especially partial to Primroses, as
Mr. Archer Briggs has already observed. I have found
them in Primroses almost whenever and wherever I have
looked for them. I have often been surprised at their
numbers; in hot weather they seem to be actively engaged
in the flowers, and in cold perhaps they enter them for
shelter. On some days I have found at least one in nearly
every flower examined, while sometimes from seven to ten
specimens occurred. It is probable that they enter the
flowers in search of nectar, as I have often found them down
at the very bottom of the tube; and Mr. Rosling, who has
examined the contents of their stomachs microscopically,
could find no trace of pollen. It is hard to believe that in
entering the flowers these beetles do them neither harm nor
good. If harm were done, I presume that the plants would
develop some means for keeping them out, such as those em-
ployed by other flowers to exclude injurious insects. But
whether the beetles accomplish the fertilization of the flowers
remains to be proved. New as the idea may be, it is by no
means impossible for them to do so. I have taken individuals
direct from the flowers, and although they are smooth, shiny
insects, I have always found the head, thorax, body, sides,
legs, and in fact every part of the insect, covered with pollen.
I have not actually observed them flying from flower to
flower, as it would be almost absolutely necessary for them
to do, but they are well furnished with wings which they use
to right themselves when placed on their backs. I have also
observed them flying when I have had some in a bottle, and
the necessity for it. If the Primrose be fertilized during the struggles of a
small beetle to enter or quit the mouth of the corolla, cross-fertilization
would surely be equally well effected were the stamens and stigma both
placed at that spot. Mr. Christy's careful observations seem to go far in
refutation of the prevalent idea that bees or Lepidoptera fertilize this
common plant. Is it possible that the dual condition of Primrose-flowers
arose as an adaptation to the visits of some insect which has since
become rare or extinct, and that the plant has now to depend upon the
chance visits of such minute guests as Meligethes ?—Ed.]