(1

Insecta Maderensia by T. V. Wollaston 1854.

29

p. IX General type Mediterranean, nearest to Sicily; p. x. says we must conclude that that portion of old continent which formed Madeira, was "not only singularly rich in creation especially adapted to itself, but also that the various forms must have migrated but very slightly ere the land of passage was destroyed." more probable theory created after destruction of passage land.— To show distinctness of Fauna, instances the necrophagous Tarphii of 15 of which only 1 found in of Madeira viz also in P. Santo. Carabidous Genera Argutor has 5 & Trechus 8 species in Madeira & Trechus has 1 distinct species in P. Santo. [in margin:] (See Lowe about Shells)

The Rhyncophorous genera, Acalles has 12 spec. confined to Madeira & 1 distinct in P. Santo: Atlantis has 9 in Madeira & 4 in P. Santo. & 1 common but presenting variation in 2 isld: Certainly most abundant evidence of separation of this isd.

Anemophilus has only 3 species & these all P. Santo. p. XIII. To sum up. 340

[in margin:] Back of Page

In Encyclop map. P. Santo & Madeira about 40 miles apart. P. Santo 1/4 height of Madeira, the latter 50 miles long

[1v]

(a)   Madeira is about 45— miles long, = distance from Madeira to P. Santo, what wd be thought of such cases a Trechus & Argutor if now as separate, on the two ends of Madeira as on these isld.— Would not one argue had lately existed as separate islds since & lately joined.—

(2

Madeira — total number. — 432

─ "peculiar" to do → 340

By "peculiar" here is meant not found in the other islds of group.

Porto Santo species peculiar to 32

― total number of 111} I find 65 species common to Madeira & P. Santo Vide p. 27

Dezertas species peculiar to — 9

― total number of 61

and I believe Madeira & P. Santo are only 30 40 miles apart.

p. x. 482 species in archipel. of which 281 there is every reason to believe endemic. The 482 species are classed under 213 genera. Believes 34 genera are endemic. (Mem. Madeira a miocene land.)

p. x. "Thus, incredible though it may seem, not so much as a solitary witness of the Cicindelidæ Fossil.

(Q) Ch. 7— See Pictet vol. IV. p 101 F. means fossil

Buprestidæ F, Pselaphidæ has hitherto been brought to light; whilst the great genera F Carabus, Nebria, Silpha F, Necrophorus, Cetonia F, Telephorus F, Tentyria, Pimalia, Acis, Asida & Otiorhynchus are altogether wanting. The vast race of the Thalerophagous Lamellicorns, as also the immense

(3

department of the Elateridæ F are represented apparently by but a single form, as are also, the silphidæ F, Telephoridæ F, Tentyriadæ, & the Œdemeridae."— These last statements seem to countenance idea that non-adaptation the cause of absence, but yet I can hardly credit this: more likely explained by not having passed but why shd they not pass? Yet the absence of these great groups seems quite opposed to continuous passage by land.—

p. xi. The largest genera are Tarphius & Homalota each with 15 & these are not endemic genera.— Atlantis with 14 & Acalles, with 13 comes next.— Atlantis, I conclude is endemic. it is Wollaston. Caulotrupis with 7 is also endemic — (Yes).

Acalles Atlantis might be divided into 3 little groups; the normal (p. 362) all inhabiting Madeira, & the abnormal chiefly P. Santo.—

p. xi. Flower-eating insects particularly deficient.

(4

p. XII. Colours dark & strong tendency to apterous structure: 178/482 are apterous or nearly so; or & of truly indigenous the 482, 86 have probably been introduced & are winged. Numerous genera, which elsewhere are commonly winged are here almost invariably apterous, as Tarus Loricera, Calathus &c &c &c. As a corollary he thinks the distinctness of insects of different islds thus accounted for. But I th (a) How can we account for this wingless condition? are wings in ordinary cases chiefly of use for great migrations? & not for ordinary feeding?? All those genera at p. 1 of this M.S. mentioned as showing distinctness of Madeira & P. Santo species are all apterous. —

p. XIII. There is some slight relation to W. Ireland & S.W. extremity of England, for nearly all the species common to Madeira & British isles are found there; & rare rhyncophorous genus Mesites found exclusively in these three localities

[4v]

(a) Yet the 4 or 5 insects which he specifies, (see back of p. 5 of the M.S.) as occurring in every islet are all apterous.

floated by sea-currents

(p. 4. bis

of the 57 Coleoptera found in Dezerta grande 25 are apterous (assuming Ptinus 1 fragilis, Ceutorhynchus 2 quadridens, Tychius 3 robustus & albosquamosus 4, Haltica 5 subtilis, Philonthus 6 sordidus) ∴ fraction is 25/57. In whole Archipelago the fraction is 178/482 or subtracting the 86 supposed introduced winged insects. which "may, I imagine, have been accidentally introduced," we have fraction 178/396, or as Mr Wollaston puts  apterous winged 178: winged 218

In Dezerta the proportion is apterous 25: winged 32

winged in archipelago 218: apterous in Archipelago 178 :: winged in Dezerta 32 : x = proportion which ought to hold of Apterous in Dezerta 26.1

Therefore there ought to be more apterous in Dezerta than there are.—

In the Salvages 4 out of the 5 Beetles are apterous. —

(see over)

[4bisv]

As Mr. W. says 3 insects are introduced 54 is true total; & he tells me 3 which I considered as winged are apterous so that there are 28 apterous 54 [-] 28 [=] 26 = 26 winged (Q)

In whole archipelago the proportion are leaving out the introduced.

winged 218 : apterous 178 :: winged in Dezerta grande 26 : x = 21.2

[Calculation] But there are 28 Apterous, so that the proportion of Apterous is considerably greater in Dezerta grande.—

(on Salvages 4/6 are apterous.)

Mr Wollaston, (see letter p 7) likes my notion of final cause of being apterous. His rejected remarks of how the insects on the exposed rocks lie concealed during the almost incessant winds & come out in calm & sunshine & bear on this & show that they fear or dislike the wind — According to my theory, this case of "roguing".—

(5

p. XIII. gives list of 11 insects commonest individually (but in text I see others mentioned as excessively abundant, I suspect these 11 the most conspicuously numerous). These 11 belong to genera having on average 3.6 species.

Corrected 13 genera having 51 specie ie on average 4.2 species whereas as there are 482 Coleoptera, belonging to 213 genera (124 genera with single species) only 2.2 (See p. 31) is general average for isld.— (see. p. 26 for proportion for Dezerta Grande alone)

[in margin:] See Back

p. 2. Tarus lineatus differs from Spanish & Algerian spec in being slightly shorter, head &c darker, elytral striæ less deeply impressed

p. 6 Dromius sigma ranges from Lapland to Mediterranean; in Madeira normal (perhaps not universal) range between 15000 & 6000 ft. The typical European state of this species does not occur in Madeira, only in P. Santo. The modifications in the several islets are but slight yet constant, & being so lays great stress on them, as showing "that the effects of isolation on external insect form are even more important, if possible, than those of latitude."

[insertion:] (this remark often repeated)

(What is isolation? does not same insect

[5v]

p. 609

p 609. oxytelus complanatus (a brachelytrous insect) "perhaps no insect so abundant or universal" So also some of the Ptini (& Tarphii no mentioned as excessively common.) —

Mr W. admits that Oxytelus shd probably have been admitted in this list, & the genus has 5 species; & perhaps Ptinus albicollis alpine has 10 species, so that this wd increase average.

(6

occasionally wander into new conditions, or cross with those that have?) The most constant point in this variable insect in European countries is its immaculate prothorax; now this almost essential character holds good here only in P. Santo.

p. 7. Dromius obscuroguttatus. Common European insect, here slightly larger, their elytra more obscurely striated, humeral patch less distinct. Their entire surface blacker

p. 8. This species so abundant on low shores of more temperate climates, fr inhabits here only the summits of the loftiest mountains, 5000-6000 ft.

One wd think must have been colonised during glacial period. As isld formerly all wooded some caution necessary.—

Remarks that the differences in this case, & in in Dromius sigma, are inconsiderable from typical condition but are exactly analogous to those which are thought sufficient to separate specifically many N. American species, partly because separated by the Atlantic Ocean from Europe, & he implies that these wd not have been

[List]

p XIII. List of commonest insects individually & found on several found on all the isds.

Number of species to genus

(Used)

2 Scarites abbreviatus 4. var.

1 Laparocerus morio 0 p. 361. said to be variable

3. Calathus complanatus 4 var

4. Harpalus vividus 3 var

3 Hadrus cinerascens 0 seems slightly variable

2. Tarus lineatus 0 not variable

6. Dromius obscuroguttatus 0 not variable

3. Olisthopus maderensis 2. var

3 Omias ventrosus 0 not variable

9. Helops Pluto 0 not variable

― confertus 2 var

5. oxytelus no var.

10. Ptinus var

[total] 51

[in margin:] The 4 or 5 first on this list are found in every island & yet these 5 first are apterous.

Five of these eleven present variations; (having on average 3 vars. each.)

now in Geodephaga I find only 16 out of 63 species have variations; so that this is the relation 5/11 to 16/63

/over

[List]

Now I find in whole list 60 species out 482 have vars 60/482 = 1/8. Whence of the common species 5/11 = 1/2 Varied.

(Used)

(7

thought to be distinct coming from Madeira.

p. 9. Admits that some wd consider these as species, but "after careful comparison of this with other insects similarly circumstanced, I am convinced that the modifications in question are merely local ones."— — — (What a series exists, for further on we shall see that he admits several species with the greatest doubt: & then we have the representative species & representative vars. in the different islets!) & doubtful representative species in P. Santo, as Dromius arenicolus p. 7. — & slight differences which he does not even designate as vars.

p. 11. Scarites abbreviatus F., is this on Madeira; I suppose European is very variable, assuming differences of size according to altitude & differences of sculpture (Q) according to the circumstances of the spot on which it is isolated. "That such is actually the case, a careful observation of the many minute changes which the insect has undergone in the various isld & altitudes of the Madeirian group will, I think, prove the demonstration. First it is impossible to suppose that

(8

every rock contains its own species, that is to say has had a separate creation expressly for itself, a conclusion at which we must assuredly arrive, if small & even constant differences are of necessity specific." "are driven to acknowledge that isolation does in nearly every instance in the course of time affect more or less sensibly external insect-form"

p. 17. Genus Notiophilus, great elevation in Grt. Britain affects colour & "it seems tolerably clear that proximity to the sea-shore, especially when the localities are saline, will frequently produce a more faintly impressed sculpture surface, — a peculiarity indeed which I have remarked in other insects besides the Notiophili."

I think these remarks on Isolation very important & bear on Galapagos, whether or not we can explain why isolation has such an effect.

(9

p. 20. Genus Eurygnathus, the females have the head usually greatly developed & broad "it was not, however, in every instance that the heads were largely developed, nevertheless the tendency to become so was apparent in all." Hence character variable as male characters are, as told me by Waterhouse, (but in Birds male characters are not variable!)

p. 21. The above Eurygnathus forms a distinct var. on the Dezerta Grande, where it is much larger, more parallel & opake, prothorax more recurved &c. &c than in P. Santo (I have no doubt in such cases many wd call Scarites abbreviatus var. species)

p. 25 has hybrid between Zargus Desertæ & Calathus complanatus [insertion:] This hybrid closer to Calathus. seems to me rather doubtful see letter, in which one elytrum is that of a Calathus Claws on both sides, partially serrated. see letter p. 1 & the other that of Zargus, found with profusion of both species. Claws also imperfect.—

p. 30 Calathus complanatus, like Rubus, more variable here than elsewhere. — (like Rubus) one of the most variable in Madeira, "there being scarcely an altitude or single rock which has not its own modification of it, although the aberrations, it is true, are oftentimes but small."

(10

These modifications affect length, breadth, colour & sculpture. They show where if only a few examples had been collected how so a number of so called species might have been erected. The 4 specified vars. may be considered as "resting-points on the way." The specimens isolated on Dezerta G. have, "as usual" a somewhat larger size; those from P. Santo are flatter & smaller: in Madeira a wider range of variation may be observed. May it be mere chance what from gets introduced? In very variable species perhaps isolation may have effect; from wht may be called chance.

p. 31. Calathus fuscus, found in Sweden & Russia & low shores of England in Madeira makes its appearance at 3000 ft above the sea up to highest peaks, 6100ft, in great profusion.—

p. 32 "The Madeirian specimens differ from their more northern representatives in having their wings either very rudimentary or else entirely obsolete.─". (Variation in a rudimentary organ so again in soldering of elytra of Harpalus vividus.—)

(11

p. 36. Olisthopus Maderensis. The var. from Dezerta G. is particularly interesting as showing well "the singular tendency which most of the insects exhibit on that rock to attain a somewhat larger, than average size." Had this "case been a solitary one, I shd not have hesitated in regarding the specimens obtained from thence as specifically distinct." but as it is, he concludes that it "has no claim whatsoever to be considered otherwise" than as a variety.— (Q)

p. 54. Harpalus vividus. I presume endemic eminently variable, found everywhere, & varying in the different localities; & hence if not collected largely in situ wd have given rise to many species. (Q) "It is an interesting fact that the distance between its variations does not increase in proportion to the distance between altitudes. On the contrary, it wd seem to pass through its minimum of size & maximum of sculpture at about 3000-4000 ft, but above & below which, ie as it recedes from the upper & lower limits of the sylvan districts, it becomes gradually modified & almost in a similar manner." "On the beach the usual type is broad flat, more or less opake, with the prothorax almost

(12

impenetrable & the elytra soldered together. As we ascend higher the breadth invariably diminishes, the brightness & depth of sculpture, up to a certain altitude seems to increase, & the elytra are seldom or but very imperfectly united; until on entering the lower limits of the forest region, at an elevation of about 3000 ft, we find that it has gradually put on a very different aspect, being small narrow, bright, convex, comparatively ovate & deeply striated, the legs & antenna have become exceedingly pale, the prothorax has altered considerably in shape, being much narrowed behind & punctured & the elytra are nearly always fine. In this state it continues for about 1500 ft. where again emerging into the broad daylight of the open hills, it recommences to mould itself, until on highest peaks above the elevation of 6000 ft it has almost, (though not entirely) assumed the features which characterised it on the shores beneath." Remarks that any person collecting the 2 extreme states wd assuredly think them specifically quite distinct.

(Q)

(13

p. 56. & Species even of even opposite natures are affected in a similar manner on the same rocks: thus in several genera, the specimens on the Dezertas have attained the largest size, the Madeirian ones a smaller size & those from P. Santo are unusually depressed form.— p 57. The most remarkable peculiarity in the Harpalus vividus is differently from others of genus it being apterous & in the tendency to the elytra to become soldered together; for this is not always the case, though in most cases instances, especially in localities much exposed & but slightly elevated they are united." In every instance, however, even when they are united throughout their entire length, a little force will succeed in separating them." But it does require force. "It is rare in the sylvan districts to find them joined, nevertheless such is sometimes the case, thus proving that the peculiarity is not actually essential."—  

Q

(14

p. 61 Bradycellus fulvus differs from their its northern (identical) representative in having the wings invariably obsolete.

p. 63. Genus Trechus, all the species, 8, except one are apterous & in several characters are moulded on a peculiarly Madeiran type.

p. 74. Bembidium bistriatum differs from N. (identical) representative in being a little narrower, less depressed, legs & antennae not quite so robust.—

p. 78 Bembidium Atlanticum: wonderfully variable in colouring: "the whole are so intimately connected by successive gradations both of outline & colour, that it is perfectly impossible to isolate even a single specimen." ─ "passes from nearly pure green, through a well defined spotted state, into one which has the elytra almost testaceous" In Madeira the darker vars. wd seem to be typical, whereas in P. Santo the brightly coloured ones preponderate. Both extremes, however, do occur in both islands."

(Q)

p. 81. Bembidium Schmidtii, like B. tabellatum, may be a geographical representative of a N. species; but he prefers retaining it Here as distinct. —

(15

p. 96. Laccobius minutus. The Madeiran specimens differ of this common European insect, differ in being a little larger, less shining, punctures less distinct.

p. 130 Genus Tarphius. "When the patches (of colour) are well marked, there is seldom any indication of protuberances; but as the former are gradually removed the latter begin to arise." Goes on to say "These prominences, however, are generated in a rather singular manner &c &c.— Again at 342, speaking of the Acalles Wollastoni (a Rhyncophora) "Without the rest of the genus to guide us, we perhaps might have failed to recognise anything like a fixed arrangement in the very faint lights & shades of this remarkable little insect."

p. 133 Has collected 15 species of Tarphius, & "I have but little doubt, from the evident local importance of the race, that its extent is even greater still."—

p. 214. It is well known to Naturalists, that attendant upon great primary forms (such as Hister, Cicindela, Otiorhynchus &c) which like Waterhouse are distributed over more or less of the known world, we almost invariably discover a certain number of subsidiary modifications, which remain constant within their respective bounds, & are often of geographical significance shaping out, as it were, secondary, though well defined assemblages, — satellites round their central types.

(16

p. 235. The entire absence of the Thalerophagous Lamellicorns, (with the exception of one endemic species), which are widely diffused through world, most extraordinary; place perhaps occupied by the large preponderance of Hymenoptera & Diptera.— Attributes much importance to these Beetles in transporting pollen.—

p. 239. Strange as above fact is, "it is perhaps surpassed by the total absence (if such be indeed the case i.e as far as known) of the Elateridæ from the central mass; whilst even in the smaller adjacent isld. of P. Santo, it is but just expressed" by a new & peculiar genus with one species of greatest rarity. — This latter fact of rarity in the single species of these two great groups certainly appears as if isld wd not support these great Families.

p. 251 Pecteropus rostratus distinct var. in P. Santo & the Dezerta G; & he might have inclined to have regarded them as specifically distinct, had not a greater number of specimens collected shown intermediate links.—

(17

p. 260. Genus Ptinus. "So completely are some of the Madeiran Ptini affected by isolation & by exposure to a perpetually stormy atmosphere, that they do not attain half the bulk, on many of the adjacent rocks that they do in the more sheltered districts of the central mass; & so marvellously is this verified in a particular instance that I have but little doubt that five or six "species" (so called) might have been recorded out of one, had only a few strong specimens been brought home, without any regard having been paid to the respective circumstances under which they were found." (Q)

p. 267 Ptinus albo-pictus (endemic) "The commonest of the Madeiran Ptini & by far the most variable, having a separate radiating form for almost every isld of the group", whilst "the whole merge into each other by innumerable intermediate links."—

(Q)

This species, "appears to be more sensitive to isolation & altitude than any other members of the genus, with which we have here to do.".—

(18

p. 310 Caulotrupis lucifugus (a rhyncophora). "Although ranging through no very opposite phases either of outline or sculpture, the present species appears to possess a slight modification for every isld. of the Madeiran group, & hence small shades of difference, which might otherwise be regarded as trifling, become directly important, & cannot be ignored in a local Fauna". — This species is more diffused than any other, & so was the Ptinus which Varied so much. & so with Harpalus vividus. — (See before (Back of Page 5 of this M.S. for another kind of Proof.—)

p. 345. Tychius robustus "The Dezertan specimens are not, usually, quite so broad as the P. Santo ones, nor have their scales such a decidedly yellowish tinge." But he does not even rank this as a var.

(corrected this far)

(19

p. 417. Auletes Maderensis, a most variable insect yet only 4 spec: discovered.— Case showing that a rare insect may vary: & that number of individuals not invariable concomitant of variability of structure

p. 417. Speaking of Xenochestes says "it is impossible to deny that it inherits a certain affinity with some of the Chrysomelidæ," &c.— (Curious expression)

p. 431. Deucalion (one of the Cerambiridæ) is confined to the S. Dezertas — apterous, a very remarkable genus.—

p 443 Haltica salicariæ "The Madeiran specimens are a trifle larger, & less deeply sculptured than the ordinary northern type." (species identical)

p. 446. Longitarsus lutescens offers a parallel case.

(N. B. I have given up recording in details the Varieties of the Dezertas & of P. Santo.)

p. 477. Arthrolips piceum. "It is perhaps a trifle more pubescent & less shining than the more northern type; & its punctures, even though thus minute, are, if anything, a little more evident."—

(20

p. 484. Having placed the Fam. Anisotomidæ in the greater section Atrachelia, at its head, on account of the majority of its species being heteromerous, he adds, Back of Page "nor shd we forget that so completely in variableness (ie I presume minute characters differing in the species) the very essence of a transition group, that, when we find great mutability to exist in any series of characters, we are even led a priori, to suspect that the assemblage in which it occurs, is in all probability connective between some two others; & if moreover there shd chance to be a liability on the part of the insects, which it includes, to assume a particular state which attains its maximum in a recognised department, we are further induced to believe that it is into that section, which one of its extremes must conduct us;— a case which is exactly realised in the great numerical inconstancy & the heteromerous tendency of the feet of the Anisotomidæ.".— (This law wd be very important for me, if true, for groups with divergent & varying structure (or with parts variable which are not commonly variable ) might then readily be shown to have been the parent of other groups: but I doubt: Can the Edentata be said to be a transitional group. —

[20v]

See letter p. 5

Gives me another & good instance of the Tomicidæ.— The point which I ought more especially to have attended to, is, when one important point of is variable, whether the whole rest of structure shows that it is intermediate between the two groups. which present opposite, fixed structure which are variable in the form in question.— (I suspect not)

(21

p. 504. Hadrus illotus confined to P. Santo, may possibly be but a local state of H. cinerascens of Madeira; but as the latter species does not vary, this wd. hard to believe, & "yet on the other hand it is almost equally unnatural to imagine that an insect so common as the H. cinerascens shd not have extended itself to P. Santo, before the separation took place, but shd have been represented there by a closely allied form which in its own sphere was no less abundant."

p. 514 — it is a problem, "whether an exceptional link is to be regarded of sufficient importance to cause the amalgamation of otherwise well-defined forms; (my theory wd show that such ought to receive names.) & whether a lusus naturæ may not sometimes be the real explanation of what might seem to us, when contemplated from an opposite view, to be connective." Remarks made with regard to 2 species of Halops, thought to be really distinct. Like Asa Gray on Aster

p. 515. Halops vulcanus has a var. on the little islet of Fora, different from var. on the Dezertas.—

(22

p. 574. Mycetoporus pronus (a brachelytrous insect) occurs "in several parts of central & sub-boreal Europe, but in Madeira is exceedingly rare, where it is confined to sylvan spots of a lofty elevation".—

p 575 "The Madeiran Othii (Brachelytrous), however, are not altogether normal, "their eyes being excessively small, their elytra rather more abbreviated than in the ordinary species, & their wings being entirely obsolete. Nevertheless since they retain every essential character of Othius it is impossible to regard the above peculiarities as of more than sectional importance."— (Geographical or Sectional division.—)

(23

p 431 Dezerta Salvages (Great Piton rock) explored by Mr Leacock.

Salvages

These rocks lie rather nearer the Canary Isd than to Madeira. (but must look at better map Chart)

These two archipelagos being about 250 miles apart. The insects consist of (p 431) a second Deucalion (1) (a Cerambicidous insect), apterous, of which one, other only known, is confined to two of the Dezertas.

p. 433 Mr Leacock collected 6 Coleopterous insects, all new specifically, yet so intimately allied to the Madeiran & Canarian types, as to constitute stepping stones between them. (a)

p. 509. Hegetes (2) genus allied to Bleps found in Spain, Africa, Madeira, but metropolis of genus is in Canary Is where 12 species occur. The Salvage species evidently approaches, one or 2 from Teneriffe.

p. 517. A Helops (3) this large genus wide range over world, several species in Madeira & P. Santo, & Teneriffe.

p. 523 A Ditylus (4) allied to species from Canary isd: genus not found in Madeira; & only 2 species of one allied genus in same Family of Œdemeridæ, found in Madeira

[23v]

250 miles is about equal of distance from extreme N. to S. end of Ireland.— Now if a continent existed between, leaving fragments of Fauna on the existing islets, is it likely there wd be much difference in species as exists between Madeira & Canary isd or even as exists on the Salvages half-way between. If we look to alteration of species or creation of species, undoubtedly a former continent harmonises well, but let us take the case of the Salvages, surely the chance animals cd probably have come from Canary Isd or Madeira or common source of both. The somewhat greater proximity of the Salvages to the Canary Isd & the greater affinity of its Fauna, is perhaps in as great connection (Q)

(24

with chance transport, as formerly continuous land. No doubt the first blush of a case like the Salvages impresses the mind with idea, of formerly continuous land. Though why it shd with those who believe in separate creation is hard to say.—

p. 330. Acalles, (5) Mediterranean, Spanish genus. The Salvage species allied closely a Dezertan species & likewise apparent to one from Teneriffe.— It is A Rhyncophora. There are several Madeiran species of this genus Acalles. The sixth insect not specified. — is Opatrum dilatatum. Genus widely spread over world, fd at Teneriffe & Madeira.— a very distinct species

So these 6 belong to 6 genera & 6 Families & 3 Sections out of 13 into which — Coleoptera are divided: 2 being Waterhouse cd. not be expected. 

(Q)

Mr Wollaston divides all the Coleoptera of the archipelago into 13 great Sections; & the 5 from Salvages are thus distributed

Opatrum an Atrachelian insect

Sections

X Acalles a Rhyncophorous insect

X Deucalion a Euceratrous ―

X Hegetes X Helops.}— are Atrachelian insects. but different Families & Opatrum diff. Family.

Ditylus? a Trachelian insect.—

Red cross means Apterous, I suppose Ditylus is winged.

(25

Fauna of Dezerta Grande (Red Cross means Apterous)

Section I	Sect. V (6)	Section VIII (20)
Fam Carab (1)	Saprinus chalcites 19	Deucalion desertarum 40 x
Tarus suturalis 1 x	Sect VI	Section IX (11)
Dromius insularis 2 x	Fam (7)	Haltica subtilis 41 ? (x)
─ glabratuus 3	Pecteropus rostratus 20	Longitarsus nervosus 42
Scarites abbreviatus 4 x	Dasytes illustris 21	Section X (12)
Notiophilus geminatus 5	Melyrosoma artemisiæ 22	Coccinnella 7-punctata 43
Eurygnathus Latreillei 6 x	Fam (8)	Rhyzobius litura 44
Zargus Desertæ 7 x	Ptinus Dausoni 23 x	Fam (13)
─ pellucidus 8 x	─ albopictus 24 x	Clypeaster pusillus 45
Calathus complanatus 9 x	─ fragilis 25 x	Arthrolips piceum 46
Olisthopus maderensis 10 x	Section VII Rhyncophora	Section XI (14)
Harapalus attenuates 11	Fam (9)	Ellipsodes glabratus 47x
─ vividus 12 x	Caulotrupis lucifugus 26 x	Fam 45
10 Bembidium obtusum 13	─ impius 27 x	Cerandria cornuta 48
Sect. IV necrophaga	─ conicollis 28 x	Fam 16
Fam. Philiadæ (2)	(x) Ceutorhynchus quadridens 29?	Opatrum fuscum 49
Ptenidium apicale 14	Acalles saxicola 30 x	Hadrus cinerascens 50 x
Fam Nitidula (3)	Tychius robustis 31 x	Fa 17
Meligethes tristis 15	─ albosquamosus 32 x	Helops vulcanus 51 x
Xenostrongylus histri 0 16	Laparocerus morio 33 x	─ congregates 52 x
Fam Colyandra (4)	Omias Waterhousei 34 x	─ futilis 53 x
Europs impressicollis 17	Lichenophagus acuminatus 35x	Sect XII 18
Fam (5)	Hypera variabilis 36	Meloe flavicomus 54 x
15 Corticaria curta 18	Cleonus plicatus 37	Fam 19
(x) introduced by man. T.V.W	Apicem sagillefers 38	Anaspis Proteus 55
	31 Bruchus lichenicola 39	Sect XIII (20
	47	Philonthus sordidus 56 (x)
		Lithocharis melancephala 57

 

[25v]

Deserta Grande about 4 miles long in widest part 3/4 long wide in some a mere ridge — 1600 ft high. — very barren, one valley cultivated, but not inhabited.  

(Q)

(Cats have run wild on Dezerta Grande. Mr W. tells me. )—

(26

Hence Dezerta Grande has 57 Coleopterous inhabitants, arranged in 47 genera.— So that Each genus has 1.2 species (ie five genera contain only 6 species) For whole archipelago each genus has 2.2 species (ie five genera has 11 species).— The 57 species belong to many Families & It is in deserving remark that all 13 Sections under which all Coleoptera are included are found on this little islet, except the Hydradephaga & Philhydrida wh. cd not be expected as no water but proportion considerably different

(Q)

	whole group	Dezerta Grande
Geodephaga	63/482 = 1/7	13/57 = 1/4
Rhyncophora Necrophaga	74/482 = 1/6	5/57 = 1/11
Rhyncophora	105/482 = 1/4	14/57 = 1/4

 

(27

List of varieties species having varieties, each peculiar to Madeira itself, & to P. Santo so that they must be considered as representative insects. & not [illeg] in addition.

	Total species to genus
Dromius sigma	6
Scarites abbreviatus	2
Calathus complanatus	3
Harpalus vividus	4
Ptinus albopictus	10
Caulotrupis lucifugus	7
Psylliodes vehemens	5
8 Genera	51 [calculation not transcribed]

 

Theory Of the 65 species common to Madeira & P. Santo 8 of them present varieties separately confined to each the respective isld. Many people wd consider these specifically distinct. It is very singular how these occur in these larger genera, (see next Page) for these genera have on average 6.2 species, each: whereas in whole group the number is only 2.2. Now whether we consider these as truly vars. or as close species, I can see no reason a priori, why the larger genera shd furnish their contingents more than the smaller genera.— I think it shows that the larger genera are the growing genera.—

[in margin:] See further on

[27v]

There is an obvious probability in an organism which ranges far & gets into several new conditions varying most, & so they get into various heights at Madeira. Nevertheless this worth proving.—

But if any one turns round & says these are species & not vars —

See p. 31 excluding [illeg] lt stands – 4.02

(28

Vars. confined respectively to Madeira & Dezertas.

	No of specs in the genera
Scarites abbreviatus	2
1 Zargus pellucidus	3
Calathus complanatus
2 Olisthopus Maderensis	3
Harpalus attenuatus
Ptinus albopictus
Caulotrupis lucifugus
― conicollis
3 Omias Waterhousei	3
Longitarsus nervosus	6
4 Ellipsodes glabratus	1
5 Helops vulcanus	9
― congregatus
― futilis
	25

Vars confined to Porto Santo & Dezertas.

Scarites abbreviatus
6 Eurygnathus Latreillei	1
Calathus complanatus
7 Pecteropus rostratus	3
Ptinus albopictus	4 25
Caulotrupis lucifugus	29

 

By adding these seven genera, having 29 species, which have representative vars. in the different isld we have in whole archipelago 15 genera, (with 51 + 29 = 80 species) which have in whole archipelago representative vars. & these genera have on average 5.33 species.— To test this, I find there are 62 genera, which has same species (or even same var.) in Madeira & P. Santo., or Madeira & the Dezertas, or in P. Santo & Dezertas, so that these 62 genera have some wide ranging species & these genera, have on average 3.40 species each: so that we get proof that the larger genera are the wider rangers, taking Madeira as the world to calculate average of species.

(29

And we further see that those genera which are not simply ranging over the same rather wide range, in the Madeiran world, but are likewise varying belong to still larger genera, viz having 5.33. instead of only 3.40 species per genus.—

Next to test, I find 24 genera, which had at least one species confined to one isld & another species to another (of the foregoing same islands) & so far might be called representative species. Now these 64 24 genera had have 211 142 species, or on an average 5.92 species. Now this result does not differ much from the 15 genera having representative varieties on same isld, which genera had 5.33 species: of course the average wd be in the latter smaller, in as much as, here are included some genera with only 1 species, though

(30

with two vars.; this of course reduces the average. As I believe vars. & species only steps in progress, this result is satisfactory to me, though to those who believe there is some great difference between vars. & species, the close result of similar average numbers, wd convince them that the vars. were really species; & wd quite upset my argument that it is the large genera which are varying.—

(It is important as showing how much specification may be now going on, that 15 genera having representative vars, & only 24 representative sp representative species & 62 genera with same species in the islds—)

To test have standard of comparison for the average of species in those genera, which have representative species on the different isld in comparison with the general average of the

(31

archipelago, we must deduct those (124 in number) genera with a single species, which cannot possibly occur on two islds.— Now there are

213 total genera

[-] 124 genera with single spe

[=] 89

482 total species

[-] —124

[=] 356 [÷] 89 [=] 4.02

Hence we see the genera which have either representative species (or even representative vars.) in the several isld. belong to larger genera viz having 5.92 species, that the average number size of genera, (viz 4.02.) supposing the genera had been selected quite indiscriminately to colonise the two islds.— This results from the curiously few genera, (see list on Back of Page) with only 2 species (ie if a genus has only 2 species it is rarely fd in the 2 islands.) which have representative species & for which I see no obvious reason, except my theory. This shows (as proved by Shönherr [Schönherr]) that small genera are local; & that large genera range wider, or rather

(32

or rather that those genera which range wider do become larger; & likewise those genera which are large, & range wide give rise to more varieties than the smaller genera.—

Mr Wollaston is letter (p. 6) admits that the insects found widely distributed are those that produce most vars. but not those which are simply individually most numerous in separate localities. (but these two ratios go together generally): & he further seems to think that a rare insect if found in the several conditions wd equally vary, & perhaps they would but, I believe, the rarer are not so widely distributed.—

[List]

Genera with the same species (& var.) on more than one isld.

Tarus 2	Aphodius 6
Dromius 6	Psammodius
Scarites 2	Dasytes 1
Calosoma 1	Thinus 10
Notiophilus 1	Caulotrupis 7
Prystomata 1	Ceutorhynchus 4
Anchomenus 2	Tychius 3
Amara trival 2	Laparocerus 1
Harpalus 4	Hypera 3
Thalassophilus 1	Cleonus 1
Bembidium	Sitona 5
Cercyon 4	Apion 7
Pteridium 1	Lema 1
Meligethes 4	Haltica 2
Xenostrongylus	Longitarsus 6
Tarphius 15	Psylliodes 5
Holoparamecus 1	Coccinella 5
Corticaria 6	(37) R [total] 69
Berginus 1
Saprinus 3
[Total] 66

 

[List]

Scymnus 6	Aleochara 4
Rhyncolus 2	Oligota 1
Clypeaster 1	Conuro 3
Arthrolips 1	Trachy [illeg] . 2
Cerandria 1	Staphylinus 1
Boromorphus 1	Philonthus 7
Opatrum 2	Littor[illeg] 3
Hadrus 3	Succina 2
Bleps 2	oxytelus 5
Hegetes 1	(62) [total] 28
Meloe 3	[Calculation]
Zonitis 2
Anaspis 1
Anthicus 4
Xenomma 3
Homalota 15
(53) [total] 48

 

[List]

Genera having representative species on the several different islds

(How very few small genera have representative species)

Dromius 6	Tychius 3
Targus 3	Lixus 5
Trechus 9	Ablata 14
Bembidium 8	Lichenophagus 2
Nitidula	Bruchus 3
Syncalypta	Scymnus 6
Saprinus 3	Hadrus 3
Aphodius 6	Helops 9
Melyrosoma 2	Homalota 15
Ptinus 10	Play 2
Li path 4	Omias 2
Caulotrupis 7	[total] 64
Acalles 13	[Calculation]
[total] 78

 

[calculations not transcribed, crossed]

(33

Mr. W. in letter (p. 9) to make his facts agree with the Forbesian doctrine, assumes

(1) that these "are not the dregs of migration" that there was then "a more rapid provision for self-dissemination of life than now." I do not quite see bearing of this without he make his continent with same rapidity as he destroys it.—

(2) that the Atlantis "was especially rich in centres of diffusion created especially for itself." (3) that the breaking up of the Atlantis took place "at no very remote period after the creation of the insect fauna or before the insects had permeated far" (yet he assumes extra rapidity in their powers of migration.)

(4) assumes that where most species now exist, there old all the species were created, perhaps according to common views most probable (This does not concern question much) (4) assumes that the Thalerophagous lamellicorns (p. 11 of letter) Elateridæ &c &c had not migrated, conditions being

(34

acknowledged as quite favourable) to these spots of ground, (continuous land being assumed) & extra powers of migration being assumed before the breaking up of the surrounding land!!!

The only way I can make Mr. W.' ideas of migration from S. agree with Atlantis, is to unite all isld & continent of Europe to Africa. (& thus from retreating cold) make all migrate northward; & thus Mediterranean & Madeira & alpine mountain forms might all have something in common.— Opposed to this is the case of the Lamellicorns (& I cannot account for their non-transportal) but especially great difference of Canary & Madeira Archipelagos & still more of islets of same Madeirian group, which seem to me to prove separation of these islets since majority of existing forms were created.─

[34v]

During the Glacial period, when I imagine some immigration had commenced took place those N. forms must have inhabited about same parallels of Lat. with Madeira; subsequently S. or N. or E. forms forms may have immigrated. Sea currents wd now favour N. forms but only few perhaps cd survive if now imported into so much warmer a climate. What wd. winds do? African dust reaches the Canary Isd. — Before glacial

Too complicated a problem, even to guess about.— Mr W. in note shows that insects having their S. range in Madeira no argument that they came from N. may have come from alpine countries to E. or S. or I think more probably during glacial period.—

[35]

From the manner in which nearly all the Sections are represented on Dezerta Grande. From analogy of Plants, in which some rude proportional numbers of the great Families are so generally preserved, it is hardly credible that if the Elateridæ, Pselaphidæ &c had an open high-road to immigrate, that they wd not have been more fully represented.— It wd be curious to know whether the Elateridæ, Pselaphidæ, & thalerophagous

[35v]

lamellicorns die out in northern climates, as I suspect the insects immigrated during cold period, & if so Forbes might be right.—

Any Scandinavian Book on Nat. History Insects of Lapland &c ???

M. W. thinks main migration from South to N. (But I cannot yet credit this. He admits that conditions wd surely permit their living (p. 11 of letter) & thinks they had not migrated does before land of passage broken up. Does he mean want of time to have migrated!! Geological changes much too slow for this theory.