WCP3689

[1]

Frith Hill, Godalming

August 25th. 1885

Dear Miss Becker

I have never heard of such a beetle as you describe and as there are about 100.000 different kinds of beetles already known it requires a very full description indeed to recognize one. Many beetles eat little or nothing in the pupet[pupal?] state & will live months without food, but they then die. If the gentleman who possesses the beetle wishes to know all about it, he should write to Osbert Salvin¹ Esq. F.R.S. [2] Hawksfold, Fernhurst, Haslemere². Mr. Salvin has travelled & collected in Central America, & is now bringing out an immense work on the Natural History of that region, & would know about the beetle if any one in England does, — & if not would could no doubt be glad to describe & figure it in his work.

Believe me | Yours very sincerely | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]