L I E. R_A RY OF THE U N I VE.R_5 ITY or ILLl NOIS 5 95.76 Hb&bm V.I t-i ^ :^' ^'^ The person charging this material is re- sponsible for its return to the library from which it was withdrawn on or before the Latest Date stamped below. Theft, mutilation, and underlining of books are reasons for disciplinary action and may result in dismissal from the University. UNIVEBSITY OF lUINOIS IIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN ^^$-^''9 MAR 1 1 DEC 15 1996 2')10 L161— O-1096 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/britishmothsthei01hump BRITISH MOTHS AND THF.Ill TRANSFORMATIONS. BRITISH MOTHS ANIl THEin TRANSFORMATIONS. ARKANGKD AND ILLL'STKATED IN A SERIES OF PLATES BY H. >;. HUMPHREYS, ESQ. \V\TU cnAHACTERS AND DESCRIPTIONS BY J. O. WESTWOOD, ESQ., F.L.S., HKP (IK TUK KNTO.MOUKJH M SOCtKTV, ETC. ETC. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOLUME I. LONDON: WILLIAM SMITH, 113, FLEET STREET. MDCCCXLIIT. LIST OF PLATES. Flo. PAt: K Insects. 12. The Caterpillar. !, 13. The Chrysalis. „ I -I. The Cocoon. „ 15. Anthrocera Loti (the line-spotted Burnet-moth). „ 16. Anthrocera Loti (a variety.) Pl.ants. 17. Galium aparine (goose-grass). ,j 18. Cariiamine pratensis. „ 19. Spiraea filipendula (common dropwort). „ 20. Scabiosa succisa (Devil's-bit scabious). PLATE VII. 32 Insects. 1. Sphecia Bembeciformis. „ 15. The Caterpillar and Chrysalis. „ 2. Sphecia Apiformis. „ 16. The Caterpillar. „ 3. Trochilium Vespiforme. „ 4. Trochilium Chrysidiforme. „ o. Trochilium Sphegiforme. ;, tJ. Trochilium Cynipiforme. „ 7. Trochilium Ichneumoniforme. „ 8. Trochilium Philanthiforme. „ 9. Trochilium Tipulil'orme. „ 17. The Caterpillar. „ 10. Trochilium Andrenteforme. J, 11. Trochilium Myopasforme. „ 12. Trochilium Culiciforme. „ 13. Trochilium Stomoxyforme. „ 14. Trocliilium Forniiciforme. Plant. IS. Betula alba (common birch). PLATE VIH. 44 Insects. 1. Hepialus Hectus (the golden Swift). ,, 2. The Female. ,, .3. Hepialus Lupulinus (the small common Swift). „ 4. The Female. „ 5. A variety. „ 7. Hepialus Humuli (the Ghost-moth). „ S. The Female. „ 'J. The Caterpillar. „ 10. Hepialus velleda (the map-winged Swift). „ 11. The Female. „ 12. Hepialus sylviuus (the orange Swift). „ 13. The Female. „ 14. Hepialus carnus. „ 15. Anthrocera Trifolii. „ 16. Anthrocera Meliloti. Plant. 17. Humulus lupulus (the common hop). PL.\TE IX. 48 Insects. 1. Cossus ligniperda. 2. The Caterpillar. „ 3. The Chrysalis. , 4. Zeuzera yEsculi. • - , „ 5. The Female. „ 6. The Caterpillar. „ 7. Zeuzera arundinis. „ 8. The head of the Female. Plant. 9. Salix arenaria (the downy mountain willow). PLATE X. PAGB 50 Insects. 1. Saturnia Pavonia minor, male (Emperor-moth). ,, 2. The Caterpillar. „ 3. Eriogaster lanestris, male (the small Egger-moth). „ 4. The Caterpillar. ), 5. Cnethocampa Pityocampa. ,> 6. The Caterpillar. » 7. Poecilocampa Populi, male (the December-moth). „ 8. The Caterpillar. „ 9. Clisiocampa castrensis (the ground Lackey-moth). „ 10. The Caterpillar. „ 11. Clisiocampa Neustrio, male, (the tree Lackey-moth). „ 12. The Caterpillar. ,, 13. Trichiura Cratiegi, male (the oak Egger-moth.) „ 14. The Caterpillar. „ 15. Odonestis potatoria, male. „ 16. Female (the Drinker), ., 17. The Caterpillar. Plants. 18. Salix Russelliana. „ 19. Helianthemum vulgare. „ 20. Bromus sterilis. PLATE XL 50 Insects. 1. Lasiocampa Rubi, female (the Fox-moth). „ 2. The Caterpillar. „ 3. The Caterpillar when young. „ 4. The Cocoon and Chrysalis. 5. Lasiocampa Trifolii (the grass Egger). „ 0. The Female. „ 7. The Caterpillar. „ 8. Lasiocampa Roboris, female (the oak Egger-moth). „ 9. The Male. „ 10. The more common variety of the Male with dark border. „ 11. A variety of the Female with a corresponding dark border. „ 12. The Caterpillar. „ 13. Lasiocampa Quercus (of Hiibner). „ 14. Lasiocampa Duraeti. PLATE XII. 58 Insects. 1. Deudrolimus Pini (the scarce Lappet-moth), male. „ 2. The Caterpillar. „ 3. The Cocoon. „ 4. Gastropacha Quercifolia (the Lappet-moth), female. „ 5. The Insect at rest. „ (). The Caterpillar. „ 7. The Cocoon. „ fi. Gastropacha Ilicifolia. „ 8. The Caterpillar. „ 9. Gastropacha Populifoha. „ 10. The Caterpillar. PLATE XIII. Insects. 1. Stauropus Fagi (the Lobster). „ 2. The Caterpillar. „ 3. Hammatophora Bucephala (the buti'-tip Moth). „ 4. The Caterpillar. 62 LIST OF PLATES. Insects, a. Clostera anastomosis. .'5. The Cater|iillar. 6. Clostera reclusa (the small chocolate tip). 7. The Caterpillar. . 8. Clostera sufTusa. 9. Clostera nnachoreta (the scarce chocolate tip). 9. The Caterpillar. 10. Clostera curtula (the chocolate tip). 10. The Caterpillar. 11. Notodonta Dromedarius (the iron prominent). 12. The Caterpillar. l;). Notodonta perfusca (the dark prominent). 14. Notodonta zic-zac (the pebble prominent). 1;"). The Caterpillar. IG. Leiocampa Dicta:a (the Swallow prominent). 17. The Caterpillar. 18. Leiocampa Dictwoides (the Swallow likeness). 19. The Caterpillar. . 20. Corylus avellana (the common hazel). 21. Populus tremula (the aspen). 22. Fagus sylvatica (the common beech). PLATE XIV. 68 Insects. 1. Lophopteryx Camelina (the coxcomb prominent). „ 2. The Caterpillar. „ 3. Lophopteryx cucullina (the maple prominent). „ 4. The Caterpillar. ,, 5. Lophopteryx Carmelita. „ C. Pterostoma palpina (the pale prominent). V 7. Petasia Cassinia (the Sprawler) „ 8. The Caterpillar. „ 9. Peridea trepida (the great prominent). „ 10. The Caterpillar. „ II. Drymonia Dodonsea (the marbled brown). .> lU. Drymonia chaonia (the lunar marbled brown). „ 14. The Caterpillar. „ 15. Gluphisia crenata. „ IC. Drymonia querna, „ 1 7. The Caterpillar. „ 18. Ptiliphora pliimicera. „ 19. The Caterpillar. Plants. 20. Acer campestre (the common maple). „ 21. Quercus sessiliflora (a Variety of common oak). „ 22. Ligustrum vulgare (the common privet). PLATE XY. 74 Insects. 1. Cerura Integra. ,, 2. Cerura bieuspis. „ 11. The Caterpillar. „ 3. Cerura arcuata. „ 4. Cerura furcula (the Kitten-moth). „ 5. The Caterpillar. „ 6. Another Caterpillar of the same. „ 7. Cerura latifascia (the broad-barred Kitten-molh). „ 8. Cerura bifida. „ 9. The Caterpillar. „ 10. Cerura fuscinula. „ 12. Cerura vinula (the Puss-moth). „ 13. The Caterpillar. In.sects. 14. Cerura Erminea (the Ermine Puss-moth). „ 15. The Caterpillar. Plants. 16. Salix Russelliana (the Bedford willow). „ 17. Betula alba (the common birch). PLATE XVI. 78 Insects. 1. Endromisversicolor, male (the Kentish glory-moth). 2. The Female. 3. The Caterpillar. 4. Displiragis ca-ruleocephala, male (the figure-of-8 moth). 4. The Caterpillar. 6. Apoda Testudo (the small oak egger-moth), male. fi. The Female. 7. The Cater[)illar. 29. The Chrysalis. 8. Heterogenea Asellus. 9. The Caterpillar. 30. The Chrysalis. 10. Fumea nitidella (the shining chimney-sweep). 11. The Caterpillar. The case is figured to the left of fig. 5. 12. Fumea pulla (the small chimney-sweep). The case is figured near the top of the right wings of fig. 5. 13. Fumea niuscella (the transjjarent chimney-sweep). 14. Fumea Bombycella. 15. Fumea pectinella (the light chimney-sweep). 16. Psyche fusca (the brown muslin-moth). 28. The Female. 26. The Caterpillar i larger than nature, without its case. 27. The Chrysalis of the female. 18. Nudaria Hemerobea. 19. Nudaria mundana (the muslin-moth). 20*. The Caterpillar. 20. Nudaria Senex (the round-winged muslin-moth). 21. AInus glutinosa (the common aider). 22. The' common oak. 23. Salix arenaria (the downy mountain-willow). 24. Briza media (common quaking-grass). 25. Cetraria glauca (a common lichen). Pla I.N'SECTS. PLATE XVII. 1. Porthetria dispar, male (the gipsy-moth). 2. The Female. 3. The Caterpillar. 4. Psilura monacha, male (the black arches). 5. The Female. C. The Caterpillar. 7. The Chrysalis. C. Orgyia antiqua, male (the vapourer-moth). 10. The Female. 9. The Caterpillar. 11. Orgyia gonostigma, male (the scarce vapourer). 13. The Female. 12. The Caterpillar. 14. Dasychira fascelina, male (the dark tussock). 15. The Caterpillar. 16. The Chrysalis. 84 LIST OF PLATES. Insects. 17. Dasychira pudibunda, male (the light tussock). „ 18. The Female. „ ly. The Caterpillar. „ 20. Demas Coryli, male (the nut-tree tussock). „ 2L The Caterpillar. Plants. 22. Rubus plicatus (the plaited -leaved bramble). „ 23. Crataegus Oxyacanthus (the common hawthorn). „ 24. Leontodon Tara.\acum (the common dandelion). PLATE XVIIL 8'. Leucoma vau-nigra (the black V satin-moth). Stilpuotia Salicis (the satin-moth). The Caterpillar. The Chrysalis. Lselia coenosa (the Whittlesea tussock). The Caterpillar. Porthesia chrysorrhsea, male (the gold-tailed motli) ■ The Caterpillar. Porthesia auritlua, male (the brown-tailed moth). The Female. The Caterpillar. Spilosoma Menthastri (the large ermine). The Caterpillar. A rariety of S. Menthastri, by some made a sperie,-, S. Walkerii. Spilosoma Papyratia (the water ermine). .Spilosoma Urtic^ (the dingy white ermine). Spilosoma lubricepeda (the spotted buff ermine). The Caterpillar. A variety of S. lubricepeda, by some made a species, S. radiata. Cycnia mendica, male (the spotted muslin). The Female. The Caterpillar. 23. Salix Doniana (Don's willow). Sparganium ramosvira (the burr-reed). Prunus spinosa (the sloe). Mentha rubra (the red mint). PLATE XIX. 92 PhragmHt 5. >' 6. 7. 7J 8. >» 9. JJ 10. JJ 11. 5> 12. ?» 13. » 14. ,. 15. ,j 16. ?' ir. ?' 18. 7} 19. 3> 20. n 21. „ 22. Plants. 23, >; 24. ,, 2.5. » 26. Inskcts. 1. „ 2. )J 3. 5) 4. )» h. »» 6. >1 7. »» R. 10. 9J 11. ■>■} 12. ., 13. 5» 14. ?) 15. 1 16. 5> 17. ?1 20. *J 21. »» 22. FIO. PARR Plants. 23. Primula veris (the cowslip). „ 24. Plantago major (common plantain). „ 25. Scabiosa arvensis (the meadow scabious). „ 26. Senecio vulgaris (common groundsel). „ 27. Cynoglossum officinale (common htmndstongue). The white flower without a number is Cerastium arvense (field chickweed). PLiVTE XX. 98 Insects. 1. Deiopeia pulchella (the crimson-speckled Footman- moth). 2. The Caterpillar. 3. Eulepia grammica (the feathered Footman). 4. The Caterpillar. 5. Eulepia cribrum. 6. Lithosia flava (the straw-coloured Footman). 7. Lithosia plumbeolata. 8. Lithosia aureola (the orange Footman). 9. The Caterpillar. 10. Lithosia Giiseola(the dun Footman). 1 1 . Lithosia Gilveola. 12. The Caterpillar. 13. Lithosia complana (the common Footman). 14. Lithosia depressa. 15. Lithosia helvola. 16. Lithosia muscerda. 17. Oinistis quadra (the large Footman), male. 18. The Female. 19. The Caterpillar. 20. Gnophria rubricoUis (the red-necked Footman). 21. The Caterpillar. 22. Philea irrorella (the Dew-moth). 23. The Caterpillar. 24. A singular variety, by some called S. signata. 25. Cybosia mesomella (the four-spotted Footman). 20. The Caterpillar. Plants. 27, 28. Myosotis palustris (the Forget-me-not). Briza maxima (the great quaking-grass), is figured iii the middle of the plate, willi figure 16 repre- sented upon it. „ 29. Usnea florida (a common Lichen found on old trees). „ 30. Parmelia stellaris (a common Lichen found on trunks of trees). „ 31. Parmelia atuuosa (a common Lichen tound on moor-stones). PLATE -KXI. 106 Insects. 1. Triphsena pronuba (the great yellow underwing moth). „ 2. The variety called lunuba. „ 3. A dark variety. „ 11. The Caterpillar. „ 4. Triphsena Urbona (the lesser yellow underwing). „ 12. The Caterpillar. „ 5. Triphiena subsequa. „ 6. Triphiena fimbria (the broad bordered yellow undec- wing). „ 7. A dark variety. „ 13. The Caterpillar. UST OF PLATES. PIO. NSECTS. )t. »» 9. »» 10. 'lants. 15. » in. »> 14> Insects. Plants. 8. 9. 10. 11. Insects. Plant. Tripbffina intcrjecta (the least broad border). Triphicna Janthina (the lesser broad border). Cerigo cytherea (the straw-coloured underwing). Tragopogon porrifolius (goat's-beard). Stellaria media (common chickmeed). Primula elatior (the o.\lip). PLATE XXII. 110 Lytiea umbrosa (the six-striped Rustic). Lytsea leucographa. Lytiea albimacula. Charffias Cespitis. The Caterpillar. Charaeas fusca (the barred feathered Rustic). Charseas nigra (the black Rustic). Cerapteryx Graminis (the antler moth). Rusina ferruginea (the brown-feathered Rustic). Avena fatua (wild oat-grass). Briza media (common quaking-grass). PL.\TE XXIII. Ill Agrotis fequa (the pearly underwing). Agrotis suffusu (the dark sword-grass). Agrotis segetum (the common dart). The Caterpillar. A dark female variety. Agrotis corticea (the heart and club). Agrotis anne.\a, a female, (the tawny shoulder).'' Agrotis cinerea, male, (the light-feathered Rustic). The Female. Agrotis lunigera. Agrotis valligera (the Archer's dart). Agrotis radiola (the shuttle-shaped dart). Agrotis alpina. Ranunculus bulbosus (the common crowfoot or buttercup). Insects. F!0. 3. ■1. PLATE XXIV. Insects. 1. Agrotis subgothica (the gothic dart). 2. Agrotis pascuea. X Agrotis nebulosa, a female. 4. Agrotis cursoria, a female. 5. Agrotis Tritici (the white line dart). 6. The supposed variety called sagittifera. 7. Agrotis cuneigera (the wedge-barred dart). 8. The Cumberland variety called venosa. 1'. Agrotis aquiliua. 10. Agrotis nigricans (the garden dart). 11. The variety called obeliscata. 12. The variety called dubia. 13. Agrotis exclamationis (the heart and dart). 14. The Caterpillar. 15. Agrotis Marshallana. Plant. 16. Bellis perennis (the common daisy). PLATE XXV. l.NSF.CTs. 1. Graphiphora subrosea. „ 2. Graphiphora renigera, male. 118 )> 8. )J 9. n 10. >J 11. » 12. Plants. 13. »» 14. Insects. Plants. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. A Female. Graphiphora pyrophila. Graphiphoia crassa (rorida ?) (the stout dar.) Graphiphora Augur (the double dart). The Caterpillar. Graphiphora Baja (the dotted clay). The Caterpillar. Graphiphora rhomboidea. Graphiphora brunnea (the purple clay). Graphiphora Dahlii (the barred chesnut). Atropa Belladonna (deadly nightshade). Polypogon Uttoralis (perennial beardgrass). PLATE XXVI. 128 Graphiphora festiva (the ingrailed clay). The Caterpillar. Graphiphora triangulum (the double square spot). Graplii])hora C. nigrum (the setaceous Hebrew cha- racter). The Caterpillar. Graphiphora bella (the small square spot). Grnphiphora plecta (the flame shoulder). The Caterpillar. Graphiphora lunulina, a female (the crescent- striped). Graphiphora iimsiva (the light-edged clay). The Caterpillar. Graphiphora candelisequa (the brown clay). The Caterpillar. Graphiphora depuncta. Cichorium Intybus (wild succory). Arrhenatherum arenaceum. PL.\TE XXVII. Insects. 1. Semiphora gothica (the Hebrew character). „ 2. Orthosia instabilis (the clouded drab). „ 3. A mottled variety. „ 4. A dark variety. „ 5. Orthosia intermedia (the connecting drab). „ 0. Orthosia munda (the twin-spotted quaker). „ 7. Orthosia lunosa (the lunar undurwing). ,, 8. A dark variety. „ 9. Orthosia gracilis (the lead-coloured drab). „ 10. Orthosia pusiUa (the dwarf quaker). „ 11. Orthosia cruda (the small quaker). ,j 12. Orthosia Upsilon (the dingy shears). „ 13. The Caterpillar. Plant. 14. Melica uniflora (wood melic grass). 132 loC 124 PLATE XXVIII. In^cts. 1. Orthosia stabilis (the common quaker). „ 2. Orthosia miniosa (^the blossom underwitigj. „ 3. The Caterpillar. „ 4. Orthosia litura (the brown spot pinion). „ 5, 6, & 7. Orthosia pistacina, three varieties (the pale- headed chesnut). „ 8. The Caterpillar. „ y. Orthosia macilenta (the yellow line quaker). „ 10. Orthosia lota (tbe red line quaker). LIST OF PLATES. Insects. U. Orthosia pallida (tbe pale quaker). „ 12. Orthosia sparsa (the powdered quaker). I'l.ANT. 13. Cot.abrosa aquatica (water whorl-grass). PLATE XXIX. 140 Insects. 1. Mythimna Turca (tbe double line). 2. The Caterpillar. 3. Mythimna conigera (the brown line bright-eye). 4. Tbe Caterpillar. 5- Mythimna grisea (the bright-eyed clay). 6. Mythimna lithargyria (the ocbraceous brown). 7. Tbe Caterpillar. 8. Mythimna imbecilla. 9. Segetia Xantbograpba (tbe square spot rustic). 10. Segetia neglecta (the neglected rustic). 11. Caradrina Plantaginis (the dotted rustic). 1'2. The Caterpillar of Orthosia ciuda (ambigua, Hiib- ner, but not of Ochsenbeimer, who describes Caradrina Plantaginis under that name). „ 13. Caradrina Morpheus (the bordered rustic). „ 14. The Caterpillar. „ 15. Caradrina cubicularis (tbe pale mottled willow). „ l(i. Caradrina glareosa (tbe autumnal rustic). „ 17. Grammesia trilinea (the treble lines). „ 18. Grammesia bilinea (the dark treble lines). ,, 19. The larva of Semiphora gothica, figured in plate *27. „ 20. The larva of Orthosia stabilis, figured in plate 28. Plants. 21. Convolvulus arvensis (the small bindweed). „ 22. Luzula pilosa (the hairy rush). „ 23. Plantago major (common plantain). PLATE XXX. 146 Insects. 1. GIsea ? rubricosa (the red chesnut). „ 2. The Caterpillar. „ 3. Dasycampa rubiginea (the dotted cliesnut). „ 4. The Caterpillar. „ 5. Gliea Vaccinii (the chesnut). „ 6. The Caterpillar. „ 7. Glsea subnigra (the black chesnut). )t C. A variety. „ 9. Mecoptera satellitia (the satellite). The Cater- pillar is represented at the right hand of the foot of the Plate, crawling from beneath a leaf. „ U. Amphipyra pyramidea (the copper underwing). „ 12. The Caterpillar. „ 13. Pyrophila tragopoginis (the mouse). 14. The Caterpillar. „ 15. Pyrophila tetra (the mahogany). „ 16. Dypterigia pinastri (the bird's wing). „ 17. Lemuris typica (the dark gothic). „ 18. The Caterpillar. Pi..\NTS. 19. Rumex acutus (the sharp-leaved dock). „ 20. Delphinium consolida (ihe field laikspur). „ 21. Vaccinium Myrtillus (the bilberry). FIG. PAGE Inskcts. 4. Xylina petrificata (the pale pinion). ,, 5. Xylina putris (tbe flame). „ 6. Xylina Lambda (the grey shoulder-knol). „ 7. The Caterpillar. „ 8. Lithomia Solidaginis (the golden-rod brindle). „ 9. Calocampa exoleta (the sword-grass). „ 10. The Caterpillar. „ 11. Calocampa vetusta (the red sword-grass). „ 12. The Caterpillar. Plants. 13. Carex Vahlii (tbe close-beaded Alpine carex). „ 1 4. Genista pilosa (hairy greenweed). PLATE XXXII. 156 Insects. 1. Xylophasia Uthoxylea (tbe light arches). ,, 2. Xylophasia sublustris (the reddish light arches). „ 3. Xylophasia polyodon (the dark arches). - „ 4. Xylophasia rurea (the clouded bordered brindle). „ 5. Xylophasia combusta (the dark tawny). „ 6. Xylophasia characterea (the clouded brindle). „ 7. The Caterpillar. „ 8. Xylopbasiascolopacina(theslendercloudedbrindle). „ 9. Xylophasia rectilinea (the clouded brocade). „ 10. The Caterpillar. Plant. 1 ! . Clematis vitalba (hedge clematis, or Traveller's joy). PLATE XXXIII. 160 Insects. 1. Hadena adusta (the dark brocade). „ 2. Hadena remissa (the gothic brocade). „ 3. Hadena tbalassina (the pale-shouldered brocade). ,, 4. Hadena genista; (the light brocade). „ 5. Hadena contigua (the beautiful brocade). „ 6. The Caterpillar. „ 7. Hadena glauca (the glaucous shears). „ 8. The Caterpillar. „ 9. Hadena plebeia (the common shears). 10. The Caterpillar. Plants. 11. Cypripedium calceolus (ladies'-slipper). „ 12. Eriothorum vaginatum (hare's-tail cotton-grass). PL.ATE XXXIV. Insects. 1. Hadena ochracea (the tawny shears). „ 2. Hadena Lithorhiza (the early grey). „ 3. Hadena Protea (the brindled green). „ 4. The Caterpillar. „ 5. Hadena Cucubali (the Campion moth). „ G. The Caterpillar. „ 7. Hadena Capsincola (the Lychnis moth). „ 8. The Caterpillar. „ 9 and 10. Caterpillar when young. „ 11. Hadena Saponariffi (the bordered gothic). Plant. 12. Lychnis inflata (Inflated Catcbfly). 164 PLATE XXXI. Insects. 1. Xylina conspicillaris (the silver cloud). „ 2. Xylina puUa (the ash shoulder-knot). „ 3. Xylina semibrunnea (the tawny pinion). i PLATE XXXV. 152 Insects. 1. Heliophobus popularis (tbe feathered gothic). ., 2. Heliophobus leucophEeus (the feathered ear). j ., 3. The Caterpillar. I „ 4. Euplexia lucipara (the small angle shades). 168 LIST OP FLATES. 172 Insects. Plani Insects. Flo. Insects. 5. The Caterpillar. 6. Hama aliena (the large nutmeg). 7. Hama Basilinea (the rustic shoulder-knot). 8. The Caterpillar. 9. Hama Testacea (the lesser-flounced rustic). 10. Hama connexa (the union rustic). Plant. 11. Eriphorum Alpinum (Alpine cotton-grass). PLATE XXXVI. Insects. 1, JMamestra furva (the dusky brocade). 2. Mamestra Pisi (the broom moth). 3. The Caterpillar. 4. Mamestra oleracea (the bright line brown-eye). 5. The Caterpillar. G. Mamestra suasa (the dog's tooth). 7. Mamestra nigricans (the dusky nutmeg). 8. Mamestra Brassicic (the Cabbage). 9. The Caterpillar. 10. Mamestra albicolon (the white colon). 11. Mamestra Persicarise (the dot). 12. The Caterpillar. 13. Mamestra Chenopodii (the nutmes;). 14. The Caterpillar. 1.5. Mamestra .\nce|)s ? (the doubtful nutmeg). Plants. 16. Latbyrus Nissolia (the crimson vetch). „ 17. Polygonum Fersicaria (common Persicaria). PLATE XXXVII. 176 I.vSECTS. 1. Apamea fibrosa, male (the crescent). „ 2. A female variety. „ 3. Apamea nictitans (the golden ear). „ 4. A dark variety. „ 5. Apamea unaaimis (the uniform rustic). „ 6. Apamea seculina (the small clouded brindle). , 7. Apamea oculea (the common rustic). „ 8 and 9. Common varieties. „ 10. Apamea ophiogramma (the double-Iobed). Plant. II. Iris foetidissima (the foetid Iri.<). PLATE XXXVIII. Insects. 1. Miana literosa (the rosy minor). ,, 3. Miana strigilis (the marbled minor). „ 3. The variety called Latruncula. „ 4. The variety called jEthiops (the blackamoor). ,, 5. Miana humeralis (the cloaked minor). (). A pale variety. „ 7. The variety called Terminalis. ,, 8. A pale variety. „ 9- The vai'iety called Rufuncula. „ 10. Miana fasciuncula (the middle-barred minor). „ 11. Miana Pulmonarias. „ 12. Miana minima (the least minor). „ 13. Celfena renigera (the kidney-spot minor). ., 14. Celaena Haworthii (Haworth's minor). „ 15. The variety called Tripuncta. ,, 1(>. The variety called Lancea, of which latter there is another still more obscure variety, called Hi- bernica. | Plants. Plant. 17. Peucedanum palustre (milk parsley). : ,, PLATE XXXIX. Plant. 17." Insec Kro. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. fA(JK 182 Lycophotia porphyrea (the true lover's knot). The Caterpillar. Achatia spreta (the pine beauty). The Caterpillar. Actebia prseco.'c (the Portland moth). Trachea atriplicis (the wild arrach). The Caterpillar. Valeria oleagina (the green brindled dot). The Caterpillar. Miselia bimaculosa (the double-spot brocade). MiseliaTempIi (the brindled ochre). Miselia Oxyacanthae (the green brindled crescent). Miselia Aprilina (the marvel du jour). The Caterpillar. Miselia compta (the marbled coronet). Miselia albimaculata (the white-spotted coronet). Erica tetralix (the cross-leaved heath). PLATE XL. 1. Polia advena (the pale shiny brown). 2. Polia nebulosa (the gray arches). 3. The Cateniillar. 4. Polia occulta (the great brocade). 5. The Caterpillar. fi. Polia tincta (the silveiy arches). 7. Polia herbida (the green arches). 8. The Caterpillar. 9. Polia flavocincta (the large ranunculus). 10. The Caterpillar. 11. Polia Dysodea (the ranunculus). 12. The Caterpillar. 13. Polia serena (the broad-barred white). 14. The Caterpillar. 15. Polia Chi (the July Chi). 16. A([uilegia vulgaris (common columbine). PLATE XLI. 1. Apatela Leporina (the miller). 12 in Plate 42. The CaterpiUar. 13 in Plate 42. The Caterpillar when young. 4. Apatela Bradyporina (the ashy miller). 5. Apatela aceris (the sycamore). 6. -\ dark variety. 17 in Plate 42. The Caterpillar. 8. Bryophila glaudifera (the marbled green). 19 in Plate 42. The Caterpillar. 10. Bryophila perla (the marbled beauty). 11. Dipthera Orion (the scarce marvel du jo'ir). 1 1 2 in Plate 42. The Caterpillar. 13. Thyatira Batis (the Peach blossom). 114 in Plate 42. The Caterpillar. 1-5. Thyatira derasa (the buff arches). IK) in Plate 42. The CaterpiUar. 17. Scoliopteryx libatri.\ (the herald). 118 in Plate 42. The Caterpillar. 19. Rosa canina (the common dog-rose). 20. Ligustrum vulgare (the common privet). 188 192 LIST OF PLATES. PAGE 194 PLATE XLII. FIG. LvsECTS. 1. Acronycta ligustri (the coronet). 112 in Plate U. The Caterpillar. 3. Acronycta alni (the akler-moth). 114 in Plate 41. The Caterpillar. 5. Acronycta Psi (the dagger-moth). 116 in Plate 41. The Caterpillar. 7. Acronycta tridens (the dark dagger). 18 in Plate 41. The Caterpillar. 9. Acronycta auricoma (the scarce dagger). 101 in Plate 41. The CaterpiUar. 11. Acronycta menyanthedis (the light-knot grass). 13, Acronycta Euphorbiie (the spurge moth). 141 in Plate 41. The Caterpillar. 1.5. Acronycta Rumicis (the bramble moth). 121 in Plate 41. The Caterpillar. 16. Acronycta megacephala (the poplar gray). 142 in Plate 41. The Caterpillar. Plants. 50. Menyanthes trifoliata (the Buck-bean). „ 60. Rubus csesius (the dewberry). PLATE XLIII. 202 Insects. 1. Ceratopacha fluctuosa (the satin carpet). J, 2. Ceratopacha duplaris (the lesser satin carpet). j3 3. Ceratopacha diluta (the lesser lutestring), t) 4. The Caterpillar. J, 5. (Ceratopacha Or (the poplar lutestring). „ 9. The Caterpillar. )) 6. Ceratopacha octogesima. „ 7. Ceratopacha flavicomis (the yellow horned). „ 8. The Caterpillar. „ ;). Ceratopacha ridens (the frosted green). 10. The Caterpillar. PLATE XLIV. 204 iNi^ECTS. 1. Plastenis subtusa (the olive moth). „ 4. The Caterpillar. „ 3. Plastenis retusa (the double kidney). „ 2. The Caterpillar. „ .1. Cleoceris Timinalis (the minor shoulder-knot). ,, 6. Cleoceris Ou (the scallop-winged oak-moth). „ 7. The Caterpillar. ,, 8. Cosmia Pyralina (the lunar spotted pinion). „ 9. The Caterpillar. ,, 10. Cosmia diffinis (the white spotted pinion). „ 11. The Caterpillar. „ 12. Cosmia affinis (the lesser spotted pinion). „ 13. Cosmia Trapezina (the dun bar). ,, 14. Cosmia fulvago (the angle striped sallow). PLATE XLV. Insects. 1. Xanthia flavago (the pink-barred sallow). 2. The Caterpillar. ,, 3. Xauthia fulvago (the sallow). ,, 4. A more strongly-marked variety. ,, 5. Xanthia aurago (the barred sallowj. 203 Insects. 6. Xanthia centrago (the centre-barred sallow). ,, 7. Xanthia citrago (the orange). 8. The Caterpillar. ,, 9. Xanthia croceago (the orange upper wing). 10. The Caterpillar. ,, 11. Orbona rufina (the flounced rustic). 12. The Caterpillar. ,, 13. Orbona ferruginea (the brick-coloured moth). ,, 14. Gortyna micacea (tlie rosy rustic). 1.5. The Caterpillar. ,, 16. Gortyna flavago (the frosted orange). 17. The Caterpillar. PLATE XLVI. 212 Insects. 1. Nonagria Typha; (the bulrush moth). 2. A Female. 3. The Caterpillar. 4. Nonagria Pilicomis (the large wainscot). 5. A Female. 0. A variety called Crassicornis. 7. A Female. 8. X variety with dark uader-wings. y. A variety resembling the N. lutosa of Hiibner. 10. A variety called Canna;. 11. The continental Cannae. 12. The Caterpillar of Cannse. PLATE XLVn. 214 Insects. 1. Leucania strarainea (the southern wainscot). ,, 2. Leucania comma (the shoulder-stripe wainscot). ,, 3. Leucania impura (the smoky wainscot). ,, 4. The Caterpillar. ,, 5. Leucania obsoleta (the obscure wainscot). ,, 0. Leucania littoralis (the shore wainscot). ,, 7. Leucania pallens (the common wainscot). ., 8. Leucania suffusa (a variety of pallens). ,, 9. Leucania pygmina (the small wainscot). ,, 10. Leucania pallida (a variety of pygmina). ,, 11. Leucania geminipuucta (the twin-spotted wainscot). ,, 12. The Caterpillar. ,, 13. Leucania pudorina (the striped wainscot). 14.- The Caterpillar. ,, 16. Leucania Phragmatidis (the Simyra musculosa of some British collections). Plants. 15. Eriophorum angustifolium (narrow-leaved cotton- grass). PLATE XLVIII. 220 Insects. 1. Simyra musculosa of some collections (properly Leucania Phragmatidis). See Plate XLVII., fig. 16. *2. Leucania musculosa of the Continent. 3- Simyra nervosa (the tawny-veined wainscot). 4. Simyra venosa (the powdered wainscot). 5. Phlogophora meticulosa (the angle shades). 6. Tiie Caterpillar. 7. CucuUia Verbasci (the muUien). LIST OF PLATES. fr- PAOK Insects. 8. The Caterpillar. ,, 9. CucuUia Scrophularia; (the water betony). „ 10. The Caterpillar. ,, 11. CucuUia thapsiphaga (the Bhepherd's-purse). 12. The Caterpillar. ,, IS. CucuUia Lychnitis. ,, 14. The Caterpillar. ,, 15. CucuUia Prenanthie. Plant. iC. Verbascum pulverulentum (the powdered mullein). PLATE XLIX. 224 Insects. 1. CucuUia Solidaginis (the shepherd's purse). 2. The Caterpillar. ,, 3. CucuUia Asteris (the starwort). ,, 4. The Caterpillar, in which some varieties have the pink tiat replaced with green. „ 5. CucuUia Absinthii (the wormwood). ,, (i. CucuUia umbratica (the large pale shark;. ,, 7. The Caterpillar. ,, 8. CucuUia Tanaceti (the tansy shark). „ 9. The CaterpUlar. ,, 10. CucuUia LactuctC (t)ie lettuce shark). 11. The CaterpUlar. ,, 12. CucuUia lucifuga (the large dark shark). „ 13. The Caterpillar. ,, 17. The Chrysalis. ,, 14. CucuUia Chamomilla: (the chamomile shark). ,, 15. The Caterpillar. ,, 16. CucuUia Artemisiae (the green silver spangle). Pl.vnt. is. Aster tripolium (the sea star-wort). PLATE L. 226 I^■s^:cTS 1. Chariclea Delphinii (the pease-blossom). „ 2. The Caterpillar. ,, 3. Calophasia Liuarise (the flax-moth). 4. The Caterpillar. 12. The ChrysaUs. ,, 5. Eremobia ochrolcuca (the dusky sallow). ,, 6. Abrostola triplasia (the dark spectacle). ,, 7. The Caterpillar. ,, 8. Abrostola Urticse (the spectacle). „ 9. The Caterpillar. ,, 10. Abrostola Asclepiadis. 11. The Caterpillar. Plant. 13. Linaria rcpens (the creeping toad-flax). PLATE LI. 22S Insects. I. Cloantha perspicillaris. „ 2. Plusia iUustris (the purple shades). 3. The CaterpiUar. „ 4. Plusia percontationis (the plain golden Y). „ 5. Plusia bimaculata (the double spotted spangle), „ G. Plusia interrogationis (the scarce silver Y). „ 7. Plusia Gamma (the sUver Y). 8. The CaterpUlar. Insects. '}. Plusia Festucie (the gold spot). 10. The Caterpillar. „ 11. The CaterpUlar of Plusia circumflexa. „ 12. The Caterpillar of Plusia chrysitis. Plants. 13. Festuca fluitans (fescue-grass). „ 14. Aconitum napellus (monkshood). PLATE LI I. 230 Insects. 1. Plusia Iota (the beautiful golden Y). •-'. The Caterpillar. 3. Plusia circumflexa (the Yorkshire Y). The Cater- piUar is figured in Plate LI. 4. Plusia Chalcytis. 5. Plusia aurifera (the slender burnished brass). 6. Plusia chrysitis (the burnished brass). The Cater- piUar is figured in Plate LI. 7. Plusia orichalcea (the scarce burnished brass). 8. Plusia bractea (the gold spangle). Insects. PLATE LIII. 234 1. Heliothis marginata (the bordered sallow). 2. Heliothis peltigera (the bordered straw). 2. The Caterpillar. 4. Heliothis dipsacea (the marbled clover). 5. Heliothis scutosa (the spotted clover moth). B. The Caterpillar. 7. Anarta MyrtiUi (the beautiful yellow underwing). 8. Anarta cordigera (the small dark-yellow under- wing). 9. Anarta vidua? (the dark-yellow underwing). 10. Heliodes heliaca (the small yeUow underwing). 11. Acontia luctuosa (the four-spotted). 12. Acontia aprica (the nun). 13. Acontia Solaris (the pale shoulder). 14. Acontia caloris (the marbled beauty). l-'i. Hydrelia uncana (the silver hook). 16. Agrophila sulphuraHs (the spotted sulphur). 17. riydrelia Bankiana (the sUver barred). 18. Erastria venustula (the rosy marbled). 1 9. Erastria minuta of Hiibner. 20. Micra minuta of Haworth (the small marbled). 21. Micra ostrina(.' purpurina) (the purple marbled). 22. Erastria apicosa (the blossom tip). 23. Erastria fuscula (the white spot marbled). 24. The CaterjiiUar. 25. Erastria albiiinea (the white line marbled). Insects. PLATE LIV. 1. Euphasia catena (the Brixton beauty). 2. Phytometra senea (the small purple barred). 3. Acosmetia lutescens (the reddish buff). 4. Acosmetia caliginosa (the dingy). 5. Acosmetia rufa (the small rufous). 6. Acosmetia lineola (the lineated rufous). 7. .\cosmetia arcuosa (the small dotted buff). 240 LIST OF PLATES. pir.. Insects. 8. .Stilbia anoroalata (the anomalous) 9. The Female. 10. Ophiusa lusoria (the black neck). „ 11. The Caterpillar. 12. Acosmetia Morrisii. PLATE LV. 246 I.vsECTS. 1. Mormo Maura (the old lady, or great brown bar). 2. The Caterpillar. 3. Catocala Fraxini (the Clifden nonpareil). 4. The Caterpillar. 5. Catocala nupta (the red underwing). (t. Catocala elocata. Plant. 7. Alnus glutinosa (the common alder). FIG. PAGB PL.\TE LVI. 249 l.N'SECTs. 1. Catocala sponsa (the dark crimson underwing). 2. The Caterpillar. 3. Catocala promissa (the light crimson underwing). 15. The Caterpillar. 4. Catocala coujuncta (the lesser crimson underwing). 5. Brepha Parthenias (the orange underwing). 6. The Caterpillar. 7. Brepha notha (the light orange underwing). 8. The Female. 9. The Caterpillar. iO. Euclidia Glyphica (the Burnet). 11. Euclidia Mi (the Shipton). 12. The Caterpillar. Plant. 13. Quercus pedunculata (common oak). PREFACE. In commencing the study of insects, the order Lcpithpiera, containing the beautiful tribes of Butterflies, Sphinges, and Moths, seldom fails to attract the earliest attention of the naturalist. When first I began to collect insects myself, my rambles in the fields and woods were confined to the day, and in the mid-day sunshine Butterflies were the most conspicuous objects, and to that division consequently my first labours of illustration were directed. But as I became more acquainted with the night-flying tribes of this beautiful class of insects, I became still more interested in the Moths. The British Moths aro not perhaps so gaily coloured as their more gaudy rivals, the butterflies ; but when we consider the splendid sphinges, or twilight fliers, by whicli they aro linked to the day-flying butterflies, they can scarcely bo deemed less beautiful. Indeed, in the larva stage, many moths surpass in their wonderful raiment of velvet and satin, of ermine and sable, jewelled over with gold and silver studs of various metallic tints, anything which the butterfly division can boast ; and the careful portraiture of these truly magnificent caterpillars will form a principal feature in the present work. The gorgeous colouring and texture of the caterpillar frequently disappear in the perfect moth ; but aro replaced by intricate and graceful pencillings, and wonderfully elegant and varied markings, which amply repay the loss of glowing tints. But the moths are infinitely more interesting to the collector on account of their numbers, in which they greatly exceed the butterflies, anil wliich will oblige mo in the present work frequently to give as many as twenty species upon a single plate ; a labour which I shall cheerfully undertake, in order to produce a more complete, and at the same time more accessible work than has hitherto appeared upon the subject ; for in order to make it equally popular and attainable by all classes, it will be published at the same low price as the butterflies, notwithstanding the great increase of labour and expense attendant upon its production. The occupation of forming a collection of moths is more interesting than is the case with butterflies, inasmuch as with the former many ingenious stratagems may be employed with the greatest success ; whilst with the latter, watching for the insect in the broad sunshine, and capturing it by sheer dexterity of hand and speed of foot, is the only practicable mode of operation. Stratagem is certainly much more interesting than this obvious mode of proceeding; for instance, when all appears utterly still in the B ■2 PREFACE. insect world, on a balmy night of summer or autumn, the collector, by placing a light near his open window, may ensure the appearance of a variety of moths ; indeed on a favourable night they will follow each other in almost uninterrupted succession, from dusk to dawn, attracted by the treacherous beacon, to their capture. And how interesting is it to the naturalist to watch the punctuality with which each nightly traveller, or set of travellers, keeps to fixed and stated hours of flight ; every period of the night having its peculiar visitants ; so that a clock of moths may be imagined, as Linnaeus formed a dial of flowers *. Many other methods of attracting moths may be adopted with equal success. A female moth, taken into the fields or woods, which the species is likely to frequent, will generally attract many males to the spot where she is placed. I have known many beautiful specimens of the Emperor moth captured within the short space of half an hour by this method. Mr. Doubleday has recently tried the experiment of bi-ushing a mixture of sugar and water upon the bark of trees where moths are likely to abound, and found the plan perfectly successful, having captured immense numbers this season in that way, many of them of the most rare and beautiful species. And an ingenious collector, by studying nature and closely examining the habits of the insects, may adopt many other modes equally, or perhaps more, successful. 1 had originally intended forming a separate work of the .Sphinges ; but, finding them not sufficiently numerous, I have determined to give them with the Moths, of which work they will occupy a few of the early numbers. H. N. II. October, 1841. * Krom tl,e carlj-i-.xpan.ling convolvulus to tbo evening primrose and niglit-flowering cereus a clock niav I.e furnicd, which would indicate the time Iv the opening of a llowcr, instead of the striking of a hell. BRITISH MOTHS THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. ORDER LEPIDOPTERA. SECTION II.— IIETEROCERA. TiiK distribution of this beautiful order of iusccts into three primary groups, Papilio, Sphinx, and Phalaena, by Linnaeus, whicli correspond with Latreille's sections, Diurna, Crepuscularia, and Nocturna, has been alluded to in the introductory portion of our former volume, in which — as it was at first intended that the first two groups should be comprised therein — it appeared advisable to retain the divisions Crepuscularia and Nocturna whereby the subjects of the first volume would have maintained a nominal distinction from those treated on in the subsequent part of the work. As, however, the plan of the work has been altered so as to comprise the butterflies alone in the first volume, I am enabled with less difficulty to adopt the distribution of M. Boisduval ; by whom the order is divided into only two jiriniary divisions ; the first, or Rhopalocera, composed of the butterflies, or the section Diurna ; and the second, or Ileterocera, comprising both the Crepuscularia and Nocturna, or the hawk -moths (genus Sphinx, Linnanis), and moths (genus Phalajna, Linna>us). On referring to the " Systema Naturaj," we find the fonnation of the antennas and the period of flight to constitute the only distinctive characters to separate the two last-mentioned tribes, the antenna; in Sphinx being attenuated at each extremity, and subprismatical in form, whilst in Phahcna they were described as setaceous, or gradually attenuated from the base to the extremity. The flight of Sphinx, on the other hand, is described as being either in the morning or evening, whilst that of the Phala^na is nocturnal. Now these characters are clearly insufficient to separate the two groups. Many of the species belonging to the Linnrean genus Sphinx, for example, have not prismatical antenna- thickened at the middle, whilst a great number of them fly in the hottest sunshine. Again, many Phahena have antenna similar to those of many Sphinges, and their flight, as every entomological tyro knows, who has ever been out at dusk " motldny" is during the twilight : but the more generalised views entertained by modern naturalists, who found their distributions, not upon an isolated character, but upon the entire character of an animal, derived from all its peculiarities, lead us to the certain conviction that b2 4 BRITISH MOTHS in other and more essential respects, namely in the stnicturo of the mouth, wings, and especially in the trans- formations of the insects composing these two Linn.-can groups, there is still less distinction between them. In other words, the characters employed by Linna-us are thus proved to possess less value than he assigned to them. Acting upon these considerations, Dr. Horsfield and Jlcssrs. Newman and Stephens have respectively proposed plans of arrangement, in which the group Crcpuscularia is retained, and the genus Phatena divided into several primary groups, each of which is regarded as equivalent in value to the Diurna ; Mr. Stephens's groups being named Diurna, Crcpuscularia, Pomeridiana, Nocturna, Semidiurna, and Vespertina. My objection to these arrangements is, that whilst the Diurna constitute an admirably distinct tribe, it is impossible to point out another group similarly defined throughout the order. Looking for a moment at tiie Crepuscularia, or hawk-moths, as thus restricted, we have antcnnje of diversified form ; flight in the hottest sunbeams as well as in the twihght ; wings of varied forms and powers of flight ; proboscis much longer than the body in some, and wanting in others; and transformations various ; whilst it is almost impossible to draw the line of distinction between some of the Smerinthi and certain North American BombycidEB, between Urania and some of the giant Noctuidse, jEgeria and the Ilepialidse, Anthrocera and some Bombycida;. It is, however, more especially amongst the exotic species that we find this difliculty, whore the chain of relation between the Crepuscularia and Arctiidas, as well as other tribes, is almost unbroken. Tiie same remark may be almost as fully made respecting any of the other groups into which the Linnrean Bonibyccs are divided by these authors. I consequently consider it will be more advantageous, at least until we possess more precise materials for a general classification of the order*, to unite the Linna^an Sphinges and Phalcen;e into one primary section — that of the Heterocera, Boisd. — named from the diversified structure of tho antennsB, which are never terminated by a club, like those of the butterflies, but are generally setaceous, filiform, or fusiform; those of the males being, moreover, often furnished with more or less developed lateral, bristle-like a]>pendages forming branches ; the wings are ordinarily furnished with the sprin" and socket apparatus fur retaining them together during flight ; the caterpillars are extremely varied in form, colours, clothing, &c. ; but the jiuikv are generally of a conical form, without angular projections, and they are ordinarily enclosed in a cocoon of varied construction, the quiescent state beincr often undergone in the cround. 3 Oft It will easily be conceived from the preceding remarks, that if the question of the primary divisions of the Lepidoptcra be unsettled, that of the family groups cannot be better determined. As, however, the discussion of these questions would occupy too great a space in the present work, I must refer the student to the second volume of my Introduction to the Jlodern Classification of Insects, in which I have entered upon it at some length. Admitting, as I do, my inability to offer a satisfactory distribution of the Heterocera into primary groups, I have in that work proposed the following series of secondary groups or families, and which I shall adopt in the folowing pages :— 1. Sphingid;e ; 2. Uraniidaj ; 3. Anthroceridaj ; 4. ^Egeriidre ; 5. llepialidif ; 6. Bombycida ; 7. Arctiida- (including the Notodontida; of Stephens) ; 8. Lithosiidre ; 9. Noctuidaj ; 10. Geometridaj ; 11. P\Ta- lida>; 12. Tortricida' ; 13. Yponomcutidaj ; 14. Tineida;; and 15. Alucitida. The second of these families consists entirely of exotic insects, and will require no further notice in the present work. • Mr. Svrainson well observes tliiit " so little lias been done towanls tbe pbilosopbic investigation of tliese groups, tb.it wbilst tlieir genera Lave been multiplied and arc daily multiplying in tbe ailificial systems of tbe day, tbe study of tbeir affinities bas been of late years much neglected." A.\0 TIIKIR TRANSFORMATIONS. FAMILY I. SPHINGID.E. This family (with which 1 unite the Sesiida! * of Jlr. Stephens) comprises the most robust and powerful insects in the order, being generally distinguished by their large size, and the strength and pecidiarity of their hawk-like flight, wlicnce their English name Ilawk-moths. The sjiiral tongue, orniaxlllffi, is often extremel}- long, exceeding the whole body in length in some species ; the antcnnre are jnismatic, and terminated by a minute feather or thread ; the labial palpi are broad and compressed, and closely covered with scales, the terminal joint being generally almost obsolete ; the maxillary palpi arc minute and three-jointed ; the body long, and acute behind ; the wings, especially the hinder pair, small ; the caterpillars naked, cylindrical, and sixtecn-footed, and generally furnished with a dorsal horn near the extremity of the body ; they are also almost invariably ornamented with pale oblique stripes upon the sides of tlie bod}-. They generally descend into the earth to become pupae, which are naked, conical, and often furnished with a detaelied horn, containing the spiral tongue, extending beneath the breast ; this is, however, wanting in those typical species which have the spiral tongue short. The wings are retained in their situation during flight by the spring and socket apparatus. Various modifications occur in the ditferent members of this family, which it will be unnecessary here to mention, as they will be noticed in the account of the different genera. The interesting connexion which exists between the variation in the length of the spiral tongue and the rapidity of iliglit merits attention, depending as it docs on the habit of the insects of extracting the nectareous juices of tube-be:uing flowers by means of their elongated proboscis. The caterpillars of the typical species arc remarkable for the attitude which they ordinarily assume, whence they have obtained the name of .Sphinx, from their supposed resemblance to the figures of that fabulous creature ; others are distinguished for the faculty which they possess of elongating and contracting tlie tlirce anterior segments of the body, giving them somewhat the appearance of the proboscis of an elephant, whence they have obtained the name of Elephant-sphinxes. These and some other of the caterpillars undergo their transformations in a leaf cocoon on the surface of the ground ; the majority, however, descend to a considerable distance into the earth, where they form an oval cell. On casting our eyes over a collection of these insects, it is impossible not to be convinced that the pre-eminent characteristics of the group are to be found in the povi-erful flight and great elongation of the spiral proboscis; indeed the vulgar name of hawk-moths amply proves that the common observation of their habits has fixed upon their most prominent character. Now this jieculiarity does not exist in the death's-head moth, which, although the giant of our British species, cannot on that account alone be regarded as " at the head of this tribe." It is true that Jlr. Swainson (in order to support his fanciful theory, that one of the primary divisions of all groups is " a type of evil,") has found in this insect a fit object for such pre-eminence, as it carries upon its thorax the * Mr. Stepliens estalilisbcd tliis family on account of the tufted abdomen, diurnal flight, and location of tlie cocoon on tlie surface of the ground ; but such characters are too trivial to warrant the establishment of families thereon. Mr. Swainson's family Orthida;, composed ol the elephant hawk-moths, Sesije, JEgeria;, &c., is as artificial a group as could well be devised. g BRITISH MOTHS « si<'n and seal of the symbol which Nature designed it to be " in the figure of the human skull, the emblem of death and of the grave; whilst the " threatening attitudes" of the caterpillars, and the great depth at which they bury themselves in order to become chrysalides (on the way to the infernal regions), form additional claims to the pre-eminental evil character of the family ! We may admire the skill with which this author seizes upon these various circumstances in support of his theory ; but we cannot admit the Sphinx Atropos to be the type of the family, and consequently we must consider the new generic name given to this insect as an advantage, and that the name Sphinx has been correctly retained for the species which represent the family much more naturally than it can be considered as doing. I therefore place the typical genus Sphinx in the middle of the family which is commenced and terminated by less typical species, which exhibit the characters of, and thus point the way to, other groups. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE I. Insects. — Fig. 1. Smerinthus OccUatiis (the eyed Ilawk-motli). 2. Tlie Caterpillrr. 3. The Clirysalis. " Fig. 4. Smciinthus Populi (the popl.ir Hawk-mutli). 5. Tlio Catcrjiillar. 6. Tlie Chrysalis. " Fig. ". Smerinthus Tilia? (the lime Hawk-moth). 8. The Cateq)illar. 9. The Chrysalis. " Fig. 10. A hybrid hctwcen Smerinthus Ocellatus and Saierinthus Populi. iVsNTs. — Fig. II. Pyrus malus (the ^ild apple, or crab-tree). " Fig. 12. Tilia Europa?a (the lime). ** Fig. 13. Populus nigra (the bhack poplar). The insects in this plate are all from fine specimens in the Brilisli Museum. Smerinthus Populi is from a remarkably fine fem.ale specimen, whicli I selected for its size and perfect preservation ; it is lighter in colour than most males, the dark markings of which are generally stronger and less inclined to tawny. The caterpillar and chrysalis are from Godart and HUbner. H. N. II. GENUS I. SxMERINTHUS, Latreille. (LAOTHOE, F.a,bricius). This is a very distinct and natural group, distinguished by the very sluggish habits of the perfect insect, in which the body is short, stout, and conical, the wings moderately long, the anterior angulated or dentatcd along the outer margin j when at rest they form a triangle ; the posterior pair projecting beyond the sides of the upper. The spiral tongue is exceedingly short, being in fact scarcely longer than the palpi, so that the insect is obliged to settle upon flowers to take what little nourishment it requires. The antennaj are but slightly prismatic, being serrated, or rather strongly setose, in the males, whilst in the females they are slender and scaly. The apex does not terminate in a feathered seta. The caterpillars are distinguished at once by their granulated appearance, the entire surface of the body being covered with minute tubercles, arranged in transverse series. The head is also of a conical, or heart-shaped form, the point being upwards ; the body is terminated above by a nearly straight horn ; they enter the ground to undergo the pupa state, which is rough and conical, terminated by an acute point, the head cap being destitute of the prominent tubular case containing the proboscis, which is in fact too short to require any such defence. The flight of the perfect insects is quite unlike that of the typical Sphingidw, being slow and heavy, like that of the Bombycidre. AND TIIKIR TRANSFOKMATIONS. 7 The species of this jrcnus arc few in number, and of moderate size. They appear to bo subject in a remark- able degree to gynandromorphism, a considerable number of instances of this kind having been recorded by different authoi-s, wliich I have collected in a memoir read before the Entomological Society of London ; in which I have also described and figured some very interesting individuals reared by Mr. House, being hybrids between S. ocellatus and S. populi, which are the only instances hitherto recorded of a similar result produced by the forced imion of the sexes of distinct species. One of these is represented in our Plate I, fig. 10, partially exhibiting the dentated margin of the wing, and the reddened base of the hind wings of the latter species, and an incipient eye-like spot, as in S. ocellatus. SPECIES 1.— S.MERINTHUS OCELLATUS. THE EYED IIAWK-MOTH. Plalci. fig. 1— ;i. SvNONYMFS. — Sphiiix occllotus, Linn.THS, Donovan, I5rit. Ins. vol. Sinerinthus ocellatus, Latrcillc. Curtis, Diit. Knt. y\. 462. 8, pi. 269. Albin, pi. 8. Harris, Aurelian, pi. "1, f. a — i. Wilkes, pi. 24. Wood, Inil. Ent. pi. -4, fig. 7. Duncan, Brit. Moths, pi. :!, fig. 1. Spliiiuc salicis, lliibuer, pi. U>, fig. 23. J'iKmias salicis, lliibri. (Vciv,. bck. Sclim.) This handsome insect varies in the expanse of its wings from 21 to nearly 3^ inclies. The fore wings are of a pale rosy ash colour, variegated with chocolate brown, a large patch internally angulated being placed in tlu; middle, and extending to the hind margin ; between this and the extremity of the wings are several undulated brown bars, and the extremity is also brown, the apex itself being pale. The hind wings are of a fine rose-pink colour, gradually shaded off to grey along the margin, and niarlu;d near the anal angle with a large black spot, in which is a pale blue ocellus, the middle being of a slaty black hue. The fore wings have the posterior margin almost entire, with the exception of a rather deep sinus near the hinder angle, giving the wings an angulated appearance ; the hind wings arc also almost entire, with the anal angle slightly produced. The thorax is marked above with a large patch of chocolate brown. The caterpillar is very pale green, with the minute tubercles and eight oblique white bars on each side, while the spiracles are of a rosy brown colour, and the head is bordered with yellow. It chiefly feeds upon the willow and sallow, but is occasionally found on the apple, sloe, peach, and almond. It appears in the autumn, and changes to a chrysalis in September, and the moth bursts forth to life at the end of the following Slay. It is widely distributed throughout England, and is by no means rare ; although in Scotland it is very seldom met with. SPECIES 2.— SMERIXTIIUS POPULI. THE POPLAR HAWK-.MOTH. Plate i. fig. 4—6. SvNONVMEs. — Sphinx Populi, Linna;us, Haworth, Donovan, 7, pi. 241. Albin, pi. 57. Wilkes, pi. 25. Harris, Aurelian, pi. 33, fig. a— g. Smerinthus Populi, Laireillc ; Stephens ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 4, f. 9. Duncan, Brit. Butt. pi. 3, fig. 2. Laolhot Populi, Fabricius, Leach. Polyptychus Populi, Uiibner ( Verz. bek. Schmet.) The expansion of the wings varies from three to nearly four and one-third inches. They are of a pale lilac-grey, with a broad central bar succeeded by several undulated stripes, and the extremity of a greenish-brown, the first being much darker towards the hind margin of the win^s ; the veins, and especially the oblique vein closing the disooidal cell, p.ale whitish ; the base of the hind wings is broadly ferruginous. All the wings have tlie apical margin almost regularly scolloped, and the anal angle of the hind wings is scarcely produced : the thorax and abdomen are entirely of a pale lilacy.grey. The males have the markings of the fore wings generally darker u BRITISH MOTHS o than the females ; others are very pale, and Mr. Curtis mentions a variety in which the hind wings are destitute of the brick-red patch. The catcrpilhir is pale green, very much shagrecncd with minute white tubercles, and having a whitish or pale- yellow line on the anterior segments, and an oblique cue of similar colour upon each of the succeeding segments^ the last of which terminates at the base of the tail. The spiracles and membranous feet are pale red, and frequently each segment is ornamented with a large red spot, and the sides of the head with a narrow yellow line, which meet upon the crown. The caterpillar is found at the beginning of the autumn, and feeds on the willow, poplar, and aspen. It goes underf^round to assume the chrysalis state, which is of a dull-brown colour. Tlie moth appears at the end of June, the middle of August, and even in September ; in the latter case, the specimens have undergone pupation rather earlier than usiKil, whereas the majority pass that state in the vi-intcr. This species is, perhaps, the most abundant of our British Sphingidie. It occurs throughout England and the south of Scotland. It is perhaps on this account that so many instances of gynandromorphism have been observed in individuals of this species, in some of which the wings and antenna; on the right side are male, and those on the left female, as perfectly as if a male and female had been divided lengthways, and the halves of the opposite sexes united. Sl'ECIES 3.— SMERINTHUS TILI^.. THE LIME HAWK-MOTH. Plate i. fig. 7-9. Sysonvmes. — Sphinx Tilite, Linn.-ras ; Ilawortb ; Donovan, vol, , Smerivlhus TiKce, Latreillc, Stephens, Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 4, f. 8. 10. pi. 325. Albin, [d. 10. Wilkes, pi. "23. Harris, Aurclian, pi. Dunean, Brit. Butt. pi. -4, f. 1. 20, fig. a g. Sepp. Ins. V. 1, 2, t. 6. I il/i(ii«s yi/iie, Hiibner (Verz. liek. Sclim.) This h.andsonie species varies from rather more than two to about three inches in the expanse of the wings, of which the anterior have the base and disc of a greyish or rosy grey, the centre being marked with a broad bar formed of two large olive-brown patches ; the extremity of the wing is broadly olivaceous, the apex of the anterior margin being marked with a wliite or pale buff angulated spot ; the hind wings are reddish grey, having broad oblique dull-brown bar towards the outer margin, which terminates in a gradually-blackened spot at the anal angle : the fore wings have the apical margin deeply and irregularly incised ; and there is a deep scollop near the anal angle of the hind wings ; the body is whitish brown or ash-coloured, the thorax having three olivaceous stripes, which meet on the neck. There are several varieties, not only in the ground colour of the wings, but in the size and form of the discoidal patches ; and specimens occasionally occur with markings on the opposite wings dissimilar. The cateriiillar is granulated, and attenuated in front ; of a green colour, with several oblique whitish stripes on each side, margined with reddish or yellow in front ; the tail is of moderate length, and there is a granular protuberance over the anus ; the head, also, is comparatively small. The chrysalis is reddish brown and rough ; it is found underground. This species is found in the neighbourhood of lime-trees and elms, upon which the caterpillar chiefly feeds ; it is, however, occasionally found on the alder, birch, and oak, appearing in this state at the end of the summer, and the moth coming forth in the following May, but sometimes not until July and August. Il is comparatively rare ; although not unfrequcntly found near London : it seems, however, to become very uncommon in the north of England, and not to occur at all in Scotland. A.\n THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE II. Insects.— Fig. 1. Aohcrontia Atropos (the ilcith's-Iicad Ilawk-motli). 2. The Catcq)iUar. 3. The Chrys.ilis. PiANT8. — Fig. 4. Jasmimnn officinale (the common jasmine or jessamine). *' Fig. 5. Solanum dulcaroara (the bittersweet or woody nightshade). The insect figured in this plate is from a very large specimen in the British Museum. I h.avc represented the larva feeding upon the Solanum dulcaaiam, as an indigenous British plant nearly allied to the potato, whicli is its favourite food, but which, being an imported plant, I did not consider so appropriate in tlie present work. I have, however, varied the plate with another plant, which, though also imported, is much more omamental than the potato ; this is the Jasminum ofTicin-ile, upon which the larva! are not unfrcquently found. The larva is from the excellent 6guro of Godart. 11. N. H. ACHERONTIA, Ociisentieimer. (BRACHYGLOSSA, Boisduval.) This genus is not only distinguished by the skull-like markings upon the back of the thorax, but also by several other peculiarities, amongst which are the gigantic size, very robust and obtuse body, tlio broad entire wings, with the anal angle of the hind pair produced into a lobe, the short thick antennm hooked at the tip, and terminated by a hairy seta, and especially the shortness of the spiral tongue, which docs not exceed the head in length ; the double band upon the hind wings is a character it possesses in common with Sphinx. The gigantic caterpillar also diScrs in having the horn at the extremity of the body deflexcd and tubercular, with the tip curved upwards. The chrysalis is buried deep in the earth ; its tongue-case is not exserted, and the surface is not covered with minute asjjeritics. There are several species of this genus which are distributed over the greater part of the globe, one only of which, the largest, is found in this country, to which Linnajus, keeping up his fanciful system of specific nomenclature, applied the name of one of the Fates, in allusion to its skull-like markings. SPECIES 1.— ACHERONTIA ATROPOS. THE DEATH'S-HEAD, OR BEE TIGER HAWK-MOTH. Plate ii. Schm.) Curtis, B. E. pi. 14/. Wood, Ind. Ent. t. -1, f. 10. Duncan, Brit. Moths, pi. 5. SvNONYMES. — Sphiju: Atropos, Linnaeus, ITaworth, Donovan, vol. 9, pi. 289 and 290. Albin,pl. 6. Wilkes, pi. 19. Harris, Aurelian, pi. 37. Swainson. | Brachyglossa Atropos, Boisduval. Acherontia Atropos, Ochscnheimcr, Stephens, Ilubuer (Viiv.. bek. | This magnificent insect varies in the expanse of its wings from foiu- to considerably more than five inches. The upper pair are of a very dark brown colour, varied with black, especially towards the base, near which is an undulated bar of pale ochre ; the disc is vaincd with deep black undulated lines, and ferruginous patches, minutely irrorated with white, of which colour there is a central spot and several wavy connected bars beyond the middle, towards the costa. The hind Avings are fulvous orange, with a narrow central and a broader dentated bar running parallel with the hinder margin. The head and thorax are brownish black, the latter with a large, pale, skuU-like mark on the back ; the abdomen is fulvous, with the incisures of the segments black, and a lead-coloured stripe dowTi the back. The caterpillar is at first dirty red, but afterwards becomes yellowish green, granulated with minute black tubercles on the back, with seven oblique stripes on the side, meeting on the back, the last of which extends to the base of the tail ; these stripes are blue anteriorly, and white posteriorly, with a purple tint in the centre. It c 10 BRITISH MOTHS chiefly feeds upon the flowers and leaves of the potato and jasmine, but is occasionally found on other plants, as the woody nightshade, thorn-apple, elder, spindle-tree, &c. It is but rarely seen, as it feeds by night, concealing itself in the day under the leaves and in the earth. It is full-grown in August and September, when it descends to a considerable depth under-ground to undergo its transformations, which, unlike those of the majority of the family, (and rendered more singular by the size of the insect,) are efi"ected in a few weeks ; the moth appearing at the end of September or beginning of October. Previously to the moth being hatched, the pupa has been observed by Sir. Curtis to eject some moisture from the two spiracles in front of the thorax, and when it bursts forth the antennte and limbs are enveloped in a thin pellicle, like tissue-paper, which prevents them from adhering, and which drops oft' as they expand ; the wings attaining their full size in a couple of hours. The large size of the insect, its singularly-marked thorax, and the peculiar noise it emits, have rendered it an object of terror with the vulgar, by whom it has been regarded with dread as the harbinger of pestilence and forerunner of death. Latreille tells us that it appeared one year in Brittany in great numbers, and as at this period an epidemic malady was raging with much violence, the mortality was attributed by the ignorant to this harmless moth. Much discussion has taken place relative to the mode in which the squeaking sound mentioned above is produced, and which is emitted by both sexes when alarmed, but at present no satisfactory conclusion has been obtained upon the subject. An interesting memoir has recently been published in the " Annales de la Society Entomologique de France" for 1839, detailing a series of observations made in conjunction, with a view to the determination of the question, by Messrs. Duponchel, sen. and jun., Anbe, Boisduval, Pierret, and Rambur. Reaumur attributes the sound to the friction of the proboscis against the palpi, and the inner surface of the second joint of the latter organs exhibits a peculiar structure, not unfitted for the propagation of such a sound. M. dc Johet, however, having deprived a specimen of its proboscis and palpi, found that the noise was still produced, especially when the wings were put in motion ; he accordingly considers that this motion acting upon the air contained beneath the scales of the front of the thorax, is the cause of the sound ; more especially as a specimen when deprived of these scales was mute. Another observer, M. Lorey, conceived that he had detected the cause in the rushing of the air through two trachea3 at the base of the abdomen, which, in repose, are concealed beneath two pencils of hairs, and which are dilated into a star when the noise is produced *. M. Passerini considered that the sound was produced in tlie interior of the front of the head, being emitted from a cavity which communicates with the canal of the proboscis, and in which are placed the requisite muscles for the elevation and depression of this organ, the former movement causing the air to enter into, and the latter to expel it from the cavity — in fact the noise was continued although both the proboscis and abdomen were cut oft", whereas it entirely ceased when the muscles were either cut tlu'ough or traversed by a strong pin thrust vertically into tlie head. More recently, M. Goureau {Annales, 1837) has suggested that the sound is produced by the apparatus described by M. Lorcy ; but that as the apertures in question are not perforated (thus not being spiracles) the sound must be produced in a manner analogous to that of the Cicadw. All these suggestions have been proved by the experiments of the committee of French Lepidopterists, mentioned above, to be without foundation. That of * M. Alex. Norilmann, unacquainted with the researches of M. Lorey, adopted the same opinion, iu a memoii' read before the Academy of Sciences at St. Petersburgh on the 8th of December, 1 H37. AND TIIKIR TRANSFORMATIONS, H R6aumur was at once disproTcd by unrolling tlic maxillre, and holding the palpi apart with a pin ; yet the noise was still produced — so also by strongly compressing the root of the proboscis with pliers, so as to prevent the passage of air, the opinion of JI. Passerini was shown to be untenable. Again, by holding the -wings close to the body, and preventing their action upon the frontal scales, the suggestion of M. de Johet is disproved, because at such time the insect cries loudest ; the scales remaining perfectly motionless at the time. The observations of Messrs. Loroy and Goureau are in like manner disproved by the action of the apparatus at the base of the abdomen not being always accompanied by the cry ; moreover both sexes produce the sound ; whereas the apparatus in question onlj' exists in the male — and not only in this, but in otlier species of Sphingidse which are mute. On a subsequent occasion Jf. Duponchel jun. was led to believe that the sound was caused by the friction of the prothorax against the mesothorax ; and M. Goureau, {Annalcs, 1838,) that it was by the air passing through the prothoracic spiracles, which are large, and placed on a small protuberance. The last- mentioned author (who has published an elaborate memoir on the sounds of insects) has still more recently {Annales, 1840) suggested that the cry of this insect is analogous to that made by the Hymenoptera and Diptera, which ho terms " piaulement," caused by the vibrations of the thorax put in motion by its strong muscles, and which gives an impulse to the wings, when their action is complete ; and that it is moreover probable that the action of the scales upon the mesothorax contributes to the noise which (unlike that of the Orthoptera and Cicada?, but like that of certain Hymenoptera) consists of a union of two sounds, one acute, produced by the vibration of the thoracic segments, and the other by the action of the scales in the mesothorax. This suggestion may be easily verified by those who have an (>pportunity, by holding the insect carefully in the fingers so as to perceive whether there be an)^ decided motion altering according to the strength of the cry. Considering that the insect has now become by no means uncommon in this country, it is not very creditable to our English collectors that no one among them has attempted the solution of the (juestion. The only original observation made upon the subject in this country is one I am now enabled to jjublish, upon the authority of 3Ir. Raddon, namely, that the insect is able to produce the sound before quitting the pupa case. Another peculiarity connected with the history of this moth consists in its attacking bee-hives, ravaging the honey, and dispersing the inhabitants. It is singular that a creature with only the advantage of size should dare, without sting or shield, singly, to attack in their strongholds these well-armed and numerous people ; and still more singular, that amongst so many thousands of bees it should always contend victoriously. Huber, who first noticed the fact, asks, " May not this moth— the dread of superstitious people— also exercise a secret influence over insects, and have the fiiculty, cither by sound or some other means, of paralysing their courage ? May not such sounds as inspire the vulgar with dread bo also the dread of bees ? " He also states that he was witness to the curious fact that some bees, as if expecting their enemy, had barricaded themselves by means of a thick wall of propolis and wax, completely obstructing the entrance of the hive, but penetrated by passages for one or two workers at a time ; thus instructing us, that at the period when the moth appears, when also wasjis and robber bees attack the hive, it is advantageous to narrow the entrances to it so as to prevent the depredations of these obnoxious insects. The species appears to be distributed over the greater part of England and Scotland, and many specimens are annually obtained by labom-crs when employed in getting up potatoes : this is a better plan of procuring specimens than by feeding the caterpiUars, because, although they thrive well and change to chrysalides, it is difficult to c 2 .a BRITISH MOTHS obtain thorn in the perfect state, gcneraUy dying during their pupation. « Perhaps," observes Mr. Haworth, " in a state of nature they perform their extraordinary metamorphoses deeper in the ground, and consequently in a moistcr and more equal temperature, than most other species of Lcpidoptera ; and if so, the cause of their perishing in our breeding-cages is undoubtedly owing to their having in these cages too scanty and dry a soil." I have known fine specimens reared by feeding the caterpillars upon potatoes growing in i)ots in the open air, plunged in the earth, and the plant covered with gauze. Many instances are recorded of the insect having been captured on board ship, at a considerable distance from land. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE III. Insects. — Fig. 1. Sphinx Convolvuli (tlic convolvulus, or unicoru H:iwk-motli). 2. The Caterpillar. 3. The Chrysalis. " Fig. 4. Sphinx Ligustri (the privet Hawk-moth). 5. The Caterpillar. 6. The Chrysalis. " Fig. 7. Sphinx pinastri (tlic pine Hawk-moth). 8. The Caterpillar. 9. Tlie Chrysalis. PiANis. — Fig. 10. Convolvulus arvensis (the small bindweed). " Fig. 11. Ligustrum vulgare (the common privet). " Fig. 12. Abies communis (the spruce-fir). The insects arc all from the collection of the British Museum. The Caterpillars are from Hiibncr. H. N. H. SPHINX, LIXN.EUS. SPECTRUM, Scopoli. This genus in its restricted state comprises numerous species, distinguished by their elongate, conical bodies destitute of a tuft at the extremity, the more elongated entire wings, the extreme length of the spiral tongue, the long and slender antenniB, hooked at the tip, and terminated by a long and slender hairy bristle. The caterpillars are large, and generally smooth, with oblique, lateral stripes, and a curved, smooth horn at the extremity of the body. The pupa; arc distinguished by having the proboscis detached, and forming an arched appendage beneath the breast. The transformations are undergone in the earth. The perfect insects are of large size, with the abdomen generally banded with diflferent colours. Several species are recorded as natives of this country, on the authority of single specimens, which were in all probability brought from North America, — the real habitat of the species — in the preparatory states. SPECIES ].— SPHINX CONVOLVULI. THE UNICORN OR CONVOLVULUS HAWK-MOTH. PLateiii. fig. 1—3. SvNoNvMEs.— .syiinx Convolvuli, Linnaeus, Donovan, Brit. Ins. vii., plates 228, 229. Haworth, Stephens, Wilkes, plates 20, 21. Harris Aureliau, pi. 21, fig. a^d. Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 4, f. 11. Duncan, Eiit. Moths, pi. 6. This fine species measures from four to nearly five inches in the expansion of its fore wings, which are of a greyish-ashy colour, with darker clouds and with a number of slender, black, straight as well as zigzag lines scattered over the surface ; the hind wings are paler, with four black bars, the two middle ones bein^ more confluent together, and the outer one parallel with the hind margin of the wing. The fringe of all the winos is white interrupted with brown. PL 3 ^'-^t,''fi v'- --, It!' AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 13 The head is ash-coloured, with the spiral tongue extremely long, the eyes very largo, the thorax dark ash-coloured, with obscure black streaks, the scutellum is bordered on each side with a black crescent, the abdomen is also dusky-ash ; the sides of each of the four basal segments are ornamented with a rosy bar, preceded by a white bar at the base, and succeeded by the black edge of each segment ; these colours being interrupted in the middle of the back, the sixth segment is destitute of the rosy colour. The feet are ash-coloured, with whitish rino-s. The antenna; and underside of the body are of a dirty-white colour, the latter with two black patches in the middle of the abdomen. The colours of the wings vary in being much darker, ashy, clouded with black, and in the rosy patches at the sides of the abdominal segments being brighter coloured. This is considered by Jlr. Haworth as indicating a diversity in the sex of such specimens ; and Mr. Stephens states that the female differs in having the fore wings less clouded, and the posterior of a darker colour. The caterpillar varies greatly in its colours, being, however, generally green, spotted with black, and with yellow oblique stripes in the side ; it is, however, sometimes entirely brown, with the back darker (probably when about to undergo its transformations), and sometimes the stripes at the sides are black. The spiracles are either pink or black, and the caudal horn is dark coloured. It usually feeds on the species of bindweed, especially Convolvulus Sepium ; and is to be found towards the end of the summer. It, however, conceals itself during the day, and enters the earth, where it also becomes a rich brown pupa, with the tongue-case long and curved, about the end of July, the moth appearing in September and October. Occasionally, however, the moth does not come fortli till May or June, the caterpillars not having been fully grown till a later period than usual. The species is certainly not of common occurrence, although it occurs in all parts of England, extending to the northern parts of Scotland. A number of localities, from Penzance to Caithness, are given by Mr, Stephens. SPECIES 2.— SPHINX LIGUSTRI. THE PRIVET HAWK-MOTH. Plate iii. fig. 4— G. Synonvmes. Sphin.r Ligustri, Linnxus; Haworth; Donovan, 8, I Wood, Ind. Ent. tal). 4, f. 12: Duncan, Brit. Motlis, pi. i, fig. 2. pi. 284 ; Albin, pi. 7 ; Wilkes, pi. 22 ; Harris Aureliaii, pi. 2, f. a — h ; I I.ethia Ligustri, Iliilmer ( Vcrz. Ijck. Schmett.). This is one of the handsomest and, at the same time, least rare species in the family, varying in the expansion of its winf^s from three and a half to nearly five inches. Tiie fore wings are of an ashy colour, with tlie base pale and slightly tinted with rose colour, and having a large dark patch along the inner margin, extending nearly from the base to the tip, and further marked with slender black lines running longitudinally between the veins of the wings ; along the extremity of this dark patch runs a waved, ashy, and black stripe, and there is a slender wavy line of a whitish colour running parallel with the outer margin. The hind wings are of a pale rosy colour, darker towards the base, with three black bands ; the first, narrow and short, near the base, and the two others, broader, and running parallel with the extremity of the wing ; the fringe is uniformly greyish-brown. The hind part of the head and the sides of the thorax are of an ashy- white, but' the back of the latter is black, posteriorly irrorated with grey ; the sides of the abdomen are of a rich pinkish-red colour, interrupted by black bars, and with a broad dorsal ashy bar, along the middle of which runs a darker line. The under side of the body is pale ashy, with a black line along the centre of the belly. ., BRITISH MOTHS T!.c caterpillar, ^vliicl. feeds on the privet, lilac, elder, ash, &c., is green, with the caudal horn black above and yellow beneath, and seven oblique stripes on the sides of purple and white ; on each side of the head is a strong black mark, and the spiracles arc orange. The young caterpillars, when first hatched, have the tails remarkably long, and the bodies very rugose, but they become smooth at the final moulting. By the end of August or the middle of September they are full- grown, and become of a dirty-red colour, when they descend into the earth, where they change into a dark brown chrysalis, with the extremity slightly bifid, and the tongue-case straight. The motli appears in the following June and July. Sometimes, however, the insect will remain two and even three years in the chrysalis state, and then become winged as perfectly as if it had appeared at the ordinary period. This fine species is widely distributed throughout England, and is by no means of unconinion occurrence, the caterpillars being easily detected when feeding upon fruit hedges, by the large pellets of excrement observed on the ground. It is much rarer in Scotland. This insect has afl'orded Jlr. G. Newport the materials for one of the most celebrated anatomical Memoirs which has ever been published upon the internal structure of the annulose animals. SPECIES 3.— SPHINX PINASTRI. THE PINE HAWK-MOTH. Plate iii. fig. 7—9. Synokymks Sphin-v Pitiasiri, Linn.xus ; Donovan 9, pi. '-96 ; H.iwortli ; Sti'phcns ; Curtis ; AVood, Ind. Etitom., lab. 4. fij;. 13; Duncan, Brit. Jlotlis, plate 7, fig. 1 ; Sepp. Vol. 1, tab. 5 ; Hiibncr, tab. 13, f. C7; Paraciy F. I. G. 82, 22. Drury, Ins. 1, pi. 27 fig. 2. Jlyloecus PiitastTt, ITulmcr (Verz. bck. Sclim.). This very rare species varies from three to three and a h.ilf inches in the expansion of its fore wings, which are of an ashy colour, slightly undulated with darker shades, and marked in the middle of the disc with three unequal-sized black lines, another oblique dusky lino extending from the apex ; tlie hinder wings are pale ashy at the base, becoming of a browner hue along the outer margin, the fringe being grey, alternately clouded with dusky ; the thorax is grey, with a broad dark lateral band on each side, followed by a white line ; the abdomen is banded with black and white, interrupted in the middle by a broad ashy longitudinal stripe, along the middle of which runs a dark line. The catei-pillar is entirely yellow in its first skin ; in the second, green with yellow stripes ; in the third, deeper green, with three longitudinal lemon-yellow lines on each side ; and finally of a rich green, with a ferruginous dorsal line, and a lateral yellow one — the head ochraceous in front, with brown lines ; the first segment of the body yellow, spotted with black ; and the caudal horn, which at first was straight, becomes curved and black. The clurysalis is dark brown, changing to maroon ; the tongue-sheath is short. The insect passes this state in the ground, or under moss, through the winter. This species is attached (as its n.ame implies) to the pine and pineaster, and is consequently found in the great forests in Germany, and other parts of Continental Europe, in considerable numbers, whereas in this country, where the growth of that tree is comparatively rare, the insect is of the greatest rarity — the only English localities being Colney Hatch wood and the neighbourhood of Esher. Other specimens, however, are stated by Mr. Stephens to have been taken in llivclstono wood, near Edinburgh, by Mr. Wilson and Dr. Leach : but this is denied by Mr. Duncan, whose opportunities for obtaining correct information lead us to adopt his statement. AND THEIR TUANSFORMATIONS. 15 Sphinx Cingulata, Fabr., (Sph. Druraji, Donovan, Brit. Ins. Vol. 14, pi. 4(1!) ; Curtis, Stephens ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 53, f. 24, figured by Abbot and Smith under the name of Convolvuli var.), is an American species, closely allied to the Convolvulus Hawk-moth, and has been several times captured alive in the neighbourhood of London. Its wings are clouded with ashy and brown, the fore ones with two central small stripes, and several lines of black, the posterior rosy, with three black bands, the abdomen ashy, with alternate black and rosy lateral bars. The expansion of the wings is from nearly three to nearly three and a half inches. The caterpillar feeds on the Convolvulus Batatas. Sphinx Carolina, Linn:eus (Haworth ; Curtis, Brit. Entom. 5, pi. 19.5 ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 5.3, f. 22), is another North American species, which has been several times taken in this country. Its wings are varied with brown and ashy, and with several slender zig-zag streaks ; the hind wings pale brown, with three black bars ; the middle one formed of two subconfluent ones ; and the outer one acutely dentate ; the abdomen brown, with five or six large orange spots on each side, edged with brown. The expansion of the wings is four and two- third inches. The caterpillar is green, with white oblique stripes on the sides, and a pink tail. It feeds on the tobacco and potatoe. Sphi.\x tiUiNQUE-MACnLATUs, Ilawortli (Curtis; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 53, f. 23; Spk. Carolina, Donov., XI. pi. 361), is another North American species, which has not only been captured in the perfect state in this country, but has been reared from the caterpillar, found near Leeds ; its wings are clouded with ashy and brown ; the posterior having four bands ; the two middle ones confluent ; and tlic outer one entire ; the abdomen with four large orange spots on each side, margined with brown. The expansion of the wings is four inches and two-thirds. Sphinx plebeia, described by Fabricius as a native of the islands of America, and by Dr. Harris as inhabiting the southern parts of the United States, has also been introduced as a doubtful native species, several specimens having been found in old English collections, where it is supposed they were placed by mistake for Sph. Pinastri : the wings are grey, with a central white s])ot, and several rather indistinct black lines ; the hind wings light brown, with darker bands; the abdomen grey, with a black dorsal line; the sides white, margined with black ; the expansion of the wings is rather more than three inches. It is figured by Wood, Ind. Ent., tab. 53, tig. 25. Sphinx pcecila, Stephens (lUustr. H. 1, 122 ; Wood, Ind. Ent. tab. 53, fig. 26), is another species, of which a single specimen is contained in the collection of the Zoological Society, lately belonging to N. A. Vigors, Esq., obtained from Sir, Wilkins' cabinet, in which it was also placed as Sph. Pinastri. It is two and three-quarter inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which are rather acute, hoary, clouded with brown, a white spot on the disc, and several longitudinal and oblique black lines ; the hind wings brown, with a broad pale fascia, and the sides of the abdomen spotted with black. Mr. Stephens does not hesitate to regard it as an exotic insect. 26 BRITISH MOTHS GENUS IV. DEILEPHILA * Ochsenheimer. The spiral tongue of tliis genus is considerably smaller in size than in the preceding ; the abdomen shorter, and more acute at the tip ; the wings comparatively shorter, the anterior ones not having the tips produced into an acute subfalcate point ; the hinder margin slightly, but regularly, rounded, and the hinder angle obtuse and not rounded off as in the next genus ; the hind wings are also broader than in the latter ; the antennae are rather short, and vcjy clavate at the tips, which are terminated by a hook, ending in a very slender hair ; the spiral tongue is much shorter than in the preceding genus. The abdomen is only marked with interrupted dark fascife at the base, the other segments having only slender pale lateral bands. The chief character of the genus, however, as distinguished from the following, with which it has been generally united, consists in the peculiar form of the larva, which has the sides of the body elegantly marked with pale spots of different size, and in not having the anterior segments retractile ; the caudal horn is short and rugose ; and the pupa state is passed at a short distance beneath the surface of the ground. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE IV. Insects. — Fig. I. Dcilepliila Euphorbia; (the spotted Hiwk-motli). 2. Tlic Caterpillar. 3. The Chrysalis. " Fig. 4. Deilephila Galii (the madtler Uawk-motb). 5. The CaUrpiUar. " Fig. 6. Deilephila liueala (the rayed Hawk-moth). 7. The Caterpillar. 8. The Chrysalis. Tlists. — Fig. 9. Euphorbia Paralias (sea-spurge). " Fig. lu. Galium verum (the yellow lady's-bedstraw). " Fig. 11. Galium Mollugo (wild madder). The insects in this plate are all three from specimens in the British Museum. The caterpillar and chrysalis of D. Galii are from the beautiful plate of Fiicssly, who has given an excellent representation of the insect in its three stages. H. N. H. SPECIES 5.— DEILEPHILA EUPHOKBIiE. THE SPOTTED HAWK-MOTH. Plate iv. fig. 1—3. Ent., Vol. 1, pi. 3 ; Wood, Ind. Eut., pi. 4, fig. 14 ; Duncan, Brit. Moths, pi. 8. Hyles Euphorbia, Hubner (Verz. bek. Schmett.). SYN0NY51E. — Sphinx Euphorbice, Linnajus ; Haworth ; Douovan, Vol. 3, pi. 91. 92 ; Harris Aurelian, pi. 44, fig. a — c ; Drury, Ins. l,pl.29, f. 3. Deilephila Euphorbia, Ochsenheinicr ; Stephens ; Curtis, Brit. This beautiful species generally measures about three inches in the expansion of the fore wings, the ground coloiu- of which is greenish brown, having a broad livid stripe, extending from the base of the inner edge to the tip, the anterior portion of which has a rosy tint, but is very iiTegular in its outline, a large patch of the ground colour beiug near the base, and another near the middle of the wing ; the outer margin of the wintr is also bordered with a dusky or livid rosy hue ; the base of the wings has a white patch, and the inner margin * This generic name is derived from the Greek SeiA?;, the evening, and ipi\4w, to love, in allusion to the twilight flight of the insects ; the name Smcrinthus is evidently from an^puiBos pro ix^pivBos, a thread ; but I do not perceive the alhision ; (this name is prior to Dalmau's generic name Dilina, Swed. Trans. 1816 ;) and Acheroutia is a fanciful name, retaining the allusion to the specific name of the Fate, Atropos, the river Acheron leading to the infernal regions. PL4 AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. I 7 lias a slender edge of white ; the liind wings are darker rose-coloured, having the base, and a bar running parallel with the hind margin, black. The head and thorax are dusky olive-green, with the sides whitish ; the hind part of the latter paler ; the two basal segments of the abdomen with a black patch on each side, and the remainino- segments margined at the sides with white. The tint of the livid or rosy portion of the wings is very variable, as well as the width of the submarginal fascia of the hind wings. The females have the hind wings more strongly marked with black than the males. The caterpillars, when full grown, are as handsome as the perfect insect, being then of a black colour, with a vast number of minute whitish raised spots arranged transversely in rows, and with a large pale yellow spot on each side of each segment, beneath which is a smaller one ; whilst the head, a dorsal stripe, the base of the caudal horn, a spot on each side of each joint above the feet, and the prologs, are bright red : when first hatched, however, they are dark black, subsequently gaining the red head, tail, and spots. They feed upon Euphorbia Cyparissias and Paralias (the cypress-leaved and sea spurge), but will not touch some of the other species of the genus. The chrysalis is of a light ochre-brown colour, with the wing-cases somewhat elongated. In the time of Dmry, this insect had not been ascertained to be a native of this country ; and Moses Harris figured the moth which he had reared fr6m a French pupa, together with the larva of the next species, which he considered to be that of the present insect. Mr. Ilaworth, however, gave Devonshire as the locality of this species, in which county it has been discovered by William Raddon, Esq., the celebrated engraver, by whom a beautiful series of figures of the insect in all its states, and an interesting account, has been published in the Entomological Magazine. The caterpillars feed upon the sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias), which grows in plenty on the sand hills in the neighbonrhood of Barnstaple and Braunton Burrows. These sand hills are of great extent, and, as suggested by Mr. Curtis, must have been collected by the winds and storms to which tliey ai-e constantly exposed. During the winter, the whole soil is frequently removed, so as completely to alter the surface of the country ; a great number of the pupa; (which are ordinarily found at a short distance below the surface) must consequently be destroyed, or buried at a considerable distance below it, where they probably lie hid until they are brought to light and life by the influence of the elements, and another change of the surface. • These circumstances account for the great irregularity in the appearance of the insects. In 1814, for instance, they were so plentiful that Mr. Raddon found not less than one hundred minute larv» upon an armful of spurge, which he had cut at dusk the preceding evening. The rarity of the insect is also increased by the conspicuous appearance of the caterpillars, which renders them an easily discovered prey to marine birds, and by the difficulty of rearing them ; the late ]\Ir. Fuseli, the Royal Academician, who was a most zealous entomologist *, having been able to obtain only a single moth from twenty pupa?. The larvEe are full-grown in September, and the moth appears in the following June. The caterpillars have also been taken near Coventry. Sometimes the pupcB remain unchanged for two seasons — a wise provision of Nature, to prevent the destruction of tlie entire brood. * Mr. Raddon tells us that Fuseli once eluded him for apathy, and concluded by saying, " When I was of yourage, I often went at two or three o'clock in the morning into the corn-fields and woods to collect for my brother, and many of the insects figured by him (in liis Archives) were from my drawings ; " and to show that his enthusiasm was not quite lost in the decline of his life, he adds that, on the conclusion of his last lecture, and when descending the rostrum, Fuseli S!iid to Mr. Cooper, the R.A., who is also an enthusiastic entomologist, and who liindly offered his. assistance, "X thank you; O, is it you, Cooper? well, where is Raddon? Has he taken Atropos?" He was then upwards of eiirhty. ly BRITISH MOTHS SPECIES 2.— DEILEPHILA GALII. THE SCARCE SPOTTED HAWK-MOTH. PUitc iv. fig. 4 — 5. 12, f. 2 ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 4, f. 15 ; Duucan, Brit, llotbs, pi. 7, f. 2. Hyles Gain, Iltibnci- (Vcrz. bck. Schm.) SvNON\Mi!s.— i>Atn.c Gain, Hulincr, S|ihiiig. pi. 12, fig. 64; H.iworth, Em. Tmns., 1, pi. 4; Hairis, Aurcliun, pi. 44, fig. b (rolcipillar) ; Dc Gcer, Ins. 1, pi. 8. Deilephila Gn/ii, Ocbscnhciiiicr ; Lcacli ; Stepbcus, II. H. I, pi. This si)ccies is very closely allied to D. Eiipliorbiie, and is with difficulty discriminated from that beautiful species, although unquestionably distinct. The exjiansion of the fore wings is three inches or rather less ; and their "round-colour is dark brown, tinged with olive or green, having a somewhat broad irregular bar of a pale yellowish colour, extending from near the base of the inner margin to the apex ; two branches of the same colour extend from the front edge of this bar, and run obliquely towards the costa. The apical margin is ashy, the inner edo-e of this colour being irregular ; a fine white edging extends along the inner margin of the wing. There is also a white and a black spot at the base of each wing, the latter bordered with white, and a small discoidal patch of long whitish hairs. The hind wings are clouded with bright rosy-red, with the base, and a bar running parallel with the hinder margin, black. The head and thorax are dark brown, slightly margined with white at the sides; and the latter is i)aler behind. The abdomen is brown, with two black bars at the base, interrupted in the middle, and succeeded by white bars of the same extent ; there are also several similar white bars, but more indistinct, near the extremity of the body. Along the middle of the back is a row of small white dots, by which the species is at once distinguished from D. Euphorbia", as well as the deeper, more terminal, and blacker band, near the margin of the under wing ; but more especially by the broad dusky border of all the wings beneath, which in D. Euphorbi;e arc not bordered at all. The antenna are brown, with the tips white ; and the under side of the thorax and abdomen is tinged with green. The caterpillar is of an olive-green colour, with a yellow dorsal line, and a row of yellow pear-shaped spots, bordered with black on each side of each segment. The sjiiracles are yellow, and there is a line of the same colour above the legs; of which latter the fore ones are black, and the pro-legs flesh-coloured. It feeds on several species of Galium, such as the wild madder (G. mollugo), the yellow lady's-bedstraw (G. verum). This is a very rare species in this country. The earliest recorded instance of its occurrence is given by Harris in the Aurclian, in which he has figured the caterpillar, which was found at Barns-Cray, Kent. He, however, mistook it fur that of D. Euphorbice. Mr. Haworth possessed a specimen from the cabinet of Captain Lindegren ; but he also, like Linnrous, long mistook it for a variety of S. Euphorbias. He, however, figured it as distinct in the Entomological Transactions ; having been informed that Colonel Montague, the distin- guished ornithologist, had taken the larvre of both species in Devonshire, from which he had succeeded in rearing the moths. Other instances have been recorded of its capture in Cornwall and Devonshire, as well as in the ncighbourhoiid of London, tlie Isle of Wight, near Warwick and Worcester, Twizel N. B., Cum Wheaton, Cumberland; Cramond, near EJinburgh. ]\Ir. II. Doubleday also took it, very early in the morning, in August, 18.31, hovering over the flowers of Argemone grandiflora. On the Continent it appears widely dis- tributed, although most abundant in latitudes south of Paris, being rare near the last-named city. AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 19 SPECIES a— DEILEPHILA LIVORNICA. THE STRIPED HAWK-MOTH. Plate iv. fig. 0—8. SvKoriYiiF.s.—Acnpitnna Lwomica, I'ctiver, Gnz. pi. 12, f. 9. i Sphiii.v Kocliliiii, Fuesslys Archiv., pi. 4. Sphinx Livornica, lliibntr, Spliing. pi. 12, f. 15. Deilephila lincaln, Oclisenheimcr ; Curtis (Ut edit.); Slqili., 11. Deilephila Livornica, Curtis, Brit. Ent. No. 1, 2*1 edit. p. 3 verso ; Stephens, Calal. ; AVood, Ind. Ent. t. 4, f. IfJ, Phryxus Livornica, llubner, Veiz. bek. Schmett. H. 1, pi. 12, f. I ; Duncan, Brit. Moths, p. 1.52, (but not tlie Sphin.t lincata of Fabricius and Donovan, which is the Sphinx Daucus of Cramer, and which is figured by Woud in tlie liid. Ent. t. 53, f. '-'7.) This handsome species is equally rare with the preceding. The expansion of its fore wings is 3^ inches ; their u]iper surface is of an olive brown colour, with a rather broad pale stripe extending across the wing from near the base of the inner margin to the tip ; a whitish stibtriangular discoidal spot in the middle, and another beyond the middle, indicate the oblique short subcostal bars of the preceding species ; the apical margin is ashy. This species is, however, strikinglj' distinguished by having the veins of the wings forming slender whitish streaks. The hind wings are pale rosy-pink, with the base and a submarginal fascia black ; the anal margin being clothed with white hairs. The head and thorax are olive-brown, margined with white ; the latter with two short white dorsal streaks, and the hind part paler. The abdomen is much more varied than in the two preceding species ; a pale narrow line running down the back, intersecting the small white patches (margined with black in the middle of each segment at the base) ; the sides of the abdomen being also ornamented with large white patches, spotted at the base with black. Tiie .antenna' are brown, tijiped with white. Tiie caterpillar is of an olive-green or yellow tint, spotted with black ; the head, a stripe down the back, two rows of lateral spots, and the tail rose-coloured above, but black beneath ; the belly white, and a longi- tudinal line on each side below the spiracles pale yellow. It feeds on the lady's bed-straw, the Sonchus arvensis, and the common vine. It is full-fed at the end of July, and the moth appears at the end of August. Jlr. Stephens, however, mentions the capture of a verj' perfect and fine specimen in June. There are but very few instances on record of the capture of this hue species in tliis country ; Norfolk, near London, Kingsbridge in Devon, and Cornwall (Ilaworth), are the only localities given by our English writers. Deilephila lineata, Fab. (Sph. Daucus, Cramer), as mentioned in the synonymes of the preceding species, has been confounded with D. Livornica. It is, however, perfectly distinct, being a native of North America, and at once distinguished (as correctly described by Fabricius) by possessing six instead of four white lines on the thorax. The larvaj also differ, according to Dr. Harris. CHCEROCAMPA, Duponchel. This genus was established in 1835 by M. Duponchel in the supplement to Godart, to receive those Sphingidje which have the head and fore part of the body retractile ; the head being very small, and the first three segments abruptly diminishing in size from the fourth, which gives to the fore part of the body a resemblance to the head and mouth of a hog. Hence the French name of the larva;, cochonncs ; and the generic name proposed by Duponchel, which is derived from x°^P°^> ^ li'^g' ^^^ Ka.iJ.Tfq, a caterpillar. This peculiarity seems to have D 2 o(j BRITISH MOTHS succcsted to Linnanis tlio names tliat lie has given to two of the species, viz. porcellus, the pig, and Elpenor, the name of one of the companions of Ul3'sses, vvho was changed to a hog hy Ciroo. (Harris, in Amer. Journ. Sc. and Art, v. 2, No. 30.) By our English collectors, these same insects have long been known under the name of Elephant Ilawk-moths ; evidently from the resemblance which the front part of the body of the caterpillars bears to the snout of tlie cleiiliant. In 1836 Mr. Duncan proposed for these insects the generic name Metopsilus, being at the tinii' niiaw.arc of the step taken by the French author above mentioned. Long previously, however, Hiihner had formed them into the second of his five divisions of the typical Sphingidaj*, under the name of Eumorpha' ; which name having the priority I should have adopted, had it not been in use for an exotic genus of beetles. Hiihner has formed each of our English species into a named section ; one of which, Daphnis, has since been adopted by Mr. Curtis, in his British Entomology, for Sphin.x Nerii ; but if such a minute division be adopted at all, the British Sphingidaj ought to be separated into nearly twenty genera. Sphinx Nerii, however differs from the otiier Ciimroeainpaj in the very slender pal])i, whereas they are very broad in Elpenor. In adilition to tiie retractile structure of the front part of the body of the caterpillars, we find that instead of having the sides of the body marked witli slender oblique bars, several of the segments (generally the fourth and fifth) are marked with a large eye-like spot on each side. Thecaud.al horn is short and smooth, being sometimes nearly obsolete. They form their cocoons of leaves on the surface of tlie ground. The pupa has not the tongue- case exserted. The perfect insects have the antennte but slightly clav:ite, hooked at the tip, and terminated by a setose bristle, and biciliated beneath in the males. The fore wings are very acute and almost hooked, in conse- quence of a sinus along the hind margin; the spiral tongue is of moderate length. The abdomen is never marked with transverse bars at the sides, hut is sometimes longitudinally striped ; and the hind wings are some- what lobed at the anal angle. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE V. Insects.— Fig. 1. Chceiocampa Nerii (tlio Olc;;incler Hawk-moth). 2. Tlic Catfipillar. 3. The Chrysalis. Fig. 4. ChcErocampa Cclerio (the Sharp winged Hawk-moth). 5. Tlic Caterpillar. 6. The Chrysalis. " Fig. 7. Cho:rocampa Elpenor (the Elephant Hawk-moth). 8. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 9. Choerocampa porcellus (the small Eleplwnt Hawk-moth). 10. The Caterpillar. Flints. — Fig. 11. Vinca major (the lesser Periwinkle). " Fig. 12. Epilohium hirsutum (the hairy \V'illow herb). " Fig. 13. Galimn verum (yellow Bed-straw). Chtcrocainpa Nerii being but very rarely taken in this country, I have not been able to make my drawing from a British specimen. The foreign specimen from which it is taken is a very beautiful one from the neiglibourhood of Florence ; which, however, differs in no respect from the individii.als that have been captured in EngLand, c.tcept in brightness of colouring, the green markings being particularly vivid and brilliant. C. celerio is from a Teneriffe specimen, also in the British Museum, which differs slightly from Hiibncr's figure of a north of Entope specimen. I have since seen in the collection of Mr. Doubleday a true British specimen, which corresponds in every respect with the Teneriffe insect which I have figured, and from which I should infer that Hubner had not figured this insect with his usual accuracy. Chffirocampa Elpenor is from a very fresh and perfect specimen taken at liayswater, in the possession of Miss A. Loudon ; and C. Porcellus is from a specimen in the British Museum. The larvK and pupa; are all from Hubner and Godart. H. N. H. * Hiibner's four other groups arc — Si. 1.— Bombilije, composed of M.acroglossa and Sesia. i St. 4.— Manducai, composed of Sphinx an.l .\cherontia. St. 3.— Deilcphihc, " Dcilephila. | St. 5.— Smerinthi, " Su.erinthus. F.ach of these groups being divided into various named minor sections and sub-sectionf. pi. i.;2(j. Deilepldla A'erii, Ocliscuhcinicr. AND TIIKIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 21 SPECIES l.-CH(EllOCAi\ri'A NERII. TFIE OLEANDER HAAVK-MOTH. Plate V. fiff. 1—3. Synonymfs.— Sp/iinj A'erii, Linnmis; Rosel, Ina. Belnst. v. 3, I Daphnis Nerii, Hiibncr (Vera. bek. Schin.) ; Curtis, Brit. Ent. t. 15, 1() ; Stephens, Ent. Mag. vol. i. 52.">, and llhist. Haust. 4, p. 381 ; Woocyres, Godart, Ochseaheinier, Zcttcrstedt, Dalman, (Zvga'n. Suec.) jEgeria apiformis, Fabricius, Newman. Trochilium apiformis, Scopoli ; Stephens; Curtis, Brit. Ent., pi. 372, fig. * * i Wood, lud. Ent., t. 4, f. 23 ; Duncan, Brit. Moths, pi. 13, fig. 1. Sphecia apiformis, Ilubncr. Sphiiuv crabroniformis, Wicn. Vcrz. ; Iliibn. Spbin.\-, pi. 8, fig. 51 ; Ernst. Tliis fine species varies in the expansion of its fore wings from 19 to 22 lines, and is at once distinguished from Gigantic size, in fact, appears to me to constitute aberration rather than typicality. AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 35 the other species liv the following characters. The general colour of the body is brownisli-black ; the head and palpi arc orange-coloured. The thorax has a largo orange patch on each side in front, and two dnller ochre patches on the disc behind. The abdomen has the first and second joints black, except the base of the second, which is orange ; the third segment orange, with the hind margin black ; the fourth entirely dark-brown ; the fifth and sixth orange also, with the hind margin brown, the remainder orange. The margins of the wing are broader than in the next species, and ochre-brown. The antennse are dark above, but ferruginous beneath ; and tlie legs orange, varied with tawny. The caterpillar is a thick whiti-h fleshy grub, which feeds upon the wood of the trunks of willow and aspen trees, to which it sometimes occasions great damage. The pupa is elongated, and of a dark chestnut colour. The caterpillar changes to the chrysalis in April, and the perfect insect is produced towards the end of June. The Sesia Sireciformis of Laspcyres and Iliibner, is evidently described from specimens of this species which have become greased. S. Tencbrioniformis of Iliibner and Esper appears also intended for similar individuals. SPECIES 2.— SPHECIA BKMBECIFORiMIS. THE LUNAR HORNET MOTH. Plate vii. fig. 1 ami 1.'). Scsia Bembeciformis, llubnev, Sphinx, pi. '-'0, f. 98 ; Ochscnbei- Synonymf^. — Sphinj! cralroniformis, Lewin in Linn. Trans. V. 3, pi. 3, fig. 6 — 10 ; Hawortli ; (Scsia cr. — ncc \V. V. net- Fiibncii iicc Hiibncri, ncc Laspeyrcsii) ; Donovan's Brit. Ins., v. 13, pi. 4'M'i. Trochilium crabroniformey Stephens. nier. TrocliUium Bemheciforme, Curtis, Brit. Ent., pi. 372, fig. *. /'E(/eria Bemheciformis, Newman, Ent. ^lag. i., 75. The expansion of the wings in this species is less than in the preceding, varying from 18 to 20 lines. It is of a darker ground-colour, with a black head ; the palpi above, yellow. Tiie thorax has a narrow transverse line of the same colour on the nock : there are also two obscure patches of the same colour at tiie side of the scutellum. Tlie abdomen has the first and second segments entirely, as well as the broad posterior margin of the third and fourth, black, the remainder of the fourth being dark -red brown ; the remainder of the abdomen is orauffe- yellow, with the hind niarcin of the se"iiicnts darker. The margins and ciliw of the wings are narrow ; the thighs are brown ; the tibifc very densely clothed with orange hairs. The caterpillar is whitish, with a brown spot formed by the ocelli on each side near the legs. It feeds upon the wood of the sallow, occasionally committing much devastation in the osier grounds, as we learn from Sir. Bree's Memoir, published in the new series of the Magazine of Natural History, vol. 1, p. It) ; (and see Loudon's Arboretum Britannicum, p. 1482; Lewiu in Linn. Trans., v. 3; and Blomer in Mag. Nat. Hist., 1st ser., No. 21.) The caterpillar spins its cocoon in November, but does not change to the pupa till May ; and the imago appears in July. It is much rarer than the preceding species. Darenthwood, and near Newcastle, Norfolk and Suffolk, are recorded localities. The Rev. W. T. Bree has taken it near Dudley, and reared it from larvae found near Coventry ; and I have taken the males sitting sunning themselves on the leaves of osiers on the Surrey side of Hammersmith bridge, and alternately raising and depressing the abdomen, but on the least approach of danger they fall to the ground. The first notice of this species which I can find is that of Lewin in the Linnaean Transactions, where it appeared under the name of Crabroniformis. The same name had, however, previously been given in the Wiener Verzeichniss to the Linna\in apiformis ; so that on that account alone it ought to be rejected, as it is a beneficial f2 36 BRITISH MOTHS rule that no synonymous name ought subsequently to be given to a genus or species distinct from that of which it is a syjionyme. In this case, however, the confusion would be greatly increased if it should be used, as Fabricius gave the same name to a third species from Italy, which Laspeyres considered to bo identical with Tr. Chrysidi- forme ; whilst Hiibner applied the same name in his Beytrage to a fourth species with opaque fore wings, which he subsequently altered to S. Rhingiajforniis. Four distinct species have thus received the same specific name. TROCHILIUM, Scopou, (pars tvpica). {jEyeria, pars typica, Fabricius, Syst. Gloss. JEgeria, Stepliens ; (iurlis. Sesia p. Laspeyres; Ochs. ; God. &c.) This genus has the antenna; longer and more slender than in the preceding, gradually thickened from the base towards the tip, which is suddenly acuminated and curved; the last joint being furnished with an apical pencil of hairs ; in the males they are more or less ciliated or pectinated ; the palpi are longer than the head and porrected ; the spiral tougue is nearly as long as the entire body, which is long and more or less slender, and terminated by a fan-tail, varying in size and shape ; the wings are often more or less fenestrated or transparent. In their habits they are equally distinct from the preceding genus, being exceedingly agile, and flying about in the hottest gleams of the sun with the greatest activity amongst the leaves on which they occasionally settle ; at such times elevating and depressing the body, and expanding or closing their fan-tails. I must refer to my observations upon the family and preceding genus for the reasons which induce me to adopt Scopoli's name for these insects, and to retain them as a single genuj. Some of the species differ from the remainder in having the fore wings entirely clothed with scales ; and it has been proposed to form them into a distinct genus (Memythrus Newm. Sph. Vesp. p. 5.3). But such a step appears to me to be unnatural, because it happens that in an American species the males have the fore-wings fenestrated, whilst in the females they are opake. (iEgeria exitiosa Sa>/, an insect exceedingly destructive to peach-trees.) Jlr. Newman denied the correctness of this fact, which has, however, been confirmed to me both by Mr. E. Doubleday and Dr. Harris, to which latter gentleman I am indebted for specimens. Analogous to what has already been mentioned as occurring in the clear-winged Sphingidoe, Laspeyres mentions the interesting fact, that when these insects first leave the pupa case, their wings are not hyaline, but are clothed with a fine powder, which rubs off with the greatest facility. The species are rather numerous, and have been formed into six genera, by Mr. Newman. It appears to me more natural to adojit the sections which are given by 3Ir. Stephens, which, indeed, rest upon comparatively and equally slight characters. " A. Antenna- much shorter than the body, in the males distinctly pectinated, anterior wings nearly clothed with scales; abdomen robust." (Memythrus, Newman. Par.anthrene, Hiibner ; Newm.) JEgeria Asi/iformis, Slepliens ; Curtis ; Duncan, Brit. Moths, pi. 13, fig. 2; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 4, f. 25. Paranthrene Asiliformis, Hiibner, Verz. bek. Schmett. Sphinx- Tabanifonnis, Borkh. (var.). Sphinx aSslri/ormis, Kirby and Spence, Introd. vol. 1, pi. 3, f. 2, Ist edit. AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 3- SPECIES 1.— TROCHILIUM VESPIFORMB. Plate vii. fig. 3. Synonymbs. — Sphinx Vespiformis, I-inntcus (not Sesia Vespi- formis, Laspcyrcs ; JEyeria v., Curtis, &c). Memythrus Vespiformis, Newman in S])h. Vesp. Paranthrene Vespiformis, Newm. in Ent. Mag., 1, 83. Sphinx (or Sesia) Asiliformis, Iliibncr ; Kabricius ; Laspeyrcs ; Haworth; Donovan, Brit. Ins. v. xi.pl. 384. Kirby and Spence, Inlrod. V. I, pi. 3, fig. 2, 3rd edit. This is the largest Britisli species, varying in the expansion of its wings from an inch to an inch and a quarter. It is further distinguished by having tlie fore wings covered with dark scales ; it is of a blue black colour, with a white line before the eyes ; the collar is yellow, as are also the tips of the palpi. Tlie thorax has a lateral stripe and a spot of yellow, at the base of the fore wings. The abdomen has three equi-distant, yellow fasciae, and the tail has two longitudinal streaks of yellow. The femora are black, the hind ones yellow at the base; the tibiae fulvous, and marked with a black spot on the outside, and the tarsi fulvous. The male differs in being smaller, with the antennas decidedly pectinated, and in the abdomen having five belts, the alternate ones being very slender. The larva of this species feeds, according to Oehlmann, on the wood of Betula alba. Borkhausen gives Populus dilatata as its food. The species (for the restoration of the specific Liimrean name * to which we are indebted to Mr. Newman, or rather to Jlr. Bracy Clark, as stated by Lespeyres, and by Mr. Newman himself) is of very rare occurrence in England, but has been occasionally found in the woods of Surrey, Kent, and Middlesex, in the liondon district. " B Antenna as long as the body ; of the males generally ciliated ; anterior wings with the disc hyaline." " a. Abdomen more or less robust and abbreviated, fasciated with whitish or yellow." SPECIES 2.— TROCHILIUM CHRYSIDIFORME. Plato vii. fig. 4. Synonymes. — Sphinx (or Sesia) Chrysidiformis, De Villavs ; Borkha\iscn ; Laspeyres ; Haworth ; Espcr ; Hiibner ; Ochsenhcimcr. JEgeria Chrysidiformis, Sicfhcm; Curtis; Duncan, Brit. Moths, Bembecia Chrysidiformis, Hiibner, Verz. bek. Schmett. Pyropteron Chrysidiformis, Newtnau, Ent. Mag. 1, 76. Sphinx Hoimnrrhoidalis, Cyrillo. pi. 13, fig. 4. M'ood, Ind. Ent. pi. 4, (ig. 5. I Sesia Crabroniformis,¥nhv. This handsome species measures ten lines in the expansion of the fore wings. It is of a blue-black colour ; the last joint of the palpi is naked, and pale yellowish. (In my specimen I do not observe the peculiarity described by Mr. Newman, upon which his genus Pyropteron is founded). The head has a white spot in front, and the collar is yellowish ; the thorax has a few scattered yellowish hairs, and a white spot at the base of each of the fore wings ; the abdomen has the fifth and last segment on the upper side margined with white ; the fan tail is black, with the middle yellow. The fore wings are saffron-coloured, with an elongated, hyahne patch in * In the Linnsean description in the Systema Natura5, the wings are described as fenestrated ; and in the Fauna Suecica, as having a yellowish spot. This description, which has so much perplexed subsequent Lepidopterists, arises from the wings having been much rubbed. The obser- vation of Linnseus, that it is twice the size of Tipuliforme, at once disproves the conjecture of Laspeyres, &c., that it was intended either for Ichneumoniforme or Cynipiforme $ . ;3g BRITISH MOTHS the discoidal cell, and a rounded one towards the apex of the wing ; tlie costa, ajiical margin, and a patch at the extremit}' of the discoidal cell, arc Ijlack. This species is extremely rare, only one specimen being decidedly known to have been taken in this country by Francillon, from whose collection it was purchased by Mr. Ilaworth. At the sale of the collection of the last- mentioned Entomologist, it and numerous other very rare British .Sjihingid.-c, were purchased by Sir. Warburton. Tt occurs ])lentifully in Germany and the north of Italy. SPECIES .3.— TROCHILIUM ICHNEUMONIFORME. Plate vii. fiff. 7. SvNoNYMFs. — Sphiii.r (or Sesia) Ichncnmoniforvm, Falmcius ; Borkliausen ; LaspeyrfS. jEflcria Ichneumonifnrmis, Curtis, Brit. Eiit. pi. 53. StcpliCDS. Wood, Ind. Eiit. i>l. 4, fig. 30. Beinhccia Ichnetniioaiformt^^ IlUbnrr, Vcrz. bek. Schm. ; Newman. SpliiiLV Vesp'formis, Hiibner, Spli. fig. 39. Esper ; Ernst ; Hawortli (but not of Liniitens nor of Laspeyres). SphliLv scopjgcra^ Scopoli. This rare species measures nearly an inch in the expanse of its wings. It is of a brownish black colour ; the head has a white patch in front, and the collar is yellowish, as are also the palpi, of which the tips are brownish ; the antennse have the middle part yellowish above, but ferruginous beneath in the female, but darker in the male ; the thorax has a lateral line, and a slender transverse one near the base of the abdomen, yellow ; the abdomen (which is not so slender as in many of the species) has six or seven yellow dorsal fascias in the male, but only five or six in the female ; the fan tail is small and black, but marked with a fevy yellow hairs, forming two lines. The wings are hyaline, with the margins and discoidal spot orange-brown ; the posterior margin and apex of the upper wings orange ; the tibias and tarsi are orange, with a black spot near the tip of the former. In wasted specimens the colours become paler, which agree with the Fabrician and other descriptions. This species has generally been found in various parts of the south of England, Hastings, Devonshire, Teignmouth, and in the Isle of Wight by Mr. Weaver, (who informs me that he took several near Freshwater Gate, hovering over a yellow flower ;) near Bristol, at Creak, on the coast of Norfolk. SPECIES 4.— TROCHILIUM CYNIPIFORME. Plate vii. fig. 6. SvNONYMES. — Sphin.v {or Sesia) Cynipiformis, Esper; Borkbau- i Sphinx Asiliformis, Borkliausen. (Der Naturforscher, St. vii.) sen ; Hawortb ; Ocbscnheimer. Sphin.r Vcspiformis, Fabricius ; Turton ; Curtis; Leach, (iEg. v.) JEgeria Cynipiformis^ Stephens, 111. Ilaiist. pi. 11, fig. 2, male. but not of Linrianis. Wood. Ind. Knt. pi. 4, fig. 2,0, male and female, Sphin.v Chrysorrlia-a, Donovan, Biii. Ins. 4, pi. 1 16. Stew.art. Synanlhedon Cynipiformis, H'ubner ; Vcrz. bek. Schm. Sphinx Tijiuliformis, Bcrkcnbout. $ i'/iAin.r (or A'csto) f7L,9/»-(/oi-»us, Esper ; (Der Naturforscher, St. 1 Sphinx Tenlhrediniformis, Hiibncr (teste Curtis); Haworth ; vii.) Borkhausen ; Hiibncr ; Ernst ; Haworth. Prodr. Synanlhedon QHslriforme, Nc.vnian. ! This Lenutiful insect measures from i- to nearly an inch in the expansion of the fore wings. It is blue-black, the head witli a white stripe in front, and the collar is yellow, as are also the palpi, which have a black line on the outside. The thorax a yellow stripe on each side, and the breast has a yellow spot on each side ; the abdomen with a mark at the base, and three yellow bands, the last of which is double in the male ; the fan tail in the female broad and yellow, but narrow and black above in the male. The wings have the veins and mart^ins brown, glossed with blue and fulvous, and a transverse, lunate, central spot of orange margined with black on AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. gy the outside. The tibiie and tarsi are yellow, the former with a ring of black near the tips. In some specimens tlio first segment of the abdomen has a yellow patch on each side, and between the second and third fascia is an indistinct slender lino of yellow scales. Various localities are recorded for this species (the se.xes of which are so much unlike). It has been taken in the woods of Surrey and Kent, in the London district, near Cheltenham, in the Clapham Park Wood, Bedfordshire ; and my specimen was obtained by Mr. Weaver, with others from Shropshire. I have followed Ochsenheimcr and Stephens in the nomenclature of this species, it being customary in cases where the se.xcs have been described imder different names to elect that of the male, although that of the other sex may have the priority iti jioint of date. The larv;e is whitish, with a brown head, and is found under the bark of the oak and birch ; the iniaffo appears in June. SPECIES .5.— TROCHILIUM TIPULIFORME. Plate vii. Hg. 9. Synonymes. — Sphin,i- (Sesia,or jKgeria) TipHUformis, Lhmseus; j Ent. t. 4, f. 32. Ilubner; Espcr; Ocbsenheimer ; Laspeyres, &c. Fabriciua ; Donovan, Rrit. Ins. v. 2, pi. 52, 5:1. Haworth ; Stewart ; I Trochilinm TipnHforme, Scopoli ; Newman. Harris Exposition, pi. Ill, fig. 8. Stephens; Curtis; AVood, Ind. I Bcmhccia Tijndiforntis^ HiilmiiY ; Ver/.. bek. Schiu. This, the commonest British species in the genus, varies in the expansion of its fore wings, from eight to ten lines. The colour is blue-black ; the palpi arc yellow ; the antennse black ; the thorax with a yellow line on each side ; the breast with a j'cllow lateral spot ; the abdomen of the females with three and the males with four very slender transverse fascitu. The tibiaj are black, with a ring, and the tips yellow ; the fore wings have the margins and transverse bar black, the tip dirty golden colour, with black veins. The larva is of a whitish colour, with the head and feet brown, and a dark dorsal line. It feeds on the pith of the common currant-tree. Some which I found in the larva state in April had changed to pupa> in the middle of May, and appeared in the perfect state on the /ith of June. The moth is exceedingly active, and delights to settle on the broad leaves of the currant in the hot sunbeams. SPECIES C— TKOCHIT.UM PHILANTHIFORME. I'lau- vii. fiL'. H. Synonymks. — Sesia Philaiit/iiformiSy Laspeyres ; Ocbsenheimer ; Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 4. fig. 31. Sesia Muscie/ormis,\iewi:g; Espcr ; Imt not of Borkhausen. Trochilinm Aluscceforine, Newra., Ent. Mag. 1, 79. Stephens Illust. 4, p. 385. The expansion of the fore wings is i of an inch. The colour is black ; the palpi are whitish, with a line (jn the outside, and the tips black ; the antenna? brown, paler in the middle, but black at the tips; the thorax has a stripe of luteous on each side ; the abdomen black ; with five or six yellowish belts ; the fan tail black, with yellow sides ; the tibi;e black, with the middle and tips yellowish ; the tarsi dirty yellow ; the fore wings have the veins, margins, and transverse fascia black ; there is also a second black transverse fascia, beyond which is a yellow patch. Mr. Stephens' unique specimen of this insect was taken in Devonshire. 4Q BRITISH MOTHS SPECIES 7.— TROCHILIUM SPHEGIFORME. Plate vii. fie. 5. SyxoNVMEs. — Sesia Sphcgiformis, Fabiiciua j Wien Vcrz. ; Viowe;; ; Zctterstetlt (Faun. Lapp. p. 918). Trochiliiim Sphegiforme, Newm. Sesia Spheciformis, Laspeyrcs ; Borkliausen ; Ocbsenheimer ; Dal- man (Zyg. .Succ. 218. 4). Hiibner, Sph. fig. 77 and 78. Ernst ; Esper ; Haworth ; Villais. Mgeria Spheciformis, Stepb. Illiist. H. 1, pi. 11, fig. 1. Dun- can, Brit. Motbs, pi. 13, f. 3. Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 4, f. 27. Bembecia Spheciformis, Ilubner (Vcrz. bek. Scbm.). Sphin^v Ichneiimoniformis, Borkliausen. Tlii.s rare species measures an inch in the expansion of its fore wings. The body is of a bUic-black colour ; the palpi are black above and yellow beneatli, with the tip blackish ; tlie antennas are black, with a whitish or yellowish bar on the upper side, near the tip. The thorax has a lateral yellow line ; the breast has also a larce lateral yellow patch. Tlie abdomen has a spot at the base, on the upper side of the hind margin, and the third segment yellow. (Hiibner and Curtis represent the basal spot as forming a transverse bar.) The fan tail is broad and black. Tlie fore wings have the margins and transverse mark and tip blue or brown black ; the tibiae are black, with lutcous spurs, the hind pair yellowish on the inside ; the tarsi yellow dotted with black. The ])orfect insect is found in woods in June and July, and the larva is described by Laspeyres as feeding on the wood of the Bu-ch. It is very rare in this country, a few specimens having been taken in the woods to the north of London. 3Ir. Weaver informs me that he took one flying in the New Forest, which at first sight he thought was a laro-e ichneumon. SPECIES 8.— TROCHILIUM ANDREN^FORME. Plate vii. fig. 10. SvNONYMEs. — Sesia Andrenwformis, Laspeyres, Ses. Europ. p. 20, g. 7, 8. Trocldliutn Allautifnrme, Newman, Ent. Mag. 1, 79. Mgeria AUantiformis, Stephens, 111. H. 4, p. 385. Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 4, f. 21. This species measures IO5 lines in the expansion of its fore wings. It is blue black, with the palpi yellow on the under side ; the antennse entirely black ; the thorax black above ; the abdomen black, with the hind margins of the third and fifth segments pale yellow ; the fan tail black, with the middle orange ; the legs black ; the tibiae sprinkled with a few yellowish hairs ; the tarsi fulvous, with the tips blackish ; the fore wings with the veins, margins, and transverse fascia black. A male specimen of this species vyas taken by Mr. Chant in a wood near Greenliithe, in July 1829, from which my description was shortly afterwards taken. I mention this because Mr. Newman, whose description was also taken from the same individual (which he states to have been the only British specimen he had ever seen or heard of), describes it as having only one white belt. It is, however, represented by Wood as having two ; thus confirming my note made several years before that work was published. It is on this account that I refer it with scarcely .any doubt to the S. Andrenseformis of Laspeyres. Mr. Newman, however, suggests that this may be the male of the S. Scoliteformis of Borkhausen and Lasjieyres, but that is one of the largest in the genus, differing, moreover, in a number of its characters. 5Ir. Stephens states that he possesses a much-injured specimen, found near Dover. b. Abdomen very slender in the middle in the males, and marked with a single red belt. (Conopia.) AND TIIHIII TRANSFORMATIONS. ^j SvNONYMEs. — Sphinx {or Scsia) Formicaformis, Espcr ; Biiikli. ; Laspcyics ; OcIiscnlieinitT. JEgeria Formk'formis, Curtis; Stcplicns ; Wood, Ind. Knt. pi. 4, f. 3(;. Uuworth ; Villais (Spliinx f.). SPECIES 9.— TROCHILIUM FORMIC^FORME *. Plate vii. fig. 14. Sphinx Cn/iciformis, Rcopoli, nee I,imi. V Ichneumonifnrme, Urnst. Sphinx Tenl/irediniformis, Ksyer; Borkliaiisen (alt. sex.)- Sphinx Nomadteformis, Hlibner, but not of Laspeyres, &c. This pretty species varies in tlio expansion of its wings from « to lOi- lines. It is blue-black, with a silvery lino before the eyes ; the palpi black above, fulvous beneath. The thorax and breast unspotted ; the abdomen with the fourth segment entirely fulvous ; the fifth with a few fulvous scales. The fan tail marked beneath and at the sides with white hairs. The hind tibiro annulated in the middle, and at the tip with white. The fore wings with a fulvous red patch at the tip. The veins, margins, and fasciai black. This is rather an uncommon siiecies, but has occurred occasionally near London. Mr. Vigors is stated to have reared it from an apple-tree grovvn at Little Chelsea, and to have obtained it from Ireland, but I learn from Mr. Child of Birmingham, that lie reared this sjiecies (of which I have a note) from willow. Iliibner also describes the larva as subpubescent ; whitish, with the head and tail brownish, adding with a doubt that it inhabits the branches of Salix alba ; so that perhaps Mr. Vigors' specimens, bred from an apple, were another of the red-belted species. I took it on the 5th of July, 1827, on Umbelliferte in Battersea fields. Mr. Haworth gives the beginning of August as its period. SPECIES 10.— TROCHILUTM CULICIFORME. Plate vii. fii:. 12. Synonymes. — SphiJi.T CnVtciformis, Linnaeus, Borkliauseii, Las- peyres, Oclisenhciuier, Espcr, Zcttcrsicdt, (iodart. Boisduval. JEgeria CuUciformis, Steplions, 111. II. vol. 1, pi. 10, f. 3; Curtis; Wood, Ind. Ent., pi. 4, f. 34. Conopia CuUciformis, Hiibner, Vcrz. bek. Sell., Newman. Sphinx Stomoxi/formis, Hiibner, Bcytr. v. 4, t. 3 P. ; Ditto Sphiii'j., t. 7, %. 47 (teste Laspeyres, but denied by Boisduval, who gives tbem as distinct). Tliis species is at once distinguished by the palpi, which are fulvous beneath in both sexes, a character expressly mentioned by Linnasus, which enables us to settle the very disputed sjTionymcs of various species to which the name Culiciformis has been applied. The expan.sion of the wings varies from ten lines to an inch (our figure 12 is therefore somewhat enlarged beyond the natural size). It is blue-black; the palpi are fulvous beneath, a white line before, and a white spot behind the eyes ; the thorax unspotted above, but with a fulvous spot on each side the breast ; the abdomen with the fourth segment entirely fulvous red ; the fan-tail entirely black ; the wings liyaline, with the margins and transverse bar black, in certain situations glossed with blue, the apex somewhat violet ; the cilia brown ; the legs blue-black ; the spurs yellowish, and the tarsi dirty white. The male difl'ers in its smaller size and ciliated antennaj. The larva is dirty white, subpubescent, with a brown head ; it feeds upon the wood of the plum and apple. The chrysalis is elongated and brown. This species is also far from common. It has, however, been taken in the woods round London, at Gravesend, and Dublin. Mr. Haworth did not discriminate it from the next species. * I adopt this form in preference to Formiciforme, because 1 believe it has the priority. If it be more classical (" Formica, not Formicus. being the generic name ; whence the present trivial name is derived," as Mr. Newman informs us), t do not uuderstaud why the names Vespiformis and Tipuliformis should be retained. 42 BRITISH MOTHS SPECIES n.-TROCH ILIUM MYOPiEFORME. Plate vii. fi}?. 11. SvNONYMES. — Sphinx Myopieformis, Borkhausen ; Newmau, (Conopia My.) Sesia Miitilla-formis, Laspcyres ; Stcpliens ; Curtis ; Wood, Ind. Kilt., lab. 4, f. Xo ; Ochsenheimer, Boisduval. Sphinx Culiciformis, Hiibner, Spiling., pi. ", fig. 45 ; Haworth ; Esper. Sph. xonaius, Donovan, Brit. Ins., vol. 0, pi. 195 ; Stewart, Tiirtoii. This species is very closely allied to the preceding, but is at once distinguished by the colour of the palpi. The expansion of the fore wings varies from eight to ten lines. It is of a blue-black colour ; the head has a very slender white line before tlie eyes ; the palpi are entirely black in the female, but in the males they are white on the underside ; the thorax is unspotted above ; the breast has a large fulvous patch on each side. The abdomen has the fourtli segment fulvous red ; this segment on the underside in the female is black, icith a white margin ; but in the male it is entirely white, as well as the extremity of the abdomen. The fan-tail is imspotted, the markings on the wings are black ; the tibiaa blue-black, and the tarsi paler. This species is the most abundant of the red-belted kinds in gardens round London in Blay and June. I believe it was this species which Mr. Vigors reared from the apple-trees in his garden, in Whitehead's Grove, Chelsea. Mr. Newman thinks it probably feeds on the pith of the Rubus idreus. Near Hertford, Ripley, and Dublin, are mentioned as its localities by Mr. Stephens. I have taken it in a sand pit near Woolwich (at the beginning of June 1822), and in other places in the neighbourhood of London. Synonymes. — JEgeria Stomoxyformts, Stephens, 111. Haiist. 4, p. 143, pi. 11, fig. 4 ; AVood, [nd. Eut., pi. 4, fig. 35. SPECIES 12.— TROCHILIUM STOMOXYFOP.ME ? Plate vii. fig. 13. Sphinx Slomoxi/formis, Hiibner, Spl. pi. 2, f. 47 $ ; Haworth, Eiit. Trans. 1,334?? Conopia MyopcBformis $ , teste Newman. Expansion of the wings llA lines. "Blue-black head, with a slender silvery line before the eyes; palpi totalh/ Hack ; thorax glossy immaculate ; breast with a fulvous patch anteriorly ; abdomen shining, with the fourth segment above bright fulvous-orange, interrupted l>y a hroad dtisky black line beneath, caudal tuft immaculate ; femora blue-black, tibife the same, the anterior yellowish within ; the spines black ; tarsi blue- black above, yellowish beneath ; anterior wings above, with the base, costa, nervures, a broad transverse line, and the apex, deep bhiish-blaok ; beneath with tlie costa at the base, the margins of the discoidal line, and the space between the nervures at the aj^e-x (which are very broad and dusky-blue), bright golden fulvous ; posterior with the nervures, margin, and anterior lunules, bluish-black ; beneath the same, with the costa slightly margined with fulvous." This is Mr. Stephens's description of " a single specimen in beautiful condition," which he con- jectures to have been taken at Darenth, having been informed that Mr. Chant possessed a pair captured there on the lt>tli July, 1825, and that Mr. Davis found a specimen at Gravesend. Hiibner figures his Stomoxyforrais witli two red stripes on the thorax ; and Jlr. Stephens's Latin character accords therewith, but not with the Englisli character which he gives. Moreover, in the description of his plates, Mr. Stephens states the specimen figured by him to be a female. Mr. Newman, however, having " carefully examined the specimen described and figured by Mr. Stephens, and also those in the cabinets of Mr. Davis and ANO THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 43 Mr. Chaut," gives the Stonioxyformis of Stephens, as tlie female of Myopseformis ; whilst, to add to the con- fusion, Mr. Stephens (lUustr. Mand. v. 4, p. ()9,) censures a "reference to my male jEgeria stomoxyformis, wkh ciliated antaincc, as the female of JEg. culiciformis." If, as Jlr. Stephens at first stated, his specimen be a female, then the only diflference which I can find between his descriptions of it, and of the female of the preceding species, is the colour of the under side of the fourth abdominal segment ; but in such case, Mr. Stephens's description docs not accord with Hiibner's insect. If, on the other hand, the specimen in question bo a male, then it is at once distinguished from all the other red-belted species by the colour of its palpi. Si'iiiNX Ei>iiemeu^;foi(Mis of llaworth, referred to this genus by Ilaworth, Stephens, &c., belongs to another family. It is allied to Psyche, and has been subsequently described and figured by Mr. Stephens, from a drawing made by myself from Donovan's original specimen, under the name of Thyridopteryx, in the Transactions of the Entomological Society of London. FAMILY v.— HEPIALID/E, Stephens. {ZcKzerides, Boisduval ; Xyleutitcs, Newman.) This is the first family of the great division of night-flying moths, named by LinnKus, Phala-na, and is distinguished by having the antenna? generally short and filiform, never feathered to the tip ; the spiral tongue cither obsolete or very short ; the palpi also generally obsolete ; the abdomen elongated, as are also the wings, which are deflexcd in repose, the anterior i)air exhibiting a striking peculiarity in the disposition of the veins quite unlike that of any other group, but wliich has not hitherto been noticed by any previous writer, and which may partially be perceived in our figure of Zeuzera jEsculi (pi. 9, fig. 5). Tiie female is often furnished with an exsortile ovipositor. The caterpillars are long, fleshy, naked grubs, with a few straggling hairs. They are sixteen-footed, having six pectoral, eight ventral, and two anal feet. They are genejally nearly colourless, and feed on the wood of trees, or at the roots of vegetables. When full grown, they construct a loose cocoon of the materials upon which they have been feeding. The pupre are elongated, and have the abdominal segments armed with transverse rows of fine rcflexed spines or booklets, which assist the insect in pushing itself out of its cocoon to the surface of the earth or the exterior of the tree — immediately before assuming the perfect state — the exuvia of the pupje being found sticking in such situations. This family, which is of small extent, is closely allied in respect to its transformations to the Trochiliidje ; but the relation with the Smerinthi, suggested by Mr. Stephens, appears to me to be but slight, there being other species of the Linnasan Bombyces which much more nearly approximate to these insects. G i! 44 BRITISH MOTHS DESCRIPTION OF PLATE VIII. Insects. — Fig. 1. Hepialus TTcctus (the golden swift). 2. The Female. •* Fig. 3. Hepialus Lupulinus (the small common swift). 4. The Female. 5. A Variety. " Fig. 7. Hepialus Hamuli (the Ghost Moth). 8. The Female. 9. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 10. Hepialus Velleda (the map-winged swift). 11. The Female. *' Fig. 12. Hepialus Sylvinus (the orange swift). 13. The Female. " Fig. 14. Hepialus Carous. " Fig. 15. Anthroccra Trifolii. " Fig. 16. Anthroccra Mcliloti. Plants. — Fig, 17. Ihmnilus lupulus (the common Hop). II. Hcctus varies considerably in the distinctness of its markings, and I have selected one of the most distinct, both for the male and female. H. Lupulinus varies so very much in its markings, that without examining intermediate specimens, one might be tempted to consider many of them different species ; but the intermediate gradations easily convince of their identity. There is one variety, however, of a pale grey brown entirely without marks, of which there are several specimens in the British Museum, that appears sufficiently distinct to form a separate species, not only from its colouring, but also from a slight though constant and well-defined difference in the form of the wings. I have figured this variety at No. 5. For the fcmalo of H. Humuli I have selected a strongly-marked female, but this does not vary so much as other species. H. Velleda varies very considerably, but I have selected specimens in which the markin;;s appear most true and perfect ; it does not, however, vary so much as H. Lupulinus. H. Sylvinus varies more in size than in the character of the markings, which all preserve pretty perfectly the crescent in the anterior wings ; hut some of tlie females arc even smaller than the male represented in this plate, though their general character is to be much larger than the males. The whole of the above are drawn from the very fine series of specimens in the British Museum, except H. Carnus, which is from Mr. Stephens's plate. The caterpillars are from Hubner and Harris. The two Anthrocerse (omitted in plate vi.) arc from the collection of Mr. Stephens. H. N. H. HEPIALUS, Fabricius *. The species of this genus, which from the rapidity of their flight are known by the name of Swifts, are at once distinguished from the other genera not only of this, but of nearly all other families of moths, by the extremely ^hort antenna;, which are generally simple or slightly pectinated in the males of some of the species. The mouth is obsolete, the tibire are destitute of spurs, the wings long and somewhat lanceolate, with the veins singularly arranged (as represented, for the first time, in my " Modern Classification of Insects," vol. ii. p. 374, fig. 104 — 16), the hinder wings being of large size, and the body is long and slender. The larvae feed upon the roots of grasses and other vegetables ; they are long, fleshy, naked, and colourless, with sixteen feet. The pupas have the abdominal segments furnished with transverse rows of reflexed points, whereby they push themselves to the surface of the earth, out of which they may occasionally be found with the anterior part of the bodv sticking above the surface. * Fabricius (Phil. Eat., j). 112) gives ^TrmXos, fobris Icnta, as the derivation of this name, which he places in the list of those names which express some peculiarity in the habit of the species included in the genus; evidently alluding to the remarkable alternating fliglit of the ghost- moth. Illiger and Ochsenheimer consequently erred when they (followed by Sodoffsky in the Moscow Transactions for 1837) changed the generic name to Ilepiulus, supposing it derived from tittIoAos, Licht-motte, a moth which flies to the candle-light, which it is not the habit of these insects to do. PI 2 ■% /■> / J^ ^^r "■>^ M *^'^ '^^. AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. SPECIES 1.— HEPIALUS HECTUS. Plate VIII., Fig. 1 and 2. 45 Hepialus Jodutia, Haworth, female, (but possibly not of Scbrank and Ilubncr, whicb Boisdiival gives as a variety of H. Camus.) Gazorijctra hecla, Hiibner, \eii. bek. Schm. Chelonus hectus, Leacb, MSS. Synontmes.— /"/latoin (.Yoc/wa /lec/o), Linna?u8 ; Donovan, vol. 8, pi. -lli, ng. 3 ; Iliibncr, Bomb., fig. 208, 209. Hepialus hectus, Kabricius, Godait, Ilawoilb, Curtis, Stephens, Boisduval ; Wood, Ind. Eut., pi. 5, fig. 5. 5. Noctua nemorosa, Esper. Var. This elegant species varies from I to 1 ', inch in the expansion of its fore wings, which in tlie males are of a brightish orange colour, with three rows of interrupted golden spots, margined with dark lines (whence its common name of tlie golden swift) running obliquely across the wing, and a small basal spot of the same colour ; the middle fascia being most distinct but elbowed, and the spots of irregular size, and the third fascia consisting of small marginal dots ; the hind wings dusky brown. The female has the fore wings dirty ashy coloured, with the golden bars replaced by pale brown bars ; the first and second being obscurely forked towards the front margin. The markings vary considerably in different individuals ; and in fine specimens of the male, the hind wings are also spotted with golden colour. The males of this species are remarkable for having the posterior tibiae densely bearded with long hairs, and wanting tarsi ; and it has been supposed that this structure most pmliably enables the individtials of that sex to perform their very curious pendulum-like flight. This species is not very uncommon iu various parts of the country, and appears in June. SPECIES 2 — HEPIALUS HUMULI. Plate VIII., Fig. 7, 8, 9. Synonymes. — Phalcena (Noctua) Ilumuli, hianxus; Donovan, l Hepialus Hmntili, F^hrk'ms; Stephens; Wood, Ind. Ent., pi. 5, vol. 8, pi. 274, fig. 1,2; Harris, K.\position, pi. 4, fig. a — d. fig. 1 — 1. 1 Gorgopis Humnli^ Hiibner, Vevz. bek. Scbmett. The sexes of this curious but most abundant species differ from each other more remarkably in colour than almost any other species of British moths ; the males having the wings on the upper side of a clear pearly white, while in the females the fore wings arc of a fine yellow colour, with orange markings. It varies from 1^ to 3 inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which in the males have a pale yellowish margin, and are dusky on the under side, with broad orange margins. The hind wings in the female are dusky at base, but become orange along the margin. This species is found about the middle of June frequenting grassy places, over which the male may often be observed performing its singular pendulum flight ; and as this is frequently perceived in old churchyards, the insect lias obtained the name of the ghost moth. Like the preceding species, it is the males alone which fly in this curious manner ; and in this sex the hind tibiie are similarly furnished with a long brush of hairs, but the tarsi ai-e not wanting. The caterpillar feeds on the roots of the common hop. SPECIES a— HEPIALUS LUPULIXUS. Plate VIII., Fig. 3, 4, 5. Sy.n-onvme3. — Phalana (JS'oclua Lupulina), Liunajus ; Harris, Hepialus A/igulum, lia.v:onh. Variety. pi. 22, fig. 1; Fabricius (Hepialus 1.); Stephens; Curtis; Wood, I Hepialus obliquus, Fnhridns, HivioTth. Variety. Ind. Ent.. t. 5, fig. 4. 4 ; Boisduval. I Hepialus nebulosus, Haworth. Variety. Hepialus fuscus, Haworih. Variety. Bombijx Flina, Wien. Verz. ; Hiibner, Bomb., fig. 210, 211. Phalana hecta, Harris, pi. 22, fig. 1. Triodia Lupulina, Hiibner, Verz. bek. Sclimett. This common dull-coloured insect varies from an inch to an inch and a half in the expansion of its fore wings, which are of a clav or fulvous colour in the males, with a longitudinal white line in the middle, towards 40 BRITISH MOTHS the base), a stripe composed of white spots extending from the base along the inner margin nearly to the tip, where it is united to an oblique bar of white spots, and beyond the latter is sometimes a row of marginal pale spots ; the fringe is fulvous, and the hind wings are brown and unspotted. The female has the wings of a dirty brown colour, with dull white markings, nearly similar to those of the male. The species is however exceedingly variable, not only in the ground-colour of the wings, but also in the markings, which are sometimes entirely evanescent ; the insect appearing then, as represented in fig. 5, of a uniform dirty pale brown colour. Several of these varieties were considered by Mr. Haworth as distinct species. This very common species appears at the end of May in gn^at abundance, flying about grassy banks with the greatest rapidity, without any of that peculiar undulation which so remarkably distinguishes the flight of the two preceding species. Boisduval also gives August as the time of its appearance. SPECIES 4.— HEPIALUS VELLEDA. Plate VIII., Fig. 10, 11. SvNONYMFS. — Bomhy.r Velleda, Illibncr, Bomb., pi. 212, 233, 234; Espcr; H.awortI). Hepialus J\Tappa, Donovan, vol. 10, plate 36, fig. 3. Hepialus Velleda, Ilawoitli ; Stephens ; Wood, Ind. Ent., pi. .'J, f.S. 3. 3. Phormacis flina ? Hlibner, Verz. bek. Scbm. This handsome species varies from li- to 2i inches in the e.xpansion of its fore wings, which arc much more variegated in their markings than in any of the other species — whence the English name of the species, the Map- winged Swift ; the ground being of a brown colour, with livid and white markings ; the fore margin marked with brown spots, and generally a row of irregular-sized white dots along the outer margin. The most con- spicuous of the pale markings on the wings are a triangular spot, succeeded by a short central white dash, and a broad very irregular livid stripe, running from the base along the inner margin, and then curving upwards and running obliquely to the tip, where it is forked. The hind wings arc orange brown, without any markings ; and the fringe of all the wings is yellowish, spotted with brown. The female is of a more uniform appearance than the male, the livid colour being wanting ; the pale markings of the male being, however, traceable. As in all the other species, the markings vary considerably in size and breadth, as well as the depth of their colour. This species has been found plentifully in Darenth Wood, Kent, as well as in various and distant parts of the country. It is by no means a common species. SPECIES 5.— HEPIALUS CARNUS. Plate VIII., Fig. U. SvNONYMEs. — Hepialus carnus, Fabricius ; Curtis ; Stephens, t Hepialus Jodutla, Hiihner, Bomb., pi. 50, f. 213. 111. Haust. 2, pi. 13, fig. 1 ; Wood, Ind. Ent., pi. 5, f. 2. 2. | Gazorijctra Jodutta, Hiibner, Verz. bek. Scbm. This species varies from \\ to 2;\ inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which are of a livid or ashy hue, with a row of ill-defined pale spots along the inner margin, connected with an irreofular (but sometimes nearly straight) pale bar, which extends from tlie hind margin to the tip of the wings. The disc is also more or less clouded in streaks, with whitish and brownish, and is moreover marked with a whitish spot, occasionally margined with blackish. The hind wings are dark ashy-grey, with the fringe yellowish-o-rey, with darker spots. The female is much more obscurely coloured, but presents slight traces of similar markings to those of the male. This species is regarded by BIr. Wailes (Ent. Slag. ], 42) as an extraordinary variety of the last species, with which indeed it is frequently taken in company, especially in the north of England. M. Boisduval and Mr. Stephens, however, regard them as distinct ; and I am willing to follow their opinions. AND THEIR TRANSTORMATIONS. 47 SPECIES 6.— HEPIALUS SYLVINUS. Plate VIII., Fig. 12, 1.3. SvNONYMEs.— /-/mte/ia (Noclua) sylvina, Linna;u8; Harris, Ex- I/rpia/us Ln,mlm,is, HUbner Haworth position, pi. 4, fig. f. ; Harris, Aureli.-,,,, pi. 22, fig. 1,-m. Trio.lia Lujmlma, Hubner, v'erz. bck. Schu. Heptalus st/lvmus, Ochseahmucr ; Stephens; Curtis, Brit. Ent., A'<»c/««/i,w, Kspcr Var pi. 185 ; Wood, In.l. Ent., Ub. .5, fig. G. U.-pialus Ilamma. Scbrauk, Iliibner. (Variety.) This pretty species varies from one to nearly two inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which, from the rich fulvous or orange colour in the males, luive caused tlie species to be named the Orange Swift ; whereas they have a cinnamon-coloured groimd in the females. There is an irregular and broad pale spot, margined with whitish, running from the base to the middle of the hinder margin of the fore wings in both sexes, uniting with an oblique irregular whiti-sh bar, which>uns nearly to the tip of the wing, having its interior dusky, and near the ape.x being forked. The disc has also a dark patch ,nargincd with white, and various darker clouds ; and the fore margin is spotted with brown, margined with whitish ; the base of the fringe is marked with an indented brown line. The hind wings arc dark and unspotted. All the markings, as well as the ground colour of the wings, are liable to considerable variations. The species is moreover distinguished at once from all its congeners, by having its antennje furnished with a single row of short furcations in the males, and serrated in the females. This insect is of common occurrence in various parts of England, being found near London, Hertford, Birch "Wood, Kent, near York, the Isle of AVight, &c. It appears at the end of the summer, and frequents grassy lanes and weedy banks. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE IX. Insects. — Fig. 1. Cossus Ligniperda. 2. The Caterpillar. 3. Tlie Chrysalis. " Fig. 4. Zenz-era j^Esculi. 5. The Female. G. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 7. Zcuzcra Arundinis. 8. The he.ad of the Female. Plants. — Fig. 9. Salix arcnaria (the downy lloiintain Willow). The Cossus and the female Z. .^sculi are from fine specimens at the British Museum. The male Z. yEsculi is from a specimeu taken in Torrington Square, now in the possession of Mr. White. Z. Arundiuis is from Iliibuer's accurate figure ; the female differs so slightly, that 1 have thought it sufficient to give the head (No. 8) to show the dili'cience of the antenna:. The larva of C. Ligniperda is diawTi from nature ; that of Z. j'EscuU from Hiibner. H. N. II. COSSUS, Fabricius. This genus is at once distinguished from the former by its large unwieldy size, and longer antenna ; and from the following, by having these organs furnished with a single scries of pectinations, extending to the tip in the males, and serrated in the females, without a coating of down at the base. The body is squamose, and not woolly. The wings at rest are deflexed at the sides (like a roof). The palpi are distinct, and extend upwards, to the height of half the eyes ; the hind wings arc considerably smaller than the fore ones, and the veins are more regularly arranged than in either the preceding or following genus. The larva is a fleshy grub of large size and immense muscular power, with the back rather depressed, each segment having a scaly dorsal plate ; from the singular scent which it emits in this state, it has received the name of the Goat-moth. There are four European species of this genus. We hovv'ever possess, in tliis country, only the following. 48 BRITISH MOTHS SPECIES 1.— COSSUS LIGNIPERDA. Plate IX., Fio. 1—3. Synonymes. — Phaliena {Bombyx) Cossus, Linnscus ; Donovan, vol. 4, pi. 114; Albin, pi. 35; Wilkes, pi. 31 ; Harris, Aurclian, pi. 23 ; Haworth. Cossus lupiiperda, Fabricius ; Stephens; Curtis, Brit. Ent., pi. CO; Wood, hill. Ent., pi. 5, fig. 7 ; Duncan, Brit. Moths, pi 14, fig. 2, 3. Xyteutes Cossus^ Iliibner, Verz. bek. Schm., Newman. This fine insect varies from 25 to nearly 3 iuclies in the expansion of the fore wings, which are of ashy- wliitc clondcd with brown, especially across the middle, and marked with an infinite number of slender, short, black, irregular streaks, forming a kind of net-work. The hind wings are brown, witli darker and more obscure reticulations extending along the margins of the wings. The thorax is ochre-coloured in front, pale in the middle, and with a black bar behind ; the abdomen is brown, with the margins of the segments pale yellowish grey, especially in the female. The caterjnllar is of a dull yellowish fleshy hue, with dark chesnut scales on the back of each segment ; the head, and two triangular spots on the first segment of the body, black ; it is naked, having only a few short scattered hairs upon the segments. It chiefly feeds upon willows and poplars, but will attack various other trees, boring into tiie solid wood, on which it subsists, and thus doing great damage to the timber ; indeed, young trees attacked by it are often rendered so weak that a violent gale of wind throws them down. This may be easily conceived, because when full grown it is as large as a man's finger. It forms a rough cocoon of the chips of wood, which it has bitten to pieces, fastening them together with a glutinous secretion, and lining them with silk. The pui>a has the head-case acute, and each of the abdominal segments is furnished with several rows of reflexed spiny hooks, which are of great service in enabling the pupa, shortly before arriving at the perfect state, to push itself through its cocoon, and to the surface of the tree ; out of the aperture of which the exuvia may be seen partially sticking after the moth has escaped. This is one of the largest European moths, and its larva has been supposed by many authors to have been the celebrated Cossus of Pliny, which was considered in his time so great a dainty with the Roman epicures. Its ofiensive smell, however, and the power it has of discharging a fetid fluid at its persecutors, which causes pain, render it questionable whether the true Cossus was not the larva of some large wood-boring beetle. This insect has, however, acquired greater celebrity from having been selected by Lyonnet, the prince of entomological anatomists, as the subject of his magnificent work, " Traite Anatomique de la Chenille qui rouge le Bois du Saule," 4to. The Hague, I7()0 ; in which the structure of the caterpillar was most elaborately investigated in every point of view, whilst the anatomy of the pupa and imago are similarly (but not so completely) treated in his posthumous " Recherches sur I'Anatomie et les Metamorphoses de differents Insectes," recently published. It will be sufficient, in order to give some idea of the careful manner in which the anatomy of this caterpillar has been studied in this work, to mention that Lyonnet discovered not fewer than 4061 muscles in its body ; 228 being attached to the head, 1647 to the body, and 2186 to the intestines, whereas in the human body only 529 have been discovered ; so that this caterpillar possesses nearly eight times as many muscles as are contained in the human frame. I may refer the reader to KiJllar's work on obnoxious insects, (translated by JMiss Loudon,) for many details of the natural history of this insect. The goat-moth is abundant in various parts of the country. It remains in the caterpillar state three years, the moth appearing in the mouths of June and -July. PI 9. ^?i»( ^^ ^ t^; •/•'.•• •(•••-• :'»i\'' ;?i# it^ v< AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 49 ZEUZERA, Latreille. This genus is at once distinguished by the antenna; of the males, which have a double series of pectinations extending only half the length of the antenna) ; whilst in the females they are simple, and with the base woollv. The body is also woolly, and the wings more elongated than in Cossus. The palpi are very small, and the spiral tongue is almost obsolete. The veins of the wings offer a singular mode of distribution, the discoidal cell being divided into several areas, and terminated by several angulated veins. The caterpillar (in the tjTjical species) has the body spotted. It feeds, like that of the goat moth, in the interior of trees, and like it forms a cocoon of chips of wood agglutinated together. SPECIES 1.— ZEUZERA iESCULI. Plate IX., Fig. 4, 6, 6. SYNONYME8.— PAatena {Nocttia) /Esculi, I.innajus ; Harris, f. 8 ; Curtis, Brit. Ent., pi. 722 ; Duncan, Brit. Motlis pi. 15 fig Exposition, pi. 11, fig. 3, 4; Donovan, vol. 5, pi. 1.52. Zeuzera yEsculi, htiVieiWe \ Stephens; Wood, Ind. Ent., t. 5, I, 2 ; Weslwood, Ent. Text Booli, pi. 5, fig. ,3. I'halama Nnciua pyr'ina, Linnaus, P.S. ; Hawortli. This beautiful insect, which from its markings has obtained the name of the wood leopard, varies from rather more than two to nearly three inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which are of a snowy-white colour semitransparent, and marked with a great number of shining blue-black spots, which are more distinct in the females than in the males ; the hind wings are similarly coloured, but the spots are less distinct ; the veins of the wings are of yellowish ochre. The thorax white, with six large black spots ; the abdomen banded with blue-black. The caterpillar is pale ochre-yellow, with a large scaly black patch on the segment following the head ; each of the other segments is marked with a number of shining black spots, from each of which issues a short hair ; the anal segment has also a dark patch above. It feeds on the wood of the elm, pear, apple, lime, horse chesnut, walnut, ash, beech, birch, hazel, &c., burrowing into it in the same manner as the caterpillar of the goat moth, to which indeed it is very similar in its habits. It is found in numerous parts of the country at the beginning of July, although nowhere abundant. In St. James's and Hyde Parks it is not uncommon in certain seasons, but it must be sought for early in the morning, as the sparrows consider the body as great a treat as the old Romans deemed the Cossi ; their ravenous propensities being often indicated by the wings of the moth found at the bottom of the stems of the trees in which the moth had been reared. Many particulars relative to the habits of this insect will be found in Loudon's Arboretum Britannicum, p. 887, and in KoUar's treatise above referred to. SPECIES 2.— ZEUZERA ARUNDINIS. Plate VIII., Fig. 7, 8. SvNnNVMEs..— JSo7H.';y,r AruniUnis, Hiibner, Bomb. t. 4", f. 200, [ A.) ; Stephens in Entomologist, p. 160. 201 ; Ochsenhcimer, vol. 3, p. 98 (Cossus A.) ; Boisduval (Zeuzera I Bombyx Castanets, Hiibner, Beitrage, Esper, ErnJt. This species differs from the preceding not only in its small size, being only 1 \ inches in exjianse, but also in having its fore wings of a dull uniform yellowish or ochreous-grey colour, somewhat like that of dry rushes, upon which plant the larva (which is figured by Boisduval in the " Collection Iconographique des Chenilles d'Europe ") feeds. The fore wings in fine specimens have a few small dots or slight markings of a brownish n 50 BRITISH MOTHS colour, and a dark streak towards the costa, more or less apparent, but wliicli are occasionally entirely wantincr ; the hind wings are paler, and brownish in the male, but whitish-grey in the female. The head and thorax are of the same colour as the upper wings, the abdomen very long, and of a greyish-white colour. The female differs only in being of a large size, and in having the antennjB slightly dentatod throughout the whole length, instead of being filiform at the tip, and cottony at the base, as in Z. iEsculi ?. The caterpillar has not the body spotted as in Z. jEsculi, and the pupa has a prominent point at the front part of the head, like that of Nonagria. Wo are indebted to II. Doubleday, Esq., for the introduction of this addition to our Fauna, that gentleman having found a specimen floating on the surface of standing water in Epping Forest, last summer. The appearance of this insect is very unlike that of the typical species ; whence, as well as from the difference in the larva, pupa, and female antennas, Boisduval thinks it probably belongs to a distinct genus. Having, however, carefully examined Jlr. Doubleday's male with the male of Z. yEsculi, no material characters presented themselves to warrant its generic separation. The veins of the wings are differently arranged to those of the type as represented in our Plate 9, figure 5, inasmuch as the vein which closes the discoidal cell is simply arched instead of being several times angulated ; but I find that the male of Z. j^sculi differs in this respect considerably from the female, and closely approaches the male of Z. Arundinis in the arrangement of these veins. FAMILY VI.— BOMBYCID/E, Stephens. {Tribes, Bombyctni, and Saturnides, Boiiduval, Gen. ct Iiid. Mcih.) Tills family corresponds with Latreille's section Bombycites, as established in the second edition of the Regno Animal, and comprises some of the most gigantic insects of the entire order, which are generally distin- guished by the obsolete structure of the mouth, ■which is often destitute of palpi ; and the maxillffi when present are so short and weak as to be useless for the ordinary purposes of a sjiiral tongue. The body is very thick and hairy ; the antenuEB of the males generally very strongly bipectinated to the tip ; and the wings are large and broad, and either extended horizontally or deflexed at the sides. The thorax is not crested. The larVtB are sixteen-footed, having six pectoral, eight ventral, and two anal feet ; they never inhabit portable cases, and their food consists of the leaves of various plants. They inclose themselves in cocoons of pure silk, frequently of a firm and rigid texture like an egg, and which is rarely subterranean. The pupa; are not armed with transverse rows of rigid reflexed points upon the abdominal segments. The males, according to Mr. Stephens, generally fly swiftly in tlie day-time, from about noon to about four or five o'clock in the afternoon, and again in the evening ; but tlie females are very sluggish and inactive. The prevailing hues are grey, brown, or fawn-colour ; and many of the larger species have the wings ornamented with eye-like transparent spots. , « 1% vV -?; -sefei-j PI, 10 f- 4v AND TIIKIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 5]^ DESCRIPTION OF PLATE X. Insects.— Fig. 1. Saturnia PnvoDia minor, male (Emperor molli). 2. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 3. F.riogastcr LaniBtris, male (tlic small Eggcr inotli). 4. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 5. CncthocampaPitjocampa. (i. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 7. Poccilocarapa Populi, male (the Decemhcr inoth). R. The Catci-pillar. " Fig. U. Clisiocampa Castrensis (the grouml Iiacl;ey moth). 10, The Caterpillar. " Fig. 11. Clisiocampa Neustria, male (ihc tree Lackey motli). 12. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 13. Trichinra Ci-itKgi, male (the oak Egger moth). 11. The Caterpillar. " Fig. I.'). 0 short, slender, and bipectinated in the males ; the fringe of the wings elongate. The larv;i; are cylindrical, and hairy. They inhabit a common web in society, whence they emerge m procession, as described by Reaumur and other authors ; and it is within this web that Cn. processionoa undergoes its transformations. Cn. pityocampa and some other Continental species, on the contrary, bury themselves under ground. SPECIES 1.— CNETHOCAMPA PITYOCAMPA. Plate X., Fig. 5, (i. SvNONYMEs. — Bombyx Pityocampa^ Fabricius; Hiibncr (Boui- ! (Cncth. Pityo.) byx, pi. 36, iig. 161); Stephens; Wood, Iml. Ent., t. C, f. 48. | Thaumetopiea Pityncampa, Wu'onev, Xevz.hiik.iichm. The fore wings measure 1^ inches in expanse, and are of a greyish colour, with three undulated dark streaks, and a central dusky lunule ; the hind wings whitish, with a dusky spot at the anal angle. The body is grey, with the abdomen fulvous brown. The caterpillar is described by Fabricius as hairy, and of a blue-grey colour, with yellow spots on tlie back, and a black head. It feeds on pines and firs. This species is introduced into the British lists on the authority of a single small specimen or variety in the British Museum, stated to have been captured by Dr. Leach in Devonshire in the summer of 1825. C.NETHOCAMPA PROCESSIONEA (Linnojus ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 53, f. 34), so named from the extreme regu- larity with which the caterpillars march from their nests during their feeding excursions, was introduced into our lists by JIartyn and Stewart ; but it is very questionable whether the species is indigenous. It is generally smaller than the preceding, with ashy-brown wings, with three dusky streaks, and a brown abdomen ; the female having the markings more indistinct. * Derived from the Greek, in allusion to the excessive irritation produced by the hairs of the caterpillars upon the naked skin. BRITISH MOTHS PCECILOCAMPA*, Stephens. (DIAPHONE, pars, Hubner.) The wings in this genus are rather elongate and sub-diaphanous, but the abdomen is not furnished with a woolly mass at the tip. The anteniue in tlie males are strongly bipectinated, and of nearly equal breadth to the tip. The palpi arc extremely minute. Tlic larvfe are solitary in their liabits, rather depressed, and but slightly pilose. They form a coriaceous suboval cocoon of silk at a little depth under ground. SPECIES 1.— POECILOCAMPA POPULl. Plate X., Fig. 7, 8. S\NONyMEs. — Phalwna {B.) Popitli, Linnaeus; Donovan 9, pi. I Pfecilocampa Populi^ Stephens; Wood, Ind. Ent., pi. G, f. 46. 30"; Wilkes, pi. 48 ; Albin, pi. 85. | Dinphoue Populi, Illibner, Vcrz. bck. Scbmett. The fore wings vary from 1^ to ]^ in expansion, and are of a purplish-brown hue, with the base and the slender inner margin brunneous, a buff stripe very much curved near the base, which does not extend to the inner margin, and a second one of the same colour considerably undulated beyond the middle ; the fringe alternately grey and brown ; the hind wings paler, with a slightly defined pale central stripe. The thorax dark brown, but pale in front. The caterpillar is pale ashy, with the back darker coloured, each segment with two pairs of red spots. It is found in June on poplar trees. Tlie perfect insect, which is rather uncommon (although found in many distant parts of the country) makes its appearance in December ; when, as Mr. Haworth remarks, it and several other winter moths form an essential part of the food of our soft-billed birds. GLISIOCAMPA, Curtis. (MALACOSOMA, Hbbner.) This genus receives its systematic name on account of the gregarious habits of the caterpillars, which reside in a common tent or web ; and the species are termed lacqueys, from the red, blue, white, and black colours of the caterpillars, arranged in stripes like the dress of a footman. The abdomen is not tufted in the females ; the antenna of the males are short, recurved, strongly bipectinated in the males, and slightly in the females ; the palpi minute and three-jointed. The wings are small in the males, acute at the tip, and not diaphanous. The caterpillars construct a loose silken cocoon suffused with a fine powder, having previously left the general web. The female has the instinct to arrange her eggs in an elegant spiral coil round the young branches of fruit-trees, on which the larvas feed, often occasioning great injury to them. SPECIES 1.— CLISIOCAMPA CASTRENSIS. Plate X., Fig. 9, 10. Synonvmes. — PlialiEua {^Bombyx) castrensis, Liunceus; HUbner, Bomb., fig. 177, 180. C/isiocampa castrensis, Curtis, Brit. Eut., pi. 229 ; .Stephens, 111. Il.-iust., jilate 13, fig. 2 ; Wood, Ind. Ent., t. C, fig. 49 ,ind 49. Ma/acosonia castrensis, Hiibuer, Verz. bek. Schm. The fore wings when expanded measure from 1^ to 1|- inches, those of the male being of a pale straw colour, with two dull castaneous bars running across the middle of the wings, the inner one incurved towards tlie base * Derived from the Greek, in allusion to the variegated colouis of tlie caterpilla AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 55 (sometimes united by a longitudinal mark), and often with a dull irrocrular waved streak ; the hind wino-s fawn- coloured. The female lias the wings didl fulvous chesnut, with two straw-coloured stripes forming a bar across the fore wings. It is, however, very inconsistent in its markings. The thorax is yellowish, and the abdomen clay-coloured in the male. The larva of this species feeds on low plants, such as Artemisia maritima, riantago lanceolata, and Daucus carota, on the sea-coast ; hence termed the ground lacquey. It is of a leaden colour, the back black, with red streaks and red lines at the sides ; the hairs yellow chesnut. Tiie moth appears at tlie end of July and through August ; but it is very rare, occurring on the coasts of Essex, Kent, Devonshire, the Isle of Sheppey, &c. SPECIES 2.— CLISIOCAMPA NEUSTKIA. Plate X., Fig. 11 and 12. Synonymes. — Ph. {H.) Neustria, Limiajiis ; Donovan, vol. .'i, pi. 95 ; Albin, pi. 19, fig. 27, e— 1 ; Wilkes, pi. 4.') ; Harris, Aiirc- lian, pi. 17, fig. a — f. Clisiocampa yeustria, Curtis ; Stephens ; Wood, Ind. Rnt., pi. li, fig. 50 and 50. This very common and destructive species measures 1} to li inch in the expansion of its fore wings. It is very similar to the preceding both in size and shape, but the thorax is fawn-coloured, not yellowish ; the wings more rusty fox-coloured, with two pale oblique stripes inclosing a darker coloured bar, the fringe spotted with yellow. The female, instead of being darker than the male as in the preceding, is lighter, with a similar but darker bar across the wings. The colours and markings, however, are very variable. The caterpillars are of a grey leaden colour, with three red lines on each side, and a white dorsal line. It is found in June, and in this state is one of the greatest pests our fruit-trees labour under, as they are sometimes quite defoliated by these voracious caterpillars, and covered over with their noisome webs. The eggs are hatched shortly after the leaves burst forth ; and the caterpillars do not separate but live in one society, forming for themselves a common web, which they enlarge from time to time as they find necessary to accommodate their increasing sizes, communi- cating at length to the almost defoliated tree a very sickly and disagreeable appearance. The best way to destroy them is to shake the branches violently, either with the hand or a pole with a hook to it ; this brings them quickly to the ground, when they are easilj- destroyed. Poultry will feed on them with avidity (Haworth). The moth appears in July and August, and flies with great rapidity. TRICHIURA, Stephens. DIAPHONE. pars, Hubxer. This group is distinguished by its- short straight antenna, its tail somewhat bifid in the males, and clothed with a dense mass of wool in the females, (whence the generic name, derived from the Greek,) its fore wings short and opaque, and its hind ones rounded and entire ; but it is in the preparatory states that it chiefly differs from several of the preceding groups, the eggs being deposited in rows on the trunks of trees, and coated with wool, stripped by the female from the extremity of her own body. The larvre are for a short time gregarious, but do not form a common nest, and the cocoon is regularly egg-shaped and hard. 56 BRITISH MOTHS SPECIES 1.— TRICHIURA CRATiEGI. Plate X., Fig. 13, 14. SvNoNYMES. — Phalisna {Bo.) Crntceyi, Linnasiis ; Donov.in, vol. 4, pi. 11/ ; AUiin, pi. 24, lig. 54, .i— d, and 88, fig. i. Trichiura Cralagi, StcphcDs ; Wood, Ind. Em., pi, 6, fig. 45, 45. Diftphone Cratiegi^ HUbncr, Verz. bek. Schra. Bombyx Afali, Fiibricius (B. Avell.-in.-c, Fair. Oliv.) Variety. Bomhyx paUtdus, I lawoitli. Variety. The fore wings when expanded vary from 1 to nearly 1^ inch, and in tlie males are of a pale ashy colour, with a brown fascia before the middle of the wing curved inwards, a second beyond the middle, dentate and black, the space between these fasciai being generally darker, with a black spot ; there is also an indistinct dentate streak running near the margin, and a marginal row of black dots ; the hind wings arc mouse-coloured or brownish. The female has the wings brown, with two or sometimes three nearly obsolete waved whitish streaks beyond the middle. Pale varieties of the female occur with the markings nearly as in the male, which Mr. Haworth regarded as distinct under the name of B. pallidus. The larva is black, with yellow hairs, pale fascial, and an interrupted lateral row of white spots ; each segment is also marked with several red tubercles. It feeds on the whitethorn in iMay, and the moth appears in September. It is a comparatively uncommon species, but occurs in the woods near London, Epping, Bedford, and elsewhere. ODONESTIS, Germar. (COSMOTRICHE, Hijbner.) This genus is at once distinguished from the preceding groups of this section of the family by the large size of the typical and onlj' species, as well as by the elongated beak-like palpi, the slightly waved outer margin to all the short broad wings, the fore ones being acute at the tips, and the very strongly bipectinated antennse in the males ; the abdomen long and tufted at the tip in the males, but thick and conical in the females. The larva has the back furnished on each side with a tuft of short hairs ; the sides of the body are thickly clothed with decumbent hairs, and a larger one on the back of the second segment behind the head as well as on the penul- timate segment. Tho cocoon is spindle-shaped and compact. SPECIES 1.— ODONESTIS POTATORiA. Plate X., Fio. 15, 10, 17. Synonymes. — Pha/. (Bomb.) potatoria, Linna'us ; Albin, plate I Odonestis potatoriti^ Gt:nimr ; Stepliciis ; ^^'ood, lud. Ent., t. 6, 17 ; AVilkes, plate 58 ; Harris, Aureliau, plate 42 ; Doaovan, vol. 5, f. 52, 52 ; Dunran, Brit. Moths, pi. 18, fig. I, 2. pl. 148. I Cosmotriche potatoria, Hahner^ Yerz.hek. Schm, This fine, although common insect, varies from 24 to 3 inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which in the male are of a rich reddish buff clouded with fulvous, with two white dots j^laced one above the other, the upper one being the smaller, in the middle of the wing towards tlie costa ; beyond which runs a straight dark line from tiie middle of the hind margin to the tip of the wing, and is succeeded by a more indistinct dentate line ; the hind wings and body are of the ground-colour of the fore wings. The female is altogether paler, being of a delicate fawn colour, but with similar markings to the male. The colours vary occasionally; being either liglitor or darker in both sexes. The caterpillar is dark brown, very much freckled with pale dots, a yellowish line on each side, with white tufts of hair along the sides above the feet. It is very abundant in -June, feeding on grasses, the moth appearing in the following month. It is very abundant throughout the country. arf?*R^.. PI U. "''te^ AND TIIKIR TKANSI'ORJIATIONS. 57 DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XI. Insects.— Fig. 1. Lusiocinipa Rubi, fcuialu (the Fo.v motli). 2. The Caterpillar. 3. The Cater|iillar when young. 4. Tlic Cocoon an.i Clirysalip. " Fig. 5. L.asiocampa Trifolii (the grass-egger). 6. The Female. 7. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 8. Lasiocampa Koboris, female (the oak Eggcr moth). 9. The Male. 10. The more common variety of the Male witli dark bonier. 11. A variety of the Female with a correspondiug dark border. 12. The Caterpillar. '* Fig. 13. Lasiocampa i^ueiciis (of Hiihner). ** Fig. 14. Lasiocampa Dumeti. Tlie male of tlic fox motli is very similar to the female, hut differs in being of a somcwh.it richer colour, smaller, and having the antenna" pectinated. Tlic male of L. Trifolii, as exhibited in the plate, has a pale band on the hind wings, a peculiarity upon which a separate species has been founded ; but :is I have found none but males so distinguished, I .am inclined to tliiuk it a mere sexual difference. The two varieties of L. Roboris have also been by some made two species. L. Quercus is from HUbncr's figure, and L. Dumeti and the dark female arc in the British Museum ; L. Dumeti being a foreign specimen. The others are all fiom llie beautiful specimens furnished by Mr. IL Doiibledav. The young caterpillar of the fox moth, the cocoon, and the caterpillar of L. Trifolii, are from Hiibner ; the other two are from nature. In the present plate a few leaves of plants are introduced merely for the purpose of exhibiting the caterpillars more conveniently. H. N. H. LASIOCAMPA, Sriiii.v.NK. UOMBYX, p. Boisimv.u.. This group has the wings entire, and comparatively elongated and opaque, the hinder ones rounded ; the abdomen of neither sex regularly tufted at tlio tip, hut bifid in the males ; the palpi minute, and not porrected like a beak ; the antennao deeply bipectinated in the males, straight and serrated in tlie females. The males fly with amazing rapidity by day. The larvi^; are solitary in their habits, and clothed with lung hairs (whence the generic name, derived from the Greek) ; when alarmed they curl themselves up in a ring, when tlie pale annulations of the body become distinct, as represented in our fig. 3, whence they have gained the name of the ' devil's gold rings.' The nomenclature of llic species has been greatly confused, varieties having been often regarded as distinct species. Dr. Boisdnval, in his new work, gives only L. Rubi, Quercus, and Trifolii, as natives of central and northern Europe. SPECIES 1.— LASIOCAMPA RUBI. Plate XL, Pre. 1—4. SvNONYMES. — Phaliena (Do.) Rudi, Liunixus ■, Albin, pi. 81, fig. 1 Lasiocampa Rubi, Schrank ; Stephens; Wood, Ind. Eiit., t. 6, a— d ; Wilkes, pi. 54 ; Donovan, 2, pi. 69. fig. 40. I Uletunastra Rubi, Hiibner, Verz. bek. Sclim. This species varies from 2 '. to 2j inches in the expansion of its fore wings, which, as well as the body and hind wings, are of a fox colour, (whence the English name of the species), the fore wings having two .scarcely oblique pale stripes, variable in their position, across the middle ; and the fringe of the hind wings is whitish. The female is paler, but similarly marked. Tlie caterpillar when young is blackish and velvety, with golden rings (fig. 3), but it afterwards becomes ferruginous above and black beneath, with l)!ack rings edged with fulvous and reddish hairs ; it forms a long and nearly transparent cocoon, through which the chrysalis can be seen. It feeds on the bramble, and appears in the autumn ; the perfect insect being produced at the beginning of the following summer. It is not an uncommon insect, but is difficult to rear. 58 BRITISH MOTHS SPECIES 2.— LASIOCAMPA TRIFOLII. Plate XI., Fig. 5, 6, 7. Synonymes. — PhaliBua (Bomb.) Tri/b/w, ViUars ; Lewin, Linn. 1 Lasiocampa Trifvid, Schrank ; Stephens; Wood, lud. Ent., Trans., vol. 3, pi. 4, fi{?. 1 — 4 ; Wilkes, pi. 47, upper figure ; but not pi. (>, fig. 41 . of Schaffer, who figures Rubi under this name. ( Pachygastria Trifolii, Hiibner, Verz. bek. Schm. This species varies from 2J- to 2^ inches in the expanse of the fore wings, which, as well as the other parts of the insect, are of a rusty-grey colour, the fore wings having a whitish central spot, and a pale livid or ochre- coloured stripe beyond the middle of the wing, which is curved outwards towards the hinder margin. The hind wings are ordinarily destitute of the central fascia. The caterpillar is described by Fabricius as solitary, pilose, dirty brown, with the incisions spotted with blue, and a red ring round the neck ; it feeds upon trefoil, medick, and plantain, in the early summer months, inclosing itself in a compact oval cocoon ; the imago appearing in July and August. This is a rare species, but is found in the New Forest in some plenty. Mr. Haworth states that the caterpillars secrete themselves by day under loose stones, but adds that the thick-kneed bustard preys upon them, ingeniously turning over the stones in order to come at them. Lasiocampa Medicaginis, Ochsenh. ; (Curtis, B, E., pi. 181; Wood, lud. Ent., t. 6, f. 42; Wilkes, pi. 47, fig. infer. ;) is most probably only a variety of the preceding, dififering in having a pale stripe towards the base of the fore wings, and an indistinct fascia across the hind ones. The larva, according to Esper's figure copied by Curtis, is however different, being of a dull fulvous colour, with black rings and white oblique lateral stripes ; but Mr. Stephens states that Mr. Ingpen reared this variety from a larva, which differed in no respect from those of L. Trifolii, with which it was. found in company, which is also tiie case with the perfect specimens which have occurred. Boisduval sinks it into a variety of Trifolii. SPECIES .3.— LASIOCAMPA ROBORIS. Plate XL, Fig. 3—12 Synonymes.^ /*/t. (B.) Boboris, Schrank; Stephens: Wood, Ind. Ent., t. 6, f. 44, 44, (Las. R.) PhaliEna Quercus^ Fabricius; Donovan, vol. 3, pi. 104, f. 1, 2; Albin, pi. 18; Wilkes, pi. 46; Harris, Anrelian, pi. 29, fig. a— f; Duncan, pi. 17, f. 3. Pachygastria Quercus, Hiibner, Veiz. bek. Sclim. This species varies from 2^ to 3} inches in expanse. The males are of a dark rusty or chesnut brown, the fore wings having a central white spot, beyond which is a broad yellow fascia, gradually softened into dark chesnut to the tip of the wing, running across all the wings. The female is generally of a buff or pale ochre colour, with similar m.arkings. Varieties however occur, such as our fig. 9, in which the tips of the wings of the male do not gradually become darker coloured, and our fig. 11, in which the females are much darker coloured than ordinary. The caterpillar is dirty clay-coloured, with white rings, and white oblique stripes above the feet. It feeds on the oak and various other trees, and forms a compact egg-like cocoon, whence the species has acquired the name of the great egger moth. The moth appears at the end of July, the males flying with great rapidity during the day. It is very abundant in the neighbourhood of London and other parts of the country. SPECIES 4.— LASIOCAMPA QUERCUS. Plate XL, Fig. 1.3. Synonymes. — Phalana (Bomb.) Quercus, Linnaius ; Schrank ; Stephens; Wood, Ind. Ent., t. (i, f. 43. This species, if it really be distinct, measures from 2,1 to 3j inches in expanse. It differs from the jtreceding (which I should consider as a variety of it) in being darker coloured, with a distinct yellow patch at the base Fl.L AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 59 of the fore wings, the central white spot more triangular, the yellow fascia less dilated, and more curved inwardly. The caterpillar is oclire-colourcd, ringed with black and with oblique white lateral stripes. It feeds on the oak and other trees, and the moth ai)pears in August. It is found abundantly in the south-west parts of EnMand, but is rare near London, where it is replaced by the preceding insect. Dr. Dahlbom, the Swedish entomologist, has recently figured L. Quercus, which agrees with that given by Wood. Our figure 13, copied from Hiibner, must therefore represent a variety analogous to the variety of Rohoris, delineated in our figure 9. Lasiocampa Si'AUTII of Iliibner, given by Stephens and Curtis as a variety of L. Roboris, is considered by Boisduval as distinct, and is an inhabitant of the south of Europe. Lasiocampa ? Du.meti of Schrank (Hiibner, Bombyx, jil. .']7, fig- 1heus ; Wood, Ind. Ent., lab. 6, fig. 51. nonovan, vol. 5, pi. 177, 178. Lasiocampa Pini, Boi5duv.1l ; llUbner, Verz. bek. .Sclim. Odoneslis Pini, Curtis, B. E., pi. 7. This fine and extremely rare species varies from 2^ to 3^ inches in expanse. The fore wings are dark grey at the base, witli a white spot in a dark patch before the middle, followed by an obsolete ashy bar, tlien a lobed reddish bar beyond the middle, edged before and behind with a grey line spotted with blackish, the extremity of the win" being greyish-ashy coloured ; the hind wings and body are reddish-grey. The female is much larger and paler-coloured than tlic male, the fore wings reddish-grey with the white spot, and tlie hind wings unspotted. The caterpillar is variegated with red, brown, grey, and white, with two blue fascite near the head, spotted ;it the sides with red ; it is tufted with hairs, one thicker than the rest near the tail. It feeds on pine-trees, the ima"o appearing at tlie end of July. Specimens of this moth were contained in several old EngHsh collections, but the only recorded instances of its capture in England, are a caterpillar taken in September 1748, in Richmond Park, by Wilkes, and a male moth captured by Mr. Sparshall in the Norwich Hospital on the 22nd July, 1809, which is now in the British Jluscuni. GASTROPACHA (spec, typ.), Oohsexheimer. This genus is well distinguished by its robust form, very curved antenna;, denticulated wings, thick abdomen, (whence the generic name, derived from the Greek,) destitute of an anal tuft, elongated palpi advanced like a beak in front, and antennie nearly alike in both sexes. The remarkable appearance which the insects exhibit when at rest, as represented in our figure 5, is caused by the dilated margins of the hind wings extending beyond the costa of the fure wings, which, joined to the colours of the insects, gives them the appearance of dead leaves of the oak and other trees. SPECIES 1.— GASTROPACHA QUERCIFOLIA. Plate XII., Fi.;. 4—7. .SvNoNVMF^. — Plial. (Bo.) QuercifoKa, Linnteus ; Albin, pi. IG; , Knt., pi. '24 ; Wood, Iiid. Ent., t;ib. 6, f. o3: Duncun, Bril. Mollis, AA'ilke*, pi. 57 ; Harris, Aurcliun, pi. 4-', fiir. a — c ; Donovan, vol. 7, pi. '8, liij. 3, 4. pi. 332. Phyllodesma Qticrcifolia, Iliibner, Vei7.. bek. Schni. Gaxtrtipavhtt Qucrcifolia, Oclisenheinier ; Stephens ; Curtis, Brit, | This fine insect measures from 2i to 3^ inches in expanse. The general colour is dark rich chesnut, the extremity of the wings sufi'used with a pale lilac bloom ; the fore wings with three oblique waved black stripes, and a black spot between the two nearest the body ; the hind wings are unspotted, the outer edge redder than the rest ; the palpi are black. Varieties occur in the greater or less distinctness of the stripes, which sometimes run across tlie hind wings. The caterpillar is very large, and remarkable for having the sides of its body furnished with fleshy appendages, whence the moth has received the name of the " Lappet ;" it is dark-grey or brownish, with two dark-blue stripes near the head, and with fascicles of hairs, the one on the penultimate segment being the largest. The chrysalis is thickly powdered with a white bloom. It feeds on willows, AND TIIKIR TRANSKORMATIONS. gj whitethorn, and pear, as well as on grasses ; and although not a common insect, it is very abundant whore it occurs, as in the Iluntingdonsliirc fens, Epping, and near Hcrtt'ord. Tlie moth appears at the beginning of July. GASTROPAcnA Ilicifolia, Linnaeus ; (Ochsenheinier ; Stephens ; Wood, Ind. Ent., pi. 53, fig. .35 ; and our plate 12, fig. 8 and {! ;) is not above one-fourth of the size of the preceding, with tlie wino-s orey ; tlie disc of the fore ones varied with three oblique reddish fascia) ; the hind margin marked with a row of white spots. Ochsenheinier describes two distinct varieties of the caterpillars, which are found in June, July, and Aucrust, on the sallow, as well as on Vaccinium Jfyrtillus. The moth appears in May. Introduced by Turton as a native species, but no British specimen is preserved in any of our cabinets. Gastroi'aciia Poi'ULiFoLiA, Fabricius ; (Iliibner, Bomb., jd. 43, f. 189 ; Stc])heus ; Wood, pi. 53, fig. 3(5 ; and our pi. 12, fig. 9, 10;) is another equally unauthenticatcd species, introduced by Martyn. It is as large as G. Quercifolia, but the fore wings are narrower, and the body more slender ; the general colour is reddish buff, the thorax with a dark line, and the wings marked with numerous dusky arches, forming several oblique fasciae. The caterpillar feeds on various species of Populus and Salix ; and the moth appears in June. FAMILY Vll— ARCTIID.E, Leach. This family, with wliicii 1 have united the Notodontida; of Stephens, nearly corresponds with the third section of the Nocturna of Latrcillc, or the Pseudo-Bombyces, and comprises those species which have the wings deflexed in repose, the posterior pair not extending beyond the costa of the anterior ; they are connected together by a spring and socket ; the antcnnip of the males are strongly bipectinated or serrated, the spiral tongue is either obsolete or of very small size, and the labial palpi are generally short and obtuse at tlie tip, with the last joint very small. The caterpillars vary very considerably, being in some species naked, but variously tubercled ; in others thickly hairy ; and in some furnished with long tufts of hairs. They feed entirely upon the external parts of plants, and enclose themselves in cocoons when about to undergo their transformations. I find it impossible to draw a line between the genera which compose Mr. Stephens's two families, Notodontidic and Arctiidffi. The structure of the mouth will not assist in the inquiry, because Hammatophora, Cerura, &c., amongst the Notodontida, have the maxilla^ and even the maxillary palpi (as discovered by Curtis), developed as strongly as in Spilosoma and Arctia ; whilst there is as great a variation in the transformations of the genera of either trroup, as there is between the respective species of the two groups. The family, nevertheless, comprises several distinct types of form, which Boisduval has considered as the representatives of as many distinct tribes ; namely : — 1. NoTODONTiDES (including Hammatophora and Clostera, as well as the more typical groups). 2. Cocliopodes (Apoda and Hoterogenea). 3. Psychides. 4. Endromides (Aglaia and Endromis). 5. Liparides (Liparis and Orgyia). (i. Chelonides (.\.rctia, &c.) „T BRITISH MOTHS DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XIII. Insects.— Fig. 1 . Staiiropiis Fagi (the Lubstcr). 2. Tlje Caterpillar. " Fij. 3. IIaiiiinat()|)hor.'i Bucephala (the l.iiir-tip Mutli). 4. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 5. Clostera Anastomosis. &. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 6. Clostora Heclusa (the small chocolate tip). 7. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 8. Clostera Suffusa, " Fig. 9. Clostera Anachoreta (the scarce chocolate tip). 9. Tlie Caterjnllar. " Fig. 10. Clostera Ciirtula (the chocolate tip). 10. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 11. NotoJonta Dromedarhis (the iron promiiioat). 12. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 13. Notodonta Perfusca (the dark prominent). " Fig. 14. Notodonta Zic-7.ac (the pebhle prominent). 15. The Caterpillar. " Fie. Iti. Leiocampa Dicta;a (the Swallow prominent). 17. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 11'. Leiocampa Dictaiodes (the swallow likeness). 19. The Caterpillar. Plants. Fig. 20. Corylus avellana (the common hazel). 21. PopuUis trcmula (the aspen). 22. Fagns sylvatica (the common beech). Fijures 3, 6, 10, 14, 16, 18, arc from specimens kindly furnished me by Mr. H. Doubleday. The others are from British specimens in the liritish Museum, with the exception of C. Anastomosis, which is from a foreign specimen, and C. Suffusa and N. Perfusca, which are from Mr. Stephens's figures. The caterpillars of S. Fagi and N. Dromedarius .-ire from Standish's original drawings in the British Museum ; all the others are from lliihner. Although the forms of some of these larvce are exceedingly singular, in the chrysalis form they present no striking peculiarity ; and I have not thercfoie thoupht it worth while to give figures of any of them. II. N. H. STAUROPUS*, Germab, Stephens. (HARPYIA, Boisduv.m.). This genus is at once distinguished by the male antennaj having about one fourtli of tlieir length at the tip destitute of pectinations, the basal portion being bipcctinatcd ; the female has the entire antenna simple. The inaxillsB can scarcely be called conspicuous (as described by Boisduval), consisting only of two rudinicntal lobes. Tiic fore wings are narrow, elongate-ovate, with several elevated tufts of scales. But it is in the larva state that the genus is most easily distinguished, the caterpillar being of a most singular form ; whence it has obtained amongst collectors the name of the Lobster. Its singularity consists in the great length and slenderness of the second and third pair of feet, the angulated back, and the dilated, recurved extremity of the body, furnished with two long, slender, horny appendages, which take the place of the ordinary anal feet of the caterpillars. SPECIES 1.— STAUROPUS FAGI. Plate XIII., Fig. 1, 2. Synonymes. — Phal. (Bomb.) Fagi, Linnscus ; Donovan, vol. 12, Tcrasioii Fagi, Hiibuer, Verz. pi. 328 ; Albin, pi. .58 ; Curtis, Brit. Ent. pi. 674 (.Stauropus F.) ; Harpyia Fagi, Boisduval, (ien. et Ind. Meth. Wood, Ind. Ent. tab. o, f. 23. This rare species varies from 2^ to 3 inches in expanse ; it is of a dull greyi.sh-brown, with the fore wings varied towards the base and hind margin with reddish ; the base is pale, succeeded by a broad dark bar, with ♦ Derived from the Greek (rrmpos, valUis, and jrous, pes ; evidently in allusion to the singular feet of the larva. h 15 AM) TIIKIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 63 several paler patches occupying the middle of the wing, followed by a waved and toothed, pale stripe. The apical portion of the wing is paler, with a row of small black suhmarginal dots, preceded on the costa by a lutcous stripe ; tlie iiind wings are brown, with an angulated, pale stripe runniurr from the outer maro-in half- way acro.ss the middle of tiie wings. The female is more uniformly coloured on the fore winns. The caterpillar is rusty grey or fawn colour. The cocoon i.s described as closely woven, and more resembles silver pajjer than any other material, being, however, perfectly pliant to the touch. The moth is of rare occurrence ; having been found chiefly in the southern jiarts of England, in various localities. Tlie most northerly recorded locality is near Worcester. The moth apjx'ars in June and in the early part of July, and the caterpillar in the autumn. It feeds on various forest-trees — hazel, alder, sloe, &c. HAMMATOPHORA*, Wesiw. PYG.ERA, Stephens. This genus has the wings denticulated along the outer margin, but the posterior edge is not tootiicd ; the thorax is crested with two elevated tufts at the sides ; the antenna; in the males are thick, and obtusely dentated, and furnished with a double series of curved setiv, whieli extend to the tip ; tlie fore wings are elongate- triangular ; the abdomen is elongate, and terminated by an undivided tuft ; the fore feet are extended forwards in repose. The caterpillars arc soft and hairy, sixteen-footcd, and ornamented with interrupted black stripes on a jwle ground ; the pupa state is passed beneath the surface of the ground. SPECIKS ].— HAM.M.VTOniUllA BUCEPIIALA. 1'latk Xlll., Fig. 3, 4. SvNoNVMEs. — P/ial. (Bomb.) l/ucephala,Linmcm; Donos:ui,\n].l. j pi. 3!), fii. ii — c; Cmtis, Bill. Kut. pi. 5:iO ; Wood, liiJ. Km. t. .'j) pl. Z ; Albiii, pi. 23, fig. 33, a— d : Wilkes, pi. 13 ; Harris, Aunliii.i, | tig. U ; Duucan, Brit. Moths, pi. \o, tig. :! (Pyg.-iia, li.). This common but handsome species varies from rather more than 2 to nearly 3 inches in the expansion of its fore wings, which are of a silvery grey colour, but darker along the costa, with a slender transverse black line, preceded by a red one near the base of the wings, several dusky bars across the middle, and with a large, oval, cream-coloured apical patch, enclosing several small buiF spots ; edged within by a curved red line, preceded by a black one, which lines again occur near the anal angle of the fore wings ; the margin is varied with black, grey, and fulvous red. The hind wings are whitish, with a dusky mark near the anal margin. The thorax is bulf, crested with dark brown at the sides and behind. The caterpillar is yellow, with black legs, and several rows of interrupted black stripes. It is found in the autumn on the oak, elm, and various other trees, living whilst young in society ; the moth appearing in June. The chrysalis is subterranean with two small points at the tail. * The name Pygajra (derived from the Greek ttS^t;, nates, aad afpeu, porto), was given by Ochsenheimer, evideatly in .illusion to the elongated tufted tails of Anachoret.a, &c., which are his typical species of this genus,, Oclisenheimer corieclly doubting the ])ropriety of placing Bucepbala even at the end of this group. There are, therefore, no grounds for retaining the name of Pyga:ra for the buff-tip moth, for which it is clearly inappropriate. I therefore propose, in its stead, a name derived from the Greek ^jUjuo, nodus, and (pepo, porto, in allusion to the singularly nodose antenna; of the males. I regret to have to introduce this change (which I do upon the strict rules of zoological nomenclature), as it happens that both English and French authors are in accordance in adopting the name Pygajra for the bulf-tip moth. 64 BRITISH MOTHS CLOSTERA*, HoFFMANSEGG. PYG.^RA (pars typica), Ochsenheimer. This "-enus agrees with Ilammatophora in the general form of tlie wings (destitute of teeth on the hind margin) ; but tliey are shorter, and the outer margin is not denticulated: tliey are also niarlied with pale transverse streaks, and a large chocolate-coloured apical patch ; the antenna? are also short and bipectiuated in both sexes ; the thorax is only crested behind. The fore feet are not stretched forwards in repose ; the abdomen of the males is lon. SvN0NVMF9.-B(.mJj,a> anachoretU!^, Fabricius, lluworth. I Chstera anachoreta, Stephens ; Cmtis, Brit. F.nt. pi. "15 ; Wood, Bombyr curtnla, Espcr, 3, pi. .57, fig. 1 — 1 ; (nee Linn.) 1 I,„i. Eut. tab. 5, fi<'. 11. This species measures l\ incli in the expansion of the fore wings, which are of a greyish colour, tinged with lihvc, witli four pale streaks, tliu first and second obh(iui'ly transverse, tlie third abbreviated in front and bent, and the fourtli interrupted in the niiddk-, the anterior portion running through the large, chocolate, apical patch, the extremity of which is tinged with lilac, and marked next tlic stripe with tliree orange dots ; beneath the chocolate patch is a black dot, jireceded by a row i,{ smaller ones. The hind winos are brown. Tiie caterpillar is grey, having a lateral row of fulvous spots, two black stripes down the back with fulvous dots ; the fourth and anal segment with a large chesnut tubercle. It feeds on willows and poplars, in June and October, and the moth appears in Jlay and July. It is extremely rare in England, no other specimens beinc recorded except those in the British Museum, which were captured near Salisbury by the late Mr. Spratt. SPECIES 4.— CLOSTERA CURTULA. Plate XIII., Fig. 10 and 10. Synonymes. — Phal. {Bomb.) curtula, UnnaMis ; Albin. pi. 88 ; | Clostera curtula, Stephens, Curtis; Wood, InJ. Ent. pi. .5, fig. 12. Ilubncr, tab. 22, fig. 8'J. I Ilomht/x anachoreta, Espcr, 3, pi. 51, fig. 5. This species measures from l\ to 1.^, inch in the expanse of its fore wings, which are of a reddish grey colour, with four nearly straight, whitish streaks, and a large a])ical patch entirely of a testaceous brown, or shining, reddish fawn-colour, in which is an obscure row of five brown dots. The hind wings are ashy-grey coloured. The caterpillar is pilose, ashy-coloured, with four rows of reddi.sh -spots. It is found in the autumn on willows and poplar-trees, the moth appearing at the end of April or in May; also (according to Boisduval) in July. It occurs, but by no means abundantly, in the neighbourhood of London, and other parts of the south of England, and has been found near Coleshill by tlic Rev. W. T. Bree. The remainder of the species represented in this ])late (13), and the mnjority of those upon the following plate, constitute (notwithstanding the singular diversity of the caterpillars) a natural group, which Ochsenheiraer retained as a separate and single genus, under the name of Notodonta, a name derived from the Greek, having reference to the prominent lobe of scales upon the hind margin of the fore wings, and which, when the insect is at rest, is raised over the back ; whence the English name of Prominent moths, given by collectors to these insects, which have been subdivided by Mr. Stephens into a number of genera, several of which have been sunk by Curtis and Boisduval. NOTODONTA (pars typioa, Ochsenheimer), Stephens. As restricted by Mr. Stephens, this group comprises those species which have the fore wings moderately long and obtuse at the tips, with a single hind lobe, and the outer margin somewhat denticulated ; the thorax not crested ; the antennas only pectinated in the males, being simple in the females. The caterpillars are smooth (without hairs), with the back tubercled, being furnished with two imperfect anal feet. They generally rest with the extremity of the body elevated, in the same manner as Stauropus and Cerura. K gg BRITISH MOTHS SPECIES 1.— NOTODONTA DROMEDAIUUS. Plate XIII., Fig. 11 and 12. Synonvjifs. — I'linl. (Bomb.) Dromeilurius, Linnjcus'; Hiibncr, pi. 7, f. 28 : De fli-cr, v. i. t. 1, tig. ]3 — 17 ; Donovan, vol. x. pi. .■!50,fis. 1. Notodonta Dromeduj-ius, Ochsenheimer; Stephens ; Curtis, Brit. Em. pi. 739 (variety) ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 5, f. 24. Bomhyx Dromedarulus, Ilaworth, Samonelle (variety). Phalana Zebu, Donovan, 12, pi. 307, fig. 1. This species measures from 1 ', to nearly 2 inches in tlie expanse of the fore wings, wliich are of a reddish or purplisii brown, with the base, and two dentated, wliitish, slender fascise ; the second are very much curved, and between these fasciie is a dark, ear-shaped mark on the disc, edged with buff; and beyond the second is a chesnut-coloured, irregular, submarginal fascia. The hind wings are brown, with an obscure whitish bar across tlie middle. The colours vary considerably in brightness and depth. The caterpillar is green, with the under surface purplish : it becomes reddish when ready to change. It is found in September on oak, poplars, beech, hazel, &c. The moth appears in .Tune and August. It is of scarce occurrence, but is met with in the woods near London, as well as in Worcestershire, Cheshire, and Suffolk. Bombyx Dromedarulus, the small Iron prominent of Haworth, is considered as a small variety of this species, differing in having the thorax red, and the wings reddish, with two obsolete streaks, the outer one dentated. SPECIES? 2.— NOTODONTA PERFUSCA. Plate XIII., Fig. 13. .SvNONVMEs. — Notudonta perftisca, Stephens, lUnstr. Ilaust. 2, I Bombi/r perfiiscus? Haworth. jil. 14, fig. 2. ] B. cameUna ? Harris, Exposition, pi. 13, fig. 5. Mr. Stephens describes this species as varying from Ig to 1^ inch in expanse, and as similar to the last, but of a totally different hue, and, like its congeners, extremely variable in the intensity and brilliancy of its markings; anterior wings fuscous, mixed with chestnut, with darker clouds and an irregular yellowish patch at the base, a slightly undulated striga before, and a flexuous and deeply-indented one behind the middle, terminating .at the costa and near the anal angle in a yellowish streak ; between the strigaj is a fuscous streak, edged with yellowish, and the hinder margin has a slightly-waved row of reddish or chestnut spots ; posterior wings fuscous, with a light, rather flexuous, oblique striga arising from the anal angle ; abdomen fuscous ; thorax dusky, sometimes rufescent in the middle. This description was taken from specimens found near Dublin, all of which agreed in these particulars, and differed from every specimen of D. Dromedarius seen by Mr. Stephens, which were strongly rufescent. Mr. Curtis, however, regards them as a variety of that species. The perfuscus of Haworth was described from a specimen in Drury's collection, reared from the larva in England. The dark prominent (B. camelina) of Harris lias been referred to this species, but is described by that author as having the head, thorax, and abdomen of a dirty brown, with some waves of a lightish hue crossing them. " On the slip edge are tico small prominences or angles. The inferior wings are almost white, and totally plain ; and the abdominal corners are as if scorched." It was taken in May. SPECIES a— NOTODONTA ZIC-ZAC. Pl.a.te XIII., Fig. 14, 15. SvNoNvMEs. — J'Jiiil. (Bomb.) Zic-zac, Lintiieiis ; Donovan, 4, pi. I Notodonta Zic-:ac, Oclisenheimcr, Stephens ; Wood, Ind. Ent. 119 ; Alliin, pi. 14, fig. 20, e— li ; Wilkes, pi. 28. | pi. 5, f. 2G. This species varies from 1 } to nearly 2 inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which are of a pale, fulvous buff colour, lighter coloured towards the costa in the middle, the base and apex being waved with brown, the AND THRIK TRANSFORMATIONS. D/ apical portion of tl.o wing being occupied by a large, oval, variegated, ocellated spot, tinged with purplisli, and edged at the base with a brown lunule ; the outer and hind margin being edged with a slender, dark line. ' The hind wings arc pale ashy, with a similar dark edging, and a dark, discoidal arch ; the anal angle brown. The caterpillar is ashy-coloured, with the under side purplish, and a pale lateral line ; it has only two dorsal tubercles. It feeds on the poplar and willow in June and September, the moth appearing in May or the beginning of Juno and August. It appears to be distributed over the greatest part of England, but is nowhere of common occurrence. LEIOCAMPA,* Stephens. (PH.EOSIA, Hubner.) Mr. Stephens characterises this group as having the fore wings elongate, obtusely denticulated, and acute at the tip, with one lobe on the hind margin ; the thorax not crested ; the antennae are bipectinated in both sexes to the tip ; the pectinations shorter in the female ; and the palpi very minute : the larva^ are smooth on the back, the penultimate segment alone having a dorsal tubercle; and the anal segment furnished with a pair of perfect prologs. The cocoon is composed of pieces of wood, united by silk. Curtis and Boisduval regard this group only as a section of Notodonta. SPECIES l.-LEK)CAMrA DICT.EA. Platk XIIL, Fig. 16, 17. SvNONTfMES. — Phal. {Bomb.) dicliea, Linnirus, S. N. 2, 825, No. 60 ; Wicn Vcrz., Ilubner, Ocliscnlicimer (Xotod. li.), Fain icius, Esper. Phal. (Bomb.) tremvla, Linnaeus, Faun. Succ. Sjst. Nat. 2, 820, No. 58'; Haworth ; Curlis (Nolod. trcmiila). Leiocampa iHctaa, Sicphciis ; Wooil, Iiul. Ent. t. 5, f. 27. Plialtena Ircpida, Donovan, 7, plate 239, fig. 1 ; Leach, Samouille. P/iteosia dictiea, Iliilincr, Vei-z. bek. Schm. This species varies from 2 to 2 j- inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which are of a greyish-white colour towards the costa, except at the tips, broadly clouded with brown, witli two or three black lines near the apex; the posterior margin of the w-ing is broadly black, through which runs an interrupted, whitish line, and there are several greyish linos at the anal angle; the apical margin is marked by a blackish line, preceded by a white one ; the hind wings arc white, with the anal angle brown, through which runs a white line. The caterpillar is shining, dark, reddish brown, often with a violet tinge, the jfenultiniate segment conically elevated. It feeds on all kinds of poplars, willows, and on the common birch ; and is found in June and October, and the imago occurs in June and August. It is not a common species ; but is met with in the woods near London, near Dover, York, and in Norfolk and other localities. SPECIES 2.— LEIOCAMPA DICTiEOIDES. Plate XIII., Fig. 18, 19. SvNoNYMEs. — Bombyx diclaoides, Espcr, Brahm ; lliibncr, Bomb, j Phaosia diclieoides, Hiibner, Vcrz. bek. Scboj. tab. 6, f. 23, 24 ; Haworth. Bombyx Gnoma, Fabricius. Leiocampa diclteoides, Stephens ; Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 5, fig. 28. I This species is generally rather smaller than the preceding, which it gi-eatly resembles, but is distinguished by being dai-ker-coloured, with the hind margin more broadly brown, on which is a white stripe bordering a black * Derived from Aeios, Irevis, and KafiTrri, eruca ; the caterpillars being smooth. K 2 ,5^ BRITISH MOTHS iiatch, aiitl there is a triangular white spot near the anal angle. The hind wings are brownish or dirty white, with the anal angle marked by a dusky patch. The caterpillar is pale-green and glossy, with a slender yellow lateral lino ; the under side pale fleshy-coloured. It is rather rare, occurring in the s.anie situations as the preceding species in July. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XIV. Insfcts. — Fig. 1. Lophopteryx Canieliiia ( the cuxcomb Prominent). 2. TIic Caterpillar. " Fig. 3. Lophopteryx Ciicullina (the maple Prominent). 4. The Caterpillar. *' Fig. 5. Lopho])tcryx Carmelita. " Fig. 6. Pterostoma Palpina (^tlic pale Prominent). " Fig. 7. Pctasia Cassinia (the Sprawler). 8. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 9. Pcridea trepiila (the great Prominent). 10. The Caterpillar. *' Fig. 11. Drymonia dodonEpa (the marbled brown). " Fig. 1.*?. Drymonia ehaonia (the lunar marbled brown). 14. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 1.5. CJlnphi&ia crenata. " Fig. 16. Drymonia qiicrna. 17. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 18. Ptilo]ibora plumigcra. ly. The Caterpillar. Plants. — Fig. 20. Acer Canipestre (tlie common Maple). " Fig. 21. Quercus Sessiliflora (a variety of the common oak). " Fig. 22. Lignstruui viilgare (the common Privet). Pig3. 1, 7, 9, 11, 13, are from specimens kindly furnished by Mr. H. Doubleday ; all the rest are from specimens in the British Museum. The caterpillars 8 and 4 are from the original drawings of Standish ; lliibner represents 8 of the same form, but white, delicately tinted with glaucous green, with conspicuous red stripes. The others are from Hiibner. 11. N. H. LOPHOPTERYX *, Stephens. Tills group is separated by BIr. Stephens, on account of the thorax of the species of which it consists being crested ; wings with the outer margins dentate ; the iiind margin of the triangular fore-wings with a simple lobe ; the antennas of the males alone bipectinated ; the abdomen in the males terminated by a trifid scaly tuft. The caterpillars are furnished with one or two conical protuberances near the extremity of the body. SPECIES 1.— LOPHOPTERYX CAMELINA. Plate XIV., Fig. 1, 2. Odontosia caiiiclina, Hiibner, Veiz. bek. Schm. Phal. [Bomb.) capucina, Linn;cus; Espcr, 3, pi. 70, fig. 1 — 5. Synonymes. — Phal. {Bomb.) camelina, Linna-us ; Alhin, pi. G9, lig. ::, c, d, c ; Donovan, pi. 183. Lophopteryx camelina, Stephens; Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 5, f. 29. This species varies from 1| to 1 ,} inch in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of a reddish hue, inclining to brown, with a dark bar, angulated at each side, terminating at the brown posterior lobe, and succeeded by a paler bar, and gradually dilated towards the costa ; there are also other denticulated lines, and darker stripes varying in intensity in different individuals. The hind wings are ochre-brown, with a dark patch at the anal angle, glossed with blue. * Derived from the Greek, and alluding to the crest on the hind margin of the fore wings. PL14. AND TIIKIIl TRANSFORMATIONS. ^g Tlio caterpillar is green or reddish, ^vitli tlu' back pale, a yellow line spotted with red at the sides, and two red points on the hack at the extremity of the body. It feeds on oak, birch, popl.ir, willow, &c., and appears in May and at the end of September; the moth (according to Ilawortli) being produced at the beginnino- of May and August. Uoisduval, however, gives June alone as its time of appearance. It is one of our commonest species of Proniinents. A figure of the larva in its more ordinary position is given in my Introduction, vol. ii. p. 38r,,fig. 2. SI'ECIKS 2.-LOPHOPTERYX CARMELITA. Plate XIV., Pre. 5. SVNONVMES.— Bom Jy.r carmelita, Espcr; Ocliscnlicimcr ; Stciihens, I Bombyx capucina, HUbner, (ncc Liun^us). 111. IIiiusl. pi. 14, fig. 3; Wooil, Iiid. Knt. pi. l!, f. .'il. | This species measures rather more than 1;} inch in the expanse of the fore win^s, whieli have the fore raaroins reddish-brown, with a small white spot before the middle, and a larger triangular one beyond the middle ; the posterior margin of the wing is pale greyish- white, with a slight purplish tinge, and an oblique row of dusky spots at some distance preceding the outer margin. The disk is also irrorated with lioht and dark freckles, especially along the veins, and the hind marginal tooth is brown. The hind wings are reddish-bro\vii, with a slight pale fascia crossing them beyond the middle, terminating in two dark abbreviated streaks near the anal an^le. The caterpillar is green, with a yellow dorsal line and a stripe of the same colour, hut spotted with red on each side above the feet. It feeds on the birch. Extremely rare. Found in Darenth and Ongar-park AVoods in the spring, March (Stephens), Jlay (Bois- duval). In the cabinets of the British Museum and Zoological Society. This and the preceding species form a distinct section in the genus, the larva having two conical lobes on the terminal segment. SPECIES a— LOPIIOPTERYX CUCULLINA. Pi.ati^ XIV., Vm. 3, 4. Synonvmes. — Bombyx Cncullina, U'ien, Vcr/..; Hiitmcr; Och- ' Jiimih. cucul/a, Ki-in-r : Borkhauscn ; Ilaworth ; Donovan, vol. x., scnhcimcr ; Boisduv.iI (Notodonu Cue). pi. 3;W, fig. 1 ; Sitplicns (Loplioptcryi Cue.) ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. .5, ! fig. 30. This species measures from 1,1 to 1,} inch in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of a pale ochre colour, spotted and striped with brownish-red, especially be3-ond the middle and along the hind margin, and with a broad sub-apical whitish fascia, interrupted in the middle ; the eosta has several short dark streaks beyond the middle ; the hind wings grey brown, with a dark brown red patch at the anal angle. The caterpillar is pale grey, with a dark patch on the back of the anterior segments, beyond which the segments are dorsally elevated, and with a more distinct conical protuberance near the extremity of the body. It feeds on maple and some of the species of thorns, and is found in August. The moth appears at the beginning of the following summer. It is very rare in England, but sometimes occurs in the woods of Kent. PTEROSTOMA*, GERM.iB. (PTILODONTIS, Stephens.) This genus is at once distinguished by the great length of the palpi (which are nearly half as long as the antennie), which, together with the crest on the thorax, and the tifo lobes on the hind margin of the fore * Derived from the Greek, in allusion to the large palpi appearing like a pair of small wings attaihed to the mouth. 70 BRITISH MOTHS wines, and the elongated and upturned tail, give the insect, when at rest, a singular appearance (as figured in my Introduction to the jModern Classification of Insects, vol. ii., p. 385, fig. 4). The wings have the outer inarcrin denticulated. The females have the antennaj bipectinated. The larva is smooth, depressed, without conical tubercles, and attenuated at each end. SPECIES 1.— PTEROSTOMA PALPINA. Plate XIV., Fig. 6. Pterostoma palpina, Germar ; Suphena (App. vol. 4, p. 385): Curtis, Cat. SvNONYMES. — Phal. {Bomb.) palpina, Linnisus; Hawortb. Ptilodontis palpina, Hubncr ; Stephens ; Boisduval ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 6, f. 32. This species measures from \h to 2i- inches in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of a very pale buff" colour, marked with numerous blackish stripes and spots, especially along the veins of the wings ; a rather dark brownish cloud runs obliquely across the middle, between which and the hind margin is a double row of punctures. The hiud wings arc brown, with the base pale. The caterpillar is green, with several pale lines, freckled with black along the back, and a yellowish lateral one freckled with red. It is found at the end of May and September upon poplars, willows, &c., and the moth appears at the beginning of those months. It is by no means a rare species, and is occasionally found in the woods round London. PETvVSIA*, Stephens. ASTEROSCOPUS, Boisduval. This genus differs in wanting the lobe on the hind margin of the fore wings (which have only a tuft of scales in its place), and the crest on tlie thorax. The fore-wings are elongate-triangular, opaque, with dark longitudinal streaks, and not dentated on the margin ; the autennie of the males bipectinated, and dontato-crenulated in the females. The caterpillars, which are naked, fleshy, longitudinally striped, and with the extremity of the body conical above, have the habit of stretching themselves out and assuming the attitude of the sphingideous larva. SPECIES 1.— PETASIA CASSINIA. Plate XIV., Fig. 7, 8. Synonymes. — Phal. (Bomb.) Cassinia, Wien. Vera.; Fabiicius ; | Asleroscnpus Cassinia, Boisduval, Ind. Meth. Haworth ; Donovan, vol. xii.,pl. 379, fig. 2 ; Stephens; Wood, Ind. I Brachionicha Cassinia, Hiibner, Verz. hek. Schm. Ent. pi. 6, fig. 36 (Petasia C.) 1 Bombyoe Sphinx; Esper, pi. 49, fig. 1—3. This moth has much the habit of one of the Noctuidaj ; indeed Ochsenheimer unites it with the genus Xylina belonging to that family. It measures from I ^ to nearly 2 inches in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of an ashy-brown colour, with numerous black short lines, one of which at the base, and another along the hind margin, are more distinct ; besides which there is a faint interrupted pale strijie at the hinder margin, which is some- times quite obliterated. The hind wings grey with a dark central patch, and the margin spotted with black. The caterpillar is green, with yellow longitudinal lines, two of which unite .at tlio aii.il jirominence ; it feeds on the oak, beech, and other forest trees in Jlay, and the moth appears in September and October. The species is widely dispersed through the country, but is most ordinarily found in the woods of the south of England, although rare, especially in the winged state. * Derived from the Greek, and alluding to the outstretched attitude of the Sprawler, as the caterpillar is named by collectors. ■ AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 71 PERIDEA*, Stephens. NOTODONTA, p., Bdv., Curtis, Ochsenh. This genus has a prominent lobe on the liind margin of the fore wings, which are entire on the outer margin, and squanioso ; but not so opaque as in the next genus. The antenna are serrated and bipectinated in the males. It bears considerable resemblance in form and in the markings on the anterior margin of the bind wings to Stauropus, but the caterpillar more nearly resembles that of Petasia (with which it agrees in its sprawling habit and stripes), and Chaonia, which, like it, has no anal tubercle ; in which respect it also differs from Endromis, with which, however, it agrees in its oblique lateral markings. SPECIES 1.— PERIDEA TREPIDA. Plate XIV., Fw. 9, 10. Synonymes. — Bombyx trepiJa, Fabricius ; Ocbscnheimcr ; Esper ; I Phal(£na Tritophus^ Donovan ; Haworth ; hut not of Fabricius Curtis ; Boisduval (but not of Donovan, Leacb, &c., which is Leio- and Wieu. Vei?.. (wliich is the Torva of HUbner, but not of Ochsen- canipa dicta;a). hciincr). Bomhyx tremula, Wien. Vera. ; Hiibncr (but not Linnjcus, which is Lciocanipa'dictjca). Bomhyx Chaonius, Schrank ; but not of Hiibner and Wien. Vera. Bomhyx serrata, Thunberg; Stephens (Peridea scrr.) ; Wood, Ind. Eut. tab. (j, fig. 37. This species, the largest of all our Prominents, varies from 2 to 2i inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which are clouded with grey and ashy-brown, with a central red-brown lunule edged with gi'eyish ; there are two transverse irrctmlar dark stripes before the middle of the wing ; a third much angulated and nearly obsolete streak followed by two dark lines near the tip, and a row of oblong spots towards the outer margin, which is marked with dark lunules. The hind wings are yellowish white, more fulvous towards the body, with the outer margin greyish. The caterpillar is pale green, with several yellow dorsal lines, and a series of short oblique lateral ones. It feeds on the oak in August and September, and the moth appears in May and June. It is a rare species, occurring in the woods round London, as well as in Norfolk. DRYMONIAt, Ili'BNEK. (CHAONIA, Stephens.) This group, which Boisduval unites with Notodonta, has the fore wings opaque, and but very slightly lobed on the hind margin ; the outer margin is entire ; the thorax is scarcely crested ; the antennas in the males bipectinated, and nearly simple in the females ; the pali)i are short ; the abdomen of moderate length. The caterpillars are naked, entire, and without a conical prominence at the extremity of the body. SPECIES 1.— DRYMONIA DODON^A. Plate XIV., Fig. 11. Synonymks.— Bomi!/x dodouoea, Wien. Vera. ; HUbner; Haworth ; I Bombyx trimacula, Esper ; Donovan, 10, pi. 352, fig. 2. Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 6, tig. 35; Curtis, Brit. Eut. pi. 75S (Dry- Bombyx tripartita, Box\.h2M%tn. ■ ,\ Bombijx ilicis, Fabricius. monia d.^. ' ^ ' This variable species measures from IJ- to U inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which are of a pale * Derived from the Greek, in allusion to the tremulous movement of the caterpillars when alarmed, t Derived from the Greek, in allusion to the habitat of the insects in oak groves. y.2 BRITISH MOTHS brown or bufl'-frcy, marbled witl) brown and black, the base varied with two dark waved stripes, followed by a pale one, then a broader brown bar followed by a very pale one, rounded beliind with a waved line of brown, which is dilated at the fore and hind margins into a patch ; the cilia is alternately brown and white ; the hind wings pale, with a darker bar across tiie middle. The gi-ound colour of the fore wings is, however, liable to vary considerably, being occasionally much more suffased with brown than in our figure. One of these varieties was described by Jlr. Ilaworth as distinct, and supposed by him to bo the Bombyx querna of Fabricius. The caterpillar is pale green, with a grey dorsal line, and a lateral yellow lino spotted with red, and a blue head. It feeds on the oak in September; the moth appears in May and June, and is rather rare in the woods round London. It is also found in other parts of the country. Bombyx QnEBNA (Fabricius ; Wiener Verzeichniss ; Wood, tab. 53, fig. 38 ; and our figures 16 and 17) ; is a distinct species, not hitherto detected in this country, although a variety of the preceding was considered by Mr. Haworth as identical with it ; it has the fore wings grey, with tliree waved black stripes margined with white, the basal one being very minute ; before the last of these stripes is a whitish lunulated mark. The hind wings are entirely whitish. Tbe caterpillar is gibbous behind, green with four yellow longitudinal lines and black spiracles. It is found on the oak in August, and the moth appears in Jlay and June. SPECIES 2— DRYMONLA. CHAONTA. Plate XIV., Fig. 13, U. Bomhii^v lioljorls, Fabricius; Haworth ; Donovan, vol. ix., pi. 299; Stephens (Chaonia Roh.) ; Wiidd, InJ. Eiit. pi. 6, lig. 34. SvNONVMEs. — Botnbtf.v Chaonia, Wicn. Vcrz. ; Hiibncr ; Ochseu- heimer (N'otod. ch.) ; Gojart ; Boisdiival ; Curtis; Hiibncr, Vcrz. bek. Schin. (Drvmonia ch.). This species measures from I] to I-f inch in the expanse of the foro wings, which are of a pale ashy-grey colour, with two undulated transverse whitish bars edged with dusky, and a middle black lunule on a broad central whitish fascia ; near the outer margin is a pale and almost obsolete curved streak ; the hind wings are grey-brown, with indistinct pale transverse bars, and a dusky lunule in the centre. The caterpillar is pale green, with dorsal and lateral yellow lines ; it feeds on the oak, birch, and hazel, and is found in September, and the moth appears in Jlav and .Iiine. It is a rather scarce species, but is occasionally found in the woods near London, as well as in Suffolk, Devonshire, and Worcestershire. GLUPHISIA*, BoisDuvAL. (Geiv. & Ind. Meth.) M. Boisduval, in his recent work, separates the type of this genus from the rest of his Notodontse (including Drynionia), with the following characters — antonnsB of the male broadly pectinated ; palpi of the ordinary form ; wings short and rather broad ; the anterior without the lobe on the hind margin ; the caterpillars smooth, depressed, glabrous. Chrysalis inclosed in a slight cocoon amongst leaves. From the Greek, in allusion to the crenated malkings of the typical species. AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 73 SPECIES l.-GLUl'HISIA CRENATA. 1'late XIV., Fig. 15. SvNONVMES. — Bnmli/.r crenala, E&jrev ; Bnrkliaiiscn ; Ocliscnlicinicr (Notoil. cr.); Godart ; Boisduval (Glupliisia cr.), Boml7jx crenosa, IliibTicr, Bomb., t. 4, f. 12. This species has the fore wings broad, and witliout a lobe on the liind margin, ashy-grey, with two brownish- bhack crenated streaks, and two bars of brown, one near the base and another in tlie middle, on which is a yellowish stigma ; the cilia is alternately dark and light ; the hind wings pale, with two dusky fascise terminating near the anal angle in a slightly darker jiatch. The caterpillar is found in August on the black poplar, and resembles that of Pterostoma palpina : it is pea- green, with dorsal and lateral pale stripes. Discovered by Mr. H. Doubleday in Ongar-park "Wood, Essex, in June, 1839, and again found there in June, 1841. PTILOPIIORA*, STEPHE.VS. (NOTODONTA, pars, Boisduvai,.) This genus is at once distinguished by the singularly feathered antennas of the males, by the fore wings which are sub-pubescent and pilose, the posterior margin angulated with hair near the base ; the space occupied by the branches of the median vein very broad, the margin itself between these branches being very slightly emarginated ; the palpi small, and nt)t porrected ; the abdomen rather short ; the caterpillars smooth, and without dorsal or sub.apical tubercles. The antenna3 of the females are slightly serrated. SPECIES 1.— PTILOPHORA PLUMIGERA. Plate XIV., Fig. 18, 19. Phal. (Bomb.) variegata, Villars ; Stephens, 111. 2, pi. 14, fig. I (I'tiloph. plum.) ; Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 6, f. ,33. SvNONYMEs. — Bomlii/.r plumigera, Wicn. Verz.; Fabricius ; lliibner ; Esper ; Ocliscnbcinier ; Godart; Boisduval (Notod. pi.) ; Curtis, pi. ;i28 (Ptiloph. plumig.). This curious species measures from 1+ to Ij inch in expanse. The body and fore wings are of a reddish ochre colour, glossed with pale purple, a slight obsolete blotch near the base,' an arcuated stripe beyond the middle, and the outer 'margin being paler ; the antennse brown ; the hind wings have a rosy grey tinge, with a very indistinct fascia across the middle. In the female the colour of the fore wings is still more uniform. The caterpillar is of a greenish colour, with a leaden dorsal stripe, and several pale lateral ones. It feeds on the maple, sallow, and birch in Jlay, and the moth appears in October and November. It is a rare species, but is occasionally found, especially in the larva state, in Darenth and Birch Woods. * From the Greek, in allusion to the soft feathery antenna borne by the males. The specific name plumigera indicates the same peculiarity, but as it is improper to change specific names without absolute necessity requires it, it would have been more correct to have selected a generic name of a different signification. It is equally incorrect, in order to remedy the evil, to adopt Villars's more recent specific name variegata for tlie typical species. 74 BRITISH MOTHS DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XV. Insects. — Fig. 1. Ccruia Integra. " Fig. 2. Cenira biciispis. 11. Tlic C'.-itcr|iilIar. " Fig. 3. Ccnira arcuata. " Fig. 4. Ceiurafuicula (the Kittcn-TOoth). 5. The Catfi'ijillar. C. Another Catcrpillai- of the same. « Fi". 7. Ccrura latifascia (the broaci-harred Kitten-motli). " Fig. 8. C'ernra bifida. 9. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 10. Cerura fuscinula, " Fig. 12. Cerura vinula (the Puss-moth). 13. The Caterpilbar. " Fig. 14. Cerura erminea (the Ermine Puss-moth). 15. The Caterpillar. Plants. — Fig. 16. Salix Russelliana (the Bedford Willow). " Fig. 17. Betiila alba (tlic common Birch). In tlie small P.iss-moths I have shown what are considered the distinct species of continental entomologists, as figured by IlUbner ; viz. C. bic.spis, C. bifida, C. furcula, and C. fuscinula. Of the first three one only appears to me to be, beyond doubt, British, viz. C. furcula, the specimen I have drawn agreeing perfectly with specimens in the British Museum and other collections. C. fuscinula, the grey one, is said to have been once taken, and in the possession of Mr. Devignes of the Entomological Society ; but the British specimens said to be C. bicuspis and C. bifida, which 1 have seen, appear to me to be merely variations of C. furcula, which I am farther induced to consider the only British species as it is the only one that has been found in the larva state, Standish's drawing of which I have figured, and which, though drawn witl> a somewhat different feeling, accords well with Hiibner's figure. Yet, No. 1. No. 3. No. (i. No. 2. No. 4. No. 7. notwithstanding, English collectors not only claim all the continental species, but also other indigenous ones, n.amely, C. latifascia of Curtis, and C. Integra and C. arcuata of Stephens ; and perhaps not without some show of reason. I have therefore' figured these specimens, and give i\lr. Stephens's ingenious definition of the asserted British species below. I do not give the above opinion as mature, not having been able to see a sufficient number of specimens. I must add, however, that 1 put but little faith in the furcation of the vein as a character, as I have observed every degree of furcation, even from a mere tendency to fork, (observable only with a microscope) to a complete and deep branching, and this without any accordance with the other specific distinctions. C. bicuspis. No. 1, and C. iulegra. No. -, have the first nervine of the hind wing simple, bicuspis having the e.Yterior dark band of the fore wing imperfect or nearly obliterated, iutcgra having it perfect and well defined. C. fincula. No. 3, arcuata, No. 4, and C. latifascia. No. 5, have the first nervure of the bind wing slightly forked; furcula having tiie exterior dark band of the fore wing imperfect or nearly obliterated, arcuata having it perfect, and also the maiks nearer the tip well defined all across the wing in a somewhat arched form. Latifascia has the whole dark portion of tiie upper wing much wider than furcula or arcuata. C. fuscinula. No. 6, and C. bifida. No. 7, have the first nervure of the hind wing deeply forked, fuscinula having the exterior dark band of the fore wing imperfect, and bifida having it well defined. I have not figured the chrysalids of any of the above species, as they do not present any unusual peculiarities of form or colour, notwithstanding the singular conformation of the caterpillar. For the same reason 1 did not think it worth while to figure the chrysalids of Stauropus Fagi and the Notodonta in plate 13. C. bicuspis, C. bifida, C. furcula, and C. fuscinula, are from Iliibner ; C. arcuata and C. Integra arc from the specimens in the cabinet of Mr. Stephens ; and C. latifascia is from Curtis's figure. C. vinula is from a specimen in the British Museum, and C. erminea from a foreign specimen in Mr. Stephens's cabinet. The larva of C. vinula is from a drawing made from nature, and all the others are from Hiibner, with the exception of the one of furcula, after Standish's dra-.-.ing. II. N. II. ^ -^^. NX- .«-»,/' PI If ^•,%^ K\« is\m^^ '^. ,V ^-5-' ^ ^>l!»»**<*^> ^j^- ■^^ AND THEIR TUANSFORMATIONS. CERURA, SciiRANK, Leach, &c. (Harpyia, Oiljscnlicimcr ; Dicramira, I,;ilicille ; Pania, Dalmrin; Fvrcula, Lamarck). This very conspicuous genus lias tlie antcnnre in both sexes bipectinated, tlic hind margin of the fore wings not lobed, the palpi very small, the thorax not crested, the fore wings pale and subdiaphanous, the body very robust and pilose. The caterpillars are thick, smooth, fleshy, varied in their colours, with the extremity of the body attenuated, and terminated by two long filaments (whence the generic name derived from the Greelc) instead of the ordinary anal prologs, and which inclose two slender very long fleshy tbreads, which the insect has the power of protruding or cxscrting at will. The species may be thus divided : A. Those of smaller size, and which have abroad dark fascia across the fore wings. (Harp}aas, Hiibner). a. Those with the postcostal vein of the hind wings simple. C. bieuspis and integra. 1). Those with the same vein furcate. C. furcula, &c. B. Those of larger size, without a broad bar across the fore wings. (Ilarpyia, Iliibner.) C. vinula and erminea. SPECIES 1.— CERURA BICUSPIS? Plate XV., Fig. 2 and 11. .Synon\mp.s. — liomhyie bieuspis? Iliibner; Ocliscnbcinitr. Ccrttra bicusph, Sti-plicns, 111. vol. 2, pi. i:i, fig. 3 ; Curtis ; Wooil, Ind. Eiit. fil. 5, fig. U. This species varies from li to H inch in the expanse of its fore wings, which are snow-white; at the base is a single black dot, followed by five ])laccd transversely, which are succeeded by a broak dark bar, margined with black and orange towards the base of the wings, with a slight emargination in the middle ; the outward edge of the bar is less strongly defined, and very much sinuated in the middle, then follow several slender transverse markings (one more distinct than the rest) and several rows of waved pale grey streaks, the hind ones terminating in a large dark costal patch edged with black and orange ; along the margin is a row of black dots. The hind wings are white, with a dusky discoidal spot, and black marginal ))unctures ; the thorax is white in front, blue- black behind, with transverse orange spots. The caterpillar is red-brown, with several white spots at the sides above the prolegs, the under side green. It feeds on willow and birch. The moth appears in July, and has been found in the Kentish woods, and also near Dublin. SPECIES 2.— CERURA INTEGRA. Plate XV., Fig. 1. Synonvmes. — Cerura in^p^ra, Stephens, 111. pi. 15, fig. 3 ; Wooil,Ind. Ent. pi. 5, fig. 15. Dicranura bieuspis^ var., Boisduval. This supposed species diflfers from the preceding in being larger, being ] Jj inch in expanse, and in having the dark fascia across the fore wings broad, entire (and not sinuated) and cinereous, margined on both sides with black and orange ; across the white central space runs a single arcuated obscure streak, and a similar one from the hinder part of the oblique, subapical, costal, cinereous patch. The hind wings have an obsolete fascia. The thorax is ashy, with three dark slender transverse fasciae, the middle one being interrupted in the middle. Very rare. Mr. Stephens believes his specimen to have been taken at Coombe Wood. 7f, BRITISH MOTHS The three following species have the furcation of the postcostal vein of the hind wings slight. SPECIES 3.— CERURA FURCULA. T/.ate XV., Fig. 4, .5, G. Synonymes. — P/ial. Somb.furcula,hinnxus; Fabricius; Hiibncr; Wilkes, pi. 29, fig. 2 ; Donovan, vol.8, pi. 272; Stephens (Cerura f.) ; Wood, In.I. Ent. pi. 5, fig. Ifi. This species measures from IJ- to I}, inch in the expanse of its fore wings, which are of a grey colour, spotted at the base as in C. bicuspis ; then follows an ashy-coloured, sinuated bar, ill defined on its outer margin, succeeded by a pale ashy patch, in which are several dusky spots and undulated streaks, and a discoidal lunule ; towards the apex of the costa is an abbreviated dusky patch, terminating in a more distinct blackish wavy streak ; the apex of the wing has a row of black dots ; thorax grey in front, varied witli black and orange behind. The caterpillar is green, with a red patch behind the head, and an elongated one down the back (beyond the conical protuberance), margined at the sides with white ; the anal filaments are also red. It feeds on willows and poplars during the autumn, and the moth appears in June and July. It is by no means a scarce species, and is widely distributed throughout England. SPECIES 4.— CERURA ARCUATA. Plate XV., Fig. 8. Snonymes — Centra arcimt/t^ Stephens. Cei: forficula, Fischer, Eiit. Rus. ?? (Boisdnval gives this as identical with fusriniiln). This species differs from C. furcula (in the same manner as C. Integra does from C. bicuspis), in tlic integrity of the external margin of the narrow dark fascia in the anterior wings, which is edged witli black as well as the internal margin. It measures ly^ inch in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of a grey colour ; beyond the fascia (which has the hind margin rather angulated in the middle), the fore wings are of uniform colour, with a discoidal spot and two undulated striga; of arched lines, the second of which is strongly marked and black, and terminates in a cinereous subapical patch on the costa ; the thorax is ashy in front. A single specimen, taken at Coombe Wood, is in Mr. Stephens's cabinet. It, as well as the next, may possibly be only varieties of C. furcula. SPECIES .5.— CERURA LATIFASCIA. Plate XV., Fig, 7. Synonymes. — Cerura latifascUi, Curtis, Brit. Ent. pi. 193; Stepliens, Illiistr. ; Wood, lud. Ent. pi. o, fig. 18. D'lcranura furcula^ var., Boibduval. This supposed species measures rather more than H inch in the expanse of the fore wings, and is distinguished by the great breadth of the broad ashy fascia, varied with orange and margined with black, extending from the costa to the anal angle ; its external margin sinuated. Then follow two indented streaks, inclosing a space in the middle of the wings m.arkcd with several black streaks. The hind wings have a pale brownish subapical band, and another more slender across the middle of the wings. The abdomen is banded with black. Mr. Curtis reared his specimen from a caterpillar found in September on a narrow-leaved sallow, near Liiitmi, Nurtli Devon, and the moth appeared in the following Slay; and Mr. Stephens has a specimen found near London. AND TUEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 77 Tlie two following species are distinguished from the other small Cerurje by their larger size, and by havino- the bifurcation of the postcostal vein of the hind wings of considerable length. SPKCIES G.—CERURA BIFIDA. Plate XV., Fig. 8, 9. SvNONVMiss. — Bombtjj: bifida, Hiibncr ; Stc|)lifiis, Illustr. pi. 15, fig. 2; Wood, Ind. Eiit. pi. 5, fig. 20. liombyx furctila. Vixen. Vera.; Esper. This species is about l-l inch in the expanse of the fore wings, which have a broad ashy bar speckled with orange and margined with black, the outer margin being more indistinct and irregular ; the middle of the wing is marked with various dots, streaks, and wavy lines, the hind one proceeding from the extremity of the ashy subapical costal patch. Tlio thorax is grey, striped with black and orange. The hind wings have a broad brownish submarginal fascia. The caterpillar is green, marked on the back of the neck with a red-brown or violet-coloured patch, edged with white, and there is a similar coloured larger patch on the back, behind the conical protuberance. It feeds on various kinds of poplar, from June to the end of September. The species is rare, but occasionally occurs near London. SPECIES 7.— CERURA FUSCINULA? Plate XV., Fig. 10. Synonvmfs. — Bombi/T fusciiiula, HUlmer ; Steplii-iislU. jil. 15, fig. I Cerura forfieula, Fischer (teste Boisduval). I, Wood. Ind. Ent. pi. 5, fig. 19. | Cerura bifida, var. Ocliseiiheimer. The English specimens attributed to this species differ from the last in being generally rather less than 1^ inches in the expanse of the fore wings, which hav(r a narrow, ashy bar, speckled with orange, margined with black at the hasp, and likewise on the outer edge (which is considerably sinuated) towards the costa; the disc and extremity are but slightly varied with dusky spots and dentated streaks, and the costal subapical spot is small and indistinct. The hind wings have not a broad, brownish subapical fasci.a. The thorax is grey in front and varied with black and orange behind. Mr. Stephens describes the caterpillar as of a fine emerald green, with the head brown, the back blue, and the retractile filaments red. It feeds on the birch and oak. The species is rare, being occasionally found near London in July. SPECIES 8.— CERURA VINULA. Plate XV., Fig. 12, 1.3. Synonymes. — Phala^na {Bombyx) vinnla, Linua?us ; F.ahiicins ; Wilkes, pi. 29, fig. 1 ; Harris, Aurelian, pi. 38, fig. a— e; Albin, pi. xi. ; Donovan, vol. .3, pi. 85; Leach ; Curtis; Stephens (Ceruiav.) Wood. Ind. Ent., pi. 5, fig. 21 ; Duncan, Brit. Moths, pi. 15, fig. 1,2. Bovibyx ininax, HUbner (variety). This beautiful, and at the same time very common species, varies from 2^ to nearly 3i inches in the expanse of its wings, which are of a milky white colour, but more ashy in the female ; with a transverse row of black spots near the base, succeeded by a rather more cinereous-coloured bar, edged on both sides with black spots. Then follow in the discoidal coll three curved blackish stripes, which run in arches to the hind margin of the ■wing. Beyond the discoidal cell are two rows of blackish, very strongly dentate, waves ; the spaces between the veins along the outer margin of the wing being marked with longitudinal, dark, wedge-like streaks. The 7g BRITISH MOTHS liind wings are white, but more ashy in the female, with the margin spotted with dusky. The thorax is ashy, spotted with black, and the abdomen milky white, with dusky marks. There are several varieties, chiefly diflFering in the deep or paler ground colour of the body and wings, and the intensity of the markings. Tiic caterpillar is green, with a reddish head, the back dull lilac, separated from the green colour by an angulated white stripe. It, hovvever, dififers considerably in its colours at different periods of its larva state ; when full fed it encloses itself in a cocoon formed of chips of wood agglutinated together so firmly that it is almost impossible to cut it with a knife. It feeds on willow, poplars, &c. in August, and the moth appears in the betrinning of the following summer. SPECIES 0.— CERURA ERMINEA. Plate XV., Fig. U, 1.5. Synonymes. — Bombyx ertninea, HUliner ; Ochscnheimer ; Curtis ; Steplicns ; Wood, lud. Em., pi. 5, fig. 22. This species is very closely allied to the preceding, but is smaller, being 2^- to 3 inches in expanse ; the back of the thorax is white, spotted with black ; the abdomen, with the four middle segments, black in the middle and along the sides, leaving a white dorsal line ; the extremit}' white, with two black double lines at the middle ; the wings milk-white, with a smaller fascia formed by the two parallel lines (making a V in the middle) ; near the base a blackish middle stripe, followed by waving stripes and marginal punctures ; the under wings in the female white. The caterpillar feeds on various species of Populus, and very much resembles that of the preceding species ; the head has two black spots, and the anal filaments are not spotted with black. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XVI. Insects. — Fiir. 1. Endromis versicolor, male (the Kentish glory. moth). 2. The Female. 3. The Caterpillar. " Fjg. 4. Disphragis Cseruleoccphala, male (the figurc-of-S moth). 4. The Caterpillar. Fig. 5. Apoda Testudo (the small oak egger-moth) male. 6. The Fem.tle. 7. Tlie Caterpillar. 29. The Chrysalis. " Fig. 8. Heterogenea Asellus. 9. The Caterpillar. 30. The Chrysalis. " Fig. 10. Fumea Nitidella (the shining chimney-sweep). II. The Caterpillar. The case is figured to the left of fig. 5. " Fig. 12. Fumea PuUa (the small chimney-sweep). The case is figured near the top of the right wings of fig. o. *' Fig. 13. Fumea Muscella (the transparent chimney-sweep). " Fig. 14. Fumea Bombycella. •' Fig. 15. Fumea Pectinella (the light chimney-sweep). " Fig. 16. Psyche Fusca (the brown muslin moth). 28. The Female. 26. The Caterpillar, ^ larger than nature without its case. 27. The Chrysalis of the female. '* Fig. 18, Nudaria Hemerobea. " Fig. 19. Nudaria Mundana (the muslin moth). 20*. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 20. Nudaria Senex (the round winged muslin moth). Plants. — Fig. 21. Alnus glutinosa (the common Alder). 22. The common oak. 23. Salix arenaria (the downy mountain willow). 24. Briza media (common quaking grass). 25. Cetraria glauca (a common Lichen). Endromis versicolor male and female, Apoda Testudo male and fem.ale, and the three species of Nudaria, are from specimens in the Museum : F. Nitidella, F. Pulla, and P. Fusca are from Continental specimeus, furnished to the Museum by Dr. Becker : H. Asellus, from the cabinet of Mr. Stephens ; and D, Caruleocephala, from a specimen sent to me by Mr. H. Douhleday. The caterpillar of E. versicolor is from an original drawing by Standish ; that of D. C'a'ruleoccphala, from Donovan. All the others are from Hiibner,'with the exception of the whole of the outlines relating to P. Fusca, which are from drawings furnished by Mr. Westwood. 11. N. H. AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. -g ENDROMIS *, OcHSENHEiMKH. DORVILLIA, Leach. Tliis fine genus is distinguislioJ by its large, subdiaiilianous, Tariegatod wings, of which the great median vein emits four branches, by which it may at unco he si'iiarated from all the adjacent genera, as well as from Saturnia and Aglia (with which last it is united by Boisduval into a separate tribe under the name of Endromides). The antenna- are bipectinated in both sexes. There is no lobe on the hind margin of the fore wings. The parts of the mouth are extremely minute, and hidden by hairs. Tiie caterpillar is sphingiform, being attenuated in front, naked, and fleshy, with a conical protuberance at the extremity of the body. The sides of its body are obliquely streaked, but th.. streaks run towards the head ; whereas in the Sphingida? they run in the opposite dinxtion. The chrysalis is enclosed in a cocoon formed of leaves on the ground. SPECIES 1.— ENDROMIS VERSICOLOR. Plate XVI., Fig. 1-3. SYNoNYMrs.— P/ia7. Bomb, versicolor. Liniixus ; Wilkes, pi. 8!) ; I JJrit. Kiit. pi. 434 ; Duncan, Brit. Mollis, pi. 16, fir. 3. (Endmmis v.) Donov.in, vol. 5, pi. 158 ; Nealc in Ent. Trans, vol. i. pi. ,0 ; Curtis, | Wood, lud. Ent., pi. (!, fij. 38. This beautiful insect varies from 2^ to 3 1 inches iu the expanse of the fore wings, which are of an orano-e brown colour, or fawn-buff, having a rather bent white stripe across near the base, edged behind with black ; then a -^-like black mark at the extremity of the discoidal cell, followed by a very much bent white stripe, edged before with black, and followed by several whitisli patches, of which three are more conspicuous near the tip of the wings. The hind wings have a dark, angulatcd mark in the middle, and a pale bar beyond tiie middle, edged in front with black and behind with brown, whicli latter colour is angulatcd. The female is less richly coloured than the nuile. The caterpillar is green, with a yellow lateral Hue on the anterior segments, and paler oblique ones at the side of the others. It feeds on birch, beech, lime, hazel, Sec, in June and July, and the moth appears in April flying with great rapidity in Moods. It is found in the woods of Kent, whence its English name, and other parts of the south of England. It has also been captured in Suffolk and Shropshire. DISPHRAGISf, Hlbxer. DILOBA, Boisduval. EPISEMA, Stephens, nec Bdv. This genus differs by having the two terminal branches of the median vein, and the single longitudinal one which arises from the vein which closes the discoidal cell, originating close together, so as almost to radiate from a point. The antennas are long, bipectinated in the males and simple in the females ; the fore wings are destitute of a lobe on the hind margin ; the thorax is crested, the palpi are elongated, and the tongue is short. The caterpillar is fleshy, marked with numerous small, black, setigerous tubercles. The chrysalis is enclosed in * This name was used by Martial for a rough, hairy dress, and alludes to the abdomen of the perfect moth. f Named from the Greek, in allusion to the double mark on the wing. 80 BRITISH MOTHS a slight cocoon of silk mixed with leaves, fastened on the stem of the trees on which the larvae feed. I have adopted Hiibner's generic name to avoid the confusion which the employment of the name Episema * produces, having been intended by Ochsenheimer for a genus of Noctuidfe, for a group of which it is still retained by Boisduval. SPECIES 1.— DISPHRAGIS C^RULEOCEPHALA. Plate XVI., Fig. 4 and 4. Synonvmes. — P/iol. Bomb, cieruleocephala, Linnseus ; Albin, pi. I Donov.in, vol. 3, pi. 100 ; Stephens (Episemi ca:r.) ; Wood, Ind. Ent. 13, 6g. 1'7, a— e; Wilkes, pi. 12 ; H;mis, Am-clian, pi. 30, fig.a— d ; I pi. 5, fig. 13. This species varies from 1;^ to 1^- inch in the expanse of the wings, which arc of a greyish brown, with the base and extremity reddish ; the middle of the wing being occupied by a rather bluer patch, separated before and behind by a black, very irregular, waved line, and enclosing two large white kidney-shaped spots united together, each constricted in the nnddle, and having a greyish interior, so as to give the appearance of the figure 8 : the margin has a slender dark line. The hind wings are very pale buff, with a black streak near the anal angle. The caterpillar is lead-coloured, with pale luteous, longitudinal lines, and black dots. It feeds in May on the sloe and vvhitethoru ; and the moth appears in August, being an abundant species. The remainder of the insects in Plate XVI. are very anomalous in their structure, and of which the natural relations are very difficult to determine. In my " Modern Classification of Insects" (Generic Synopsis, p. 9 J,) I arranged them at the head of the sub-family Arctiides (or the family Arctiidaj of Stephens) with the observa- tion that they were nevertheless by no means to be considered as typical of such sub-family (as such a situation would indicate them to be), but that they were there placed in order to maintain the passage from the slender- bodied tiger-moths to the Lithosiidse unbroken ; whereas in Stephens's arrangement they interrupt this chain ; whilst in Curtis's Guide they are thrown out of the family after the Lithosiida\ The difficulty is produced by attempting on paper to trace a linear series of relations — overlooking the numerous relations (extending in divers dii'ectious) which the views of various recent naturalists have so satisfactorily shown to exist, but which each has so dogmatically insisted upon controlling by his own " natural system." More than one of these systems has been applied to the order Lepidoptera, and with as little success as our absolute ignorance of so many of its contents might have led us to anticipate. APODA t, Haworth. LIMACODES, Latreille (pars). HETEROGENEA, p. Knoch. This singular genus, together with the next, which Mr. Stephens has separated from it, differs from all the other genera of moths in the structure of the larva?, which resemble woodlice, and are destitute of feet. * Both Ochsenheimer's and Hiibner's names appeared in 1816. On account, therefore, of the more accurate views of Hiibner, it is more correct to adopt his name. + Derived from the Greek, and alluding to the want of feet in the caterpillar state. Latreille's b.arbarou5 nnme, Limacodes, (compounded of the Latin word limas, a snail, and the Greek termination indicating resemblance), has, notwithstanding its much later date, been adopted both by English and French authors. I have great pleasure, therefore, in restoring to my old instructor's generic name Apoda, its right of priority over that of Latreille, although it would, perhaps, be still more correct lo give Testudo as the type of Knoch's genus Hcterogenea, and a new generic name (if really necessary) to Asellus. ^ k 4 #• ;?g_ t?r; i?^ m. \j AND TF^KTR TRANSFORMATIONS. gj IB Although tliere are only two European species, the number of North American ones is very considerable *. Tl present genus differs from the next in the form of its wings, xvliich are subtrigonate, with the outer margin rounded, the porrected palpi turned upwards, and the more robust body and female antenna? ; these organs in the male are simple. PhalcenafHnalis, Donovan, v. 3, pi. 70. Ilrpudus Bufo, Fabiirius, $ . Bomlyx Umax, Borkhausen. SPECIES 1.— LIMACODES TESTUDO. Platk XVI., Fig 5, (!, 7, and ^9. SvNONYMEs. — Ifi'pialus Testiidi)^ ^\'ien. Verz. ; Fabricius ; Albin, pi. 6fl, Iig. c — g ; AVilkes, pi. 8H ; Stephens (IJuiaco inch in the expanse of the fore wings, whicii are of a dark orange or reddish colour, with two oblique slender dark streaks, one of which extends from the middle of the costa nearly to the base of the inner margin, and the otiier from beyond the middle of the costa towards the anal an^le, the space inclosed between them being often darker, and varied witli fulvuiis spots, especially in the males, whilst in the females the wings arc but little varied in colour; the males, moreover, have the hind winfTs dusky. The caterpillar is onisciform, naked, and green, with two whitish dorsal stripes. It feeds on the oak in September, and the moth appears in Juno ; but is comparatively rare, sometimes, however, occurrino in small quantities in the Kentish woods. IlETEROGENEAt, Knocm. Mr. Stephens separates this group from the preceding in consequence of the " trigonate form of the fore win»s, which are somewhat truncated posteriorly ; the thorax and abdomen are rather slender, and the antenna? in the female are more slender than in that sex of Limacodes, and the palpi are very minute." SPECIES 1.— IIKTEROGENEA ASELLUS. Plate XVI., Fig. 8, 9, and .3U. Synonymes. — Ilepialus asellus, W'ien. Vcr/.; Fabrieins; Stephens (Heterog. A.), III. Ilaust., 2, pi. 17, Iig. 2 ; Wood, Ind. Enl. pi. 7, fig. 89. Tortru' Asellanarui, Illibner; ditto, Veiz. bek. Sch. (Clieloniaa Asell.). lleterogenea cruciata, Knoch, Bcitrnge. This species varies from ^ to ;[ of an inch in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of a brownish clay colour, without any spots, the fringe dusky, the hind wings dirty brown. The caterjiillar is described by Fabricius as being of a red colour, with a dorsal yellow line spotted with black, and the sides green, and as feeding on the poplar. It appears in June, and has hitherto been found only in the New Forest, where it is very rare. FUMEA, Haworth. PSYCHE, p. Schrank. The insects composing this and the next genus are still more anomalous than the Apodw, the males being winged, whilst the females are wingless ; they, however, possess legs and antennfe, whereas the females in various species, which are still retained as congeneric by Boisduval, are vermiform. These, therefore, diiFer still more from the little Chimney-sweeps (as the species of the present genus are called by collectors) than Psyche fusca, • Several of these are copied in plates 21 and 22 of Mr. Duncan's volume of Foreign Moths, just published ; but the insect represented at figure 2 of plate 22 as the imago of fig. 1 (which is evidently a Limacodes) is one of tlie Anthrocerida;, and is closely allied to Syntomis. I possess specimens of it captured in Brazil by Mr. Swainson. Bomby.t vulucrans of Lenin seems to be the Australian type of the same group, which, without sufficient characters, Mr. Duncan has termed Doratifera. t So named from the heterogeneous character of the caterpillar. go BRITISH MOTHS wliicli, like the Fiiniea', has a wingless female furnished with antennaj and feet. Fumea difi'ers from Psyche in the very broad and hairy fore wings (occasioned by the singular dilatation of the costal region, which drives the veins far backwards), as well as in the arrangement of the veins. The antennre of tlie males are very strongly pectinated. Tiie mouth is obsolete. The species arc termed Sack-triigers by the Germans, in consequence of the larvte residing in cases formed of bits of twigs, grass, &c., fiistened together with silk, which tliey carry about with them. When full fed, they fasten the end, previously occupied by the fore part of the body of the cater- pillar, to the leaves of branches of the trees on which they reside ; and they have the further instinct, previous to undergoing their transformations, to turn themselves iu their case, so that the moth is able to force its chrysalis )Kirtly out of the opposite end, so as to enable it to make its escape. From various observations it moreover a])pears that the females have the power of producing fertile eggs without a previous impregnation, as is also the ease with the Aphida\ The species of the present genus are rare, and rather confused in their synonymes. I have adopted the nomenclature given by JVIr. Curtis, who had the opportunity of examining Mr. Ilaworth's typical specimens previously to their dispersal. Fumea liombycella, Stephens i Tinea pliimella^ IJiilmer?? SPECIES 1.— FUMEA PULLA. Plate XVI., Fig. 12. Synonymes. — Bombyx putlu, E&per ; Orliscnheiau-r; BoIsJuval ; Stej)hen3.^? Fumea mvscea^ Ilawortli. This is the smallest species in the genus, not measuring more than five lines in e.xpanse ; it has the wings rounded, blnek-brown, unspotted, with the entire margin hairy ; the antcnn;e are but slightly pectinated. This species is very rare. The larva case, figured between figures 1 and 4, is very long and slender, and of a pale-greyish bufif colour ; the empty chrysalis of the male is represented as partly protruding from the extremity, the male moth having made its escape. SPECIES 2.— FUMEA PLUMELLA. Synonymes. — Pst/ehe plumel/a, C'uitis (Iliiljncr, t. 1, f. 7?) Fumea pectinea, Ilawortl]. Fmnca pectiiiellu, Stejilieiis ; Fabriciiis. This very rare species is rather larger than the preceding, the wings are rounded, ashy brown, and somewhat transparent ; they arc without siiots, but have the entire margin darker. The antennie of the males, according to Curtis, are twenty-jointed, sixteen having rays which ajipear to be shorter than in P. radiella, the wings are rather browner, and the superior scarcely so broad as in that species. It is to be observed, that Ochsenheimer and Boisduval give Iliibner's T. plumella as identical with pulla, the plumella of those authors and of the Wiener Verzeichniss being a distinct but closely allied species. SPECIES 3.— FUMEA PECTINELLA. Plate XVI., Fig. 15. SvNONYMFa. — Sombi/i pcciinelld , Fdhtmus ; Hiibncr; Ocljsenlieimer ; Curtis. Fumea plumea, iluworth ? Fumea pulla? Stephens. This species resembles P. plumella, but is rather larger; all the wings are of an ashy colour, and hyaline, with the margin brown ; the antennse are clear brown, and the body clothed with black hairs ; the cilia of the wings is yellowish grey. This species is very rare in this country. SPECIES 4— FUMEA RADIELLA. Plate XVI., Fig. 13. Synonymes. — I'st/c/ic railiplla, Curtis, Brit. Ent., pi. 332 $ . Fumea plumhtrea, I!a\-ortl]. Uotnhy.v muscella ?■ Fabr. ; Ilubner; Stcplicns, (Fimit-a W.) The male of this species nicasures about half an inch in expanse, and is black, witli a glossj'-purple tinge ; AND TIIF.IU TRANSFORMATIONS. gg tlic fore wings with tlio base and ninrjjins darkoi-, the veins hut sliijhtly indicated, and tlic fringe Ion" and bhickish ; tlic antenna) cighteen-jointed, fourteen only hcing deeply pectinated, the stem beinf whitish. This species is found in grassy places, amongst furze, on heaths and forests in the South of England, in the month of June. SPECMKS .5.-FUMEA MTIDICLL.^. Plate XVI., Fig. 10. SvsoNYMRs.— Pi-ycAf niliJcUa, IliUincr; Orliscnlu-inu-r ; Curtis; Stephens. Fumea niliila, Iluwortli. This species measures scarcely half au inch in e.xpans(>. Its wings are somewhat more elongated than in the other species ; they are brown and shining, with the veins darker, and the margins of an ashy-white colour. The antenna; are greyish brown, and long with short pectinations ; the hind wings are rounded, clearer coloured than the upper wings. The caterpillar incloses itself in a ease formed of bits of grass arranged longitudinally, as represented in our figure near the tiji of the left wings of the male of ApoJa lestudo (fig. a). The moth is very rare, but has been found several times near Darenth Wood in Julv. Fumea Bombycella, lliihner, Ochsenheinier. and our plate ](!, fig. 14, was given by Stephens as identical with the Fumea muscea of Ilaworth, but it is not a British species. It is larger than any of the ])recedinT, with the wings rounded, and of a livid colour, freckled with brown spots. PSYCHE. Stepiikns. STERRFIOPTRYX, Huiixer. The typical species of this genus differs from the other Sack-triigers by having short antcnnw with short curved pectinations in the male, and very short and slender ones in the females. The fore wings arc elongate, triangular, with the veins arranged in a curious manner, the third branch of the median vein being forked close to its origin. They are very trans])arent, and but .slightly hairy. The female is small, but very robust ; destitute of wings, with the legs short ; the extremity of the body clothed with a woollen mass, with the ovipositor exserted. SPECIRS 1.— PSYCHE FUS(:,\. Pi.atk XVI., Fig. 10, 17, 2G, 27, 28. SvN0NVMF5. — Nrtdaria fusca, Il.iwortli ; Stephens (Psyche f.^ l /*.v//6'//c rrt/rp//(Z, Ochsenlieinier ; Germar ; Bnisduval. Tinea hirsutella^ lUihnev, Tin., t;ib. 1, f. o. | Sicrrlioptri/.r culrella, HUbner, Vcrz. bek. Seiini. The male of this curious species measures about three-quarters of an inch in the expanse of its fore wings, which are of a very pale uniform grey-brown colour, without any spots or markings, and transjiarent ; tlie antenuce of the males dusky brown, the abdomen pale-ashy coloured, with an ochreous tinge. The female has the head and thorax shining brown, and the sides of the abdomen grey. The caterpillar is fleshy white, with the head and three anterior segments of the body spotted with dark brown, the spots varying in size, the legs increase in length, thus resembling the larva; of Oiketicus of Guilding, figured in the LinnEean Transactions. The case is composed of bits of leaves and sticks fastened together without the least regularity. The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of oak, willow, whitethorn, and hazel, in June and July, and the moth appears in the latter month. I have an extended scries of observations on the natural history of this insect in manuscript, illustrated with numerous figures, having, in company w-ith Mr. Ingpen, found the larv;t in Hornsey Wood, Middlesex, in 1827. It lias also been found in other adjacent localities, but Mr. Ingpen informs me that ho has more recently searched for the larvas in vain, although we found them in the utmost profusion. M 2 84 BRITISH MOTHS NUDARIAf, Hawoiitii. This is anotlior curious genus, distinguished by its subhyaHue rounded wings, wliicii are present in botli sexes, slender setaceous antenuie, slender recurved palpi, and long sjiira! tongue ; the pusteostal vein is jieculiar, on account of its emitting three branches of equal length close to the tip of the fore wings. The caterpillars are clothed with very long hairs. They do not form portable cases ; and the chrysalis is slender and silken, with the hairs of the caterpillar interwoven. As suggested by Curtis and Boisduval, the genus seems to be nearly related to the LithosiidiB. Bonthi/.v muiida, Faluicilis. Bomfiii.r nu'lti^ HUliner, Bomb. pi. 17, fig. 63, GJ. SPECIES I.— NUDARIA MUNDA. Platk XVI., Fi,;. 19 and 20. Synonymks. — PJml. Aitficua inundiiiia, IJiiii.-imir ; Ilawortii (Nuckiiii 111.) Steplifiis ; Curtis, B. E. pi. 400. \\'um\, Iiid. Eiit. pi. 7, fig. 8ii. This species measures from 0 to II lines in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of a very pale, wiiitish clav-colour, and iridescent, with a short dark stripe near the base, two slender arched, brown fasci;e across the wings (one before and the other beyond the middle) and witii a dusky central dot and an indistinct dark wave parallel to the outer margin. The hind wings are without spots. The caterpillar (fig. 20*) is dark green, with a luteims stripe down the back. It feeds on lichens. Tiie moth appears in July and August. It occurs in various parts of the country, and is by no means rare. SPECIES 2.— NUDARIA HEMEROBIA. Plate XVI., Fig. 18. SvNONYMES. — Bomhyx hemerobia, Hiibuer, pi. 17, fij^. 65. .Stopbeiis ; Ciutis, Wood, [nd. Ent. pi. 7 fig. 87. (Nudaiia h.) Tills .species, regarded by some authors as a variety of the preceding, differs from it in being of a smaller size, with the wings colourless and iridescent, without any spots or markings ; the veins being slightly luteous, and the fringe' yelhiwlsh. Specimens agreeing with this description have been reared by different collectors, as vvell as taken at large ; but the species is rare. SPECIES .3.— NUDARIA SENEX. Plate XVI., Fio. 20. SvNONYMES. — Bombyx sencv, Iliibncr ; Stcpliciis (XLidaiia s.) ; i A'«(/«7-irt rofw/irfa (The nniiid-wingcd Muslin), Hawoith. Curds; Wood, Ind. Eut., pi. 7, fig. 8S. I Paidia sene.v, Hiibncr, Vt-ra. bi'k. Sclim. This species measures about ;;- of an inch in the expanse of the fore wings, which arc comparatively much shorter than in the two jireceding species. The male has the joints of the antenna? bisetose : the wings are of a dull luteous, ochre colour. The anterior pair with numerous brown spots and dots, mostly placed upon the veins ; some of them forming transverse curved lines ; the fringe is spotted with brown ; the hind wings witli a dusky central lunule, and several submarginal faint spots. Tliis species frequents marshy places, having been found (but rarely) in Battersea fields and V>'liittlcsea-mere in -July. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XVII. Insects. — Fig. 1. Ponhi'tria dispar, male (the gipsy-motli). 2. The Female. 3. The Cateipillar. " Fig. 4. Psilura raonacha, male (the black arches). 5. The Female. 6. Tlie Caterpillar, 7. The Chrysalis. " Fig. 8. Orgyia antiqua, male (the Vapourer-moth). 10. The l^/male. 9. The Caterpillar. " Fig. II. Orgyia gonostigma, m.ale (the scarce Vapoiirer). 13. The Female. 12. The Caterpillar. ** Fig. 14. Dasychiia fascelina, male (the dark tussock). 15. The Caterpillar. IG. The Chrysalis. " Fig. 17. Dasychiia pudihunda, male (the light tussueU). 1 8. The Female. 1 !). The Caterpillar. " Fig. 20. Deuias C'uryli, male (the Nut-tree tussock). 21. Tlie Caterpillar. t Xamcd from the Latin in allusion to the nearly naked wings. ^%^ •^W' ^ *flt' AM) TIIKIR TRANSFORMATIONS. g5 Plants. — Fi^-. 22. Riihus ]ilic:itiis (llio pl,-iilcJ-le;ived Bramble). " 23. Crjila-gus O.xyao.iiitlins (the common Hawtfiorn). '* 24. Leontoilon Talaxacmii (the ciimnion Damlelioii). Portlictm Hispar and Orjiyia pinosticma arc from specimens in tlic Biitisli Museum ; all tlic otlici's are from specimens liberally furnished for the purpose by Mr. 11. Doubloday. The larva of D. puililninila is drawn friim one taken last season by Mr. Parrel! of the Museum; that of O. antiqiia is also drann from nature; that of 1). coryli is from Wilkes, and the others arc from Hiibner. I have not figured the fenjaU- nf D. fiscelina, as it sc.ireely differs from the male, except in size ; it is in general nearly \ larger. H. N. H. Wo aro now arrived at tlic uunv typical sjit'cics of the present sub-family, Arctiide.s, distinn-uislitJ by tlio more densely sqiiainosc wings, the broadly pectinated antenniB of the males, and the very hairy caterpilhirs, which arc sometimes, moreover, ornamented with thieh tufts of hairs on the back. The chrysalides are often clothed with delicate hairs. They constitute Oclisenheimer's three genera Liparis, Orgyia, and Eyprepia ; and the tribes Chelonides and Li]iarides of Boisdiival, whieli Jlr. .Stephens has, perhajis too extensively, separated into the following genera — of which the first four have the spiral tongue obsolete : — Demas, in its developed tongue and opaque wings, and its tufted larva, forming a connecting link between them and the typical Arctia3 and allies ; Lffilia, Stilpnotia, Leucoin.a, Phragniatobia, and Cycnia, have the wings more or less diaphanous ; whilst Hypercompa, in its elongated tongue, appro.xiiiiates to the Lithosildte. PORTllETUIA, I!i:i!Ni=rt. HYl'OGViMNA, Stephens, nec. Uub.n'er, Verz. This genus has the spiral tongue obsolete, the wings fully developed in both se.xes, and ojiaque ; the anterior tarsi simple and slender ; the body of the female i.s robust and obtuse at the tip, which is thickly clothed with wool. The caterpillars are cylindric, hairy, and furnished with tubercles, emitting long pencils of hairs especially on the sides of the head ami tail. SPECIKS ].— roirniETRlA DISPAR. rL.4TE XVII., Fi.i. 1,2, .'!. Synonvmes Pbnl. Bmnb, disjKir, I.iiin. ; W'llkcs, pi. 42. Do- novan 5, pi. 163. Bombyx disparun, Ilaworth. Hypogyiuna diapar^ Stephens; Curtis; Wood, Iiid. P-nd. t. (I, fig. 54 and 54. Porthetria dispar, lUibner, Verz. bek. Schm. This species varies from 1 .' to li inches in expanse ; the male being of a dusky brown colour, and the female white; being similarl\' marked in both se.xes with several slender waved fasci;n, the markings of which towards the costa are more decided. Varieties occur not only in the ground colour of the wings, the m.ales having the wings sometimes pale brown, and the females ihisky, but also in the deptli of the cidour of tiie markings, which are also sometimes almost obliterated. The caterpillar is dusky, irrorated with black spots, with a pale dorsal line, and the sides above the feet whitish ; the fore part also spotted witli blue, and the hind part with red. They feed on the oak, lime, elm, and other trees, from June to August. It occurs in great profusion in the Hunting- donshire fens, and has also been found in the neighbourhood of London. PSILURA*, Stephens. LIMANTRIA, Hi}BNER. This genus is far too nearly allied to the preceding, with which it agrees in the tubercled setigerous larvK, id in the porrectcd, clavate palpi and antcnnsB of the males, with the wings ornamented with dark waved • Derived from i(.iAds, nudus, and ujpi, c:'nda,iu allusion to the pointed n.iked tail of the leuialcs. gg BRITISH MOTHS streaks It dift'ers liovrovcr, in the more slender and acuminated abdomen of tlie females, furnished with a long exsorted ovipositor, witli whicli the eggs are deposited nncovered ; wiiercas in tlie preceding they are enveloped in wool stripped from the extremity of the body of the parent. SPECIES 1.— PSILURA MONACHA. Plate XVII., Fig. 4—7. SvNoNYMEs. Phal. Bomb. Monacha, LitinKus ; Haworth ; Wilkes, pi. 39 : Donovan, 7, pi. 227 ; Curtis, pi. 7G7 (ITyposryiuna m.) ; Wood, Iml. Ent. pi. 6, fig. 55 ; Duncan, pi. 19, fig. 1, 2. This handsome insect varies from I^ to nearly 2rj inches in the expansion of the fore wings, which are of a creaniv white colour, with several black spots at the base, and four very much indented, curved, black streaks dilated on the costa ; the two middle ones being contiguous together beyond the middle of the wing, and preceded bv a black dot and anwulated line in the disooidal cell. The fringe is spotted with black ; the hind wings are duskv, but vary in tlie depth of the tint, with a submarginal darker band, and a marginal row of black dots : the abdomen of the female has the terminal segments (except the last one) pink, spotted with black. The caterpillar is ashy brown, with tufts of reddish hairs on the back, and a black heart-shaped spot on the second seirment of the body. It feeds on the Scotch fir, bramble, birch, apple, oak, &c., in June and July, and the moth appears in July and August. It is by no means a rare insect, occurring in various parts of the South of England. ORGYIA *, OciisEN-HEiMEB. GYNAEPHORA, Hubner. This cenus Orgyia, as originally proposed by Ochsenheinier, and retained by Boisduval, was intended to comprise those species of this family in which the larvre are furnished with thick tufts of hair on tlie back, — and which is the case with the following species, namely, Bombyx antiqua, and gonostigma (gen. Orgyia, Steph.) fiiscelina and pudibunda (gen. Dasychira, Steph.), Coryll (gen. Demas, Steph.), coenosa (Laslia), and V. nigrum (Leucoma, Steph. spec, typ.) B. Salicls in this respect belongs, therefore, to a distinct section, and cannot be retained in the same group with V. nigrum. As restricted by our English authors, Orgyia comprises those species which fly by day, with a vapouring kind of motion (whence their English name of the Vapourers), which liave unwieldy partners, furnished witii only very slight rudiments of wings, and therefore incapable of flight. They further differ from the two preceding groups in their tufted larvaj and thick pilose fore feet ; from Dasychira they dilFer in their day-flying habits, subapterous females, and short triangular wings of the males ; and from the subsequent genera in the want of a spir.al tongue. SPECIES 1.— ORGYIA ANTIQUA. Plate XVII., Fig. 8, 9, 10. Synonymes. — /'Aa/i (-Bom6.)aH7i9«a, Linnwus; Haworth ; Albin, I Donovan, vol. 1, pi. 16 ; Stephens (Orgyia a.); Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. pi. 89, fig. a— o ; Wilkes, pi. 64 ; Harris, Aurelian, pi. 20, fig. h— p ; | 6, f. 59, pi. 7, fig. 59. The male of this common moth varies from 1^ to H inch in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of a red brown, with dusky clouds and two undulated strigK, the second of which terminates in a kidney-shajied white spot near the anal angle of the fore wings, and with a pale, clay-coloured crescent-shaped discoidal spot. The hind wings are dark orange brown. The female is dull ashy coloured, with the rudiments of wings very pale. The caterpillar is very handsome, being spotted with red, and with four thick whitish tufts of hair on the back, and with long pencils of clavate hairs at the sides of the head, at the sides of the body, and over the tail. Those * Derived from the Greek upeyu, extendo, and yu'ioi', pes, from the mode in which the moths sit, with their fore feet e-xtended. AM) THEIU TRANSFORMATIONS. gy of tlie males, according to Diiponchfl (Ic.n. CIr-ii. Noct. i)I. (>), have tlio ground colour of the body much darker than in the female, which is varied with grey and jialc yellow. They feed on a great variety of trees, and are found throughout the summer, the moths appearing in the autumn, and flying during the day even in the middle of Lun. on. SPECIES 2.— OllGYIA GONOSTIGMA. Plate XVII., Fig. U, 12, 10. SvNoNVMKS.— /'Aa/. (liomb.) ffonosligma, I.inn. ; Unworth ; [ Hg- a— g ; Donnv.in, 9, pi. 316 ; Curtis, Biit. Ent. pi. 37S • Wood, Albin, pi. 90, fijr. .i— d ; Wilkes, pi. Go ; Harris, Aurclian, pi. 14, | Ind. Ent. pi. 7, fi.r. 60, 60. The males of this handsome sju'cies vary from l\ to U inches in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of a rich orange brown, with the base spotted with ferruginous, two dusky curved and waved stripes, between which on the disk is a duplex oval sjiot, the costa being pale. Near the tip of the wings arc tliree white patches, preceded hy fulvous dashes, ami there is an ear-sha|ied white mark near the anal an"le. The fringe is spotted with dark brown. The under wings brown, with i)a!c fringe. The female is dark reddish brown, with ochrc-coloured tarsi and autennie. The caterpillar is brown, with rich red longitudinal stripes, with four thick tufts of short yellow hairs on the back, and several pencils of clavate hairs. The species is rare, but occurs in the South of England, appearing at the same periods as the preceding. D.XSVCIllRA*, Stri'iie.xs, nkc. Hubner. ORGYIA, Hi'bnki!, Verz. Like the last- described genus, this present has the spiral tongue obsolete, and the fore legs broad and pilose, in which respect it ditlers from the succeeding genera, whilst its tufted larvEe removes it from Porthetria and Psilura. From Orgyia it is at once distinguished, by the females being furnished with fully-developed wings ; and from Di'mas, by the thorax not being crested. SPECIES 1.— DASVCUIRA FASCELINA. Pi,.vri: XVII., F.o. 14, I.',, IC. Synonvmfs.— P/j«/. (B()ni4.)/asfc/i7io, Linna-us ; Haworth ; Hi)- i Stephens (Dasycliira f.) ; Wood, Inil. Ent. pi. G, fig. J6. >iovan,vol. 16, pi. 57(5 ; Alhiii.pl. 2(i, fig. 39, e— li ; AVilki-s, pi. 32. I Bomby.r medicai/inis, llUljiier, lionili. pi. 21, Tig. 81. This species varies from 1|- to 2i inches in the expanse of the fore wings, which are dark grey, with a blackish spot, edged with orange at the base ; two curved dark fascite (one before and one behind the middle of the wing, mottled with orange,) between which is a pale oval spot enclosing a dark dot ; beyond the second fascia is a broadish, irregular, dusky stripe, edged with a ilentate line. The hind wings arc pale grey, with a slight dusky subapical fascia. The caterpillar is brownish, spotted with yell.)W, .and with five pale tussocks on the back, two near the head and one at the tail. It feeds on numerous and very dissimilar plants throughout the autumn and winter ; and the moth, wliicli is by no means rare, appears in .July. SPECIES 2.— DASYCHIRA PUDIBU\D.\. Plate XVIL, Fig. 17, 18, 19. SvNONYMEs. — Phal. (Bomb.) pudiliundOf Linnaeus; Hawoitli ; i 63; Harris, Aiirclian, pi. 15; Stephens (Djs\cliira p. J ; Wood, Ind. llonovan, vol. 5, pi. 160 ; Albin, pi. 26, fig. 38, .1— d ; Wilkes, pi. | Ent. pi. 6, fig. 57. Bombyx juylandis, Illibncr, Bomb. pi. '21, fig. 84, 85. This common species varies from li- to 2^ inches in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of a whitish grey colour, thickly irrorated with dusky scales, especially in the males. The base of the wings is marked with a * Derived from the Greek, in allusion to the hairy oulstrctehed fore feet of the moth'. gg BRITISH MOTHS slin-lit ilontato stripe, whicli is very indistinct in the females. There arc two slightly-curved dusky, slender fascia- (one before and the other beyond the middle of the wing), the space between which is much darker in the males and bears an oval discoidal paler spot ; parallel with the outer margin runs a waved slender stripe (verv indistinct in the fi'Uiales), and the fringe is spotted with dusky. The caterpillars, which from frequenting hop-plantations, are well known under the name of Ilop-dogs, are yellow, with the head clay-coloured, several large whitish tufts of hairs on the back (the articulations between which are black), and a larger reddish one on the tail. It feeds on various plants in the autumn, and the moth appears in Alay and June. DEMAS, Stephens. COLOCASIA, Ociisenheimek. This genus has distinct but very short palpi, as well as a spiral tongue ; the antennas rather long, and only moderately bipectinated in the males ; the wings are densely squamose ; the thora.x is distinctly crested, the abdomen tufted, and the larvtc have several dorsal tussocks of hairs. SPECIES I.— DEMAS CORYLI. Plate XVII., Fig. 20, 21. SvNONVMKs. — Phal. (Bomb.) Cort/li, Linnaeus; H;uTorth ; Donovan, 9, pi. 309 ; Albin, pi. 90, fig. c^li ; Wilkes, pi. 66 ; Stephens (Domas C.) ; Wood, Ind. Eut. pi. C, fig. 58. This species measures from 13 to If? inches in expanse of the fore wings, wliich .are of a rusty brown colour ; the base ashy grey, followed by a broad bar occupying the middle of the wing, but paler tow.ards the costa, bounded on each side by a dark waved streak, and enclosing a discoidal black ring and various irregular dark lines; the hind portion of the wings is pale, with an undulated brownish stripe running parallel with the outer margin of the wings. The hind wings are paler, generally with a dusky snbapical fascia. The various markings, however, vary considerably in different individuals. The caterpillar is red, with two red tufts of h.airs on the back, and elongated fascicles of hairs on the neck. It feeds on the birch and hazel. It appears in IM.ay and September, and the moth in April and July. It occurs, but rarely, in woods round London, as well as in other parts of the kingdom. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XVIII. Insfcts. — Fig. 1. Leucoma vau-nigra (the black V Satin moth). " Fig. 2. Stilpnolia Ralicis (thesatin mntli). 3. The Caterpillar. 4. The Clirvsalis. " Fig. 5. Ltclia Ccenosa (tlie Wliittlesea tussock). 6. Tlie Caterpillar. " Fig. 7. Porthesia ChrysorrhcBa, male (the CJold-tailed moth). 8. Tlic Caterpillar, " Fig. 9. Porthesia auriflua, male (the Brown-tailed moth). 10. The Female. 11. The Caterpillar. *' Fig. 12. Spilosoma Mcnthastri (the large ermine). 13. The Caterpillar. *' Fig. 14. A variety of S. Mcnthastri, by some made a species, S. Walkerii. ** Fig. 15. Spilosoma Pajiyratia (the water ermine). " Fig. 16. Spilosoma Urtica; (the dingy white ermine). *' Fig. 17. Sjiilosoma Lubricepeda (the spotted buff ermine). 18. The Caterpillai-. '* Fig. 19. A variety of S. Lubricepeda, by some made a species, S, radiata. " Fig. 20. Cycnia mcudica, male (the spotted muslin). 21. Tlie Female. 22. The Caterpillar. Pi-sNTs Fig. 23, 23. Salix Doniana (Don's Willow). *' Fig. 24. Sparganium raraosum (tiie Buri-rced). " Fig. 25. Prunus spinosa (the .Sloe). " Fig. 26. Mentha rubra (the red Mint). (!-^\ PU3. ^V ^ tr€' AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. g,, L. Vau-nigra, S. Papyratia, and S. Urtic«, are from specimens iu the Britisl. Museum ; L. ccenosa is from tl,e cabinet of Mr. Stephens ; tl.e varieties of S. lubricepo.la and S. Menthastri are from the cabinet of Mr. Bentley ; the S. radiala is a fresh female specimen, much finer than the originiil male specimen of the Ilaworth cabinet (also in possession of Mr. Bentley), hut perfectly agreeing with it in the general character of the markings : all the others are from specimens furnished by Mr. If. noubleday. The caterpillar of P. cI,rysorrh,« is drawn from nature ; that of L. coidosa is from Curtis : all the others arc from Ilubuer. II. N. H. L.ELIA, Stephens. (ORGYIA, p. Boisduval.) In this genus we find tlie caterpillar (fig. G) closely resembling that of the Vapourer moths (pi. 17, fig. 9 and 12), which has evidently induced Boisduval to unite its typo with that genus ; from which it may, however, be distinguished by its very diflfcrcntly-formed wings, longer antenna;, with the branches termi- nated by several diverging bristles, and winged females; which, nevertheless, iu their robust bodies and comparatively short wings, as compared with those of the males (a striking peculiarity), evidently show an approximation to the Vapourers. The caterpillars, moreover, construct an opaque, nearly oval, cocoon. SPECIES l.—L/KLIA CffiNOSA. Pwte XVllI., Fig. 5 and C. Synonvmes. — Bombyx cwnoxa, Hiibner; Curtis, Biit. Ent. 2, pi. C8 ; Wood, Ind. Ent. tab. 7, fig. 61. This species measures 1^ to li inch in the expanse of the fore wings, which in the males are, together with the head and thorax, of a pale ochre-brown, with a slightly defined row of brownish subapical spots. The abdomen and hind wings are paler. The female is white, slightly tinged with bufl". The caterpillar is black, tliickly clothed with yellowish hairs, and fnur thick yellow tufts down the back, and with two long black pencils of hairs at the head and tail. It feeds on (he Butomus umbellatus iu July, and the moth appears in the same or the following month. It lias hitherto occurred only in the fens of Whittlesca Slere. Arcturds Sparshalii (Curtis, Brit. Ent. pi. 33(1 ; Wood, Ind. Ent. tab. 7, fig- 63) ; a cream-coloured in.sect, with orange-coloured antenna", and a very long fascicle of hairs at the tail, was stated by Mr. Curtis to have been captured by Mr. Sparshall in a lane near Horning, on the 7th of August, 1829 ; but from information given to mc by Mr. Edward Doubleday, received from Mr. Sparshall himself, there is great reason to fear some confusion of specimens liad taken place. Indeed, Boisduval expressly states that the insect is American — " Habitat Amcricam et erronoa ut species Anglica adscriptus," Gen. et Ind. Lep. p. 67. In the veins of the fore wings it docs not agree with any of the more typical Arctiidse. It is therefore omitted from the present work. LEUCOMA*, Stephens. (ORGYIA, p. Boisduval. LARIA, p. Hibner.) This genus is distinguished from all the preceding by the snowy whiteness of the wings, which are but sparingly covered with scales ; the palpi are short and acute ; the body is not spotted, and the back not crested. From the next genus it is at once separated by the caterpillars, which have tufts down the back, but without elongate-clavate pencils of hairs. SPECIES 1.— LEUCOMA V. NIGRUM. Plate XVIII., Fig, 1. Synonvmes. — Bombyx Vau-nigrum, Fabricius ; Ilaworth ; Ochsenheimer ; Stephens (Leucoma V-n.) ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 7, fig- 02. Bombyx nivosa, Iliibner. This species measures li^ inch in the expansion of the wings, which are snowy-white, the anterior marked Named from the Greek, in allusion to the white colour of the moth. N 90 BRITISH MOTHS with a small black V-likc mark in the centre towards the costa ; the veins are luteous ; the antenna; have the rays yellowish ; and tlie thorax and abdomen are wliite (or deep tawny or fulvous, as described by Mr. Haworth). The caterpillar is dirty reddish or brown, with eight tufts on the back, of which the two anterior and three posterior are whitish. It feeds on the lime, and the moth appears in the middle of August. The chrysalis is green, with a l)lack spot on the thorax. The species is extremely rare in this country ; but has been found near Darenth, Kent. STILPNOTIA *, Westwood. (LEUCOMA, p. Stephens. LIPARIS, p. Boisduval.) If any weight is to be given to the peculiarities in the larva state in the determination of the genera of this family, Bombyx Salicis, Linn, must be separated from the preceding, as its caterpillar is destitute of tufts of hairs on the back, in which respect it approaches Porthesia ; but the abdomen of the perfect insects of that genus are tufted, and the entire habit is different, B. Salicis having long satin-like semi-transparent wings, the anterior pair of which exhibit a character which I do not find in any of the adjoining groups, namely the greater distance of the terminal branches of the subcostal vein from the costa, and the much greater length of the terminal branclilet (as clearly represented in our figure 2) ; whereas in the other adjacent Arctiidse the terminal branchlets are so close to the costa that the apical one is almost obsolete. The palpi are very short and pointed. SPECIES 1.— STILPNOTIA SALICIS. Plate XVIII., Fig. 2, 3, 4. SvNONYMEs. — I'halcena (Bombi/,i) Salicis, Linnaius ; Albin, pi. 84, fig a— d ; Wilkes, 21, pi. 41 ; Ilurris, Aurelian, pi. 5 ; Donovan, vol. 1, pi. ;U1 ; Stephens (Leucoma S.) ; Wood, InJ. Ent. t. 7, fig. 64. This species measures from I^ to 2 inches in the expanse of the wings, which are of a pure white colour, and glossy, like satin ; the branches of the antennas black ; the body black, thickly clothed with white hairs ; and the legs wliite, with black rings. The caterpillar is pilose and black, with a row of white dorsal patches, and small red lateral spots. The chrysalis is black, clothed with long white hairs, and inclosed in a semi-transparent cocoon. The caterpillar feeds on willows and poplars in June ; and the moth, which is extremely abundant, appears in July. PORTHESIA t, Stephens. (EUPROCTIS, Hubner.) Like Stilpnotia, the caterpillars of this genus are destitute of dorsal tufts ; but have long whiskers, or pencils of hairs, at the sides of the head. The moths have short opaque glossy wings ; the abdomen tufted in both sexes, but more especially in the female; the down at its extremity being employed to envelop the eggs when deposited; the antenna; are short, and the legs very downy. The fore wings in the males differ in colour on the two surfaces. SPECIES 3.— PORTHESIA CHRYSORRH.EA. Platk XVIII., Fig. 7 and 8. ?u(U .^a^' Synonymes. — Phalama {Bomhii.r)cliriisorrha:a, humxHs; Albin, 1 Donovan, l,pl. 10; AVood, !nd. Ent. t. 7, fig. 65 — 65. pi. 87, fig. e— i ; Wilkes, pi. 59 ; Harris, Aurelian, pi. 25, fig. p— 3 ; | Bomby.v aarijiuus, Esper ; Haworth (male). This species varies from 1} to l± inch in the expansion of its wings, which, as well as the body, are of a pure white ; the branches of the antenna3 and tail golden-coloured. The male differs in having the under side of the * Derived from the Greek, in allusion to the shining wings of the moth, t Derived from the tireck, and alluding to the destruction often produced b_v the caterpillars. AND TIIETR TRANSFORMATIONS. gj fore wings brown, and with a small dusky spot near the posterior angle on the upper side, which is sometimes also slightly indicated in tlie female. The caterpillar is gregarious, ])ilose, of a blackish colour, with two black lines down the back, and t!ie sides fasciculated with white hairs, and a red line above the legs. It feeds on various trees— oak, elm, black-thorn, &c., in June ; and the moth appears at the end of .July. It is a very widely-distributed and abundant species. SPECIES l.-PORTHESIA AURIFLUA. Plate XVIII., Fig. 9, 10, 11. S»N0NY»iEs.-/?OTn6yx a»n>«, Fabri.-ius ; HwI.mit ; Stephens; | 7^Aa/. (Bomi.) p;i SPECIES 2.— SPILOSOMA LUBRICEPEDA. Plate XVIII., Fig. 17, J», 19. SvNiiNvsiEs. — PhahL'ia (Bombi/.r) liibricepeda, hmna:ns; Mar- I 24, fig. 35, a — c; "Wilkes, pi. 4,'); Harris, Aurelian, pi. 17, fig. sliam ; Linn. Trans. I, pi. 1, f. 2 ; Donovan, l(i, pi. 568 ; Albin, pi. | g— c; AVooil, Ind. Eat. pi. S. fig. 7C. This abundant species measures from 1^ to 1a inch in tlic expanse of its fore wings, which are of a yellowish buff colour, varying in depth of tint, with an interrupted oblique row of spots beyond the middle, and various other spots, one being on the costa towards the base, and another beyond the middle ; a spot being also mostly visible at the extremity of the discoidal cell. The hind wings are rather paler, with two or three black dots. The head and thorax are buff, and the abdomen or.ange, with black spots. The spots on the wings are very variable, being sometimes almost obsolete and sometimes dilated and running together into long patches, as in our fig. 19, which represents a specimen of the supposed species, Sp. radiata, of Ilaworth. I possess a specimen from Mr. Ilaworth's cabinet e.xactly intermediate between these two extremes. Tho caterpillar is brown and hairy, with the sides paler, tho dark back separated by two blackish longitudinal lines. It feeds on various herbaceous plants in August, and the moth appears in the following June. SPECIES a— SPILOSOMA PAPYRATIA. Plate XVIII., Fig. 15. Synonymfs. — Phalana papyratia^ IVIarsham in Linn. Trans., 1, t Wootl, Ind, Ent. pi. 7, fig. 75. pi. 1, fig. 4; Donovan, vol. IG, pi. 571 : -Mbin, pi. 21, fig. 30, c — h ; | Bombyx Urticte,\ivihaet\ Esper ; Odiscnlieinier ; Godiirt. This rare species measures rather more than Lj inch in the expanse of the wings, which are of a pure white hue ; the anterior with two or four spots on the disc, and a slight row of dots near the tip ; often, iiowever, wanting; the hind wings, occasionally, with a very few dark dots. The antennas of the males are white, with black rays. The abdomen is orange-coloured, with black spots, and the tip white. The caterpillar is brown and fulvous, with a few bl.ack spots. It feeds upon various water-plants, and the moth appears in .June in marshy places, but is of comparatively rare occurrence. CYCNIA, HiBNER. (DIAPHORA, Stephens.) This genus differs from the preceding in the semi-transparency of the wings, which differ remarkably in colour in the opposite sexes, and in the slightly spotted abdomen. The palpi are small, with the third joint of equal length with the preceding ; the antennw in the males are but moderately bipcctiuatod. SPECIES 1.— CYCNIA MENDICA. Plate XVIII., Fig. 20, 21, 22. S^NONYMEs. — PhaliBna (BorriOi/.i) ineiidk-a, Linnctus ; Marsliani ; Ijinn. Tians. 1, pi. 1, f. 3 ; Donovan, vol. ii. pi. 3S8 ; Harris Aui(-'li.in, pi. 35, fig. rb ; Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 7, fig. 77-78. This singular species varies from IJ- to 1,^ inch in the expansion of the wings. The male is entirely brown ; ?1 19 AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. 93 the female wliite ; the fore wings in both sexes with a few (generally six, seven, or eight) black spots, which are, however, occasionally obsolete. The hind wings also vary in the number of black spots. The caterpillar feeds upon aquatic plants in the autumn. It is of an ashy colour and hairy, and the moth appears in marshy places in May following ; but it is a rare species, although widely distributed throughout the country. * DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XIX. Insects. — Fig. I. Phragmatobia fuliginosa (the ruby Tiger-motli). 2. The Caterpillar. ** Fig, 3. Pcnthoplicra nigricans. 4. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 5. Arctiacaja (the garden Tiger-moth) a female. 6. The Caterpillar. 7. A pale variety, a male. 8. A dark ami singular variety, a female. " Fig. 9. Arctia villica (the cream-spnt Tiger-moth). 10. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 11. Euthemonia russula (the clouded buff) male. 12. The female. 13. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 14. Nemcophila I'lantaginis (the small Tiger-moth). 15. The Caterpillar. " Fig. IG. Heraclia Dominula (the scarlet Tiger-moth). 17. The Caterpillar. *' Fig. 20. Cillimorpba .lacobica: (the pink underwing moth). 21. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 22. MiltochryeUv miniata (the red arches). Plants. — Fig. 23. Primula veris (the Cowslip). " 24. Plantago major (common Plantain). ** 25. Scabiosa arvensis (tlie meadow Scabious). ** 26. Scnccio vulgaris (common Groundsel). " 27. Cynoglossum officinale (commou Ilouudstonguc). The white flower without a number is Cerastium arvense (field chickwced). Figs. 1, 9, 11, 12, 14, IG, 20, arc from specimens furnished by Mr. 11. Douldcday. Fig. 8 is a very singular variety of A. cija, in the British Museum ; and 7, another singular variety of this species, is from a ^drawing furnished to Mr. Westwood by Mr. T. Reeves, Jun., of a variety found near Carlisle. The female of N. Plantaginis differs from the male but .slightly, piincipally in having the innermost dark stripes of the hind wings cont'.nued to the interior margin of tlie wings, giving the insect a somewhat blacker appearance ; but I have not thought it worth while to figure the female for so slight a difference. Fig. 3, P. nigricans, is from Mr. Curtis's fig., and the caterpillars arw from llUbner, with the exception of those of A. c.nja, A. villica, and C. Jacob:ca>, which are from nature. H. N. H. PHRAGMATOBIA *, Stephens. (ARCTIA, Hubnee, Boisduval.) This genus has the abdomen also spotted, but the spots are arranged in only three rows ; the spiral tongue is short, but the palpi are scarcely distinct and pilose. The wings are subdiaphanous ; the antennas short, and nearly simple in both sexes, which likewise do not materially differ from each other in colour. The caterpillar is very hairy. SPECIES 1.— PHRAGMATOBIA FULIGINOSA. Plate XIX, Fig. I, 2. SvNoNYMEs. — Phalana {JVoclua) fuliginosa, l.iniiceus; Wilkes, 23, pi. 49 ; Harris, Aurelian, pi. 27, fig. i — m ; Donovan, vol. 3, pi. SO ; Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 7, fig. 72 ; Duncan Brit. Motiis, pi. 20, fig. 3. This pretty species varies from rather less than an inch to an inch and a half iu the expanse of the fore wings, which are red brown, with a black spot or two at the apex of the discoiJal cell ; the hind wings purplish red, with a broad dusky margin, and several blackish spots on the disc ; the fringe red, as well as the abdomen, which has three rows of black dots. The spots of the wings are, however, occasionally obsolete, and the hind wings with only the inner margin red, the remainder being dusky. Harris (Exposition of Engl. Ins., tab. ?!, fig. 7) and Stephens mention a variety which tliey think may possibly be distinct, varying in the form of tlie wings as well as in the larvro — which are either dusky red with the head black, or slate-colour with the head copper-coloured. They feed upon various weeds in June, and the moth appears in the followii^g month. * Derived from the Greek, and alluding to the larva-, which live iipaii plantj in htiiges. 94 BRITISH MOTHS PENTHOPHERA, Germar. (LTPARIS, Hdbner, Ociis. Bdv.) This curious genus is well characterised by its semi-transparent hairy wings of a uniform blackish colour ; the deeply bipectinated antennas of the males ; the want of a spiral tongue ; the small porrected palpi tenninated by an acutely ovate joint ; ami the robust thorax. The females have the wings much smaller than in the male, and the abdomen acutely subovate, with the extremity woolly. The arrangement of the veins of the wings agrees with Hypogymna rather than with Spilosoma, but differs from both these groups in having the postcostal vein and its branches in the fore wings pushed considerably into the disc of the wings, so as greatly to diminish the ordinary size of the discoidal cell ; as we have also seen in Psyche, to which the genus is evidently related. The caterpillars are tuberculated, each tubercle producing a pencil of hairs. SPECIES 1.— PENTHOPHERA NIGRICANS. Plate XIX., Fig. 3. SvNoNVMEs. — Penthophera nigricans, Curtis, Biit. Ent. pi. 213 ; Ciiitis ; Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 7, fig. 80. The expansion of the wings of the male is li inch. It is described by Curtis as semi-transparent, hairy, ec- ^^ brownish-black, with a yellowish tint ; cilia and nervures darker, the former very short ; superior wings rather long and narrow ; thorax and abdomen woolly, the latter beneath at the apex and the tarsi, silvery. The female is unknown. From P. Morio, Linn., with which Boisduval unites it, it is distinguished, by having " the pectinations of the antennre shorter, the thorax and body more robust, the latter much shorter, the superior wint's longer and narrower, and the nervures diflerent in their proportions." Curtis. A specimen of the male was beaten from a birch-tree on the outside of West Parley Coppice, Devonshire, on the 18th June, 1824, by 3Ir. Dale. Figure 4 represents the larva of the allied P. Jlorio. ARCTIA, SciiRANK. (CPIELONIA, Auct. Gall. EYPREPIA, Auct. Germ.) This genus, which corresponds with Iliibner's Hypercompaj colorccB, is perhaps the most beautiful group of the night-flying Lepidoptera. The body is robust and very hairy ; the abdomen fasciated or spotted ; the antenna' of the males hut moderately bipectinated or dcntated, and those of the fem.ales subdentate. The palpi are pilose, of moderate size, and formed into a small deflexed beak. The spiral tongue is almost obsolete. The fore wings are beautifully varied with dark and white spots and rivulets. The posterior ones are rich orange or red with black spots. The females are of equal size, or larger than the males. The caterpillars are tuberculated, the tubercles emitting long pencils of hairs, whence the name of Woolly-bears, given to them by children. Tiiey are an excellent bait for the angler. There are at least twenty European species of the genus, which Hiibner has distributed into a considerable number of minor divisions. In the works of our early English systematic entomologists, several of these species were introduced, namely Ph. Bomb. jMatronula, Linn., by Turton, Ph. B. Hebe, Linn., and Ph. B. aulica, Linn., by Martyn, and Ph. B. purpurea, Linn., by Stewart. As there appears to be no sufficient grounds for the introduction of these species we have not represented them in the present work : figures of them are given by Wood in his supplemental plates. SPECIES 1.— ARCTIA CAJA. Plate XIX., Fi.;. 5, G, 7, 8. SvNotn-ME9.— PA. Bo. Cfyn, I.iniKinis; Albin, pi. 20; Willtcs, I ILnvmth ; Wood. t. 7, Al'. 67. pi. .tC ; Harris Aurclian, pi. 13, fig. g — in; Doniiv.in, 1, pi. 15; \ Zoole Cajii, Uuhntr, Verz. bek. Schm. This very common and variable species measures from 2;^ to .3 inches in the expanse of the fore wings, which arc of a rich brown colour, with numerous irregular spots and streaks of cream- white; the hind wings bright AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. gg red, witli bluo-black spots; tlio tliorax brown with a rtd ncck-baml, and tlic abdomen red with bhie-black bars. The markings vary greatly, some specimens having the brown and bhie-black portions more or less obbterated, wiiilst in others they are much more, and even occasionally entirely, predominant. The caterpillar is dark brown, with the hairs on the back dusky, and those on the neck and sides reddish, the head black. It feeds on various herbs, especially lettuce, strawberries, &c., in June, and the moth appears in July. SPECIES 2.-ARCTIA VILLICA. Plate XIX., Fig. 9, 10. Synowymes. — Ph. B. rillica, Linnwus ; Albin, pi. 21, fi;;. 29 a— d ; Wilkes, pi. 37; Hurri.s, Aurcli:in, pi. 4 ; Donov.iu, i,pl. 71; niincan, Brit. Jlotlis, pi. 20, fig. 2 ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 7, lig. 70 ; West. Ent. Text-book, p. 390. Epicallia villica, Iliibncr Vera. bck. Sclimett. This handsome species varies from 2 to 2.^ inches in the expanse of its fore wings, which are of a black colour, with eight cream-white spots. The hind wings orange, with black spots and marks ; the head and thorax black, with a whitish p.atch on each shoulder. The abdomen is orange above, with the tip red, and marked with three rows of black dots ; beneath black, with the base of the legs, sides, and tip of the abdomen, and costal edge of .all the wings bright scarlet. The spottings vary consider.ably. The caterpillar is blackish, and very hairy, with the head and feet red, and spotted with fulvous. It feeds on the ragwort, chickweed, and other herbs in the spring ; and the moth appears in June, especially frequenting woody jilaces. It is far less common than the garden tiger-moth. EUTIIEMONIA*, Sikpiiens. (DIACRISIA, Hubxku.) This group is distinguished from the preceding and following by having the fore wings unicolorous, having only a darker discoidal patch at the extremity of the discoidal cell : the palpi are small and hairy, witli the basal joint smaller than the second, whereas in ('.nja the reverse is the case ; the antenna; of the males are slightly bipectinated. The general structure of the body indicates a much greater weakness, especially in the males, which fly by day, whilst the female is smaller than the opposite sex. SPECIES 1.— EUTHEMOMA KUSSULA. Plate XIX., Fig. 11, 12, 13. Diacrisia Hussula, HUbner Vcrz. bek. Schm. I'h. B. Sannio, Liiin. ; Faiin. Succ. o ■ Haworlh. SvNONvMES Ph. B. Russula, Linn.; Ponovan, P, pi. 214; Curtis, Brit. Ent., pi. 21 ; AVood, Ind. Ent. tab. 7, f. 08 and CS ; Duncan, Brit. Muiha, pi. 20, fig. 1. This pretty species varies from 1] to li inch in the expanse of the fore wings, which in the males are of an orange-clay colour, with a dark central lunule ; the fore margin, towards the tip, and the outer and hind margins red, the latter with a darker streak ; the hind wings pale whitish-buff, with a discoidal luniile and subniarginal fascia of black, the margin itself red. The female is much darker coloured, the abdomen being black witii fulvous incisions, the fore wings dark fulvous with a red lunule and veins, tlie hind wings dark orange, with the base, a central lunule, and a, broad subniarginal fascia, black. The caterpillar is spotted with red, and has a yellow dorsal line ; the sides have also a row of whitisli dots ; it is thickly clothed with reddish hairs. It feeds on plantain, scabious, and various other herbaceous plants in Jlay ; and the moth appears at the end of Juno. It frequents open places in woods and heaths, and although nowhere common, appears to be distributed over great part of the kingdom. • Derived from the Greek, in allusion to the elegauee of llie species. 95 BRITISH MOTHS NEMEOPHILA*, Stephens. (PARASEMIA, HiinNER.) Tlie species of wliicli this group is composed, in the colours and markings of its wings approaches the true Arctia>, but it is distinguished from that genus by its slender form, and especially by the proportions of the joints of the very short palpi, of whicli the first and last joints are nearly globose ; the antenna? are but slightly bipcctinated in tlie males ; the female is larger than the male. The construction, also, of the external organs of generation in the males of this genus difters considerably from that of the Arctiae. SPECIES 1.— NEMEOPHILA PLANTAGINIS. Plate XIX., Fig. 14,15. SvNoNYMES. — PA. Bo. Plmitoginis, Linn. ; Haworth ; Wilkes, I Wooil, Ind. Ent. t. 7, Hg. 71 ; Duncan Brit. Moths, pi. 21, fig. 1. pi. 50 ; Hurris Aurelian, pi. IG, fig. g — ui ; Donovan, 4, pi. 134 ; I Parasemia Plautaijlnis, Hiibner Verz. hck. Scliiuett. This pretty species varies from \h to \'i inch in the expansion of the fore wings, which arc of a black colour, with various cream-coloured or buff spots and markings, one being longitudinal towards the liinder margin, and terminating in an irregular cross-like marking towards the apex. The hind wings are pale orange, with black discoidal markings and an irregular black margin : the body is black, with the shoulder and sides of the abdomen buff: the thorax is also striped with buff in the males. There are numerous varieties, both in the tint of the pale parts of the wings and in the relative extent of the markings. The caterpillar is black, thickly clothed with brown hairs, and with several of the middle segments reddish. It feeds on the plantain in the autumn and spring, and the moth (which is far from rare, and widely distributed throughout the country) appears in the beginning of June. HERACLIA, HuBNEE, Verz. (HYPERCOMPA, Sjeph. nec Hubn. CALLIiMORPHA, Boisduval.) Tliis interesting genus lias the head small and squamose ; the antennae in both sexes setaceous, elongate, and slightly ciliated. The palpi are shorter than the head, and the spiral tongue is distinct and convoluted, although not so regularly as ordinar)'. The thorax is of moderate size, and squamose, and the abdomen is elongated and rather slender ; the wings are deflexed, and densely clothed with scales, and the wings are more elongated than in most of the preceding genera. The caterpillar is not so thicklj- clothed with hairs as in the preceding groups. SPECIES 1.— HERACLIA DOMINULA. Plate XIX., Fio. IG, 1". .SvNONYMEs. — Phal. {Noctua) Domi/uda, Linnaeus; Albin, i a — e ; Donovan, 4, pi. 141 ; Wood, Ind, Ent. pi, 7, fig. 67 ; Dun- pi. 22, fig. 31, a — d; Wilkes, pi. 38 ; Ilarria Aurelian, pi. 40, fig. | ran, Brit. Moths, pi. 19, fig. 3 (and 4 variety). This beautiful insect measures about two inches in the expanse of the fore wings, which are of a black colour flossed with green, with about ten cream-coloured spots of different sizes on each ; those which are in the discoidal cell being tinged with orange. The hind wings are rich scarlet with black markings ; the thorax is black with two orange stripes, and the abdomen scarlet, with the back black. The size of the spots as well as the ground colour of the hind wings are very variable; our figure, (16) however, represents the ordinary appearance of the insect ; but striking varieties, with the scarlet colour nearly or quite obliterated, are represented in Loudon's Magazine of Natunal Ilistor}', vol. vi. p. 541, and by Mr. Duncan, as above referred to. The caterpillar is black, with yellow longitudinal and dorsal lines, and numerous bluish- white lateral * Derived from the Creek, in allusiou to the species frequenting groves. AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. g- spots emitting hairs. It feeds on willow, ash, nettle, &c., anil the moth appears in June ; but is by no means common, although widely dispersed, having been found in Kent, Surrey, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, Hampshire, Oxford, Huntingdonshire, Cambridge, Yorkshire, &c. FAMILY VIII.— LITHOSIID^, Stephens. Tliis family is of small extent, and difficult location, having the body slender, the antenna? generally slender and setaceous in both sexes, but occasionally pectinated or ciliated in the males ; the mouth is much better developed than in many of the preceding moths, the maxilla; being long (with the maxillary palpi exceedingly minute and bi-articulated in Deiopeia inikhclla, according to Savigny) and spiral, and the labial palpi of moderate size, and three-jointed, the third joint being small and, in some cases, apparently soldered with the preceding ; the thorax is not crested ; the wings of comparatively delicate texture, elongated, and when at rest, carried horizontally or convoluted, the inner margin of one of the fore wings lapping over the same margin of the other. The larva; are cylindrical, and often hairy, with six pectoral, eight ventral, and two anal feet ; they arc solitary in their habits, never residing cither in a case or in a general tent-like web. In their habits the perfect insects are weak and inactive ; they fly rarely by day, although the brilliant colours of some few species indicate them to bo day-fliers. Their flight is short and feeble. The family is closely related to such of the aberrant Arctiidas as have an elongated spiral tongue, such as Heraclia Dominula : indeed, Latrcille places the Lithosia; in the same group as the Arctia; without any sectional division ; they, however, make a very near approach to the Yponomeutidse, as is evident from such insects as Eulepia cribrum and Yponomeuta Evonymella ; hence in some of the works of Latreille, the Tineites of that author (including Yponomeuta) are placed immediately after the present family and precedin" the Noctuidte. Mr. Stephens considers them to be so closely related to the last-mentioned family, that he unites them together to form his sub-section Nocturna ; but this relation appears to mc to bo too slight to warrant such a step. Many very splendid exotic species appear to constitute a passage between these insects and the aberrant Anthroceridte. CALLIMORPHA, Latreille (nec Boisduval). EUCHELIA, (p.) Boisduval. TYRIA, Hub.ner. Independently of the peculiarity of colouring of tlie type of this genus, it is distinguished by the breadth of the wings, which form a triangle when closed, the antenna; slender, those of the males emitting two short bristles from each joint ; the palpi have the joints of nearly equal length, but decreasing in thickness ; the spiral tongue is elongated, but not so long as the antennsB ; the thorax is small, and the abdomen elongate, being cylindrical in the male, but shorter and more ovate in the female. The caterpillar is clothed with a few long straggling hairs only ; it is of a pale colour, annulated with black, with sixteen feet ; it changes to an obtuse chrysalis in a slight cocoon under ground. As Latreille expressly gives Phalsena Jacobrea as the type of his genus Callimorpha in the Ri'gne Animal, the nomenclature of Mr. Stephens is adopted in preference to that of Boisduval, who makes Dominula the type of Callimorpha, and unites Jacoba;sB and pulchella into a new genus, introducing miniata (rosea) into the genus Lithosia. gg BRITISH MOTHS « SPECIES I.— CALLIMORPHA JACOBiE^. Plate XIX., Fio. 20—21. Synonymes. — Phal. {N'ociua) JacohtetB^ Linnceus ; Haworth ; 1 Donovan, vol. 2, pi. 45; Wood Ind. Eut., t. 8, fig. 91; Curtis Brit. Albin. pi. 34, lig. 55, c — i ; Wilkes, pi. 55 ; Harris, Aurelian, pi. 4 ; I Eut. pi. 499 ; Duncan Brit. Moths, pi. 21, fig. 2. This handsome insect varies from H to nearly two inches in the expanse of the fore wings. It is of a sooty black colour, with a scarlet subcostal bar, and two subapical spots on the fore wings. The hind wings scarlet, with a slender black edge. The under side of the wings exactly resembles the upper side in colouring — a circumstance of great rarity amongst Lepidopterous insects. The caterpillar is dark-golden colour, with black rings, and a few long hairs scattered over the body. It feeds on the ragwort in the summer, tlie perfect insect (which is extremely common throughout the country) appearing at the end of April and Maj'. It is of very sluggish habits, flying about in the day-time. MILTOCHRYSTA, Hubner. (CALLIMORPHA, p. Stephens, nec Cltetis. LITHOSIA, p. Bois.) The difficulty which recent lepidopterists have experienced in their location of the type of this genus, sufficiently proves its distinctness from the other types of the present family. I have, therefore, adopted for it Hiibner's name Miltochrysta. From Jacobreas, with which it is generically united by Mr. Stephens, it differs in the hairy (not silky) clothing of the body, the dilated costal margin of the fore wings, the peculiar markings and colouring of the wings, the slender palpi, acute at the tip, the caterpillars densely clothed with hairs, leaf- (not flower-) feeders ; and solitary in their habits. Many of these characters will also serve to distinguish it from Lithosia, with which it is united by Boisduval. SPECIES 1.— MILTOCHRYSTA MINIATA. Plate XIX., Fk. 22. SvNONYMES. — Phalcsna (Geom.) vnniaia^ Forstcr; Hawortb ; Stephens ; Wood, Ind. Ent. t. 8, lig. 92 ; Hanis, Aurelian, pi. 30, fig. p. Bombyx rosea, Fabricius ; Ochsenh. ; Godart ; Boisduval ; Donovan, 2, pi. 40, iig. inf. Bomhyx rubicunda) Wien Verz. ; HUbner Bomb., fig. iii. This pretty little insect varies from ten to sixteen lines in the expanse of the fore wings. Its general colour is pale-salmon buiF, the fore wings being of a more rosy tint, marked at the base with a small black dot, and two slender lines running from the costa, followed (beyond the middle) by an oblique row of slender black arches, and a row of submarginal black points on the veins. The under side of the abdomen is brown in the males. The caterpillar is short and very hairy, the hairs being plumose, verticillated, and of a grey colour, with the front of the head orange-coloured. It feeds (according to Fabricius, on the lichens) upon various trees, as birch, ash, oak ; the cocoon is of silk, densely woven with the hairs of the caterpillars, and the chrysalis is acute ; the perfect insect appears in June. It is not a common species, although widely dispersed, having been found in woody places in Kent, Surrey, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Yorkshire, and Staflbrdshire. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XX. Insects. — Fig. 1. Deiopeia pulchclla (the crimson-speckled Footman moth). 2. The Caterpillar. *' Fig. 3. Eulepia grammica (tiie feathered Footman). 4. The Caterpillar. " Fig. 5. Eulepia cribrum. " Fig. 6. Litlmsia flava (the straw-coloured Footman). *' Fig. 7. Litbosia jduuibcnlata. ** Fig. 8. Litliosia aureola (the orange Footman). 9. The Caterpillar. Fl ,/A'; ',■ y///. AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. S9 Insects. — Fig. 10. Litliosia Griseola (t!ic :lis quadra, Hiibner, Vei-z. This is tlie largest species in the genus, measuring from 1} to 1 inches in expanse. The male has the fore wings greyish yellow, with the apex broadly dusky, and the base more orange, the costa at the base bein" blue- black J the remainder of the insect is ochreous yellow. The female is entirely of the latter colour, except that each of the fore wings is marked with two large blue-black spots, which, however, are occasionally obsolete. The caterpillar is grey-black, with two yellowish dorsal lines spotted with red, separated by a dark line spotted in each segment with black ; it feeds on various trees, such as the oak, birch, horse-chcsnut, fir. Sec, in June ; and the moth appears in July, and is a widely distributed and abundant species. GXOPIIRl.V, Stei'hexs. (ATOLMIS, HunNER.) The insect, upon which this group has been proposed, agrees with the typical Lithosire in the elongation of its wings and short body, but differs in having three-jointed palpi, conical to the tip ; dark colours and veining of its fore w-ing, the median vein emitting three branches, the third being furcate. SPECIES 1.— GNOPHRIA RUBRICOLLIS. Plate XX., Fig. 20, 21. SvNONYMES. — Phal. (Xoct.) rubricollis, Linn. ; Donovan, 10, pi. 350, fig. 3 ; Harris, Aurelian, pi. 43, fig. p. Wood, Ind. Ent., pi. 8, fig. IOC. This species varies from 1 to 1} inch in expanse of the fore wings. It is of a uniform black colour, with a red neck, and the tip of the abdomen orange. The caterpillar is ashy-green, with long hairs, and with two yellow dorsal lines, and red and black spots on the sides. It feeds on lichens on various trees, in the spring ; and the moth appears from the end of May to July. CYBO.SIA, HuBNEE. The type of this group has been united by Mr. Stephens with Setina, (Philea) from which it differs in having larger palpi, and opake wings, which give it more the habit of the true Lithosice ; from which it differs not only JQ4 BRITISH MOTHS in the shape of its triangular wings, but also in the form of its short thick larva. The median vein emits four branches. Boisduval unites the type with rosea, forming them into his fourth section of Lithosia. The differences, however, between mesomella and rosea appear to warrant their generic separation. SPECIES 1.— CYBOSIA MESOMELLA. Plate XX., Fig. 25. SvNoNVMEs. — Phalwna [Tinea) mesomella, Linuajus; Turton ; Boisiluval. Lithosia ehorinay Fab. ; HUbner; Ochsenbeimcr ; Stepbens ; Hawortb ; Wood, Ind. Ent. pi. 8, fig. 109. Lithosia lutarella, Uaworth (variety). This species measures from ^ to 1^ inch in expanse. The head, fore and apical margins of the fore wings, and ciliaj of all tlie wings, are luteous ; the remainder of the fore wings palc-dovc coloured or yellowish, each with two small black spots, the hind wings are brown ; and the remainder of the body is whitish. The caterpillar is tliick, and of a grey colour, with a reddish head. The moth appears in June and July, and is not rare in the woods round London. PIIILEA Dai.man. (Zetterstedt. SETINA, p. Stephens. ) This genus is at once distinguished by the semitrausparency of the short, triangular, yellow-coloured wings ; the palpi are three-jointed, but minute ; the antennas are setaceous and simple in both sexes, being, however, slichtlv ciliated in tlie males ; the spiral tongue is moderately long. The caterpillar is short and thick. to • The females are smaller than the males. SPECIES 1.— PHILEA IRRORELLA. Plate XX., Fig. 22, 2.3, 24. Synonvmes. — Phalcena { Tinea) irrorella, LiiiD. ; Tuiton. , lU., vol. '2, pi. 17, fig. 1 ; Wood, lud. Ent. pi. 8, fig, 10" ; Zetterstedt Eudrosa irrorella^ Hiibner, Vcrz. bck. Schm. t (Phileai.). Romhyj: irrorca, Hubner ; Ocbscnheinier ; Godart ; Stepbens, t LitJiosia irrorata, ¥:i\i\\rm^\ Hawortb. This pretty insect varies from i to 1^ inch in expanse. The wings are of a luteous colour, the anterior marked with three rows of small black dots placed obliquely across the wings ; the body is black, with the thorax in front and the extremity of the body fulvous ; the hind wings arc also marked, ne.ar the outer angle, with two or three black dots. A singular variety, having the black dots transformed into marks resembling the letters IVI, was captured by Professor Henslow. The caterpillar is described by Zetterstedt as black and hairy, with rhomboidal, dorsal, and oblong lateral spots of a pale colour, and as feeding upon lichens. The moth appears in June and July, and is a rare species, although it has occasionally been taken in some plenty in the South of England. SPECIES 2.— PHILEA ROSCIDA ? SvNONVMEs. — Lithosia roseida, Fabricius ; Hiibner ; Stephens; Wood, Ind. Ent., pi. 8, tig. 108. This species varies from -> to an inch in expanse, and appears to be very closely allied to the preceding, from which, however, it is regarded as distinct by Ochsenheimer, Boisduval, &c. The body is black, with the front of the thorax and tip of the abdomen luteous ; the fore wings are of a dull-pale clay colour, with three rows of black spots ; and the hind wings have several dusky dots near the outer angle ; the shaft of the antennae is black ; the four fore legs are blue-black above, and yellow beneath. Taken, but very rarely, near Croydon, Surrey. AND THEIU TRANSFORMATIONS. J05 FAMILY IX.— NOCTUID/E, Stephen-.s. AVe are now arrived at a family of very great extent, and tolerably v/eW defined in its cliaracters ; the body being generally robust, the antenme almost constantly simple, being but rarely pectinated or ciliated in the males, the thorax stoat and often crested, and tlie winps of moderate size with strong nervures, and Generally with ]ieculiar ear-like spots on the disc of the fon; wings ; the mouth is also well developed, the spiral tongue or maxilUe being greatly elongated. The wings in repose are ordinarily deflexed at the sides of the body, the labial pal|)i of modi rate length, terminated suddenly by a small or very slender point, the preceding being very long and compressed. The body is clothed with scales, rather than with a coating of a woolly nature. The abdomen is elongate and conical in form, and but rarely as robust as in the Bonibycidas. Tiie larvcB exhibit several modifications, but in the majority they are naked, with sixteen feet ; in some the first, and in others, the first and second pairs of the ventral feet are wanting. The anal feet, on the other hand, are always present. They are usually solitary, not residing in a web, neither are they subcutaneous ; but those of the genus Ceropacha twist up leaves similarly to those of the Tortricida^. These larvaj usually undergo their transformations under ground in cocoons, often formed of particles of earth mixed in with the silk. The pupas arc almost invariably of the ordinary conical form, with the head part rounded ; those of Calophasia Linariae (Do Gcer, Slenioires, vol. ii. pi. 8, fig. 1 — 6,) and of the Cuculliss, or Shark-moths, have the tongue- case greatly elongated. Mr. Stephens observes, " that the typical groups of this famil}', as their name imports, fly only by night, and repose during the day in the crevices of the bark of trees, old walls, palings," &c. ; thougii others fly not only by night, but also during the afternoon and at twilight. The position of the wings during repose varies much; in some groups (Triphaina, &c.) they arc placed horizontally, and closely applied to the body, giving the insect a somewhat cylindrical form ; in others (Catocala, &c.) they are also placed hurizontally, but some- what expanded, and forming a triangle ; in others (as Plusia) they arc considerably deflexed, and the thorax is greatly crested. There is also considerable diversity in the form of the wings, though in general the anterior ones are elongate-triangular, and the posterior somewhat triangular-orbiculate ; some few have the posterior margins denticulated, and the anterior wings are mostly adorned with two stigmata, one more or less circular, the other kidney-shaped : a character rarely observed in any other family in this order. The colours of these insects are ordinarily very sombre, agreeing with their nocturnal habits ; but in some wliicli are accustomed to fly by day, we find the fore wings, and occasionally also the hind ones, more gaily ornamental. This is the case with the Catocalas or scarlet underwing moths, whilst the Plusiaj are adorned with patches of silver or gold on the fore wings. Some of the latter may occasionally bo observed during the day darting about and hovering over long-tubed flowers, into which they insert their long spiral tongue. The family corresponds with the Linntean section Phakena Noctua, and comprises nearly 800 (of which about 400 are British) species, mostly of a large or moderate size, divided by Mr. Stephens into about eighty genera, often resting upon minute structural differences. In the work of Ochsenhcimer, the family consists of forty-two genera, most of which correspond with the sections in the family proposed in the Wiener Vcrzeichniss. The classification of the family is certainly a matter of great difficulty, owing to the extreme similarity in the general appearance of the species, and which is greatly increased by the exotic species having been almost entirely neglected ; although it is evident, from the figures of many species given by Drury, Cramer, Abbot and Smith, &c., that the extra-European species exhibit even greater diversity of form than those of Europe. p 106 BRITISH MOTHS Another great difficulty which opposes oiir obtaining a natural arrangement of the present family, originates in the diversities exhibited by the caterpillars, and which here appear to assume but a secondary importance. In the Sphingidfe and Geometridffi, for instance, we find the larva state affording the best characteristic of the family ; but here the case is different. Plusia is, in effect, in its imago state as truly a good type of the family, as Polia, Miselia, Acronycta, or Agrotis, and yet the larva; of all these genera are strikingly distinct ; some being Geometrideous, others Arctiideous, and others Noctuideous, if we consider the latter to be charac- terised by a naked fleshy larva, without inequalities on the surface of the body, and with sixteen feet. Of these, many are radicivorous, but they are easily distinguished from the Hepialideous larv:e, although the resemblance between the latter and those of Gortyna is very close. Some of these naked larvae are external feeders, and have the body more coloured, and others have the eleventh segment of the body more or less angulated above. Acronycta varies in its larvaj, (thus at once affording an instance of the difficulty of forming a true estimate of the value of the character of the preparatory states in these insects,) being strongly hairy in A. Menyanthidis, and having an elevated horn near the extremity of the body in some of the other species. That of Dipthera Orion nearly resembles that of an Arctia, whilst Ophiusa has a naked larva greatly attenuated at each end, and Thyatira also a naked one, but furnished with a number of conical tubercles throughout the ■whole length of the body. Those of Catocala are strongly fimbriated at the sides of the body ; in Acosmetia there are only six ventral feet, whilst in Plusia and Euclidia, which have semi-geometrical larva:, there are only two pairs of ventral feet. Those of the last-named genus are quite vermiform in their appearance, and have the habit of twisting themselves about in all directions. As the classification of the groups of this extensive family has recently attracted considerable attention on the Continent, it will be useful to give a short account of the different arrangements which have been proposed. Latreille, after separating the exotic genus Erebus (in which the wings are always extended and horizontal, and the last joint of the palpi long and naked, and which comprises some of the most gigantic insects in the order,) proposes to divide the remainder into two extensive and parallel series. In the first the larvcB are geometrical in their mode of progression, some having sixteen feet, but with the two or four anterior ventral feet shorter than the others ; and the others have only twelve feet. The second series comprises "the genera Calyptra, Cucullia, Xylina, &c., all of which have sixteen feet, the anterior ventral ones being of the ordinary size, and their progression is not geometric. Ciirysoptora concha in the former series, and Erastria in the latter, appear equally to lead to the Pyralides. Catocala, Ophiusa, and Brepha, on tlie other hand, appear most nearly allied to Erebus. Mr. Stephens has adopted an arrangement which differs materially from those of Ochsenheimer and his followers, who he considers have placed several of the genera in unnatural situations ; he has therefore attempted to arrange them in a continuous series, somewhat in accordance with their transformations, com- mencing with TripliMna, Agrotis and some allied groups, which he separates therefrom. Dr. Boisduval in his new work (Genera et Index Methodicus Europ. Lepid. 1840,) has separated the Noctuaj into fourteen tribes, mostly named after the leading genus in each. They are as follows: — 1. Noctuo- Bombycini (Cymatophora, &c.) 2. Bombycoides (Acronycta, Bryophila, &c.) 3.* Amphipyrides (Amphipyra, Scotophila, Rusina, &c.) 4. Noctuides (Segotia, Cerigo, TripliEena, Agrotis, &c.) 5. Iladenides (Apamea, Hadena, Sliselia, Polia, &c.) 6. Leucanides (Iilythimna, Leucania, Nonagria). 7- Caradrinides (Cara- drina, &c.) 8. Orthosides (Orthosia, Cosmia, Xanthia, &c.) 9. Xylinides (Xylina, Xylocampa, Cucullia, &c.) 10. Plusides (Abrostola, Plusia, &c.) 11. Ileliothidcs (Anarta, Ileliothis, &c.) 12. Acontides (Acontia.) • This and all the following tribes arc erroneously numbered by Boisduval. Fl ^l AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. jq7 13. Catocalidcs (Catcpliia, Catocala, Ophiusa, &c.) 14. Noctuo-Pbalsenides (Euclidia, Brephos, Anthophila, Erastria, &c.) M. Guenec, who has especially studied the Noctuco of Europe, and has published a series of papers upon the genera of these insects in tlie ' Annalcs do la Societe Entomologique de France,' has in the last volume of that work (1841, p. 235) given a complete revision of the genera and species, which differs from that of Boisduval in several respects; for instance, he divides the gi'oup into eighteen tribes, arranged as follows: 1. Bom- bycoidi. 2. Noctuo-Bombycidi. 3. Bryophagidi. 4. Leucanidi. 5. Apamidi. 0. Noctuelidi. 7. Orthosidi. 8. Iladenidi. !». Xylinidi. 10. Heliothidi. 11. Plusidi. 12. Calpidi. 13. Amphipyridi. 14. Ophiusidi. 15. Catocalidi. 10. Pliala-noidi. 17. Acontidi. 18. Noctuo-Phatenidi. The benefits resulting from this cutting up of the group into so many minor divisions, are to be found in an enlarged idea of the natural relations of the different genera. Jly reasons for not adoptinn- them in this work are, first, that such an arrangement, foun