7 _ ars = 7 ae a” < ; THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. POPULARLY DESCRIBED AND ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE SYSTEM NOW ADOPTED IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. {LLUSTRATED BY A Series of Picturesque Bates. EXHIBITING THE INSECTS IN THEIR DIFFERENT STAGES, WITH THE CATERPILLARS AND THE PLANTS ON WHICH THEY ARE GENERALLY FOUND. BY H? NOEL HUMPHREYS. VOLE. fF —T LONDON: PAUL JERRARD & SON, 170, FLEET STREET, E.C. » 1 Horne § eens NTN 331092 a) My ON, y yseurs QL 555 GTHIL 1860 ENTRS PREFACE. Tne study of Natural History is at last beginning to assert its place and importance in the ordinary routine of education. The charm of such works as White’s ‘‘Selborne,” and Kirby and Spence’s ‘ Introduction to Entomology,” is every day being acknowledged by an increasing circle of fascinated readers, and, as a natural result, a desire to know more of each separate subject there briefly touched upon is becoming very general. The activity of many workers in the field of science has produced, within the last half-century, complete and invaluable works upon almost every section of Natural History which could suggest itself to the curiosity of any ordinary student. But, then, these are great and voluminous treatises necessarily encumbered with details of classification and technical minutie, such as the unprofessional reader has neither time nor taste to encounter. On the other hand, the ‘popular’ works are in general so fragmental and incomplete, that they fail to give the reader the hold on the subject which he requires, or the more solid information which he seeks. I have sought, in planning the present work on British Moths, to steer a course midway between the strictly scientific treatise and the slight ‘popular volume ;’ with this view I intend giving a brief outline of the general principles upon which this section of the world of insects has been reduced to order and classification. After which I shall notice all the groups into which our British Moths have been divided, and then describe, with an accompanying illustration, one species of every genus contained in each group or family ; to each of which generic illustrations a list of the other species will be attached. By this means a complete general plan of the whole subject will be exhibited within a moderate space ; while if every species contained in a genus were engraved, the bulk of the work would be carried to an unwieldy extent, quite inconsistent with the purpose of a book suited to the general reader. It will be readily understood (Lam addressing the unscientific) that by the description of the leading and typical insect of each genus, the general characteristics of the subordinate species belonging to the same genus will be easily appreciated ; but in 4 case of any remarkable deviation of forms occurring among a number of species placed in one and the same genus, +? second species will be described and engraved, if necessary, as in the case of the genus Cheerocampa, of which + two species are figured in plate 3, on account of the great difference in size and markings which they exhibit. s The work will contain, therefore, a very complete account of all the genera of British Moths, and will, {oto that extent, form a complete work, not merely consisting of sketches of some of the more prominent and {attractive of the insects belonging to the class treated of, but a consecutive account, although in a popular form > of the entire family of British Moths. Ho N. HH: M10 14-G Insects DSI INTRODUCTION. Tue order of Insects to which Moths and Butterflies belong, is the one most popularly known, not only on account of the beauty of many of the species, but also from their curious transformations having been more frequently observed, in consequence of their conspicuous appearance in their larva or caterpillar stage ; while, in other families of insects, that phase of development is often passed in the earth, in less attractive forms, commonly known as grubs, as is the case with Beetles, ete. The general term, insect, has been given to the tribe of creatures embracing Moths, Butterflies, Bees, Beetles, House-flies, and many others, in consequence of a leading peculiarity which characterises the whole, namely, the deep dnsection which occurs between the fore part of the body, or thorax, and the hinder part, or abdomen, one of the most conspicuous examples of which occurs in the common Wasp. The distinct order of insects, containing Moths and Butterflies only, is known as the order Lepidoptera, from the Greek words /epis, a scale, and pteron, a wing. This descriptive title has been conferred upon the family of insects about to be described, in consequence of the minute scales with which their wings are almost invariably covered, and to which they are indebted for their beautiful colours and markings, the membrane of the wing itself being perfectly smooth and transparent. The order Lepidoptera was divided by Linneus into three grand sections : first, Diwrna, being those which fly by day, comprising all the Butterflies ; secondly, Nocturna, or those which generally fly by night, which includes a large portion of the Moths; thirdly, Crepuscularia, intended to comprise such as generally fly by evening twilight, or at early dawn, like some of the Hawk-Moths, ete. But this third division having been found indefinite, and the time of flight in general not the best basis of classification, the system of a modern entomologist, Dr. Boisduval, has been pretty generally adopted. According to this method, the order may now be considered to consist of two grand divisions, founded, as the only true basis of correct classification, on anatomical distinctions. The first division is termed Rhopalocera, or those having a small c7ub-like enlargement at the ends of the antenne, commonly termed horns, or, more properly, feelers. The second division is termed Heterocera, from two Greek words meaning antenne varying in shape, as do those of the Moths, which are sometimes smooth, sometimes feathered, sometimes robust, sometimes slender ; while those of the males very frequently differ from those of the females, but they are in no instance clubbed, like those of Butterflies, The careful observation of such distinctions as those by means of which the affinities of numerous tribes of insects can alone be accurately defined and classed, would form an excellent first lesson to the young student, and at once open up to him a novel and interesting field of observation. I recollect one of the most eminent of European entomologists, Mr. J. O. Westwood, showing me drawings of the Tiger-Moth, made when he was a tyro in the study, in which, for want of that habit of accurate observation which the study of natural history soon developes, he had made the antenne clubbed, like those of a Butterfly. Such was the first entomological step of the author of the ‘‘ Modern Classification of Insects ;” a work which, had he produced no other, would secure to his name a conspicuous place in the annals of Entomology ; so let no student be discouraged by the difliculties which invariably attend beginnings. vi INTRODUCTION, The transformations are of closely analogous character in both sections of our order Lepidoplert, The female Butterfly, like the female Moth, deposits a certain number of eggs, from which, in due time, emerge small worm-like creatures, commonly called Caterpillars. These generally cast their skins several times before they attain their full growth, at which period they sink into a dormant state, in the commencement of which a husk or shell is formed about them, and they become what is termed a chrysalis. The chrysalides of Butterflies are generally somewhat angular in form, while those of Moths are almost invariably smooth in character. The Caterpillars of Butterflies frequently undergo their change to the chrysalis state suspended to a leaf or branch, while those of Moths, in most cases, either form a cocoon, or retire into the ground, often to a considerable depth, when the time arrives for their metamorphosis. During the chrysalis state (both in Moths and Butterflies) the final or perfect form of the insect is gradually developing itself; the rudimeutal wings, and even the attenne, neither of which were externally developed in the Caterpillar, being from the first distinctly traceable in the forms assumed by the shell of the chrysalis. When the development of the newly winged insect has attained a certain degree of completeness, the shell of the chrysalis is rent by an instinctive effort, and the inseet emerges. All the parts now appear perfect and full-grown, except the wings, which are at first quite soft, and not above a quarter their size, but they harden and inerease in dimension with astonishing rapidity when exposed to the air, and when they have attained their full development the final transformation is completed. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. PLATE I. No. 1—The Eyed Hawk-Moth (Smerinthus Ocellatis). No, 4.—The Death’s-head Hawk-Moth (Acherontia Atropos), No. 2.—The Caterpillar of the Eyed Hawk-Moth. No, 5,—The Caterpillar of the Death's-head Hawk-Moth. No. 3,—The Poplar Hawk-Moth (Smerinthus Populi). Tue first subdivision of the great section /elerocera which I shall describe, is that comprised under the title of Sphingide, or Sphinxes, which consists of the Hawk-Moth family, and contains some of the largest and handsomest of our British Moths. The term Sphinx was somewhat capriciously conferred by Linneus in consequence of a supposed resemblance of many of the Caterpillars of this family to that fabulous creature. This resemblance occurs when the Caterpillar lies with the main part of the body straight along a leaf or branch, with the three segments next the head raised nearly upright, in which position the general outline has certainly some slight affinity to the form of the chimera from which it has received its name, The family of Sphingide contains several genera, the first genus being Smerinthus, distinguished more especially hy the short, stout body of the perfect insect, and the irregular outline of the external edge of the wings. ‘The Caterpillars of the genus are generally green, and invariably covered with small tubercles, closely arranged in regular rows, and the sides marked with a series of diagonal streaks, either of a paler green than the rest of the body, or tinged with red or violet. It may here be stated that only a few of the more obyious characteristics of each family or genus can be described in this work, and that in speaking of the general character of a family, genus, or species, only the British kinds are referred to, The genus Smerinthus contains three species, No. 1, Plate 1, is Smerinthus Ocellatus, they Eyed Hawk-Moth, which, it will be seen, exhibits the general characteristics attributed to the genus. The antenne haye, in this group, a tendency to thicken before the final attenuation of the point, which occurs only in this and in the next two families of Moths. They are, in this genus, more slender in the females than the males, which last, in our plate, are represented as rather too robust. The flight of this genus is more like that of ordinary Moths than of other members of the Hawk-Moth family. The Caterpillar (No, 2), as will be observed, is furnished with a dorsal horn, or tail, a peculiarity present in the whole of the group which haye the true Hawk-Moth character, though absent in the Gyeriide, which by some authors are added to this family. The Caterpillar of the Eyed Hawk-Moth feeds chiefly on the Willow, and is not uncommon. It appears in July and August, and the perfect insect issues from the chrysalis in the following May. No. 3, Plate 1, is the Poplar Hawk-Moth, Smerinthus Populi, the commonest of the genus. Its markings are not so beautiful as those of the preceding species, but yet present very agreeable tones of soft doye-colour, buff, and brown; the veins, or rather neryures of the wings, being of a warm ochreous tone. The Caterpillar is very similar to that of S. oced/atus, but smaller, and without any pink tone in the lateral stripes, which are of a very pale green. It appears in the autumn, changes to the chrysalis state about September, and the perfect insect emerges in the following June. 8 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. The remaining species of this genus is Smerinthus Tilia, the Lime Hawk-Moth, a smaller kind than either of the preceding, but similar in form and in the character of the markings of the wings, which, however, are of a much warmer general tone, the ground rich warm buff, the markings a brightish olive, and the body whitish brown. The Caterpillar is smaller than that of the other species, and slenderer, and the lateral markings are faintly tinted with pink. It feeds on the Lime, but is rather rare. The next genus in the family is Acherontia, of which there is only one British species—the largest and most remarkable of all British Moths—the well-known Death’s-head Hawk-Moth (No. 4), so termed from the figure of a skull plainly marked on the thorax, between the wings. The robust body, and wings straight at the external margin, with the shorter antenne, and shorter proboscis, which is scarcely longer than the head, are sufficient to mark this insect as of a different genus to that of the three species just described. But there are also other differences, especially in the details of the antenne, too minute to describe in this place. The Caterpillar (No. 5) is also distinct in form. The dorsal horn, or tail, is decumbent instead of raised, and is jagged with small excrescences instead of being smooth ; while the body is entirely without the minute tubercles which distinguish the Caterpillars of the genus Smerinthus. The Death’s-head Moth is probably the most remarkable of all British insects, often measuring five inches across the wings, and the Caterpillar is even larger in proportion. The Caterpillar, while in full feed in autumn, is often found in digging potatoes, on the leaves of which it has been feeding, and has afterwards burrowed into the ground to undergo its change. Many attempts are made to obtain specimens of the perfect insect by keeping the Caterpillar, and allowing it to burrow in the soil of a large flower- pot, covered with a strong net ; it generally perishes, however, during its transformation, possibly from the soil becoming too dry. It is therefore recommended to plunge the pot in the soil of the open garden, with some good drainage underneath, and in a situation not exposed to heavy rain, with which precaution specimens may assuredly be obtained of this truly magnificent insect. The Death’s-head Hawk-Moth has been unusually abundant during the past season of 1858, having been found as far north as the Shetland Isles. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. ) PLATE IU. No. 1.—The Privet Hawk-Moth (Sphinx Ligustri). No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Spotted Hawk-Moth. No. 2.—The Caterpillar of the Privet Hawk-Moth. No. 5.—The Striped Hawk- Moth (Deilephila Livornica). No, 8.—The Spotted Hawk-Moth (Deilephila Euphorvie). THE separate genus still bearing the name of Sphinx, which once belonged to nearly the whole group of Sphingide, now contains but three British species, which are, however, those most highly characteristic of the typical Hawk-Moth, having a slenderer and sharper body, longer, more pointed, and more even-edged wings, and a more rapid flight ; in short, all the characteristics for which the highly descriptive popular name Hawk-Moth was originally conferred. % The first and largest species of this genus is the handsome Sphinz Convolvuli, the Convolvulus Hawk- Moth, which I have not figured, as rarely found in England in ordinary seasons. The fore wings are ashy-gray, beautifully clouded with brown, and streaked with black ; the hind wings being gray also, with three transverse bands of brown, the centre band open in the middle, and joined at the extremities. The abdomen is beautifully barred with black, white, and deep pink. The Caterpillar has the usual dorsal horn, is of a dull olive colour, with white spots near the junction of the segments, two brown stripes down the back, and transverse slanting bars of brown at the sides. It feeds on the common Bind-weed. Though generally excessively rare, it is occasionally abundant, as it was in 1846, and somewhat less so during the last season (1858), when I took a fine specimen in my own garden hovering over a bed of Petunias. The next species, No. 1, Plate 2, is the better-known Privet Hawk-Moth, nearly as large and handsome 1s the preceding, and found abund’ntly everywhere. The Caterpillar, which feeds on the Privet, is green ; the dorsal horn black above and yellow beneath ; the spiracles, or breathing apertures, just above the feet, to be remarked in all this class of Caterpillars, are orange, and the diagonal stripes tinged with pink. The Caterpillar appears in July and August, and the Moth emerges from the chrysalis in the following June. The last species of the genus Sphinz is the Pine Hawk-Moth, Sphinx Pinastri, much smaller than either of the preceding ; both front and hind wings are gray, the front pair having clouded transverse bands of brown, and the hinder pair shading off to deep brown at the outer edge ; the body is marked with brown on the thorax, and barred closely with brown on the abdomen. The Caterpillar is very different in character to those of the other species, being of much slenderer proportions. ‘The sides are deep green, with lozenge-shaped openings of gray, and haying a yellow line beneath, and along the centre of the back, with the dorsal horn nearly black. It feeds on the Pine, and is common in the forests of the Continent, but very rare in England. There are other species of Sphinx reputed British, such as Cingulata, Carolina, Quinque-maculatus, ete., but they are probably imported specimens. Of the next genus, Detlephila, there are three British species, two of which are figured in the adjoining plate. This genus is distinguished from the preceding by somewhat shorter wings, less acute and elongated at the tips, and other sufficient distinctions, of which the Caterpillars offer several ; the character of their markings differing from those of the preceding genera, in having the three segments next the head marked in the same manner as those of the other portions of the body. The Spotted Hawk-Moth, Deilephila Euphorbia, No. 3, Plate 8, is a very elegant insect, both in markings 10 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, and colour ; and the Caterpillar, No. 4 in the same plate, is one of the handsomest of the whole group. It feeds generally upon the Sea Spurge, Euphorbia Paralias. These Caterpillars were one season so conspicuous on the coast of Devonshire, from their numbers, that birds were attracted from a distance to feed upon them. They are now very rare. They appear in July and August, and are full-grown in September. No. 5, Plate 3, is the Striped Hawk-Moth, Detlephila Livornica, This species is casily distinguished by the nervures of the wings being white, imparting a remarkable, striped appearance, not found in the other species. The Caterpillar feeds on the common Vine, on the Sonchus arvensis, and Yellow Ladies’ Bed-straw ; its markings are like those of the others of the genus, very handsome ; the colour is a yellowish olive, with large spots of black surrounding specks of red: a rose-coloured stripe runs down the back, extending along the dorsal horn, and above the legs is a stripe of flesh colour, or yellow. It is full-grown in June. This species is very rare and was formerly considered doubtful as British ; but Brighton, Glasgow, Leicester, the Lake District, Manchester, &c., are cited as places in whieh it has been recently captured, Deilephila Galii, the last species of this genus, is also very rare, and popularly known as ‘‘ The Scarce Spotted Hawk-Moth.” It is very like the Spotted Hawk-Moth above described, but has the space next the outer edge of the front wings pale buff instead of ash-coloured, and a row of white spots down the middle of the back. The Caterpillar is rich olive, with a black stripe above the legs, enclosing the white spiracles, and a large roundish patch of buff in each segment, and a buff stripe rmms down the back, and the head and legs are rose- coloured. It feeds on Yellow Ladies’ Bed-straw, and other species of Galium, in the autumn. ] THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, a PLATE III. No. 1.—The Oleander Hawk-Moth (Cherocaiupa Nerii). | No. 6.—The Caterpillar of the Humming-Bird Hawk-Moth. No. 2.—The Caterpillar of the Oleander Hawk-Moth. No, 7.—The Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-Moth (Sesia Bom- No. 3.—The Small Elephant Hawk-Moth (Cherocampa Pov- byliformis). cellus). No. 8.—The Green Forester (Procris Statices). No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Small Elephant Hawk-Moth. No. 9.—The Six-spot Burnet-Moth (Anthrocera Filipendule), No. 5.—The Humming-Bird Moth (Macroglossu Stellatarvwm). No. 10.—The Caterpillar of the Six-spot Burnet-Moth. Tue genus Cherocampa (from the Greek words choiros, a hog, and kaimpe, a caterpillar) has been formed of a small section of the Sphingida, the Caterpillars of which have their three foremost sections narrowing in a nearly even line from the shoulder, like the head and snout of the hog. They have also the power of drawing in or extending those segments, from which some of them have received their popular English name of Elephant Hawk-Moth. The dorsal horn is much shorter in this group, and in some species nearly obsolete. No. 1, Plate 8, Cherocampa Nerii, is the Oleander Hawk-Moth. It has only recently been found to be a native of these islands, and its capture rarely occurs. In the south of France, however, and, in some years, even in the northern provinces of Central Europe, it is very abundant. The Caterpillar (No. 2, Plate 3) appears in the autumn, and feeds on the Rose-bay (Nerium Oleander), where that plant is common, but in England upon the lesser Periwinkle, a plant of the same family. This insect is found both in Africa and Asia. No. 3, Plate 8, is C. Poreellus, the Lesser Elephant Hawk-Moth. The Caterpillar (No. 4) forms a very good type of those larvee, upon the forms of which this genus has been based. The three first segments have the character above described, and the fourth and fifth, or legless segments, are distinguished by eye-like marks, not found in that position on any allied class of Caterpillars. In this they are distinct from the species which stands at the head of the genus, which has this oced/us on the third segment, for which reason some have thought of making it the type of a separate genns. The Caterpillar of the Lesser Elephant Hawk-Moth feeds on different kinds of Galiumn. C. Elpenov, the Greater Elephant Hawk-Moth resembles the Lesser, both in its larva and perfect states, but is about one-third larger. The fore wings are marked with brown and dull pink, instead of buff and olive, like the Lesser species, and the hind wings with rich pink and black. The Caterpillar is hardly distinguishable from the one above described, except from its superior size. It feeds, in preference, on the common Epilobiwi. The last species, Cheerocumpa Celerio, the Silver Streaked Hawk-Moth, is of similar character, but the Caterpillar is much larger, and has the dorsal horn more defined than in the two last species. The wings of the perfect insect differ in being longer and sharper—fitted for that celerity of flight which suggested its specific name, celerio ; they are of a brown colour, with pearl-white streaks, from which it takes its popular name. The hind wings are buff, flushed with pink, and having two stripes of deep brown or black. It feeds on the Galium. The next genus, Macroglossa, only contains one British species. It is distinguished from the preceding genera by being distinctly a daylight instead of a twilight or night-flyer, and by its tufted tail. The Caterpillar, however, has the true Sphinx character of the dorsal horn. No. 5, Plate 8, is Macroglossa Stellatarum, the Humming-Bird Hawk-Moth, the popular name being suggested by the loud humming noise which it makes while hovering over flowers or other objects. The Cater- pillar (No. 6), it will be observed, has the family feature, the dorsal horn, well defined. We come now to the genus Sesia, by some made a separate family, the Sesiide, but by others joined to the Sphingide, to which family, from the existence of the remarkable feature of the caudal horn in the Caterpillar stage, and the form of the wings in the perfect state, together with the thickened extremities of the antenna, it is evidently closely allied. 12 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, No. 7, Plate 3, is Sesia Bombyliformis, the Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-Moth. The wings are denuded of the coloured scales with which the wings of Moths are usually clothed, except at the external edge next the brown fringe, and they are therefore perfectly transparent, the nervures showing dark, like the tracery of a window. The body is marked with yellow, in a peculiar manner, which causes it to bear considerable resemblance to the Bee tribe of insects, with which, however, it has no other connection. It is from this circumstance, however, and the clear wings, that it has received the name of the Bee Hawk-Moth. The Cater- pillar is pale green, striped with yellow and a deeper green, and speckled with minute black spots. It feeds on Scabiosa succisa, and appears in autumn. The other species of this genus, Sesia Puciforiis, the Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-Moth, closely resembles the preceding, except in the breadth of the deep brown border, and some of the markings of the body. THE SECOND FAMILY.—(THE ANTHROCERIDA. ) (BY SOME AUTHORS THIS FAMILY IS PLACED BEFORE THE SPHINGID&.) Tus family is a very restricted one, in as far as the British kinds are concerned. Its relation to the preceding forms of the Sphingide only consists in the antenne thickened at the end, a character which, after the next family, entirely disappears. The nervures of the wings, however, are no longer disposed after the simple manner to be observed in the more conspicuous Sphingide and many other families of Moths, but exhibit a much more complicated arrangement. This family is also distinguished by its dark rich colouring, and by the small size of all the species. = The first English genus of this order is Procris, containing two British species. No. 8, Plate 3, is Procris Statices, the common Green Forester. The antenne of Statices are blunt, which distinguishes it from the other species. The Caterpillar, which resembles in form that of the next genus, appears in spring, and the perfect insect about the middle of June. The second species of Procris is P. globularia, the pointed antenne: of which form a good specific distinction. The next genus is Anthrocera, containing several British species. No. 9, Plate 3, Anthrocera Filipendule, the Six-spot Burnet-Moth, is one of the most richly tinted of our native insects, the body and wings being of a rich glossy black, with a metallic flush of bright green, in some lights ; the spots and hind wings being deep crimson. The Caterpillar (No, 10) feeds in preference on Spiraea Filipendule in the spring, the perfect insect appearing in June. There are five other species of Burnet-Moth. 1. Anthrocera Lonicere, the Large Five-spot Burnet-Moth, distinguished principally by the broader black margin of the hind wings, and having only three red spots instead of four in the exterior portion of the fore wings. The Caterpillar is also said to be greener than in the previous species. 2. Anthrocera Trifolii, the Small Five-spot Burnet, closely resembles the former, but has the spots less defined, and sometimes two running into one. 3. Anthrocera Meliloti (the new Small Five-spot). This appears a more distinct species. It has five spots, like the two preceding, but the wings are semi-transparent, The Caterpillar is described as green, but with the usual black marks, and with a white line down the back. It is, however, by many deemed only a variety. 4. Anthrocera Hippocrepidis. This species differs in having rather a blue than a green gloss on the black portions, except in the margins of the hind wings, which are greenish, The last two species were adopted as distinct and English, by Mr. Westwood, after examining several specimens taken by our eminent entomologist, the late Mr, F. Stephens, but both are now considered accidental varieties, 5. Anthrocera Minos, the streaked Burnet, is a species only recently discovered, in the west of Ireland. It differs from the spotted species in having the red marks on the anterior wings blended into three long angular marks, the point of the one nearest the margin descending between the two other marks in the form of a wedge. It is said to appear earlier than the spotted species. It is certainly a very distinct species. ee a eo THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, 13 PLATE IY. No. 1.—The Hornet-Moth (Sphecia Apiformis). No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Ghost-Moth. No, 2.—Tho Caterpillar of the Hornet-Moth. No. 8.—The Wood-leopard-Moth (Zeuzera Zsculi). No, 3.—The Currant Clearwing (Trochilium Tipuliforme). No. 9.—The Caterpillar of the Wood-leopard, No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Currant Clearwing. No. 10.—The Goat-Moth (Cossus Ligniperda). No. 5.—The Ghost-Moth (Hepialus Humuli), the Female. No. 11,—The Caterpillar of the Goat-Moth. No. 6.—The Ghost-Moth (the Male). THE THIRD FAMILY,—Tur Acerip.s. Tus family is by some made the fourth, in consequence of the separation of the genera Macroglossa and Sesia from the Sphingide, as the third family, under the title of the Sesiidw, The dgeriide are closely connected with the Sphingide by the character of the antenne., The wings of this family of insects are generally without seales, except at the anterior margin, and, in some, in a certain space at the tip. The body is long, which, with the clear wings, causes them to resemble certain insects of the order Hymenoptera. The larvee of these Moths are fleshy grubs, feeding in the interior of young branches, or on the roots of trees; they have, however, the legs disposed as in the larve of the Sphingidw, and of the same number, There are two British genera in this family. The first genus is Sphecia, distinguished from all the rest of the family by the large size of the insects assigned to it, and by their wasp-like appearance, in allusion to which Hiibner first gave them the generic name Sphecia, and separated them from the genus Zrochilium. »No. 1, Plate 4, is the Hornet-Moth, Sphecia Apiformis, distinguished from the next species by the broader border to the transpayent wings. The Caterpillar (No, 2) feeds upon the wood of the trunks of Willows and other trees, causing considerable damage, It changes to the Chrysalis in April, and the perfect insect appears in June. £ The second species, Sphecia Bembeciformis, is popularly known as the Lunar Hornet-Moth, It is rather smaller than the preceding, and has the brown border of the transparent wings narrower. The second genus in the family of the yeriide, is Trochiliwm, containing several native species, to which two remarkable additions have been made by recent discoveries. It is distinguished from the preceding by the small size of all the species, by the greater slenderness and length of the antenne, and by a pencil-like tuft at the tail, of various colours in different species. No. 8, Plate 4, is Trochilium Tipuliforme, popularly known as the Currant Clearwing, which I have selected as the representative of the genus, on account of its being so well known, both in the larva and perfect state, while the larve of many of the others haye not as yet been observed. The margin of the wings, and the central spot, are black tinged with yellow, the hind margin streaked with orange ; there is a yellowish stripe on each side of the thorax; and the abdomen is black, with a purple gloss, and has three yellow bands ; the anal tuft is black. The Caterpillar of the Currant Clearwing (No. 4) feeds upon the pith of the common Currant-tree in May, and the perfect insect appears in June, The ten other species may be distinguished by the following briefly stated characters :—~- D 14 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 1. Lrochilium Vespiforme (the Clear Under-wing) is considerably larger than the preceding, being the largest of the genus; but, independently of its size, it may be known by the semi-transparent brown of the anterior wings. The body is black, with a black tuft, and it has three yellow belts like the preceding species. The male has the antenne distinctly pectinated, and is said to have five belts. 2. Trochilium Ichneumoniforme (the Six-belted Clearwing). The front wings are very strongly bordered with brown, and have a mark across the middle, joining the front and back border. At the points, the border extends into the wing, forming a deep brown tip; the body and tuft are black, with six yellow belts, the female being seven-belted. 8. Trochilium Cynipiforme (the Yellow-legged Clearwing). The front wings of this species resemble those of the preceding, but the brown border is paler, and the insect is smaller. It may be more easily distinguished by the yellow collar round ‘the head, and the yellow tuft at the tail. In the specimens I haye seen, the black portion of the body had two yellow belts ; those described with four are probably of the other sex. 4, Trochilium Chrysidiforme (the Fiery Clearwing). The fore-wings are broadly bordered with bright saffron colour, from which it takes its popular name. In the specimen I have seen, it has only one yellow. belt, and the tuft is black. 5. Trochilium Scholieforme (the Large Clearwing). This is one of the species recently added to our list ; it was first taken near Llangollen, in North Wales. It is similar in size to Vespiforme, but distinguished from that insect by the black borders to the wings, and by a black bar across the centre, and a central wedge-like projection towards the base; it has two yellow rings round the black body, and the anal tuft is deep orange. 6. Trochilivm Spheegiforme (the Black and White Horned Clearwing). The species may be at once dis- tinguished by the white ring near the tip of the antenne ; the fore-wings are bordered with bluish-black, and the black abdomen has a yellowish band, and a very broad fan-like black tuft at the tail. 7. Trochilium Allantiforme (the Whitebelted Clearwing). This is one of the smallest species. It may be distinguished by being almost without the dark borders to the front wings, which are only marked with brown by a broad patch at the tips, and a central dot; the male has two nearly white belts round the black abdomen, and the tufted tail has a patch of orange in the centre. 8. Trochilivim Myopeforme (the Red-belted Clearwing). This species may be readily distinguished from all the preceding by the broad red belt of the abdomen ; the palpi are black. 9. Trochilium Culiciforme (the Large Red-belt). This species so closely resembles the preceding, that it can scarcely be distinguished, except in size, and by the colour of the palpi, which are dull orange, while those of Myopeforme are brown ; it has also the inner margin of the fore-wings reddish at the base. 10. Trochitium Formiceforme (the Flame-tipped Red-belt). This species may be at once distinguished from the other ‘‘Red-belts” by the broad ved tip of the anterior wings. The genus Z'rochilium terminates the division termed Sphingide, or, as some still term it, Crepuscu- laria, including all the lepidopterous insects that have the antenne thickened towards the tip, but not clubbed. We now proceed to the great division, “ Lepidoptera nocturna,” the first family of which is that of the Hepiatide, DIVISION I.—LEPIDOPTERA NOCTURNA. THE FIRST FAMILY.—Herraum. Tue first genus of this family, Wepialus, is distinguished by the extremely short antenne, as will be seen in the species selected for illustration, The Caterpillars are naked .and grub-like in appearance, though regularly sixteen-footed. They feed on wood, and are found in the trunks or at the roots of trees. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, 15 No. 5, Plate 4, is the female of the Ghost-Moth, Hepialus Humuli, the extremely small antenne of which are scarcely visible. No. 6 is the male Ghost-Moth, which is white on the upper side, but brown beneath. Few other British Moths exhibit so extraordinary a difference in the markings of the male and female. The male, when it flies in shady places late in the deep twilight of summer evenings, has a singularly spectral appearance, seeming to vanish suddenly, when the dark-coloured under sides of the wings are presented instead of the upper. It is from this circumstance, or from its frequent appearance in churchyards, that it has received its popular name. It appears in the beginning of summer. The Caterpillar of the Ghost-Moth (No. 7) is a root-feeder, and is represented as feeding on the root of the Hop. There are four other species of the genus Hepialus, all much smaller than the Ghost-Moth. 1. Hepialus Heetus (the Gold Swift). This pretty species is of a bright orange tone, with marks of pale gold colour, which have a metallic gloss, from which it has received its popular name. The colour and markings of the female are much deeper in colour, but entirely without the metallic gloss. It appears in June. 2, Hepialus Lupulinus (the common Small Swift). This unattractive species, though very similar to the preceding, is entirely without the metallic gloss in its markings of the male, and the female is of a dull ashy colour, with fewer light marks, and is sometimes entirely gray. It appears at the end of May. 3. Hepialus Velleda (the Beautiful Swift), is larger than the two preceding; and the front wings are much more evenly and beautifwlly variegated than those of any other species, from which it is sometimes called the Map-winged Swift. The female is of a warmer tone of colour than the male, but the fine markings are scarcely traceable. There is a variety with the map-like markings nearly obsolete, but having a group of whitish patches just beyond the centre of the fore-wings. This species is rather rare. 4, Hepialus Sylvinus (the Orange Swift), is not so finely marked as the preceding, but has the ground- colour of the fore-wings of a very rich orange. The male has the antenne longer than any other species, and slightly pectinated. The female is of a duller but very pleasing brown tone, and much larger than the male, being nearly the size of the Ghost-Moth, A variety of this species occurs in which all four wings of the female are of an unyarying pinkish flesh colour. It appears towards the end of summer. The next genus, containing a solitary British species, is Zeuzera. This genus is “distinguished from Hepialus by the length of the antenne, and by the broad bipectination of those of the male to about two-thirds of their length ; those of the female being only slightly serrated. No. 8, Plate 4, isthe female of Zewzera Asculi (the Wood-leopard), a far handsomer and larger insect than the male, which is, however, similarly marked. It is one of the most remarkable of our British Moths. No. 9 is the Caterpillar of the Wood-leopard, which, like those of other Hepialide, feeds upon the interior of the trunks of various trees. The next genus is Phragmatecia, containing only one species, now of extreme rarity in England, though once well known in the Fens of Lincolnshire. The genus is distinguished by the deeply pectinated antennie of the males; those of the female being ciliated to the point. The abdomen is slender, and of extraordinary length in the female. Phragmatecia Arundinis (the Reed-leopard), is in form not unlike the Wood-leopard, but the fore-wings are almost devoid of markings, and of a dark purplish ochre, the hind-wings being of a pale yellowish gray ; the antenne are pectinated in the males, The first specimen discovered was a mutilated one found by Mr. H. Doubleday in Epping forest. A few years afterwards it was taken rather plentifully in the Fens in Lincoln- shire, but it has since disappeared ; it is perhaps periodical in its appearance like several other species. being abundant at Plymouth. The genus Steganolophia, To this genus, founded by F. Stephens, the author assigned a single British species. The males of the species assigned to it have a tuft of hair near the base of the fore wings, beneath. The palpi are larger and more beak-like than in the allied genera, and the transverse bands of the hind wings are very remarkable for their distinctness and regularity. The Caterpillar is ten footed, and has the hinder segments rather enlarged, and the head slightly bifid. Steganolophia prunata (the Phenix, No 8). This handsome insect is not plentiful, but is very widely dispersed. The Caterpillar No. 9 feeds on Sallow and Bilbery, Gooseberry, &e., &c. ; and the perfect insect appears in July and August in lanes and gardens. The Chrysalis is represented at No. 10. Huddersfield and Edinburgh are cited as localities in which it has been recently taken in great abundance ; but it has also been taken, though sparingly, at Brighton, Darenth, and other places in the southern districts. The genus Lampropteryx. The insects assigned to this genus by its author the late Mr. Stephens, have the antenne of the males rather strongly ciliated. The palpi are very short, and the wings are glossy. The Caterpillars are ten footed, slender, and naked. There are two British species. Lampropteryx badiata (the Shoulder Stripe, No. 11). This is a widely dispersed but local insect. The Caterpillar (No. 12), feeds on the Rose, &e. The perfect insect appears in April. The other species is Z. swfwmata (the Water Carpet), which instead of the light central bands of the last species, has a broad dark corresponding band. It is very generally distributed and often abundant. The genus Anticlea. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males simple, the wings not dentated, and the front pair rather pointed at the anterior angle; the central band being generally pale. The Caterpillars are rather long and slender, and have generally the habit of curving under the first segments. The Chrysalides are generally found in a compact earthen cocoon. There are four British species. Anticlea berberata (the Barberry Carpet, No, 13). This is a very local insect. The Caterpillar (No. 14) feeds on the Barberry, and the Moth appears in May, June, and August. It was formerly taken sparingly in Berkshire and Oxfordshire ; but the neighbourhood of Cambridge is now cited as a locality in which it is occasionally found in abundance. The Chrysalis and cocoon are shown at Nos. 15, 16. Anticlea sinuata (the Royal Mantle, No. 17). This is also a rare species. The broad pale central band of the anterior wings is conspicuously marked in this species. The Caterpillar is said to be green with a broad yellow stripe on the back, and a purplish line on each side, edged beneath with greenish yellow. It feeds on one or more species of Bedstraw, and the Moth appears at the end of June. The old localities of its capture are in Kent, Devonshire, and Berkshire ; but it is now taken much more abundantly in Cambridgeshire. The other species are the following. A. rubidata (the Flame) has the light portion of the central band much less broad and conspicuous, and the hind wings nearly covered with thin waved bands, the general colour being a pinkish brown of different shades, A. derivate (the Streamer) is very like A. berberata, but is larger, and has the dark bands nearest the body more strongly and sharply marked, and the hind wings are without the narrow dark border and second band which distinguishes A. berberate. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 103 The genus Aplocera. The insects in this genus have the antenne of the males pubescent or slightly pectinated ; the wings entire and rounded, but sometimes the fore pair are rather pointed at the anterior angle. The Caterpillars are attenuated towards the head. There are two British species, both placed by some authors in the genus Larentia of M. Guénée. Aplocera flavicinetatu (the Yellow-ringed Carpet, No. 18) is a very local insect, but abundant occasionally in some places. The Caterpillar is described as being of a dull green colour, with a row of reddish triangular spots edged with white, along the back. It feeds on Savifraga granulata, and the perfect insect appears at the beginning of the autumn. It is rare, but has been found as far north as Perthshire. M, Guénée, as I am informed by Mr. Logan of Duddington, who is studying the group, considers this species distinct from the Flavicinctata of Hiibner, and has named it Rusieinclata. j The other species, Aplocerw cesiatu (the February Carpet), is much more common. It may be distin- guished by the conspicuousness of the central band, which is edged with a distinct white line. The genus Chloroclysta. The insects in this genus have the antenne of the males entirely simple, or only slightly pubescent, and the abdomen very long, and tufted in the males, The Caterpillars are rather elongate, but not attenuated towards the head. The Chrysalides are of various colours. There are two British species. Chloroclysta miatw (the Autumn Green Carpet, No, 19) is a widely distributed insect. The Caterpillar, which is described as green, with two projecting points upon the last segment, feeds on Alder, Oak, and Bireh. The perfect insect appears in September. Brighton, Bristol, York, and Tenterden are mentioned as localities in which it has been recently taken in abundance—and Edinburgh and Glasgow as places where it has been seen more sparingly. The other species, C. psittacata (the Red Green Carpet), may be distinguished by the much darker green of the fore wings, which haye also interrupted cross bands of white ; and the hind wings are darkish brown, with paler bands. + THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 105 PLATE XII. No. 1—The May High-flyer (Hydriomena implwviata). | No, 7.—The Brindle-barred Yellow (Acasis viretata). No. 2.—The Caterpillar of the May High-flyer. | No. 8.—The Early Tooth-striped (Lobophora lobulata). No 3.—The Dark Marbled Carpet (Polyphasia immanata). No. 9,—The Caterpillar of the Warly Tooth-striped. No. 4.—Juniper Carpet (Thera Juniperata). No. 10.—Beautiful Pug (Eupithecia Linaviata). No. 5.—The Winter Moth (Cheimatobia brumata). No. 11.—The Caterpillar of the Beautiful Pug. No. 54.—The Female of the Winter Moth. No, 12,—The Marbled Pug (Eupithecia irriguata). No. 6.—The November Moth (Oporabia dilutata). Tue present Plate contains the remainder of the genera contained in the fourteenth Sub-Family of Geometride—the Cidaridi—the first portion of which was included in Plate XL. The genus Hydriomena. This is the genus Ypsipetes of Stephens, Hiibner’s name Hydriomena having been recently adopted on account of its priority of date. The insects assigned to it have the antenne simple in both sexes. The abdomen is rather stout ; the wings are of large proportion, and have greenish markings, with variegated fringes ; the hind wings are silky, and nearly without markings. The insects have a peculiar kind of flight, generally at a considerable height, from which habit they are popularly known as High-flyers. The Caterpillars are rather short, with lateral stripes; and they feed on the foliage of trees or shrubs. The Chrysalis is formed among leaves. There are three British species. Hydriomena impluviata (the May High-flyer, No. 1). This species is very variable, both in the strength and distinctness of its markings; but their character may be easily recognised in the palest as well as in the most strongly-marked specimens. The Caterpillar (No. 2) feeds upon the foliage of Birch and Hazel. The moth appears in May, towards the end of the month. It is found in the woods of Kent, flying at evening in damp places ; but is said to be more abundant in the north. It has recently been taken in plenty near Manchester, in the Cotswold Hills, at Halton in Buckinghamshire, and other places. The other species are H. elutata (the July High-flyer), which may be easily recognised by the greater irregularity of its transverse bands, which approach, almost, to a rather general mottling of greenish tone, which varies very much in different individuals; a small variety having the markings much more brown in colour, and of a dusky effect from their general blending. H. ruberata, the third species, was by some considered a variety of H. impluviata ; it is, however, now considered a distinct species. It is greenish gray in tone, having a broadish dark band aboye and below the centre of the front wings, which are tinged with red. - The genus Polyphasia. The insects classed by Stephens in this genus being exceedingly variable, were formerly divided into eight distinct species, but these are now reduced to two, which are by some authors placed in the genus Cidaria. The insects retained in the genus have the antenne simple in both sexes. The Caterpillars are slender, and have short tubercles on the terminal segment. The Chrysalides are sometimes variegated in colour. Polyphasia immanata (the Dark Marbled Carpet, No. 3). This variable insect is common everywhere, though some of the varieties were once deemed rare. The P. marmorata and P. wmenata of former authors were varieties of this species. The Caterpillar still remains undescribed. The perfect insect appears in July and September. 106 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. The other species, P. Russata, with its varieties, may be distinguished generally by having the central portion of the anterior wings light, or traversed by narrow bands, instead of having a broad dark central band as in the former species. P. Russata was formerly distinguished as P. centwir-notata, and its varieties were made P. concinnata, P. saturata, P. perfuscata, and P. comma-notata, &e. The typical P. Russata is abundant everywhere. The larva is described as yellowish green, with a dorsal line darker, and getting pinkish towards the tail. - The genus Thera. This is not a very well defined genus, the males of one of the species assigned to it having distinctly pectinated antenne, while others have them simple in both sexes, or only slightly pubescent. The abdomen is rather long, and tufted in the males. The wings are not denticulated at the fringed edge. The Caterpillars are smooth and of rather long proportion ; they feed generally upon the foliage of the Fir or Juniper. The Chrysalides are formed in a silken web among leaves. Thera Juniperata (the Juniper Carpet, No. 4). This pretty species is not very abundant, but may often be taken just after dark in woody situations where the Juniper abounds, in the southern and eastern counties. The Caterpillar is apple-green, whitish on the back, and getting darker at the sides. It has a broad line of pale lemon colour at each side of the back, and a purplish line, edged with white, at the sides. It feeds on the Juniper ; and the perfect insect appears late in the autumn. It has been recently captured at Sanderstead, Mickleham, and in the neighbourhood of Glasgow. The following are the other species: 7. variata (the Gray Carpet) is pale brown, with a broad central band of dark brown, edged with a line of the same colour paler than the ground. This species is abundant in fir-woods in May. ZZ. stimulate (the Shaded Broad-bar) is much lighter coloured, and more faintly marked than the last described, and has the antenne of the males pectinated. 7. firmaria (the Pine Carpet) is pale gvay, with a rather ochreous blotch at the base of the front wings, the broad band being of ochreous brown. The last species is very plentiful near Manchester, abounding in Fir-woods. The genus Cheimatobia. This genus is well marked by the nearly apterous character of the females. In the males the wings are of ample dimensions, though of somewhat narrow proportion ; while in the females they are extremely short, and in fact merely rudimentary, not being fitted for flying. It would seem to be a more natural arrangement to place the whole of the species in which this singular peculiarity exists in consecutive genera, so as to form a distinct group or sub-family ; but the difference of character in other respects, especially in the preparatory stages, appears to render such an arrangement very difficult. The antenne of the males are slightly pubescent, and in one species bipectinated. The Caterpillars are slender, rather attenuated at the extremities ; they feed enclosed in a leaf till the time of change, when they enter the earth in order to pass into the pupa stage, the Chrysalis being formed in a slight cocoon. The moths generally appear in mid-winter. Cheimatobia Brumata (the Winter Moth, No. 5). This pretty moth is very common. The female (No. 5%) is brown, with very short rudimental wings. The Caterpillar is described by M. Guénde as being of a pale yellowish green, shaded with a blackish tone ; the stripes are of yellowish white, and the head is green. It feeds on the foliage of various trees. The perfect insect appears in mid-winter, and is common everywhere, flitting about the leafless hedges in search of the females, which are deprived of the power of flight by the rudimental character of their small wings. The two other species are the following: @. rupicapraria (the Early Moth) may be easily distinguished by the pinkish brown tone of the anterior wings, which have a rather distinct band across the centre of a darker tone, bordered with lighter. @, Boreata (the Northern Winter Moth) is pale gray, with a slight ochreous tinge, and a slightly darker central band faintly bordered with lighter. It is found in Birch-woods in September. The genus Oporabia. The affinity of this genus to the last described is shown in the wings of the female, which, though not merely rudimental, are yet much smaller than those of the male. The antenne of the male are slightly pubescent. The Caterpillars are short, and not attenuated at either extremity. They are generally of a full velvety green, and feed upon the foliage of several trees, burrowing in the ground to undergo the change to the chrysalis state. Oporabia dilutata (the November Moth, No, 6) is a very common insect. The Caterpillar is deseribed by M. Guénée as being green above and bluish white underneath, with a more or less distinet dorsal line of THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 107 reddish brown. It feeds on Oak, Elm, &e., and the moth appears in November. It is abundant everywhere. There is a pale variety, which has some of the darker marks joined, so as to give it a pied appearance much more striking than that of ordinary specimens ; and other varieties are entirely of the colour of the darker markings. The other three species are, O. neglectata, by many entomologists deemed a mere variety of the preceding ; 0. autumnaria, more glossy than OQ. dilutata, with the front wings rather more pointed and smaller; and 0. Jjiligrammaria, the wings of which are pale gray, with several transverse wavy lines forming a broad central band, which is pale in the centre. Both 0. wutumnaria and 0. filigrammaria are northern species. The genus Acasis, of Duponchel, contains but one British species, which has been detached from Mr. Stephens’ genus Lobophora, on account of the existence of minute characters which appear to warrant the new location. The insect is, however, still retained in the genus Zobophora by Mr, Stainton and many other entomologists, Acasis viretata (the Brindle-barred Yellow, No. 7). This pretty insect may be considered rare. . The Caterpillar, according to Hiibner, is dull yellow, spotted with orange on the back. It feeds on the foliage of the Privet ; and the perfect insect appears in May. It has been recently taken at Lewes, Lyndhurst, Cambridge, &e. The genus Lobophora. This genus includes the species popularly known as the Seraphims. The antennse of the males are simple, or nearly so; the palpi are short and bent abruptly upwards. The hind wings of the male have a raised lobe at the base, fringed at the edge, which in some of the species is very conspicuous. The Caterpillars are smooth, with the head flat and the tail slightly bifid. They feed on various trees. The Chrysalis is subterranean. Lobophora lobulata (the Early Tooth-striped, No. 8). This species has been selected for illustration as best exhibiting the lobe of the hind wings. The Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds on the Sallow in August, and the perfect insect appears in the following month. It has been recently taken in abundance at Manchester, York, and in districts much farther north. It is generally found on palings and the trunks of trees. The other species are: LZ, polycommata (the Barred Tooth-striped), which has the front wings grayish, with the basal blotch rather darker. This is a very local insect. LZ. hewaptera (the Seraphim), which has the front wings of a pale ochreous tone, with transverse cloudy bands of pale blackish, powdered with darker specks, L. sexalisata (the Small Seraphim), which is a much smaller and more fragile insect than any of the other species, and is of a pale buff tone, with delicate, but distinct, bands of a grayish colour, The genus Eupithecia is one of the most extensive of the great family of Geometride. It contains a large proportion of the pretty class of Moths popularly known as Pugs. One of the general characters of this genus is the uniformly small size of the insects assigned to it. The antenne are alike in both sexes, or those of the males are only slightly pubescent. The abdomen is generally crested. The front wings are narrow, and the hind wings small in proportion to the front. The Caterpillars are short and stiff, and the back has generally a series of strongly defined markings. They often feed on the flowers or seed-yessels of plants rather than on the foliage. The Chrysalis is slender and very pointed. There are thirty-seven described species, and, with the one newly named by Mr, Doubleday, thirty-eight. Eupithecia linariata (the Beautiful Pug, No. 10). This beautiful little insect is still rather rare, though several new localities have been discovered in which it is found in some plenty. The Caterpillar (No. 11) feeds in spring upon the flowers or on the seed-yessels of the common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), and the moth appears in the following June and July. Lupithecia irriguata (the Marbled Pug, No. 12), This is another very pretty species, the ordinary chaste brown tones of which are sometimes beautifully heightened, especially in continental specimens, by a flush of pink. The Caterpillar is at present unknown. This is a rare species, but it has been recently taken at Lyndhurst and one or two other places, besides the localities in the mountains of South Wales where it was first observed. Eupithecia viminata, the species recently named by Mr. Doubleday, is rather obscure in its markings, but much sought just now by collectors, both on account of its rarity, and as being decidedly a well-defined new species, 108 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, The other species are—Z. togata, EB. pulchellata, E. rectangulata, E. coronata, E. debiliata, E. pumilata, E. rufifasciata, E. pusillata, E. Begrandaria, E. plumbeolata, E. palustraria, E. satyrata, E. callunaria, E. subumbrata, E. subnotata, E. castigata, E. subfasciata, BE. austerata, E, Sobrinata, E. exiguata, E. abbreviata, E. innotata, E. lanceolaria, E. tenwiata, EB. minutata, E. elongata, E. indigata, E. nanata, E. piperata, E. centaureata, E. suecenturiata, E. cognata, E. subfulvata, E. consignata, E. venosata. It is manifestly impossible in a popular work of the restricted extent to which this work is limited to do more than thus give a mere list of the names of the un-illustrated species of a genus so extensive as Kupithecia. This pretty group would, however, form an interesting study to a beginner, especially in seeking for the larve, which are at present but little known. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 109 PLATE XLII. No. 1.—The Horse Chestnut (Pachycnemia Hippocustanarie). | No, 8.—The Tissue (Triphosa dubitata). No. 2.—The Streak (Eucestia Spartiata). | No. 84.—The Scarce Tissue (7. certata). No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Streak. No. 9.—The Yellow Shell (Camptogramma bilineata). No. 4.—The Small Waved Umber (Phibalapteryx Vitalbata). | No, 10.—The Scallop Shell (Calocalpe undulata). No. 5.—The Narrow-barred Carpet (Plemyria gemmata). No. 11.—The Black-veined (Siona dealbata). No. 6,—The Dark Umber (Philereme Rhamnata). | No. 12.—The Snowy (G@ypsochroa nivecta). No. 7.—The Broom Scallop (Schidax Sparsaria). Tue fifteenth sub-family of the Geometride is that of the Chesiadi, containing the nine genera illustrated in the present Plate. The genus Pachycnemia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne slightly thickened and serrated in the males, and simple in the females. The palpi project, in the form of a short straight beak. The abdomen is slender and rather long. The larva is not well known. There is but one British species. Pachycnemia Hippocastanaria (the Horse Chestnut, No. 1). This inconspicuous insect appears throughout the summer, there being probably several broods from March to September. It is found in heathy districts, especially the open places in the New Forest, about July. The larva has not been accurately described. The genus Lucestia (the Chesias of Treitschke). In this genus the antenna are simple in both sexes. The palpi are long, scaly and close together, like a beak. The abdomen is long and rather stout; the wings are long, narrow, glossy, and rather lanceolate in form; and when at rest, they descend each way from the ridge over the back like a roof. The Caterpillars are slender and smooth. The Chrysalides have the yentral protuberance rather prominent. There are two British species. Eucestia Spartiata (the Streak). This remarkably distinct species receives its popular name from the white streak which extends from the points of the front wings to near the base. The Caterpillar (No. 2) feeds on the common Broom, and the perfect inseet appears in October, in places where that plant is abundant. The other species is £. obliquata (the Chevron) which has the same lancet-formed wings, but is easily distinguished by the absence of the white streak, and the more regular transverse bands, especially the broad dark one beyond the centre, near the external edge. The genus Phibalapteryxz. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne simple in both sexes. The body has generally a double row of black spots, and sometimes a black line. The front wings have the tip somewhat prolonged and in some species rather hooked. The Caterpillars are very long and slender and rather attenuated towards the head. The Chrysalis is formed in the earth. There are four British species. Phibalapteryx Vitalbata (the Small Waved Umber, No. 4). This clearly marked species, with its transverse wave of rich umber running from the anterior tip of the front wing to the inner side of the base, is by no means a common insect. The Caterpillar is described by M. Guénée as reddish gray marbled with black, with black lines on the back, and a flesh-coloured line at the sides. It feeds on the 110 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, Clematis vitalba, from which its specifie name is derived. The perfect insect appears both in June and October. It has been taken in plenty at Bristol and Cambridge, and more sparingly in other places. There are three other species: P. tersata (the Fern) is rather larger and of more dusky brown, with the transverse bands passing evenly across the wings. P. lignata is a smaller and rather more delicately formed insect, which may be readily distinguished by two short but strong stripes, and three slenderer but longer streaks on the hind wings. P. polygraminata (the Many-lined) is grayish in tone, with rather irregular brown bands, one of them running transversely and terminating towards the centre of the wing; and within the dark bands are others of a whitish tone. The genus Plemyria of Hiibner has been adopted for the purpose of locating more appropriately two British species, removed from the last described genus. The insects assigned to the genus under description have the antenne simple in both sexes ; but the bodies are without the spots which distinguish those retained in the last. P. gemmata (the Narrow-barred Carpet, No. 5), formerly Phibalapteryx angusta, is an inconspicuous insect, and was supposed by sonre collectors to be an imported insect, as the specimens found in the State of Georgia in North America are identical with those considered British. It has however occurred recently at Brighton, Bristol, in the Isle of Wight, and other places. The Caterpillar is unknown. The second species, P. lapidata, closely resembles the last described, but has the wings rather more pointed and the waved transverse lines more distinct. It is very rare, having only been taken at Rannoch in Perthshire. The genus Philereme of Hiibner is now made to contain the insects assigned by Stephens to his own genus Scofosia, in consequence of the priority claimed for the term adopted by the German Entomologist. The insects have the antenne simple in both sexes, the abdomen of the male is tufted, the wings are slightly dentate, and in some species the hind wings have a tuft of scales near the terminal angle. The Caterpillars are thick, and feed at first in folded leaves. The Chrysalis is formed in the earth, There are two British species. Philereme Rhamnata (the Dark Uiber, No. 6), is a much larger insect than any yet deseribed in this sub-family. The Caterpillar, which is described by Hiibner as variable, is usually dark brown on the back, and white, speckled with brown, at the sides; or green, with a white line at the side, edged below with dark reddish brown. It feeds on the foliage of the Buckthorn. The moth appears at the end of May, and is found in woods; but is not a common species. It has been taken recently near Brighton, Bristol, Lewes, York, and other places, The genus Schidav. This genus of Hiibner’s has heen adopted for the reception of a single species, lately located in the genus Scotosia as Scotosia Sparsaria, The antenne of the male are simple; the body is rather longer than the wings; the palpi extend beyond the head ; and the hind wings slightly dentate. The Caterpillar has not been described. S. Sparsaria (the Broom Scallop, No. 7) is an inconspicuous insect, not likely to be much sought except by thorough Lepidopterists, especially as it is very rare, having only been taken in the New Forest and near Cambridge. It appears about June. The genus Triphosa. The insects assigned to this genus have the antennae simple in both sexes. The palpi form a short beak, The wings are broad, and generally strongly marked with transverse bands, which are conspicuously sinuated or sharply dentated. The Caterpillars are robust, and marked with pale stripes. Triphosa dubitata (the Tissue, No. 8), is a rather large and handsome insect. The Caterpillar feeds on Buckthorn, and is described by M. Guénée as being green with white lines, and a yellow line at the side. There are two broods, the Moth appearing both in May and August. It frequents gardens, and is a common and widely-distributed species. The other species, 7. certatu (the Scarce Tissue, No. 84), may be known by its rather smaller size, and deeper and redder colowy, especially in the hind wings, and the lighter band of ochreous tone in the front wings. The genus Camptogramma. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne simple in both sexes. The wings are broad, like those of the last genus, and have similar markings ; but their surface is entirely without THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, dil gloss, and the ground colour is generally dull orange. The tips of the front wings are slighly faleate, and the margin of the hinder pair rather dentate. The Caterpillar is not attenuated towards the extremities, though the head is small. The Chrysalis is formed in the earth. There is only one British species. C. bilineata (the Yellow Shell, No. 9), is one of the commonest of the moths popularly known as the Carpets. The Caterpillar, as described by Freyer, is greenish white, with a dark dorsal line, and white lines at the sides. It feeds on grass and other plants. It is common everywhere about the end of June. The genus Calocalpe—the Eucosmia of Stephens. The insects in this genus agree with those of the two preceding genera in the denticulation of the hind wings; but the palpi are not arranged in a beak-like form, and the hind wings of the males have a tuft of scaly hair on the inner margin. ; C. undulata (the Scallop Shell, No. 10). This elegantly marked insect, the regularly undulating transverse stripes of which have suggested its specific name, is by no means common. The Caterpillar, as described by Treitschke, is blackish gray, with paler lines on the back, and a broader pale line at the sides. It feeds on the Sallow, and the Moth appears in September and October. It has been recently taken at Oxford, Plymouth, York, and several other places, but only sparingly. This is the only British species. The sixteenth sub-family of the Geometride is that of the Sionidi, which contains two genera, Siona and Gypsochroa. The genus Siona of Duponchel is nearly identical with the Jda¢a of Ochsenheimer and Stephens. The insects assigned to it have the antenne simple in both sexes; the palpi short and slender, but appearing beyond the head. The tips of the wings are not acute, and are destitute of markings. The only British species has the wings white without variation, except the dark lines of the veins. Siona dealbata (the Black-vein, No. 11). This singular insect forms the type of a very distinct genus, as may be seen by its generic character, and by the form of the wings, which are very distinct from those of the genera which precede and follow it. It is taken in July, chiefly in woods in the south of England ; but it is rather scarce. The genus Gypsochroa. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne simple in both sexes; the abdomen long ; the fore wings oblong, the tip narrow, and they are without distinct markings. The hind wings are short and narrow. The Caterpillar is unknown. There is only one British species. G. niveata (the Snowy, No. 12) is at present a very rare insect, only two places being cited for its capture. The representation in the present plate is taken from Hiibner’s figure, as the only specimen I could. get access to consisted only of a pair of mutilated wings, and part of the body. Pay Ay cone © 7 i“ ae Wel ae pai Ph jap 2 iy “Gente 1) & as Ri ‘lib dl @ aq a sl ms oe Ton Try 5 ol stab a bight aft went - Ore i “Ust) (ie silel ali 7 E 7. : we c 7 tt nf } qf Dacian ait a 33, > \j : ba bak 26 Duell ils od eens dP Ni inert ark | =< ¥ s ui BOARD ita Yelle Kee Boe PY ee a ee ope Sith Pow 4 ae 5 hey a Wy a a ee oc eh eT eo conta j : ed Zt L ,whiel® it. Les lhl alt - ° “ i _s ject) : i he ghith wie i atyeohtw eS Se Se, ee ee re i. ig : Se ih 869] ae ial, ee ee ee ee iuub: Ohba = Lies eae ineiee SENN, ahead y ar a Dik ae a aes. ak! Pole h J) Arias ayer digaeel 2 : mid sD os PRL J rs - ioe é ee) ay LDS “Sauer y Ye aes dots i) my ee S eS anny & a JE phi oe Bip pes The A Sahl aig AA el) Rie shape es, vk, fh ald 7 < 7 2 gk Ee ty iia ah anil Nip (Qu Faw Gleors “) Ja) i ‘ ’ ad 7 u " : , J 7 ? ia ’ 3 - _< ad : * i oe P 7 Me i. \ : ¥ ‘a = =e v4 : *, ; : “oy, 7 ‘ an " 7 “ : ' \ THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 113 PLATE XLIII. No. 1—The Large Magpie (Abravas Grossulariata). No. 10.—The Caterpillar of the Small Argent and Sable. No. 2.—The Caterpillar of the Large Magpie. No. 11.—The Beautiful Carpet (Mesoleuca albicillata). No. 3.—The Chrysalis of the Large Magpie. No. 12.—The Sandy Carpet (Emmelesia decolorata). No. 4.—The Speckled Yellow (Venilia maculata). No. 13.—The Least Carpet (Cosmorhoe rusticata), No. 5.—The Clouded Silver (Corycia punctata). No. 14.—The Purple-bordered Gold (Hyria auroralis). No. 6.—The Caterpillar of the Clouded Silver. No, 15.—The Drab Looper (Minoa Euphorbiata). No. 7. —The Argent and Sable (Melanippe hastata). | No. 16.—The Caterpillar of the Drab Looper. No. 8.—The Caterpillar of the Argent’and Sable. No. 17.—The Chimney Sweep (Odezia Cherophyllata). No. 9.—The Small Argent and Sable (Melanthia tristata). THE seventeenth Sub-Family of the Geometridae is that of the Zerenidi, the insects assigned to which have the antenn of the males thickened, but not pectinated. The abdomen is generally spotted with black, and the wings broad and white, with black or orange-coloured spots. The larva are not attenuated, and are generally marked in a manner somewhat analogous to the perfect insect. The Chrysalides are short and black, and sometimes ringed with yellow at the joints. There are three genera, Abrawas, Venilia and Corycia. The genus Abraxas. The insects assigned to this genus have all a strong family resemblance, and belong to the Currant-moth tribe. The antenne are short and simple in both sexes, but slightly thickened in the males. The wings are broad, of slight and delicate texture, and silvery white variegated with dots or patches of black, gray, or orange. The bodies are generally orange, spotted with black. The Caterpillars are regular loopers, but of thick proportion, and not attenuated at either extremity. The Chrysalides are sometimes enclosed in a slight silken cocoon, or attached toa branch by a slight net-work of silken web. Abraxas Grossulariata (the Large Magpie, or Currant-moth, No. 1). This conspicuous insect is exceedingly variable in its markings, but yet from its general character it is easily recognised. I have seen specimens in which the black markings have almost entirely covered the wings and obscured both the orange spots and the white ground ; and have found others in which the markings, both black and orange, have been so faint as to leave the wings nearly white ; and yet in these extremes the family character of the moth is so unmistakeable, that even a very young entomologist would not mistake such specimens for any other species. The Caterpillar (No. 2) feeds on the foliage of the Currant and other fruit trees in May and June. The Chrysalis (No. 8) is prettily ringed with yellow. The perfect moth appears in July and August. It is common everywhere. There are two other species. A. pantaria is considerably smaller than the preceding. The white wings are only varied by one indistinct brownish-orange patch at the inner angle of the anterior wings, and a few similar marks on the hind wings. This is a very rare species, only occasionally found in the northern counties, and it is doubtful even whether it be British. A. Almata is of intermediate size, and is marked in a somewhat similar manner to A. Grossulariata, but much more faintly, with brown, orange, and gray. The genus Venilia. The only British species belonging to this genus is assigned by some authors to a widely different position in the modern arrangement, but in many respects it appears to suit its present location. The chief characters of the insects assigned to this genus are, antenne slightly pubescent beneath, in the males ; 114 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. the wings rather indented below the tip, and forming a triangle when in repose. The larve are somewhat more elongated than those of the last genus. The Chrysalis is rather short, and subterranean. Venilia maculata (the Speckled Yellow, No. 4). The Caterpillar is described by M. Guénée as green, with a darker dorsal line between two white ones, and with a white line at the sides. It feeds on various Nettles, and the perfect insect appears in May and June. It is common in woods. Many places, from Bristol to Tenterden, are cited by entomologists as localities in which it has recently been noticed in great abundance. The genus Corycia. The characters of this genus are, antenne simple in both sexes; wings rounded, and of a satiny white, marked with a few irregular grayish or brownish spots. The Caterpillar is rather thick, and does not burrow to undergo its metamorphosis. There are two British species. Corycia punctate (the Clouded Silver, No. 5). The Caterpillar (No. 6) feeds on the Sloe and wild Cherry in the autumn, the moth appearing in the following May and June. It was formerly considered rare, but has recently been taken at Manchester in great abundance, and at Brighton, Plymouth, and the Cotswold district, in some plenty. The only other species, C. taminata (the White-pinion Spotted), may be easily distinguished by the absence of any markings, except two brownish irregular spots at the front of the anterior wings. The eighteenth Sub-Family of Geometride is that of the Melanthidi, containing the genera Melanippe, Melanthia, Mesoleuca, Emmelesia, Cosmorhoe, Hyria, Minoa, and Odezia. The genus Melanippe. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne simple in both sexes; and the wings large and strongly marked, having generally a broad irregular band of white traversing all four wings. The Caterpillars are rather short, and slightly attenuated towards the head, and the Chrysalis is formed in an earthen cocoon. There is only one British species in the system I am following, but in other arrangements the genus is made to comprise eight or nine. Melanippe hastata (the Argent and Sable, No. 7). The Caterpillars (No. 8) of this pretty insect feed on Birch, and several are generally found together. The moth appears in August. It is rather rare, but widely distributed, and more common towards the North, having been taken recently at Manchester, York, and several places in Scotland, especially Dunoon, Arran, and Ben Lomond. The genus Melanthia, in the system I am following, is made to comprise four species, more or less closely allied to the last genus, and in some arrangements included in it. They are, however, smaller, though more robust, and present several minute distinctive characters which it would be impossible to detail in a work of strictly popular character. Melanthia tristata (the Small Argent and Sable, No. 9) may be considered the type of this genus, though it was formerly considered by some authors merely a variety of Melanippe hastata. The Caterpillar (No. 10) feeds upon the Bed-straws in August and September, and the moth appears in the following May and June. It is a rare species in many districts, but least so in the North, having been recently taken in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh in great abundance. The other species are M. Alchemillata (the Common Carpet), M. rivata (the Wood Carpet), and M. amniculata (the Sharp-angled Carpet). All three belong to the ‘Carpet’ group, and are small cream-coloured moths, with many bands and streaks of different shades of brown, but none of the species are marked with black except the one figured. The genus Mesoleuca. This genus of Hiibner’s is the same as the genus Zerene of Treitschke. The antenne are simple and very slender in both sexes. The wings are large, and form a triangle when at rest. The Caterpillars are slender and have the head rather depressed. There are four British species. Mesolewca albicillata (the Beautiful Carpet, No. 11). The Caterpillar of this pretty species, as described by Hiibner, is green, with triangular reddish spots on the back from the fourth to the tenth segment, and having a white line at the side. It feeds on Raspberry and Bramble in August and September. The moth appears in the following June and July, in woods, and is very widely dispersed. The other species are—M. adustata (the Scorched Carpet), easily distinguished by the deepened colour of the wings, which approach a pale ochre. M. procellata (the Chalk Carpet), which is grayer in tone, and has the broad dark border at the fringe of the anterior wings, interrupted at the external edge by a conspicuous patch of the ground colour: and dA. rubiginala (the Blue Bordered Carpet), which is much smaller in size than the THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 115 other species, and the ground colour of the wings is of a very pale delicate slate colour, the hind wings being of the same tone, except the brown border. The genus Lmmelesia. In this genus the antenne are simple in both sexes. The wings are rather thin and rounded, and the fore wings marked with several wavy bands and lines. The caterpillars are slender, and feed on herbaceous plants. The chrysalis is enclosed in an earthen cocoon, Emmelesia decolorata (the Sandy Carpet). The larva of this species is undescribed, but it is known to feed on the flowers of Lychnis diurna. The moth appears in June and July, and is very common in hedges, Janes, and woods. The other species are—Z. rivulata (the Rivulet), considerably smaller than the last. The wings are pale brown, and distinguished by a meandering band or rivulet of white, with a dark line in the middle, running across the front wings, but less distinctly across the hinder pair; also, Emumelesia hydrata (the Small Rivulet), is much less than the preceding, and has a clear band of white running across all four wings, which are pale brown. Eimmelesia albulata (the Grass Rivulet), is of cool buff colour, with a broad and a narrow band of light cream colour running across the front wings, and a large space of cream colour in the hind wings, leaving a buff border. There are also Z. blandiata, EF. ericitata, E. teniata, and FE. bifasciata, all more or less of similar character. The genus Cosmorhoe. The insects assigned to this genus are of very small size ; they have the antenne pubescent or slightly ciliated in the male, which distinguish them from those of the surrounding genera. The caterpillars are slender, and slightly thickened towards the tail. The chrysalis is subterranean. Cosmorhoe rusticata (the Least Carpet, No. 13). This species was formerly included in the Emmelesie, and is now placed by some authors in the genus Acidalia; indeed, the whole of the last Sub-Families of Geometridae are at present in a very unsettled state, and await some Entomological Cuvier to determine their definite location. The larva is unknown, and the perfect insect, which appears in July, is rather rare. It has been recently taken in the Isle of Portland, and at North Fleet, near Gravesend. The genus Hyria. In this genus the antenne of the male are ciliated, and furnished with long slender bristles on each side. The wings, when in repose, form a flattened triangle. The Caterpillars are long and vermiform ; and are rather stiff, and slightly flattened above. The Chrysalides are subterranean, There is but one British genus. Hyria Auroralis (the Purple-bordered Gold, No. 14). The Caterpillar, according to M. Guénée, and the beautiful figure of Lyonnet, is tawny gray, with a series of paler marks along the back, and paler lines at the sides. It feeds on the Plantain in June, and the perfect moth appears in July. Ordinary specimens are pale gold colour, with a purplish band running across all four wings ; but there are varieties in which the gold colour has a rich gloss of red, leaving a spot of the yellow colour in the centre of each wing. The females are much rarer than the males. It has been often taken in different parts of Surrey ; and has been recently noticed at Lyndhurst, and in some plenty at Cambridge and Manchester. The genus Minow. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males slightly pubescent. The body slender, the wings silky and without markings. The Caterpillars are thick, with numerous short hairs. The Chrysalides are formed in an earthen cocoon, There is but one British species. Minoa Euphorbiata (the Drab Looper, No. 15). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 16) feeds on several species of Zuphorbia in October, and the moth appears at the end of the following May, or early in June. It is not a very rare species in woody districts. Brighton, Halton, Stowmarket, Oxford, &c. &c., are cited as places where it has been recently taken. The genus Odezia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males simple. The wings are rather large and rounded, and are carried erect in repose. The Caterpillars are slender, of a velvety texture, and striped. The Chrysalis is formed in a slight cocoon. There is but one British species. Odexia Choerophyllata (the Chimney-Sweeper, No. 17). The dark green and velvety caterpillar of this moth feeds on Cheerophyllum sylvestre in May and July, and the moth appears in June and the following months. It is found in great plenty in open places in woods in all parts of the country. 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No, 1.—The Clouded Border (Lomaspilis marginata). | No. 11,—The Common Emerald (Thalera Zstivaria), No. 2.—The Caterpillar of the Clouded Border. No. 12.—The Caterpillar of the Common Wave. No. 8.—The Lace Border (Ptycopoda ornata). | No. 13.—The Small Blood-vein (Timandra imitaria). No. 4.—The Tawny Wave (Emmiltis rubricata). | No. 14.—The Peacock (Macaria notata). No, 5.—The Dark Cream Wave (Acidalia marginepunctata). No. 15.—The Caterpillar of the Peacock. No. 6.—The Latticed Heath (Strenia clathrata). No. 16.—The Tawny-barred Angle (Macaria liturata). No. 7.—The Dingy Shell (Eucheca separata). No. 17.—The Caterpillar of the Tawny-barred Angle. No. 8.—Blomer’s Rivulet (Hydrelia Blomeri). . 18.—The Small Scallop (Ania emarginata). No. 9.—The Small Yellow Wave (Asthena luteata). No. 19,—The Beautiful Hook-tip (Ennomos flexula). A ° No. 10.—The Small Grass Emerald (Nemoria viridata), Tur eighteenth Sub-Family of Geometride is that of the Acidalidi, containing eight British genera. The antenne of the males in all the genera are pubescent, the body stout, and the wings of moderate size. The Caterpillars are short, stiff, without humps, and having distinct lines. The Chrysalides are subterranean. The first genus is Zomaspilis, exhibiting all the leading characteristics above described. Lomaspilis marginata (the Clouded Border, No. 1), is the Pwcilophasia marginata of Stephens. The Caterpillar of this species (No. 2) feeds on the Sallow in June and October, the moth appearing in May and July. It is abundant everywhere. The genus Ptycopoda. The insects in this genus have the antennz very slender, and ciliated beneath in the males. The wings when at rest are extended horizontally. The hind tibize are furnished with a long brush of hair in the males, and from the structure of the feet Mr. Stephens divided the genus into two sections, The Caterpillars conceal themselves by day, and the Chrysalides are subterranean. Ptycopoda ornata (the Lace Border, No. 3). The Caterpillar of this elegant species is described by Freyer as being of grayish colour, with dark reddish lines on the back, and variegated at the sides with short irregular dark streaks. It feeds on different species of Thyme in April and August, and the moth appears in June and July. It is far from uncommon in chalky places in Kent and other counties. Tt has recently been taken in extraordinary abundance at Box-hill. There are five other species. P. Reversata {the Fan-footed Wave) is smaller than the preceding, of a pale ochreous tone, bordered with deeper. P. bisetata (the Treble Brown-spot) is somewhat larger than the last, but of the same colour, the dark band leaving a clear space next the edge. P. scutulata, P. Immutaria, and P. virgularia, are all of similar character, but none of them have the lacy effect of the border of P. ornata ; perhaps, however, A. virgularia, with its wings dusted with dark gray, has a somewhat lacy appearance, but the brownish colour is unfavourable to the effect. The genus Emmiitis. The single British species now assigned to the genus Zmmiltzs of Hiibner, has been recently separated from Mr. Stephens’ genus Ptycopoda. The generic distinctions which haye led to this change of location are too minute to require description in a popular work. Eminiitis rubricata (the Tawny Wave, No. 4) is placed by some entomologists in the genus Acidalia, The 118 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. Caterpillar of this species is unknown, but the perfect moth appears in August, being, however, very rare. Mr. Stephens took a specimen at the North Foreland Meadow, near Dover; and it has been taken more recently near York. . The genus Acidalia, The British species assigned to this genus by Mr, Stephens, were separated by him from the preceding genus principally on account of differences in the structure of the feet. Their more elongated wings, free from clouding at the edges, forms, perhaps, a more obvious distinction, Thirteen species were assigned by this mode of separation to the genus Acidalia of Treitschke. Some English entomologists bring the number up to twenty-six by adding several species from other genera. Acidalia osseata (the Dark Cream Wave, No. 5). The larva of this pretty little species is unknown, ‘but the perfect moth is very common towards the end of June, in woods and old hedge-rows. The other species are the following : A. marginepunctata (the Dotted-bordered Cream Wave) is much like the preceding, but dusted with specks, and having some small black dots on the apical margin. A. obsoletaria (the Obscure Wave) is very dusky, and its marks imperfectly defined, but otherwise resembling the last. A. Perochraria (the Bright Wave) has the wings pale yellowish, with fonr brownish yellow bands on the fore wings, and three on the hind wings. It is very rare. A. Holosericcaria (the Silky Wave) is a new species. A. subsericeata (the Satin Wave) is cream colour, shaded and banded with ochreous tint. There are also A. inornata, A. degeneraria, A. aversata, A. remutata, A. Ceespitaria, A. fumata, and A. tmmorata, all more or less resembling each other in general character, A. aversata being the largest and handsomest. It is pale brown, with the inner dark band shading off gradually to the body, and the two external bands very distinct, the whole being powdered with darker brown. The genus Strenia. In this genus the antenne are short and slender, those of the males being slightly pubescent. The front and hind wings have similar markings, and generally of a tawny colour. The Caterpillars are short, and flattened beneath, and have spots emitting hairs. The Chrysalis is subterranean. There is but one British species. Sirenia clathrata (the Latticed Heath, No. 6). The Caterpillar of this beautiful species is said to be pale- green, with two white lines edged with dark green along the back, and another similar line at the side, and a white line above the legs. It feeds on Medicago, the common Trefoil, and other plants, in October and May, and the perfect moth appears in June and July. It is found on all chalky soils, but more especially in Kent. Brighton, Bristol, Scarborough, and many other places are cited for its recent capture in some plenty— and at Cambridge it has appeared in very great abundance. The genus Lucheca, The principal characters of this genus are, the antenne of the males slightly pubescent, the wings entire and thick, and held erect when in repose. The hind wings slightly angular. The Caterpillars are short and rather attenuated in front. The Chrysalides are formed in a slight cocoon, on the ground. There is but one British species. ELucheca heparata (the Dingy Shell), The Caterpillar of this species is yellowish-green, with a line of lemon-yellow at the back, and another at each side. It is also spotted with yellow. It feeds on the Alder and the common Birch in October, and the perfect moth appears in the following June and July. It is rather rare, but has often been taken in woods in Kent, Surrey, and Norfolk. It has heen more recently taken in some plenty in the Cotswold district, and at Tenterden, and more sparingly in many widely distant localities. The genus Hydrelia. The species assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males pubescent—the body slender, the wings of delicate texture, and marked by several transverse wavy lines. The Caterpillars are thickest in the middle and much attenuated in front. The Chrysalis is formed between leaves or moss. There are only two species. Hydielia Blomeri (the Blomer Rivulet,No. 8). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown. The moth is found in June and July. It appears to be a northern species, having been taken at Castle Eden Dene—at Pickering, and near Preston. The other species H. sylvata (the Waved Carpet), is much like Blomeri, but has the bands of more equal breadth. The genus Asthena, The characters of this genus very closely resemble those of Hydrelia, both the species of which ave placed hy some writers in the present genus, from which their truly generic differences are very slight, THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 119 if any, so that for convenience sake it would have been better to allow the two species about to be described, to be joined to the genus Hydrelia, which seems to have greater claim to them. Asthena luteata (the Small Yellow Wave, No. 9.). The larva of this pretty little insect is unknown. The perfect moth appears in June, and is rather common. It has been recently taken in great abundance in the Cotswold district, at Halton—and in plenty at York, Brighton, and in many other widely distant localities. The other species is A. sylvata (the Waved Carpet), easily distinguished from Juteata by its gray colouring and more rounded wings, the markings being very similar. The nineteenth Sub-Family of the Geometride is that of the Timandridi, containing six genera. The genus Nemoria. In this genus the antenne of the male are slightly ciliated, the body smooth, the wings small, and more or less tinged with green, and the hinder pair being slightly angulated. The Caterpillar is slender with the head bifid, and two low spines on the second segment. The Chrysalis is formed between leaves. There are two British species. Nemoria viridata (the Small Grass Emerald). The Caterpillar of this pretty species is flesh-coloured, with a dark dorsal line, and feeds on Bramble and Hawthorn in October, the moth appearing in the following May and June. It was formerly taken in the New Forest, and considered rare. More recently it has been taken rather plentifully in the Lake district, at Lyndhurst, and near Lancaster. The other species, N. cloraria (the Middle Grass Emerald), has been supposed to be British on the strength of a specimen captured by Mr. Stephens, but it is omitted in many British catalogues. The genus Thalera. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males ciliated, the abdomen slightly crested, the wings dull-green—the hind ones rather angulated and their fringes spotted. The larva is of long proportion, and rough. The Chrysalis is formed in a cocoon amongst leaves. The only British species in this genus was formerly placed in the same genus with the two preceding species, but has been separated and placed in Hiibner’s genus Thalera, on account of some of the characters just described. Thalera Astivaria (the Common Emerald, No. 11). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 12), feeds on the Oak and White-thorn, in May ; the moth appearing in June and July. It is a common species in woods ; and has recently been taken in great abundance at Stowmarket, Cambridge, Kingsbury, and in less profusion at Plymouth, Manchester, and many other places. The genus Timandra. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males ciliated like those of the last genus, but they differ in having the fore-wings more pointed, and traversed by bands—and being without the peculiar green tints which distinguish the species belonging to the preceding genus. There are three British species. - Timandra imitaria (the Small Blood Vein). This pretty species is placed by some entomologists in the genus Acidalia, The larva is unknown. The moth appears in July and August. It is a common and widely dispersed species ; Exeter, the Cotswold district, and many other places being cited for its recent capture in abundance. There are two other species, 7. exemptaria (the Sub-angled Wave), and 7. emutaria (the Dusky Wave). The genus Macaria. In this genus the antenne of the males are either simple or slightly pubescent ; the fore wings with the tip slightly hooked, and having a waved indentation below the tip. The hind wings have a disposition to a caudal angle. The Caterpillar is rather short, but not humped nor attenuated. The pupa is formed in a cocoon, on the ground, or inclosed in a web among leaves. There are three British species. Macaria notata (the Peacock, No. 4). The Caterpillar of this prettily marked moth (No, 15) feeds upon the Sallow, and may be looked for in September. The perfect insect appears in the following June. It should be looked for in woods, especially in Kent and Surrey, but it is not common. It has, however, been recently taken near Plymouth, in some abundance, and in many other parts of the country more sparingly. The other species are the following—M. alternata (the Sharp-Angled Peacock), which very closely resembles Notata, except in being smaller, deeper coloured, and having all the markings more dusky ; and A. liturata (the Tawny-barred Angle, No. 16), which is the largest species, and of a general tawny tone, with deeper tawny bands, and having at the tips of the anterior wings a conspicuous white patch. The genus Ania. The male insects of this genus have the antenne sub-serrated; the wings are rather short, and have the anterior pair acute at the angle, and prominent in the middle of the fringed edge ; the 120 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. hinder pair being rather angulated. The Caterpillar is attenuated in the anterior segments, and the Chrysalis is formed in a slight cocoon. There is but one well established British species. Ania emarginata (the Small Scallop, No. 18). This pretty species is placed by some entomologists in the genus Acidulia. The Caterpillar, according to Treitschke, is ochreous, with a broad line along the back, which becomes fainter towards the anterior segments. It feeds wpon Galium and Convolvulus in July, and the perfect moth appears in the following summer, about the same time. The genus Ennomos (the Aveniia of Duponchel). The single British species assigned to this genus is sufficiently marked in its character. The antenne are pubescent in the males. The fore wings are very sharply pointed at the tip, the point being followed by a deep undulation, beyond which a prominence projects nearly as far as the point. The hinder pair are rounded ; and in repose the wings are extended. The Caterpillar is depressed, has a row of fleshy filaments above the legs, which are twelve in number. The Chrysalis is found in a slight cocoon. Judging only from the perfect insect, it would seem that this species ought to be placed with, or near “the Thorns,” but the preparatory stages render it very distinct, and perhaps appropriately located in its present place, though I believe this position will not remain permanent. Ennomos flexula (the Beautiful Hook-tip, No. 19). The Caterpillar of this pretty species, the structure of which has been described above, is often variegated with green, brown, and white, the attenuated head and tail being orange-brown. It feeds on various Lichens in April and May. The perfect insect appears in June, and is generally found in woods or old gardens, but is rather rare. It has been recently taken in some plenty near Cambridge, and sparingly at Brighton, Plymouth, Dorking, and many other places. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, 121 PLATE XLV. No, 1.—Scalloped Hook-tip (Platypleryx lacertinaria). | No. 12.—The Fan-foot (Paracolux tarsicrinalis). No, 2.—The Caterpillar of the Scalloped Hook-tip. No. 13.—The Lesser Belle (Colobochyla Salicalis). No. 3.—The Pebble Hook-tip (Drepana fulcataria). | No. 14.—The Small Snout (Sinapha angus/alis). No. 4,—The Caterpillar of the Pebble Hook-tip. No. 15.—The Dark-lined Snout (Cledeobea costastrigalis). No. 5.—The Chinese Character (Cilix spinula). | No. 16.—The Marsh Oblique-barred (Schrankia turfosalis). No. 6.—The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis). | No. 17.—The Tabby (Aglossa pinguinalis). No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Snout. No. 18.—The Meal Moth (Pyralis farinalis). No. 8.—The Beautiful Snout (Aypena crassalis). No. 19.—The Gold Fringe (Hypsopygea costalis). No. 9.—The Dotted Fan-foot (Mucrochila cribralis). No. 20.—The Common Rosy Flounced (Agrotera flammediis). No. 10.—The Common Fan-foot (Polypogon barbalis). No, 21.—The Long-legged Pearl (Dolycharthria punctatis). No, 11,—The Caterpillar of the Common Fan-foot. My last Plate brought to a close the great Family of the Geometride, with its nineteen Sub-Families and 107 genera. The present Plate includes the next family, that of the Platyptericid, containing only three genera : also a portion of the following Family of Pyralide, to the end of its two first Sub-Families, the erminidi and the Cledeobidi.* FAMILY I.—Tur PLatryrrericips. This Family, the second of the third great Sub-Division, Lepidoptera Semidiurna, contains three genera of remarkable character, both in the preparatory and perfect stages. In the perfect state, from the singular form of the anterior wings, with their gracefully-curved hook, they have been thought by some Entomologists to display an affinity with the group to which the exotic Atlas Moth belongs. In the larva state, on the other hand, the singular Jacertine, or lizard-like form of the Caterpillars, led the great naturalist Latreille to unite them with the genus Cerwra, in a group which he termed Aposura. There are, however, certain links of character which appear to justify Mr. Stephens’ arrangement, in placing them next after the last of the Geometride. Such, for instance, as the breadth and slight texture of the wings, and the shortness of the legs, in the perfect insect, while the Caterpillars of the last species of the Geometride, those of Ennomos fiexuola, resemble in character those of the Platyptericide. The genera contained in this family are Platypteryx, Drepana, and Ciliz. ‘The genus Platypteryz. In this genus the antenne of the perfect insect are bipectinated in both sexes. The fore wings are strongly hooked at the tip, beyond which is a deep indentation, followed by a corresponding prominence. They have also minor denticulations along the whole of the fringed edge. The hind wings are smooth at the edge, and rounded : the wings are extended horizontally when in repose. The Caterpillars have fourteen feet, the two anal ones being wanting, which allows the last segments to remain raised, giving them the tail-like appearance in which their general resemblance to the form of a small lizard consists. Platypteryx lacertinaria (the Scalloped Hook-tip, No. 1). The Caterpillar of this pretty moth (No. 2) feeds on the foliage of the Birch, and the moth, which appears from March to June, is not uncommon. * Yor a brief recapitulation of the sub-divisions and families of British Moths, see p. 77, vol. ii., and Iniroducticn, vol. i. 122 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. There is a pale variety, formerly known as P. cultraria, in which the bands across the centre of the wings consist of two narrow lines instead of shaded bars, as in the true species. The genus Drepana. This genus is distinguished from the last by having the anterior wings simply hooked, without any minor denticulations, and they are carried erect when in repose. The males have the antenne more deeply pectinated than in the preceding genus. The Caterpillar is of similar character, but without the pointed tubercle on the last segment. There are four British species. ’ Drepana falcataria (the Pebble Hook-tip, No. 3). The Caterpillar of this moth feeds on the foliage of several trees, such as the Trembling Poplar, the Sallow, Alder, Oak, &c. The perfect insect appears in June and August, and is not uncommon. The other species are D. sicula (the Scarce Hook-tip), D. hamula (the Oak Hook-tip), which has the fore wings full dark brown, with two lighter bands, and a black central mark, and D. waguicula, much smaller, with a broad dark band across all four wings. The genus Cilix is strongly distinguished from either of the preceding genera by the form of the wings, which, instead of being hooked, are bluntly rounded. In the Caterpillar stage, however, the affinity is remark- ably shown in the form, which ‘is of the same lacertine, or lizard-like character as those of the other genera assigned to this small and remarkably distinct family. Cilix spinula (the Chinese Character, No. 5). The Caterpillar of this pretty moth feeds on the Black- thorn, and the moth appears throughout the summer, being a very common species. The Tuirp FAmiy of Lepidoptera Semidiurna is that of the Pyralide. The insects comprised in the genera grouped together in this family are all of comparatively small size ; but several of them present very heterogeneous features, either in the perfect or preparatory stages. The antenna are generally more or less ciliated in the males. The wings are placed in a triangle when in repose. The front pair of legs are often very long, and those of the males frequently furnished with singular brushes of hairs, capable of expansion or retention ; these are the Fan-footed Moths, as they are popularly called. The Caterpillars are in general long, and slightly hairy, having sometimes three and sometimes four pair of ventral feet : but they never assume the looping movement in walking, like those of the Geometride. Some of the species are what are termed Domestic Insects, being found in dwellings, or out-houses, and feeding upon flour, grease, &c. The Caterpillars of other species feed only on aquatic plants, some of them living below the surface of the water, and being furnished at the sides with a peculiar breathing apparatus, formed of filaments, or branchie, which perform the function of extracting oxygen from the water. The genus Hypena. This genus is at once distinguished by the elongated palpi, which have the appear- ance of a forked proboscis, from which this group is popularly known as ‘‘ the Snouts.” The antenne are slender, and pubescent in the males ; the abdomen is thin, and tufted on the first segment, and the wings are in some species furnished with raised tufts of scales in the centre. The Caterpillars are slender, hairy, and have three pairs of ventral feet. The pupa is pointed, and formed in a silken web among leaves. There are three British species. Hypena proboscidalis (the Snout, No. 6). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 7) feeds on Nettles in July. The moth appears in the following June and July, and is common everywhere. The other species, H. rostralis, has the fore wings much more bluntly formed at the fringed edge, and has a broad central dark band, bordered with lighter, im which is a small ring of white round a black dot. This is one of the earliest moths of the season. H. crassalis (the Beautiful Snout, No. 8) has the fore wings dark brown, except a bright dash of cream colour at the base, and a pale border, in which are cream spots, with central specks of black. It is not uncommon, but rather local. There are several varieties, formerly deemed distinct species. The genus Macrochila. In this genus the most marked character is the tuft of hairs on the front feet of the males. They have also very long palpi, like the preceding. The antennw are either ciliated or pectinated in the males : the wings are without the tufts of scales of the preceding genus. The Caterpillars have all four pair of ventral legs perfect. Macrochila cribralis (the Dotted Fan-foot, No. 9). The Caterpillar of this, the only British species, is unknown. The moth is taken in fens about the end of July. It has been recently observed in some abundance at Cambridge, and more sparingly at Wicken Fen and at Ranworth. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 123 The genus Polypogon. The insects assigned to this genus are very like the preceding in general character, but the Caterpillars have only three pairs of ventral legs. There is but one British species. Polypogon barbalis (the Common Fan-foot, No. 10). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 11), feeds on the Oak and Birch in September, and in March, either hybernating or being double brooded. The moth appears in June and July, and is rather common. Stowmarket and Tenterden are localities in which it has recently been noticed in great abundance. The genus Paracolax. This genus differs from the two preceding, in having the long middle joint of the palpi curved and ascending, and the terminal joint recurved. The antenne are slightly bipectinated in the males. The head is tufted. The fore wings are slightly elongated. The anterior tibie of the males have tufts of hair, slightly varying in character in the different species. Paracolax tarsicrinalis (the Fan-foot, No. 12). The Caterpillar of this species feeds on Trifoliwm Hispanicum, and the moth appears at the end of June, in woods. The other species, P. nemoralis (the Small Fan-foot), is much less, but similar in general colour and markings. P. derivalis closely resembles tarsicrinalis, and is of the same size, but has only two transverse lines on the fore wings instead of three, and only one on the hind wings. The genus Colobochyla. This genus appears to group badly with the others of the family, though there are some general affinities which perhaps excuse its present location. The palpi are short and slender; the antenne slightly bipectinated in the males. The bands of the front wings do not extend to the hind ones. The legs and feet are slender, and without tufts of hair. The Caterpillar is fourteen legged, but the front ventral pair are undeveloped. The pupa is slender and enclosed in a slight cocoon. There is but one British species. Colobochyla Salicalis (the Lesser Belle). The Caterpillar feeds on the foliage of the Willow in June. According to M. Guénée, it is entirely green, but yellow at the segmental joints. The moth appears in June, but is very rare. It has been taken once at West Wickham, and formerly at Bexley and Charlton in Kent. The second sub-family of the Pyralide is that of the Cledeobidi, containing three genera, distinguished by the length and slenderness of the bodies ; and by the absence of the maxillary palpi in some of the genera ; the labial palpi are, however, long, broad, and hairy. The antenne of the males are rather strongly bipectinated. The legs are slender and simple. The Caterpillars are unknown. The genus Sinapha has the antenna of the males bipectinated ; and the body longer than the wings. There is but one British species. Sinapha angustalis (the Small Snout, No. 14). The female of this species is much smaller than the male, and the wings are paler and yellower, and the central band dark. The Caterpillar is unknown, but is said to feed on the Marsh Willow-herb. The Chrysalis was found once under a stone by Professor Zeller, as stated by Mr. Stainton. The moth was once very rare, and chiefly confined to the southern counties. It has recently been taken in some abundance at Brighton and Lewes, and also at Plymouth and other places more sparingly. The genus Cledeobia is very closely allied to Sinapha, but is distinguished by the absence of the labial palpi, and the antennz are short and slightly ciliated. There are two British species. Cledeobia costestrigalis (the Dark-line Snout, No. 15). The larva of both the species in this genus is unknown. The moth appears in June and July, and has been taken recently in some plenty at Cambridge, York, and other places. The other species, C. albistrigalis, is distinguished by its white bands, and is rather smaller. The genus Schrankia has the palpi regularly curved and ascending. The antenne are short and simple. The fore wings are long, and rounded at the hind margin. The preparatory stages are unknown. There is but one British species. Schrankia turfosalis (the Marsh Oblique-barred). I have not been able to obtain a specimen of this species, but intend giving a representation of it with others in a supplemental plate. It is pale gray, with a conspicuous blackish blotch, followed by a white spot. It has been taken in Delamere Forest, Keswick, Crewe, and in the New Forest. } The third sub-family of the Pyralide is that of the Aglossidi, consisting principally of those moths which frequent buildings, as the Meal Moth, &c. There are five genera, The genus Aglossa. The antenne of the male are ciliated ; the labial palpi porrected, and projecting in front 124 yHeE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. of the head. The body is stout, and the wings are shining, and have the markings rather indistinct. The Caterpillar is slender and horny-skinned, feeding on fatty substances. The Chrysalis is enclosed in a slight cocoon, There are two British species. Aglosse pinguinalis (the Tabby, No. 17). The Caterpillar is dull brown, with head and plates darker. It.has a horny skin, and feeds on greasy substances, especially old and much used horse-cloths. It is abundant everywhere. The other species is A. cuprealis (the Small Tabby). This species is much smaller, and of a brightish light brown, with indistinct bands of deeper. The genus Pyralis. The antenne of the males are pubescent beneath ; the palpi are short. The wings are shining, and rather long and narrow, forming a triangle when at rest. The Caterpillars have sixteen perfect feet ; they are hard and shining, and feed:on animal substances, or manufactured vegetable matter. Pyralis farinalis (the Meal Moth, No. 18), This pretty moth is taken about houses and stables in July and August, and is very common. The other species is P. glaucinalis, which is much smaller than farinalis, and the wings of which are of a nearly even brown tone, with two rather straight bands of paler. The genus Hypsopigia. This genus is by some writers united with the preceding. The only British species has the antennz of the males ciliated beneath, the palpi short, and the fore wings triangular and glossy, with the fringe and costal spot of a rich golden colour. There is but one British species. Hypsopigia costalis (the Gold Fringe, No. 19). The Caterpillar of this pretty species, which is undescribed, is said to feed on Poplars. The moth appears in July and August, in gardens. It was formerly considered rare, and only known in the metropolitan districts, but it has been recently taken at Arundel in great abundance, and at Homerton, Ranworth, &c., in less plenty. The genus Agrotera. This genus is distinguished from the last by the slightly hooked character of the front wings, and the slenderness and length of the body, and also the feet. Agrotera flammealis (the Common Rosy Flounced, No. 20). The Caterpillar of this delicately marked little moth feeds on Privet, and the moth appears from the end of June to the beginning of July, in woods and heaths, and sometimes in gardens. This species is placed by some in the genus Endotricha, the other species only being retained in Agrotera. It has been recently taken at Tenterden in abundance, and at many other places. The other species, A. nemoralis (the Rare Rosy Flounced) is a recent discovery. It has the front wings yellow at the base, and is clouded with shades of rich brown, the fringe having two conspicuous white marks. It was taken at Holme Bush, near Henfield, Sussex. The genus Dolycharthria (the Stenia of M. Guénée). The antenne of the males are pubescent ; the palpi rather thick ; the body slender, and extending beyond the hind wings ; the legs slender and very long. The fore wings long and shining, and the hind wings short., There is only one British species. Dolycharthria punctatis (the Long-legged Pearl, No. 21). The preparatory stages of this enrious insect are unknown. It is very rare, and has only heen taken at present at few places in Devonshire and the Isle of Wight, and in Cornwall. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 125 PLATE XLVI. No, 1.—The Lettered China-mark (Diasemia literalis). | No, 11.—The Orange Cloud (Nascia cilialis) No. 2,—The Beautiful China-mark (Hydrocampa Nympheata). No, 12.—The Rusty Dot (Udea ferrugalis). No. 3,—The Caterpillar of the Beautiful China-wark. | No. 13.—The Dingy Pearl (Mecyna asinalis). No. 4.—The Caterpillar in its leaf-case, No, 14.—The Rush Veneer (Nomophila Noctuella). No. 5.—The Ringed China-mark (Paraponyx Stratiotata). No. 15.—The Mother-of-Pearl (Botys verticalis). No. 6.—The Garden China-mark (Phlyctania Sambucalis). No. 16.—The Long-winged Pearl (Bolys lancealis). No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Garden Chiua-mark. No. 17.—The Lesser Pearl (Epicorsia cinctalis). No. 8.—The Small Magpie (Eurrhypara Urticata). No. 18.—The Sulphur (Si/ochroa palealis). No. 9.—The Caterpillar of the Small Magpie. No. 19.—The Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis). No. 10.—The Rusty China-mark (Lbulea Verbascalis). | Tue fourth sub-family of the Pyralide is that of the Nymphalidi, containing three genera: Diasemia, Hydrocampa, and Paraponyx, all the Caterpillars of which are aquatic or semi-aquatie. The genus Diasemia may be considered the type of the pretty group of small Moths known to collectors as the China-marks. The fore wings are slender and slightly falcate. The antenne are short and ciliated. The labial palpi are close together, in a beak-like form, and pointing downwards. The body is slender, and extends rather beyond the wings. The Caterpillar is aquatic. There is but one British species. Diasemia literalis (the Lettered China-mark, No. 1), is taken in June and July in damp places. It has been recently captured at Lyndhurst, Sanderstead, and other places. The genus Hydrocampa. In this genus the antenne of the male are simple. The palpi rather short, close together, and pointing upwards. The hind wings are without a dark spotted margin. The Caterpillar is thicker in the middle, and is completely aquatic, as the name of the genus imports, being compounded of the Greek words ddpos (watery), and kaymrn (a caterpillar). It is generally found on the underside of the leaves of water lilies, enclosed in a flattened case. There are three species. Hydrocampa Nympheata (the Beautiful China-mark, No, 2). This is perhaps the most delicately marked of the genus, as the popular name imports; and it exhibits, in the clear brown markings on a white ground, that porcelain-like delicacy of tone which suggested the name of China-marks to our early collectors. The specific name, Nympheata, which is transferred by some writers to another species (the Brown China-mark), was no doubt adopted in allusion to the favourite food of the Caterpillars of some of this genus, the leaves of the White Water-lily, Nympheaalba. The Caterpillar of this species, however (No. 3), feeds upon the common Duck-weed, forming for itself a sort of protective case from the leaf of some other aquatic plant (see No. 4). It should be stated, however, that the Caterpillar here represented is supposed by some authors to belong to another species : and, indeed, the matter requires investigation, although the Moth itself isso common. It appears about June and July, and in damp places is common in all parts of the country. The other species are the following :—H. Potwmogata (the Brown China-mark), which is much larger, and the Caterpillar of which is the one known to feed upon the leaf of the Water-lily, or upon the Potamogeton, from which it takes its name; and H. Lemnata, (the Small China-mark), which is less even than H. Nympheata, and 126 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. may be distinguished by the broad and abruptly-terminating dark border, spotted with white, which ornaments the hind wings. The genus Paraponyx. The insects assigned to this genus have been separated from the Hydrocampe chiefly on account of the singular structure of the Caterpillars, which have, in addition to the usual spiracles, a breathing apparatus composed of branchiw, analogous to those of the larve of the Lesser Dragon-fly and other aquatic larve. ; Paraponyx Stratiotata (the Ringed China-mark, No, 5). This pretty species is as common as the preceding. The Caterpillar is described by M. Guénée as being of a whitish-green colour, with a darker line down the back, and the head brown, and having minute feather-like appendages connected with the organs of respiration. It feeds upon the beautiful plant Stratiotes aloides, and the Moth appears in June and July, being common in marshy places, but rather more local than the other China-marks. The next, and fourth, Sub-Family, of the Pyralide is that of the Botydi, which comprises most of that pretty group of small moths popularly known as the Pearls. The antenne are filiform, the abdomen generally long and slender. The wings are also of narrow proportions, forming a long deflexed triangle when in repose, and they have generally a pearly gloss, which has suggested the popular name of the group. The Caterpillars are slender, sixteen-footed, and form the chrysalis in a cocoon of dried leaves or moss webbed together. The genus Phyctenia. ‘The single British insect assigned to this genus forms a link between the true China- marks and the Pearls. The antenne are simple in both sexes. The palpi are long and horizontal. The wings are dark-coloured, with pale blotches. The Caterpillar is not aquatic, and forms a compact cocoon, in which it undergoes the change to the chrysalis state. Phyctenia Sambucalis (the Garden China-mark, No. 6). This is a very pretty species. The Caterpillar (No. 7) feeds upon the foliage of the Elder, in September and October, and the Moth appears in the following June, being very common in gardens. The genus Eurrhypara. The typical insects of this genus have the body rather long, and belted with black. The palpi are short, the antenne long and slender. The wings are moderately long, and are generally white, strongly marked with dark brown or blatk, from which they haye been termed the Magpies. The Caterpillar is sixteen-footed, and the chrysalis is produced in a rolled leaf. Eurrhypara Urticata (the Small Magpie, No. 8). The Caterpillar (No. 9) of this conspicuous insect is a Nettle feeder, in September. It remains in the chrysalis state through the winter, and the perfect insect appears in the following June. It is abundant everywhere in lanes and gardens. The genus Zbulea. The antenne of the insects assigned to this genus are simple in both sexes. The abdomen is slender. The wings are rather broad, and the tips of the anterior pair rather pointed. The Caterpillars are short, and attenuated at each end. The Chrysalides are enclosed in a cocoon among leaves. There are two British species in the system I am following, but some authors also assign the species last described to this genus. Ebulea Verbascalis (the Rusty China-mark, No. 10) is not a common species ; Darenth Wood, Ranworth, Chatham, and Charlton, are cited as localities in which it has been recently taken ; and though it is extremely local, it is sometimes abundant in its favourite haunts. The Caterpillar is unknown. The other species of Ebulew is E. crocealis, which closely resembles the preceding in form and general tone of colour; but the front wings are of nearly unvaried pale ochreous brown, without the bands and markings of Verbascalis, and the hind wings are very pale ochre, with only a faint band near the border. The genus Nascia. In this genus the antenne are slender and filiform, but slightly pubescent in the males. The palpi are united, like a beak, and drooping. The fore wings have the apex slightly hooked. There is but one British species. Nascia cilialis (the Orange Cloud, No. 11). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown, and the Moth is very local and rare. It was first taken near Cambridge ; and Yaxley, and Wicken Fen are localities in which it has been most lately observed. The genus Udea. The British species which is now placed in this genus, in the system I am following, was located by Mr. Stephens in the genus Margaritia, and is now placed by some writers in the genus Scopula, With THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 127 the insects assigned to both these genera it is very closely related, but minute anatomical distinctions' appear to warrant its separation. Udea ferrugalis (the Rusty Dot, No. 12). The larva of this species is unknown, and the Moth was once considered rather rare, but it is now found to be tolerably plentiful in some localities. Plymouth, Brighton, Ventnor, Malahide in Ireland, and other places have furnished specimens in some plenty. The genus Mecyna. A single British species, formerly placed in the genus Margaritia, is now removed to this genus of M. Guénée’s, which corresponds with the genus Mesographe of Hiibner. The wings are sharper and more hooked than in the species from which it has been separated ; otherwise it bears signs of a very close relationship with them. It is placed by Mr. Stainton in the genus Botys. Mecyna asinalis (the Dusky Pearl, No. 13). The first specimens taken of this species were those captured by Captain Blomer, near Teignmouth, and at Barnstaple by Mr. Raddon. Specimens have since been taken at Llandudno, in North Wales, and Ventnor, in the Isle of Wight. The genus Nomophila. In this genus the antenne of the males are filiform, but pubescent underneath, The palpi are turned upwards. The fore wings are long and narrow, and slightly transparent, especially the hinder pair. Mr. Stephens removed it from the Tinie. Nomophila Noctuella (the Rush Veneer, No. 14). The larva of this species, if carefully sought, might be found in rushy districts frequented by the perfect insect, but it remains as yet undescribed. In marshy places, where rushes abound, the perfect insect is far from uncommon in many parts of the country. The genus Botys, of Latreille, accords pretty well with Mr. Stephens’s genus Margaritia, founded by that author for the location of the Pearls, in 1829, but the priority of the term of Latreille has caused it to take precedence. The antenne of the males are either simple, or merely pubescent. The abdomen is longer than the wings. The wings are generally of different shades of brown, the hind wings being similarly marked to the front pair, and having, more or less, a pearly gloss. The Caterpillars are attenuated at each extremity and often semi- transparent. The Chrysalides are formed in slight cocoons among leaves. There are nine species. Botys Verticalis (the Mother-of-Pearl, No. 15). This prettily marked species may be said to be the type of the genus, as it is the most pearly in its gloss, and in other respects best displays the generic characters, though its markings are more distinct than in most of the other species. The Caterpillar feeds spun up within the leaves of the Nettle, in May. According to M. Guénée it is semi-transparent, greenish at the sides, and whitish on the back, with a dark dorsal line. It becomes a Chrysalis in June, and the perfect insect appears in July. It is common everywhere. Botys lancealis (the Long-winged Pearl, No. 16) may be easily distinguished by the length of the wings. The Caterpillar is unknown. The other seven species are all congeneric in the leading characters. They are, B. perpendicularis (the Scarce Mother-of-Pearl), B. Pandalis (the Bordered Pearl), B. hyalinalis (the Scarce Pearl), B. flavalis (the Gold China-mark), B. silacealis (the Dingy Pearl), B. fuscalis (the Cinereous Pearl), and B. Terrealis (the Northern Pearl). The genus Epicorsia. The British insect assigned to this genus has been separated from the genus Margaritia on account of the much greater depth of the hind wings, and their complete opacity. They are in fact thickly clothed underneath with white scales, which causes a striking contrast between the upper and under surfaces, The Caterpillar which feeds on Broom is undescribed. Epicorsia cinctalis (the Lesser Pearl, No. 17). This pretty species is generally taken in Clover fields about July, and is not uncommon. The genus Sttochroa. The single insect assigned to this genus of Hiibner’s is by some authors placed with two other British species in M. Guénée’s genus Spilodes. It closely resembles the true Pearls in its general characters, but the front wings are of a sulphureous green. Sitochroa paleatis (the Sulphur, No. 18). This pretty insect is still a rarity. The Caterpillar is described by Treitschke as being whitish with a dorsal line of pale grey, and black spots ; the head being yellowish white speckled with black. It feeds on several umbelliferous plants, such as Wild Carrot, &c. in August and 128 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. September, and the perfect insect appears in the following June and July. It has been taken at Dover, and in Norfolk, and more recently at Folkestone. The genus Rivula. The British species assigned to this genus has the antenne short and pubescent ; the palpi short ; the abdomen slender ; the fore-wings rounded at the hinder margin. The Caterpillar is short and thick, and speckled with conspicuous black spots ; the skin is shining. It feeds on low plants. The Chrysalis is attached by the tail and by a belt of web round the middle. Rivula sericealis (the Straw Dot). The Caterpillar of this species is velvety green, with a darker line down the back and white stripes at the sides. It feeds on grasses in May, and the Moth appears in June and July, in woods. It has recently appeared very abundantly at Brighton, Tenterden, Worcester, and other places. Se ase . = (ate . THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, 129 PLATE XLVIL. No. 1—The Garden Pebble (Mesographe forficalis). No. 10.—The Starry Brindle (Cyne@da dentalis). No, 2.—The Caterpillar of the Garden Pebble. | No. 11.—The Caterpillar of the Starry Brindle. No. 3.—The Clouded Yellow Pearl (Evergestis margavitalis). | No, 12.—The Scarce Crimson and Gold (Rhodaria sangut- No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Clouded Yellow Pearl. nalis). No. 5.—The Chequered Straw (Pionea stramentaiis). | No. 13.—The Crimson and Gold (Pyrausta purpuralis). No. 6, —The Diamond Spot (Spilodes sticticalis). No. 14.—The Purple and Gold (Pyrausta punicealis). No. 7.—The Pale Straw (Scopula #tialis). No. 15.—The Caterpillar of the Purple and Gold. No. 8.—The Dusky Brindled (Scopula Prunalis). No. 16.—The Wavy-barred Sable (Ennychia anguinalis). No. 9.—The Caterpillar of the Dusky Brindled. : No. 17,—The White Spot (Anania octomaculata). Tue sixth sub-family of the Pyralide consists of the Scopulidi, containing six genera—Mesographe, Evergestis, Pionea, Spilodes, Scopula and Cyneda. The insects located in these genera differ in various degrees hoth from the China-marks and the Pearls, though some of the species are still placed by some authors in each of those groups. The genus Mesographe. The insects assigned to this genus have the body rather short and slender ; the palpi short, and pointing downwards; the antenne slender ; the wings generally straw colour, with slender brown transverse bands. The Caterpillar of the only British species is smooth, and sixteen-footed. Mesographe forficalis (the Garden Pebble, No. 1). This species is placed by some authors in M. Guénée’s closely-allied genus Pionea. The Caterpillar (No. 2) feeds on Horse-radish in June and July, and again in September and October. The moth appears in May, and again in August, and is common everywhere. The genus Zvergestis. One of the Pearls, is assigned to this genus of Hiibner’s in the system I am following, in preference to the partially corresponding genus Pionea of M. Guénée. Evergestis margaritalis (the Clouded Yellow Pearl, No. 3). The Caterpillar (No. 4) is said to feed on the seeds of the Wild Mustard in August, and the moth is found in the following July. It was fermerly considered rare, but has recently been taken in abundance at Cambridge, and more sparingly at Deal, Ranworth, and some other places. The genus Pionea. The genus Pionea, founded by M. Guénée, is made by some English authors to contain the two species assigned to the two last described genera, as well as the one here assigned to it. It is defined by M. Guénée as comprising insects belonging to the present group, which have the antenn of the male simple, the abdomen slender, and rather longer than the wings; the fore-wings have the tips rather hooked, and the hind- wings with no central spot. The Caterpillars are thick and fusiform, and feed on various cruciferous plants, sometimes on the leaves and sometimes amongst the seeds. Pionea stramentalis (the Chequered Straw, No. 5). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown, but the “Moth is found in considerable numbers in some localities, especially near Brighton, and at Pembury, in Kent. Itis also found at Shawley Wood, Worcestershire, and in several marshy places in the metropolitan counties. The genus Spilodes. In this genus of M. Guénée, corresponding to the genus Uvesiphita of Hiibner, the species described in the last plate, Sifochrow palealis and Epicorsia cinclalis ave placed, in addition to the single 130 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. species assigned to it in the system I am following. According to M. Guénée’s definition of the genus, the insects to be located in it have the antenne of the male simple, and the palpi short ; the fore-wings are rather pointed at the tip; the Caterpillars are thick and shining, with warty spots ; and they feed among the flowers of low plants or shrubs, generally protected by a web. The Chrysalis is enclosed in a slight silky cocoon. Spilodes sticticalis (the Diamond Spot, No. 6). The Caterpillar of this species, according to Treitschke, is green, with a dorsal line edged with yellow ; and with yellow lines at the sides. It feeds on Artemisia in July and August, and the Moth appears in September. It has been recently taken at Birkenhead, Brighton, Pembury, &c., but is always rather rare. : The genus Scopula. Three of the species now assigned to this genus were formerly placed by Mr. Stephens in the genus Margaritia, along with many of the Pearls, and several allied species. The insects at present assigned to the gents Scopula have the antenne of the male simple; the palpi rather long; the wings silky and shining ; the stigmata distinct ; and the hind wings have a central spot. The Caterpillars are rather elongate, and feed between leaves, in a gallery open at both ends. The Chrysalis is formed in a cocoon. There are four species. Scopula Atialis (the Pale Straw, No. 7). The Caterpillar of this pretty species is unknown, and the perfect insect is rare, though very widely dispersed. It appears in July. S. prunalis (the Dusky Brindled, No. 8) is easily distinguished by the colours of the front and hind wings being the same. The Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds on Blackthorn, and also on low plants, in April and May, and the perfect insect appears in June and July. It is abundant everywhere. The other species of Scopula is 8. Alpinalis, which has the front wings of a rich tawny hue, and the hind wings of a pale straw colour, deepening towards the edge to a tone of pinkish brown. The genus Cyneda (the Odontia of Duponchel). The antenne are short, slender, and slightly pubescent. The palpi, though short, extend slightly in the front of the head in a beak-like form, The wings have a tuft of scales on the inner margin. The Caterpillars are short, attenuated at each end, and feed within the stems of various plants. There is only one British species. Cynceda dentalis (the Starry Brindle, No. 10). The Caterpillar of this pretty species (No. 11) is shown on the surface of a stem, when about to form its chrysalis. It is nearly colourless, except the head, as are most of the pith-feeding Caterpillars. It prefers the stems of Echiwm vulgare, the common Viper Bugloss. The Chrysalis is formed in a compact cocoon of silk among the leaves of the plant. This pretty Moth is very rare, but has been recently taken at Lewes, Deal, Folkstone, and some other places. The Seventh sub-family of the Pyralide is that of the Ennychidi. The species of this family are, with few exceptions, day insects, and delight in the brightest sunshine. The antenne of the males are simple, or only pubescent. The abdomen slender, generally with pale belts. The wings are silky, and the hinder ones frequently marked like the anterior pair. The larvee are short, with warty spots, and feed between leaves brought together hy aweb. There are four genera—Rhodaria, Pyrausta, Ennychia, and Andnia. Inthe genus Rhodaria, the antenne of the males are pubescent. The abdomen is not belted. The hind wings are not banded like the front pair, It flies at dusk. The Caterpillar is unknown. There is but one British species. Rhodaria sanguinalis (the scarce Crimson and Gold, No. 12). This pretty species was formerly deemed extremely rare, but it has lately been taken in considerable numbers at Birkenhead, and also in Ireland. It is, however, very local, and may still be considered rare, though there are thirty fine specimens in the cabinet of the British Museum. It must be sought among long grass in shady places, and not on short turf in the sun, like others of the group. The genus Pyrwusta. The antenne of the males are slender and simple. The palpi are short and straight. The abdomen is distinctly belted. The wings are generally brightly coloured, and the flight is diurnal. The Caterpillars are short, and attennated at the extremities, and feed in a web between the leaves of various plants. The pupa is formed in a cocoon among leaves. There are four species. Pyrausta purpuralis (the Crimson and Gold, No. 13), The Caterpillar of this conspicuous little insect is, according to. Hiibner, of a dark gray colour, with yellowish stripes, and dark spots edged with white. Tt is found “THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 131 in June and July, on different kinds of Mint. The Moth appears both in May and August, so that it would appear that there are two broods. It is very common, and has recently been taken in great abundance at Kingsbury (in Middlesex) and in many other places very plentifully, especially in the southern counties. Pyrausta punicealis (the Purple and Gold, No. 14). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 15) feeds on Origanum (the common Marjoram) in June and July, and the Moth appears in May and August. Itis very common, and has recently been observed in great abundance at Lewes, Worthing, and many other places. The genus Ennychia. The antenne of the males are simple. The palpi porrected. The abdomen has numerous belts of white, and the wings are dark coloured, with white lines or spots. The Caterpillars are unknown. The moths in the bright sunshine. There are two species. Ennychia anguinalis (the Wavy-barred Sable, No. 16). This darkly toned insect is not easily seen when on the flight, and is therefore not often taken by young collectors, but it has recently occurred in plenty near Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, and other places. The other species, 2. cinguwlata (the Silver-barred Sable), may be distinguished by the absence of the inner light band, and also of the light central spot. The genus Anania. The antenne are long, slender, and simple. The palpi not quite so long as the head. The palpi are joined and beak-like. The wings form a triangle in repose. The Caterpillars are unknown. The only British species, A. octomaculata, is assigned by some writers to the genus Pyrausta. Anania octomaculata (the White Spot, No. 17). The Caterpillar of this conspicuous little insect is unknown. The Moth appears in June and July, but is rare, though widely dispersed. It has been taken recently in several places in Kent and Sussex ; also in North Wales, and in Ireland. ' =) \ 7 7 \ { : fi P - o : (es : : 7 * = > 7 = f, 7 mf ‘ y = Bay Ke » 1 ae - - a © i AS = oc r —& . ? P x _ s ’ "1 a % : ir = : vi c: - &, ‘ i r y : e ihe “ a 1 - ! A PL Ae. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 133 PLATE XLVIII. No. 1.—The Double-barred Nettle-tap (Simaethis Pariana). | No. 9.—The Caterpillar of the Scarce Silver Lines. No. 2.—The Caterpillar of the Double-barred Nettle-tap. No. 10.—The Chrysalis of the Scarce Silver Lines. No. 3.—The Cocoon of the Double-barred Nettle-tap. No. 11.—The Cream-bordered Green Pea (Earias clorana No. 4.—The Least Black Arches (Nola Cristulalis). | No, 12.—The Caterpillar of the Cream-bordered Green Pea, No, 5.—The Green Silver Lines (Hylophila Prasinana). | No. 13.—The Cocoon of the Cream-bordered Green Pea. No. 6.—The Caterpillar of the Green Silver Lines. No. 14.—The Pea Green T. (Tortrix viridana). No. 7.—The Cocoon of the Green Silver Lines. No. 15.—The Plain Yellow T. (Zortrix Palleana). No. 8.—The Scarce Silver Lines (Hylophila Quercana). THE eighth sub-family of the Pyralide is that of the Tortricidi, forming a link between the present family and that of the Tortricide, the illustration of which we are about to commence. The sub-family of Vortricidi includes only two genera, Simuaethes and Nola, which while they begin to assume the general form of the true Tortrices, yet retain in their markings the character of Pyralide. This sub-family would appear, however, to require a more distinct title, as the same term, Tortricidi, is applied, in the system I am following, to the second sub-family of the true Tortricidae. The genus Stmaethis, The antenne of the males are strongly ciliated ; the palpi are porrected obliquely, and the tips straight. The body is short but not robust. The wings are short and broad, and when at rest form nearly a triangle and cover the hind wings. The Caterpillars have sixteen legs and feed in a white web on the leaves of various plants. The Chrysalis is formed in a firm white cocoon. There are four species. Simaethis Pariana (the Double-barred Nettle-tap, No. 1). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 2) feeds on the foliage of the Apple and Hawthorn, in June and August, forming its cocoon (No. 3) on the upper surface of a leaf. The perfect insect appears in July and September, and is abundant everywhere. The other species are, S. Fubriciana (the Nettle-tap) which is much darker, the hind-wings being as dark as the front, and traversed by a pale band ; S; Angustana (the Silver-dotted Nettle-tap), easily distinguished by its metallic spots ; and S. Vibrana (the Scarce Nettle-tap), which has the front wings brown, and towards the base tawny, with several transverse silvery lines, tinged with a pink or greenish flush. This species is very rare, but has been recently taken at Hurst, in Sussex. The genus Nola. The males have the antenne ciliated, the palpi rather long, and pointing downwards ; the fore-wings have three raised tufts of scales, the hind-wings are rounded and without markings. The Caterpillars are Lichen feeders. They have only fourteen legs and are thick and rather hairy. The Pupa is enclosed jna boat-shaped cocoon. Figures ‘of the transformations of this curious genus are engraved in Mr. Westwood’s Modern Classification of Insects. There are three species. Nola Cristulalis (the Least Black Arches, No. 4). The Caterpillar of this species, according to Hiibner, is whitish yellow with black lines, a little reddish at the sides. It feeds on the foliage of the Oak in May, and the Moth appears in May and June. It has been taken recently near Brighton rather abundantly, and sparingly in other places, especially in woody localities, but it is not common. The other two species are N. Strigula (the Small Black Arches), which resembles the preceding but is much darker, and N. Cucullatella (the Small Cloaked), which has the transverse band of the front wings more solid and of a darker tone, the entire base of the wings up to the first band being deep brown. The Tortricide helong to a distinct subdivision, the position of which with reference to the whole order may be stated as follows :— 134 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. ORDER LEPIDOPTERA. (mrtcro-LerrpopTrra.) SUB-DIVISION ITV.—LEPIDOPTERA VESPERTINA. FAMILY I—TORTRICIDZ. The family Tortricide, though much restricted in modern arrangements. still contains a considerable number of insects, all of which have a strong family likeness, the chief characteristics being the following. With the exception of the Green Silver-lines they are all of comparatively small size, and all have the peculiar waved outline of the front cf the anterior wings (sometimes curiously notched in the margin), which, when they are closed gives the whole insect a bell-like form which is unmistakeable. The antenne are simple or but slightly ciliated. The abdomen is both short and slender, the thorax rarely crested. The Caterpillars are smooth and have the full complement of sixteen fect. They are nearly all leaf rollers, from which the name Tortrix, first applied by Linnzeus himself, is derived, which corresponds to the Tordeuses of Latreille, who also took this habit of the group as a family distinction. Some of them, however, feed in the pulpy part of fruit. The first sub-family of the Tortricide is that of the Cymbidi, containing those species which have green wings, and which are tolerably distinct from the rest of the family, especially the two large species of Hylophila. The genus Hylophila. The insects comprised in this genus present many aberrant characters which distinguish them from the rest of the Zortricide, They are superior in size; and in the preparatory stages, the peculiar form of the Caterpillar, getting gradually thinner towards the tail, caused Reaumur to distinguish them as fish-formed Caterpillars, Chenilles en forme de poisson. The Chrysalis isin the form of a reversed boat, attached, keel uppermost, to a leaf. The green colour of the wings is also a conspicuous distinction. Hylophila prasinana (the Green Silver-lines). The Caterpillar of this beautiful insect (No. 6) feeds on the foliage of Oak, Ash, and other trees, in July and August, forming its cocoon upon a leafas shown at No. 7. The Moth appears in the following May. It is common in well wooded districts near London. Hylophila Quercana (the Scarce Silver-lines, No. 8). The Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds upon Oak and other trees in May, and the perfect insect appears in July. The Chrysalis (No. 10) is beautifully tinted with green. It is much more rare than the preceding species, especially near London. The genus arias. The insects assigned to this genus are much smaller than those of the genus Hylophila. They have the palpi shorter and stouter ; the antenne are slightly pubescent in the males, and the fore wings are not banded with white. The Caterpillar is attennated towards the tail, and feeds among leaves webbed together. The cocoon is firm and boat-shaped as in Hylophila. There is but one British species. Earias clorana (the Cream-bordered Green Pea). The Caterpillar of this delicately coloured little Moth feeds on the foliage of different kinds of Willow, in August, and the Moth appears in the following May, and also in June and July. It is common in Osier beds. The cocoon is figured at No, 13. The second sub-family of the Tortricide is that of the Tortricidi, containing the typical Tortrices. There are in this Sub-Family several genera and sub-genera, some of them containing many species. The genus Tortriz. In this genus the antenne are pubescent in the males, the palpi are longer than the head ; the head is thickly tufted. The wings are without the bands or front borders of the two preceding genera. The Caterpillars are similar in structure to the last described, but the Chrysalides have the abdominal segments serrated, which is not the case in either of the preceding genera. ‘ Tortriz viridana (the Pea Green T., No. 14). The Caterpillar of this insect is green, getting yellowish towards the tail, and sprinkled with black spots, the head being brown. It feeds on Oak, Hornbeam, &e. in May and June, the perfect Moth appearing in June and July. It is abundant everywhere. Tortriz palleana (the Plain Yellow T., No. 15). This pretty insect is somewhat rare. It has been taken in July and August near Dover. There are two other species, 7. ieterana (the Jaundiced T.), and 7. viburnana (the Drab T.). THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 35 PLATE XIX. No, 1,—The Hazel T (Lozotenia Sorbiana), | No. 11.—The Rusty Rough-wing T (Paramesia ferrugana.) No. 2,—The Grotian T (Dichelia Grotiana). No, 12.—The Notch-wing T (Teras caudana). No. 3.—The Gerningian T (Amphisa Gerningiana). No. 124.—The Winter T (Cheimatophila mixlana). No, 4.—The Vine T (Gnectra Pilleriana). No, 13.—The Chequered Pebbdlo T (Dictyopteryx contami- No. 5.—The Large Marbled T (Sarrothripa revayana). | nana). No. 6.—The Caterpillar of the Large Marbled T, No. 14.—The Holmian T (Crocsia Holmiana). No. 7.—The Cocoon of the Large Marbled T. No. 15 and 16,.—The Caterpillar of the Holmian T. No. §8.—The Chrysalis of the Large Marbled T. | No. 17.—The Conwayian T (Argyrotoza Conwayana). No. 9.—The Sprigged Green T (Oxigraphe literanc). No. 18.—The Lechean T (Ptycholoma Lecheana). No. 10,—The Button T (Peronea cristana). No 19,—The Yellow-barred Iron T (E£ulia Ministrana). Tue genus Lozoteenia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi rather longer than the head ; the anterior wings long and rather narrow, and, in front, arching strongly from the shoulder. In the males they have a crease or a fold reaching nearly to the middle. The hind margin is generally indented below the tip. The antenne are cither simple or very slightly pubescent. In the present arrangement of the genus Lozotenia of Stephens, there are fifteen British species, among which have been merged a series of insects formerly assigned to four separate genera; and many of the species now represent numerous varieties formerly described as distinet species. In two of the species, Z. fulvana and LZ. Rosana, the males and females are so different as to have been taken for different species. The Caterpillars feed between leaves webbed together, and are generally smooth and of rather sluggish character. The Chrysalis is also formed between leaves, sometimes in compactly webbed cocoons. The markings in all the species of this genus yary so much in intensity, in breadth, in continuity, and in the more or less diagonal direction of the bands, that the great number of species formerly made of the varieties is easily conceivable ; but it is probable, as the characters of all the varieties become better known, that the number of distinct species may be yet further reduced. Lozxotenia Sorbiana (the Hazel T, No. 1). This is the largest species, and in respect to general markings and character, may stand as the representative of the whole genus. The Caterpillar feeds on Oak, Hazel and other trees in May, and the moth appears in June, being far from rare. This species and nine others, Z. Forsterana, L. Dumetana, L, transitana, L. cinnamoneana, L. Heparana, L. Ribeana, L. Corylana, L. unifasciand, and ZL, piccana ; each of which species is subject to variations many of which formerly ranked as separate species. The male and female of Z. piceana for instance were made distinct species. The insects in the first section of the genus represent those agreeing with the character of Hiibner’s genus Pandemis. The second section of this genus comprises the insects formerly assigned to Hiibner’s genus Cucoecia, There are five species in this section, L. fulvana, L. roborana, L. Nylosteana, L. Rosana, and “L. semialbana. The sexes being so different in appearance in roborana, fulvana, and Rosana, as to have been formerly taken for distinct species, while the yarieties which have received distinct specific names are also yery numerous. The third section of this genus is represented by a single species according in character with Hubner’s genus Philedone, namely, Lozotenia costana (the Oblique Bar). 136 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. The fourth division also consists of a single species, which accords in general character with Hiibner’s genus Nephodesme ; this is L. Brandcriana (the Branderian T). The genus Dichelia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne rather robust, but generally simple, or very slightly pubescent ; the fore wings are rather less in length than in the genus Zozotenia ; they are abruptly arched from the shoulder at the front edge, The hind wings are rather small. The Caterpillar is unknown, There is but one British species. Dichelia Grotiana (the Grotian T, No. 2). This insect appears in June ; it is rather rare, and local, but is very widely distributed in the south of England. The genus Amphisa. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenna minutely pectinated, the palpi long, the fore wings of long proportion, and more lanceolate in the females than the males. The front of the wing is less arched at the shoulder than in other genera of this family, The Caterpillar is unknown, There are two British species. Amphisa Gerningiana (the Gerningian T, No. 3). The Larva of this species is said to feed on Vaccinium, the Common Bilherry. The perfect insect appears in Junc, and again in September, and is found in the midland and northern counties, and in Scotland. The other species, A. prodromana (the Early T), is easily distinguished by its gray colour. 5 The genus @neetra. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi very much longer than the head ; the anterior wings long in proportion to their breadth. The front of the wing strongly arched from the shoulder. There is but one British species. Grectra Pilleriana (the Vine T, No. 4). The Caterpillar of this species feeds upon the seeds of the Stinking Iris (/ris fetidissima). The perfect insect appears in July, but is very scarce. It has recently been taken near Ventnor in the Isle of Wight. The genus Sarrothripa. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne filiform in both sexes. The fore wings are of very long proportion, and much arched in front in springing from the shoulder, There is but one British species. Sarrothripa revayana (the Large Marbled T, No. 5), is the Tortrix degenerana of Miibner. It is an extremely variable species, twelve of the most distinct looking varicties having been named as species by distinguished English and Continental entomologists. | The Caterpillar (No. 6) feeds on the Sallow, forming a cocoon as shown at No. 7. The Chrysalis is represented without the cocoon at No. 8. The Moth appears in August and October, and sometimes as early as July, and as late as December. It is found near London, in the New Forest, and in other localities. The genus Oxigrapha. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi long and thickly clothed with scales. The fore wings are much waved at front edge, which is also partially clothed with hairs. The colour of the wings is gencrally green, or tinted with green, and they have raised tufts of scales. The Caterpillar is unknown. There are four British species. Oxigrapha literana (the Sprigged Green T, No. 9). This is a most variable species, six of the varicties having received names as distinct species, several of these differing again so much as to have received several different names by different authors. The other species are O. Scotana, which is of grayish tone ; O. Scabrana, which is also gray, but may be distinguished hy the greater roughness of the wings caused by the raised tufts of scales ; and O. Boscana, which is of a much whiter tone than either of the other species. . The genus Peronca. The insects of which this genus is formed haye the palpi twice as long as the head ; and the fore wings are more than twice as long as wide, and have generally a light streak along the back edge. They have also several tufts of raised scales, but have not the hairs along the front edge which distinguish the last genus. There are thirteen species in this genus, and all of them are so extremely variable, that without figuring each species, which is not within the province of this work, it is quite impossible to give an adequate idea of the specifie differences, much more of the character of the endless varieties. I must-therefore be content with giving a single example, sclecting one which will best represent the general characteristics of the genus. Peronea cristana (the Button T, No. 10), has a tuft of whitish scales in the centre of the fore wings in THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTIIS. — i =~I addition to the long dash of the colour at their back edge. It appears in August and November, and is found in the New Forest, in Epping Forest, and in several woody districts in the southern counties. There are above thirty varieties that have received names as species. The allied species, P. Hastiana, is nearly as variable, and both these species are closely related to Hiibner’s genus Lelectis. The other species are generally divided into the following sections, the first of which, agreeing with Hiibner’s genus Lopes, contains P. umbrana, P. maccana, and P. rufana. The second contains a single species (P. Lipsiana), agreeing with Hiibner’s genus Acalla. The third contains six species, agreeing with Hiibner’s genus Acleris, These are P. favellaceana, P. Schalleriana, P. comparana, P. permutana, P. variegana, and P. eristana ; all exceedingly variable, and of very difficult definition, The genus Paramesia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi very little longer than the head ; the fore wings of elongate proportion, less strongly arched than in Peronea at the front edge as they spring from the shoulder, and they are slightly concave in the middle. They have raised tufts of scales like the last genus. The tail of the males is tufted. There are two British species, Paramesia ferrugane (the Rusty Rough-wing T, No. 11). The Caterpillar of this species is pale green, with the head and second segment black or brownish. It feeds in curled Birch leaves in July and August. The There are four Moth is found from July to October, and sometimes in the spring, being a very common speci named varieties, once regarded as species. The other species are P. aspersana (the Red Rough-wing T), which is more strongly marked with brown, and the female much smaller than the male, and P, Shepherdana. The genus Zeras. The insects in this group have the palpi rather long ; the head is tufted in front, and the front wings have the unmistakable character of a semicircular notch or indent at the front edge, which appears artificially cut out, from which the group has received the expressive popular name of the Notch-wings. There is but one British species of the genus Zeras now admitted in our Catalogues, all the others being at present considered mere varieties, Teras caudana (the Notch-wing T). This curious insect, though rare near London, is tolerably common in the northern counties. The Caterpillar is pale green, with the head yellow. It feeds on Salloy. The varieties are numerous, and differ not only in markings, but even in the form and depth of the singular excavation at the edge of the front wing. The genus Cheimatophila. The insects assigned to this genus have the wings glossy, the front edge straight, and are further distinguished by always appearing late in the autumn, or in the winter. There is only one species, which varies considerably in size. Cheimatophila mixtana (the Winter T, No. 125). This species is taken in the New Forest and some other localities, late in the autumn or in mid-winter. The genus Dictyopteryx. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi short, and the wings not notched at the front edge, but rather concave at the back. They are generally of a pale buff or yellowish colour with delicate pencillings. i Dictyopteryx contaminana (the Chequered Pebble T). The Caterpillar of this prettily chequered species is green with black spots ; and the head is dark brown, It feeds within the stems of rushes, upon the pith, It is very abundant. The closely allied species, D. wliginosana, with the preceding very nearly accords with the characters of M. Guénée’s genus Peronea ; while the two others, D. Leflingiana and D. Lorskaleana, agree better with the characters assigned by the same author to the genus Dictyopteryx. The genus Cresia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi longer than the head; the fore wings rather long ; the edge of the front wings arched in front, but nearly straight at the back. The Caterpillars are white, with black heads, and generally feed on the Rose, to the leaves of which they may often be seen suspending themselves by a silken thread. Cresia Holmiana (the Holmian T, No. 14). The Caterpillars of this species, Nos. 15 and 16, aro represented as feeding on the foliage of the Rose, or suspended from it by a web. The Moth appears in June, and is common everywhere. 138 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. The other species, C. Bergmanniuna, is casily distinguished by the absence of the conspicuous whitish spot at the front of the fore wings; instead of which the whole of the front wings are pale oclreous, with deeper pencillings, and two diagonal bands of pale silvery gray. The genus Argyrotoza. The only British species assigned to this genus has the palpi about twice as long as the head ; the wings not quite so elongated as those in the immediately preceding genera; the front line of the anterior wings regularly, but not abruptly, arched from the shoulder. Argyrotoza Conwayana (the Conwayian T, No. 17). The Caterpillar of this species feeds on Privet, and the perfect insect, which appears in June, is widely distributed, and common everywhere. The genus Plycholoma. In this genus the palpi of the perfect insect are not longer than the head, and the antenna also are short. The wings are of more elongated form than those of the last genus. The males have the front margin of the anterior wings singularly thickened. In My. Stainton’s characters of this genus, he says the costa in the male is broadly folded to the middle, and then straight ; in the female it is regularly arched. The wings are also distinguished hy more or less distinct golden or silvery stripes or markings. There is but one British species, . Plycholoma Lechcana (the Lechean T, No. 18). The dark wings of this species are distinguished by markings of a dull tarnished silvery character, which resemble in form the Greek letters I, which, however, are scarcely traceable in some specimens, especially the females. The Caterpillar feeds on Oak in May, and the Moth appears in June and July, being very common. The genus Zulia. The insects assigned ‘to this genus have the palpi projecting slightly beyond the head; the body rather robust ; the fore wings twice as long as broad, with the front edge regularly arched from the shoulder. There is but one British species. Lulia Ministrana (the Yellow-barred Iron T, No. 19). The Caterpillar of this species is green, and is said to feed upon the Hazel. The Moth appears in June, and is generally common. 4 “\ n = 7 - 7 é Le , - : fw * q if ; Z : a oa ‘ ' i. = \ : ¥ re ' 5 ; : : Ls ‘3 : ‘ . . S ‘ ‘ v ' : : . ai v a f~ 5 + tel he : hs uh ; -s 7 o to 1 7 . M Ae 7 t A Pie50! THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 139 PLATE IL No. 1.—The Short-barred White T (Brachytenia MHart- No. 12.—The Mottled Bran T (Bactra furyurana). TOMB De), No. 13.—The Double Crescent T (Cartilla bitunana). No. 2.—The Gentian T (Antithesia gentiananc). No. 14.—The Red Cross T (Hypermecia augustana). No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Gentian T. No. 15.—The Red-bar T (Ditula angustiorana), ING, p= Wieelieriinta is ub (Geteatinw cetteeatto No. 16.—The Oblique-barred T (Pacilochroma profun- No, 5.—The Black-cloaked T (Pardia tripunctana). dana). No. 6.—The Caterpillar of the Black-cloaked T. No. 17.—The Solandrian T (Pecilochroma Solandriana). No. 7.—The Brown-cloaked T (Spilonola roborana). No. 18.—The Single Blotched T (Halonota scutulana). No. §.—The Caterpillar of the Brown-cloaked T. No. 19.—The White-barred Elm T (Anisolenia No. 9.—The Beautiful Marbled T (Lithoyraphia nigroma- pmecire ce): culana). No. 20.—The Woeberian T. (Semasia Weeberana). No. 10.—The Angle-barred Single Dot T (Phlaodes im- No. 21.—The Caterpillar of the Weeberian T. mundana). Nos. 22, 23, 24.—The Chrysales of the Webcrian T. No. 11.—The Lundian T (Anchylopera Lundana). Tue third Sub-Family of the Zortricid@ is composed of the Penthinidi, containing three genera, Brachytenia, Antithesia, and Penthina. The genus Brachytenia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenna slender, but setaceous, and clothed beneath with scales. The anterior wings are nearly, but not quite, twice as long as broad. The waving of the bands is very marked, and angular. Some of the larve feed within the shoots of Sallow. There are two British species. Brachytenia Hartmanniana (the Short-barred White, No. 1). This pretty species appears in July and August, and is found on the trunks of Willows, &c., near London, but is considered scarce. The other species, B. semifasctana, may be easily distinguished by its generally darker colour, and th nterruption of the principal band, or fascia, which only extends half across the fore wings. The genus Antithesia. In this genus the perfect insects have the palpi longer than the head, the thorax tufted, and the anterior wings rather more than twice as long as broad. The front of the wing is arched from the shoulder. There are fourteen British species, in one ‘of which the sexes differ so considerably in their markings as to have been taken for distinct species. Antithesia gentianana (the Gentian T, No. 2). This species belongs to the second division of this extensive genus, the insects assigned to which correspond closely in character with those of Stephens’ genus Endothenia, while the first division have rather more affinity with those of Hiibner’s genus Apotomis. The species (A. gentianoides) gives a fair general idea, however, of the whole of the genus. It is said to be common near London. The Caterpillar (No. 8) appears in November and March, and is generally found in heads of the Teazle. The perfect insect appears in July, and is common in the south of England. The other species are A. corticana, A. Betuletana, A. Capreana, A. ochrolewana, A. prelongana, sororculanda, A. cynosbatella, A, Pruniana, A. dimidiana, A. swuciana, A. Grevilliana, A. Scllanana, and A. marginana. The two last, like gentianoides, belonging to the section Endothenia, 140 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. The genus Penthina. In this genus the perfect insects have the antenne simple, the thorax tufted, the anterior wings more than twice as long as broad, and in the front arching from the shoulder, There is but one British species, Penthina Satlicella (the White-back T, No. 4). This handsome species is not rare in favourable localities in the southern counties. The Caterpillar is described as dull reddish brown, with the head and next segment nearly black. It feeds in folded leaves of the Willow in May. The perfect insect appears in July and August. The Spilonotidi form the fourth sub-family of the Zortricide, and contain two genera, Pardia and Spilonta ; the last-named genus being subdivided into sections nearly.according with Hitbner’s genera, Hedya and Notocella, and Stephens’ Phaneta. The genus Pardia. The insect assigned to this genus have the palpi longer than the head, the antenne pubescent beneath, and the fore wings nearly twice as long as broad. The front of the fore wings is arched at the shoulder, and those of the males have a fold or crease as far as the middle. The Caterpillars are Rose feeders. There is but one British species. _ Pardia tripunctana (the Black-cloaked T, No. 5). This species is very common, especially in gardens and along road-side hedges. The Caterpillar (No. 6) feeds on the foliage of the Rose, and the perfect insect appears very abundantly in July and August. The genus Spilonote. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi broadly compressed and longer than the head ; the abdomen tufted in the males ; the fore wings more than twice as long as broad, and deflexed when at rest ; the fold of the front wings reaches to the middle. The species, however, differ very considerably, and the genus has consequently been divided into sections, pretty nearly corresponding with Hiibner’s genera Hedya and Notocella, and Stephens’ genus Phaneta, as previously observed. The species selected for illustration is taken from the section edya, as best illustrating the character of the genus in general, the other two sections containing but one British species each. There are in all ten British species. Spilonta roborana (the Brown-cloaked 4, No. 7). This species is very plentiful and a great garden pest, the Caterpillar (No. 8) feeding upon the young shoots and buds of the Rose. The Caterpillar commences its ravages in April and May, and the moth appears in Jume and July. The other species in the first section (Hedya) are S. rosecolana (the Rose Brown-cloak T), 8. trimaculana (the Triple-blotched T), S. amanana (the Pretty Short-cloak T), S. neglectana (the Neglected Short-cloak 1), 8! dealbana (the White Short-cloak T) S. Alnetana (the Alder Short-cloak T), and S. Aceriana (the Maple Short-cloak T). In the second section (Notocella) the single species is S. ocellana (the Cream Short-cloak T), and in the third section (Phaneta) the single species is S. pauperana (the Early Short-cloak T). The fifth sub-family of the Tortricidae is composed of the Grapholithidi, This sub-family contains the following genera: Lithographia, Phleodes, Anchylopera, Bactra, Cartella, Hypermecia, Ditula, Pacilochroma, Halonota, Anisoteenia, Semasia, Coccyx, Heusimene, Panyplusia, Retinia, Carpocapsa, Opadia, Endopisa, Ephippiphora, Dicrorampha, Eucelis, Hemerosia, Grapholita, and Theodia. Many of these genera containing a great number of species, often of such divergent character as to render it necessary to divide the genera into several sections. The genus Lithographia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi longer than the head, and the anterior wings remarkably narrow, being nearly three times as long as broad. There are twelve British species, classed into four sections, all of which are subject to variation, especially Z. nisella (the Poplar Blotch-back T), of which there are seven or more varieties which have been ranked as species. Lithographia nigromaculana (the Beautiful Marbled T, No. 9). This pretty insect, with its anterior wings so brightly mottled with dark marks and specks upon a white ground, is very rare and yet widely dispersed, having been taken both in Ireland and Scotland, as well as in many parts of England. It appears about the end of July. The other species are, in the first section (Notocel?ia) L. Paykulliana (the Paykullian T); Z. nisella (the Poplar Bloteh-back T); Z. cinerana (the Mottled Gray T); Z. Campoliliana (the Recluse Marbled T), In the second section (Asthenia) there is but one species, L. minutana (the Brindled Marbled T). In the third section THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 141 (Phiaris) there are four species, LZ. trimaculana (the Elm Marbled T), Z. excructana (the Dingy Red T), L. Penklevriana (the Variable Red T), and Z. obfusana (the Blunt-winged Bloteh-back T). In the fourth section (Ludemis) there are two species, Z. nevana (the Marbled Single Dot T), and LZ. geminana (the Twin- Spot Single Dot T). The genus Phieodes. The general structural characters of this genus closely resemble those of the last, but the markings on examination of the species selected for illustration, will be found to be tolerably distinct. The palpi are longer than the head, the fore wings three times as long as broad, and have a fold reaching half their length. There are four British species. Phicodes immundana (the Angle-barred Single Dot T, No. 10), The Caterpillar of this species is ereenish-gray, with the head brownish. It feeds upon the foliage of the Birch, in rolled leaves ; there are two broods ; the perfect insect appearing in April and May, and again in September and October. It is rather scarce, but very widely distributed. The other species are P. tetraquetrana (the Single Dot T), P. Demarniana (the Blotched Single Dot T), and P. ercnana (the Notched Single Dot T). The genus Anchylopera, The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne filiform ; the palpi shorter than the head ; the fore wings rather more than twice as long as broad, the tip being sometimes rather hooked, as implied by the generic name. There are twelve British species, which vary much less than those of many of the preceding genera ; but they are in some cases so distinct that it has been found convenient to divide the genus into two sections. Anchylopera Lundana (the Lundian T, No. 11), This pretty and characteristic insect belongs to the typical section of the genus. It is double brooded, being found in May, and again in September. The Caterpillar, which feeds upon the leaves of the Meadow Vetch webbed together, is described as being of a greenish gray, with the head yellowish brown, and the second segment pale. The perfect insect is common, and very generally distributed. The other species of the typical section (Anchylopera) are A. Upupana (the Dark Hook-tip T), A. Mitterbacheriana (the Red Hook-tip T), A. diminutana (the Festoon T), A. derasana (the Hook-tip Blotch-back T), 4A. Myrtillana (the Myrtle T), A. comptana (the Delicate Hook-tip T), A. biarcuana (the Double Arched T), A. waeana (the Bridge T), A. waguicella (the Heath Hook-tip T), A. siewlana (the Hook- tipped Streak T). The other section (Philacea) contains but one species, A. Ramella (the Hooked Marble T), the markings of which are of a distinct character, and the hook-tip of the anterior wings less marked. The genus Bactra. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne simple, the palpi longer than the head ; the fore wings more than twice as long as broad, and the tip acute. The Caterpillars of some of the species are sap feeders, generally in rushes. Some of the species vary exceedingly, especially B. lanceolana, four of the varieties of which formerly made distinct species. There are three British species. Bactra furfurana (the Mottled Bran T, No. 12). This species appears in June, but it is rare and local; at the same time it is widely distributed, being found in the southern counties, and as far north as Edinburgh. The genus Cartella. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi much longer than the head, and the fore wings of very long proportion, being nearly three times as long as broad. The front of the anterior wings is arched at the shoulder, and the fold in the wings of the male extends about one third of the entire length of the wing. The Caterpillars feed_in the catkins of the Bireh. Cartella bilunana (the Double Crescent T, No. 18). The Caterpillar has not been accurately described, but is said to feed in the catkins of Birch in April. The perfect insect appears in June, and is not uncommon, The genus Hypermecia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne simple and the palpi longer than the head ; the anterior wings are of narrow proportion, and they are scarcely arched at their front edge, at the shoulder. There is but one British species. Hypermecia augustana (the Red Cross T, No. 14). The Caterpillar of this species is described as pale 142 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, yellow with minute specks; the head being black, and the second segment pale brown. It feeds in May and June upon the foliage of several kinds of Willow, drawing the leaves together by a web. _The perfect insect appears in June and July, and is common almost everywhere. The genus Ditula. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi projecting slightly beyond the head, the antenn of the male pubescent ; the body rather robust ; the fore wings rather more than twice as long as broad. The front of the fore wings is arched at the shoulder, and those of the male have a conspicuous ‘fold at the base. There is but one British species, Ditula angustiorana (the Red Bar T, No. 15). The Caterpillar is described as greenish-gray, the head being dark green, It feeds on various trees and shrubs in April and May, and the perfect insect appears in July and August. It is common almost everywhere. The genus Pweilochroma, The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi longer than the head ; the wings are rather narrow, being about twice as long as broad, and deflexed when at rest. There are, however, considerable discrepancies in the species now assigned to this genus, and they are consequently arranged in three sections. The first section (having affinities with the genus Dituda) contains one species only. The second section (having affinities with the genus Zeiraphera of Curtis) also contains only one gpecies. The third section (having affinities with the genus Acal/a of Hiibner) contains four species. The fourth section (having affinities with the genus Astatia of Hiibner) contains four species. The first section (Ditula), Pwcilochroma profundana (the Oblique-barred T, No. 16). The representation is that of a typical specimen of this species, of which there are several distinct varieties, ten having been named at different times as distinct species. The perfect moth appears in June and again in September, being double brooded. It is common in the southern and midland counties. The second section (Zeiraphera) contains but one British species: P. corticana (the Cock’s-head T). The third section (Acalla) contains, P. ophthalmicana (the Black Double-blotched T), P. oppressana (the Obscure Blotch-back T), P. occudtana (the Dingy Blotch-back T), and P. signatana, (the Black Blotehed T). The fourth section (Astatia), contains P. Solandriana (the Solandrian T), represented at No. 17, and three other species. P. Solandriana, by some writers placed in another genus, is found in July and August. The larva is described as dirty white, with a tinge of green; the head and second segment black. It feeds on Hazel and Birch in May. The Moth is common almost everywhere. The other species in this section are P. Brunnichana (the Brunnichian T), of which there are many distinct varieties, P. stabilana (the Clouded Willow T), and P. Piccana (the Shining Pitch T). The genus Halonota. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi longer than the head, the antenne simple, the fore wings rather more than twice as long as broad, and the front arched beyond the fold, in the male. This genus contains thirteen species, divided into the sections, 1. (Zpinolia,) containing two species, H. bimaculana, and H, cirsiana ; 2. (Epiblema,) containing eight species, H. seutulana, IZ. novana, H. Brunnichiana, H, turridana, H. Fenella, H. trigeminana, H. costipunctana, and H. tetragonana. The third section (Hemimene) contains three species, H. populana, H. nigricostana, and H. obscurana. Halonota scutulana (the Single Blotched T, No. 18). 1 have selected this species, belonging to the second section, to represent the whole genus, which it does very inadequately ; but the space of my work forbids farther illustration. It appears in June and July, and is widely distributed and rather common. The Caterpillar is described as bright pink, with the head and second segment black, and as feeding in the stems of Thistles in October, and in May, being double brooded. i The genus Anisotenia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne longer than the head. The wings long and narrow, the anterior pair being more than twice as long as broad; the front arched at the shoulder, and the front angle rather rounded. Anisotenia Ubnana (the White-barred Elm T, No. 19). The Caterpillar of this species is, as yet, undescribed, but the Moth, though not common, is very widely distributed, and appears in June and July. The genus Semasia. The insects assigned to this have the palpi longer than the head ; the antenne simple ; the anterior wings twice as long as broad, and their front angle rather rounded. The species are, THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 143 however, not very homogeneous, and are, therefore, divided into three sections :—1l. Semasia,; 2. Aspila ; and 3. £narmonia: the insects assigned to the last section having metallic or gold-like marks on the wings. Section 1 contains S. spiniana (the White Triangle T). Section 2, S. Janthinana (the Purple-shades T), and S. rufillana (the Dark Purple Shades T). Section 3, S. Weberana (the Weberian T, No. 20). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 21) is found under the bark of various trees, upon the inner tegument of which it appears to feed. It prefers the Apple, Plum, or Cherry, but is also found on the Laurel. The perfect insect, which is easily distinguished by the gold-like marks on the anterior wings, appears in May, and again in September, and is common almost everywhere. The Chrysalis (Nos. 22 to 24) is attached to the bark in stiff cocoons of a yellowish colour. ay 2 4g we + oe % © % fated wh 17 f THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS 145 PLATE LI. No, 1.—Tho Large Dark Silver-striped T (Coccyx Strodi- No. 8.—The Codling T (Curpocapsa pomonella). Waite). No, 9.—The Caterpillar of the Codling T. No. 2.—The Brown-bordered T (Heusimene fimbriana). No, 10.—The Plum-tree T (Opadia funebrana). No. ge =o Silver-striped T (Pamplusia monti- No. 11.—The Black Striped-edge T (Endopisa nigricana). colana). No. 12.—The Yellow Blotch-backed T (Ephippiphora ve- giana). No. 13.—The Petiverian T (Dichrorampha Petiverella). No. 4.—The Silver-striped Orange Spot T (Relinia Buo- liana.) No. 5.—The Caterpillar of the Silver-striped Orango Spot T. No. 6.—The Chrysalis of the Silver-striped Orange Spot T. No, 16.—The Brown-cloaked T (Grapholita Albersana). No. 14.—The Double Orange Spot T (Zucelis aurana). No. 15,—The Rheedian T (Hemirosia Rhezediella). No, 7.—Moth at rest of the Silver-striped Orange Spot T, ‘ No. 17.—The Lemon T (Thiodia citrana). The genus Coccyx. The insects assigned to this genus consist in great part of that pretty group of small Moths popularly known as the Silver-Lines, which are so named from haying several extremely fine silvery lines running along the front nervures of the anterior wings. The species assigned to the three divisions of the genus Coccyx have the palpi scarcely longer than the head ; the front wings about twice as long as broad, and the front slightly arched at the shoulder. There are ten species, divided into three sections, Coccyx Strovilella (the Large Dark Silver-striped T, No. 1). It is impossible in a drawing to render distinctly the slight silvery streaks of the front of the fore wings which distinguish this species, like others of the group. The other markings will, however, render it sufficiently recognisable. The Caterpillar is pale yellow, and has the head pale brown. It feeds on the seeds of Fir-cones in October and April. The perfect insect appears in May, and generally found in Fir plantations, but is rather rare. It has recently been taken at West Wickham, Croydon, and other places near London. C. Strobilella belongs to the first section of the genus Coccyx (Hemimenc), which contains three other species of more or less characteristic resemblance to each other. C. cosmophorana, C. splendidulana, C. argyrana, and C. finitimana. The next section (Astheria) contains but one species, C. pygmeana. The third section, Evetria, contains four species : C. Hyrciniana, C. ustomaculana, C. nanana, and C. Vacciniana. The genus Heusimene. In this genus the perfect Moth has the palpi the same length as the head, the wings extremely long and narrow; the front of the wings nearly straight, and the front angle rather sharp. There is only one British species, Heusimene fimbriana (the Brown-bordered T, No, 2). This is an early insect, being generally found in March and April, in the neighbourhood of Oaks, upon which it is probable that the Caterpillar feeds ; but it remains as yet undescribed. The Moth is far from common, though very widely distributed. The genus Pamplusia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne simple, the palpi rather longer than the head, and the wings very long and narrow, being three times as long as broad, and haying the front nearly straight at the shoulder. There are two British species. Pamplusia monticolana (the Faint Silver-striped T, No, 3). This is,a northern insect, being most abundant in moors and highlands in the North of England, where it is found in July and August. The Caterpillar is unknown. 146 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. The other species is P. Alticolana (the Mountain Silver-striped T). The genus Retinia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi rather longer than the head, and the front wings more than twice as long as broad. There are five species divided into two sections. Retinia Buoliana (the Silver-striped Orange Spot T, No. 4). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 5) feeds upon the young shoots of the Scotch Fir in May, to which it is very injurious. The Chrysalis (No. 6) is generally attached to a portion of the shoot which has been destroyed by the Caterpillar. The Moth appears in July and August, and is very common, and very generally distributed. No. 7 represents a Moth in repose, in which state the position of the wings is very characteristic. The other species in the first section (Rhyacionia) of the genus Retinia are, R. Pinicolana, R. Turionella, R. Pinivorana. In the second section (£vertria) there is only one species, R. sylvestranda. The genus Carpocapsa. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi rather longer than the head. The front wings are more than twice as long as broad, and are slightly arched at the shoulder in front, and become suddenly concave at the hack, within the posterior angle. The wings of some of the species are ornamented with small metallic patches. There are two British species, placed in two separate sections of the genus. All the known Caterpillars of this genus feed in the interior of fruits. Carpocapsa pomonelia (the Codling T, No. 8). This species is the only one belonging to the second section of the genus, (Cydia). The Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds within the fruit of the Apple, causing it to fall prematurely, and thus causing much damage in Apple orchards. The perfect insect appears in June and July, and is found in gardens and orchards, but not very abundantly except in some districts. In the first section of Carpocapsa, (Enarmonia) the two British species are C. splendana (the Bright Marble T), and C. grossana (the Smoky Marble T); both have the metallic markings similar to those of C. pomonella, though sometimes much more obscurely defined. The genus Opadia. The general characters of this genus resemble so closely those of the last-described genus (Carpocapsa) that some writers place the only British Opadia in that genus. The wings however are narrower, with a stronger indent behind the apex of the fringed edge, and are of more obscure colouring and markings. Opadia funebrana (the Plum-tree T, No. 10). The Caterpillar of this species feeds within the pulp of the Plum in August and September ; it is of a pale red, with a black head, and the second segment pale brown. The Moth appears in July. It is taken about London, and Cambridge; but this species is scarce in the perfect state, though Mr. Stainton remarks that in its Caterpillar stage it is exceedingly plentiful in Plum pies. The genus Endopisa. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenn simple, but rather robust. The palpi are rather longer than the head. The front wings are rather more than twice as long as broad, and in the only British species are nearly black, with the exception of a few light orange-brown marks above the front edge near the external angle. Endopisa nigricana (the Black Striped-edge T, No. 11). This insect, the glossy black wings of which, with their silvery fringe, make it very remarkable, is taken in woods and hedges in June, but is not very abundant. The genus Ephippiphora. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi slightly longer than the head. The fore wings are of long proportion, being rather more than twice as long as broad ; and have generally a light patch on the inner margin of the front wings. There are fifteen British species, divided into five sections. Ephippiphora regiana (the Yellow Blotch-backed T, No. 12). The larva of this pretty species is dirty white, with the head pale brown, and the second segment pale orange; it is also speckled with black. It feeds under the bark of the Sycamore in September and October, and the moth appears in June and July. It is widely distributed, and rather common in the southern counties. E. regiane belongs to the second section of the genus (Pammene), the only other species belonging to which is BE, Trauniana. The first section of the genus contains Z. Germarana and L. puncticostana. The third section of the genus, (Aspila) contains 2, nitidana and £. Weirana, THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 147 The fourth section of the genus (Hemimene) contains Z. Lathyrana, E. compositella, EB. internana, and E. perlepidana. The fifth section of the genus (Selanea) contains #. Leplastriana, E. Heegerana, E. coniferana, B. fissanc, and £, Dorsana. The genus Dichrorampha. This genus, established by M. Guénée, contains eleven British species of well- defined and tolerably homogeneous character. The antenne of the perfect insect are simple, the palpi rather longer than the head. The anterior wings are twice as long as broad, and have the hind margin indented before the external angle. The fold in the fore wings of the males is half the length of the wings. The Caterpillars, as far as known, are root feeders. Dichrorampha Petiverella (the Petiverian T, No 13). The caterpillar of this pretty species feeds on the roots of the Millefoil (Achillea millefolia). It is pinkish-white, with the head brownish, and is found in April, and again in November, The Moth appears in June and July, and is very generally distributed and very common, The other species are, D. Sequana (the Silver Blotch T), D. Politana (the Shining Blotch-back T, D. alpinana (the Gold-fringed T), D. simpliciana (the Plain Silver-fringed T), D. acuminatana (the Dark Silver- fringed T), D. saturnana (the Dingy T), D. plumbagana (the Leaden-fringed T), D. wlicana (the Furze T), D. consortana (the Dwarf T). The genus Eucelis. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi much longer than the head. The front edge of the fore wings arched at the shoulder, and rather more than twice as long as broad. There is but one British species. Eucelis aurana (the Double Orange-spot T, No. 14). This pretty insect appears in June and July, especially in the bright sunshine, where the common Umbellifere are abundant, such as the Cow-parsnip, &e. It is found near London, and as far north as Renfrewshire. The genus Hemerosia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne remarkably robust, and the palpi long and extending considerably beyond the head. The wings are twice as long as broad, and arched at the front edge towards the shoulder. There is but one British species. Hemerosia Rheediella (the Rheedian T, No. 15). The Caterpillar of this species feeds on the foliage of the Apple and Hawthorn. The Moth appears in May and June, and is widely distributed, though not very common. The genus Grapholita. Many of the insects now assigned to this extensive genus were formerly included in the genus Carpocapsa. They are distinguished by slender and simple antenne, the palpi longer than the head, the wings twice as long as broad, and by the characteristic markings. There are thirteen British species assigned to this genus in the system which I am following. Grapholita Albersana (the Brown-cloaked T, No. 16). The Caterpillar of this species feeds on the folded leaves of the common Woodbine in August. The perfect insect appears in May and June. It is rarely found in the middle or more northerly counties, but is widely distributed in more southern localities. The other species are G. Ulicctana, which flies in swarms about Furze-bushes in May and August ; G. asseclana ; G. Juliana ; G. Hypericana, the Caterpillars of which feed on Hypericum ; G. Winmerana, which is rare, and the Caterpillars of which feed on Sea Wormwood ; G. Lacteana ; G. Scopoliana ; G. Hohenwarthana ; G. Bmulana ; G. cecimaculana ; G. expallidana ; and G. pupillana, the Caterpillars of which feed in the roots of Artemisia maritima on the south coast. The genus Thiodia. The insects assigned to this genus have their antenne simple, the palpi rather longer than the head, the wings moderately broad for this group, and the colour generally of different shades of subdued orange or yellow. There is only one British species. Thiodia citrana (the Lemon T, No. 17). This rare insect has been taken at Southend (Essex) and Lytham (Lancashire), in places where the Rest-harrow is abundant, THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 149 PLATE LI]. No. 1.—The Jaundiced Drab T (Sphaleroptera ictericana). | No. 6.—The Brindled T (Eviopsela quadrana). No. 2.—The Hight-spotted T (Cnephasia Penziana). No. 7.—The Pale Clay T (Capua ochraceana). No. 3.—The Afternoon T (Syndemis musculana). No, 8.—The Rustic T (Clepsis rusticana). No. 4.—The Beautiful Rough-wing T (Phtheochroa rugosana | No. 9.—The Dotted Drab T (Ablabia pratana). No. 5.—The Red-barred Gray T (Argyrotenia politana). | No. 10.—The Clouded Winter T (Tortricodes hyemana). Tue sixth sub-family of the Zortricide is that of the Sciaphilidi containing ten genera, the whole of which are illustrated in the present Plate. Among them are some of the commonest of our small Moths, some of which appear in thousands in their season, but a few are rare. : The genus Sphaleroptera. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi projecting beyond the head, and the proportion of the anterior wings is nearly three times as long as broad. The wings of the female are of shorter proportion, and nearly straight in front, those of the males being curved. Sphaleroptera ictericana (the Jaundiced Drab T, No. 1). This species, which has been recently separated from the genus Cnephasia, is very inconspicuous, the colour of the wings being of a pale drab colour unvaried by any markings beyond a slight mottle of a deeper tone of the same colour. The female is rather more strongly marked with a pale brown. The Caterpillar is found upon all kinds of plants, and is abundant in May, June and July. The perfect insect appears in June and July, and is very common in the neighbourhood of London. The genus Cnephasia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi rather longer than the head, and the wings of considerably shorter proportions than those of the preceding genus, being scarcely more than twice as long as broad. The front of the wings is slightly arched in the male and more strongly in the female. There are fifteen species, divided into two sections, fourteen being placed in the division ‘‘ Syndemis,” and one in the division ‘‘ Eudemis,” as approaching in character to those genera as defined by Hiibner. Crephasia Octomaculana (the Eight-spotted T, No. 2). This is one of the handsomest species, and not being found in the southern counties has long been considered a choice variety by London collectors. The Caterpillar is unknown, but it probably feeds upon Lichens, as the Moth is found in rocky places where they abound. The perfect insect appears in the north of England in July, and has been taken at Edinburgh, at Ardrossan, and in North Wales. The other species are, in the first section, C. decolorana, C. perterana, C. obsoletana, C. passivana, C. subjectana, C. Virgaureana, C. alternella, C. perplenana, C. sinuana, C. cretaceana, C. Penziana, C. incana, and C. hybridana. Among these, subjectana and Virgaureana occur by thousands, and are far from attractive in their colour or markings ; but the other northern species, C. Penziana, is very handsome and as conspicuous as C. Octomaculana (No. 2). In the second division C. Nubilana is a common unattractive insect which is a perfect pest from its great numbers. The genus Syxdemis. The single British species assigned to this genus of Hiibner’s is by some English 150 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. authors still retained in the genus Lozotenia, with the general character of which the form of the fore-wings, strongly arched at the shoulder, give it an apparent affinity, while other characters seem to warrant its being assigned to its present position. Syndemis musculana (the Afternoon T, No. 3). This is an extremely abundant species, common every- where. The Caterpillar feeds in rolled leaves of Bramble in October, and the perfect insect appears in the following May. c The genus Phtheochroa. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi of rather long proportions, the anterior wings about twice as long as broad, with the front nearly straight, but slightly arched at the shoulder. The margins of the wings of the female are more indented towards the tip than those of the male. There are tufts of scales on the anterior wings which have suggested the specific name rugosana for the only British species. Phtheochroa rugosana (the Beautiful Rough-wing T, No. 4). The Caterpillar of this species feeds on the Bryony (Bryonia dioica) in September ; the perfect insect appearing in the following May and June. It is found fluttering over hedges in which Bryony is growing, and in the southern counties is far from uncommon. There is a bright pinkish flush in very fresh specimens which soon fades. This pretty species may be recognised at once on the wing by its slow flight, and its comparatively large size and light appearance. The genus Argyrotenia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi scarcely projecting beyond the head, and the wings scarcely twice as long as broad. In other respects also they differ from the genus Sericoris with which they were formerly classed, and in which some authors still retain them, There are three British species. Argyrotenia politana (the Red-barred Grey T, No. 5). The Caterpillar of this pretty little species feeds upon Myrica gale ; the perfect insect appearing in June and July. It is found to be widely distributed on moors and high barren grounds, though formerly only supposed to be taken in the New Forest and at one or two places in Devonshire. The other species are A. cognatana and A. fuscociliana. The genus Eriopsela. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi conspicuously longer than the head, the fore-wings rather more than twice as long as broad, nearly straight in front, and form a somewhat acute angle at the external point. The hind-wings are indented within the tip. There are only two British species. Eriopsela quadrana (the Brindled T, No. 6). The Caterpillar of this species remains undescribed. The perfect insect appears in May, but is rare; West Wickham, Stoat’s Nest, &c., being among the few places where it has been recently taken. The undersides of the hind-wings of this species are whitish, speckled with gray at the edges. The other species, Z. fractifasciana, closely resembles the preceding, but may be distinguished by the under sides of the hind-wings, which instead of being whitish are entirely gray. The genus Capua. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi short and slender, scarcely longer than the head ; and the antenne of the males are strongly pubescent. The fore-wings are twice as long as wide, and in the males have a fold which reaches about half their length. There is only one British species. Capua ochraceana (the Pale Clay T, No. 7). The Caterpillars of this genus are said to feed on the foliage of the Hornbeam ; the perfect insect appearing in May and June. It is widely dispersed, and not searce. The New Forest was formerly considered the best place for its capture. The genus Clepsis. The only British species assigned to this genus has the palpi slender and twice as long as the head. The anterior wings are nearly twice as long as broad, and the front edges slightly arched at the shoulders. Clepsis rusticana (the Rustic T, No. 8). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown. The perfect insect appears in June, and is generally found in fens or on marshy commons, where it is far from rare. The seventh sub-family of the Tortricidae is that of the Aphelidi, which contains but two British genera, Ablabia and Tortricodes. The genus Ablubia. The single British species assigned to this genus has the palpi slender and much longer THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTIIS. 151 than the head. The anterior wings are very long and narrow, being in length nearly three times their breadth. The wings are dark and almost without markings. Ablabia pratana (the Dotted Drab T, No. 9). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown. The perfect Moth appears in July and August, and is very common. It is also very widely dispersed, and may be taken almost everywhere from Dover to Edinburgh. The slight and imperfect markings of the wings vary very much both in number and intensity. The genus Tortricodes. The palpi of the insects assigned to this genus are short and pointing downwards. The anterior wings are of long proportion like those of the last genus, and generally of obscure colour, and have very indistinct markings, or none at all. Tortricodes hyenana (the Clouded Winter T, No. 10), The Caterpillar of this obscure species is unknown. The perfect Moth appears in the early spring in woods, but is not common, 7 a i he i vé ma) a \ - 5 Pear _ Oa l= oT) cTte, - ¥ ine 7 = ta Pr Ve OM wee Pon! , a ! ij, ‘9 Sayf on | a) " j . } j aan 7 = ie’ i ¥ aay = ; ; y 4 7. ‘ » : . te = : - 5 : 7 | : ry ‘ ea - Sie . i » A iy Gr ’ THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 153 PLATE LIII. No, 1.—The Tawney-dotted T (Euchromia fulvipunctanua). | No. 9.—The Servillian T (Cerata Servillana). No. 2.—The Straight-barred T (Orthutenia striana), No. 10.—The Tessellated T (Chrosis tesserana). No. 3.—The Udmannian T (Notocella Udinanniana). | No. 11,.—The Scarlet-barred Gold T (Dapsilia rutilana). No, 4.—The Marbled Dog's-tooth T (Sideria Achatana) . 12.—The Burdock T (Argyrolepia badiana). No. 5.—The Silver-striped T (Sericoris conchana). No, 13.—The Doubtful T (Zupecilia dubuana). No. 6.—The Schulzian T (Mixodia Schulziwna). No. 14.—The Orange-barred Pearl T (Aryyridia dipoltella), 2 ° No. 7.—The Arched T (Roxana arcuanda). No. 15.—The Littoral Straw T (Logopera alternana). No. 8.—The Orange and Black T (Lobesia reliquana). No. 16.—The Zegian T (Xanthosetia Zegana). The eighth sub-family of the Zortricide is that of the Sericoridi containing seven genera, Luchromia, Orthotania, Notocella, Sideria, Sericoris, Mixodia and Roxana. The genus Euchromia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi projecting considerably beyond the head. The anterior wings are about twice as long as wide; the front edge being regularly arched, and the apex rather pointed. There are three British species, representing two sections. The first is distinguished by the title Argyroploce as partially corresponding with Hiibner’s genus of that name, and the second distinguished by the term Zuchromia as approaching the genus established by Stephens. Euchromia fulvipunctana (the Tawney-dotted T, No. 1). This species belongs to the second division. The Caterpillar is dark reddish brown with a black head, and feeds upon the common Bilberry (Vaccinium Vitis idea) in May. The Moth appears in June and July. It is a northern species, and common on moors in the northern counties and in Scotland. The other species in the same section of the genus is Z. purpurana, a scarce insect, so named from the dull rosy tone of the front wings. In the division Argyroploce the only species is B. arbutella, which like Julvipunctana may be considered a northern species. The genus Orthotcenta. The two of the three species now assigned to Stephens’ genus Orthotenia are by some authors placed in the genus Huchromia, which their characters in some degree justify, while one or more were formerly located in the genus Sericoris, The characters of the insects here assigned to the genus Orthotcenia are—palpi twice as long as the head, fore-wings more than twice as long as wide, front edge regularly arched, apex obtuse. Orthotenia striana (the Straight-barred T, No. 2). This insect in the perfect form frequents hedges about the middle of June, and is rather common, being sometimes very abundant in the southern counties. The other species are, first, O. Hricetana (the Heath T,) originally taken by Mr. Bentley in the north of England, but since at Shanklin in the Isle of Wight, Bristol, &. Secondly, 0. antiquana, which is widely distributed, but no- where common. The genus Notocella. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi very short and bent downwards. The antenne of the males are slightly serrated. The fore-wings are broader and shorter than in the neighbouring genera, There is but one British species, Notocelia Udmanniana (the Udmannian T, No. 3.) The Caterpillar of this species is unknown. The perfect Moth appears in June and is widely dispersed. It is not uncommon in woods or woody lanes. 154 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. The genus Sideria. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi of moderate length, the anterior wings of long proportion, the front edge regularly arched, and the fringed edge indented behind the tip. There is only one British species. Sideria Achatuna (the Marbled Dog’s-tooth T, No. 4). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown. The perfect insect appears in June and July, and is not searce in the south of England, especially where Hawthorn abounds, which is probably the food of the larve. The genus Sericoris. The insects assigned to this species have the palpi rather short and only slightly projecting beyond the head. The wings are rather broad, but the anterior pair are twice as long as broad, the body is long, and in the males tufted. The females are smaller than the other sex. There are 14 British species still retained in this genus, and they are divided into three divisions, the first distinguished as ‘‘ Celypha ;” the second, Phiaris, and the third HLudemis, respectively so named on account of the insects assigned to each division approaching in character three genera established by Htibner. Sericoris conchana (the Silver-striped T, No. 5). This insect belongs to the first division of the genus (Celypha). The Caterpillar is unknown. The perfect Moth appears in July and is widely dispersed, being found in many widely distant places, from the New Forest to the north of Perthshire. The other species in this division are S. Herbana, 8. Lacunana, S. Urticana and 8. alternana. In the second division (Phiaris) there are S. micana and S. Bistrigana, In the third and last division (Zudemis) there are S. fuligana, 8S. latifasciana, 8. Dormoyana, S. Euphorbiana, 8. bifasciana, 8. litoralis, and S. cespitana, The genus Mixodia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi rather longer than the head, and the wings nearly twice as long as broad ; the front edge being slightly but regularly arched, and the tip rather pointed. There are three British species. Mixodia Schulziana (the Schulzian T, No. 6). This pretty insect is by no means rare if sought in the right localities, namely, the Moors and High Heathy districts of the north of England and Scotland. It has also been taken near Weybridge, in Surrey. The time of the appearance of the Caterpillar is unknown, but the Moth appears in June and July. The other two species are M. palustrana and M. Tenerana. Palustrana may be easily distinguished by its smaller size and the deeper brown of its markings. The genus Roxana. In this genus the perfect insects have the palpi longer than the head, and the wings more than twice as long as broad; the front edge of the wings being very slightly arched and the apex rather obtuse. There is but one British species. Roxana arcuana (the Arched T, No. 7). The Caterpillar is unknown. The Moth appears in woods about the end of June ; but by some it is said to be double-brooded, and to appear in May and again in August. Greenhithe, Hampstead, New Forest, &c., are mentioned as places where it has been recently captured. The ninth and last sub-family of the Tortricidw is that of the Cochylidi, containing nine British genera, Lobesia, Cerata, Chrosis, Dapsilia, Argyrolepia, Eupecilia, Argyridia, Lozopera and Xanthosetia. The genus Lobesia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi longer than the head, the wings more than twice as long as broad, the front edge slightly arched, and the tip rather acute. The females are rather smaller than the males, and have the fringed margin of the hind-wings gradually indented below the tip. There is but one British species. Lobesia reliquana (the Orange and Black T, No. 8). The Caterpillar of this brightly coloured little insect isunknown. The perfect Moth appears in May, and flies in the bright sunshine. The hind-wings of the female are much darker than those of the male, being of a dusky brownish gray. It is far from uncommon in the southern counties, but extremely rare in other parts of the country. The genus Cerata, The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi spread, and pointing upwards. The fore-wings are of long proportion, but rather blunt at the apex. There are two British species. Cerata Servillana (the Servillian T, No. 9). The Caterpillar of this insect is unknown, the perfect insect appearing in woods very early in the spring, where it may be sought as early as March. It conceals itself during the day among dry leaves, where it is easily secured. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. i 155 The other species of this genus is C. semplana, one of the least of the group popularly defined as the T’s. The genus Chrosis. The general characters of this genus may be said to be as follows :—the palpi slender and longer than the head, the fore-wings rather more than twice as long as wide, and rather obtuse at the apex. The two British species, however, which belong to it vary materially. Chrosis tesserana (the Tessellated T, No. 10). The Caterpillar of this gaily-marked insect is unknown. The Moth appears both in June and August, and is very variable in colour. It is found most plentifully in chalky districts, the chalk downs of Brighton, Dover, &c., being recorded as places where it has been recently taken. There is a variety described by Stephens under the title Argyrolepia decimana. The other species is C. Auwdoutnana ; it has the fore-wings brownish-black, with an obscurely defined patch of orange at the tips. It is found where oaks abound in June and July. The genus Dapsilia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi longer than the head, and the anterior wings twice as long as broad, and rather blunt at the tip. There is only one British species. Dapsilia rutilana (the Scarlet-barred Gold T, No. 11). The Caterpillar of this pretty, and brightly- coloured species is yellowish-green, with the head bright orange. It feeds on the Juniper, in the foliage of which it surrounds itself by a thickly-spun web. It is full fed in June. The Moth appears in July and August. It is not scarce in chalky districts, especially in the chalky downs of Surrey. ; The genus Argyrolepia. The general characteristics of this genus may be said to be, long and slender palpi, the fore-wings narrow and elongate in general form, the front slightly arched, and the apex obtuse. But the species, though only seven in number, vary so considerably that they are divided into three sections, under separate distinctive titles, to denote their respective affinities with other genera. These three divisions are arranged in the following order :—Division A., Commophila ; B., Chlidonia ; C., Lozopera. Argyrolepia badiana (the Burdock T, No. 12). The Caterpillar of this species feeds within the stems and roots of Burdock. The Moth appears in July. It is widely distributed and plentiful wherever the Burdock is found in abundance. The other species, in this, the last division (Logopera), are, A. Baumanniana, A. Cnicana, and A. Dubrisana, of which last there are several varieties, formerly named as distinct species. In the first division ( Commophila) the species are A. neana, and A. Schrebersiana. In the second division (Chlidonia) there is only one species, A. Mussehliana ; of these A. Bawmannia is one of the handsomest. : The genus Lupecilia. The insects in this genus have the palpi scarcely projecting beyond the head ; the fore-wings are long and rather narrow, the front edge being nearly straight. There are seventeen species which differ considerably in their characters, and which are therefore arranged in four divisions, ‘‘ Notocella,” “ Asthenia,” ‘* Eupecilia,” and ‘* Cochylis,” in allusion to the genera to which these divisions bear respectively more or less affinity. Eupecilia dubitana (the Doubtful T, No. 13). This pretty Moth is on the wing in July and August, and has been recently taken at Bristol, Farnham, and one or two other places. It belongs to the first division of the genus. The other species are as follows :—In the first division (Notocella), EB. atricapitana. In the second division (Asthenia), EF. nana. In the third division (Bupeecilia), EF. maculosana, E. sodaliana, EB. Carduana, EB. ambiguella, EB. angustana, E. afinitona, B. Griseana, and £. notulana. In the fourth and last division (Cochylis), there are Z£. rupicola, EB. flaviciliana, E. roseana, E. subroseana, and £. ruficiliana. Many of these, from their bright yellow or rosy colours, are very attractive little insects. The genus Argyridia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi longer than the head, the fore- wings extremely long and narrow, being in length more than three times their breadth. The front of the anterior wings is nearly straight, and the apex acute. There is but one British species. Argyridia dipoltella (The Orange-barred Pearl T, No. 14). The Caterpillar of this delicately marked insect is unknown. It appears in the perfect form in July and August, but is very scarce. Several places in Surrey have, however, yielded recent specimens. The genus Lozopera. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi rather slender, and projecting 156 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. beyond the head; the fore-wings, like those of the last genus, are of exceedingly long proportion, sometimes exceeding in length three times their breadth. The front of the anterior wings is straight, and the apex sharp. There are five British species. Lozopera alternana (the Littoral Straw T, No. 15). The Caterpillar of this pretty primrose-coloured Moth is unknown. The perfect insect appears in June and July. It is widely distributed, but rather local, and rarely very plentiful. The other species are L. Franeillana, L. dilwidana, L. Smeathmanniana, and L. straminea ; most of these are of pale straw colour, and various shades of pale yellow, and sometimes very delicately marked. The genus Xanthosctia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi extending considerably in front of the head, the fore-wings about twice as long as broad, the front edge slightly but regularly arched, and the tip acute. They are generally of a pale lemon colour, but the species are not very homogeneous in their characters, and although there are but three in the genus, they are separated into two divisions,—A., ‘‘ Zuaanthis,” and B., “‘ Hysterosia,” suggesting other genera to which they exhibit more or less affinity. Xanthosetia Zagana (the Zegian T, No. 16). The Caterpillar of this brightly-coloured and conspicuous insect feeds on the roots of Scabiosa columbaria. The Moth appears in May, and again in August. It is not so common as the other species’ in the first division, but is widely dispersed, and far from rare. The other species in the first division (Zuxanthis), is X. hamana, which is rather larger than X. Zegana, but paler in colour. In the third division (Hysterosia), the only species is X. ¢nopiana, which, instead of having the anterior wings of a yellow tone like the typical species, is of a dull drab-colour, from which circumstance it derives its popular name, the Plain Drab T. REPUTED BRITISH TORTRICES. In THE Sup-Faminy Torrricipr. Lozotenia croceana . The large SaffronT., and a | Lozotenia obliquana . The Doubtful Oblique-bar T. variety known as Tortrix ochreana. Oxigrapha Leacheana . The Leachean T. Lozotenia subocellana The Eyelet T. Peronea divisana . . The White Pinioned T. Lozotenia ochreana . The Ochreous Oblique-bar T. Paramesia Modecriana The Modeerian T. Lozotenia gnomana . The Dial T. Paramesia peregrinana The Peregrine T. Lozotzenia trifasciana . The Triple Oblique-barred T. Paramesia Steineriana . The Steinerian T. Lozotenia biustulana The Scorched T. Croesia trileucana . . The Triple Blotched T. In THE Sub-FAMILY SPILONOTIDI. ‘ Spilonota incarnatana The Rosy Short Cloak T. In Tor Sup-Famity GRAPHOLITHIDI. Peecilochroma Schreberiana The Schreberian T. | Grapholita Hastana . . The Hastian T. Halonota similana . The Middle Double-blotched T. Grapholita aspidiscana. . The Bright Sealed T, and Halonota rusticana. . . The Rustic Blotch-back T. two varieties known as Tortrix Zachana, and Retinia Resinella . . . The Resin T. Tortrix Monetulana, Carpocapsa amplana . . The Full T. Grapholita Vappana . . The Dubious T. Dichrorampha inquinitana The Large Gold-fringed T. Ty THe Sus-Famiry ScrAPHiLint. Cnephasia Wahlbomiana . The Wahlbomian T. Syndemis asinana . . . The Large Gray T. Cnephasia fwligana . . The Dark-barred Gray 1. Syndemis cinctana. . . The Chalk-hill T. In THE SuB-FAMILY SERICORIDI. Orthotenia fasciolana . The Small Straight-barred T. Sericoris Lediana . . The Ledian T. | . , | . . . Sericoris flavofasciana . The Yellow-barred T. | Sericoris penthinana . The Cloaked Likeness T. Sericoris bipunctana . The Double-spotted T. | | In THE Sus-FAmMiLy CocHyLipt. Chrosis decimana . . The Ten-spotted 'T. | Argyroptera Lathoniana The Lathonian T. Enpecilia pustulana . The Dull-blotched T. on PL 54 ~I THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 15 PLATE LIV. No, 1.—The Wall Gray (Eudorea murana). No. 10.—The Hoary Knot-horn (@ymnancyla canella). No. 2.—The Pine Knot-horn (Nephopteryx Abictella). No. 11.—The Cinerous Knot-horn (Ephestia elutella). No. 3.—The Rosy Veneer (Burhodope carnella). No. 12.—The Cloaked Knot-horn (Plodia interpuncetella). No. 4.—The Birch Knot-horn (Pempelia Betula). No. 13.—The Dingy Veneer (Hypochalcia ahenella). No. 5.—The Warted Knot-horn (Acrobasis tumidana). No. 14.—The Cast Knot-horn (Arazes Lotella). No. 6.—The Thistle Ermine (Myelophila cribrum). No. 15.—The Honey Moth (Achroia grisella). No. 7.—The Porphyry Knot-horn (Myelois suavella). No. 16.—The Honey-comb Moth (Galleria Mellonella). No. 8.—The Twin-barred Knot-horn (Homeosoma sinuella). No. 17.—The Caterpillar of the Honey-comb Moth. No. 9.—The Double-striped Red Knot-horn (Cryptoblabes No. 18.—The Green-shaded Honey Moth (Aphomiu sociella). bistriga). No. 19.—The Double Spot (Melissoblaptes bipunctanus). Havine in my last Plate completed the description of all the genera of the extensive family of Tortricide, T have now to commence the illustration of the Crambidae. In the arrangement of the genera belonging to this family I have followed that finally adopted by the late Mr. Stephens, whose loss is still lamented by all British Entomo- logists as one which seems at present irreparable. In his arrangement of this group of our native micro-lepidoptera, Mr. Stephens endeavoured, and as it appears to me very successfully, to arrange these insects according to their natural affinities, at all events in so far as it is practicable with a collection confined to British species, in which many gaps must necessarily occur, and many links exhibiting generic affinities be missing. It is the system of arrangement adopted in the British Museum, for which purpose, in fact, Mr. Stephens’ elaborate revision of the Crambide was undertaken. In this system, the family of the Crambide is divided into five Sub-Families, and twenty-three genera ; the Sub-Families being Zudoridi, Phycidi, Galleridi, Crambidi and Chilidi. One of the most distinctive characters of the family is the apparent size and width of the wings when flying, and their narrow and slender effect when the insect is at rest, and they are compactly folded close to the body. They are also distinguished by the length of the palpi. These characters, however, are not common to the whole family, though they so remarkably distinguish the typical genera. They abound in cool grassy places, and generally appear between May and September. By some authors the whole family is simply restricted to the two genera, Crambus and Chilo. The Sub-Family Zudoridi contains but one genus, Eudorea. The genus Zudorea is a very extensive one, containing thirteen species, which are distinguished by the length of the maxillary palpi which project beyond the labial palpi. The fore-wings are moderately broad, and are not folded in repose as with the typical Crambidae. The Caterpillars are dull coloured, with horny spots, and feed on lichens protecting their progress by a continuous tunnel of closely woven web. Eudorea murana (the Wall Gray, No. 1). The Caterpillar of this species is pale brown, the head and second segment being black. It is found among moss in June. The perfect Moth appears in June and July. It is a widely distributed species, being found in both southern and northern districts, but more commonly towards the north, especially in the West Riding of Yorkshire. The other species are EZ. Cembre, E. Ambigualis, EB. Pyralella, B. truncicolella, E. Crategella, E. Frequentella, E. Portlandica, EB. resinea, E. lineola, BE. angustea, E. alpina, and E. pallida. All these species have a great family resemblance. They generally repose during the day on the under side of branches, or on the sheltered side of some stony ledge. Ambigualis, pyratella and frequentella are common ; the others are more or less local. They are all rather obscure in colour. They are classed by some authors with the Tinie. The second Sub-Family of Orambide is that of the Phycidi, which is much more extensive than the last, and contains thirteen genera : Nephopteryx, Eurhodope, Pempelia, Acrobasis, Myelophila, Myelois, Homeosoma, Cryptoblabes, Gymnancyla, Ephestia, Plodia, Hypochaleia, and Araxes. The chief characters of these genera are— 158 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. antenne simple in the male, often having a tuft of scales near the base; labial palpi generally long and porrected ; the anterior wings slightly folded in repose, but not so much as those of the typical Crambide. The Caterpillars feed either in the stems or on the foliage of plants. Those of a few of the species preferring dried animal substances. They generally spin a silken gallery to protect the course of their ravages. The genus Nephopteryx. The general characters assigned to this genus are, antennz of the males curved at the base, and haying in the curve a tuft of long scales. The fore-wings are moderately narrow with distinct markings of astriped character ; but the only two British species differ so much that they are placed in two distinct sections of the genus, A. Dioryctria and B. Nephopteryx. Both these species as well as many others of the Crambidae are popularly known as ‘‘Horns” or Knot-horns, from the length and conspicuous character of the palpi, and the knot-like appendage of scales at the base of the antenne. Nephopteryx Abietella (the Pine Knot-horn, No. 2). The Caterpillar of this species, according to Zeller, is pale dull pinkish, grayer on the back, or sometimes greenish ; the spots are reddish brown. It feeds in Fir cones and decayed wood in November and December. The Moth appears in June, and appears to be rather widely distributed though not common. It has been recently taken at Scarborough, York, and other places. This species belongs to the division Dioryctria. The other species, NV. Roborella, belongs to the second division (Nephopteryx). It is a later species than the other, not appearing before August. There are two very distinct varieties of this genus formerly named N. legatea and N. cristea. The genus Eurhodope. The only British species assigned to this genus has the antenne partially clothed at the base with long scales, and also strongly curved. The palpi are rather long, and point upwards. The fore- wings are oblong, and partially folded in repose. Some authors place species assigned to this genus in the genus Pempelia, Eurhodope carnelia (the Rosy Veneer, No. 3). The Caterpillar of this pretty species is unknown. The Moth appears in July, and seems to frequent the coasts ; itis however rather rare. It has been taken recently at Dover, and at Ventnor. There is a variety formerly known as the Phycis carnea of Treitschke, and the number of synonyms by which the species has been known would fill a page of this work. The genus Pempelia. In this genus the perfect insects have the labial palpi as long as the head. The maxillary palpi scarcely visible. The antenne of the males are setaceous, and in some species having tufts of long scales near the base. The body is rather robust, and the fore-wings are folded when in repose. There are seven British species. Pempelia Betule (the Birch Knot-horn, No. 4). The Caterpillar of this species, according to Zeller, is nearly black, with two pale yellow lines down the back, and a pale line of the same colour at the side. It feeds on Birch in May and the Moth appears in June and July. It is a rare species. It was formerly taken in Darenth Wood, and more recently near Manchester, and at Bristol. The other species are, P. ornatella, P. dilutella, P. hostilis, P. fusca, P. formosa and P. palumbella. Among these P. dilutella found in chalky places, and the rosy tinged P. formosa are most likely to attract the attention of collectors ; fusca and palwmbella are found in high and heathy situations. The genus Acrobasis. The insects assigned to this genus have the labial palpi rather short, and pointing upwards. The antenne of the males have a large tuft of long scales at the inside of the base. The fore- wings are folded in repose. There are eight British species, distinguished principally by the different colour of the basal portion of the wings. Acrobasis tumidana (the Warted Knot-horn, No. 5). The Caterpillar of this species, according to Treitschke, is dusky purple with many slender white stripes, and a broad lateral stripe of white marbled with pale brown. The head and second segment are brown spotted with black. It feeds on the foliage of the Oak in May and June. The Moth appears in July and August. It is rather rare, but has been taken recently at Bristol, Lewes, Lyndhurst, and other places. This species may be easily distinguished from the others of the genus by the orange tone of the basal portion of the anterior wings. The other species are A. consociella, and A. angustella, the first having the anterior wings reddish gray, and the second of nearly the same tone as the rest of the wings ; the wings being at the same time narrower than in the two other species. THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 159 The genus Myelophila. The single British species assigned to this genus has been separated from the genus Myelois principally on account of the peculiar character of the marking of the wings; the rest of the characters according very closely with those of the following genus, Myelois, to which the reader is referred. The following distinctive characters may, however, be cited. Palpi four in number, the labial ones long, slender and erect. The antenn of the males furnished with tufts of scales at the base. The anterior wings elongate- triangular in form, and folded when in repose. The body long, slender and tufted at the extremity in the males. In some systems the insect assigned to this genus is retained in the genus Myelots, whilst Godart classed it with the distant Lithosie, with which at a glance it appears to have some affinity. Myelophila cribrum (the Thistle Ermine, No. 6). The Caterpillar of this species, aceording to Treitschke, is grayish, striped with bluish green ; the head and second segment being brown. It feeds inside the stems of Thistles in October and March, being probably double-brooded ; or, the Caterpillars remain dormant in the depth of winter and revive to complete their growth early in the spring. The Moth appears in July and August. The genus Myelois. The insects assigned to this genus have in some instances, the antennx tufted with scales at the base, and in other instances simple. The labial palpi are of moderate length, and pointing upwards. The fore-wings are oblong, with the longitudinal stripy markings very distinct in some species. The two species, suavella and sanguinella, have been formerly classed with the Lithosice by some writers. Myelois suavella (the Porphyry Knot-horn, No. 7). The Caterpillar of this pretty insect, according to Treitschke, is reddish-brown, with a brown head, and the second segment black. It feeds on the Sloe in May and beginning of June, the perfect Moth appearing at the end of June or in July. It was formerly taken at Epping, the New Forest, &c. ; and has more recently been captured at Bristol, Lyndhurst, and other places. The other species are M. Marmorea, M. Advenella, M. Ceratoniella, M. pinguis, and M, Artemesiella. The genus Homeosoma. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males straight at base, but much compressed. The labial palpi extend beyond the head and point rather upwards, the fore-wings are narrow. There are four British species. Homeosoma sinuella (the Twin-barred Knot-horn, No. 8). The Caterpillar is unknown. The Moth appears in July. It was first taken in Epping Forest, and more recently at Brighton, &c., &c. The genus Cryptoblabes. The single British species assigned to this genus has a peculiar character in the antenne of the males, from which a small tooth-like projection arises near the base. The labial palpi are short, and the fore-wings narrow. Cryptoblabes bistriga (the Double-striped Red Knot-horn, No. 9). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown. The Moth appears in June and July, and has been recently taken near Bristol, Lyndhurst, and Chesterfield. The genus Gymnancyla. Like the last, this genus only contains a single British species. The characters of the genus are, antenne in both sexes curved at the base ; labial palpi thick and moderately long ; maxillary palpi with a long tuft in the males ; the fore-wings rather narrow, and the stripes indistinct. Gymnancyla canella (the Hoary Knot-horn, No. 10). The Caterpillar of this species is undescribed, but is known to feed on Sa/sola (the common Saltwort) ; the Moth appears in June, and has been recently taken at Hastings, Folkestone, and other places. The genus Ephestia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males curved at the base ; the labial palpi short and pointing upwards. The males have a tuft of hair near the base of the fore- wings. There are two British species. Ephestia elutella (the Cinereous Knot-horn, No. 11). The Caterpillar of this species is whitish-gray, with a pink line down the back, the head and second segment being pale brown. It feeds on dry Hazel nuts, Figs, &e., in January and February, but appears to prefer chocolate, as it is always plentiful in chocolate warehouses. The Moth appears in June and July. Bristol, Liverpool, and other places, are cited as localities in which it has been recently taken by collectors. The other species is 2. semirufa, which is of a much darker gray tone. The genus Plodia. The single British species assigned to this genus is by some authors placed in Ephestia. The principal difference in general appearance between this species and those assigned to the last 160 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. genus, is the conspicuous white patch at the base of the fore-wings ; the colour of the basal portion of the fore- wings being considered a characteristic feature in the present group. The single British species has the knotted antenne of the related genera. Plodia interpunctelia (the Cloaked Knot-horn, No. 12). The Caterpillar of a species is of a creamy-white colour, with the head and second segments brown. It feeds on figs, dried insects, &c., in October and November. The Moth appears in June and July. It has been taken by collectors in London, Liverpool, and other places. The genus Hypochalcia, The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne rather thick, those of the male being compressed near the base. The labial palpi are long; the wings rather narrow, with faint markings. The females are smaller than the males. There is but one British species. Hypochaleia ahenella (the Dingy Veneer, No. 13). The larva of this species is unknown. The perfect Moth appears in May and June. It is taken at Lewes, at Lyndhurst, and in Yorkshire. The genus Arazes. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males curved at the base. The labial palpi are rather long, the anterior wings are covered with loose scales, and have the markings very indistinct. There are two British species. Araxes Lotella (the Coast Knot-horn, No. 14). The Caterpillar of this species, according to Zeller, is pale-yellow, with the head brown. It feeds on the roots of Grasses, (especially Festuca ovina, the great Oat-grass), in April and May. The Moth appears in July. It has been taken at Birkenhead, Stowmarket, Redcar, &c., &c. The other species is A. Farrella, distinguishable by a clear white streak towards the costa. The third sub-family of the Crambide is that of the Galleridi, containing four genera, which have received the distinctive name of the Gadleridi from their habit of burrowing into substances which they make their food and protecting their progress by a gallery of silk which is spun as they proceed. The four genera are Achroia, Galleria, Aphomia, and Melissoblaptes. The Caterpillars of all four species feed on honeycomb, in which they form galleries and commit great ravages, The genus Achroia. This genus contains but a single British species. The characteristics of the genus are antenne simple, but with a tuft of scales at the base. The palpi short and drooping, the fore-wings rounded at the tip. Achroia grisella (the Honey-moth, No. 15). The Caterpillar of this species has not been accurately described ; but it is known to feed on honeycomb, and is oceasionally very plentiful, though the Moth is not very often captured. It has, however, been recently taken in great numbers at Bristol, and specimens have been taken by collectors in the neighbourhood of Liverpool. The genus Galleria. The only British species assigned to this genus has the antenne simple, with a tuft of scales on the underside at the base. The fore-wings are large, and have the fringed edge strongly indented beneath the tip. Galleria Mellonella (the Honeycomb Moth, No. 16). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 17), feeds in May and June on honeycomb, like those of the related genera, making galleries within it protected by a tough silken lining. The Moth appears in August, and is occasionally common, but young collectors have often long to wait before they procure specimens. It is often considerably larger than the specimen figured. The genus Aphomia. The antenne are simple; those of the males with a tuft of scales beneath. The palpi of the female are longer than those of the male ; the wings are ample. There is but one British species, which is the largest of the group. Aphomia sociella (the Green-shaded Honey Moth, No. 18). The Caterpillar of this species is pale buff, darker on the back, and slightly hairy ; the head and second segment dark brown. It feeds on the honeycomb in beehives, destroying the comb, and also the young bees in the larva state, forming its galleries in every direction, which are so stiffly lined with silk as to protect it from the stings of the bees, which attempt, but in vain, to attack and expel their enemy. The Moth appears in July and August. The genus Medissoblaptes. In this genus the antenne are simple, the tuft at the basal joint being obsolete. The palpi of the male are short and drooping, those of the female being large and more porrected. The fore- wings have the fringed margin not indented. Melissoblaptes bipunctanus (the Double spot, No. 19). The Caterpillar of this species remains undescribed. The perfect Moth appears in August, and was originally taken by Mr. Halchett, in the Jews’ Burying Ground at Stepney, and since at Deal, &e. . - Au THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 161 PLATE LY. No. 1.—The Dwarf Veneer (Platytes Cerussellus). No. 6.—The Autumngl Dagger (Exapate gelatella). No. 2.—The Necklace Veneer (Eromene ocellea). No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Autumnal Dagger. No. 3.—The Pearl-streak Venear (Crambus Hamellus). No. 8.—The Rosy-day (Dasystoma Salicella). No. 4.—The Gigantic Veneer (Schanobius gigantellus). No. 9.—The March Dagger (Chimabacche Fagella). No, 5.—The Wainscot Veneer (Chilo Phragmitellus). No. 10.—The Caterpillar of the March Dagger. Tue fourth sub-family of the Crambide is that of the Crambidi, containing three genera, namely Platytes, Eromenes , and the typical genus Crambus. All the genera bear a strong family likeness to each other, and the whole group are popularly known as the Veneers, possibly from the streaking of the wings having some resemblance to the veining of rare inlaid woods. “The genus Platytes. The insects assigned to this genus have the antennz simple in both sexes ; and have the palpi projecting conspicuously beyond the head. They are generally of smaller size than the true Crambide, and their wings are rather shorter proportioned, but in repose they are-folded so as to give to the insect the narrow, elongated appearance peculiar to the whole family. They have not, however, the colours longitudinally divided, but are generally distinguished by pale transverse marks across the fore-wings. There is but one British species, which is included by some English authors in the extensive genus Crambus. Platytes Cerussellus (the Dwarf Veneer) is represented at No. 1. The female of the species is whiter, but with similar markings. The Caterpillar is unknown, but the moth appears in June and July. Kent and Devon- shire were formerly notable as places where specimens had been taken, but it has been recently captured at Lewes, Manchester, Mickleham, &c. The genus Hromene. The insects assigned to this genus, have the antenne simple in both sexes and the antenne extending conspicuously beyond the head. They are of the ordinary medium size of the typical Cram- bide, and the wings are narrowly folded when in repose ; but like those belonging to the preceding genus, they are not marked longitudinally by different tones of colour, having instead transverse markings, generally near the edge of the anterior wings. Evomene ocellea (the Necklace Veneer, No. 2). This pretty species is marked with a transverse row of head-like spots near the fringed margin of the anterior wings, from which it derives its popular name. It was formerly placed by Mr. Stephens in his genus Arawes, and described from an unique specimen, from the collec- tion of Mr. Haworth, taken near London. The genus Crambus. This genus may be said to form the type round which are grouped, not only the genera belonging to the sub-family Crambidi, but also those in the whole family Crambidae. The antennz are simple in both sexes, the palpi long and conspicuous, and joined together like a beak. The front-wings are of rather narrow proportions, and rather blunt at the fringed edge, but sometimes suddenly curving out at the angle into an abrupt point. The front-wings are generally marked by a pale central longitudinal streak, but there are 162 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. many variations to this rule, and indeed there are so many other slightly aberrant characteristics in the species assigned to this extensive genus, that it is divided into eleven sections named in accordance with the features of the species assigned to the respective sections. The Caterpillars are but little known, but it is ascertained that they feed generally in moss, constructing silky galleries which help to conceal their progress. Crambus Hamellus (the Pearl-streak Veneer, No. 3). This species, belonging to the section Argyrotecna, appears in July. The Caterpillar is unknown. The perfect insect frequents woods and forests in July and has been recently taken near Manchester, Weybridge, &c. The other species are arranged as follow :—Section 1, Thisanotia, containing two species, C. chirysonu- chellus and C. vorellus. The second section, Argyroteuchia, containing but a single British species, C. falsellus. The third section, Ancylolomia has likewise only one British species assigned to it, C. tentaculella. The fourth section Argyrotecna, contains seven species, C. pratellus, C. Dumetellus, C. Ericellus, C. Sylvellus, C. Hamellus, (the one figured), C. pascwellus and C. Uliginosellus. The fifth section, Chrysoteuchia, contains but a single species, OC. Hortuellus, (the Garden Veneer). The sixth section, Zzoria, contains two species, C. Culmellus, C. Pedriolellus, The seventh section, Pediasia, contains three species, C. inquinatellus, C. geniculeus and C. aridellus. The eighth section, Argriphila, contains two species, C. selasellus and C. tristellus (the Common Veneer). The ninth section, Eucarphia, contains a single species, C. furcatellus. The tenth section, Catoptria, contains three species, C. mar= garitellus, C. Pinetellus, and C. latistrius. The eleventh section, Selagia, contains three species, C. perlellus, C. Warringtoncllus, and C. lithargyrellus. Many of these species are subject to great variations of size and colour, and the most striking varieties of several of them were formerly considered distinct species and named as such. The sub-family Chilidi contains two genera, Schenobius, and Chilo, both of which have the general cha- racter of Crambus, except that the wings are generally larger and narrower, and more hooked at tip, from which they are popularly distinguished as the Hook-tip Veneers. The genus Schenobius. In this genus the antenne of the males are slightly ciliated, the anterior wings are very elongate, and extending to a long point at the apex, which is more or less hooked. There are three British species. Scheenobius gigantellus (the Gigantic Veneer, No. 4). This elegant and slenderly formed species, is found in marshy places in June and July, the female differs from the male in having the fore-wings unspotted, and the hind-wings entirely white. The Caterpillar is described by Treitschke as of a pale-yellow colour tinged with grayish, the head and second segment being of a bright orange-brown. It feeds in the stems of the reed Arundo Phragmites; this insect is very rare, it has been taken most frequently in the marshes about Whittlesea-mere. The other species are S, mucronellus (the Dark Hook-tip Veneer), and S. forficellus (the Pale Hook-tip Veneer), which last is subject to great variation in the markings of the fore-wings, and the most striking of the varieties have been considered distinct species hy Haworth, under the names of Palparia, hirta, P. fumea, P. caudex, &e. The genus Chilo is distinguished from Schwnobius principally by the larger size, and still more slender wings. The males have the antenne slightly hairy, the females simple. There are two British species, C, Phraginitellus and C, cicatricellus. Chilo Phragmitellus (the Wainscot Veneer, No. 4). This insect is the largest of all the Crambide. The wings of the female are less long and acuminated than those of the male. The Caterpillar is described by Treitschke, as being of a pale bone-colour with five brown stripes, the head and second segment being of a bright orange-brown. It feeds on reeds, especially the Arundo Phragmites, and is found both in October and March, The perfect Moth appears in June and July, and is found in the neighbourhood of Whittlesea-mere and other marshy districts. The reputed British species of Crambide are the following :—Nephopleryx Rhenella, Eurhodope argy- vella, Pempella stigmatella, G. marmorea ; G. instabi- lella ; G. Atriplicella ; G. obsoletella ; G. littorella ; G. sequax ; G. aleela, G. leucatella ; G@. albiceps ; G. nanelia ; G. Mouffetella ; G. dodecella ; G. triparella ; G. tenebrella; G@. tenebrosella ; G. ligulella ; G. vorticella ; G. teenio- lella; G. Sircomella ; G. immaculatella; G@. nigritella; G. Coronillella; G. Anthyllidella; @. atrella; G. bifractella ; G. suffusella ; G. lucidella ; G. lutulentella ; G. Cerealella ; G. nigricostella ; G. gemmella ; G. nevi- ferella; G. Hermannella ; G. pictella ; G. Brizella ; G. ericinella ; G. paupella ; G. inopella, and @. subocellea. The following are species that have only lately been added :—G. viscariella ; G. leucomelanella ; G. ocella- tella ; G. albipalpella ; G. arundinetella ; G. subdecurtella. The genus Parasia. The insects assigned to this genus have the second joint of the labial palpi rather long and scaly, and the terminal joint short and also scaly, nearly to the tip, instead of being entirely smooth and elongated, asin the preceding genus. The fore wings are rather long and narrow, and the hind wings distinctly indented below the tip. There are four British species. Parasia Lapella (the Dingy Straw, No. 9). The Caterpillar of this species is white, with the head brown. It feeds within the seeds of the Burdock in October. The perfect Moth appears in the following June and July. It has been recently observed in abundance at Birkenhead, and also in plenty at Kingsbury, in Middlesex. The other species are P. Metzneriella, distinguished by asuffusion of brown above the front and hind margins of the anterior wings, which are rather narrow ; P. Carli@@fla, which may be distinguished by a pale oblique band formed by the ground colour, and P. Newropterelia, distinguished by the deep brown colour of the veins. The genus Cleodora. The insects assigned to this genus have the second joint of the labial palpi furnished with a brush-like tuft of hairs, longer than in other genera, and projecting forward. The wings are long and narrow, and have long fringes, the hinder pair being deeply indented below the tip. There are two British eden Cleodora Cytisella (the Broom Cleodora, No. 10). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown. The per- fect insect appears in July, and has recently been observed in great abundance near Bristol. It is also found in many other localities. 176 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. The other species, C. striatella, has the front wings of a grayish tone. The Caterpillar feeds on the stems of the Tansy. The genus Chelavia. The insects assigned to this genus have the second joint of the labial palpi tufted, the terminal joint partly furnished with scales, but smooth and pointed at the tip, so as to resemble slightly the claw of a lobster, from which both the generic title and the popular name of the British species are derived. The front wings are moderately narrow, and the hinder pair acute at the tips, and slightly indented in the fringed margin. There is only one British species. Chelaria Hulmerelia (the Lobster-clawed, No. 11). The Caterpillar of this species remains undescribed, though the perfect insect iscommon. It appears in September and October, and has been recently observed in great abundance at Bristol, Darenth Wood, and Scarborough, and as Mr. Stainton informs us, at Newcastle, in July. The genus Anarsia. The insects assigned to this genus have the second joint of the labial palpi tufted and scaly, and the terminal joint short and, in the male, nearly concealed in the scales of the long second. The female has the terminal joint of the palpi long and pointed. The hind wings are slightly indented at the fringed edge. There are two British species. Anarsia Spartiella (the Furze Anarsia, No. 12). The Caterpillar of this species is described as dull brown, with the head and second segment nearly black. It feeds on the young shoots of Broom and Furze in June, and the perfect insect appears in July. It has been recently observed in great abundance on Wimbledon Common, and has been taken at many other places. The other species, A. Geniste, closely resembles A. Spartiella, but is much darker. PI. 54 “I | THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. ] > AT 1 PLATE LIX. No. 1.—The Long-winged (Ypsolophus fasciellus). No. 8.—The Olivi-rian (Dosycera Oliviella). No. 2.—The Dingy Streak (Apl ta palpella) No 9.—the Woodian (Geophoru Woodi-lli). No. 3.—The Durdhamian (Nothris Durdhamella). No. 10.—The Four-spotied (Gyrconi+ quadripuncta). No 4.—The Parenthesis (Sophronia parenthese la). No. 11.—The Whit: Shouldered (Zadrosis fenestrelia) . No. 5.—The Light Streak (Pleurota bicostella). No. 12 —The Great Raven-feather (But wis yrandipennis). No. 6.—The Geoffreyian (Hurpella Geoffrella). . 13. —The Latreillian (Pancalia Latreilielia). 4 ° No. 7.—The Christiernian (Hypercallia Christiernana). THE genus Ypsolophus. The insects assigned to this genus have the second joint of the labial palpi formed like a brush, from which the third joint issues, long and slender like a single protruding bristle. The wings are rather elongate and large in proportion to the body, the fringes being of moderate length. There are three British species. Ypsolophus fasciellus (the Long-winged, No. 1). The Caterpillar of this species is described as pale yellowish gray, with three greenish lines on the back ; the head and second segment dull orange. It feeds on the Sloe in September, the perfect Moth appearing in the following May. It was formerly taken near London, at Darenth Wood, New Forest, &c., but was considered rare. It has been recently captured at Lewes and Cambridge. The other species are Y. Juniperellus, which is more of a gray tone in the front wings, and Y. marginellus, which is more buff than /asciellus. The genus Aplota. The insects assigned to this genus have the labial palpi similar to those of Ypsolophus, but without the projecting bristle, the terminal joint being concealed in the scales of the second. The fore wings are somewhat linear with the apical margin, obliquely truncate. There is but one British species. Aplota palpella (the Dingy Streak, No. 2). The Caterpillar of this species is undescribed. The perfect insect oceurs in August, and has been taken at Ripley, and more recently in Hainault Forest. The genus Nothris. The insects assigned to this genus have the labial palpi closely similar to those of the insects belonging to the genus Ypsolophus. The fore wings of rather narrow proportion, and the fringes are not variegated. There are two British species. Nothris Durdhamella (the Durdhamian, No. 3). The Caterpillar of this species has the anterior segments blackish, the rest of the body being yellowish white, with brown lines on the back. It feeds in rolled-up leaves of different species of Thyme, in June. The perfect insect appears in July. It has been recently taken at Teignmouth, Darenth Wood, Deal, and other places. The other species is N. berbascella, which is much paler in the general colour, and the Caterpillar, which is dull brown with the head and next segment black, feeds in leaves of the Verbascwm. The genus Sophronia. The insects assigned to this genus have the palpi as in Ypsolophus. The front edge of the wings has generally a light streak, so that when they are closed in repose, being very narrow, the general appearance of the insect is that of a short dark line with a white edge on each side. There are two British species. Sophronia parenthesella (the Parenthesis, No. 4). The Caterpillar of this species, though the moth was well known in the time of Linnus, still remains undescribed. The perfect insect appears in June and July, and has been recently taken in great abundance at Manchester, and in sufficient plenty at other places. 178 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. The other species, S. hwmerelia, has the front wings of a bright light brown, with a white line down the front. The Caterpillar feeds between the leaves of Artemisia campestris. The genus Plewrota. The insects assigned to this genus have the labial palpi rather long and compressed, the second joint thickly clothed with hair, and the terminal joint short, slender, and smooth. The wings are narrow and pointed, and the hind wings are indented at the fringed edge near the points. There is but one British species. Pleurota bicostella (the Light Streak, No. 5). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown, but the perfect insect is very plentiful and appears in May and July. It has been recently observed in great abundance at Birkenhead, Manchester, Scarborough, and several other places. The genus Harpella. The insects assigned to this genus have the labial palpi long and compressed. The second joint is scaly, and the terminal one slender and pointing upwards. The wings are ample, and the fringes of the hind wings rather deep. There are two British species. Harpella Geoffrella (the Geoffreyan, No. 6). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown. The perfect Moth appears in May and June and is very abundant in most places. It has been recently observed in great abundance at Kingsbury in Middlesex, Tenterden in Kent, Bristol, and many other localities. The other species, H. Bracteella, is only recently established as British, having been taken near Gateshead. It has the front wings bright yellow at the base, and from the middle to the end dark brown; on the front edge a dark bluish streak at the base, and a yellow spot in the brown towards the tip. There are also some transverse bluish streaks in the dark portion of the wing. The larva feeds in decayed wood in February and April. It is of a dull gray colour with a brown head, and the second segment has two brown plates. The genus Hypercallia. The insects assigned to this genus have the labial palpi greatly elongated and bent outward and upward, the terminal joint being perpendicular. The antenne are of moderate length, and slightly pubescent in the males, the wings are long and angular. There is but one British species. Hypercallia Christiernana (the Christiernian, No. 7). The Caterpillar of this species is greenish gray, with a whitish line along the back. The head and second segment are greenish gray. It feeds on Polygala in May. The perfect Moth appears in June and July. This pretty insect, with its yellow wings delicately chequered with scarlet, is sure to attract the attention of the young collector by its beauty, but it is not often met with. Mr. Stephens first took it at Darenth Wood, and it has since been taken at Sevenoaks, Greenhithe, and Castle Eden Dene. The genus Dasycera. This genus with the six following, @eophora, Egoconia, Endrosis, Butalis, Atemelia, and Pancalia, are formed by some authors into a separate family, distinguished as the @cophoride, as the genus CGcophora alone furnishes more than half the species of which it is composed. I shall, however, follow the arrangement at present in use in the collection of the Museum, though it is possible that the one just referred to will be eventually adopted, as it appears to be founded upon sufficient affinities of the genera so grouped together. The genus Dasycera, here considered as belonging to the family Gelechide, may be characterised as follows. The antenne thickened at the base with hairy scales. The labial palpi reflexed and very short, with the terminal joint slender and pointed ; the front wings elongate, and the hind wings having an abrupt angle next the body. There are two British species. . Dasycera Oliviella (the Olivierian, No. 8). The larva of this pretty insect is unknown. The perfect Moth appears in July and August. It has been recently taken at Kingsbury, Lewes, Plymouth, and other places. The other species, D. sulphurella, has the front wings brown, dusted with yellow, with two yellow streaks from the base, and a small yellow patch on the inner margin, and a smaller one on the front margin; the hind wings are pale yellow, brownish at the tips. It is a very abundant species, and several localities are recorded where it has been recently noticed in very great abundance, as Bristol, Cambridge, Lewes, Manchester, Kingsbury, &c., &c. : T he genus @eophora. The insects assigned to this somewhat extensive genus have the antenne of the males ciliated. The labial palpi are short. The wings vary in form in the different species, but are nearly all of different shades of yellow. There are seventeen British species, THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 179 CEcophora Woodiella (the Woodian, No. 9). This beautifully marked insect is the rarest of the genus to which it belongs, and indeed may be almost considered unique, as only a single specimen appears to have been taken—the one described by Mr. Stephens as having been captured by Mr. R. Wood in the month of June, on Kersall Moor, near Manchester, now some years ago. As the time of its appearance is thus known, collectors should look out for it at the proper season in likely situations, and other specimens will doubtless reward a persevering search. It is almost the only species of the genus which is very rare, most of the others, many of which are very pretty, being sufficiently plentiful, though some few are rather local. The other species are, @. minutella; @. flavimaculella ; @. tripuncta; C. similella; CG. augustella ; @. grandis; G. formosella ; @. lunaris; (@. Lambdella ; G2. subaquilea; @. Panzerella ; CG. tinctella ; G. unitella ; @. flavifrontella ; CE. fuscescens ; and G2. psewdo-spretella. Many of these are very prettily marked with bright tones of yellow, brown, or ochre, and several of them are very common, as minutella and pseudo- spretella, for instance ; while formosella, grandis, and one or two others, are comparatively scarce. The genus (Lgoconia. The insects assigned to this genus have the head tufted at the back, the antenne rather short and robust, the wings of long proportion, and the hind wings not transparent at the base. There is only one British species. Egoconia quadripuncta (the Four-spotted, No. 10). The Caterpillar of this species is unknown. The perfect Moth appears in August and September. It has been recently observed in the neighbourhood of Bristol in some profusion, and has been taken near London in houses. The genus Endrosis. The insects assigned to this genus have the head devoid of the posterior tuft which distinguishes the last genus. The antenne are rather long and slender, and the wings are long, the hinder pair being transparent at the base. There is but one British species. Endrosis fenestretia (the White-shouldered, No. 11). The Caterpillar of this species is nearly white, with the head and second segment brown. It feeds on decayed wood and other waste substances in December and January, and the perfect Moth appears near the same time. It is very common in houses. The genus Butalis. The insects assigned to this genus have the head blunt, broad, and retracted. The antenne are slightly ciliated in the males. The palpi are short and pointing upwards. The body is short and thick. The fore wings are long and the hind pair pointed ; in repose they are folded closely over the body which they entirely conceal. There are nine British species. Butalis grandipennis (the Great Rayen-feather, No. 12). The Caterpillar of this species is dark olive green, with a pale line along the back and a darker line on each side. The head is brown and the whole body is sprinkled with black specks. It feeds on Furze in January and March. It has been recently observed in great profusion near Birkenhead, Bristol, Manchester, Wimbledon Common, &e., &c. The other species are, B. fusco-cenea; B. senescens; B. fusco-cuprea; B. Cicadella; B. variella; B. Chenopodiella ; B. torquatella ; and B. incongruella. Most of them are of a dull, dark greenish or brownish tone, some of the species having a few white or yellowish marks. The genus Pancalia. The insects assigned to this genus have the head retracted and obtuse. The palpi are reflexed, and have the seeond joint smooth, and the terminal joint pointed. The wings are narrow. There are two British species. - Pancalia Latreillella (the Latreillian, No. 13). This handsome insect appears in June, but is not common. It has been recently observed near Edinburgh, and at Epping, Lewes, and Plymouth. The female may be distinguished by a ring of pure white near the tips of the antenne. The other species, P. Lewwenhoekella, is much more common than the preceding. It is very like in colour, but invariably smaller, and both sexes haye the rings of white near the tips of the antenne. a 5 emaeti nee MY ls a Che ) 1 of ty Aine Pai ah eed a ae : age uD oF uk phe gif camd! ed _ tu THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 18! PLATE LX. No. 1.—The Granitellian Acrolepia (Acrolepia granitellu). No. 7.—The Ocnerostomellian (Douglasia Ocnerostomella). No. 2.—The Brown Copper (Roslerstammia Erzxlebella). No. 8.—The Gold I. W. (Argyresthia Brockeela). No. 3.—The Fuesslian (Glyphipteryx Fisheriella). No. 9.—The Slight-barred (Cedestis farinatella). No. 4.—The Dentellated Hchmia (Zchmia dentella). No. 10.—The Pine Ocnerostoma (Ocnerostoma Piniariella). No. 5.—The Small Shining Brown (Perittia obscwrepinctella). No. 11.—The Small Ochreous Zelleria (Zelleria hepariella). No. 6.—The Satin Pigmy (Tinagma sericiellum). Tur sixth family of the sub-division Tineina is that of the Glyphipterygide. The insects comprised in this family when in the perfect state have the head generally smooth, and the maxillary palpi so short as to be scarcely perceptible. The fore wings are either oblong or elongate ; the hind wings sometimes rounded at the tip, but in other species very narrow and pointed. Their time of flight is diurnal. In the Caterpillar state they have generally sixteen legs, but in some species the larvie are nearly maggot-formed, and without any perceptible feet. Many of the species are gaily coloured and attractive insects, though their small size causes them often to be overlooked by young collectors. Most of them are common, though two of the species, Acrolepia Betulella and Roslerstammia Pronubella, are very rare. There are twenty-two British species comprised in the eight genera belonging to this family. The genus Acrolepia. The insects assigned to this genus have the extreme crown of the head rough. The labial palpi are thick, but have the terminal joint pointed. The fore wings are generally elongate, the hind _ wings being sometimes rounded and sometimes pointed at the tip. The Caterpillar has the full complement of sixteen legs, and feeds in the interior of leaves. The Chrysalis is formed in a cocoon of open network. There are four British species. Acrolepia granitella (the Granitellian Acrolepia, No. 1). The Caterpillar of this species is pale yellowish green with a dark line along the back. It feeds in June and July in the leaves of Inula dysenterica. The perfect insect appears in July and September. It has been recently observed in great abundance near Scarborough, and Chudleigh. The other species are A. Perlepidelia, having the fore wings orange suffused with black and variegated with pale yellow markings; A. pygmeana which has the front wings marbled with white and brown; and 4. Betulella, which has the front wings brown mottled with darker brown. This last species is extremely rare. The genus Roslerstammia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenue thick and long, and the labial palpi short and drooping. The front wings are of moderate length and breadth, and the hind wings rounded at the tip. The Caterpillars of this genus, as far as the indigenous species are concerned, remain undescribed. There are two British species, one of which is, however, so rare, as to render it doubtful as a native insect. Roslerstammia Erelebella (the Brown Copper, No. 2). This pretty insect appears in May and June. It has been observed recently in some plenty at Bristol, and its presence has also been recorded at Worthing and other places. The other species, R. Pronubella, has the front wings of shining golden green, rather yellowish along the 182 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. front edge. The hind wings are yellowish with the margins and fringe brown. This handsome little insect has only been taken once, in Sutherlandshire, in the summer of 1854. The genus Glyphipteryx. This genus, the typical one of the family, contains eight British species, all of which are remarkable for the splendid colours of their wings, the surface of which though so small is rich in the finest metallic hues, from bright green to the richest red bronze, often enriched with raised bosses of scales of bright golden appearance. The principal characteristics of the genus are the following. The head is smooth ; the antennz slender and rather short. The labial palpi are short, drooping, diverging outwards, and having a tuft of bristly hairs beneath. The form of the wings varies, in both pairs. The Caterpillars have the full complement of sixteen legs, and feed in the interior of leaves and seed-vessels. Glyphipteryx Fisheriella (the Fuesslian, No. 3). This pretty insect is one of the commonest of the genus. It appears in May and again in July, and has heen recently observed in great abundance at Birkenhead, Bristol, Neweastle-on-Tyne, and many other places. The other species are, G. fuscoviridella, which has the front wings of shining bronze-like green, with a white streak along the front edge ; G. Cladiella, which is of a darker mctallic green ; and G. Thrasoncila, which is of a dark metallic green with bluish silvery streaks ; while G. Haworthana, G. equitella, G. oculatella, and G. Schenicolella, all very closely resemble the species figured as an example. The genus Achmia. The insects assisned to this genus have the antenne rather thick, the head smooth, and the labial palpi short, drooping, and slender. The fore wings are rather bread, and distinguished by a projecting tuft of scales on the inner margin. ‘There is but one British species. Aichmia dentella (the Dentellated Achmia, No. 4). This species exhibits conspicuously the protruding tuft of scales on the hinder margin of the fore wings. It appears in May and June, and has been observed recently in some plenty at Cambridge, and noticed in several other localities. The Caterpillar remains as yet unknown. The genus Perittia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne very slender, the labial palpi longer than in the last genus and more slender. The fore wings are of long proportion, and the hind wings narrow and pointed. The Caterpillar, like most others of the family, feeds in the interior of leaves. There is but one British species. Perittia obseurepunctella (the Small Shining Brown, No. 5). The Caterpillar of this species is of a grayish tone verging on green, the head being dark brown. It feeds on the tissue of the leaves of the Honeysuckle, in July, the perfect insect appearing late in the autumn, after which it hybernates, to reappear early in the following spring. It has been recently observed at Lewisham in some abundance, and its appearance has been recorded in many other places. The genus Antispila. The insects assigned to this genus have the head smooth, and the labial palpi short and drooping, the antenne being much shorter than in the preceding genus. The fore wings are rather obtusely, and the hind wings acutely pointed. The main distinction, however, is found in the larva state, the Caterpillar being apodal, or entirely without feet. Like those of the rest of the family, however, it feeds in the interior of leaves. There are two British species. Antispila Pfeifferelia (the Pfeifferian). I have not been able to procure a specimen of this pretty species, but the following description will enable the collector to recognise it. The front wings are of a metallic golden brown getting redder at the back; near the base is a narrow angulated band of bright metallic gold colour, and beyond the middle are two angular spots of the same colour. The hind wings are pale brown, with fringes of a moderate depth. The Caterpillar is of a pale leaden green, with head and second segment brown. It feeds in the leaves of the Common Dogwood, in May, and the perfect insect appears in June and July. It has been recently noticed in plenty at Bristol, Scarborough, and other places. The other species, A. Treitschkiella, is very like the preceding, but invariably smaller, and the markings are less sharply defined, and the golden band less angulated. The genus Z'inagma. The Caterpillar of this genus, like that of the preceding, is apodal, being entirely without legs, and feeding in the interior of leaves. In the perfect insect the antenne are short and thick ; and the labial palpi short, slender, and pointing downwards. The front wings have the fringes deepened at the posterior angle. There are three British species. A THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 183 Tinagma sericiellum (the Satin Pigmy, No. 6). The Caterpillar of this pretty little species, remains un- described, though the perfeet insect is very common. It appears in May, and has been recently observed at Lewes and at Scarborough, in very great abundance, and plentifully in several other localities. The other species are: 7. Stanneellwm, of a rather paler bronzy gray, with a faint white spot on the inner margin of the fore wings, and J’, resplendellwm, which may be at once distinguished by the much darker tone of its bronzy gray and its two white spots on the inner margin of the anterior wings. The Caterpillar of this species is well known. It is of a dull yellowish green, with a brown head; it is without legs, and feeds in the leaves of the Alder. The genus Douglasia. The insects assigned to this genus have the head smooth, and the antennz thick and rather short. The labial palpi droop and have the tip dlunt. The'fore wings are long and narrow, and the hind wings are pointed. There is but one British species. Douglasia Ocnerostomella. The Caterpillar of this species remains undescribed. The perfect insect appears in July, and has been recently observed at Mickleham, in great abundance. It has also been seen at Brandon, in Suffolk. The seventh family of the sub-division Zineina, is that of the Argyresthide. The general characteristics of the genera comprised in this family, are the following. The back of the head rough, the front smooth, the labial palpi short, and the terminal joint generally blunt. The front wings are long and narrow, and the hind wings pointed, with deep fringes. The insects belonging to the most numerous genus of the family, Argyresthia, are distinguished by the peculiarity of their position when in repose, the head being held down close to the sub- stance on which the insect is resting, and the body pointing upwards. Most of the species are summer insects, but the Zellerias generally appear in the autumn, and after hybernation come forth again in spring. There are twenty-two British species in this family distributed in four genera, The genus Argyresthia. The insects assigned to this genus have the fore part of the head smooth, and the hinder part rough. The labial palpi have the terminal joint rather pointed. The fore wings are long and narrow, the hind wings lanceolate. There are twenty-two British species in this extensive genus. Argyresthia Brockeela (the Gold I. W., No. 8). The rich silver white of the fore wings of this pretty insect is so conspicuously marked with golden brown, forming the letters I. W., that it is not likely to escape the attention of the young collector. The Caterpillar feeds on the young shoots of the Birch, in March and April, and the perfect insect appears in June and July. It is very abundant, and has been recently observed in great profusion at Birkenhead, Bristol, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and many other places, generally in or near woods. The other species are the following: A. Zphippella, with the front wings ochreous brown, with a white streak at the inner edge. A. nitedella, paler ochreous brown, with a dark streak at the base, and the inner margin white. 4. purpwrascentella, by some considered a doubtful species. A. semitestacella, with the fore wings ochreous, and a white line at the inner margin for half the length, then terminating in a dark spot. A. spiniella, with the fore wings yellowish brown, and the inner margin white, with an indistinct dark band across the middle, and white spots near the tip. A. Adbistria, with the front wings purplish brown, margined with white at the inner edge to the middle, where the white line terminates in a dark spot. A. conjugella, with the front wings purplish tawny, a white streak at the inner edge, and a dark spot “near the middle, both at the front and back edges.