UTTERFLilES

GIFT OF
HORACE W. CARPENTIER

BIOLOGY

LIBRARY

G

NEW ZEALAND

MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES.

" The rearing of larvae, . . . when joined with the entomological collection, adds immense interest to
Saturday afternoon rambles, and forms an admirable introduction to the study of physiology."

HERBERT SPENCER, in 'Education.'

" When simple curiosity passes into the love of knowledge as such, and the gratification of the aesthetic
sense of the beauty of completeness and accuracy seems more desirable than the easy indolence of ignorance ;
when the finding out of the causes of things becomes a source of joy, and he is counted happy who is successful
in the search ; common knowledge of Nature passes into what our forefathers called Natural History, from
whence there is but a step to that which used to be termed Natural Philosophy, and now passes by the
name of Physical Science."

THOMAS HENRY HUXLEY, in ' The Crayfish.'

"It is interesting to contemplate a tangled bank, clothed with many plants of many kinds, with birds
singing on the bushes, with various insects flitting about, and with worms crawling through the damp earth,
and to reflect that these elaborately constructed forms, so different from each other, and dependent upon each
other in so complex a manner, have all been produced by laws acting around us. These laws, taken in the
largest sense, being Growth with Reproduction ; Inheritance which is almost implied by reproduction ;
Variability from the indirect and direct action of the conditions of life, and from use and disuse : a Eatio
of Increase so high as to lead to a Struggle for Life, and as a consequence to Natural Selection,
entailing Divergence of Character and the Extinction of less-improved forms. Thus, from the war of Nature,
from famine and death, the most exalted object which we are capable of conceiving, namely, the production
of the higher animals, directly follows. There is a grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers,
having been originally breathed by the Creator into a few forms or into one ; and that, whilst this planet
has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most
beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved."

DARWIN, in ' The Origin of Species.'

NEW ZEALAND

MOTHS AND BUTTEBFLIES

(MACBO-LEPTDOPTEBA).

BY

G. V. HUDSON, F.E.S.,

Author of 'An Elementary Manual of Neio Zealand Entomology.'

WITH 13 PLATES.

LONDON :

WEST, NEWMAN & Co., 54, HATTON GABDEN, E.G.

1898.

» a * • *

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cfc • * *.***#,

BIOLOGY

LIBRARY

6

PRINTERS & ,
PUBLISHERS^

PREFACE.

THE present work is intended as a guide to those who desire to collect or study
our native Lepidnptera, and also as a book of reference to the general reader.

In the Introduction I have first given an outline of the Transformations and
Structure of the Lepidoptera. Then a brief sketch of the Darwinian theories respecting
the origin of species and their special application to various phenomena exhibited by
moths and butterflies, as well as a short outline of the general principles which have
been followed in framing modern classifications of the order. Next follow five chapters
on the various groups dealt with.

With a few exceptions this work only treats of what are, for the sake of convenience,
termed the Macro-Le^ndoptera. A similar work on the numerous and interesting species
of Micro-Lepidoptera found in New Zealand may at some future time be undertaken.

In conclusion, I have to discharge the pleasurable duty of thanking the numerous
entomologists who have so liberally assisted me in the production of this work. First,
and especially, my thanks are due to Mr. Meyrick, without whose masterly papers
and ' Handbook ' but little could have been accomplished. Next, to Mr. R. W.
Fereday, who very kindly allowed me to figure many species of which he alone
possesses specimens — in itself an invaluable assistance. I have also to express my
thanks to Messrs. B. F. Hawthorne, H. P. 'Hanify, K. I. Kingsley, A. Norris, A. Philpott,
and others for the loan of specimens, and for much valuable information regarding the
localities and habits of rare or local species. Lastly, I have to acknowledge the aid so
willingly given by my lamented friend, the late Mr. A. S. Olliff, of Sydney.

KAEOBI, WELLINGTON,

NEW ZEALAND,
1897.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION

PAGE

ix

THE CARADBININA

THE NOTODONTINA ...

THE PAPILIONINA ... 101

THE PSYCHINA

THE MICROPTERYGINA (PART ONLY) ... ... ... ... ... ••• ••• I2?

APPENDIX (DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF PLANTS) ... ... ••• 187

GENERAL INDEX ... 141

SPECIAL INDEX ... ... ... ... ••• 142

PLATES AND EXPLANATIONS ... ... ... ... ... -•• ••• ••• ••• 145

INTEODUCTION.

THE order Lepidoptera, which includes all those insects commonly known as Moths
and Butterflies, is chiefly distinguished by its members possessing four wings clothed with
numerous minute scales, the term Lepidoptera being derived from the two Greek words,
XSTTI'C, a scale, and irripov, a wing. The mouth of these insects is suctorial, the maxillae
forming a spiral proboscis which is coiled up between the large labial palpi when not in
use (see Plate I., tigs. 5 and 6). The other oral organs are rudimentary. To acquire
this form these insects pass through three very distinct stages, viz., the Egg, the Larva,
and the Pupa.

I.— METAMORPHOSIS.

THE EGG.

The eggs of Lepidoptera are generally somewhat globular, much flattened above
and beneath. Some are very elaborately sculptured, whilst others are quite smooth.
They are usually white or yellowish, but always change much in colour as the
contained embryo develops.

THE LAEVA.

The larvae of moths and butterflies are popularly known as caterpillars. They
always consist of thirteen segments, segment number one being the head. The
head is furnished with several simple eyes (Plate I., fig. 2, AA), a pair of very short
antenme (BB), and a very powerful masticatory mouth. The mouth consists of the
following organs : The labrum, or upper lip (1) ; a pair of mandibles, or upper jaws,
working like scissor-blades (2, 2) ; two maxillae, or lower jaws (3, 3), each carrying a
jointed organ termed the maxillary palpus ; and the labium, or lower lip (4) ; which
bears another pair of minute jointed appendages — the labial palpi.

Segments 2, 3, and 4, which answer to the thorax of the perfect insect, are each
furnished with a pair of legs. They consist of the six following joints (fig. 2) : (a) coxa,
(6) trochanter, (c) femur, (r7) tibia, (e) tarsus, and (/) claw. These legs correspond to
those of the perfect insect. The remaining nine segments of the body constitute the
abdomen. Usually segments 7 to 9 and 13, each have a pair of fleshy pads, which are
termed prolegs and are furnished on their edges with a row of minute booklets (see
Plate I., fig. 14, proleg highly magnified). It is these booklets which enable caterpillars
to hold on by means of their prolegs with such great tenacity. The number of the
prolegs varies considerably in different groups and families.

The spiracles, or orifices of the air-tubes, are situated on each side of the larva just
above the legs. They are usually present on segments 2 and 5 to 12, but vary consider-

x INTRODUCTION.

ably in different groups and families. The larva is provided with a very complete
digestive system, which consists of the following organs (see Plate I., fig. 9) : A, the
oesophagus ; D, the ventriculus ; F, the clavate intestine ; E, the ilium ; H, the colon ;
K, the biliary vessels ; and 0, the spinning vessels. These last open at a small orifice in
the labiuin termed the spinneret (fig. 2, 5). They supply the silken threads which are
employed by most larvae in constructing their cocoons, and which also serve in cases of
danger as a rapid means of retreat. Many larva?, which live on shrubs and trees, suddenly
lower themselves to the ground by means of one of these silken threads, and thus often
escape being devoured by insectivorous animals.

The entire growth of the insect is accomplished during the larval condition, the
increase in size being frequently very rapid. Owing to this circumstance larva? are often
compelled to shed their skin, and in many species a very considerable alteration both in
the shape and colour takes place at each moult, or ecdysis as it is sometimes termed.

THE PUPA.

The pupa of a Lepidopterous insect is completely encased in a chitinous
envelope. With the exception of a slight twirling of the abdominal segments it is
incapable of any motion. In the pupa of Micropteryx the mandibles and labial palpi
are said to be functionally active, but this is a very exceptional though extremely
interesting case. In conjunction with other evidence it would appear to indicate that the
Lepidoptera originated from insects with active pupae. The number of free or movable
segments of pupae varies considerably in different groups and genera, and by some
modern authors it is regarded as a character of much importance in the framing of their
classifications. The various organs of the perfect insect are distinctly marked out
on the otherwise uniform integument of the piipa. In some groups, notably the
Micropterygvna, these organs are much more distinctly indicated than in others.

II.— ANATOMY.

THE PERFECT INSECT OR IMAGO.

In common with all other members of the class, the body of a Lepidopterous insect
consists of three main divisions : (1) the head, (2) the thorax, and (3) the abdomen.

THE HEAD.

The front of the head is termed the face, the top the crown, the sides are nearly
entirely occupied by the compound eyes (Plate I., fig. 11, A A), and the lower surface
by the organs of the mouth.

The Eyes consist of a very large number of simple lenses arranged in the form of two
hemispheres, one on each side of the head. The ocelli, or simple eyes, are situated on
the crown, and are usually almost entirely covered by scales.

The Anten/ue are two jointed appendages attached to the top of the head above the
eyes. They vary very much in structure. The following are the terms used in
describing the different forms of antennae in the Lepidoptera :—

1. Pectinated, when the joints have long processes like the teeth of a comb. If
these are on one side only, the antennas are nnipectinated ; if on both sides, bipectinated.
(Plate I., fig. 20, bipectinated antenna of Nyctemera annulata.)

2. Dentate, when the joints are armed with slight pointed spines.

INTRODUCTION. xi

3. Serrate, when the joints have sharp projections like the teeth of a saw. (Fig. 18,
antenna of Mehinclira composita.)

4. Filiform, when the whole antenna is simple or thread-like. (Fig. 19, antenna of
Epirrantlns alectoraria.)

The clothing of the antennae also varies, and is distinguished as under :—

1. Ciliated, when clothed with one or two series of short, fine hairs.

2. Fasciculate-ciliated, when the hairs are collected into tufts. (Fig. 17, antenna of
Chloroclystis plintli /ma.)

3. Pubescent, when the antennae are clothed with uniform short hairs. (Fig. 19.)
The functions of the antennae are still a matter of dispute amongst entomologists.

The majority of the older naturalists regarded them as organs of hearing. The antennae
are almost always more fully developed in the male than in the female. From this
circumstance many modern entomologists consider that one of their functions is to enable
the former to find the latter.

The organs of the mouth are thus distinguished :—

1. The Labrum, or upper lip (Plate I., fig. 11, /), a minute rudimentary plate
situated in front immediately above the proboscis.

2. The Mandibles, or upper jaws (m.m), two minute sickle-shaped organs situated
just below the labrum, also rudimentary.

3. The Proboscis, or Haustellum * (c), a tubular extensible organ formed of the
two maxillae, or lower jaws, which have become greatly elongated, semi-tubular, and closely
pressed together at the edges, but separable at the will of the insect — a structure which
enables the organ to be easily cleansed when necessary, and is extremely interesting as
indicating so clearly the true development of the proboscis from the maxillae.

The Maxillary palpi (p.p) are two jointed organs attached to the base of the
proboscis and very frequently rudimentary, but fully developed amongst certain of the
Micro-Lepidoptera.

The Labium, or lower lip, is situated below the proboscis and carries the Labial palpi
(figs. 5 and 6), two large jointed organs which are very conspicuous in nearly all the
species and often quite conceal the maxillary palpi. They are usually regarded as organs of
touch, but their true function does not seem to be properly understood. In the Lepidoptera
they appear to protect the proboscis, which, when out of use, is always coiled up in a spiral
between them. The labrum and mandibles can only be seen by removing the large labial
palpi.

THE THOEAX

carries the organs of locomotion, which consist of two pairs of wings attached to its
sides, and three pairs of legs attached beneath, a pair belonging to each of the three
segments of which the thorax is composed. On the front of the thorax there are two
flap-like organs covered with scales, termed the patagia.

The Wings vary greatly in shape, but usually they are triangular. The portion of the
wing which joins on to the thorax is termed the base. The front margin is called the
costa, the outer margin the tennen, and the lower margin the dor sum, these being described
as situated when the wing is extended in flight. The angle between the costa and termen

* This organ is termed the tongue by Mr. Meyriok. As many mandibulate insects possess a true tongue, and
the proboscis of the Lepidopiera is not homologous with the tongue, but with the maxillae, I think the term is very
misleading.

xii INTRODUCTION.

is called the apex, and the angle between the termen and the dorsum the tonviK (see
Plate I., fig. 1). The termen and dorsum are edged with a fringe of hair-like scales, termed
the cilia. At the base of the hind-wings is generally situated a stiff bristle, or several stiff
hairs, called the frenulnm, the ends of which pass through a chitinous process on the
under side of the fore-wing near the dorsum. This process is termed the retinaculum, and
serves, in conjunction with the frenulum, to lock the wings together during flight. In
the female both these organs are often very imperfectly developed, the frenulum consisting
of several bristly hairs, and the retinaculum of a group of stiff scales. In many of the
Lepidoptera both frenulum and retinaculum are entirely wanting.

"In the Micropterygina, a membranous or spine-like process called the jugnm rises
from the dorsum of the fore-wing near the base and passes under the hind-wing, which is
thus held between the process and the overlapping portion of the fore-wing." — (Meyrick.)

The veins of the wings are thus described by Mr. Meyrick :—

"The wings are traversed by a system of Veins — tubular structures which serve at
once as extensions of the tracheal system, and to form a stiff framework for the support of
the wing. In the normal type of Lepidoptera the fore-wings possess three free veins
towards the dorsum, termed la, 16, and Ic ; a central cell, out of which rise ten veins,
numbered 2 to 11, the sides of the cell being known as the upper median, lower median,
and transverse veins respectively ; and a free subcostal vein, numbered 12 ; whilst the
hind-wings differ from the fore-wings in having only six veins rising from the central cell,
numbered 2 to 7, so that the free subcostal vein is numbered 8 (see Plate I., figs. 3 and 4,
assumed type of neuration of a Lepidopterous insect). In some forms a forked parting-
vein traverses the middle of the cell longitudinally, and a second parting-vein traverses the
upper portion, so as to form a secondary cell ; but these are more frequently absent or
represented only by folds in the membrane. In a few forms there is a tendency to the
production of several false veins, termed pseudonenria, appearing as short branches from
the subcostal vein of the hind- wings to the costa ; these are thickenings of the membrane,
and are commonly very irregular and variable, often uneven in thickness or incomplete.
Sometimes one of these near the base is better developed and more permanent in
character; it is then termed the prtecostal spur (see Plate I., figs. 89 and 27 9). Modi-
fications in the general arrangement of the veins may arise through any of the following
processes, viz. : (1) obsolescence, when a vein loses its normal tubular structure, becoming
attenuated and reduced in substance, until it appears a mere fold of the membrane (Plate
II., fig. 60, vein 5 in hind-wings of Selidosema) ; (2) stalking, when the two veins are fused
together for a portion of their length from their base, so as to appear to rise on a common
stalk (Plate II., fig. 34, veins 6 and 7 in hind-wing of Hydriomena) ; (3) coincidence, when
two veins are fused together for the whole of their length, so that one appears entirely
absent, an extreme form of stalking ; (4) anastomosis, when two veins rise separate, meet,
and are fused together for a certain distance, and then separate again (Plate II., fig. 23,
veins 7 and 8 in the hind-wings of the ? of Tatosoma) ; (5) concurrence, when a vein
rises separate, runs into another, and does not separate again, an extreme form of
anastomosis ; (6) connection, when two veins are connected by a short transverse bar
passing from one to the other, a special form of anastomosis, evolved from the ordinary
form under the influence of a tendency to lateral extension (Plate II., fig. 28, veins
7 and 8 in hind- wing of Paradetis}. Vein U in both wings is often furcate at the base.

INTRODUCTION. xiii

" The type of veins in the Micropterygina differs from that described above in
two essential particulars, viz. : (1) there may be three additional veins in the fore-wings,
rising out of vein 11 or 12; and (2) the veins of the hind-wings are practically identical
in number and structure with those of the fore-wings, being thus much more numerous
than in the ordinary type. There is also often a system of cross-bars between the veins
near the base of the wing (Plate I., figs. 22 and 23, neuration of Hepialus).

" The structure of the veins can be best observed on the under surface of the wing,
where they are more prominent. The student should begin by completely denuding of
scales a few wings of common species : the wing should be cut off and laid on a moistened
piece of glass, to which it will adhere ; the scales should then be removed, first from one
surface and then from the other, with a fine, moist camel's-hair brush — an operation
requiring a little patience and delicacy of touch ; the veins will thus be rendered con-
spicuous.* When, however, the student has familiarised himself with the general subject, it
will not be found necessary in practice to resort to this process ; most details will be easily
observed without denudation t ; where this is not the case (as where the veins are closely
crowded or otherwise obscured), the scales can be removed with the brush on the under
surface in the locality of the difficulty only, without cutting off the wing or otherwise
damaging the specimen, which remains in the collection available for all purposes as
before ; with proper practice, even the smallest species are amenable to this treatment,
which does not require more skill than the actual setting of the specimen. Some workers
prefer to put a drop of benzine on the spot, which renders it temporarily transparent ; the
effect is short-lived, as the benzine evaporates rapidly, and the cilia (if long) are liable to
be damaged by this method."

The Legs consist of the following joints (see Plate I., fig. 21) : (1) coxa, (2) troclianter,
(3) femur, (4) tibia, (5) tarsus, (6) claw. The tarsus normally consists of five joints,
but is more or less aborted when the leg is not employed for walking. The spines
(SS) on the tibiae of the several legs vary considerably in size and number. They
are often useful to the systematist for purposes of classification.

THE ABDOMEN

consists of nine segments, some of which are often fused together. It contains the
various internal organs, of which the most important are those of Digestion and
Reproduction. The Digestive System (Plate I., fig. 10) consists of the following organs:
A, the wsopliagus, or throat ; C, the sucldng stomach ; D, the ventriculus or stomach ;
E, the small intestine; G, the ccecum ; H, the colon ; K, the biliary vessels; N, the salivary
vessels. The function of the sucking stomach is to exhaust the air in the throat and
proboscis, and thus to cause the ascent of the fluids into the stomach when the insect is
feeding.

III.— ORIGIN OF SPECIES.

The theory of the origin of species as propounded by Darwin may be thus very
briefly summarised :—

* For the examination of the wings taken from dried specimens, I have found that immersion in methylated spirits
renders the veins visible after partial denudation with the camel's-hair brush. With recent specimens, however, the
scales can easily be entirely removed.

f I have found considerable difficulty and uncertainty in examining the ueuration of undenuded specimens.

xiv INTRODUCTION.

VARIATION. — No two organisms are exactly alike ; there is always some variation
from the parent form, in some cases very slight, in others considerable. (For examples
of variation see Plate VII., figs. 1 to 9, varieties of Hydriomena deltoidata ; Plate VIII.,
figs. 42 to 47, varieties of Epirranthis alectoraria ; Plate IX., figs 6 to 14, varieties of
Selidosema productata; Plate X., figs. 13 to 23, varieties of Azelina gallaria ; Plate X.,
figs. 39 to 47, varieties of Declana floccosa.)

INHERITANCE. — Many of these variations are inherited — a fact demonstrated by our
domestic plants and animals, where man has selected and bred from varieties suitable
for his purposes, and has thus produced races in which the variation is permanent.
Many of the races of domestic animals differ as much from one another as do some
distinct species of wild animals.

STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE. — All animals and plants produce far more offspring than
can possibly survive, thus giving rise to the struggle for existence. For example : The
average number of eggs laid by a Lepidopterous insect is certainly over 100, and in
many species this number is greatly exceeded. Assuming each female to lay 100 eggs,
the progeny from a single pair would amount, after six generations, to over six
million individuals.

NATURAL SELECTION, or the SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. — In the struggle for existence
which necessarily results from such a great increase of individuals, those variations which
favoured the possessors would be preserved, whilst those which did not, would be gradually
exterminated. This principle of the preservation of the favourable varieties in the
struggle for life is called Natural Selection, or the Survival of the Fittest.

DIVERGENCE OF CHARACTER. — As there are so many different places and conditions
in the economy of nature which can be occupied by organic beings differently constituted,
individuals which diverged most from the original type would be brought into less severe
competition, than those which diverged only in a slight degree. For instance, if we
represent the original form as A, occupying one place in the economy of nature; a
second form as B, occupying a somewhat similar place ; a third form as C, occupying
a very different place to A although somewhat similar place to B, it is obvious that
B would enter into severe competition with both A and C, whilst A and C might not
trend to any great extent on one another's place in the natural economy ; hence B
would be exterminated before either A or C. In other words, natural selection
continually tends to increase the slight differences, which we call varieties, into the
greater differences, which we call species.

The following phenomena, which have long been observed by students of the
Lepidoptera, will serve as excellent examples of the operation of natural selection :—

PROTECTIVE KESEMBLANCE. — This term is applied to those classes of form or colour
which enable an animal to so closely resemble its surroundings as to escape the notice
of its enemies. Numerous examples of protective resemblance exist in the New Zealand
moths and butterflies ; in fact, it may safely be asserted that nearly all the colouring
we observe in these insects has been acquired for protective purposes. The following
species, amongst many others which will be described hereafter, exhibit in a very
marked degree the phenomenon of protective resemblance : Epirrantkis alectoraria,
Selidusema dejectaria, and Drepatiodes tnuriferata resemble dead leaves ; Chlorudytitis

INTRODUCTION. xv

bilineolata, Tatosoma agrionata, and Erana graminosa resemble, when at rest, patches
of moss ; Selidosema prodii-ctata and 8. lupinata resemble the bark of trees ;
Cliloroclystis lichenodes, Declaim floccosa, and Elvia glaucata resemble variously
coloured lichens. It is almost unnecessary to point out that all those variations,
which tended to conceal the possessors from their enemies, would be preserved in the
struggle for existence, and that these numerous and perfect instances of protective
resemblance would inevitably result from the operation of natural selection. The
dark colouration of Alpine and Arctic Lepidoptera, which enables them to rapidly
absorb heat during the short and fitful gleams of sunshine experienced on mountains
or in high latitudes, is also an instance of adaptation to conditions through the
influence of natural selection. This was first pointed out by Lord Walsingham in
1885. The almost complete absence of white species in these localities is a good
example of the extinction of forms unfitted to their surroundings.

CONTRAST COLOURS. — In this class of colouring the fore-wings only are protectively
coloured, the hind-wings being very conspicuous. Contrast colouring is well exemplified
by several of the insects included in the genus Notoreas. The sudden exhibition of the
hind-wings during flight dazzles the eye of the pursuer. When the insect immediately
afterwards closes its wings and the fore-wings alone are visible, it is extremely difficult to
see. This form of protective colouring was also first drawn attention to by Lord
AValsingham. (See page 75.)

WARNING COLOURS. — -Insects, which are unfit for food or nauseous, are not protectively
coloured, but on the contrary are rendered as conspicuous as possible. This class of
colouring is well illustrated by one of our commonest moths, Nyctemera annulata
(PI. IV., figs. 1 and 2). The principle of warning colours was first discovered by Mr.
A. R. Wallace, and is graphically described in Professor Poulton's entertaining work,
' The Colours of Animals. ' The possession of nauseous qualities would be of little value
to an insect, unless it could be at once recognised by insectivorous animals and avoided as
food. If a nauseous insect were not easily identified it would speedily be destroyed by
what Professor Poulton ingeniously terms " experimental tasting " ; hence, through the
process of natural selection, all nauseous species have become very conspicuously coloured.
It may be remarked that warning colours are extremely rare amongst the New Zealand
species, and I am not aware of any other example than that already given.

MIMICRY. — This term is applied to those remarkable cases where a harmless or edible
species imitates in form and colouring a highly armed or nauseous species. No instances
of this extremely interesting class of protection are yet known amongst the New Zealand
Lepidoptera, but a very perfect example of mimicry exists between two common intro-
duced species of Hymenoptera and Diptera, the well-known honey-bee and the drone-fly.
The superficial resemblance between these two insects is very close. The bee, as
every one knows, is armed with a powerful sting, whilst the drone-fly is unarmed.
In this case it can be seen that if a harmless insect varied in the direction of
resembling a formidable or objectionable species it would be a decided advantage to it,
and such varieties would tend to be continually preserved and improved, through the
operation of natural selection. The subject of mimicry has been alluded to here as it is
not impossible that some instances of it may yet be discovered in connection with our
native

xvi INTRODUCTION.

OENAMENTAL COLOURING. — This class of colouring occurs in many species, especially
amongst the butterflies, and is not apparently connected in any way with protection.
Darwin supposes that it has arisen through the females of each species always selecting
the most beautiful males as mates, hence these alone would leave progeny, and the
females themselves would afterwards become beautiful through the effects of inheritance.
This principle Darwin has termed Sexual Selection, and has discussed it in great detail
in his work on the 'Descent of Man.' The fact, that amongst birds and butterflies the
males are nearly always the most brilliantly coloured and the most beautiful, together
with an immense mass of other evidence, tends, I think, to entirely support Darwin's
theory, although it should be mentioned that several eminent naturalists, including Mr.
Wallace, do not admit the principle of Sexual Selection.

IV.— CLASSIFICATION.

From a further consideration of the foregoing principles it will be seen that all
existing species are held to be descended by true generation from pre-existing species,
and that, consequently, all the relationships we observe between species are explained
by community of origin. The most natural system of classification is, therefore, that
which best reveals the scheme of descent, or, as it is termed, the phylogeny, of the
group of organisms classified. To construct a perfect system of classification on these
principles a knowledge of not only all the existing species of Lepidoptera would be
essential, but also of all the extinct species, and it is needless to say that such
knowledge is quite unattainable. Nevertheless large numbers of species are now
known from many parts of the world, and a very extensive collection has recently
been employed by Mr. Meyrick in framing a classification of the Lepidoptera, which
is, to the best of my belief, the first constructed on strictly Darwinian principles.
Although adopting Mr. Meyrick's system in the present work I do not agree unre-
servedly with all his conclusions ; but I have not attempted to alter his system in
accordance with my own views, as I conceive that the conclusions of a naturalist,
who has only had the opportunity of studying a restricted fauna, would necessarily be
liable to considerable error.

The general principles on which Mr. Meyrick has founded his system are practically
those laid down by Darwin in his ' Origin of Species,' and may be thus summarised :—

A. Resemblances between all organisms are explained by community of origin, the
amount of difference representing the amount of modification and expressible in the
classification as varieties, species, genera, families, groups, orders, &c. The amount of
difference does not necessarily bear any direct relation to time, many forms remaining
almost stationary whilst others are undergoing development.

B. By a consideration of the following laws the age of a division can be approxi-
mately arrived at; that is to say, its position in the great genealogical tree of the
Lepidoptera can be, to some extent, determined :—

" (1) No new organ can be produced except as a modification of some previously
existing structure.

" (2) A lost organ cannot be regained.

" (3) A rudimentary organ is rarely redeveloped."-— (Meyrick.)

INTRODUCTION. xvii

C. The greatest care is necessary to avoid being misled by adaptive characters, i.e.,
characters which are very important to the welfare of the species, and hence much modified
through the agency of natural selection. A familiar instance of superficial resemblance,
due to the presence of similar adaptive characters, may be observed in fishes and whales,
where two groups of animals with but little real relationship have, through living under
similar conditions, become extremely like each other in external appearance. Other
examples might be given amongst exotic Lepidoptera. Thus, many noxious species are
closely mimicked by harmless forms which are often far removed from them in real
affinity. These cases of adaptive resemblances abound amongst all organisms, and have
often deceived experienced naturalists. It is in consequence of the illusive nature of
these external resemblances amongst different members of the Lejridoptera, that the
structure of the neuratiou of the wings is now considered of such great importance as
a character for purposes of classification. The numerous modifications in the position
of the veins and their presence or absence in certain groups can, so far as we are able
to see, have had very little effect on the well-being- of those insects possessing such
modifications. Hence it may fairly be assumed, that these structures have been free
from the influence of natural selection for a very lengthened period. It is thus contended
that the neuration of a Lepidopterous insect probably reveals more plainly than any
other character its true relationship with other species.

The descent of all the Lepidoptera from some ancient member of the Trichoptera
(or caddis-flies) is thus proved, according to Mr. Meyrick : —

" From a consideration of the laws enunciated above, there can be no doubt that
the Micropterygina are the ancestral group of the Lepidoptera, from which all others
have descended ; this is sufficiently proved by the existence of the four or more
additional veins in the hind-wings of that group, for these veins, if not originally
present, could not have been afterwards produced. Of the two families of that group,
the Micropterygidce, which possess an additional vein (or veins) in the fore-wings,
and fully developed six-jointed maxillary palpi, must be more primitive than the
Hepialidce. Now if the neuration of the whole of the Lepidoptera is compared with
that of all other insects, it will be found that in no instance is there any close
resemblance, except in the case of the Micropterygidce; but the neuration of these
so closely approaches that of certain Trichoptera (caddis-flies) as to be practically
identical. The conclusion is clear, that the Lepidoptera are descended from the
Trichoptera, and that the Micropterygidce are the true connecting link. If the other
marked structural characters of the Micropterygidce are taken into consideration,
viz., the possession of the jugum, the large development of the maxillary palpi as
compared with the labial, and the sometimes functionally active mandibles, they will
be all found commonly in the Trichoptera, affording additional confirmation. It may
be added that in one New Zealand species of Micropterygidce (Palceomicra chalcophanes)
vein 16 is basally trifurcate, a character frequent in the Trichoptera, but not yet
discovered in any other Lepidopteron. In most Trichoptera the veins of the hind-
wings are much more numerous than those of the fore-wings, in the Micropterygina
they are usually equal in number, in other Lepidoptera they are less numerous ; in
the course of descent there has therefore been a greater progressive diminution in
the number of veins of the hind-wings as compared with those of the fore-wings,
though these also have diminished.

xvni

INTRODUCTION.

" It is unnecessary to trace back the descent of the Lepidoptera further ; but it
may be worth while to point out that we may assume as the primitive type of
Trichopterous neuration, a system of numerous longitudinal veins gradually diverging
from the base, mostly furcate terminally, and connected by a series of irregularly placed
cross-bars near base, and another series beyond middle."

The following is Mr. Meyrick's method of arrangement, which has been adopted
in this book : —

" The natural order of arrangement, which is that of a much-branched tree,
cannot be adequately expressed by a simple linear succession, such as is alone
practicable in a book. It is, however, possible to devise a linear succession which
shall be consistent with the natural genealogical order, if some additional explanation
can be given. The method here adopted is as follows: —

" Suppose the accompanying diagram represents a portion of the genealogical tree ;
then the order will begin at M and descend to K, recommence at L and descend
to K, and thence to G, recommence at H and descend
to G, and thence to B, recommence at F and descend to
D, recommence at E and descend to D and thence to B,
recommence at C and descend to B and thence to A, and
so on. Thus the order begins with the most recently
developed forms and descends gradually to the earliest
or most ancestral, which are the last in the book. To
understand the order in practice, it may be assumed that
each genus is descended from that which immediately
follows it in the book, unless its actual descent is expressly
stated otherwise ; such statement will, of course, require to
be made before every recommencement of a fresh branch.
This system has been adhered to throughout, and after a little use will not be found
unintelligible. If adopted in the arrangement of a collection in the cabinet, it would
be a good plan to indicate the recommencement of a fresh branch by a special mark,
such as a red bar drawn above the first (or highest) species."

PHYLOGENY OF LEPIDOPTERA. (After Meyrick.)

Notodontina Papilionina

Caradrinina Lasiocampina Pyralidina

Psychina

Tortricina

Tineina
Micropterygina

INTRODUCTION. xix

V.— GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION.

The details of geographical distribution are given under the headings of the
respective species, so far as I have been able to ascertain them ; but our knowledge
in this direction is necessarily limited, and I have found much difficulty in obtaining
reliable information, on account of the obstacles which exist in regard to the correct
identification of species in other countries.

The distribution of the species within New Zealand is also very imperfectly
known at present, owing to the paucity of collectors and observers, particularly in
the extreme north of New Zealand, and on the west coast of the South Island.
In the latter locality no doubt many interesting species remain to be discovered,
especially amongst the mountain ranges.

In employing the book for identifications, the reader is recommended to first
refer to the Plates and see if he can find anything at all resembling the species he
has, and then to refer to the description for verification. In dealing with variable forms,
it is always well to remember that the shape of markings is generally far more constant
than their intensity, or even their colour.

The purely descriptive portions of the work have been made as brief as possible,
and characters, of special importance for the identification of species, are printed in
italics. Those who desire to consult more detailed descriptions may readily do so by
referring to Mr. Meyrick's papers, in the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute
and elsewhere. References to such papers are invariably given under the synonomy
of each species which has been described by Mr. Meyrick.

It should be mentioned that the figures and descriptions in this work have been
prepared from nature, quite separately, and no attempt has been made to reconcile
the figure with the description. This course has been followed so that any character,
which may have been accidentally omitted from the figure, will not necessarily be
wanting in the description.

The figures of neuration (Plates I. and II.) have all been made from fully denuded
specimens examined under the microscope. They are in nearly every instance
considerably enlarged. Each drawing has afterwards been compared with Mr. Meyrick's
description, and if found to differ, a second examination of the wings has been made
with a view to a reconciliation of results. Any important differences observed between
Mr. Meyrick's descriptions and my final results are in every case specially mentioned.

NEW ZEALAND

MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA

I.— THE CARADRININA.

THE Cctrctdrinma may be distinguished by the following characters : —
" The maxillary palpi are obsolete, the fore- wings have vein 16 simple or hardly furcate, Ic absent,
and 5 approximated to 4 towards base. The hind-wings are furnished with a frenulum, vein Ic is
absent, and 8 is connected or anastomosing with cell." (See Plate II., figs. 1 to 12 and 14 to 18.)

" Imago with the fore- wings more or less elongate-triangular, termen not very oblique ; hind-
wings broad-ovate.

" Larva sometimes very hairy, usually with 10 prolegs, those on segments 7 and 8 sometimes
absent. (Plate III., figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15 and 16.) Pupa with segments 9 to 11 free ; not protruded
from cocoon in emergence." — (Meyrick.)

So far as New Zealand is concerned, the Caradrinina may be said to comprise that
group of the Lepidoptera formerly known as the Noctuina, with the addition of the family
Arctiadce. Its members are chiefly nocturnal fliers ; the body is usually stout, the fore-
wings are narrow, and (except in the Arctiadce) mostly dull-coloured, with three very
characteristic spots. 1. The orbicular stigma, a round spot situated near the middle of
the wing; 2. The claviform stigma usually somewhat club-shaped and situated imme-
diately below the orbicular ; and 3. The reniform stigma, a kidney-shaped marking
situated beyond the orbicular. The claviform is very frequently absent, and the orbicular
less frequently so, but the reniform is an almost constant character throughout the entire
group, with the exception of the Arctiadce.

There are three families of the Caradrinina represented in New Zealand, viz. : —
1. ABCTIAD^E. 2. CABADRINID^E. 3. PLUSIAD^E.

Family 1.— ARCTIADCE.

The Arctiadce may be characterised as follows :—

" Eyes smooth. Tongue developed. Posterior tibiae with all spurs present. Hind-wings with
veins 6 and 7 connate or stalked (rarely approximated or coincident), 8 anastomosing with cell nearly
or quite from base to middle or beyond." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 1, 2, and 4, 5.)

This interesting family, although generally distributed throughout the world, is very
poorly represented in New Zealand. Unlike most of the Caradrinina, many of the
included species are day fliers and gaily coloured. One of these, Nyctemera annulata, is
probably one of the most familiar of New Zealand insects, whilst the four remaining
representatives of the family are but seldom seen. To British entomologists the name of

1

» *

4 90
» "• »

NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

" tiger moths " will probably at once recall several conspicuous and beautiful members of
this family.

Three genera of the Arctiadce are represented in New Zealand, viz. :—
1. NYCTEMEBA. 2. UTETHEISA. 3. METACRIAS.

Genus 1.— NYCTEMEEA, Hb.

' ' Tongue well developed. Antennae in $ bipectinated throughout. Palpi moderately long,
porrected or rather ascending, with appressed scales ; terminal joint moderate, cylindrical. Fore-
wings with vein 6 out of 9 or separate, 7 and 8 out of 9, 10 connected with 9 by a bar. Hind-wings
with veins 6 and 7 stalked or separate, 8 anastomosing shortly with margin of cell near base."
(Plate II., fig. 3 head, 4 neuration of fore- wing, 5 ditto of hind- wing.)

" The single New Zealand species is endemic, but nearly allied to an Australian form."-
(Meyrick.)

NYCTEMEBA ANNULATA, Boisd.

(Leptosoma annulata, Boisd., Voy. Ask. v. 197, pi. v. 9 ; Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 284. Nyctemera*
doublcdayi, Walk., Bomb. 392. Nyctemera annulata, Meyr., Proc. Linn. Soc., N.S.W., 1886, 760; ditto,
Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 218.)

(Plate IV., fig. 1 $ , 2 ? ; Plate III., fig. 9, larva.)

This species is perhaps one of the best known of the New Zealand Lepidoptera,
occurring in great profusion in all parts of both North and South Islands. It is also
common at Stewart Island, in the neighbourhood of cultivation.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. All the wings are deep sooty black. The fore-
wings have an irregular cream-coloured band running from beyond the middle of the costa towards the
tornus. This band is interrupted in the middle, and crossed by several black veins, which sometimes
almost break it up into a chain of spots. The hind-wings have a single large cream-coloured spot
near the middle. The body is black, with several orange markings on the thorax, and a series of
broad orange rings on the abdomen.

This species varies a good deal in the extent of the cream-coloured markings.
The larva feeds on the New Zealand groundsel (Senecio belli dioides), but in cultivated
districts it is more often observed on Senecio scandens, a plant having a superficial resem-
blance to ivy, which frequently grows in great profusion on fences and hedgerows in
various parts of the country.

Mr. W. W. Smith informs us * that it also feeds on the common groundsel
(8. vnlgaris) as well as on Cineraria maritima. I have often seen these caterpillars
on mild days in the middle of winter, and full-grown specimens are very common towards
the end of August, so that I think there is little doubt that the species passes the winter
in the larval condition. At other seasons there is a continuous succession of broods.

The length of the caterpillar when full grown1 is 1£ inches. It is covered with numerous tufts of
long black hair, and is black in colour, with the dorsal and lateral lines dark-red. There are several
large blue spots round the middle of each of the segments, and the membrane between each segment
is bluish-grey. In younger larvae the bluish-grey colouring extends over a considerable portion of
the insect.

This caterpillar may be readily found, as it feeds on the upper surface of the leaves
fully exposed to view. Its hairy armour evidently renders it unpalatable to birds, and
hence the secret habits we observe in most larvae are absent in this species.

When full-fed it selects a secluded spot, generally a crevice in the trunk of a tree,
where it spins an oval cocoon of silk intermixed with its own hairs. Here it changes

* Entom. xxvi. 220.

I.— THE CARADBININA. 3

into a shining black pupa, speckled and striped with yellow. The insect remains in this
state about six weeks.

The moth first appears in September, and continues abundant until about the end of
March. It is extremely common, especially during the latter end of summer, when
specimens may often be seen flying in all directions. Mr. Meyrick observes * that this
species has the curious habit of soaring in the early morning sunshine, soon after sunrise,
in calm, fine weather. He states that he has seen them in numbers, flying round the
tops of trees, at a height of over 100 feet. I can fully corroborate the accuracy of this
interesting observation, and have noticed the insect to be most active between the hours
of five and eight on fine mornings in midsummer. The habit is certainly a very unusual
one, as most insects are rarely seen at that time of the day.

This moth is confined to New Zealand, but two closely allied species, belonging to
^the same genus, are found in Australia.

Genus 2.— UTETHEISA, Hb.

" Head smooth. Ocelli large. Antennae in $ ciliated, with longer setae at joints. Palpi
moderate, ascending, with loosely appressed scales. Thorax smooth beneath. Abdomen smooth-
scaled. Tibiae smooth-scaled, spurs very short. Fore-wings with veins 7 and 8 out of 9, 10
connected with 9. Hind-legs with veins 3, 4, 5 rather approximated, 6 or 7 connate or short-stalked,
8 from middle of cell." f

"A small genus inhabiting the warmer regions of the world. Larva with rather
scanty hairs, some finely branched." — (Meyrick.)

Represented in New Zealand by a single species of wide distribution.

UTETHEISA PULCHELLA, L.

(Deiopeia pulchella, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 217.)

(Plate IV., fig. 3.)

This species was first observed in New Zealand in February, 1887, when I captured
a single specimen in the Wainui-o-mata valley. Since that time Mr. A. Norris has seen
two others near Petone, one of which is now in his collection. All the specimens at
present noticed have consequently occurred in a very restricted portion of the Wellington
District, though it is probable that the insect is far more generally distributed throughout
the country than these records would seem to indicate.

The expansion of the wings is about 1£ inches. The fore-wings are white, with jive irregular
transverse rows of oblong crimson spots, alternating with six irregular rows of small black dots. The
hind-wings are white, irregularly clouded with black on the termen ; there are two small black spots
near the middle. The body is white ; the head and thorax are spotted with crimson, and the antennae
are black.

The larva is thus described by Newman : — f

" The ground colour is leaden with a covering of black hairs ; there is a broad white stripe down
the back, and on each segment down the side is a double scarlet spot. On the continent of Europe
this caterpillar is said to feed on the forget-me-not (Myosotis arvensis}."

In New Zealand the moth appears in February. Mr. Meyrick remarks]: : — "It is
probably only an occasional immigrant. Although a feeble-looking insect, it possesses
extraordinary capabilities of flight, and is sometimes met with far out at sea. It occurs
throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands." It is well known to

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 218. f ' British Moths,' 31. J Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 217.

4 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

English entomologists as a great rarity, and many discussions have taken place at various
times as to the propriety of retaining it on the list of British Lepidoptera.

Genus 3.— METACEIAS, Meyr.

" Tongue obsolete. Antennae in $ moderately bipectinated throughout. Palpi rather short, hairy,
concealed in rough hairs of head. Thorax and femora densely hairy beneath. Anterior tibiae with
developed spine beneath, and apical hook. Fore-wings with vein 2 from f, 6 from point with or
out of 9, 7 and 8 out of 9, 10 sometimes connected with 9 at a point above 7. Hind-wings with
veins 3 and 4 almost from point, 6 and 7 from point or short-stalked, 8 from about \. Wings in ?
rudimentary. (Plate II., fig. 1 neuration of fore-wing, fig. 2 ditto of hind-wing.)

"An interesting and peculiar genus, apparently most allied to some Australian
forms of Spilosoma, but quite distinct. Three species have been discovered, two of them
quite recently, and it is not unreasonable to hope that additional forms may hereafter be
found amongst the mountains, to which they seem especially attached." — (Meyrick).

METACEIAS STEATEGICA, Hdsn.
(Arctia strategica, Hdsn., Entotn., 1889, 53. Metacrias strategica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 216.)

(Plate IV., fig. 4.)

This handsome species is at present only known by a single specimen, captured by
Mr. W. W. Smith, near the summit of the Kichardson Eange, in South Canterbury, at an
elevation of about 3,000 feet.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1J inches. The fore-icings are black, ivith two broad,
dull yellow, longitudinal streaks ; between the costa and the first streak is a very fine yellowish line, and
between the two streaks there are three similar lines. The hind-wings are bright yellow, with a broad
black band, parallel to the termen, interrupted just before the tornus ; the vicinity of this black band
is tinged with crimson. The body is black ; the top of the head, collar, and sides of the thorax and
abdomen are dull yellow. The female is probably apterous.

This species may be readily distinguished from the two following by the yellow collar,
absence of any large spot in the centre of both fore-wings and hind-wings, and the red
colouring of the termen of the hind- wings. The moth was taken in February, frequenting
a species of Carmicluelia. It may be looked for in the mountainous regions of South
Canterbury, but at present nothing further is known of its habits.

METACEIAS EEICHEYSA, Meyr.
(Metacrias erichrysa, Meyr., Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. W., 1886, 749; ditto, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 216.)

(Plate IV., fig. 5.)

This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick on Mount Arthur in the Nelson District
in 1886. Since that time I have taken eleven specimens in the same locality, and have
seen several others, but as yet I have not heard of its occurrence elsewhere.

The expansion of the wings is 1 J inches. The fore-wings are black, with orange-yellow markings.
These consist of a fine line near the costa, becoming very broad near the base, several elongate
markings between the veins near the middle, a series of spots near the termen, and a broad streak-
parallel to the dorsum. The hind-wings are orange-yellow, with a curved black spot in the middle,
and a broad black band on the termen, ending considerably before the tornus, and nearly broken a
little before its termination. The female, according to Mr. Meyrick,* is " wholly whitish-ochreous ;
wings minute, aborted ; legs short, stout, well developed."

The life-history is thus described by Mr. Meyrick f : " The larva is wholly black,
clothed with long black hairs, those covering segmental incisions brownish-ochreous. It
feeds on Senecio bellidioides. The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon."

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 216. f Ibid.

I.— THE CARADEININA. 5

The perfect insect occurs in January, frequenting sunny, grassy slopes on the
mountain-sides, at about 4.000 feet above the sea-level. It flies with great rapidity ;
hence it is generally very difficult to catch.

MBTACEIAS HUTTONII, Butl.

(Phaos huttonii, Butl., Cist Ent. 487; Metacrias huttonii, Meyr., Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. W., 1886, 750;

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 216.)

(Plate IV., fig. 6.)

This interesting species was discovered at Lake Wakatipu, by Professor Hutton.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1^ inches. The fore-wings are black ; there is an
oblique crimson line near the base, two broad longitudinal cream-coloured lines above and below the
middle, and a double transverse series of oblong cream-coloured spots near the termen. The hind-
wings are pale ochreous, with a black crescent-shaped spot near the middle, and a broad black band
almost touching the termen except a little before the tornus. The female is apterous.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

Family 2.— CARADRINIDJE.

The Camdrinidce are distinguished by the following characters :—

" Ocelli usually present. Tongue usually well developed. Labial palpi moderate, more or less
ascending, second joint densely scaled, usually rough, terminal rather short, obtuse. Thorax usually
densely hairy beneath. Posterior tibiae with all spurs present. Fore-wings with veins 7 and 8
out of 9, 10 connected with 9. Hind-wings with veins 3 and 4 connate or short-stalked, 5 obsolete
or imperfect, parallel to 4, 6 and 7 connate or short-stalked or seldom closely approximated only,
8 shortly anastomosing with cell near base, thence evenly diverging." (Plate II., figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.)

" A dominant family in temperate regions, especially in the northern hemisphere,
the species being very numerous and often occurring in great plenty ; within the tropics,
however, their place is largely taken by the Plusiadce. The structure is in most
particulars remarkably uniform, the neuration and palpi being practically identical
throughout the family. The markings are usually very similar, and the colouring dull
and adapted to conceal insects which are accustomed to hide amongst dead leaves or
refuse; hence this family is not one of the easiest or most attractive to study. The
species are the most truly nocturnal of all the Lepidoptera ; few are readily obtainable
by day, but at night they are found in abundance at flowers or sugar. Imago with
fore-wings usually elongate, body relatively stout, and densely scaled. It may be noted
as an established conclusion that antennal pectinations, if not extending to the apex of
the antennae, are in this family seldom sufficient to mark generic distinction.

" Ovum spherical, more or less distinctly ribbed, and reticulated. Larva usually
with few hairs, often nocturnal, sometimes subterranean ; often very polyphagous.
Pupa usually subterranean." — (Meyrick.)

The family is represented in New Zealand by the following twelve genera : —

1. MISELIA.

Sub-family 1. — POLIADES \ 2. OKTHOSIA.

3. XANTHIA.

4. PHYSETICA.

5. LEUCANIA.

Sub-family 2. — MELANCHEIDES

6. ICHNEUTICA.

7. MELANCHKA.

8. EEANA.

NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA.

Sub-family 3. — CABADRINIDES

9. BlTYLA.

10. AGKOTIS.

11. HELIOTHIS.

12. COSMODES.

Sub-family l.—POLIADES.

"Eyes naked, ciliated (i.e., furnished with a marginal row of long cilia curving over them)."-
(Meyrick.)

Genus 1.— MISELIA, Steph.

" Antennae in male filiform, moderately ciliated. Thorax with anterior angles projecting,
somewhat crested. Abdomen not crested." — (Meyrick.)

We have at present but one New Zealand species.

»

MISELIA PESSOTA, Meyr.
(Miselia pessota, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 29.)

(Plate V., fig. 26.)

This little species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Lake
Coleridge and Kakaia in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull purplish-brown ; there is an
oblong black mark at the base of the dor sum containing a slender curved white line ; the orbicular
is rather small, round, margined first with dull white and then with black ; the reniform is large,
oblong, dull white, margined with pale ochreous towards the base of the wing ; there is a
conspicuous oblong black mark between the orbicular and reniform stigmata. The hind-wings are dull
grey, with the cilia paler.

The perfect insect appears in January. One specimen was taken at sugar in the
Wellington Botanical Gardens, and two specimens are recorded from Canterbury. It is
evidently a scarce species.

Genus 2.— OETHOSIA, Ochs.

" Head rough-scaled ; eyes naked, ciliated. Antennae in male ciliated. Thorax with or without
anterior crest. Abdomen not crested.

"A considerable genus of nearly universal distribution, though mainly found in
temperate regions of both hemispheres. The irnagos are almost all autumnal, and their
yellow and ferruginous colouring is doubtless adapted to the autumn tints of falling
leaves." — (Meyrick.)

Kepresented in New Zealand by three species.

OKTHOSIA MABGAKITA, Hawth.
(Orthosia margarita, Hawth., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxix. 283.)

(Plate V., fig. 31.)

This species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. E. F. Hawthorne.
The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore-wings are dark brownish-black and
rather glossy ; there are several obscure dark marks near the base ; the orbicular is oval, oblique,
brownish-yellow, slightly darker in the middle ; the claviform is almost obsolete ; the reniform is rather
large, bordered with dull white towards the base and termen ; beyond the reniform there is a very
distinct wavy transverse line ; another line is situated near the termen emitting several black wedge-
shaped markings from its inner edge. The hind-wings are shining white and iridescent, with the
veins black and the costa and termen narrowly shaded with black.

Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Hawthorne's collection.

I.— THE CARADRININA. 1

OETHOSIA COMMA, Walk.

(Mamcstra comma, Walk., Noct. 239 ; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. ix., 6. G-raphiphora implexa, Walk.,
Noct. 405. Hadena plusiata, ib., Suppl. 742; Nitocris bicomma, Gn., Ent. Mon. Mag. v., 4. Orthosia
comma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 30.)

(Plate V., fig. 27 <? , 28 2 ; Plate III., fig. 11, larva.)

This is apparently a common and generally distributed species. It has occurred
plentifully at Wellington, Blenheim, Christchurch, and Eakaia.

The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore-wings are dark grey crossed by four
wavy, black-margined, transverse lines ; beyond the outermost of these lines there is a black band
running parallel with the termen, and beyond this again a broader band of the ground colour ; the
orbicular spot is very minute and dull white ; the reniform, which is surrounded by a black shading,
is large, yellow towards the costa, and white towards the termen. The hind-wings are dark grey.
The females are generally much darker than the males, some specimens having the fore-wings very
dark brownish-black.

Both sexes vary a good deal in the depth of colouring, but the markings appear to
be quite constant.

The larva is dark brown, tinged with pink ; the subdorsal region is paler, there are a series
of diagonal blackish stripes on each segment, and the anterior portions of the larva are much darker
than the rest of the body.

The specimens I reared were fed on lettuce, but I expect that the caterpillar feeds
on low plants generally. It is full grown about January. The pupa state is spent in the
earth.

The moth appears in January, February, and March. It is very common at the
flowers of the white rata, and may also be attracted by sugar and by light.

OETHOSIA IMMUNIS, Walk.

(Tceniocampa immunis, Walk., Noct. 430. Cerastis innocua, ib. 1710 (locality probably erroneous). Agrotis
acetina, Feld., Reis. Nov. pi. cix. 6. Orthosia immunis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 30.)

(Plate V., fig. 29.)

This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Blenheim in
the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings vary from bright orange-brown to dull
reddish-brown; there is an obscure black dot near the base, a faint transverse line at about one-fourth ;
the orbicular is oval, faintly outlined in brown ; the claviform is very faint, its position indicated by a
small brown dot ; the reniform is large, oblong, much indented towards the termen, doubly outlined
with dull yellow and containing a blackish spot towards its lower edge, its posterior margin is shaded
with dark brown ; there are several faint, wavy, transverse lines near the termen, and the termen
itself is shaded with brownish-black ; the cilia are reddish-brown. The hind-wings are dull grey ;
the cilia are pale reddish-ochreous tipped with white. The head is covered with scattered white scales,
the thorax is reddish-brown, and the abdomen is grey tipped with reddish-brown ; the upper joints
of the tarsi of the anterior legs are white.

The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. It frequents the
blossoms of the white rata, where it occasionally may be taken in the daytime, but more
frequently at night. It is not, however, a common species.

Genus 3.— XANTHIA, Tr.

" Antennae in male filiform, moderately ciliated. Thorax with sharp compressed anterior and
small posterior crest. Abdomen not crested." — (Meyrick.)
Only one New Zealand species is known at present.

8 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

XANTHIA PUEPUEEA, Butl.

(Graphiphora purpurea, Butl., Cist. Bnt, ii. Xantlvia ceramodes, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 31.

X. purpurea, ib. xx. 46.)
(Plate V., fig. 32.)

This handsome species has been found at Wellington in the North Island, and at
Dunedin in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are rich, glossy reddish-brown with
several scattered whitish scales ; there is a distinct yellow mark on the costa at about one-fourth,
forming the beginning of a broken transverse line ; the orbicular is small, round, and yellowish ; the
reniform is small, crescentic and yellowish, the space between the orbicular and the reniform is very
dark blackish-brown; beyond the reniform there is a conspicuous white mark on the costa forming the
beginning of a second broken transverse line ; a third shaded line is situated near the termen. The
hind-wings are pale brown with a dark spot in the middle, very conspicuous on the under surface.

The perfect insect appears from September till April. It is usually taken at sugar
or light, but is not a very common species.

Sub-family 2.—MELANCHRIDES.

Eyes hairy.

Genus 4.— PHYSETICA, Meyr.

"Palpi with terminal joint in male greatly swollen, as broad as second, rather short, rounded,
with an orifice in outer side, in female normal. Antennae in male filiform, simple. Thorax and
abdomen smooth." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., fig. 8.)

PHYSETICA C^IEULEA, Gn.

(Agrotis cceruka, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 38. Physetica carulea, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 5.)

(Plate IV., fig. 7.)

This fine species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Blenheim
and Rakaia in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are slaty-blue ; there is an obscure,
wavy, whitish transverse line near the base, two very wavy blackish lines at about one-third, a dark
transverse shaded line across the middle, containing the orbicular spot, then a very wavy line followed
by a darker space and a wavy, dull, whitish terminal line. Hind-wings dark grey, paler near the base,
cilia shining white.

The perfect insect appears in October, December, and January. Mr. Fereday states
that it was formerly very common at blossoms.

Genus 5.— LEUCANIA, Ochs.

"Head rough-scaled; eyes hairy. Antennae in male ciliated. Thorax with or without slight
anterior crest. Abdomen not crested.

" A very large cosmopolitan genus, equally common everywhere ; it is a development
of Melanchra, to which some of the New Zealand species give such a complete transition
that a line of demarcation can hardly be drawn. The larvae all feed on Graminete."—
(Meyrick.)

We have seventeen species.

I.— THE CARADEININA. 9

LEUCANIA GEISEIPENNIS, Feld.

(Mamestra griseipennis, Feld., pi. cix. 22. Chera virescens, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 489. Spalotis inconstans,
ib. 545 ; Leucania moderate!, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 7 (nee Walk.). Leucania griseipennis, Meyr.,
Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 44.)

(Plate IV., fig. 8.)

This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island. In the South Island
it has been taken at Mount Arthur, Lake Coleridge, Rakaia, Akaroa, and Lake Guyon.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are dull greenish-grey ; there are two
obscure blackish transverse lines near the base and several dull white dots ; a very conspicuous
transverse curved black shade near the middle, followed by an extremely jagged dull white transverse
line, another less jagged transverse line near the termen ; the orbicular is oval, pale, edged with black ;
the reniform and claviform are also pale but inconspicuous ; the cilia are tinged with brown. The
hind-wings are grey ivith the cilia wholly white.

The following variety, taken on Mount Arthur, is thus described by Mr. Meyrick :—

" Var. A. Thorax and fore-wings without ochreous tinge, with numerous white scales tending
to form suffused spots and margins to lines ; cilia distinctly barred with darker ; hind-wings grey,
with dark grey, irregular terminal band." *

The perfect insect appears from November till March, and is said to be very common
in certain localities. It has been taken at considerable elevations in the Nelson province
(4,700 feet above the sea-level on Mount Arthur, by Mr. Meyrick and myself). In
Wellington it is certainly a scarce species.

LEUCANIA MODEEATA, Walk.

(Agrotis moderate,, Walk., Suppl. 705. Eumichtis sistens, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 39. Mamestra sistens,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 19. Leucania moderata, ib. xx. 45.)

This species has occurred at Eakaia in the South Island. It very closely resembles
the preceding species, from which it is said to be distinguished by the cilia of
the hind-wings, which are "partially grey in Leucania moderata, wholly white in
L . griseipennis. ' ' — (Meyrick.)

The perfect insect appears in February. I am unacquainted with this species.

LEUCANIA TEMPEEATA, Walk.
(Bryophila temperata, Walk., 1648 (nee Meyrick). Xylina inceptura, ib. 1736. X. deceptura, ib. 1737.

Leucania temperata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 45.)

"Terminal joint of palpi moderate; form of wing as in Leucania griseipennis, first and second
lines whitish, inconspicuous, margined with black dots, second line evenly curved, subterminal per-
ceptible; cilia grey, indistinctly barred with white. Hind-wings grey." — (Meyrick.)
Described by Mr. Meyrick from the British Museum specimens.
I am unacquainted with this species.

LEUCANIA NULLIFEEA, Walk.

(Agrotis nullifera, Walk., Noct. 742; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. ix. 5. Alysia specifica, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 3.

Leucania nullifera, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 7.)

(Plate IV., fig. 9 ; head, Plate II., fig. 11.)

This large though sombre-looking insect has occurred in the North Island at
Taupo and Wellington. In the South Island it has been taken commonly at Mount
Arthur, Christchurch, and Eakaia.

The expansion of the wings is from 2J to 2f inches. The fore-wings are uniform dull grey,
with a double row of very faint white spots parallel to the termen ; the hind-wings, head, thorax,

and abdomen are pale grey.

'• Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 7.

2

10 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA.

In some specimens the fore- wings are quite destitute of markings, whilst in others
the ground colouring varies considerably, and is occasionally dull brown instead of

grey.

The larva is very stout, bright yellowish-brown, considerably paler on the under surface ;
the dorsal line is faintly indicated, the subdorsal and lateral lines are dull brown, with a chain
of elongate white spots beneath each ; the spiracles and dorsal surface of the posterior segments
are black ; there are also numerous white dots all over the larva.

This caterpillar feeds on spear-grass (AcipJiylla squarrosd), and only a single
individual inhabits each clump. It devours the soft, central portions of the tussock,
and its presence can generally be detected by a quantity of pale brown " frass," or
discoloration, which is generally visible near the bases of the leaves. Owing to the
formidable array of spines presented by the spear-grass, this larva can have but few
enemies. The presence of these spines makes the insect a difficult one to obtain
without special apparatus. A sharp pair of strong scissors, however, will enable the
collector to cut off a sufficient number of the " spears " to allow of the insertion of
a small trowel or hatchet under the root. The plant can then be lifted out of the
ground, and the larva afterwards carefully extracted from its burrow in the stem.
These larvas are full grown about the end of May, which is consequently the best time
to obtain them for rearing. The pupa is enclosed in an earthen cell amongst the
roots of the spear-grass. The moth appears in November, December, January,
February, and March. It is sometimes attracted by light. I have found it
commonly on the Tableland of Mount Arthur at elevations of from 3,500 to 4,000
feet above the sea-level, where its food-plant also flourishes.

LEUCANIA PUEDII, Frdy.
(Lemania purdii, Frdy., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xv. 195 ; Meyr., ib. xix. 8.)

(Plate IV., fig. 11.)

This fine species was discovered at Dunedin by Mr. Purdie. A single specimen
has also been taken at Wellington.

The expansion of the wings is from 2j to 2J inches. The fore-wings are broivnish-crimson ;
there are two broad, shaded, yellow, longitudinal streaks above and below the middle ; the costa
is margined with yellow near the base, and the dorsum is yellow throughout its entire length ;
the cilia are deep orange. The hind-wings are dark grey, and the cilia yellow.
The perfect insect appears in December.
Described and figured from specimens in the collections of Messrs. Fereday and

Hawthorne.

LEUCANIA ATEISTEIGA, Walk.

(Xylina atristriga, Walk., Suppl. 756. Mamestra antipoda, Peld., Eeis. Nov., pi. cix. 23. Leucania

atristriga, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 8.)

(Plate IV., fig. 12.)

This smart-looking species is very common in the North Island in the neigh-
bourhood of Wellington. In the South Island it has occurred abundantly at Nelson,
Christchurch, Lake Coleridge, and Dunedin.

The expansion of the wings is about 1| inches. The fore-wings are rich reddish-brown ;
there is a broad bluish-grey longitudinal streak on the costa, reaching nearly to the apex, and
a very broad, pale brown, longitudinal shading on the dorsum ; there is a conspicuous longitudinal
black stripe in the middle of the wing from the base to one-third, the orbicular, reniform, and claviform
spots are bluish-grey, edged with black, the transverse lines are very indistinct ; the cilia are
reddish-brown. The hind-wings are dark grey with the cilia ochreous.

I.— THE CAEADEININA. 11

This species varies slightly in the intensity of its markings and in the extent of the pale
dorsal area.

The moth first appears about January and continues in great abundance until
the middle or end of April, being one of the last of our Leucanias to disappear in
the autumn. It is extremely partial to the flowers of the white rata (Metrosideros
scandens), where, on warm, still evenings, it may be often met with in the utmost
profusion. It also comes freely to sugar, and is frequently attracted by light.

LEUCANIA PKOPEIA, Walk.

(Leucania propria, Walk., Noct. iii. ; Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 2; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. ix. 4; Meyr.,

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 9.)
(Plate IV., fig. 13.)

This insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Blenheim, and
Mount Hutt.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are pale ochreous ; there is a con-
spicuous longitudinal black streak in the middle of the wing, extending from the base to about
one-third, and a broad, dark brown longitudinal shading, slightly above the middle, from one-fourth
to the termen ; the reniform is rather small, dull grey, faintly edged with darker, the orbicular
and claviform are very indistinct or absent ; there is a transverse series of black dots on the veins
a little before the termen, and another series on the termen ; the cilia are ochreous banded with
brown. The hind-wings are pale grey, with a terminal series of small black marks; the cilia are
ochreous. The head and thorax are pale reddish-brown, and the abdomen is ochreous.

This species varies slightly in the depth of its colouring.

The perfect insect is met with from January till March. On the Mount Arthur
Tableland it occurred very commonly at about 3,800 feet above the sea-level. In this
locality it was freely attracted by light, and large numbers of specimens were captured
by the aid of a single candle, exhibited at the tent door during mild evenings.

LEUCANIA ACONTISTIS, Meyr.
(Leucania acontistis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 9.)

(Plate IV., fig. 14.)

A single specimen of this species was captured at Castle Hill by Mr. J. D.
Enys, and is now in Mr. Fereday's collection.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are dull ochreous ; the veins are
slightly darker ; there is a fine, black, doubly -curved, longitudinal streak from the base to about
one-third. The hind-wings are pale yellowish-grey. The cilia of all the wings are dull ochreous.
Described and figured from the specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

LEUCANIA PHAULA, Meyr.
(Leucania phaula, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 10.)

(Plate IV., fig. 15.)

Two specimens of this insect, " bred from tussock grass," were found at
Christchurch.0

The expansion of the wings is 1^ inches. The fore-wings are dull ochreous, with the veins
obscurely indicated by black and white dots ; there is a curved series of minute black dots near
the termen. The hind-wings are pale ochreous, clouded with grey towards the termen. The
cilia of all the wings are dull ochreous. This insect may be distinguished from Leucania unica
by its larger size, duller coloration, less oblique termen of_ fore-wings, and simple antennae in
the male.

The perfect insect appears in November.

Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 10.

12 NEW ZEALAND MACEO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

LEUCANIA ALOPA, Meyr.
(Leucania alopa, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 10.)

(Plate IV., fig. 16.)

This species has occurred at Lake Coleridge and at Lake Guyon.

The expansion of the wings is about 1^ inches. The fore-wings are dull orange-brown ; there
are three obscure black dots at about one-third ; the reniform is represented by a rather conspicuous
cloud// spot; there is a curved series of black dots near the termen. The hind-wings are grey, paler
towards the base. The cilia of all the wings are dull orange-brown.
The moth appears in March.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

LEUCANIA MICEASTEA, Meyr.
(Leucania micrastra, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 383.)

(Plate IV., fig. 10.)

Three specimens of this insect have occurred in my garden at Karori.
The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are bright orange-brown ; there are
several white scales near the base, two black-edged white dots at about one-third, a small black spot
with a shining white dot on each side of it at the origin of veins 3 and 4, and a series of black and
white dots on all the veins near the termen ; the cilia are orange-brown tipped with white. The
hind-wings are pale ochreous-brown. The cilia are ochreous broadly tipped with white.

This species somewhat resembles Leucania alopa in general appearance, but the
wings are narrower and the colour of the fore-wings is considerably brighter.
The moth appears in December.

LEUCANIA UNICA, Walk.

(Leucania unica, Walk., Noct. 112; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. ix. 9. Nonagria juncicolor, Gn., Ent. Mo.
Mag. v. 2. Leucania unica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 10.)

(Plate IV., fig. 17.)

This insect has been taken at Blenheim and at Kakaia.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are dull ochreous with the veins
darker ; there are one or two obscure blackish dots at about one-third from the base, and several
faint dots near the termen. Hind-wings paler with very pale cilia ; the antennae, in the male are
moderately bipectinated.

The moth appears in November.

Described and figured from Mr. Fereday's specimens.

LEUCANIA AEOTIS, Meyr.

(Leucania arotis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 11. Leucania aulacias,* Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 11.)

(Plate IV., fig. 18.)

This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island. In the South Island
it has been found at Blenheim, Christchurch, and liakaia.

The expansion of the wings is about 1% inches. The fore-icings are cream-colour with the veins
finely marked in grey ; there is a series of streaks of darker cream-colour between the veins, and a row
of minute black dots near the termen ; the cilia are cream-colour. The hind-wings are dark grey
with the cilia white.

The perfect insect appears in November and December. It is rather a scarce
species.

* Leucania aulacias, Meyr., is distinguished by having grey cilia to the hind-wings. The species was described from
a single specimen taken at Dunedin and now in Mr. Fereday's collection. I have carefully examined this specimen, and
find that the cilia, although considerably injured, are distinctly grey. As, however, I think it undesirable to characterize
species so closely resembling each other from such meagre material, I here regard it as a synonym of Leucania arotis.

I.— THE CAEADRININA. 13

LEUCANIA SULCANA, Fereday.

(Leucania aulcana, Frdy., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xii. 267, pi. ix. ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 11.)

(Plate IV., fig. 19 <?, 20 ? .)

This species has occurred at Akaroa and at Dunedin.

The expansion of the wings is from 1J to If inches. The fore-wings are light ochreous with
the veins white ; there is a shaded, brownish, longitudinal streak near the apex, another from the
end of the cell to the termen, a stronger streak from the base of the wing to near the tornus, and
another along the dorsum ; there is a minute black dot near the base above the middle, a slightly
larger dot at about one-third, a conspicuous dot between the origins of veins 3 and 4, and a very
minute dot on vein (5. Hind-wings dark blackish-grey, cilia paler.

The perfect insect appears in February, and has been taken at sugar.

Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Fereday's collection.

LEUCANIA SEMIVITTATA, Walk.
(Leucania semivittata, Walk., Suppl. 628; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 12.)

(Plate IV., fig. 21 $ , 22 2 .)

This species has occurred commonly at Christchurch, Mount Torlesse, and Dunedin.
The expansion of the wings is from 1£ to If inches. The fore-wings are pale ochreous ; there
is a very obscure, shaded, brownish, longitudinal streak below the middle, a conspicuous black dot
at the base, a second at about one-sixth, a third at one-third, a fourth between the origins of veins
3 and 4, a curved series of minute terminal dots. Hind-wings much paler with a darker blotch near
the middle. In the female the wings are browner with the dots much smaller or absent.

The moth appears in April and May, being found at night on the blossoms of
the scabious.

Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Fereday's collection.

LEUCANIA BLENHEIMENSIS, Frdy.
(Leucania blenheimensis, Frdy., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xv. 196 ; Meyr., ib. xix. 12.)

(Plate IV., fig. 23 ? .)

This rather striking insect has occurred at Napier and at Blenheim.
The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore-wings are cream-coloured with the
veins darker ; there are three faint black dots at about one-third, a curved series of black dots near
the termen, the termen itself being strongly shaded with dark greyish-brown; the cilia are dark greyish-
brown. The hind-wings are grey, paler towards the base ; the cilia are also grey.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

LEUCANIA UNIPUNCTA, Haw.

(Leucania unipuncta, Haw., Lepidoptera Britannica, p. 174, No. 37. Leucania extrama, Gn., Noct. v. 77 ;

But!., Voy. Ereb., pi. ix. 2; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 12.)

(Plate IV., fig. 24.)

This species has occurred at Napier and at Wellington in the North Island. In
the South Island it has been found at Nelson and at Christchurch.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings vary from dull ochreous to bright
reddish-ochreous ; there are numerous indistinct blackish dots ; the orbicular and reniform are almost
round and slightly paler than the rest of the wing ; there is a minute white dot immediately below
the reniform and an obscure, oblique blackish line from the apex of the wing ending in a series of
minute black dots ; the termen is not indented. The hind-wings are grey, darker near the termen ;
the cilia are white.

Varies considerably in the ground colour and in the extent of the black speckling.

" The larva is extremely variable. Its usual colour is pale brown with a white dorsal line and
several dark lines on each side.

14 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

"Young larvae closely resemble their food-plant in colour, and occasionally this is
persistent throughout life ; in fact the larva is very variable. Feeds on various
grasses." °

The perfect insect first appears about January, and continues in increasing numbers
until the middle or end of April. It is often met with at sugar.

This species is of almost universal distribution, having occurred in Australia, Java,
India, Europe, and North and South America. In England it is regarded as a great
rarity.

Genus 6.— ICHNEUTICA, Meyr.
"Antennae in male strongly bipectinated throughout. Thorax and abdomen smooth." — (Meyrick.)

This genus is very closely allied to Leucania. It appears to be exclusively limited
to New Zealand, where it is represented by two conspicuous species. Probably when
the extensive mountainous regions of the country have been more fully explored by
entomologists other species will be discovered.

ICHNEUTICA DIONE, n. sp.
(Plate IV., fig. 27 <? .)

A single specimen of this interesting species was captured by Mr. C. W. Palmer,
on Mount Arthur at an elevation of about 4,400 feet.

The expansion of the wings is 1^ inches. The fore-wings are dull blackish-brown, darker near
the middle ; there is a, rather oblique, white, longitudinal stripe below the middle from about one-eighth
to one-third; above this there is a very conspicuous, large, elongate white mark; this mark has a
semicircular indentation above, probably representing the orbicular ; another indentation towards the
tertnen, probably representing the reniform, and below this it emits two short teeth-like projections ;
beyond these markings the ground colour becomes paler, and is traversed by an obscure, jagged,
transverse line ; the cilia are grey. The hind-wings are pale grey ; the cilia are also grey. The
body is dark brownish-black. The pectinations of the antennae of this insect are slightly shorter
than those in Ichneutica ceraunias.

The type specimen is slightly damaged ; but the species is so evidently distinct that
I feel no hesitation in describing it.

ICHNEUTICA CEEAUNIAS, Meyr.

(Ichneutica ceraunias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 13.)

(Plate IV., fig. 25 $ , 26 ? ).

This handsome species has hitherto only occurred on the Tableland of Mount
Arthur, where, however, it seems to be common.

The expansion of the wings of the male is If inches, of the female 2 inches. The fore-wings of
the male are rich orange-brown, paler towards the base. There are two very broad, longitudinal,
yellowish stripes, one on the costa and the other on the dorsum. The costal stripe divides into two
branches before its termination, one of which is produced downwards ; there is also a conspicuous
white mark a little beyond the middle of the wing emitting two tooth-like projections towards the termen,
and two narrow, dark brown streaks near the base of the wing. The hind-wings are dark brownish-
grey. The head, thorax, and abdomen are yellowish-brown, and the antennae are very strongly
bipectinated. The female is much narrower in the wings, the ground colouring is dull brown, and the
markings are all dull yellow.

This species varies slightly in the intensity of the markings.

The moth appears early in January. It is much attracted by light. In 1891 I
took over twenty specimens by means of a single candle exhibited, during three evenings,

* Report of American Department of Agriculture, 1881, p. 93.

I.— THE CAEADEININA. 15

at the door of my tent. Prior to this date only one specimen had been taken by Mr.
Meyrick during January, 1886. All these moths were met with over 3,500 feet above
the sea-level, so that the insect is evidently confined to mountain regions.

Genus 7.— MELANCHEA, Hb.

"Head rough-scaled; eyes hairy. Antennae in $ ciliated, or sometimes bipectinated with apex
simple. Thorax with more or less developed anterior and posterior crests. Abdomen more or less
crested, in ? obtuse. Anterior tibiae rarely with apical hook."

" A large genus of very general distribution, but much commoner in temperate
regions of both hemispheres. Relatively much more numerous in New Zealand than
elsewhere. ' ' — (Meyrick.)

This genus includes no less than thirty-four species. Some of these are extremely
difficult to distinguish owing to the obscurity of their markings, which offer unusual
obstacles to clear description and delineation. I have, however, endeavoured to point
out what, in my opinion, constitute the most reliable distinctions ; but I fear that
amongst those species, where only one or two specimens are known, cases of real
difficulty will arise. Future investigation will no doubt result in a remodelling of
some of the more obscure species in this genus.

It may be well to point out that the genus Melanclira was formerly known by
the name of Mamestra.

MELANCHEA DISJUNGENS, Walk.

(Heliophobi/s disjungens, Walk., Noct. 1681 ; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. ix. 1. Hadena nervata, Gn., Ent. Mo.
Mag. v. 40. Mamestra disjungens, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 15.)

(Plate V., fig. 43.)

This species has occurred in the South Island at Ashburton and at Eakaia.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are brownish-grey ; the veins
are very conspicuously marked in white, the orbicular and reniform are large, white, each with a dusky
centre ; there is a conspicuous, white, transverse line near the termen, emitting two white, tooth-like
projections on veins 3 and 4, and connected with a longitudinal line running to the base of the wing.
The hind-wings are grey with the cilia white.

The perfect insect appears from November till January. It was formerly a common
species near Eakaia, but is now much scarcer.

MELANCHEA PAEACAUSTA, Meyr.
(Mamestra paracausta, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 15.)

(Plate IV., fig. 28 $ , 28A ? .)

This species .has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, and
Invercargill.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are dull white with an irregular,
central, longitudinal, blackish-brown streak becoming very broad tmvards the termen ; there is an oval
reddish-brown blotch near the base, but no distinct transverse lines ; two conspicuous elliptic, white
marks are situated on the termen near the tornus. The hind-wings are pale grey, with an obscure
central shade and a series of brownish dots along the termen.

The species appears somewhat variable. In some male specimens the white colouring
is largely replaced by pale yellowish-brown. Described and figured from specimens
in the collections of Messrs. Fereday, Hawthorne, and Philpott *

* Mr. Philpott informs me that the larva of M. paracausta closely resemble;! that of M. mtiosa.

16 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

MELANCHKA INSIGNIS, Walk.

(Eiqilcxia insignis, Walk., Suppl. 724. Xylina turbida, ib. 754. Mamestra polycliroa, Meyr., Trans.
N. Z. Inst. xix. 16. Mamestra insignis, Meyr., ib. xx. 45.)
(Plate IV., fig. 29 $ , 30 S .)

This pretty species has occurred at Palmerston and Wellington in the North Island,
and at Blenheim, Christchurch, and West Plains near Invercargill in the South Island.
It is probably common and generally distributed.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are pinJcish-brmon ; there is a
short black streak near the centre of the wing at the base, and an irregular, extensive black marking
along the dorsura ; the orbicular, reniform, and claviform spots are large, margined first with green
and then with black ; a fine white line is situated parallel with the termen, edged with green, and
emitting two sharp tooth-like markings ; beyond this line the ground colour of the wing is dark-
brownish-black. The hind-wings are dull brown, darker towards termen ; the cilia are white with
a brown line. The antennae of the male are slightly bipectinated. In the female the ground colour is
considerably paler, the black markings much darker, and more suffused, and the posterior half of the
reniform is usually creamy-white.

Some specimens have the green and black markings slightly more pronounced,
but otherwise there are no important variations.

The eggs are deposited in October and November. When first laid they are pale
greenish-white, but become dark brown in the centre as the enclosed embryo develops.
The young larvae emerge in about a fortnight. At this time the two anterior pairs of
prolegs are very short, causing the caterpillar to loop up its back when walking. In
colour the young larva is pale brown, with numerous black warts emitting several long,
stiff bristles. It is very active, and busily devours the soft green portions of the dock
leaves, leaving the harder membrane untouched. Twelve days later the larva becomes
pale green in colour, and moults for the first time, after which traces of subdorsal
and lateral lines present themselves. Growth then proceeds with great rapidity, and
in another eleven days the larva again sheds its skin. The last moult occurs a fort-
night later.

At this time the larva is pale greenish-brown, inclining to yellow on the ventral surface. The
lateral lines consist of a series of black markings near the posterior margin of each segment ; the
subdorsal lines are represented by four oblique black marks on each side of the four posterior
segments of the larva. The region between these lines is much clouded with yellowish-green or
pink, the larvae having a tendency to diverge into pink and green varieties. The anal segment is
dull yellow. The head is brown, with two black stripes and several black dots.

Whilst rearing these larvae I noticed that during the daytime they invariably hid
themselves under the blotting paper at the bottom of the breeding cage. No doubt,
under natural conditions, they retreat beneath the ground, only coming abroad at night
to feed. This habit would account for the difficulty experienced in finding larvaa of
this genus in a state of nature.

The pupa state is spent in the earth, and occupies about a month.

The moth appears towards the end of January. It evidently hibernates through
the winter, as it is often seen very late in the autumn, and is always one of the first
moths to come to sugar in the early spring. It is frequently observed at rest on fences
and trees in the daytime.

I.— THE CAEADEININA. ' 17

MBLANCHKA MAYA, n. sp.
(Plate IV., fig. 31.)

A single specimen of this species was taken on the Tableland of Mount Arthur,
at an altitude of about 3,500 feet.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are bright yellowish-brown, paler
towards the apex ; there are two broad, shaded, black stripes at the base, one near the middle edged
with yellow above, and one below the middle edged with yellow beneath ; the orbicular is oval, oblique,
edged with black except towards the costa ; the claviform is rather irregular, dark purplish-brown ; the
reniform is very large, dark purplish-brown edged with black ; there is a large elongate patch of very
dark brown at the tornus, partly edged first ivith yellow and then with black ; another smaller patch
is situated on the termen near the middle, bisected by a fine yellow line. The hind-wings are grey ;
the cilia of all the wings are yellowish-brown. The head and thorax are purplish-brown, the abdomen
dull brownish-grey.

MELANCHEA PLENA, Walk.

(Erana plena, Walk., Suppl. 744. Mamestra sphagnea, Feld., Reis. Nov., pi. cix. 17. Dianthcecia viridis,
Butl., Cist. Bnt. ii. 547. Mamestra plena, Meyr., Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. 17.)

(Plate IV., fig. 32.)

Apparently common in the Canterbury district, where it has been taken at Christ-
church and Mount Hutt. In the North Island it has occurred in the neighbourhood of
Wellington.

It resembles Melanchra insignis in every respect except that the head, thorax, and fore- wings are
entirely suffused with green ; there is no central black streak at the base, and the orbicular, reniforrn,
and claviform spots are smaller.

It varies a little in the intensity of the green colouring.

The eggs are deposited early in November. At first they are white in colour, but
soon become dull brown, with two concentric circular markings. The young larva closely
resembles that of the Melanchra insignis, but is much more sluggish. It feeds on grasses
and other low plants.

In about six weeks' time it is full grown, when it still resembles the caterpillar
of Melanchra insignis, except that its colouring is considerably darker, and a number
of rust-red spots are situated on the subdorsal line. This larva also appears to spend the
daytime underground, only coming abroad in the evening to feed.- The pupa is concealed
in the earth.

The perfect insect may be occasionally found at rest on tree-trunks in the forest,
where it is very hard to discover, as it almost exactly resembles a little patch of moss
or lichen. Specimens are sometimes noticed in the middle of winter, so there is little
doubt that this species hibernates. It occurs in spring as late as November, and as the
pupae emerge during the latter end of January the insect is about for most of the year.

MELANCHEA LITHIAS, Meyr.
(Mamestra lithias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 17.)

(Plate IV., fig. 33.)

Two specimens of this species were taken at Castle Hill by Mr. J. D. Enys, and are
now in Mr. Fereday's collection.

The expansion of the wings is 1^ inches. The fore-wings are slaty-brown; there is a broken,
black-edged, white, transverse line near the base, and another at about one-third ; the orbicular is indi-
cated by a conspicuous black-edged white crescent, the reniform is large, oblong, white, margined with

3

18 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEEA.

black, and crossed by two grey lines ; there is an interrupted white terminal transverse line and a
series of black dots on the termen. The hind-wings are grey, paler towards the base ; the cilia of all
the wings are slaty-brown.

Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

MELANCHKA MUTANS, Walk.

(Hadena mutans, Walk., Noct. 602. H. litjnifusca, ib. 603. Mamestra angmta, Feld., Beis. Nov.,
pi. cix. 18. M. acceptrix, ib., pi. cix. 19. Hadena debilis, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 385,
pi. xlii. 6. Mamestra mutans, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 17.)

Plate IV., fig. 34 $ , 35 2 , 36 <? , variety ; Plate III., fig. 15, larva.)

This is a very abundant species throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore-wings are pale reddish-brown in the
male, grey in the female ; the markings are black and somewhat indistinct ; the orbicular spot
is nearly round, the claviform semicircular, the reniform large and not margined with black towards
the termen ; a line runs parallel with the termen, and emits on its outer side a tooth-like mark ; inside
this line the ground colouring of the wing is usually lighter. The hind-wings are grey, darker in the
male ; the cilia are white with a cloudy line. The head, thorax, and abdomen are brown in the male,
grey in the female. The antennae are slightly bipectinate in the male.

This species varies much in the ground colouring of the fore-wings, especially in the
male, where it ranges from pale pinkish-brown to dark brown. The wings of the female
are frequently much clouded with dark grey.

The larva is rather stout, with the anterior segments wrinkled. It varies much in colour ; the
dorsal surface is usually reddish-brown ; the lateral line is broad and black ; a series of subdorsal
stripes are also black ; the ventral surface is green. Sometimes these markings are hardly visible, and
the larva is entirely green, whilst occasionally the brown colouring predominates.

It is a sluggish caterpillar, and feeds on low plants (Plantago, &c.) during the whole
of the spring and summer. It often frequents the luxuriant growth surrounding logs and
stones which have long been left undisturbed.

The pupa state is spent in the earth or amongst moss on fallen trees. When this
stage occurs in the summer it is of short duration, but in the case of larvae becoming full
grown in the autumn, the regular emergence does not take place until the following spring.

The moth may be observed on mild evenings nearly all the year round, but is com-
moner during the summer. It is an extremely abundant species, and is very often seen
resting on tree trunks during the daytime, in which position the colouring of both sexes
will be seen to be very protective.

MBLANCHEA AGOEASTIS, Meyr.
(Mamestra agorastis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 18.)

(Plate V., fig. 30 ? .)

This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Akaroa and Lake
Guyon in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 J inches. The fore-wings are rich reddish-broivn, with dull
yellowish-white markings ; the claviform is small, grey, margined with dark reddish-brown ; the
orbicular is also rather small, grey, margined with dull white ; the reniform is rather large, oblong,
dark grey, margined rather broadly with yellowish- white. The hind-wings are dark brown. The
antenna of the male are shortly pectinated.

This species very closely resembles a dark specimen of Melanchra pelistis so far as the
female is concerned, which is the only sex I have had an opportunity of examining.
The perfect insect appears in February and March. It is a scarce species.

I. —THE CARADRINTNA. 19

MELANCHEA PICTULA, White.

(Diamthoecia pictula, White, Tayl. New Zeal., pi i. 3. Meterana pictula, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond.,
1877, 386, pi. xlii. 1. Mamestra pictula, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 18.)

(Plate IV., fig. 37 <? .)

Three specimens of this handsome species have occurred at Lake Coleridge in the
South Island.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are grey, very faintly tinged with pink,
the markings are yellowish-green margined with black, the reniform is large, oval, clear white, with a
minute white dot above and below it, there is a series of conspicuous black-edged yellow spots near the
termen ; the cilia are grey with a series of minute black and white dots at their base. The hind-
wings are pale crimson shaded with dark grey near the termen, there is an obscure grey spot near the
middle ; the cilia are grey. The sides of the abdomen are bright crimson.
The moth appears in March.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

MELANCFEA EHODOPLEUEA, Meyr.
(Mamestra rhodopleura, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 19.)

(Plate IV., fig. 38.)

This species has been taken in the North Island at Napier and Wellington.
The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are greenish-grey, with the markings
yellow margined with black ; the hind-wings are dark grey with a terminal series of small yellow spots.
The sides of the abdomen are bright crimson.

This insect is very closely allied to Melanclira pictula, but the absence of the white
reniform spot and the grey hind-wings, will at once distinguish it from that species.
The perfect insect appears in May and June. It is decidedly rare.

MELANCHEA MEEOPE, n. sp.
(Plate V., fig. 2.)

A single specimen of this handsome insect was taken in the Wellington Botanical
Gardens in October, 1887.

The expansion of the wings is nearly two inches. The fore-wings are rich chocolate-brown, with
yellow markings outlined in very deep brown ; there is a rather broad broken transverse line near the
base ; a yellow blotch containing a slender curved brown line, on the dorsum at about one-fourth,
forming the end of another extremely broken transverse line ; the reniform is large, finely outlined
with brown towards the base of the wing and half filled in with yellow toivards the termen ; between
the reniform and the dorsum there is a jagged yellow transverse line ; there is a terminal series of dark
brown streaks and yellow spots, and the termen itself is scalloped ; the cilia are dark brown. The
hind-wings are pale brown, pinkish tinged ; there is an obscure terminal line ; the cilia are brownish-
pink. The head and thorax are dark brown, the abdomen pale brown, with the crests darker.

MELANCHEA PELISTIS, Meyr.
(Mamestra pelistis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20.)

(Plate V., fig. 3 $ , 4 ? .)

This species has occurred at Wellington and at Paikakariki, in the North Island.
In the South Island it has been found at Akaroa and Lake Coleridge.

The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore-wings are dull ochreous more or
less shaded with dark reddish-brown, especially in the vicinity of the transverse lines ; there
are several obscure pale marks near the base ; the orbicular is grey, margined towards the dorsum
^vith a conspicuous white or dull yellow crescentic line; the claviform is small, round, dull grey,
edged with darker; the reniform is large, darker grey, paler toivards the costa, margined with

20 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

white or dull yellow towards the base of the wing and termen ; there are two obscure transverse
lines, the outer one often being slightly toothed towards the termen ; sometimes there is a
terminal series of minute black marks ; the cilia are brown. The hind-wings are dark grey, with
the cilia white.

This species varies considerably in the ground colouring of the fore-wings. In
some specimens the wing is almost entirely rich reddish-brown, whilst in others this
colouring is confined to the vicinity of the stigmata and transverse lines. Numerous
intermediate varieties exist which seem to connect these two forms.

The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. It is very common
in the Wellington Botanical Gardens on the white rata blossoms.

MELANCHEA PROTEASTIS, Meyr.

(Mamcstra vitiosa, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20 (nee Butl.). Mamcstra proteastis, Meyr.,

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 45.)
(Plate IV., fig. 40 <? .)

This insect is very common in the neighbourhood of Christchurch.

The expansion of the wings is 1^ inches. The fore-wings are dark chocolate-brown ; there
are several very obscure marks near the base, the orbicular and claviform spots are almost
invisible, the reniform is pale brown with a minute dot above and below it towards the termen,
followed by a pale, darker-margined, transverse line. The hind-wings are dull brownish-grey,
with the cilia paler. The female is rather darker in colour than the male.

This is a very obscurely marked insect, closely allied to the next species, from which it
can only be distinguished with difficulty. Its somewhat smaller size and the two minute white
dots on the reniform stigma appear to be the most definite characteristics.

The perfect insect appears in May and June.

Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Fereday's collection.

MELANCHEA VITIOSA, Butl.

(Apamea vitiosa, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 384, pi. xlii. 3. Mamestra ochthistis, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xix. 20. Mamestra vitiosa, Meyr. Trans. N. Z. Inst., xx. 45.)

(Plate IV., fig. 42 ; Plate III., fig. 16, larva.)

This is a scarce species in the neighbourhood of Wellington. In Christchurch it
is very common.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. In general colouration it closely resembles the
preceding insect, but is considerably paler, with the markings much more distinct. There are
no clear white dots above or below the reniform stigma, the orbicular is obliquely oval and
rather conspicuous, and the claviform is strongly margined with black.

The larva is rather robust, very pale green above with numerous white lines and dots ;
dark green beneath with yellow dots. In the light part there is a triangle of black spots on
each segment. The young larva has a strong pink lateral line, but in mature specimens this
line is confined to the anterior and posterior segments only. Length when full grown about
1J inches.

This caterpillar feeds on Melicope simplex, and when amongst the foliage of its
food-plant it is extremely hard to detect, owing to its protective colouring and sluggish
habits. The larva is full grown about October.

The pupa is enclosed in a light cocoon on the surface of the ground.

The perfect insect appears from November till April.

I.— THE CAEADRININA. 21

MELANCHEA DIATMETA, Meyr.*
(Plate V., fig. 5.)

This species has occurred at Wellington.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are reddish-brown ; there is a
short longitudinal black streak near the base, an obscure yellow transverse line at about one-
fourth, and several short oblique brown or yellow marks on the costa ; the orbicular is oval oblique
outlined very distinctly in yellow ; the reniform is white, margined with yellow towards the base
of the wing ; there is a black longitudinal streak at the base on the dorsuni, which bends upwards
at about one-fourth, and runs in a somewhat curved direction to a little above the tornus.
The veins are faintly marked in black, and there are several large yellow dots between the
veins near the termen ; the termen itself is slightly indented, the cilia are reddish -brown. The
hind-wings are greyish-brown with the cilia reddish. There are two very conspicuous curved
yellowish stripes on each side of the thorax.

The perfect insect appears in September and October. It is a rare species.

MELANCHEA TAETAEEA, Butl.

(Graphiphora tartarea, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soe. Lond., 1877, 384, pi. xlii. 2. Mamcstra tartarea, Meyr.,

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 21.)
(Plate V., fig. 6.)

This species has occurred on the Murimutu Plains in the North Island. In the
South Island it is a common species in the neighbourhood of Christchurch.

The expansion of the wings is 1£ inches. The fore-wings are dark chocolate-brown ; there is
a short, dark-margined, pale transverse line near the base, and another at about one-third, the
claviform spot is small, oval, dark brown, margined with black, the orbicular and reniform are very
large, pale brown and very conspicuous ; there is a broad pale brown terminal band, and a narrmv
shading of pale brown along the dorsum. The hind-wings are dark grey and the cilia dull white.

This species can easily be recognised by the pale terminal band of the fore-wings.

The perfect insect appears in March and April.

MELANCHEA HOMOSCIA, Meyr.

(Mamestra homoscia, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 21.)

(Plate V., fig. 7; Plate III., fig. 10, larva.)

This dull-looking species has hitherto only occurred in the Wellington district,
where it seems to be fairly common.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are uniform dark grey;
the veins are marked with a series of white dots, preceded and followed by black marks ; the
orbicular, reniform, and claviform spots are scarcely visible ; an indistinct wavy line runs
parallel with the termen. The hind-wings are grey ; the cilia are white with a cloudy line.
The head, thorax, and abdomen are grey.

Sometimes the grey colouring is very much darker, and a faint wavy line is present between
the orbicular spot and the base of the wing. In other respects the species does not vary.

The larva is rather attenuated and black in colour ; the dorsal line is narrow and bright
yellow ; the subdorsal is broader and white ; and the lateral line is pale brown. The head,
legs, prolegs, and under surface are pale brown, speckled with black ; the spiracles are pink ; a
conspicuous white spot is situated above the spiracles.

This caterpillar feeds on the Tauhinu (Pomaderris erici folia) in December and
January. It is very active in its habits, and immediately drops to the ground
when disturbed. It is much infested by a dipterous parasite. The pupa state is
spent in the earth and lasts about six weeks.

The moth appears in February, March, and April. It is attracted by light,
and in consequence often enters houses.

* This species has been recently named by Mr. Meyrick, but a description of it has not yet been published.

22 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

MELANCHEA OMICEON, n. sp.
(Plate V., fig. 42.)

This species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. A. Norris.

The expansion of the wings is about 1£ inches. The fore-wings are pale olive-green, mottled
and striped with dull grey ; there is a double transverse line near the base, another at about one-
fourth, and another at about one-half, passing between the orbicular and the reniform ; beyond
this there are two indistinct shaded lines, and a terminal series of black marks ; the orbicular
is large, almost circular, and sharply outlined in black ; the claviform is small and indistinct, and
the reniform ill-defined, obscurely outlined in black towards the base. The hind-wings are
brownish-grey, darker towards the termen.

The perfect insect appears in November.

MELANCHEA COMPOSITA, Gn.

(Cloantha composita, Gn., Noct. vi. 114. Auchmis composita, Walk., Noct. 616; Butl., Voy. Ereb.,
pi. ix. 12. Mamestra maori, Feld., Eeis. Nov., pi. cix. 24. Leucania dentigera, Butl. Mamestra composita,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 22.)

(Plate V., fig. 8 $, 9 2 ; Plate III., fig. 7, larva.)

One of the most abundant of our night-flying moths, occurring in great profusion
throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about \\ inches. The fore-wings are pale reddish-brown,
darker towards the middle. There are two elongate, pointed, white markings touching the
termen below the middle, and a central white streak, interrupted in the middle, by a small
semicircular white mark, which represents the lower portion of the reniform spot ; the orbicular
and claviform spots are obsolete. The hind-wings are dark grey. The head and thorax are
reddish-brown, and the abdomen is dark grey. The antennae are serrate in the male but simple
in the female. In some specimens the white markings are more extensive than usual, but
otherwise there are no important variations.

The larva is bright reddish-brown ; the dorsal stripe is broad and black ; the subdorsal
narrower, edged with white ; the lateral lines are dull red, white, and black ; the ventral surface,
head, legs, and prolegs are greenish-grey with black markings ; the spiracles are black.

This caterpillar varies considerably in the intensity of the light and dark
markings. It feeds on grasses in January and September, and is very active. It
often occurs in prodigious numbers, and at such times may frequently be seen
travelling at a great rate over bare ground in search of food. Amongst the grass
it is hard to detect, as the striped colouring is very protective in that situation.

The pupa state is spent in the earth, or under moss on fallen trees.

The moth appears from September till April. It is double-brooded. A few of
the second brood emerge in the autumn and hibernate as moths, but the majority
pass the winter in the pupa state. Hence we sometimes meet with specimens on
mild evenings in the middle of winter.

This insect is much attracted by light, and occasionally assembles in vast
numbers round a brilliant lamp. I have had as many as one hundred specimens
in my verandah at Karori, attracted during two or three hours. It is by far the
commonest insect at the collectors' sugar, the numerous visitors of this species
eagerly jostling each other in their haste to obtain a share of the sweets.
M. composite!, is likewise observed in the utmost profusion on attractive flowers of
all kinds, crowding out the rarer and more aristocratic species. Mr. Hanify has
drawn my attention to the remarkable habit this insect has of suddenly stopping

I.— THE CARADRININA. 23

during its flight, and thus eluding pursuit. It also takes wing with unusual rapidity.
Specimens of this moth may constantly be observed at rest in various situations
during the daytime, when the protective character of the colouring will be at once
apparent, especially when the insect is partially concealed amongst grass. Mr.
Meyrick informs us that this species is common in Tasmania and South-Eastern
Australia.

MELANCHEA STEEOPASTIS, Meyr.
(Mamestra steropastis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 22.)

(Plate V., fig. 10 <? , 11 S .)

This insect has occurred in the North Island at Napier. In the South Island it
has been taken at Blenheim and Christchurch, but does not seem to be a common
species anywhere.

The expansion of the wings is from 1-j- to 1J inches. In general appearance it somewhat
resembles the preceding species, from which it may chiefly be distinguished by the absence of
the sharp white central line and conspicuous tooth-like markings near the teriuen. There is also
a minute white dot situated at the junction of veins 3 and 4 of the fore-wings. The hind-wings
are dark grey.

The perfect insect appears from November till February.
Described and figured from Mr. Fereday's specimens.

MELANCHEA INFENSA, Walk.

(Orthosia infensa, Walk. 748. Mamestra arachiiias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 23. Mamestra infensa,

Meyr., ib. xx. 45.)
(Plate V., fig. 12.)

This species has occurred in the North Island at Napier, and in the South Island
at Blenheim.

The expansion of the wings is about 1£ inches. The fore-wings are reddish-brown, slightly
speckled with dull white except on a suffused central streak from the base to about two-thirds ; an
obscure, moderately broad white costal streak extends from the base to two-thirds, sharply defined
near the base only, and containing several very oblique ill-defined blackish marks ; the orbicular is
narrow oval, longitudinal, very finely margined with white and then with black ; the claviform
is obsolete ; the reniform is only indicated by two white dots, representing its lower angles ; the
transverse lines are very acutely dentate but hardly traceable ; the subterminal line is indicated
only by three very acute slender whitish-ochreous dentations — one below apex, two touching the
termen below the middle ; the cilia are reddish-brown mixed with dull white. The hind-wings
are dark grey ; the cilia are dull white, with a faint grey line and tips white. The head, palpi,
and thorax are reddish-brown speckled with white ; the forehead with two black transverse lines ;
and the collar with a slender white line ; thorax with strong anterior double tuft. Abdomen light
reddish-grey.

Description compiled from that of Mr. Meyrick. Figured by Mr. W. B. Hudson from
a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

MELANCHEA OMOPLACA, Meyr.
(Mamestra omoplaca, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 24.)

(Plate V., fig. 13.)

This species has occurred in the South Island at Lake Coleridge and Rakaia.
The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore- wings are dark reddish-brown, there
is a short black median streak from the base, margined above with ochreous- white ; the space
between this and the costa is marked with suffused ochreous-whitish lines ; in one specimen

24 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

a blackish suffusion extending from base of the dorsum obliquely to orbicular and remform, the
space between this and the subterminal line is suffused with pale whitish-ochreous ; the orbicular
and reniform are blackish-fuscous, black-margined, and connected by a blackish-fuscous spot ; the
orbicular is large, roundish ; the reniform with its outer edge white ; the claviform is small, suboval,
blackish-fuscous ; the transverse lines are indistinct ; the subterminal is obscurely paler or hardly
traceable, with two somewhat acute dentations below the middle ; the terminal space is mixed
with blackish-fuscous ; the cilia are reddish-fuscous mixed with blackish. The hind- wings are
fuscous-grey ; the cilia grey-whitish, with a grey line.

The perfect insect appears in December, February, and March.

Description compiled from that of Mr. Meyrick. Figured by Mr. W. B. Hudson
from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

MELANCHEA ALCYONE, n. sp.
(Plate V., fig. 14 3 .)

During the autumn of 1894 several specimens of this interesting species were
captured in the Wellington Botanical Gardens by Mr. A Norris.

The expansion of the wings of the $ is If inches, of the ? \\ inches The fore- wings of the
male are warm brown, darker towards the base ; there is a wavy, white-edged, black, transverse line
at about one-fifth, followed by a round black spot ; the costa is yellowish, with four pairs of short
oblique black marks ; the orbicular is large, oval, oblique, pale yellowish-brown slightly darker in
the middle ; the claviform is small, obscure, and brownish-black ; the reniform is black, outlined with
dull white ; there is a series of very acute, dull white, tooth-like terminal markings, and the termen
itself is slightly scalloped ; the cilia are dark brown. The hind- wings are grey with a series of small
dark marks on the termen ; the cilia are reddish -ochreous. The head and anterior portion of
the thorax are reddish-ochreous ; the rest of the thorax is rich brown, and there is a conspicuous
black transverse line between the pale and dark colouring ; the abdomen is reddish-ochreous with
the crests reddish-brown. The female is much darker and duller than the male, the markings are
much less distinct, there are several additional jagged transverse lines, and the white markings of the
male are indistinctly indicated in drab.

The perfect insect appears in March.

MELANCHEA DOTATA, Walk.
(Dasypolia dotata, Walk., Noct. 522. Mamestra dotata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 24.)

(Plate V., fig. 16.)

This species has occurred at Nelson.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are very dark brownish-black ; there
are several obscure black marks near the base ; the orbicular is large, oblong, finely margined with
black, the claviform is triangular, also finely margined with black, both orbicular and claviform
are surrounded by a conspicuous black shading ; the reniform is large ear-shaped, white towards the
termen and dark brown towards the base of the wing, the white portion is traversed by a curved
brownish line ; there is a curved transverse line near the termen, the space immediately inside
this line being paler than the rest of the wing ; there is a terminal series of obscure pale dots.
The hind-wings are dark brown, paler towards the base ; the cilia are also brown.

A single specimen of this insect was reared from a pupa found at Wakapuaka,
near Nelson. Mr. Fereday also has a specimen, but without note of locality.

MELANCHEA ASTEEOPE, n. sp.

(Plate V., fig. 15.)

A single specimen of this insect was taken at light on the Tableland of Mount
Arthur, in January 1891, at about 3,600 feet above the sea-level.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are dull brown with a pale area on
the dorsum near the base, and a very broad pale band just before the termen ; there is a broken black-

I.— THE CARADRININA. 25

edged transverse line near the base, and a fainter transverse line at about one-third ; the orbicular
is oblong, the claviform crescentic, and the reniform oblong, white, and very conspicuous, all are strongly
outlined in black ; there is a shaded transverse line on each side of the broad pale terminal band ;
the termen is dark brown ; the cilia are brown, and the veins are marked in black. The hind-wings
are pale grey ; there is a rather conspicuous dark crescent in the middle, and two shaded transverse
lines ; the cilia are grey.

This species is evidently allied to Melanchra dotata.

MELANCHRA STIPATA, Walk.

(Xylina stipata, Walk., Suppl. 753. Mamestra stipata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 25.)

(Plate V., fig. 17 ? .)

This fine species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and in the
South Island at Christchurch, and West Plains, near Invercargill.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are brown ; there is a shaded, pale
yellowish-brown, longitudinal line on the costa, and an extensive irregular patch of the same colour
from about two-thirds to within a short distance of the termen ; the orbicular is large, oval, oblique,
pale yelloivish-brown ; the claviform is semicircular, broadly margined with black ; the reniform is
dull grey, with one large and one small white mark towards the termen ; the termen is broadly
shaded with dark blackish-brown, except near the apex of the wing and a little below the middle.
The hind-wings are dark brownish-grey, with the cilia reddish-brown. The female is rather paler
with a slightly olive tinge. Both sexes vary a little in the depth of their colouring.

The perfect insect appears from October till May. It is common at Christchurch,
but rather scarce in Wellington.

MELANCHRA OCTANS, n. sp.
(Plate V., fig 1.)

This distinctly marked little species was discovered by Mr. Philpott, at Mount
Linton, near Invercargill.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are pale ochreous-brown ; there are
several wavy brown transverse lines near the base, two lines at about one-third, then a large V-shaped
white mark extending almost from the costa and touching the dorsum ; the orbicular and reniform
spots are situated in the middle of this mark, the orbicular is very finely outlined in brown, and
contains a black dot towards the base of the wing ; the reniform is large, dark brown, surrounded by
a large triangular dark brown shading ; there is an obscure subterminal line ; the termen is slightly
indented. The hind-wings are dark brown, paler towards the termen.

This species may be immediately recognised by the large, white, V-shaped markings
on the fore-wings.

The perfect insect appears in March.

MELANCHRA RUBESCENS, Butl.
(Xylophasia rubcsccns, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 489. Mamestra rubcsccns, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 25.)

(Plate V., fig. 18 tf.)

This insect is apparently a mountain species. It has been taken at Mount Arthur,
Castle Hill, and Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are pale orange-brown, the
orbicular and claviform spots are faintly margined with reddish-brown ; the reniform is dark brown
and very conspicuous ; there are two large reddish-brown markings on the termen. The hind-wings
are dark grey tinged with red. The cilia of all the wings are reddish-brown.

This species varies slightly in the shape and extent of the markings on the termen

4

26 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

of the fore-wings, which occasionally cause the pale ground colour to form tooth-like
projections. It also varies a little in the intensity of the other markings, and in the
depth of the ground colour.

The moth appears in January and February, and is attracted by light. I have taken
it in some abundance on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at an altitude of 3,500 feet
above the sea-level.

MELANCHEA LIGNANA, Walk.

(Haiena lignana, Walk., Noct. 758. ? Xylophasia morosa, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 543. Mameatra lignana,

Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 26.)
(Plate V., fig. 19 $ .)

This pretty species is very common at Wellington in the North Island. In the
South Island it has occurred at Mount Hutt.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are greyish-cream-colour, slightly paler
on the costa. There are two very distinct blackish transverse marks on the costa near the base, and
two others at about one-third ; the stigmata are all sharply and finely outlined in black ; the orbicular
is oval, the clavifonn triangular, the reniform large and oblong, containing a smaller black-edged mark
in its centre, and a blackish blotch towards its lower margin ; beyond the reniform there is a faint
jagged transverse line ; there are two dark patches on the termen, the pale ground colour forming two
sharp tooth-like markings slightly below the middle; the termen itself is slightly indented, and the
cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are dark grey with the cilia white.

Some specimens of this insect are slightly darker than others, but in other respects
there are no important variations.

The perfect insect appears from October till April. It comes freely to sugar and
to light, and is often taken at rest on trees and fences in the daytime.

MELANCHEA CCELENO, n. sp.
(Plate IV., fig. 39.)

This interesting species has been taken at Wellington by Messrs. Hawthorne
and Norris.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are very pale brownish-cream-colour ;
there is a large irregular dark brotvn patch on the dorsum from about one-eighth to about two-thirds,
another smaller patch at the tornus, and another still smaller on the termen a little above the middle ;
there are two very obscure transverse lines ; the orbicular is finely outlined in brown ; the reniform
contains two very dark brown dots, and is rather strongly outlined in brown towards the base. The
hind-wings are dark grey. The cilia of all the wings are grey with a paler line.

The perfect insect appears in November.

MELANCHEA USTISTEIGA, Walk.
(Xylina ustistriga, Walk., Noct. 630. X. lignisecta, ib., 631. Mamestra ustistriga, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xix. 26.)
(Plate V., fig. 20 $ , 20A ? .)

This beautiful insect has occurred commonly at Wellington in the North Island,
and in the South Island, at Blenheim, Christchurch, and Lake Coleridge.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings, head, and thorax are pinkish-
grey in the male, pale grey in female; the orbicular spot is rather large, nearly round, finely outlined
in black ; the reniform is very large, margined with black towards the base of the wing, and usually
touching the orbicular spot or connected with it by a short black line ; the claviform is triangular, also
black margined ; there is a cloudy oblique line below the reniform, and an irregular line between the
reniform and the termen. The hind-wings and abdomen are pale pinkish-grey in male, dull grey in
female ; the cilia are white with a cloudy line.

I.— THE CAEADEININA. 27

This insect varies slightly in size, especially in the female. The larva is dull
greyish-brown, with the subdorsal and lateral lines darker. It feeds on honeysuckle
during the summer months.

The pupa state is spent in the earth.

The moth is very irregular in its appearance. I have captured specimens in
January, February, March, April, July and September. It appears to pass the winter
in both the pupa and imago states. It is very partial to light, and in consequence often
enters houses.

MELANCHEA PEIONISTIS, Meyr.

(Mamcstra prianistis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 27.)

(Plate V., fig. 21 <?.)

This species is common at Wellington in the North Island. In the South Island
it has been taken at Kakaia.

The expansion of the wings of the male is If inches, of the female If inches. The fore-wings
are rather pale yellowish-brown, with numerous irregular longitudinal grey streaks ; there are several
very obscure jagged transverse lines, and the stigmata are almost invisible ; a very broad blackish
longitudinal band is situated on the dorsum. The hind-wings are brownish-grey ; the cilia are grey
tipped with white. The head and thorax are grey tinged with yellowish-brown ; there is a con-
spicuous blackish streak on each side of the thorax.

In this species the dorsal band is often considerably paler, but otherwise there is
no variation.

The perfect insect appears from November till April. It comes freely to sugar, and
occasionally to light. It is also sometimes met with at rest on trees in the daytime,
where its colouring is protective. I have noticed that this moth is much commoner
in some years than in others.

MELANCHRA PHETCIAS, Meyr.

(Mamcstra tcmperata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 27 (nee Walk.). Mamcstra phricias, Meyr., ib., xx. 46.)

(Plate V., fig. 22.)

This species has occurred in the Manawatu district in the North Island. In the
South Island it has been found at Christchurch and Lake Coleridge.

The expansion of the wings is about 1^ inches. The fore-wings are pale silvery-grey ; there are
several obscure blackish marks near the base, two dark, shaded, transverse bands, one just before the
orbicular, and one between the orbicular and the reniform ; the orbicular is round, nearly white, with
a faint greyish ring in the middle ; the reniform is large, oblong, margined first with white and then
with black ; there is a series of black crescentic marks near the termen, and another smaller series on
the termen ; the cilia are dark grey. The hind-wings are dull brownish-grey, the cilia are grey tipped
with white. The terminal joint of the palpi is elongated.

The perfect insect has been taken in December, February, March and June, and
is attracted by light. It is rather a rare species.

MELANCHEA CUCULLINA, Gn.

(Xylocampa cucullina, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 40. Agrotis mitis, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 383,
pi. xlii. 5. Mamcstra cucullina, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 28.)

(Plate V., fig. 23 <? .)

This species has occurred at Mount Arthur, and at Eakaia.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are bluish-grey, speckled and dappled
with blackish-brown ; there is a pale transverse line near the base, partially edged with black ; the
orbicular is round, containing a blackish dot in the middle ; the reniform is elongate-oval, including a

28 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEP1DOPTERA.

dark spot in its lower portion ; the space surrounding the stigmata is clouded with dark blackish-
brown ; there is a terminal series of small blackish crescentic marks, and the cilia are dark grey. The
hind- wings are brownish-grey ; the cilia are also grey tipped with white.

This species is evidently closely allied to M. phricias, but may at present be
distinguished by its darker and more bluish colouring.

The perfect insect appears in January and March. I have taken it at light on
the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at 3,600 feet above the sea-level.

Genus 8.— EEANA, Walk.

" Eyes hairy. Antennae in male filiform, simple, with scattered single cilia. Thorax with
anterior and posterior crests. Abdomen with strong dorsal crests towards base. Fore-wings in
male beneath with a very long dense tuft of scent-giving hairs from base ; transverse vein absent,
7 and 8 out of 9, 10 free. Hind-wings with transverse vein absent, costa in male broadly dilated."-
(Meyrick.) (Plate II., fig. 9 fore-wing, 10 hind-wing.) *

We have one species representing this interesting genus.

EEANA GEAMINOSA, Walk.
(Enma graminosa, Walk., Noct. 605. E. viycns, ib., Suppl. 743. Erana cjraminosa, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xix. 28.)

(Plate V., fig. 24 3 , 25 ? ; Plate III., fig. 8, larva.)

This beautiful species appears to be fairly common in many forests in the North
Island. It has occurred at Wanganui, Masterton, Palmerston, and Wellington. In
the South Island it has been taken by Mr. Philpott, at West Plains, near Invercargill.
The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore-wings are bright green ; there are
three paler green transverse lines, edged with black ; one near the base of the wing, one just beyond
the reniform spot, and one close to the termen ; this last is inwardly much clouded with dark olive-
green ; the reniform spot is pale green edged with black. The hind-wings are very broad, pinkish-
brown, tinged with green on the termen. In the female the hind-wings are considerably narrower,
and are not so strongly tinged with green as in the male.

Some specimens appear to be rather darker than others, but beyond this I have not
detected any variation.

The eggs are rather large, globular, flattened above and beneath, and pale green
in colour.

The larva feeds on the mahoe (Melicytii* ramiflorus).

When first excluded from the egg it is about £ inch long, and of a very pale green colour.
After the first moult the caterpillar is bright green, darker towards the head, with white dorsal,
subdorsal, and lateral lines ; there are eight rows of shining black spots, each spot emitting a number
of stout black bristles ; the head is yellowish-brown with a few black dots. After the last moult the
larva has a totally different appearance. It is pale green marbled with darker green ; there is often
a whitish lateral line, and an obscure series of diagonal green stripes on the sides of each segment.
Sometimes the whole larva has a pinkish-brown tinge, and there are often two or three rows of pale
spots. In fact the full-grown caterpillar is very variable in its colouring.

These larvte hibernate during the winter months, often secreting themselves in the
burrows which have been made in the sterns of the rnahoe by various species of wood-
boring insects. They come abroad about the end of August, and are full grown early
in October. The pupa state is spent in the earth.

The moth appears in December, January, February, March and April. It is often

•: The accurate ascertainment of the positions of the veins near the costa in this species is a matter of considerable
difficulty owing to the extremely dense tuft of hairs there situated.

I.— THE CARADEININA. 29

found at rest on tree-trunks in the daytime, where its beautiful green colouring causes it
to resemble, in the closest possible manner, a patch of moss. Mr. Hawthorne tells me
that he has frequently found dead specimens in this situation.

This insect is, I think, commoner at slight elevations above the sea-level, forest
ranges of from 500 to 1,000 feet in height being apparently the most favourable localities
for the species. The appearance of the moth over so long a period would seem to
indicate that there are two generations in a year, but I have never found full-grown
larvae in the middle of summer. There is, however, no doubt that the insect passes the
winter in the larval condition. This species is often met with very late in the season,
frequenting the few remaining blossoms of the white rata until the first or second week
in April. Mr. Meyrick thus alludes to the scented tuft of hairs in the male insect :
" The large tuft of the fore-wings is the source of a very strong vanilla-like perfume,
which scents the box in which the specimens are contained for more than a week after
their death ; the scent is excited more strongly, even in the dead specimen, by stirring
the tuft with a pin." *

I can fully testify to the accuracy of this interesting observation.

Sub-family 3.—CARADRINIDES.

" Eyes naked, not ciliated."

Genus 9.— BITYLA, Walk.

"Antennae in male filiform, shortly ciliated. Thorax not crested, collar sub-erect. Abdomen not
crested." — (Meyrick).

Of this genus we have two species in New Zealand.

BITYLA DEFIGUBATA, Walk.

(Xylina dcfigwata, Walk., Suppl. 756. Bityla thoracica, ib. 869. Bityla defiyurata, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xix. 31.)
(Plate V., fig. 33.)

This species has been taken at Palmerston in the North Island, and at Blenheim,
Christchurch, Lake Coleridge, Dunedin, and West Plains near Invercargill, in the South
Island.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are uniform dull bronzy-brown and very
glossy ; there are one or two faint indications of transverse lines. The hind-wings are dark grey, also
glossy.

The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March, and is attracted by
light. The single specimen I possess in my collection was taken in July, evidently
hibernating. It is a rare species.

BITYLA SEEICEA, Butl.

(Bityla sericca, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 387, pi. xlii. 12; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 31.)

(Plate V., fig. 34.)

This rather striking insect has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at
Christchurch and Lake Guyon in the South Island.

:;: Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 29.

30 NEW ZEALAND MACEO-LEPIDOPTEEA.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are very dark greyish-black,
darker near the termen, and very glossy ; there are several isolated white scales towards the base of the
wing, and a very obscure transverse line at about three-fourths ; the cilia are cream colour and very
conspicuous. The hind-wings are dark grey and glossy ; the cilia are pale grey, very broadly tipped
with cream colour.

The perfect insect appears in February and March, and is attracted by light. It is a
rather scarce species.

Genus 10.— AGEOTIS, Ochs.

Head rough-scaled ; eyes naked. Antennae in <? ciliated, often acutely bidentate or bipectinated,
with apex simple. Thorax usually with more or less developed anterior and posterior crests.
Abdomen not crested. Tibae all spinose.

"A very large genus occurring all over the world but much more plentifully in the
northern hemisphere. The larvae are very indiscriminate in their tastes, often feeding on
almost any low plant ; they are frequently subterranean in habit, but usually emerge by
night to feed." — (Meyrick.)

This genus is represented in New Zealand by five species, one of which is an insect of
almost world-wide distribution.

AGEOTIS YPSILON, Eott.

(Noctua ypsilon, Eott. Agrotis suffusa, Hb. Agrotis ypsilon, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 32.)

(Plate -V., fig. 35 <?, 36 ? .)

This handsome insect is probably very common throughout the country. It has
occurred abundantly at Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Ashburton and
Invercargill.

The expansion of the wings is 2 inches. The fore- wings are pale brown, shaded with rich brown
on the costa and termen ; the reniform is large and black, with a conspicuous longitudinal streak
pointing towards the termen ; the orbicular is round, centred with black ; the claviform is elongate ;
there is a dark shaded line below the reniform, followed by a double wavy transverse black line. The
hind-wings are grey with pinkish reflections ; they are shaded with darker grey towards the termen ;
the cilia are white, the head and thorax are dark brown, the abdomen grey. In the female the brown
costal shading extends across the central portions of the fore-wings to the dorsum, and the general
colouring is also darker.

There are no noteworthy variations in either sex. The larva feeds on the roots of
grasses. Its head is pale brown mottled with darker brown, and its body is lead-colour
with darker dorsal and lateral lines. It remains underground during the daytime, corning
abroad at night to feed.

The pupa is red-brown with a very sharp, spine-like extremity. It is concealed in the
earth. *

The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. It is often very
abundant at various blossoms in the evening, and comes readily to sugar. It is an insect
of almost universal distribution, occurring in Australia, China, India, Africa, Europe, and
North and South America, t

* Newman's British Moths, 319. \ Meyrick, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 33.

I.— THE CAEADEININA. 31

AGEOTIS ADMIEATIONIS, Gn.

(Agrotis admirationis, Gn. (nee Meyriek), Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 38.)
(Plate V., fig. 37.)

This species has been taken at Christchurch.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are dull grey ; there are two minute
black marks on the costa near the base, a slender interrupted transverse line at about one-third, the
orbicular, reniform, and claviform spots are very large and conspicuous, surrounded by a dark grey
shading ; there is a series of black dots on the termen. The hind-wings are pale grey. The cilia of
all the wings are also pale grey.

Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. I am assured by
Mr. Fereday that the above-described insect is the true Agrotis admirationis of Guenee,
described from an identical specimen which he forwarded to Guenee. The following
species, which is regarded by Mr. Meyriek as Agrotis admirationis, Gn. (see Trans. N. Z.
Inst. xix. 33), is therefore renamed as below.

AGEOTIS INNOMINATA, n. sp.

(Agrotis admirationis, Meyr. (nee Guenee), Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 33.)

(Plate V., fig. 39 $ .)

Two specimens of this species have been taken at Wellington.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are pale pinkish-yellow ; there is a
slender black longitudinal streak on the costa at the base, a broad black longitudinal streak at the base
near the middle, and another a little beyond the base above the middle, containing the orbicular and
reniform stigmata, these are sharply outlined in pinkish-yelloic ; there are several rather indistinct black
streaks between the veins, and a series of terminal black dots ; the cilia are dull pinkish-yellow. The
hind-wings are dull white ; there is a series of brownish terminal dots, and the veins are marked in
brown ; the cilia are shining white. The head and thorax are pinkish-brown ; the latter has two
transverse black lines near the head, and two longitudinal black streaks on each side. The abdomen
is dull white tipped with pale brown.

One specimen of this insect is considerably tinged with very pale olive-green instead
of pink, but it is otherwise identical. As the available material is so extremely limited,
I am unable to say which is the typical form.

The perfect insect appears in December. I am indebted to Messrs. J. H. Lewis and
W. R. Morris for my specimens.

AGEOTIS SEEICEA, Butl.
(Chersotis sericea, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 490. C. inconspicua, ib. 545. Agrotis sericea, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xix. 33. A. inconspicua, ib. 34. Agrotis sericea, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 46.)

(Plate V., fig. 38 2 .)

This species has occurred in the South Island at Christchurch, Rakaia, and
Ashburton.

The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore-wings vary from very pale grey to dark
blackish-grey ; there is an obscure transverse line near the base, and another at about one-fourth ; the
orbicular is oval and dark centred, the claviform is elongate, often very obscure, the reniform is broad
dark centred, usually joined to the orbicular by a dark patch ; all the stigmata are outlined in black;
beyond the reniform there is a rather jagged transverse line, and several faint wedge-shaped markings ;
there is a series of minute elongate black marks on the termen ; the cilia are grey with three dark
lines. The hind-wings are grey with several fine black marks on the termen ; the cilia are white.

This species seems to be rather variable both in ground colour and in markings.

The perfect insect appears in October, November, December and January. It is not
a common species.

32 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

AGEOTIS CEEOPAOHOIDES, Gn.

(Agrotis ceropachoides, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 39 ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 34.)

(Plate VI., fig. 1.)

This species has occurred at Kakaia.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are bluish-grey, dotted and streaked with
darker grey ; there are no distinct markings, except an obscure transverse shading near the termen, and
a series of dull terminal spots ; the costa is slightly concave. The hind-wings are grey, paler towards
the base, with a dark line on the termen ; the cilia of all the wings are grey.
The perfect insect appears in July, August and September.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

Genus 11.— HELIOTHIS, Ochs.

" Head rough-scaled ; eyes naked. Antennae in $ ciliated. Thorax without crest. Abdomen not
crested. Tibiae spinose, anterior tibiae with horny apical hook.

"A rather small genus, but very generally distributed, though commoner in sub-
tropical regions ; it is a development of Caradrina ; some of the species have a very wide
natural range. The larvae feed especially on the blossoms of their food-plants. "-
(Meyrick.)

This genus is represented in New Zealand by the world-wide Heliotliis armigera.

HELIOTHIS AEMIGEEA, Hb.

(Heliothis armigera, Hb. H. conferta, Walk., Noct. 690. H. armigera, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 34.)

(Plate V., fig. 40 $ , 41 ? .)

This species has occurred plentifully at Waimarama (Hawkes Bay) and Wellington,
in the North Island ; and at Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch, Eakaia, and Ashburton in
the South Island. In Wellington it is certainly not so common as formerly, and Mr.
Meyrick observes that its abundance is declining in some other localities also.

The expansion of the wings is from 1J to If inches. The fore-wings are pale yellowish -brown,
sometimes tinged with red. There is an irregular band of dull grey or brown near the termen ; the
reniform is small and black; the orbicular minute, also black; the claviform is obsolete; there are
several very indistinct traces of transverse lines towards the base of the wing. The hind-wings are
dull yellow, with a very broad, blackish, terminal band. The head and thorax are yellowish-brown,
and the abdomen is dull yellow.

This insect varies a good deal in the ground colouring of the fore-wings, which
ranges from dull yellow to brick-red, or even to dark yellowish-brown. The hind-wings
are also much darker in some specimens than in others.

The larva feeds on the seeds and flowers of various plants. It is extremely variable
in its colouring.

Some specimens are dull green, with a few obscure red spots on the sides of the anterior
segments. Others are brownish-black, with many fine yellow stripes and dots, and the red spots
confined to the three anterior segments. Others, again, have numerous olive-green, white, and pale
green lines, with a reddish blotch on the side of nearly every segment.

This caterpillar is often rather destructive in gardens. Amongst other things, it
devours tomatoes and peas, the flowers and young fruit of pumpkins and vegetable
marrows, the flowers and leaves of geraniums, veronicas, &c. It is full grown in the
autumn.

The pupa is concealed in the earth, the insect remaining in this condition until
the following summer.

I.— THE CAEADEININA. 33

The moth appears in January and February. It often flies by day, and may then
be seen disporting itself amongst the flowers of the Scotch thistle. Its larva may also
be found feeding on these flowers.

This insect is practically cosmopolitan ; it has occurred in the following countries :
Australia, Samoa, India, Ceylon, Madagascar, Africa, Europe, North and South
America.*

Genus 12.— COSMODES, Gn.

" Eyes naked. Antennae in male filiform, shortly ciliated. Thorax with strong transverse
anterior and posterior crests. Abdomen strongly crested towards base. Hind-wings with veins
6 and 7 short-stalked." — (Meyrick.)

We have only one species in New Zealand.

COSMODES ELEGANS, Don.

(Phalcena clcgans, Don. Ins. N. H. Cosmodcs clegans, Gn., Noct. vi. 290 ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 35.)

(Plate VI., fig. 2.)

This beautiful species has occurred at Napier and Ohau in the North Island. In
the South Island it has been taken at Christchurch and Governor's Bay.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are rich orange-brown, with four
large green spots margined with silver ; there is a curved silvery mark near the apex. The hind-wings
are pale yellow, shaded with orange-brown towards the termen ; the cilia are pale orange-brown
mixed with white.

The perfect insect appears in March and April.

Mr. Meyrick states that it occurs commonly in Eastern Australia.!

Family 3.— PLUSIADJE.

The Plusiadce are characterized as follows : —

" Ocelli usually distinct. Tongue well developed. Posterior tibise with all spurs present. Fore-
wings with veins 7 and 8 usually out of 9, 10 usually connected with 9. Hind-wings with veins
3 and 4 connate or short-stalked, 5 well developed, 6 and 7 connate or short-stalked or seldom closely
approximated only, 8 shortly anastomosing with cell near base, thence evenly diverging." (See
Plate II., figs. 14 to 18.)

" This family is by no means very prominent in temperate regions, but within
the tropics it assumes immense proportions, and is there, probably, the most abundant
family of the Lepidoptera. There is much greater diversity of size, colour, and form
than in the Caradrinidce, and also more variation in structure, though this remains
more uniform than usual. Imago with fore-wings usually relatively broader and less
elongate than in the Caradrinidce, body often more slender.

" Ovum spherical, more or less reticulated, often also ribbed. Larva with few
hairs, sometimes with prolegs on segments 7 and 8 absent or rudimentary. Pupa
usually in a cocoon above the ground." — (Meyrick.)

The family is represented in New Zealand by the following four genera :—

Sub-family 1. — HYPENIDES 1. HYPENOUES.

I 2. PLUSIA.

Sub-family 2. — PLUSIADES • 3. DASYPODIA.

I 4. EHAPSA.

* Meyrick, Trans. N. Z. lust. xix. 35. t Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 35.

34 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

Sub-family l.—HYPENIDES.
Vein 5 of hind-wings parallel to 4.

Genus 1.— HYPENODBS, Gn.

Head loosely scaled, with small frontal tuft. Antennas in $ ciliated. Palpi very long,
porrected, second joint thickened with rough projecting scales, terminal rather short, cylindrical.
Thorax with appressed scales. Abdomen with small crest near base. Tibias smooth-scaled. Fore-
wings with vein 7 separate, 9 and 10 out of 8. Hind-wings with vein 5 parallel to 4.

"Although consisting of very few species, this genus is almost universally dis-
tributed. Imago with fore-wings unusually elongate. Larva without prolegs on
segments 7 and 8." — (Meyrick.)

We have one species in New Zealand.

HYPBNODES BXSULAEIS, Meyr.
(Hypcnodcs exsularis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 46.)

" Male. — 16 mm. (about f inch). Head, antennae, thorax, and abdomen whitish-ochreous,
brownish-tinged ; abdominal crest black. Palpi dark fuscous. Legs dark fuscous, posterior pair
whitish-ochreous. Fore-wings elongate, posteriorly gradually dilated, costa slightly arched, tcrmen
obliquely rounded ; ochreous-brown, closely irrorated with rather dark fuscous ; a black mark beneath
costa at base ; a cloudy blackish longitudinal mark in disc beyond middle ; second line obscurely
indicated, paler, anteriorly partly blackish-edged, from posterior extremity of discal mark to dorsum
beyond middle ; an oblique wedge-shaped white spot from apex, touching second line ; a sub-terminal
series of white dots ; a terminal row of black dots ; cilia fuscous, with a basal series of whitish-
ochreous dots. Hind-wings pale whitish-grey ; a grey transverse discal spot ; a dark grey interrupted
terminal line ; cilia grey-whitish.

" Taranaki, in March ; one specimen.

" In the British Museum is an unnamed specimen from China, which appears to be
certainly the same species ; it, therefore, probably ranges through many of the South
Pacific islands. From its small size and inconspicuous appearance it is doubtless often
overlooked. ' ' — (Meyrick.)

Sub-family <2.—PLUSIADE8.

Vein 5 of hind- wings more or less approximated to 4.

Genus 2.— PLUSIA, Ochs.

" Head rough-scaled. Antennae in $ very shortly ciliated. Palpi rather long, curved,
ascending, second joint rough-scaled, terminal moderately long or short, more or less rough-scaled in
front, somewhat pointed. Thorax with large central or posterior crest. Abdomen with one or more
crests. Tibiae rough-scaled. Hind- wings with vein 5 more or less approximated to 4." (Plate II.,
figs. 14 and 15.)

" A considerable genus, occurring throughout the world. Most of the images are
handsome insects, often with metallic markings ; some of them fly actively in bright
sunshine. Larva usually without prolegs on segments 7 and 8, segment 12 more or
less prominent above. Pupa in a rather open cocoon." — (Meyrick.)

This genus is represented in New Zealand by a single and very widely distributed
species.

I.— THE CARADRTNINA. 35

PLUSIA CHALCITES, Esp.

(Plusia criosoma, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. 285 ; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. x. 1, 2. P. argcntifcra, Gn., Noct. vi. 352.

P. criosoma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 36.)
(Plate VI., fig. 3 $ .)

This insect is probably generally distributed in the North Island, and in the northern
portions of the South Island. It has occurred very commonly at Taranaki, Napier, and
Nelson, but in Wellington it is rather a scarce species.

The expansion of the wings is about \\ inches. The fore-wings are dark grey with bronzy
reflections ; there is a pale band on the termen, and several of the transverse lines are indicated by
paler colouring, the two basal ones being often silvery ; the orbicular is partly outlined with golden-
white, and the claviform is wholly filled in with the same colour. The hind-wings are yellowish-grey,
darker towards the termen.

Mr. Meyrick mentions a variety in which the characteristic golden-white discal
spots on the fore-wings are absent. I have not yet had the good fortune to see this
form, and think it must be a rare one.

The larva has twelve legs ; it is much attenuated towards the head ; its colour is
pale green, darker on the back ; there is a number of wavy white lines and dots on
the larva, as well as a few isolated black dots and hairs. It feeds on geraniums, mint,
bean, Scotch thistle, and many other garden plants and weeds. Its original food
appears to have been the " potato plant " (Solanum aviculare) ; but now it only
occurs on this shrub in uncultivated localities, where there is no European vegetation.

The pupa is enclosed in a cocoon of white silk, generally situated between two dead
leaves on or near the ground.

The moth first appears about September, and continues abundant until the end of
summer. In Nelson I have seen it in great profusion, hovering over various flowers
in the evening, at which time it also occasionally endeavours to gain access to bee-
hives. In the same locality I have met with the young larvae in the middle of winter,
so that there is probably a continuous succession of broods all the year through in
favourable situations. .

This insect is found in Australia, Pacific Islands, Africa, South Asia, South Europe,
and occasionally in the South of England.*

Genus 3.— DASYPODIA, Gn.

" Eyes naked. Palpi with terminal joint very slender. Antennae in male filiform, hardly
pubescent. Thorax and abdomen not crested. Tarsi in male very much thickened, with dense
scales (teste Guenee)." — (Meyrick.)

We have one species.

DASYPODIA SELENOPHOEA, Gn.

(Dasypodia sclenopliora, Gn., Noct. vii. 175 ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 38.)

(Plate VI., fig. 4.)

This large and very handsome insect has occurred at Auckland, Napier, and
Wellington in the North Island, and at Nelson, Eichmond, and Christchurch, in the
South Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 3 inches. The fore-wings are very rich deep brown; there
are two faint jagged transverse lines near the base, a straight shaded line at about one-third ; the
reniform is very large, crescentic, steely blue, finely margined first with black, then with orange, and

* Meyrick, ' Handbook of British Lepidoptera,' 159.

36 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

then again with black ; the centre of the crescent is filled in with black ; beyond this spot there are three
fine black wavy transverse lines emitting three very sharp teeth between the reniform and the dorsum ;
there is a faint shaded line near the termen. The hind-wings are rich brown, slightly paler than the
fore- wings ; there are three shaded, wavy, transverse lines. The termen of both wings is slightly
scalloped with a minute bluish-white dot at each indentation ; the cilia are dark brown.

The life-history is thus described by Mr. Colenso :—

The larva when full grown is about 3| inches in length, elongate, slightly thicker in the middle,
and with the skin smooth. It is ash-colour, speckled with minute points of black and red ; two
minute carmine spots are situated close together on its back ; and, when in motion, two large
triangular black splashes are also visible. The under side of the larva is dull white, with several dull
olive spots corresponding to its ventral prolegs. Its head is small, and pale Indian yellow in colour ;
its anal and ventral prolegs are large ; on being touched the caterpillar coils itself up very rapidly and
closely.

The specimen from which Mr. Colenso's description was taken, was found at rest
on the trunk of a large acacia-tree, which is probably the food-plant of the larva.

The pupa is enclosed in a cocoon formed of leaves fastened together with silk. The
insect appears to remain in this condition for about two months.

The pupa-case (after emergence) is nearly cylindrical, very obtuse at the head, and
tapering regularly downwards from the end of the wing-cases, with the tail conical ; the
abdominal segments are very strongly marked. Its colour is dark red, with a bluish or
violet bloom, but smooth and shining on its prominent parts.*

The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March, but it is rather a scarce
species. It is attracted by light, and thus occasionally enters houses, where specimens
are generally captured. Mr. Meyrick states that this insect occurs commonly in Eastern
Australia, t

Genus 4.— EHAPSA.

" Eyes naked. Palpi very long, obliquely ascending, loosely rough-scaled throughout, second
joint with dense long projecting tuft above towards apex, terminal joint moderate. Antennae in male
moderately bipectinated, apex simple. Thorax and abdomen not crested. Fore- wings in male
beneath with large broad costal fold on anterior half." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 16 and 17 neura-
tion of $ Rhapsa scotosialis ; fig. 18 head of ditto.)

We have two species.

EHAPSA SCOTOSIALIS, Walk.

(Rhapsa scotosialis, Walk., Suppl. 1150. Herminia lilacina, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, pi. xlii. 11.

Bhapsa scotosialis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. last. xix. 38.)
(Plate VI., fig. 5 $ , 6 ? .)

This remarkable species is extremely abundant and generally distributed throughout
the country.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings have the costa considerably arched
towards the apex, and the termen is bowed outwards in the middle ; the colour is pale brown in the
male and dark brown in the female ; there are several obscure black marks near the base ; the
orbicular is very small, orange or pale grey outlined in black, the claviform is absent, the reniform
is conspicuous, the outer edge is much indented, the inner edge is outlined with dull orange-red, there
is a black blotch between the orbicular and the reniform ; beyond the reniform there is a carved
transverse line enveloping a series of minute black dots, then a very conspicuous wavy transverse line
shaded towards the base of the wing; there is a pale triangular area at the apex, and a series of small
crescentic dark brown markings on the termen ; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are
greyish-ochreous ; there is a rather faint line across the middle, followed by a broad shade ; a series of

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xi. 300. | Ib. xix. 88.

I.— THE CARADRININA. 37

small crescentic marks is situated on the termen ; the cilia are dark greyish-ochreous. The antenna
of the male are strongly bipectinated. The female is considerably darker, the markings are less distinct
and numerous, and there is no black blotch between the orbicular and the reniform.

Some male specimens are much paler in colour than others, but with this exception there does
not appear to be any important variation.

The eggs are round, flattened above, bright green, becoming dull purplish about two days after
being laid.

The young larva when first emerged is about |- inch in length ; the head is brown ; the body
dull white, with a series of black tubercles round each segment, each tubercle emitting a tuft of
bristles. The larva has sixteen legs, but the two anterior pairs of ventral claspers are not employed
in walking, the caterpillar's mode of progression, consequently, resembling that of a larva with twelve
legs only. The food-plant is Piper excelsum.

The perfect insect appears from September till April, and is very common amongst
undergrowth in the forest. It is seldom found in the daytime, but at night it is extremely
abundant in densely wooded situations. It flies in a very stealthy manner, and may
soon be recognised on the wing by this feature alone. When disturbed it always secretes
itself amongst dead fern fronds or other vegetable refuse, where its sombre colour
effectually conceals it.

The costal fold on the under side of the fore-wing of the male contains a very large
tuft of extremely long hairs. It probably emits a scent agreeable to the female.

EHAPSA OCTIAS. Meyr.

(Hyperaucha octias, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1897, 383.)
(Plate VI., fig. 7.)

This interesting little species has recently occurred in some numbers in the neigh-
bourhood of Wellington. I have no record at present of its capture in any other New
Zealand locality.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings have the costa straight, and the
termen with a large projection slightly above the middle ; the colour is pale brown ; there is a broad
dark brown patch on the costa at the base, a jagged transverse line at about one-fourth, a very broad,
oblique, blackish-brown, oblong patch on the costa at about one-third ; beyond this patch is situated the
reniform which is very large, indented towards the termen where it is outlined in dark brown ; there is
a very fine jagged transverse line from beneath the reniform to the dorsum ; a large irregular patch of
dark brownish-black just before the apex, and an obscure transverse line ; there is a series of minute,
dark brown, crescentic marks on the terrnen. The hind-wings are dull whitish-grey ; there is a faint
blackish dot in the middle, a wavy line a little below the middle, and a terminal series of small dark
marks. The antennae are filiform in both sexes.

The perfect insect appears in October, November and December. It frequents dense
forest ravines, and is generally disturbed from amongst dead leaves or old fern fronds.
It is usually a very scarce species, but appears to be much commoner in some years than
in others. According to Mr. Meyrick, it is also found in Australia.

This species is placed by Mr. Meyrick in the genus Rhapsa. The simple antennae
and absence of the broad costal fold in the males would appear, however, to remove it
from that genus, as restricted by him in the 'Transactions' of the New Zealand Institute,
xix. 38. In all other respects it appears to conform to the genus.*

* Since this was written I find that Mr. Meyrick has created a new genus, Hyperaucha, for the reception of this
insect. See ' Transactions of the Entomological Society of London,' 1897, 383.

(38)

II.— THE NOTODONTINA.

The Notodontina are characterized as follows :—

" The maxillary palpi are obsolete. Fore-wings with vein Ib usually furcate, but with lower
fork often weak or tending to be obsolete, 5 rising not nearer to 4 than to G, parallel, 7 and 8 out
of 9. Hind-wings almost always with frenulum, Ic absent. (Plate II., figs. 19 to 64, and Plate I.,
figs. 12 and 13.)

" Imago with fore-wings more or less broad-triangular ; hind-wings broad-ovate." — (Meyrick.)

Larva (in New Zealand) generally with 10 or 12 legs only (Plate III., figs. 12, 17, 18/19, 20,
21, 22, and 24), rarely with 16 (Sphinx, PI. III., figs. 13 and 14).

" Pupa with segments 9 to 11 free ; not protruded from cocoon in emergence." — (Meyrick.)

This is a very extensive group of the Lepidoptera, and so far as it is represented
in New Zealand is equivalent to that group formerly known as the Geometrina, with the
addition of the family Spliingidce. The insects here included comprise many of our
most interesting, abundant, and beautiful species. Some of them are so extremely
variable that it is often a matter of considerable difficulty to determine the most conve-
nient points on which to base the specific distinctions ; although fortunately great
advances have been made in this direction of late years owing to the increase in the
number of workers, and the consequent accumulation of available material. In con-
nection with this portion of the subject, special mention should be made of Mr. Meyrick's
paper on the group, which appeared in the ' Transactions ' of the New Zealand
Institute for 1883. This essay has been of the greatest value in dispelling the doubts
which formerly existed respecting the limits of many of the most variable species.

The Notodontina are represented in New Zealand by the six following families : —

1. HYDBIOMENID^;. 4. ORTHOSTIXID.E.

2. STEBHHID^E. 5. SELIDOSEMIME.

3. MONOCTENIAD^:. 6. SPHINGIDjE.

Family 1.— HYDRIOMENID^.

The Hydriomenidae are thus characterized :—

"Tongue well developed. Fore-wings with vein 10 rising separate; anastomosing with 11
and 9 (forming double areole) , or rising out of 11 and anastomosing with 9 (forming simple areole) .
Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed, parallel to 4, 6, and 7 almost always stalked or connate, 8
anastomosing with upper margin of cell from near base to beyond middle, or sometimes approximated
only and connected by a bar or shortly anastomosing beyond middle." (Plate II., figs. 19 to 43.)

" A very large family distributed in equal plenty throughout all temperate regions,
but becoming scarcer within the tropics. The structure is very uniform throughout,
and the generic distinctions slight. Imago with body slender, fore-wings usually broad.

" Ovum broad, oval, rather flattened with usually oval reticulations. Larva elongate,
slender, with few hairs, without prolegs on segments 7 to 9 ; often imitating live or
dead twigs and shoots. Pupa usually subterranean." — (Meyrick.)

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 39

This family is very extensively represented in New Zealand by the following fifteen
genera :—

1. TATOSOMA. 5. ELVIA. 9. VENUSIA. 13. DASYUBIS.

2. PAKADETIS. 6. HYDEIOMENA. 10. ASAPHODES. 14. NOTOBEAS.

3. CHLOKOCLYSTIS. 7. EUCHCECA. 11. XANTHOBHOE. 15. SAMANA.

4. PHRIXOGONUS. 8. ASTHENA. 12. LYTHBIA.

Genus 1.— TATOSOMA, Butl.

" Face smooth. Palpi long, straight, porrected, shortly rough-scaled, terminal joint short.
Antennae in male simple, stout, gradually dilated from base to near apex, apex' attenuated. Abdomen
in male very excessively elongate. Hind-wings in male deeply excised near dorsum, dorsal lobe folded
into a long pocket, fringed with hairs. Fore-wings with vein 6 rising out of 9, 7 from or above angle
of areole, 10 anastomosing moderately with 9, 11 anastomosing moderately with 10, 12 free. Hind-
wings with veins 6 and 7 separate, 8 free, united with 7 before transverse vein by an oblique bar.

" This singular genus is a remnant of a widely diffused, but now fragmentary group,
to which belong also Lobopliora (Europe), Rhopalodes (South America), Sauris (Ceylon),
and Remodes (Borneo.) In all, the hind-wings of the male are peculiarly modified,
usually much diminished in size, and with the dorsum formed into a distinct lobe, the
object of which is unknown. A similar structure is found only in one or two genera
of Tortricina. Rkopalodes is the nearest genus to this, but vein 5 is said to be obsolete,
and the lobe does not form a pocket ; in Sauris the areole is simple, and the antennte
thickly scaled ; in Bemodes the areole is also simple, the antenna flattened and scaled,
and the dorsum is furnished with three superposed lobular folds, so that it represents
the extreme of development in this direction." — (Meyrick.)

It will be seen on reference to Plate II., figs. 22 and 23, which represent the structure
of the hind-wings of the male and female of Tatosoma agrionata respectively, that in
the male veins 1 and 2 are absent, having no doubt become absorbed during the formation
of the characteristic sexual lobe ; vein 8 is connected with the margin of the cell by an
oblique bar, this being probably due to an extension of the wing in the costal region, com-
pensating for the loss in the dorsal region due to the above-mentioned lobe. In the hind-
wings of the female the normal neuration of the family is almost preserved, the only peculiar
feature consisting in the origin of veins 6 and 7 from a point on the margin of the cell.

Of this remarkable genus we have three species, and I think it quite possible that
others may reward the industry of future collectors.

TATOSOMA LESTEVATA, Walk.
(Cidaria lestevata, Walk. 1416. Sauris ranata, Feld. cxxxi. 11. Tatosoma lestevata, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xvi. 67.)
(Plate VI., fig. 25 $ .)

This beautiful species has occurred at Wainuiomata, near Wellington, in the North
Island, and at Nelson and Christchurch, in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are bright-green ; there are four wavy,
black, transverse lines; the first near the base, the second a little before the middle, the third considerably
beyond the middle, and the fourth near the termen ; the terminal line is very faint towards the tornus,
and it emits three or four very sharp, longitudinal, black, tooth-like marks ; all the transverse lines are
much stronger where they cross the principal veins. The hind-wings are very pale yellowish-green.

The perfect insect appears in February. At present I believe the species is repre-
sented by four specimens only — two in Mr. Fereday's collection and two in my own.

40 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

TATOSOMA AGBIONATA, Walk.

(Cidaria agrionata, Walk. 1417. Cidaria tipulata, ib. 1417. Cidaria inclinataria, ib. 1418. Cidaria
transitaria, ib. 1419. Sanrts mistata, Feld. cxxxi. 12. Tatosoma transitaria, Moyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst.
xvi. 68. Tatosoma agrionata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 64.)

(Plate VI., fig. 26 <? , 27 2.)

This fine species has occurred commonly at Wellington in the North Island. It
is generally distributed in the South Island, and has also been found at Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore-wings are bright-green traversed by
numerous black, wamj, transverse lines ; these black lines are grouped into four more or less distinct
bands, the outermost of which is interrupted at each of the veins ; there is a conspicuous black dot in
the middle of the wing, a number of small triangular black marks near the term en, and a series of
minute black dots on the termen. The hind-wings are ochreous, tinged with green towards the
termen. In the female the abdomen is much shorter, and the hind-wings are larger than in the male.

The perfect insect appears from December till April. It frequents dense forests,
and is generally found at rest on the trunks of trees. In these situations the pattern
of the fore-wings is extremely protective, the whole insect bearing the closest possible
resemblance to a patch of moss. This species may also be taken at sugar, and some-
times at light, but I have found that it can be obtained most plentifully by a careful
scrutiny of the tree-trunks in a favourable locality. As a rule I think that the males
are considerably commoner than the females. I have noticed them in the proportion
of about four to one.

TATOSOMA TIMOEA, Meyr.

(Tatosoma agrionata, Meyr. (nee Walker), Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 68. Tatosoma timora, Meyr., ib. xvii. 64.)

(Plate VI., fig. 28 $ , 29 ? .)

This rather sombre, though interesting insect, has occurred at Palmerston and
Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch and Akaroa in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. All the wings are sparsely covered with scales. The
fore-wings of the male are dull reddish-brown, with numerous obscure transverse dusky stripes ; there are
two rather conspicuous blackish blotches on the costa, a white dot in the middle of the wing, a wavy,
pale, transverse line near the termen, and a series of black terminal dots ; the veins are dotted in black.
The hind-wings are very small, dull grey, with the lobe large and conspicuous. The female is faintly
tinged with green, the markings on the fore-wings are rather indistinct; the hind-wings are small,
though much larger than those of the male.

The perfect insect appears from November till May. It frequents densely wooded
districts, but is not a common species.

Genus 2.— PARADETIS, Meyr.

" Palpi short, arched, roughly-scaled beneath. Antennas bipectinated. Fore-wings with vein 6
from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 very shortly anastomosing with 9, 11 out of 10 con-
siderably before angle of areole, 12 free. Hind-wings with veins 6 and 7 stalked, 8 separate, united
to 7 before transverse vein by an oblique bar.

" This singular genus is of quite uncertain affinity, and stands at present alone.
The simple areole, and connecting bar of 7 and 8, can only have arisen by modifi-
cation of the normal type of this family, to which it must be referred. It is also the
only New Zealand genus except Declana in which the female has pectinated antennae ;
but this character recurs in a few exotic genera not otherwise allied." — (Meyrick.)

Plate II., figs. 27 and 28 represent the neuration of the male of Paradetis porpliijrias,
vein 2 of the hind-wings being absent in that sex. In the female, which is the sex from
which Mr. Meyrick characterized the genus, the vein is present as usual. Only one
species is known.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 41

PAEADETIS POEPHYEIAS, Meyr.

(Parysatis porphyria-s, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 58. Paradctis porphyrias, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VI., fig. 36 f .)

This interesting little insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur,
Castle Hill, the Otira Gorge, and Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings is about f inch. The fore-wings of the male are deep purplish-
brown ; there is a wavy, reddish, transverse line at about one-third and another at about two-
thirds ; between these two lines near the dorsum there are often four, more or less distinct, yellow
dots ; there is an obscure orange mark at the origin of the first line and a conspicuous mark at the
origin of the second. The hind-wings are deep purplish-brown. The cilia of all the wings are white.
The fore-wing has the apex hooked and the termen deeply excavated above and below the middle. The
female is very much paler ; the lines are more distinct and the veins are marked in brown.

The perfect insect appears in January. It frequents rather open spots in the
forest, and flies in a very busy manner close to the ground amongst the numerous
ferns and other plants, which are always abundant in such situations. It is con-
sequently very inconspicuous and sometimes difficult to capture. Thus, no doubt, it
is often overlooked, and perhaps is much commoner than at present appears probable.

Genus 3.— CHLOEOCLYSTIS, Hb.

" Face with short cone of scales. Palpi rough-scaled. Antennae in male shortly ciliated.
Abdomen crested. Fore-wings with areole simple, vein 11 running into or anastomosing with 12.
Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell from near base to beyond middle." (Plate II.,
figs. 19 and 20.)

" This genus is especially characteristic of New Zealand, and is also found in
South Asia, a few stragglers occurring in Europe and elsewhere." — (Meyrick.)

We have twelve species, several of which are very beautiful.

CHLOEOCLYSTIS PLINTHINA, Meyr.

(Pasiphila plinthina, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 49.)

(Plate VI., fig. 8.)

This pretty species has occurred at Wellington.

The expansion of the wings is about £ inch. All the wings are traversed by numerous obscure,
wavy, reddish-yellow lines ; the fore-wings have a dark shading near the base, a very large ichite
blotch in the middle, and a dark chocolate-brown patch near the apex. The hind-wings have
a large shaded white patch in the middle, a blackish dot near the base, and a series of brownish
crescentic marks on the termen ; the cilia of all the wings are pale brown barred with brownish-
black. The termen of the fore-wings is very oblique, of the hind-wings rather irregular.

Many specimens of this insect are strongly tinged with green, and the shape and
size of the white patches on the fore- and hind-wings are subject to slight variations.

The perfect insect appears in November and December. It frequents brushwood,
where it may be occasionally taken at rest on tree-trunks but more often dislodged
from the foliage. It is not a very common species.

CHLOEOCLYSTIS BILINEOLATA, Walk.

(Eupithecia bilineolata, Walk. 1246. E. muscosata, ib. 1246. Scotosia humerata, ib. 1362. Eupithecia
semialbata, ib. 1708. E. cidariaria, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 62. Cidiaria aqiwsata, Feld., pi. cxxxi. 33.
Helastia charybdis, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 503. H. calida, ib. 504. Pasiphila muscosata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z.
Inst. 50. P. bilineolata, ib.)

(Plate VI., fig. 9 type, fig. 10 variety.)

This beautiful little species is common, and generally distributed throughout the
country.

6

42 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

The expansion of the wings is f inch. The fore-wings are bright green with numerous
wavy darker lines. There is a jagged transverse black line near the base, two at about one-
fourth, enclosing a rather paler space ; beyond this there are several rather irregular, fine black
marks, and an obscure white patch below the apex ; the cilia are dull green. The hind-wings
are grey slightly tinged with reddish ; the dorsum and termen are shaded with green, and there
is a number of curved black lines on the dorsum ; the cilia are dull greenish-grey. The termen
of the fore-wings is slightly bowed, and all the wings are finely scalloped and sharply outlined
in black.

A very distinct variety frequently occurs in which the entire ground colour is
orange-yellow. This variety can be artificially produced by exposing a typical specimen
to the fumes of bruised laurel leaves. Intermediate forms may also be found, but are
much scarcer than either the typical form or the variety.

The larva (according to Mr. Purdie *) is about \ inch long ; colour brownish, surface
very rugged ; body tapering somewhat towards the head. Two pairs of small dorsal
tubercles about the middle, the posterior pair being larger ; oblique lateral dark
markings faintly seen on dark ground colour ; below lighter. Food-plants : Aristotelia,
Leptospermum ericoides, Bubus (?), and Mulilenbecltia (?). Found in December and
January.

The perfect insect appears from September till May, and is often very common.
It rests on tree-trunks with outspread wings, in which position it so closely resembles
a patch of moss that it is extremely difficult to detect, even when specially searched for.

CHLOBOCLYSTIS ANTAECTICA, n. up.
(Plate VI., fig. 20.)

This species was discovered by Mr. Philpott at West Plains, near Invercargill.

The expansion of the wings is | inch. The fore- wings are rather dull green ; there is a
reddish-brown patch near the base, followed by two, slightly oblique, reddish bands ; the central
band is very broad, green, traversed by numerous fine wavy lines ; there is a broad reddish band
on the termen. The hind-wings are slaty-grey, tinged with pink towards the termen and dorsum.
The cilia of all the wings are pink barred with black.

Two other specimens kindly given to me by Mr. Philpott have the bands on the
fore-wings more or less brown in place of red, but are otherwise identical.

This insect is evidently very closely allied to C. bilineolata, but its larger size,
longer wings, and barred cilia will, I think, distinguish it from that species.

The perfect insect appears in November.

CHLOBOCLYSTIS ABISTIAS, Meyr.
(Chloroclystis aristias, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 385.)

(Plate VI., fig. 21 $ , 22 2 .)

This beautiful insect was discovered on the Mount Arthur Tableland in January,
1896, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. All the wings are very pale greenish-grey. The
male has three distinct dark brownish bands near the base, an irregular broad suffused band
near the middle, becoming obsolete before it reaches the dorsum, a dark patch at the apex,
another patch on the termen below the apex and another near the tornus. The hind-wings are
traversed by numerous, very fine, wavy blackish lines, becoming darker towards the dorsum. In
the female there are three wavy reddish-brown bands on the costa of the fore-wings, becoming
obsolete towards the dorsum, then a wavy yellowish line, followed by two rust-red patches. The
hind-wings resemble those of the male. Both sexes have the veins dotted with black, and the
cilia of all the wings are grey barred with black.

* N. Z. ' Journal of Science,' July, 1884,

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 43

The perfect insect was found in a limestone valley at the foot of Mount Peel,
where it was fairly common.

CHLOEOCLYSTIS NEEEIS, Meyr.
(Pasiphila nereis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 51.)

(Plate VI., fig. 11 <?.)

This insect has occurred at Mount Arthur, Mount Hutt, and the Humboldt
Eange, Lake Wakatipu, at elevations from 2,500 to 4,000 feet.

The expansion of the wings is nearly an inch. All the wings are dusky grey with numerous
black and dull white, wavy transverse lines; there is often a somewhat paler area near the apex
of the fore-wings, and the termen of the hind-wings is slightly scalloped ; the cilia are dull white
barred with dark greyish-black.

The perfect insect appears in January and February. It generally frequents cliffs
on mountain sides, resting with outspread wings on the dark rocky surfaces. In
these situations it is extremely difficult to detect, and the protective value of its
colouring is thus at once demonstrated.

CHLOEOCLYSTIS DEYAS, Meyr.

(Pasiphila dryas, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiii. 97.)

(Plate VI., fig. 12 $ .)

This species has occurred at Wellington.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull rosy-brown, traversed by
numerous obscure blackish transverse lines, somewhat concentrated towards the middle and forming
an ill-defined central band; the termen is slightly shaded with blackish, and the veins are
marked with dotted lines. The hind-wings are grey, tinged with rosy-brown ; there are numerous
very faint blackish transverse lines and the veins are marked with blackish dots. The cilia of
all the wings are dark grey. The termen of the hind-wings is rather irregular.

The perfect insect appears in December and January, and is attracted by light.
I once took a specimen in July, but this may have been due to an exceptionally
mild winter.

CHLOEOCLYSTIS SPHEAGITIS, Meyr.

(Pasiphila sphragitis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 51.)

(Plate VI., fig. 13 «? , 14 ? .)

This extremely variable insect has occurred at Wellington in the North Island,
and at Christchurch in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings of the male is f inch, of the female £ inch. The fore-wings
are pale ochreous; there is a narrow darker area at the base folloived by a narrow oblique pale
band; then a broad central band, formed of numerous oblique, wavy, brown, transverse lines,
next, a rather narrow curved pale band, followed by several small irregular patches on the
termen, sometimes forming a dark brown terminal band ; all the markings are much darker on
the costa, and portions of the costa, termen, and dorsum are frequently tinged with green.
The hind-wings are pale ochreous ; there are numerous wavy, pale brown lines on the dorsum,
becoming obsolete towards the costa. The termen of all the wings is edged with fine black
crescents. The cilia are pale ochreous barred with dark brown.

The perfect insect may be met with from September till February, but is most
abundant in the early spring. It is extremely common in the Wellington Botanical
Gardens, frequenting the forest gullies, where numerous specimens may be easily
dislodged from amongst the dense undergrowth. This moth rests with expanded wings
on the leaves and stems of shrubs, but is extremely difficult to find in such situations,
the colouring of the insect causing it to closely resemble the droppings of birds.

44 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

CHLOROCLYSTIS LICHENODES, Purd.

(Pasiphila lichenodes, Purdie, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 70.)
(Plate VI., figs. 15 and 16, varieties.)

This extremely interesting species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island,
and at Dunedin in the South Island ; it has also been found at Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings is about f inch. The fore-wings are dull green ; there is a large
pale brown area near the base, divided by fine black lines into three distinct patches ; the central
portion of the wing is mottled with black, pale brown, and dull green ; there is a very broad,
irregular band of chocolate-brown near the termen, outlined with black towards the base and with
white towards the termen, the white line almost dividing the band into four or five patches. The
hind- wings are dull greenish-brown ; there are several irregular black and white transverse lines
and small patches of chocolate-brown, the markings being more distinct towards the dorsum.
The cilia of all the wings are pale brown barred with dark brown.

I have observed that in many specimens of this species the ground colour is entirely
pale brown instead of green ; the markings, however, are not variable.

The perfect insect appears from November till February. It frequents forests,
resting with outspread wings on lichen-covered tree-trunks, where its wonderfully
perfect protective colouring may be seen to great advantage. The remarkable brown
patches on the wings have undoubtedly been acquired for this protective purpose, and Mr.
Purdie's name is certainly a most appropriate one. It is not, I think, a common species.

CHLOROCLYSTIS INDICATARIA.

(Eupithccia indicataria, Walk. 1708. Pasiphila indicataria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 52.)

(Plate VI., fig. 17 $ , 17A ? .)

This rather dull-looking species has occurred at Napier and Wellington in the
North Island, and at Nelson in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is £ inch. The fore-wings of the male are dull greenish-grey ;
there is an oblique, black-edged, reddish, transverse band at about one-third, and another very
irregular band near the termen ; between and beyond these bands there are numerous irregular,
broken, reddish and blackish transverse lines ; there is a rust-red patch on the termen below the apex.
The cilia are grey barred with brown. The hind-wings are dull grey with several faint, jagged,
transverse lines ; the termen is rather irregular. The female is much browner than the male,
and the lines are more numerous and distinct, especially on the hind-wings. The antenna are
simple in both sexes.

The perfect insect appears from October till March, and is fairly common in wooded
localities. It is sometimes attracted by light.

CHLOROCLYSTIS INDUCTATA, Walk.
(Corcmia indnctata, Walk. 1322. Scotosia subitata, ib. 1362. Pasiphila indnctata, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xx. 53.)

" This is a distinct species ; but I have only seen the British Museum specimens, and am unable
to say to which section it belongs, or to give a proper description. The termen of the fore-wings is
more bent, and the hind-wings are narrower than in any other species; ground colour light reddish,
with the margins of the median band formed by distinct black lines." — (Meyrick.)
I am unacquainted with this insect.

CHLOROCLYSTIS MACULATA, n. sp.

(Plate VI., fig. 18.)

This interesting species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. W. P. Cohen.
The expansion of the wings is about | inch. All the wings are creamy-white slightly tinged
with green. The fore-wings have several irregular large black marks on the costa extending about

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 45

two-thirds towards the apex ; there is a curved transverse series of black dots at about two-thirds,
and several obscure brown marks on the termen near the middle and at the tornus. The
hind-wings have several irregular rows of conspicuous black 'spots. The cilia are cream-coloured
barred with black. The apex of the fore-wing is very much rounded.

The perfect insect appears in December, and is attracted by light.

Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Cohen.

CHLOEOCLYSTIS EECTILINEATA, n. sp.
(Plate VI., fig. 22.)

This species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. W. P. Cohen.

The expansion of the wings is f inch. The fore-wings are pale grey ; there are several irregular
black, transverse lines near the base, very broad on the costa ; a broad, pale, central area with no
distinct markings; then two very fine, almost straight, parallel, dark transverse lines alternating with
two broader white lines, and followed by a very conspicuous black line, this being again immediately
followed by a fainter black line ; beyond these lines the wing is darker, with a wavy transverse
white line and a row of black terminal marks. The hind-wings are grey with several faint,
wavy, transverse lines and a series of darker marks on the termen. The cilia of all the wings are
grey.

Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Cohen.

Genus 4.— PHBISSOGONUS, Butl.

" Face with short cone of scales or smooth. Palpi moderate or short, porrected, more or less
rough-scaled. Antennae in male ciliated or naked. Posterior tibiae with all spurs present. Fore-
wings in male with swelling or tuft or rough scales on costa, vein 5 sometimes distorted or absent ;
areole simple, 11 running into 12. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell from near base to
beyond middle." — (Meyrick.)

We have one species in New Zealand.

PHKISSOGONUS DENOTATUS, Walk.

(Scotosia denotata, Walk. 136 L. Phibalapteryx parvulata, ib. 1721. Phrixogonus dcnotatus, Meyr.,

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 53.)
(Plate VI., fig. 19 9 .)

This dull-looking insect is common and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is f inch. The fore-wings are very dark grey, with numerous
obscure black and pale brown transverse lines ; there are several black dots on the veins, and a
white mark 011 the termen near the apex. The hind-wings are pale grey with numerous wavy
black lines, especially near the dorsum. The antenna, are simple in both sexes. The cilia are dull
pink barred with black. The female is slightly tinged with reddish-brown. The male has a peculiar
dilation on the costa, beyond the middle, beneath which is a naked longitudinal mark occupying the
space between veins 10 and 12, these veins being slightly distorted in consequence.

The larva, which feeds on the blossoms of the wharangi (Bracliyglottis repanda),
is pale green with a series of elongate triangular brown markings down the back and
an obscure series of brown marks on each side. It may be found during the latter
end of October and beginning of November, but is extremely inconspicuous amongst
its food-plant. The pupa is concealed in a light cocoon constructed of the remains
of the blossoms.

The perfect insect appears from October till February. It frequents dense under-
growth in the forest, and is generally found resting with extended wings on the
dark-coloured steins of the kawakawa (Piper excelsurn), where it is practically invisible.
In this situation its colouring is evidently specially adapted for protective purposes.

46 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA.

Genus 5.— ELYIA, Walk.

"Face smooth. Palpi rather long, straight, porrected, densely rough-scaled above and beneath,
terminal joint short. Antennae in male stout, flattened, bipectinated (2£). Thorax somewhat crested.
Fore-wings with vein 6 from a point with 9, 7 from angle of areole, 10 anastomosing moderately with
9, 11 out of 10, running shortly into 12. Hind-wings with veins 6 and 7 stalked, 8 anastomosing with
7 from near base to near transverse vein." — (Meyrick.)

We have one species.

ELVIA GLAUCATA, Walk.
(Elvia glaucata, Walk. 1431 ; Feld. cxxxii. 25. Elvia donovani, Feld. cxxxii. 5. Elvia glaiicata, Meyr.,

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 65.)
(Plate VI., fig. 23 and 24 varieties.)

This very pretty insect is generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about an inch.

The fore-wings vary from pale green to dark steely blue, rarely pale reddish-brown ; there is an
almost straight, black transverse line near the base ; a broad curved line before the middle, shaded
towards the termen; then a straight line, breaking up into dots towards the dorsum, followed by a
conspicuous cream-coloured blotch near the costa ; this again is followed by a fine jagged cream-coloured
line ; there is a terminal series of black dots. The hind-wings are cream-coloured, tinged with steely
blue or green towards the termen ; there are a few obscure transverse lines and a short series of dots
from the dorsum. The apex of the fore-wing is very blunt, and the termen is slightly hollowed out
towards the tornus ; the termen of the hind-wings is deeply scalloped.

This species is extremely variable. In addition to the variations above indicated,
the markings of many specimens differ considerably in intensity, and there are fre-
quently several large cream-coloured blotches towards the base or middle of the fore-
wings.

The perfect insect appears from September till March, but is not a common species.
It frequents forest districts, and may sometimes be found at rest on tree-trunks, where the
beautiful colouring of its fore-wings closely imitates that of certain lichens, and renders its
detection in such situations extremely difficult. Unlike the insects included in the two
preceding genera, this species closes its wings when at rest, the anterior pair alone being
visible. These wings are not held flat, but are curiously folded longitudinally, and the
end of the abdomen is also curled upwards. By slightly raising the insect above the 'level
of the surrounding surface, this peculiar attitude considerably increases its resemblance to
a lichen growing on the stem or branch of a tree.' It will also be observed that in this
species, which when at rest exposes only its fore-wings, these alone are protectively
coloured ; whilst in the genera Cldorodystis and Phrissogonus, where both pairs of wings
are displayed, both pairs are protectively coloured.

Genus 6.— HYDKIOMENA, Hb.

" Face with somewhat projecting or loose scales, or with conical tuft. Palpi rough-scaled.
Antennas in male ciliated, rarely dentate or naked. Abdomen not crested, or with crests on two basal
segments only. Fore-wings with areole double. Hind-wings with 8 anastomosing with cell from
near base to beyond middle. (See Plate II., fig. 32 head, figs. 33 and 34 neuration of Hydriomena
deltoidata.)

"A very large genus, principally characteristic of temperate regions in both
hemispheres." — (Meyrick.)

There are twelve New Zealand species.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 47

HYDEIOMENA GOBIATA, Feld.

(C id aria gobiata, Feld. cxxxi. 2. Phibalapteryx simulans, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 506. Phibalapteryx
unditlifera, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 506. Phibalapteryx angnligera, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 507. Phibalapteryy
rioularis, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 507. Scotosia yobiata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 70. Cepfialissa gobiata,
ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VI., fig. 43 «?, 44 ? .)

This insect has occurred plentifully at Wanganui and Wellington in the North
Island, and is generally distributed throughout the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is from 1 to 1J inches. All the wings vary from pale ochreous to
rather dull yellowish brown, sometimes very slightly tinged with green. There is usually a large
number of fine, slightly waved, oblique lines arranged on both pairs of wings, very like the markings
in Venusia verriculata (see page 53), both insects evidently having acquired this style of colouring for
similar protective purposes. In many specimens the whole of the anterior portion of the fore-wings,
a small area at the base of the hind-wings, and a band near the termen are much paler in colour than
the rest. There is usually a very oblique elongate pale area near the apex, and an irregular dark spot
considerably below the apex. The outline of all the wings is more or less distinctly scalloped.

The larva (according to Mr. Purdie *) is about 1 inch in length, greyish-brown, with
a rough prominent dorsal tubercle about the ninth segment. There are sometimes other
smaller tubercles. It feeds on various species of Coprosoma in January, March, and May.

The perfect insect appears from October till March, and generally frequents rather
open country where Manuka and Cabbage Tree Palms are abundant.

HYDEIOMENA PEIONOTA, Meyr.
(Arsinoe prionota, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 73. Anachloris prionota, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VI., fig. 47.)

This species has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill and
Dunedin.

The expansion of the wings is rather under 1J inches. The fore- wings are dull yellowish-brown,
with many obscure, wavy, transverse, brown lines, which tend to form two ill-defined bands, one rather
narrow near the base and the other much broader near the middle of the wing. The hind-wings are
very pale yellowish-broion ; there are a few obscure dark lines near the dorsum. The veins are
distinctly dotted in black, and the outline of all the wings is deeply scalloped.
The perfect insect appears in January, but is not common.

HYDEIOMENA DELTOIDATA, Walk.

(Coremia deltoidata, Walk. 1321. Cidaria inclarata, Walk. 1411. Cidaria perductata, Walk. 1412.
Cidaria congressata, Walk. 1412. Cidaria conversata, Walk. 1413. Cidaria descriptata, Walk. 1414.
Cidaria bisignata, Walk. 1415. Cidaria aggregata, Walk. 1415. Cidaria congregata, Walk. 1415. Cidaria
plagifurcata, Walk. 1416. Coremia pastinaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 64. Cidaria inopiata, Feld. cxxxii. 3.
Cidaria monoliata, Feld. cxxxii. 8. Cidaria perversata, Feld. cxxxii. 14, 24. Scotosia deltoidata, Meyr., Trans.
N. Z. Inst. xvi. 70. Cephalissa deltoidata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VII., figs. 1 to 9 varieties.)

This pretty insect is extremely abundant throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings varies from 1£ to If inches. The fore-wings vary from brownish-
black to dull orange-brown ; there is a small darker area near the base, then two pale whitish wavy
transverse lines, then a broad darker central band, often containing within it a still darker central
band, bounded by two wavy black transverse lines ; beyond the central band there are nearly always
two or three pale brown or whitish, wavy, transverse lines, then an interrupted line just before the
termen, and a short oblique whitish line below the apex ; there is a black dot a little above the centre
of the wing, and a white dot on the termen near the middle. The hind-wings are yellowish-brown,
with several wavy, transverse lines near the dorsum ; there is a series of fine crescentic black lines on
the termen of both fore- and hind-wings.

* N, Z, ' Journal oi Science,' July, 1884,

'48 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEEA.

This species is extremely variable, but may generally be recognised by a careful
scrutiny of the above-named characters. One very striking variety occasionally met with
has the central band of the fore-wing completely divided in the middle, which thus forms
two dark patches, one on the costa, and one on the dorsum. (See Plate VII., figs. 7 and
8.) A further development of this variety, of which I have only seen one example, taken
by Mr. Hawthorne at Springfield, Canterbury, and now in his collection, has only the
costal patch present, the whole of the lower portions of the band being completely
obliterated.* (See Plate VII., fig. 9.) The minor varieties are too numerous to specify.

The larva feeds on grasses. When full-grown its length is about 1 inch. The
colour is dark brown, with the skin very much wrinkled. It is sluggish in its habits, and
lives through the winter, becoming full-grown about the end of September. During
severe weather it generally seeks refuge from the elements amongst the stalks and roots of
the rank herbage often surrounding stones or fallen logs.

The pupa is concealed in the earth.

The perfect insect appears early in January, and continues in the utmost profusion
until the middle or end of March. It may often be seen resting with the wings folded
backwards and forming together a triangle, whence the moth has probably derived its
name of deltoidata. In the neighbourhood of Wellington I have observed that this insect
has very much decreased in numbers during the last ten or fifteen years.

HYDEIOMENA HEMIZONA, Meyr.
(Hydriomena hemizona, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 385.)

(Plate VII., fig. 10.)

This insect has occurred at Terawhiti in the North Island, and at Mount Arthur in
the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are blackish-brown, darker
towards the apex and termen ; there is an obscure rust-red wavy band near the base, and another at
three-fourths, considerably bowed towards the termen at the middle; there are also numerous wavy
darker lines. The hind-wings are dull grey, and the termen is slightly scalloped.

This species may be distinguished from any of the varieties of H. deltoidata by its
narrower wings, and the absence of any distinct central band on the fore-win(js.
The perfect insect appears in January. It is a scarce species.

HYDKIOMENA SUBOCHEAEIA, Dbld.

(Aspilatcs (?) subochraria, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 285. Camptogramma stibochraria, Butl., Cat., pi. iii. 16.
Camptogramma strangulata, Gn. x. 423. Camptogramma fuscinata, Gn., E. M. M. v. 92. Arsinoe subochraria,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 73. Anachloris subochraria, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VI., figs. 45 and 46 varieties.)

This species is fairly common and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about 1£ inches. The fore-wings are bright ochreous-yellow ; there
s a brown dot a little above the middle, and a dark brown transverse band at about three-fourths ;
the termen is shaded with dark brown. The hind-wings are ochreous, with an obscure central trans-
verse line.

A variety (Hydriomena fuscinata, Gn.) often occurs in which the whole of the wings are more or
less tinged with purplish-brown (Plate VI., fig. 46).

The perfect insect appears from November till April. It chiefly frequents tussock
country and swampy situations. In the Wellington district it is extremely abundant in

* A second specimen of this variety has since occurred in the neighbourhood of Nelson,

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 49

the clearings at the foot of the Tararua Kange. According to Mr. Meyrick the typical
form is common in Tasmania and Victoria.

HYDEIOMENA TEIPHEAGMA, Meyr.
(Cidaria triphragma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 74.)

"Male. — 26-27 mm. (about 1 inch). Fore-wings moderate, termen strongly sinuate; pale
dull greyish-purple ; a very small darker basal patch, outer edge strongly convex, margined by a dark
fuscous fascia, posteriorly whitish-edged ; a dark fuscous fascia before one-third, irregularly outwards-
curved, posteriorly suffused, anteriorly sharply denned and whitish-edged ; a minute blackish discal
dot ; a dark fuscous fascia beyond middle, forming a strong angle in middle, upper and lower halves
both inwards-curved, anteriorly suffused, posteriorly sharply denned and whitish-edged. Hind-wings
moderate, termen somewhat irregular, projecting in middle ; whitish-ochreous mixed with pale
purplish ; an angulated darker band before middle.

" A very distinct species, probably not variable.

" Blenheim ; two specimens received by Mr. Fereday from Mr. Skellon." — (Meyrick).

I am unacquainted with this species, which Mr. Fereday stated he was unable to
identify. I have therefore inserted Mr. Meyrick's description without alteration.

HYDEIOMENA EIXATA, Feld.
Cidaria rixata, Feld. cxxxii. 1 ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 75. Coremia squalida, Butl., Cist.

Ent. ii. 505.)
(Plate VII., fig. 11.)

This pretty insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the
country.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings have a dull green patch near the
base, with numerous dull brown and dull white wavy transverse lines ; there is a very broad blackish-
brown central band paler in the middle, but almost black at the edges ; this band has a large rounded
projection on its outer edge near the middle, and below this projection it is deeply indented; the
remainder of the wing is dull yellowish-green, with several brown and white transverse lines ; one of
the white lines is more conspicuous than the rest and very wavy ; there is a shaded oblique black
mark from the apex. The hind-wings are very pale yellowish-brown ; there are a few obscure
brownish transverse lines near the dorsum, and a faint series of crescentic marks near the termen.

The perfect insect appears in December and January, and frequents the over-
hanging banks of streams in densely wooded ravines, where it often occurs in the
utmost profusion.

HYDEIOMENA PUEPUEIFEEA, Fereday.
(Cidaria purpurifera, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 119 ; Meyr., ib. 75.)

(Plate VII., fig. 12.)

This extremely pretty insect has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur,
Mount Hutt, Castle Hill, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are rather bright green ; there is
a darker area near the base, a very broad purplish-brown central band, with a large square projection
on the middle of its outer edge ; above this projection there is a very conspicuous white mark, bordering
the central band ; the remainder of the wing is green ; there is a wavy white line near the termen, and
an oblique bluish-black mark near the apex. The hind-wings are pale brownish-yellow.

This species is closely allied to Hydriomena rixata, but easily distinguished by its
brighter green colouring, purplish central band with square projection, and broad white
marking beyond the central band.

The perfect insect appears in December and January, and frequents forest at
elevations of from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. It is found in drier situations than the pre-

7

50 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

ceding species, and is not confined to forest streams. It is common in certain localities,
but is not nearly so generally distributed as Hydriomena rixata.

HYDKIOMENA SIMILATA, Walk.

(Cidaria similata, Walk. 1413. Cidaria timarata, Peld. exxxii. 19. Cidaria similata, Meyr.,

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 76.)
(Plate VII., fig. 14.)

This beautiful species has occurred at Napier and Wellington in the North Island,
and at Christchurch, Dunedin, Lake Wakatipu, and Invercargill in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is 1£ inches. The fore-wings are dark brown, with the veins and
margins broadly shaded with bright green ; there are numerous irregular wavy blackish streaks forming
three ill-defined darker transverse bands ; the first at the hase ; the second from one-fourth to about
two-thirds, partially divided into two from the costa downwards ; and the third near the terrnen
outwardly edged with white. The termen itself is bordered first with green, and then with a series
of fine black marks ; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are very pale reddish-brown, darker
towards the dorsum, with numerous pale brown wavy transverse lines. There is a series of black
crescentic marks on the termen, and the cilia are pale reddish-brown.

This species is rather variable. The spaces between the darker bands on the fore-wings are
usually green, but in some specimens this is partially or wholly replaced by pale yellowish-brown.
The dark bands also vary considerably in width and distinctness, and in many specimens the central
band is entirely divided by a conspicuous pale brown or green transverse space.

The larva, according to Mr. Purdie, is about 1 inch long, cylindrical. Back a dull deep green ;
lateral stripe reddish-white, edged below with a darker colour ; ventral side lighter green, with four
parallel white or yellow lines close together, extending from the forelegs to the prolegs. Outer side
of prolegs white. There are traces of a median dorsal stripe of brownish-red on the anal segments.
Beaten from Coprosma. Found in January. Mr. Purdie states that he is not quite certain as to the
identification of the species, as the median belt of the fore-wings is much more distinctly defined, and
the colour is a duller green than is usual in H. similata.

The perfect insect appears from November till March. It is generally found
resting on moss-covered tree-trunks, where its colouring affords it a most efficient
protection from enemies.

HYDBIOMENA CALLICHLOEA, Butl.
(Cidaria callichlora, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 509 ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 76.)

(Plate VII., fig. 13.)

This beautiful insect has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at
Christchurch and Invercargill in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are bright green, with three very
distinct wavy black transverse lines ; the first near the base, the second a little before the middle, and
the third considerably beyond the middle ; between these there is a number of fainter fine wavy lines.
The hind-wings are whitish with several very faint wavy transverse lines ; the cilia of all the wings
are dull yellowish-brown.

The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. Described and
figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

HYDKIOMENA AEIDA, Butl.

(Melanthia arida, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 505. Cidaria chaotica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 76.

Cidaria arida, Meyr., ib. xvii. 64.)

(Plate VII., fig. 15.)

This species has occurred in the South Island at Akaroa, Mount Hutt, Arthur's
Pass, and Dunedin.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull grey ; there is a fine yellowish

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 51

transverse line near the base, and a very broad central band with a prominent projection somewhat
below the middle, almost touching the termen ; there is a brown dot above the middle of the wing and
numerous fine brown wavy lines in the central band ; the veins are marked in white near the termen.
The hind-wings are pale ochreous, with a few very faint transverse marks near the dorsum. The
termen of the fore-wings is slightly bowed in the middle.

The perfect insect appears in January and February, and frequents forest, some-
times being found as high as 2,600 feet above the sea-level. Described and figured
from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

HYDEIOMENA SIEIA, Meyr.
(Cephalissa siria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 93.)

(Plate VI., fig. 48.)

This odd little species was discovered by Professor Hutton at Dunedin.
The expansion of the wings is f inch. The fore-wings are rich broicn with two transverse bands
of darker brown ; the first near the base, rather narrow ; the second near the middle, considerably
broader, especially on the costa. The hind-wings are bright orange. The termen of the fore-wings
is slightly excavated below the apex, and considerably bowed a little below the middle.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

Genus 7.— EUCHCECA, Hb.

"Face smooth, flat. Antennae in $ shortly ciliated. Palpi short, slender, loosely scaled.
Fore-wings with areole simple. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle.

" A small genus containing a few species distributed throughout the northern
hemisphere and one Australian." — (Meyrick.)

We have one species.

EUCHCECA EUBEOPUNCTAKIA, Dbld.

(Ptychopoda rubropunctaria, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. li. 287. Asth-ena visata, Gn. ix. 438. Asthcna,
Gn., E. M. M. v. 42. Asthcna pulchraria, Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 18. Hippolyte rubropunctaria, Meyr., Trans.
N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60. Epicyme rubropunctaria, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VI., fig. 35.)

This little species is common and generally distributed throughout both the North
and South Islands, and has also occurred at Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings is about | inch. All the wings are pale ochreous, with numerous
obscure reddish transverse lines. On the fore-wings there are four transverse series of black dots ; the
first near the base, the second a little before the middle, the third a little beyond the middle, and the
fourth on the termen ; between the second and third series of dots there is very frequently an elongate
blackish patch, especially towards the dorsum. The hind-wings have three series of black dots ; the
first near the base, the second near the middle, and the third on the termen. The termen of both
fore- and hind-wings slightly projects near the middle.

This species varies considerably in the extent of the blackish marking near the
middle of the fore-wings, as well as in the colour and intensity of the reddish transverse
lines.

The larva is thus described by Mr. Fereday : * "The caterpillar has ten legs, is cylindrical, rather
stout, with the segmental divisions incised ; its colour is pale dull green, sometimes suffused with
pink, brown, purple, or dark green ; the dorsal line is purplish-brown, suffused, the central line
whitish ; the spiracular line is whitish, broadly margined with purplish-brown ; the segmental
divisions are pale yellowish-brown."

The food is Haloragis alata, a common herbaceous plant growing in swampy
situations. The pupa is enclosed in a slight earth-covered cocoon.

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60.

52 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

The perfect insect appears from September till March, and is sometimes common.
It is generally found in wooded districts, but prefers rather open situations in the
vicinity of streams, where its food-plant may often be seen. According to Mr.
Meyrick,* this insect is common in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, and
the Australian and New Zealand specimens are similar in appearance.

Genus 8.— ASTHENA.

"Face smooth, flat. Antennae in <? shortly ciliated. Palpi short, slender, loosely scaled.
Fore-wings with areole double. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle.
(Plate II., figs. 30 and 31.)

"A genus of a few widely scattered species most numerous in the Australian
Kegion." — (Meyrick.)

We have two species.

ASTHENA PULCHKAEIA, Dbld.

(Acidalia pulchraria, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 286. Chlorochroma plurilineata, Walk. 563, 676. Asthena
ondinata, Gn. ix. 438, pi. xix. 4 ; Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 20. Cidaria ondinata, Feld. cxxviii. 17. Asthena
pulchraria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 69.)

(Plate VI., fig. 37 $ , 38 ? .)

This beautiful little insect has occurred at many localities throughout both the
North and South Islands. It is probably a common species in most wooded districts.

The expansion of the wings is almost an inch. All the wings are very pale greenish-white with
numerous faint green, wavy, transverse lines. The fore-wings have a more or less distinct brown
band on the costal edge, and a conspicuous greenish central dot. The hind-wings often have a slight
projection on the termen near the middle.

The perfect insect appears from October till May, and frequents dense forest under-
growth. It is chiefly attached to the Kawakawa (Piper excelsum), and may often be
found resting with outspread wings on the under-surfaces of the leaves of this plant,
where it is very inconspicuous. There are probably two or more broods during the
summer.

On the llth of May, 1892, I observed large numbers of this species flying over the
Manuka bushes in the Wellington Botanical Gardens in brilliant moonlight. The night
was very cold, but notwithstanding this the moths were most numerous and active.
The appearance of this insect under such unusual conditions may have been quite
accidental, as I have never seen a recurrence ; but one is often somewhat unobservant
in the winter, hence the record of this observation may be of use in directing the
attention of others to the subject.

According to Mr. Meyrick this species is also found in Tasmania, and South-east
Australia.

ASTHENA SCHISTAEIA, Walk.

(Acidalia schistaria, Walk. 782. Asthe.no, subpurpureata, Walk. 1588. Acidalia, tuhuata, Feld. cxxviii. 5.

Asthena schistaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 69.)
(Plate VI., figs. 39, 40 $ , 41, 4'2 ? varieties.)

This pretty species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is nearly an inch. All the wings vary from very pale brown to
rather dull purplish-brown ; there are numerous jagged, darker, transverse lines forming several more
or less distinct bands. The first of these bands extends from the base to about one-eighth ; the
second, composed of only two or three lines, is situated at about one- third ; the third extends from

* Traris. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 53

three-fourths to about five-eighths ; there are in addition, numerous very fine, wavy lines near the
termen. The spaces between these bands are paler, and in some specimens the bands are very
conspicuous, whilst in others they are hardly perceptible. One specimen in my collection (Plate
VI., fig. 39) has a very broad chocolate-brown band across the middle of both pairs of wings,
the remaining portions being unusually pale in colour. There is always a dark brown dot in the
centre of each wing, and a series of very fine dots on the termen.

The larva, which feeds on Manuka (Leptospermum), is very ornamental. Its general colour is
light green, with black dorsal and lateral stripes, and a series of diagonal markings bordered with
crimson ; the legs and prolegs are also crimson, and the segments are divided by brilliant yellow
rings, a white line extending down each side of the larva.

This caterpillar is difficult to find, as it remains closely concealed amongst the
dense Manuka foliage, from which it can be dislodged only by vigorous and continued
beating. The larvae allow themselves to fall a short distance, hanging suspended by a
silken thread, which they rapidly ascend when the danger is past.

The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon about one inch below the surface of the
earth.

The perfect insect appears from October till April. It is very common in most
situations where its food-plant is found and, owing to its pale colour, is readily seen
when flying in the evening twilight. Specimens may also be taken in the daytime
resting with outspread wings on the trunks of trees and on fences, where they are
much more easily detected than many other species.

Mr. Meyrick thinks that this insect will also be found in Australia.

Genus 9.— VBNUSIA, Curt.

" Face smooth. Antennae in <? bi-pectinated, apex simple. Palpi loosely scaled. Fore-wings
with areole simple. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle." — (Meyrick.)
(Plate II., fig. 13, head of V. verriculata ; figs. 25 and 26, neuration of V. undosata.)

We have three species represented in New Zealand.

VENUSIA VERBICULATA, Feld.

(Cidaria verriculata, Peld. cxxxi. 20. Panopcea verriculata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 62.

Pancyina verriculata, ib. xviii. 184.)
(Plate VI., fig. 30 «? , 31 ? .)

This remarkable species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and in
the South Island at Christchurch, Ashburton, Dunedin and West Plains.

.The expansion of the wings is about 1| inches. All the wings are pale yellowish-brown, with many
straight oblique parallel dull brown lines ; on the fore-wings there are three lines broader and more
isolated than the rest, running from the apex to the dorsum ; on the hind-wings the lines near the
middle are rather thicker than the others, and have a broad space on each side of them ; all the lines
are clearly marked on the abdomen, so that each line appears to be continuous from one side of the moth
to the other.

The perfect insect appears from October till May, and frequents the Cabbage Tree
Palm (Cordyline), on which its larva probably feeds. According to Mr. Fereday the moth
always rests on the dead leaves of the plant, keeping its wings in such a position that the
lines are continuous with the parallel veins of the dead leaf, which they precisely resemble
in appearance. We have, I think, in this species a most instructive instance of special
adaptation to surrounding conditions ; and the action of natural selection, in preserving
favourable variations of colour and habit, appears to be here unmistakably indicated. Had
our investigations been confined to the examination of cabinet specimens only, we might

54 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

have long remained in the dark as to the explanation of such an unusual type of wing-
marking.

VENUSIA XANTHASPIS, Meyr.

(Hermionc xanthaspis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 61. Aulopola xanthaspis, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VI., fig. 32 $ .)

This handsome insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur and at
Lake Guyon.

The expansion of the wings is a little over 1 inch. The fore-wings are bright yellow ; there is a
broad pale reddish-brown band on the costa ; a conspicuous oval dark brown spot above the middle, often
touching the costal band ; a double series of minute brown dots near the termen. The hind-wings
are pale yellow, with a double series of minute brown dots parallel to the termen.

The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. It is apparently a rare
species. Mr. Fereday has six specimens taken at Lake Guyon, and I have two specimens
captured on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at an elevation of about 3,500 feet. These
comprise, I believe, all the specimens at present taken.

VENUSIA UNDOSATA, Feld.

(Cidaria undosata, Feld. cxxviii. 2. Epiphrync undosata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60.)

(Plate VI., fig. 33 $ , 34 ? .)

This neatly marked little insect has occurred at Napier and Palmerston in the North
Island ; and at Nelson, Mount Hutt, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu in the
South Island.

The expansion of the wings is hardly an inch. All the wings are pale yellow with a variable
number of fine jagged reddish-brown transverse lines, which are usually most distinct toivards the termen.
The fore-wings have a broad band of reddish-brown along the costal edge ; a blackish dot above the
middle just touching the costal band, and -a small brown mark near the apex. The hind-wings have
a minute black dot a little above the middle.

This species is rather variable : in some specimens the transverse lines are much
broader, forming bands of reddish-brown ; in others the whole of the wings are dull
reddish-brown, except a small yellow area near the base ; whilst others are entirely dull
greyish-brown with the transverse lines very faint, intermediate varieties between all these
forms also occurring.

The larva, according to Mr. Purdie,0 is about ^ inch long, feeding on the Kibbonwood
(Plagianthus bettilinus). The ground colour is green, with the dorsal and lateral stripes
white. The dorsal stripe is interlined with short black dashes, and there is a dark blotch
about the ninth segment. The dorsal and lateral stripes may be margined with purplish-
red. The under side is green. The larvae were found in April.

The perfect insect appears from November till February, and frequents forest.
According to my experience it is rather a local species, although plentiful where found.
Mr. Meyrick states that it is " very common in bush, from August to February, and in

May." t

Genus 10.— ASAPHODES, Meyr.

" Face with a tuft or hardly projecting scales. Palpi moderate, porrected, rough-scaled.
Antennae in male bi-pectinated, apex simple. Thorax glabrous beneath. Posterior tibiae with all
spurs present. Fore-wings with areole simple. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell
from near base to beyond middle." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 35 and 36, neuration of
Asaphodes megaspilata.)

We have five species of this genus in New Zealand.

0 N. Z. ' Journal of Science,' July, 1884. t Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 5-5

ASAPHODES ABEOGATA, Walk.

(Aspilates abrogata, Walk. 1075. Fidonia (?) servularia, Gn., E. M. M. v. 43. Thyone abrogata, Meyr.,
Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 61. AsapJwdes abrogata, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VII., fig. 21 $ .)

This species has occurred at Murimutu in the North Island ; and in the South
Island at Kekerangu, Christchurch, Castle Hill, Dunedin, and Invercargill.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. All the wings are ochreous with pale brotcn markings. The
fore-wings have a conspicuous dot in the middle, a wavy transverse line a little beyond the middle,
another line just before the termen, and a brown shading on the termen broader near the apex of the
wing. The hind-wings have a brown central dot and two transverse lines. The cilia of all the wings
are brownish.

This species varies considerably in the distinctness of the brown markings, and there
is occasionally a transverse line near the base of the fore-wings.

The perfect insect appears in February and March, and frequents open country, often
at elevations of from 2,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level. It is, I think, rather a local
species, though abundant where found. I met with it in considerable numbers on the
chalk range near Kekerangu in the Marlboro ugh Province.

ASAPHODES SIEIS, Hawth.
(Asaphodes siris, Hawth., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxix. 283.)

(Plate VII., fig. 16.)

This interesting little species was discovered near Wellington by Mr. Hawthorne.
The expansion of the wings is about | inch. The fore-wings are dull ochreous ; there is a small
curved brown patch near the base ; then a pale band, followed by a very broad brown central band,
paler in the middle ; there is a very sharp projection on the outer edge of the central band, a
conspicuous black dot in the centre of the wing, and a series of minute black dots on the termen. The
hind-wings are pale ochreous, with a faint central transverse line.
The perfect insect appears in March.
Described and figured from the type specimen in Mr. Hawthorne's collection.

ASAPHODES MEGASPILATA, Walk.

(Larentia megaspilata, Walk. 1198. Cidaria assata, Peld. cxxxi. 4. Cidaria nehata, Peld. cxxxi. 6.

Harpalyce megaspilata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 63. Probolaa megaspilata, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VII., figs. 17, 18, and 19 $ ; figs. 19A and 20 ? , varieties.)

This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull ochreous ; there is a series
of fine brown and reddish wavy transverse lines near the base, forming a rather broad basal band ;
then a pale central area containing a blackish dot above the middle ; next, a very distinct band made
up of several fine wavy grey lines, with a rounded projection near the middle ; this is followed by
numerous pale brown curved marks forming more or less broken transverse lines ; there is always an
oblique slaty patch below the apex, and a series of minute dots on the termen. The hind-wings are
ochreous brown, slightly darker towards the base, with numerous indistinct wavy brown lines. The
apex of the fore-wing is very pointed and slightly hooked downwards ; the termen is bowed near the
middle. The female is much duller and more uniform in colour than the male, and the antennae are
simple.

This species is very variable. Some male specimens have several more or less
distinct white markings on the middle of the fore-wings ; the transverse bands also differ
considerably in both size and intensity. The females are not so variable ; but in some
specimens the bands on the fore-wings are almost absent, whilst others have the fore-
wings rich brown, with a very conspicuous dark central band.

56 NEW ZEALAND MACEO-LEPIDOPTERA.

4

The eggs when first deposited are pale yellow. They turn dark reddish-brown for some days
before the young larva emerges.

The young larva is rather stout, dark brownish-black with numerous fine parallel ochreous lines ;
the whole body is covered with rather long bristles.

The perfect insect appears from October till April, and frequents forest, where it is
generally very abundant. It is a difficult insect to identify on the wing, and in
consequence is often captured under a misapprehension.

This species probably hibernates in the imago state during the winter months, as we
may often observe specimens abroad on mild evenings, at that season.

ASAPHODES PAEOEA, Meyr.

(Harpalyce humeraria, Meyr. (nee Walk.), Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 64. Harpalyce parora, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xvii. 63. Probolaa parora, ib. xviii. 184.)

" Male, female. — 29-34 mm. (about 1£ inches) . Fore-wings moderate, apex acute, termen excavated
on upper half, acutely projecting in middle ; varying from light grey to light reddish-fuscous ; about
eighteen irregular dentate darker striae, sometimes partially obsolete; first three, seventh and eighth,
and eleventh to thirteenth usually more distinct and blackish ; seventh and eighth closely approximated,
forming a small blackish or reddish spot on dorsum, sometimes partially suffused with blackish ;
eleventh to thirteenth closely approximated, widely remote from eighth, parallel to termen ; a blackish
discal dot ; sometimes a broad purplish-grey median band ; sixteenth sometimes spotted with blackish
towards costa ; a terminal row of blackish dots. Hind- wings moderate, upper angle broadly
projecting, termen shortly projecting in middle ; varying from whitish-grey to very pale reddish-
fuscous, faintly striated with darker.

" Very variable in colour, but always distinguishable by the peculiar form of wing.

"Wellington, Christchurch, Mount Hutt ; common amongst bush, in January,
February, April, and May; probably generally distributed; twenty specimens. "-
(Meyrick.)

I am unacquainted with this insect, but it would appear to closely resemble A.

megaspilata.

ASAPHODES EUFESCENS, Butl.

(Larentia (?) rufescens, Butl., Cist. Eat. ii. 502. Eurydice cyrnoscma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 63.
Eurydice rufescens, ib. xvii. 63. Homodotis rufescens, ib. xviii. 184.)

" Male, female. — 25-29 mm. (about \\ inches). Fore-wings moderate, termen rather strongly
sinuate ; brown-whitish, sometimes more or less suffused with brown ; numerous fine dark fuscous
sinuate subdentate lines ; three before middle and four beyond middle more blackish, generally
partially suffused with brown, leaving a clear median space on costal half, in which is a
transverse blackish discal dot ; termen suffusedly greyish ; a suffused oblique dark fuscous sub-
apical streak. Hind-wings moderate, termen irregularly crenulate, somewhat projecting in middle;
grey whitish ; several subdentate grey lines, only distinct towards dorsum ; a dark grey
discal dot.

" Variable only in the degree of the brownish suffusion ; in the markings of the
fore-wings it agrees almost exactly with some forms of A. megaspilata, but, apart from
structure, may be always known by the whitish hind-wings and rather larger size.

"Dunedin; ten specimens sent to Mr. Fereday by Capt. Hutton." — (Meyrick.)

I have only seen one specimen of this insect, in Mr. Fereday's collection, and it
appeared to me to be identical with the somewhat variable female of A. 'megaspilata.

Genus 11.— XANTHOEHOE, Hb.

" Face with somewhat projecting scales or conical tuft. Antennae in male bi-pectinated, apex
usually simple. Palpi rough-scaled. Fore-wings with areole double. Hind-wings with vein 8
anastomosing with cell to beyond middle." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 37 and 38.)

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 57

This interesting genus is relatively far more numerous in New Zealand than
elsewhere, its place in other regions being largely taken by Hydriomena. We have
no less than thirty-one known species, and many others will no doubt be ultimately
discovered, especially in the mountainous districts of the west coast of the South
Island.

XANTHOEHOE LIMONODES, Meyr.

(Epyaxa limonodcs, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 54.)

(Plate VII., fig. 46 <?.)

This species has occurred at Wellington and at Cape Terawhiti in the North
Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings of the male are dull olive-
green with numerous, rather obscure, wavy brownish transverse lines; these lines are all more
distinct near the costa ; there are two transverse rows of white dots near the base, a very broken
line of white dots at about three-fourths, one of the dots forming a crescentic mark above the
middle; beyond this line the colour is often paler, especially towards the apex, but inside this
line there is often a considerably darker patch ; there is a very distinct blackish patch just
below the apex. The apex of the wing slightly projects, and the termen is arched. The hind-
wings are very pale greenish-ochreous ; there is an obscure dusky transverse line in the middle.
The female has the fore-wings much browner; there are several additional rows of white dots
and two conspicuous white spots above the middle.

The species is rather variable. In many specimens the dorsal half of the fore-
wing is much paler than the costal half.

The perfect insect appears from November till March, and frequents dense forest.
It is not a common species.

XANTHOEHOE SUBDUCTATA, Walk.
(Larentia subductata, Walk. 1198. Epyaxa subductata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 55.)

This species has occurred at Auckland.

" The expansion of the wings of the female is 26 mm. (about 1 inch). Head, palpi, and
thorax pale greyish-ochreous, somewhat mixed with yellow-greenish, and densely irrorated with
fuscous. Antennae whitish-ochreous annulated with fuscous. Abdomen grey-whitish, densely
irrorated with fuscous. Legs dark fuscous, apex of joints ochreous-whitish, middle and posterior
pair irrorated with grey-whitish. Fore-wings with costa gently arched, termen waved, slightly
rounded, oblique ; pale greyish-ochreous, mixed with yellow-greenish, and thinly sprinkled with
fuscous, tending to form faint waved lines ; three light fuscous fasciae, each marked with three
dark fuscous lines ; first near base, outer edge sharply angulated above middle ; second from two-
fifths of costa to before middle of dorsum, slightly curved ; third from two-thirds of costa to two-
thirds of dorsum, outer edge somewhat prominent in middle, rather sinuate above it ; a crescentic
black obscurely whitish-margined discal spot ; a short oblique cloudy fuscous streak from apex ;
cilia light fuscous, somewhat sprinkled with whitish. Hind-wings light grey ; a grey discal
dot before middle ; a median band of three darker lines, outer rather prominent in middle ; faint
indications of other darker lines, most distinct posteriorly ; cilia grey-whitish, with two cloudy
grey lines." — (Meyrick.)

The perfect insect appears in December.

XANTHOEHOE EOSEAEIA, Dbld.

(Cidaria roscaiia, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 285, Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 13. Coremia ardularia, Gn., E. M. M. v. 63.
Corcmia inam&iiaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 63. Epyaxa rosearia, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 71.)

(Plate VII., fig. 22 <? , 23 ? .)

This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island; and in the South
Island at Akaroa, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

8

58 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings of the male vary from
pale pinkish-grey to pale greenish-grey ; there is an obscure darker basal area, a rather broad
central band, formed of numerous shaded, wavy, dark grey lines, ivhich are generally absent
towards the middle of the band ; there is a black dot above the middle ; the termen is shaded
with dark grey, and there is an oblique pale mark near the apex. The hind-wings are grey
with a few very faint wavy lines. The cilia of all the wings are pinkish-grey. The female is
dull yellowish-grey, with the markings very indistinct.

Both sexes vary slightly in the ground colour, and in the intensity of the
markings. Mr. Purdie has pointed out that the species is very liable to fade, and
hence it appears to vary more than is actually the case.*

The eggs are oval, pale yellow, changing first to orange, and then to dull grey before
hatching. The young larva, when first emerged, is pale greyish-brown and very slender. Later
on the caterpillar becomes dull olive-green speckled with black ; there are two paler stripes just
below the middle of the back, then a fine black line, followed by a very fine white one, then a
broad pink stripe on the side; below this is a broad black line followed by a white line and
two fine black ones. The larva is moderately stout, and the two prolegs are very close together.
The larva, when full-grown, measures about f inch in length. The general colour is dull
reddish-brown, often greenish-tinged. The back and sides are marked with numerous slightly
waved fine black lines ; there is a double series of black dots down the back, a broad black
lateral line, followed by a fine white line. The under side of the larva is pinkish-brown ; the
head greenish-brown speckled with black. The caterpillar is obscurely marked, and very variable.
It is often clouded with greenish colouring.
The food-plant is watercress.

The pupa, which is enclosed in a slight cocoon constructed of earth and silk,
is found on the surface of the ground.

The perfect insect is most abundant in December, and is attracted by light. It
seems to be about during the entire year, as Mr. Meyrick states that he has taken
numerous specimens from May till September, and hence concludes that it is essentially
a winter species, f I can to some extent confirm this observation, as I have also found
the insect during the winter, although not commonly. It is probable that there are
several broods in the course of a year, and that the species hibernates as an imago.

Kegarding the synonymy of this species Mr. Meyrick remarks that " C. ardularia,
Gn., is the male and C. inamcenaria, Gn., the female of this species. C. subidaria,
Gn., quoted by Butler as a synonym, is an Australian species, and not identical."^

XANTHOBHOE OROPHYLA, Meyr.
(Epyaxa orophyla, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 71.)

(Plate VII., fig. 24 a1, 25 ? .)

This fine species has occurred in the South Island at Nelson, Castle Hill,
Mount Hutt, Dunedin and Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings of the male is \\ inches, of the female 1$ inches. The fore-
wings of the male are pale broivnish-grey ; there is an obscure bent blackish line near the base,
a moderately broad central band bounded by two very distinct shaded blackish lines, the basal one
of which is not curved; the termen is shaded with darker grey, and there is an oblique pale
mark near the apex. The hind-wings are pale grey tinged with ochreous.

The female is slightly darker than the male ; and there are numerous wavy pale and dark
grey lines filling up the entire wing on each side of the central band.

The perfect insect appears in December, January, and February. It frequents
open country on the mountain sides, at elevations of from 2,500 to 4,000 feet.

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xviii. 208. f Ib. xvi. 71. { Ib.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 59

I observed it in great abundance on the Humboldt Kange at the head of Lake
Wakatipu, where it frequented the damp rocky precipices which were fringed with a
luxuriant growth of Alpine plants. At Castle Hill it occurred much less commonly,
so that it would appear to be most plentiful in the extreme south of New Zealand.
The colouring is protective when the insect is resting on rock surfaces.

XANTHOEHOE SEMIFISSATA, Walk.

(Coremia semifissata, Walk. 1320. Coremia ypsilonaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 64. Cidaria delicatulata, Gn.,

E. M. M. v. 94. Epyaxa semifissata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 72.)

(Plate VII., fig. 26 $, 27 2.)

This extremely pretty insect is very common, and generally distributed
throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about an inch. The fore-wings of the male are pale pink;
there are several wavy brown lines near the base, a very distinct brown central band, narrowest
near the middle, but much broader on the costa than on the dor sum ; the centre of this band is
paler towards the costa ; the termen is shaded with brown, except near the apex of the wing ;
the veins are dotted in black. The hind-wings are bright ochreous with numerous wavy darker
lines. The female is darker in colour than the male, the central band is broader; there are
numerous broivn and pink wavy lines on each side of the central band, and the principal veins
are marked in pale ochreous. The grey transverse lines on the hind-wings are much more
distinct in the female than in the male.

The perfect insect appears from September till April, and is very common in
rather open forest districts, usually frequenting undergrowth on the edges of the
denser forest. It is often one of the earliest of the Notodbntina to appear in spring,
and its advent is then especially welcome to the collector after the long inaction of
winter. It is evidently closely allied to X. orophyla, which appears to be the
southern and Alpine representative of this interesting insect. Coremia ypsilonaria,
Gn., is the male, and Cidaria delicatulata, Gn., is the female of this species.

XANTHOEHOE LOPHOGEAMMA, Meyr.
(Xanthorhoe lophogramma, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 386.)

(Plate VII., fig. 47 <? , 48 ? .)

This species was discovered at Castle Hill in January, 1893.

The expansion of the wings is about 1£ inches. The insect differs from X. semifissata in
the following respects : In the male the general colour is slightly duller, the outer edge of the
central band on the fore-wings is more indented, and the veins are not dotted in black. In the
female the markings on the fore-wings are less distinct, the veins are not marked in pale
ochreous, the outer edge of the central band is more deeply indented, and there is a darker
shading near the termen than in X. semifissata. The hind-wings of both sexes are dark ochreous,
without any transverse markings.

XANTHOBHOE CHLAMYDOTA, Meyr.

(Epijaxa chlamydota, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 72.)

(Plate VII., fig. 28.)

This very handsome species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at
Christchurch and Akaroa in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is 1£ inches. The fore-wings are pale ochreous, with two broad,
dark, purplish-brown bands. The first, which is at the base, is slightly paler near the body, and
strongly curved outwards towards the termen ; it is followed by several very fine pale brown transverse
lines. The second band is very broad, and is situated near the middle of the icing ; its inner edge is
curved inwards, and its outer edge has two rounded projections, one very large about the middle, and

60 NEW ZEALAND MACPO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

another much smaller near the dorsum ; the middle portion of this central band is considerably paler
than the edges ; the tivo projections of the central band are bordered with bright red. The upper part
of the terinen is ochreous, with several faint brown marks ; the lower part is dull grey. The hind-
wings are dark ochreous, with a few obscure purplish-grey markings ; the termen of the hind-wing
projects slightly near the middle, and is rather jagged.

The species varies a little in the depth of its colouring, but the markings appear to be
constant. The perfect insect appears from November till April. It chiefly frequents
forest, but is not a common species. At present, more specimens have been found in the
Wellington Botanical Gardens than elsewhere.

XANTHOEHOE STINAEIA, Gn.

(Camptogramma stinaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 92. Larentia stinaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 78.)

(Plate VII., fig. 29 $ .)

This species has occurred in the South Island at Christchurch, Dunedin, and at the
foot of Mount Hutt.

The expansion of the wings is barely 1 inch. All the wings are deep ochreous ; the fore-wings
have an oblique white line running from the dorsum near the base, towards the middle of the wing ; this
line is edged with blackish-brown towards the dorsum ; there is a very conspicuous white transverse line
at about three-fourths shaded with brown towards the body ; the apex of the fore-wing slightly
projects. The hind-wings have no markings.

The perfect insect appears in December and January. It seems to be fairly common,
frequenting Gar ex subdola.*

Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Fereday.

XANTHOEHOE MNESICHOLA.

(Larentia mnesichola, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 56.)
(Plate VII., fig. 39 $ .)

This dull little species has occurred in the South Island on Mount Arthur, at
elevations of from 4,000 to 4,800 feet.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are pale brownish-ochreous, and rather
glossy ; there is a series of minute black dots at the base, a second series at about one-third, then
a cloudy curved band, slightly darker than the rest of the wing, followed by a third series of minute
black dots ; a fourth series is situated slightly before the termen. The hind-wings are very pale
brownish-ochreous.

The perfect insect appears in January. Mr. Meyrick states that it is rather common.

XANTHOEHOE PE.EFECTATA, Walk.

(Acidalia prafectata, Walk. 781. Acidalia subtentaria, Walk. 1610. Acidalia absconditaria, Walk. 1611 ;
Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 21. Larentia prcefectata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 78.)

(Plate VII., fig. 30.)

This interesting species has occurred in the South Island at the Dun Mountain,
Mount Arthur, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. All the wings are pure white; the fore-wings
have a minute grey dot above the middle, a series of extremely minute dots a little before the termen,
and several rows of very faint grey marks close to the termen. The hind-wings have a row of very
obscure dots across the middle, and several rows of very faint grey marks close to the terinen. The
face and collar are brown, and there is sometimes an extremely faint brown tinge on the costal edge of
the fore-wings. The body is pure white.

The perfect insect appears in November, December, January, and February. I do
not think it is a very common species, and at present I have only observed it on the Dun

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 78.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 61

Mountain near Nelson, at an elevation of about 2,700 feet above the sea-level. Here
I took several specimens on the flowers of an Alpine veronica in the dusk of evening, and
saw several others, which I was unable to capture. Mr. Meyrick has taken it on
Mount Arthur at an elevation of 4,500 feet, and Mr. Fereday states that it frequents
swampy places near Christchurch.

XANTHOBHOE NEPHELIAS, Meyr.

(Larentia nephclias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 78.)

This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island at Arthur's Pass,
West Coast Road, and he has since taken it on Mount Arthur.

"Male, female. — The expansion of the wings is 32-34 mm. (about \\ inches). Fore-wings
moderate, in female narrower and more elongate, termen rounded ; pale whitish-grey, slightly
ochreous-tinged ; an indistinct suffusion of dark fuscous scales before middle ; a small dark fuscous
discal dot ; a rather irregular cloudy dark fuscous line beyond middle, sinuate beneath costa, shortly
angulated in middle ; a very faint stria beyond this ; a terminal band composed of two rows of cloudy
partially confluent dark fuscous spots, separating on costa ; cilia pale whitish-grey. Hind-wings
moderate, in female narrower, termen rounded ; ground colour as in fore-wings, with a few grey scales
posteriorly.

"A remarkable-looking species.

"I took two fine specimens above Arthur's Pass (4,600 feet), in January. "-
(Meyrick).

I am unacquainted with this species. It is evidently very conspicuous and distinct.

XANTHOBHOE CATAPHEACTA, Meyr.
(Larentia cataphracta, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 79.)

(Plate VII., fig. 33 <? , 34 $> .)

This large and conspicuous species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur,
Arthur's Pass, Lake Gruyon, and Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings of the male is If inches, of the female 1J inches. The fore-wings
are dull yellowish-brown, with numerous slightly waved oblique black and white transverse bands ; one
very broad white band is situated near the middle, and another at about three-fourths ; there is
a broad longitudinal reddish-broivn line on the costal edge, in which the transverse lines almost
disappear ; there is also a pale, somewhat triangular, area at the apex. The hind-wings are very pale
greyish-ochreous. The cilia of all the wings are very pale ochreous. The female is duller and paler
than the male.

The perfect insect appears from December till March, and frequents grassy slopes on
the mountain sides, at elevations of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet. I observed this insect in
great abundance on the Humboldt Eange at the head of Lake Wakatipu, but have not
found it at any of the other Alpine localities I have visited, so I imagine that it is a rather
local species.

XANTHOBHOE CLABATA, Walk.

(Larentia clarata, Walk. 1197 ; Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 14. Cideria pyramaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 93.
Larentia clarata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 79.)

(Plate VII., fig. 31 ,?, 32 ?.)

This conspicuous species has occurred in the South Island at Lake Eotoiti, Mount
Arthur, Castle Hill, Mount Hutt, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1£ inches, of the female If inches.
The species differs from the preceding in the following respects : The ground colour of the fore-
wings is brighter, the markings are less oblique and much more jagged ; the large white central band
is often broken up into several distinct oval patches ; the costal edge is very slightly shaded with

62 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

brown, and the transverse lines do not disappear before reaching the costa. The hind-wings are bright
ochreous. The cilia of all the wings are white, strongly barred with yelloicish-broum.

There is slight variation in the details of the markings, but the species can always
be immediately recognised.

The perfect insect appears in December, January, and February. It frequents open
grassy places at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 feet, and is often extremely
abundant in these situations.

XANTHOEHOE COSMODOEA, Meyr.
(Larentia cosmodora, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 57.)

This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island on Mount Arthur,
at an elevation of 4,500 feet.

Female. — 27 mm. (slightly over 1 inch). Head, palpi, antennae, thorax, abdomen, and legs
whitish-ochreous, slightly brownish-tinged ; abdomen with a double dorsal series of dark fuscous dots.
Fore-wings with costa hardly perceptibly arched, termen slightly rounded, oblique ; whitish-ochreous,
slightly yellowish-tinged ; a curved irregular black line rather near base, followed by a white line ;
median band rather darker, tinged with yellowish-fuscous towards edges, margined with dentate black
lines and outside these with white, anterior from one-third of costa to two-fifths of dorsum, rather
curved, posterior from two-thirds of costa to three-fourths of dorsum, somewhat prominent beneath
costa, and with a more distinct double prominence in middle ; two white dentate-edged spots within
median band, first beneath costa, containing small black discal dot, second on dorsum ; a waved white
subterminal line ; a fine dark fuscous terminal line interrupted into numerous dots ; cilia whitish-
ochreous, with dark fuscous bars hardly reaching base. Hind-wings whitish-ochreous, with faint
darker greyish-tinged lines ; a median band of four more distinct cloudy grey lines, first three straight,
fourth well marked, rather dark fuscous, waved, somewhat prominent in middle, beneath confluent
with third ; a faint white subterminal line ; cilia pale whitish-ochreous, with a faint greyish line
tending to form spots.

" Appears in January; one specimen. It is conceivable that this may be the other sex
of the following species, but they are very dissimilar, and I do not at present think it
probable." — (Meyrick.)

XANTHOEHOE BEYOPIS, Meyr.
(Larentia bryopis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 57.)

Discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island on Mount Arthur, 4,500 feet above
the sea-level.

"Male. — 29-32 mm. (about 1£ inches). Head, palpi, thorax, abdomen, and legs pale greyish-
ochreous, slightly greenish-tinged, irrorated with blackish. Antennae whitish, annulated with black.
Fore-wings with costa gently arched, termen somewhat rounded, rather oblique; pale greyish-ochreous,
tinged with olive-greenish, irrorated with blackish-grey, tending to form waved transverse lines on
basal area ; median band margined with dentate black lines and outside them with white ; anterior
from one-third of costa to one-third of dorsum, curved, posterior from beyond two-thirds of costa to
three-fourths of dorsum, somewhat indented above middle, with a moderate double prominence in
middle ; three blackish-grey subdentate lines within median band, first near and parallel to anterior
edge, other two near and parallel to posterior edge, first and second tending to be confluent below
middle, space between these more or less suffused with white, enclosing a small black discal spot ; an
obscure dentate whitish subterminal line, anteriorly margined with dark fuscous, preceded and followed
by waved fuscous lines ; a terminal series of pairs of dark fuscous dots ; cilia ochreish-grey, whitish,
barred with fuscous, and with a fuscous basal line. Hind-wings ochreous-grey, with waved darker
grey transverse lines, except towards base ; a dark grey discal dot before middle ; posterior edge of
median band formed as in fore-wings, followed by an obscure whitish line and somewhat paler band ;
terminal dots and cilia as in fore-wings, but more obscure.

"Appears in January; not uncommon. Nearest allied to X. beata." — (Meyrick.)

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 63

XANTHOEHOE BEATA, Butl.
(Cidarta beata, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 397, pi. xliii. 6. Larentia beata, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xvi. 79.)
(Plate VII., fig. 35 <?, 36 2.)

This very beautiful species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, is
common and generally distributed throughout the South Island, and has also been found
at Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are bright green; there is a darker
area at the base edged with a jagged ivhite line ; then a paler band followed by a very broad darker
green central band edged witli very jagged, white lines, and containing several white patches in the
middle, one of which is situated close to the costa and encloses a black dot ; beyond this central band
there is a paler area, then an interrupted darker green band edged with white towards the termen.
There is an oblique pale mark from the apex of the wing. The hind-wings are very pale ochreous,
sometimes slightly tinged with green ; there are several obscure rows of dusky spots.

The white markings included in the central band are rather variable.

The egg is smooth, oval, and pale green in colour.

The young larva is orange-brown, becoming greenish-brown soon after emergence. The full-
grown larva is dark brown above and pale brown beneath, the two colours being sharply separated on
the sides by a broken white line. A series of V-shaped markings is situated on the back, each mark
enclosing a paler area. Several fine black wavy lines traverse the darker portions of the larva, and a
dark mark, edged with black beneath, is situated on each segment just above the ventral surface.

The food-plant is watercress.

The pupa is enclosed in a frail cocoon on the surface of the ground.

The perfect insect appears from October till March, and frequents forest. It is often
dislodged from dense undergrowth during the daytime, and may be found in the evening
on the blossoms of the white rata. It is very much commoner in some years than in
others ; but occasionally several seasons will pass without our noticing a single specimen
of this attractive insect. The colouring is extremely protective when the moth is resting
on moss-covered tree trunks.

XANTHOEHOE ADONIS, n. sp.
(Plate VII., fig. 49 $ .)

This extremely beautiful insect has occurred in the South Island at Castle Hill, and
at Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are vivid green; there is a broad, wavy,
black transverse line near the base ; a somewhat broken line at about one-third, much broader on the
costa and edged with white towards the base ; a very conspicuous broad black line at two-thirds, shaded
towards the base, and sharply edged with white towards the termen ; between this line and the termen
there are several black marks, forming another extremely broken transverse line. The hind-wings are
pale orange-brown, ivith a faint grey central band.

The perfect insect appears in January. It frequents forests at elevations of from
1,000 to 2,000 feet above the sea-level, but it is not common.

Mr. Meyrick regards this insect as identical with Xantliorlwe beata.

XANTHOEHOE CHLOEIAS, Meyr.
(Larentia chlorias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 80.)

This species was discovered in the South Island at Castle Hill, by Mr. Meyrick.
" The expansion of the wings of the male is 30 mm. (about 1^ inches). Fore-wings moderate, termen
hardly rounded ; bright yellow ; base of costa dark fuscous-purple ; a curved row of three very small
dark purple-fuscous spots about one-fourth, and another of four spots before middle, costal spots larger; a

64 NEW ZEALAND MACEO-LEPIDOPTEEA.

triangular purple blotch on costa before apex, reaching half across wing, anteriorly margined by a
strongly sinuate bluish-black streak ; a row of three dark purple-fuscous dots from apex of this to
dorsum, and a subterminal row of six similar dots ; cilia yellow. Hind-wings moderate, termen
rounded ; rather paler than fore-wings, with two curved posterior rows of cloudy purple-fuscous
dots.

"A very beautiful and conspicuous species.

"I took one fine specimen in a wooded gully near Castle Hill, at 3,100 feet, in
January." — (Meyrick.)

XANTHORHOE yEGEOTA, Butl.
(Selidosema cegrota, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 499. Larcntia ceyrota, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 80.)

(Plate VII., fig. 37 <?.)

This rather inconspicuous species has occurred at Palmerston and Kaitoke in the
North Island ; and at Christchurch, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu in the South Island.
It has also been taken at Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1^ inches. The fore-wings are dull ochreous-brown ; there are
several indistinct wavy blackish lines near the base, a black dot above the middle, then three or four more
lines, followed by a cloudy shading on the termen. The hind-wings are pale ochreous-brown. The cilia
of all the wings are dull ochreous-brown barred with black.

The perfect insect appears from November till March and is sometimes very common.
It usually frequents rather open situations in the neighbourhood of forest, and I have often
observed it amongst the bushes of "Wild Irishman" (Discaria toumatoii.) It is extremely
abundant on the banks of the Eiver Dart, at the head of Lake Wakatipu.

XANTHOEHOE LUCIDATA, Walk.

(Larentia lucidata, Walk. 1200. Corcmia plurimata, ib. 1321. Panagra venipunctata, ib. 1666. Larcntia
psamathodes, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 81. Larcntia lucidata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 64.)

(Plate VII., fig. 38 $ .)

This rather dull-coloured species has occurred at Napier, Palmerston, and
Wellington in the North Island, and at Dunedin in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull yellowish-brown; there are
numerous fine, almost straight blackish lines parallel to the termen, forming four more or less distinct
transverse bands ; the first at the base rather broad, the second a little before the middle, the
third beyond the middle, and the fourth just before the termen ; there is a black dot a little
above the middle of the wing, and the veins are marked with white dots between the transverse
bands. The hind-wings are pale brown ish-ochreous ; there are numerous, rather faint, wavy,
blackish, transverse lines, which are much more distinct near the dorsum. There is a series of
distinct black dots on the termen of both fore- and hind-wings.

The perfect insect appears during the winter months from March till August. It
is rather a scarce species, but on mild evenings it is sometimes taken at light.

XANTHOEHOE HELIAS, Meyr.
(Larcntia helias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 81.)

(Plate VII., fig. 40.)

Two specimens of this species have been taken at Dunedin in the South Island.
The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. All the wings are pale ochreous ; the fore-wings
have a slender brown transverse line at the base, then a large loop-like marking from the costa,
almost meeting a smaller, similarly looped marking from the dorsum ; next a broad irregular dark
brown band a little beyond the middle, considerably indented towards the termen ; this is followed
by a rather narrow pale band, and then by a narrow brown band, also indented towards the
termen ; there is a small oblique brown mark below the apex, and a terminal series of black dots.
The hind-wings have several faint dusky transverse lines near the base, a row of small spots near the

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 65

termen, and a terminal series of minute black dots. The cilia of all the wings are
redd ish-ochreous .

The perfect insect appears in January.

Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

XANTHOEHOE PEASINIAS, Meyr.

(Larentia iirasinias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 81.)

(Plate VII., fig. 41.)

This bright-looking species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur,
Castle Hill, and Invercargill.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are bright orange-yellow ; there
is a small brown area near the base, with the outer edge indented; then a pale band followed by
a very broad brown central band, composed of wavy transverse lines, with irregular yellow spaces
between them, the largest of these spaces containing a small black dot ; the outer edge of the
central band is very wavy, and has several rather prominent projections near the middle ; beyond
this are several rather faint brownish lines ; the cilia are yellow, barred with dark brown. The
hind-wings are pale ochreous, shaded with grey near the base, and with yellow near the termen ;
the cilia are yellow, barred with brown.

The perfect insect appears in January, and frequents forest. It is found at
elevations of from 2,000 to 3,000 feet, but is not by any means a common species.

XANTHOEHOE CHIONOGEAMMA, Meyr.
(Larentia chionogramma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.)

(Plate VII., fig. 42 $ , 43 ? .)

This rather dull-looking species has occurred in the South Island at Mount
Arthur and Mount Hutt.

The expansion of the wings is about \\ inches. The fore-wings are rather dark greyish-
brown ; there are numerous indistinct wavy paler and darker transverse lines near the base; a
rather broad transverse brown band towards the middle, shaded towards the base, and edged with
an interrupted jagged white line towards the termen ; beyond this there are several broken darker
and paler lines. The hind-wings are very pale greyish-ochreous, clouded with grey near the
base, and with several rows of small cloudy grey spots near the termen. The female is paler
than the male and the markings are less distinct.

The perfect insect appears in December and January, and frequents wooded
valleys on the lower slopes of the mountains, at elevations of from 2,000 to 3,000 feet.

XANTHOEHOE CAMELIAS, Meyr.

(Larentia camelias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 58.)

This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the North Island at Whangarei.

" The expansion of the wings of the male is 23 mm. (rather less than 1 inch). Head, antennae,
and thorax whitish-ochreous, greyish-tinged, with a few dark fuscous scales. Palpi fuscous.
Abdomen whitish-ochreous, with a double dorsal series of dark fuscous dots. Legs whitish-ochreous,
irrorated with purple-reddish and dark fuscous. Fore-wings with costa rather sinuate in middle,
on anterior half gently, on posterior half very strongly arched, termen moderately sinuate below
apex, bowed in middle ; light greyish-ochreous, with numerous cloudy, waved, brown-grey
transverse lines, somewhat bent near costa ; a black discal dot ; margin of basal patch and
anterior edge of median band indicated by series of very minute white dots, preceded and followed
by black points ; posterior edge of median band marked by a darker line, followed by a fine
white line reduced on lower half to a series of points, subterminal line represented by four
cloudy blackish dots on upper half and another above tornus ; cilia greyish-ochreous (imperfect) .
Hind- wings fuscous-whitish ; a median band of four cloudy greyish lines, bent near costa; a cloudy
grey spot above tornus ; cilia fuscous-whitish (imperfect.)

"Appears in December. Immediately recognisable by the peculiar form of fore-
wings." — (Meyrick.)

9

66 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEEA.

XANTHOBHOE FALCATA, But!.
(Larcntia falcata, Butl., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 58.)

A single specimen of this species is in the British Museum collection of New
Zealand Lepidoptera. Of this specimen Mr. Meyrick remarks as follows :—

"This appears to be a good species allied to X. camelias, but with the costa of
fore-wings less arched posteriorly, and posterior edge of median band practically
straight, not bent near costa ; also much darker in general colouring. I have not
yet seen any specimen except the original type."

XANTHOBHOE OBABATA, Feld.

(Cidaria obarata, Feld. cxxxii. 33. Larentia obarata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.)

(Plate VII., fig. 45.)

This little species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at
Christchurch and Mount Hutt in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is barely 1 inch. The fore-wings are pale greyish-ochreoits ; there
is an interrupted reddish-brown transverse band near the base ; two faint, interrupted shaded blackish
lines, one at about one-third and the other at about two-thirds, enclosing between them a large
central area, ivhich contains a very distinct black dot above the middle, and several irregular shaded
black marks ; beyond this there is a wavy reddish-brown band ; the apex of the wing is someivhat
projecting, and the termenis considerably bowed. The hind-wings are pale grey, with a paler central
band, and numerous faint, wavy, darker grey lines. The cilia of all the wings are white, banded
with dark grey.

The perfect insect appears from November till January. Mr. Fereday states that
it is a plain-frequenting species, especially attached to gorse hedges.*

Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Fereday.

XANTHOBHOE CHOBICA, Meyr.

(Larcntia chorica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 58.)

(Plate VII., fig. 44.)

A single specimen of this beautiful insect was taken at Akaroa by Mr. Fereday.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. All the wings are pale ochreous. The fore-wings
have a short transverse black mark from the costa near the base ; a fine wavy white transverse
line, followed by a wavy black band ; the middle of the wing is white, marbled with very pale blue ;
beyond this there is a broad black band wavy towards the termen, with a very prominent rounded
projection near the middle; there are two reddish-brown marks on the costa before the apex,
a blackish patch on the termen below the apex, and a row of terminal black dots ; the apex
is slightly projecting, and the termen is strongly arched. The hind-wings have several fine
blackish transverse lines near the base ; a broad shaded band in the middle, and a terminal
series of black dots.

The perfect insect appears in January.

Described and figured from the specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

XANTHOBHOE SUBOBSCUBATA, Walk.

(Scotosia subobscurata, Walk. 1358. Larentia petropola, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.)
This species has occurred in the South Island at the Otira Gorge.
" The expansion of the wings is 39mm. (1J inches). Fore-wings moderate, termen rounded
dark grey, densely irrorated with bluish-whitish ; costa broadly suffused with ochreous-whitish
anteriorly ; a very obscure curved ochreous-whitish line towards base, anteriorly dark-margined ; two
obscure curved subdentate adjacent whitish lines about one-third, followed by a dark line ; a blackish

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 67

discal dot ; a very irregular dentate curved dark grey line beyond middle, followed by two adjacent
whitish lines ; a sharply dentate obscure whitish subterminal line, anteriorly dark-margined. Hind-
wings moderate, termen rounded ; markings as in fore-wings, but more obscure, paler and more
suffused towards base.

"A fine species, with a peculiar bluish tinge.

"I took two specimens at rest on rock-faces in the Otira Gorge, at 1,800 feet, in
January, and saw others." — (Meyrick.)

XANTHOKHOE CINEKEAEIA, Dbld.

(Cidaria (?) cinerearia, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 286. Larentia (?) inrcxata, Walk. 1199; Butl., Cat.,
pi. iii. 11. Larentia semisignata, Walk. 1200. Larentia inoperata, Walk. 1201. Larentia diffusaria
Walk. 1201. Larentia punctilineata, Walk. 1202 ; Butl., Cat., pi. iii. 12. Cidaria dissociata, Walk. 1734.
Cidaria semilisata, Walk. 1735. Larentia corcularia, Gn., E. M. M. v. 61. Larentia infantaria, Gn.,
B. M. M. v. 62. Hclastia eupitheciaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 95. ? Cidaria sphasriata, Peld. cxxxi. 14.
Larentia cinerearia, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 83.) .

(Plate VIII., figs. 2 and 2A, varieties.)

This species is extremely abundant, and generally distributed throughout the
country.

The expansion of the wings is from f inch to 1 inch. The fore-wings vary from pale to dark
grey ; there are generally four more or less distinct blackish marks on the costa, forming the beginning
of transverse bands ; the rest of the wing is marbled with dark-grey or black, the disposition of the
markings varying exceedingly in different specimens. The hind-wings are pale grey, with a black dot
above the middle.

The variation existing in this species is very great, and is thus described by Mr.
Meyrick : * " Three main forms occur : one large, greyer, and more uniform ; a second
of middle size whiter and generally strongly marked sometimes bluish-tinged, only
found in the hills ; and a third small greyish but ochreous- tinged, strongly marked ;
these are connected by scarcer intermediate forms, and are, I believe, due to the direct
effect of food and situation.

" The larva feeds on lichens."

The perfect insect appears from October till March, and frequents a great variety
of situations. The colouring of the fore-wings is beautifully adapted for protection
on lichen-covered banks, rocks, or fences, where specimens may often be found resting
with closed wings during the daytime. This species flies rather freely at evening dusk,
and may then be taken plentifully at sugar, blossoms or light. It is, however, a difficult
matter to procure specimens in really good condition for the cabinet, as the insect is
so extremely restless when confined in a box that if it is not killed at once, it will
speedily injure itself during its struggles to escape. This moth is found at elevations
ranging from the sea-level to 3,500 feet.

XANTHOKHOE ANTHEACIAS, Meyr.

(Larentia anthracias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 84.)

This species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Hutt and Lake Wakatipu.
" The expansion of the wings of the male is from 24-25 mm. (about 1 inch). Fore-wings
moderate, termen sinuate ; dark fuscous, faintly striated, more or less sprinkled with whitish ; a
curved blackish line near base, posteriorly obscurely whitish-margined ; a curved, obscure whitish fascia
at one-third, blackish margined and bisected by a blackish line ; a well-defined black discal dot ; a white
fascia, partially mixed with fuscous, beyond middle, anteriorly strongly blackish-margined, posteriorly
more obscurely, and bisected by a blackish line, somewhat irregular, moderately angulated in middle ;

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 83.

68 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

an obscure dentate yellowish or whitish subterminal line ; an interrupted black terminal line. Hifid-
wings moderate, termen rounded ; dark fuscous ; two nearly straight lines before middle, faintly darker ;
a faint paler or sometimes whitish sinuate fascia beyond middle, margined and bisected with darker.

" Varies slightly in distinctness of pale markings.

" Mount Hutt and Lake Wakatipu (5,400 feet), on the open mountain sides, in
December and January ; twelve specimens." — (Meyrick.)

XANTHOEHOE BULBULATA, Gn.

(Cidaria bulbulata, Gn., B. M. M. v. 94. Larentia bulbidata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 84.)

(Plate VIII., fig! 1.)

This species has occurred in the South Island at Kekerangu, Christchurch, Castle
Hill, and Dunedin.

The expansion of the wings is barely 1 inch. The fore-wings are very pale brownish-ochreous ;
there is a brown area near the base ; a, moderately broad brown central band with a distinct projection
near the middle; the termen is broadly shaded with brown, with a wavy paler line in the middle of
the shading ; there are often several oval paler marks in the middle of the central band, and pale
brown spots and lines between the darker brown markings. The hind-wings are bright orange, with
the cilia pale brown.

The perfect insect appears from September till March, and frequents open, grassy
places, from the sea-level to elevations of from 2,000 to 3,000 feet.

Genus 12.— LYTHEIA, Hb.

" Face rough-haired or loosely scaled, antennae in male bi-pectinated, apex sometimes simple.
Palpi with long rough hairs. Thorax roughly hairy beneath. Fore-wings with areole simple. Hind-
wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 39 and 40,
neuration of L. chrysopeda.)

We have two interesting little species in New Zealand. The genus also occurs
in Europe, and probably elsewhere.

LYTHEIA CHEYSOPEDA, Meyr.
(Arcteuthes chrysopcda, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 48.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 33 <? , 34 ? .)

This bright-looking little species has been taken in the South Island at Mount
Arthur.

The expansion of the wings is about f inch. The fore-wings are very dark, glossy brown ; there
is a pale yellowish transverse line near the base, a broader, rather wavy orange-yellow line a little before
the middle, another still broader at about two-thirds, and an indistinct fine line near the termen. The
hind-wings are rich orange-brown, with three broad, wavy, dark brown transverse bands ; the termen is
narrowly margined ivith dark orange-brown. The female is generally rather paler than the male, very
faintly marked specimens occasionally occurring.

The perfect insect appears in January and February. It frequents the tussock
openings in the forest on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at elevations of from 3,000
to 4,000 feet. In these situations it appears to be fairly abundant, flying actively in
the hottest sunshine.

LYTHEIA EUCLIDIATA, Gn.

(Coremia euclidiata, Gn. x. 420. Coremia glyphicata, ib. 420. Fidonia catapyrrha, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc.
Lond. 1877, 392, pi. xliii. 2. Stratonicc catapyrrha, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 64. Stratonicc euclidiata,
ib. xvii. 63. Arctcstlics euclidiata, ib. xviii. 184. Arcteuthes euclidiata, ib. xx. 47.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 35 3 .)

This pretty little species has occurred in the South Island at Lake Kotoiti near
Nelson, Lake Guyon, Otira Gorge, Dunedin, and Mount Linton near Invercargill.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 69

The expansion of the wings is f inch. The fore-wings are dark greyish-brown speckled with
black and white ; there is a curved black transverse line near the base, followed by a white line, then
two black lines close together followed by another white line, then a broad black line followed by a
pale central band containing a well-marked central dot, beyond this there are two angulated black
lines, and a very conspicuous white line ; there is a broad black shading on the termen, traversed by a
rather obscure fine white line. The hind-wings are rather narrow, yellowish-orange speckled with
black near the base, there is a strongly angulated black line near the middle, and an obscure blackish
band near the termen. On the under side the fore-wings are yellow, with two black transverse bands
from the costa near the termen and a red mark near the apex ; the hind-wings are streaked with
white and yellow, and broadly bordered with red on the costa and termen; there are two very broad
black transverse bands. The female is paler than the male, with the dark markings rather narrower.

The perfect insect appears in February and March, and frequents open, sunny
places, at elevations of from 1,000 to 2,000 feet above the sea-level.

Genus 13.— DASYUEIS, Gn.

" Face rough-haired or with projecting scales. Palpi moderate, porrected, with long dense
rough hairs. Antennae in male shortly ciliated. Thorax and coxae densely hairy beneath. Posterior
tibiae with all spurs present. Fore-wings with areole double. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing
with cell from near base to beyond middle." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., 6g. 42, neuration of fore-
wing. Hind-wing as in Xanthorhoe.)

Of this genus we have four species in New Zealand.

DASYUEIS ENYSII, Butl.

(Fidonia cmjsii, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 391, pi. xlii. 9. Statira homamorplia, Meyr., Trans.
N. Z. Inst. xvi. 91. Statira cmjsii, ib. xvii. 65. Stathmonyma enysii, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 28.)

This species has occurred in the South Island on the Dun Mountain near Nelson,
and at Mount Hutt.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore- wings are greyish-brown, with
numerous wavy blackish transverse lines ; there is usually a wavy yellowish transverse stripe
near the base, and another broader and more conspicuous stripe near the termen ; the termen
itself is broadly shaded with dark brown. The hind- wings are orange-yellow ; there is a small
dusky brown area near the base, then a faint straight transverse line, followed by a slightly
waved conspicuous dark brown line ; there is a very wavy broad dark brown line near the termen,
and the termen itself is narrowly edged with dark brown.

The perfect insect appears in January and February, and frequents stony situations
on the mountains, at elevations of from 2,500 to 4,000 feet. I have taken numerous
specimens on the " Mineral Belt," Dun Mountain, but have not yet met with it
elsewhere. This insect is probably often mistaken during flight for Notoreas breplios,
from which it may easily be distinguished by its larger size, paler colouring, and
simple antenna of tlie male.

DASYUEIS ANCEPS, Butl.

(Fidonia anccps, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 392, pi. xliii. 3. Stalira anceps, Meyr., Trans.
N. Z. Inst. xvi. 91. Stathmonyma ancejis, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 29.)

This species has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill,
and Arthur's Pass.

The expansion of the wings is about 1^ inches. The fore-wings are bluish-grey ; there are
four wavy dark grey transverse lines, the three lines nearest the base are double, and the line
nearest the termen is shaded towards the base. The hind-wings are pale yellow ; there is a small
dusky area near the base, then a slightly curved grey line, followed by two curved dark grey lines

70 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

close together ; there is a series of irregular blotches near the termen, and the termen itself is
broadly edged with black near the apex of the wing, and narrowly near the tornus. The cilia of
all the wings are bluish-grey, barred with dusky black.

The perfect insect appears in January and February, and frequents bare rocky
situations on the mountains, at elevations of from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. On one
occasion I met with this species very plentifully, though in poor condition, on Mount
Peel, near Mount Arthur; but subsequent visits have led me to think that, as a rule,
it is rather a scarce species. The bluish-grey colouring of the fore-wings affords
this moth a most efficient protection from enemies, whilst resting on the rocky
ground which it always frequents.

Apart from special characters, the fainter colouring of this insect will at once
distinguish it from any of the numerous allied species.

DASYUEIS PAETHENIATA, Gn.

(Dasyuris partheniata, Gn., B. M. M. v. 93 ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 92.)
(Plate VIII., fig. 30 <? , 31 $ .)

This bright-looking species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and
at Mount Arthur and Mount Hutt in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore-wings are bright orange-yellow ;
the base is speckled with black and dull green scales ; there is a rather indistinct band at about
one-third; a broad wavy dark brown band a little beyond the middle, with a projection towards
the termen, followed by a clear space and another broad irregular dark transverse band; the
termen is broadly bordered with dark brown, which is often almost continuous with the
last-named transverse band. The hind-wings are bright orange; there is a large speckled area
near the base edged with a curved black line, followed by a clear space, and an interrupted dark
brown transverse line considerably beyond the middle ; the termen is rather narrowly edged with
a dark brown line, wavy towards the base of the wing. The cilia of all the wings are yellow
barred with black.

The species varies considerably in the extent of the dark markings, especially on the fore-wings.

The egg is oval and white, without sculpture.

The young larva, which is very attenuated, has sixteen legs. Its colour is pale yellowish-
brown above, and dull ochreous beneath. The food-plant is unknown.

The perfect insect appears from October till March, and frequents open, grassy
situations. At Wellington, during October and November, it is common on the cliffs
close to the shores of Cook's Strait, flying very rapidly on hot, sunny days, which
renders its capture very difficult in such steep situations. Mr. Fereday's specimens
were obtained amongst the tussock grass at the foot of Mount Hutt. The insect was
also found plentifully on the slopes of Mount Arthur, at an elevation of about 4,500
feet above the sea-level, and also on the Tararua Range in the North Island.

DASYUEIS HECTOEI, Butl.

(Euclidia hectori, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 387, pi. xlii. 4. Statira Jicctori, Meyr., Trans.
N. Z. Inst. xvi. 91. Stathmonyma hectori, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 32.)

This very striking species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur,
Mount Hutt, and Ben Lomond, Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings is 1£ inches. All the wings are dark greyish-black, speckled
ivith bluish-grey scales. The fore-wings have five rather indistinct wavy darker transverse lines,
and a very broad darker shading near the termen ; there is a fine white mark near the apex,
continued as an indistinct wavy line towards the tornus. The hind-wings have three or four

IT.— THE NOTODONTINA. 71

indistinct darker transverse lines, and a very broad terminal shading ; there are two, more or
less distinct, fine, wavy, white lines, the first a little below the middle, and the second near the
termen ; the cilia are dark grey barred with pale grey. On the under side all the wings are dark
blackish-grey, traversed by six broad wavy whitish lines.

The perfect insect appears in December, January and February, and frequents
rocky crags on mountains, at elevations of from 4,700 to 5,700 feet above the sea-
level. It delights to rest on blackened rocks in the hottest sunshine, but dashes
away with the greatest rapidity on the approach of the collector, so that it is
generally rather difficult to capture.

Genus 14.— NOTOEEAS, Meyr.

" Face roughly haired. Palpi moderate, second joint with long or very long spreading hairs
beneath, terminal joint moderate or rather long, often concealed. Antennae in male bi-pectinated.
Thorax beneath more or less strongly clothed with long hairs. Fore-wings with vein 6 rising out
of 9, 7 almost from angle of areole, 10 anastomosing moderately with 9, 11 anastomosing
moderately or very shortly with 10, 12 free. Hind-wings normal." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II.,
fig. 43, fore-wing of Notoreas brephos.)

This interesting genus, of which we have no less than fifteen species, comprises
a number of gaily coloured little insects, chiefly inhabiting mountain regions. All the
species are day-fliers, and most of them only appear during the hottest sunshine.
Mr. Meyrick regards the genus Notoreas as most closely approaching to the ancestor
of the family Hydriomenidce.

NOTOEEAS INSIGNIS, Bull.

(Aspilates insignia, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 393, pi. xliii. 1. Pasithea insignis, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xvi. 85. Notoreas insignis, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 3 $ .)

This very striking species has been taken in the South Island at Castle Hill.
The expansion of the wings of the male is \\ inches, of the female 1 inch. The fore-
icings of the male are dull yellowish-brown; in the middle of the wing there is an almost straight
long white streak from the base to about three-fourths; there is another straight white streak
parallel to the termen and almost touching the apex. The hind-wings are bright ochreous speckled
with brown near the base. The female has the wings rather narrower than the male, and the
ground colour is paler.

The perfect insect appears in January. Mr. Fereday's specimens, which formed
the basis for the above figure and description, were captured on a bare mountain side
at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. Mr. Hawthorne has directed my attention to the
remarkable similarity existing between the markings on the fore-wings of this
species and those on Xanthorhoe stinaria.

NOTOEEAS OEPHN^A, Meyr.
(Pasithea orphnaa, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 85. Notoreas orphnaa, ib. xviii. 184.)

This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island at Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings of the female is from 28 to 30 mm. (about 1£ inches). "Fore-wings
moderate, termen rounded; dark fuscous, mixed with yellowish and whitish, which tend to form
alternate fasciae ; a discal dot and numerous curved irregularly dentate blackish lines, varying in
strength and intensity ; cilia barred with blackish and whitish. Hind-wings moderate, termen
rounded ; dark fuscous ; a blackish discal dot ; a cloudy whitish irroration forming a double curved
fascia beyond middle, and a dentate subterminal line ; cilia as in fore-wings.

" Imitative in colour of the dark lichen-grown rocks.

72 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

" I took three specimens almost on the summit of Ben Lomond, Lake Wakatipu, at
5,600 feet, in January," — (Meyrick.)

NOTOEEAS ISOLEUCA, Meyr.
(Notoreas isoleuca, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1897, 386.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 27.)

This little species has been taken in the South Island on the Craigieburn Eange, near
Castle Hill.

The expansion of the wings is about f inch. A II the wings are very dark blackish-brown ; the
fore-wings have five slender wavy white transverse lines. The hind-wings have three white transverse
lines, the first near the base, the second near the middle, and the third, which is very slender and
considerably broken, near the termen. The cilia of all the wings are white, barred with blackish-
brown.

The perfect insect was captured in January, amongst a varied growth of stunted
Alpine vegetation, at an elevation of about 5,600 feet.

NOTOEEAS MECHANITIS, Meyr.

(Pasithea mechanitis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 86. Notoreas mechanitis, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., figs. 9, 10, 11, varieties.)

This insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Arthur's Pass and
Mount Hutt.

The expansion of the wings is about f inch. All the wings are dark brownish-black. The fore-
wings have an almost straight transverse yellow or white stripe near the base, edged with black towards
the body ; a rather wavy stripe at about one-third, edged ^vith black toicards the termen ; then several
irregular yellowish or white spots or marks, followed by a very distinct white stripe, somewhat pro-
jecting towards the termen near the middle ; there is a broken fine yellow line near the termen. The
hind-wings have a shaded white or yellow transverse line near the base, another near the middle, a
third, considerably finer and often broken, near the termen. The cilia of all the wings are white
shaded with grey near the base, but with no distinct bars.

The perfect insect appears from January till March, and flies with great activity in
the hottest sunshine. It frequents grassy mountain sides at elevations ranging from
3,000 to 4,500 feet above the sea-level, and in these situations it is often very abundant.

NOTOEEAS PAEADELPHA, Meyr.
(Pasithea paradelpha, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 86. Notoreas paradclplia, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., figs. 12, 13, 14, varieties.)

In the South Island this insect has occurred on Mount Arthur, and on Ben Lomond,
Lake Wakatipu, at elevations of from 3,600 to 5,000 feet.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The species is said to be distinguished from the
preceding "by the barred cilia, the absence of any clear yellow colouring, the less prominent
angulation of the post-median line and the more elongate wings." * — (Meyrick.)

The perfect insect appears in December, January and February. In habits it
exactly resembles Notoreas mechanitis.

NOTOEEAS PEEOENATA, Walk.

(Fidonia perornata, Walk. 1672. Pasithea perornata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 87. Notoreas perornata,

ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, varieties.)

This very pretty insect has occurred at Palmerston and Wellington in the North
Island, and at Kekerangu, Mount Arthur, Lake Coleridge, Mount Hutt and Lake
Wakatipu, in the South Island.

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 86,

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 73

The expansion of the wings is about f inch. The fore-wings are dark brownish-black, with five
transverse white or orange-yellow lines, which vary considerably both in width and colour in different
specimens ; the two basal lines are almost straight, the rest are wavy, the last but one has, near the
middle, a strong projection towards the termen. The hind-wings are bright orange, with three or four
more or less broken black transverse lines. The termen is narrowly bordered with black ; the cilia of
all the wings are white, more or less distinctly barred with blackish-brown.

The perfect insect appears in February, March and April, flying very actively in the
hot afternoon sunshine. It is extremely abundant on the coast hills in the neighbour-
hood of Wellington. It also occurs commonly at Kekerangu, and is occasionally found
on mountains as high as from 3,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level. I have observed
that all the Wellington specimens have the transverse lines on the fore-wings narrow and
mostly white ; those from Mount Arthur broad and white, those from Kekerangu and
Lake Wakatipu broad and orange-yellow. The last-named forms approximate most
closely to some of the very yellow varieties of Notoreas paradelpha*

NOTOEEAS STEATEGICA, Meyr.

(Pasithca strateyica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 87. Notoreas strategica, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 15.)

A single specimen of this conspicuous species was taken in the South Island at Lake
Guyon, by Mr. W. T. L. Travers.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are dull yellowish-brown, becoming
blackish-brown near the base ; there are two broad white transverse lines near the base, the outermost
slightly curved, then a dull orange shading , followed by a very broad, outwardly bent, white transverse
band, edged with black towards the base ; between this band and the termen there is a fine wavy white
transverse line. The hind-wings are dull yellowish-brown near the base, becoming blackish towards the
termen; there is a small cream-coloured area near the base, then two rather broad, slightly irregular,
cream-coloured bands, and a rather fine wavy white line near the termen. The cilia of all the wings are
white, barred with blackish-brown.

The perfect insect appears in January.

Described and figured from the type specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

NOTOEEAS CALLICEENA, Meyr.

(Pasithca callicrena Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 87. Notoreas callicrcna, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 16.)

A single specimen of this very handsome species was captured by Mr. Fereday in the
South Island, high on the mountains at the head of Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are deep orange-brown, shaded with
black near the base and in the vicinity of the three cream-coloured transverse bands ; the first of these
bands is situated near the base, the second at about one-third, and the third, which is rather wavy, at
about two-thirds; there is a fine wavy white line close to the termen. The hind-wings are dark
grey, with two broad cream-coloured bands, the first near the base and the second near the middle ;
there is a slender wavy line near the terrnen. The cilia of all the wings are cream-coloured, barred
with brownish-black.

The perfect insect appears in January, and evidently frequents high mountains.

Described and figured from the type-specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

* In connection with these three species of Notoreas I should here mention that I have a number of specimens in my
collection which appear to me to establish a complete transition between N. mechanitis, N. paradelpha, and N. pcromata.
From a careful study of these specimens I am led to believe that these three forms are really only varieties of one very
variable species. Mr. Meyrick does not at present share this opinion, but I am disposed to think that this is chiefly due to
the comparatively limited number of specimens he has had the opportunity of examining. In any case I do not regard the
question of the specific or varietal values of these, or indeed of any other forms, as matters of great scientific importance,
being, to a great extent, merely matters of individual opinion.

10

74 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA.

NOTOEEAS NIPHOCEENA, Meyr.
(PasitJiea niphocrena, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Insfc. xvi. 88. Notoreas nipkocretia, ib. xviii. 184.)

This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island, at Arthur's Pass,
West Coast Eoad.

" The expansion of the wings of the female is from 24 to 25 mm. (1 inch). Fore-wings moderate,
termen rounded ; rather dark fuscous, mixed and obscurely striated with orange ; a curved white sub-
dentate line before one-fourth, anteriorly blackish-margined ; a similar white line beyond one-fourth,
posteriorly blackish-margined ; space between these sometimes suffused with orange ; a slender
irregularly dentate white fascia beyond middle, rather strongly angulated in middle, anteriorly
blackish-margined, posteriorly closely followed by a dentate orange line ; a dentate orange line near
termen, dilated on costa. Hind-wings moderate, termen rounded ; orange, lighter anteriorly ; basal
half dark fuscous mixed with orange, its outer edge irregularly curved ; a dentate subterniinal
fascia and narrow terminal fascia dark fuscous, sometimes obscure.

" Possibly when the male is known this may prove to be a Dasyuris.

" I took two specimens on the mountain-side above Arthur's Pass at 4,500 feet, in
January." — (Meyrick.)

NOTOEEAS SIMPLEX, n. sp.
(Plate VIII., fig. 26.)

A single specimen of this species was captured on Mount Arthur in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1| inches. The fore-wings are bright oclireous ; there are
four broad black transverse bands near the base, edged with white, and separated from one another by
yellow spaces of almost equal width ; the outermost of these bands is situated a little more than half-
way between the base and termen ; the last two lines become obsolete before they reach the costa ;
there are no other markings, except a black shading on the termen near the tornus, which is
traversed by an obscure jagged paler line ; the cilia are white barred with black. The hind- wings
are bright orange-yellow, without markings ; the cilia are ochreous.

The perfect insect appears in January.

The type-specimen was taken on the mountain-side, at an elevation of about

4,000 feet.

NOTOEEAS FEEOX, Butl.

(Fidonia fcrox, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 392, pi. xlii. 8. Pasithca fcrox, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xvi. 88. Notoreas forox, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 17.)

Two specimens of this species were captured by Mr. J. D. Enys, at Castle Hill in the
South Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull brown, with numerous
fine, wavy, dusky lines and a faint dot above the middle. The hind-wings are orange-yellow, dotted
with black near the base ; there is a rather broad STRAIGHT transverse black band near the middle,
followed by a much finer wavy line ; there are three fine, ivavy lines parallel with the termen, and the
termen itself is finely bordered ivith black.

Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

NOTOEEAS ZOPYEA, Meyr.
(Pasithea zopyra, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 89. Notoreas zopyra, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., figs. 18 and 19, varieties.)

This bright-looking little species has occurred at Mount Arthur and at Mount Hutt,
in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is about finch. The fore-wings are dark bluish-grey, with numerous
slender, wavy, blackish transverse lines, and a distinct blackish dot above the middle. The hind-wings
are bright orange, speckled with grey near the base and dorsum ; there are from two to four very fine,
wavy, broken, blackish, transverse lines, and the termen is narrowly bordered with black.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 75

The perfect insect appears in January, frequenting shingle flats on the mountain
sides, at about 4,000 feet above the sea-level. It flies rapidly in the hottest sunshine, and,
when it alights on the stones, is extremely difficult to find. The brilliant hind-wings,
which are very conspicuous when the moth is flying, quite disqualify the eye from detect-
ing the extremely obscure object, which the insect instantly becomes when resting with
its fore-wings alone exposed. This method of increasing the value of protective tints by
means of bright colours temporarily displayed was very clearly described, I believe for the
first time, by Lord Walsingham in his address to the Fellows of the Entomological
Society of London, in January, 1891. It is certainly well exemplified by this and several
other species of the genus Notoreas, and it will be at once noticed by the collector, how
extremely difficult it is to follow these active little moths, as they fly with short and rapid
flight over the grey rocks and stones, with which their fore-wings so completely har-
monize ; the momentary glimpse obtained of the brilliant hind-wings so completely
deceives the eye, that there is much more difficulty in marking the spot where the insect
alights, than would have been the case if the brilliant colour had never been displayed.

NOTOEEAS VULCANICA, Meyr.

Pasithea vulcanica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 89. Notoreas vulcanica, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 24.)

This species has been taken in the North Island at Makotuku, and the Kaweka
Range, in the Hawkes Bay District.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are very dark blackish-grey ; there is a
rather narrow black transverse line near the base, another at about one-third ; then a small black dot,
followed by a wavy, rather broad, black band, and two cloudy wavy black transverse lines near the
terrnen. The hind-wings are very dark orange ; there is a large black basal patch, then a broad black
band joining the basal patch near the dorsmn ; beyond this is a fine black line, then another broad
black line followed by a very fine wavy line of the orange ground colour ; the termen is very broadly
margined with black.

The perfect insect appears from January to March. Mr. Meyrick states that he
found it resting on the roads near Makotuku.

Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

NOTOEEAS BEEPHOS, Walk.

(Fidonia brephosata, Walk. 1037; Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 14. Larentia catocalaria, Gn., E. M. M. v.
62. Fidonia brephos, Feld. exxix. 5. Pasithsa brephos, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 89. Notoreas
brephos, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., figs. 20, 21, 22, and 23, varieties.)

This very pretty species is common, and generally distributed throughout the
country.

The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are dark grey ; there is a wavy
black line near the base, two similar lines enclosing a very broad central area, with a black dot a little
above the middle ; beyond this there is a more or less distinct wavy band of pale grey or brown ; there
are several obscure wavy blackish lines near the termen. The hind-wings are bright orange, dotted
with grey near the base and dorsum, with from two to four more or less distinct wavy black transverse
lines, generally rather narrow ; the termen is moderately broadly bordered with black.

This insect is extremely variable, and, so far as I can judge from an extensive series,
several of the varieties appear to indicate that both Notoreas zopyra and N. vulcanica, may
ultimately have to be ranked as varieties of N. brephos, but the evidence on this point is
not yet conclusive enough to render such a course at present desirable.

76 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

The perfect insect appears from December to March. It is very active, and is
extremely fond of settling on roads or bare ground in the hot sunshine, instantly
darting away on the approach of an enemy. It is also common on the mountains, and
is often found at elevations of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level.

NOTOREAS OMICHLIAS, Meyr.
(Pasithea omichlms, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 90. Notbrcas omichlias, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 25.)

Two specimens of this dull -looking little species were captured at Castle Hill, by Mr.
J. D. Enys.

The expansion of the wings is f inch. A II the wings are dark grey ; the fore-wings have several
obscure blackish marks near the base, a dull black spot on the costa at about one-third icith a yellowish
centre ; beyond this there are four similar spots forming a transverse band, and several more or less
conspicuous wavy blackish lines near the terruen. The hind- wings have several obscure wavy blackish
transverse lines near the base and dorsum ; the cilia are pale grey, obscurely barred with darker grey.
The perfect insect was taken " high up " on the mountains, probably at an elevation
of about 5,000 feet.

This species is probably often overlooked through being mistaken for XantJmrhoe
cinerearia.

Genus 15.— SAMANA, Walk.

" Face loosely haired. Palpi long, straight, porrected, attenuated. Antennae in male dentate,
ciliated (1). Fore- wings with vein 6 rising below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 anasto-
mosing strongly with 9, 11 anastomosing strongly with 10, 12 free. Hind-wings normal. "-
(Meyrick.)

Of this genus we have two species in New Zealand.

SAMANA FALCATELLA, Walk.

(Samana falcatella, Walk, xxvii. 197. Panagra falcatclla, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 93. Samana

falcatella, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 65.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 36.)

This unusual-looking species has occurred in the South Island, at Nelson and
at Dunedin.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are very pale ochreous, speckled
with grey ; there is a very fine longitudinal black streak from a little beyond the base to considerably
before the middle, slightly clouded above ; an elongate dot above the middle ; a very oblique slightly
curved black streak from near the apex to the middle of the dorsum, edged with white towards
the base, and clouded with brown towards the termen ; the apex of the wing is very acute. The
hind-wings are white, with a black dot above the middle.

The perfect insect appears in February. It is apparently a rare species.

SAMANA ACUTATA, Butl.

(Samana acutata, Butl., P. Z. S. L. 1877, 401 ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 67.)
The type-specimen of this species exists in the collection of the British Museum.
According to Mr. Meyrick, who made a cursory examination of it, the species differs
from 8. falcatella in the following respects : —

The first dark line runs from the dorsum near the base to below the costa before the
middle ; the lower extremity of the second line is connected with the tornus by 'an oblique
streak.

IT.— THE NOTODONTINA. 77

Family 2.— STERRHID^E.

" Face smooth. Tongue developed. Palpi shortly rough-scaled. Fore-wings with vein 10
rising out of 9, 11 anastomosing or connected with 9. Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed,
rising from middle of transverse vein, parallel to 4, 8 very shortly anastomosing with upper
margin of cell near base, thence rapidly diverging."- — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 49 and 50.)

Although less numerous than the preceding, the family is pretty evenly distributed
throughout the world, but poorly represented in New Zealand. We have only one
genus, viz., LEPTOMERIS.

Genus 1.— LEPTOMEEIS, Hb.

" Antennae in male ciliated with fascicles. Posterior tibia in male dilated without spurs, in
female with all spurs present. Hind-wings with veins 6 and 7 sometimes stalked (variable in the
same species)." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 49 and 50.)

We have one species, which also occurs in Australia.

LEPTOMEEIS EUBEAEIA, Dbld.

(Ptychopoda (?) rubraria, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 286; Walk. 781. Fidonia (?) acidaliaria, Walk. 1037
Acidalia figlinaria, Gn. ix. 454, pi. xii. 8. Acidalia rubraria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 57.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 37 <? , 38 ? .)

This pretty little insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout
the country.

The expansion of the wings is about | inch. The fore-wings are reddish-ochreous with three
dull brown wavy transverse lines, the first rather narrow at about one-fourth, the second slightly
broader at about one-half, the third much broader, and sometimes partially divided near the
costa ; there is a black central dot, a series of rather large dull brown spots near the termen, and
a chain of minute black dots on the termen. The hind-wings are pinkish-ochreous ; there is a
dull brown wavy transverse band near the base, then two close together a little beyond one-lialf, a
shading on the termen, and a very distinct series of minute black terminal dots. The cilia of all
the wings are dull brown, mixed with reddish-ochreous.

There is often considerable variation in the intensity of the colouring of this
insect, some specimens being much darker than others, but the markings are very
constant, and the species is thus always easily recognizable.

The eggs are yellowish-white, and very large for the size of the moth.

The young larva is brownish-purple with a dull white line on each side. The
food-plant is unknown.

The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. In the late summer
and autumn it frequents dried-up, weedy pastures, where it is often extremely abundant.
Straggling specimens, which have probably hibernated during the winter, may also
be taken in the early spring.

Mr. Meyrick states that this species occurs very commonly in New South Wales,
Victoria, and Tasmania, and that there is no difference between Australian and New
Zealand specimens.0

Family 3.— MONOCTENIADJE.

"Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed, parallel to 4, rising from about or below middle
of transverse vein, 8 free or anastomosing shortly near base or seldom from near base to beyond

* Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 57.

78 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

middle (then without areole of fore-wings)) approximated to upper margin of cell to middle or
beyond." (See Plate II., figs. 44 and 45.)

" Ovum subcylindrical, smooth. Larva more or less elongate, usually with few hairs, prolegs
on segments 7, 8, and sometimes 9 rudimentary or absent. Pupa subterranean or in bark."
— (Meyrick.)

According to Mr. Meyrick this is to be regarded as a decaying family. In
Australia it is still prominent, being represented there by nearly 100 known species.

We have two genera represented in this country —

1. DlCHBOMODES. 2. THEOXENA.

Genus 1.— DlCHBOMODES, Gn.

" Face smooth. Palpi long, straight, porrected, roughly scaled above and beneath. Antennae
in male pectinated on inner side only. Fore-wings with vein 6 from a point with 9, 7 from
angle of areole, 10 anastomosing moderately with 9, 11 separate, approximated to 10 in middle,
12 free. Hind-wings with veins 6 and 7 separate, 8 free, closely approximated to 7 from base
to near transverse vein."— (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 44 and 45, neuration of D. petrina.)

There are three species belonging to this genus known in New Zealand.

DlCHBOMODES NIGEA, Butl.

(Cacopsodos niger, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc., Lond. 1877, 395, pi. xliii. 4. Dichromodes nigra, Meyr.,

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 60.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 40.)

This little insect has been taken at Nelson.

The expansion of the wings is f inch. All the wings are dull black. The fore-wings have a
darker central area, bordered by two jagged pale grey transverse lines, the first at about one-third
and the second at about two-thirds ; there is also a faint line near the termen. The hind-wings
have a very obscure dark central line.

The perfect insect appears in February. It occurs quite commonly on the track
to the Dun Mountain, near Nelson, frequenting openings in the birch forest, where it
may be captured at rest on bare ground in the hot sunshine, at elevations of from
1,500 to 2,000 feet.

DlCHBOMODES GYPSOTIS, Meyr.

(Cacopsodos niger, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 94 (nee Butl.). Dichromodes gypsotis, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xx. 60.

This insect was discovered by Mr. Meyrick at Lake Wakatipu in the South
Island.

The expansion of the wings of the female is 13 mm. (£ inch). "Fore-wings rather narrow,
costa sinuate, termen sinuate ; white, slightly mixed with grey ; dorsum narrowly grey ; a slender
black fascia almost at base ; a slender black fascia at one-third, dentate inwards above middle,
dilated on costa ; a slender black fascia beyond middle, sharply angulated in middle, dilated on
costa, connected below middle with preceding fascia by a suffused bar ; close beyond this a
rather broad parallel grey fascia ; an indistinct grey subterminal line. Hind-wings moderate ;
termen rounded dark grey." — (Meyrick.)

Taken in December, at an elevation of about 1,500 feet above the sea-level.

DICHEOMODES PETEINA, Meyr.
(Dichromodes petrina, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiv. 216.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 39.)

This dull-looking little insect has occurred at Paikakariki and Wellington in the
North Island, and at Kekerangu in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings is f inch. The fore-wings are dull greenish-grey ; there is a

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 79

black, wavy, somewhat broken transverse line at about one-third, and another at about two-thirds,
enclosing a slightly darker central band, with a black dot above middle ; there is also a darker
shading on the termen, and an obscure wavy paler line. The hind-wings are grey, with an
obscure wavy central line.

The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. It frequents dry,
open, sunny situations, generally alighting on paths or roads. It is also attracted by
light.

Genus 2.— THEOXENA, Meyr.

" Palpi moderate, triangularly scaled, porrected. Antennae in male bi-ciliated with long tufts
of cilia (5). Fore-wings with vein 6 from below 9, 7 from angle of areole, 10 out of 9 above 7,
11 anastomosing shortly with 9, 12 free, closely approximated to 11 on areole. Hind-wings with
veins 6 and 7 from a point or short-stalked, 8 free, closely approximated to 7 from base to near
transverse vein." — (Meyrick.)

We have one species.

THEOXENA SCISSAEIA, Gn.

(Panagra scissaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 43. Th&oxena scissaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 56.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 41.)

This delicate-looking species has occurred at Christchurch.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. All the wings are white. The fore-wings have a
longitudinal, slightly curved black line, extending from a little beyond the base, almost as far as the
termen below the apex ; above this line there is a black dot at about one-third ; the apex of the
fore-wing is slightly hooked, and there is a row of minute black dots on the termen of both fore-
and hind-wings.

The perfect insect appears in January. According to Mr. Fereday it frequents
the plains near Christchurch, and towards the foot of Mount Hutt.

Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

Family 4.— ORTHOSTIXIDJE.

" Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed, rising from about middle of transverse vein, 8
connected with upper margin of cell by an oblique bar towards base." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II.,
figs. 46 and 47.)

This small family is represented in New Zealand by a single genus only. The
peculiar oblique bar connecting vein 8 with the cell towards base, combined with
the development of vein 5, distinguish it from all other families. If there is any
chance of confusion with those forms of Hydriomenidtf in which vein 8 is also
connected by a bar (though in them the bar is placed beyond and not before the
middle of cell), the absence of the characteristic areole of the Hydriomenidce will
be a further test.

Genus 1. -EPIBKANTHIS, Hb.

" Face with appressed scales. Tongue developed. Palpi very short or moderate, porrected
or subascending, rough-scaled. Antennae in male evenly ciliated. Thorax rather hairy beneath.
Femora glabrous ; posterior tibiae with all spurs present. Fore-wings with vein 10 anastomosing
with 9, 11 anastomosing with 12 and 10 before 9. Hind-wings with 6 and 7 separate."
— (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 46 and 47, neuration of Epirranthis alectoraria ; fig. 48, head
of ditto.)

Represented in New Zealand by two species.

80 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA.

EPIBBANTHIS ALECTOEAEIA, Walk.

(Lyrcca alectoraria, Walk. 259; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 95. Aspilatcs (?) primata, Walk.
1076; Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 4. Endropia mixtaria, Walk. 1506; Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 5. Amilapis (?) acroiaria, Feld.
cxxiii. 6. Lyrcca varians, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 496. Ploseria alectoraria, Hdsn., Manual N. Z. Ent. 86.)
(Plate VIII., figs. 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47, varieties; Plate III., fig. 24, larva.)

This species has occurred in tolerable abundance at many localities in both the North
and the South Islands. It is probably generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is from 1 inch to 1J inches. The wings range in colour from pale
yellow to dark orange-brown, dark reddish-brown, or even dull brown, with innumerable intermediate
tints. There is often a central transverse line reaching from the costa of the fore-wing to the dorsum
of the hind-wing. Many of the varieties are speckled with darker colour ; others have irregular
yellow patches, generally situated on the fore-wings just below the apex and on the dorsum near the
base ; there are often two white dots near the apex of the fore-wings.

Most of the varieties closely resemble the varied hues of fading leaves. In many of
the forms greyish speckled marks occur on various parts of the wings, no doubt imitating
the irregular patches of mould which are often present on dead leaves. One very well-
marked variety is bright yellow, with the costa rosy and two large white-centred rosy spots
arranged transversely on each wing. (See Plate VIII., fig. 47.) All the specimens of
this insect are so extremely variable that it is almost impossible to adequate!)' describe
the species. The apex of the fore-wing is always very acute ; the termen is bowed just
below the apex, and is furnished with slight indentations of variable depth. The terrnen
of the hind-wing is also furnished with variable indentations.

The egg is oval and much flattened above. When first laid it is pale green in colour, but
becomes dull olive-green as the embryo develops.

The young larva is very pale green, with the head brownish -yellow. At this early stage its
colouring already completely harmonises with that of the under side of the leaves of its food-plants,
Pittosporum eugenioides and P. tenuifolium.

The full-grown larva is very robust, and about 1 inch in length. Its colour is pale green, with
numerous yellow dots and a series of diagonal yellow stripes on each segment ; there is, in addition,
a series of broad crimson blotches on the back and a small crimson flap projecting from the end of the
terminal segment ; the prolegs and spiracles are also crimson.

The remarkable shape and colouring of this caterpillar, in conjunction with the
peculiar attitude assumed when at rest, affords it complete protection, causing it to
resemble, in the closest possible manner, one of the buds of its food-plant. These larvae
grow very slowly, and probably occupy three or four months in attaining their full size.
They are very sluggish in their habits. The pupa is greenish-brown in colour. It is
enclosed in a cocoon, constructed of two or three leaves of the food-plant, fastened
together with silk. The insect remains in this condition for three weeks or a month.
The moth first appears about the end of October, and is met with until the middle of
March. It frequents forest, where it is occasionally dislodged from amongst the under-
growth. It is also found in the evening on the flowers of the white rata. It is, however,
rather uncertain in its appearance, being much commoner in some years than in others.

EPIEEANTHIS HEMIPTEEAEIA, Gn.

(Hemcrophila hemipteraria, Gn. ix. 220, pi. vi. 2. Xyridacma hemipteraria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst.
xx. 60. Ploseria hemipteraria, Hdsn., Manual N. Z. Ent. 85.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 48 $ , 49 ? ; Plate III., fig. 19, larva.)

This remarkable-looking species has occurred in the North Island, at Auckland and
Wellington. At present it has not been observed in the South Island.

I/.— THE NOTODONTINA. 81

The expansion of the wings is from If to If inches. All the wings are pale ochreous-brown,
with a variable number of minute black dots ; there are four or five oblique, wavy brown transverse
lines on both fore- and hind-wings, the central and terminal lines being often slightly darker than the
others ; there is always a black dot in the middle of the fore-wing, and a shaded spot near the termen
below the apex. The apex of the hind-wing is very pointed and projects downwards ; the almost
straight termen has a series of prominent projections.

This species varies much in the intensity of the markings, and in the number of the
black dots on both the fore- and hind-wings. The peculiar outline of its hind-wings,
however, distinguishes it from any other species with which I am acquainted.

The larva feeds on veronicas in September and October.

Its length when full grown is about 1 inch. Some larvte are green, with a broad bluish dorsal
line, and two fine yellow lateral lines. Others are brown, with a dull yellow dorsal line.

During the daytime these caterpillars firmly clasp the stem of their food-plant with
their prolegs, and hold the rest of their body rigidly out from the branch. In this position
they are very inconspicuous, and may readily be mistaken for young leaves or twigs. At
night they become much more active, and may then be seeri walking about and feeding.

The pupa is rather robust, with a sharp spine at its extremity. Its colour is pale
olive-brown, with the wing-cases and sides of the abdomen pinkish. It is not enclosed in
any cocoon, but is merely concealed amongst the dead leaves and rubbish around the stem
of the veronica. The insect remains in this state for less than a month, so that the
protection of a cocoon would appear to be unnecessary.

The moth appears in December and January. It usually frequents gardens and other
cultivated places, probably on account of the number of veronicas that are often growing
in such situations. It is also attracted by blossoms and by light, but is not a common
species. The colouring and wing-outline of this moth cause it to very closely resemble
a dead leaf, especially when resting amongst foliage or on the ground. This insect may
be occasionally noticed abroad on mild evenings in the middle of winter; the females
probably hibernate and deposit their eggs early in the spring.

Family 5.— SELIDOSEMIDJE.

" Hind-wings with- vein 5 imperfect (not tubular) or obsolete, 6 and 7 usually separate, 8 usually
obsoletely connected with upper margin of cell near base, approximated to near middle." (See
Plate II., figs. 51 to 64.)

" A very large family, equally common throughout all regions. It varies consider-
ably in superficial appearance, and is also remarkable for the variability of structure of
veins 10 and 11 of the fore-wings in many (not all) species. Imago with body slender
to rather stout ; fore-wings broad to rather elongate, triangular ; posterior tibiae of male
often enlarged and enclosing an expansible tuft of hairs. The structure termed the
fovea is a circular impression on the lower surface of the fore-wings above the dorsum
near the base, usually placed about the origin of the basal fork of 15 ; it is generally
confined to the male, and is often sub-hyaline, sometimes surmounted by a small
thickened gland; it may possibly be a scent-producing organ. It is strictly confined
to that branch of which Selidosema is the type, but is not invariably present there.

" Ovum subcylindrical or elongate-ovate, more or less reticulated, sometimes ribbed. Larva
elongate, more or less slender, with few hairs, without developed prolegs on segments 7, 8, and
usually 9 ; often remarkably like a twig of its food-plant. Pupa subterranean, or in a slight cocoon
above ground." — (Meyrick.)

11

82 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

Of this extensive family we have nine genera represented in New Zealand :—

1. SELIDOSEMA. 4. SESTBA. 7. AZELINA.

2. HYBEENIA. 5. GONOPHYLLA. 8. IPANA.

3. CHALASTKA. 6. DEEPANODES. 9. DECLANA.

Genus 1.— SELIDOSEMA, Hb.

" Face with appressed or shortly projecting scales. Tongue developed. Antennae in male bi-
pectinated, towards apex simple. Palpi rough-scaled. Thorax sometimes crested posteriorly, hairy
beneath. Femora nearly glabrous ; posterior tibiae in male dilated. Fore-wings in male with fovea ;
vein 10 sometimes connected with 9, 11 sometimes out of 10 near base only, or if separate, sometimes
anastomosing with 12." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 59 and 60, neuration of Selidosema dejectaria.)

This genus is universally distributed and of considerable extent. We have nine
species in New Zealand.

SELIDOSEMA FENEBATA, Feld.
(Ehyparia fenerata, Feld. cxxxi. 7. Zylobara fenerata, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 498. Meyr., Trans. N. Z.

Inst. xvi. 97.)

(Plate VIII., fig. 50 $ , 51 2 .)

This species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The fore-wings of the male are very pale
ochreous-brown ; there is a double jagged transverse line near the base, a single jagged line a little
before the middle, and a double one a little beyond the middle ; an almost continuous jagged line near
the termen. The hind-wings are very pale ochreous, almost white; their outline is peculiar ; the
dorsum is very short, the termen very long, first oblique and then rounded with a small projection
midway between the apex and the tornus. The female has the fore-wings pale grey, and the hind-
wings dull white ; the markings resemble those of the male, but the outline of the hind-wing is
of the usual form.

This insect varies slightly in the depth of its colouring. It may be distinguished
from the allied species by the peculiar outline of the hind-wings in the male, and by
the pale grey colouring of the female.

The perfect insect appears from October till March and is very common. It has
a great liking for the faded fronds of tree-ferns, from which specimens may often be
dislodged. Both sexes are very abundant at various blossoms during the evening, and
are also attracted by light. The female is sometimes observed in the winter months,
and probably hibernates.

SELIDOSEMA EUDIATA, Walk.

(Cidaria rudiata, Walk. 1420. Boarmia astrapia, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 218. Boarmia rudiata,

Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiii. 101.)
(Plate IX., fig. 1$, 22.)

This species is fairly common in the neighbourhood of Wellington, and has
occurred at Dunedin, and at Stewart Island. It is probably generally distributed
throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1£ inches, of the female If inches. The fore-wings
are very pale ochreous-brown ; there are two interrupted jagged transverse lines near the base ; a
single very indistinct line in the middle ; a double, nearly continuous jagged transverse line beyond
the middle ; a double jagged line near the termen completely interrupted in the middle ; there is
generally a dark patch on the termen just below the apex of the wing. The hind-wings are very
pale ochreous. There is a series of black dots on the termen of both fore-wings and hind-wings,
and the termen of the hind-wing is slightly indented.

This species varies a good deal in size ; the specimens from Stewart Island are

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 83

considerably larger and have more distinct markings, than those found in the vicinity
of Wellington.

The larva is cylindrical, of even thickness throughout, and almost uniform dull
greyish-brown in colour, occasionally with a series of small oblong black marks on
segments 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. It feeds on the young leaves and buds of the ake ake
(Olearia traversii). It is extremely difficult to find as it almost exactly resembles
a twig of its food-plant. It is full grown about April.

The pupa is concealed in the earth.

The perfect insect appears from October till March. It seems to prefer cultivated
districts, and is generally observed at rest on garden fences or tree-trunks. It also
frequents flowers in the evening.

SELIDOSEMA SUAVIS, Butl.

(Pscudocorcmia suavis, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 497. Pachycnemia usitata, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 501.
Pscudocorcmia lupinata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 98. Boarmia suavis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst.
xxiii. 101.) (Plate IX., fig. 3 f , 4 ? .)

This species is very common and generally distributed throughout the country,
and has occurred as far south as Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings is 1£ inches. The fore-wings of the male are dull yellowish-brown,
speckled with black ; there are two curved transverse lines near the base ; a very obscure line near
the middle, darker on the costa; two doubly curved lines beyond the middle, slightly darker on
the dorsum ; and two very faint jagged lines near the termen. The hind-wings are pale ochreous,
tinged with brown near the termen. The female has narrower wings, shorter body, and is usually
duller in colour than the male.

This insect is rather variable, some specimens of both sexes being much darker
than others; but all the forms may usually be recognised by their dull speckled
colouring and absence of conspicuous markings.

The larva feeds on the white rata (M. scandens) and the tawa (Beihclimiedia tawa).

Its length when full grown is about 1$ inches. The upper surface is dark reddish-brown with
numerous blackish stripes and white markings, which give it a very variegated appearance ; the
under side is pale green ; there are two small tubercles on the back of the eighth segment.

The pupa is concealed amongst refuse on the ground, the larva constructing no
cocoon before changing.

The perfect insect appears from October till April, and may often be observed
on mild days in the middle of winter. It is common in forest districts, where it is
usually seen resting on the tree-trunks, in which situation its colouring must afford
it efficient protection from many enemies.

SELIDOSEMA HUMILLIMA, n. sp.
(Plate IX., fig. 5.)

This inconspicuous-looking insect has occurred at Wellington.

The expansion of the wings of the male is about 1^ inches. The fore-wings are dull
yellowish-brown ; there are three short oblique dark brown stripes on the costa, inclined very much
towards the termen; the first of these stripes is distinctly double, and the second and third
partially so ; there is an indistinct brown mark just below the apex, several slender faint streaks
on the veins near the middle of the wing, and a very distinct brown shading on the dorsum.
The hind-wings are very pale ochreous.

This species may be readily distinguished from the other species of the genus
by its small size and by the obliquity of the costal stripes. In S. liumillima
the costal markings slope very rapidly from the base towards the termen ; in the

84 NEW ZEALAND MACEO-LEPIDOPTEEA.

other allied species these markings are but slightly inclined, and in some cases slope
in the reverse direction.

The perfect insect appears from December till March. It frequents the immediate
neighbourhood of Wellington, but is not a common species. At present I am only
acquainted with the male insect.

SELIDOSEMA PEODUCTATA, Walk.

(Larentia productata, Walk. 1197 (?). Selidosema pimgata, Feld. cxxxi. 23. Selidosema (?) fragosata,
Feld. cxxxi. 29. Zylobara productata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 98.)

(Plate IX., figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 $ varieties, 11, 12, 13, and 14 ? ditto; Plate III.,

fig. 22, larva.)

This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout both the
North and South Islands. It has also occurred at Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings of the male is If inches, of the female l£ inches.

The fore-wings vary from pale yellowish-brown to rich chocolate-brown ; there are two
curved transverse lines near the base, generally enclosing a paler stripe between them ; next a
broad dark central area ; then a wavy paler transverse line, usually followed by a very much
paler irregular band, generally formed by two partially disconnected patches, one on the costa
and one on the dorsum ; there is a jagged, whitish, transverse line near the tennen, always
broken in the middle, and often shaded with black towards the base of the wing. The hind-
wings are ochreous, speckled with brown towards the dorsum; there is usually a brown central dot.

This is an extremely variable insect. In some specimens there are very extensive
white patches on the wings, whilst in others the colouring is almost uniform rich
brown, and the characteristic markings can only be detected with difficulty. It may,
however, be distinguished from the allied species by the interrupted pale jagged
transverse line near the termen and by the absence of greenish colouring.

The eggs are oval with the surface honeycombed ; they are pale green in colour.

The young larva, when first hatched, is much attenuated, light reddish-brown with a broad
pale lateral stripe, and a few bristles. The full-grown larva measures about 1J inches in length ;
it is rather slender and has a large hump on the sixth segment. Its colour is dark reddish-
brown, mottled and striped with dull white and greenish.

It feeds on the white rata (Metrosidos scandens). During the day it firmly grasps
a stem of its food-plant with its prolegs, holding the rest of its body out from the
branch in a perfectly straight and rigid position. When in this attitude it so exactly
resembles a twig, that, even in the case of captive specimens, it is often a matter
of the greatest difficulty to find a caterpillar amongst the branches. Several times I
have even caught hold of a larva, thinking it to be a twig, so perfect is the
resemblance. At night these larvae become much more active, and by the aid of a
lantern they may then be seen busily walking about and feeding.

The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon about two inches below the surface of
the earth. The larvre of the autumnal brood remain in this condition during the
winter, but in the case of the spring and summer broods the pupa state only
occupies a few weeks.

The moth appears from November till May. It is very common in forest
regions, and may be observed resting on the trunks of the trees, its pale yellow,
hind-wings being completely concealed by the mottled brown fore-wings. In this
position the insect is almost invisible, and the protection afforded by its colouring-
is at once apparent. In the autumn evenings it is often very abundant at the
blossoms of the white rata.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 85

«

SELIDOSEMA ARISTABCHA, Meyr.

(Sdidoscma ariatarcha, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiv. 216.)

(Plate IX., fig. 17 <?, 18 ? ; Plate III., fig. 17, larva.)

Of this fine species only about a dozen specimens have hitherto been captured,
all of which have occurred in the immediate vicinity of Wellington. It . is conse-
quently at present a rarity, but future collectors will probably find the insect in
many other parts of the country.

The expansion of the wings varies from 1^ to 1£ inches. The fore-wings are light
ochreous-brown ; there is a small white-edged brown spot near the base ; two oblique curved
brown transverse lines enclosing between them a white space towards the dorsum ; a short
stripe on the costa, near the middle, edged with white towards the base of the wing ; a doubly
curved transverse line beyond the middle, finely edged with white towards the base of the wing ;
there is also a short white-edged brown stripe extending from the apex of the wing to the
last-named transverse line, the two lines enclosing between them a small pale triangular area ;
there are five short longitudinal brown lines running from the termen to the outermost of the
transverse lines, two of them being tipped with white towards the base of the wing. The hind-
wings are dull ochreous-brown, with two very faint brown transverse lines towards the dorsum,
and several whitish spots and one brown spot near the tornus. The female is a little darker in
colour than the male.

This insect varies slightly in size.

The larva feeds on Cyathea dealbata (tree-fern) in September. Its colour is dull
reddish-brown with an irregular brownish-black blotch on the side of each segment,
and a dark brown dorsal line. It is very sluggish in its habits.

The pupa is concealed amongst moss, &c., on the surface of the ground, the
insect remaining in this state for about six weeks.

The moth appears from September till March, and frequents dense forests. It
has been dislodged from its food-plant in the daytime, and has also been taken on
the flowers of the white rata in the evening.

SELIDOSEMA MELINATA, Feld.

(Numcria melinata, Feld. cxxix. 9. Psewlocoremia indistincta, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 394,

pi. xliii. 8. Pscudocoremia melinata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 99.)

(Plate IX., fig. 15 $, 16 ? .)

This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1£ inches, of the female \\ inches. The fore-wings
are dull greenish-grey, with black markings ; there is a transverse line near the base ; another near the
middle, followed by two broken irregular lines, then a broader, paler area sometimes white, followed
by a series of jagged pale markings shaded with black. The hind-wings are ochreous mottled with
pale brown near the dorsum ; there is a series of black dots on the termen of both fore- and hind-
wings.

This species is extremely variable, but may always be recognised by its greenish
tinge, and the absence of indentations on the termen of both fore- and hind-wings.

The larva, according to Mr. Purdie, is about f inch long ; dull green with
darker longitudinal striations. It may be beaten from New Zealand broom (Car-
michfelia) in February. There must be some other commoner food-plant, as the
moth is found in many localities where the New Zealand broom does not occur.

The perfect insect appears from November till March, and is generally very abundant
in all wooded districts. It is also common in birch forests on the mountain sides,
where it may be taken at altitudes of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level.

86 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEEA.

In the lowlands I have observed as many as half a dozen specimens on a single tree-
trunk. Whilst resting in this situation they are very inconspicuous, the colouring of
the fore-wings harmonizing perfectly with the insect's surroundings, and the pale-
coloured hind-wings being then entirely concealed by the upper pair. In connection
with this fact it is very interesting to notice that in all those cases where the hind-
wings are exposed to view during repose, they are protectively coloured in a similar
manner to the fore-wings. It will be observed that the two following species of
Selidosema exhibit protective colouring on both pairs of wings, these being invariably
exposed when the insects are at rest.

SELIDOSEMA DEJECTARIA.

(Boannia dejectaria, Walk. 394. Boarmia attracta, Walk. 394. Boarmia exprompta, Walk. 395.
Tephrosia patularia, Walk. 422 ; But!., Cat., pi. iii. 8. Tephrosia scriptaria, Walk. 422. Scotosia erebinata,
Walk. 1358. Scotosia stigmaticata, Walk. 1359. Scotosia lignosata, Walk. 1361. Gnophos pannularia,
Gn., E. M. M. v. 42. Scotoptcryx maoriata, Feld. cxxvi. 4. Hcincrophila (?) sulpitiata, Feld. cxxvi. 7.
Hemcrophila caprimulgata, Feld. cxxvi. 12. Boarmia dejectaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 100.)
(Plate IX., figs. 19, 20, 21 and 22 $ varieties, 23 and 24 ? ditto ; Hate III., fig. 12, larva.)
This large insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the
country.

The expansion of the wings is from \\ to 2 inches. The fore-wings vary from pale ochreous to
very dark rich brown ; there is an oblique transverse line near the base, often enclosing a darker basal
area ; a small dark brown spot in the middle of the wing surrounded by a ring ; a very oblique, wavy,
transverse line beyond the middle, often double towards the dorsum, and several irregular markings
on the termen ; there is often a white spot on the middle of the tennen, and a pale blotch on the
apex of the wing. The hind- wings resemble the fore-wings in colour ; there are two obscure trans-
verse lines near the base ; generally forming a dark basal area ; a wavy line near the middle, and a
strongly shaded line near the termen. The termen of both the wings is indented, the depth of the
indentations varying greatly in different specimens.

This insect is very variable, but its large size and oblique transverse lines suffice
to distinguish it from any of the other allied species.

The larva feeds on a great variety of plants, mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), white rata
(Metrosideros scandens), Solanum aviciilare, fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) , and Pennantia
corymbosa being amongst the number. The caterpillar may often be recognised . by a
large hump, which is situated on each side of the third segment. Its colouring appears
to be so entirely influenced by its surroundings that a description is impossible. For
instance, larvae taken from the pale green foliage of the mahoe resemble in colour the
twigs of that plant ; others captured feeding on the white rata are dark reddish-brown,
those from Solanum aviciilare are purplish slate-colour, whilst those from the fuchsia
are pale olive-green tinged with brown, like the sprouting twigs.

The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon situated about two inches below the surface
of the ground. Those larvae which become full grown in the autumn remain as pupa?
during the winter, but the summer broods only remain in the pupa state a few weeks.

The perfect insect appears from November till March. It has a great partiality
for resting with outspread wings on the walls of sheds and outhouses, where it is
frequently noticed by the most casual observer. It is very common in most situations,
and may be taken in large numbers at sugar, light, or blossoms, during the whole of
the summer. Its extreme abundance and great variability, in both the larval and imago
states, would render it a good subject for a series of experiments, resembling those
conducted by Messrs. Poulton and Merrineld on several allied European species.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 87

SELIDOSEMA PANAGBATA, Walk.

(Scotosia panagratd, Walk. 1360. Angerona menanaria, Walk. 1500. Epirrhanthis (?) antipodaria,
Feld. cxxvi. 3. Hyperythra desiccata, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 495. Hyperythra arenacea, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii.
495. Barsine panagrata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 100.)

(Plate IX., figs. 25, 26, 27, and 28 $ varieties, 29 and 30 S> ditto.)

This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
It has occurred as far south as Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings is from \\ to If inches. The fore-wings of the male vary from pale
yellowish-white to rich brown or dark brownish-black ; there is a jagged transverse line near the base ;
a large black or white spot in the middle of the wing ; a doubly curved transverse line beyond the
middle, then a very jagged transverse line, followed by several paler markings, and an obscure line
parallel with the termen. The hind-wings are paler in colour ; there is a slightly curved transverse
line near the base ; a jagged line near the middle, and a very faint line beyond the middle. The
termen of both fore- and hind-wings is slightly indented. The female varies from pale ochreous to
dark slate-colour ; the markings resemble those of the male, but the termen of the wings is more
indented.

This species is so extremely variable that a more detailed description would be
useless ; its numerous forms may, however, be at once recognised by the unbroken
jagged transverse lines of both fore- and hind-wings.

The larva is quite as variable as the perfect insect. When very young it is bright
green, with a conspicuous white dorsal line ; as age advances the caterpillar becomes
dark olive-brown, sometimes striped with paler brown or green, whilst many specimens
retain the green colouring throughout the whole of their lives. The favourite food-
plant is the kawa-kawa (Pinter excelsiim), which the larvae voraciously devour,
thus causing the riddled appearance which the leaves of that plant almost
invariably present. These larvae often select a forked twig to rest in, where they lie
curled round, with the head and tail close together. Other food-plants are Aristotelia
racemosa and Myrtits bullata. Those caterpillars found on the latter plant are strongly
tinged with pink, and are consequently very inconspicuous amongst the young shoots,
where they generally feed. The burrows of the larvae of Hepialus virescens are frequently
utilised by the caterpillars, which feed on the Aristotelia, as convenient retreats during
the winter. When full-grown these caterpillars descend to the ground and construct
loose cocoons of silk and earth on the under sides of fallen leaves. The moth usually
emerges in about a month's time, but the autumnal larvae either hibernate or remain
in the pupa state throughout the winter.

The perfect insect appears from October till April. It frequents forest and is
extremely common. It also occurs in great abundance on the white rata blossoms in
the autumn, and specimens may be occasionally seen even in the depth of winter.

Genus 2.— HYBEKNIA, Latr.

" Face with appressed scales or short rough scales. Tongue developed or weak. Antennae in male
bi-pectinated, pectinations sometimes short and terminating in fascicles of cilia, apex simple. Palpi
shortly rough-scaled. Thorax with small triangular anterior crest, hairy beneath. Femora glabrous ;
posterior tibiae in male not dilated. Fore-wings in male without fovea ; vein 10 sometimes out of 9,
sometimes anastomosing or connected with 9, 11 sometimes out of 10, usually anastomosing with
or running into 12, rarely absent. Female semiapterous or apterous." — (Meyrick.)
We have one species.

88 NEW ZEALAND MACliO-LEPIDOPTERA.

HYBEENIA INDOCILIS, Walk.

(Zermizinga indocilisaria, Walk. 1530. Hybernia boreophilaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 61. Hybernia indocilis,

Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 97.)
(Plate IX., fig. 31 <?, 32 $> .)

This species has occurred plentifully in the neighbourhood of Christchurch.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1^ inches, of the female J inch. All the wings
are pale grey, specified with darker grey. The fore-ivings have four obscure wavy transverse lines ; the
first near the base, the second and third near the middle, rather close together, and the fourth near the
termen, much interrupted ; there is a series of black dots on the termen. The hind-wings have two
very faint transverse lines, and a series of black terminal dots ; the termen of the hind-wings is
slightly scalloped. The cilia of all the wings are grey. The female has the wings extremely small and
quite useless for flight ; in colour and markings they resemble those of the male, except that the
transverse lines are black and sharply defined.

The perfect insect appears from July to January. Mr. E. W. Fereday states that
the male is found plentifully at rest on the bare ground, amongst Leptospermum, and
the female on the stems.

Described and figured from specimens kindly given to me by Mr. Fereday.

Genus 3.— CHALASTEA, Walk.

"Face with a slight cone of scales. Palpi rather long, porrected, roughly scaled. Antennae in'
male bi-pectinated. Fore-wings with vein 6 from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 very
shortly touching 9, 11 free, 12 very shortly touching 11. Hind-wings normal." — (Meyrick.) (Plate
II., figs. 51 and 52.)

This genus is represented by one species only.

I have made a very careful examination of several denuded specimens of Clialastra
pelurgata, and I find that in the fore-wings veins 9, 10, and 11 rise almost from a point.
Vein 10 afterwards approaches closely to 9, but does not actually touch it, and con-
sequently does not form a true areole. Vein 12 also appears to me to be free.

CHALASTBA PELUEGATA, Walk.
(Chalastra pelurgata, Walk. 1430. Itama cinerascens, Peld. cxxxi. 1. Stratocleis streptophora, Meyr.,

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 106.)
(Plate IX., figs. 33 and 34 <? varieties, 35 and 36 ? ditto; Plate III., fig. 21, larva.)

This species is very abundant in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also
occurred at Palmerston North, and is probably common throughout the whole of the
North Island. In the South Island it has been taken in the Otira Gorge, and at Dunedin,
Otara and Invercargill.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings of the male vary from pale
orange-brown to dull yellowish-broicn ; there is a doubly curved dark brown transverse line near the
base ; a broad straight line a little before the middle ; a very strongly curved line a little beyond the
middle, and a less strongly curved line near the termen, often composed of a series of triangular
white dots edged with dark brown ; all these lines are much stronger on the costa, and are sometimes
almost obliterated elsewhere. The hind-wings are pale yellow, with several brown-edged white spots
at the tornus, and an indistinct line parallel to the termen. The apex of the fore-wing is consider-
ably produced, and there is a large rounded projection on the termen. The hind-wings have several
small projections on the termen. In the female the fore-wings are pale yellow or orange, the trans-
verse lines and white spots are usually more conspicuous, and the projections on the termen of the
fore- and hind-wings larger.

This is a very variable insect, especially in the male, some specimens of which sex
are very much clouded and dappled with dark brown both on the fore- and hind-wings.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 89

Many of these darker forms might readily be taken for distinct species, when compared
with the pale orange-brown variety, but a good series of specimens presents
numerous intermediate forms which completely connect these extreme varieties. The
females also vary, but are never as dark as the males.

The larva feeds on Todea hymenophylloides, a fern which grows in shady places in
the depths of the forest. The length of the caterpillar when full grown is about \\ inches.
It is very variable ; some specimens are dull brown, with a row of green or pale brown
lunate spots down each side, and a dark brown line down the back. Others are bright
green, with a diagonal reddish-brown stripe on the side of each segment ; the segmental
divisions are reddish-brown, intersected by numerous very minute whitish lines.

The pupa is enclosed in a loose cocoon on the surface of the ground.

The perfect insect appears from November till March, and is very common in forest
regions. It may often be dislodged from the dead fronds surrounding the stems of tree-
ferns, and is also met with in great abundance towards the end of summer on the blossoms
of the white rata.

Genus 4.— SESTEA, Walk.

" Face smooth. Palpi short, rough-haired beneath, porrected. Antennae in male stout, serrate,
shortly ciliated. Fore-wings with vein 6 from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 rising out of
9 above origin, anastomosing again shortly with 9, 11 anastomosing shortly with 10, 12 anastomosing
shortly with 11. Hind-wings normal." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., fig. 53, neuration of fore-wing of
Sestra humeraria.)

We have two species in New Zealand.

It will be seen that my figure of the neuration of Sestra humeraria does not
precisely agree with Mr. Meyrick's description. The differences in the results arrived
at are probably due to the variability in structure of veins 10, 11 (and 12), mentioned
when dealing with the characters of the entire family. Similar slight discrepancies also
occur in connection with the three following genera.

SESTEA HUMEEAEIA, Walk.

(Macaria liumcraria, Walk. 940. Lozogramma obtusaria, ib. 985. Cidaria obtmncata, ib. 1421. Sestra

fusiplagiata, ib. 1751. Amastris cncausta, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 105. Sestra humeraria, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate X., figs. 1 and 2 varieties; Plate III., fig. 20, larva.)

This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout both the North
and the South Islands ; it also occurs plentifully at Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are pale plum-colour ; there is an
indistinct, curved, brownish transverse line near the base ; a straight dark brown line across the
middle, and a curved series of blackish dots beyond the middle ; the apex is pointed, and the ternien
has a strong projection a little above the middle. The hind- wings are ochreous, with a series of
minute brownish dots across the middle.

This is a variable species. The fore-wings are often much clouded with rich brown,
and in some specimens scarcely a trace of the original purplish colour remains ; the
central straight transverse line is often absent, and the other lines are frequently very
indistinct, except on the costa ; the dots on the hind-wings are also often absent, and
occasionally specimens are met with in which all the wings are almost white.

The larva is rather elongate, dull yellowish-brown or greenish-brown ; there is a very broad dark
brown dorsal line, and several wavy lateral lines ; the prolegs are black, the spiracles are also black ;
there is a slight hump on the posterior edge of each of the last six segments, the hump on the penulti-
mate segment being considerably larger than the others. The length of the caterpillar when full
grown is about 1 inch.

12

90 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

It feeds on Pteris incisa, a beautiful pale green fern, attaining a height of four feet or
more, and growing in open situations in the forest. This fern is especially abundant on
old decaying logs situated amongst light brushwood. When disturbed these larvae
immediately drop to the ground and coil themselves up. In this situation they are very
inconspicuous, as their colouring so closely resembles that of the faded fronds or stems of
the fern.

The pupa is buried in the earth about two inches below the surface, the insect
remaining in this state during the winter months.

The moth first appears about September, and continues in great abundance until
the end of March or beginning of April. It frequents forest, and is noticed most
commonly in the neighbourhood of its food-plant. There are probably several broods
in the course of a year.

SESTEA FLEXATA, Walk.

(Cidaria flexata, Walk. 1421.)

(Plate IX., fig. 37.)

This species has occasionally occurred in the neighbourhood of Wellington. I have
no records of its capture elsewhere, but expect it will be found to be generally distributed.

The expansion of the wings is about 1£ inches. The fore-wings are bright orange-red ; there is
a very faint transverse line near the base, darker on the costa ; a dark red oblong mark on the costa
near the middle ; and a faint transverse line beyond the middle, also darker on the costa. The hind-
wings are bright ochreous-yellow, with the cilia orange.

This insect varies considerably in the intensity of its colouring. It has long been
considered as merely a variety of Sestra kumeraria, but as I have not observed any
intermediate forms, although the two insects frequently occur together, I think it may
be regarded for the present as a distinct species.

The perfect insect appears from October till December, and is found in the same
localities as 8. liumeraria.

Genus 5.— GONOPHYLLA, Meyr.

" Face shortly rough-haired. Palpi moderate, arched, ascending, shortly rough-scaled, terminal
joint short. Antennae in male rather stout, pubescent. Coxas and femora densely rough-haired
beneath. Fore-wings with vein 6 from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 shortly touching 9,
11 separate, 12 free. Hind-wings normal."— (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 63 and 64, neuration of
Gonophylla nelsonaria.)

Of this genus we have but one species.

GONOPHYLLA NELSONARIA, Feld.

(Gonodontis (?) nelsonaria, Peld. cxxiii. 3. Gonodontis felix, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 389, pi. xlii. 10.
Phyllodoce nelsonaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 104. Gonophylla mlsonaria, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate X., figs. 3 and 4 <? varieties, 5 and 6 ? ditto.)

This handsome insect is common in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has
also occurred at Nelson and Dunedin, and is possibly generally distributed throughout
the country.

The expansion of the wings is 1£ inches. The fore-wings of the male are rich reddish-
brown, mottled with darker; there are several small white marks on the costa; a black dot in
the middle of the wing, and an almost straight white transverse line beyond the middle ;
outside this line the wing is speckled with greyish-white. The hind-wings are pale pinkish-
brown ; there is a black dot in the middle, and a curved blackish transverse line a little beyond
the middle, being a continuation of the transverse line of the fore-wing ; beyond this line, and on
the dorsum, there are generally several small blackish markings. The female has the fore-wings

IT.— THE NOTODONTTNA. 91

orange-red, speckled with darker ; there is a doubly curved transverse line near the base, and an
almost straight transverse line near the termen, both dark red ; beyond the outer transverse line
the wing is shaded with dark brown. The hind-wings are pale reddish-orange, with a curved
blackish transverse line. In both sexes the apex of the fore-wing is projecting, and there is a
strong angular projection on the termen a little before the middle ; the termen of the hind-wing
has several small projections.

The variation of this insect is considerable, especially in the male. The ground
colour of the fore-wings often inclines to dull brown, or even dull yellowish-brown ;
the light and dark mottling, and the greyish markings near the termen are sometimes
hardly visible ; there is often a yellowish blotch opposite the large angle in the
termen of the fore-wing. The hind-wings also are very variable in their colouring.
All these varieties exist in the female in a less pronounced degree.

The perfect insect appears during the first week in February, and is generally
over by the middle or end of March. The males are first noticed, the females not
appearing until about a fortnight later. I have never taken this insect in the day-
time, and in fact have never seen it except on the blossoms of the white rata, where,
on fine evenings, it is often very abundant. As yet, however, Wellington is the only
locality where I have met with it.

Genus 6.— DEEPANODES, Gn.

" Face with cone of scales. Palpi moderate, triangularly scaled, porrected. Antennae in
male moderate, simple. Fore-wings with vein G from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10
very shortly touching 9, 11 rising out of 10 before angle of areole, 12 free. Hind-wings normal.
(Plate II., figs. 61 and 62 neuration of Drepanodes muriferata.)

A characteristic South American genus. The single New Zealand species is very
similar to some South American forms." — (Meyrick.)

DEEPANODES MUEIFEKATA, Walk.

(Qatgapkia 'murifcrata, Walk. 1635. Panagra ephyraria, Walk. 1761. ? Z anclognatlia (?) cookaria,
Feld. cxxiii. 26. Zanclognatlia (?) haastiaria, Feld. cxxiii. 32. Drepanodes muriferata, Meyr., Trans.
N. Z. Inst. xvi. 107.)

(Plate X., figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 $ varieties, 12 ? .)

This species is very abundant in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also
been taken at Taranaki, Christchurch, Dunedin, Jnvercargill and Stewart Island, and
is probably common and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. All the wings of the male are yellowish-
brown ; there is a faint transverse line near the base, and a conspicuous darker transverse line
running from a little before the apex of the fore-wing to the middle of the dorsum of the hind-
wing ; there is also a dark spot in the centre of the fore-wing, often containing two white dots.
In the female, all the wings are slate-coloured ; the transverse lines are very faintly indicated,
and the central dot of the fore- wing is reddish-brown. The apex of the fore-wing in each sex is
conspicuously hooked, and the termen is bowed and sometimes has a very slight angle in the
middle.

Both sexes of this insect are very variable. In the male, the ground colour ranges
from dingy- brown to bright orange-brown ; the transverse lines differ much in
intensity, and in some specimens the central area of the wings enclosed by them is
much darker than either the basal or the marginal portions ; occasionally there is a
series of black markings between the outer transverse line and the termen of the
fore-wings, whilst the transverse line itself is frequently edged with a band of paler

92 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

colouring. The female also varies in the ground colour and in the intensity of the
transverse lines, which are sometimes marked by a few black dots.

The larva, according to Mr. Purdie, is light grey, cylindrical, about f inch in length.
It may be beaten in February from an undergrowth of Carpodetus and Aristofelia.

The perfect insect appears from November till March. It frequents dense
forest and is often very abundant. The colouring of the upper and under surfaces of
its wings, and the shape of the wings are both very protective, giving the moth an
exact resemblance to a dead leaf. When disturbed, the insect adds to this deception by
keeping its wings quite motionless and rigidly extended, and allowing itself to fall
through the air like a leaf. The resemblance in this case to the inanimate object is
very perfect, and has no doubt enabled the moth to escape from many enemies. It
is, in fact, an extremely interesting example of the simultaneous development of
structure and instinct in a useful direction, through the agency of natural selection.

This species is much attracted both by light and by blossoms.

Genus 7.— AZELINA, Gn.

" Face with some projecting hairs. Palpi rather long, obliquely ascending, roughly
scaled, attenuated. Antennae in male thick, simple. Fore-wings with vein 6 from below 9, 7
from below angle of areole, 10 very shortly touching 9, 11 separate, 12 free. Hind-wings normal.

A genus of some extent, specially characteristic of South America. Guenee made a
separate genus (Polygonia) of the New Zealand species, but without any point of distinction." —
(Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 54 and 55, neuration of Azelina gallaria.)

We have three species in New Zealand.*

AZELINA GALLAEIA, Walk.

Seknia gallaria, Walk. 185, Butl., Cat., pi. iii. 6, 7. Euchlaena (?) palthidata, Feld. cxxxii. 21, 22.
Stratockis gallaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 105; Azelina gallaria, xx. 62.)
(Plate X., figs. 13 to 20 $ varieties, 21 to 23 ? ditto.)

This species is very common in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also
occurred at Palmerston North, Makotuku, Christchurch, Dunedin and Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings is \\ inches. The fore-wings of the male vary from pale
yellowish-brown to bright orange-brown, or reddish-brown; there is a wavy transverse line near
the base, often obsolete except on the costa ; another wavy transverse line beyond the middle,
also frequently obsolete except on the costa ; followed by a very conspicuous straight line, often
double, running obliquely from a little before the apex to the dorsum ; outside this line, near the
tornus, there are, in most specimens, two black spots or one large rust-red spot ; the termen
has two projections near the apex, inside which there is usually a darker blotch. The hind-wings
are as variable in colour as the fore-wings ; there is one wavy line near the base, followed by an
alinost straight line, which is a continuation of the straight line of the fore-wing ; beyond this
line the ground colour is generally much darker ; the termen itself has no projections. The female
has broader wings and a shorter body than the male ; the ground colour and markings are
similar to those of the male, but are usually more sombre, and the termen of both fore- and hind-
wings is furnished with a number of prominent projections. The under side of the wings in
both sexes is beautifully marbled with yellow and reddish- brown, and several of the markings of
the upper surface are faintly indicated.

This species, as will be seen from the foregoing, is so extremely variable that a
more detailed description would be useless, especially as the straight, oblique,
transverse lines of both fore- and hind-wings will at once distinguish it from the two
other members of the genus.

* Mr. Meyrick now includes these three species in the genus Oonophylla. (See Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 387.)

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 93

The perfect insect appears from November till March. It frequents dense forest,
and is most abundant at the flowers of the white rata in the evening. Earlier in the
year, before the rata blooms, it may sometimes be taken at sugar.

AZELINA OPHIOPA, Meyr.

(Gonophylla ophiopa, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 387.)
(Plate X., fig. 26 <? , 27 $ variety, 28 ? .)

This species has occurred occasionally in the neighbourhood of Wellington, but
has not yet been recorded from any other locality.

The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings of the male are pale orange-
brown ; there is a doubly toothed shaded transverse line near the base, the teeth being marked
with two black spots ; a conspicuous wavy transverse line runs from the apex to the dorsuni, and
is also marked with several black dots; the space between the two transverse lines is paler than
the rest of the wing ; there is a row of small black dots on the termen, and the termen itself has
two small projections. The hind-wings are yellowish at the base, becoming orange beyond the
middle ; there is a faint brownish transverse line near the base, and a conspicuous wavy transverse
line at the middle, marked by a series of black dots ; this central transverse line divides the yellowish
ground colour of the basal area, from the orange ground colour of the rest of the wing. The
female is larger and duller than the male ; the fore-wings are yellowish drab, with the outer
transverse line dull red ; there is a series of minute black dots on the termen ; the hind-wings
are dull yellow, with a wavy central transverse line.

The only variety of this species which has come under my observation is a
male. In this specimen all the wings are pale yellowish-brown, with very broad
black transverse lines. (See Plate X., fig. 27.)

This insect is evidently closely allied to Azelina fortinata. It may, however,
be distinguished from that species by the smaller projections on the termen of the
fore- and hind-wings, and the dotted transverse lines of the male.

The perfect insect appears from January till April. It is met with much later
in the season than either of the two other species of Azelina. It frequents forest, and
may be found on the blossoms of the white rata, but is, I think, the rarest of the genus.

AZELINA FOETINATA, Gn.

(Polygonia fortinata, Gn., E. M. M. v. 41. Caustoloma (?) ziczac, Feld. cxxxii. 4. Azelina fortinata',

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 106.)
(Plate X., fig. 24 <?, 25 ? .)

This beautiful insect occurs occasionally in forests in both the North and the
South Islands. It has been taken at Wellington, Nelson, Castle Hill, Akaroa, Mount
Hutt, West Plains and Otara.

The expansion of the wings is 1£ inches. The fore-wings of the male are pale orange-brown,
with a doubly toothed black transverse line near the base, and a less acutely toothed line beyond
the middle ; between these there is a black mark on the costa ; the termen has two large projections,
and several smaller ones ; between the outer transverse line and the termen there are several
small black markings. The hind-wings are yellowish, clouded with orange-brown towards the
termen, which also has several projections ; there is a faint blackish line near the base, and a
much stronger black line near the middle, starting from the dorsum and reaching about half-way
across the wing. The female has the fore-wings dark brown, with the central area between the
two transverse lines paler; the hind-wings are also considerably darker than those in the male.

This species varies a little in the depth of the ground colour, but not otherwise.

The perfect insect appears in December, January and February. It frequents
dense forest, and is generally disturbed from amongst ferns and undergrowth.

94 NEW ZEALAND MACEO-LEPIDOPTEEA.

Genus 8.— IPANA, Walk.

" Face roughly haired. Antennae in male simple, shortly ciliated. Palpi as in Dedana.
Thorax densely hairy above and beneath, with slight median crest. Abdomen in male elongate.
Femora densely hairy ; posterior tibiae in male short and much swollen, furnished on inner side
with very large dense tuft of hairs. Fore-wings in male without fovea ; veins 10 and 11 separate."
— (Meyrick).

We have one species in New Zealand.

IPANA LEPTOMEEA, Walk.

(Ipana leptomera, Walk., Noct. 1662.)

(Plate X., figs. 29, 31, and 3lA $ varieties, 30 2 .)

This species is common in the neighbourhood of Wellington, and I expect
generally distributed throughout New Zealand ; but as there appears to have been
some confusion in Mr. Meyrick's papers between it and the female of Dedana
junctilinea, I am unable to assign the localities there mentioned to either of the species.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1£ inches, of the female If inches. The fore-wings
of the male are uniform pale brownish-ochreous, generally with two transverse series of minute
darker brown dots parallel to the tennen, and two or three similar dots near the middle of the
wing. There is a series of very small parallel brown lines on the costa. The hind- wings are
greyish-brown with two very deep indentations in the termen. The female has the fore-wings
pale grey, and the hind-wings darker grey ; the markings and outline resemble the male.

In a few male specimens I have observed four large black spots on the fore-wings,
two near the base, and two near the termen. All these spots are sometimes joined
together by a very broad black band, which extends along the whole of the central
portion of the fore-wings. I have also a male specimen in which the fore-wings are
entirely marbled with dark grey. In the female two or three moderately large spots
are occasionally present on the fore-wings, near the termen. All these varieties appear
to be much scarcer than the typical form.

The larva, which feeds on manuka (Leptospermiim), has ten legs. It is rather
slender, dark brown, mottled with grey and dull red. There are two large tubercles
on the sides of the seventh and eighth segments. It is a sluggish caterpillar and is
generally seen in a motionless condition, clasping the stem of its food-plant with, its
prolegs, and holding the rest of its body in a perfectly rigid position like a small
branch. The pupa is enclosed in a cocoon of silk and refuse on the surface of the
ground.

The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. It is a forest-
dwelling species, and may often be captured in some numbers, at dusk, on the flowers
of the white rata (M. scandens). It is very sluggish and nearly always drops to the
ground when disturbed and feigns death.

Genus 9.— DECLANA, Walk.

"Face roughly haired. Antennae in male bi-pectinated to apex or simple. Palpi with second
joint ascending, rough-haired, terminal joint rather long, slender, clavate, porrected. Thorax
densely hairy above and beneath, with more or less developed median crest. Femora densely hairy.
Fore-wings in male without fovea ; vein 6 sometimes out of 9, 10 sometimes out of 9, connected
or anastomosing with 9, 11 sometimes out of 10, sometimes connected or anastomosing with 10."
— (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 56 and 57, neuration of Dedana floccosa, 58 head of ditto.)

We have seven species.

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. ' 95

DECLANA ATEONIVEA, Walk.
(Dctunda atronivea, Walk., Suppl. ii. 619. Chlenias (?) manxifera, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xii. (1879),

268, pi. ix 1. Dctunda atronivea, Meyr., ib. xvi. 101.)
(Plate X., fig. 33 2 , 34 2 ; Plate III., fig. 18, larva.)

This very handsome and conspicuous insect appears to be restricted to the North
Island, where it is rather rare. It has occurred at Wellington, Otaki, and Napier.

The expansion of the wings of the male is If inches, of the female nearly 2 inches. The fore-
wings are brilliant shining white, with numerous black markings ; these consist chiefly of three
irregular branching transverse bands, and a series of wedge-shaped spots on the terrnen ; the
larger markings are brownish in the centre. The hind-wings are dark grey, becoming almost
black on the termen, with a fine wavy transverse black line.

This species varies considerably in the size and shape of the black markings on
the fore-wings, which are often slightly different on the opposite sides, in the same
specimen.

The eggs of this moth are oval in shape, slightly roughened on the surface and
light blue in colour. They are deposited towards the end of October. The young larva
escapes by gnawing a hole out of the side.

"When first hatched it is dull brownish-black, with creamy- white lateral lines and prolegs ;
the head is reddish. It feeds on Panax arborea. After the first moult the lateral lines become
much wider, especially towards the head. After the second moult the two dorsal tubercles are
fully developed, the thoracic segments much swollen and flattened above, the latter bearing traces
of the black markings of the full-grown larva. After the third moult the larva becomes a dark
brownish colour inclining to chocolate on the dorsal surface. The characteristic markings on the
penultimate and anal segments of the adult larva now appear, and the dorsal tubercles are yellowish
in colour ; the extra prolegs are very small, and are visible as wart-like appendages on the lower
surface of the tenth segment.

The full-grown caterpillar is a remarkable-looking animal. The head is very small ; the first
three segments of the body are enormously swollen and flattened above, the flattened portions being
white, with several small black ring-shaped markings ; there is a pair of large yellowish tubercles
on the dorsal surface of the seventh segment, and two smaller ones on the tenth and eleventh
segments ; the larva is much stouter towards the posterior extremity, especially behind the ninth
segment ; the penultimate segment is furnished with a large creamy-white ridge, starting on the
back and proceeding downwards and forwards ; the extra pair of prolegs is small and only occa-
sionally used in walking. The general colour of the larva is brownish- or blackish-green ; the
tenth and eleventh segments are generally darker, and there are many fine parallel lines of
darker colouring on the central portions of the larva ; the whole insect is also speckled with
black ; the spiracles are red. The larva varies a good deal in colour, but its peculiar structure
will at once distinguish it from any other.

These larvae often coil themselves up when at rest, clinging firmly with their large
prolegs to their food-plant. Whilst thus engaged they have a very remarkable
appearance. I have not yet ascertained the precise object of the peculiar shape and
coloration of this caterpillar. It appears to resemble very closely a lichen-covered twig,
but I suspect in this case there is something more special aimed at.

In connection with this subject, it is noteworthy that the flattened extremities of the
elytra of the beetle, Ectopsis ferrugalis, closely resemble in both shape and colour the
remarkable anterior segments of the larva of D. atronivea. As both insects feed on the
same plant, and thus exist under very similar conditions, it is highly probable that the
peculiarities have been independently acquired in each species for similar purposes.

The pupa is enclosed in a light cocoon amongst dead leaves, &c., on the surface of
the ground.

96 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

The perfect insect appears in February and March, and may sometimes be taken at
blossoms in the evening. It is also attracted by light, and has been found occasionally,
in the daytime, resting on tree-trunks. It hibernates during the winter, coming abroad
again the following spring to lay its eggs. I have observed that a good many pupae
from the autumnal brood do not emerge until September or October, so that the
insect evidently spends the winter both as a pupa and as an imago.

DECLANA EGEEGIA, Feld.

(Chknlas egrcgia, Peld. cxxxi. 24 ; Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xii. 268, pi. ix. 2. Dctunda cgrcgia,

Meyr., ib. xvi. 101.)
(Plate X., fig. 35.)

This very handsome insect has occurred in the South Island at Nelson, Christchurch,
Akaroa and the Otira Gorge.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are creamy-white ; there is a
small dark brown mark at the base, a broad transverse wavy brown band before the middle, a very large
four-cornered irregular brown mark beyond the middle, one of its corners touching the apex and the
other the tornus ; the termen is shaded with pale grey, and there is a series of faint brown marks on
the costa and dorsum. The hind-wings are dull white, darker towards the termen ; there are two
very faint transverse lines.

The perfect insect appears from November till February. It is a very rare species.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

DECLANA FLOCCOSA, Walk.

(Dcclana floccosa, Walk. xv. 1649. Argua scabra, Walk, xxviii. 448. Dcclana fcrcdayi, Butl., Proc.
Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 398, pi. xliii. 5. Declana nigrosparsa, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 500. Dcclana floccosa,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 102.)

(Plate X., figs. 39 to 43 $ varieties, 44 to 47 ? ditto.)

This species has occurred^ery commonly at Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
It is probably generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are pale greyish-white with
numerous small brownish-black streaks, exhibiting a slight concentration near the apex. The hind-
wings are dull white, clouded with greyish towards the termen.

This insect is so extremely variable that I have given descriptions of a few of the principal
varieties below ; all these forms may, however, be connected by specimens exhibiting every inter-
mediate gradation both in colour and in markings.

1. Fore-wings with several large brown spots near the middle.

2. Fore-wings covered with numerous black spots (formerly known as Declana nigrosparsa)

(fig- 47).

3. Fore-wings with two more or less conspicuous curved black or brown lines from costa to

dorsum (figs. 41, 42, and 44).

4. Fore-wings with these transverse lines joined by two others running parallel to dorsum and

costa.

5. Fore-wings with transverse lines and black spots (fig. 43).

6. Fore-wings diffused with dark greyish-black, except two broad bands of the original light

colour extending from costa to dorsum; hind-wings darker than usual (fig. 45).

7. Fore-wings with a dark brown central band ; hind-wings clouded with dark brown towards

termen, with a faint curved transverse line near the middle (figs. 39 and 40).

All these varieties occasionally have tufts of orange-yellow scales on both the wings and on the
body, and they also vary in other minor particulars (fig. 46).

The egg of this insect when first laid is oval in shape and light green in colour, becoming bronzy
a few days before the emergence of the larva. The young larva is very attenuated, with only ten legs.

II, THE NOTODONTINA. 97

Its colour is pale yellow striped with brownish-pink near the segmental divisions. It is very active,
and does not devour the egg-shell after emergence.

The full-grown larva has the body much flattened underneath. In colour it is pale brownish-
pink, with numerous irregular darker markings, which in some specimens almost form two broad sub-
dorsal lines. The under surface of the larva is pale green. There is a series of fleshy filaments
of a pinkish-brown colour along each side of the insect, and an extra pair of prolegs on the ninth
segment.

This caterpillar is, however, very variable, its colouring appearing to depend largely
on its surroundings. The favourite food-plants are Leptospermum ericoides and Aristotelia
racemosa. The larvae found on the former plant are usually pale yellowish-brown, whilst
those from the latter are much darker brown, often mottled with grey like the stems of the
Aristotelia. A specimen I once found on a mountain beech (Fagus cliff ortioides), the
gnarled stem and branches of which were covered with grey lichens and mosses, was
mottled with the most beautiful shades of greenish-grey. These larval varieties are very
interesting, and in order to test the direct influence of food on the colouring of the larvae,
I once divided a batch of eggs deposited by a single female into two equal parts, and fed
one half on Aristotelia, and the other half on Leptospermum. The differences in colouring
between the two lots of larvae thus treated were, however, of the most trivial description.
This somewhat surprised me at first, as I had previously observed quite distinct varieties
on each plant, when found in a state of nature. Hence I am now disposed to think that
these differences have been brought about gradually, by natural selection acting on larvae
feeding on the same plant for a large number of generations. By this means a sufficient
amount of variation might be accumulated, to cause the closest possible approximation in
colouring to the stems of the several food-plants. It is also noteworthy that many of
these food-plants grow in widely dissimilar localities, so that the free inter-breeding of insects
dependent on them would not be likely to occur, and thus the peculiarities of colouring
adapted to the stems of each food-plant would not be disturbed by the effects of inter-
breeding.

In connection with the foregoing experiment it is also interesting to observe, that
the specimens fed on Aristotelia matured much more rapidly than those on Leptospermum;
the former plant evidently being the more nourishing food for the larvae. Also that out
of the batch fed on Aristotelia 28 became moths, of which 12 were males and 16 females ;
whilst out of those fed on Leptospermum only 24 became moths, of which 15 were males
and 9 females. In all other respects, excepting food-plant, the two lots of larvae were
subjected to identical treatment.

During the day this larva rests quietly attached to the stem of its food-plant, where
it is very difficult to detect, as the filaments so closely embrace the twig or tree-trunk that
the whole insect exactly resembles a swelling in the stem.

The pupa of D. floccosa is enclosed in a loose cocoon on the surface of the ground.

The perfect insect appears about September, and continues in more or less abundance
until the end of April. There are most likely several broods in a season, and, as we
frequently meet with specimens of the moth on mild days in the middle of winter, it
probably also hibernates.

This insect is usually observed at rest on fences and tree-trunks, where its grey
mottled colouring causes it to closely resemble a patch of lichen.

13

98 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

DECLANA JUNCTILINEA, Feld.
(Plate X., fig. 37 <? , 38 2.)

This species has occurred occasionally in the Wellington Botanical Gardens. It
is no doubt found elsewhere, but I cannot give any other localities with certainty.

The expansion of the wings of the male in 1£ inches, of the female If inches. The fore-wings
of the male are pale yellowish-brown, with two indistinct, irregular, transverse darker lines near the
base, a conspicuous curved line a little beyond the middle, followed by a blackish patch ; there is a
series of very fine parallel oblique brown stripes on the costa, and several series of curved, blackish
marks near the termen, and on the central portions of the wing. The fore-wings of the female are
much greyer, with a conspicuous, irregular, white streak from the apex towards the dorsum, the
central portions of the wing are white, and, with the exception of the fine, oblique costal stripes, the
other markings of the male are usually absent. The hind-wings of both sexes are dull ochreous. The
strongly pectinated antennae of the male, and the oblique costal markings of both sexes, will at once
distinguish this species from any of the varieties of Declana floccosa.

This moth varies in the intensity of the markings, which in some specimens
are very indistinct.

The perfect insect appears from November till March. It is generally captured
on blossoms in the evening.

DECLANA HEEMIONE, n. sp.
(Plate X., fig. 36.)

A single specimen of this very handsome insect was captured at Khandallah near
Wellington.

The expansion of the wings is 1^ inches. The fore-wings are bright purplish-brown, clouded with
silvery-white towards the middle and on the termen ; there is a very fine oblique chocolate-brown mark
at the base, a broad broken transverse band at about one-eighth ; a fine curved transverse line at
about three-fourths, shaded towards the termen ; there are four wavy brown marks on the termen
inclining obliquely upwards towards the costa ; the termen itself is narrowly edged with chocolate-
brown. The cilia are silvery mixed with brown ; the termen is very strongly bowed. The hind-
wings are grey, shaded with purplish-grey towards the termen ; the cilia are grey.

The type specimen was captured at sugar in November.

DECLANA GEISEATA, n. sp.
(Plate X., fig. 32 2 .)

This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Lake Wakatipu
in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1J inches, of the female If inches. The fore-wings
are dull slaty-grey, with a slightly paler central band ; there is a fine oblique wavy transverse line at
about one-fourth, another at about one-half, and indications of a third at about three-fourths ; nume-
rous minute black streaks are thickly scattered over the wing, especially near the base and the termen ;
the outline of the termen is very slightly scalloped. The hind-wings are pale grey, darker near the
termen. The body is very dark slaty-grey. The antenna of the male are not bi-pectinated.

The perfect insect appears in January, and is attracted by light. It is a scarce
species.

DECLANA NIVEATA, Butl.

(Declana niveata, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 500. Atossa nivcata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 104.)

This species has occurred at Dunedin, in the South Island.

" The expansion of the wings of the male is 30 mm. (about 1£ inches). Fore-wings elongate-
triangular, costa somewhat sinuate, termen rounded, dentate ; dull white, faintly irrorated with grey ;
costa marked with short indistinct dark grey direct strigulse ; an irregular line towards base, and
another twice angulated about two-thirds, obscurely indicated by dark grey scales ; some scattered

II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 99

dark grey strigulae before termen. Hind-wings moderate, termen crenate, angularly projecting in
middle ; wholly white.

" I took one fine specimen at rest on a tree-trunk near Dunedin, in February." —
(Meyrick.)

Family 6.— SPHINGIDJE.

" Head with dense appressed hairs. Ocelli absent. Eyes glabrous. Antennae thickened towards
middle or posteriorly, in male ciliated with partial whorls. Labial palpi moderate, ascending, with dense
projecting scales. Thorax densely hairy beneath. Femora densely hairy. Fore-wings with vein lb
furcate, 6 out of 8, 9 absent (rarely present in exceptional individuals). Hind-wings with veins 3 and
4 approximated at base, 5 from middle of transverse vein, parallel to 4, 6 and 7 connate or stalked,
8 connected by oblique bar with margin of cell before middle, more or less approximated to 7 near
beyond cell." (Plate I., figs. 12 and 13, neuration of Deilephila [after Meyrick] .)

" This family is generally distributed, but is most plentiful in the tropics. The
images are usually large insects, with stout, heavy bodies, elongate-triangular fore-wings
with very oblique termen, and relatively small hind-wings ; the wing muscles are very
strong, and the flight exceptionally powerful. Ovum spheroidal, smooth. Larva stout,
usually with an oblique, projecting anal horn, anterior segments sometimes retractile
or raised in repose. Pupa subterranean." — (Meyrick.)

Only one genus is represented in New Zealand, viz., Sphinx.

Genus 1.— SPHINX.

" Tongue strongly developed. Antennas less than one-half, gradually thickened to apex, then
pointed, apex slender, hooked. Thorax with low double posterior tuft. Abdomen smooth, broad,
conical, pointed. Tibiae with appressed scales.

" A moderately large genus, ranging over the whole world, but principally cha-
racteristic of America. Imago flying at dusk, feeding on the wing." — (Meyrick.)

This genus is represented in New Zealand by one almost cosmopolitan species.

SPHINX CONVOLVULI, L.

(Protoparce distans, But!. Sphinx convolvuli, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 213.)
(Plate XIII., fig. 1. ; Plate III., figs. 13 and 14 varieties of larvae.)

This handsome insect often occurs in the northern portions of the North Island,
but becomes very rare southward of Napier and New Plymouth. In the South Island
it has been taken at Nelson, and recently a very mutilated specimen of what appears
to be this species has been found by Mr. Philpott, near West Plains, Invercargill. With
these exceptions I have not heard of its appearance in any other localities in the South
Island.

The expansion of the wings is about 3J inches. The fore-wings are greyish-brown with several
irregular, darker markings near the base ; and a broad, dark, central band ; beyond the central band
there is a very irregular, pale grey, toothed line. The hind-wings are yellowish-grey, with four trans-
verse, darker stripes, the outermost one strongly toothed. The head and thorax are dark grey, paler
on the back, with two conspicuous tufts of pale grey hair on the shoulders. The abdomen is grey,
striped on the sides with rose-colour and black.

The larva feeds on Convolvuhts. Like many of the caterpillars of the Spkingidte,
there are two very distinct varieties : one is bright green, with white spiracles, and
a series of diagonal yellow lines above them ; the other is dull yellowish-brown,
with broad blackish-brown dorsal and ventral lines, and a series of triangular blackish
spots above the spiracles, which in this variety are jet-black. In both these forms of

100 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

larvae the anal horn is dark red tipped with black, and the skin is covered with numerous
fine wrinkles. The length of the caterpillar when full grown is 3i inches.

About the middle or end of February these larvae generally bury themselves in
the ground, where they are transformed into pupae. They remain in that condition until
the following summer.

The pupa is about 2 inches in length and is of a dark mahogany-brown colour. It
is furnished with a large curved process, projecting from the lower side of the head, and
containing the enormous proboscis of the future moth.

The perfect insect appears in November and December. It flies with incredible
velocity at evening dusk, and is often observed hovering over flowers, and whilst poised
in the air above them, extracts the honey with its long proboscis. Mr. A. P. Buller has
very kindly furnished me with the following interesting notes on the habits of this
species, as observed by him in the Auckland district :—

" During the summer of 1879 I came across 8. convolmdi in great numbers, near
Ohinemutu, in the Hot Lake district, frequenting at dusk a tall, delicately perfumed
meadow flower (CEnothera biennis, commonly called the evening primrose). They
were to be seen on the wing soon after sundown, and on warm, still evenings literally
swarmed. It was an extremely pretty sight to watch their rapid movements as they
darted from flower to flower, never alighting, and keeping up a constant vibration of
their wings as they probed the yellow blossoms. They appeared to be extremely local,
for I only met with them on a few of the grassy slopes round the shores of Lake
Kotorua. I visited the same locality two years later, at the same season, and only o_
occasionally saw one, although the evening primrose was in full bloom at the time. In
1882 I captured several at flowers of the trumpet-tree (Brugmansia) in a garden
near Auckland. The same summer I found large numbers of the larvae at Waiwera
(near Auckland), on a species of convolvulus growing in profusion on the sandhills
in the vicinity. Although the larvae were so abundant I never came across the perfect
insect. I obtained some twenty or thirty of the pupas, but unfortunately was never
successful in hatching out the imago. As far as my knowledge goes, this beautiful moth
is confined to the Auckland and Waikato districts, although I have heard of a single
specimen being taken in Hawkes Bay."

I am also much indebted to Mr. Buller for the loan of a very perfect specimen
of this moth, expressly lent to me for figuring and describing in the present work.

Mr. Meyrick informs us that this insect occurs throughout Europe, Asia, Africa,
Australia and the islands of the South Pacific, wherever a suitable situation is found,
and has been met with far out at sea.* In America it is represented by a form which
seems to be regarded as specifically distinct, but which he thinks is probably identical.
If this be the case the insect is practically cosmopolitan.

* 'Trans. N. Z. Inst.' xxii. 214.

101

III.- THE L ASIOC A M PI N A.

Not represented in New Zealand.

IV. --THE PAPILIONINA.

The Papilionina are distinguished by the following characters :—

"Head rough-haired. Ocelli absent. Tongue developed. Antennae slender, dilated apically,
forming a gradual or abrupt club. Labial palpi moderately long, more or less rough-haired,
terminal joint rather pointed. Maxillary palpi obsolete. Thorax more or less hairy. Fore-
wings with 16 simple, Ic absent, 5 usually from or above middle of transverse vein. Hind-
wings without frenulum, Ic absent, 8 and 4 usually connate, 8 rising out of cell near base, rapidly
diverging."— (Meyrick.) (See Plate I., figs. 7, 8, 15, 16, 25, 26, 27.)

This is one of the most interesting groups of the Lepidoptera. The insects
comprised in it are popularly known as butterflies, and from their bright colouring
and conspicuous appearance are always favourites with beginners. The Papilionina
attain great development in the tropics, especially in South America, where, it is
said, a single valley sometimes contains as many species as the whole of Europe.
In New Zealand there are only fifteen species of butterflies, the group being extremely
poorly represented both here and in the South Pacific Islands.

Formerly the Papilionina was known as the Rliopalocera, and was regarded
as constituting a division of equivalent value to the remainder of the Lepidoptera,
which was termed the Heterocera. For some time past entomologists have, how-
ever, practically abandoned this classification of the order, the Heterocera, or moths,
being clearly composed of several groups each of equivalent value to the Rliopalocera,
or butterflies. Mr. Meyrick states in his ' Handbook of British Lepidoptera ' that
the Papilionina " stands rather conspicuously isolated at the present day, but there
is little doubt that its origin must be traced to the Thyrididce, a family of the
Pyralidina."

In this group the wings are generally held erect in repose, the under surface of
the hind-wings and the apical portion of the under surface of the fore-wings being
nearly always protectively coloured, these being portions of the wings exposed to
view when the insect is at rest. There is an unusual amount of ornamental colouring
on the upper surface. The flight is invariably diurnal. The larva has ten prolegs.

The three following families of Papilionina are represented in New Zealand :—
1. NYMPHALLD.&. 2. SATYRID.E. 3. LYC^ENID^E.

102 'r „ NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

ywsc^iJAv

Family 1.— NYMPHALID^E.

"Anterior legs in both sexes much reduced, useless for walking; posterior tibise without
middle spurs. Fore-wings with veins 8 and 9 out of 7. Hind-wings with praecostal spur."
(Plate I., figs. 7 and 8.)

" An extremely large family, mainly tropical. The species are of large or
moderate size, usually dark-coloured, with light or bright bands or rows of spots.

" Ovum cylindrical or sub-conical, ribbed and often reticulated. Larva with
pairs of tentacles or more usually series of bristly spines. Pupa exposed, suspended
by the tail, often angular or with metallic spots." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate III.,
figs. 1, 2, and 3 larvae, 27, 31 and 32 pupae.)

We have three genera represented in New Zealand :—

1. ANOSIA. 2. VANESSA. 3. JUNONIA.

Genus 1.— ANOSIA.

" Eyes glabrous. Club of antennae elongate, gradual. Fore-wings with vein 10 separate.
Hind- wings with transverse vein present." (Plate I., figs. 7 and 8, neuration of A. erippus.*)

" A genus of moderate extent, generally distributed within the tropics, with two
or three species ranging beyond them. Imago with terinen of fore-wings sub-
concave. Larva with pairs of long tentacles. Both larva and imago are protected
by a strong nauseous scent, or taste, and are uneatable to birds." — (Meyrick.)

We have two species in New Zealand.

ANOSIA EEIPPUS, Or.
(Papilla archippus, Fabricius, Spec. Ins., p. 55, n. 243 (1781). Danais archippus, Butler, Butterflies of

N. Z., Trans. N. Z. Inst. x. 265. Anosia plexippus, L.)

(Plate XI., fig. 1, fig. 2 under side; Plate III., fig. 3 larva, fig. 27 pupa.)
This handsome insect has occurred from time to time at various localities in
both the North and the South Islands, but does not appear to be generally common.
Particulars of the early captures of this butterfly are thus given by Mr. Enys ° :
"First recorded as a New Zealand insect by Mr. Fereday, in a paper read before
the Canterbury Institute, January 2, 1874, and printed in vol. vi. of ' Transactions.'
Mr. Fereday received the butterfly from F. H. Meinertzhagen, of Hawkes Bay. 'Dr.
Hector also obtained it in Westland. It has also been caught near Auckland. In
vol. xi. of ' Transactions ' Mr. F. W. Sturm records that he first saw this insect, or
a closely allied one, at the Keinga, up the Wairoa Eiver, Hawkes Bay, December,
1840, or January, 1841. In 1848 he captured a number at the Waiau, a tributary
to that river. Again in 1861 he captured three on the Kangitikei Eiver near Mr.
Birch's run. He also records other captures." From these records it will be seen
that the insect was observed as early as 1840, and it thus seems scarcely probable
that it was accidentally introduced by man, as Mr. Butler appears to suppose.!
Recently A. erippus has occurred many times in the neighbourhood of Cook's Straits.
In 1879 several specimens were bred from larvae found by Mr. C. W. Lee near
Wangaehu. In 1881 I captured two specimens near Nelson and saw three others.
In 1890 two specimens were taken by Mr. E. I. Kingsley, and in January of the
following year I captured two more, all near Nelson. During the autumn of 1892

* 'Catalogue of N. 2. Butterflies,' p. 21. t 'Trans. N. Z. Inst.' x. 265.

IV.— THE PAPILTONTNA. 103

one specimen was taken near Otaki by Mr. Rutherford, and several others were
seen. The same year a specimen was also taken by Sir James Hector at Petone.
In 1896, I understand from Mr. Kingsley, several specimens were again seen in the
Nelson district.

The expansion of the wings is from 3f to 4£ inches. Above, all the wings are rich orange-
brown bordered with black, the veins are also black. There are two rows of small white spots
round the margins of all the wings, and several orange-brown spots near the apex of the fore-
wings. Beneath, the markings are similar, except that the white spots are larger, and the hind-
wings are very pale yellowish-brown. The male has a black chitinous spot on vein 2 of the hind-
wings which is wanting in the female ; the wing-veins in the male are also slightly narrower.

The larva of this insect feeds on most of the different kinds of milkweed
(Asdepias), and also upon dogbane (Apocynum) . A single caterpillar, fully grown,
which was found in a building in the centre of the town of Wellington, formed the
subject from which the figures of the metamorphosis of this insect were taken, but
this specimen did not afford sufficient material for an exhaustive investigation of the
life-history. The following account, taken from Professor Eiley's 'Third Annual
Report of the Noxious, Beneficial, and other Insects of the State of Missouri,' is
therefore inserted :—

" The egg is invariably deposited on the under side of a leaf, and is conical and delicately
reticulate with longitudinal ribs, and fine transverse striae. It is yellowish when first deposited,
but becomes grey as the embryo within develops.

"In about five days after laying the egg hatches, and the young larva as soon as hatched
usually turns round and devours its egg-shell — a custom very prevalent with young caterpillars.
At this stage it differs considerably from the mature larva ; it is perfectly cylindrical, about 0'12
inch long, and of much the same thickness throughout. The head is jet black and polished ;
the colour of the body is pale greenish-white, with the anterior and posterior horns showing as
mere black conical joints, and with two transverse-oval black warts, nearer together, on the first
joint. It is covered with minute black bristles, arising from still more minute warts.

"When the young larva is three or four days old a dusky band appears across the middle
of each joint, and by the fifth or sixth day it spins a carpet of silk upon the leaf, and prepares
for its first moult. After the first moult the anterior horns are as long as the thoracic legs,
the posterior ones being somewhat shorter ; the characteristic black stripes show quite distinctly,
but the white and yellow stripes more faintly. After this it undergoes but slight change in
appearance, except that the colours become brighter, and that at each successive moult the horns
become relatively longer. There are but three moults, and the intervals between them are short,
as the larvae frequently acquire their full growth within three weeks from hatching.

" As soon as the larva is full grown it spins a little tuft of silk to the under
side of whatever object it may be resting upon, and after entangling the hooks of
its hind legs in the silk it lets go the hold of its other legs and hangs down, with
the head and anterior joints of the body curved. In this position it hangs for about
twenty-four hours, during which the fluids of the body naturally gravitate towards
the upturned joints, until the latter become so swollen that at last, by a little effort
on the part of the larva, the skin bursts along the back behind the head. Through
the rent thus made the anterior portion of the pupa is protruded, and by constant
stretching and contracting the larval skin is slipped and crowded backwards until
there is but a small shrivelled mass gathered around the tail. Now comes the critical
period — the culminating point.

" The soft and supple chrysalis, yet showing the elongate larval form with
distinct traces of its prolegs, hangs heavily from the shrunken skin. From this skin

104 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

it is to be extricated and firmly attached to the silk outside. It has neither legs
nor arms, and we should suppose that it would inevitably fall while endeavouring to
accomplish this object. But the task is performed with the utmost surety, though
appearing so perilous to us. The supple and contractile joints of the abdomen are
made to subserve the purpose of legs, and by suddenly grasping the shrunken larval
skin between the folds of two of these joints as with a pair of pincers, the chrysalis
disengages the tip of its body and hangs for a moment suspended. Then with a few
earnest, vigorous, jerking movements it succeeds in sticking the horny point of its
tail into the silk, and firmly fastening it by means of a rasp of minute claws with
which that point is furnished. Sometimes severe effort is needed before the point is
properly fastened, and the chrysalis frequently has to climb by stretching the two
joints above those by which it is suspended, and clinging hold of the shrivelled skin
further up. The moment the point is fastened the chrysalis commences, by a series
of violent jerkings and whirlings, to dislodge the larval skin, after which it rests
from its efforts and gradually contracts and hardens. The really active work lasts
but a few minutes, and the insect rarely fails to go through with it successfully.
The chrysalis is a beautiful object, and as it hangs pendant from some old fence-
board or from the under side of an Asclepias leaf, it reminds one of some large ear-
drop; but, though the jeweller could successfully imitate the form, he might well
despair of ever producing the clear pale-green and the ivory-black and golden marks
which so characterize it.

" The chrysalis state lasts but a short time, as is the case with all those which
are known to suspend themselves nakedly by the tail. At the end of about the tenth
day the dark colours of the future butterflies begin to show through the delicate and
transparent skin, and suddenly this skin bursts open near the head, and the new-
born butterfly gradually extricates itself, and stretching forth its legs and clambering
on to some surrounding object, allows its moist, thickened, and contracted wings to
hang listlessly from the body."

The perfect insect appears in March and April, hibernated specimens being met
with in the spring. It is a most striking species on the wing, and one which, when
once seen, is not likely to be forgotten.

ANOSIA BOLJNA, L.

(Diadema iicrina, Butler, Butterflies of N. Z., p. 13. Female.— Papilio nerina, Fabr., Syst. Bnt., p. 509,
n. 277 (1775); Donovan, Ins. of New Holland, pi. 27, fig. 1 (1805). Papilio iphigenia, Pap. Exot., 1,
pi. Ixvii., figs. D, E, (1775). Var. Papilio proserpina, Cramer, Pap. Exot., 3, pi. ecxviii., figs. C, D,
(1782). Male ? Papilio augc, Cramer, Pap. Exot., 2, pi. cxc., figs. A, B (1779).)

(Plate XII., fig. 7 $ , 8 2 , 9 under side.)

This fine species appears to be rare in New Zealand, but I think it has now
occurred often enough to entitle it to a place amongst our native butterflies. The
following is a list of the captures so far as I am able to ascertain them : —

From Mr. Eny's 'Catalogue of New Zealand Butterflies'0 the first specimen taken
appears to have been a male, which was captured by Dr. Sinclair, of Auckland, and
sent to the British Museum before the year 1855. The Eev. Eichard Taylor also
caught one, male specimen in his garden at Wanganui, and saw another, the only

• ' Cat. N. Z. Butterflies,' p. 22.

IV.— THE PAPILIONINA. 105

two he observed in thirty-four years. Dr. Baker saw one in his garden at Christ-
church on lilac flowers, also a male. Mr. K. W. Fereday * records the capture of the
first female specimen by a son of Mr. Thomas Tanner, near Napier, in January, 1876.
On the 18th of March, 1885, Mr. K. I. Kingsley f took a fine female specimen in
Nelson, and on the 25th of March, 1886, I saw another female specimen in the same
locality ; I also understand that quite a number of specimens of both sexes have
been recently captured in the neighbourhood of Auckland.]:

From the foregoing records, I think that there are very good reasons for
regarding this as an indigenous species, as it is very improbable that such a large
number of specimens would have been accidentally introduced to the various localities
at so many different times.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 3£ inches, of the female 4 inches. On the
upper side all the wings of the male are rich brownish-black, with a large white blotch in the
middle of each, surrounded by a patch of brilliant flashing blue ; there is also a small white
spot near the apex of the fore-wings and a series of white crescent-shaped markings on the
termen of all the wings. The fore-wings of the female are brownish-black, with a patch of deep
orange-brown near the tornus ; there is a series of four very large oval white spots on the costa,
beyond the middle, a smaller white spot near the apex, and three rows of small white marks
parallel to the termen ; the hind-wings are brownish-black, with a broad white band across the
middle, several small white spots, and a double series of white markings parallel to the termen ;
all the wings of the female have brilliant bluish reflections near the white spots. On the under side
the wings of both sexes arc rich brown with white markings, and a double series of white
crescents on the termen.

The female appears to be very variable in almost every respect.

The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. From its large
size and brilliant colouring it is easily recognised. Although rare in New Zealand,
it is very common in Australia. It also occurs in Java, New Guinea and the
Loyalty Islands. A smaller representative is found in Samoa (Aiiosia otalieitce,
Feld.), which is probably only a variety of this species.

The figures and descriptions of this insect are taken from Australian specimens,
which were kindly forwarded to me by the late Mr. Olliff.

Genus 2.— VANESSA.

Eyes hairy. Club of antennae abrupt. Fore-wings with vein 10 separate. Hind-wings
with transverse vein present.

" A moderate genus, principally characteristic of the Northern Hemisphere. Larva
with six or seven rows of bristly spines. Pupa with angular prominences, often with
golden metallic spots."-— Meyrick.

Of this very beautiful and interesting genus we have three species in New Zealand.

VANESSA GONEEILLA, Fabr.
(Papilia gonerilla, Fabricius, Syst. Ent. p. 498, n. 237 (1775) ; Donovan, Ins. New Holland, pi. 25, fig. 2

(1805). Vanessa gonerilla, White in Taylor's New Zealand, pi. 2, fig. 1 (1855).)
(Plate XII., fig. 5, 6 under side; Plate III., figs. 1 and 2 larvae, 31 and 32 pupae.)
This handsome insect is the most familiar of New Zealand butterflies. It is
very common and generally distributed throughout the country.

' 'Trans. N. Z. Institute,' ix. 463. 1 Ibid, xviii. 205.

J Since writing the above, I have been informed by Mr. Kingsley that one male specimen of A. bolina was taken
at Wakapuaka, in 1896, and two others reported as seen at Collingwood and Nelson in March, 1897. Mr. A. P. Buller has
also kindly informed me of the capture of a male specimen in perfect condition, at Ohau, Manawatu district, in March, 1898.

14

106 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEKA.

The expansion of the wings varies from 2$ to 2f inches. Above, all the wings are black,
becoming bronzy towards the body. The fore-icings have a band of dark red nearly across the
middle, and a series of three small blue spots, and three larger white spots near the apex. The
hind-wings have a broad dark red band near the termen, containing two pairs of black spots with
blue centres. On the under side the fore-wings are dark brown, with a broad patch of red in the
middle, and a very conspicuous eye-like mark on the costa, consisting of a black central spot
surrounded by a blue ring, and encircled by a yellow crescent towards the termen. The hind-wings
are brownish-grey, with many darker and paler markings ; the four spots on the upper surface
are faintly indicated on the under side by blackish rings and central dots ; the colouring of the
under side varies a good deal. It is considerably darker and duller in some specimens than
in others.

The egg, which is deposited on a nettle-leaf, is barrel-shaped, ornamented with a series
of longitudinal ribs meeting in a central spot on the top. It is pale green, with the ribs white.
The young larva, when first hatched, is dusky-yellow, with the spines black. In about a week
it moults for the first time, and is then of an almost uniform brown, with the lateral lines faintly
indicated. Ten days later it again sheds its skin, after which time the white lateral markings
are considerably stronger. The full-grown, larva varies from black to reddish-brown, with
interrupted pale lateral and dorsal lines. On the third and fourth segments there are four spines, on
the fifth to eleventh seven spines ; the twelfth segment has six spines, and the thirteenth two spines.
There are numerous white dots all over the larva. The spines vary from pale green to black. The
caterpillar is considerably attenuated at each end, the central portions being somewhat swollen.
Length about 1J inches.

This caterpillar constructs for itself a small tent by fastening together several
of the leaves of its food-plant. In this dwelling it can feed, safely concealed
from all enemies. There are two kinds of nettles constituting the food of this
insect — one a small plant, which generally grows in little patches amongst ferns in
the forest (Urtica incisa), the other a large shrub or tree often found in rather
open situations near rivers (Urtica ferox). ' The shrub is easily recognised by the
formidable array of long, white spines which project from the midrib of each leaf.
The larvae of V. g oner-ilia are much more easily collected on the tree nettle than on
the dwarf species ; their leafy tents being easily detected by an examination of
the foliage. When once discovered the larvae are best obtained by cutting off, with
a pair of strong scissors, the leaves which form their habitations. Like most larvae
of the genus Vanessa, these caterpillars are extremely voracious and soon eat them-
selves out of house and home. Those feeding on the tree nettle have an unlimited
supply of leaves available both for food and shelter, but in the case of larvae,
which are dependent on the dwarf nettle for their supplies, no doubt individuals must
occasionally die of starvation, as we sometimes observe large patches of the Urtica
incisa completely destroyed by the larvae of this butterfly. In some seasons these
larva? may be found as early as the middle of September, and continue abundant
until the middle or end of January.

When full grown, this caterpillar suspends itself by the tail to a little patch of
silk, which it has spun on the under side of a leaf, having also drawn two or three
other leaves around it in the same way as the feeding larva. In this situation it
hangs, with the head and three anterior segments slightly curved upwards, for nearly
twenty-four hours before the transformation to the pupa state occurs. I have often
watched these larvae changing, and as their manoeuvres during the process exactly
resemble those of Anosia erippua a special description is unnecessary. mhe actual
transformation may be easily observed in this species, as the larva? are common and

TV.— THE PAPTLTONINA. 107

can be obtained in large numbers. It is well worth watching, and if a good many
specimens are kept at once, some of them are sure to change at a convenient time
for observation. The pupa varies from pale yellowish-brown to dark purplish-brown,
darker on the wing-cases and ventral surface. The spines on the back are golden.
The whole insect is also speckled with brown or black dots. The pupa varies
considerably in size as well as in colour. In this insect the pupa state is of very
short duration, usually only lasting about a fortnight. I am informed by Mr.
Helms that the pupa of Vanessa gonerilla is often destroyed by the common
hemipteron, Cermattihin nasalis, which penetrates its shell by means of its long
rostrum, and speedily consumes the liquid internal portions.

The perfect insect usually emerges early in the morning. It dries its wings for a
few hours whilst resting on the old nettle-leaves which formed its home when a larva.
The increasing warmth of the sunshine soon hardens the wings sufficiently to allow
the new-born butterfly to fly away.

This insect is very common in most situations from January till April. It lives
through the winter, appearing again on fine days towards the end of August. During the
spring and early summer these hibernated individuals occur in great profusion, a few
specimens always remaining until the earliest of the new ones have emerged ; so that about
December we may occasionally observe both hibernated and recent specimens together.

In the autumn these butterflies may be seen feeding on the flowers of the scabious
and the white rata, thus preparing for their long winter sleep. In the spring, however,
the insect is most abundant in the vicinity of the nettle-plants, where the females are
busily engaged depositing their eggs.

I have noticed that this insect possesses the power of emitting a distinct grating or
hissing noise, evidently closely resembling the sound, which has been observed to be
emitted by several European species of the genus.0 This sound is only made when a
specimen is roused from a semi-torpid condition ; and it is thought that it may be useful
to the insect for the purpose of intimidating intruders during its period of hibernation.

This butterfly is a rapid flier and may often be seen pursuing a straight course high
above the tree-tops, apparently migrating in search of fresh breeding-grounds. It appears
to have a singular liking for hill-tops, and a specimen which has selected one of these
places will keep on returning to the same spot, after being repeatedly frightened away. In
such situations, if the weather be calm and sunny, we may frequently see two specimens
engaged in aerial battle. They fly upwards, and coursing round each other with great
velocity, almost disappear in the clear blue sky. A few seconds later the two insects,
gently fanning their wings in the warm sunshine, are again seen in their respective places.

» VANESSA ITEA, Fabr.

(Papilio itea, Fabr., Syst. Bnt., p. 498, n. 238 (1775); Donovan Ins. New Holland, pi. 26, fig. 1
(1805). Vanessa itea, Godart, Enc. Meth. ix. p. 321, n. 57 (1819); White in Taylor's New Zealand, pi. 2,
figs. 2, 2 (1855). Bassaris itea, Hubner, Samml. Esot. Schmett. (1816-24). Pyrameis itea, Doubleday, Gen.
Diurn. Lepid., p. 202 (1849).)

(Plate XII., fig. 3, fig. 4 under side.)

This beautiful butterfly is, I believe, fairly abundant in the northern portions of the
North Island, but becomes scarcer southwards of Napier and New Plymouth. In the

* See notes by Mr. Stainton in the Ent. Mo. Mag., xxv. pp. 225, 268.

»A/lvv--

108 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEEA.

^

South Island I believe I once saw a specimen at Nelson, but beyond that I can find no
record of its occurrence there.

v}J *-^

The expansion of the wings is about 2 inches. The fore-wings are black, becoming reddish-brown
speckled with gold towards the base ; there is a very broad yellow band nearly across the middle, and
one yellow and two white spots near the apex. The hind-wings are rich reddish-brown, broadly
bordered with black, especially towards the costa ; there are four small black spots with blue centres
near the termen, and a blue stripe bordered with black at the tornus. The under surface closely
resembles that of Vanessa gonerilla, except that the red patch on the fore-wings is replaced by pale
yellow, and the markings on the hind-wings are more sharply defined.

The perfect insect appears from January till April, hibernated specimens occurring in
the spring. It is very fond of selecting a perch on the top of a hill, and often engages in
violent encounters with Vanessa gonerilla. During the contest both insects course round
each other with great rapidity, and generally ascend to a considerable elevation. They
almost invariably return to their former resting-places. This is a fortunate habit for the
collector, as it frequently enables him to ultimately capture a specimen, which he has
almost touched with the net on several previous occasions. I have noticed this propensity
to return to a favourite perch in the European species of the genus Vanessa, so that it is
most likely a congenital habit, probably of great antiquity.

This insect has a fine appearance when flying ; the large yellow spots on the fore-
wings are then very conspicuous, and ensure its immediate and certain recognition.

VANESSA CAEDUI, L.

(Vanessa cardui, L. Cynthia kershawii, McCoy, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist, iv., vol. i. p. 76 (1868).
Pyrameis cardui, var. P. kershawii, Butler, Erebus and Terror Lep., p. 29 (1874).)

(Plate XII., fig. 1, 2 under side.)

This elegant butterfly occurs throughout both islands, but is very irregular in its
appearance. In some years it is quite abundant, whilst in others scarcely a specimen will
be seen. During the summer of 1889-1890 it was extremely plentiful in the Wellington
district, being at that time much commoner than Vanessa gonerilla, but its appearance in
such large numbers as this was, I think, very exceptional.

The expansion of the wings varies from 2 to 2£ inches. Above, all the wings are orange-red,
spotted and mottled with black. The fore-wings are bronzy towards the base ; in the black apex there
are five white spots. Near the termen of the hind- wings three of the black spots have blue centres.
On the under side of the fore-wings the markings are very similar to those on the upper side, except
that there are several additional white blotches, and the orange-red ground colour has a rosy blush
towards the base. The hind-wings are very beautifully mottled with an elaborate series of pale brown,
purplish-grey, yellowish-brown, and white markings ; three of the large spots near the termen have
pale blue centres.

I have not yet met with the larva of this insect, neither can I find any record of its
having been observed in New Zealand. The following description by Mr. Stainton is
taken from a European specimen : ° " The spiny larva is brown with two dorsal and two
lateral yellow lines ; on the third, fourth, and twelfth segments there are four spines ; on
the fifth to eleventh segments seven spines, and on the thirteenth two spines ; it feeds
solitarily in rolled thistle-leaves."

The perfect insect appears in January, February, March and April, hibernated
specimens occurring from August until December. It is a much more wary butterfly than
either Vanessa gonerilla or V. itea, and can seldom be captured after it has once been

* ' British Butterflies and Moths,' p. 103.

TV.— THE PAPTLIONTNA. 109

disturbed, although it will often return to the same spot several times in succession. In
fact, owing to its extreme timidity, its capture is generally attended with some difficulty.

This insect is found almost throughout the entire world. In specimens from the
Northern Hemisphere the black spots on the hind-wings have no blue centres, and the
butterflies are a little larger than those found in the Southern Hemisphere, otherwise the
two insects are exactly alike. The southern form has been called V. kershawii by several
writers, but the differences do not appear to me to be sufficiently important to merit a
distinct specific name, especially as both forms occur together in South Africa.

This insect has frequently been observed at various places on the European Continent
migrating in vast swarms ; and it seems probable that its strong migratory instinct may
have led to its enormously wide range at the present time.

Genus 3.— JUNONIA.

" Eyes glabrous. Club of antennre abrupt. Fore-wings, with vein 10 separate. Hind-wings
with transverse vein, absent between veins 4 and 5." (Meyrick.) .
We have one species in New Zealand.

JUNONIA VELLEDA.
(Plate XI., fig. 16, fig. 17 under side.)

This butterfly was very common in the neighbourhood of Wellington during the
summer of 1886-87. To the best of my knowledge the insect had not previously been
observed in New Zealand, but I understand from Mr. E. Holloway that he has since met
with it on the sea-coast near New Plymouth, in 1893, and at Motueka in 1898.

The expansion of the wings is nearly 2 inches. On the xipper side all the wings are dull blackish-
brown, with greenish or bronzy reflections. The fore-wings-have two broad orange-brown stripes on
the costa, and a very large patch of the same colour along the termen, containing a large black spot
ivith a bluish-white centre ; there are three irregular whitish marks near the apex of the wing, and a
minute blue-centred ocellus. The hind-wings have two very large orange-broivn spots almost touching
each other near the termen ; each of these contains a large blue-centred ocellus in the middle ; there are
also two terminal rows of brown crescent-shaped markings. Underneath, the markings of the fore-
wings resemble those of the upper side, but they are very much paler, and the ground colour is light
brown. The hind-wings arc pale brown, with a wavy black line across the middle, followed by
a brown shading towards the termen ; there are also four small round black spots and a series of
irregular black dots near the termen.

The perfect insect occurred very plentifully in December, January and February,
and was fond of settling on barren, stony places in the hot sunshine. It was very timid
and difficult to catch, darting off with great rapidity when approached. During the
season I managed to secure about nine specimens, some of them in very good condition.
I am unable to explain the sudden appearance of this butterfly in New Zealand during
the above-mentioned year. The large numbers, which were observed over extended areas,
almost seem to forbid its accidental importation from Australia, whilst the distance of
New Zealand from that continent would render immigration a most unlikely circumstance.
On the other hand, if the insect is a regular inhabitant of this country, it is strange that
it had never before been observed. When on the wing, its superficial resemblance to
Vanessa cardui may have led to its having been overlooked, and hence it is very
desirable that entomologists should use every effort to detect it in the future.

According to Mr. Olliff, this butterfly has a very wide geographical range, being

110 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPTDOPTEKA.

found in Java, Sumatra, Tasmania and all parts of the Australian Continent. About the
year 1830 it was described by Stephens, in his ' British Entomology,' under the name
of Cynthia liampstediensis, on account of its having been taken at Hampstead, the well-
known suburb of London. Subsequently it transpired that the specimen in question was
no doubt of foreign origin, its " appearance " having been due to a practical joke
perpetrated on the British Lepidopterists of the day.

Family 2.— SATYRID^.

" Characters of Nymphalidce, but fore-wings with vein 12 greatly dilated towards base."
(Plate I., figs. 25, 26, and 27, neuration of EreUa pluto.)

" A large group of very general distribution. The species are usually of moderate
size, generally dark coloured with light bands or spots, and with several round, black,
white-centred spots on lower surface. Some of them are more fond of shady places than
is customary in this group.

" Ovum spherical-ovate, surface reticulated and often ribbed. Larva more or less
tapering towards extremities, with short hairs ; segment 13 ending in two points ; feeding
on grass. Pupa suspended by the tail or unattached, sometimes subterranean." -
(Meyrick.) (See Plate III., figs. 4 and 5 larvae, 28 and 29 pupa?.)

Of this family we have three genera represented in New Zealand :—
1. ARGYROPHENGA. 2. DODONIJHA. 3. EREBIA.

Genus 1.— AEGYEOPHENGA.

Eyes glabrous. Club of antennae somewhat abrupt. Fore-wings with lower margin of cell
greatly dilated towards base ; veins 8, 9, 10, and 11 out of 7 ; vein 12 greatly dilated towards base.
Of this genus there is one species in New Zealand.

AEGYEOPHENGA ANTIPODUM, Doubleday.
(Argyrophenga antipodum, Doubleday, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. xvi. p. 307 (1845) ; Gen. Diurn. Lepid.

pi. 63, fig. 6 (1851); Butler, Erebus and Terror Lep., pi. 8, figs. 4, 7 (1874).)
(Plate XI., fig. 4 $ , 5 2 , 3 variety, 6 under side of <? , 7 under side of variety ; Plate III., fig. 4

larva, fig. 29 pupa.)

This species occurs commonly on the tussock lands from Christchurch to Invercargill.
In the provinces of Nelson and Marlborough it is, I believe, confined to situations having
elevations of from 2,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level. It has never been captured in
the North Island.

The expansion of the wings varies from If to If inches. Above, all the wings are dull brownish-
Hack, paler near the body ; the. outer portion of each is covered with a large patch of bright orange-
brown (northern form), or fawn colour (southern form) ; on the fore-wings this patch contains a large
oval black spot, with two white dots in the middle ; on the hind-wings there are two, three, or four
black spots, with one white dot in the centre of each; beneath, the markings on the fore-wings
resemble those of the upper surface, except that there are often sevc ral short silvery stripes near
the apex ; the hind-wings are dull yellow, with silver streaks between the veins, and one broader
streak in the centre of the wing. The female is much paler than the male, with the borders of
the wings whitish.

This insect is extremely variable. The colouring appears to be much influenced
by local conditions. On the Dun Mountain, Nelson district, at an elevation of about
2,700 feet, a very small light form occurs in which the sexes are almost exactly alike.
There are only two perfect spots on the upper surface of the hind-wings ; the other spot is

IV.— THE PAPILION1NA. Ill

rudimentary, and has no white central dot. On the under side there are no silver stripes
near the apex of the fore-wings, and only five or six silver stripes on the marginal portions
of the hind-wings (see Plate XI., figs. 3 and 7). At Kekerangu, on the " Chalk Range,"
at an elevation of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet, a similar but slightly larger form occurs.
On the Tableland of Mount Arthur, Nelson district, 3,600 to 4,600 feet above the sea-
level, the females are paler than in either of the preceding forms, and the males darker,
so that the sexes are well marked ; but there are no silvery stripes on the under side of
the apex of the fore-wings, and usually only five stripes on the marginal portions of the
hind-wings. Finally, in the Canterbury, Otago and Southland butterflies (southern
form), we have the large, very dark reddish-brown coloured male insect with large ocelli,
and the extremely pale yellow female with small ocelli, the two sexes here exhibiting the
greatest differentiation. On the under side, the male has several small silver stripes near
the apex of the fore-wings, and seven stripes on the marginal portions of the hind-wings.
(See Plate XL, figs. 4, 5, and 6.) In elevated situations in Canterbury, however, I have
taken a somewhat similar variety to that found on the Mount Arthur Tableland. I have
also taken similar forms on Mount Kobert near Lake Eotoiti, Nelson district, these
having, in addition, numerous white hairs on the wings near the body.

Besides these extreme variations, which appear to be largely dependent on local
conditions, great variability exists with respect to the number and size of the ocelli or
white-centred spots. In some specimens there are no ocelli on the hind- wings ; in others,
two, three, or four very minute ones, whilst others have all four very large. Occasionally
specimens have a minute ocellus below the large one on the fore-wings. Were it not for
the intermediate varieties, there would probably be little hesitation in separating the
extreme forms of this insect into several distinct species ; but as they are connected by
a host of intermediate forms, it is quite impossible even to divide them into varieties.

In a paper communicated to the ' Entomologist ' in February, 1889,° by Mr. W. W.
Smith, the author makes some interesting remarks on the variation of this butterfly,
as observed by him in Canterbury and Otago. After pointing out the great diversity
exhibited by different specimens in the depth of colouring, and in the number and size
of the ocelli, he states that in his opinion the greatest variation occurs during the summers
that succeed wet winters. In the year 1888 I had the opportunity of inspecting a most
interesting series of this insect, presented by Mr. Smith to the Wellington Museum.
They embraced specimens of very varied colouring, and included, amongst other remark-
able forms, a male, which was entirely destitute of all ocelli, both on the fore- and on the
hind-wings. Amongst these specimens, however, I did not see any resembling those
I have described from Nelson and Maryborough. This collection has, I regret to say,
since been disposed of by the Museum authorities, and cannot therefore be utilised by
New Zealand students.

The larva of this insect feeds on the tussock grass (Poa a list ml is). Its length, when
full grown, is about 1 inch. The top of the head is furnished with a very large process,
which projects forwards. The body is much attenuated towards the tail, which is bifid.
The general colour is dull green, with a crimson line on each side and numerous alternate
lines of yellow and white. The legs and prolegs are very small. There are four wrinkles
on the posterior edges of each segment.

0 ' Entomologist,' xxii. 37.

112 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

When feeding, this caterpillar rests on a blade of the tussock, where it is very
inconspicuous. It appears to prefer the dead or drier portions of the grass, and
feeds and grows very slowly. It is strictly diurnal in its habits, relapsing into a
death-like repose at night.

The pupa is suspended by the tail to an upright blade of the tussock. In the
specimen I reared, I was fortunate enough to witness the actual transformation, and
during the process, observed it seizing hold of the larval skin with its posterior
segments, its manoeuvres whilst thus engaged exactly resembling those of the pupa
of Anosia erippus, described above by Professor Kiley.

The length of the pupa is about J inch. Its colour is bright green, with a
reddish line along the edge of each wing-case, and several white lines on the sides
and back.

The perfect insect appears from December till the end of March. It is usually
very abundant where found, the males being more numerous than the females in the
proportion of about five to one. It flies amongst the tussock grass in a weak and
aimless manner. When rapidly pursued it has a habit of plunging into a tussock and
closing its wings, where it remains quite invisible until the danger is past.

The silver stripes on the under side of the hind-wings are very protective to the
insect when at rest on its food-plant, the striped coloration of the larva and pupa 110
doubt serving similar protective purposes.

Genus 2.— DODONIDIA, Butl.

Characters as in Argyrophenga, except that vein 11 of the fore-wings rises from upper
margin of cell, shortly before transverse vein.
We have one species in New Zealand.

DODONIDIA HELMSI, Fereday.

(Dodonidia helmsi, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xv. 193.)

(Plate XI., fig. 14, fig. 15 under side ; Plate III., fig. 5 larva, fig. 28 pupa.)

A single specimen of this interesting butterfly was discovered by Mr. E. Helms,
in 1881, on the Paparoa liange, near Grreymouth, at an elevation of about .1,500
feet above the sea-level. Until within the last three years only three other specimens
had been captured, viz., one near Waiuui-o-mata, in Mr. A. P. Buller's collection;
one on the Dun Mountain, Nelson, at an elevation of about 2,500 feet, . which is in
my collection ; and one on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at about 3,300 feet,
which was kindly given to me by Mr. C. W. Palmer. In the summer of 1894-95
several specimens were captured by Mr. P. Marshall near Wanganui,0 and during
the same season Messrs. Smithers and Hawthorne discovered the insect in considerable
abundance at a locality near Silverstrearn, in the Wellington district. During the
two following summers additional specimens were obtained near Silverstream, and I
was fortunate enough to discover there a number of specimens of the larva, which
furnished the material for the illustration and description of the preparatory stages
of the insect given in this work.

The expansion of the wings is about 2 inches. On the upper side all the wings are dark
brown The fore-wings have two broad bands of yellowish-orange, the outer one containing a

* ' Trans. N. Z. Inst.' xxviii. 312.

IV.— THE PAPILIONINA. 113

small patch of dark brown near the costa, which touches a white-centred black ocellus. The hind-
wings have one large patch of yellowish-orange containing two ocelli; a large ocellus, surrounded
by a broad ring of reddish-orange, is situated on the tornus ; the tornus is produced into two
very broad but short tails, which are bordered with whire cilia. On the under side the fore-
wings are light ochreous-yellow ; there is a shaded brown patch at the base ; the terinen is
broadly bordered with brown, the border containing a silver streak ; two broad brown patches
are situated on the costa, the outer one terminated by a small ocellus, and enclosing a silvery
patch near the apex of the wing. The hind-wings are silvery, narrowly bordered with deep
reddish-brown, ivith five deep reddish-brown stripes running from the costa towards the tornus ;
the fourth stripe from the base of the wing contains three ocelli surrounded by yellow rings ;
a conspicuous ocellus is situated at the tornus, surrounded by a broad orange-red ring.

This insect appears to vary a little in the extent of the yellowish-orange colouring
of the upper side. It also varies in size, specimens from the North Island being
slightly larger than those from the South Island.

The larva feeds on a species of sedge (Galinia setifolia), which always grows
abundantly in the birch forests, where the butterflies are found. When full grown the
length of this caterpillar is about 1^ inches. Its body is much attenuated at each end
and rather stout in the middle ; the head and tail are bifid ; there are numerous
straight, shallow, transverse wrinkles on each segment, especially towards the head.
The colour is green, with a number of fine, paler and darker green, dorsal and lateral
lines ; the head and thirteenth segment are yellowish. The legs are very minute, and
the prolegs of moderate size. It is extremely susceptible to the attacks of a Dipterous
parasite. In fact, out of thirty larvae kept by Mr. Hawthorne and myself, no less than
75 per cent, were thus destroyed. This larva feeds on the leaves of the sedge,
eating out long notches parallel to the veins of the leaf. These notches are the
best guides to follow in searching for the larva, as the colouring of the caterpillar
renders its discovery amongst the food-plant extremely difficult. The larvae should
be looked for during the end of December or the beginning of January.

The pupa is rather stout, light green, with the edge of the wing-case and
the prominences formed by the back and palpi, edged with crimson and white. It
is suspended by the tail to any firm object in the neighbourhood of the sedge.

The perfect insect appears in February. It frequents sunny glades in the birch
forest, usually at considerable elevations above the sea-level. Mr. Helms informs me
that he has seen specimens near Greymouth in October, and hence concludes that
there are two broods in the year. The butterfly is very difficult to capture, as it
has a most provoking habit of resting on the foliage of the birch- trees, just out of
the collector's reach. I am unable to explain the object of the remarkable colouring
of the under side of this insect, but it is probably protective, although in what way
has yet to be discovered.

Genus 3.— EEEBIA, Dalm.

"Eyes glabrous. Club of antennas abrupt." (Plate I., figs. 25, 26, and 27 neuration of
Erebia pluto.)

"An extensive and essentially Alpine genus inhabiting the mountains of Europe,
Asia, North America, and South Africa. Pupa unattached amongst stem bases of
grass." — (Meyrick.)

We have two species in New Zealand.

15

114 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

EREBIA PLUTO, Fereday.

(Erebia pluto, Fereday. Erebia merula, Hewitson, Ent. Mo. Mag. xii. 10 (1874). Orcina othcllo,
Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. viii. 302, 304, pi. ix. (1876). Percnodaimon pluto, Butl., Ent. Mo. Mag.
xii. 153 (1876) ; Catalogue of N. Z. Butterflies, 10.)

(Plate XI., fig. 8 ,?, 9 ?, 10 under side.)

This fine butterfly has occurred plentifully on many mountain-tops in the South
Island, from Nelson to Lake Wakatipu. It has never been observed in the North
Island.

The expansion of the wings of the male is If inches, of the female 2 inches. On the
upper side all the wings arc a very rich bronzy -black. The fore-wings have a paler patch near
the apex, containing two small, and three large black ocelli with ivhite centres; these ocelli are
usually joined together. On the under side all the wings are considerably paler and greyer.
The hind-wings have a series of pale spots near the termen, and a paler shade across the
middle.

The insect varies chiefly in the number of ocelli. On the upper side of the
fore-wings there are sometimes only four, the minute ocellus on the costa being
absent, whilst occasionally a small extra ocellus appears below the normal series.
On the under side this last-mentioned ocellus is very frequently, but not invariably,
present. In some female specimens an extremely minute ocellus may be detected
on the upper surface of the hind-wings near the terrnen. On the under side of the
hind-wings in both sexes the series of pale terminal spots are often absent, and the
general depth of the colouring varies considerably.

Mr. Fereday has described and figured a very interesting variation occurring in
the structure of the costal veins of this species,* vein 11 of the fore-wings sometimes
running into 12 (see Plate I., fig. 26), and sometimes being entirely absent (fig. 25).
After reading Mr. Fereday's article I examined the specimens in my own collection, and
found that all those taken on Mouiit Arthur and on Mount Peel, in the Nelson district,
had veins 11 and 12 joined, whilst the two specimens I took on Mount Enys,
Castle Hill, West Coast Koad, had vein 11 absent. As, however, Mr. Fereday has
specimens exhibiting both forms of neuration, from Castle Hill and from Mount
Hutt, I do not think it likely that the peculiarity is confined to butterflies from
any particular locality. Like Mr. Fereday, I have observed that the specimens
having veins 11 and 12 joined, are smaller than those having vein 11 absent.

The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. It frequents
shingle slopes on mountains, at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 feet above
the sea-level. Sometimes the butterflies occur in considerable numbers, flying in a
lazy, aimless manner in the scorching sunshine, but instantly retreating into crevices
between the stones when the sun is obscured. I have observed that this species is
most abundant in the neighbourhood of the carpet grass, on which I fully anticipate
its larva feeds. It seldom, however, settles on this grass, preferring to alight on the
shingle, which, owing to the rarefied air existing at such high elevations, soon
becomes intensely heated by the sun's rays.

When disturbed this insect flies with considerable rapidity and thus often eludes
the net, so that the capture of a good series of specimens on a rugged mountain-
top is usually very exciting, if not actually dangerous work. As with many other

* ' Trans. N. Z. Inst.' xv. 197.

TV.— THE PAPILIONTNA. 115

insects, mountain ranges are more prolific in this butterfly than isolated peaks.
Mount Peel, situated to the west of Mount Arthur, is the best locality I know of for
this and many other Alpine species. Its gentle slopes enable the collector to work
with perfect ease and safety, whilst the patches of rich soil occurring nearly to the
top of the mountain support an unusually varied Alpine flora of great interest.

EEEBIA BUTLERI, Fereday.

(Erebiola butleri, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xii. 264; Catalogue of N. Z. Butterflies, 19.)
(Plate XI., fig. 11 $ , 12 ? , 13 under side.)

This interesting butterfly was described from three dilapidated specimens captured
by Mr. J. D. Enys at Whitcombe's Pass, Canterbury, on March 8, 1879, at about
4,000 feet above the sea-level. From that time I believe no other specimens had been
found until January, 1894, when I took quite a large number on the Humboldt
Eange, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 feet
above the sea-level.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1| inches, of the female 1J inches. On the upper
side all the wings of the male are smoky-brown; the fore-wings have a large black ocellus near
the apex, enclosing two white dots, followed by a smaller ocellus towards the dorsum; the hind-wings
have three black spots near the termen, sometimes enclosing white dots. Occasionally these ocelli
are surrounded by a patch of deep reddish-brown. The female is much paler, with large patches
of yellowish-brown surrounding the ocelli. On the under side the fore-wings of the male are smoky-
brown, with an irregular blotch of reddish-brown near the apex, surrounding a small white-centred
black ocellus. The hind-wings are dark reddish-broivn, with several conspicuous black-edged silvery
markings, and four yellowish-red spots near the termen. The under side of the female is very
much paler.

This butterfly varies considerably on the upper side in the number and size of the
ocelli, and in the extent of the reddish-brown markings which surround them ; on the
under side the silvery spots on the hind-wings are also variable.

The perfect insect has been taken in January and March. It evidently frequents
mountains in the South Island, at elevations of about 4,000 feet, but does not appear
to be generally distributed in such localities. It seldom settles on the shingle,
mostly resting on the snow grass, on which its larva probably feeds. It is a smaller
insect than E. pluto, and flies much more feebly. These characteristics will at once
enable the collector to distinguish it from E. ^Z»#o when on the wing.

Immediately a cloud obscures the sun these butterflies retreat into the tufts of
the snow grass, remaining closely hidden there until the sun shines out again. This
circumstance makes the capture of the insect, even in a favourable locality, a matter
of considerable uncertainty, as bright sunshine is more often the exception than the
rule on the summits of high mountains.

Family 3.— LYCvENID^E.

" Anterior legs developed, but tarsi of $ more or less abbreviated, or with one or both claws
absent ; posterior tibise without middle spurs. Fore-wings with vein 7 absent, 8 and 9 stalked or
coincident. Hind-wings without praecostal spur." (Plate I., figs. 15, 16, neura.tion of Chrysophanus
salustius.}

"The family is large and very generally distributed. The species are of moderate
size or more often rather small, usually blue, dark brown, or coppery-orange in colouring,
often with series of small black pale-ringed spots on lower surface.

116 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

" Ovum flattened— spherical or subcylindrical, reticulated and sometimes ribbed,
seldom smooth. Larva stout, with few hairs. Pupa attached by tail and a central
belt of silk, or sometimes unattached or subterranean."— (Meyrick.)

We have two 'genera represented in New Zealand, viz. :—

1. CHRYSOPHANUS. 2. LYC^ENA.

Genus 1.— CHEYSOPHANUS, Hb.

" Eyes glabrous. Club of antennae elongate. Fore-wings with vein 6 separate, 8 and 9 stalked."
(Plate I., figs. 15 and 16 neuration of C. salustius).

"An extensive and nearly cosmopolitan genus. Larva short, stout, attenuated at
extremities, with short hairs. Pupa attached by the tail and central belt of silk, or
sometimes unattached on the ground." — (Meyrick.)

There are three New Zealand species.

CHRYSOPHANUS SALUSTIUS, Fabr.
(Chrysoplianus salustius, Fabi\, Butler, Butterflies of N. Z., Trans. N. Z. Inst. x. 263. Chrysophanus

rauparalm, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. ix. 460. Chrysophanus maid, ib. x. 252.)
(Plate XII., fig. 18 «?, 19 $ , 20 and 21 under side; Plate XIII., figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5 varieties.)

This pretty little butterfly appears to be very common in most parts of New
Zealand. I have records of its occurrence in abundance at various localities, from
Napier southwards to Invercargill.

The expansion of the wings varies from 1 to \\ inches. On the upper side all the wings are
brilliant shining copper, with black markings. Fore-wings with three spots near the middle, then
a row of black spots, often forming a band nearly parallel with the termen, another row on
the termen, generally touching the narrow black border of the wing. Hind-wings resembling fore-
wings, except that there is only one elongate spot in the centre, and the terminal series of
spots is nearly always separated from the black border. In the female the black spots are
united and form bands, those on the termen often having violet or blue centres. The veins in
both sexes are indicated by black lines, which are often double in the male, when the vein itself
is coppery. On the under side the fore-wings are orange-brown, bordered with yellow ; the spots
resemble those of the upper side, except that the terminal series are generally faint or obsolete
towards the costa. The hind-wings vary from light yellow to dull brown ; the spots are dull
greyish, the posterior series often having white centres.

From the foregoing it may be seen that the variation in this insect is considerable.
After a careful examination of a large number of specimens taken at various localities
in both North and South Islands, I am, however, unable to find characters of sufficient
constancy to entitle any of the forms to specific rank. The most striking of these
varieties appears to be that described by Mr. Bates as Chrysophanus feredayi* (See
Plate XIII., fig. 2, upper side; Plate XII., fig. 21, under side.) On the upper surface
it has the central series of spots almost forming a band in the male, and the coppery
ground colour is paler than in the typical form. On the under side the borders of
the fore-wings, and the whole of the hind-wings are dull brown. This form closely
resembles C. rauparaha, Fereday. f C. maui, Fereday, is evidently that variety of the
male having the veins bordered with two fine black lines. Mr. Fereday states that he
has never been able to find the female of his C. maui. This is readily accounted for by
the fact, that the female of C. maui is nothing more than the female of C. salustius.

Recently two very remarkable aberrations of C. salustius have come under my

* Ent. Mon. Mag. iv. p. 53. ] ' Trans N. Z. Inst. ' ix. 460 ; x. 252.

TV.— THE PAPILIONINA. 117

notice ; one captured by Mr. Hawthorne at Karori, in which the hind-wings are almost
entirely suffused with blackish-brown, excepting a small patch of copper colour near
the centre, and two patches on the termen. Another specimen, taken by Mr. Grapes
near Paraparaumu, has the fore-wings also suffused with blackish-brown, except near
the middle, where there are five coppery patches between the veins. On the under
side there are six large oblong spots near the termen of the fore-wings, and a series
of dusky oblong spots on the hind- wings. (See Plate XIII., fig. 3, fig. 4 under side.)
Plate XIII., fig. 5, represents another variety discovered by Mr. Grapes on the coast
near Paikakariki, in the Wellington district. It is remarkable for the bright blue
terminal spots which are present in both sexes.

The eggs of C. salustius, when first deposited, are pale green with yellow
reticulations, the whole egg having a honeycombed appearance when magnified. They
become uniform pale yellow before hatching. The young larva is shaped somewhat
like a wood-louse. The head is quite hidden by the three anterior segments, which
are much larger than the rest. After the first moult the larva becomes bright green,
with a crimson line down the back ; the head is then larger, and the three anterior
segments considerably reduced. Unfortunately the life-histor}r could not be investigated
beyond this point, as the larvae all died. The time of year when this occurred was
late autumn, and it therefore seems probable that the larvae hibernate and undergo
their transformation early the following spring.

The perfect insect first appears in November and continues abundant until the
middle or end of February. Specimens of what I believe to be a second brood may
be taken in March and April if the weather be fine, but in stormy seasons these
are frequently not observed. I have also noticed that the autumnal specimens are
usually smaller and paler in colour than those captured in the spring.

This butterfly frequents open situations, and in fine, sunny weather it is often
very common.

CHEYSOPHANUS ENYSII, Butl.

(Chrysophanus enysii, Butler, Bnt. Mo. Mag. xiii. 153 (1876).)
(Plate XII., fig. 22 tf, 23 ?, 24 under side.)

This species is tolerably common in the Wellington district, and I expect it will
be found to occur in most localities in the North Island. I have also taken the
insect at Nelson, but have not heard of its capture elsewhere in the South Island.

The expansion of the wings varies from 1 to \\ inches. On the upper surface both sexes
resemble some of the females of Chrysophanus salustius, except that the dark markings are very
much broader, and the coppery colour is paler and less lustrous. On the under side the fore-
wings are pale yellowish-brown, bordered with darker brown, with three black spots near the
middle, and a chain of black spots beyond the middle. The hind-wings are yellow, with a very
large irregular patch of purplish brown extending over the costal and terminal portions.

This insect varies chiefly in the extent of the dark markings on the upper side,
which sometimes very much encroach on the golden ground colour. The spaces
between veins 2, 3, and 4, near their origin are sometimes yellow and sometimes
black, but, as every intermediate form exists, cannot be distinguished as species.
Mr. Fereday regards the form with the black spaces as C. feredayi, Bates. As
previously stated, however, I am inclined to think that C. feredayi, Bates, is the
same form as C. rauparalia, Fereday.

118 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

This butterfly is essentially a forest-loving species, and may sometimes be taken
quite plentifully in sunny openings on fine days, during December and January. It
is not nearly so common as C. salustius, and I do not think that there is more
than a single brood in a season.

CHEYSOPHANUS BOLDENAEUM, White.
(Lycana boldenarum, White, Proc. Ent. Soc., Ser. 3, 1, p. 26 (1862). Chrysaphanus boldenarum, Butl.,

Zool. Erebus and Terror, Ins. Lep., p. 29, n. 8, pi. 8, figs. 8, 9 (1874).
(Plate XII., figs. 13, 14, $ varieties, 15 under side of $ , 16 ? , 17 under side of ? .)

This brilliant little butterfly is very common in most localities in the South Island.
In the North Island it has occurred at Lakes Wairarapa and Taupo.

The expansion of the wings is $ inch. On the upper side the male has all the wings brown,
tinged with the most brilliant glistening purple. The fore-wings have two or three black spots near
the middle, a curved series beyond the middle, and on the termen. The hind-wings have two black
spots near the middle, a series beyond the middle, and a terminal series, generally with blue centres.
All the wings are narrowly bordered with black. The female is pale yellowish-brown, the spots
resemble those of the male, except that all the marginal series have bright purple or blue centres.
On the under side the fore-wings of both sexes are pale yellow, bordered with slaty-blue : the spots
are the same as on the upper side. The hind-wings are brownish-grey in^male, slaty-grey in female,
with the basal portion darker, and the spots of the upper side always indicated.

This insect is extremely variable, but I do not think it likely that any of the
numerous forms will prove sufficiently constant to be regarded as distinct species.
The male varies in the size and number of the black spots, many of which are often
absent ; in the extent of the purple sheen which is sometimes absent from the hind-
wings, sometimes partially absent from the fore-wings, and sometimes extends over
the whole of both pairs of wings ; also in the colour of such sheen, which often inclines
towards blue. Some specimens are much paler than others, and so far as my experience
goes, these are chiefly found at considerable elevations ; in such specimens, the ground
colouring inclines towards yellow or orange, and the purple sheen is very brilliant, and
extends over the whole of the wings. The female of this form is proportionately paler.
Other specimens have the hind-wings almost black with no purple sheen, whilst in
others the purple sheen remains. Another form has the usual markings, but the hind-
wings are deep orange-brown, without purple sheen, which is also absent from the outer
portions of the fore-wings. One female in my collection is dull brown, with yellow
markings between the two rows of black spots. The under side is still more variable.
One very striking form has only the basal portions of the fore-wings yellow, the rest
of the ground colour is pale bluish-grey, and the spots black. On the hind-wings there
are a number of black spots near the base ; then an irregular band of black, and then
a double row of marginal spots. An almost unlimited number of varieties appears to
connect this form with one, in which all the markings on the hind-wings are nearly
obsolete. The specimens of this insect taken in each district appear to exhibit differences
from those taken elsewhere, but specimens also differ from the same district, so that
at present we are unable to detect any well-marked local variation, or topomorphism,
as it has been termed. It is consequently highly desirable that collectors should
endeavour to obtain specimens from as many localities as possible, so that the nature
of the variation of this butterfly may be better understood.

Mr. Fereday states ° that after carefully examining a patch of Donatia novce-

••'• ' Trans. N. Z. Inst.,' vol. x. 259.

IV.— THE PAPILIONINA. 119

zealandice, a plant he had noticed much frequented by this butterfly, he succeeded in
finding a larva which there could be little doubt would have given rise to this insect,
had it lived. The following is taken from his description : The caterpillar is shaped
like a wood-louse, hairy, and pale green. There is a series of conical purplish spots
down the back, edged first with white, and then with dull red. On the sides there is
a series of pale pinkish oblique stripes, blended with dull red towards the spiracles.

The perfect insect is very common in dry, stony places, generally near river-beds,
during January, February and March. It flies only a short distance when disturbed,
but is very quick on the wing, and hence difficult to catch until one becomes accus-
tomed to it. In some places these little butterflies are so abundant that they take
wing like a swarm of blow-flies. They seldom open their wings whilst at rest, so
that when perched on the ground they are very inconspicuous.

Genus 2.— LYC.ENA, F.

" Eyes hairy. Club of antennas elongate. Fore-wings with vein 6 separate, 8 and 9 stalked.

"A large genus of nearly universal distribution. Imago usually with a horny apical
hook on anterior tibiae. Larva short, stout, attenuated at extremities, with short hairs.
Pupa attached by tail and often a central belt of silk, or unattached or subterranean. "-
(Meyrick.)

Eepresented in New Zealand by two species.

LYC^NA PHCEBE, Murray.

(Lycana phve.be, Murray, Ent. Mo. Mag., 1873, 107.)

(Plate XII., fig. 10, 11 under side.)

This little butterfly is extremely abundant in the neighbourhood of Nelson. I
have also taken it in plenty in several localities in the Wellington district, and suspect
it is common throughout the North Island. In other parts of the South Island its
place appears to be taken by L. oxleyi.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 1 inch, of the female £ inch. On the upper side all
the wings are pale blue, broadly bordered with dull brown. The cilia are white, faintly barred with
brownish. On the under side all the wings, are pale slaty-grey. There is a faint blackish spot, edged
with white, near the middle of the fore-wings, and two rows of similar spots near the termen. The
hind-wings have several very faint white-edged spots near the base, a row near the middle, and
another row almost entirely white near the termen.

The perfect insect frequents waste grounds and sandhills, generally beside roads
and river-beds, and when found is usually very common. It is on the wing from the
beginning of October until the end of March.

LYCANA OXLEYI, Feld.
(Lycana oxleyi, Felder, Eeise de Novara Lep. ii., 280, pi. 35, fig. 6, 1865.)

(Plate XII., fig. 12 under side.)

According to Mr. Enys * this butterfly is common in both islands. I have taken
specimens in the Canterbury and Nelson districts.

On the upper side this species can only be distinguished from the preceding by its somewhat
brighter colour, and by the cilia which are more sharply barred with brown. On the under side the
whole of the fore-wings, and the central portions of the hind-wings between the outer and inner series
of spots, are much darker and browner than in L. phosbe; the spots themselves are also considerably
darker, and the central series of the hind-wings is almost black. A careful examination, however,
shows that the markings are practically identical in both species, although of different degrees of

* ' Catalogue of N. Z. Butterflies,' 22.

120 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEKA.

intensity. In view of the great variability, which many species of this genus are known to exhibit in
other countries, I am inclined to think that this butterfly's claim to specific distinction is a very
slender one.

The perfect insect may be taken in similar situations to Lyccena plicrbe.

KEPUTED NEW ZEALAND BUTTEBFLIES.

The following species are recorded by various observers as having occurred in
New Zealand. In nearly every case they are only represented by single specimens.
They cannot, in my opinion, be regarded as properly belonging to the fauna :—

1. HAMADBYAS ZOILUS,* Fabr.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. On the upper side all the wings are black,
becoming brown towards the base ; the fore-wings have three dull white spots near the
apex ; the hind-wings have the whole of the central portions white.

Stated by Diefienbach to occur in New Zealand, probably in error, as it has not
since been observed. An Australian species. Mr. W. W. Smith, however, informs
me, that his eldest son recently saw near Ashburton a specimen of what he believed
to be this butterfly ; but as he was unable to capture it he cannot speak with any
degree of certainty.

2. EUPLCLE - -sp?

The expansion of the wings is 2f inches. On the upper side all the wings are dull,
brownish-black, with a series of large white terminal spots.

Two or three specimens of this insect are stated by Mr. T. W. Kirk to have
been taken near Flat Point on the east coast of the North Island, but no further
details are forthcoming. The late Mr. Olliff, to whom I forwarded a sketch of the
insect, informed me that it was not represented in the Sydney collections of
Australian and South Sea Island butterflies, but he thought it might be a Malayan
species of Enploce.

3. VANESSA ATALANTA,! L.

The expansion of the wings is from 2£ to 2f inches. " The fore-wings are black, with a
broad deep red central band, and with one large . and five small white spots near the
apex. The hind-wings are black, with a broad deep red band at the termen, in which are
four black spots; at the tornus is a large blue-and-black spot."!

Mr. T. W. Kirk states § that he captured a specimen of this familiar English
butterfly in the Wellington Botanical Gardens, in the summer of 1881. On a
subsequent occasion he saw several others. No specimens have since been detected.

4. VANESSA UBTICLE, L.

The expansion of the wings is from 2 to 2£ inches. " The fore-wings are reddish-orange
with three large black spots on the costa (the third followed by a white spot), two smaller
black spots near the centre, and one large one on the dorsum ; a dark border, containing cresentic
blue spots, runs along the termen. The hind-wings are black at the base, then reddish-orange,
with a blue-spotted dark border along the termen." |j

Mr. Kirk states IT that he also obtained specimens of this very common English
butterfly during the same season and in the same locality as Vanessa atalanta. None
have been seen by other observers.

» 'Catalogue of New Zealand Butterflies,' 18, 23, PI. II., fig. 1. t Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 550.

I Stainton's ' British Butterflies and Moths,' 103, PI. II., fig. 1. § Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 550.

|| Stainton's 'British Butterflies and Moths,' 106. ^ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 550.

IV.— THE PAPTLTONTNA. 121

5. CATOPSILIA CATILLA,* Cramer.

The expansion of the wings is nearly 3 inches. On the upper side all the wings of
the male are pale sulphur-yellow, with a minute brown mark at the apex. The female is paler,
with a brown spot in the centre of the fore-wings, and a chain of brown spots on the termen
towards the apex.

A single male specimen of this butterfly was captured in the grounds of St.
John's College, Auckland, and is now in the Auckland Museum. The species is very
common in Australia, and as this is the only specimen observed it was no doubt
accidentally introduced from that country on board a steamer.

* ' Catalogue of N. Z. Butterflies,' 17, 23, PL IV., figs. 3, 4.

1(5

( 122 )

V .— T HE PYRALIDINA.

Not dealt with in this volume.

VI.— THE PSYCH IN A.

The Psychina are distinguished by the following characters :—

"Eyes glabrous. Maxillary palpi rudimentary or obsolete (yet sometimes well marked in
pupa). Posterior tibiae, with spurs very short, middle spurs often absent. Fore-wings with vein
16 furcate, Ic usually developed, 5 more or less approximated to 4. Hind-wings with frenulum,
retinaculum often very broad, Ic present, 8 connected or anastomosing with cell." (See Plate I.,
figs. 30, 31 neuration of (Eceticus omnivorus.)

" This ancient group, which furnishes the origin of the five preceding, is not
now very prominent, though much more numerous in warm regions.

"Imago with fore-wings more or less elongate-triangular, hind-wings ovate, often
rather small.

"Larva with 10 prolegs, usually with few hairs.

" Pupa with segments 8-11 free, usually 7 also (except in Psychida), in male 12
also ; protruded from cocoon in emergence." — (Meyrick.)

The Psychina, and Micropterygina are included amongst the Micros by most
modern authors. I have, however, described and figured certain conspicuous and
interesting species belonging to both these groups. The insects in question have,
until so very recently, been regarded as Macros, that I think it would be a mistake
to omit them in the present volume. There can, however, be no question that the
modern view is the correct one, and that notwithstanding the large size of some of the
species, they are really closely allied to those Micro-Lepidoptera, with which they are
now associated.

Of the Psychina we have one family represented in New Zealand — the Psychidce.

Family 1.— PSYCHID^E.

" Head densely rough-haired. Ocelli large. Tongue obsolete. Antennae half the length of
the fore-wings or less, in male strongly bi-pectinated to apex. Labial palpi very short, hairy.
Thorax densely hairy above and beneath. Abdomen, femora, and tibiae densely hairy, posterior
tibiaa without middle spurs, end spurs extremely short. Fore-wings with vein la anastomosing
with 16 before middle; Ic (if present) coincident with 16 beyond middle, 7 absent. Hind-
wings, with vein 8, connected by bar with upper margin of cell. Female apterous, without legs or
developed antennae.

VI.— THE PSYCHINA. 123

"A rather small family of universal distribution, but commoner in warm countries.
Male imago with thinly scaled wings, without markings ; flight strong and swift, some-
times in sunshine. The female is almost wholly helpless ; the abdomen is at first
greatly distended with eggs, and ultimately shrivels up.

"Ovum oval, smooth. Larva inhabiting a strong portable silken case, covered
with fragments of stick or refuse. Pupa within the larval case." — (Meyrick.)

There are two genera in New Zealand closely allied to each other.

1. CKcETicus. 2. OROPHOKA.

Genus 1.— CECETICUS, Guild.

" Ocelli present. Antennae J, in male strongly bi-pectinated, much more shortly on apical half.
Labial palpi extremely short, rough-haired. Abdomen in male very elongate, roughly hairy. Legs
hairy, tibiae without spurs, posterior tarsi extremely short and stout. Fore-wings with veins 4 and
5 short-stalked, 7 sometimes out of 9, 8 and 9 stalked, forked parting-vein well defined. Hind-
wings with veins 4 and 5 stalked, forked parting-vein well denned, 8 connected by bar with cell
beyond middle. An additional vein (9) rising from 8 beyond bar, another (10) from 8 before
bar, and another (11) from base of costa running into 8 before 10." (See Plate I., figs. 30, 31.)

" This generic name was wrongly spelt Oiketicus by its originator and others, for
which there is no possible justification. I have corrected it." — (Meyrick.)

Although I have made several examinations of fully denuded wings of (E.
omnivonis, I have been unable to discover any trace of the additional veins
mentioned by Mr. Meyrick. The hair-like scales which clothe the wings of this
insect are very long and slender, and might easily be mistaken for a short vein, if
placed in the requisite position. I am disposed to think that the examination of
undenuded specimens has led to the discrepancy between the results.

We have one species.

(ECETICUS OMNTVOKUS, Fereday.
(Liothula onmivora, Fcreday, Trans. N. /. Inst. x., 260, pi. ix. CKccticus omnicorus, Meyr.,

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 212.)
(Plate XIII., fig. G $ ; Plate III., fig. 26, larva in its case; fig. 25 ditto withdrawn from case.)

This interesting species is seldom seen as an imago in the natural state, although
the cases constructed by its larva are of common occurrence. Specimens of these cases
have been noticed at several localities between Palmerston, in the North Island, and
Invercargill, in the South Island, so that apparently the insect is common, and generally
distributed throughout New Zealand.

The expansion of the wings of the male is from 1^ to 1^ inches. The fore-wings are very
elongate and narrow. All the wings are blackish-brown, and sparsely covered with scales, the hind
pair being semi-transparent. The body is very hairy, and deep black. The antennae are broadly
bi-pectinate at the base, becoming almost filiform towards the apex. The female insect is apterous,
having a close superficial resemblance to a large maggot. The head and thorax are very small, and
the legs and antennae rudimentary. The extremity of the body is furnished with a two-jointed
ovipositor, and there are a few scattered yellowish scales on various parts of the insect. Its length is
about 1 inch.

The eggs of this species are deposited inside the old case, which the female insect
never leaves during the whole of her life. The young larva when first hatched is about
J inch in length. Its head and three anterior segments are corneous and much larger
than the others, which are rather soft with the exception of the last one. These little

124 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

larvae are extremely active, and immediately after hatching leave the old case, and roam
in all directions over the tree, letting themselves down from branch to branch by
silken threads. They carry the posterior portion of their body elevated in the air,
walking whilst doing so by means of their strong thoracic legs.

The food-plants of this species are numerous. The following are a few of them :
Manuka (Leptospermuiii scuparium and ericoides, Cupressiis macrocarpa, Pinus insignia),
and various species of willow, &c. These, it will be observed, include several introduced
trees. In fact, the insect is a very general feeder. About three days after leaving the
egg, the little caterpillar constructs a minute, conical-shaped, silken case, which it carries
almost in an upright position on its posterior segments. Later on in life this case
becomes too heavy to be held vertically, and is afterwards dragged along by the larva,
and often allowed to hang downwards. The case has two apertures — a large one in
front, through which the head of the larva is projected, and a smaller one at the posterior
extremity, which allows the pellets of excrement to fall out of the case, as soon as they
are evacuated.

Owing to the apterous and completely helpless condition of the female imago, it
is evident that the dispersal of this insect must take place in the larval state.
Distribution is of course quite impossible without a female being transported in some
way, and from observations made on a good many larva? of various ages, I am disposed
to think that the migration of this insect to new localities takes place at an early age,
possibly soon after its emergence from the egg. On this account I think that the
occurrence of the moth in both North and South Islands is of great interest, as it would
seem to indicate the existence of some connection between the two islands, at a period not
sufficiently remote to have allowed any appreciable modification to take place in the
insect's structure and habits. At the same time, it should be borne in mind, that the
protection afforded the larva by its case, and its ability to feed on so many different
plants, may have rendered any modification unnecessary for the preservation of the
species during recent times. The length of the full-grown caterpillar is about 1 inch.
The head is dull yellow speckled with black. The first three segments are very hard,
dark brown, with numerous white markings. The remaining segments are considerably
thickened near the middle of the insect, rudimentary prolegs being present on the seventh,
eighth, ninth, and tenth segments of the larva. The anal prolegs are very strong, and are
furnished with numerous sharp booklets, which retain the larva very firmly in its case. As
the caterpillar grows, it increases the length of its domicile from the anterior, causing it
gradually to assume a more tubular form, tapering towards the posterior aperture, which is
enlarged from time to time. The outside is covered with numerous fragmentary leaves
and twigs of various sizes, placed longitudinally on the case, and, frequently, near the
anterior aperture the materials, owing to their recent selection, are fresh and green. The
interior is lined with soft, smooth silk of a light brown colour, the thickness of the whole
fabric being about the same as that of an ordinary kid glove, and so strong that it is
impossible to tear it, or indeed to cut it, except with sharp instruments. The size of the
case, when the caterpillar is mature, varies considerably, ranging from '2£ to 3 inches or
more in length, and about J inch in diameter, the widest portion being a little behind the
anterior aperture.

During the day the larva closes the entrance, and spins a loop of very strong silk

VI.— THE PSYCHINA. 125

over a twig, the ends being joined to the upper edges of the case on each side ; in this
way it hangs suspended, the caterpillar lying snugly within. I have often known a
larva to remain thus for over three weeks without moving, and afterwards resume feeding
as before ; this probably occurs whilst the inmate is engaged in changing its skin. At
night the larvae may be seen busily engaged : they project the head and first four
segments of the body beyond the case, and walk about with considerable rapidity, often
lowering themselves by means of silken threads ; the only locomotive organs are, of
course, their strong thoracic legs, which appear to easily fulfil their double function of
moving both larva and case. If disturbed, these insects at once retreat into their cases,
closing the anterior aperture with a silken cord, which is kept in readiness for the
purpose, and pulled from the inside by the retreating larva. This operation is most
rapidly performed, as the upper edges of the case are flexible, and thus fold closely
together, completely obstructing the entrance. When full grown, this caterpillar fastens
its case to a branch with a loop of strong silk, which is drawn very tight, preventing the
case from swinging when the plant is moved by the wind, and also rendering the insect's
habitation more inconspicuous, by causing it to resemble a broken twig. The anterior
aperture is completely closed, the loose edges being drawn together and fastened like a
bag. The posterior end of the case is twisted up for some little distance above the
extremity, thus completely closing the opening there situated. It is lined inside with
a layer of very soft silk spun loosely over the sides, and partly filling up each end.
In the centre of this the pupa lies with its head towards the lower portion of the case,
the old larval skin being thrust backwards amongst the loose silk above the insect.

The male and female pup;e may very easily be distinguished. The male pupa is
rather attenuated, and has all the organs of the future moth plainly indicated on the
integument, as is usual with lepidopterous pupte. The female pupa, on the contrary, is
merely a chain, of segments, with a few faint indications of rudimentary organs on the
anterior extremity. It is, moreover, much larger than the male pupa.

The insect remains in this condition during the winter months. About September
the male pupa works its way down to the lower end of the case, forces open the old
aperture there situated, and projects the head and thorax, the pupa being secured from
falling by the spines on its posterior segments, which retain a firm hold in the silk. Its
anterior portion then breaks open, and the moth makes its escape, clinging to the
outside of its old habitation, and drying its wings.

The perfect insect must be about from September till December, but I have never
then observed it. The only specimen I have seen was noticed flying very rapidly in the
street in Wellington, in July. I was at first unable to tell what species it was, as it had
a most unusual appearance on the wing, but its subsequent near approach enabled me.-
to ascertain for certain that it was a specimen of this insect. In captivity I have also
noticed the extreme activity of the male when first emerged. Indeed this moth is so
vivacious, that it often happens, owing to the emergence usually taking place very early
in the morning, that specimens are more or less injured by their efforts to'escape, before
they are discovered in the breeding cage. This restless energy of the male is no doubt
essential to the insect's well-being, as the females, hidden away in their cases and
incapable of any movement, must of necessity be very hard to discover. The power of
locomotion lost in the one sex is thus doubled in the other. Considering the protection

126 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA.

afforded this insect by the case, which it inhabits during its preparatory stages, its
enormous mortality from the attacks of a parasitic dipteron (Eurigaster marginatus)
is very remarkable. In this connection the following analysis of 38 cases, gathered
at random, may be of interest :—
26 had parasites.

8 were dead.

2 contained eggs.

2 contained living pup*, 1 male and 1 female respectively.

Amongst some of these parasites I once obtained a specimen, which was in its turn
infested by a secondary or hyper-parasite, belonging to the genus Pteromalits, in the order
Hymenoptera. Eighteen of these minute insects emerged from a single pupa of E.
marginatus. The method by which the Pteromalits introduces its eggs into the dipterous
larva, which is in its turn enclosed in a caterpillar, is not at present known to ento-
mologists ; but it seems probable that the eggs of the hyper-parasite are either deposited
in the eggs of the dipterous insect, or else on the very young larva?, before they penetrate
the skin of the caterpillar.0

Genus 2.— OKOPHOKA, Fereday.

" Ocelli present. Antennae f , in male moderately bi-pectinated throughout. Labial palpi rudi-
mentary, hairy. Abdomen densely hairy. Fore-wings with veins 4 and 5 short-stalked, 7 and 8
out of 9. Hind-wings with veins 4 and 5 stalked, parting-vein well denned, 8 connected by bar with
cell beyond middle, and additional vein (9) rising out of 8 before bar."

We have one species.

OEOPHOEA UNICOLOK, Butl.

(Psyche unicolor, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc., London, 1877, 381. Orophom townatou, Pereday, Trans.
N. Z. Inst. x. 262, pi. ix. Orophora unicolor, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 212.)

(Plate XIII., fig. is.)

This odd-looking little insect has been found by Mr. Fereday, at Kakaia.

The expansion of the wings is hardly 1 inch. All the winys are rather broad, rounded, and rcnj
sparsely covered with dnskij brown hair-like scales; the body is very hairy, and the antennae are
slightly bi-pectinated. The female is apterous.

The life-history is thus described by Mr. Fereday: "I have never seen the larva.
Its case measures in length about 16 lines (If inches) ; the exterior is covered with pieces
of stems of grass from a line to 5 lines in length, laid longitudinally and in the manner
of thatch ; the interior is thinly lined with fine silk. The cases are found fixed to the
twigs of the Wild Irishman (Discaria toiimatou), but it may be inferred from the
covering of the case, that it probably does not feed on the shrub but upon the tussock
grass, generally growing where the shrub is found. It is some years since I found the
cases on Discaria toumatou, growing in the river-beds of the Kakaia and Waimakariri,
on the Canterbury Plains, and I did not find any case in its earlier stage before the larva
had fed up and changed into the pupa state." f

All Mr. Fereday's specimens were bred from the cases, and to the best of my belief
no one has ever observed the insect on the wing. It is evidently a very scarce species,
and is probably restricted to a few river-beds in the South Island.

* For further details on this subject see ' The Entomologist,' xiii. 245, and xviii. 159.
f 'Trans. N. Z. Inst.' x. (1877), 262.

( 127 )

VII.— THE TORTRICINA

Not dealt with in this volume.

V I I I .— T HE T I N E I N A .

Not dealt with in this volume.

I X .— T HE MICROPTERYGINA.

The following are the principal characters of the Micropterygina :—

" Fore-wings with an oblique membranous dorsal process (jugum) near base, forming with
the dorsal margin a notch or sinus, which receives the costa of the hind-wings. Hind-wings without
frenulum, Ic present, with 11 or more veins, neuration essentially, almost or quite identical with
that of fore-wings. Fore-wings and hind-wings more than usually remote at origin.

"In the two families, which constitute this highly interesting group, is fortunately
preserved a type of Lepidoptera whose existence could never have been inferred from a
study of other forms. Without a knowledge of these two families the true origin of the
order could never have been more than a matter of more or less probable conjecture.
The Micropterygidce are the primeval ancestors of all the Lepidoptera, indicating their
origin from the Triclioptera so nearly that one or two more discoveries might make it
hard to draw any line of demarcation. The Hepialidce are an offshoot from the M.icro-
pterygidce (with considerable extinction of intermediate forms), constituting "a separate
line of development quite unconnected with any other Lepidoptera; if, as is possible,
this separate stem may have ever given rise to other branches forming distinct families,
all trace of their existence seerns to have been lost.

" Imago with fore-wings and hind-wings more or less semi-oval, termen and dorsum
forming a nearly uniform curve.

" Larva with few hairs, with 10 to 16 prolegs, or apodal, living concealed.

" Pupa in Hepialidce with segments 7 to 11 and in male 12, in Micropterygidce with
all segments free." — (Meyrick.)

In this work the Hepialidce alone are dealt with, the Micropterygidce being reserved

128 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

for a future work. It may, however, again be mentioned that the last-named family
contains amongst its New Zealand representatives Palceomicra clialcoplianes, a species
which more closely approximates in structure to a Neuropterous insect than does any
other member of the Lepidoptera. This insect is consequently regarded by Mr. Meyrick
as the most ancient species of the order yet known. The survival of Palceomicra in New
Zealand is quite in accord with the existence of such forms as Apteryx and Dinornis
amongst the birds, the tuatara lizard (Kplienodon) amongst reptiles, and Peripatus
amongst Myriapoda, archaic forms which have been preserved in this country through
its long isolation from continental areas, and the resulting absence of more recent
competing forms.

Family 1.— HEPIALID^E.

"Head rough. Ocelli absent. Tongue obsolete. Maxillary palpi obsolete. Tibise without
spurs. Fore-wings with all main veins and costa connected by bars near base, 16 furcate, forked
parting vein strong." (Plate I., figs. 22, 23, 24, 28, 29.)

" By no means an extensive family, yet of universal distribution. It stands more
conspicuously isolated than any other group of Lepidoptera, for althoxigh it is without
doubt a terminal development from the Micropterygida; (that is one from which no
existing family has originated), the gap between them is considerable ; exotic genera,
whilst differing in various details, are remarkably uniform in the more important
peculiarities of structure, and do not at all tend to bridge the gap. The relatively
large size of the Hepialid.ce- (of which some species exceed six inches in expanse of
wing) may be attributed to the larval habits, which render these insects independent
of the seasons or fluctuations of food-supply, thus removing the check which ordinarily
limits growth. The modified type of neuration may have resulted directly from the
increase of size, involving a great strengthening of the main veins beneath the costa
to support the weight. As a consequence of this strengthening, the flight of the
larger species is very powerful, and to this, combined with a choice of larval food,
which is often rather indiscriminate, may perhaps be ascribed the wide range of the
group, rather than to its antiquity. It is probably of Indo-Malayan origin, and must
have existed in that region long enough to acquire fixity of type before its dispersal,
which, geologically speaking, may not have been exceedingly remote." — (Meyrick.)

There are two genera represented in New Zealand—

1. HEPIALUS. 2. POEINA.

Genus 1.— HEPIALUS, F.

" Antennae ^ to £, in male lamellate or simple. Palpi short, drooping, hairy. Posterior
tibian usually densely rough-haired, in male sometimes with long projecting tuft above. Fore-
wings with vein 7 from angle, 8 remote, 9 and 10 stalked. Hind-wings as fore-wings, 8 seldom
connate or stalked with 7." (Plate I., figs. 22 and 23, neuration of Hepialus virescens, 24 head
of ditto.)

"A genus of universal distribution, but not very numerous in species. Ovum
spheroidal, smooth. Larva elongate, active. Pupa with segmental whorls of spines,
enabling it to move actively before emergence." — (Meyrick.)

Represented by one species only — the largest moth we have in New Zealand.

IX.— THE MICROPTEEYGINA. 129

HEPIALUS VIBESCENS, Dbld.

(Hepialus virescens, Dbld., Dieff. New Zeal., ii. 284 ; White,. Taylor New Zeal., pi. i. 6. Hepinlus rubro-
viridam, White, I.e., pi. i. 1. Charagia virescens, Walk., Bomb., 1569; Scott, Trans. Ent. Soc. N. S. Wales,
ii. 28. C.fischeri, Feld., pi. Ixxx. 1. C. hectori, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 380. He.pialus vircscens,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst., xxii., 211.)

(Plate XIII., fig. 16 3 , 17 2 ; Plate III., fig. 23 larva, 30 pupa.)

This large and conspicuous insect appears to be generally distributed throughout
the North Island.

The expansion of the wings of the male is 4 inches, of the female sometimes fully 5* inches.
The fore-wings of the male are bright green, with a series of paler ring-shaped markings between
the veins ; an irregular row of white spots crosses the wing near the middle, and a small white spot
is situated on the costa at the base. The hind-wings are very pale yellowish-brown near the body,
becoming pure white in the middle, and pale green on the termen. The head and thorax are green,
the abdomen is white, tinged with green at the apex. The female has all the wings of a relatively
more attenuated shape ; the fore-wings are green, mottled with black ; the hind-wings are pale
reddish-brown, shaded with green near the termen ; the abdomen is also reddish-brown, becoming
green at the extremity.

The species is rather variable in both sexes. In the male the white spots on
the fore-wings vary considerably in size, and there are occasionally several additional
spots near the body. In the female the black markings of the fore-wings are sometimes
much more extensive than the green ground colour. This dark form of the female
was described by Butler as a distinct species, under the name of Charagia hectori. In
both sexes the green colouring is occasionally entirely absent, a dull orange-brown
taking its place. I formerly attributed this peculiarity to the effects of fading, but
Mr. Norris has shown me a very perfect specimen of this variety, which he bred from
the pupa, he having noticed the orange-brown colouring immediately after the insect
emerged.

The transformations of this insect are very interesting. The female lays an
enormous number of very small, round, yellowish eggs, which she seems to deposit
quite indiscriminately. The young larvae consequently have to find their way along
the ground to the stems of their food-plant, a large percentage no doubt perishing
before they succeed in doing so. and this circumstance probably accounts for the great
number of eggs produced.

The food-plants of this species are numerous ; the following are a few of them :
" wine berry " or "currant" (Aristotelia racemosa), apparently the favourite ; "manuka"
(Leptospermum ericoides) ; " ki-ki " (Astelia solandri); "black maire " (Olea apeteld) ;
titoki (Alectryon excelsum) ; and Melicope. The larva tunnels the stems of these
trees, feeding entirely on the wood, which it bites off with its strong mandibles.

For the most part it inhabits the main stem of the tree, its gallery always having
an outlet, which is covered writh a curtain of silk and refuse, and is spun exactly level
with the surrounding bark, and very inconspicuous. These burrows usually run
towards the ground, and are mostly two or three inches from the surface of the trunk.
In some instances the larvae inhabit branches, in which case, if they are small, the
tunnels are made near the centre. Later on in its life, but probably some time before its
transformation into the pupa, the caterpillar of this insect constructs a far more com-
plicated burrow than the above. It consists of a spacious, irregular, but shallow cavity,
just under the bark, having a very large opening to the air, which is entirely covered

17

130 NEW ZEALAND MACEO-LEPIDOPTEEA.

with a thin silken curtain, almost exactly the same shape and size as the numerous
marks occurring at intervals on the trunks of many of the trees. Three large tunnels
open into this shallow cavity : one in the centre, which runs into the middle of the
stem, and one on each side, which run right and left just under the bark. These lateral
tunnels are usually very short, but sometimes they extend half-way round the tree,
and occasionally even join one another on the opposite side. The central tunnel has
a slightly upward direction for a short distance inwards, which effectually prevents
it from becoming flooded in wet weather ; afterwards it pursues an almost horizontal
course until it reaches the centre of the tree, when it appears to suddenly terminate.
This, however, is not the case, for, if the gallery floor be carefully examined a short
distance before its apparent termination, a round trap-door will be found, compactly
constructed of very hard, smooth silk, and corresponding with the surrounding portion
of the tunnel so exactly that it almost escapes detection. When this lid is lifted a
long, perpendicular shaft is disclosed, which runs down the middle of the tree to a depth
of 14 or 16 inches, and is about J inch in diameter. The upper end of this shaft is
lined with silk, which forms a framework on which the trap-door rests when closed.
The lid itself is of a larger size than the orifice which it covers, and this makes it
extremely difficult, if not impossible, to force it open from the exterior, especially as
it always fits down very closely as long as the insect remains in its burrow. The
object of this contrivance is, no doubt, to prevent the ingress of enemies, large numbers
of spiders, slugs, wood-lice, and various orthoptera being frequently found in both
central and lateral tunnels, but they are quite unable to pass the trap-door. The
galleries of individual larvae are all wonderfully alike, the only differences observable
being in the length of the perpendicular shaft, and in the direction of the horizontal
burrow, which is sometimes curved. These variations are usually caused by the
presence of other tunnels in the tree, which the larva appears to carefully avoid ; at
least I have never known an instance where a larva has allowed its tunnel to
communicate with another one, whether inhabited or otherwise.

The caterpillar, when full grown, measures from 2£ to 3 inches in length. It is tolerably
uniform in thickness, and of a dull yellow colour. The head is large, dark brown, very irregularly
striated, and covered with a few short bristles. The first segment is hard and shining with the back
and sides ruddy-brown. Its spiracle, which is very large, is situated near the posterior margin, and a
little above it there is a dull black spot, filling a slight concavity about the same size as the spiracle
itself. Each remaining segment has on its dorsal surface two horny plates, and two similar plates are
situated on each side immediately below the spiracle. The body of the larva is thinly covered with
yellow and black bristles. In many specimens the ventral surface and connecting membrane
between the horny plates is pale purple. Younger specimens differ in being of an olive-green
colour, which is much more pronounced, when they are small.

The last act performed by the caterpillar, prior to undergoing its transformation,
is the construction of the above-described trap-door at the top of its burrow. This
done the insect retreats to the bottom, its posterior segment resting on the termination
of the vertical gallery. In the course of a few days the skin is cast off and worked
downwards to the bottom of the burrow, underneath the last segment of the
pupa.

This pupa varies from 2 to 2J inches in length. It is attenuated in form and pale reddish-
yellow in colour. The head and dorsal portion of the thorax are dark brown and harder than the
rest of the body. The edges of the abdominal segments are furnished dorsally with a row of small

IX.— THE MICROPTERYGINA. 131

booklets above and below all tbe divisions ; on the ventral surface there is only a single row, which
is situated in front of each articiilation.

As development progresses in the pupa it becomes darker in colour, especially on
the wing-cases, where, in some female specimens, the future black markings of
the moth are quite discernible as long as two months before emergence. Other
specimens remain pale in colour until within a fortnight or three weeks of the appearance
of the imago, when the green colouring of the wings suddenly becomes visible through
their semi-transparent envelopes.

When about to emerge the pupa works its way up the vertical tunnel by means
of the above-mentioned booklets, forces open the trap-door, and wriggles along the
horizontal burrow until it reaches the air, only the last three or four segments remaining
in the tree. Its anterior portions then break open and the moth crawls out and expands
its wings in the ordinary way, resting on the trunk of the tree, until they are of sufficient
strength and hardness for flight.

The perfect insect appears in October and November. Although it must be common,
it is rarely seen ; specimens are consequently best obtained in the pupa state and reared
in captivity. The easiest way to find the pupa is to pass a straw into the horizontal
burrow, and move it about until it touches the trap-door. The collector is at once
apprised of this circumstance by a distinct hollow sound, produced by the straw when it
comes in contact with the lid, which acts like a miniature drum. If no such sound is
heard after moving the straw into every possible position, it may be assumed either that
the insect has left the burrow, or that it is inhabited by a larva only. When, however, a
pupa is actually discovered, a section of the tree-trunk should be cut out, extending from
about two inches above the horizontal burrow to about one foot below it, and the log, thus
obtained, taken home. Should a number of pupae be found in one tree the whole trunk
may then be taken, if practicable, and kept in a well-lighted room or a conservatory, until
the enclosed insects emerge. The specimens usually come out of the pupa at about five or
six o'clock in the evening, and if intended for the cabinet should be killed before dark, as
they very soon injure themselves when flying.

The best time of year to obtain the pupa of this insect is during August and
September, as most of the specimens are then in that condition. Apart from the
indications above described, burrows containing larvae may often be known by the fresh
pellets of excrement which are present near the opening. The vacated burrows frequently
have the remains of the old pupa shell at the entrance, and generally look gnarled and
weather-worn. These indications are useful as guides to the collector before exploring
the burrow with a straw in the manner above described.

This insect is much attracted by light, and in consequence sometimes enters shop-
windows and houses. In fact nearly all the captured specimens are so taken, the moth
being very rarely found in its native forests. This circumstance is no doubt due to its
very perfect protective colouring which, notwithstanding its large size, causes it to be
almost invisible, when resting on the branch of a tree. On one occasion I discovered a
specimen in this situation ; being obliged to leave it for a short time, I experienced the
utmost difficulty in finding it again, although I had taken a special note of its position.
This species appears to be much persecuted by insectivorous birds, as we may frequently
see its large green wings lying on the ground, where they are very conspicuous.

132 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA.

Genus '2.— POEINA.

"Antennae |— §, in male bi-pectinated, or more or less shortly bi-dentate. Palpi moderate,
porrected, basal joint rough-haired, second joint rough-haired or almost smooth, terminal joint smooth,
sometimes subclavate. Posterior tibias densely rough-haired. Fore-wings with vein 7 from angle of
cell, 8 and 9jout of 10, rising from upper margin much before angle. Hind-wings as in fore-wings."
— (Meyrick.) (Plate I., figs. 28 and 29 neuration of Porina signata.}

Of this genus we have eight species in New Zealand.

POEINA DINODES, Meyr.
(Porina dinodcs, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 206.)

(Plate XIII., fig. 8.)

This handsome species was discovered at Invercargill by Professor Hutton.
The expansion of the wings is 2f inches. The fore-wings are dark brown. There is an irregular
white mark with a brown centre at the base, several white dots and crescentic marks near the middle,
an oblique series of double crescentic marks followed by a considerably fainter series near the termen.
The hind- wings are yellowish-brown ; the cilia of all the wings are white, barred with dark brown. The
antennce of the male are strongly bi-pectinated.

Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

POEINA MAIEI, Buller.

(Porina main, Buller, Trans. N. Z. Inst. v. 279, pi. xvii., Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 207.)

A single specimen of this fine species was discovered by Sir Walter Buller on the
Kuahine Eanges, in the Wellington district, during the summer of 1867.

The expansion of the wings is about 5 inches. "Wings large, broad, front-wings pro-
duced, ovate-triangular, pale dirty testaceous ; six black spots terminating veins on outer margin,
and bounded by a lunated marginal white band; a submarginal series of arrow-headed black
spots, and beyond these a series of rounded spots, the first four encircled with white, the
rest with pale brown; two broken, black discal lines filled in with brown; a broad irregular
band to below centre of wing, beyond cell, and formed of three black lines with brown inter-
spaces ; a triangular white spot below cell and a white patch terminating it and traversed by
two black crosses ; two diverging black bars surrounded with white in centre of cell and a third
surrounded with dirty testaceous near base ; a large irregular patch of whitish-brown below end of
cell, bounded on internal area by three unequally formed patches which together almost form the
sides of a large triangle ; two small spots near base ; hind-wings greyish, becoming browner towards
outer margin and crossed by eight interrupted black bars." — (Buller).

The type specimen of this species was unfortunately lost in the wreck of the
barque ' Assaye ' in 1890. I have copied the above from Sir Walter Buller's
original paper, and it may be well to point out that his description proceeds
from the termen to the base, being the reverse order to that followed by me in all
the other descriptions in this work.

The so-called "vegetable caterpillar" (infested with the Spit-aria fungus
[Cordiceps robertsii]) is, I think, very probably the larva of this insect. It was
formerly supposed to be the larva of Hepialus virescens; but I have pointed out
elsewhere ° that this is certainly erroneous, the larva of H. virescens living in the stems
of trees, and never going beneath the' ground, even to pupate, whilst the "vegetable"
larva is subterranean. The real point to be discovered is the precise species of
Lepidoptera this caterpillar would develop into, if not attacked by the fungus; but
at present no definite information has been obtained on the subject.

* ' Entomologist,' xviii. 36.

IX,- THE MICROPTERYGINA. 133

POEINA ENYSII, Butl.
(Porina enysii, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 381, pi. xlii. 7. Porina enysii, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xxii. 207.)
(Plate XIII., fig. 9 3, fig. 10 2.)

This species appears to be confined to the North Island, where it is rather rare.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 2£ inches, of the female 3£ inches. The fore-
wings are dark orange-brown, more or less marbled with yellow and dark brown ; there is a very
variable number of small dull white spots margined with black and arranged irregularly on the
wing. The hind-wings are pinkish-brown, tinged with ochreous on the termen.

This species varies a good deal in the extent of the darker markings, and number
and position of the dull white spots. When alive it is usually very strongly tinged
with pink.

The perfect insect appears in December and January, and frequents forests. It
is especially fond of resting on the stems of tree-ferns in the daytime, where,
however, it is extremely inconspicuous, and can only be discovered by very careful
searching. It is also very partial to light, and specimens might perhaps be secured
more plentifully, if a good attracting lamp were exhibited in a suitable locality.

POEINA CHAEACTEEIFEEA, Walk.

(Hcpialus characterifer, Walk., Suppl. 594. Oxycanus impletus, ib. 598. Porina characterifera, Meyr.,

Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 208.)
(Plate XIII., fig. 11 3 .)

This tine species has been taken in the North Island at Auckland, Kaitoke, and
Wellington.

The expansion of the wings is about 3 inches. The fore-wings are rather dull yellow,
finely marbled with black ; there are two conspicuous irregular black marks a little above the
middle of the dorsum. The hind-wings are very dark purplish-brown with the cilia yellow, barred
with brown. The head and thorax are dull yellow, speckled with black, and the abdomen is dark
purplish-brown, barred with dull white, with a yellow tuft at the apex.

The perfect insect appears in October, November, and December. At present I
am only aware of four specimens in collections, viz., two in the British Museum,
taken at Auckland ; one in Mr. Meyrick's collection, taken by Mr. H. B. Kirk
on the liimutaka Eanges, at an elevation of about 1,500 feet; and one kindly given
to me by Mr. W. K. Morris, who took it at Wadestown, near Wellington.* It is
evidently a scarce species, but may be looked for in the forest districts of the
North Island.

POEINA CEEVINATA, Walk.

(Elhamma cervmata, Walk., Suppl. 595. Porina vexata, ib. 597. Pielus variolaris, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 1.

Porina fuliginea, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 488. Porina cerrinata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 208.)

(Plate XIII., fig. 12 <?, fig. 18 variety of ? .)

This insect is fairly common, and generally distributed throughout the country.
It is very abundant in the Manawatu district.

The expansion of the wings is about 1£ inches. The fore-wings vary from brownish-black
to dull yellow ; there are several small white spots near the base margined with black, and an
obscure cloudy central streak, sometimes containing one or two minute irregular white marks ;
near the termen a broad, pale, wavy line runs from the costa to the dorsum, and contains
several elongate dull white spots, margined with black ; another series of smaller spots is often
situated between this line and the termen ; there is a terminal row of small black spots. The

* Since writing the above I understand from Mr. Baunehr that he has met with several specimens of this species
in forest on the Dun Mountain, Nelson, at an elevation of about '2,000 feet.

134 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPTDOPTEEA.

hind-wings vary from pale greyish-brown to dull yellow. The cilia of all the wings are barred,
with dark brown.

This species is extremely variable. In many cases a large number of the spots
is wanting. Mr. Meyrick states that the northern specimens are more yellow-ochreous,
and more distinctly spotted than the southern ones. He adds that "the ochreous forms
are easily distinguished from other species by the numerous spots and the absence of
a continuous pale discal streak ; the fuscous forms are sometimes very similar in
colouring to P. despecta, but they are distinctly shorter-winged, and the compound
discal spots appear to be a good character."

I have taken several specimens of what appears to be a variety of this species
on the Tableland of Mount Arthur. It is much paler than the typical form, the
markings much less distinct, and the central portions of the fore-wings very pale
yellow (see fig. 18).

The moth appears in October. It is very much attracted by light.

POEINA DESPECTA, Walk.

(Hepialits dcspcctus, Walk., Suppl. 594. Porina despecta, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 209.)

(Plate XIII., fig. 18 ? .)

This species has occurred in the South Island, at Christchurch, the Otira Eiver
and Lake Wakatipu.

The expansion of the wings is from 1| to If inches. The fore-wings are dull brown with
several irregular dull white markings near the centre of the wing. The hind-wings are also dull
brown. In general appearance it closely resembles the last-mentioned species (P. cervinata), bid
may always be recognised by its longer and narrower wings, smaller body and antennce, and absence
of distinct markings near the termen.

The perfect insect appears in January, and is usually taken at light.

PORINA UMBEACULATA, Gn.

(Pieliis wmbraculatus, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 1. Porina umbraculata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 209.)

(Plate XIII., fig. 14 $ .)

This species is probably common, and generally distributed throughout the
country. It has been taken at Palmerston, North Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch,
Invercargill and Stewart Island.

The expansion of the wings of the male is If inches, of the female 2J inches. The fore-
wings are dull yellowish-brown ; in the centre there is a broad longitudinal blackish streak,
containing a conspicuous straight white stripe, occasionally broken into two or three very elongate
spots; there are often several black dots along the termen. The hind-wings are dull ochreous,
strongly tinged with pink towards the base.

This species varies considerably in the depth of the ground colour, and in the
number of the black dots. A blackish shaded line, parallel to the termen, is also
frequently present. The species may, however, be at once recognised by the straight,
white, central stripe of the fore-wings.

The perfect insect appears from October till January, and is generally captured
at light.

PORINA SIGNATA, Walk.
(Elhamma signata, Walk., Bomb. 1563. Porina nova-zealandia, ib. 1573. Porina signata, Meyr., Trans.

N. Z. Inst. xxii. 210.)

(Plate XIII., fig. 15 $ ; Plate III., fig. 6 larva.)
Apparently an abundant species in the North Island, having been taken com-

IX.— THE MICROPTERYGINA. 135

.monly at Napier, Palmerston and Wellington. I suspect it occurs in the South
Island also, but I have no records of its capture there.

The expansion of the wings is from 2 to 2J inches. The fore-wings are dark brownish-
ochreous, becoming dull white near the middle and on the termen ; there is a shaded central,
longitudinal, blackish band containing several ichitc spots, forming an irregular stripe in the
middle of the wing ; there are also many irregular markings with dull white centres, chiefly
situated near the veins, and often arranged in two or three rows parallel to the termen. All
the markings are very variable, but the insect may be at once known by the irregular central
white stripe. When alive the entire colouring is always strongly tinged with pink.

I have often found a large subterranean caterpillar, that I believe to be the
larva of this insect ; but as I have never succeeded in rearing a specimen, I cannot
assign it to this species with absolute certainty.

The length of this larva when full grown is nearly 3 inches. Its colour is dirty white,
becoming darker on the back. The head is dark brown, very rough and horny ; the three first
segments are also horny on the dorsal surface. The rest of the body is very much softer, and
is furnished with several horny tubercles, each of which emits a long bristle.

This larva is very lively when disturbed. It usually disgorges a large quantity
of black juice from the mouth, biting meantime, in order no doubt to frighten its
enemies. It feeds on the roots of various grasses.

The perfect insect appears in January, February and March, and is often
extremely abundant at light.

APPENDIX.

BY FLOBENCE W. HUDSON.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF THE PLANTS MENTIONED IN THIS WORK.

THE following list of trees, shrubs, &c., has been prepared to assist entomologists in
recognising the various food-plants mentioned in connection with the insects described
in the foregoing pages. In order to meet the requirements of beginners, all botanical
terms have been omitted. Those desiring precise scientific information on these plants,
will of course consult works specially dealing with botany.

ACIPHYLLA SQUARROSA (Spear-grass). A plant often found on the sea-coast, or open hilly
country, with long, very sharp spines instead of leaves. The flowers are very small, and are
placed round a tall central shoot, which is also covered with spines.

ASCLEPIAS (Milkweed).

ASTELIA SOLANDRI. A plant found growing on the stems of large forest trees. It has very
long, narrow, dark green leaves springing from the base of the plant, and lemon-coloured flowers
arranged on a long stem. The berries are bright crimson.

ALECTRYON EXCELSUM (Titoki). A moderate-sized tree with leaves rather long, toothed,
and light green. The fruit has a very remarkable appearance ; it consists of a shining black
seed, partially surrounded by a bright red fleshy covering.

APOCYNUM (the common Periwinkle).

AHISTOTELIA RACEMOSA (Wine-berry, New Zealand Currant, Makomako). A well-known tree,
often found in clearings in the forest, where it usually takes the place of the original trees ; in
fact this plant seems to seize on every vacant space. Its leaves are pale green, the flowers are
much like those of the garden "flowering currant," and the berries are small and dark red.

BEILSCHMIEDIA TAWA (Tawa tree). A handsome tree, with very long, narrow, light green
leaves, and smooth bark.

BRACHYGLOTTIS REPANDA (Wharangi). One of the early flowering shrubs, with large bunches
of small, strong-scented, white flowers. The leaves are large and pale green, the under side
being white.

CARMICELELIA, or New Zealand Broom. A genus of shrubs closely resembling the common
broom, but with very small flowers, more or less streaked with blue or lilac.

18 13T

138 APPENDIX.

CARPODETUS SERRATUS. A pretty shrub or small tree with rather small, serrated, bright green
leaves and numerous clusters of small whitish fragrant flowers, followed by nearly globular hard
green fruits.

CAREX SUBDOLA (Sedge).

COPROSMA. A genus of shrubs with small, generally rather dull green leaves, insignificant
flowers, and bi'ight, variously coloured berries. One common species, Coprosma fatidissima, has
a most objectionable odour when cut or bruised.

. CORDYLINE AUSTRALIS (Ti-tri, or Cabbage tree, as it is usually called). This is one of the most
remarkable-looking trees in New Zealand. It much resembles a palm in general appearance.
The leaves are long and narrow, with parallel veins ; the flowers are whitish, very numerous,
growing in drooping clusters at the top of the tree.

CYATHEA DEALBATA (Silver tree fern). A large tree fern, growing from ten to forty feet high,
with a slender black stem, and dark green fronds silvery underneath.

DISCARIA TOUMATOU (Wild Irishman, Tumatakuru). A straggling shrub, or small tree, often
common in dry, open places. It is furnished with numerous long sharp spines, with several very
insignificant flowers and leaves at the base of each spine.

DONATIA NOV^EZEALANDIA. A small Alpine plant, with very short stems, around each of
which are placed numerous leaves. It has a superficial resemblance to a moss.

FAGUS CLIFFORTIOIDES (Mountain Beech, but more often known as Birch or Black Birch).
A very handsome forest tree, usually growing in somewhat elevated localities. It has small light
green leaves, and black stems with very rough bark.

FUCHSIA EXCORTICATA (our native Fuchsia). A very common tree or shrub growing in the
forest. The bark is pale reddish-brown ; the leaves rather elongate, dark green, with pale
under-side. The flowers closely resemble those of the cultivated fuchsia, but are less brightly
coloured. This plant partially sheds its leaves in winter.

GALINIA SETIFOLIA. A large, grass-like plant growing in clumps, with very long, dark
green leaves, which cut the fingers unless the plant is carefully handled. A number of small, brown
flowers is situated near the top of a tall stem, in the centre of each clump.

HALORAGIS ALATA. A herbaceous plant abundant on dry hills ; the leaves are deeply
indented, slightly rough, and arranged on opposite sides of the stem. The flowers are small
and green ; the fruit is a nut with small wings attached.

LEPTOSPERMUM SCOPARIUM (Manuka, Tea tree). A small tree, growing usually in poor soil.
The leaves are very small and dull green, and the numerous star-like flowers are white, tinged
with pink.

MELICOPE SIMPLEX. A somewhat straggling shrub with very small, roundish, light green leaves.

MELICYTUS RAMIFLORUS (Mahoe or Hinahina). A shrub or tree. The leaves are moderately
toothed, bright green, and very pretty. The flowers are in clusters, hanging from the bases of
the leaves ; the fruit is violet-coloured with black seeds.

METROSIDEROS SCANDENS (White Eata). A common climbing shrub with small, roundish,
glossy, dark green leaves and very numerous feathery white flowers. The seed has a powdery
appearance, and is enclosed in a large capsule.

APPENDIX. 139

MUHLENBECKIA ADPHESSA. A common climbing plant, generally found near the edge of
the forest. It has a very tangled growth. Leaves heart-shaped or broadly oblong ; in young
plants, three-lobed ; spike, many-flowered.

MYOSOTIS ARVENSIS (Forget-me-not).

MYRTUS BULLATA (Kamarama). A remarkably pretty shrub with reddish-brown or green
leaves, much crinkled. The flowers are white, tinged with pink, and very much resemble those
of the English myrtle. Berries about the size of currants, red or purple.

(ENOTHERA BIENNIS (the Evening Primrose). This herb grows to the height of two or three
feet. It ' has large, bright yellow flowers, opening towards evening. Found in sandy soil on the
sea-coast.

OLEA APETALA (Maire, New Zealand Olive). A shrub or small tree with broad leaves, and
insignificant flowers growing on opposite sides of the flower-stalk.

OLEARIA TRAVERSII (Ake-ake). A small tree or shrub with oval, very wavy, thick, pale green
leaves, white underneath. The flowers are very small, yellowishrwhite and strongly scented.
They do not appear till late in autumn.

PANAX ARBOREA. A small tree with bright, glossy green, compound leaves. Each leaf consists
of five separate leaflets on distinct footstalks, connected with branch by a long, stout stem. The
large bunches of black berries are very conspicuous in the autumn.

PENNANTIA CORYMBOSA. A small tree with oval, serrated, bright green leaves, and handsome
clusters of sweet-scented white flowers.

PIPER EXCELSUM (Kawa-kawa). A small tree generally growing in damp places. The leaves
are broad, heart-shaped, bright green, and nearly always riddled with holes.

PITTOSPORUM EUGENIOIDES (Tarata). A shrub or small tree, with rather elongate, pale green
wavy leaves, and bunches of fragrant, small, yellow flowers.

PITTOSPORUM TENUIFOLIUM, var. NiGRESCENS (Matipo). A very ornamental shrub with
small, shining, bright green leaves, and black stems. The flowers are dark purple, and rather
buried among the foliage.

PLAGIANTHUS BETULINUS (South Island Ribbon Wood). A tree of moderate size. The leaves
are rather light green, and doubly serrated. The flowers are small, white, with red anthers, and
very numerous.

PDA AUSTRALIS (Tussock). One of the common native grasses of New Zealand. It grows in
large clumps, often about two feet in height. It is especially common in open situations in the
South Island.

POMADERRIS ERiciFOLiA (Tauhiim, or Cotton Wood). A shrub usually growing in rather

exposed places. The leaves are very small, pointed, dull green above and white underneath.

They are placed very closely on the stems, which are also white. The flowers are dull yellowish-
white, and grow in clusters.

PTERIS INCISA. A soft, light green, straggling fern, growing in open places in the forest, and
round decayed logs.

SCABIOUS ("Pincushion"). An introduced garden plant. The flowers are of many different
colours — the name "pincushion," gives the best description of appearance. It is very attractive
to insects.

140 APPENDIX.

SENECIO BELLIDIOIDES. A common mountain herb, with rather dark green leaves, and a small
tuft of bright yellow daisy-like flowers.

SENECIO SCANDENS (called by settlers French Ivy). A common climbing plant having a
superficial resemblance to ivy, but with much brighter green leaves, and yellow flowers.

SENECIO VULGARIS (Groundsel). A common garden weed.

SOLANUM AVICULARE (Poro-poro, or Potato Plant). A shrub, with very dark green, pointed
leaves, purple underneath, and bright purple flowers resembling those of the potato.

TODEA HYMENOPHYLLOIDES. One of the "crape" ferns, growing in very shady places in the
forest. It has soft, graceful, light green fronds.

URTICA FEROX ("Nettle Tree"). It has prickly, light green leaves, with very long thick
spines ; a row of these spines is situated along the midrib of each leaf. It grows in open
situations.

URTICA INCISA (Ground Nettle). A herbaceous plant found in shady places amongst ferns.
The leaves are covered with spines, which give a very sharp sting when touched.

VERONICA (Koromiko). A genus of shrubs, found commonly on the margins of forests, and on
hill-tops. The leaves are rather long, smooth, and dark green, and the flowers are mostly purplish-
white.

INDEX TO GENERAL SUBJECTS.

Abdomen xiii

Adaptive characters xvi

Air-tubes ix

AlpineLepidoptera, colours of xv

Anastomosis xii

Antennse of imago x

„ of larva ix

Apex of wing xii

ArcticLepidoptera, colours of xv

Base of wing xi

Biliary vessels of imago . . . xiii

,, „ of larva ... x

Bi-pectinated x

Butterflies 101

Caecum xiii

Caterpillars ix

Classification xvi

Clavate intestine x

Coincidence of veins xii

Colon of imago xiii

,, of larva x

Concurrence of veins xii

Connection of veins xii

Contrast colours xv

Costa xi

Coxa of imago xiii

„ of larva ix

Crown x

Digestive system of imago xiii

,, ,, of larva x

Divergence of character ... xiv

Dorsum xi

Bcdysis x

Egg ix

Eyes, compound x

„ simple x

Pace x

Fasciculate-ciliated xi

Femur of imago xiii

,, of larva ix

Filiform xi

Frenulurn xii

Geographical distribution . . . xix

Haustellum xi

Head x

Ilium of imago xiii

„ of larva x

Imago x

Inheritance xiv

Jugum xii

Labium of imago xi

„ of larva ix

Labrum of imago xi

,, of larva ix

Larva ix

Legs of imago xiii

„ of larva ix

Lepidoptera, descent of ... xvii

,, arrangement of xviii

Mandibles of imago xi

,, of larva ix

Maxillae of imago xi

, , of larva ix

Mimicry xv

Natural selection xiv

Neuration xii

Obsolescence of veins xii

Ocelli x

(Esophagus of imago xiii

„ of larva x

Ornamental colouring xv

Palpi, labial, of imago xi

PAGE

Palpi, labial, of larva ix

„ maxillary, of imago xi

,, ,, of larva ... ix

Pectinated x

Prsecostal spur xii

Proboscis xi

Prolegs ix

Protective resemblance xiv

Pseudoneuria xii

Pubescent xi

Pupa x

Eetinaculum xii

Salivary vessels

Serrate

Sexual selection

Species, origin of

Spinneret

Spinning vessels

Spiracles

Stalking of veins

Struggle for existence

Sucking stomach

"Survival of the Fittest"

xni

xi

xvi

xiii

x

x

ix

xii

xiv

xiii

xiv

Termen xi

Tibia of imago xiii

, , of larva ix

Tongue xi

Tornus xii

Unipectinated x

Variation xiii .

" Vegetable caterpillar " ... 132

Veins of wings xii

Ventriculus of imago xiii

, , of larva x

Warning colours xv

Wings xi

141

SPECIAL INDEX.

Names of Groups are printed in capitals (CARAUEININA, &c.).
Families, in small capitals (ABCTIADJE, &c.).
Sub-families, in sanserif italic (Poliades, &c.).
Genera, in roman beginning with a capital (Agrotis, &c.).
Species, in roman (annulata, &c.).
Synonyms, in ordinary italic (doubledayi, &c.).

PAGE

abrogata 55

absconditaria 60

acceptrix 18

acetina 7

acidaliaria 77

acontistis 11

acroiaria 80

acutata 76

admirationis 31

adonis 63

aegrota 64

Agrotis 30

agrionata 40

agorastis 18

alcyone 24

alectoraria 80

alopa 12

anceps 69

auguligera 47

angusta 18

annulata 2

Anosia 102

antarctica 42

anthracias 67

antipoda 10

antipoda ria 87

antipodum 110

aquosata 41

arachnids 23

archippus 102

ABCTIAD.E 1

ardularia 57

arenacea 87

argentifera 35

Argyrophenga 110

arida 50

aristarcha 85

aristias 42

ararigera 32

arotis 12

Asaphodes 54

astevope 24

Asthena 52

astrapia 82

assata 55

atalanta 120

atristriga 10

atronivea 95

attracta 86

auge 104

aidacias 12

Azelina 92

beata 63

bicomma 7

bilineolata 41

bisignata 47

Bityla 29

blenheimensis 13

boldenarum 118

bolina 104

boreophilaria 88

brephos 75

brepliosata 75

bryopis 62

bulbulata 68

butleri 115

caerulea 8

calida 41

callicrena 73

callichlora 50

camelias 65

CARADBINIDJE 5

Caraclrinides 29 !

CARADRININA ... 1

caprimulgata 86

cardui 108

eataphracta 61

catapyrrha 68

catilla 121

catocalaria 75

Catopsilia 121

ceramodes 8

oerapachoides 32

ceraunias 14

cervinata 133

Chalastra 88

chalcites 35

chalcophanes 128

cJiaotica 50

characterifera 133

PAGE

charybdis 41

chionogramma 65

chorica 66

chlamydota 59

chlorias 63

Chloroclystis 41

chrysopeda 68

Chrysophanus 116

cidariaria 41

cinerasccns 88

cinerearia 67

clarata... 61

co3leno 26

comma 7

composita 22

confcrta 32

congreyata 47

congressata 47

conversata 47

convolvuli 99

cookaria 91

corcularia 67

Cosmodes 33

cosmodora 62

cucullina 27

cymosema 56

Dasypodia 35

Dasyuris 69

dcbilis 18

deceptura 9

Declana 94

defigurata 29

dejectaria 86

delicatulata 59

deltoidata 47

denotatus 45

dentigera 22

dcscriptata 47

despecta 134

dcsiccata 87

Diadema, ace Auosia 102

diatmeta 21

Dichromodes 78

diffusaria 67

dinodes 132

PAGK

dione 14

disjungens 15

dissocwta 67

distans 99

Dodonidia 112

donovani 46

dotata 24

doubledayi 2

Drepanodes 91

dryas 43

egregia 96

elegans 33

Elvia 46

encausta 89

enysii (Chryso-
phanus) 117

enysii (Dasyuris) ... 69

„ (Porina) 133

epliyraria 91

Epirranthis 79

Erana 28

Erebia 113

erebinata 86

erichrysa 4

eriosoma 35

erippus 102

Euehoeca 51

euclidiata 68

eupitheciaria 67

Euploae 120

exprompta 86

exsularis 34

extranea , 13

falcata 66

falcatella 76

felix 90

fenerata 82

fcredayi (Declana) ... 96
feredayi (Chryso-
phanus) 116

ferox 74

fylinaria 77

fischeri 129

nexata .. 90

H2

SPECIAL INDEX.

143

PAGE

flocoosa 96

fortinata 93

fragox.'ita 84

fuliginea 133

fuscinata 48

fusiplagiata 89

gallaria 92

GEOMETBINA, see

NOTODONTINA 38

glaucata 46

glyphica ta 68

gobiata 47

gonerilla 105

Gonophylla 90

graminosa 28

griseata 98

griseipennis 9

gypsotis 78

haastaria 91

Hamadryas 120

hectori (Dasyuris) ... 70

liectori (Hepialus) . . . 129

helias 64

Heliothis 32

helmsi 112

hemipteraria 80

hemizona 48

HEPIALID.E 128

Hepialus 128

hermione 98

komomorpha 69

homoscia 21

humeraria 89

humerata 41

humillima 83

huttonii 5

Hybernia 87

Hydriomena 46

HYDRIOMENID^E 38

Hypenides 34

Hypenodes 34

Ichneutica 14

immunis 7

impletus 133

implexa 7

inamcenaria 57

inceptura 9

inclarata 47

inclinataria 40

inconspicua 31

inconstans 9

indicataria 44

indis tine t a 85

indocilis 88

induetata 44

infantaria 67

infensa 23

innocua 7

innominata 31

inoperata 67

inopiata 47

insignis (Melanchra) 16

insignis (Notoreas)... 71

invexata 67

Ipana 94

iphigenia 104

itea 107

isoleuca 72

jtmcicolor 12

junctilinea 98

Junonia 109

kershawii 108

LASIOCAMPIN'A... 101

leptoniora 94

Leptomeris 77

lestevata 39

Lencania 8

lichenodej 44

lignana 26

lignifmca

lignisecta 26

lignosata 86

lilacina 36

limonodes 57

lithias 17

lophogramma 59

lucidata 64

lupinata 83

Lyctena 119

Lyc^ENiDn 115

Lythria 68

maculata 44

mairi 132

Mamestra, see Melan-
chra 15

mcmxifem 95

maori 22

maoriata 86

margarita 6

maui 116

maya 17

mechanitis 72

megaspilata 55

Melanchra 15

Melanchrides 8

melinata 85

menanaria 87

merope 19

mernla 114

Metacrias 4

micrastra 12

MICROPTERYGID.E ... 127
MICBOPTEEY-

GINA 127

mitis 27

Miselia 6

mistata 40

mixtaria 80

mnesichola 60

moderata 9

MONOCTENIADJE 77

monoliata 47

morosa 26

muriferata 91

muscosata 41

mut-ans ... 18

nehata 55

nelsonaria 90

nephelias 61

nereis 43

nerina 104

PAGE

nervata 15

nige.r 7H

nigra 78

nigrosparsa 96

niphocrena 74

niveata 98

NOCTUINA, see

CAEADEININA 1

NOTODONTINA ... 38

Notoreas 71

norce-zealantlice 134

nullifera 9

Nyctemera 2

NYMPHALID.E 102

obarata 66

obtmncata 89

obtmaria 89

ochthistis 20

octans 25

octias 37

(Eceticus 123

Oiketicus....: 123

omichlias 76

omicron 22

omnivora 123

omnivorus 123

omoplaca 23

ondinata 52

ophiopa 93

Orophora 126

orophyla 58

orphnsea 71

Orthosia 6

ORTHOSTIXID.E 79

otdheitce 105

othello 114

oxleyi 119

Palaeomicra 128

palthidata 92

panagrata 87

pannularia 86

PAPILIONINA 101

paracausta 15

paradelpha 72

Paradetis 40

parora 56

partheniata 70

parvulata 45

pastinaria 47

patularia 86

pelistis 19

pelurgata 88

perductata 47

perornata 72

perversatn 47

pessota 6

petrina 78

petropola 66

phaula 11

phoebe 119

phricias 27

Phrissogonus 45

Physetica 8

pictula 19

plagifmrcata 47

plena 17

plexippus 102

plinthina 41

plurilinca ta 52

plurimatu 64

Plusia 34

PLUSIADJE 33

Plusiades 34

plusiata 7

pluto 114

Poliades 6

polychroa 16

Porina 132

porphyrias 41

prsefectata 60

prasinias 65

primata 80

prionistis 27

prionota 47

productata 84

propria 11

proserpina 104

proteastis 20

psamathodes 64

PSYCHID.E 122

PSYCHINA 122

pulchella 3

pulchraria 52

punctilineata 67

pungata 84

purpurea 8

purpurifera 49

purdii 10

PYEALIDINA 122

pyramaria 61

ranata 39

rauparha 116

rectilineata 45

Ehapsa 36

rhodopleura 19

EHOPALOCEEA, see

PAPILIONINA 101

rivularis 47

rixata 49

rosearia 57

rubescens 25

rubraria 77

rubropunctaria 51

rubroviridans 129

rufescens 56

rudiata 82

rudi&ata 82

salustius 116

Samana 76

SATYRID.E 110

scabra 96

schistaria 52

scriptaria 86

scissaria 79

scotosialis 36

selenophora 35

Selidosema 82

SELIDOSEMID^E 81

semialbata 41

semifissata 59

semilisata 67

semisignata 67

semivittata 13

144

SPECIAL INDEX.

PAGE

sericea (Agrotis) ... 31

sericea (Bityla) 29

servula ria 55

Sestra 89

signata 134

similata 50

simplex 74

simulans 47

siria 51

siris 55

sistens 9

squalicla 49

specified 9

sphceriata 67

sphagnea 17

Sphinx 99

SPHINGID^ 99

sphragitis 43

steropastis 23

STERKHIDJ? 77

stigmaticata 86

stinaria 60

stipata 25 !

PAGE

strangulata 48

strategica (Metacrias) 4

„ (Notoreas) 73

streptophora 88

suavis 83

subductata 57

subitata 44

subobscurata 66

subochraria 48

subpurpurea ta 52

subtentaria 60

suffusa 30

sulcana 13

sulpitwta 86

tartarea 21

Tatosoma 39

temperata 9

Theoxena 79

thoracica 29

timarata 50

timora 40

TINEINA 127

PAOK

tipulata 40

TOETBICINA 127

toumatou 126

transitaria 40

triphragma 49

tuhuata - . 52

turbida 16

umbraculata 134

undosata 54

undulifera 47

unica 12

unicolor 126

unipuneta 13

urtica 120

usitata 83

ustistriga 26

Utetheisa '3

Vanessa 105

various ... 80

variolaris 133

velleda... . 109

PACK

vempunctata 64

Venusia 53

verriculata 53

vexata 133

vigens 28

virescens (Chera) ... 9

virescens (Hepialus) 129

viridis 17

visata 51

vitiosa 20

vulcanica 75

xanthaspis 54

Xanthia 7

Xanthorhoe 56

ypsilon 30

ypsilonaria 59

ziczac 93

zoilus 120

zopyra 74

PLATES AND EXPLANATIONS.

PLATE I.

ANATOMICAL.

FIG

1. Outline of a Lepidopterous insect showing the terms employed in describing the various margins and

angles of the fore- and hind-wings.

2. View of the under side of the head and first segment of the larva of a Lepidopterous insect. AA, eyes;

BB, antennae; 1, labram ; 22, mandibles; 33, maxillae; 4, labium ; 5, spinneret; a, coxa; b, tro-
chanter ; c, femur ; d, tibia ; e, tarsus ; /, claw (highly magnified).

3. Assumed type of neuration of fore-wing of a Lepidopterous insect. (After Meyrick.)

4. Ditto of hind-wing. (After Meyrick.)

5. Side view of the head of Vanessa gonerilla with proboscis extended. (Imago, Plate XII., fig. 5.)

6. Ditto with proboscis coiled up. (In both these figures only the basal portions of the antennas are shown.)

7. Neuration of fore-wing of Anosia erippus. (Imago, Plate XI., fig. 1.)

8. Ditto of hind-wing.

9. Digestive system of a Lepidopterous larva. A, oesophagus ; D, ventriculus ; F, clavate intestine ;

E, ilium ; H, colon ; K, biliary vessels ; O, spinning vessels. (After Suckow.)

10. Ditto of perfect insect. N, salivary vessels ; C, sucking stomach ; G, caecum. The rest as before.

(After Herold.)

11. Front view of the head of Vanessa gonerilla with the labial palpi removed showing the organs of the

mouth. AA, eyes ; BB, antennae (basal portion) ; /, labrum ; mm, mandibles ; pp, maxillary palpi ;
C, proboscis formed of elongated maxillae (highly magnified).

12. Neuration of fore-wing of Sphingidce. (Deilepliila ; after Meyrick.)

13. Ditto hind-wing. (After Meyrick.)

14. Proleg of caterpillar highly magnified.

15. Neuration of fore-wing of Chrysophanus salustiim. (Imago, Plate XII^ figs. 18-21.)

16. Ditto of hind-wing.

17. Fasciculate-ciliated antenna of Chlorodystis plinthina. (Imago, Plate VI., fig. 8.)

18. Serrate antenna of Melanchra composita. (Imago, Plate V., fig. 8.)

19. Pubescent antenna of Epirranthis alectoraria. (Imago, Plate VIII., figs. 42-47.)

20. Bi-pectinated antenna of Nyctcmcra annulata. (Imago, Plate IV., figs. 1, 2.)

21. Leg of Agrotis ypsilon. (Imago, Plate V., figs. 35, 36.) 1, coxa ; 2, trochanter ; 3, femur ; 4, tibia ;

5, tarsus ; 6, claw ; SS, spurs. (All these are highly magnified.)

22. Neuration of fore-wing of Hcpialus uirescens. (Imago, Plate XIII., figs. 16, 17.)

23. Ditto of hind-wing.

24. Head of ditto.

25. Neuration of fore- wing of Ercbia pluto. (Imago, Plate XI., figs. 8-10.) Vein 11 absent.

26. Ditto, veins 11 and 12 concurrent.

27. Ditto of hind-wing.

28. Neuration of fore-wing of Porina siynata. (Imago, Plate XIII., fig. 15.)

29. Ditto of hind-wing.

30. Neuration of fore-wing of (Eceticus omnivorus. (Imago, Plate XIII., fig. 6.)

31. Ditto of hind-wing.

Plate I.

G.V.H.del.

PLATE II.

ANATOMICAL.

1. Neuration of fore-wing of Mctacrias erichrysa. (Imago, Plate IV., fig. 5.)

2. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

3. Head of Nyctemera annulata. (Imago, Plate IV., figs. 1, 2.)

4. Neuration of fore-wing of ditto.

5. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

6. Neuration of fore-wing of Mamestra mutans. (Imago, Plate IV., figs. 34-36.)

7. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

8. Head of male of Physctica can'iilea. (Imago, Plate IV., fig. 7.)

9. Neuration of fore-wing of Erana graminosa. (Imago, Plate V., figs. 24-25.)

10. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

11. Head of Leucania nullifera. (Imago, Plate IV., fig. 9.)

12. Head of Dasy 'podia sclenophora. (Imago, Plate VI., fig. 4.)

13. Head of Venusia verriculata. (Imago, Plate VI., figs. 30-31.)

14. Neuration of fore-wing of Plusia clialcites. (Imago, Plate VI., fig. 3.)

15. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

16. Neuration of fore-wing of Bhapsa scotosialis. (Imago, Plate VI., figs. 5-6.)

17. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

18. Head of ditto.

19. Neuration of fore-wing of Chloroclystis bilineolata. (Imago, Plate VI., figs. 9-10.)

20. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

21. Neuration of fore-wing of Tatosoma agrionata. (Imago, Plate VI., figs. 26-27.)

22. Neuration of hind-wing of male.

23. Neuration of hind-wing of female.

24. Head of ditto.

25. Neuration of fore-wing of Venusia undosata. (Imago, Plate VI., figs. 33-34.)

26. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

27. Neuration of fore-wing of Paradetis porphyrias. (Imago, Plate VI., fig. 36.)

28. Neuration of hind-wing of male.

30. Neuration of fore-wing of Asthena pulchraria. (Imago, Plate VI., figs. 37-38.)

31. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

32. Head of Hydriome.na cldtoidata. (Imago, Plate VII., figs. 1-9.)

33. Neuration of fore-wing of ditto.

34. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

35. Neuration of fore-wing of Asaphodes megaspilata . (Imago, Plate VII., figs. 17-20.)

36. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

37. Neuration of fore-wing of Xanthorhoe clarata. (Imago, Plate VII., figs. 31-32.)

38. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

39. Neuration of fore-wing of Lythria chrysopeda. (Imago, Plate VIII., figs. 33-34.)

40. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

42. Neuration of fore-wing of Dasyuris partheniata (hind-wings as in Xanthorhoe). (Imago, Plate VIII.,

figs. 30-31.)

43. Neuration of fore-wing of Notoreas brephos (hind-wings also as in Xanthorhoe). (Imago, Plate VIII.,

figs. 20-23.)

44. Neuration of fore-wing of Dichromodes petrina. (Imago, Plate VIII., fig. 39.)

45. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

46. Neuration of fore-wing of Epirranthis alectoraria. (Imago, Plate VIII., figs. 42-47.)

47. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

48. Head of ditto.

49. Neuration of fore-wing of Leptomeris rubraria. (Imago, Plate VIII., fig. 37.)

50. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

51. Neuration of fore-wing of Chalastra pelurgatu. (Imago, Plate IX., figs. 33-36.)

52. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

53. Neuration of fore-wing of Scstra humeraria (hind-wing as in Selidosema). (Imago, Plate X., figs. 1-2).

54. Neuration of fore-wing of Azclina yallaria. (Imago, Plate X., figs. 13-23.)

55. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

56. Neuration of fore-wing of Declaim floccosa. (Imago, Plate X., figs. 39-47.)

57. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

58. Head of ditto.

59. Neuration of fore-wing of Sclidoscma dejectaria. (Imago, Plate IX., figs. 19-24.)

60. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

61. Neuration of fore-wing of Drepanodes murifcrata. (Imago, Plate X., figs. 7-12.)

62. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

63. Neuration of fore-wing of Gonophylla nelsonaria. (Imago, Plate X., figs. 3-6.)

64. Neuration of hind-wing of ditto.

PI a,te II.

G.V.U.oUl.

».• *

PLATE III.

PREPARATORY STAGES.

1, 2. Larvae of Vanessa gonerilla. (Pupae, figs. 31, 32 ; Imago, Plate XII., fig. 5.) ... ... 105

3. Larva of Anosia erippus. (Pupa, fig. 27 ; Imago, Plate XI., fig. 1.) ... ... ... 102

4. Larva of Argyrophenga antipodum. (Pupa, fig. 29 ; Imago, Plate XI., fig. 4.) ... 110

5. Larva of Dodonidia helmsi. (Pupa, fig. 28; Imago, Plate XL, fig. 14.) ... ... 112

6. Larva of Porina signata. (Imago, Plate XIIL, fig. 15.) ... ... ... ... ... 134

7. Larva of Melanchra composita. (Imago, Plate V., fig. 8.) ... ... ... ... 22

8. Larva of Erana graminosa. (Imago, Plate V., fig. 24.) ... ... ... ... ... 28

9. Larva of Nyctemera annulata. (Imago, Plate IV., fig. 1.)

10. Larva of Melanchra homoscia. (Imago, Plate V., fig. 7.)... ... ... ... ... 21

11. Larva of Orthosia comma. (Imago, Plate V., fig. 27.) ... ... ... ... ... 7

12. Larva of Selidosema dejectaria. (Imago, Plate IX., fig. 21.) ... ... ... ... 86

13,14. Larvae of Sphinx convolvuli. (Imago, Plate XIIL, fig. 1.) ... ... ... ... 99

15. Larva of Melanchra mutans. (Imago, Plate IV., fig. 34.) ... ... ... ... 18

16. Larva of Melanchra vitiosa. (Imago, Plate IV., fig. 42.)... ... ... ... ... 20

17. Larva of Selidosema aristarcha. (Imago, Plate IX., fig. 17.) ... ... ... ... 85

18. Larva of Declana atronivea. (Imago, Plate X., fig. 33.) ... ... ... ... ... 95

19. Larva of Epirranthis hemipteraria. (Imago, Plate VIII., fig. 48.) ... ... ... 80

20. Larva of Sestra humeraria. (Imago, Plate X., fig. 1.) ... ... ... ... ... 89

21. Larva of Chalastra pelurgata. (Imago, Plate IX., fig. 34.) ... ... ... ... 88

22. Larva of Selidosema productata. (Imago, Plate IX., fig. 6.) ... ... ... ... 84

23. Larva of Hepialis virescens. (Pupa, fig. 30; Imago, Plate XIIL, fig. 16.) ... ... 129

24. Larva of Epirranthis alectoraria. (Imago, Plate VIII. , fig. 42.) ... ... ..-. 80

25. Larva of (Eceticus omnivorus withdrawn from case. (Imago, Plate XIIL, fig. 6.) ... 123

26. Larva of ditto in its case.

27. Pupa of Anosia erippus. (Larva, fig. 3 ; Imago, Plate XL, fig. 1.) ... ... ... 102

28. Pupa of Dodonidia helmsi. (Larva, fig. 5 ; Imago, Plate XL, fig. 14.) ... ... ... 112

29. Pupa of Argyrophenga antipodum. (Larva, fig. 4 ; Imago, Plate XL, fig. 4.) ... ... 110

30. Pupa of Hepialus virescens. (Larva, fig. 23 ; Imago, Plate XIIL, fig. 16.) ... ... 129

31,32. Pupae of Vanessa gonerilla. (Larva, figs. 1, 2 ; Imago, Plate XII., fig. 5). ... ... 105

IB

CSi-V'--^-^.:'

16

.17

32 ^^

25

28

-•«
6

-7; '.; • ' ••

••*

10

11

23

26

Jl

ao

nr

18

19

20

21

27

31

GVHcleL

32

West,Newneui ckromo

PLATE IV.

CARADRININA.

PIG.

1. Nyctemera annulata $ (Larva, Plate III., fig. 9.) 2

2. » ,, ?

3. Utetheisa pulchella ............... 3

4. Metacrias strategica $ ...... 4

5. ,, erichrysa $ ......... 4

6. ,, huttonii $ ... ... ... 5

7. Physetica camlea $ ......... g

8. Leucania griseipennis 2 ......... 9

9- ,, nullifera 2 ... ... ... g

10. ,, micrastra 3 ............ 12

11- ,, purdii $ ... ... ... ... ... 10

12. ,, atristriga $ ... ... ... ... 10

13. ,, propria 3 ... ........... n

1-4. ,, acontistis 3 ... ... ... ... ... U

15. ,, phaula $ ... ... ... ... ... -Q

16. ,, alopa S ... ... ... ... ... 12

17. ,, unica 2 ... ... ... ... ... 12

18- ,, arotis 2 ... ... ... ... ... 12

19. „ sulcana $ ............ 13

20. „ „ 2

21. ,, semivittata $ ... ... ... ... 13

22. „ „ 2

23. ,, blenheimensis 2 ... ... ... ... 13

24. ,, unipuncta 2 ... ... ... ... 13

'25. Ichneutica ceraunias $ ............ 14

26. „ „ 2

27. ,, dione, n. sp. <? ... ... ... ... ... 14

'28. Melanchra paracausta S ............ 15

28A. „ „ 2

29. ,, insignis S ... ... ... ... ... lg

30. „ „ 2

31. ,, iiiaya, n. sp. 2 17

32. ,, plena $ ... ... ... ... ... ... 17

33. ,, lithias 3 ... ... ... ... ... 17

34. ,, mutans $ (Larva, Plate III., fig. 15.) 18

35. „ „ 2

36. ,, ,, 3 variety

37. ,, pictnla $ ... ... ... ... ... ... iy

38. ,, rhodopleura 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... 19

39. ,, caeleiio,n. sp. $ ... ... ... ... ... 26

40. ,, proteastis $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20

42. „ ritiosa 2 (Larva, Plate III., fig. 16.) 20

PI axe IV.

/

37

G.VH.del

f f ,t, fc

PLATE V.

CARADRININA.

1. Melanchra octans, n. sp. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 25

2. ,, merope, n. sp. <? ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 19

3. „ pelistis 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 19

4 o

» ii *

5. ,, diatmeta $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 21

6. ,, tartarea $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 21

7. ,, homoscia $ (Larva, Plate III., fig. 10.) .................. 21

8. ,, composite/, 3 (Larva, Plate III., fig. 7.) .................. 22

9- „ „ 2

10. ,, steropastis $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 23

11- n „ 2

12. ,, infensa 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 23

13. ,, omoplaca 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 23

14. „ alcyone, n. sp. <? ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 24

1-5- ,, asterope, n. sp. 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 24

10. „ dotata 2 .............................. 24

17. „ stipata 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 25

18. ,, rubescens 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 25

19. ,, lignana 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 26

20. ,, ustistriga 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 26

20A. „ „ ' 2

21. ,, prionistis 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 27

22. ,, phricias 3 .............................. 27

23. ,, ciicidlina $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... '27

24. Erana graminosa 3 (Larva, Plate III., fig. 8.) ... ... ... ... ... ... 28

25. „ „ ?

26. Miselia pessota 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... • ... 6

27. Orthosia comma 3 (Larva, Plate III., fig. 11.) ... ... ... ... ... ... 7

28. „ „ 2

29. ,, immunis 3 ••• ••• ••• ••• ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 7

30. Melanchra agorastis 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 18

31. Orthosia margarita 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 6

32. Xanthia purpurea 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8

33. Bityla defigurata 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 29

34. ,, sericea 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 29

35. Agrotis ypsilon 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 30

30. „ „ ?

37. ,, admirationis 3 ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ... ... 31

38. ,, sericea 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 31

39. ,, innominata, n. sp. 3 ... ... ... ... ••• ... ... ... ... 31

40. Heliothis armigera 3 . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 32

41 ?

*-* • » n *

42. Melanchra omicron, n. sp. 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 22

43. ,, disjnngens 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 15

Plat.eV:

^i^^P^BB^

38

G.V.H.c".el

West, Newman chrcnic

PLATE VI.

CARADRININA AND NOTODONTINA.

CAKADBININA.

no- PAGE

1. Agrotis carapachoides $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 32

2. Cosmodes elegans 9 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 33

3. Plusia chalcites 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 35

4. Dasypodia selenopkora $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 35

5. Ehapsa scotosialis 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 36

6- „ „ 2

7. Ehapsa octias 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 37

NOTODONTINA.

8. Chloroclystis plinthina $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 41

9,10. ,, bilineolata varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 41

11. ,, nereis 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 43

12. ,, dryas $ 43

13,14. ,, fsphragitis varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 43

15, 16. ,, lichenodes varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 44

17. ,, indicataria 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 44

17A. „ „ 2

18. ,, maculata, n. sp. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 44

19. Phrissogonus denotatus $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 45

20. Chloroclystis antarctica, n. sp. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 42

21. ,, aristias 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... . . 42

'22. „ „ 2

23,24. Elvia glaucata varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 46

25. Tatosoma lestevata 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 39

26. ,, agrionata 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 40

27. „ „ 2

28. ,, tinwra 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 40

29. „ ,, 2

30. Venusia verricitlata 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 53

31- ,, „ ? .-

32. ,, xanthaspis 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 54

33. ,, nndoftutu 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 54

34. „ „ 2

35. Euchoeca rubropunctaria 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 51

36. Paradetis porphyrias 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 41

37. Asthena pulchraria 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 52

38. „ „ 2

39-42 Asthena schistaria varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5'2

43. Hydriomena i/obia ta 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 47

44 5

» i, +

45,46. ,, subochraria varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 48

47. ,, prionota ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 47

48. ,, stria ...... 51

PI ate. VI

2B

29

26

27

GV.H.d=l.

West, Newman chroma.

PLATE VII.

NOTODONTINA.

FIG.

1-9.

Hydriomena deltoidata varieties

PAGE

47

10.

,, hemizona... ... ... ... ... ..s

48

11.

,, rixata

49

12.

„ purpurifera

49

13.

,, callichlora

50

14.

,, similata ...

50

15.

„ arida

50

16.

Asaphodes siris ?

55

17-19.

,, megaspilata 3 varieties...

55

19A, 20.

,, ,, 2 varieties

21.

,, abrogata 3

55

22.

Xanthorhoe rosearia 3

57

23.

11 11 ¥

24.

,, orophijUa 3

58

25.

11 11 +

26.

,, semifissata 3

59

27.

9

28.

,, chlami/dota

59

29.

,, stinaria 3

60

30.

,, prcefectata 2

60

81.

,, clarata 3 ...

61

32.

2

33.

,, cataphracta 3

61

34.

11 11 -*•

35.

beata 3

63

36.

„ 2

37.

,, ceqrota 3 •••

64

38.

,, lucidata 3

64

39.

,, mnesichoht 3

60

40.

,, helias ? ...

64

41.

„ prasinias ?

65

42.

„ chionoqramma 3

65

43.

11 i, 2

44.

,, chorica

66

45.

,, obarata

66

46.

,, limonodes 3

57

47.

,, lophogramma 3 ...

59

48.

2

49.

,, adonis 3 ...

63

PI ate VII

n

18"-

20

.'

48

H1:,

45

22

;••

•

L , fV .;

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H

G.V.H.acl

clifomo

••: ••- •- .".*•.:- t' v
•-'. : , \- :*»?•<..'

,'' ,

PLATE VIII.

NOTODONTINA.

FIG.

PAGE

1. Xanthorhoe bulbulata 3 68

2» 2A. ,, cineraria varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 67

3. Notoreas insignis 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 71

4-8. ,, perornata varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 72

9-11- ,, meckanitis varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 72

12-14. ,, pa radelph a varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 72

15- ,-, strategica 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 73

16- ,, callicrena 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 73

17. „ ferox 3 74

18, 19. ,, zopyra 3 varieties 74

20-23. ,, brephos varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 75

24. ,, viilcanica ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 75

25. ,, oinichlias 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 76

26. ,, simplex, n. sp. 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 74

27. ,, isoleuca 2 72

28. Dasyuris enysii 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 69

29. ,, anceps 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 69

30. ,, partheniata 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 70

31- „ ,, 2

32. „ hectori 3 70

33. Lythria .chrysopeda 3 . . ... . 68

34. „ „ 2

35. ,, euclidiata ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 68

36. Saniana falcatella ? ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 76

37. Leptomeris rubraria 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 77

38. „ „ 2

39. Dichromodes petrina ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 78

40. ,, nigra 78

41. Theoxena scissaria ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 79

42-47. Epirranthis alectoraria varieties. (Larva, Plate III., fig. 24.) 80

48. „ hemipteraria 3 (Larva, Plate III., fig. 19.) 80

49. „ „ 2

50. Sclidosema fenerata 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 82

51. 2

PI ate VIIJ

27

25

31

32.

13

GV.Hdel

PLATE IX.

NOTODONTINA.

PIO. PAGE

1. Selidosema rudiata $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 82

2. „ „ 2

3. „ suavis $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 83

4. „ „ 2

5. ,, humillima, n. sp. $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 83

6-10. ,, productata $ varieties. (Larva, Plate III., fig. 22.) ... ... ... ... 84

11-14. ,, ,, 2 varieties

15. ,, melinata $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 85

16. „ „ 2

17. ,, aristarcha $ (Larva, Plate III., fig. 17.) ... ... ... ... ... 85

18. „ „ 2

19-22. ,, dejectaria 3 varieties. (Larva, Plate III., fig. 12.) ... ... ... ... 86

23, 24. ,, ,, 2 varieties

25-28. ,, panagrata $ varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 87

29, 30. ,, ,, 2 varieties

31. Hybernia indocilis 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 88

32. „ „ 2

33,34. Chalastra pelurgata $ varieties. (Larva, Plate III., fig. 21.) ... ... ... ... 88

35, 36. ,, ,, 2 varieties

37. Sestra flexata 2 90

PI ate. IX

v

14

GVH ael.

PLATE X.

NOTODONTINA.

PAGE

FIG,

1,2. Sestra humeraria varieties. (Larva, Plate III., fig. 20.) 89

3,4. Gonophylla nelsonaria $ varieties ... ... ... ... ... 90

5, 6. ,, ,, ? varieties

7-10. Drepanod.es muriferata 3 varieties ... .".. ... ... yi

11, 12. ,, ,, $ varieties

13-20. Azelina gallaria <? varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... 92

21-23. ,, ,, 2 varieties

24. ,, fortinata $ ... ... ... ... ... 93

25. „ „ ?

26- ,, ophiopa $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 93

27. ,, ,, $ variety

28. „ „ $>

29,31,3lA. Ipana leptomera $ varieties ... ... ... ... ... 94

30. „ „ ?

32. Declana griseata, n. sp. ... ... ... ... ... ... 93

33. ,, atronivea $ (Larva, Plate III., fig. 18.) ...... 95

34. „ „ $>

35. ,, egregia $ ... 9(5

36. ,, hermione, n. sp. <? ... ... ... ... ... ... 93"

37. ,, juiictilinea $ ... ... ... ... ... ... gg

38. „ „ 2

39-43. ,, floccosa $ varieties ... .., ... ... ... ... gg

44-47. „ $ varieties

PI a

PLATE XI.

PAPILIONINA.

PACK

1. Anos^a enppus ? (Larva, Plate III., fig. 3; Pupa, fig. 27.) ............ 102

2. ,, ,, under side.

3, 4. Argyrophenga antipodum $ varieties. (Larva, Plate III., fig. 4; Pupa, fig. 29.) ... 110

5- ,, „ ?

6, 7. ,, ,, under sides.

8. Erebiapluto $ ... ... ... ...

9. „ „ 2

10. „ ,, under side.

11. Erebia butleri $ ... ... ... ... ...

12. „ „ ?

13. ,, ,, under side.

14. Dodonidia helmsi $ (Larva, Plate III., fig. 5 ; Pupa, fig. 28.) ............ 112

15. ,, ,, under side.

16. Junonia velleda ... ... ... ... ...

17. ,, ,, under side.

Pla/teXL

;,

o
o

00

[4

V.H.del.

PLATE XII.

PAPILIONINA.

PIG. PAOB

1. Vanessa cardui ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 108

2. ,, ,, under side.

3. „ itea 107

4. ,, ,, under side.

5. ,, gonerilla. (Larva, Plate III., figs. 1 and 2 ; Pupa, figs. 31, 32.) 105

6. ,, under side.

7. Anosia bolina 3 ... ... ... ... ... ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• 104

8. „ „ ?

9. ,, ,, under side.

10. Lyccena phcebe 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 119

11. ,, ,, under side.

12. ,, oxleyi, under side. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 119

13, 14. Chrysophanus boMenarum $ varieties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 118

15. ,, ,, under side of $

16. „ „ ?

17. ,, ,, under side of 2

18. ,, salustius $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 116

19. „ „ ?

20. ,, ,, under side

21. ,, ,, under side of variety (upper side, Plate XIII., fig. 2.)

22. ,, enysii 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ••• .-• ••• 117

23. „ „ 2

24. under side.

Plette.XII.

GViH.del

PLATE XIII.

NOTODONTINA, PAPILIONINA, PSYCHINA, AND MICROPTERYQINA.

NOTODONTINA.

PAGE

1. Sphinx conmdouli. (Larva, Plate III., figs. 13 and 14.) ... ... ... 99

PAPILIONINA.
2-5. Varieties of Chrysophanus salustius ... ... ... ... ... ;Q(J

PSYCHINA.

(j. (Eceticus oinnioorus $ (Larva, Plate III., figs. 25, 26.) 123

7. Orophora unicolor $ ... ... ... ... ... 126

MlCBOPTERYGINA.

8. Porina dinodes $ ... ... ... ... ... ... 132

9- ,, enysii $ 133

10. „ „ ?

11- » character if era 3 ... ... ... ... ... 133

1^- ,, cervinata 3 ... ... ... ... ... 133

13- >. despecta $ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 134

14. ,, umbraculata $ ... ... ... ... ... ... 134

15. ,, signata 3 (Larva, Plate III., fig. 6.) 134

16. Hepialus oirescens 3 (Larva, Plate III., fig. 23 ; Pupa, fig. 30.) 129

17. „ „ ?

18. Porina cervinata 2 variety ... ... ... ... 133

Pla.te.XLII

WestJ^Jswtnan chroma

'OLOGY
\«Y
G

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY