iiiiiii ii'iliiiii' i •11 liiiil i it ^HhJ 1 ■ ■■ : ^Hnv* ■ ■ \i w ; 3!fMn*iii] iliiliil' iBir THE MOTH BOOK The Moth Book Plate 1 (Frontispiece) COPYHIGHTEO BY W. J. HOLLAND. Explanation of Plate I (Frontispiece) LARV.^ OF moths 1 . Hyloicus chersis Hiibner. 2. Callosamia promethea Drury. 3. Cucullia convexipennis Grote & Robinson. 4. Citheronia regalis Fabricius. 5. Eiiclicetias egle Drury. 6. Sibine stimulea Clemens. 7. Catocala innubens Guenec. 8. Samia cecropia Linnjeus. Q. Prolimacodes scapha Harris. 10. Seirarctia echo Abbot & Smith. 11. Afamestra picta Harris. 12. Achatodes zece Harris. 13. Datana ministra Drurv. 14. Phobetron pithecium Abbot & Smith 15. Nerice bidentata Walker. 16. Eiirycyttarus confederata Grote & Robinson. 17. Lycia cognataria Guenee. 18. Cerura multiscripta Riley. 19. Tortricidia testacea Packard. THE MOTH BOOK A POPULAR GUIDE TO A KNOWLEDGE OF THE MOTHS OF NORTH AMERICA / BY W: J. HOLLAND, D.D., Ph. D., Sc. D., LL.D. DIRECTOR OF THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM, PITTSBURGH, PA.; LATE CHANCELLOR OF THE WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA; PRESIDENT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA; FELLOW OF THE ZOOLOGICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETIES OF LONDON; MEMBER OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF FRANCE; ETC., ETC. WITH FORTY-EIGHT PLATES IN COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT, REPRODUC- ING SPECIMENS IN THE COLLECTION OF THE AUTHOR, AND IN VARIOUS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COLLECTIONS NEW YORK : DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 1905 COPYRIGHT, 1903, BY W. J. HOLLAND PUBLISHED, NOVEMBER, I9O3 TO MY HONORED FRIEND, ANDREW CARNEGIE, WHOSE NAME IS A SYNONYM FOR FINANCIAL SAGACITY AND PRACTICAL BENEVOLENCE, I DEDICATE THIS BOOK PREFACE \17'HEN a few years ago I published "The Butterfly Book," I ^^ stated in the preface to that volume that I would follow it by the preparation of a similar work upon the moths of the United States and Canada, provided the reception given that venture should seem to justify me in so doing. "The Butterfly Book" was very favorably received, and not only I, but my publishers, have been besieged with letters from all parts of the continent, urging the fulfillment of the provisional promise made by me in 1898. A prompt compliance with these requests has, however, unfortunately been impossible, owing to the fact that my official duties, which are numerous and exacting, prevent me from devot- ing any but the evening hours to the work of literary composition. in addition to the difficulties arising from this source, there were other and even greater difficulties which presented themselves. The species of moths known to occur in the United States and Canada vastly exceed in number the species of butterflies found within the same limits. While it was possible to bring together brief descriptions and numerous illustrations of the majority of the species of butterflies found in the region, it became evident at the outset that in dealing with the moths it would be necessary to resort to a different method. It became plain that a process of selection would have to be followed, if the volume were to be kept within proper limits as to size and cost. It would have been comparatively easy to have selected from the abundant material at my command a series of the more showy insects, and to have illustrated these, but as it is the purpose of the series of the books of which "The Moth Book" is one to provide in reasonably compact form manuals which will with tolerable completeness cover the whole field, the plan had to be materially altered. In- stead, therefore, of attempting to briefly describe and figure all the thousands of species of moths which have been ascertained to Preface occur in North America north of Mexico, the eflbrt was made to select those species which would adequately represent the various families and the commoner and more important genera, thus pro- viding a work which might serve as an introduction to the study. This process of selection had to be made with much patience and care. Another cause of delay arose from the fact that it is some- times difficult to obtain perfect specimens for purposes of photo- graphic reproduction. Even where species are well known and common, and are abundantly represented in the collections to which I have access, it has not infrequently happened that it was almost impossible to discover specimens so perfect as to allow of their being reproduced by color-photography in a satisfactory manner. Minor defects, which signify little to a working natural- ist, and which can easily be eliminated from sight by a draughts- man, become very serious blemishes when resort is had to methods of photographic illustration. Much time had, therefore, to be spent in searching through various collections for the kind of material which was required, and often in remounting specimens which, while good enough for the cabinet, were not so set as to permit them to be employed in the photographic laboratory. Patience and perseverance, however, always bring in due time their re- ward, and 1 have been able to assemble enough properly prepared material to enable me in the main to accomplish my purpose. "Brevity is the soul of wit," and this fact has not been forgotten by the writer in preparing the pages of this book. The limitations necessarily imposed by the space available precluded the preparation of lengthy descriptions. This brevity in descrip- tion is, however, as the writer believes, abundantly compensated for by the illustrations in the Plates. One good recognizable figure of a species is worth reams of mere verbal description. Those who desire to go deeply into the subject, and who wish to famiHarize themselves with all its technicalities, will find in the list of works named in that part of the introduction devoted to the bibliography of the subject much that they desire. I am indebted to many scientific friends for assistance, but to no one am 1 more indebted than to Dr. L. O. Howard, the Ento- mologist of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Honorary Curator of Entomology in the United States National Museum, and to his amiable associates. Dr. William H. Ashmead Preface and Dr. Harrison G. Dyar. With unfailing courtesy these gentles- men most generously aided me by allowing me to use the material in the National Collection, when it became necessary to do so, and in many other ways gave me invaluable help. I gratefully acknowledge the kindness of Professor J. B. Smith, of Rutgers College, who very graciously went over the Plates con- taining the Noctuidce, thereby saving me in several instances from errors in determination. My best thanks are due to Mr. William Beutenmuller, the Curator of Entomology in the American Museum of Natural History, New York, for his most obliging courtesy and for much valued assistance. To Mrs. Beutenmuller's facile fingers I owe the frontispiece and many illustrations in the text. To Sir George F. Hampson, of the British Museum, and to the Trustees of that great institution, a debt of gratitude is due for many favors, and especially for permission to use some of the illustrations employed in their publications. From Dr. Henry Skinner, of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, and Mr. Jacob Doll, of the Brooklyn Institute, I received great assistance. To the Messrs. F. A. and H. S. Merrick, of New Brighton, Pa., to Dr. William Barnes, of Decatur, III., and to Mr. O, C. Poling, of Peoria, 111., 1 return thanks for the loan of specimens used for illustration. The Honorable Walter Rothschild and Dr. Carl Jordan, of Tring, England, placed me under special obligations by permitting me to see advance proofs of the pages of their great work upon the Sphingidce. To all of these gentlemen, as well as to scores of others, who have lent their aid in the preparation of the book, 1 extend my heartfelt thanks. While recognizing its imperfections, I trust that the volume will accomplish much to quicken an interest, especially among the young people in our schools and colleges, in that beautiful department of scientific inquiry, which it is designed to some extent to illustrate. Director's Office, W. J. H. Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh, Pa. September 8, 1903. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Dedication v Preface vii Table of Contents xi List of illustrations in the Text xv List of Colored Plates xxiii INTRODUCTION CHAP. PAGE L The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths . . . 3-18 How to distinguish a moth from a butterfly. The Eggs of Moths; Caterpillars: Structure, Form, Color, Habits, etc.; Tlie PupcB of Moths: Forrn, Covering, etc.; Anatomy of Aloihs: Head, Thorax, Abdomen, Legs, Wings. U. The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Speci- mens 19-21 Special Instructions for Mounting and Preparing the Smaller Forms. ill. The Classification of Moths 22-26 The Difficulties of Classification. Various Views Entertained by Writers. Key to tJie Families of North American Heterocera. IV. Books about the Moths of North America . . . 27-38 Early Writers. Periodicals. General Catalogues and Lists. General Works Containing Information as to the Moths of North America. Works Particularly Useful in Studying the Different Families of the Moths of North America. Table of Contents THE BOOK The Moths of North America North of Mexico. PAGE ■ Family I. The Sphingidae 41 ' Family II. The SaturniidcT 80 Family III. The Ceratocampidae 94 Family IV. The Syntomidae 98 Family V. The Lithosiidae 103 Family VI. The Arctiidae 114 Family VII. The Agaristidae 140 Family VIII. The Noctuidae 151 Family IX. The Nycteolidae 288 Family X. The Pericopidae 289 Family XI. The DioptidiE 291 Family XII. The Notodontidae 292 Family XIII. The Thyatiridae 303 Family XIV. The Liparidae 305 Family XV. The Lasiocampidae 311 Family XVI. The Bombycidae 315 Family XVII. The Platypterygidae 320 Family XVIII. The Geometridae . }22 Family XIX. The Epiplemidae 356 Family XX. The Nolidae 357 Family XXI. The Lacosomidae 359 Family XXII. The Psychidae 360 Family XXIII. The Cochlidiidae 364 Family XXIV. The Megalopygidae 368 Family XXV. The Dalceridae 369 Family XXVI. The Epipyropidae 370 Family XXVII. The Zygaenidae 371 Family XXVIII. The Thyridid^ 374 Family XXIX. The Cossidag 375 Family XXX. The .r^geriidae 379 Family XXXI. The Pyralids 391 Family XXXII. The Pterophoridae 415 Family XXXIIl. The Omeodids 417 xii Table of Contents PAGE Family XXXIV. The Tortricidae 417 Family XXXV. The Yponomeutidie 423 Family XXXVI. The Gelechiidae 424 Family XXXVII. The XylorictidcT 428 Family XXXVIII. The CEcophoridre 428 Family XXXIX. The Blastobasidae 429 Family XL. The Elachistidae 430 Family XLI. The Tineidae 430 Family XLII. The Hepialidae 443 Family XLIII. The Micropterygidse 444 DIGRESSIONS AND QUOTATIONS PAGE The World of the Dark 77 "Splitters " and " Lumpers " 112 Sugaring for Moths 146 The Tragedy of the Night Moth (Thomas Carlyle) . . . 209 Walking as a Fine Art 270 Das Lied vom Schmetterlinge (Herder) 290 Ode to an Insect (Anacreon) 291 Nasu-no Take 301 Moth Song (Cortissoz) 310 The History of Silk Culture 316 Transformation (Henry Brooke) 321 Living and Dying (Gosse) 355 Far Out at Sea (Home) }6^ Faunal Subregions 387 Cupid's Candle (Felix Carmen) 427 Clothes-moths 434 The Er.d of All (Tennyson) 445 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT FIG. PAGE 1. Dahlia hesperioides Pagenstecher 3 2. Egg of Peridroma saucia 5 3. Egg of Samia cecropia 5 4. Larva of Hyloicus kalmiae 7 5. Pupa of Telea polyphemus 10 6. Pupa of cut-worm in underground cell 10 7. Front view of the head of a moth 12 8. Lateral view of the head of a moth 12 9. Antennae of moths 13 10. Antenna of Telea polyphemus 13 11. Legs of a moth 15 12. Diagram showing the structure of the wings of a moth 16 13. Neuration of the wings of Hepialus gracilis 17 14. Figures showing the frenulum and the retinaculum . . 17 15. Figure showing the maculation of the wings of a Noctuid 18 16. Setting-needle used in mounting microlepidoptera . . 19 17. Setting-board used in mounting microlepidoptera . . 20 18. Double mount 21 19. "As it is not done " ^ 26 20. Three joints of the antenna of Protoparce quinquemacu- latus 41 21. Neuration of the wings of Sesia tantalus 42 22. Pupa of Protoparce quinquemaculatus 43 2^,. Isoparce cupressi 48 24. Hyloicus eremitoides 50 25. Hyloicus canadensis 51 26. Protambulyx strigilis 54 27. Larva of Pholus satellitia 65 28. Larva of Pholus achemon 66 29. Larva of Darapsa myron 68 30. Parasitized larva of Darapsa myron 69 XV List of Illustrations in the Text FIG. PAGE 3 1 . Microgaster which preys upon the larva of Darapsa myron 69 }2. Pupa of Darapsa myron 69 33. Larva and moth of Sphecodina abbotti 70 34. Light form of larva of Celerio lineata 76 35. Dark form of larva of Celerio lineata 76 "^6. Philosamia cynthia 81 37. Cocoon of Samia cecropia 83 38. Larva of Callosamia promethea 85 39. Cocoon of Callosamia promethea 85 40. Larva of Actias luna 87 41. Larva of Telea polyphemus 88 42. Cocoon of Telea polyphemus 88 43. Larva of Automeris io 90 44. Eggs of Buck-moth 92 45. Larva of Buck-moth 92 46. Anisota rubicunda, larva and pupa 95 47. Crambidia pallida 104 48. Crambidia casta 104 49. Palpidia pallidior 105 50. Hypoprepia fucosa 106 51. Haematomis mexicana 107 52. Comacla simplex 107 55. Bruceia pulverina 108 54. Clemensia albata 108 55. mice unifascia 109 56. mice subjecta 109 57. Lerina incarnata 1 1 1 58. Dodia albertae 117 59. Haploa lecontei 1 19 60. Haploa contigua 119 61. Euerythra phasma 120 (y2. Larva of Ecpantheria deflorata 120 (>}. Turuptiana permaculata 121 64. Seirarctia echo 122 65. Alexicles aspersa 122 66. Estigmene prima . . . _. 122 67. Estigmene acraea 123 68. Isia Isabella 125 xvi List of Illustrations in the Text FIG. 6n. r-itpt-pillar and pupa of Isia Isabella . 70. Phragmatobia fuliginosa 71. Phragmatobia yarrowi 72. Apantesis anna 73. Kodiosoma fulva 74. Ectypia bivittata 75. Euchaetias egle 76. Pygarctia elegans 77. Hypocrisias minima 78. Egg of Copidryas gloveri .... 79. Pupa of Copidryas gloveri .... 80. Larva and moth of Copidryas gloveri 81. Tuerta sabulosa 82. Alypia disparata 83. Alypia octomaculata 84. Alypiodes bimaculata 85. Apatela populi, ? 86. Apatela populi, larva 87. Apatela oblinita 88. Apharetra dentata 89. Apharetra pyralis 90. Cerma cora 91. Copibryophila angelica 92. Platyperigea prseacuta 93. Platyperigea discistnga 94. Fishea yosemitae 95. Momaphana comstocki 96. Pyrophila pyramidoides, larva , , 97. Larva of Laphygma frugiperda . . 98. Moth of Laphygma frugiperda , . 99. Podagra crassipes 100. Abagrotis erratica loi. IVIetalepsis cornuta 102. Setagrotis terrifica 103. Agrotis ypsilon 104. Pronoctua typica 105. Feltia subgothica 106. Eucoptocnemis fimbriaris .... 25 26 27 30 33 33 35 3^ 36 4» 42 42 43 44 44 45 54 54 58 58 59 61 62 64 64 70 72 73 74 74 78 80 81 81 82 85 86 90 List of Illustrations in the Text FIG. PAGE 07. Mamestra picta ^94 08. Trichopolia serrata I99 09. Eupolia licentiosa I99 10. Larva of Heliophila unipuncta 200 11. Pupa of Heliophila unipuncta 200 12. Moth of Heliophila unipuncta 201 13. LarvcT and eggs of Heliophila albilinea 202 14. Neleucania bicolorata 20} 15. Stretchia muricina 205 16. Perigrapha prima 205 17. Xylina antennata 206 18. Asteroscopus borealis 209 19. Bellura gortynides 211 20. Gortyna immanis 212 21. Larva of Papaipema nitela 213 22. Ochria sauzoelitse 214 2^. Pseudorthosia variabilis 216 24. Selicanis cinereola 216 25. Orrhodia californica 218 26. Tristyla alboplagiata 220 27. Pippona bimatris 221 28. Bessula luxa 221 29. Oxycnemis fusimacula 221 30. Boll-worm feeding on tomato 22^ 31. Heliothis armiger 22} 32. Derrima stellata 224 }). Pseudacontia crustaria 225 34. Graeperia magnifica 225 35. Trichosellus cupes 226 36. Eupanychis spinosse 226 37. Canidia scissa 226 38. P^^^lada scarletina 229 39. Sympistis proprius 229 40. Heliodes restrictalis 230 41. Heliosea pictipennis 230 42. Eupseudomorpha brillians 231' 43. Larva of Psychomorpha epimenis 232 44. Pseudalypia crotchi 232 List of Illustrations in the Text FIG. PAGE 145. Larva of Euthisanotia grata 233 [46. Acherdoa ferraria 234 147. Neumoegenia poetica 235 148. Autographa brassicae 239 149. Diastema tigris 241 150. Eutelia pulcherrima 242 :5i. Alabama argillacea, egg, larva, and pupa 243 152. Anepischetos bipartita 245 53. Diallagma lutea 24^7 154. Incita aurantiaca 246 :55. Trichotarache assimilis 246 56. Thalpochares setheria 249 [57. Gyros muiri 249 58. Tornacontia sutrix 250 [59. Cerathosia tricolor 253 160. Hormoschista pagenstecheri . . • 253 161. Sylectra erycata 254 162. Melanomma auricinctaria 255 163. Argillophora furcilla 255 164. Parora texana 255 165. Capnodes punctivena 277 166. Selenis monotropa 277 167. Latebraria amphipyroides 279 168. Epizeuxis americalis 280 169. Epizeuxis aemula 280 170. Zanclognatha protumnusalis 281 71. Sisyrhypena orciferalis 282 [72. Hypenula cacuminalis 283 [73, Hypenula opacalis 283 174. Tetanolita mynesalis 284 175. Dircetis pygmaea 284 176. Salia interpuncta 285 [77. Lomanaltes eductalis 285 [78. Hypena humuli 287 179. Eunystalea indiana 295 180. Euphyparpax rosea 298 1 1. Cargida cadmia 301 182. Hemerocampa leucostigma, moth 306 XIX List of Illustrations in the Text FIG. PAGE 185. Hemerocampa leucostigma, female moth, larva, and male and female pupae 3^7 184. Hemerocampa leucostigma, full grown female larva . . 307 185. Doa ampla 3^9 186. Leuculodes lacteolaria 310 187. Hypopacha grisea 312 188. Malacosoma americana, eggs, larvae, and cocoon . . .313 189. Malacosoma disstria, mature larva 313 190. Malacosoma disstria 3'4 191. Larva of Bombyx mori 316 192. Cocoon of Bombyx mori 316 193. Moth of Bombyx mori 316 194. Eudeilinea herminiata 320 195. Paleacrita vernata, egg, and larva ^2'y 196. Paleacrita vernata, male and female moths ^2^ 197. Alsophila pometaria, egg, larva, and pupa ^26 198. Moths of Alsophila pometaria ^26 199. Larva of Eois ptelearia 334 200. Moth and cocoon of Eois ptelearia ^}^ 201. Fernaldella fimetaria , 337 202. Cymatophora ribearia, moth 340 203. Egg of Goose-berry span-worm 340 204. Goose-berry span-worm 341 205. Coniodes plumigeraria 346 206. Coniodes plumigeraria, larva 346 207. Nigetia formosalis 358 208. Oiketicus abboti 361 209. Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis 361 210. Harrisina americana, larva, and moth 372 211. Harrisina americana, larvae on grape-leaf 373 212. Zeuzera pyrina 376 213. Inguromorpha basalis 378 214. Cossula magnifica 379 215. Synanthedon acerni 386 216. Desmia funeralis 392 217. Glyphodes quadristigmalis 394 218. Phlyctaenodes sticticalis 395 219. Phlyctaenodes sticticalis, larvae 396 XX List of Illustrations in the Text f'G. PAGE 220. Phlyctaenodes sticticalis, pupa 396 221. Hypsopygia costalis 400 222. Pyralis farinalis 401 223. Diatrasa saccharalis, larvoe 403 224. Cornstalk attacked by Diatraea saccharalis 404 222 VI. Sphingidae (Hawkmoths) 70 VII. Sphingidae (Hawkmoths) 76 VIII. Saturniidae, Ceratocampidie, &c 80 IX. Saturniidae, &c 84 X. Saturniidae, Ceratocampidai, Lasiocampidae ... 88 XI. Saturniidae, Ceratocampidse, Lasiocampidae, &c. . . 92 XII. Saturniidae, Cossidae, Lasiocampidae ...... 96 XIII. Syntomidae, Lithosiidae, Arctiidae 108 XIV. Arctiidae 116 XV. Arctiidae 122 XVI. Arctiidae, &c i34 XVII. Arctiidae, AgaristidiE, Noctuidai 140 XVIIL Noctuidie i0 XIX. Noctuidae 164 XX. Noctuidae 176 XXI. Noctuida , 182 XXII. Noctuidae 188 XXIII. Noctuidae I94 XXIV. Noctuidae 204 XXV. Noctuidae 210 XXVI. Noctuidae 218 xxiii List of Colored Plates FACING PAGE XXVII. Noctuidae 228 XXVllI. Noctuidae 240 XXIX. Noctuidae 252 XXX. Noctuidae 260 XXXI. Noctuidse 262 XXXII. Noctuidae 266 XXXIII. Noctuidae 268 XXXIV. Noctuidre 270 XXXV. Noctuid^ 272 XXXVI. Noctuidae 276 XXXVII. Noctuidae 278 XXXVIII. Pericopidae, Dioptidae, Liparidae, Megalopygidas, &c 290 XXXIX. Notodontida 296 XL. Notodontidae, Thyatiridae, &c 300 XLI. Lasiocampidae, Hepialidae, Psychidae, Platyptery- 314 gidae, Lacosomidae, &c 328 XLII. Noctuidae, 'Nycteolidae, Geometridae 330 XLIII. Geometridae 338 XLIV. Geometridae 348 XLV. Geometridae 354 XLVI. y^geriid.-e ^^2 XLVII. Cochlidiidae, Zygaenidae, Thryridid^e, Pyralidae . 394 XLVIII. Pyralidae, Tortricidae, Tineidae, &c 412 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION CHAPTER I THE LIFE-HISTORY AND ANATOMY OF MOTHS " I suppose you are an entomologist ? " " Not quite so ambitious as that, sir. I should like to put my eyes on the individual entitled to that name. No man can be truly called an entomologist, sir; the subject is too vast for any single human intelligence to grasp." Oliver Wendell Holmes, The Poet at the Breakfast Table. The great order of the scale-winged insects, or lepidoptera. by tiie consent of almost all naturalists has been subdivided into two suborders, the Rhopalocera, or Butterflies, and the Hetero- cera, or Moths. As Dr. David Sharp well says, "The only definition that can be given of Heterocera is the practical one that all Lepidoptera that are not butterflies are Heterocera."* The distinction made between butterflies and moths, accord- ing to which all lepidoptera having clubbed antennae are to be classified as Rhopalocera, or butterflies, and those without clubbed antennae are to be classified as Heterocera, or moths, while holding good in the main, yet is found with the increase of our knowledge to have exceptions, and there are a few fami- lies of lepidoptera, apparently forming con- necting links between the butterflies and the moths, in which, while most of the structural characteristics are those of the Heterocera, the antennae are distinctly clubbed. This is true of the Castiiiidce, found in tropical America, , Fig-, i.— Dahlia the Neocastniidce of the Indo-Malayan region, stecher. the Euschemonidce of Australia, and certain obscure genera of the Agarisiidce, among them that remarkable insect, Dahlia hesperioides Pagenstecher, which occurs in the ^Cambridge Natural History, Vol. VI. p. 366. The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths Bismarck Archipelago and the island of Buru. When, a few years ago, I communicated a specimen of this strange httle moth to Sir George F. Hampson, he suggested that a trick had been played and that the head of a butterfly (a skipper) had been affixed to the body of a moth, but such was not the case, as a considerable series of specimens in my possession shovv'ed. The incident reveals that in classification hard and fast lines, based upon the character of a single organ, can not be always adhered to. There is scarcely any generalization in reference to organic structures which students have made which has not been found with the increase of knowledge to have its limitations. While all this is true, it is nevertheless also true that, so far as the lepidoptera of the United States and the countries of British North America are concerned, the old distinction between the two suborders, based upon the form of the antennae, holds good, with the sole excep- tion of the insects belonging to the genus Megaihymus, which are by many authors classified with the CastniidcB, and by others with the HesperiidcT. In the " Butterfly Book '* I have left these insects with the Hesperiidcv. Leaving them out of sight, we may say that all lepidoptera found in the region with which this book deals, and which do not possess clubbed antennae, are moths. The easiest way for the beginner who lives in the United States, or Canada, to ascertain whether the insect before him is a moth, is to first familiarize himself with the structure of the antennse of butterflies, and then by comparison to refer the specimens before him to their proper suborder. Moths undergo metamorphoses analogous to those through which butterflies pass. They exist first in the embryonic form as eggs. When the eggs hatch the insects appear as larvae, or caterpillars. They are then, after undergoing a series of molts, transformed into pupae, or chrysalids, which may be naked, or may be provided with an outer covering, known as the cocoon, which is more or less composed of silk. After remaining for some time in the pupal state, they appear as perfect four-winged, six-footed insects. THE EGGS OF MOTHS The eggs of moths, like those of butterflies, consist of a shell containing the embryo and the liquid food upon which it subsists 4 The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths Pcridronia saucia, greatly enlarged. until it has attained the degree of maturity which permits it to hatch, or come forth in the lust larval stage. The eggs of moths have various forms. Spherical, hemispherical, cylin- drical, and lenticular, or lens-shaped eggs are common. The eggs of the Cochlidiidce, or Slug-moths, are broad and very flat, looking like microscopic pancakes. The surfaces of the eggs of moths are seen under a micro- scope to be more or less ornamented by raised lines and sculpturings. While in some cases the eggs of moths are beautifully spotted and mottled, they are generally quite plain in color, white, pale green, bluish- green, or brown. Like the eggs of butterflies, they are provided with a micropyle. The micropyle, in the case of such eggs as are globular, conical, or cylindrical, is situated on top. In the case of those eggs which are flattened or lenticular, the micro- pyle is located on the outer margin or rim. The eggs are always laid by the female in a state of freedom upon that food-plant which is most congenial to the larva. In captivity moths will often deposit their eggs in the receptacle in which they are con- fined. In such cases, unless the observer knows the food-plant upon which the species feeds, he will be apt to have great difficulty in rearing the larvae, unless by a happy chance he succeeds experimentally in ascertaining the proper plant. This may sometimes be done by introducing the leaves of a number of plants found in the neighborhood and observing those to which the young caterpillars resort. The date of oviposition varies with different families and genera. Some moths deposit their eggs in the fall and the young insect passes the winter in the egg, emerging when the early springtime brings opening flowers and leaves. Some moths lay their eggs in the late summer and early fall; the eggs hatch shortly afterward, and the larvae, after molting one or more times, hibernate in the caterpillar state, and in the following spring resume the process of feeding and molting until such time as they are ready to undergo further transformation. Most Fig. 3. — Egg of Saniia cecropia, greatly enlarged. 5 The Life -History and Anatomy of Moths moths in temperate regions oviposit in the spring or early summer, and the eggs hatch shortly afterward. THE CATERPILLARS OF MOTHS The caterpillars of moths are of course extremely small when they first emerge from the egg. They, however, rapidly increase in relative size as they continue the process of feeding and molting, and in the case of some of the larger species become to the ignorant and uninformed even formidable in appear- ance. The larva of the Royal Walnut-moth, or " Hickory Horn- Devil," as it is sometimes called, is a striking object. (See Plate I, Fig. 4.) Specimens six and seven inches in length are not at all uncommon. With its curved horns and numerous spines it presents to the uninitiated a truly repellent aspect. The larvae of the Heterocera, like those of the Rhopalocera, are principally phytophagous, that is to say, they feed upon vege- table matter. The food of the vast majority consists of the leaves of grasses, shrubs, and trees. A few larvae feed upon woody tissues, and bore long galleries under the bark or in the wood of trees. Others feed upon the pith of herbaceous plants. A number of species feed upon the inside of growing fruits. Only a very few species are known to be carnivorous. In Australia there occurs a Galleriid moth, the larva of which burrows into the fatty tissues of one of the great wood-boring caterpillars of the region, and preys upon it somewhat as is done by the great family of parasitic Hym.enoptera, known to scientific men as the hiinenmonidcv. Certain Phycids and Noctuids feed upon scale- insects, in the same way in which the larva of the butterfly known as Feniseca tarqiiinius feeds upon the same class of in- sects. Among the Tineida: there are certain species which, as is well known, feed upon hair and on horn. Every house- wife is more or less acquainted with the ravages committed by the destructive larvae of the clothes-moth. There is considerable variety in the form of heterocerous larva, and still greater variety in the manner in which their bodies are adorned by various growths and colors. The body, as is the case with the larvae of the Rhopalocera, is composed normally of thirteen rings or somites, anterior to which is the head. The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths The head is usually prominent, and is provided with man- dibles, or jaws, eyes, rudimentary antennae, maxillae, palpi, and a spinneret for the production of silk. The head may be globular, hemispherical, or conoid. It is sometimes cleft on top, or bifid. It is generally more or less retractile, or capable of being drawn back, so as to be partially concealed in the folds of the anterior somite of the body. Of the thirteen somites forming the body of the caterpillar, the three foremost are thoracic, and each is furnished with a pair of legs which correspond to the six legs of the perfect insect, or imago. The last two somites of the body are often so closely united with each other as to be superficially indistinguishable. The somites from the third to the eleventh inclusive are provided on either side with spiracles connecting with the tracheae, through which the creature receives the external air in order to the oxy- dization of the waste products of the circulation. Fig. 4. — Larva oiHyloicus kalmicB: a, thoracic legs; b, prolegs; c, anal proleg; d, anal horn; e, head. The body is usually supported at the middle and at the end by prolegs, or false legs. In the majority of families there are four pairs of these prolegs, situated upon the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth somites, and a fifth pair situated on the thirteenth or last somite. The latter pair are called the anal prolegs. In the larvae of the greater portion of the Geometrida:, and in those of numerous Noctuida% the prolegs are reduced in number, and in inany of the Psychidcc- they appear to be wholly wanting. In most of the Geoniefn'diV the pair found on the ninth and thirteenth somites are the only prolegs, and therefore in order to progress the creature makes a series of movements in which the body is looped upward. These caterpillars are The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths knc'vvn as " loopers " or "measuring-worms." When, as is the case with many genera of the Noctuidce, a less complete abortion of the prolegs occurs, and only a partial approximation to the movement employed by the larvae of the Geometridce is wit- nessed, the caterpillars are said to be " half-loopers," or "semi- loopers." As examples of such caterpillars we may cite those belonging to the genus Plusia, in which there are only two pairs of abdominal prolegs. In the family of the MegalopygidcB the prolegs are supplemented by sucker-like pads on the somites ranging from the fifth to the tenth, inclusive. In the Cochlidiidce the prolegs are wanting, their function being wholly assumed by such sucker-like pads, ranging on the ventral surface from the fourth to the eleventh somites, inclusive. In the Eriocephalidce, which are regarded as ancestral forms, there are, as has been pointed out by Dr. T. A. Chapman, eight pairs of abdominal prolegs and an abdominal sucker situated upon the ninth and tenth somites, having the shape of a trefoil or clover leaf. These larvce are further remarkable in having well-developed antennae. After the larvae have emerged from the tgg and fed for a longer or shorter period, the outer skin, or epidermis, becomes too small to admit of further growth, and the insect then molts, or sheds its skin, and resumes feeding until increased develop- ment makes another molt necessary. The number of such molts varies in the case of different species. Ordinarily, hetero- cerous caterpillars do not molt more than five times before trans- forming into pupas, but some genera molt as often as ten times, while others only molt thrice. The skin which is cast off pre- serves the outline not only of the body, but also of the horn-like processes, the hairs, and various other appendages attached to the body at the time of molting. The molting period is a critical time in the life of larvae, and those who are endeavoring to rear them should never disturb them in the least at this time. The bodies of the larvae of moths are covered with tubercles, the location and arrangement of which has in recent years received considerable attention from students, and is thought to furnish a clue to the lines of descent of certain families. These tubercles sometimes carry only a single hair, in other cases they carry large tufts of hairs; they may be small and inconspicuous, or they may be developed until they assume the form of great 8 The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths spines, horns, or bulbous projections. The hairs and spines with which some larvae are ornamented possess stinging proper- ties. This is true of some genera among the SaturniidcB and the Cochlidiidx in temiperate America and of many genera in the same families and among the Lasiocampidcv in the tropics. The sting- ing hairs of a large caterpillar found in tropical Africa are employed by the natives in preparing the poison which they put upon their arrows. The inflammation caused by these hairs, even in the case of specimens long dead, I know from personal experience to be very severe. The coloration of caterpillars is often very striking and beau- tiful, and in most cases is such as to adapt them more or less to their surroundings in life. Cases of protective mimicry are very numerous. A beautiful illustration of this is seen on Plate I, fig. 15, where the singular form of the caterpillar, combined with its green tint, suggests the serrated edge of the leaf of the elm, upon which plant it feeds. There is almost endless diversity in the modifications of form and color in the larval stages of moths, and they are as characteristic as are the forms and colors of the perfect insects. There is much diversity in the social habits of the larvae of moths. Some are gregarious and exist in colonies which disperse at the time of pupation; but there are a few singular instances, in which the communistic instinct perdures, and leads the entire colony to form a common cocoon, or envelope of silk, in which each individual subsequently spins a smaller cocoon for itself. In 1893 I had the pleasure of communicating some information in regard to this curious phase of insect life to the pages of the journal of the Cambridge Entomological Club (See Psyche, Vol. VI., p. 38^). This habit is characteristic of certain genera of African moths, but has not thus far been observed as occur- ring in the case of any American species. THE PUP^E OF MOTHS When the caterpillar has gone through its successive molts and attained to full development it undergoes the transformation known as pupation. From a life of freedom and motion it passes into a condition in which freedom and almost all power of motion are lost. The flexible and more or less agile body is The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths Fig. 5. — Pupa of Tclca polyphemns. (Riley.) encased in hard chitinous rings and sheathings. As a measure of protection during this stage, the insect, before transforming into a pupa, descends into the earth, and forms there a ceil at a greater or lesser depth beneath the surface, or else weaves a cocoon of silk about its body. In some cases the transformation takes place at the surface of the earth under leaves or under fallen branches and the loose bark of trees. In almost all such cases there is apparently an at- tempt, though often slight, to throw a few strands of silk about the body of the caterpillar, if only to hold in place the loose material amidst which transformation is to occur. The forms assumed in the pupal stage are not as remarkably diversified as in the larval or imaginal stages. The pupae of moths are generally brown or black in color, though a few are more or less variegated. The bright golden and silvery spots which ornament the pupae of many species of butterflies, causing them to be called chrysalids, are seldom, if ever, found. While the change into a pupa might at first sight appear to the superficial observer to be disadvantageous because of the loss of motion and the imprisonment within narrow bounds, it neverthe- less distinctly marks a progression in the life of the creature. The pupal case contains within it the moth, as may easily be ascertained by a care- ful dissection made in the very earliest period after the change has occurred, and which becomes very evident at a later time when the period of the pupal life is drawing to its close. In the cocoon or in the cell in which pupation has taken place will always be found the exuviae, or the larval skin, etc., of the caterpillar, which have been cast off. When the time comes for the perfect insect to emerge from the pupa, nature has provided methods by which escape from the prison cell underground, or the tightly woven cocoon, can be effected. In the case of those pupai which lie deeply buried Fig. 6. — Pupa of Cut-worm in earthen cell. (Riley.) 10 The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths under the soil escape is made by means of the power possessed by the abdominal somites, or rings, of moving with a sort of spiral twist. The pupa "wriggles" itself upward through the soil until it reaches the surface, following in its course the line of least resistance, which is generally the line through which the larva burrowed downward to its hiding place. In this movement the pupae are often aided by spinous projections at the lower edge of the somites which prevent backward motion. When emer- gence from a cocoon occurs, the insect is provided with the power of ejecting from its mouth a fluid, which has the property of dissolving and cutting the silken threads. When the moth first emerges from the pupa its wings are soft and flabby and its body is long and vermiform. The first act is to secure a quiet resting place. The fluids of the body are in the process of circulation rapidly absorbed from the abdominal region, and, pressing out- ward under the action of the heart, cause the wings to expand and assume their normal form and the other parts to acquire adjustment. There is no more interesting spectacle than to witness the rapid development of a moth from its apparently helpless condition at emergence from the pupal stage into an insect strong of wing and often gloriously beautiful in color. THE ANATOMY OF MOTHS The body of all lepidoptera consists of three subdivisions, the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. The head bears the princi- pal organs of sense and of nutrition, the thorax those of locomo- tion, and the abdomen those of generation and in large part those of assimilation, respiration, and circulation. The reader who desires to ascertain the names and the func- tion of the various organs of the body of moths may consult in this connection the corresponding portion of the "Butterfly Book," in which the principal facts have been fully set forth as to the diurnal lepidoptera. The anatomy of moths does not radically differ in its main outlines from that of the Rhopalocera. The same names are applied to the parts, and the differences which occur are not so much differences in function as in outline. In studying the head of moths we find that as a rule the head is not as prominent as is the case in butterflies. It is more retracted, as a rule, though in the case of some families, II The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths Fig. 7. — Head of a moth viewed from in front, a, antenna; c, clypous ; e, eye ; oc, ocel- lus; p, proboscis. as the Sphiiigidcv, it is produced well in advance of the thorax, but even in such cases it is generally more solidly attached to the ante- rior part of the thorax and is less mobile than in the butterflies. The suctorial apparatus is formed .in the moths as in the case of the butter- flies by the peculiar modification of the maxilke into semi-cylindrical and inter- locking tubes forming the proboscis. This is enormously produced in some groups, enabling the insect to hover upon the wing over flowers and rob their cups of the honey which they contain. This is especially true of the SpliiiigidcB and some subfamilies of the Nociiddce. In other cases, as in the family of the Satitr- niidce and Bombyc/div, the proboscis is very feebly developed or aborted. In fact, we know that some of these creatures are without mouths and that they do not partake of nourishment in the winged state. They are simply animate, winged reservoirs of reproductive energy, and, when the sexual functions have been completed, they die. The eyes of moths are often greatly developed. This is especially true of those species which are crepuscular in their hab- its. The eyes of the heterocera are, as in all other insects, compound. They may be naked, or may be more or less studded with hairs, or lashes, projecting from points lying at the juncture of the various facets making up the organ. This fact has been utilized to some extent in classification, Ocelli, or minute simple eyes, subsidiary to the large compound eyes, occur in some forms, just above the latter, but are generally so concealed by the covering of the head as to be only recognizable by an expert observer. The labial palpi of moths, as of butterflies, consist of three joints, but there is far greater diversity in the development of the palpi among the moths than among the butterflies. In some Fig. 8.— Head of a moth viewed from the side, a, antenna; e, eye; or, ocellus; m.p., maxillary palpus ;l.p., labial palpus; /'.pro- boscis. 12 The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths cases they are but very feebly developed, in others they attain relatively enormous proportions and strangely eccentric forms. Maxillary palpi are found in some groups. The maxillary palpi may have from two to eight joints. The antennze of moths, which, as has already been pointed out, differ greatly in form from those of butterflies, are attached to the head in the same relative location as in butterflies. Antennae may be filiform, threadlike, fusiform, spindle-shaped, or dilate, more or less swollen toward the tip. They may be simple, i. e., without lateral projec- tions, but this is rarely the case. The shaft may be set with cilia, or small hair-like projections on the side of the joints. Such antennse are said to be ciliate. Sometimes instead of cilia we fmd bristle-shaped projec- tions on the joints. These are called setose antennae. In some Fig. 9. — Antennse of moths, i, fusiform; 2, filiform; j?, dilate; 4, ciliate ; 5, bipcctiuate ; 6, setose- (iliate; 7, fasciculate: 8, dentate; g, serrate; 10, lamellate. Fig. 10. — Antenna of Telea polyphemus. Plu- mose; doubly bipectinate. (From " Insect Life," Vol. VIL p. 40 ) forms both cilia and bristles occur on the antennae. When the bristles are arranged in clusters on the joints of the antennze they are said to be fasciculate. Many forms have tooth-like projections on the antennae; in such cases the antennae are described as deii- 13 The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths taic. The form and arrangement of the joints may be such as to suggest the teeth of a saw; such antennae are said to be serrate. When on the lower side of the joints of the antennae there are minute plate-like projections, the antennae are described as lamel- late. Many moths have pectinate antennae, the projections resem- bling little combs, which may be arranged singly or in pairs on each joint. Occasionally, but not often, there are two pairs of such appendages on each joint. When the pectination is excessive, so as to cause the antennae to resemble a feather, they are said to be plumose. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate some of these forms. In addition to the peculiarities which have just been mentioned, antennas may be variously adorned with scales, especially upon the upper side of the shaft, and they may be notched, or provided with knot-like enlargements, in which case they are said to be nodose, or they may be curved, or bent in peculiar ways, when they are described as sinuate. The thorax, as in butterflies, consists of three segments, the prothorax, the mesothorax, and the metathorax. The pro- thorax bears the tegulae or collar-lappets, the patagia, or shoulder- lappets, and the anterior pair of legs. The mesothorax carries the second pair of legs and the fore wings. The metathorax the last pair of legs and the hind wings. The abdomen, just as in butterflies, is normally composed of nine segments, though the modifications of the terminal seg- ments are often such as to make it difficult to recognize so many. At the base of the thorax is situated a pair of large tracheal spiracles, and on the other segments pairs of smaller spiracles. Through these spiracles respiration is carried on. At the end of the abdomen, more or less concealed by variously arranged tufts of hair, are the organs of generation, which have in recent years been studied quite closely by a few authors and are useful in distinguishing species. The legs of moths are composed of coxa, trochanter, femur, tibia, and tarsus, the latter composed of five joints, and armed at its end with two more or less developed hooks, or claws, known technically as the ungues, and also a pulvillus, or pad, just back of the claws on the lower side. The legs are armed with spines and spurs, and there are different sexual appendages in the males of various genera. The cut (Figure 1 1) shows the structure 14 The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths of the legs. It will be well for the student to thoroughly famil- iarize himself with the location and names of the different parts Indicated in this and the following figure. Fig. II. — Legs of a Moth. (From "Packard's Guide," p. 231.) 1. Fore Leg. 2, Middle Leg. 3. Hind Leg. Ungues. Pulvillus. Single anterior spur. Paired medial spurs. Two pairs of posterior sptirs. c. Coxa. n t. Trochanter. p f. Femtir. sp. 1 t. Tibia. sp. 2 tar. Tarsus. sp. 3 The structure of the wings of moths is essentially like that of butterflies, and consists of a framework of hollow tubes which support a double membrane which bears upon its surfaces the scales, which overlap each other like the tiles upon the roof of a house. The tubes, which are known as veins, communicate with the respiratory system and are highly pneumatic. They are also connected with the circulatory system, and are furnished, at least through their basal portions, with nerves. The fore wing has normally twelve veins. The hind wing has also in primitive forms, as the Hepialidcv, twelve veins, but in the vast majority of cases this number has been reduced, and eight veins is the number which is found in the majority of cases in the hind wing. The accompanying figures, with their expla- nations, will suffice far better than any mere verbal explanation to explain the structure of the wings of moths. (See Figures \2 and 13.) The relative position of vein five in relation to the median or subcostal systems has been much utilized in recent years by ^ystematists in their classification of the various groups. 15 The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths The fore and hind wings in some of the primitive forms are not connected with each other in the operation of flight. In the Hepialidiv there is a lobe near the base of the primaries which is 9 8 Fig. 12. — Diagram of Wings of a Moth. (After Hampson's "Moths of India," Vol. I., with modifications.) Fore Wing. B. Hind Wing. c.n. Costal nervure, vein 12 of fore wing, 8 of hind wing. s.n. Subcostal nervure. m.n. Median nervure. 1 a,b,c. Three branches of internal nervure. 2,3,4. Three branches of median nervure. 5. Lower radial. 6. Upper radial 7,8,9,10,11. Five subcostal branches of fore wing. 7. Subcostal nervure of hind wing. A. c.vi. Costal margin. cm. Outer inargin i.m. Inner margin. a. a. Apex. /. a. Inner angle. c. Discoidal cell. d. Discocellulars. ar. Areole. /. Frenulum. 7a. Subcostal bar. known as Vaejiigiim, but it does not appear to serve the practical functions of a yoke. This is illustrated in Figure 13. In the vast majority of cases a connection between the fore and hind wings is made by means of Ihe frenulum on the hind wing, which hooks into the retinaculum upon the fore wing, as illustrated in Figure 14. The form of the frenulum is of use in determining the sex of specimens, as in the case of the males it consists of a single curved, hook-like projection, whereas in the case of the females it is split up into a number of bristles. However, in some 16 The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths groups, as the Phycitince, the frenulum is simple in both sexes, in some of the families the frenulum is aborted, and its function is assumed by a lobe-like expansion of the basal portion of costa of the hind wing. The nomenclature of the parts of the wings of moths is not essentially different from that which is employed in describing the wings of butterflies. There are, however, certain conventional terms which have been applied by authors to the markings upon the wings, espe- cially of the Noctuidcv, and Figure 15 will serve to explain and illustrate these terms. A great deal of useful information in regard to the anatomical structure of the Lepidoptera, and of moths in particular, may be Fig. 13. — Winers of Hepiahis gracilis. Alag- nificd. /, jugum. — m-n. Fig. 14. — Frenulum and Retinaculum. (From "Moths of India," Vol. I. I. 6 ; 2. ? .— A. Fore Wing. B. Hind Wing. /. Frenulum. s.n. Subcostal nervure. Retinaculum. c.n. Costal nervure m.n. Median nervure. i.n. Internal nervure. derived from the study of various manuals and special papers, reference to which will be made hereafter as the various families are successively taken up and studied. Among works to be particularly recommended in this connec- tion are those of Professor A. S. Packard and Professor Comstock's "Manual for the Study of Insects." A very useful treatise is found in Professor David Sharp's two volumes upon the Insecta contained in the " Cambridge Natural History." Every student, as he advances in the study of the subject, will have frequent occasion to consult these useful books, which embody the results of the most recent researches and are invaluable for purposes of 17 The Life-History and Anatomy of Moths reference. An even more valuable work than these is the great "Catalogue of the Lepidoptera Phalsense contained in the Collec- tion of the British Museum," which is being prepared by Sir Fig 15. — Wing of Noctuid Moth. (After Bevitenmuller, "Bulletin American Museum Natural History," Vol. XIV., p. 230.) C, collar lappet; /g, patagium or shoulder lappet; 7', thorax; ab, abdomen; H, head; p, palpus; E, eye; aut, antenna; b, basal line; bd, basal dash; ta, transverse anterior line; c/, claviform; or, orbicular; ms, median shade; ren, reniform; tp, transverse posterior line; ap, apical patch; apex, apex; //, terminal lunules; St, subterminal line; jr, fringes; oni, outer margin; ha, hind angle; (/.S-, discal mark; t'/, exterior line; an, anal angle; ^'h;, inner margin. George F. Hampson, and published by the Trustees. The endeavor in this work is to give a complete view of the entire subject in compact form, and the learned author has enlisted the cooperation of the most distinguished lepidopterists through- out the world in the prosecution of his great task. The work is of course somewhat expensive, but the working lepidopterist cannot well do without it. Much help may also be derived from the older works of Burmeister and Westwood, which, though old, are far from being obsolete and useless. 18 CHAPTER II THE CAPTURE, PREPARATION, AND PRESERVATION OF SPECIMENS " Does he who searches Nature's secrets scruple To stick a pin into an insect ?" A. G. OEHLENSCHLi«GER, Aladdin's Lamp. Everything that has been said in "The Butterfly Book" in reference to the capture, preparation, and preservation of speci- mens holds good in the case of the Heterocera. Inasmuch, however, as many of the moths are exceedingly minute in form, it is worth while to state that a greater degree of care must be observed in the collection and preservation of these minute species than is necessary in the case of even the smallest butter- flies. The best method of collecting the micro-lepidoptera is to put them, after they have been netted, into pill-boxes, which have glass covers, or into vials or test tubes of large size. These receptacles may be carried in a bag or pocket by the collector. When he has returned from the field, the specimens maybe killed by subjecting them to the action of sulphuric ether applied to the corks of the vials, or introduced into the boxes on a camel's-hair pencil. By dipping the cork into the ether and moistening it with a drop or two and then replacing it in the vial the insect is stunned. Sometimes two or three successive applications of ether are necessary. When the insect has been killed and is still Fig. 1 6. — Setting needle used in adjusting wings of micro- lepidoptera upon the glass surface of the setting board. lax, it is fixed upon a small silver pin of a size proportionate to that of its body, and is then transferred to the setting board. Setting boards for mounting micro-lepidoptera should be made 19 The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens differently from setting boards commonly used for butterflies and larger moths. The best form known to the writer is one, which has for many years been employed by Mr. Herbert H. Smith, the vet- eran collector. Small pieces of glass about one inch square, with their edges very lightly beveled, so as to remove all sharpness, are spaced upon a strip of cork fastened to a wide piece of soft pine in such a way that an interval of from one-sixteenth to one- eighth of an inch occurs between them. This serves as the groove to receive the body of the specimen. Having been fixed upon the pin the insect is placed in one of these grooves. The wings are then carefully expanded with a crooked needle fastened in a handle, as illustrated in Figure i6, and are then bound Fig. 17. — Setting board for mounting micro-lepidoptera ; a, pieces of glass attached to papered cork with shellac ; b, base of soft pine ; co., cork ; d, white paper covering cork ; cc, brads, to which setting threads are tied ; ff, pins set firmly beyond groove to secure alignment of setting threads ; tt, setting threads ; pp, pins to which setting threads are fastened, and which are stuck into the pine base to hold down the wings in position ; h, small silver pin transfixing thorax of specimen. in place by a thread which is held in place by a pin, as shown in Figure 17. Though the wings of these small insects may, when mounted, at first curl up a little under the pressure of the thread drawn across them, they generally recover their position after removal from the setting board. The advantage of mounting these insects upon glass arises from the fact that the sharp point of the needle will glide over the glass and the surface is smooth, 20 The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens SO that they are not torn, nor are the fringes and other delicate portions injured. In doing this work it is best to use a reading- glass mounted in a frame, so that the operator can see the objects before him magnified two or three diame- ters. The mounting of micro - lepidoptera taken in the field and put into envelopes, as often has to be done, is a very trying opera- tion. After the insects have been sufficiently dried they may be set up as double mounts, the small silver pins being thrust through pieces of pith held upon a larger pin. The Pyralidcv, the Tortricidtv and all the smaller micro-lepidoptera should, if possible, be collected in the way which has just been described, and it is only thus that specimens worthy of installation in a well ordered cabinet can be secured. Larger forms may be placed in envelopes if intended to be transmitted to great distances prior to study. Larvae may be inflated in the manner described in "The Butterfly Book." In all other particulars the directions contained in that volume may be safely followed by the student. Fig. 1 8. —Double niount. " As the moths around a taper, As the bees around a rose, As the gnats around a vapour, So the spirits groiip and close Round about a holy childhood, as if drinking its repose." E. B. Browning, y^ Child Asleep. 21 CHAPTER III THE CLASSIFICATION OF MOTHS "The filmy shapes that haunt the dusk." Tennyson, In Memoriam, xciii. The insects of to-day, like the animals of all other classes found upon the globe, represent lines of descent from an ancestry, which runs back into the remote geologic past. The attempt to trace the lines of descent in any order by studying the resem- blance between genera and species as they exist to-day, while throwing considerable light upon the subject, can never yield wholly satisfiictory results in the absence of testimony derived from the field of paleontological inquiry. The study of fossil insect life is as necessary to elucidate the story of the development of the insect world, as the study of fossil vertebrates is necessary in order to understand the manner in which existing mammals have been derived from preexisting forms. At best descent can only be positively asserted within the lines of those groups, to which naturalists have given the name of families. Within these it is possible to declare of this or that genus that it has been possibly, or even probably, derived from the same stock as another. Reference to a common ancestral form may safely be predicated of very few families, so far as such assertion of a common parentage rests upon evidences found in the living structures of to-day. All attempts to classify the lepidoptera in such a manner as to show the derivation of one of the existing families from another, and to maintain a lineal sequence in the order given, must necessarily prove wholly disappointing. The fact is, that the various families represent divergences from the parent stem, which may be likened to the divergence of the branches from the trunk of a tree. Any system of classification, which leaves this 22 The Classification of Moths fact out of sight, is necessarily defective, and as unnatural as it would be for a man to lop off the branches of a tree, and then, laying them down side by side, declare, as he contemplated the result of his labors, "This is a tree scientifically arranged." In- asmuch, however, as in books and cabinets serial order must be preserved, the best that the student can do is to collocate those forms, which display some traces of likeness, and give some hint of their common origin. Exceedingly different views have been entertained by natural- ists in recent years in reference to the matters which we are dis- cussing, and various schemes of systematic arrangement have been evolved, many of which are contradictory, and not a few of which appear to the unprejudiced to be more ingenious than natural. Inasmuch as this book is intended for the use not so much of advanced students, as of those who are entering upon the study of tiie subject, it does not seem to the writer worth while to encumber these pages with what would necessarily be a lengthy recital of the various schemes for classification to which he has alluded. He is inclined to regard the scheme which has been adopted by Sir George F. Hampson in the preparation of his great work upon the moths of the world, which is now being issued by the Trustees of the British Museum, as upon the whole as satisfactory as any which has recently been evolved. Inas- much, however, as Dr. Harrison G. Dyar has quite recently pub- lished a List of the Lepidoptera of the United States, which is certain for many years to come to be used very largely by Ameri- can students in arranging their collections, it has seemed upon the whole to be best to conform the text of the present volume to the serial arrangement given in Dr. Dyar's List, although the writer differs very positively from the learned author of that work in his views as to the position v/hich should be held in relation to each other of a number of genera. The last word in reference to the classification of the insects contained in this group has certainly not yet been spoken by any one, and we are very far from having attained in our studies to conclusions which may be accepted as final. For the assistance of students the writer herewith gives a key to the families which are represented in this book, which is based upon the key given by Sir George F. Hampson in the first 23 The Classification of Moths volume of his "Catalogue of the Lepidoptera Phalaenae," and in the preparation of which he has been assisted by Dr. Dyar. KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF NORTH AMERICAN HETEROCERA. Antennae not clubbed or dilated, or frenulum present when clubbed or dilated. Frenulum present when not otherwise indicated . . i I — Hind wing with cell emitting not more than six veins; wings unlike in shape .' ' ' '.^ Hind wing with cell emitting more than six veins; wings similar in shape 44 2 — Hind wing v/ith vein ic absent 3 Hind v/ing with vein ic present 22 3 — Fore wing with vein 5 nearer 4 than 6 4 Fore wing with vein 5 from middle of discocellulars or nearer 6 than 4 ^5 4— Hind wing with vein 8 absent Fam. 4, SyntomidcB. Hind wing with vein 8 present S 5 — Hind wing with vein 8 remote from 7 6 Hind wing with vein 8 touching or approximate to 7 beyond cell. . . la 6 — Hind wing with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to near or beyond middle 7 Hind wing with vein 8 anastomosing with cell near base only 9 Hind wing with vein 8 joined to cell by a bar. .Fam. 14, LiparidcB. 7_0celli present Fam. 6, Arctiidcs. Ocelli absent 8 8 — Fore wing with tufts of raised scales in the cell. .Fam. 20, Nolidat. Fore wing without such tufts . .Fam. 5. Lithosiidce. 9 — Antennas with shaft more or less dilated toward tip Fam. 7 , Agaristida. Antennas with shaft not dilated 10 10 — Hind wing with veins 3 and 4 stalked Fam. 10, Pericopida. Hind wing with veins 3 and 4 not stalked 11 1 1 — Fore wing with costa and inner margin parallel, arched at base .... Fam. 9, Nycteolid(S. Fore wing trigonate Fam. 8, Noctw^dcs. 13 — Hind wing with vein la absent or not reaching anal angle Fam. 17, Platypierygidce. Hind v.ang with vein la reaching anal angle 13 2^ — Frenulum present Fam. 28, Thyrididce. Frenulum absent Fam. 15, Lasiocampida. 14 — Hind wing with vein 8 diverging from cell from base 15 Hind wing with vein 8 connected or approximate to cell 17 15 — Tongue absent; no tibial spurs; frenulum absent. . Fam. 2, Saturniidm. Tongue and tibial spurs present ; frenulum absent Fam. 3, Csratocauipidai. 24 The Classification of Moths 1 6 — Hind wing with vein 8 remote from 7 17 Hind wing with vein 8 approximated to or united with 7 21 17 — Proboscis absent; frenulmn absent Fam. 16, Bornbycidce. Proboscis present 18 18 — Hind wing with vein 8 joined to cell to near middle; vein 5 weak Fam. 1 2 , N otodontidoB . Hind wing with vein 8 joined to cell near base only or vein 5 strong 19 19 — Fore wing with veins 3 and 4 separate 20 Fore wing with veins 3 and 4 stalked Fam. 1 1 , Dioptidas. 3 0 — Fore wing with vein 8 stalked with 9 Fam. 19, Epiplemida;. Fore wing with vein 8 not stalked with 9 . . Fam. 18, Geomeiridcs. 21 — Hind wing with vein 8 joined to cell by a bar . . Fam. i, SphingidcB. Hind wing with vein 8 not joined tocell by abar.. Fam. 13, Thyatiridcc. 2 3 — Wings divided into plumes 23 Wings not divided into plumes 34 23 — Fore wing divided into four plumes Fam. 32, Fterophoridcs. Fore wing divided into six plumes Fam. ^2, OrneodidcB. 24 — Hind wing with vein 8 absent Fam. 30, yEgeriid(S. Hind wing with vein 8 present 25 35 — Fore wing with vein 5 from middle of discocellulars or nearer 6 than 4 Fam. 2 1 , Lacosoniidcz. 36 — Hind vv'ing with vein 8 anastomosing with or closely approximated to vein 7 Fam. 3 1 , PyraiidcB. Hind wing with vein 8 remote from 7 26 37 — Vein 8 of hind wing anastomosing with cell at base 28 Vein 8 free or united to cell by a bar 29 28 — Hind wing with vein 8 joined to cell to middle; fore wing with a branch to vein i below Fam. 24, MegalopygidcB. Hind wing with vein 8 joined to cell at base; no branch to vein I below Fam. 23, CochlidiidcB. 29 — Mid spurs of hind tibiae very short or absent 30 Mid spurs of hind tibiae, or at least one, v/ell developed 34 30 — Proboscis absent 31 Proboscis present; vein 8 joined to the cell by a bar Fam. 27, ZygcEAtdce. 31 — Female winged 33 Female not winged Fam. 22, Psychidcs. 32 — Abdomen extending beyond hind wings Fam. 29, Cossidcc. Abdoinen not extending beyond hind v,ings 2>i 33 — Antennae short; larvae free Fam. 25, DalceridcB. Antennae long as usual; larvae parasitic Fam. 26, Epipyroptdcs. 34 — Palpi obtuse Fam. 34, Toriricida;. Palpi more or less acute • ■ ■ 35 35 — Head at least partly roughly haired Fam. 41, TineidcB (part). Head smooth, or with loosely appressed scales 36 25 The Classification of Moths 36— Antenna with basal eye-cap Fam. 41, TineidcB (part). Antennae without basal eye-cap 37 ^j — Maxillary palpi developed 3° Maxillary palpi rudimentary 39 ^g — Fore wing with vein 7 to outer margin Fam. 35, Y ponomeutidco (part). Fore wing with vein 7 to costa Fam. 41, Tineid<2 (part). 3(j — Hind wing with vein 8 more or less distinctly connected with cell; outer margin usually sinuate 4° Hind wing with vein 8 not connected with cell 41 ^o — Fore wing with vein 7 to outer margin or apex Fam. 37, XylorictidcB. Fore wing with vein 7 to costa Fam. 36, Gelechiid . (Hagen's Sphinx.) This obscurely colored hawkmoth, which is liable to be confounded with some of the species of Ceratomia, which it superficially resembles, may be distinguished at a glance by the slightly greenish shade of the primaries and by the absence of the dark-brown border of the hind wings, which is charac- teristic of all the species of Ceratomia. It occurs in Texas. Genus CERATOMIA Harris The tongue is reduced in size. The palpi are small. The eyes are small. The tibiae are unarmed. There is no comb of bristles on the mid tarsus, the pulvillus is absent, the paronychium is present. The primaries are relatively large with evenly rounded outer margin. The secondaries are slightly produced at the end of vein i b. The species have dissimilar larvae. In the case of amyntor the larva has four horn-like projections on the thoracic seg- ments ; in the case of the other two species of the genus the larvae are distinctly and normally sphingiform. The tongue-case of the pupa is not projecting. (i) Ceratomia amyntor Hilbner, Plate IV, Fig 6, ?. (The Four-horned Sphinx.) Syn. quadrtcornis Harris; ulmi Henry Edwards. This common hawkmoth, which may be easily recognized by our figure, lives in the larval state upon the elm. It ranges from Canada to the Carolinas and westward through the Mississippi Valley, wherever its food-plant is found. 47 Sphingidae (2) Ceratomia undulosa Walker, Plate VI, Fig. 7, ? . (The Waved Sphinx.) Syn. repentinus Clemens; brontes Boisduval {non Drury). This hawkmoth, which may easily be separated from its congeners by its lighter color and the distinct wavy maculation of the fore wings, lives in the larval stage upon the ash and the privet. It ranges from Maine and Canada to the Carolinas and westward into the trans-Mississippi region east of the great plains. (3) Ceratomia catalpae Boisduval, Plate IV, Fig. 7, ? . (The Catalpa Sphinx.) The larva feeds upon various species of catalpa, and has in recent years been charged with doing considerable damage to these trees by denuding them of their foliage. The insect ranges from New Jersey and southern Pennsylvania southward to Florida and westward through the Mississippi Valley, wherever its food-plant occurs. Genus ISOPARCE Rothschild & Jordan Tongue short and weak. Palpi small. Tibiae without spines. The first protarsal segment is short. Hind tibia armed with long spurs. Comb on mid tarsus wanting ; pulvillus wanting. Paronychium without lobes. Veins 6 and 7 of the hind wing on a long stalk. (1) Isoparce cupressi Boisduval. (The Cypress Sphinx.) The insect is of an almost uniform brown color on the upper surface of the wings, and may be distinguished from other species by the two con- spicuous parallel dark markings on the limbal area of the fore wings. It is extremely r ire in collections, only Fig. 23. — Isoparce cupressi three or four specimens being as yet Boisduval. known. It has been reported from Georgia and Florida. Genus DICTYOSOMA Rothschild & Jordan This genus has been erected by Messrs. Rothschild & Jordan for the reception of the single species originally described by Strecker as Sphinx elsa. 48 Explanation of Plate III (When not otherwise indicated the specimens Hgured are contained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) 1. PJiolus viiis Linnaeus, (^ . 2. Pholus fasciatus Sulzer, c? . 3. Darapsa pholus Cramer, cJ^. 4. Darapsa myron Cramer, (^ . 5. Pholus achemon Drury, (?. 6. Pholus pandorus Hubner, cT'. 7. La para bonibycoides Walker, c?. 8. Hemero planes pane Fabricitis, c?. 9. Psychomorpha epimenis Drury, c?. 10. Dysodia oculatana Clemens, c^. 11. Pholus labritscce Linnaeus, (^ . 12. Pachylia ficus Linnaeus, $. 13. Darapsa versicolor Harris, c?. 14. Arctonotus lucidiis Boisduval, J*. 15. Hcemorrhagia gracilis Grote & Robinson, r?. 16. Lapara conijerarnm. Abbot & Smith, 9 , U.S.N.M. The Moth Bcck Plate 111. COPYRIGHTEC BY w J, HOLLAND, 1903 Sphingid» (i) Dictyosoma elsa Strecker, Plate V, Fig. 14, 5 • (The Elsa Sphinx.) This peculiarly colored hawkmoth, which may easily be recognized by the figure in our plate, occurs in Arizona. A number of years ago Mr. Jacob Doll reared a large number of specimens from the larvae. Since then but few specimens have been obtained, and it is as yet comparatively rare in collections. Genus ATREIDES Holland The generic name Atreus proposed by Grote and adopted on structural grounds by Rothschild & Jordan for this genus, having been preoccupied by Koch in the Arachnida, I have given the name Atreides to the genus, which contains the single species named originally Sphinx plebeja by Fabricius. (i) Atreides plebeja Fabricius, Plate V, Fig. 6, 5. (The Ple- beian Sphinx ) This common species feeds in its larval state upon the trumpet-vine {Tecoma). it ranges from Canada to the Gulf States and westward to the Mississippi, wherever its food- plant is found. It is double-brooded in the Middle States, one brood appearing in June, the second in August. Genus HYLOICUS Hubner This genus, which includes some thirty species, most of which are found in America, though a few occur in Europe and Asia, is represented in our faunal limits by sixteen species, of which eleven are figured in our plates. It corresponds largely with the genus Sphinx as defined by many recent writers. (i) Hyloicus eremitus Hubner, Plate VI, Fig. 6, $ . (The Hermit Sphinx.) Syn., sordida Harris. This hawkmoth, which is double-brooded, lives in the larval stage on spearmint {Mentha) and wild bergamot {Monarda). It ranges from New England southward to Georgia, and westward into the Mississippi Valley. It is not uncommon in western Pennsylvania, where it is double-brooded. (2) Hyloicus eremitoides Strecker. (The Hermit-like Sphinx.) Syn., lugens Grote {non Walker). 49 Fig. 24. — Hyloicus eremitoides. Sphingids This species, which is allied to the preceding, may be easily recognized by its pale, silvery-gray color, by the almost entire absence of a dorsal stripe on the abdomen, and by the marking of the secondaries, which are grayish-white, having on the outer margin a broad band which is black inwardly, fading into darkish gray near the margin, a median irregularly curved black band, and at the insertion of the wing a black basal patch. The cut (Fig. 24) will enable the student to recognize the species, which is not common in collec- tions. The insect is found in Kansas and the southwestern States. (3) Hyloicus separatus Neumosgen, Plate VI, Fig. 10, $ . (Neumoegen's Sphinx.) Syn. andromedcs Boisduval (pariim.); lugens Smith (partim.). This species has been confounded with others, but may easily be recognized from the figure which we give in our plate. It ranges from Colorado southward through New Mexico and Arizona into Mexico. (4) Hyloicus chersis Hubner, Plate 1, Fig. 1, larva ; Plate VII, Fig 8, $ . (The Chersis Sphinx.) This common and widely distributed species ranges from Canada to Florida, westward to the Pacific, and southward into Mexico. Several local races are recognized, that which occurs upon the Pacific coast having been named oreodaphne by Henry Edwards. The caterpillar feeds upon the wild-cherry, the ash, the privet, and other allied plants. The insect is double-brooded in the Middle States, appearing on the wing in the latter part of May, and again in August. (5) Hyloicus vanccuverensis Edwards. Syn. vashti Strecker. Form albescens Tepper, Plate VI, Fig. 5, <5 . (The Van- couver Sphinx.) There are two forms of this hawkmoth, one, Hyloicus van- 50 Sphingidae couverensis vancouverensis in which the middle of the thorax is pale gray, and the other, Hyloicus vancouverensis albescens, which has a very dark thorax, and which is figured on our plate. The moth is found from northern California to British Columbia, and eastward to Montana and Alberta. (6) Hyloicus insolita Lintner, Plate V, Fig. 4, $, . (Lintner's Sphinx.) This species, which is well represented on our plate, occurs in Texas, it is not common in collections. Rothschild & Jordan regard it as a form of H. libocednis Henry Edwards, and apparently with reason. (7) Hyloicus perelegans Henry Edwards. (The Elegant Sphinx.) This hawkmoth may be distinguished by the even dark silvery-gray color of the fore wings, which are crossed by a dis- tinct submarginal whitish band. The maculation recalls a dark chersis with the dark thorax and the body of H. drupiferarum. It is found on the Pacific coast. (8) Hyloicus canadensis Boisduval. Syn. plota Strecker. This species, which is not common, is represented by the accompanying cut (Fig. 25), drawn from a specimen in the Engel Collection in the Carnegie Museum, and taken in Massa- chusetts. It occurs in eastern Canada, northern New York, ^^^ ,s.-Hylo^cus canadensis. and New England. (9) Hyloicus kalmiae Abbot & Smith, Plate VI, Fig. 8, $ . (The Laurel Sphinx.) This hawkmoth feeds in the larval stage upon Kalmia, Chi- onanthiis, and Fraxinus. It is not uncommon in the Middle States of the Atlantic coast region, ranging from southern Canada to Georgia. (10) Hyloicus gordius Cramer, Plate V, Fig. i^, ^ . (The Gordian Sphinx.) Syn. pcecila Stephens. 5» Sphingidze The larva of this hawkmoth feeds upon various rosaceous plants, as the wild rose and the crab-apple. It ranges over the Atlantic region from southern Canada and New England to Georgia, and westward to Colorado. (ii) Hyloicus luscitiosa Clemens, Plate V, Fig. i, $. (Clemens' Hawkmoth.) The caterpillar feeds upon various species of willow. The insect occurs from Canada to the Carolinas, and westward through the eastern portion of the valley of the Mississippi. (12) Hyloicus drupiferarum Abbot & Smith, Plate Vil, Fig. 7, $ . (The Wild-Cherry Sphinx.) This common and easily recognizable species ranges over the whole of temperate North America from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The caterpillar feeds upon various trees and shrubs, but seems in the Middle Atlantic States to prefer the wild-cherry as a food-plant. (13) Hyloicus dolli Neumoegen. Form coloradus Smith, Plate IV, Fig. 3, ? . (The Colorado Sphinx.) Rothschild & Jordan recognize two forms of this species, H. dolli dolli Neumoegen, and H. dolli coloradus Smith. The latter we figure. The former is prevalently lighter in color than the form coloradus. The insect ranges from Colorado to Arizona. (14) Hyloicus sequoiae Boisduval, Plate V, Fig. 8, $ . (The Sequoia Sphinx.) Syn. conijerarum Walker (partim). The early stages of this insect we do not remember to have seen described. It occurs on the Pacific coast. Boisduval's type was found sitting on the trunk of a red-wood tree (Sequoia). (15) Hyloicus pinastri Linnseus. (The Pine Sphinx.) Syn. saniptri Strecker. The late Dr. Strecker reported this species as having been found by him in the vicinity of Reading, Pennsylvania, on one or two occasions. No one else has taken it, so far as is known. It is common in Europe, and has often been figured by European writers. Besides the species above given, there are one or two other species of the genus found in our territory. 52 Sphingidas Genus LAPARA Walker. Head small. Palpi short and slender. Tongue very short, almost obsolete. Eyes small. Antennae slender. Thorax stout and short. Abdomen long and cylindrical, tapering. Legs weak. Fore and mid tibise spinulose. The larva is without an anal horn, cylindrical, tapering slightly from the middle forward and backward, pale green, striped with white, and checkered with darker green. The caterpillars feed upon various species of pine, and are not at all sphingiform in appearance. There are reputed to be four species of the genus found in our fauna, two of which we figure. L. halicarnice Strecker, of which only one specimen is known, which 1 have recently examined, appears to be a somewhat hypertrophied and, in consequence, aborted female of L. coniferarum Abbot & Smith. It is very doubtfully a valid species. (i) L. coniferarum Abbot & Smith, Plate 111, Fig. i6, ?. ^Abbot's Pine Sphinx.) Syn. cana Martyn. This species is somewhat variable, especially in the size of the females and in the amount of marking upon the fore wings. It is a common insect in the foot-hills of the AUeghenies about the headwaters of the Potomac River. 1 found the larvae in great abundance upon pines at Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, in the summer of 1884. It ranges from Canada to Florida and west- ward into the basin of the Mississippi, but has never been reported from any point west of that river, south of Minnesota, so far as is known to the writer. (2) L. bombycoides Walker, Plate III, Fig. 7, t ■ (The Bombyx Sphinx.) Syn. harrisi Clemens. This little hawkmoth, which may easily be recognized from the figure we give, has the same geographical distribution as the preceding species, and feeds upon the same forms of vegetation in the larval stage. Lapara pinetim Lintner (Lintner's Pine Sphinx) is a species of which thus far only two specimens have turned up. They differ from the two species we have figured in being wholly devoid of discal streaks and markings upon the fore wings. It is believed by recent authorities that these 53 Sphingidae specimens represent an extreme variation of the very variable L. conifer arum. SUBFAMILY AMBULICIN/E Genus PROTAMBULYX Rothschild & Jordan This genus is represented in our fauna by a single species, which occurs as a straggler into the extreme southern limits of the United States, and is represented in Florida by a local race, to which Rothschild & Jordan have given the subspecific name of carteri in honor of Sir Gilbert T. Carter, the Governor of the Bahamas, an ardent lepidop- terist. From A. sirigilis Lin- naeus, which is represented in the annexed cut, A. carteri may be distinguished by the fact that the fore wing is broader, less deeply excavated below the apex, and by the further fiict that most of the lines and markings on the upper side of the wings and all the markings en the lower side of the wings are ob- solete. While strigilis has not yet been reported from our territory, except as represented by the form above men- tioned, it is highly probable that it will be found to occur in southern Florida. Genus SPHINX Linnaeus The type of the genus Sphinx of Linnaeus is unquestionably the well-known European species named by the immortal Swede Sphinx oceUafa. With this species the following two species, which have for many years been referred to the genus Smerinthus Latreille, which sinks as a synonym, are strictly congeneric. (i) Sphinx cerisyi Kirby, Plate VII, Fig. 3, $. (Cerisy's Sphinx.) The larva feeds upon different species of willows. There are several forms, or subspecies, which have received names, and Fig. 26. — Protambitlyx strigilis. (Somewhat reduced.) 54 Sphingidae which run into each other to such an extent as to make it often impossible to distinguish them. These forms are Sphinx astarte Strecker, in which the outer margin of the fore wing is a little less dentate, and the brown markings of the same wing are a little narrower; Sphinx ophthalmica Boisduval, which has rather pale fore wings; Sphinx pallidulus Henry Edwards, in which the color of the fore wings is cinnamon-gray; and Sphinx saliceti Boisduval, in which the blue markings of the ocellus on the hind wing do not form a ring, but appear as two opposed crescents. The insect is comparatively rare in the eastern part of the continent, but is not uncommon in the western States. It ranges from Canada in the north to the upper portions of the Gulf States, and westward to the Pacific, extending its habitat southward along the high lands of Mexico. (2) Sphinx jamaicensis Drury. Normal form geminatus Say, Plate IV, Fig. 11, ^. (The Twin-spot Sphinx.) This beautiful hawkmoth was originally named and described in error by Drury as coming from the Island of Jamaica. He also was so unfortunate as to have had for his type an aberrant speci- men in which the ocellus of the hind wing had but one blue spot. Such specimens nov/ and then occur, and have been obtained by breeding from the normal form, to which Say gave the nsLme geminatus. Specimens also sometimes occur in which there are three blue spots in the ocellus, and Mr. Grote gave to this aberrant form the name tripartitus. The caterpillar feeds upon willows, birches, and various species of wild-cherry. The insect is quite common in the Middle Atlantic States, and ranges from southern Canada to the Carolinas and northern Georgia, and westward to eastern Kansas and Iowa. Genus GALAS YM BOLUS Grote The genus differs from Sphinx in the fact that the head is crested, and the hind wing is on its costal margin toward the apex produced into a somewhat broad lobe. There are three species recognized as belonging to the genus, all of which we figure. 55 SphingidsB (i) Calasymbolus excacatus Abbot & Smith, Plate VII, Fig. 4, $ . (The Blinded Sphinx.) Syn. pavonina Geyer. The larva feeds upon various plants of the order Rosacect, but does not strictly confine itself to these. It has been reported as found upon the willow, the hazel, iron-wood, and other allied plants. It is a common species, and in the region of Pennsyl- vania is double-brooded. It ranges from southern Canada to Florida and westward across the valley of the Mississippi to the borders cf the great plains. (2) Calasymbolus myops Abbot & Smith, Plate IV, Fig. 12, $ . (The Small-eyed Sphinx.) Syn. rosacearum Boisduval. The food-plants and the geographical distribution of this species are very much the same as those of the preceding species, though it . seems to range a little further westward, examples having been received from Colorado. It is not nearly as com. m on as C. exavcatus. (3) Calasymbolus astylus Drury, Plate IV, Fig. 10, ^. (The Huckleberry Sphinx.) Syn io Gray; iniegerrima Harris. A rather scarce species, which is found from New England to Pennsylvania. The caterpillar feeds upon various species of Vacciiiium and allied plants. The moth is easily distinguished by the fact that the outer margins of the fore wings are almost even, whereas in myops they are distinctly produced at the end of vein 3, and in exccvcatus they are scalloped. The transverse lines on the limbal area of the fore wings, which are distinct in tnyops, are almost wanting in astylus, and the inner margin of the primaries is heavily margined with dark brown. Genus PACHYSPHINX Rothschild & Jordan The genus Pachysphinx has been erected for the reception of the single species, two forms of which we figure on our plates. It is very different from the oriental genus Marumba, into which Mr. Dyar, following Kirby, has put it in his recent List. Any one Vv'ho is familiar with the peculiar style of coloration of the species of Marumba, as well as with the structural differences, which 56 EXPLAXATION OF PlATE IV (The s]iecimcns figured are contained in the collection of W. Holland.) 1. Protoparce quinquemaculatus Haworth, $. 2. Protoparce sexia Johanssen, 5 . 3. Hyloicns doili coloradiis Smith, 9 . 4. Protoparce occulta Rothschild & Jordan, $. 5. Hosmorrhagia senta Strecker. (J*. 6. Ceratomia amyntor Geyer, 9 . 7. Ceratomia catalpcB Boisdmal. 9 . 8. Isogramma hageni Grote, (^ . 9. Xylophanes pluto Fabricius, c?. 10. Calasymbolus astylus Drury, c? . 11. Sphinx jamaicensis Drury, form geminatus Say, c?. 12. Calasymbolus myops Abbot & Smith, 9 . The Moth Book Plate IV. COPYRIGHTED BY W. J. HOLLAND, 1103. Sphingfidae present themselves, will recognize the propriety of the separa- tion, which has been made. (i) Pachysphinx modesta Harris, Plate VII, Fig. i, $. (The Big Poplar Sphinx.) Syn. princeps Walker. Form occidentalis Henry Edwards, Plate VII, Fig. 2, ? . (The Western Poplar Sphinx.) Syn. im per ator Strecker. This noble hawkmoth feeds in the larval stage upon various species of the genus Popiilus and upon willows. There are a number of local races or subspecies, two of which we give ; the common eastern form and the western variety. The latter may at once be distinguished by its generally paler coloration. It ranges over the United States and as far south as northern Mexico. Genus CRESSONIA Grote & Robinson There is but one species in this genus. The insect is easily recognizable, in spite of the fact that it varies considerably in the color of the wings. (1) Cressonia juglandis Abbot & Smith, Plate VI, Fig. 9, ? . (The V/alnut Sphinx.) Syn. instabilis Martyn; pallens Strecker; robinsoni Butler. The caterpillar feeds upon the black walnut, the butternut, and the hop-hornbeam. Some of the larvae are green, others are reddish, but the color of the larvae seems to have no relation to any variation in color of the perfect insects. The species is dis- tributed from Canada to Florida and westward to the eastern boundary of the great plains. SUBFAMILY SESIIN/E Genus PSEUDOSPHINX Burmeister There is but one species in this genus, which is structurally closely related to the species falling into the genus Erinnyis. It is a characteristic insect of the American tropics, and possesses a very wide range. (i) Pseudosphinx tetrio Linnaeus, Plate VI, Fig. 2, i . (The Giant Gray Sphinx.) Syn. plumericB Fabricius; rustica Sepp; hasdrubal Cramer; asdrubal Poey; obscura Butler. 57 Sphingidae The larva of this hawkmoth has a long thread-like anal horn. It is very strikingly colored, the body being purplish black, girdled with yellow rings between the segments, and the head and anal claspers being bright red, of the color of sealing wax. It feeds upon various Euphorbiaceous plants, preferably Plum- eria. The insect occurs not uncommonly in southern Florida. Genus ERINNYIS Hubner This is a moderately large genus, the species of which are all confined to the tropical or subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere, though one species, as we shall see, occasionally occurs as a straggler far north of the metropolis of the genus. (i) Erinnyis alope Drury, Plate V, Fig. 12, 6 . (The Alope Sphinx.) Syn. flavicans Goeze; fasciata Swainson; edwardsi Butler. The caterpillar is brown on the upper side, and pale green on the lower side, the colors being separated by a dark brown inter- rupted lateral band on either side of the body. On the third segment from the head there is a dark spot relieved by a red ring in the centre. The anal horn is quite short. The larva feeds upon Jatropha and Carica. The insect occurs in soul hern Florida and ranges southward as far as northern Argentina. (2) Erinnyis lassauxi Boisduval. Form merianae Grote, Plate V, Fig. 2, ? . (Madame Merian's Sphinx.) Syn. janiphcE Boisduval. This hawkm.oth, which is widely distributed through the tropics of the new world, displays considerable variation, and several forms, or local races, have been recognized. The one which occurs within our territory we have figured, and the student will have no difficulty in recognizing it. The larva, which is said to closely resemble that of the next species, is reported to feed upon Morrenia in the West Indies. It occurs in Florida. (3) Erinnyis alio Linnaeus, Plate V, Fig, 10, . (Abbot's Sphinx.) This beautiful hawkmoth is found throughout the Eastern States and southern Canada and ranges westward as far as Iowa and Kansas. The larva feeds on the Vitacece and is not uncommon 0 n Ampelopsjs. The caterpillar is not provided with an anal horn, but has instead an eye-like tubercle, or boss, at the anal extremity. It has the habit, when disturbed, of throwing its head violently Fig. 33. — Larva and moth of 5. abbotti. (After Riley.) from side to side, a movement found in other sphingid larvae, and also in some of the Ceratocampidcc, 70 Explanation of Plate VI (The specimens figured are contained in the collection of W. Holland.) 1. Cocytiiis antcciis Drurj^, 9. 2. Pseudosphinx tctrio Linnaeus, cf . 3. Herse ci'ngiilaia Fabricius, <^ . 4. Dolba hylcFUS Drury, 9 ■ 5. Hyloicus vanconverensis albescens Tepper, (^. 6. Hyloicus eremitus Hiibner. o . 7. Ccratoiuia undithsa Walker, 9 . 8. Hyloicus kaiuiuc Abbot & Smith, 9 • 9. Cressonia jiiglaudis Abbot & Smith, 9. 10. Hyloicus separatus Neumoegen, c^. The Moth Book. Plate VI. CO-'VRIGHTEC BY W. J. HOLLAND, 1903. Sphingidse Genus DEIDAMIA Clemens The head is small, narrow, retracted, crested. The eyes are small. The antennae are fusiform, with the tip bent back slightly, scarcely hooked. The thorax is stout, somewhat crested. The abdomen is conic, and in the male has a small anal tuft. The fore wings, which have twelve veins, are narrow, with the inner margin sinuate. The apex of the fore wings is truncated, and the outer margin is deeply excavated opposite the end of the cell and also just above the inner angle, which is distinctly produced. The hind wings are slightly crenulate on the outer margin. There is only one species belonging to the genus. (i) Deidamia inscriptum Harris, Plate 11, Fig. 15, $. (The Lettered Sphinx.) The caterpillar feeds upon the wild grape-vine. The moth appears in the early spring. It is a common species in western Pennsylvania, but seems elsewhere to be regarded as quite rare. It ranges from Canada to Virginia and westward to the Mississippi. Genus ARCTONOTUS Boisduval This small genus, in which there are reputed to be two species, is very closely related to the genus Proserpinus, from which, as has been pointed out by Rothschild & Jordan, it ditTers in appearance "owing to the more woolly scaling." The chief structural difference is found in the fact that the antenna is not clubbed but fusiform, gradually curved, and the feet are without a pulvillus, and have only vestiges of the paronychium. (i) Arctonotus lucidus Boisduval, Plate III, Fig. 14, S . (The Bear Sphinx.) This insect, which hitherto has been rare in collections, appears to have a wide range along the Pacific coast, from southern California to British Columbia. It appears upon the wing very early in the spring of the year. The name Arctonotus terlooi is applied to a species, reported from northern Mexico by Henry Edwards, and described by him, in which the hind wings are wholly vinous red, and the green basal band of the fore wings is wanting. 71 Sphingidae Genus AMPHION Hvibner Head small. Eyes small, hemispherical. Palpi rather short. Tongue nearly as long as the body. Antennae fusiform with a long curved hook at the tip. Body plump, somewhat globose, the thorax projecting very little beyond the insertion of the primaries, and the abdomen terminating in a conspicuous fan-like tuft. The fore wings are comparatively short and narrow, exca- vated on the outer margin below the apex and above the inner angle, which is strongly produced. The inner margin is deeply sinuate. The hind wings are bluntly lobed at the anal angle. There is only one species in the genus. (i) Amphion nessus Cramer, Plate 11. Fig. i8, 6 . (The Nessus Sphinx.) This species, which may easily be recognized from the figure on the plate, is not uncommon in the Middle States. It ranges from Canada to Georgia and westward to Wyoming. It flies in the daytime on cloudy days and in the late afternoon before sun- set. The caterpillar feeds on Ampelopsis and the wild grape. Genus POGOCOLON Boisduval This small genus, which is closely related in many structural respects to Proserpimis, differs from it very decidedly in the form as well as in the habits of the insects belonging to it. In the structure of the antennae and neuration of the wings the insects belonging to Pogocolon show a close relationship to the insects referred to the genus Proserpimis, but the form of the abdomen is wholly different, elongated, cylindrical, and not bombyliform. The moths, moreover, are crepuscular, whereas the moths re- ferred to the genus Proserpimis are diurnal in their habits, in this respect resembling the species of the genus Hcvmorrhagia. There are at least three species belonging to this genus. (i) Pogocolon gaurae Abbot & Smith, Plate II, Fig. ii, o. (The Gaura Sphinx.) The upper side of this small species is sufficiently delineated in the plate to require no verbal description. On the under side the wings are vinous brown, shading on the outer third into olive-green, and reproducing the maculation of the upper surface. The hind wings are deep olive at the base, passing into yel- lowish green outwardly. 72 Sphingidae The insect feeds in the larval stage upon various species of Gaura, and ranges from Georgia to Texas and as far north as southern Kansas. (2) Pogocolon juanita Strecker, Plate II, Fig. 12, 5 . (Strecker's Day-sphinx. ) The moth in the general style of its maculation is very much like the preceding species, but is considerably larger, and the colors are decidedly brighter. The caterpillar is quite different in its markings from the larva of L. gatirce. The habitat of this species is Texas, so far as is now known. One other species of Pogocolon, P. vega Dyar, occurs in our region. It is much darker in color than the two former species, which it otherwise somewhat closely resembles. Genus PROSERPINUS Hubner Head small ; proboscis moderate or long ; antennae clavate ; body stout ; abdomen with or without lateral tufts, but always with a more or less well developed anal tuft. Anterior tibiae stout, armed with spines outwardly and at tip. Fore wings elongate, generally somewhat curved outwardly about the middle, and with the inner angle more or less distinctly produced ; more or less densely clothed with scales over their entire surface. The moths are diurnal in their habits, and mim.ic bumblebees in their appearance. (i) Proserpinus flavofasciata Walker, Plate II, Fig. 8, ? . (The Yellow-banded Day-sphinx.) The head and thorax are pale yellow, the latter obscured with brownish hairs about the middle. The abdomen is black with the basal segment about the middle and the preterminal segment on either side pale yellow. The fore wings on the upper side are blackish, crossed by an oblique whitish band. The hind wings are deep black, crossed by a broad orange-yellow band. The fore wings on the under side are bright orange-yellow at the base. This is always a rare insect in collections. It ranges, so far as is known, through British America, and southward and east- ward to Maine and Massachusetts. It is found in very early summer hovering over flowers. (2) Proserpinus clarkiae Boisduval, Plate II, Fig. 10, ?. (Clark's Day-sphinx.) 73 Sphingidas Syn. victories Grote. The head, thorax and abdomen on the upper side are preva- lently pale olive-green, the fifth and the three anal segments of the abdomen being darker green. The fore wings are pale green with an oblique brownish median band, and a triangular paler brownish spot at the apex. There is a small black discal dot at the end of the cell. The hind wings are deep orange-yellow, margined with black. On the under side the wings are olive- green, darker at the base. The hind wings have a waved whitish band about their middle on the under side. The legs are greenish-white. This species is found from Oregon to northern California, and eastward to Utah and Montana. Genus EUPROSERPINUS Grote & Robinson This genus is discriminated by Rothschild & Jordan from Proserp/iuts by the fact that the antenna is more abruptly hooked and slenderer at its extremity than in Proserpinus, and by the absence of the pulvillus and paronychium, which are found in Proserpinus. Two species belong to the genus, both having white hind wings margined with darker color and the under side of the pectus and the wings also white. (i) Euproserpinus phaeton Grote & Robinson, Plate II, Fig. 9, 5 . (The Phaeton Sphinx. ) Syn. errato Boisduval. The head and thorax above are gray, the abdomen blackish. The preterminal segment has yellow lateral tufts. The anal tuft is black. The fore wings above are of the same color as the thorax. The hind wings are yellowish-white with a broad black marginal band. Expanse 32 mm. The habitat of this species is southern California. (2) Euproserpinus euterpe Edwards. (The Euterpe Sphinx.) This species, which is only known to the writer through an examination of the type, is discriminated from the preceding by the absence of pale tufts on the side of the abdomen and the fact that the marginal band of the hind wing is bowed inwardly and not straight as in E. PJiaeton. 74 Sphingidae SUBFAMILY CH/EROCAMPIN/E Genus XYLOPHANES Hubner This genus, which is American, is very large, containing fifty species and many subspecies. Of these species two only are found, so far as is now known, within our territory, though it is possible that a thorough exploration of southern Florida may show that one or two of the species which are found in the Antilles also occur in that State. The student will have no diffi- culty in recognizing the species occurring within our borders by means of the figures which are given upon our plates. (i) Xylophanes pluto Fabricius, Plate IV, Fig. 9, S . (The Pluto Sphinx.) Svn. bcerhavice Fabricius; crasus Dalman; thorates Hubner; eson Walker This beautiful hawkmoth, which is very common in the Antilles, ranging southward to southern Brazil, occurs in southern Florida. The larva feeds upon Erythroxylon. (2) Xylophanes tersa Linnaeus, Plate II, Fig. 13, 5. (The Tersa Sphinx.) This common and easily recognized species has a wide range, occurring very rarely as far north as southern Canada, thence southward to Texas and Mexico, and as far south as northern Argentina. The larva feeds on Bouvardia, Spermacoce, and Manetta. Genus CELERIO Oken Head of moderate size. Eyes hemispherical, not prominent. Antennas distinctly clavate, and armed at the tip with a minute hook. The thorax is stout, projecting for about one-third of its length beyond the insertion of the fore wings. The abdomen is conic, untufted, produced more or less at the tip, and project- ing for half its length beyond the hind margins of the secondaries. The fore wings, which have eleven veins, are produced at the apex. Their outer margin is slightly and evenly bowed out- wardly. Their inner margin is very slightly sinuate. The hind wings have their outer margin evenly rounded, except at the extremity of vein i b, where they are slightly produced. The genus is well represented in the Old World, and there are several South American species. Only two species occur in our territory. 75 Sphingidae (i) Celerio lineata Fabricius, Plate II, Fig. 14, $ . (The Striped Morning Sphinx.) Syn. daucus Cramer. This is probably the commonest of all the North American Sphingidae. The larva feeds upon Portnlaca. There is con- siderable diversity in the maculation of the larvae. The two figures here given represent the two most usual forms of the caterpiHar. The insect ranges over the southern portions of Fig. 34, — Light form of larva of C. lineata. (After Riley.) British America to the Gulf of Mexico and southward to the Antilles and Central America. I have seen hundreds of the moths swarming about the electric lights in the streets of Denver, Cheyenne, and Colorado Springs. The moth flies con- Fi( -Dark form of larva of C. lineata. (After Riley.) stantly in bright sunshine on the Laramie Plains of Wyoming in the month of August, frequenting the blossoms of thistles. I have seen it busily engaged in extracting the sweets from dew- spangled beds of Soapwort (Saponaria), in the valleys of Virginia long after the sun had risen in the morning. (2) Celerio intermedia Kirby, Plate 11, Fig. 20, ? . (The Galium Sphinx.) Syn. epilobii Harris {non Boisduval) ; chamsuerii Harris; galii Walker; oxybaphi Clemens; canadensis Guen6e. This hawkmoth, which is the North American representant of Celerio gallii, which is found all over the north temperate regions of the Eastern Hemisphere, ranges from Canada to 76 Explanation of Plate VII (The specimens figured are contained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) 1. Pachyspliinx nwdesta Harris, J^. 2. Pachyspliinx modesta occidentalis Henry Edwards, $ 3. Sphinx cerisyi Kirby, 9 . 4. Calasymbolus exccecata Abbot & Sinith, c?. 5. Protoparce rustica Fabricius, 9 ■ 6. Chlcsnogramnia jasmiiwarwu Boisduval, 9 • 7. Hyloiciis drupiferarum Abbot & Smith, cJ*. 8. H yloicus chersis Hnbner, 9 • The Moth Book Plate VII. COPYRIGHTED BY W, J. HOLLAND, 19CS. LORTYPE CO., N Y. A CHi. World of the Dark Vancouver and southward through the mountains of the Appalachian System and along the higher plateaus and mountain ranges of the West as far as Central Mexico. I have specimens taken in the Sierra Madre of Chihuahua. The identification of the species may easily be made by means of the figure on our plate. THE WORLD OF THE DARK " Sorrowing we beheld The night come on ; but soon did night display More wonders than it veil'd; innumerous tribes From the wood-cover swarm 'd, and darkness made Their beauties visible." SOUTHEY. There are two worlds; the world of sunshine, and the world of the dark. Most of us are more or less familiarly acquainted with the first; very few of us are well acquainted with the latter. Our eyes are well adapted to serve us in the daylight, but they do not serve us as well in the dark, and we therefore fail to know, unless we patiently study them, what wonders this world of the dark holds within itself. There are whole armies of living things, which, when we go to sleep, begin to awaken; and when we awaken, go to sleep. The eyes of the creatures of the dark are adapted to seeing with less light than our eyes require. The broad daylight dazzles and confounds them. Sunshine has much the same effect upon them that darkness has upon us. Our twilight is their morning; our midnight is their noonday. This is true even of many of the higher vertebrates. The lemurs, which are a low f^imily of simians, are nocturnal in their habits. So also is the Aye-Aye of Madagascar, and that curious little member of the monkey tribe known as the Specter (Tarsius spectrum). No one can see the great eyes of these creatures without realizing at a glance that they love what we call darkness better than what we call light, though they are far from being evil-doers. The great family of the cats are principally nocturnal in their habits. Their eyes are capable of being used in daylight, for the beautifully contracting and ex- panding iris modifies the amount of light admitted to the retina 77 World of the Dark far more delicately and instantaneously than any device, attached to the most perfectly constructed camera, regulates the amount of light transmitted through its lens. The tiger in the jungle sees what is going on about him in the starlight as well as we see what is happening in the noontide. I have studied the eyes of lions and tigers in the dark. The yellowish-green iris in the night almost entirely disappears from viev/, and shrinks down into a narrow ring. The windows of the eyes have the curtains drawn back wide, so as to let in all the light which the darkness holds within itself. The great orbs then look like globes of crystal, framed in a narrow band of gold, lying on a background of the blackest velvet, while in their pellucid depths, tires, tinged with the warm glow of blood, play and coruscate. The eyes of many birds are adapted to the dark. This is true, as everybody knows, of the owls, and of their not distant relatives, the goat-suckers. I remember having, when a boy, dissected an owl, which I found dead after a long protracted period of intensely cold weather. The thermometer had stood at twenty degrees below zero for several nights in succession. The earth was wrapped deep in snow. Upon the sleety crust I found a great horned owl, lying dead, and frozen stiff. It may have died of old age, or it may have starved to death. The instinct of the child, who takes his toys to pieces in order to see how they are made, seized me, and, with a sharp penknife as a scalpel, and a few needles set in sticks of pine, I took my owl apart, and made drawings of what I found. I did not then know the names and functions of all the parts, but the drawing of the eye, which I made, I still have in an old portfolio, and there I saw it the other day. The eye of an owl is a wonderful piece of mechanism. It is a wide-angle lens of beautiful powers of adjustment. It is adapted to taking in all the light there is, when the light is almost all gone; and it is so contrived as to shut out light, when too much of its splendor would dazzle and hurt. Among the insects thousands and tens of thousands of species are nocturnal. This is true of the great majority of the moths. When the hour of dusk approaches stand by a bed of evening primroses, and, as their great yellow blossoms suddenly open, watch the hawkmoths coming as swiftly as 78 World of the Dark meteors through the air, hovering for an instant over this blossom, probing into the sweet depths of another, and then dashing otT again so quickly that the eye cannot follov/ them. My friend, Henry Pryer, had a great bed of evening primroses in his compound on the Bluff in Yokohama. Well 1 remember standing with him before the flowers, and, as the light began to fade upon the distant top of Fuji-no-yama, with net in hand capturing the hawkmoths, which came eagerly trooping to the spot. When it grew quite dark 0-Chi-san held a Japanese lantern aloft to help us to see where to make our strokes. A dozen species became our spoil during those pleasant evenings. Ah ! those nights in Japan 1 Can I ever forget them ? Did you ever reflect upon the fact that the wings of many moths, which lie concealed during the daytime, reveal their most glorious coloring only after dark, when they are upon the wing ? Take as an illustration, the splendid moths of the great genus Caiocala, the Afterwings, as we familiarly call them. The fore wings are so colored as to cause them, when they are quietly resting upon the trunks of trees in the daytime, to look like bits of moss, or discolored patches upon the bark. They furnish, in such positions, one of the most beautiful illustrations of protective mimicry which can be found in the whole realm of nature. The hind wings are completely concealed at such times. The hind wings are, however, most brilliantly colored. In some species they are banded with pink, in others with crimson; still others have markings of yellow, orange, or snowy white on a background of jet-black. One European species has bands of blue upon the wings. These colors are distinctive of the species to a greater or less extent. They are only displayed at night. The conclusion is irresistibly forced upon us that the eyes of these creatures are capable of discriminating these colors in the darkness. We cannot do it. No human eye in the blackness of the night can distinguish red from orange, or crimson from yellov/. The human eye is the greatest of all anatomical marvels, and the most wonderfu piece of animal mechanism in the world, but not all of power is lodged within it. There are other allied mechanisms which have the power of responding to certain forms of radiant energy to a degree which it does not possess. Let me commend to the study of my readers this world of the 79 Saturniidae dark of which I have been speaking. Some of the pleasantest excursions afield which can be made are those which the naturalist takes, when he has only moonlight or starlight to guide his steps. Always take a dark lantern with you. Without it you cannot see, and even with it you will not see much which it might be delightful to behold. But without a lantern you will not see a great deal, and you may in the thick wood get deeply mired in a boggy hole, or even break a limb. Your eyes are not made like those of the owl and the cat. Do not be afraid of the "night air." The air of the night has the same chemical com- position as the air of the day. it is cooler, of course, and some- times it has fog in it, but cool and even foggy air is not un- healthful. Scotchmen live half their lives in fog, but are healthy. The only things to be dreaded are the mosquitoes, carrying with them the germs of malaria, as we call it. These may be kept off if you only know how to anoint yourself with a properly prepared lotion. FAMILY SATURNIIDy€ " When, hypocritically clad in dressing-gown and slippers, I stopped at my guest's inner door and Fontenette opened it just enough to let me in, I saw, indeed, a wonderful sight. The entomolot:ist had lighted up the room, and it was filled, filled ! with gorgeous moths as large as my ha.nd and all of a kind, dancing across one another's airy paths in a bewildering maze, or alighting and quivering on this thing and that. The mosquito- net, draping almost from ceiling to floor, was beflowered with them, majestically displaying in splendid alternation their upper and under colors, or, with wings lifted and vibrant, tipping to one side and another as they crept up the white mesh, like painted and gilded sails in a fairies' '-egatta." — G. W. Cable. This family is composed of moths, which are for the most part medium-sized or large. The larvse are cocoon-makers. The perfect insects have vein 8 of the hind wings diverging from the cell from the base of the wings. The frenulum is wanting. The tongue is aborted, being at most extremely rudimentary. There are no tibial spurs on the legs. The antennae are either singly or doubly bipectinated to the tips in the case of the males, and often in the case of the females. Bipectination of the antennse occurs also in the family Ceratocampidce, but in the latter family it never extends to the tip of the organ. The family falls into three subfamilies: the Atiacimv; the Saiurniince; and the Hemi- 80 Explanation of Plate VIII (The specimens liiiurcd are contained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) I. Sdniia cccrof>iu Linnieus, ? . Saiuia rubra Behr, 5'. Callosamia angulifera Walker, cf. < 'al/osamia angulifera Walker. 9 • 5. A Htomeris sephyria Grote, o. 6. Pinconia coa Schatis, (^ . 7. Heteropacha riieyana Harvey, 9 . 8. Satnia Columbia Smith, o* ■ 9. Anisota virginiensis Drury, cJ*. 10. Anisota virginiensis Drury, 9 • Anisota mbicnnda Fabricius, c^. Hylesia alinda Druce, c^. The Moth Book. Satumiidsc leucince. These subfamilies may be discriminated by the help of the following Key: Hind wines with one distinct internal vein. Discal cell of both wings open Discal cell of both wings closed Hind wings vrithi two distinct internal veins Aitacince. Fig. 36. — Philosamia cynthta. a. Eggs; b. Larva; c. Cocoon; d. Pupa; e. Moth. (After Riley.) 81 Satumiidse SUBFAMILY ATTACIN.^ Genus PHILOSAMIA Grote This genus, which may be distinguished from all others in our fauna by the tufted abdomen of the perfect insect, is represented by a single species, which, originally imported from the eastern parts of Asia, has become thoroughly acclimatized on the Atlantic seaboard in the vicinity of the larger cities, from which, as centres, it has spread to some extent to the surrounding country. (i) Philosamia cynthia Drury, Plate IX, Fig. 2, 3 . (The Ailanthus Silk-moth.) Syn. aurotus Fabricius; insulans Vollenhovcn; vesta Walker; canningi Walker; walkcri Felder; pryeri Butler. The cut (Fig. 36) and the representation on our plate obviate all necessity for mere verbal description of the species. The in- sect which was originally introduced into Europe about the middle of the last century was first introduced into America in the year 1861. It was hoped that it would prove a valuable silk- bearing species, but although a good grade of coarse silk may be made from it by the process of carding, and strong and service- able fabrics are manufactured from it in China, no method of successfully and economically reeling the cocoons has yet been invented. The caterpillar feeds upon the ailanthus, and these shade trees in some places have been known to be completely defoliated by the worms. Genus ROTHSCHILDIA Grote This characteristically neotropical genus may always be rec- ognized by the large more or less triangular translucent spots of the wings, and the general likeness to the species we figure upon our plate. The abdomen is without tufts. The antennae of both sexes are doubly bipectinated. The fore wings are generally considerably produced at the apex. Two species occur within our faunal limits. (i) Rothschildia orizaba Westwood, Plate X, Fig i, ?. (The Orizaba Silk-moth.) From Rothschildia jorulla Westwood, the other species found in our territory, this is easily separated by its generally lighter color and the much larger size of the translucent spots Saturniidae upon the wings. Both species occur in Arizona, where they are not, however, nearly as common as they are in Mexico. Genus SAMIA Hiibner in this genus, composed of quite large moths, characterized, as are the moths of the two preceding and the next succeeding genera, by having the discal ceils open, we find that the spots on the middle of the wings are opaque, not hyaline, as in the genus Rothschildia ; and, furthermore, the fore wings are more rounded and less produced than in that genus. (i) Samia cecropia Linnaeus, Plate VIII, Fig. i, ^ ; Plate I, Fig. 8, larva. (The Cecropia Moth.) This splendid moth, which is very common, is one of a small number of our native silk-moths, which attract more or less F'f^ Zl- — ^o<::.oonoi Samia cecropia. (After Riley.) popular attention, and the spring of the year in our museums is always regarded as a period in which a certain portion of the time of the entomological staff will be consumed in replying to the letters of persons who, having for once opened their eyes to the wonders of the insect world, have sent in old matchboxes through the mails specimens of this insect, generally adding the information that the species is probably "new to science" or "excessively rare," they having for the first time in their lives noticed the moth. The larva feeds upon a great variety -^f deciduous trees and shrubs, though manifesting - -{.'ledilection for the Rosac^, willows, maples, and the hlac. The cocoon is a familiar object. The insect is found over the whole Atlantic seaboard, and ranges westward to the eastern margin of the great plains. Saturniidae (2) Samia gloveri Strecker, Plate XII, Fig. 4, $ . (Glover's Silk-moth.) This species, which may be distinguished from the preceding by the more obscure, purplish color of the outer band, which in 5. cecropia is bright red, ranges over the region of the Rocky Mountains from Arizona in the south to Alberta and Assiniboia in the north. A small dwarfed form has been taken upon the high mountains of Colorado, to which Neumoegen gave the sub- specific name rediicta. (3) Samia Columbia Smith, Plate VIII, Fig. 8, 5 . (The Columbian Silk-moth.) This species, which is well represented in our plate, may be discriminated from its allies by its smaller size, and by the absence of the reddish outer shading of the transverse white line which crosses the wings about their middle. It ranges from Maine to Wisconsin, never, so i<\r as is known at present, rang- ing south of the forty-first parallel of north latitude. While closely allied to S. gloveri, it is much smaller, and the larva shows marked differences. The caterpillar feeds upon the larch. (4) Samia rubra Behr, Plate VIII, Fig. 2, 5 . (The Ceano- thus Silk-moth ) Syn. ceanothi Behr; eiiryahis Boisduval; calif or nica Grote. The species which is easily separated from its congeners by its small size and prevalently redder cast of coloration, is found on the Pacific coast, ranging eastward to Utah and Wyoming. The larva feeds upon Ceanothus thyrsiflorus. Genus CALLOSAMIA Packard The structure of the moths of this genus is much like that of the preceding genus, but the species composing it may invari- ably be discriminated from others by the fact that the pectinations of the antennae of the females in the anterior pair on each joint are sliorter than the posterior pair. The genus contains several species, two of which are com.mon in portions of our territory, and the other is a 5;traggler into our fauna from Mexico. (i) Callosamia promct'^pa Drury, Plate I, Fig, 2, larva; Plate XI, Fig. \\, S , Fig. 12, ? . (The Spice-bush Silk-moth.) Every country boy who lives in the Atlantic States is familiar with the cocoons, which in winter and spring he has found 84 The Moth Book Plate IX. COr^YRIGHTEC BY W. J. HOLLAND, 10 Saturniidae hanging from the twigs of the spice-bush, the sassafras, and other trees. As they dangle in the wind they are easily de- tected, though they are often wrapped in the dead leaf in which the caterpillar originally spun them. The larva of which, in addition to the figure given in Plate I, we furnish a cut herewith, is a rather striking object, the coral-red tubercles on the second and third anterior segments showing conspicuously against the bluish-green epidermis. The insect subsists in the larval stage upon a great variety of deciduous shrubs and trees, showing a Fig- 38- — Callosamia promcthea. a, Young larva; b, front view of head; c, magnified viev/ of a seg- ment of voung larva; d, mature larva. (After Riley.) special predilection for the LaiiracecV. Liriodendron, Liqiiidamhar, and the wild-cherry. It ranges over the Atlantic States from Florida to New England into southern Canada, and thence westward through the valley of the Mississippi to the eastern boundaries of the great plains. Whether the silk produced by this common and easily reared species could be utilized in such a way as to make its production commercially profitable is a problem to be solved in the future. No one up to I^ig- 39- — Cocoon of C. promethea. (After Riley.) Saturniidse the present time has succeeded either in reeling or carding the silk of the cocoons. (2) Callosamia angulifera Walker, Plate Vlll, Fig. 3, $ , Fig. 4, ? . (The Tulip-tree Silk-moth.) This species may easily be discriminated from the last named by the fact that the males are not without discal spots as in that species, but have large angular white spots, causing them to resemble in this respect the females of C. promeihea. The larva feeds commonly on the tulip-poplar ( Liriodendron). The cocoon is not suspended from the twigs, as in the case of C prouiethea. The only other species of the genus, whj/;h occurs in our fauna, is Callosamia calleta Westwood, which may be differentiated from the two foregoing species by the fact that it has a whitish band on the collar and at the base of the thorax. SUBFAMILY SATURNIIN/E The discal cells are closed. The antennae are pectinated in both sexes to the tip. The hind wings have but one internal vein distinctly developed. But four genera representing this sub- family are found within our territory. Genus AGAPEMA Neumoegen 8c Dj^ar The antennae of both sexes are doubly bipectinated, those of the female having both the anterior and posterior pectinations of equal length. Only one species is known. (i) Agapema galbina Clemens, Plate IX, Fig. 3, i . (The Galbina Moth.) This interesting insect occurs in southern Texas, Arizona and Mexico. The larval stages have been described by Henry Edwards (see "Entomologica Americana," Vol. IV, p. 61). The specimen figured is considerably darker than the figures given by Strecker. Specimens as light as those he depicts have never fallen into the hands of the author. Genus ACTIAS Leach The species of this genus may easily be discriminated by their pale green color, and the tailed hind wings. The pectinations of the antennae in the female sex are shorter in the anterior pair on 86 Saturniidae each joint than the posterior pair. The genus is quite large, but only one species occurs in temperate North America. It is better represented in the Old World. (i) Actias luna Linnxus, Plate XII, Fig. 7, $. (The Luna Moth.) This common and well-known insect has an extensive range from Canada to Florida and westward to Texas and the trans- Mississippi States as far as the region of the great plains. The larva, of which we give a representation, feeds upon the various species of walnut and hickory, the sweet-gum (Liqtii- dambar), the persimmon (Diospyros), and other trees. In North Caro- lina it appeared to be particularly fond of the persimmon. The cocoon is thin and papery, spun among leaves, and falls to the ground in autumn. In consequence it is not nearly as often found as those of some other species, which have been described in the preceding pages. Fig. 40. — Larva of ^4. tuna. (After Riley.) Genus TELEA Hubner This is a very small genus, including only two or three species. It is confined to the New World. The only represen- tative in our faunal limits is the well-known species, which we figure. (i) Telea polyphemus Cramer, Plate IX, Fig. i, ?. (The "^ Polyphemus Moth. ) Syn. paphia Linn^Bus; fenestra Perry; oculea Neumoegen. This very common moth feeds in the larval stage upon a great variety of trees and shrubs. I have found the caterpillar upon various species of oaks, upon the two species of Jiiglans, which grow in the Eastern States, upon hickory, basswood, elms, maples, birches, chestnuts, the sycamore (Platanus), wild- 87 Satumiidas roses, and the beech. Other observers have reported the larva as found upon a great variety of other trees. The caterpillar, Fig. 41. — Larva of Telea polyphemus. (After Riley.) which is of a beautiful shade of green, is ornamented on the sides by raised lines of silvery white, and is altogether a beauti- ful object, so far as coloration is concerned. The cocoon is in form like that of Aciias liina, but is much more dense, and, after it has been spun up, is injected by the larva with a fluid, which appears to precipitate a white chalky matter through the fibers after it has dried. Efforts to reel the silk have hitherto amounted to but little. The insect is double-brooded in the southern States. In Pennsylvania and north- ward it is single-brooded. The moth ranges across the entire continent and into Mexico in the South. We have given in Figure 5 ^^^^^i.^^^^^ a representation of the Fig. 42. — Cocoon of Telea polyphemus. pupa, in Figure 10 a cut (After Riley.) ^f ^j^^ antenna greatly en- larged, and in Figures 41 and 42 are shown the larva and the cocoon. The latter, as is illustrated in the cut, is spun among leaves, and falls in the autumn to the ground. A number of aberrant forms and local races have been described, and there is considerable variety in the depth of the ground-color of the wings 88 Explanation of Plate X (Except when otherwise indicated the specimens figured are in the collection of W. J, Holland.) 1. Rothschildia orizaba Westwood. 9 • 2. Basilona imperialis Drury. 9 • 3. Citheronia regalis Fabricius, c? 4. Citheronia mexicana Grote & Robinson, . (The Brown-winged Ctenucha.) Easily recognized by the pale brown color of the primaries, upon which the veins stand forth in a darker shade of brown. (4) Ctenucha multifaria Walker, Plate Xlll, Fig. 19, $. (The Californian Ctenucha.) This species, which is closely allied to the next, may be dis- criminated by the fact that the fore wings are lighter in color, the collar is black, not orange spotted with black, as in C. riibroscapus, and the costal margin of the primaries is nar- rowly edged with white. (5) Ctenucha rubroscapus Menetries, Plate XIII, Fig. 22, $ . (Walsingham's Ctenucha.) Syn. walsinghami Henry Edwards. This species, which may be distinguished by the aid of what has been said under the preceding species, as well as by our figure, may have the edges of the shoulder lappets either red, as in our figure, or orange yellow. It is found in the Pacific States. (6) Ctenucha virginica Charpentier, Plate XIII, Fig. 18, ? . (The Virginian Ctenucha.) Syn. latrcillana Kirby. This moth, which is not at all uncommon in the northern portions of the Appalachian faunal region, may be found in the latitude of New York City and Pittsburgh frequenting the blos- soms of blackberries at the end of May and in June. The larva feeds, as do the larvae of the other species, upon grasses. 103 Lithosiidse Genus DAHANA Grote Only one species, the type of the genus, is known. ( I ) Dahana atripennis Grote, Plate XIII, Fig. 2}, $ . (The Black-winged Dahana.) The habitat of this species is southern Florida. The insect does not appear to be common in collections. FAMILY LITHOSIIDy^ "You would be another Penelope: yet, they say, all the yarn she spun in Ulysses's absence did but fill Ithaca full of moths." — Shakespeare, Coriolanus, 1,3. The moths belonging to this fomily have the larv^ of the usual form displayed by the Arctiidae, with all of the prolegs present. They feed principally upon lichens. They pupate in cocoons spun up of silk, in which the hairs of the larva are mingled. The perfect insects, or imagoes, are of medium size or small. As a family, they present many variations in structure, both as to the venation of the wings and secondary sexual characteris- tics. The following general characterization of the group is taken from Hampson, "Catalogue of the Lepidoptera Phalanx," Vol. II, p. 80: '* Proboscis usually well developed, but often aborted; palpi usually short and porrect, sometimes reaching well beyond the frons, often upturned, rarely reaching above the vertex of the head; antennae of male usually with bristles and cilia, often bipec- tinate, sometimes dilated or with tuft of scales on upper side of shaft; ocelli absent; tibiae with the spurs usually moderate, some- times long or absent. Fore wing typically long and narrow, but in a large section, short and broad, the narrow winged genera having vein 5, and often vein 4, absent. Hind wing with vein 8 coincident with the cell from base to one-third or to near end of cell." About a dozen genera have thus far been recognized as represented in the fauna of the region of which this book treats. 103 Pig. 47. — Crambidia pallida, 5 .\. Lithosiidae Genus CRAMBIDIA Packard This small genus, consisting of moths displaying delicate shades of slaty-gray, pale yellow, or pearly white upon their wings, is represented in our fauna by six species, three of which we figure, one of them being hitherto undescribed. The genus falls into two sec- tions, in the first being included those species in which there is no areole in the fore wing, and in the second those which have the areole developed. The first section is represented by Crambidia pallida, and contains, in addition, the species named lithosioides and uniformis by Dyar ; the second section is represented by Crambidia casta, and con- tains, in addition, the species named cephalica by Grote & Robinson, and the species herein described and named allegheni- ensis. The structure of the insects is sufficiently well set forth in the two cuts we give, which have been kindly furnished by Sir George F. Hampson, with the permission of the Trustees of the British Museum. (i) Crambidia pallida Packard. (The Pale Lichen-moth.) The moth is uniformly brownish-grey, with the hind wings a trifle paler than the fore wings. The wings on the under side are lighter than on the upper side. The species occurs in the northern Atlantic States. (2) Crambidia casta Sanborn, Plate XIII, Fig. ^o, 6. (The Pearly-winged Lichen-moth.) On the under side the fore wings and the costal area of the hind wings are fuscous, and in some specimens the upper side of the wings is also slightly touched with pale fuscous. The insect appears to be not uncommon in Colorado and ranges thence south and north toward the Pacific coast. (3) Crambidia allegheniensis, sp. nov., Plate XIII, Fig. 31, 5 . (The Alleghenian Lichen-moth.) Fig. 48. -Crambidia casta, 104 Lithosiidae The head and anterior portions of the thorax are pale yellow. The patagia are of the same color. The thorax and the abdomen on the upper side are pale slaty-gray. The legs and the tip of the abdomen on the under side are ochreous, the middle of the abdomen on the under side being dark slaty-gray. The fore wing on the upper side is slaty-gray, with the costa evenly edged with pale yellow. The hind wings are translucent white. On the under side the wings are marked as on the upper side, but paler. The insect is slightly smaller than casta. It occurs in western Pennsylvania. The type, which is in the collection of the author, was taken by him in East Pittsburgh. Genus PALPIDIA Dyar The genus is represented by only one species, so far as is now known. (i) Palpidia pallidior Dyar. ( Dyar's Palpidia. ) This insect, a drawing of the type of which is given in the annexed cut, has the fore wings pale ochreous, with the interspaces between the veins strongly irrorated with dark scales. The hind ^,^ d ; •^• , . . , , . -TIG. 49- — Palpidia wmgs are whitish. It is as yet a rare pallidior, $ . f insect in collections, and has only been recorded from Cocoanut Grove, in Dade County, Florida. Genus LEXIS Wallengren The genus Lexis is of moderate size, all of the species referred to it, with the single exception of the one figured on our plate, being inhabitants of the Old World. The metropolis of the genus appears to be southern Asia and the adjacent islands. One species is recorded from Australia, and the species, which is the type of the genus, is found in East Africa. (i) Lexis bicolor Grote, Plate XIII, Fig. 29, i. (The Yellow-edged Lexis). Syn. argillacea Packard. The moth is pale slaty-grey, with the head, patagia, and anal tuft yellow. The fore wings are bordered on the costa 105 Lithosiidse with pale yellow, the band of this color running out to nothing before it quite reaches the apex. The specimen figured on the plate came from Colorado. It is also said to occur in Canada and the northern portions of the United States. Genus HYPOPREPIA Hubner A small genus of North American moths, all the species of which occur within the territory covered by this book. The insects closely resemble each other, and the student who has learned to recognize one of them cannot f^iil to refer the others correctly to their genus. It is not, however, so easy to discrimi- nate the species. The following little key, which is taken from Hampson's Catalogue, Vol. II, page 515, may help the student in making correct specific references : 1. Ground-color of the fore wing wholly scarlet miniata 2. Ground-color of the fore wing yellow and crimson fucosa 3. Ground-color of the fore and hind wings yellow cad aver osa 4. Ground-color of the fore wing fuscous brown, of the hind wing whitisli inculta (i) Hypoprepia miniata Kirby, Plate XIII, Fig. 41, ?. (The Scarlet-winged Lichen-moth.) Syn. vitiata Harris; s7ihornata Neumoegen & Dyar. This rather common insect ranges from Canada to the Carolinas and westward in the region of the Great Lakes to Minnesota. It comes freely, as do all the species of the genus, to light, and I have found it very abundant at times about the lamps in the village of Saratoga, New York. I have taken it at Asheville, North Carolina, and at the White Sulphur Springs in West Virginia, but have never received specimens from low altitudes on the Virginian and Carolinian coasts. (2) Hypoprepia fucosa Hubner, Plate XIII, Fig. 42, 6 . (The Painted Lichen-moth.) Syn. tricolor Fitch; plunibea Henry Edwards. *igf?j®'y^ .n-:^ ^^^ This species, which may be W, easily distinguished from the ^^■^■^ , ^ 1 preceding by the fact that the Fig. «;o. — Hypoprepia mcosa, o • t:- . c j.\. uj ., .v ^^+ ^ (After Hampson.) tip of the abdomen is not marked by a dark fuscous spot, and by the narrower marginal band of the secondaries, 106 Lithosiidae -Hamatomis inexicana, $ . \, (After Hampson.) as well as by the difiference in the color of the wings, is a com- mon species in the Atlantic States, and ranges westward into the basin of the Mississippi. Genus H-ffiMATOMIS Hampson This little genus includes, so far as is now known, but two species, both of which are Mexican, but one of which ranges into southern Arizona. The species are separated as follows by Hampson : 1. Fore wing with yellowish streaks, on costa, through cell, and on inner margin mexicana 2. Fore wing with pale streak on the costa only nniformts ( I ) Haematomis mexicana Druce, Plate XIII, Fig. 34, 6 . ( The Mexican Lichen- moth.) With the help of the illus- trations we have given the student should have no great difficulty in identifying this Fig. 51.- little moth. Genus COMACLA Walker This genus is represented in our fauna by two species. One other occurs in Europe and northern Asia, and another in tropical Africa. The two American species are very much alike in appearance, and it is difficult to distinguish worn or rubbed specimens. The following key will be of some assistance: I. Wings pale mouse gray, translucent; collar and abdomen ochreous ; apex of fore wings rounded simplex Walker 2. Wings and body uniformly pale mouse gray, wings trans- lucent only about the mid- dle, sprinkled with blackish scales and marked by an obscure discal dot, apex of fore wings less rounded and more nearly square than in preceding s-pecxes.fuscipes Grote (i) Comacla simplex Walker, Plate XIII, Fig. 34, $ . (The Mouse-colored Lichen-moth.) Syn. murina Walker; darus Grote & Robinson; texana French. 107 Fig. 52 — Comacla simplex, $ . {. (After Hampson.) C. fuscipes occurs in Lithosiidse The species is common in Texas. Arizona. Genus BRUCEIA Neumoegen One species is reckoned in this genus, the structural char- acters of which are well shown in the cut we give. (i) Bruceia pulverina Neumoegen, Plate XIll, Fig. }}, 6 . (The Powdered Lichen-moth.) Syn. hubbardi Dyar. The insect named hub- bardi by Dyar seems to be only a smaller form of B. pulverina. Fig. 53. — Bruceia pulverina, S (After Hampson.) Genus CLEMENSIA Packard To this genus Sir George F. Hampson refers a dozen species. All of these are inhabitants of the hot lands of America, except the species we figure. Cistheiie laciea Stretch is by Hampson referred to the genus Illice. Dr. Dyar places it in the genus Clemensia. The species is unknown to the writer, and does not exist in any collection which he has examined, so that we shall not attempt to discuss the vexed question of its proper location. (1) Clemensia albata Pack- ard, Plate Xlll, Fig. 38, 5 . (The Little White Lichen-moth.) Syn. albida Walker ; cana Walker ; umbrata Packard ; irrorata Henry Edwards ; patella Druce ; philodina Druce. The insect ranges from New England to Mexico and westward to the Pacific coast. Genus ILLICE Walker This is a moderately large genus comprising nearly thirty species, the most of which are found in tropical America. It has been subdivided into three sections, or subgenera, by Hampson. In the second section, equivalent to O^ouadia, a genus erected by Dyar, are placed those species, in which 108 Fig. 54. — Clemensia albata, 3 (After Hampson.) Explanation of Plate XIII (Unless otherwise indicated, the s]'eeimens figured are contained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) e-'h* 1. Cosmosonia auge Linnaeus, c^ . 2. Syntomeida epilais Walker, o^- 3. Syntomeida ipo}necB \laiTr\&, 9. 4. Triprocris rata Henrv Edwards. 5. Triprocris latcrcula Henry Ed- wards, cr. U. S. N. M. 6. Pseudomya minima Grc^lo. ^^ . U. S. N. M. 7. D/(fa5>/5 6eteGrote,c?,U S.N.M. 8. Didasys belce Grote, 9 ■ 9. Horania texana Grote, (S^ . 10. Eucereon confine H e r r i c h - Schaefifer. $ , U. S. N. M. 11. Lymire edwardsi Grote, 9 • 12. Scepsis julvicollis Huhner, 9- 13. Scepsis Wright i Stretch. ;? . type. 14. Lycomorpha grotei Packard, i 15. Lycomorpha pholus Drury, (S^ . 16. Triprocris constans Henry Ed- wards, c? ■ 17. Lycomorpha jiilgens I^nry Ed- wards. 9 • 18. Ctenucha virginica Charpentier, 9 . 19. Ctemicha multifaria Walker, 9 . U. S. N. M. 20. Ctemicha venosa Walker, cJ*. 21. Ctenncha cressonana Grote, cj^ . 23' 24- 25- 36. 28. 29. 30- 31- 32. 33- 34- 35- 36. 37- 38. 39- 40. 41. 42. 43- 44 45. Kodiosoma fulva Ctenucha rubroscapiis Menetries, 9 . U. S. N. M. Dahana atripennis, Grote, cJ". Nolo ovilla . Grote (^ . Celama triquetrana Fitch, c?. Celama pustulata Walker, c?, U. S. N. M. Ropselia fuscula Grote, 9 ■ Ptychoglene phrada Druce, (^ . Lexis bicolor Grote, (S" ■ Crambidia casta Sanborn, o* . Crambidia allegheniensis Hol- land, (^ . Nigetia formosaiis Walker, (^ . Bruceia pulverina Ncunicegen, (\imacla simplex Walker, c?. mice subjecta Walker, c? . mice unifascui Grote & Robin- son , c? • mice nexa Boisduval, (J^. Clemensia albata Packard, (^ , U. S. N. M. Hcematomis niexicana Druce, (5^. Pygoctenucha funerea Grote, 9 . Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. Hypoprepia mi)iiata Kirby, 9 • Hypoprepia fucosa Hiibner, (J*. Kodtosoma eavesi Stretch, (^ . . Kodtosoma tricolor Stretch, c?. Stretch, J'. The Moth Book Plate XIII. ^^^ 13 Lithosiidae the hind wing is slightly produced at the anal angle. Here come two of the species found in our fauna, /. schwar:(ioriim and /. unifascia. In the third section, typical IlUce, fall the species in which the anal angle is not produced. Here are placed five species. The student may find the following key helpful in determining his specimens: A. Hind wing slightly produced at the anal angle. Lappets and markings of fore wing yellow, hind wings crimson, fuscous at apex. 1 . Fore wing with the band across the wing crimson on the inner margin schwarziorum Dyar 2. Fore wing with the band across the wing not crimson on the inner margin unifascia Grote B. Hind wing not produced at the anal angle. Abdomen crimson ; fore wing slaty-gray in ground color. I. Fore wing with crimson patch on the costa subjecia Walker 2 Fore wing without crimson patch on costa, and with a pink streak on the inner margin at the base. . . .striata Ottolengui 3. Fore wing with whitish patch about the middle of the inner margin plumbea Stretch Abdomen orange or yellowish. 1 . Hind wing pale yellow, with apex blackish nexa Boisduval 2. Hind wing smoky-gray faustinula Boisduval (i) mice unifascia Grote & Robinson, Plate XllL Fig. 36, ? . (The Banded Lichen- moth.) ^^ Syn. tenuifascia Harvey. I\\ vvsV' CSJ The insect ranges from Yio. ss.-Illice unifascia, i . {. the Ohio Valley southward to (After Hampson.) Texas, and from Virginia to Florida, The transverse band is often interrupted in the middle of the wing, and there ^>7if ^- ^ is variation in the color of ^^ the hind wings, which, while usually red or crimson, may "Pig. s6.— mice subjecia. $. \. ^Iso be orange, or even (After Hampson.) yellow. (2) mice subjecta Walker, Plate Xlll, Fig. 35, $, . (The Subject Lichen-moth.) Syn. packardi Grote. 109 Lithosiidee The distribution of this species is much the same as that of the preceding. Its range is slightly more northern than that of /. iinifascia. (3) mice nexa Boisduval, Plate XIII, Fig. 37, ^ . (The Yellow-blotched Lichen-moth.) Syn. grisea Packard; descrta Felder. This species is found upon the Pacific coast, and is not uncommon in southern California. Genus PTYCHOGLENE Felder A small genus confined to the southwestern portions of our territory. The four species occurring within our fauna may be briefly characterized as follows: 1 . Head, thorax, base of abdonnen, basal two-thirds of prima- ries and basal half of secondaries bright carmine; black marginal borders of both wings strongly dentate inwardly coccinea Henry Edwards 2. Head, thorax, and abdomen black; fore wings crimson, narrowly edged with black on inner margin, and with a black marginal band covering the wing for about one- fifth of its length, dentate inwardly opposite end of cell. Hind wing blackish-brown, more or less broadly laved with crimson on costal margin phrada Druce 3. Head, thorax, and abdomen black; fore wing crimson, with the costal margin narrowly edged with black; terminal black band of the same width as in the preceding species, but not dentate inwardly. Hind wing pale yellowish crimson, with the outer marginal band strongly toothed inwardly on vein 2 sanguineola Boisduval 4. Head, thorax, and abdomen, deep black; patagia crimson; fore wings deep crimson, very narrowly edged on external margin with black, extending on costal margin a short distance from the apex toward the base. Hind wings deep blue-black, very narrowly edged on the costa with crimson, the crimson fascia not quite reach- ing the apex tenuimargo sp. nov. (i) Ptychoglene phrada Druce, Plate XllI, Fig. 28, 5. (Druce's Lichen-moth.) Syn. flammans Dyar. (2) Ptychoglene tenuimargo sp. nov., Plate XIIL, Fig^ 17, ?. (The Narrow-banded Lichen-moth.) no Lithosiidas The type of this species, which I have received in recent years from Arizona and in great abundance from the State of Chihuahua in Mexico, is figured upon our plate. Genus PYGOCTENUCHA Grote A small genus containing three species, two of which are found within the limits of the United States. They may be discriminated as follows: 1. Uniformly black, collar-lappets and tip of abdomen ochre- yellow; size small fimerea Grote 2. Head, thorax, and abdomen black shot with brilliant blue; fore coxas, tegulse, patagia, and anal tuft scarlet, the latter white in the female; fore wings black shot with green; hind wings black shot with blue. Fully one- third larger than preceding species terminalis Walker (i) Pygoctenucha funerea Grote, Plate Xlll., Fig. 40, ^. (The Funereal Lichen-moth.) The specimen figured on our plate was kindly loaned for the purpose by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. The insect occurs in New Mexico. (2) Pygoctenucha terminalis Walker. (The Blue-green Lichen-moth.) Syn. harrisi Boisduval; pyrrhoura Hulst; votiva Henry Edwards. This insect, referred by Hampson to his genus Proiosia, must be placed here, Pygoctenucha having priority over Protosia, which falls as a synonym. Genus LERINA Walker Only one species belongs to this genus, it was originally named by Walker, and made the type of the genus. Subse- quently it was redescribed by Boisduval as Ctenucha robinsoni, under which name it has passed current in American collections until recently. (i) Lerina incarnata Walker. (The Crimson- _ bodied Lichen-moth.) fig. 57.— LinVm incarnata, S . j. Syn. robinsoni Boisduval. (After Hampson.) The head, tegulas, and patagia, with the terminal half of the abdomen are deep crimson. The rest of the body and III •' Splitters " and " Lumpers " its appendages are black. The wings are bronzy-green. The insect inhabits Mexico and southern Arizona. "SPLITTERS" AND "LUMPERS" Every true naturalist is called upon to exercise the faculty of discrimination and the faculty of generalization. His work trains him to detect dissimilarities on the one hand and like- nesses on the other. His judgments as to likeness are expressed in the genera, the famiies, the orders, which he proposes. His judgment as to dissimilarities is most frequently expressed in his views as to species. When the two faculties of discrimination and generalization are well balanced and accompanied by the habit of patient observation, ideal conditions are reached, and the work of the naturalist in classification may be expected to stand the test of time. But where, as is often the case, one of these faculties is exalted at the expense of the other, there are certain to result perversions, which will inevitably cause trouble to other students. When a man cultivates the habit of discrimination to excess, he is apt to become, so far as his labors as a systematist are concerned, "a splitter." A "splitter" magnifies the importance of trivial details; he regards minute differences with interest; he searches with more than micro- scopic zeal after the little things and leaves out of sight the lines of general resemblance. Huber, the celebrated naturalist, said that by patient observation he had come to be able to recognize the different ants in a hill, and, as one by one they emerged from their subterranean galleries, he knew them, as a man living upon a certain thoroughfare in a great city comes at last to know by sight the men and women who are in the habit of daily passing his windows. No doubt the critical eye can detect as great individual differences in the lower animal world as are to be detected among men. A student comes to apply himself with great zeal to searching out and describing these differences, and when he undertakes to say that because of them one form should be separated specifically from another he becomes "a splitter." I recall an entomologist whose chief weapon of research was a big microscope. He would take a minute insect and study it until he was able to number the hairs upon its head. Then he would describe it, giving it a specific name. The next 112 " Splitters " and " Lumpers " Specimen he would subject to the same critical process, and if the number of hairs was not just the same, or a small wart was detected here or there, or a bristle grew in a place where a bristle did not grow in the specimen previously examined, it too, was described and a specific name was given it. It was as if a man, sitting and looking out on the throng upon Broadway, should resolve to give every individual a specific name and should declare he had seen as many species of men as he had seen men passing his window. The labors of such naturalists may be highly entertaining to themselves, but they are, to say the least, provocative of unpleasant feelings in the minds of others who come after them and are compelled to deal with and review their labors. The "lumper," on the other hand, is a man who detects no differences. "All cocoons look alike to me!" he says. Any two moths which are of approximr.tely the same size and the same color, are, by him, declared to belong to the same species. Questions of structure do not trouble him. General re- semblances are the only things with which he deals. No matter if eggs, larvae, legs, veins, and antennae are different it is "all one thing" to him. His genera are " magazines," into which he stuffs species promiscuously. The "lumper" is the horror of the "splitter," the "splitter" is anathema to the " lumper";- both are the source of genuine grief and much hard- ship to conscientious men, who are the possessors of normally constituted minds and truly scientific habits. Nevertheless, we are certain to have both "splitters" and "lumpers" in the camps of science until time is no more. "This kind goeth not forth " even for "fasting and prayer." " Look at this beautiful world, and read the truth In her fair page; see every season brings New change to her of everlasting youth — Still the green soil, with joyous living things Swarms — the wide air is full of joyous wings." Brvant. 113 FAMILY ARCTIID/E "All diamonded with panes of quaint device, Innumerable of stains, and splendid dyes, As are the Tiger Moth's deep damask wings." Keats. "There is another sort of these caterpillers, who haue no certaine place of abode, nor yet cannot tell where te find theyr foode, but, like vnto superstitious Pilgrims, doo wander and stray hither and thither (and like Mise), consume and eat vp that which is none of their owne ; and these haue purchased a very apt name amongst vs Englishmen, to be called Palmer-worms, by reason of their wandering and rogish life (for they neuer stay in one place, but are euer wandering) , although by reason of their roughnes and ruggednes some call them Beare-wormes. They can by no means endure to be dyeted, and to feede vpon some certaine herbes and flowers, but boldly and disorderly creepe ouer all, and tast of all plants and trees indifferently, and liue as they list." — ^Topsell, History of Serpents, p. 105 (1608). This is a large family including many genera and reckon- ing, according to recent lists, over two thousand species. The family is represented in our fauna by thirty-eight genera, and at least one hundred and twenty species. The following characterization of the family is adapted from Hampson, with special reference to the genera occurring within our territory: Proboscis more or less aborted in the typical genera Arctia, Diacrisia, and allies, fully developed in most neotropical genera, and in Utetheisa and its allies; palpi slight and porrect, or well developed and upturned; ocelli present; eyes rarely hairy; antennae pectinate or ciliate; tibial spurs typically small, but often well developed, the hind tibiae with the medial spurs absent in a few genera and the fore tibiae in others with curved apical claw, the mid and hind tibiae rarely spined. Wings usually well developed. Fore wing with vein \a separate from \b; 5 from near lower angle of cell or well below angle of discocellulars; 6 from or from near upper angle; areole present in many genera. Hind wing with vein \a present; \c absent; 114 Arctiidas 4 often absent; 5 from nenr lower angle of cell or well below angle of discocellulars; 6, 7 sometimes coincident; 8 coin- cident with the cell from or almost from base to near middle, or extremity of the cell and even in some genera beyond the extremity of the cell. In the genus Halisidota vein 8 is obsolete. The \i\rvx. have all the prolegs and are generally profusely clothed with hairs. They pupate in cocoons woven of silk mixed with the hairs which are shed during the process of spinning. The caterpillars of some species have received the common appellation of " woolly bears," and the moths are familiarly known as "tiger-moths." Genus HOLOMELINA Herrich-SchsefFer The names EiibapJie and Crocota, proposed by Hiibner, and applied recently by some writers to this group of insects, being what are known to students as nomina niida, cannot stand. It may be said in passing that this genus from a classi- ficational standpoint is in a very unsatisfactory condition, so far as some of the species are concerned. The "Splitters" and the "Lumpers" have been hard at work upon it, and inasmuch as the insects show very little purely structural variation, and vary greatly in color and size, there has resulted great con- fusion. Within the limits of the space assigned to us in the present compendium we have not the opportunity to discuss these questions, but suggest to our readers that there is here an opportunity to use both eyes and mind to advantage in solving some of the vexed points. The test of breeding should be rigorously applied, and the larval stages of the insects should be critically observed. (1) Holomelina ostenta Henry Edwards, Plate XIV, Fig. 17, ^ . (The Showy Holomelina.) This conspicuous and very beautifully colored insect ranges from Colorado through New Mexico and Arizona into Mexico. (2) Holomelina opella Grote, Plate XIV, Fig. 2}, $ . (The Tawny Holomelina.) Syn. ohscura Strecker; ritbricosta Ehrman. This species is rather common in Pennsylvania and the Atlantic States as far south as Georgia. 115 Arctiidae Form belmaria Ehrman, Plate XIV, Fig. 24, ? . (Ehrman's Holomelina.) This insect, a paratype of which is figured as above cited, is regarded by Dr. Dyar as a varietal form of H. opella. The author is inclined to question the correctness of this determi- nation, because all specimens of the moth so far seen, and a considerable series has come under observation, appear to be structurally different from H. opella, in so far forth that the fore wings are narrower, longer and more produced at the apex. The mere fact that they are always black in itself could hardly constitute a valid ground for specific discrimination. (3) Holomelina immaculata Reakirt, Plate XIV, Fig. 20, $, . (The Plain-winged Holomelina. ) The range of this species is the same as that of the preceding. (4) Holomelina diminutiva Grsef, Plate XIV, Fig. 22, ? . (The Least Holomelina.) Very common in Florida, and apparently quite constant in size and markings. It is sunk as a synonym of anrantiaca, form ruhicundaria, by Dyar, but the writer is not willing to admit that this is correct. (s) Holomelina brevicornis Walker, Plate XIV, Figs. 19, 21, ?. (The Black-banded Holomelina.) Syn. belfragei Stretch. This species has also been sunk as a synonym oi anrantiaca. by recent writers, but with doubtful propriety. It is common in the Gulf States and particularly in Louisiana and Texas. (6) Holomelina quinaria Grote, Plate XIV, Fig. 18, 5 . (The Five-Spotted Holomelina.) Syn. chorioua Reakirt; himaculata Saunders. Characterized by the creamy white spots upon the fore wings. The depth of color of the primaries varies much, from dark brown to pale ferruginous, the specimen figured being representative of the latter form. The spots also vary much in size. " And there's never a blade nor a leaf too mean To be some happy creature's place." — Lowell. 116 Explanation of Plate XIV (Unless otherwise indicated, the specimens figured are contained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) I. Eupseudosoma involutum Sepp, cJ',U. S. N. M. 3. B ertholdia trigona Grote, c^ . 3. PareuchcBtesittsulataWa.\k.eT, $ . 4 . Pareuchcetes cglenensis ,C\emens, 9. 5. Opharus astur Cramer, c? . 6. Hemihyalea edwardsi Packard, 9. 7. Hemihyalea labecula, Grote, c? 8. Halisidota argentata Packard, 9. Halisidota argentata Packard, 9. 10. Halisidota car ycp Harris, cp . 11. Halisidota maculata Harris, S" 12. Halisidota tessellaris Abbot & Smith, J*. 1 3 . Halisidota cinctipes Grote , S" ■ 14. Emilia roseata ^a-Yker, 9- 15. /Emilia ambigua Strecker, <^ . 16. Halisidota longa Grote, (^ . 17. Holomelina ostenta Henry Ed- wards, c?. 18. Holomelina quinaria Grote, cj*. 19. Holomelina brevicornis Walker 9 . 20. Holomelina iiiimaculata Reakirt Holomelina brevicortiis Walker 9 , var. Holomelina ditninutiva Grjef.cj^ Holomelina opella Grote , o^ • Holomelina belmaria Ehrman 9 , paratype. Lepiarctia californice Walker, 9 Leptarctia dimidiata Stretch, J^ Le ptarctia decia Boisdnval, c? . Leptarctia lena Boisduval, cf . Neoarctia heani Neumoegen, 9 , U. S, N. M. Neoarctia brucei Henry Ed- wards, c? • Phragmatobia fuliginosa Lin- naeus. 9 ■ Diacrisia rubra Neumoegen, 9 • U. S. N. M. Diacrisia vagans Boisduval, c?. 23- 24- 26. 27- 28, 29. 3°- 31 32 33 aio 34. Dtocrma vogfln^ Boisduval , 9 The Moth Book. Plate XIV. COPYRIGHTED By w. j. HOLLAND 11y Arctiidae Genus DODIA Dyar Only one species has thus far been assigned to this genus. It was named Dodia albertse by Dr. Dyar in the year 1901. The description both of the genus and the species will be found in the Journal of the New York Entomologi- cal Society, Vol. IX, p. 83. The an- nexed cut (Fig. 58) is taken from the type of the species in the United c^j. . -KT i- I \f TL • Fig. 58. — Dodia alhert(B. States National Museum. The in- ^ sect has thus far only been found in the Territory of Alberta. Genus UTETHEISA Hubner A genus of small extent, represented both in the Old World and the New by nine species, two of which occur within our territory. (i) Utetheisa bella Linnaeus, Plate XV, Fig. 27, ?. (The Beautiful Utetheisa.) Syn. hyhrida 'Bxi.tler; intermedia Butler; tenninalis Neumoegen & Dyar. This common moth, which frequents the blossoms of the golden-rod (Solidago) in the late summer and fall, is widely distributed in the States of the Atlantic seaboard, and shows some tendency to local variation. (2) Utetheisa ornatrix Linnaeus, Plate XVII, Fig. 8, $ . (The Ornamented Utetheisa.) Syn. stretchi Butler; pura Butler. This species may easily be distinguished from the preceding by the washed-out appearance of the primaries. In the form named piira by Butler the fore wings are white, immaculate, except for the red costal streak. The species is common in the Antilles, and occurs in southern Florida. Genus HAPLOA Hubner The genus Haploa, which is confined to our territory, has furnished a great deal of amusement to classificationists, who have busied themselves with the spots and markings on the wings of the species, which are very variable. In a long series of specimens of any one of the species it will be found 117 Arctiidse that scarcely two are exactly alike in the amount of black or white displayed upon the fore wings. The reader will do well in this connection to consult the Proceedings of the United States National Museum, Vol. X, pp. 338-353, where Prof. John B. Smith has written upon the subject, the Canadian Entomologist, Vol. XIX, p. 181 et seq., where Mr. H. H. Lyman has presented his views, and the Plate given by Mr. F. A. Merrick in the Entomological News for 1903, in which the extreme variability of H. lecontei in a given locality is illustrated. (!) Haploa clymene Brown, Plate XVll, Fig. '],$>. (The Clymene Moth.) Syn. interriiptomarginata De Beauvois; comma Walker. This is one of the most constant species of the genus, and may easily be recognized by the figure we have given upon the plate. It ranges fro.m southern New England to Georgia, and westward to the Mississippi. The larva feeds upon EuJ>atoriiim it is said, and the writer believes that the state- ment, which has been called in question, is correct, for, although he has never reared the larvae to maturity himself, he has observed the female moth ovipositing upon this plant in southern Indiana. It is also said to feed upon willows. (2) Haploa colona Hiibner, Plate XVll, Fig. 2, ? . (The Colona Moth.) Syn. Carolina Harris. Form consita Walker, Plate XVll, Fig. 5, $, . Syn. lactata Smith. This species, which is the largest of the genus, is very variable in the amount of the black shown upon the fore wings. We give two extremes. Other forms arc recognized. The "insect has its metropolis in the southwestern States, though it occurs also very sparingly in the northern Atlantic States, and more commonly in the southern Atlantic States. It is common in Texas. (3) Haploa lecontei Boisduval (Leconte's Haploa). Form dyari Merrick, Plate XVll, Fig. 9, $ . Form militaris Harris, Plate XVll, Figs. 4, 10, $ ; Fig. I, ?. Form vestalis Packard, Plate XVII, Fig. 3, 6 . 118 Fig. 59. — Haploa Iccontci, $ , Arctiidje This is a protean species, of which a half dozen, or more, forms have been recognized, named, and described. We give in our cut (Fig. 59), a figure of the wings of a specimen, which agrees in its markings with the specimen figured by Boisduval, the author of the species, in his Plate given in the Regne minimal. Such specimens come in the form of their maculation very near the next species, which has been differentiated by Lyman under the name confusa. Haploa leconiei ranges from New England to Georgia and westward to the Mississippi. It is a very common insect in western Pennsylvania. The cater- pillar feeds upon Triosteum perfoliatam, and in localities where this plant is abundant the moths may be found in swarms at the end of May and the beginning of June. (4) Haploa confusa Lyman, Plate XVll, Fig. 6, S . (Lyman's Haploa.) This form, or species, is well represented in our plate. It appears to be constant, and is indigenous to the New England States. The specimen figured came from the neighborhood of Claremont, New Hampshire. (5) Haploa contigua Walker. (The Neighbor.) The cut we give (Fig. 60), shows the maculation of the wings of this species sufficiently well to enable it to be separated at once from its congeners. It occurs in the Atlantic region from New England northward and westward. It is found in the Catskills and the Adiron- dacks, and probably occurs in the mountains of northern Pennsylvania, although I do not recall any reference to its having been taken in that State, nor have I seen it on the Alleghenies, where 1 have passed several Fig. 6c. — Haploa contigua, $ summits of the summers. Genus EUERYTHRA Harvey There are two species of this genus known, Euerythra phasma Harvey, which is represented in the accompanying cut 119 ArotiidsB (Fig. 6i), and Euerythra trimaculata, which is figured on Plate XVI, Fig. 4. The insects occur in Texas and Arizona. They are not common in collections as yet, and so far as the Fig. 61. — Euerythra phasma, S . j. (After Hampson.) writer recalls, their larval habits have not been described. The student who desires to study the structure of the genus should consult Hampson's Catalogue, or Prof. Smith's Paper pub- lished in the Proceedings of the United States National Museum, Vol. X, p. 335 et seq. Genus ECPANTHERIA Hubr.er This is a large genus, well represented in the tropics of America. Only two species occur within the limits of our fauna, Ecpantheria muzina Oberthur, which is found in Texas as a straggler from the Mexican territory, and Ecpan- theria defiorata Fabricius, which is more commonly known by its synonymical name, scribonia, given to it by Stoll. The larva of this handsome moth is itself a beautiful object. It is deep black, clothed with black hairs, and at the junction of the somites, or segments of the body, it is banded with rings of crimson. The male of the perfect insect is figured on Plate XVI. Fig. 16, and in the accompanying cut we give a figure of the larva. The Eyed Tiger-m.oth ranges from southern New England, where it is rare, through the southern parts of the United States into Mexico. It is quite common in the Carolinas, and in my boyhood I derived much pleasure from rearing the larvae, v/hich fed very freely upon the plantain {Plantago). Fig. 62. — E. defiorata; a larva; b magnified hair of larva. (After Riley.) 120 Arctiid% Genus TURUPTIANA Walker There are eight species in this genus, but only one of them occurs within the limits of the United States. (i) Turuptiana permaculata Packard, Plate XVI, Fig. 15, 3. (The Many-spotted Tiger-moth.) Syn. reducta Grote ; ca^ca Strecker. Fig. 6t,. — Turuptiana permaculata, S . {. (After Hampson.) This neat moth is found in Colorado and thence southward as far as Arizona and Mexico. Genus LEPTARCTIA Stretch There is only one species in this genus, but the single species by assuming protean colors has caused a great multi- plication of names. We have figured a few of the varietal forms. (i) Leptarctia californiae Walker, Plate XIV, Fig. 25, ?. Form lena Boisduval, Plate XIV, Fig. 28, $ . Form decia Boisduval, Plate XIV, Fig. 27, <^ . Form dimidiata Stretch, Plate XIV, Fig. 26, $ . The moth is found in southern California, where it is quite common. The student will have little trouble in recognizing the commoner varieties by the help of the figures we have given, but these are only a few of the forms which occur. And with childlike credulous affection We behold those tender wings expand, Emblems of our own great resurrection, Emblems of the bright and better land." — Longfellow. 131 Arctiidae Genus SEIRARCTIA Packard (i) Seirarctia echo Abbot & Smith, Plate 1, Fig lo, larva; Plate XVI, Fig. 23, ? . (The Echo Moth.) Syn. niohe Strccker. This beautiful moth, the caterpillar of which feeds upon the SI 'Fig. 64. — Seirarctia echo, $. ^. (After Hampson.) sabal palmetto, occurs in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Genus ALEXICLES Grote (1) Alexicles aspersa Grote. This moth is referred by Hampson to Hyphantria. It may belong there, but I leave it in the genus erected for it by Grote. The abdomen is vermihon-colored, with black dorsal spots. The wings are dark brown, the primaries somewhat lighter than the secondaries and showing obscure darker spots, arranged in transverse bands. Alexicles Moth.) Fig. 65. — Alexicles aspersa, o ■ Genus ESTIGMENE Hubner There are reputed to be four species of this genus found within the United States. Albida Stretch is possibly only an extreme white varia- tion of E. acnva. E. prima Slosson is represented in Fig. 66. It is found in the New England States, northern New York, Fig. 66.— Estigmene and Canada. The three species just named prima, $ . ^U agree in having the abdomen yellowish or orange above, and ornamented dorsally by a series of black 122 Explanation of Plate XV (Unless otherwise indicated, the specimens figured are contained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) 1. Apantesis rectilinea French, 9 , U. S. N. M. 2. Arctia caia, var. wiskotti Staudinger, 9 . 3. Apantesis deterniinaia 'Neumcegen, (J*. 4. Apantesis proxima Guerin-M^neville, 9 • 5. Arctta caia Linnaeus, 9 ■ 6. Apantesis phalerata Harris, 9 7. Apantesis nevaden sis Grote & Robinson, c?. 8. Apantesis persephone Grote, o* . 9. Apantesis virguncula Kirby. c?. 10. Apantesis persephone Grote, 9 ■ 11. Apantesis virgo hmnxus. c? . 12. Apantesis figurata Drury. 9 , U. S. N. M. 13. Apantesis parthenice Kirby, d^ . 14. Apantesis phyllira Drury. c?. 15. Apantesis arge Drnry , ^ . 16. Apantesis virguncula Kirby, c? . var. 17. Apantesis michabo Qvote, 9- 18. Platyprepiavirginalis 'Bo\s(\n\'a\, S' ■ 19. Platyprepiavirginalis ^o\.sd\.w3.\, 9- 20. Apantesis achaia Grote & Robinson, c?. 21. Apantesis radians Walker, 9- 22. Apantesis viitata Yahvxciws, 9- 23. Apantesis radians Walker, o ' . 24. Apantesis achaia Grote & Robinson, (^ . 25 Apantesis vittataYahricm^. d^ . 26. Hyphantria cunea Drury, var. pallida Packard, S" . 27. Utetheisa bella Linnaeus, 9 ■ The Moth Book. Plate XV. A'*" ^m '"''A ift 4 "#^ » ^r \£ ^ 20 .♦S' 27 25 J. HOLLAND, 1^03. Arctiidae spots. E. congrua has the abdomen white on the upper side. The genus is represented in Asia, Africa, and Tasmania, as well as in the temperate regions of North America. (i) Estigmene acraea Drury, Plate, XVI, Fig. ii, ^, Fig. 12, $. (The Acraea Moth.) Syn. caprotina Drury; inenthastrina Martyn; pseudcrniinca Peck; ca/i/ornzca Packard; /'acfearrfj Schaupp ; klage si 'Ehrma.n. A western variety with the fore wings slightly shaded with brown has been dubbed diibia by Walker, and rickseckeri by Behr. In Mexico there is a local race in which the males have the hind wings white like the females, and to this race Hampson has applied the name mexicana. This is altogether one of Fig. 67. — Estigmene acr . (The Intermediate Tiger-moth.) This species which is by some authors regarded as a southern form oi A. parthenice, is intermediate in size between A. Virgo and A. parthenice. It closely resembles the latter in the maculation of the wings, but the pinkish-white stripes on the primaries are broad as in A. virgo. (4) Apantesis oithona Strecker, Plate XVI, Fig. 30, 3 . (The Oithona Moth.) This insect is undoubtedly genetically the same as A. recti- linea French. The difference is merely in the width of the pale lines on the fore wings, which, being narrower in recii- Itnea, give these wings a darker appearance. Form rectilinea French, Plate XV, Fig. i, ?. (The Straight-lined Tiger-moth.) This insect in its varietal forms ranges from the Atlantic States across the Mississippi Valley. 129 Arctiids (5) Apantesis michabo Grote, Plate XV, Fig. 17, ?. (The Michabo Moth.) Syn. minea Slosson. The illustration we give is sufficient to enable the student to identify this species, which is dis;:riminated from its con- geners most readily by observing the broad flesh-colored band on the costa of the fore wings. In the form minea the flesh- colored lines are deep-red. This is the only difference. (6) Apantesis arge Drury, Plate XV, Fig. 15, 5. (The Arge Moth.) Syn. dione Fabricius; incarnatoruhra Goeze; ccclebs Martyn; nerea Boisduval; doris Boisduval. Allied to the preceding species, but ascertained by the test of breeding to be distinct. The species is very variable. The hind wings are not often as free from dark markings as the specimen, and frequently are as much spotted and blotched with black as is the figure of A. michabo we give. The species is found almost everywhere within the United States and Canada. (7) Apantesis ornata Packard. (The Ornate Tiger-moth.) Form achaia Grote & Robinson, Plate XV, Figs. 20, 24, 5 . (The Achaia Moth.) Syn. cdivardsi Stretch. A variable insect to which a number of names have been given. The variety in which the hind wings are yellovv' is y4. ochracea Stretch, The species is found on the Pacific coast. The larval stages have been described by Dyar, Psyche, Vol. V, p. 380, 556. (8) Apantesis anna Grote. (The Anna Moth.) Form persephone Grote, Plate XV, Fig. 8, $, Fig. 10, $. (The Persephone Moth.) Fig. ^2.— Apantesis anna, 9 . ^^ gi^e in Figure 72 a cut representing a specimen of the typical anna, in which the hind wings are wholly black. Persephone is the normal form. The insect is very variable in the amount of black displayed upon the hind wings, and also to some extent in the width and extent of the light lines on the primaries. The species is found in the Atlantic States, and is 130 Arctiidfe not at all uncommon in western Pennsylvania. The larva has been described by Dyar. (9) Apantesis quenseli Paykull, Plate XVI, Fig. 28, $. (The Labrador Apantesis.) Syn. strigosa Fabricius: gclida Moeschler; Uturata M6n6tn6s; compli- cata Walker; turbans Christoph. This little moth is found in Labrador, Greenland, and Arctic America generally. It also occurs in Arctic Europe and Asia and upon the summits of the Swiss Alps. It doubtless will be found upon the American Alps in British Columbia. (10) Apantesis virguncula Kirby, Plate XV, Fig. 9,5, Fig. 16, 5 . (The Little Virgin Moth.) Syn. dahurica Grote (wee Boisduval) ; speciosa Moeschler; otiosa Neu- mcegen & Dyar. A variable species. The form described as otiosa has traces of the transverse lines, characteristic of so many other species of the genus, and the fore wings have a more checkered appearance on this account. The insect occurs in the northern United States and Canada. (11) Apantesis proxima Guerin-Meneville, Plate XV, Fig. 4, 9 . (The Mexican Tiger-moth.) Syn. docta Walker; mexicana Grote & Robinson; arizonensis Stretch; mormonica Neumoegen. Form autholea Boisduval, Plate XVI, Fig. 32, $ . From the varietal form autholea figured in the plate proxima may be discriminated by the fact that the latter has the hind wings marked with dark brown or black spots on the margins. The species occurs in southern California, Arizona, Mexico, and Central America. (12) Apantesis blakei Grote, Plate XVI, Fig. 31, $. (Blake's Tiger-moth.) Syn. bolanderi Stretch. This species is found in the mountains of California and adjoining States. (13) Apantesis nevadensis Grote & Robinson, Plate XVI, Fig. 29, $, . (The Nevada Tiger-moth.) Syn. behri Stretch. Form incorrupta Henry Edwards, Plate XV, Fig. 7, 9 . Syn. shastaensis French. Arctiidse As the name indicates, this species is an inhabitant of the Rocky Mountains. (14) Apantesis williamsi Dodge. (Williams' Tiger-moth.) Form determinata Neumcegen, Plate XV., Fig. 3, $ . Syn. diecki Neumoegen. This easily recognized species is found in Colorado and adjacent States among the mountains. (15) Apantesis phyllira Drury, Plate XV, Fig. 14, 3. (The Phyllira Moth.) Syn. B-atra Goeze: plantaginis Martyn; dodgei Butler; excelsa NeumcEgen; javorita Neumoegen; lugubris Hulst. This species is found in the Southern States, where it is not uncommon, it is rather variable in the disposition and extent of the dark and light markings. (16) Apantesis figurata Drury, Plate XV, Fig. 12, $, (The Figured Tiger-moth.) Syn. ceramica Hiibner; f-pallida Strecker This is probably only a form of the preceding species, which occurs with considerable frequency. It is confined to the Southern States. (17) Apantesis vittata Fabricius, Plate XV, Fig. 25, $, Fig. 22, $ . (Banded Tiger-moth.) Syn. decor ata Saunders. Form radians Walker, Plate XV, Fig. 2}, $, Fig. 21 ?. Syn. colorata Walker; incompleta Butler. Form phalerata Harris, Plate XV, Fig. 6, $ . Syn. rhoda Butler. A very common and variable species, which is probably the same as A. nais Drury, which has the abdomen preva- lently ochraceous, and not as strongly marked with black. The species seems to be, so to speak, in a liquid state. In a series of some hundreds of specimens before the writer, many of them bred from larvae, and undoubtedly all referable to the same species, any and all of the forms, which have been named by writers, can be found, yet the bulk of them came from one narrow little ravine in western Pennsylvania. We leave the synonymy as it stands in Dyar's list, so far as the things figured on our plate are concerned, but cannot believe that these insects represent different species, as maintained by some authors. 1^2 Arctiidee Genus KODIOSOMA Stretch This little Californian genus, the structure of which is abun- dantly illustrated by the cut we give, contains but one species, which is represented in a number of varietal forms. (i) Kodiosoma fulva Stretch, Plate XIII, Fig. 45, $ . Form eavesi, Stretch, Plate XllI, Fig. 43 $ . Form tricolor Stretch, Plate Xlll, Fig, 44, $ . There are still other forms, one of which is wholly black, and has been named nigra by Stretch. The moth is found in California, and is there not at all uncommon. The life-history has been thus far only imper- fectly ascertained. Fig. 73 — Kodiosoma fulva, $ (After Hampson.) Genus ECTYPIA Clemens Two species are referred to this genus. £. thona Strecker, from New Mexico is doubtfully referable to it, but the only specimen known, the type, is in too poor a condition to enable much to be told about it. (i) Ectypia bivittata Clemens. (The Two-banded Ec- typia.) Syn. nigroflava Graef. This very beautiful and rare moth occurs in Texas. Its charac- teristics are well dis- played in the figure we give in the accom- FiG. 74 — Ectypia bivittata, ? (After Hampson.) panying cut. Genus EUVERNA Neumcegen & Dyar (i) Euverna clio Packard, Plate XVI, Fig. 22, ? . (The Clio Moth.) This chastely beautiful moth occurs in the Rocky Mountains of southern California. It is the sole representative of its genus, and is as yet rare in collections. 133 Arctiidt* Genus PARASEMIA Hiibner This genus is represented in our fauna by certain varietal forms, which agree in part with those found in the Old World, and in part differ from them. There is only one species in the genus, which has a wide circumpolar distribution, and a score or more of names have been given to mere color varieties. We figure two of the commoner variations. The larva feeds on Planiago and Myosotis. (i) Parasemia plantaginis Linnaeus. (The Small Tiger- moth.) Plate XVI, Fig, 25, $ . The usual form found in Colorado and Wyoming. Plate XVI, Fig. 26, $ . Form named geometrica by Grote. Genus ARCTIA Schrank A circumpolar genus of the Northern Hemisphere, containing four species, which are subject to considerable variation in color and size of spots. (i) Arctia caia Linnaeus, Plate XV, Fig. 5, $. (The Great Tiger-moth.) The specimen figured on the plate was taken in Labrador. Form wiskotti Staudinger, Plate XV, Fig. 2, ? . Syn. uiahensis Henry Edwards; auripennis Butler; transmontana Neumoegen & Dyar. The specimen portrayed on the plate was taken in Colorado. Genus PAREUCHiETES Grote There are three species of this genus, two of which we figure. The species may be discriminated as follows: 1 . Hind wing yellowish insulai.i 7. Hind wing white torera 3. Hind wing tinged with fuscous eglenensis (1) Pareuchsetes insulata Walker, Plate XIV, Fig. }, $. (The Yellow-winged Pareuchaetes.) Syn. cadaverosa Grote; afjinis Grote; aurata Butler. Found in the Gulf States and the Antilles. (2) Pareuchaetes eglenensis Clemens, Plate XIV, Fig. 4, ? . (The Gray-winged Pareuchaetes.) 134 Explanation of Plate XVI (Unless otherwise indicated, the specimens figwred are contained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) 4- 13- 14. 15- 16. 17- 18. Arachnis aulcea Geyer, 9 • Arachnis picta Packard, c?. Arachnis zuni Neumoegen, $ , U. S. N. M. Euerythra trimacidata Smith, cJ* , U. S. N. M. Mcsnas vestalis Packard, ^. Diacrisia latipennis Stretch, (^ . Diacrisia virginica Fabriciits, cJ* . Estigmene congrua Walker, (J^ . Hyphautria cunea Drury, cJ^ . Hyphantria cunea Drury, c? , var. punctatissima. Abbot & Smith. Estigmene acrcea Drury, cS' ■ Estigmene acrcea Drury, $ . Isia Isabella Abbot & Smith, $ . Acoloithus falsarius Clemens, cj' . Turuptiana permaculata Pack- ard, d". Ecpantheria deflorata Fabricius, Pygarctia elegcns Stretch , (J' . Pygarctia spraguei Grote, (J . 19. Euchcetias oregoneusis 'Stretcli, 20. Hyphoraia parllienos Harris, 9 , U. S. N. M. 21. Euchcetias egle Drury. 9 . 22. Euverna clio Packard, 9 • 23. Seirarctia echo Abbot & Smith, 9. 24. Calidota strigosa. Walker (^ . ' 2 5 . Parasentia planiaginis Linnaeus, d^, U. S. N. M. 26. Parasentia planiaginis var. geo- metrica, Grote, (^ . 27. Pygarctia ahdominalis Grote, 9 . U. S. N. M. 28. Apantesis quenseli Paykull, (5^. 29. Apantesis nevadensis Grote & Robinson, c?, U. S. N. M. 30. Apantesis oithona Strecker, (f , Engel Collection. 31. Apantesis blakci Grote, d" . U. S. N. M. 32. Apantesis proxiina var. autholea, Boisduval, o". [The Moth Book. Plate XVI. <•>- ^fSkt.^ .i^&^ 5 ' ' ' s I 10 ^'V «' 12 ^/r^ .■^-V;? 11 ' -^ 15 17 ^ ^ V ^' J'' ■v,^. 29 32 •*v^ COPYRIGHTED BY W. J. HOLL.fl>ND, 1903. Arctiidee This species occurs in the Carolinas and southward. Pareuchcetes tenera is found in the Atlantic States and is not uncommon in Pennsylvania. Genus EUCH^TIAS Lyman The following key based upon that of Hampson may enable the student to differentiate the species in his collection: Abdomen red above. Fore wing with costal fascia. Fore wing with the costal fascia yellow anttca Walker Fore wing with the costal fascia white albicosta Walker Fore wing without costal fascia. Hind wing with crimson patch on inner area perlevis Grote Hind wing without crimson patch on inner area. Fore wing uniform brownish murina Stretch Fore wing white tinged with fuscous holteri Stretch Abdomen orange above. Fore wing gray- brown egle Drury Fore wing brownish white with the veins white . .oregonensis Stretch Abdomen whitish above pudens Henry Edwards (i) Euchaetias murina Stretch, Plate XI, Fig. i8, ?. (The Mouse-colored Euchaetias.) The habitat of this species is Texas. (2) Euchaetias egle Drury, Plate I, Fig. 5, larva; Plate XVI, Fig. 21, ?. (The Milk-weed Moth.) Fig. 75. — EuchcBtias egle, $ . {•. (After Hampson.) The figure given above in the text and those given on the plates will suffice for the identification of this common insect, which ranges from the Atlantic to the Mississippi and beyond. The larva feeds upon Milk-weed (Asclepias). (3) Euchaetias oregonensis Stretch, Plate XVI, Fig. 19, ^ . (The Oregon Euchaetias.) This insect is found throughout the northern portions of the United States and Canada. «35 Arctiida Genus PYGARCTIA Grote A small genus containing four species all found within our territory. The following table taken from Hampson will serve for the identification of the species, taken in connection with the cut and the figures we give: A. Fore wing with scarlet fasciae on costa and inner margin spraguei B. Fore wing with orange fasciae on costa and inner margin a. Abdomen scarlet vivida b. Abdomen orange abdominalis C. Fore wing without fascia elegans (i) Pygarctia elegans Stretch, Plate XVI, Fig. 17, 3 . (The Elegant Pygarctia.) The neuration and struc- tural characteristics of the genus are sufficiently well ^^ displayed in the accom- panying cut of this species Fig. 76. — Pygarctia elegans, 6.1. . , u 1 j (After Hampson.) to make any verbal de- scription unnecessary. The insect occurs in southern California, Texas, Arizona, and Mexico. (2) Pygarctia abdominalis Grote, Plate XVI, Fig. 27, $ . (The Orange-bodied Pygarctia.) The habitat of this species is Florida. (3) Pygarctia spraguei Grote, Plate XVI, Fig. 18, $. (Sprague's Pygarctia.) The home of this insect is Kansas, Colorado, and adjoining States. Genus HYPOCRISIAS Hampson A small genus of which a single representant is found within our limits, occurring as a straggler from the Mexican fauna. (i) Hypocrisias minima Neumoegen. (The Least Hypocrisias.) Mdt .^ci:S& Syn. armillata Henry Edwards. The prevalent tints of the body and fore f^i^x; wings are ochreous and brown. The hind wings are yellowish white. The annexed cut will help the student to recognize the ^'^- 77~Hypocri- insect, when a specimen comes into his ''"''''■'•''""''' ^^ possession. The habitat of the species is Mexico, but it is occasionally taken in southern Arizona. 1^6 Arctiidae Genus iEMILIA Kirby A small neotropical genus, represented in our fauna by two species. The insect named occidentalis by French is a form of A. roseaia, in which the red of the wings has been replaced by ochreous. (i) iEmilia ambigua Strecker, Plate XIV, Fig. 15, 3. (The Red-banded Emilia.) Syn. bolteri Henry Edwards; syracosia Druce. This beautiful insect is found in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and thence southward to northern Mexico. (2) iEmilia roseata Walker, Plate XIV, Fig. 14. ?. (The Rosy /Emilia.) Syn. ctnnamomea Boisduval; sanguivenosa Neumoegen; significans Henry Edwards; occidentalis French. This rather rare insect occurs on the Pacific coast, and, according to report, ranges from British Columbia to Mexico. The specimen figured on the plate came from the latter country. Genus HALISIDOTA Hiibner An extensive genus, well represented in Central and South America, and containing about a dozen species, which are found within our faunal limits. Of these we figure a number of species, enough to enable the student to recognize the genus, and the commoner species, which he is likely to encounter. (i) Halisidota tessellaris Abbot & Smith, Plate XIV, Fig. 12, $ . (The Tessellated Halisidota.) Syn. mitiphola Walsh; harrisi Walsh. The form named Harrisi does not differ from tessellaris in the imaginal stage. The sole difference is in the color of the pencils of hairs in the larvce, which are orange in color, while in tessellaris they are black. This is scarcely sufficient ground upon which to establish a species. (2) Halisidota cinctipes Grote, Plate XIV, Fig. \}, a. (The Gartered Halisidota.) Syn. davisi Henry Edwards. This species, which is southern in its habitat, and larger than its close northern ally, tessellaris, has the markings on the fore wings much more distinct than is the case in the latter 137 Arctiidae species. The tarsi are annulated with black bands, marked with small gray points. The insect occurs in the Gulf States and in South and Central America. (3) Halisidota maculata Harris, Plate XVI, Fig. 11, 3. (The Spotted Halisidota.) Syn. fulvoflava Walker; guttijera Herrich-Schseffer. This species, which occurs in the northern portions of the Atlantic coast region, ranges westward to California. Several forms from the western territory have been discriminated by writers, and varietal names have been given to them. They are mere color forms. (4) Halisidota longa Grote, Plate XIV, Fig. 16, ?. (The Long-streaked Halisidota). This species, which may easily be determined by the help of the figure we have given, occurs in Florida. The specimen delineated by the writer was taken by him at light in Jacksonville in the month of February. (5) Halisidota caryae Harris, Plate XIV, Fig. 10, 5 . (The Hickory Halisidota.) Syn. a)inulifascia Walker; porphyria Herrich-Schseffer. This well-marked and easily identified species is common in the northern Atlantic coast region, and ranges westward into the valley of the Mississippi. (6) Halisidota argentata Packard, Plate XIV, Fig. 8, i , Fig. 9, $ . (The Silver-spotted Halisidota.) This pretty species is found in Colorado, and thence west- ward and northward to the Pacific coast. A number of sub- species have been named in this connection, but it is doubtful whether the sexes of the insects on meeting each other would recognize any specific differences themselves. Genus HEMIHYALEA Hampson Two species of this genus occur within the limits of the United States. Edwardsi is distinguished from Idbecula most easily by the fact that the inner margin of the secondaries in the former is crimson, while in the latter it is not. (1) Hemihyalea edwardsi Packard, Plate XIV, Fig. 6, ?. (Edwards' Glassy- wing.) Syn. translucida Walker; quercus Boisduval. This is a Californian species. 138 Arctiidae (2) Hemihyalea labecula Grote, Plate XIV, Fig. 7, $ . (The Freckled Glassy-wing.) This insect is not uncommon in Colorado. It occurs in early summer about Manitou, and among the mountains generally. Genus OPHARUS Walker An extensive neotropical genus, represented within the limits of the United States by but one species. (i) Opharus astur Cramer, Plate XIV, Fig. 5, $. (The Astur Moth.) Syn. albicans, Walker; ntaculicollis Walker; pustulata Packard. The insect is common in Mexico and South America, and occasionally occurs in Arizona. Genus CALIDOTA Dyar A neotropical genus containing a dozen species or more, two of which are found within our limits. We figure one of these; the other, C. muricolor Dyar, has the wings mouse-gray, semihyaline, the secondaries paler than the primaries. The head is gray in front, yellowish above; the thorax is gray, the collar edged inwardly with ochreous; the abdomen is reddish buff, with a series of black dorsal spots and broad lateral bands of the same color. The pectus and coxae are ochreous, the legs gray. The type of the species came from Arizona. (i) Calidota strigosa Walker, Plate XVI, Fig. 24, t. (The Streaked Calidota.) Syn. cubensis Grote; laqueata Henry Edwards. This insect occurs in Florida, and is abundant in the Antilles. Its life-history has been described by Dyar in the Proceedings of the United States National Museum, for 1900, p. 268. The food-plant is Guettarda elliptica. Genus EUPSEUDOSOMA Grote Three species are attributed by Hampson to this genus, one of which, the type of the genus, we figure. It is the only species of the genus occurring within our territory. (i) Eupseudosoma involutum Sepp, Plate XIV, Fig. \, $ . (The Snowy Eupseudosoma.) Syn. nivea Herrich-Schaeffer; flortdum Grote; immaculata Graef. 1^9 Agaristidae The life-history of this species has been given by Dyar, /. c., p. 258. The food-plants are Eugenia huxi folia, Eugenia procera, and Psidiiim pyrifera. The insect has a wide range in tropical America, occurring from Florida to southern Brazil. Genus BERTHOLDIA Schaus A small neotropical genus represented in our fauna by one species. (i) Bertholdia trigona Grote, Plate XIV, Fig. 2, $. (Grote's Bertholdia.) The moth flies in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and northern Mexico. FAMILY AGARISTID.^ "Ye lovers of marvel and fairy lore, Say not that the days of enchantment are o'er, That the well-springs of Fancy and Fable fail. There are streamlets yet where the river-sprite With his Harlequin changes bewilders the sight; There are castles yet of ivory and gold, Hung with floral fabrics by sunshine unroll'd, Within whose luxurious recesses recline Fays of exquisite form, quaffing exquisite wine; Some in gossamer veiled of ethereal dyes, Which have only their match in the rainbow'd skies; Some in richest and softest of velvets arrayed, Or in mail that does shame to the armourer's trade. These are haunting us ever for ill, or for good, Through earth and through air, field, forest, and flood: To transport our thoiights, as by magic spell. From the sordid objects whereon they dwell, To a land of the Marvellous dimly displayed. Where the light-winged Fancy, by wonder stayed, Stiil delighteth to hover, and joyously say: 'Oh ! my darling elves, ye're not chased away, There's a region still where ye have a place — The mysterious world of the Insect race.' " AcHETA DoMESTiCA. Episodes of Insect Life. The Agaristidae compose a family of moderate size. The moths are day-flying in their habit, and in the tropics both 140 Explanation of Plate XVII (Except when otherwise indicated, the specimens figured are con- tained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) 1. Haploa militaris Harris, 9 • 2. Haploa colona Hiibner, 9 • 3. Haploa vcstalis Packard, c?. 4. Haploa militaris Harris, c?. 5. Haploa consita Walker, cj'. 6. Haploa confusa Lyman, (^ . 7. Haploa clymene Brown, o^ . 8. Utetheisa ornatrix Linnaeus, o^ • §. Haploa dyari Merrick, (^ , Merrick Collection. 10. Haploa militaris Harris, J', Merrick Collection. 11. Copidryas gloveri Grote & Robinson, J^. 12. Fcnaria sevorsa Grote, 9 . 13. Androloma maccullochi Kirby, ^') ^j^ V .^ V 1 > ^,<^ 'I '■v»j m^ ^"^"m 'm ■.«s:.^^ '*f: 29 32 31 Agaristidae of the Old World and the New reckon in their number some of the most resplendently colored insects found upon the globe. They are regarded as being an offshoot of the Noctuidae. The following description of the characteristics of the family is adapted from Hampson with reference to the forms found within our faunal limits: 'Proboscis fully developed; palpi upturned and well devel- oped, the third joint usually naked and porrect; frons with a rounded, conical, or corneous process; antennae cylindrical, almost simple, with slight bristles at the joints, not ciliated, and more or less distinctly dilated toward the extremity. Ocelli present; eyes sometimes hairy; tibial spurs well devel- oped, the tibiae rarely spined; the male claspers often very large; wings large and strongly formed. Fore wing with vein \a separate from ib; \c absent; 5 from or from close to angle of cell; the areole present in nearly all the genera. Hind wing with vein la present; \c absent; 5 obsolescent from angle of discocellulars; 6, 7 from upper angle or shortly stalked; 8 free at base, then bent downward to anastomose with the cell at a point only. All the species have silvery blue scales on the fore wings. The larvas are noctuiform and have all the prolegs present. The pupa is naked.' Genus COPIDRYAS Grote Two species belonging to this genus occur within the limits of the United States. We give illustrations of both of them. (i) Copidryas gloved Grote & Robin- son, Plate XVII, Fig. 11, 6. (Glover's Purslane-moth.) The life-history of this rather pretty moth has been well worked out by Professor C. V. Riley and from his article published in " Insect Life/' Vol. I, p. 104, we have taken the cuts which are here- Fig. 78.— Egg of Co- with given. The drawings of the tgg, ^^'^''^'^LtrTed.^"''''' pupa, and cocoon were made by Mr. C. L. Marlatt. The excellent account given by Professor Riley is drawn upon for the following quotations: "The eggs are laid 141 of from two to five. Fig. 79. — Pupa and cocoon cell of Copidryas glovcri. Agaristidse on the under side of the purslane leaf, either singly or in clusters The larva hatches in two or three days, and is at first light green or yellowish green with darker shading across the middle of the body. In eight or nine days it attains full growth after having passed through four molts. The full grown larva is light gray or dull white with black dashes on the sides of each seg- ment, and with the shadings of .salmon pink." "The full-grown larvae enter the ground for pupation, excavat- ing a tubular burrow in the sur- face soil, gumming the lining and closing the opening with a thin layer of particles of soil. . . . The insect remains in this state in the neighborhood of twelve days." In the accompanying figures we show the egg, the pupa, and the adult larva and moth. The insect is very abundant at certain times in Nebraska, Kansas, and the southwestern States generally, and ranges into northern Mexico. It appears to feed exclusively upon purs- lane, and as this plant is of no particular economic value, but is justly accounted as a trouble- some weed, we may wish bless- ings upon Copidryas gloveri. (2) Copidryas cosyra Druce, Plate XI, Fig. 19, 5 . (The Cosyra Moth.) This pretty insect, which belongs to the same genus as the preceding, though assigned by the author of the species to the genus Euthisanotia, is found in Arizona and in Mexico. Its habits are undoubtedly very much Fig. 80. — Copidryas gloveri. a. moth; b. larva. (After Riley.) 142 vtj.n Agaristidae the same as those of Glover's Purslane Moth, though up to the present time no one has described them. Genus TUERTA Walker Only one species of this genus, which is better represented in Africa than in America, is found within our borders. (i) Tuerta sabulosa Boisduval. (The Sand-dune Moth.) Syn. noctiiiformis Moeschler. The moth has the primaries grayish-brown pj.,.^ marked with white at the insertion of the uli\ wings. The secondaries are bright orange- yellow, with a wide black marginal border, as represented m the cut. The habitat of the , , ± y ^ buLosa, o . y. insect is Arizona and Mexico. Genus ALYPIA Hiibner This genus is well represented within our territory. The following synopsis of the species is adapted from Hampson: I. {Androloma.) Fore wing of male with a dilation of costa and a groove of ribbed membrane below it from base ex- tending beyond middle mac-cullochi II. Fore wing of male with a postmedial dilation of costa and groove of ribbed membrane below it ; wing elongated. o. Fore wing with the markings yellow disparata b. Fore wing with the markings white brannani III. {Alypia.) Fore wing of male without dilation of costal area or grove. A. Fore and mid tibiae, orange; hind wings marked with white. a. Discal spot of fore wing longitudinal octomaculata b. Discal spot of fore wing transverse wittfeldi Hind wings marked with yellow. c. Hind wing with subbasal yellow spot dipsaci d. Hind wing without subbasal yellow spot langtoni B. Mid tibiae only orange. a. Wings with the spots not traversed by black veins . .martposa b. Wings with the spots traversed by black veins . . . .ridingsi (i) Alypia mac-cullochi Kirby, Plate XVll, Fig. 13, $ . (MacCulloch's Forester. ) Syn. lorquini Grote & Robinson; similis Stretch; edwardsi Boisduval. The habitat of this species is Canada and the Rocky Mountains northward to Alaska. Henry Edwards. (The Mexican Fig. 82 — Alypia disparata, 3 (After Hampson.) Agaristidae (2) Alypia disparata Forester.) Syn. gracilenta Grasf ; desperata Kirby . The structural features of this species are shown in the accompanying cut, for the use of which v/e lare indebted to the kind- ness of Sir George F. Hampson. The insect occurs in southern Texas, Arizona, and Mexico. The writer has a large series collected for him in the neighborhood of Jalapa, where it is apparently more common than farther north. (3) Alypia octomaculata Fabricius, Plate XVII, Figs. 16, 20, 5, Fig. 21, ?, (The Eight-spotted Forester.) Syn. bimaculata Gmelin; quadriguttalis Hubner; matuta Henry Edwards. This very common insect, which sometimes proves a veritable plague by the depredations which it commits upon the foliage of the Ampelopsis, which is extensively grown in our cities as a decorative vine, is found everywhere in the northern Atlantic States, and ranges westward beyond the Mississippi. One good thing which can be set down to the English sparrow is the work, which he has been observed by the writer to do in devouring the larvae of this moth from the vines with which his home is covered. (4) Alypia wittfeldi Henry Edwards, Plate XVII, Fig. 18, a , Fig. 19, ? . (Wittfeld's Forester.) Sir George F. Hampson sinks this species as a synonym of A. octomaculata, but the writer cannot agree with him in this. The form of the spots on the primaries, the white at the 2 ^^ Fig. 83. — Alypia octomaculata. a. larva; b. enlarged somite, showing markings ; c. moth. (After Riley.) 144 Agaristidee base of the abdomen, and the white annulus near its extremity, are at all events marks quite as characteristic as those by which some other species in the genus are separated. Its habitat is southern Florida. (5) Alypia langtoni Couper, Plate XVII, Fig. 17, ?. (Langton's Forester). Syn. sacramenti Grote & Robinson; hudsonica Henry Edwards. This species ranges from Canada westward through British Columbia into California in the south and Alaska in the north. (6) Alypia mariposa Grote & Robinson, Plate XVIII, Fig. 15. (The Californian Forester.) This, undoubtedly the handsomest species of the genus, is confined to the Pacific coast. (7) Alypia ridingsi Grote, Plate XVII, Fig. 13, 3 , Fig. 14, ? . (Ridings' Forester.) A common species in the Rocky Mountain region at high elevations, and ranging northward to Sitka and the valley of the Yukon. Genus ALYPIODES Grote Two species of this genus are Mexican, the third is found in our fauna, though also occurring south of our boundary. (1) Alypiodes bimaculata Herrich-Schseffer, Plate XVII, Fig. 22. (The Two- spotted Forester.) Syn. triinaculata Bois- duval. The figure in the plate represents the typi- cal form, the figure in the cut shows the aberration named crescens by Walker, in which the hind wing has a yellow spot about the middle of the wing. The insect is fairly common in southern California, New Mexico, and Arizona. " The entomologist need not relax his endeavors day or night. Moth- ingis night employment." — A. S. Packard. Fig. 84. — Alypiodes bimaculata, $ (After Hampson.) 145 SUGARING FOR MOTHS The day has been hot and sultry. The sun has set behind great banks of clouds which are piling up on the northwestern horizon. Now that the light is beginning to fade, the great masses of cumulus, which are slowly gathering and rising higher toward the zenith, are lit up by pale flashes of sheet-lightning. As yet the storm is too far off to permit us to hear the boom of the thunder, but about ten or eleven o'clock to-night we shall probably experience all the splendor of a dashing thunder- shower. Along the fringe of woodland which skirts the back pastures is a path which we long have known. Here stand long ranks of ancient beeches; sugar maples, which in fall are glorious in robes of yellow and scarlet; ash trees, the tall gray trunks of which carry skyward huge masses of light pinnated foliage; walnuts and butternuts, oaks, and tulip-poplars. On either side of the path in luxuriant profusion are saplings, sprung from the monarchs of the forest, young elm trees planted by the winds, broad-leaved papaws, round-topped hawthorns, viburnums, spreading dogwoods, and here and there in moist places clumps of willows. Where the path runs down by the creek, sycamores spread their gaunt white branches toward the sky, and drink moisture from the shallow reaches of the stream, in which duckweed, arrow-weed, and sweet pond-lilies bloom. The woodland is the haunt of many a joyous thing, which frequents the glades and hovers over the flowers. To-night the lightning in the air, the suggestion of a coming storm which lurks in the atmosphere, will send a thrill through all the swarms, which have been hidden through the day on moss-grown trunks, or among the leaves, and they will rise, as the dusk gathers, in troops about the pathway. It is just the night upon which to take a collecting trip, resorting to the well-known method ot "sugaring." Here we have a bucket and a clean whitewash brush. We 146 Sugaring for Moths have put into the bucket four pounds of cheap sugar. Now we will pour in a bottle of stale beer and a little rum. We have stirred the mixture well. In our pockets are our cyanide jars. Here are the dark lanterns. Before the darkness falls, while yet there is light enough to see our way along the path, we will pass from tree to tree and apply the brush charged with the sweet semi-intoxicating mixture to the trunks of the trees. The task is accomplished! Forty trees and ten stumps have been baptized with sugar-sweetened beer. Let us wash our sticky fingers in the brook and dry Ihem with our handkerchiefs. Let us sit down on the grass beneath this tree and pufT a good Havana. It is growing darker. The bats are circling overhead. A screech-owl is uttering a plaintive lament, perhaps mourning the absence of the moon, which to-night will not appear. The frogs are croaking in the pond. The fireflies soar upward and flash in sparkling multitudes where the grass grows rank near the water. Now let us light our lamps and put a drop or two of chloro- form into our cyanide jars, just enough to slightly dampen the paper which holds the lumps of cyanide in place. We will retrace our steps along the path and visit each moistened spot upon the tree-trunks. Here is the last tree which we sugared. There in the light of the lantern we see the shining drops of our mixture clinging to the mosses and slowly trickling downward toward the ground. Turn the light of the lantern full upon the spot, advancing cautiously, so as not to break the dry twigs under foot or rustle the leaves. Ha! Thus far nothing but the black ants which tenant the hollows of the gnarled old tree appear to have recognized the ofl"ering which we have made. But they are regaling themselves in swarms about the spot. Look at them! Scores of them, hundreds of them are congregat- ing about the place, and seem to be drinking with as much enjoyment as a company of Germans on a picnic in the wilds of Hoboken. Let us stealthily approach the next tree. It is a beech. What is there? Oho! my beauty! Just above the moistened patch upon the bark is a great Catocala. The gray upper wings are spread, revealing the lower wings gloriously banded with M7 Sugaring for Moths black and crimson. In the yellow light of the lantern the wings appear even more brilliant than they do in sunlight. How the eyes glow like spots of fire! The moth is wary. He has just alighted; he has not yet drunk deep. Move cautiously! Keep the light of the lantern steadily upon him. Uncover your poisoning jar. Approach. Hold the jar just a little under the moth, for he will drop downward on the first rush to get away. Clap the jar over him! There! you have done it! You have him securely. He flutters for a moment, but the chloroform acts quickly and the flutterings cease. Put that jar into one pocket and take out another. Now let us go to the next tree. It is an old walnut. The trunk is rough, seamed, and full of knotted excrescences. See what a company has gathered! There are a dozen moths, large and small, busily at work tippling. Begin with those which are nearest to the ground. When 1 was young my grandfather taught me that in shooting wild turkeys resting in a tree, it is always best to shoot the lowest fowl first, and then the next. If you shoot the gobbler which perches highest, as he comes tumbling down through the flock, he will startle them all, and they will fly away together; but if you take those which are roosting well down among the branches, those above will simply raise their heads and stare about for a moment to find out the source of their peril, and you can bag three or four before the rest make up their minds to fly. I follow the same plan with my moths, unless, perchance, the topmost moth is some unusual rarity, worth all that suck the sweets below him. Bravo! You have learned the lesson well. You succeeded admirably in bottling those Taraches which were sucking the moisture at the lower edge of the sweetened patch. There above them is a fine specimen of Strenoloma lunilinea. Aha! You have him. Now take that Catocala. It is amasia, a charm- ing little species. Above him is a specimen of cara, one of the largest and most superb of the genus. Well done! You have him, too. Now wait a moment! Have your captives ceased their struggles in your jar? Yes; they seem to be thoroughly stunned. Transfer them to the other jar for the cyanide to do its work. Look at your lantern. Is the wick trimmed ? Come on then. Let us go to the next tree. This is an ash. The moist spot 148 Sugaring for Moths shows faintly upon the silvery-gray bark of the tree. Look sharply! Here below are a few Geometers daintily sipping the sweets. There is a little Eustixis piipula, with its silvery-white wings dotted with points of black. There is a specimen of Harrisimemna, the one with the coppery-brown spots on the fore wings. A good catch! Stop! Hold still! Ha! I thought he would alight. That is Catocala coccinata — a fine moth — not overly common, and the specimen is perfect. Well, let us try another tree. Here they are holding a general assembly. Look! See them fairly swarming about the spot. A dozen have found good places; two or three are fluttering about trying to alight. The ants have found the place as well as the moths. They are squabbling with each other. The moths do not like the ants. I do not blame them. I would not care to sit down at a banquet and have ants crawling all over the repast. There is a specimen of Catocala relicta, the hind wings white, banded with black. How beautiful simple colors are when set in sharp contrast and arranged in graceful lines! There is a specimen of Catocala neogama, which was originally described by Abbot from Georgia. It is not un- common. There is a good Mamesira, and there Pvrophila pyramidoides. The latter is a common species; we shall find scores of them before we get through. Do not bother with those specimens of y^^ro//5 Ypsilon] there are choicer things to be had. It is a waste of time to take them to-night. Let them drink themselves drunk, when the flying squirrels will come and catch them. Do you see that flying squirrel there peeping around the trunk of the tree? Flying squirrels eat insects. I have seen them do it at night, and they have robbed me of many a fine specimen. Off now to the next tree! And so we go from tree to tree. The lightning in the west grows more vivid. Hark! I hear the thunder. It is half-past nine. The storm will be here by ten. The leaves are beginning to rustle in the tree-tops. The first pulse of the tornado is beginning to be felt. Now the wind is rising. Boom! Boom! The storm is drawing nearer. We are on our second round and are coming up the path near the pasture-gate. Our 149 Sugaring for Moths collecting jars are full. We have taken more than a hundred specimens representing thirty species. Not a bad night's work. Hurry up! Here are the draw-bars. Are you through? Put out the light in your lantern. Come quickly after me. I know the path. Here is the back garden gate. It is beginning to rain. We shall have to run if we wish to avoid a wetting. Ahl here are the steps of the veranda. Come up! My! what a flash and a crash that was! Look back and see how the big trees are bowing their heads as the wind reaches them, and the lightning silhouettes them against the gray veil of the rain. We may be glad we are out of the storm, with a good roof overhead. To-morrow morning the sun will rise bright and clear, and we shall have work enough to fill all the morning hours in setting the captures we have made. Good-night! "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 Ratio 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. 150 FAMILY NOCTUID/E " Shall mortal inan be more just than God ? Shall a man be more pure than his Maker ? Behold He put no trust in His servants; And His angels He charged with folly: How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, Whose foundation is in the dust, Which are crushed before the moth ? " Job, Chapter IV, ij-ig. The Noctuidce are a huge complex of genera and species, the genera being reckoned by hundreds, and the species by thousands. Within the faunal limits intended to be covered by this book there are already known to occur in the neighborhood of three hundred and seventy-five genera, and many more than two thousand species which are referable to this family. In the arrangement of the genera and the species the author has in the main followed Dyar's Catalogue, which is based upon that of Prof. J. B. Smith, published in 1893 as "Bulletin 44 of the United States National Museum." The moths are nocturnal in their habits. The neuration is very constant, and is described as follows by Hampson ("Moths of India," Vol. II, p. 160): " Fore wing with vein la slight and not anastomosing with \b\ \c absent; 2 from middle of cell; 3, 4, 5 from close to lower angle; 6 from upper angle; 8 given off from 7 and anastomosing with 9, which is given off from 10 to form an areole; 11 from cell; 12 long. Hind wing with \a and b present; \c absent; 2 from middle of cell; 3 and 4 from lower angle; 5 from near lower angle or middle of discoccilulars, rarely absent, but more or less aborted in the Acontiwcv and Trifince. Frenulum always, proboscis almost always, present." The larvae are generally naked, or at most pubescent. In some of the subfamilies the larvae are semiloopers, some of the prolegs being absent. Pupation generally takes place under 151 Noctuidae ground without a cocoon, the earth being fashioned in some cases into a cemented cell about the pupa. Genus PANTHEA Hiibner (i) Panthea furcilla Packard, Plate XVII, Fig. 31, $. (The Eastern Panthea.) Closely allied to the following species, from which it may be distinguished by the absence of the reniform spot at the end of the cell. (2) Panthea portlandia Grote, Plate XVII, Fig. 30, $ . (The Western Panthea.) Transverse markings less diffuse than in the preceding species, and reniform spot always present. P. furcilla occurs on the northern Atlantic, and P. portlandia on the northern Pacific coast. (For the other two species consult Proceedings U. S. Nat. Museum, Vol. XXI, p. 13.) Genus DEMAS Stephens (i) Demas propinquilinea Grote, Plate XIX, Fig. 3, $. (The Close-banded Demas.) The caterpillar feeds on various deciduous trees, making a case for itself by drawing two leaves together with strands of silk. It occurs in the Atlantic States. (For the other two species of genus see Proceedings U. S. Nat. Museum, Vol. XXI, p. 22.) Genus CHARADRA Walker (i) Charadra deridens Guenee, Plate XVIII, Fig. 4, $. (The Laugher.) Syn. circulifer Walker; contigua Walker. A rather rare moth, the habitat of which is the Atlantic States, and the larva of which makes a case for itself, very much as done by the preceding species. (2) Charadra illudens Walker, Plate XVIII, Fig. 5, i , Fig. 2, $ . (The Sport. ) Syn. pythion Druce. A Mexican species, which I admit to the fauna of our territory on the authority of George Franck of Brooklyn, who reports its occurrence in Florida. 152 Noctuidae (3) Charadra decora Morrison, Plate XVII, Fig. 29, $ . (The Dandy.) Syn. fclina Drucc. This is likewise a Mexican species, which is said to occur in Arizona, but the fact of its being found there requires verification. One other species of the genus, C. dispiilsa Morrison, occurs in the Southern States. Genus RAPHIA Hubner ( 1 ) Raphia frater Grote, Plate XVIII, Fig. 3, ? . (The Brother.) Syn. pcrsonata Walker; flcxuosa Walker. There are three species belonging to this genus in our fauna. They are closely alike in appearance. The species we figure occurs in the Eastern States. R. abrupta Grote is also an eastern species, while R. coloradensis is found in the West. Genus APATELA Hubner This is a large genus, well represented in the temperate regions of both the Old V^orld and the New. The latest Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of the United States credits our fauna with seventy-five species. The genus has been mono- graphed by Smith & Dyar. (See Proceedings U. S. Nat. Museum, Vol. XXI, pp. 1-104.) Within the compass of these pages we cannot do more than give a representation of a number of the forms, which have been described, leaving the student to further researches in the readily accessible literature of the subject. (i) Apatela americana Harris, Plate XVIII, Fig. 12, 9. (The American Dagger-moth.) Syn. acericola Guen6e; ohscura Henry Edwards; accris Abbot & Smith {non Linnaeus). This is one of the largest species of the genus. The caterpillar feeds upon deciduous trees of many genera, and the insect occurs from New England to Utah and south to the Gulf States. (2) Apatela dactylina Grote, Plate XVIII, Fig. 17, 5. (The Fingered Dagger-moth). Easily distinguished from the preceding species, which it 153 Noctuidae Fig. 85. — Apatela populi, ? (After Riley.) resembles in the markings of the fore wings, by its smaller size and the white hind wings. It ranges from Canada to Virginia and westward to the Rocky Mountains. The caterpillar lives upon alder, willow, and birch. (3) Apatela populi Riley, Plate XVIll, Fig. 14, 6 (The Cottonwood Dagger-moth.) The moth, of which we reproduce the figures of the larva and imago given by Professor Riley, who first described the species, ranges from Canada to the western parts of the Carolinas, thence across the continent to the Pacific coast, avoiding the warmer regions of the Gulf States and southern California. The imago is discriminated from Apatela lepusculina Guenee by the broader wings, especially of the female, by the paler ground- color of the primaries, and by the absence of the orbicular spot, which is very rarely as conspicuous as it appears in the figure given by Riley, and still further by the very short basal dash on the fore wings, which m A. lepusculina is long, reaching out- wardly as a sharply defined black line one-third of the length of the cell. The larva is also quite different in impor- tant particulars from that of the species, which has been named, but with which this species is often confounded in collections. The caterpillar feeds upon the foliage of different species of the genus Populus, and is particularly common in the Fig. 86. — Apatela populi, larva. (After Riley.) '54 Noctuidae States of the Mississippi Basin upon the Cottonwood (Popuhis tnonilifera and Popitliis heterophylla.) (4) Apatela innotata Guenee, Plate XVIil, Fig. 13, $> . (The Unmarked Dagger-moth.) Svn. grcsfi Grote. The figure given in the phite represents a form intermediate between those depicted by Smith & Dyar. (See Proceedings U. S. Nat. Museum, Vol. XXI, Plate II, Figs. 17, 18). The ground color is a dirty yellov/ish-white. The species occurs in Canada and the northern Atlantic States. (5) Apatela morula Grote, Plate XVIII, Fig. 8, $ . (The Darkish Dagger-moth. ) Syn tdint Harris. This insect occurs from Canada southward and westward to the Rocky Mountains. The caterpillar feeds upon elm, apple, and linden. (6) Apatela interrupta Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 5, § . (The Interrupted Dagger-moth.) Sj-n. occidentalis Grote & Robinson. The larva feeds upon the Rosacece, and also upon the elm and the birch. The insect has a wide range from the Atlantic seaboard to the Rocky Mountains and from Canada to the northern portions of the Gulf States. (7) Apatela lobelice Guenee, Plate XVIII, Fig. 9, $> . (The Lobelia Dagger-moth.) The caterpillar feeds upon oak, in spite of the fact that the author of the species attributed it to the Lobelia, which would no doubt poison it if administered. It ranges from Canada to Florida and Texas, and westward to the Rocky Mountains. (8) Apatela furcifera Guenee, Plate XVIII, Fig. 10, $ . (The Forked Dagger-moth.) The range of this species is practically the same as that of the preceding. The larva feeds upon various species of wild-cherry. (9) Apatela hasta Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 6, $. (The Dart Dagger-moth.) Syn. telum Guenee. The insect is found in the northern Atlantic States and Canada. It is smaller and darker than the preceding species, to 155 Noctuidae which it is closely allied. The figure in ihe plate is hardly dark enough. (10) Apatela quadrata Grote, Plate XVllI, Fig. 15, $. (The Quadrate Dagger.) This species occurs on the Pacific coast and ranges eastward as far as Alberta in the north and Kansas in the south. The author does not recall a description of the larva. (11) Apatela superans Guenee, Plate XVlll, Fig. 26, ?. (The Chieftain Dagger.) This is a well-marked species, which cannot easily be mis- taken. It occurs in Canada, southward to the Carolinas, and westward through the valley of the Mississippi. The larva feeds on the same plants as its allies, which have been mentioned above. (12) Apatela lithospila Grote, Plate XVlll, Fig. 24, $. (The Streaked Dagger.) Ranges from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The larva feeds upon oak, hickory, and chestnut. (13) Apatela connecta Grote, Plate XVIII, Fig. 19, $ . (The Connected Dagger.) The habitat of this species is found from Canada to the Carolinas and westward to the Mississippi, The larva feeds on willows. (14) Apatela fragilis Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. i, $. (The Fragile Dagger-moth.) Syn. specians Walker. This delicate little species has by some authors been referred to the genus Microccelia, but is a true Apatela. It ranges from Canada to the Carolinas and westward to the Mississippi. The caterpillar feeds on birch and various plants belonging to the Rosacece. (15) Apatela vinnula Grote, Plate XVIII, Fig. 25, ?. (The Delightful Dagger.) This pretty and easily recognizable species feeds in the larval stage upon the elm and ranges from the Atlantic coast to the border of the Great Plains. It comes very freely to sugar. (16) Apatela grisea Walker, Plate XVIII, Fig. 11, ?. (The Gray Dagger-moth.) Syn. pudorata Morrison. The caterpillar feeds on apple, birch, willow, elm, and arrow 156 .J Explanation of Plate XVIII (Except when otherwise indicated, the sju'cimens figured are con- tained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) I Diphthcra fallax Herrich-Sch;effer, 9 . Charadra illudens Walker, $ . Raphia frater Grote, 9 , U. S. N. M. Charadra deridens Guenee, 9 ■ Charadra illudens Walker, cj' . 13- 14- 15- i6. I? 1 . (The White-veined Dagger.) The abdomen in our figure is dark, the specimen being greased. It should be light, like the thorax. The insect occurs quite commonly in Canada and the northern portions of the United States, and also in Europe and northern Asia. Genus MEROLONCHE Grote For a full account of the three species contained in this genus the student is referred to the Proceedings of the United States National Museum, Vol. XXI, p. 179. (i) Merolonche lupini Grote, Plate XVIII, Fig. 7, <^ . (The Lupine Dagger.) Like all the species of this genus the Lupine Dagger is an inhabitant of the Pacific States. Good specimens are rare in collections. Genus HARRISIMEMNA Grote Only one species of this genus is thus far known. (1) Harrisimemna trisignata Walker, Plate XIX, Fig. 4, 9. (Harris's Three-spot.) 159 Noctuidae The moth ranges from Canada to Texas, and from the Atlantic to the Great Plains. The larva feeds on the winterberry and the lilac. Genus MICROCCELIA Guenee This genus is like the preceding represented in our territory by but one species. (i) Microccelia diphtheroides Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 9, $ ; form obliterata Grote, Plate XIX, Fig. 10, $ . (The Marbled Microcoelia.) The form obliterata in which the marblings are wanting is common. The species is found in the Atlantic Subregion of the United States. Genus JASPIDIA Hiibner This is a moderately large genus embracing five species, which occur in our fauna. We figure two of them, (i) Jaspidia lepidula Grote, Plate XIX, Fig. 7, 5 . (The Marbled-green Jaspidia. ) This is a common species in the Atlantic Subregion, ranging from Canada to the Carolinas and westward to the Mississippi. (2) Jaspidia teratophora Herrich-Schaeffer, Plate XIX, Fig. 8, $. (The White-spotted Jiispidia.) The distribution of this species is practically the same as that of the preceding. Genus DIPHTKERA Hiibner There is but one species of this genus in our fauna. (1) Diphthera fallax Herrich-Sch^ffer, Plate XVllI, Fig. I, 3 . (The Green Marvel.) This beautiful little moth is not uncommon in the Appala- chian, or Atlantic, Subregion of the Continent. Genus POLYGRAMMATE Hubner This genus like the preceding is represented in our territory by but a single species. (i) Polygrammate hebraicum HQbner, Plate XIX, Fig. 11, 5 . (The Hebrew.) Syn. hehrcea Guenee. 160 Noctuidae The caterpillar feeds upon the sour gum-tree {Nyssa sylva- ti'ca). The larval stages have been described by Dyar. (See Proceedings U. S. Nat. Museum, Vol. XXI, p. 9.) The insect is not uncommon in Pennsylvania and has much the same range as the preceding three or four species. Genus CERMA Hubner Three species of this genus are credited to our fauna. The one of which we give a cut has been by some authors con- founded with Poly gr animate hebraiciim. (i) Cerma cora Hubner. (The Cora Moth.) Syn. festa Guenee. The ground-color of this pretty little moth is white shading into vinaceous gray, upon which the darker markings stand forth conspicuously. ^^^' 9°-— Cerma . • • 1 /• -1 • cora, (t . It is quite rare, and so far as is known is con- fined to the Atlantic Subregion of the continent. The figure was drawn by the author from a specimen in the possession of the Brooklyn Institute, belonging to the Neumoegen Collection. Genus CYATHISSA Grote (i) Cyathissa percara Morrison, Plate XIX, Fig. 12, $. (The Darling Cyathissa.) This pretty little species is found in the Gulf States and has been reported as ranging northward as far as Colorado. A second species of the genus has during the past year been described by Prof. J. B. Smith, from southern California, under the name pallida. Genus CHYTONIX Grote (i) Chytonix paliiatricula Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 13, 6 ; Fig. 14, $ , var. (The Cloaked Marvel.) Syn. iaspis Guenee. A common species in the Northern Atlantic States. It may be found in June and July in Pennsylvania seated upon the bark of oak-trees in the forest. It comes freely to sugar and to light. 161 Noctuidee Genus COPIBRYOPKILA Smith Of the sole species, named angelica, belonging to this genus, which was erected by Prof. J. B. Smith in the year 1900 (see "Proceed- ings U. S. Nat. Mus.," Vol. XXII, p. 416), we give a cut made from a drawing of Fig. gi. —Copi'jryophUa ^^g ^ypg^ which is contained in the angelica, 5 . |. National Museum at Washington. Genus ALEPTINA Dyar This genus has been erected by Dyar to accommodate the species named inca by him in the "Canadian Entomologist," Vol. XXXIV, p. 104. The male is figured on Plate XVII, Fig. 28. The insect is found in Arizona and Texas. Genus BAILEYA Grote A small genus, the species in which have been commonly referred hitherto to the genus Leptina, but erroneously. (i) Baileya ophthalmica Guenee, Plate XVII, Fig. 25, ? . Not an uncommon species in the Appalachian Subregion. It comes freely to sugar, and is rather abundant in the forests of southern Indiana. (2) Baileya australis Grote, Plate XVII, Fig. 27, 5 . This is smaller than the preceding species, and generally lighter in color, with a very pronounced blackish apical shade on the fore wings. It occurs in the Gulf States from Florida to Texas. (3) Baileya doubledayi Guenee, Plate XVII, Fig. 26, 5 . Of the same size as ophthalmica, but differently marked. From australis it may readily be distinguished by its larger size, and by the different marking of the apex of the fore wings. Genus HADENELLA Grote (i) Hadenella pergentilis Grote, Plate XIX, Fig. 24, $ . This inconspicuous, but neatly marked little insect, belongs to the region of the Pacific coast, and ranges eastward as far as Colorado. (2) Hadenella subjuncta Smith, Plate XIX, Fig. 25, 3 • 162 Noctuidae The identification of this insect with minuscula Morrison, made by Dr. Dyar, is open to question. The range of this species is from the Atlantic to the mountains of Colorado, north of the Gulf States. Genus ACOPA Harvey (i) Acopa carina Harvey, Plate XIX, Fig. i6, $, . The habitat of this species is Texas. Three other species belonging to the region of the Southwestern States have been referred to this genus. Genus CATABENA Walker (i) Catabena lineolata Walker, Plate XIX, Fig. 15, 3. Syn. miscellus Grote. This is a common little moth which ranges from the Atlantic States to California. It is freely attracted to light. The larva feeds on Vtrhena. Genus CRAMBODES Guenee (i) Crambodes talidiformis Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 17, ^. Syn. conjugens Walker. A common species in the Appalachian Subregion, ranging westward as far as Colorado. Like the preceding species the larval form feeds on Verbena. Genus PLATYSENTA Grote (i) Platysenta videns Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 21, ? . Syn. indigens Walker; meskei Speyer; atriciliata Grote. This species has the same range as the preceding. It is common at sugar. (2) Platysenta albipuncta Smith, Plate XIX, Fig. 23, S . This moth was originally described from Colorado, but it occurs all through the Southwestern States. The specimen figured came from Texas. Genus BALSA Walker (i) Balsa malana Fitch, Plate XIX, Fig. 18, 5. Syn. obliquifera Walker. 163 Noctuidae This is a very common species in the Atlantic States and is freely attracted to light. Genus PLATYPERIGEA Smith This genus has been erected by Prof. J. B. Smith for the reception of three species, two of which we figure in the annexed cuts, which have been made for me from the types through the courtesy of Dr. H. G. Dyar, of Washington. All of the species have been re- corded from Colorado. They also occur in Wyoming, and I have specimens col- lected for me in the Freeze-out Mountains in that State. They probably have an extensive range in the Rocky Mountains. Fig. 92. — Plaiyperigea prceacuta, $ . -f- Fig. 93. — Platypirigea discistriga, $ . {. Genus ANORTHODES Smith (i) Anorthodes prima Smith, Plate XIX, Fig. 19, $ . This inconspicuous insect is quite common in central Ohio, and its range extends thence southward into the Southern States. It occurs in Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Georgia. Genus CARADRINA Ochsenheimer This is a genus of moderate extent, represented both in the Old World and the New. We have chosen a few species, familiarity with which will enable the student to recognize others. (i) Caradrina meraUs Morrison, Plate XIX, Fig. 22, $. (The Mooned Rustic.) Syn. bilunata Grote. The moth is distributed from the Atlantic seaboard to the interior of New Mexico. It is common in Texas. (2) Caradrina multifera Walker, Plate XIX, Fig. 29, V • (The Speckled Rustic.) Syn. fidictilaria Morrison. The habitat of this species is the Atlantic Subregion. 164 EXPLAXATIOX OF PlATE XIX 14. 15- 16. 17- (Except when otherwise indicated the collection of W. J. Holland.) . Apatela jragilis Guenee, c?. iq . Ciris ivihoni Grote, c^ . 20 . Deinas propinjuilinea Grote, 21 9 , U. S. N. M. 22 . // a r r i s i in c 111 11 n Irisiguala 23 Walker, $ . 24 . Apatela interrupta Guenee, y • . Apatela hast a Guenee, 9 . 25. . Jaspidea lepidula Grote, (^ . 26. . Jaspidea teratophora Herrich- 27. Schteffer, cj". 28. . M ! c r o c (g li a diphiJicro ides 2 9 . Guenee, (^ . 30. . Microcoelia diphtheroides \-ar. 31. obliterata, Grote, c?. 32. . Polygrammate hebraicmn 33. Hiibner, cj*. 34. . Cyathissa percara Morrison. ,7, 35. U. S. N. M. 36. . Chytonix palliatricitla (nienee, 37. Chytonix palliatriciila Guenee, 39. var.. c?. 40. Catabeiia lineolaia Walker. cT. 41. Acopa cariitd Ha^\'c^•. r? , U. S. N. M. 42. Craiubodes talidifi^niii.s Guenee, 43. C?. 44- Balsa nialana Fitch, c?. 45. tile sjiccimens are contained Anorthodes prima Smith, cJ*. Ortliodes vecors Guenee, (^ . Platysenta videns Guenee, 9 • Caradrina meralis Morrison, $, Platysenta albipuiuta Smith, $ Hadenella pergentilis Grote, $ U. S. N. M. Hadenella subjuncta Smith, 5 Caradrina exthnia Walker, c? Caradrina punctivena Smith, (j^ Caradrina spilomcl a Walker, (^ Caradrina multifera Walker, 9 Perigea xanthioides Guenee, c? Perigea vecors Guenee, 9 • Oligia festivoides Guenee. $ t m . t . ^#f v^y ^^^ ij.^ COPYKIGHTEC BY W. J. HOLLAND. Noctuidse (5) Caradrina spilomela Walker, Plate XIX, Fig. 28, $. (The Convivial Rustic.) Syn. conviva Harvey. This is a neotropical species found all. over the hotter parts of North and South America, and ranging northward into Arizona and Texas. (4) Caradrina extimia Walker, Plate XIX, Fig. 26, $, . (The Civil Rustic.) Syn. civica Grote. The moth occurs in Colorado and thence westward to the Pacific. (5) Caradrina punctivena Smith, Plate XIX, Fig. 27, ,5 . (The Brown-streaked Rustic.) The identity of this insect with C. rufostriga Packard has been suggested as probable. Its habitat is Colorado, among the mountains, and Labrador. It no doubt occurs at intermediate points at suitable elevations. It is evidently a strictly boreal form. Genus PERIGEA Guenee This is a rather extensive genus, well represented in the . warmer parts of the New World, and also occurring in the Eastern Hemisphere. Twenty-four species are credited to our fauna in the latest catalogue. We figure two of the commoner species, which have a wide range. (i) Perigea xanthioides Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 30, $> . (The Red Groundling.) This is not a scarce species in the Appalachian Subregion. It is particularly abundant in southern Indiana and Kentucky, where 1 have obtained it in large numbers. (2) Perigea vecors Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 31, ?. (The Dusky Groundling.) The distribution of this species is very much the same as that of the preceding. Genus OLIGIA Hubner Nine species belonging to this genus are credited to our territory, of which number three are selected for illustration. (i) Oligia festivoides Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 33, $, . (The Festive Midget.) Syn. varia Walker. 165 Noctuidae This is not an uncommon species in the Atlantic States. (2) Oligia fuscimacula Grote, Plate XIX, Fig. 34, $ . (The Brown-spotted Midget.) A common species in the Gulf States. (3) Oligia grata Hubner, Plate XIX, Fig. 33, $. (The Grateful Midget.) Syn. rasilis Morrison. This species is quite widely distributed through the Atlantic States. Genus HILLIA Grote There are three species in this genus. They are found in the more temperate regions of our territory, being confined to the Northern States or to high elevations among the mountains of the West. (i) Hillia algens Grote, Plate XIX, Fig. 35, 5 . This obscurely colored moth is found in Maine, northern New York, southern Canada, and among the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. Genus HADENA Schrank This is a very large genus which is represented in both the Old World and New. More than one hundred species are credited to our fauna. Of these we have selected a number for purposes of illustration, knowing that familiarity with these will enable the young collector presently to recognize other species, which he will then be able to determine with the help of accessible literature. (i) Hadena bridghami Grote & Robinson, Plate XX, Fig. 2, <5 . (Bridgham's Hadena.) A bright little species, the reddish color of the medial area of the fore wings being quite distinctive. It is found in the Appalachian Subregion. (2) Hadena transfrons Neumcegen, Plate XX, Fig. 7, ? . (Neumoegen's Hadena.) Closely allied to the preceding species, but with darker primaries, and dark hind wings. Habitat Alberta and British Columbia, 166 Noctuidfls (3) Hadena violacea Grote, Plate XX, Fig. 12, ? . (The Violet Hadena.) This species, which ranges over the region of the Rocky Mountains from Colorado to California, may be distinguished from the preceding two species by its somewhat larger size, and by the fact that the secondaries are immaculately white. (4) Hadena claudens Walker, Plate XX, Fig. 6, 6 . (The Dark-winged Hadena.) Syn. hilli Grote. This species is apparently confined to the northern portion of the Atlantic Subregion, (5) Hadena modica Guenee, Plate XX, Fig. 14, 6. (The Black-banded Hadena.) Syn. suhcedcns Walker. Ranges from the Atlantic coast to the mountains of Colorado. (6) Hadena characta Grote, Plate XX, Fig. }, $ . (The Double-banded Hadena.) The habitat of this species is in the southwestern portion of the Rocky Mountains. It is not uncommon in Arizona. (7) Hadena mactata Guenee, Plate XX, Fig. 8, ?. (The Dark-spotted Hadena.) The distribution of this species is over the Appalachian Subregion and westward to the eastern ranges of the Rocky Mountains. (8) Hadena turbulenta Hubner, Plate XX, Fig. 16, ? . (The Turbulent Hadena.) Syn. arcuata Walker. This little species is not uncommon in the Atlantic Subregion. (9) Hadena versuta Smith, Plate XX, Fig. 4, $, . (The Albertan Hadena.) So far as is now known this species is found in the Territory of Alberta, but it probably has a wide range on the eastern slopes of the northern ranges of the Rocky Mountains. (10) Hadena miseloides Guenee, Plate XX, Fig. 15, $. (The White-spotted Hadena.) This is not a scarce species in the Atlantic States. It may easily be recognized by its greenish fore wings, generally marked near the middle by a large white spot. 167 Noctuidse (ii) Hadena chlorostigma Harvey, Plate XX, Fig. 13. $. (The Green-spotted Hadena.) This species is variable in color, some specimens having green spots on the disk of the fore v^^ings, others being, as repre- sented in the plate, almost entirely brown. It is a common species in the central portions of the Mississippi Valley, ranging thence southward. The example figured was taken at Columbus, Ohio. (12) Hadena fractilinea Grote, Plate XX, Fig. 10, 6 . (The Broken-lined Hadena.) Not a scarce species in the Appalachian Subregion. (13) Hadena basilinea Fabricius, Plate XX, Fig. 9, i . (The Base-streaked Hadena.) Syn. cerivana Smith. This species, which is also found in Europe, occurs in Alberta, and the northwestern portions of British North America. (14) Hadena passer Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. }6, $. (The Passerine Hadena.) Syn. incallida Walker; loculata Morrison; viralis Grote; conspicua Morrison. Not a very common species, ranging from southern Canada and the northern Atlantic States westward in the same latitudes to the Pacific, and southward into the mountains of Colorado. (13) Hadena burgessi Morrison, Plate XIX, Fig. 37, $, . (Burgess's Hadena.) Syn. discors Grote. The habitat of this well-marked species is the Atlantic Sub- region and the valley of the Mississippi as far west as the Great Plains. (16) Hadena vultuosa Grote, Plate XX, Fig. 11, 5. (The Airy Hadena.) Not a very common species, confined to the Atlantic Subregion. (17) Hadena lateritia Hubner, Plate XIX, Fig. 38, 6 . (The Red-winged Hadena.) Syn. niolochina Hubner; ohliviosa Walker. Found throughout temperate North America and Europe. (18) Hadena dubitans Walker, Plate XIX, Fig. 39, ? . (The Halting Hadena.) Syn. insignata Walker; sputatn'x Grote. 168 Noctuidae Much darker than the preceding species, which it somewhat resembles. It is found in the northern portions of the Atlantic Subregion. (19) Hadena ducta Grote, Plate XIX, Fig. 40, ? . (The Speckled Gray Hadena.) The range of this species is the same as that of the last mentioned. (20) Hadena devastatrix Brace, Plate XIX, Fig. 44, $ . (The Destroying Hadena.) Syn. ordinarta Walker; contenta Walker; marshallana Westwood. Universally distributed throughout the United States and southern Canada. (21) Hadena arctica Boisduval, Plate XIX, Fig. 45, 6. The Northern Hadena.) Syn. amptitairix Fitch. A large and handsome species, easily recognizable. It ranges from Canada and New England into the Carolinas and westward to Colorado. {22) Hadena occidens Grote, Plate XX, Fig. 20, $, . (The Great Western Hadena.) The species is distributed from Colorado to California. {2$) Hadena verbascoides Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 43, $ . (The Mullein Hadena.) A peculiarly marked species, which cannot easily be mistaken for anything else. It occurs in the northern Atlantic States. (24) Hadena nigrior Smith, Plate XIX, Fig. 42, ? . (The Darker Hadena.) Allied to the preceding species, but with the light color of the costal area confined to the basal portion of the wing. Found in New England r.nd Canada. (25) Hadena lignicolor Guenee, Plate XX, Fig. 5, $ . (The Wood-colored Hadena.) A well-marked species, in color recalling H. viiltuosa, but larger. It ranges from the Atlantic to Colorado and Arizona. {26) Hadena semilunata Grote, Plate XXll, Fig. 41, 5. (The Half-moon Hadena.) Not uncommon in Colorado and ranging thence westward to the Pacific. 169 Noctuidae (27) Hadena vinela Smith, MS., Plate XX, Fig. 19, $ . (The Dark Ashen Hadena.) This species has been long distributed in collections as Fishea enthea, which it is not. 1 apply to the figure the manuscript name, which has been given me by Prof. J. B. Smith. It is found in New England and southern Canada. Genus CALOPHASIA Stephens The only species of this genus credited to our fauna is C. strigata Smith, represented in Plate XX, Fig. 17, by a female specimen, loaned to me by the United States National Museum, it occurs in Colorado and Wyoming. Genus EPIDEMAS Smith This genus was erected by Professor J. B. Smith for the reception of the species figured in Plate XXIII, Fig. 2, from a female specimen in the National Collection, and named by him cinerea. It occurs in Colorado. Genus MACRONOCTUA Grote (i) Macronoctua onusta Grote, Plate XX, Fig. 18, ? . There is only one species of this genus, which occurs in the southern Atlantic States. Genus FISHEA Grote A small genus. There are only two species known. (i) Fishea yosemitae Grote, Plate XX, Fig. i, 6 . (The Yosemite Fishea.) This species, which is gen- erally referred to the genus Aporophila Guenee, is placed here on the authority of Prof. J. B. Smith. In addition to the figure given in the plate Fig. ^a— Fishea yosemitas, ? • t- we have inserted a cut drawn from the type. By the help of these the student will no doubt be able to identify the species. The insect is found in California. 170 Noctuidae Genus POLIA Hiibner A moderately large genus, which includes about twenty species in our fauna. Of these we have selected two for illustration. (i) Polia theodori Grote, Plate XX, Fig. 21, $ . (Theodore's Folia.) The home of this species is the southwestern portion of the region of the Rocky Mountains. (2) Polia diversilineata Grote, Plate XX, Fig. 22, $ . (The Varied-banded Polia.) Syn. illepida Grote. Like the preceding species this is an inhabitant of the Rocky Mountains. Genus DRYOBOTA Lederer (i) Dryobota illocata Walker, Plate XX, Fig. 24, ?. (The Wandering Dryobota.) Syn. stigmata Grote. A native of the Atlantic Subregion wandering as far west as Colorado. Genus HYPPA Duponchel The genus is found in both hemispheres. Four species are credited to North America. (1) Hyppa xylinoides Guenee, Plate XX, Fig. 23, $ . (The Common Hyppa.) Syn. contraria Walker; ancocisconensis Morrison. A very common species in the Atlantic Subregion. It is freely attracted to light in the spring of the year. Genus FERALIA Grote A small genus containing four species in our territory. The insects are generally found in groves of pine. (i) Feralia jocosa Guenee, Plate XVII, Fig. 32, $> . (The Joker.) Found in suitable localities throughout the northern Atlantic States. 171 Noctuidse Genus MOMOPHANA Grote The only species of this genus known is a very rare insect so far as has been ascertained. The cut we give was drawn from a unique specimen in the Neumoegen Collection at the Brooklyn Institute. The type is at Cornell University. All the specimens which Fig. <;s-—Momophana have been taken have occurred in New comstocki Grote. \. York and Canada. Genus VALERIA Germar This genus occurs on both sides of the Atlantic. The only species in our fauna is Valeria opina Grote, the male of which is figured in Plate XX, Fig. 25. It is found in California. Genus EUPLEXIA Stephens But one species of this genus, which is also found in Europe, occurs in North America. English entomologists call the moth "The Small Angle Shades." The scientific name is Euplexia lucipara Linnaeus, and it is depicted on Plate XX, Fig. 26. It occurs all over the United States and Canada. Genus TRACHEA Hubner This genus is also found in both hemispheres. Only one species is found in America, and is confined to the Atlantic Subregion. It is known as Trachea delicata Grote, and the male is shown on Plate XX, Fig. 27. Genus DIPTERYGIA Stephens The genus Diptervgia is represented in the New World by the species named scabriuscula by Linnaeus, which also occurs in Europe. There are several Asiatic species. It is shown on Plate XX, Fig. 28. It ranges from the Atlantic westward to the Rocky Mountains. Genus ACTINOTIA Hubner This small genus is represented in the United States and Canada by the insect to which Guenee applied the specific name 172 Noctuidae ramosula, and which is delineated on Plate XX, Fig. 29. It is very common in Pennsylvania. Genus PYROPHILA Hubner This genus is better represented in Europe and Asia than in America. (i) Pyrophila glabella Morrison, Plate XX, Fig. 32, $. (The Gray Pyrophila.) Not nearly as common as the next species, but widely distrib- uted throughout the United States and Canada. (2) Pyrophila pyramidoides Guenee, Plate XX, Fig. }0, $ . (The American Copper Underwing.) This insect, which is one of the commonest moths in the Atlantic Subregion, and ranges westward as far as Colorado, conceals itself under the loose bark of trees during the daytime, and comes forth at night. It sometimes fairly swarms at sugar, and becomes a veritable pest to the collector, who desires rarer things. The caterpillar does a good deal of damage to vegetation. I have re- ^ ^ ^ ^, , . , i"iG. 96. — Larva of Pyroplnla pyramtdotdes. cently been annoyed by (After Riley.) the ravages inflicted by the larvae in the spring of the year upon the foliage of imported rhododendrons, for which they seem to have a partiality in my garden. They feed freely on a great variety of shrubs and herbaceous plants. (3) Pyrophila tragopoginis Linnoeus, Plate XX, Fig. 31, $ . (The Mouse-colored Pyrophila.)' Syn. repressus Grote. A circumpolar species ranging throughout the temperate zone. Genus HELIOTROPHA Lederer The genus is represented in the Atlantic States by a species, of which a light and a dark form occur. The typical, or light form, was named reniformis by Grote, and is depicted on Plate XX, Fig. 33, while the dark form, named atra by the same author, is shown on the same plate by Figure 34. »73 Noctuidae Genus PRODENIA Guenee A small but widely distributed genus found in all parts of the globe. Illustrations of two of the three species found in our fauna are given. ( I ) Prodenia commelinae Abbot & Smith, Plate XX, Fig. 36,?. This species, which occurs in the Atlantic Subregion, is common in the southern portion of its range. (2) Prodenia ornithogalli Guenee, Plate XX, Fig. 35, $ . Not as common as the preceding species, but ranging over the entire United States. Genus LAPHYGMA Guenee A small but widely distributed genus, represented in our fauna by but one species. (i) Laphygma frugiperda Abbot & Smith, Plate XX, Fig. 37, $ . (The Fall Army Worm.) Syn. macra Guenee ; signifcra Walker ; plagiataSM aXker ; aiitumnalis Riley. This destructive insect, which is found all over the Atlantic States, the Mississippi Valley, and thence southward through Fig. 97. — Laphygma frugiperda. a. full grown larva; b. head, mag- nified; c segment of body, viewed from above; d. viewed from side, enlarged. (After Riley.) Fig. 98. — Laphygma frugiperda. a. typical form of moth ; b. c. vari- eties. (After Riley.) Central and South America, feeds in its larval state upon a great variety of succulent plants, showing, however, a decided prefer- >74 Noctuidse ence for the cereals. It does considerable damage to garden crops, and attacks cotton. It is said to inflict damage upon winter wheat, blue-grass, and timothy. The moth is variable in its markings. The typical form is represented on Plate XX, and by the upper figure in the annexed cut. It has frequently been mistaken by observers for the true Army Worm {Leiicania uni- piincta). Because its ravages are generally committed in the fall of the year it was named The Fall Army Worm by the late Prof. C. V. Riley. A very excellent account of the insect is given by this distinguished authority in the "Eighth Annual Report" of the State Entomologist of Missouri, p. 48, et seq., which the student will do well to consult. It is from this article that the two accompanying figures have been taken. Genus LUSSA Grote (i) Lussa nigroguttata Grote, Plate XX, Fig. 38, 5 . This little moth is found in Florida. Not much is as yet known in regard to its life-history. Genus MAGUSA Walker (i) Magusa dissidens Felder, Plate XXI, Fig. 2, 5 . Syn. divaricata Grote; angiistipennis Moeschler; divida Moeschler. The sole species of the genus found within our territory, ranging from the southern Atlantic States into South America. Genus PSEUDANARTA Henry Edwards We figure three of the five species attributed to this genus and reported to occur within the limits of the United States. ( 1 ) Pseudanarta flava Grote, Plate XX, Fig. 39, $, . (The Yellow Pseudanarta.) Syn. crocea Henry Edwards. The range of this species is from Colorado and Arizona to the southern portions of British Columbia. (2) Pseudanarta singula Grote, Plate XX, Fig. 40, 5 . (The Single Pseudanarta.) The habitat of this species is the southwestern United States. (3) Pseudanarta falcata Neumoegen, Plate XX, Fig. 41, $. (The Falcate Pseudanarta.) The species occurs in Arizona and Mexico. 175 Noctuida Genus HOMOHADENA Grote A considerable genus, one species of which we represent. (i) Homohadena badistriga Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. i, $. This is the only species of the genus, which occurs in the northern Atlantic States. Most of them are western and southern. The range of badistriga is from the Atlantic to Colorado. Genus ONCOCNEMIS Lederer An extensive genus, in which are included over forty species, most of which are found in the western and southwestern States. We have selected for representation seven of their number. (i) Oncocnemis dayi Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 4, <5 . (Day's Oncocnemis. ) Not an uncommon species in Colorado and Wyoming. (2) Oncocnemis tenuifascia Smith, Plate XXI, Fig. 5, 3 . (The Narrow-banded Oncocnemis.) The distribution of this species is the same as that of the last mentioned. (3) Oncocnemis occata Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 8, ? . (The Harrow-moth.) This species occurs in Texas, Colorado, and the States lying westward of these, as far as the Pacific. (4) Oncocnemis chandleri Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 7, $ . (Chandler's Oncocnemis.) Indigenous to the Rocky Mountains. (5) Oncocnemis atrifasciata Morrison, Plate XXI, Fig. 3, ? . (The Black-banded Oncocnemis.) This fine species is found in the northern portions of the Atlantic Subregion. The specimen figured was taken in Maine. (6) Oncocnemis iricolor Smith, Plate XXI, Fig. 6, ? . (The iris-colored Oncocnemis.) So far this species has only been reported from Colorado and Wyoming. (7) Oncocnemis cibalis Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 9, 6 . (The Gray Oncocnemis.) The only specimens so far found have been taken in Colorado. 176 Explanation of Plate XX (Unless otherwise indicated, the the collection of W. J. Holland.) speciinens figured are contained in 13- 14- 15- i6. 17- 19. 20. 22. 23 Fishia yosemitce Grote, c? . 24. Hadena bridghanii Grote & 25. Robinson, cf . Hadena characta Grote, (J*. 26. Hadena vers uta Smith, (J". 2-j. Hadena lignicolor Guenee, cJ*. 28. Hadena claudens Walker, c? • Hadena tratisfrons Neumoegen, 29. 9. 30- Hadena mactata Guenee, $ . Hadena basilinea Fabricius, (^ . 31. Hadena fractilinea Grote, cJ' . Hadena vultuosa Grote, c?. 32. Hadena violacea Grote. 9- 33- Hadena chlorostigma Harvey , c? . 34 . Hadena modic a Guenee, (J*. Hadena tniseloides Guenee, 9- 35- Hadena turbulenta Hubner, 9 • Calophasia strigaia Smith, 9 • 36- U. S. N. M. Macronoctua oniista Grote, 9 > 37' U. S. N. M. H ad enavinela Smith., (J^ . 38. Hadena occideus Grote, d^- U. S. N. M. 39- Polia theodori Grote , cJ* . 40 . Polia diversilineata Grote, c?. 41, Hyppa xylinoides Guenee, 9 • Dryoboia illocata Walker, 9 • Valeria opina Grote, (5^, U. S. N. M. Eiiplexia lucipara Linnaeus, 9 . Trachea delicata Grote, cJ' • Dipterygia scabrinscula Linnaeus, 9 • Actinotia ramosiila Guenee, 9 • Pyrophila pyrani idoides Guenee, ^- PyropJiila tragopoginis Linnaeus, Pyrophila glabella , Morrison, (J* . Helotropha reniforinis Grote, 9 • Helotropha reniformis var. atra. Grote, 9 . Prodenia ornithogalli Guenee, 9. Prodenia conimelince Abbot & Smith. 9 . Lapliygma frugiperda Abbot & Smith, (J. Litssa nigroguiiata Grote, cJ* , U. S. N. M. Pseudanarta flava Grote, ^. Pseudanarla singula Grote, c?. Pseudanarta falcata Neumoegen, ■The Moth Book Plate XX Noctuidse Genus LEPIPOLYS Guenee (i) Lepipolys perscripta Guenee, Plate XXI, Fig. ii, $. Only one species occurs in our territory, ranging from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Genus ADITA Grote (i) Adita chionanthi Abbot & Smith, Plate XXI, Fig. lo. A rather rare moth, which is found in the Atlantic Subregion, but is much commoner in Colorado and Wyoming. It is the only representative of its genus. Genus COPIPANOLIS Grote A small genus said to contain four species, which are not as distinctly separable as might be desired. (i) Copipanolis cubilis Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 12, ? . The habitat of this insect is the northern United States. It appears upon the wing in Pennsylvania early in April. Genus EUTOLYPE Grote (i) Eutolype bombyciformis Smith, Plate XXI, Fig. n, ? . The genus represented by this species contains four others within our limits. They all occur in the Atlantic Subregion, except the species named damalis by Grote, which is Californian. Genus PSAPHIDIA ^Valker Of the four species of this genus occuring within our territory we give illustrations of two. (i) Psaphidia grotei Morrison, Plate XXI, Fig. 14, ?. The home of this species is the northern Atlantic States. It occurs upon the wing very early in the spring of the year. (2) Psaphidia resumens Walker, Plate XXI, Fig. 15, ? . Syn. viridescens Walker; muralis Grote. The range of this insect is the same as that of the preceding species. Genus CERAPODA Smith Only one species of this genus is known. It was named Cerapoda stylata by Prof. J. B. Smith, and is shown on Plate XXIII, Fig. I. Its habitat is Colorado. 177 Noctuidae Genus FOTA Grote There are two species of this genus, both of which we figure. They both occur in Arizona and Mexico. (i) Fota armata Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. i6, $ . (2) Fota minorata Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 17, $. We do not recall any description of the habits of these two species. Genus PODAGRA Smith This genus has been quite recently erected by Smith for the reception of the species, a represen- tation of the type of which, based upon the ^ „ , specimen in the United States National Museum, Fig. 99. — Poda- . . . „. gra crassipes. IS given m Fig. 99. Genus RHYNCHAGROTIS Smith Over twenty species have been attributed to this genus. Of these we figure six. (i) Rhynchagrotis gilvipennis Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 18, ? . (The Catocaline Dart-moth.) This pretty species is found in the northern parts of the United States, in Canada, and British America. It is scarce in the eastern parts of its range south of Maine and the Adirondack Woods. (2) Rhynchagrotis rufipectus Morrison, Plate XXI, Fig. 22, ? . (The Red-breasted Dart-moth.) The general distribution of this species is like the former, but it extends much farther southward. (3) Rhynchagrotis minimalis Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 21, ? . (The Lesser Red Dart-moth.) This species is found in Maine, southern Canada, and also in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. (4) Rhynchagrotis anchocelioides Guenee, Plate XXI, Fig. 19, ? . Syn. cupida Grote; velaia Walker. A common species in the northern Atlantic Subregion, extending its habitat to the region of the Rocky Mountains. (5) Rhynchagrotis placida Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 23, S . (The Placid Dart-moth.) 178 Noctuidae A very common species in the northern United States, found as far westward as the Rocky Mountains. (6) Rhynchagrotis alternata Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 20, 9 . (The Greater Red Dart-moth.) This species closely resembles in general appearance the species named minimalis, but may be distinguished by its larger size, and the darker color of the hind wings. Genus ADELPHAGROTIS Smith Of the five species belonging to the genus we select the commonest for illustration. (i) Adelphagrotis prasina Fabricius, Plate XXI, Fig. 24, ?. (The Green-winged Dart-moth.) This insect occurs all over Canada, the northern Atlantic States, the Rocky Mountains, and British Columbia. It occurs also in Europe. Genus PLATAGROTIS Smith The species of this genus are confined to the more temperate regions of our territory. (i) Platagrotis pressa Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 25, 5. (The Dappled Dart.) Occurs in the northern portions of the Atlantic Subregion. Genus EUERETAGROTIS Smith Three species of the genus occur, all of them within the Atlantic Subregion. (i) Eueretagrotis sigmoides Guenee, Plate XXI, Fig. 26, $ . (The Sigmoid Dart.) From the following species distinguished readily by its larger size, and the darker coloration of the fore wings. (2) Eueretagrotis perattenta Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 27, ? . (The Two-spot Dart.) A common species in the Atlantic States. " Yon night moths that hover where honey brims over." Jea.v Ingelow. Soyigs of Seven. 179 Noctuidse Genus ABAGROTIS Smith Only one species is attributed to this genus. It is represented by the accompanying cut, drawn from the type in the United States National Museum. Abagrotis erratica is thus far only recorded from California. It is rare in collections. The ' color of the wings is ashen gray in some tiG. lOO. — =" O J Abagrotis erratica. Specimens; in others pale reddish. Genus SEMIOPHORA Stephens (i) Semiophora elimata Guenee, Plate XXI, Fig. 29, 9, Form januaHs Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 30, 6 . (The Variable Dart.) Syn. dilucidiila Morrison; badicollis Grote. Not at all an uncommon species, ranging from Canada to Georgia. (2) Semiophora opacifrons Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 28, ? . (The Black-fronted Dart.) This species is found in the more northern portions of the Atlantic Subregion ranging into Quebec. (3) Semiophora tenebrifera Walker, Plate XXI, Fig. }}, $ . (The Reddish Speckled Dart.) Syn. catharina Grote; mauijestolabcs Morrison. A well-marked species, the fore wings of which have a prevalently reddish cast. It ranges from New Jersey northward into Canada. Genus PACHNOBIA Guenee The species are mainly boreal, being found in the northern portions of our territory, principally in Canada, and on the higher mountain ranges. (1) Pachnobia UttoraHs Packard, Plate XXI, Fig. }2, $. (The Reddish Pachnobia.) Syn. pectinata Grote; jerritginoidcs Smith. The species occurs from the mountains of Colorado north- ward to Alberta. (2) Pachnobia salicarum Walker, Plate XXI, Fig. 31, 3. (The Willow Pachnobia.) Syn. orilliana Grote; clavijormis Morrison. 180 Noctuidae This species, readily distinguished from all others by the well defined claviform spot, ranges from Massachusetts to Alberta and northward. Genus METALEPSIS Grote Two species of this genus are credited to our fauna. Of the type of one of these, preserved in the British Museum, 1 am able to give an excellent figure taken from Sir George F. Hampson's Fig. ioi. — Metalepsis cornuta, ^. \. fine work upon the moths of the world, which is being published by the Trustees of the above named institution. The insect occurs in California. Genus SETAGROTIS Smith Eight species, all of them found in the northern parts of our territory or at considerable elevations among the mountains of the West, are attributed to this genus. 1 am able to give a figure of one of these, which Dr. Dyar kindly had drawn from the type in the United States National Museum. It occurs among the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. The YiG.io2.—Setagrotis ground color of the wings is pale luteous. terrifica, $ . {. Genus AGROTIS Ochsenheimer (i) Agrotis badinodis Grote, Plate XXI, Fig. 37, $. (The Pale-banded Dart.) Not an uncommon species in the northern Atlantic States and Canada. 181 Noctuidae (2) Agrotis ypsilon Rottemburg. (The Ypsilon Dart.) Syn. suffusa Denis & Schiflfermuller; telifera Harris; idonea Cramer. This is an exceedingly common species, which occurs every- where in Canada and the United States. It is also found in Europe. its larva is one of the species, which under the name of "cut- worms," are known to inflict ex- tensive injuries upon growing plants. They burrow into the loose soil during the day, and ^'''- '°Ar^^^'^(" ypsilon. ^-Qrne forth at night and do their (After Riley.) . , ti mischievous work. They are a plague to the market-gardener in particular. (3) Agrotis geniculata Grote & Robinson, Plate XXI, Fig. 36, ? . (The Knee-joint Dart.) Not a scarce species in the northern Atlantic Subregion. Genus PERIDROMA Hiibner This is a moderately large genus, represented in the United States and Canada by about a dozen species. Half of these we illustrate. (i) Peridroma occulta Linnaeus, Plate XXI, Fig. 42, ?. (The Great Gray Dart.) The habitat of this insect is the northern portion of our territory. (2) Peridroma astricta Morrison, Plate XXI, Fig. 41, $. (The Great Brov/n Dart.) The species is found in the northern parts of the Atlantic Subregion, and also in Colorado. (3) Peridroma nigra Smith, Plate XXI, Fig. 43, ? . (The Great Black Dart.) Found in Colorado and Wyoming. (4) Peridroma saucia Hubner, Plate XXI, Fig. 40, ? ; Egg, Text-figure No. 2. (The Common Cut-worm.) Syn. inermis Harris; ortonii Packard. Almost universally distributed throughout the United States and southern Canada. It also occurs in Europe. 182 Explanation of Plate XXI (Except when otherwise indicated the collection of W. J. Holland.) 1. Homohadcna badistriga Grote, 22. d^, U. S. N. M. 2. Magusa dissidens Felder, . (The Satyr.) This moth ranges over the northern Atlantic States, but, like the other species of the genus, does not appear to be anywhere very common. Genus AGROTIPHILA Grote There are seven species attributed to this genus by recent authors. We can only figure one of them. (i) Agrotiphila incognita Smith, Plate XXIII, Fig. 18, 6. The species occurs in Alberta and westward to British Columbia. Genus MAMESTRA Ochsenheimer A very large genus, represented in both hemispheres by a large number of species. The caterpillars of some species are 191 Noctuidae quite destructive to cultivated plants. Of the one hundred and ten or more species occurring in our territory we have selected thirty for purpose of illustration. This number of species, if correctly ascertained by the student, ought to enable him to form some idea of the general character of the complex of insects, with which we are now dealing. (i) Mamestra imbrifera Guenee, Plate XXlll, Fig. }2, ?. (The Cloudy Mamestra.) A native of the northern Atlantic States. It is not rare in New England. (2) Mamestra purpurissata Grote, Plate XXIII, Fig. 26, 5 . (The Empurpled Mamestra.) This is a very common species in Maine and Quebec. It occurs less commonly south of these localities. (3) Mamestra juncimacula Smith, Plate XIX, Fig. 41, i . (The Fused-spot Mamestra.) The habitat of this species is Colorado. (4) Mamestra meditata Grote, Plate XXIII, Fig. 21, $. (The Studied Mamestra.) Quite a common species in the Appalachian Subregion. (5) Mamestra lustralis Grote, Plate XXIII, Fig, 22, ? . (The Lustral Mamestra.) Syn. suffusa Smith. The range of this species is through the Atlantic States south and west to Arizona and northern Mexico. (6) Mamestra detracta Walker, Plate XXIII, Fig. 24, $ . (The Disparaged Mamestra.) Syn. claviplena Grote. The range of this insect is the same as that of the last men- tioned species. (7) Mamestra farnhami Grote, Plate XXIII, Fig. 2}, ?. (Farnham's Mamestra.) A native of the eastern portions of the region of the Rocky Mountains. (8) Mamestra liquida Grote, Plate XXIII, Fig. 36, ? . (The Liquid Mamestra.) The range of this insect is in the northwestern part of our territory as far as British Columbia. 192 Noctuid:s (9) Mamestra radix Walker, Plate XXIII, Fig. 25, 3 . (Dimmock's Mamestra.) Syn. dimmocki Grote; desperata Smith. Distributed from Maine and Quebec across the northern parts of the United States and the southern portions of the British possessions to the Pacific. (10) Mamestra nevadae Grote, Plate XXIII, Fig. 33, ?. (The Nevadan Mamestra.) Found in Nevada and California. (11) Mamestra subjuncta Grote & Robinson, Plate XXIII, Fig. 27, 6 . (The Harnessed Mamestra.) Not at all an uncommon species in the Appalachian Subregion, ranging across the Mississippi Valley to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. (12) Mamestra grandis Boisduval, Plate XXIII, Fig. 41, $. (The Grand Mamestra.) Syn. libera Walker. (13) Mamestra trifolii Rottemburg, Plate XXIII, Fig. 29, $ . (The Clover Mamestra.) Syn. chenopodii Fabricius; albijusa Walker; glancovaria Walker; major Speyer. Found throughout Europe, northern Asia, and the United States and Canada. The caterpillar does at times considerable damage to crops. (14) Mamestra rosea Harvey, Plate XXIII, Fig. 30, ? . (The Rosy Mamestra.) Distributed generally through the northern portions of the United States and the southern portions of Canada and British Columbia. (15) Mamestra congermana Morrison, Plate XXIII, Fig. 31, ? . (The Cousin German.) This insect ranges from the Atlantic to the eastern portions of the region of the Rocky Mountains. (16) Mamestra picta Harris, Plate I, Fig. 11, larva; Plate XXIII, Fig. 34, 5 . (The Painted Mamestra.) Syn. cxusta Guenee; contraria Walker. This is one of the commonest species of the genus. The caterpillar is a conspicuous object, and in the fall of the year is 193 Fig. 107. — Mamcstra picia. a. larva; (After Riley.) moth. Noctuidae generally very noticeable, feeding upon various herbaceous plants. it is a promiscuous feeder, and to enumerate all the vege- tables which it ^ ^gOBk attacks would al- most be to provide a list of the plants of the United States. They manifest, however, a decided preference, when accessible, for the cruciferous plants, and do much dam- age in fields of cabbages and beets. There are two broods in the Middle States. The species does not occur on the Pacific coast, so far as is known to the writer. Its range is from the Atlantic to the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. (17) Mamestra lubens Grote, Plate XXI II, Fig. 28, 5 . (The Darling Mamestra.) A denizen of the northern portions of the United States. (18) Mamestra latex Guenee, Plate XXIII, Fig. 40, ? . (The Fluid Mamestra.) Syn. demissa AValker. This insect has the same range as the preceding species. (19) Mamestra adjuncta Boisduval, Plate XXlll, Fig. 38, ? . (The Hitched Mamestra.) This species occurs from southern Canada to the Carolinas and westward to Missouri and Minnesota. (20) Mamestra rugosa Morrison, Plate XXIV, Fig. 3, 5 . (The Rugose Mamestra.) The habitat of this species is Maine and Nova Scotia. (21) Mamestra lilacina Harvey, Plate XXIII, Fig. 59, $> . (The Lilacine Mamestra.) Syn. illabefacta Morrison. 194 Explanation of Plate XXIII (Unless otherwise indicated, the the collection of W. J. Holland.) 1 . Cerapoda stylata Smith , (^ , V . S. N. M. 2. Epidenias cinerea vSmith, $ , U. S. N. M. Euxoa insulsa Walker, 9 . Euxoa tessellata Harris, c?. Euxoa dissona Moeschler, $ . Euxoa titubatis Smith, (^ . Euxoa albipennis Grote, c?. Euxoa basalts Grote, (^. Euxoa redimicula MovTsion, (^ . Euxoa ochrogaster Guenee, c^ . Euxoa furtwus Smith, c? . Euxoa obeliscoides Guenee, 9 ■ Euxoa lutulenta Smith, c?. Richia arairix Harvey, q" . Richia parentalis Grote, (^ . .\}iytus privalus Wa,lker, c^ . Anytiis obscurus Smith, c? . Agrotiphila incognita Smith, cj' ■ Ujeus plicatus Grote, c?. UfcHs satyricHs Grote, c5^ . Mamestra meditata Grote, 9 • Mamesira lustralis Grote, 9 • 3- 4- 5- 6. 7- 8. 9 lO. ir. M i-S- i6. 17- i8. IQ. specimens figured are contained in 23. Mamestra jarnhami Grote, 9 - 24. Mamestra detracta Walker, (^ . 25. Mamestra radix Walker, cJ" . 26. Mamestra piirpurissata Grote, 27. Mamestra suhjiiiuta Grote & Robinson , (^ . 28. Mamestra lubens Grote, c? . 29. Mamestra trifo/ii Rottemburg, 30. Mamestra rosea Harvey, 9 ■ 3 1 . M amestra coiigerniaiia Mcirrison , 9. 32. Mamestra iiubrijera Guenee, 9 ■ 33. Mamestra nevadce Grote, 9 • 34. Mamestra picta Harris, c? . 35. Mamestra renigcra Stephens, 9 ■ 36. Mamestra liquid a Grote, 9 • 37. Mamestra olivacea Morrison, c? . 38. Mamestra adjnncta Boisduval, 9- 39. Mamestra lilaciua Har\ey, (5^. 40. Mamestra latex Guenee. 9 • 4 1 . Mamestra grandis Boisdmal , ^ . Plate XXIIl Noctuidse This moth ranges from the Atlantic coast to Colorado and New Mexico. (22) Mamestra renigera Stephens, Plate XXIll, Fig. 35, $ . (The Kidney-spotted Mamestra.) Syn. herbimacula Guen^e; infecta Walker. This prettily marked little moth is found from New England and Ontario to Colorado. It occurs also in Europe. (23) Mamestra olivacea Morrison, Plate XXIII, Fig. 37, ^ . (The Olivaceous Mamestra.) For the very extensive synonymy of this insect the reader is referred to Dr. Dyar's "Catalogue of the Moths of the United States." It is too lengthy to impose upon these pages. The moth ranges over the northern portions of the United States and southern Canada. (24) Mamestra laudabilis Guenee, Plate XXIV, Fig. i, ?. (The Laudable Mamestra.) Syn. indicans Walker; strigicollis Wallengren. This species extends its range from New Jersey through the southern States to Texas and southern California and northern Mexico. (25) Mamestra lorea Guenee, Plate XXIV, Fig. 2, 6 . (The Bridled Mamestra.) Syn. ligata Walker; dodgei Grote. An obscurely colored species, which ranges from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains. {26) Mamestra erecta Walker, Plate XXIV, Fig. 4, $ . (The Erect Mamestra.) Syn. constipata Walker; innexa Grote. This little moth occurs in Texas, Arizona, and northern Mexico. (27) Mamestra anguina Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 5, ? . (The Snaky Mamestra.) The insect occurs in the northern portions of our territory, and among the higher mountains of the States of Colorado and Wyoming. (28) Mamestra vicina Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 6, ? . (The Allied Mamestra.) Syn. teligera Morrison; acutipennis Grote. Ranges from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 195 Noctuidae (29) Mamestra neoterica Smith, Plate XXIV, Fig. 7, S . (The Modern Mamestra.) The range of this species is from Manitoba to Alberta, so far as is at present known. (30) Mamestra negussa Smith, Plate XXIV, Fig. 8, ? . (The Brown-winged Mamestra.) The species v/as originally described from Alberta. It occurs also in northern Montana. Genus ADMETOVIS Grote (i) Admetovis oxymorus Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 9, $ . This insect which is one of two species, which are attributed to the genus, is found from Colorado to California. Genus BARATHRA Hiibner (i) Barathra occidentata Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 10, 9 . This is a New Mexican species. Another species of the genus, named curialis by Smith, has been described by him as coming from Maine and New Hampshire. Genus NEURONIA Hubner (i) Neuronia americana Smith, Plate XXIV, Fig. 12, $. (The American Neuronia.) This is the only species of the genus represented in our terri- tory. It occurs in Montana and Alberta. Genus DARGIDA Walker The only species of this genus found within the limits of the United States was named procinctus by Grote. It is represented by the figure of the male insect on Plate XXIV, Fig. 11. It is found from Colorado to California and Oregon. Genus M.ORRISONIA Grote Six species are attributed to this genus. We figure two of them. (i) Morrisonia sectilis Guenee, Plate XXIV, Fig. 13, $ . Syn. evicta Grote. Form vomerina Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 14, ? . 196 Noctuidse The home of this insect is the Northern Atlantic States. It occurs in both forms in western Pennsylvania and Indiana. (2) Morrisonia confusa Hubner, Plate XXIV, Fig. 15, 3 . Syn. i)ifriiiitiosa Walker; niultifaria Walker. Not uncommon in the Atlantic Subregion. Genus XYLOMIGES Guenee In our fauna are found fifteen species which have been assigned to this genus. From their number we have chosen seven to put before the students of this book. (i) Xylomiges simplex Walker, Plate XXIV, Fig. 17, 3. (The Simple Woodling.) Syn. crncialis Harvey. A well marked and easily recognizable species, recalling the genus Apatela, so far as the pattern of the maculation is con- cerned. It is spread from Colorado westward to California. (2) Xylomiges dolosa Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 20, 5 . (The Grieving Woodling.) Distributed over the northern Atlantic States, and westward to Colorado. (3) Xylomiges perlubens Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 19, i . (The Brown Woodling.) Syn. siihapicalis Smith. This species belongs to the fauna of the Pacific coast, ranging eastward to Colorado. (4) Xylomiges pulchella Smith, Plate XXIV, Fig. 21, ,3. (The Beautiful Woodling.) Habitat British Columbia. (5) Xylomiges patalis Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 18, $ . (Fletcher's Woodling. ) Syn. fletcheri Grote. Found in the Pacific States. (6) Xylomiges cognata Smith, Plate XXIV, Fig. 22, $ . (The Oregon Woodling.) Ranges from British Columbia and Oregon eastward to Colorado. (7) Xylomiges indurata Smith, Plate XXIV, Fig. 23, $ . (The Hardened Woodling.) 197 1 Noctuidse Readily distinguished from X. dolosa by the hghter color of the primaries and the pure white secondaries, as well as by the different maculation. It is found in Colorado. Genus SCOTOGRAMMA Smith Of the thirteen species belonging to this genus and occurring in our fauna we depict thiee. (i) Scotogramma submarina Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 24, i . A native of the region of the Rocky Mountains ranging from Arizona to Montana, (2) Scotogramma infuscata Smith, Plate XXIV, Fig. 25, 3 . The figure given on the plate is taken from a specimen in the United States National Museum. The insect is found in Colorado. (3) Scotogramma inconcinna Smith, Plate XXIV, Fig. 26, 6 . This plainly colored species, like its predecessor, occurs in Colorado. Genus ULOLONCHE Smith A genus of moderate extent, all of the species belonging to which are western, except the one we figure, which occurs in the Atlantic Subregion. (i) Ulolonche modesta Morrison, Plate XXIV, Fig. 16, $. The species is not common. Genus ANARTA Ochsenheimer A subarctic genus, represented in both hemispheres. The insects occur either in high northern latitudes, or at great eleva- tions upon high mountains. There are many species. We give illustrations of five of those found in our fauna. (i) Anarta cordigera Thunberg, Plate XXIV, Fig. 28, $. (The Catocaline Anarta.) Found in northern Canada, Labrador, Alaska, and thence southward along the summits of the higher ranges of the Rocky Mountains to Colorado. It also occurs in the north of Scotland, and from Norway to Kamschatka. (2) Anarta melanopa Thunberg, Plate XXIV, Fig. 27, 3 . (The Black-mooned Anarta.) Syn. nigrolunata Packard. 198 Noctuidae A circumpolar species commonly found in both hemispheres. (3) Anarta schcenherri Zetterstedt, Plate XXIV, Fig. 30, $ . (Schoenherr's Anarta.) Syn. leucocyda Staudinger. Its habitajt is Labrador, Greenland, Norway, Lapland, and arctic Asia. (4) Anarta richardsoni Curtis, Plate XXIV, Fig. 29, ? . (Richardson's Anarta.) Ranges from Alaska to Labrador, and has been found on the mountains of Norway. (5) Anarta impingens W^alker, Plate XXIV, Fig. }\, i . (The Dull Brown Anarta.) Syn. nivaria Grote; curta Morrison; perpura Morrison. Found on the mountains of Colorado. Genus TRICHOCLEA Grote A small genus confmed in its range to the mountain regions of the West. (i) Trichoclea antica Smith, Plate XXIV, Fig. }2, <$ . The specimen figured is one kindly loaned me from the national collection, and determined by the author of the species. Genus TRICHOPOLIA Grote Of this small genus we are able to give a figure of the type of the species named serrata by Professor Smith. The ^^ or-; . I^iG. loS. — Inchopolta moth occurs m Texas. serrata, 5 . \. Genus EUPOLIA Smith Only one species has thus far been referred to this genus. It was named licentiosa by Prof. J. B. Smith. The annexed cut gives a figure of the type, which is preserved in the „ rr . ;• United States National Museum. Its home Fig. 109. — Eupoha licentiosa. ^ . \. IS Utah. Genus NEPHELODES Guenee (i) Nephelodes minians Guenee, Plate XXIV, Fig. 33, i. Syn. ^.vpaM^a Walker; 5o6rta Walker; wo/cn^ Guenee ; .«„a- Noctuidse (8) Heliophila commoides Guenee, Plate XXIV, Fig. 42, $ . (The Comma Wainscot.) The insect occurs from the Atlantic westward as far as Colorado. It is not very common. Genus NELEUCANIA Smith This is a small genus composed of species, which are, so far as is known, exclusively Western. (i) Neleucania bicolorata Grote. (The Two-colored Neleucania.) Of this species, which occurs in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, and probably has a still wider distribu- tion, we are able to give a figure based upon a specimen contained in the United fig. 114. Neleucania States National Museum. bicolorata. $ , \. Genus ZOSTEROPODA Grote Onlv one species of this genus is known at present. (i) Zosteropoda hirtipes Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 46, 6 . The insect occurs in California. Genus ORTHODES Guenee Of the ten species reputed to belong to the genus and said to be found in our territory four are figured. (i) Orthodes crenulata Butler, Plate XXIV, Fig. 37, $ . (The Rustic Quaker.) An exceedingly common species in the Atlantic States, rang- ing westward throughout the valley of the Mississippi. (2) Orthodes cynica Guenee, Plate XXIV, Fig. 38, $ . (The Cynical Quaker.) Syn. candens Guenee; tecta Walker. Quite as common as the preceding species, and having the game range. (3) Orthodes vecors Guenee, Plate XIX, Fig. 20, $ . (The Small Brown Quaker.) Syn. enervis Guenee; )ti>iiia Guenee; togata Walker; velata Walker; prodeuns Walker; griseocincia Harvey; nilcns Grote. 203 Noctuidse This is another small creature, which has caused the species- makers much exercise. It is found very generally throughout the Atlantic States. (4) Orthodes puerilis Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 45, $, . (The Boyish Quaker.) This insect is found in northern California. Genus HIMELLA Grote (i) Himella contrahens Walker, Plate XXIV, Fig. 44, ?. Syn. thecal a Morrison. This insect is found from the northern Atlantic States south- ward and westward to New Mexico and Colorado. Genus CROCIGRAPHA Grote (i) Crocigrapha normani Grote, Plate XXIV, Fig. 43, $ . Not an uncommon insect in the northern portions of the Atlantic Subregion. Genus GRAPHIPHORA Hiibner This is an extensive genus, represented in both hemispheres, and containing thirty-six species, which occur within our ter- ritory. We illustrate four of them. (i) Graphiphora culea Guenee, Plate XXV Fig. i, $ . Syn. mudifica Morrison. This species is quite common in the Appalachian or Atlantic Subregion. (2) Graphiphora oviduca Guenee, Plate XXV, Fig. 2, $ . Syn. capsclla Grote; orobia Harvey. The insect has the same range as the preceding species, and is equally common. (3) Graphiphora alia Guenee, Plate XXV, Fig. 3. ? . Syn. instahilis Fitch; insciciis Walker; liibisci Guenee; confluens Morrison. Not a scarce species in the Atlantic Subregion. (4) Graphiphora garmani Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. 5, $ . A rather scarce insect ranging from western Pennsylvania throughout the valley of the iMississippi as far as Illinois and Iowa. 204 Explanation of Plate XXIV (Except when otherwise indicated, the specimens figured are con- tained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) 12. 13- 14 15- 16. 17- 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23- 24- 25- Mauiestra laudabilis Giienee, 9. Mamestra lorea Guenee, (J'. Mamestra riigosa Morrison , cJ* . Mamestra erecta Walker, (^ . Mamestra anguina Grote, ? . Mamestra vicina Grote, 9 ■ Mamestra neoterica Smith, (5^. Mam.estra negussa Smith, 9 • Admetovis oxymorus Grote, (S^ . Barathra occidentata Grote, 9 • Dargida procinctus Grote, c?. Meuronia americana Smith, cJ* . Morrisonia sectilis Guenee, (^^ . Morrisonia sectilis var. vome- rtna, Grote. 9 • Morrisonia conjusa Hiibner. (^ . Ulolonclie modesta Morrison, c? . Xylomiges simplex Walker, (^ . Xylomiges patalis Grote, 9 • Xylomiges perlitbcns Grote, c? . Xylomiges dolosa Grote, cJ^ . Xylomiges piilchella Smith, ^^ . Xylomiges cognata Smith, o" ■ Xylomiges indnrata Smith, c?. Scotogramnia submarina Grote, rf. Scotogramma itijuscaUi Smith. cf , U. S. N. M. 47. Heliophila pseiii 26. Scotogramma inconcinna Smith, d^, U. S. N. M. 27. Atiaria m el ano pa Thunherg, cJ'. 28. Anarta cordigera Thunberg. c?, 29. Anarta richardsoni Curtis, 9 • 30. Anarta schoenherri Zetterstedt, 31. Anarta inipingens Walker, (^ . 32. Triclioclea antica Smith, (f , U. S. N. M. ;^^. N ephelodes minians Gvienee, (^ . 34. Heliophila albilinea Hiibner, (j^. 35. Heliophila subpunciata Harvey, 9. 36. Heliophila heterodoxa Smith, (5^. 37. Orthodes crenulaia Butler, (^ . 38. Orthodes cynic a Guenee, (J\ 39. Heliophila multilinea Walker, 40. Heliophila unipitncla Haworth, 41. Heliophila minorata Smith, (^ . 42. Heliophila romuinidcs Guenee, 43. Crocigrapha normani Grote, (J*. 44. Hiniella contrahens Walker, 9 • 45 Orthodes puerilis Grote, c? . 46. Zosteropoda hirtipcs Grote, (^ , U. S. N. M. iargyria Guenee, 9 • The Moth Book Plate XXIV COPyRIGHTED BY w. J. HOL Noctuidas Genus STRETCHIA Henry Edwards This is an extensive genus, to wliich a number of Western species have been referred, it badly needs revision by a critical authority. We figure one of the best known forms. (i) Stretchia muricina, Plate XXV, Fig. 5, 5 . In addition to the figure given on the plate we annex a cut made from a drawing of a specimen contained in the collection of the late Henry Edwards, and now in the possession of the American Museum of p^^ Natural History in New York. 115. — StrctcJiia muricina. Genus PERIGONICA Smith This is a small genus, which we represent by a figure of the Coloradan insect to which Prof. J. B. Smith has applied the specific name fulminans. The male is depicted on Plate XXV, Fig. 6. Genus PERIGRAPHA Lederer The only species of this genus found in our fauna has been named prima by Professor Smith. It is represented by a drawing of the type, which is contained in the American Museum of Natural History. The insect is a native of California. Fig. 116 — Pcrigrapha prima. Genus TRICHOLITA Grote (i) Tricholita signata Walker, Plate XXV, Fig. 7, 6. Syn. soniapcrta Morrison. This is the only species of the genus found in the eastern portion ot the United States. There are four other species, but they are western in their habitat. Genus CLEOSIRIS Boisduval This is a small genus found in Europe as well as in America. The species which has been chosen to represent the genus was named populi by Strecker, who first described it. It is not at all uncommon in Colorado and Wyoming. It 205 Noctuidae occurs abundantly about the city of Laramie. It is represented upon Plate XXV, Fig. 8, by a female specimen. Genus PLEROMA Smith (i) Pleroma obliquata Smith, Plate XXV, Fig. ii, 5 . The species of this genus are all found in the western half of our territory. Genus LITHOMOIA Hiibner (i) Lithomoia germana Morrison, Plate XXV, Fig. 12,$. This is not at ail an uncommon species in the northern Atlantic States. Genus XYLINA Ochsenheimer An extensive genus found both in the New World and the Old. Thirty-five species are attributed to it as found in our fauna. Of this number ten are depicted in this book. (i) Xylina disposita Morrison, Plate XXV, Fig. 13, ? . (The Green-gray Pinion.) The moth is found in the northern Atlantic States. (2) Xylina petulca Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. 9, $ . (The Wanton Pinion.) Not a common species, having the same range as the preceding. (3) Xylina antennata Walker. (The Ashen Pinion.) Syn. cincrca Riley. The moth is a native of the Atlantic States. The larva feeds upon the apple, ponl;;r, hickory, and other deciduous trees. It has the habit of boring into apples and peaches, and the galls which are found upon oaks. The caterpillar is green, marked with a cream-colored lat- eral stripe, and spots of the same color. It pupates beneath the soil in a loose, filmy cocoon of silk, to which the particles of earth are adherent. Pupation takes place at the end of June, or the 206 Fig. 117. -Xylina antennata. a. Larva boring into peach, b. Moth. Noctuidee beginning of July, and the moth emerges in September and October. (4) Xylina laticinerea Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. 17, 3 . (The Broad Ashen Pinion.) The distribution of this species is the same as that of the last mentioned. (5) Xyiina innominata Smith, Plate XXV, Fig. 10, 5 . (The Nameless Pinion.) The range of the Nameless Pinion is from the Atlantic to Colorado. (6) Xylina unimoda Lintner, Plate XXV, Fig. 16, $ . (The Dowdy Pinion.) The species occurs in New England and the Middle States. (7) Xylina tepida Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. is, $. (The Warm Gray Pinion.) An eastern species, not uncommon in Pennsylvania. (8) Xylina baileyi Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. 19, ? . (Bailey's Pinion.) A rather pretty species, which has thus far only been reported from northern New York. (9) Xylina thaxteri Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. 18, ? . (Thaxter's Pinion.) The home of this species is New England. It was originally described from Maine. (10) Xylina pexata Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. 20, ?. (The Nappy Pinion.) Syn. wasliingioiiiiDia Grote. The species ranges from New England to Washington and Oregon. Genus LITHOLOMIA Grote There are only two species reckoned in this genus. The one, which we figure on Plate XXV, Fig. 22, by a male specimen, ranges over the entire northern portion of the United States from ocean to ocean, but is nowhere very common. The other species, L. dimbari Harvey, is only known from British Columbia. Genus CALOCAMPA Stephens The genus is found in both hemispheres. The species have a habitus which enables them to be easily recognized. Of the 207 Noctuidss six occurring within the faunal limits, with which this book deals, we illustrate two. (i) Calocampa nupera Lintner, Plate XXV, Fig. 24, $. (The American Swordgrass.) A rather large moth, easily distinguished from the following species by the absence of the dark markings, which are found in the disk of the primaries of the latter insect. It occurs in the Atlantic Subregion. (2) Calocampa curvimacula Morrison, Plate XXV, Fig. 23, $ . (The Dot and Dash Swordgrass.) The species is found throughout the northern portions of the United States and also in Canada. Genus CUCULLIA Schrank This is a considerable genus, which occurs in the temperate regions of both the Old World and the New. Four of the fourteen species attributed to our territory are chosen for repre- sentation. The larvc-e feed on Solidago and other Composites. (i) Cucullia convexipennis Grote & Robinson, Plate I, Fig. 3, larva; Plate XXV, Fig. 29, $. (The Brown-bordered Cucullia.) A native of the Atlantic States. (2) Cucullia asteroides Guenee, Plate XXV, Fig. 27, ? . (The Asteroid.) Found in the same localities as the last named species. (3) Cucullia speyeri Lintner, Plate XXV, Fig. 26, $ . (Speyer's Cucullia.) Ranges through Colorado, Wyoming, and the adjacent regions to the west. (4) Cucullia intermedia Speyer, Plate XXV, Fig. 30, ? . (The Intermediate Cucullia.) An Atlantic species. Genus COPICUCULLIA Smith (i) CopicucuUia propinqua Smith, Plate XXV, Fig. 28. ?, A native of Colorado and Wyoming 208 Noctuidae Genus RANCORA Smith (i) Rancora solidaginis Behr, Plate XXV, Fig. 25, ? . Syn. slrigata Smith. The range of this insect is from northern California to British Columbia. Genus LATHOSEA Grote ( 1 ) Lathosea pullata Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. 32, $ . The species occurs in Oregon and eastward to Colorado. (2) Lathosea ursina Smith, Plate XXV, Fig. 31, ?. A native of Colorado and the southern portions of Wyoming. Genus ASTEROSCOPUS Boisduval We are able to give a cut of the sole species which has been assigned from our fauna to this genus. It is based upon the type of the species which was named borealis by Smith, and which is preserved in the United States National Museum at ^ Washmgton. The msect is a male. borealis. \. TRAGEDY OF THE NIGHT-MOTH Alagna aiisiis 'Tis placid midnight, stars are keeping Their meek and silent course in heaven; Save pale recluse, for knowledge seeking, All mortal things to sleep are given. But see ! a wandering Night-moth enters, Allured by taper gleaming bright ; Awhile keeps hovering round, then ventures On Goethe's mystic page to light. With awe she views the candle blazing; A universe of fire it seems To moth-savante with rapture gazing, Or Fount whence Life and Motion streams. What passions in her small heart whirling, Hopes boundless, adoration, dread; At length her tiny pinions twirling, She darts, and— puff ! — the moth is dead. 209 Tragedy of the Night-Moth The sullen flame, for her scarce sparkling, Gives but one hiss, one fitful glare; Now bright and busy, now all darkling, She snaps and fades to empty air. Her bright gray form that spread so slimly. Some fan she seemed of pygmy Queen; Her silky cloak that lay so trimly, Her wee, wee eyes that looked so keen. Last moment here, now gone forever. To nought are passed with fiery pain; And ages circling round shall never Give to this creature shape again ! Poor moth ! near weeping I lament thee, Thy glossy form, thy instant woe; 'Twas zeal for "things too high" that sent thee From cheery earth to shades below. Short speck of boundless Space was needed For home, for kingdom, world to thee ! Where passed unheeding as unheeded Thy little life from sorrow free. But syren hopes from out thy dwelling Enticed thee, bade thee earth explore — Thy frame, so late with rapture swelling, Is swept from earth forevermore ! Poor moth ! thy fate my own resembles. Me, too, a restless, asking mind Hath sent on far and weary rambles. To seek the good I ne'er shall find. Like thee, with common lot contented, With humble joys and vulgar fate, I might have lived and ne'er lamented. Moth of a larger size, a longer date ! But Nature's majesty unveiling What seemed her wildest, grandest charms, Eternal Truth and Beauty hailing, Like thee, I rushed into her arms. What gained we, little moth ? Thy ashes. Thy one brief parting pang may show : And thoughts like these, for soul that dashes From deep to deep, are — death more slow ! Thomas Carlyle. 210 Explanation of Plate XXV (Except when otherwise indicated, the specimens figured are in the collection of W. J. Holland.) 1. Graphiphora culea Guenee, 9- 2. Graphiphora oviduca Guenee, o ' . 3. Graphiphora alia Guenee, 9 • 4. Graphiphora garinaiii Grote, cT , Merrick Col- lection. 5. Strctchia ninricina Grote, o^- 6. Perigonica jnhninans Smith, S' ■ 7. Tricholita signala. Walker, (^ . 8. Cleosiris popidi Strecker, 9 , U. S. N. M Q. Xylina petit tea Grote, 9 • 10. Xylina intioininata Smith, J^. 11. Pleronia obiiqiiaia Smith, cT, U. S. N. M. 12. Lithoinoia gerniana Morrison, 9- 13. Xylina disposita Morrison, 9 • 14. Honioglcsa carbonaria Harvey, 9 • 15. Xylina tepid a Grote, (f . 16. Xylina uninwda Lintner, (^ . 17. Xylina laticinerea Grote, c?. , 18. Xylina thaxteri Grote, 9 • 19. Xylina baileyi Grote, 9 • 20. Xylina pexata Grote, 9 . 21. Xylina capax Grote & Robinson. 22. Litholomia napcea Morrison, (^ . 23. Calncanipa curvimacula Morrison, cJ*. 24. Calocainpa )iupera Lintner, c?. 25. Rancora solidaginis Behr, 9 • 26. Cnciillia speycri Lintner, (^ . 27. Cucitllia astcroides Guenee, c' . 28. Copicncullia propinqua Sinith, 9 • 29. Cucullia convexipennis Grote & Robinson, c?. 30. Cucullia intermedia Speyer, 9 . 31. Lathosca nrsina Smith, 9 . U. S. N. M. 32. Lathosea pullaia Grote, c?, U. S. N. M. ;^Ti. Nonagria oblonga Grote, c? , U. S. N. M. 34. Nonagria subflava Grote, 9 ■ 35. Ommalostola lintneri Grote, c? , U. S. N. M. 36. Sphida obliqua Walker, 9 • The Moth Book Plate XXV Noctuid^e Genus BELLURA Walker We cause this genus to be represented by a figure of the species named gortynides by Walker. Synonyms are densa Walker, vulnifica Grote, mela- nopyga Grote. The insect is peculiar to the Atlantic States, so far as is known. The cut was drawn from a specimen in the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Fig. iig.—Bellura gortyniJes. 2 . {. Genus SPHIDA Grote (i) Sphida obliqua Walker, Plate XXV, Fig. }6, ? . Syn. obliquata Grote & Robinson. The range of this moth is from the Atlantic to the Mississippi. The specimen figured was taken by the writer at light in Minneapolis. It feeds in the stems of Typha laiifolia. Genus NONAGRIA Ochsenheimer A rather small genus of obscurely colored moths, the larvoe of which burrow in the stems of aquatic plants, below the water- line. The genus is represented in both hemispheres. Six species belong to our fauna. (i) Nonagria oblonga Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. 33, 6 . (The Large Nonagria. ) Syn. permagna Grote. This is a Southern species, thus far only recorded as found in Florida. (2) Nonagria subflava Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. 34, 9 . (The Yellowish Nonagria.) The insect ranges from Maine to Illinois, where it is found in the vicinity of lakes and pools of water in which rushes grow. Genus OMMATOSTOLA Grote (i) Ommatostolalintneri Grote, Plate XXV, Fig. 355. Thus far this species has only been recorded from New York and New Jersey. 211 Noctuida Genus ACHAT0DE3 Guenee (i) Achatodes zeae Harris, Plate I, Fig. 12, larva; Plate XXVI, Fig. 1,6. This common insect, like those of the next three genera, is a stem-feeder, burrowing in the pith of its food-plants. It feeds in stems of elder {Sambucus), and Indian corn. Genus GORTYNA Ochsenheimer This genus is represented in the faunas of both hemispheres. It is quite extensive. (1) Gortyna velata Walker, Plate XXVI, Fig. 3, $, . (The Veiled Gortyna.) Syn. sera Grote & Robinson. Not uncommon in the Atlantic States. (2) Gortyna nictitans Borkhausen, Plate XXVI, Fig. 2, $ . This species, which is also found in Europe, has an extensive synonymy. It is found from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and shows in different localities slight differences in ground-color and mark- ings, which have led to the creation of a number of subspecific distinctions by writers. (3) Gortyna immanis Guenee, Plate XXVI, Fig. 4, ? . (The Hop-vine Gortyna.) The insect is not often found south of New York and Nev/ England to any great extent, though its occur- rence as far south as Maryland as a rarity has been noted. From western New York it ranges across the continent to the Pacific. As it particularly infests Fig ). — Gortyna immanis. a. enlarged seg- ment of larva; b. larva; c. pupa; d. adult $ (After Howard.) the hop it will not be abundant in places where that plant is not grown. In the centre of the hop-growing region of 212 Noctuidae New Yoik and Ontario it is very abundant at times, and its depredations have been complained about by those interested in this industry. The eggs are laid on the young shoots and the little larvcT immediately bore into the stem near the tip. Here they remain until they are half an inch long, when they descend and attack the plant at the level of the ground. It has been rec- ommended to pinch the tips which are seen to be atTected and thus to kill the young worms. Various applications to be put about the roots have been advocated, for which the reader may consult "Bulletin No. 7 (New Series) of the United States Department of Agriculture." The hop-vines should at all events not be hilled up until the end of July or the beginning of August. This prevents the larvae from having easy access to the stems at the level of the ground. (4) Gortyna obliqua Harvey, Plate XXVI, Fig. 13, $ . (The Oblique Gortyna.) The habitat of this species is the Atlantic States and the Mississippi Valley. Genus PAPAIPEMA Smith (1) Papaipema inqussita Grote & Robinson, Plate XXVI, Fig. 5. 5 • This species is, so far as we know, confined to the northern Atlantic States. (2) Papaipema purpurifascia Grote & Robinson, Plate XXVI, Fig. 7, 6 . The range of this, as well as of all the species subsequently men- tioned, is the same as that of the first species named in the genus- (3) Papaipema nitela Guenee, Plate XXVI, Fig. 9, 6 . Form nebris Guenee, Plate XXVI, Fig. 8, $ . The caterpillar inflicts a good deal of damage upon Indian corn by burrowing into the end of the ear when the seed is in the milk. Those who have had to do with the preparation of roasting ,, , ^, -,.11 Fig. 121 — Larva of Papai- ears well know the unsightly larvae, p^ma nitela. (After Riley.) which, as they have stripped the husk from the cob, have revealed their presence. Cooks know more about these things than the farmer. The farmer 213 Noctuidae pulls his corn after the seed is hard and dry, but the "kitchen mechanic," who has to deal with green vegetables, often has light upon subjects which elude the observation of the grower. (4) Papaipema necopina Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. 12, ?. The species occurs in the Middle States, and has been more frequently found in New York than elsewhere. (5) Papaipema cerussata Grote & Robinson, Plate XXVI, Fig. 10, ? . A pretty species, which occurs in New England and the Northern States as far west as Minnesota. (6) Papaipema cataphracta Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. 6, $ . The species is found in the northern Atlantic States, and is not unusual in western Pennsylvania. (7) Papaipema marginidens Guenee, Plate XXVI, Fig. II, $ . A rather scarce species, which has the same range as the preceding. (8) Papaipema furcata Smith, Plate XXVI, Fig. 14, $ . The specimen shown on the plate was taken in western Pennsylvania. Genus OCHRIA Hubner Dr. Dyar in his recent list refers to this genus the insect which was accorded the specific name sauzaelitse by Grote. We give a figure of the moth taken from a specimen in the American Museum of Natural History, for the skilful delineation of which we are indebted to the facile fingers of Mrs. William Beutenmiiller, one of the most accomplished delineators of insect life in America. Genus PYRRHIA Hubner (1) Pyrrhia umbra Hufnagel, Plate XXVI, Fig. is, ?. This species, which occurs in Europe, ranges in North America from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains. Fig. 122. — OdiriasauzcElilce. \. Genus XANTHIA Hubner (1) Xanthia flavago Fabricius, Plate XXVI, Fig. 16, 5. Syn. togala Espcr; silagu IlCibner. 214 Noctuidas This is likewise a European species, which has a wide range in the northern parts of the United States. Genus JODIA Hiibner (i) Jodia rufago HQbner, Plate XXVI, Fig. 17, S. (The Red-winged Sallow.) Syn. honcsta Walker. A European as well as a North American species. Genus BROTOLOMIA Lederer (1) Brotolomia iris Guenee, Plate XXVI, Fig. 19, 9. Not a very common moth, which occurs from New England to Colorado. Genus TRIGONOPHORA Hubner ( I ) Trigonophora periculosa Guenee, var. v-brunneum Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. iS, o . This is a very common species, having the same range as the preceding. The form we figure has the V mark on the wings heavy and dark, in the typical form this mark is light in color. Genus CONSERVULA Grote ( I ) Conservula anodonta Guenee, Plate XXVI, Fig. 20, ? . A rather scarce species, which is found in the northern part of our territory, south of Canada, and east of the iVlississippi. Genus EUCIRRCEDIA Grote (i) Eucirrcedia pampina Guenee, Plate XXVI, Fig. 21, §. The moth comes out late in the fall. 1 have often found them when a warm day has occurred in the autumn, freshly emerged, and hanging from the stems of bushes from which all the leaves had already fallen. The insect is common in the Appalachian subregion. Genus SCOLIOPTERYX Germar (i) Scoliopteryx libatrix Linnaeus, Plate XXVI, Fig. 22, $ . (The Herald.) A common insect found in Europe and the entire temperate zone in North America. The larva feeds on willows. 215 Noctuidse Genus CHCEPHORA Grote & Robinson (i) Choephora fungorum Grote & Robinson, Plate XXVI, Fig. 23, ? . Not a very common moth. It is found among the AUeghanies in western Pennsylvania, and also occurs in other portions of the northern Atlantic subregion. Genus PSEUDORTHOSIA Grote The only species of the genus was named variabilis by Grote. It ranges from Cali- fornia to Colorado. We give a figure of the species drawn by Mrs. Beutenmuller from a specimen contained in the collection of the Fig. 123.— Pseudor- ^^te Henry Edwards, and now in the American thosia variabilis, $.{. Museum of Natural History. Genus PSEUDOGL^A Grote (i) Pseudoglaea blanda Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. 24, $ . Syn. tccdata Grote; dcccpta Grote. The habitat of the species is the Pacific States from which it ranges eastward to Texas and Colorado. Genus ANCHOCELIS Guenee (i) Anchocelis digitalis Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. 25, 5 . The only species in our fauna so far known is found in the northern Atlantic States. Genus SELICANIS Smith Under this generic name Prof. J. B. Smith in 1900 described a species from Colorado to which he gave the specific name cinereola. The type of this insect, which is preserved in the United States National Museum, is represented in the accompanying cut. Fig. 124. — Selicanis cinereola, $ . {. Genus TAPINOSTOLA Lederer (i) Tapinostola variana Morrison, Plate XXVI, Fig. 26, $. The figure we give is taken from a specimen belonging to the United States National Museum and coming from Michigan. 216 Noctuidae Genus FAGITANA Walker Two species, which were formerly attributed to the genus Pseudolinidcodes Grote, occur in the United States. We figure both of them. (i) Fagitana obliqua Smith, Plate XXVI, Fig. 27, $> . The habitat of this species is Florida. (2) Fagitana littera Guenee, Plate XXVI, Fig. 28, ? . Syn. lucidata Walker; niveicostatus Grote. This is a rare insect, which occurs in the Atlantic States. Genus COSMIA Ochsenheimer (i) Cosmia paleacea Esper, Plate XXVI, Fig. }2, 5. (The Angle-striped Sallow.) Syn. discolor Walker; itifn>nata Grote. This insect is found all over northern Europe and the United States. Genus ORTHOSIA Ochsenheimer The genus is well represented both in the New World and the Old. Of the fifteen species reckoned as belonging to our fauna two are selected for illustration. (i) Orthosia bicolorago Guenee, Plate XXVI, Fig. 29, 6 . An eastern species, which is not uncommon. (2) Orthosia helva Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. 30, ? . A very common species in the Atlantic States, ranging west- ward as far as Colorado. Genus PARASTICHTIS Hubner (l) Parastichtis discivaria Walker, Plate XXVI, Fig. 31, 4. Syn. gentilis Grote Found throughout the northern Atlantic States. Genus SCOPELOSOMA Curtis This genus represented in Europe by a single species is represented in the United States and Canada by half a score of species. They appear upon the wing very early in the spring, when the nights are still cool and even frosty. This fact is the reason why they are for the most part not well represented in 217 Noctuidae collections. A good place to collect them is in maple-sugar camps, about the sap-buckets. (i) Scopelosoma moffatiana Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. 33, $ . (Moffat's Sallow.) This as well as all of the other species is found in the northern portion of the Atlantic subregion. (2) Scopelosoma ceromatica Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. 34, ? . (The Anointed Sallow.) Ranges from New Jersey to Maine. (3) Scopelosoma walked Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. 35, $ . (Walker's Sallow.) The moth is known to fly from Texas to Iowa and eastv/ard to Maine and Canada. The larva feeds upon oaks. (4) Scopelosoma devia Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. 42, $ . (The Lost Sallow.) It occurs in northern New York and Canada. Genus ORRHODIA Hubner The genus is found both in Europe and America. Prof. Smith has attributed to it a species to which he gave the name of cali- fornica. The type is in the United States National Museum and the annexed figure gives Fig i2s.—Orrhodia ^ representation of it. It is the only species of calijornica. the genus in our fauna. Genus GL.ffiA Hiabner (i) Glaea viatica Grote, Plate XXVI, Fig. 38, t & Smith; specianda Strecker. Found from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Canada southward into Mexico. Genus HELIOCHEILUS Grote (i) Heliocheilus paradoxus Grote, Plate XX VII, Fig. 15, 5 . The insect ranges from the middle of the Mississippi Valley south and west. It does not appear to be common in collections. Genus HELIOTHIS Ochsenheimer The genus is represented in both hemispheres by a number of species. It used to be made to include a large assemblage of insects, but latterly has been restricted by authors. (i) Heliothis armiger Hubner, Plate XXVII, Fig. 17, $> . (The Boll-worm.) This insect, which is known to English entomologists as the "Scarce Bordered Straw," is unfortunately not scarce in the Fig. 130. — BoU-womi feeding upon a tomato. (After Riley.) Noctuidae United States, and being of a singularly gluttonous habit in the larval stage, has become the object of execration to farmers and horticulturists. It is a very promis- cuous feeder, but shows a special fondness for young Indian corn in the ear and for cotton bolls. On account of the latter peculiarity it has received the name we have applied above. It attacks the fruit of the tomato when still green, and causes it to rot on the vines. It also feeds upon pumpkins, peas, beans, hemp, and, it is said, upon tobacco. An excellent ac- count of its habits hos been given by Prof. C. V. Riley in his "Third Annual Report " as State Entomologist of Missouri. It is from that paper that we have extracted the figures, which are herewith given, and v/hich serve to illus- trate the life-history of the insect. The Fig 131^-Heliothisarmiger. a. Egg viewed from j^^^j^ ranges all over the side ; b. Egg viewed from on top (both eggs , , , . _ magnified) ; c. Larva; ,;>,■ located where we have put Fig. 143. — Larva of Psychomorpha epi- _ / menis. a, FviU grown caterpillar; 6, side it, among the Noctuidce. view of segment enlarged; c, hump on Larval characteristics, how- eleventh segment. (After Riley.) ever, show a great likeness in this stage of develop- ment to the species included in the genus Alypia. The accom- panying cut, which we have reproduced from the writings of Prof. C. V. Riley, may be compared in this connection with the figure of the larva oi Alypia octoinaculata given on page 144. Genus PSEUDALYPIA Henry Edwards This genus, like the preceding, has been located by some recent writers among the Agaristidce. The moth is undoubtedly a Noctuid. I have placed it here in the order of arrangement, believing that upon the whole it is better located at this point in the serial arrangement than anywhere else. The figure annexed is that of the type preserved in the American Museum of Natural History. It was drawn by Mrs. Beutenmuller. Fig. 144.— Pseuda- lypia croichi, 5 . \. Genus EUTHISANOTIA Hubner^^ (i) Euthisanotia unio Hobner, Plate XVll, Fig. 24, $ . (The Pearly Wood-nymph.) This lovely moth has a wide range throughout the eastern portions of our territory as far v/est as the Mississippi. (2) Euthisanotia grata Fabricius, Plate XVII, Fig. ^ i . (The Beautiful Wood-nymph.) vr Syn. assimilis Boisduval. 2}2 Noctuidse This is a much larger has practically the same range of distribution. The affinity of the genus to the genus Psychomorpha i s clearly shown by the larva, a representation of which is given in the annexed cut taken from the writings of Prof. C. V. Riley, who de- voted considerable time to the study of the life-history of these insects. species than the preceding. It Fig. 14^.— Euthisanotta grata, a, Full- grown larva; b, enlarged segment, side view; c, cervical shield from behind; d, anal hump from behind; e-f, top and side views of egg, enlarged. (After Riley.) Genus CIRIS Grote (i) .Ciris wilsoni Grote, Plate XIX, Fig. 2, $ . This insect occurs in Texas and Arizona. It has also been referred to the Agaristidce and to the Zygcenidx by various authors. There is, however, no doubt as to its being a true Noctuid. Genus NOROPSIS Guenee (i) Noropsis hieroglyphica Cramer, Plate XXVIIl, Fig. I.?. This very pretty moth has a wide range in the hotter portions of America. It is found in Florida, and represents the invasion of our southern territory by the fauna of the Antilles, and South America. Genus FENARIA Grote (i) Fenaria longipes Druce. Plate XI, Fig. 16, 5 . The species occurs in Arizona and ranges thence southwardly into Mexico. (2) Fenaria sevorsa Grote, Plate XVII, Fig. 12, ? . Syn. asdessa Drucc. The species has the same range as the preceding. " I love the season well When forest glades are teeming with bright forms." Longfellow. An April Day. 233 Noctuidae Genus ACHERDOA Walker Only one species of the genus is attributed to it from our fauna. It received the specific name ferra- ria at the hands of the late Francis Walker, and was renamed oniata by Neumoegen. The cut we give was drawn by Mrs. Beuten- muller from a specimen in the American Fig. iJi6.—Acherdoa Museum of Natural History. It represents fcrraria, $ . {. the male insect. Genus AON Neumoegen (i) Aon noctuiformis Neumoegen, Plate XLl, Fig. 18, $ . This is not an uncommon moth in southern Texas. Genus CIRRHOPHANUS Grote (i) Cirrhophanus triangulifer Grote, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 2, $ . The insect varies considerably in size, the specimen depicted on the plate being rather small. It is not an uncommon species in the southern States, and is also found as far north as Pennsylvania. Genus BASILODES Guenee (i) Basilodes pepita Guenee, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 7, ? . The genus Basilodes contains a number of species which are all, with the single exception of this species, natives of the south- western portions of our territory. The present species occurs from Pennsylvania to Florida and westward to Colorado. The insect has been occasionally taken in Pittsburgh. Genus STIRIA Grote (i) Stiria rugifrons Grote, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 5, S. The specimen figured on the plate was caught by the writer in southern Indiana. It is reported also from Kansas and Colorado. It probably has a wide range, but is as yet rare in collections. Genus STIBADIUM Grote (i) Stibadium spumosum Grote, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 3, $. The insect ranges from New York to Colorado and south- ward. It 'is very abundant in southern Indiana, where it comes freely to sugar. Noctuidas Genus PLAGIOMIMICUS Grote There are five species reckoned as belonging to this genus. All of them are southwestern and western forms, except the one we figure. (i) Plagiomimicus pityochromus Grote, Plate XX VIII, Fig. 9. ? • This moth is quite common in western Pennsylvania. It ranges southward and westward to the Gulf States and Colorado. Genus FALA Grote (i) Fala ptycophora Grote, Plate XXVllI, Fig. 4, ? . The habitat of this insect, which is the sole representative of its genus, is California. Genus NARTHECOPHORA Smith This is another genus in which we recognize thus far only one species. (i) Narthecophora pulverea Smith, Plate XXVlll, Fig. II,?. The figure is taken from a specimen determined by the author of the species, and contained in the United States National Museum. Genus NEUMCEGENIA Grote The only species of this genus was named poetica by Grote. It is a beautiful little moth, the fore wings being bright metallic green, with a golden reflection, the light spot, which is outwardly trifid, and the costa being creamy yellow. The drawing for the annexed cut was made from the type which is preserved at the ^'^' 147— ^Ve-wmo?- Brooklyn Institute. ^ • o 1 Genus PLUSIODONTA Guenee The only species of this small genus recognized as found in North America was named compressipalpis by Guenee. Walker renamed it insignis. It is represented on Plate XXVIII, Fig. 6, by a male specimen. The insect is a native of the Atlantic subregion, and is locally very common in western Pennsylvania. 235 Noctuidas Genus GONODONTA Hubner This genus is representative of the tropical fauna of America, and but two species occur within our limits, both of them in the warmer parts of Florida. (i) Gonodonta unica Neumoegen, Plate XXVIli, Fig. lo. $. The larval stages have been well described by Dyar in the " Proceedings of the United States National Museum," Vol. XXIII, p. 272. The caterpillar feeds on Anona laurifolia, the Custard- apple. Genus CALPE Treitschke The genus Calpe is found in the temperate regions of both hemispheres. Only one species occurs in America. (i) Calpe canadensis Bethune, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 8, ?. (The Canadian Calpe.) Syn. purpurascens Walker; sobria Walker. The range of this species is restricted to the colder portions of our territory. It is found in Canada, rarely in northern New York, and ranges westward to Alberta. Genus PANCHRYSIA Hubner This genus, which is generally known under Walker's name Deva, is better represented in the eastern hemisphere than in the western. We figure one species of the four credited to our fauna. (i) Panchrysia purpurigera Walker, Plate XXVIII, Fig. This pretty little moth, which is not very common, ranges from New England and Canada to Colorado and New Mexico. Genus POLYCHRYSIA Hlibner Two species, both of which we figure, are attributed to this genus as occurring within our territory. (i) Polychrysia moneta Fabricius, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 12, ? . Syn. trabea Smith. This is a European insect, v/hich is found also in Alberta and Assiniboia. (2) Polychrysia formosa Grote, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 14, $ . So far, all the specimens which have come under the obser- vation of the writer have been taken in New England or in New York. 2^6 Noctuida: Genus PLUSIA Hubner Three of the four species attributed to the genus as found in America are represented upon our plate. (i) Plusia asrea Hobner, Plate XXViil, Fig. i6, $ . The moth ranges from Nova Scotia to Florida and westward to Texas and the region of the Rocky Mountains. (2) Plusia seroides Grote, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 17, 5 . The distribution of this species is almost identical with that of Plusia cvrca. The larva feeds on various species of Spiri^a. (3) Plusia balluca Geyer, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 22, $ . The species is not uncommon in the northern Atlantic States. Genus EUCHALCIA Hubner (i) Euchalcia contexta Grote, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 23, 6 . The species is found from Maine to Wisconsin, and occasion- ally as far south as the mountains of central Pennsylvania. (2) Euchalcia putnami Grote, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 15, <5 . Dr. Dyar with questionable correctness treats this species as a form of the European fesiticce Linnaeus. There is no doubt of the distinctness of the two. (3) Euchalcia venusta Walker, Plate XX VIII, Fig. 21, ? . Syn. striatella Grote. The range of this species is from Nova Scotia and Canada southward to the mountains of West Virginia. Genus EOSPHOROPTERYX Dyar (i) Eosphoropteryx thyatiroides Guenee, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 18, 6. This lovely moth is still very rare in collections. It ranges from New England and Canada to the mountains of Virginia and westward into the Valley of the Mississippi. Genus AUTOGRAPHA Hubner This is a large assemblage of species, about fifty being recog- nized as occurring in the United States. Of this number we are only able to figure about one third. 237 Noctuidae (i) Autographa bimaculata Stephens, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 19. ^• Syn. u-brevis Guenee. This is a common species in the northern Atlantic States. (2) Autographa biloba Stephens, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 24, $ . The species is distributed widely from the Atlantic to the Pacific. (3) Autographa verruca Fabricius, Plate XXVIII, Fig. 20, $ . Syn. omega Hiibner; oo Cramci-; omicron Hiibner; qiicstionislT, U. S. N. M. 3. Stibadiiini spurnosiim Grote, ^ ■ 4. Fahi ptychophorn Grote, (J*, U. S. N. M. 5. Stiria rtigifroiis Grote, c?. 25. Aiiiographa rogaiionis Guenee, 26. Autographa basigcm Walker, 27. Autographa flagel/iiiii Walker, 6. Plitsiodonta conipressipalpis 28. Autographa prccatkniis Guvnee, Guenee, (^ . c? . 7. Basilodes pcpita Guenee, 9- 2g. Autographa egcna Guenee. c? . 8. Calpe canadensis Bethune, 9 . .30. Autographa oxygranuua Geyer U. S. N. M. o". 9. PI agio mimic us pityochromus 31. Autographa am pla Walker, 9- Grote, 9 • 32. Autographa rectaiigula Kirby, 10. Gnnodonta unica NeumoE'gen, 9 • 9 , U. S. N. M. 11. Narthecophora pulverea Smith. 9, U. S. N. M. 12. Polychrysia moneta Fabricius, var. esmerelda, Oberthiir, 9 • ^7,. Autographa ou Guex^L'v, (J^ . 34. Autographa vaccduii Henry Edwards, c?. T,^. A utographa p s e ti d o g a ni iii a Grote. cf. 13. Panchrysia purpurigera 36. Autographa brassica- Riley, c?. 37. .4 utographa simplex Gvienee, c? . 38. Autographa angulidcns Siuith, 39. Autographa selecta Walker, (^ . 40. Syngrapluj devergens Hiibner, ' 9. 4 1 . Syngrapha ho c he nw a r t h i Hochenwarth, (J*. 42. Abrostola urentis Guenee, c?. 20. Autographa verruca Fabricius, 43. Abrostola ovalis Qnexiee, cJ* . ^, 44. Behrensia conchijormis. Grote, 21. Euchalcia venusta Walker, (J*. cJ'. U. S. N. M. Walker, J'. 14. Polychrysia formosa Grote, cj* . 15. Euchalcia putnami Grote, c?. t6. Plusia (Br ea Huhncr. (^ . I 7 . Plusia ceroides Grote , 9 ■ iS. Eosphoropteryx thyatir aides Guenee, cj* . 19. A ut o gr a p ha b i m ac ulat a Stephens, c? . The Moth Ecok Plate XXV 111 Noctuidee Genus BEHRENSIA Grote Only one species has thus far been attributed to this genus, (i) Behrensia conchiformis Grote, Plate XXVIll, Fig. 44. 3- This little insect, which is as yet very rare in collections, is tuund in northern California and Oregon. Genus DIASTEMA Guenee (i) Diastema tigris Guenee. Syn. lineata Walker. The sole species belonging to the genus, which occurs within our borders, has been reported from Florida. We give in the ac- companying cut an illustration of a specimen which is found in the American Museum of pio. i^g.— Diastema Natural History. tigris. Genus OGDOCONTA Butler (i) Ogdoconta cinereola Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. i, ?. Syn. atomaria Walker. This is not at all an uncommon species in the Atlantic sub- region. I have found it particularly abundant in southern Indiana, where it comes freely both to light and to sugar. Genus P^CTES Hiibner Eight species are enumerated as belonging to this genus in Dyar's recently published Catalogue. Of these we have given illustrations of three in our plates. (i) Paectes abrostoloides Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. }, ?. The insect occurs in the Atlantic States, and ranges westward into the Mississippi Valley. (2) Paectes pygmsea Hiibner, Plate XXIX, Fig. 2, $, . This is a southern species. The specimen from which the figure on the plate was taken was captured in Texas. (3) Paectes oculatrix Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 4, 5 . The species is by no means very common. It has a wide range from the Atlantic into the basin of the Mississippi. The specimen figured on the plate was taken in western Pennsylvania. I have specimens from Indiana and Illinois. 241 Noctuidse Genus EUTELIA Hubner (i) Eutelia pulcherrima Grote. Syn. dentijera Walker. The only species of this genus known to occur within our territory is that which is figured in the accompanying cut, which Fig. 150. — Eutelia pulcherrima, ^ . \. was made from the type now in the possession of the British Museum. The insect is found in New York and New Jersey, but probably has a wider southern range. It is as yet very rare in collections. Genus MARASMALUS Grote (1) Marasmalus inficita Walker, Plate XXIX, Fig. 6, 6 . Syn. histrio Grote. This species is found from the northern Atlantic States and Canada southward and westward to Texas and Colorado. (2) Marasmalus ventilator Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 3, $ . This species, which is considerably larger than the preceding, has the wings more or less marked by reddish scales, which enables it to be easily discriminated from its congener. Its range is practically the same. Genus AMYNA Guenee (i) Amyna octo Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 7, ? . This little moth has suffered more than any other known to the writer by being made the sport of the makers of synonyms. No less than nineteen synonyms have been applied to it in addi- tion to its true name. In Dyar's Catalogue it appears under the name orbica Morrison, and tecta Grote is given as a synonym. The student who wishes to know what some of the other names are which have been given to it may consult Hampson's "Moths of India," Vol. II, p. 2Si. It is found throughout the hot lands of both hemispheres. 242 Noctuidse Genus PTERiETHOLIX Grote (i) Ptersetholix bullula Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. The habitat of this little moth is the Gulf States. 8,6 Genus Alabama Grote (i) Alabama argillacea HCibner, Plate XXiX, Fig. ii, c^. (The Cotton-worm Moth). Syn. xyliiia vSay; grandi puncta Guenee; bipunciijia Gucn^e. The Cotton-worm Moth is one of a number of insects which annually inflict a vast amount of damage upon the crops in the southern por- tion 0 f 0 u r \^. '■^--^■^jf country. In ^^^ ..««^a»h**^^^I^^ -C"^- Prof. C o m - stock's " R e- port upon the insects which are injurious to cotton," pub- lished in 1879, and in the "Fourth Re- port of the United States E ntomological Co mmission," there is given a great deal of valuable and interesting information in regard to this species. Much may also be learned about it from the study of the "Missouri Reports"' published by the late Prof, C. V. Riley. The range of the insect is very broad. It sometimes, though very rarely, occurs as far north as Canada. From this northernmost location it has been found ranging southward as far as Argentina. It sometimes appears to migrate in swarms. A number of years ago, during a heavy snowstorm in November, myriads of the moths suddenly appeared in the city of Pittsburgh, and they came flying in the evening to the electric lights. From one store the proprietor said that he had swept them out by the 243 Fig. 151. — Alabama argillacea. a. Egg: b. immature larva; c. lateral view of mature larva; d. dorsal view of mature larva; c. leaf in which pupation takes place; /. pupa. (After Riley.) Ncctuidse quart. I have a few of the insects which thus appeared, and the figure on the plate is taken from one of these specimens. Genus ANOMIS Hiibner The species belonging to this genus are mainly southern. There is considerable uncertainty as to the identification of some of the species, which were named by the older authors. Of the four reputed to be found within our limits we figure the one which is commonest. (i) Anomis erosa HQbner, Plate XXIX, Fig. 12, $. Occasionally found as far north as New England. Ranging thence southward into the South American continent. Genus SCOLECOCAMPA Guenee The only species of the genus so fir known to occur in the United States was named liburna by Geyer. Guenee subse- quently called it ligtii. The larva feeds in decaying wood, particularly that of oaks, chestnuts, and hickories. It tunnels its way through the softer parts, and after reaching maturity makes a loose cocoon composed of a few strands of silk mi.xed with chips and the frass left in the burrow, from which it emerges in due season as the moth, which is represented on Plate XXIX, Fig. 16, by a male specimen. Genus EUCALYPTERA Morrison A small genus, the species of which are confined to the southern States and to Mexico and Central America. (1) Eucalyptera strigata Smith, Plate XXIX, Fig. 9, <5 . The habitat of this species is Texas. Genus CILLA Grote (1) Cilia distema Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 10, i . This obscure little moth, the only representative of the genus in our territory, has hitherto only been reported from Texas. Genus AMOLITA Grote (i) Amolita fessa Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. i), $ . The moth occurs from Massachusetts to Florida and westward to Texas and Colorado. . 244 Noctuidse Genus RIVULA Guenee (i) Rivula propinqualis Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 14, $ . The range of this insect is from Nova Scotia to Texas, and across the continent as far as the Rocky Mountains. Genus PSEUDORGYIA Harvey (i) Pseudorgyia versuta Harvey, Plate XXIX, Fig. 17, 5 . This insect is thus far only known to us from Texas. Genus DORYODES Guenee (i) Doryodes bistriaris Geyer, Plate XXIX, Fig. 15, 5 . Syn. acutaria Herrich-Schasffer; divisa Walker; promptella Walker. There are three species of the genus found in our territory, one of them, so far as is known to the writer, as yet unnamed. The insect we are considering ranges from Maine to Florida and westward to Colorado. Genus PHIPROSOPUS Grote (i) Phiprosopus caliitrichoides Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig 18,?. Syn. nasiitaria Zeller; acntalis Walker. The species ranges from New York to Texas. Genus ANEPISCHET03 Smith The only species thus far referred to this genus, which was erected by Smith in 1900 for its reception, received at the hands of that author the specific name bipartita. A figure of the type, which is contained in the collec- tion of the United States National Museum, is a>.^^;. 1 '/^l'->, > /incpiscltetos btpar^ given in the accompanying cut. tua^ ± 1 Genus DIALLAGMA Smith This genus was erected at the same time as the preceding by the same author for the reception of the insect of which we give a representation in Fig. 153. Its habitat, as Fig. iss.—DiaUag- also that of the last mentioned species, is ma hitea, $ . |. Florida. 245 Noctuidae Genus PLEONECTYPTERA Grote This is a genus of moderate size, which by some writers has heretofore been placed among the Pyralidcv, though it is undoubtedly correctly located among the NoctuidcB. Eight species are credited to our founa in the latest catalogue. (i ) Pleonectyptera pyralis HQbner, Plate XXIX, Fig. 19, ? . Syn. irrecta Walker; floccalis Zeller. The insect ranges through the southern Atlantic States to Central and South America. Genus ANNAPHILA Grote A genus of moderate extent, embracing over a dozen species, which are found within the United States. (1) Annaphila diva Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 20, $ . The habitat of this pretty little moth is California. (2) Annaphila lithosina Henry Edwards, Plate XXIX, Fig. 21,? . The specimen figured in the plate came from southern California. Genus INCITA Grote Only a single species, the type of the genus, is known. The figure we give in the annexed cut is drawn from the type in the possession of the American Museum of Natural Historv in New York. Genus TRICHOTARACHE Grote The sole representative of this genus in our fauna is the insect the type of which is given in the accompanying figure, drawn for this work by Mr. Horace Knight, of London. Fig. 155. — Trichotaravlic assi')iulis Grote, $. \. The habitat of the moLh is California. 246 Noctuidse Genus EUSTROTIA Hiibner This is quite an extensive genus, of which eighteen species are included in our fauna. Of this number we give illustrations of seven. (i) Eustrotia albidula Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig 22, ? . Syn. mtractabilis Walker. This little moth ranges from the Atlantic to the Mississippi, and further west. (2) Eustrotia concinnimacula Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 23, ?. Not an uncommon species in the Atlantic subregion. (3) Eustrotia synochitis Grote & Robinson, Plate XXIX, Fig. 24, 6 . The distribution of this species is the same as that of the last. It occurs from Canada to Texas. (4) Eustrotia musta Grote & Robinson, Plate XXIX, Fig. Found from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains. (s) Eustrotia muscosula Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 26, $ . The moth has the same ranges as the last mentioned species. It is verv common in Indiana. (6) Eustrotia apicosa Haworth, Plate XXIX, Fig. 27, $, . Syn. nigritida Gueiie\ A very common species, having the same range as its prede- cessor. (7) Eustrotia carneola Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 28, ? . Syn. biplaga Walker. What has been said of the last species applies also to this, except that it is, if anything, even more common. Genus GALGULA Guenee (i) Gaigula hepara Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 31, 3 . Syn. externa Walker. Form partita Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. }2, $ . Syn. vcsca Morrison; sub partita Guenee. This common insect exists, as is shown in the plates, in two forms, one quite dark, the other lighter. It is an inhabitant of the Atlantic subregion, and is particularly abundant in western Pennsylvania. 247 Noctuidae Genus AZENIA Grote (i) Azenia implora Grole, Plate XXIX, Fig. 29, 9 . Not an uncommon insect in Arizona. Genus LITHACODIA Hubner ( I ) Lithacodia bellicula Hubner, Plate XXIX, Fig. 30, $ . This little moth may be found from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains, it is the only species of its genus occurring in the United States. Genus PROTHYMIA Hubner (i) Prothymia rhodarialis Walker, Plate XXIX, Fig. 38, ? . Syn. coccincifascia Grote. The species ranges from Massachusetts to Texas. (2) Prothymia semipurpurea Walker, Plate XXIX, Fig. 36, $. The species has the same range as the last. The specimen figured was taken at New Brighton, Pa., by the Messrs. Merrick, whose ardent and successful labors as collectors of the local fauna deserve all praise. (3) Prothymia orgyi.^ Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 37, $. This is a Texan species. Genus EXYRA Grote (i) Exyra semicrocea Guesiee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 35, ? . There are four species of the genus Exyra attributed to our fauna, but only one of these is figured. The species are mainly southern in their range. Exyra semicrocea is found from New Jersey southward and westward as far as Texas. Genus XANTHOPTERA Guenee Two of the four species which are found within the limits of the United States are represented upon our plates. (1) Xanthoptera nigrofimbria Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 33. 6- The insect is found in the southern portions of the Appalachian subregion. 248 Noctuida (2) Xanthoptcra semiflava Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 34, $ . The distribution of this species is identical with that of the one last mentioned. Genus THALPOCHARES Lederer The only species of this genus found within our faunal limits is a native of Florida. It received the specific name aetheria at the hands of Mr. Grote. The illustration we give is drawn Fig. j^6.—Thalpocharcsa'thcria, 5 . |. from the type which is preserved in the British Museum, and was drawn for this book by Mr. Horace Knight under the direction of Sir George F. Hampson. The insect is not common in collections. Genus EUMESTLETA Butler Seven species are given by Dyar in his Catalogue as occurring within the limits of the United States. The insects have a southern and southwestern range, occurring in the Gulf States and in Arizona. We have selected one of them for illustration. (1) Eumestleta flammicincta Walker, Plate XXIX, Fig. 39. 3. Syn. patiila Morrison; patruelis Grote. The habitat of this insect is Florida and Texas. It received Genus GYROS Henry Edwards There is only one species of this genus known, the name muiri through Mr. Henry Edwards in honor of his friend, John Muir, the well-known writer, whose charming descriptions of the natural beauties of the western portions of our continent have established for him an enviable position in the world of letters. The moth is Fig. 157.— (7>to5 found in California. w"^>». 5 f 249 Noctuida Genus TRIPUDIA Grote This is a genus of considerable size, represented in the western and southwestern States by nine species, and well represented in the fauna of Mexico and Central America. (i) Tripudia opipara Henry Edwards, Plate XXIX, Fig. 40, $ . This is a very common species in Texas. Genus METAPONIA Duponchel The genus is represented in both hemispheres. Three species occur in our fauna. Of these we figure two. (i) Metaponia obtusa Herrich-Schaeffer, Plate XXiX, Fig. 41. ?• Syn. obiusula Zeller. The insect occurs from the valley of the Ohio southward to Texas. It is commoner in the south than in the north. (2) Metaponia perflava Harvey, Plate XXIX, Fig. 42, ?. Not an uncommon species in Texas. Genus CHAMYRIS Guence (i) Chamyris cerintha Treitschke, Plate XXIX, Fig. 43, ?. The species is found from New England and Canada south- ward to the Carolinas aud westward to Kansas. The larva feeds on the Rosacece. The insect is very common in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Genus TORNACONTIA Smith Two species have been attributed to this genus. One of them, which received the specific name sutrix at the hands of Grote, is represented in the annexed cut. It was drawn by Mrs. Beutenmuller from a specimen in the collection of the United States Museum of Natural History in New York. Fig. i^s.—Torna- The insect is found in the region of the Rocky contia sutrix, $, . \. Mountains. 250 Noctuids Genus THERASEA Grote This is a small genus, represented in our fauna by two species, (i) Therasea flavicosta Smith, Plate XXIX, Fig. 47, $. The moth occurs in the region of the Rocky Mountains. Genus TARACHE Hubner The genus is found in both hemispheres. It is well repre- sented in our fauna, thirty-five species being known to occur within the limits of the United States and Canada. Eleven of these are figured upon our plates. (i) Tarache terminimacula Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 46, $• The species ranges from Massachusetts to Illinois. (2) Tarache delecta Walker, Plate XXIX, Fig. 48, ? . Syn. nictallica Grote. The range of this species is along the Atlantic coast. It occurs in the salt-marshes on Long island and New Jersey, and ranges thence southward to Texas. (3) Tarache flavipennis Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 52, $ . The habitat of this species is the Pacific coast. (4) Tarache lactipennis Harvey, Plate XXIX, Fig. 4^, ? . Not at all an uncommon species in Texas. (5) Tarache lanceolata Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 49, $ . This species, like the preceding, occurs in Texas. (6) Tarache sedata Henry Edwards, Plate XXIX, Fig. 535. The habitat of this insect is Arizona. (7) Tarache aprica Hubner, Plate XXIX, Fig. 50, $ . The range of this species is from the valley of the Ohio south- ward to Texas and westward to Colorado. (8) Tarache erastrioides Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 54, ? . The moth is found in New England and Canada and south- ward so far as West Virginia and Indiana. (9) Tarache virginalis Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 51. ? . The habitat of the species is from Kansas to Arizona. (10) Tarache binocula Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 44, $ . The range of this species is the same as that of the preceding. (11) Tarache libedis Smith, Plate XXIX, Fig. 55, $ . The home of this insect is New Mexico and Colorado. 251 Noctuidae Genus FRUVA Grote The species belonging to this genus are southern and south- western in their distribution. Six are known. (i) Fruva apicella Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 56, ? . Svn. truncatula Zeller; accepta Henry Edwards. A very common species in the Gulf States. Genus SPRAGUEIA Grote A genus of small, but very attractively colored moths, which requent the flowers of the CoinpositiV m the later summer. (i) Spragueia onagrus Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 57, 3. The moth occurs quite abundantly in southwestern Pennsyl- vania and the valley of the Ohio, and ranges thence southwardly. It is common on the blossoms of the golden-rod ( Solidago. ) (2) Spragueia plumbifimbriata Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. S8, ?. This modestly colored species is found in Texas. (3) Spragueia dama Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 59, S . Syn. trifariana Walker. This is a common species in the southern States. (4) Spragueia guttata Grote, Plate XXIX, Fig. 60, $ . This pretty moth ranges from Texas to Costa Rica. Genus CALLOPISTRIA Hiibner (i) Callopistria floridensis Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 61, $ . As the name indicates, the species is from Florida. Genus METATHORASA Moore A genus represented in both hemispheres, and particularly well in Asia. (i) Metathorasa monetifera Guenee, Plate XXIX, Fig. 62, ?. A native of the Appalachian subregion, ranging from Canada to Florida. Thus far it does not appear to have been reported from any locality west of the Allegheny Mountains. I found it one summer quite abundantly at Saratoga, New York. 2'-)2 Explanation of Plate XXIX (Except when otherwise indicated, the specimens figured are con- tained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) 35. Exyra semicrocca Guenee. $ , U. S. N. M. 3 6 . Prothymia semipur pii rt'ciWalker, ? 10. Ogdocontu cincrcoia Guenee Pcectes pygiiicea Hubner, c? • Pcectes abrosloloidcs Guenee, 9 • PcBctes occiilatrix Guenee, d^ , Merrick Collection. M arasmalus ventilator Grote, 9 . Al aras)i!alus inficita Walker, d^- A iiiyna octoGuenee , 9 ,U.S.N.M. Ptcrcstholix biillida Grote, cJ* , U. S. N. M. Eucalypiera strigata Smith, cJ*. Cilia disteina Grote, (J*. Alabama argillacea Hubner, (J'. Aiioiiiis crosa Hubner, 9 • .■b;;o/;7a/V.s-.s-aGrote.c?,U.S.N.M. Rli'itla pro puiqualis .Guenee, 9 • I)oryi>Jcs bistriaris Gayer, S" ■ Scolecocam pa liburna Geyer, c? . Pseiidorgyia versuta Harvey, 9 . U. s! N. M. P h i p ro s o p 11 s calliiriclwides Grote. 0 . ig.. Plconectyptera pyralis Hubner, 20. \nnaphila diva Grote, (^ . 21. A n }i a p h i I a liiliosina Henry Edwards. 9 • 22. E It strati a albidula Guenee, 9 • 23. Eustrotia c one in n i mac u la Guenee, 9 • Eustrotia syiiocliitis Grote & Robin son , c? . E u s t rot ia mitsta Grote & Robinson, c?. Eustrotia muscosula Guenee, $ . 27. Eustrotia apicosa Haworth, (^ . 28. Eustrotia carneola Guenee, 9 • Azenia implora Grote, 9 ■ Lithacodia bellicula Hubner, c?. Galgitla he para Guenee, (f. Galgula he para \'ar. partita Guenee, c' ■ Xantlioptera nigrofiiiibria Gue- nee, Q. 34. Xanihoptera semiftava Guenee, 24 26 29. 30- 31- 32- 33- 9 , Merrick Collection. 37. Prothymia orgyice Grote, c?. 38. ProthymiarhodarialisW aWivr . 9 . 39. Eumestleta flanunieineta Walker, 40. Tripudia opipara Henry Ed- wards, (J". 4 1 . Metaponia obtusa H e r r i c h - Schajffer, 9 ■ 42. Metaponia perflava Harve)-, 9 • 43. Chamyris cerintha Treitschke, 9. 44. Tarache binoeula Grote, <5^. 45. Tarache lactipennis Harvey, 9 • 46. Tar ache termmimactilaGvote, 9 . 47. Therasea flavicosta Smith, d^ . 48. Tarache delecta Walker, 9 • 49. Tarache lanceolala Grote, o 50. Tarache apri . (Stretch's Underwing.) The species is Californian. 26} Noctuidae (27) Catocala augusta Henry Edwards, Plate XXXIII, Fig. 8, $ . (The Augusta Underwing.) Like the preceding species, this is also confined in its range to the Pacific coast. (28) Catocala rosalinda Henry Edwards, Plate XXXV, Fig. 15, 5. (The Rosalind Underwing. )* The insect has been found in Kansas and Colorado. (29) Catocala pura Hulst, Plate XXXV, Fig. 17, 5 . (The Pure Underwing.) The moth is an inhabitant of the region of the Rocky Mountains. (50) Catocala unijuga Walker, Plate XXXill, Fig. 5, $. (The Once-married Underwing.) This is a widely distributed species, the range of which is northern, extending from New England to Colorado, through Canada and the region of the Great Lakes. It is common in central New York. (31) Catocala meskei Grote, Plate XXXlii, Fig. 6, $. (Meske's Underwing.) By some students this species has been regarded as a variety of the preceding, its range is the same. (32) Catocala groteiana Bailey, Plate XXXIi, Fig. 4, $ . (Grote's Underwing.) The moth occurs from Canada to New Mexico, and has been sometimes treated as a variety of Catocala briseis Edwards. {}}) Catocala hermia Henry Edwards, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 7, $, (The Hermia Underwing.) The habitat of the species is Colorado and New Mexico. (34) Catocala briseis Edwards, Plate XXXV, Fig. 12 S. (The Briseis Underwing.) The species is an inhabitant of the northern portions of the Appalachian subregion, and is also known to occur in Colorado. (35) Catocala faustina Strecker. Plate XXXIII, Fig. 3, ^. (The Faustina Underwing ) The specimen figured on the plate v/as received by the writer from the author of the species, and may be accepted as typical. The range of the moth is from Colorado to California. {}6) Catocala parta Guenee, Plate XXXIV, Fig. \\, $>. (The Mother Underwing.) 264 Noctuidae This fine species is quite common in the Appalachian sub- region and nmges northward into the region of Hudson Bay and westward as far as Colorado. (37) Catocala coccinata Grote, Plate XXXIV, Fig. 10, 6 . (The Scarlet Underwing.) The moth is recorded as occurring from Canada to Florida and Texas, and westward to the Mississippi. It is not very common. (38) Catocala aholibah Strecker, Plate XXXIV, Fig. 15,$. (The Aholibah Underwing.) The specimen figured on the plate was obtained from the author of the species, and may be accepted as typical. The insect is found from New Mexico and Colorado to California and Oregon. (39) Catocala verrilliana Grote, Plate XXXIV, Fig. 16, 6 . (Verrill's Underwing.) A neat and prettily marked species which has much the same range as the preceding, though extending somewhat farther to the south. (40) Catocala ultronia Hubner, Plate XXXIIl, Fig. 2, 3 . (The Ultronia Underwing.) Form celia Henry Edwards, Plate XXXill, Fig. 4, $, . (The Celia Underwing.) Form mopsa Henry Edwards, Plate XXXIIl, Fig. 7, $ . (The Mopsa Underwing.) Besides the three forms of this variable species which we have selected for illustration, there are several others which have received subspecific names. The insect is very common, and occurs from the Atlantic to the Great Plains and from Canada to Florida. (41) Catocala ilia Cramer, Plate XXXIV, Fig. 14, $ . (The Ilia Underwing.) Form uxor Guenee, Plate XXXIV, Fig. 17, ?. (The Wife.) Form osculata Hulst, Plate XXXIV, Fig. 7, $ . (The Beloved Underwing.) This is a common and variable species which is found generally throughout the United States and Canada. (42) Catocala innubens Guenee, Plate XXXllI, Fig. 13, 6 ; Plate I, Fig. 7, larva. (The Bv>trothed.) 265 Noctuidae Form hinda French, Plate XXXIII, Fig. lo, $ . (The Hinda Underwing.) Form scintillans Grote, Plate XXXIII, Fig. 9, $. (The Glittering Underwing.) This is another very common and very variable species, which is found from Canada to the Carolinas and westward to the Mississippi. (43) Catocala nebulosa Edwards, Plate XXXlll, Fig. 16, ? . (The Clouded Underwing.) This fine species is found in the Middle Atlantic and Centra) States east of the Mississippi. It appears to be quite common in southern Indiana. (44) Catocala piatrix Grote, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 6, 6 . (The Penitent.) The moth is found throughout the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, and as far south as Arizona. It is a common species. (45) Catocala neogama Abbot & Smith, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 5, ? . (The Bride.) This is another common and variable species v^'hich has the same geographical distribution as that of the last-named insect. (46) Catocala subnata Grote, Plate XXXIII, Fig. 15, ?. (The Youthful Underwing.) The species is found in the Aopalachian subregion, and appears to be not uncommon in Kentucky and southern Indiana. (47) Catocala cerogama Guenee, Plate XXXIV, Fig. 6, $ . (The Yellow-banded Underwing.) Syn. aurella Fisher; cliza Fisher. This is a common species ranging from Canada to the Carolinas and westward to the Mississippi. (48) Catocala palseogama Guenee, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 3, ,t . (The Oldwife Underwing.) Form phalanga Grote, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 4, S - (The Phalanga Underwing.) The moth ranges from Nevv England to Virginia and west- ward to the Mississippi. (49) Catocala conr^ytL, Abbot &c Smith, Plate XXXIV, Fig. 3, $ . (The Contort.) .1 66 ,,',ii^ , I ;i n laiV "MVJ >0|C ) .01 I Explanation of Plate XXXII (The Hollaad.) 13 14 15 19 20 21 specimens figured are contained in the collection of W. J Catocala dejecta Strecker, (^ . Catocala Judith Strecker c? • Catocala tristis Edwards, ^ . Catocala grotciana Bailey. (^ . Catocala Carolina Holland. (^ . Catocala rclicta Walker, 9 . Catocala rclicta var. bianca Henry Edwards. cJ'. Catocala auliitympha Ilubner, (^ . Catocala cara Guenee. (J* . Catocala badia Grotc & Robinson, 9 • Catocala nmliercula Gtienee. c^. Catocala amairix Hiibner, c? . Catocala aiuatrix var. nurus Walker, 9 ■ Catocala oliviu Henry Edwards, c^ . Catocala alabanue Gtote, 9 ■^Gatocala »mic~a -Hubner. c? '•"^frt^lMif^a ";oj4 . Syn. hilli Lintner. The insect is characteristic of the neotropical fauna. It occurs as a straggler into Texas, and is found very commonly throughout Mexico, Central America, and South America. Genus LITOCALA Harvey (1) Litocala sexsignata Harvey, Plate XXX, Fig. ^9, ^. The species occurs through the region of the Rocky Mountains to California. 272 !(oD -iAi • U. ■v-\w:ii Explanation of Plate XXXV (The specimens figured are contained in the collection of W. j Holland.) 1. Catocala amasia Ahhot & Smith. $. 2. Catocala siniilis Edwards, c? . 3. Catocala aholah Strecker, cJ* . 4. Catocala jraterciila Grote & Robinson, (^ . 5. Catocala jaquenetta Henry Edwards, J*. 6. Catocala grynea Cramer, (J'. 7. Catocala prcBclara Grote & Robinson, c?. 8. Catocala gracilis Edwards, 9 • 9. Catocala marmorata Edwards, 9 • 10. Catocala concumbensWa\\<.eT, (^ . 11. Catocala luciana Henry Edwards, ci^. 12. Catocala hriseis Edwards, cJ^. 1^5. Catocala stretch i Behr, c?. 14. Catocala cleopatra Henry Edwards, 9 . 15. Catocala rosalinda Henry Edwards, c?. 16. Catocala somnus Dodge, 9 • 17. Catocala pura Hulst. c5^ . 18. Catocala babayaga Strecker, cJ* The Moth Book Plate XXXV tlGHTED BY W. J. HDLLANO. Noctuidee Genus TOXOCAMPA Guenee (i) Toxocampa victoria Grote, Plate XXXVI, Fig. lo, $ . This is a northern species found from New Enghind to British Columbia and ranging southward along the higher mountain ranges of the west. Genus PHOBERIA Hiibner (i) Phoberia atomaris HObner, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 14, 5 . Syn. orthosioides Guen6e; jorrigens Walker; ingemta Walker. The moth has been taken from Maine to Texas and westward as far as the Great Plains. Genus SIAVANA Walker (i) Siavana repanda Walker, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 15, ?. Syn. aiiripeyinis Grote. The moth ranges from the Valley of the Ohio southward to the Gulf of Mexico. It is not uncommon in Florida. Genus PALINDIA Guenee This is an extensive neotropical genus, represented by but two species, which have thus far been taken within our territory. (i) Palindia dominicata Guenee, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 17, 3. The moth occasionally occurs in Texas. It is very common in Central and South America. Genus PANAPODA Guenee (i) Panapoda rufimargo Hubner, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 19, 3 . Syn. riihricosta Guenee; cresso)ii Grote. Form carneicosta Guenee, Plate XXXVl, Fig. 20, $ . Syn. scissa Walker; combrnata Walker. The insect is found through the Appalachian subregion. It is quite common in parts of New England, and at certain times has been taken abundantly in western Pennsylvania. Genus PARALLELIA Hubner (i) Parallelia bistriaris Hubner, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 18, $ . Syn. amplissima Walker. The insect occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida and westward to the Rocky Mountains. 273 Noctuidae Genus AGNOMONIA Hiibner (i) Agnomonia anilis Dairy, Plate XXX, Fig. 41, ^ . Syn. scsquistriaris Hlibner. The moth is found from Pennsylvania to Missouri and Texas. It is common in Florida. Genus REMIGIA Guenee (i) Remigia repanda Fabricius, Plate XXXVl, Fig. 16, 5. Syn. latipes Guen6e ; pcrlaia 'WaXker ;indentata Harvey; texana Morrison. The species, which is somewhat variable, is said to occur in Labrador, but the writer, though he has at various times received large collections from that country, is not in possession of any direct evidence of the correctness of the statement. The insect does, however, occur in northern Canada and ranges thence southwardly to Argentina, keeping, so far as is known, to the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains and the Andes. Genus GRAMMODES Guene'e A moderately large genus, which is represented in both hemi- spheres. Three species occur in our fauna, of which we figure one. (i) Grammodes smithi Guenee, Plate XXXVl, Fig. 22, $ . The moth occurs in the Gulf States and in Mexico. The specimen figured was taken in southern Texas. Genus EPIDROMA Guenee (i) Epidroma delinquens Walker, Plate XXX, Fig. 42, ?. The moth, which is common enough in Central and South America, has recently been found to occur in southern Florida. Genus POAPHILA Guenee This is a genus of large size, the insects belonging to which occur in the warmer regions of America. We figure but one of the twelve species, which are attributed to our fauna. (1) Poaphila quadrifilaris Hiibner, Plate XXXlll, Fig. 17, $ . The insect is known to occur from Massachusetts to Florida along the coast. 274 NoctuidEs Genus PHURYS Guenee Six species occurring within our territory are given as belong- ing to tiiis genus in the latest list of the lepidoptera of North America. Of these we illustrate two. (i) Phurys vinculum Guenee, Plate XXX VI, Fig. 12, $ . The species occurs in the Gulf States and southward. (2) Phurys lima Guenee, Plate XXXVI, Fig 1 1, 5 . The range of this insect is the same as that of the preceding species. It may be easily distinguished by the presence of the small round dark dot near the base of the fore wings on the inner margin. Genus CELIPTERA Guenee (i) Celiptera frustulum Guenee, Plate XXXVl, Fig. 13, $. Syn. discissa Walker; elongatus Grote. The moth is found from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico east of the Rocky Mountains. Genus ANTICARSIA Hubner Of the two species of the genus found within our limits we give a figure of the one which most commonly occurs. (i) Anticarsia gemmatilis Hubner, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 10, $ . The moth is found through the valley of the Mississippi from Wisconsin to Texas. Genus ANTIBLEMMA Hubner (i) Antiblemma inexacta Walker, Plate XXXVI, Fig. 2}, $ . Syn. canalis Grote. This is a variable insect, to which a number of subspecific names have been given, based upon slight differences in the markings of the wings. It is found in the Southern States, and ranges thence to the southern portions of the South American continent. Genus LITOPROSOPSUS Grote (i) Litoprosopsus futilis Grote & Robinson, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 4. 3 • The insect occurs in Florida and Georgia and also in the hotter portions of America. 275 Noctuids Genus OPHIDERES Boisduval This is a large genus of remarkably showy insects, which are more numerously found in the tropics of the Old World than in the New. There are several very beautiful species which are found in South America. Only one occurs sparingly as a straggler into our fauna. It is now and then taken in Florida. It is commoner in South America and is also found in Africa. (i) Ophideres materna Linnaeus, Plate XXXVl, Fig. 8, $ . Syn. hybrida Fabricius; calaminca Cramer. The insect is rare in Florida. Genus STRENOLOMA Grote (i) Strenoloma lunilinea Grote, Plate XXXVl, Fig. 9, 3 . This fine moth is quite common in the valley of the Ohio, and ranges from Pennsylvania southward and westward as far as Missouri and the Gulf of Mexico. Genus CAMPOMETRA Guenee The species of this genus are principally found in the southern and southwestern portions of our territory. (i) Campometra amella Guenee, Plate XXXVIl, Fig. 8, ? . Syn. integerrima Walker; stylohata Harvey. The species ranges from Florida to Texas. (2) Campometra mima Harvey, Plate XXXVIl, Fig. 9, ^ . The moth occurs from Colorado to Texas and Arizona. Genus TRAMA Harvey Three species are assigned to this genus in recent lists. (i) Trama detrahens Walker, Plate XXXVl, Fig. 21,5. Syn. arrosa Harvey. The habitat of this species is the Southern States. Genus MATIGRAMMA Grote A small genus, the species of which are southern, or south- western, in their distribution. (i) Matigramma pulverilinea Grote, Plate XXXVIl, Fig. 11,?. The moth is found fi*om Florida to Texas. 276 Explanation oi- Plate XXXVI (The specimens fi,<^urcTi arc contained Holland.) the collection of W. J. .4 ndrewsia messalina Gucnec , tS^ . Eupartlienos nubilis Hubner, $ Catocala palcBogaina Gitenee, (S^ . Catocala palceogama var. phalaiiga Grote, (^ . Catocala neogama Abbot & Smith. 9 . Catocala piatrix Grote, (^ . C 'atocala hermia Henry Edwards, 9 . (>phi(icres mater na Linnaeus, o . Sirciioloina lunilinea Grote, o*. Toxocanipa victoria Grote. 9 . Plinrys lima Gucnec. J* . Phitrys viiiciiluin Guenec, (J^ . Ccliptcra j rust ttl inn Guenec, 9 . Phobcria atoiiiaris Hubner, c?. Sia%'ana rcpamia Walker, 9 . Rcniigia re panda Fabricius, c^. Paliudia doniinicata Gucnec, cJ*. Parallclia bistriaris Hubner, ,^ . Panapoda ntfimargo Hubner, (^ . Panapoda rnfimargo var. carncicosla Guenec, (^ . Trania detrahens Walker, (^ . Gramiiiodes siuithi Gucnec, 9 . Antiblcnuiia inexacla Walker, 9 . ., Platk XXXVI. AMERICAN COLORTVPE CO., N.y. i CHI. Noctuidse Genus CAPNODES Guenee The genus is well represented in the tropics of both hemispheres. There is but one species in our fauna, Capnodes puncti- ^ vena Smith, a representation of which is "'■' ■:■ given in the accompanying cut, drawn from pj^ it^.— Capnodes the type in the National Museum. pimcHvena, $ . \. Genus YRIAS Guenee Not a large genus, the species of which are confined to the southwestern portions of our territory. (i) Yrias clientis Grote, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 13, $. The insect is found in Arizona. (2) Yrias repentis Grote, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 12, $ . The moth, like its predecessor, is found in Arizona. Genus ZALE Hiibner (i) Zale horrida Hubner, Plate XXXVil, Fig. 3, $ . The moth is found throughout the United States east of the region of the Great Plains. Genus SELENIS Guenee The only species of the genus which occurs within our borders is monotropa Grote. It is found in Texas. The annexed Fig. 166. — Selenis monotropa. cut was drawn from the type of the species which is preserved in the British Museum. It was made by Mr. Horace Knight, under the supervision of Sir George F. Hampson. 277 Noctuidse Genus PHEOCYMA Hubner (i) Pheocyma lucifera Hubner, Plate XXXVll, Fig. 5, ? . Syn. lineola Walker. Found in the Appalachian subregion. Genus YPSIA Guenee (i) Ypsia undularis Drury, Plate XXX VII, Fig. 6, ? . The moth occurs from Canada to Florida and westward to Colorado. Genus PSEUDANTHRACIA Grote (i) Pseudanthracia coracias Guenee, Plate XXX Vil, Fig, n, 9 . The insect, which is far from common in collections, has practically the same range as the preceding species, of which it appears at first glance to be a miniature reproduction. Genus HOMOPTERA Boisduval This is quite an extensive genus, species of which occur both in the Old World and the New. Some twenty or more so-called species are attributed to our fauna, but several of these will no doubt prove to be mere varieties or local races of others. We give figures of three of the com.moner forms in our plates. (i) Homoptera lunata Drury, Plate XXX VII, Fig. 15, 3 . Form edusa Drury, Plate XXXVll, Fig. 16, 3 . Syn. puircsccns GuentJ!.'; saiiitdcrsi Bctliune; vindans Walker; invohita Walker. Almost universally distributed throughout the United States and Canada. (2) Homoptera cingulifera Walker, Plate XXXVll, Fig. 17, 9 . Syn. intenta Walker; woodi Grote. The moth occurs from Massachusetts to Florida and westward to the region of the Great Plains. (3) Homoptera unilineata Grote, Plate XXXVll, Fig. 14, ? . The insect ranges from eastern Canada to the Carolinas and westward to the Mississippi. It appears to be quite common in eastern Massachusetts. The specimen figured on the plate was taken at Magnolia, Massachusetts, 278 Explanation of Plate XXXVII (Unless otherwise indicated, the specimens figured are contained m the collection of W. j. Holland.) 1. I'livsiDiia zciiobia Cramt'T. '4. 2. lirchus Oiiora Linnteus, 9 • 3. Zalc liorrida Hiibncr. (^ . 4. Litoprosopiis futilis Grote & Robinson, J^. 5. PhcEocyrna lunijcra Hiibner, $ . 6. ]' psia iDuhilaris Dnivy, $. 7. J'sciuiaiilhracia coracias Guenee. 9 ■ 8. Caiiipouiclra aniclla Guenee, 9 • c). Caiupoiiicira iniiiia' Karvey, c?. 10. Antirarsici gciitiiiciiilis Htibner, c?. I I. Matigramuia pidvcrilinea Grote. 9 , U. S. N. M. 12. \'rias repent is Grote, cj" . 1 :;. \'rins cUeiitis Grote. d^ . 14. / fi>iin>ptera itiiiliiieata Grutc, 9- 1:;. Uoiiioplera liiiuiUi Drury. (J*. If). Hoinoptera htiiala var. ediisa Drury. o"^ • 17. Homoptcra eingitlijerLi Walker, 9 • Merrick Ct^llection. iS. 1 sogona natatrix Guenee. c? . 10. liormisa absorptalis Walker, cj' - 20. Zanelognatlia liiitralis Hiibncr. 9 ■ 21. Zainiognatlia hcvigata Grote. c? . 22. Zaiiehguatlm odireipeiui is Gi'ote. c?. 2^ Chytolita uiorl'idalis Guenee. 9- 24. Renin discoloralis Guenee, (^ . 25. PaliJiis angulatix Hiibner. 9 • 2ft. Heierogranuna pyrainusalis Walker, 9 . 27. Epiceiixis dcnticulali.s 'Harvey, a^ . 28. Epizeiixis scobialis Grote, 9 • 29. Epizeuxis lubricalis Geyer, 9 • 30. Philometra inetonalis Walker, r?. ;,i. Hormisa bivitlata Grote, c?. U. S. N. M. 7,2. Blepii'iii caradriiialis Guenee, c?- 3.V Capis eiirvata Grote, 9 • The Moth Book Plate XXXVH Noctuidae Genus LATEBRARIA Guen6e (l) Latebraria amphipyroides Guenee. There is only one species of the genus known to occur within the faunal limits cov- ered by this book. It is a straggler from the South American and Mexican ter- ritories, in which it is quite common. The accompanying cut based upon a drawing made from a specimen con- tained in the collection of the United States National Museum at Washington, will, no doubt, enable the student Fig. 16 j.— Latebraria amphipyroides, to readily recognize the ° ' ^' species, which is not likely to be confounded with anything else. Genus EREBUS Latreille This is a genus of large moths most in evidence in the tropics of the New World. Only one species occurs in the United States, (i) Erebus odora Linnaeus, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 2, ? . Syn. agarista Cramer. This great moth is very common in the tropical regions of America. It occurs quite abundantly in southern Florida and the warmer portions of the Gulf States, and is universally distributed over the countries of Central America and throughout tropical South America. It is found as a straggler into the northern portions of the United States, and has even been taken in Canada. I have in my collection a specimen which was taken at Leadville, Colorado, in a snowstorm which occurred there one Fourth of July. The insect, blown to that lofty and desolate spot, was caught fluttering about in the drifts. Genus THYSANIA Dalman (0 Thysania zenobia Cramer, Plate XXX Vll, Fig. i, 9 . This is another great South American moth, which occasion- ally occurs within our territory. It has been taken in Florida 279 Noctuidas and southern Texas, and South America. It is a very abundant species in Mexico Genus EPIZEUXIS Hubner This is a genus of considerable size. The huvas feed upon dried leaves for the most part. Eleven species are attributed to our fauna, five of which we figure. (i) Epizeuxis americalis Guenee. Syn. scriplipennis Walker. The range of this insect is from Can- ada to Texas east of the Rocky Moun- tains. It is exceedingly common in the woods of the Appalachian subregion, l\ ' W-' ynd is one of the moths which are most Fig. i68.—Episezix'is commonly attracted to sugar. Thelifehis- arnertcalis. a. Larva en- , *=" . larged; 6, Dorsal view of tory has been U'ell ascertamed, and has larval segment; 6-, Lateral been entertainiy described by Professor C. view oi do. ; d, Cremaster ,. „., • ^, V, , ,, , r< i of pupa. (After Riley, V. Riley in the Fourth Volume of '' Insect "Insect Life," Vol. IV. Ljfe" jj-,g j-gader is referred to the ac- count there given for fuller details. (2) Epizeuxis aemula Hubner. Syn. mollijcni Walker; herminioides Walker; effusalis Walker; concisa Vv^'alker. The range and the habits of this species are very much the same as those of the last mentioned species. Like it, the insect is also very frequent at sugar, and on a warm summer night, in the forests of southern Indiana, I have seen as many as twenty of these moths at one time, congre- gated about a spot on the trunk of a tree, which had been moistened with beer in which sugar had been dis- solved. (3) Epizeuxis lubricalis Geyer, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 29, ? . Syn. plicealis Gucn6e; snrrectalh Walker. 280 Fig. 169. — Epizeuxis cemida. a, Larva enlarged; b, Segment of larva viewed laterally; c, do. viewed dor- sally; d, Tip of pupa; e. Moth. (After Riley," Insect Life," Vol. IV, p. no.) Noctuidse The species occurs generally throughout the United States and Canada. (4) Epizeuxis denticulalis Harvey, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 27, $ . The insect is found from the Atlantic to the Mississippi and from Canada to the Carolinas. (=^) Epizeuxis scobialis Grote, Plate XXXVll, Fig. 28, ? . T\}e moth occurs from New England to the Trans-Mississippi States, east of the Great Plains. Genus ZANCLOGNATHA Lederer The genus is of moderate size. All of the species known are found in the Appalachian subregion, and have within it a wide range. (i) Zanclognatha Isvigata Grote, Plate XXXVll, Fig. 21, $ . The species is somewhat variable in the amount of dark shading upon the fore wings. It is distributed from Canada to the southern states. (2) Zanclognatha protumnusa- lis Walker. Syn. minii-iialis Grote. The moth has much the same range as the last-mentioned species. Its life history has been accurately ascertained, and Professor C. V. Riley has given us an account of the habits of the insect in the paper to v/hich reference has already been made. The types of both Walker's and Grote's insects are preserved in the British Museum, and there is no doubt of their identity. (3) Zanclognatha ochreipennis Grote, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 22, $, . The habitat and the habits of this species are much the same as those of the preceding. (4) Zanclognatha lituralis HQbner, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 20, ? . The moth is widely distributed throughout the Appalachian subregion. Fig. 170. — Zanclognatha pro- tumniisalis. a, Moth; &, Male antenna; c. Larva; d, Dorsal view of larval segment ; e, later- al view of do. ; b, d, e, Enlarg- ed. (After Riley, "Insect Life," Vol. IV, p. III.) 281 Noetuidae Genus HORMISA Walker This is a small genus of which there are known to be four species inhabiting our territory. We figure the two commonest of these. (i) Hormisa absorptalis Walker, Plate XXXVli, Fig. 19, i . Syn. nubilifascia Grote. The moth ranges from Canada to Virginia and westward to Illinois. (2) Hormisa bivittata Grote, Plate XXX VII, Fig. 31, 5. The moth, which is not common in collections, is found from Quebec and Maine to Wisconsin and Iowa, and southward as far as Pennsylvania and Ohio. Genus 3ISYRHYPENA Grote Fig. 171. — Sisyrhypeiia orciferalis, ^ . { (i) Sisyrhypena orciferalis Walker. Syn. pHpillaris Grote; harti French. The figure which we give was drawn for this book from the type of the species which is in the collection of Mr. Grote in the British Museum. The insect occurs in the southern States. Genus PHILOMETRA Grote Three species are reckoned as belonging to this genus. We give a figure of one of them. (i) Philometra metonalis Walker, Plate XXVII, Fig. 30, $ . Syn. goasalis Walker; longilabris Grote. The moth is found from Nova Scotia and the region of Hudson Bay to Virginia and westward to Illinois. Genus CHYTOLITA Grote (1) Chytolita morbidalis Guenee, Plate XXX VII, Fig. 23, $ . The moth is not at all uncommon in the Atlantic subregion. 282 Noctuida Genus HYPENULA Grote One species is reckoned as belonging to this genus. Hypeuiila cacuminalis , ^ . (i) Hypenula cacuminalis Walker. Syn. biferalis Walker; opacalis Grote. The moth is a native of the southern portions of our territory The figure we give is taken from Walker's type, which is preserved in the British Museum. We also give a figure of a specimen preserved in the American Museum of Natural History, and which was determined by Mr. Grote as his species, to which he gave the name opacalis. The comparison of the two figures will serve to illustrate the variability of the species Fig. 173. — Hypenula opa- calis Grote, ^ . |. Genus RENIA Guenee There are eight species belonging to the genus which are found within the region covered by this book. One of the commonest of these is selected for illustration. (i) Renia discoloralis Guenee, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 24, S . Syn. fallacialis Walker; geucralis Walker; thraxalis Walker. The insect is very common in the Appalachian subregion. Genus BLEPTINA Guenee (i) Bleptina caradrinalis Guenee, Plate XXXVll, Fig. 32, S . Syn. cloniasalis Walker. The moth occurs from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and west- ward to the Rocky Mountains. Genus TETANOLITA Grote Three species are assigned to this genus in the latest lists. Of these, we have selected the one which is the type of the genus 283 NoctuidGB for purposes of illustration. The specific name mynesalis was originally applied to the insect by Walker. Subsequently Grote gave it the name lixalis. The cut hereto annexed was drawn Fig. 174. — Teianolita mynesalis, $ . \. from Walker's type, which is contained in the collections of the British Museum. The moth ranges from Pennsylvania to Illinois and southward to the Gulf of Mexico. Genus HETEROGRAMMA Guenee (i) Heterogramma pyramusalis Walker, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 26, 9 . Syn. gyasalis Walker; rurigcna Grote. The species is found from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and westward to the region of the Great Plains. It is the only species in the genus. Genus GABERASA Walker (i) Gaberasa ambigualis Walker, Plate XLII, Fig. 2, $, . Syn. bifidalis Grote; indivisalis Grote. The male moth has the fore wings bifid. Grote described the female, which has not bifid wings, under the name indivisalis. The moth occurs from Canada to Texas. Genus DIRCETIS Grote Fig. 175. — Dirceiis pygmia!i:i Zeller; daniiiosalis Walker; caducalis Walker; projccia Grote. The insect is found from the Middle States southward to Texas. (7) Bomolocha toreuta Grote, Plate XLII, Fig. 9, $ . Syn. albisignalis Zeller. The moth ranges over the same region as the last-mentioned species. (8) Bomolocha deceptalis Walker, Plate XLII, Fig. 8, $> . Syn. pcrangiilalis Harvey. The moth is found from Canada to Virginia. (9) Bomolocha edictalis Walker, Plate XLII, Fig. 11, $, . Syn. Icntiginosa Grote; vcllijcra Grote. The range of the species is the same as that of the last men- tioned. 286 Noctuidse Genus PLATHYPENA Grote Only one species of the genus is known to occur within our territory. (i) Plathypena scabra Fabricius, Plate XLII, Fig. 14, $, . Syn. erectalis Guen^e; pal pal is Haworlh; crassatns Haworth; o6e'i-(i//5 Stephens. Universally distributed through the United States and Canada east of the Rocky Mountains. Genus HYPENA Schrank The genus is found in all parts of the globe. Three species are known to be found in our territory. Of these we figure the one which is commonest. (i) Hypena humuli Harris, Plate XLII, Fig. 12, $ ; Fig. 13, ? , z'ar. Syn. cvafiidalis Robinson; geriiianalis Walker. This insect, the larva of which does considerable w— — ■ « damage to the hop, is widelydistributed overthe whole of the United States and Canada. It is some- what variable in the shade of the wings and the amount of maculation uponthem. Foranaccount of the habits of the insect and the best manner to guard against the ravages which the larva commits Fig. 1 7 S.— Hypena humuH. a, egg; 6, larva; the reader is referred to c, segment of do.; d, pupa; e, tip of do.; /, the excellent article by Dr. adult. a, c, f, greatly enlarged. (After L. O. Howard of the De- toward, Bull. U. S. Dept. Agric., New partment of Agriculture ^'"''' ^°- ^' P" 44-) in Washington upon insects injurious to the hop-vine, which was published as the Seventh Bulletin of the New Series of Bulletins issued by the Division of Entomology of the Department. Arm. Who was Samson's love, my dear Moth ? Moth. A woman, master. — Shakespeare, Love's Labor's Lost, I, 2. 287 FAMILY NYCTEOLID/E "An vnredy reue thi residue shal spene, That menye moththe was maister ynne, in a mynte- while." — Piers Plowman (C) xiii, 216. The NycteoUdce are related to the Noctiitdce, many of the genera, especially in the Old World, containing moths which are green in color and frequent trees. The apex of the fore wing is more or less produced to a point. The larvae have eight pairs of legs, and are fleshy, with the anal somite tapering to a point. They are either naked or slightly pubescent. But two genera are found in the United States. Genus NYCTEOLA Hiibner The genus is represented in both the Old World and the New. Two species are found in the United States. (i) Nycteola revayana Scopoli, form lintnerana Speyer, Plate XLII, Fig. 15,3. A large number of synonyms and subspecific forms have been erected by authors who have dealt with this species. The form which we figure is the one which is most commonly encountered in our territory. Genus HYBLiEA Fabricius This genus is extensively developed in the warmer portions of the Eastern Hemisphere, but is represented by only one species in our region. (i) Hyblaea puera Cramer, Plate XXX, Fig. 8, ? . Syn. saga Fabricius; mirificum Strecker. The insect, which is common in the tropics of the two hemi- spheres, occurs occasionally in Florida. The specimen figured on our plate is contained in the collection of the United States National Museum. 288 FAMILY PERICOPID/^ (Hypsid/e Auctorum) " Loo3e to the wind their airy garments flew, Thin gUttering textures of the filmy dew, Dipt in the richest tincture of the skies, Where Hght disports in ever-mingHng dyes, While every beam new transient colours flings, Colours that change whene'er they wave their wings." —Pope, Rape of the Lock. The following characterization of the family is taken from Hampson's ''Moths of India," Vol. 1, p. 495: "Proboscis present. Palpi smoothly scaled; the third joint long and naked. Legs sm.ooth; mid tibiae with one pair of spurs, hind tibiae with two pairs. Frenulum present. Fore wing v/ith vein \a separate from \b\ i^ absent; 5 from near lower angle of cell. Hind wing with veins \a and \b present, i^ absent; 5 from near lower angle of cell; 8 free from the base and connected by a bar with 7 at middle of cell. " Larva with all the legs present, sparsely covered with long hairs. " Cocoon slight." Genus DARITIS Walker A small genus of rather showy moths, which is represented in our fauna by two species. (i) Daritis thetis Klug, Plate XXXVIll, Fig. 5, ?. The insect occurs in southern Arizona. Genus COMPOSIA Hubner (i) Composia fidelissima Herrich-Schieffer, Plate XXXVIII, Fig. 4/5. Syn. olympia Butler. 289 Pericopidas This very beautiful moth is found throughout the Antilles and in southern Florida. It is the only representative of its genus hich occurs within our territorv. vv'hich occurs within our territory. Genus GNOPH^ELA Walker Three species of this genus are found within the limits of the United States. Others occur in Mexico and Central America, (i) Gnophaela latipennis Boisduval, Plate XXXVIll, Fig. 2, $. Syn. hopfferi Grotc & Robinson; discreia Stretch; arisoncz French j morrisoni Dnice. The habitat of this species is the southwestern portion of our territory and northern Mexico. (2) Gnoph£elavermiculataGrote& Robinson, Plate XXX VIII, Fig. 3. 3 . Syn. continua Henry Edwards. The moth is found from southern Colorado westward and south-westward. (3) Gnophsela clappiana Holland, Plate XXXVIll, Fig. 1, 3 . The figure on our plate represents the type of the species, which was taken at Colorado Springs. It occurs from central Colorado to Arizona. DAS LIED VOM SCHMETTERLINGE " Liebes, leichtes, hift'gcs Ding, War's ein Sylphe, der dein Kleid Schmetteriing, So bestretit, Das da uber Blumen schwebet, Dich atts Morgenduft gewebet, Nur von Thau und Bluten lebet, Nur auf Tage dich belebet ? Bluhe selbst, ein fliegend Blatt, Seelchen, und dein kleines Herz Das, mit welchem Rosenfinger ! Pocht da unter meineni Finger, Wer bepurpurt hat ? Fiihlet Todesschmerz. Fleuch dahin.O Seelchen, sei Froh und frei, Mir ein Bild, was ich sein werde, Wenn die Raupe dieser Erde Auch wie du ein Zephyr ist Und in Duft und Thau und Honig Jede Bliite kusst." Herder. 290 3- 4- 5- 6. 7- 8. 9- lO. Explanation of Plate XXXVIII (Unless otherwise indicated, the specimens figured are contained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) 1. Gnophcela clappiana Holland, c5^ , type. 2. Gnophcsla latipennisBo\sA\xva.\, c? . Gnophcela vermiculaia Grote & Robinson, c?. Composia fidelissima Herrich-Schjeffer, J*. Daritis thetis Klug, 9 . Phryganidia calif arnica Packard, (5^. Olene leucopha-a Abbot & Smith, cJ*. Olene leiicophcca Abbot & Smith, $ . Olene achatina Abbot 8c Smith, ^ . Gyna; phora rossi Cnrtis, cJ* ■ Gyncephora rossi Curtis, $ . Porthetria dispar Linnaeus, cJ* . Porthetria dispar Linnseus, $ . Psilura monacha Linnaeus, cJ*. Psilura monacha Linnaeus, 9 . Euproctis chrysorrhcea Linnaeus, (J". Hemerocampa dcfinita Packard, c?, U. S. N. M. Notolophus antiqua Linnaeus, c?, U. S. N. M. Hemerocampa vetusta Boisduval, (J*. U. S. N. M. Hemerocampa leiicostigma Abbot & Smith, c?- 21. Hemerocampa leucostigma Abbot & Smith, 9 . 22. Carama cretata Grote, c?, U. S. N. M. 23. Lagoa crispala Packard, c?. 24. Lagoa pyxidijera Abbot & Smith, c? . 25. Mcgalopyge opercularis Abbot & Smith, (^ . The Moth Book. COPYRIGHTED EY W. J. H01.L.4NC, 19 FAMILY DIOPTIUTE " Genius detects Ihrougli the fly, through the caterpillar, through the grub, through the egg, the constant individual; through coiuatless indi- viduals the fixed species, through many species the genus, through all genera the steadfast type; tlarough all the kingdoms of organized life I ho eternal unity." — Ralph Waldo Emerson. The moths belonging to this family are, so far as is known, closely related in many respects to the Geoinctridcv. They differ. however, in having veins 3 and 4 of the hind wing arising from a common stalk at the lower angle of the cell. The family is well represented in the tropics of the New World, but is only known in our territory by the genus Phryganidia Packard, which occurs in southern California. Genus PHRYGANIDIA Packard (i) Phryganidia californica Packard, Plate XXX VIII, Fig. 6, $, . The moth, which is obscurely colored, is one of the least attractive insects belonging to the family which it represents. Many of the species are very bright and gay in color, as any student of the fauna of South America knows. The home of the species, as the name implies, is California, to the southern portion of which it is confined. " Happy insect, what can be In happiness compared to thee ? Fed with nourishinent divine, The dewey morning's gentle wine ! Nature waits upon thee still, And thy verdant cup does fill ; 'Tis filled wherever thou dost tread Nature's self thy Ganymede. " Thou dost drink and dance and sing. Happier than the happiest king ! All the fields which thou dost see, All the plants belong to thee, All the summer hours produce, Fertile made with early juice, Man for thee does sow and plough, Fanner he, and landlord thou." From the Greek of Anacreon. 291 FAMILY NOTODONTID^ "The Beauty which old Greece or Rcmr Sung, painted, wrought, hes here at home; We need but eye and ear In all our daily walks to trace The outlines of incarnate grace, The hymns of gods to hear. " Whittier. The Notodontidae have been characterized by Sir George F. Hampson as follows: "A family of moths superficially resembling the Noctuidae. Mid tibia with one pair of spurs; hind tibia with two pairs; tarsi short and hairy. Fore wing with vein la form- ing a fork with i^at the base; ic absent; vein 5 from the middle of the discocellulars, or rarely from just below the upper angle of the cell. Hind wings v/ith two internal veins; vein 5 from the centre of the discocellulars or rarely absent; 8 free from the base, curved, and running close along the subcostal nervure or joined to it by a bar, ''Larva without the anal prolegs, and carrying the anal somites more or less erect; these often bear paired processes and are sometimes swollen; the other somites are often prominently humped. "Pupa naked." An elaborate and very useful monograph dealing with the insects composing this family has been written by Professor A. S. Packard, and is published in the Memoirs of the National Academy of Science, Vol. VII, pp. 87-284. The student will do well to refer to this. Genus APATELODES Packard (i) Apatelodes torrefacta Abbot & Smith, Plate XL, Fig. 20, $ . The insect is not uncommon in the Appalachian subregion. It ranges from Canada to the southern States and as far west as the Mississippi. 2Q2 Notodontidse (2) Apatelodes angelica Grote. Plate XI., Fig. 21. S. Syn. hyalinopuncta Packard. The distribution of this species is the same as that of the preceding. It is rather common in western Pennsylvania. Genus MELALOPHA Hiibner Six species and a number of subspecies have been recognized as belonging to this genus and are found in the region with which tliis book deals. Of four of these we give figures. (i) Melalopha apicalis Walker, Plate XL, Fig. 18, 5 . Syn. vau Fitch; indentata Packard. The figure upon our plate, cited above, represents the form of the species to which Grote & Robinson applied the name ornata and of which the name incarcerata Boisduval is a syno- nym. The insect is widely distributed all over the United States. (2) Melalopha inclusa Hubner, Plate XL, Fig. 19, ? . Syn. atnericana Harris. The insect is very widely distributed over the Appalachian sub- region. The larva feeds upon the leaves of various species of the genus Popiilns. (3) Melalopha strigosa Grote, Plate XL, Fig. 17, 3 . The habitat of this species is the northern portion of the Appa- lachian subregion. (4) Melalopha albosigma Fitch, Plate XL, Fig. 16, 3 . Widely distributed over the United States. Easily discrimi- nated from the other species by the broad brown shade on the apical half of the outer margin of the primaries, succeeded near the costa by a distinct s-shaped white line. Genus DATANA Walker Thirteen species which are properly referred to this genus are found within our limits. Of these we give figures of the four which are most commonly found. (i) Datana ministra Drury, Plate 1, Fig. 13, larva; Plate XL, Fig. 11,3. This is a very common species, found throughout the Appa- lachian subregion. The larvae are gregarious and may be found in great masses upon the leaves of the walnut and allied trees in the latter part of August and early September. (2) Datana angusi Grote & Robinson, Plate XL, Fig. 12, 3 . 293 Notodontidae The habits and the distribution of this species are very much the same as those of the preceding. (3) Datana perspicua Grote & Robinson, Phite XL, Fig. 14- $- More nearly allied to D. ministra than to any other species of the genus, but readily distinguished from th:at insect by the paler color of the secondaries and the lighter, more yellowish color of the primaries. (4) Datana integerrima Grote & Robinson, Plate XL, Fig. 1.5, <3 . The darker color of the primaries and the more numerous transverse bands enable this species to be at once separated from the other species which we have figured. Genus HYPER/ESCHRA Butler (i) Hypereeschra stragula Grote, Plate XL, Fig. i, 3. Syn. scitipennis Walker. The moth is found throughout the United States. With the help of the illustration we have given there should be no difficulty whatever in determining it. (2) Hyperaeschra georgica Herrich-Schaeffer, Plate XL, Fig. 7, i. The moth is found in the Appalachian subregion, and is com- moner in the southern portions of its range than in the more northern portions thereof. It is, however, not very rare in Pennsylvania. (3) Hyperaeschra tortuosa Tepper, Plate XL, Fig. 4, $ . The insect is as yet quite rare in collections. Its habitat is Colorado and Arizona. Genus ODONTOSIA Hubner (i) Odontosia elegans Strecker, Plate XL, Fig. 3, i . This elegant insect is found from Canada to Colorado and appears to be commoner in the region of the Rocky Mountains than elsewhere. Genus NOTODONTA Ochsenheimer The genus is represented in both hemispheres. There are two species which belong to our fauna. We give illustrations of both of them. 294 Notodontidse (i) Notodonta basitriens Walker, Plate XL, Fig. 5, ? . The moth is found in the Atlantic States. (2) Notodonta simplaria Grxf, Plate XL, Fig. 6, ? . The moth, which is by no means common, occurs in the northern portions of the Appalachian subregion. Genus PHEOSIA Hubner (i) Pheosia dimidiata Herrich-Schseffer, Plate XL, Fig. 9, . The habitat of the insect is Colorado. (3) Hyparpax perophoroides Strecker, Plate XL, Fig. 28, 6 . The insect has thus far been reported only from Florida. I am indebted to Mr. Beutenmiilier for the loan of the specimen, which is figured upon the plate. Genus CERURA Schrank The genus is found in both hemispheres. Two species are attributed to it as being found in the United States. (i) Cerura scitiscripta Walker, form multiscripta Riley, Plate I, Fig. 18, larva: Plate XXXIX, Fig. 12, 6 . The moth is known to occur from New England to Mexico. Genus HARPYIA Ochsenheimer (i) Harpyia borealis Boisduval, Plate XXXIX, Fig. 9, 6 • The range of the species is through the Appalachian subregion. (2) Harpyia cinerea Walker, Plate XXXIX, Fig. 8, ? . The moth occurs almost everywhere throughout the United States and southern Canada. (3) Harpyia scolopendrina Boisduval, Plate XXXIX, Fig. n, 5 . Syn. aquilonaris Lintner. Form albicoma Strecker, Plate XXXIX, Fig, 10, 6 . 299 Notodontidae The insect is a denizen of Canada and the northern portions of the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Genus FENTONIA Butler (i) Fentonia marthesia Cramer, Plate XXXIX, Fig. 30, 6 . Syn. iessella Packard; turbida Walker. The moth, which is by no means common, has a wide range through the Appalachian subregion. Genus GLUPHISIA Boisduval (i) Gluphisia septentrionalis Walker, Plate XXXIX, Fig. 28, 3. Syn. clandestina Walker; trilineata Packard. Widely distributed throughout the entire territory. (2) Gluphisia wrighti Henry Edwards, Plate XXIX, Fig. 29, a. Syn. albofascia Henry Edwards; rupta Henry Edwards; formosa Henry Edwards. The moth is found in southern California and Arizona, as well as in northern Mexico. (3) Gluphisia severa Henry Edwards, Plate XXXIX, Fig. 27, 3 . Syn. danbyi Neumoegen; avimactila Hudson; slossoni Packard. The species, which is somewhat variable in the maculation of the wings, is found in the northern portions of our territory. Genus ELLIDA Grote (i) Ellida caniplaga Walker, Plate XXXIX, Fig. 31, ? . Syn. iransvcrsaia Walker; gelida Grote. The moth in Pennsylvania is double-brooded. The first brood appears upon the wing in the early spring. The cater- pillar feeds upon the linden ( Tilia). The second brood is matured about the end of July. The insect is not common in collections, because its habits have not been hitherto understood. Genus CARGIDA Schaus (i) Cargida cadmia Guen6e. Syn. ohliquilinea Walker. The moth is a native of the southern States, and ranges from Texas southward to Costa Rica. The cut which we give is ^00 k (Wlicn not otherwise indicated in tile collection of W. j. Holland.) 1. il ypcrascl^a stragiila Grotc. (^ . 2. Hctcrocainpa obliqua Packard, o"- 3. Odiintosia tVcgan.'f Streckcr, o" ■ 4. Hypericschra tortuosa Tcppcr, ' ? , U. S. N. M. 5. Xolodi'iila Ihi.sitric Ji.s Walker. 0 . U. S. N. M. <>. Xolodoula simp/arid Gr;et. 9 ■ U. S. X. M. 7. 1 1 ypcru:schra iicori^irii ilerrich- vSchteffer, c?. S. Lophodonta fcrrnginca Packard, (). /' li e t> s ! a diuihiitita Herrich- Sch;effer, c? , 10. P h c o s ! a porlhiiidia Henrv Edwards, d' . U, S, N. M, 11. Jhilaiui injiiistni Drin-y, Q^ . 12. D a i a n a a n ti 11 s i Grote & R(jbinson, (^ . 13. Pataim intcgcrrinia Grote Sc Robinson, o^ . 14. I ) a i a }i a perspicna Grote & Roljinson. cj" . 15. [.oplhhdouta cDigitlosa Abbot & Smith, (5^. Explanation of Plate XL the specimens figured are contained 16. Melalopha albosignia Fitch, 17. Melalopha sirigosa Grote, o\ U. S. N. M. iS. Melalopha apicalis Walker, var. oniata Grote & Robinson, d^, U. S, N. M. 19. Melalopha inchtsa Hiibner, 9. 20. Apatelodcs lorrefacta Abbot & Smith, (^. 21. Apatelodcs angelica Grote, (j^ . 22. Habrosyne scripia Gosse, (^ . 23. Eiithyatira pudens Gitenee, c? , Merrick Collection. 24. Eiithyatira piideiis var. pcnusyl- vanica Sinith, 9 . Merrick Collection. 25. Pseudothyatira cyruatopJioroides Guenee . c? . 26. Pseudothyatira expultrix Grote, 27. B o )ii b y c ! a t e a r I i Henry Edwards, c?. U. S. N. M. 2 8 . II y par pax p er o p h or aid e s Strecker, c? , Beutenmiiller Collection. The Moth Book. Plate XL Notodontida: drawn from the type of Walker's species, which is contained in the British Museum. The insect is rare as yet in collections, though specimens coming from Central America are far more Fig. i8i. — Cargida cadniia, 6 . \. numerous in cabinets than specimens obtained from points within the limits of the United States. (2) Cargida pyrrha Druce, Plate XI, Fig. 15, <$. The insect occurs in southern Arizona and in Mexico. Genus CRINODES Herrich-Schaeffer (i) Crinodes beskei Hubner, Plate XLI, Fig. 4, 5 . This very peculiar moth is the only representative of its genus which occurs within our territory. There are numerous species found in the tropics of the New World. The habitat of the present species is Arizona and Mexico. NASU-NO TAKE Nasu-no Take is a volcano in the interior of Japan. Tora-san came into my room on the upper floor of the tea-house where we had made our stay while exploring the summit of the moun- tain, which was in eruption at the time. Tora-san was my fid us Achates. He could make an insect-box or repair a jinrickisha, for he was "an honorable carpenter." He did not disdain, when necessity demanded, to prove himself a capable cook, though this was not his calling. He could provide a meal of "America-no Chow" or "Nippon-no Chow," the cuisine of Anglo-Saxon and of Japanese being alike familiar to him. He was best of all an enthusiastic entomologist, and much preferred sugaring for moths to making curries. "Danna-san," he said, "Nasu-no Take have got many moth Tokio no have got." "Yea, verily! good Tora-san." "Danna-san, me catchee moth 301 Nasu-no Take ko komban sugar way, Danna-san go long ?' " With all my heart! Sayo! " And so it was arranged. In the oak-forest below the tea-house we sugared the trees. When the night came on we went with our lanterns to the spot. The black shadows clung to the woodland path. As the lanterns went bobbing along the narrow way, each turn produced a weird and beautiful effect. The gnarled old pines, the oaks and the bamboos, the wild yams festooning the shrubbery, thrust forth for a moment into relief against the universal darkness, were fascinating to look upon. Here and there white lilies held up their stately blossoms, and starry flowers, from which the moths fled as we came along, bloomed everywhere. The effect of moving lights in shrubbery and forest-growths is always charming. But the captures of that night were more memorable than all the witchery of the strange and beautiful scenery in the midst of which we walked. The gems of our catch were a dozen perfect specimens of the great Snowy Underwing, the most beautiful as well as one of the rarest species of the splendid genus to which it belongs. I never pull out the drawer in the cabinet, where these things have rested full many a day since then, without seeing visions and dreaming dreams of the happy past. How much "globe-trotters" miss when they are not students of nature! The memory of one such night spent in the wild woods is worth the memory of weeks spent in palaces. " The insect legions, prank'd with gaiidiest hues, Pearl, gold and purple, swarm'd into existence. Minute and marvellous creations these. some proudly shone Like living jewels; some grotesque, uncouth, And hideous ..... Those lived deliciously on honey-dews. And dwelt in palaces of blossomed bells. Millions on millions, wing'd and plumed in front, Fill'd the dim atmosphere with hum and hurry. Montgomery. — Pelican Island. }02 FAMILY THYATIRID/E "Feeble though the insect be, Allah speaks through that to thee! As within the moonbeam I, God in glory sits on high, Sits where countless planets mil, And from thence controls the whole : There with threads of thousand dyes Life's bewildered web he plies, And the hand which holds them all Lets not e'en the feeblest fall." CEni.Ey: SCHL.^GER.— A /addin's Lamp. The family has been characterized as follows by Sir George F. Hampson, in his work upon the moths of India: "A family of moths resembling the Noctuidce in appearance. Proboscis present. Antennae usually rather thickened and flattened. Mid tibia with one pair of spurs, hind tibia with two pairs. Fore wing with vein \a short and slight, not forming a fork with \b ; \c absent; 5 from the center of the discocellulars; veins 7 and 8 stalked; and 9 and 10 stalked, and almost or quite anastomosing with veins 7 and 8 to form an areole. Hind wing with two internal veins; vein 5 from the center of the discocellu- lars, or generally from below the center; veins 6 and 7 given off not far from the base; 8 bent down and quite or almost touching 7 after the bifurcation. Larva noctuiform, with five pairs of prolegs." Genus HABROSYNE Hiibner (i) Habrosyne scripta Gosse, Plate XL, Fig. 22, 6 . The moth is quite common locally in the northern States of the Atlantic seaboard, and ranges westward to the central por- tions of the Valley of the Mississippi. 503 Thyatiridae Genus PSEUDOTHYATIRA Grote (i) Pseudothyatira cymatophoroides Guen^e, Plate XL, Fig. 2$, 6 . Form expultrix Grote, Plate XL, Fig. 26, i . The moth, which occurs in the two forms which we have delineated on the plate, is a native of the northern portions of the Appalachian subregion. It is common in Pennsylvania. Genus EUTHYATIRA Smith (i) Euthyatira pudens Guenee, Plate XL, Fig. 23, ^ . Form pennsylvanica Smith, Plate XL, Fig. 24, ? . The moth emerges in the VQxy early spring, and may be found where it is common, seated about three inches from the end of twigs in the woodlands, with its wings folded I'.bout the twig in such a way as to elude the observation of those who are not familiar with its habits. The form pennsylvanica is found in both sexes in every brood. It represents a curious case of dimorphism. Genus BOMBYCIA Hiibner (1) Bombycia improvisa Henry Edwards, Plate XL, Fig. 27, 3. Syn. tearli Henry Edwards. The habitat of the insect is on the Pacific slope, in the northern portions of the coast ranges. ' Then rapidly with foot as light As the young musk-roe's, out she flew To cull each shining leaf that grew Beneath the moonlight's hallowing beams For this enchanted wreath of dreams, Anemones and Seas of Gold, And new-blown lilies of the river, And those sweet flowrets that unfold Their buds on Camadeva's quiver." Thomas Moore.— Za/Zi? Rookh. 304 FAMILY LIPARID/E "The study of entomology is one of the most fascinating of pursuits. It takes its votaries into the treasure-houses of Nature, and explains some of the wonderful series of links which form the great chain of creation. It lays open before us another world, of which we have been hitherto unconscious, and shows us that the tiniest insect, so small perhaps that the unaided eye can scarcely see it, has its work to do in the world, and does it." — Rev. J. G. Wood. The following characterization of the family is adapted from the pages of Sir George F. Hampson's "Moths of India," Vol. I, p. 432 : ' A family of moths generally of nocturnal flight, though some genera, as Aroa of the Eastern Hemisphere and Hemero- carnpa, are more or less diurnal in their habits. The perfect insects are mostly clothed with long hair-like scales upon the body. The males have the antennae highly pectinated, the branches often having long terminal spines, and spines to retain them in position. The females often have a largely developed anal tuft of hair for covering the eggs. The proboscis is absent. The legs are hairy. The frenulum is present, except in the genus Ratarda, which does not occur in America. The fore wing with vein \a not anastomosing with \h ; ir absent except in Ratarda ; 5 from close to lower angle of cell. Hind wing with two internal veins; 5 from close to lower angle of cell, except in the eastern genera Gaialina and Porthesia, 8 nearly touching 7 at middle of cell and connected with it by a bar. Larva hairy; generally clothed with very thick hair or with thick tufts of hair, and forming a cocoon into which these hairs are woven, they being often of a very poisonous nature.' Genus GYN^PHORA Hiibner (i) Gynaephora rossi Curtis, Plate XXXVIII, Fig. 10, 6, Fig. II, ?. The genus is arctic, and the species is found in the arctic 305 Liparidx regions of America, the specimens figured having been received by ihe writer from Point Barrov/ in Alastca. Genus NOTOLOPHUS Germar (i) Notolophus antiqua Linnaeus, Plate XXXVllI, Fig. i8, <^ . Syn. nova Fitch. The moth is found in Europe and in the northern portions of the United States and in Canada. Genus HEMEROCAMPA Dyar The females in this genus are wingless, or have the wings at most rudimentary. The eggs are deposited in masses, generallv upon the surface of the cocoon from which the female has emerged. The larvae are voracious feeders; and as the species are generally very prolific, the insects inflict a great deal of dam- age upon vegetation. (i) Hemerocampa vetusta Boisduval, Plate XXXVIU, Fig. 19, 6 ■ Syn. cana Henry Edwards ; ^ttlosa Henry Edwards. The insect replaces on the Pacific coast the following species, which in its habits it closely resembles. (2) Hemerocampa leucostigma Abbot & Smith, Plate XXXVlll, Fig. 20, 3, Fig. 21, ?. (The White-marked Tussock Moth.) Syn. leiicogyapha Geyer ; intermedia Fitch ; borealis Fitch ; obliviosa Henry Edwards. The moth is widely distributed in the Appalachian subregion, and its ravages upon shade-trees and shrubbery are matter of familiar observation. The insect is double-brooded in the more northern portions of its range, and triple- brooded farther south. The first generation is matured from eggs which, having been de- posited in the fall of the year, remain in situ upon the cocoons upon which they were de- posited until they are hatched by the heat of the sunshine of spring. The caterpillars rap- idly develop, and the second generation, which is always much more numerous than the first, begins to appear about the middle of July in the latitude of New York and Philadelphia. 306 Fig. 182.-//. leucostigma, f, . \. (After Riley. ) a Fig. 183. — H. leitcostigma. a, female; b, young larva, magnified ; c, female pupa ; d, male pupa. (After Riley.) Liparida: A third generation follows in the month of September. This generation lays the eggs from which the larvoe which appear in the following spring are hatched. The female, as has already been stated, is wingless, and lives solely for the purpose of oviposition. Having laid her eggs, which she covers with the hairy scales which she plucks from the abdomen, and mingles with a viscid secretion, which she deposits with the eggs, and which on .^^^tf drving becomes hard and brittle, she dies. The young larva on being hatched has the power of spinning a thin thread of silk, with which it lowers itself from its resting- place when disturbed, and by means of which it regains the place from which it has dropped. This power is lost as the insect develops after succes- sive molts. The mature caterpillar is a rather striking and not unbeautiful creature. The head is brilliant vermilion in color; the body is white banded v/ith black, and adorned with black-tipped tufts and bundles of cream-colored hairs. There is considerable disparity in the size of the larvae and the pupae of the two sexes, as is partially shown in Fig. 183. The larva and the pupa of the female moth are generally twice as large as those of the male. The best means of combating the ravages of this insect is to see to it that in the fall and winter the cocoons, which may be found adhering to the ^ twigs of trees and shrubs and secreted in y the nooks and crannies \ of fences, are gathered ' together and destroyed. It is also useful to spray the young foliage of \%^.-H.leiu-ostig,Ha. Larva of female moth, trees which are liable (After Riley.) to attack with any one 307 Liparidse of the preparations which are made by reputable firms for the pur- pose of destroying the larvse of this and other destructive insects which attack our shade-trees. The spraying should take place at intervals when the young larvse are observed to be moving upward upon the trunks of the trees. (3) Hemerocampa definita Packard, Plate XXXVIII, Fig. 17. ^• This species, which is closely allied to the last, is found in the northern Atlantic States. What has been said as to the habits of H. leticostigma applies also to this insect. Genus OLENE Hiibner (1) Olene achatina Abbot & Smith, Plate XXXVIII, Fig. 9, ^ . Syn. parallfla Grote & Robinson; tephra Hiibner; cinuamoniea Grote & Robinson. The moth, which is somewhat variable in the style and intensity of the dark markings upon the wings, is found in the Appalachian subregion, but is somewhat more frequent in the south than in the north. (2) Olene leucophasa Abbot & Smith, Plate XXXVIII, Fig. 7, 5 , Fig. 8, ? . Syn. basiflava Packard ; atrivenosa Pahn ; vianto Strecker. This is likewise a variable insect, the range of which is prac- tically coincident with that of the last-mentioned species. Genus PORTHETRIA Hiibner (i) Porthetria' dispar Linnaeus, Plate XXXVIII, Fig. 12, 5> ?• This is another insect which is said to have been imported from Europe, and is reputed to have found a foothold on the soil of the New World. The specimens figured on our plate are from a brood which the writer is informed by Mr. George Franck, of Brooklyn, to have been found in the eastern suburbs of that place. Mr. Franck has assured me that it is certainly already well domi- ciled in the region. Genus EUPROCTIS Hiibner (i) Euproctis chrysorrhoea Linnccus, Plate XXXVlll, Fig. 16, $. (The Brown-taii Moth.) This insect, like the two preceding species, is an importation from Europe. It has become domiciled in the vicinity of Boston, Massachusetts, and is very common in the vicinity of Magnolia, Beverly Farms, and Manchester-on-the-Sea. Genus DOA Neumoegen & Dyar The only species of the genus, named ampla by Grote, is a native of Cojorado, and ranges thence southward through Arizona to the higher mountain plateaus of Mexico. It also occurs not infrequently in northwestern Texas. It may easily be recognized with the help of the accompanying cut, which is drawn from a specimen in the collection of the writer. " Maidens, like moths, are ever caught by glare, And Mammon wins his way where seraphs might despair." BvRoy. ~CAt/de //aro/J, Canto I. 309 LiparidtC Fig. i86. — Leuculodcs lacteolaria, ^J . |. Genus LEUCULODES Dyar The genus is thus far represented in our fauna by but a single species, to which Hulsl applied the specific name lacteolaria. It is a native of Arizona. The figure which is here- with given was drawn by the writer from the type which is preserved in the United States National Museum. MOTH-SONG "What dost thou here, Thou dusky courtier, Within the pinky palace of the rose? Here is no bed for thee, No lioneyed spicery, — But for the golden bee, And the gay wind, and me. Its sweetness grows. Rover, thou dost forget ; — Seek thou the passion-flower Bloom of one twilight hour. Haste, thou art late! Its hidden savors wait. For thee is spread Its soft, purple coverlet ; Moth, art thou sped ? — Dim as a ghost he flies Thorough the night mysteries." ElLK.V MaCK.W Hl'TCHlNSON CORTISSOZ, ;IO FAMII.Y !.AS!OCAMPID/E "Now bubily convened upon tlie bud That crowns the genial branch, they feast sul)linie, And spread their muslin canopy around, Pavilioned richer than the proudest kings." The LasiociWipida' have been characterized as follows by Sii George F. Hampson, in "The Moths of India," Vol. I, p, 402: "Moths mostly of large size. Palpi porrect and generally large. Proboscis absent; eyes small; antennae bipectinate in both sexes; legs generally with minute terminal pairs of spurs to mid and hind tibiae and rather hairy. Fore wing with vein \a not forked with b ; \c rarely present; the cell medial in position; veins 6 and 7 from the angle; veins 9 and 10 always stalked and from before the angle. Flind wing with two internal veins; 6 and 7 arising very near the base; 8 curved and almost touching 7, or connected with it by a bar, thus forming a precostal cell; accessory costal veinlets generally present. Frenulum absent. Larva with lateral downwardly-directed tufts of hair, and often subdorsal tufts or dorsal humps on anterior somites thickly clothed with hair. Cocoon closely woven of silk and hair." Seven genera belonging to the family are recognized as occurring within our faunal limits. Genus GLOVERIA Packard (i) Gloveria arizonensis Packard, Plate XLl, Fig. 3, ?. Syn. dentata Henry Edwards. The moth is found in .Arizona and northern Mexico. (2) Gloveria psidii Salle, Plate XLl, Fig. 2, $> . The habitat of the species is the same as that of the foregoing. (3) Gloveria howardi Dyar, Plate XLl, Fig. i, ?. The specimen figured on the plate is one of several which are contained in the collection of the United States National Museum, 311 Lasiocampidse and which constituted the material upon which the original description of the species was based by Dr. Dyar. Genus ARTACE Walker (i) A«rtace punctistriga Walker, Plate X!l. Fig. 5, $. Syn. nibrtpalpis Felder. This rather rare little molh has its habitat in the southern Atlantic States. Genus TOLYPE Hiibner Five species are accounted as belonging to this genus. We give illustrations of the one which is commonest. (0 Tolype velleda Stoll, Plate XI, Fig. 7, 5 , Fig. 8, ? . The species is found throughout the Appalachian subregion. Genus HYPOPACHA Neumoegen Sn Dyar The only species knov/n to belong to this genus was named grisea by Neumoegen. The only specimen of which the writer has knowledge is the type which is contained in the collection of the Brooklyn Institute. Of this 1 have, through the kindness of the authorities of that institu- tion, been permitted to make a drawing, which is reproduced in the annexed cut. The habitat Fig. 187.— iV. ^^/ • A • „riseay ^. %. of the species !s Arizona. Genus MALACOSOMA Hubner (1) Malacosoma americana Fabricius, Plate X, Fig. 12, ?. Syn. decipiens Walker ; friitetorum Boisduval. The species, which is commonly known as "The American Tent-caterpillar, " is widely distributed throughout the Appalachian subregion, and at times inflicts considerable injury upon the foliage of trees. It especially affects trees belonging to the Rosacea', as the wild cherry and wild plum, and attacks apple-orchards with avidity. The great white webs woven by the caterpillars are familiar objects in the rural landscape, detested by the fruit- grower, and equally despised by the man who loves to see trees in perfect leaf. An orchard cobwebbod by the tent-caterpil- 312 Lasiocampidae lar is not pleasant to contemplate. The best way to combat these destructive insects is to diligently search lor their webs when they first are being formed, and to cut off the branches to which they are attached and burn them. By following this method carefully, their ravages may be held in check. (2) Malacosoma californica Packard, Plate X, Fig. 1 1, <5 . Syn. psetidoticustria Bois- duval. The species, which is in its habits very closely allied to the preceding, has its home Fu;. 18S.— J/, americaita. a, lateral view of larva; d, dorsal view of larva; c, mass oi' eggs; (/, cocoon. (After Riley.) Fig. 189.— M. diss Mil, larva. (After Riley.) upon the Pacific coast. (3) Malacosoma disstria Hubner, Plate X, Fig. 9, 6 ; form erosa Stretch, Plate X, Fig. 10 , Bombycidas reared. In this respect it is like many other domesticated animals. The caterpillar, of which a figure is herewith given, feeds upon ^Afm^-mM'?^' / 192. — Cocoon of B. ?uori. (After Riley.) Fii;. 191. — Larva of Bombyx man. (Afttr Riky.) the leaves of the white mulberry, and will also feed freely upon the leaves of the Osage orange, an American hedge-plant. The insect was introduced at an early date into the American colonies, but its culture has not as yet risen in the New World to great proportions, though the manufacture of silk from imported material is at the present day an important American industry. The culture of silk is an industry which might be best undertaken and maintained in the Southern States of the American Union, where climatic conditions are wholly favorable to it. The Caro- linas and Georgia appear to fur- nish the best climate for the development of this industry, and it is believed by those who are most conversant with the matter that in time the rearing of the silk- worm may become in these States an exceedingly important and profitable branch of industry. Southern California and Arizona are also likely to become centers in which the grovv'ing of raw silk may be successfully pursued. Fig. 193. — Moth oi B. mori. (After Riley.) THE HISTORY OF SILK-CULTURE The greater portion of the silk of commerce is produced by the larvae of the moth known as Bombyx mori. The in- Bombycidae sect, through ages of hum:m culture, has become thoroughly domesticated. It has been wrongly maintained that the moth known as Theophila hiittoni, and which is found in China and western India, is the ancestral or feral form from which the domesticated Boinbyx mori has been derived. The common silk- worm does not exist in a wild state anywhere so far as is known, and is as much a domestic animal as the Jersey cow or the grey- hound. Chinese literature clearly shows that the silk-industry originated in that country. The Emperor Hwang-Ti, whose reign was in the eighteenth century B.C., fostered the culture of silk, and his empress, Si-Ling-Chi, who gave her personal atten- tion to the breeding of silk-worms and the manufacture of silk, was deified in consequence, and is reputed to be "the goddess of silk- worms." The methods of securing the silk and weaving fabrics from it were held secret by the Chinese for nearly two thousand years, and only after ages was a knowledge of the art transmitted to Corea, and thence to Japan. Silk in very small quantities was imported into Greece and Rome from China by way of Persia. Aristotle was the first writer in Europe to give a correct account of the manner in which silk is produced. He is supposed to have derived his information from those who had accompanied Alexander the Great on his victorious march into India. The price of silken fabrics in the West at the beginning of the Christian era, owing to the cost of transportation, was so great that only the very rich could possess garments of this material. Their use was restricted to wealthy women. For a man to use silken clothing was esteemed a sign of luxurious effeminacy. Under the reigns of Tiberius, Vespasian, and Diocletian the use of silken apparel by men was positively inter- dicted; but gradually, with the increase of importation of raw silk from Persia and its manufacture into stuffs in Asia Minor and elsewhere, the habit of using it grew, and its cost was slowly lowered. Under the reign of the Emperor Justinian, in the sixth century, positive steps to foster sericulture as an imperial monop- oly were taken. Silk-looms operated by women were estab- lished in the palace at Constantinople, and Justinian endeavored, in view of the loss of the supply of raw silk brought about by a war with Persia, to induce the Prince of Abyssinia to secure to him supplies of the article by a circuitous route. Relief was finally J' I Bombycidae l-Mought to the embarrassed imperial manufacturer when two Nestorian monks, who had lived long in China and had learned all the processes of silk-culture, were induced to go back to that far-away land and bring to Constantinople a stock of the eggs of the silk-worm. As it was among the Chinese a capital offense to reveal the secrets of the trade or to export the eggs from which the worms are hatched, the two priests had to proceed with the utmost caution. They concealed the eggs in the hollows of the bamboo staffs which they carried as pilgrims. From these eggs, thus transported to Constantinople in a.d. 555, all of the silk- worms in Europe, Africa, Asia Minor, and America until as recently as 1865 Were descended. It was not until the last-men- tioned year that any importation of fresh eggs of the silk-worm from China took place. Those two bamboo sticks held within themselves the germ of a vast industry, countless costly v/ard- robes, the raiment of kings, queens, and emperors, and untold wealth. From the time of Justinian onward the growth of silk-culture in Greece and Asia Minor was rapid. It was introduced into Spain by the Saracens at the beginning of the eighth century. It found lodgment in Sicily and Naples in the twelfth century, and in the next century was taken up in Genoa and Venice. It was not begun in France until the latter part of the sixteenth century, but in the seventeenth century it made great progress in France, as well as in Belgium and Switzerland. The weaving of silk had begun at an earlier date than this in France, Germany, and Eng- land. Attempts made to introduce the culture of the mulberry- tree and of the silk-worm in Great Britain have always signally failed. The climate appears to be against the industry. James K who had failed in his attempts to foster sericulture in England, undertook to plant the industry in Virginia in 1609. But the eggs and mulberry-trees he sent out were lost by shipwreck. In i6iq and the years immediately following the attempt was renewed, and the raising of silk-worms was enjoined by statute and en- couraged by bounties. In spite of every effort, little came of the attempt, the "colonists finding the growth of tobacco to be far more profitable. In Georgia and the Carolinas similar attempts were made, and from 1733 to 1766 there were exported to Eng- land considerable quantities of raw silk from these colonies. From 318 Bombycidse 1760 onward the industry declined. Sericulture was at this time taken up in Connecticut and flourished there more than anywhere else for many years, though the raw silk was not exported, but woven on the spot into various fabrics. The production of raw silk in Connecticut for many years amounted to a sum of not less than $200,000 annually. In 1830 an effort was made to introduce into the United States the so-called Chinese mulberry {Moms wulticaulis). A popular craze in regard to this plant and the profits of silk-culture was begotten. Fabulous prices were paid for cuttings of the Morns multicaulis, as much even as five dol- lars for twigs less than two feet in length. Hundreds of people came to believe that the possession of a grove of these trees would be the avenue to fortune. But in 1839 the bubble burst, and many persons who had invested the whole of their small earnings were ruined. It was discovered that the trees Vv'ould not with- stand frost and were practically worthless, as compared with the white mulberry {Morns alba). "Colonel Mulberry Sellers " re- mains in American literature a reminder of those days, and of the visionary tendencies of certain of our people. The manufacture of silk thread and of silken fabrics was begun in the United States at an early date. Machinery for reeling, throwing, and weaving silk was invented, and the importation of raw silk was begun. The industry has steadily grown until at the present time silk-manufacture has come to be an important industry, in which nearly a hundred millions of dollars are in- vested. The annual production of silken goods amounts to a sum even greater than the capital employed and gives employ- ment to seventy-five thousand persons. So much for the indus- trial importance of one small species of those insects to which this volume is devoted. " It was brown with a golden gloss, Janette, It was finer than silk of the floss, my pet ; 'T was a beautiful mist falling down to your wrist, 'T was a thing to be braided, and jewelled, and kissed — 'T was the loveliest hair in the world, pet." Charles G. llAhvi'SE.—Ja/ii'Ue's //air. 319 FAMILY PLATYPTERYGID/E "Above the wet and tangled swamp White vapors gathered thick and damp, And through their cloudy curtaining Flapped many a brown and dusky wing — Pinions that fan the moonless dun, ut fold them at the rising sun." Whittier. The family has been described as follows by Sir George F. Hampson, " Moths of India," Vol. 1, p. 326: "Small or moderate-sized moths of somewhat slender build, generally with the apex of the fore wing falcate. Palpi slender and slightly scaled, often very minute. Fore wing with vein \b forked at the base; ic absent; 5 from close to the lower angle of cell. Hind wing with one or two internal veins; la short when present; 5 from near lower angle of cell; the discocellulars angled; the origin of veins 6 and 7 before the angle of cell; 8 bent down and nearly or quite touching 7. Larva smooth, with the anal prolegs absent, except in the genus Eiichcra;* the anal somite usually with a long process, the others often humped. Cocoon spun among leaves." Fig. 194.— iT. hermitiiata, ^ . \. Genus EUDEILINEA Packard The only species of the genus known in our flmna is the one named herminiata by Guenee. It is a rather rare little moth in collections, being probably overlooked by collectors on account of its insignificant size and its general resemblance to commoner species, it is found in the Appalachian subregion. * Not American. 320 Platypterygidec Genus ORETA Walker (i) Oreta rosea Walker, Plate XLl, Fig. 24, ?. Syn. americana Herrich-Schneffer ; formula Grote. The moth is n native of the eastern portions of our territory. (2) Oreta irrorata Packard, Plate XLI, Fig. 6, ? . The range of this species is coincident with that of the last. Genus DREPANA Schrank (i) Drepana arcuata Walker, Plate XL!, Fig. 25, $> . Syn. fabida Grote. Form genicula Grote, Plate XLl, Fig. 22, $ . The species, which is dimorphic, inhabits the Appalachian subregion. The form genicula occurs in the spring, the form arcuata in the summer. Genus FALCARIA Haworth The genus is common to both hemispheres. (i) Falcaria bilineata Packard, Plate XLl, Fig. 7, ?. The insect, which is by no means common, is a native of the eastern portion of our territory. TRANSFORMATION " Who that beholds the summer's glistering swarms, Ten thousand thousand gaily gilded forms. In volant dance of mix'd rotation play, Bask in the beam, and beautify the day ; Who 'd tliink these airy wantons, so adorn, Were late his vile antipathy and scorn, Prone to the dust, or reptile thro' the mire. And ever thence unlikely to aspire ? Or who with transient view, beholding, loath.s Those crawling sects, whom vilest semblance cloaths ; Who, with corruption, hold their kindred state. As by contempt, or negligence of fate ; Could think, that such, revcrs'd by wondrous doom, Sublimer powers and brighter forms assume ; From death their future happier life derive, And tho' apparently entomb'd, revive ; Chang'd, thro' amazing transmigration rise, And wing the regions of unwonted skies ; So late depress'd, contemptible on earth. Now elevate to heaven by second birth." Henry "Q^OOKV.. — Uuiversa I Beauty. 321 FAMILY GEOMETPvID/E "... The sylvan powers Obey our summons ; from their deepest dells The Dryads come, and throw their garlands wild And odorous branches at our feet ; the Nymphs That press with nimble step the mountain-thyme And purple heath-flower come not empty-handed, But scatter round ten thousand forms minute Of velvet moss or lichen, torn from rock Or rifted oak or cavern deep : the Naiads too Quit their loved native stream, from whose smooth face They crop the lily, and each sedge and rush That drinks the rippling tide: the frozen poles, Where peril waits the bold adventurer's tread, The burning sands of Borneo and Cayenne, All, all to us unlock their secret stores And pay their cheerful tribute." J. T \\\. OR. — A"onvic/i, i8iS. The Geoiuetridce are a very large and universally distributed family of moths. There is no country where there is any vege- tation where they do not occur. Even in the inhospitable re- gions of the far North, upon the verge of the eternal ice, they may be found. They are more or less frail in their habit, with con- siderable expanse of wing in proportion to the size of the body. They are semidiurnal or crepuscular. They have been character- ized as follows by Sir George F. Hampson: "... Proboscis present or rarely absent. Legs and tarsi slender, elongate, and naked, or slightly clothed with hair. Fore wing with vein \a forming a fork with \b. \c absent; vein 5 from or from above middle of the discocellulars, 7 rising from 8, 9. Hind wing with the frenulum usually present, but absent in a few genera. Vein la very short, apparently absent in some forms; vein \b running to anal angle; \c absent. 8 with a well- developed precostal spur. -i22 GeoiTietndse Larvce with the three anterior pairs of abdominal claspers to- tally aborted, and progressing by bringing the posterior somites close to the thoracic, looping the medial somites. In a few an- cestral forms there is tendency to develop additional prolegs and to a more ordinary mode of progression." The larvae, which are commonly known as "measuring- worms," "span-worms," or " loopers," have the power in many cases of attaching themselves by the posterior claspers to the stems and branches of plants, and extending the remainder of the body outwardly at an angle to the growth upon which they are resting, in which attitude they wonderfully resemble short twigs. Dichromatism is often revealed among them, part of a brood of caterpillars being green and the remainder brown or yellowish. Various explanations of this phenomenon have been suggested. In not a few cases the females are wingless. Over eight hundred species of Geometridce are known to occur within the limits of the United States and Canada, and when the region shall have been exhaustively explored, there is little doubt that this number will be greatly increased. It is im- possible within the limits of this book to mention and depict all of these species. We have therefore confined ourselves to the description through our plates of one hundred and seventy spe- cies, which are either more commonly encountered, or are pos- sessed of some striking character. Incidentally occasion has been taken to figure a few of the types of species in the collection of the author which have never before been delineated. The student who desires to fomiliarize himself with the fam- ily with which we are now dealing will derive much assistance from the writings of Packard and Hulst, the titles of which he will find in the portion of the Introduction of this book devoted to the literature of the subject. SUBFAMILY DYSPTERIDIN^ Genus DYSPTERIS Hiibner (i) Dyspteris abortivaria Herrich-Schc-effer, Plate XLII, Fig. 21, 3. (The Bad-wing.) This pretty little moth may be easily recognized by the fact that the hind wings are so much smaller than the fore wings. 3^3 Geonietridse It is the only species of the genus found within our territory. It is not uncommon in the Appalachian subregion. Genus NYCTOBIA Hulst Three species belong to this genus. One of them is selected for illustration. (i) Nyctobia limitata Walker, Plate XLll, Fig. 22, 6. Syn. lobophorata Walker; vernata Packard. The habitat of this moth is identical with that of the last-men- tioned species. It is not at all uncommon in Pennsylvania. Genus CLADORA Hulst (1) Cladora atroliturata Walker, Plate XLll, Fig. 2j, $. (The Scribbler.) Syn. gernittata Grote & Robinson. A neatly marked species, which is the sole representative of the genus in our fauna. The moths may be found in the early spring seated upon the trunks of trees in the forest. It is a native of the Appalachian subregion. Genus RACHELA Hulst Four species of this genus have been characterized by the late Dr. Hulst. The only one which occurs in the eastern portions of the continent we figure. (1) Rachela bruceata Hulst, Plate XLll. Fig. 24, 5 . The moth is found in the northern Atlantic States. It is not uncommon in western Pennsylvania. SUBFAMILY HYDRIOMENIN/E Genus PALEACRITA Riley There are reputed to be three species of the genus found in the United States. Only one of them, because of its economic importance, has received much attention thus far. (i) Paleacrita vernata Peck, Plate XLll, Fig. 25, 6 , Fig. 2b, ? . (The Spring Canker-worm.) Syn. sericeiferata Walker : aiitumnata Packard ; vierricata Dyar. There are two insects known as canker-worms. One of these, the smaller of the two, is properly named the Spring 324 Geometridae Fig. ig^.—Pti/eacrita ver- nata. a, mature larva; ^, egg, magnified, natural size shown in mass at side ; c, enlarged seg- ment of larva, side view ; d, do., viewed dorsally. (After Riley.) Canker-worm, because the great majority of the moths issue from the ground in the spring. It has been a great pest in orchards, and formerly in our East- ern cities was a nuisance, not only because of the injury which it inflicted upon the foliage of shade-trees, but because of the annoying manner in which the larvae, pendent from the branches by long threads of silk, were blown about over things and persons beneath them. It was to effect their de- struction that the English sparrow was originally imported into this country. The ravages of the insects upon the foliage of trees in parks and gardens have measurably decreased since this step was taken, but in the open country, especially in the Valley of the Mississippi, the insects are still numerous enough to do much harm to orchards. The females being apterous, the best method of preventing the multiplication of the insects upon trees is to prevent them from climbing up upon the foliage and ovipositing. A simple device, which has proved very effective, is to tie a piece of rope about the trunk of the tree which it is intended to protect, and to insert between the rope and the bark strips of tin, which, having been put into place, should be bent downwardly and outwardly, so as to form a collar with a downward flare. The insects have been found not to be inclined to pass such a barrier, and they will congregate just below it, and may there be captured and destroyed. Birds are the chief enemies of the canker-worm, and every wise or- chardist will see to it that all species of insectivorous birds are not molested in his neighborhood, but are encouraged to find in his trees a hospitable welcome. The small amount of fruit which the birds take as toll is amply compensated for by the work which they perform in keeping down insect pests, such as Fig. 196. — Palcacrita vernata. a, male; /', female ; c, joint of antenna ; d, joint of ab- domen; e, ovipositor. (After Riley.) Geometridse the one under consideration. It is the part of wisdom in every way to protect the birds. The canker-worm is widely distributed from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Genus ALSOPHILA Hubner Only one species of the genus occurs within our limits. (i) Alsophila pometaria Harris. (The Fall Canker-worm.) Syn. resdtuev.s Walker. The Fall Canker-worm in many respects closely resembles the preceding species, but a critical eye can at once detect great differences both in the form and markings of the caterpillar and of the mature insect. Th( Fig. !()•].— a /sophi/.i pam^hiria. a, egg, side view; l>, do., top view; c, side view of segment of larva; d, top view of sei:^- ment of larva; _/, mature larva; g, pupa; h, cremaster. (After Riley.) moths generally emerge from the pupal state in the late fall, or during mild spells of weather in the winter, and may even continue to come forth until the spring is well advanced. The eggs are not laid as those of the preceding species, sin- gly under the scales of bark, but are deposited in a com- pact mass fastened to the twigs by a strong gluey se- cretion, and are loosely cov- ered with gray hairs, which the female rubs from her abdomen. The caterpillars are not ornamented on the back by a multitude of fine lines, but have a broad brown stripe along the dorsal line. The moths are larger than those of the Spring Canker-worm, and have a distinct whitish spot on thecosta of the primaries near the apex. The cater- pillar undergoes but two molts, and matures very rapidly. It has rudimentary fig. \^?>.—A.pometa7ia. a, male, /', fe prolegS on the eiirhth •"'^l'^: <■. f^^^f'^ =^"tenna; ^, segment of body "^ .°' . "' of female, enlarged. (After Riley.) somite. The precautionary measures which have proved effective in combating the Spring Canker-worm are not efficacious in dealing with this species. To effectively destroy them the best means is to spray the foli- }26 Fig. I Geometridae age, just as the buds are opening, witii some one ofthe poisonous mixtures which are prepared as insecticides. One of the very best means of keeping down the ravages of the insects is to encourage the cherry-birds {Ampelis) to stay about the place. They wage relentless war upon the pests. Genus EUDULE Hubner (i) Eudule mendica Walker, Plate XLII, Fig. ly, 6. (The Beggar.) Syn. biseriata Herricli-Scha;ffer. This delicate little moth is widely distributed throughout the Appalachian subregion. It has been commonly placed in the genus Euphanessa. (2) Eudule unicolor Robinson, Plate XLII, Fig. 28, 6 . (The Plain-colored Eudule.) The insect, which has been in most lists attributed to the genus Ameria, ranges from Colorado to Texas and Arizona. Genus NANNIA Hulst (i) Nannia refusata Walker, Plate XLII, Fig. 31, ? . (Har- vey's Geometer.) Syn. harveiata Packard. This is a common species in the spring of the year in the northern Atlantic States. Genus HETEROPHLEPS Herrich-SchafTer (i) Heterophleps triguttaria h^errich-Schaeffer, Plate XLII, Fig. 29, ?j . (The Three-spotted Fillip.) Syn. quadrinotata Walker ; hexaspilata Walker. This pretty little moth is widely distributed throughout the entire United States, and is very generally associated with the preceding species in locality and time of appearance. Genus TEPHROCLYSTI3 Hubner This is a very extensive genus, composed for the most part 01 small and inconspicuous species. It is found in both hemispheres. We select, for purposes of illustration, one of the commoner species, which is found in both Europe and America. 3-1 Geometridae (i) Tephroclystis absinthiata Cleick, Plate XLII, Fig. ^2, $. (The Absinth.) Syn. minutata Treitschke ; notata Stepliens ; elongata Hawortli ; absyiithiata Guen^e; coagulata Guen^e; geminata Packard. This inconspicuous little creature illustrates the truth of the remark, already made, that the smaller the insect the more and the lengthier the names which it bears or which have been im- posed upon it. Genus EUCYMATOGE Hubner (i) Eucymatoge intestinataGuenee, Plate XLll, Fig. 30, $, Syn. implcta Walker ; indoctrinata Wallcer. The moth is almost universally distributed throughout the United States. It is found in the spring of the year seated upon the trunks of trees, the gray bark of which it assimilates in color. Genus VENUSIA Curtis The genus is common to both hemispheres. Venusia cam- brica Curtis is found in Europe and the United States. Two other species of the genus occur in our territory, and of both of these we give figures. (i) Venusia duodecimlineata Packard, Plate XLIII, Fig. The moth is very widely, if not universally, distributed throughout temperate North America. (2) Venusia comptaria Walker, Plate XLII, Fig. }}, 6 . Syn. condcnsata Walker ; iiulmataria Walker ; iiiclinata Hulst ; pcrHiicafa Packard. The species is common in the eastern portions of the United States. Genus EUCHCECA Hubner (i) Euchceca albovittata Guenee, Plate XLIV, Fig. 19, 6. (The White-striped Black.) Sya. propriaria Walker ; 7-ecipyocahj Walker. The moth is found from the Atlantic to the Pacific and ranges well up into Alaska, whence I have obtained specimens taken at Sitka and on Lake Labarge, in the Valley of the Yukon. (2) Euchceca californiata Packard, Plate XLIV, Fig. 20, 6 . (The Californian Black.) The moth inhabits the Pacific States. 328 Geometridae (3) EuchcEca lucata Guenee, Plate XLIV, Fig. 6, i . (The Woodland Black.) The insect is distributed from western Penns3/lvania and West Virginia to Illinois, and northward to Manitoba. It is not rare about Pittsburgh. Genus HYDRIA Hiibner (i) Hydria undulata Linnaeus, Plate XLII, Fig. 34, ?. (The Scallop-shell Moth.) This neatly marked species is found in both Europe and America, it is the only species of the genus in the United States. Genus PHILEREME Hubner The species of this genus are all Western in their habitat, (i) Philereme californiata Packard, Plate XLII, Fig. 36, <^ . The specimen figured was taken on the slopes of Mt. Shasta. Genus EUSTROMA Hubner This is quite an extensive genus found in both the New World and the Old. Of the nine species recognized thus far as occurring within the United States, we figure three. (i) Eustroma diversilineata Hubner, Plate XLII, Fig. 42, 6 . (The Diverse-line Moth.) The moth is nut at all uncommon in the Appalachian subregion. (2) Eustroma prunata Linnieus, Plate XLII, Fig. S3i i • (The Plum Moth.) Syn. ribesia>-ia Boisduval ; triaiigiilatiiin Packard ; viontanatitm Packard. The insect is found in both Europe and North America. (3) Eustroma atrocolorata Grote, Plate XLII, Fig. 43, 6 . (The Dark-banded Geometer.) A denizen of the Appalachian subregion. It is one of the most beautiful of the geometrid moths found in the Atlantic States. Genus RHEUMAPTERA Hubner A genus of moderate size, the species of which are found in the temperate and boreal regions of both hemispheres. (1) Rheumaptera hastata Linnaeus, Plate XLII, Fig. 40, I, Fig, 41, $, var. (The Spear-mark.) The species is very variable, and half a dozen forms have been named. The only differences existing between these forms are 329 Geometridac in the relative amount of black and white upon the upper side of the wings. The moth is found all through northern Europe and Asia, and is widely distributed through the northern United States and Canada as far west as Alaska, where it is very common. (2) Rheumaptera luctuata Denis & Schiffermuller, PlateXLU, Fig. 39, 6 . The remarks made as to the preceding species apply equally well to the present. I have received it in recent years in great numbers from Alaska. (5) Rheumaptera rubrosuftusata Packard, Plate XLII, Fig. 38, $. The moth is a native of the Pacific States. Genus PERCNOPTILOTA Hulst This genus is represented in North America by a single species, Percnoptilota fluviata Hubner, which is shown on Plate XLII, Fig. 48, by a male specimen. The moth also occurs in Europe and northern Asia, and has been described under at least fifteen, different names. The synonymy is too extensive to burden the pages of this book with it. Genus MESOLEUCA Hubner This is an extensive genus found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere on both sides of the Atlantic. (i) Mesoleuca ruficillata Guenee, Plate XLIII, Fig. 21, $ . The habitat of the species is the northern United States and southern Canada. (2) Mesoleuca gratulata Walker, Plate XLII, Fig. 47, $ . Syn. brunnticiliata Packard. The insect is found in the Pacific subregion. (3) Mesoleuca lacustrata Guenee, Plate XLII, Fig. 50, ? . This is not an uncommon species in Europe and the northern portions of the United States and in Canada. (4) Mesoleuca intermediata Guenee, Plate XLII, Fig. 49, ? . The moth occurs in the Atlantic States. (5) Mesoleuca hersiliata Guenee, Plate XLII, Fig. 46, $> . Syn. Jiammi/ira Walker. The home of the species is in the region of the Rocky Moun- tains. It is not uncommon in Colorado. Holland.) Explanation of Plate XLII (The specimens fi. 7. Bomolocha bijugalis Walker, cf'. 8. Bomolocha dcccptalis Walker, (^. 9. Bomolocha toreuia Grote, J>. 10. Bomolocha scutellaris Grote, 9 . 1 1 . Bomolocha cdicialis Walker, J> . 12. Hypcmi hiimiili Harris, J"' 13. Hypcna hiimuli var., (j^. 14. Plathypena scabra Fabricius, (^\ 15. Nyrteola lintnerana Speyer. cf. 16. Brephos infans Mcieschler, 9 . 17. Callcdapicryx dryoptcraia Grote, (^ . 18. Melanchroia gcomciroidcs Walker, (S" . 19. Melanchroia cephisc Cramer, J^. 20. Sphacclhlcs vnlncraria Hubner, c? . 21. Dyspieris abort ivaria Herrich-SchietTer c?. 22. Nyctobia limilata Walker. ^. 23. Cladora airoliturata Walker, c?. 24. Rachela bruccata Hulst, (^ . 25. Palcacriia vernaia Peck, c?. 26. Paleacrita vernata Peck. 9 . 27. Eudiilc mcndica Walker, ci' . 28. Eudiilc itiiicolor Robinson, (f . 29. Hctcrophlcps triguUaria Herrich-Scha;ffer, (^. 30. Euc ymatoge intestinata Gncni^^. 9. 31. Nannia rejusata Walker, J. 32. Tephroclystis absinth lata Clerck. d^. 33. F^WMsia (:o;;i/?/ar/a Walker, q'. 34- Hydria undiilata Linnaeus, 9. 35. Hydriomena latirupta Walker, (J^. 36. Philercmc calijorniata Packard, o^ ■ 37. Gypsochroi sit ell at a Guenee. (f . 38. Kheumaptcra rnbrosuffusata Packard, J' ■ 39. Rhei'maptcra I ct : ta Denis & SchiffermuUer, (S". 40. Rhciimaptera 'astata Linnajus, c? . 41- Rheumaptera hastata Linna;us. var. J*. 42. Eiistroma divcrsiliucata Hubner. (^ . 43- Etistroma atrocolorata Grote. (^ . 44- Gypsochroa designata Hufnagel. rj*. 45- Triphosa progressata Walker" (^ . 46. Mesoleua hcrsiliata Guenee, c? . 47- Mesoleuca gratulata W^alker, (J'. 48, Percnoptiloia fliwiata Hubner, (^ . 49- Mesoleuca interniediata Guenee, J*. 50. Mesoleuca lacustrata Guenee, 9 . 51. Hydriomena aittniunalis Stromever, J*. 52. Hydriomena spcciosata Packard', c^. 53. Eustroma prnnata Linnaais. J^. 54. Hydriomena sordidata Fabricius, J*. ^E M-Tii B'- Pr.AT!: XLII. Geometridse Genus HYDRIOMENA Hubner This is a very extensive genus, which is well represented in the temperate portions of both the Eastern and the Western Hemisphere. There are nearly thirty species which have been reported to occur in our fauna. (i) Hydriomena sordidata Fabricius, Plate XLII, Fig. 54, ?. Syn. n-ctangulata Faliricms ; iniolomta Borkhausen ; hirivata Borkhausen. The insect is found all over the northern United States and Canada, and is common in Europe. Various varietal forms have been described, based upon differences, more or less constant, in the markings of the wings. (2) Hydriomena autumnalis Stromeyer, Plate XLll. Fi"- This is another species which is found in Europe, and also occurs in the Pacific subregion of North America. It has an ex- tensive synonymy, for a knowledge of which the student may refer to Staudinger & Rebel's Catalogue of the Moths of the Pals- arctic Region, or to Dyar's List. (3) Hydriomena speciosata Packard, Plate XLII, Fig. S2, ,^ . The home of this pretty species is in the southwestern por- tions of the United States. It occurs in Texas, Arizona, and southern California. (4) Hydriomena latirupta Walker, Plate XLII, Fig. 3s, 6 . Syn. lascinata Zeller. The insect is found almost everywhere in the United States and Canada. (5) Hydriomena custodiata Guenee, Plate XLIII, Fig. 10, 6 , upper side ; Fig. 11, ,5, underside. Syn. gueneata Packard. The moth is an inhabitant of the Pacific subregion. Genus TRIPHOSA Stephens (i) Triphosa progressata Walker, Plate XLII, Fig. 45, 6 . Syn. iudubitata Grote ; dubitata Packard. The species occurs in the northern portions of the Pacific subregion. "Soft-buzzing Slander; silly moths that eat An honest name." Thomson.— Z/(5r;Yj', Pt. I\', 609. 33' Geonetridee Genus CCENOCALPE Hubner This is a moderately large genus, almost all the species of which are found in the Pacific subregion or in the southwestern portions of the United States. (i) Coenocalpegibbocostata Walker, Plate XLllI, Fig. i6, $. Syn. costinotata Walker; strigitlaria Minot; ceneiforniis Harvey. The moth is one of the few species of the genus found in the Atlantic States. (2) Coenocalpe fervifactaria Grote, Plate XLlll, Fig. 4, 6 • This rather pretty insect is found in the region of the Rocky Mountains. Genus MARMOPTERYX Packard (i) Marmopteryx marmorata Packard, Plate XLIII, Fig. I, '>eiana, 3 . y. sented in the accompanying cut. it is a very common insect in central Texas as well as in Colorado and Arizona. SUBFAMILY ENNOMIN/E Genus EPELIS Hulst (1) Epelis truncataria Walker, Plate XLlll, Fig. 26, ?. Syn. faxoni Minot. This species, the only representative of the genus, ranges through the northern and cooler portions of the Appalachian subregion, westward to the Rocky Mountains. Genus EUFIDONIA Packard (1) Eufidonia notataria Walker, Plate XLlll, Fig. 25, S. Syn. dtscopilata Walker ; fidouiata Walker ; hicolonita Minot ; qiiadripitnctaiia ^[orrison. This neatly marked moth is found in the Appalachian subregion. It is the only species in the genus. Genus ORTHOFIDONIA Packard (1) Orthofidonia semiclarata Walker, Plate XLlll, Fig. 30, ?. Syn. viatica Harvey. The moth is a native of the Atlantic States. (2) Orthofidonia vestaliata Guenee, Plate XLIII, Fig. 31, 3. Syn. juncfciria Walker. 337 -Geometfidse The habitat of this insect is the same as that of the preceding species, but it ranges a little farther to the West, and has been reported from Colorado. Genus DASYFIDONIA Packard (i) Dasyfidonia avuncularia Guenee, Plate XLIII, Fig. 32, S . This very pretty moth occurs from Colorado to California, it is the sole species in the genus. Genus HELIOMATA Grote There are reputed to be three species in this genus. Two of them we figure. (i) Heliomata infulata Gjote, Plate XLllI, Fig. 28, ?. The habitat of the species is the Atlantic region of the continent. (2) Heliomata cycladata Grote, Plate XLlll, Fig. 29, S . The moth ranges from the Atlantic States westward as far as Montana. It is nowhere very common. Genus MELLILLA Grote (i) Mellilla inextricata Walker. Plate XLlll, Fig. 33, $ . Syn. xanthomctata Walker; snoviaria Packard. The insect is a native of the Atlantic States. Genus CHLORASPILATES Packard (1) Chloraspilates bicoloraria Packard, form arizonaria, Plate XLlll, Fig. 34, I . The moth is found in the region of the Rocky Mountains. Genus PHYSOSTEGANIA Warren (i) Physostegania pustularia Guenee, Plate XLlll, Fig. A native of the Atlantic States, ranging westward into the Valley of the Mississippi. Genus DEILINEA Hiibner (i) Deilinea variolaria Guenee, Phite XLlll, Fig. 36, ?. Syn. intentata Packard. Explanation of Platk XLIII (The specimens figured are contained in the Collection of W. J. Holland.) 1. M a r III o p I c r y X marmorata 32. D asyjidon i a avuncularia Packard, o • 2. Hacniatopis grataria Fabricius, J. Pigca iiutltiliucala llulst, cf , Type. 4. Triphosa jcri'lja^uiria Grote, c? . 5. Syiiciys alabastaria Hiibner, 9 • 6. Eois imiiictata Guence, cJ". 7. Eois ossiiLaria Hiibner, cj' . Guenee, (^ . 33. Mellilla xanthometata Walker, 34. Chloraspilates arizonaria Grote, 35. P h y s o ste ga u i a pHsliiLiria Guenee , c? . 36. Deilinta varioUiria Guenee, $ . 37. Sciagrapha granilala Guenee, (^ . 8. f.cptoiiicris luagiictaria Guenee, 38. Deilinea behrensaria llulst, c?, o' ■ Type. 9. Pcptoincris qninqiielinearia Packard, V 10. Hydriotnena custodiata Guenee, d'- 1 1 . H ydriomena cii.stodiata Guenee, (5^ , lower side. I 2. Cosymbia lumenaria Hiibner, 9 . 13. Eois sider aria Guenee, cj*. 39. Philobia enotata Guenee, o* . 40. Macaria prceatomata Ha\vr)rth, 9. 41. Sciagrapha Iteliotliidata Guenee, 9. 42. Sciagrapha nielli strigata Grote, 43. Macaria s-signala Packard, cS' . 14. Lepiomeris scntinaria Hiibner, 44. Mcu:aria erem lata Gnenee, (^ . cP . 45. Cymatophora ribearia Fitch, 9- 15. \'ciiiisia d u od ec i lit linea I a 46. Cymatophora inccptariaWa\kvi- , Packard. J'. c?. 16. 'Friphosagibbicostala'Walker.o'. 47. Macaria hypcethrata Grotem c^ ■ 17. L'hlorochlainys cJiloroleucaria 48. Cymatophora successaria Guenee, 9 ■ Walker, 9 18. Encrostis incerlata Walker, (^. '49. CyMioiopZ/cra toor/aria Hulst, (^ . iQ. Kacheospila hollaiidaria Hulst, 50. Cymatophora tenebrosata Hulst. 9 , Type. c? • Type. 20. Kacheospila saltitsaria Hulst, 51- Sympherta tripu net aria o' • Type. Packard, 9- 21. Mesoleitca nifncillaia Guenee, 52. A pcccasia defluata Walker, (J'. 22. Erastria aiiialiiraria Walker, (^ . 23. Synchlora liquoraria Guenee, (J' . 24. .\ implodes tridaria Guenee. (^ . 25. Enfidonia notataria Walker, (^ . 26. Epelis truncataria Walkc-r, o • 27. Paota fultaria Grote, q" . 2,S. lielioinata infulata Grote, 9 • 29. Helioinata cycladata Grote, (^ . 30. Orthofidonia semiclarata Walker, $. 31. (Orthofidonia vestaliala Guenee, 53. Caiopyrrha dis s i iii i la rin Hiibner, c? • 54. Catopyrrha coloraria Fabricius, cj 55. Encmera juturnaria Guenee, cf . 56. Platea trilinearia Packard, c^ . 57. Platea califoruiana Herrich- Scha^ffer. c? . 58. Caripeta divisata Walker, c? . 5 9 . Philedia p u n c t o in ac 11 1 a r i a Hulst, c' , Type 60. Nepytia setiiichisaria Walker. The Moth Book Plate XLlll f 4> **^ Gecmetridse The moth occurs quite commonly in the Athmtic subregion. (2) Deilinea behrensaria Hulst, Plate XLIII, Fig. 38, $. A native ot^ the Pacilic subregion. The specimen figured is one of the types. Genus SCIAGRAPHIA Hulst (i) Sciagraphia granitata Guenee, Plate XLIII, Fig. 37, $. (The Granite Moth.) This small moth, which is a common species in the Appa- lachian subregion, has been described under no less than nineteen names by various authors. The student who is curious as to the synonymy may consult Dvar's List. (2) Sciagraphia heliothidata Guenee, Plate XLlil, Fig. 41, ?. (The Sun-flower Moth.) Syn. ocellhiata Guenee; reslomta Walker; snlu-olni/iluUa Walker; dupUcata, Packard. The moth occurs throughout the region of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. (3) Sciagraphia mellistrigata Grote, Plate XLIII, Fig. 42, 6 . (The Honey-streak.) The insect is found in the northern portions of the United States, and ranges westward and southward, being not at all uncommon in northern Texas and in Colorado. Genus PHILOBIA Duponchel (1) Philobia enotata Guenee, Plate XLIII, Fig. 39, ^. Syn. ^rninlataria Walker; scctomactdata Morrison; nofafa Cramer (jton Linnaeus). The insect appears to be common everywhere throughout the United States and Canada. Genus MACARIA Curtis A considerable genus, represented in both hemispheres, (i) Macaria s-signata Packard, Plate XLIII, Fig. 43, $, . The species occurs from Colorado westward to California. (2) Macaria eremiata Guenee, Plate XLIII, Fig. 44, ^. Syn. retectata Walker ; gradata Walker ; retentata Walker ; subcinctaria Walker. The habitat of the species is the Appalachian subregion. (3) Macaria hypsethrata Grote, Plate XLIII, Fig. 47, <5 . 339 Ceometrldse The insect flies in Colorado and adjoining States. (4) Macaria prseatomata Haworth, Plate XLIll, Fig. 40, ? . Syn. co7isepta Walker. Not a rare species in the Atlantic States. (s) Macaria glomeraria Grote, Plate XLIV, Fig. 3, ? . The range of this species is the same as that of the preceding. Fio. 202. — Cymatophora r'l- iicaria, 5 . \. (After R.lcy.) Genus CYMATOPHORA Hubner (i) Cymatophora ribearia Fitch, Plate XLlll, Fig. 4s, ?. (The Gooseberry Span-worm.) Syn. sigmaria Guenee; annisaria Vv'alker; aiiiusaria Walker; grossiilarialu Saunders. The gooseberry and the currant are subject in the United States and Canada to the attack of various insects, which do a great deal of damage to them. One of the most frequent causes of injury to these plants are the larvae of the Gooseberry Span-worm, wh.ich is represented in Fig. 204. It is, when mature, about an inch in length, bright yellow in color, marked with dark-brovv'n spots upon the segments. The eggs, which are laid by the mature female at the end of June or the beginning of July, are very minute, but upon e.xamination under the microscope are seen to be beautifully ornamented with deep pits or sculpturings. They are pale bluish-green. The eggs are attached by the female to the stems and branches of the plants, not far from the ground. Being almost microscopic- in size, they readily elude observation, and this, it is known, accounts for the fact that the "insects are often, by the transplantation of the shrubs, transferred from one locality to another in which they have been previously unknown. The eggs, having been laid, remain through the sum- mer and fall and all of the succeeding winter in a dormant state, and do not hatch until early in the following spring, when the leaves are beginning to put out upon the bushes. As soon as the 340 Fig. 203. — Egg of Gooseberry Span-worm. ^7, enlarged ; A, natural size. (After Riley.) Geomelridse eggs are liatched, the hirvie begin to feed upon the young leaves, and they mature very quickly, the rate of their development being marked by a correspond- ing devastation of the plants upon vvliich they have established them- selves. Pupation takes place at the end of May or in the beginning of June. The caterpillar bur- rows into the loose soil about the roots of the bushes, or simply crav/ls under loose leaves, and, without spinning a co- coon, undergoes transfor- mation into a chrys;ilis, which is smooth and of a shining mahogany color. In this state the insects remain for about two weeks, when they emerge as moths, and the cycle of life is repeated. The most effectual method of combating the larvse is to sprinkle the bushes with powdered white hellebore. This is a good remedy, not only for the species we are considering, but for several other insects which are likely to occur upon the plants at the same time. (2) Cymatophora inceptaria Walker, Plate XLlll. Fig. 46, /; . Syn. argilldcturia Packard; i?iodcstaria Ilulat. A native of the Appalachian subregion. (3) Cymatophora successaria Walker, Plate XLIII, Fig. Syn. pcrarcnata V\'alker. Form coortaria Hulst, Plate XLlll, Fig. 49, ^ . A widely distributed species, which is not at all uncommon in the Middle Atlantic States. (4) Cymatophora tenebrosata Hulst, Plate XLIII, Fig. =^0, $ . Fi( 204. — Gdoseberry Span- worm, a, h, larviie; ,-, ]"iupa. (Alter Riley.) Geometridae The specimen represented upon the plate is one of Dr. Hulst's types. The moth is found in Arizona. Genus SYMPHERTA Hulst (i) Sympherta tripunctaria Packard, Plate XLlil, Fig. 51, ? . The moth is found in northern California, and ranges nortlv ward into British Columbia. Genus AP^CASIA Hulst (1) Apaecasia defluata Walker, Plate XLllI, Fig. 52, $ . Syn. sitbcvqiiaria Wall-cer. The habitat of the species is the northern portion of the Appalachian subregion. Genus CATOPYRRHA Hiibner (i) Catopj^rrha coloraria Fabricius, Plate XLlil, Fig. 54, 6 . Syn. accessaria Iliilmer; crucntixria Hul)ner; atropunctaria Walker. Form dissimilaria HCibner, Plate XLlil, Fig. 53, 6 . The insect, which in the mature form presents many varietal differences, due to variation in the form and shade of the mark- ings, is found in the Appalr.chian subregion. Genus ENEMERA Hulst (i) Enemera juturnaria Guenee, Plate XLlil, Fig. 55, t. The moth is found in the region of the Rocky Mountains, westward to California and northward to Alaska. Genus CARIPETA Walker (i) Caripeta divisata Walker, Plate XLili, Fig. 5^, ^. .Syn. alhopiinclata Morrison. The insect is found in the Atlantic States. (2) Caripeta angustiorata Walker, Plate XLiV, Fig. 2, 9 . .Syn. piniaria Packard. The moth, which is as yet quite rare in collections, is, like the preceding species, a native of the Appalachian subregion. Genus PLATEA Herrich-Schseffer (i) Platea californiaria Flerrich-SchcelTer, Plate XLili, Fig. Syn. iDicaiuiria (Jucnee. Geometridae The moth tlies from Colorado to California. (2) Platea trilinearia Packard, Plate XLIII, Fig. 56, $ . Syn. dulcearia Grote. The insect ranges from northern Wyoming to Arizona. Genus PHILEDIA Hulst (i) Philedia punctomacularia Hulst, Plate XLlil, Fig. =,9, 6 . The insect, which is found in the Pacific States, is represented on the plate by a figure of the type. Genus NEPYTIA Hulst (i) Nepytia nigrovenaria Packard, Plate XLIV, Fig. is, ?• The insect is a native of the Pacific subregion. (2) Nepytia semiclusaria Walker, Plate XLIII, Fig. 60, 6 . Syn. pitlc/iraria Minot; pLiIiicidaria Packard; pinaria Packard. The moth occurs in the northern portions of the United States. Genus ALCIS Curtis (i) Aicis sulphuraria Packard, form baltearia Hulst, Plate XLIV, Fig. I, 6. This insect, which is somewhat variable, is represented in the plate by the type of the form to which the Rev. Dr. Hulst applied the name baltearia. The species is widely distributed throughout the United States. (2) Alcis metanemaria Hulst, Plate XLIV, Fig. 5, <5 . The moth occurs in Arizona and southern California. The figure on the plate is that of the type of the species. Genus PARAPHIA Guen^e (1) Paraphia subatomaria Wood, Plate XLIV, Fig. 10, $> . Syn. niibeciilaria Guence ; man!miiyra7-ia Guenee ; iinpropriata Walker ; ex- snperata Walker. Form unipuncta Haworth, Plate XLIV, Fig. 11, ?. Syn. unipiDiclata Guenee; Ir/pltpitinfaria Fitch. The moth, which is variable in the shade of the wings and the markings, is found in the Appalachian subregion. Genus PTEROSPODA Dyar (i) Pterospoda opuscularia Hulst, Plate XLIV, Fig. 18, ? . The insect is a native of California. The specimen figured on 3A3 Geometridae the plate is the type upon which Dr. Hulst based the description of the species. Genus CLEORA Curtis (i) Cleora pampinaria Guenee, Piale XL!V, Fig. 4, 6 . Syn. siiblnnaria Guenee; frugallaria Guenee; collccta Walkc- ; tiit<-/aiia Walker; fraitdiileiilaria Zeller. The moth is a native of the Appalachian subregion, ranging from the Atlantic to the Mississippi and beyond. (2) Cleora atrifasciata Hulst, Plate XLIV, Fig. 8, ?. The specimen figured on the plate is the unique type which was described by Hulst in " Entomologica Americana," Vol. Ill, p. 214. The species has been overlooked in Dyar's List. Genus MELANOLOPHIA Hulst (i) Melanolophia canadaria Guenee, Plate XLIV, Fig. 7, ^^ . Syn. signataria Walker ; niiperfcctaria Walker ; contribnaria Walker. A common species in the early spring throughout the United States. Genus SCTROPIS Hubner (1) Ectropis crepuscularia Denis & Schiftermiiller, Plate XLIV, Fig. 9. 5 . This species, wliich is found alike in Europe and America, has an extensive synonymy, for a knowledge of which the student may refer to Dyar's List or to Staudinger & Rebel's Catalogue. The species is widely distributed throughout the continent of North America. Genus EPIMECIS Hubner (i) Epimecis virginaria Cramer. Plate XLIV, Fig. 28, . 40. Xanthotype ca-laria Htdst, cJ* . The Moth Book Plate XLIV Geometridae and appears on the wing most abundantly in the late summer and early fall. Genus XANTHOTYPE Warren (i) Xanthotype crocataria Fabricius, Plate XLIV, Fig. 39, 6 . (The Crocus Geometer.) Syn. ciliina Hiiljiicr. Form cselaria rluist, Plate XLIV, Fig. 40, 6 . Quite a common species in the Ai palachian subregion. The insect shows great variability in the ar.ount of the dark spots and cloudings upon the upper side of the wings. Genus PLAGODIS Hiibner (i) Plagodis serinaria 1 lerrich-SchrelTer, Plate XLIV, Fig. Syn. sitbprivata Walker; Jioscularia Giote. A common species of the Appalachian subregion, particularly abundant among the Alleghany Mountains. (2) Plagodis keutzingi Grote, Plate XLIV, Fig. 36, 6 . Syn. keiilzingaria Packard. The habitat of this species is identical with that of the preceding. (3) Plagodis emargataria Guenee, Plate XLIV, Fig. ^2, ?. Syn. arrogaria Hulst. The range of the moth is throughout the northern portions of the Atlantic subregion. Genus HYPERITIS Guenee (1) Hyperitis amicaria Herrich-Scha^ffer, Plate XLIV, Fig. 38,6. Syn. iiyssaiia Guenee; t-xsiiiiariti Guenee; insiiuiaria Guenee; laticiiicia Walker ; subsitiuaria Guenee ; neoninaria Walker ; neonaria Packard ; icsiomiria Walker. A very variable species, which has a wide distribution throughout the eastern portions of our territory. Genus ANIA Stephens (i) Ania limbata Haworth, Plate XLIV, Fig. 37, 9. Syn. vestitaria Herrich-Schseffer ; tr^isfaria Herrich-Sch?effer ; filimentana Guenee. By no means rare in the eastern portions of our territory. 349 Geometridae Genus GONODONTIS Hubner (i) Gonodontis hypochraria Henich-Schaeffer, Plate XLV, Fig. I, S . Syn. refractaria Guenee ; iiustnsata Walker. The insect ranges from the Atlantic coast to the central por- tions of the Rocky Mountains. It is very variable in color and in the distribution of the spots and markings. (2) Gonodontis duaria Guenee, Plate XLV, Fig. 2, ? . Syn. hdDiaria Guenee ; cii^^n-asaria Walker ; adustaria Walker. The distribution of this species is coincident with that of the preceding. (3) Gonodontis obfirmaria Hubner, Plate XLV, Fig. 14, ,^ . The moth is found in the Atlantic States. It is common in western Pennsylvania. Genus EUCHLiENA Hubner (i) Euchlsena serrata Drury, Plate XLV, Fig. 4,6. (The Saw-wing.) Syn. serrataria Packard ; co)icisaria Walker. This rather large and showy species is not at all uncommon in the eastern portions of the region with which this book deals. (2) Euchlaena obtusaria Hubner, Plate XLV, Fig. 3, 5 . Syn. propria rid Walker ; dfcisaria Walker. Like the preceding species, a native of the eastern half of the continent. (3) Euchlsena effectaria Walker, Plate XLV, Fig. 24, <5 . Syn. muzaria Walker. A denizen of the Appalachian subregion. (4) Euchlsena amcenaria Guenee, Plate XLV, Fig. 7, ^ . Syn. deplanarici Walker ; arefactaria Grote & Robinson. The habitat of the insect is the same as that of the preceding species. (s) Euchlsena astylusaria V^alker, Plate XLV, Fig. 8, 6 . Syn. niadiisaria Walker; opomaria Walker; viiiosaria Grote & Robinson. A native of the Atlantic States. (6) Euchlsena pectinaria Denis & Schiffermiiller, Plate XLV, Fig. 25, 6 . Syn. dedjictaria Walker. Found from the Atlantic to the Mississippi. Geomelridse Genus EPIPLATYMETRA Grote (i) Epiplatymetra coloradaria Grntc & Robinson, Plate XLV, Fig. 15,.^. The insect is common in Wyoming and Colorado. Genus PHERNE Hulst (i) Pherne parallelia Packard, Plate XLV, Fig. 9, ?. Syn. paralhliaria Packard. The moth is a native of the Pacific subregion. (2) Pherne jubararia Hulst, Plate XLV, Fig. 20, ?. The insect occurs in the State of Washington. The specimen depicted in the plate is the type of the species originally described by Hulst. (3) Pherne placearia Guenee, Plate XLV, Fig. 21, 5. Syn. mellitularia Hulst. The habitat of the species is California. Genus METANEMA Guenee (i) Metanema inatomaria Guenee, Plate XLV, Fig. 13, 3 . A widely distributed species, found throughout the entire territory. (2) Metanema determinata Walker, Plate Xl>V, Fig. 12, ?, Syn. carnaria Packard. The moth occurs in the northern portions of the Appalachian subregion. (3) Metanema quercivoraria Guenee, Plate XLV, Fig. 28, ? . Syn. irliaria Walker ; triliiwaria Packard. The insect has a wide range in the Appalachian subregion. Genus PRIOCYCLA Guenee (i) Priocycla armataria Herrich-Schieffer, Plate XLV, Fig. Very commonly found in the eastern portions of our territory. Genus STENASPILATES Packard (1) Stenaspilates zalissaria Walker, Plate XLV, Fig. 5, ?. The moth occurs in the region of the Gulf of Mexico, and is common in Florida. 3SI Geometridse Genus AZELINA Guen^e (i) Azelina ancetaria Hubner, Phite XLV, Fig. 23, I . Syn. Jiubneraria Guenee; hubiierata Packard; honestaria Walker; pep/aria Hubner; stvgici'ia Walker; atrocolorata Hulst ; morrisonata Henry Edwards. A very common and a very variable species, which is widely distributed throughout the entire continent, except in the colder portions. Genus SYSSAURA Hubner (i) Syssaura infensata Guenee. Plate XLV, Fig. 10, $, var. biclaria Walker. ?>yn. ep/iyrata Guenee; olyzonaria \^a\\i.eY ; a-(/:nv/is Grote & Robinson; ses- quili)ieaGroiQ\ (emearia Walker; /«(Jf;- Grote & Robinson ; varus Qsxoie: ii. Robin- son ; jnniperaria Packard. This species, which has a very extensive range in the southern Atlantic and Gulf States, has been frequently redescribed, as a reference to the above synonymy will show. Genus CABERODSS Guenee (1) Caberodes confusaria Hubner, Plate XLV, Fig. 29, ^. Syn. irmissaria G'.enee; iDibraria Guenee; superaria Guenee; inefftisaria Qxi^n^t; Jloridaria Guenee; pliasianaria Qvi&r\i:Q\ ii!urli?u'a~ria Gmswc^; varadaria Walker; arbnraria Walker; aiiiyrisaria Walker; 7nyandaria Walker, etc. This is a very common moth, universally found throughout the temperate portions of the territory with which this book deals, it is somewhat variable, but there is hardly any excuse for the application to it of the multitude of names which have been given. The student is likely to recognize it in any of its slightly varying forms from the figure we have supplied in our plate. (2) Caberodes majoraria Guenee, Plate XLV, Fig. 31, ?. Syn. pandaria Walker. This is a larger species than the preceding, with more delicate wings. It ranges from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains. Genus OXYDIA Guenee (i) Oxydia vesulia Cramer, Plate XLV, Fig. 11, 5. This moth has a very lengthy synonymy, which v/e will not attempt to give. It is one of the larger species found within our territory, and ranges from Florida and Texas southward to the Valley of the Rio de la Plata in South America. 3^2 Ceometrid£e Genus TETRACIS Guen^e (i) Tetracis crocallata Guenee, Plate XLV, Fig. i6, $. Syn. allt'dinsaria Walker; aspilata Guenee. This is a common species in the Atlantic subregion. Genus SABULODES Guenee (i) Sabulodes sulphurata Packard, Plate XLV, Fig. 18, ?. Syn. iwitata Henry Edwards. A native of the Appalachian subregion. (2) Sabulodes arcasaria Walker, Plate XLV, Fig. 17, 5. Syn. depoiiUuiata Grote. The moth has the same habitat as the preceding species. (3) Sabulodes lorata Grote, Plate XLV, Fig. 19. 5 . Common in the e;islern portions of our territory. (4) Sabulodes truxaliata Guenee, Plate XLV, Fig. 26, ? . The insect ranges from Colorado to California. (^) Sabulodes transversata Drurv, Plate XLV, Fig. 34, ? . " Syn. transmiitans Walker; contiuj^rns V^aXker; fivtis/inc/^ns Walker ; ^om'afa Guenee; transveriens Walker ; tratisposita Walker ; inatj~vata G\\en€e. This is one of the commonest species which are found in the Atlantic subregion. it is very abundant in Pennsylvania in the late summer and earlv autumn. There is also a brood which appears in the early summer. (6) Sabulodes politia Cramer, Plate XLV, Fig. 30, $> . The moth, which is found in Florida, and southward through the warmer portions of America, has a very extensive synonymy, which will be found in Dyar's List. Genus ABBOTANA Hulst (i) Abbotana ciemataria A^bbot & Smith, Plate XLV, Fig. }2, ? , Fig. 33, S , var. Syn. traiisfcrens Walker ; transditcens Walker. A somewhat variable species, which is widely distributed through the Appalachian subregion. It is not uncommon in Pennsylvania. " Moths, which the night-air of reality blows to pieces." Clive Hoi.L.Wi). — My Japanese Wife. 353 Geometridos SUBFAMILY MECOCERATIN/E Genus MECOCERAS Guende (i) Mecoceras nitocris Cramer, Plate XLV, Fig. 22, $ . Syn. nitocraria Hiibner; poiiiisiilaria Grote. The habitat of the species is Florida. Genus ALMODES Guen^e (i) Almodes terraria Guenee, Plate XLV, Fig. 2y, $ . Syn. stcUidaria Guenee; squamigcni Felder ; baltcolata Herrich-ScliDeffer ; assecoma Druce ; calvhia Druce ; 7-iviilaria Grote. This is a tropical species, the sole representative of its genus found within our borders. It ranges from Florida southward into Central and South America. SUBFAMILY PALYADIN^ Genus PALYAS Guenee (i) Palyas auriferaria Hulst, Plate XLV, Fig. }6, S . The specimen figured in the plate is the type which was loaned by the writer to the author of the species. Genus PHRYGIONIS Hiibner (1) Phryigonis argenteostriata Strecker, Plate XLV, Fig. Syn. cc'nissiita Grote; obriissjla Grote. This moth, like the preceding species, is a native of Florida. SUBFAMILY SPHACFLODIN^ Genus SPKACELODES Guenee (i) Sphacelodes vulneraria Hiibner, Plate XLli, Fig. 20, $> . Syn. floridcitsis Holland. The moth is found from the southern portions of North Caro- lina along the Atlantic coast to Florida, and ranges southward into South America. SUBFAMILY MELANCHROllN/E Genus MELANCHROIA Hiibner (1) Melanchroia cephise Cramer, Plate XLII, Fig. 19, r^ . 354 Explanation ok Plate XLV (The specimens fioured are contained in the collection of W. J. Holland.) 1. Gonodontis hypochraria Herrich-Scha?ffer, c?. 2. Gonodontis duaria Guenee. $ . 3. Euchla-na obtusaria Htibner, (^ . 4. EuchLcBna serrata Drury, c? . 5. Stenaspilates zalissaria Walker, $. 6. Priocycla arinataria Herrich-Schaeffer, (J*. 7. EncUlfsna anuviiaria Guenee. (^ . 8. Euclilcena astylusaria Walker, c?. 9. Pherne parallelia Packard. 9 . 10. Syssaura infensata Guenee, var. bictaria Walker, $ . 11. Oxydia vesulia Cramer, (J. 12. Metancma deterniinaia Walker, $ . 13. Melanenia inatoniaria Guenee, . Nolidae The habits of this insect are much like those of the species de- scribed under the preceding genus. It is found associated with them at the same time and in the same localities. The moth has a considerable range in the Atlantic States, and is always very abundant in the forests of Pennsylvania in the early spring. It seems to prefer the trunks of beeches and oaks. Genus RCESELIA Hiibner (i) RcEselia fuscula Grote, Plate XIII, Fig. 27, $. Syn. conspicua Dyar. This moth is a native of Colorado, where it is not uncommon. An allied species, Rcrselia minuscnJa Zeller, is found in the At- lantic States. Genus NIGETIA Walker (1) Nigetia formosalis Walker, Plate XllI, Fig. -^2, 3. Syn. melanopa Zeller. This rather pretty little creature is common in the woodlands of the Appalachian subregion. It is freely attracted to sugar, and when sugaring for moths in southern Indiana I have taken it very frequently. In fact, it appears to be commoner YiQ. ^o'].—N. formosalis, ^ . \. in southem Indiana than in (After Hampson.) ^^^ ^^^^^ locality where I have found it, though it is by no means rare in Pennsylvania, ' ... all you restless things. That dance and tourney in the fields of air : Your secret 's out ! I know you for the souls Of all light loves that ever caused heartache, Still dancing suit as some new beauty toles! Nor can you e'er your flitting ways forsake, Till the just winds strip off your painted stoles, And sere leaves follow in your downward wake." Edith M. Thomas. 358 FAMILY LACOSOMID/E " Everything lives by a law; a central balance sustains all." C. L. VON KUEBEL. This is a small family of moths peculiar to the Western Hemi- sphere. While the perfect insects show structural resemblances to the Platypterygidcv, the caterpillars, which have the habit of constructing for themselves portable cases out of leaves, which they drag about with them, resemble in some respects the Psychidce. The young larva of Cicinnus mehheimeri, imme- diately after hatching, draws together two small leaves with strands of silk, and makes between them its hiding-place. Afterward, when more mature, it detaches two pieces of leaves and makes out of them a case which it carries about with it, and which it can desert at will. When at rest it ties the case to a station selected with a few strands of silk, which it bites otf when it desires again to start on a journey among the branches. The larva of Lacosoma makes a case by doubling a leaf at the midrib, cutting it off at the petiole, and taking it with it as a portable house. There are only two genera of this family in our fauna. It is more abundantly represented in the tropics of South America. Genus CICINNUS Blanchard (i) Cicinnus melsheimeri Harris, Plate XLl, Fig. 17. ?. (Melsheimer's Sack-bearer. ) Syn. egi'uaria Walker. The species occurs in the eastern portions of our territory. It is not uncommon in Pennsylvania. Genus LACOSOMA Grote (i) Lacosoma chiridota Grote, Plate XLI, Fig. 21, 3. (The Scalloped Sack-bearer.) The distribution of this species is the same as that of the foregoing. It occurs quite frequently in western Pennsylvania. Specimens from Florida in the possession of the author are smaller and much darker in color. 3S9 ^ FAMILY PSYCHID/E "The habits of insects are very mines of interesting knowledge, and it is im- possible carefully to watch the proceedings of any insect, however insignificant, without feeling that no writer of fiction ever invented a drama of such absorbing interest as is acted daily before our eyes, though to indifferent spectators." J. G. Wood. A family of small or medium-sized moths, the larvae of which feed in a case composed of silk covered with bits of leaves, grass, twigs, or other vegetable matter, which are often arranged in a very curious manner. From this fact has arisen the custom of calling the caterpillars " basket-worms." In certain species found in Asia and Africa, these "baskets," or "cases," are spiral in form, and so closely resemble the shells of snails that they were, in fact, originally sent to the British Museum as shells by the first person who collected them. The pupa is formed within the larva-case. The males are winged, but the females are without wings. The female in almost all of the genera is possessed of a very lowly organization, being maggot-like, and in truth being little more than an ovary. She is known to deposit her eggs in the larval skin which lines the sack in which she was developed. Copulation takes place through the insertion of the abdomen of the winged male into the sack where the female is concealed. Parthenogenesis is ascertained to occur in one at least of the genera. The moths are obscurely colored. The wings of the males have numerous scales upon them, but they are in many species so loosely attached that they are lost in the first few moments of flight. In consequence the male insects appear to have diaphanous wings. Eight genera, including the genus Solenobia, which has by most authors heretofore been reckoned among the Tineidce, are attributed by Dyar to this family as occurring within our territory. Much remains to be learned both as to the structure and the life- history of these interesting, but obscure, moths. ^60 Psychidae Genus OIKETICUS Guilding The genus is found in the hotter parts of Amer- ica, the typical species having originally been found in Central America, it is also represented in southern Asia and in Australia. Three species occur in the United States — one in southern Cali- fornia, another in New Mexico, and a third in Florida. The latter species was named abboti by Grote, and the male is delineated in Fig. 208. The wings are pale smoky brown, with darker maculation at the end of the cell and just beyond in the primaries. Fig. 20S.— Oiketiciis abboti. Genus THYRIDOPTERYX Stephens (i) Thyridopteryx ephemerseformis Ha worth, Plate XLI, Fig. 12, 6 . Syn. coniferarum Packard. The common "Bag-worm," as it is usually called, occurs throughout the Appalachian subregion, from the Atlantic to the Fig. 209. — Thyridopteryx ephemencforinis. (Bag-worm.) a, larva ; b, male pupa ; c, female pupa ; (/, male moth ; e, female chrysalis in cocoon, showing eggs in situ ; /, full-grown larva; g, young larvae with small cones of silk over them. (After Riley.) borders of the Great Plains. It is a very promiscuous feeder, attacking trees and shrubs of many genera, but, so far as is 361 Psychidae known, abstaining from the Graminece. It evinces special fond- ness for the conifers, and above all for the red cedar and arbor- vitae. it has proved very injurious to shade-trees in some of our cities, and its ravages in St. Louis and Washington have been made the subject of repeated comment in the literature of eco- nomic entomology. A very full and interesting account of the habits of this peculiar insect was published by the late Professor C. V. Riley in the "First Annual Report of the State Entomologist of Missouri," to which the reader will do well to refer. The "bag," or "basket," of the male insect is smaller than that of the female. The males escape from the lower end of the case in the winged form, and having copulated with the females, which remain in their cases and are apterous and sluggish, die. The female de- posits her eggs, which are soft and yellow, in the sack where she has her home, and ends her existence by leaving what little of her body remains after the ova have been extruded, as a sort of loose plug of desiccated tissue at the lower end of the sack. The eggs remain in the case till the following spring, when they hatch. The young larvae emerge, and placing themselves upon the leaves, where they walk about on their fore feet, with their anal extremities held up perpendicularly, proceed to construct about themselves little cones of vegetable matter mixed with fine silk. After a while they cease to hold these cones erect, and seizing the leaves and branches with their feet, allow the bag to assume a pendant position. They moult within their cases four times before reaching maturity and pupating. The remedy for these insects is to simply collect the cases which may be found in the fall and winter hanging from the branches, and burn them. In one of the parks in St. Louis sev- eral years ago, the superintendent caused the cases to be col- lected, and they were destroyed by the bushel, with great benefit to the trees the next summer. Genus EURYCYTTARUS Hampson This is a small genus of very small case-bearing moths, two species of which are known to occur in the United States. E. carbonaria is found in Texas. The other species, which we figure, is a native of the Appalachian subregion. 162 Psychldse (i) Eurycyttarus confederata Grole & Robinson, Plate I, Fig. 16, larval case; Plate XLI, Fig. 8, $ . The insects feed upon grasses and herbaceous plants in the larval state. When ready to pupate they attach their cases to the under side of rails, the stringers offences, and fallen branches of trees. The insect is very common in western Pennsylvania and in the city of Pittsburgh. FAR OUT AT SEA " Far out at sea — the sun was high, While veered the wind and flapped the sail ; We saw a snow-white butterfly Dancing before the fitful gale Far out at sea. * The little wanderer, who had lost His way, of danger nothing knew; Settled a while upon the mast; Then fluttered o'er the waters blue f"ar out at sea. Above, there gleamed the boundless sky ; Beneath, the boundless ocean sheen ; Between them danced the butterfly, The spirit-life of this vast scene, Far out at sea. The tiny soul that soared away, Seeking the clouds on fragile wings, Tured by the brighter, purer ray Which hope's ecstatic morning brings — Far out at sea. Away he sped, with shimmering glee, Scarce seen, now lost, yet onward borne! Night comes with wind and rain, and he No more will dance before the morn. Far out at sea. He dies, unlike his mates, I ween Perhaps not sooner or worse crossed ; And he hath felt and known and seen A larger life and hope, though lost Far out at sea." R. H. HoRNE. — 6V«/«j. FAMILY C0CHLIDIID7E "The rearing of larvae . . . when joined with the entoniological collection, adds immense interest to Saturday afternoon rambles, and forms an admirable introduction to the study of physiology." Herbert Spencer, in Education. This family, which has generally been known as the Limaco- didcv, is described as follows by Hampson, "The Moths of India," Vol. I, p. 371 : "Fore wing with two internal veins; vein \b forked at the base. Hind wing with vein 8 arising free, then bent down and usually anastomosing shortly with 7 near the base of the cells; three internal veins. Larva limaciform, and either bearing series of spinous sting- ing tubercles, or smooth and segmented, or unsegmented with very thick transparent cuticle; the head, legs, and claspers small and often retractile. Cocoon hard and compact; round or oval in shape, with a lid for the escape of the imago prepared by the larva." These curious insects, the larvae of which are commonly known as "slug-caterpillars," are better represented in the tropics of both hemispheres than in the more temperate regions. Never- theless our fauna contains quite a large number of genera and species. Of the majority of these we give illustrations. Genus SIBINE Herrich-Schseffer (i) Sibine stimulea Clemens, Plate I, Fig. 6, larva; Plate XLVIl, Fig. 9, 6 . (The Saddle-back.) Syn. ephippiatus Harris. The green caterpillars with their little brown saddle on the back are familiar to every Southern boy who has wandered in the corn-fields, and many a lad can recall the first time he came in contact with the stinging bristles as he happened to brush against the beastie. Nettles are not to be compared in stinging power to the armament of this beautifully colored larva. 364 V t) Cs» Cochlidiidas Genus EUCLEA Hubner (i) Euclea nanina Dyar, Plate XLVIl, Fig. 25, 6 . Syn. nana Dyar (non Herrich-Schcefifer). The moth is a native of Florida. The writer took it in some numbers, in the spring of the year 1884, on the upper waters of the St. Johns. (2) Euclea delphi-nii Boisduval, Plate XLVll, Fig. 24, ?. (The Spiny Oak-slug.) Syn. strigata Boisduval ; quercicola Herrich-Schseffer ; iardigmiia Clemens ; fcrruginea Packard ; argentatiis Wetherby. Form viridiclava Walker, Plate XLVll, Fig. 23, 6. Syn. vioititor Packard. Form psenulata Clemens, Plate XLVll, Fig. ^, <5 . This is a very variable species. It occurs in the eastern portion of our territory, and is not at all uncommon. (3) Euclea indetermina Boisduval, Plate XLVll, Fig. 10, 5 . Syn. veniata Packard. The species is found in the States of the Atlantic seaboard. (4) Euclea chloris Herrich-SchcTffer, Plate XLVll, Figs, is and 29, ? , Fig. 26, <5 . Syn. viridis Reakirt ; fratenia Grote. The insect has the same range as the species last mentioned. Genus MONOLEUCA Grote & Robinson The insects belonging to this genus are subtropical so far as they are known to occur in the United States. The genus is well represented in Central and South America. (1) Monoleuca semifascia Walker, Plate XLVll, Fig. 22, 6 . The moth is found in the Gulf States. Genus ADONETA Clemens (i) Adoneta spinuloides Herrich-Schseffer, Plate XLVll, Fig. 3, 6 . Syn. voluia Clemens ; ferrigera Walker ; nebulosiis Wetherby. This is a common species in western Pennsylvania, and is widely distributed through the Appalachian subregion. (2) Adoneta pygmaea Grote & Robinson, Plate XLVll, Fig. 19, 3. (The Pygmy Slug.) The moth has thus far been found only in Texas. 363 Cochlidiidae Genus SISYROSEA Grote (i) Sisyrosea textula Herrich-Schaeffer, Folate XLVII, Fig. 14. ?• Syn. inomata Grote & Robinson. The insect occurs in the eastern portion of our territory. It is not rare about Pittsburgh. Genus NATADA Walker (1) Natada nasoni Grote, Plate XLVII, Fig. 13, t^ . (Nason's Slug.) Syn. daona Druce; rude Henry Edwards. The moth ranges from the southern portions of the Atlantic coast westward and southward to Texas and Mexico. Genus PHOBETRON Hubner (1) Phobetron pithecium Abbot & Smith, Plate I, Fig. 14, larva; Plate XLVII, Fig. 6, 6, Fig. 7, ?. (The Monkey Slug.) Syn. abbotana Hubner; nigricans Packard; hyalmus Walsli ; tttrndactvlus Walsh ; nondescriplus Wetlierby. The perfect insects are quite dissimilar in the two sexes. The larva, which is a very curious object, feeds upon the Rosacea;, the Cupulifera% and various low-growing shrubs, as the sassafras, alder, and Spiiwa. The species is found in the Appalachian sub- region, and was quite common in western North Carolina in former years, and may be so still. The larvas are generally to be found close to the ground. Genus ISOCHiETES Dyar (i) Isochaetes beutenmiilleri Henrv Edwards, Plate XLVII, Fig. 17. ?. This is a rare little insect, which has practically the same dis- tribution as the preceding species. Genus ALARODIA Moeschler (1) Alarodia slossoniae Packard, Plate XLVII, Fig. i8, ?. (Slosson's Slug.) This remarkable little species inhabits in the larval stage the mangroves which grow in the swampy lands on the southern coast of Florida. A good account of its habits has been pub- 366 Cochlidiidae lished by Dr. Dy:ir in the "Journal ut Uic New York Entomologi- cal Society," Vol. V, and indeed the student who desires to know about the habits of this and all other species of the Cochli- diidae. found in North America must consult the writings of this author, who has made these insects the subject of special and ex- haustive inquiry. Genus PROLIMACODES (i) Prolimacodes scapha Harris, Plate 1, Fig. 9, larva; Plate XLVII, Fig. 8, ? . (The Skiff Moth.) Syn. undifera Walker. The moth has a wide distribution throughout the Appalachian subregion. The larva feeds upon a great variety of shrubs and trees. It appeared to me in my boyhood, when 1 reared it often, to have a particular fondness for the leaves of the sycamore {Platanus). Genus COCHLIDION Hubner (1) Cochiidion biguttata Packard, Plate XLVII, Fig. 4, ?. Syn. tetnispilaris Walker. A native of the eastern portions of the region. (2) Cochiidion rectilinea Grote & Robinson, Plate XLVII, Fig. 27, 5 . The insect is quite common locally, and has the same distri- bution as the preceding species. (3) Cochiidion y-inversa Packard, Plate XLVII, Fig. 21, 6 . The distribution of the species is the same as that of the two preceding. The larva frequents hickory. Genus LITHACODES Packard (1) Lithacodes fasciola Herrich-Sch^effer, Plate XLVII, Fiy. 2,3. Syn. divergens Walker. The caterpillar feeds on a great variety of low shrubs and trees : it is especially fond of the leaves of the various species of wild cherry. It is common in western Pennsylvania, and is well dis- tributed throughout the Appalachian subregion. Genus PACKARDIA Grote & Robinson (i) Packardia elegans Packard, Plate XLVII, Fig. 16, ?. Syn. nii^ripiiiictata Goodell. 367 Megalopygidae The larvae feed upon a great variety of trees and shrubs, and are commonly found in the deep glens and ravines of the Appa- lachian subregion, where there is much shade and moisture. The insect is not uncommon in the vicinity of Pittsburgh. (2) Packardia geminata Packard, Plate XLVII, Fig. \, i. The larvae frequent places exactly opposite in character to those resorted to by the previous species, being fond of dry open woods, and living upon low shrubs and bushes. T!ie insect is a native of the Appalachian subregion. Genus HETEROGENEA Knoch (i) Heterogenea shurtleffi Packard, Plate XLVII, Fig. 20, $ . This, which is one of the very smallest of all the Cochlidiida', feeds in its larval stage upon black oak, chestnut, beech, and ironwood. The genus is found both in the Old World and the New. Genus TORTRICIDIA Packard (i) Tortricidia flexuosa Grote, form csesonia Grote, Plate XLVII, Fig. 12, ? . A native of the Appalachian subregion, the larva feeding on chestnut, oak, hickory, and wild cherry. It is not uncommon in western Pennsylvania. (2) Tortricidia testacea Packard, Plate 1, Fig. 19, larva; Plate XLVII, Fig. \\,6. The insect, which has the same habitat as the preceding species, feeds upon the same species of plants. It is not uncom- mon .at light in western Pennsylvania. ^FAMILY MEGALOPYGID/E " Simple and sweet is tlieir food: they eat no flesh of the living." C. L. VON KUEBEL. This is a small family characteristic of the neotropical regions, and represented by three or four genera, which have a foothold in the southern portions of our territory. Genus CARAMA W^alker (i) Carama cretata Grote, Plate XXXVIII, Fig. 22, $ . Syn. />i/m Butler. 368 Dalceridse The insect feeds in its larval stage upon the red-bud (Ccrc/s). The caterpillars are gregarious at first, but during the later part of their life separate. The cocoon is made in the ground. The insect occurs from New Jersey and southern Pennsylvania south- ward in the Appalachian region at comparatively low elevations. Genus MEGALOPYGE Hiibner (i) Megalopyge opercularis Abbot & Smith, Plate XXXVIII, Fig. 25, S . Syn. lanuginosa Clemens ; subcitrina Walker. The moth is found in Georgia and the region of the Gulf States. Genus LAGOA Harris (i) Lagoa crispata Packard, Plate XXXVIll, Fig. 2j, $. (The White Flannel-moth.) The caterpillar feeds upon the flowering blackberry {Rubiis villosus), and ranges from Massachusetts southward along the coast. (2) Lagoa pyxidifera Abbot & Smith, Plate XXXVIII, Fig. 24, (? . (The Yellow Flannel-moth.) This is a rare moth in collections. It is no doubt common enough in its proper locality, but thus far few collectors have succeeded in finding it. Its home is on the seaboard of the Southern States. FAMILY DALCERID/E " So man, the moth, is not afraid, it seems, To span Omnipotence, and measure night That knows no measure, by the scanty rule And standard of his own, that is to-day. And is not ere to-morrow's sun go down." CowPER.— 77;^ Task, VI, 211. This is another family which is represented in our fauna only by a small number of species. Besides the insect known as Dalcerides ingenita Henry Edwards, there is only one other species referable to the family known to occur within the United States. This insect is Pinconia coa Schaus, a moth which is not uncommon in Mexico, and occurs in Arizona as a straggler into our territory. Dalcerides ingenita is likewise an inhabitant 369 Bpipyropidae of Arizona. In Central and South America the Dalceridce are more numerously found. Of Pinconia coa we give a represen- tation on Plate Vill. Fig. 6. FAMILY EPIPYROPID/E " So, naturalists observe, a flea Has smaller fleas that on him prey; And these have smaller still to bite 'em, And so proceed ad infinitum.''^ Swi FT. — A Rhapsody. The Epipyropidce are a very remarkable little family of para- sitic moths, of which, as yet, comparatively little is known. Professor J. O. West wood of Oxford, in the year 1876, pub- lished an account of a lepidopterous insect, the larva of which lived upon Fiilgora candelaria, the great tree-hopper, which is abundant at Hong-Kong and elsewhere in southeastern Asia. The caterpillar, according to Westwood, feeds upon the white, cottony secretion, which is found at the base of the wings of Fulgora. In 1902 Dr. Dyar described another species, the moth of which was bred from a larva which was found attached to the body of a tree-hopper belonging to the genus Issiis. The speci- men came from New Mexico, and was taken at Las Vegas Hot Springs. The moth, cocoon, and an alcoholic specimen of the larva are preserved in the United States National Museum. Mr. Champion, the veteran explorer of Central America, who has done so much to instruct us as to the biology of those lands, has re- corded in a note in the Proceedings of the Entomological Society of London for 1883, p. xx, that a similar phenomenon was observed by him while collecting in Central America. There is here a field of interesting study for some patient observer whose home is in New Mexico. Dr. Dyar named the New Mexican insect Epipyrops barberiana. " The little fleas that do so tease, Have smaller fleas that bite 'em, And these again have lesser fleas, And so ad infinitum.'''' Swift. As popularly but incorrectly quoted. 170 2ygsenidae FAMILY ZYGy^NIDy^ " Every traveller is a self-tnught entomologist." Oliver Wendell Holmes.— ZVit- Autocrat of the Breakfast-table. The ZygiTuida: are not very well represented in the fauna of North America. They are more numerous in the Old World than in the New, and the genera found in the New World are mainly aberrant. The family has been characterized as follows by Hampson, "Moths of India," Vol. I, p. 228: "Closely allied to the Syntomidce, but distinguished by vein \a of the fore wing being present, except in Anomoeotes'^\ vein 8 of the hind wing present and connected with 7 by a bar; veinlets in the cell of both, with wings generally present. Frenulum present except in Hi- mantopterus.^ Larva short and cylindrical. Pupa in a silken cocoon." Genus ACOLOITHUS Clemens (i) Acoloithus falsarius Clemens, Plate XVI, Fig. 14, >^ . Syn. sanborni Packard, The larva feeds upon the grape and the Virginia creeper {Ampelopsis). The insect is not scarce in the Atlantic States. Genus PYROMORPHA Herrich-Schseffer (i) Pyromorpha dimidiata Herrich-Schseffer, Plate XLVII, Fig. ^^, S . Syn. perlitcidula Clemens. The insect is not very common. It is a native of the eastern portions of the territory with which this book deals. Genus TRIPROCRIS Grote There are eight species assigned to this genus in recent lists. They are all found in the southwestern portions of our territory, (i) Triprocris rata Henry Edwards, Plate XIII, Fig. 4, 5 . A native of Arizona. 1 Genera found in Asia and Africa. Zygaenidse (2) Triprocris latercula Henry Edwards, Plate XllI, Fig. Has the same habitat as the preceding species. (3) Triprocris constans Henry Edwards, Plate XIII, Fig. 16, a. The moth occurs in New Mexico. (4) Triprocris smithsonianus Clemens, Plate XLVII, Fig. 32, 6. The insect is not uncommon in the southern portions of Col- orado, and is found in New Mexico and northern Texas. Genus HARRISINA Packard Three species belonging to the genus occur within the United States. Two of these are indigenous to Texas and Arizona. The other has a wide range through the Appalachian subregion. We have selected it for illustration, (1) Harrisina americana Guerin-Meneville, Plate XLVll, Fig. 34. $ . Syn. iexaiia Stretch. The habits of this insect have been so well described by Pro- fessor C. V. Riley that we cannot do better than quote some passages from his account, which is to be found in the ' ' Second Annual Report of the State Entomologist of Mis- souri," at page 85. Fie says: " During the months of July and August, the leaves of the grape-vine may often be found denuded of their softer parts, with nothing but the veins, and sometimes only a few of the larger ribs left skeleton-like, to tell the mischief that has been done. Very frequently only por- tions of the leaf will be thus denuded, and in that event, if we examine such a leaf closely, we shall find the authors of the mis- chief drawn up in line upon the yet leafy tissue with their heads all toward the margin, cutting away with their little jaws and retreating as they feed. 372 Fig. 210. — H. americana. < /', pupa ; c, cocoon ; d, e, moths. Riley.) larva ; (After Chalcosiidae These soldier-like files are formed by worms in black and yellow uniforms which produce a moth popularly known as the American Procris. The eggs from which they hatch are laid in small clusters on the under side of the leaves, and while the worms are small, they leave un- touched the most deli- cate veins of the leaf, which then presents the appearance of fine net- work, as shown in the right of the figure (211); but when they become older and stronger they devour all but the larger ribs, as shown at the left of the figure. . . . When full grown these worms disperse over the vines or forsake them entirely, and each spins for itself a small, tough, whitish, flattened cocoon, within which, in about three days, it changes to a chrysalis, three tenths of an inch long, broad, flattened, and of a light shining yellowish-brown color. In about ten days afterwards the moths begin to issue." The insect is double-brooded. It is common in the Appala- chian subregion, ranging from the Atlantic to the borders of the Great Plains in the West. Fio. 211. - Ifarrisina aiuericana. (.\fter Riley.) Larvae. FAMILY CHALCOSIID/E " Daughters of the air." — Dk La Fontaine. This family is represented in our fauna by but a single insect, belonging to the genus Gingla, established by Walker. It is an obscure little moth known as Gingla laterculae Dyar. Its habi- tat is Arizona. 373 Thyrididae FAMILY THYRIDID/E " And yet I will exercise your promised patience by saying a little of the Caterpillar, or the Palmer-fly or worm, that by them you may guess what a work it were in a discourse but to run over those very many flies, worms, and little living creatures with which the sun and summer adorn and beautify the river-banks and meadows, both for the recreation and contemplation of us Anglers : pleasures which, I think, myself enjoy more than any other man that is not of my profession." IzAAK Walton. — 77/^ Compleat Angler, Chap. V, Pt. i The Thyn'didiV are a small family of moths revealing decided affinity to the Pyralida'. They have been characterized as follows by Hampson, " Moths of India," Vol. 1, p. 352: " Moths generally with hyaline patches and striie on the wings. Palpi obliquely upturned and slender. Antennae almost simple. Fore wing with vein \a forming a fork with \b at base; \c absent; 5 from near lower angle of cell. Hind wing with two internal veins; vein 8 nearly touching vein 7 just before or after the end ot the cell. Mid tibia with one pair of spurs; hind tibia with two pairs. Larva pyraliform, with five pairs of legs." Six genera are attributed to this family in the last list of the species found within the United States which has been pub- lished. Of four of these we give illustrations. Genus THYRIS Laspeyres (1) Thyris maculata Harris, Plate XLVII, Fig. 30, $, . (The Spotted Thyris.) Syn. perspicua Walker. The moth is a native of the Eastern States. It is not common. (2) Thyris lugubris Boisduval. Plate XLVII, Fig. 31, ^. (The Mournful Thyris.) Syn. sepiilchmlis Boisduval ; itevadce Oberthiir. The range of the species is coincident with that of its only other congener in the United States. Genus DYSODIA Clemens (i) Dysodia oculatana Clemens, Plate ill. Fig. 10, :^ . (The Eyed Dysodia.) Cossides Syn. pl<:tia V^'aXkQX ; fascia ta Grote & Robinson; iiiontana Henry Edwards ; aiiira Pagenstecher. The species is widely distributed throughout the entire United States. It is very common in western Pennsylvania. Genus HEXERIS Grote (i) Hexeris enhydris Grote, Plate XLVII, Fig. 35, 6 . Syn. reticiiUna Beulenniuller. The moth occurs in the subregion of the Gulf. Genus MESKEA Grote (1) Meskea dyspteraria Grote, Plate XLVll, Fig. ^b, $ . The moth is found in Florida and the region of the Antilles. FAMILY COSSID/E " Bright insect, ere thy fihiiy wiug, Expanding on the breath of spring, Quivered with brief enjoyment, 'T was thine for years immured to dwell Within a lone and gloomy cell, To eat, — thy sole employment." — Achcta Donteilica. The CossiJiV, " Goat-moths," or "Carpenter- worms," as they are familiarly called, have sorely puzzled systematists. Some writers have been inclined to regard them as allied to the Tortri- cidiV. We assign them the position in the linear series which is accorded them by Hampson and also by Dyar. They form a very distinctly defined group, whatever their relationships may be. They are succinctly described by Hampson in "The Moths of India," Vol. I, p. 304, as follows: "Proboscis absent; palpi usu- ally minute or absent; antennae bipectinated to tip or with distal half simple in both sexes, or wholly simple in female. Tibi:3e v/ith spurs absent or minute. Fore wing with vein \b forked at base; \c present; an areole formed by veins 7 and 10; veins 7 and 8 forking- after the areole; the inner margins usually more or less lobed. Hind wing with three internal veins; vein 8 free from the base or connected with 7 by an erect bar at end of ceil. Both wings with forked veinlets in cell. The female may have as many as nine bristles to the frenulum. 37? Cossidae Larva. Smooth, with a few hairs; internal feeders, boring galleries in wood or the pith of reeds, etc., and often doing con- siderable damage. Pupa in a cocoon formed of silk and chips of wood." Six genera are recognized as occurring within our fauna. Genus ZEUZERA Latreiile Plate IX, Fig. 9, 6 (The (i) Zeuzera pyrina Linii?eus, Leopard-moth.) Syn. hypotastri)ia Poda; icsculi LiunKus ; hilaris Fourcroy ; dccipietis Kirby. This insect is a native of the Old World, but has within recent years become introduced and acclimated on Long Island, and has Fig. 212. — The Leopard-moth, a, dorsal view of larva; /', lateral viewr of do. ; c, male; d, female; e, burrow in wood made by larva. (After Pike, "Insect Life," Vol. IV, p. 317.) multiplied to a great extent in the environs of the city of Brooklyn. It has already inflicted much damage upon trees, and, apparently being firmly established, is destined to work still greater injury. It is a promiscuous feeder, but evinces a particular fondness for elms and maples. 176 Cossict ac The eggs are generally laid near the crotch of the tree, and watch should be kept in the spring of the year to detect their presence and destroy them before they are hatched. Genus C03SUS Fabricius The genus is found on both sides of the Atlantic. Cossus cossus Linnaeus is a large species which does great damage to trees in Europe. As I am writing, my friend, Dr. Ortmann, relates that when he was a boy of eleven, living in his native village in Thuringia, his attention was called to a notice posted by the Burgermeister offering a reward for information which would lead to the detection and punishment of the individuals who by boring into the trunks of a certain fine avenue of birch-trees, upon which the place prided itself, had caused great injury to them. Already the instincts of the naturalist had asserted themselves, and the prying eyes of the lad had found out the cause of the trouble. He went accordingly to the office of the Burgermeister and in- formed him that he could tell him all about the injury to the trees. The official sat wide-mouthed and eager to hear. "But you must assure me, before 1 tell you, that the reward you offer will surely be paid to me." "Yes, yes, my little man; do not be in doubt on that score. You shall certainly be paid." "Well, then, Herr Burgermeister, the holes from which the sap is flowing were not made by boys who were after the birch-sap to make beer, but by the IVeidenbobrer." '^ A small explosion of official dignity followed. The act of the presumptuous boy was reported to a stern parent, and the result was, in Yankee phrase, a "lick- ing," which was certainly undeserved. (i) Cossus centerensis Lintner, Plate XII, Fig. i, 6 . The insect is quite rare. It is found in the Atlantic States. (2) Cossus undosus Lintner, Plate XLl, Fig. 9, ? . Syn. brucei French. The moth occurs in the region of the Rocky Mountains. The specimen figured was taken on the Arkansas River in Colorado, near Canyon City. It is undoubtedly the most attractively marked and most ele- gant species found in our territory. 1 The common German name for the Cossus. 311 Cossidas Genus PRIONOXYSTUS Grote There are two species of this genus found in the United States. One of them, Priouoxystiis macmiirtrei Guerin-Mene- ville == querciperda Fitch, is a rather rare species, it bores its larval passages in oak. The female, which resembles the female of the other species, is quite large, sometimes four inches in expanse of wing. The male, on the other hand, is quite diminutive. I have never seen a male much more than an inch and a half in expanse of wing. The species has been taken most frequently in recent years in western Pennsylvania by local collectors. The other species, Prionoxystus robiniae Peck, is very common. It fre- quents various trees, but shows a preference for the wood of the common locust {Robiuia pseiidacacij) and various species of the genus Popnlus. The male is depicted on Plate XLl, Fig. ii, and the female by Fig. lo on the same plate. The insect is widely distributed throughout the United States, i have found the males exceedingly abundant about the electric lights in some of our Western cities, as St. Paul and Omaha. Genus INGUROMORPHA Henry Edwards Two species of this genus occur within our limits. Both are found in the extreme southern portions of the United States. /. arbtioides Dyar is a native of Arizona. I. basalis Walker, which is shown in the an- nexed figure, is found in Florida and Mexico. The general color of the fore wings is pale ashen-gray, with the outer border dull ochre- ous, marked with dark-brown striae, and broader spots and blotches toward the outer The hind wings are darker gray. Fig. 2iT,.—Iiigiiro- inorpha basalis, 5 • {• Type of slossoiii. margin " I recognize The moths, with that great overpoise of wings Which makes a mystery of them how at all They can stop flying." E. B. Browning. —.-///nvv/ Z<'/>/4. 57^ ^geriidae Genus COSSULA Bailey Only one species of this genus is known from our fauna. It occurs in Florida and Mexico. It was named magnifica by Strecker, and subsequently also by Bailey. Druce in the year 1 89 1 applied to it the specific name norax. It is represented in the annexed cut one third larger than the size of life. It is as yet a rare insect in collec- tions, only a few specimens hav- yig. 21^. -Cossuiamagnijica, $ . ... ing been found. No doubt it is locally common, and when some shrewd observer discovers its haunts and mode of life, we shall all have a good supply of speci- mens in our cabinets. Genus HYPOPTA Hiibner Nine species are said to belong to this genus and are reputed to occur within our territory. They are all Southern or South- western forms. (i) Hypopta bertholdi Grote, Plate XII, Fig. 2, $ . The specimen figured on the plate came from California. The author has also received it from Colorado. (2) Hypopta henrici Grote, Plate XII, Fig. 3, $ . The moth is found in Arizona and New Mexico. FAMILY /EGERIID/E " I '11 follow you, I '11 lead you about a round Through bog, through bush, through brake, through brier." Shakespeare. — Midsummer NiglWs Dream., Ill, i. The name Sesia being, according to the laws of priority, strictly applicable to a genus of the SpbingidiV, as has been pointed out on page 61, the name of the family which we are now considering must be that which is given above. The name "Sesiidiv" must yield to the name " /Egeriida'." This is on some accounts regrettable, as the former name has for many years been consistently applied to the family by many authors. 31^ ^geriidse The name which we use has also been applied by a multitude of writers, and is already well established in use in certain quarters. The /Egeriidce are diurnal in their habits, flying in the hottest sunshine. They are very rapid on the wing. Their larvae are borers, feeding on the inner bark or the pith of trees and lesser plants. The pupce are generally armed v/ith hook-like projec- tions, which enable them to progress in a forward direction in the galleries in which they are formed. Some of the genera have at the cephalic end a sharp cutting projection, which is used to enable the insect to cut its way out of the chamber before the change into a moth takes place. The moths have been described as follows by Hampson in '*The Moths of India," Vol. I, p. 189: "Antennae often dilated or knobbed. Legs often with thick tufts of hair; mid tibiae with one pair of spurs; hind tibiae with two pairs. Frenulum present. Wings generally more or less hyaline; fore wing with veins \a and \b forming a fork at base; \c absent; veins 4 to 1 1 given off at almost even distances from the cell. Hind wing with three internal veins; vein 8 coincident with 7." The American species have been very thoroughly monographed by Mr. Beutenmuller, the amiable and accomplished Curator of the Section of Entomology in the American Museum of Natural His- tory in New York. It is through his kindness that the author is able to give on Plate XLVI of the present volume so many illus- trations of the species which are found in our fauna. The stu- dent who desires to know more about these things must consult Mr. Beutenmuller's great work. Genus MELITTIA Hubner (1) Melittia satyriniformis Hubner, Plate XLVI, Fig. i, 9. Syn. ciicurbitcE Harris ; ceto Westwood ; ainana Henry Edwards. The larva of the insect is commonly known as the "Squash- borer," or the "Pumpkin-borer." The insect has an extensive range from New England to the Argentine States. It attacks the Cucurbitacece generally, laying the eggs upon all parts of the plant, but preferably upon the stems, into which the caterpillar bores, and in which it develops until the time of pupation, when it descends into the ground, makes a cell beneath the surface in 380 ^geriidae which it hibernates, and is transformed into a chrysalis the follow- ing spring. The moths emerge, according to locality, from June to August. It is said to be double-brooded in the southern parts of our region, but is single-brooded in the Northern States. (2) Melittia snowi Henry Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 2, 6 . This species is very closely allied to the preceding, but the fore wings are devoid of the metallic tints which appear in that species, and there are other minor differences v/hich present themselves upon comparison of the two forms. The life-history remains to be worked out. It is thus flir known only from Kansas. (3) Melittia grandis Strecker, Plate XLVI, Fig. 3, ? . The insect is reported to occur in Texas and Arizona. Genus G^A Beutenmuller (i) Gasa emphytiformis Walker, Plate XLVI, Fig. --,, 9. The types of this species are found in the British Museum. Nothing is known detlnitely as to its true locality, except that the specimens came from the United States. Of course the life-history is also unknown. It is to be hoped that some reader of this book will rediscover the species and let us all know its true history. (2) Gaea solituda Henry Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 4, S. The species occurs in Kansas and in Texas, but the history of its mode of development from egg to imago remains to be written. Genus EUHAGENA Henry Edwards There is only one species of this genus known at the present time. It was named nebraskae by Henry Edwards in the year 1881. A male specimen is depicted on Plate XLVI, Fig. 34. The species may easily be recognized by its red wings. Its early his- tory is unknown. I received several specimens of the insect some time ago from a friend who sent them to me, but so wretchedly packed that nothing came to hand but fragments. The well- meaning sender had done them up in cotton as if they were birds' eggs, and of course they were all smashed. Never wrap cotton about moths or butterflies, and then ram cotton down into the box to make the specimens ride well. Particularly avoid the "ramming" process. 381 ^geriidsE Genus ALCOTHOE Henry Edwards (i) Alcothoe caudata Harris, Plate XLVl, Fig. 6, 6. The larvae bore in the roots of various species of clematis. The insect is widely distributed, occurring from Canada to Florida, and westward to the Mississippi. The moths come out in April and May in the South, and from June to August in the North. The larvae hibernate in their galleries in various stages of growth. Genus SAN NINA Walker (i) Sannina uroceriformis Walker, Plate XLVI, Fig. 7, i . Syn. qtiinqiiecaudatiis Ridings. The larva feeds on the tap-root of the persimmon {Diospyros) at a depth of from eighteen to twenty-two inches under the ground. The species occurs from Virginia to Florida, and west- ward as far as the food-plant ranges. Genus PODOSESIA Mceschier (i) Podosesia syringse Harris, Plate XLVl, Fig. 17, ?. Syn. lottgipes Mcvschler. The larvae feed on the ash and the lilac. They tunnel their passages straight into the wood for many inches. They cut their way out almost to the surface just before pupating, leaving only a thin layer of fiber to close the end of the gallery; this is broken through by the emergent pupa as it comes forth from its cocoon, and then the pupal envelope is split and the perfect winged insect appears. The moths are on the wing in western Pennsylvania in June, and are to be found on the blossoms of Syr/ nga. Genus MEMYTHRUS Newman (i) Memythrus tricinctus Harris, Plate XLVl, Fig. 14, ?. The larvae infest the small trunks of willows and poplars. The moths appear in the latter part of June and the beginning of July; the caterpillars hibernate in their galleries. Transformation occurs in a tough cocoon located at the outer end of the gallery. The species is found in New England and the Middle States, ranging westward as far as Ohio and Michigan. (2) Memythrus polistiformis Harris, Plate XLVl, Fig. 11, $ ,Fig. 12, ? . Explanation of Plate XLVI (The figures in this plate are taken by the kind permission of Mr. William Beutenmiiller from the plates illustrating^ his Monograph of the Sesiida- of North America.) Mclittia satyr inijorniis Hubner. 9 . Melittia snowi Henry Edwards, (^ . Mclittia grandis Strecker, 9 . Gaa solituda Henry Edwards, c?. Gcca cnipliytiformis Walker, 9 ■ Alcathoe caudata Harris, c?. Sannina uroceriforniis Walker, (^ . ^ligeria apiformis Linn;cus, 9 - Beiiihecia marginata Harris, 9 Memythrits siinulans Grote, 9 • Mcmytlirus polistiforinis Harris, c?. Menivtlinis polistiforinis Harris, 9- Alenivtlirits admirandus Henry Edwards, c?. Mcmytlirus tricinctus Harris. 9 ■ Palniia prcccedcns Henry Edwards, 9 . Parharmonia pini Kellicott, c?. Podosesia syringcc Harris. 9 • Sanninoidea exitiosa Say, ?iis Dems & SchifferniuUer. This insect, which in England is known as the "Hornet- moth," because of its resemblance to a hornet, is found abun- dantly in Europe, but less commonly in North America. Its larva lives in the roots and lower portions of the trunks of poplars and willows, and requires two years in which to undergo trans- formation. Genus BEMBECIA Hubner (i) Bembecia marginata Harris, Plate XLVI, Fig. 9, ?. )riyx\. plecicr/crniis Walker; oJyneripennis Walker; rithi Riley; fiavipes Hulst. The insect, which is popularly known as the "Blackberry- borer," is not at all uncommon. The grub-like larvae infest the roots of blackberries and raspberries, and when mature eat their way up about three inches through the pith of the dead cane, and cutting their way outvv'ardly, leave only a thin layer of the epi- dermis between themselves and the outer air. The pupa is armed at its head with a triangular chisel-shaped process, with which 383 ^geriidae it cuts through the epidermis of the plant, and then vvriggliiig forward, until half of the body is extruded, the pupal case buists, and the moth emerges. The males come out in the early after- noon, the females about four o'clock, copulation occurs almost immediately, and the female begins to oviposit before the sun sets. The moths appear at the end of July and throughout August in Pennsylvania. The larvae overwinter in the canes. Genus VESPAMIMA Beutenmiiller (i) Vespamima sequoiae Henry Edwards, Plate XLVl, Fig. 20, 5 . Syn. pinorum Behrens. This Species is said to be very destructive to coniferous trees upon the Pacific slope. The larvae do their mischievous work at the forking of the branches. Genus PARHARMONIA Beutenmiiller (1) Parharmonia pini Kellicott, Plate XLVl, Fig. 16, 6. The species is found from Canada to New Jersey. The larvae live under the bark of pine-trees. The moths appear in July and August. Genus SANNINOIDEA Beutenmiiller (1) Sanninoidea exitiosa Say, Plate XLVl, Fig. 18, 6, Fig. 19,?. Syn. persica Thomas ; pcpsidiformis Hubner ; xiphitrforiitis Roisduval. This is the well-known " Peach-borer." The larvae infest the trunks of peach-trees and v/ild cherries near the ground, and also attack the upper roots. The species ranges from Canada to Florida, and westward to the Rocky Mountains. It does a large amount of damage in peach-orchards. Genus ALBUNA Henry Edwards (ij Albuna pyramidalis Walker, form montana Henry Ed- wards, Plate XLVl, Fig. 37, $ . This is a variable species, of which several varieties have been described. It ranges from Nova Scotia into New England, and westward to the Pacific in the same latitudes. Nothing is known of its early history or food-plants. 384 i£geriidse Genus SYNANTHEDON Hubner (Sesia auctorum.) The name Sesi'a being properly restricted to a genus of the SphiugidiV, we apply to the genus the name proposed by Hubner in the " Verzeichniss Bekannter Schmetterlinge," p. 129. This appears to be the proper and logical method of procedure under the circumstances. The genus is very extensive. Fifty-eight species are found in our fauna, of which we delineate eleven. (1) Synanthedon rileyana Henry Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 22, 6 , Fig. 2}, ? . Syn. brunncipetniis Henry Edwards ; hyperici Henry Edwards. The species ranges from the Virginias and Carolinas west- ward through Ohio and Illinois as far as California and Oregon. (2) Synanthedon rutilans Henry Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 31, <5, Fig. j2, ?. Syn. aureo/a Henry Edwards; hemizona Henry Edwards; lupini Henry Ed- wards; perpkxa Henry Edwards; ivipropria Henry Edwards; was/iitigtonia Henry Edwards ; niadari.r Henry Edwards. This insect is known as the "Strawberry-borer." It not only infests the crown of these plants, which it generally destroys, but also frequently attacks raspberries and blackberries at the crown of the roots. It ranges from Nova Scotia westward across the continent, and in the Mississippi Valley southward into north- ern Texas. (3) Synanthedon neglecta Henry Edwards, Plate XLVI, Fig. 30, ? . The insect is found in California and Washington. Its early stages are unknown. (4) Synanthedon bassiformis Walker, Plate XLVI, Fig. 21, $>. Syn. lustrans Grote ; consimilis Henry Edwards ; boUi Henry Edwards ; eiipatorii Henry Edwards ; sexfasciata Henry Edwards ; tnfinna Henry Edwards ; iinitata Henry Edwards. The larva feeds in the stems oi Etipatorium purpureum. The insect ranges from New England to Texas. (5) Synanthedon tipuliformis Clerck, Plate XLVI, Fig. 26, ? . The insect, which is found in Europe and Asia, and has also 385 /Bgeriidse been transported to Australia, is an importation into this country from Europe, It feeds in the stems of gooseberry- and currant- bushes. (6) Synanthedon pictipes Grote & Robinson, Plate XLVl, Fig. 24, ? . Syn. inusitata Henry Edwards. The larvae feed under the bark of plums, wild and cultivated cherry-trees, peach-trees, the June-berry {Amelancbier), and the chestnut. The eggs are laid on the trunks and the branches of the trees. The moths are on the wing in June and July. (7) Synanthedon acerni Clemens, Plate XLVl, Fig. 28, ? . Syn. aiencoluni Gennadius. This is the common " Maple-borer." The larvae tunnel in the sap-wood and do a great deal of damage to trees, especially in our larger cities. At times trees are completely girdled by the galleries made by the insects, and are thus killed; at other times they are so weakened that on the occasion of high winds or storms they are broken ofi and greatly disfigured. The insects emerge from the pupae early in the morning, and may be seen at times in small swarms about the trunks of the trees, ovipositing upon the bark. The time of emer- gence is the latter part of May and the beginning of June. The pupa^ are formed in small cocoons com- posed of silk and pellets of excre- ment interwoven upon the surface. Just before the moths emerge, the chrysalids work their way partially out of the tunnels in which they are, and then the outer sheathing of the pupa splits open and the perfect insect crawls forth, in a few moments to be upon the wing; for the development of the power of flight is with this species, as with almost all the /Egeriida\ exceedingly rapid. The moth is found froin New England as far west as Nebraska. 386 Fic. 215. — S. acerni. rt', larvK ; b, cocoons ; c, male ; ffer, 9. U. S. N. M. Packardia elegans Packard, 9 ■ Isochcctes beiitennuiltcri Henry Edwards, 9 . U. S. N. M. Alarodia slossonice Packard, 9 ■ U. S. N. M. Adoneta pygmcea Grote & Robinson, (?, U. S. N. M. 20. Heterogenea sliurtleffi Packard, O^, U. S. N, M. 21. Cochlidion y-inversa Packard. 22. Monoleuca semijascia Walker, 23. Euclea viridiclava Walker, cJ' . 24. Euclea delphinii Boisduval, 9 ■ 25. Euclea nanina Dyar, (5*. 26. Euclea chloris Herrich-SchaefEer, 27. Cochlidion rectilinea Grote & Robinson, (J. 28. Zinckenia fascialis Cramer, (^ . 29. Euclea chloris Herrich-Schaeffer, 30. Thyris niaculata Harris, q' . Thyris lugubris Boisduval, c?. Triprocris s m i t h s o 11 i a 11 u s Clemens, (f . Pyroniorpha dimidiata Herrich- Schaeffer, (^ . Harrisina americana Guerin- Menevillc, c?. 35. Hcxeris enhydris Grote, <^ . 36. Meskea dyspteraria Grote, (^ . 37. Desmia funeralis Hubner, c?. 38. Paniographa limata Grote & Robinson, c?. 39. Glyphodes hyalinata Linnaeus, ^- Cindaphia bicoloraUs Guenee, Pyrausta insequalis Guenee, ^. Pyrausta nivciciliaHs Grote, 9 • Glyphodes nitidalis StoU, (^ . Pyrausta tyralis Guenee, c? . Evergestis straminalis Hubner, d^. Herculia himonialis Zeller, 9 . PhlyctcBnia tertialis Gvienee, d*. Pyrausta illibalis Hiibner, 9 • Pyrausta orphisalis Walker, (5^. Pyrausta funebris Strom, d*. Pyrausta unifascialis Packard. Pyrausta langdonalis Grote, d*. Pyralis farinalis Linnaeus, 9 • Pyrausta pertextalis Lederer, d* • Pyrausta fumalis Guenee, d"- Pyrausta unimacula Grote & Robinson, c?. Pvrausta ochosalis Fitch, MS., 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 SC- SI S2 S3 S4 55 56 57 58. Eustixia pupula Hubner, (5*. 59. Hypsopygia costalis Fabricius, 60. Conchylodes platinalis Guenfe, The Moth Book Plate XLVII 27 ■WJ* 30 ^^1^ ^^{^ ^^^^ T^ ™* n^' /^ 29 COPYRIGHTED BY W. J. HOLLAND, Pyralidas summer in Washington, D. C. The insect has a wide range, being known to occur in the West Indies and Central America. Genus PHLYCT^NODES Guenee This is a genus well represented in both hemispheres. There are over thirty species found in the United States. (i) Phlyctaenodes triumphalisGrote, PlateXLVIII, Fig. 5, (*. . This species, which is found in the vicinity of San Luis Obispo, California, was described by Grote in the "Canadian Entomolo- gist," Vol. XXXiV, p. 295. It does not appear in Dyar's List. (2) Phlyctaenodes sticticalis Linnaeus. (The Sugar-beet Moth.) S\n. /I'sca/is Hiibner; tctragonahs Haworth; sordida Butler. The moth, of which we give an enlarged representation in Fig. 218, has becmee in recent years the object of attention in those portions of the West in which the cultivation of the sugar-beet has be- come an industry of magnitude. It has done considerable damage to the crop in Nebraska. There are two and perhaps three broods pro- duced in a year. The insect multiplies with great rapidity, and large areas planted with the beet have been defoliated by the caterpillars in comparatively a short time. The larvas hibernate in cases woven of silk to which particles of earth are adherent, and which are formed at a small depth under the surface of the soil. By harrowing the ground it has been ascertained that many of the cases are thrown up, and are emptied of the larvae by the meadow-larks and other insectivorous birds, or are killed by the frosts of winter. Many of them, however, escape such treat- 395 Fig. 218. — Phlycticiiodes sticticalis. Twice the size of life. (After Riley, " Insect Life," Vol. V, p. 320,) Pyralidse ment, being possessed of vitality enough to withstand a great degree of cold. It has been suggested that a better way in which to rid the fields of the pests is to apply Paris green to the beets, in a solution composed of one pound of the poison to two hundred gallons of water. The spraying of the plants by the mixture is said to have proved efficacious in cases where the Fig. 220. —P. sticticalis. a, outline of larval case ; d, cocoon of parasite in larval case ; c, pupa, enlarged. (After Riley, "Insect Lite," Vol. V, p. 321.) Fig. 219. — P- sficticalis. a, larva, magnified ; b, dorsal view of segment of do. ; . The moth is a native of California. The genus to which it belongs is represented in our fauna by a number of species. " And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpillar." Isaiah. — XXXIII, 4. 396 Pyralidjs Genus PHLYCT^NIA Hiibner (\) Phlyctania tertialis Guenee, Plate XLVII, Fig. 47, 6 . Syn. plectilis Grote & Robinson ; syringicola Packard. This is a common species in the eastern portion of the region. It is very abundant about Pittsburgh. The genus is represented in our fauna by a dozen species. Genus CINDAPHIA Lederer (i) Cindaphia bicoloralis Guenee, Plate XLVII, Fig. 40, $, . Syn. julialis Walker ; iiiieusalis Lederer ; aviictdatalis Berg ; pttlchripictalis Hampson. The moth occurs from New York and New England south- ward to the temperate regions of South America. It is the only representative of the genus in our fauna. Genus PYRAUSTA Schrank This is a very large genus, which is well represented in both hemispheres. There are about sixty species known to occur within our territory. (i) Pyrausta pertextalis Lederer, Plate XLVII, Fig. S4, 6 . Syn. gentilis Grote; thesealis 2,€[\tx . The species ranges from New England to the extreme southern portions of our region. (2) Pyrausta langdonalis Grote, Plate XLVII, Fig. 52, 6 . The moth occurs in western Pennsylvania and Ohio and Indiana. (3) Pyrausta orphisalis Walker, Plate XLVII, Fig. 49, o. Syn. adipaloidcs Grote & Robinson. The insect is not uncommon in the Middle Atlantic States. (4) Pyrausta fumalis Guenee, Plate XLVII, Fig. 55, 6. Syn. 07-asusalis Walker ; badipennis Grote. The species is found in the eastern portions of our territory. It is not uncommon in Pennsylvania. (5) Pyrausta illibalis Hu'bner, Plate XLVII, Fig. 48, ?. Syn. arsaltealis Walker ; euphossalis Walker ; guthilosa Walker ; fascialis Walker ; subjectalis Lederer ; magniferalis Walker. The moth, which is somewhat variable in its markings, is found in the Appalachian subregion. (6) Pyrausta unifascialis Packard, Plate XLVII. Fig. -i, ^S . 397 Pyralida Syn. subolivalis Packard; hircinalis Grote ; obiiigralis HuLt. The moth is known to occur in the northern portions of the United States and to range westward to California. (7) Pyrausta insequalis Guenee, Plate XLVII, Fig. 41,6. Syn. subsequalis Guenee ; madetesalis Walker ; ■/■eplctalis Walker ; efficitalis Walker, The species inhabits the Appalachian subregion. (8) Pyrausta ochosalis Fitch, MS., Plate XLVII, Fig. 57, 5 . This species, which is not at ail uncommon in Pennsylvania, is in many collections confounded with P. generosa Grote & Robinson, which it resembles in a general way. The insect is prevalently smaller than the latter species, and the markings are different. The species has been correctly discriminated in the collection of the United States National Museum from P. generosa, and the name applied to it in manuscript by Fitch is there given it. I have used this nam^e in designation of the species. (9) Pyrausta tyralis Guenee, Plate XLVII, Fig. 44, 6. Syn. erosmalis Walker; diffissa Grote & Robinson; bellidalis Hulst. The species ranges from the Valley of tlie Ohio southward to Texas. (10) Pyrausta unimacula Grote & Robinson, Plate XLVII, Fig. 56, 6 . The insect is common in Pennsylvania and the Valley of the Ohio. (11) Pyrausta funebris Strom, Plate XLVII, Fig. 50, 6 . Syn. octomaculata Linn.vus ; glomcralis Walker. This pretty and distinctly marked species, which in the pat- tern of its wings recalls the markings of the genus Alypia, is found in the northern parts of temperate North America and in Europe. (12) Pyrausta niveicilialis Grote, Plate XLVII, Fig. 42, ?. The moth is found from New England to western Pennsyl- vania and the Valley of the Ohio as far west as southern Indiana. Genus EUSTIXIA Hiibner (1) Eustixia pupula Hubner, Plate XLVII, Fig. 58, 6 . The insect is found throughout the Appalachian subregion. It is freely attracted to light and also to sugar. It is common in Indiana. 398 Pyralid^ Genus CORNIFRONS Lederer (i) Cornifrons simalis Grote, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 7, 3 . The range of the mu-th is from Montana to Oregon, nus NOCTUELIA Guende (i) Noctuelia thalialis Walker. Plate XLVIII, Fig. 9, 6 . Syn. peruviana Walker; gelidalis Walker; no-nxlts Grote; costivmaculalis Snellen. The insect is found in the Gulf States and southward through South America. SUBFAMILY NYMPHULIN/E The insects composing this famiily are generally found in the vicinity of water, the larvse feeding for the most part upon aquatic plants. Four genera belonging to the subfamily are recognized as occurring within our limits. We give an illustration of one of the commoner species. Genus NYMPHULA Schrank (1) Nymphula obscuralis Grote, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 10, $. The insect occurs from Maine to Minnesota, and southward into Pennsylvania and West Virginia. SUBFAMILY SCOPARIIN/E The Scopariince are represented in our fauna by the genus Scoparia alone. Seven species belonging to this genus are attributed to it in the last published list of the Lepidoptera of the United States. SUBFAMILY PYRALIN/E Five genera belonging to this subfamily occur within our ter- ritory. Of these we have selected for illustration specimens rep- resenting three of the genera. Genus KYPSOPYGIA Hubner (1) Hypsopygia costalis Fabricius, Plate XLVIl, Fig. 59, 6 . (The Clover-hay Worm.) Syn. fimhrialis Denis & Schiffermiiller. 399 Pyraliiiae This troublesome little species is no doubt an importation from Europe, where it is very common. It has spread from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains. It has the habit of infesting stacks of clover-hay, and often does a great deal of damage by weaving its webs of fine whitish silk mixed with excrement in the hay and devouring the leaves. Many cases have been re- ported in which hay had been rendered entirely unfit for use by the presence ofthese pests. As the larvae feed upon dried clover, it has been rec- ommended to make it a point not to stack new hay in places where the old hay is known to have been infected. Furthermore, as the larvre are known to prefer hay which is somewhat moist, it is recommended to make it a point to stack the hay in such a manner that it cannot be subjected to an excess of moisture. This may be done by build- ing the stacks upon a framework of rails elevated a little distance above the ground, so as to permit of the circulation of air beneath. Fig. 221. — Hypsopygia costalis. i-2, larvjE ; 3, cocoon ; 4, pupa ; 5-6, moth ; 7, larva covered with silken web. (After Riley.) Genus PYRALIS Linnaeus (i) Pyraiis farinalis Linnseus, Plate XLVll, Fig. 53, ? . (The Meal Snout-moth.) This is a cosmo- politan species, being quite abundant every- where. It manifests a decided preference for cereals in almost any form, and feeds upon meal, bran, and even the straw and husks. It undergoes Fig. 27.2. — Pyralts farinalis. a, moth; i, larva; c, cocoon. (After Chittenden, " Bull. U. S. Dept. Agric," New Series, Vol. IV, p. 119.) All figures twice the size of life. 400 Pyralidie transformation quite rapidly and is known to produce as m;!ny as four generations in a year. The caterpillars prefer the dark corners of meal-bins and the nooks of granaries and elevators which are least disturbed, and here will, unless they are detected and their ravages checked, establish centers of infection, from which they will go forth to do a vast amount of mischief. The caterpillars form long cases or tunnels of silk mixed with the debris of their food, in which they are quite effectually concealed from view. The best remedy is cleanliness, and frequent moving of stored products. Genus HERCULIA V/alker (i) Herculia olinalis Guenee, Plate XLVllI, Fig. 13, $ . Syn. tre7ito7ialis Lederer. The species is widely distributed throughout the United States and Canada. The larvse feed upon the leaves of the oak. (2) Herculia himonialis Zeller, Plate XLVIl, Fig. 46, ? . The moth is found from New England to Pennsylvania. It is not uncommon among the Alleghany Mountains about Cresson. SUBFAMILY CHRYSAUGIN/E This is a small subfamily, represented in our fauna by nine genera. Two of these we have selected for representation. Genus SALOBRANA Walker (i) Salobrana tecomae Riley, Plate XLVill, Fig. 1 1, ? . This curious little moth feeds in its larval state upon the inte- rior of the seed-pods of the common trumpet-vine (Tecoma). The eggs are deposited when the pods are forming, and the larvae develop within them until in the fall, when they become dormant, hibernating in their burrows until the following spring, when they prepare for their escape by making an orifice in the outer shell of the pod and transforming into pup?e. An excellent account of their habits has been given by the late Professor C. V. Riley in the "American Entomologist," Vol. Ill, p. 288. The moth is found in the southwestern portions of the United States, in the West Indies, and in Mexico and Central America. 401 Pyralidie Genus TOSALE Walker (i) Tosale oviplagalis Walker, Phite XLVIII Fig. )}, $ . Syn. nohilis Grote ; antka:cioides Grote & Robinson. This is a common insect in western Pennsylvania, coming freely to sugar. It ran-ges from the eastern portions of our terri- tory southward into South America. SUBFAMILY SCHCENOBIIN/E This is a small subfamily of peculiar moths in which the pro- boscis is wanting, and which are represented in our territory by four genera and a dozen or more species. Of these we have selected one for illustration. Genus SCIRPOPHAGA Treitschke (i) Scirpophaga perstrialis Hiibner, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 12, ?. Syn. serriradiellus Walker ; macrinelliis Zellner. The habitat of this moth is the southern part of Florida. SUBFAMILY CRAMBIN.^ The Cramhince, or "Grass-moths," as they are commonly called, constitute a large subfamily. The North American species have been well described and delineated by Fernald in his little book entitled "The Crambidae of North America," v/hich was published in 1896. To this the student will do well to refer. There are fourteen genera in our territory, and over eighty species. Only a few of these can be represented in our plates. Genus CRAMBUS Fabricius (1) Crambus laqueatellus Clemens. Plate XLVIII, Fig. 17, c^ . Syn. semifusellns Walker. The moth ranges from New England to Texas. Like all the other species of the genus, it feeds in its larval state upon the grasses. (2) Crambus alboclavellus Zeller, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 18, <5. The insect is very common in the Appalachian subregion. (3) Crambus turbatellus Walker, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 19, ? . .Syn. bipanclcHtis Zeller. 402 Pyralidse The insect occurs from Canada and New England in the North to the Potomac and the Ohio in the South. (4) Crambus trisectus Walker, Plate XLVIII. Fig. 20, ?. Syn. /«/^rw/;;.V/«j Walker; ejcsiccatus ZeWar ; dUiturellus ZcW^v. This is a very common and widely distributed species rang- ing from the Atlantic to the Pacific through more temperate latitudes. Genus DIATR^A Guilding (I) Diatrsea saccharalis Fabricius. (The Larger Corn-stalk Borer.) Syn. /au-anhnus Walker; /un-os,/hu Walker; od/itemteUus Zeller; cm>„l,i. duides Grote. As early as the year 182S the attention of the world was called to the damage inflicted upon the sugar-cane in the West Indies by the larva of a iepidopterous insect. The author of the paper m which it was described was the Rev. Lansdown Guilding, who was awarded a gold medal by the Society of Arts for his account of the insect. About thirty years later, attention was called to the ravages of a similar insect in the island of Mauritius, into which it had been intro- duced. From the West In- dies the insect was transport- ed to Louisi- ana, and a study of its pernicious habits was ac- curately made in the year 1 88 1 by Dr. L. O. Howard of the United States Department of Agriculture. It had been known in Louisiana as a pest since 1855. 403 / Fig. 223.— Z). saccharalis. a, b, c, varieties of larva, en- larged; d, third thoracic segment; e, eighth abdominal see- ment ; /, abdominal segment from side ; g, same from above enlarged. (After Howard, "Insect Life," Vol. IV, p loi ) Pyralidse The ravages of the insect are not confined to the sugar-cane. It attacks with equal avidity sorghum and the stalks of the com- mon Indian corn, or maize. The insect has gradually worked its way northward from the region of the Gulf, having found lodg- ment here and there throughout the Southern States, and is now known to occur quite abundantly at times as far north as Mary- land. It is double-brooded in Virginia. The most serious damage is inflicted upon the crop where the larvie attack young stalks. Plants which are older and well established, though they may suffer to some extent from the insects, are generally not damaged suffi- ciently to prevent the maturing and harden- ing of the grain; but where the stalks are young and quite ten- der, they fail to mature, are stunted, sicken, and ultimately die. The accompanying figure shov/s the dwarfed and sickly appearance of such a stalk, which has been invaded by the borer. The life- history of the insect has been briefly given by Howard as follows : " in early spring the parent moth lays her eggs upon the young cane near the axils, and the young borer pene- trates the stalk at or near the joint, and commences to tunnel, usually upward, through the soft pith. The larval growth is rapid, and the borer is active, 404 ^1p' appearance of Fig. 224.— />. saccharalis. corn-stalk infested by larva; b, stalk cut open to show larval tunnel and pupa. (After Howard, "Insect Life," Vol. IV, p. 99.) Pyralidae nnd frequently leaves the stalk at one place and enters at another, making several holes in the course of its growth. When ready to transform, it burrows to the surface, making a hole for the exit of the future moth, and transforms to the pupa state. There are several generations in the course of a season, and the insect hibernates in the larval state within the stalks." The fact that the insect makes its home in the winter months in the dry stalks furnishes the means for most effectually com- bating its attacks. The remedy is found in destroying the stalks, either by burning them or by gathering them up and feeding them to live stock. It is well known that where crops- are ro- tated, and the stalks are not left standing in the fields all winter, the insect does not succeed in inflict- ing much damage. Care- ful and intelligent tillage of the soil, cleanliness in the fields, will do much to pre- vent the increase of these insects, as well as of many other injurious species which might be named. In addition to feeding upon sugar-cane, sorghum, and corn, it has been ascertained that the insect will attack " Gama-grass" ( Tripsactim dactyloidcs), and it is recommended to burn over fields in which this grass grows in proximity to corn-fields. The student who is desirous to know more about this insect may consult the pages of " Insect Life," Vol. IV, p. 95, where Dr. Howard has written at length upon its habits. It is from this article that much of the infor- mation contained in the preceding paragraphs has been drawn. SUBFAMILY GALLERIIN/E This is a subfamily the larvce of at least one species of which have the remarkable habit of making their abode in the hives of 405 Fig. 225. — D. so.ccliai-alis. a, female, en- larged; b, wings of male; c, pupa, enlarged. (After Howard, "Insect IJfc," Vol. IV, P- 95-) Pyralidse bees, where they feed upon the wax and destroy the young of the insects upon whose industry they prey. Genus GALLERIA Fabricius (i) Galleria mellonella Linnaeus. (The Bee-moth.) Syn. cercana Linnseus ; cerella Fabricius ; obliqucUa Walker. The Bee-moth was undoubtedly introduced into this country IVoni Europe. It is a well-known enemy of the apiarist, and has been active in doing mischief on this side of the Atlantic for more Fig. 226. — The Bee-moth, a, larva; b, cocoon; c, pupa; d, female motli with wings expanded ; e, male moth with wings closed. (After Riley.) than a century, while it has been known from time immemorial in Europe as one of the most dreaded pests of the hive. The moth is double-brooded, the first generation appearing on the wing in the latter part of May and the beginning of June, and the second in August. We cannot do better than to quote in this connection the following account of the insect which is given by Professor C. V. Riley in the " First Annual Report of the State Entomologist of Missouri," p. 166: " During the daytime these moths remain quietly ensconced in some angle of the hive, but, as night approaches, they become active, and the female uses her best endeavors to get into the hive, her object being to deposit her eggs in as favorable a place as possible. Wire-gauze contrivances are of no avail to keep her out, as she frequently commences Hying before all the bees have ceased their work. But even if she were entirely prevented from entering the !)ive, she could yet deposit her eggs on the outside, or, by means of her extensile ovipositor, thrust them in between the slightest joint or crack, and the young worms hatching from them would readily make their way into the hive. The moment 406 Pyralidae the worm is hatched, it coniniences spinning a silken tube for its protection, and this tube is enlarged as it increases in size. The worm cuts its channels right through the comb, feeding on the wax, and destroying the young bees on its way. When full- grown, it creeps into a corner of the hive or under some ledge at the bottom, and forms a tough white cocoon of silk mingled with its own black excrement, as shown in Figure 226, b. in due time the moth emerges from this cocoon. A worm-infested hive may generally be known by the dis- couraged aspect v/hich the bees present, and by the bottom- board being covered with pieces of bee-bread mixed with the black gunpowder-like excrement of the worm. . . . If a hive is very badly infested with the worm, it is better to drive out the bees and secure what honey and v.'ax there may be left than to preserve it ;!S a moth-breeder to infest the apiary, if put into a new hive, the bees may do something; and if they do not, there is no loss, as they would have perished, finally, from the ravages of the worm." SUBFAMILY EPiPASCHlIN^ This subfamily is represented in our fauna by fourteen genera and about thirty species. The insects may generally be recog- nized and separated from allied forms by the fact that the cell of the fore wing is adorned by tufts of raised scales. We have only space to give an illustration of a single genus and species. Genus YUMA Hulst (i) Yuma trabalis Grote, Plate XLVIII, Fig. 14, ?. Syn. adulatalis Hulst. The insect is found in Colorado and Wyoming, and ranges southward into Texas. Almost all of the Epipaschiince found within our territory are native to the West and the Southwest, only a few species being found in the eastern portions of the United States. SUBFAMILY PHYCITIN/F. This is a very extensive group of moths, which have been admirably monographed by the late Mons. E. L. Ragonot of Paris, in the " Memoires sur les ^Lepidopteres," Vols. VII and 407 Pyralidae VIII. There are represented in our fauna over sixty genera and more than two hundred species. We can give our readers merely a glimpse into this corner of the field, but trust that what they shall see may impel them to undertake for themselves the pleasant task of diligent exploration, assuring them that they will find here a world of wonders with which to deal. Genus ACROBASIS Zeller (i) Acrobasis betulella Hulst, Plate XLVlll, Fig. i=s, ?. This is a common species, ranging from New Kngland to Colorado. There are nearly a dozen other species of the genus known to occur in our fauna, and no doubt many more which have not vet been discovered and described. Genus MINEOLA Hulst (i) Mineola juglandis Le Baron. (The Walnut Case-bearer.) This little moth lives in its larval stage upon the leaves of the hickory and walnut. It has the habit of drawing together two of theopposite leaves attached to the long peti- ole, and between them it builds a case, which is quite straight and is com- posed of silk, attached to which is excrementitious matter, which is neatly and closely applied to the whole. In this case the larva lives until the cooler airs of autumn warn it to leave the petiole of the compound leaf, which will fall pres- ently, and it then anchors its little case to the twig near by, and in a half-grown state prepares for the cold winds and icy tem- perature of winter. When again spring sends the sap up the branches, and the leaves begin to unfold, it cuts the bands of silk which held the case in place, and completing its development 408 Fk;. 22"].— M. juglandis. a, case woven between leaves ; b, case ; c, e, wing of M. indi- geiiclla and variety ; d, wing of AT. juglandis. (After Riley.) Pyralidae upon freshly grown and sapid food, it is transformed into a pupa. from which the moth presently emerges. The moth closely resembles the next species, but the student, by the study of its habits and of the case, which is always straight, and not crooked, as is that of the following species, may at once discriminate it. (2) Mineola indigenella Zeller. (The Rascal Leaf-crumpler.) Syn. nei>i(/o Wsihh; zelatclla Hulst. This moth is common in the Valley of the Mississippi and in Ontario, but does not appear to be very common in the Eastern States, and is un- known in the extreme south- ern portions of our region. It is very common in western Pennsylvania. Professor C. V. Riley de- scribes its habits as follows: "It is one of those insects which is hardly noticed while it is carrying on its most de- structive work; for it is most voracious during the leafy months of May and June, and is then more or less hid- den by the foliage of the tree, which it so effectually helps to denude Fig. 228. — il/. indigenella. a, case; b, case wrapped in debris of leaves ;