British Moths, Sphinxes, &c.

Grizzled Skipper

Thymele Aveolus.—Fig. 1

Pap. Alveolus, Hubner.—Pap. Malvæ, Lewin, Pl. 46, figs. 8, 9.—Hesperia Malvæ, Jermyn, 2d Edition, 154 125.—The Grizzled Butterfly, Wilkes.—The Grizzle Butterfly, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 32.—Thymele Alveolus, Fabr. Steph.

Thymele is known by having antennæ slightly elongate, the joints upwards of thirty in number, with the club curved, but not terminating in a hook. The palpi are rather longer than the head, and thickly clothed with hair; the anterior wings rather short, and rounded on the hinder edge.

The Grizzled Skipper is a small species, seldom much exceeding an inch in the expansion of the wings. The ground colour of the surface is brownish-black, the anterior wings from before the middle to the apex marked with straw-coloured spots, most of them of a quadrangular shape; the fringe the same colour as the spots, and barred with brownish-black. The under wings have some straw-coloured spots towards the middle anteriorly, and an irregular macular band not far from the hinder margin; the latter having the whitish fringe interrupted with narrow dusky spots. The under side is grey tinged with green, with spots nearly corresponding to those on the surface, but many of them somewhat enlarged.

The Pap. Fritillum of Lewin and some other writers, according to the opinion of Mr. Stephens, is merely a variety of the above. It has an oblong whitish mark towards the middle of the upper wings not far from the anterior margin, and the other light-coloured spots are larger and of a more oblong shape than in the form already described. It has been occasionally regarded as a distinct species, and is thought to be synonymous with Hesperia Lavateræ of Fabricius.

This insect is found in some plenty in many parts of England, and occasionally in the south of Scotland. It appears about the end of May. Woods and meadows in the neighbourhood of London. “Hartley Wood, Essex,” Miss Jermyn. “Frequent near Newcastle,” G. Wailes, Esq. “Occasionally noticed near Durham,” Mr. Andrews.

The Dingy Skipper

Thymele Aveolus.—Fig. 2

Pap. Tages, Linn.; Lewin, Pl. 54 45, figs. 3 and 4.—Hesperia Tages, Leach, Jermyn.—The Dingy Skipper, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 34.—Thymele Tages, Steph.

This species is generally a good deal larger than the preceding; the colour of the surface rather dark brown faintly clouded with ash-grey, with a few scattered white points, and a continuous series along the margin of all the wings. The fringe is greyish-brown, indistinctly denticulated; the under side tawny-grey, with ill-defined white spots, especially towards the hinder side of the inferior wings. The antennæ are black, ringed with grey.

The caterpillar is bright green, with a yellow stripe dotted with black along the back, and others of a similar description on the sides; the head brown. It is said to feed on the Eryngium campestre and birds’-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), the latter being probably its most ordinary food, as the insect is frequently found in districts where the former plant does not grow. The butterfly first appears in May, and occurs not unfrequently on dry heaths, commons, &c. Near London, at Dartmoor in Devonshire, in Suffolk, and Norfolk, it has been observed in plenty; as well as in more northern localities, particularly heaths in the vicinity of Newcastle and York. We have likewise seen examples which were taken in the south of Scotland; and it occurred near Tain and Cromarty, in June 1834, in considerable abundance; so that its range in Britain, from north to south, is widely extended.

Chequered Skipper

Pamphila Paniscus.—Fig. 3

Hesperia Paniscus, Fabr.—Pap. Paniscus, Don. viii. Pl. 254, fig. 1—Pap. Brontes, Hubner.—Chequered Skipper, Haworth, Jermyn.—Pamphila Paniscus, Steph.

In Pamphina the palpi are short and compressed, covered with scales and hairs; the antennæ rather short, the joints not amounting to thirty; the club straight, abrupt, and spindle-shaped, without a hook at the extremity in P. Paniscus and Linea, but having an acute hook in P. Sylvanus and Comma. The anterior wings are somewhat longer than in the preceding genus, and the hinder pair have a slight projection at the anal angle, like a rudimentary tail. The head and thorax are equally robust as in Thymele, or rather more so; and the males of some of the species are distinguished by having an oblique abbreviated black line on the disk of the anterior wings.

The Chequered Skipper expands about an inch and two or three lines. The surface is brownish-black, marked with numerous bright fulvous spots, those on the anterior wings consisting of a large patch before the middle, then an irregular curved band intersected by the black nervures, and lastly, a faint row of tawny dots parallel with the hinder margin. On each of the secondary wings are three discoidal spots, one of them larger than the others, and a posterior band of small dots. The fringe of all the wings is tawny at the tip. The under side is yellow, inclining to grey, the upper wings with several marks, and the extremity of the nervures black; the under pair with seven rounded yellowish-white spots, and a posterior macular band of the same colour. Antennæ pale beneath, the tip of the club reddish yellow.

The caterpillar, which feeds on the Greater Plantain, is described as being dark-brown on the back, with the sides lighter, and ornamented with two longitudinal yellow stripes; the head black, and the segment behind it with an orange-coloured band.

This prettily marked insect is regarded as very local, but its localities are pretty widely scattered, and many of them afford it in tolerable plenty. It frequents meadows and damp woods, usually appearing in the end of May and June. It is found in Devonshire, near Bedford, in Northamptonshire, Oxford, &c.

Small Skipper

Pamphila Linnea.—Fig. 4

Hesperia Linea, Fabr.—Pap. Linea, Don. vii. 236, fig. 2, .—Pap. Thaumas, Lewin, Pl. 45, figs. 5, 7.—The Small Skipper, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 42.—Pamphila Linea, Steph.

Rather of smaller size than the following, to which in general appearance it bears a good deal of resemblance. The surface of the wings is fulvous, rather glossy, without spots; the hinder margin and the nervures black. The under side of the primary wings is paler than the surface, shading into grey at the tip and brown at the base; of the secondary wings, tawny ash-grey, the anal angle with a fulvous patch. The fringe is pale, and the antennæ blackish, ringed with pale yellow. The male is distinguished by having a conspicuous black oblique line on the disk of each of the anterior wings.

The caterpillar, according to Hubner, is deep green with a dark line along the back, and two whitish lines on the sides margined with black. It feeds on the mountain hair-grass (Aira montana) and other gramineæ. The chrysalis is of a yellowish-green colour. The fly appears in July, and is frequent in many parts of the country, both in England and Scotland.

Large Skipper

Pamphila Sylvanus.—Fig. 1

Hesperia Sylvanus, Fabr.—Pap. Sylvanus, Lewin, Pl. 46, figs. 1–3; Don. viii. Pl. 254, fig. 2 .—The Large Skipper, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 42, f. h.—Pamphila Sylvanus, Steph.

Expansion of the wings from fourteen to sixteen lines; the colour fulvous, with the nervures and the hinder extremity of the wings brown, the latter colour deepening into a blackish line round the outer edge. The anterior wings have a few small quadrate fulvous spots in the dusky ground towards the tip, and the hinder pair very indistinct fulvous spots or clouds posteriorly, the colour sometimes diffused over a considerable portion of the disk. On the under side the upper wings are yellow, inclining to green at the tip, and dusky black at the base; the superficial spots towards the apex sometimes appearing, but very faintly marked. The binder wings are greenish-yellow, with a curved series of pale quadrate spots, emarginate posteriorly, varying in size and colour, and even at times in their relative situation. The fringe is fulvous, the antennæ with the club thick and terminating in an acute curved point. As in P. linea, the male has an oblique black streak on each of the upper wings, but it is larger than in that species.

The most common of the Skippers, occurring in tolerable plenty apparently throughout Britain on the borders of woods, moorlands, &c., from May to August.

Pearl Skipper

Pamphila Comma.—Fig. 2

Pap. Comma, Linn.; Lewin, Pl. 45, fig. 1, 2; Don. ix. Pl. 295 ,—Hesperia Comma, Fabr.—The Pearl Skipper, Harris.—Silver-spotted Skipper, Jermyn.—Pamphila Comma, Steph.

About the size of the preceding, sometimes rather less: the male fulvous above, more or less suffused with brown towards the hinder margin of the wings, the disk of the primary pair with a linear black mark, haying silvery scales in the centre, and beyond this, towards the apex, a series of quadrate whitish spots forming an irregular semicircle: the hinder wings with irregular fulvous spots posteriorly, and the disk more or less suffused with fulvous. Beneath, the anterior wings are greenish-grey, the centre pale yellow, the apex with a series of white spots, corresponding in their position to those on the surface; the hinder wings greenish-grey, with nine white quadrangular spots, three of them grouped towards the base, the others forming a curved transverse band. The fringe of all the wings is pale, spotted with brown at the base on the under side. The female is usually larger than the male, and destitute of the discoidal black line which is invariably a sexual distinction. In this sex also the spots are whiter, and in the anterior wings they form an irregular band extending across the surface; while in the hinder pair they are edged with black and somewhat notched behind.

The caterpillar is obscure green mixed with rust red, and having a series of black dots on the back . and sides. The head and neck are black, the latter with a white ring. On the continent it is said to feed on the Coronilla varia, but in this country probably has recourse to diadelphous plants or grasses.

By no means so generally distributed as the preceding, but found in some plenty in certain places. Miss Jermyn mentions chalky soils near Lewes in Sussex, as having afforded it plentifully; it likewise occurs near Dover, in the neighbourhood of London, in Wiltshire, in Roxburgh and Dumfriesshire, &c.

Besides the above species of Hesperidæ, it is now ascertained that the Pamphila Actæon has occasionally been found in the south of England. Not haying seen examples of this insect, we subjoin Godart’s account of it; from the localities he cites for it in France, it seems no way improbable that it should inhabit some parts of Britain.

The Green Forester

Ino Statices.—Fig. 3

Sphinx Statices, Linn.; Don. vi. Pl. 204, fig. 2.—Procris Statices, Fabr.—Atychia Statices, Ochsen.—La Turquoise, Geoffroy.—Green eget Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 34.—Ino Statices, Leach; Steph.; Curtis’ B. E. ix v. Pl. 396.

The extent of the wings is from twelve to sixteen lines; the upper pair, as well as the head, thorax, and stalk of the antennæ, of a beautiful golden-green with a silky gloss, inclining in certain places to blue. Both sides of the under wings, and the under side of the superior pair are brown, which is likewise the colour of the fringe. The body beneath is glossy green, rather deeply tinged with blue; the trunk and pectinations of the antennæ black.

The caterpillar tapers at both ends, and the body is somewhat depressed: the colour green, with the head and anterior legs black, the other legs whitish; two rows of black spots run along the Fags and on each side there is a series of red dial It feeds on the Cardamine pratensis, common dock, &c. The insect appears in June, and is of frequent occurrence in England, although it seems to be somewhat local. Neighbourhood of London, Coombe and Darenth woods: “Neighbourhood of Durham, plentiful in some places,” Mr. Andrews. Near Newcastle, York, &c. It probably does not extend much further northwards than the places last mentioned.

Six-Spotted Burnet-Moth

Anthrocera Filipendulæ.—Fig. 4

Sphinx Filipendulæ, Linn.; Don. i. Pl. 6.—Zygena Filipendulæ, Fabr.; Haworth.—Burnet Moth, Wilkes; Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 1.—Anthrocera Filipendule, Scopoli; Steph.

In the present genus the antennæ are simple in the two sexes, of great length, slender at the base, and thickening at the top into a spindle-shaped club which is considerably curved. The palpi are longer than in Ino, projecting a little from the head, and terminating in a point, the joints thickly clothed with hair. The species are pretty numerous, even although it be admitted as probable that several kinds regarded as distinct are mere varieties. All of them are remarkable for the brilliancy of their colours, chiefly consisting of bluish black and bright red, the latter generally occupying nearly the whole of the inferior wings and forming spots on the upper pair. They are gregarious in their habits and sluggish and inactive in their movements, and may sometimes be found in dull weather clinging to plants in considerable numbers, and remaining quite motionless for a length of time. The most common species to be met with in this country is that mentioned above. It measures from fifteen to eighteen lines across the wings; the upper pair are of a fine greenish-black with a high degree of lustre, each of them with six red spots, arranged in pairs, two at the base (sometimes united or separated merely by the intersecting nervure), two in the middle placed obliquely, and two towards the apex nearly parallel with the last. The under wings are carmine-red on both sides, the hinder margin with a narrow blue-black border. The body is velvet-black with a blue or greenish gloss; the antennæ of a similar hue.

The caterpillar is yellow, with three rows of black spots along the back, and others on the sides; the head very small and black. It feeds on grasses and a variety of common plants, such as Speedwell, (Veronica), Mouse-ear hawkweed, Dandelion, Spiræa filipendula, &c.; from the latter it has obtained its specific name.

The perfect insect appears about the end of June and continues till the end of August. It is plentiful in most parts of England, and likewise occurs abundantly in certain parts of Scotland, but in that country it is somewhat local. In the vicinity of Edinburgh, it is found on the shores at Cramond, and in profusion on the northern shorts of the Frith of Forth, between Pettycur and Burntisland.

In profusion on Guillon Links—equally plentiful on Southerness Point on the coast of Galway, where the caterpillar feeds on the Ononis arvensis or Rest-harrow.

—Sir W. Jardine, Bart.

Five-Spotted Burnet-Moth

Anthrocera Loti.—Fig. 5

Zygæna Loti, Fabr.—Sphinx Loniceræ, Esper and Hubner.—Zygène du Chevrefeuille, Godart.

Less than the preceding; the anterior wings blue-black, with less of the green reflection, each of them with five red spots, which are as distinctly marked on the under side as on the upper: the two basal spots oblong, the others rounded. The hinder wings bright red, with a rather wide black-blue border somewhat sinuated on its inner edge; in other respects not differing from Anth. Filipendulæ.

The caterpillar is green, with two longitudinal macular bands on each side, the lower one narrowest; and a yellow dot on each segment between these bands. It feeds on the honeysuckle, bird’s-foot trefoil, and many other plants. The perfect insect is found occasionally in many parts of Britain.

Eyed Hawk-Moth

Smerinthus Ocellatus.—Fig. 1

Smer. Ocellatus, Latreille; Stephens.—Sphinx Ocellata, Linn.; Don, viii. Pl. 269.—Sphinx Semipayo, De Geer.—Sphinx Salicis, Hubner.—Eyed Hawk-moth, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 5. Curtis’ B. E. xi v. Pl. 482.

The Smerinthi have frequently been confounded with the Sphinges, but they present a sufficient number of distinctive marks to entitle them to be regarded as a separate generic group. Of these the most important are the shortness of the proboscis, which is scarcely perceptible, the angulated or dentated margin of the anterior wings, and the serrated antennæ. The species are not numerous; most of them are of sombre colours; and they are dull inactive insects, seldom appearing on the wing, and when they do go, displaying none of the vivacity and rapid movements of the kinds to which, in other respects, they bear a close affinity. The shortness of their trunk renders them incapable of feeding while on the wing like the Humming-bird Hawk-moth; the little food which they require during their brief existence, is therefore obtained by settling on flowers. The body of the larva is granulated or covered with small prominent points, and the anal segment bears a pointed horn which is almost straight. The contour of the head forms a curvilinear triangle, and is not rounded as in the true Sphinx. Perhaps the most beautiful of the three species inhabiting Britain is that named the Eyed Hawk-moth. The male expands about two inches and a-half, and the female often exceeds these dimensions by an inch. The anterior wings, which are very acute at the apex, are grey, tinged with rose-colour, and variegated with brown and dusky clouds and waved streaks; the centre with a pale curved transverse streak. The posterior wings are carmine-red, with the anterior margin entirely grey, and the hinder one tinged with that colour; the anal angle bearing a large ocellus with a blue iris, and large bluish-brown pupil, placed in a patch of deep black, which emits a stripe in the direction of the anal angle. The head and thorax are nearly of the same shade of colour as the surface of the upper wings, the latter with a deep brown mark on the back; the abdomen brownish-grey.

The caterpillar is of a fine green on the back, the sides and belly tinged with blue. Most of the Segments are ornamented with a white oblique stripe on the sides; the stigmata are white, circumscribed by a brown line; the membraneous legs rose-colour, and the head bordered with yellow. It feeds on various trees, such as the willow, poplar and apple.

The perfect insect is not rare in England, but it becomes scarce further to the north. Some places have afforded it in great abundance—such as Epping Forest, several places in Devonshire, and the vicinity of York—and it seems to be found occasionally in all the English counties. It is very rare in Scotland.

Poplar Hawkmoth

Smerinthus Populi.—Fig. 2

Sphinx Populi, Linn.; Donovan, viii. Pl. 241.—Poplar Hawk-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 25; Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 33.

Larger than the preceding, and differing considerably from the other species in having the external border of all the wings pretty regularly dentated. The colour is generally greyish-brown, occasionally inclining to obscure rusty-red, and sometimes greyish-white, with bands and transverse rays of a deeper hue than the ground colour; each of the upper wings haying a white crescent near the middle. At the base of the hinder wings there is a ferruginous patch, and near the middle a pale whitish lunule, always indistinct and sometimes not observable. The body is nearly of the same colour as the wings; the antennæ reddish internally, and yellowish-white on the outer side.

The caterpillar bears much resemblance to that already described, being usually green, with oblique yellow or white stripes. The stigmata are yellow or rose-colour, with a white centre; the membranous legs often ornamented with a curved orange Spot externally. The head is bordered with yellow, and the anal horn is of that colour, with the base blue. It eats the leaves of poplars and willows. (Pl. iii. fig. 3).

This plainly coloured insect is by far the most common of the Sphingidæ, being frequent in all parts of England, and generally distributed over the southern division of Scotland. It is found about midsummer and in autumn.

Lime Hawk-Moth

Smerinthus Tiliæ.—Fig. 1

Sphinx Tiliæ, Linn.; Donovan, x. Pl. 325.—Olive Shades, or Lime Hawk-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 23.—Lime Hawk-moth, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 20.

A very variable insect both in colour and the form of the markings: the anterior wings are usually greyish, with an interrupted band of olive-green or olive-brown in the middle, formed by two spots, of which the anterior one is the largest; the outer margin has a broad band of the same colour, edged externally with ferruginous, and having a white mark at the tip of the wing. The hinder wings are grey, with an ill-defined brown band running obliquely from the anterior edge to the anal angle, where the colour deepens and sometimes becomes greenish. The thorax is marked with three longitudinal bands of olive green which unite in front, and the abdomen generally has a green tinge.—The colour of the surface is occasionally obscure red, with the outer extremity of the anterior wings and the central spots deep rust-red: at other times the two central spots are united, and sometimes one of them is wanting.

The caterpillar feeds on the lime, elm, birch, &c. It is pale-green, with seven oblique whitish stripes on each side bordered anteriorly with red or yellow. The head is smaller than in others of the genus, the body more attenuated in front, and there is a granular protuberance over the anus.¹³

The rarest of the three, being found only occasionally; but it seems to be pretty generally distributed throughout England. It occurs near London more frequently than in most other places; also near Exeter, York, &c. It does not seem to be a Scotch insect.

Death’s Head Hawk-Moth

Acherontia Atropos.

Sphinx Atropos, Linn.; Donovan, ix. Pl. 289, 290.—Jasmine Hawk-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 19.—Death’s Head, Harris.—Acherontia Atropos, Ochsen.—Bee-Tiger Moth, Curtis, iv v. Pl. 147; Stephens.

The shortness of the proboscis and antennæ, the latter terminating in a kind of hook supporting a long hairy seta, and the entire margin of the wings without indentation or sinuosity, suffice to distinguish Acherontia from the genera with which it has long been associated. Other subordinate distinctions are to be found in several peculiarities of structure, and the caterpillar, besides presenting some other differences in character and aspect, has the caudal horn thickly tuberculated. The only British species is the striking and well known insect above referred to. The expansion of the wings varies from four to five inches, and females have occasionally been found not much short of six inches in extent: it must therefore be considered no not only as the largest of our indigenous lepidoptera, but with one exception, the Peacock-moth (Saturnia Pavonia major), the largest insect inhabiting Europe. The surface of the primary wings is dark-brown, or blackish, powdered with white, and marked with several waved transverse stripes of deep black, and others of rust-red, the latter colour forming a series of dashes on the nervures at the hinder margin of the wings. Near the centre of each wing there is a small round whitish spot. The secondary wings are deep yellow or ochreous, with two dark bands nearly parallel with the hinder margin and at some distance from it. The head and thorax are nearly of the same colour as the dark portion of the upper wings; the thorax bearing on its surface a large grey or yellowish spot, not unaptly representing a front view of a human skull or “Death’s Head.” The abdomen is blackish, bluish-ash down the back, with yellow transverse spots on the sides of the segments. The antennæ are whitish at the tip, and the tarsi ringed with white.

The caterpillar, which is sometimes five inches in length, is of a fine yellow, with seven oblique green bands on each side and a longitudinal series of blue spots on the back, which besides is spotted with black and granulated. It is generally found on the potato and common jasmine, but likewise feeds on a variety of other plants of very dissimilar qualities. The insect was formerly very scarce in this country, but since the cultivation of the potato became general, it has increased considerably. The caterpillar, however, occurs much more frequently than the moth, and as it very often dies before completing its transformations, indigenous specimens of the perfect insect are still regarded by collectors as a desirable acquisition. The caterpillars are usually full grown about the middle of August, when they bury themselves in the earth and form an oval cell in which they undergo their destined changes. The moth seldom appears before the end of September; it conceals itself in some obscure place during the day, and appears on the wing only in the morning and evening twilight. In the southern parts of England, a considerable number of specimens are found annually; and although it becomes rarer in the north, it has been observed not unfrequently both in the north of England and in Scotland. In the latter country we have seen examples from Ayrshire, Perthshire, the vicinity of Jedburgh, and Midlothian, and have heard of their occurrence in many other places.

Over foreign lands the Death’s-head Hawk-moth has a wide range of distribution. It occurs in considerable abundance in all the southern countries of Europe, in the two extremities of Africa, and in the Isle of France. In the latter country, according to St. Pierre, a belief prevails that the dust cast from its wings, in flying through an apartment, produces blindness if it happen to fall upon the eyes.

The great size of this creature, its remarkable appearance, the “grim feature” stamped upon its thorax, together with the power it possesses of emitting a plaintive and mournful cry, have conspired to render it an object of alarm to the ignorant and superstitious. We are told by Reaumur that they once appeared in great abundance in some districts of Bretagne, and produced great trepidation among the inhabitants, who considered them to be the forerunners and even the cause of epidemic diseases and other calamities. Mr Knapp says,

A letter is now before me from a correspondent in German Poland, where this insect is a common creature, and so abounded in 1824, that my informant collected fifty of them in the potato-fields of his village, where they call them the “Death’s-head Phantom,” the “Wandering Death-bird,” &c. The markings on its back represent to these fertile imaginations the head of a perfect skeleton, with the limb-bones crossed beneath; its cry becomes the voice of anguish, the moaning of a child, the signal of grief; it is regarded not as the creation of a benevolent being, but the device of evil spirits—spirits enemies to man, conceived and fabricated in the dark; the very shining of its eyes is thought to represent the fiery element, whence it is supposed to have proceeded. Flying into their apartments in the evening, it at times extinguishes the light, foretelling war, pestilence, hunger, death, to man and beast.¹⁴

The sound alluded to, which seems to be peculiar to this species among lepidopterous insects, has often attracted the notice of observers, but they have hitherto been unable to determine satisfactorily in what manner it is produced. Ag it is impossible, from the nature of their organization, that any insect can be possessed of a genuine voice, it has been conjectured that the noise is occasioned by the friction of one organ against another, as is well known to be the case with many beetles, grasshoppers, &c. Reaumur and others accordingly ascribe it to the reciprocal action of the trunk and palpi; but the sound having been found to continue after these organs were cut off, it must evidently have some other origin. Under the idea that it was connected with the motion of the wings, another observer was led to conceive that its source was two concave scales placed at the base of these appendages, against which the air is forcibly propelled by their rapid motion. M. Lorey, a French physician, maintains that the stridulation in question Is produced by the escape of air from a trachea placed on each side of the base of the abdomen, which, when the animal is in a state of repose, are closed by a fascicle of fine hairs. A more recent writer, M. Duponchel, controverts all these statements, and gives it as his opinion that the noise is emitted from the interior of the head, in which there is a cavity communicating with the trunk, and neat which are placed the muscles by which the latter is put in motion. As M. Lorey, however, affirms that he has heard the sound after the head was amputated, and M. Duponchel makes the same assertion in relation to the abdomen, these various opinions must be considered as irreconcilable, and the matter left to be decided by future investigation.

The celebrated M. Hüber, and some other naturalists, affirm that this insect is in the habit of entering the hives of the common domestic bee, where it takes up its abode for a time, and regales itself on the honey. That it should be attracted by the smell of the honey, and even enter the hive in search of it, might have been expected from the predilection which most lepidopterous insects show for that kind of food; but it is not easy to understand how a creature without offensive weapons, and unprotected by any hard covering, can either resist or survive the attacks of so many armed assailants. This difficulty is increased when we consider the result of one of M. Hüber’s experiments: on introducing a Death’s-head moth into a box where a colony of humble bees (Bombus Muscorum) had established themselves, it was immediately attacked, and so severely stung that it died shortly after; yet the sting of this insect is by no means so formidable as that of the honey bee. There is very little probability in M. Hüber’s conjecture, that the hostility of this irritable race may be disarmed by the stridulous sound emitted by the moth, which he supposes may possibly have an effect similar to that produced by the queen. In this country the moth is never likely to become so plentiful as to occasion much damage; at any rate, an effectual remedy may be easily applied, by covering the opening into the hive with a wire grating, having the apertures of such a size as to admit no larger object than the proper inmates.

Privet Hawk-Moth

Sphinx Ligustri.—Figs. 2 & 3

Sphinx Ligustri, Linn.; Donovan, viii. Pl. 284.—Privet Hawk-moth, Wilkes, Harris.

The Privet Hawk-moth generally measures from three and a half to four and a half inches across the wings; the upper pair ash-grey, slightly tinged with rose-colour, and marked with irregular black veins; the hinder portion of the wings obscure brown, and the hinder margin bearing two whitish, flexuous lines, on a greyish ground, which unite near the apex. The surface of the hinder wings is of a fine rose-colour, traversed by three black bands, that next the base being short and placed nearly at right angle with the others, which are parallel with the hinder margin; the latter tinged with brown. The fringe surrounding the wings is greyish, inclining to red. The thorax is dark brown, greyish posteriorly, and white with a rosy tinge on the sides; the abdomen purple or deep rose-colour, with black bands, interrupted in the middle by a broad longitudinal brown stripe, having a narrow black line down the middle.

The caterpillar is one of the most beautiful belonging to this tribe. It is of large size, and of a fine apple-green colour, ornamented with seven oblique stripes on each side of the body, purple anteriorly, and white behind. The stigmata are orange-yellow, and the caudal horn yellow on the under side and black above. Its ordinary food is the leaves of the common privet, but it likewise consumes the different kinds of lilac (Syringæ), the ash, the elder, and laurel (Daphne laureola). It generally changes into a chrysalis in the month of August, but occasionally at a much earlier period, as the moth has been sometimes observed on the wing in July. It constructs no cocoon properly so called, but merely forms an oval chamber in the earth, the sides of which it consolidates by the pressure of its body, and by uniting the particles by means of a glutinous secretion discharged from the mouth.

It is of not unfrequent occurrence in many parts of the south of England, especially in Cambridgeshire and the counties adjoining, but becomes rarer in the north, and is seldom noticed in Scotland although it occurs occasionally. It abounds in many parts of the continent.

Unicorn Hawk-Moth

Sphinx Convolvuli.

Sphinx Convolvuli, Linn.; Donovan, vii. Pl. 228 and 229.—Unicorn or Bindweed Hawk-moth, Wilkes.—Unicorn or Convolvulus Hawk-moth, Harris.—Sphinx 4 cornes de Bœuf, Geoff., Godart.

The surface of the primary wings in this fine species is greyish-ash colour, clouded with brown and black, and marked with a few narrow lines or streaks of deep black. The secondary wings are also greyish, and traversed by three dark-coloured bands, the anterior one bent towards the body, the second oblique and somewhat double, the third widened externally and nearly parallel with the hinder margins. The fringe surrounding the wings is white interrupted with brown. The thorax is nearly of the same colour as the upper wings, marked with two dark indistinct lines, somewhat in the shape of a horse-shoe, and having a bluish spot behind, with a red one adjoining. The abdomen is ringed alternately with black and red, inclining to rose-colour, the red bands margined with white anteriorly, and there is a broad greyish stripe down the back divided in the middle by a black line. The antennæ are whitish, as well as the under side of the body, the latter having two black spots in the middle of the belly. The expansion of the wings is about four inches and a half.

The caterpillar is very variable in colour and markings. It is most commonly of a bright green, (as represented on Pl. vi. fig. 2.), with black or brown spots on the back, and oblique yellow stripes on the sides; the latter, however, are sometimes black, and examples are occasionally found in which the whole body is brown. The stigmata are usually of some colour contrasting with the rest of the body; most commonly they are black or pink. It feeds on the indigenous species of convolvulus, particularly C. Sepium. It generally assumes the pupa state about the end of July, the moth appearing in September; but if the larva be not full grown till a later period, the perfect insect is not disclosed till the ensuing May or June.

The Unicorn or Bindweed Hawk-moth, termed by a French naturalist the Ox-horned Sphinx, on account of the thickness and rigidity of its antennæ, is by no means an insect of common occurrence in Britain, but it seems to be distributed over the whole island. It has been found in the northern extremity of Scotland, as well as in several of the southern counties, and numerous localities have been cited for it in most parts of England. Godart states that it diffuses an odour like that of amber, and that its eyes, on account of their uncommon size, shine in the dark much more brilliantly than those of any other crepuscular or nocturnal insect.

Pine Hawk-Moth

Sphinx Pinastri.—Fig. 1

Sphinx Pinastri, Linn.; Donovan, ix. 296; Steph. Illus. Haus. i. 122.

In this species the wings expand about three inches. The upper side of the primary wings is ash-grey, clouded with brown in the middle of the interior border and near the apex: on the disk of each there are three diverging black streaks, and another somewhat bent at the extremity of the wing. The secondary wings are brownish, inclining to ash-colour, especially at the base. All the wings have the fringe on the posterior border white, potted at regular intervals with brown. The thorax is grey on the back, with two dark bands down each side, beyond which the colour is white. The abdomen is ringed alternately with white and black, and has a dorsal stripe of grey, with a black line down the middle. The upper side of the antennæ and most of the under parts are white.

The caterpillar is at first yellowish-brown, but afterwards becomes green, with two longitudinal stripes of lemon-yellow on each side, a brown dorsal band and numerous fine black lines across the back. The anterior legs are yellow, the membranous ones of a whitish colour, and the stigmata yellow surrounded by a black ring. The caudal horn is likewise black. On the continent, in several parts of which it is a common insect, it feeds chiefly on the pineaster (Pinus pinaster). In this country it is said to frequent the spruce and Scotch fir. The moth is very rare in Britain, Colney Hatch Wood and the neighbourhood of Esher being probably the only localities in which it has been observed. It certainly was never taken in Ravelston Wood, near Edinburgh, by Mr. Wilson of the College, as intimated by Dr. Leach, and it is probably through some inadvertence that he states it to have been taken there by himself.

The Madder Hawk-Moth

Deilephila Galii.—Fig. 2

Stephens’ Illus. i. 125, Pl. 12, fig. 2.—Sphinx Galii, Huber, Godart.—Spotted Elephant Caterpillar, Harris’ Aurel.

Nearly the same size as D. Euphorbiæ, to which it bears so much resemblance in other respects, that Linnæus supposed it to be a mere variety of that species. The upper wings are olive-brown or greenish, with the posterior border cinereous, and a yellowish band, irregular anteriorly and somewhat sinuated behind, extending from near the base to the apex. The hinder wings are dull red, with the base and a posterior band black, and there is a white spot on the anal angle. The colour of the thorax and the markings on the abdomen resemble those of D. Euphorbiæ, with this difference that the breast and belly are tinged with green, and the abdomen and belly are tinged with green, and the abdomen has a series of small white spots down the back.

The caterpillar is described as a bronzed green colour, with a yellow line along the back, and a row of oval yellow spots, bordered with black on each side. The anterior legs are black, and the membranous legs of a delicate rose-colour. Its food consists of different kinds of Galium, particularly Galium verum (yellow lady’s-bedstraw), and G. mollugo (wild madder).

This insect is found in most parts of Europe, but it seems to prefer a southern climate, as it is scarce in most northern countries, and becomes rare even in the latitude of Paris. In Britain it has been occasionally observed in the vicinity of London; also in Kent, Devonshire, and Cornwall. “Isle of Wight, and the neighbourhood of Warwick,” Entom. Mag. Two specimens were taken in the garden at Twizel by Mr. Selby in the autumn of 1834: and it has likewise occurred at Cramond near Edinburgh.

Spotted Elephant Hawk-Moth

Deilephila Euphorbiæ.

Sphinx Euphorbiæ, Linn.; Donovan, iii. Pl. 91, 92.—Deilephila Euphorbiæ, Curtis’ B. E. i. Pl. 3.—Spotted Elephant Hawk-moth, Harris’ Aurelian, Pl. 44.

The primary wings, which expand from two and a half to nearly three inches, are of a dusky-green colour, with a broad irregular rosy fascia running obliquely from the hinder margin near the base to the apex; the posterior margin of a similar colour, but somewhat dusky; the inner margin narrowly edged with white. The under wings are red, inclining to rose-colour, with a white mark on the anal angle, the base and a transverse band being black. The head and antennæ are white, the thorax dusky or olive-green on the surface; the abdomen likewise of the latter colour, with the sides of the three first segments white, the two next the base with deep black spots, the remaining segments narrowly edged with white anteriorly at the sides. The whole of the under side is rose-colour, somewhat clouded and obscured with dusky, and having a large dark-coloured spot near the middle of the upper wings.

The caterpillar varies considerably in appearance, according to its age. In its mature state, when nearly ready to be transformed into a chrysalis, it is black, with numerous slightly elevated white or yellowish points disposed in transverse lines placed close to each other, and three longitudinal rows of rounded spots on each side, the spots in the central row, which are much smaller than the others, and those of the upper row, being cream-coloured, and the lower one bright red: the head, a line along the back, and the legs, are of the latter colour. The cypress-leaved spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) is the favourite plant of this beautiful caterpillar; it likewise feeds on Euphorbia esula and E. Peralias (sea spurge), but seems to reject several other kinds, although the qualities of all may be presumed to be nearly the same.

This must be regarded as a rare and local insect in Britain. The locality that has afforded the largest supply of specimens is in the vicinity of Barnstaple, in Devonshire, where it was procured in some plenty by Mr. Raddon. Mr. Curtis says,

That gentleman visited occasionally the extensive sand-hills at Appledore and Braunton Burrows near Barnstaple, where Euphorbia Paralias grows in great abundance; and from the size and beauty of the caterpillar it would be imagined that it might readily be found; but in the young state they are not easily discoverable; and when more advanced, they become so conspicuous that their numbers are reduced by marine birds that feed upon them. Sometimes they may be traced by their soil, at other times they may be seen far from the spot where they fed, at the extremity of a tall rush. They are full grown about the middle of September, when they descend into the sand and change into chrysalides, forming a loose case of earth around them, from which they emerge the beginning of the following June. Sometimes, however, they remain in the pupa state two seasons, as many other Lepidoptera do;—a wise provision of Nature to prevent any accident from destroying the whole brood. The sand-hills where the larva is found are of great extent and magnitude, and must have been collected by the winds and storms to which they are constantly exposed: during the winter the whole soil is frequently removed, so as completely to alter the surface of the country; a great number of the pupa must consequently be destroyed or buried at a great depth below the surface, where probably they lie hid until they are brought to light and life by the influence of the be elements.¹⁵

Oleander Hawk-Moth

Metopsilus Nerii.

Sphinx Nerii, Linn.—Rosel’s Insecten-belustigung, vol. iii. tab. xv. larva xvi. imago.—Sphinx du Laurier-rose, Godart; Pap. de France, vol. iii., Crepusculaires, p. 12.

The primary wings of this conspicuous and elegant species expand upwards of four inches. The surface is of a fine deep olive-green, variously shaded with white and rose-colour, distributed in undulating lines and transverse streaks. At the origin of each of the upper wings there is a whitish spot with a dot in the centre and a small transverse streak of olive-green; beyond this are three whitish waved lines running somewhat obliquely across the surface, dilated at the inner margin into a rose-coloured patch, succeeded by a broad oblique rosy band extending from one side of the wing to the other: beyond this there is a broad patch of a violet-colour bounded anteriorly by a white zigzag line, and surmounted by two whitish curved lines drawn to the anterior edge; the apex bears a white figure having some resemblance to the letter Y reversed. The under wings are dusky from the base nearly to the middle, and green on the hinder border, the two colours separated by a white waved band, extending from the anal angle to the anterior edge. The thorax is deep green, with a pale cross line in front; the abdomen likewise green, whitish on the first and second segments, and haying oblique olive-coloured streaks on the sides of the others.

When the caterpillar is full grown, it is green or greyish-green, with the four anterior segments pale yellow; a white line along each side, extending from the fourth segment to the anal horn and numerous white dots scattered over the surface. On each side of the third segment there is a large blue eye-shaped spot with a double white pupil and a black iris. The anal horn, which is short and decumbent, is ochreous; the anterior legs blue; and the membranous ones green with the extremity yellow. The head is green, the stigmata black bordered with yellow. When immature the colour of this caterpillar is sometimes a pretty uniform ochreous yellow, and in all cases, a few days before it becomes a pupa, the four anterior segments and the anal one assume the colour just mentioned, while the remaining parts of the body become dusky black, the white lateral line, dots, and ocellated spots always, however, remaining unchanged. Its appropriate food is the leaves of the shrub named Nerium oleander, nor has it recourse to any other when that can be obtained. As that plant, however, is not a native of this country, nor of the north of Germany and some other parts of the continent where the insect is found, it no doubt feeds on others of more common occurrence, perhaps, as has been conjectured, the Vinca major, V. minor, or some species of Cynanchum, all of which belong to the same natural family of Apocynea.¹⁸

This magnificent moth, which we have now the pleasure to figure for the first time as a British species, has been taken at least on two different occasions in this country; once in the vicinity of Dover, as intimated by Mr. Stephens in the Entomological Magazine for October 1832; and a second time, in the larva state, in a garden at Teignmouth, Devon, in the autumn of the same year.¹⁹ As the insect is occasionally found in the neighbouring continental countries, extending as far northwards as the northern regions of Germany, the propriety of admitting it into our native Fauna cannot be attended with the same doubts that apply to such kinds as have their principal seat in the new world. It is strictly a European species, and from what we know of its occurrence elsewhere, it might reasonably be inferred that the southern parts of England should fall within the range of its distribution. It is observed from time to time in the vicinity of Paris, but its principal resort seems to be the neighbourhood of Genoa, Turin, and Nice, where it is said to be common.

Sharp-Winged Hawk-Moth

Metopsilus Celerio.

Sphinx Celerio, Linn.; Donovan, vi. Pl. 190 and 191.—Deilephila Celerio Stephens.

Expansion of the wings two inches eight lines in the male, about three inches in the female: the upper wings greyish inclining to brown, marked with black lines and a few whitish streaks, and having a white band commencing at the inner margin near the base and terminating in a point at the apex; the outer margin is pale grey, and there is a small black spot on the disk near the centre. The surface of the hinder wings is deep rose-colour at the base, the rest greyish slightly tinged with red, with two oblique black bands, between which the nervures are black; the hinder margin pale-grey. The body is brownish on the back, with two white streaks from the anterior part of the head along each side of the thorax; the latter with two additional longitudinal stripes of yellow towards the middle; the abdomen haying a silvery white line down the centre, and a row of small spots on each side of it from the third segment to the apex.

The caterpillar varies in colour, but is most commonly brown, with two yellow lines on each side, the lower one composed of crescent-shaped spots and passing over the stigmata, the other commencing on the sixth segment and extending to the hinder extremity. The fourth and fifth segments are ornamented with two large ocelli, having a white pupil and a yellow iris. The ordinary food of this larva is the common vine (Vitis Vinifera), a circumstance which, taken in connexion with its rare occurrence in Britain, has occasioned considerable doubts as to its being an aboriginal native of this country. On the continent, however, it is known likewise to feed on the yellow lady’s-bedstraw (Galium verum), and it is not improbable that it can subsist, like the majority of its tribe, on several other plants. At the same time it appears properly to belong to a southern latitude, as it is not found in any considerable numbers except in the south of Europe, and its chief residence is the island of Teneriffe and the Cape of Good Hope. It has occurred near Oxford, Wisbeach, in the Isle of Ely, and a few other places.

Elephant Hawk-Moth

Metopsilus Elpenor.

Sphinx Elpenor, Linn.; Donovan, iv. Pl. 122.—Deileph Elpenor, Curtis, Stephens.—Elephant, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. vii.—The Lady’s-bedstraw or Elephant-moth, Wilkes, 26.

In this species the wings expand from two inches to two and three-quarters; the upper pair olive-brown inclining to olive-green, with the anterior edge, two oblique bands (the first abbreviated), and the hinder margin rose-red tinged with purple and somewhat shining; the posterior edge is white, and there is a minute dot of that colour on the disk of each. The hinder wings are dusky at the base and reddish-purple posteriorly, the fringe pure white, that of the anterior wings being red. The body is olivaceous above, with numerous stripes of deep rose-colour; one over each eye, four curved ones on the thorax, and another down the back of the abdomen; the sides of the latter and the belly are likewise rose-red with a series of whitish spots on each side of the segments. On each side of the abdomen, towards the origin of the secondary wings there is a rounded dusky spot, and a mark of the Same colour is observable on the base of the primary wings. The legs are white, brownish internally.

After the second change of skin the caterpillar is brown, with six oblique rays and the sides of the breast greyish. The fourth and fifth segments have around black spot on each side, with a lunule in the centre, the edges of which are white inclining to violet, and the middle olive-brown. When young, the whole body is green, a colour which it occasionally retains throughout, and in such cases the oblique rays are black instead of grey. It frequents different kinds of willow herb (Epilobium), lady’s-bedstraw, the common vine, &c. (Pl xi. fig. 2.)

This is by far the most common species of Hawk-moth inhabiting Britain, as it occurs in some plenty in most parts of England, especially in the south, and we once found numerous specimens at the base of Salisbury Craigs near Edinburgh, and have seen others from different quarters of Scotland. It is likewise a well known insect throughout the continental parts of Europe.

Humming-Bird Hawk-Moth

Macroglossa Stellatarum.—Figs. 1 & 2

Sphinx Stellatarum, Linn.; Donovan, vii v. Pl. 155.—Humming-bird Sphinx, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 24.—Macro. Stellatarum, Ochsen., Stephens.

The present genus and that immediately following, are at once distinguished from the other Hawk-moths by having a tuft of scaly hairs at the extremity of the abdomen. Macroglossa is further characterized by having the short abdomen strongly tufted on the sides, the wings opaque, and the suctorial trunk of great length, at least equal to that of the body,—a circumstance which has suggested the generic name.²⁰ The only species found in Europe is that represented on the adjoining plate. It measures from twenty to twenty-four lines between the tips of the anterior wings, which are of a dusky brown, with several transverse waved bands, most of them obsolete, except two near the middle, which are of a deep black, with a dot of the same colour in the space between. The hinder wings are rust-yellow, slightly suffused with dusky before and behind. The body is nearly concolorous with the upper wings, and the abdomen is variegated with tufts of black and white at the sides of the segments, the anal tuft being black.

The ground colour of the caterpillar is green, sprinkled with numerous white points, and having two white rays along the sides. The anal horn is rather long and acute, perfectly straight, yellowish at the tip and blue at the base; the membranous 8 legs each marked with a shining black lunule, the coronet of spines of a rosy tint. (Pl. xii. fig. 2.) It feeds on verticillate or stellate plants (whence the specific name), and is most commonly found on lady’s-bedstraw and goosegrass (Galium verum and G. aparine). It sometimes enters the earth when about to be transformed, and at other times constructs a cocoon on the surface, composed of particles of earth, pieces of leaves, or portions of the stems of plants.

This curious insect is of frequent occurrence in most parts of England, and is found occasionally in the southern and even the more northern counties of Scotland. It frequents gardens and cultivated grounds, appearing on the wing in the morning and afternoon, and concealing itself among the foliage during the heat of the day. It darts about from flower to flower with amazing rapidity, and poises itself, like a Humming-bird, over the blossoms, till it extracts their nectareous juices by means of its long spiral proboscis. While thus suspended, the vibration of the wings is so rapid as to occasion a considerable humming noise, whence it has been termed the Humming-bird Hawk-moth. The following is an agreeable and accurate account of its manners:—

The Humming-bird Hawk-moth visits us annually, and occasionally in some numbers, frisking about all the summer long, and in very fine seasons continues with us as late as the second week in October. The vigilance and animation of this creature are surprising, and seem to equal those of its namesake, the splendid meteoric bird of the tropics, “that winged thought,” as some one has called it; though our plain and dusky insect can boast none of its glorious hues. Our little sphinx appears chiefly in the mornings and evenings of the day, rather avoiding the heat of the mid-day sun, possibly aroused from its rest by the scent, that “aromatic soul of flowers”, which is principally exhaled at these periods; delighting in the jasmine, marvel of Peru, phlox, and such tubular flowers; and it will even insert its long, flexible tube into every petal of the carnation, to extract the honey-like liquor it contains. It will visit our geraniums and greenhouse plants, and, whisking over part of them with contemptuous celerity, select some composite flower that takes its fancy, and examine every tube with rapidity, hovering over its disk with quivering wings, while its fine hawk-like eyes survey all surrounding dangers. The least movement alarms it, and it darts away with the speed of an arrow; yet returns, and with suspicious vigilance continues its employ, feeding always on the wing. Nature seems to have given this creature some essential requisites for its safety; its activity, when on the wing, renders its capture difficult; and when it rests, it is on a wall, the bark of a tree, or some dusky body, that assimilates so nearly to its own colour, as to render it almost invisible, though watched to its settlement: the larva is seldom found. We sometimes see it enter our rooms, attracted by flowers in the open windows; but it seems to be immediately aware of its danger, disappears in an instant, and is safe from capture. Wild and fearful as this creature is by nature, yet continued gentle treatment will remove much of its timidity and render it familiar to our presence. Perfectly free from any annoyance as they are when ranging from sweet to sweet on my borders, and accustomed to a close inspection of all their operations, I have frequently touched their wings with my fingers, while hovering over a flower, and dipping their long tubes into the corolla of a geranium: they would retire a little, confused with such freedoms and interruptions, but, experiencing no harm, they would return and finish their meal, unmindful of such petty annoyances. I have known this creature, like some other insects, counterfeit death when apprehensive of danger, fall on its back, and appear in all respects devoid of life when in a box; and, as soon as a fit opportunity arrived, dart away with its usual celerity.²¹

Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth

Sesia Fuciformis.—Fig. 3

Sphinx Fuciformis, Linn.; Donovan, iii. Pl. 87.—Sesia Bombyliformis, Stephens’ Illus.—Clear-winged Humming-bird Sphinx, Harris.

To the short and robust body of the preceding genus, Sesia adds the distinctive character of clear transparent wings; and is easily distinguished from the two following genera, with which it has this property in common, by the ovate hairy abdomen and sphinx-like form, as well as by the caudal horn of the caterpillar. The antennæ thicken from the base nearly to the apex, which terminates in an oblique two-jointed seta; and the proboscis is very long and spiral. The species named fuciformis, from the resemblance of the body to that of a drone-bee, expands from eighteen to upwards of twenty lines. The colour of the body is yellowish or olive-green, the third and fourth segments of the abdomen deep-red, and the two following yellow; the tuft at the extremity black at the sides, and yellow in the middle. The wings are vitreous and iridescent, with the nervures, a band round the outer margin, and a discoidal streak on the upper pair, purplish-brown; the base more or less tinged with green. The antennæ are blue-black.

The caterpillar feeds on the honeysuckle and yellow bedstraw. It is pale green, with the legs, under side of the body, and anal horn, reddish brown; the stigmata black, with a white centre. The perfect insect is found occasionally in Kent, Surrey, Essex, and other southern counties, and was once taken, as mentioned by Mr Stephens, in considerable plenty near York, by W. C. Hewitson, Esq. This seems to be nearly its northern limit, as neither it nor the following species, as far as we know, have hitherto been detected in Scotland.

Narrow-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth

Sesia Bombyliformis.—Fig. 4

Sesia Bombyliformis, Fabr.; Haworth’s Lep. Brit. p. 68.—Curtis’ B. E. i 5. 40.—Sesia Fuciformis, Stephens’ Illus.—Sphinx Fuciformis, Ochsen.

In this species, which is about the same size as the foregoing, the body is tawny-olive inclining to green, the second and third segments of the abdomen nearly black, and the two following bright orange, the anal tuft black at the sides and orange in the middle. The wings are narrowly edged with dark-brown, the rest of the surface vitreous and transparent, the anterior pair without any discoidal streak. The antennæ are glossed with blue.

When young, the caterpillars have a few branched spines on each segment, but as they increase in size these disappear. The colour varies much, but is most commonly green, with a pale line on each side surmounted by a purple one; and most of the segments have an oblique purple stripe over the stigmata. It feeds on the devil’s-bit scabious (Scabiosa succisa) and some other plants. It is a rare insect in this country, but has been found in some plenty in one or two places, and occasionally in others. Mr. Curtis mentions Enborne, near Newbury, Berkshire, as one of its localities, and it is said by Mr. Stephens to have been taken in the New Forest.

Bee Clear-Wing

Trochilium Apiforme.—Fig. 1

Sphinx Apiformis, Linn.; Donovan, i. Pl. 25; Linn. Trans. iii. Pl. 3. figs. 1–5.—Ægeria Apiformis, Leach.—Hornet-moth, Harris’ Expos. Pl. 3, fig. 7.—Trochilium Apiforme, Curtis’ B. E. viii v. 372.

The two genera which next present themselves to our notice constitute the family of the Æeridæ. Their affinity to the Sesia will at once be traced in the transparency and similar neuration of the wings, while the absence of the anal horn in the caterpillar evinces a considerable aberration from that group, as well as from the typical structure of the Sphingidæ. They possess a pair of simple eyes, or stemmata, placed on the hinder part of the head, similar to what are observed in many Hymenoptera and Diptera. Other points of analogy to the insects just named may be discovered, and this general resemblance is attempted to be indicated by naming the Ægeride after the kinds to which they are thought to make the nearest approach. They fly during the heat of the day, many of them with great rapidity, and alight upon the flowers from which they extract their nourishment. All of them are rather scarce insects in this country, with the exception of the little Æ. Tipuliformis, which is plentiful in gardens in many parts of England, but does not seem to come far north. The larvæ, which are soft, fleshy, and of a pale colour, subsist on the pith and wood of trees and shrubs, in the interior of which they also undergo their metamorphosis. The cell is constructed so near the surface as to leave only a thin exterior covering, and when the chrysalis is matured, it pushes itself through this frail barrier, chiefly by the aid of a series of fine spines on the abdomen inclining backwards, which serve, when the body is agitated, as a point of support for advancing the head, which terminates in a point to make the perforation more easy. Trochilium is chiefly distinguished by the shortness of the proboscis and antennæ, the latter being slightly serrated and terminating in a tuft of hair; by the transparency of the tip of the anterior wings, and the comparatively thick and robust body. The species named Apiforme (from its resemblance to a bee) is yellow on the head; the thorax brown, with four yellow spots, the two anterior ones large and triangular, the posterior two smaller and rounded. The abdomen is yellow, with the first and fourth segments black and clothed with brown pubescence, the others edged with black, the fifth and the posterior two brown on the back and having a line of the same colour on the sides. All the wings are transparent with the edges, the nervures, and a transverse stripe on the primary pair rust-brown; the fringe tawny-brown. The thighs are yellow on the outer side and dusk y internally, the rest of the leg yellow.

The caterpillar is pubescent and whitish, having a dusky line along the back and a dark-brown head. It lives i in the stem and roots of willow and poplar trees. Its perfect insect likewise frequents these trees, and is not scarce in certain situations; such as Epping Forest, Coombe Wood, &c. It is usually found in June and July.—Only one other species besides the above seems to inhabit Britain, viz. T. crabroniforme, Hornet Clear-wing, which has the head and thorax brown, the latter with a rust-brown spot on each side behind, and the abdomen cinctured with two black bands.

Breeze Clear-Underwing

Ægeria Asiliformis.—Fig. 2

Sphinx Asiliformis, Donovan, xi. Pl. 384.—Sesia Œstriformis, Kirby and Spence’s Intro. i. Pl. iii. fig. 2.—Ægeria Asiliformis, Fabr., Stephens, Curtis.

Ægeria has rather long antennæ, very slender at the base, and thickening gradually almost to the tip, which terminates in a minute joint bearing a tuft of hair. The suctorial trunk is likewise of considerable length; and the palpi, which are triarticulate and densely clothed with hairs and scales, stand out from the head and diverge from each other. The abdomen is slender and cylindric, and terminates in a slightly trilobed anal tuft. Nearly a dozen different kinds are included in our indigenous lists, of which one of the most conspicuous is that of which the synonymy has been given above. It differs from all the rest, in having the superior wings opaque or almost entirely clothed with scales: the body is blue-black, somewhat shining, the head with two white spots before the eyes and a yellow belt behind; the thorax with a yellow mark on each side, and a point of the same colour at the origin of the primary wings; the abdomen with three yellow belts at equal distances from each other. The anal tuft is deep black with two yellow longitudinal lines; the thighs dark blue, the rest of the leg yellow, the tibiæ having a black spot on the outer side. The above description applies in part only to the female; the male is distinguished by having pectinate antennæ, and four yellow belts on the abdomen.

It is a scarce insect in northern countries. It has been occasionally taken in the vicinity of London, and several other places in the south of England. It frequents poplars, both in its winged and reptile State.

Black and White Horned Clear-Wing

Ægeria Spheciformis.—Fig. 3

Sphinx Spheciformis, Esper; Hubner.—Sesia Sphegiformis, Fabr.—Ægeria Spheciformis, Curtis, Stephens, &c.

Expansion of the wings about thirteen or fourteen lines; the general colour of the body glossy-black, the thorax with a yellow longitudinal line on each side, and a spot of the same colour on the sides of the breast; the abdomen with a yellow belt on the third ring above and another on the fifth beneath; there is likewise a yellow spot on the surface of the basal segment. The wings are transparent; the upper pair with the nervures, the margin, the apex, and a broad transverse stripe not far from it, blue-black; the posterior pair having the hinder edge, the nervures, and a cross mark near the middle of the anterior edge, likewise blue-black. The fringe of the wings is brownish-ash. The thighs and tibiæ are blue-black, the former yellow externally in the fore-pair; the tarsi yellow, sprinkled with black; antennæ yellowish-white at the apex.

Still rarer than the preceding, both in this country and on the continent. The few British examples preserved in cabinets have been found chiefly in the neighbourhood of London and in the Isle of Wight. It frequents birch-trees, on the wood of which the larvæ probably feed.

Ruby-Fly Clear-Wing

Ægeria Chrysidiformis.—Fig. 4

Sphinx Chrysidiformis, Fiery Clear-wing, Haworth, 69; Hubner.

Considerably less than either of the preceding, the extent of the wings seldom exceeding ten lines. The colour of the body 3 is bluish-black, the forehead and collar yellowish-white, the thorax haying single white point at the insertion of the wings, and the abdomen two white belts, one on the fifth, the other on the terminal segment. The anal tuft is black at the sides and reddish-yellow in the middle; the thighs blue-black, whitish externally, except in the hinder pair, the rest of the leg yellow. The anterior edge, apex, and nervures of the upper—as well as a cross mark in the centre, are black; a triangular area extending from the base to the central mark, and a rounded space beyond it, are clear hyaline, the remainder of the surface being bright yellowish-red; the hinder wings are also hyaline, with a minute black spot bordered with red in the middle of the anterior edge.

Although an abundant species in the northern parts of France and in Germany, only one instance is recorded of this insect having been taken in Britain; it was found by a very indefatigable collector, and is now in the possession of Mr. Haworth.

Orange Swift

Hypialus Sylvinus.—Fig. 1

Curtis, iv v. Pl. 185.—Ph. Noc. Sylvina, Linn.—Hep. Crux. Fabr.—Hep. Lupulinus, Haw.—Orange or Evening Swift, Harris’ Aurel.

The group to which the above named species belongs, distinguished by a term which Aristotle applied to some nocturnal insect,²² may not impro regarded as a connecting link between the Sphingidæ and moths properly so called. In the structure of the mouth, and of several other parts, they bear considerable resemblance to some of the preceding genera, and the manners and economy of the caterpillar are analogous to those of the Ægeriæ and Zygænæ; while, on the other hand, the perfect insects do not differ materially in their habits from the tribes with which they are associated. About half a dozen distinct kinds inhabit Britain, of which the best known is that termed the Ghost-moth (H. Humuli). The male of this Species is of a pure satiny white, having all the wings margined with yellow; but the female is entirely of the latter colour, with various spots and streaks of deep brown on the anterior wings. The female is much less frequently observed on the wing than the opposite sex, and when the latter has discovered the place of her retreat, he hovers over it with a peculiar motion, not observable in any other moth; it is a very irregular kind of flight, consisting of alternate risings and fallings, accompanied with rapid zigzag movements from side to side, confined to a space not exceeding a few feet in circumference. This singular vacillating motion, restricted for a while to a limited spot, which it seems to haunt, together with its snow-white vestments and time of appearance, have no doubt been the cause of some fanciful ob-server denominating this creature the “Ghost-moth.” It is found in all parts of the country, the caterpillar subsisting on the common Burdock, when its more favourite food the Hop is not to be obtained. All the species, when caterpillars, feed on the roots of plants. Previous to their change, they bury themselves in the ground, and construct an oval cell, the walls of which are composed of particles of earth and grains of sand, held together by an interlacement of silken threads. The female moth lays a great number of eggs, which are not for security agglutinated to some stable object, as among the greater number of Lepidoptera, but are ejected in rapid succession from the oviduct with a kind of elastic force which throws them to some distance. They are dry and unadhesive, and though white when first discharged, they soon acquire a black colour which makes them exactly resemble grains of gunpowder. In some of the species a peculiarity is observable in the structure of the hinder legs. In the male of H. Humuli these members are furnished with a dense tuft of very long hairs which has been conjectured with some appearance of probability to be partly the cause of its peculiar undulating flight. In the same sex of H. Hectus, the entire tarsus is wanting in the hinder legs, and the tibia is tufted in a similar manner. These insects may be distinguished generically by the shortness of the antennæ, which are usually granulated (in some cases, however, they are slightly serrated), and not so long as the thorax, and by the want of palpi and maxillæ. The females are usually largest, and dissimilar to the male in colour and markings. The latter sex, in the species figured, is of a fulvous colour, the upper wings variegated with chestnut and marked with white lines, one of them near the base placed obliquely, and forming a right angle with another at the interior margin which extends nearly to the apex; there is a small triangular dusky spot on the disk. The female is brown, with a whitish patch at the base of the upper wings.

It is found occasionally in many parts of England, in the months of August and September.

Goat-Moth

Cossus Ligniperda.—Fig. 2

Phal; Bom. Cossus, Linn.; Donovan, iv. Pl. 114.—Cossus Ligniperda, Fabr.; Curtis’ B. E. ii v. Pl. 60.—Goat-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 31.; Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 23.

Antennæ the length of the thorax, pectinated internally; two distinct, three jointed palpi; and the size of the upper wings, which are much larger than the under pair, afford marks sufficient to distinguish this conspicuous genus. The figure referred to represents the only species known to inhabit Europe. The expansion of the wings is from three inches to three inches and a half; the colour of the superior pair ashy-white, clouded with brown, and marked with numerous narrow black streaks, which are wayed and frequently cross each other, forming irregular meshes; hinder wings brown, with faint reticular streaks posteriorly. The head and back of the thorax are brown, the latter ochre-yellow in front and whitish behind, with a transverse band of black; the abdomen brown, each segment bordered behind with greyish-white.

The caterpillar, which is said sometimes to attain size exceeding that of the Death’s-head-moth, is of lurid red, slightly tinged with dull yellow, and having a patch of chestnut-red on the back of each segment. The head is entirely black, and there are wo triangular spots of the same colour just behind it. (Pl. xiv. fig. 3.) It does not consume the foliage of trees, like so many other caterpillars, but derives its nutriment from the solid wood, which it readily comminutes by the action of its jaws. By means of these powerful organs, it mines its way through the stem of the most healthy tree, to the material injury of its vital functions, and, by forming a numerous galleries in all directions which admit air and moisture, often occasions a rapid decay. As this creature lives for a longer time than is assigned to most other larvæ, these destructive operations are continued for a lengthened period, three years being the space that usually elapse before it becomes a crystalis. Preparatory to undergoing this change, it scoops out a hollow in the tree, which it lines with a warm fabric composed of the raspings of the wood and layers of strong silk. Int his well protected dormitory the chrysalis reposes for a longer or shorter time according to circumstances, and when the inclosed fly is fully matured, the difficult task awaits the former of transporting itself to the surface, as it is impossible for the moth to emerge and develope its wings either in the narrow cell or the perforations that lead to it. This is accomplished chiefly by means of a series of small spinous projections arming the hinder edge of the abdominal segments, which, when one side of the rings is moved forward by the wriggling of the abdomen, prevent their sliding back, and the opposite side is brought forward by a repetition of the same manœuvre. The caterpillar diffuses a subtile and very peculiar odour, which is felt at a considerable distance, and from its supposed resemblance to that of a goat, has caused the insect to be so named. Mr. Knapp says

The object and seat of this odour seem not well understood. Some have conjectured it to proceed from a fluid evacuated from the mouth, and discharged to soften the wood in which they burrow. But it seems inconsistent with any probability, that this creature, which is furnished with such very powerful mandibles, should be gifted with an auxiliary aid to accomplish its object; while, of the many insects that perforate timber, most of them with inferior means, no other possesses an equivalent agent to facilitate its labours; for not one of them, as far as we know, is so supplied. Besides, if such were the purpose, the discharge would be made only when required, and thus this unpleasant odour not always be perceptible. The microscope, too, does not manifest the exudation of any fluid.²³

This caterpillar attaches itself chiefly to oaks, ashes, willows, and poplars. It abounds in many parts of England, but the moth does not occur in any thing like proportionate numbers. Although the appearance of the caterpillar is disgusting to many from its large size, livid hue, and disagreeable smell, several authors are of opinion that it is the Cossus of Pliny, and consequently the worm regarded by the Romans as a delicious article of Gad It may also be mentioned, that it is remarkable as having been the subject of a most elaborate and accurate anatomical examination by the celebrated Lyonet, the results of which were published under the title of Traité Anatomique de la Chenille du Saule, a work that has advanced our acquaintance with the internal structure of insects more than any other that could be named.

Wood Leopard-Moth

Zeuzera Æsculi.—Figs. 1 & 2

Latreille, Stephens’ Illus.—Phal. Noct. Æsculi, Linn.; Donovan, v. Pl. 152,—Cossus Æsculi, Fabr.—Wood Leopard-moth, Harris.

This genus was first established by Latreille, who gives as its distinguishing characters the setaceous form of the antennæ, which are not so long as the thorax, and pectinated at the base in the males, while in the female they are simple, with the base tomentose. The palpi are obsolete, the abdomen long and attenuated, and the tibiæ without spurs or spines. The beautiful species represented on the adjoining plate is of a snowy-white: the wings very sparingly clothed with scales, and the nervures yellowish; the whole surface rather thickly sprinkled with dark-blue spots, which are largest in the female. The posterior wings are white at the inner angle and very faintly spotted at the base, but there is a distinct row of spots round the hinder margin. The abdomen is nearly covered with down, of a dark-blue colour. The wings of the male usually expand about two inches, but those of the female frequently exceed two inches and three-quarters.

The caterpillar lives in the interior of trees, and seems to frequent indiscriminately most of the kinds that grow in this country. It is of a light yellow colour, with a double series of black spots across each segment. The head is strong and wedge-shaped, well fitted to work its way through decomposing wood, and the segment immediately succeeding it is protected by a scaly plate of a black colour. (Pl. xv. fig. 2.) Preparatory to its becoming a pupa, it encloses itself in a cell composed of triturated particles of wood, cemented by a kind of glutinous substance. The moth emerges in July. It is by no means of frequent occurrence in this country, although it has been found in many different places. In some seasons it has been noticed rather plentifully in the vicinity of London, also in Cambridge, Norfolk, Surrey, Essex, &c.

Buff-Tip Moth

Pygæra Bucephala.—Fig. 3

Phal. Bom. Bucephala, Linn.; Donovan, i. Pl. 3 .—Phalæna Lunula, De Geer.—Buff-tip Moth, Wilkes, Pl. 43; Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 39.

In Pygæra the antennæ are rather long, appearing bipectinated in the male, as each joint emits a double tuft of ciliæ on each side; the apex, however, is simple, as is the case with the whole antenna in the female. The palpi are short, consisting of only two joints; and the thorax has a crest or strong ridge of hairs on the back. The hinder margin of the anterior wings is dentate. The only British example is named the Buff-tip Moth, on account of a large patch of that colour on the apex of the anterior wings. The latter expand about two inches and a half, and when the insect is at rest they are almost folded round the body. They are of a light brown colour, thickly powdered, especially towards the base, with silvery scales, and each of them having a large rounded yellow spot on the tip, slightly clouded with ochre-yellow externally, and bounded on the inner side by two parallel rust-coloured lines, which are continued to the inner edge of the wing: before the middle there is likewise a double transverse rusty line, and a single blackish one near the base. The fringe is yellowish, variegated with rust-red, and preceded by a continuous series of small crescent-shaped marks of the latter colour. The under wings are entirely yellowish-white above, with a faint dusky suffusion on the disk. The thorax, which is very wide and strong, is ochrey-yellow, surrounded with two parallel lines of dark rust-red. The abdomen is nearly of the same colour as the under wings, and has a row of dusky marks, one on each segment, on both sides.

The caterpillars are blackish when young, but when full grown they are yellow, with numerous longitudinal black stripes on each segment interrupted at the incisures; the head is likewise black, as well as the outer side of the legs. (Pl. xv. fig. 4.) [not shown] It is a gregarious larva, and consumes the leaves of the elm (particularly the wych elm), the beech, the oak, the lime, and the willow. By thus feeding in company, they often strip a tree of a large portion of its foliage in a very short time. When newly excluded from the egg, they arrange themselves side by side, in considerable detachments, and commencing at one end of a leaf, eat their way to the other, consuming the parenchyma or pulpy substance only half-way through. Having attained their full growth, which is usually the case by September, they permit themselves to drop to the ground, into which they burrow, and change into a dark-brown pupa. The insect is an abundant one in the vicinity of London, and in many other parts of England, but it appears to be somewhat scarce in Scotland and other more northern places. “Larva very common on the chestnut in Dumfries-shire.” Sir W. Jardine, Bart.

Puss-Moth

Cerura Vinula.—Figs. 1 & 2

Phal. Bomb. Vinula, Linn.; Donovan, iii. Pl. 85.—Cerura Vinula, Shrank; Stephens, &c.—Puss-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 29; Harris’ Aurel. Pl, 38.

This well-defined genus may be readily recognized by its somewhat diaphanous wings, its bipectinated antennæ, and the presence of four minute palpi. The trunk is short and nearly straight. The anterior tibiæ are furnished with an unusual appendage, in the form of a long compressed lobe, attached to the inner side near the base. Nine British species have been described, of which that which we have figured is by far the most conspicuous. The expansion of the wings is about three inches, the male usually somewhat less. The anterior wings are greyish white (the latter colour predominating in the male), somewhat naked and diaphanous, especially towards the tip, the nervures strongly marked and of a yellowish-brown. The costa is spotted with black; near the base are two transverse approximating rows of similar spots, beyond this a waved dusky band, followed by two other rows of spots, rather indistinctly marked: near the centre there is a series of arcuate streaks extending in an oblique line across the wing, the anterior one being largest and darkest, and the space beyond is occupied with two dusky zigzag lines, the hinder margin having a longitudinal dusky streak between each nervure. The hinder Wings are ashy-brown, whitish round the edge, especially in the male, having an obscure crescent on the disk and a few dark spots on the posterior margin. The thorax and abdomen are ashy-white, the former with a few scattered black spots, the latter with black marks at the base of the segments. The region of the eyes is deep black, and the tarsi are likewise of that colour and prettily ringed with white.

The caterpillar of this insect is one of the most remarkable found in this country, and its form and attitudes are so grotesque that it seldom fails to attract the notice even of the most indifferent observers. When at rest, it holds its large and singular looking head somewhat elevated and drawn back upon the anterior segments of the body, after the manner of a Sphinx caterpillar, and the double tail is kept erect at the other extremity. Its threatening aspect has sometimes inspired most ludicrous notions of its power of doing mischief, as in the instance quoted by Dr. Shaw from a country newspaper, where it is described as a monster with a head like a lion, jaws like a shark, a horn like a unicorn, and two tremendous stings in its tail. It is ornamented with very beautiful colours, which however, vary considerably according to the age of the individual. The description of Isaac Walton is pretty nearly accurate. He says:—

The very colours of carpillars as one has observed, are elegant and beautiful. I shall, for a taste of the rest, describe one of them; which I will, some time the next month, shew you feeding on a willow tree; and you shall find him punctually to answer his very description: his lips and mouth somewhat yellow; his eyes black as jet; his forehead purple; his feet and hinder parts green; his tail two-forked black; the whole body stained with a kind of red spots, which run along the neck and shoulder-blade, not unlike the form of St. Andrew’s cross, or the letter X made thus crosswise, and a white line drawn down his back to his tail; all which add much beauty to his whole body. And it is to me observable, that at a fixed; age this caterpillar gives over to eat, and towards winter comes to be covered over with a strange shell or crust, called an aurelia; and so lives a kind of dead life without eating all the winter. And as others of several kinds turn to be several kinds of flies and vermin the spring following, so this caterpillar then tums to be a painted butterfly.²⁴ (Pl. xvi. fig. 2.)

The two-forked tail alluded to, which is peculiar to the Puss caterpillar and two or three others, is thus described by Kirby and Spence:—

This horn-like appendage is composed of two distinct cylindrical diverging branches, each about four lines long, not united at the base. Each of these is hollow, and includes a smaller cylindrical piece, which can be protruded at pleasure, and withdrawn again, as a pencil within its case; or, rather, as the horns of a snail. The two outer horns are tolerably firm, moveable at their base, and beset with black spines; the interior tentacula are fleshy, moveable in every direction, and in full-grown larvæ of a rose-colour. The animal seldom protrudes them, unless in some way disturbed; and frequently it approximates the outer cases so closely that they resemble a single horn. It appears to use these inner horns, when protruded, as a kind of whip to drive away the flies, especially the Ichneumons, that alight upon its body. When touched in any place, it will unsheath one of them, and sometimes both, and with them strike the place where it is incommoded.²⁵

The cocoon constructed by this caterpillar is remarkable for its strength and solidity, being composed of particles of wood united by a very adhesive kind of gum. To enable the moth to pierce the walls of this indurated case, it is said to be furnished with a bag of acid, the contents of which it pours on the case of the cocoon, and its solvent power soon loosens the cohesion of the particles and renders egress easy. The insect is not unfrequent, at least in the larva state, both throughout England and the south of Scotland. The food of the caterpillar consists of the leaves of the Willow and Poplar.

The Kentish Glory

Endromis versicolor.—Fig. 3

Phal. Bom. Versicolor, Linn.; Don. v. Pl. 158; Entomological Transactions, i. 323, Pl. 9.—Glory of Kent, Wilkes, Pl. 89.—Kentish Glory, Harris.

The above name was conferred on this genus by Ochsenheimer, by whom it was first established, in consequence of the head of the only species it contains being garnished with long hairs somewhat after the manner of an ancient casque. One of its most remarkable characters is having the antennæ bipectinated in both sexes as far as the tip, a peculiarity which distinguishes it from all the preceding genera. The wings are large, entire at the edges, and somewhat diaphanous; the fringe so short as to be scarcely perceptible. The head is densely clothed with long hairs which project forwards; the thorax and abdomen are likewise very pilose. The male of E. versicolor measures about two inches four lines across the wings, but the female sometimes exceeds three inches. In the former the colour of the upper wings is rusty-red inclining to grey, each of them with two transverse black bands, the anterior one bordered internally with white, and the other, which is angulated towards the inner margin, bordered with the same colour on the outer side. The space between these bands is irregularly marked with white, and at the extremity of the discoidal cell there is a black crescent with the convexity turned towards the body. Towards the hinder margin there is a series of unequal white spots, the three upper ones largest and transparent, and each nervure is marked with a white streak which is a little dilated at the margin. The hinder wings are tawny yellow, traversed by a waved dusky line in the middle, and marked with a small crescent and a few white spots posteriorly. The body and base of the wings are very thickly covered with long yellowish-brown hair; the anterior part of the thorax white. The antennæ and tarsi are black. The markings in the female are similar, but the colour is much lighter, the under wings and abdomen being almost entirely of a dull white.

The caterpillar bears some resemblance to those of certain Sphingidæ, both in its form and attitudes. It is somewhat attenuated in front, and has a pyramidal elevation on that part of the anal segment which is occupied by a horn in the kinds just referred to. Before its first change of skin it is entirely green, but when mature the back is of a pale green, and the under side minutely sprinkled with black, the sides ornamented with oblique streaks of a whitish or yellow colour. It feeds on a variety of our common forest trees, and generally appears on the wing in June and July. It must be ranked among the rarer of our British moths having been found chiefly in the south of England, and seldom in considerable numbers. Darenth Wood, Coombe Wood, and Ashdown Forest, in Sussex, are the localities which have afforded the greatest number of specimens. The male flies during the day, and with such rapidity that he is captured with difficulty.

Emperor-Moth

Saturnia Pavonia-minor.—Figs. 1 & 2

Phalæna Pavonia-minor, Linn.—Phal. Bom. Pavonia, Donovan, viii, Pl. 1 253. Pl. 254 .—Emperor-moth, Wilkes, xvi. Pl. 32 Larva, 33 Imago; Harris’ Aurel.—Saturnia Pavonia-minor, Shrank, Steph.

The genus Saturnia may be briefly characterized by the absence of palpi and a suctorial trunk, and by the structure of the antennæ, which, in the male, bear two long ramifications on each side of the joints, while in the female there is only a simple projecting barb on each side. The head is very small, and nearly concealed by the dense hairs that clothe the anterior part of the thorax; and the wings are very broad, extended horizontally when in a state of repose, and furnished with a fringe so short and imperfect as to be scarcely perceptible. The genus is not of very great extent, but it comprehends some of the most magnificent species yet known to naturalists. Such are S. atlas of China, which frequently measures eight or ten inches across, and which the French name Porte-miroir, on account of a large transparent vitreous mark in the centre of each wing; and S. luna, a native of America, remarkable for its delicate green colour, and the tail-like elongation of its hinder wings. Another species is the Peacock (S. Pavonia-major), the wings of which sometimes expand upwards of six inches, and is therefore the largest insect indigenous to Europe. The only species found in this country is the beautiful one represented on the accompanying plate. The female sometimes attains to upwards of three inches in the expansion of the wings, but the male seldom exceeds two and a half. The colour in both sexes is greyish, with numerous white scales intermixed, and faintly tinged in several places with purple; the hinder margin of all the wings with a broad brownish-white band. Besides this there are two transverse bands on each wing, one towards the base, somewhat abbreviated, and consisting of a white, purplish, and dark-brown stripe, the other placed behind the middle and very much waved. The centre of each wing is ornamented with a large ocellus, placed on a whitish ground, and consisting of a large black pupil with a whitish streak and a yellow or grey iris, surrounded with black, and surmounted by a reddish and light blue crescent. On the apex of the anterior wings there is a patch of purple, accompanied with a black and whitish mark. The body is covered with fulvous or brown hairs, the hinder margin of the abdominal segments whitish.

The caterpillar feeds on a variety of plants, particularly the common ling or heath (Calluna vulgaris), blackthorn bramble, willow, &c. It is at first black, but ultimately becomes of a lovely green colour, having each of the segments cinctured by a black band which is adorned with a series of pink tubercles, each bearing a whorl of six hairs, diverging like a star, the central one being longer than the others and capitate. (Pl. xvii. fig. 2.)

The insect is of frequent occurrence throughout the greater part of England: the moth is not abundant in Scotland, but the caterpillar and the empty cocoon are often observed on heaths. The female lays between 200 and 300 eggs, which she attaches by a glutinous liquid to the stem of the plant which is to afford nourishment to the larvæ. They are deposited in several separate packets, which are placed at some distance from each other, probably with a view to increase the chance of some of them escaping the effects of accidents, as well as to afford a greater supply of food when the young are hatched.

Oak Egger-Moth

Lasiocampa Quercus.—Fig. 3, Male

Phal. Bom. Quercus, Linn.; Donovan, iii. Pl. 104.—Great Egger, Wilkes, Pl. 46; Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 29.—Lasiocampa Roboris. Shrank, Steph.?

In this genus (named from λασιος hairy, and καμπη a worm or caterpillar) the antennæ are bipectinated in the males, and merely serrated in the other sex. There are neither mandibles nor suctorial trunk, but two short hairy palpi are observable, composed of three joints, the terminal one being very minute. The wings are entire, densely covered with scales, and deflexed when at rest; the margin with a distinct fringe. The abdomen of the male tufted at the apex and somewhat cleft, that of the female very large and scarcely tufted; the legs slender and sparingly clothed with hairs. Four species are recorded as British, all of which are of a reddish-brownish colour, with transverse whitish bands. The species figured to illustrate the genus is the most common of the whole. The male is of a deep ferruginous or chestnut-brown, with an ochreous yellow band running across all the wings near the middle; this band is distinctly defined on the inner side, but externally it is gradually shaded off towards the margin, where the brown colour again deepens. On each of the anterior wings there is a small central white spot placed in a dusky ring, and in many instances a yellowish patch at the base. The fringe of the anterior wings is narrow and brown; that of the hinder pair broad, and nearly of the same colour as the transverse band. but occasionally somewhat clouded with brown. The upper parts of the body are of the same colour as the dark portion of the wings, the under side and legs ochreous-yellow. Antennæ chestnut-brown. The female is much larger than the male, with similar markings, but the whole body and wings are pale yellow.

The caterpillar is yellowish, covered with greyish-brown hairs, having the incisures black, and a white macular band on each side. There is likewise an interrupted row of white spots on the back, and a pale yellow mark on the anterior part of the head. It feeds on the oak, willow, hawthorn, broom, and a variety of other trees and shrubs. Both the caterpillar and the moth are subject to numerous variations, which has occasioned difference of opinion among authors regarding the proper application of the specific name. Examples are occasionally found in which the transverse band is greenish: these Hubner regarded as distinct, and named Bombyx Spartii. Such as have a yellow mark at the base of the anterior wings, are alone considered by Mr. Stephens as referable to the true form. Quercus of Linnæus, in whose description that character is particularly mentioned. The others, of which the individual figured is an example, he has described separately under the name of L. Roboris, adopted from Shrank. The differences between the two are not, however, very important, and they obviously do not exceed the limits assigned. to the range of deviation in the majority of variable species. Neither ought the occasional dissimilarities observable in the larvæ to be assumed as certainly indicating specific distinction, for these variations often depend on age, sometimes even on the nature of the food; and in such a case as the present, where the sexes of the perfect insect are so unlike, it is not unreasonable to suppose that they may be respectively produced from caterpillars partaking more or less of the same character. The observations of De Geer have proved that in some instances the male moth originates from a caterpillar of an entirely different colour from that which produces the female.

In the extended sense which we have assigned to the name, Lasiocampa Quercus is an abundant moth in most parts of England, particularly in the south. The woods in the neighbourhood of London, the New Forest, woods in Cambridge-shire, &c. produces it in plenty. It appears to become more scarce as we advance northward, and it is by no means common in Scotland, although occurring at times at least throughout the southern division of that country.

Drinker-Moth

Odonestis Potatoria.—Figs. 1 & 2, Male & Female.

Phal. Bomb. Potatoria. Linn.; Don. v. Pl. 148.—Odonestis Potatoria, Germar. Steph.—Drinker Caterpillar, Lister’s Gœdart. Albin, Pl. xvii.—Drinker-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 58; Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 45 42.

Odonestis may be briefly distinguished from the allied genera by the length of the palpi, which have the second joint double the length of the basal one, and project in front of the head like a small beak and by the hinder mar gin of the anterior wing’s being entire. The antennæ are strongly bipectinated, least in the male, as far as the apex, and they are a little curved near the base. The; abdomen is elongated and furnished with an anal tuft in the male, which is wanting, however, in the other sex. The hinder margin of the anterior wings is rounded and entire. but the angle formed by the tip is pretty acute; in the hinder pair there is a tendency to become denticulate. The sexes are distinguished by differences of size and colour similar to those exemplified by the preceding species. The male is reddish-brown on the surface, somewhat glossy, the anterior wings with an ochreous yellow patch at the base, and the disk more or less suffused with the same colour; a dark rust-coloured line extends obliquely across each of them from the tip to the middle of the inner edge, a faint transverse line is likewise observable near the base, and another, sometimes faint and interrupted, towards the hinder margin, to which it is nearly parallel. On the disk, towards the anterior margin, are two white spots, the lower one largest and stained with yellow in the centre. The hinder wings are unspotted, but there is an indistinct transverse streak on each darker than the rest of the surface. The body and antennæ are nearly of the same hue as the wings. The female is about a third larger than the male, and of a pale a ochre-yellow, sometimes approaching to yellowish-white. She lays a considerable number of eggs, which are whitish, surrounded with two green circles, and marked with a dark spot. The caterpillar has rather a singular appearance from being furnished with two long conical tufts, one of them placed on the back of the second segment and directed forwards, the other on the eleventh segment and turned in the opposite direction. On each side of the back there is a linear series of velvet-black spots, followed by a line of yellow spots, and beneath these a number of tufts of white hair. Like so many others of its tribe, it rolls itself in a ring when apprehensive of danger. It feeds on a variety of common grasses, such as Alopecurus pratensis, Bromus sterilis, the meadow grasses, &c. It survives the winter in a kind of torpid condition, and changes into the pupal state in June or July, the moth appearing in about three weeks. It is plentiful in most parts of England, particularly in marshy situations, to which it seems to be partial much less frequently in Scotland.

Lappet-Moth

Gastropacha Quercifolia.—Figs. 3 & 4

Phal. Bomb. Quercifolia, Linn.; Don. vii. Pl. 332 232.—Lappit-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 57; Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 43.—Gastropacha Quercifolia, Ochsen.; Steph.; Curtis’ B. E. i, Pl. 24.

The generic name²⁶ refers to the appearance of the abdomen, which is very large in the females. As a genus, Gastropacha possesses strongly marked characters by which it is readily discriminated from a all the other groups included in the family of the Bombycidæ. All the wings are strongly dentated, and when the insect is in a state of repose, the anterior edge of the upper pair projects considerably beyond the upper, giving an oval form to the outline, bearing a good deal of resemblance to a withered leaf with a serrated border. Hence one of the species was named by Geoffroy la feuille morte. The antennæ are very short, recurved, and deeply bipectinated nearly in a similar manner in both sexes: the palpi very hairy and prolonged into a kind of snout, the second joint longer than the others. Maxillæ are observable, but they are very minute. The genus includes several European insects, but that figured on the adjoining plate is the only one satisfactorily ascertained to inhabit Britain. The surface of the wings is of a rusty-brown colour, varying considerably in shade, the extremity slightly glossed with violet; the upper pair with three oblique waved blackish lines, and a black spot in Be the centre. The hinder wings are generally unspotted; at times, however, they are marked with faint transverse streaks similar to those on the upper pair. The body is of the same colour as the wings; the stalk of the antennæ, the palpi, and the tarsi, of a deep bluish-black.

The caterpillar is of large size when full grown, sometimes measuring nearly four inches in length, and very variable in colour. The prevailing hue is dusky-grey, inclining to ash-grey, with two blue spots on the neck surrounded with black, and having a black angular mark in the middle. The membranous legs and the under side of the body are ferruginous, the latter spotted with black. Each segment is furnished with a fleshy appendage which hangs from the side, and there is a dorsal tubercle on the penultimate joint. (Pl. xviii. fig. 4.)

It feeds on a variety of trees and shrubs, such as the willow, blackthorn, bramble, hawthorn, &c., and it is asserted that the colour varies according to the nature of its food. The cocoon which it spins for its pupal change is long, and generally tapers somewhat at one end. The tissue is not very thick or compact, but all the interstices are closely filled up with a whitish powder, employed for lining the interior. The moth is fens occasionally in many parts of England but seldom in great abundance. It is not rare on the continent.

Black Arches

Psilura Monacha.—Figs. 1 & 2, Male & Female.

Phal. Bomb. Monacha, Linn.; Don. vii. Pl. 228 227.—Liparis Monacha, Ochsenheimer.—Laria Monacha, Shrank, Leach.—Black Arches, Wilkes, Pl. 39; Harris’ Vade Mecum, 9.—Psilura Monacha, Steph.

This genus was established by Mr. Stephens, and may be recognised by the following characters:—maxillæ obsolete; palpi with the second joint clavate, and bale longer than the radical one, which is likewise somewhat lengthened and club-shaped; antennæ short, deeply bipectinated in the male, but less so in the female; wings opaque and densely covered with scales, the edges entire; body more slender than in the preceding genera, the male having the apex of the abdomen slightly tufted, while that of the female is naked and attenuated.²⁷ Psilura is very closely related to Hypogymna, a genus including the Gipsey Moth, whose curious economy renders it an object of much interest. The principal differences consist in the relative length of the articulations of the palpi and the appearance of the abdomen in the respective females, that of the Gipsey Moth terminating in a dense tuft of hairs.

The male of the Black Arches Moth generally expands from fifteen to eighteen lines, the female about two inches. Both sexes vary considerably, but the following description will apply to the majority of specimens. The surface of the primary wings is greyish-white, with numerous black spots, and four confused zigzag transverse lines of the same colour. Several of the spots are placed at the base of the wing, one before the middle between the two anterior lines, and a regular series along the terminal border. The secondary wings are brownish-grey, sometimes white at the hinder extremity; the fringe always white, spotted at regular intervals with black. The thorax is white, tinged with yellow in front, and marked with several black spots; the abdomen rose-red behind, with the incisures and series of spots black, that of the female terminating in a yellow corneous oviduct.

The caterpillar is brown, beset with numerous tubercles supporting tufts of greyish hairs. On the second segment there is a heart-shaped black spot followed by two white ones; the head is large, marked in a reticulated manner with flesh-coloured lines, and haying a triangular oval spot in the middle of the forehead; the membranous legs and belly light green. It feeds on the oak, birch, bramble, &c.; and is said occasionally to appear in such numbers in certain districts of Germany, as entirely to strip the pine forests of their foliage. The chrysalis, which is enveloped in a slight cocoon, is of a shining brown, and has tufts of hair on the Segments, a circumstance which is likewise observable in several of the allied genera.

This pretty moth is not generally distributed, but has been found in some plenty in certain localities, such as the New Forest, some parts of Kent, Surrey, &c. It does not seem to extend far to the north, and we have never heard of its being seen on this side of the Tweed.

Scarlet Tiger-Moth

Hypercampa Dominula.—Figs. 3 & 4, var.

Phal. Noct. Dominula, Linn.; Don. iv. Pl. 141,—Callimorpha Dominula, Latr.; Leach—Eyprepia Dominula, Ochsen.—Scarlet Tiger-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 38; Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 40.—Hypercampa Dominula, Hubner, Steph.

The length of the proboscis, which considerably exceeds that of the head, taken in connection with the opaque scaly wings, is sufficient to distinguish the present genus from all others belonging to the extensive family of the Arctiidæ. Another peculiar character is to be found in the structure of the antennæ, which are simple; that is, without teeth or pectinations in both sexes, contrary to what is observed in genera which in other respects have the greatest affinity to the present. The palpi have the two lower joints of equal length, the terminal one much shorter and of an ovate form: wings entire on the edges. The species named the Scarlet Tiger-moth is one of the most elegant and ornamental that we possess. The primary wings are black and shining, with a fine silken-green gloss, each of them ornamented with about a dozen cream-coloured or yellowish spots of various dimensions, the two largest placed rather beyond the middle. The secondary wings are of a fine carmine-red, with three large and irregular black spots; the fringe of all the wings black. The thorax is black glossed with green, and marked with two yellow longitudinal spots: abdomen the colour of the under wings on the surface, the under side, basal segment, and a dorsal line, black; the under side highly glossed with green. Several varieties occur, of which the most remarkable are those in which the red colour is replaced by pale yellow, and such as have the abdomen entirely black, and the under wings dull brown, without any vestige of the gay colouring of ordinary specimens. This latter variety is represented on Plate xix. fig. 4.

On issuing from the egg, the caterpillar is of a dirty yellow, with the head and numerous small spots over the body black. After its first moult it becomes black, with three yellow longitudinal lines, one on the back and another on each side; the black portion with many small blue tubercles, from which issue diverging greyish hairs. The moth appears in June; but is not of frequent occurrence in this country. It has been found in some plenty in the vicinity of Cambridge and in Darenth Wood; also, but much more sparingly, at Blackheath, Oxford, near Reading, &c.

The Clouded Buff

Euthemonia Russula.—Fig. 1

Phal. Bomb, Russula, Linn.; Don. vi. Pl. 214.—Eyprepia Russula, Ochsen; Curtis’ B. E. i. Pl. 21.—Clouded Buff, Phal. quadra, Harris.—Phal. Bomb. Sannio , Linn.—Arctia Russula, Latr.—Euthemonia Russula, Steph.

The above insect has generally been associated with the typical Tiger moths (Arctic), but the discrepancies are too great for this union to be continued with propriety. The genus Kuthemonia (from ευθημων handsome) has therefore been constituted, and may be recognized by having the middle joint of the palpi a good deal longer than the two others, the terminal one rather slender; proboscis not longer than the head; antennæ short and slender, bipectinated in the males and serrated in the females; abdomen annulated, and having a small tuft at the apex; wings deflexed, and trigonate.

This species named the Clouded Buff, differs from the generality of moths in the female being considerably less than the male; the latter being about eighteen or twenty lines between the tips of the wings, and the former seldom exceeding sixteen or eighteen lines. The sexes are likewise very dissimilar in colour: the male has the surface of the upper wings pale yellow, with the anterior and inner edge as well as the fringe, rose-red; the disk of each with a large somewhat crescent-shaped brown spot edged with red. The under wings are pale yellowish-white, with a dusky crescent in the middle anteriorly, and a broad dusky band near the hinder margin, the fringe rose-red. The thorax and abdomen are of the same colour as the adjoining wings; the legs and stalk of the antennæ: reddish. In the female the portion of the upper wings just described as light yellow, is of a reddish-yellow inclining to brown; the hinder wings dusky at the base, and having a marginal band, varying in shape and size in different individuals.

The caterpillar is thickly covered with fascicles of short hair, sometimes reddish, at other times inclining to orange-yellow. The body is dusky-brown, with a pale yellow dorsal line, and a series of yellow spots on each side. It feeds on a variety of plants, among which are the hound’s tongue (Cynoglossum officinale), field scabious, and narrow-leaved plantain. The moth is not generally distributed, but is found in some plenty in Coombe Wood, the New Forest. near York, &c.: likewise in the vicinity of Edinburgh, but not plentifully, and in Dumfriesshire near Raehills.

Cream-Spot Tiger-Moth

Arctia Villica.—Fig. 2

Phal. Bomb. Villica, Linn.; Donovan, ii. Pl. 71.—Bombyx Villicus, Haworth.—Eyprepia Villica, Ochsen; Curtis.—Cream Spot Tyger-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 37; Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 4.—Arctia Villica, Steph.

This genus comprehends some of the most striking and richly coloured moths with which we are acquainted. Deep black, crimson, and yellow are the prevailing colours; and these are combined in strongly contrasted spots and bars in such a manner as to produce a most agreeable effect. The most common species is the beautiful Great Tiger-moth (Arctia caja), found occasionally in all parts of Britain, produced from a larva of much more frequent occurrence, well known throughout the country as the hairy worm, and in the south of Scotland by the name of hairy orbit. The generic name likewise bears allusion to the hairy caterpillar, being derived from ἄρκτος a bear. The distinctive characters are to be found in the palpi, which have the basal joint longer than the second; in the antennæ being rather long, bipectinated in the males, and serrated in the females, each of the radii and serratures terminating in a bristle; in the proboscis being short, scarcely longer than the head; and the wings being densely clothed with scales. The thorax is without a crest, and, as well as the abdomen, is thick and strong. The species figured as an example of the genus is by no means so generally distributed as the Great Tiger-moth, but it is not very rare in some parts of England. It measures from two inches to two inches and a half across the anterior wings, which have the ground colour deep black; each of them with about eight yellowish or cream-coloured spots of various sizes, the basal one triangular or heart-shaped, the others in pairs placed transversely, and an insulated one on the hinder margin. The under wings are rather deep yellow, with a few scattered small black spots, and a large black patch on the outer angle, enclosing a few irregular spots of the ground colour. The thorax is deep black, with a cream-coloured mark on each shoulder; the abdomen yellow at the base, bright red posteriorly, with three longitudinal rows of black spots. On the under side the anterior edge of all the wings is tinged with bright red, and the breast and sides are thickly garnished with hairs of the same colour.

The caterpillar is black after its last moult, and covered with aigrettes of greyish-brown hairs: the head and legs reddish-brown, the former having a black heart-shaped spot in the middle. It feeds on most of our common field plants. The chrysalis has short tufts of reddish hairs on the segments.

Ruby Tiger-Moth

Phragmatobia fuliginosa.—Fig. 3

Phal. Noc. fuliginosa, Linn.; Don. iii. Pl. 80.—Ruby Tiger, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 27.—Chelonia fuliginosa, Godart.—Arctia fulig. Latr.—Phragmatobia fulig. Steph.

This genus, like several others in the same family, has the scales so thinly placed on the wings that these members appear more or less diaphanous. This circumstance, taken in connexion with the structure of the antennæ, which are short and almost simple in both sexes, and the very robust body, suffices to distinguish it from any other with which it has any chance of being confounded. The palpi are short and hairy, having the two lower joints of equal length; the head very small. The only British species referable to it is the pretty little moth named the Ruby Tiger. It varies much in colour, but the upper wings are most commonly reddish brown, with two black points near the middle of each, and the fringe bright red; the hinder pair bright red, becoming black posteriorly, with a streak of that colour at the extremity of the discoidal cell; or the surface nearly all black, haying the inner edge only tinged with red; fringe as in the anterior wings. The thorax is reddish-brown, the abdomen bright carmine-red, with a row of black spots on the back and another on each side.

The caterpillar is very thickly covered with hairs, which vary in colour in different individuals, but are commonly brown or reddish; the head and legs of a corresponding hue. Scarcely any of our ordinary plants are rejected by it as food. Fabricius has remarked of this caterpillar, that when it is seen to run over the snow in the winter, it may be taken as a sign that the ensuing summer will be cold and ungenial;

Hieme in nive obambulans, æstates frigidiores et annonæ caritatem prænunciat;

a prognostication which the French naturalist Godart proves not to be infallible, by gravely stating the result of his observations to the contrary; and he has actually known a beautiful summer and plentiful harvest follow the phenomenon alluded to.

Of occasional occurrence during the months of July and August, in many parts of the country. We once found it at Duddingston, near Edinburgh, and have seen several specimens which were taken in Roxburghshire. The neighbourhood of Newcastle, York, Darenth Wood, &c. are mentioned among its English localities. It has likewise been found in Caithness and Sutherland.

Wood Tiger-Moth

Nemeophila Plantaginis.—Fig. 1

Phal. Bomb, Plantaginis, Linn.; Don. iv. Pl. 134.—Wood Tyger-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 50.—Nemeoph. Plantaginis, Steph.

This pretty insect was formerly associated with the Arctiæ, but has lately been referred to a separate genus, under the name of Nemeophila.²⁸ The antennæ are bipectinated in the male and serrated in the female; the palpi short, all the joints of nearly equal length, and almost globose, the terminal one rather smallest. The proboscis is short, scarcely the length of the head; the thorax not crested, and the wings completely opaque with scales. The thorax and abdomen are somewhat slender, the extremity slightly tufted in the male. The latter sex usually measures about an inch and a half across the wings, the female being somewhat larger. The anterior wings are deep black above, with a yellowish or cream-coloured stripe running from the base towards the apex, where it becomes very irregular and forms a kind of cross; there are likewise two spots of the same colour on the anterior Margin, varying much in size, and sometimes confluent. The hinder wings are ochreous-yellow (sometimes reddish) with two black stripes at the base, and a nearly continuous series of black spots along the hinder margin, in the male; the whole base black in the other sex. The head, thorax, and back of the abdomen are black; the former with a yellow tuft on each side, and the thorax with lateral streaks of light-coloured hair, which, however, are wanting in the female. In the latter sex the abdomen is reddish, with a black dorsal line.

The caterpillar, which feeds on the broad and narrow leaved plantain, chickweed, &c. is black and hairy, the six middle segments reddish on the back and sides. It is well figured by Rosel, vol. iv. t. 24.

The moth is found in June and July, and is not unfrequent in certain localities, although it does not seem to be generally distributed. We have seen several examples from Roxburghshire and some other of the border counties of Scotland, and it has been taken in Darenth Wood, as well as in several places in the north of England. It has also been found plentifully in Shetland and the Orkney Islands.

The Cinnabar Moth

Callimorpha Jacobææ.—Figs. 2 & 3

Phal. Noc. Jacobææ, Linn.; Don. Pl. 45.—Pink Underwing, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 4.—Callimorpha Jacobææ, Latr., Steph.

This genus, originally constituted by Latreille under the above name (derived καλος from beautiful, and μορφα form or appearance ), properly contains in its present restricted acceptation only one species, for the Red Arches of Harris (Phai. rosea, Don.) which has been sometimes referred to it, obviously pertains to a different group. The trunk is rather long, at least longer than the head, and the palpi, which are covered only with small scales, have the basal joint as long as the two following, which are of equal length and rather obtuse. The antennæ are slender and setaceous, somewhat ciliated in the males; the extremity of the abdomen slightly tufted in that sex; the anterior wings long and narrow, with the hinder margin a little rounded. The thorax is not crested; and the posterior tibiæ are furnished with two pair of spurs. The colouring of the Cinnabar, or Pink Underwing Moth, as it is sometimes called, is very peculiar, and it presents this additional singularity that the upper and under surfaces are precisely alike. The anterior Wings are greyish black, with a stripe of carmine extending from the base nearly to the apex, parallel with the anterior margin and at a little distance from it; on the hinder border there are two remote rounded spots, and a dash on the inner edge, of the same brilliant red. The under wings are entirely bright red, except the fringe and a stripe on the anterior edge, which are greyish-black. The body, antennæ, and legs are deep black.

The caterpillar is likewise prettily marked, being yellow ringed with black. (Pl. xxi. fig. 3.) It feeds on the flowers of the ragwort (Senecio Jacobæa), and probably also on the other species of the genus, several of which are well known to be common weeds. The moth is of occasional occurrence apparently throughout Britain, and in some places it is abundant. It seems to be nowhere plentiful in Scotland, but specimens have been obtained from numerous and widely scattered localities. “Abundant on the Northumbrian coast.” Sir Wm. Jardine, Bart.

Crimson Speckled Footman

Deiopeia pulchella.—Figs. 4 & 5

Phal. Tinea pulchella, Linn.—Lithosia pulchella, Haworth.—Bombyx pulchra, Hubner.—Deiopeia pulchra, Curtis, iv v. Pl. 169.

Deiopeia has been separated from the allied genera in consequence of having the labial palpi three-jointed, with the second joint longest, the third shortest and ovate; antennæ alike in both sexes, simple; and the proboscis as long as the antennæ. The anterior wings are narrow and elongate, the hinder pair ample, somewhat diaphanous, and much folded. Besides the labial palpi, a maxillary pair likewise exist, but they are exceedingly minute and consist of only two joints. The species are numerous on the continent, but that which we have figured is the only one that inhabits this country. The head, thorax, and upper wings are pale straw-colour, the thorax marked with yellow and rounded black spots; the wings with five curved and irregular transverse rows of quadrate black spots, the spaces between these rows occupied with several bright scarlet spots varying in shape and size. The abdomen and under wings are white, slightly tinged with blue, the latter with a broad dusky marginal band, sinuated on the inner side, and becoming narrow towards the body, the transverse nervure closing the basal areolet dilated and blackish; the fringe of all the wings pale yellow.

The caterpillar is hairy, of a bluish-grey colour, spotted with black and red, and having a white dorsal line. (Pl. xxi. fig. 5.) It feeds on Heliotropium Europeum, Solanum tomentosum, and field mouse-ear (Myosotis arvensis), only the latter of which is indigenous to this country.

This very beautiful moth is frequent in the southern European countries, and is said likewise to be found in Asia and America. It is one of our rarest native species, the following, we believe, being the only places where it has occurred, and only a single example except in one instance having been found in each: near Christchurch, Hants; Hoye, near Brighton; Yorkshire.

Broad-Bordered Yellow Underwing

Triphæna Fimbria.—Fig. 1

Phol. Noctua Fimbria, Linn.; Don. vi. Pl. 208.—Noctua Solani, Fabr.—Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. v. fig. 2.—Triphena Fimbria, Ochsen, Steph.

The genus Triphena (an ancient classical name applied to a female) is included in the great family of the Noctuidæ, and is readily distinguished from all the groups to which our attention has been hitherto directed, by having the proboscis long and spiral, like that of the diurnal lepidoptera. The palpi rise upwards in front of the head and are somewhat compressed, the radical joint shorter than the two others, the second long, the third short and attenuated, with the tip obtuse. The antennæ are simple in both sexes, those of the male ciliated on the under side; the thorax without a crest, but furnished with a large flap or tippet in front. All the species are of middle size, and rather gaily coloured, especially on the underwings, which are bright yellow with a black posterior margin. When they fly it is only for a short distance at a time, and chiefly in the afternoon and evening. In the earlier part of the day they may be found lurking at the sides of stones and among grass, and when an attempt is made to seize them, they do not take wing, but attempt to escape by gliding rapidly among the herbage. The most abundant species is that named the Great Yellow Underwing (T. pronuba), which occurs plentifully in all parts of Britain. That which we have figured is much less frequently met with, but it inhabits numerous and widely scattered localities, having been found in Northumberland, Yorkshire, Devonshire, Suffolk, &c. It is nearly of the same size as the common species; the head, thorax, and anterior wings greyish, dark liver-coloured, or some shade intermediate between these two, each with four transverse pale lines, and two pale rings on the disk; the line next the base abbreviated, the second and third angulated, and enclosing a space darker than the rest of the wing in which the two annular marks are placed; the hinder one undulated, haying one or two black dots at its anterior extremity, surmounted by a few white ones. The underwings are light orange yellow, with a very broad posterior band of deep black, which, however, does not cover the hinder edge: the abdomen likewise yellow; the antennæ brown, whitish at the base.

The caterpillar is large, rough, and ochrey-yellow, with a pale line along the back, and white stigmata surrounded with a black ring. It feeds on the potato, violet, hound’s tongue, primrose, &c. The moth is found in June and July.

Large Sword-Grass Moth

Calocampa Exoleta.—Figs. 2 & 3

Phal. Noct. Exoleta, Linn.; Don. vi. Pl. 187, larva.—Noctua Exoleta, Hubner.—Sword-grass Moth, Wilkes, Pl. 18, Harris. Xylina Exoleta, Curtis’ B. E. vi. Pl. 256.—Calocampa Exoleta, Steph.

Antennæ setaceous, rather stout in the males, each joint ciliated beneath with hairs; the proboscis as long as the antennæ; palpi entirely covered with long trigonate scales, the joints robust, the second double the length of the first, the terminal one short and ovate, with the apex truncate; head with a frontal crest; anterior wings long and narrow, scarcely wider at the hinder margin (which is dentate) than towards the base; thorax quadrate, slightly crested, and three-lobed behind; the abdomen depressed, in the male with the apex triangular; such are the principal attributes of the present genus, and which serve to distinguish it from Xylina, with which it has generally been associated. Only two species are found in this country, and one of them, C. Vetusta, is very rare. They bear considerable affinity to the group named Cucullia; and besides other properties common to both, have this peculiarity, that when they are made to fall down they roll their wings closely round them and draw in their legs and antennæ; a position in which they not a little resemble a piece of dead wood. The species figured is rather the largest of the two, the expansion of the wings being frequently upwards of two inches. The prevailing colour is pale ochreous, inclining to reddish-brown in many places. The upper wings are striated with dusky lines towards the base, and the inner side is more or less clouded with the same colour; each of them with two approximating ear-shaped spots near the middle, the hinder one largest, and relieved with black, which emits one or two salient points directed backwards; the fringe brown spotted with black. The hinder wings are dusky-grey, with a darker lunulated spot towards the base; the fringe ochre-yellow. The thorax is dark-brown on the back, and the abdomen light reddish-ochre, obscurely banded with dark brown.

The caterpillar is remarkably beautiful,²⁹ the ground colour being a rich green, the back adorned with two rows of white spots, connected in pairs, below this a yellow line, succeeded by a series of small round spots, and then a red line just over the legs. (Pl. xxii. fig. 3.) It feeds on almost every kind of plant but prefers spinach, lettuce, and asparagus. The moth is found in summer and autumn, and although far from being common, occurs now and then in marshy places in many parts of the country. We have found it near Jedburgh, at Duddingston in the vicinity of Edinburgh, and have seen examples from Perthshire. In England it has been taken at Darenth Wood, near Oxford, and in several other stations.

Several specimens were taken at Jardine Hall on the skep during the month of January of the present year.

Sir W. Jardine, Bart.

The April Miselia

Meselia Aprilina.—Fig. 1

Phal. Noct. Aprilina, Linn.—Noctua Runica, Fabr.—Phal. Runica, Don. x. Pl. 354 347.—Marvel du Jour, Harris.—Miselia Aprilina, Ochsen, Steph.

The beautiful little group distinguished by the name of Miselia (from μισειν to hate and ηλιος the sun), is recognised by the antennæ being long, robust in the males and sometimes slightly serrated: the maxillæ about the length of the antennæ; the palpi with the radical joint rather robust, the second long and not so thick, the third shortest and ovate, all of them thickly clothed with scales except the terminal one which is nearly naked; the head tufted on the crown; the thorax robust and quadrate, and the abdomen tufted on the back towards the base. All the wings are rather narrow, the anterior pair roundish on the hinder margin. The larvæ have the head and pectoral segments a little depressed, and the head is considerably retracted in repose. They have two protuberances on the back of the penultimate segment; their abode is usually between the bark and on the trunk of trees. The species named Aprilina, from the usual period of its first appearance, has the upper wings of a fine green, thickly marked with transverse black streaks and spots, the apex with two rows of spots shaped like the head of an arrow, one of the rows placed upon the hinder margin. The under wings are dusky brown, with a faint light-coloured streak on the inner side rather behind the middle, and another along the hinder edge; the fringe of the wings whitish spotted with brown. The head and thorax are the colour of the upper wings, the latter with some black marks on the back and a line of the same colour on each side; abdomen grey; legs ringed with black, the posterior wings having a black spot in the middle on the under side.

The caterpillar varies in appearance according to its age, and even full grown individuals are often very dissimilar. It is commonly ash-grey, with dark spots and lines on the back and sides; sometimes the back is spotted with white, and the sides more or less striped with that colour. It feeds on different kinds of forest trees, such as the ash, elm, beech, &c. The moth first appears in the middle of April, and there is another hatch in October. Mr. Haworth says,

This is at once a plentiful, well known, and beautiful insect; but it is remarkably able that none of our collectors ever take it in the winged state, and very rarely in that of a larva. The usual mode of procuring it being by digging about the roots of oaks an inch deep for the pupæ, which are annually found in that manner in considerable numbers.

The insect is not plentiful in Scotland, but is found occasionally throughout the southern counties.

Peach-Blossom Moth

Thyatira Batis.—Fig. 2

Phal. Noctua Batis. Linn.; Don. i. Pl. 33.—Noctua Batis, Haworth.—Peach-blossom, Harris.—Thyatira Batis, Ochsen, Curtis, Steph.

Thyatira has the antennæ simple in both sexes; maxillæ as long as the antennæ; palpi placed considerably apart, the radical and terminal joints of equal length, both of them short, the intermediate one very long and thick, the apical one with such small scales that it appears nearly naked; the head transverse; the superior wings moderately wide, with the tip acute; the body rather robust, and the thorax furnished with a transverse crest, which is forked posteriorly. When obtained in perfection, the species above referred to, named the Peach-blossom from the colour of the spots on its upper wings, is one of the most lovely found in this country. The upper wings are brown with dark transverse waved lines rathe r darkest towards the base, each of them with five rose-coloured spots, a large one at the base, clouded with brown, two towards the tip (sometimes united), a third on the posterior angle having a brown spot in the middle, and smaller one on the inner margin; there is likewise a minute rosy spot on the hinder margin adjoining that on the posterior angle. The hinder wings are dusky inclining to ochre-yellow, and having a pale waved line near the middle; the abdomen of a similar colour.

The caterpillar is of a very peculiar form, having a large gibbosity on the back a little behind the head cleft at the summit into two branches, and triangular elevations along the back marked with a pale zigzag line; the colour rust-brown or blackish. It feeds on the common bramble. The moth appears in June and July, and is usually found in the evening in the vicinity of woods; it is not however of very frequent occurrence, although it seems to inhabit all the southern counties of England, and has occasionally occurred pretty far north. “Five or six——have been taken at Jardine Hall.” Sir Jardine, Bart.

Buff Arches

Thyatrira Derasa.—Fig. 3

Phal Noctua Derasa, Linn.; Don. vii. Pl. 223, fig. 1.—Noctua derasina, Haworth.—Buff Arches, Wilkes, Harris.—Thyatira Derasa, Ochsen, Steph.

About the size of the preceding, or a little larger; the prevailing colour light yellowish-brown; the upper wings with two white oblique bands, one of them extending from the tip to the inner margin, the other continued from the inner margin to the anterior one, and terminating not far from the base, the space between it and the base generally more or less denuded of scales. The triangular space between the two bands is clouded with brown and white, and there is a transverse series of several parallel fine brown zigzag lines, forming very acute angles on a whitish ground:; the hinder margin of the wing brown, with two rows of small white arches, surmounted by a white ill defined line; the fringe likewise whitish. The hinder wings are somewhat dusky with a slight ochreous tinge, the fringe white.

The caterpillar, which seems to be a general feeder, is yellowish-green, with dark-brown spots and lines on various parts of the body. The moth, which is prized for its beauty as well as its congenel T. batis, is much more common than that species. being frequently found in most parts of England, near woods and in shady lanes. It becomes scarce in the north, but has been taken near York and in Northumberland. July and August are the periods of its flight.

The Herald-Moth

Scoliopteryx Libatrix.—Fig. 1

Phal. Bomb. Libatrix, Linn.; Don. vi. Pl. 216.—Bomb. Libatrus, Furbelow-moth, Haworth.—Herald-moth, Harris.—Calyptra Libatrix, Ochsen, Steph.

This beautiful moth occurs in great profusion in the more southern parts of England, but becomes rarer as we advance northwards, and cannot be said to be common in any quarter of Scotland. It frequents places where willows and poplars grow, it being upon these trees that the larvæ feed. It first appears in July, and is likewise found plentifully in October, whence Aurelians have called it the Herald, from an idea that its appearance gave indication of the approach of winter. The expansion of the wings is from an inch and a half to an inch and a quarter; the thorax and anterior wings reddish-grey, with an irregular red patch at the base, a round white spot on the disk of each, and two oblique transverse white bands, one a little below the middle, the other a little behind it: from the outer band to the apex the colour is grey with minute dusky points, the space traversed by a very faint waved whitish streak. The rufous patch is sprinkled with minute yellow dots, and there is a distinct row of small white marks along the central nervure. The underwings are brownish, becoming darker towards the hinder margin; the abdomen inclining to red with a few faint dorsal marks; the thorax with a dusky line on the back and a transverse streak of the same colour. Legs greyish; the tarsi white, spotted with rust-red. The caterpillar, which is slender and naked, is green with a white line on each side, and red stigmata.—The principal generic distinctions of Scoliopteryx are the lengthened palpi clothed with long capitate scales, the radical joint shortest, the other two rather long and stout and nearly of equal length; antennæ short and strong, bipectinated to the apex in the males, slightly serrated in the females; proboscis rather short, head and thorax each with a crest anteriorly; anterior wings deeply emarginate on the hinder edge and somewhat dentate; the hinder pair very slightly dentate.

Mottled Orange-Moth

Gortyma flavago.—Fig. 2

Phal. Noct. Lappæ, Don. x. Pl. 340.—Noctua Flavago, Hubner.—Noct. Ochraceago, Haworth, 234,—Noct. rutilago, Fabr.—Mottled Orange, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 35.—Gortyna flavago, Ochsen, Curtis, Steph.

Gortyna has antennæ of moderate length, setaceous, clothed with scales above, and pubescent beneath; the proboscis slender and not so long as the antennæ; palpi with the basal joint short and curved upwards, the second long and attenuated. the terminal one distinct, somewhat oval and compressed at the apex; thorax broad, with a conical tuft anteriorly, and trilobed behind; all the wings entire, the upper pair sublanceolate, with the tip acute. The larva is fleshy, furnished only with a few short and scattered hairs. It feeds on the pith and internal parts of vegetables, and bears a good deal of resemblance to those of Zeuzera, Cucullia, and others of similar economy. Only two British species have been hitherto detected, of which that named G. flavago is by far the most handsome. It expands from an inch and a quarter to nearly an inch and a half; the upper wings are rich yellow, variegated with reddish-brown, the latter colour enclosing several spots of a lighter yellow than the rest, each wing with two broad transverse bands of reddish-brown, one near the base the other near the hinder margin, from which it is separated by a yellow band undulated on the inner side; fringe long and thick, the colour reddish-brown. The hinder wings are dirty white, glossy, with a dusky crescent-shaped mark on the disk, and an obscure band posteriorly; the fringe ash-brown. The thorax and abdomen are reddish-brown, the former slightly tinged in certain places with yellow. The caterpillar feeds on the pith of the common burdock (Arctium Lappa), and likewise attacks other thick stemmed plants, such as Verbascum Thapsus, Scrophularia aquatica, the spear thistle, &c. It undergoes its metamorphosis in the interior, where the pupa likewise remains till the moth is ready to emerge, which usually takes place towards the end of autumn. The insect is not rare in many parts of England, but seems to become very scarce as we advance northwards. The only Scotch specimen we have seen was taken near Rosslyn.

The Angle Shades

Phlogophora Meticulosa.—Fig. 3

Phal. Noct. meticulosa. Linn.; Don. iv. Pl. 139.—Angle-Shades-Moth, Wilkes, Pl. 3, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 41.—Phlogophora meticulosa, Treitschke, Ochsen, Steph.

In Phlogophora (from φλοξ flame, and φερειν to carry, in allusion to the shape of the markings on the anterior wings) the antennæ are long, slender, and ciliated; the abdomen tufted at the base; the anterior wings rather narrow, with a sinuosity on the hinder margin and several ragged teeth; the hinder wings very slightly dentate on the edge. The only British species is that figured. The upper wings, which usually measure nearly two inches across, are pale rosy-white, more or less clouded with olive-brown, each of them with a large triangular purplish mark in the centre, beyond which there is a white band, the margin more or less marbled with olive-brown. The hinder wings are whitish, sometimes with a faint rosy tinge posteriorly, having a dusky central crescent, and two or three faint transverse waved dusky lines.

The caterpillar is usually green, with a row of oblong white spots on the back, and a continuous white line on each side just over the legs. It feeds on culinary vegetables and many of our common field plants. The moth may be said to be common in most parts of the country, but is much scarcer in Scotland than further south. April, June, and September are the months in which it appears most plentifully, there being apparently three broods in the season.

Pease-Blossom Moth

Chariclea Delphinii.—Fig. 1

Phal. Noct. Delphinii, Linn.; Don. x. Pl. 331.—Pease-Blossom Moth, Wilkes, (Pl. 3 4.) Harris.—Chariclea Delphinii, Steph.; Curtis, vol. ii. 76.

The beautiful insect for the reception of which the genus Chariclea has been established, bears considerable affinity to Cucullia both in the state of moth and caterpillar. The antennæ are covered with scales above, and are hairy beneath; the proboscis nearly as long as the body; the palpi entirely covered with long thick-set hair, upon the removal of which the radical joint appears longest, the terminal one small and ovate. The upper wings are narrow, very slightly notched on the hinder margin, and furnished, as well as the under wings, with a very long fringe: the anterior tibiæ very short, and bearing two naked horny spines at the extremity. The Larkspur or Pease-blossom Moth expands about an inch and a quarter; the upper wings with a broad three-lobed band at the base, and a narrow one behind the middle, of a purple colour; the space between these bands, which is bounded on each side by a pale sinuated line, variegated with pale rose-colour and purple; the hinder margin likewise pale rosy, with a black line next the fringe; the latter yellowish-white. The under wings are whitish, tinged with rose-colour behind, and having a transverse dusky spot near the middle yellowish-white.

The caterpillar is yellow, tinged with lilac on the back and belly, where it is likewise marked with numerous rows of black spots; each side with a line of rather bright yellow. It feeds on the wild Larkspur (Delphinium Consolida), a plant which grows pretty abundantly in some of the southern counties of England, but which is not found in a wild state in Scotland.

Mr. Curtis says,

This charming moth is no less esteemed for its rarity than for its lovely colours; the specimens in Mr Stephen’s cabinet, as well as those in the British Museum, are from Windsor; and it has once been taken by the late Mr. Jones in his garden at Chelsea. Its favourite food is the larkspur; it therefore ought to be met with in Cambridgeshire, and districts where that plant abounds in a natural state. It is, however, probable that this is one of those insects, which, if not periodical, appears in very small numbers; which opinion is strengthened by the fact, that it is very rare upon the Continent, where it fetches very high prices; and we are informed by Mr. Haworth, that the great patroness of Natural History, the late Dutchess of Portland, possessed only a wing of the moth, found in a spider’s web at Bulstrode. In Wilkes’ days (1773), it was bred, he says, by the Honourable Mrs. Walters, and by Nathaniel Oldham, Esq.³⁰

The Gamma-Moth

Plusia Gamma.—Figs. 2 & 3

Phal. Noct. Gamma, Linn.; Don. viii. Pl. 265. fig. 2.—Noctua Gamma, Hubner.—Silver Y Moth, Wilkes.—Plusia Gamma, Ochsen, Steph.

Antennæ simple in both sexes, of moderate length; palpi longer than the head, the radical joint nearly of the same length as the terminal one, the latter linear and obtuse at the apex, the intermediate joint double the length of the others and tapering towards the tip; proboscis long; head and thorax both crested; the abdomen, which is rather long and thick, likewise bearing tufts at the base and along the back; fringe of the anterior wings slightly emarginate, that of the posterior entire: caterpillars half looper, possessing only four ventral legs and the usual posterior pair. Such are the distinguishing characters of this handsome genus, which contains about a dozen indigenous species. All of them are remarkable for the rich metallic marks on the anterior wings, which sometimes assume the appearance of written characters. They fly during the day, skipping about from one plant to another in a restless manner, and with much rapidity, keeping their wings, while feeling, in constant vibration, somewhat like the Humming-bird Hawk-moth. The most common and best known of these insects is represented on the adjoining plate. It measures from an inch and one-third, two upwards of an inch and a half; the upper wings grey, variegated with dusky brown, having a pale blotch anteriorly towards the apex, and a few transverse slightly waved dark lines; the disk of each inscribed with the silvery character, resembling the letter Y, or rather the Greek γ; fringe somewhat dentate, greyish, spotted with dusky brown. Hinder wings ash-brown, the nervures and hinder margin deep brown; the fringe light-coloured with dark spots. The head and thorax are ash-grey; the abdomen rather of a lighter hue.

The colour varies considerably in intensity, and the character on the anterior wings is sometimes of a golden hue.

The caterpillar is green, with a faint yellow streak along the sides, and white ones along the back; it feeds on almost any of our common field plants, and is well known for the extensive depredations it sometimes commits. (Pl. xxv. fig. 3.) The moth is found from April to September, and, even so late as the beginning of November it may sometimes be seen in fine weather hovering about the few flowers that retain their blossoms till that season. It seems to inhabit all parts of Britain: we have seen specimens from the most northern quarters of Scotland.

Burnished-Brass Moth

Plusia Chrysitis.—Fig. 4

Phal. Noct. Chrysitis, Linn.; Don. iv. Pl. 187.—Phytometra Chrysitis, Haworth.—Burnished-Moth, Wilkes.—Burnished-Brass Moth, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 22.—Plusia Chrysitis, Ochsen, Steph.

This elegant species is about the size of the preceding, but differs from many others belonging to the same genus in the shape of the wings. The anterior pair are pale fuscous, ornamented with a broad band near the base, generally of a golden-green colour, but variable in the tint; the green sometimes predominating, at other times the yellow; and a second of a similar colour behind the middle, placed obliquely, and frequently united to the other by an oblong patch on the inner margin. Near the apex there is a transverse line of deep brown, and the nervures are likewise of that colour. Posterior wings dusky-brown, the fringe of both pairs reddish-brown. Head and thorax yellowish, the latter brownish-grey on the sides; abdomen brown, tinged with yellow, the hairs on the sides and hinder extremity inclining to rust-red.

The caterpillar, which feeds on a variety of common plants, is green, with a longitudinal white line on the sides, and oblique streaks of the same colour on the back. The moth frequents lanes, the rank vegetation found among rubbish, &c. and is very common in the vicinity of London and other places in the south of England. It becomes scarce in the north, and is not frequently observed in Scotland, although occurring at times in the southern counties, as we have seen examples from Roxburghshire, Dumfries-shire, Peebles, &c.

The Clifden Nonpareil

Catocala Fraxini.—Fig. 1

Phal. Noct. Fraxini, Linn.; Don. v. Pl. 171 and 172.—Clifden Nonpareil, Wilkes (Pl. 90), Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 31.—Catocala Fraxini, Shrank, Steph. Curtis’ B. E. fol. 217.

The genus Catocala of Shrank contains several of the largest and handsomest moths indigenous to this country. The wings are large, and extended by means of very strong nervures, the upper pair some shade of grey on the surface, finely mottled and waved with dark brown spots and streaks, forming a striking contrast with the under wings, which (except in the species named above) are bright red, with transverse black bars. The caterpillars are what are called half-loopers, because in walking they partially assume the attitude of the kinds which are without abdominal legs; and conformably with this circumstance, the first pair of legs are found to be smaller than the others, showing a tendency to become obsolete, and thus indicating a certain degree of affinity with the geometers properly so called. They are densely ciliated on the sides, attenuated before and behind, and furnished with a caudal prominence. These insects may be distinguished as a genus by the length of the trunk, which is equal to that of the antennæ; by the palpi, which have the middle joint nearly one half longer than the two others, and go densely clothed with scales as to appear double the thickness of the terminal one, the latter being short and slender; by the abdomen being attenuated posteriorly, and the fringe of the wings, especially in the hinder pair, being long and rather deeply indented: the thorax slightly crested, large, and strong; the head small, and the antennæ long and setaceous, covered with scales externally, and short hairs on the inner side.

The species named C. Fraxini is the largest moth found in this country, the expansion of the wings sometimes reaching four inches. The thorax and upper wings are light grey on the surface, the latter variegated with transverse undulating lines of brown. The under wings are brownish-black, with a broad curved band of light blue across the middle. The fringe of all the wings is pure white, deeply indented, and preceded by a row of dusky triangular marks, having the point turned outwards, which is most distinct in the hinder wings. The under side of the body and legs are white, the tarsi of the anterior pair spotted with brown above.

The caterpillar lives on the ash, poplar, oak, elm, birch, &c. It is ash-coloured, more or less yellowish, and sprinkled with minute black dots, The head is greenish, with two frontal black crescents; the eighth segment having a dorsal protuberance of a bluish-black colour, and marked with a few yellow spots. On the ninth segment there is an oblique black line extending to the hinder stigmata; the latter are all surrounded with a black ring. It spins a very loose cocoon among a few leaves, and changes into a reddish-brown chrysalis, powdered with pale blue, and having two small blue tubercles on each side of the fourth and fifth segments.

It is a rare insect in this country, and indigenous specimens in good condition may still be regarded as a valuable addition to a cabinet. It was first figured by Wilkes as a British insect, and is said by him to have been found at Cleifden, in Buckinghamshire; whence the English name he has assigned to it. It has since been observed in Suffolk, Kent, Surrey, and a few other places; the vicinity of York is the most northern locality that has been cited. In France, Germany, and other continental countries, it occurs much more plentifully.

Red Underwing

Catocala Nupta.—Fig. 2

Phal. Noct. Nupta, Linn.; Don. vii. Pl. 224.—Red Underwing, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 18.—Hemigeometra Nupta, Haworth, 268.

Extent of the wings about three inches or upwards; the surface of the upper pair dark grey, with transverse waved streaks and spots of brown and obscure yellow, the hinder border with a series of transverse lunulated spots, and two waved dusky lines on the fringe. The underwings are of a deep and beautiful blood-red inclining to carmine, with a curved sinuated band of deep black near the middle, which tapers and disappears before reaching the inner edge of the wing, and a broad marginal band sinuated internally; the fringe pure white, with vestiges of ferruginous spots at the base. The thorax and abdomen are brownish-grey above, but white beneath; the legs brown, ringed with white on the tarsi. The under side of the upper wings is black, with a faint bluish play of colour, and three white transverse bands, the central one abbreviated, and the outer one attenuated and forming an acute V-shaped angle towards the inner margin; the apex and the fringe greyish-white, each tooth of the latter bearing a transverse dusky arc.

The caterpillar is attenuated at both extremities; the colour grey, inclining to white, and variegated with brown; having two rows of small tubercles along the back, and a callous protuberance on the eighth segment. The belly is greenish, with a longitudinal series of black spots in the middle; the head bordered with black. The chrysalis is reddish-brown, and covered with a kind of bloom of a blue colour. The caterpillar feeds on the poplar and willow; and the moth continues to frequent these trees, and may often be seen reposing on their stems, particularly of the willow. It occurs very frequently in the southern parts of England, and is not rare even in the more northern counties, although we are not aware that it extends to Scotland.

The Brimstone-Moth

Rumia Cratægata.—Fig. 1

Phal. Geom. Cratægata, Linn.—Geom. Cratægaria, Haworth. Brimstone-moth, Wilkes, Pl. 80.—Yellow or Brimstone, Harris.—Rumia Crategata, Duponchel, Steph.

It expands from an inch to an inch and two-thirds; the colour deep sulphur yellow, the anterior edge of the upper wings with two narrow reddish-brown spots towards the base, a third near the middle produced internally and having a white mark in the centre, and a pretty large one on the apex; behind the middle there is a transverse row of faint dusky marks, and two or three others near the base. The hinder wings have a small dusky spot on the disk, sometimes with a white centre, and several evanescent dusky marks, some of them forming a kind of band posteriorly. The fringe is nearly the same colour as the wings, and marked in certain places with reddish-brown spots.

The caterpillar, which is elongate and cylindrical, is pale brown, with a bluish spot on each side of the neck, and the spiracles on the sixth segment tinged with red; the back with two horn-like protuberances. Its favourite food is the hawthorn, but it likewise frequents the sloe, apple-tree, bramble, &c. The moth is one of our more common species, and is distributed over the whole island. It is found from April to October or November, there being several broods in the year.

Swallow-Tail Moth

Ourapteryx Sambucaria.—Fig. 2

Phal. Geom. Sambucaria, Linn.; Don. v. Pl. 170.—Swallow-tail Moth, Wilkes, Pl. 78; Harris.—Ourapteryx Sambucaria, Leach, Zool. Mag. i. Pl. 35, fig. 2.

The most characteristic feature in the present genus is that to which both the generic and English names refer, namely, the prolongation of the hinder wings into a pretty lengthened acute tail. The anterior wings are likewise very acute at the tip, and somewhat falcate, the margin entire. The antennæ are of moderate length and simple in both sexes; the palpi short, the proboscis nearly as long as the antennæ. The caterpillar has six pectoral legs, and four prolegs at the hinder extremity. The Swallow-tail is one of the largest of our native geometrine moths the extent of the wings frequently measuring two inches and a half. The colour is delicate sulphur-yellow, shaded at the base of the wings into satiny-white, and deepening towards the hinder extremity; the surface marked with numerous dark evanescent streaks, placed transversely; two lines of deep yellow run across the anterior wings, and a single one across the under pair, the latter forming a continuation, when the wings are expanded, of the innermost of the two anterior lines. At the base of the tail there are two small blackish spots, the larger one with a reddish centre, and the fringe is ochrey-yellow, inclining in some places to reddish-brown.

The colour of the caterpillar is reddish-brown, with darker longitudinal lines; the head flat and oval. It feeds on the leaves of various shrubs and trees, but prefers the elder, willow, and lime. It changes to a long narrow pupa of a brown colour, with darker spots and streaks, which is inclosed in a thin spinning among leaves. The moth appears on the wing in June and July, and is not scarce in many parts of England, especially in the south; but it appears to be somewhat rare in Scotland.

Large Emerald-Moth

Hipparchus Papilionarius.—Fig. 3

Phal. Geom. Papilionaria, Linn.; Don. viii. Pl. 287.—Geometra Papilionaria, Hubner, Haworth.—The Large Emerald, Harris.—Hipparchus Papilionarius, Leach, Steph.

This genus was first characterized by Dr. Leach, and has been adopted with some modifications by most succeeding writers. The species which it formerly embraced are noted for their beautiful tints of green, which caused them to be known by the appellation of Emerald-moths. These, however, are now distributed in other genera, and the only one left under the old designation is the fine insect represented on the adjoining plate. The wings generally exceed two inches in extent, and sometimes are two inches and a half in the female; the surface deep grass-green, with two rows of whitish spots extending across both wings, rather behind the middle; on the disk of each there is an obscure crescent-shaped spot of a deeper green than the rest; the fringe is greenish-yellow, and the antennæ reddish-brown, particularly in the male.

The caterpillar has six pectoral, two abdominal, and two anal feet. It is green, with a yellow line on each side and reddish warts on the back; and feeds on the elm, lime, alder, birch, &c. The moth appears in the end of July, frequenting woods and meadows, but is not very frequently met with in any part of Brita. It has, however, been found in Askam Bogs Yorkshire, in Kent, Surrey, near Reading, in Warwickshire, and many other parts of England, and on two or three occasions near Raehills in Dumfries-shire, as well as at Cramond near Edinburgh. Asa genus, Hipparchus is distinguished by the following characters: antennæ pectinated in the males almost to the apex, the pectinations ciliated; antennæ of the female simple; proboscis spiral, much shorter than the antennæ; palpi projecting nearly in a horizontal direction, and approximating at the tip; the radical joint very short, the second very long, the terminal one lanceolate, free from hairs, and somewhat pointed; upper wings covering the under pair when at rest, the latter with the hinder margin dentate.

Magpie or Goose­berry Moth

Abraxas Grossulariata.—Figs. 1 & 2

Phal. Geom. Grossulariata, Linn.; Don. i. Pl. 4.—The Magpie, Haworth.—Large Magpie or Moth, Wilkes, Pl. 85.—Currant Moth, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 12.—Abraxas Grossulariata, Leach, Steph.

The establishment of this genus is due to Dr. Leach, who assigns as its distinctive characters the shape of the wings, which are broad and rounded at the tip, the outer edge entire; expanded during repose. The antennæ are of moderate length, and simple in both sexes. The palpi are very short, the radical joint short and robust, second longer, third globose and concealed by scales. The maxillæ are long, the thorax and abdomen slender, especially in the male. It contains three British species, all of which are somewhat scarce, except that which we have figured, which may be regarded as one of the most abundant of our native moths. The upper wings, which measure from an inch and one-third to nearly two inches, are white with two bright yellow bands, one at the base, the other a little beyond the middle, and six transverse rows of rounded black spots; the first consisting of a single spot or two at the base, the third irregular and interrupted, the fourth and fifth enclosing the outermost of the yellow bands formerly mentioned, and the sixth on the hinder margin: these spots vary much in size and position, and some of them are generally more or less confluent. The under wings have a few scattered spots on the disk, and a continuous series of larger size round the posterior border. The body is yellow, with rows of black spots; the head and antennæ of the latter colour. Varies greatly in the marks, being sometimes nearly all black.

The caterpillar is very similar in its markings to the perfect insect, the prevailing colour being white, slightly tinged with blue, the back with numerous black spots of various dimensions, and the lower parts of the sides, and the belly, yellow, sprinkled with black dots. (Pl xxviii. fig. 2.) The chrysalis is pitchy-black, with yellow bands on the segments. The moth appears pretty early in the summer, and abounds wherever the appropriate food of the caterpillar (the common currant and gooseberry-bushes) is to be obtained.

The Mottled Beauty

Melanippe Hastata.—Fig. 3

Phal. Geom. Hastata, Linn.; Don. iv. Pl. 129.—Phal. Hastata, Haworth.—The Mottled Beauty, a Moth, Wilkes.—Argent and Sable, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 15.—Xerene Hastata, Treitschke, Steph.

Bears considerable affinity to the preceding genus; but the anterior wings, instead of being much rounded off at the tip, are but slightly so and almost come to an obtuse point. The proboscis is rather long, the antennæ slender, simple in both sexes, and the palpi short, slender, and acute, the terminal joint small and pointed. The species above named differs slightly from the species with which it has usually been associated, and forms the type of Duponchel’s genus Melanippe. It measures from an inch to nearly an inch and a half across the wings; the ground colour white, with a broad irregular black band round the hinder margin of all the wings, continuous externally, but spotted and interrupted on the inner side: across the middle of the upper wings is another black band very irregular, being nearly divided in the middle, and interrupted behind the middle by the ground colour; the base occupied by another band, similarly interrupted, and nearly divided by a white crescent. The under wings have a cross band of black angular spots, rather before the middle, in continuation, when the wings are expanded, of the central one on the upper pair. The fringe is rather long and thick, and consists of regularly alternating tufts of black and white plumelets; body and antennæ black, spotted with white.

The caterpillar, which feeds on the birch, is dusky-brown, with undulating yellow lines on the sides. The moth is found in June and July, but is by no means of frequent occurrence. It is met with occasionally, however, in most of the southern counties of England.

Clifden Beauty

Zerene Albicillata.—Fig. 4

Phal. Geom, Albicillata, Linn.; Don. iv vi. Pl. 202.—The Beautiful Carpet, Haworth.—Clifden Beauty, Harris.—Xerene Albicillata, Ochsen, Steph.

About the same size as the preceding; the ground colour milk-white; all the wings with a small dusky-black spot in the centre: the anterior pair with the base brown, variegated with transverse waved streaks of pearl white or leaden colour; a large dark-brown three-cornered patch on the anterior edge near the tip; and the whole of the hinder margin tinged with dusky-brown and variegated with faint waved lines of white or lead colour; this dusky border bounded internally by a pretty distinct geminated undulating brown line. Hinder wings likewise dusky on the hinder margin, that colour more or less interrupted with white, and bounded internally by a faint waved brown streak. Head, thorax, and base of the abdomen pitch-brown, the rest of the abdomen whitish.

The caterpillar is green, with a series of brown crescent-shaped spots on the back, and a streak of that colour on the sides of the first and last segments. It feeds on the raspberry and probably other species of Rubi. The moth, which is prized by collectors on account of the delicacy of its markings, is very scarce; but has been found near London, at Reading, in Kent, at Tunbridge Wells, and a few other places. The present genus differs from Melanippe chiefly in the proportions of the joints of the palpi, the two first joints both robust, the radical one especially, the terminal joint minute and ovate; the whole organ very short, and not visible from above. The proboscis is long, the forehead prominent. The wings entire and rounded, but not so broad as in Melanippe. As at present constituted, the genus contains five British species.

The Beautiful China Mark

Hydrocampa Nymphæata.—Fig. 1

Phal. Geom. Nympheata, Linn.—Phal. Stagnata, Don. xi. Pl. 363, fig. 2.—Pyrausta Nymphealis, The Beautiful China Mark, Haworth.—Hydrocampa Nymphæata, Latr., Steph.

The genus Hydrocampa (Water-caterpillar) we have given as an example of the pretty numerous family of the Pyratipm. It belongs to a section of that group, the species of which are somewhat remarkable for possessing four distinct palpi, the maxillary pair being likewise developed, contrary to what is observed in the generality of moths. The labial palpi are, as usual, tri-articulate; the two lowest joints densely clothed with scales, the terminal one acute. The proboscis is rather long, the antennæ moderate, and simple in both sexes. All the wings have the hinder margin entire, the anterior pair elongate, the posterior ovate-triangular; the surface reticulated with, dark lines upon a white ground. The legs are long and slender, the hinder tibiæ with two pair of long spurs. The larva, which has six scaly and ten membranous legs, feeds upon aquatic plants, from which it cuts out a portion in order to form its cocoon. The species figured on the adjoining plate measures from ten lines to an inch across the wings; the latter white and shining, the anterior pair wail two brown stripes extending from the base to beyond the middle, the remainder of the surface reticulated with bands, formed by two brown approximating lines; the hinder margin with a continuous band, the fringe pure white, cay at the base. The posterior wings are likewise white. with two brown transverse bands. The arrangement of the bands varies much in different individuals, and, in some instances, they are almost wholly obliterated.

The caterpillar, of which we have seen no description, feeds on the common duckweed, and the moth frequents the borders of ponds and marshy places. It occurs not unfrequently both in England and Scotland.

Green Silver-Lines

Hylophila Prasinana.—Figs. 2 & 3

Phal. Tortrix Prasinana, Linn.—Phal. Fagana, Don. viii. Pl. 281.—Green Silver-lines, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 10, f. i. m.—Chloephora Fagana, Steph. Cat.—Hylophila Prasinana, Hubner, Steph. Illus.

The present genus is usually placed at the head of the great family of the Tortricidæ, so called from the larva being in the habit of twisting or rolling leaves in order to form an abode for itself. The aspect of these insects, when at rest, is somewhat peculiar, the anterior wings being very broad near the base, the humeral angle forming a wide curve; towards the middle they are somewhat contracted, and again dilated at the hinder extremity; the whole figure of the outline, as Mr Stephens remarks, thus bearing some resemblance to that of a bell. This peculiarity of form has caused them to be frequently termed Broad-shouldered Moths. With a few exceptions, they are small insects considerably below the middle size, very agreeably coloured, and frequently marked with metallic spots. The caterpillars are usually naked, and much attenuated behind, which gives them some resemblance to a fish; whence some of them are described by Reaumur as Chenilles en forme de Poisson. They have sixteen legs, and run with great activity, seemingly with equal ease either backwards or forwards. The species above referred to expands from somewhat more than an inch to an inch and a half, the colour light-green; each of the anterior wings with three oblique stripes of silvery-white, the costa likewise of that colour. The abdomen and hinder wings are yellowish-white; antennæ reddish-brown; anterior margin of the upper wings, the hinder margin and the fringe, as well as the legs, tinged more or less with bright red in the male.

The caterpillar is light-green, with a yellow line on each side, and two red streaks behind. (Pl. xxix. fig. 3.) It feeds on a variety of common trees and changes into a reddish-brown pupa, which it encloses in a closely woven cocoon, nearly boat-shaped. The moth is not rare in England, and is likewise found not unfrequently in the south of Scotland.

Scarce Silver-Lines

Hylophila Quercana.—Fig. 4

Phal. Tort. Prasinana, Linn.; Don. ii. Pl. 40.—Scarce Silver-Lines, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 30.—Hylophila Quercana, Hubner. Steph. Illus.

The largest insect belonging to this group, the wings sometimes extending to two inches: the colour of the thorax and anterior wings deep grass-green, the latter traversed by two oblique white lines; posterior wings and abdomen glossy-white; palpi, antennæ, and legs tinged with red.

The caterpillar is very like that last described, but is larger and has a dorsal tubercle on the second segment. It frequents various trees, but seems most partial to the oak. ‘The moth appears about the middle of June. It is a rare insect in this country; most of the specimens in collections have been obtained from the vicinity of London.

The Dark Porcelain

Argyromiges Sylvella.—Fig. 1

Tinea Sylvella, Haworth.—Phal. Blaneardella, Don. xi, Pl. 392, fig. 2.—Argyromiges Sylvella, Curtis, Steph.

The family Yponomeutidæ, to which the present genus be longs, is constituted by a numerous assemblage of small moths, the largest not exceeding an inch in the expansion of the wings, while several do not equal the tenth part of these dimensions. The palpi are in general long and slender, and usually only two in number, a character which distinguishes them from the allied group, Tineidæ, which possess two pair of these organs.

The name of the present genus bears reference to the metallic markings which are conspicuous in many of the species. It is known by having the palpi very short and drooping, nearly filiform, with the terminal joint compressed and obtuse, and longer than the two others taken together. The antennæ are about the length of the wings, the basal joint robust. Wings rolled round the body when at rest, the anterior pair nearly linear, the hinder pair of a similar shape and very slender, all of them with a very long fringe. Twenty-five British species have been described, one of which is represented on the adjoining plate. It expands about three lines and a half; the anterior wings white, having a short ash-coloured band at the base, a rectangular one near the middle, both of them edged with dusky and glossed with golden-yellow; and towards the apex there is a cruciform mark of a similar colour, and a minute eye-like spot, with a black oblique pupil at the tip. The hinder wings are white, inclining to cinereous.

Apparently not generally distributed: it has occurred near London and elsewhere.

Linnæus’ Glyphi­pteryx

Glyphipteryx Linneella.—Fig. 2

Phal. Linea Linneella, Linn.—Æcophera Linneella, Latr.—Glyphipteryx Linneella, Hubner, Curtis, iv vi. Pl. 152.

Palpi longer than the head, somewhat curved, the radical joint short, second long, the third nearly or equal length to the second, but more slender; proboscis short; antennæ as long as the wings; thorax without a crest; the wings nearly lanceolate, with very long fringes, the anterior pair adorned with elevated tufts of metallic scales; are the principal distinctive marks of Glyphipteryx. It includes about ten British species, of which the beautiful example figured may be regarded as the type. It sometimes expands nearly half an inch, the anterior wings tawny-orange, with three round silvery spots on the disk of each, rising considerably above the surface. and placed in the form of a triangle; the base and apex of the wing are black with a metallic gloss, and there is likewise a metallic line anteriorly and a small spot at the base. The fringes and hinder wings are dusky, the latter glossed with steel-blue; antennæ black, whitish at the apex.

Occasionally found in some plenty, but by no means general. It has been most frequently found near London, probably because that neighbourhood has been more carefully examined than most other places.

White-Plumed Moth

Pterophorus Pentadactylus.—Fig. 3

Phal. Alucita. Pentadactyla, Linn.; Don. iv. Pl. 110.—The Large White Plume, Haworth.—Plumed Moth, Harris’ Aurel. Pl. 1, fig. o—q.—Pterophorus Pentadactylus, Latr., Steph.

The last section of the Nocturnal Lepidoptera is chiefly composed of such moths as present the very remarkable peculiarity of having their wings divided from near the base to the apex into separate plumelets or feathers; thus bearing much resemblance to the wings of birds. Their bodies are long and slender, the legs likewise of great length and delicacy, whence they are not unlike some kinds of crane-flies, and were in fact from that circumstance designated by De Geer, phalænæ-tipulæ. In Pterophorus the anterior wings are variously divided in different species into from two to six branches, but the posterior pair are always trifid. The larvæ, which are described by Reaumur, have sixteen legs, and are furnished with hairs sometimes of considerable length placed on rows of tubercles. The pupæ, which are likewise hairy, at least in some species, are occasionally suspended by a band round the middle. The White-plume Moth is the largest of the British kinds, the wings sometimes measures rather more than an inch across; the anterior pair rather ample, deeply cleft, with the apex somewhat acute, the whole snow-white with a silky gloss; the eyes alone being black. The caterpillar, which feeds principally on nettles, is white tinged with green, marked with dusky spots, and having a yellow line on the sides.

The moth is common throughout England on hedge banks, weedy lanes, &c., and appears to be by no means rare in Scotland.

Many-Plumed Moth

Alucita Hexadactyla.—Fig. 4

Phal. Alucita Hexadactyla, Linn.; Don. iv. Pl. 136—Twenty-Plumed Moth, Harris.—Pteroph. Hexadactylus; The Six-cleft Plume, Haworth.

At once distinguished from all its associates by the beautiful structure of the wings, which are regularly divided into equal plumes, composed after the manner of a feather, of a central shaft, and fine diverging cilia on two of its sides. Each of the anterior wings contains eight of these fringed rays, and each of the hinder ones four only. The palpi are long, slender, and recurved; the terminal joint very long and acute, and turned upwards. The antennæ are rather short, the thorax not crested, and the body scarcely extends beyond the hinder edge of the wings. The species figured usually expands about half an inch or upwards, and is of an ashy grey colour, with an irregular brown band near the middle of the anterior wings and another on the hinder margin, both of them with a whitish line adjoining. The posterior wings are variegated with brown and white, and a small black spot is visible on the tip of all the plumes.

The moth is found not unfrequently in houses, towards the close of autumn, most commonly on the inside of windows creeping on the glass.