LEPIDOPTERA. 



235 



parallel with the stalk, which renders it less conspicuous 

 (Fig. 280). Many of the species are silvery white or are 

 marked with stripes of that color. 



More than fifty of our species belong to the genus Crain- 

 bns (Cram'bus). The moths of this genus are often seen; 

 but the larvae usually escape observation. They occur 

 chiefly near the surface of the ground, where they live in 

 tubular nests constructed of bits of earth or vegetable 

 matter. 



Family PHYClTIDyE (Phy-cit'i-dae). 

 The PJiycitids (Phyc'i-tids). 



Our most common members of this family are small 

 moths with rather narrow but long fore wings, which are 

 banded or mottled with 

 various shades of gray 

 or brown. The family 

 is, however, a large one 

 and other types of col- 

 oration occur. The dis- 

 tinctive characteristics 

 are those given in the 

 table above. Figure 281 

 represents the venation 

 of the wings. 



. The larvae of the dif- 

 erent species vary greatly 

 in habits. Some live in 

 flowers, some fold or roll 



leaves within which they FlG ' 28l - w '^ s of Tlascal 

 live and feed ; some are borers ; others feed upon dried 

 fruits, or flour and meal ; and one, at least, is preda- 

 ceous, feeding on coccids. Usually the larva lives in a 

 silken tube or case, lying concealed by day and feeding by 

 night. 



VIII 



