Aug. 1, 1S67.] 



IIARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 



171 



Fig:. 174. Mined Bramble Leaf, and Larva of Nepticula aurella, magnified. 





Fig. 175. Mined Bramble Leaf, and Larva of Tischeria marginea, enlarged. 



Iu July and September, if we examine the leaves 

 of the oak, we are pretty sure to notice some which 

 are mined in a peculiar way; a portion of the lower 

 skin is loosened, and then drawn together, gene- 

 rally showing a distinct plait lengthwise. This 

 gives a certain curve to the upper side of the leaves ; 

 and the small larva which feeds within, on the 

 fleshy green portion of the leaf, l-emoves here and 

 there the green part which is in contact with the 



upper skin of the leaf, which hence assumes a 

 prettily-mottled appearance. The larva which does 

 this is whitish, with a greenish line along the back, 

 and with the head, which is very pointed, pale 

 brown; it changes to the pupa state within the 

 mine ; and in summer, after an interval of only 

 two or three weeks, the pupa protrudes its anterior 

 segments through the skin of the leaf, and the little 

 moth makes its appearance. Those which assume 



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