LIST OF LEPIDOPTERA. 305 



101. X. citrago. — This highly interesting genus is well represented in Suf- 

 folk, as I have myself taken the whole six species. I bred the above several 

 times, beating the full-fed larva from a lime in my garden at Playford. This 

 appears to be a suitable place to make a few remarks on the habits of the 

 larvae of this genus. The general opinion seems to be, that when young they 

 feed on the seeds of various trees, and afterwards leave them for various low- 

 growing plants. That this is by no means necessarily the case, I have 

 had abundant opportunities of proving. For instance, Citrago was nearly full 

 fed when beaten from lime, and in confinement they not only preferred that 

 tree as food, but would not touch any other. At Playford I beat the larva 

 of Ferruginea in the greatest profusion from the wych elm of all sizes, from 

 a week old to their full growth. Again, the five pupa? of Gilvago, which I 

 dug up this year in Derbyshire, were all at the roots of elm, there being no 

 plants at all near. The same remark applies to Xerampelina. Indeed, with 

 regard to this latter insect, I entertain little doubt that leaving the tree is the 

 exception and not the rule. I must at the same time acknowledge that I have 

 not succeeded in finding the larva. I am very anxious to know farther, 

 whether the eggs of the different species in this genus hatch in the autumn or 

 not? I believe the general idea is that they do not. My own impression is 

 that they do hatch and hybernate. My only reason for thinking so is, that 

 last month (October) I found, in beating some loose grass, weeds, etc., in a 

 very small plantation, two larva? of this genus, about half an inch long. I 

 cannot state the species, as there were both ash and elm in the plantation, 

 and the larva? (when young especially) are so much alike, that it is difficult 

 to discriminate them. My notion, therefore from this circumstance, is that the 

 eggs are hatched in the autumn on the trees, and that just before the leaves 

 fall the larva? descend to hybernate among the weeds, etc., and in the following 

 spring ascend them for the purpose of feeding again. This idea is much 

 strengthened by the fact that Ferruginea (the only species, unfortunately, I 

 can speak of from experience) may be found nearly three-quarters of an inch 

 in length, when the buds of the elm have scarcely burst. These remarks are 

 only intended to provoke inquiry, and I shall feel grateful for any information 

 on the subject. 



N.B. — I have not very frequently beaten the larva of this insect from lime 

 in June. It is extremely liable to ichneumons. I have also dug up the pupa 

 at the foot of the same tree, which is, I am convinced, its exclusive food. It 

 is bluish grey, with a whitish spiracular line, and white and black dorsal dots. 

 (C.) 



102. X. cerago. — Scarce. On nettles. Brandeston. 



103. X. flavago. — Not uncommon at Brandeston, at sugar and on nettles. 

 I have frequently beaten the perfect insect from hazels. I bred some fine 

 specimens this year, the larva feeding on primrose. 



104. X. aurago. — Once beaten from an ash. 



N.B. — I have very frequently seen this insect in Bucks, and Herts., flying 

 rapidly backwards and forwards in the sunshine between four and five p. m., 

 on the outskirts of the beech woods. These counties appear to be its head 

 quarters. Maple, the food-plant of the larva, abounds in all directions. The 



