famuliaii Jntomolojjbt. 



Vol. XXXIII. LONDON, MARCH, 1901. No. 3 



NEW HISTORIES IN HYDRfECIA. 



BY HENRY BIRD, RYE, N. Y. 

 ( Continued from Vol. XXXII., page 283. ) 

 Continuing under this heading, the writer would offer a few remarks 

 subservient to a fuller knowledge of the early stages of this genus, which 

 may be considered supplementary to some former papers that have 

 appeared. There is some discussion at present in the current literature 

 as to whether the term Gortyua, Och., should not replace Hydraecia, 

 Gn., and it is to be hoped definite conclusions may be reached and the 

 proper one fully established. The following early histories are perhaps 

 unknown, or at any rate remain as yet unpublished. 



Hydrcecia inqiicesita, G. & R. 



This is such a widely-diffused and familiarly-known species that it 

 makes it gratifying to expose some traits of its earlier existence. So 

 general was the poor condition of practically all examples previously 

 seen, that the notion of its" being a thin-scaled and ill-marked species 

 had gained quite a hold on the writer. With the specimens bred last 

 season, some light has dawned in the matter, and he would hasten to 

 make amends in behalf of such erroneous impressions. For with 

 conditions right, specimens, rich in a full complement of scales and 

 attractive in their warm, red-brown colouring, were plentifully obtained. 

 In making a choice of food-plant, the larva takes an unusual departure 

 and makes a selection among the Cryptogamous plants, namely, Onoclea 

 sensibilis, Linn. One would hardly think of associating these borers 

 with a delicate fern, and, as may be expected, it is the roots which serve 

 as a domicile. These latter are a bit peculiar, at least to a novice 

 in botany. Growing slightly below and parallel to the surface, a 

 principal root-stock creeps with rapidity, sending up fronds at various 

 intervals. Its advancing end is green and soft, and it is to this point 

 that the larva extends its burrow, though free access is kept up to the 

 original entrance. An exceedingly dense growth of tough, hairy rootlets, 

 which resembles the curled hair used by upholsterers, draws nourishment 

 for the plant. By the time the larva has reached maturity, the part of 



