Philpott. — Catalogue of Southland Lepidoptera. 177 



colouring, and also in clearness of the bands which cross the 

 fore wings. West Plains, Orepuki. 



S. productata. 



Not uncommon. Appears towards the end of September, 

 and may be taken till May. One example which I reared 

 from a pupa found emerged on the 6th May. Fine specimens 

 may often be secured by searching the trunks of trees at night. 

 West Plains, Otara. 



S. melinata. 



Somewhat rare. A few taken in January at West Plains, 

 and one at Pahia in February. 



/S. dejectaria. 



Common. May be taken all the year round. In February 

 and March it frequents the ragweed-blossom in great numbers, 

 and on mild evenings in midwinter numerous specimens come 

 to " sugar." The insect is very variable, but it is not improb- 

 able that some of the forms at present considered to be varie- 

 ties may ultimately prove to be distinct species. West Plains, 

 Pahia. 



S. panagrata. 



Extremely common. September to June. Comes readily 

 to " sugar," and occurs in great numbers at the ragweed- 

 blossoms in February and March. More variable even than 

 the preceding species. West Plains, Otara. 



Chalastra pelurgata. 



1 took several specimens of this moth in the spring of 1894 

 at Otara, but have not met with it elsewhere. 



Sestra humeraria. 



Very common during summer in the forest. West Plains, 

 Waihopai. This moth exhibits considerable variation. I have 

 one specimen with the surface of the fore wings thickly 

 covered with minute dark specks. There are also a number of 

 similar specks on the hind wings, and the ground-colour of 

 the fore wings, between the basal line and the terminal series 

 of black spots, is very much lighter than usual. 



Drepanodes muriferata. 



I met with this moth in the spring of 1891 at Otara. 

 Mr. Howes has also taken it at West Plains. A pupa 

 which I brought from Otara produced a fine moth on the 

 8th October. 



Azelina g Maria. 



Mr. Howes has taken a single specimen of this handsome 

 insect at West Plains. 

 12 



