clx FAUNA HAWAIIENSIS 



the predaceous Odynej-i ■axv^ the parasitic Lininerium are their worst enemies. In one 

 case a large number of caterpillars of P. stellata (a species extremely common on the 

 urticaceous tree, Pipturus a/bidiis) were collected, but only four moths were reared, 

 85 per cent, having been parasitized by the Lunneriutn, an exceptional death-rate. 



The Hawaiian species of Pyrausta appear to resemble the Phlyctaenia in habits, 

 and are mostly found in the mountain forests, within the rain belt. P. litorea, however, 

 frequents dry sandy coasts, the caterpillar feeding on the leaves of that common 

 immigrant plant, Scaevola koenigii. The commonest species is P. constricta, the 

 caterpillar of which is comrrion in the mountains, feeding on Scaevola chamissoniana. 

 The moth is rarely seen on the wing, but is readily attracted to light, on the lower 

 edge of any of the forests of Oahu, where the food-plant abounds. P. litorea, on the 

 contrary, is very easily disturbed from amongst the leaves of its food-plant. The latter 

 species is attacked by Limnerium and the introduced Chalcis obscnrata and no doubt 

 all the others will be found to be parasitized by these and other natural enemies that 

 attack Phlyctaenia. 



Mecyna aurora is a widely distributed species in the islands, but its endemicity is 

 doubtful. Its habits are like those of Pyrausta and it feeds on various Compositae, 

 native and introduced. Like the others it is attracted by light. M. virescens has all the 

 appearance of an endemic insect. It is extremely variable in colour and chiefly abounds 

 at high elevations, 4000 ft. or more in the mountains. It occurs in great numbers in 

 open places in dry forests composed of Acacia koa, Sophora chrysophylla, Myoporum, 

 etc., and flies readily by day, settling on the herbage, though it is also attracted to light. 

 It favourite food-plant appears to be Sophora, which is sometimes badly eaten by the 

 caterpillars. The latter are of bright colours, and were found to form a favourite food 

 of the fine endemic Passerine bird, Rhodacanthis palineri. These caterpillars also eat 

 the leaves of Acacia koa and the moth sometimes occurs in places, where no Sophora 

 grows, and at much lower elevations than 4000 ft. 



The three species of Hawaiian Loxostege appear to be rare insects, probably owing 

 to the fact that their larval habits are not known. They are attracted by light at night, 

 but very rarely met with in the daytime. They are usually found in the belt of heaviest 

 rainfall in the mountain forests. 



Hyperectis is an endemic genus with only one species at present known, this having 

 occurred on Maui and Hawaii. Probably this moth will be found to be quite variable in 

 its markings, as of the few specimens obtained on Hawaii one is a remarkable aberration. 

 It is attracted to light at night and was once taken on the wing in the daytime. 



Margaronia is represented by two entirely dissimilar forms, the conspicuous green 

 M. exajila greatly resembling foreign forms, and it must be looked upon with suspicion 

 as regards its endemicity. The caterpillar is sometimes common on, or even injurious 

 to, foreign Apocynaceous trees, grown in gardens in Honolulu. In the mountains it 

 will no doubt be found to feed on trees of the same order, such as Rauwolfia, Ochrosia 



