clxii FAUNA HAWAIIENSIS 



and Coprosma. Many match in colour the lichen growths, that cover the branches and 

 trunks of trees, on which they rest ; but, as stated, they are so easily disturbed in the 

 daytime that they are frequently snapped up by the fan-tailed flycatchers {Chasievipis) 

 which, but for this habit, they might elude. In dense damp forests, where moss covers 

 the trunks of trees, species with orange, yellow, or ferruginous colour (5. ianthes, 

 marmarias, nectarias, haivaiiensis, etc.) are conspicuous; in drier and more open places, 

 black and white species with sharply defined markings {S. balanopis, etc.) are often 

 numerous, mixed with the dull and difficult species of the group of 5. jueristis, and the 

 very distinct looking S. venosa. 



The caterpillars of Scoparia feed on mosses and possibly also on lichens. Those 

 of species of the nieristis group are sometimes numerous beneath moss growing on 

 perpendicular banks or road cuttings. They are much attacked by Limnerium black- 

 burni, which may be seen flying along such banks in great numbers, and frequently 

 settling and thrusting its ovipositor through the moss. Other species feed on the 

 mosses growing upon the trunks of trees. Some occur above the forest-line on rocks, 

 on which mosses and lichens grow together. According to Meyrick, " not one of the 

 many species is even moderately variable," but possibly it would be more correct to say 

 that the variability, which exists, though sometimes quite noticeable, is not of such 

 a character as to obliterate the distinguishing specific characters. Apart from the 

 Linmeriuni, above mentioned, nothing is known as to the natural enemies' of the 

 Hawaiian Scopaina, but besides the flycatchers, Oreomyza and Heterorhynchus have 

 been seen to catch the moths. The great abundance of individuals of many species is 

 noteworthy, hundreds of specimens being seen around the lights at night in many places. 

 Equally plentifully others are disturbed in open places in the forest region, as one 

 walks along ; while in some forests they fly off from every tree-trunk. 



The two species of Lineodes are widely distributed throughout the islands, but 

 usually not numerous. They are easily disturbed in the daytime from low plants, on 

 which they rest Pterophorus-like with folded wings, and they are also attracted by 

 light. Probably they are most common in the more open parts of the forest, where 

 Vacchmun or other low-growing plants cover the ground, yet we have even found one 

 of the species on the dry leeward coast of Oahu, and their endemicity is doubtful. 



Pyhalididae. — The two species of Pyralis are introductions by man, and of no 

 particular interest. P. manihotalis is common in many houses in Honolulu, while 

 P. mauritialis is still more common, the caterpillar feeding on the nests of the intro- 

 duced social wasps [Poiistes). The latter moth is very readily attracted by light. 



Pterophoridae. — Trichoptilus oxydactylus is throughout the group a very abundant 

 littoral or sub-littoral species, extending its range to the forehills. The caterpillar is 



' Probably they are parasitized by the Bethylid Sierola, which has a wide range of hosts in Lepidoptera. 



