igoo] Gibson — Some Interesting Moths. 17 



moths, while common from the collector's standpoint, are likewise 

 worthy of much admiration. 



In \.\\Q: Hepialidce, two specimens oi Hepiahis argenteomacida- 

 tus, Harr., were taken at the electric light by Mr. C. H. Young, 

 who very kindly presented one to the Division of Entomology at 

 the Central Experimental Farm. This is a beautiful moth of a 

 brownish and ashy-gray colour, the wings bearing silvery white 

 spots. When the wings are expanded, it measures about four 

 inches across. 



The Nociuidce make up the largest family we have, and 

 comprise in North America no less than 2,900 different species. 

 They vary greatly as to size, markings and colour, and many are 

 exceedingly difficult to classify. These moths are those which 

 are mostly attracted to " sugar," and in this way many can be 

 captured. A great many of the noctuids are extremely scarce. 

 A rare species reared during the past summer is Barathra occi- 

 dental Grt., the larvse of which were collected by Mr. J. A. Guig- 

 nard feeding on a perennial Delphinium. No detailed description 

 of the larvae was taken further than that they were " black cater- 

 pillars with a yellow irregular line on each side of the back. They 

 fed on both the leaves and the flowers." Previous to this there 

 was no knowledge of the preparatory stages ot this species. 

 About fifteen different species of the genus Mamestra were met 

 with during the past season : Mamestra atlantica^ Grt.; M. sub- 

 jmicta, G. & R. ; M. rosea, Harv.; M. legitima, Grt.; M. adjuncta^ 

 Bdv. ; M. meditata, Grt.. and M. assimilis Morr. are the most in- 

 teresting secured. In addition to these, Mr. C. H. Young took a 

 specimen of Mamestra olivacea, Morr. One example of Arsania 

 diffusa, Grt., was taken on the Experimental Farm by Dr. 

 Fletcher, and although not a very handsome species is interesting 

 owing to its rarity. Orthosia eiiroa, G. & R., also an unassuming 

 species with regard to beauty, was likewise met with but once, at 

 the electric light. While collecting at the Mar Bleue on the 30th 

 Aug., in company with Mr. Young, Dr. Fletcher captured a 

 specimen of Epiglcea apiata, Grt. This is a beautiful species 

 and is the first record of its occurrence in this locality; when taken 

 it was in excellent condition. A single specimen of Scopelosoma 

 sidtis, Gn., was taken at the electric light, as was also one of 



