THE NOCTURE 



245 



Fig. 14(i. — The Fkosted 

 Obangk. 



transverse bands. The orbicular spot is pale yellow and very dis- 

 tinct. Tho hind wings are dingy yellow. This moth tlies from July 

 to September, and is easily attracted 

 by a light at night. It is common 

 everywhere. 



The lar\a is yellow, dotted with 

 black, with a brownish plate on the 

 second segment. It feeds inside the 

 stems of a number of plants, in- 

 cladmg the marsh thistle [Cnicus 

 palustris), musk thistle [Cardiius 

 nutans), burdock {Arctium minus), 

 nmllein {Verhascum tliapsus), fox- 

 glove {Dicjitalis i-iurpurea), and elder [Sambucas nir/ra). When 

 about to change to the chrysalis it eats nearly to the surface of the 

 stem, leaving only a very thin and transparent layer of the epi- 

 dermis to cover the hole through which it is to escape when it 

 becomes a moth. 



The caterpillars are to be found in June, and the chrysalides in 

 July. 



Tlie Flame (Axijlia putris) 



This also is a pretty insect, but much smaller than Ocliracea. It 

 is common in most parts, and may be seen Hying in weedy and 

 waste groimds at dusk during June and 

 July. 



Tlie fore wings are pale pinkish brown, 

 with dark brown along the costa, and two 

 patches of the same colour on the hind 

 margin. There is also a double line of 

 small browli dots parallel with the hind 

 margm. 



The larva is brown, with one yellow and two white dots on each 

 segment. There is also a triangular dark patch on each of the fifth 

 and sixth segments. It feeds during August on the stinging nettle 

 {Urtica dioica), and various other low herbs 



Fig. 147.— The Flame. 



The Light Arches {Xylophasia lithoxylea) 



The fore wings of this species are very light ochreous, with a 

 light brown patch on the middle of the costa, and patches of the 



