260 



COMMON BBITISH MOTHS 



is a darker band, ^\ ider on the costal side, containing the orbicular 

 and renifonn spots, as well as a light patch beneath them, and bor- 

 dered on each side by a pale zigzag 

 line. There is another similar line 

 near to and parallel with the hind 

 margin. The hind wings are smoky 

 grey or smoky brown, darker towards 

 the hind margin. 



The caterpillar is greyish, and has 



a series of triangular black spots along 



each side of the back. It feeds on the roots of the dandelion 



{Taraxacum officluaJe), and changes to a peculiar spiny chrysalis. 



The perfect insect appears to be abundant everywhere, and is 



on the wing in June and July. 



Fig. 170.— The Sheaks. 



The Bi'i(j]it-U)ie Brown-eye {Hadena oleracca) 



Every collector is sure to meet with this insect during his first 

 season. The moth is abundant everywhere in June, the caterpillar 

 may be found feeding in almost every waste and weed\' spot in 

 August and September, and the chrysalis is certain to be tm'ned 

 over by the pupa digger. 



The fore wings of the perfect insect are reddish brown. The 

 orbicular spot is usually very indis- 

 tinct, being of almost exactly the 

 same tint as the ground colom% and 

 surrounded by a very fine whitish 

 hne. The reniform is generally 

 more conspicirous, a portion of it 

 being of a light ochreous colour. 

 Near the hind margin, and parallel 

 with it, is a white line, bent 

 shai'ply into the form of a W, just 

 on the anal side of the middle. 



The hind wings are greyish brown in the base, and dark smoke 

 colour towards the margin. 



The caterpillar is pale green or brown, dotted \\ith both black 

 and white, and adorned with a bright yellow line just below the 

 spiracles. It feeds on the nettle (Urtica dioica), dock {Bumex), 

 and many other low plants ; and, according to some observers, on 

 therein! [Ulmiis caDipeatris). 



Fi. 



171. — The Bright-line 

 Browx-eye. 



