THE NOCTU.^ 261 



Family — Xylixid-E 



The next tami]}? — XijUnidte — contains twenty Britisli species, 

 several of which are local, bnt two or three are abundant and 

 widely distributed. 



The transverse lines that so often cross the wings of the Noctiuc 

 are nearly or entirely absent in this family, and longitudinal line.:; 

 take their place. When the insects are at rest the wings are folded 

 rather closely, the outer pair being arranged like a roof with n- very 

 gentle slope. The bodies of the perfect insects are very stout, 

 particularly in the thorax, and thus present a rather powerful 

 appearance. 



The larvte are smooth, and generally brightly colot;red, and 

 feed principally on low plants. The chrj'salides are generally 

 inclosed in cocoons on or beneath the ground, and are often pro- 

 vided with spines or bristles on the under side. 



AVe shall select two members of this familw 



TJte Earhj Grey (Xijlocaiiqni Areola) 



One of the first of the Noctua: to greet us in the spring is the 

 Early Grey, which may be found resting on fences in April, and, 

 if the season is mild, in March. 



Its fore wings are light grey, often 

 tinged with rose pink, and marked 

 with dark grey. The orbicular and 

 reniforni spots are very distmct, and 

 surrounded by a pale line ; the3- are 

 both united at their lower edges. Along 

 the hind margin is a series of dark 

 spots. The hind wmgs are pale yel- Fi'-- 172 —The Eakly Grky. 

 lowish grey, with a darker central 



spot, a central transverse darker line, and a dnrker line along the 

 hind margin. 



The caterpillar is yellowish grey. The dorsal line is lighter, 

 and passes through a brownish spot on the eighth segment. It 

 feeds on the honeysuckle {Lonicera Pcrichjmenum) in July and 

 August, being fuU grown towards the end of the latter month. 



The SJiark {CucuUia umhralica) 



The Shark is a very common moth, to be found everywhere on 

 palings in June, but the colour of its wings so closely- resembles 



