THE MICEO-LEPIDOPTEBA 303 



The Tinece. 



We have noticed that the Tortrices form a very extensive group 

 of moths, but they are far outnumbered by the Tinece, for of these 

 there are over seven hundred known British species. 



Of course, among so many species we are siire to find consider- 

 able variety in form and structure ; but notwithstanding this, the 

 Tinea' form a well-marked division, and the beginner will find but 

 little ditficulty in distinguishing between these and the other 

 Micros. 



The wings are long and narrow, and are remarkable for the 

 length of the fringe, particularly that of the hind wings. The bodies, 

 too, are long and slender. 



The larvae are exceedingly variable. Some have the usual 

 number of sixteen limbs, and others have as many as eighteen. 

 Again, the larvne of several genera have onlj' fourteen legs, and 

 some are absolutelj' legless. 



Witli regard to their food and habits, they are equally variable, 

 for while some feed exposed, others are always protected in rolled 

 leaves. Some construct for themselves portable tubes, so that they 

 always remain imder cover, and are at the same time perfectly free 

 to ramble in search for food. Some, also, are leaf miners ; and the 

 group includes the so-called ' Clothes Moths,' whose larvae devour 

 our garments, furs, and the upholstering of our furnitiire. 



We shall now briefly notice a few species, in order that we maj' 

 become better acquainted with the general characters of the group. 



Diurnea fagdla 



This moth represents the small family Epigraijliiuhr, con- 

 taining only six species, all of wliich appear in the winter or 

 early spring. 



The present species is verj' common in 

 most parts, and may be seen at rest on the 

 barks of trees in March and April. 



The fore wings are usually pale grey or 

 yellowish grey, and dotted with brown ; 

 but there is a great variety both in the Fig- 234. — Fagella. 

 depth of the gi'ound colour and the dis- 

 tinctness of the markings. Our ilhistration gives the usual 

 appearance of the insect. 



